“No Sir” she responded “we had a deal right?”
“Subject to the exigencies of war” said Phil. “Take a look around you. You know how short we are of ships’ officers. It will only be for a short time. I promise that once I get reinforcements from earth you can return to your post here.”
Rihan looked to Dave. Dave wasn’t sure how to respond. Rihan wasn’t pleading with her eyes. He wasn’t sure if she was asking for his understanding either. Finally Rihan turned back to Phil. “Two months. That’s all. After that I’m back here come hell or high water.” She had an intense look in her eyes that brooked no dispute.
“Deal!” exclaimed Phil and he smiled.
Rihan knew she had been played by a master but she wasn’t about to let him get away scot free. “So where do I get my crew from?” asked Rihan.
“I’ll have Alex look into that. It’s going to take a few days just to assemble the troops and supplies.”
“And what rank will I be awarded to command a fleet carrier?”
This caught even Phil by surprise. He could tell from the expression on her face that she was deadly serious. “All right, temporary Captain for the duration of the mission. Temporary mind you.”
“Deal!” exclaimed Rihan with a smile.
Phil smiled and shook his head. He looked across at Dave. “How do you cope?” he asked still smiling.
“Very well indeed, Sir. Very well indeed” said Dave and raised his eyebrows at Rihan with a smile. She had a satisfied look on her face.
“Sir” hailed Alex.
“Alex?” replied Phil.
“I’ve surpassed my own expectations and parted the waters. Chalker et al are on their way.” Alex sounded dog tired.
“Terrific work Alex” said Phil with great enthusiasm “now I have another task for you. I need a crew for the Mailon, forty fighters, a ground force to defend Chelora and 400 more Torads on the Mailon by 1600.”
“You’re not serious are you?”
“Deadly.”
“I can cannibalise a crew from the damaged ships, pilfer our remaining fighters and assign a missile battery and an army unit but the Torads Sir. I’m not sure we have that many left.”
“Scrape up whatever you can. Just get them aboard by 1600. And Alex you need to get some shut eye. You sound very tired.”
“Oh gee Sir I’ll be sure to squeeze that in.”
“Good man” said Phil and terminated the call. Turning to Aubrey he said “Your Sgt Meyer will be here shortly” and turning to Dave he added “along with Chalker and Shavez. Draag you will be under Cmdr Kabel’s supervision. Do I have your word that you will not betray us?”
“Yes Admiral you do.”
“Then I think we can dispense with the restraints.” He proffered his hands forward and Rihan released the restraints. Felis smiled for the first time since he was captured.
“Ms Plentun, would you prefer to go with the Mailon or the Phantom?”
“I will travel with the Mailon till Chelora and transfer there to the Phantom if that pleases you Admiral and you Commander” she said looking to Aubrey.
“That’s fine with me” replied Aubrey.
“Right then, as soon as you get everyone on board you can head off. Good luck to you all.” Phil then turned to Rihan “come on. Let’s have a look at your new command.”
“Could you give us a few minutes please” asked Dave.
“Sure. I’ll make my way down to G deck with our new friend Cmdr Draag. I’ll meet you down there Rihan.”
“Yes Sir” said Rihan. She followed Dave out the briefing room and into his office, where he shut the door. He immediately embraced her and they hugged with her head resting into his shoulder. He took a deep breath in and smelt her scent. He ran his fingers through her hair and felt her chest rise and fall against his as she breathed.
He pulled his head up and she leant hers back far enough to look into his eyes. He kissed her on her forehead and asked “Are you OK?”
“Am now” and she smiled.
“I was worried how you would cope down there with the nuke and all.”
“Yeah I started to get anxious. It’s the third bloody time I’ve had to take shelter. But I remembered the mantra and in the end I was fine, well as best you can be under the circumstances.”
“Good. Now are you sure about taking command of the Mailon? I couldn’t work out your expression out there.”
