Death Ship Quest

by William Zellmann

  “Pah!” Tu-Ker’s expression was disgusted. “I don’t tolerate fools well. I suspect Pankin was as anxious to get me away from those fatuous civilians as he was to get help to you.” He waved a dismissing hand. “Anyway, I see no reason to alarm your crew--either of them. There will be no further nonsense about arrest and guards. As far as your people are concerned, we are here to make sure you get to your destination safely. Of course, you know that no one will be permitted to leave your ships, and no one will go aboard?”

  Kas nodded. “I assumed that, sir. There will be no problem.”

  Tu-Ker grinned again. “I was sure there wouldn’t be. Now, I understand your ships might need reprovisioning. We’ve brought supplies for you.”

  The conversation moved to the practicalities of ship operations.

  Chapter 17

  With Tu-Ker’s battle group protecting them, morale aboard Rekesh and Starhopper soared. The fresh supplies they brought helped even more.

  Nevertheless, as jump after jump came and went and time dragged, it became increasingly difficult to maintain that initial high morale. Minor irritations became major confrontations. Fights became more and more frequent. As quickly as it had risen, morale plummeted.

  Once more Kas was grateful for the presence of Lady Jane. As a civilian, she was outside the military chain of command, and her friendly good humor made her as welcome in the crew’s mess as the wardroom. Kas learned of several instances in which she had stopped trouble before it started. After several weeks of increasing violence, she appointed herself unofficial morale officer, and enlisted the help of Lordsgrace Worshipful, the Commissary Officer. Together, they devised a series of games and contests featuring minor prizes looted from Rekesh’s cavernous supply stores. Kas first learned of it because he had to authorize issuing some of the Fleet supplies for the prizes, but he became an enthusiastic promoter, and soon ship-wide team competitions were underway.

  Unsurprisingly, it worked. The air of tension eased noticeably.

  Another positive factor was that the personnel were coming to form a bond. They were becoming a crew instead of a collection of strangers. In a strange way their isolation, the fact that they knew they were confined to their ships, helped mold them into a cohesive group. They knew they had done nothing wrong, and they knew there was no threat of plague, and they were both derisive and resentful of the limitations inflicted on them by the politicians. Pride in being Fleet surged, and even the civilians became unofficial ‘members’.

  Kas made no effort to curb this “us-against-them” attitude. It was proving very valuable in maintaining morale. He was careful, however, to leak enough information to make certain that the Empire’s civilian politicians, and not the Fleet, were identified as the “them” involved.

  Still, time was heavy on their hands and Kas’ officers had to resume searching for stills -- new ones. Kas was forced to order more floggings, and had one petty officer put into cold sleep to await a court martial upon their return to the Empire.

  Tu-Ker did what he could; Rekesh and Starhopper enjoyed all the latest holovids and any other luxuries he could think of, and he even sent over wardroom supplies with specific, if unofficial, instructions that they be used to feed the crew instead of the officers.

  Nevertheless, the time did pass. They began counting down to the end of the mission in weeks instead of months, then days.

  As they entered the final jump, Kas’ relief was tempered by a rise in his own anxiety. Was this where his career would end? How long would he be imprisoned aboard Rekesh? The newsies Tu-Ker had brought led him to suspect he was destined to be a sacrificial lamb for the imperial senate. He was being savagely attacked almost daily, his name and reputation ruthlessly vilified. After reading the newsies he was beginning to think the worst thing that could happen to him would be to be released on nearly any Empire planet. He would probably be lynched.

  Once again, Lady Jane helped. She relieved his depression and fear with jokes and tenderness. She joked that perhaps Fleet Intelligence could provide him with a new identity, and promised to smuggle him to the Alliance. By the time they had finished projecting wilder and wilder scenarios of his possible future, they were both roaring with laughter.

  However, Kas knew his situation was no joke. His career and his life were on the line.

  Tu-Ker was also supportive, but he did not minimize the gravity of the situation.

