Vigilante (3 page)
Section V, Loss or Accidental Destruction, in
Elimination
Protocol attached to the Mobile Temporal-Distortion (TD)
Weapon Treaty
, 2105.164.10.22 UT, indexed by
Heraclitus 8
under Flux Imperative
D
uring the silence that followed Major
Bernard’s statement, Oleander’s hand began to cramp. She relaxed her grip on her slate.
uring the silence that followed Major
Bernard’s statement, Oleander’s hand began to cramp. She relaxed her grip on her slate.
“
Gone missing
, Major? Could you be more
precise?” There was an edge to Colonel Edones’s voice. His ears and cheeks flushed. She thought
the reaction made him look more human. When the coloring faded, he was his bland politic self
again, with frightening secrets hidden behind cold blue eyes.
Gone missing
, Major? Could you be more
precise?” There was an edge to Colonel Edones’s voice. His ears and cheeks flushed. She thought
the reaction made him look more human. When the coloring faded, he was his bland politic self
again, with frightening secrets hidden behind cold blue eyes.
“Perhaps Colonel Ash could explain. After all, we’re speaking about a
weapon in
his
inventory.” Major Bernard glanced sharply at the
closest Terran, who had no name tag.
weapon in
his
inventory.” Major Bernard glanced sharply at the
closest Terran, who had no name tag.
“There’s a warhead package on our inventory that hasn’t been identified
through physical inspection.” Ash had an unremarkable face, made more colorless by his lack of
expression.
through physical inspection.” Ash had an unremarkable face, made more colorless by his lack of
expression.
“Are we talking about a separated Mark Fifteen package, a Mark Fifteen
warhead, or a Mark Fifteen installed in a Falcon missile?” Edones asked.
warhead, or a Mark Fifteen installed in a Falcon missile?” Edones asked.
“I’m not authorized to release that information to you.”
At Ash’s response, Major Bernard rolled his eyes. The Terrans didn’t
display any emotion and Oleander reminded herself that many Terran officers were trained in
somaural
projection; Ash probably had the ability to hide his
feelings, as well as to subtly communicate commands to his subordinate.
display any emotion and Oleander reminded herself that many Terran officers were trained in
somaural
projection; Ash probably had the ability to hide his
feelings, as well as to subtly communicate commands to his subordinate.
“The inventory lists it as a package,” Bernard said.
Ash barely inclined his head. Apparently he would allow Bernard to
provide the information.
provide the information.
“Colonel Ash, you
are
authorized to release
inspection-related information to us,” Edones said. “The Elimination Protocol of the treaty
allows us to investigate the loss or destruction of a weapon. Besides, we’ve signed agreements
to protect your classified material with equivalent Consortium procedures.”
are
authorized to release
inspection-related information to us,” Edones said. “The Elimination Protocol of the treaty
allows us to investigate the loss or destruction of a weapon. Besides, we’ve signed agreements
to protect your classified material with equivalent Consortium procedures.”
“Section five covers loss or destruction by accident. This is probably a
clerical error in the records,” Ash said.
clerical error in the records,” Ash said.
“Is that the Terran euphemism for a
prime
fuckup
?” The words suddenly spewed from Captain Floros’s mouth. Throughout the
conversation, she’d looked like a smolder ing volcano.
prime
fuckup
?” The words suddenly spewed from Captain Floros’s mouth. Throughout the
conversation, she’d looked like a smolder ing volcano.
Oleander looked down to hide her smile. Floros’s outburst was
inappropriate, but it had the unexpected effect of relieving tension in the room. Everyone
around the table relaxed, including the Terrans, if only to act offended.
inappropriate, but it had the unexpected effect of relieving tension in the room. Everyone
around the table relaxed, including the Terrans, if only to act offended.
“Captain, please.” Colonel Edones’s tone was mild.
“Sorry, sir.” Contrary to her tone and words, there was no apology on
Floros’s broad face.
