by Sam Schal
Damn it! This was all Shaw’s fault.
Shaw’s and that bastard Sorkowski.
Well, he’d show them both, starting with Sorkowski. But that meant he had to work fast. There was little doubt the JAG would be moving in on the admiral soon, if they hadn’t already. So he needed to be the first one to try to make a deal. He’d gladly throw Sorkowski to the wolves then, once the heat died down some, he’d deal with Shaw the way he’d wanted to all along.
“Wait!” He stopped, pulling, at least temporarily free, of his escorts. “I have information you want.”
“Major, you can plead your case with my superiors once we’ve processed you into the brig,” the JAG officer said. “Take him.”
* * *
Evan Moreau exited the Trade Building and paused. After a night of rain, the morning was crisp and the air clean. Under most circumstances, she might actually enjoy it. But any morning that started with a meeting before dawn was never something she enjoyed. Still, getting the contract had made it all worthwhile. Her bank account would appreciate the latest influx of cash. Besides, if she had turned down the meeting, questions would have been asked and that was the last thing she needed just then.
The juggling act was getting old. She had been on Fuercon for almost six years. The last five of them had been here in New Kilrain. For all intents and purposes, she represented one of many tech developers on-planet. She had carefully cultivated her contacts in the industry and in government. All the while, she had also been putting together dossiers on anyone who might be of use to her at some point in the future. It really was amazing how much people let slip after drinking too much or at the gaming tables or while sharing a bed.
She had even been luckier than she’d expected. With only a few exceptions, none of her partners had tried to refuse her requests for information or services. Those who had been so foolish had quickly met with accidents, but only after she’d made sure no incriminating evidence could be found among their effects that could link them back to her.
But now, well, it was different. She could feel it. There were too many loose ends and too many people she – or her employers – had pulled into the plot. All it would take was one talking and the trail would eventually lead back to her. She needed to make sure that didn’t happen, at least not until she was well off-planet and secure in a new identification.
No, she had to make sure it didn’t happen until her mission was complete and the Fuerconese government finally realized that it had been fighting the wrong enemy all along and that it was no too late to do anything about it. Her handlers kept telling her it was only a matter of time. Unfortunately, their sense of time didn’t seem to correspond to her own.
Early as it was, there were still a number of people out. That was something she’d learned quickly about both the business district and the adjoining government complex district. Both always seemed busy. She guessed that most of those moving along the sidewalks with her were men and women hoping to get an early start on the workday, each of them worried about their latest deal and not once suspecting that their lives would soon be turned upside down.
God, she could hardly wait.
Turning the corner, Moreau came to a sudden stop. A man bumped into her and murmured an apology even as he stepped around her. She mumbled something in response – she thought she mumbled something – but her attention was focused on what was ahead of her. Three armored military aircars were parked in front of the exclusive apartment complex she knew almost as well as she knew her own. A Navy captain appeared from inside. Following close behind him were several Marine MPs. Sandwiched between two of them was a fairly nondescript man. He wore a robe and nothing else as far as she could tell. His fair hair, going grey and thinning, stood out in all directions around his head. Even from a distance, Moreau could see how he struggled against the hands holding him firmly.
Instinct for self-preservation had her stepping closer to the building on her right. She stood there, watching, straining to hear anything that might be said. But there was nothing other than the pounding of her pulse and a string of curses she hoped were only in her subconscious. Then, as the man was forced into the back of the middle aircar, fear kicked in. This was one of the worst possible things that could happen.
Damn it! She’d known it was only a matter of time before FleetCom moved on Sorkowski, but she’d hoped it wouldn’t be quite so soon. Well, at least she wasn’t completely unprepared. She had plans in place to make sure he knew better than to try to betray her. But to put them into motion, she needed to get off the street.
Fighting down the desire to curse long and hard – and at the top of her lungs – she pulled her comm and left a message for her admin to cancel her morning appointments. She wasn’t feeling well but she planned to be in that afternoon. That done, she pocketed the comm and moved off in the direction from which she’d come. She didn’t have any time to waste. She had to act before her handlers decided she was as much of a loose end as Sorkowski, O’Brien and the others.
* * *
Ashlyn entered the conference room and quickly shook her head as Talbot prepared to call everyone to attention. She couldn’t stop smiling. She didn’t care if no one knew why. Hell, she didn’t care if they all thought she had lost her mind. She knew better. She hadn’t lost her mind. Far from it. Instead, she had found her center again. No, it had been given back to her and, along with it, so had much of her confidence in the system and the institutions she had trusted and that had failed her. Oh, she knew there would still be times of doubt, just as there would still be the occasional nightmare. But she could deal with those. Hell, every Marine, every member of the military had those, at least the smart ones did.
What a difference a few hours could make. Then she’d been sitting at the table, eating breakfast and studying her orders one last time. Her only thought then had been figuring out the best way to make sure the Devil Dogs were ready to ship out. After that, she’d hurried to her briefing with Admiral Collins and reps from FleetCom. Her mind had been reeling as she thought of all she needed to do to get the Devil Dogs ready to ship out when her comm sounded. A moment later, the world looked a lot better than it had in a very long time.
