Imperial Guard (20 page)

“Most unfortunate. General Calderon, we thank you for bringing us this information. You may be assured that appropriate precautions will be taken this afternoon, especially around three o’clock.”

Looking thoughtfully at Brogan, he cast an oblique glance toward Mogul and said, “Major, you may be assured of an impartial hearing in your case. To insure this, I hereby charge General Calderon with giving me a personal accounting of your trial. There are those who feel that the Emperor must rule by force of might through armies and secret police. Some of my predecessors used these and other means to rule our Empire. I, however, feel that there is a more important element essential to the power and security of the throne—loyalty. Such loyalty cannot be confined to the noble classes or to a chosen few. Of necessity it must be inculcated into the hearts of the ordinary people—in 78.2 percent of them, the experts say. These are the ones who obey the laws as best they can. But a smaller percentage of these not only obey the law but are morally offended when the law is broken. I suspect that you, Major, belong to this latter category.

“General, you and the major are dismissed.” Turning to his ministers, he said, “Gentlemen, there is much to do and little time to do it. Let’s get at it.”

“Your Excellency,” proffered Mizpala. “I beg permission to attend to another matter that requires my attention at the moment.”

“What? More important than my personal safety?”

“I’m sure that others can insure your personal safety much more capably than I. And, at any rate, I shall be able to join you in a matter of minutes.”

“Very well, Minister Mizpala. But don’t be long. I want you by my side.”

“Of course, your Excellency. Thank you,” Mizpala responded, bowing.

Mogul gave Mizpala a suspicious look as the Emperor’s entourage left the room. He was plainly worried. For the first time he realized how precarious his situation was. He followed Henry the Strong out the door.

Mizpala turned toward the two soldiers. His demeanor generated an air of hopefulness and excitement. “General, I’d like a private word with Major Brogan. Would you be so kind as to wait in the next room?”

“Certainly, Minister,” Calderon agreed with a bow. “But remember.” He raised a finger and cocked his head. “The Major is overdue at the Military Provost.”

“Of course.” Mizpala waved his hand in the air. “We won’t be long.”

As General Calderon made his way out the door, Mizpala turned and paced away at a right angle to Brogan. Then he turned on his heel and faced him. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Major Timothy Brogan. Oh, yes. I know all about you,” the Minister revealed when he saw Brogan’s look of amazement.

“You have been accused of cowardice under fire by a certain nobleman by the name of Josh Mogul. Of course, if anything is close to the truth, I suspect that it was Mogul who was guilty of this infraction, not you.” Mizpala resumed his pacing, hands clasped behind his back, and Brogan continued to stare with his mouth slightly ajar.

“I wasn’t sure what might transpire when you arrived on Earth or what part you might have to play in the current political intrigue. But now that you have overheard Minister Mogul plotting to assassinate the Emperor, I have developed some new plans for you.”

Brogan gasped. “You knew it was Mogul? How?”

“I know Mogul. By the way, that was clever of you not to let on that you knew who the conspirator was. It saved you a lot of grief.” Mizpala paused and shrugged his shoulders. “On the other hand, what I have in mind for you could bring you just as much, if not more, trouble. What do you say, Brogan? Would you like to help put an end to the evil and traitorous influence of the Moguls?”

Brogan stood up straight. “You bet, sir. Just tell me what to do.”

“Good. I thought I could count on you. I have managed to convince the Emperor to form a unit of trusted and loyal Imperial Guardsmen whose function it will be to expose other Guardsmen who are involved in criminal activities or actions dangerous to the Emperor’s security and welfare. I propose to recommend you as the man to organize, lead, and help recruit such a unit. Your life will be in extreme danger at all times, for the Moguls and others do not want such a unit to exist.

“What I am saying, Major, is that you are the bait that will hopefully result in the eventual undoing of Kepec Mogul, and perhaps his sons as well. It may well cost you your life. But if you’re as good as I think you are, you stand a better than even chance of coming through this thing in one piece. What do you say?”

Brogan’s mind was in a whirl. Events were moving too fast for him. He needed time to think. But he knew that he was impressed with Mizpala and was grateful that he had been fighting on his side. He decided to find out what made Mizpala tick, so he responded with a question.

“Pardon my asking, sir, but what’s in this for you? I know why
I’d
like to put an end to the Moguls, but why do
you
?”

“Very good, Major. Always good to know who you’re working for. Well, you may find this hard to believe, but power is not my goal. Neither is status. My goal is justice and the welfare of the state.

“Government and law must be just and reasonable. In the latter half of the twentieth century and the beginning decades of the twenty-first, the laws of most nations had come to reflect
what is
rather than
what ought to be.
What came to matter most was not whether or not something was right or wrong, whether it was just or unjust. What mattered most was whether or not something was
legal.
Needless to say, such a nonmoral philosophy of government breeds unrest and rebellion, not to mention injustice.

