The Mars Frontier Box Set, page 33
part #1 of Mars Frontier Series
Mancuso had his suspicions. Why would simple mining equipment need to be transported in pressurized pallets without adequate warning signs? Although he was no expert, the components he'd briefly seen laying on the ground didn't look like what was listed on the manifest. Something was wrong, but he was positive he wouldn't get the truth from either Molloy or Duncan. The moment wasn't right to challenge either of them. The priority was to return Vicky to Alpha Base for a proper medical assessment.
Chapter 12
Georgia was exercising alone in the gym when Mancuso found her. She found running on the treadmill monotonous and longed to go for a proper run in the open air. But exercise was good for her mental welfare and she had established a daily gym routine to maintain her fitness and positive attitude.
"Can I have a word?" Mancuso asked, as he sat on one of the weight resistance machines.
Georgia pressed the stop button on her treadmill and took a long drink of water from the plastic bottle in front of her. "I hear you had some excitement earlier today," she said, wiping the sheen of sweat from her forehead.
"That's what I want to talk about. There was an accident at the base of Yorktown, but I don't think it went down as Molloy explained."
"In what way?"
"The pallet didn't simply split when it dropped onto to Vicky. There must have been a violent rupture to scatter some contents across the ground. Molloy said the pallet was pressurized, but that doesn't make sense if the contents comprised mining components."
Georgia mulled over what Mancuso had just said. "What was Vicky Morris's version of events?"
"She was reluctant to talk as we returned in the MEV, but she basically supported Molloy's account. She seemed nervous, though. I'm not sure if Molloy didn't convince her to agree with him. He had five minutes alone with her before Professor Duncan and I reached the MEV."
"So, you think they're hiding something. That there's a conspiracy?"
"I'm saying they're behaving suspiciously. Everything about unloading Yorktown felt wrong today. And, whatever was in that pallet was definitely not mining equipment."
"What would you like me to do?"
"Can you speak with Captain Bailey? He was the one that gave explicit instructions for Yorktown to be unloaded. If there is anything unusual going on, he must know. You're his second in command and should be sharing with you."
"Unless he has a good reason for keeping secrets from me. Which would be a very disturbing state of affairs! How is Vicky, by the way?"
"She insisted that Doctor Coleman examine her. I understand from Megan that other than two broken toes and severe bruising of her foot and ankle she's fine. Her boot is repairable and she should be back at work tomorrow."
"That's positive," Georgia replied. They didn't need any more casualties so soon after Lexington's arrival. "I'll talk to Captain Bailey. If nothing else, I'll be able to tell if he's telling the truth or not."
***
Georgia found Captain Bailey reading in his quarters near the control center. She was not surprised that he looked weary after his first full day on Mars. Most of Lexington's crew had already gone to bed and she was sure Bailey would have done too if there weren't so many reports to review.
"Sir, I'm sorry to bother you but have you got a few minutes?"
He put down his tablet and beckoned her into his room, which was still bare as he'd not had a moment to unpack his personal items. "Take a seat, Georgia. What can I do for you?"
Georgia only really understood the direct approach. "It's about the accident at Yorktown today. Although Vicky Morris has only minor injuries, Joe Mancuso is concerned that the contents of the pallet did not correspond with the manifest. Are you aware of any discrepancies?"
Bailey stared back, measuring his response. "None that I know of," he replied with a stern expression. "There were some last-minute alterations to the cargo. Perhaps the records were not updated correctly."
"That seems unlikely. There are so many controls in place that everything would have been cross checked before all the hatches were sealed."
Bailey slowly nodded but said nothing, keeping his eyes on Georgia, who continued, "I was wondering about the urgency to remove mining equipment from Yorktown when no mining operations are scheduled for months. I would rather have seen replacement equipment and rations shipped to the base first. They're what is desperately needed."
"The decision was mine. There's some very sensitive experimental equipment on Yorktown. I was asked to check because they are critically important to all of the corporate investors being able to recover their investments. We're talking billions of dollars at stake. Once those items have been verified to have safely made the journey, then of course we'll be delivering the key items you've rightly identified. It's only a few days' worth of delay. Not that critical."
"Excuse me, but I beg to differ, sir. Having been here for two years, I know what is urgently needed. I thought you appointed me as you second in command for the very reason that I have detailed knowledge and experience of Alpha Base. If you'd consulted with me, I could have advised that spare parts, in particular, are essential in order to get our construction robots and 3D printers operational again to complete the living quarters for the increased population. I feel there's something you're not telling me. How close are we actually working together here?"
Captain Bailey put down the tablet on the desk next to his bed. "Georgia, I think you're overreacting. I've been on Mars for only a couple of days and you have no idea yet how I work or how I manage my team. I appreciate it may take time for the two of us to build an effective working relationship but I'm sure it won't take you long to discover I'm easy to get on with. I expect you to challenge some of my decisions, but I request that you get to know me first before making too many judgments."
