Tara responded darkly, “By all means. Pose your questions.”
“We have, in our native language, interrogated our assistant about what happened in the throne room. Now we would like to hear your version.”
Tara explained that they had slipped into the room, recounted the various troops there and reported that the Palace Guard turned their weapons on the family and all others in the room.
“But, why would the family’s own guard turn on them and then the foreigners?”
Magill spoke up, “Because they intend to turn Kalenden against Alturus!”
Tara turned to him with a flash in her eyes. “What do you mean by that?”
Magill glanced at LeMons, who indicated for him to continue.
“If I’m right, everyone in that room is dead now, including the Palace Guards. They must have been rebel sympathizers who were sacrificed after completing their assignment. By killing the Royal Family, they effectively ended the monarchy. But their leaders know that Loyalist elements would continue the fight, perhaps for years, seeking to return an heir to the throne. But if the rebels make it appear an outside force was involved in the murders, they can unite the populace against the external threat. My guess is that after we disappeared, rebel forces entered the Crown Room, killed any Alturians that remained alive, then murdered the Palace Guards so there are no witnesses. They’ve probably already announced that the Alturians killed their monarch and loyal Palace Guards. They will have expressed sympathy and remorse that the family was killed, proclaiming their own innocence.”
“That’s ridiculous,” said Tara, “everyone knows the rebels were planning to attack the palace.”
“Yes, but the people would like to believe it was only to place the royals in protective custody until a new power-sharing arrangement was worked out—one that was more fair to everyone. That way they can avoid more battles.”
“But, why would they claim Alturians were responsible – why not the Loyalists themselves, or Kalenden?”
LeMons motioned Magill to continue.
“If I’m right, the answer is that the Alturian Royal Family has hereditary ties to the Keswick Royal family and there are some grudges that go back centuries. If the rebels can make it look like this was an Alturian plot to finish an old blood feud, they can stir up more anti-royal feelings on Alturus, making it appear that Alturus is making a grab for the orchidite mines. That way, they can draw Kalenden into a war with Alturus. The chaos that would inevitably follow, along with an increased demand for orchidite to fuel the warships, will only strengthen the rebel’s hands.”
Tara was having none of it. “It makes no sense. While it’s true that the royal families of Keswick and Alturus haven’t been close for many years, there’s no hidden animosity. And there are no rebel elements on Alturus to appeal to!”
Eaves cleared his throat and said, “I’m afraid you may be mistaken, Captain. In my last communication with the Allegro, Captain Jesik warned me that an Alturian freighter had been used to attack the Allegro. Apparently it was under the control of an Alturian rebel group.”
Tara slumped against the wall and put her hands to her temples.
After a few moments of an embarrassed silence, LeMons spoke up. “Captain Carling, it appears to me that Lieutenant Magill has analyzed the problem correctly. The official news networks are reporting that a group of Alturians attacked the Royal Family and killed their guard, just as Mr. Magill predicted. The rebels claimed they entered the palace too late to prevent the devastation, because they were detained by Alliance fighters at the city’s perimeter. The rebel Coalition also claims it knew all along that an outside government was plotting against Keswick, which is why they started the rebellion. And now, for the protection of the people, they’ve proclaimed martial law.”
“What about the Alturian warships in orbit? Aren’t the rebels worried about them?” Tara expressed defiantly.
Eaves answered. “They’ve been stalemated by the attack on the Allegro. For the Alturian forces to make any hostile move whatsoever, Fleet Command would immediately attack. So, the rebel’s plan has already had an effect.”
Tara sighed. “So, my planet is to be drawn into a war with both Keswick and Kalenden. It’s a great story these rebels tell. Yet, those of us in this tunnel are eyewitnesses that it’s all a lie.”
“Eyewitnesses who, if discovered, could ruin everything for the rebels. Captain, if the rebels know we’re alive, we’re in mortal danger. They have to kill us to maintain their story.”
“Then what do you suggest, Lieutenant Magill?”
