Stand Against The Storm (The Maxwell Saga Book 4) (26 page)

“Yes, Sir. There’s another thing.” He took from his pocket the coordinates and instructions Bairam had written down to give to Turgay. “I took these off the rebel leader after I killed him. I know where they were going. It’s a hardscrabble colony planet that was settled a couple of decades ago – so hardscrabble they’re offering bounties to agents who bring them immigrants, because they can’t get enough people to come voluntarily. Bairam was planning to claim the bounty for his rebels, although whether he’d have kept it for himself or distributed it among them I don’t know. The place has precious few amenities and not much of an economy – at least, not yet. The rebels will face years of hard work building new lives from the ground up. In many ways, it’ll be like being in prison at hard labor. I don’t think that’s escaping punishment, Sir – I think it’s just a different form of it.”

“Perhaps…” The Governor’s voice was uncertain now.

“There’s another thing, Sir. How many of the prisoners on Eskishi took part in the rebellion?”

“Two thousand or so. Most of them died during the fighting.”

“With only three hundred and thirty-seven survivors, Sir, I’d say most of the guilty ones – well over eighty per cent – have already suffered the death penalty. How many prisoners
didn’t
take part?”

“Oh, at least ten times that many. I don’t know the numbers offhand.”

“OK, Sir. If you keep the rebels here, you’re constantly going to worry that they may be trying to suborn other prisoners. They might even try to start another revolt when the time is right. By letting them go, you’ll get rid of your biggest security headache.”

“And what if the other prisoners learn that the rebels got away with it? They’re sure to see it like that. It’ll undermine discipline in every prison we’ve got left!”

Steve grinned tiredly. “That’s easy, Sir. Let it be known that the rebel survivors were put aboard a spaceship that ‘disappeared’. That’s the truth, after all; the spaceship will indeed ‘disappear’ from the Eskishi system when it makes its first hyper-jump. However, you can imply to the other prisoners that its ‘disappearance’ was something catastrophic, something deliberate. You don’t have to lie or be specific; just hint. They’ll get the unspoken message, Sir: rebellion leads to the harshest punishment there is. No-one survives it.”

Commodore Wu had listened with a growing twinkle in his eye. He observed, “Governor, I think Senior Lieutenant Maxwell has covered most of the bases.”

“Yes, he has.” Sirhan was clearly thinking hard. “If I decide to go along with your suggestions, what do I do about the ship? When it’s returned to its owners on Karabak, it’ll bring shipments here from time to time in the course of normal business. That’ll give the lie to its having ‘disappeared’, as you put it.”

“Why not make it truly disappear, Sir? Why not give it to the Qianjin spacers as a reward?”

“What?”
There was outrage in the Governor’s voice. “It’s privately owned! We don’t own it – we chartered it! I can’t do that!”

“What’s its value, Sir?”

Sirhan looked nonplussed for a moment. “About half a billion lira, I suppose.”

“That’s less than two years’ high security prison costs for the rebels if you keep them, Sir – a bargain, if you ask me. Furthermore, giving it to the Qianjin prisoners will help to solve another very big problem you’ve got coming at you. In fact, it’s potentially more serious than the rebel issue.”

“I don’t understand.”

“All those spacers are members of the Dragon Tong, Sir.”

“The
Dragon Tong?”
The Governor clearly recognized the name. Alarm was in his voice. “How do you know? Why wasn’t I informed before they arrived?”

“I probably know them better than any of your prison staff, Sir, because I treated them like human beings from the beginning. They’ve talked openly with me. I suspect they didn’t want their Tong membership known, but I think you understand the implications.”

“Of course I do! The Dragons are the worst interplanetary crime organization in the settled galaxy!”

“Yes, Sir. This group claims to have been falsely convicted on Sulawasa. They haven’t blamed Eskishi or Karabak for that, but I understand Sulawasa’s foreign trade and orbital industry have taken and are still taking a massive hit since then. Don’t take my word for it, Sir; please check that for yourself. I think the Qianjin
chargé d’affaires
might be able to provide more information if the question is discreetly framed.”

