by Chris Hechtl
The newly-minted junior grade captain had been designated as the future Tau sector naval commander. Her orders were to take Prometheus with a rebuilt and reinforced task force around the southern loop to Airea 3 and then into Tau. Her mission was planned to be a beachhead and an olive branch to the sector, building off the intelligence that the light cruisers Puglia and Belfast would hopefully provide them.
While making contact with the locals and securing space around the shipways to Rho sector, she was to establish a base and new sector capital. Unfortunately, she was going to have her work cut out for her; her reinforced task force was to be used as security to protect Prometheus as well as the freighters and other support ships that would be in the convoy.
Which meant she wouldn't be able to draw them down to chase pirates. She'd have to figure something else out. Fortunately, she had at least eight months before the scheduled kick-off date to do so. She'd have her ship and industrial plant but only local resources and a finite amount of personnel to start with she knew. Talk about making bricks without straw, Shelby thought, before she put the problems of the future aside to bask in the moment at hand.
Shelby grinned in bemusement as she looked at her shiny new rank insignia and the congratulations from friends that started to hit her inbox. When she departed the admiral's office, the staff room was filed with her officers and senior enlisted as well as personnel she knew. They applauded her.
“If you think I'm taking you all out for drinks, you've got another think coming,” she growled playfully, which sparked a laugh from the group.
]][#]]]{OO}===}==>
“Before they go on leave, they still have to face the review board for the action in Nightingale as well as the entire mission. Did someone forget to put that on the itinerary?” Rear Admiral Subert demanded, turning on Saul.
“I'll check but I believe … yes, the itinerary came from the Admiralty in Antigua,” he warned.
“Well, revise it. They'll need to go through the process like everyone else. That includes the IG inspection,” the admiral stated.
Saul hesitated and then nodded once as he made a note. “Aye aye, sir,” he said as he turned to hear the clapping and congratulations in the outer office.
“You can tell them enough is enough, take the party elsewhere, we've got work to do,” the admiral growled.
“Yes, sir. Right away,” the commander said as he left the office and closed the door.
“He's in a mood again,” the yeoman said quietly. He shot her a quelling look, then made shooing motions to the personnel in the bullpen to get back to work or about their duties. Slowly the crowd dispersed.
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Captain Firefly also passed on his congratulations. He was still considering signing on to the Tau mission since he'd been denied command or participation in the eastern front mission. If he did, it would jog Shelby's elbow though since he would be the senior officer and thus in command of the mission. But she would understand he thought.
He considered going on the mission as a fresh start, but it would mean taking on a crew and getting the Admiralty to light a fire under his mothballed ship's repair. Something they were loath to do apparently, quite possibly to let the story of her disastrous battle die down for a while, though he wasn't certain.
Then there were the problems he knew lurked in the shadows and deep web of the star system's electronic net. Captain Sprite and the Xeno Wraith hunters couldn't guarantee the star system was clear of intrusion. He had recently picked up a sniff of the Wraith, most likely a clone or bot.
Whatever it was it had self-destructed before he'd managed to catch and analyze it fully. He had managed to get a contact report off to ONI. They were tight lipped about the incident. He speculated that civilian hardware in the star system had been compromised, but the ONI techs Captain Teague had dispatched had refused to speculate.
Should he go? He wasn't certain if he had a choice or not. He also didn't like the idea of leaving an enemy behind him. Either way, the decision was out of his hands.
]][#]]]{OO}===}==>
Shelby returned to the ship to find her itinerary had been updated. She grimaced as she read the fresh orders. She swore under her breath as she read the part about the full review as well as the IG inspection. People were not going to like that she thought as she took on the occasional congratulations from her crew in passing.
When she got to the bridge, she could tell immediately that the news was out. The applause quickly ended with questions about if they really had to go through the rigmarole as expected.
She held up her hands and then took her seat and pressed the intercom key. “All hands, this is the captain speaking. I know the scuttlebutt is at its usual finest so you all know the news good and bad. I'll tell it to you straight as I always do. Yes we've got to go through the review and IG inspection before leave is assigned. That's all there is to it, so snap too. The sooner we get it over with, the sooner we can go have fun. Captain out,” she said as her thumb released the button.
“Well! That certainly put a damper on the festivities,” Ensign Prometheus, the ship's A.I. stated.
“It did indeed,” Shelby murmured as the crew returned to their duties. She noted most of it was cross-training on the various ship's functions and stations. She nodded. That was good; she liked her crew to continue their training and not slack off.
“Captain, we're receiving an announcement from a civilian source,” Ensign Prometheus reported.
“Let me guess, another request for an interview?” Shelby drawled from her bridge chair, also known as the hot seat.
“No, ma’am. It is from the Oasis of Space Liner Company. They are giving the crew each a free three-day pass on board their ship. Sort of a thank you for our services to the Federation they said,” the A.I. replied.
“Well, I'm glad someone appreciates us,” Lieutenant Silverfish said, grooming his whiskers.
Shelby turned to the A.I.'s avatar image. “Ensign, verify that is legit before you pass it on to the crew,” Shelby ordered.