“Contrary to this, however, my life has been devoted to the pursuit of justice.” He stopped his pacing and looked at Brogan with a gleam in his eye. “You’re a Mennonite aren’t you, Major Brogan?”

Startled and embarrassed, all Brogan could say was, “Uh, yes, sir.”

“Are you religious?”

“Well, I believe in God.”

“Is God real to you?” Mizpala pressed.

Brogan was getting puzzled and a bit uncomfortable. “Well, sir, that’s a highly personal question.” Mizpala remained silent, waiting for Brogan to answer his question. Brogan cleared his throat. “He’s more real to me now than he was before my injury.”

“How is that?”

Brogan decided that the Minister was not going to let him off the hook, so he decided to tell him everything and get it over with. “Well, after I was wounded, I had this dream. I dreamed I died and was transported to the throne of God. My works were weighed in the balance, and I was found wanting. I was condemned because I wasn’t covered by what was called the covenant.” Brogan couldn’t believe he was telling this to a stranger. He hadn’t told anyone except Adriel. But Mizpala was compelling.

Mizpala muttered something to himself. “Well, I was just curious, because, as I was saying, justice has been my life’s pursuit. In fact, my life’s verse has been Micah 6:8. ‘What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ Those three things
—justice, mercy, and humility—have been my goals in my role as advisor to the Emperor.

“First and foremost, to act justly and to encourage justice. Second, to love mercy. For instance, Kepec Mogul has been trying to kill me for years, but I have refused to retaliate. This puts me at a distinct disadvantage.”

The First Minister raised a finger for emphasis. “But I have someone more powerful on my side. Third, I want to walk humbly with God.”

Mizpala looked Brogan squarely in the eyes. “Do you walk humbly with your God, Major?”

Brogan broke eye contact and lowered his head. The minister’s question pierced him to the heart, and he felt he could scarcely breathe.

A knock sounded at the door, and Brogan sighed his relief at the interruption. General Calderon opened the door and stuck in his head. “Sorry, Minister Mizpala, but we really ought to be going.”

“Almost finished, General.” Turning back to Brogan he said, “You’re dismissed for now, Major. I’ll be in touch. But think about what I said, son. “

“I will, sir. In fact, I already have. Thank you.” Brogan turned to go, then briefly looked back. As he left Daniel Mizpala, Brogan smiled for the first time in a very long while.

As Brogan and General Calderon hurried into the hearing room, Mogul’s lawyer, a man named Shedd, was addressing the bench. “Honorable Chairman, it is obvious that Major Brogan has failed in his responsibility to report to this court of inquiry immediately upon arrival on Earth. Therefore, I petition the court to find in favor of my client and against Major Brogan. May it please the court to strike from the record any and all allegations of misconduct against Lieutenant Joshua Mogul.”

The two new arrivals stopped abruptly. “If it please the court,” interrupted General Calderon, “may I make a statement?”

“Who addresses the court?” questioned the chairman.

“General Izel Calderon, your honor, Internal Affairs Division of the Imperial Fusiliers and officially appointed representative of Major Brogan by the Emperor himself.”

“State your case, sir.”

“I object!” Shedd was on his feet. “Any statement made at this point in the proceedings is immaterial. Major Brogan’s failure to appear before this court of inquiry within the properly established grace period is prima facie evidence of guilt. I petition the court to make a decision in favor of Lieutenant Mogul.”

Military Provost Hamblin, a white-haired and grizzled veteran, gazed resolutely at Shedd. Then his gaze shifted to General Calderon, whose blouse was resplendent with campaign ribbons and decorations for valor. The panoply of honors surpassed even the provost’s own. Then he looked at the decorations displayed on Brogan’s chest.

“Objection denied. The court will hear the accused. Let the record show that General Calderon, victor in the battle of Tremaine, holder of the Order of the Imperial Cross, recipient of the Silver Palms and the Cross of Honor, and Knight of the Exalted Order of Imperial Manalukes will make a petition before this court.”

Shedd’s self-confidence deteriorated with each mention of honor. With as much show of pride and decorum as he could muster, the abashed legal advisor slowly resumed his seat. He whispered something to the glum client sitting beside him. Josh Mogul turned and glared at the two men in the aisle.

Calderon strode forward and swept his gaze around the room. Then he returned Mogul’s glare with one of his own. Mogul dropped his eyes. “I am sure that the court is aware,” he began, “of the ancient military tradition that there is no excuse for failure to perform one’s duty.” Mogul crossed his arms with a smirk.

