“I’ll be here,” she replied, as the door slid shut, sealing her alone in the barren cell, once again. She walked over to the wall, sliding down the smooth surface to sit on the floor. Both she and Romanova knew that she’d be freed soon. There really was no other choice. Somehow, though, she thought that her survival prospects were probably considerably better where she was. As soon as she left the cell, she’d be a target. With a dozen different candidates to pull the trigger.
Chapter 18
The door slid open, Mitchell stepping into the briefing room. Once more, Captain Ikande was sitting at the head of the table, Thiou by his side, but this time, the chair on the opposite of the room, usually occupied by Lieutenant Hoffman, was empty. As Mitchell settled into his seat, facing a scowling Fitzroy, he looked up to see Romanova walk into the room, taking the vacant chair next to his.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, looking around the room. “Business that I’ll get to in a minute.”
Nodding, Ikande replied, “You all know what happened on the surface. Frankly, it’s a miracle that we managed to survive with as little damage as we sustained, and Chief Khatri assures me that we will have all key systems, except for Turret Nine, back in full working order before we break orbit. Endurance is still in fighting trim. And now, thanks to Doctor Thiou, we know where we’re going. Luyten 347-14. Doctor, if you want to brief the room?”
“Of course, sir,” she replied, placing a scrap of paper on the table before her. “We found two bodies down there, both members of the original crew of Challenger…”
“Can we verify that?” Fitzroy asked. “All of this could just be a Coalition trick.”
“Both bodies had been on the surface for decades, and all the equipment was correct for the period, Lieutenant. If you are asking for absolute verification, then I’m afraid I can’t give it to you, especially not under the circumstances, but the balance of probability is that the site was just as it appeared, the last redoubt of two people stranded on their world when their ship left without them.”
“I concur,” Romanova added. “I don’t have the archaeological training of Doctor Thiou, but I had a chance to survey the site, and it seemed pristine and untouched. I’d say we were the first people to visit it for at least a century.” Looking at Fitzroy, she continued, “We only found the site by blind luck, Lieutenant. Nothing more than that. If it was a trick, then it was one with a pretty low probability of paying off. My judgment is in accord with Doctor Thiou. This was a real site.”
“I’ll accept the word of the two of you,” Ikande added. “Lieutenant Fitzroy, all of the records and logs are available in the database. If you want to go over them for yourself, I’d be more than happy to read your recommendation and report.”
Shaking his head, he replied, “I doubt that I would have anything to add.”
“I may have phrased my wish to see your report as a request, but you can consider it an order.”
Nodding, Mitchell said, “I’ll go over them for myself, Captain. Not that I doubt the judgment of Doctor Thiou and Lieutenant Romanova, but I think all senior officers need to have access to all the information available if we’re going to complete our mission.” Frowning, he added, “I’m not familiar with Luyten 347-14. I don’t know of any recorded settlements, or any exploration at all.”
“According to our information, that’s not surprising,” Thiou volunteered. “There’s nothing there. Nothing worth a visit, anyway. A few worlds close to the primary, probably a few moons. One of the planets is a reasonable candidate for settlement, though. Better than Mars, in fact. Gravity about two-thirds that of Earth, temperature suitable, pressure higher. Based on long-range surveys, you’d be able to walk around on the surface with just a respirator, not a full suit. There’s even some evidence of surface water.”
“Sounds ideal,” Fitzroy said. “Why hasn’t anyone gone to take a look?”
With a grimace, Ikande replied, “Because the Guard, in its wisdom, mothballed the exploration fleet. I’ve checked the records, and this system was scheduled to be surveyed in the Fourth Perimeter Expedition, cancelled six months before it set out. I intend to make that point clear to certain Senators when we get back home, but for the present, we have to accept the hand that we’ve been dealt.”
“It’d be a good choice for an extrasolar colony, but there hasn’t been any interest in founding one since the Fall of Earth,” Mitchell added. “It’d be a huge investment in resources and time, and we’re talking about a system that is at least ten weeks from Earth by fast hyperdrive. Double that for a freighter. I doubt we have the logistic capability to set one up.” Turning to Ikande, he added, “I’m not even sure we could sustain a garrison out there for any length of time. Not without serious investment in our Fleet Train.”
