by Jim Proctor
“Thank you. I’m mainly interested in his data unit. Did he have one on him?”
The man consulted a list on the top of the box. “Yes, sir. One data unit, standard SACOM issue.”
“Was it bagged?” Eric asked.
“No, sir. It was not contaminated,” the man said.
“Good. I’d like to take it with me for examination.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll make out a transfer form, and I’ll sign out any of the items you need for your investigation.”
Eric read the list, and then lifted the lid off the box. He didn’t see anything that might be significant in any way, aside from the data unit. Picking it up, he said, “This will be all I need for now.”
The man nodded and returned to his desk. Flicking through screens on his data unit, he opened a document, recorded the transfer, and nodded to the major.
Eric pulled out his own data unit and found a document awaiting his approval. With a click, the transfer was official. Eric thanked the man and then left, turning right and heading along the corridor that led to the passenger elevators that would take him to the Security Branch’s floor. With the general unconscious in the infirmary, he needed to take charge and maintain order.
* * * *
General Nelson was sitting up in bed when Major Anderson entered his room. “You nearly died last night. What the hell were you doing down there if you knew you were allergic to the damn darts?”
Nelson looked up from his data unit and said, “The best part about being a general is that I don’t have to explain myself to majors.”
Eric smiled. “It’s good to have you back. I have something for you to look at—Steven’s data unit. The messages are particularly interesting.”
Nelson put down his own data unit and took the one from Eric. Opening the messages window, he began reading. After a moment, he chuckled and looked at Eric. “Justin Case… the man has no imagination whatsoever.”
“I thought you would find that amusing. I had our cyber unit working all night back tracing those messages as evidence for the official inquiry. They all came from a data unit purchased on Cordanth approximately two years ago. Senator Kase was visiting Cordanth at the time,” Eric said.
“That’s interesting, but not conclusive evidence,” Nelson said.
“Oh, it gets better, sir. From the time Justin Case registered his new data unit, he went everywhere the senator went. They returned to Caldon on the same starliner and, you’re going to love this, they went everywhere together for two days after returning!”
The general shook his head. “No imagination, and careless as well. He forgot to turn off Justin’s data unit after he registered it.”
“He apparently realized his mistake, eventually, and turned it off. It remained off the grid, except for brief periods that coincide with the messages sent. And now we come to the truly amazing part—almost every time the Justin unit was turned on, it was located in Kase’s senate office,” Eric said.
“Then we’ve got him. Good work, Eric.” The general put the data unit down and stretched. “You know, things have gone well so far. We’ve rounded up almost the entire ring. Once we get Kase, I think we can turn this over to the Senate Ethics and Proprieties unit for investigation and prosecution. We’ll let them decide what to do about Marlow Freight and the senator’s daughter.”
“Speaking of getting Kase, we need to plan that carefully. You said he is nervous. We should do our best to put him at ease, to get him off guard,” Eric said.
“What do you have in mind?”
Eric smiled. “You died last night, sir.”
“Did I?” Nelson said with a chuckle. “That would certainly be a load off the senator’s mind.”
“I’ll inform the senator of your passing right away. Maybe I can persuade him to transmit his appointment of Captain Jiorgenson as temporary commander of SACOM today. With the First Admiral dead, Vice Admiral Tompkins dead, and now your unfortunate demise, things could spiral into chaos around here without someone in undisputed authority.”
The general smiled. “I like it. Then, when he arrives, we can arrest him without having to wait for him to complete that formality.”
“Exactly. We’ll lead him directly into the trap before he knows what’s happening.”
“I want to see the look on his face when he discovers he’s been duped,” Nelson said.
“Should I go back to my office to contact Kase, or would you like to listen?” Eric asked with a grin.
“Actually, I’ve been cleared to return to duty. I’ll go with you and watch the show from your office. You had better seem distraught, Eric. You’re really going to miss me, you know.”
“I’m beside myself with grief, sir,” the major said with a laugh.
Nelson laughed and shook his head as he climbed out of bed.
* * * *
“Senator Kase, I’m afraid I have some unpleasant news to deliver,” Eric said.
“Oh? And where is Lance? Shouldn’t he be briefing me?”
“I’m sorry, sir, but General Nelson is dead. Several of our security forces members who were loyal to First Admiral Bennett attacked General Nelson and his personal squad last night. Lieutenant Stevens was also killed,” Eric said.
“I see. Well, I’m sorry to hear that. Lance was a good man. He’ll be missed. Too bad about Stevens. If he was loyal to Georgia, he might have been able to shed some light on her activities,” Kase said.
“Yes, sir. He might have been valuable to our investigation. As it stands now, everyone we know who was involved in the conspiracy is dead. With your permission, I’ll close out the case file and we’ll move forward from here.”
“Yes, of course. By all means, close the file. A fresh start—that’s what we need. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some business to attend to,” the senator said.