  “When we arrive,” he mentioned as he briefed Kas, “We’ll be greeted by the largest battle fleet ever assembled.” He shrugged. “Sheol, when was the last time two battle cruisers and four destroyers were dispatched on convoy duty?”

  Kas frowned. “Never, to my knowledge.”

  The admiral nodded. “Exactly. But the assembled fleet is so huge that my little group was hardly missed. They’ve even brought out the old Atropos!”

  Kas started in surprise. “The dreadnought? It must have taken months to get her spaceworthy!”

  Tu-Ker grinned sourly. “It did. But when Ta-Lank and a bunch of other senators formed a committee and demanded to be there when you arrived, the Emperor decided a dreadnought was the only ship large enough to accommodate all of them and all of their staffs.” He snorted in disgust.

  “I think Pankin himself might be coming out,” he continued. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t think there’s been anything like it!”

  Kas was stunned. “The Grand Admiral? Here?” He paused to collect his thoughts. “I’m in really big trouble, aren’t I, sir?”

  Tu-Ker nodded soberly. “I’m afraid so. But it’s not just you. It is everyone aboard your ships. And maybe everyone in the entire Fleet. Practically everyone in the Empire thinks you are the greatest threat since the Horsehead Rebellion five hundred years ago. And they may be right.”

  He waved a hand. “Oh, I don’t mean that ridiculous pirate or plague nonsense either. But what happens if that damned senate committee demands you be destroyed? Would the fleet fire on someone they know was just doing their job? Would Pankin order it? And what happens if he or they refuse? And what would the Emperor do? You could touch off a civil war that’d make the Horsehead Rebellion look like a border skirmish!”

  His expression became thoughtful for a moment. Then, “You have a reputation for thinking fast on your feet. I hope it is true. For all our sakes.”

  As soon as they emerged, Kas was ordered to cancel all vectors relative to the system’s sun. Then he and his crew watched incredulously as no less than eight battle cruisers quickly formed a globe around his ships. All but two of the Empire’s entire fleet of battle cruisers was now in this empty outlying system. Sixteen destroyers and a virtual cloud of auxiliaries supported them.

  Finally, hovering just inside the battle cruisers’ englobement hung the huge Atropos. A sphere a kilometer in diameter, she dwarfed her accompanying battle cruisers. She bristled with hundreds of laser, particle beam, and projectile emplacements. Tu-Ker had been right. This was the largest battle fleet ever assembled. And they were here for him! He forced down a surge of fear.

  As soon as his ships were stationary relative to their “escort,” Kas fled to his office to report to the Admiral in command, Fleet Admiral Rev Pankin.

  The face that appeared was not Pankin’s, though. It belonged to Captain Froud, the Grand Admiral’s Chief of Staff, and it wore a sympathetic and slightly embarrassed expression.

  “Good day, Commodore. The Grand Admiral is expecting your call, of course. For security reasons he requests that you report via laser com.”

  “Of course, Captain,” Kas replied stiffly. “I’ll establish laser com immediately.”

  Froud paused. “Please use a minimum-diameter beam, sir.” Kas nodded. Froud did not have to add that it was very likely that the senators would try to eavesdrop on even a laser com transmission. As they were on the same ship as the Grand Admiral, that would be difficult but not impossible. A minimum-diameter beam would be less than a centimeter across, and would require careful te
nding to stay focused on one of Atropos’ antennae. It was the closest thing possible to an untappable com.

  As soon as the connection was established, an obviously embarrassed Pankin appeared. “Good day, Commodore. Are you impressed by your welcoming committee?”

  “Good day, sir. Impressed is not the word. Terrified would be more accurate.”

  Pankin looked angry and very uncomfortable. “This is the silliest damned thing in the history of the Empire,” he began. After a moment, he continued in a more businesslike tone, “All right, let’s get the crap out of the way.”

  He flipped a switch on his desk -- evidently, he was recording his next words. “First, I have been ordered to inform you that you are to consider yourself and the crews of both your ships under arrest pending an investigation into your conduct during this mission, and that of your officers and crews.

