When War Calls(134)

‘Unfortunately, General Zaccarah did not believe in my purpose and often made sure that he did everything possible to hinder my plans. The boy was later confirmed to be wearing Daijuarn garb. We now have an idea of where they might be, but General Zaccarah would not permit me use of his vehicles to search. He claimed none could be spared. Given that with Daijuarn technology our military would become invincible, it leads me to question General Zaccarah’s motives.’

‘You think him traitor?’ asked Icek.

Kobin shrugged.

‘General, your response to such allegations.’

‘I am no traitor,’ said Alkon. ‘Sire, the fort at Callibra was attacked by unidentified fighter jets. With a doubled guard, my men would be able to get to their positions quickly. I could not spare the resources. I did not wish to risk another attack. Now I pose a question to Mister Guyde. How did this unknown enemy know where to strike?’

‘Mister Guyde and others have told us of this attack, although this is the first I have heard you mention it, General,’ said Icek. ‘Mister Guyde, your response.’

‘I have no answer, sire, except that I have no knowledge of where they came from or how they found us.’

‘It is understood,’ said Icek. ‘General Zaccarah, I’m sure you would have been able to spare at least a small company. What is your explanation for not allowing a search for these places?’

‘He lives in a world of dreams,’ said Alkon. ‘There has been no confirmation that the Daijuar are nearby, or that we could harness their power even if they were found. My scouts reported nothing from Callibra to Waikor. I do not like to waste time or energy, sire.’

‘Council,’ said Kobin, ‘General Zaccarah sent men that would not have known what they were looking for.’

‘Because they don’t exist!’ said Alkon.

‘Silence!’ called Elor. ‘The council will now hear from Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn. Mister Guyde, you may step down.’

‘Thank you, sire,’ said Kobin, bowing as he walked to sit down not far behind him.

Liet took Kobin’s place, and Alkon relaxed visibly.

‘Lieutenant,’ said Icek, ‘you are the second highest ranking commander in General Zaccarah’s unit. Of what has been said, how much is true?’

‘Everything, sire,’ said Liet.

‘Everything?’ asked Icek with a raised eyebrow.

‘Yes, sire,’ said Liet. ‘There is little more here than a conflict of perception.’

‘I see. And what is your perception?’

‘As much as it pains me to say this, I will have to agree with Mister Guyde that a demotion may be in order for General Zaccarah.’

Alkon turned to Liet in shock. ‘Friend,’ he pleaded, ‘you can’t ...’

‘Please, General,’ said Icek, ‘allow him to finish.’

‘Yes, sire,’ said Alkon.

‘There is little else to tell on the matters visited so far,’ said Liet.

‘Do you have anything to add?’ asked Icek.

Liet nodded. ‘For the question of credibility on Mister Guyde’s behalf, I think it should be said that General Zaccarah made orders for his constant supervision, but nothing was found to be suspicious. As for General Zaccarah, he has failed on several occasions to take responsibility for what happened in his unit, and I have observed him making decisions under the influence of ethanol. The scar you now see under Mister Guyde’s eye could perhaps have been from General Zaccarah’s fist after there was uncertainty over what had caused an accident. If not for my arrival, General Zaccarah may have killed Mister Guyde then, as he had held him at the neck. I believe he is a capable commander, but he might do well to serve under another for the next few years.’

Alkon said nothing as the High Council spoke quietly amongst themselves.

‘Council, if I may add?’ asked Kobin, and he stood to take his place next to Liet. ‘After the accident, I visited a hospital wing separate from the others. Inside, I found Ethan Coride, a leading scientist to my understanding, recovering but with a casing over his arm.’

‘How did you get in there?’ asked Alkon, shocked. ‘You were supposed to be confined in your quarters!’

‘As you can see,’ continued Kobin, ‘General Zaccarah did not allow much freedom.’

‘What is the significance of the casing?’ asked Rihk.

‘I had learned that Ethan Coride had lost his arm in the accident, but he seemed to be growing a new one within the casing. After requesting information on the technology, I learned that it did not exist anywhere else in the Alliance.’