“And what is your assessment of the long-term prospects of this government?”
“I don’t think they’ll have any real trouble hanging on. The people love that the government is open to public input.”
“And the things you said in support of Mr. Lansing had to help…”
Magill looked surprised.
“I’ve been thoroughly briefed. It was a very courageous thing for you to do. I’m glad that your life was spared.”
“Me, too. Although it was a matter of seconds. I thought the Loyalists would keep me alive as a bargaining chip, but when their leader went berserk I was pretty scared.”
“Which adds to the valor—it wouldn’t be bravery if a person weren’t frightened.”
Magill blushed and then continued, as if the previous two paragraphs hadn’t been discussed, “ I think the biggest danger to Keswick comes from Alturus. I understand there’s a much more powerful underground movement there than anyone anticipated. The second and third-class families see what’s happening here, in spite of an official government news blackout and there’s quite a bit of agitation. The social networks get past the blocking, as they always do. The main problem is that if the Alturian monarchy clamps down at home, they’ll likely accompany it with an invasion here, to stop the rebel movement once and for all. I believe that’s Mr. Lansing’s biggest concern. If he moves too slowly on promised reforms, he comes under criticism from his own party, but if he becomes aggressive in breaking up the old class structure, the Alturians go crazy. He has a high-wire act to perform and I think it’s wearing on him. I get the feeling there’s a lot of illegal correspondence going on between some of the rebel cells here and their counterparts on Alturus.”
Colonel Wilkerson entered. “Sorry I’m late. There’s trouble at the mines. The workers want a pay raise immediately and have taken the position that it’s the government’s fault for caving in to the Alturian and Kalenden demands. So, we’re in a diplomatic battle again.
“Perhaps this is one for Colonel Kensington to cut his diplomatic teeth on,” said Jesik. They had a good laugh at that.
From then on the dinner discussion picked up from where Jesik and Magill left it. It was obvious that Wilkerson enjoyed his association with Magill and was going to miss him when he left for Alturus.
Jesik was grateful for the briefing when he met with John Lansing the following morning. Lansing looked tired, but had the same, powerful drive that allowed him to dominate a conversation without being overbearing. He was wise enough to first make plans for the official reception of Colonel Kensington the upcoming weekend, personally extending the invitation. Kensington was pleased to have the Prime Minister himself make the call and humbly accepted. Lansing dispatched his aides to quickly issue invitations to all foreign delegations, as well as to the cabinet and chief government ministers. In a remarkable display of organizational skill, he planned the outline of a formal reception, dinner and entertainment in fewer than thirty minutes, then put it aside. He and Jesik discussed the terrorist attacks at the Manhattan Trials.
“While the news reports are sketchy, I understand it was the skill of your crew that halted the terrorist attacks on your home planet. Congratulations on your leadership.”
“I wish I could take credit, Prime Minister, but it was Lieutenant Eaves’ quick reactions that saved the day.” Lansing nodded in understanding. After all, Eaves had escaped Keswick from under the rebels’ noses.
“I wish to get directly to the point, Captain. We were not aware of the Kalenden terrorist attacks until after they occurred. From what our intelligence has gathered the splinter group here on Keswick, which sent the fighter had broken off from our party long before our rebellion had taken place. Apparently we weren’t nearly radical enough for them since we were content to focus our ambitions on Keswick, while they wanted to foment rebellion everywhere. I hope Kalenden will not hold our government responsible.”
“Nothing of that kind has been said to me,” replied Jesik. “But please tell me, what do you believe is the group’s ultimate objective?”
“As far as I can tell, it’s to destroy all hereditary rights of property ownership, government service and social class distinction throughout all populated star systems. They and the half dozen or so groups like them, are utopian in their ambitions and ruthless in their execution. They say they want to make the galaxy better for all people, no matter how many they hurt or murder in getting there.”
“And where do you personally stand regarding their exporting revolution? After all, you were quite ruthless in your decision to use nuclear weapons to achieve your objectives.”
