by Chris Hechtl
“Spare me blushes, Admiral,” the dwarf growled, ducking his head. “Tis what I do. What you do too when you get the chance,” he said eying the larger man.
“When I can sneak away from the mountains of paperwork to play hooky you mean,” the admiral replied with a lurking grin.
“In other words, when you dump most of the workload on me first, Admiral,” Sprite replied with mock asperity.
“Someone's got to carry the weight,” the admiral said with an amused grin. “I believe that's the chief of staff's job right?” He asked. “Besides, you keep getting into mischief whenever you are bored. I don't want to have another chili experience thank you,” he said shaking his head. That earned an earthy chuckle from Sindri. Naomi blinked then smiled politely at the byplay.
“I think we kicked over an anthill, Admiral,” Sindri said, shaking his head as he turned to the admiral once more. Apparently he was all business the admiral thought. “Everywhere we look there are fracken pirates coming out of the dark now.” Irons nodded. That was true enough, and it didn't bode well for the future.
“Yeah. Like roaches,” Naomi replied with a wolfish grin. “Hit them with a big enough spotlight and they freeze or fry.”
“I prefer fry myself,” Sindri replied. He scowled. “Which is exactly what the admiral did here. Now I've got tugs and shuttles all over the void picking up the pieces for the factory ship and intel teams. You didn't want to take them intact sir?" He asked raising a bushy eyebrow.
The Admiral shook his head. "I couldn't pussy foot around with them chief. I didn't want to take the chance of one of them getting a lucky shot into us, and I don't really have the crews to man them properly. I also don't want to be delayed repairing them. Besides, where we are going we can always make more," he said with a slight smile.
Sindri snorted. "That's true I suppose." He shrugged. Apparently the Admiral was done playing nice, he fully approved. "You're the admiral sir. It suits me just fine, but picking up the scrap means more work." He paused and then frowned. "Damn it,” he muttered, one hand instinctively going to his ear. Irons recognized the signs of someone getting an implant call. The engineer nodded tightly then looked at the admiral. “Sorry sir, engineering just paged me. Reactor 1 has a stuck valve.”
“Serious?” Naomi asked in polite concern.
“Not yet but I like to be on top of such things before they can become serious. With your permission, sirs?” Sindri asked.
“Go. Thanks, Chief,” the admiral said with a nod. Sindri knocked off a jaunty salute and then took off at a trot.
“He seems to be enjoying himself. A bit rough around the edges though,” Naomi observed.
“Just about everyone is lacking in some things. Polish and protocol,” Admiral Irons replied with a slight upturning of his lips. “I'm not worried about that. Needs must,” he said.
She eyed him briefly and then nodded. “I see, sir. Just like old times,” she said with a slight smile of her own. “And I seem to recall you weren't into ruffles and pageantry yourself. Not if you could help it.”
“I have to admit, I am a roll up your sleeves and get dirty kind of guy,” the admiral replied with a chuckle. Naomi's eyes twinkled in agreement.
“You didn't see Paul Revere?”
“Revere sir? No, she's not wringing any bells. Unless ... you just sent her?” The admiral nodded. She frowned thoughtfully and then shrugged. “We must have missed her in transit then. Is she one of um …”
The admiral smiled slightly. “I guess you could say they are all one of mine. In this case Paul Revere is a courier we picked up and rebuilt. I dispatched her in B-452c to go to Agnosta.”
“And that was long after Xavier and her convoy had passed through B-452c, Admiral. Did you forget that?” Sprite reminded him on his HUD.
“And a little birdy just scolded me for forgetting the timing involved. Forget it, Captain. I forgot you'd already passed through the system before I detached her. Never mind.”
“As you say, sir,” Naomi replied with a dutiful nod.
“Why don't you tell me what happened from your perspective. I assume you've got damage control and injuries under control?”
