Nigel Kahn was as usual impeccably dressed in his tailored suit and neatly fashioned hair. He sat on the advisory side of the table with Melinda Wu, the some what disorganised chief scientist. A very intelligent person by any measure just hadn’t grasped the right level of politics or fashion sense for that matter. Terri Goldberg was on the other side of him, a less then capable woman, and god only knows how she managed to get in that position, considering the very accomplished Takimoto, politics at its worst.
Finally there was Duncan Fythe, the old warhorse. In a way Nigel had to admire the old dog, he took some abuse with his somewhat anti public stance on the earth defence budget, even getting under the skin of the Secretary of defence Roberts himself. Whilst opposed on some items he liked to think that they had more in common then not.
Looking across the other side you had the populist Alfredo, he had done well and you couldn’t take that away from him but too much of a fence sitter. He was none the less a consummate politician, never putting a wrong foot forward and always supporting the right bill at the right time. He was still too new for Nigel to work out fully. His own background checks showed him to be a tireless worker with some left learning views. Nor was he as soft as some commentators believed, he had had a hard up bringing. He was a hard man not to like and even Nigel found himself liking Alfredo, not so much his brand of politics.
Next to him sat the real power, Amanda Nguyen, the bitch of Hanoi. He admired her with out fault, she more than kept the UNF together. It had looked into her past and current life as he did with everyone, it was what ii did. There was nothing he had found that was not public record already which considering her reputation made it even more fearful. As for her current life, it was the UNF and nothing but the UNF. Again he could understand that.
In Samuel Ragoon’s seat sat Yvonne Prescott and my did she desire that seat and for the most part he had help her sit in it as often as he could. Politics was fickle and he thought it best when ever the opportunity arose to push it one way or the other. Prescott in return ensured ii was viewed favourably. She had not been the first and nor probably the last. He wouldn’t want her sitting in that seat officially. There was nothing to either admire or like about the woman. He also had some concerns that she was running her own show, her network and links to several right wing colonial groups was a concern. He had yet to prove a solid link though. He believed in an even keel, not too far left or right.
In the Secretary of Defence seat was Peter Gandhi, his former protégé. They were still tight and knew the value of the mission. Nigel had his own penetrating supporters. Next to him in conversation was Pieter Hoosan, an opposition leader under siege. His coalition was crumbling, it should have crumbled except for Alfredo had some how kept a balance. Pieter was a decent enough person, approachable it not outright likeable and some you could respect to a degree but not so much admire. It probably summed him exactly, just not quite there to get over the line.
These first meetings after a inter-galaxy incident tendered to be chaotic, knowing the time difference between information and action. The issue with having central governments when you can only send hyper linked messages. It was like the 19th Century British Empire trying to communicate with all its colonies. It took a fair amount of diplomacy to keep it all together, the looming treat of the Mecoid’s hanging over everyone’s head certainly added some substance to the process.
Knowing everything before everyone is what the ii did to keep this mixed pot of human interests together. A push and bit of a pull there to ensure the right people made the right decision at the right time. It was all he could do keep events on an even keel. And for what? For moments just like this when the very essence of humanity was threatened.
“I don’t see that there is anything that can be done, its not like the wormhole has ever responded to us before, we can put the fleet at Cube on high alert? I am sure we have already done that.” Hoosan argued again, “Wasting more money at time like this will only breed more distrust in the UNF.”
“There will be a great deal of data gathered from the event, it might take years the analysis all of it but it might prove a break through none the less.” Melinda shook head, complete inaction did not sit well with her.
“I am not sure we even want to open that Pandora’s box, the longer it remains shut the better for humanity. Even if we could open I believe we should never attempt it.” Goldberg shouted over the top. “Its alright for you earthlings but the rest of us in the colonies do not have even a fraction of your resources to defend ourselves.”
“And that I can agree with that.” Hoosan nodded. Prescott sneered, she had heard that argument before.
“Another feint ploy at separatism?” She shot out. “You do you think this is going to save your arse when and if the time comes?”
“Please let us put aside our petty differences at this time, we need a response to our people.” Alfredo waved his hands. Nigel allowed himself to nod, Alfredo had that calming effect. “We can neither sit back and do nothing and nor should we be seen to undertaking futile work but I do believe Melinda is correct, more can and should be learnt from this.”