  “Second, both ships are also considered under medical quarantine. In addition, by action of the imperial Senate your status is considered the same as that of ships bearing active plague beacons. Any boat or launch attempting to leave either vessel will be fired upon and destroyed. Any attempt by either vessel to initiate boost will be considered an attempt to escape, and the ship will be destroyed.

  “Third, you are ordered to cooperate with all legally-constituted investigative bodies to the limit of your ability, and you will pass this order to your crews. You are warned that failure to cooperate with any such body may be considered disobedience of this direct order. Do you understand the orders you have just been given?”

  “I understand, sir,” Kas replied grimly, “I and my people will of course obey, though I am unaware of any offenses committed by myself or my people.”

  Pankin nodded, his expression changing to one of relief. He nodded. “Very well, Commodore. There is a senatorial investigating committee now on board Atropos, and a legally binding subpoena has been delivered to me ordering you to appear before the committee by vid at 1600 tomorrow. You are ordered to appear at the designated time. Do you understand this order?”

  Obviously, all Pankin wanted was a bare acceptance on the recording. Presumably, more information would be forthcoming once the recorder was turned off.

  “Yes, sir, I understand. I will be available at 1600 tomorrow.”

  Pankin nodded and flipped the switch off. Then he breathed a huge sigh. “Kas, I can’t tell you how sorry I am. This whole episode disgusts me. I came out here to make certain you receive every possible aid. To do that, I’ll need your mission report as soon as possible.”

  “No problem, sir. I have been working on it for days. I’ll need to bring it up to this point to make the report complete, but that shouldn’t take long.”

  Pankin nodded approvingly. “Excellent. However, I think you should know that damned committee has already subpoenaed your report, so you might want to review it before you send it. Make sure it does not say anything that might make you a target. Transmit it by minimum laser com as soon as you finish it.” He straightened. “Now. You have to appear in front of that damned committee, of course. They’ll probably grill you over every detail of the mission, and second-guess every decision you made. Be prepared for a lot of silly questions about that fool Lu-Jenks.

  “Since this stupid committee is an investigative body only, you’re not entitled to have a lawyer present. But the Fleet Judge Advocate General himself is standing by to advise you any time you want him.”

  Pankin cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Uh, He’s already asked me to tell you to be very careful what you say about the Lu-Jenks incident. My intentions were good, but by stopping that court-martial, it seems I have left you hanging. This fool committee can reinstate the charges. Since the court never took place, jeopardy did not attach, and double jeopardy doesn’t apply. So watch yourself. The JAG recommends that you cite the Charter and refuse to answer any questions about the incident.” He shrugged. “I’m not sure I’d go that far. These people are powerful, and it would not be wise to offend them unnecessarily. But I’d agree that any answer that compromises your possible defense at a future court-martial should be avoided.”

  “Understood, sir.”

  Of course, Kas’ ships were now receiving the commercial vid channels and newsies. Every channel and every newsie seemed obsessed with Kas and his ships. Several of the senators who would make up the committee he was to face were interviewed. All of their comments could have been summed up in five words: “We’re going to get Preslin!” So much for senatorial impartiality.

  The session was every bit as bad as Kas feared. There were five senators on the panel but it was obvious from the start that the one seated in the center, Ta-Lank himself, was the one that really mattered.

  Since he was sitting it was hard to be sure, but Kas thought that Ta-Lank was unusually tall. Certainly, he was thin. His head was shaved which, when combined with his cadaverous body gave him a skull-like appearance. His voice though was soft and melodious. Kas decided that the man’s voice was what had originally gotten him elected to the Senate. However, his eyes were hard and hostile. In fact, none of the faces on the committee revealed anything but hostility.

  “Good day, Commodore,” Ta-Lank began in that strangely melodious voice. “This committee has been empowered by the imperial senate to investigate the conduct of your latest mission. Be warned: we will not permit you to put the billions of people of the Empire at risk. Nor will we tolerate any attempts at mutiny or sedition. At the slightest indication of risk to the Empire, your ships will be destroyed. Now, have you any preliminary remarks?”