Sirhan rolled his eyes. “You mean I’ve got a Dragon Tong diplomat to deal with too?” he asked, his tone almost despairing.

“Yes, Sir; and now the Tong have a bone to pick with you and Eskishi, and by extension with Karabak too. When its members were attacked by the rebels, the guards who were supposed to supervise and – if necessary – protect them ran away. As a result, up to a third of the Qianjin prisoners were killed or wounded before they could drive off the rebels. Eskishi failed in its duty of care towards them, Sir. They haven’t forgiven or forgotten that. There
will
be a reckoning unless you make peace with them. That’s where the spaceship comes in, Sir.”

“You mean it’s a bribe?”

“That may not be a very diplomatic way of putting it, Sir. You might do better to call it a reward for services rendered; but yes, in so many words it’ll be a bribe. The freighter is valuable enough that when they sell it, it’ll give each of them – and the families of their comrades who died – enough money to make a fresh start, and then some. Divided between them equally, each share will be the equivalent of a decade’s salary for a qualified spacer, even at Lancastrian Commonwealth wage rates. That may be enough to ease their resentment towards Eskishi and Karabak. With respect, Sir, you really,
really
don’t want the Dragon Tong mad at you. Ask Sulawasa. They’ll tell you what that means. They’re finding it out the hard way as we speak.”

The Governor looked at him for a long moment. “So to put it diplomatically, the cost of the ship isn’t so much a bribe as an insurance premium against long-term disruption to Karabak’s interplanetary trade and space-based industries.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I think the Sultan will understand that. You’re making an awful lot of sense, Senior Lieutenant.” He glanced at Commodore Wu. “What do you think?”

“I think the Senior Lieutenant is devious, cynical, and absolutely right.” Wu winked at Steve.

“What would you do if you were in my shoes?”

“I’d follow his advice, Governor.”

“Hmm…” Sirhan turned back to Steve. “So you suggest I put all the Qianjin spacers aboard the freighter, have them drop the rebels at their destination, then take the freighter back home where they can sell it to the highest bidder?”

“That’s about it, Sir. The only condition I’d add is that if they decide to retain the ship instead of selling it, they must rename it and keep it away from Karabak and its colonies. That’ll avoid any risk of it being seen in the Eskishi system again, or word getting back here about it.”

The Governor scratched his chin thoughtfully. “I’ll sleep on it, but I’m at least half inclined to do as you suggest. How long d’you think it would take to get the rest of the Qianjin spacers aboard the freighter?”

“No more than a day to load them, along with enough additional supplies to get them home.” Steve hesitated. “If you do that, Sir, may I please go aboard the freighter to say goodbye to them before they leave? I wouldn’t be alive without them – nor would the hostages. I’d appreciate the chance to thank them in person.”
And to deliver a package that I really,
really
want to get off my back,
he mentally added.

“I have no problem with that. Commodore?”

“I’m sure Commander Doibro will give you an opportunity to do that, Lieutenant,” Wu said, looking at her.

Cybele’
s Commanding Officer nodded. “Of course, Sir.”

“Very well,” Sirhan said. “I’ll let you know my decision in the morning. Go and round up transport and get your spacers back to the depot. Please convey my condolences to the Marines there. Tell them I’ll drink a toast to Gunnery Sergeant Kinnear’s memory myself as soon as I’m able. I’ll also consider what sort of monument we can erect here to honor his memory. He deserves that.”

Steve again thrust back the weariness that threatened to overwhelm him. “Thank you, Sir.”

He saluted, then turned towards the arrivals hall on legs rubbery with exhaustion. The three watched him go.

“That’s a remarkable young man,” Sirhan said reflectively. “I do hope his career won’t be harmed by his dispute with Captain Davis, Commodore.”

“Don’t worry, Governor. I’ll take care of the matter.”

