Lambert appears on screen, looking a bit battered, but there is a defiant look in his eye.
Admirals,
I'll keep this brief, as I know you're busy.
I realize my departure from Liberty after my hearing was rather... abrupt. And yes, a convicted short term deserter dropping off the grid completely for over a month is probably something that you'd file under "extremely serious". Don't you still have the firing squads around for that sort of thing?
He cracks a barely discernible smile, then his face hardens again.
I do not contact you in any sort of misguided attempt to explain my actions. I did what I believed to be my only option at the time, and I stand by it. Rather, I wish to ask a small favor, considering all the times we've fought together in days long past.
Your honesty.
So, please tell me - honestly - what would happen if I were to come back to Liberty long-term? What if I wanted to pick up where I left off with the Navy?
This is probably a silly question, considering the countless number of military laws I've violated in recent months, but... I figure there's no harm in asking.
He moves to turn off the recording, then pauses a moment. Slowly, he pulls his hand back and looks at the screen again.
And just in case you're wondering - or perhaps interested in trying to bring me back to stand trial - I am beyond your reach now, and can easily stay that way indefinitely.
Cheers.
He smiles wryly - a smile that doesn't reach his icy blue eyes - and then shuts off the recording.
Lieut-... James, It's actually good to hear from you, believe it or not.
At least now we know you're still alive.
If you were to willingly return to The Republic, you would not be harmed, nor do I believe that you would face a long term prison sentence.
You would likely be held in custody at Fort Bragg for at least few days, until you could be formally debriefed and your situation reassessed...but after that, after a debrief, we could easily move forward, whether your intent is to wear a uniform again or not.
You know me, James...and you know that I'm a fair person, even if I'm known to take some things too seriously.
Lambert appears on screen once again, appearing a bit more at ease.
Admiral Baker... uh... Rachel.
Thank you for your timely response. I too am glad to hear from you again. Wish we'd been able to part on... happier terms.
He pauses, carefully considering his next words.
I was pleased to hear your confidence that it would likely be safe for me to return to Liberty. It was definitely more than I expected, and far more than I deserve.
However.
I am not a gambling man, and I feel in this situation I must rely solely on certainties and guarantees as opposed to assurances and beliefs. Especially since this regards more than merely myself.
Thus, I need your word to me - a promise. I will come back to Liberty, and turn myself over to Naval authorities. I will remain in your custody for one week at a maximum, during which time you may do whatever you feel necessary.
After one week, you will release me. If it is your desire, I will not return to Liberty again. Or, if I'm cleared to return, perhaps I'll choose to move back to the Republic. Either way, you guarantee that I walk away after that week.
If I can't have your absolute promise on that... well I'm afraid this will be the last you see of me.
For what it's worth, I'm sorry. I wish there was another way.
He reaches up without hesitation and shuts off the recording.
COMM ID:Vice Admiral Alan Polstari TARGET ID:James Lambert, CC: Admiral Rachel Baker SUBJECT:Your Situation ENCRYPTION:Medium PRIORITY:Low
Greetings, Mister Lambert.
It has been some time since I've heard from you. While I'm glad you are alive, your situation is less than ideal. And honestly, I would say the same for your attitude.
Now, don't get me wrong, I would love to have Lieutenant Lambert back. He was a loyal officer, a good pilot, and someone worth trusting. I don't know that I see that man before me right now, however.
Right now, I see a haunted shell of a man who's holding the body of Lieutenant James Lambert hostage under the auspices of whether or not he can trust us. The real question is, can we trust you?
If you return you will need to undergo a debriefing, and deal with whatever charges may be leveled by the Admiralty given what we learn of the situation. This is not only proper procedure, but the right action given the circumstances. A loyal and well grounded officer of the Liberty Navy should understand and appreciate this requirement.
Our hand will be fair, taking into account the letter and the intent of the law. That you would think otherwise of us gives me concern for your well being.
Now, I've given you my answer. What response you give will determine what future you have within the Liberty Navy, and the whole of the Republic. Consider it carefully, James. Remember, there are others whose lives may be affected by it besides yourself.
Well Alan... hello to you too. I see you haven't changed a bit over the last few months.
I apologize for taking so long to contact you again. Things have been difficult of late... there have been some changes.
He hesitates. For a moment it looks as if he'll say more, but then he decides to change the subject.
You want to know if you can still trust me. I understand your wariness... I suppose I have committed a crime, in a sense. But I am agreeing to come to you, alone and completely helpless. I just want to talk it over.
My only request seems a simple thing - I don't want to end up in a cell if our conversation doesn't go as hoped. The right to suffer banishment instead of a prison cell. Surely that exile will be sufficient punishment should you decide there is a need to levy charges against me?
But you know what? I still trust you, even after everything that's happened. I feel I can trust that you, Baker, and the rest of High Command won't lock me away. So I'm coming in - guarantee or no.
Tell me where to meet, and I'll be there within a few days.
COMM ID:Vice Admiral Alan Polstari TARGET ID:James Lambert, CC: Admiral Rachel Baker SUBJECT:Your Situation ENCRYPTION:Medium PRIORITY:Medium
Hello James.
I haven't changed, eh? I'll take that as a compliment. Too many others change with every breeze that passes by. It makes them unstable, untrustworthy. I don't count myself amongst that lot; and it seems neither do you.
Freeport 4, 20:00 SMT this Saturday. I'll be there on my personal vessel to avoid any trouble. I'll let Baker know, and we'll see if she wishes to come, but I'll be there, barring any unforseen issues. And then we'll talk and see what's been going on and why you are the way you are right now.