by Chris Hechtl
The software broke down the final product into a series of folds on a flat sheet and created crease patterns that looked like polygons. The Terran Tomohiro Hitachi, a 21st century scientist had pioneered it by working with other scientists and studying the folding patterns found in nature. The software was a great tool, and it helped introduce his students into hyperspace navigation or other fields if they so desired.
Take for instance protein folding he thought. Learning the techniques involved and applying them in gene sequencing computers had not only sped up genetic engineering and made the creation of Neos possible, but it had also allowed Terrans to inhibit viruses and to tons of other things. The folded proteins fit like a lock and key. It allowed the scientists at the time to create a recipe from the computer simulations and lists to test in the real-world.
Applying the technique allowed Terrans to revolutionize their pharmacology. It had allowed them to build new drugs tailored to a specific task. Protein folding had the added benefit of making genetic engineering cheap, which terrified some Terrans. So much that they had thrown out so many laws that it had driven companies like Lagroose into space to get around them.
To be fair, it was and still is a scary technology he thought as his true fingers kept moving and folding. One could use the software to simulate the packing of any sort of DNA genome and test it. DNA for anything including bioweapons.
“You know, engineering uses folds for some stuff, but most of the time, we don't want something to fold,” Admiral Zekowitz said as he observed the Veraxin's progress.
“I know, sir. And logistics people prefer Tetris.”
Zek snorted. “That explains a lot. But after seeing some packages I've received, I've always wondered if they had folded them.”
The bug chittered in amusement.
“Is this linked to other things?”
“Linked, sir?” the lieutenant asked, pausing his folding.
“The origami,” Zek said. He snorted as the Veraxin froze. “Oh, don't give me that. I know it's tied to a lot. I read your original syllabus. Is it tied to hyperbridges?”
The bug signaled first-degree uncertainty. “I don't know to be honest.”
“A bit out of your league?” The Veraxin signaled second-degree agreement. “Mine too,” Zek said pensively. “I always wondered if the ancients really did engineer the hyperbridges or not.”
“According to the history books, they did.”
“You are referring to the hyperspace war? A lot of that has devolved into myth and legend. You can't believe half the stories told about that time period. I mean, really?” Zek shook his head.
“I know,” Lieutenant V'l'r said as he finished the dragon and then set it on the table. It was a Chinese dragon in red; the scales had been printed and even the antler horns were there. The eyes were a golden color.
“Impressive,” Zek said, poking at the dragon. “We got your supplies in by the way. I know that's why you are really here,” he said teasingly.
“Am I that obvious?” the lieutenant asked as Zek indicated a pair of boxes by his door.
“Only to me and to some others watching you. I know you've been buying the supplies out of your own pay. I also know you had to do that after the commandant came down on you for having them in your budget.”
“Sometimes I don't know why I'm even bothering,” the lieutenant said, signaling first-degree disgust and exasperation.
“Have faith. These kids are the navy's future. Remember that,” Admiral Zekowitz said. He looked up to see Doctor Bullettine on his HUD. His filters had popped with anything about Horatio or the trial.
“Hang on,” he said. He reached out with his implants and turned the vid screen on and then directed it to the proper channel.
He cocked his head as he listened to the doctor's statement from Horatio. Slowly he nodded.
The Veraxin swiveled his eyestalks to the screen as he gathered up the boxes. “I appreciate the sentiment, I really do. But I doubt any of the powers that be will.”
“I know,” Zek sighed, waving a hand in dismissal.
@
Omar caught the repeat of the psychologist's statement. “See? See? Why isn't he being censored for crap like that?” he demanded, pointing to the offending screen.
“Because, it's not related to the trial. It is a simple statement, and it is to our benefit,” Admiral Shren replied patiently from the screen nearby.
“Don't do anything stupid, Omar, just let it go. He's right,” Sherman said.
Omar worked his jaw but then waved it off.
@
Doctor Fara Windswept saw Doctor Bullettine's impromptu statement to the press. She had also heard about the prosecution making a big deal out of Tesla and Marconi Stations. “Now is the time,” she said to the others.
“Are you sure?” Doctor Bright Petal asked dubiously.
“If we come out and explain it, it will throw more chaos into the mix,” Morgan Tanaka warned.
“I'm offering to testify,” Fara insisted.
“In court, not making a public statement?” Doctor Bright Petal asked. Fara turned and nodded to her. “Well, they could and probably will suppress it.”
“I'll make a public statement to the press afterward,” Fara insisted.
“So be it. I suppose you can't make it any worse than it is,” Morgan said with a shake of her head.
“Wanna bet?” Bright Petal asked.
@
“He should resign. For the good of the service …,” Admiral Sung said the following morning. They'd just caught Logan's statement by proxy on the morning news. She shut the feed off.
“He being Childress?” Admiral Callisto asked carefully as she sat and sipped at her drink.
“Yes,” Helen replied. “For that matter, we all should.”
“He won't. We tried. He's pigheaded to the extreme. And unless Draken does something, we're stuck with both of them.”
Helen shook her head. “Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack I'm afraid,” Jean replied. “It's the way they set it up—mutual assured destruction. If either of them goes after the other, all the nasty files they buried come to light.”
