She said, “I’ll let Lieutenant Fraser handle this, Keg.”
Kelly returned to her console and called Anne in her quarters. Moments later a bleary sounding Anne answered the Comms unit.
Kelly said, “I’m sorry to wake you, Anne. The Kislarans want Commodore Gordon to visit Queen Taveli when we dock. She wishes to meet him in five hours, I thought you should handle this.”
Anne checked the times and concluded Colin, and she could sleep longer. She left instructions for Kelly to wake her in two hours. This allowed her the time to wake Colin and prepare for the meeting.
Later, Anne woke Colin and explained his itinerary.
She said, “Commodore, you should take me, I have diplomatic experience. The Queen and I met before you rescued us although I doubt she remembers.”
Colin replied, “Okay Anne, contact the Kislarans and ask if you can go with me. I need your help on this. How do I refer to her?”
“The delanot refer to her as ‘My Queen,’ but that doesn’t apply to you. Use as much respect as you can muster.”
Colin felt like Alice after she fell down the rabbit hole.
He sighed and said, “Anne, check if the Kislarans can answer that question, please, I’m out of my depth here. We’re here to help them, not cause insult.”
“I’ll contact them now and see if they can brief us before we meet Queen Taveli.”
While Anne contacted the Kislarans, Colin said to Lieutenant Downer, “Kelly, I’m going planetside for a while. Coordinate parking orbits for our companions with Orbital-Control. Use Commodore Devlaran to add weight to your orders if anyone wants to play silly buggers. The Kislarans had their arses handed to them on a platter in Hangelore, they’re embarrassed and may have unexpected triggers. Let’s try not to cause problems.”
“I’ll begin now, Commodore. Sir, if I may be so bold, you will meet a Head of State. Plain Fatigues aren’t right for meeting the Queen, might I suggest Dress Blues.”
Colin looked at Kelly’s wide open, innocent looking blue eyes and grumbled, “God, you’ve taken lessons from Anne.” Then he laughed and continued, “Point taken Lieutenant, you’re right, plain Fatigues aren’t right here. I need to impress the locals, or they’ll think I’m just an ignorant country bumpkin or whatever their local stereotype is.”
Kelly grinned as Colin retreated to his quarters to change as Anne walked into the CCC.
Anne asked, “What was that Kelly?”
“Nothing much, Anne. I suggested a change of clothes. The Commodore agreed and left to change.”
Anne chuckled and shook her head as she walked away. She should’ve considered that when she told Colin, he must meet the Queen.
Kislara
Queen Taveli paced backward and forward in her chambers as she waited for a reply from FNS Harmon. The delay irritated Taveli even though she knew this was unreasonable. Taveli needed to meet Commodore Gordon, to discuss Kislara’s meager contribution to the rescue effort. Once again, the Queen cursed Admiral Zhavan for placing Kislara in this impossible position. These moments of anger never lasted long. Taveli understood Zhavan’s motives and reasons.
An aide entered and said, “My Queen, we’ve received a reply from FNS Harmon. Commodore Gordon will visit you at the appointed hour. Our visitors apologize for the delayed reply, but the Commodore was sleeping. They’ve asked if Lieutenant Anne Fraser may come with the Commodore. They said she is his aide and understands diplomacy.”
Taveli stopped pacing on hearing Anne’s name and smiled. Her head turned toward the aide.
The Queen said, “Lieutenant Anne Fraser. I met a young Officer by that name years ago.”
The pieces clicked together in Taveli’s mind. She’d met Ensign Anne Fraser when Lady Conti visited on a trade mission four or five years ago. Pirates captured them a month after they left Kislara, and everybody believed them lost until FNS Destiny arrived in Cotoni. Colin Gordon made influential friends when he returned Lady Conti to her family. Since then, he’d cemented his reputation as the go-to person when you wanted to defeat Pirates. Taveli smiled as the memories passed through her mind, wondering if Anne remembered her.
Taveli said, “Lieutenant Fraser may come with Commodore Gordon. I believe we’ve met before, years ago. I thought her a remarkable young woman and want to see if she is the one I remember.”
The aide responded, “As you wish, my Queen,” then bowed and departed.
After FNS Harmon docked at the Naval part of Kislara Orbital, Colin, along with Anne and a security escort entered the Station where Admiral Forsa met them.
