The Exxar Chronicles: Book 01 - The Erayan

by Neal Jones

  Saveck scowled as he faced the viewport.

  "Major, I understand what you're feeling right now, and I sympathize."

  Saveck laughed bitterly as he turned to his commanding officer. "Really, commodore?"

  "Yes!" Gabriel insisted. "I need your help, major. We can no longer afford the luxury of pretending to get along." He took a few steps toward Saveck. "In four hours I will be holding a press conference, and I will break this news to the public. You and I need to present a united front. If we don't, Zar and Vorik's legacy is going to disappear in a fresh bloodbath."

  "I think you're overestimating the severity of this incident," Saveck replied. "Yes, this will cause a reaction among the crew, and it will affect the stability of relations between the Chrisarii and Federation governments, but I doubt that law and order on this starbase will crumble so easily."

  "How can you be certain of that?" Gabriel retorted. "Considering the number of incidents which occurred before I arrived, along with the Haal'Chai attacks, and now this -"

  "Colonel Bryant and I allowed those early incidents to go unpunished, and as for the Haal'Chai attacks, it's a safe assumption that the presence of the Dauntless and the fact that we captured one of their raiders has been enough to deter any future assaults. Where will you be giving the press conference?"

  "In the wardroom. Zero-eight-hundred."

  "I'll see you then."

  After Gabriel left, Saveck returned to bed, but he was still awake when his com panel blared its wake-up alarm two hours later.

  Chapter 9

  ____________________

  ( 1 )

  Commodore Gabriel scrubbed a hand over his face one last time before stepping into the wardroom. A dozen members of the press, who were all grouped together at the far end of the table, ceased their murmured babbling with one another and turned their full attention to Exxar-One's commanding officer. Major Saveck was already present, and he stood as Gabriel walked to the head of the table. The commodore launched immediately into his memorized statement.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your presence here this morning. The purpose of this conference is to deliver a statement, nothing more. I will not be taking any questions at this time." He paused for only a moment, then continued. "Early this morning, at approximately zero-one-hundred hours, GST, Ambassador Queyn Vorik of the Chrisarii Alliance and his wife, Waaris, were murdered. Almost four hours later, Ambassador Taelon Zar of the DrayH'M Commonwealth was attacked in her quarters. She has been released from the infirmary and has suffered no permanent physical harm." The reporters began to fire questions at Gabriel, but he raised his hand and his voice, overriding the furor. "Furthermore, we have taken into custody the man responsible for Queyn and Waaris' murder. He is a human named Isaac Blacke. He is currently being held without bail. That's all the details that I have at this time. You are dismissed."

  The reporters, of course, were unwilling to leave so soon, but a quartet of security officers quickly escorted the group to the door. When they were alone, the commodore turned to Saveck.

  "I was informed by Zar this morning that Doctor Angser has examined Blacke and he's waiting for me in the security office. So is Ommnor."

  "Has an autopsy been completed on Queyn and Waaris?"

  Gabriel shook his head. "Rayburn said it's been scheduled for later this morning. However, the forensics team has successfully matched the blood from the crime scene to the blood stains on Blacke's clothes and the murder weapon. There's no question that he's guilty."

  Saveck frowned. "How did he get in and out of the quarters without using the door?"

  "A portable cardon field generator. Krael Zar doesn't know yet how Blacke was able to get a hold of such an expensive piece of equipment." He started for the door, and Saveck fell into step beside him.

  "I realize that your statement is going to be posted immediately to the news nets, but how long before the general population here becomes aware of it?"

  Gabriel shrugged as he pressed the button on the PTL's com panel to summon a lift. "Probably a couple of hours, maybe less. I transmitted a communiqué to Admiral Hazen first thing this morning, as well as Fleet Admiral Piller. I haven't received a response from either. If the rest of the senior staff has done their job, the military personnel should all be aware of this incident by now. My meeting with Colonel Bryant went better than expected."

