"So that ass wanted to even the score a bit and has succeeded in dropping us into the shit. Well, I'll deal with him later. What about the operation? Were there any positives?"
"We wound up with new slaves the GA isn't going to spend much effort looking for, and they're all prime specimens. There's nothing else though. According to Arneu, there was no new technology to grab. It was just a sleep depot for ancients. Carver succeeded in waking up a few hundred."
"Ancients? How ancient?"
"Twenty thousand years was quoted."
"Twenty thousand years? And they were successfully revived?"
"According to Arneu's report, they're all healthy. They popped up out of their stasis chambers and were ready to go in an hour."
"An hour? After sleeping for twenty thousand years? And you don't consider that significant? Do you have any idea what that technology would be worth if we could patent it?"
"But Space Command isn't going to let anyone patent it, Arthur. It was found on Dakistee, so any attempt to patent it would point a finger to the member of the organization who tried. The Dakinium we could have used without seeking a patent but not this."
Strauss sighed. "I suppose you're right, Ahil. I'm just groping for something to bring to the Upper Council. They're going to be plenty upset that we spent so much and came out of this with so little."
"Not every venture is going to reap a bonanza, but we have to take a chance every once in a while where the payoff could be great. At least this wasn't the debacle Gagarin orchestrated."
"Yes. Although costly, this was not on the same scale as that disaster. However, there was another cost in this mess. We've lost the use of a valuable contact at Space Command Supreme Headquarters. Hubera will never be acquitted of the charges brought against him. That old oaf lost his temper and went too far when he ordered Carver to quit the site. He'll be censured and possibly demoted. He might even lose his place on the Admiralty Board. Damn it! People holding senior positions in Space Command are too valuable to lose without having at least turned a decent profit on the loss."
* * *
"The court-martial of Admiral Hubera begins tomorrow morning," Admiral Moore said to the other eight members of the Admiralty Board. "The trial is closed to spectators and live broadcast, but I've ordered that the images be transmitted here so we can watch the proceedings in real time. Attendance is not mandatory."
"I still can't fathom what he was thinking when he ordered Commander Carver to disobey her orders and desert her post." Admiral Bradlee said. "If, in fact, he did order that."
"It's no secret that Donald is prone to losing his temper where Admiral Carver or her sisters are concerned," Admiral Hillaire said. "We've listened to his tirades here for years. I think he just lost his temper— and his better judgment. If, in fact, he is guilty of doing what he's charged with."
"Is there any chance Admiral Carver might have overreacted and overstated the issue?" Admiral Platt asked.
"I suppose it's possible," Admiral Moore said, "but from what I've observed over the years, the Ice Queen never overreacts. Every action seems to have been thought out to the nth degree, except during battle. And even there she gives as much thought as possible to examining the issue before deciding on a course of action."
"Yes," Admiral Hillaire said. "I've never heard of an instance where she lost her temper or acted rashly."
"In any event," Admiral Moore said, "it's the duty of the court to determine the facts and I'm sure they'll meticulously examine all the evidence before reaching a conclusion."
"What if it comes down to a matter of Donald's word versus Commander Carver's word? According to Admiral Holt, she's still in a coma. She obviously can't testify until she regains consciousness, and, since she was shot in the head, her memory of the event may be faulty."
"The court can use her official report to Admiral Carver as a deposition. I'm as dismayed as anyone that she hasn't regained consciousness yet. Admiral Holt has informed me she's getting the best care Space Command can offer. If the court requires an in-person appearance, we'll just have to wait and see if she recovers."
"We haven't yet discussed awarding a commendation for the way she managed the situation after the attack and a medal for sustaining an injury in the later shootout," Admiral Plimley said.
"She'll naturally receive a purple heart for being injured," Admiral Moore said, "and she should receive a commendation for her work on Dakistee and for her handling of the situation following the attack. If she doesn't recover, she should receive additional recognition, so perhaps the discussion of rewards should wait until we know the outcome."
* * *
Admiral Hubera and his attorney arrived at the windowless courtroom early. The room was empty of people and they sat to discuss the case while the clock at the rear of the room slowly ticked off the seconds.
Normally used for Inquiry Board hearings, the room didn't look like a traditional courtroom. A meter-high raised platform at the front of the room held a long, judicial-style bench that accommodated five officers rather than a single judge. There was no jury box and there would be no gallery for the trial. Two tables, one each for the prosecution and defense, faced the front of the room. There was a witness chair against the left sidewall, several chairs for court officials against the right sidewall, and a dozen chairs behind each of the tables for additional council and aides. The gallery seating had been removed and stored elsewhere so the room imparted a sense of openness— or perhaps emptiness. Witnesses, when there were witnesses to be called, would be located in a separate room and escorted in when their testimony was required. Nine video cameras mounted around the room's ceiling would record every utterance and movement for every second of the court-martial.
A few minutes before the court-martial was to start, people began arriving. First were the JAG prosecution attorneys and then the court clerks and Marine security detail.