“However, at times a higher duty claims precedence over routine duty.” The general put up his hand, palm outward, and cocked his head toward the floor. “This is not to mitigate the utmost importance of fulfilling routine duties or the necessity of military discipline. But Major Brogan was remiss in his duty to report promptly to the military provost and this court of inquiry because of a higher duty to the Emperor.”

Shedd and Mogul stirred restlessly in their seats. “The Major found himself in the position of having to make a command decision. Something he has done quite well many times during his military career, I might add. While trying to find his way to this hearing, Major Brogan uncovered information vital to the welfare of his Imperial Majesty. I am not at liberty to divulge the substance of this information. But in my opinion the Major did the only thing a self-respecting soldier could do. He risked his own career and personal security to deliver this data to the proper officials. He gave no thought to himself, only to his Emperor. Therefore, I respectfully request the court’s indulgence in this matter and ask that Major Brogan be allowed to present his case without prejudice. I thank the court for its generosity in hearing my petition.”

“Your Honor!” Shedd pushed himself to his feet and said laconically, “I submit that this so-called excuse cannot be considered without knowing the exact nature of the information discovered by Major Brogan.”

“Please sit down, counselor. That is not your decision to make.” Turning to Calderon, he continued. “The court wishes to thank General Calderon for preventing a possible miscarriage of justice.” The military provost picked up a gavel and brought it down on the table. “There will be a ten-minute recess while we consider this petition. General Calderon, please join us in chambers.”

The seven presiding officers filed out of the room followed by Calderon. Brogan took a deep breath and looked around. Someone familiar was sitting at the table reserved for defendants.

“I was beginning to wonder when you’d show up.” Manazes grinned up at his former commander.

“Manazes! What are you doing here?”

“I heard you might need some legal help, so I got me a little time off, and here I am.” The lieutenant pushed himself up. “Anyway, this will give me some OJT for my military justice classes.”

Brogan groaned in jest. “Just what I need. A barracks barrister.” The two shook hands and slapped shoulders, happy to see each other.

“How are you ever going to finish school if you keep taking time off?”

“Oh, us dumb Mustangs can’t concentrate as long as you academy types, so they give us time off after each quarter. Not like your school. Besides, I was unofficially invited to come down here to help out.” Manazes laughed. “We were just about at the end of our rope when you came busting in with all the firepower as usual. Boy, I can hardly wait to hear your side of this deal. Oh, by the way,” he interjected turning to his right, “this is your lawyer—my boss for the time being—Captain Takushi.”

“Glad you could make it, Major,” Takushi said as he shook hands.

“Hey, I wouldn’t want to miss all the fun, Captain.”

“Call be Bob.”

“Then you can call me Timothy.”

“OK.” The attorney smiled.

Manazes glanced around at Shedd and Mogul speaking to each other in subdued tones. “Mogul sure has been riding high. But, hey! I’m just glad you got through in one piece.”

He glanced down at Brogan’s gleaming biopack. “Well, almost in one piece anyway.” He grinned.

The two friends bantered on until the sergeant-at-arms sounded the warning. “Tens hut!” Everyone in the courtroom stood at attention as the court officials resumed their places. General Calderon took a seat in the gallery, giving Brogan a nod as he passed. Brogan’s pulse quickened.

Still standing, the provost intoned, “At ease. This court is now in session. Sergeant-at-arms, are all present who were in attendance before recess?”

“All are present, sir. In accordance with the rules of General Courts of Inquiry, all interested parties are present and accounted for,” the woman responded crisply.

The judges took their seats. “Very well,” Hamblin continued. He paused to make himself more comfortable. “It is the unanimous decision of this court that the inquiry into the charges and specifications brought before this body should be heard without prejudice toward any parties delayed in transit. The clerk is to strike from the record all prior proceedings of this court and begin a new transcript. Will the prosecuting officer read the charges and specifications?”

Shedd stared with a look of disgust as the prosecuting officer flipped open his note pad and began reading. “Under the provisions of Section 1142 of the
Uniform Code of Military Conduct,
‘When conflicting charges arise as a result of concurrent actions, the parties thereto will be tried concurrently by an Imperial War Court of Inquiry, said court to consist of no less than five and no more than nine officers presiding. In the event the defendants are officers, all members of the tribunal shall be field-grade or higher and the military provost shall be a general of the army. This court is to determine the character and substance of evidence and testimony, and recommend which of the defendants is to be bound over for trial. All reference to these proceedings are to be stricken from the record of the party absolved.”

