Scout Force

by Rodney Smith

  The ship was deserted. The crew had already left for chow. The ship’s galley had closed down in accordance with base regulations. Petty Officer Benitez was manning the quarterdeck at the gangplank.

  The captain said, “Benitez, you have the conn. The exec and I will be going to lunch. Is there anything we can bring back for you?”

  “No sir, Cookie made me a container of coffee before he shut down the galley. I’m good.”

  “We’ll be back in about an hour.”

  The captain headed down the gangplank and Kelly followed. Kelly came to a screeching halt when he saw the entire crew in formation and waiting. The captain looked back at him and said, “Fall in on my right side, mister.”

  Kelly moved to the right side of the captain, even though the junior person generally walked on the left, and marched down the gangplank to the front of the formation where Chief Watson was standing at attention.

  Chief Watson saluted the captain and said, “Crew all present or accounted for, sir.”

  “Thank you, Chief. Post.”

  Chief Watson did a sharp about face and marched to the rear of the formation.

  The captain said quietly, so only Kelly could hear, “About Face.”

  Kelly turned and saw a crowd of people seated in the shade under the ship. He saw his parents, Mrs. Craddock, Candy, Tammy, and several officers from Scout Force HQ. He also saw Admiral Craddock standing there next to Petty Officer Benitez. He couldn’t imagine how she beat them out of the ship. Admiral Craddock and Benitez marched over to their position and came to a halt in front of LCDR Timmons.

  LCDR Timmons saluted and said, “GRS Vigilant present, sir. Officer to be promoted present.”

  “Thank you, Captain. Petty Officer Benitez, post the order, please.”

  Petty Officer Benitez began speaking. She must have been wearing a wireless microphone, because her voice boomed over the parking apron. “The President has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Kelly Pierce Blake. In view of these qualities and his demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, he is therefore promoted to Lieutenant, Junior Grade with date of rank of 2321.07.01, signed George Montgomery, Captain, Fleet Secretary.”

  Kelly waited for the rank to be pinned on, replacing his single gold bars with a single silver bar on each collar, but nothing happened.

  Admiral Craddock turned to PO1 Benitez and said, “Post the second order.”

  PO1 Benitez’s voice boomed out over the parking apron again. “In accordance with Fleet Regulation 1001.2.3, Kelly Pierce Blake is authorized to assume the title and wear the uniform of a Fleet Lieutenant. He is entitled to all the privileges of that grade except those restricted by law. Signed Thomas C. Craddock, Rear Admiral, Scout Force, Commanding.”

  Kelly was dumbstruck. He was being promoted from the rank of Ensign to Lieutenant, Junior Grade and then frocked to full Lieutenant. He would still only be paid as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade, but other than that he would be a Lieutenant.

  Frocking was an ancient practice, used where an officer was serving in a position above his rank. Promotions were limited by law, but positions were limited only by numbers of ships. The Vigilant's executive officer position was authorized for a lieutenant, but there weren’t always enough qualified lieutenants to go around.

  The admiral and LCDR Timmons reached up and removed Kelly’s gold bars from his collar, replacing them with the twin silver bars of a Lieutenant. LCDR Timmons finished first and shook his hand, “Congratulations LT Blake.”

  The admiral finished and also shook his hand. “I told you I could promise you promotion in three months. Congratulations, LT Blake. You’ve done a great job as exec of the Vigilant and I expect great things from you in the future.”

  “Thank you, sir. This is an unexpected honor.”

  Admiral Craddock said, “Ladies and gentlemen, crew mates, I give you Lieutenant Kelly Blake.” The audience and crew broke out in applause.

  LCDR Timmons dismissed the crew. Kelly spent the next few minutes shaking hands with dignitaries and the crew, being slapped on the back by fellow junior officers, congratulated, and saluted by Ensign Nielsen. Tammy congratulated him and asked Kelly if he would pin on her rank when she was promoted to LTJG next month. Of course, he agreed. Tammy excused herself, as she had a flight to the southern Hemisphere in a few hours.

