Carbon Run (Tales From A Warming Planet Book 2)

by J. G. Follansbee

  “How so?”

  “Is our conversation on the record?”

  “If you prefer off-the-record, I can arrange it.” He’s guessed why I’m here.

  Gill exhaled. “We’ve seen an increasing number of security, ah, issues in recent months.”

  “What sorts of issues?”

  “Inspector, you must understand. We’re understaffed here. Recruitment is difficult, and my area of responsibility covers the entire eastern third of the state.”

  “Perhaps I can be of help.” Kilel already knew what Gill was talking about, but she wanted to see if he would try to hide something, if pressed.

  “Maybe so. We’ve suspected for a long time that someone or some group is extracting and removing petroleum from the area. We’re adjusting our security patrols and adding some new automated capabilities to determine what’s going on.”

  “You’re saying oil is disappearing from the old wells that you are supposed to guard?”

  “We have thousands of wells to monitor, Inspector.” Gill’s voice had an edge that didn’t fit with a man having ordinary trouble doing his job. “We have the best monitoring systems in place, besides the standard physical checks by humans and robots.” He appeared ready to admit a truth. “There’s evidence in the sensing systems’ logs and physical evidence that oil has been pumped from certain wells. I’ve seen it myself. I’ve smelled it myself. That sweet smell is actually in the air when you visit the site, but I can’t explain what’s going on.” Gill averted his eyes, a gesture Kilel noted.

  Kilel lifted a hand. “Have you mapped the wells that you say have been tapped? Where are they?”

  Gill touched keys on his tablet and a two-dimensional map of the immediate area emerged over his desk. The Lake Erie shore curved along the left edge of the map. “Do you see the red and orange dots? Not many, but they are within a short distance from some of the old roads in the area. Those roads were abandoned where the area was evacuated after the Carbon Acts took effect. Some of the roads are still in good condition.”

  “So you’re saying that someone is taking the oil out on those roads.”

  “That’s the most logical explanation, Inspector. We haven’t noted any unusual visits by aircraft, and the wells are too far from the lakeshore. It’s possible that the oil could be packed out by animal, robot, or even humans. The amount suggests vehicles, even a small train of vehicles.”

  Gill was following the script so far, Kilel thought. She glanced at the map over his desk and ordered her minds-eye to overlay her map of the wells suspected as the source of the oil she found at Port Simpson. It was not a perfect match. Her attention switched to her security bot, and she ordered it to the nearest well on her map that did not appear on the general’s map.

  “I’m surprised that you haven’t picked up odd vehicles or other behavior on your remote sensors.”

  Gill scratched on his tablet. “That’s another thing. My techs think someone’s tampered with the systems, probably the logs themselves, or the data streams.”

  “An inside job?”

  The officer straightened up. “I run a clean operation, Inspector. My men are loyal and committed to upholding the Acts.”

  Gill’s pronouncement did not ring true for Kilel. “Of course, General. I meant no insult, but the pattern is troubling, agreed?”

  Kilel was distracted by a message in her minds-eye. Her security robot had found the well that was the most likely origin of the oil sample at Port Simpson, and the well was not on Gill’s map. Kilel ordered the robot to take a sample.

  Gill sighed. “I’m conducting my own investigation, but I’ve found nothing conclusive.”

  Kilel stood up and went to Gill’s office window, which was streaked by the driving rain. A forlorn spider plant was drying out in the air-conditioned room. Kilel had the urge to tell Gill to water it.

  “General, I reviewed your personnel file and service record this morning before coming here.”

  “What does that have to do—”

  “You grew up in this area, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Gill licked his lips.

  “As I recall, the local people resisted direct government control of this part of the state for years after the Carbon Acts were passed.”

  “That was a long time ago. I was a child at the time.”

  Isn’t that convenient for him? “Your grandfather was a leader in a local resistance force, was he not?”

  “Inspector, I don’t see what that has to do with your investigation.”

