Interceptor (Strike Commander Book 2)

by Richard Tongue

 “That wasn't your idea?” he asked. “I thought...”

   “The original idea was to show our support and solidarity with the police,” she said. “Hand over a couple of petitions, make a couple of speeches, then disperse. Ten times as many people turned up as we were expecting, and some of them weren't even in the Union. The usual suspects, including the worthless Deputy Mayor.”

   “I haven't had the pleasure of meeting that gentlemen yet,” he replied.

   “And you won't, given that he all but accused you of being in league with the pirates. Needless to say he hasn't been informed about your true status.” She smiled, and added, “The only reason Mac told me was that he knew I'd find out anyway. I've got some friends in his office.”

   His face moved into a frown, and he replied, “Now that's extremely interesting, given that we've been looking for a leak. One of your shuttles was used to take Ensign Morgan up to the enemy base, and you've got to admit the timing looks suspicious regarding that demonstration.”

   “I agree,” she said. “Now I'm certain you're going to accuse me of defending that madman in the hospital, I assume.”

   Nodding, he replied, “Something like that.”

   “All I've done is the same thing I would do for anyone else who is a paid up member of the union. They're entitled to legal counsel, but the local public defender redefines the definition of hopelessness. He's a shareholder, of course.” Shaking her head, she said, “Seems like they get into all sorts of places, no matter whether or not they are competent. You should have seen Mac's predecessor. If someone had mugged him in broad daylight, he'd have managed to arrest the wrong guy.”

   “What does that...”

   “The first thing I did when I arrived was get one of our own lawyers in. Criminal cases aren't really his forte, but he'll do until we can get someone better involved. A murder case will have to be tried back on Mars, anyway. We're not set up for it out here. The Mayor's office is insisting that they use the public defender, and I'm insisting that we use ours.”

   Frowning, Conway said, “I was informed that there were medical complications.”

   “No, just political, but you can find medical reasons to delay pretty much anything if you look hard enough.” Shaking her head, she said, “I know there isn't any doubt about his guilt, but if I yield on this, they'll use it as a precedent. Be honest with me, Captain. Is his testimony likely to be of immediate use? If it is, then...”

   “Probably not,” he interrupted. “Are things really that bad out here?”

   “No, not yet, but they could be. Everyone's talking about this great expansion we've got coming up, but I don't think we're ready for it. Did you see the new Administration Dome?”

   “It did look a little ostentatious.”

   “A little?” she said, shaking her head. “We needed new accommodation buildings, enlarged hospital space, better recreational facilities, maybe even a start at a technical college. God knows there's been the interest in that.” Grimacing, she finished, “It died in committee. The problem is that everything is fine for the moment, but if we do get some sort of rapid expansion, I know damn well who's going to suffer most, and it sure as hell won't be the shareholders.”

   Sitting back in his chair, Conway said, “Don't take this the wrong way...”

   “But I seem rather more reasonable than you were expecting me to be? I'm a patriot, Captain, and I know what this installation could mean for the Confederation, especially for the prospects of opening up this area for colonization. More than that, I know how much work this could bring, maybe tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.” Looking out of the window at the bustling street below, she said, “I just don't think anyone's worrying enough about what happens in between now and the prosperity everyone's talking about.”

   “And your solution?”

   “Invest the profits the company is making now right back into the colony. Two new domes, each devoted to habitation, and the encouragement of some sort of light industrial base to support the extraction that's coming up. More of a drive to self-sufficiency, maybe even a dedicated agricultural dome, though that would cost a small fortune.” She paused, and said, “It'd pay off, though. We'd suddenly find ourselves on a lot more shipping routes if we could offer fresh food to passing travelers, and it'd be a nice bonus to the workers, as well.”

   “Isn't there an election in a few months?” he said, shaking his head. “Maybe you should run for office.”

   “Now you're just getting nasty,” she replied. “If there is anything I can do for you, then I'll be happy to help. I've worn the uniform myself, and I know the sort of pressure you must be under.” With a tired smile, she added, “Besides. Most of the people they have captured are Union members in good standing. I want them back, safe and well.”

   Conway's communicator chirped, and with an embarrassed frown he reached into his pocket, and said, “I'm here. Go ahead.”

   “Can you speak freely?” McCormack asked.

   Conway glanced at Zharkova, who rose from her seat and walked out of her office.

   “Let me know when he's finished playing his little games,” she said.

   “I can talk,” Conway said. “Go ahead.”

   “We've found a direct link from my office to the Prospectors' Union. That's the source of the leak, Captain, and you're sitting right in enemy hands. I've got a squad on the way right now with orders to arrest everyone in the building.”

   “Are you sure about this, Sheriff?”

   “Certain,” he replied. “The hacker confirmed it, and I trust her. We also found evidence that Zharkova contacted the pirates in the early days of the siege, though we haven't been able to find the actual transmissions. Someone's gone in and deleted the relevant files. What's more, there's something else. I dug into her personnel file, and it's been forged. She never served in the Triplanetary Fleet. All part of the cover story, I suppose.”

