“As the referendum has the consent of the Union, the military and other governmental structures will act to implement it. The refugee fleet will be permitted to enter orbit around the habitable planet in Tiredel, and their members will be welcomed into the Union as full citizens. As they are now members of the Union, the government will dispatch ministers to organize and advocate their settlement in Tiredel as well as other portions of the Union as needed.”
Smithson smiled. Determination shone in his eyes. “The Oduran League has issued a statement regarding the new members of our Union. In their eyes, as it always has been, they have the right to dictate to us the limits of our freedom. They have threatened, if we utilized our right to accept their outcast refugees as citizens, they would war upon us until our newfound brethren are destroyed.”
He raised his chin. “I do not intend to allow the Odurans to determine our fate. It is the right of the citizens of this great nation to choose the course we will follow, and we have done so. While some among us may have disagreed with this decision, and may protest the efforts we will make to uphold it, I urge you, in all humility, to remember the principles by which it was made. We must stand united, as Charles Maxwell dreamed, to uphold the laws and freedoms of our nation. If that means we must meet and defeat the forces of the Odurans yet again, then we will do so.
“Accordingly, I have asked High Admiral Nivrosky to deploy his forces so he can intercept the Oduran fleet if they press the issue. He has orders to attempt negotiation first, but I do not choose to tie his hands if and when it comes to battle. If the Odurans continue in their chosen course, then we will defeat them at Tiredel in the defense of our own.”
Smithson’s smile softened. “To the newly arrived citizens of the Union, I bid you welcome. Our ways may be strange to you, but you will understand them in time. To those who are called to defend us on our borders, you have my thanks for your service and sacrifice. Your honor and dignity is beyond question, and those of us you defend will always struggle to live up to your example.
“Finally, to all those who made their voices heard, I thank you for continuing to bear the burden all citizens of the Union have been called to bear. Our forefathers, so long ruled by dictators and overlords, would be cheered to see their children so responsible in their efforts to choose our course well. Your support is always cherished by those who have been permitted to lead. Adam Smithson, High Seat of the Celostian Union, out.”
Jacob watched the hologram fade. A mixture of emotions rolled through him, joy over the salvation of the refugees mixed with resignation for the coming battle, fear for his country blended with the sudden surge of pride he had in his fellow citizens for not turning away those in need. Rising above all of those things, however, was another feeling, that of determination and urgency.
The future of the Union would be decided at Tiredel, and he would be there before then or be damned. Jacob activated his communication stub and signaled Al-shira. She answered immediately; there was some sort of celebration going on in the background. “Yes, sir?”
“Commander, will the squadron be ready if we launch tomorrow?”
Al-shira paused, and he could imagine her thinking the question over. “Yes, sir, I believe we’re about ready. The ships are spaceworthy, and the last few bits of work could be done in transit if necessary.”
“Then call the crew to their stations. We’ll be gone as soon as all four ships are stocked and ready to launch.” Jacob activated his projector again, bringing up a display of the surrounding space. He focused the hologram on the system of Tiredel. “We leave tomorrow.”
“With all due respect, sir, I find this plan of action horrifically unwise. It will guarantee the destruction of our squadron and would amount to a betrayal of the trust placed in us to command our ships wisely.”
Commander Kenning’s words brought silence to the meeting. Jacob fought the urge to snarl at the other man. Ever since Kenning had insisted on a conference before the sudden deployment to Tiredel, Jacob had known the fool was planning on making a nuisance of himself. There had been no reason to ignore the request, however, and Jacob was confident his authority as squadron commander would have stymied most of Kenning’s opportunities to prevent the mission from beginning.
He found, unfortunately, he had not taken Kenning’s native talents to annoy and persist in frustrating others into account. Kenning had started with what seemed like a reasonable concern about the success of the operation. From there he had escalated to sharper criticisms of Jacob’s decision to take Squadron 43 into the line of fire, and from there he reached near accusations of incompetence.
It was not going to continue. The limits of Jacob’s patience had finally been reached, and he glared at Kenning, who sat partway down the table from him. “Your opinion on this matter is far from the only thing I have to consider, Commander. If the High Admiral intends to fight at Tiredel, the fleet will need every available ship to achieve victory. His orders to me and to the rest of the squadron specifically say we are to join him at the staging area at the earliest opportunity. Our deployment from Reefhome is in accordance with those orders.”
Kenning glared back. “Our orders stated the squadron was to deploy when it was capable of operations against the enemy, Captain Hull. You know as well as I do that four newly rebuilt and barely functional destroyers have no business in an engagement with enemy forces. We would be swatted like so many flies by Oduran ships, and the deaths of our crews would be a waste we would be responsible for.”
He growled low in his throat. “Are you implying, Commander Kenning, that my judgment on the readiness of my squadron is not sufficient for you to follow your orders?”
The commander either ignored the warning tone in Jacob’s words or didn’t care to take the hint. Kenning met Jacob’s eyes and nodded. “I cannot trust your judgment, sir, not when you are hazarding your command in such a manner. The risk you are running is unconscionable, and it will result in a great many of our crew being killed.”
