“Thank you for sharing with me, Sir. At least now I understand why you were so unnerved by my situation. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.” He stood and started to leave the room. Turning, he said, “And, by the way, will you please take the advice you gave Wight and trust me that things will work out?”
“Do whatever you can, Commander. Maybe you can keep him from destroying all three of us.”
When Brighton left Jesik rose and moved to his bed. He rubbed his temples, laid down and tried to fall asleep, thinking about Helen and the family they might have had together. He also thought of the child he never knew. “Why is life so unfair?” he asked aloud.
“Is that a question?” the computer responded.
“Only if you have an answer.”
Once again the computer was silent.
17– Secrets Revealed
The next two days seemed interminable and Jesik had to constantly fight the feeling that he was in a fog. Although he was fully aware of everything going on and issued orders appropriately, he felt detached from the normal operations of the ship. He was greatly relieved when Lieutenant Commander Wight reported to duty the morning after Kensington’s accusations and even more relieved that Lieutenant Commander Magill hovered nearby, in case Kevin needed support. At first, Jesik was concerned that Magill would turn on Kevin because of the unusual situation, but something had definitely changed in Magill that made him more patient and compassionate.
The most difficult challenge during the interim, was Jesik’s responsibility to entertain the Captain of the Legato when he was hardly in the mood to make light conversation. When Darcy Garrard asked if he wished to invite Colonel Kensington to the dinner party, Jesik adamantly refused. Why should he show that pompous ass any deference now? The matter became moot, though, when Kensington showed up uninvited to the dinner and acted the role of a perfectly charming host. At first Jesik fumed, but then surrendered to his presence, actually grateful that he was there to carry the conversation. There was no reason Captain Garrard should be aware of Allegro’s problem. Besides, Kensington and Garrard made a great pair, bearing names among the very finest of Kalenden society. They also had plenty to talk about, engaging in old-fashioned men’s club chatter, the kind of club Jesik would never be invited to join. At least it left Jesik the privacy his mind craved. It was obvious that Kensington relished every moment of those two days, looking forward to when he would finally drive Jesik from the only other thing he’d ever cared about, besides Helen – his service in the fleet. Victory was within Kensington’s grasp and he could hardly contain himself.
* * *
As the hour approached for the inquiry, Jesik reviewed all the options and still came to the same conclusion. There was nothing he could do to avert the crisis, short of his personal resignation. He fought it for a while, but finally his mind steadied and he regained the icy calm he always felt when going into battle. It was as though his mind severed the connection to his emotions and he simply responded in the most logical way possible. He would now have to make a new life for himself outside the service and so he mentally started making the adjustment.
Wight and Magill arrived at the appointed time, but Brighton was nowhere to be found. Jesik asked Williams to hail him aboard the Legato where he’d spent the previous two days, but was told that he’d implemented a personal communications blackout. Oh, well, there’s not much he can really do or say, anyway, Jesik thought. Of course Kensington showed up precisely on time and entered the room confidently.
“And where is Commander Brighton?”
“Incommunicado.” Jesik said, pointedly leaving off the word “Sir.”
“It makes no difference, anyway. Shall we proceed?” The three officers present assented and Jesik initiated a recording device. It was absolutely essential that he have a personal copy of the proceedings so that he could hold Kensington accountable if he ever went against their agreement and revealed anything about either Brighton or Wight. He’d been blindsided too often to accept another double-cross.
“Well, Captain, I believe you understand the agreement I proposed. For the record I have agreed to allow Commander Brighton and Lieutenant Wight to resign their commissions privately if you will accept full responsibility for their actions as Captain of this ship. In turn, you will tender your resignation, acknowledging your combined misdeeds participating in and allowing the Morality Laws of Kalenden to be violated. Is this your understanding?”
“It is.”
“Then I will need your decision, so that Fleet Command can immediately turn command of the Allegro over to Captain Garrard. His First Officer will assume command of Legato, which will transport the three of you back to Keswick, where you will formally be mustered out of the service.”
Jesik’s eyes flared. “You better not have spoken to Garrard about this! That would violate the second part of our agreement.”
Kensington replied in a patronizing voice, “No Captain, I have not spoken to Garrard, although he should actually have received command of Allegro when it was first commissioned. Your role in the Cambriol incident was as overblown politically as the recent Shuttle Competition furor. I’m pleased that he’s here to receive what’s rightfully his. As to the so-called ‘second part’ of the agreement, please tell me exactly what you mean.”
Jesik cleared his throat and spoke very clearly and calmly. “The terms you negotiated for my officers include a restriction on your part from ever revealing the nature of their violations to any outside party. You are doing this for the good of the Fleet and to prevent private misdeeds from being made public in a Courts Martial and bring discredit to the service. Should you violate this agreement, you will be personally liable for a breach of military protocol, subject to censure and further discipline.”
Kensington frowned before replying. “I hardly think you’re in a position to dictate terms, Captain Jesik, but you are right when you say that it’s in the best interest of the Fleet that these illicit actions be concealed. Therefore, let the record show that I agree to these terms.” Kensington’s nostrils flared. “Now, hurry up and give me your decision.”
