by D. J. Holmes
“The protests,” Stalker answered. “Or the riots as Culthrapori has described them. They started small. Here and there at various times demonstrators appeared demanding that they have the freedom to democratically choose their own government. They were quickly put down by Culthrapori and his militia. No one was hurt as far as we can tell, all they had to do was show up with their weapons. The threat was enough. But then things started happening in the capital. The protests sprung up there with a far greater intensity. It grew too quickly for Culthrapori to put down with simple threats. Within days there were two main groups. The Freedom Force, who want a diplomatically elected government to replace Culthrapori, and the Imperial Loyalists, who want a referendum on joining our Empire.
“According to our sources, there were well over forty thousand demonstrators by the third day of protest in Calcutta. Amazingly, as far as we can tell, they were entirely peaceful. That didn’t stop Culthrapori. On the fourth day fighting broke out between Culthrapori’s militia and the protesters. We don’t know who started it, but we have our suspicions. The report I sent back to Earth suggested there had been some between two hundred and one thousand protesters killed. We now know that number was closer to one hundred. However, after about a week there was another protest. At least nine hundred were killed and thousands, if not tens of thousands were arrested. Live ammo was fired into the protesters indiscriminately. We also lost contact with Ambassador Bracey that day,” Stalker continued. “Her ship is still in orbit, but there’s been no communication from it or via our contacts in New Delhi’s orbitals. We had a series of contacts set up for communicating back and forth but they haven’t made use of them since then. The only reasonable explanation is that they have been arrested. But…”
James nodded as he ground his teeth together. “But if he would kill his own people…” James finished as anger filled his voice. “It’s been less than a year and he has turned to killing his own people. It’s always the same! When will these kinds of dictators learn?”
Silence filled the room as neither Stalker nor Johnston had an answer. After a few seconds Johnston cleared his throat, “You said you think Culthrapori started the violence. Is there some reason to doubt that?”
“Perhaps,” Stalker replied slowly as she activated the rooms holo projector. An image of a young woman appeared. “This is Angela Davenport, heir to the Canadian Davenport Shipping Industries, though I don’t believe her father knows where she is. She was formerly the owner of a small freighter called Dalliance. We picked her up after a couple of Culthrapori’s patrol frigates chased her freighter down and destroyed it. She claims she had been in contact with the group calling themselves the Imperial Loyalists. She had come in system with a shipment of small arms for them. Before we picked her up, the only intelligence we had on weapons smuggling were of groups bringing weapons for Culthrapori. But if the Imperial Loyalists have been arming themselves, then it’s impossible to know for sure who started the violence. We have picked up reports of Culthrapori’s militia being injured in the ongoing unrest as well.”
“Ongoing?” James asked
Stalker nodded. “There haven’t been any more protests, but there has been violence. Mainly in Calcutta, though it has begun to spread. It’s always isolated, one or two attacks each day. But they almost always involve Culthrapori’s militia. None of our contacts can get us good enough intelligence to know for sure. But either one or several protest groups are attacking the militia forces, or fighting may be breaking out when the militia tries to raid or apprehend the protesters. I can’t be any more definitive than that.”
“What is your take on the overall situation?” James followed up. “Where do you see things going?”
“It’s a powder keg,” Stalker replied without hesitation. “The only way I see things going is downhill. Either Culthrapori’s militia are going to step over the next line and start mass arrests and shooting people on the streets or the protests are going to erupt into a civil war. After the two large protests were put down violently, we thought that might be an end to it. Like when Culthrapori’s militia put down the more isolated protests in the smaller towns. But that hasn’t happened. There have been no more protests, but the violence is increasing. I can’t see how Culthrapori will get control of the situation without using an even heavier hand.”
“That’s not likely to put an end to things either,” Johnston commented. “It will only increase the rage of the protesters. What do you think Culthrapori will do if we try to intervene diplomatically?” Johnston asked as he glanced at James. “We’ve been discussing a number of strategies on the journey here. What if we take Drake into the inner system and request to speak to Culthrapori and the various diplomatic envoys from the other colonies? We can let them know we know what they’re up to. That’s bound to put a dampener on their plans.”
“I’m no diplomat,” Stalker replied. “But I’m sure it would make them think twice. The way Culthrapori has the system locked down suggests he doesn’t want the outside colonies to know what is going on. If you burst that bubble, they may have to think again.”
“Or it could make them double down,” James responded. “If Culthrapori is willing to kill his own people, I doubt he would respond to kindly to us showing up in his back door. If he feels his position is threatened by us, he’d have no choice but to double down on his repressive measures. Thousands could be killed. Especially if our presence fuels more protests.”
“But it would make the others think twice,” Johnston suggested.
James nodded. “There is that. But in time it could also embolden them. If we show up and demand to speak to Culthrapori and he simply ignores us. Then the other diplomats will see us as a lame duck. They could go home with news of how Culthrapori stood up to us and nothing happened. Uncovering their secret may make some colonies who were just flirting with Culthrapori’s new United Nations take a step back, but for those who are already seriously considering it, we could be giving them the final encouragement they need.”