  “Nothing, General,” she said, enjoying herself. “I just have a fondness for history, especially environmental history.”

  “Will there be anything else, Inspector?” Gill’s voice grew cold.

  “Yes, General. Another question.” Kilel approached his desk, wanting to get right in his face. “Right after the Three Degrees North War, you were a military attaché in the U. S. embassy in Moscow, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “Much of your job revolved around implementing an agreement by which the world’s militaries would transition away from carbon-based fuels for ships, airplanes, and so on. You made a number of good contacts who knew much about the logistics of moving fuel, including ways to move it in secret.’

  The General assumed an offended dignity. “Inspector Kilel, if you are accusing me of something, come right out and say it. Yes, I know about clandestine transportation of fuels, but that doesn’t mean I’m involved in a conspiracy to smuggle oil out of my area of responsibility. What would I gain?”

  “You’re the one using the word ‘smuggling,’ General.” Kilel grinned. “As to gain, I can think of a hundred ways you would gain, or anyone, for that matter. Money, power, perhaps even prestige. Rebellion is in your blood, but carbon-based fuels are now illegal, and for good reason.” Sweat beaded on Gill’s forehead. “I’m sure you understand that, General Gill.”

  Kilel exited Gill’s office and drove off the compound into the wet hills of Pennsylvania.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Colonel Raleigh Penn rode the elevator to the fifth floor of the Interior Ministry building, grieved that he couldn’t take the stairs. If it were a year ago, he would’ve done so without thinking twice. These days, by the time he walked the flights of steps, he’d be out of breath, and he couldn’t risk appearing weak to the Minister. His semi-annual meeting with her was too important for the Bureau and himself.

  The elevator door opened to a long hallway with a double set of faux-mahogany doors at the far end. He self-consciously smoothed down his BES uniform, checked the placement of his ID badge, and tucked the tablet under his arm. The dark green biopolymer case was indistinguishable from kid leather. He waited for the biometric scan to confirm his identity, and he heard the click of the lock.

  A young male receptionist greeted Raleigh without getting out of his chair. He gestured toward the Minister’s closed office door. Raleigh noticed an alcove near the reception desk. A security bot, one of the latest models, was stowed in the alcove, a tiny green light glowing below the housing of its camera. It faced the Minister’s door. Raleigh knocked twice, aware of the bot’s eye on his back. It recorded and monitored every twitch, changes in body heat, certain pheromones, and other metrics that predicted aggressive behavior. The algorithms approached 100 percent effectiveness, though the media made much of the occasional error.

  “Good morning, Colonel Penn. So good to see you.” The Minister greeted Raleigh warmly, her handshake firm. Women in power never saw the need for a crushing handshake, the colonel reflected. She was dressed in the dark suit preferred by female executives, with fabric covering her entire body, from the tight collar to her shoes, with a suggestion of curves. Raleigh had learned to be careful in her presence.

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again as well, Minister.” Raleigh bowed as he released her hand. She directed him to a sofa and chair set near a coffee table with two cups, a pot, and cream and sugar. Though the pot was full, Raleigh knew
they were for decoration only. The Interior Minister was not chatty.

  “I must say, Colonel, you look a little thinner than when we last visited.”

  I’ve lost ten kilos in the past six months. I had to have all my uniforms altered. “Thank you for noticing, ma’am.”

  “I hope all is well? With your health, I mean.”

  How much does she know? Probably everything, though it’s none of her business. Check that, it is her business. That’s how she’s survived, politically. “I have some minor issues, ma’am. Nothing to worry about.”

  “I see.” She studied him with that x-ray vision of hers. “What do you have for me today?”

  She says it as if I’m a waiter in a restaurant. “We’re making progress on several fronts, ma’am, but I must also report some difficulties.”

  “First, the good news, if you don’t mind.”

  “We’ve broken up an extensive illegal fishing operation in the Gulf of Alaska. I think that problem will remain under wraps for several years to come.”

  “Yes, I read your report on that. Excellent work. Please convey my compliments to Inspector, ah...”