“And a review of the command processes from this incident.” Added Gandhi. “Our protocols were either not sufficient or not stringently applied to allow the loss of two ships, and god help us, one of them experimental.”
“Let us not jump to conclusions.” Duncan cautioned. “I have no doubt the truth will come out.”
“As it may be, but I will put forth an action for Gerald to step aside whilst we review this, it is only proper.” Gandhi nodded. It was well within his power to do so or more to the point, Roberts power.
“I might even look at the myself.” Duncan also nodded.
“I think you are required here more than ever to reassure the people.” Gandhi shook his head. Duncan was the only military figure, outside of ii, that the Secretary of Defence did not control.
“On earth.” Goldberg sniped with a grimace.
“Has not our prime minster himself headed out to Zeus in such difficult times to deal with unrest?” Prescott shook her head.
“He should be here in this meeting.” Hoosan tapped the table.
“Well we can’t predict the future, can we?” Prescott forced a smile.
“And your advice Kahn, you have been unusually quiet, normally you have a tid bit of information that we don’t?” It was delivered expertly from Amanda.
“I think both Alfredo and Pieter make good points.” Nigel seemed to consider his words. “It is important the we are seen to be taking appropriate action but not frivolous action.” He nodded his had to Alfredo. “And I think the public would respond well to having Admiral Mouille step aside whilst a review takes place. Maybe even a visit by our esteemed Melinda Wu here.” He turned and smiled Melinda, whom despite herself smiled back. The man was so dam charming.
“Yes thank you but that’s not what we pay you for.” Amanda frowned.
Nigel took a deep breath, now was the time for his play. “Well as unfortunate at this event was, ii prepares for every possibility, I even have people across the wormhole and feel their loss.” He began and paused for moment. “We still might be able to turn this to our advantage.”
“How is that Nigel?” Hoosan raised his hands and looked far from impressed.
“We have been working on an experimental communication process, along the lines of quantum entanglement.” He began.
“English please.” Hoosan waved his hand.
“I feel our esteem science expert would provide a much better explanation of that.” Nigel deferred to Melinda with a smile.
She smiled back. “The theory is that entangle atoms are perfectly aligned together no matter far you separate them. We use the concept as black box condition monitors on all our vessel. Even now we know that the Sparta is still functioning, we do not have one for the Resolute.”
“That I did not know.” Alfredo nodded with several others, “Please do go one.”
“Well.” Melinda felt slightly uncomfortable. “Using some very high processing it is in theory possible to send messages by this process and it was one of the gen7 projects before it was such down. We have not had success with the gen8 AI.” She finished.
“You have a banned gen7?” Goldberg asked with a glare.
“Ah no, but we have an experimental gen9 that has shown some success.” Nigel leaned back and raised his hands slightly.
“So you are saying?” Alfredo waved his hand in encouragement.
“That we may indeed be able to communicate with the Resolute.” Nigel shrugged. There was a pause.
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“You can really do this?” Gandhi leaned forward.
“I suspect so.” Nigel nodded.
“That would have been nice to know several days ago.” Amanda frowned.
“It is experimental.” Nigel shrugged.
“Your operative on the Resolute?” Gandhi probed.
“The most senior office on the vessel although not the current captain. He is a distant cousin but I mention that as a disclosure point.” Nigel began.
“Then you are suggesting that we turn the Resolute into a ii intelligence gathering vessel?” Gandhi now leaned back as if consider his own words. There seemed to be general consensus with the council that was a good idea we most members nodding.
“Once again you have shown yourself to be of value with forward thinking in times of need.” Prescott even added. This almost made Nigel sick that he had to rely on Prescott for support and the deals he had made did not make him feel any better either.
Amanda did her best not the gag on what was clearly in her mind a carefully planned and acted out ploy.
“I think that should be vote for the full security council when the sitting members come back, not their seconds.” Alfredo was the only one to shake his head.
“This is a legitimate council as set down in law.” Prescott snapped at the comment.
“Excuse me Miss Prescott.” Alfredo tried to continue.
“I will not be excused by left wing champions like yourself in such important matters!” Prescott was now standing.
“Please, everyone settle, I think there is a set logic here in what Nigel has suggested.” Gandhi lowering his hands, asking for calm.