Before Jacob could respond, Leon broke in. There was a hint of malicious humor in his tone, and he gave the other officers a half-hearted grin. “As a matter of fact, I would consider Captain Hull an expert on the subject of destroyers and combat during a shakedown cruise, Commander. If you doubt me, perhaps you could ask someone on Reefhome Station? I’m sure they would be more than happy to help you with your concerns.”
A murmur of amusement rose from the gathered officers, and Kenning flushed red. “You know full well the situation in Reefhome demanded extreme measures. Captain Hull and the others made those attempts because there was no other choice. That kind of action has no relation to the normal workings of the fleet.”
Leon raised his eyebrows. “Is the situation in Tiredel any less desperate, Commander Kenning? As I understand it, the Odurans have mustered nearly four entire battle groups for their assault, and High Admiral Nivrosky has yet to equal that amount. He is in need of ships, and we can be among those who stand with him if we deploy now.”
Commander Flint, who had been silent, spoke up. “The question may not be whether we can arrive, Commander Nivrosky. We know the fleet stands in need of ships, and I don’t doubt everyone agrees on that.” Flint turned his gaze to Jacob. “I believe the concern is that we will not present much of a combat effective force once we arrive. It serves no purpose to the Union, or to the fleet, if we throw ourselves into enemy fire without the combat capability to achieve our objectives.”
Kenning glowed with a victorious smile, but Jacob ignored him and answered in as level a voice as he could manage. “Commander Flint, you can be sure I have accounted for that in my operational plans. We would basically use the journey to Tiredel as a shakedown cruise, working out whatever technical problems or mechanical difficulties we experience along the way. There are three jumps before we reach Tiredel; in each we will have plenty of opportunities to conduct drills and tests of each of our systems. By the time we join with the rest of the fleet, our ships wi
ll be ready.” He paused. “I do not intend to waste the lives of my crews to no purpose, and I never have.”
Commander Flint sat back, his lips pursed and his expression thoughtful. Before he could say anything, however, Commander Kenning once again spoke up. “I somehow doubt the crew of the Terrier would agree with you, Captain Hull.” The acid bite of the words was accompanied by a surge of guilt.
The ghosts of Terrier’s crew rose up in Jacob’s mind and stilled his tongue while Kenning continued.
“You haven’t always acted as if the crew’s welfare has been your first priority, sir. In fact, I would hardly be surprised if it turned out you were eager to return to battle so you could win yourself a little more glory.”
Jacob rocked back in his seat, stunned at the accusation. For a subordinate to confront his superior in this manner was nearly unheard of, especially in an open gathering of the officers under his command. Anger surged through him. He fought to contain it alongside the grief for his lost officers and crew. Outside of relieving Kenning from duty, Jacob did not know how to respond. If he did relieve Kenning, his ships could be forced to wait for days while Central Command dispatched a replacement officer. Further, Kenning could use whatever casualties or losses the squadron took at Tiredel as both an excuse of his actions and a condemnation of Jacob’s own decision—and of course, if that didn’t work, there were always the files in Kenning’s possession that could justify further resistance and delays.
Kenning’s eyes were locked on him, and every heartbeat Jacob hesitated over the response seemed to give Kenning more heart. He longed to be rid of the petulant little man, but if as a result he arrived late to Tiredel, then the entire argument would be for nothing. He agonized over the decision as the silence between them stretched.
Then Al-shira spoke. Her voice was hard and hot as iron fresh from the forge. “Am I to understand, Commander Kenning, you are declining to follow orders given to you by a superior officer?”
The other commander blinked, and then turned his attention to her. “I am simply stating Captain Hull’s past actions have proven—”
“That he has far more combat experience than you? Yes, they do. That he has a far superior grasp of both the situation and his duties as a commanding officer? Yes, they do.” Al-shira leaned in close, and her eyes blazed. “Tell me, Commander, why you are so certain your judgment is superior to Captain Hull in this instance? Are you hiding some fountain of wisdom and intelligence you have not shared with the rest of us? Some actual combat experience, perhaps, I am unaware of?”
Staggered by the unexpected challenge, Kenning was struggling to regain his footing. “I am not sure how my combat record bears on this situation, Commander Al-shira. And I resent your implication that I am incapable of asking for an explanation for our current course of action.”
“My apologies, Commander Kenning.” Al-shira’s lips twisted in a mocking smile. “My implication was not that you had no right to question your orders. I actually meant to ask if you thought you were intelligent enough to come up with a question worth our while.” Kenning’s face turned beet red, but before he could sputter out a response she continued. “I should have known an officer too stupid to consistently follow orders would not have understood my meaning. Next time I will be more clear.”
Kenning stood up, his eyes wide with rage. “How dare you—”
Al-shira came to her feet as well, eyes flashing with rage. “I dare because I understand what it means to be an officer, Commander Kenning. I dare because when the High Admiral of the Navy orders us not to advocate a position on something, for the good of the Union, I know it is my duty to follow it. I dare because I know when a fellow officer practically pleads for support to face an enemy, it is not a suggestion or a good idea, it is my honor-bound duty to respond. And I dare because if you cannot bring yourself to obey the orders you have sworn to follow, you should at least restrain yourself from insulting and attacking an officer who does. Have I made myself clear enough, Commander Kenning?”
