by C. R. Daems
FROM: COMMANDER SINCLAIR, STONE RING NIA STATION CHIEF
Over the next two days the rest of the inquires came back. The inquires from the local governments were the same—wanting to know if the Navy was involved. In a sense, the responses to the killing were also similar—some connection to commando's bullets or equipment.
* * *
"Ma'am, a Colonel Pannell is here to see you, along with Captain Hoffman," Stamm said, peeking through the partially open door.
"Send them in," I said, and rose to meet them. When they entered, I walked up to Pannell and gave him a hug. Probably not professional, but it felt right. "Congratulations on your promotion. Grab something to drink and have a seat. Sorry Lynda, Paul and I share Purple Hearts from our times together."
"Commander…Anna is an exciting person to be around and she's more than qualified with that multifunctional weapon strapped to her side. Anna, Captain Hoffman is my second-in-command for this assignment. Can you tell us a bit about the…people you're chasing? Admiral Webb was short on details but long on what would happen if you got another Purple Heart." He choked out a laugh.
"Right now it's speculation. I suspect we have Hijackers operating in the UAS. Seven merchants have gone missing this year without a trace, which would indicate they aren't nice people." I gave them a wry smile. "There is no reason they’d know we know of their activities, since we are still collecting information. But when we start actively pursuing them, I believe they will react similarly to the Raiders."
"What makes you think they will find out the NIA is on to them?" Pannell asked.
"It feels very organized, which means an information network and lots of people involved, probably military or those with military connections."
"Lynda, that means Anna will be the prime target. And hijacking merchants' ships means big credits and lots of money to buy what they need to stop or slow down the investigation. Admiral Webb and I believe that means Anna, because of her critical involvement in the Smugglers’ and Raiders’ cases."
"Sounds exciting," Lynda said, smiling.
"No, Lynda. It will be a nightmare…" Pannell went on to talk about the attempts on Sinclair and me during the two cases. "The amount of credits involved means they can buy information and access. My advice—trust no one."
"There is one other potential problem. But I must swear you to secrecy," I said, and waited for Pannell and Hoffman to verbally agree. "I think we have an Assassins-for-hire club or society or organization in the fleet."
"You're serious?" Hoffman asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
"She is and, as her teammates, Commanders Sinclair and Shrader told me frequently, they wouldn't wager against Anna's intuition. Nor would I," Pannell said, worry in his expression. "That will seriously complicate your security," Hoffman said quietly.
* * *
"I called for a day-early staff meeting when Cooper informed me she and Atkins had finished evaluating the seven missing merchants. Pannell and two Marines entered before me and took up positions around the room.
"Please sit. As you have all noticed, there is an increased Marine presence in the lobby and on this floor. Colonel Pannell is in charge of NIA security and his second-in-command is Captain Hoffman," I said but was interrupted before I could continue.
"Colonel Pannell, do you really think this extra security is necessary. We aren't even sure—" Newman said, making it clear what he thought by his expression.
"Commander Newman, Colonel Pannell and his people are not here to answer questions about their duties. If you wish to question the Marines’ involvement, I will allow you time to note your concerns. And because you report to me and I would not like to see your career flushed down the proverbial toilet, I won't mention to Admiral Webb that you think assigning NIA security was not one of his best decisions." I paused until I felt Newman's anger turn to caution. "Colonel Pannell and I hope this is going to be the most boring assignment of his long and distinguished career."
"The more boring the better, ma'am." He didn't smile, which surprised everyone except me.
"Cooper, you said you had a report on the seven missing ships."
"Yes, ma'am. Atkins and I researched each of the missing ships’ itineraries for the year, the type of products and services they tended to provide or trade, determined their home port, their last stop, and their intended next port of call. Atkins stood and a star map of the UAS appeared.
"We found the data tended to coalesce into three sections: Northern Rim to include Shadows Rest, Westar, Safe Harber, and Oasis; Middle Corridor to include Truth Star, Oxax, Fire Rock, Black Water, Holy Star, and Amend; and the Southern Rim to include Eastar, New Zheng, Stone Ring, Sutan, and Zaspa." He highlighted the areas as he talked. "Although I would have thought the merchants would have visited all of the UAS systems each year, the seven we tracked tended to trade predominately in the Northern Rim, even though their home systems were in the Middle Corridor. Ironically, each ship went missing after departing a Middle Corridor system on the way to a Northern Rim system."
Merchant
ship
Home
port
Last
stop
Planned
destination
Typical
Cargo
Hercule
Truth Star
Holy Star
Safe Harber
High tech
equipment
Easy Lady
Black Water
Oxax
Westar
People +
Baggage
Aladan
Amend
Fire Rock
Oasis
High credit
Luxury items
Deal Maker
Holy Star
Truth Star
Safe Harber
High credit
merchandise
Pegasus
Holy Star
Oxax
Oasis
Medical
Equipment
Free Spirit
Fire Rock
Oxax
Shadows Rest
Metals, gems
Pereus
Amend
Fire Rock
Westar
Military
equipment
"They could have been bad jumps, since the Northern Rim systems are at the edge of the UAS space," Newman said, a slight sneer on his angular face.
