by M. D. Cooper
Tanis absorbed that. “Well, I can’t speak for the children part of things since I’ve never thought of having any, but I suppose I can relate to the desire to improve.”
“You really should be going, by the way,” Amanda said.
“Damn, you’re right; they’ll be waiting for me by now.”
“Good luck.” Amanda flashed a winning, if rather plastic looking, smile. “For what it’s worth, I think Sanderson likes you.”
Tanis shook her head as she walked away. He’d never given her any reason to think that.
CHAPTER 12
STELLAR DATE: 3227212 / 09.16.4123 (Adjusted Gregorian)
LOCATION: Mars Outer Shipyards (MOS)
REGION: Mars Protectorate, Sol Space Federation
Tanis stepped off the maglev train and into the main transfer terminal outside of the MOS administration block. In the middle of the station a series of holo kiosks featuring various figures from Marsian history were directing visitors and answering questions. Tanis skirted them and walked down the main corridor and up a short flight of stairs to the offices of the stationmaster.
While the block was far from run-down, it was apparent that the MOS was past its prime. Its near thousand-year history showed in mixed architecture and designs, as well as scuffed moldings and worn surfaces.
When the Mars Outer Shipyards were nearly a thousand years earlier, much of the advanced technology that went into assembling interstellar ships still came from Earth. However, over the years industry and commerce shifted to the point where Mars was the technological center of InnerSol. Because the need to dock larger cargo ships diminished and more equipment was manufactured on Mars 1, it became more economical to build ships closer to the ring at the Mars Inner Shipyards.
Over recent centuries another shift had occurred. Callisto had risen to become the most prominent and advanced human habitat, and much of the latest tech was once again being shipped in. While the Mars Inner Shipyards were still the busier of the two shipyards, the MOS’s capability of docking hundreds of vessels made it ideal to handle many of the shipments that would be lowered via the elevator system to Mars 1 or the MIS. The change was evolving the MOS from a shipyard into a commercial hub.
"All that pesky progress…" Tanis muttered to herself.
Ahead, in a lavish outer office that was definitely much newer than the rest of the administration section, sat Stationmaster Stevens’ assistant. He didn’t look up as Tanis approached, but spoke as soon as she was in earshot.
“Major, Mr. Stevens is running late. He’ll be here any moment; please have a seat.”
Tanis shrugged and took a seat, ignoring the flickering plasines beside her. They were all packed with election coverage from the Marsian surface. It was horribly boring stuff, what with the race being between only two candidates, neither of them striking Tanis as being all that notable.
With one eye on her surroundings, Tanis worked through some of the streams of issues that needed her attention. Token on a dangerous shipment clearing security needing follow-up, review the inbound Force Recon Marine platoon coming to the Intrepid, and approve the transfer of a few security checkpoint violators to MSF. The usual. For all the potential excitement of running security on the largest colony ship ever, very little had been in evidence lately. Something she was certain that Stationmaster Stevens was going to emphasize heavily.
After several minutes of administrative catch-up, she noticed the assistant quirk his left eyebrow, his tell that he was getting a message. Sure enough, Stevens was ready for her and, with an imperious air, the assistant waved her through.
Stevens’ office definitely displayed the fruits of the shipping upswing on MOS. Over half of the furniture was made of wood, the most common excess of mid-level administrators. By the visibility of a few nicks and dings, Tanis gauged the wood to be soft, perhaps poplar or pine, though it was covered in a dark stain. Various third classical era sculptures decorated most of the flat surfaces. The effect was really more of a confused antique shop than an administrator’s office.
Stevens was sitting behind his desk and rose to shake Tanis’s hand. He was a lanky man, moving into his second century according to the records. It especially showed in the thinness of his skin—something which heralded the need for another regen.
“Hello Stationmaster, what warrants the need for a personal visit?” Tanis asked.
“Major.” Stevens inclined his head as he shook her hand. “I felt that a personal meeting would allow me to better communicate my concerns to you.” He indicated she should take a seat and Tanis did so as he eased back into his large chair.
He appeared to be gathering his thoughts and Tanis suppressed both a wry look and a sarcastic remark about Stevens’ general ability to communicate. “I wasn’t aware of any pressing security concerns; is there something I’m not aware of?”
Stevens quirked an eyebrow. “I strongly doubt there is anything occurring on the MOS that you are not aware of, Major. However, I challenge you to list any one thing that is a notable security issue.”
Tanis couldn’t help grinning. “What about that genetic contraband that came through TrenCorp’s warehouse yesterday?”
“Sorry.” Stevens didn’t look amused. “I meant security issues that are remotely your concern.”
“Can we not get into this discussion again?” asked Tanis. “I make comments about the Intrepid’s history and the breaches that have affected it; you say that those issues are resolved; I say they were resolved by me and my measures. If that’s all I came down here for then I’ll be going.” Tanis made to rise.
