Bold Moves, page 12
Involving the clones had been Jace’s idea.
Yael had flown Jace, Kara, Onima, and Warrant Team One to the planet aboard the Minotaur. Once on the ground, Onima and the team had taken a large hovervan to Clone Camp Bumi.
Of course, the clones had initially been skeptical of the Bureau agents’ arrival. But when Jace explained the situation—and how they planned to infiltrate the offices—the clones had been willing to assist.
Each of the clones that would go into the wellness clinic to apply for work was armed with a single pistol. Prior to getting to know Jace, Onima would have considered that sort of maneuver unthinkable. But now, trusting Jace, she wholly relied on his judgment to execute the plan.
And it had gone off perfectly. When Warrant Team One escorted Onima and Kara into the offices, the clones had all willingly surrendered their arms. Whether it was their natural inhibitions instilled in their programming, or genuine desire to follow the plan, Onima was grateful.
She knew that soon she’d have to account for much of Jace’s involvement in her investigation. She didn’t care to give that much thought, as she found it hard to imagine him not being part of her team. Clone or not, Jace had been invaluable to the investigation, and beyond that, Onima had come to consider him a good friend.
Onima, Kara, Teru, Yael, Dr. Patel, and Jace were sitting in the same conference room where they had planned the interception of the virus. They sat facing a forward bulkhead, where a holographic screen showed a podium and various members of the press.
“Interesting,” Kara said. “This is the direct press feed rather than a network.”
“Of course,” Teru remarked. “The Bureau does, after all, have direct access to all mixed press feeds.”
While there were reporters, journalists, and other members of the media live at the press conference, a single audio/video drone unit would record, broadcast, and livestream across the galaxy. Onima pondered how long it had been since she’d gotten news and information from anything other than CBI briefs.
A sharply dressed woman stepped up to the podium. Her age was indeterminate, and she had a bearing that spoke of authority. Onima did not recognize her, which meant she’d not been a member of the board of directors they’d recently confronted.
“Good morning,” she said, her voice much more direct than that of Former Chair Nikosi. “Gentlepersons, welcome. I have a prepared statement and will not be taking questions after. If we may begin?”
She paused a moment, then started anew. “Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Amari Nakano, newly appointed Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Gray and Chuang. I have been an employee of the company for thirty-five years and have spent the last seven as a deputy director and junior board member.
“In the past couple of weeks, several members of the board of directors were implicated in unlawful actions that jeopardized the company’s general health, profits, and relations with the public, as well as the colonial and Earth Confederation governments. As a result of this, ten members of the board of directors have resigned, including chairwoman and CEO Gabrielle Nikosi.
“While these resignations were prompted by a Confederation Bureau of Investigation inquiry, Gray and Chuang must also hold its own accountable. Thus, in light of the resignations of 40 percent of the board, and to maintain the trust of the public and private sectors, I have released all remaining members of the board. With majority approval of the deputy directors of Gray and Chuang, I am naming Tariq O’Connor as chief operating officer, Chayanika Satti as chief financial officer, and naming both to the new board of directors.”
Ms. Nakano paused, allowing that information to be absorbed. Onima was impressed by her composure.
Ms. Nakano continued. “Together, the three of us will be going over the complete roster of Gray and Chuang deputy directors and conduct interviews to fill the remaining twenty-two board positions. The plan is to have a fully functional board of directors in place within the month.
“This recent situation has had the potential to tarnish the good works of Gray and Chuang, as well as the company’s many affiliates. I wish to assure not only our stockholders, corporate partners, and competitors, but the public at large, that Gray and Chuang is striving to be an example of what a responsible, attentive corporation can best be. We are well aware that the actions of these few former board members have raised many questions—but we will do all we can to offer more transparency and accountability. Gray and Chuang is in better hands and will prove that in short order.”
Onima found herself somewhat spellbound by Ms. Nakano. She could see how this strong woman had become the new chair and CEO of one of the largest corporations in the galaxy.
