|
Date: 21 JAN 3008
Time: 1127hrs
Location: IFN Headquarters: Celeste Harbour
Milton Lee was on his way to meet with Commodore Toán Harvir. After the near disaster with the uncalibrated teleporter, Sundari had spoken with the Commodore on his behalf, which had gained him more leniency to work free of the restrictions that had previously confined him to Celeste Harbour. However, his latest request was more urgent, but Sundari had been too busy to discuss it with him privately on short notice. A scan from IFNS Newton had indicated a strange energy spike around a series of caves. It had not been repeated, but he suspected that it might be evidence of active Arkadian technology; though he couldn’t be certain until he had a chance to explore the caves for himself.
Sundari had originally set up a meeting between the three of them, but she had contacted Lee minutes before, apologising because she wouldn’t be able to stay for his meeting. She had gone on to say that she thought he should be able to handle the meeting himself, as long as he remembered her advice. That made him smile. He remembered sitting with Sundari as she explained to him the pressures placed on a Fleet Commander, particularly in prioritising resources, and advising him that there was a more appropriate way to approach Harvir. Since he would be meeting with the Commodore by himself, he had to hope that Harvir would see past their previous disagreements and acknowledge the importance of Lee’s work without Sundari’s influence. All of his work was important, but his latest discovery could be his most impressive yet, if his suspicions were correct and he had located the site of hidden Arkadian technology.
As he walked through Celeste Harbour, Lee noticed how much the base had changed since he’d first arrived. Most structures were now complete and the construction parties were outfitting the interiors and applying the finishing touches. However, that wasn’t to say that it was any quieter. There was a constant stream of activity everywhere, largely because the base remained the only transfer point between the planet’s surface and Liberation Fleet in orbit. Mineral cargoes were continuously being ferried from mines all around the continent to Celeste Harbour and then to other locations still under construction, since the Fleet’s stocks of prefabricated materials were beginning to run low. With Fleet Arkadia on its way from Earth, there had also been an effort to restock resources and develop plans for expanding the base into the first new city on Arkadia.
Lee entered the Headquarters building and, after checking in at the security desk, made his way to Harvir’s office. He knew that Harvir preferred to be out in the field amongst the troops, but it was still where the Commodore generally held his meetings. He was beginning to understand that the military had procedures for everything and that by following these he stood the best chance of having his requests granted. That had been another of Sundari’s carefully explained lessons, even though it seemed to him that she was allowed to ignore some of the protocols herself at times.
The door to Harvir’s office opened as Lee approached. Sundari and the Commodore were inside, smiling and chatting just through the doorway. Seeing them, Lee felt a stab of envy at how close they stood together, but he made sure none of his feelings showed through; he didn’t want to alienate Harvir before the meeting had even begun. He waited patiently as they said their goodbyes; Harvir placing his hand on Sundari’s shoulder and admonished her to stay safe. She flashed a smile up at him before turning to the door.
‘Hi, Milton,’ she said brightly. ‘I’m so sorry I can’t stay, I’ve been called away up north. It sounds like they might be on the verge of making an important discovery and they want me to oversee the excavation process.’
‘That’s alright, I know how important your work is to you and to all of us,’ Lee replied, unable to resist smiling at her. He would have been disappointed if it was anyone else, but he couldn’t help instantly forgiving Sundari.
‘I have to get going, but let me know how it goes. And good luck,’ she said, as she turned to leave, obviously eager to get to the Dig. Lee briefly smiled after her, before turning to Harvir.
‘Good morning, Commodore,’ he said, throwing in a salute for good measure. ‘Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.’
Harvir sighed as he directed Lee to a seat. ‘What do you want this time? And Milton, civilians don’t need to salute. It’s a military tradition and not one that you are part of.’
‘Ah. I see. Well firstly, as you know I have been working on decrypting the rest of The Signal, but progress has been quite slow. The complexity of the remaining part is much greater than the first. I’m going to give the task to one of the research teams I put together and—’
‘Wait! I need it completely decrypted. As much as I might hate to admit it, you’re the best person to do that, so I want you to continue researching it yourself.’
Lee paused and took a breath before continuing. He hadn’t expected Harvir to refuse such a simple thing, but at least it was recognition of his ability. ‘Commodore, with all respect, it is something that will just take time. I think that my efforts will be better put to work elsewhere.’
‘Lee, I know this isn’t what you wanted to talk to me about. I’m also not going to argue with you about The Signal; it’s your responsibility, so it’s up to you to see it through. Now, please explain what’s so important you needed to meet with me personally? ’
‘I’d like permission and an escort to go visit this series of caves,’ he said, showing Harvir the map that he’d brought along. ‘Our scanners recently recorded a strange energy spike in the area, which leads me to believe that the caves could be a site where we will find some active remains of Arkadian technology. Possibly even whatever is generating The Signal.’
Harvir closed his eyes briefly, thinking, before slowly shaking his head. ‘No. I’m going to have to deny your request.’
‘Ah, Commodore, may I ask why? Surely it’s in everyone’s best interests for us to learn anything we can about Arkadian technology since it’s more advanced than our own?’
‘Two reasons. One: I can’t spare the troops. Yes, I’d be happy if we found something that helped us understand the Arkadian technology, but I can’t afford to pull troops from their current assignments to go on what could be a futile mission. That energy spike alone isn’t enough to support your claims. However, I will see what I can do about getting a scout detail out there to take a look.’ Harvir paused and looked Lee up and down. ‘The second reason is that I don’t want you out in the field, even with my troops as an escort. With your recent history, I don’t trust you to be sensible. I think that the likelihood is too high that you’d place my troops and yourself in danger needlessly and I can’t afford to lose either of you. So, for now it’s not going to happen. You’ll have to make do with what you’ve got here at Celeste.’
Lee stared at the Commodore for a moment, unable to believe that Harvir would dismiss his request out of hand. Anger flamed within him. What’s the point of following the rules when it still doesn’t get you anywhere? He thought to himself.
‘Commodore, if it is where The Signal is originating from, it will help us to decode it. Plus, who knows what other benefits of technology it could bring us.’ Lee said, trying to keep his anger out of his voice.
‘I’ve heard enough Lee, you’ve made your case. I’ve given you my decision, I’ve even explained why. I need a full decryption of The Signal and I needed it last week. Leave the scouting to those trained for the task. You stay here and do what you do best.’ Harvir said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he also grew angry.
‘But Commodore—’
‘Enough Lee! For once, just do as you are told! Now get the hell out of my office and stop wasting my time with your fanciful illusions.’
Lee didn’t trust himself to respond further; he just stood and stormed out of the office. He left the Headquarters building feeling dejected and wondered what he should do next. There was no chance that he would give up on his plans now, not when he was so close to getting his hands on Arkadian technology, or whatever was in those caves. In fact, Harvir’s refusal had only fuelled his determination. Possibilities whirled through his mind. He knew a platoon commander who may be willing to do him a favour. In exchange for the chance to trial a few research items under Lee’s control, surely the Lieutenant could provide Lee with an escort for a quick field trip?
With a smile, he set off to find Lieutenant Richards.
|