The Phoenix Conspiracy Read Online Free Page B

in tone while talking to the top brass, but
since he wasn't part of Harkov's Fifth Fleet, he didn't care what
she thought of him. Being part of Intel Wing made it easy to feel
above the rules.
    "They moved the trial from 0800 to
0600 to decrease media attention. Also it'll be in chamber three
instead of one. You're still expected to be there early and in full
dress uniform—I hope you packed one."
    "So do I," he said with a
smirk.
    "That is all."
    Calvin saluted and the call
terminated.
    So... two unwelcome calls
already and before six in the morning... I
can already tell what kind of day this is shaping up to
be .
    He scrambled to find the pieces of his
dress uniform which were mostly wrinkled, "where's that damn hat,"
he mumbled, while hopping on one foot to get his pants on. He
dreaded the thought of wearing the whole outfit all day, including
the coat and heavy boots. Sure it looked great but it was
completely uncomfortable.
    Once he was technically
presentable, deciding not to brush his hair because he was pressed
on time and had to wear a hat anyway, he dug through a box of
rations and grabbed a dehydrated breakfast to eat on the
way. Mmmm... everyone's
favorite .
    He locked the door and headed for the
trial chamber, deciding not to worry about the mysterious
call.
     

Chapter 4
     
    Calvin entered the court chamber
behind the other commanding officers who'd taken part in the
interdiction of the ISS Phoenix, including Vice Admiral
Harkov—who'd held the overall command. They took their seats
together at a designated table and were sworn in, just in case the
court wanted them to testify. It was kind of exciting to sit on one
of the raised platforms apart from the general audience.
    Calvin had never had a role in a
General Tribunal before, but he'd never wanted one either until
now. This time his excitement came from the hope that Raidan's true
motives would be uncovered. Why a decorated and distinguished
captain would suddenly and deliberately betray the Fleet was a
question that should be at the forefront of these
proceedings.
    At a table opposite them, on another
platform, sat the senior staff of the ISS Phoenix. Most prominent
was Summers Presley who radiated beauty even through her tired
appearance. Calvin also recognized the officers at her sides from
his investigation of the Phoenix’s crew, they were the White Shift
bridge officers and the chief physician. Then, on a guarded
platform, sat Captain Raidan himself. He was tan and broad, and
looked very fit for a man almost fifty. He sported a sharp grey
suit instead of his uniform, and at his sides were royal marines
with navy emblems on their fatigues.
    As Calvin watched Raidan, he got the
impression that the captain seemed a bit too confident. Instead of
looking anxious or indignant he seemed amused, almost smug. And
then, for seemingly no reason, Raidan looked right at Calvin and
made eye contact. Almost like he was studying him. Then he looked
away.
    It made Calvin more confused
than uncomfortable. He instantly connected Raidan’s behavior to the
mysterious call he’d received earlier. Were they related? Impossible. Raidan had neither access to a
terminal nor reason to be interested in Calvin.
    The Judicator entered and all rose,
not taking their seats again until she'd taken her place at the
elevated podium. She wore the burgundy uniform of the Executer of
Justice Office, marking her as a local authority and not someone
dispatched by Capital World.
    She ordered quiet in the chamber and
the doors shut. "This court acknowledges the presence of Vice
Admiral Aleksandra Harkov, the senior staff of the Imperial
Starship Phoenix, and the respective Commanding Officers: Captains
Jaromir Otto, Jason Harris, and Lieutenant Commander Calvin Cross.
This court also recognizes Consol Nau T'ahne of the Rotham Republic
along with his delegation."
    Three aliens stood up briefly and then
sat down again on the only other platform. They were rotham,
humanoid in appearance