Christmas in Montora (The Chronicles of Montora Book 4) Page 4

  Franklin bit his lower lip and looked at Riggs. “All right, Father. Why do I think you've been building up to this?”

  “Oh, not at all. It's just something that keeps popping up on my awareness, and thought we need to talk about it.”

  “Don't make me reach down your throat and pull it out of you,” Franklin said.

  Riggs winced. “As usual, your metaphors leave something to be desired, Margrave. In fact....”

  “Out with it, Father!”

  “Okay, okay. It's about that church in Woods Crossing.”

  “That would be the Harmonite Church you are talking about, right?” Franklin asked.

  “Well, yes. I was just wondering when you were going to do something about it?”

  “As in, do what?”

  “Well, you know they're a heretical cult.”

  “I know that.”

  “I think you need to encourage them to leave Hepplewhite.”

  Franklin put his hands on his hips. “Let me see. The Merchants and Manufacturers Guild guarantees religious liberty. The Navy enforces that. The Duke's Code of Law also guarantees it. While I have a lot of latitude in governing in my little sandbox here, I had to sign a covenant with the Duke supporting the Duke's code.”

  “But Margrave, they practice polygamy.”

  “Believe it or not, Tracy, I know that too. As repugnant as that is, I can't do anything about it. It's legal. Have you talked to Mayor Mittal about those people?”

  “He says they are great people.”

  “That tells you something right there. The members of that church control half the commerce in Woods Crossing, and you want me to run them off?”

  “Doing the right thing is often difficult, Margrave.”

  Franklin crossed his arms again. “In this case, the right thing is to let them go about their business. They keep to themselves. They help stabilize the area. Everybody just ignores them when they do their evangelizing. Don't you remember there are countries back on Earth where being a Christian is a capital crime? On Savanarola they make it uncomfortable for those who don't follow the Pope. I don't know what you're thinking, Trace. And let's not even talk about what happened on Xanadan. Why should I put myself in that category?”

  “You have not been a lot of help today, Margrave.”

  “Always nice talking to you, Father.”

  Franklin turned, and walked away, shaking his head.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Ensign Lari D. Chaplin, Hepplewhite Ducal Space Navy, stood beside the command chair on the bridge of the destroyer Canopus and rubbed the palms of her hands on her trousers. They always got sweaty when she was nervous.

  “Look alive, Kane,” she said to Ensign Kane. “The boss wants to do an inspection.”

  “I know that, Ensign,” Ensign Sanford Kane said patiently. “You have been reminding us for the past two days.”

  “I don't want to mess this up.”

  “When have you ever messed anything up?”

  “Logistics,” was the one-word response.

  “Other than that, you don't mess things up,” Kane corrected.

  “Now is not the time to start,” she said. She spun back around and braced to attention as the elevator doors opened.

  “Captain on the bridge,” she barked as Franklin Nyman stepped forward.

  “At ease, people,” he said.

  “Sir, I believe you will find the ship ready in all respects, other than the items you and I have discussed.”

  He looked at the stocky, red-haired ensign, and jerked his thumb towards the door to the Captain's Ready Room. “Ensign, we need to talk.”

  “Aye, aye, Sir.” She turned to Ensign Kane. “Mr. Kane, you have the watch.”

  “Aye, aye, Ma'am. I have the watch.”

  She looked at Franklin. “If you will follow me, please, Sir.”

  After the door to the ready room closed behind them, Chaplin walked over and stood at attention in front of the desk. Franklin walked past her and slipped into the chair behind the desk.

  “At ease, Lieutenant,” he said.

  She started to relax and stiffened. “What did you say?”

  “What did you say, Sir,” Franklin said with a smile.

  Chaplin blushed, which provided an interesting mix of shades against her red hair. “Sir, you have my apologies, Sir. I do not believe I heard you correctly.”

