Assault on Cambriol: The Manhattan Trials

by Jerry Borrowman

  “No need to be sorry. After all, I didn’t choose to let you in on the reasons for my panic. Still, I’m glad to hear you married her. A child deserves a mother and a father who love each other. I hope you do love her.”

  “Very much – in fact I can’t believe my good fortune in finding such a woman to spend my life with.”

  “May I ask what changed your mind?”

  “I don’t think my mind ever did change, really. I just finally accepted what I knew to be right all along. I grew up as an orphan and would never intentionally do that to my own child. Plus, when I returned to Sondra on Stirium, I realized the reason I was attracted to her in the first place was that she had all the personal characteristics I wanted in a woman. After I looked past her physical attributes, it was easy to fall in love again.”

  “That’s what I don’t understand—Sondra is a strikingly beautiful woman. I can’t see any reason not to be attracted to her.”

  Brighton laughed. “It’s all in one’s expectations, I guess. I’d always pictured the woman of my dreams as a petite young thing – frail and hopelessly dependent on my strength. Yet, when I stopped and thought about it, I don’t like that kind of woman in real life. I enjoy the company of people who are self-willed and independent. And I also realized that I had never felt such a physical attraction as I did for Sondra, which is what brought about our child in the first place. So I’m past all that now and glad for the chance to spend my life with someone as wonderful and capable as her. It’s exciting to face the future with a partner.”

  Jesik congratulated him on his good fortune. “After you and your family have a chance to settle in will you join me for dinner and an evening together so I can get to know Sondra? Perhaps after we’re underway to Alturus.”

  Brighton agreed and stood to leave. Jesik startled even himself by suddenly stepping forward and embracing his First Officer. It was the first time in his life he’d ever done such a thing, but somehow it seemed appropriate. What started out as perhaps the worst day of his life was ending as one of the best.

  18– Upheaval on Alturus

  Jesik found he thoroughly enjoyed Sondra Vivendel’s company. She was down to earth and not easily impressed. It came from the Tatrions’ natural skepticism of ritual and tradition. They were a pragmatic society who prospered in the shadow of their two idealistic neighbors, Alturus and Kalenden, by adapting the varying social customs of the neighboring star systems. Kalenden was more isolated, so had been unusually successful in holding onto their founding ideals, both positive and negative, while Tatrius was far more tolerant of social differences. Jesik found her viewpoints refreshing, even though it startled many of his officers. At any rate, Sondra was a delightful addition to the ship’s company and her baby could turn otherwise macho spacemen into baby-talking older brothers whenever she met them in the galley or recreational areas. Far from having a negative impact on morale, her presence brought new life to the ship as she assumed the role of mother for many of the young men who were fresh out of the academies.

  Jesik’s predictions about the Prime Minister had also proven correct. In their first face-to-face discussion, he asked Jesik to assume the role of military Charge d’ Affairs and accepted Magill as his designated attaché. Although he was dubious about his effectiveness as a diplomat, in many ways his new status would simplify his meetings on Alturus, since he would have official recognition at even the highest governing levels. He’d had a number of discussions with the PM and other cabinet ministers since then, to fully brief him on all matters related to Alturus and Keswick. The interaction had even changed his perceptions of politicians. He’d always viewed them as mostly self-serving egoists, but now he recognized it took pretty strong egos to deal with the many conflicts and demands placed on a government and his respect for their leadership had increased significantly.

  In the first few weeks since entering the Alturian airspace, Wight seemed remarkably bright and cheerful. But, of late he’d gone quiet again, although it hadn’t interfered with his work. Jesik felt it inappropriate to approach him directly, so found an occasion to visit privately with Lieutenant Commander Magill. After some small chat, he asked how Wight was doing.

  “I think he’s okay. Having finished the map of the Keswick asteroid belt, he is busy improving our maps of the Alturian archipelago. I know that project is taking up most of his time, but I also think he’s brooding a bit.”

  Jesik let Magill sit quietly with his thoughts for a few moments.

  “Does it bother you that Commander Wight may think of you or other crewmembers in a sexual way?”

  Magill looked up, surprised. “I thought it would when I first heard about what was going on and it made me self-conscious. But when you get to know him, he’s a regular guy.” Magill took a long sip of his drink. “I mean, I interact with women all the time and it doesn’t mean anything, even if there is an attraction. I suppose it’s more difficult for Kevin since he can’t ever show any interest, even if he feels it.”

  Jesik marveled at the maturity of Magill’s response.

  “I only ask because I’m worried about what might happen if any of this becomes known to the crew.”

  “I think you’re right to worry, for they won’t take the time try to understand. I can see them turning on him as a group, which would ruin him emotionally because he’s so aware of what a scandal would do to his mother.” He looked up and smiled. “But, remember, Captain, he’s dealt with this a lot longer than we have and knows the stakes very well. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, as long as we stay quiet. My biggest worry is what it means for him to live such an important part of his life in silence.”