“I believe Alfredo is right, it wont kill us to wait for the return of our primary members, I assume they will return as soon they are notified of the worm hole event.” Amanda spoke up.
“Well I can certainly speak for Samuel Ragoon on this matter.” Huffed Prescott, her face turning red.
“Normally I would agree.” Gandhi raised his hand to try and clam things down. “But were are dealing with an unprecedented situation here, lets set in motion a process to make contact and gain control of the Resolute. Currently it is controlled by no one, its not even officially a military ship. We are talking about Mecoid space here.”
“That I at least agree on.” Hoosan nodded.
“Yes, that is important above all politics.” Prescott gave a rare agreement with the opposition.
“Agreed.” Goldberg glared at Prescott, it pained her to agree with anything that came from Prescott’s mouth. That was the majority of the wider security council.
“Then you would have no issue with an inspection of this gen9?” Amanda asked.
“Of course not, but is quite complicated and to be honest there really isn’t much to see.” Nigel shrugged.
“I was thinking the Auditor General and Melinda here could inspect this gen9, at least they would understand it.” Amanda added.
“Tela Montague?” Nigel raised an eyebrow, “I have nothing but respect for her, a professional and of course Melinda is always welcome.” He smiled at Melinda who again despite herself returned the smile.
“Excellent, then they can review today?” Amanda took some notes.
“Yes, I thought Tela was Moon side, so it would take six hours for her to get here.” Nigel nodded. “We can start the process to try and contact the Resolute whilst we wait.”
“Yes, Tela is already moon side, I have a viper on standby and Melinda can be here in three hours after the inspection.” Amanda did not even look up.
“Moon side?” Nigel briefly frowned.
Amanda looked up. “I do gather you know where your own AI is? It is on the moon base isn’t it, that’s where Tela indicated it was.” Amanda leaned forward. She barely detected the slight colour change in Nigel.
“Ah, yes it is.” Nigel was taken back, that was some intel gathered by Tela, she was better than he had given her credit for. That was one up for the AGO he conceded. He had though about denying it but he sensed something has just changed.
“Then we shall form the UNF resolution to contact and take control of the Resolute and I might suggest also setting aside Admiral Mouille whilst we undertake a review of the situation there.” Gandhi tried to bring the conversation back on track.
“I will need to contact ii Moon Base to allow the team to enter.” Nigel smiled again although not as strongly as before.
“Amah has initiated a simulation and all communications to the moon are currently cut off.” Amanda waved her hand to dismiss the offer.
“That’s inconvenient.” Nigel frowned as he looked at Amanda, was she playing him, had he missed something here. “Then I suggest I head up there with Melinda.”
“No need, as soon as we were notified of the incident we sent out an executive directive to seize all communications, Tela has a issued a warrant to take control of your AI on the moon.” Amanda said matter-of-factly.
“Pardon.” Nigel blinked twice.
“We know you had a something other than a gen8, and another one on the Cube, both were issued with a warrant two hours ago RMEC time.” Amanda was still calm.
“Why was I not consulted!” Prescott was seething.
“I see.” Nigel nodded slowly with a frown, it was pointless arguing at this point.
“We know you received a message nine days ago alerting you to the wormhole incident, you as much admitted so just now by alluding to this technology.” Amanda’s voice was now level. Nigel had to pause for a moment.
“That’s a good point.” Hoosan frowned as turned to face Nigel, “Did you know?”
“I knew of an event, not the context, it’s not an exact form of communication.” Nigel knew he had to give up something. He closed his eyes for moment, he certainly had not thought that part through. He had severely under estimated the AGO, Tela had out foxed him on this. He current deal with Prescott and Goldberg would not help him a great deal, best to thrown them under a bus.
“And you with held this information from Ragoon, Roberts and Takimoto as they left Earth, knowing that we would have a security council meeting on the eve of this news and low and behold you would have a solution to take control of even that.” Amanda leaned back in her seat.
“Please, had I known the importance I would have mentioned something, I feel you have embellished some conspiracy theory into this.” Nigel frowned. “I have nothing to fear in this and I can assure you had nothing to do with those three leaving Earth at that time.”
“You are subverting the power of the tripartite by keeping this from me.” Prescott thumped the table as she glared at Amanda.
“Did she know?” Amanda ignored the irate Prescott as she asked Nigel indicating Prescott.
