Insurrection by Arshad Ahsanuddin

Author:Arshad Ahsanuddin [Arshad Ahsanuddin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: science fiction
Published: 2016-07-30T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Hourglass Headquarters, Fort Kepler, Lunar space

Jacob stepped into the Admiral’s office after a perfunctory knock. O’Dare sat behind the desk, his face an expressionless mask. Major Kelso stood at attention next to him, scowling.

Jacob addressed Kelso first. “Can you excuse us, Tanner? I need to speak to the Admiral in private.”

“Not a chance, Commander.” The major shook his head minutely.

Jacob cocked an eyebrow as he glanced back to O’Dare. “Last I checked, I was still in command here. Have I been relieved?”

“No, you have not,” answered the Admiral. “However, Major Kelso has expressed concern that you have made an unscheduled trip to Fort Kepler mere hours after I ordered Henry Bradford’s arrest on charges of espionage.” The Admiral leaned forward, his hands clasped before him on the desk. “As far as we can tell, he penetrated our security protocols with help from someone within the Hourglass Corps itself. I’m sure you understand why your visit today inspires a certain degree of suspicion.”

“No, I don’t,” answered Jacob flatly. “I’m here to discuss your heavy-handed and extremely public arrest of a high-profile citizen when we’re supposed to be a covert organization.” He folded his arms in annoyance. “You brought me on board this project because you wanted a non-military perspective. Well, I’m here to give it to you.”

The Admiral smiled slightly. “Major Kelso, you’re dismissed.”

“Sir, I don’t think—”

“Those are my orders, Major. Carry them out.” He leaned back in his chair. “If you like, you have my authorization to activate the gravity shield.”

The major nodded. Then he walked stiffly through the door, closing it behind him.

Jacob stared at O’Dare. “Since when does this station have a gravity shield?”

“It was a simple modification of the artificial gravity system. The graviton manifold already in place was of more than sufficient power to ensure that no one on the station could escape via teleportation.”

“And why wasn’t I informed of this … modification?” asked Jacob, his voice icy.

“You just were.”

Jacob scowled at him. “It won’t protect you from attack, if that’s what you’re worried about. The gravity shield will keep people in, not out.”

“Of course not. But any attacker will be forced to leave through the station’s heavily policed military checkpoints. I am confident that will deter any attempt to infiltrate the Hourglass.”

Jacob said nothing, just shrugged. “Fine. So, what did Henry manage to steal that forced you to break cover?”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“Yes, it is,” snapped Jacob. “I’m supposed to be in charge here. It undermines my authority for you step in and order an assault on a civilian installation without my knowledge or consent. Now tell me what he got!”

“Do not bark at me, Commander. Your power here derives entirely from mine. I was perfectly within my rights to exercise my command authority, with or without your consent.” The Admiral’s eyes glittered with anger, his voice low and dangerous. “As for Bradford, I’m sure you already know what he stole.”

“So, you think I’m a traitor now?” Jacob’s voice dripped scorn. “And what

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