Lansing gave Jesik a piercing look, trying to judge how far he could trust him. After an extended pause, he continued. “Our party would eventually like to see greater unity among the leading planets of this system. We believe to accomplish that, all people must be allowed to participate in the processes of their government. Having said that, we also respect the sovereignty of Alturus and Keswick and have no interest in stirring up trouble there. It’s taking much of our energy just to manage the transition here, so why would we take on the added burden of interfering on your planet?”
“Perhaps because idealists are never content as long as injustice exists anywhere.”
“I think, Captain, that both Colonel Wilkerson and Lieutenant Commander Magill will tell you that I’m more pragmatic than idealistic. I’m perfectly content to take things one step at a time and right now that means focusing on Keswick.”
Jesik sat back in his chair, an indicator that he was content with Lansing’s answer, even though he didn’t address the implications of the nuclear attack.
“To what degree can you provide assurances to our government, as well as to the leaders on Alturus?”
“Well, that’s where the serious discussion has to take place. I think Lieutenant Commander Magill is best suited to tell you the depth of antipathy that many of my second and third-class advisers feel about our aiding a monarchy or class-divided culture anywhere. It is an anachronism to exclude the talent and skill of second and third-class families and to my advisers it seems almost criminal that we help either Kalenden or Alturus. Their attitude, too, is that if a revolution is brewing on either planet, let it go forward with our blessing, but not with our help.”
“But you will oppose those elements?”
Lansing nodded. “Right now we need a stable relationship with both planets, not a blockade or invasion. I don’t sense that Kalenden is nearly as volatile as Alturus, so I’ve focused most of my energies there. There is limited intelligence I can share with the Alturians, although not through formal diplomatic channels. They’re far too leaky to trust. As to Kalenden, you know everything we do about the Keswick participation in the terrorist attacks. To my knowledge, it was an isolated incident by a relatively small group so if your people use common sense security measures and don’t overreact, I believe you can keep your planet safe. It’s easy for terrorists to destroy complex infrastructure, but that doesn’t necessarily win people’s hearts to their cause.”
Jesik thanked Lansing for his candor and indicated he wished to be open and frank as well. He explained that he was there on special assignment from Prime Minister Larimore to offer his services as an unofficial means of communication with both Keswick and Alturus. The Allegro had been chosen to transport Colonel Kensington in order to provide an innocuous way for Jesik to travel between the three systems.
“Then I’m relieved you’re here, because I trust you personally and it indicates maturity by Kalenden’s leadership. If I have enough time to complete the transition to a republic, I’m sure we can become stable partners. And now, I have a number of messages I’d like you to deliver to the PM on Alturus.” From that point on, their dinner conversation was far more relaxed.
Discussions over the next few days focused on providing stability to the orchidite trade, for Jesik was of the opinion that wildly fluctuating prices would benefit the traders and specul
ators, not the miners or citizens of Keswick. He supported Wilkerson’s recommendation that the Keswicks consider long-term contracts with price escalation clauses that would ease the economic impact on the Kalenden and Alturian economies while providing Keswick with a stable cash flow. He emphasized that although Keswick had some of the highest quality orchidite, they weren’t the only available source. Lansing agreed in principle, but explained that even a Prime Minister has to consult with his bureaucracy, so Jesik’s recommendations were tabled for review. As a member of a second-class family, Jesik’s thoughts were taken more seriously than he might have been otherwise.
Kensington’s reception was a grand affair. Old Loyalists showed up in droves, their formal evening wear providing a stark contrast to the business attire of the new cadre of the Governing Council. Kensington made a witty speech that was innocuous enough to offend no one and short enough to please everyone. Lansing handed him the key to the Capitol and everyone applauded. Kensington positively glowed in the attention. Jesik credited him with getting off to a positive start.
