“Should I have waited for you to invite me, Commodore?”
“Sir, that isn’t something I would presume to tell you. This time, they hurt nobody, and we neutralized a few more Alliance troops. If you didn’t come today, the Marines might not have been running their security sweep. We may not have found these guys till they’d done real damage.”
Dalkasan grunted and lapsed into silence, deep in contemplation. Soolak understood humans were excellent soldiers. The success of the System Defense Forces, in space and on the ground proved this was true. Even the Troopers patrolling the streets between the Shuttle Station and the Hospital confirmed his assessment.
Dalkasan said, “I take it that Commander Gordon is in one of the other ground cars.”
“Yes Sir, we thought he should keep the rest of your people corralled, so we leave no one at the Shuttle Station.”
“Good, I need to talk to him later. I want Commander Gordon involved in the Destroyer project. The more I see of that man and his achievements, the more I suspect he’ll be pivotal to the Federation’s survival.”
“Admiral, I wanted Colin involved in the Destroyer project too. If you tell him, it’ll carry more weight.”
Sonsberg Hospital
The motorcade arrived in the secure area inside the hospital grounds. Marines deployed as Stark strode through the doors to take control. Other Marines occupied positions inside the property to make sure the stable security situation continued. Dalkasan and his party made their way into the hospital and Sonya’s ward.
When they entered her room, Sonya looked apprehensive, expecting the Admiral to hold her accountable for the losses inflicted by the Pirates. She tried to sit up straighter in bed and salute but gasped in pain instead.
Dalkasan gave Sonya a soft pat on the arm and said, “Relax Commodore. I expect no formalities from you right now. The reason we’re here today is that the defense of Cambridge will go down in Federation history as the greatest ever victorious last stand. There were others this spectacular, but none as successful. You were pivotal in the defense, you used the available resources to achieve extraordinary results. Each of you will receive the rewards you so richly deserve for this feat. Given the weight of Pirate shipping destroyed and captured, you’ve made the rest of the Federation safer. I’m expanding the Admiralty by one. With the increasing importance of Cambridge to the Federation, we need an Admiral in charge here. Sonya, this decision was one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. You and Henry both deserve the promotion, but we only have the room and political latitude for one new Admiral. I’m offering the spot to Commodore Henry Fraser. Commodore Fraser has seniority and held everything together here on the planet while you were fighting out in space.”
When Sonya heard the news, her face split into a huge grin, expressing her pleasure at Henry’s success.
Sonya said, “Congratulations Admiral Fraser, you deserve this promotion. My achievements in space were only possible because of your efforts here on the ground.”
Dalkasan relaxed while Henry looked shell-shocked. Colin drifted from the room to give the others space and looked next door. Simone Lister lay in the bed, looking somewhat worse for wear. Her eyes were open, and she seemed to recognize Colin, so he entered to visit her.
“They tell me you will make a full recovery Simone. How are you feeling though? You aren’t looking too mobile.”
“I’ve been better Colin. I’m told you arrived and saved the day, yet again after Medical loaded me into the Stasis Pod. You know, they will scrap FNS Samurai. My ship is going to the scrap heap, and I no longer have a career.”
“I hope that isn’t bitterness Simone. When I arrived, System Defense was almost out of bullets, and both you and Sonya were out of commission. I brought more weapons and organized the defense because nobody else could. You and Sonya took the edge off the Alliance blade before I arrived. I couldn’t finish the job either. Admiral Dalkasan and the Reserve Fleet was the decisive factor. When they arrived, we were ready to ram Pirate ships to finish what we started.”
“People say you blazed into the System like an avenging angel, killed the Pirates in space, then descended to the planet where you kicked arse and took names.”
“Nope, that wasn’t me. Simone, Henry had to assign a Platoon of Marines to protect me. Pirates tried killing me this morning. The bastards killed one Marine, two others, and a civilian sustained wounds. I’m no superman. I’m just a guy who’s caught up in events.”
“Don’t undersell yourself, Colin. The people who surround you draw hope from your presence. I’m glad you’re with us. Regardless of what you’re saying, you have a much bigger influence than you give yourself credit. People fight harder when you’re in charge.”
Colin was about to reply when Dalkasan’s aide found him and informed him the Admiral wanted a word. Gordon walked back into Sonya’s room where everyone wore a big grin.
Colin wondered why when Dalkasan said, “Commander Gordon, you’ve done so much in defense of the Federation and its citizens. You’ve shown an ability to handle larger formations of ships, show sound strategic reasoning with many of your decisions. Commander Gordon, I’m promoting you to the rank of Commodore. This is a flag rank, you need to consider a successor to take command of FNS Theseus. She’s a fine little ship, and you’ve done amazing things with her, but it’s time for you to do something different. You have another job now, an essential one. I want you in charge of bringing the new Destroyers to life. Henry says you have the skills for the task, can you, will you do it?”
