by Jerry Boyd
“See, you just need to cut yourself some slack, Bob. You’re not going to get ahead of everything.”
“I know you’re right about that, but I have a lot of people depending on me. I need to get this right.”
“That’s why we all want you in the big chair. You care about the people who work for you.”
“You’re going to stand there and tell me you wouldn’t do the same?”
“Nope. Just saying you’re better at it.”
“If you say so. Most days, I’m just making it up as I go along.”
“We’d rather have your improvisations, than anybody else’s best laid plans. Deal with it, Bob. We like the way you do your job.”
“It’s nice to hear, but I’m sure something will come up tomorrow that I don’t feel competent to deal with.”
“What’s that?”
“If I knew, I’d be studying up on it, wouldn’t I?”
“You’ll do, Bob.” Realizing I wasn’t going to change his mind, I let it go. Surely somebody in the fleet would make a better Commodore, but no one seemed to be stepping up for the job. Snitz finished his business, and we went back to the cabin. Nikki roused enough to say, “Hi, Caveman.” when I went to bed, but she fell right back to sleep. I was right behind her. Way too soon, Snitz was licking my ear. Once morning things were taken care of, we were off to the grass room. Jim must have taken care of what Gene thought he needed to, last night, because he wasn’t there. Snitz did what he needed, and took off. I went to the galley. Stella met me at the door and asked, "What would you like this morning, Boss?"
I replied, "An omelet, I think."
"Have a seat and I'll bring it right out."
I sat down, and she poured me a cup of coffee. I thought about what I needed to do that day, as I peered into my coffee cup. Janet came in and sat with me.
"Hey, Dad. What are you up to today?"
"I don't have much to do until the ambassador gets back. I hope to get finished up with him today."
"Do you think you will be able to get a good deal from him?"
"I think so. Now that we can both think straight, things are going a lot easier."
"What do you think we’ll be doing next, after you get done negotiating?"
"I'm sure Murphy will find us something to do."
"Doesn't he always?"
"What are you up to today?"
"Updating more power runs with Milly."
"Are they really that much better?"
"Scotti says they'll carry about 20% more power."
"That is a sizable improvement."
"It is. She's pretty upset that she couldn't remember how to do it."
"I can see how she would be. Were there a lot of other things she wasn't remembering?"
"Nothing as big as this, I don't think."
"How long do need to you finish the power runs?"
"We may have to finish up tomorrow, but it shouldn’t go any longer than that."
"As long as you're staying busy."
"Thanks, Dad."
Janet must have called ahead with her order, because Stella brought both of our meals out together. When we finished, I headed out to the bridge. When I got there, Saucy called out, "Commodore on the bridge". I responded, "As you were". Topper asked, "What's up, Boss?"
"I'm just checking to see what's happening in our corner of the galaxy this morning."
"Nothing out of the ordinary, Boss."
"That's good, I suppose."
"Black Beauty and Midnight are keeping a watch on the Squirrel fleet to make sure nobody gets uppity. So far, they haven't seen anything untoward."
"That's good to hear. I'm getting a little tired of having to put down their mutinies for them."
Sue spoke up. "Boss, their spy ship has been poking around again, but they haven't bothered to pick up their sensor platforms."
"Maybe they don't believe we know where they are."
Topper said, "Do you really think they still don't believe that we can find their ships?"
"Some of them seem to be so hardheaded they can't believe a monkey could do anything."
"You've given them plenty of evidence to the contrary."
"They don't seem to be swayed by evidence, Topper."
"Sucks to be them then, Boss."
"I think we can arrange that, yes. Don't you, Topper?"
"Yes, Boss, I certainly do."
"It looks like you've got this under control. I'm going to go wander around for a while before the ambassador gets here. Call me if you need anything."
"Will do, Boss." I headed out, wondering what to do until Natti showed up. Nikki was just getting off the transit. She said, "Hey, Caveman, what are you up to?"
"Just trying to figure out what to do next. You have any good ideas?"
"How soon is Natti going to be here?"
"I don't know. That's why I was having trouble trying to decide what to do."
"We could go play some Frisbee, if we could find that dog of mine."
"Gene can take care of that. He'll probably be there before we are."
We got on the transit. I asked, "Gene, could you call Snitz to the Frisbee room, please."
"On it, Boss."
When the door opened, Snitz was there waiting on us wagging his tail. We grabbed a Frisbee out of the locker, and started to play. We had a good time until Gene came over the speaker. "Boss, the ambassador is arriving shortly." We put the Frisbee away, and grabbed a transit to the landing bay. We got there just before Natti showed up. Snappi parked their ship, and they both came down the ramp. I said, "Good morning, gentlemen. Are you ready for another hard day?"
Natti replied, "I suppose so. Is your dog here to check my briefcase?"
"No, but I'm sure one of the bots can handle it now that they know what to look for." When I said that, a bot I didn't recognize came over and scanned the ambassador's briefcase. When he was finished, he said, "Looks clean to me, Boss."
"Thanks."
Natti said, "That was pretty painless. I wish we had figured that out a week ago."
