No Remorse, page 26
“So far, everyone but a few of my closest staff think I’m putting the unit through an unplanned and unexpected deployment exercise. We do those from time to time. Often we even leave Hardrada and the other forts for battle training elsewhere on the planet. The reason I’m putting the regiment through its paces under the guise of training is due to dissension within my command staff. A few are shy of acting in the absence of orders to the point I can’t risk planning an intervention as such, lest word gets out and we become a factor in precipitating this crisis. So I improvised.”
Montero nodded in agreement. “A wise course of action, sir.”
“Of course, your news that the Guard intends to deploy under cover of a parade practice just put an uncomfortable veneer of realism on my so-called exercise. It means I must now figure out ways we can put ourselves between them and parliament without causing massive bloodshed, and their using combat cars worries me. While I can send a fully equipped infantry battalion to Hamar in a matter of hours using my organic aviation assets, getting my own armored vehicles there will take time.
“Pre-positioning them at such short notice might well alert the Guard since we always warn them ahead of time whenever we leave the confines of our military reservations. Let’s hope the Guard’s commanders will be wise enough to hold fire while the politicians sort this mess out.” Salminen sighed. “Unfortunately, the National Guard’s chief of staff, Kristoffer Karlsen, and the commander of the Hamar Brigade, Ula Brand, are People’s Alliance creatures through and through. They know their stars won’t be worth a timber wolf’s droppings if they fail their patrons.”
“On the other hand,” Rantanen said, “they and most of the senior officers enjoy little respect among the rank and file, if the Guard’s noncom grapevine isn’t spinning tales. Brand might find her soldiers reluctant to go up against Commonwealth troops, especially under leaders they don’t particularly trust.”
“While we might find ours reluctant to open fire on compatriots in Guard uniforms. Let’s pray we can stare them down long enough for the moment of greatest danger to pass with no ammo expenditure.” Salminen gave Montero a rueful smile. “That’s one of the Army’s biggest weaknesses — serving the Commonwealth’s interests on our homeworlds. We always worry about what would happen if they come into violent disagreement with Earth.”
“I think in this case, sir, you will serve Scandia’s interests as a sovereign star system by acting, even if doing so clashes with what Earth might prefer.”
“That’s the sole reason I’m actually contemplating putting my regiment and my career on the line.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you find Fleet HQ supporting an intervention. It knows of the situation. Our team, meaning Commander Talyn, Major Decker, and I, were ordered to proceed at our discretion, which is JSOC speak for take whatever action necessary to protect the most lives.”
“I won’t count on it, but thanks for the encouragement.” He climbed to his feet with a weariness that spoke of his worries. “Laila will take care of getting you settled in, assuming, of course, you plan to see this through with us.”
“Thank you, sir, and yes, I intend to stay and act as your JSOC liaison and intelligence analyst. I can also move at least a full company’s worth of armored troops faster than any of your aviation assets aboard Phoenix. Or turn her into the sort of close air support that’ll make even the bravest run for cover. There’s nothing quite like a starship doing a low altitude pass over enemy positions with its gun turrets deployed to increase the value of toilet paper futures.”
Salminen chuckled. “I’m beginning to like you, Garrett Montero.”
— TWENTY-SIX —
Trulock watched Decker and Talyn with a faintly mocking smile as they filed into the briefing room after a silent breakfast taken under the dull stares of the two goons who’d captured Zack. “I trust your night was restful. Today’s schedule will be grueling so we can make up for lost time.”
“It was adequate.”
“Really?” The mocking smile grew. “We detected heightened brain activity in both of you shortly after lights out. In your case, Major, it was off the charts and didn’t settle for hours. What were you doing, I wonder? Searching for the little control mechanism we planted in your thoughts? Don’t bother. You won’t find it, never mind purge it. Just remember that one step out of line means you die in agony and your daughter... Well, you know what will happen to her. But don’t hold back if you feel the urge to disobey. Your death and her sale into slavery would be entertaining to watch.”
