By Blood Alone Read Free

made some pretty good progress. Will my testimony make any difference?”
    “It certainly will,” Hassan answered confidently. “Given the fact that Sergeant Carboda had been a supply sergeantfor less than three standard months at the time of the incident, the defense will attack the extent of her expertise.
    “Then, with Carboda on the ropes, they will proceed down the list to Ms. Sunrise, point to what she said, and the fact that Governor Pardo is wealthy. Of course Captain Pardo has extra money ... the slimy bastard is rich. Never mind the fact that he isn’t that rich. Get the picture, sir?”
    “Yeah,” Booly replied wearily. “I get the picture.”
    Hassan nodded. “Good. I’ll see you after the break. I gotta bleed my tanks.”
    “You sound like the general.”
    Hassan grinned. “Good! That’s the plan. Over and out.”
     
    The proceedings resumed right on time, and Major Hassan called his next witness.
    Booly stood when his name was called, walked for what felt like a hundred miles, and swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And it was then, with his hand in the air, that he remembered his father’s words.
    He’d been caught in a lie. He couldn’t remember what the incident was about ... just the way his father loomed against the sky. It would have been impossible to tell the real eye from the implant if it hadn’t been for the field of scars that surrounded it. The voice was serious but loving.
    “You can’t build anything on a foundation of lies, son. The walls will buckle and crush you in the rubble. The best thing to do is tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may.”
    “The witness may be seated,” Loy said pointedly. Booly felt blood rush to his face and and hurried to comply.
    “Thank you,” Loy said sarcastically. “Please proceed.”
    Hassan nodded, said, “Yes, sir,” and turned to Booly. “Please give the court your name and rank.”
    “William Booly, Colonel, Commanding Officer, Rim Sector 872.”
    “And the nature of the forces under your command?”
    “I command a mixed battalion consisting of two infantry companies, two platoons of sentient armor, three batteries of artillery, and a headquarters group.”
    Hassan nodded agreeably. “And for those not familiar with Rim Sector 872, where is your battalion headquartered?”
    “On Caliente.”
    “Are all of your troops stationed on Caliente?’
    Booly shook his head. “No. We have outposts as well.”
    “Outposts that can be resupplied and reinforced from your headquarters on Caliente?”
    “Exactly.”
    “Thank you,” Hassan said easily. “Now, tell the court about Captain Pardo.... Does he report to you?”
    “Yes.”
    “And Captain Pardo’s responsibilities?”
    “Captain Pardo commands Outpost RS 872-12.”
    “Which is located where?”
    “On a planet named Pebble.”
    “Thank you. Now, tell us about Pebble, and Captain Pardo’s specific responsibilities.”
    Booly’s mouth felt dry. He took a sip of water. “Pebble attracts all sorts of beings. In addition to thousands of law-abiding citizens, the planet is home to smugglers, thieves, and a variety of other criminals.”
    “And Pardo keeps the lid on?”

    “Yes,” Booly replied. “In a manner of speaking. There are civilian authorities as well.”
    “Of course,” Hassan said agreeably. “But Captain Pardo is the senior military officer on the planet and, as such, has the latitude to do as he sees fit.”
    “Yes. That’s correct.”
    “So, let me see if I understand,” Hassan said thoughtfully. “Captain Pardo had been given a significant amount of freedom, was assigned to a planet crawling with criminals, and suddenly wound up with a whole lot of money. Is that about the size of it?”
    Fox-Smith jumped to his feet. “I object! Leading the witness. Move to strike.”
    Loy speared Hassan with one of his darkest frowns. “Granted. Watch yourself, Major-we’ll have none of your shenanigans here.”
    Hassan looked