First Command

by Rodney Smith

  The first group of anti-ship missiles slammed into the K’Rang cruiser and destroyed its remaining turret, and one of the frigate’s rear turret and missile pod. The cruiser was now weaponless. The plasma barrage aimed at one of the destroyers burned holes through the ship and destroyed its hull integrity. Life giving atmosphere rushed out into space in an expanding fog.

  The defanged cruiser and four fighter defense frigates were all that was left of the mighty K’Rang fleet. Admiral Minacci pressed his advantage. He ordered Captain Alden to attack the K’Rang left flank. Alden’s 27 ships swarmed out from behind Barataria’s artificial moon and bore in on the K’Rang left flank. Captain Alden intended for them to earn their pay. He had all ships film the encounter with their gun cameras for Mr. Debran’s enjoyment.

  The K’Rang frigates put up as effective a defensive fire as they could. As a last desperate measure, the K’Rang frigates fired all their offensive missiles. Sixty-four offensive missiles sped toward the admiral’s flagship.

  * * * * *

  The K’Rang frigates formed a wall before their flagship cruiser and switched to area fire. One Hooligan missile boat unluckily ran into a super heated plasma bubble and dissolved into a mass of molten metal. The rest of the missile boats raced on. As they came within missile range, Alden ordered them to salvo fire. The Hooligan missiles, programmed to take out the frigates, bore in through the defensive fire and the 35 surviving missiles slammed into the four K’Rang frigates. The antimatter warheads exploded against the frigates like miniature suns, totally consuming the ships. The K’Rang offensive missiles continued on toward the Human carrier and flew into a cloud of defensive missiles. One missile, thrown off course by a near explosion, tumbled past the defensive missiles, righted itself, and flew into the superstructure of one of the Human bombardment frigates. The burning Human frigate quickly became a total loss and escape pods started ejecting from the crippled ship.

  * * * * *

  The K’Rang heavy cruiser stood alone and defenseless in the glaring light of the Baratarian star. Fleet Commander J’Kalt looked at his situation calmly. He had no guns but his close in defensive guns, and they would only protect him from a small fraction of any inbound missiles. He and his ship were doomed; nothing could save them now. J’Kalt decided to make one last desperate attempt to save K’Rang honor. He turned his ship in the direction of the Human carrier and ordered best possible speed. Even though his FTL engines were damaged in the missile strike that took out his rear turret control center, he could make nearly 0.4c. He aimed his ship and left his fate to fortune.

  * * * * *

  Captain Alden ordered all ships to close on the K’Rang heavy cruiser and open fire as they came in range. The four fighters fired two medium missiles each and pulled away. The close in defensive weapons took out one missile, but the others bore in and turned the damaged cruiser into a boiling mass of atmosphere-fueled flame. The atmosphere was consumed in seconds and the flame died out. The smashed hull of the cruiser glowed red in the space above Barataria. Captain Alden and his entire Hooligan fleet did a victory roll.

  * * * * *

  Admiral Minacci didn’t rejoice for long. His cruiser squadron reinforcements were still four days away. If more K’Rang showed up, he was running out of ordnance. He still had a large supply of mines. He decided to move his force closer to the K’Rang space and lay a minefield in depth across the entrance from K’Rang space. He took his force to a position beyond which K’Rang sensors could penetrate and provided security for the Leviathan. The Vigilant moved to the edge of K’Rang space and scanned for any enemy combatants. Except for some planetary defense ships near the two main worlds, the scan was empty. The Leviathan, with its stealth coating, was able to move right up to edge of the star cluster and start laying a layer cake of mines.

  The first layer were the Fleet’s dumb mines so the K’Rang would have no doubt who put down the unwelcome mat. The second layer was autonomous mines. The third were missile pods covering the first two layers. Next came a repeat of the first three layers and then a further repeat of the three layers. Minacci intended to make sure the bottle was plugged. He had the Vigilant seed the minefield with the remaining sensor pods. Once Minacci was sure the border was secure, he pulled his fleet back to Barataria.

