“She said she recorded everything, but it hadn’t occurred to me to take her literally. I’m not familiar with this technology. Do you think we can find a way to access it?”
Andre carefully returned the disc to its hiding place.
“These were pretty standard years ago when we left Earth, but the technology has changed significantly since then. With your permission, I would like to take this, and your log entry, to President Morales and see what she can make of them.”
Kiren leaned in to give Andre a quick hug.
“Whatever she was hiding all these years was important enough to risk her life. She trusted me to get it into the hands of the right people, and I wish I could take care of this myself. Obviously, I’m going to be very busy for the next day or two, so you’re going to have to do it for me. If there is any way to copy the information on the disc before you hand it over, I think it would be a reasonable precaution.”
Andre nodded in agreement.
“After you rendezvous with Sh’zul, I will take it back up to the ship and see what J-95 can do with it. Ultimately, the Saharans are going to have to decide how to deal with whatever it contains.”
In less than an hour it would be dark on Sahara, and time for Kiren’s mission to begin. She and Andre finished up a few last minute adjustments to the pack, and then prepared dinner for themselves in Kiren’s tiny kitchen. Sh’zul remained very quiet since the bombing incident, and Kiren concluded he was resting before they were scheduled to meet again. His presence was a warm glow in the back of her mind, like the embers of a fire; and while she was still getting used to the whole idea, she found it strangely comforting he was there.
Following their simple meal, Kiren checked back in with Dr. Mayfield for a final clearance. Next, they contacted Rear Admiral Arlington for any mission updates or changes. There was only one addition to the mission – Swanson was to accompany Perry to the alpha site and then report back to the ship. This change was more than welcome, as Andre wanted very much to see Kiren safely into Sh’zul’s care before turning to other duties.
Kiren slipped into the bedroom to change into her hiking clothes, while Andre made final arrangements with the buoy for transport. He also contacted the alpha site security detail officer on duty to notify him of their impending arrival. He would make sure the pair arrived unnoticed, keeping the covert nature of the mission intact.
When Kiren stepped out of the bedroom, Andre’s eyes widened. Even dressed this way, she was beautiful, and he wanted nothing more than to wrap her up and keep her safe. She would not appreciate the sentiment, so he wisely kept the notion to himself. She picked up the hefty pack, and he helped her get the straps cinched up properly. It was time to go. Kiren concentrated carefully, letting Sh’zul know she was on her way. With a confirming nod to Andre, he clasped her hand and signaled the buoy they were ready.
A golden beam of light flashed inside her quarters, and then appeared again near the hilltop lookout only seconds later. The buoy deposited them about ten paces from the opening, and by the time they arrived at the top, Sh’zul was waiting for them.
Welcome Kiren. This is your mate?
She stifled an inappropriate giggle, and then introduced Andre to the Rxyl leader. Andre lowered himself to one knee and extended his hand, which Sh’zul sniffed dutifully.
Come, Kiren. My people await you. We have much to speak.
Kiren started to follow him, but was quickly wrapped in Andre’s embrace. He kissed her gently and then stepped back.
“Be careful. I’ll see you soon.”
She followed Sh’zul up the incline and watched him disappear into the dark hole. Deciding it would be better to go feet first, she removed her pack and dropped it in. By the sound it made and the very faint glow coming from inside, she could tell the pathway down was akin to an earthen ramp. She would have to crawl, but there was no danger of falling far enough to get hurt. With a final wave to Andre, she slipped out of sight, reattached her pack, and crawled after Sh’zul. Seconds later, another gold flash of light whisked Andre Swanson from Sahara’s surface to Expedition.
####
The highly paid courtesan saw herself out of Worden Roux’s comfortable home, as she usually did. Personally, she loathed the man, but since he paid well for her favors and discretion she chose to tolerate him. After all, a girl had to eat.