Not only did Ms. Nakano’s tone change, but so too did her demeanor. “Finally, as part of our new corporate responsibility and accountability, I wish to reach out to the clones. Gray and Chuang is aware that clones have been suffering from an unusual affliction over the past couple of years. While clones and their concerns have generally been forgotten since the conclusion of the war, I am pleased to share with you that we have a cure to this illness. If you are showing signs of unusual muscle weakness, muscle spasms, or difficulties speaking or completing thoughts, these are early signs of the affliction. If any clones are exhibiting symptoms of this illness, please visit a local Gray and Chuang company headquarters office to receive the cure.
“Additionally, at the conclusion of this broadcast, we will present a full accounting of all Gray and Chuang partners and affiliates. The cure will be available at their offices as well.”
Ms. Nakano’s eyes bored into the camera. “Gray and Chuang is aware that clones have no reason to trust this. But we feel that this affliction should not be allowed to kill anyone, even clones, unchecked. Therefore, with assistance from the Confederation Bureau of Investigation, Gray and Chuang will be sending medical teams to clone habitations on worlds where there are no offices of the company nor its affiliates.”
Another pause, and Ms. Nakano concluded, “I appreciate you coming out today. On behalf of Gray and Chuang, I look forward to leading this company into the future. Thank you.”
Questions were being shouted at her as Ms. Nakano stepped smartly away from the podium.
Teru turned off the feed. “That was interesting,” they said.
“Do we know anything about this new CEO?” asked Kara.
“Not yet,” Teru said. “But I’ll be looking into her, as well as O’Connor and Satti. That is, of course, with your approval, Onima.”
“Of course,” Onima said. “Even if this is a wholly new board coming in, Gray and Chuang has more to answer for than just this situation.”
Onima’s comm beeped at her. “Yes, Captain?”
“Marshal,” Barr said, “Director Samarin is waiting on the line.”
“Thank you,” Onima replied.
Without prompting, Teru had restored the holographic screen in front of the bulkhead. A moment later, Director Samarin’s face appeared.
“Director,” Onima addressed him. “My team and I are all here. We watched that press conference with great interest.”
“No doubt,” Samarin said. “Has Deputy Marshal Smith offered to research the new leaders of Gray and Chuang?”
“Yes,” Teru replied, grinning.
“Of course,” Samarin remarked, then went on, “Marshal Gwok, you should know that the CBI—with full cooperation from Confederation leadership—will be keeping close tabs on this new board and the activities of Gray and Chuang.”
Samarin’s tone changed. “The former board members, with a little guidance from us, recognized the new chair could not come from among them. The deputy directors were, as Ms. Nakano stated, consulted, and they named several possible candidates. The CBI vetted them all, and Ms. Nakano stood out as the best choice. She was named to the role by a rather solid majority of the deputy directors.”
“How did the board members take being released?” asked Kara.
“Unsurprised,” Samarin stated. “They know they’re a liability, and a smart new chair was going to clean house. Unlike the other nine and Ms. Nikosi, they are free to take on new roles and join other boards. But believe me—we’re keeping tabs on them all.”
Onima realized that, as a director, Samarin now had more unilateral power to direct Bureau resources. Additionally, she suspected he was particularly favored by the executive director.
“I have more,” Samarin said. “As I am sure Marshal Gwok has made you all aware, and you’ve likely seen for yourself during this most recent investigation, Gray and Chuang has not only a large number of legitimate, known affiliates, divisions, and satellite companies—but also a number of less legitimate entities.”
“Oh yes, we’ve noticed,” Kara said.
“Well,” Samarin continued, “As part of her claim to make Gray and Chuang more accountable, Ms. Nakano has released to the Bureau the names of a dozen of those less legitimate affiliates.”
Onima raised an eyebrow. Then she said, “Well, that’s something. Of course, that’s about half of what we suspect. There’s probably at least another dozen.”
