Clint turned toward the flag, which was waving in the wind, and raised his hand to his brow to snap off a crisp salute. He then turned to face a single camera and a microphone that had been placed at the bottom of the ramp, where he read a short statement.
“On behalf of my fellow prisoners of war and on behalf of those who paid the ultimate price, I would like to thank all the members of the Coalition Defense Force responsible for our being here today and specifically Colonel Demood and Terran Coalition Marine Corps. Without their heroic efforts, none of us would have survived. It has been an honor, both for me and those who have been held captive with me, to serve our country, even after what we endured. We will now devote ourselves to helping in any way we can to defeat the League of Sol once and for all. God bless the Terran Coalition!” As he finished, his voice cracked, and he struggled to keep the tears at bay.
President Spencer embraced him then shook his hand before Clint took his position at the side of General MacIntosh. The next POW in line walked down the ramp.
For the next two hours, men and women came down, exchanging salutes. Most were barely able to walk. After the final POW—a lady who had been captured eighteen years prior and whom Clint had gotten to know briefly—walked away, President Spencer turned to Clint.
“Colonel, let’s get you to the nearest rehab hospital. I’m sure you’ll want to be able to enjoy retirement at one hundred percent,” he said with a smile.
“Sir, I have no plans to retire. As soon as I’m medically cleared, I intend to rejoin the fight.”
Spencer appeared shocked. “Are you certain, Colonel?”
“Yes, sir. I do want to spend some time with my family, but this is my fight too. I’m not walking away from it while I still have something to offer.”
Spencer nodded and extended his hand, which Clint shook. “Good luck, Colonel. Godspeed.”
“Thank you, sir,” Client responded and walked away.
He overheard Spencer comment to General MacIntosh, “Andrew, as long as men and women like that fight for our cause, there will always be hope.”
* * *
David strode into a small interview room, nestled inside the Coalition Intelligence Service’s headquarters a day after the repatriation ceremony to speak to Carl Jenner, the League’s diplomatic minister.
He had become an automated being—going from point A to point B, keeping a flat expression, and focusing on his work to keep the emotional turmoil deep inside from boiling to the surface.
CIS had tried to debrief Minister Jenner for several days, but he had refused to speak to anyone about more than his name, position, and identification number.
General MacIntosh had ordered David to make himself available to the spooks, so there he was, walking into the interview room like it was another day at the office.
It took some time to bring Minister Jenner to the interview room, which David used to think about why the man would want to talk to him. Was it the civil conversation we had over dinner? Maybe he was being honest when he said he wanted peace. Is it possible the man was hoodwinked? David at least considered that possibility. After all, no one in their right mind would consent to being the patsy for a scheme such as the one the League had tried to pull.
The door opening interrupted David’s thoughts. A security detail of two security officers led Carl in. Once he was seated, they left the room to stand guard just outside the door.
David stood on instinct. “Minister Jenner.”
“Colonel.”
David extended his hand to Jenner, who looked at it for a moment before shaking it.
Taking a seat, he stared at the League official. “I’m not sure why you asked me here, Minister.”
“I thought you might understand.”
“Understand what?”
“That I had no idea what Seville and those damn warmongers had planned.”
David sat back, pondering the man’s comments and expression. “Minister, I don’t think it matters what I believe.”
“I’m no longer a minister, not that I would want that title back again. Please, call me Carl.”
David furrowed his brow. “Very well. I still don’t understand what you hope I can accomplish.”
“You have to convince them I was sincere and that the faction I represented in the State Security Committee was sincere as well, Colonel.”
“Why? So we won’t execute you for a war crime?” David shot back, the cynicism that had settled into his soul breaking through.
Jenner grimaced. “Do you truly think that little of me, Colonel? I remind you that while you may have lost your father to this war, I lost both of my sons. I must live with that until I die. Parents shouldn’t outlive their children!”
Perhaps that was a low blow. All evidence indicated that Jenner had been simply used by the League military to get what they wanted—a knockout blow on Canaan. “I’m sorry, Carl. I don’t believe you knew what was going on. I’m not myself. This latest battle claimed the life of someone very near and dear to me.”
“I would assume that is Major Thompson.”
David nodded sadly. “Yes. I think I’m pretty lost without her.”
“That’s how I felt after my second boy was killed. Empty. Lost. I decided that this madness had to end, so I started trying to find others who felt as I did.”
“I’ll concede that’s a noble endeavor, Carl, but you can’t be naive enough to believe everything the League puts out. Sure, Earth is a utopia, but it’s a utopia because it strips resources, food, and supplies from the outer worlds in the League.”
To David’s great surprise, Jenner nodded. “You are mostly correct, Colonel. The oligarchs have, over time, replaced our socialism with their control. We need serious reforms to get back to our ideals, which are that we ensure, as a society, that all are treated equally.”
“So you’re running into the problem that some pigs are more equal than others?”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow. What do pigs have to do with it?”
