Op File Treason

by J. Clifton Slater

  “I’m talking and you are interrupting. What we do with the Enara is salvage base business,” Luz growled. “I asked because the weapon stations are life support areas. Not that you’d understand but crew access goes through those stations. Now, if you’d stop interfering, I’d like to get on with the interview.”

  Warlock got agitated. She raised the hand holding the pistol and rubbed her forehead with the back of the hand. As she rubbed, the goggle slid up, uncovering her bionic eye.

  “This is bug slime,” observed Warlock as she set the pistol on the table and pulled back her arm. “Continue, supervisor.”

  As soon as the eye patch lifted, Diosa received input from Pablo Luz and Enyd Kealan. Their vitals were intertwined. In order to separate Enyd, the Master Sergeant locked eyes with Pablo. It started as an elimination process but even after identifying his sweat and breath, the two continued.

  Enyd watched the staring contest with interest. Until now, Supervisor Luz hadn’t seemed genuine. Professional and knowledgeable, but not legitimate. While their eyes were boring into each other, the Traveler got a sense of Pablo’s prowess. He was a man used to getting his way and she felt comfortable under his protection. At least, until the interview was concluded.

  Warlock’s sensors detected a lessening of ammonia from Enyd’s sweat and a decrease in carbon dioxide from her breath. With the Traveler settling into a relaxed state, the Master Sergeant broke eye contact with Luz.

  “What are you looking at?” demanded Warlock shifting her attention to Enyd. The woman’s throat pulsed and blood flowing through the arteries matched the calm beating of her heart. Kealan hadn’t reacted to the Marine’s words.

  With a casual flip of her hair, Enyd gazed at Pablo and encouraged, “Please go on, Supervisor Luz.”

  “We need to know the purpose of the damaged compartments to fabricate new beams,” Pablo said. “If it’s just structural, we can measure and precut the supports. But for crew access, the beams need to be shaped. Shop time is the difference. And the Enara seems to be in a rush to get repaired, according to Commodore Oskari.”

  “Oskari?” Enyd asked in surprise.

  “That’s what the radioman said. Although we’ve never spoken directly with the Commodore,” stated Luz. “Do you know him?”

  Enyd’s vitals exploded for a second. Ammonia and carbon dioxide surged off of her before receding and her throat pulsed. The Major was excited about something to do with Commodore Oskari.

  “We may have met a time or two,” the Constabulary Major lied. “Let me see the diagram again and I’ll show you the access routes. And yes, they go through the weapon stations.”

  But Enyd didn’t look at the screen right away. She paused long enough to shoot Master Sergeant Alberich a look of victory. Then Major Kealan scooted her chair closer to Pablo and began pointing out the specifics of each damaged compartment. Luz sketched in details on the screen based on the information.

  While they worked, Warlock pondered her next move. Enyd had confidence in Pablo to protect her and the Major definitely knew and, had a relationship with Commodore Oskari. But was it enough to save salvage base?

  “That’s enough time,” announced Warlock.

  “No, it’s not,” corrected Pablo. “There are a few more details I need before I send the schematics to the fabricators.”

  “In a matter of hours, the El Enara Loco will drop combat shuttles,” explained Warlock. “The Constabulary may take this base but they’ll pay a high price. So, finish up, I have to prepare. And my first duty is to eliminate internal threats.”

  At the last statement, Warlock placed her hand on the pistol, shifted from Pablo, and focused on Major Kealan. Luz jerked at the threat and cleared his throat before letting his feelings be known.

  “I am going on record as protesting the murder of a defenseless prisoner,” Pablo stated. “It’s inhumane and not right.”

  “Supervisor Luz. Look at me. I was a Team Leader for Strike Kill Command. If you aren’t familiar with the unit, ask the Major,” suggested Warlock. “This is war and even if it costs me my life, I will go down fighting. But I will not be shot in the back by a ‘defenseless’ prisoner.”

  “What now?” Pablo exclaimed as he half stood and peered through the glass windows.

