The silver fleet the com.., p.107
The Silver Fleet: The Complete Series, page 107
“Yep, still here,” he said.
“You think you can stand?”
“Not sure,” he indicated his legs which were crumpled under him. “Might have to take a rain check on that.”
“No problem. Good work with those explosives, by the way.”
“Yeah? You don’t think I went a little over the top?”
“Oh no, that was some of your best work.”
“Not that it makes much difference. No matter what we do now, we’re still stuck here.”
LaCruz pointed up into the air. “Really? You think I’m wasting perfectly good flares for no reason? Help’ll be along shortly. We just have to be patient.”
“Yeah!” that made him laugh. “Really? Can’t wait for that.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The three of them had retired to Meyer’s wardroom where the atmosphere was only slightly more awkward than it had been back on the bridge.
Meyer sat at one end of the table with Ardent facing him. Farnese occupied the seat to Meyer’s right. She was struggling to control her growing sense of rage but had enough experience to be able to effectively mask her emotions. When the time was right she intended to tell Meyer exactly what she thought of him.
Donald Resnik, the captain of The Sundowner, had contacted them immediately after the destruction of the Laxx orbital, asking for permission to come aboard but Farnese had stonewalled him. Resnik was clearly very angry indeed and had difficulty maintaining even the most basic courtesies. If he did manage to get on-board there was no question that this was going to develop into some kind of physical altercation and even Ardent could see why that wasn’t such a good idea.
Instead, Farnese had been able to convince Resnik that it would be best if he had an opportunity to put his points across in a private video conference call. This spared Meyer from being humiliated in front of the entire command crew, while also giving them enough time to prepare their response.
They hadn’t invited Ardent to come along but she’d joined them anyway. Meyer ordered tea for all of them and then sat there while Farnese assiduously wrote out his notes on paper. Once he’d completed a page he would pass it over to Meyer for his consideration. It was an odd little practice but Ardent could see what their real intention was. In order to avoid having an electronic copy of their notes available for any later investigation, it would be much easier to just destroy the pages. They were effectively hiding their tracks.
Ardent took the tea when it came, served in real china cups with expensive looking saucers. The tea was excellent, the only problem being that there wasn’t enough of it. The teapot had been placed on a silver salver at Meyer’s elbow and she’d be damned before she’d ask him for a refill.
When Resnik’s hologram appeared, to the right and just behind Meyer, it caught them all unawares. While Farnese and Meyer were in their full-dress uniform, Resnik was dressed in a simple shirt and tie, sleeves rolled up as though spoiling for a fight.
“And what is it we can do for you, Captain Resnik?” Meyer asked.
“I can tell you what you can do for me, sir,” the last word was a sneer. “You can tell me why I had to stand by and watch a whole load of innocent people just get murdered. Yeah, let’s start with that.”
Meyer raised a hand in an attempt to appease him. “Captain Resnik, I understand that this must be deeply disturbing for you. Commander Farnese and I both feel the same way, but let me assure you that there was nothing that could be done.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. That’s bullshit and you know it.”
Farnese leaned forward at this point. “Captain Resnik, I can see that you’re very upset. However, I’m not prepared to stand by and have Captain Meyer be abused in this manner.”
“It doesn’t matter what we say, commander!” Resnik threw up his hands in disbelief. “You ought to listen to what’s being said on social media, on the news feeds even. Everyone saw what happened: how we failed those people at every possible stage.”
“As members of the Confederation we need to stick together,” Farnese said. “We can’t allow ourselves to bend to public opinion. As an ex-military officer, Captain Resnik, I hardly need remind you of that.”
This reminder of his military past seemed to infuriate Resnik even further.
“I could accept all of this if I knew the reason why you failed to engage with the Da’al when you had the opportunity. I assume that there was a reason.”
“Ah, I see where you’re coming from with this,” Meyer said. “You think that by not engaging we somehow failed in our remit to protect the people aboard that space station. That’s fine, I understand. We seem to be rather at cross purposes on this one.”