“That’s somewhat above our pay grade, Lieutenant, but I’ll bear your comments in mind when I put together my final report.” Tapping the desk, he said, “I have Chief Khatri’s word that we’re capable of completing our mission from an engineering standpoint. I’d like your comments, as well. Lieutenant Romanova?”
“I’m concerned about morale, sir. The imprisonment of Spaceman DeSilva…”
“Yes, and I’d like to know why she hasn’t been interrogated yet,” Fitzroy said. “I understand you had a nice little chat with her, but I think something more serious is required. We’re talking about the woman who murdered the First Lieutenant of this ship and…”
“She made a tactical decision,” Mitchell interrupted, scowling at Fitzroy. “As far as I’m concerned, she made the right one. I’m not sure what else she could have done, not given the circumstances. The safety of the ship was at stake. And incidentally, if we’d lost two of the point-defense turrets, we couldn’t have shot our way through the ravine. We’d have either had to abandon the bombing run or face destruction. Spaceman DeSilva is directly responsible for the survival of this ship and our victory over the Coalition. She ought to get a commendation, not a jail sentence.”
“I wouldn’t expect someone like you to understand…”
“Now just what the hell is that meant to mean…”
“Gentlemen!” Ikande shouted. “Lieutenant Fitzroy, I’ve looked at the reports, and I am inclined to agree with Lieutenant Mitchell’s assessment of the situation. I’m ordering Spaceman DeSilva released forthwith, though there will be a formal inquiry into the death of Lieutenant Hoffman, conducted by Lieutenant Romanova. And Lieutenant, I expect to see your report promptly, and you’d better make sure everything is done by the book. Do I make myself clear?”
“You do, sir.”
“You were concerned about morale,” Ikande said.
“The crew are restless, sir, and we’ve been doing our best to try and get then engaged with the mission, but there’s only so much we can do.”
“Find the agitators, separate them from the rest of the crew, and everything will settle down quickly enough,” Fitzroy added. “There are always troublemakers on every ship. We’re not short of unpleasant duties to assign them to.”
“We need the carrot as well as the stick, sir,” Mitchell said, noting Ikande’s nod. “A few of the crew are eligible for promotion to senior grade. We’re two Petty Officers short. I suggest you issue those promotions as soon as possible. Let’s make it clear that hard work will be rewarded.”
“Good idea,” Ikande replied. “We’ll get that taken care of right away. Lieutenant Fitzroy, what’s your perspective?”
“It’s a long way to go based on a scrap of paper written by a dead man. Even if the site is genuine, we’ve no guarantee that the note is accurate. You said yourself, Doctor, that these people were trying to hide. Nationalists, and paranoid at that. For all we know, they never went anywhere near Luyten 347-14, and this is just a race into nowhere.” With a frown, he added, “Nevertheless, I don’t suppose we have any other choice than to check it out. I’d rather have more to go on, that’s all.”
“As would I, Lieutenant, I assure you,” Ikand
e replied with a smile. “Lieutenant Mitchell?”
Frowning, Mitchell said, “We’re talking about a long trip, sir. This isn’t a freighter. We’ve got a lot more people, none of whom signed on for this sort of a flight. The trip out here was just a taster. And then another long, long trip back, the better part of three months, which will be one of the longest hyperspace trips ever made.” Looking around the table, he said, “I’m not opposed, and I believe that we can do it, but I do suggest that we all consider the effect that will have, psychologically. The crew will need to be carefully handled, and that means walking a very fine line with regards discipline.”
“Orders must be obeyed, and order must be maintained,” Fitzroy quoted.
“Right out of the manual, Lieutenant, but I’ll throw one back at you. Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men. We’re going to have to be the wise men if we’re going to complete this mission.” Looking at Ikande, he added, “I guess that’s all, sir.”