  Warlock and Enyd turned to see what he was talking about. A cart driven by Bagwis pulled up and stopped next to Candela. The warehouse manager didn’t get out. Instead, he reached into the back seat and lifted up a rifle case. After handing it to the shipwright, Bagwis put the cart in reverse and backed up the hallway.

  “The tools of my trade,” bragged Warlock as she stood. Then she picked up the pistol and slid it into her holster. “Wrap it up supervisor. Things are about to get interesting.”

  Enyd watched as the Striker marched out the glass door and approached the woman holding the gun case. Taking the case, the Master Sergeant turned to face the conference table and set the rifle case on the deck. Then she opened the case and began assembling a sniper rifle. Releasing her breath with a sigh, the Constabulary Major turned back to Luz.

  “I fear my time is short. What else do you need?” she asked with a quiver in her voice.

  “Nothing. I have all I need,” Luz replied. His arms were folded over his chest and he studied Warlock as the Marine lifted the rifle and sighted up the hallway.

  “Then send the data,” insisted Enyd.

  “I have already,” Luz advised her.

  “But you said. I see. You were delaying the butcher for my sake,” guessed Enyd. “Thank you.”

  “The Master Sergeant isn’t wrong. She just has her motivations confused,” Pablo whispered. He continued to watch as Warlock pulled out a bandolier and slung it over her shoulder. Then, the Marine selected a magazine, seated it in the rifle, and smiled. Luz shifted to face the Constabulary Major. “Salvage base has maintained its neutrality for a long time. We would repair your ship without the threat.”

  “The Constabulary is aware of that,” commented Enyd. “What did you mean by her motivations are confused?”

  “Master Sergeant Alberich and obviously the forces of the Empress are looking at the strategic positioning of the base,” explained Luz. “I can see how an isolated moon could be used as a safe harbor and a jumping off place for raids. But you are both missing the real benefit of salvage base.”

  “What would that be?” inquired Enyd.

  “We buy, sell and trade with everyone,” the supervisor informed her. “It’s where we get the parts, beams and plating for the repairs. If a single entity claims dominance over salvage base and denies access to their competition, our supply of parts and raw material will dry up. Soon, we’ll be of no use to our masters or anyone else. It’s like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. But I guess you don’t care about that seeing as this is war.”

  “You make an interesting case for neutrality,” agreed Enyd. Then she held up a hand to prevent Pablo from saying anything else. “The repairs on the Enara are important. Occupying the base is a secondary mission. If I can get Commodore Oskari to forgo taking the base, can you offer me protection from the crazy Master Sergeant?”

  “The only way would be to shuttle you up to the safety of the Enara,” Luz said and Enyd’s eyes lit up. “But it’ll have to be after the repairs are completed. You’d be our insurance against an attack.”

  “That’s fair. Will Alberich go along with the idea of setting me free?” questioned Enyd.

  “I don’t know,” admitted Luz. “Her attitude is bad and everyone on the base walks carefully around her. It must be that Strike Kill thing, whatever that is.”

  “It means she is a butcher who kills indiscriminately,” reported Enyd. “Maybe together, we can reason with her?”

  “There’s only one way to find out,” Luz said before pressing the speaker button. “Master Sergeant Alberich. Can you return to the conference area?”

  Warlock peered through the glass as if debating whether to comply or not. Then,
she rested the rifle on her shoulder and pulled open the glass door.

  “Time’s up, let’s go Major,” Warlock directed as she approached the table.

  “Please, Master Sergeant have a seat for a minute,” pleaded Luz. “We need to discuss something.”

  Warlock walked to the table and rested the front of her thighs on the edge. Both Pablo and Enyd flinched when the Marine lifted the rifle off her shoulder and slammed the buttstock on the tabletop. Holding the rifle as if it was a flag pole, Warlock leaned forward.

  “What do we need to discuss?” she asked.

  “You believe your duty is to resist Constabulary forces from occupying salvage base,” Luz stated. “What would your duty be if they didn’t?”

  “Take Major Kealan back to Orbital Station to stand trial,” replied Warlock.

  “Suppose the tradeoff for saving the base depended on releasing the Major?” Luz quizzed her.

