Shedding the Past, page 17
part #8 of Coalition Series
“Yes, I have. It was actually Sofia who suggested I brief you prior to the public release, and now, I’m glad she did.”
Frazier raised his eyebrows, again surprised at El’Jyiurma’s willingness to openly admit something wasn’t her idea. It certainly wasn’t what he was used to from people in leadership positions, but the Serpentes were brutally open about such things. The good ones, at least.
“I assume Minister La’Kema will give the other Serpentes on the planet a heads up as well?”
“Yes, he will. If you have concerns about your investigation, I can delay the release of the information, but I would prefer not to delay it for long. It has been secret for far too long already.”
Frazier sighed, leaned back in his chair, and rubbed his chin as he considered. Normally, when talking to another system leader, he would maintain a professional appearance, but he had become comfortable enough with El’Jyiurma to let his guard down. A little.
“Honestly, I would probably sit on this as long as I could if I were you. It’s to your credit you’re ready to get it out there quickly. If you can give me a week, my time, we should be able to wrap up as much of our investigation as we can and arrest those we have charges for. On Gieliv, most of these people haven’t actually committed a crime yet.”
“I understand. I see no trouble delaying another week. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of our beings.”
“It’s no less than I’m sure you would do, Your Majesty.”
“With that out of the way, there is another issue I would like to broach. I would like to have some of our personnel trained by your technology experts. Specifically, those such as Lieutenant Jarvis.”
Frazier wracked his brain. He knew that name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it.
“He was instrumental in finding the location of the Gnevusin home world,” she said, when Frazier didn’t respond.”
“Ahh, right. Sorry. I don’t see an issue with that, but I’ll bring it up with General Stevens, and he can pass the request down to the specialist schools. They’ll have to make the decision on their side.”
“Thank you. And if there is anything we can do for you, Mister President, please do not hesitate to ask.”
So he didn’t forget, he immediately sent a message to General Stevens about the queen’s inquiry into technical training for her beings. Then he sent a separate message, including the intelligence leadership, to get a briefing on the situation with the resistance. He wasn’t ready to tell them why, but they needed to act quickly. He wanted Merritt in custody before the news broke.
* * *
“Attention all Cadets, this is Fleet Admiral El’Kashtri. Effective immediately, Admiral El’Arta has been dismissed as the commander of the Capital City Naval Academy. Commander Vi’Uku will assume interim command of the academy, pending appointment of El’Arta’s replacement. Classes are canceled for the next two days while administrative planning is taken care of. That is all.”
Shawn and Melissa’s jaws both dropped as the message that had been broadcast throughout the academy ended.
“He doesn’t mess around,” Melissa said.
Shawn shook his head. He’d studied El’Kashtri’s career, as he’d studied most prominent commanders in the navy.
“No, he doesn’t. He came up through the ranks pretty quickly after the Gnevusin attacked Strorix.”
“I suppose you know about the new commander too?”
“Commander Vi’Uku? Of course! He’s the fleet admiral’s XO and tactical officer on the Exzisa.”
She held up her hand, and he stopped what was about to be a dissertation on Vi’Uku’s career.
“I get it,” she said, with a grin.
He chuckled and shrugged. “What can I say? I study those I want to emulate.”
“I’d say this calls for a celebration. Drinks at The Vault? My treat.”
“Sure, why not.”
As they walked through the corridors of the academy, they passed Vi’Jyara, who was being escorted by a Dendro and a Lampros. Shawn stepped to the side and instinctively pushed Melissa behind him. As the group passed, Vi’Jyara glared at Shawn and rattled his tail.
“Don’t even think about it,” the Dendro said.
Vi’Jyara kept moving but turned his head to keep Shawn in his sight until they rounded a corner.
“Well, I guess we know what’s next,” Melissa said. “And I really don’t need a bodyguard.”
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay…it’s sweet, in a naïve spacer boy sort of way,” she said and grinned to take the sting out of the remark.
“Come on, I think I really could use that drink now.”
“Same here. I’d say we probably have more to celebrate, too,” she said as they continued out of the academy.
They walked in silence the few blocks to The Vault, and Shawn looked to the horizon at the setting sun. He saw it as a metaphor for the end of a troublesome time. Tomorrow’s sun would rise on a new day and a new feeling of safety at the academy. The culture really was changing, and El’Kashtri was proving he was aligned with the queen’s vision of equity in the navy.
“Strorix to Shawn,” she said. “We’re here.”
He blinked rapidly and shook his head. “Sorry, just thinking about what tomorrow might be like.”
“Better, I’d say. Now come on, I’m thirsty.”
Shawn chuckled as they walked inside. It seemed more and more humans had discovered The Vault, and it was bustling with activity.
“Hey, you two,” Kelly Oliver said as she walked by with a tray full of drinks. “Be right with you. I think you might find a seat over there,” she said and pointed to a booth along the wall.
He looked over and saw someone already sitting there, but Melissa smiled and motioned for him to follow.
“Come on. I know him. He’s good people.”