Floros’s broad face.
“Colonel Ash, AFCAW has every right, on behalf of the Consortium, to
investigate this missing item even if it proves to be a paperwork problem,” Edones said.
“Please don’t make me go back to my superiors for endorsement and justification. They would
immediately contact your commander, which would embarrass you much more than me.”
investigate this missing item even if it proves to be a paperwork problem,” Edones said.
“Please don’t make me go back to my superiors for endorsement and justification. They would
immediately contact your commander, which would embarrass you much more than me.”
Edones’s threat to end Ash’s career was so smooth and unyielding that
Oleander shivered. She hoped she never ended up on Edones’s bad side—never, ever. Ash’s
emotionless mask slipped and uncertainty showed, but for only a moment.
Oleander shivered. She hoped she never ended up on Edones’s bad side—never, ever. Ash’s
emotionless mask slipped and uncertainty showed, but for only a moment.
“We’ve already reported this up our chain of command. State Prince
Hauser will be arriving within hours and he’ll be able to answer all your questions.” Ash
apparently thought he could lose the taint of incompetence by pushing all negotiations onto
someone else. His plan might work, or it could cover him with career-ending grime.
Hauser will be arriving within hours and he’ll be able to answer all your questions.” Ash
apparently thought he could lose the taint of incompetence by pushing all negotiations onto
someone else. His plan might work, or it could cover him with career-ending grime.
“Fine. I’ll wait for your SP. We’ll require quarters near the inspection
team.” Edones’s gesture included Oleander.
team.” Edones’s gesture included Oleander.
Ash nodded.
“Lieutenant, tell the
Bright Crescent
we’ll
be here at Teller’s Colony for an indefinite period of time.”
Bright Crescent
we’ll
be here at Teller’s Colony for an indefinite period of time.”
“Yes, sir,” Oleander responded briskly, and restarted her slate, but her
heart sank. She might be on this Gaia-forsaken rock for a while. If this “small additional
duty” dragged on too long, it might attract the notice of the Directorate’s personnel
management. Rumors said that once the Directorate of Intelligence snagged you for an
assignment, your operational career was finished. She liked working in plain, straightforward
Operations. At least the rules were fixed and written. Hell—at least there
were
rules.
heart sank. She might be on this Gaia-forsaken rock for a while. If this “small additional
duty” dragged on too long, it might attract the notice of the Directorate’s personnel
management. Rumors said that once the Directorate of Intelligence snagged you for an
assignment, your operational career was finished. She liked working in plain, straightforward
Operations. At least the rules were fixed and written. Hell—at least there
were
rules.
Master Sergeant Joyce stepped onto the
Aether’s
Touch
with a confidence that filled the corridor and implied he owned the deck under his
feet. He seemed much bigger in person than on video; being so perfectly proportioned, his sheer
muscular bulk couldn’t be realized until one stood in front of him.
Aether’s
Touch
with a confidence that filled the corridor and implied he owned the deck under his
feet. He seemed much bigger in person than on video; being so perfectly proportioned, his sheer
muscular bulk couldn’t be realized until one stood in front of him.
Ariane saw Matt take an involuntary step backward as Joyce stepped
through the airlock. Then Matt squared his shoulders and straightened out of his habitual
slouch.
through the airlock. Then Matt squared his shoulders and straightened out of his habitual
slouch.
“Mr. Journey.” Joyce extended his hand.
Matt shook it, but Ariane saw a familiar stubbornness set into his jaw.
Having grown up on a generational ship, Matt had the slim and wiry body of most “crèche-get.”
Standing nearly as tall as Joyce, however, he looked almost frail by contrast.
Having grown up on a generational ship, Matt had the slim and wiry body of most “crèche-get.”
Standing nearly as tall as Joyce, however, he looked almost frail by contrast.
“Good to see you, Joyce.” Ariane, at least, was honestly happy to see
Joyce.