“That’s because I was all over the shop myself. I’ll be fine. It’s only for two months and we’re back on level pegging again.” She smiled cheekily.
“Yeah, nice move!” There was something flat in his voice.
“You look tired darling.” She brushed back his hair from his forehead and ended with her hand cupping the side of his head. She raised herself up just enough to kiss him on the lips. He kissed her back gently.
“Oh well I’ll have three days to rest up.”
“You take care darling. You don’t need to leave any of those rogan ships for me. I expect a clear system now.”
“Huh…and here I was thinking it would be nice to have you as the cavalry for a change.” He turned her around and patted her on the bum as he pushed her to the door of his office.
“My ship’s bigger than yours!”
Dave laughed as he opened the door and pushed her out. “Come on I’ll walk you down.”
Chapter 5. FFS Mailon over Polaris 0430, 26 June
Phil’s shuttle entered the Mailon via the aft door of the port hangar. The pilot hovered down right next to the vacant bay from which Meeka had made his escape.
Up ahead on the apron two platoons of marines from the Ark Royal were guarding over 200 Rogan crew. The Rogan prisoners were waiting for shuttles to arrive that would then transport them to their new home behind security fencing on the planet below. For the most part they were waiting quietly but when Phil stepped onto the apron with Evie and Felis there was a swell of voices.
It was clear to Phil that they recognised Evie and from sound of abuse being hurled that she was not appreciated. Phil scanned the crowd and could see that there were many others who were not joining in with those hurling the invective. A one pipper came to welcome Phil and escort them into the main hull. He led them in front of the group.
Evie was not recoiling from her abusers. With an air of confidence she held her large head high and stared directly at them. She then scanned the group and focussed on those who were not jeering. A few nodded at her and she returned the gesture.
A figure pushed its way to the front rank and called out “Draag.”
“Petra” replied Felis. He stopped in front of the figure who also wore the badge of rank of a Commander.
“I thought you were killed” said Petra.
“Nearly but thankfully I survived.”
Petra thrust his hands forward. They were bound with plastic restraints. “How is it you are not restrained?”
“Because I no longer serve the Imperialists.”
Petra spat on the ground. “Traitor!” he blurted out and lunged towards Felis. The nearby marine thrust his pulse rifle across Petras chest and pushed him back. As he did so there was a surge forward coming from the other rogan behind Petra.
“Please Sir” said the one pipper “let’s go.”
“Come on Draag” barked Phil.
“No wait” said Felis. Addressing the rogan prisoners he spoke out in a commanding voice “Listen to me. You are the lucky few. You have survived when so many have not. All your friends and comrades have died because of the stupid ambition of the Imperialist government and their military commanders. Look where it has got you. This cannot go on. The combined fleet has been destroyed. Do you want our home worlds destroyed too?”
There was continued jeering but it was slackening. Many were listening.
“Where is the Imperial Admiral?” asked Felis.
“He fled” said Captain Tolar Mutas as he pushed his way forward through the group. He pushed Petra aside and gave him a foul look. Petra st
opped his jeering. “The great Sallusam has left us” said Tolar with much contempt in his voice. “He murdered Cdre Chundah just over there. That’s his blood on the floor.” Turning to address the group Tolar raised his voice “And he left us here to die. We meant nothing to him and we mean nothing to these Imperialists.” Tolar turned back to Felis and in a quieter voice asked “So what are you doing Draag?”
“I am going to help end this war and bring down the Imperialists. I want a return to our representative ways. I can’t just go along for the ride anymore.”
Tolar nodded his head as he was thinking. “Hmm…neither can I.” He turned to Phil. “Can I be of service?”
Phil looked at the group of rogan. They had all gone silent now. He then stared back into Tolar’s eyes. “Yes you can. But you have to be sure. There won’t be any going back once you step onto this path.”
“I am sure. How can I help?”
“Are there any more here who want to help?”
“Hmm…” said Tolar. He turned around to face the group. “Who here will follow me. Those that don’t wish to, step back.”