“Aye aye, ma’am,” the A.I. replied as he nodded.
“Ma'am, we're also getting requests for interviews from Knox News and the other media affiliates. Some are on the order of polite requests; others are near demands,” the comm rating reported, then paused, one hand to her ear. “And I'm now receiving fresh orders from HQ not to respond to interview requests and to run all requests for comment through the Navy Public Affairs Department, ma'am,” she said.
“That was quick,” Cynthia murmured, looking over to the captain.
Shelby shrugged. “If it is all the same, between me and you, I didn't want to talk to the media anyway,” she said.
“I know,” her acting XO said with a rueful shake of her head. “Still, it would have been fun seeing you try,” she said. Shelby glowered at her and then crossed her arms. Cynthia just gave her a brief innocent smile. “Well, it would have,” she said.
“Sure it would have,” Shelby murmured.
]][#]]]{OO}===}==>
Lieutenant Strongbirth saw an opportunity with the factory tender, once it docked and the various steps in processing the ship and its crew were concluded, it would serve her needs greatly. The ship was a potential source of manpower to distribute through the fleet as soon as the IG and reviews were concluded. She was impatient about the process though.
Barry listened to the lieutenant as she started in with her plan to pick the ship's compliment clean like a vulture. She had a point in her presentation; the crew was overdue for reassignment and promotions. Some like their captain were well behind the established curve for promotions.
The A.I. checked Admiral Subert's vitals. The man didn't say anything and didn't seem to be paying attention but the A.I. knew that appearances were deceiving. The admiral was just more focused on the war front for the moment.
“I don't see a problem in promoting the members of the crew and transferring them once the review and IG inspection is concluded,
” Lieutenant Lavot said. Commander Garretaj nodded.
“They've kept their paperwork up-to-date. The process should go smoothly. We have had the records of the engagement the ship participated in for some time,” Lieutenant Kalmia, one of the other two A.I. present stated.
“Good. Can I start a little early then?” the elf asked.
“The process has to be followed,” she was informed by Admiral Subert. All eyes turned to him. “We have regulations and procedures for a reason, Lieutenant,” he said heavily. She nodded once. That seemed to end the discussion for the moment.
As the discussion moved on to other points, the lieutenant planned what she would do with the personnel anyway. She already had a list of those overdue for promotion. She used her implants to check the ship manning status for critical holes to fill. Some of those holes weren't quite there yet since the ships weren't out of the yard hands just yet.
When there was a lull in the conversation, the lieutenant turned to Captain I'rll. “How long do you expect Prometheus to be in your hands?” she asked.
The Veraxin head of BuShips swiveled her eyestalks to the lieutenant. “I'm expecting at least six months myself. Possibly more, depending on priorities. The war front is the major priority,” she said.
“That long?” Lieutenant Strongbirth asked. “Why so long?” she asked as she continued to mentally pick the ship's crew apart. That long a window would give her plenty of time to reassign new personnel she thought. She might even be able to send a lot of greenhorns to the ship she thought eagerly.
“Well, we're backlogged on repairs since most of the hands are being used to build ships currently. We've turned a few frigates loose again as training commands, as you know.” the elf nodded. “Also, I know the ship will need a refit. There is gear here shipped in from Antigua to do that, but I've got to get Lieutenant Barry to spring it loose.”
“Okay.”
“Also, I know about the reviews and such. IG is also getting involved,” Lieutenant Barry stated. “The crew will also have to be reviewed for achievements before processing for leave. They are all due extensive leave,” he warned.
That made the elf pause as she considered that new information. It tore her plans apart. “Okay,” she said in a different tone of voice.
“Finally, I know that Prometheus and her captain have been tasked to lead the Tau mission,” Lieutenant Barry stated. “That has been mentioned in planning for some time.”
“The captain …,” the elf's thin lips formed a narrow slit. She had overlooked that information. “I didn't know she would remain on the ship.”
The A.I. turned to look at Admiral Subert. The human rear admiral grimaced. “Yes, that order came from Admiral Irons personally,” he said.
“Oh. Okay, well, if I can't poach her captain at least …”
“Don't get too excited about tearing her ship apart. She's been promised our full support to plan and execute the Tau mission. That means her ship's crew might be off limits,” Captain Firefly stated.
“We'll see. Crews can be rebuilt. Many of these people are overdue for a promotion,” the elf pointed out.
“You are sticking your rather short neck out on supposition,” Captain I'rll warned.
“No supposition about it. It is fact. A fact I will bring forward if necessary,” Lieutenant Strongbirth said with dignity. “We need those ships manned. That crew has a vast knowledge of sailing they can pass on to the crop of new personnel coming into the navy,” the elf said, looking at the admiral. “Finally, the priority is the war front.” Commanders Fox and Ch'n'x signaled agreement with her.
“Agreed,” Admiral Subert said. “Moving on,” he said gruffly.
]][#]]]{OO}===}==>
“So, you think this ship will have a lot of veterans on board?” Commander Ch'n'x asked. “Even though they are support personnel?” she asked after the meeting had concluded.
