“Sorry,” Peter said. “What’s the emergency?”
“That Japanese battalion, what happened? Patty knows it’s missing. She’s asking if they got on our transport.”
“Computer screw up,” Peter said. “You know that they separated military logistics and troop movement departments last year, now they found the situation unworkable and are putting them back together again.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jim said. “I voted against the split. Troops and their equipment tend to be moved together, not separate.”
“Well, the troop movement computer server was down for the reorganization. All we were getting was ‘this server is temporarily unavailable, please try again later’. It’s up again and we put the troop movement orders in a couple of minutes ago. Just tell her they were on the Montoya ship under High Command movement orders.”
“Can’t we just let her in on the secret,” Jim said. “Of all the people in the government, Patty’s the one I trust, and she’s Secretary of Defense.”
“We went over that, sweets. I trust her too, but it’s need to know only and for now she doesn’t need to know.”
Jim nodded then raised his head. “George, put Patty back on.”
“Secretary Tinney is on immediate answer,” George said as Peter disappeared and Patty reappeared.
“We found them,” Patty said. “They were on that Montoya ship under High Command movement orders.”
“Yes,” Jim said. “Raul Montoya couldn’t say anything because of the Commonwealth orders but he gave me a wink, wink, nudge, nudge that the ship wasn’t empty after they dropped off our troops on Cassia.”
“Minimal gravity training on the moon Vespar,” Patty said. “Now I have to go apologize to Admiral Hayashi and General Okayama over shanghaiing a battalion of their ground forces.”
Jim turned to see the speaker on the dais disappear and was suddenly replaced with another speaker. “Damn,” he said. “It’s Haugen. I wonder what bullshit he’s come up with this time.”
“You mentioned money to buy new troop carriers?” Patty said.
“Oh yes,” Jim said. “I think the ones we have are surplus from the battle of the bulge. One of them has ‘Kilroy was here’ painted on the side.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about but…” Patty paused as Jim was not paying attention.
“George, turn up the volume on the council chambers,” Jim said. “What on earth?”
“…and the existence of this planet is well known to the military and a select number of people in the government,” Haugen said from the dais.
“What?” Jim said.
“It’s sparsely populated,” Haugen continued. “I understand that a team of Commonwealth Rangers is currently on this planet establishing a dialog with the population.”
“Oh no,” Patty said. “That damn idiot.”
“Why has it been kept a secret?” Haugen continued. “One can only guess that certain people are contemplating financial gain from keeping it from the others. I understand Representative Young of Casia knows all about it.”
“George!” Jim yelled. “Contact Haugen’s controllers and tell him to shut the fuck up!”
“With such a small population, this planet would be perfect,” Haugen continued. “The Bund wants one more planet before a piece can be negotiated. This one is ideal. We should give it to them.”
“Andy!” Patty yelled. “Emergency line to Chairman Mendoza. I’m invoking article five of the state secrets act. Disconnect Representative Haugen immediately!”
“For eight years we have been praying for an end to the war,” Haugen continued. “Handing over the planet Nibaru to the Bund as they have demanded is out of the question.”
“George, is there anything you can do to shut him up!” Jim yelled.
“Chairman Mendoza!” Patty yelled. “If he mentions the registry number of that planet he’ll be under military arrest!”
“The population of Nibaru is too large to move,” Haugen continued. “But this newly discovered planet has a fraction of the population and would be easy.”
“Mr. Chairman!” Patty yelled. “Cut him off now or I’ll have the military do it!”
“It is only logical that to end this tragic war we remove the current population and hand over this planet…” The holographic image of Haugen suddenly froze then faded out.
Chairman Mendoza banged his gavel. “Due to points of order made we shall have a brief recess. This council will resume as soon as they’re resolved.”
“Shit,” Jim said. “My son’s on that planet.”
“I know,” Patty said. “Andy, tell Haugen’s office I want an immediate private conference.”
“George,” Jim said. “Tell them I want to be in on the conference too.”
“Representative Haugen’s office is replying,” George said. “He will only discuss it with you if it’s a public debate in these chambers.”
“No,” Patty said.
“I’ll give him a public debate,” Jim said. “The whole galaxy can watch while I rip off his head and shit down his holographic neck.”
“Five 3V networks are requesting interviews with you,” George said.
“Jim, no,” Patty said. “Too much information has gone out about that planet already. We can’t risk more.”
“What more is there?” Jim said. “All that’s left is the planets registry number so they can find it. Can you put a filter on what he says and cut any reference to the number. George, hold off on the interviews.”
“Andy,” Patty said. “Contact Chairman Mendoza and give him that proposal.” She then turned to Jim. “It’ll take a couple of minutes to put the filter in place.”
“Message from Representative Haugen’s office,” George said. “He has changed his mind and will meet you in a private conference.”
“Humph,” Jim grunted. “In poker that’s known as calling someone’s bluff, and I just called his.” Jim raised his head. “George, send a request to Chairman Mendoza that I speak before the council and deny representative Haugen’s request for private conference.”
“Logging request,” George said. “But there are two members ahead of you to speak concerning other matters.”
