Steel Walls and Dirt Drops

by Black, Alan

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Misha left the intelligence office with a sense of mixed satisfaction. From an intel point of view it was a good shift. Everyone agreed with her assessment that the anomaly was of Binder origin. Even General Gurand and Colonel Britaine admitted as much. No one, computer or human, could match the signal to any known Binder activity. Even so, the after-action reports, the on-line meetings and the flurry of comm traffic took her away from McPherson's Second for far too long.

  She relied on her seconds and her own Able Squad's Trooper One Singletary to get the unit on track for the Altec dirt drop. Misha flashed a comm to her unit between meetings and urged them to greater efforts. She knew they would fight Binders in Altec. However, true to AMSF form, a deep classification rating covered the Binder signal incident. She was unable to mention it to her troops.

  General Gurand decided to jump into the Gagarin System with only a twenty-four-hour delay. A flurry of probes failed to turn up any spacecraft. That may be because space is fairly vast and somewhat empty. There may not be many places to hide, but a spaceship lying dormant can hide in plain sight. The probes may not have found anything because the ship issuing the signal had bugged out before the AMSF could get their act together and launch that flurry of probes. Where the signal had come from would remain a mystery for a while. What the signal meant was also a very dangerous unknown.

  Gurand decided he needed to notify AMSF headquarters and the Allied Systems government about the new Binder signal. This required sending a spacecraft to the rear through the last two jumps. He ordered Colonel Britaine to dispatch two Kiirkegaard FACs to Heaven’s Gate. The Kiirkegaard would move with the squadron through the next jump into the Gagarin system and stop off at Gagarin Four to drop off Marshal Service Sergeant Forrester. The FACs with their two men crews were small enough and fast enough to endure the multiple jumps, send a message, pick up a reply and double jump back. A FAC required only minimal downtime between jumps for the flight crew to adjust. They might even make it back before the Kiirkegaard jumped into Gagarin if they pushed it. In any event, Britaine would wait for his fighters to return before ordering the Kiirkegaard to follow Gurand's squadron from Gagarin and into Altec space.

  Despite the AMSF classifying the Binder signal as deep secret, Misha decided to forward the details to Fourth-Level Commander Kema Wallace Ottiamig, her immediate supervisor, with a cc attachment to all of her up-line commands. As an intelligence specialist, her message was automatically routed to the head of APES intelligence, a fifth-level commander in the second tier. All the messages were encoded and sent with the FACs for transmission once they entered the Heaven system.

  APES intelligence would combine the new data with every other piece of available Binder activity. A retransmission would be quickly downloaded to all APES as relevant tactical data. She was certain when she received the report back through the intelligence filters that it would bear little or no resemblance to the data she sent forward. Misha was confident of this because such a signal would not hold much significance for ground troops. None-the-less, it was still a gratifying intelligence find. It was particularly satisfying that an APES intelligence specialist located and identified the signal when the AMSF intelligence technicians could not or would not.

  Screams of pain and howls of anger assaulted Misha's ears as she stepped through the hatch into the APES training bay.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Men and women in various degrees of sweat, pummeling, pounding and pouncing upon one another, immediately surrounded Misha. She smiled as a particularly loud bone-crunching crash echoed around the metal bulkheads. Those were the sights and sounds of warriors preparing for battle. Her warriors were preparing for her battle.

  "Third on deck," someone shouted.

  "As you were," Misha replied before anyone else could react. "Know sweat: know success. Get to it, you lazy APES."

  A heavy weight slammed Misha's back, pushing her forward into a knot of APES. She recognized Second Takki-Homi as he tried to wrap her into a headlock. She bent rapidly from the waist, throwing the man into the small cluster of APES. Twisting sideways, she saw Trooper Ortiz of Charlie Squad slide into her legs, grappling to buckle her knees. Another Charlie trooper, Amossitta Riffler, threw herself at Misha's chest in a cross-body block.

