Chapter 17
“We’ve got a problem, milord.” Davin said as Garret made his way towards the front of the apartment. The clone was still wearing his Atrix livery, but now also sported a utility belt similar to Garret’s except with a large-caliber solid-projectile pistol, and a heavy repeating power blaster slung over his shoulder. He was also wearing a combat communications link over his right ear. His left hand held out a similar piece, which Garret took and donned right away.
“What’s the problem?” Garret demanded.
“Well, it’s actually a few problems.” Davin said and Garret suppressed an urge to growl as the clone continued. “Government and military comm. channels are not working, it’s like the entire network has been taken down. Civilian channels except the holo net are being jammed. The holo network is working, but they’re broadcasting just an ‘Emergency – Stay Tuned’ message.”
“I can still feel Ada, how is that possible?” Garret asked and Davin slapped his forehead.
“Of course, the channels for BGL are on a mid-range frequency that’s not being jammed.” Davin stated. “The relay on this building connects to the relay in our docking spaces on the space station, and from there you can reach the ship.”
“Let’s head to the office.” Garret ordered. “Have Devin get the others down there when they’re ready. If Leonev has managed to coordinate taking down communications, I don’t want to risk him having an assassination team waiting for us outside.”
“That’s my suggestion.” Davin agreed and led the way out of the apartment. Garret could hear him relaying orders over the communications gear he was now wearing, and he was suddenly grateful he’d allowed the two of them to hire former Special Forces clones as a security detail. They were hideously expensive, but right now they might just mean the difference between life and death for him and his… family.
“Speaker!” David Darby exclaimed as Garret entered the offices. There was a small team of six people working the night shift, handling reservations and the like for the company, and all six of them rose to their feet as Garret entered the office. “How did you know?”
“Know what?” Garret snapped and the young man, the night manager, paled visibly. He wasn’t a bad looking young man, with dark hair and large brown eyes.
“The communications systems just went down a few minutes ago.” He answered after a visible gulp. “I was in the middle of taking an order for the Merlinda’s next run to Obduros and…”
“That’s enough, I understand what you meant.” Garret said, trying to take the edge off of his voice. “Look, everyone here who has family in New Prejat should go home right now. Don’t worry about your hours, you’ll get paid, but there’s an emergency situation developing planet-wide, and you should be with your families.”
“What kind of an emergency?” Asked a middle-aged woman whose name Garret vaguely remembered.
“There’s an insurrection against the Deliberatorium underway.” Garret answered honestly after contemplating a ruse. No, there would be no hiding this from the public and so it was best to start with the truth.
“I don’t have any family on the planet, sir.” David stated after paling even more, while a few of the women exclaimed in horror before grabbing their personal belongings and fleeing the office. “Is there something I can do to help?”
“Yes.” Garret said with barely a moment of thought. “You’ve been trained on the communications relays for the company network, haven’t you?”
“Yes, they’re still operational.” David said. “I had Osira check moments ago. They’re six hours ahead of us and the duty technician reported they were having some power problems up there. The Cynthia Rose is supposed to depart in four hours and the station’s reporting a system-wide glitch with their docking mechanisms. All the ships docked anywhere on the station are being locked down and can’t leave.”
“Damn.” Garret swore. “Look, get the communications array working and use the relay in our docking yard to contact the Adamant.”
“Yes, Speaker.” David said with a nod and Garret decided he’d have to give the man a bonus or something. None of the other shift crew had stayed.
“Patch it through to my office as soon as you got it.” Garret ordered and headed back to his office. He didn’t turn the lights on until after Davin had shut all the blinds. By the time that was done, the lights were on, and he’d booted up his office terminals, Commander Harrington’s face was appearing on his screen.
“By the Little Buddha, what the hell is going on, Captain?” She demanded. “We’ve got Republic warships firing on Republic warships up here? Another destroyer on patrol got waxed two minutes ago by a second squadron of incoming ships, The space station is reporting a glitch that won’t let any docked ships leave or any other ships dock, and we’ve got fighters scrambling all over the place and either heading off at max power towards the approaching ships, or just milling around like they don’t know what they’re doing.”