"Given they weren't all bad jumps, how were they stopped since they were traveling in a normal transit corridor and no wreckage was reported, and it doesn't make sense for Hijackers to destroy their intended prize?" I asked. "And they all look to have been carrying expensive cargo."
"A missile designated to explode close to the merchant's ship, or boarding via attack shuttles," Cooper said, her gaze down in thinking mode. "Or deception of some kind."
"That was good work. We now have a discernable pattern but are still missing critical facts to conjecture how the ships are stopped. So your next project is to determine the qualifications of the navigator and pilot in case Newman is correct and they made bad jumps. In addition, the offensive and defensive weapons the ship carried, the engines on each ship, and the total crew on board. It doesn't matter if these merchants were hijacked or not. Seven missing merchant ships mysteriously disappearing is a problem worth chasing. But if it is organized hijacking, we are a long way from stopping it. Right now we don't know how they identify a merchant to hijack."
"Random!" Newman loudly interjected.
"And you know this how?" I asked as I reached up to stroke Red, who had changed from my right to my left shoulder to better see the fool, Newman. I had to restrain a smile.
"It's obvious!"
"I don't know how Commander Wright oversaw the Eastar NIA office, but I'd prefer my people did not guess at the answers based on what appears obvious. The Hijackers may turn out to be selecting their targets on a random basis, and if we come to that
conclusion it will be because we have information to support that conjecture." I met his eyes until he broke contact. "Now, Commander Newman, when am I going to get my briefing on the killing of Colonel Duarte?"
"Someone broke—" I held up my hand for him to stop.
"I believe I asked you for a formal presentation by the people who actually worked on the case. If you did all the work then you may continue, otherwise you will schedule the meeting with Master Chief Stamm." I looked at Stamm. "Master Chief, you will make sure Commanders Cooper and Atkins are available to attend." I smiled and rose. "Thank you. I feel we are making good progress."
* * *
"Paulus, since you didn't email me an update this week, am I to assume there is nothing new?" Lulltrel asked when everyone was seated. I reached up and stroked Red, wondering whether I should have updated her after my meeting. That seemed to relax me and I opened my tablet and connected it to the room monitors.
"Sorry, I feel we are making progress and am more confident that the issue needs to be investigated, but hesitant to positively say it's Hijackers. Here is what we knew as of two days ago…" I went on to show the chart Cooper and Atkins had put together. "I have asked two of my staff to look at the qualifications of the flight crew to eliminate accidental navigational errors, although I doubt that accounts for the missing ships. And to look at the ships offensive and defensive capabilities."
"Why?" Byrnes asked, frowning deep in thought.
"If the ships were hijacked, how were they stopped? An armed merchant is not going to submit to boarding by another armed merchant. We need to understand how they targeted the seven missing ships, how they captured them, and why no one saw or heard anything. Before we can hope to catch them, we need to understand their methodology. Right now I have no proof the ships were hijacked and no idea if there will be any more."
"It seems like you have a lot of information and could make a reasonable conjecture on what is likely to happen next," Hadley said, staring at the chart.
"If pressured, I'd say a merchant registered to a Middle Corridor Guild system will go missing on a jump to a Northern Rim system over the next couple of months. I don't know their criteria for selection, method of capturing the ship, how they get their information, or where they take it. Until we understand that we don't have a chance of stopping them."
Lulltrel laughed. "Like everyone except Paulus, I smelled blood and want a quick kill. But she's right. We need a lot more information. The question is—do we have enough information that I should brief Admiral Webb?" The question didn't seem directed at anyone specific.
"Ma'am, unless we have a significant break, I'd like to update you at our regular staff meeting. Perhaps you could suggest the same with Admiral Webb," I said, trying to establish what she would like from me. She nodded agreement.
"That's it for today. Paulus, stay. I have another matter for you." She waved dismissal and waited until everyone but Pannell had left. "Commander Newman has asked for a transfer to one of the NIA Offices, indicating he was ready to manage one. Since you are his immediate supervisor, I'd like your opinion."
I sat stunned and reached for Red, who had woven himself into my hair. "It would be based on very limited exposure…"
"I understand and will take that into account."
"Ma'am, if it were up to me, I would place him at a NIA office that had a full commander in charge for a six-month evaluation. I have nothing negative to say about Newman and, to be honest, my assignment has him frustrated, which is understandable. He has more time-in-grade that I do in service."
Lulltrel laughed. "I was worried about you for just that reason. But based on the way you have handled Newman, a senior lieutenant commander, you are going to do well. I would imagine part of his frustration is that he has been unable to rattle you. Given what I know, your evaluation is not only honest but fair, and I like your suggestion.
* * *
"Good morning, Commander Newman," I said as I entered my conference room.
