Echoes of War Box Set, page 90
part #1 of Echoes of War Series
“Have I ever treated you like that?”
“Not directly. Though I suspect beneath your velvet glove lies an iron fist.”
David frowned and glanced to the side. “I’ve tried to create a professional relationship with you built on respect.”
“You don’t come down here unless you want something, General. What is it?”
“To start with, I’ve got some good news. We’re lifting EMCON, so you can make a report back to Canaan.”
“There’s a but coming here. I can feel it a kilometer away,” Angie replied.
David again averted his eyes. “Yes. We need you to deliver a particular message in your broadcast.”
“Which is?”
“That the fleet is battered, many of our capital ships are damaged beyond repair, and intensive efforts are underway to save the disabled ships and their crews.”
“That’s a lie,” Angie blurted out.
“It’s not a lie. It’s deceiving the enemy.”
I can’t believe it, after all this time, he wants to use me like this? “That’s crap and you know it, General,” Angie said as her eyes flashed anger.
“I wouldn’t ask if we had any other options.”
“I don’t suppose you’d care to explain it to me?”
David shook his head. “You know it's classified.”
“If you want my help, you’re going to explain it to me.”
“I could compel you to assist me, under the War Powers Act,” David replied, but his tone indicated his heart wasn’t in the statement.
“I won’t dignify that with a response,” Angie said, her jaw set as she folded her arms in front of her.
“I’m sorry,” David began, gesturing to one of the chairs in the small office. “May I sit?” At her nod of acceptance, he sat down and faced her, making eye contact. “We believe there’s a faction within the League’s government that wants to send out its fleet to look for us. If they do, it gives us a window of opportunity to attack Unity Station. It’s a narrow one, and we’d have to act very quickly. This is the only play we have; Seville has gotten too many reinforcements for our existing fleet to win without losses so high we’d be unable to keep fighting.”
Angie leaned forward. “A pyrrhic victory?”
“Exactly. You’ve been hanging around us for too long… picking up the lingo.”
Angie snorted. “You’re not off the hook, General. You still haven’t explained what you think my report can do.”
“We’re guessing, but the intel guys think the League’s Social and Public Safety Committee wants a quick win. Seville, whatever else he is, knows his strategy. He wants us to come to him. If we release a news report, especially from a source that is decidedly straight down the middle without pro-CDF ties… it’ll be taken as valid by the League’s intelligence analysts. It could be the final straw in them sending out the hounds, as it were.”
“You’re telling me that going against everything I believe in, lying to the viewers, and breaking the code I live by, is the only way we’re going to win?”
David looked away for a moment, but Angie was gratified that he returned his gaze to her and again made eye contact. “Boiled down, that’s exactly what I’m saying. While we’re on the subject, I’m breaking the law and going against what I believe too.”
“Way to put a girl on the spot, General.”
“I don’t ask this lightly. We lost nearly fifteen thousand people two days ago.”
“Fourteen thousand, eight hundred sixty-two, to be exact.”
“Too many. We can’t leave here without their sacrifice counting for something.”
“But what about the moral cost? What if the lie comes out?”
“I can’t think about tomorrow. I’m focused on today. If it comes out down the road, so be it. We’ll clean up the mess then.”
Angie shook her head. “David, I’ve been on this beat for long enough to know the Mister Goody Two Shoes routine of yours isn’t just an act. Why are you doing this?”
David glanced down at his feet. “Because I have to. The League must be defeated. Whatever it takes.”
“And if I say no? Would you force me to at the point of a gun?”
Fire shone in David’s eyes. “That’s a line I won’t cross. If you say no, we’ll figure out something else. Or more likely, we’ll have to pack it up and head for home. At the rate Seville is gaining new ships, he’ll be able to overwhelm us in six months. This is a one and done opportunity.”
“So if I don’t go along, I’ll single-handedly cost us the war?”
“No. You’ll cost us a chance for a major victory and set the war back. Even if you agree, we still have to win. That’s far from a foregone conclusion.”
“Do you realize the choice you're forcing me to make? I either stay true what I know I should do and cause unimaginable consequences, or I sacrifice my beliefs and ideals.”
“Angie, I don’t envy your position. All I can say is I know what I’m asking. I ask nothing of you I haven’t already had to do myself.”
“And if it goes south? Who takes the blame, your officers?”
“Of course not. I would. I already entered objections from my senior staff into the ship’s log. They’re covered if we fail. I’ll do the same for you.”
“If I agree, what exactly do you want me to do?”
“We’ve got a plan to make the broadcast look as if it’s under duress. Marines armed with battle rifles and stun rounds will interrupt your report and make it look good for the camera.”
“Pure propaganda, in other words.”
“Yes.”
To his credit, he’s being honest with me. At least I think he is. “I’ll do it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I can’t live with myself if all the people who died fighting yesterday did so in vain. Especially if I can help. Someday, though, David, this is going to come back to haunt us.”
“I’ve run up a large bill with God. I fear the day He calls it in.”
Angie closed her eyes. “When do you need me?”