  “It’s a false premise. She’s here and a Commodore is up there with his finger on the firing button,” Warlock challenged. “I don’t see how it’s possible,”

  “First off, Commodore Oskari is a she and she is my cousin,” Enyd replied. “I can arrange the trade. Repairs and me for no assault on the base.”

  Warlock let her sensors scan Enyd. There were no signs of lying or nervousness. The Constabulary Major was serious. But the Marine hesitated, letting Luz and Kealan wait.

  “Above all else, my duty is to protect citizens of the Galactic Council Realm,” Warlock informed them. “If you can assure me that the Enara won’t lob missiles at the base on the way out of orbit, I’d have to go along with your proposal. But, the revenge missiles are a concern.”

  “Supervisor Luz has explained the value of a neutral salvage base,” Enyd assured Diosa. “There will be no missiles for two reasons. One is we want to use the base in the future. And the other reason is one you’ll understand. Missiles are valuable and they are needed for use against the Galactic Realm Navy.”

  “If you can manage it, which I doubt, I will go along with the plan,” Warlock sneered. “Go ahead, prove me wrong.”

  ***

  As Luz guided Kealan to the communications platform, Warlock took a seat at the conference table. Enyd glanced back. With the butcher sitting, she relaxed and the feeling of being in control of her future gave her confidence. Then, the Marine rested the sniper rifle on the tabletop and balanced the rifle on its magazine. The front sight tracked the Constabulary Major’s movements across the command deck. By the time Enyd reached the platform, she was no longer relaxed.

  “Come in El Enara Loco. This is salvage base,” Luz radioed. His voice came over the speaker system.

  Ryo and Iska glanced up from stations where they directed the fabrication crews. Doctor Marikit didn’t bother. She sat studying her screen, waiting for the injuries that always accompanied a major repair operation.

  “Be advised base, we are entering orbit,” a voice from the warship replied. “Your delay in sending landing instructions has been noted and an appropriate punishment will be administered at a later time. You are cleared for repair flights. Advise us of the number and nature of each shuttle.”

  Pablo handed Enyd a headset and stepped back, symbolically indicating the system was hers.

  “El Enara Loco. This is Major Enyd Kealan of the Empress’ Royal Guard,” the Constabulary officer stated. “I will speak with Commodore Oskari.”

  Retired Master Sergeant Alberich didn’t know the military divisions of the Constabulary. Their structure was a mystery to her and to the Galactic Council’s military. But, the Empress’ Royal Guard sounded like a big deal. For the sake of salvage base, she hoped a Major in the unit carried a lot of weight.

  “Base we are awaiting your flight report,” the voice responded totally ignoring Enyd’s request.

  “El Enara Loco. The Empress loves you. I do not. If you fail to get Commodore Oskari on the radio in sixty seconds, I will rip your heart out and stomp on it,” threatened Major Kealan “Am I clear?”

  “Base. State your name and position again,” the voice from the warship requested. Some of the arrogance was gone from his tone.

  “I do not repeat myself,” Kealan informed the voice. “Fifteen seconds has passed. You have forty-five seconds left to comply.”

  “Stand by ma’am,” the voice said after a long pause.

  The delay revealed that the radioman hadn’t paid attention to the name, rank and unit of the woman. He’d probably asked around the communications section to see if anyone had heard her. Call her ma’am, someone suggested.

  Enyd placed her hands behind her back and stood stiffly staring at nothing. It was a posture used by commanders Realm wide and showed a little more about the Major. At that moment, Warlock regretted the situation. If things were different, the Master Sergeant would love to turn Major Kealan over to military intelligence for a long debriefing.

  “Base. This is Captain Musa. You will comply and call only with information,” instructed another voice from the warship. “Enara out.”

  Warlock and Luz, although separated by half the length of the command deck, both felt their stomachs flop. No matter what Enyd’s position in the Constabulary, if no one on the Enara knew, the plan would fail.

  “Musa. You’ve allowed extensive damage to an Empress’ warship,” barked Enyd. “And your communication section is distracted. I can only imagine the rank incompetence of the other divisions under your weak leadership. You will stand before a review board to evaluate your current position and value to the Empress.”

