“That must make sleeping hard.”
“Sometimes ma'am. But combat doesn't wait for someone to take a nap. Sometimes you have to function when you're hungry, sore, dirty, and tired. We've learned that, both in sims and on Agnosta.”
“I see.”
She tweaked him about combat pay and then surprised him about the taxes, and how Pyrax has changed the tax code, closing loop holes, one of which now made anyone in uniform pay fifty percent.
“That explains why so many people are now volunteering for military service,” he said.
“Oh?” she raised an eyebrow and tapped her chin thoughtfully.
“I had thought it was because they wanted to defend their home. The medical and educational options are also factors of course but the taxes may be playing a part in things as well.”
“That and the economy. But the Neo tax is probably why the Marines have seen a one hundred and forty percent increase in Neo recruits over the past month,” April replied with a knowing nod.
Jethro blinked at her in shock. “Neo...”
“You didn't hear?” she asked, blue eyes now a little wary. He shook his head. “Well, then, I'm afraid to tell you that the Pyraxian government has issued a charge on Neos. They are calling it a fair and balanced life support adjustment. An additional tax if you will since their bioforms take up so much space and life support.”
Jethro scowled. “That's...” He reached with his implants to find the data she was referring to.
He was annoyed. He found out about Neo taxes as well. His total take home had just dropped to twenty five and a half percent. He realized he didn't really need it, but his family, burdened with such a heavy lean would. With a pang he decided then and there to give most of his money to his family.
“Well, I guess I'm glad I'm leaving soon.”
“Yes we'll get to that in a moment. About the taxes? Do you think the navy really needs that much money? Don't you think you're overpaid?”
“Anyone who has ever been in combat knows it's not enough, nor do we do it for the pay ma'am,” Jethro replied. He reached for the figures and got a pie chart. “According to my numbers, seventy percent of the navy's budget is paid for out of its own pocket by sales of parts and raw material and services. The remaining thirty percent is supposed to be made up from taxes. The navy doesn't charge for legitimate emergency services, like the rescue at Port-a-Prince and others,” he countered. She nodded.
“As you know, the navy has a reputation now of helping colonies or spacers if we can get a ship to them in time.”
“I see. And yes, I did know all that.”
“We have ships scattered all over the system. That's a part of our job, we do it, and do it well.”
“Yes you do.”
“But back to manufacturing... I see an article about that. An example was selling life support parts and even selling manufacturing equipment to make stations and space colonies.”
“But they aren't getting done. They're being warehoused. People don't know how to use them or they're sold on the black market. The prices keep going up despite the navy's sales.”
Jethro spread his hands. “That's not our fault ma'am. We provide them with the tools, it's up to them to get off their ass and learn to use them properly. We can't do everything for them. Even though they demand we do.”
“True.”
“A lot of times the navy doesn't charge for something, or we give ten times the value of something. Or barter. And people resent that too.”
“You sound bitter Sergeant,” April said.
Jethro flicked his ears and took a deep cleansing breath. “No ma'am, just not happy about how things have turned out since the admiral left. But I'm a soldier ma'am, we follow orders. This is above my pay grade.”
“True, so let's move on.”
He also made up his mind, he wanted out of Pyrax hopefully for good. “So, your reaction on the Neo tax and military tax?”
“As I said before ma'am, I'm glad I'm going to Agnosta,” he replied. The orders were official.
“Oh?”
“Yeah, we're setting up a Marine training base there. A full boot camp. I've been told I'll be tasked with training and set up of the base as well as scouting. My orders were cut this morning." He was a bit proud of that fact. He was fairly certain that when that news hit the public there would be a rush on recruiters or on ticket booths to get a flight out of the system. At least for Neos.
Suddenly he was curious. How many of his kin could he buy tickets for with his back pay? What about Letanga and the others? Could they pool their money to buy tickets? What about military family transport regs? He'd have to check and put the idea forward. The clan deserved a better life since Anvil was no longer working out.