  Franklin chuckled softly. “You heard me correctly, Lieutenant Chaplin. As I am the senior officer of the Ducal Space Navy, Duke Roma has seen fit to elevate me to the rarefied height of Captain. The recent unpleasantness with Manfred Higginbotham has pretty well cleaned us out of senior officers. Ergo, you are now a Lieutenant. You are now officially the Executive Officer of the Canopus. Congratulations, Lieutenant.”

  “Sir, I don't... I mean I'm an engineer. You need somebody from the tactical track as the Exec.”

  “Lari,” he said firmly, “you have amply proven your ability to maintain your cool in the worst of situations. You have more training than anyone else here, except me.”

  “Louie could do it,” she said suddenly. “He's very capable.”

  Franklin shook his head. “No. I can't keep pulling Louie out of his hotel to help on the ship. You are our only full-time officer. You are going to have to wear two hats for a while. You are also the new Chief Engineer.”

  “Sir, with all due respect. I barely know my way around the engine room.”

  “You're what we've got, Lieutenant. Your first order of business is making sure the ship is combat ready. After that, you need to train a new engineer.”

  She got a calculating glint in her eye. “Do I have a free hand, Sir?”

  Franklin cocked his head as he looked at her. “Within reason. Given the fact that there's no money. I honestly don't know how we're even going to pay the full-time crew. Let's not even discuss the combat damage that we can't repair out of our own resources. Beyond that,” and he raised both arms in the air, “you have my leave to do whatever it necessary to turn this ship and its crew into a professional operation.”

  “Sir,” she said, “pay me last. I spend most of my time aboard ship and don't really need much money. If you run out of money before you get to my pay packet, I don't have to worry about feeding a family or anything.”

  “Lieutenant your dedication means a lot to me. And, unfortunately, I may have to accede to your request. There really isn't much money.”

  She smiled then. “In that case, Sir, I'll do my level best not to disappoint you.”

  “I know you will, Lari.”

  He pressed a button on the desk for the ship-wide address system. The electronic tones of the all-ship announcement echoed through Canopus.

  “This is the Captain. Attention to orders. On this day, 3 July 2818, Ensign Lari D. Chaplin is promoted to the rank of lieutenant with all the pay and privileges accorded. Lieutenant Chaplin is also appointed this day as Executive Officer of the Ducal Navy Starship Canopus. She will also retain the Chief Engineer's slot for the time being. Captain Nyman clear.”

  Franklin pushed the button again to break the connection.

  “Do you have any questions, Lieutenant?”

  “Sir, I think you meant to say Lieutenant J.G.”

  “No, Lari, I did not.”

  “But, Sir, that means you bumped me two full grades.”

  “That's correct, and I did mean it.”

  She was quiet for a moment as she looked at Franklin. “Sir, I am sure there will be a lot of questions, but I can' t think of any at the moment.”

  “Very well, Lari. You have my comm code. You may reach me at any time I am within range. But I expect you to take the initiative.”

  “I understand, Sir,” she said. “I will do my best to honor you, the Navy, and the Duke. What are your orders?”

  Franklin stood up. “I can't stay long today. We need to get the inspection out of the way. Sometime soon, we will bring the entire crew aboard for a couple of days of exercises. I want you
to prepare plans for that. In addition to basic ship handling, which you will prepare for, please ask Ensign Kane to prepare several tactical exercises.”

  “Will do, Sir.”

  Franklin nodded. “Good. Now let's be about the inspection.”

  § § §

  Alex Nesmith, the Captain of the Guard at Montora Village was waiting in Franklin's office when he returned from Canopus.

  “What have we got, Alex?” Franklin said as he strode in. “Signe said you wanted to see me.”

  “Harmon and Eden caught an illegal prospector this afternoon, Sir.”

  Franklin pursed his lips in a silent whistle. He walked over to his chair and collapsed into it.

  “Let's have the details.”

  “Major Boodles' people had a drone up – they were doing a training exercise – when they spotted this guy panning in the Moody River downstream from the village. Harmon and Eden slipped out and picked him up. I've got him here in the dungeon.”

  “Who is it? Did you get a name?”

  “Says he's Evan Stevens from Woods Crossing.”