“He told me after Roberts departure, that is all.” Gandhi spoke up, deflecting the attention from the unreliable Prescott. “Its not unusual to formulate a plan before a meeting of this nature. I agree it would have been nice to have known earlier but it is what it is.”
Amanda slowly turned to face Gandhi, her eyes narrowed. “I never asked you Peter, I asked Nigel a question.”
“I resent this!” Prescott now leaned over the table, even Gandhi leaned back as Amanda slowly stood up.
“One more out burst from you Yvonne Prescott and I will have you physically removed from this session.” Amanda said each word slowly. Prescott opened her mouth and Amanda lifted her finger, she then looked back at Nigel.
“No, as Peter Gandhi just mentioned, I told him earlier today, mainly for his advice, I am not even sure we can manage this.” Nigel calmly answered. For the first time he felt he may have played this wrong and over reached himself.
“Both you and Peter seemed to have come up with a solution reasonably quickly.” Alfredo joined in and Nigel started to join the dots.
“This is not a set up, its balancing act on what information to release and at what time.” Nigel tried to defuse the situation. “Please remember what is at stake here.”
“I am, which is why you’ll not be given control of that vessel.” Amanda shot back.
“We may be able to communicate with it today.” Nigel pleaded, “For the good of mankind.”
“It’s a muted point, the quantum entanglement bits you are after for the Resolute, left a day ago for the Cube.” Amanda pointed skyward. “The decision will now wait.”
“You conniving bitch.” Prescott stood up.
“Sit down now.” Amanda simply glared.
“You see Nigel it seems that when key decision are required, there are always key people away, replace by those with whom have some sympathy for your agenda.” Alfredo pushed home their point.
“I am perfectly guilt free in that.” Nigel now smiled back. “You are both making a considerable mistake here.”
“And what are you suggesting, your nothing but popular elected figure head with no real power.” Prescott turned on Alfredo.
“Oh but I am elected, you Miss Prescott have not been elected into this position, you are simply trying to steal it and push your agenda and the lengths at which you’ll go to know no bounds, even using your enemies to bring home your point.” Alfredo lifted his voice ever so slightly.
“What on gods earth are you talking about!” Prescott screamed.
“Oh god, the transporter attack, surely not, surely you didn’t arrange that to call away Roberts and detain Ragoon and Takimoto?” Hoosan went pale. Prescott simply glared at Hoosan for a moment.
“That’s a lie and we all know where your sympathies lie in that area and its not with those that died.” Prescott was wound up.
“Sit down Prescott!” Gandhi now stood up. “For the love of god we are here to try and save mankind, not start condemning it.”
“You may have been played Nigel, think your ii has failed to see what is really going on here. There very thing you should have been trying stop, has happened because you where playing in the wrong yard.” Amanda had ignored the outburst of Prescott.
Nigel leaned back and looked at the glowing red Prescott and more alarming the squirming Goldberg. Both fairly right wing, God fearing nationalist in their own fashion. He could now see it dawning on Gandhi.
“You where part of that attack on Zeus to keep Takimoto away.” Nigel slowly stood up and looked at Goldberg, it all made sense now. “God, what else have you got planned?” they were all looking at Goldberg now. She glared as she breathed deeply but did not utter a word.
“Because both Prescott here and Gandhi would are more likely to give the command to send in the marines to put down the separatists in the colonies.” Alfredo nodded. “And all this time you thought you where pulling the strings Nigel.” He frowned deeply at he glanced at Nigel. “You have been out played at your own game.”
“And the gen7 on Zeus?” Amanda added.
Nigel paused. Did they try and take that one down also? “Wow, Tela has been busy.”
“So, we could have called them back.” Hoosan shook his head.
“We can still get a message to them on this resolution if you wish, providing you haven’t destroyed my AI.” Nigel shot back.
“We wouldn’t have destroyed it.” Amanda shook her head. “You know what Nigel, if you had had this conversation nine days ago, you’d be hero. Everyone would have forgotten you have three gen7 AI’s. More than likely Roberts would have entertained your request to take control of the Resolute but no, you have to do things in a subvert manner and ensure you retain total control.”
Amanda looked back at the still angry Prescott and more nervously looking Goldberg. “You two of course are not going anywhere.”