The man rose as they approached, and Melissa hugged him tightly. “Clyde! What are you doing in Capital City?”
“In town on business,” he said, with a smile.
“Clyde, this is Shawn. Shawn, Clyde. Clyde’s a friend from back home,” she said and gave him a meaningful look.
“I see. Nice to meet you, Clyde,” Shawn said and extended his hand.
They shook, and Clyde gestured to the table. “Care to join me?”
“Sure,” Melissa said and slid into the booth. Clyde sat beside her, and Shawn sat on the other side, facing them.
“Don’t you two have classes tomorrow?” he asked after Kelly came by and took their orders.
“Not anymore,” Melissa said. “Admiral El’Arta just got sacked, and I think there’s more to come.”
Shawn raised his eyebrows. He wasn’t sure if that information was supposed to be public yet, but it was now.
Clyde nodded. “El’Kashtri, I guess?”
“Yep.”
Shawn shifted in his seat, feeling a bit uncomfortable. Shawn had grown to like and trust Melissa, but the addition of someone he didn’t know to the conversation was unexpected. Rationally, he knew he had to get used to it, especially since he would be serving on a ship with many beings he didn’t know well, but he was still working on it. Being at the academy had helped, but he and Melissa, and Bruce when he had been there, had mostly stayed to themselves as the only humans there.
“I wish Bruce had stuck around.”
“I know,” Melissa said. “But he wasn’t cut out for it. You, on the other hand…”
“What?”
“You should have seen yourself in the simulation.”
“Simulation?” Clyde asked. “Nice.”
“Oh yeah. Cadet Savage was put in command of our first sim and did amazing.”
Shawn shrugged. “I’m sure you would have done the same.”
“Hah! I have no such aspirations.”
“You’ll get put in the seat, eventually, you know.”
“I know, but it’s not my thing. I don’t want that responsibility.”
“Don’t underestimate how important communications are,” Shawn said.
“Oh, I know, I know. But, still,” she said with a shrug. “Anyway, how are things back home?”
“About the same as always,” Clyde answered, with a shrug. “I heard about some new imports from Gieliv and wanted to come to Capital City to try ‘em out before we order them,” he said and held up his half-empty glass.
“Melissa tells me you pretty much grew up on stations?”
Shawn nodded, feeling slightly more at ease as the minutes ticked by.
“Yeah. My parents work in the yards.”
“Must be something, seeing those big ships up close.”
“It is. I even went on board a Rilu last time I went home.”
“Nice! One of the old ones, I guess?”
“Right. The new ships aren’t here yet, but I can’t wait to see them. The simulator is great, but, the real thing…” he said with a grin, his discomfort fading completely away as they got into topics of conversation that stoked his passions.
“Dream come true, huh?” Clyde asked.
“You have no idea!”
“Oh, I think I do,” he said, with a grin, and glanced at Melissa.
There was a moment of silence as they finished their drinks. Shawn could feel Clyde staring at him, almost like a predator considering prey.
“You think he’s ready?”
“Clyde, not now.”
“What better time?”
He stood up. “Come on, Shawn. There’s something I want to show you.”
Shawn’s eyes widened as he realized what was happening. This was about The Underground Melissa had told him about. He wasn’t sure he wanted to get any deeper into it, but he also felt like he didn’t have much of a choice. He’d done some research in the little bit of downtime he had, and he had determined that the gathering of information, through legal means, didn’t break any laws or military codes. So, technically, there was nothing wrong with it. Still, the secrecy made him uncomfortable.
“Okay,” he said and stood, looking pointedly at Melissa.
She looked down at the table for a second, then nodded and slid out of the booth.
Kelly smiled at them as Clyde led them into the kitchen and down a set of stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, he opened the door and passed through, holding it open for Shawn and Melissa.
Shawn walked in slowly and looked to each side to make sure no one was waiting for them. Once he was sure they were alone, he took in the contents of the small room. It was simple, with two desks set up with data terminals and a table that would seat no more than four comfortably. He stood with his back against the wall while Melissa walked in, and Clyde closed the door behind her. There was a sudden change when the door closed, and the noise and music from The Vault was silenced.
“As you might have guessed, this is The Underground location in Capital City,” Clyde said as he sat down at the table. “I know you haven’t agreed to join us, and that’s okay. As I’m sure Melissa has explained, we’re not doing anything illegal, but I’m sure there are more than a few who wouldn’t like what we do. Given what you’ve been through, I’m sure you understand.”
Melissa walked over to sit at the table but didn’t look up at Shawn.
Shawn crossed his arms over his chest. “What do you want?”
“Just to talk. That’s it,” Clyde said and gestured toward a chair. “I’m curious about some things, and I’d like to include some of what you’ve observed in our data set. Melissa told me you’ve got some pretty interesting notes but didn’t say what.”
“Really,” he said but didn’t move to accept Clyde’s invitation.
Melissa looked up at him with a pained expression. “I’m sorry, Shawn. We were going to talk to you in a few days. I didn’t know Clyde was going to be here tonight; I swear. I was going to ask you if you would be okay talking to him, but…” She sighed and shrugged.