"Commander Paulus, this is Lieutenant Veldez, who was in charge of the murder case of Colonel Duarte, and Petty Officer 1st Class Peters, who assisted," Newman said, sounding angry. Veldez was medium height and build with a crew cut hairstyle and a friendly looking round face. Peter looked ten years older, with a weather beaten face which looked apprehensive.
"Please begin," I said as I sat, and Stamm placed a cup of my coffee mixture in front of me.
"How would you like me to proceed?" Veldez asked, now looking nervous. "Just walk me through from the time you arrived at the scene of the incident—what you saw, who you talked to, what they said, your thoughts and conclusions. Just like you were writing a novel. I'm not questioning your results or conclusions. I'm merely trying to understand this case as it may relate to another." That seemed to relax Veldez and Peters.
"Ma'am, it was morning when we arrived at Colonel Durate's home. The maid found him lying on the floor of his home office when she arrived to clean the house. The floor was soaked with blood, indicating he had been killed in the room. The room looked to have been searched and the wall safe was open and empty. On the surface, it looked like a robbery gone bad." Veldez looked to Peters.
"I talked to the neighbors but nobody saw anything. I followed up with the coroner. She said he had been stabbed in the heart with a commando-style knife. Death was instantaneous."
"Defensive wounds?"
"No, ma'am," Veldez said after reviewing his notebook.
"Restraining bruises, marks?"
"Not sure, ma'am—"
"The case has been closed—" Newman interrupted Peters in midsentence.
"Commander Newman, you may feel that I don't know what I'm doing, but I'd appreciate it if you would keep your opinion to yourself. After working hours you are free to share your thoughts with whomever you wish." When Newman remained quiet, I continued. "Peters, please continue."
"Ma'am, the coroner didn't mention any but, to be honest, it appears to be a clear case of robbery, and with no witnesses, everyone appeared in a hurry to close the case. The police had a list of a couple of items stolen and promised to notify us if any were found."
"Do you have the list?"
"Yes, ma'am." He spent a few minutes reviewing his notes before speaking. "Several lasers and multifunctional guns the colonel kept in a case. It had been smashed to get at the weapons."
"No other items in the house?"
"No, ma'am. Nothing."
"You interviewed no one at his work?"
"No, ma'am. I was told it wasn't necessary."
When I glanced at Newman his face was red with anger. He wanted to interrupt but knew he was dangerously close to conduct unbecoming an officer.
"Do you know what Navy cruisers were in port that week?"
"Are you insinuating that Marines—"
"Colonel Pannell, clear the room of everyone except Commander Newman," I said loud enough to be heard over Newman's outburst. Newman's face went stony white as Pannell went into action. Within seconds only he remained.
"I understand that working for a woman who has less time in service than you have in grade can appear unfair and cause you to wonder what the brass were thinking. I can understand you would be frustrated and even angry, but why at me? I didn't promote myself nor request to be assigned to the Eastar NIA station. I can understand you could be mad at Lulltrel or Webb or some anonymous admiral." When Newman remained quiet, I continued. "The question I have for you is: are you just stupid or are you actually unfit to hold a commission?" I sat and took a sip of my coffee while I awaited his response.
"What do you mean?" He was still angry but the urge to lash out was gone.
"You have been looking for a fight with your superior officer which, by definition, you can't win. And a few minutes ago you were one word away from conduct unbecoming an officer, a court-martial offense, which could result in a reduction in rank, if not prison time. You were on the verge of attacking me, which Colonel Pannell would not have liked."
Newman sat quietly for a long time. I got up and mixed another cup of coffee and milk to give him time to think over the situation. Finally, he stood.
"Commander Paulus, I owe you an apology. You are right. I've been acting stupid. And you have every right to see me disciplined."
I waved him to sit. "Newman, I'm not mad at you, or want to see you punished, or seeking revenge. I can understand your frustration and your request for a transfer. I told Admiral Lulltrel I had nothing negative to say about you and hadn't worked with you long enough to give a fair evaluation. I'm just trying to keep you from ruining your career over something neither you nor I have any control."
"Thank you, ma'am. I mean that. You will have no more trouble…rather, you will have my full cooperation from now on."
"Good. Colonel Pannell, would you mind letting everyone know we are ready to continue?" When everyone was settled, I continued like we had never stopped. "Veldez, would you and Peters revisit the coroner to determine if he had defensive wounds or could have been restrained, look over your notes to determine if there might have been multiple assailants, and determine which Navy cruisers were in ports during the period of Duarte's murder? As I explained to Commander Newman, I have additional information that was not available when his group conducted the investigation. Thank you for the presentation."
* * *
"Ma'am, did you have Colonel Pannell beat Newman into submission? He has been as meek as a lamb since the meeting. The way he has been acting, no one could blame you," Stamm said several days later when we were alone. "You even scared me, and that's not easy to do."
"I was upset at what I might have to do."
"What, throw Newman out the conference room window?" He laughed then sobered. "Bring him up on charges. He would have deserved it."