Audacity (Warner's World Book 5) (10 page)

To Aras it was obvious. The Imperialist system had run its course, expanding too far, too fast and at such a cost. He had played his part in the downfall with the loss of the combined fleet but the likes of he and Slaag had seen that eventuality, though he had to admit he had not anticipated that it would have come so soon.

He knew that the High Council would be martialling a new combined fleet but this could only be done by stripping assets from each of the sectors that made up the rogan empire. More would come from those sectors furthest away from the biggest threat – the humans. ‘And that is why I need to be in one of those sectors’ thought Aras. ‘I need to be well placed when the time came to strike.’ His greatest fear though was that time might come a lot sooner that he would like.

Aras Leptude hit the commit button and the shuttle’s warp drive engaged. He was off on a new adventure.

Chapter 29. Phantom to Sturam 1400, 10 August

“So this contact of yours” said Aubrey in the main conference room. “Cantus Milner…”

“Ciantus Melnar” corrected Evie Plentun, the rogan Resistance leader. “His name is Ci-ant-us” she said emphasising each syllable “Mel-nar”.

“Right” said Aubrey “Ciantus Melnar…So he’s an aristocrat of the first order.”

“First tier” corrected Evie.

“All right, first tier. But why is that important?”

Evie took in a deep breath. She crooked her head back and to the right, then tilted it forward again into its normal alignment. She knew she had already explained this in an earlier briefing but she reminded herself that it was frustrating enough for rogan to understand let alone humans.

“The Imperialist system relies on its aristocracy to maintain order. The aristocracy provides the leaders in all walks of life. From the third tier it draws leaders of minor companies, support and administrative officers in the forces, government officials and the like. The second tier provides middle ranking company managers and staff officers for the forces. However, only first tier aristocrats are appointed to manage major or important corporations or to senior command positions within the forces. Moreover only first tier aristocrats can secure senior political positions.”

Evie paused for effect. She hoped this time it would sink in to the minds of the people she was addressing in the conference room.  “And so that is why we need Ciantus Melnar. He is from a first tier aristocratic family and he heads up the Mintoslum Corporation, the number two communication corporation in the empire. With him on side we not only gain a suitable figurehead that others will follow but we gain access to the considerable resources of his corporation.”

“And there aren’t any other first tier aristocrats on this Cheklin planet that we could approach?” asked Aubrey.

“Of course there are but we know he is sympathetic to the cause. He has already been in secret communications with us and had provided limited resources in the past. That is why he is number one on our list.”

“But your number two, Meelanda Orocash…have I got that right?”

Evie nodded her head “close enough!”

“Well she is only a second tier aristocrat. So how is that going to work?”

“Obviously not as well but she is well placed as the head of research and development in the Likta Corporation, a prime transport company. Again we know she is sympathetic and she has been tested and found reliable. You have to realise commander we will be taking great risks approaching these contacts. Approaching others at this stage would be an unacceptable risk with little chance of success.”

Commodore Julian Pious, who had been patiently listening to the proceeding for the last hour, could see that things were getting quite testy between his ship’s captain and Evie. “Can we please accept these contacts as is” he interjected.

“Of course Sir” said Aubrey. So far she wasn’t all that impressed with the limited range of options but she realised she was bashing her head against a brick wall. “Alice can you please refresh everyone with the plan so far?”

Alice took a breath in and smiled to cover her own insecurity. It wasn’t everyday she got to sit in with a Commodore and plan an operation of such sensitivity and importance. Back in July she had been the Comms and Intel officer but now found herself in the ops role. What had surprised her the most was how much she actually enjoyed this type of work.

“The plan so far” said Alice “is largely generic, as we won’t be able to determine the specific locations and timings till we arrive and do a proper reconnaissance”. She shifted her gaze to Evie. “Much will depend on how flexible these contacts can be.” Evie nodded.  “The ideal option would be if it were possible for them to meet us at some remote location, which we can secure. But if this is not possible then we will have to go to them.”