  Jesik hadn’t thought of it that way and it sobered him. He had a keen interest in Kevin’s future, but didn’t know what else to do right now. “Let’s change the subject, hoping this will work itself out. I’d like to review the names of the Alturian diplomatic staff and to rehearse the proper etiquette when we meet them.” Magill’s experience on Keswick proved helpful and after practicing the formal greetings required in their first introduction, Jesik couldn’t help but laugh. “We make quite a pair – two minor military officers from second and third-class families hobnobbing with the aristocracy of Alturus.”

  “Aristocracy, nothing, we’ll be meeting royalty!” responded Magill. “If my mom could see me now, she’d be proud beyond words and my dad would be whispering ‘Don’t let them intimidate you, Sean, you’re just as good as they are.’ I believe he actually thinks we’re better.”

  “My dad, too. More than anything, he wanted me to make it to the top of the military ladder just to prove that ability matters more than heredity.” He looked down at his glass wistfully. “It was only after the triumph at Cambriol that I figured out that Dad was wrong.”

  “May I ask what you mean by that, Sir?”

  Jesik looked up and smiled. “Dad passed away a month after the honors ceremony where the old Lentissimo made its final descent into the star. It was the proudest moment of his life and he died secure in the knowledge that we’d really shown them something. But in the long run, it’s the Kensingtons of the world who get invited to join the best clubs. So, it didn’t really change things at all.”

  Magill took this as an invitation to disagree and pointed out that they were Ambassadors to Alturus and that even when Kensington had the title, Jesik had the access. He argued that that alone should show that merit mattered more than form.

  Jesik countered with only mild resistance, for he actually believed that Kalenden society was changing a bit. Just not as fast as he hoped for when he was young. But why put a damper on Magill’s youthful enthusiasm? So, they continued discussing the politics of PM Larimore and the subtle changes he was making in the bureaucracy in order to make it more open to lower-class families.

  Eventually Jesik threw up his arms and said, “Alright, alright, I surrender, Commander. But I never thought I’d go up against you as defender of the government.”


  Magill laughed easily. He and Jesik had really come to like each other. “It’s a surprise to me, too, Sir. I guess it’s better to feel hopeful after all these years, rather than cynical. Maybe the Keswick action is just what’s needed to move things along.”

  “I think that’s a worthy subject of a final toast. Then I need to go to bed.”

  As they separated late that night, Jesik felt more relaxed about his upcoming diplomatic responsibilities, knowing Magill would be at his side.

  * * *

  Having traversed more than a month through Alturian space in Vortex drive, they were just three weeks away from the planet when Lieutenant Williams received an urgent hail for Jesik from Colonel Wilkerson on Keswick. It was on an ultra-secure channel, so he asked to have it transferred to his day cabin.

  “I don’t know why, Captain, but you and Lieutenant Commander Magill have been asked to join a three-way conference call tomorrow morning at 09:00. They’ve arranged redundant Esper teams to broadcast. It will include Prime Minister Larimore, the Prime Minister of Alturus, John Lansing and myself. A member of the Alturian Royal Family may also participate. May I tell them you’re available?”

  “Of course. Any idea at all what it’s for, Mr. Wilkerson?”

  “It appears that the rebel movement on Alturus is growing rapidly and has started agitating in public in some of the rural towns. So far, there are no reports of violence, but it’s difficult to imagine that won’t happen soon. Maybe that’s what it’s about. At any rate, I understand we’ll have to start the conference by renewing our individual Oath of Confidentiality.”

  “A great time to be the lone Kalenden battleship in Alturian space. Well, we’ll just have to wait and see what’s up. Will it be alright if I include Commander Brighton?” Wilkerson assented.

  “How’s Colonel Kensington doing?”

  Wilkerson gave Jesik a searching glance. “I don’t know what happened out there, but Kensington is like a caged animal. One moment he’s pacing with a flushed face, clenching and unclenching his fists and the next he’s morose and blubbery, talking about how much the fleet meant to him. We’ve kept him isolated from the regular troops, but it’s tough to even be around him.” He waited expectantly.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Of course I’m not at liberty to discuss the medical condition that prompted his resignation, but do your best to treat him with kindness. No, even more important, show him the kind of superficial respect he so craves. I’m afraid that without consolation, he can have some real emotional problems.” Jesik looked at Wilkerson reflectively. “I appreciate what you’re doing to help him.”

  “No problem. It shows just how naïve I was as a young officer. I thought our job was to fight wars and preserve the peace. Instead, I’m a full-time diplomat and part-time orderly. At least it makes for an interesting life.”

  To maintain consistency throughout a fleet scattered over more than a hundred million kilometers, all meetings were scheduled according to “Fleet Time” (abbreviated FT) which corresponded to Fleet Headquarters on Manhattan Island on Kalenden. To the best of their abilities, ships in space kept their sleep/wake cycle in concert with this reference. It only became an issue when they entered orbit around a distant planet and had to accommodate local time in their communications with that surface. At their present location, deep in Alturian space, 09:00 Fleet Time meant that Jesik and the others had time to enjoy a normal night’s sleep, have breakfast and check on the ship’s scheduling before assembling in the Captain’s private conference room. Lieutenant Williams indicated that the first ten secure links had been established and that he would notify them when the conference links were complete.

