"Jeff Kirvin - Unification Chronicles 5 - Inquisition" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kirvin Jeff)

тАЬRight this way, Major.тАЭ

It was the first time Jack had ever been subjected to a formal inquest, and he wasnтАЩt sure
what to expect. Even after Mars, thereтАЩd been nothing like this. TheyтАЩd barely given him time
to change into his dark brown dress uniform after landing before they ushered him into an
elegant courtroom. He was told to stand behind a podium facing a long table with four seats,
then he was left alone.

The far door opened and a sergeant came through. The man snapped to attention and then
shouted, тАЬMarine! Ten hut!тАЭ

Jack stood at attention, moving only his eyes as the members of the panel that would
question him walked into the room and took their seats.

The first was James Staten, the President of the Terran Republic. Staten was a tall man with
an almost regal bearing. Jack had worked closely with him on Mars and thought well of him.
The man was a civilian, but he was strong. He had handled himself well on Mars and had
fought to get Jack on board the Envoy. Jack took his presence as a good sign.

The next person through the door was Elaine Takemura, the presidentтАЩs science advisor.
Takemura was a genius, generally regarded as the next Hawking or Singh. She was dressed in a
severely tailored black suit, and moved almost like a bird, with quick, precise motions,
uncomfortably reminding Jack of the Saurians.

Behind Takemura was Thomas Gosnell, the presidentтАЩs political advisor. Jack had met him
before and didnтАЩt like the man. He may have been a political genius that got his boss reelected
after Mars, but Jack still thought of him as a toad. The man was short and fat, and despite his
obvious wealth wore an ill-fitting brown suit. Jack tried to shake off his feelings. He wasnтАЩt the
first soldier that disliked politicians.

Last into the room was General Orlando Cheung, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As all four took their seats, General Cheung said, тАЬAt ease, Major.тАЭ

Jack relaxed his stance just a bit, falling into parade rest. He clasped his hands behind his
back and waited.

President Staten took out a small pair of reading glasses, an archaic affectation that voters
seemed to like. It had always bugged Jack. Staten consulted a slate on the desk in front of him,
bringing up some text. тАЬJack, good to see you again,тАЭ he said, looking up from his notes.

тАЬYou too, sir.тАЭ

тАЬLetтАЩs not beat around the bush, Jack,тАЭ Staten said. тАЬSomebody fucked up out there.тАЭ
 тАЬYes sir.тАЭ

тАЬIтАЩve read your report,тАЭ the president continued, referring to the brief notes Jack had
managed to compile on the way down to Earth from EnvoyтАЩs tunnel point just inside LunaтАЩs
orbit. тАЬIt doesnтАЩt paint a glowing picture of Captain Chenzokov.тАЭ