As the clock struck the appointed hour for the start of the court-martial, the five admirals filed into the stark room from a rear door and took their seats. Each either knew, or knew of, Admiral Hubera from earlier times, but each had sworn an oath to be completely impartial and offered no sign of greeting.
As soon as the admirals were seated, Admiral Bernake picked up a small silver rod and tapped three times on the silver tubular chime suspended in a small frame in front of him on the bench.
"This court is now in session on this 8th day of December, 2285," a female chief petty officer announced loudly.
"The chief petty officer will read the charges," Bernake said.
The chief read the charges, already well known to judges and council, then retook her seat.
"Captain Cereus?" Admiral Bernake said.
"Sir?" Cereus said as he rose to his feet quickly.
"You may begin."
"Thank you, sir. I ask the court for permission to replay the report by Commander Christa Carver that has already been entered into evidence.
Admiral Bernake nodded and the clerk replayed the message.
"When the vid had finished, Cereus turned to the Defense table and said, "Admiral Hubera. Would you please take the stand, sir."
The chief petty officer, in her role as court clerk, administered the oath and Hubera took the witness chair against the left sidewall.
"Admiral Hubera," Cereus said, "on October 22, 2285, you visited Dakistee for the express purpose of conducting a surprise inspection of the Loudescott Archeological dig site. Is that correct?"
"It is."
"What authorization did you have for conducting such an inspection?"
"I am a member of the Admiralty Board. I need no other authorization. We are charged with overseeing all aspects of Space Command operations."
"Prior to this inspection, how many times had you visited Dakistee to conduct a surprise inspection?"
Hubera was clearly surprised by the question and looked over at his attorney, who simply nodded.
Looking back at Cereus, Hubera s
aid, "None."
"I see. Well then, how many surprise inspection visits have you made since becoming a member of the Admiralty Board?"
Again Hubera looked at his attorney before answering. When his attorney didn't object to the question, Hubera mumbled, "None."
"I'm sorry, sir, I didn't quite catch that. Did you say, 'None?'"
"Yes," Hubera replied tersely.
"I see. Then, since this was your first ever surprise inspection visit anywhere, perhaps you can tell us why you went to Dakistee."
"I object." Hubera's attorney said. "Admiral Hubera has already answered that question."
"Sustained," Admiral Bernake said.
Cereus turned and walked a couple of steps in obvious thought and then returned to where he had been. "You dislike Commander Christa Carver, do you not?"
"I'd never even met her before that day on Dakistee."
"Technically correct, but not completely accurate. Commander Carver is a clone of Admiral Jenetta Carver, whom you've known since your days as an Academy instructor. Is that not correct?"
"Yes, Jenetta Carver was once a student of mine at the academy."
"And you've had an intense dislike of her ever since."
"No, that's not true."
"No? Then when did your intense dislike of her begin?"
"I never said I disliked her."
"Come now, Admiral. Your tirades in the Admiralty Board Hall whenever any subject pertaining to Admiral Carver has come up are legendary."
"I, uh, have reservations about her ability to perform in the role she's been assigned."
"That's been your position ever since she destroyed Raider One, has it not?"
"I haven't changed my position simply because she's had a few small successes."
"A few small successes? I believe that if you ask almost anyone in the service, they will acknowledge that Admiral Carver has had a greater impact than anyone before her in the history of Space Command."
"That doesn't mean she deserves to be a full Admiral."
"While you're still only a Rear Admiral, you mean?"
"I object," Hubera's attorney said.
"Withdrawn," Cereus said before turning and walking a couple of steps in obvious thought before returning to face Hubera.
"Admiral, is the vid message report sent by Commander Christa Carver an accurate report of what occurred on Dakistee?"
Hubera looked at his attorney, who shook his head almost imperceptibly.
"No, it is not."
"Perhaps you could tell us, in your own words, exactly what happened."
"I met with Commander Carver aboard the Murray and asked her to give me a report regarding her progress."
"And?"
"And she gave me a report."
"And?"
"And what?"
"And what was your response when she was done?"
"I thanked her and dismissed her."
"That's all?"
"Yes, that's all."
"You never ordered her to leave Dakistee and return to Region Two immediately."
"I don't recall giving such an order."
Turning to face the president of the court, Cereus said, "If it please the court, I received new evidence just hours ago. It's in the form of a message and I request permission to play it."
"I object," Hubera's attorney said. "I wasn't advised of new evidence so I haven't had an opportunity to review it to see if it has any bearing on the case."
"The message was a recording made by Commander Christa Carver," Cereus said. "It has a direct bearing on the case. If I might be permitted to have it played, I'm sure the court will agree. After the playback, I'll be happy to give the defense time in which to formulate a response, if he feels one is necessary."
"What is the nature of this message?" Admiral Bernake asked.
"Commander Christa Carver was speaking to a subordinate via her CT when Admiral Hubera entered the room aboard the Murray where she was waiting to give her report. She immediately braced to attention and never closed the carrier, so her side of the conversation with Admiral Hubera was recorded in full."