Out of reflex, Decker took a quick look into himself and spotted the malignant pustule almost immediately. Once seen by his mind’s eye, it could not be unseen. He gave Trulock a lazy grin. “If you say so.”
“I do, and I’m never wrong about these things. So far, I’ve maintained a perfect score.”
“In what? Getting it right or killing people?”
“Both.” She nodded at the main display. “Now that you’ve digested the information about your targets, we’ll discuss how you’re to carry out the mission.”
Talyn shook her head. “That’s not how it works, Trulock. Assassins are free to choose their own way of doing the job, provided they stay within mission parameters. We will develop our own plans.”
“There’s no time, Commander. This happens in seventy-two hours, give or take, and we’ve already done the legwork to figure out our best course of action. That’s the one you’ll be taking since we can’t afford to let you run another recon of the targets and sites.” When Talyn opened her mouth to respond, Trulock said, “Remember what’s lurking in your partner’s brain and the consequences of non-cooperation.”
Talyn inclined her head by way of acknowledgment though her tone carried an acerbic edge. “Since it’s the only brain he has, please go ahead and tell us how we’re to kill Scandia’s prime minister and his most important backer.”
“Thank you so much for understanding your lack of options. Constant arguments quickly become tiresome. The mission, or rather the two missions are actually quite simple.” Trulock explained the plans she and Spaeth had drawn up in precise detail, using images and holo-projections to make sure there would be no misunderstandings.
Decker and Talyn digested the information in silence for several minutes. Then the Marine said, “Since you expect this to work, I guess you have people inside the SSIA and the Scandian Police Authority. Folks who won’t do their jobs properly.”
“Just so, Major. Who they are and what they do isn’t important for your purposes. It suffices that you know security around the prime minister and Alisa Berneiser will be compromised sufficiently to permit the assassinations.”
“I’m not clear on how you expect the extraction to work once we’re done,” Talyn said. “You seem to assume everything will proceed as per plan and we’re guaranteed to slip away before law enforcement shows up, which rarely happens in the real world.”
“Again, Commander, we have people in the right places to ensure you not only find your targets but escape afterward.”
“And that includes the Berneiser household?” Decker asked. “I can see how I’ll get in using my relation to Ingrid and Saga. But that place is a fortress. Once the alarm is raised, it turns into a doorless cube, and I’m a sitting duck for the Police Authority’s Special Branch shooters.”
“The plan allows ample time to leave before our people on the inside raise the alarm.”
Talyn cocked a skeptical eyebrow at the Sécurité Spéciale officer. “My partner and I don’t appear to share your sanguine view of the matter.”
“Because you don’t understand the full picture. Trust me, we don’t want you to be caught.”
No, you want us to die, Decker thought, convinced more than ever they were to become damning evidence against the Fleet. But will that be before or after the targets are dead?
Trulock stood. “If there are no further questions, we’ll start rehearsing. The SSIA has a comprehensive simulator setup here, and we’ve programmed it to replicate the conditions you can expect on Friday in every detail. Killing in this sim doesn’t give you the same rush as in real life, but it’s a close second.”
**
“Why don’t I introduce you to the regimental S-2, Major Hanson Trostorf, since you wish to help with intelligence analysis?” Rantanen suggested after Colonel Salminen retreated back into his office so he could mull over Montero’s news.
“Absolutely. I’ve never witnessed the inner workings of an Army all-sources intelligence center.”
“Then you’re about to receive an education. The S-2 activated his ASIC when the colonel ordered our deployment exercise yesterday.” She stood and came around her desk. “And he’s very particular about doing things correctly as per doctrine. But please no mention of us taking action in Hamar. Major Trostorf is one of those sitting on the fence, with strong leanings toward non-intervention. As far as he and his staff are concerned, we’re merely carrying out a bit of unplanned training, to shake the regiment from its garrison torpor.”
