Talosian Chronicles 5: Raptor Squadron Page 5
UN Security Council Chambers
UN Building, New York City
Planet Earth
Sol System, Sol Sector
Ty's plan was indeed in place, although it was a bit more complex than even Ty had imagined it would be. The doctors from Atlas had insisted that they remain with their patient during the trial, but Ty had forbidden them from being in the Raptor with her. So, as soon as the Damocles left its birth, most of the psych ward from the hospital moved in and began setting up monitoring equipment for when the Raptor returned and the test began. For that reason, Lissa was ordered to place the Damocles in lock-down after it landed. It would remain sealed until the trial was over and Cindy was released from her armor.
Another complication to Ty's plan was that Ian would be in the Raptor with them. When Ty objected, he reasoned that in this test, Ian had a part to play and that part would be for him to insist that he accompany the team on any rescue of their children. Reluctantly, Ty agreed but only on the grounds that Ian wore his armor as well. Ian agreed and would bring his armor with them. The doctors had reluctantly agreed to release Cindy for 'light duty' and Ty assigned them as a guard detail for Ian's upcoming trip to the UN. He told Cindy that they would run her through the evaluation after they returned.
For her part, Cindy did remarkably well. She got back in the swing of things like nothing had happened and was on top of the security arrangements for the visit to the UN.
Ian looked out at the somewhat sullen faces of the assembled delegates as he explained the plan for protecting the planet if an attack was imminent. When he finished the Ambassador from the United States stood.
"Your plan sounds very effective and seems to have covered a broad range of issues in our defense. However, and with respect, Admiral, we will not willing allow a foreign power to place weapons of mass destruction we do not control in orbit over our country. If you wish to proceed with this plan, we demand that you surrender control of those weapons to us."
Ian smiled at the man. "Ambassador, I see that you still are having difficulty in understanding the situation. We are not asking for your permission to build those fortresses, nor are we asking your permission to place the weapons or shield units if an attack does come to this world. We are informing you of the actions we are taking. The plans are already being worked upon, several fortresses are already being built. We will not allow you to have control of any of our advanced weapons or technology. We have already made that very clear to you. We are simply informing you as a matter of courtesy, as to the actions we are undertaking on your behalf.
"Think about this, Ambassador; if we had intended on attacking any country on this planet, we would have already done so. That situation still has not changed. Therefore, you have no reason to fear these fortresses being built. I think I should also mention that, once online, they will be more than capable of defending themselves, so I would not recommend sending an exploration team up to one of them. No one will be allowed to approach any of them without prior authorization from System Defense Command.
"Oh, I forgot to mention that the fortresses themselves will be automated. They do not have the facilities to support a crew as one is not needed. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is happening. Construction has already begun. As we have in the past, we will continue to provide support for your own peaceful exploration of space as you request it, but we will not give you any weapons or technology that you can use to destroy yourselves. These fortresses certainly fall well into that category."
"You say that you will not allow us to obtain access to your advanced technology, yet you are assisting several mining consortiums on this planet, encouraging them to begin off-world mining operations with your assistance and technology. How do you explain that?" the Ambassador replied.
"I cannot answer directly to that, Mister Ambassador. However, I do know that none of the technology we will be providing will be allowed to be returned to Earth. I do know that some of the ores mined will be brought back down, but the ships that bring it will be guarded and protected. I believe the same sort of deal is in place for the food being grown on Atlas, if you would ever allow it to make it through quarantine. I am led to understand that you will eventually be offered to relocate a good portion of your heavy industrial, as well as other dangerous manufacturing facilities, off world as well." He shrugged. "I don't know all the plans for the future, I deal with the military defense of this world."
"You claim to be working for the protection of this world, Admiral, but yet you will not allow us a say in how those defenses are handled?" the Ambassador asked.
"We are working for the defense of this world, Ambassador. We have already proven that many times. As for giving you a say in how those defenses are handled, you have no one that is qualified to understand the issues involved. I do not mean to disrespect any of your military leaders, but this is something none of you have ever dealt with before, and there is simply too much to lose to allow you to bicker and fight among yourselves while you learn. There is far more going on out there in the galaxy that you people simply have no understanding of. To prove my point, I just read yet another report of an attempt by a government of this planet to capture some of our technology. The simple fact that the attempt was made is proof that not one single government on this planet is mature enough to be trusted with this level of technology. You are making progress; I will admit that. But as long as there are rogue factions within governments, or governments that are more concerned with their own power and money instead of those that elected them, none of this tech will be allowed to be passed to you," Ian finished, but it was clear he was getting frustrated with the old fools.
"Calling us corrupt and immature is not a very respectful thing to say, Admiral. We try to remain civil to one another here," the Russian Federation Ambassador replied.
Ian nodded. But out of the corner of his eye, he could see that Cindy was receiving a message. From her expression it was most likely Ty beginning the test. "That is true, Mister Ambassador, you do. You will also notice that I did not accuse anyone of corruption. As for the immature comment, that is only my observation of the actions of some of your governments, but again, I did not say which ones. I'm sure they are well aware of their own short comings.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I came here today to brief you on what will be happening in our preparations to defend this world. As I have done that, and it appears you have no further questions on that subject, I will step down now and let someone up here that can answer your questions. I bid you all a good day," Ian finished, bowed to them and stepped away from the podium.