Magill felt the sting in her voice. Obviously his comments had irritated her, but he knew he was right and ignoring the truth would increase their risk.
“First of all, I think we’ve got some time. Since all those who saw us in the room died, no one saw our escape. But, they may know we’re missing and will have spies out looking for Alturians and Kalendens. And with my feet and Lieutenant Eaves’ arm, we’ll be easy to spot. What we need is to get back to our ships. But without control of the atmosphere, I don’t see how we can get past planetary defenses. Perhaps we can contact the Allegro or your ship and hope for a rescue.”
“Captain,” Eaves broke in, “If Sean is right, there’s no time for a rescue mission. We must escape and I have an idea – maybe not a good one – but with luck it might work.”
Tara’s voice softened, “From my conversations with Lieutenant Magill, it sounds as though your ideas, improbable as they often are, often seem to work out. Tell us.”
“First, we’ll need help. Mr. LeMons, are there any remaining Loyalists that you can trust?”
“There are many of us, although no one will be able to admit it publicly, now.”
“Good. Here’s what we’d need to pull this off.”
6 – A Painfully Slow Escape Attempt
“Captain, We’re receiving an interesting broadcast from the Keswick Palace.”
“Put it up on the monitor, please, Mr. Williams.”
“… therefore, in view of the unprovoked attack by Alturian forces which resulted in the death of the Royal Family and their Palace Guard, the rebel Coalition has taken control of all government bureaus and their administrative functions…”
Jesik settled into his seat and wondered what else could happen in this strange war.
“Mr. Williams, you must try to establish communications with our ground forces now! If we need to destroy a jamming tower, feed the coordinates to Mr. Gentry, who is authorized to take immediate action.”
Williams had never been given that kind of assignment before, so he quickly set to plotting the point of contact for the jamming equipment and fed the data to Gentry.
“We have the coordinates, Captain.”
“Then fire, Mr. Gentry. Your choice – warheads or lasers.”
A brilliant beam stabbed the planet’s atmosphere, broke off, then reappeared at a slightly different angle as the beam focused on a second target.
“The jamming towers have been destroyed, Sir.”
Jesik listened as Williams hailed Kalenden troops on all frequencies. Before any could reply, an urgent message came from the planet surface.
“A Mr. Lansing from the Rebel Coalition, Sir. Should I patch him through to your station?”
“No, put him on the main monitor.”
A face appeared on the viewer, ruggedly handsome and clearly upset.
“Kalenden ship Allegro, we demand to know why you have taken hostile action against this planet!”
“Because, Mr. Lansing, you’ve been blocking our communications with the surface since this battle began. We will not tolerate your interference any longer.” He didn’t need to add, “and what do you want to do about it?” even though that’s what everyone on the bridge was thinking.
“Captain, we apologize for the disruption. As you may have heard, the Alturians have destroyed our Royal Family and we felt we needed to secure our position without interference. Of course you are free
to communicate with your troops, since we believe we now share a common interest in preventing an Alturian take-over of the orchidite mines.”
“I am aware of your claims of Alturian interference. But, at this point, I consider those unsubstantiated charges, in need of further investigation.”
“Investigation, Captain? Was it not an Alturian vessel that attacked you? How much investigation do you require before you protect innocent lives?”
“We’ll be in touch, Mr. Lansing, but for now I need a report from my ground troops. Any information you have on prisoners will be greatly appreciated. Please transmit it to my First Officer, Brighton. Jesik out.”
Jesik was furious. No one on the bridge dared approach him.
“Mr. Williams, where are our ground troops?”
“I have contact with Major Wilkerson, who wishes to speak to you privately, Sir.”
“I’ll take it in my day cabin.”
“Sir, Admiral Rameira is also hailing us.”
“Give the Admiral my regards and my regrets that I can’t talk to him for a few moments. Please indicate I’ll return his hail momentarily. Commander Brighton, please join me.” Jesik left the bridge without returning any salutes.