“Now.”
“Then let’s go before I change my mind,” Angie said with a false sense of bravado. Conflicted inside, she knew to help the military pull off what would be the most significant victory of the war was something she had to do. At the same time, turning her back on the truth was incredibly difficult. I’ve made a career out of being an honest broker and holding influential people to account. That goes out the window with this move. Isn’t lying against the Ten Commandments? Why am I even asking myself that… wow, I’ve changed.
David stood and held the hatch open. “Ladies first.”
“I can handle opening the door, General,” Angie replied, still not willing to let go of the earlier comments.
“Never said you couldn’t. My mother raised a gentleman and holding a door open is a mark of respect.”
Angie walked out of the room without another word, trying to focus her mind on the task at hand and her wildly conflicted emotions, not the least of which was the level of respect and admiration she had for David. In the months she’d been on the ship, she had grown to like how he did things. How he treated his crew and those around him was refreshing. Conflating it with his behavior just now was a difficult task.
After confirming via the communications logs that David was in his day cabin, Taylor made his way up to deck one and knocked on the already open hatch.
David glanced up from his desk and waved him in. “Come on in, Lieutenant.”
Taylor came to attention before David’s desk. “Sir, permission to speak freely?”
“Of course. Have a seat.”
Taylor sat down and stared straight ahead, almost past David. His heart was pounding in his chest. “Sir, I’d like to request permission to join Colonel Demood’s assault force.”
David raised an eyebrow and shook his head. “I’m not inclined to grant your request, Lieutenant. You’re a vital part of my bridge team, going above and beyond the call of duty you signed up for and have executed to the highest ability the position of my flag staff leader. I plan to note in your official record that you performed in the most exemplary of manner these last few days.”
Taylor swallowed hard. “Sir, with respect, the hard work here is done. My relief from the second or third shift can handle the comms duties during the battle.”
“How about this, son… tell me why you want to go.”
Hearing David address him as “son” almost brought a smile to his lips. He was only ten years older. “Sir, I’m a communications guy… I’ve avoided combat my entire career. My wife was a Marine. She died in combat, on an op.”
“So you think by volunteering you can somehow make up for that?”
“Not make up for it, sir, but maybe… even the scales. I’ve always taken the safe road. I need to stand up, I need to be counted. I shot expert in basic. I know how to fight; ask Colonel Demood. He and I spar regularly, and I give as good as I get.”
“The fact remains, you’re the single best communication, computer, and encryption asset I have on this vessel. Sending you into harm's way, from the perspective of what is best for the ship and the fleet, would be foolhardy at best.”
“Well, sir, I’d be an even better asset supporting the Marines directly, helping them hack the systems of Unity Station. Maybe I could even gain access to its weapons arrays or shielding. Help swing the battle toward us from within that station.”
Taylor could see David was considering his proposal by the way his brow had furrowed and the look of contemplation he wore. “That’s somewhat compelling, Lieutenant. There’s something I have to say to you, and this is more of a personal matter. Have you ever taken a life?”
Taylor shook his head. “No, sir.”
“You will on this mission. I don’t care where you are or what you’re doing. At some point on this mission, you’ll kill another human being. That’s something that sticks with you for the rest of your life. There’s no putting it behind you. You make peace with it, but it stays with you. Are you prepared?”
Kind of like not being there for your loved ones sticks with you your entire life. “Yes, sir, I am.”
“Very well. I’ll approve your request. Once the fleet is positioned, I’ll excuse you to join Colonel Demood’s assault. Be careful out there… this one won’t be easy.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll do my best,” Taylor said.
“Carry on, Lieutenant. Godspeed.”
Taylor stood and brought himself to attention. “Thank you, sir. Godspeed to you too, sir.” He then performed an about-face and exited David’s office. Walking back to the bridge to begin his shift, he was not at peace.
23
Justin Spencer had just sat down to eat dinner with his wife and children in what was called the private residence portion of the president’s house. The house was divided into three wings: one held the machinery of the executive branch; the dozens of advisors and staffers that ran the behind-the-scenes actions. Another was for public viewing and had daily tours open to the masses. It had always been a staple of the Terran Coalition that the seat of government was to be transparent and easily accessible to all citizens. The last was the private residence, a place where the president and his family could find solace without the pressing rigor of politics and running the government.
His steward stuck his head in the door to the family’s dining room. “Mr. President, I’m sorry, sir, but you're needed in the Oval.”
“Emergency?” Spencer asked, pained that he couldn’t share some time with his family.
“Yes, sir. They need you right away.”
Spencer stood with a look of apology toward his family. “I’m sorry. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“It’s okay, dear. I’ll have a plate saved for you,” his wife said.
With a knowing nod, he walked out of the dining room and made his way to the Oval Office, security detail in tow. Pausing outside the door to retrieve a suit jacket from a coat rack directly adjacent to it, he put the coat on before entering. Spencer was well known for not allowing anyone to enter who wasn’t dressed in business attire. The least we can do is honor those who came before by treating it with respect in all things, including how we dress.
