by John Walker
“Guards,” Gray spoke calmly but he struggled to contain a surge of anger. “Remove Ensign Roper to Interrogation Room Two.”
The guards complied and Roper did not act as placid as his co-conspirator. Even though he’d been shot in the leg, he still struggled, shouting at Collins to keep his mouth shut. Gray waited for him to be out of earshot before returning his full attention to the cell. He drew a deep breath and tried again.
“I think you’ve got plenty to say and I expect to hear something. I trusted you, Tim. You were one of my finest officers. Even after the event, you stepped up and headed to astrogation. Was that you feeling some guilt over what you’d done? I want answers. How could you betray us all?”
“Sir…” Tim finally sat up, but stared at the floor now instead of the ceiling. “I…Conway brought me the orders from Jameson and showed them to me. She knew I’d worked with him and made it clear he expected my cooperation. I…tried to tell them they were insane but they didn’t want any kind of warnings. They wanted results.”
“So you just went along with it?” Gray scowled. “Without any more pushback?”
“At one point, Conway threatened to take the orders to her CO and say they were found in my quarters. She was with security after all. There…were other things too…”
“Such as?”
Tim sighed, rubbing his eyes. “I’d never been with someone before…”
Gray knew his meaning and decided not to push. “So she…helped with that?”
Tim nodded.
“I see. So it took Jameson, threats and sex to push you over the edge? Let me ask you this. Why didn’t you come to me or Adam? Why not tell us immediately about the plot?”
“Roper talked about snitches and what happened to them on space ships.” Tim blinked several times. “I shouldn’t have listened but it all sounded so reasonable back then. Now, after the fact, I don’t know why I went along. I can think of a thousand things to have done differently but they don’t matter now. I’ve already gone down the rabbit hole and there’s no turning back.”
“You’re right.” Gray turned away. “You’re quite right. I’m sorry it came to this, Tim. I hope you realize they’ll throw the book at you for what you’ve done. With Conway out of the way, they’ll hang as much as they can on the shoulders of you and Roper. If you don’t get executed, you can look forward to a lifetime sentence on a mining facility.”
“I know, sir.” Tim stood up. “May I personally apologize for betraying your trust in particular?”
Gray looked over his shoulder, considering the man for several long moments. He didn’t feel entirely charitable toward the former lieutenant nor did he lean toward offering him any comfort. He deserved to wallow in his guilt and think about what he’d done. Too many lives were risked for their idiotic agenda.
“I do not accept it. You broke your oath on your own and you can pay for it, without forgiveness from anyone.” Gray left him there as he slumped back on the bed, certainly a broken man.
Adam was right. I probably shouldn’t have bothered.
***
Gray presented his findings concerning the new culture of the Emancipated and Founders, sending a full report to the council. They worked together with the kielans to get a diplomatic vessel sent out there right away, someone to help them prepare for the coming war. Much as Earth had when they encountered the enemy.
Considering the combat effectiveness of their potential allies, hopes were high that they might contribute greatly to the war effort. The Earth council exhibited hope on the subject as did the kielans who were brought in immediately. If their shield technology worked so well without enhancement, bolstering them would prove a great benefit.
Clea and Lieutenant Oliver Darnell were tasked with presenting their findings about the culture as well, sending their complete technical observations. Each of them were quite complimentary, especially concerning their communication protocols and security. It was primitive by comparison but they felt some of the techniques would benefit the alliance as well.
Cultural data was transferred over, everything about the history the Behemoth collected. This data gave a good idea of where they were coming from and some of the diplomatic challenges their people had to worry about. Ultimately, they would be approached with caution but the kielans had become quite good at indoctrinating new cultures.
***
Tim and Amos presented their evidence to the Criminal Investigation Division in the company of legal representation. They made a deal to testify against Admiral Jameson in exchange for life sentences. The whole process took less than a day for them to talk and sign the paperwork. Gray, Adam, Marshall and Major Harrington Bean, who interrogated the men, provided a recorded testimony under the supervision of the lead prosecutor.
They checked the Admiral’s office, looking at every in and out message around the noted time frame. Several gaps were detected, intentionally deleted by a technician. This young man was questioned hard and gave up his part of the conspiracy as well. What helped even more was that he worried about his actions and kept a copy of some of the messages.
This damning evidence helped them proceed up the pole. The orders sent to the Behemoth came from Jameson’s personal assistant, Major Alister Trace. He was arrested at his home and questioned. He tried to take the blame fully on himself but a search of his own schedule and computer archives suggested collusion with the admiral. After another full day of grilling, he finally folded.
The man had a family and they brought up how miserable a lengthy trial would be for them. He didn’t want to be responsible for causing undo stress to those in his own household, so his loyalty for the admiral took second place to that of his wife and children. Once they had his testimony bagged, the CID was ready to move.
They presented the data privately to Chief of Military Operations, Daniel Burke. It took nearly four hours to go through everything and in the end, it was decided to bring the admiral in and confront him with his crimes. The conversation took less than an hour before he admitted to wrong doings but would not name specifics.
