The Phoenix Conspiracy by Richard L. Sanders Read Free Book Online Page A

and pieces.
    "Both corvettes have experienced
localized explosions and are adrift. No word yet on injuries." The
two escorting warships drifted away from the large Harbinger, which
looked untouched. Calvin knew from the damages that the corvettes’
main thrusters and engines were crippled. Both ships opened fire at
the Harbinger with basic laser arrays but it was pointless. They
couldn't hope to breach the dreadnought's shields, and it was
quickly pulling away. An instant later, the Harbinger changed
direction and vanished.
    "The Harbinger has changed heading and
made an unscheduled alteredspace jump. Moments ago, Imperial
Military starships opened fire on the apparently rogue
vessel—carrying the condemned prisoner, Asari Raidan. But the
efforts of the Praxis Squadron did not contain the fleeing ship.
The ISS Harbinger’s current whereabouts and destination are not yet
known. No comment from the Fifth Fleet yet."
    The screen went blank and was replaced
by a military officer at a desk. He wore a standard blue-and-black
uniform and on his lapel was the amethyst insignia for Second
Commodore. "This is Second Commodore Miguel Shenkov, commander of
Praxis Station," he said, Calvin looked up to see the message
displaying on all screens and broadcasting over every loudspeaker.
"Everyone on board is ordered to go directly to their quarters and
remain until further notice. I promise you, you'll know more when I
know more. But for now, this station depends on your complete and
orderly cooperation to ensure everyone’s safety. All active crew
will report to their stations and local commanders. This is an
order." The message repeated over and over, drowning out the
nervous chatter and panic.
    "What do we do?" asked Shen, looking
at Calvin with earnest eyes.
    "We do as he says. Go to your
quarters. And you'll know more when he knows more."
    "Just like that?" Sarah
asked.
    "Just like that." Calvin nodded. Until
he was given orders otherwise, or activated by Intel Wing, he and
his crew were on shore leave and fell under the jurisdiction of the
local authorities. "However, you might want to hold off on
unpacking your bags. If the threat is serious, which I'm sure it
is, I'm willing to bet every warship within two sectors will be
activated within the hour."
    The door burst open and marines filed
in, ordering everyone to systematically evacuate the club. Calvin
lined up with the others and headed for his room. Already trying to
decide whether Raidan had something to do with the attack or if it
was a setup meant to appear that way.
     

Chapter 6
     
    The light on the comm panel blinked
furiously and Calvin jumped out of bed to activate it. With a
click, Jack Edwards' bearded face appeared. His eyes were alert but
he looked exhausted. Behind him, the bluish-grey walls of his
office held various plaques and honors.
    "I was wondering when you'd be giving
me a call, Director," said Calvin while taking a seat at his desk.
"It's been three hours."
    "So I take it you know what this is
about," Jack said. He didn't seem surprised.
    "The Harbinger, obviously. A condemned
ex-captain disappears along with an alpha class dreadnought. That
sounds like something Intel Wing is going to investigate. And I'm
the closest agent."
    "Very astute, as always."
    "But it's been hours. Why'd you wait
until now to contact me?"
    "It's a logistical disaster." Jack
cleared his throat. "The Fifth Fleet has jurisdiction over both the
area where the Harbinger disappeared and the Harbinger itself.
Because they lost one of their own, they want to hunt it down
themselves."
    "That's absurd. They don't have the
resources to conduct an intelligence investigation. That's our job.
Remember how they couldn’t even find the Phoenix without our
help?"
    "I know, I know. Intel Wing and Fleet
Command had to reach a compromise on how to continue the pursuit.
And only after three interceptors and an interdictor lost track of
the Harbinger did they start listening and turn their files