Skies Over Tomorrow: Constellation by Kelly B. Johnson Page A

took hold of the cord and plugged it into the handheld device.
    â€œCommander Wilkes,” he said, and with its voice recognition software, the face of the com-link illuminated, presenting the emblem of the GDI while flashing: CONNECTING. Several seconds elapsed before the link established itself. When the face of the director flickered onto the display, the conversation started with motion from his lips.
    â€œWell, I’m in the cargo hold,” Felix said, giving the space a once over as he then said, “and it’s just like the others.”
    Wilkes spoke, with few words and an austere demeanor.
    â€œIt looks, empty. If you were expecting it to be some other way, then I’ll have to disappoint you.”
    Indeed, Wilkes’ expression turned to disappointment, as he mouthed a response.
    â€œNo, I haven’t. However, in questioning the guard, I’ve ascertained that it’s shaping up to be like the previous incidents. She too saw or heard nothing.”
    Wilkes replied with a contemplating look on his face.
    â€œNo, I don’t’ believe her. I’m telling you it’s like déjà vu. I know if I dig into her background, as I did with the others, I won’t find anything. It would be nice if there were some increase in their credit accounts, to indicate they were paid to take a walk, or something. Pawns set up to take the fall would definitely make me feel better about this case.”
    Curiosity then overcame Wilkes, as words parted his lips for a brief moment.
    â€œFive different guards claim not to have seen or heard anything during their shifts when questioned after the provisions were reported missing, and all of them are so certain about it that they’d bet their livelihoods on it.”
    Wilkes responded with restless lips.
    â€œEven if that were the case,” said Felix, “they should have shown up on surveillance recordings. Extreme class B humans don’t hide. No, this is just too brisk, and the implications of what is going on worry me, sir.”
    Wilkes then replied with the curious look reappearing on his face.
    â€œYes, I do, but it’s only grazing the edge.”
    The hands of the GDI director moved to support his chin when he leaned forward on his desk. There was a slight bob of his head as he replied with anticipation on his face.
    â€œWell, for now it seems an unknown group of individuals is staging a coup. And the way these guards are acting, I’m inclined to think this group exists within MAC. It would seem some high-ranking officer has commanded their loyalty.”
    Wilkes remained at rest, giving the impression of understanding.
    â€œIt sounds preposterous, I know,” said Felix, “but I suspect that MAC is conspiring to either overthrow the High Council or secede from the Federation. Maybe both. I don’t know, but something is in the works, and it isn’t good. Like I said, I wish the guards would take the fall for this. The implications would definitely be less vexing if that were the case.”
    Wilkes retorted with winded words, as he leaned back in his chair, his lips moving almost non-stop before they paused.
    â€œYes, sir,” said Felix.
    Then Wilkes spoke again, though only for a moment.
    â€œYes, but how can I find evidence to verify my theory if you’re restricting any progress that I may have? It’s too soon to classify this case supernova. Surely you see the contradiction here.”
    Commander Wilkes composed himself and responded with an intense stare, his lips repeating their last motion verbatim.
    â€œVery well. However, I think we should wait until I have conclusive evidence to—”
    Wilkes responded with a stern, uncompromising look on his face.
    â€œNow you understand why this investigation worries me.”
    Displeased, the director leaned forward again and replied, staring at his agent.
    â€œYes, sir.”
    The commander’s image then blinked off,