Resilience (Warner's World Book 6)

by Dave O'Connor

  “I served under him back in ’04. Well this will be interesting.”

  “By all accounts he’s a true professional” added Alex.

  “Oh he is that all right. No, it will be fine. Have they yet to reorg and integrate or has that already happened?”

  “Already done” said Alex.

  “Good. So do we have a Fleet HQ or do I piggyback off the Audacity’s team?”

  “In theory you have separate staffs but right now you are probably going to have to do with a combined staff” said Alex.

  Dave went silent while he pondered options here. Finally he asked “Is the command centre big enough to integrate space, fighter and ground ops?”

  “Yeah the manning calls for an OPS team of six. I’ve got some candidates here for you.”

  Dave scanned them briefly. “But none have had any experience with stealth ships?”

  Alex shrugged his shoulders. “You already have everyone who has.”

  “Mmm” sighed Dave. “I need Aubrey and Chase” He then looked at Rihan “do you agree?”

  She had a perplexed expression. “She’s not going to like losing her command. But I agree she’s the best.”

  “Slot her in. I’ll talk to her. And put Meg Songa in command of the Phantom. I’ll talk to her and Tola. I want Art as my Intel and Political officer. Sue can be ground ops. I want to pinch Val and Mary too. You can choose the rest” said Dave to Rihan.

  “Oh goody.”

  “It would be nice to have Cranky as well and Julian Smyth as our AI expert” added Dave.

  Rihan rolled her eyes. She began assigning officers from the options list while Dave sat back content that he had the kernel to form a good team. Alex excused himself and said he’d be back in five. Rihan was still at it five minutes later when he came back in. She commented “there’s a lot isn’t there?”

  “It’s a big ship” stated Alex.

  “Yep” said Dave as he was studying the ships specs on his console. “Did you know this ship has six beamers?”

  “Six big beamers. She also is armed with 48 close in beam defence systems” said Rihan matter of factly while still concentrating on her officer list. “OK I think that does it.”

  “Excellent” said Alex who cast an eye over the listings. “There are still some shortages. Leave it with me. Looks like I need to be a mean bastard again.”

  “But you love it really, don’t you?” teased Rihan.

  Alex looked back up from the terminal and smiled. “Guess I must!”

  Dave checked the time and announced “Lunch anyone?”

  “Now you’re talking partner” said Rihan.

  “I need to get this underway” excused Alex. “If you can see the boss straight after lunch we can probably promulgate this this afternoon.”

  “I’ll check with him” said Dave “but I want to speak with my people first. I should be able to get that done this afternoon.”

  “OK.”

  Dave caught up with Phil after lunch and they went through the assignments. He had no problems with them save for querying Aubrey’s posting. “She’s one of your best ship commanders” stated Phil.

  “Yeah but I need a good ops officer, someone who I don’t have to teach stealth ops to. It has to be either Ivan or Aubrey. I believe Ivan to be the better commander.”

  This surprised Phil. “Really?”

  “Yep. He saved the day over Cheklin. I was impressed. BTW he deserves a medal for that. In fact I have a swag of recommendations” said Dave, pausing and then adding “too many of them are posthumous.”

  Phil could see the emotion on Dave’s face. With a softer tone to his voice he said “Sure Dave. Submit them and I’ll see to it.”

  “Thank you Sir.”

  “OK, I agree to Aubrey’s appointment but I’m going to chicken out and leave the announcement to you.”

  Dave gave a half smile. “The commander’s burden.”

  “Yep, the commander’s burden.”

  Chapter 17. Washington DC 1050, 29 September

  Malissa read the casualty figures from the second battle for Checklin on the 22nd. Her forehead was etched in anguish. “We may have won but…” she said out loud to herself, for she was alone in her office. She felt a tightness in her chest and found it hard to breath. She swallowed a little water and forced herself to take some deep breaths.