“Charges and specifications lodged against Major Brogan, Timothy O., as presented by battlefield investigator Ensign Michael J. Lopez as a result of interrogation of Lieutenant Mogul, Joshua A., Imperial Guard, on special assignment to Peru II:

“Charge: On or about the 23d day of the fourth month, 28th year of our Emperor, Henry III, the accused did display cowardice in the face of the enemy. To wit, he did refuse to organize an orderly defense of his position and further refused to participate in said defense. Specification: Accused did willfully refuse his experience and assistance in resisting an overwhelming attack on his position.

“Charge: On or about the 23d day of the fourth month, 28th year of our Emperor, Henry III, the accused did desert the field of battle while his unit was actively engaged with the enemy. To wit, he did run from the field of battle until wounded by enemy fire.

“The above charges and specifications concerning Major Brogan were confirmed by General Darkhow, Commander Imperial Forces Landside, Peru II, but subsequently with reservations amended after repatriation of Major Brogan, which were forwarded to this court.

“Charges against Lieutenant Mogul, Joshua A., Imperial Guard, as preferred by his immediate superior officer, Major Brogan, Imperial Fusiliers:

“Charge: Disobedience of direct orders on or about the 23d day of the fourth month, 28th year of our Emperor, Henry III, while actively engaged with an enemy of the Emperor. To wit, the accused did willfully disregard orders to advance in the vanguard of the main body when hostile forces were suspected to be in the area. Specification: Accused caused the unit to be unaware of an impending enemy attack until too late to take effective defensive measures, the result being that Lieutenant Mogul and Major Brogan were the only survivors in that sector of the battle.

“Charge: Insubordination and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. To wit, after neglecting to accomplish his mission, the defendant refused to acknowledge his superior officer.

“The above charges and specifications lodged against Lieutenant Mogul were prepared by Lieutenant Colonel Kenebeck from statements obtained during pretrial investigation at Field Hospital 7011, Peru II, Sixth Interstellar Defense Sector, charges forwarded by Admiral J. D. Hawkins, commander Sixth Interstellar Defense Sector.

“Full names, ranks, and duty stations of all attesting and forwarding officers is appended to the copies of the charges in possession of all members of the court.” The prosecuting officer sat down.

“Thank you, Counselor,” the veteran provost growled. He folded his hands and surveyed the defendants.

“The complexities of this case should be apparent to all. It is the intention of this court to conduct a fair and impartial hearing and to render a just finding, one that will bring glory to the Emperor, vindicate the guiltless, and restore honor to the Corps. It is my duty to advise you that electronically administered truth scans are acceptable evidence when there are no unindicted witnesses available. However, there are restrictions on their use.”

Here Hamblin fixed a cold, hard eye on Mogul. “Nobility may refuse this provision with no prejudice to their case. In such a situation, truth scans may not be admitted as evidence by either party.”

“Your honor.” Shedd stood for the bench’s recognition.

“The bench recognizes Captain Shedd.”

“Your honor, my client has requested that truth scans be disallowed in this hearing. He is willing to testify to the truth under his bond as a nobleman but will not subject himself to the degrading process of truth scans.”

“The court so rules. Your client’s decision comes as no surprise,” Hamblin continued, barely able to conceal his disgust. “But counsel should be advised that, unlike civilian courts, a military court holds all who come before the bar as equals under the law, without regard to rank or station except in certain procedural decisions. If this were not the fact, the exemplary record of Major Brogan would have already decided this case against your client. However, since your client has refused truth scans, this court is placed in an extremely difficult position. We are left with only the conflicting personal testimony of two equal defendants, for the court record shows no witnesses scheduled for subpoena. There will be a short recess wherein counsels may consult with their clients. Court reconvenes in thirty minutes.”

The military provost brought down the gavel and the officials filed out of the room. Takushi and Manazes turned toward Brogan.

“Mogul’s attorney was probably counting on this stalemate,” muttered Manazes. “Mogul has no career ambitions. A dismissed trial would stand on both your records, but it wouldn’t hinder his social status. You, on the other hand, would see your career come to a screeching halt. Such a blemish would hang as a cloud over you forever.”

Brogan looked down at the table. “I was afraid something like this would happen. If it wasn’t this, it would have been something else. Maybe even an assassination attempt or something. Well . . . I have an ace up my sleeve.” He glanced at Manazes and then at Takushi with a glint in his eye. “I ran across it in my studies on the trip from Cirrus.”

“Oh? What did you come up with?” Takushi leaned forward in surprise and anticipation, suddenly very interested.

“I made a thorough search of Imperial laws concerning cases like this in the ship’s library
—even old laws. What I found,” Brogan continued, tapping the desktop with his right index finger for emphasis, “was the Articles of Chivalry, subsection 37J, as approved by Arthur I, first Emperor of the United Empire of Earth. It allows for a trial by personal combat should legal evidence be unconvincing.”