“Thanks for the update, Commander.” Garret ordered with a grim smile. “Long story short, Banner General Leonev has decided to stage a military coup. The incoming ships are probably loyal to him since we managed to ship his cronies out-system last month. The planetary military and government communications networks are down, and civilian channels are being jammed from somewhere on planet or in orbit. How safe are you?”
“We’re approaching high orbit now, and I diverted us from the station towards New Prejat when we couldn’t reach you over standard channels. Ada’s a little busy at the moment. I’ve got her analyzing what comms she can pick up, and there’s quite a bit of ship-to-ship chatter going on right now. “
“This is Ada.” The feminine voice of his ship’s computer broke over the comm. line, surprising Garret. Of course, she probably wanted a three-way conversation and while she could talk to Garret or Alexandra individually, this was how she could talk with both and have both of them talk with her and each other at the same time.
“Go ahead, Ada.” Garret said, and he let out a sigh. “Let me tell you I’m glad you got here in time for all this.”
“I’ve missed the excitement that surrounds you, Captain.” Ada’s voice was almost warm as she said that. “The military and government communication channels are inoperable due to a worm virus that has been activated. It will likely take a team of specialists, assisted by an artificial intelligence like me to overcome the virus. That will take at least a standard day to accomplish. It’s quite a piece of work, and if I wasn’t as good as I am, it would have infected the government and military circuits still embedded in me.”
“Can you use your circuits to get the planetary network operational on a temporary basis?” Garret asked. Before becoming a passenger ship, the Adamant had been designed to do just that while coordinating the invasion of a planet.
“Not without temporary satellites to bounce the signal around the planet.” Ada responded primly, but she wasn’t done yet. “However, the Tarawa is sitting in polar orbit. She is waiting to be decommissioned and is crewed by a minimum number of civilian technicians. The lead technician, officially in command is Kimar Xon, a former military officer who I believe is of your acquaintance. The Tarawa, from it’s current position, could launch the fifteen satellites still in her bays, and I could take control of the network from there.”
“Make it happen.” Garret ordered.
“Processing now.” Ada replied. “Also, I must report that the incoming squadrons of ships are now broadcasting a message over a secure military channel. Do you wish full text or a summary?”
“Summary.” Garret ordered as Masako led Deci and Lelaine into the office. She was dressed in a pair of coveralls similar to his, except there was no rank emblem.
“The message informs all Peladon military forces that Garret Atrix, sometime Speaker of House Atrix, is attempting to lead a coup against the Republic. He is being assisted in this by House Lars, House Shinawa, and House Tremere. All loyal forces are to stand down until Banner General Leonev has cleared them of any wrongdoing. Any who fail to stand down will be destroyed, or executed after court-martial. The message is affixed with the seal of the Supreme Commander, and the Speakers of six different Houses.”
“Which houses?” Masako demanded as she moved to stand behind Garret, putting a hand on his shoulder. The hand was trembling slightly as Ada answered, naming Houses from the planets Obduros, Arcturos, and Galundon. “Those Houses are all in his pocket. They lend just enough authenticity to make this seem legitimate, and the Houses you are most likely to reach will be the ones he names as conspirators with you.”
“Yes.” Garret agreed.
“Captain, the Tarawa reports she has launched the satellites and stands ready to provide whatever assistance you require. I communicated with her by long-range laser, so it is unlikely the opposing forces know of her assistance yet.”
“We need to get the passengers off of the Adamant.” Garret stated to Commander Harrington who nodded.
“We’ve got enough room in all the on-board shuttles to send them somewhere; the only question is where to send them.” Harrington stated.
“Send them to the Tarawa.” Garret decided. “Then tell the Tarawa to stay the hell out of any fighting that happens and to broadcast they have refugees onboard. That should keep them from being shot at. They can’t very well refuse civilian refugees in this situation.”
“Good.” Harrington said and turned to give orders to the bridge crew. “I’ll also get a few more communications techs to some convert control panels to handle all the comms traffic that will come our way.”
