Chapter 77

“Good morning and Merry Christmas from the staff at SSBC.”

The female reporter, dressed in a form-fitting red suit with a Christmas scarf around her neck, smiled at the camera as members of the crew off-camera also called out Merry Christmases to the public and family members.

Melissa then turned serious, “I’m Melissa Henderson. While many of you were asleep and dreaming of what Santa would bring, the night was busy for our law enforcement officers and protection details on Luna and Armstrong stations.”

“It was reported last night that Minister Yarram Vance had escaped custody. Unfortunately for General Sharon Shatner, the Commander-in-Chief of UNSEC’s Luna division, and her guest, Frank Stone of Mars Mineral Corp., something went wrong when Yarram found them together.”

“All three were found deceased after security heard and felt an explosion in the underground section of UNSEC headquarters on Luna and went to investigate. My sources say that the room they were in was classified as a high-security detention and interrogation facility. Why they were in there is anybody’s guess.”

“Frank Stone was the stepfather of Sol Chief Justice Zeke Walker, who is also the owner of several major businesses on Mars. It has been reported that Justice Walker and General Shatner had a falling out yesterday. He accused her of unlawfully ordering him to give up his Martian citizenship.”

“As you may or may not know, if Zeke did, he would forfeit his land and all of his Martian registered companies. Hence, as one of the richest men on Mars, he refused. The General was reportedly trying to ban all of the products that Zeke’s companies make if he continued to refuse her.”

“I was reliably informed that she also told him that if his ships were found docking as any space stations controlled by the Sol Space Government, she would have them detained. As you may remember, Z.Salvage and Rescue and Justice Walker were involved in saving Morpheus Station from being hulled just three days ago and again yesterday.”

“Speculation abounds as to whether Justice Walker’s stepfather was meeting General Shatner on behalf of his stepson or to assist her in ruining him. It has been reported on good authority that Frank Stone and his stepson didn’t have a cordial relationship.”

“This brings us to the incident that happened on Armstrong Station late last night. Six people, allegedly from Sol Security that were under the command of Major General Smith, attempted to break into the Red Zone on Armstrong Station.”

“Chief Justice Walker’s ship and his brother’s ship were docked in the Zone at the time. However, the security guards, with the help of the MPs, fought off the attackers. Five people were captured, and one died.”

“We are shocked to announce that Major General Smith, the head of Sol Security, died in the firefight.”

“While two guards sustained injuries, they were not life-threatening. All of us here at SSBC wish them a speedy recovery and thank them for their service,” Melissa smiled at the camera before returning her face to a serious look again.

“Unfortunately, we have no idea why the team wanted access to the Red Zone. Was it for the radioactive elements that Captain Walker had just handed over, or was it more sinister? And why was Major General Smith leading the team?”

“We will have to wait for the investigation to be concluded before we get these answers. Unfortunately, the person who could have shed light on why the Sol Security team was intent on accessing the Red Zone and what her last meeting was about can’t answer our questions.”

“General Shatner’s permanent replacement will be decided after the holidays. In the meantime, Lieutenant General William Chong-Lee will step up to the plate. General Smith’s replacement is yet to be decided.”

“To the families of General Shatner, General Smith, Minister Yarram Vance and Frank Stone, we send our condolences.”

“Now for some happier news...”

“Geeze, is she trying to start riots?” Carly asked.

“No, but she is certainly laying all the blame on the General’s hatchway. I wonder who leaked the vid to her,” Zeke commented from the stove.

“It probably doesn’t matter, someone would have. Freya did send it to a lot of people,” Lindsay replied as he placed jugs of milk and juice on the table.

“How’s Mum taking this?” Dallas asked.

He and Sabrina had joined them some ten minutes before. Zeke had delivered the news of Frank’s death to Dallas at that time. Dallas had taken the news stoically. He’d had a love-hate relationship with Frank for many years. At present he was just concerned about his mother.

“I’ll be fine, dear. I’m still a little numb,” Patricia replied as she joined them.

Dallas immediately stood and hugged his mother. The others let them have a moment as they busied themselves getting breakfast on the table. After a couple of minutes, they wiped each other’s tears and came to sit at the table.

Sabrina took the other end of the table so Dallas could sit beside his mother with Zeke on the other end and close to her. Carly and Lindsay took the other side. They were just about to start eating when Freya made an announcement.

“Captain, you have one cranky visitor and two amused ones that you probably should see. Shall I let them in?” Fraya announced with mirth in her voice.

“Who, Freya? This isn’t really a good time for visitors,” Zeke replied.

Three people appeared in the galley.

Lee harrumphed and put her hands on her hips, “And that’s the thanks I get for travelling twenty-two light years. Your damn shield refused to let me in!”

“Paul!” screamed Patricia and Dallas simultaneously as they hurried to stand and rush over to him.

Zeke stood and put his hand out to the third guest, “Welcome, big brother, or should that be big, little brother?” Zeke grinned. “Thank you for assisting Lee in bringing Paul home.”

“I just knew you’d be a smart arse,” Kyle Vella replied as he ignored Zeke’s hand and hugged his taller, little brother instead.