Red Zone - 9
A Novel
6
It was only 20 minutes later Venky found himself at the main dock, it had not been appreciably altered in a very long time, and its function had not either. There were still airlocks, through thick rubber or other substances that had been replaced by thin nano-sealing joins. There was still the condensation in the air from very cold materials hitting the air, though liquid oxygen rockets were strictly for correctional maneuvers, there were decom stations, an assortment of simple controls, a pad for accepting orders and security codes, rectangular, but of course with no projections or anything so primitive as buttons. The décor was truly spare, and insignias from successive governments were inlaid across the entrance. These, Venky knew, were painted on, rather than in the changeable inks that most writing used. The oval airlock was large, to accommodate large objects, and now, large beings.
He waited in front of the iris eye and steeled himself for what came next. He had taken a slight hit to calm himself earlier, but it was gone, instead, the underlying attention and stimulation complex of modification he was on had worn through. His mouth, his sight, felt like dry cloth had been rubbed against it polishing it clean, but a grating feeling was left behind.
“Colonel Alpha, 415 Regiment. Permission to enter.” It was a disembodied voice from the other side. Speakers and transmission were nearly perfect, the imperfections added intentionally to help indicate where a sound came from. This voice, however, sounded distorted in its nature. There was a quality to it like a broken pipe organ or echoing voice in a large cave. He tried to place it.
It has the same tonal quality as Kumar's. How is that?
The iris eye snapped open, and whatever sense of discomfort he felt, was magnified greatly. There were two figures, both roughly alike in general form, but also different in details and recognizable as different individuals, he could make out other outlines behind the second airlock door. Both were half again as tall, or more, as Venky, and he was 180 cm. That meant, nearly three meters. The jokes about 9 feet, a reference to a long out-of-date - but still remarkably persistent - measuring system were correct. He realized that he had only seen them in armor, never as individuals, or at least, he had not been allowed to recall them as individuals.
The form was, likewise, only marginally human. Never had Kumar felt so inadequate behind his pure han designation, the shoulders were massively broad, the chest an inverted egg shape with massive lung power. However, there was almost no abdomen. A ya, they do not chew or eat but take liquid slurry nutrition. No guts, a dramatic reduction in the most difficult wounds to deal with. The hips were almost as if they were attached to a desiccated corpse, with the spacesuit pulled tight over them. Then, there were the legs, which were inverted, like a goat or other animal. The surface of the flesh was also alien: there were bundles of muscles. The biophysics was clear: muscles have strength based on the surface area, and so, many muscles are in groups.
Even the slight motions of their standing, the flexing of hands, and the shifting of joins, indicated another detail: their bones were enormously flexible, and they could use them to spring and jump many times as far as a man. I simply hope my cramming of information on them is of help, and not too much of it is meant to lead me astray.
But it was the faces that crowned the indication that these beings were meant to instill fear and terror above all else: the faces were almost skin stretched across both bone and muscles purely functional for turning the head, and ears, or to engage in speech. The teeth were a single row and looked as much for biting as an attack as for chewing.
The eyes had abnormally large irises and were jet black. Their skins were, strangely the most human thing: a sweet pink, almost like a newborn child with only a trace of color. Both had close shaved hair, it was a dark black stubble. Each was, after a fashion, smiling, and seemed in good humor. I am not positive this is an indication in my favor.
“Welcome Colonel.”
The colonel carried a command tablet.
“I will be direct. Effective immediately I am relieving you as commander of Mars SouthSec ground forces.”
With this, he, his aide, and the squad behind him moved out. There was no instability in their gate, clearly ready for gravity. They probably simmed this to the last detail. As he walked forward Colonel Alpha swung his hand touching the table to the receiver. There was a look of surprise when nothing happened.
“The codes! What happened to the keys and the codes?”
“All codes were rotated as per regulation when I took command of this base.” As long a pause as regulations allowed, “Sir.” He said it in a tone that was like the ringing of a bell.
“That was 15 minutes ago!”