  A lift arrived, and the two men stepped into it.

  "Security sector, deck sixty-two," Gabriel commanded.

  ( 2 )

  "There's something you should know, just in case we run into trouble while we're here." Sikandra was sitting next to the viewport, and for the last hour she had been reading her compad.

  Navarr had been dozing in her set across from Sikandra. They were less than an hour from Om'Nalu, and this private cabin was even more cramped than the transport that they had taken to the Chrisarii homeworld. Navarr stirred, stretching as she yawned and then waited for Sikandra to continue.

  "I'm a field operative for the Central Intelligence Ministry. I was assigned to Exxar-One to be the ministry's eyes and ears, to monitor the situation firsthand. I was ordered to observe only, take no action, and directly report on a regular basis to my handling officer in the ministry."

  Navarr nodded, only mildly surprised by this revelation. It made sense, given the nature of Exxar-One and the galactic size storm of controversy currently surrounding it. "And your assignment was off the record, of course. The Quorum of Seventy and the High Chancellor have no knowledge of it."

  "That's right. The ministry has several operatives among the military, stationed in key positions throughout the empire. It's one of the ways in which the Alliance ensures national security and protects the empire's interests. The fact that Gabriel selected me for this assignment is pure coincidence, but as soon as I reported it to my handling officer, I had no trouble preparing for this mission."

  "But why were you so against the order to assassinate Vi'Sar? Haven't you done something like this before?"

  Sikandra shifted her weight, stretching her legs as she frowned. "No. All field operatives are trained in a few techniques, if only for the simple fact that such knowledge might save your life one day. And you never know when your status might be compromised. But to tell you the truth, I'm as anxious about this as you are. Until we arrive at the colony and are able to see exactly what we're dealing with, there's no way to come up with a solid plan of action. Navin's report helps, but all it contains is factual details about the colony itself – location, size, population – that kind of stuff."

  "Why are you telling me all this?" Navarr asked. "Is there something about this mission that I'm not aware of?"

  Sikandra shook her head. "No. I just thought it was only fair that you be informed. Because of the change in our orders, there's a higher risk that our cover could be compromised, and if that happens, I wanted you to know the truth. I want you to trust me." She stood and stretched, stifling a yawn. "I'm going to the restaurant for a snack. Want to come?"

  "No thanks."

  After Sikandra left, Navarr stood and paced the cabin for a bit. She thought back to the brief conference in Gabriel's ready room, just after she had been handed this assignment. At the time, Navarr had thought his order was ridiculous and paranoid. Now she wasn't so sure. Had the commodore known about Sikandra's true position and status, or did he just have his suspicions? It made sense that the Chrisarii government would take an action such as this, and Navarr chided herself for being so naïve. A treaty was just a piece of paper, and during her research while traveling from Exxar-One to Om'Nalu, the EarthCorps officer had learned a great deal about the Alliance, particularly its government.

  For starters, not everyone on the Quorum of Seventy had voted for an end to hostilities, much less the signing of a treaty. It was only through Vorik's impassioned and persistent efforts that two thirds of the Quorum was finally brought around to his view. However, there were many other agents within the government, par
ticularly a few on the military council, who were fervently opposed to the entire peace process right up to the bitter end. When the Quorum Elders and the High Chancellor approved of the construction of Exxar-One, several on the military council resigned, and the few who remained appeared to finally accept the inevitable.

  But what if they hadn't? What if Sikandra's assignment to the station had been one of several tactics being used in a joint effort by the military council and the CIM? For that matter, what about Federation Central Intelligence? It stood to reason that they, too, would post their own sentry on Exxar-One, and if Gabriel knew about him/her, then perhaps he had assumed that the Chrisarii had their own operative among his staff as well. Navarr stopped pacing and stood near the viewport. The streaks of silver against black did nothing to calm the disquiet in her gut, and she wondered for the first time if her posting to Exxar-One would be shorter than planned. With all of this deception and subterfuge surrounding her, how was she supposed to know whom to trust?