"Oh!" she looked surprised and genuinely enthused. His ears flicked in amusement. The first real amusement he'd felt since the interview had started.
“We're moving out soon. Hopefully in a month. They're almost finished packing the ships now. It'll be a tight fit, but worth the journey. As you know it's a nice planet.”
“I didn't get a good look at it,” she said, shrugging. “I covered the delegate talks,” she said.
"It's a nice world. The trees and clear air are a nice change. Wide open spaces... A bit cool, a lot of snow, and the winters are hard, but I think I'll manage. The people are nice too," he added hastily.
Her lips twisted a little in a slight smile at that addition. "Is this a reaction to the tax changes?" she asked.
He shook his head. “No, not at all. You'd have to talk to the bean counters, but I believe this was in the works long before that was passed. In fact I believe Admiral Irons had a hand in it. Since Pyrax likes to mistreat it's armed forces I'm glad to be welcomed elsewhere."
"Fascinating," she said dryly.
"It's true. I'm expecting a lot of people who are burdened by these cheap shots will get out of dodge too. The Pyrax government likes to... hell!” he waved a disgusted hand-paw. “Look at what they did to the admiral! He saved the system, rebuilt stuff, got us back on our feet, started the navy, salvaged ships and colonies, and they black mark his good name and run him out of the system!” He shook his head, teeth bared, ears flat, hair on end.
She reared back, looking a little afraid. He continued on, ignoring her reaction. “Then, when they realize they need him they try to get him back!" He shook his head. “The system economy is going back in the crapper since the admiral has left and they damn well know it! We all got what we deserve for letting it happen!”
"Not to mention the multiple assassinations attempts," April said wincing.
"You'd know more about that then me ma'am. I wasn't there," Jethro said, throttling his rage as he got an incoming call from the Major. From the header on the email he'd better shut up quick. "Um, ma'am..." If he could sweat he would have. It took all his control not to pant. He realized he was in deep shit and wasn't sure about how to get out of it.
April smiled and took pity on him. "Yes, that's all the time we have for today, this is April O’Neill with Knox news," the red haired woman nodded to the camera and then sent a signal through her implants. The red light winked off after a moment. "And we're clear," she turned smiling to Jethro.
Jethro sighed in relief and sat back, shaking his head. He was more stressed now then when he'd been in combat.
"Wasn't so bad was it? Though you did hit a nest at the end," she said with a toothy smirk. Humans tended to smile way to often Jethro concluded.
"No ma'am, but I put my foot in my mouth a few times," he admitted. He tugged on the base of one ear, completely uncomfortable with the fact that he was now on several officer's shit list. She threw her head back and laughed.
Her blue eyes danced as the laughter faded. "Yes you did, but they had it coming so I'm not complaining. The Major should have known you wouldn't pull any punches." She smiled, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “You Marines are known as bluff no nonsense people. You're just sticking to the typeca
sting.” There was that maddening smile again.
"He just reminded me of that," Jethro admitted, tugging on one ear ruefully. He quickly scanned his e-mail and winced. The Major hadn't been happy about the live broadcast.
April's left sculpted eyebrow rose. "Oh? Well, too bad, he couldn't say it, so someone had to. He was using you as a cut out so just take your lumps and then move on. He'll dump some shit your way but it's all for the best really. I think it'll stir up a hornet's nest, but honestly, I think that's a good thing. When people realize that their protectors are leaving, something will break."
"Or their resentment will boil over," Jethro sighed, shaking his head. He felt a pang at that, a pang of guilt for causing trouble for the corps. He didn't like it. His last round of political trouble had been a nasty affair he'd rather forget. He had been trying to keep a low profile. The fact that the Major had insisted he do this interview hadn't helped.
“I hope we don't have any unrest or other problems,” he said, suddenly wary of that very possibility. April shot him a sharp concerned look.