  * * * * *

  When the news of the K’Rang defeat hit the evacuee camp, there was a great celebration. After the impromptu and raucous party came the decisions by the released captives whether to stay or go. A surprisingly large number decided to stay. People lacking family roots, which was not uncommon among spacers, decided to stay. Those with family ties or ongoing business interests decided to go. Those that left were provided with a moderate credit balance to get them back home. Transport ships, including the newly liberated Nebula Queen, were chartered to deliver them to Rigel Station. Irina Bugarov and Terri were first to book passage and got their old cabins back, with their belongings still inside.

  The large number that stayed were offered membership in the Brotherhood. All accepted and took the new modified oath. The Brotherhood swelled by just under 50,000.

  A ceremony was scheduled to honor the fallen and celebrate the victory over the K’Rang. The events were to take place over two days. The first day would be dedicated to honoring the GRS Yellow Jacket’s crew, the Frigate Jacob B. Grandis’ crew, the missile boat’s crew and the Baratarian defenders lost to the K’Rang. The second day would be to celebrate the victory. The second day would start with a ceremony honoring Admiral Minacci, Captain Alden, LCDR Blake, the Undefeated cutters, and the brave Torpedo Squadrons. The rest of the day would be a series of smaller events throughout Lafitte City. One of those events would be the marriage of Russell Obwobwo and Sally Halstead. Steven Maynard would preside. One-eyed Pete would give away the bride, and Alistair Bennett was asked to stand in as best man. Admiral Minacci was requested to come as an honored guest.

  * * * * *

  The K’Rang reinforcement task force arrived opposite the entrance to the star cluster on the day of the memorial. They found a multi-level minefield blocking off the way forward into the star cluster. They were able to see the depth and complexity of the minefield and concluded that it would be too costly to penetrate. The Humans also could quickly have forces in place to block any attempts. They spent a few days exploring, looking for another way into the star cluster, and determined the gravity hazards were too great to risk their ships.

  After conferring with K’Rang Fleet HQ and receiving concurrence from the Elders, they established their own combined mine and sensor barrier layered opposite the exit. The D’Rin star cluster was no longer a backwater.

  * * * * *

  The military-only memorial ceremony for the defenders of Barataria was a somber affair. The Bishop-Commander led the invocation and prayers for the souls of the lost. Kelly saw quite a few wet eyes on and around the raised dais of one of the Ascetic battalion chapels that had been set aside for the memorial. To tell the truth, his eyes felt a little steamy when he thought about CDR Milton and his warrior spirit that led him to put his ship in harm’s way, when he could have remained safely in the rear.

  Later, Kelly helped the admiral place a wreath at the future site of the Defenders Memorial by the parade ground. The large civilian presence around what was a hastily constructed marble pad was heartwarming. The audience was equally composed of Old Brotherhood and former captives, all grateful to those who died ensuring their safety and freedom. After the ceremony, the admiral called Kelly aside.

  “Kelly, are you aware that Fleet has been studying whether to assign scout ships to groups, task forces, and fleets during operations? On the basis of your service to the 3rd Assault Landing Group, I am forwarding my recommendation to Fleet HQ that this be made a routine assignment for scout ships. I would be happy to have your ship under my command at any time.”

  “It is my considered opinion that the K’Rang fleet would now be threatening Rigel and Aldebaran, if not for the excellen
t reconnaissance work carried out by you and your crew. You are to be personally commended, as well as your crew. I will see to it that your ship is awarded another campaign star and a special engagement star for your destruction of the two K’Rang scout ships. I will also forward award recommendations for you and any of your crew you deem worthy. Get the recommendations to my flag secretary before you’re chopped back to Scout Force control and leave sector.”

  Kelly said, “I appreciate your sentiments, sir. You’re an easy admiral to work for. I hope we work together again some day.”

  The two clasped hands, then departed to their next event, the wedding.

  * * * * *

  Sally’s wedding was to be held at the Ruin View. One-Eyed Pete would allow nothing else. He had flowers from all over the planet brought in to decorate the place. Sally insisted that only she would work in her kitchen, but Pete and Russell shouted her down. They were not going to let her work on her wedding day. They borrowed the best military cooks that she had trained in her style of cooking, and had them cater the meals.

