Assault on Cambriol: The Manhattan Trials

by Jerry Borrowman

  “What is it, Commander? Somehow I don’t think I’ll like it,” said Wilkerson.

  “How would I get close to this aspirant to the throne—really close; close enough to touch him?”

  “I think that’s virtually impossible unless we discover where he’s hiding and storm the place. That would not go down well on the social network.”

  Magill shook his head slowly. “That’s what I thought. So we’ll have to do it another way.”

  Lansing sat back down. “Tell me what you’re thinking. I need to know quickly.”

  Magill looked up, resolve forming on his features. “I can’t tell you my plan, Prime Minister. If I’m wrong it would discredit you. I need to go in there on my own, taking my chances that my hunch is right.”

  “And if it’s wrong?” asked Wilkerson.

  “Then you two will have to figure this out on your own, because I will very likely not come out of it alive.”

  “What is it? You’ve got to tell us.” Lansing was impatient now.

  “No. If you let me do this it may save the situation. I honestly don’t see any other way.”

  “But how will you get close to this man—particularly without our help?”

  Magill bit his lower lip. “Because I will publicly disavow you and say that I am sympathetic to the Loyalist revolt.”

  “What?” said the two in unison. Then, Lansing, “No way, that would shake our coalition completely.” In trying to get that out he competed with Wilkerson’s, “There’s no way; it would completely discredit Kalenden in future negotiations.”

  Magill held up his hand to quiet them. “You’ll both have to disavow me publicly. I’ll disappear into the underground and I promise that they’ll find me. The chance to have a Kalenden delegate on their side will prove irresistible, and once I’m in I can execute my plan. Remember, I’m adopted into a second class family – maybe natural born to the third class.”

  “How will we know if you’re successful?” Wilkerson was truly shaken at this point.

  Magill smiled. “If I’m successful the whole planet will know it – at least if PM Lansing will let me switch protocols on my personal assistant with one of your clear channel ones.”

  Lansing glanced down at his assistant. “You mean you’d send a signal out to the entire network at once?”

  Magill nodded. “If I’m right, I can discredit this movement completely. But to do so I’ve got to infiltrate them first.”

  “But we’ll send in someone anonymous. You’re not the only one who can do this. And with your feet…”

  “I’m the only one who will gain instant acceptance because of my notoriety. It could take months for a non-descript operative to gain their confidence.”

  Lansing sat back in his chair, tipped his head back, and rubbed his forehead with his fingers.

  “But if you’re wrong…”

  “If I’m wrong, I will disappear into obscurity. You’ll find another way to maintain control and I’ll be a footnote in history.”

  “But why would you do this, Sean? You’re putting everything on the line—your life and your reputation.”

  “Because there is much more than the success or failure of the United Governing Coalition at stake here. If the Loyalists succeed in upsetting the revolution the second and third class families on Alturus, and maybe even Kalenden will be outraged. I’m absolutely certain that there will be elements on both planets that believe the Alturian royalty was behind the coup, and that will completely destabilize things there. What happens on Keswick will not stay on Keswick. So the stakes are too high to take a risk.”

  “And you’d risk your own life?” asked Lansing.

  “You both have—why should I do any less?”

  “And how do I know you are not truly defecting?” Lansing’s eyes narrowed.

  Magill raised his hand to silence Wilkerson’s indignant response. “You will have to decide for yourself if I’ve done anything to suggest betrayal. All I have is what you see.”

  Lansing took a deep breath, turned to Wilkerson who nodded. “I never really questioned your loyalty, but I had to ask.” He took a deep breath. “Alright then, we’ll have to trust you to implement your idea. But we’re going to record the fact that this is an espionage mission and if you don’t make it out we will not let your name be tarnished. We will not do that.”

  “You’ll have to for a while,” replied Sean. “Otherwise the population will think that it was your idea and they will be furious with you.” When they started to protest he cut them short, “It’s alright. I’ll die someday, anyway. And, when the records are released, however many years from now, people will either think me heroic or traitorous depending on who ultimately wins control here.” He smiled. “Which means that if I’m one day to be exonerated you two have to maintain control!”