“Either way we start with a cloaked insertion by warthog of Team Alpha plus Ms Plentun and Cmdr Draag. Team Alpha will secure the entry point while Ms Plentun and Cmdr Draag make the initial contact using whatever communication channels are available. Preference will be by local telecommunications.”

Alice paused and scanned her audience. She had their attention and there were no questions so she continued. “Based on that first contact, a direct face to face meeting will be arranged. If it can’t be done at a remote location then we will aim for some location away from surveillance systems. This is still going to be problematic. Marines are going to stand out like the proverbial” she stated and again glanced around to see that there was no disagreement on that point.

“So Ms Plentun and Cmdr Draag will most likely have to conduct this phase on their own” said Alice.

Julian noted the brief tension on Evie’s face. He wasn’t happy about this part either. Felis Draag on the other hand looked nonplussed at the suggestion. Julian caught that too. “I am not happy about that” said Julian in a matter which brooked no debate. “At the very least we need to provide some body guards. Two capable marines should suffice.”

“With respect Commodore” countered Felis “but we won’t last two minutes accompanied by your marines. This is a rogan home world not a Federation planet.”

“I do appreciate that Commander” said Julian with his best diplomatic tone “however, I am going to insist. We can select two of our shortest marine and I am sure we can affect a suitable disguise.”

Felis couldn’t believe that Julian was serious. He was prepared to take risks but this was ridiculous. He knew though how it would look if he kept opposing this, especially since the Commodore looked to have made his mind up. So he opted for a different tack. “Which marines are you proposing? How will they be disguised?”

“I will leave that to Commander Bellard” said Julian. He glanced across at Aubrey and caught her nod.

Felis exhaled exasperated. “Well let’s hope our contacts can come to us then.”

The meeting broke up shortly after. Evie waited for Draag to leave. She checked the corridor and after his form turned the corner she closed the door of the conference room from the inside. “Thank you Julian” she said. “You are very perceptible.” Julian nodded. “I want to take this opportunity to say that I still have reservations about Cmdr Draag. I hope I am proven wrong but till then I think it best if we be wary and prepared.”

“Just so” said Julian.

“If you will excuse me” said Evie and she exited.

“Fun and games” said Aubrey to Julian.

“Indeed” he replied.

Chapter 30. Beijing, Earth 1500, 10 August

Amelia Hubbard’s long face looked anxious as she put down her communicator on the beautiful carved teak side table beside her lounge chair. “I can’t believe it” she said out loud to no-one, for the room was empty bar her and the many ornaments that she liked to surround herself with.

She glanced up at the portrait of her heroin Mae Lee. She recalled the many years of intrigue that Mae Lee had to endure before she prevailed as the Premier of China in the 22
^nd
Century. “Who am I kidding. Of course that rat, Tanaka, would be up to this.” She drummed the teak with her fingers. “Yes…we have some competition. But that might actually be beneficial.” She stood up and began to pace around the big lounge room as she thought.

“He must move before the elections” she said to herself out loud. “We must beat them then.” She passed the two big Chinese urns flanked by the royal lion statues. She had another thought. “No, not before, but just after. Yes” she said with real delight on her face “we’ll let Tanaka do the heavy lifting. My Charles will be the saviour. Yes that will work very nicely.”

With that stratagem decided upon her thoughts turned to her son. “You’re on your way my Charles. Everything will be ready for you on your return.” She stopped opposite the big French doors and opened them out onto the balcony. The air that rushed in this high up was a good four degrees cooler than that at street level but it was still warm. She looked out over the biggest city on the planet from her commanding vantage point. The urban renewal program was in full swing. The busy sounds of construction, traffic and business invaded her quietude. But she welcomed it all.

“You had better return soon my son. Don’t get yourself killed.” She pondered for a second. “A slight wound would be perfect.” She smiled. A gust of warmer air charged into the apartment. “Whatever you do, don’t cock it up Charles” said Amelia as she retreated back into the lounge room and closed the doors.

She picked up her communicator and typed up a message for her son. It read ‘Things moving quicker than we anticipated. We have a competitor. Important you bring things to a satisfactory conclusion asap.’ She hit Send and sat back down in her lounge chair.

