by M. D. Cooper
“I imagine a lot of us feel that way,” Evans said. “Just another year or so of this mess and we can leave it all behind… Provided we don’t get blown up.”
“Isn’t going to happen. I don’t know exactly why the admiral picked me for this, but I do know it’s my one shot to get out of this system. No way I’m going to blow it.”
Evans laughed and the sound was rich and deep. “Sounds like you want to get out of Sol as much as the rest of us.”
“You said it.”
“Did I mention how glad I am to have you take over all this?” Evans said as they approached the bar.
“You actually have said it already, about nine times today.” Tanis smiled as the automaton poured her a drink, having read her preferred list of beverages from her public profile.
“I know, but it can’t be said enough. We’ll be a hundred years into our flight and I’ll still bring it up.” He turned his rather infectious grin her way.
It was Tanis’s turn to laugh. “Please don’t, that would get really old.”
While the Intrepid had three large ballrooms, all done in different styles, tonight’s affair only used the room decorated in twenty-ninth century European trappings. The primary motifs and accents were hard angular surfaces in blues and greys.
The guests, on the other hand, were a riot of color. The civilian women wore dresses similar to Tanis’s, but were showing a lot more of their skin. Marsian men could be spotted by their green and blue suits and the men from Venus wore all black. Terrans were easy to spot, as well, due to the resurgence of fashion hats on Earth. In Tanis’s opinion most of them looked like peacocks.
Clustered in a few groups throughout the room were various military representatives. The TSF officers were grouped together near the other end of the bar, though none had approached Tanis and Evans. The MSF had a few men and women present and Tanis spotted Commander Gren in their midst. The only representative of the MOS Sec was their commandant, who was hobnobbing with some businessmen from Mars.
The GSS officers, being more of a semi-federal navy and far more political than the others, were more intermingled. Mostly they had latched onto ambassadors and other diplomats.
A group of envoys from the Thripids, a Kuiper Belt combine, entered the hall. Tanis had overseen several missions out in the KB and had worked with Thripids before. They were one of the Sol system’s more unusual groups; men and women alike wore unusual gowns laced with circuitry and sensors. Net rumor had it that they were almost entirely cybernetic—little humanity showed in their impassive faces.
Not long afterward, Admiral Sanderson and his aides stepped into the room. Sanderson surveyed his surroundings as though this was his own personal kingdom. Tanis still hadn’t made up her mind about him, but at least he had approved all of her security measures with minimal comment.
“You’d think he owns the place,” Evans said quietly, echoing Tanis’s thoughts.
“Every operation has an old man or old lady. He’s ours.”
“That he is.” Evans took a sip of his drink.
Tanis checked over the security teams that were monitoring the maglev station that connected the series of ballrooms off the VIP dock with the rest of the ship. So far no guests had tried to venture beyond that point. Captain Andrews was leading a tour later in the evening, but aside from that the guests were restricted to this relatively small area. The other team was monitoring the dock and had reported no problems. Every guest had been on the list and their Auth & Auth checks passed muster.
“The Reddings are due tonight.” Evans watched over the rim of his glass as the admiral made the rounds. He would inevitably end up speaking to them as they were two of the highest-ranking officers present. While most of the local services had their fair share of representatives, they were still mostly on one end of the room. They may not always have gotten along, but they understood one another a lot better than they understood the civilians. The officers, mostly lieutenants and captains, were grouped together with a pair of master sergeants nearby. There were a couple of other majors on the Intrepid, but none were listed as being in attendance this evening.
“Enfield is too.” Tanis obliquely monitored the admiral’s route through the room.
“He is?” Evans’ eyes flickered as he checked the guest list. “He’s not on the list, not even on the maybes.”
“He’s already on the ship. They tried to sneak him on this morning. For some reason Sanderson decided not to let me know.”
“So how do you know?”
“One of Ouri’s people picked up a couple of irregularities and passed them up the chain. His security didn’t seem to realize that I have access to some databases that would allow me to ID their mystery guest.”
“Do they know you know?”
“They probably do by now. I left a security docket and nano-ID in his quarters.”
Evans let out a laugh. “You’re just shaking things up all over the place.”
“I try.” Tanis allowed herself a small grin.
“I can’t wait to see this.” Evans had the automaton make him another drink.
Once he had finished his initial rounds, or perhaps when he simply wanted a strong drink, Admiral Sanderson made his way over to them. The two junior officers saluted him and he languidly returned the courtesy.
“Found your little joke in Mr. Enfield’s quarters.” The admiral’s voice carried no trace of humor.
“I don’t think it’s a joke,” Tanis replied.
“We go to all the trouble of hiding his presence and you announce it to anyone interested in the current roster.”
Tanis held back a sigh. She knew that Admiral Sanderson hadn’t told her about Terrance Enfield’s arrival because she hadn’t fully secured her department. However, since the admiral hadn’t thoroughly covered his tracks, things could have been worse as a result of attempting to hide him.