“You must not have checked, the previous commander turned effective control over to me 5 hours ago. As per regulations, I rotated the codes and keys.” As long a pause as regulations allowed, “Sir.” He said it in a tone that was like the ringing of a bell.
“Then I order you to give me the root and turn over the code tablet.”
“No code tablet has been made since I could not do that until HJ responded formally acknowledging my taking of command. And since I am no longer commander of SouthSec, it is against regulations for me to convey or transmit this information. Aside from that, there is no way you hold the Terran Norm, so it is dubious at best that you can command this base without a pure han to intercede. You'll have to work your way down the chain of command or have someone back at HJ give key instructions. In the delay, he read names off of uniforms, and noted that the insignias were for mods, no han. Why no pure han to cover?”
“That was an order, Mister.”
“Per regulations, it requires a directive, which has to be issued by HJ, or military governor. Since your table did not override the codes with directorate codes, that means SouthSec's portfolio does not have directorate-level powers.” As long a pause as regulations allowed, “Sir.” He said it in a tone that was like the ringing of a bell.
“I will get a directive.”
“At that time, I will, of course, happily comply.” As long a pause as regulations allowed, “Sir.” He said it in a tone that was like the ringing of a bell.
“You are under arrest.”
“Charges?” As long a pause as regulations allowed, “Sir.” He said it in a tone that was like the ringing of a bell.
“Insubordination.”
“That is, of course, in the eye of the beholder, I submit to arrest.”
“Give me the codes or I will increase the charges.”
“Since I am now under arrest, I request that a JAG[1] be assigned to me and that I will answer no further questions until this has happened.” It's obvious that he is not used to full command, this is basic handling of regulations. They are always attached to a larger unit that performs their logistical functions.
“Contact the base JAG.” Even the communicator wouldn't simply respond. Of course, it was connected to outside communications.
“Sadly, the base JAG was also the previous XO. He was reassigned with Lt. Colonel Sunhil. We are awaiting a replacement. The request was duly filed.” As long a pause as regulations allowed, “Sir.” He said it in a tone that was like the ringing of a bell. I do not think I have enervated him sufficiently yet. It is a delicate line.
“Take him away.”
His aide. “We will need the brig codes.”
Colonel Alpha turned to him. “If I can't brig you, I have the authority to confine you. I may decide to make it someplace hazardous.”
“If I may, sir. By regulations, the restraints on my belt have to be brig coded in. Since I am submitting to arrest with full cooperation, you can use those.” He turned his wrists upwards and placed them together in the formal gesture of submitting to arrest. He feigned calm easily because he was calm. You have me right where I want you.
“Take him away. Bind him as well, I don't want any tricks.” Any more tricks. Venky mentally correcting the Colonel.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Wait, I didn't hear that, it must be a memory.
With that, Lt. Colonel Deeshandir Venkatesh was removed from his short tenure as Commander SouthSec, Mars. In less than three minutes, he was in the only cell in the brig that the restraints would open: the one containing Lt. Commander Anthony Berranstat.
“What brings you to these parts.” The Lt. Commander was busy doing sit-ups and then switched to a pressing exercise.
“I am under arrest for insubordination. The commander of the heavy infantry came bearing orders for my replacement. Unfortunately, he was not fully informed and made several rash decisions. His orders are, in fact, of questionable legality.”
“That's very talkative for the brig.” He's not as rustic as he appears, I should be more careful.
“They do not have the codes yet, which means until they do surveillance will be hindered.”
“How did that happen?”
“I engaged in some calculated use of regulations. Basic.” And found out that the Black Elephant commander could not in-fight his way out of an open drawer.
“You were expecting this?”
“No, not in any actual sense, I was merely following regulations. However, it became evident that being cooperative was a poor idea.” And when he saw what they were, something simply would not let him cooperate. If they are going to give orders to commit atrocities, then everything has to be in order. I am not going to suffer the humiliation of being blamed for whoever created this terrible plan.
“So, this has anything to do with the lost tank?” The Jovians began methodically adjusting the pockets on his pants and vest.
“They were en route before the ambush. Though my guess is that Alpha will recall the tanks”.