"Thank you, Mac, but if you're looking for my support and trust in your decisions, it's only reasonable that you share your thought processes. But don't take me for a fool. I've been around long enough to know when something isn't quite right. And my instincts are telling me that you're not being upfront about Yorktown's cargo. Or the real reason why Lieutenant Molloy is part of your crew."
Georgia could sense Captain Bailey was weighing up his options. Something about her appeal to his better nature had clearly resonated with him, but he was torn on what he should say next. His response could define their relationship for the foreseeable future. After a few moments, his body relaxed as he resigned himself to sharing the truth. "Okay, point taken," he said. "I should show more trust in you. I think you probably deserve to know the truth. Please know that what I have to tell you is highly confidential. I have been expressly ordered not to share the information with you, but I can see that you're more inquisitive than I gave you credit for. What I tell you next must go no further otherwise we are both in serious trouble. If you want the ultimate test of trust, then this is it. Do you understand?"
Georgia felt a knot in the pit of her stomach. Whatever Bailey was about to tell her couldn't be good news. "Yes, I think so. Although I don't know why I've been kept out of the loop."
"You will by the time I've finished explaining," he replied. "Firstly, I don't think you fully appreciate the effect your encounter with the Sentinels had on world leaders. After the initial shock and consternation that intelligent alien life had been discovered and was observing planet Earth, their feelings changed to fear. They turned to their generals and military advisers to understand what protections were in place to defend their countries against a hostile alien invasion. The answer they received only increased their fear."
"The Sentinels aren't hostile," said Georgia. "They're passive observers only. They've been watching us for thousands of years without any intrusion. Why is our first reaction to think of defense?"
Bailey shrugged. "It's a human condition to protect what is precious to us I suppose. The Sentinels are only one species. How many other alien races are there? And are they all as benign? We just don't know."
"We wouldn't have known about the Sentinels at all if they hadn't saved my life. This is crazy."
"Calm down while I try to explain. "That fear has initiated a new arms race between the major superpowers. Each has spent the past two years designing weapons that could protect humanity. Whether that threat be from aliens or asteroids."
"Or other countries? Fear sounds like an excuse to be creative on how to kill people more efficiently! I don't like where this conversation is heading."
"Whatever your concerns, this is happening. On board Yorktown is a developmental particle beam weapon. There has been some testing on Earth, but the scientists need data on how it operates in a vacuum, or near vacuum. With the research to remain secret, the testing couldn't be performed in low Earth orbit or even on the moon."
"You're telling me you've brought a weapon to Mars. Against the strictest UN conventions banning such action." Georgia was outraged that her own government could condone any weapons research on Mars.
"There was little alternative. I promise you that options were considered, but it was impossible to build a large enough facility that could properly test the particle beam. I understand you're angry at only just discovering the truth. The Russians and Chinese have done exactly the same thing and have brought their own weapons. America couldn't take the risk of falling behind in that research?"
"You're kidding me. We've been on Mars for two years and we're already turning it into a military testing ground. If the intention was truly to defend Earth, then why haven't the countries worked together to develop a weapon?"
"That would make sense if it wasn't for the politicians," conceded Captain Bailey. "You'll never get co-operation from all countries when there is a legacy of suspicion and bloodshed. The public is already pressurizing governments to deal with food shortages and climate change."
"The whole idea is ridiculous. Are we really going to fire weapons if an alien race arrives on our doorstep? How effective would those weapons be? We have no idea. Most likely we'd piss off the aliens are they'd annihilate us. Has no one thought this through?"
"I've had troubles accepting it myself, but I've been given my orders. If I'd refused, then NASA and the White House would have found someone else to take my place."
Georgia paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. "Who else in your crew knows?"
“We have restricted the information to Professor Duncan and Lieutenant Molloy as they'll be conducting the testing. We all report directly into General Stockton. Molloy has been closely involved with the development of the technology and is responsible for operating the device."
"So, I'm beginning to understand the urgency," said Georgia. "You want to start testing before the Chinese of Russians so we can brag that we were first."
"Something like that. We're keen to show to the Russians and the Chinese that America leads the way in all space-related activity. If all goes well with testing, there will be a press release stating we have developed and tested the ability to save the planet from asteroids. There will be some opposition around the secrecy of the development program, however the White House will spin the news in such a way that most people will see the benefit to Earth."
"That's a half-truth at best. It's still a weapon that could be used for many purposes if it falls into the wrong hands."
"Would you rather one of our enemies be the first to make that statement?"
"That's my point. We shouldn't have enemies. We should be investing our time and resources for the common good of humanity. Accept that Earth is just one small insignificant puzzle that is the Universe. We're never going to progress if we continue this path of self-destruction."
"I respect your motives. Georgia. But you're not a realist. It will require many generations for people to even start considering what you think is a commonsense approach."
"I disagree. It could happen sooner if we put the trust in people. Inform them of the truth and let them decide."
She immediately saw the look of worry in his eyes. "Now, don't do anything stupid, Georgia. You cannot tell anyone about this. It would be extremely reckless to make any of this public without the proper controls in place."