  Kas smiled at him. “Only that there is no risk to the Empire in Vir Rekesh or Starhopper. Our mission has been a complete success and we have retrieved a warship of immense value to the Empire, as well as preventing it from falling into unfriendly hands. As for me personally, I’ve spent more than twenty-five years protecting the Empire, not threatening it.”

  Ta-Lank’s smile was mocking. It was obvious that this meeting was being recorded, and he was playing for the cameras. “No risk? You don’t consider a plague that killed over three thousand people a risk?”

  Kas shook his head. “No, sir, I don’t. Thanks to the efforts of the ship’s last commanding officer, Dr. Ver Ro-Lecton, the Empire’s foremost epidemiologist, and his equally distinguished medical team, the plague was eradicated aboard Vir Rekesh.”

  “How can you know that? You can’t know that!” The senator that spoke was on the left end. His handsome features fairly screamed “body sculpture,” but his voice was high-pitched and scratchy.

  Kas sighed. “We know that because one of the medical team became infected and almost died. Dr. Ro-Lecton’s serum saved her, and no one injected with the serum has shown any symptoms. We know that because we have spent more than nine months aboard her, and the records of the original plague indicate an incubation period of only ten days to two weeks. We know that because Vir Rekesh was open to space for nearly a century.”

  Ta-Lank was glaring at the other senator. He had not intended to give Kas a chance to have his say this soon, if at all.

  “Yes, well, we’ll see about that, Commodore. I am afraid we cannot just accept your word for such an important fact.

  “Now,” he resumed briskly. “This committee has only just received a copy of your report to Fleet HQ. We have not had time to review it completely, but we can pose some preliminary questions. Would it be fair, Commodore, to say that you are familiar with the broad outlines of interstellar law?”

  Kas shrugged. “I suppose so, sir. An educated layman’s familiarity. I’m certainly no expert on it.”

  “But you are aware that intrusion of an armed Fleet vessel into space claimed by another entity is forbidden by interstellar law? And that such intrusion is considered an act of aggression?”

  Kas could see where this was headed. “Yes, sir.”

  “’Yes, sir’,” Ta-Lank repeated. “Yet despite that knowledge, isn’t it true that you took an armed Fleet vessel and intruded i
nto the claimed space of neighboring entities? And isn’t it true that you did so using falsified documents?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Then you admit to violations of interstellar law, treaties, and conventions. You stand condemned out of your own mouth. What have you to say in your own defense?”

  Finally, Kas thought. “I was ordered on a mission, the first part of which was covert. The ship, as you noted, was a Fleet vessel specifically prepared for this mission. Fleet Intelligence created the documents you mention. For my part I was, and am, a Fleet officer, carrying out the orders of a senior Fleet officer with the obvious approval of high imperial authority. Were you under the impression that I simply cooked up some papers in my cabin one lonely night, then built and armed a ship, all without the knowledge or approval of the Imperial Government?”

  “Hmph,” the senator grunted. “And did your orders include a ruthless attack on a civilian vessel and the murder of what I am told is over a hundred innocent people?”

  It took Kas a few seconds to understand what Ta-Lank was talking about. Suddenly it hit him, and he snorted.

  “I can only assume that what you are talking about is the destruction of a corvette showing no ident beacon, occupied by Glory military personnel without insignia. In other words, a Glory ‘pirate’. It is well known that the Glory uses such vessels so that it can deny responsibility for such intrusions as you have mentioned. I did fire on and destroy that vessel in order to rescue a civilian freighter she was attacking at the time.”

  “So you say!” It was another of the senators, a woman this time. She was horsey and plain, her mousy hair drawn into a severe bun. “We have a reliable report that you attacked a civilian vessel without provocation. You savagely murdered over a hundred people. What proof do you have of your scurrilous charges against our friends in the Ministry for the Glory of God? Your word?” The last words were a sneer.