“I’m relieved to hear that, Sir,” Commander Doibro observed quietly. “When I read Captain Davis’ reprimand…”

“Leave that to me, Commander,” Wu assured her. “I’ll start by having a little chat with the Eksalansari first thing tomorrow morning. After that, we’ll see.”

Steve was packing the last of his gear into a holdall when his comm unit buzzed.

“Maxwell.”

“Sir, this is Corporal Bundook at the main gate. A Marine assault shuttle’s just landed on the hardstand. A Spacer officer wearing Commodore’s uniform is heading for the gate.”

“OK, Corporal, thank you. That’ll be Commodore Wu. Please escort him to the Administration building. I’ll meet him here.”

“Aye aye, Sir.”

Steve was waiting outside the main entrance as Wu came up. He saluted smartly. “Welcome to Carsamba Depot, Sir.”

Wu returned the courtesy. “Thank you, Senior Lieutenant.” He looked around at the hustle and bustle. “Everyone’s hard at work, I see. I thought the Qianjin spacers were running this place in conjunction with a few Marines. What are all the Colonial Guards doing here?”

“They’re taking over from the spacers, Sir. The Marines will stay here to co-ordinate things, with one of their officers in command, but the spacers will be heading up to the freighter in orbit. What you’re seeing now is the normal activity of the depot, doubled because of having to show our reliefs how we’ve been doing things.”

“A busy morning for you, then. Do you have time to speak with me privately?”

Steve couldn’t restrain a snort of amusement. When a Flag Officer wanted to talk, his wish was as good as a command. “My office is available, Sir. It’s nothing much, but…”

“It’ll do. Lead the way.”

“Aye aye, Sir.”

Wu sniffed as he entered the office. “Is that coffee I smell?”

“I brewed a pot less than half an hour ago, Sir. There’s still plenty left, if you’d like some.”

“Yes, please. The locals serve coffee so thick you could use it for axle grease!”

Cups in hand, they sat down in the two chairs in front of Steve’s battered, scarred desk. Wu began, “I spent half an hour talking with the Eksalansari this morning. He thinks very highly of you indeed.”

Steve flushed a little. “I’m glad, Sir, but I think there’s a bit of hero-worship involved. He may be making too much of his rescue.”

“I don’t think so, and neither does Lieutenant-Colonel Battista or Major Emory. I spent half an hour with them, and I paid a visit to the Qianjin
chargé d’affaires
as well.”

Steve’s eyebrows rose. “You’ve been busy, Sir.”

“Yes, I have. That’s why I’m here. Your relationship with the Dragon Tong obviously goes a lot further than mere casual contact. I’m not suggesting you’re a member, of course. Mr. Jiang adamantly denied the very thought, and I have no reason to disbelieve him. Nevertheless, I find it more than a little intriguing that so many hardened criminals – and let’s face it, that’s what those spacers are, no matter how professional they may be – jumped every time you said ‘Frog’, and lent you their assistance to rescue the hostages when there was nothing in it for them at all, after first refusing to help. Clearly you have some kind of hold or influence over them. It can’t be just your leadership qualities, good though they undoubtedly are, so what is it?”

Steve flinched inwardly. Ever since he joined the Fleet, he’d been afraid someone would ask this question. He said slowly, “I’m sorry, Sir, but that’s a private matter. It doesn’t concern the Fleet.”

Wu looked sharply at him. “The fact that I’m asking the question proves that it does!”

“I’m sorry, Sir, but I’m not able to discuss it.”

Wu stared at him in disbelief. “And if I make it a direct order?”

Steve looked at him impassively. “Then I guess I’m going to get another reprimand on my file, Sir, or even a court-martial; but given that I already have the first, and I’ve been all but promised the second by Captain Davis, I don’t suppose second doses of the same medicines will harm my career any more than it’s already been damaged. I already knew, prior to this discussion, that I no longer have a future in the Fleet. This will simply double down on that.” Steve knew he couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his voice, but found that he no longer cared.