As soon as he did, Cindy joined him as he was leaving the room. It was obvious to everyone in the room that something was wrong.
CHAPTER THREE
TDF Raptor Damocles
Various Locations
Planet Earth,
Sol System, Sol Sector
Major Cindy Swift-Williams, Commanding
Cindy watched Ian telling the politicians what was going on in space as she scanned the room for threats. At least the governments of Earth seemed to have all agreed that this place would remain safe, and they wouldn't try to attack when 'the Terrans' visited.
Everything was nice and quiet security-wise, but she was beginning to wonder if Ian was going to punch the American Ambassador in the face.
"Damocles, this is Control. Security Alert! Ensure the safety of the delegates and get them back to the ship as quickly as possible!" a voice called over her comm unit.
"Control, this is Williams. What's going on?" Cindy asked putting her hand to her ear.
Ty Anders answered her. "Cindy, someone just grabbed Beth, Jenny and the kids. Three Marines are dead and another is in critical condition. We don't know how they did it, or who they are, but we do know they are using advanced weapons. We're not tracking Beth and Jenny's comm units either."
"What?" Cindy hissed. "How the fuck did these Neanderthals get our tech? Hang on, Ian just finished his speech, I'll get him
in the comm."
Ian was already walking toward her with a concerned look on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Someone using advanced tech just grabbed Beth, Jenny and the kids. We've been ordered to get you guys back up to the ship," Cindy replied.
Ian nodded. "Get Luke and the others, I'll call Ty."
Cindy nodded and moved toward Luke, who was at the podium speaking. She once again opened her comm. "Lissa, get Damocles ready for launch. Full security alert people! Everyone else, we are escorting the VIPs back to the shuttle. Full shields; we're facing advanced tech."
She moved next to Luke who excused himself for a moment so she could whisper the situation to him as well as her orders.
When Luke turned back to the assembled delegates to make their excuses, Cindy waited for him to finish so she could escort him to where her team was gathering their charges.
She couldn't help but wonder who would grab her family? Who would have access to the advanced tech to be able to do it? Their Marine guards had been in light assault armor; more than enough protection from Earth-based weapons, but not much against a pulse rifle or laser weapon. At least her family had been wearing personal shields.
She walked close to Luke until he joined the group of dignitaries. Sam, one of Cindy's team members, had already handed out personal shields and made sure they were on. Seeing everyone was ready, Cindy motioned to Ben to lead the way. Ian dropped back to walk next to Cindy.
"Ty told me that the initial examination of the bodies of the Marines indicates Mark seven pulse weapons," he told her.
"Type sevens? Ian, we've never used Mark seven weapons. When Serena showed up we upgraded from type twos to type nines," Cindy replied.
"I know. But the Talosian rebels were issued type sevens because that was all they could get their hands on," Ian said. "My question is; how did they get here?"
"Why would Talosian rebels want to kidnap our family?" Cindy asked. "There's no motive here."
Ian shook his head. "There's something we're not seeing here. That's why I'm going with you."
"No fuckin' way," Cindy said flatly. "You're a god-damned Admiral, Ian. You’re not a combat officer."
He stopped and looked at her. When he focused his eyes on her, she felt shivers run down her spine. "I am going with you, or I'll ground the Damocles and let the other teams handle this. This is our fucking family, Cindy! I will not let these assholes get away with this. I'm going with you and that is final."
In all the time she had known Ian, she had never seen him this pissed off before. "Okay Ian, but you'll be under my command. If you don't follow orders, I'll stun your ass and worry about the Court Marshal later."
"My armor is on the shuttle," Ian replied. When she raised an eyebrow at his comment he smirked. "I always carry it with me; I call it my United Express Card."
Cindy snorted. "Because you never leave home without it," she nodded and shook her head. She knew it was the truth, Ian did always keep his armor with him. This time, it looked like his paranoia would pay off. "Still, it isn't as heavy as ours is, so be extra careful."
Ian nodded and got back on the comms to direct the response to this emergency. From what Cindy could hear, whoever had done this was going to be in a world of hurt when they were found.
They got the dignitaries to the shuttle and Cindy saw two Shadow fighters hovering nearby as an escort for it. Ian came right back out carrying the case that contained his armor. "Let's go save our family, Cindy," he said.
She nodded and as a group they ran for the Raptor parked next to the shuttle.
"Lissa, as soon as the shuttle is clear, get us in the air. Everyone else, armor up; we have a job to do," Cindy ordered.
"Destination, Cindy?" Lissa asked.
"Abduction site first. Maybe those assholes left a clue as to who they are and where they might be going," Cindy replied.
Ian and the team all stripped and did as ordered. They all armored up, but as soon as Cindy pulled her helmet on for the initial system test, her armor froze in place.