Jesik leaned forward and picked up the electronic pen lying on the desk in front of him. Kensington smiled as he scanned the screen that presented itself to Jesik, and then watched impatiently as Jesik read through the pages before leaning over to sign.
Wight spoke up. “Please, Captain, let me to go to trial. It’s not fair that you lose your commission because of my actions.”
Jesik smiled at him. “It doesn’t matter if you go to trial or not. Either way, Colonel Kensington will bring action against me. Isn’t that right, Colonel?”
Kensington smirked.
“Besides, I’ve learned a lot about myself in the past few days.” He glanced at Kensington, then returned his gaze to Wight. “For example, for the past twenty years I’ve gone out of my way to accommodate the Colonel for fear that he’d cause me trouble in my career. I thought it my destiny to command a starship and that if I ever lost that, I’d lose everything. But, it’s not true. I should have known that all along, but it wasn’t until now that I realized my personal worth has little to do with whether I’m a fleet officer or not. Instead, it has everything to do with what kind of people who value my association.”
Turning to Kensington, he added, “And if that’s the criteria for success, then I can go into private service or change careers completely and it doesn’t matter.”
Kensington was about to say something snide, but Jesik cut him off by reaching for the pen again. With only a moment’s hesitation, he signed the document.
“Very good!” Kensington smiled as he picked up the paper. “Now we can get past this sentimental rubbish and I can bring discipline to this ship.”
“The document still needs your signature, Colonel, binding you to your part of the agreement. Without it, the document is null and void.”
“I suppose I must,” sniffed Kensington. Reaching into his pocket for
a pair of half-rim reading glasses, he put the document on the table and picked up the pen that would seal the agreement.
“It’s a shame that Brighton and this young degenerate are getting off without public disclosure. It would do the populace good to see what happens when people violate morality laws. But getting rid of you, Jesik, makes it a good deal at any cost.” Looking up, he added, “And about your speech, you don’t need to worry that the fleet will miss you either.” He smiled again and was about to sign his name when Brighton walked in. Seeing the document in front of Kensington, Brighton pressed a button on his personal digital assistant that erased everything on the paper.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Kensington roared. “Restore this document immediately or I’ll have you arrested.”
Fixing his gaze firmly on Kensington, Brighton replied, “I’m afraid you’re getting ahead of yourself, Colonel. This proceeding isn’t over yet, so it’s premature to sign documents.”
“The decision has been made Commander and you’ll be the next one to sign papers.”
It was then that everyone noticed a beautiful, athletic looking woman who entered shortly after Brighton. She carried a baby in her arms. Instinctively Jesik, Magill and Wight rose from their seats.
“Captain Jesik, gentlemen, I’d like you to meet my wife, the former Sondra Vivendel of Tatrius, as well our son. According to Tatrius tradition, he is yet to be named.” Brighton beamed as Sondra stepped forward and met each of the members.
“It’s well and good, Commander, that you have finally accepted responsibility for your act. But, it hardly changes the outcome of our earlier discussion.”
“But it does, Colonel. Sondra and I were married nearly a year ago when I went to Stirium to meet with her privately. That was well within the time allowed for an officer to marry an expectant intended spouse without facing any legal consequences or censure.”
Kensington roiled as he examined the papers Brighton placed in front of him. Looking up, he said, “And why didn’t you make us aware of this earlier, Commander, and save us all a great deal of trouble.”
“It’s my opinion, Sir, that my private life is no one’s affair but mine. Until you opened this inquiry, no other officer in the fleet had troubled themselves with the issue. But, since you made it official, I’m complying with the requirement to show proof of marriage.”
Kensington’s face flushed, but he maintained his resolve to not lose control of the situation. “My congratulations, Commander. It’s unfortunate you’ll be leaving the fleet to care for your wife and child. Or do you plan to leave them to their own devices, once this inquiry is over?” He flashed a disingenuous smile towards Sondra.
“Actually, neither Sir. I plan to have Sondra and our child join us aboard the ship.”
“Impossible. No one brings their spouse on a deep-space voyage.”
“With due respect, it resurrects an ancient English practice from the days of sailing vessels in which officers often brought their spouses with them on distant voyages. It’s also allowed in the Kalenden Fleet Code. We plan to have the stewards clean up the nursery provided on all starships since the Earth migration and actually put it to the use for the purpose to which it’s intended.”
Brighton turned to Sondra with obvious affection and added, “In this case it’s also a benefit for the fleet. She’s a skilled ceramics and alloy engineer who can assume part-time employment to keep her skills alive. It’s already been cleared with Fleet Personnel.” He handed Kensington another set of papers.
“I can see that you were the perfect First Officer for Jesik – obstinate and unconventional. Well, no matter. The other issue still remains, so Captain Jesik will be leaving the military shortly, anyway. I will excuse you and your wife while Jesik completes this paperwork. Now, restore the document immediately!” Kensington turned as if to dismiss Brighton.
“I have additional responsibilities here, Sir. I’ll now say goodbye to my wife for a time, as I will be assuming command of this proceeding. You will please take a seat and respond to series of questions I am required to pose to you and Lieutenant Commander Wight when we continue.”