Wu slammed down his coffee mug hard enough to slosh some of its contents over the rim and onto the desk. He opened his mouth to speak, his face dark with anger, but visibly restrained himself. He sat back slowly, looking intently at Steve, clearly thinking hard. Steve stared right back at him. After the events of the past few weeks, particularly those of the previous evening, many of his former priorities no longer seemed important.

At last Wu said slowly, “Let’s forget that last exchange. Can you put aside your resentment against Captain Davis and give me the benefit of the doubt? Will you listen with an open mind?”

Steve blinked. For so senior an officer to be so conciliatory in the face of such defiance meant that this really
was
important. “I… I’ll try, Sir.”

“Very well. Let me set this out from my perspective as a professional Intelligence officer. Amongst other things, I’ve been involved with the fight against piracy for a long time. I’ve also learned something about the Dragon Tong over the years. The Fleet seldom has anything to do with them except when they try to smuggle goods onto or off planets whose security we help safeguard. I know they operate several space freight lines owning scores of spaceships. Some of them we’ve identified; others are still unknown. The Tong’s largely a closed book to law enforcement because of their rigorous security, but one thing we
do
know is that they’re strongly opposed to piracy, because their ships have been victims of pirates from time to time.”

Steve couldn’t help grinning. “Usually it’s a mistake the pirates in question don’t get to make twice, Sir. The Dragons’ methods of retaliation are pretty permanent – not only as punishment but as an example, to teach other would-be pirates to leave their ships and crews alone. They make sure to leave a few survivors every time to spread the word. As a result, they don’t have very much trouble.”

“I can see how that would get their point across.” Wu covered a slight smile with his hand, watching Steve carefully all the time. “The fact that you know that much about them also indicates a better than passing acquaintance with them.” He waited for an answer, but none came. Shrugging, he continued, “I was hoping very much to use your ties to the Tong to find out whether they’d be willing to provide the Fleet with information about piracy. If anyone in the settled galaxy is in a position to provide such intelligence, it’s them; and we’re in a position to make better use of it than almost anyone else, which would benefit them as well as space commerce in general. You seem to have influence with them at a level I’ve never encountered before outside criminal circles. That’s why I’m so interested in finding out more.”

Steve was silent, thinking hard, and Wu waited patiently. At last Steve said softly, “Sir, may I suggest we continue this discussion in your shuttle?” He looked the Commodore in the eye while tapping his ear gently with a finger.

Wu’s eyes widened. He clearly understood Steve’s warning. “Very well.”

They walked out of the Admin building, across to the main gate, and out onto the hardstand. When they reached the assault shuttle Wu invited the pilot and loadmaster to go into the depot and get some coffee and refreshments from the Marines. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to proceed.”

“Aye aye, Sir,” the pilot acknowledged, his voice puzzled; but he and the loadmaster headed for the gates. As they did so, Steve used the control panel to raise the rear ramp and lock himself and Wu inside; then he checked all the internal recorders to ensure they were switched off. The Commodore’s eyebrows rose again as he watched him.

Wu pulled down a seat in the load compartment. As Steve joined him, he said, “Very well, Lieutenant. We’re alone in a Marine assault shuttle. I presume that’s the most secure environment around here.”

“Yes, Sir. There’s an overriding condition to this discussion. It’s that this conversation must remain between the two of us, off the record, and must never – I say again,
never
– be discussed with anyone else, inside or outside the Fleet. It’s got to be totally, absolutely confidential. You need to understand that there are
no
exceptions to that, Sir. If the Tong ever learns about this conversation, it may kill you – and I mean that quite literally. It
will
kill me for sure.”

Wu gazed at him in astonishment. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

Steve nodded soberly.

The Commodore thought for a moment, then sighed. “I may regret this, but very well, Lieutenant. You have my word. This is off the record and strictly private.”

“Thank you, Sir. It’s a long story. It started thirteen and a half years ago.”

It took Steve almost half an hour to describe his first encounters with the Dragon and Lotus Tongs on Earth’s Cargo Terminal, his unwitting acquisition of the jade knife, and how with Bosun Cardle’s help he’d learned what it really was. He explained how he’d approached the Dragon Tong on Vesta to save his life after learning that others were looking for the knife, and how he’d fooled the Tong into thinking he’d been looking for it on their behalf for over a decade.