For most of the rogan crew, having a choice like this was a novel event. There was mumblings and low talk. A few began moving back, led by Petra. He had expected many more. “This is not the rogan way” yelled Petra. “How can you betray so?”
No one replied.
Tolar turned back to Phil. “It seems there are many.”
Phil smiled. He turned to the one pipper and had a few words with him. The young subaltern then made a call. “Admiral Yomoto” said Phil stretching out his hand.
Tolar shook it. “Captain Mutas at your service.”
“Can you help crew this ship and can you serve under Captain Kabel here.”
Tolar looked to Rihan. He noted her commander badge of rank. “It would appear you have just been promoted Captain” he said.
“Actually that was an hour ago” said Rihan and she too offered her hand and Tolar shook it.
“You would like to see your new command then?” asked Tolar.
“I would.”
Phil instructed the subaltern to undo Tolar’s restraints. The young officer was still unsure about that. Phil looked at him sternly. Finally the young officer undid them. “I do recommend Sir that we wait till we have guards posted throughout the ship before releasing the others.”
Phil could see the young man’s point but he saw an opportunity here to build a bridge. “Post some men at the armoury now then release this group.”
“Are you sure about this Sir?”
“Yes I am. We need to start trusting one another. Isn’t that right Captain Mutas?”
“Indeed it is” replied Tolar.
“OK Sir” said the young man and he directed his sergeant to release the prisoners. “Not those though” he barked, pointing at Petra and the group of about twenty around him.
Chapter 6. FFS Mailon over Polaris 1930, 26 June
Rihan thanked the young marine who brought up her gear from the shuttle just in. She was dog tired. She had not slept, well not really, since she rose on the 25th. She was in the Imperial Admirals suite. She had had a steward strip and clean it. She had taken a shower, once the controls had been explained to her and now in her robe she looked at the bed. It was certainly not a king size like she had been used to with Dave. It was wide though and she found she could stretch out diagonally.
She had a head ache that had started hours ago. She took a couple of pain killers, washed them down with a glass of water. And water was one of the things on this ship that she at least felt some familiarity with. She started to think of the things she had to do. ‘Stop it’ she said to herself. She turned out the light with the voice command she had been instructed on. She smiled when it actually worked. She tried it again just to make sure it would come back on. It did. She turned them off and smiled again.
In the dark, save for the small blue light on her console, she thought of what a tumultuous day it had been. It had been a real roller coaster from the adrenalin rush of the initial arrival, through the horror of another nuke attack, to the elevation to Captain and a new command. ‘And not just any command’ she said to herself.
The surface of the bed was quite firm…too firm. She rolled onto her side. She thought of Dave and his big king bed on the Resolute. She so wanted to cuddle into his body, feel his arms around her, safe, protected. She let out a little sigh. She knew it was not to be, well not for a few days anyway.
Then she thought of what awaited Dave when he would arrive at Chelora. It was the first time since the battle that she had any time to think of it. It worried her, especially given the large number of enemy ships that had warped away.
Also for the first time today she considered the possibility that if it got too hot Dave and Aubrey might have to warp away and she would be warping into a storm. ‘Can’t do much about that right now’ she said to herself. She forced herself to think about something pleasant. ‘Terra Fuaga…prawn boats…tropical water…dangling feet…good food…Dave.’
Chapter 7. FFS Mailon over Polaris 0600, 27 June
Rihan had been awake now for over an hour. ‘The trouble with going to bed so early’ she had said to herself. She had been so tired. Now, though she felt refreshed. She had finished meditating, dressed in her uniform and strapped her sidearm on. With a ship full of rogan, she was not taking any chances.
She was famished. The voice activated door responded and she came out into a corridor that she vaguely recognised. A marine guard had been posted outside her door. She hadn’t recalled ordering that. The marine saluted Rihan. “Maam” she said.
“Good morning corporal” said Rihan. “You looking over me are you?”
“Lieutenant Jakes thought it best Maam.”