“Yes sir or I wouldn't be here,” Naomi replied, tucking her hands behind her as she walked beside him to wherever he was leading her. The captain went on to explain what happened. She could normally outfight the small ships but couldn't with the convoy to protect. Outnumbered, the pirates had kept out of her reach and had sniped at the convoy from afar. She had been forced to use her point defense to cover the lumbering convoy so she couldn't run. She'd deliberately taken a few hits on her own ship to protect the fragile ships under her protection.
Admiral Irons nodded in approval. She wasn't making excuses, just giving him a report. He'd read the details later.
They talked a bit more about what he'd missed in Pyrax as they headed to his quarters. Naomi finally felt at ease enough to tease him about finally getting a proper flagship. “You can have a tour later, Captain,” the admiral said as they entered his quarters.
“Drink?”
“I think a stiff one would be nice right about now. Especially after the day I've just had sir,” she said with a nod. “Please,” she said.
“We picked this up from the natives of Hidoshi's World,” the admiral said, holding up a clear bottle by the neck. “They were pretty grateful that we had sent in marines to liberate their world.”
“Ah. I heard something about that. So it worked out in the end? It seemed like an awful long shot to me,” Naomi admitted as he poured a pair of drinks in heavy glasses.
“It was, but when you've got the right talented people and give them the tools, they can perform miracles. That's what Lewis and his people essentially did. I'm damn proud of all of them. I've already filed the commendations and letters. When I sent Paul Revere to Agnosta she's got orders for Horatio to send a relief force if he can spring it.”
“I see, sir. It seems like you've had quite a few new adventures since we last caught up,” Naomi said as he handed over her drink. She admired the clarity of the glass and drink as he took a seat. He admired her poise and grace. She'd come a long way in a short time, maturing into a very good captain.
“To the Federation,” the admiral said, holding up the drink. She did as well, echoing the sentiment softly. “May she be reborn from the ashes of the old into a bright new future,” he said.
“Amen,” she said as their glasses clinked together.
“Oh, smooth,” Naomi said after she took a cautionary sip. He agreed. Smooth, not with the jagged burning of raw moonshine. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was pretty good, much like a well aged bourbon.
They made small talk for a few minutes before he finally got to what he wanted to ask her about. He probably should have run the idea past Sprite. She was his chief of staff after all, and if she felt slighted he'd apologize. But his impulse and his instincts told him he was on the right track. He nodded after he took another sip. “Can your exec handle Xavier?”
She blinked in surprise. “Joey? I think he can. He's stood enough watches, and he came through in a pinch during the fighting here. He's a bit light on seasoning but he's solid. I think he can handle the old gal.” She raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask, sir?”
“Good. Then you can take over the Maine.”
Naomi's eyes went comically wide briefly. “Sir? Are you kidding me?” Her nostrils dilated. From his read of her thermal profile she was heating up with excitement and confusion.
“Who's got the hot seat now? Won't they be a bit put out over being kicked to the curb sir?”
“I currently have the hot seat captain, and I have too many jobs to juggle. As you said, I need to treat this ship as a flagship, not be tied up in her day-to-day operations.”
“I see.” Naomi said quietly. “Sir, I'm not a captain. Doesn't a BC require a captain? JG at least?”
“Normally yes. I can't bump you, but I can wave that. You will do fine.”
>
“Sir, with all due respect I'd rather earn the ship. I know I need more seasoning,” Naomi said, face working. “I screwed up. I should have handled the ambush better ...”
“You did fine. Every commander in history goes through what you are going through, second guessing yourself after an engagement.”
“But, sir ...”
“Captain, right now I'm it. Commander Sindri is an engineer. He's chief engineer, but he is ... let's just say not thrilled about taking the hot seat. He's a born wrench turner.”
“Ah.”
“He's also your only competition.”
“I see, sir,” she replied with a frown. “Well, if you think I can handle her ...”
“I do. You have seasoning, you have guts too. You have the guts to admit you did wrong, and more importantly to say you aren't certain you can handle the job. Which,” he smiled slightly, “is normally not a wise thing to say career wise in the navy. But I'm letting it slide.”
“Because you need a warm body, sir?”
“Because I need the right body in the right seat. Commander Sprite has pointed out to me that she can't take it. Not forever. Ensign Lobsterman is too junior to take the exec position too.”
