Bradamont paused, then spoke slowly. “The message contains orders for me. It informs me that Admiral Geary’s orders assigning me as liaison officer to Midway Star System have been canceled. I am directed to return to Alliance space aboard the courier ship for further assignment.”
“Damn,” Drakon muttered. Part of him felt relieved that his upset was focused on how this would impact Donal Rogero and not on the negative effects it would have on Midway’s own defense. But it very definitely would hurt to lose Bradamont.
She was still speaking, but was having trouble keeping her voice steady. “My intent . . . General, my intent is to . . . to request that you grant me approval to remain at Midway in service to you and President Iceni. If you are willing to do so, I . . . I . . .” Bradamont paused, then got the words out. “I will inform the courier ship that I am resigning my commission as an officer in the Alliance Fleet and will not return with it. I hope you will regard my request with favor, and grant me a position here. Please inform me of . . . your decision. I will await your reply before answering the courier ship, which is demanding an immediate response. To the honor of our ancestors, Bradamont, out.”
Drakon stared at the image of Bradamont for several seconds. He knew her well enough to know how hard that decision must have been. And how much it would mean to Rogero. But he could not let that drive his own decision, not given the stakes involved and how much they would impact everyone in this star system. He touched the reply command. “Captain Bradamont, I want you to know that I appreciate how difficult this is for you, and how much I personally appreciate your request. However, given my responsibilities, before making a decision I must receive some answers to critical questions. First, will this action create ill will with Black Jack? We can ill afford to have that happen. Second, are you allowed by the Alliance to resign rather than obey that order? Will this action place you in violation of Alliance law? And, third, are you motivated in this matter purely by your relationship with Colonel Rogero, or are there other factors involved? Is your wish to serve Midway Star System conditional on Colonel Rogero?
“I require your answers before I can make an interim decision. I say interim because in a matter of this importance President Iceni would have to approve any final deal. For the people, Drakon, out.”
This time the fifteen minutes spent waiting for Bradamont’s reply seemed to take a very long time to pass.
Once again, she spoke with careful precision, trying to keep emotion from her words. “General, the orders I have received were not issued by Admiral Geary but by the admiral in charge of the fleet staff. Technically, that admiral has authority to issue such orders. From what I know of Admiral Geary, and from what he told me privately the last time I saw him, he would not approve of those orders. I believe that he would support my decision. I intend sending a private message to him back with the courier ship, explaining my reasons. As long as he knows this decision is mine, made freely, he will not hold it against you or anyone at Midway.
“If this were still a time of war, I would be prohibited by Alliance fleet regulations from resigning my commission. However, the Alliance is no longer legally at war. I took the time to research the regulations covering my current situation, and I am permitted to take this action. I . . .” She hesitated, her steely façade once again wavering a bit, “I am nonetheless likely to be branded a renegade and possibly a traitor to the Alliance by . . . certain parties. Legally, though, I have every right to make this decision as a citizen of the Alliance.
“You ask for my motivation. I would hope, based on those services I have been able to provide Midway Star System, that I would have earned the right to base my actions solely on my desire to remain with Colonel Rogero. But that is not my only reason. I have sacrificed that relationship to duty before this, and I would do so again if I believed it was necessary. Instead, I believe that duty now directs me to do all I can to continue to support you, and President Iceni, and all of those who fight to defend this star system and the new government you have built here.
“I want to stay and continue to help you, General, you and all of the citizens of this star system. I recognize that my status will have to be redefined, but I hope that can be accomplished in ways that allow me to follow my duty as I see it. To the honor of our ancestors, Bradamont, out.”
Drakon smiled as he thought about her reply. He should have expected that Bradamont would have all of her official ducks in a regulation row. “Captain Bradamont, on my authority as commanding officer of Midway’s ground forces and acting president in the absence of President Iceni, I hereby agree to your request, subject only to the approval of President Iceni upon her return, the exact terms of your remaining at Midway Star System to be determined later by mutual consent. Midway already owes you a great debt. I, personally, am extremely gratified that you wish to remain with us. Acknowledge receipt of this message and provide your acceptance of the terms I stated. For the people, Drakon, out.”
This time, Bradamont couldn’t hide her emotion. “Thank you, General. I accept the terms stated. I will inform the courier ship of my decision and my . . . resignation, and also provide it with the message for Admiral Geary. I will provide it as well with an update on the situation here which I have been keeping current in the event I would have an opportunity to send it. I cannot allow you to review that update before transmission because it is an official Alliance document, perhaps my last official act, but I assure you that nothing in it reflects badly on you or the president. I . . . thank you, sir. To the honor of our ancestors and our people, Bradamont, out.”
It wasn’t until the next day that he heard from her again. Bradamont looked a bit angry this time. “General Drakon, the courier ship’s commander has responded to my messages. He insists that I must return to communicate my decision in person, and that I must comply with the orders I received. In light of the diplomatic aspects of this situation, I am informing you of this matter and request your guidance. Bradamont, out.”
She was upset. Drakon considered the diplomatic issues, and the likelihood that Bradamont was as upset by the tone of whatever message the courier ship commander had sent as by the contents of that message.
