"You regret joining the Navy?"
"No I don't. Everyone has to start somewhere and I am the beginning. If I survive this year and measure up to them, I might make it to become an Ensign."
"I see you got the Medal of Honor. That should count for something."
I sighed. "Yes I am proud of it but I wish I didn’t have to display it. It is more trouble than it is worth."
"I might not be an expert on military commendations, but even I know that's the most prestigious medal there is."
"Sir, I am a Midshipman, no one believes it's real."
The IST stopped and the doors parted.
"This is the command deck," the man said.
"After you, Sir!"
"You are one nervous and mistrusting person, I must say." But he stepped out of the IST and I followed.
He was about to walk away and then said, "Where do you have to go? It just so happens that I know this ship pretty well."
"I am sure I can find it, Sir."
He shook his head and walked away.
I had no idea where I had to go. This was the command deck but I was certain it was as big as the rest of the ship. There was no one else in sight. Then I saw a location diagram and a Computronic panel. "Computronic, I have a personal delivery for Admiral Stahl. Where do I go?"
"All non-command personnel accessing command level must report to Command and Control. Follow the blue light."
A throat-tightening feeling got a hold of me that made me think with every step I took I went closer to my ultimate doom. The mission wasn't so difficult. I had made it aboard the ship, but I was sure this was another of those moments when I marched head-on into trouble. Only this time, I wasn't in charge of anything. In moments like this I wondered if maybe Loki did exist and had cursed my life. It certainly felt as if some invisible trickster behind the scenes was pulling the strings.
A blue illuminated line appeared on the floor and it led me after a short walk to a set of massive doors.
Now my skin felt as if insects crawled over it and my throat was dry as the dust lakes on Twilight.
The doors were guarded by a pair of Marines and a Cerberus robot.
The robot leveled its weapon arms. "Command and Control – access for authorized personnel only."
"I am Midshipman Olafson with standing orders to deliver a package to Admiral Stahl."
"Please wait."
I stood there next to the silent Marines that eyed me as if I was some sort of criminal. The robot had not lowered his weapons and was still aiming them at me. All the while, I felt more miserable and now noticed I had to go the bathroom so urgently it hurt.
After what seemed to be an hour, the door opened and a human Lieutenant appeared. "What do you want from the Admiral?"
I held my order chip towards him. "I have orders to deliver a package personally to the Admiral, Sir!"
“The Admiral is busy right now. Give me the package and I give it to him when he has time."
"Sorry Sir, my orders are to hand it personally to Admiral Stahl and no one else. I will gladly wait till he has time, Sir."
"Are you hard of hearing, Midshipman? I will overlook your insubordination but hand me the package and leave the command deck!"
"If you want to check my orders Sir, I cannot hand you the package. I must insist on seeing the Admiral myself!"
"I’ll have you thrown in the brig!"
Each of his words was said with a sharp, almost yelling tone. Perhaps it was all the lemonade and the water I had consumed waiting in the lobby, but my urge to go was worse than I had ever felt the need. The chance I would be able to go to a bathroom soon was about as likely as a warm breeze on Nilfeheim during Longnight. I felt cold sweat rolling down my face.
Another officer appeared and he had three golden rings on his sleeve. He was the Captain of the Ship! "What is going on here Lieutenant?"
"Captain, I am dealing with an insubordinate Midshipman."
The Captain glanced at me as if he seen a speck of dust on his otherwise immaculate uniform. "Midshipman?"
"Sir, I have orders to deliver this package to Admiral Stahl in person and no one else. This is a courier mission involving classified materials. I cannot deviate from those orders, Sir. If you want to check, I have an order chip right here."
He held out his hand. "Give me that damn package and be gone. I will make sure he gets it. I don't have time for this."
I still held out the order chip. "Please Sir, if you could be so kind and check my orders. Then you will see I cannot comply with your request!"
