by S. H. Jucha
Woo reread the message, committing it to memory, and deleted it. Within minutes, she was ensconced in the comms station, with the room to herself. “Hello, Julien,” she said into the headset after setting Idona Station as her comm request.
“Greetings, Tribune Woo. How may I be of service?”
“It’s vital that I speak with Admiral Chong.”
“One moment, Tribune.”
“Go ahead, Tribune,” Chong replied as he sat down in front of his monitor.
“Is this a private conference, Admiral?” Woo asked.
“On my end, I make any comms facilitated by the Harakens private, or at least as private as the Harakens allow it,” Chong replied, almost snarling the word “Haraken.”
“Apologies, Julien,” Woo said attempting congeniality. “This is Admiral Chong’s usual demeanor.” Woo didn’t expect a response from the SADE and wasn’t surprised when she didn’t receive one. “Admiral, I received a message from my nephew today.”
That caused the slouching admiral to sit upright. “And?” Chong asked.
“The enclave has cut Lucchesi out of the loop and is planning an imminent military action.”
“Any more details?”
“None.”
“What are the possible actions of the enclave?” Julien asked.
“As we told your president, Julien, we have suspected a significant number of warship captains and commanders owe their careers to the high judges,” Woo replied.
“Would the crew follow an errant captain or commander?” Julien asked.
“That’s supposing the crew knew that their commander wasn’t following naval orders,” Chong said.
“So the enclave could be considering anything from tactical strikes against their opponents, the two of you and Idona Station, to a massive strike against pro-naval forces,” Julien surmised. “This has come quickly to light. How?”
“We just received a message from someone placed inside the enclave —” Woo began to explain.
“Yes, Tribune, your supposed nephew. This I understand,” Julien said, interrupting. “But how did Tribune Lucchesi deliver his information so quickly to the enclave?”
Woo was about to explain the timeline when the heart of Julien’s question hit her. “That overblown piece of waddling fat,” she exploded.
It took a few more moments of expletives before Chong was able to ask a clarifying question of the tribune.
“On my private console, Admiral,” Woo finally said. “Lucchesi must have a soft-tap on my lines.”
“So Tribune Lucchesi and the enclave are now privy to the substances of our entire conference comm,” Julien stated.
“You have my profuse apologies, Julien,” Woo said.
“Apology accepted, Tribune. I understand that communications are a challenge in your society. Harakens prefer open communications, but we are considerably less worried about someone stabbing us in the back for what we say.”
“Julien, we will need your real-time communications systems to give us an edge once the enclave’s plan becomes clear. Can we count on it?” Chong asked.
“That will be the decision of our president. Did you have anything else to discuss?” When both humans said no, Julien closed the comm.
-21-
Julien located Alex with Renée and the UE scientists and decided his communication with Woo and Chong would be appropriate news for everyone present. When the group’s conversation lulled, Julien casually announced that it appeared the UE was about to break out in open revolution.
“Julien, you’re the driest wit I have ever met,” Yoram said, looking the SADE up and down.
“You have no idea,” Alex added. “So, my friend, would you care to elaborate or should we just start guessing?”
Julien smiled and then related everything he heard and surmised from the conversation with the tribune and the admiral.
Renée was the first to comment. “From what I’ve read of Earth’s history, revolutions, once they’re started, do not often achieve the goals of those who fomented them.”
“In this case, Ser,” Olawale said, “it might be more of a coup to divert the Tribunal from an undesirable path.”
“You have to remember, Ser, the UE started from a grassroots swell of those seeking justice against the widespread criminality plaguing their communities. The institution of the high judges was the first leg and therefore the most entrenched leg of the Tribunal,” Priita explained.
“At this point, the enclave members are probably well aware that they’ve taken their role too far, considering the economic conditions of the solar system, but they can hardly reverse course now. If they did, it might spell the end of their role in the UE,” Edward noted.
“The question we must consider is how far the enclave might go to protect its position,” Alex stated.
“My sons, before I lost them —,” Boris began, drifting for a moment in his memories, and then refocusing his thoughts. “Um … my sons had officers’ positions on the bridges with a variety of captains and often spoke about their superiors’ affiliations. Often a captain would make it clear he favored the judicial branch of the Tribunal and expected his junior officers to fall in line with his sentiments. Over the course of their years of communications with me, I would surmise that those sentiments were shared by as many as one of every four commanders.”
“Black space,” Alex swore. “I was hoping for a much smaller number.”
“What about senior command positions?” Julien asked.
“This has been going on for centuries,” Nema said, looking at Boris.
“Quite right,” Boris agreed. “Nema means that the enclave has had time to cultivate its initiates, insert them into officer training school, and support them attaining the highest positions … admirals, commodores, and captains of capital ships.”
“Witness Admiral Portland,” Olawale added.