“Agreed,” Samarin replied. “We need to recognize two things here. First, Ms. Nakano, as a former deputy director, likely has not been made fully privy to everything the former board and company leadership had going on.”
“That makes sense,” Onima said, “given what the late Ms. Varma implied.”
“Second,” Samarin continued, “given all the secrets that Gray and Chuang has already given up, that is but the tip of the comet. Total legitimacy of Gray and Chuang, and Ms. Nakano getting them on the straight and narrow, is likely an improbability.”
“Of course,” Onima said. “They’ve had a very long history. But perhaps Ms. Nakano, at least, is what she seems.”
“So Director Tang and I hope and believe, thus far,” Samarin remarked. His tone changed. “You should know that the Bureau has successfully caught all twelve of the former NEEA and NECC officials implicated by the former Gray and Chuang board members. In light of their conspiracy to overthrow the Confederation, the trials will be very public.
“Ms. Nakano, in fact, had confiscated all board minutes, private notes, and correspondence and turned it over to the Bureau. She stated to myself and Director Tang that she wants to disconnect her Gray and Chuang from the company whose board either took part of or were complicit with treasonous activities.”
“That’s rather impressive,” Teru commented. Onima wondered if they might desire to personally go over some of the data the Bureau would be analyzing.
“I’m impressed Ms. Nakano is going to such lengths so soon,” Kara remarked. “‘Cleaning house,’ indeed.”
Then Onima realized something. “Gray and Chuang’s connection to this is by no means over, is it?” she asked.
Samarin shook his head. “No. Despite granting immunity to the members of the board forced to resign, I suspect a few of them will still be made to take the fall. Given the extent of the conspiracy, the connections between former NEEA and NECC officials, CBI directors and deputy directors, as well as yet-to-be-fully-exposed Confederation members—it’s inevitable.”
“That’s going to be quite a circus,” Yael remarked.
“I expect that’s an unavoidable price Gray and Chuang will have to pay,” Samarin said, “which is part of why Ms. Nakano released the rest of the board and is starting anew. The divorce between the Gray and Chaung that was and the company that is will help salve the bruising they’re going to take from this.”
And with that, Onima realized, her investigation into the murder of Palmer Cadoret—and the subsequent conspiracy it had unearthed—was over.
Onima glanced at Jace, who had remained silent throughout the conversation. She wondered if he was trying to avoid Samarin’s notice, since the Director would be likely to order her to finally return him to Planet Raven.
Samarin spoke again, “Now then, we need to do a little bit of housekeeping of our own. Deputy Marsha Martinez?”
“Yes, Director,” Kara replied.
“You are in need of a new governor,” Samarin stated. “If you don’t mind, I would like to take that role myself.”
“I would be honored, Director,” Kara stated.
“Very good. Now then - Marshal Gwok,” Samarin commanded, and Onima braced herself. “You and your team are to report to Kholma.”
That was not what she’d expected. “Sir?”
Samarin reminded Onima why she hated playing poker with him: his face gave nothing away. “You have been requested to present yourself directly to Deputy Chief of State Mota as soon as possible.”
18
THIS WAS NOT WHERE Jace had ever expected to be, and certainly not for a second time.
Onima, Jace, Kara, and Teru were once again in the anteroom outside of the deputy chief of state’s office.
Unlike their previous visit—and the number of bureaucrats they’d had to work through before getting to someone useful—the team was admitted immediately and escorted to the appropriate floor and plush offices of the senior administrative officials.
Yitzhak Allen, Ms. Mota’s personal secretary, had apologized that she would be delayed. But none of them minded, so Onima and the team waited in the anteroom.
Though no request had been made of them, everyone had dressed in what passed for their best. Teru was in a blazer and long skirt. Onima and Kara were both in their best business suits.
Kara and Dr. Patel had helped find a more formal suit coat for Jace. Clones tended to dress themselves in second-hand utilitarian clothing. Jace owned about three pairs of pants, a half a dozen shirts, and two jackets—plus the unmarked CBI agent jacket Onima had given him. He didn’t own anything that could even be considered business casual.