Why did they make this so difficult? All they had to do was take the damn order chip. I had to concentrate and force myself with every last iota of willpower, not to simply walk away and take a leak at the next corner. I was in real pain. I never thought it could be that painful! I had walked into a trap of some kind. This reminded me of my trial. It mattered not what I said or did.
The Captain's eyes became narrow. "Do you have any idea who I am? I am Captain Harris and this is my ship! You will do what I tell you. Do you know what the consequences for disobeying a direct order are?"
"Yes Sir! However, it appears it is irrelevant. You will not listen or check my order chip and I must obey the orders I received."
"You little snot! No one lectures me aboard my ship. I will deal with you and make an example of you, now give me that case!"
"Sir, I cannot. The case will self-destruct if I hand it to anyone else but the Admiral."
"You brought a bomb aboard my ship?"
He turned. "Marines, vaporize this insubordinate louse if he does not comply with my order within the next minute!"
There was nothing left to say. I was about to be shot. The joy I had aboard the Hyperion, working with professionals, was wiped away by those arrogant assholes! I shivered, felt cold and hot, terrible pain between my legs and now faced imminent death!
I stood at attention and said, "Olafson, Eric, Midshipman Service number 1082320-O-5434. I am under direct orders of NAVINT Commander Reagan E. Greer. My exact orders are that this case has to be delivered to Admiral Richard Stahl in person. No one else is to touch it, take it from me or ask me to relinquish it, no matter who. I am to insist on giving it to the Admiral himself. He must identify himself properly according to Blue protocol to me."
"And I am the Captain of this ship and I gave you the order to give me that case. On this ship there is no other authority but me. You have 30 seconds before the Marines vaporize you!"
I pressed my teeth together, not moving. I was not sure I could have moved, the pain and pressure were worse than the hardest beating father had ever given me, at least that is how I felt, and equally helpless. This is how it would end. I knew it was a trap and sending a lowly Midshipman on an errand like this was foolish, but I had no choice now. I could not fight them, not armed Marines.
"Well Midshipman, do you want to die for that case?"
"Sir I have no other choice. I was authorized to use lethal force to defend this case but I cannot fight you. I have my orders and cannot act any other way. If I have to die, then so be it!"
The Marines shouldered their weapons and aimed. I could see the flickering air of the forcefield muzzles; it would be the last thing I saw.
I thought about Narth, Elena, my friends, and I thought about mother and saw her smile. Maybe dying wasn't so bad. Maybe mother would be there on the other side. In all this, I suddenly remembered the ring on my left hand. I had gotten so used to it that I had forgotten it was there. Why would I, in a situation like this, suddenly remember the ring? But the pain in my bladder blotted every coherent thought.
The Captain spoke again. "Last chance to give me that case. Refuse and I will order the Marines to fire and kill you!"
I whispered, "Odin receive me!" then I repeated, "Olafson, Eric, Midshipman Service number 1082320-O-5434. I am under …"
"All right Marines, burn him to ashes!"
At least it would be quick … I clenched my teeth. I
felt so angry and so helpless and I wished I could scream but I would not give them that satisfaction. My last moment, this was it. Why didn't they fire? Would I feel the heat? I could see the finger of the Marine move over the trigger and a blinding light!
"That is enough! Marines stand down!" someone else said.
The Marines lowered their weapons. All they did was turn on their gun lights, but to me it was like looking into the beam of a TKU that very moment! I was not dead, but I was no longer in so much pain. The man I had met in the IST had returned. "I am Admiral Stahl, Midshipman. I believe you have something for me?"
"Yes Sir!"
The Lieutenant giggled and Stahl snapped. "What is so funny Mr. Worther?"
"That Midshipman pissed all over himself!"
Only then I noticed that it was true, and shame flushed my face. I had to fight to keep myself under control. I wanted to cry, to run and to kill everyone in sight at the same time.
Stahl's face showed no emotions. "Midshipman, what is it?"