“Does this so-called exercise include the outlying battalions, such as the one in Vaasa?”
“Certainly.” Rantanen led him down the massive stairs, past the captured Shrehari battle standard, and into one of the building’s extensive wings. “Were you wondering whether it might help Major Decker and your commanding officer?”
“If it comes to that, perhaps. I’m trying to cover every eventuality, in case Commander Talyn is unable to retrieve Zack on her own, or is taken by the enemy herself.”
“I see. Then maybe our training exercise should include plans to capture the SSIA training center in Vaasa under the pretext it’s been seized by insurgents. You’ll not find the CO of the 3rd Battalion averse to such a thing, nor to actually carrying it out. We don’t much like the SSIA. The feeling is mutual. As federal troops, we’re beyond their jurisdiction, and they bitterly resent the notion. I’ll introduce you to the S-3, Lieutenant Colonel Birgit Carstens, later today so you can discuss the idea.”
“I’m grateful to you and your colonel for receiving me in this manner. Many units aren’t as kind to a JSOC liaison officer appearing out of nowhere.”
Rantanen’s laugh was as humorless as it was sharp.
“Scandia has been quiet since the end of the Shrehari War. Other than the odd company or battalion group deployments on offworld missions to support the Marines, we do little more than train, or help the Scandian government when a natural disaster overwhelms civilian services and the National Guard. This could well turn out to be the first time the Scandia Regiment sees real action as a whole in over seventy years even if we’re hoping it doesn’t turn bloody. Right now, I’d say although he seems to carry the regiment’s worries on his shoulders, Colonel Salminen is secretly having the time of his life.”
“Not so I could tell.”
“We Scandians, especially Suomalainen like the colonel and me, tend to keep our emotions under tight control and seem the same to outsiders whether we’re deeply depressed or overjoyed.”
Montero’s step faltered when he felt his communicator vibrate.
“One moment please, Captain. I believe my ship is calling. Perhaps it has news of Commander Talyn and Major Decker.” He fished the device from his tunic’s inner pocket and glanced at the screen. “Well hot damn!”
“What is it?”
“Can we find a quiet spot where no one will overhear?”
“Certainly.” Rantanen led him to a small conference room off a side corridor. “It’s soundproofed and swept for listening devices on a weekly basis. Should I leave you?”
“No. I think you should hear this so you can report back to your colonel.” He dropped into a chair and waited until the adjutant closed the door and sat. “Phoenix is transmitting a signal from orbit. It appears the Commonwealth Starship Sorcerer has arrived with a contingent from the 1st Marine Special Forces Regiment. They want to speak with either Commander Talyn or Major Decker. By the way, Sorcerer is a special operations Q-ship — a warship disguised as a civilian transport.”
“I’ve been aboard one of those during my hitch in the Corps. Savoyard class, right?”
Montero nodded. “We were wondering if our reinforcements would arrive on time.” Or at all, he thought. “But it seems Fleet Command was able to cut through the bureaucratic bullshit for once.” He brushed his thumb across the communicator’s controls. “Lieutenant Commander Garrett Montero here.”
“This is Sorcerer. We are on a secure, encrypted connection. What is your designator, sir?” An anonymous male voice replied.
Montero gave Rantanen a quick glance. “Close your ears, Captain.” Then, “Topkapi gamma five nine alpha two bravo zeta.”
A moment of silence. “Designator accepted, Topkapi. We’re looking for Rookie Trooper or Dark Fury.”
“Both are unavoidably detained right now, with emphasis on detained.”
“Is there anything H Troop, 1st Special Forces Regiment can do to help with that?” Another male voice asked. “We’ve worked with both of them before, which is probably why JSOC tapped us for this mission.”
“And you are?”
“Command Sergeant QD Vinn, sir. I’m the troop leader. They didn’t tell me much when they bundled us aboard Sorcerer for a trip to the Scandia system. But if it’s at Decker’s request, then I guess we’re here to help him save the galaxy again.”