“Before you go, if I might make a suggestion, sir. It might be a good idea for you to transmit the orders naming Captain Jiorgenson acting head of SACOM.”
“I plan to meet with the captain and give him his orders personally,” Kase said.
“Yes, sir, I know that was the plan. However, with Bennett and Tompkins gone, and now General Nelson… gone, things might get unsettled around here without any clear, legitimate authority.”
The senator looked thoughtful for a moment. “Yes, I see your point, Major. Very well. I’ll transmit the captain’s orders immediately. Carry on.” The connection closed.
“Very well played,” Nelson said.
“I learned from the master,” Eric replied.
“Well, now, let’s invite Captain Jiorgenson down here so we can give him the news,” Nelson said.
* * * *
Niles Jiorgenson stared at General Nelson, a shocked look on his face. “I’m what?”
“I said, you are the acting head of SACOM until First Admiral Saunders returns,” the general said.
“But… why me?” Jiorgenson asked.
“Because General Nelson recommended you… before he died, of course,” Major Anderson said.
Niles looked from Nelson to Anderson and back again. “But…” His voice trailed off as he continued to stare at the general.
“I was killed last night,” Nelson said.
“By Lieutenant Stevens,” Anderson added.
“Eric’s really distraught over the matter,” the general said with a nod in the major’s direction.
“I’m devastated,” Anderson said.
After a long moment’s silence, Niles leaned back in his chair and smiled. “Okay, you two have had your little joke at my expense. Me, acting head of SACOM. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do, so I’ll just go back to my office.”
“Oh, that part is true,” Eric said.
“What part?” Niles asked.
“You are the acting head of SACOM,” the general said as he handed Niles a document.
Niles read it twice. “What the hell is going on?”
* * * *
Ni
les stood in the conference room across the lobby from Bennett’s old office, which was undergoing cleaning and repairs. Here, on the thirtieth floor, the view was amazing. The administration building was the only tall building on the base, the others being just three stories above ground.
Lieutenant Linda Groves, whom Niles had selected to be his acting adjutant, knocked on the frame of the open door.
Niles turned around. “Come in, Lieutenant.”
“I was told to report to you here, Captain. Thank you for choosing me as your secretary,” the lieutenant said.
“I prefer adjutant, and you’re welcome. It’s only temporary duty, you understand? I’ll be glad to turn this all over to First Admiral Saunders when she returns and get back to the Investigative Branch.”
“If you need me, I’ll be in the first admiral’s outer office, tidying things up. Your office won’t be ready for a few weeks.”
Niles nodded. “Yes, I imagine it will take some time. Thank you, Lieutenant.”
Major Anderson knocked on the frame of the open door.
“Come in, Major,” Niles said.
“Excuse me, sirs,” Lieutenant Groves said as she turned and walked across the lobby.
“Do you have a way to contact Nolan Peters, or Megan Carson?” the major asked.
“I believe so. Why?”
“I need a big favor,” Anderson said.
* * * *
Megan’s data unit chimed. Opening the message, she read it, and then passed it to Nolan. “It’s for you.”
Nolan took the unit and read.
Urgent. We need the SACOM weapons and Xetian wreckage as evidence. Can you deliver?
Niles.
Nolan typed a reply.
The person in possession of the material will want to be paid. Credit chips, not a card.
The unit chimed.
It is stolen SACOM property. I could arrest the person in possession.
Nolan typed.
You could, if you knew where it was. Perhaps you should send Zorbas over to beat it out of me.
Several minutes passed, and Nolan wondered if Niles had given up. “Well, it seems he doesn’t want the stuff after all.” He passed the data unit back to Megan. It chimed. She smiled as she read the message out loud. “Okay, point taken. I can send someone to you in a few hours with credit chips. How much will your dealer require?”
Nolan held his hand out for the unit, but Megan began typing.
I think one million credits would be sufficient.
She passed the unit to Nolan. He read her reply and erupted in laughter. “Only a million? He’ll never go for that!”
“I know. You reminded him what SACOM did to you. I reminded him what SACOM did to all of us,” she said.
“Nice touch,” he said.
The unit chimed.
Amusing. I think I can manage twenty-five thousand without being arrested. I’ve seen General Nelson in action. I wouldn’t want the senate to send him after me.
“He’s offering twenty-five thousand. Should I accept?” Nolan asked.
Megan smiled. “Really? I thought he might offer ten.”
Nolan typed.
I suppose we can settle for twenty-five. Deal accepted. Dawson spaceport, pad 41. I will secure a departure corridor. When will courier be here?
The unit chimed.
Two hours. Message me if you have any difficulties with departure scheduling and I will solve the problem.
“Do you think Boo will be happy?” Megan asked.
Nolan shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s a lot of credits. As she pointed out, she doesn’t even know if she can legally have that stuff. She should be glad to get rid of it, if you ask me.”
Chapter 24
“Twenty-five thousand credits!” Boo yelled. “Are you kidding me?”