David chuckled. “A book from Earth’s twentieth century. We all have to read it as schoolchildren. Animal Farm, by George Orwell. It’s an allegory about the evil of socialism. You should read it. It’s a very eye-opening story pertaining to what happens when a group of people decide they know what’s best for others.”
“I would rather have a society in which we surrender some rights than have one like the Terran Coalition, where the poor beg for scraps and citizens aren’t guaranteed basic necessities.”
“There’s a job for anyone who wants it in the Terran Coalition, Carl. Unemployment across all of our planets is less than four percent. It’s true—some struggle, but that’s why we have robust charity organizations centered around our religious institutions. Judaism, for instance, operates Jewish community centers across every planet in the Terran Coalition.”
“Are only Jews welcome to obtain help there?”
“Anyone is welcome, regardless of what faith you hold, including none at all. The Terran Coalition collectively takes care of our citizens. We just do it without overwhelming government presence. The government has a safety net for the neediest. Private charity does the rest.”
“I find it hard to believe that private charity and minimal government intervention can work across a large scale.”
“Then perhaps once you’re released from custody, you’d allow me to give you a tour of some of our planets. Not just Canaan but also our border worlds, which are still quite undeveloped. So you can see how it works for yourself.”
Jenner snorted. “While I would gladly take you up on that offer, I don’t think I’m ever getting out of here, Colonel.”
“It will take a while, and you’ll be questioned repeatedly. But if you tell the truth, CIS will let you out. We’re more interested in justice than retribution.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“Yes, I do. It’s one of the reasons I get up every morning and put on this uniform.”
“I hope you’re right. I still want to try to bring peace between the Terran Coalition and the League of Sol. Despite our differences, we’ve got to find a way to live together. If we don’t, this war will destroy us all.”
A knock on the door signaled the end of the discussion.
“I’m afraid they’ve come to collect you, Carl.”
Jenner stood as the door swung open and the security detail strode in. “Thank you for coming, Colonel. Please pass on what I’ve asked to your superiors.”
“I will. Good luck and Godspeed.”
Jenner inclined his head and was led out by the security detail.
A few minutes later, David was debriefed on their conversation. Fumbling his way through, David just wanted to get out of there and go back to his quarters. The funerals for Sheila and those who had fallen were scheduled for the next day. He had to figure out how to get through them and carry on. The question was how he could find his way back to duty when he was so lost in the pain of his emotions.
41
Kenneth Lowe studied the small group of people in his office aboard the Lion—his second-in-command, Joshua Carter, and several team leads, including Harold Billings.
With a defeated tone, he addressed his team. “I’m afraid I was asked by Mr. Casey to tender my resignation, folks.”
They all stared at one another.
Helen Thames, the project controller, was the first to speak. “That’s not fair, sir. We all volunteered.”
“Nevertheless, I disobeyed a direct order. I know I’ve said to all of you more than once that if you find yourself in a position in which you lack confidence in your chain of command, the only recourse is to resign. I was prepared to do so prior to his request.”
“That’s bullshit,” Harold blurted out in his usual no-nonsense tone.
“Regardless, it is what it is. For several years now, we’ve done our best to run this program the right way and take care of those men and women out there fighting for us. For me, at least, that fight is over. I need all of you to refocus your efforts on keeping this ship operational. Get it upgraded and help it become the fighting machine we all know it’s capable of being. It has been an honor and a privilege to work side-by-side with you these last four years.” Kenneth turned to Joshua. “Now it’s on you to keep it going.”
Joshua shook his head. “I have no desire to continue without you, sir.”
“While that means a great deal to me, this program must go on. It’s bigger than any one of us. Even if every person assigned to this project walked out, the only people it would hurt are the crew of this ship and the citizens of the Terran Coalition, including us. In times like this, we all must sacrifice. One defense contractor’s career is a small price to pay. I’m willing to pay it, with a smile on my face.”
As he finished his statement, his tablet began to blink, indicating a vidlink. It was from Margaret Lee. This should be interesting. He shushed the room before accepting the call.
“Hello, Ms. Lee.”
“Hello, Mr. Lowe. How are you doing today?”
“I’m preparing to write my resignation letter, ma’am.”
“I see. At whose request?”
“Mr. Casey demanded it before the Lion of Judah returned to space dock, ma’am. Given that I disobeyed a direct order and I have no confidence in Mr. Casey’s ability to lead, I felt it was the best course of action.”
There was a hiccup in the video feed. When it blinked back on, Margaret was smiling. “While I understand your respect for the chain of command, Kenneth, this isn’t the military. Your actions were exceedingly risky, but you made the right call. I don’t want mindless automatons working for me. I want living, breathing, thinking people who are willing and able to make difficult judgment calls when needed. By all accounts, your actions, coupled with those of the military crew of the Lion, helped make good on a nasty situation and quite possibly saved the Terran Coalition.”