After three weeks in port, the Allegro was fully provisioned and staffed and prepared to leave orbit. Eaves flew down to the surface to collect the Allegro delegation and, on the way back up to the ship, he teased Magill by saying that he was probably faking his injuries to have an excuse to go to Alturus and see Tara Carling. His taunting had the desired effect. When Eaves wasn’t looking, Magill swung a crutch across the back of his head, which evened the score a bit.
Once onboard, Colonel Kensington remained socially engaged for three or four days, then withdrew into his quarters once again. It appeared he spent most of his seclusion preparing a memorial service over which he was to preside marking the first time a Kalenden ship crossed into Alturian space in more than 200 years. “Inasmuch as the ceremony commemorating those who died in the ancient conflict will be broadcast live to both Alturus and Kalenden, I must be thoroughly prepared,” said Kensington in his condescending way.
Prior to reaching the boundary the Allegro decelerated out of vortex drive so that normal communications could be established. It always took the Espers a while to locate each other’s thought patterns across the vastness of space and to synchronize their abilities so they could properly relay information. About that time, the Legato appeared out of vortex drive to serve as the Allegro’s second when they crossed the boundary. Once on the other side, an Alturian starship would escort the Allegro to the planet and the Legato would proceed to Keswick. Everything was proceeding according to plan and Jesik was actually pleased to have Kensington in charge of the diplomacy because it took the onus off Jesik. Plus, the Colonel was showing promise in his new role.
* * *
“You there, come with me. Now!”
Magill didn’t like the look on Colonel Kensington’s face and wondered what he was up to. He hobbled along as fast as he could, trying to keep up with Kensington’s furious pace. When they reached Captain Jesik’s private cabin, Kensington demanded entrance. Magill caught up just as the doors were about to close.
“How can I help you, Colonel?”
“You can summon Commander Brighton and Lieutenant Commander Wight to your cabin immediately.”
“They’re both on duty. Can we schedule another, more convenient time to meet with them?”
“No! You’ll get them here, right now!”
Jesik’s face clouded up and he looked to Magill to see if he could indicate what was going on, but Magill just shrugged his shoulders.
“With due respect, Colonel, you are not in command here and I will summon my officers when I think it best.”
“You’ll get them here right now, Jesik! I have proof of serious misconduct and I must clear it up before this mission can continue. If I have to contact Fleet I will, but I believe it’s in your best interest to deal with it first.”
Jesik thought about challenging him further, but decided it wasn’t worth it. He contacted Brighton and Wight and requested them to come to his quarters immediately. A few moments later they entered, looking apprehensive. Jesik invited everyone to sit, but Kensington remained standing.
“Gentlemen, Colonel Kensington indicates he has concern that requires your attention. I don’t know what it is, or why he’s also asked Lieutenant Commander Magill to be here, so I’ll leave it to the Colonel to explain.”
“I asked this man to join us to witness this.” He looked sternly at both Brighton and Wight. The young man shrank back in his seat, but Brighton maintained an unconcerned look.
“For the past three months, I have been reviewing the operational efficiency of this vessel. Since my life is in your hands I like to know where things stand.”
No one said anything, so Kensington cleared his throat. Apparently whatever he had to say made him a bit nervous.
“While there’s always room for improvement, by and large your performance is within fleet standards. However, in reviewing your log of outgoing communications I came across some very disturbing information. I’ve now had a chance to use my diplomatic clearance to conduct an in-depth review and must now confront the ugly truth.”
“What ugly truth?” asked Jesik.
“Just this, Captain. These two officers have engaged in conduct unbecoming an officer. In both instances they’ve violated Kalenden’s morality laws and now place the reputation of the entire fleet at risk.”
Brighton shifted in his chair, but maintained eye contact with Kensington, which slightly unnerved the Colonel. Wight, on the other hand, blanched as the color drained from his face.
“Colonel, I don’t know what you have to reveal, but perhaps we should meet with each officer individually.”