Colin experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Part of him needed a break from ship Command. Still, Colin had undergone an intense time since coming to the Federation. He’d fought too many battles and seen too many deaths. Colin needed a break from that life, time to reset and process it all, but he felt disappointment and loss. Colin could only accept the changes and move on to his new role. He visited Theseus the next day to begin the formal handover of command to Sam. It was time for Sam Harland to take on his first Command.
Navy Headquarters
After they had arrived back at Navy Headquarters, Dalkasan went with Henry to talk about Admiralty matters and left Colin and Siobhan to their own devices.
Colin said, “Siobhan, can Julia moved in with you and Carl until we secure my house. I don’t know where else she could live just now.”
“Julia is welcome to stay with us, Colin. Where are you planning to live?”
“The Visiting Officers Quarters. I won’t be putting anybody else in danger if I do.”
“Nonsense, our house is more secure than the VOQ. You’ll stay with us.”
By then Colin knew not to argue with Siobhan, he gave in to the inevitable. Siobhan saw the resigned look on Colin’s face and laughed. While they waited, Colin reviewed the information he’d received about implants for Julia. Even with these things to occupy his mind, his thoughts wandered to the people who died defending Cambridge. He wondered how people dealt with their grief in the Federation.
Colin asked, “Siobhan, do people commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers here in the Federation? Back home, many Nations have special days of remembrance where the population stops and reflects on the sacrifice others made to protect their freedoms.”
“No, we discuss it sometimes, but nothing much has happened. Until a few weeks ago, we didn’t have a concrete date to set for it. The day the Battle of Cambridge began is an excellent point to mark the sacrifice. We must make the politicians sit up and take notice. How do I achieve that.”
“Well, short-term anyway, we need to have services for those who lost their lives during the battle and its immediate aftermath. I think I’ll call President Constantin to see if he’s accepting visitors.”
Siobhan laughed as she said, “You make the big leaps don’t you Colin. You will see the President? Don’t you think he might be too busy to socialize?”
“Well Siobhan, I won’t know till I call and ask.”
Colin had saved Presiden
t Constantin’s direct line into his implant when they met months earlier. He picked up a Comms handset and entered the number, waiting until Constantin answered.
Siobhan watched, incredulous as Colin said, “Mister President, Colin Gordon, I wonder if I’d be able to see you in the next few days.”
After a few seconds listening, Colin said, “Okay then Sir. Dinner at seven, tonight. Thank you, I’ll see you this evening Sir.”
Colin ended the call and turned to see Siobhan staring at him with her mouth open.
Siobhan brought herself under control and said, “You have the President’s direct number. How the hell, do you have the Presidents direct number?”
“Remember my housewarming party? Do you remember how the President came?”
“Oh yes, I remember now.”
“President Constantin gave me his number and asked me to call when I could visit. He told me his wife wanted to meet me. I’m going for dinner this evening.”
“Yes, Colin, I overheard.”
Presidential Palace
That night, Colin arrived at the Presidential Palace and presented himself at the gate. One of President Constantin’s aides escorted Colin inside the building. Teri Constantin met Colin at the entrance to the Residence. She is a short woman with a shapely figure. Teri smiled up at Colin as she took him by the arm and led the way inside.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come to your party, Commodore. Edward told me he enjoyed it, I wish I could’ve been there. I was ill and couldn’t get out of bed. It’s good to see you well. Now, I’m assuming you came to see us because you have something specific you wanted to discuss. Don’t worry, we’ll discuss that first, then we can relax over dinner and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t worry, you can tell me. Edward is in a meeting that ran overtime, but he should return soon.”
“Ma’am, Edward invited me to call when my duties allowed it. I promised I would. I’m here in Cambridge now for the foreseeable future with a new job. It seemed a good time to discuss a remembrance ceremony with Edward. Too many died defending Cambridge, and we owe it to them to remember their sacrifice. That’s it, that’s all I wanted to raise with Edward.”
“Colin, with everything that has happened, nobody considered it. We should’ve but haven’t. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.”
Edward arrived soon after and the evening turned into a relaxing and enjoyable one. Edward asked after Julia checking the girl had made it through the invasion safe and sound. Teri told Colin that he should return the next week and bring Julia.
Colin agreed, then Teri said, “That young man you captured in Lahoshar, Dave Bach is his name. How is he?”
“Dave is recovering Teri. People say he’s the hero who saved your lives.”
“He did. That’s no exaggeration. Mister Bach and his friend stopped the man from killing us. We must find a suitable way to reward him.”
Edward said, “I can solve that problem, Teri. The young man earned a Presidential Pardon by his actions. I spoke to the Attorney General and several Judges. The Presidential staff is drafting the pardon, so when Mister Bach is well enough, we’ll present it to him.”
Teri hugged her husband, pleased that he’d remembered. Colin felt a tightening around his heart when he watched these two together. It reminded him too much of his past, of his family.