Roux watched the woman leave the estate from an upper level window, noting the small smile in his own reflection. He certainly enjoyed her company tonight, which was something of a gift to himself at the end of a productive day. In some ways, his agenda moved forward significantly with this morning’s protest, the first attack by the Sahara Freedom League, and the death of Thea Chilton. The media coverage was busy sowing the seeds of doubt as instructed, and best of all, that idiot Morales was showing her true colors to the very voters who put her in office. How could he not be pleased?
The reason revolved around a particularly annoying Pacifican ensign named Kiren Perry. The blasted woman stuck her nose into the sand dragon issue, slipped in and out of the Manor House undetected, got herself appointed to the so-called First Contact Team, escaped the blast downtown unharmed, and finally disappeared without a trace. His men observed her entering her quarters, along with the Pacifican Ambassador. When they broke in later on, not only were neither of them found, but a thorough search of the place revealed nothing significant. Whatever else was going on, Roux was absolutely certain Perry was a threat to his plans, and she would need to be silenced soon. Unfortunately, he would have to find her first.
####
“I don’t care what evidence you still need! I want the son of a bitch in custody, along with his mangy group of boot-licking stooges before they do any more damage.”
Olivia Morales was livid, and Samuel Flynn just happened to be the most convenient target. She continued to pace in front of her office windows while Sam remain seated, calmly allowing her to vent.
“How am I supposed to be patient while a lunatic is attacking my people and endangering our future? What will I say to the families of his next victims? How do I convince Pacifica we are not a bunch of in-bred backwater simpletons who can’t find our own asses without approach radar and instructions in triplicate?”
Morales finally stopped her pacing and stood gazing out into the darkness beyond her windows.
Flynn rose from his seat and walked over to stand beside her. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke.
“Olivia, tell me how you really feel.” Morales took a sharp breath, held it, and then her shoulders began to rise and fall silently. It wasn’t long until she laughed out loud, joined by her long-suffering Vice President. Just when it looked like she was winding down, Sam threw another log on the fire.
“Approach radar and instructions? That was a new one...”
They both dissolved into another fit of laughter until Morales had tears streaming down her face. She turned to her colleague and gestured to the comfortable chairs in the corner of her office.
“Tell me again why I put up with you?”
Sam grinned mischievously as they were seated.
“Because you’re desperate for good help?”
Morales just shook her head at him.
“Thank you, Sam. I needed to get it off my chest in private. I’m just sorry you were in the blast zone.”
She paused to collect her thoughts, and Flynn remained quiet to allow her to think.
“All right. Let me see if I have everything straight in my head. We don’t yet have enough direct, or admissible, evidence to bring Roux in for questioning. The persons responsible for the terrorist attack today were tracked back to a warehouse owned by Senator Nolan Beade, but escaped before we could get to them. The demonstrators this morning were all citizens of Beade and Hartogs districts, but were neither paid nor forced to be there.”
“The men who ransacked Ensign Perry’s quarters were apprehended and are being questioned as we speak. Meanwhile, Perry has been sent on
a secret mission to communicate with the Rxyl, who it appears have prior claim to this planet. What I need to know now is where we stand with Pacifica and our requests for additional surveillance, as well as the word on the street from today’s events.”
Sam didn’t waste any time, eager to give the President a bit of good news.
“Our sources tell us the vast majority of our people are satisfied with your leadership and pleased with the help Pacifica has provided. There are a small minority who are listening to Roux’s nonsense, but even they have adopted a wait and see attitude. The populace has accepted our cover story of protecting the sand dragons while we attempt to study them. They pretty much wrote off the entire ‘protest’ as a ridiculous waste of time, so no lasting harm done there. The terrorist attack has brought our people together in support of Pacifica and Sahara’s relationship with them. They are looking to us for protection, of course, but are denouncing the Saharan Freedom League and their tactics.”