"The simulation has begun, Admiral," Lissa reported. "I've set course for Star Dancer. We should be arriving in ten minutes. The Councilor's shuttle has returned to the UN landing pad and the Marine detail from their shuttle is acting as their guards."
Ian set his helmet on the table and nodded. "Thank you Lissa."
The rest of the team finished putting on their armor and tested it before they too removed their helmets. "The General said this is going to be pretty rough on her. Is that really necessary, Sir?" Sam asked.
Ian sighed. "From what Ty explained to me, yes it is. We have to be certain she has recovered from her ordeal. If she were to lose control again, she could do an incredible amount of damage before we could stop her. Too many lives are at stake not to do this."
"What happens if she fails?" Sasha Yukonov, the Damocles weapons officer, asked. She was named Sasha because her father had wanted a boy, she claimed.
"She'll go back into the hospital, I imagine," Ian replied sadly. "They’ll also have to try to remove much of her training telepathically. She'll never be allowed to return to service."
"She'll make it," Ben Carson said with complete faith in his superior. "She's the strongest person I know." Ben was the Heavy Weapons and Demolitions expert.
"Once this is over, she's going to kill me for putting her through this," Ian said. "Our relationship was already strained; this could very well destroy it."
The team sniper, Jerry Conan sat down across from him at the table. "Admiral… Ian, we all know what's been going on. We all confide in each other. Never doubt that she loves you. She has always been completely devoted to you and your family, even when you were all mad at her for choosing this career. Yes, she'll be mad because of the deception, but I think she'll understand why it was done."
Ian smiled at the man. "I appreciate your words, I really do, but I don't think Ty told you guys exactly what she's going to be going through in there. This is a worst case, no-win scenario. She'll think that she has failed everyone and lost her family. If you can think of the worst hell she could be put in, multiply it by ten."
"Why so harsh? Why can’t you let her rescue the hostages?" Sam asked.
"She will be allowed to rescue one of them, as I understand it, she'll have to choose who she saves. The rest of us will die," Ian explained.
"Sir, none of us could pass this test," Ben said quietly.
Ian shook his head. "This isn't about passing or failing, she will fail. This test is about what she'll do afterward; how will she handle the grief and guilt. Will it shut her down, or will she face it and accept it?"
"We are landing, Admiral. Damocles is now on lockdown," Lissa reported.
"Thank you Lissa, please join us when you can," Ian said.
TDF Star Dancer
Raptor Damocles Birth
High Orbit of Earth
Sol System, Sol Sector
Commander Jennifer Williams, Commanding
"We can watch what she's going through, Da?" Sasha asked.
"We could, but Lissa and Star didn't recommend it as it might introduce a lag into the simulation that she could detect. Ty said we shouldn't watch because of what she's going to see and be forced to do," Ian explained. "The doctors are monitoring her though, and we'll be able to review the mission after the fact."
"How long will this take?" Ben asked.
"At least a couple of hours, maybe longer," Ian replied. "It all depends on her."
Ian and the Damocles team sat and waited. They ate lunch and talked. During the time, Ian could see that Lissa was getting upset. She was one of the AI controlling the reality Cindy was in, so she knew what was going on in there.
"Mishka, are you alright?" Sasha asked gently.
Lissa nodded. "It's coming to an end. Doctor Williams has been killed, Commander Williams and the Admiral are both badly wounded, but the Commander was… I'm very glad this is only a simulation. The Admiral and Cindy split up; Cindy went to sa
ve the children while the Admiral went to try and save the women."
Ian sighed. "I'm sorry to have to order this, but everyone but Lissa, please seal up your suits and arm yourselves. She may be violent when she is released."
"Perhaps you should put your helmet on as well, Admiral," Lissa suggested.
Ian shook his head. "No, I want her to be able to see my face and know it was all fake."
"The children were put in the same situation as the ones on Talos had been, so far, Cindy has not lost control even though she knows one of them has already died. However, she is not allowing the bad guys to surrender either," Lissa said. "This time, she is very aware of her actions."
Ian only nodded. "I would do the same, but I would want to make them suffer more."
"She is at the final stage. She has to choose which child to save," Lissa replied.
Ian closed his eyes. He had been dreading this part.
"Huh?" Lissa said surprisingly. "She just… She saved all three?"
Ian looked at her." I thought that wasn't supposed to happen?"
"It wasn't. She used her suit to move very quickly and she shot all the bad guys before they could kill the children. She did accidentally wound Sean, but it's not life-threatening," Lissa explained. "Scenerio ending. Unsealing her suit."
The armored statue that had been Cindy moved slightly, as if looking around. Slowly she reached up and removed her helmet. She was covered in sweat and had tear streaks on her cheeks. "It was a test? It was all a fucking test?" she said almost hysterically.
Ian nodded to her. "Yes it was. I'm really sorry, Cindy, but we needed to know how you would react in a worst case. I'm really sorry we had to do this to you."
"No one was hurt or died?" Cindy asked, clearly controlling her anger.
"No hon, no one was hurt. The kids, Beth and Jenny are all right outside the Raptor," Ian replied. "Everything was a set up so you would believe the test was real."