“What the captain is trying to say,” Farnese said. “Is that you appear confused over where our priorities lie as a USDC carrier fleet.”
“Listen, commander, there’s no ‘confused’ about it. As far as I can tell we stood by and allowed those people to be murdered and didn’t do a damned thing to stop it.”
“And that’s where the confusion has arisen,” Meyer said officiously. “The people aboard that station were still on Laxx territory and, by definition, not part of our jurisdiction. You may dispute this but maritime law is quite clear in this regard. The orbital is not considered as an autonomous vessel but is part of the planet’s docking facilities.”
“So our conscience is clear,” Resnik said sardonically. “The blame lies with the people of Laxx.”
“Actually, no,” Farnese went on. “All such orbital stations fall under the governance of the system’s authorities. In this case, that is the Blackthorn government.”
Meyer turned in his chair to look back at her. “Is that right, governor?”
Ardent couldn’t bring herself to look at him. “I’m not even going to dignify that with a response.”
“So what the hell good use are we?” Resnik asked. “I mean, if you can’t help protect these people. What’s the point?”
Meyer and Farnese exchanged a glance. They’d obviously covered this matter earlier and were delighted that Resnik had gone in this direction.
Meyer folded his hands in his lap, looking like a teacher having to explain something to a particularly difficult student.
“Our commitment as a Confederation vessel has to be, first and foremost to the shipping in this area. And it would be accurate to say that both Botany Bay and The Galaxian fall into this category. Both ships are safe now, which is why my conscience is absolutely clear. So, while today’s events have been difficult for everyone, I hope that you can see that we have despatched our duties to the best of our abilities.”
“Bullshit, captain. Don’t even think about trying to take credit for what went down with The Galaxian. That ship managed to get clear purely down to Bud Selig and the quick thinking of the guy on the deck of that Praader-Whatsit ship. You had absolutely nothing to do with it.”
“That’s your opinion, Captain Resnik, and you’re welcome to it, though I feel that any inquiry might see things rather differently, what with Mr Selig resolutely failing to observe the necessary protocols.”
“Are you suggesting that Selig killed the people in that air-lock? Really?”
“It’s not my role to judge but people were killed and someone will, no doubt, be found accountable.”
“I can’t believe you people. How you can look each other in the face.”
“As Confederation officers we have a strict code of conduct which we have to abide by. I’m sure that in some Boy’s Own version of events the noble captain manages to save everyone but in reality we all have to recognise our limitations. If anything, with the evacuation of both the Botany Bay and The Galaxian, I’d have to count today as something of a success.”
“With all those people dead! How can you even think that you lying piece of…”
Farnese leaned in to mute him although his image still remained. “Thank, you Captain Resnik, I think we’ll call that a day.”
And with that, Resnik’s image blinked out.
Farnese picked up his cup and raised it to Meyer in a mock toast.
“Lying piece of shit.”
Meyer froze.
They both turned to Ardent.
“I’m sorry?” Meyer said.
“Lying piece of shit,” she repeated. “I think that was what Captain Resnik was trying to say just before you cut him off. He thinks you’re both lying pieces of shit and, I for one, would have to agree with him.”
Farnese gave her a hard stare, his nostrils flaring.
“Governor Ardent, I feel I have to remind you that you’re a guest on board this vessel.”
“A guest? It sounded just then as though I was only here to provide the pair of you with a suitable alibi. So this whole disaster is all down to Blackthorn, is it? And, as governor, I’m the one who’s left carrying the can. Do you really think that people are going to believe all that? That you’re going to get away with all this?”
“We’re not trying to ‘get away with anything,’” Meyer said scornfully. “We’re just trying to do our duty.”
“Good luck trying to convince anyone else of that. There were plenty of witnesses to what happened down on Laxx. Witnesses who saw how you consistently held back in order to avoid an engagement with the enemy.”
