“Commander,” Ortiz interrupted. “I wanted to talk to you before Captain Pearce comes on board.”
The felinoid continued to stand at attention as Ortiz looked up to him. The captain indicated the office door and the two men walked to the door. The captain tapped the remote to unlock the door embedded in the arm of his uniform and the door slid open. Farthing entered first and went to the low couch that sat in front of Ortiz’ desk.
“Commander,” said Ortiz, settling into the chair behind the desk. “I thought we should take a few moments to discuss Captain Pearce and the ramifications of the mission.”
“I have been fully briefed on the mission parameters and Captain Pearce’s responsibilities,” Farthing replied. “I believe that Captain Pearce has been as well. What is the nature of your concern?”
“Farthing, you were there when Miss Bennett died,” Ortiz said. “You saw the reaction that Lee had to her death.”
“I was on the bridge of Resolute and watched the projection,” replied the big cat. “If that is what you mean. I was under the impression that his reaction was a part of the deception that Commodore Chang proposed.”
Ortiz hesitated before beginning again. He realized that Vadne social bonding was different than Terran, but it had never occurred to him that Farthing would misinterpret the relationship between the two. The concept that Alice’s death had been part of a plan to deceive Banu Rao was offensive, but Ortiz realized that it could seem that way to alien eyes.
“The plan has been to portray Captain Pearce as unstable, Commander,” said Ortiz. “Not to kill off his fiancé. Chang needed Pearce to fly out in his ship occasionally to make the idea that he would steal the Resolute more believable. Alice’s death was unexpected and not a part of the plan.”
“So I was wrong to allow him to leave the ship during the battle?” Farthing said. “Have I committed an error in protocol?”
“No, Commander,” Ortiz said, leaning in, putting his elbows on the desk. “When Captain Pearce left the ship, he may not have been entirely in his right mind, but letting him fly out gave Chang exactly the kind of show that he needed. Banu Rao probably demanded that the commodore fly out to retrieve the Resolute as soon as the ship entered M-space.”
“So, the commodore planned for pilot Bennett’s death in his calculations?”
“No, Commander,” replied Ortiz. “I don’t think that the commodore planned for Alice’s death. This is my point, Farthing. I think Lee has been hiding his pain for the last three months. He has been playing his part too well and I am worried what the next phase of the plan will do to him.”
“I would think that relieving him of command would lessen his stress,” replied Farthing. “It should make him more relaxed and that might allow his mission more likely to succeed.”
“The only thing keeping Lee sane is that ship, Commander,” Ortiz said. “Taking Resolute will relieve him of his last hold on Alice and her life with him.”
“I see, sir,” said Farthing, concern crossing his furred face. “I am unsure what you would like me to do. When Captain Pearce leaves on his mission, I will be unable to influence his actions.”
“We have a few hours before that happens,” Ortiz replied. “I just want you to feel him out. You have served with him closely for the past two years. Just let me know if you see anything that indicates that he might be…I don’t know…losing it.”
“It?”
“Commander, if Captain Pearce is actually unstable and not just acting, it could jeopardize this mission.” Ortiz said standing and becoming more formal. “I need to know that the commodore’s trust in this man has not been compromised by Alice’s death.”
Farthing’s ears lay back against his skull. He had a furred crest that ran from the peak of his head down his back and under his uniform tunic. Ortiz could see the crest rise as the feline commander considered the order. Although the people of Vadne were much more evolved than an Earth housecat, some of their body language matched their cousins exactly. Ortiz knew that Farthing was disturbed by the command.
“If I understand the order, Captain,” the commander began. “You would like me to ‘spy’ on the captain. What will happen if he proves to actually be a hindrance to the mission?”
“Then relieving him of command will only be the beginning.” Ortiz replied. “I will need to place someone else in charge of Lee’s part of this.”
“I see, sir,” said Farthing. “Have you determined who Captain Pearce’s replacement would be?”