“What’s your status, Wilkerson? What’s happened to our troops?”
Wilkerson looked exhausted and grimy from battle. “I haven’t been able to connect with our troops at the mines, but it’s pretty grim here in the city. The blast on our base camp wiped out more than 90% of our troops. The rest of us managed to move to the city, where we’ve been directing both alliance and Loyalist troops. This morning the rebels launched an attack on our position, a rather feeble one, but enough to keep us tied down. Then we received word of the assault on the Royal Family and the rebels have since taken the city from inside. They were well prepared with a fifth column infiltrated among the population.”
“Are you telling me we had no one in the palace?”
“We had two units inside, one group of fifteen that was wiped out by rebel forces making their way to the throne room. The other group, if you’d call it that, was your three Lieutenants and an Alturian Captain. Their bodies have not been found, so I can’t report on their status.”
“What is your current situation?”
“We’re still in our position, but surrounded by rebel forces. When word was received that the Royal Family was dead, the Loyalists laid down their arms. Effectively we’re prisoners-of-war.”
“I’ll be making contact with the rebel Coalition shortly and negotiate your return to the ship. In the meantime, insist on your rights. For the moment it appears that the rebels wish to make us their allies against the Alturians. While I’m not sure how that will play out, it should work to your advantage in the short term.”
Wilkerson could be seen reaching to turn off his communicator when Jesik added, “By the way, Major, you have my deepest regrets for the loss of your men. I appreciate your courage and theirs against these odds.”
Wilkerson nodded at the recognition.
“Mr. Williams, please hail Admiral Rameira.” The request was immediately acknowledged.
“Admiral, reports from the planet indicate Alturian complicity in the deaths of the Royal Family. Please explain what happened.”
“Yes, Captain and reports from our fighters indicate that Kalenden fighters openly attacked our airships. It’s been a confusing day, at best.”
For the next forty minutes Jesik, Brighton, and Rameira attempted to sort out what happened. The rebels had prevented any surviving Alturians from communicating with their ship, holding them as hostages, so, Rameira had no hard information to provide. Although he doubted that Alturians had taken part in the murder, he admitted that it was a possibility. It was clear there was provocation for either side to act against the other, but in the end they agreed to give the situation a bit more time. Jesik made it clear, though, that any attack by the Alturians would be met by an immediate response from the Kalenden ships. Rameira ended the conversation with a request for Jesik to assist in protecting the remaining Alturians on the surface and showed particular interest in a female captain named Carling.
Finally, Jesik hailed Lansing of the Rebel Coalition.
“Captain Jesik here, Mr. Lansing. Have you had a chance to gather the information we requested?”
“We have, Captain Jesik. You have 200 survivors at the orchidite mines. Fortunately, the miners have abandoned their plans to sabotage the mines, particularly since the Coalition governing board has followed through on its promise to increase their salaries by more than forty percent.”
“A very shrewd accommodation, Mr. Lansing. I assume you’ll be arranging for the return transport of our troops as soon as possible?”
“There’s something of a problem, Captain. There’s an Alturian officer who was in the palace at the time of the assault who remains unaccounted for. She was accompanied by a Lieutenant from Alturus with disabled legs and two Kalendens. We’re concerned that your people may be hostages, so we’re scouring the palace and grounds, as we speak, in an attempt to locate them. Until then, we think it better to not let any ships leave the surface.”
“Are you holding my men as prisoners, then?”
“As guests, Captain. We’re a small planet and have no desire to engage you Kalendens in hostilities. You’re our best orchidite customer, so I hope you’ll be a bit patient with us while we establish order here.”
“Patient yes, tolerant no. You have twelve hours. Then transport must begin. In the meantime, I have determined it is not in our best interest to take any hostile action against the Alturians. I advise you to show restraint as well.”
Lansing was obviously irritated to be spoken to this way. After all, he’d just won the battle of a lifetime. But he agreed to Jesik’s terms and ended the conversation as gracefully as possible.
“So, Tom, what do you think?”