“And all this time you’ve had it in your possession?” Wu demanded, clearly fascinated by the tale.

“Yes, Sir, safely locked away where no-one would be likely to find it.”

“Couldn’t you have found an opportunity to get rid of it before this?”

“Not if I wanted to trade the knife for information, Sir. I’ll say more about that in a moment. I’ve spent the last decade building up the best cover story I could. If the Tong ever suspects I’ve had it since Old Home Earth, they won’t listen to any excuses. They’ll regard me as a double-crosser and come after me with everything they’ve got. I’ve worked hard to build up an unimpeachable story of how I looked for and eventually found it. That’s going to culminate in a handover very soon, Sir. In fact, I was making arrangements to do that on Cassius when I was recalled to my ship to come here.” Steve didn’t think it wise to inform the Commodore that the knife was in LCS
Cybele’
s safe right now. Despite his promise, he might be tempted to seize it and use it as a bargaining counter with the Tong for information about piracy – but that would leave Steve out in the cold.

“By the way, Sir, my relationship with the Tong has already helped you once. Remember how, on Midrash, the police were surprised to receive information from an anonymous source about whose comm circuits to tap in order to learn more about the smuggling and assassination attempt?”

“Yes, I remember. Was that you?”

“It was the Tong, Sir. I made contact with their local representative and asked for help. They won’t normally assist law enforcement at all, but thanks to my relationship with them they unbent in that specific instance, to help keep me alive. That’s why it won’t help to ask them to provide information to the Fleet, Sir. They won’t normally help
any
law enforcement or related agency or authority. That’s just the way it is. However, I already have an initial and tentative commitment from one of their leaders on Vesta that if I find the knife for them, when I need it – in other words, when I’m in a position to do something concrete with it – they’ll consider providing me with information about pirates and piracy in my personal capacity. That’s what I meant about trading the knife for information.”

Wu’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “That’s magnificent! If it pans out, you could be the best-informed officer in Fleet history when it comes to piracy!”

Steve shook his head. “Not after Captain Davis’ reprimand and threats of court-martial, Sir. When I made the decision to try to rescue the hostages, I accepted then and there that my Fleet career was over. After all, he’d promised to court-martial me for any further breach of his orders. I’ll still ask the Tong for information, and I’ll still use it against pirates. I owe that to Vince Cardle. However, I’ll do so as a private citizen running my own operation.”

“A private citizen will never be able to afford all the resources that the Fleet can provide,” the Commodore objected, frowning.

“Yes, Sir, but I’ll be able to afford more than most. Thanks to the prize money my wife and I earned at Rolla we own a very nice home free and clear, we’re debt free, and we’ve got over twenty million credits in the bank. I wasn’t going to accept the reward for the jade knife, but given my present situation I’ll ask the Tong to give me a ship instead of the money, and help me to fit it out as an anti-pirate vessel.”

Wu’s eyes were bright with interest. “A Q-ship, you mean?”

“Yes, Sir. She’ll look like any other tramp freighter, but carry concealed missiles, laser cannon and sensors. Any pirate attacking her will find the tables turned before he can figure out what’s happened. Once I have her, it’ll be up to me to make my fight against piracy pay for itself. The more I capture from them, the more I’ll have available to fund future operations.”

“But where will you base your ship? Commonwealth planets generally don’t issue operating licenses for armed spaceships to civilians.”

“Yes, Sir, but I’m willing to bet Rolla will give me one and grant me basing facilities after what happened there a couple of years ago. If not, after rescuing the Eksalansari I suspect I won’t have much trouble getting a license to operate from Karabak. Finally there’s Qianjin itself, or another planet where the Dragons have influence. Merchant spacer scuttlebutt is that there are at least half a dozen planets, maybe twice as many, that will bend over backwards to help the Tong. A word from them should open quite a few doors to me.”