“The other option we have discussed is a military intervention,” Johnston said as he turned back to Stalker. “How do you think that might be received?”
Stocker looked at her feet as she bit her lower lip. “That depends I suppose. I doubt Drake will have any problems getting into orbit, all but one of New Delhi’s orbital battlestations were towed to Earth before Culthrapori took power. He doesn’t have anything larger than a light cruiser in his fleet. So his hardware won’t be too much of a problem. Beyond that, I guess it depends on what kind of force you plan to use. Though whatever it is, I can’t see Culthrapori’s militia laying down their weapons easily. They’re basically made up of the dregs of the former army regiments and whatever lowlifes Culthrapori recruited to bolster their numbers. After the atrocities they have already committed, they can hardly expect any leniency from the general populace. For many, surrendering could be a death sentence.”
“What about the people themselves, how would they respond if we intervened on their behalf?” James asked. He held his breath as he waited for Stalker’s answer. This was the real dilemma that he had been fighting with since leaving Earth.
“There’s no way to know for sure,” Stalker said as she shook her head. “Yes, there were a lot of protesters on the streets before they were violently put down. But nowhere near enough to say for sure what way public opinion is really swaying. From the news reports we gathered before Culthrapori seized power, it seems the populace really were terrified of the Karacknids. There was a strong movement blaming Earth and India’s involvement in the UN for bringing the Karacknid attack. There were actually protests when New Delhi’s orbital battlestations were towed out of the system. In part that was how Culthrapori found it so easy to take power. There did appear to be popular support for a change. There is no way to know for sure if that support still exists, and what the people think after months of Culthrapori’s reign. That doesn’t factor in how they might respond if we try to intervene, eith
er diplomatically or militarily. As much as they may want to see an end to Culthrapori’s reign, they may not take too kindly to us interfering in what they deem their affairs. Especially if we resort to using the marines. A few civilian causalities could turn everyone against us.”
Johnston let out an exasperated sigh. “So we are none the wiser. We don’t know what the likely success of a diplomatic intervention will be, nor a militaristic one. How are we meant to proceed?”
Again Stalker looked at the ground instead of meeting Johnston or James’ eyes. “That’s not a question for a Captain to answer,” James said, feeling sorry her. “You have done your job well Captain. I’ve read your orders; I know you have strict instructions to keep Ferret on the outskirts of the system. That makes getting any concrete information very difficult. What we need are assets on the ground. We need a clear picture of what is going on before we make any final decisions.” James looked at the holo projector where Angela’s image was still being displayed. “Perhaps the answer is staring us in the face.”
“What are you thinking Admiral?” Johnston asked.
James gestured towards the image with a nod. “This Angela claims to have contacts on New Delhi’s surface. Contacts in the Imperial Loyalists. Perhaps it’s time I met those who wish to be Christine’s subjects in person. If we can get to the surface undetected, we can make contact with them and, hopefully, Ambassador Bracey. She should have a much better idea of the lay of the land.”
“You can’t be talking about going down there yourself,” Stalker said without thinking. “It’s far too dangerous. What if they capture you?”
When James turned to her, he saw that she was already regretting being so forthright. He gave her a small smile. “Don’t worry Captain, I’m sure the General shares your concerns.” When James glanced at Johnston, he saw that his old friend was fighting to hold back his own protests. James aimed his next words at him. “But this is something I need to do. Stalker is right, this whole situation is like a powder keg. It could break into a civil war on New Delhi, or a civil war within the Empire. The former would be bad, but the latter cannot be allowed to happen. We cannot afford to have a handful of colonies being openly hostile to us. Heck, according to Andréa, we can’t even afford to have the supply of New Delhi’s rare elements disrupted for more than another month or so without serious repercussions for our ship building efforts. Yet I cannot make any decisions without knowing more. That means we need to get closer. Much closer.” James turned back to the image of Angela, “And it seems there’s only one way to do that,” he said as he leaned in closer to read the information on Angela that was scrolling by underneath her picture.
*
As James approached the personnel quarters being guarded by a marine he gave a salute. The marine saluted back then reached over and tapped the access button. The hatch opened and James stepped through. Angela was standing at the far end of the room looking out a viewport.
“They tell me you are Canadian,” James said as he stepped through. “Daughter of Bartholomew Davenport, a well-known businessman. My Foundation has had some dealings with his company in the past. Tell me, what is his daughter doing all the way out here?”
When Angela turned she frowned when she saw James. “You’re not…” Her eyes narrowed. “You’re Somerville. Your Foundation, it’s the Somerville Foundation?”
James nodded and smiled at the shock on Angela’s face. “Yes, I am he. My ship entered the system a few hours ago.”