   “Great. How long will you be?”

   “About five minutes. I'm going to do the arrest myself.”

   Nodding, Conway said, “I'm declaring a special interest in this one, Sheriff. This investigation will be handed by my personnel, as part of an active military operation, and any arrests will be undertaken by me, prisoners to be held on my ship.” Before the protest could begin, he added, “We already know that there are leaks down here. The last thing we need is someone removing evidence. I'm within my authority, and you know it.”

   There was a long pause, and he replied, “The Mayor isn't going to like this, Jack.”

   “You can tell the esteemed Mayor from me that she'll like martial law a hell of a lot less, and remind her that if I was going by the book, the civil administration would be under the direction of one of my officers by now. We're in an area of extreme hazard, and I suggest that she takes a look at the legal definition that implies.”

   He chuckled, and added, “Do you still want us?”

   “Until my people come down from Churchill, but no one is to enter or leave the building without my express authorization.” He paused, and said, “This isn't anything personal, Mac. I just don't want a repeat of the prisoner in the hospital.”

   “At least we might be able to get him interrogated now. I'll be there in a few minutes. And watch out for the Mayor. I don't think she's going to be happy about this, and I'll be damned if she takes it out on me. McCormack out.”

   Taking a deep breath, Conway reached into his pocket, pulling his pistol from his concealed holster, then stepped out into the anteroom, the two women outside turning with a start as they saw the weapon in his hand.

   “What is the…,” Zharkova began.

   “They've found that leak you told me about, from the Sheriff's office to this building,” he began. “They also found evidence that you contacted the pirates.”

   “Of course,” she said. “Just like half a dozen others. I was trying to find out about the status of t
he prisoners, on behalf of their families.” Shaking her head, she said, “I've got the transcripts if you want them.”

   “We're being framed, Anna,” the secretary said. “I told you this would happen.”

   “Who are you working for?” Conway asked. “The truth.”

   “I'm the local representative of the Prospectors' Union, and I'm working for Union members and their families on this colony. Nothing more, nothing less, though as I said I also very much want this colony to be a success. Just as we discussed.” With a deep sigh, she said, “Though I suppose that nothing I am going to say will convince you.”

   “Probably not,” he replied, holstering his weapon. “Fortunately, I have something else up my sleeve. They're claiming that your military service was forged.”

   “What?” she said, raising her voice. “That was three years of hell, and...”

   “You were a shuttle technician at Triton Base, weren't you?”

   “For two miserable years.”

   Pulling out his communicator, he said, “Conway to Mallory, emergency priority.” He flicked on the speaker, turning the volume up to maximum.

   “Mallory here,” the speaker barked, Zharkova's face cringing at the voice. “What's the crisis?”

   “Two things. First of all, I need Dixon, McGuire and half a dozen security technicians down here on the double. All of them armed. I'll be bringing two people up to the ship with me in a few moments, and unless I'm very much mistaken, one of them is an old friend of yours.”

   “Old friend?”

   “Do you remember a Spaceman Zharkova?”

   “That insubordinate space-lawyer? What the hell is she doing down on that planet?”

   Unable to suppress a smile, he said, “That sounds about right, but let's make sure.” Passing across the communicator, he added, “Why don't you say hello?”

   “Lieutenant Mallory?” Zharkova said, tentatively.

   “That's Lieutenant-Captain to you, damn it. I don't know what sort of trouble you've managed to get yourself in, but I'm not going to protect you this time. You can get exactly what you deserve, and not a moment too soon as far as I'm concerned!”

   “Actually,” Conway replied, “You just became her best friend. She's been accused of treason, and there's a planetary warrant for her arrest.”

   “What?” Mallory said, her voice softening. “Jack, she was one of the most irritating subordinates that I ever had the misfortune of dealing with, and no one was happier than me when she decided not to re-enlist, but she'd never betray the Confederation. I know her well enough to tell you that.”

   “As I said,” the secretary said. “They're going to blame everything on us, and use it to support their own agenda.”

   “Get the shuttle on the way, Kat. They'll be up in an hour. Conway out.” Replacing his communicator in his pocket, he looked at the secretary and replied, “For what it's worth, I agree with you. Someone's decided that you're going to make a convenient scapegoat, and stir up some trouble in the colony while they're doing it. What would the local population do if you were arrested on a trumped-up charge of treason?”

   “Demonstrate in the streets,” she said. “Maybe even a strike. If they could do it to me, they could do it to anyone, and the Mayor and her cronies aren't exactly overwhelmingly popular at the moment.” Looking out of the window, she added, “If you'll excuse me, Captain, I really need to make a few calls. Maybe I can smooth things over before Mac arrives.”

   “No need,” he said. “Under Triplanetary law, given the current circumstances, I have the power to take over this investigation, and I officially did so two minutes ago.” At their stunned expressions, he added, “I rather thought I might end up having to do something like this. One of my brighter subordinates spent most of yesterday going through the regulations for me.”

   “I didn't think a knowledge of administrative trivia was in character,” Zharkova replied with a smile. “So, what happens next?”

