The Blunt End of the Service by L.J. Simpson

Author:L.J. Simpson [Simpson, L.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: L.J.Simpson
Published: 2016-03-09T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Orbital One

“Looks like we’ve got visitors, sir,” said Penny, tapping away at the main console in Ops. “A shuttle from Phoenix is inbound and requesting final approach for docking.”

“Bring him in,” said Chuck. “Anyone we know?”

“Don’t think so, sir. It’s the police.”

“The police? The military police?”

“No, just the police. You know, coppers. A Detective Chief Inspector Burns and a Detective Sergeant Mullins.”

“What do they want?”

“They didn’t say. Want me to ask?”

“No, I’ll go and meet them at the air lock. You’d better get on to Commodore Jacks’ office and give him the heads up. Don’t know what he’ll make of civilian police on his station. Hold the fort till I get back.”

“Roger.”

Chuck made it to the air lock just as the shuttle docked. A steward guided the two policemen onto the station and left them in Chuck’s care.

“DCI Burns and DS Mullins,” said the taller of the two. “I gather you’re expecting us.” From Chuck’s expression the two detectives quickly deduced that he wasn’t. Chuck was just about to offer an apology when a red faced Commodore Jacks burst into the compartment.

“I thought I had made it absolutely clear to your superiors that this station was off-limits to all civilian law enforcement officers. This is a military matter and will be handled by military personnel,” he snapped to the two policemen. “And as for you,” he bawled at Chuck, “Who gave you permission to allow these two on board?”

“Err, beg your pardon, sir, but nobody–”

“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” said DCI Burns smoothly, coming to Chuck’s rescue. “There has obviously been some kind of misunderstanding here. Please allow me to clear things up. We are here at the personal request of Admiral Alexander Giles, who has invited our department to make some independent enquiries on his behalf. I was led to believe that you had been informed of his decision…?” Burns waited patiently for a response, but when none was forthcoming he changed tack.

“I see… Admiral Giles is, if my memory serves me correctly, the commanding officer of this sector? Yes, yes, I’m sure I’ve got that part right. Now, according to the memorandum that I received from the admiral just yesterday, we are to be extended… remind me Mullins, what was it that we were to be extended?” Mullins consulted his data pad.

“Every courtesy and full co-operation, sir.”

“Thank you, sergeant. Every courtesy and full co-operation, plus any and all assistance we may require as we look into the circumstances surrounding the theft of one computer core, on or around the 23rd of this month. I can furnish you with a copy of my orders if you wish, Commodore, though I’m confident that a cursory search of your incoming mail from sector HQ will make that unnecessary.”

Commodore Jacks looked as if he were about say something but changed his mind and just glowered.

“If you have any misgivings about the situation, Commodore, please feel free to take the matter up with Admiral Giles.”

“Just make sure you keep me appraised and up to date with your enquiries,” said Jacks sourly.

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