I didn't even recognize my own voice, it was trembling: "Admiral Sir. I was ordered by Commander Reagan E. Greer of Sector 603 NAVINT to hand you this package. I tried to verify his identity but I cannot say if it is a genuine order. I do not want to hand you a bomb or be the instrument of a foreign power to cause you harm. If you feel that this package is indeed for you Sir, then I must ask you to identify yourself according to Blue protocol."
Stahl's expression changed and a smile curled his lips. "Midshipman Olafson, there is nothing in that box. This was a stress test I had ordered." From out of the bridge door stepped Commander Greer and the Saresii woman.
The Admiral raised his arm. "Lt Commander, turn off those emotion enhancers! The test is over! Even my skin is crawling!"
The woman touched controls on her left sleeve and only now because it was gone, I noticed there had been an almost inaudible high-pitched whistle in my ears before she had turned off whatever it was. The sense of doom and dread was gone!
The Admiral said, "Computronic verify ID check Blue protocol. Stahl Richard, Admiral Service Number 02-S-01."
"Stahl Richard, Admiral, identity verified. Blue protocol requires code key and day code."
Stahl said, "Day code is Alabaster." A frame of blue light enhanced a wall panel right next to me and the Admiral put his key into the recently appeared slot. Then he said to me, "Put your key in!"
I did manage to get my key in, but only after the third attempt. I identified myself.
The Computronic verified, "Identification positive. Blue protocol complete." The steel ring around my wrist snapped open and fell to the ground.
I tried to open my hand that held the case but my hand would not open.
Stahl actually knelt down and opened my fingers, took the case and then said, "Mr. Worther, have you ever been exposed to Level three Saresii emotion enhancer sonics?"
"Of course not Sir, there was never a need to test me."
"Have you ever been in a situation where you thought your life would end right there and then?"
"Sir?"
"Did you ever face death?"
"I did not have the opportunity to prove myself in combat, Sir; I came from logistics, Sir."
"That young Midshipman displayed more honor and courage than anyone could ask from him. To him this was no test. This was real and he thought the Marines would fire! To increase the tension we used these old-fashioned psycho-acoustic means, still to the end he stood firm. To laugh at courage and determination makes you a pathetic fool and I want you off this ship and out of my sight."
Worther grinned sheepishly. "Sir you are not serious, are you? I just got this posting!"
"If you are not off this ship in 10 minutes, I will have the Marines throw you out the next cargo hatch! Stay right here if you dare!"
"Admiral Stahl, I worked hard to get to this post. Please consider my service record!"
Stahl waved his hands at the Marines. "See that he leaves. If he is not gone in nine minutes and 21 seconds throw him out!"
The Marines grinned and stepped forward. Worther wanted to say something but then turned towards the IST and the Marines followed him.
Captain Harris crossed his arms. "You would need to really run to make it in 10 minutes."
"It can be done in 10. If not, he makes it down to the surface in less than that!" Stahl put his hand on my shoulder. "Midshipman Olafson, are you all right?"
I still tried to collect myself and was shamefully aware of my wet pants. "Not exactly, Sir."
Captain Harris shook his head slowly. "Those psych sonics were overkill if you ask me."
The Saresii woman said, "We had to use them, as he is completely immune to more subtle Psionics and the Admiral wanted to test the cadet under maximum stress conditions. I had them dialed up to nine to even get a reaction from this Midshipman." She bowed slightly. "I am deeply impressed indeed!"
The Captain said to me, "It's not your fault; those sonics affect all the nerves of your body.”
"I will show you my bathroom and auto-dresser to clean up."
"Thank you Sir."
As he looked at me he wiped his eyes. "Am I getting old or is that the Medal of Honor you display there?"
I just nodded, and then thought better and stood at attention. "Yes Sir. It is Sir."
He snapped to attention and said," Medal of Honor recipient on deck!"
Everyone present saluted me, even Stahl!
Captain Harris turned his face to the Admiral. "This was twice as rotten to do that to him. He obviously has proven his worth beyond doubt!"