“Curse it Jesik! There’s no time for that! In three days the Alturian Starship will be here to escort me to my new posting and I want this cleared up before then.”
Jesik glowered, but allowed Kensington to proceed.
“First, let’s talk about Commander Brighton. I encountered some interesting messages that prompted me to run a scan of the ship’s genetic records. My search turned up evidence that the Commander is the father of a one-month old baby boy born to a Tatrius woman. I was puzzled by that, of course, since I was unaware that Commander Brighton was married. It turns out he isn’t married, so has fathered a child out of wedlock. A child seventy-five percent Kalenden, I might add. This is a flagrant violation of our non-fraternization policy and makes the Commander subject to a Courts Martial.”
Jesik looked at Brighton, furious with himself for not forcing the issue earlier. Brighton, for his part, continued to look rather peaceful, although clearly annoyed by Kensington’s intrusion.
“Well, what do you say to this charge!” Kensington demanded.
“I’m not prepared to discuss it with you at this moment. If you’re making this a formal accusation, I’ll need time to prepare; at least two days.”
“So, you don’t deny it!” Kensington shouted.
“I neither deny nor confirm it. If you wish to pursue this matter, I insist it be in a formal hearing.” His defiant attitude cowed Kensington a bit, who clearly expected the Commander to fall apart at the accusation.
“Fine, Commander. We’ll convene an official inquiry in two days and you will be prepared to explain your breach of military code. If your explanation is acceptable, no formal charges will be filed. If it isn’t, as I suspect, you’ll be placed under immediate house arrest.”
Brighton settled back in his seat, angry, but still fully in control. Turning to Wight, Kensington puffed up for the next round.
Jesik attempted to intervene. “Colonel, I’d like to talk with you privately before you confront Mr. Wight with whatever charges you plan to level. I’ll not have you confronting a member of my crew without my prior knowledge.”
“Captain, you have no authority in this case. Lieutenant Commander Wight is guilty of violations of both the civil and military code, so I can confront him in my role as an ex-officio member of the Quadrant Council.” Jesik cou
ld see that Wight was actually trembling and wished desperately that he could somehow help him. But with no idea what was to come, there was no way to provide a shield.
“It seems, Captain, that your Mr. Wight has a problem. A search of his outgoing communications via the interstellar net show that he has visited a number of “unsavory” sites – sites forbidden under the Basic Rules of Morality statutes. Do you care to explain Mr. Wight?”
“But, Sir,” Wight stammered, “I only went to those sites to conduct research on a social science paper I’m writing for the academy.”
“Rubbish. The sites you’ve visited have no bearing whatsoever on the academy and you know it.”
Jesik attempted to interrupt, but Kensington turned on him with a fury.
“Captain, before you rush to this man’s defense, you better watch yourself. The sites he visited carry such labels as ‘Men with Men’ and ‘Same Sex Attractions.’ In other words this person is a homosexual, using military equipment to indulge his twisted fantasies!”
The look of astonishment on Jesik’s, Brighton’s and Magill’s face was what Kensington had hoped for. A long pause ensued in which no one said anything. What could prepare them? This type of behavior was so long listed as formally extinct in Kalenden society that it was never even considered.
“Kevin,” asked Jesik, “is this true?”
Wight turned to him with a wild look in his eyes.
“It’s true I visited those sites, but it isn’t the way Colonel Kensington makes it sound. There are no graphics, only text that talks about the ancient practice. It’s still practiced on Earth and has general acceptance there and elsewhere.”
Kensington moved to retake control from Jesik. “Whether there are graphics or not is immaterial. The sites are forbidden, which means charges must be filed. Plus, there’s no reason for anyone to visit such a site unless they have a personal interest in such things. I’m afraid, Lieutenant Commander, that it is my duty to formally charge you with violating the Morality Law. You can ride back to Kalenden on the Legato to face a Courts Martial.”
Assault on Cambriol: The Manhattan Trials Page 29