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here, so skipping signals from high-gain systems aboard large ships is out. I
guess we'll be out of touch for a while once the storm hits."
"No Academy assignments," Matt whispered with a smile."Can't give us homework
now."
"Anything else?"
Justin watched asZhing scanned the group. He had heard a rumor the night
before thatZhing had a reputation for getting into the "medicinal alcohol."
Because there was so much money to be made aboard an orbital colony or even in
the mining camps it was hard to find enough doctors for a flight; sometimes
less than the best were recruited and given the rank of Lt. Commander. Either
they were straight out of school and looking for a few adventures before
settling into a practice, or they were at the tail end of a downwardly
spiraling career. I haven't seen any indication of a problem, though, and he
does seem kindly enough, Justin thought.
"If there are no further questions, you are dismissed. I'll be around within
the hour to check that all of you are in your protective gear. You should know
the drill. Avoid exterior walls, keep a sharp eye on yourrad -dose meters, and
suits should only be removed four times a day, ten minutes at most for going
to the bathroom and sorry, that doesn't include time for showers."
Zhingnodded as if in dismissal, but the forward door opened and the assembly
snapped to attention as CaptainMacKenzie came into the room.
He stood silent for a moment, dark eyes darting back and forth.
"If DoctorZhing has done his job correctly you've all been informed of our
situation,"MacKenzie began. "All ship's routines will continue as normal,
except where there are safety considerations. The aft engine room has been
sealed, the door bolted and secured and engine watch will be run forward in
the secondary control center. There is, however, one further announcement.
"An incident occurred on the day of our departure. I felt it best not to
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discuss it with you for obvious reasons, but circumstances have changed."
Justin shifted uncomfortably. Everybody already knew what had happened from
their contacts with Uncle aboard the Academy. Now they were going to hear it
officially.
"Yesterday a group of terrorists claiming allegiance to the Mars separatist
movement seized a USMC ship in orbit above that planet. A number of civilians
are being held hostage with the claim that they had violated certain laws on
Mars and as such were to be detained for a local judge and jury to decide
their fate.
"Those individuals were engaged in a legitimate business operation chartered
by the United Nations, and as such they do not fall under any so-called 'local
control.' Besides, such claims are totally without merit. No violation of
generally accepted law had occurred. Thus these raiders are no better than
pirates and should be treated accordingly and without mercy for that fact
alone.
"It is reported as well that an officer aboard the ship allowed these pirates
to gain access. There was a report of casualties on both sides. It is
disgusting to realize that someone wearing the uniform of the Fleet has turned
traitor. This should not come as a surprise, though, to those of us who are
loyal and who are at times forced to associate with such scum hiding behind
our uniform."
He fell silent for a moment. "Yes, there are traitors in our service, and it
is time they were rooted out and smashed like the vermin they are."
He slammed a clenched fist into an open palm as if hewere actually performing
the act of annihilation, and Justin winced at the sound of the blow.
"This, gentlemen, was an act of mutiny and piracy and as such the regulations
are well known execution."
He spat out the last word as if the sound had a certain pleasant ring to it.
"This is not theAcademy, it is a ship of the line. There are no kid gloves
here like yourThorsson wears. I expect all of you to do your duty.
"The last communication I received from USMC headquarters before
communications failed indicates that a full and formal Declaration of
Emergency is about to be announced."
Justin took that information in, not sure how to react. It had been nearly
ten years since the last Declaration of Emergency had been enacted. The [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]