Montero chuckled. “Perhaps not the entire galaxy, but a small corner. What’s your strength?”
“Forty, myself included. We have two armed dropships and the gear necessary for a combat jump from low orbit, including spares for Decker and Talyn. We’re full up on ammo and supplies as well.”
“I’m with the Scandia Regiment at Fort Hardrada. They’ve been brought in on our mission. So what I’d like to do is set up a conference call involving you, your command team, Sorcerer’s captain, and whoever he wants present as well as the Scandia Regiment’s CO and his folks. The comlink we’re on right now is being relayed via my ship, but for this, we’ll set up a direct connection via the Hardrada signals facilities.”
Montero glanced at Rantanen, who gave him a thumbs up. “Give me an hour to prepare everything, sir.”
“You hear that, Sergeant?”
“Yep. One hour. We’ll be waiting.”
“Excellent. Glad you’re here. Decker will be even happier that his own tribe is rallying to the cause. Once we pull him out of the opposition’s clutches.”
“Again?” Vinn chuckled. “That seems to be the story of his life.”
Montero cut the link and sat back in his seat with a smile. “I’m suddenly feeling much better about this.”
“I’ll take you to meet the S-2. You can talk while I organize the conference call.”
**
Sorcerer’s captain, a Navy commander wearing a merchant officer’s uniform and insignia, like the rest of his command team, let out a low whistle once Montero finished speaking.
“You intelligence folks don’t do things by half. Now I understand why they ordered me to reach Scandia as fast as possible, with no concern for the wear and tear on my ship’s drives. We set a record, by the way. But the old girl lost a few years of useful life in the bargain. Only an aviso can do better. But if you don’t mind me saying so, shoving the Fleet’s nose into planetary affairs without Senate sanction is beyond risky, though I suppose that’s why you’re entitled to spook-level bonus pay.”
The moment Salminen heard the word ‘intelligence,’ he speared Montero with a cold stare. The agent gave him an apologetic shrug.
“My colleagues and I belong to Naval Intelligence, sir, that’s true, but we’re from a division which spends its life working with JSOC. We’re not what you would call sneak and peek agents.”
“They’re the sort who drag JSOC units into the worst trouble spots,” Commander Len Pirillo said with a dry chuckle. “Garrett’s lot are good at finding and sorting out bad situations before they turn into complete and utter chaos. And they often do it with a bang.”
“That’s the impression I got from Major Decker.”
“Speaking of which,” Vinn, who wore unmarked, mercenary-style battledress, said, “I suggest we put a recon team on the ground near his communicator’s last known location. It, and what Sorcerer’s sensors manage to pick up should give us a good idea if he and Commander Talyn are in fact there, and what we might do to help.”
“Can you reach Vaasa from orbit without detection? I mean other than jumping?”
“Sure, Colonel. I propose having one of Sorcerer’s unmarked shuttles land the team at your 3rd Battalion’s garrison — Fort Lothbrok, correct?”
Salminen nodded. “Correct.”
“From there, they’ll move out and case the SSIA training academy without the enemy knowing. Depending on what they find, we can reconvene and discuss options. If that’s okay with you, Commander Montero.”
“Of course, provided Colonel Salminen agrees.”
“I agree, and I’ll do you one better, Sergeant. We’ll arrange anonymous ground transport and anything else you need.” Salminen glanced at his operations officer, who nodded.
“Thank you, sir. Operating with friendlies already in place always makes things easier.” Vinn’s dark eyes switched to Montero. “About the suspected putsch, what do you expect from H Troop, Commander? Surely we weren’t sent here on an emergency basis just to rescue Major Decker, and possibly Commander Talyn.”
Montero gave the noncom an embarrassed smile. “That would actually be Zack’s area of expertise. He’s the one who asked for you, and he’s the one with experience in carrying out dirty tricks against planetary governments, or in this case, preventing them.”
“I see. So to find the answer, we need to retrieve his wayward ass. Just another day in the life of the Special Forces Regiment, I guess.”