  At 08:50 Williams signaled that the connection was secure and the sounds of participants in the other conference centers filled the overhead speakers. At precisely 09:00 FT, Admiral Rameira on Alturus stepped in front of the camera and called the conference to order. A quick roll call was conducted, which indicated all parties were present on Keswick and Kalenden, where Commodore Park and General Josephs joined PM James Larimore.

  Admiral Rameira cleared his throat and said, “Gentlemen, it’s now my privilege to introduce to you the Prime Minister of Alturus, Mrs. Katherine Richards. This will be the first time in over two hundred years, the Prime Ministers of all three governments are meeting together in a face-to-face discussion. PM Richards…”

  The surprise on everyone’s faces was obvious. In those two hundred years there had never been a woman Prime Minister on either Keswick or Kalenden and since there had been no contact, no one thought about the Alturian Prime Minister. PM Richards obviously saw their bewilderment, but chose not to address it. Handsome, but not beautiful, she was in her late forties, with mid-length hair and deep brown eyes. She wore a crisp business suit with very modest jewelry. Her gaze was riveting as she turned from monitor to monitor to size up the people to whom she was speaking and it was obvious by the confidence in her voice that leadership did not intimidate her.

  “Gentlemen, thank you for joining us on such short notice. I’ll get right to the point. The Keswick Rebellion has created problems here on Alturus. The monarchy is strong and well regarded, but the bureaucracy is inefficient. Class distinction has been grating on our second and third-class families, just as it did on Keswick. My conversations with those who served in the Keswick campaign lead me to believe that there is also some feeling between the classes, even on Kalenden. Of course none of you have any reason to help us. After all, your societies were also born out of rebellion against monarchies. Still, an open revolt here will destabilize all three systems. Plus, there are those of us who believe the ancient animosities should be set aside so that our systems can once again become friends.” She looked into the cameras, earnestly, as she said, “We have missed much, here on Alturus, because our pride drove you from our brotherhood.”

  Jesik shared Brighton and Magill’s sharp intake of breath. The one thing their history lessons had been clear on was that the Alturian Monarchy had been ruthless in squelching dissent and had refused every offered olive branch that might have held the families together. In the end, armed rebellion and exile was the only course. No apologies had been issued either, which is why Kalenden and Alturus had remained silent toward each other all these years. A statement like hers had to have the blessing of the monarchy, which meant a real olive branch was being offered.

  “That’s a remarkable thing to say,” said PM Larimore from Kalenden. “We, too, have felt that it’s often lonely in our distant corner of space. We welcome the chance to re-establish a dialogue.”

  There was momentary silence on the channel. None of this had directly applied to the Allegro, so Jesik refrained from making any comment.

  John Lansing interrupted the silence. “Our situation was similar to that on Alturus. Although former comrades of mine destroyed much with the murder of the Royal Family, they have all been executed as it was not our intent to harm the royals, but rather to open the government to talented people, regardless of class. Now, we’re starting from a zero baseline to establish a democratic government.” He paused, as if pondering how best to continue. For a first meeting like this, everyone was being unusually candid. Jesik liked it. Whatever the current problem was on Alturus, it would take honesty like this for these disparate groups to cooperate.

  Lansing resumed. “Mrs. Richards, if you are extending an invitation for us to enjoy a legitimate relationship with Alturus, we are pleased. Our greatest fear, however, is that you will gain our confidence, then use your force to invade us on the pretext of reestablishing royal rule. You should know that we will resist such an effort with everything at our disposal.”

  “So much for a goodwill gesture,” Brighton muttered, making sure the mute button was pushed on his communications panel.

  Instead of reacting with hostility, PM Richards replied simply, “It is your rebellion that is the cause of our current distress. Our fear is a mirror image of yours, Mr. Lansing, that you will attempt
to export your rebellion to our shores. But with that said, perhaps I may explain our current problem, as well as the proposed solution.”

  Lansing nodded affirmatively, indicating he understood the danger the Alturians faced.

  “We felt the stress of class distinction long before the Keswick rebellion. For fifteen to twenty years, it was the policy of the government to open social institutions to participation by an ever-broader segment of society. All this was done with the tacit agreement of the Royal Family. They have also included second and third-class families in their social events. In spite of what we consider great progress, the second and third-class families continue to feel oppressed and excluded. Yet, when we commission polls to see what they propose, there’s virtual unanimity that the Royal Family should stay at the core of our society. In other words, everyone here wants it both ways – more open and accepting, while maintaining the dignity that comes through monarchy. Unfortunately, this sends a mixed message that makes it difficult for certain segments of the population to see progress. Hence, our current difficulties.”

  Richards leaned to Rameira and whispered. He then acknowledged her and stepped out of the field of vision. She glanced down at her notes, obviously concerned that she proceed in just the right way.

  “Gentlemen, I must now ask something that our limited exposure to one another does not really justify. If circumstances allowed, I would propose the following only after several years of face-to-face meetings in which our governments gained one another’s confidence and our people became used to open dialogue. But events are moving too quickly for such a leisurely approach.”