“Sir, I must remind you that as a civilian ship, I do not have authority to handle military operations.” Ada reminded Garret. “Under the laws of the Republic, specifically the Articles of War and the Articles of Armed Insurgency, a Speaker is to be considered of a rank with a Flag Officer, if the Speaker has military training and commissioning, and in the situation where diligent military authority is not available.”
“I know those Articles.” Garret snapped, frowning at the fact that he had not already invoked them. “I am Garret Atrix, Speaker of House Atrix and a duly notarized member of the Deliberatorium. I hereby invoke Clause Six and Clause Twelve of the Articles of War, and all clauses of the Articles of Armed Insurgency for the planet Peladon and surrounding environs.”
“So noted and logged.” Ada’s voice was downright mechanical as she said that. “Such activation will be confirmed as soon as possible by at least three other Speakers, but is accepted for the time being as appropriate.”
“The Adamant is hereby commissioned as a vessel of the Republic Space Navy, and its crew and officers are hereby commissioned to temporary ranks of relative level commensurate with their Space Guild ranks.” Garret continued.
“So noted.” Ada replied and Garret heaved a sigh of relief. Even in war, some formalities had to be observed.
“Now, get those military networks operational.” Garret ordered. “Commander, get the ship into orbit halfway between New Prejat and Newhaven.”
“Commander, we’re receiving a signal from one of the approaching ships!” The voice of one of Garret’s communications men sounded anxious off screen. Harrington ordered that the signal be placed ‘on screen’, and routed so Garret could see it, but they would not be able to know he was listening in.
“Attention commander of the starliner Adamant, this is Lefhaus Admiral Robbinton.” The image of the older man appeared on the screen and Garret frowned. He was supposed to have been removed from command of the Seventh Fleet last week, to be replaced by Lefhaus Admiral Williams. “You will stand down your ship and prepare to be boarded. Your passengers will be escorted to safety, your officers and crew will be held pending trial for Treason against the Republic.”
“I don’t think so, traitor.” Harrington’s voice was so sharp that Garret winced.
“Strong woman.” Masako’s whisper held a note of approval.
“What did you say?” Robbinton’s voice was filled with shock. “How dare you speak to me like that! If you resist in any way, you will be destroyed. Think of the safety of your passengers, woman!”
“By the time you get here, my passengers will be off-loaded and we’ll stand ready to blow you and your treacherous crews to smithereens.” Harrington replied. “This is the Adamant in case you’ve forgotten. Long odds mean nothing to us, so bring your heavy battle carrier, your fighters, your bombers, your corvettes, your battleship, your two heavy battle cruisers, your heavy cruisers, and all those other little ships of yours. We’ll eat them for breakfast.”
“You’re deranged.” Robbinton roared before Harrington cut the signal.
“They’ll be in weapons range in two hours.” Ada said and then she paused. “Make that an hour and a half.”
“Have we got the communications network back online yet?” Garret asked impatiently. He would not berate Harrington for her foolish bravado.
“Almost there.” Ada answered. “We’re still waiting for the satellites to reach optimal positions.”
“Damn it.” Garret muttered just before an explosion shook the building. Deci screamed, but he was the only one. Masako’s hand clutched the fabric around Garret’s shoulder and he looked back to see her other hand hovering over her belly where their child was growing.
“Snipers with anti-tank missiles are attacking vehicles leaving the parking garage.” A voice from the security team came over the radio in Garret’s ear. “Preparing to engage them now.”
“Engage and watch for other sniper teams.” Davin ordered over that network.
“What’s happening?” David asked breathlessly as he ran into the office.
“The staff I told to go home are being killed by an assassination team that probably thinks I’m in one of those vehicles.” Garret answered bitterly, pushing aside guilt for now. He’d make reparations to their family later, and deal with the guilt then.
“I am now able to patch you into the Newhaven networks.” Ada said softly. “I’ve also been able to establish contact with planetary defenses and four military bases. How do you wish to proceed, Speaker Atrix?”
“Issue a stand-by signal to all planetary forces.” Garret ordered after a moment of thought. “I assume they have not yet received signals from the approaching ships?”