“They can talk first. Just notify the 3V networks that I’m about to make an idiot out of myself…. again.”
“Why wait?” Patty said. “For something like this, the speakers will stand down and let you speak first.”
“I’m waiting for the governments of a hundred planets to haul their members out of bed and into emergency sessions. We’ll see who’s on our side.”
“Jim,” said the voice of Sam. “The Casian planetary council is now in emergency session in case y’all want help. We also got the 3V station ready for the people ta vote if y’all need.”
“What’re you going to say?” Patty said.
“I don’t know,” Jim said. “But you have an open permission to jump in at any time.”
Chairman Mendoza banged his gavel. “The Council of the Commonwealth of Planets will resume. The chair recognizes Representative Young, Prime Minister of Casia.”
“Damn,” Jim said. “Too soon. George, tell Mendoza I’m not ready.”
“Uh…” Mendoza said. “It appears Representative Young is not able to speak as yet and as all other speakers have withdrawn their requests we’ll have a brief recess while we wait.”
Jim paced back and forth.
“What are you waiting for now?” Patty said.
“This is big news; any mention of the end of the war is just that. It’s probably gone out over the radio stations and all the personal news alert systems, there are ten billion pen phones buzzing right now. I’m waiting for people to get to their 3V rooms.”
“Representative Haugen has requested to speak again,” George said. “Chairman Mendoza is asking if you will stand down.”
“Don’t reply,” Jim said. “Wait just a few more seconds.”
Jim paced back and forth again.
“
Chairman Mendoza is insisting that you speak or stand down,” George said.
“Ok, tell him to put me on.”
Chairman Mendoza banged his gavel. “The chair recognizes Representative Young, Prime Minister of Casia.”
Jim suddenly found himself standing on the dais. The rapid change in scene always made him feel a little giddy so he paused to orient himself. He looked left at his chair which still contained a holograph of himself; there were now two of him visible in the room. “George,” he called into the air. “Would you turn the other holograph of me off? It’s a little disconcerting having me stare at myself.”
The other image disappeared and he heard chuckles around the room. He hadn’t activated the privacy mode.
“Well,” Jim said. “It looks like the proverbial cat is out of the bag. Yes, there is a new planet. It’s populated by a simple and friendly people. Some have strange ideas about the universe but many of us do too. I have talked with a couple of them on a parallel space connection, they’re good people. The thing I’m wondering about is what they would think if they knew a bunch of sky gods were suggesting that their planet would be given away to suit the needs of the sky gods. It’s not our property to give. According to Commonwealth law it belongs to the people already there.”
“Representative Haugen is requesting a public debate,” said the voice only Jim could hear.
Jim raised his head. “George, tell Haugen to shut the fuck up!” Jim said then heard numerous chuckles from all over the room. “Oops,” he said. “I forgot to turn on the privacy function. But by the reaction I can tell that this is a rare occasion. The majority are actually here listening and don’t just have a holographic dummy in their seats.
“I also suspect there are more than a few planetary governments in emergency session right now,” Jim said, looking from face to face trying to figure out who was present by the facial expressions. “That’s an interesting concept for me. A politician gets a V call at 2 a.m., staggers out of bed, goes to the 3V conference room in his pajamas and tells the computer what suit to put on his holographic image. It’s a disturbing thought that some may actually be naked. By the way, I’m fully dressed and I’m actually wearing the cloths you see me in.”
Jim thought for a moment. “Now what was I going to say? Oh yes. The new planet. It hasn’t got a name yet, just a registry number, which I won’t give out. We were waiting for them to give themselves a name. That may take time. Their technology is about the level of Middle Ages Old Earth Europe.”
“Representative Young,” Chairman Mendoza said. “Do you have a point to this speech?”
“Not really,” Jim said. “I’m just letting everyone know that these are fellow humans we are talking about that deserve our respect, not lumps of dirt to be traded for our own needs. The history of man is full of a lack of respect of man for man. This whole conflict started over the lack of respect of the enemy we are now fighting. So, what do some here want? We cure the problem of disrespect by disrespecting the rights of a different people. We give away their planet.
“The Casians know this disrespect well. All have suffered the riots and revolutions on Old Earth. They fought their way out only to awake to a lord and master who wanted to control them. It’s also my personal opinion that the death of Old Earth was due to man’s disrespect of the Earth itself. Many would disagree, but that’s their prerogative.
“For these reasons I’m asking the Casian government for a declaration, that if this new planet’s location is found and the Bund invades, the Casian military will mobilize and move to liberate the planet, alone if necessary.”
“Representative Haugen is again requesting a public debate,” said the voice only Jim could hear.
“Let the idiot talk,” Jim said.
The holographic image of Haugen suddenly appeared on the dais. “I am appalled,” he said. “We have a way out, we have a way to end this war and you oppose it?”
“At what cost?” Jim said. “I believe it would cost mankind its very sole and wars will go on and on. Not just this one, but the next and the one after.”
“It will cost lives if we don’t,” Haugen said. “And what’s this about Casia fighting the war alone? Are you delusional? Your people will actually follow a madman?”