April was now sober and serious. "Hopefully not. I believe your good deeds and the actions of the others in the military have certainly put things in perspective for some. Sure we don't have a pirate problem right now..." she winced at his expression and held up a hand, "Sorry, that didn't come out right. I'm a fan Sergeant, honest. What I meant to say was that we don't have pirates knocking on the system right this minute, but we will sometime in the future and it pays to be prepared."
"Kipling ma'am," he said, ears flicking forward. He stood, not sure what to do.
"Excuse me?" she asked, looking genuinely curious.
He rubbed his cheek with a hand and then tugged on his right ear. "Um, Kipling poem ma'am. Tommy boy I believe. I read it on the flight out to Agnosta ma'am. One of the admiral's recommended reading lists."
"Oh? I'll have to look it up then," she said. She caught his hand and shook it. "But now I've got to go, do try to stay out of trouble?" she asked, turning and flashing a smile.
"Yes ma'am," he nodded. “I think you've helped me get into trouble. Keeping out of it isn't so easy.”
She chuckled again and shook her head. “Well, try anyway.”
“I will ma'am,” he replied with a nod.
"Good," she left. The remote bobbed behind her as it floated off.
...*...*...*...*...
Horatio pursed his lips in a tight grim smile as he caught the header of the incoming caller. The governor, how quaint. Governor Walker had ignored his requests to talk. Now the panther's little interview had stirred up some angst. From what he'd heard there were spontaneous demonstrations going on all over the system.
“Yes Governor Walker, good morning. How are you and your family doing this fine morning?” Horatio asked, trying to keep from sounding too flippant or casual.
The governor's image flickered and then his eyes narrowed. “Can the crap Logan. What the fuck were you thinking?”
“About sir?” Logan asked. He drummed his fingers against the desk blotter in front of him. He really had better things to be doing than sitting here listening to this pompous A-hole blow piss in his face.
“You know damn well what I mean. You couldn't get your own way so you sicked that dog on the public. It's blowing up all over the system.”
“He was a cat sir.”
“Well, whatever he is I want him gone.”
“Consider it done sir. Most of the Marines will be leaving shortly,” Horatio said. He watched as that hit home and the governor's color darkened.
“Bullshit. You're bluffing,” Governor Walker snarled.
“I'm an officer of the United Federation of Sentient Species sir. We don't bluff about such things. The Marines are in final preparation to leave. I'm sending a naval detachment with them to protect the system and serve as my eyes and ears.”
“You'll do no such thing. I order you to stand down your forces Commander!” The governor growled.
“I'm sorry were you talking to me?” Horatio asked, leaning forward. “I'm thinking you're talking to someone else who actually has to follow your orders. I don't. As a Federation officer I don't follow orders from you or anyone else in the system.”
“You...” If anything governor Walker's face darkened even more. Horatio was taking side bets on whether the man would blow a blood vessel or not. Most likely not, he couldn't be so lucky. “You...”
“Yes?” Horatio asked politely but mildly, eyebrow raised.
“What are you playing at?” the governor finally demanded, throttling his temper.
“Me sir? I'm not playing at anything. I am fulfilling my duty as an officer of the Federation. A forward deployment of assets serves multiple purposes including protecting a jump point to this very system.”
“It...”
“It also provides a training place for our Marines and special forces. It also fulfills a treaty obligation to the people of Agnosta and it ties them into the growing Federation.”
“You...” Horatio waited as Walker sputtered incoherently. Walker really wasn't much of a villain, he played second fiddle to others, letting them pull his strings as he played mouth piece. Now the puppet masters were either in hiding or dead. He wasn't sure what the governor's role in the admiral's exile was, but he was fairly certain the man had some role, even if it was a nod to let it happen.
“I of course will remain in the system with some of our assets to guard the other jump points and to continue running the yard and the San Diego base.”
“I... that's another thing. I want San Diego. I'm nationalizing it under the eminent domain clause in the system constitution...”