“I repeat my question.”
“I do not think that the infantry planned the ambush if that is what you mean. And I resent the implication that my service would engage in that kind of disloyalty.” Perhaps because it is obvious that some kind of disloyalty has already occurred.
“Well Sergeant Slaughter, you are going to be resenting an awful lot as long as they have you bunked with me then. Because I'm going to ask several blunt questions. I've spent time in the brig, but never before without having had the satisfaction of punching the lights out of whoever was annoying me.”
“Is that what you think of me?”
“That's within military regs to say, sure. I could be more honest if you want.”
“Is everyone in your service this insubordinate?”
“You are the one in the brig for insubordination, so you tell me how it is in your service.”
“Point made. Perhaps we should try again.” He could feel, the ebbing of the last of the sites he'd been taking and felt himself settle in his feet to an unregulated state. It wasn't uncomfortable, but he felt flat-footed and slow. The world was moving faster than he liked. I have to have a plan. First step: lower the temperature.
“What's your suggestion?”
“First, I would propose that we air whatever it is our personal feelings are.”
“Fine idea. I will even go first. I think you are nasty perfumed prince who slaughters civilians for a living. A jackal of a pack of jackals. With all due respect, Lt. Colonel Deeshandir Venkatesh.” He was not exaggerating his bluntness before. He swallowed his impulse to defend.
“You may well be correct. I suppose it is my turn: I conceive of you as one of the most barbaric and dislikable individuals I have ever encountered in my life, and that includes my mother-in-law. With all due respect Lt. Commander Anthony Berranstat.” That should be sufficiently pointed out.
“Fair enough. So how do we have? Before our 3-meter monstrosities get with the program?”
“Perhaps an hour. We will know when the lights switch to emergency since they will have to do an emergency switch of the codes.”
The Jovians spun and stood in an easy swift motion.
“So, what now? I'm not in any mood to match fists with you, and you seem to have some kind of plan.”
“I do not have a plan properly speaking, I simply placed barriers in the way of the incoming commander of SouthSector. I am curious as to why you have not tried to escape.”
“Where exactly would I go? What would happen to my men if I did?”
“It is not clear to me how you came to be here in the first place.”
“Well, Deesh, if we are going to be working together, we are going to have to put our word on it.”
“I do not see the great faith you put in the authentic display. Your people do not have a reputation for fidelity.”
“Because I have nothing else to go by. No other star to set my course with. Do you?”
“Perhaps. I do not see why you are eager to potentially betray your Republic for someone you have such contempt for.”
“On the outside of these walls are 40 men. Men who I am going to bring home. You are the only one who can do that.” He slammed the wall. “That promise is what I honor.”
“Are you so sure the Black Elephants will not honor your position?”
“What I think about you, I know about them.”
“Escape is an extremely hazardous undertaking.” And for me, it might well be the end of my career. However, it seems likely that no one is going to want to admit that the Black Elephants were assigned here. His feeling of what he remembered Shackleton was that there was something, as if behind a wall, that he could not access.
Was it gone? Removed for security reasons?
“That's why it's all in or not.”
“So how did you come to be here in the first place? I can't imagine Jupiter sending two companies of marines down without weapons in front of a war. It seems, incompatible, with your republican virtues.” If one can call them that.
“We were sent as support to whatever happened with Hyperion and your fleet. All options open. However, we had strict Rules of Engagement not to fire even if fired upon unless it was essential for self-defense.”
“And? You planned to use diplomatic status as a ruse?”
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Wait, I didn't hear that, it must be a memory.
“Not on your life. The TV[2] developed difficulties, we were hitting some kind of interference, perhaps planetary defense, I am not sure. It was getting desperate.”
“Why not send a distress signal?”
“And admit we were a duck? No. I rapidly arranged the diplomatic liaison as a cover. The outgoing commander seemed to be accommodating, for reasons that were unclear. This was better than distressing, less embarrassment than surrendering before the war even started.”
“This would require directive powers, Sunhil was not a military governor.”