Joyce.
“What are you doing here, Sergeant?” Matt asked bluntly.
“
Mr
. Joyce, if you please. I need a ride to
G-145.”
Mr
. Joyce, if you please. I need a ride to
G-145.”
“What?” Ariane and Matt looked at Joyce in shock, receiving only an
innocent expression in response.
innocent expression in response.
“You know that’s impossible. This ship is designed for two people and
we’ve already requisitioned our air, water, fuel—” Matt sputtered to a halt.
we’ve already requisitioned our air, water, fuel—” Matt sputtered to a halt.
“You’re not making a real-space run. You’re taking an N-space shortcut
and you’ll have plenty of resources for three people,” Joyce said.
and you’ll have plenty of resources for three people,” Joyce said.
“As long as nothing goes wrong!” Matt had grown up in real-space and
wasn’t about to short his safety margins. He and Joyce eyed each other and Ariane sensed a
testosterone buildup in the narrow corridor.
wasn’t about to short his safety margins. He and Joyce eyed each other and Ariane sensed a
testosterone buildup in the narrow corridor.
“G-145 is still under controlled access,” she said. “Our ship was
assigned an authorization key by Pilgrimage, but only for two travelers.”
assigned an authorization key by Pilgrimage, but only for two travelers.”
“I have authorization.” Joyce touched his implant and pointed to the
bulkhead. The systems on
Aether’s Touch
, still hooked into ComNet,
obligingly displayed his data on the wall.
bulkhead. The systems on
Aether’s Touch
, still hooked into ComNet,
obligingly displayed his data on the wall.
Matt’s lips pressed together as he looked at the key that had an AFCAW
priority code at the end. Ariane looked down at her scuffed boots, no longer feeling joyously
free or even interested in the conversation. As a reservist, she’d done enough active duty this
year—
perhaps for a lifetime
—and she’d hoped to leave all those
memories behind for a while. Joyce, obviously under Directorate orders for some dark military
intelligence motive, had to get to G-145 in a hurry. Matt could resist all he wanted, but Joyce
would have his way.
priority code at the end. Ariane looked down at her scuffed boots, no longer feeling joyously
free or even interested in the conversation. As a reservist, she’d done enough active duty this
year—
perhaps for a lifetime
—and she’d hoped to leave all those
memories behind for a while. Joyce, obviously under Directorate orders for some dark military
intelligence motive, had to get to G-145 in a hurry. Matt could resist all he wanted, but Joyce
would have his way.
“Why don’t you get on the next transport?” Matt asked.
“
Venture’s Way
won’t be leaving for three
more days. I need to get there faster.” Then, when Matt’s face started getting red, Joyce
added, “Wouldn’t you say you owe me for keeping quiet?”
Venture’s Way
won’t be leaving for three
more days. I need to get there faster.” Then, when Matt’s face started getting red, Joyce
added, “Wouldn’t you say you owe me for keeping quiet?”
“Eh? What do you mean?” Ariane jerked her head up to look at both
men.
men.
“Nothing,” Matt said hurriedly.
“And I’m up one for a favor, right?” Joyce turned to look down at
her.
her.
“Eh?” It was Matt’s turn to be puzzled.
Joyce was referring to the sly bookkeeping he and Ariane kept on who had
saved whose ass, and when. He was currently one up on her, but she didn’t want to go into that
history in front of Matt. As civilian employer and coworker, Matt didn’t need to know how
dangerous most of the Directorate’s missions had turned out to be. It was better that he
believe the last mission was an anomaly.
saved whose ass, and when. He was currently one up on her, but she didn’t want to go into that
history in front of Matt. As civilian employer and coworker, Matt didn’t need to know how
dangerous most of the Directorate’s missions had turned out to be. It was better that he
believe the last mission was an anomaly.