Horatio held up a restraining hand. He waited until the governor stopped before he locked eyes with the man. “Under no circumstances does the local government constitution allow you to nationalize or seize Federation property. San Diego and the yard are out of your jurisdiction. To summarize we the military are out of your jurisdiction. Good day sir,” he said and signed off.
He sat back and blew his cheeks in and out a few times, getting a grip on his temper. Damn the man he really was a stupid ass. After a moment to get his thoughts in order he sent a signal through his implants to his yeoman.
“Vicky? Get legal on the horn. Give them a heads up that Walker's trying to pull a fast one, eminent domain of San Diego. I want it squashed fast and hard. Send them a copy of my last conversation with the good governor. Then tell the Major to expedite his preparations to leave.”
“Aye aye sir,” Vicky replied with a nod. “Will there be anything else?” she asked from his virtual HUD.
“I don't think so. No wait,” he said pausing. “Backstop Destiny. I know they were going to Centennial after this refit but I want them to take some of our expedition forces. Destiny is a reserve vessel so don't let anyone give you any shit about it. Cut the orders now.”
“I'll have them in your in-box in a moment sir,” she said with a nod.
“Firefly is going along with them. I want Firefly and Commander Mayweather in conference as soon as possible to go over the orders. That goes for the Major as well. We're going to go over this one more time. I know I'm opening a can of worms sending Firefly off.”
“She is our biggest and most powerful ship sir.”
“She was big but the battleship is bigger. We'll tow the big bastard out if we have to. No, She was going, She's got our best tech team and fabricators on board.”
“Yes sir.”
“Also the armorer and his armory. Get with Mayweather. Tell her I want more of her Marine compliment suited up. She knows what I'm talking about. CC a copy to the Major. Provide resources as needed. Don't hesitate, just get it done.”
“Aye aye sir,” she said.
“Tell the Major to go easy on Jethro. The boy meant well but let's try to steer him away from interviews from now on. I want an atta boy as well as a kick in the pants. The atta boy is off the record. He'll understand.”
“Yes sir,
” Vicky said, wrinkling her nose. “If you say so.”
“I do. Get me a sitrep on our people. Send out a warning to anyone in civilian country to duck and cover. I don't want any incidents and I want our people on their best behavior. Don't start anything and by the spirits of space don't finish anything we'll regret. Self defense and get the hell out of dodge.”
“Aye aye sir.”
“Restrict the liberty for now until things settle down again. Order anyone off on liberty out of uniform.”
“Aye aye sir. It will make them less of a target that way.”
“I'll not so sure anyone will be a target but I'd rather not loose anyone over this idiocy.”
“Understood sir. I'll pass it along with the other orders,” Vicky replied with a sober nod.
“Good. Out,” he said closing the link. He sat back and rocked back and forth. “Now... what am I missing?” he asked softly.
...*...*...*...*...
The Major and officers discussed the pirates. It was an ongoing discussion, one they've had many times before and would undoubtedly have again. And again. “The problem with this is we've got some sketchy stuff and the rest is all supposition based on supposition. A house of cards. We need to make some assumptions, but we're starving for intel here,” Doctor Thornby said. She'd been frustrated by the insistence that they look into the pirate implant tech again. She was finished, there wasn't anything else they could learn, they'd even taken apart corpses with nanites to get as much out of them as possible.
They had serial numbers from the electronics, which supposedly meant something, plus data in their chips. Monty's intel shop had gone so far as to recover the spaced pirate bodies for additional autopsies. A grisly task, she didn't envy the NCIS Medical Examiner. He was swamped, from what she had heard he was only taking them on one at a time when current work was slow.
“I keep telling you, the pirates that were captured or bagged here in Pyrax or on Agnosta only had information implants, not enhancements. It was all crude, hack and slash really, something like what I could have done before the admiral had arrived had I wanted to do so. Some of the implant hardware I believe you traced back to other people, so they must have taken them from their bodies and reused them. The new stuff was unpowered and crude. They don't have the ability to take electrical energy from the subject's neural net. At least not yet.”
Jethro: First to Fight Page 39