  “It’s nowhere the casualty toll for Polaris” she told herself. ‘Small comfort to their families’ she thought. She stared at her hands and waited for the blood stains to appear. She shook her head and pulled her hands down from the desk. ‘Get a grip Malissa’ she barked to herself. ‘This is war…your war. Yes, you are responsible. But it is the right course of action. You are doing the right thing.’

  In that moment she noticed that the date of this battle was the day before she had received news for the previous victory. ‘Oh god I was rejoicing when all these had died.’ She felt her eyes water as the guilt and emotion overwhelmed her toughness. A tear ran down her cheek, which she quickly dabbed.

  “Your 11 o’clock is here” hailed her personal assistant.

  “Hold them for a moment” she replied. She adjusted her posture, ensuring she had a straight back. She took in a deep breath. ‘You are the Chief Minister. Act like it!’ she scolded herself.

  Chapter 18. Resolute over Q2 1500, 29 September

  Dave had most of his senior subordinates waiting to see him for one reason or another. They had shuttled in on his request and were waiting in the officers’ mess till called. First up was Aubrey.

  “Sir” she said as she entered his office and sat down on the easy chair opposite Dave. She saw Dave swallow hard. “Is there something wrong?” she asked.

  “No, but I have some good and bad news for you. Which do you want first?”

  A frown came over Aubrey’s face. “The bad.”

  “I’m taking away your command…”

  “But why” interrupted Aubrey “is this because…”

  “Please Aubrey, it’s because I need to promote you to Captain and be the group ops officer.”

  There was a pause while she took that in. “What group are we talking about?”

  “The Audacity Group, it’s a new stealth group. Do you want to see the flagship?” Aubrey nodded and Dave showed her the schematics and briefed her on the composition of the new group. He ended by saying “I, we need to have someone well versed in stealth ops to plan our offensive. Much depends on this next operation…on you.”

  “I see.” Aubrey sank back into her chair pondering. “Who’s your flag captain?”

  “Rihan.”

  “I’m in” said Aubrey with a smile.

  He saw Ivan next. Ivan beat him to the punch and asked upfront about the pending court-martial. Dave briefed him on that but conveyed the Admiral’s comments which eased Ivan’s concerns.

  “But that’s not why I’ve asked to see you” said Dave. “You did a wonderful job commanding the Resolute, while I was on the deck at Cheklin.” Ivan nodded. “I’ve recommended to the Admiral that you be appointed to command the Resolute effective immediately and he’s agreed.”

  “You’re not kidding are you?” asked Ivan. Dave shook his head. “I wasn’t expecting this.” Dave nodded. “And you think I am up to it?” Dave nodded. “Well then…OK, thank you Sir. But what about you?”

  Dave smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll still be your boss” said Dave and he went on to brief him about the changes. “By the way I’m going to pinch Chase, Val, Mary, Julian and Cranky from you.”

  “Fair enough. But I’m going to miss Cranky the most.” They both laughed.

  Next Dave asked Meg Songa to step in. She was decidedly nervous. Her ‘I’m so sure of myself’ demeanour was nowhere in sight. She expected the worst. Dave started by informing her about the court martial and he relayed the Admirals comments on that too. She seemed a little less anxious after hearing that but she knew there was more to come. “And?” she asked.

  “I have p
ut my neck out on the line for you and convinced the Admiral to give you a second chance at command. If I give you the Phantom you have to promise not to fuck it up. Tola Puchanski will be your XO and I will be briefing her shortly. She will have authority, from me, to report directly to me if you don’t do things right. Is that understood?”

  Meg was overwhelmed. Previously she would have got all uppity at the suggestion that a subordinate could report on her but it was gratitude that overcame all other emotions. “Thanks you so much Sir. I won’t let you down. You can count on me.”

  Tola was waiting outside when Meg exited. They had only met once before. Tola gave Meg a nod as she passed her and closed the door behind her at Dave’s request.

  “Tola” began Dave “I have nothing but good reports on you from Captain Bellard.”

  “Captain?” queried Tola.