“Look, this isn’t my decision to make.” Ariane put up her hands, palms
outward. “Matt’s the owner of this ship and the equivalent of mission commander. You guys work
this out. I’ve got to get back to my undocking checklists.”
outward. “Matt’s the owner of this ship and the equivalent of mission commander. You guys work
this out. I’ve got to get back to my undocking checklists.”
As if on cue,
Aether’s Touch
announced,
“Warning: Forty minutes before service conversion. Resource charges will rise one hundred fifty
percent. Environmental system conversion procedures must be initiated.”
Aether’s Touch
announced,
“Warning: Forty minutes before service conversion. Resource charges will rise one hundred fifty
percent. Environmental system conversion procedures must be initiated.”
She turned about and sprinted toward the ladder to the control deck,
having the benefit of station gravity. Once she was back at her panels, she started bringing up
the environmental systems on
Aether’s Touch
. When they tested out
as operational, the ship could take over all environmental functions.
having the benefit of station gravity. Once she was back at her panels, she started bringing up
the environmental systems on
Aether’s Touch
. When they tested out
as operational, the ship could take over all environmental functions.
She looked up at the video portals of ship airlocks, corridors, and
compartments. Matt and Joyce were conversing intently, but not audibly, and her hand hovered
over the internal comm control for a moment. She shook her head and went back to her
disconnection procedures. Matt hadn’t asked for privacy, but he also hadn’t said she should
monitor their conversation.
compartments. Matt and Joyce were conversing intently, but not audibly, and her hand hovered
over the internal comm control for a moment. She shook her head and went back to her
disconnection procedures. Matt hadn’t asked for privacy, but he also hadn’t said she should
monitor their conversation.
“Did you tell her?” Joyce asked after Ari went up the ladder to the
control deck.
control deck.
“Tell her what?” Matt crossed his arms. “Changing the subject won’t get
you a free ride.”
you a free ride.”
“You went through hell and high water to help save her, and you aren’t
going to tell her
why
?”
going to tell her
why
?”
“I don’t remember any water.” That wasn’t quite true. For a moment, Matt
remembered the blue New Aegean Ocean of Hellas Prime as they hurtled down in a rock, or more
precisely, a reusable reentry vehicle. Matt tried to erase the memory by focusing his
irritation on Joyce. “Ari’s an outstanding pilot and a damn fine crew member. I’ve had to trust
her with my life out in new space, so why shouldn’t I go to extremes to help her?”
remembered the blue New Aegean Ocean of Hellas Prime as they hurtled down in a rock, or more
precisely, a reusable reentry vehicle. Matt tried to erase the memory by focusing his
irritation on Joyce. “Ari’s an outstanding pilot and a damn fine crew member. I’ve had to trust
her with my life out in new space, so why shouldn’t I go to extremes to help her?”
Joyce rolled his eyes. “Good to see that you’ve got a healthy amount of
denial.”
denial.”
“You’ve got less than two minutes to tell me why I should lug along
another resource sink.”
another resource sink.”
“Let’s just say that when I get to G-145, I can deal with a loose
thread, something that might be a hazard to Ari’s health.”
thread, something that might be a hazard to Ari’s health.”
“Didn’t you find Cipher’s—her body?” Matt swallowed hard. He might not
remember Cipher’s real name, but he couldn’t forget the spectacular display of her talent with
explosives. The shrapnel hadn’t reached his protected position in the hovercraft, but he’d
watched the pilot struggle to stay airborne and he’d seen Edones’s face turn to hamburger.
However much he’d hated the supercilious colonel before, he forgave Edones
almost
everything for holding on to Ari through that explosion. When they’d
pulled Ari aboard the hovercraft—
remember Cipher’s real name, but he couldn’t forget the spectacular display of her talent with
explosives. The shrapnel hadn’t reached his protected position in the hovercraft, but he’d
watched the pilot struggle to stay airborne and he’d seen Edones’s face turn to hamburger.
