“Attention on deck,” someone said and everyone shot to their feet.
“Captain Jeffrey Boyd?” the Major asked.
“Yes sir,” the Captain said looking at the major.
“You are under arrest,” the Major said and the Captain stood there staring at the major in surprise.
“What charges, sir?” the Captain said once he had regained his composure.
“Sedition, disloyalty and anti-socialist behavior,” the Major said.
“What?” the Captain said, losing his bearing and tilting his head to look at the major. “What kind of shit is that?”
“Sir,” the Major growled.
“Sir,” the captain spit out like a curse word.
“That is not for me to determine,” the Major said and motioned the two guardsmen forward, one taking up position on either side of the Captain.
Once the captain was escorted out, the Major turned to look at the shocked company officers. Two other guardsmen stepped inside which looked ominous.
“At ease,” the major said. “Please sit.”
The major looked like he relaxed a little as he took the Captain’s place and around Sarah the officers sat. Not wanting to stand out Sarah sat down.
Sighing, the major looked around.
“I’m sorry people,” the Major said, sound like he meant it. “This is very unprecedented but in uncovering the betrayal of Athena we have discovered several other traitors and potential traitors. While I’m sure that Captain Boyd is innocent, I’m just following orders. Jupiter Intelligence has discovered a lot of rot within the Jupiter Alliance. I’m told it even goes as high as Secretary Consult of Military Operations Carl Lepanzo who is being arrested right now as we speak.
Sarah stared at the brown uniformed officer. The blue baldric guard units were the inner guard of the Jupiter Alliance. The blue baldric and beret was an emblem of the utmost trust given by the Secretary General and they answered to him. They were known as some of the most fanatical and loyal soldiers of the Alliance and didn’t owe allegiance to any colony. They were a new organization, less than twenty years old and it was full of young, ideologically solid fanatics. Sarah had never trained with or against them but she had heard they were among the best.
“My name is Major Hansen. Until we get things resolved,” the Major said. “I will take command of Fox company. I expect this to be temporary.”
Everyone stared at the major. A Guards major taking command of a Marine Commando company?
The Major’s eyes flickered across the air, likely reading an InnerBuddy display.
A priority message appeared in Sarah’s InnerBuddy queue and glancing at it the message was authorizing the Major to take charge of the company.
“I believe the good Captain was briefing you?” the Major said as if this was an everyday occurrence for him.
“As you may already know,” the Major said. “Three days ago the combined forces of the Eighth and Tenth fleets transitioned to the Josaka system and were ambushed by Athenian and New Alamo forces. They were massacred and the NAMO’s even shot at life pods. The combined fleet was en route to take into custody Chief Executive Allison Perrero and several other corporate executives who were selling out the innocent people of Athena to the Caliphate. The involvement and betrayal of the New Alamo colony is a disappointment but they will pay in due time. Neither fleet was at full strength so while their loss is painful, it does not impact the might of the Jupiter Alliance. Make no mistake. We will retaliate and both of the traitorous colonies will pay.”
“Was the Conglomerate involved?” Lieutenant Andrews asked.
The Major looked at the executive officer and even Sarah knew it had been a mistake to ask the Major a question.
“No,” the Major said. “We have received additional intelligence that the Conglomerate is devolving into civil war and anarchy, which means it is even more important for the human race to unite into a strong homogeneous people. Now, more than ever, we need to crush the Caliphate and bring humanity together.”
Around her several other officers nodded. Sarah took her cue and nodded too, but there were butterflies in her stomach. Something was wrong, and she wondered how many others felt that way.
“Humanity can no longer accept the greed and selfishness of corporations that will not work toward the common good,” the Major said. “Now is the time to unite, to stand together, to work toward the common good of humanity. The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few.”
A few officers clapped and others joined in, including Sarah. Now was not the time to stand out, and she glanced at Lieutenant Andrews. What did he know?
“Secretary General James Abbott has vision. He has led us for over thirty years, he has won his seat repeatedly, and if anybody can lead us through these troubled times, he can.”
Sarah felt sick, but she plastered a smile on her face.
When the applause died down and everyone sat down the Major’s demeanor changed.
“The Jupiter Alliance Marine Corps is the finest fighting force in the galaxy,” the Major said. “As we root out the traitors and selfish elitists, this organization will grow even stronger. I will interview each of you over the coming days. This is to help you because I’m sure that as the cabal supporting Carl Lepanzo, Athena and the Caliphate is rooted out, other traitors will be discovered. The more I know about you the better I can protect you and your people. You have nothing to fear.”
That was a lie, Sarah knew, she had read enough history to know what a political purge was when it happened.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Interview
“Lieutenant Sarah Gray reporting as ordered, sir,” Sarah said with a salute.
Major Hansen looked up at her. The digital mushroom on the table nearby glowed a soft blue showing it was active.
His eyes rested on her for several minutes, contemplating a response or reviewing InnerBuddy information she wasn’t sure, her eyes were locked on the wall above and behind him.
“At ease and have a seat Lieutenant,” Hansen said looking down at his tablet.
