Birthright: Battle for the Confederation- Turmoil Page 18

  The Marine set the box on the countertop among them and flipped open the lid, then stood back a respectful distance.

  "Sidearms in there, please," the woman stated, indicating the lockbox.

  Captain Elco raised his eyebrows. "That's new," he commented neutrally. "The sidearms are part of the uniform. Does that mean somebody doesn't trust us?"

  "Just policy, Captain," she replied with the tone of somebody who'd heard the argument before many times.

  Elco shrugged, then removed his SSK and placed it in the box and stepped aside to make room for the others. Loren was last, and he reluctantly placed his sidearm in the box as well, carefully adjusting its position and making sure the priming charge was off.

  The Marine reappeared to close the lid and lock it, then stepped over to the wall and slid the box back in among its brethren. There was a click, and Loren realized the box was now locked into place. He felt naked, a bit helpless without it. His SSK had saved his life and that of others more than once, and while he wasn't afraid to fight with his hands, it was obviously much better to shoot an enemy from a comfortable distance than let them get close enough to hit you. He kept glancing at the lockbox as they were ushered through the last doorway and beyond.

  "You're making me nervous the way you keep staring back there," Elco commented as they made it into the next hallway. "Do you think you'll be needing your SSK inside the most monitored area of the building?" To prove his point, Elco gestured towards the tiny, glossy black bumps on the wall every few arm-lengths just above head level. They were a combination of camera, audio pickup, thermal, chemical, and biological receptor. The surveillance would only get more invasive as they continued.

  Loren grumbled something again, and Elco realized it was his XO's way of biting back phrases that would be considered inappropriate by most civilized people.

  After yet more walking, they finally made it to the ornate wooden double doors of the Chairman of the Governing Committee's office. They once again entered a large reception area, though this one bustled like a hive of insects. People talked into data pads or into thin air as they used their earbud comm devices. Others were shepherding boxes, people, and other materiel around. There was an air of urgency in the place, and Loren suddenly felt on edge.

  They were greeted by one of Senator Dennix's temporary staffers, there to fill in for Enric Shae while he was in Priman space negotiating on the Senator's behalf.

  "The Senator will see you now," the middle aged Qualin male began, and turned to walk to the inner office doors, not waiting to see if the officers were following him.

  The Senator's inner office was huge, with expansive (but weapons-resistant) windows stretching almost two stories on the outer wall. His desk was immense and deeply polished. There were a series of long conference tables to one side of them on the far wall by the windows as they walked to the Senator’s desk, and what looked like a library and reading area on the other. Dark woods and fabrics lent a somber, refined air to the brightly lit room, and though Loren wasn't particularly fond of the man himself, he did have to give a nod to his interior decorator.

  A woman approached and shook their hands, then indicated comfortable looking seats in front of the Senator's desk. She was tall and attractive, and had an air of confidence that gave her authority.

  Loren recognized her as Tana Starr. Back before the battle over Anderson, a Talaran captain friend of Elco's had passed him information they'd gathered on Senator Dennix and other odd Confederation activity, and Tana Starr's name had been on the list. Captain Elco had accessed the Confed database and found her information. Everything about her checked out, even her references and past financials, part of a thorough background check performed on anyone working with the elected high leadership. Loren would still keep an eye on her.

  Ms. Starr cleared the area and sat down at one of the conference tables far away from them as the senator himself walked through a side door and over to the assembled officers.

  "Captains," Dennix began as he approached them. All the officers stood up as he earnestly shook each of their hands. "And Commander Stone," he added as he shook Loren's. Dennix looked like he'd aged faster since getting himself placed on the Governing Committee. His face had more lines in it and he seemed to move slower, like he was weary all the time.

  The senator quickly placed himself behind his desk and sat in his chair, motioning for the others to do the same. He rolled himself forward until his arms could rest easily on the desk's surface in front of him. "So, I hear you've had quite a week for yourselves."

  Since none of them was quite sure what sort of reply was expected, Captain Montari spoke for them, being the one who had been in operational command. "It was unique, to be sure," he said simply.

  Dennix nodded like that was some sort of revelation as he used his thumbs to spin the rings on his fingers. "I've read the debriefs, to be sure," he continued. "And I'll cut to why you're here. Confed needs some good news. Oh, we've managed to stalemate the Primans and force them into treaty talks, but militarily it's always good to have soldiers to hold up in front of the populace to show them what we've managed to accomplish as a people." Dennix paused for effect. "While it usually takes some time to get awards and such approved, I've asked the Navy's chief of staff to hurry along these issuances." He looked at Tana Starr, who had reappeared only a few paces behind the group with a short stack of small, flat boxes. She leaned in and set them on the desk by Dennix, then once again left the immediate area.

  "You're all getting the Silver Order of Gallantry for your part in the Lemurian operation," Dennix began proudly. It was the second highest award a soldier could receive, the highest one more often than not awarded posthumously; part of Loren resented the fact that the senator had felt the need to 'encourage' the military to hand out an award he very obviously wanted to bestow. The senator got back up from his desk and carefully picked up the stack of boxes. They were thin, polished metal, and their surfaces were almost mirror-like. Dennix approached Captain Montari first and opened the box. Inside, in a black velvet cutout, was the medal. It was a small circular disc with the words 'Gallantry, Bravery, and Honor' bevel cut into it connected to a short silver ribbon that attached to a tunic.

