Retribution

by Dave O'Connor

  “Confront them of course. I’m not going to have this thing blow up in my face.”

  Abe just nodded.

  Erwin Stoessel exited the Eisenhower building just after Lisa and Abe entered the Chief Minister’s building. He knew something bad was going to happen. He was fed up being kept in the dark. ‘It’s bad enough having to deal with a new Minister’ he fumed. His fuming made his ruddy complexion worse. He marched across the square like a bull waiting to explode. A few in the media scrum at the entrance to the Chief Minister’s building thought about an impromptu interview with the Chief but on second thoughts joined the rest parting the way for the fearsome beast. He strode through with his gaze fixed straight ahead.

  Rose nearly died when she saw Lisa and Abe come into the ante chamber. Bernie looked to Rose. It wasn’t that he lacked courage to take on the Fleet Admiral but something within him opted to see what Rose would do.

  “What’s the meaning of this Rose?” asked Lisa.

  Things were moving in slow motion for Rose, though her brain was revving at fever pitch. Her eye caught Belinda at her desk. The door was open and Belinda was rising to her feet. Rose got to her feet and instinctively stood to attention. “Mr Wong and I are waiting to see the Chief Minister Maam” she said calmly.

  “What about?” demanded Lisa.

  “A matter of great import Maam.”

  “And what is that matter?”

  Belinda interposed her body between Rose and Lisa. “Excuse me Fleet Admiral” she said and facing Rose added “The Chief Minister will see you now.” Belinda turned to Lisa, smiled politely and then with her hand shepherded Rose towards the Chief Minister’s door. Bernie jumped to his feet and followed her.

  “Excuse me” said Lisa raising her voice “I want an answer. Now!”

  “And so do I” bellowed Erwin as he rounded the entrance.

  Rose hesitated and began to turn back but Belinda opened the door and pushed Rose forward. Bernie turned back to the two Chiefs and gave a smile as he walked in.

  “What’s going on Belinda” demanded Malissa Karalis. She was sitting around her coffee table in the middle of talks with about a dozen other people. They all stared up at the intruders.

  “That’s what we want to know” boomed Erwin as he barged his way into the Chief Minister’s office with Lisa and Abe in tow.

  “It’s a matter of great import Chief Minister” said Belinda.

  “Not more important that this” said Malissa with a degree of annoyance.

  “I beg your pardon, but I think it is more important” said Belinda forcefully.

  Malissa who had a gut wrenching morning could not conceive of anything more important save an invasion of Earth. But she trusted Belinda. She had been her assistant and chief counsel for over ten years. She took a deep breath and asked those around her if they would kindly wait outside.

  “Are you staying Chief” asked Malissa of Erwin.

  “Damm right I’m staying Chief Minister. I want to find…”

  “And you Fleet Admiral” cut in Malissa.

  “If you please Maam.”

  “Very well” said Malissa as she got up and sat behind her desk. Something told her that she would need its imposing distance. “Please, take a seat.”

  Erwin, Lisa and Abe sat in the chairs on the left and Rose, Bernie and Belinda sat on the right facing Malissa. The big dark wooden desk interposed.

  Malissa was a past master at dealing with feuding parties. It was her bread and butter. She deliberately paused and could see the combatants cooling down, even if a little. “Belinda?”

  “Chief Minister, Mr Wong and VAdm McCubbin came to see me this morning with evidence they believe proves that the Fleet Admiral, acting alone or in conjunction with the other Chiefs, has usurped her authority.”

  “What?” said Lisa very loudly. “That’s preposterous….”

  “Please” said Malissa and stared down Lisa. Turning to Belinda she asked “How?”

  “By failing to advise the Council of a rogan offer to negotiate for peace.” Belinda turned to Rose and continued “as conveyed by Admiral Yomoto?” Rose nodded.

  “That’s preposterous” asserted Lisa “I know nothing…”

  “Excuse me” said Belinda “there is more.”

  “Go on Belinda” said Malissa.

  “If I understand correctly” said Belinda “Admiral Yomoto also claims to have received a directive from the Fleet Admiral to conduct a series of retaliatory nuclear strikes against rogan cities. That’s right isn’t it?” she asked Bernie. Bernie nodded.