“Very well. We will proceed with the mission as planned. I’ve looked at Lieutenant Hoffman’s will, and he expressed a desire to be buried in space. I see no reason not to act in accordance with those wishes, and the ceremony will take place at twenty hundred, tonight. I expect all of you to be in attendance. Dress uniform is mandatory. We’ll keep it small, just the senior staff and the honor guard.” Looking at Fitzroy, he continued, “I now must address the matter of Lieutenant Hoffman’s successor…”
“I’m ready to take over, sir,” Fitzroy interrupted. “Midshipman Diaz can handle Tactical, or if you would prefer, I can handle both duties.”
“That won’t be necessary, Lieutenant, as I am naming Lieutenant Mitchell First Lieutenant, and Executive Officer.” Turning to Mitchell, he added, “If you think you can handle it, I would prefer that you also retain your duties at Navigation.”
Mitchell looked at Ikande, and replied, “Yes, sir. I can do both.”
“Wait a minute,” Fitzroy said. “I’m next in line, sir, and I insist that…”
“You, Lieutenant, are in no position to insist upon anything. Had this been a critical situation, we would naturally follow the chain, but we are not in the middle of a crisis, and I am empowered to select the officer I believe will best accomplish this duty. Lieutenant Mitchell has independent command experience, in just such an environment as we are traversing now and has already demonstrated his ability to lead during this mission. He is my choice as First Lieutenant.”
“I protest!” Fitzroy replied, slamming his fist on the table. “Damn it, he’s not even a real Martian! He’s Dread-born! I’ve got…”
“We do not choose officers based on their breeding, Lieutenant. Only their competence.”
Rising from his seat, Fitzroy glared at Ikande, and replied, “I want my protest to this decision made clear in your log, Captain, and there are certain people at Guard headquarters who will be very interest in your command decisions. Don’t get too comfortable in your chair, sir. If I have my way, you won’t be sitting in it for much longer.”
“That, of course, is your prerogative, Lieutenant,” Ikande said, calmly returning the younger man’s glare. “I’m more than willing to defend my decision, and your behavior in this meeting only confirms my belief that you are not suited to an independent command. My orders stand. You are dancing very close to insubordination, Lieutenant, and I have recently ordered the brig vacated. You might wish to remember that.” Looking at Romanova, he added, “You will naturally continue in your current assignment, though now considered as Third Lieutenant.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied.
“Then I think we can bring this meeting to a close. Dismissed. Lieutenant Mitchell, if you would remain for a moment, please?”
Fitzroy stalked out of the room, his hands balled into fists, followed by Romanova and a stunned Thiou, who glanced back at Mitchell as the doors slid shut. Ikande gestured for Mitchell to move to the First Lieutenant’s chair, and with a cut nod, he changed seats, no sitting opposite his commanding officer.
“I’m sorry to blindside you like that,” Ikande said. “I had planned to talk to you about it in private first. Lieutenant Fitzroy rather forced my hand.” A smile danced across his face, and he added, “One of my spies tells me that he spent the last hour packing up his possessions to change cabins. I’d hate to be around him right now.”
“As would I, sir.” He paused, then said, “Sir, I appreciate the honor, and I am more than happy to do the job, but politically…”
Waving a hand in the air, Ikande replied, “We’ve spoken on this subject already. Fitzroy will do everything he can to discredit both of us, no question about it. We’re just going to have to be smarter than he is, which isn’t difficult. More important, we’re going to have to execute a perfect mission, or face execution ourselves upon our return.” He chuckled at his joke, and added, “I’m serious, unfortunately. If we find a lost colony, one with sufficient space-based infrastructure to support fleet assets, all our sins will be forgiven. A full Captaincy for me, a Commander’s slot for you, perhaps command of this very ship. The Senate won’t have any choice other than to restore the deep-space exploration program after this!”
“And if we fail, we’ll both be broken, more than likely.”
He shrugged, and replied, “You’ll find another berth, somewhere. There’s always another idiot with too much money who thinks he can make a fortune hitting the outer resource zone. I’ll finish my career out at one of the deep space stations, maybe Earth, Mercury, Pallas. There’s plenty of room out there for another paperwork shuffler.” Leaning forward, he said, “I didn’t give you the job in a fit of pique, Lieutenant. I gave it to you because I need the best possible candidate. It’s dangerous out here. In the event of my death, you are in charge.”