Shawn considered as he looked at them. Hadn’t he wanted to know he wasn’t the only one with all these questions? Now, he knew, and he was being given the opportunity to talk about them with someone other than Melissa. Potentially, lots of people who might have differing points of view.
“I don’t have my tablet with me, but what do you want to know?” Shawn asked as he joined them at the table.
* * * * *
Chapter 16
President Frazier looked at the two men on the teleconference. On one side, General Stevens, on the other, Edward Rivera, his head of intelligence.
“Where are we, gentlemen?”
“I believe we’ve identified the other mole here at Fort Linia, sir. He’s in operations and logistics, so he would be able to gather a lot of intel. We’re ready to bring him in any time.”
“How confident are you he’s the only one?”
“About as confident as we can be, sir. We’ve worked with Ed’s team for an outside opinion, and we’re confident he’s it. At this base anyway.”
Frazier frowned. “You’re not filling me with confidence, Bryan.”
“We haven’t had much time, Mister President,” Rivera said. “We’re still following up on leads around the planet, plus those who have left the system for Strorix or Neithea. It takes time.”
“I know, I know. But we’re on the clock. I can’t go into why, but we need to move fast. Within the week.”
“A week?” Rivera protested. “All due respect, but that’s crazy. That’s not nearly enough time to finish gathering and analyzing the intelligence.”
Frazier held up his hand to stall further protests.
“I know, but it’s what we have. There are external factors I can’t bring you in on that are forcing our timeline. What I will say, is that it’s imperative we have as many operatives as possible in the field and ready. Now.”
Stevens shook his head. “Sir, you’re really tying our hands here. We’ve already discussed the fact that other than those in the military and Merritt, no one has committed a crime.”
Rivera nodded in agreement.
“I know, and I’m sorry, but it’s beyond my control. I’ve told you as much as I can.”
“We’ll do our best,” Rivera said. “But no promises.”
“I understand. That’s all I can ask. Has Ulmer continued to be forthcoming?”
“Oh, yes. He’s an open book, I’m told,” Stevens responded. “I don’t know what got to him, but he’s done a complete 180 and is telling us everything he can, even though all he’s doing is digging his own grave deeper and deeper. I assume he’s hoping for leniency because of his cooperation.”
“My people tell me they think he truly had a change of heart,” Rivera added.
Stevens shrugged. “He killed someone. That seals his fate in my book.”
Frazier waved the discussion away. “The courts will decide all that. How many people do we have on the list now?”
“Sir, I’ve got every agent we have trained in field ops out and some that are just barely trained. At this moment, I have 50 teams across the planet actively conducting surveillance on over 120 possible targets but, as General Stevens said, very few of them have done anything that breaks the law. We’re just now getting undercover agents into place.”
“I’m afraid we don’t have that kind of time, Ed. When can we bring the ones that have broken the law into custody?”
“Just give the word. My teams can move at a moment’s notice.”
“Okay. I want you two to coordinate that. If you even think they might have done something illegal, bring them in for questioning. I’m not suggesting we make new laws on the fly,” he said quickly when he saw that Rivera was about to protest. “But anyone who might know something about someone who has is a person of interest.”
“You know the GBN is going to eat this up,” Stevens said.
Frazier nodded. He was preparing for that already. The Gieliv Broadcasting Network was typically impartial, but they latched onto anything that screamed conspiracy with vigor, especially their star reporter, Maxine Hanson.
“I know, and we’ll have to be ready to respond to anything they throw at us. Make sure everything is as clean as possible. I’ll leave the coordination of timing to you two.”
“Yes, sir. We’ll be in touch.”
* * *
Through the afternoon and into the evening, El’Kashtri spoke to and dismissed several cadets, as well as Vi’Jyara. He had sent Vi’Uku to another office to review complaints and reports at the other academy branches around the planet. He was surprised there had only been four to dismiss, though it was possible there were some he had missed. They would spend the next two days diving deeper to try to root out any further threats to the stability of the navy before classes resumed. Vi’Pavema was released from the cooler and was recovering in her quarters.
He had also briefed Queen El’Jyiurma on the status of the academy. Though it was his purview, the briefing was a courtesy since he felt there might be repercussions, especially when she went public with the information on the past relationship between humans and Serpentes.
“Fleet Admiral, Commander Vi’Uku to see you,” the new Thamno assistant he had brought in said over the intercom.
“Send him in. Thank you.”
Vi’Uku slid in and coiled to attention.
“Rest, Commander. What news?”
“There is one location that bears examination more closely. The rest appear to have taken their tasks seriously and dismissed those who caused problems.”
“That is reassuring. Thank you. Will you be comfortable taking care of things here while I go deal with that?”
“Of course, Fleet Admiral.”
El’Kashtri studied Vi’Uku for a moment and pondered the situation again. Vi’Uku was an excellent executive officer and a better tactician. El’Kashtri wondered if he had held back Vi’Uku’s progression because he didn’t want to lose him, but times were rapidly changing, and even he would have to make sacrifices.