“My friend,” replied Ortiz. “I have no idea. Lee Pearce is one of the most capable pilot and officer that I have ever known. If he is not in command of that mission, I can’t think of a single person, human or otherwise, who could take his place.”
7
For Captain Lee Pearce, stepping out of the passenger shuttle and into the cool hangar deck of the Terran Hope felt strangely like coming home. He had spent three years of his life on board the passenger liner after being stranded in space after the invasion of Earth. Now looking around at the cavernous space, he was once again reminded of Alice.
It had been nearly two years since she had introduced herself to him. She had been working as deck boss for the cruise ship, and had helped him prepare his Crowned Eagle class fighter for an engagement with the Ch’Tauk. Later, he had come to see the condition of his fighter and she had seduced him in one of the upper repair bays. Since that day, he felt as if his life had been spent either in pursuit of, or being pursued by, her.
Lee had met Henry Moore here as well. Most of the people that he considered his closest friends were either still on board the ship or had been assigned to Perigee Station. He stepped across the hangar towards the airlock. He paused part of the way across the metal floor and looked at his feet. The last time he stepped on this deck, he had been wearing his flight boots. The old footwear had worn away their rubberized covering to reveal the magnetic locks built in to the sole. It felt odd when he continued on his path when his shoes made no noise. He had actually gotten used to the clicking sound his old boots made.
The airlock door cycled open and Lee saw his former captain, Alfredo Ortiz, step into the hangar bay. The captain was followed closely by his own first officer, Commander Farthing. Both men appeared serious as they spotted him and began to make their way over. Lee continued on to meet them half way.
“Captain!” Lee said as he clasped hands with Ortiz. “It’s great to be back. You look good.”
“Lee, welcome aboard.” Ortiz returned the hand shake firmly. “I’m glad you got here when you did. Your crews were eating me out of house and home.”
“Captain Ortiz,” Farthing said with a snort. “The Resolute crew has been rationed very carefully. We would not…”
“Calm down, Commander.” Lee responded. “I see your time away from me has not improved your sense of humor.”
The commander gave another snort that Lee had come to recognize as derision. Farthing’s people were an honorable race that valued familial relationships above all else. Since most Terran humor seemed to revolve around teasing each other, the felinoids of Vadne had never developed an appreciation of Earth comedy.
“Captain Ortiz,” Lee began. “Is everything ready?”
“Let’s go somewhere a little less public,” Ortiz suggested, holding his hand towards the airlock door. “I think this next part needs to be done in private.”
The three men waited until a group of crew from Resolute passed through. Lee shook hands and appendages with several of the officers. They had each been sent home to gain support for Chang’s plans. Most implied that they had been successful, but Lee felt a pang of regret for what he knew would come next. When the last of the crew boarded the shuttle, Lee heard the sound of the decompression alarm. He hurried through the door as they sealed and watched as the shuttle lifted off and floated out into space.
Lee, Ortiz and Farthing walked down the corridor towards a former banquet room. Since the ship had been re-commissioned as a
passenger ship by the Alliance, the banquet and luxury facilities had been scaled back to the bare minimum. As the men stepped into the room, the lights flickered on. Power consumption had always been a concern on the ship, but without a local star to recharge the solar batteries, many of the ship’s amenities had been turned off.
“Alright, Lee,” Ortiz began. “Let’s lay it all out on the table. There are gaps in this plan that I have not been filled in on and I need to be absolutely sure that what you are about to do is necessary.”
“The commodore seems to think that it is necessary, Captain.” Lee replied. “I don’t think he would like you countermanding his order.”
“Don’t you pull rank on me, Lee,” Ortiz said angrily. “I have been your friend for a hell of a lot longer than Chang has been your commanding officer. I’m worried about what I’ve heard you are about to do. It all seems so unnecessary if you ask me.”
“Nobody asked, Alfredo,” replied Lee with a smile. “You’re right, you and I have known each other for a while, but I can handle myself on this one. I’ve got the Demons with me anyway in case I need back-up and I don’t think Wellick will let anything happen to me.”