“No, but a signal is now coming over the civilian holo networks.” Ada replied. “It is Banner General Abraham Leonev and he stands with the six Speakers referred to in the broadcast from the ships. It appears he is saying much the same thing as heard earlier.”
“Can you jam the signal?” Masako asked.
“No.” Ada replied. “I am sorry but the equipment necessary to do that is no longer part of my repertoire.”
“That’s fine, you’re doing a good job.” Garret assured her. “Now, give a stand-by on military channels and connect with as many Speakers as you can contact. Patch them through to a conference call with me.”
“I have Speaker Lars, Speaker Ito, Speaker Haxong, Speaker Shin, and Speaker Tremere available now.” Ada answered.
“Begin the call.” Garret said as the familiar faces appeared, he let out a sigh of relief. Marja was in the same room as Ito and Shin, while Haxong and Tremere were on separate channels.
“Garret, what’s going on?” Marja demanded with a hint of fear in her voice. “We arrived a few minutes ago and the city is practically in chaos! There’s a fire in the military HQ, and we can’t raise anyone. Now Leonev is declaring martial law, saying you’re leading a coup attempt!”
“He found out about the arrest warrant and is taking action to seize control.” Garret told all of them. “Military and government channels are infected by a worm virus. Luckily my ship is in orbit and establishing a temporary comms network. Four more images appeared on the screen, all were speakers and Garret had to repeat his explanation.
“Why don’t we wait for everyone to get online?” Ito suggested, assuming control as two more Speakers came on the network. One, the female Speaker of House Kosten, was having an aide bandage a bleeding cut on her head.
“We were attacked in our home not more than ten minutes ago.” She said by way of explanation. “Luckily my son is a military officer and was home. He fought off the attackers but is now on the way to a hospital with severe wounds. What is going on?”
“Our prayers go with your son.” Ito said solemnly. “Please, I ask everyone to wait until we have everyone online.”
“I am sorry, but these are all the connections I am able to make at this time.” Ada said after twenty-nine Speakers appeared on the channel. “Six more locations are not responding, indicating destroyed transmitters, and the remainder are not answering calls at this time.”
“Very well, ship’s computer.” Toshiro Ito said formally. “As Chief Speaker of the Deliberatorium, I do hereby declare an emergency session of the Deliberatorium to be in place. Ship’s computer, you are to immediately broadcast this signal to any observer with an active communications terminal on military or civilian frequencies.”
“Attempting to comply.” Ada said mechanically and paused. “This broadcast is now being made available to civilian holo-networks as well as being displayed on all military communications terminals on planet Peladon. It is also being relayed on all space channels to orbiting ships and facilities. This broadcast is a live transmission of an emergency session of the Deliberatorium, Chief Speaker Ito presiding and twenty-nine verified Speakers attending by electronic transmission. Their identities are confirmed by this Mark IX Artificial Intelligence and it is verified that a quorum of the Deliberatorium is present. Six Speakers have recently been seen on a transmission of the holo-network. In accordance with Republic law, they may join this meeting of the Deliberatorium by transmitting on any communications equipment capable of performing a bio-verification scan.”
“Thank you, computer.” Toshiro Ito said, and Garret held his breath waiting for the six rogue Speakers to appear. “This emergency session has been called due to several circumstances that have begun less than an hour ago.”
Ito was interrupted by an explosion outside Garret’s building. Glass from his armored windows shattered, and this time Lelaine joined Deci in screaming. Garret whirled from his chair to cover Masako with his body, and felt pieces of glass graze his unprotected head.
“Garret!” Marja’s voice filled the transmission, louder than the calls from the other Speakers.
“I’m okay.” Garret said as things calmed down, and the radio in his ear told him the launcher that had fired an anti-tank rocket at his office had been neutralized. The armor-piercing projectile had blown out the windows, but they’d held long enough to deflect most of the blast. Davin was putting out a fire in a corner of the room, and the chilly air from outside filled the room. “My location is under attack by assassins. They managed to kill a half-dozen civilians on their way home from work, and to damage this office, but we’re okay.”
“Speak for yourself.” Masako muttered. “My ears are still ringing and you have glass embedded in your neck.”
“I’m not dead yet.” Garret told her and she boxed his ears.