Nolan’s smile vanished. “But, Boo, it’s stolen SACOM property. You could end up in jail if you’re caught with this stuff.”
Boo laughed. “I only paid five for it! How about twenty thousand for me, and five thousand for you for delivery?”
Nolan stared as he replayed the conversation in his mind. “All right. That sounds fair.”
“It’s a deal!” Boo said. “I’ll go and fire up my loader. We’ll get this stuff on your ship, and then we’ll go into the house for lunch. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, Nolan.”
* * * *
When lunch was set on the table, Boo sat and looked at Nolan. “I’ll get straight to the point. How would you like to take over running my business for me?”
Nolan stared at her for a moment. Finally, he asked, “Why?”
Boo looked at Megan. “Because twenty years is far too long a time to be married to someone you almost never see.”
Megan reached over and squeezed Nolan’s hand. “You should take her offer,” she said.
“Honestly, I was thinking about retiring,” Nolan said.
“So retire here and run my operation,” Boo said.
“That isn’t exactly how retirement works,” he said with a laugh.
“Pah! Retirement! I get one salvager a week in here, sometimes two. Then there are a few buyers who come around from time to time. You’d practically be retired while running this place.”
Nolan laughed. “I’ll think about it, Boo.”
“He’ll do it!” Megan said.
“I’ll think about it,” Nolan repeated.
Boo smiled. “I’ve written a contract. You can take it with you and read it. Make changes, if you need to, and we can talk about it when you come back.”
“Fair enough,” Nolan said.
* * * *
“Senator Kase, what an honor to have you here with us,” Major Anderson said as the senator entered the ground floor lobby of the administration building.
“Thank you, Major.”
“I hope you had a pleasant journey,” Anderson said.
“It was uneventful. That’s nearly the same thing as pleasant when you’re my age, Major,” the senator said.
“Yes, sir,” Eric said with a forced laugh.
“Now, I really must meet Captain Jiorgenson. I need to conduct my interview and make my decision as to his suitability to continue as acting head of SACOM,” Kase said. “I understand it may be a month or more before Vice Admiral Saunders returns to Caldon.”
“Of course, Senator. If you will come this way, the captain is waiting for you,” Eric said as he turned and headed for the elevators.
Once in the elevator, Anderson pushed the button for sub-level two.
“We’re going down?” Kase asked.
“Yes, sir. The captain has set up his office downstairs temporarily. The penthouse office is still undergoing cleaning and sanitizing. It isn’t easy scrubbing blood and brain tissue off the walls, and the carpets had to be removed.”
“Oh, yes, of course. Messy business, I suppose,” the senator said.
“Yes, sir,” Eric replied.
When the elevator stopped, the pair walked down the corridor until the major stopped at a door. “In here, senator,” he said as he opened the door and stepped in.
The room was bare, white concrete, having been built before the invention of plasticrete. A plain, metal table was bolted to the floor in the center of the room. Four chairs were arranged around it. A large mirror covered most of one wall.
“Major, your conference room is rather austere, to say the least. When my committee takes up your next budget, I’ll see to it that you get funding for some decent furnishings,” the senator said with a smile.
“Thank you, sir. I’m sure we can liven up the place with your help.”
The door opened, and a woman in a dark blue business suit entered. Senator Kase looked at her for a moment, and then the smile vanished from his face as he recognized Tracey Lafferty, lead investigator for the Senate Ethics and Proprieties committee. He looked around the room again, and realization set in. He turned to face Tracey and was about to speak when General Nelson stepped i
nto the room. Senator Kase sank into a chair, the color draining from his face.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Senator,” Nelson said.
Two armed guards entered the room and stood on either side of the door. Nelson smiled at Anderson, and the pair turned and left the room.
As Major Anderson was closing the door, he said, “I guess this means we’re not getting new furniture.”
* * * *
Niles heard the chime as the elevator door opened. A moment later, General Nelson stood in the conference room doorway. “Come in and have a seat, General,” he said.
Lance Nelson stepped in and sat in the first chair to Niles’ left. “I need to brief you on our operation,” he said.
Niles nodded. “It went well, I trust.”
“Oh, very well. He never saw it coming. The senate investigator is questioning him as we speak.”
“He must be a very nervous man, having to take the heat for everything all alone,” Niles said.
“He’ll be in good company,” the general said.
“Well, Bennett is dead, Tompkins is dead, and all the goon squad is dead. Who else was involved?” Niles asked.
“Actually, Bennett and Tompkins are alive. They’re both in cells in the security section. Oh, and most of the goons are in cells, too. Only three were killed,” Nelson said.
“You said they were dead!”
“No, you said they were dead. I chose not to correct you,” the general said.
“Why the hell not?”
“If you will recall, you were not the acting commander of SACOM at the time. You were a captain in the Investigative Branch.”
“Yes, of course. I understand. It was privileged information,” Niles said.
“Now, would you like me to brief you on the details of the conspiracy?” the general asked.