“If the enclave felt sufficiently threatened, it would have two choices,” Alex mused. “Tactical strikes against specific targets to decapitate the Tribunal’s other two legs and then urge the pro-naval forces to capitulate or a massive, sneak attack against the pro-naval forces, hoping to catch them unaware and cripple most of their capital ships,”
“If the enclave’s actions were to be successful, it means everything we’ve done for Idona will be for nothing,” Renée stated angrily.
“Well, then I suppose we can’t let the enclave win, can we?” said Alex, slipping an arm around Renée’s waist and squeezing gently.
“I expect nothing less, my love,” Renée replied, kissing Alex’s cheek. “I’ll leave you and your friends to it. Get busy,” she added and swept out of the room.
“A most formidable woman,” Yoram murmured.
“Mmm,” Alex mused, his eyes following Renée’s exit from the room.
“So, what are the weak points of both the enclave and its pro-judiciary forces?” Julien asked the scientists.
* * *
A collection of corporate heads selected their conference comm codes at the appropriate time as directed. Many wondered why the call occurred at such an odd time in their day, but it was at Tribune Brennan’s request, and each one was anxious for an update about Idona.
“Greetings, as the Harakens say,” Brennan began the conference. “And before any of you ask, this conference is systemwide, and I’m calling real time from Idona, courtesy of the Harakens.” Brennan sat back in his chair, a huge grin on his face for Z, who was facilitating the comm call. “This is wonderful,” he mouthed to Z.
After giving the corporate leaders an opportunity to discover that they were indeed talking to one another still sitting on distant planets and stations, Brennan called the conference to order.
“We have much to cover so I need your attention. First, let me say that the transformation of Idona is nothing short of a miracle, and if you thought it’s entirely due to the Harakens, you would be wrong. They created the opportunity by removing the UE’s overarching policies,
and the Idona people did the rest. Leaders, credits are flowing through this station at 11.5 times what it was before the Harakens arrived, and it’s still growing.”
“Can this be replicated?” someone asked.
“That depends,” Brennan replied, “and this is the reason for my conference call. Are we willing to change the way the UE conducts business … specifically the way we manage our government?”
“What do you mean, Tribune?” another asked.
“UE judicial guidelines were suspended at Idona. This is probably the greatest impact the Harakens made after they freed the rebels and suspended the militia’s authority. A review panel of five judges has applied an entire gamut of sentences to the guilty. Most petty criminals receive rehabilitation training, community service sentences, and then release.”
“Is the format working?” was asked.
“Here at Idona it is. That’s why I want to know if, as this system’s commerce leaders, would you be willing to support a fundamental change in our governmental policies toward the rebels, toward the guilty, and toward our people in general?”
“I don’t know about the others, but I believe this is something that would require careful study. It would take time to consider.” The individual’s statement created a flurry of comments as powerful people across the system attempted to make their opinions heard. More than once, Brennan tried to regain control, but he was ineffective. Finally, he looked painfully at Z, who smiled and sent a quick, harsh shriek across the conference comm.
“Now that I have your attention again,” Brennan continued, “let me say simply that we are out of time. This is not a decision to be made after your accountants have analyzed the numbers. Circumstances are spinning out of control.”
Brennan related the discovery of Tribune Lucchesi’s plan to send Admiral Portland’s fleet against the Harakens and his disastrous defeat. Next, he detailed the plan of the enclave of high judges to move against the Tribunal in some manner.
“So, what are you asking of us, Tribune?” came the question.
“It’s simply a question. Are you willing to back the military that wants a change in the way the UE operates in regard to the rebels and the punishment of the guilty, or do you wish to back the enclave and keep the status quo?”
“What about our supply of the convicted to work in our factories?” another asked.
“If we back the military, that process would have to change. To what, I don’t know, but you wouldn’t have petty criminals serving life sentences anymore,” Brennan replied. “All I can tell you is that the productivity of this station is incredible, and its governing rules, for want of a better term, are operating on entirely different planes than the UE’s judicial system. I can tell you this, leaders; a decision has to be made soon. If we sit on the sideline when the judiciary moves its forces against the pro-naval forces, whoever wins will not take kindly to our having adopted a wait-and-see stance. I will convene the next conference call in twenty-four hours. At that time, I will ask for your vote by name and choice. I leave you with this final thought. It’s time to get off our precious-metal asses and take an active role in the direction of our future, and I don’t think this is a decision to be driven by data. It will best be made by addressing your conscience.” Brennan looked over at Z, who cut the comm in the midst of hundreds of voices yelling to be heard.
* * *
Shimada exited her shuttle into one of Idona’s bays and cycled through the airlock. A shiver slid down her spine. She had come and gone from the station several times since her attack, but entering the isolated, sub-level corridors of Idona forced her to remember the vicious moments, the pummeling and the kicking.
On exiting the airlock, she found Cordelia waiting. “My escort?” Shimada asked.
“No one sent me, Captain, if that’s what you’re asking. I thought we might walk together to the meeting.”
Shimada studied Cordelia’s face, but the SADE wasn’t giving anything away. Finally, Shimada shrugged and indicated their direction with a wave of her hand. Not a word was shared between them during the entire time, but Shimada felt her shoulders relax and was able to enjoy the walk.
