No Way Forward (Jol Markson Book 1) by Chris Towndrow

Author:Chris Towndrow [Towndrow, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Marcus Gill was the last to arrive in the briefing room, but was nonetheless there before the chronometer reached 16:00. Wisely so, for one of Jol Markson’s pet hates was tardiness, and a wise crewmember recognised that. He took a seat next to Jen Carter, and Markson began.

‘Now that we are only a day away from Taron, I thought we should gather to formulate a plan of action. Your suggestions are welcome.’

‘I think that a warning to Governor Hodall has to be the first step,’ suggested Reeda.

‘I’ve been thinking round this one Karl. It has its advantages and disadvantages. If we wanted to warn the Governor and leave it at that, that would be the first option. It would then be for him to deal with in whatever manner he deemed appropriate. If we were seeking to allay our conscience, we could ask for our warning to be recorded, such that there could be no repercussions in future. The advantage is that its the easy way out, and we could return to our duties. The first disadvantage is that we would probably have to find a plausible reason for the warning for it to be taken seriously, and there we are rather walking a thin line between reality and nonsense, despite the fact that we know it to be reality. Then we would have to assume that action would be taken, and live with ourselves if none was. I’d rather not be admonishing myself for years to come if I knew I had failed to prevent the preventable. We are also assuming that the Governor would know where to start in preventing the coup or guarding against it. Given that we ourselves don’t know yet, I’m not even convinced that the Taron political machine could figure it out. I may be wrong.’

‘So we warn him but continue to search ourselves?’ asked Gill.

‘Or we ask for assistance?’ opined Carter.

‘Seeking assistance would imply a manhunt,’ replied Markson, ‘and we don’t know the man yet. I don’t believe that asking every man on the street if he is about to stage a coup would reap much reward.’

‘That is not exactly what I had in mind, sir.’

‘I know Carter, I was just illustrating one of the disadvantages of numbers. If the...let’s call them rebels...got wind of the search, then either they would strike instantly, and probably more violently, or they would disappear without trace. Either way we lose. The advantage is that we get to explore many more possibilities. A small force operating with more stealth and intelligence has the reverse characteristics. I favour the latter.’

‘So do I, sir,’ said Reeda.

‘Another disadvantage is that Hodall may not give us free reign to run about the City on a political initiative, asking questions and possibly putting ourselves in danger. He may want to appoint a force.’

‘With the speed of some political appointments, he could be dead before it’s ready.’

‘Indeed Harry, and touches on another point. My assumption so far has been of a non-violent toppling of the Council, or perhaps just the Governor.

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