“What’s going on?” Speaker Alhors, an elderly gentlemen said with passion. “I don’t understand all this. Who is trying to kill Speakers?”
“Banner General Leonev is attempting to seize power in the Republic.” Garret said at a nod from Ito on the screen.
“Explain your statement.” Ito demanded and Garret proceeded to fill them in on everything that happened, starting from the appearance of Aaron Lewis, to the appearance of ships in the system, their firing on patrol ships, and their transmissions ordering other units to stand down. He was almost done when another image appeared, Leonev surrounded by the six rogue speakers.
“This is a lie.” Leonev stated flatly. “I have uncovered a plot by Garret Atrix, assisted by Ito, Lars, Tremere, and others to seize control of the Republic.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Alhors snorted almost immediately. “I’ve heard enough already, you idiot. Atrix has enough influence that he doesn’t need to seize control.”
“He wishes to be a dictator, not a member of a legitimate government.” Leonev sneered derogatorily towards the old man. A text message on his screen from Ada informed him this signal was now being broadcast on all civilian holo-networks, and those that had not broadcast it from the beginning were starting from Ito’s declaration of an emergency session. “He’s involved in a conspiracy with another 10-11MX model clone, Johan Pembry, who is trying to seize control of the Federation. Together they plan to take control of two-thirds of the galaxy and to replace real humans with fake clones!”
“Oh dear.” Marja Lars said with a shake of her head. “General, I do fear you have been imbibing too much alcohol or some other mind-altering substance. That sounds like a third-rate plot from a low-budget fiction holo-show.”
“You would say that since you’ve groomed him for this from birth!” Leonev retorted, but Garret wondered why he was using this as his cover story. Did he think people would really believe all that crap?
“I move that Banner General Leonev has committed High Treason against the Republic.” Speaker Alhors stated in a grave voice.
“Seconded!” Came from eight different Speakers, none of them named by Leonev as part of this ‘plot’.
“You can’t do this!” Gorman, the lead Speaker for Obduros ranted.
“Yes, we can.” Alhors snorted. “I call the question.”
“We must discuss this!” Gorman shouted.
“You are out of order.” Ito said in a dangerously low voice. “The question has been called. All those in favor of ending debate, raise your hand so it is visible on the screen.”
“Twenty-nine in favor.” Ada said as soon as all the hands were raised.
“All those opposed.” Ito stated for formality’s sake.
“Six opposed.” Ada announced.
“The question has been called.” Ito said formally as Gorman and the others started shouting. “Computer, please mute the channels of Speakers until they are recognized by the Chair.”
“Complying.” Ada announced and the lines went silent.
“I know this transmission is going out throughout the Republic.” Ito said. “For those who have never witnessed how the Deliberatorium conducts its business, even in a crisis, we insist on the following of the Rules of Order and proper debate. When a question is called, two-thirds of the Speakers must vote to end debate on the issue at hand. In this case, the debate was ended by a vote of twenty-nine to six. Several Speakers violated the Rules of Order when they continued trying to speak against the question at hand, whether Banner General Leonev is guilty of High Treason or innocent of the charge. If he is found guilty, he will be ordered arrested, and subject to summary execution within thirty-six hours of arrest. There is no course of appeal from this charge. As a result, seventy percent of those Speakers present must vote to convict him on this charge. I will call the name of each Speaker’s House, and ask them how they vote. Computer, you will unmute their channel as I ask, and mute it after they have said ‘Guilty, Innocent, or Abstain.’ Is that clear?”
“Understood, Chief Speaker.” Ada said in that same mechanical voice.
“Speaker of House Alhors, how do you vote on the question of High Treason?” Ito asked formally.
“Guilty as charged.” Alhors said before visibly spitting on whatever was in front of him.
“Speaker of House Atrix, how do you vote?” Ito asked and Garret took a deep breath.
“Abstain.” He voted, and ignored the looks of surprise on most of the faces on his screen, and the look of triumph on Leonev’s. It was a risk, but as the vote proceeded he knew it was right. History would not be able to say that he had voted against Leonev, despite being personally attacked. Marja Lars also abstained, but none of the others did. Except for the six with Leonev who voted innocent, everyone else voted guilty. As Chair, Ito did not get a vote, but his was not needed. The charge of High Treason against Leonev passed with twenty-six votes of guilty, six of innocent, and two abstentions.