The suit coat felt oddly restrictive. It was on loan from one of Captain Barr’s bridge crew. Jace couldn’t tell if it was just naturally tight in the pits, or if he was just that much more muscled than its owner.
Even during the war, clones had no formal uniforms. They received, upon completion of reskilling, standard-issue combat fatigues with adaptive camouflage. It was a pattern that could color change between greens, greys, and browns—an homage to classic Earth camouflage of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Jace felt terribly out of place. But he’d been told by Onima that he was requested—by name. Not by designation, but specifically by name.
Teru had told Jace on the flight to the station that they expected Onima was to receive a commendation. It was the sort of thing, they’d said, that one got for preserving the existence of the Confederation.
Now that everything was complete, what had transpired over the past several months felt very strange to Jace. He had unexpectedly witnessed a seemingly random, execution-style murder. But because Onima had believed Jace when she questioned him, that had exposed a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
It had been nothing but coincidence that Jace had been there and had seen the shooter.
Dr. Patel and Yael had told Jace that Onima and the team never would have been able to do what they had without him. Jace felt that they were making far too much of it. But Teru and Kara had agreed that, without him, the investigation would never have succeeded.
And if that had come to pass, thousands of clones would be dead or dying and the AECC leadership likely falling or already toppled.
Jace was brought back to the present as a group of people came into the anteroom. They came from Mr. Allen’s office and the corridor beyond, rather than Ms. Mota’s office.
Deputy Chief of State Tiziano Mota was first, flanked by Deputy Chief of State Carmina Gamal, Commerce Secretary Matthew Sato, Defense Secretary Vadim Mbabzi, and Chief of State Alissa Narula.
Jace’s companions gawked as much as he did. These were the top five leaders of the Confederation.
Onima, Kara, Teru, and Jace simultaneously arose as Ms. Mota said, “I apologize that you were kept waiting. We had some matters that could not wait.” She gestured. “Please, won’t you join us in my office?”
Onima led Teru, Kara, and Jace into Ms. Mota’s office. They turned to face the members of the executive branch of the AECC accompanying Ms. Mota.
“First, introductions,” Ms. Mota began. “Marshal Onima Gwok, Deputy Marshal Kara Martinez, Deputy Marshal Teru Smith, Special Consultant Jace Rojas, this is Deputy Chief of State Carmina Gamal.”
In order of introduction, the Deputy Chief of State for External Affairs shook hands with each—including Jace.
“And, of course,” Ms. Mota continued, “Chief of State Alissa Narula.”
The leader of the Confederation shook hands with Onima, Kara, then Teru. She stepped before Jace and, without hesitation, shook his hand too.
Ms. Narula spoke. “Marshal Gwok, Deputy Marshal Martinez, Deputy Marshal Smith, Mr. Rojas, on behalf of the Alliance of Earth Colonies Confederation, I want to offer you all my sincerest thanks and appreciation. When Ms. Mota shared with me what you did to not only prevent a coup from removing this administration, but save the lives of thousands—possibly tens of thousands—of clones, I insisted that I had to meet you all.”
She looked pointedly at Jace. “While clones have had no easy time finding a place in the Confederation—and encounter prejudices and obstacles non-clones could never understand—they are still citizens of the Confederation. Though many discount them, their lives matter. That you have gone to the lengths you have to save them is commendable. And that really does not cover it. It is, quite frankly, extremely impressive. Thank you all.”
Now she looked to Onima. “Marshal Gwok, please extend a thank-you to the rest of your team and let them know a formal commendation is being placed on all of their records.”
“Thank you, Your Honor,” Onima said.
Ms. Mota spoke. “The service you have rendered to the Confederation has been not only impeccable, but well above and beyond the call of duty. The number of people across human space that your actions have impacted, Marshal Gwok, are incalculable. That is why, as a small token, we wish to recognize you and your achievement.”