  “Yes she’s going to be leaving the Phantom. Meg Songa, who you just passed, will be your new commander. I have to ask you to do something delicate.”

  “Sir?”

  Dave went on to explain the situation and he finished by saying “So you see I have faith in LCmd Songa, but you need to be my eyes and ears and alert me if the need should arise.”

  “What, you want me to spy on her?”

  “I wouldn’t put it like that. Let me blunt. LCmd Songa is being given a second chance here and by rights I should be supervising her closely. But that’s not easy to do from another ship, especially if you’re operating independently. I need your help here. If for any reason you doubt that she is acting in the best interests of the fleet, her ship and her crew then you need to contact me and you are authorised to do so directly. Don’t worry commander Songa knows about this.”

  “Well if you say so Sir.”

  “Good.”

  Dave realised he was running out of time so he took the remaining officers into the briefing room and gave them the spiel about the changes. Most looked happy about the changes. Crystal did not. She cornered Dave straight after he exited.

  “Please Sir, can I come with you” she pleaded.

  “I would like to Crystal but I have already plundered Ivan’s staff as it is” explained Dave.

  “Please Sir, you’re the only senior officer I know that understands me. We’re family aren’t we?”

  Dave could see that Crystal’s normal composure was abandoning her. He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. “Yes we’re family Crystal. Let me have a talk with Ivan.”

  “Thank you.”

  As Dave made his way back to his cabin he hailed Alex to ask him if he could find a new battle systems officer for the Resolute. He could take one from the Audacity if need be.

  “I’ll see what I can do. Any more changes or can we sign off on this?”

  “No that’s it.”

  Dave hurried back to his cabin, took a quick shower and got changed. He had to hurry to make his scheduled shuttle trip back to the Kiev. The admiral was quite particular about drinks in the mess.

  As Dave sat in the back of the warthog he said out loud “Not a bad day’s effort.”

  Chapter 19. Kiev over Q2, 1730, 29 September

  Dave walked into the mess on the Kiev to find Phil already downing a beer at the bar talking to some other officers that he didn’t recognise. He looked around to see Rihan but she was nowhere to be found. He quickly hailed her and asked when she was going to arrive. She had told him to hold his horses and that a gal needed a bit of time to prepare herself. She had hung up without waiting for him to respond.

  Phil excused himself from the group and brought two beers over with him. He handed one to Dave and pointed to the lounge area. “So how did it go with Aubrey?” asked Phil.

  “No problems” answered Dave as he sat down in a big comfy chair.

  “What, just like that, she accepted it?”

  “Pretty much. The promotion helped. Oh, by the way…”

  “Yeah Rihan raised the matter with me…”

  “She did?”

  “Yeah you’ll get your second pip, Rear Admiral. Alex should process that tomorrow so you’re still dressed correctly” said Phil with a wink.

  “Well thank you Sir. But actually I was going to ask you about Rihan’s promotion.”

  “Yes” said Phil drawing out the word.

  “It’s a Commodore’s position. The ground and flight commanders are Commodores. So my flag captain should be too.”

  Phil thought for a moment. “She’s impossible to control as a Captain.”

  “It’s not about control Sir. She needs to have the rank that goes with the authority and responsibility of the position, especially if she needs to take command for any reason.”

  “OK, if that will make you happy.”

  “What will make him happy?” asked Rihan from behind Dave’s chair. She was wearing a stunning red evening dress. Her auburn hair was down but most importantly from Dave’s perspective was the fire in her green eyes.

  Dave stood up, kissed her lightly and said “you look ravishing.”

  She gave him a knowing smile. “Why are you still in uniform? We’re officially on leave, aren’t we?” she asked.

  “Well yes but…”

  Rihan shook her head with a disappointed look. But then her expression changed as she asked “So what will make you happy?”

  “Seeing my wife a Commodore” replied Dave with a big smile.

  Rihan turned to Phil seeking confirmation. He smiled and said “But it’s provisional on you showing me proper respect.”