  “Let me give Mayor Mittal a call,” Franklin said. “The trick here, Alex, is to get as much ancillary information as possible before making a decision. If we get hasty, we all may regret it.”

  “I understand, Sir.”

  Franklin pulled a document from one corner of his desk comp screen and tapped on a line. A moment later his hand comm trilled. He set it on the desk and opened it. A few moments later it connected with Gore Mittal, the mayor of Woods Crossing.

  “Ah, Margrave Nyman,” Mittal said. “How may I help you this afternoon.”

  “Mr. Mayor, I have my guard captain with me. He has picked up an illegal prospector, who claims to be from Woods Crossing.”

  “And what would his name be?” Mittal asked.

  “He claims to be Evan Stevens.”

  An involuntary snort erupted from Mittal. “So Even-Steven made his way up there? I had wondered where he got to.”

  “What can you tell us about him?” Franklin asked.

  “He's the village idiot.”

  “Really?”

  “Well, he's not actually stupid,” Mittal said. “But he is uncommonly blessed with poor judgment. He disappeared after recent events here.”

  Franklin nodded. “That makes sense. What kind of recent events?”

  “He managed to set somebody's barn on fire last week. He really wasn't being malicious; he is just one of these people that things happen to.”

  “Well something happened to him today,” Franklin said. “You've distributed the announcement prohibiting mineral prospecting without a license from the Margrave?”

  “Oh, yes, Margrave. It was read publicly and posted on the message boards here. In fact, I remember Stevens being present when it was read.”

  “Do you seen any local repercussions to him spending a couple of years on the chain gang?”

  “It would surprise no one,” Mittal said. “It might even serve to settle him down. He's not a bad lad.”

  “You understand, Mr. Mayor, that I am mainly interested in not drawing attention to mining here. I am trying to put together a project and do not need amateurs stumbling around.”

  “I understand, Margrave. I will just tell people that Evan ran afoul of the Margrave and has been given some extended time to consider his sins. That will be easy to accept. Everybody knows Evan.”

  “Very well, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for your time today.”

  “I am always at your disposal,” Mittal said.

  After disconnecting, Franklin looked up at Alex. “Time for the Margrave's Summary Court. Who have we got in the village who can stand up for Mr. Stevens?”

  “I think Harley Searls would do it, Sir.”

  “Is he pretending to be a lawyer again?”

  “Yes, Sir. He's actually pretty smart.”

  “Alright, then. Go get him and let him spend some time with Stevens. Then grab either Harmon or Eden, whichever is available, and get them to the office here. I want to get it over with. Oh, and you'd better let Gerry know.”

  Nesmith nodded. “As you wish, Sir.” He braced to attention and left the room.

  Franklin shook his head. If it isn't one thing, it's another, he thought to himself. Harmon Eckert had sent him a report on the status of the village hydroelectric plant, and Franklin slid it down to where he could read it. An hour later Alex tapped on the door.

  “Are you ready, Alex?”

  “We're ready, Sir.”

  “Bring in the accused, then,” Franklin said formally.

  Gerard Blakely bustled in with his record book, which was a genuine folio volume, and set it on the corner of Franklin's desk. He slid a side-chair up so he could write in the book. Following him, Harmon Eckert and Alex Nesmith marched Evan Stevens into the room. Stevens was a nondescript man in his late teens or early twenties. Other than a wisp of hair on his chin, he was anonymous looking. Following him was a dapper, middle-aged man. He was the only villager Franklin had ever seen in a business suit, and he was wearing it that afternoon.

  Franklin looked over at Blakely. “Seneschal, what are the charges?”

  “Margrave, the accused was discovered panning for minerals in the Moody River, inside of the borders of the Margraviate, without a license. This was in contradiction to your edict.”

  “Very well,” Franklin said. He looked towards Stevens. “What says the accused?”

  Stevens looked pale and very frightened. “S-s-sir. I didn't mean to. I mean, I heard the edict. I guess I just forgot.”