Forsa said, “Welcome to Kislara, Commodore Gordon. We weren’t sure if Sankarah could help when we sent our plea, but they sent you.”
“Admiral, Sankarah always takes a serious view of an attack on the Federation. They would’ve responded if you asked them to help at Brondar. As for them sending me, I was in Sankarah when your Courier arrived. Admiral Dalkasan decided I’m the best-qualified person for this job.”
“Commodore, Admiral Dalkasan is right. Nobody else in the Federation has your experience with defeating Pirates. Now, come, we mustn’t keep Queen Taveli waiting.”
As they walked, Colin said, “Admiral, I understand that you refer to Queen Taveli as my Queen. The term ‘My Queen’ is okay for someone from Kislara, less so for someone from Cambridge. I don’t wish to offer offense so how should I address her?”
Forsa considered this before admitting he didn’t know. After reviewing the problem for a while, Forsa asked, “Can you suggest an alternative, Commodore?”
“Perhaps, Admiral. On Earth, we have a nation whose government continues as a constitutional Monarchy. There, people sometimes say ‘Your Majesty,’ as a title and a sign of respect. Is this an acceptable form, at least until your Queen tells me to use another.”
“I will check, Commodore.”
The trip to the world’s surface was uneventful, so Colin soon approached the Palace in an Air-Car. On the way, Admiral Forsa had explained that Colin’s armed security wasn’t permitted to enter the Palace.
Colin called Sergeant Dawson and said, “Geoff when we arrive at the Palace, the Kislarans won’t allow you and your people near their Queen. Please, agree to wait with the Palace’s security, Anne and I will be fine. The delanot need my help, and their Palace is a secure location.”
Dawson didn’t look comfortable but replied, “I understand Sir.”
They passed through stringent security checks when the Air-Car landed then Palace security directed Dawson and his team to a waiting room. Forsa took Colin and Anne to a comfortable meeting room where Queen Taveli waited.
When he saw her, Colin placed his hand on his heart and bowed as he said, “Good morning Queen Taveli. I’m pleased to meet you.”
Taveli extended her hand and touched Colin on his shoulder, saying, “Thank you for coming to our aid Commodore. You’ve brought Lieutenant Fraser with you. We met years ago before you came to the Federation.” then turning to Anne, Taveli said, “I trust you’re well now Lieutenant.”
Taveli surprised Anne by remembering her. This was unexpected, but then, Queen Taveli was renowned for her diplomatic skills.
Bemused, the Lieutenant replied, “I’m well thank you, my Lady. I remember the last time we met but didn’t expect you to remember.”
On the sidelines, Colin noted the interplay between the females even though they were different species. He understood they were both striving for the diplomatic niceties, but they respected each other. Anne had spoken to Colin about Kislara during the journey here, so he understood Anne’s opinions of this young Queen. Colin’s instincts told him that the Queen felt the same for Anne. He concluded it best to wait and see. Colin expected Taveli to get to the point of this meeting sooner if he gave her the time she needed.
The group skirted around the reasons for the visit while Taveli offered refreshments.
Without warning, Taveli moved into the formal persona and said, “Commodore Gordon, Admiral Z
havan disobeyed explicit orders when she chased after the Pirates. I haven’t decided on a suitable punishment yet. If you find her alive in Hangelore and rescue her, she has no authority on your ship, or over your fleet. I’ve suspended Admiral Zhavan from duty until we hold an inquiry. You have my permission to imprison her if she causes you trouble.”
Colin replied, “I understand, and I wouldn’t allow her to disrupt operations in my fleet if she tried, regardless of her status here in Kislara.”
“I wished to ask other things. Would you allow three Kislaran ships on this mission? These ships returned from Hangelore. We’ve given them every available upgrade and improvement, and they are in the best condition we can make them. Their Captains will report to you, but I ask that you form them into a Kislaran Squadron, let them work as a unit. Captain Koral on FNS Disna is the one I ask you to trust.”
“Hangelore is a hardened target, we’ll use whatever help we can find, but they must understand, they won’t be the first ships to enter the System. I agree, Taveli, Kislara’s help is welcome.”