   “For public consumption, the two of you are under arrest, and will be going up to my ship.” Before they could protest, he added, “Where you will be under no restraint, and be allowed to communicate with anyone you want, though I warn you now that one of my people will be listening in. I trust you, to a degree, but just in case my instincts are wrong, I don't want to take the risk.”

   “I think I see what you're planning,” she replied.

   “Someone down here has managed to frame you, and unless my guess is wrong, they're high up in the civil administration.”

   “Mac?” the secretary asked.

   “I'd have to make him the prime suspect. Let's just say that everything I do down here is going to be for show, rather than with the expectation that we're going to find anything.”

   With a smile, Zharkova said, “But you're going to tear the place apart, just to make sure.”

   “If you were in my place, would you do any different?”

   “No, and I know you've got to make a show of it, but...”

   “We won't keep any records, and we won't interfere with any active cases you have going. I can assure you that we'll keep to the letter of the law as soon as I find out what it is.” Looking at his watch, he said, “Until then, you'll both have to consider yourselves under arrest. The Sheriff will be here in any moment, and we'd better put on a good show for him.”

   “Why should we trust you?” the secretary asked.

   He shrugged, and replied, “I don't think you have much of a choice. Besides, if I'm a traitor, everyone down here is in a lot of trouble already. A little more won't hurt you. Now, I think we'll have the hands up, and you can lead the way down to the street.”

   Shaking her head, she said, “Let me guess, you played 'cops and robbers' when you were a kid.”

   “Yes, but I always played the robbers. And I usually won, as well.”

  Chapter 11

   The shuttle rose to the deck, Mallory watching as the airlock slid open. Two women stepped out, the first, Zharkova, confidently, the other far more tentatively. Zharkova walked up to Mallory, shaking her head and looking around the hangar at the arrayed fighters and shuttles, the technicians furiously working to prepare them for battle.

   “Nothing changes, does it,” Zharkova said. “This is my secretary, Jackie Stone.” She looked at the fighters, frowned, and asked, “Where did you find those antiques? We had better birds out at Triton.”

   Placing her hands on her hips, Mallory replied, “You haven't changed, have you, Spaceman.”

   “Representative, if we're standing on titles. Captain. How does that work, anyway? Having two commanding officers?” Shaking her head, she added, “Do you want to begin the interrogation now, or do we get to rot in a cell first?”

   Shaking her head, Mallory replied, “No cell, and no interrogation. I'll take you to your quarters, and I expect you to remain there until this situation is over.” She paused, then added, “I have been informed that you will be needing to communicate with the surface, and I'll arrange a circuit through the duty officer on the bridge. All of your activities will be monitored, as well as any messages you send.”

   “You know, I'm still current with shuttle and fighter maintenance. I don't spend all of my time in the office. If you want some help down here.”

   Chief Cruz glanced at Mallory, who replied, “No, I think we have enough people to handle everything without your assistance. Come with me.” She led the way through the double doors, turning right down the corridor, the others following behind.

   “Congratulations, by the way,” Zharkova said. “On your promotion. It's about time.”

   “I'd have thought you would be the last person to complement me for that.”

   “Has it occurred to you that I might have changed a little over the last, what was it, seven years? Besides, you were better than most of the empty uniforms on that base. You still cared about what you were doing.
”

   “How did you two meet?” Stone asked.

   “I had the distinct misfortune to be this insubordinate fool's commanding officer at Triton Station, and she took up more of my time than anyone else in my work crews. That you managed to reach Spaceman First Class before you left the Fleet was a minor miracle.” Turning to look at her, she said, “I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by your current career path. You spent enough time complaining back at the junkyard.”

   “Triton Station,” Zharkova said, “was generally known as a place where careers went to die. I think I'd already talked my way out of the military long before I was assigned there. How long were you stuck there, Captain? Five years, wasn't it?”

   “Four and a half.” Shaking her head, she gestured at a door, and said, “We're here. Standard junior officer's quarters. I'm afraid you're going to have to share.” Tapping a control, she stepped inside, and said, “It's cramped, but I had them put a second bunk in here. With any luck, you'll be off my ship in a few hours. Lieutenant Finch will be contacting you in a few minutes to set up your communications link.”

   “Thank you,” Zharkova replied, sitting down on the bed. “You know, as strange as it might seem, it's good to see you again. I learned a lot from you, back in the day.”

   “And you're still as a big a troublemaker as you were then.”

   “Wait a minute,” Stone said. “You're being unfair. She's done more for the…”

   “Don't bother,” Zharkova interrupted, shaking her head. “I've already sinned enough for Captain Mallory. I don't think anything you say is going to make a bit of difference.” Looking up at her, she added, “It's still true, though. I actually looked up to you, though I know I had an odd way of showing it.”

   An alarm sounded before Mallory could reply, and she sprinted down the corridor towards the bridge. The alert siren rang through the corridors, and she dashed past a cluster of technicians making their way to their duty stations, almost colliding with a wayward crewmen as she slid through the doors, Sullivan rising from the command chair as she entered.