  “ Kilel.”

  “Yes. I hope you’re considering her for a promotion sometime soon?”

  “Of course. She’s near the top of the list for the next round.”

  “Very good.”

  Raleigh went down a brief list: New protections for the remaining rainforests in New Guinea, the discovery of tropical fish species in the waters of Tierra del Fuego off South America, the efforts to reverse desertification in the Texas Republic. He briefed the Minister on each, and she asked probing, thoughtful questions.

  The Minister glanced at her jewel-encrusted watch, and Raleigh idly wondered if all the diamonds were legal.

  “I’d like to go back to one thing, Colonel.”

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  The Minister pitched forward. “It’s about Inspector, ah...”

  Raleigh watched her feign ignorance. “Kilel?”

  “Yes, of course.” The Minister locked eyes with Raleigh. “She’s very active, isn’t she?”

  “Active? I don’t understand.”

  “Persistent, thorough.”

  Raleigh could think of a few more adjectives that were less flattering. “She’s one of our best investigators.”

  “Colonel, as you know, I’m a great supporter of the Bureau and the Carbon Acts. I was among the first to support their amendments in the Assembly after the Spike.”

  “The Bureau has always appreciated your support.” What does she want?

  “Would you agree that even in the cause of environmental protection, zealousness can sometimes be overdone?”

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m not following you.”

  The Minister showed a rare hint of irritation. “I read your introductory report for our meeting, Colonel. I saw that you and Kilel are investigating a minor case of carbon smuggling. Something to do with shipping across the Arctic Ocean.’

  Minor? Did she actually read the report?

  “In my personal opinion, Inspector Kilel’s time is better spent elsewhere. Do you agree?”

  “I’m not sure.” What is she talking about?

  “You know what’s best for your agency and the inspector. I’m not one to micromanage.”

  “No, ma’am.” She’s warning me off. Why? What is Kilel doing?

  “Excellent. I have complete faith in you, Colonel. Your service continues to be stellar. Speaking of promotions, the newest promotions list from Personnel crossed my desk today.” The Minister cleared her throat. “I was disappointed to see that your name was not on the list.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me, ma’am. I’m not due for consideration until next year.” Lieutenant General would be a nice cap on my career.

  “Bureaucracy is so tedious.” The Minister crossed her legs. “I have the authority to award promotions in the case of meritorious service, and I believe you qualify.”

  “I’m flattered, ma’am.”

  “It’s true, Raleigh. You’re a true patriot for the earth.”

  She’s exposing herself and me to charges of attempting to obstruct justice. “Thank you, but I’d rather follow the normal procedures.”

  “Nonsense, Raleigh. I’ll start the paperwork right away. I owe you. Do we understand each other?”

  No, it’s me owing you, and I’d better pay up. “Perfectly, ma’am.”

  “Excellent.” The Minister was cheery. “And I hope whatever health issues you have clear up very soon. Let’s have dinner together sometime. My treat.” The Minister held out her hand, a signal that the meeting was over.

  In a moment, Colonel, soon to be Lieutenant General, Raleigh Penn, against his will, found himself in the reception area facing the security bot. Its green light was steady, an implacable threat. In spite of that, he smiled inwardly. If my guess is right, Anne is my insurance against failure.

  CHAPTER 31

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  THE TEXT AND VIDEO ON Janine Kilel’s tablet displayed as clear as the Oregon sunshine, but her concentration failed her as she wrestled with Colonel Penn’s newest demand. Under normal circumstances, she took her orders and moved on to other priorities. That’s why she checked out a car from the BES motor pool and told it to drive to the Penn residence in Brier Valley. She had made up her mind what to do next with Anne, but the instructions from the colonel gnawed at her like an injury.

  The scene played over and over again in her mind. She was sitting in her Eugene office, answering email and com queries, when Colonel Penn came up in the queue.