"Me too." We all headed out to the transit, and got a ride to the ready room. We went in and got started on another day's work. It didn't seem like any time had passed at all, before Stella came in with a cart full of lunch. We took a break and ate, and then got back to our busy schedule. Before Stella came back to ask if we wanted supper, Natti said, "I think that's all we have. Do you have anything you want to discuss, Commodore?"
"I can't think of anything. Will we have another signing ceremony tomorrow?"
"The Emperor would like to come over here this time if that's alright with you."
"I can't see why not. Anything special he likes to eat?"
"I doubt he'll be staying for lunch. He's as glad as you are to have peace, but he doesn't trust you any more than you trust him."
"That's understandable."
"I'm glad you see it that way. As much trouble as we've caused you, I can see how you might not be so forgiving."
"I can't say that I've enjoyed all of it, but so far we've gotten through it without too much trouble. I'm hoping that these agreements will give us a basis for peaceful interaction in the future. Of course, I was hoping that you would take me seriously about those sensor platforms."
Snappi said, "They haven't been taken care of?"
"Your spy ship has been out piddling around but it hasn't picked up the platforms yet."
"They said they were going to pick those up. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get that resolved for you, Commodore."
"I think they’re just trying to see if I actually do know where the platforms are or not."
"You don't think they believe you?"
"Apparently not, I suppose I should give them a demonstration."
"I'd rather you didn't, they might see that as a hostile move."
"My lead gunner is rather an artist. I'm sure he could come up with something that would remove the doubt from their minds without actually damaging anything."
Natti said, "I shudder to think what that might be, Commodore."
"Tex does like to show off."
We escorted them back to their ship. I said, "Let us know when the Emperor wants to come over tomorrow."
"I will. It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Commodore."
"And you, Ambassador." We shook hands, and he and Snappi climbed aboard the ship and left.
I looked at Nikki. "I suppose I ought to go and act like I'm running the ship. Do you have anything you need to do?"
"Would it be okay if I hung around with you?"
"Fine with me."
We headed towards the bridge. I asked, "Mind if we walk?"
"I suppose not. We have plenty of time today anyway."
"You sound like I'm going to torture you or something."
"No, but Murphy hasn't had a chance to play with you for a while. I'm afraid of what he might do." We took off walking towards the bridge. We were about halfway there when my comm rang.
"Commodore Wilson."
Jeeves said, "Boss, I have another training course for you if you have time to do it."
"We're headed that way. See you in a few."
"Okay, Boss."
Nikki asked, "Who was that?"
"Jeeves. He has a course he wants me to take."
"That doesn't sound too bad."
"No, it doesn't. Must be something else we’re supposed to find."
"You say the scariest things, Caveman."
"You worry a lot, Space Cadet." We made it to the ready room without any more interruptions. Jeeves was waiting for me. Nikki sat down to wait, while Jeeves lit me up. When I woke up, Nikki asked, "Are you ready to go bother Topper now?"
"Yep." We went across to the bridge, and Saucy announced, "Commodore on the bridge."
I replied, "As you were."
Topper asked, "Good to see you, Boss. How did negotiations go today?"
"Went well, Topper. We finished up everything that the Ambassador wanted to talk about."
"Good deal, Boss. Just checking up?"
"That I am. Anything to report?"
"The Squirrels haven't retrieved their platforms yet. Do you want us to do anything about that?" Just then my comm rang.
"Commodore Wilson."
"Commodore, it's Snappi. I'm sorry, but I couldn't convince the other officers that you knew where their platforms were. I guess a demonstration is in order."
"Funny you should say that. We were just discussing whether we should do that or not. I suppose now we'll have to."
"Can you try not to be too destructive?"
"I'm sure Tex can do something along those lines."
"I've seen his work before. I'm sure that he can."
"I'll pass along your kind words. Anything else you need while I’ve got you on the comm?"
"No, I don't think so. Be seeing you tomorrow."
"Tomorrow, then. Fly safe." I put my comm away. I turned to Tex. "Can you turn your turret lasers down low enough that you can hit each of those platforms, without doing them any damage?"
"Boss, I can tickle them all day long."
"Next question, can you do that with several turrets? So you could hit them all at once?"
"Boss, you do remember who you're talking to, don't you?"
"Sorry. Lost my head for a second. I'll try not to insult you anymore."
"No offense taken, Boss. Give me just a minute to set it up, and I'll give them a show."
"That sounds just fine." I turned to Topper. "Since we're firing, my ship."
"Your ship. Yes, Boss." I sat down in the big chair, and waited for Tex to get ready.
He said, "I have it set up, Boss. Whenever you're ready."
"Let me tell Snappi what's coming." Tikki had put a relay in her comm, so that I could call Snappi directly. It was so much handier than calling her to the bridge every time I needed to talk to him.
"Yes, Commodore?"
"Fire mission incoming. Tickle strength. I hope that will be enough to convince your people."
"So do I."
I turned to Tex, and said, "At your convenience."
"Fire in the hole." I asked Snappi, "Did that get their attention?"
"It seems to have. We'll have to see if it moves them to action."
"I'm sure Tex would be more than willing to zap them again, if that's what it takes."