“The orders came through Phobos under a diplomatic directive. They were approved by Ambassador Pritha Ma-Vishwander of the diplomatic arm.”
My wife approved this? She's an ambassador? When did that happen?
“So, we billeted down. I was surprised to find you, rather than Sunhil, I thought this was his show.”
“Sunhil left early, that was one of the areas where Colonel Alpha was off-stride. He was expecting to arrive minutes after I had taken command.”
“So clearly this Sunhil fellow intended my boys to get here, and you to be ready for the heavies. It seems suspicious, the timing of the ambush and the arrival of the heavies. All your tanks are out, and they arrive.”
“I am inclined to agree, but it is not the only possibility.”
“Is it possible that someone just took advantage of the situation, gave Alpha the command with the tank as an excuse?”
“It is not in our culture to seize passing advantages with the same ruthless guile as yours. Very little important happens in the inner solar system without a plan. Also, they did not mention the tank. Hence, I think they were sent here with those orders. I also believe Sunhil knew, and that is why he left early.”
“I'm going to offer you my professional opinion: you have a civil war on your hands. And all of the seeming coincidences are because different sides are reaching to take hold of whatever loose vital bits are out there.”
“That is beginning to sound like a depressingly comprehensive theory. We have several individuals all acting out of the usual range of behavior, for unclear ends, and all seem to be meant to increase conflict.”
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Wait, I didn't hear that, it must be a memory.
“So, if you are satisfied, I'm square and level, then how do we get out of this cell?”
“You asked me if I had another star to steer by.”
“Yes.”
“I do.”
“So, what do we have to do to get out?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“Well, we will need to walk through that door when it opens shortly.”
A few moments later, the door did indeed open.
No one was on the other side. Venky looked both ways, startled, and then stepped forward and down a hexagonal opening in the middle of the brig deck. There were only 4 other cells, and the main area was, itself, hexagonal. Venky could hear the Jovians behind. The tube was unfamiliar to him, but its existence, while somewhat buried in the base diagrams was not a secret. It had a hex cross-section, and smooth rippling sheen which had no color, and seemed to waver with tints of a spectrum. There was a slight resistance to the air.
Both military men spun about as soon as they landed because there was a figure there. Venky in a defensive stance, the Jovians in a low wide armed ready to fight stance.
“Hello there.”
Her eyes gleamed, her face beamed, and she had a twinkle at the edges of her smile. She floated, just slightly, above the floor, her white boots are just barely distinguishable from her white miner's suit, which was neither form-fitting, nor bulky, but was padded with insulation and had several large pockets for carrying gear of different kinds. She wiggled the point of her broad nose.
Venky gathered himself first.
“How do you do that?”
“She's one of yours?”
“Or I am one of hers, I am not sure which.”
She pointed and a transport tube opened, out popped a blue satchel with a stripe and oval logo, the Republic of Jupiter. The Jovians were up and spied it carefully.
“No trap?”
“No Lt. Commander, no trap.”
He snatched and checked, and then made some writing gestures with his finger, up popped a blank visual, but momentarily, the long thing face and buzzed hair of his XO, Lt. Ains.
“I am wicked glad to see you are alive, sir. Your orders?”
“I'm assuming everyone is still confined to quarters.”
“Other than Trace, they are interrogating him.”
The Jovians scowled.
“I'm going to get you, boys, out of here, you will be in command, I'm staying planetside. Apparently, the Republic is backing a rebellion down here.”
“That's what the three-meter mutants were asking about.”
“Be ready. I'm going to brick[3] the weapons. You are probably going to be prisoners of the dirts.”
“Better ticket than we have to punch now, sir.”
“Out.”
“Out.” The visual closed.
Venky spoke: “Make a comlink to Colonel Alpha. I will use the tablet to tell you to want to say.”
“You have some diplomatic or bureaucrat loophole?”
“Directorate diplomatic liaison is very strict. Even if he believes you to be backing rebellion, unless there is a declaration of an act of war or a direction that specifies emergency, he cannot do more than expel you.”
“Tell me, do you have standard monorail out?”
