Part 25 (1/2)

”You don't have either planetary defenses or a fleet. I'd think a long time before I made Captain Grant angry-and on that score, I've been summoned to his cabin.”

Falkenberg saluted. There was no trace of mockery in the gesture, but Bannister grimaced as the soldier left the lounge.

Falkenberg was conducted past Marine sentries to the captain's cabin. The orderly opened the door and let him in, then withdrew.

John Grant was a tall, thin officer with premature graying hair that made him look older than he was. As Falkenberg entered, Grant stood and greeted him with genuine warmth. ”Good to see you, John Christ ian.” He extended his hand and looked over his visitor with pleasure. ”You're keeping fit enough.”

”So are you, Johnny.” Falkenberg's smile was equally genuine. ”And the family's well?”

”Inez and the kids are fine. My father's dead.”

”Sorry to hear that.”

Captain Grant brought his chair from behind his desk and placed it facing Falkenberg's. Unconsciously he dogged it into place. ”It was a release for him, I think.

Single-pa.s.senger flier accident.”

Falkenberg frowned, and Grant nodded. ”Coroner said accident,” the Captain said.

”But it could have been suicide. He was pretty broken up about Sharon. But you don't know that story, do you? No matter. My kid sister's fine. They've got a good place on Sparta.”

Grant reached to his desk to touch a b.u.t.ton. A steward brought brandy and gla.s.ses.

The Marine set up a collapsible table between them, then left.

”The Grand Admiral all right?” Falkenberg asked.

”He's hanging on.” Grant drew in a deep breath and let it out quickly. ”Just barely, though. Despite everything Uncle Martin could do the budget's lower again this year. I can't stay here long, John. Another patrol, and it's getting harder to cover these unauthorized missions in the log. Have you accomplished your job?”

”Yeah. Went quicker than I thought. I've spent the last hundred hours wis.h.i.+ng we'd arranged to have you arrive sooner.” He went to the screen controls on the cabin bulk- head.

”Got that complaint signaled by a merchantman as we came in,” Grant said.

”Surprised h.e.l.l out of me. Here, let me get that, they've improved the d.a.m.ned thing and it's tricky.” He played with the controls until New Was.h.i.+ngton's inhabited areas showed on the screen. ”O.K.?”

”Right.” Falkenberg spun dials to show the current military situation on the planet below. ”Stalemate,” he said. ”As it stands. But once you order all mercenaries off planet, we won't have much trouble taking the capital area.”

”Christ, John, I can't do anything as raw as that! If the Friedlanders go, you have to go as well. h.e.l.l, you've accomplished the mission. The rebels may have a h.e.l.l of a time taking the capital without you, but it doesn't really matter who wins. Neither one of 'em's going to build a fleet for a while after this war's over. Good work.”

Falkenberg nodded. ”That was Sergei Lermontov's plan. Neutralize this planet with minimum CD investment and without destroying the industries. Something came up, though, Johnny, and I've decided to change it a bit. The regiment's staying.”

”But I-”

”Just hold on,” Falkenberg said. He grinned broadly. ”I'm not a mercenary within the meaning of the act. We've got a land grant, Johnny. You can leave us as settlers, not mercenaries.”

”Oh, come off it.” Grant's voice showed irritation. ”A land grant by a rebel government not in control? Look, n.o.body's going to look too close at what I do, but Franklin can buy one Grand Senator anyway. I can't risk it, John. Wish I could.”

”What if the grant's confirmed by the local Loyalist government?” Falkenberg asked impishly.

”Well, then it'd be O.K.-how in h.e.l.l did you manage that?” Grant was grinning again. ”Have a drink and tell me about it.” He poured for both of them. ”And where do you fit in?”

Falkenberg looked up at Grant and his expression changed to something like astonishment. ”You won't believe this, Johnny.”

”From the look on your face you don't either.”