“So again, me.”
“Yes.”
“Well sir, I'll do my best. Are you sending Xavier back to Pyrax with word?”
“We'll take on the convoy and get her hurts straightened out. Charlie's as well, though she's going to remain here since I had intended her to be the picket in the system,” the admiral said. Naomi nodded. “As far as Xavier is concerned ... I'm debating that now. I was thinking I should hang on to her. At least to Antigua.”
“Agnosta is a bit thin on the jump point defenses, sir. There are shoals of mines and platforms but the orbital fortresses aren't up and running and won't be for another six months to a year. We moved a half dozen gunships in and Rose and Providence are there of course. But Xavier was supposed to be stationed there as the largest ship of that picket force initially to cover the gap but we got tapped at the last minute to run herd with Charlie,” Naomi said, making a face. “With what we just ran into, I'd feel a lot more comfortable, and I know the marines and natives of the star system would feel comfortable knowing she's there.”
“The people of this system would feel the same way if Xavier was here too. Unfortunately you can't be everywhere. Agnosta has enough defenses to look after herself for now,” Sprite reminded her. The captain nodded, conceding the point.
“I'll think about it captain. In the meantime, have your steward transfer your kit to Maine. We'll hold a transfer ceremony tomorrow morning to make it official.”
“Aye aye, sir. I will do my damnedest to do my best.”
“You do that, Captain,” Irons said as they finished their drinks.
“Think she's right?” Admiral Irons asked after the captain had departed.
“I don't think she is wrong. I'm not sure she's right for the job but at least she's honest about it. Sir, about her appointment ...” Sprite seemed concerned that the admiral was grasping for any relief and may have grabbed the wrong person.
“Problem, Commander? Don't tell me you wanted the hot seat,” the admiral asked.
“Perish the thought,” Sprite replied dryly. “I've gone over the records from Xavier and we've done a hot wash. Commander Samuel was correct, she could have done better.”
“Not everyone is perfect. She didn't pull any punches nor does she expect any to be pulled on her behalf. We'll make it work. Write up the report, run the sims, then you can present it after she's had time to settle in. But remember, Commander,” he said, raising a warning finger. “Hind sight is twenty-twenty. She had to know what was coming to react, and she's not a mind reader. Please keep that in mind and perspective.”
“Aye aye, sir.”
“A case of a round peg in a round hole? Does that mean I finally have a proper ship's captain sir?” Lobsterman asked excitedly.
“It looks that way,” Irons replied with a deadpan expression. “Set up the transfer ceremony for tomorrow. Keep it light.”
“Aye, sir. I'm reviewing her records now. She is a bit light on rank as she pointed out. She is, hmm, it says here she took an unscheduled leave of absence earlier in her career?”
“To start a family. That reminded me of another problem, she has dependents in Pyrax. I don't know if they would be willing to transfer to Antigua. Since you want to keep Maine in Antigua to guard her shipyard ...” Sprite frowned.
Irons frowned right along with her. His impulse was turning into a headache. “We'll work it out. Put it in her file that this is my decision. If she wishes a transfer after we are settled in, that is fine and will not reflect badly in her record. Understood?”
“Aye aye, admiral. I can always cut orders for her to take command of a ship currently under construction at Pyrax at a later date sir.”
“That may work if we need it. For now, file it for later. She should know she will be away from her family for extended periods of time. It is unfortunate, but it is the price we pay to serve and protect.”
“Wrong motto, Admiral; that belongs to the police,” Sprite replied with a grin.
“You know what I mean,” he mock growled. “Now get back to work.”
“Aye aye, sir.”
Chapter 16
Captain Samuel had insisted on a brief command transfer ceremony for Xavier as well as Maine. “I owe Joey that much,” she told Admiral Irons when she put the request in the following morning. “Besides, this will also be for the official record.”
The admiral nodded. It was good to see that she cared about her people as well as appearances. “I know. We sometimes forget about the little things, the flourishes,” he replied with a nod.