“How soon can you put a recon team on the ground in Vaasa?”
Vinn turned to Pirillo. “Sir?”
“By the time your people sort themselves out, the shuttle will be ready to launch.”
Montero nodded in agreement. “A wise course of action, sir.”
“Of course, your news that the Guard intends to deploy under cover of a parade practice just put an uncomfortable veneer of realism on my so-called exercise. It means I must now figure out ways we can put ourselves between them and parliament without causing massive bloodshed, and their using combat cars worries me. While I can send a fully equipped infantry battalion to Hamar in a matter of hours using my organic aviation assets, getting my own armored vehicles there will take time.
“Pre-positioning them at such short notice might well alert the Guard since we always warn them ahead of time whenever we leave the confines of our military reservations. Let’s hope the Guard’s commanders will be wise enough to hold fire while the politicians sort this mess out.” Salminen sighed. “Unfortunately, the National Guard’s chief of staff, Kristoffer Karlsen, and the commander of the Hamar Brigade, Ula Brand, are People’s Alliance creatures through and through. They know their stars won’t be worth a timber wolf’s droppings if they fail their patrons.”
“On the other hand,” Rantanen said, “they and most of the senior officers enjoy little respect among the rank and file, if the Guard’s noncom grapevine isn’t spinning tales. Brand might find her soldiers reluctant to go up against Commonwealth troops, especially under leaders they don’t particularly trust.”
“While we might find ours reluctant to open fire on compatriots in Guard uniforms. Let’s pray we can stare them down long enough for the moment of greatest danger to pass with no ammo expenditure.” Salminen gave Montero a rueful smile. “That’s one of the Army’s biggest weaknesses — serving the Commonwealth’s interests on our homeworlds. We always worry about what would happen if they come into violent disagreement with Earth.”
“I think in this case, sir, you will serve Scandia’s interests as a sovereign star system by acting, even if doing so clashes with what Earth might prefer.”
“That’s the sole reason I’m actually contemplating putting my regiment and my career on the line.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you find Fleet HQ supporting an intervention. It knows of the situation. Our team, meaning Commander Talyn, Major Decker, and I, were ordered to proceed at our discretion, which is JSOC speak for take whatever action necessary to protect the most lives.”
“I won’t count on it, but thanks for the encouragement.” He climbed to his feet with a weariness that spoke of his worries. “Laila will take care of getting you settled in, assuming, of course, you plan to see this through with us.”
“Thank you, sir, and yes, I intend to stay and act as your JSOC liaison and intelligence analyst. I can also move at least a full company’s worth of armored troops faster than any of your aviation assets aboard Phoenix. Or turn her into the sort of close air support that’ll make even the bravest run for cover. There’s nothing quite like a starship doing a low altitude pass over enemy positions with its gun turrets deployed to increase the value of toilet paper futures.”
Salminen chuckled. “I’m beginning to like you, Garrett Montero.”
— TWENTY-SIX —
Trulock watched Decker and Talyn with a faintly mocking smile as they filed into the briefing room after a silent breakfast taken under the dull stares of the two goons who’d captured Zack. “I trust your night was restful. Today’s schedule will be grueling so we can make up for lost time.”
“It was adequate.”
“Really?” The mocking smile grew. “We detected heightened brain activity in both of you shortly after lights out. In your case, Major, it was off the charts and didn’t settle for hours. What were you doing, I wonder? Searching for the little control mechanism we planted in your thoughts? Don’t bother. You won’t find it, never mind purge it. Just remember that one step out of line means you die in agony and your daughter... Well, you know what will happen to her. But don’t hold back if you feel the urge to disobey. Your death and her sale into slavery would be entertaining to watch.”
Out of reflex, Decker took a quick look into himself and spotted the malignant pustule almost immediately. Once seen by his mind’s eye, it could not be unseen. He gave Trulock a lazy grin. “If you say so.”