“What?” Kensington bellowed. “How dare you show such impudence! You better change your attitude this instant, or you’ll face a Courts Martial for insubordination.”
Jesik spoke up quickly, “Commander, don’t forget yourself. Colonel Kensington is in control of this tribunal.”
“Fortunately, that’s no longer true, Captain. I’ve received orders from Fleet Command to take charge of this proceeding – not the ship, for you are still Captain – but of the proceedings. As soon as I see my wife safely escorted to our quarters, I’ll explain. In the meantime, everyone stay here. To observe proper military protocol, I have also stationed two armed guards at the door.”
“I will not hear of this!” Kensington shouted.
Brighton turned and eyed Kensington with a cold stare. “You will sit down, Colonel, or I will have you arrested. What is it to be?”
Kensington moved as if to strike, but thought better of it and sat down heavily. He glowered at Brighton through smoldering eyes. “You will pay dearly for this Commander! More dearly than you can imagine.”
Brighton chose not to reply, but instead, took his wife by the arm and walked her to the door where one of the stewards was waiting to escort her to their quarters. Before leaving, she turned and smiled at Jesik, Magill and Wight. It was a warm and tolerant smile that indicated she was on their side. Even though he couldn’t imagine why, Jesik now felt more hopeful. When the door closed, Brighton stepped to the head of the conference table, took out a second recording device, placed it squarely on the table and turned to face the group.
“Gentlemen, I realize my behavior is extraordinary and deserves an explanation. When I’m done, you’ll understand why I have assumed command of this proceeding, as well as the legal authority for my doing so. Some ten years ago I was an Ensign on temporary assignment at Fleet Headquarters. While walking down the hall one day, I was approached by a senior officer who ordered me to step into a side room, such as what happened to Lieutenant Commander Magill two days ago. When the officer found out I would be at headquarters for at least the next six months, he told me I was to be given a new assignment as member of the Control Board for Morals and Sobriety. Naturally I asked him why he chose me. He replied that the rules of the Council required the membership of a junior military officer to represent their interests in any proceedings and since the board met infrequently, I was as well-suited as anyone else. The reason they didn’t go through a formal vetting process is that they had a case that needed hearing that very day and couldn’t form a quorum unless they added someone to the board immediately. Thus, I became a member of the committee.”
“Very interesting,” said Kensington, “But what has that got to do with us?”
“Just this, Colonel. Since that initial assignment, I have never relinquished my membership on the board. As I’ve moved up in rank, I’ve acceded to the corresponding spot on the board. Generally we meet only once a year, when I’m on Kalenden, to review the six or seven complaints that have been logged during the previous twelve months. So, it’s never been a burden to participate. I actually came to look forward to the meetings, since I enjoy the company of the other members of the board. Occasionally, I have to join a video conference if something urgent comes up while I’m in space, but as a general rule it doesn’t take more than five or six days of my time each year. In recent years the Chairman of the Board has become one of my closest friends.”
“Again, what does this have to do with us?”
“After you leveled your charges against Mr. Wight the other day, I moved to the Legato, where I established a secure link to the Board secretary. They activated my authority for an unrestricted search of the interstellar net, as well as calling up the records regarding the sites Kevin had visited as a lieutenant. At least two members of the board have to be logged on to the system when we go to pote
ntially unauthorized sites, so the Chairman joined me in the search as a favor. In case you weren’t aware of this, the Board for Morals and Sobriety has control over both military and civilian offenses, so any charges you might have brought against Wight would have had to go through our board before the fleet could take further action. Rather than wait for your referral, we simply assumed authority to conduct a direct investigation.”
“I was not aware of your membership on the board, but it doesn’t make a difference, since Captain Jesik has already agreed to terms that would preclude my bringing charges against Lieutenant Commander Wight. Therefore, your involvement is unnecessary.”
“No, Sir; it is Captain Jesik’s resignation that is unnecessary.”
Turning to Wight, Brighton changed his tone of voice. “Kevin, this is a list of all the sites we could verify you visited. To the best of your knowledge, can you warrant that this is complete?”
As Wight scanned the document, his face flushed. Some titles were quite embarrassing. Finally he said, “Yes, Sir. These are the only sites I’ve ever gone to.” He acted as if he wanted to say something more, but decided against it.
Brighton relaxed considerably, which flustered Kensington.
“Very well then, Lieutenant Commander Wight. The Board has officially reviewed these sites and certified that they do not violate the Morals Code.” He handed an original copy of a certification document to Wight, along with forwarding electronic copies to Kensington’s and Jesik’s viewer screens.
“As you said earlier, these sites simply provide background information on ancient practices in our society that are still openly practiced in other places in the universe, including many of our allies. As such, they are authorized for open research, although I advise you to seek permission in advance before you search there in the future, to avoid this sort of misunderstanding.”
“Thank you, Sir” Wight stammered, “I appreciate the trouble you’ve taken.” The relief in his voice buoyed Jesik’s feelings beyond measure.
Assault on Cambriol: The Manhattan Trials Page 31