Often, high ranking military men such as Jameson would’ve been allowed to simply resign and retire. The nature of his particular crime made Daniel loath to leave the man his total freedom. There was another factor to consider as well. An anti-alliance faction had grown amongst the people of Earth and he represented their leader.
Ultimately, they did allow him the dignity of surrendering his position but insisted he live where he was told under guard for the rest of his life. He did not have a family and considering the alternative, being dragged through the court and having his entire legacy besmirched, he accepted the deal.
Daniel elected to have him moved to a military facility in Alaska where none of the protests took place nor did anyone particularly seem to care about what happened in space. They closed the case with Tim and Roper being transported off planet to work on a mining vessel elsewhere in the system.
Gray met with Daniel later to receive a briefing. The divisive factions on Earth were being dealt with through covert channels as the intelligence community stepped in to help break up their structure by removing leaders to their causes. Ultimately, they represented a small percentage of people however, they had loud voices and demanded they be heard.
“This is none of your concern,” Daniel said. “We have another mission for you coming up soon.”
“I hope we can have a little downtime before we head back out,” Gray replied. “My people are hoping to get some rest and we need a couple of experts to help us with essential repairs.”
“Yes, we fully intend for you to have the next week and a half free. Make sure your people get leave time and coordinate with the kielans on the maintenance.” Daniel grinned. “Besides, I wouldn’t send you away before we Christen our new vessel. I’m told they’ll be ready to fire up the pulse engine in the next few days.”
“That’s great news,” Gray replied. “Have you picked out a crew for her yet?”
“The volunteers lined up, especially after news of your exploits out there. Every adventurous young person you can imagine from the academy and other branches have come forward and want a chance to go into space. If you want to rotate any folks out, we’re looking for training opportunities.”
“Send me a list and we’ll take a look. I’m sure we can accommodate some of that and help get people the expertise needed for their positions.” Gray took a deep breath. “So what’s the mission?”
“We’ll be sending you to the kielan home world as an ambassador this time. Much like Mei’Gora, we’d like you to address their council and accept Earth’s full membership into the alliance.”
“That’s a big honor,” Gray said. “I’m surprised you don’t want to come with us…take it yourself.”
“There are a few reasons you were picked,” Daniel replied. “One, they requested you. After helping with the research facility and the mine, you’ve proven yourself to them. Two, you’ve earned it after all you’ve been through. It would be nice to have an easier assignment for a change.”
Gray held up a hand to interrupt him. “Don’t forget, that’s what you said about the research facility.”
Daniel smirked. “Yes, I know. Anyway, this is their home world. I can’t imagine anything’s going to happen there. So three, and this one can come off sounding raw, the council decided sending any of us might not be safe.”
“Which contradicts two.” Gray smiled to offset the comment. “I understand the meaning. But you’re right, it makes us sound expendable.”
“You know you’re not but…well…this is a desperate time for the war effort. You’ll be accompanied back by one of the kielan vessels and the other will remain. We’re well on the way to a third ship and they’re going to help us with that too. I think they’re cooperation has been stellar. I’m hoping we can prove that to the dissidents that say we should sever ties.”
“Accepting membership with the alliance should help a little,” Gray replied. “Either that, or they’ll rebel harder. They might feel like they have no recourse but to take up arms.”
“Leave that to the intelligence teams,” Daniel replied. “You worry about heading back to their home, getting us on their list and getting home safely.”
“I’ll plan the mission and take some time off myself,” Gray said. “I definitely feel like I need some time on the ground.”
“Good idea, Captain.” Daniel stood and Gray followed suit, shaking the man’s hand. “Thank you for all you’ve done, Captain. I’ll be writing commendations for all of your senior officers. Catch up with me before you’re ready to depart and we’ll speak again.”
“Of course, sir. Thank you for your time.”
Gray left and established communication with Adam Everly. The commander answered a moment later. “How’d it go?”
“Good,” Gray replied. “We’ve got another mission but we don’t leave for a week and a half. Make sure we get a leave schedule going and give people as much down time as possible. Tech crews from the kielan ship will be helping with the maintenance.”
“What’s the mission?”
“Diplomacy,” Gray said. “We’re going to the kielan home world to accept full membership into the alliance.”
“That’s great news. Maybe we’ll be able to take the fight to the enemy soon.”
“Perhaps. Anyway, get that roster going. I’m going to plan the mission, check the resupply schedule and get some time off myself.”
“Well earned, sir. I’ll see you soon.”
Gray took a moment to soak in the Florida weather, drawing a deep breath of fresh air. He’d been shipboard for so long, standing on solid ground felt odd. He intended to take as much time as he could outside during his time off. Maybe a camping trip…anything without technology or starships.
I need some distance to bounce back. This week will be fantastic. Then, back at it.
Chapter 2
Clea took up residence in a hotel near the military base. Civilian amenities beat the military accommodations and after the month she had, she wanted to enjoy some comfort. Once they made planet side, Gray disappeared into the bureaucratic side of the armed force so she figured she wouldn’t see him for a few days.