  No one laughed. Wilkerson felt sick to his stomach, and said so. But he knew they must proceed. “Alright then, how do we make it happen?”

  “Well, the most important thing is this. If you get the signal that I hope to send, then that’s when you send in the Cavalry with guns blazing, if necessary. The moment the message goes out I will be in trouble.”

  “Where do you come up with these homilies?” asked Wilkerson. “Cavalry and guns blazing?”

  “Doesn’t anyone around here like ancient history?” He paused, but neither replied. “Just be prepared to move in fast. I’ll need you.”

  13– Manhattan Trials

  The celebration on the shuttlecraft was nothing compared to what awaited them at the observation platform that evening. The first two hours after their landing was spent in intense debriefing at Sector Control, followed by an impromptu parade down Broadway, where the crowds were jubilant. Fortunately, the bad weather had eased and everyone was festive again.

  The shuttle crew made the trip north, up Park Avenue, to the Guggenheim. A line of dignitaries, wanting to have their picture taken with members of the crew, made them instant celebrities. Even the Allegro’s passengers were sought after for their first-hand account of events, since it wasn’t not every day that members of the Quadrant Council and CEO’s of more than four dozen of the Quadrant’s largest corporations nearly lost their lives.

  Both Eaves and Carter had grown up in influential families, so the idea of a reception wasn’t as intimidating to them as to other members of the crew, but it was hard for them to concentrate when so many people were trying to get their attention. Twice Eaves saw Captain Jesik in the distance, but was never able to make his way over to talk with him. Finally, after nearly two hours of mingling, the crowd eased a bit and he was able to move to the side of the room where Jesik motioned for him to bring Carter to him. As they came closer, Eaves saw Colonel Kensington standing next to Jesik and he didn’t look happy. What now?

  Jesik ushered them into a small conference room and closed the door. Brighton and O’Casey were already there, looking sullen. Kensington told them to sit down and puffed himself up to deliver what was obviously a well-rehearsed speech.

  “You two are to be commended for saving the observation platform. I can’t deny you acted with great presence of mind. Some call it brilliant, which is clearly an exaggeration, since all you did was your duty. Still, I believe in giving credit where it’s due.”

  Carter shifted uneasily in his chair, wondering what the next “but” was going to bring.

  “However, having acknowledged your contribution, I have to express the shame I feel for the callous attempt on your part to win the competition through subterfuge and deceit.”

  “What subterfuge?” Carter nudged Eaves’ knee under the table. There was no sense stirring Kensington up even more.

  “The modifications you made to your ship placed all the other competitors at a disadvantage, enabling you to win at their expense.

  “But, Sir, we did nothing that was outside the rules!”

  “Of course not. But as gentlemen you should know that the spirit of the games are far more important than t
he actual outcome. We are a planet of time-honored traditions and as members of the best families you should know that. Instead you’ve brought shame on your service and your own good names.”

  Eaves was ready to jump up and hit Kensington, but Carter grabbed his leg so hard Eaves let out a small yelp.

  “Sir, the Lieutenants were simply attempting to give the very best performance they were capable of.”

  “So, Jesik, you were part of this shameless conspiracy? Why am I not surprised?”

  “Captain Jesik and Mister O’Casey had no idea of these modifications, Sir, so they bear no responsibility.”

  “Even worse, Mr. Eaves. It’s inconceivable that you would deceive your leaders or that they would be so…”

  Eaves attempted to interrupt again, but Kensington cut him off sharply.

  “So, Lieutenant, the honorable course is to disqualify yourself from the competition and issue an apology for what you’ve done. I’m sure your popularity will overshadow the deceit and perhaps even allow you to one day advance in the service. Of course Allegro will not be allowed to engage in the games for a very long time.”

  Just then a young Lieutenant stuck his head in the door. Kensington turned on him with a fury, “Can’t you see we’re in an important conference. Close the door immediately!”