“I do, and I’m never wrong about these things. So far, I’ve maintained a perfect score.”
“In what? Getting it right or killing people?”
“Both.” She nodded at the main display. “Now that you’ve digested the information about your targets, we’ll discuss how you’re to carry out the mission.”
Talyn shook her head. “That’s not how it works, Trulock. Assassins are free to choose their own way of doing the job, provided they stay within mission parameters. We will develop our own plans.”
“There’s no time, Commander. This happens in seventy-two hours, give or take, and we’ve already done the legwork to figure out our best course of action. That’s the one you’ll be taking since we can’t afford to let you run another recon of the targets and sites.” When Talyn opened her mouth to respond, Trulock said, “Remember what’s lurking in your partner’s brain and the consequences of non-cooperation.”
Talyn inclined her head by way of acknowledgment though her tone carried an acerbic edge. “Since it’s the only brain he has, please go ahead and tell us how we’re to kill Scandia’s prime minister and his most important backer.”
“Thank you so much for understanding your lack of options. Constant arguments quickly become tiresome. The mission, or rather the two missions are actually quite simple.” Trulock explained the plans she and Spaeth had drawn up in precise detail, using images and holo-projections to make sure there would be no misunderstandings.
Decker and Talyn digested the information in silence for several minutes. Then the Marine said, “Since you expect this to work, I guess you have people inside the SSIA and the Scandian Police Authority. Folks who won’t do their jobs properly.”
“Just so, Major. Who they are and what they do isn’t important for your purposes. It suffices that you know security around the prime minister and Alisa Berneiser will be compromised sufficiently to permit the assassinations.”
“I’m not clear on how you expect the extraction to work once we’re done,” Talyn said. “You seem to assume everything will proceed as per plan and we’re guaranteed to slip away before law enforcement shows up, which rarely happens in the real world.”
“Again, Commander, we have people in the right places to ensure you not only find your targets but escape afterward.”
“And that includes the Berneiser household?” Decker asked. “I can see how I’ll get in using my relation to Ingrid and Saga. But that place is a fortress. Once the alarm is raised, it turns into a doorless cube, and I’m a sitting duck for the Police Authority’s Special Branch shooters.”
“The plan allows ample time to leave before our people on the inside raise the alarm.”
Talyn cocked a skeptical eyebrow at the Sécurité Spéciale officer. “My partner and I don’t appear to share your sanguine view of the matter.”
“Because you don’t understand the full picture. Trust me, we don’t want you to be caught.”
No, you want us to die, Decker thought, convinced more than ever they were to become damning evidence against the Fleet. But will that be before or after the targets are dead?
Trulock stood. “If there are no further questions, we’ll start rehearsing. The SSIA has a comprehensive simulator setup here, and we’ve programmed it to replicate the conditions you can expect on Friday in every detail. Killing in this sim doesn’t give you the same rush as in real life, but it’s a close second.”
**
“Why don’t I introduce you to the regimental S-2, Major Hanson Trostorf, since you wish to help with intelligence analysis?” Rantanen suggested after Colonel Salminen retreated back into his office so he could mull over Montero’s news.
“Absolutely. I’ve never witnessed the inner workings of an Army all-sources intelligence center.”
“Then you’re about to receive an education. The S-2 activated his ASIC when the colonel ordered our deployment exercise yesterday.” She stood and came around her desk. “And he’s very particular about doing things correctly as per doctrine. But please no mention of us taking action in Hamar. Major Trostorf is one of those sitting on the fence, with strong leanings toward non-intervention. As far as he and his staff are concerned, we’re merely carrying out a bit of unplanned training, to shake the regiment from its garrison torpor.”
“Does this so-called exercise include the outlying battalions, such as the one in Vaasa?”
“Certainly.” Rantanen led him down the massive stairs, past the captured Shrehari battle standard, and into one of the building’s extensive wings. “Were you wondering whether it might help Major Decker and your commanding officer?”