Kenneth shook his head. “Ma’am, all we did was work on some computer systems. Mr. Uzun deserves any real credit for joining the rescue mission for the POWs.”
“Modesty can sometimes be a bad thing in the corporate world, Kenneth. Let me put this a different way. You gambled and won. SSI won too. Now we’re looking at a three-billion-credit contract that won’t even be put out for bid. Consider your resignation rejected.”
Kenneth tried to interject to tell her he wouldn’t work for Stephen Casey any longer, but she spoke over him. “I’m also removing you from Stephen’s group. You will now report directly to me, and I am promoting you to director.”
Kenneth was stunned into silence for a moment. “Uh, yes, ma’am.”
“Do you think you could join me for a meeting tomorrow morning? I’d like to go over your new duties and how I expect you to integrate into my team.”
“Yes, ma’am. Of course. What time?”
“Ten a.m. would be fine, in my office.”
“Yes, ma’am. I will see you then.”
“Good day, Kenneth.”
“Godspeed, Ms. Lee.”
The connection cut off abruptly, and for a second, Kenneth said nothing. He still thought he should resign because of the death of Uzun. Contractors weren’t supposed to be killed in combat. They weren’t supposed to fight. The man had volunteered, and his sacrifice had saved thousands of lives, but that didn’t make it any easier to deal with the fact that Uzun wouldn’t have been there if not for Kenneth asking for volunteers. Raising his head, he saw smiles and a few happy tears.
Helen was the first to speak. “Score one for common sense.”
“I didn’t see that coming,” he replied.
Joshua reached over the desk and slapped Kenneth’s arm. “Sometimes the good guys do finish first, sir.”
Kenneth cracked a smile. “I guess I’d better unpack my boxes and get back to work.”
“Yeah, then we’re going to go wet down your promotion, Mr. Director,” Kevin said.
Joshua laughed. “Let’s go with El Director. It sounds more ominous.”
“But I’m a teddy bear. That makes me sound like a tin-pot dictator from one of the neutral worlds allied with the League.”
Chuckles filled the room.
“Thank you all for standing with me. At least we get a few more months to do this right.”
“Hear! Hear!” Harold said.
“Okay, back to work, everyone. Gather the team at six p.m. Happy hour is on me.”
* * *
David paced around his day cabin, brooding. The funerals for Sheila and the rest of the fallen would occur in the afternoon, but he couldn’t bring himself to stand watch until then. Better not to be seen on the bridge like this. I don’t want to shake my crew’s confidence.
He had a prearranged video conference with General MacIntosh to discuss the Lion’s upcoming assignment and her new XO. That last part really got under his skin. Sheila wasn’t even in the ground yet, but the military had to assign a new XO. He understood, but it still made him raw with rage.
His tablet beeped, reminding David it was time to connect. He pulled up the application and entered his security code, then General MacIntosh’s face appeared a moment later.
“Thank you for joining me, Colonel.”
“Of course, sir.”
“How are you holding up?”
“As best as can be expected, sir,” David replied. He was a mass of emotion, but that wasn’t the kind of thing he could tell his commanding officer.
“We’re going to be sending you back to the front rather quickly. Is your ship ready for deployment?”
“It will be, sir. We have some personnel gaps that need to be addressed, specifically in our Marine detachment and embarked-fighter wings.” David avoided mentioned the XO position.
“Colonels Demood and Amir will be getting topped off with new personnel before you depart. It’s my intention to have the Lion perform around-the-clock shakedown activities for two weeks then join the vanguard of our drive to push the League ou
t of our space. I’ve also been reviewing potential XOs for you.”
“It will be good to get back into the fight, sir.”
“The Joint Chiefs, SecDef, and President Spencer are unanimous in their belief that the Lion’s XO should be a Saurian.”
“I see, sir.” Great. Sheila’s position gets turned into a PR stunt.
“Look, I get that this is hard. You have to understand that the alliance with the Saurians must stick. Period. Full stop. It’s the only way we win this war in anything like a reasonable amount of time. Or for that matter, win it at all. I’m going to send you the best Saurian I can find. The guy I have in mind completed an exchange program rotation with the CDF, so he’ll at least understand how we do things. I expect you to treat him well and integrate him into your crew. Do I make myself clear, Colonel?”
“Crystal, sir.”
MacIntosh leaned toward the camera. “David, I know the last few days have been hell for you. I’m not discounting that. But you’ve got to put it aside and get back to work. Try to gain some closure today. We’ve all laid too many good friends into the ground, but there’s a real chance that now we can at least honor their memory by winning this war. You’ve got to take that hope, grab it, and nurture it.”
David forced himself to reply, “Yes, sir. Working on it.”
“Good. I’ll see you this afternoon. Take care and Godspeed.”
The tablet vidlink disconnected, leaving him staring at a blank screen.
Coalition Defense Force Boxed Set: First to Fight Page 51