  “Begging your pardon, Sir, but Admiral Showalter wishes to speak to the crew of the Allegro shuttlecraft, as well as their commanding officers.”

  The Lieutenant pushed the door open all the way, as Kensington moved back against the whiteboard behind him. Admiral Showalter, acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the highest ranking officer in Space Fleet Command, entered the room, accompanied by Commodore Park, head of Shuttle of Service and General Josephs, chief of Homeland Security. Everyone rose and saluted. Kensington attempted to say something, but Admiral Showalter went straight to Jesik and shook his hand.

  “Jesik, congratulations to you and your crew on a magnificent performance at the trials today. What a splendid example of courage and ingenuity.” Then turning to the two Lieutenants he said, “It turns out that I owe my life to you two and your crew. I was aboard the observation platform. On behalf of everyone there, please accept our thanks.”

  Carter’s face flushed and Eaves averted his eyes as he took the Admiral’s hand. Continuing, the Admiral said, “I knew your father at the Academy, Lieutenant Eaves. A very solid person, but I didn’t get the sense that he was as unorthodox as you are.”

  “No, Sir, he isn’t. I’m afraid I’ve caused him some sleepless nights throughout the years.”

  “Well, he should be proud today. Your handling of the shuttlecraft was superb, the best I’ve ever seen.”

  Kensington was quiet, but the smoldering look in his eyes indicated the battle wasn’t over.

  Admiral Showalter continued. “The reason I interrupted your meeting is that my two associates have some urgent business to conduct with you. Commodore…”

  “Thank you, Admiral. Please accept my congratulations as well. As far as I can tell that’s the first time in history a shuttle has used its anti-gravity-membranes to control another ship. It was simply brilliant.”

  That did it! Kensington couldn’t stand it any longer. He wanted to be acknowledged as the first to recognize their affront to the rules of the games, so he interrupted.

  “Their rescue was indeed remarkable, Commodore, but I was in the process of explaining to the Lieutenants how their modifications to the shuttlecraft were entirely out of harmony with the spirit of the games and I was urging them to withdraw from the competition. Of course the ultimate responsibility for their behavior falls on Captain Jesik.” He attempted to show the gravity of the situation, while suppressing his obvious pleasure at jabbing Jesik.

  “Withdraw from the competition?” asked Park in an incredulous voice. “Why would they withdraw from the competition? Their performance today was in the best tradition of the games.”

  The statement completely discomfited Kensington, whose satisfaction turned slowly to horror. “But, Sir, they violated time honored traditions of keeping the competition equal.”

  “Ah,” said Park, “there’s the old ‘let’s keep it civil’ approach. Also, the safe way to mediocrity.” Turning from Kensington to Eaves and Carter he said, “I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but the original purpose of the Shuttle Trials was to foster a spirit of innovation in the service. The earliest contests were absolute nightmares for everyone involved; passengers, crew and the ships they docked with. The trials were envisioned as a way to encourage teams to think outside the usual and to come up with ways to use the shuttles more effectively. Some of our greatest advances came as a result of secret modifications made for the trials. For example, moving the passenger compartment to the center of the ship where there’s less turbulence was one. One year, a ship added stewards and the four-panel membrane came about as a result of a ship crashing when hit by a wind-shear.”

  Turning back to Kensington he continued, “Colonel, I’m sure your motives are well-intentioned, but in this instance these lieutenants did exactly what was expected of them. In fact, I’m here to request the services of Lieutenant Eaves and Carter to help us redesign the entire shuttle fleet and take advantage of their twelve-panel membrane. And the thrusters are such an obvious and inexpensive modification, it’s embarrassing we didn’t think of it before. How’d you come up with this, Lieutenant?”