By then, it was growing late, so Colin excused himself and prepared to leave. Teri confirmed dinner for the following week, this time with Julia there. The day had been a big one, so Colin needed rest. When he left the Presidential Palace, his security detachment fell in and escorted him to the waiting ground car.
Cambridge Naval Headquarters
The day after Colin’s meeting with President Constantin, he arrived at Headquarters and shown into the Office Admiral Dalkasan used. The Admiral was staring out the window, a contemplative expression on his face when Colin entered. After entering the office, Colin remained standing waiting for Dalkasan to acknowledge him. Dalkasan turned to face Colin.
“Have you considered my request from yesterday Commodore?”
“Yes, Sir, I have. When you gave me the Orders, I had mixed feelings, but I’ve thought a lot more about it. We need these new Destroyers. They will be tougher than anything in the current inventory. I can help make that happen once I settle into the new role. I plan to go to Theseus this afternoon and hand command over to Lieutenant Commander Harland. We’ve been grooming him to command his own ship for a year. Sam is an excellent Officer, and he’s ready. I’ll inform Admiral Fraser of my decision when I leave you. Sir, I need a break from conflict. I’ve taken part in almost every action the Cobras have seen, and they’ve seen plenty. It’s time somebody else steps up to protect Cambridge.”
“Good. We have several surprises that should help you with the new Destroyer design. When you were on FNS Destiny, you asked questions about Jump Systems and other things. People noted your questions and saw possibilities for improvement. Several of those technologies are ready. The details are on secure servers, and you have access to them. As part of your new role, I want you to develop ways of using the new Destroyers.”
“I can do that Sir, and I know who to bring in for help, at least once she’s fit enough.”
“Excellent. Thank you, Commodore, for everything you’ve done to protect the Federation.”
Colin recognized the dismissal, saluted and departed to find Henry. When he located Admiral Fraser, Colin explained his plans for the day, including handing over command of FNS Theseus to Sam Harland. Henry agreed, Sam was a good candidate and prepared the Orders for Colin to carry to Theseus. With the Orders ready, Colin occupied an office where he logged into the secure server looking at the new equipment available for the Destroyers. As he skimmed through the files describing the technologies, Colin became excited about the possibilities. It was midafternoon when Siobhan entered his Office. Colin arrived home late the night before and slept later than usual that morning, so Siobhan hadn’t seen him that day.
“You’re a real packet of surprises Colin. President Constantin has just announced a national day of remembrance for next week. We will hold an annual event too, but the official date isn’t decided yet. You know Colin, I thought you were joking when you told me you planned to see the President.”
“It turns out Edward likes me, and so does Teri, his wife. I’m having dinner with them again next week. They’ve asked me to bring Julia.”
Siobhan just gave Colin an incredulous look, opened her mouth to speak, then closed it saying nothing. She shook her head, turned and left, chuckling as she did so. The Orders FNS Theseus change of command arrived. Colin donned a ship-suit and made his way to the Shuttle Station to catch a ride into orbit. Six Marines, including Lieutenant Stark, accompanied him to Cambridge Orbital and FNS Theseus.
FNS Theseus
The Marines weren’t needed on Theseus because it was a secure location. They could relax while Colin remained on board.
By the time he arrived, Colin’s mind was spinning with exhaustion. He retired to his Cabin, intending to hand over command the next morning, only a little later than planned.
Next morning, Colin went to his Office, wanting to tell Theseus what was about to happen first.
“Theseus, I need to tell you something.”
“Yes Captain, what is it you wish to say?”
“I am to give command of this ship to Lieutenant Commander Harland. The Navy has another job for me, and honestly, I need a rest from ship command. Giving you up is a hard pill for me to swallow, but it’s something I must do.”
“Thank you for telling me this Captain.”
The door chimed, someone was awaiting entry.
It was Anne, and when she closed the door behind her she asked, “Who are your tough looking friends Captain?”
“My friends? Oh, you mean my security detail.”
“That Lieutenant looks cute, I must come and visit you.”
“I’m staying with your parents, for now, so I�
�ll be seeing you next time you’re off duty. Julia’s there too. My house isn’t safe for a while, not until we secure the area and I find someone to repair the damage.”
“Yes, I heard about that. How long will you be on board?”
“Not long. Is Sam in the CCC Theseus?”
“He is Captain.”
“Follow me, Anne, I need to see Sam about his new job.”
When Colin arrived in the CCC, Sam rose to vacate the Captain’s Station, but Colin waved him back into place. Colin handed Sam the Orders and told him to load them into the ships Systems.
After the Orders loaded, Theseus read them to the entire ship.
Colin looked around the CCC to see shocked expressions on everyone’s faces.
Colin said, “Captain Harland, I relinquish command of FNS Theseus into your capable hands.”
“I accept command of FNS Theseus from you, Commodore Gordon. Sir, it has been an honor serving with you. I hope we can serve together again soon. You’ve taught me so much about how to command a ship and her crew. I hope I can live up to the example you’ve set. Congratulations on your promotion.”
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