As he walked through the door, his assembled staff, which included the secretary of defense, and General MacIntosh, stood in respect.
“Please be seated, ladies and gentlemen. What’s going on?” Spencer asked.
His chief of staff spoke up. “Sir, I think it would be better to see this in real time.” The man fumbled with a remote, and a holoprojector came to life, presenting an image that Spencer quickly realized was onboard of a CDF military vessel.
“This is Angela Dinman, reporting live for GNN onboard the CSV Lion of Judah. We’re broadcasting without the permission of the CDF. For the last several days, the military has prevented us from presenting a true account of what happened during the battle at Unity Station. The League has developed a new weapon, which the best minds in the CDF have no answer for. This weapon is a stealth mine that in military terminology allows for area denial. The joint CDF and Saurian Navy fleet took twenty percent losses in the first engagement. Over half of our fighters and bombers were wiped out. Most of the remaining ships sustained heavy damage, and we’re hiding out for fear of the League discovering our location. We believe the people of the Terran Coalition have a right to know what’s going on out here.”
As she spoke, there were muffled shouts in the background.
“It appears we’ve been found. I knew we wouldn’t get long. To whoever is watching this, make sure the truth comes out and hold the CDF to account. That’s what we try to do here.”
An explosion somewhere in the background caused sparks and debris to rain into the picture, followed by shouting and weapons fire. The feed abruptly cut out after an energy weapons discharge hit Angie in the chest.
“What in the name of God was that?” MacIntosh blurted out. “Since when does GNN put out fake news?”
Spencer went weak at the knees at the thought of what the broadcast could do to the morale of the civilian population. “I don’t know, Andrew. I’m at a loss for words.”
Secretary Dunleavy spoke up. “Sir, I think this was on purpose.”
The entire room turned to stare at him. “I don’t follow,” Spencer replied.
“We know from intelligence received previously today there’s evidence the League’s leaders want to split up the fleet at Unity Station and go looking for our forces. What better way to draw them out than a news report, from a supposedly unbiased source that says we’re on the ropes and defenseless?”
MacIntosh nodded. “It tracks, Mr. Secretary. I know General Cohen through and through. There’s no way some reporter would be able to pull this off under the nose of his security staff, and Colonel Demood’s Marines. It still presents a problem to the civilians, though. We can’t deny it. If we do, we tip off the League.”
“We also can’t confirm it,” Spencer commented. “I’m not lying to the citizens of our nation, and besides, it’s against a dozen Terran Coalition statutes for a public servant to knowingly lie to the press or attempt to spread false information.”
“Which is why General Cohen wouldn’t ask you for permission, sir,” MacIntosh interjected. “He knows you can’t approve it.”
“Which means he’s breaking the law, then,” Spencer said, not liking any of the options on the table. “But I’ll concede in light of the circumstances his actions may be justified.”
“We give General Cohen a long leash, specifically because his methods are unorthodox, Mr. President. I’ve learned to not bet against him.”
“How can we be sure that this is his plan?” Spencer asked the room.
“We’ll find out for sure when we have our next communication window with the Lion of Judah. They’re to present a final plan to attack Unity Station,” Dunleavy replied.
“What if this was just a rogue reporter, trying to harm the war effort? Or worse… a League plant?” Spencer’s chief of staff asked.
“We vetted Ms. Dinman through the same procedure we do for individuals with high-level security clearance. She’s no League agent,” MacIntosh said.
“You mean, we don’t have evidence she is. I’ve been in this game long enough to know that we’re never sure someone’s a spy until they do something.”
“Occam’s razor. It’s far more likely General Cohen has a trick up his sleeve than wild ideas about spies,” Dunleavy interjected.
“Fine. What about the fallout from this? Mr. President, we have to get in front of it, right now,” Spencer’s chief of staff said insistently.
“Would I be correct in assuming that there’s already the normal press corps gaggle in the briefing room?” Spencer asked.
“Yes, sir. The entire pool is present, shouting questions at the deputy press secretary.”
“Alright. I’ll go down there myself and talk to them. Without lying.”
“You’ll be walking a very fine line, Mr. President,” Dunleavy said, his brow furrowed.
“I know, but it’s the only thing we can do. Ladies and gentlemen, you’re all welcome to join me.”
Spencer gestured toward the door and walked out, the gaggle of advisors, military officers, and his security detail in tow.
MacIntosh made his way up to Spencer’s side and whispered sotto voce as they walked, “Mr. President, I’d be happy to give the briefing for you. If there’s any blowback, I could take the blame.”
Spencer glanced at MacIntosh with a raised eyebrow. “Since when did I ever give you the impression that I was someone who passed the buck?”
“Never, sir.”
“I’m not starting now,” Spencer responded as they quickly walked through the corridors, passing offices and causing staff members to step to the sides to allow the group through.
“I’m just an old military officer, sir. You’re our leader. I’m less important.”
“You sell yourself short, Andrew. You’re the architect of our current success. Besides, I’ve got a plan. Let’s see how it works before we go into full damage control mode.”