  “No way” said Lisa. Her colour had turned a bright red.

  “Is that all?” asked Malissa of Belinda, ignoring Lisa’s interjection.

  “No but perhaps Bernie, I mean Mr Wong, can fill in the details.”

  “Mr Wong if you please” asked Malissa.

  Bernie went on to describe what had happened and how he and Rose had sought confirmation from Barry Fey and Malcolm Muggeridge. He presented his communicator and transferred the documents for the Chief Minister to see.

  “Can I see those too” demanded Erwin. He added a “please” a few seconds later under the gaze of the chief minister.

  “I would like to see those too…please” said Lisa.

  “Go ahead Mr Wong” said Malissa.

  Bernie did so and he glared at the Fleet Admiral daring her to contradict his account.

  It took quite a few moments to study the documents.

  “These look genuine” said Malissa.

  “No way are they genuine Chief Minister” insisted Lisa.

  Erwin’s colour had changed. He was in a state of shock.

  “Chief” said Malissa “Does this directive from the Fleet Admiral look genuine to you?”

  Erwin glanced at Lisa who looked like a rabid dog waiting to bite of the head of any rabbit that stuck its head up. He turned to face Malissa. “It does look … genuine.”

  “What? How can you say that?” asked a betrayed Lisa. “Honestly Chief Minister this is all news to me. I don’t know how or by what means but I’m being setup here.”

  “So you deny receiving Admiral Yomoto’s report?”

  “Absolutely and I never would have sent that directive without authorisation” stated Lisa emphatically.

  “Did you provide such authorisation Chief?” asked Malissa of Erwin.

  “Not at all” said Erwin. “This is the very first time I have seen Yomoto’s report and I did not authorise that directive.”

  Malissa looked around at the faces before her. Someone was lying. That was for sure. “Admiral McCubbin do you have reason to believe that Admiral Yomoto would be trying to setup the Fleet Admiral?”

  “No Chief Minister. Admiral Yomoto is a straight shooter.”

  “Do you believe the Fleet Admiral has done this?”

  “I have to admit I find it hard to believe but the evidence appears overwhelming.”

  “Of course it’s true” spoke out Bernie and looking directly at Lisa “Admit it!”

  Lisa returned his stare with daggers. “I will never admit to this because I didn’t do it” said Lisa emphasising the last three words.

  Malissa addressed Rose. “You’ve advised Yomoto that the directive is unauthorised?”

  Rose nodded, ashamed to have to admit going behind the back of her boss. Lisa shook her head at Rose but said nothing.

  “It’s clear to me that there has been a gross breach of authority. The exact nature and extent I’m still not sure of. An investigation needs to be conducted. If I find that this has anything whatsoever to do with the death of the Defence Minister then heads will roll. In the meantime, all four chiefs are hereby suspended from their duties.”

  “What?” blurted out Erwin. “On what basis am I to be suspended?”

  Malissa kept her cool and in a soft but firm voice said “That is my decision Field Marshall. If you have done nothing wrong then you will be reinstated with full honours and I will be glad to publicly e
ndorse you. The same goes for you Fleet Admiral and the other chiefs. You will each hand over to your deputy forthwith and refrain from contacting any of the people involved, including Mr Wong, Admiral McCubbin, Mr Fey or Mr Muggeridge. Is that clear?”

  Erwin couldn’t believe it. For the first time in what had been an illustrious career he was lost for words.

  “Is that clear Field Marshall?”

  He nodded. “Yes” he finally got out.

  Lisa affirmed her understanding and rose to leave. As she did she gave the foulest look to Rose and Bernie.

  “You two stay here” ordered Malissa.

  After the others had left, Malissa said “You have both gone out on a limb here. That limb is going to get mighty heavy if this evidence proves false. I won’t take it lightly if I find you’ve been deliberately pulling strings nor if you’ve been stupid enough to be duped. As of now you both are taking paid leave till this investigation is complete.”

  “That’s not fair” accused Bernie. “You’re tarnishing us with the same brush as them.”