“If I may, sir.” She waited for his nod. “One of my net security personnel found the irregularities, which we kept quiet and reworked to remove their traces. If you check the shipnet you will find no trace of Terrance Enfield in any databases in regards to his visit tonight. We are also currently in a noise-canceling bubble, so no one can hear this conversation.”
Admiral Sanderson stared forward without blinking, what Tanis assumed must be his tell for accessing his Link. His features relaxed somewhat, but his tone was still acidic.
“It would seem that is the case,” he admitted. “But in the future I would expect you to notify me of such things.”
“I will, sir. With all due respect, as the head of security I would like to be notified of such visitors in the future as well.”
“It would seem there is no reason to hide it since you’ll find out anyway.” Tanis couldn’t tell if he was being petty or complimentary.
“It’s why you brought me here, sir.”
Admiral Sanderson let out a short sound that could have been a cough or a chuckle. “I suppose that it is. Andrews will be pleased; he expects big things from you.”
“I imagine he expects to have his ship finished on schedule,” Tanis said.
Admiral Sanderson nodded and didn’t respond as he retrieved his drink.
Shortly thereafter, the Reddings entered the ballroom, in some ways exactly and in others nothing like Tanis would have expected. Earnest Redding, the visionary of the pair, was the man responsible for the Intrepid’s advanced ramscoop engine. He was reportedly the typical mind-in-the-stars type, though this evening he seemed very much present as he shook hands and doled out pleasantries. His wife, Abby, was a nuts-and-bolts type. She was largely responsible for making realities out of her husband’s dreams. As the head engineer on the Intrepid, it was her job to get the massive ship built and heading outsystem on time.
Admiral Sanderson must have sent them a message via Link as the pair headed directly to the bar.
Tanis stifled a laugh as the Reddings arrived at the bar.
Sanderson did the introductions. “Earnest, Abby. I’d like you to meet Major Richards, our new head of security.”
Earnest merely nodded while Abby cast Tanis an appraising look.
“So you’re the one causing all the trouble. I’ve got shipments backed up all over the place with your new security measures.” Abby wasted no time in bending Tanis’s ear.
“You’ve also got a dock to have them sit on, thanks to her.” Earnest commented as he retrieved a drink. His wife shot him a dark look.
“I’m sorry to hear that, ma’am.” Tanis did her best to be deferential. “I’ve spoken with Lieutenant Collins and provided reports on where I think additional staff will alleviate his problems. I’ve also assigned additional security personnel from the local TSF garrison to ensure that your shipments are not held up.”
Earnest chuckled. “Looks like she’s got all the angles covered, dear.”
“So it would seem.” Abby pursed her lips and darted her eyes away from her husband—back to Tanis. “Tell me, Major, other than backing up people and products, how do you intend to keep this ship safe from saboteurs?”
Admiral Sanderson’s mouth may have twitched in a smile. Tanis imagined he was quite happy to have someone else be at the receiving end of Abby’s ire.
“Most of what I’m doing cannot be discussed without showing you the time-mapping displays, but one thing I’ve proposed is the completion of the starboard docking hatch ahead of schedule to allow direct delivery of product from inbound ships.”
“That would throw our schedule out of whack considerably,” Abby responded.
“In the near-term, yes, but if you look at the proposal I’ve suggested on the engineering boards under posting 472.9022.2 you’ll see that after three months it will increase productivity 2% over what we were at before the heightened security measures took effect. This also requires that we only allow ships that were cleared by TSF forces at the port of origin to dock there. All other ships will still have to go through the triple check at MOS and on our docks.”
“Numbers on that proposal look solid,” Earnest spoke between sips of his drink, having reviewed the proposal over the Link.
“So it would appear,” Abby grudgingly agreed. “How well it all works out remains to be seen.”
Earnest winked at Tanis. “We’ll discuss it at our morning engineering meeting tomorrow.” His wife merely grunted.
“I just hope all this security is worth it.”
“How can security not be worth it?” Admiral Sanderson asked.
“There’s security, and then there’s just getting in the way,” Abby replied.
“Without security nothing would ever be made. Security provides stability and that provides an environment for growth.” Sanderson’s tone was matter-of-fact.
“Just what you’d expect a military man to say.” Abby rolled her eyes at the admiral.
“Now, now, folks.” A voice boomed out from behind the Reddings. “No need to debate the rise and fall of civilizations. We’re here to celebrate our successes.”
Everyone turned to see Captain Andrews and Terrance Enfield walking toward them. Tanis had been expecting them ever since she was notified over the Link that the Marines at the maglev station had passed them through security.
“I’d rather be down in engineering.” Abby didn’t hide her distaste for the gathering.
“Now, Abby.” Terrance flashed a slick smile. “You know as well as the rest of us that all this shoulder clapping and back patting is an important part of the process. People like to see their investment up close.”
“They can see it all they want, just as long as they don’t twiddle with it,” Abby responded. Her husband laid a calming hand on her arm.