“Abraham Leonev, one-time Banner General of the Republic is hereby declared a traitor to the Republic.” Ito’s tone was severe, as was his expression. Garret shuddered at the pronouncement, even as trickles of blood dripped down the back of his neck from the glass cuts. “He is to be arrested by any loyal officer of the Republic, and executed within thirty-six hours of arrest. Any who provide him assistance shall be committing the crime of High Treason and shall be subject to arrest and trial by the Deliberatorium.”
“This is ridiculous!” Leonev’s voice was filled with scorn, and Garret wondered why Ada had unmuted his channel. “I hereby declare the Deliberatorium disbanded! We shall form a new government for the Republic. All of you are under arrest, and any loyal soldier of the Republic is authorized to execute you on sight! With the exception of Ito, Lars, Atrix, and Alhors, if you surrender now you may be spared your lives! I have two complete carrier battle squadrons and a planetary assault group inbound right now! They have more than enough firepower to take this planet and secure all of you!”
“Computer, what is the location of Leonev?” Ito asked.
“I am unable to trace his current location, but I believe him to be within a few hundred kilometers of Newhaven.” Ada replied.
“People of the Republic, I declare a state of emergency.” Ito said carefully. “By the authority invested in me as Chief Speaker, I do hereby appoint retired Lefhaus Admiral Lumbardon as Supreme Commander of all Republic Forces and direct him to make arrangements necessary for our common defense. This appointment shall last only for the duration of the emergency and the Deliberatorium shall decide on a permanent filling of the post as soon as the emergency has passed. To the people of the Republic, I ask for your patience as we deal with this insurrection. Computer, please make further proceeding private.”
“What about the traitor and those supporting him?” Marja asked as the screen flickered for a moment, signaling the changeover to private transmission.
“Gentlemen, do you stand with Leonev?” Ito asked the six who were still on the transmission. Leonev had left that room, probably issuing new orders to his loyal supporters, or checking to see if any had deserted him.
“He is the rightful leader of the Republic now.” Gorman declared and the other five men nodded their agreement.
“I do hereby charge these six with High Treason.” Marja Lars’s voice rang clear over the channel and the motion was seconded quickly by Alhors. There was no debate, nor attempts at arguments by the six as the other twenty-nine voted unanimously to declare them traitors.
“You’re going to lose.” Gorman said before their signal was cut off by Ada.
“What do we do now?” Alhors wheezed after a long moment of silence. It wasn’t really silent since there was a wind blowing in Garret’s apartment, but it felt quiet.
“We have a planet to defend.” Ito said as he motioned Lumbardon forward.
“First off, we need to establish an order of battle for our side.” Lumbardon said and Garret glanced at a nearby clock.
“Admiral, the first of the fleets will be in orbit in less than thirty minutes.” Garret informed him with a grimace. “The Adamant will have to break orbit and we’ll lose communications at that time, or she’ll be destroyed.”
“What’s her condition?” Lumbardon asked.
“She’s ready for battle, and her passengers are being shuttled over to the Tarawa, which was in polar orbit waiting for decommissioning.” Garret stated.
“Can you get up to her in time?” Lumbardon asked and Garret shook his head.
“It’ll take forty-five minutes for me to reach her.” He told the man.
“Well, get a move on.” Lumbardon said. “I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that will slow those ships down. When you get up there, you’re going to take command of the space forces while I lead the ground-based defenses.”
“Um, isn’t there someone else more qualified?” Garret asked and Lumbardon smirked at him.
“Son, I’ve never wanted to say this to you, but you’re the best man on space tactics I’ve ever served with.” Lumbardon said and Garret shuddered again. “I know of no one, not myself nor anyone alive, who could stand half a chance you would with a small outgunned force against a superior force. Now, get to your ship and start thinking up ideas. We’ll get you your order of battle as soon as we can.”