“Sergeant Wellick makes an effective bodyguard, Captain Ortiz.” Farthing interjected. “Captain Pearce will be taken care of on this mission.”
“Dammit, Lee! It’s only been three months since Alice died.” Ortiz shouted. “I’m worried about you hurting yourself on some fool errand of Chang’s. I’m just not sure that you’re ready for this much action.”
Lee’s face darkened at the mention of Alice. It was obvious that he had just lost control of his anger. He took a deep breath and looked away from his friend. Ortiz looked embarrassed by the mention of his former deck boss. When Lee turned back, he had regained his normal color and seemed to have let his anger go. His right hand, though, remained clenched.
“Captain,” Lee said. “I have spent the last three months getting my ship and I ready for this mission. I have been cleared by Doctor Demsiri and by Commodore Chang. I have a mission to perform and a duty to the Alliance that I am not taking lightly. You are just going to have to trust me that I am ready to do this.”
The two men stared each other down while the large felinoid looked awkwardly between them. Lee finally laughed and the two relaxed. They really had known each other longer than anyone else still alive and had shared too much for the mission to interfere with their friendship. They clapped each other on the back and found chairs near the door. Farthing remained standing. The cruise ship company had not thought to make chairs that would be comfortable for large cats.
“We have been holding station here for nearly a week, Lee. Hiding has become second nature to me and trust doesn’t come easy anymore.” Ortiz said.
“I understand.” Lee replied. “I don’t remember the Confederacy being this wrapped up in intrigue.”
“It was, Lee. It was just kept above your pay grade.” Ortiz said with a grin. “Remember, this was an organization that allowed a bigot and a bully to command a carrier. Almost everything that happened in space was motivated by something behind a closed door.”
“I’m glad I never made Captain, then,” Lee replied. “At least not until all that was gone. Who would have thought that the invasion would produce positive results?”
“Captains,” Farthing interrupted. “I fail to see how the invasion of your home world can be considered a good thing. Billions of your own people must have been murdered by the Ch’Tauk and the remaining people have been sold into slavery across the galaxy.”
“Remind me to explain sarcasm, Commander.” Ortiz replied. “It is skill you will need in your new job. Now, let’s get back to business, gentlemen. If this plan of Chang’s is going to work, we need to be sure we are all on the same page. Farthing, let’s lay out your parameters first.”
“I understand, Captain, and I will endeavor to learn about sarcasm.” Farthing replied. “As I understand the plan, Resolute will be tasked with creating a minor distraction near the location of one of your Terran colonies. We are to strip the ship down and remove all traces of Alliance transponders. As Commodore Chang explained, we will become a flea on the back of the elephant.”
“Exactly,” Ortiz said. “We want the Ch’Tauk looking out for Resolute near the colonies. We know that most of the primary Terran colonies were wiped out on Invasion Day.”
“Invasion Day?” Lee asked. “I wasn’t aware that we had created a new holiday.”
“It’s just something that some of the children started calling it. They have been hearing about the invasion for years and it has become a myth. Many of them think of it as the day they came home to Perigee. God only knows what they are learning in those schools. I hear Banu has taken over the management of the curriculum as well.”
“Well that can’t be good.” Lee said. “They’ll be learning all about how evil government will be from a conspiracy nut.”
Banu Rao had once led a revolution on the cruise ship in an effort to take over the communications grid. He had a theory that the invasion had been a myth formulated by the military industrial complex and that the passengers on board the ship were experiments in social engineering. In his final attempt to sneak into the communications center, he had been captured and arrested by Henry Moore. Alice had aided him in accessing the computer systems in security, but had revealed the identity of a serial killer instead. After that, Rao had become a folk hero to many of the passengers and crew. It had aided him in his rise to power in the Alliance.