Rihan nodded. She glanced down in one direction and then the other. For the life of her she could not recall which way to the mess.
“The officers mess is that way Maam” said Corporal Wanda Lee. Rihan could see the dark shadows under her eyes. They almost matched her jet black hair.
“Have you had any sleep Corporal?”
“A bit Sir. Now that you’re up I can get some kip.”
“What’s your name?”
“Cpl Wanda Lee, Delta Team, 2nd Pl, 44th Independent Company.”
“Well thank you Wanda.”
“I’ll just let Lt Jakes know you’re up. He asked to be told.”
Rihan nodded and walked off towards the mess. She rounded the corner and was struck by the volume of talking voices…rogan voices. When she walked in to the mess it stopped immediately. A dozen rogan officers stared at her. From their insignia she could tell that most were junior officers. In fact as she looked closer she realised they were pilots. A first lieutenant called them to attention. Discipline prevailed and they got to their feet and stood to attention. Rihan smiled. “As you were” she said. To the 1st Lt, she said “Thank you lieutenant. What is your name?”
“First Lieutenant Grigar Lomponium of the 67th Squadron.”
“I am Captain Rihan Kabel.”
“We know of you already Captain.”
“Do you now?”
“I did not mean to offend Captain. Captain Tolar briefed us last night. Do you wish to eat?”
Rihan realised that she had to be very careful with what and how she spoke. “Yes I do. I don’t suppose we have any cereal and juice?”
Grigar did not understand what she had asked for. “Not sure Captain. Come…this way.” He led her to a serving area where a rogan steward was placing out clean bowls. He took the lid off one of the warming trays. It was some king of stew.
Rihan smelt the aroma. ‘Not bad’ she thought. “What is it?” she asked.
“Taituna” replied Grigar. He looked at her expression and realised that that hadn’t meant much to her. “Not bad…good.”
With that Rihan took a bowl and Grigar filled it. It wasn’t a huge portion by human standards but Rihan could tell that Grigar was pleased to offer
her so much. He added some hard looking substance like a crispbread. “Good” he added and then took her over to another area and poured out a hot beverage. Rihan smelt this and recognised that it was cereal based. There was no milk to add though.
They sat down at the table next to where the other officers were sitting. They were all staring to see what Rihan’s reaction would be. She used the plastic spoon provided to scoop up some of the Taituna. It was spicy. Her lips burned. It wasn’t chilly but it had the same effect. She immediately went for the drink. It was a fairly bland tasting beverage by comparison with the stew. For that she was grateful.
Grigar and the others were all smiling. Rihan forced herself to smile back and nodded her appreciation. The only person not smiling was Lt Omar Jakes. He marched in with a stern face and one that obviously had not got a lot of sleep. But when he saw Rihan also smiling his look turned to one of puzzlement.
“Ah Lt Jakes come and sit down” said Rihan “You must be hungry. Here have some” and she held out a heaped spoonful. He looked exceedingly wary. She patted the chair next to her.
Finally he sat himself down. “What is it?” he said with a southern drawl. Rihan looked to Grigar. “Taituna” he said in his deep voice. “It’s good. You like.”
Omar was indeed very hungry. He had a few crackers at the evening meal after turning his nose up at the offering provided then. He took the spoon in one hand and brought it up closer. He smelt it and he nodded.
“It’s a little spicy” said Rihan.
He took a small portion into his mouth, pushed it around with his tongue and swallowed. “Not bad.” He smiled at Grigar. “May I Maam?”
Rihan was surprised given the strength of the spice on her palette but she nodded and saw Omar take a much bigger mouthful. And then another and another. He looked up and smiled. “This tai…what?”
“Taituna” said Grigar.
“Yeah Taituna. Well it’s good. I like it. Much appreciated.” He looked around at the rogan officers who for their part seemed impressed with Jakes response. Then he turned to Rihan. “Oh sorry Maam. Let me get you some more.”
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