"More reckless than developing a weapon that's likely to be ineffective against alien technology? Mac, I thought better of you. These weapons will probably lead to our destruction. We should be offering olive branches."
"I don't disagree. Unfortunately, we don't always get a vote. Please, Georgia, I need you to work with me on this. I know it's a huge ask but I would appreciate your support."
"I'll work with you. But I don't support what's being done and will be registering my protect with the general. What's being done here is a huge mistake."
Before Bailey could say anything else, she abruptly stood and left his quarters. Clenching her fists tightly, she marched down the stairs and into the voluminous cavern, her footsteps echoing in the gloom. Swearing to herself at her own stupidity for not anticipating Captain Bailey's news she marched up and down for ten minutes until she was calm enough to return to her own quarters. Unable to speak to anyone, she sat in her quarters, angrily thinking what she could do to prevent the weapons tests from happening without facing a court-martial. She eventually fell asleep with no ideas how she could stop three countries from extending their military presence.
Chapter 13
General Zhang was meditating in his quarters on board Shandong. It was something one of his former mentors had taught him early in his career and helped him to remain focused on his priorities. He found meditation extremely comforting when faced with complex situations and it had served him well throughout many years of military service. So much so that he insisted that his senior officers follow his own example. He was aware that all of his officers obeyed him with absolute loyalty and accepted his demands without question, in the hope they would be singled out for further promotion and better postings. And, so far, all of them had been very well rewarded for their devotion.
During the journey to Mars, Zhang had established a daily routine you could set your clock to. Meals and exercise were taken at the same time every day. He ate with the rest of the crew which was highly unusual. Most of his peers chose to eat with fellow senior officials but Zhang had always felt a need to be amongst the lower ranks to show them they weren't forgotten. It was where her had started military service, over fifty years earlier, and it was the common soldier that made the Red Army what it was.
Meditation occurred twice a day, for twenty minutes each time, before breakfast and following the final meal of the day at seven P.M. and it was a brave or stupid person who dared interrupt him during those precious times. Colonel Liu was none of those and waited until the evening meditation session was complete before knocking on the general's cabin door.
"Sir, we have finally completed all the orbital checks. Apologies for the delay but two of the support vessels required course corrections to insert them into the correct orbit."
"I'm not interested in this technicalities Liu. Are you here to inform me that Commander Ding has approved a sortie to Taipei?"
Liu shuffled uncomfortably. "No, the commander has yet to receive approval from Earth."
"That is unacceptable," the general rumbled. "I made that request this morning and was assured an immediate response. Send the commander to me now so she can explain herself to me."
***
It was fifteen minutes before Commander Ding appeared in the general's doorway. She looked annoyed at being summonsed although Zhang deliberately chose to ignore it. "I understand from Colonel Liu that you're displeased at my delay to approve your joy ride to Taipei."
"It's no fucking joy ride, commander." The general's booming voice was heard throughout the ship. "It's to ensure that the highly delicate equipment on Taipei has survived the journey and will perform as designed for this military operation. Your obstruction in that process is entirely unacceptable and intolerable."
Ding wasn't going to be intimidated. "As I instructed Liu, I am waiting for clearance. If you are not happy with the process, then I recommend you make an appeal to Beijing, as you have done on countless other occasions when trying to undermine my authority."
"If you were not so ineffectual, I would not need to seek out the real decision makers. You should develop a backbone and make command decisions. That's what commanders do."
"With respect, General Zhang, you're an ancient relic that should have been put out to retire years ago instead of living off past glories. I do not need to take advice from you."
The general grinned, revealing his missing and rotting teeth. "That is another of your failings, commander. Many of my former officers are higher in the ranks than you could ever possibly dream because they recognized my wisdom. I will speak to Beijing, but you should know that when the outcome is in my favor, it won't look good on your record. Can you ensure that a shuttle and pilot are ready to depart once confirmation is received? Dismissed."
Commander Ding hastily disappeared as the general chuckled to himself. He knew that she would be seething after their latest confrontation. The arguments were the only part of their strained relationship that he relished. It was a shame that she was not a more worthy adversary.
***
While Zhang awaited the response from Beijing to his request, he visited the galley for a drink of hot water. It was all he ever drank except for special occasions when he would have one glass of baijiu. He returned the salutes he received from the four crew members already in the room, filled his pouch with hot water and floated up to the flight deck for a view of Mars.
The planet racing by below looked desolate and unforgiving. But it was a prize worth fighting for. There was potential in the form of water ice and minerals. More than enough for the Chinese people to expand and flourish. For too long had his country been constrained and bullied by the Western powers. Despite having the largest population, his people had made one compromise after another to accommodate western sensibilities, each time eroding their own culture and heritage. The Chinese should be proud and take their rightful place. The Americans, Russians and Europeans should rightfully be the ones making compromises to China. Those countries had long forgotten the values and ideals that the ancient Chinese philosophers had introduced to the world. And worst of all, his country's leaders had watched and allowed it to happen. He would never understand how that had occurred. Those leaders should be ashamed and punished.