“Yes, it goes to South Terminal.”
“Then we can do this.”
Tony flipped his com up. It took several moments, but then came the face of Colonel Alpha. It was hard to discern emotion since the facial muscles were only partly the same.
“Where are you? You are under arrest.”
“I'm glad you said that. That means,” he paused to make sure he had it right, “Under Mars standing order 452, my men and I are to be turned over to the diplomatic authorities immediately.” Venky kept making writing gestures, and the text of the order appeared on his tablet. The Jovians continued.
“That means now, Colonel. And unmolested.”
“You have to turn yourself over.”
“I don't, since I'm also going to claim diplomatic immunity for myself.”
“That's bogus Jovan.”
“So, go give a yank on the line to Phobos and get it sorted out. But I somehow think you want to avoid that.”
“I'm going to capture you, and it won't be pleasant.”
“If you can. Now you've got two options. One, put my two transports on your monorails, and send them on their way.”
“Or?”
“You can declare us POWs. But at that point, it is war, and I have every option the table.”
“I don't have the ability to put your cars on rails. As I am sure Outlaw Venkatesh can tell you.”
Outlaw now, I'll be fascinated to see that directive come down. “We can get the transports on the rails, just don't stop my men from boarding and don't cause any troubles.” He rolled his lips to wet them, clearly nowhere near as calm as he wanted to project. His hand wasn't shaking, but only because his arm was clenched tight. “It's your call Colonel, if you've always wanted to be in a shooting war, you can start one right here.”
There was no pause at all. “And if I decide I need time to decide?”
Venky pulled up a tactical of the horizon and pointed at a small circle just below the horizon. He put up 4 fingers.
“There's a Mars equilateral coming up over the horizon in 4 minutes, call it 6 to clear the haze. From there, it transmits to Hyperion, already on route. That's presuming I don't decide to do unto you before you do unto me. Think fast Colonel.”
“What about you? You were under arrest. And now attempting to escape.”
Venky shook his head in the negative. The Jovians gave a nod with his foot, a common gesture when people want to communicate outside the field of a video view.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Wait, I didn't hear that, it must be a memory.
“Actually, I was merely confined to the brig, there were no charges. All I've done is walk out a door.”
“I could declare an emergency and have you outlawed. In fact, I think I will.” There was the first modulation of satisfaction.
“Then I'm sure you will think it sporting to give me a running start. Out.” He dropped the line.
Kiesha piped up, “So why are you two not just going to board the transports and go?” Venky went first: “I need to examine the evidence of the ambush and another incident. Those are south from here.”
“There's a rebellion, and my government is being fingered with the blame. Where Deesh is going, I have a feeling I am too.”
“Well, the rebellion isn't too hard to find. It's standing in front of you.”
“So how do you work your magic? Backdoors? Parallel systems? Codebreaking?”
She flipped her com, a smooth rounded face with heavy jowls appeared. His hair was of tight curls, his skin a rough brown.
“Uncle Harris, I finally get to formally introduce you to my V, and the taller man is Anthony, he's from Ganymede.”
The face turned and looked at both of them.
“Harris Washington, nice to make your acquaintance.”
Venky blinked.
“Harris Washington is dead.”
“He incepted in the computer.”
The Jovians interjected. “Interesting.”
Venky drew the obvious conclusion: “He was once the base architect.” He paused.
“He's a kami.”
“Uncle Harris, we have to go. Is it alright to shut down?”
“Of course. I am sure we can all talk later.”
“Yes, we will.” She gently turned her palm over and shut down the link. “Shall we be going?”
“Kami's are banned on this base.”
She spread her fingers to open an iris that shunted out to the main tube, she plunged feet first down it, her miner's suit keeping her suspended on the superconductor. No so equipped Venky and Tony had to run in a low crouch.
Over her shoulder, she shot back: “So is fraternizing with civilians.” Then the lights went out.
[1] Judge Adjutant General.
[2] Transport Vessel.
[3] Send a self-destruct that fuses the inner parts so they cannot be used, and only limited information gleaned from examining them.