“If it comes to that, perhaps. I’m trying to cover every eventuality, in case Commander Talyn is unable to retrieve Zack on her own, or is taken by the enemy herself.”
“I see. Then maybe our training exercise should include plans to capture the SSIA training center in Vaasa under the pretext it’s been seized by insurgents. You’ll not find the CO of the 3rd Battalion averse to such a thing, nor to actually carrying it out. We don’t much like the SSIA. The feeling is mutual. As federal troops, we’re beyond their jurisdiction, and they bitterly resent the notion. I’ll introduce you to the S-3, Lieutenant Colonel Birgit Carstens, later today so you can discuss the idea.”
“I’m grateful to you and your colonel for receiving me in this manner. Many units aren’t as kind to a JSOC liaison officer appearing out of nowhere.”
Rantanen’s laugh was as humorless as it was sharp.
“Scandia has been quiet since the end of the Shrehari War. Other than the odd company or battalion group deployments on offworld missions to support the Marines, we do little more than train, or help the Scandian government when a natural disaster overwhelms civilian services and the National Guard. This could well turn out to be the first time the Scandia Regiment sees real action as a whole in over seventy years even if we’re hoping it doesn’t turn bloody. Right now, I’d say although he seems to carry the regiment’s worries on his shoulders, Colonel Salminen is secretly having the time of his life.”
“Not so I could tell.”
“We Scandians, especially Suomalainen like the colonel and me, tend to keep our emotions under tight control and seem the same to outsiders whether we’re deeply depressed or overjoyed.”
Montero’s step faltered when he felt his communicator vibrate.
“One moment please, Captain. I believe my ship is calling. Perhaps it has news of Commander Talyn and Major Decker.” He fished the device from his tunic’s inner pocket and glanced at the screen. “Well hot damn!”
“What is it?”
“Can we find a quiet spot where no one will overhear?”
“Certainly.” Rantanen led him to a small conference room off a side corridor. “It’s soundproofed and swept for listening devices on a weekly basis. Should I leave you?”
“No. I think you should hear this so you can report back to your colonel.” He dropped into a chair and waited until the adjutant closed the door and sat. “Phoenix is transmitting a signal from orbit. It appears the Commonwealth Starship Sorcerer has arrived with a contingent from the 1st Marine Special Forces Regiment. They want to speak with either Commander Talyn or Major Decker. By the way, Sorcerer is a special operations Q-ship — a warship disguised as a civilian transport.”
“I’ve been aboard one of those during my hitch in the Corps. Savoyard class, right?”
Montero nodded. “We were wondering if our reinforcements would arrive on time.” Or at all, he thought. “But it seems Fleet Command was able to cut through the bureaucratic bullshit for once.” He brushed his thumb across the communicator’s controls. “Lieutenant Commander Garrett Montero here.”
“This is Sorcerer. We are on a secure, encrypted connection. What is your designator, sir?” An anonymous male voice replied.
Montero gave Rantanen a quick glance. “Close your ears, Captain.” Then, “Topkapi gamma five nine alpha two bravo zeta.”
A moment of silence. “Designator accepted, Topkapi. We’re looking for Rookie Trooper or Dark Fury.”
“Both are unavoidably detained right now, with emphasis on detained.”
“Is there anything H Troop, 1st Special Forces Regiment can do to help with that?” Another male voice asked. “We’ve worked with both of them before, which is probably why JSOC tapped us for this mission.”
“And you are?”
“Command Sergeant QD Vinn, sir. I’m the troop leader. They didn’t tell me much when they bundled us aboard Sorcerer for a trip to the Scandia system. But if it’s at Decker’s request, then I guess we’re here to help him save the galaxy again.”
Montero chuckled. “Perhaps not the entire galaxy, but a small corner. What’s your strength?”
“Forty, myself included. We have two armed dropships and the gear necessary for a combat jump from low orbit, including spares for Decker and Talyn. We’re full up on ammo and supplies as well.”