  “Mr. Searls, are you representing the accused?”

  “Yes, Margrave. I believe the accused is entitled to a fair trial. He admits to his indiscretion and promises never to do it again.”

  “Very well, Mr. Searls. Thank you for taking the time to represent the accused. Have all the forms been followed?”

  “Yes, Margrave. The accused has been well treated, and everything is in order.”

  Franklin looked at Stevens again. “Do you remember the penalty listed on the edict, Mr. Stevens?”

  Stevens gulped and made several attempts to speak before his voice obeyed. “Yes, Sir. It said something about five years at hard labor.”

  Franklin looked around the room. “Do we have any mitigating circumstances?”

  “Sir,” Harmon Eckert said, “the accused offered no resistance, and has been fully cooperative.”

  “Mr. Searls?”

  “Margrave, while my client has had a run of bad luck, he has never been arrested for criminal enterprise.”

  Franklin considered for a few moments, then looked at Stevens.

  “Mr. Stevens, breaking the laws of Montora is a serious offense. These laws are set in place to protect the Margraviate and its citizens. I cannot simply let you go with a warning.”

  Stevens swayed on his feet, and Searls reached out to steady him.

  “Very well, Mr. Stevens, I am sentencing you to two years on the chain gang. You will be assigned such duties as the guard captain determines as necessary. I would hope that this will have a salutary effect on your life. Case closed.”

  Almost before Stevens could react, Eckert and Nesmith marched Stevens from the room. Franklin looked back and forth between Blakely and Searls.

  “A little harsh, wasn't it, Margrave?” Searls asked.

  Franklin pursed his lips and thought for a few moments.

  “Yeah, probably so. Gerry, make a note for me to review his sentence in six months. If he keeps his nose clean and works hard, we can think about letting him go, sometime before a year is up.”

  “Thank-you, Margrave,” Searls said. “That was kind of you.”

  Franklin pointed an index finger a Searls. “The kid was an idiot and deserved the full five years. But I have bigger fish to fry. I would very much appreciate it if you didn't talk about this case, Counselor.”

  “Of course, Margrave,” he said.

  “That being said,” Franklin continued
, “thank you for taking the client on short notice. I suspect you will never get paid for it.”

  Searls shrugged. “No matter. I'm just happy to see that he got representation.”

  “I sometimes think lawyers are a plague on society, but to be honest, they are sometimes necessary. Are you any good?”

  “Sir, I can handle most routine matters. I also study a lot.”

  Franklin nodded. “Very well, Mr. Searls. We will see about sending you some paying business occasionally. We need somebody in the village who can be seen as an advocate separate from the Margrave. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Margrave, I do understand. Thank-you, Sir.”

  § § §

  Holding hands, Franklin and Signe walked quickly into the plaza of Montora Village. The dais in the center of the plaza now held an indistinct shape covered with a tarpaulin. A temporary wooden stage had been constructed next to the dais and contained several chairs. Most of the villagers milled about in the plaza. A majority of the Baltic Regiment stationed in the village were also present. A stocky woman with gray-shot black hair marched up to the Nymans.

  “Greetings, Margrave; Margravina. We are about ready to begin.”

  Franklin nodded. “Please forgive us for being late, Mayor Gris. I had some unexpected business to attend to.”

  “Heard you had to put some young fool on the chain gang,” she grunted.

  “Word gets around. I think we solved the immediate problem.” Franklin looked around. “Now what's the drill?”

  “You and Signe, and I will be on the platform with Mr. Jung.” She looked around her. “Now, where is he?” She turned back to Franklin. “I will call the assembly to order and make a few remarks. You will then speak. The father will offer the prayer of dedication. Then you introduce the sculptor, and he unveils the statue.”

  “Seems simple enough. Is that the sculptor over there?” He pointed across the plaza, where a tiny oriental man was flirting with a village girl.

  “That would be him. Let me go drag him over here, and then we'll be ready.”

  She stumped over and fastened on to his arm. He looked surprised, then sheepish as he followed the mayor back to the stand.