“I do. Any ship that has been at sail that long has a good solid crew. I've checked the numbers; they are nearly 4.0 across the board despite being shorthanded. Getting that close to perfection is quite the achievement. They've also seen combat. That isn't something to ignore.”
“Agreed,” the Veraxin said signaling first-level assent. “I would humbly suggest assigning the crew you can to the ships that are to be in TF3.2 if possible. Even if they are in supporting roles, they will be able to pass on their skills to greenhorns as you mentioned,” she said.
“I'll consider it. I had considered a shotgun option of course, and I know BUPERS command will undoubtedly want final say on some personnel. I bet First and Second Fleet will put in for some personnel,” she drawled. She knew that the Veraxin was helping her buddy Commodore X'll'r out in a mutual scratch my back I'll scratch yours arrangement. She wasn't certain though what the commander was going to get out of it. Perhaps a good word when she finally faced a captain's board or flag board? Or something else? She certainly wasn't up for promotion in the next two cycles …
“But you could put TF3.2 down for dibs? If they are transferred right off, then they won't be retasked,” the Veraxin said, knowing that BUPERS command was loath to micromanage or second guess them unless necessary.
“I'll see what I can do, ma'am,” the lieutenant said quietly, putting the decision off for the moment. She was going to have to find bodies for TF3.2 eventually, but there was no saying when at the moment, not with most of their resources being thrown at Second Fleet to reinforce it. The plan for TF3.2 had been put on indefinite hold until the situation with Second Fleet stabilized.
“Thank you,” the commander said as she withdrew, counting it as a partial win for her and the commodore.
]][#]]]{OO}===}==>
Lieutenant Silverfish went through the ship and noted the various personnel busy. The captain and XO had managed to keep everyone up-to-date on paperwork and inventory control, but a full colonoscopy was always preceded by an informal inspection by the officers to make sure there were no surprises that would bite them in the ass. He nodded in approval as a couple of the crewman worked on maintenance of an electrical panel while another crewman worked on getting some of the scuff marks that the robots couldn't quite get out off.
The review process worried him but not unduly. They had already transmitted their logs and files of the Nightingale engagement through the ansible and had sent copies via the couriers that had traveled between ET and Pyrax while they had been in ET. Little more needed to be said, though he knew they'd critique the action. The bridge officers and his role as tactical officer would undoubtedly get individual and critical review.
Once that was over and the IG inspection was underway, he planned to look into the various ships in port, especially those under construction. He was overdue for reassignment and actually looked forward to a new ship, even though it would be bittersweet to leave Prometheus. But a new ship meant new duties and responsibilities, as well as new challenges.
“A new adventure,” he murmured softly as he made his way to the wardroom to go over his paperwork one and the recordings of the engagement one last time.
]][#]]]{OO}===}==>
Commander Cynthia Troll shook her head as she went through the inspection of the ship. An IG inspection was the worst kind of colonoscopy a ship underwent. Usually a ship had to put up with at least one a year. They were overdue. She hated it but privately admitted that it had to be done. Inspections were hated by just about everyone, but there was an underlying purpose, several of them to the process. Not only did it help cut down on corruption, graft, overlooking problems, or repairs, but it also made the crew proud of their work.
But she didn't have to enjoy the process she grumped. She was more concerned with prepping for the IG inspection since as executive officer she was responsible for managing the ship.
]][#]]]{OO}===}==>
The following morning Shelby dressed in her formal uniform and followed the directions in her email to report to a wardroom adjacent to the JAG court rooms. There she sat down with couns
el briefly. The Veraxin counselor quickly explained the process. “The review process is designed to be slightly adversarial. In it, we will determine what happened, why it happened, and how we can do better. We meaning you of course, but the findings will be distributed to the navy for review so they can also learn from it,” he said. “Now …”
She cut him off. “I've been through combat reviews several times, Lieutenant. Save the speech. Let's get on with it,” she said.
“Very well. If you insist, ma'am,” he said. He signaled first-level assent and then sent an electronic signal to the review board's prosecutor that they were ready. “Please rise,” he said, standing and coming to attention. She did so as well.
After a moment, a trio of officers entered the room and came to attention across the table from them. “These proceedings will be formally recorded for the record. Captain, do you understand that this is a formal event designed to learn from the engagement in Nightingale? Statements made during these proceedings can be used against you if formal charges are made,” the commander in charge of the proceedings stated.
“I do,” Shelby said, holding up her right hand.
“Very well. Be seated,” the commander stated as he sent a signal to turn the holographic projector embedded in the table on. The lights and windows dimmed as the projector came to life. A force field was first projected, then light emitters projected the images of the Nightingale star system.
“Now …”
Chapter 2
After the review board concluded and presented its findings, Shelby found herself embroiled into a different form of combat. She had to fight to get approval of some of the medals she and Cynthia had put in for her crew. Every citation, medal, or ribbon had to be explained, even when they were something as generic as Good Conduct Medals or service and training awards that some of the crew had earned after training and meeting certain standards so they could advance.