  Andrew and Moira Blake came up, congratulated him, and simply beamed with pride. Kelly hugged them both. His mom had tears in her eyes. She mentioned rather uncharitably that she wished General Bugarov could have been here to see this ceremony.

  Candy and Mrs. Craddock came up and congratulated him. Candy gave him a peck on the cheek. Mrs. Craddock asked him and his parents over for dinner that evening, told them to dress casually, and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

  As the crowd dwindled away, LCDR Timmons came over and told him he was released for the day. Kelly changed into casual clothes suitable for dinner that evening, and went with his parents to see their quarters. The Doctors Blake were quartered on Admirals' Row. They had a house slightly larger than Admiral Craddock’s house. His parents were highly respected in Fleet.

  The house was two-story and had respectable plantings, but nothing to compare with Mrs. Craddock’s. The house did have a nice outdoor room and a view of the mountains. The Blakes, being engineers and not housekeepers, brought one to keep the place up for them. His name was Arnold and he had been with Kelly’s parents since before Kelly had gone off to college. Kelly liked Arnold and especially his meals, Arnold being a gourmet cook. Kelly wasn’t sure, but he assumed Arnold had been a chef before he came to work for the Blakes. It was good to see him again.

  “How are you, Arnold? I haven’t seen you in years.”

  “I’m all right, Lieutenant Blake. Congratulations on your promotion. Do you have any preferences for dinner tonight?”

  “Sorry, Arnold, but Admiral Craddock’s wife invited us over for dinner tonight. She was very insistent and her husband is my boss. We’ll do this some other night.”

  Kelly visited with his parents and, although Arnold was stymied on preparing dinner, he did come up with a marvelous high tea. He laid out a spread of mixed fruit scones, egg salad sandwiches, and stuffed pastries. The rare Russian Caravan tea was a special treat. He luxuriated in his parents’ company for the afternoon.

  They wished Arnold a good evening and walked down to the Craddock’s house. Candy met them at the door and ushered them out onto the patio. Moira went into the kitchen to help Mrs. Craddock, while the admiral took Andrew off into his study. This left Candy alone with Kelly. She took his hand and led him into the garden. She was particularly attractive tonight, wearing a kelly green silk blouse and black silk lounging pants. Kelly wondered if the color was chosen to send a subliminal message. She stopped near a tree, leaned back against it, and said, “I missed you while you were gone. You are the only person around here that’s interesting. Most of the junior officers around here are boring and the senior officers are all too fat, too old, or too married. My law firm is full of a bunch of old fuds. I think they hired me for my breasts more than for my abilities. They treat me like a law clerk rather than a lawyer.”

  Kelly looked at her. He could understand their interest in her breasts. They were spectacular, bordering on awe inspiring.

  Candy continued, “I’m thinking of leaving the firm and taking a job here with the Judge Advocate General’s office. They have an opening for a civil law counsel here. Contract law is contract law. I would be working the other side of the cases that I should be working now. I’d just have a better class of client than I do now.”

  Kelly laughed at her comment.

  She grabbed his hand and pulled him deeper into the garden. They came to a ring of trees similar to the ones on the island where he and Tammy had spent the day. She walked them into the center of the ring. There was a bench in the center. They sat down and talked until it was time for dinner. When dinner wa
s announced, she turned to him, gave him a kiss, and stood up. She gathered up his hand and walked him back to the house.

  “Ah, here you two are,” said Andrew. “We were about to go hunting you. Dinner is almost ready. Admiral Craddock came out with a drink in his hand and said, “If you two would like a cocktail, you’d better go pour yourself something.”

  Kelly and Candy went to the bar and poured a couple of glasses of the excellent local vidal blanc, then returned to the patio. Andrew Blake and the admiral were in a spirited conversation about the benefits of phase shifting over plasma coupling in FTL communications systems. Kelly, even with his degree in EE, had great difficulty keeping up with them. Andrew was fighting the good fight for plasma coupling, while Admiral Craddock was the champion of phase shifting. As neither was likely to fall off their position, they called it a draw.