However much he’d hated the supercilious colonel before, he forgave Edones
almost
everything for holding on to Ari through that explosion. When they’d
pulled Ari aboard the hovercraft—
“That’s, ah, part of the problem. They
say
they stopped their search because the hillside is unstable.” Joyce’s cocked eyebrow provided
subtext:
Ari doesn’t know that Cipher’s body is missing, and neither of us
should bring up the subject
.
say
they stopped their search because the hillside is unstable.” Joyce’s cocked eyebrow provided
subtext:
Ari doesn’t know that Cipher’s body is missing, and neither of us
should bring up the subject
.
Matt reran Joyce’s words in his mind. “What do you mean they stopped the
search? Who are ‘
they
’?”
search? Who are ‘
they
’?”
“Leukos Industries froze AFCAW out. We’re not getting cooperation from
the civilians investigating the bombing on the Demeter Reserve. This might be because Mr.
Leukos has a strange aversion to Colonel Edones.”
the civilians investigating the bombing on the Demeter Reserve. This might be because Mr.
Leukos has a strange aversion to Colonel Edones.”
“I’m not surprised, nor do I believe he’s alone in his feelings,” Matt
deadpanned. “But what does this have to do with G-145? You should be on Hellas Prime if you’re
interested in what happened to Cipher.”
deadpanned. “But what does this have to do with G-145? You should be on Hellas Prime if you’re
interested in what happened to Cipher.”
“We think she might still be alive. If so, she’s too smart to stay on
Hellas Prime. She blew a hole in Karthage Point and took over the habitat environmental
systems, and Karthage was
military
.”
Hellas Prime. She blew a hole in Karthage Point and took over the habitat environmental
systems, and Karthage was
military
.”
“I’ll agree she’s dangerous,” Matt said. “But I’m still waiting for the
connection to G-145.”
connection to G-145.”
“I’m meeting someone there who knows part of the Karthage puzzle and the
meeting is—constrained, both by time and place.” Joyce cleared his throat. “This person might
help us get a fix on Cipher.”
meeting is—constrained, both by time and place.” Joyce cleared his throat. “This person might
help us get a fix on Cipher.”
“You’re meeting with a TEBI agent.” Matt grinned as he watched Joyce
raise his eyebrows. Of course, he’d give the balls off the Great Bull itself to go back to the
time when he didn’t know the acronym for the Terran Expansion League’s Bureau of Intelligence.
“I’ve picked up more than you realize, Joyce. If you discount rich Mr. Leukos with his
mysterious background, there aren’t too many others who know about Ari.”
raise his eyebrows. Of course, he’d give the balls off the Great Bull itself to go back to the
time when he didn’t know the acronym for the Terran Expansion League’s Bureau of Intelligence.
“I’ve picked up more than you realize, Joyce. If you discount rich Mr. Leukos with his
mysterious background, there aren’t too many others who know about Ari.”
“And what, exactly, do you know?” Joyce’s eyes were sharp.
“I know enough. Those were Terran intelligence agents who abducted and
tortured Ari, while we dithered because Edones couldn’t risk the precious Pax Minoica.” His
mouth snapped shut.
That’s the one decision I’ll
never
forgive Edones for making
. He also wouldn’t admit to knowledge of Ari’s
background; she was one big snarl of secrets that he wasn’t supposed to know, and couldn’t
accept knowing. For instance, whatever involvement she’d had in the Ura-Guinn detonation . . .
He blinked hard and refocused on Joyce.
tortured Ari, while we dithered because Edones couldn’t risk the precious Pax Minoica.” His
mouth snapped shut.
That’s the one decision I’ll
never
forgive Edones for making
. He also wouldn’t admit to knowledge of Ari’s
background; she was one big snarl of secrets that he wasn’t supposed to know, and couldn’t
accept knowing. For instance, whatever involvement she’d had in the Ura-Guinn detonation . . .
He blinked hard and refocused on Joyce.
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