“Excellent, Commodore. Your agreement will help an Officer redeem himself in his own eyes. He feels survivors guilt because FNS Disna was the only one to escape Hangelore. I have plans for Captain Koral so help him grow if you can. My next question is will you allow two observers to go with you. Kislara is in a peaceful Sector of the Federation. Zhavan’s attack on Hangelore is an unmitigated disaster. Watching you work, will help my people.”
“Again, Taveli, we are delighted to have delanot taking part. I must warn you, FNS Harmon is an important part of the early attack. My ship is not a safe place during this campaign.”
Taveli shrugged and said, “War is never safe Commodore. We offer you two Freighters, both loaded with supplies and equipment. One will carry a consignment of Sava Fighters and two Squadrons of Venom attack craft intended for Cambridge. The extras may help you though, take whatever remains to Cambridge when you’ve finished your task. We have another two Squadrons to embark on FNS Harmon when you undock.”
“This is great news for me Taveli. It opens many new possibilities for the campaign in Hangelore. Thank you. May I meet the crews soon?”
“We’ll instruct them to meet you when you return to FNS Harmon.”
The meeting closed, and Admiral Forsa took Colin and Anne back to FNS Harmon. Colin saw that Forsa wanted to visit the Destroyer, so he sent an implant Comm to Anne, asking her to arrange a tour. When they arrived at FNS Harmon’s dock, Dimitri’s XO waited to escort the Admiral into the ship. This voyage began as an effort by Cambridge to sell the Harmon class to the Federation, so Captain Molchaoff met Admiral Forsa when they boarded.
FNS Harmon
The day after Colin visited Queen Taveli, Commander Calvin Thompson arrived at FNS Harmon’s hatch. Until his orders came, Cal had no inkling they were embarking on FNS Harmon. Rumors suggested this fleet was hunting so Cal knew this would please his troops. FNS Harmon’s Officer of the deck greeted Cal at the hatch then turned to escort him inside the ship. As they moved through the vessel, Cal realized FNS Harmon is much bigger than the usual Destroyers. Even with the size, the Officer showed Cal into the CCC within ten minutes after he boarded. Commodore Gordon stood, smiled and offered his hand as Cal entered the large compartment.
Colin said, “Welcome aboard Commander Thompson. Finding two Squadrons of Venoms waiting here for us is a surprise. This Destroyer has space available for an Air-Wing comprising two Squadrons including support staff. I understand you’re the most senior Officer among the Venom Squadrons. I’m appointing you as the Commander Air-Group (CAG) on this vessel for the duration of our mission, or until we return to Cambridge. Your role is subject to Admiralty confirmation. Now I’ve dropped that grenade, do you have questions?”
Thompson stared at Colin for a moment before replying, “No questions, Commodore, not yet. Sir, we can’t bring our craft on board until Harmon is underway, it’s too dangerous for the Station.”
“I’m aware of your constraints Commander. You can, transfer your support equipment, personal equipment, and ground crews.”
Red-faced, Cal, replied, “Sorry Commodore, you’re right. I’ll issue the orders when I reach my office.”
Colin rose from his seat and beckoned Thompson to follow. They wound their way into the bowels of the ship to the area reserved for FNS Harmon’s Air-Group.
They stopped at a locked door, and Colin said, “I suggest you open the door.”
Cal wasn’t sure why Commodore Gordon behaved this way but noticed a glint of amusement in his boss’s eye. He placed a palm on the security plate beside the door, and it opened. He looked to see an office, similar to Colin Gordon’s Ready-Room.
Gordon said, “Your office Commander. I suggest you get busy. We’re running behind, and I want to head for our next way-point ASAP. The Kislarans learned where the Pirates who attacked Cambridge live. It was an expensive lesson, they lost half their fleet. While this information isn’t for general distribution just yet, we’re going to war. I hope you, and your Squadrons will prove decisive. With your permission, once we’re moving I’ll come and brief your people. Contact Lieutenant Anne Fraser or Lieutenant Kelly Downer if you need anything. If they can’t offer direct help, they’ll find who can. Oh, we’re embarking another Squadron. There are four in Kislara destined for Cambridge, pick one and embark them. Now, I’ll leave you to your work. We’ll meet again when you have everyone settled.”
Thompson nodded, already trying to prioritize the work ahead of him. His first task was to bring staff over to help. Commodore Gordon was in a hurry and Cal didn’t want to be the one causing a delay. Cal called his counterpart in the Deaths Heads.