  Admiral Craddock spoke to Kelly, “LCDR Timmons gives you very high marks on your first patrol. He told me your management by walking around style was very effective. You always seemed to be where you needed to be at the right time. He also credits you with very good instincts. He said you had a habit of recommending actions to him just before he ordered you to do the same thing. I guess it’s the fighter pilot in you. Whatever…good job for your first patrol.”

  “I credit LCDR Timmons with being a good teacher, sir.”

  Mrs. Craddock emerged from the kitchen and said. “Come on, you four. Dinner is served. It’s buffet style. Come grab a plate and serve yourself. We’ll eat out here on the patio.”

  Kelly followed Candy into the kitchen. They grabbed plates and silverware and loaded their plates with meats and vegetables, and filled a smaller plate with salad. Candy and Kelly went out to the patio by way of the bar, and refilled their wine glasses.

  The combination of Craddocks and Blakes made for a broad range of conversation and repartee. Kelly had not had so much fun in a long time.

  As it came time for them to leave, Kelly’s parents left to walk back to their quarters. Kelly kissed his mother goodnight and stayed behind, waiting for a shuttle to take him to his ship. Candy walked him out to the shuttle again.

  He climbed into the shuttle and Candy stood outside. She said, “Kelly, why don’t you come visit me in the south? You must have some slack time now that your patrol is over. Why don’t you take a long weekend and come see me. I’ve got an enormous place. It would have to be roomier than your quarters on the ship. We could take in some shows, eat in some marvelous restaurants, and have a good time. Please say you will.”

  “Well, I haven’t had time to find out what our schedule will be, but I will let you know. I would like to come down and see you.”

  With that, she leaned down and gave him another very nice kiss. She closed the door and Kelly went back to his ship.

  * * * * *

  Imperial Protector M’Talli was lecturing shadow Leader M’Trang. The Protector, a barely mature K’Rang, stood pacing in front of the Shadow Leader carelessly using a claw to stab the air when he thought he was making a key point. He either did not realize or did not care how much of an insult that was. Shadow Warriors were taught never to expose fang or claw unless death would follow. M’Trang had killed other K’Rang for less than that.

  The protector wore a heavily brocaded robe of gold and silver threads on a pale blue background, befitting his station. In this case it signified this petty noble’s dream of station. The lining was white, which showed his relationship to the ruling clan, no matter how tenuous. M’Trang imagined the many painful ways he could make this ineffective pussy suffer. It brought a smile to his face.

  “Shadow Leader M’Trang, certainly you realize that this endeavor you initiated would have the full attention of the Ruling Family. My father Baron N’Gana has been instructed by the Council of Peers to ensure that a mission of this importance has proper oversight. My father has chosen me to provide this oversight. As such, I have decided to accompany the next courier mission. You will issue orders to your operatives to make proper accommodations for me on the courier ship.”

  The Shadow Leader would have gladly strangled this pitiful excuse of K’Rang nobility, but however far down in the ranking of nobility and no matter how much of a fop he might be, he was still a noble. His father, Baron N’Gana, was Chief Secretary to the Council of Peers.

  “Of course, Protector M’Talli, I will see to it at once. I must inform you that the ship was chosen for its nondescript appearance. It may not be able to accommodate you in a manner befitting your station. I’m afraid it will be a little spartan by your normal standards.”

  “I am prepared to deal with whatever inconvenience is required. Fortunately, the mission duration will not be that long. See to it, Shadow Leader.”

  The Protector strode purposefully out the door to whatever his next appointment might be. Shadow Leader M’Trang waited a few moments to let his rage cool, before he called in his three deputies.

  As the three moved into his office and stood before his desk, he said, “Our next courier run will be joined by an observer from the ruling family, Warriors. The Council of Peers has decided we need oversight and they have sent a most worthy noble to accompany us.”

  Sarcasm fairly dripped from his tongue.