  Dennix presented one to each of the four officers present, but did not pin it on them. Even he realized that the honor was traditionally performed by their peers. No doubt they would pin them on each other later.

  After they'd all sat back down, the senator continued.

  "Congratulations on your victory against such overwhelming odds," he said. "The Lemurians, while not technically our allies, deserved our help. And, not to put too fine a point on it, the technology they gave us is greatly appreciated."

  Elco felt the need to speak up on that. "I don't mean to interrupt," he began, "but General Horle made it clear that while they were handing the tech over, they would be expecting to get back into the supply side much like their other products we purchase or license once their industrial base can support it again."

  "Oh, of course," Dennix replied smoothly. "Unfortunately for them, I suppose it might be some time before they are able to do so. But yes, we will stand ready to make the transition."

  Dennix once again fiddled with his rings, a nervous gesture, Loren now concluded. He was pondering something that made him twitchy.

  "While I and most others appreciate any chance to strike at the Primans, there is one small detail that we must also address," he said quickly. "You may know that while you were gone, my own closest advisor, Enric Shae, left on a diplomatic mission to the Primans to make a treaty overture. He's been gone a week now and I expect his return shortly. He was authorized to make certain offers and concessions, but due to the Primans obvious mastery of electronic emissions we haven't communicated yet. Still, I have high hopes. The problem is that some of our elected officials," he made a theatrical gesture of trying not to roll his eyes, but Loren wasn't buying it, "are concerned that the Primans will take offense to your ac
tions. In their minds, you intervened in a non Confederation matter, without authorization of the civilian government of Lemuria, against the Primans even as we were negotiating a cease-fire."

  "With respect," Captain Rese began, "are these people serious?" Loren almost grinned. Of the four people present, he would definitely put Maleen Rese at the top of the list of people who would not be afraid to call out the senator. He put himself at a very close second place.

  "I'm afraid so," said Dennix apologetically. "I don't see how it can amount to anything, but there are enough people asking about it that the Committee must acknowledge the matter. Still, I wouldn't worry about it. I will do everything I can to smooth things over. In the meantime, I've asked my aide Ms. Starr here to fill you in on what details she can regarding the issue." He stood up and once again circled his desk to shake hands, then took a few steps back. "I must be going, but Ms. Starr can answer your questions on my behalf. Once again, thank you for your stellar service to the Confederation."

  Dennix smiled and then turned, walking back out through the side door which he'd entered through.

  "I should have stayed on Avenger," Loren muttered.

  "Senator Dennix is an enthusiastic supporter of all of you," Ms. Starr began. "He very much wanted to give you those medals himself. As for the matter of the other senators, I'm told it shouldn't be much more than a formality." She beckoned them to rise from their seats. "If you'd please come with me to one of the conference tables," she continued, "someone will be in to apprise you of the details."

  They grudgingly followed her towards the indicated conference table. As they walked across the thick, ornately detailed carpeting, Loren suddenly felt like it was a sham. These were all just props in some twisted stage performance he was being forced to perform in.

  They'd no sooner sat down than two more senators walked in, accompanied by their own aides. They sat at the opposite end of the table, leaving a good ten seats open between them and the naval officers. Loren almost found it amusing, until he studied the looks on their faces. Then he was no longer feeling lighthearted.

  "Officers," the one on the left started. He was a human male, probably in his mid fifties. That should have been quite young for a human, but he looked much the worse for wear. His skin looked soft and seemed to sag, and while not exactly overweight, he was carrying extra pounds. Loren noticed it was especially noticeable in his neck. The man's neck seemed to balloon much larger around than it should have and quivered when he talked, as though it was filled with water or some sort of gelatin. He couldn't take his eyes off it, and had to make a conscious effort to look away. "I am Senator Trimball, of the Governing Committee." He indicated the equally aged looking Drisk woman on the right. "This is Senator Jax. We are here to discuss the matter of your engagement with the Primans over Lemuria."

  The four officers just sat there, knowing that this was not intended to be a two way street and that their input was neither wanted nor would count for anything. This was the sort of grandstanding that elected officials loved to do: make high-minded speeches and talk down to others who were supposed to sit there and take it. And because these were officers who were rule-followers, the senators knew they'd have to accept it.

  "The truth is that your orders were to not seek conflict with the Primans; your visit was to be a diplomatic one only. In addition, you engaged based on a request from a military officer, not the duly elected civilian government of the planet. In essence, you empowered a military coup of the planet. And lastly, the results were pyrrhic at best. You forced the Primans to withdraw, but at the expense of moderate damage to Avenger along with the loss of three quarters of her combat pilots, serious damage to Cobalt, and irreparable damage to Majestic which will necessitate her being stricken from service."

  Senator Trimball put down the data pad he'd been reading the charges from and looked at them, and Loren wryly realized why he'd been forced to leave his gun behind.