  Misha turned. She knew she was going onto the deck face first, but before Riffler made contact, a second body slammed upward across the trooper, knocking her sideways, sending her spinning off like an airplane propeller gone haywire and out of contact with Misha. Ottiamig, of her own Able Squad, quickly locked Riffler into a submission hold only a second after Misha dropped her full weight onto Ortiz's slight frame. Misha drove the point of her elbow deeply into the woman's solar plexus. The air whoofed out of Ortiz’s lungs and she patted the deck in submission.

  Before Misha could roll off of Ortiz, Takki-Homi slammed into her body followed by a pile of Charlie Squad's troopers. Able Squad troopers quickly followed them and a wild melee ensued that was over all too fast. She was pinned to the deck plates. The only damage she could manage to inflict on the Charlie Squad attackers was minuscule. She admitted defeat as Charlie repulsed Able’s rescue attempt. She patted the deck plates signaling her surrender. "Great way to greet your commander, Second Takki-Homi," she said with mock severity.

  Takki-Homi laughed, "No sweat: no success. It was a fair fight except Charlie outnumbered Able by eleven to seven, counting you. We beat you mainly by surprise. You let yourself get sucked into an ambush, Third. Shame on you."

  "Great! Just great! That is really going to do wonders for my combat image.” She looked around the training bay. Everyone was engaged in hand-to-hand combat training each squad pitted against another. Looking over her own squad she noticed Singletary, Juarez, Park and Slezak were missing. She expected Slezak’s absence as she was still confined to quarters. She also noticed Ottiamig was bleeding from a split lip. She looked pointedly at Able Squad's med tech, Trooper Cutler and with a finger directed his attention to Ottiamig. Cutler nodded, grabbed his medical kit and moved to attend the slight cut.

  Nodding nodded at Second Takki-Homi, she said. "This is a good group exercise. Your idea?"

  "Nope," he said. "Theda, I mean Second Moraft likes us to train this way all the time."

  "Well, remind me to compliment her," Misha said. "It looks like it really engenders teamwork among the squads."

  Takki-Homi shooed both squads back to working out before he spoke. "I am sure she would be pleased to hear that, Trey. But, the truth be known, she really likes to practice this way because it allows her to hide in the crowd. Look, I am not one to rat out another second, but Theda lets far too many things slide, including her physical exercise programs; that and her whole squad's readiness. I just thought you ought to know."

  "I appreciate the heads up, Taks. I noticed those same things myself."

  Takki-Homi shook his head. "Sorry, I guess didn't need to say anything."

  "You'd better. Just because I saw this doesn't mean I will see everything you see. Don't you dare go silent on me, Deuce. I think we are getting ourselves into a whirlwind of trouble on this drop and our outfit isn't near as ready as we should be."

  "Yeah, well, I guess you better hear this too. There is quite a bit of grumbling about that," Takki-Homi hesitated.

  "Go on," she ordered.

  "A lot of the veterans have been complaining that you're spending what precious little time we have left with the AMSF instead of your own command. Truthfully, I've wondered about that myself," Takki-Homi said.

  "Something went down in intelligence. It's not a cover when I say that I can't really tell you right now about what went on. AMSF and APES classified a lot of what is happening. I promise I will let you know as soon as I can."

  "I hope that’s before the excrement hits the oscillating wind device," he smiled.

  "I promise you this, Taks. I’ll let you and every member of this unit know every piece of information you
need before we drop dirt on Altec, whether the information is classified or not. The big bosses can court-martial me later if they don't like it."

  "That is fair enough for me. Can I pass your promise on to the other squad leaders?" he asked.

  "I’ll do it myself." Speaking into her glass-pack, she gave the code to transmit a copy of her conversation with Taks to all seconds. "Satisfied?"

  "Always was, Trey," Takki-Homi smiled.

  "One other thing before we get back to grunt work; I notice we are missing a few troopers." She let the comment hang in the air as it was more of a question than a statement.

  "Well, Deuce Vark is gone down to the armory. They still have a stack of new schematics to download into the suits. Don't worry; she will have us ready in time."

  "The timeline has changed, Deuce. The AMSF just shortened their jump schedule. We don't know how short yet, but we’ve lost some time."

