Space Rescue One (21 page)

      "The Council of Mars and the Venusian Parliament has offered the United Nations space stations orbiting Earth, Mars, and Venus the privilege of neutrality provided the Space Rescue Service promises to remain neutral in the upcoming…"

      Chief Dickson said, "Computer command, volume down." The monitor's volume went down almost immediately. Isaac said, "Well, it appears like the rebels are afraid of our ship and the other two. I can see why since ours have more guns and better armor than any freighter."

      "I don't think so. I think they just don't want to see the space stations destroyed by either side. They're probably thinking about trade with Earth after the war is over. If there aren't any stations, then trade isn't likely to restart very soon," Richard said.

      Isaac replied, "Well, I think they're afraid of us. What other reason is there for that offer?"

      "Maybe they just don't want us using the stations for resupply and repairs of any ships. That's an advantage Earth has over them, in addition to having more ships and the Space Rescue Service ships. Personally, I'd like to see our service remain in the rescue business. None of us signed on to be space warriors. I joined strictly to save lives, not take them. So far, I've done only that," Richard said.

      "I've got to admit that I agree with Richard on one thing. I didn't join to kill people. Making us part of the US Space Navy is an abomination of our purpose. I've already got a lawyer on Earth checking into what my rights are under the circumstances," Shelly said.

      "I thought you felt it wasn't too bad just defending the station?" Richard asked.

      She answered, "I reconsidered my position, Richard. I've got a right to do that."

      "I'm glad you did reconsider your position. I reconsidered my own position in light of what you said," Richard said.

      Shelly exclaimed, "Me?"

      "Yes, you. You asked me if I had any ideas. Well, I've got one. I was asking the Chief to convene a team meeting just before the announcement came over the Internet news," Richard said.

      "Why Richard?" asked Shelly.

      "I wanted to ask all of you if you would support me in refusing any orders to fight. Maybe I can't keep this ship out of the fighting, but there's nothing that says we have to honor our service commitments after the service was changed into a killing machine. I figure the worst they can do to us is imprison us for a few years. I'd rather spend time in prison than kill someone. At least, when I get out, I'll still have my dignity intact knowing that I didn't participate in a mass killing," Richard answered.

      Isaac said, "You might be willing to throw away your career. I'm not so sure about the rest of us. In fact, I think some of the team lacks your experience in knowing just what they're in for. They might not be ready to have people spit on them as cowards. They aren't going to be ready to have people constantly challenging them to fights. Can they stand to have their families hounded because of their conviction about what's right? If any of us marry sometime later, assuming that we're able to find someone willing to overlook our stand on principle, will our children be allowed to live normal lives?"

      Richard replied, "This isn't anything I've done before. What you're saying is probably true. In fact, I didn't think of some of those disadvantages when I made up my mind. Now that I'm aware of them, I'm still willing to refuse to fight. I'm only asking if any of you will stand with me. You don't have to decide right now. It took me some time to reach this decision, so take some time yourselves, but please let me know within the next day or two."

***

"Well, what do you think of Richard's idea?" Shelly asked.

      "It could be that Richard's still running away from his problems. I'm not sure that I can sign on with his idea. Personally, I don't think we're going to see any action. It's probably all going to be fought by the ships and not by boarding. Most likely, we're getting too nervous over what we think is the worst case scenario in which we have to act like marines. I just don't think that will happen," Chief Dickson replied.

      "You don't, Chief? Are you sure?" asked Shelly.

      "I think the Chief is probably right. At the speeds we're traveling, there's just no way for us to board the enemy. The most we might have to do is escort some prisoners to the brig," Jimmy said.

      "Well, I joined for excitement. I'm not sure about killing someone, but I'm not a coward, either. There's one thing I do know. My folks won't forgive me if I go to prison," Tim said.

      "I don't know if prison is such a good thing, either. I once read that people who went to prison rather than fight were often abused by the other prisoners. Some were even killed. That doesn't sound like much of an improvement in the odds. At least,
Space Rescue One
is heavily armored and well armed," Alex said.

***

"Damon, I need a favor," Richard said.

      "Sure Richard. What is it? You want a bottle without anyone knowing?"

      Richard answered, "No, it's much more serious than that. Besides, there's an unopened bottle in my cabin anytime I want it. I need information. You're probably the only person I can trust to get me the information."

      "What sort of information? Are you asking about who's conspiring to take over the
Space Rescue One?"
Damon asked.

      "Not exactly. I want to know who's caught in the middle. I need to know who's against fighting for both Earth and the VMA. Am I asking too much?"

      "Actually, no. Do you have something in mind?"

      "Well, I must have or I wouldn't be asking, would I?"

      "No, I guess you wouldn't, at that. Do they have to be solidly in the middle?"

      "I'd prefer that they were. I had another idea, but I failed to convince anyone. I could see it in their eyes when I made my suggestion. That leaves me little choice but to try something else," Richard said.

      "I hope you're not getting in too deep. I'd hate to see you get in trouble."

      "Trouble? I've never been out of trouble, it seems."

***

"This is Commodore Shortner speaking. So far, we haven't been called upon to do anything yet against the rebellion other than to give up some of our luxuries while we prepare our ship for war. It might be an inconvenience to double up our accommodations, but that's the only way possible for us to have enough personnel for round the shift operations of all essential positions. I know that the news has been heavily censored since yesterday, but that's a precaution to protect our lives. Similarly, you haven't been permitted to communicate freely when you want with anyone outside the space station while what you say is monitored. Again, that's in the interest of security."