“Well, Sir, it’s obvious we’re being lied to, either by the Alturians or the rebels. It can’t be both ways. We also know we have more than 200 people on the planet’s surface. So, I think you’ve adopted the right course for the moment. My fear is for Magill, Eaves and Carter. It sounds like two of them are with the Alturian Captain and the other is missing. I don’t know why, but somehow I sense they’re in danger.”
“Either that or they are dead. Assuming the positive, they must have some role in this, the rebels wouldn’t be concerned about them.”
Inasmuch as there wasn’t anything they could do at the moment, Jesik stood and moved to his food console. He poured himself a soft drink and took a handful of crackers. Brighton accepted a cup of herbal tea and settled into his seat.
“By the way, we haven’t had a chance to talk about your trip to Stirium. I don’t mean to pry, but were you able to make the progress you hoped for.”
“It went far better than I hoped for, Captain. Once this is settled, I’d like to talk to you about it more.” Jesik was about to pursue the topic further when the overhead speaker crackled to life.
“Captain Jesik, Colonel Kensington has made an Esper contact and demands to speak with you.”
Jesik sighed, “Put him through.” At this distance it would be an audio conversation only.
“Jesik, I’ve been monitoring status reports and it sounds to me like you have a royal mess up there. For pity’s sake man, an Alturian ship attacked you, the Alturians have murdered the Royal Family and there’s nothing to show you’ve taken any action. Just how much provocation does it take to move you to action?”
“Colonel, I’ve been in almost constant contact with Admiral Rameira on the Princeton, have attacked and destroyed the rebel jamming towers and spoken to the rebel Coalition about our ground troops. The situation is well in control.”
“In control? It’s obvious to everyone but you that the Alturians intend to take Keswick and leave us out in the cold. You should launch a counter-attack immediately to neutralize the threat!”
Although he couldn’t see Kensington
’s face, he could picture it easily enough, flushed and sweaty.
“With all due respect, Sir, I can initiate an interplanetary war with Alturus immediately, or I can wait twelve hours to do it. By waiting, there’s a chance that we’ll have enough intelligence to make an informed choice, rather than a reactionary one. As you know, I accepted this assignment on condition I have plenipotentiary powers, so as not to be obligated to refer to Kalenden as I make my decisions.”
Brighton shook his head in amazement. He knew that Jesik was perfectly aware that Kensington had fought the delegation of authority with everything he had and was furious that Jesik had won. Now, to throw it back at him was adding insult to injury. I hope the Captain knows what he’s doing?
“I’m well aware of the extent and limits of your authority, Captain. I only caution you that there are many opportunities in this conflict and I hope you’re not being too timid to capitalize on them. Kensington out!”
“It’s easy to be brave when you’re three months away from the scene of battle,” muttered Jesik under his breath.
“He gave in rather easily.”
“Don’t underestimate him, Commander. That was just a warning shot across the bow. He was letting me know he’s busy telling everyone I’m a coward who’s afraid to engage the enemy. Believe me, he’s doing his best to have my authority to act independently withdrawn.”
“The Colonel isn’t a very pleasant man, is he, Sir?”
“You don’t know the half of it, Tom, and I hope things work out so you never have to feel the full force of his wrath.”
Brighton wanted to pursue this, but Jesik quickly added, “That will be all for the moment. Please see to the repairs and make certain we have staff assigned to monitor all planetary broadcasts for information we can obtain about our missing people.”
“Of course, Captain. I’ve got double teams assigned to all monitoring stations. I’ll keep you informed as new intelligence is gathered.
* * *
Mr. LeMons commented, “Captain Carling, the rebel Coalition is aware of your existence and is anxious to search you out. Inter-palace communications are abuzz with orders to find you and the young Lieutenants. From what I gather, the rebels have grounded all ships to make certain you don’t escape. And the tone of the orders has angered the Kalendens, who wish their remaining troops returned to their ships.”
Assault on Cambriol: The Manhattan Trials Page 13