A courier ship. An Alliance courier ship. And its commander was trying to play high-and-mighty with Captain Bradamont, who, all other issues aside, had always behaved with immaculate professionalism and was now effectively one of Drakon’s subordinates.
He felt a little upset, too.
Drakon touched the message command. “Captain Bradamont, I will be sending a reply directly to the courier ship, copied to you. Drakon, out.”
He checked the star system display, confirming that Gryphon and her escorts were orbiting within a few light minutes of the courier ship.
“To the Alliance courier vessel which has entered Midway Star System and so far not conducted routine identification and clearance procedures with Midway Star System authorities, this is General Drakon. I understand that you have a problem regarding an officer aboard one of our heavy cruisers. I have been assured by that officer that her response to you is within her legal and professional rights as a citizen of the Alliance, and I assure you that she has always represented the Alliance in a manner that has impressed everyone with whom she has come in contact.”
That wasn’t good enough. What would matter to Alliance people? Oh, yeah, that thing. “Her honor is unsurpassed and unblemished. It has deeply impressed all who have met her. Given the services that she has rendered to the Free and Independent Midway Star System, under her orders from Alliance Admiral Black Jack Geary, I have accepted her offer to remain here and continue the tasks that she was given by Alliance Admiral Black Jack Geary. Since Alliance Admiral Black Jack Geary personally negotiated with me the terms of Captain Bradamont’s assignment here, I will not have them redrawn by anyone but him, subject to the wishes of Captain Bradamont. I repeat that Captain Bradamont is aboard one of our warships, and t
hat we will protect her from any threat or attempted coercion. You need not worry about her personal safety.”
What else? There had to be something else. What had Bradamont spoken of the most?
“I must add that Captain Bradamont has always championed the principles which she says the Alliance stands for, and has done much to make this star system a freer and more just place. If you have any further questions, direct them to me, as senior authority in this star system as acknowledged by Alliance Admiral Black Jack Geary. If you intend remaining in this star system, then you must request clearance. Heavy cruiser Gryphon will assist you in that process if you have any questions. For the people, Drakon, out.”
A little heavy-handed maybe, but no one listening to it could doubt that Bradamont had represented the Alliance well, and that Alliance Admiral Black Jack Geary wanted her here.
About nine hours later, Drakon was informed by his watch team that the Alliance courier ship had entered the hypernet gate, departing from Midway Star System without Captain Bradamont. He knew that it did have aboard not only his response, but also Bradamont’s message to Black Jack and her report to the Alliance about this star system. None of those things worried him.
The return of half of Midway’s flotilla to Iwa a few days later caused an initial rush of worry both because of so many ships not present and the battle damage visible on those that had returned. But coming in the wake of the light heralding their arrival were messages announcing the outcome of the Iwa campaign.
Drakon made a public announcement of the victory and of President Iceni’s return, declared a half-day holiday for all workers, then sat in his office, smiling.
“Aren’t you going to go out and celebrate, too?” Colonel Gozen asked.
“I’m celebrating,” Drakon said. “Why are you still here?”
“My boss hasn’t dismissed me,” Gozen said. “Otherwise I’d be out getting seriously drunk already.”
He gave her a look. “Be careful. The last time I got seriously drunk I did something seriously stupid.”
“I think everybody who ever got seriously drunk can say the same thing.” Gozen ran a searching gaze around the office. “I’m doubling security around the headquarters tonight. Anyone who wanted to get in might try to take advantage of the celebrating.”
“Good idea. Thanks.”
She left, and Drakon sat some more, then began assembling an update message for Gwen Iceni. That was his form of celebrating her return.
* * *
GIVEN the time for light to cover the distance to Iceni aboard Midway and back, her eventual reply came late that evening. “Thank you for the congratulations, though I had far less to do with the outcome than others did. I’ll respect Captain Bradamont’s wishes and not inform Colonel Rogero before we reach you. I have to say, Artur, that your responses were surprisingly diplomatic. Not as diplomatic as they could have been, but from you they were models of careful phrasing.
“We’ll be in orbit the day after tomorrow. In light of her change of status, I’ve directed Captain Bradamont to turn over command of her flotilla’s ships to Kapitan Mercia and to take a shuttle down so she can meet us when our shuttle arrives. I am concerned by your news regarding our two loose cannons and hope that between us, you and I can figure out a way to deal with them. See you soon, Artur.”
He spent most of the intervening time reviewing and overseeing security for the return. Ideally, he would have brought Iceni’s shuttle down in the middle of a vast deserted area with the several kilometers closest to the landing site swept clear of every piece of cover and a vast array of weaponry pointed outward.
But Gwen wanted the people to see her. He knew why and how important it was, so Drakon tried to work out a way to have her among the citizens yet safe from attack.
The day of Iceni’s return was windy, wet, and gray at the shuttle landing site. That didn’t discourage the people who wanted to cheer her arrival and packed every open spot around the cordoned-off landing site. Drakon had put together an “honor guard” which was actually composed of his deadliest and most dependable special forces soldiers, commanded by Colonel Gozen, and arranged them so that they could cover every possible approach to those leaving the shuttle. Colonel Malin had seeded the crowd with countless microsensors designed to spot weapons before they could be employed and was monitoring the actions of Iceni’s own security teams.