Terrance pretended not to notice her sour mood, a luxury the man bankrolling the construction of the Intrepid could afford. “I’ll do my best to ensure no twiddling occurs.” He turned to look at Tanis. “And you, Major, I must heartily thank you.” His handshake was warm and firm. “Things would have certainly gone badly on the Steel Dawn III if it had not been for your intervention. I have to be honest; when I saw that Andrews and Sanderson had pushed your application forward I questioned their judgment. You do have a bit of a reputation, Tanis Richards.”
“You’re that Tanis Richards?” Abby looked Tanis up and down. “I have to admit, I wouldn’t have expected someone so…”
“Pretty,” her husband supplied with a smile.
Abby cast him a caustic look. “Yes, quite so…pretty to be the butcher of Toro.”
“Guh…” Tanis shook her head. “I had forgotten that moniker.”
Sanderson gave Tanis what could almost be considered a sympathetic look. “Between those of us standing here, the official report does not accurately represent the events of that operation. Suffice it to say that the major here ended up absorbing far more blame than she should have. To be honest,” the admiral shuddered—an emotion so real it almost seemed out of character, “what her team faced was so…unimaginable that it couldn’t ever be shown.”
Tanis kept her amazement from showing on her face—and her dress, since Angela wasn’t being a help on that front. She wouldn’t have expected Sanderson to be her advocate, but he must have been aware of the truth to bring her aboard the Intrepid. “Her performance on the Dawn is a far better reflection of her record,” the admiral added.
All eyes were on Tanis, regarding her in a new light, except for Andrews who must have known the truth as well.
“Well, let’s hope that your devotion to the TSF carries over to your duties here.” Terrance gave his smoothest businessman’s smile. “Stopping that nuke certainly raises your estimation in my books.”
Tanis gave a genuine smile in return. “I like to avoid being blown up as much as the next person.”
“You’re too modest,” Captain Andrews said. “I look forward to seeing how your current security improvements pan out.”
“They’ll be an inconvenience at first, sir.” Tanis was glad to be back to business. “But given time, the new protocols will become part of the process.”
“I imagine they will.” Andrews picked up a drink, as did Terrance.
“Well, we have to make the rounds. I’m certain we will talk more later,” Terrance said.
“We’ll join you.” Earnest smiled and pulled Abby along with him.
“You should get out there as well,” Sanderson said to Tanis, who nodded in agreement and left Evans’ side.
It was the typical mix of high society and canny businessmen. Tanis had just stepped away from a military contractor who was trying to sell her on her company’s improved Auth & Auth portal when a tap on her shoulder caused her to turn and come face to face with the MOS stationmaster. Tanis was expecting him to pay her a visit and was surprised he had taken so long to do it. She had, after all, commandeered a significant portion of his station.
“Major Richards, it is good to finally meet you.” His handshake was a tad too firm, one of those grasps intended to signify superiority.
“Yourself as well.” Tanis put on her most pleasant smile. “I hope you haven’t found our new security measures at all inconvenient.” There, it was out, let him either make a complaint or brush the issue aside.
“I can’t say I enjoy having TSF troops assume control of several decks on my station.” The stationmaster was going the more aggressive route.
“I believe that our security is up to the task of keeping MOS in one piece. We’ve managed to do so for nearly a thousand years.”
“Indeed you have.” Tanis nodded, keeping eye contact. “But over those eight hundred and ninety-four years there have been several explosions on MOS that severely debilitated the station. In fact, nearly five hundred years ago an attack by a militant arm of the Mars Naturalists actually had the Mars government considering shutting down MOS altogether. In the end, TSF stepped in to provide security and the Marsian government refitted the station. So while MOS has handled itself well, it is also no stranger to TSF supplementation of its security.”
Evans was standing within hearing range and couldn’t keep himself from commenting.
The stationmaster coughed into his hand. “That was some time ago, Major. I assure you that MOS can handle itself now.”
“There have been other, more recent instances when MOS needed TSF and even GSS assistance.” Tanis smiled a bit too sweetly. “I could outline them for you.”
“No, that will be quite alright.” The stationmaster glanced around anxiously at some of the nearby dignitaries.
“I assure you, we will leave no lasting impact. In less than a year we will be gone and you will be free of the added burden the Intrepid has been imposing on you.”
Several groups in their vicinity appeared to have lowered their voices to better hear what Tanis was saying.
Everyone in the room was all too aware that MOS was laughing all the way to the bank with the money it was making from the construction of the Intrepid. It was by far the most profitable shipbuilding job that had taken place on MOS in decades.
The stationmaster fidgeted with his collar. “You misunderstand me, Major; the Intrepid is no burden at all. We are happy for your assistance with keeping the MOS secure.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Stationmaster Stevens. If you’ll excuse me, I have some routine checks to make.”
The stationmaster looked like he had something else he wanted to say and Tanis resisted the desire to push him over the edge. The admiral most likely would disapprove of a scene.