“Do I have to remind you that we are part of a flotilla, governor? We have an obligation to the other ships under our protection: The Sundowner and the Defiant. We can’t abandon those ships just because it suits us.”
“And yet you were quite willing to sit back and watch while Botany Bay and The Galaxian put themselves in harm’s way while the Renheim sat back effectively in the role of spectator.”
Meyer dismissed her comment with a flick of his hand. “So speaks someone with no military training whatsoever.”
The atmosphere suddenly changed as the door opened, with both Meyer and Farnese spinning round in their seats. It felt as if they’d been caught doing something untoward.
A young lieutenant, who Ardent recognised as a member of the bridge team, entered.
“Can’t you see that we’re in a meeting,” Meyer scolded.
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir. But Admiral Winterson has opened a direct line and he insists on speaking with you.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The change which came over the two men when they realised that they were going to have to answer to their superior rather than a civilian haulier captain would have been comical if it hadn’t been quite so cynical.
Ardent watched as the tea set was stowed away and the two men got to their feet so that they could check out one another’s uniforms. Not happy with that, Farnese turned to her to encourage her to get to her feet. It was only then, with both officers standing to attention, that they confirmed the comms link with The Naked Spur.
There was no question that it was Winterson who appeared to have grasped the initiative. Having only seen the admiral on the screen, she was surprised by what an imposing figure he cut as a hologram. Standing behind him was Ed Hoyt the captain of The Naked Spur and the admiral’s hawkish Executive Assistant, Commander Vincenzi. Unlike their conversation with Resnik, which had enjoyed virtually no time lag, this time, because of the huge distances involved, there was a considerable delay whenever Winterson spoke.
“Captain Meyer, Commander Farnese, good to see you both again. Is there anyone else there I should know about?”
“Only Governor Ardent.”
“Oh, good. I can’t quite see you, governor, but I hope you’re being well treated,” but then, before she’d a chance to respond, he carried on. “I trust everything went well with the transfer of those refugees.”
“Both ships are safely away now, sir,” Meyer said. “Unfortunately, the Da’al ship chose to engage Laxx’s orbital station in a cowardly attack. We’re as yet unsure as to how many casualties they’re looking at but we’ll be sure to keep you informed.”
Meyer turned to Farnese for reassurance.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” Winterson said peremptorily. “I appreciate that things must be difficult your end and look forward to receiving your reports as and when. Might I ask how things lie as far as the Loki is concerned?”
“I’m sorry, sir: the Loki?”
“Norse mythology. That’s the designation we’re giving to all Da’al ships. This one’s Loki. You say that they opened fire. Did they give away anything about their ship’s capabilities?”
“Nothing major, sir. We’ll include all of the relevant data in with our reports.”
Meyer was already pushing Winterson back. They didn’t want to be rushed into saying anything before they’d gone over every detail together, no doubt mindful of any future investigation.
“Good. Good. And where exactly is she now – this Loki? Is she still in the general vicinity or did you manage to scare her off?”
“Not scare her off, exactly. After the initial attack she withdrew to a point half a million kilometres on the anti-spinward side of Laxx.”
“Excellent. Then I’d like you to keep an eye on her, watch where she goes.”
“And if she should start to move off again? What then, sir?”
“Why, stay on top of her, of course. But be sure to keep me informed.”
Both men appeared to relax at this news. Ardent supposed that they’d half been expecting an order to close with the enemy, something they both seemed determined not to do. Ardent still couldn’t get her head around what exactly was going on with this pair. And while she had a strong sense that Meyer was a coward of sorts, that wasn’t how she viewed Farnese. And yet they’d both proved themselves guilty of some terrible passivity. She thought about saying something then but held off. Winterson hadn’t contacted them for just an update, there was more to come, she was sure of that.