“So, if they die in a shuttle accident, that's okay. But no one will lift a finger to stop them?” Helen demanded as she picked at her breakfast.
“Don't even suggest arranging an accident,” Jean said darkly. Helen put her hands up in self-defense. “They've got powerful patrons and are patrons themselves. They've replaced people with people that are loyal only to them—you and I for instance,” Jean stated. Helen grimaced as that shot sunk home. “My own patrons are loyal to them, so by extension, I am I suppose,” she said sourly.
“And now me too. Joy,” Helen muttered. “We're tied to a sinking ship. He's put so many holes in the decking we're going down. And the faster he thrashes around and shoots, the more holes he puts in to the deck.”
“Right.” Jean agreed as she shook her head. “Just keep your head down, do your job, and pray for that shuttle accident.”
Helen nodded but then opened her mouth to begin to ask something. Jean held up a restraining hand sternly, playful look suddenly gone. “Don't. Don't even joke about it. The walls have ears and eyes. We're all being watched. So, it's just a joke. Got it?”
Helen felt her back itch. She fought for self-control and kept the urge to hunch her shoulders and look around for the hidden cameras and microphones in check, barely. “Yes, ma'am.”
“Good. Now, about that Commander …”
“Thistle? You can't have him. I didn't realize how good he was. I know I said I'd do it, Jean, but I was going to do it to get him out of my hair after the debacle with the bomb plot crap. But I've since seen his quality. He was sullen for a little bit, but he took the reaming in stride and is back in fine form. He technically should be promoted, but I can't and won't put him on the next list with his recent track record. N'r'm'll would just laugh at me.”
“
I know. But he's also an engineer and has a lot of transfers on his record. I know how good he is with you, but paper pushers are a dime a dozen, Helen. He's a natural engineer. He's a yard dog, and I need managers of his caliber. And since he knows your side inside and out, he'd fit right in. Besides, he's due for a rotation—overdue.”
“No, sorry,” Helen replied, hiding a smile behind her cup.
“Damn it …”
“I'll do a lot for you, Jean, but not that. Pick someone else.”
“He was the one I wanted!”
“I know. Pick someone else.”
“We had a deal, Helen,” Jean grumped.
“Pray I don't alter it further.”
“How can you do that? Alter one side of a deal? I already paid up, remember?”
“Pity about that.”
“You realize I'm not going to be so forgiving the next time you come to me for a favor. I'm going to remember you reneged on me,” Jean warned.
Helen made a face as she set her cup down. “Come on, don't be like that.”
“Ah? See? You want something else I can tell but you tell me to piss off on our previous deal,” Jean shook her head. “Pass.”
“Damn,” Helen muttered.
“I've got to get going. I've got another useless meeting, this one also about personnel,” Jean said as she put her breakfast and cup on the tray.
“With N'r'm'll about your old boyfriend?” Helen asked.
“You know about that?” Jean asked as she froze.
“Who doesn't?” Helen asked, rolling her eyes. “It won't work. He's in the doghouse and will stay there the rest of his career. Besides, he's senior to you. He'd have to take a demotion to come back to BUSHIPS under you. I doubt that would happen. Give it up.”
“Well, you are full of all sorts of inspirational things today,” Jean said with a heavy sigh. “A girl can try anyway though, right?”
“Keep dreaming,” Helen replied with a snort.
@
Doctor Bullettine whistled when TAAP got the offer from Doctor Windswept. “Can we use her?” Theresa asked eyes bright. “She'd be a powerful symbol.”
“I'm not sure how wise it would be; it might backfire,” Commander Chedwiggen said dubiously.
“Why does she want to testify?” Benny asked.
“I don't know. She said she'd only tell us in the courtroom,” Doctor Bullettine said.
Benny wasn't the only one to suck in a protesting breath at that news. “Not a chance. You never put someone on the stand when you don't know what they are going to say!”
“He's right,” Commander Chedwiggen stated gravely, addressing his statement to Horatio. “This is foolish, sir.”
“Can we get a general feel of what she wants to say? I have a feeling she wants to use it as a pulpit,” Horatio said slowly.
“I can find out. I think this is one of those things that we're going to have to accept on faith or let go. Personally, I think she's tired of what is going on and wants to help.”
“How do you figure?” Theresa asked, looking at the psychologist.
“Because, she called us to testify on our behalf,” the psychologist replied with a smile. “That in itself is a good sign.”
“Make the call. But I want to vet her before she goes on the stand. I don't care what she says. It's a condition of her testimony,” Commander Chedwiggen stated.
“Agreed,” Benny said.
Horatio grimaced but then nodded in agreement as well.
@
The following day the prosecution filed a motion barring Doctor Windswept from testifying for the defense. An Article 39a hearing was called before the members were escorted into the courtroom.
“Her inclusion is both highly prejudicial and not relevant to the proceedings,” Captain Rising Tide said formally.
The judges reluctantly agreed.
Benny objected, pointing out they had only gotten the message the following day and had only recently accepted. “How could the prosecution know to object unless they are monitoring us again?” he demanded scathingly, eyeing the captain.