  “Exactly…until I know otherwise. What did you expect Mr Wong, that you would be paraded through the streets as a hero” said Malissa shaking her head. “Now, let me be.”

  Belinda ushered Bernie and Rose out. Bernie felt dejected. He had been robbed of his triumph before it had even been acknowledged. He turned to Rose. “Coffee?”

  “No, I’ve had enough Bernie. See you.” Rose walked back to the car park reflecting on what had just happened. ‘It certainly didn’t go like I thought it would’ she said to herself. ‘My career’s shot. How stupid I was to follow through on this?’ But then she reminded herself that she had averted genocide. ‘That’s something I suppose.’

  Chapter 15. Nova Vista 2200, 7 June

  The movie had just finished and Brennon turned to Aubrey sitting next to him “Gee I can’t believe we’ve run out of time.” Aubrey looked up at him with an expression that said ‘neither can I.’

  “When can I see you again?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. Soon hopefully” said Aubrey trying to be as reassuring as she could. “I have no idea what Yomoto’s got planned. Normally we could expect to spend a few weeks in warm up trials. But after last time with the Resolute, who knows.”

  Brennon shrugged his shoulders. Then a smile came over his face.

  “What?” asked Aubrey.

  Brennon pulled her torso to him. She gave herself willingly. He kissed her forehead and then put his hand down her shorts. He squeezed her buttock, lifting her body up. She came onto her knees and leant over and bit his ear lobe gently. She pulled away and then returned to whisper in his ear “You like that, do you tiger?”

  “Grrrr”

  Aubrey laughed. “I gotta get a whip!”

  “I thought you would have had one already.”

  “What type of woman do you think I am?”

  Brennon pulled his hand out of her shorts and pulled her top up and over her head. He kissed her bare breasts and then looked up from between her breasts. “The best, simply the best” he said.

  She looked into his eyes. ‘Puppy dog eyes’ she thought but then remembered the ‘Grrr’. She smiled. “Come on tiger, take me.”

  Chapter 16. Nova Vista 0800, 8 June

  Commander Aubrey Bellard strode into Admiral Yomoto’s office feeling like a million dollars. She gave Phil a salute and after his return he smiled warmly and gestured for her to take a seat. “You look like the commander of the best new ship in the Fleet” said Phil.

  “I am” she replied with a smile.

  “So you are” said Phil. “Alex?” he hollered and Alex Peebody came in, nodding at Aubrey and took a seat. “Can you fill Aubrey in on the manning?”

  Alex did so.

  “So quite a few rookies!” stated Aubrey.

  “There a good sprinkling of veterans in there” said Alex “It’s the best we could achieve.”

  “OK” said Aubrey. She wasn’t going to give Alex a hard time. “So what’s the plan?”

  “I’m waiting on some information from Earth” said Phil. Once I have that I can fill you in. Until then go through the work up trials. But we may have to cut them at short notice.”

  Aubrey nodded. “So where do we collect our ship?”

  “Tumos and then onto Butros Alia.”

  Aubrey looked surprised. “Why Butros Alia?”

  “I thought you wouldn’t object?” teased Phil.

  “No, but why” asked Aubrey, now all business like.

  “To take on a platoon of droids” interjected Alex. “Your craft uses the space that had been saved with a reduced crew to carry one droid pod. So you’ll have a platoon of marines and a platoon of droids.”

  “Nice.”

  “Hangar 1. Shuttle’s due in at 1000” said Phil. “Get up to speed as quick as possible.”

  After Aubrey had left, Phil checked his calendar and saw the reminder he had created about following up with Rudi on the inspections.

  “Rudi” he hailed.

  “Sir.”

  “Any luck with those inspections.”

  “Not so far. The Argonauts conducted…12 so far. There’s another 19 to go. These are big facilities Sir and we have only a small tech team. We should be done in a few days.”

  “Can you throw more resources at it?”

  “I would if I could but the bottleneck is the tech staff.”

  “All right Rudi I know you are doing your best.”

  “We could shut it down now Sir, if you are worried.”

  “I’m always worried Rudi. No, we want to find the culprits. Keep at it.”