  An even more disturbing question occurred to her just then. If push came to shove, where did Sikandra's loyalties really lie? If there truly were certain members of her government who were opposed to a union with the Federation, what was to stop the Intelligence Ministry from using their field operatives as soldiers in this new cold war? Navarr was relatively certain that assassinating Vi'Sar was the right thing to do. But after that, assuming that the two of them made it back to the station in one piece, what would happen then? Navarr knew little about the training of intelligence agents, but she was sure of one thing. The chain of command within a covert intelligence agency was no different than that of a military operation. Every soldier followed his/her orders – without question and without fail. It was drilled into all recruits from day one. What if Sikandra received an order to directly sabotage Exxar-One? If what she had just confessed to Navarr was true, then she would follow her orders – without question and without fail.

  But then why tell Navarr the truth? There was no reason for Sikandra to have revealed her secret at this point in the mission, unless there was some aspect of this assignment which she knew about but had neglected to tell her companion, despite her assurances otherwise. And if that was the case, then Navarr was really on her own. She suddenly felt a need to sit, and despite the warmth of the cabin, the EarthCorps soldier felt cold. She wrapped her arms around herself, and, after a few minutes, decided that there was nothing to be gained by all this paranoid thinking. She would proceed as she had done from the moment they left Exxar-One's shuttledock. She would take this one day at a time, continuing her research, and being prepared as best she could for whatever might lie ahead. And if there were a few surprises along the way, well, that was what made life interesting, wasn't it? Navarr chuckled to herself. For once, the next letter she wrote to her parents would more than three paragraphs and it would be far more exciting than the last few she had sent them.

  Assuming she made it out of this alive, of course.

  ( 3 )

  Krael Zar was in mid-conference with a Murdohn man when Gabriel and Saveck arrived at the security office. Also present was Ommnor, and he looked as if he had not been back to bed since being awakened by Zar in the middle of the night. Another man was standing in the far corner of the office, an older human wearing clerical robes. Gabriel recognized him as a priest of the Church of God's Witness but couldn't immediately recall the man's name. Everyone turned to face the commodore and the major as they entered, and the Murdohn spoke first.

  "Commodore Gabriel, I'm Doctor Angser. I've just finished assessing Mister Blacke's psychological state, and I find him to be as sane as you and I. He is fully aware of the crime he has committed, and he also firmly believes that he was directed to do so by one of God's messengers."

  Gabriel's gaze immediately landed upon the priest, but the man shook his head as he stepped forward. "No, commodore, I am not that messenger. I am Isaac's priest, but I was not aware of his plans, else I would have definitely intervened."

  "This is Father Wallace," Zar said for Gabriel's benefit.

  "I'm relieved to hear you say so, father, but the fact remains that when the public hears Isaac's statement, your denial won't matter. All they will hear is that his motivation was a religious one, and there will be attacks against your church."

  "Mister Blacke's motive was not just religious," Ommnor interjected. "He was getting revenge for the loss of his family at the hands of the Chrisarii during the war. When the complete text of his confession is made public, commodore, I seriously doubt that you will be able to contain the violent response."

  "You're right, director," Gabriel replied. "Which is why I will need your help. I would like you and Major Saveck to assist me in transmitting the details of this incident to the necessary representatives in your government."

  "There's no need," Ommnor said. "As soon as Krael Zar informed me of what happened, I transmitted a preliminary report to the Diplomatic Ministry. It has already been passed along to the Quorum of Seventy and the High Chancellor. I'm surprised you haven't yet received a response."

  Gabriel blinked, stunned by Ommnor's audacity. "And have you already sent the Elders a copy of Blacke's confession?"

  "No. I was waiting for Doctor Angser's diagnosis. Since Blacke has been declared sane, and since he has signed a confession, he will be punished to the fullest extent of Chrisarii law."