  Sally was dressed in a traditional white satin wedding gown, not seen much these days. It covered her from her shoulders to the floor. It had a simple white beaded headband that held up her veil. The gown had belonged to one of her Brotherhood customer’s wife and had cheerfully been given to Sally to do with as she wished. An afternoon at the tailor assured a perfect fit. She looked positively slender in it.

  Russell was dressed in formal wear suitable for a GR ambassador. In fact, it had once belonged to one, before an Undefeated class cutter liberated it. All the preparations were complete. One-Eyed Pete stood at the front of the restaurant ready to give away the bride. Russell and Alistair stood at the back of the restaurant with the Steven Maynard. Six military cooks watched carefully over the ovens, pots, and pans, with plates lined up on the prep table.

  Kelly sat on the bride’s side in the second row, in his dress uniform. Mary Chen sat on his left and Connie Cortez on his right. Admiral Minacci sat in the first row with his executive officer, CDR Digg. The restaurant was packed. Not a seat was empty and people were standing outside looking in the windows. This was a big event for Barataria.

  The wedding march started and everyone stood and faced to the rear. As One-Eyed Pete and Sally marched up the aisle, Connie and Mary started sniffling. Kelly, prepared, pulled out two handkerchiefs and passed them over. Kelly had to admit that plain old Sally looked beautiful. Her face beamed with a too infrequent smile. She stood up straight and not her usual slump. Love looked good on her.

  She and Pete reached the end of the aisle. He raised her veil and gave her a polite peck on the cheek then handed her over to Russell. Maynard started the wedding with a brief welcome to all the guests and an explanation of why all were here. He then proceeded to the vows and exchange of rings. Women all over the restaurant were sobbing quietly, including Kelly’s ladies. Before he knew it, it was time for Russell to kiss his new bride, which elicited a round of cheers and applause from the assembled dignitaries.

  The reception followed immediately. The guests were hustled into the bar for wine and cocktails, while the caterers cleared the chairs and set up the restaurant for the meal. Kelly mingled with the assorted guest and dignitaries. Steven Maynard came over and brought him a fresh drink.

  “LCDR Blake, I want to thank you for all you did for Barataria. Admiral Minacci tells me that without your support he might have lost to the K’Rang. Let me assure you that we appreciate what you and your crew have done or us. Also rest assured that there will be no repercussions for your unfortunate engagement with Torpedo Squadron Six. We were pirates then and we took a pirate’s chances. We bear you no ill will.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Maynard.”

  “Please, call me Steven.”

  “Okay, Steven, call me Kelly. I appreciate this gesture. I wish there had been a way that I could have accomplished my mission without the loss of your squadron. As a fighter pilot myself, I can assure you that I’ve never faced finer or braver opponents. You can be proud of Torpedo Squadron Six.”

  “Thank you, Kelly. Excuse me, I see my assistant waving me over.”

  It was time for the dinner. The bridal party led the multitude into the dining room. Place cards showed everyone where to sit. Kelly wound up at Admiral Minacci’s table with his ladies on either side. Alistair was at the head table next to Russell. Connie blew a kiss in his direction.

  The meal was excellent. Even Sally was pleased. The toasts were long and witty; the wine flowed freely.

  After a while, One-Eyed Pete stood up. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have a gift for the bride and groom, if they will accept it.”

  He pulled out a pocket terminal and turned it on.

  “This is a legal document I’ve had drawn up. It deeds Sally and Russell a full partnership in the Ruin View Restaurant, if they will agree to stay here on Barataria and help me run it.”

  Sally stood up and pulled Pete’s face down to kiss him. Tears streamed down her face. She choked up and couldn’t speak, so Russell spoke for her.

  “Pete, this is an unexpected pleasure. This is what we were hoping, but felt we couldn’t ask for. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

  Pete disentangled himself from Sally, who clung to his neck weeping with joy, and had them thumb the document. He held it up after to a round of applause and cheers.