She knew it may be days or even a week before he received it, but that did not concern her. She had months yet before she would need to put things in motion. She had everything lined up, well almost. She would need to up her surveillance of Tanaka and his co-conspirators. ‘But that can wait till tomorrow. There’s plenty of time really’ she consoled herself. She scanned around the room taking in the beautiful forms of her acquisitions. She relaxed back into the chair and felt content.

Chapter 31. Phantom to Sturam 1600, 10 August

Chief Eugene Montgomery listened patiently to his skipper’s explanation. He scratched his big brown bald skull several times during it. As the senior Marine on board he had over eighteen years’ experience behind him but this was a first for sure.

He looked directly into Aubrey’s blue eyes and he knew she was deadly serious. She had her hands on her hips, a pose she adopted when she meant business.

“So what do you think Chief?” asked Aubrey as she finished up.

“Well…” said Eugene with his deeply timbered voice “that’s some task.” He shifted his weight in the chair in the small room on C deck that masqueraded as his office. There was just a small desk and a couple of visitor chairs that Aubrey was not availing herself of. Aubrey was standing in the doorway looking down at him.

“You think we can pull this off, don’t you?” he asked.

“If we get the right marines?”

“If this goes pear shape it will be a death sentence…or worse.”

Aubrey nodded without conveying any concern. Eugene noted that. They had only been on the same ship now for two months. On assignment he had gathered as much information about his new boss as he could lay his hands on. She had a rep as being cool under pressure. Some said she was heartless. Her nic around the traps was the barracuda. But he was wary about taking that at face value. Right now though, he was leaning towards accepting it. In any event she did not look like she could be persuaded out of it.

“OK so it’s going to have to be two of my girls. All the boys are too big I’m afraid.” Aubrey just nodded. Eugene thought for a moment. Then he spoke with sureness “Sgt Soderberg and Cpl Fisher. They would be who I would recommend. Both good shots with a pistol. Madge Soderberg is very smart. She’s acting Bravo team leader at the moment, since you pinched Jules off me.”

“I haven’t pinched Sgt Meyer off you Chief” said Aubrey matter of factly. “He’s just the only marine with any aptitude for controlling the droids. He still answers to you for all admin and discipline.”

“Understood Maam. Sorry!” Eugene was annoyed at himself for giving in to the niggle. It had been a bone of contention ever since they left Polaris.

“OK let’s get Soderberg and Fisher in with us first thing tomorrow morning” directed Aubrey. “I’ll have Ms Plentun attend along with Sgt Shilton. There’s a lot to sort out.”

“Sure. Will do Maam. I can see why we need Ms Plentun, but Tanya Shilton?”

Aubrey smiled. “You’ll see.”

Chapter 32. Phantom to Sturam 0900, 11 August

Sgt Tanya Shilton arrived at Chief Montgomery ‘s office carrying a ruggedized suitcase. She was the last to arrive and with Madge and Judy standing in the corridor there clearly was not enough room for her. “Maam” she called out.  Aubrey leant her head back out through the doorway. “I’m going to need more room than this. Can we use the conference room?”

“Good idea. OK everyone, follow me” ordered Aubrey.

On the way there Eugene asked Tanya “What’s in the case?”

Tanya smiled. “Magic!” Eugene frowned. “You’ll see in a minute. It’s to help with the disguises.”

Once they arrived, Aubrey explained the mission that what would be required of Madge and Judy. Judy was horrified at first but she took her cues from Madge who seemed to relish the challenge. After about five minutes of other questions Judy asked “So what’s involved with these disguises?”

Aubrey responded “I think it best if you handle this one Evie.”

“Yes I will” replied Evie. “Madge and Judy can you please stand up and come over here.” They did so and Evie walked around them giving each a thorough look over. “You are still too tall for a normal rogan” she said with a kind tone. She raised up her right hand with her thumb and forefinger separated by a distance of about 5cm and said “You are this much too tall. Also” and Evie smiled embarrassingly as she cupped her hands in front of her own breasts “you are too big here.”