The Frihet Rebellion
Chapter 23: Destination Frihet

Spearhead lifted slowly, but steadily, from the scaffolding. In the Control Room, Jon sat watching his new co-pilot, Roger Shrill, perform the manual lift-off. It was not necessary to launch under manual control, but Jon felt it would be a good test to see how much Roger remembered from the very short, very intense, training Jon had given him. So far, he was doing fine.

The new Earthman was tall, broad shouldered, square chinned, and very neatly groomed. He was as different from Bryant as he could be. Jon had also learnt, by carefully guided conversation, that he was fanatically loyal to the President Deaton. Another notable difference from Bryant.

The simple fact that there is another Earthman on board shows how little the President trusts me, thought Jon.

He wished he could exorcise Bryant from his memories altogether. But the name, the man, continued to haunt him. Interrupting his thoughts. Complicating simple, everyday tasks. All just as Bryant had done in reality, an almost endearing quality of the man.

Needing distraction, Jon quickly turned his thoughts elsewhere.

The mission to Frihet, to crush the rebellion.

Roger Shrill seemed annoyingly keen, and had almost punched the air in delight when their mission had been outlined to them by General Kyger. Jon had been less enthusiastic.

Jon’s true feelings, influenced more than a little by Bryant - that name again! - leaned towards the rebellion rather than towards Earth. President Deaton ran the planet as a dictatorship, even more than previous incumbents of the office. He had quickly repealed the law on automatic Presidential elections, ensuring that he could stay in power until he chose to allow an election to take place. He had brought in a law that effectively made him immune from prosecution for any crime while in power. Another, under the guise of anti-terrorist legislation, prevented any opposition from publicly speaking against the President. He had control of the media, as well as control of the government. He had control of the whole planet, and was not about to allow any rebellion in a distant system to disrupt his empire building.

Bryant had been right to distrust the President. He had, however, also trusted Jon. A trust Jon had betrayed.

I had no choice, thought Jon, fighting his own sense of guilt. Bryant needed to be removed. He was threatening to rebel against the President, against Earth, and I could not allow that. Nothing must interfere with The Plan.

Roger had successfully taken Spearhead up to join the orbiting fleet of warships. At a brief nod from Jon, he engaged the main drive, and Spearhead sailed swiftly off on its course to the traversable wormhole. The fleet followed, more sedately, some distance behind.

“Finally, there she goes,” said President Deaton, watching Spearhead rising into the sky from a viewing gallery cleared of all but the President’s entourage. “That should put a stop to Frihet and its pathetic rebellion.”

“Indeed, Mr. President,” said General Kyger. ”Spearhead will strike as if from nowhere, destroying the Frihet fleet. Then our own ships, following on, will finish the remnants.”

“A simple plan, but effective,” said Bentley. “We are fortunate to have the use of such a ship as Spearhead.”

“How much better it would be if it were completely in our control,” said the President thoughtfully. “Take a note, Bentley.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

“When Spearhead returns from Frihet, remind me to have Jon killed.”

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