  Chapter 17. Nova Vista 0900, 8 June

  Aubrey dismounted from the bus at Hangar 1 at the spaceport. ‘Has it only been five weeks?’ she asked herself as she stepped into the same space she had formed up for the Resolute. It felt like ages ago. ‘So much has happened. I’m to command my own ship.’ She half expected to see the crew she had served with these last two years but instead was met by strange faces.

  Coming towards her with a confident stride was a Lieutenant Commander. He looked very fit and came to a halt and cut her a perfect salute.

  “Commander Bellard I’m LCmd Manuel Rodriguez, your XO.” Manuel gave a smile, not too familiar but pleasant and welcoming.

  Aubrey returned his salute and then offered her hand. “Glad to meet you Lieutenant Commander.”

  “It’s an honour to be serving with you Maam.”

  Aubrey was a little taken back by the sentiment. “Mmm…right. Is this all of us.”

  “No Maam. According to the roster we’re due for more”. He pulled out his console and added “Another 13, 12 marines and the ships doctor.”

  “Very good. Can I call you Manuel.”

  “Certainly Maam. Do you know where we will be going from here?”

  “Tumos.”

  “Sorry, I’ve never heard of it.”

  “Good, that will please the Admiral.”

  “Oh I see” said Manuel.

  “It’s a couple of hours south. The shuttle’s due in soon. I’ll brief everyone once we’re on board. Suffice to say that today won’t be run of the mill.”

  “No. I think everyone’s excited to be here. Can I introduce you to the officers?”

  “Please.”

  What struck Aubrey was just how young they all were save for Martin Lodi. Even Manuel looked like he was under 30. ‘I’m only 32 and I feel like the old duck’ she said to herself. She knew it was down to the rapid expansion of the Fleet. Mobilisation was now fully underway and the manpower shortages were only likely to get worse.

  But she also knew that the difference was because she had seen combat and these faces hadn’t. ‘Yes, that’s it’ she said to herself.

  After a brief talk with her officers the shuttle arrived ahead of time. The loadmaster was keen for them to board. So the one-on-one interviews would have to wait. The bus carrying the remaining marines arrived in the nick of time but the ship�
��s doctor, 1st Lt James Dunstan, was a no show.

  “Still no sign of Dunstan?” Aubrey asked Manuel.

  “No Maam. Let me check” said Manuel. He got onto Alex Peebody who gave him Dunstan’s flight details. After consulting his console he advised Aubrey “His flight’s been delayed. Won’t get in till later this afternoon.”

  “We’re not waiting for him then” said Aubrey. “Leave him a message to contact Capt Peabody and cc him so he can arrange to fly him out later.”

  “Roger” said Manuel and he was typing away as the Loadmaster directed the rest of those assembled to begin boarding.

  ‘Oh well’ thought Aubrey ‘at least he gets on with it’ referring to Manuel. ‘That’s a good sign.’

  Chapter 18. Outer Polaris 1113, 8 June

  In the stream of messages being processed on the Arcwright satellite, way out on the fringes of the Polaris system, one triggered a piece of code that caused it to be routed through an artificial intelligence (AI) that did not answer to the Federation Communications Authority (FCA). It was analysed, categorised and marked for substitution.

  Its content was replaced with text of equal byte length. Instead of “Your report not conveyed to Council. Directive unauthorised” it now read “Your report conveyed to Council. Directive fully authorised.”

  The whole process took less than a second. Its recipient on Polaris would receive the message in two hours’ time.

  Phil read the message while munching on a sandwich that Alex had deposited on his desk. The sandwich was supposed to be chicken salad but the chicken had gone AWOL and Phil wasn’t impressed. Neither was he impressed when he read the message from the Exercise Director at the Fleet HQ, Washington DC.

  “Fuck it” he said out loud.

  “Sir?” called out Alex from the adjoining office.

  “Have a look at this!”

  Alex came in and focussed on the message. “From VAdm McCubbin?”

  “Yep.”

  “We’re in a bit of a pickle then Sir.”

  “Looks that way. Tell Aubrey she’s got four days.”

  “Right Sir. What about Rihan?”

  “No let her enjoy the rest of her leave. I owe her that. You can survive till then.”