  Eaves looked bewildered, since the conversation had taken such a considered turn from Kensington’s assault. It was hard to know where to start. But fast thinking was an Eaves specialty, and quickly collecting his thoughts, he replied, “Actually, Sir, dividing the panel was an idea I thought of in one of Chief O’Casey’s training sessions. He compared the shuttle to a giant leaf floating through the sky, flexing with the wind. One day on the simulator I was having a hard time keeping the passenger compartment stable while dealing with high wind. As a fighter pilot I wanted to continually correct for it, but Mr. O’Casey’s leaf analogy came to mind and I kept my hands off the control. His advice worked. By letting the ship flutter a bit, we avoided being flipped, but it was still uncomfortable. Then I thought about actual leaves falling. When they’re old and brittle, they drop much faster and in a less controlled fashion than when they’re fresh and supple. I realized that if I could somehow add additional flexibility to the ship, it would be much easier to control in high winds. That’s when I did what I always do when confronted by a complex problem.” He flashed one of his trademark smiles.

  “Which is?” asked Park.

  “I turned it over to Lieutenant Carter to do the calculations. He’s a genius when it comes to the computer and after only three days he came up with the basic programming to subdivide the panels. After that, we worked on developing the full code at night, in our cabins.”

  “You were doing all that under my nose?” O’Casey growled. “Why didn’t you tell me what you were up to?”

  “No offense, Mr. O’Casey, but if this failed I didn’t want to put you at risk. Plus, you can sometimes be intimidating and ….” It was clear O’Casey didn’t want to hear where this conversation was going.

  “I think we get the picture, Lieutenant,” said Parks. “So the entire division was handled by computer?”

  Eaves looked at Carter, who asserted, “Yes, Sir. Although it would be much easier for a pilot to control if there were hardwire separations, rather than virtual.” Park nodded to indicate his understanding.

  “What about the thrusters?”

  “That was easy. I’m basically a fighter pilot and it drove me nuts not having the ability to execute quick changes when needed. Since we didn’t need a whole bunch of additional maneuverability, I figured small thrusters would give me insurance against unusual events.”

  “I seriously doubt you ever contemplated events as unusual these. Without the thrusters, you never could have controlled both ships. That saved the day. That and the pulsing maneuver you used to
control the building as it drew near. Our engineering team was astounded that you pulled that off.”

  Admiral Showalter broke into the conversation. “Speaking of being a fighter pilot, Lieutenant, I’ve been concerned that your attention to the shuttle competition may have interfered with your skills in a fighter. Has this competition changed your career path?”

  “Actually, Sir, I believe I’ll be a better fighter pilot than before for a couple of reasons. First, all the homework I’ve had to do has given me a much better understanding of aerodynamics, which should make it easier to control my fighter in the atmosphere. Plus, Captain Jesik intervened and required me to spend at least two hours each day in a fighter simulator, to make certain I kept those skills current.”

  “You mean that after six to ten hours a day, I made you fly in the shuttle simulator, you flew a fighter simulator for another two?” said O’Casey, a guilty tinge to his voice.

  “Yes, Sir. In fact, when Commander Brighton chastised us for using other names to get into the simulators, it was actually to obey Captain Jesik’s orders.” At that, Brighton’s face colored slightly.

  Turning to Brighton, he said “You were right to throw us out those last three days. Carter and I were exhausted and the break gave us the edge we needed.”

  “Obviously, from what I’ve heard, the entire Allegro command was interested in your success.” Looking around at the group, the Commodore added. “Well done, all of you. And thanks on behalf of the shuttle service. ”

  Everyone relaxed, except Kensington, who stood back.

  General Josephs interrupted, “Gentlemen, we have some urgent business to get started on.”

  “Yes, sorry,” Park continued. “Captain Jesik, can you release Lieutenants Eaves and Carter to work with us while you’re refitting. I believe you’re scheduled for three months.”

  “Of course, Sir. We’ll be glad to provide whatever support possible.”

  “Excellent. Also, in view of the Lieutenants’ praise for Mr. O’Casey’s training, perhaps you will help me renew an old appeal that he assume leadership of the In-Flight Training Wing of the Shuttle Academy.”