      "As far as the rebellion goes, the rebels are busy preparing their own ships. Even though communications are broken between the colonies and Earth, rest assured that we're not operating in the dark. We have our sources of information to alert us as to rebel plans and actions. In the meantime, continue to study, exercise, and prepare yourselves for defending our world."

      "While most of you aren't looking forward to this upcoming fighting, I know that you'll perform your duties in a conscientious manner. I commend you for your efforts thus far and remind you that we outnumber the rebel forces in space by ten to one, now that several other nations on Earth have committed their corporate freighters to Earth's defense. The battle we expect to happen should be brief and one-sided. We shall win that battle and with it the war."

      "Remember, we terraformed those worlds to take care of our starving billions. It isn't right for a few people to steal those worlds from us for themselves so they can become rich. The food and other resources they steal should be going to your families and friends on Earth so they won't have to live their lives as poor beggars with no hope of happiness."

***

"Thanks, Damon, for coming through with the names. I think this will be enough for what I'm planning," Richard said.

      Damon said, "Uh, do you want my name, too? I'm not much in favor of fighting, either. I think that both sides should have been willing to negotiate instead of taking up arms. The United Nations idea of outlawing war in space was a good one. Now it seems like we're throwing away all our best intentions."

      "There might still be some fighting, Damon. If there is, it's going to be up close and personal. I hope that no one will be killed, but I'm a realist about this. I know that the odds are against that. I'm just hoping that only a few people get killed in order to save lots of lives."

      "I see."

      "Well? Do you still want in?" Richard asked.

      "Yeah, I might as well. I'm already suspected of being a spy for both sides by just about everyone. I really don't have much to lose," Damon replied.

      "Maybe. I do know that if we succeed, you've got a lot to gain."

***

Richard said, "Well, I understand that you don't care much for fighting on either side. Is that true?"

      "Who are you to ask?" asked the Merchant Spacemariner.

      "I'm someone who feels the same way. The only difference is that I have a plan to make it possible," Richard replied.

      "Maybe you do and maybe you don't. For all I know, you're here just to feel me out so I can be tried as a traitor. You need a lot more than just a plan to convince me to throw in with you on anything. Now, unless you've got something more to say, I suggest you move on."

      Richard reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a short, thin object. He held out his hand to the man while saying, "Maybe this will convince you that I'm sincere." Richard opened his hand for a moment before closing it.

      "You're still alive?"

      "Yes, I'm alive and I'm asking for your help. As one shipmate to another shipmate. Can I count on you to back me up?" Richard said.

      "You better put that name tag away before someone sees it, shipmate."

***

Richard said, "Okay, we're almost there. Once we get in, there's no turning back. Are you both still with me?"

      The two women nodded.

      "Then let's get into our act," Richard said.

      The two women slipped an arm around each of Richard's as they walked into Corridor One leading to
Space Rescue One,
renamed just that morning to
Earth Avenger One.
The guard at the airlock glanced at Richard's name tag and then his face. He consulted his monitor and verified the information.

      "I'll vouch for the ladies. They're partying with me in my cabin for the next few hours. Well, one of them is. I really don't want to disappoint the Commodore by not getting the other one in on time," Richard said.

      The guard said, "Oh?" as he looked at their name tags and faces.

      Richard asked, "You must be really new here. You mean you didn't know that we have sex orgies all the time?"

      "Yeah, I heard about them on Earth. I didn't believe them, though. Shows how much I knew. I thought you guys were all heroes."

      "We are, but even heroes have to unwind, pal. Think about it. If you don't agree now, you will after you've seen us in action and what we go through. Then you'll probably be amazed that we don't party all the time when we're not saving lives," Richard said.

      "Is that so? Well, I'll give it some thought. How long are they going to be on board?"

      "Well, I hope the Commodore doesn't ask me to go out and get him another so he can swing all night long. Last time that happened, I had to sleep alone because I couldn't find a third woman."

      "Rank has its privileges, huh?"

      "Yep, that still holds true, even in space," Richard said.

      "Okay, you're clear. Be sure you check with the guard when you leave since I'll probably be off shift by then. Can any of you suggest someone I might look up who's willing?"

      The woman on Richard's right said, "Try Helen Gable in Radar."

      The guard exclaimed, "Really? Thanks a bunch! Have a good time. The Commodore, too!"

      Richard entered the airlock with the two women. Inside the ship, they headed for his cabin. They entered the cabin and quickly armed themselves with weapons from Richard's chest.

      "Okay, Jill, you go after the armory. I'll cover the communications. Dawn, you return and take over the airlock. Try to avoid shooting anyone. If you have to shoot, try not to kill. We need public opinion on our side. The public will gladly forgive us for wounding someone to save lives. They won't forgive us so easily if we kill without justification. Then we're no better than anyone else. Remember, give Jill and me at least three minutes to get into position. Be ready to let in the others when I start speaking on the intercom," Richard said.

      They left his cabin unnoticed and walked casually toward their goals.

      Richard almost reached the bridge when Commodore Shortner stepped out into the corridor.

      "Technician Saber, you're looking much better lately. I guess military life is treating you better than rescue work," Shortner said.

      Richard stopped for a moment, his left hand in his pocket where he could pull his gun if and when he needed it. "I wouldn't exactly give the credit to military life. The military is slightly responsible, I'll admit. But not in the way you might think."