When the captain and SADE reached the meeting room, Shimada paused at the door, studied Cordelia for a moment, and nodded to her before joining the meeting.
You’re welcome, Cordelia thought. An assortment of algorithm clusters underpinned Cordelia’s love of creation, none more so than her empathy programs. She treasured them, nurtured them, and watched them develop as she gained her freedom and found her love beside her. Now, the interactions with the Idona children were adding a new dimension to these programs, which were gaining in hierarchy. It took only a moment to consider Captain Shimada’s emotional predicament when returning to the station for Cordelia to act to mitigate the captain’s anxiety.
They were the last two individuals to join Alex’s meeting. The president had taken the image that Olawale and friends had drawn for him of the UE factions and brought that to this next stage of his planning, assembling Tatia, Julien, Z, Cordelia, Nikki, Morris, and, at the last minute, inviting Captain Shimada.
Alex spent the first part of the meeting summarizing the facts and the conjectures of the calamity about to befall the system of Sol, including the potential outcomes.
“Will you be staying to witness the outcome, Mr. President?” Nikki asked.
“That question has come up several times, not the least from my own people. My answer is the same. Yes. Imagine if the outcome of the upcoming conflict produces less than desirable consequences for the people of this system, and it takes years, even decades, to recover. How will the Harakens be remembered if we run after having propagated these events?”
“Not well,” Nikki replied, nodding her understanding.
“As we have been told repeatedly, Nikki, once the cards are dealt, you have to play your hand,” Renée explained.
“Cards?” Nikki and Patrice Morris asked simultaneously, which caused the Harakens to laugh.
“An ancient game shared with us by an Ancient,” Renée added cryptically.
“Yes, well … Captain Shimada, what are your thoughts on the direction the enclave will take?” Alex asked.
“Please, Mr. President, if she is Nikki, and she is Tatia, and she is Cordelia, then in such company, I can be Reiko.”
“And I can be Alex. Welcome to the inner circle, Reiko.”
“And I’m Patrice,” Morris blurted, hiding her embarrassment behind a hand.
“Yes, you are,” Alex said and laughed.
Shimada wanted to bask in the warmth she felt from the inclusion, but Alex ended the moment by reminding her of the question.
“If the enclave hadn’t tried anything yet, I think it would have chosen subtler maneuvers that tried to weaken the other Tribunes and their key associates.”
“But, Captain … I mean Reiko … how could the enclave weaken something as substantial as Tribune Brennan’s associates, hundreds of industry leaders?” Tatia asked.
“That’s what I was going to explain, Tatia. The subtle intrigues would have taken time, a great deal of time, but that’s what the enclave likes … the long game, we call it. The enclave has the patience. But Tribune Lucchesi’s gambit with Portland has unmasked the enclave members. They have no choice now. They have to move quickly and forcefully.”
“So, Reiko, the enclave is forced to choose an overt move. Is it tactical assaults that remove key leaders or an all-out attack by pro-judiciary fleet forces?” Alex asked.
“Why let the enclave have a choice?” Z asked.
“Oh, isn’t he the loveliest of individuals?” Tatia said, sidling next to Z and throwing an arm across his immense Cedric shoulders. “I agree. Why can’t we go on the offense and take away the initiative?”
“A fascinating idea,” Alex replied, “if we can figure out a means by which we remove the enclave member’s choices and force them into the open. The narrower the window of activation of the judicial fo
rces would mean they would have less time to play their games and that would be in the pro-naval forces favor.”
“Agreed,” Patrice chimed in, “if the enclave gets to choose, we are passive and on defense. If we take away the choice and force an open conflict, we will know which commanders are enclave lackeys.”
Nikki stared at Patrice for so long the lieutenant shot back, “What?”
“You are UE militia, right?” Nikki asked.
“What I am is an Idona Stationer!” Patrice declared.
“Yes, you are,” Nikki replied, offering her hand to Patrice, who shook it with determination.
“If … let me rephrase that … when this escalates into open conflict, will the Harakens participate?” Reiko asked.
The room went silent, everyone waiting. For the Earthers, there was no understanding of whether the Harakens were communicating via their implants or whether they too were waiting.
“We will defend Idona Station and the surrounding space,” Alex said. “It’s the best neutral stance we can maintain after having initiated this system’s dissolution.”
Reiko glanced at Tatia, who was gently nodding her head in agreement with the president’s decision.
“You realize that Idona will become a huge target for the judiciary forces, and I can think of one admiral, in particular, who will have it out for you and your people,” Reiko challenged.
“Then we will need to be clever and pare down the judiciary forces before they gang up on us,” Alex replied confidently.
Reiko started to offer a tart retort, but what Alex said gave her pause, and an odd thought crossed her mind.
Tatia was about to speak but Alex commed the Harakens to remain quiet, even hand signaling Nikki and Patrice to wait.