  After another long pause, Captain Musa came back on the radio.

  “Please ma’am, state your rank, name and unit.”

  “I will speak to Commodore Oskari,’ the Major announced.

  Warlock knew military protocol and this was far from any ordered exchange she’d ever witnessed. While she waited to see how Captain Musa would respond, Supervisor Sota came from across the deck.

  “I don’t understand,” Ryo questioned as he took a seat beside the Master Sergeant. “If Major Kealan is that important, why did she agree to help us. Aren’t military types supposed to resist the enemy and sacrifice themselves for principles?”

  “In military training, we see the type. When it gets hard and team work is required, they usually fail,” explained Warlock as she thought back on her interactions with Enyd. “If you are born privileged, are told you’re special your entire life, and people treat you with deference, you begin to believe your life is worth preserving no matter what the situation. Major Kealan is an excellent example. She’s efficient and strategic when things are going her way. When they aren’t, her conceit and superiority give her permission to do anything to survive.”

  “Can we trust her?” asked Ryo.

  “No. Never forget, Major Kealan is a trained military officer,” warned Diosa. “You’ll need two guards on her at all times. Never should a single person be alone with her. I’ve seen the damage she can do and it’s ugly.”

  Before Ryo could say more, the radio crackled and a new voice came over the speakers.

  “This is Commodore Oskari,” a woman said. “Who is this?”

  “Major Enyd Kealan of the Empress’ Royal Guard,” Enyd replied.

  “Major Kealan. It’s good to know you are alive,” the Commodore responded. “The El Enara Loco is at your disposal. What can we do for you?”

  “I’ve facilitated your repairs, Commodore. The rebuild is as comprehensive as time allows,” Kealan informed her. “However, there is a change in mission. You will keep your contingent of assault Troops.”

  “May I inquire why?” asked Oskari.

  “After an analysis, I’ve decided the salvage base and moon are not worth our valuable resources,” Enyd stated. “I will remain here until the repairs are concluded. You’ll have my report when I arrive.”

  “As you wish, Major,” Oskari confirmed.

  “That went better than I expected,” Pablo said.

  “Why
wouldn’t it?” exclaimed Enyd. “Now Supervisor Luz, I will inspect your facilities and the work you are doing for the Empress.”

  Pablo looked across the command deck for Warlock’s approval.

  “It’s fine,” Diosa called back. Then she reminded Ryo. “Be sure the Major has two armed guards with her at all times.”

  Chapter – 20 Testing Your Resolve

  Retired Master Sergeant Alberich parked the cart in a designated spot and pondered taking the helmet. Until the Constabulary sent shuttles, it was unnecessary. Deciding to leave the helmet, Warlock climbed out and slung the sniper rifle over her shoulder. The helmet she could come back for while the rifle was a sign of the Marine’s commitment. It would remind Major Kealan, if they crossed paths, that going back on the agreement had consequences.

  “Where can I find Kaito?” Diosa asked a technician pushing a load of electronic parts.

  “Work area to your left,” he replied.

  Warlock followed directions which led her deeper into the warehouse. Unlike the other warehouse she’d visited, this one displayed tightly packed shelves of ion cannons, filament and diode parts, fiber optic illuminators, sections of ion walls and rolls of fiberoptic cables. She located the manager in an immaculate workroom.

  “Here is your transmitter,” Kaito said as the Master Sergeant entered.

  A thin disc, two meters across, had six wires jutting from the shiny surface. The object was suspended on rubber blocks.

  “It doesn’t look very substantial,” Diosa commented.

  “The disc is the battery. It’ll charge while the Enara is under exterior drive,” Kaito explained. “Candela will place it between a sandwich of plate armor. One side of the plating gets perforated and the conducting wires are fed to the outside.”

  The manager flipped the disc, exposing a flat rectangle box affixed to the reverse side.

  “Here is your transmitter,” she said. “Candela will cut a recess in the plating to accommodate the casing. It’s a nice piece of electronics.”

  “How soon after it goes active will the ship realize it’s been tagged?” inquired Diosa.