“Impressive,” Cook said at last. “Most men squirm under my stare. They make excuses. Don’t you have any excuses to give me?”
“No, sir,” Maddox said. “I failed. That says it all.”
“Lord Drakos outmaneuvered you, which is different than failure.”
Maddox felt heat on his features as he said, “I don’t see how, sir.”
Cook grunted. “Well, it’s a small matter in the scheme of things. I know, I know. We both want Brigadier O’Hara back in her office. She has been badly compromised, however. It was one of the risks she took going out to find Ludendorff. She found the Methuselah Man, and he proved instrumental in Star Watch knocking out the needed enemy nexuses.”
Maddox cleared his throat.
From underneath his bushy white eyebrows, Cook studied him anew. “Are you going to tell me the New Men knocked out the other half of the enemy nexuses?”
“It crossed my mind, sir,” Maddox said.
“Humph,” Cook said. “You’re right, of course. In this, we worked together. It would seem that for the moment, anyway, Star Watch doesn’t have to worry about the awful Swarm Imperium invading us.”
Maddox nodded.
“That’s huge, Captain, huge. Humanity could never hope to survive massed Swarm invasions. Now, our species has more time. You performed splendidly out there. I am more than impressed, Captain. I am awed at what you’ve managed to achieve. Think about it. For years, the Swarm Imperium has been our nightmare. No more, thanks to you and a band of brave New Men. Oh, yes, the Swarm could send an invasion fleet the long way using Laumer Points. But I doubt they’ll do that. From the little we know about Swarm thinking, they’re rational after a fashion. Besides, the Chitin Empire stands between the Swarm and us.”
Maddox nodded.
“We can breathe again, Captain. We can think about expanding, and we’ve learned to work with the New Men.”
“Have we, sir?” asked Maddox.
“Explain that.”
“The New Men and Star Watch stood back to back, sir, against a larger threat. If we’d failed to work together, we would have both perished. Now, the New Men have stolen a march on us.”
“You’re referring to the brigadier, I suppose.”
“Golden Ural and the Emperor must have Lord Drakos in custody.”
“We don’t know that,” Cook said.
“There’s a lot we don’t know about the New Men. We’ve also never recovered the kidnapped women they took with them after their invasion of “C” Quadrant.”
“Are you suggesting we fight a war with the Throne World?”
“No, sir,” Maddox said. “I think we should watch them closely, though. They have Methuselah Man Strand. He clearly helped them against the Swarm.”
“Hmm…” Cook said.
“We also know the Beyond is filled with aliens,” Maddox added. “There are still plenty of threats out there, maybe even more Old Ones. But…”
“The brigadier,” Cook finished.
Maddox nodded sharply.
“It’s time for some deep thinking, Captain. We no longer have to worry about the Swarm, but it’s Star Watch’s job to see that nothing else takes the Swarm’s place. I suggest you take a few weeks off, young man. By then, I’m sure I’ll have something else for you.”
Maddox realized the admiral was dismissing him. He stood, saluted and paused.
Cook had unlocked a drawer, pulled out a folder, set it on his desk and opened it. He looked up at Maddox. “Is something wrong?”
“I’d like your permission to visit the brigadier.”
The Lord High Admiral’s eyes narrowed. “I see you’ve already been snooping around. You’ve found out that we’re keeping her hidden.”
Maddox said nothing.
Cook gave him a mirthless smile. “Very well, Captain, permission granted. You’ll find her on the island of Patmos.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Cook had already started reading the contents of the folder and waved the captain on.
Maddox quietly took his leave, looking forward to telling his…his former superior about the success of his greater mission. When he saw the brigadier again, Maddox was also going to assure her that he would catch Lord Drakos. In fact, he would do everything in his power to help reinstall her in her rightful position.
With his face set, Maddox marched down the corridors. Humanity was going to survive the Swarm Imperium, for another fifty years at least. Now, Star Watch had time to make sure it was regular humanity that came out on top, not the arrogant supermen who kidnapped women to serve their lecherous needs.
Maddox’s stride lengthened until he stopped abruptly in the general HQ waiting room. Meta, Valerie and Keith rose from the chairs where they’d been waiting. Galyan floated closer toward him.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Maddox asked.
“A night on the town,” Meta said. “It’s been too long since you and I have gone on a date, and we’re always going on our dates alone. This time, let’s go out as couples.”
“What about Galyan?” Maddox asked.
“Oh,” the holoimage said. “I am not joining you on the date, sir. I just wanted to see that the four of you had a good time, and to tell you that I would watch the ship in case you desired to get drunk.”
“Drunk?” asked Maddox.
“As a victory symbol,” Galyan said. “Tie one on, sir, if you know what I mean.”
“I do indeed,” Maddox said, as he eyed his wife. “Yes, let’s celebrate.” He could talk to the brigadier afterward. First, he needed to make sure his friends knew how much he appreciated them. Without his teammates, he never would have defeated Ghar-Yon-Tog and stopped the Swarm Imperium from invading Human Space.
“Come on,” Meta said, grabbing one of his arms. “I haven’t danced in a long time, and I plan to make you dance until you drop.”
“This I have to see,” Keith said.
Maddox frowned at the ace until he thought better of it and chuckled appreciatively.
Then, as Galyan went back upstairs to keep watch, the four of them headed for the HQ exit so they could properly celebrate their greatest victory to date.
For a little longer anyway, the human race was safe from the predatory aliens prowling the Great Beyond.
THE END
To the Reader: Thanks! I hope you’ve enjoyed The Lost Star Gate. If you liked the book and would like to see the series continue, please put up some stars and a review. Let new readers know what’s in store for them.
The Lost Star Gate (Lost Starship Series Book 9) Page 55