She anticipated some trouble trying to get the room but the front desk person didn’t even look at her twice. Once she got into her room, she checked the internet for images of humans to see if any came with her hair color. Apparently, many of them used dye to alter their appearance and some even wore contacts to change that as well.
Vanity? Or just a desire to stick out? Florida in particular had quite a few people who visited high end salons to get a unique look. They’ll love the rest of my people then. We come in all variety of colors.
The thought came as ironic considering the group of humans demanding distance from the alliance. Kielans tended to be the easiest going species in the galaxy when it came to other cultures. They helped dozens reach their potential. Several of those groups also treated them with suspicion but few actively suggested they should be ostracized.
After all we’ve done for the humans, too. What a shame.
Clea ate a decent meal and watched a couple of films before preparing to sleep. The bed, a king size affair, made her accommodations on the ship look like a plank. Crawling in, she immediately relaxed. The soft sheets and extra pillows provided a luxury she had not known since before leaving home for the military.
Even on downtime during the refit of the Behemoth, she stayed in Spartan apartments on base. This extravagance felt one hundred percent worth every coin she had to spend.
Her mind drifted until sleep took her, bringing her to a deep state of unconsciousness. She found herself startling awake, sitting in her quarters on board the Tempered Steel. The alarm ticked nearby and she shut it off, checking to see she had thirty minutes to report to her post.
Throwing herself through a quick refresh, she donned her uniform and rushed down the hall to the tech lab. In her haste, she bumped into a fellow Zanthari, one she attended school with. His name was Megs Di’Weran, an engineer.
“Late for post again?” Megs asked.
“Not really,” Clea called back. “But almost! Want to meet for dinner at the end of shift?”
“Yeah, sounds good! See ya!”
Clea grinned, finding ease in her assignment and wondering about the strange memory prior to waking up. Was it a dream? Going to bed in that foreign world…living amongst another race? It didn’t seem possible and as she hustled into the tech lab, she felt far more at home than she had only an hour earlier.
What an absolutely bizarre dream! I should probably talk to the ship’s councilor about it. There must be a reason behind it.
“Welcome to the land of the living, Miss An’Tufal.” The voice came from her commanding officer, Vinthari Tri’Casa. “Sleep well?”
“Yes, sir.” Clea sat down. “I’m not late though, sir…”
“That’s why I’m giving you a hard time.” The others around her chuckled. “This must be a first.”
“Sorry to impress?” Clea gave him a sheepish look. “I had quite the dream.”
“I’m sure we don’t need to hear about it, Zanthari.” Tri’Casa gestured to her console. “Get to work before you come up with any other stories for us to hear.”
He went about his business and she logged in, peering over the current work load. Most of her day was spent fixing computer problems throughout the ship and chasing down readings externally when that work dried up. The others around her had various specific duties but they could bounce ideas off one another.
Clea liked the team. They were solid performers one and all. Some of them she attended school with as well and, like her, this was their first assignment. The nearest person to her leaned close, a woman her age named Reya Mal’Doren. She looked back at the Vinthari before speaking.
“Why are you really on time?” Reya asked.
“Because my alarm woke me up for a change,” Clea
replied. “I wasn’t up as late as normal.”
“No after shift programming?”
“Nope. What about you? Were you slumming for fellas in the mess again?”
Reya blushed. “Come on, Clea! That’s not funny.”
“Hey, I wasn’t trying to be. More power to you if you find a guy on board.”
“You telling me no one’s struck your fancy?” Reya scowled. “What about Megs?”
“Ew.” Clea shook her head. “He’s like my brother. We were in the academy together and the same secondary. I’ve known him forever.”
“Some of those can turn into more.”
“Not for me. I’m career.” Clea shrugged. “I’ve got to find something to set me apart, you know? Everyone in my family’s done amazing things. My sister’s at one of the research outposts.”
“Oh! Which one?” Reya’s eyes widened.
“I don’t know. A secret one I guess. She couldn’t tell us.”
“Wow…no wonder you’re working after hours so much.”
“See? I’ve got huge shoes to fill. Both my parents are big names and I’m just a technical person.”
“Hey, you’re a genius with code though.” Reya patted her shoulder. “Don’t forget that.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Clea shook her head. “I hope it’s enough.”
A voice behind them interrupted their conversation. “I just got a ping from the bridge. It seems we’re moving in to engage a number of enemy vessels.”
“Engage?” Reya sat up straight. “As in…we’re about to get into a fight?”
“Focus on your terminal, Reya,” Vinthari Tri’Casa said. “Let’s do this by the numbers, folks. Our data can turn the tide of a battle. Only essential incidents should be focused on. Everyone put your attention toward scans and assistance. I expect to get some good data out of this fight so let’s keep our minds on the prize.”
Clea turned her attention to her computer and started running through her program list. The world felt strange, the situation surreal. She’d been here before, a sense of deja vu hit her but where had some come up with the term? Gray told her…but…that would mean this whole situation…