  "Don't worry about Vark, Trey. She is new on the job as a second, but she is a solid trooper. She will have us ready. Let’s see who else is missing…, well, Golf Squad is missing Trooper Na’aranna. She is running last minute checks as the senior weapons tech. I checked on them a little while ago and they’re ready to lock and load; just a few last-minute details. I was told Juarez is with her and that Park may have had some issues with Able Squad’s skid plates. I also heard word that Singletary had sick call. You remember about Slezak, right?"

  "You are being pretty vague on Juarez, Park and Singletary, aren't you, Taks? ‘Was told’, ‘may have’ and ‘heard that’ are all word modifiers you just used to tap dance around where my people are. What are you trying not to say?" she asked. She was determined to ignore his question about Trooper Slezak, because she clearly remembered Slezak and still had yet to determine if she were going to red-line the veteran for the dirt drop. Still, she did not look forward to having a trooper at her back who had an inclination to frag her in real combat. She stared at Takki-Homi until he replied.

  "It's your squad, Trey. It's not my place to say."

  Misha said, "It is your place to say if I ask. And if I recall, I just did ask, so spill it."

  “I dropped by to talk with Na’aranna before coming over here. She hadn’t seen Juarez and hadn’t asked or needed his help. And if Singletary took sick call, why doesn’t your med tech Cutler know about it? Park? Well, him I don’t know about. In truth, there are half a dozen APES missing all told. I don’t know why. Sorry, but it didn’t occur to me to ask. I’m sure most of them, maybe all of them, are legit.”

  "And Able’s missing troopers are not legit? That's what you’re saying?" Misha asked.

  "Don't know, Trey. There’s nothing I heard that I’d stand up and testify about, you know?" Takki-Homi shrugged.

  "Roger that, Deuce. Thanks for the heads up," Misha smiled in response. "I’ll check up on it."

  Takki-Homi pointed over Misha’s shoulder at a small group of troopers waiting to get her attention. The group consisted of troopers from a half a dozen different squads. Takki-Homi smiled and shrugged.

  She smiled and shrugged back. “It looks like we need time for a question and answer session. Round them up for me if you would Second. Let's air some dirty laundry."

  Misha much preferred a direct, take-it-or-leave-it type of briefing. She hated Q&A ever since she was a know-nothing rookie FNG. She felt it took time away from her training or study time, not to mention sleep and free time. Now, being in command, she also hated the sessions because she never knew the answers and always had to refer the questions up the chain of command to her third. She still hated Q&A for no other reason than habit.

  After everyone sat on the deck, Second Kranitchovich of Hotel Squad stood. He appeared to be a tranquil second and so new at the job he was almost in mint condition with packing grease still on the moving parts. Misha was surprised to see him volunteer the initial question. She thought it was a good thing for a second to ask the first question as it might help to forestall the really stupid questions some troopers liked to ask just to hear themselves talk.

  "Sir, I am Second-Level Commander Stanley Kranitchovich of Hotel Squad," he said.

  Misha stifled a smile and nodded in recognition. She was sure he knew she recognized him. She was glad he announced himself, it might set the precedence for other questions. She easily recognized her whole unit now, having studied the unit records and attempted to speak to each second and trooper in the command. But, it was always good to get the name of who was speaking for the glass pack recordings.

  "Third McPherson, I have been approached by spacecraft crew more than once about leaving the AMSF and joining the APES."

  A flurry of voices told her Kranitchovich had not been the only one approached with such questions. She wondered if the two AMSF Security Force personnel that had come to her earlier had intended the same question, but had not gotten to the point.

  "Go on, Second Kranitchovich, I am sure there is more to your question."

  "Well yes, sir. Please don't misunderstand, but the word is that you and Colonel Britaine have, well, um…" the man’s voice trailed off.

  Misha blushed, but smiled coldly at the man. "I believe the word is that we are doing the parallel polka, the old bump and grind, the bed sheet sandwich and putting the salami to the Swiss cheese. Is that your question?"

  "Well no, sir, I just didn't think it would be best for my question to get back to Colonel Britaine. I sort of promised the spacers that I wouldn't get them in trouble with their commander, you know?"