“I’m with the Scandia Regiment at Fort Hardrada. They’ve been brought in on our mission. So what I’d like to do is set up a conference call involving you, your command team, Sorcerer’s captain, and whoever he wants present as well as the Scandia Regiment’s CO and his folks. The comlink we’re on right now is being relayed via my ship, but for this, we’ll set up a direct connection via the Hardrada signals facilities.”
Montero glanced at Rantanen, who gave him a thumbs up. “Give me an hour to prepare everything, sir.”
“You hear that, Sergeant?”
“Yep. One hour. We’ll be waiting.”
“Excellent. Glad you’re here. Decker will be even happier that his own tribe is rallying to the cause. Once we pull him out of the opposition’s clutches.”
“Again?” Vinn chuckled. “That seems to be the story of his life.”
Montero cut the link and sat back in his seat with a smile. “I’m suddenly feeling much better about this.”
“I’ll take you to meet the S-2. You can talk while I organize the conference call.”
**
Sorcerer’s captain, a Navy commander wearing a merchant officer’s uniform and insignia, like the rest of his command team, let out a low whistle once Montero finished speaking.
“You intelligence folks don’t do things by half. Now I understand why they ordered me to reach Scandia as fast as possible, with no concern for the wear and tear on my ship’s drives. We set a record, by the way. But the old girl lost a few years of useful life in the bargain. Only an aviso can do better. But if you don’t mind me saying so, shoving the Fleet’s nose into planetary affairs without Senate sanction is beyond risky, though I suppose that’s why you’re entitled to spook-level bonus pay.”
The moment Salminen heard the word ‘intelligence,’ he speared Montero with a cold stare. The agent gave him an apologetic shrug.
“My colleagues and I belong to Naval Intelligence, sir, that’s true, but we’re from a division which spends its life working with JSOC. We’re not what you would call sneak and peek agents.”
“They’re the sort who drag JSOC units into the worst trouble spots,” Commander Len Pirillo said with a dry chuckle. “Garrett’s lot are good at finding and sorting out bad situations before they turn into complete and utter chaos. And they often do it with a bang.”
“That’s the impression I got from Major Decker.”
“Speaking of which,” Vinn, who wore unmarked, mercenary-style battledress, said, “I suggest we put a recon team on the ground near his communicator’s last known location. It, and what Sorcerer’s sensors manage to pick up should give us a good idea if he and Commander Talyn are in fact there, and what we might do to help.”
“Can you reach Vaasa from orbit without detection? I mean other than jumping?”
“Sure, Colonel. I propose having one of Sorcerer’s unmarked shuttles land the team at your 3rd Battalion’s garrison — Fort Lothbrok, correct?”
Salminen nodded. “Correct.”
“From there, they’ll move out and case the SSIA training academy without the enemy knowing. Depending on what they find, we can reconvene and discuss options. If that’s okay with you, Commander Montero.”
“Of course, provided Colonel Salminen agrees.”
“I agree, and I’ll do you one better, Sergeant. We’ll arrange anonymous ground transport and anything else you need.” Salminen glanced at his operations officer, who nodded.
“Thank you, sir. Operating with friendlies already in place always makes things easier.” Vinn’s dark eyes switched to Montero. “About the suspected putsch, what do you expect from H Troop, Commander? Surely we weren’t sent here on an emergency basis just to rescue Major Decker, and possibly Commander Talyn.”
Montero gave the noncom an embarrassed smile. “That would actually be Zack’s area of expertise. He’s the one who asked for you, and he’s the one with experience in carrying out dirty tricks against planetary governments, or in this case, preventing them.”
“I see. So to find the answer, we need to retrieve his wayward ass. Just another day in the life of the Special Forces Regiment, I guess.”
“How soon can you put a recon team on the ground in Vaasa?”
Vinn turned to Pirillo. “Sir?”
“By the time your people sort themselves out, the shuttle will be ready to launch.”
