The Machine Awakes by Adam Christopher

partner’s expression had darkened too. “Okay,” he said, turning back to the chief. “Tell me what happened.”
    Avalon nodded at Braben. Braben adjusted his tie, then took control of the table display. As he typed, Kodiak’s official picture was replaced with new data: the portrait of the Fleet Admiral, Leo Sebela; maps of New Orem; a schematic of the Fleet Capitol Complex itself, and one of the Fleet Memorial.
    Kodiak furrowed his brow as he studied the images.
    â€œSebela”—Braben tapped the late Admiral’s picture—“was assassinated at the Fleet Memorial, as he gave his official Fleet Day speech, in front of thousands of people. As soon as he dropped, emergency protocols kicked in and the city went into lockdown.”
    Kodiak looked up. “He’s killed in public, surrounded by marines, and the shooter gets away? No surveillance?”
    Braben and Avalon looked at each other. “All footage cuts out just before the Admiral is shot,” said Braben. “Likewise all public media streams.”
    Kodiak rubbed his chin again. “How is that possible?”
    Avalon shrugged. “It’s like everything was jammed, scrambled.”
    â€œDeliberate, then.”
    â€œHas to be.”
    Then Avalon reached forward, moving the images around on the table. She brought up a new picture, one of an officer in a black uniform, his eyes narrowed at the camera like he was angry.
    â€œIt’s not public knowledge,” said the chief, “but Sebela was deposed by Admiral Zworykin the day before his assassination.”
    Kodiak stared at the new picture. He thought he recognized the officer. “Zworykin? Isn’t he in charge of the Psi-Marine Corps?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAnd now he’s the Fleet Admiral?”
    Avalon gave a single nod. “He is.”
    Kodiak pursed his lips. “And then the guy he kicked out is murdered. Seems pretty convenient.” He leaned over the table, examining the images. “New guy stages a coup and takes over. Keeps it a secret while he moves his own people in. Then old guy is eliminated, and new guy suddenly appears to step in as the legitimate successor. Uses the situation to his advantage, strengthening his own position. Shows himself as a responsible, courageous leader in a time of turmoil.”
    â€œYes,” said Avalon.
    â€œWhich means,” said Kodiak, tapping the table, “new guy is behind it.”
    â€œSeems most likely,” said Braben. “But that’s what we want you to find out.”
    Kodiak shook his head, trying to piece things together. “But he knows the Bureau will investigate and rat him out, right?”
    â€œIf he’s responsible, then yes,” said Avalon. “Which is why I want you to lead the investigation.”
    Kodiak shrugged. “Because?”
    â€œBecause you’re dead. I’m going to grant you personal security clearance inside this building, but even that won’t lead back to you directly. If there is a cover-up, a conspiracy, if Zworykin is responsible and is working to hide his tracks, then you’re the one to find out. Your investigation won’t leave a trace.”
    Kodiak shook his head. “But he’ll be waiting for an investigation. He’ll be following it, making sure he stays ahead of us. We can’t run a covert op. If we’re not seen to do something, he’ll realize we’re onto him from the start.”
    â€œThere will be an official investigation,” said Avalon. “Braben will be the lead. You’ll have a cover ID—to Zworykin you’re a Bureau analyst assigned to the case, nothing more.”
    At this, Braben reached under the conference table and extracted a black case. He placed it on the table and turned it toward Kodiak.
    Kodiak glanced at Braben. “What’s this?”
    Braben just nodded at it. “Open it.”
    Kodiak pulled the case toward