“I would not be so rash, sir.”
“Why’s that?”
“First, this action is clearly unconstitutional. The Global Emergency clause is meant for natural or climatic disasters. It’s not intended as a declaration of war. The difference has been well established.”
“Not according to this Alliance of the Willing. They’re using legal semantics to justify war.”
“They’re fools,” Andreas said. “It’s a political stunt to gain leverage in the next session. Not to mention, it can’t happen without the High Admiral’s authorization. I heard no mention of it. Did either of you?”
Smart guy, but so naïve!
“Andreas, you don’t understand how interstellar conspiracies work. Does he, Lt. Stallion?”
Connor chuckled through a broken exhale of smoke.
“He’ll learn, bruv.”
Andreas snapped his head to and fro.
“So sorry. Did I miss something?”
Trevor pivoted to Shireena, who shaded her eyes. She also put the pieces together. Trevor had to admit: It was an ingenious ploy.
“They went public because already they knew Woolsey’s response. I’d lay odds there are warships in those systems, and more on the way. In a few hours, the three outside Amity will be joining the fight.”
Andreas tensed. Did he see the full picture now?
“The Guardian fleet. Yes. In the security confab, Adm. Nagano said those ships would be put to better use.”
“Yep. They knew it was coming. The timetable Nagano gave us for the defense web was a feint. I’d wager they’ll install the gun turrets above the ports any day now.”
Trevor looked to Connor for confirmation. His brother winked.
Sonofabitch.
His mind shifted to President Haas, the woman he knew better than to trust. Lana Devonshire was right about her.
“When’s the President due back, if at all?”
“Her official itinerary says tomorrow.”
“With timetables what they are these days, why don’t you check in with her Chief of Staff? I suspect plans have changed.”
“How so?” Shireena asked.
“She’s from Hansen’s Landing, which is not part of the new Alliance. Amity is her only true power base. You heard the announcement. They want the station to remain neutral. This is the only place where she’ll be recognized by all forty worlds.”
Shireena’s moonstone eyes glowed with the light of revelation.
“It’s more than that. Her term is almost over. Her reelection has been in doubt since MR-44 failed. But with Congress unable to conduct business ...”
Andreas finished the thought with a snap of his fingers.
“She remains in office indefinitely. The Constitution is clear on this point. Only Congress has the power to elect and remove a President. I see why they vacated their leases but did not secede. Their seats will count against the mandatory minimum.”
Damn it, Haas. I wanted to trust you.
“Does the Constitution grant the President special war powers?”
“I’d have to refresh myself on that one, sir.”
“It’s not important today, Andreas. I need you to write me a short speech. Don’t go into details about the Alliance. I just want to reassure everyone that Amity will carry on.”
“Ah. Yes. Business as usual. On it, sir.”
One problem handled. Now, to the next.
He leaned in to Shireena and whispered.
“Don’t react. Just listen. The business with Connor is worse than we thought. He killed Thomas and two others. He’s part of Requiem. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Contact the three Chiefs. They respect you. Speak on my behalf and tell them to pause the investigations. If they haven’t heard the news, get them up to speed. We need all hands on deck to keep the station calm.”
She kissed him on the cheek.
“No worries. I’ll look after it. You deal with him.”
Trevor couldn’t imagine what he’d do without a partner of such strength and grace. She was every bit Effie’s equal and more.
“I love you.”