Now she stood at the head of the conference table and looked at her company commanders, their XOs and her own senior staff. Their expressions ranged from mildly curious to concerned. Not that she blamed them. They knew enough to realize she had their orders, even if the grin on her face was at odds with going to war.
“Ladies and gentlemen, before we get started, there is one bit of news I want to share with you,” she began as she was seated. “This morning, at approximately 0700, JAG officers, accompanied by Marine MPs, executed arrest warrants for Alec Sorkowski, Thomas O’Brien and approximately a dozen others. Charges range from treason to interference with an official investigation to bribery and accepting bribes to official oppression and more.”
She leaned back and watched as the news sunk in. Ortega nodded, a satisfied smile on her face as she pounded the tabletop with her fist. There were a few none too quiet comments about how it was about time. Adamson punched Talbot in the arm and grinned almost as broadly as Ash. Best of all, no one, not a single officer present appeared to be anything but pleased with the news.
“JAG has assured me they will be sending over more information shortly. Once I’ve reviewed it, I’ll release it so you can let your people know. I want every member of the battalion to understand that FleetCom and the Commandant’s Office are fully behind the Devil Dogs and our upcoming mission,” she continued. “Captain Ortega, let’s start with staffing needs.
Before Ortega could stand, the door to the room slid open. Surprised and a little alarmed that the newcomer had managed to get past the two Marines standing post outside the door, Ash swung to face them. Instinct had her ready for anything.
Or almost anything.
“Ten-hutt!”
Her voice rang out as she shoved to her feet at the sight of both
her mother and Okafor standing in the doorway. As she braced to attention, she knew the others did so as well. What she didn’t understand was why the women were there. Her mother hadn’t said anything earlier about sitting in on the briefing she the last she’d heard from Okafor, they weren’t to meet until the next day.
Was it possible there had already been a change to their orders?
That possibility worried Ashlyn. If the Callusians were already escalating the fight, they had managed to build up their military more than suspected during the years of the so-called truce. Either that or they had help from someone. That possibility worried Ashlyn more than a possible buildup because it meant there was a player Fuercon was unaware of. It could be someone thought of as an ally or it could be one of the systems that had stayed neutral during the previous war. Hell, for all she knew, if there was a third player involved, it could be a group based out of Fuercon. That might, just might, help explain away officers like Sorkowski and support personnel like Hines.
“As you were,” Okafor said as she approached the conference table, Elizabeth just behind her. “Major, have you had a chance to brief your people yet?”
“Negative, ma’am. I was just telling them about the latest from JAG.”
Okafor nodded, a slight smile touching her lips. “Then I guess I ought to let you know that both Sorkowski and O’Brien are now in custody and are being processed into the brig. There will be other arrests made as well over the next few days.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Ash’s voice was soft and full of emotion.
“Well, you might not thank me when you learn that the President will be making a statement tonight, after the arrests have been made.”
Now Ash groaned, the thought of what the media hounds would be like spoiling the pleasure of a moment before.
“Major, before we let you get back to your briefing, there is one matter that needs to be taken care of.” She motioned for Ash to step forward. Then she glanced over her shoulder at Elizabeth.
“Major, stand tall,” was all Elizabeth said but her eyes twinkled and Ash swallowed hard. They were definitely up to something. But what?
“Major Shaw, I hope you know just how much the Corps, FleetCom and the current administration value all you have done and sacrificed for Fuercon,” Now she accepted a flat, black leather case from Elizabeth. “Events have not really given us a chance to do this formally. Besides, I know you prefer as little fanfare as possible where you are concerned. However, we aren’t going to let another day pass without you receiving your due.
“Major Ashlyn Shaw, it gives me great pleasure as Commandant of the Fuerconese Marine Corps and acting at the behest of President Derek Harper to present you with Distinguished Service Medal for the actions you took not only during the Arterus Campaign but also during the time of your false imprisonment at the Tarsus Military Prison. You acted above and beyond the call of duty to protect those under your command, often placing yourself in danger to do so. You are a credit to the Corps, Major. Thank you.” Ash managed a slight nod as Okafor opened the leather box, revealing the medal nestled against black velvet, before handing it to Ortega who now stood to the right and slightly behind Ash.
“President Harper sends his regrets for not being here to do this himself, Major,” Okafor continued as she took a second box from Elizabeth. “But he said that he figured you would probably try to jump out a window if he suddenly showed up. There was something about you being a suspicious sort who doesn’t like being the center of attention.”
Snickers came from several of those gathered and Ash closed her eyes, counting to ten. Jumping out a window sounded pretty good just there. There were only two problems. One, there was no window in the room. Two, she doubted any of her people would let her make a break for the nearest window. So all she could do was stand there and take whatever Okafor had up her sleeve.