“In any case, Commander,” Lee said, directing the conversation back to the mission. “The ship will be engaged in hit and run tactics against the Ch’Tauk. With the upgraded systems, she should be faster and tougher than the enemy, but they could still get in a lucky shot.”
“The Ch’Tauk should start chasing Resolute across the galaxy thinking that she is more than one ship.” Ortiz chimed in. “If the jumps are timed right, she might actually be able to do more than one colony in a day.”
“In the meantime,” Lee added. “Chang has hinted that he is going to be organizing the fleet in some large-scale offensive against the enemy. He wouldn’t give me details in case we were captured, but whatever he’s doing, it’s big.”
“I understand my duties, Captain,” Farthing replied. “I am not sure what you are going to be doing during all of this running and shooting, captain Pearce.”
Lee sighed deeply as he considered the question. He knew that the next piece of the puzzle had been kept a secret from most of the conspirators in case of capture. Farthing needed to know, however, in case Lee had to call for extraction.
“I will be taking the slave ship, Gilbert’s Luck, now renamed the Diamond Sole, and hunting down the Ch’Tauk home world.” Lee said finally.
“Captain Pearce, I don’t understand,” Farthing said, his crest rising again. “I thought your people had already visited that world nearly half a century ago. Captain Ortiz, I believe you had once told me that you were on the ship that had made first contact.”
“I thought we did, Commander,” Ortiz returned. “I hadn’t even been to the academy back then. I was just a crewman serving on the old Independence, much like your Resolute. We found them to be peaceful and artistic back then. The only contact we had been with priests and musicians and such. They called it their world so we catalogued it as such.”
“When we went through Heyerdahl’s things after he was killed, we found out that he had visited their Imperial center,” Lee explained. “The world we thought we were going to invade five years ago was just a large colony.”
“Their actual home world is shrouded in secrecy deep in space that humans have just not explored yet,” Lee filled in. “Heyerdahl even mentioned that he was put in stasis every time he had to be taken there. He had gained some kind of relationship with their Empress.”
Erik Heyerdahl had been an experimental weapons designer with the Confederacy before the invasion. He had betrayed his own people in
exchange for high status within the Ch’Tauk society. His ambition had cost the life of billions of humans and he had died in the mud under the surface of Karisia. The Alliance had spent the last three months trying to uncover just how much damage the man had done.
“Apparently, the planet is named for their Imperial line,” Ortiz said. “The planet is named Ch’Tauk as well as the Empress or Emperor. It is something about reincarnation and a living God-Emperor or some such nonsense.”
“In any case, Chang wants to find that world,” Lee explained. “Once we get there, we need to use the new ComNet system to relay the position back to Perigee. That is supposed to signal the start of whatever he has planned.”
“I understand, Captain,” Farthing said. “I suppose there is only one duty left for us.”
The three men looked to each other. Ortiz and Lee looked sad as they stood again and faced each other. Farthing took up a position to one side behind Ortiz. Lee reached up and removed the Captain’s insignia from his collar. He held it in his hand for a moment, looking at the small gold pin. He thought about all he had sacrificed while wearing the uniform. When he was ready, he looked back up at his friend.
“Captain Lee Pearce,” Ortiz said with a solemn note in his voice. “I hereby relieve you of command of the Alliance battleship Resolute and the benefits therein contained.”
Lee held out the pin to Ortiz. The other man took the rank insignia and turned to Farthing. The felinoid had taken the rank pin from his collar and now held it at his side. Ortiz reached up and pinned the new rank to the other man’s uniform.
“Farthing,” Ortiz said. “I have been authorized by the Alliance military to promote you to the rank of Captain and place you in command of the battleship Resolute. Your clearances and responsibilities will be entered into the Alliance records as soon as you return to Perigee station…or wherever the hell we end up.”
“Thank you, sir,” Farthing said. “Now if you will excuse me, I need to go back to my ship and begin running security drills. I understand the last captain neglected the protocols for far too long.”
Resolute Uprising (The War for Terra) Page 6
