Incoming: Chapter Fourteen (standard:science fiction, 3979 words) [5/6] show all parts
Author: James J Martin	Added: Jan 17 2005	Views/Reads: 2439/1929	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Continuing the Incoming saga. Military coup and several more plot twists with more to come. Constructive feedback is always welcome.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN 

In the ensuing hours, Broderian forces rousted the Newson infiltrators
and captured all but the few who had the capability to destroy 
themselves. 

"This was entirely too easy." General Curtis said to the gathered
officers.  Murmurs swept around the room as most nodded or voiced their 
agreement.  Curtis turned to the status board. 

"The fleet has beat back the Newson Armada and, surprisingly captured a
few of their ships.  A remarkable feat in itself. As of 1920hours, we 
still hold this planet and have numerical superiority around it."  
Curtis turned and faced the officers. "Intel reports that we may still 
have stragglers planetside somewhere between company and platoon 
strength, wandering around and potentially harassing our units."  
Curtis accentuated this statement with the abrupt closing of the 
extendable pointer he had been using to highlight the enemy locations. 

The room was quiet as Curtis looked around. 

"Gentlemen, you have your tasking, lets clean this mess up.  Dismissed."
The room came to attention as one then turned and filed out.  General 
Smith entered through the side door and approached the status board as 
Curtis was gathering the briefing materials. 

"Not a bad brief Frank." He said as he stared at the board, hands
clasped behind his back. 

"Thanks Artie." Curtis said glumly as he continued his cleanup. Smith
turned slowly and faced Curtis. 

"But, there is just one little thing." Smith gestured with his hand, two
fingers spaced apart.  Curtis looked at the other man, his gaze 
narrowed. 

"What might that be?" he asked as Smith stepped closer, his booted feet
almost touching Curtis's as his gaze traveled over the other man. 

"We still have the matter of a general officer's murder."  Smith said
evenly.  Curtis almost physically recoiled from the statement, only 
years of training prevented him from showing a reaction, yet inwardly, 
his stomach raced towards the back of his throat. 

"Why call it a murder?  From the reports I've read, it appears to be an
unfortunate accident."  Curtis fought the urge to swallow, as he tasted 
bile in his mouth. 

Smith turned away and walked back to status board, hands clasped behind
his back.. 

"The initial reports were inaccurate in their findings.  I've requested
an adjutant from Command to review the evidence and conduct an 
investigation." Curtis fought back the stammer that he knew would come 
out if he didn't take a calming breath. 

"That's very prudent of you Artie.  But, we're still on a combat footing
here.  Would that be wise to bring in a non-combatant?"  Curtis watched 
the back of Smith's head as he slowly nodded. 

"Quite right Frank.  That's why I requested a combat veteran.  One who
has the experience of conducting investigations during combat 
operations. One who has the authority to go any where, talk to any one, 
up to and including, general officers." Smith turned and faced Curtis. 

"One who will get the job done, no matter the cost."  Curtis was
thankful the lighting was still low enough so Smith didn't see the 
color drain from his face. 

"He arrives on the next supply run." Smith turned and left the room. 
Curtis stared at the departing general long after he had left.  He 
reached down and finished placing the remaining items into his case and 
noticed his hands trembling. 

"Damn. Damn. Damn." He muttered as he turned and briskly left the


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