“The detonator broke,” Urle said. “I’ve never seen it happen before – this is a high-quality piece of tech. But it split in half, and just couldn’t set off the detonation signal. I could have blasted it with a plasma torch and it wouldn’t have cared.”
Brooks studied the components from the disassembled bomb that Urle had set out on the table. The timer, the sensors, the decomposing explosive, now rendered inert in water.
“Can we trace it to the Governor?” he asked.
“You think he planted it?” Urle asked.
“Possibly. Can we trace it to him?”
Urle took a deep breath. “Honestly, Captain – I can’t see them pulling this off. Everything about this was done expertly. From the hack that got them close to the bomb itself. This is . . . this is like black ops level stuff.”
He shook his head. “We should never have gotten this lucky.”
“We didn’t know who our enemy was,” Brooks said.
“We still don’t,” Logus commented, frowning.
“But we know that they’re professionals, not just angry colonials,” Urle replied. “It’s a good point, Captain. I apologize for letting it happen on my watch.”
“Not necessary,” Brooks replied. He gave his Executive Commander a smile. “We wouldn’t have even known about it if not for you.”
“I promise you they won’t be able to pull the same trick twice,” Urle said.
“Good. Now get me any forensics you can off this and report as soon as you know.”
“Yes, sir.” Brooks stood and left the room. Logus followed him.
“What now, Captain?” the psychiatrist asked.
Brooks looked back at the man. “It’s time to confront the Governor.”
Other Terrestrial 