“Monitoring you?” Colonel Talia demanded, leaning forward, clearly incensed by the idea.
“Naval Intelligence has been monitoring us and our client from the beginning. They have attempted to break into our building, intimidate our staff, hack our computers, intimidate witnesses as you know, and have done their best to monitor every conversation with our client. They have apparently been passing on the recordings to the prosecution and to Admiral Shren.”
“You are telling me, the Judge Advocate General allowed this travesty?” the colonel said, rising to his feet to stare at them.
“Sit down, Colonel,” Admiral Thurgrad said, eyeing the marine. The marine glared at him but slowly sank back into his chair.
“Captain Rising Tide, is this true?” Admiral Silvestri demanded, leaning forward from his seat on the bench.
“The information was passed on anonymously,” the high elf replied stiffly.
“I'm not asking that. For the record, have you violated attorney-client privilege in this trial?” the admiral demanded.
“This and the previous trials. It throws his entire record into doubt,” Benny grumbled.
“As you were, Counselor. Do not throw asperities on a member of this court without evidence,” Admiral Thurgrad stated. He turned to the captain. “Captain, I'm not going to ask if this is true or not. Obviously, that would cause this trial to end. Any further such actions would end this trial permanently,” he said in a warning tone. There was only so much he would put up with, and his patience was tried to the breaking point. Ironically, it was by Childress's side. He didn't like that. He liked it even less to break openly with Childress, but there was only so much stupidity and blatant disregard for the rules that he could stand in his courtroom. Even he had his limits, and they were fast to the point of exceeding them.
“So, he gets a free pass?” Benny demanded, clearly exasperated by the idea.
“Counselor, unless you want a contempt of court charge I suggest you remain silent,” the admiral barked, glaring at Mister Cosolon. He wouldn't mind taking his ire out on the civilian defender and made that clear with his glare.
“I am not certain about this. If it is true, it puts the entire process into doubt,” Admiral Silvestri said doubtfully. He glanced at the colonel and then Admiral Thurgrad.
“I have as I said been given an anonymous tip in this case, Your Honors,” the captain stated, carefully avoiding mentioning the recordings.
“But in other times?” Colonel Talia pressed.
“I cannot confirm or deny that they happened. I am under strict orders. Such matters are deemed classified,” the high elf replied in a stiff voice as he came to attention.
“Of course they are,” Benny muttered under his breath. Admiral Thurgrad shot him a glower, so he pretended to cough in his hand.
“Any monitoring of the defense is off limits as of now, Captain,” Admiral Silvestri stated. Colonel Talia opened his mouth to object but then closed it with something like a sigh.
“I think we need a recess for an hour. Will that give you time to reassess your witness list, Counselors?” Admiral Thurgrad asked, looking at Benny and Commander Chedwiggen.
“We can move things around in that time, Your Honors,” the commander replied with a nod.
“Good. We're adjourned for an hour,” the admiral said, tapping his hand gavel and then rising abruptly. “What a frackin' mess,” he muttered as he and the other judges went into their chambers.
@
Doctor Windswept was informed that she had been denied a chance to testify. She considered her options and decided to go to the media and admit the truth; however, a seizure while she began to write up her speech stopped her cold. She was forced to rest and recover.
Chapter 41
Admiral Sherman grimaced as he continued through the daily reports. Their supporters were having an ever-increasing hard
time keeping control of the situation, despite their reports. ONI was reporting a rash of insubordination and other discipline problems, which were rampant in the fleet, especially in units that had holes in their chain of command. His supporters were barely keeping control over the situation but also papering over the problems in their own reports to keep from looking bad.
There was a near insurrection in some crossover with the civilians. Some contractors refused to deliver on their contracts without being paid ahead of time.
Things were sliding towards more of an implosion than a civil war, Sherman thought as he read Patty's latest report. The economy was grim reading all on its own.
Someone needed to talk to Omar—to make him see reason. When he saw another request for a face-to-face from Reba Childress, he grimaced and passed it on to Omar. The latest one came with an ultimatum, one he couldn't ignore for long. One way or another, Reba Childress had lost patience and was going to do something.
Who knows, maybe she could talk some sense into Omar or at least help him find a way to clean up some of the mess.
@
Reba Childress finally managed to get a meeting with her son. She wasn't amused that it was on Thebes and it just so happened to be a cold, wet, rainy day. She watched his air car drop down and then hover, kicking water spray around it before it landed.
A security team deployed, and then when one of them gave the all clear, he stepped out. He was wearing a duster but was in uniform.
“Really? We had to do this out in the open?” she demanded as an assistant helped her out of her own limo. The Neodog shook out an umbrella and held it out to her. She took it and then walked over to her son slowly but carefully. She was still stiff from some of her latest surgeries.
He didn't bother with an umbrella. The rain hit his brim and dribbled down off of it. She reached him and raised the umbrella to cover both of them. “Not quite the weather I was hoping for,” she said gruffly as a way to start the conversation.
He snorted. “Perfect for the mood I'm in,” he said, looking about them. He had picked the location. He had a second security team out of sight in case something happened. “What do you want, Mother?” he finally asked, eyes traveling back down to her.