“Yes, Admiral.” Garret said with a bow of his head before standing up and looking at the people in his office. He didn’t like the looks they were giving him, especially Aaron who was now dressed in a pair of coveralls similar to Garrets. His brown curly hair was still wet from his shower. “What are you lot standing around for? We have to get a move on and I’m not leaving any of you here.”
“That’s good, because I will not be left behind.” Masako said firmly, but there was a smile on her face.
“No one gets left behind.” Garret said sternly, looking at David Darby, who just nodded.
“We’ve got a problem.” The voice of one of the security detail outside came over the radio net.
“Report.” Davin ordered.
“We’ve got an armored column approaching, at least four Saber tanks and three armored personnel carriers.” The security guard said and Garret repressed the urge to swear.
Garret turned around to his terminal, planning to call Admiral Lumbardon and inform him of the situation when a light started blinking in the lower corner of the screen. He touched the section of the screen and an image appeared. The man was in urban combat fatigues, but Garret was able to quickly match his image with a memory of a recent promotions board hearing. Lt. Colonel William Orion was up for promotion to full Colonel. Even more importantly, he was an Academy graduate, more than dozen years ahead of Garret.
“Colonel Orion.” Garret said before the soldier could speak. “I assume from the surroundings in your picture that you’re in one of the personnel carriers approaching my building?”
“Speaker Atrix, it’s a pleasure to speak with you.” The Colonel responded. “As soon as I saw the emergency signals and we lost network communications I knew something was up and mobilized my base. When that bastard Leonev started the pronouncement of his charges, I knew right away they were false, and I figured you could probably use some support. I headed here right away from Camp Tatum, just outside of town. My men and I caught most of the broadcast from the Deliberatorium. We stand with the rightful government of the Republic, sir.”
“Good, pull up to the front of the building.” Garret ordered, hoping it wasn’t a trap, but not having much choice either way. He looked over at Davin who mouthed a number to him as he continued speaking. “We have a number of people to evacuate, civilians as well as my security detail…sixteen total in all.”
“We can accommodate them easily.” Orion replied. “We’ll be in position within two minutes.”
“We’ll be down in six.” Garret responded before shutting off the screen. This time he moved with Devin and Davin, with the rest of their group following in behind them. As they left the offices and headed for the nearest lift, two more security guards fell in behind Aaron and David.
“I’ve always wanted to ride in a tank.” Masako said as they entered the still-operational lift.
“We’ll be in the APC, not the tanks.” Garret responded and she shrugged.
“Close enough for me, I’m just a willowy woman, remember?” She teased him and he felt muscles relaxing inside.
“Thank you.” He told her gently as she rested her hand in the crook of his arm.
“That is what your wife is for.” She said.
“We’re not married yet.” Garret retorted.
“We will be soon enough.” She reminded him and he shook his head. Somehow she always managed to get his mind unstuck when it started to spin uselessly. As they exited the lift and more security detail members showed up, Garret let out a sigh of relief. Colonel Orion was waiting for them outside one of the APC vehicles. He rushed for that one, while Davin sent Aaron, David, and Deci along with four more security guards to the second vehicle.
“Where to, Speaker?” Orion asked when they were all inside and strapped into the web seats.
“Nearest place I can hijack a shuttle capable of reaching high orbit.” Garret ordered and Orion smiled.
“We’ve got four of them at the base, will they do?” Orion asked.
“Perfect.” Garret said and an idea popped into his head. “Are all four operational and how many people and how much gear can they hold?”
“With your party, we can lift two hundred and fifty troops, as well as bringing along most of the equipment for a light infantry brigade. No tanks or APC, but plenty of light and heavy troop weapons. I’ve got three squads of men who are trained for shipboard operations as well, and we can take all of them and all of their specialized boarding equipment. Two of the shuttles are designed just for that purpose.”
“Dial them up, Colonel.” Garret ordered, pleased that things were starting to look up.
Now, if Lumbardon could somehow slow down the approach of Leonev’s space fleets, find out where the former General was hiding, and take him, things would be just fine.
As with all my stories, E provides immeasurable input, grammar checking, and all those other lovely editing thingies that make the story so much better!
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