  “I’d like a concise update on the oil trafficking case, Inspector.” Colonel Penn’s skin was sallow, his eyes rheumy, and the skin hung on his facial bones like a draped cloth. His hands, though, were still powerful; he might still best her in the jiu jitsu matches the agency arranged as morale boosters. A man at death’s door.

  Kilel wasted no time with pleasantries. She summarized her last pro forma activity report. “The trace evidence points to a very old oil field in Pennsylvania protected by the local environmental guard force. It seems—”

  “What’s the bottom line, Inspector?”

  “Sir?”

  Penn sighed. “Have you drawn any conclusions?”

  “Sir, it’s too early to draw conclusions. I’d need to—”

  “You’re an experienced investigator. Give me your informed speculation.”

  His testiness disconcerted Kilel. The colonel was methodical and patient. She worked in a similar way; that’s why they got along. “I’ve formed the outline of a hypothesis. I don’t have any proof yet that would stand up before the Tribunal.”

  “Go on.”

  “Sir...” How much of what I say might hurt me? “I believe there may be elements in the government that are involved in this smuggling operation.” There, she had put her foot in it for good now. “The chemical analysis of the oil samples, as well as the ownership of vehicles involved in transporting the oil, point to a government connection.”

  Colonel Penn’s pallid face turned gray. “Do you realize what you are saying, Inspector?”

  Kilel shifted in her chair. “You asked for speculation, sir. The evidence is thin and circumstantial. I have a few other ideas...”

  “What’s your next move?”

  Careful. “I’ve spoken to the general officer in charge of the sector where the oil comes from,” Kilel said, more comfortable on this ground. “I’m not satisfied with his answers. I’d like to bring him in for further questioning.”

  Colonel Penn’s silence unnerved Kilel. She detected a slight narrowing of his eyes, and for an instant, he appeared indecisive. She had never seen that in him.

  “Janine, I would like you to postpone your interview with the witness.”

  “Sir?”

  “Postpone your interview.”

  “May I ask why, sir?”

  The colonel’s face turned stony. “Information has come into my posse
ssion related to the case.”

  “With respect, sir, may I see that information?” Is he holding out on me?

  Penn lowered his eyes. “That’s not possible. It’s classified at the highest levels.”

  He’s lying. Why?

  “Furthermore, Inspector, I’d like you to place your investigation on inactive status, at least for the time being. Understood?”

  Penn’s order stunned Kilel. He had never halted one of her inquiries before. The implications of his order, after she had laid out her speculation, solidified her suspicions that a person or group deep inside the government was running the smuggling operation. He’s saying, “If you get too close to this, you’ll get burned.”

  “Sir, I need to tell you that your brother may be involved.”

  “What evidence do you have?” The colonel said, astounded. “How is that possible?”

  “Surveillance at Pole Station shows him boarding a launch that belonged to the Aganippe. I suspected he might be aboard the vessel. He disappeared soon after, along with the ship itself.”

  “Perhaps he was aboard her when the boat vanished.”

  “It’s possible,” Kilel said. “The boat’s disappearance is still a mystery, though my hypothesis includes the possibility that it was attacked by some sort of off-the-radar force.”

  “You mean a marauder?”

  “Rumors of pirate activities are strong in the Arctic. The Russians tried to stamp them out for years.”

  Penn’s face was blank. “I find it difficult to believe that our remote sensing technologies can’t find a pirate.”

  “Unless he has help.”

  “From whom?”

  Don’t go there. “I don’t want to speculate further, sir, but outside help would explain why he or they are eluding us.”

  Kilel knew that family relationships were powerful, and people would protect their blood. Yet the colonel had told her, in so many words, that he was indifferent to his younger brother. What about Anne? Until this moment, Kilel hadn’t considered the possibility that her boss might harbor emotions for his niece. Does she have a connection to the smuggling? The inspector shook off the idea as wild and unfounded. The girl was far too guileless. Instead, Kilel gambled that loyalty, however weak, might persuade the colonel to continue the investigation. “I also think it’s possible that your brother may have thrown his lot in with them.”