  After the dishes were cleared, the bride and groom circulated around the room, thanking all their guests for coming. When she finally came to the Admiral’s table, she told him and Kelly she’d better never hear either was in the sector without coming by for a meal. There would always be a table waiting.

  They made their way around the table and One-Eyed Pete was there to hustle them along to change for their get-away.

  The bride and groom changed into street clothes and the guests lined the entrance to wish them well. Rice flew as they ran to a waiting hover limo and it sped off into the night. Folks found out later that Pete had lent them his cabin by a lake for their honeymoon.

  A long line for the taxis had Kelly, Mary, Connie, and Alistair waiting, until Kelly felt a tap on his shoulder. It was CDR Digg, motioning him to come with him. The four of them followed him around the corner to a large ground car. Admiral Minacci waved them all in, and they rode to the spaceport.

  Mary rode up to the Golden Eagle in the Admiral’s gig. Her company would be embarked on the Golden Eagle until the 3rd ALG reached Gagarin. The remainder of the Marine Brigade from the Yellow Jacket would be split between the Assault Landing Carriers Wasp and Bee. Temporary berths were set up in the AS-500s to house the Marines. The Yellow Jacket’s dozen AS-500s would be parked at the Baratarian Main Spaceport until a carrier could be dispatched to pick them up. The pilots, copilots, and a small Marine detachment became honored guests of Barataria, as they remained behind to guard the craft.

  Kelly, Connie, and Alistair spent a sober night on the Vigilant. A large part of the crew was out on the town.

  The Vigilant lifted off the next morning, bright and early, with the crew only a little hung over. When they hit orbit, Admiral Minacci contacted Kelly to tell him he had been released back to Scout Force control and, again, how much he appreciated having him around. He hoped they could work together again some time. Kelly expressed similar sentiments. The Admiral signed off and Kelly heard a knock on his door. It was Yeoman Benitez, with a dispatch from Scout Force ordering him back to Antares Base. Kelly ordered Connie to set course for Alistair’s ship to drop him off first.

  They docked with Alistair’s ship and transferred his gear over. Kelly watched as Alistair pulled Rojo out of the stasis chamber. He lifted him out of the carrier and placed him on the warm spot next to the command console. In but a few minutes, Rojo was up and purring, rubbing up against Kelly’s leg. Kelly had an idea and excused himself, leaving Connie and Alistair alone. He came back a discreet time later, making sure to make noise as he approached the control room.

  “I
understand Rojo likes sailor fish fillets. If that’s still the case, here’s a package of them for him.”

  Alistair was astonished.

  “You have sailor fish fillets in your galley stores?”

  Kelly replied, “No, but a replicator is a wonderfully handy thing to have.”

  They all three laughed.

  Kelly told Connie that he had some things to take care of on the Vigilant before they left, so she could stay here to say farewell for a while. Kelly went back to his cabin, called in Yeoman Benitez, and finalized his award recommendations to transmit to Admiral Minacci’s Flag Secretary before they left the sector. He approved the list and had Benitez transmit it to Admiral Minacci’s staff.

  Kelly piddled for a bit longer then called over to Alistair’s ship and asked if he could have his XO back. Alistair responded that he would send her over presently and asked to meet Kelly at the airlock.

  Kelly walked to the airlock and called for Alistair. Alistair and Connie approached. Connie excused herself and went on into the Vigilant.

  Alistair said, “I want to thank you, Kelly, for helping me to accomplish my mission. I wouldn’t have been able to without your help. I also want to thank you also for the chance to be shot at and missed. It was most exhilarating, but I think I’ll give it a miss in the future.”

  Kelly thanked him for his valuable insight and hoped they could work together again some time. Kelly and Alistair shook hands and both captains cycled their airlocks closed.

  Kelly returned to the bridge, confirmed readiness to undock, and separated the two ships. As Alistair’s ship pulled away, Kelly gave orders to set course for home at FTL power 4. Kelly took it easy on the crew on the return voyage. He only ordered three drills.