“Thank you, sir,” Sarah said. Sitting down as close to the position of attention as she could while sitting. Rather than at her sides she put her hands in her lap where she could watch them and make sure they didn’t fidget.
“You have an exemplary military record,” Major Hansen said.
“Thank you, sir,” Sarah said.
“You joined the service after your parents were killed by the Caliphate during the Sadr conflict,” the Major said reading his data.
“Yes sir,” Sarah said.
“Shows you held the rank of colonel in the Jupiter Youth?” Hansen asked.
“Yes sir,” Sarah said, and the major nodded.
“So why didn’t you go into the Guard?” the Major asked.
“I wanted to fight the Caliphate, sir,” Sarah said.
“Personally?” the Major asked, wanting more.
“Yes sir,” Sarah said, not taking the bait.
“Why?” Hansen asked.
“I want to know who I’m killing,” Sarah said.
“And?” the Major asked.
“The Marine Corps is the branch most likely to get up close and personal,” Sarah said.
“And a good route to command of a ship?” Hansen asked.
“Yes sir,” Sarah said, although ship command didn’t appeal to her.
“I see you don’t have a husband or children,” the Major said.
“No sir,” Sarah said.
“Any reason?” the Major asked.
“My career is more important,” Sarah said.
“Being a mother is one of the most prestigious careers in the Jupiter Alliance,” Hansen said. “I’m sure you know of the Caliphate’s advantage in sheer numbers?”
“Yes sir,” Sarah said.
Major Hansen leaned back, his eyes locked on Sarah.
“So, tell me about the Valkyries in your platoon,” the Major said.
“The best women I have ever served with, sir,” Sarah said.
“Relax Sarah,” Hansen said. “This isn’t a witch hunt, nor are you or your people in any trouble. I think your rank and dedication to the Jupiter Youth are evidence enough of your loyalty. You are trusted with a platoon of the Marine Corps’ finest. I’m just trying to get a handle on the company, to understand the officers and people. As a Guards major I don’t know how long this peculiar arrangement will last.”
“Yes sir,” Sarah said, maintaining her position and bearing. Captain Boyd had also been trusted with a company of Marines.
The major sighed and his eyes flickered across empty space, likely reading from his InnerBuddy.
“No unit is perfect,” the Major said. “We all have our malcontents. Among your people who do you have concerns about? To phrase this another way, who do you think is least loyal to the Jupiter Alliance?”
Sarah dropped her eyes to catch the Major’s.
“All of them are absolutely loyal, sir,” Sarah said. “If I were to have any doubts, I would have run them out of my platoon in a heartbeat. As women, it is very easy for them to leave the service, or find easier jobs, even if they don’t want to have children. Every single one wants to fight the Caliphate sir. Every single one is absolutely loyal to the Alliance.”
The Major nodded and Sarah could tell he was satisfied about her loss of bearing and eye contact.
“Including Staff Sergeant Berry?” the Major asked and Sarah felt cold.
The Staff Sergeant was critical of everyone and was vocal about it. She was also Sarah’s best friend and had the nerve to say and ask what Sarah wouldn’t, even in private.
“I have complete confidence in Staff Sergeant Berry,” Sarah said.
“Based on several Social Net posts she seems to be very critical of Secretary General James Abbott and his policies,” the Major said. “She also seems to think Socialism will lead to some kind of fascist regime.”
“I disagree about her being critical sir,” Sarah said carefully, was this really happening? “She often plays devil’s advocate, forcing others to think through decisions and choices.”
The Major raised an eyebrow. He might have been handsome if his eyes didn’t remind Sarah of a soulless snake.
“She is one of the most loyal Marines I know sir,” Sarah said. “She would never disobey an order or betray the Alliance. I’m sure of it.”
The Major nodded but Sarah could see he didn’t believe her. What was his problem?
“I see that Sergeant Gail Jackson is an active member of the Jupiter Socialist Party,” the Major said looking back at his tablet.
“Yes sir,” Sarah said. She knew it was a point of contention between Staff Sergeant Berry and Sergeant Jackson. Overall Berry didn’t seem to care but Jackson was always asking for time to join JSP rallies and functions. It caused a lot of problems with scheduling, although to Sarah’s knowledge, Berry had never told Jackson no. Sarah knew Berry didn’t care for the JSP in the slightest but she was too professional to hold that against a junior Marine in any way.
The Major nodded.
“Why aren’t you?” the Major asked.
Sarah tried to control her breathing. Answering she believed people weren’t ants to be told how to live their lives by the collective wasn’t the answer the Major wanted.
“My career has been more important. I serve the Jupiter Alliance in that way as best I can,” Sarah said.
The Major nodded, like he expected this answer.
“I would suggest you look into joining the JSP,” the Major said. “With your history and credentials, I think you would go far. We can’t be warriors all our lives but we can be good members of our interstellar community.”
“Yes sir,” Sarah said, returning her eyes to the wall above the Major.
Major Hansen sighed.
“Well,” he said. “I think that covers it. I want you to know my door is always open. If you ever have any problems, of any kind, please contact me.”