  "One step at a time," Saveck interrupted, facing Ommnor. "There are procedures and regulations which must be followed first, not the least of which is the various reports from Zar's team. Once their entire case is on file, then we can begin to discuss charges and punishment."

  "So there's not going to be a trial?" Wallace asked.

  "We've got a full confession, and Blacke has been declared sane," Zar replied. "Under both Chrisarii and Federation law there's no need for a trial when those two criteria have been established. Since Blacke is a civilian and the murder victims were civilian, it will be up to the district magistrate – not the Judge Advocate General's office – to decide what charges are to be filed and who will be dispensing judgment."

  "Will the Chrisarii government be demanding extradition?" Gabriel looked at Ommnor.

  "It's a good possibility," Ommnor replied.

  Gabriel was about to respond when Saveck stepped in. "Actually, director, we would insist that Blacke be extradited to homeworld. As long as he remains on Exxar-One, he will be a focus for violence. There are many among the local population who would see him as a hero, especially when one considers his religious claims. Furthermore, a willingness on the part of the Federation to grant extradition would show their good faith in this matter and prove to our government that everyone involved is on the same side when it comes to justice."

  "That's a good point," Zar said.

  "I agree," Gabriel added. "Director?"

  Ommnor considered this, then nodded slowly. "I will add your proposition to my next report."

  "And I would like to have Saveck's and my signatures on that report," Gabriel said. Ommnor nodded again, and the commodore turned to Zar. "What security precautions have you taken?"

  "The same ones which I used when President Enkaro was here. Patrols have been increased on the promenade and all other major civilian sections. Most of my staff – both Chrisarii and Federation – have reacted to this news with surprising calm. I think most of them expected something like this, and I also think that the declaration you made when you first arrived has continued to have an effect among the crew."

  "Then let's hope it continues for the next several days, at least." Gabriel tone wasn't quite as optimistic as his words. "Is there anything else that we need to discuss right now?" The others shook their heads. "Major, you have my permission to speak with Blacke, as do you, director, but I want Zar to be present as well."

  "Understood."

  "I have no desire to speak with him," Ommnor said.

  Gabriel left the office, trailed by the director and Angser. Saveck turned to Zar.
>
  "May I see his confession?"

  The security chief handed him a compad, and it didn't take long for Saveck to read it. The four paragraphs were concise and to the point. Zar summoned one of his officers to take over behind the desk and then led Saveck to the solitary confinement block. Isaac Blacke was looking more alert than he had the previous night, and he stood as the two men approached his cell. For several moments, no one spoke. Like Gabriel, Saveck found it difficult to believe that a man of Blacke's height and build could have overpowered someone of Vorik's size. But as the major looked into Blacke's eyes, he was startled by the utter lack of anxiety or unrest. Isaac was completely at peace, and Saveck knew exactly what he was feeling. The Chrisarii had felt that same way when he was captured at Rigana-seven. He had believed that his death would come soon, and he welcomed it. There was no regret, no inner turmoil or unrest.

  Saveck turned away and walked out of the cell block, out of Zar's office, and quickly headed for the nearest PTL. Seeing that look in Blacke's eyes made Saveck realize how far he had come since the beginning of the war. The demons which he thought had left him were still here, whispering at the back of his mind, quietly re-fueling the hatred and prejudice which had lain dormant for the last several years. A part of him needed this alliance to break down, needed desperately a renewal of the conflict. That was the way it was supposed to be. The Chrisarii and the Federation were meant to be enemies, and the war would never truly be over until one had fully conquered the other.

  The lift came to a halt, and the door opened. OpCon was waiting on the other side of the threshold, though Saveck couldn't remember inputting the command deck as his destination. Gabriel was at the ops console, talking quietly with Decev, and a palpable current of tension circulated among the officers who were at their various posts. Saveck walked down to the ops console and joined his fellow officers, feeling more anxious, more at war with himself than he had in a long, long time.