“Sit,” Stevens said wearily. Tanis lowered back into the chair. “No, I do not wish to rehash those conversations. This morning the Marsian Security Council passed a resolution stating that the TSF has overstepped its bounds by seizing the broad levels of control they have here on MOS. The resolution states that only dock A9 and C3 at which the Intrepid is berthed may be under their control, and all access to MOS security networks level C1 and higher will be restricted.”
Tanis leaned back and took a deep breath. “I heard about that.” She paused, watching a slow smile spread across Stevens’ face. “I wish you’d mentioned that was what it was about; we could have done this remotely.”
“What do you mean?” Stevens looked like his moment of triumph was being stolen from him.
“I already knew about that, is all,” Tanis said simply.
Stevens’ shoulders slumped. “I take it you’ve already circumvented it…”
“No, even I can’t work that fast.” Tanis couldn’t help but grin. “However I did get an injunction placed against it pending a Federal SolCourt appeal. The appeal is scheduled for seven weeks from now. I’ve forwarded you the date and location.”
Stevens sighed. “I can see why they brought you on.”
“It’s what they pay me for.” Tanis rose. “If there’s nothing else?”
He had nothing else and she left Stevens’ office with a small smile on her lips.
Tanis thought perhaps she was, but wasn’t going to admit it.
Ahead, Tanis saw a problem at the maglev station. It appeared a superconductor had failed and the train had skewed off the track. People were moving through the side passageways, checking their Links for the best way to get where they needed to go. Tanis did the same and saw that most of the displaced traffic was going up two levels to an alternative line that ran laterally through the station. However, the car frequency was lower and it would be backed up in no time.
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She found a lift running down thirty-six levels to a large lateral maglev almost directly below this one. It would get her back to the Intrepid without too much delay.
The lift was only several hundred yards inward, down a lightly traveled hall through which strode with minimal attention to her surroundings. She monitored the MOS Sec net as she walked, checking to see if Stevens was putting out any notices to his staff. From there the lift took her down to level S20A in less than half a minute and Tanis stepped out, still focused on monitoring the MOS security chatter.
Almost immediately rough hands seized her and pulled her off her feet. By instinct Tanis slowed her perception and took stock of her surroundings. More than two hands grasped her—a pair of attackers—each holding a shoulder and a wrist. Angela deployed nano and Tanis used the data to map out a series of attacks.
She wrenched her right shoulder forward, pulling it from the grip it was caught in. The motion hurt her wrist, but that didn’t stop her from delivering a reverse kick to the solar plexus of the man to her right. The pain in her wrist subsided as he let go, gasping for breath. Her right side free, Tanis swung her arm around to strike at the other man’s neck. With quick reflexes, he blocked it. However, the movement allowed Tanis to slip from his grip as well.
She completed the spin and saw the first man gasping for breath out of the corner of her eye while she drew her sidearm and aimed it at the second man’s head. He was just as quick on the draw and they found themselves staring down the barrels of each other’s weapons.
“I’m going to ask you only once to lower your weapon,” Tanis said.
“Not likely,” the man replied. “There’s a hefty price on your head and we intend to collect.”
Tanis turned her body to the side, presenting a smaller target, and shot the man in between his eyes before he could react. “I said I’d only tell you once.” She turned to the first attacker, who had finally managed to catch his breath. “I’d bet good money you have a weapon or two on you. Hand them over slowly, or I’ll spray you all over the bulkhead.”
The man muttered a curse as he slowly drew a handgun out of his waistband and handed it carefully to Tanis. “You may have got us, but there’ll be more. There’s so much money on your head that people are lining up to take you out.”
“I guess they better fill out their expense reports in advance.” Tanis didn’t let her weapon waver a millimeter. “Because a few people have expressed similar sentiments in the past, and as you can see, I’m still here.”
He dropped two guns on the deck and she stood with her weapon on him for several minutes, not speaking, until a TSF unit showed up and took the man into custody. Leading them was Joseph.
“Commander, I have to admit I’m surprised to see you here.”
“I was actually taking a maglev to admin; they screwed up my flight plan filings again and I was going to ream out the person responsible in…well…person. Anyway, the main route is backed up, so I used the lateral on this level. I picked up your message on the Intrepid’s security net; met these boys en route.”
Tanis nodded and looked to the TSF Regulars. “Corporal. Take this man into custody. I haven’t had a chance to check him over thoroughly. I want him detained in the security center on A9.2. Take these leftovers with you.” She gestured to the body on the deck.
“Sir.” The corporal saluted and two of the men with him began doing a weapons scan on the man. The third strapped an antimag bar to the dead man and activated it. The corpse lifted off the ground and once the weapons check was complete they took the prisoner and body away.
CHAPTER 13
STELLAR DATE: 3227213 / 09.17.4123 (Adjusted Gregorian)
LOCATION: GSS Intrepid, Mars Outer Shipyards (MOS) REGION: Mars Protectorate, Sol Space Federation
“You’re going to need to take an escort with you from now on,” Admiral Sanderson said after Tanis reported the attack.
