Free Aurora (The Exodus Trilogy) by Andreas Christensen Page B

together. But nevertheless, the first container was rendered useless, meaning we only had three left. Three weeks ago, the contents of the second container were destroyed as well. Naturally, the guards were informed there might be saboteurs passing though the perimeter, and their instructions were to act swiftly and use lethal force if deemed necessary. They were informed that the saboteurs would most likely be armed.” He slumped down into his chair, and shook his head.
    “Damn kids… No one would fault the guards for firing if only they knew. But we cannot tell anyone, because the containers need to be kept secret for now. That is more important than whatever people think.” Ramon surprised him by speaking.
    “I guess we all know the story of the Mars colony. I mean, it was terrorists back then, and now it seems we have brought terrorists here as well. Same story all over again. Shouldn’t be surprised, though I never saw it coming.” Havelar interrupted him.
    “Yes, they are most certainly here. But now that we know, we’re going to smoke them out and give them what they deserve. I don’t pretend to understand their motives, and I don’t care. My responsibility is to make this colony viable, to give us a future, and that future has no place for terrorists or their sympathizers.”
    Havelar was angry with all those ignorant people who didn’t understand what building something like this entailed. They needed to stick together, even when they didn’t agree. The burden of responsibility weighed heavily upon his shoulders. His job was to save them all, the last remains of humanity, and make them stronger than they ever were back on Earth. People like Admiral Hamilton, who spoke on and on about personal freedoms, rights... Bah! Selfish was the only word that came to mind. Only thinking about themselves and their own personal needs, when they should be thinking of humanity as a species.
    “Colonel, although I believe most of this will blow over, we need to be firm, so no one else gets any ideas. I need people to do their jobs, and work together. We need to establish a curfew. Make sure the troopers understand how serious this is, that we cannot take any chances. But nothing about the saboteurs, of course. Just blame it on the weather, balder packs crossing the perimeter, whatever.” The colonel nodded firmly, and moved as if to leave. Havelar motioned for her to wait, and she sat back down.
    “I also want you to prepare to arrest those who openly oppose us.” Thomas tried to say something, but Havelar dismissed him. He’d heard it all before. This was no time to make arguments about legitimacy or winning the favor of the people. George Havelar had made up his mind. Whatever spring would bring, if they were to make it through winter as a community, they needed to stick together, and he couldn’t allow political strife to take priority now, with so much to be done.
    “If we are to make this work, we need to tighten the reins, or everything gets out of hand,” he said. He thought for a moment, and Colonel Quellar stood up again.
    “Governor,” she said.
    “Is there anyone in particular you want me to deal with immediately?” He smiled briefly at her, before shaking his head.
    “No, not immediately. We need to make sure we round them all up at the same time. I want Thomas to have a list ready by tomorrow.” He turned toward Thomas, who had also risen from his chair, and now stood waiting for instructions.
    “Thomas, I want the list comprised of no more than ten names, the most prominent potential dissidents, Hamilton for instance. I want their whereabouts, and I want you to keep track of them, what they do, where they go, who they speak to. I also need you to point out three or four incriminating actions. You’ll find something, I’m sure.” Thomas nodded, and when Havelar motioned for him to go, he left quickly. Then Havelar turned to Ramon.
    “I need you on my side, old buddy. Now more than ever.”