“Sarah, I know it is dangerous.” He was looking at her, but speaking to everyone present. “But there is no choice. If we don’t rescue Garret, Alliance Intelligence controls the navy…and if they control the navy, it’s over. Everything. Alliance Gov will control every colony world with an iron fist, and anyone who causes trouble will be nuked from space. The Corps will be done too, units trapped without supply on whatever world they are currently posted.”
She knew he was right, but she wanted to run away from the truth. To scream, why does it have to be him? But all she did was sit still and nod ever so slightly, fighting to retain her composure. She was sure she would never see him again if he went to Earth, and she just wasn’t ready to face the possibility.
“We also need to prop up the rebels.” Erik decided to move on to the next subject – he’d discuss details of the rescue operation later, when Sarah wasn’t there. It would be hard enough on her without getting into the specifics now. “It appears that Alliance Gov is using its control of the navy to ship huge numbers of troops and massive quantities of supply to the most problematic worlds. The local forces will be overwhelmed before we are able to free Garret. At least here on Columbia.”
“I agree. We need to reinforce the rebels.” Jax this time, his tone leaving no doubt where his sympathies were. “A covert force, elite troops inserted to provide close support.” He looked down at the table. “I’m not sure where we’d find them, though.”
“I think we can round up at least 500. Mostly former SAT or other elite troops.” Holm was thinking as he spoke, doing a mental tally on what forces he felt he could find. “All from systems within a 30-day range.” He looked at Compton. “Assuming the admiral can assist with communications and transport.”
Compton nodded. “For now I can. But we better hurry before I’m relieved of command.”
“I believe I can also be of some assistance.” Vance spoke slowly, deliberatively. “I am authorized to offer limited logistical support to the rebel forces, including transport and supply.”
Everyone in the room had the same stunned look. The Confederation had always been extremely hesitant to get involved in the battles of the other Superpowers, and now their representative was offering to intervene in an internal Alliance dispute. Compton spoke first. “That is unexpected, Mr. Vance. If I may ask directly without giving offense, what does the Confederation want in return?”
“There is one thing, admiral, but I assure you it is in the interest of all humanity.” He swallowed hard and continued, somewhat tentatively. “We would like your cooperation in establishing international control over Epsilon Eridani IV.” His normally impassive face showed genuine emotion. “I understand that your loyalties are complex right now, but surely you all know that Alliance Intelligence controls that planet. And you know just how they will utilize its technology if they are able to adapt it.”
He is sincere, Compton thought - If he is lying, he is the best liar I have ever seen. He looked over at Holm, who nodded his agreement. “Very well, Mister Vance. We will support your efforts. As long as it is international control and not Martian domination.”
“We are agreed.” Vance allowed himself a cautious smile. “I do not seek sole Martian control for the same reason the Alliance cannot be allowed to retain it. It would shatter the balance of power and start a war the likes of which none of us can imagine. We propose that the Treaty of Paris be expanded to include Epsilon Eridani IV. Control will be shared, just like on Earth’s moon or Terra Nova.”
Holm looked back at Jax. “You willing to take an extended leave, Colonel Jax? Any expeditionary force sent to Columbia is going to need a leader.”
Jax nodded. “Count me in.”
“Me too.” Every eye turned toward Sarah. She returned their stunned stares. “Do all of you see what is on those monitors?” She motioned toward the wall of screens. “There is a humanitarian catastrophe taking place down there, and it is only going to get worse. I can’t imagine what medical services they have, but I guarantee it is substandard.” She looked at Erik, knowing he’d want to object. “I’m as much a Marine as any of you. I can save lives down there.” She glanced at Compton. “If the admiral can get a message through to Armstrong, I can put together a volunteer med staff…and really make a difference.”
Erik opened his mouth, but no words came out. He wanted to argue, to insist that she forget this insane idea. But he couldn’t. If he had his way, he’d hide her someplace safe, where he knew no harm could come to her. But that wasn’t her way. Besides, if they lost this struggle there would be no place safe. Anywhere. Still, he couldn’t force the doubtful expression from his face.
“How many Columbians did we know when we were stationed there?” She pointed at the screens. “How many of our brothers and sisters retired to Columbia? How many are in those scenes we’re watching now?”
Cain wanted to tell her to go, that he understood - to give her the support she deserved - but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he nodded…slightly, grudgingly. It was the best he could give her. She looked at him and smiled warmly, her silent acknowledgement that, as always, she knew his thoughts.
The room was quiet for a time…a minute, perhaps two…then General Holm broke the silence. “There is one more thing that needs to be done. We must find out what is happening with General Samuels.” He looked up, his eyes moving from Cain to Jax and back. “I think this is my task. I will go to see the Commandant and find out what is going on.” He paused, looking sadly down at the table. “And I will do whatever must be done.”
Chapter 14
“Negative, Mr. Cooper.” Compton’s voice was firm, steady. He knew he was going down a road that was fraught with peril, but his decision made, he focused on what had to be done. He was relieved, actually, to have chosen a course, and he would follow it…wherever it might lead. “I regret that I must refuse your request.” There was a slight delay, as Compton’s message made its way from high orbit to the surface, and the reply covered the same distance back. It wasn’t a long hitch, perhaps a tenth of a second each way, but it was still noticeable.
“Admiral Compton, you have no right to refuse my ord… my request.” Arlen Cooper was angry. He was trying to control it, but only partially succeeding. “Your orders from Naval Command are quite clear, admiral.” He tried to keep his voice steady and non-provocative. Cooper was a bully, but he was smart enough to know he couldn’t push around a man like Terrance Compton. “Consider the ramifications of your refusal. Are you really going to throw away your career over your squeamishness about bombing some rebels?”
Compton was angry too, though in an icy cold way an arrogant thug like Cooper could never understand. “Governor, allow me to be clear.” His tone was changing, becoming harder, more ominous. “What you have requested would constitute an atrocity and a war crime of epic proportions.” He was conscious of the bridge crew listening to what was said; in fact, he’d deliberately taken the communication on an open line. He was putting forth a moral argument, that such an order was unthinkable and could not be obeyed. He thought it was his best chance to maintain control of the fleet if things got tough.
“You are out of line, admiral.” Cooper’s anger was boiling over. After a lifetime of mid-level appointments, he was finally completely in charge someplace…and he didn’t like his commands being refused. “I am attempting to combat a planetwide insurrection, and I require you to follow your orders and assist me in defeating these traitors.”