“Furthermore, our requests for assistance from Pacifica have been enthusiastically granted. Arlington has assigned several more buoys to help us with intelligence gathering and security. Not only is Reno being watched, but we now have buoys positioned over the homes and offices of Roux and his cronies, as well as the Carruthers Media Group. They are in stealth mode, and are powerful enough to override any type of security system our technology can produce.”
“It’s all being recorded and fed to our analysts. If they so much as pass gas, we’ll know it. Normally, this type of surveillance would be illegal, but since you are acting under the provisions of the Emergency Powers Act, we can get away with it. Obviously, this may cause you some significant backlash when the dust has settled, but for the record, you have my full support.”
He didn’t need to say it, but Morales appreciated the vote of confidence anyway. Sam’s personal comm beeped with an incoming message, and she waited while he listened carefully, a huge smile breaking out on his face. He ended the communication and pocketed the device, still grinning from ear to ear.
“It seems we are already reaping some rewards from the surveillance. The two goons who ransacked Perry’s quarters are employed by Senator Jenks, and they are proving to be very cooperative. Apparently, they were supposed to kill Perry and Swanson and make it look like the work of their new terrorist organization. We are already investigating several people and addresses. Their testimony is sufficient to arrest Jenks, and we expect to bring him in shortly. Roux will, of course, disavow any knowledge of Jenk’s activities, even though we already know they were in cahoots. If we could convince my source to testify, we would have a very strong case. If nothing else, it may convince Roux to be more circumspect, knowing we are sniffing around.”
The twinkle in Morale’s eyes was enough to show how pleased she was they were finally getting somewhere.
“Now that’s the kind of news I was waiting for. Was there anything else?”
Sam’s face took on a positively evil smirk.
“Yes, there was one more little tidbit. It seems Senator Roux enjoys the company of a certain lady of the evening, who just happened to pay him a visit tonight and was picked up after leaving his residence. She was questioned, but apparently knew nothing of his other activities. She was quite willing, however, to share her views of his ability, or lack thereof, between the sheets. Too bad we can’t arrest him for it, but we have instructed her to refrain from further contact in the future. Evidently, she didn’t seem terribly upset over the loss.”
Their laughter was interrupted by a friendly chirp from her comm panel, which turned out to be from Ambassador Swanson on board Expedition. Morales invited Sam over to her desk and then widened the pickup to include him.
“Hello, Andre. It’s been a very busy day, and Sam and I were just discussing current events. What may I do for you?”
Swanson seemed preoccupied and a little bit tense, but he smiled warmly at his Saharan counterparts.
“As of ninety minutes ago, Ensign Perry made successful contact. We don’t expect to hear from her until tomorrow or the next day, but you will be notified immediately. We have been informed about the break-in, and were glad to hear you have apprehended the men responsible. If you have any other surveillance or security issues, please let me know.”
“We have increased our patrols of the alpha site, the water project, and the food domes. In addition, our people have been instructed to travel in pairs and remain armed at all times while they are on the surface. All of the people injured in the blast this afternoon have been treated and released, and the building repairs should be finished by morning.”
Morales glanced quickly at Sam before responding.
“Thank you for the update, Andre. Please extend my thanks to Rear Admiral Arlington for your much needed assistance. On behalf of all Saharan’s, I regret you have become the target of so many lies and for the injuries to your own people. Working together, I hope we can apprehend all of those responsible, and put this shameful episode behind us. Is there anything else I need to know?”
Andre nodded, but his intense expression revealed something unpleasant was coming her way.
“Yes, Madam President, there is. Just before Ensign Perry left on her mission, we saw a news clip regarding the death of Thea Chilton. Did you know her?”
The question surprised Morales, and she wondered what importance it could possibly have.
“No, Ambassador, I did not know her personally. I understand she was one of the last surviving original colonists but little else. Why do you ask?”
For the next few minutes Swanson explained Kiren’s visit to the old woman and what she was hoping to learn from her. Morales and Flynn were shocked to discover Chilton had possession of information which could shake the very foundations of Sahara. Worse, they agreed with the conclusion her death was at the very least suspicious. Swanson played Kiren’s personal log and displayed the framed image Thea gave her. Lastly, he held up the small disk they recovered.
