Star Fortress

closer, Marten was sure he would make out sealed ports. Those could open for a laser nozzle or the tip of a machine gun barrel. The fighting robots belonged to the Cybernetic Corps, presently under Manteuffel’s control.

A large upper port opened then, revealing a screen. The face of Security Specialist Cone appeared on the screen. She had a sharp beauty and wore dark sunglasses.

“What is the meaning of this?” Juba-Ryder demanded.

“Before I answer,” Cone said onscreen, “I prefer to learn your intentions.”

“They are simple,” Juba-Ryder said with an imperious gesture. “I am here to arrest Marten Kluge. As you can see, he is resisting arrest. I demand that you assist me with that machine of yours.”

“I would be glad to assist,” Cone said. “However, he is the Jovian Representative and has diplomatic immunity.”

“He was born under Social Unity and thus remains subject to our laws and customs,” Juba-Ryder said. “Just as important, he is a traitor to the People.”

“Possibly true,” Cone said.

“Possibly?” asked Juba-Ryder. “How can you doubt it?”

“I don’t so much doubt it as I don’t think it warrants any action at this time. Despite his SU birthplace, he has become a Jovian and he is their representative to us. This is the critical factor.”

“I cannot agree,” Juba-Ryder said. “As my first order of business, I plan to make a clean sweep of traitors.”

“Could you elaborate please on what you mean by: my first order of business?”

Juba-Ryder eyed Marten and then the robot. “The Supreme Commander is gone.”

“Gone,” Cone said, “but we both know he is alive.”

The director shook her turbaned head. “That is inconsequential. You have read his resignation.”

“He is tired and weary,” Cone said. “Give him several weeks rest and then he will—”

“You think to honor him by this…loyalty?” Juba-Ryder asked. “No. You are disobeying his last command. James Hawthorne has stepped down from power and—”

“Hawthorne will lead the Human Fleet to the Neptune System,” Cone said.

“You are incorrect on several counts,” Juba-Ryder said. “Firstly, it is Social Unity’s Fleet, not the Human Fleet. Secondly, he cannot lead. If the Highborn learn he is alive, they will annul our alliance or demand his death. Therefore, he must remain incognito. Frankly, in the interest of cementing our alliance, James Hawthorne should surrender himself to the Highborn.”

“You are a political animal,” Cone said. “To cement your power, you would willingly give up a human to the genetic freaks. And not just any human, but the military genius who had kept us free from the Highborn. ”

“Those ‘freaks’ you refer to will help us defeat the cyborgs and thus save humanity,” Juba-Ryder said. “This is a harsh world, Security Specialist. Or didn’t the planet-wrecker teach you anything?”

Through the robot’s screen, Cone stared at the director. Then the floating machine rotated slightly so the screen aimed at Marten. “Why were you attempting to gain admittance to the Supreme Commander’s Mansion?”

“I want to free Osadar,” Marten said.

“He means the cyborg,” Juba-Ryder said.

“I can arrange that,” Cone told Marten.

“Didn’t you hear me earlier?” Juba-Ryder asked loudly. “This traitor will speak with no one, certainly not with a cyborg. He is coming with me.”

“In case you’ve forgotten,” Marten said. “I have a gun pointed at you.”

Juba-Ryder spread her hands in the robot’s direction. “His words betray him. He is a traitor, eager to shed our blood.”

“You plan to shed his blood,” Cone said.

“I am the new legal representative for Social Unity,” Juba-Ryder said. “In me resides the authority of billions of socially responsible people.” She faced Marten. “By what authority do you dare to threaten my life?”

“The right of self-preservation,” Marten said.

“In the face of billions of people?”

A grin tightened Marten’s lips. “Your time is running out. If you believe in any deities, I suggest you make your peace with them now.”

“If you kill me,” Juba-Ryder said, “my guards will kill you and your wife.”

“The minute I drop my gun, I’m dead anyway,” Marten said.

Juba-Ryder grew thoughtful. “I will bargain with you. Spare my life and she can walk away.”

Marten stared into the director’s eyes. He couldn’t trust her. He knew that, and yet…

“One moment,” Cone said. “I have a solution to our dilemma.”

“Marten Kluge must surrender to me,” Juba-Ryder said.

“We are not in Egyptian Sector,” Cone said. “By what authority do you make your arrest in New Baghdad?”

“Were you not listening?” Juba-Ryder asked. “The directors took a vote. I am the new Chief Director for Social Unity, for all Inner Planets.”

“Ah,” Cone said, nodding onscreen. “I see. I hadn’t fully understood the situation. A vote by the directors, you say? That was quick work, smoothly done.” The robot floated a fraction closer to Marten. “Force-Leader, you will come with me into protected custody.”

“Security Specialist,” Juba-Ryder said. “I must—”

“Please, Chief Director,” Cone said, smiling onscreen. “If you would allow me to convince Marten Kluge, I will save Social Unity your needed and legal supervision.” With startling speed, ports opened on the fighting robot. Two stubby barrels poked out, aimed at Marten.

“Your bodyguards can lower their weapons,” Cone said. “If Marten Kluge shoots you, I will destroy him and his wife.”

Juba-Ryder’s eyes flashed with anger, but she nodded curtly. “Holster your weapons,” she told the guards.

The three large men opened.

“Force-Leader Kluge,” Cone said.

There was no way to hurt Cone, so Marten shoved his gun into its holster. He backed away from Juba-Ryder, grabbing one of Nadia’s hands.

The robot rotated slightly. A nanosecond later, the two stubby barrels blazed with gunfire. Spent shells poured out of the robot, raining onto and rattling against the cement. In a stream of gunfire, rounds hissed past Marten and Nadia. The bullets shredded armor, uniforms and flesh, and caused a bloody mist to spray. In seconds, it was over. Juba-Ryder and her three bionic bodyguards were smoking piles of meat. The smell of gore and disintegrated bone was strong.

“I don’t have much time,” Cone said onscreen to an openmouthed Marten. “I have to consolidate my position fast. I want to keep the Human Alliance alive. I know you don’t have many troops here at present, but you are the best link we have with the Jovians. No, make that the only link.”

Marten turned a stunned Nadia away from the grisly pile of dead. “You play a hard game,” he told Cone.

“With the cyborgs raining asteroids on us, we don’t have time for fools,” Cone said. “The present directors… after Hawthorne’s changes, they’re too tame. I have changed the directives of the cybertank guarding the Supreme Commander’s Mansion. You’re free to take Osadar with you. After that, it might be better if you went to a military base.”

“I’d like to go to Athens where my space marines are,” Marten said.

“Your face has been in the news lately. I advise you to keep a low profile.”

“I understand. Do you have any vehicles I could use?”

“You used to live on Earth and should know your way around. I’ll give you a pass.” Cone turned to somewhere off screen. She re-appeared soon. “I’ve given you, your wife and Osadar Priority Clearance. It will allow you to go just about anywhere. Do you have any questions, Force-Leader Kluge?”

“No,” Marten said. “Good luck to you and thanks. I won’t forget this.”

“I’m counting on that.”

“Eh?” he asked.