“The Casian council jest voted yes on the declaration,” the voice of Sam said to Jim alone. “The 3V people vote was 89%”
“Well, it looks like they will,” Jim said. “They just voted to do it.”
“Have you heard of the galactic public opinion polls that were just conducted?” Patty said from behind Jim.
Jim jumped in mild fright again at her sudden appearance. “Patty, I told you, please don’t sneak up on me like that?” he said. “What’s this about a vote?”
“Seven of the Commonwealth 3V networks just conducted their own public opinion polls. The average is 78% in favor of retaliatory action if the new planet is attacked by the Bund.”
“The people don’t know the full facts,” Haugen said. “Why should we defend a planet populated by blind people?”
“Representative Haugen!” Patti shouted. “You just crossed the line! I am charging you with contravention of article five of the state secrets act! I am hereby partitioning the council for an indictment and trial!”
“You won’t get it,” Haugen said. “You won’t get a majority.”
“Representative Hidaka has requested to make a statement,” George said.
“I recognize Representative Hidaka,” Jim announced. “I believe he has something to say.”
A man in the second row of seats stood. “The Diet of the planet Nagoya of the Japanese federation has just met in emergency session. They have voted to follow the lead of Casia and will join them in any retaliatory action if the Bund attacks the new planet. This we will do, with or without the rest of the Commonwealth or even our own federation.”
“Anyone else?” Jim said. “I’ll leave the floor open for general statements.”
Another man stood. “Batalavia has just voted to support Cassia.”
Another man stood. “New Hope will join any separate alliance against the Bund if one is formed.”
Another man stood. “The planet Bachoff will join such an alliance.”
“This is insanity!” Haugen yelled. “Do you all know what the Casians call your Home Guards? Cream puffs! Mr. Young talks of respect and yet they give none. They have a second rate military lead by incompetent officers, one corvette and a broken down freighter.” Haugen reached behind himself and a data pad appeared in his hand. “I have the results here of the computer war game simulations where their so called ground army…”
“Representative Haugen!” Patti shouted. “Those results are covered by the state secrets act! They’re also under question as to their accuracy! There isn’t a single guard unit that has operated with the Casians that hasn’t expressed full respect and admiration for their professional conduct.”
“I don’t care if the idiot fringe follows them into battle. I doubt that 40% of the council will vote for retaliation.”
“40%?” Jim said. “The popular vote was 78%. I believe that this council is somewhat out of touch with the wishes of the people they represent.”
“Mr. Young, Mr. Haugen,” Chairman Mendoza said, banging his gavel. “I believe it’s time to adjourn this meeting of the Commonwealth Council. Before we resume next week, I want this whole issue of state security resolved. And Representative Haugen, if I hear of you saying anything about this to the press or anywhere in public I will issue an executive order for your arrest, myself.”
“Jim, we have to talk,” Patty said. “Andy, disconnect with Pellan, go to private conference.”
“George,” Jim said. “Change the conference 3V room to an office, ah… no, a living room.”
The scene around them changed. Windows let in sunlight and pictures hung on the wall.
Jim walked over to his chair and sat. “That was the worst speech I’ve ever given. I don’t kn
ow what I was talking about; I think I was raving, saying whatever stupid thought came to mind.”
“No,” Patty said, pulling up her own chair. “It was a brilliant speech, it was honest and straight forward and that’s what the people like about you.”
“So, I’m an honest babbling idiot.”
“I don’t think so. I think you knew exactly what you were doing?”
“If I did, it was purely accidental.”
“The people and the military will follow you,” Patty said.
“You know that for sure?”
“I’ve been military all my life. My father and uncle were Admirals and my grandfather was a General. That’s why I’m Secretary of Defense. I listen to the High Command talk and I read between the lines, I’m not stupid. They’re looking to you for leadership.”
“So, the military doesn’t think we’re incompetent.”
“The exact opposite. I’ve talked with the commanders. Your troops intimidate the units they’re up against in the war games. The troops themselves are scared of yours.”
Jim laughed. “They imagine themselves facing a tribe of vicious, rampaging, carnivorous apes?”
“And Colonel Norton is damn good at promoting that image. He should be a General; after all, you almost have a division.”
“Harry’s not interested in rank.”
“He’s built a rallying point we could build a force around.”
“What if the military do follow us but the politicians don’t?”
“Then we do it anyway.”
“Do you know what they call that?”
“A military coup,” Patty said. “I see it coming. The High Command wants to end the war one way, the politicians another.”
“Which side will you back?”
“What do you think?”
Jim raised his head. “Computer, call Peter, tell him to meet me in my 3V conference room. Message: ‘there is now a need to know’.”
Chapter 18
The strato taxi made a wide circle around Halbert’s house. Michael looked through the side window as it banked. With a feeling of relief, he saw his own strato sitting in the parking lot. He thought that if it wasn’t for the stress of the past four days he would feel sorry that his adventures in space and on another planet were over. As it was, he would feel happy that he was to climb into his own vehicle and just go home.
Victim of Circumstance (The Time Stone Trilogy Book 3) Page 22