Read The Unincorporated Woman for Free Online

of his line of reasoning.
    “But enough of what we already know,” asserted Mosh. “The Alliance doesn’t have the time for you to accept the inevitable. The Cabinet has been granted a writ of executive authority for two weeks. The only reason that compromise was acceptable to the Congress was because I made it known that you were going to be present at all the Cabinet meetings.”
    “But I can’t possibly—”
    “I know that, Janet,” agreed Mosh, interrupting. “Hell, they even know that. But under the guise of your needing time to acquaint yourself with the issues, everyone’s quiet—for now. But at the end of that time, Congress will choose a new President, and it will be you. There’s simply no one else. You must assume this office, Janet. It’s either that or we sue for peace right now.”
    J.D. glared at Mosh but there was little if any fire left in her eyes. “I can’t win from behind this desk,” she insisted, “You know that and I know that.”
    Mosh nodded, resigned.
    “And now you want me to sit here, hold hands … maintain coalitions?”
    “Yes.”
    “And have this face,” chided J.D., pointing at her mangled features, “kissing babies?”
    “Yes, Janet. That’s exactly what we want.” Mosh looked over to his wife for support.
    Despite both Mosh’s and J.D.’s furtive glances to the Congresswoman-Elect, Eleanor remained stubbornly silent, offering help to neither.
    “What about Trang?” proffered J.D., referring to the UHF’s greatest and most disruptive admiral. “Have you given any thought to that? He’ll be here as soon as he’s done with the 180. And when he comes, it’ll be to finish this war.”
    Mosh nodded, shifting uncomfortably in place.
    Sensing a rope, J.D. grabbed for it. “I know I can beat him, Mosh. Do we have anyone else who can?”
    “No,” he admitted grudgingly.
    “Well, then,” she demanded, thumb pointing over the back of her shoulder towards Justin’s desk, “how do you propose I do it from there?”
    Mosh buried his hands in his pockets, frowning. “I don’t have that answer. But you and I also know that we can’t win this war unless you’re behind that desk.”
    The standoff was interrupted by the sound of door chimes—a relic Justin had insisted on for all his rooms. For all three present, it was yet another painful reminder of their leader’s absence. It took a moment for J.D. to realize that both Mosh and Eleanor were waiting quietly. Whether on purpose or by unconscious design, they were already forcing J.D. to exercise authority where she felt none should exist. Irritably, she leaned over the desk and stared into the holodisplay. Her annoyance was tempered by whom the display showed to be waiting on the other side of the door—her personal chaplain, Brother Sampson. His dress uniform made her realize that she’d lost track of the time.
    She opened up the communications panel. “Already?” she asked softly.
    Mosh and Eleanor both noticed the change in her demeanor.
    Brother Sampson nodded. “Yes, Admiral. Lieutenant Nitelowsen has your dress uniform waiting for you in a secure room near the landing bay.”
    “I’ll be right out.”
    The brother bowed slightly.
    While her present company bided their time, J. D. Black allowed a quick sigh and closed off the display. Then, with an effort of will, she straightened her posture, left the Triangle Office, and walked into her future.

 
2 Tunnel Vision
Day Nine—Days of Ash, Altamont Orbit
    Grand Admiral Samuel Trang was comfortably positioned. From his seat of command, he had the advantage of two distinct views—one of which gave him great pleasure. It was the sight of Altamont a mere hundred kilometers away, surrounded by his fleet. The great rock had been blasted through at various points along its circumference and was now effectively open to the vacuum of space. The fact that his fleet was still taking fire showed that Altamont’s defenders had no intention of surrendering