  Rihan leaned over and gave Phil a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you” she said softly in his ear.

  “Now that’s more like it” said Phil.

  Rihan turned back to Dave and asked “So where are you taking me on this leave of ours?”

  “Ah yes, well I…”

  “Haven’t thought that far in advance” answered Rihan. “You are a sad case Dave Warner. Lucky you married me. I’ve got something organised.”

  “You have?”

  “Do you know how hard it is to get accommodation below where the beds are big enough” replied Rihan with a smile directed at Phil.

  Phil laughed.

  “Oh you are amazing honey” said Dave.

  Rihan leaned close to Dave’s ear and whispered “and I will be later lover.” She kissed his ear sending a shiver down Dave’s body.

  At the end of the following dinner Phil briefed Dave on how the Qwantum Resistance had already raised two brigades for service abroad. “There’s no shortage of volunteers Dave. They’ve been promised a ticket out of the system. The trouble will be the quality.”

  Dave nodded. A thought occurred to him. He was annoyed with himself for not thinking of it earlier. He turned to Rihan and asked “have any leave arrangements been made for my crews?”

  “It all happens tomorrow morning” advised Rihan “I’ll fill you in later.”

  “Where would I be without you?”

  “In a sad and desperate place I’m afraid.”

  Dave leaned closer to her and whispered “I’m ready for bed.”

  “Me too” she whispered back. “I’m packed and ready to go.”

  Dave shook his head with a smile before making his excuses to Phil.

  Chapter 20. Resolute over Q2 2100, 29 September

  By the time Dave had closed the door to his cabin Rihan had dropped her bag, stepped out of her shoes, taken off her earrings, put her communicator on the side table on ‘her’ side of the bed and turned around to face Dave, who was now looking for a space to set down her two other bags.

  “You in a hurry?” asked Dave with a smile.

  “What do you think?” she replied with a wry smile. She put both arms around his neck and pressed her ample breast to his chest. She caught his gaze going down to her cleavage and then felt his hands clasp her buttocks pulling her even closer. She stared into his eyes drawing them up from his current downward focus.

  She kissed him softly on the lips but felt his tongue part her lips a
nd lunge towards hers. She felt this surge of passion and pushed back strongly. He pulled her off her feet and she wrapped her legs around his torso. He carried her to the bed, depositing her onto it. She relaxed her grip with her legs allowing him to pull up her dress. In a single motion he pulled down her nickers and dove in with his head.

  She began sighing but then called out “Come on honey, give it to me.”

  He withdrew his head from between her legs and tried to undo his pants. But he was having trouble with his belt. She sat back up and in a swift motion had his pants down.

  But something clicked inside Dave and he found he was no longer sexually aroused. “I’m sorry honey but I…” said Dave. This hadn’t happened before and he struggled to find the words he hoped would be an adequate excuse.

  A wave of frustration swept over Rihan but it didn’t last long. As she stared into his eyes she felt a swell of compassion rise up within her. She put her forefinger on his lips and she gently pulled his head towards her chest. “It’s alright Dave. Come, we can just cuddle up together.”

  “I’m really sorry honey” reiterated Dave as he lay next to her on the bed.

  “Shoosh” she said soothingly. “You’re just exhausted darling.”

  Fifteen minutes Dave was asleep. They had changed into their shorts and tees, got under the covers and he had cuddled into her back. But it wasn’t long before his arm that had been draped over her hips had dropped back.

  Rihan reflected on what had just happened or more specifically not happened. Yes she was disappointed. She had been looking forward to this for so long. But that was a minor matter really. What concerned her most was Dave’s state of being. She had known him now for nearly two years and she had seen him endure losses before but she had never seen him in such a low state.

  ‘You put on your business face my love’ said Rihan to herself ‘and that gets you through the day. But I get to see the real you.’ She lay there in the dark for another minute. ‘This is not the real you. No, I’ve got to help you get back to your true self darling.’