It was not the most romantic of circumstances, but when the shuttle settled and dropped its ramp Drakon felt his heart leap. Iceni walked out first, her arms widespread as she waved to the onlookers, who howled with enthusiasm. She came straight to Drakon, wrapped her arms about him, and kissed him, which also generated a roar of approval from the crowd. Drakon barely noticed Colonel Rogero leaving the shuttle and rushing to embrace Bradamont, though displaying open surprise at the fact that she was wearing a civilian pantsuit rather than a uniform.
They were all escorted into the same armored limo, an action that also surprised Rogero, Drakon and Iceni sitting in the plush seats on one side while Rogero and Bradamont took the other. Drakon relaxed a bit once the armored doors sealed and the vehicle began moving.
Iceni gave Bradamont a stern look. “So, Captain Bradamont—”
Bradamont interrupted. “As I am sure General Drakon has explained, Madam President, I am no longer entitled to that rank.”
“What?” Rogero stared at her.
“Wait,” Iceni told him, then looked at Bradamont again. “I am the president of this star system and you are entitled to anything I think you are entitled to!” Iceni crossed her arms, studying Bradamont. “I have already formally accepted the deal agreed to by General Drakon. I understand that the details still need to be worked out. I’ll offer you the rank of Kommodor in Midway’s forces. You’ll be coequal with Kommodor Marphissa, both reporting to me. You’ll get all of the status, perks, and pay that come with that rank, with seniority based upon your total time in service, including with the Alliance. I will respect whatever agreements you made with the Alliance and not demand that you divulge any secrets or other protected information except at your own discretion. And you will be permitted to wear your Alliance awards and ribbons. As you no doubt expect, there is one catch to the deal.”
“One catch?” Bradamont, who had been listening with growing amazement, looked warily at Iceni. “What is the catch, Madam President?”
“That you must continue to speak to me as frankly as you have in the past, offering your best assessments and advice, and not hesitating to point out any problems you perceive. Can you agree to those terms?”
“I . . .” Bradamont swallowed, regained her poise, and shot a glance at Rogero before replying. “You are extremely generous, Madam President. I accept your offer and am honored that you consider me worthy of it.”
Iceni snorted derisively. “Do you know how badly I’ve wanted to have a second Kommodor I could count on? I assure you that I am getting by far the best of this deal. Perhaps Colonel Rogero can teach you to bargain better. You can make the formal commitment as a Kommodor in Midway’s forces tomorrow and keep calling yourself captain until then if you like.”
“May I make one request?” Bradamont asked. “The uniforms that Midway uses, they are still obviously Syndicate in origin, and if I am to wear one I was hoping they might be further modified—”
Iceni waved away her words. “I’ve been meaning to get the uniforms changed, but something always comes up to distract me. Make that one of your first priorities as a Kommodor.”
“What?” Rogero repeated. He had been listening with a look of growing incredulity and incomprehension. “What is going on?”
“Explain things to him,” Iceni told Bradamont. “And while you’re making the commitment to Midway you might kill two birds with one stone and make another more personal commitment, if your colonel isn’t too hesitant.”
She sat back next to
Drakon, who knew he was smiling, while Bradamont talked quickly in a low voice to Rogero, who seemed unable to decide on which emotion to fix on his face. “What about you and me, Artur?” Iceni asked. “Still ready for that?”
“Yes,” he said. “Colonel Gozen filled out the forms, so they’d be ready for us.”
“How very romantic of you. Why do you sound worried?”
Drakon decided not to mince words. “Because after we submit the forms, there’s a legally mandated twenty-four-hour cooling-off period, and you and I can’t afford to ignore that when we’re trying to make laws mean something. No matter how we protect the forms from disclosure, someone with sufficient hacking skills can find them and make their own preparations.”
“Morgan and Togo?” Iceni gazed into the distance. “Neither of them would pass that up, would they?”
“It’s predictable that they’d try for us then, but I’m willing to bet that both will think we’ll be complacent about the amount of security around the ceremony, and they’ll believe that they can each overcome that security.”
“They wouldn’t use any major weapons,” Iceni mused. “Morgan wants me dead, Togo wants you dead, and neither wants to inflict collateral damage on the other of us. At least we don’t have to worry about mass destruction weapons.”
“I was afraid you’d want to put it off, given the threat,” Drakon confessed.
“No. Let’s get this done, let’s get everything resolved, if we can. Because we can’t live with this forever.”
“General?” Rogero asked with uncharacteristic hesitancy. “I wish to request permission to—”
Drakon cut him off. “Oh, hell, Donal, you know you have permission. Go ahead and file the forms.”
“After you discuss terms,” Iceni said. “The general and I have staffs to review our terms. You two should make sure you are individually covered.”
“We only held back,” Rogero explained, “because we assumed she would be returning to the Alliance and . . . we don’t need to discuss terms. Anything she wants,” he added, gazing at Bradamont with a broad grin.