“As much as I hate the notion, I agree.” Tanis nodded. “In fact, all senior and key personnel should have an escort. It would be far worse if Abby or Earnest was killed than me.”
“They’d have to leave the ship first for that to happen.” Terrance laughed.
Sanderson grunted his assent. “On the upside this will probably help out in getting that moronic resolution the Marsian legislature passed overturned.”
Tanis laughed. “Stevens sent me a formal apology for the security breach, though there were undertones in his message suggesting he thinks I set it up. He’s probably cursing his heart out in that tacky office of his. As far as security, we’ll use Forsythe’s MCSF platoon for security details, a fireteam for each VIP, and keep Grenwald’s men for tactical responses.
“Are you certain that won’t stretch our resources too thin?” Terrance asked. He had come up from Mars to check on the status of several key milestones in the engine tests and invited himself to the meeting.
“I’ve got more TSF Regulars being called in for our normal security duties. Lieutenant Ouri now has six companies under her, which is causing some issues as they obviously are all run by commanders. GSS first lieutenants are close to the rank of TSF commanders, but it’s starting to cause some issues. I haven’t had to back up her orders yet—a testament to her tenacity—but she is spending more time making sure they aren’t doing things their way than I’d like. She’s due for a promotion shortly and I’d like to push it through.”
Sanderson nodded. “No reason not to. She’s colony, so it’s not like we’re messing up someone’s organization. Send me all the appropriate files and I’ll see that it happens with all due haste.”
“I don’t know that I’ll need one of your teams,” Terrance said. “I’ve got my own private forces that are second to none.”
“That you do, sir,” Tanis replied. “And when you’re on the MOS they’ll be augmented by one of the Marine fireteams. Your guys may be good, but they don’t have the resources we do, or the ability to legally start shooting holes in whatever gets in their way.”
Terrance wore his dangerous smile again. “I see your point, Major.”
Captain Andrews brought the discussion back on track . “Though I have no issues with added security, I would prefer to see the threat removed, rather than abated. Have we made any progress in tracking down who is behind all of this?”
Tanis hadn’t seen much of the captain over the last few weeks, but the signs of his efficiency and enthusiasm for the project were everywhere. You could always tell the quality of a captain by his ship, and Andrews was top notch.
“We’ve got a 94.7 percent probability that it is a Jovian concern backing these actions. From the looks of it, two of the attacks that happened before I arrived were actually anti-terraforming groups. Once we excluded all data pertaining to those incidents we were able to hone in on a few key banks on Callisto and Titan. A large number of shell corporations and even extra-solar interests were in-between, but we navigated past them. Those banks only deal with the top tier of corporations in Jovian space. We’re definitely looking at an industrial opponent.”
“I suppose that makes sense,” Terrance said. “They would definitely need big money to pull off what they’ve done so far. And there are several companies in Jove’s sphere that would like to take me down a notch.”
“Three hundred and ninety-two from what I can determine.” Tanis smiled. “Though only two hundred and seven use those banks.”
“Ouch…I didn’t realize it was quite that high. I wonder what the solar total is.”
“Seven hundred and four.” Tanis supplied.
Terrance laughed ruefully. “Wasn’t wondering that much.”
“Sorry, sir. I’m told I tend to be a bit too literal sometimes.”
“So do you have any top suspects?” Captain Andrews asked, fingering his silver hair.
“A few, sir.” She fed a stream of data into the conference room’s net and a list of companies and their particulars rose up over the table.
“First off
we have Barum Inc. They manufacture ES components and were in a very large bidding war to supply the Intrepid—mainly the components for the ramscoop. They lost the deal; the company, which was already in a downward spiral, went down further. One of the owners has made personal threats against you, Terrance. They recently managed to pull themselves out of the toilet and now have the capital to carry out what we’ve come up against. They’ve also had several other dealings with your companies that have left them…well…soured.”
“I can see how they wouldn’t be my biggest fans.” Terrance nodded as he looked over the data. “I didn’t think they were that far along on their recovery, though.”
“They recently had a very large sum come back from Tau Ceti, either after being laundered, or possibly as a return on an investment. Their corporate statements for that period aren’t yet public and we’re having to tread carefully in ‘accessing’ records in Jovian space what with the latest flare-up in the federal government.”
Captain Andrews nodded. “Your caution is wise. I can see how money from Tau Ceti would move them up your list.”
“Aye, sir. We’re looking into their activities quite carefully. We’ve also got a few other Jovian interests, but none that match up quite so well: the Arnell, Stellar Dynamics, Neutron Cartwright, and Mallar Isotopes.” As she listed off each one, corporate information rose above the table, coupled with the data points that potentially linked them to the attacks, or the funding thereof.
“There is also, of course, the STR consortium,” Tanis added. “They don’t have any particular reason to dislike you, sir, but they are building the GSS Dakota and we all know how much they are frothing at the mouth to get the New Eden colony. Especially after the latest data the FGT has sent back.”