  "We were there to offer assistance," Captain Montari replied in the an unusually impassioned speech for his species, "the civilian government had been destroyed by Priman bombardment, and while I will lament the loss of life and my ship more than you will ever appreciate, that's what happens in war and it was a price I find to be justified."

  None of the other officers spoke; they agreed with the sentiment and didn't want to spoil the moment by tacking on extra words that weren't needed.

  The senators stared at the officers, then each other and exchanged some sort of look. One of satisfaction, of being right about something?

  "Regardless of your motivations," Senator Trimball continued heavily, "the fact that this happened during treaty talks with the Primans makes it a much more visible and crucial issue. If we don't investigate and take action if appropriate, it could jeopardize the tenuous cease-fire we have with them."

  "Are you saying you want to throw us under the hovercar to make the Primans happy?" Loren couldn't help but ask.

  "Commander Stone," Senator Jax finally piped up, "your best course of action, for all of you, is cooperative compliance." She said nothing more. Loren started to wonder what exactly was in store for them and if Senator Dennix had known this all along and just didn't want to get involved.

  Loren just stared at the woman, who returned his glance with a steely, arrogant one of her own. He knew she was the sort of person who loved to be in charge, and he could give a damn what she thought of him. If Captain Elco ordered him to be quiet, he would; this woman didn't get the same consideration. Not any more.

  "Moving on," Senator Trimball continued, "it's the decision of enough members of the Governing Committee that there will be an inquiry into the events over Lemuria." Everyone's eyebrows raised, and the senators could obviously tell from the body language that the officers were upset.

  "You surely know that an investigation is simply that; we will have impartial observers look into the events and render their opinion of what happened." Senator Trimball looked around to make sure they were all paying attention to him before he continued. "You have not been charged nor convicted, but the official reason for the inquiry will be that of operating outside the scope of your command and disobeying orders to remain neutral. You will not be removed from command, though under other circumstances you'd be restricted to certain movements until your ability to carry out command of a starship was verified. Since your ships are all relegated to the repair yards here anyway, that is not an issue." Trimball looked pointedly at Captain Elco next. "Though, in Avenger's case, you will be ordered to report to the yards as soon as practical for your own repairs. There's no need for you to take up a low-orbit slot at this point, so we'll have you make room as soon as you are able."

  Silence hung over the room. The officers were speechless, and the senators were done with their presentation. Nobody made to move, however, until Tana Starr spoke up.

  "Perhaps now would be a good time to follow me," she said gently to the Confed officers. A moment later and the spell was broken; they all stood and filed out. Loren made it a point to not even look at the offending senators; he couldn't tell if the other three officers had done the same.

  The walk back to the street was performed in silence. They passed out of the inner sanctum, retrieved their weapons, and left the building at a brisk walk.

  Finally, they were outside on the plaza and sought out a shaded area to collect their thoughts.

  "Wow," was all Captain Elco could bring himself to say. He looked at Loren, who simply sat there steaming in the afternoon heat. "Should I ask what's on your mind?"

  "Anything I say at this point would most likely be used at my eventual court-martial," he replied through gritted teeth.

  "The Senator is a man without honor," Captain Montari added.

  "We all know this is a sham and it won't stick," Captain Rese finally announced. "The point is, why do it at all? All they're going to do is keep us and two or eventually three (she indicated Captain Montari as she said the number, as sooner or later he'd
get a new ship and be back in the fight) ships out of the fight. Why bother with the games?"

  Captain Elco thought about that, letting ideas flit back and forth in his mind. He remembered the words of his friend, the Talaran Captain Lazaf, as he'd told him about the mysterious Tana Starr and Senator Dennix's shift in thinking and policies. Something was up, but he didn't dare talk about it in a place like this, where he was fairly certain they were being monitored. "I guess all I can say at this point is that we should head back upstairs and get back to taking care of our ships and crews," he said. It was a nice, neutral, safe thing to offer considering their recent meeting, and he realized that was exactly what everyone needed to hear. His fellow officers, as well as anyone who might be listening to them.

  Chapter Ten

  "That went well," Tana said to Dennix in his office. He sat leaning back in his chair, hands folded across his stomach, lost in thought.

  "You know by now that I am willing to do certain things in order to facilitate our deal," he said, still staring straight ahead and avoiding eye contact. "But these people aren't idiots; sooner or later somebody is going to ask why I do the things I do, and I'm going to have a hard time explaining it to them. Like this inquiry, like moving Velk to the city here, like telling the Navy to reassign the ships with the best records to out-of-the-way roles and a dozen more inexplicable things that you've told me to do." Finally, he looked at her, letting the chair's springs snap him back to an upright seating position. "But it can't last, at least not unless there are some seriously positive things also happening that I can take credit for as far as the populace goes. So, what's Enric going to come back with?"

  Starr let that hang in the air for a bit, not just to taunt him but to see how he reacted to the stress. He just stared at her, a sign she took to mean he was starting to get desperate. In that case, it was best to pacify him; she didn't need him to go out and try to make big plans of his own without her guidance.