  “S’Dulla,” he said, pointing to the tallest of the three, “You will assign two of your senior, most competent Shadow Warriors to accompany Imperial Protector M’Talli on this mission. They are to ensure no harm comes to him, but not make it look like that is what they are doing. Let us give this noble the excitement of being on a mission, with none of the danger, and maybe he will leave us alone. Make sure that the captain does not make him too comfortable. See to it that normal rations are in the ships larders, nothing fancy. He should have the full experience. We don’t want him to be too comfortable. Do we?”

  The three deputies all smiled and nodded their understanding and then carefully noted the additional special instructions M’Trang gave them for this mission.

  * * * * *

  Kelly, upon returning to the ship, made a quick inspection tour, retired to his quarters, and found a message from the captain waiting on his terminal. The message told him to report to debriefing at 0800 at building 603. Kelly set his alarm to be ready in plenty of time to accompany LCDR Timmons.

  In the morning he had breakfast with the captain, then headed over to building 603. Building 603 was one of the many nondescript office buildings on Fleet Base 17. They headed up the stairs to the second floor and entered Room 2-34.

  LCDR Wilton of Fleet Intelligence met them. He led them into an inner office, offered them coffee, which they declined, and left the room for a few minutes. When he returned he brought two other officers, Commander Johnson and Lieutenant Andrews. They sat down and read from a large document in front of them.

  CMDR Johnson led off, “LCDR Timmons, you were patrolling in the Scutum Sector when you detected the presence of a ship on the K’Rang side of the frontier.”

  “Yes, sir, we were. The ship was first detected on long-range sensors. It was moving toward the frontier. We were on patrol looking for indications of a K’Rang pilotless scout ship that may have been active in GR space in that area. I parked my ship on an asteroid and watched as the K’Rang ship approached. It then crossed the K’Rang frontier into the neutral zone. The ship parked just outside the GR frontier and waited. We detected the Manchu Warrior come into the Scutum sector. A shuttle craft detached from the Manchu Warrior and rendezvoused with the K’Rang ship. We were approximately 2000 meters from the meeting point. We had a clear view of three people moving from the shuttle craft to the other ship. We also saw three people cross back into the shuttle. The two ships separated and the shuttle proceeded to the spaceport on New Alexandria. Two days later it docked with and left with the Manchu Warrior. The K’Rang ship retired immediately back across the frontier and deep into K’Rang space before we lost it on our long-range sensors.”

  “Thank you, LCDR Timmons. LT Blake, do you have anything to a
dd?”

  “No, sir, it happened just like LCDR Timmons described it.”

  “Thank you both. This data you brought back is very interesting.”

  Kelly asked, “Sir, could you tell us how the boarding and inspection of the Manchu Warrior went?”

  “Well, we didn’t get anything out of the inspection. Any evidence of the docking was wiped from the shuttle memory before our team got to it.”

  “Sir, do we have anything further on the Indigo Consortium?”

  “They’ve been flying below the radar screen up until now. We are running the shipping schedule for all their ships through the computers to see if anything pops up. We’re still looking, but nothing out of the ordinary has come up yet. We’re doing the same thing with the consortium directors.”

  A Lieutenant came into the room and spoke into the Commander’s ear. The commander got up, left the room for a minute, and came back.

  He conferred with the LT, then said, “LCDR Timmons, LT Blake, we have your next mission for you. We want you to follow the Gurkha when it makes its next run. It’s scheduled to head to the 6664 system and pick up a load of gold, too. We want you out there again to monitor the visit. You’ll get your official orders through Scout Force.”

  “Commander Johnson, when are they expected to be at the 6664 system?”

  “They are scheduled to arrive 2321.07.25. You will need to leave in three days or sooner to get there in time. When you get back to the Vigilant, the orders will be waiting for you. Thank you, Captain, that will be all. LCDR Wilton will see you out.”

  LCDR Wilton led them out of the building and thanked them for their help.

  They waited until they had walked a distance from building 603 before they spoke. LCDR Timmons spoke, “Get the stores list over to Base Supply when we get back. Are the special items I ordered last patrol still on board?”