  “I can see your dilemma; I give you my word that everything said here will stay here. I know I am new to this unit and most of you don’t have any reason to believe I am trustworthy. But, Fourth-Level Commander Ottiamig trusted me, so I guess that will have to do.”

  “Yes, sir. It’ll do for me. Those spacers came to me because they at the end of their rope with Britaine. I mean, Colonel Britaine. They just can’t stand working for him anymore and they’ll do just about whatever it takes to get out from under him. They’re even willing to switch to the APES to do it. I want to know what to tell them.”

  "That is an excellent question, Deuce. Can I take it from the rest of you this is not an isolated incident? So be it. Okay, we do not try to pirate spacers while deployed on their spacecraft. So we cannot, I repeat, we cannot actively seek to recruit. We can talk to them if they come to us, is that understood?"

  A chorus of ‘roger that’ rang out.

  Misha continued. "Everybody in this room knows there are two kinds of commanders. There are the ones you like and the ones you don't. With patience, you can outlast the ones you don't like. Let’s make it our standard tactic to try to impress on everyone who asks that they should try a transfer within their own service before jumping to the APES. Try to dissuade them by giving them a hard line about APES life if they are insistent. You shouldn't have to go far for examples of how unpleasant our chosen career field can be at times."

  Laughter rang out as troopers shouted their favorite gripe: communal bedrooms, no home life, poor pay, bad food, etc. Misha let the unit gripe for a minute or two, then she held up her hand for silence. "I see you all get the drift of such a conversation. Basically, troopers, we don't want them in the first place if you can talk them out of joining the APES, got it? And tell them to look you up after this deployment, if they still insist. Understand?"

  In the midst of the 'roger that' responses, Misha heard someone say something about 'Muffin's little muffin.' Others heard the remark. She could see people looking around. A couple of second-level commanders shot questioning looks at their troopers. She noticed the troopers shake their heads in the negative. She decided her best option was to pretend she hadn't heard the remark. That was not to be.

  "Sir, Second Theda Moraft, Bravo Squad and that is your question of the day. What about the rumors of you and Colonel Britaine?"

  A second voice shouted out, "And Forrester?"

  Misha looked out over the unit. "Quite a group of gossips we have he
re. I’ll be as transparent as I can about this. I am not, nor have I ever had, a sexual relationship with either Colonel Britaine or Sergeant Forrester. I am trying very hard to maintain a working relationship with our transportation’s commander. Such a relationship is not easy, nor is it made easier by rumors and gossip. I like Forrester, as do many of you. I understand Second Takki-Homi had Sergeant Forrester over for lunch. Taks, are you sleeping with Gan?"

  Takki-Homi laughed, "Not on your life, Trey. He ain't my style."

  Moraft continued. "But, you've spent time alone with Colonel Britaine. Also, Sergeant Forrester moved into your private bedroom."

  Misha nodded. "That’s true enough on both counts. But, I haven't had sex with everyone I’ve ever been alone with, Second Moraft. And neither have you. The Colonel is in command the spacecraft that we need to get to Altec. We can't walk through the vacuum of space to reach the enemy. We need him, whether we like him or not. As for the other, well… Sergeant Forrester is a nice man. I offered him the use of the bedroom adjoining my office. That is all I have offered and all he has taken. You may believe it or not." Misha looked on as the unit fell silent. She thought she could have handled the question better, but didn't know what else to say. How can anyone prove something didn't happen? "Other questions?" she asked.

  "Sir, Trooper Three Beaudry, Joker Squad. How come you're spending so much time in spacer intelligence rather than getting ready for Altec? I mean we’re down here bustin' our nuts and you’re setting up there chatting and having coffee with your vacuum sucker buddies."

  Second-Level Caution of Kilo Squad shouted, "That's enough, Beaudry."

  Misha held up a hand, "It's okay, Deuce. Trooper Beaudry was a bit crude in his presentation, but he does have a valid question. As a matter of fact, he is not the first one to ask that exact question." There were a few surprised looks around as she continued. "To answer this question, let me ask you a few questions first. I see Na'aranna our senior weapons technician has just joined us. Trooper Na'aranna, I understand you’ve been working very hard getting our weapons up to speed. Is that correct?"