“You mean you do, Admiral,” Sprite interjected. “And sometimes he's right to do so. But it is proper to honor those we can, when we can. Such as now,” she stated. The admiral nodded in agreement.
Both senior officers boarded Xavier. “Skipper, what's up? What's going on?” Jig Matt “Joey” Sampson, her exec asked after the side party whistled the admiral on board. “Honored to meet you, Admiral,” he said hastily, saluting the admiral when the captain cut her eyes to him meaningfully.
“And it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Lieutenant,” the admiral replied, returning the salute. He shook hands with the lieutenant briefly.
“Walk with us, Joey,” Naomi ordered, jerking her head to the lift. Joey nodded. He followed in their wake as they went to the lift, then hastily entered before them when they stepped aside.
They stayed quiet through the ride up to the bridge. It was short, only one deck above. They walked the corridors to the bridge. Work parties of robots and crew members were busy making repairs. Naomi nodded politely to them. A few stopped what they were doing to stand and stare at the admiral. A spontaneous cheer and clapping broke out. The admiral flushed a bit with embarrassment and waved.
When they entered the bridge the Officer of the Deck, Ensign E'sez clacked. “Captain on the deck! Admiral on the deck! Captain has the bridge,” he said formally, vacating the captain's couch. It changed shape to a more human friendly form from the saddle it had been only a moment before.
“Attention to orders,” Naomi said. She turned smartly, hands behind her back. Immediately the crew launched themselves to their feet and turned expectantly to them. “Joey,” she murmured as the jig stood rigidly straight.
“Ma'am?”
“Lieutenant Junior Grade Mathew Sampson, attention,” Irons intoned with the voice of command. His voice echoed throughout the ship. Joey stiffened into a rod. “I hereby promote you to Lieutenant for your services in defense of the Federation,” he said. Joey blinked in consternation but didn't move. He heard a slight gasp and muted cheer from the ranks, but it was cut off immediately by a stern glower from the captain. Naomi pursed her lips in amusement as she pulled a small box out from her pocket. She flipped it open to show him his new rank insignia, th
en reached up to unpin his old and swap them out.
“Wear them in good health,” she murmured to him before she patted him on the shoulder. The admiral nodded as the captain stepped back to her place.
“Lieutenant Sampson, you have new orders,” Sprite said in the lieutenant's ear through his implants. He winced and then accessed his implants. When he did he blinked in shock. He stared at the captain and then the admiral.
“Sir, ma'am ... um ...”
“I haven't seen him this poleaxed in weeks, Admiral,” Naomi said, lips twitching again. “Go on, Joey. Sorry I couldn't warn you,” she said with a hint of a grin in her voice.
“Sure you are,” he ground out, regaining his mental footing. He cleared his throat. “What do I do again?”
“Read it out loud dummy,” Sprite said in his ear.
“Oh.”
He cleared his throat again. “From Fleet Admiral John Henry Irons, Acting Chief Naval Officer of the Federation Navy. To Lieutenant Sampson, Federation Navy. On this date you are hereby directed and required to proceed aboard Federation Navy destroyer Xavier, hull number D-5, there to take upon yourself the duties and responsibilities of commanding officer. Signed Fleet Admiral John Henry Irons.” He turned to the skipper. “Ma'am, I assume command.”
“I stand relieved, Captain Sampson,” Naomi said formally.
“Okay, now that that's over with, can someone else tell me what the devil's going on? Not that I don't want to appear ungrateful or anything ...” he said voice trailing off. “What about you, ma'am?” he asked.
Naomi smiled and glanced at the admiral. “I'm transferring to Maine.” She replied simply. “Or will be in a moment.”
Joey was shocked at his good fortune and scared at the implications as the heavy weight of command settled onto his shoulders. He no longer had the skipper's wise head to fall back on. Now he was the skipper. Admiral Irons saw that dawning comprehension and couldn't help but smile himself. He hoped the young man was up for the challenge. He nodded again.
“One down, one to go. Wear the rank in good health, Captain Sampson. We expect good things from you,” Irons said.