“When I returned to the ship, I asked J-95 to access the information contained on the disk. We have recovered both audio and visual recordings made by Thea Chilton regarding the founding of Sahara. If her account is accurate, the Captain and others aboard the Odyssey purposely hid knowledge the sand dragons were a sentient species with prior claim to this planet.”
“Further, they sabotaged the ship’s AI and deleted numerous records in an effort to cover their tracks. Thea was paid to keep quiet, but later on was threatened with physical harm if she ever spoke about what really happened. The men who threatened her were none other than Captain Thoron Roux, his son Stratton Roux, and his grandson Worden Roux.”
Morales was momentarily stunned. Her thoughts began to skitter off in several directions at the same time, and she struggled to reign them in. She could consider all the implications later when her brain had a chance to settle.
“Ambassador, I must admit I am struggling to take all of this in just now. You must realize when this information becomes known, things are going to get very...interesting around here. At this point I have a couple of requests. I would like to have a copy of Ensign Perry’s personal log, as well as the information disk Thea gave her. In addition, I need to ask you to keep this confidential for now. At some point I will have to release it, of course, but not just yet.”
“I want my people to go over it with a fine tooth comb first, and we have a possible murder to investigate. I realize you have no choice but to share these events with your superiors, and we both know what will happen. If this colony must evacuate Sahara, we will need Pacifica’s help in locating a suitable home, and reestablishing ourselves elsewhere. As head of state, I am formally requesting your assistance.”
Swanson’s features were carefully schooled to reflect professional dispassion, but the events of the day left him exhausted and distracted. His mind was primarily on one person, and she was currently out of contact and surrounded by an alien species he knew very little about.
“We
have no problem with your requests, Madam President, and please understand Pacifica does not blame the current administration for the situation you now face. We stand ready to assist in every way possible, so you have only to ask. The items from Thea, as well as the disk are being sent to you as we speak.”
With a flash of golden light, a small container appeared on the coffee table in the corner of her office.
“We will leave the release of this information to your discretion, but as you surmised, I must share it with my superiors. The report will emphasize the cooperation of your government, as well as your formal request for aid. If anything else transpires before morning, please do not hesitate to contact myself, Rear Admiral Arlington, or Commander Davis.”
The viewscreen went blank and Morales sagged back in her chair and took a deep breath. When she turned to look at him, Flynn appeared to be just as shell shocked as she was.
“All right, Sam. It looks like another late night for us, but we aren’t going to be the only ones. I want an investigation into Thea Chilton’s death opened immediately. If that offensive cretin had anything to do with it, I am going to enjoy bringing the hammer down so hard he’s going to beg for his own hanging.”
“I also want you to assemble a team to evaluate the disk. I don’t care who you need, but I want them here in one hour’s time. Historians, computer experts – whatever it takes. I have a feeling we’re going to need Pacifica’s help before this is over. I want the veracity and accuracy of that information nailed down before we act, and I want it kept confidential. We have a lot of work to do.”
####
It was still early evening when Ambassador Swanson sent his dispatch, yet was mid morning Pacifica time. Though his reports were always met with great enthusiasm by the Chancellor’s staff, this one was marked both “confidential” and “urgent”. Jet laid aside the tasks he was working on to give Swanson’s message his full attention. Usually, Andre began with a quick summary of events before diving into the details. With just those few sentences, Jet found himself shaking his head in disbelief. How could one tiny colony produce so much drama in the space of two days? Political intrigue, terrorist activity, murder, a new sentient species, and a formal request for help in relocating the colony on Sahara. As much as he wanted to see and hear the actual report for himself, they may as well view the entire thing together. He notified his staff, cancelled his appointments for the day, and sent for Chris Perry.
Odyssey (Galactic Neighborhood Book 2) Page 10