“It is my great honor to award you the Fuerconese Medal of Honor, Major, not only for your actions during the last war but for those upon your return to the capital. You did not have to act but you did and you did so without thinking. Because of your actions, numerous lives were saved.”
“Ma’am.” She couldn’t help it. This was too much. She didn’t deserve either honor but especially not the Medal of Honor. She hadn’t done anything any other Marine wouldn’t have done. If anyone deserved to be honored, it was all those people who had died as a result of the phony intel they’d had on Arterus.
“I know, Major. You think there are others who deserve this more than you.”
Ash could only nod.
“I assure you, they are being recognized as well.” She waited until Ash reluctantly nodded. Then she handed over the leather case she’d been holding.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
What else could she say? Then, seeing how her mother looked at her with pride, she had a feeling the two of them would be having a very long talk about this before the day was over. Obviously Elizabeth had known about this when they left the house but had chosen not to say anything. Well, she would learn that it wasn’t wise to pull this sort of a surprise on her eldest daughter.
“There’s one more bit of business to take care of before we let you get back to your briefing,” Okafor said and Ash groaned. From the amused look on the general’s face, she’d been heard. “A battalion commander is almost always a colonel’s billet. There have been a few exceptions where the Corps has put a lieutenant colonel in command. With the Devil Dogs about to ship out, it is time to correct that oversight.”
Once again, she reached back to Elizabeth. This time, Ash watched as her mother placed a small box into the general’s palm. As Okafor took one step forward, Ash unconsciously squared her shoulders. Her heart fluttered and she felt her face flush. Now she understood what her mother had meant earlier that morning when she’d said that soon everyone would know that the administration as well as the Corps and FleetCom had full faith in her.
“As of this morning, your proper rank is that of lieutenant colonel. Congratulations.” Okafor smiled again. As she did, Elizabeth stepped forward. Ash stood at attention, wondering if this was all a dream, as they removed and replaced her rank insignia. “Now, before you say anything, Lt. Colonel, the only reason you aren’t being promoted to full bird colonel is I figured you would either implode or kill your mother and me or both.” A bigger smile this time before the women stepped back and braced to attention. Ash returned their salutes and then shook their hands, not quite trusting herself to speak yet.
“Captain Ortega, I think you were about to begin your part of the briefing when we interrupted,” Okafor continued, a devilish glint in her eye. “Perhaps you’d be so good as to continue now. I have a feeling your CO needs a moment to catch her breath.”
“Ma’am, if I might be so bold, I’d suggest you and Brigadier General Shaw get on your way before she recovers. She doesn’t particularly like surprises and this has been a humdinger of one.”
“Respectfully, ma’am, you and my mother pulled a fast one on me and I do promise to return the favor one day,” Ash managed to say.
“I’m sure you will. But until then, you have an op to plan, Lt. Colonel. We’ll let you get on with it.”
And, with that, they were gone, leaving Ash to stare after them, wondering why she couldn’t wake up from what was definitely one of the oddest dreams she’d ever had.
CHAPTER NINE
ASHLYN STOOD ON the observation deck above the main landing bay for the Cassin Young. Below and to her right, heavy armor was being unloaded and checked. Directly below her, attack shuttles had been brought onboard and carefully locked into place. Their flight crews were now scouring them for any damage that might have occurred during the landing process. To her left, LACs, the newest in the Corps, were being checked. Everything looked to be in good order but she wouldn’t relax until she’d seen the final reports for herself.
Not that a problem with any of the equipment would delay their departure. FleetCom had made i
t very clear that they had to depart on time. If the latest intelligence was right, they had a very tight window in which to arrive at their destination and execute their mission before enemy reinforcements arrived. That added pressure to everyone involved but it was nothing new to the Devil Dogs. Most of their missions seemed to have similar restrictions.
Ash winced slightly as a high pitched screech filled the bay. For a moment, all activity halted as everyone looked around to see what had happened. Then, before she could say anything, she saw Ortega stalking through the crates of weapons that had just been offloaded from one of the shuttles, her expression thunderous. Even though she couldn’t hear what her Exec had to say to the hapless private she had honed in on, it was clear she was giving the young man the dressing down of his life. Then she turned and called one of the NCOs over. There was a calmer discussion and, as the Exec walked off, the sergeant laid a hand on the private’s shoulder, his expression speaking volumes. Yes, the private had screwed up but now he knew better and would never do it again. Apparently he’d said just that to the younger man. The private nodded and looked at the sergeant with an expression that mirrored both relief and a determination not to repeat the same mistake. Good. Ortega had done her job and the sergeant had reassured him. Hopefully it would be enough to keep the young man from second guessing himself on the battlefield.
“Ma’am, Captain Nichols reports that Delta Company is now squared away,” Corporal Nolan reported from her side.
“Send my compliments to the captain. Tell him to get his people settled into their quarters now that their gear and equipment has been stowed.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And let Captain Jareau know we should be finished here in the next hour.”