"I object. The voice recording of someone without their knowledge and consent is illegal unless a court order has first been obtained."
"Captain Cereus?" Bernake said.
"If it please the court, that law is not applicable in this instance. The recording doesn't contain a single word from Admiral Hubera since his CT wasn't activated. We can only hear Commander Carver's side of the conversation."
"Objection overruled. Play the message," Bernake said.
The judges listened in rapt attention until the message ended. Although only one side could be heard, the evidence was damning.
"I object," Hubera's attorney said. "How can we know when that recording was made or where it came from?"
"It's time and date stamped," Cereus said, "and available from either the computer system aboard the Murray or the communication system on the surface of Dakistee since it had to pass through both systems when Commander Carver made the connection to Lieutenant Carmoody. As everyone knows, all CT communications are recorded and saved for a one-year period."
"The recording shall be logged as evidence," Bernake said.
Hubera slumped in the witness chair, then sat erect again when he remembered where he was.
"Admiral," Cereus said to Hubera, "what do you say now? Has the recording refreshed your memory? Do you still deny ordering Commander Carver off the planet?"
"I, uh, might have said something to that effect. Hearing the tape, as you say, has refreshed my memory of the day."
Cereus nodded. "How did you feel when you were refused entrance to the tunnel?"
"How would any senior officer feel? I was upset that Marines had orders to fire on Space Command personnel if they tried to get in."
"But you heard Commander Carver say that as far as she knew, she and her assistant were the only Space Command personnel on the planet."
"She said that later, not at the time I was turned back. You asked how I felt when I was refused."
"Quite right. But you were still upset later?"
"I might have been."
And that was the reason you ordered her off the planet?"
"Yes. Uh, I mean it might have been part of it if I did order her off the planet."
"There's little doubt about that now. Would you like to hear the recording again?"
No," Hubera said testily.
"Admiral Hubera, regarding your surprise inspection, would you please tell the court why you chose this occasion to do something you had never done before?"
When his attorney didn't object, Hubera said, "I was taking a brief vacation at the Belagresue Colony when my flag secretary suggested the quick trip. He had learned that the Murray would be passing through the system and knew we could be on Dakistee in less than two days."
"Your flag secretary is Captain Robledo. Is he not?"
"He was."
"And he ceased to be your flag secretary when?"
Nervously, Hubera said, "He was arrested two weeks ago."
"You're referring to the charge of treason that SCI filed against him?"
"Yes."
"And do you know the basis for that charge?"
"SCI said they discovered evidence that he was in the employ of the Raiders."
"So the person who had your full trust and confidence and was privy to all the secrets of the Admiralty Board was a Raider spy?"
"He has been charged, but not convicted yet."
"I see." Cereus turned and walked a few steps in thought before returning. "Assuming he is convicted, it would mean you've been feeding top secret information to the Raiders for many years."
"Objection," Hubera's attorney said, "it calls for speculation."
"Sustained," Bernake said.
"It sounds, Admiral Hubera," Cereus said, "like you've been putting your trust in the wrong people while spending decades denigrating the people to whom that trust really belo
nged."
"Objection!" Hubera's attorney said loudly. "Mr. President, I really must protest."
* * *
Chapter Twenty-Five
~ January 18th, 2286 ~
Madu climbed the steps of temporary stage erected in a large gymnasium on the Recreation level and walked to the podium at the center. She stared out over the neatly arranged rows of chairs and tried to visualize them filled with attentive citizens. In five hours, every Dakistian who had been awakened would be seated out there. She wished the audience could be larger, but Christa hadn't restored her computer access before the attack and Carmoody refused to let her use hers, fearing that Madu would again attempt another mass awakening. Madu sighed and delivered her prepared speech to the empty room.
Madu had been messaging the commanding officer of North Pendleton for an update on Christa's condition every day but kept receiving the same message that Christa was still in a coma. Madu had begun to doubt Christa would return to Dakistee. She had seen the enormous pool of blood beneath Christa's body in the dormitory room. Christa might be a different species, but the loss of that much blood had to have had a serious impact on her health and condition. Madu knew that a Dakistian definitely wouldn't have survived the loss, and Terrans didn't seem that dissimilar. She had been surprised to see that either the doctor or nurse had cleaned up the telltale pool before the stretcher-bearers were allowed into the room. It seemed a strange thing to do during an emergency where seconds were precious.
Madu rehearsed the speech three times in the gym before being satisfied with her delivery. The speech would be the easy part because she could rehearse it until she had it down cold. The difficult part would be the question-and-answer segment of the program. She already had far too many questions and not enough answers echoing around inside her own head.
When Madu next entered the gym, it was filled to capacity. Knowing how many sleepers had been awakened allowed her staff to only set out enough chairs to accommodate that number. She would therefore know immediately how many had chosen not to attend this vital meeting. To her delight, there wasn't a single empty chair. The meeting was limited to Dakistee citizens only, so she knew no one had skipped the meeting.
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