"Let's hope that won't be necessary. Thanks for giving us a warning, Commodore."
"No problem. Fly safe."
"You too. See you tomorrow." The line went dead, and I put my comm away. I turned to Sue. "Do you see any response?"
"No, Boss. They don't seem to be responding at all."
"Not even their stealth ship?"
"Not even that."
"We'll have to see if they go out and pick up their platforms. I hope they do. I don't want to have to tear up their toys."
Tex said, "You're no fun, Boss."
"Comes from sitting in the big chair. People think you ought to be a grown up."
"Better you than me."
"I hear it's good to have friends. Maybe someday I'll find out."
"Aww, Boss. Don't be like that."
"Whatsamatta you? Can't take a little teasing?"
"You got me, Boss."
Topper asked, "You need anything else, Boss?"
"Just get ahold of me when the Squirrels decide to do something about our little show. Your ship."
"My ship. Later, Boss." I got up, and Nikki and I left the bridge. Once we were outside, I asked, "Have you tried the new carbines?"
"No, Caveman."
"Don't you think you should?"
"I suppose."
"Let's go do that, what do you say?"
"Sounds good." We headed off to the armory.
When we got there, Jackie was waiting for us. She said, "Gene told me you were headed this way. Anything special you need today?"
"I wanted Mrs. Wilson to get a chance to try out the new carbines. Do you have one handy?"
"Of course, Boss. Would you like a pair so you can shoot against one another?"
"Just the one for now, I think." She brought us out a carbine, and a stack of magazines.
"I have more ammo, if you use all of this."
"Thanks, Jackie."
Nikki asked, "Don't you have a rifle a lot like this?"
"Just the bottom part, where the controls are. The top half is all Nunya." We went back to the range, and I showed her how to operate the carbine. She started with single shots on the various targets. She was, as I had expected, very good with it. Then I showed her the happy switch. She had never fired full auto before, but she caught on fairly quick. We messed around for a while, with different targets, and the Hogan's Alley set up Nunya had put in. We were getting low on ammo, when Nikki said, "Young Gus is hungry again. I think I've had all the fun I want for one day."
"I think you're plenty competent with the new weapon. Let's go eat."
Jackie said, "I can take care of cleaning that for you, if you want."
I replied, "You're teaching me bad habits, Jackie."
"You just have more important things to do, Boss."
"I suppose you're right."
Nikki said, "Jackie's just trying to be nice, Caveman. Don't be an asshole."
"But that's what I'm good at."
"You see what I have to put up with, Jackie?"
"Yes, Ma'am." We washed up and headed for the galley.
Nikki said, "We're taking the transit this time, Caveman. I'm too hungry to mess around with your side trips." Stella was waiting for us when we got to the galley. She showed us to a table and brought us some drinks. "What would you two like to eat this evening?"
I said, "Would an open faced roast beef be too much trouble?"
"Not at all, Boss."
Nikki asked, "I think I just want a burger and fries."
"Coming right up.” We sat and didn't say much, waiting for our food to come out. Before Stella brought it, Janet showed up
. She said, "Hi. Gene said you guys were coming here. I thought I would come eat with you if that's okay?"
Nikki said, "Of course it's okay. Have a seat. Did you already order?"
"Sure did. I commed ahead. It's not hard, I could show you how."
I said, "I'm sure you could. I guess I'm just old-fashioned, I like to come in and sit down. It gives me a chance to unwind."
Janet replied, "So, you're telling me you're getting old?"
I looked at Nikki. "We have got to get a paintball game going. This one needs to be taken down a peg."
Nikki replied, "That sounds like your project, Caveman."
"You don't agree she's getting uppity?"
"I didn't say that, Caveman. I'm just not going to be spry enough to get it done for a few months."
"Now I understand what you mean, Space Cadet."
Janet asked, "What is paintball? Why do you think it will keep me from being uppity?"
I said, "Because it would show you that your elders are sneakier than you think they are. It might teach you a little respect."
"I respect you guys. I was just teasing."
Nikki said, "He knows that. He's just messing with you."
Stella came out with our food. She said, "Hi, Janet. You made it on time."
"Yeah. I finally figured out how long it takes a transit to get here."
We all started eating, so the conversation died out. When we came up for air, I asked, "Did you get your power runs finished today?"
"Not quite. We should be done by lunch tomorrow, easy."
"Would you have any interest in attending a stuffy, historic, ceremony?"
"I don't think so. Do you think I should?"
"You could tell your grandkids that you were there."
"I think I'll have plenty of stories, just from being aboard the Gene. Seeing you and the Emperor sign some papers wouldn't hold a candle to some of the other stuff that I have seen since I've been aboard."
Nikki said, "I can see your point. Besides, Scotti is keeping you pretty busy, isn't she?"
"Yes, she is. She wants to get the mods that she couldn't remember in place as quick as she can. She figures that if the Squirrels didn't want her to put them in, they must be pretty important."
I said, "That sounds logical. From what I've heard so far, though, I can't see anything that would be that important."
"She can't either. That just makes her more paranoid."
"Dang! I have a good crew. They even help me out with the paranoia."