“Thank you, sir,” Sarah said.
“Dismissed,” the Major said and Sarah couldn’t escape fast enough.
The surface of Europa was nothing but ground up meteors, ice and snow. Just looking at it was enough to make one feel cold. Facing away from Jupiter it could also be very dark. Tidally locked, this part of Europa never saw Jupiter but there were still dangerous amounts of radiation from the gas giant that threatened this area near the trailing hemisphere. The weather and radiation was also bad enough to prevent the majority of drones and reporters from trying to get close. Most of the rubber neckers would try to get close down below, deep in the oceans, where they just had to deal with water pressure, currents and the cold.
Being on the surface was miserable, but it was still better than being anywhere near the habitats. The Blue Baldric Guardsmen were managing the refugee processing. The Marines were kept at a distance, used for outer perimeter security, but as an officer she had more freedom of movement than others.
Something terrible was happening and Sarah didn’t know who she could ask or where to turn.
Coming back from one briefing with Major Hansen she had passed by a team of guardsmen dragging bodies out into the ice. There had been four guardsmen, each dragging two bodies by the ankle. While the harsh surface conditions had almost instantly corrupted the appearance of the bodies, there was no mistaking the young girl with her head half missing from an expanding dart round. There were also two younger boys that had been killed by dart fire. The other bodies were of older people. Sarah couldn’t tell their age because of the age treatments everyone got these days, but only the Guard had weapons and Sarah had heard nothing about additional Caliphate resistance fighters.
There was no doubt in her mind that the Major knew why these people were dead but asking him would be the end of her career.
Standing aside Sarah watched the guardsmen drag the bodies up over a ridge, they didn’t even spare her a glance. The Major had said nothing about weapons fire or civilian resistance during the briefing. She stared at them as they disappeared over a low ridge.
Dead children did not sit well with her. There was no reason to kill teenagers. No conceivable reason, but they had been murdered.
Sarah’s third fire team from second squad was up on a ridge in an observation post. Several hours ago, a pair of news drones from some third string, hack job news agency, had tried to get close and been shot down at their position. Officially, Sarah’s Valkyries were deployed around the evacuation site to protect the privacy of the Harristown survivors. The survivors didn’t need people watching, evaluating, and mocking their misery. It was also said there were terrorists at large and might try to escape since the few survivors were undergoing interrogation that would reveal any Caliphate sympathies. If there were any terrorists that were alive, and had not been caught, they would attempt to escape before interrogation. Is that why the children were dead? Had they been caught in a crossfire? Why were the bodies being discarded up here, without ceremony? Disposed of like worthless garbage? Once the snow and ice covered them, it could be hundreds or thousands of years before they were discovered.
Watching another massive troop transport come in for a landing, Sarah looked around in the light from the fusion drive and her eyes fell upon a strangely shaped block of ice. At first, she couldn’t say why it drew her attention. Perhaps it was something to concentrate on besides the eyes of the dead girl.
The light died away, leaving her looking around through the frequently inadequate light amplification, but she continued to stare at the block. Now it looked like all the ice blocks around it, the result of the construction to make a landing pad to evacuate the survivors of Harristown. The observation post wasn’t expecting her anyways so there was no rush. She was just doing her rounds of the posts while Staff Sergeant Berry caught up on her sleep.
Walking over to the ice block she gave it a kick with an armored toe. At minus one hundred and eight degrees Celsius it was cold enough to f
reeze an unprotected human in less than a minute. Her environmental suit was sufficient protection though and also provided protection from the radiation.
The block fell over, but it hadn’t felt like ice. It was about the size of her helmet and it felt more like metal than mere frozen water. Even in this lighter gravity it had felt odd.
Sarah bent over to look at it more closely. Just over the ridge was the main habitat where most of the survivors were being processed before they were loaded on the transport. Network connectivity was minimal here. She looked up at the stars that stared back down at her as if accusing her of murdering those civilians. What was the Jupiter Alliance becoming? She had studied enough history in school. The name Nazi was a bastardization of National Socialists, the USSR, the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic claimed to be Socialist and so many more despotic regimes had promised Socialism and unity, claiming that working for the greater good was everyone’s duty when only a few elites dictated to the rest and reaped the benefits.
New Alamo had fled rather than joining the Jupiter Alliance, and so had Athena. Staff Sergeant Berry had expressed her fears often enough and now Sarah was starting to believe Berry. Was Berry right? It was easier to believe Berry these days than the government.
Her eyes came back to rest upon the strange block of ice that wasn’t ice.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Ice
“What is going on?” Sonya asked activating her InnerBuddy to see a screen to the CIC. She would be shown as a fully dressed and aware avatar on Commander Goodwin’s InnerBuddy.
“I’m not sure,” Goodwin said. “But a Jupiter Marine just picked up one of our drones.”
“What?” Sonya said, pulling on her uniform. This wasn’t good. “What is he doing with it?”
“She, I think,” Goodwin said. “Carrying it, and she is not going back to the habitat or toward the observation post. I don’t know where she is going.”
New Empires: Conglomerate Series Book 3 Page 8