Stahl looked at him. "Let us discuss these things later."
The Captain took me by the shoulder and extended his other hand. "This way, let me show you!"
Stahl said, "Yes, get cleaned up and relax a little and then report to the bridge."
The Captain accompanied me down the corridor and after a short walk he stopped by a door and a brass sign. On it read: Captain's Quarters.
The doors opened as he approached and he said, "Go right in, the head is right back there." With that, he turned and left.
INTERLUDE: CAPTAIN HARRIS
Harris watched the young man disappear into his quarters and then went back to Stahl who was still there. "You know this was an exceptionally cruel test. I felt like an idiot acting that way."
"And he had the guts to tell you!" Stahl responded. "That is a first."
"He is the first one I know of who went to the end, all the way to that triple rotten light gag. I would have pissed myself without sonics, looking in a TKU and suddenly seeing a light!"
Stahl raised an eyebrow. "Never seen you that angry when I do my little tests."
"Have you seen the young man's display? He earned the MoH, for Christ’s sake."
"I think you like the boy!"
"Hell of a display of courage and control!"
Commander Greer agreed. "He is bright and determined and acted like a pro in every aspect. I never thought he would carry it through. Not with Nora's sonic tensing his nerves like guitar wires."
The ancient Admiral was still looking down the corridor. "I tested you in a very similar fashion, Captain Harris, but it has been a while since you have been a Midshipman and I think you forgot."
"Ah yes, the explosive device that was just a dummy! That was just as cruel. I do remember it now. I could not sleep for days!"
"Old friend, the Navy and the Academy have their time-tested method of finding officers and do a remarkable job churning out good officers for the most part. But I have my own way of finding the special ones; you should know that by now!"
Harris’s eyes stared into the distance. "Yes, I remember a few of those you found."
"Has the Dai and the Archa arrived?"
"Yes, and the princess is here as well."
"Make sure they are kept together and Olafson is to be assigned to that group."
"I added the Saturnian and the spider as well."
"Good! I was thinking abo
ut them as well." Stahl put his hand to his chin. "Before Olafson returns to Midshipman country I would like to do the Big Test with him if you're game."
"You haven't done the Big Test since Cadet Bernhard turned insane, but I am game all right. Personally, I think you should take it a little easier on the guy. He is basically still a kid."
"You just saw his ribbon display. His collection puts some old warhorses to shame. I will have to call that old Highlander and ask him how that Midshipman earned that medal."
"If he does tell, tell me as well. I really want to know how a Midshipman ended up with the MoH, not to mention the Silver Star and all the rest."
Harris was not sure if the old warrior had heard him. Stahl said, staring down the corridor, "I think he will surprise you. I think he might even surprise me!"
***
The quarters were immaculately clean, tastefully furnished and big. It took me a while to even find the bathroom door.
After I got undressed and turned on the shower, my knees felt soft as butter. This had stressed me more than fighting the Y'All. Curse them and their rotten tests! Why was it always me? There were a hundred Midshipmen and it was me who ended up peeing while meeting the big legend himself!
There was also an auto-dresser and I stepped in. I felt the nanites and robo arms assemble a fresh uniform. The auto-dresser was a deluxe model and automatically corrected my haircut and shave.
Feeling much better, I left the quarters and wondered what else the day would bring. It had started so well with me waking up on the Hyperion for my last shift and now I was aboard the Devastator but not as I expected.
The Marines were back at their post before the doors to Command and Control and one of them blinked at me and grinned. "Your friend Worther almost made it, but not quite!"
I gasped. "You threw him out?"
"Sure did, and he pissed all over himself on the way down, just before we caught him."
The other Marine saluted me. "Fine display of courage, Sir, you would have made a good Marine!"
I saluted back, knowing how big that compliment was. Marines usually regarded anyone else as lesser life forms. "While it would have been an honor, I doubt I would have made it through Marine boot camp; I am terrified of orbital jumps!"
Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6 (The Galactic Chronicles Series) Page 15