“I admit to being a bit confused.” Dr. Narang looked around the table. “Our standard shared protocol calls for the military to provide an isolated hab platform to service the quarantine of the subject vessel. There’s no mention of the entire Chiefs of Staff assisting.”

The assembled officers chuckled at the bit of humor. Admiral Moore smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Narang decided that he was her most likely adversary in any power clash. Late fifties, gray hair done in typical military buzz cut, and square-built, the admiral looked like the type of person who rarely took anything other than the straightest line to a goal. No subtlety, no wasted energy.

“Dr. Narang, I wouldn’t call this a standard incident,” Admiral Moore replied, losing the smile. “The common opinion is that this is alien technology. I think that fact renders this, at least somewhat, a military matter.”

Dr. Narang nodded and sat back. “Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, since you have access to the contents of the file. And I don’t disagree with you about the alien part. However, there are protocols to deal with alien contact, and they don’t mandate a military presence.”

“True,” the admiral said. “But those are predicated on actual aliens that can be, at least in principle, negotiated with. What we have here looks more like a piece of technology gone rogue. Even if you don’t assume a military purpose, I think you’d have to admit there are definite military and security implications.”

“I see your point, Admiral. However, your role in this situation is, at least at the moment, purely logistical support. I hope I won’t have to be constantly fending you off. No offense.”

Admiral Moore smiled again, this time showing some actual warmth. “None taken, doctor. We’re quite used to being the bad guys by default, as are you, I would imagine. But one of our number…”—the admiral waved a hand toward Commodore Nevin, who nodded—“has a niece on the Mad Astra, as it happens, so I think you can depend on this committee taking a soft approach to the problem, regardless of the stereotypes.”

Dr. Narang nodded in agreement. It never paid to think of people in terms of clichés. The admiral had good intel and had drawn some valid conclusions. She would have to accept that this was going to be a joint operation.

“The Mad Astra will be here in a few more days,” Admiral Moore continued. “We will have the isolation module completed, per the requirements of the Joint Isolation Protocol. Bentley will let you know when it’s ready for inspection.”

“Excellent, thank you.” Narang flipped open her tablet and pulled up a document. “I do have some issues and concerns…”

She was fairly certain she saw a not-quite-suppressed sigh from Admiral Moore. Narang tried not to smile. Let the games begin.

21.A Difficult Conversation

21.A Difficult Conversation