Winterson turned to the two officers standing directly behind him and addressed them briefly, although Ardent couldn’t make out what was being said. Then Winterson turned back in their direction, self-consciously adjusting his collar.
“And now for some more pressing news. A few hours ago, I received this communication from the Admiralty.”
The message appeared on one of their side screens.
We believe the Da’al are intent on destroying the Henrietta Gate.
COMMAND AIM: Henrietta Gate to be protected at all costs.
They went over it several times and then Meyer said, “Is that it, sir? Nothing else?”
“The rest is highly confidential – which should tell you something,” Winterson rolled his shoulders as if readying himself to step into bat. “I don’t need to tell you how catastrophic the destruction of that gate would be for the region – cutting us off from the rest of the Confederation. Just in terms of trade. My problem, however, is simple: how do I respond to this? Especially with everyone working on two fronts.”
“Sir, if I may?” Farnese said. “Perhaps we should merge our forces? Bring The Sundowner and Defiant over to you?”
Winterson looked to Meyer for his response but none was forthcoming.
“That would only work so long as we didn’t have to concern ourselves with the Loki’s movements.”
Farnese looked as though he was about to say something but in the end decided against it.
“Can we expect any reinforcements?” Meyer asked.
Winterson’s eyebrows gave an appreciative twitch.
“No, we can’t captain, which tells us all we need to know about how the Admiralty is viewing this.”
“In what sense, admiral?”
“So far, there’s been no mention of other ships joining us, which is perplexing.”
Meyer nodded. “If they really were taking this seriously, we should be expecting a carrier group within the next week.”
“At the very least. But we’ve been given no indication that we’re to expect any other ships to join us. We’ve effectively been left to our own devices.”
“Isolated, if you will?” Meyer said.
“My thoughts exactly, captain. It takes me back to my days at the Academy. If you absolutely, one hundred percent want a mission to fail, what do you do? You ensure that it’s insufficiently resourced. And the mission will fail. Works every time.”
“But, admiral,” Ardent stepped forward, unable to stay out of the discussion any longer. “What happens then?”
“Well, it’s obvious, I’m afraid. The Admiralty are able to say that they tried to render aid: they sent one of their flagships but unfortunately they were unable to prevail. Mission failed. In the meantime they get on with whatever it was they wanted to do in the first place.”
“And that is?” she said.
“Your guess, dear lady, is as good as mine. But it falls short of them sending more ships into a compromised region. What if they were to fully commit themselves to a defensive response and they still failed. So, we’re left to our own devices. Wouldn’t look good. In the meantime, we are in the process of establishing a forward line just this side of Ares. The gas giant. Who knows, perhaps we might even stop these other ships.”
“And what should the Renheim do in the meantime, sir?”
“As for you, Captain Meyer, I’d like you to keep an eye on the Loki. Don’t let her out of your sight.”
Meyer didn’t seem comfortable with that. “And what if she decides to move off, either in your direction or back towards the gate. What then?”
“That will all depend on how successful we’ve been in arresting the advance of the others. So, in the meantime, eyes sharp, captain. Eyes sharp.”
*
After he’d spoken with Vincenzi and Hoyt, Winterson went back to his room. He wasted no time taking off his jacket and shirt and just stood there, in the centre of the room, swinging his arms first this way and then that, the blackness of his skin contrasting with the white of his vest.
Light stretching of this sort helped relieve tension but it also reminded him of his time playing baseball. He’d never been very confident with a bat and had had a tendency to snatch at the ball. It had got to the point in Junior League where he could hardly hit a ball and at the end of the season he’d thought about pursuing other sports. But then they’d got a new coach whose pre-season training was all about drills and fitness training. In the first two weeks they hardly touched a bat and when they did it was only after they’d completed a challenging fifteen-minute warm up. Having burned off all his anxiety, he found that he could connect with the ball again and his batting average slowly improved. He was never the greatest batter but, after that, he found he was good enough to more than justify his place on the team.