Angela moved over to one of the seats in her quarters and sat down. “They told me I had a visitor coming, but not this.”
“Well, I am here and wish to speak with you,” James said as he moved to sit opposite her. “I wanted to get to know you a little bit better.”
“Me, why are you interested in me? I’m just a has-been smuggler.”
“Has-been?” James asked as he raised an eyebrow. “You have seen the errors of your ways?”
Angela tightened her lips and looked away. “Let’s just say that an Indian missile makes a convincing argument. All I want to do is get home to my family. I have a lot of mistakes to make up for.”
“Well, I’m sure that can be arranged. Neither Ferret nor my flagship will be leaving the system any time soon, but when we go, we’ll take you back to Earth with us. From there you can get a ride to the Québec colony. I suspect that by then they will have joined the Empire anyway so it should be easy to find a ship headed that way. Tell me,” James said as he leaned forward. “What do you plan to do with yourself when you do get back to Québec?”
Angela shrugged. “I doubt I can join my father’s company. Not when word gets out that I was a smuggler. That’s bound to be bad for business.”
“I’m sure your father might make an exception,” James chuckled. “Fathers tend to be like that. From what I know of yours, he is a good man.”
“He is,” Angela said as she blinked a few times in quick succession. “But I have treated him badly.”
James chuckled again. “Fathers tend to overlook that as well… So if you’re not going to join the family business, then what?”
Angela shook her head. “I don’t know, I haven’t thought that far ahead. I just want to get home.”
“What if there is no home for you to get to?” James pressed.
Angela’s eyes shot up. “What are you talking about, what has happened?”
James raised a hand, “Nothing yet. But the Karacknids are far from done with us. They are preparing another attack. Perhaps you should be considering a career in the Imperial Fleet.”
This time it was Angela who chuckled. “Yeah right, sure, being a smuggler excludes me from working in a shipping company, but I can join the Navy.”
“Actually, you can,” James informed her. “You’ve heard of McCarthy of course. One of the most infamous smugglers around. He is now in Empress Christine’s government. In her Inner Council no less. If he can reform his ways enough to be trusted, at least to a certain degree, I’m sure you can too.” James then changed tack. “I’ve seen the recording of how you handled Dalliance against the Indian patrol frigates. You’ve got skills. Skills that the Imperial Fleet needs. And don’t forget who you are talking to. I’m the highest-ranking naval officer in the Empire. I’m sure if I put in a good word or two for you that might help things along.”
Angela brought a hand up and rubbed her forehead. “I’ve never thought about it before.”
“I’m not asking you to make any decisions now,” James replied. “Just think it over. After all this is over, you can head home and see your family and then decide. But know this, those whom you love will never truly be safe until the Karacknids are beaten.”
Angela nodded. “Okay, I’ll think about it. I’m not making any promises.” Her face hardened as she held James’ gaze. “Now, why are you really here? An Admiral doesn’t meet with the likes of me simply as a recruiting exercise.”
James gave Angela a brief smile. “No, you are quite right. I’m here to convince you to hold off on completely changing your ways for a little while. I need your help. I want to get to New Delhi’s surface. You’re the only one with contacts within the Imperial Loyalists. They obviously had a way of getting your weapons shipment to the planet’s surface. I want to use them to get me down there.”
Angela’s eyes widened. “You can’t be serious. You would risk your life for this? Why does New Delhi matter so much to you?”
“I have my reasons,” James replied. “Reasons that include trying to hold Humanity together and defeat the Karacknids. I know that may not mean much to you so I’m willing to pay. Whatever the rate was for your shipment of weapons. I’ll match it if you get me to the surface.”
“And if I don’t?” Angela asked as she pursed her lips.
“Then nothing will happen to you,” James said. “You can stay on Ferret, or perhaps come to my flagship. Either way when we get back to Earth we’ll release you. You’ll will be free to go. But, if you go, you may
not be able to enjoy your freedom for long.”
Angela let out a long breath. “You sure know how to lay on the guilt trip.”
James couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “You’re right, I suppose I do. I guess I’ve spent so much time laying it on myself over these last few years that it just comes naturally.”
Angela eyed him more closely. “I suppose being a Fleet Admiral at a time like this comes with its own unique set of strains and stresses.”
“So you’ll do it?” James pressed.
Angela looked past him and took a moment to think. Then she nodded. “I’ll do it. But not for your money. You can keep it. I’ll do it so that I can return home with my head raised high.”
James allowed a wide smile to spread across his face. “You may not know it yet, but I have a strong suspicion you’ll make a fine naval officer… That is, if we survive the next few days.”
Angela rolled her eyes as James stood. He held out a hand to her. “Welcome to the Imperial Fleet,” he said. Hesitantly, Angela stood and took James’ hand. After a brief shake she quickly pulled her hand back. “I have things to do,” James said. “But someone will be here momentarily to take you over to Drake. Then we will begin putting our plan together.”