“Assuming Lieutenant Fitzroy…”
“Lieutenant Romanova will follow you, and she’s a scion of the Families. That should help.” He reached for a button, and said, “I have something to show you. This is highly classified, of course. Only Lieutenant Hoffman and I knew about it. It answers your question.”
“My question, sir?”
“You were wondering just how we intended to hold this theoretical colony without a garrison.” He entered an access code, and a flickering holoimage filled the room, a satellite slowly rotating, a quintet of missiles nursed in launch cradles, ready to fire. “The latest experimental defense satellite, just off the drawing board. Smaller than anything else we’ve got, with enhanced targeting systems, enhanced maneuverability, and able to strike orbital and ground targets.”
“Impressive.”
“We’ve got eight of them in the hold, under command seal. Our orders are to deploy them as soon as we reach a colony, regardless of the wishes of the inhabitants. That’s our edge, Lieutenant. If the colonists are peaceful, then we’re giving them a defense against the Coalition. If not, then we have a weapon to use against them. One strong enough to see off a substantial enemy strike force. As soon as we arrive, I’ll brief Lieutenant Fitzroy, and we’ll get the network set up. According to the manual, we can have them fully operational in less than a week. That’s all the lead we’ll need to beat the Coalition.”
Shaking his head, Mitchell said, “And if the colonists try to stop them?”
“We’ve got our orders, Lieutenant. We’re going to carry them out, no matter what. And if the locals want to object, then I guess we’re on opposite sides, and the sooner we know that the better.” Tapping the desk, he said, “Get used to the idea, Lieutenant. This is going to happen. Make peace with it.”
“Peace?”
“Sure,” he replied. “Peace through superior firepower. Which, in my experience, is usually the only way to get it.”
Chapter 19
Thiou looked through the viewport, watching as another series of flares lit up the dark side of the planet below, carving out a cluster of new craters on the barren, empty landscape. The view was terrible, one of the most horrific si
ghts she had ever seen, ever imagined, but a sick fascination kept her eyes locked on the devastation. The world would survive, of course. It would continue to tumble through space, but her surface would always be scarred by what had happened here. Some future geologist would survey this would, note the effect of the eruption, and wonder what could possibly have caused it.
“I am become death, the destroyer of worlds,” she muttered.
“Are you quoting Oppenheimer, or the original?” Wagner asked, walking into the room behind her. “Both equally appropriate, of course, given the circumstances.”
“Oppenheimer,” she replied. “It’s hard to conceive. We’re just apes, barely able to walk on our own two feet, recently descended from the trees. Such little, insignificant creatures, and yet we can reshape the face of a world at our whim.”
“Hardly a whim,” Wagner said. “We didn’t have much choice. The Coalition were determined to destroy us. They had us cold, and in a straight fight, we wouldn’t have had a chance. The Captain did what he had to do, and I’m sure he’s sitting in his office right now, looking out at that view, thinking much the same as you.” Turning to her, he said, “You feel responsible.”
“This was my discovery, my project. I’m the reason we’re out here, and hundreds of people have already died.” Shaking her head, she said, “It doesn’t seem worth it.”
“No matter the environment, no matter the theater of operations, the Great Powers always revert to the Great Game. Once it was the plains of Central Asia, or the interior of Africa, or the unexplored lands of North America. Before that it was the land of Palestine, the heart of Italy, the hinterland of Greece. Nations will always fight their rivals for dominance, two brutish creatures determined to kill each other.”
“That’s supposed to make me feel better?” she replied.
“This would have happened, sooner or later, whether you had made your discovery or not. The people who died here today were going to die. We’re building to a war, an Interplanetary War, and everyone wearing a uniform knows that the odds are against them living through it. Perhaps there is a chance that it can still be averted, that the people can be spared the horror of another great war, but somehow, I doubt it.” Moving to her side, he said, “This wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t know what the politicians would do with your discovery. And if you hadn’t found it, someone else would, eventually.”
Exiles of Earth: Rebellion Page 15
