Chapter 6: Press Conference III
“Good morning,” Pete said a few minutes later as he took the podium in the press tent. There were fewer people here now, maybe a hundred. Many of the local news organizations had given up as their circulation went down, and as the story moved on to Home, many of the interstellar news agencies had sent their people on to Home. So where once there might have been two hundred accredited reporters to the evacuation command there were maybe half that many here today. “I have a short statement to read.
“The evacuation command is reporting that a communication from Lady Wilson’s abductor has been received. We are not going to say much more than that in this meeting. We have identified all of the company dead at the hospital, and will be releasing their names as soon as the company is made aware of their demise. So their families can be notified. There were six marines killed in the incident, and no cops. The stun grenades took down a lot her opposition before Hozenbur could attack. Disoriented and confused the protective detail didn’t have a chance. At this time the Mounties are crediting Admiral Wilson with one of the company dead. The rest were killed by the Ebio officer.
“Now I’ll take some questions now,” Pete said knowing what the first one would be. He was fully prepared. The news media would never forgive him. But he didn’t really care he had some good friends on that detail.
“Why didn’t the protective detail prevent the abduction.” the first one asked, “Aren’t they trained to give up their lives for their principle.”
“That’s correct.” Pete said and nodded to a member of the Queen’s own guard as he ducked behind the podium. The guard threw a practice grenade. It was one tenth the power of a live stun grenade; but still potent. It detonated and knocked all the newsmen down. Pete waited a couple of seconds and said, “Now what was that about the protective detail being able to outsmart a stun grenade. Sometimes I think all of you people never learn the facts of life. It is very hard for anyone who is expecting the grenade to fight it let alone someone who is unprepared for it.” His ears were ringing from the blast, “There will be no more discussion what the protective detail could or couldn’t do at the time of the assault. That is unless one of you guys is Sergeant Rock and from what I see, that little practice grenade shows you are not. Now if you have other questions I will deal with them now.”
“What is being done to find Lady Wilson,” a woman reporter whose ears were still ringing asked.
“The Mounties have set up a command post.” Pete said, “Members of the Thonian Secret Service, and The Imperial Corps De Chameleon have offered their assistance. The Mounties have requested that their off duty officers work on special patrol routes. Many of these guys are pulling sixteen hour days and to a man they have stood up and said they will pull some extra duty. The same is true of the Companions, and the Marines. They have been given search sectors and have been searching the deserted portions of Trena.”
“Do you think she is still on world?” A second reporter asked trying not to throw up his breakfast.
“Yes. The Militia has now issued a hard hold on any space craft leaving the planet. Any landing craft will need to have a written flight plan. Even military space craft need to have special clearance. All persons entering the evacuation loading zones are being positively ID with an additional check at the gate. Pregnant women are being carefully; but thoroughly checked. We’re nearly sure that she is still on the planet.”
“Could she have gotten off during the confusion?” Another reporter asked.
“No,” Pete said, “Traffic Control grounded everything. Everything that was light on skids was ground held. Everything that was en route to orbit was returned to point of departure. Everything in route from orbit to ground was returned to its point of departure. None of the landing craft failed to follow directions. This is SOP for anything like this. We’re certain that she didn’t get off world.”
“What can the people do to help?” Another reporter asked. “There aren’t many of us left; but we can help somehow?”
“We are fewer and fewer,” Pete said, “But those of you who are still here, can keep their eyes open for strange things. Things that don’t fit into the neighborhood. Granted there are a lot of comings and goings in the neighborhoods. But people know what’s going on. If you see something call the Mounties!
“Thank you ladies and gentlemen,” Pete said, “Please except my apologies for setting off the grenade. But that was the only way to help you understand a stun grenade.”
Pete left the podium.
Every Last Mother's Child Page 205