When Ariana Pilta saw who was calling she asked, “What’s up, Cal?”
“Ariana, get yourself over to FNS Harmon, we’re leaving. The Reapers and Deaths Heads make up her new Air-Group, and we are operational. Bring helpers, we have lots of work and no time. Ariana, our boss is Colin Gordon, and he’s going hunting, so hurry. I’ll meet you at the dock.”
Ariana stared at Cal for a moment, nodded once and cut the connection. Cal’s next call was to his second William Kress.
When Kress answered the call, Cal repeated the same message he gave to Ariana. With those chores completed, he left to wait at the dock. Cal arrived to find the others had beat him. They had many questions, which he forestalled while he led them to Air-Group country. He took them straight to the hanger deck where they had plenty of room.
Cal said, “Listen up everyone. We’re embarking on this ship. Commodore Gordon is in a hurry, and none of us want to cause a delay. He’ll give details of our mission once we’re underway, but you should know, he made me the Commander Air-Group. Ariana, you’re responsible for organizing your troops. Bill, you’re responsible for the Reapers. I’ll act as overall coordinator. Ariana, the designers, set FNS Harmon up, so one Squadron is on the Port side, the other to Starboard. Which side do the Deaths Heads want?”
“We’ll take the Port side, Cal.”
“Okay, Bill, Reapers move into Starboard. You have the same facilities for both Squadrons, so nobody misses out. Okay, people let’s move. We haven’t any time to waste.”
The people surrounding Cal turned toward their respective tasks. They’d suffered from the boredom of late, so this gave them a different focus. Cal left his people to their duties while he moved off to find when FNS Harmon would undock. He thought they should move anything they didn’t expect to use now, then launch their Venoms. They would launch a day before FNS Harmon undocked and wait nearby until she was clear of the Station. With that done, they could bring the launch equipment on board FNS Harmon before she left.
During the next few hours, the sections of FNS Harmon dedicated to her Air-Group became a hive of activity for the first time since her commissioning ceremony. At first, they didn’t worry too much about the organization, only bringing equipment onboard and stacking it in the hanger bays. When most were there, technici
ans moved equipment into place as their NCO’s organized the chaos. During this time, shuttles arrived, delivering spares and weapons for the craft FNS Harmon would soon carry.
That evening, Cal found an invitation to dine with Commodore Gordon and Captain Molchaoff. He found Ariana and guided her toward the CCC to meet their new overall commander and the ship’s Captain. This was uncharted territory for Cal. Until now, every vessel had one person in charge. This varied only when a Flag Officer is on board. Even then, the Captain runs the ship and her complement. Now, the Captain remained accountable for FNS Harmon and her crew, but the Chain of Command for the Air-Group didn’t pass through the Captain. Cal wondered if this might be a recipe for problems.
The two Officers arrived to find a Cambridge Marine guarding the CCC entrance. They felt him ping their implants as they approached then he nodded and opened the hatch before stepping aside to let them pass. Inside, the CCC, Kelly Downer looked up as the newcomers entered.
She smiled and said, “Commodore Gordon and Captain Molchaoff will be here in a few moments. Take a seat over there and relax.”
Kelly had pointed at an area intended for observers, so Cal and Ariana moved to the seats. A few minutes later, Colin Gordon stepped from his Ready-Room with Captain Molchaoff. Colin saw the pilots and changed direction to lead Dimitri over and make the introductions. With this task over, Colin guided the group to a wardroom where they sat to discuss the ship’s organization while stewards served a meal. Commodore Gordon explained that although Captain Molchaoff was not in their direct line of command, he managed FNS Harmon’s safety. Colin clarified that Dimitri enjoyed his full support if someone compromised the ship. Gordon’s message was clear, they were welcome here but needed to work within specific constraints.
Once Colin delivered his warnings, the dinner turned into a pleasant experience. The four Officers discussed their history. Dimitri regaled the group with stories from the Battle of Cambridge and how Colin saved them when he arrived with two Freighters full of munitions. He explained how Reserve-Fleet arrived just as they prepared to undertake a desperate ramming attack on the remaining Pirates. The Venom pilots held a different view of these Officers by the end of the dinner. Dimitri and Colin weren’t bragging, they were teaching the newcomers something of their ethos.
Star Strike: Book 3 of the Star Man Series Page 35