The two officers glared at each other across the table. Jacob worried, if only for a moment, that he would have a firefight on his hands. Then slowly, face pale, Kenning nodded. His eyes were cold and lethal. “Yes, Commander Al-shira. You are quite clear.” Kenning’s eyes flicked to Jacob, and his lips twisted slightly. “My apologies, Captain Hull.”
Jacob inclined his head, and both officers took their seats. He glanced at Al-shira, whose face was flushed from her defense of her commanding officer. She straightened up and met his eyes, her indignation fading. A smile forced its way onto Jacob’s lips and he turned his attention to the rest of the officers. “Now, I trust everyone has had their objections to our deployment answered?” A tense silence followed, and Jacob nodded. “Good. We will deploy as soon as the crews are onboard and ready for departure. The courses have been transmitted to each ship, and I am sure you will be able to conduct various drills and exercises for training before we reach Tiredel. You are all dismissed.”
As the other officers left, Kenning directed a hateful glare at both him and Al-shira. Leon departed with a friendly nod, and the other officers who had attended the meeting also filed past without much of a response. Commander Flint, however, proved the exception. As Jacob and Al-shira paused near the entrance, the former commander of the Terrier stepped close. He met Jacob’s eyes with some difficulty, but he did so with a determined expression.
“Sir, if I could have a word.” The flat tone was still present, but Flint did not seem angry or frustrated as he once had been. Jacob nodded, reflecting that there was little chance the man could manage to infuriate him more than Kenning already had. They stepped away from where Al-shira was standing, and the commander spoke.
“Sir, I would like to apologize if my statements encouraged the disrespect Commander Kenning expressed for you. That was not the result I had intended.” The words came out rushed, still in his flat monotone, and Flint’s eyes remained filled with curious determination. In response, Jacob shook his head.
“Do not worry, Commander. I’m used to a small amount of adversity from my subordinates, even if Commander Kenning stepped over the line with his objections.” Something flickered in Flint’s expression, and Jacob felt a flush of embarrassment. “Not that I ever felt that way when you served under me, of course. Perhaps we didn’t always agree, but you always had the good of the ship and our duty as part of the Navy in mind.”
Flint inclined his head slightly. “I…did so far as I understood them, sir. Unfortunately, I subscribed to some fairly ridiculous attitudes when I served under you before.” The admission stunned Jacob, and he stared as Flint shrugged and continued. “Now, having seen the lengths some would go to in order to pursue those same attitudes, I have decided there is more to your manner of command than first met the eye. I wish to apologize, sir, not only for my unintended aid to Commander Kenning earlier, but also for the…friction…between us earlier. It should not have happened, and you deserved better from me—especially once you helped pull me off of Terrier before she died.” Flint’s uncharacteristic run of words ended, and he drew back. “That was all, sir. Thank you for your patience.”
Jacob started forward when Flint turned to leave. “Wait, Commander.”
Flint paused, his expression painfully uncertain, and Jacob hesitated over how to proceed.
“I appreciate your honesty, Commander. It has always been important I know I can trust you, and you’ve proved I can.” He paused, and his next words caught in his throat. “Our relationship before might have been strained, but you need to know something. The reason I placed you as commander of the Setter instead of Wolfhound has nothing to do with your competence or even with the bad feelings between us. It had more to do with your own progression as an officer. You couldn’t go any further as a flag officer.”
A puzzled look stole across Flint’s face. “Sir?”
Frustration filled Jacob, and he shook his head. “I’m sorry, I’m probably not explaining thi
s right. You spent most of your time with me on the bridge and in the commander’s seat.” A flash of familiar resentment crossed Flint’s face, followed by chagrin. Jacob half smiled. “Our squadron was never all that big to begin with, and I ended up commanding the ship far more than I liked. Meanwhile, you were stuck on the sidelines when you knew—when both of us knew—you were ready to command.”
“That’s why you’re on Setter. You needed your own ship, and I can trust you to reign in Kenning if I need you to.” Jacob shrugged. “Besides, I think you’ll do better for your own command than you ever would for mine, anyway.”
The edge of Flint’s mouth quirked as if the man was fighting the urge to smile. “I…see, sir. Perhaps you are right.”
“I hope so, Flint. You’ll get the chance to prove it when we get to Tiredel.” Jacob looked down, and then met the other commander’s eyes again. “And Commander…I’m sorry about Terrier.”
There was a sudden pause, and Flint looked away. His mouth worked for a moment, and he blinked a few times. Then he looked back and nodded. “Understood, sir. And I miss her too.” Flint extended his hand, and Jacob shook it. “We’ll do her proud, sir, and her crew will not have died in vain. I promise you.”
“I could expect nothing less, Commander Flint. Good luck in your new command, and good hunting.” Flint spun on his heel and made for the door, his stride quick and unburdened for the first time since Jacob had met the man. He stared after the retreating commander for a long moment, and then turned back to the seat he had left. Jacob came to a halt as the motion brought him face to face with Commander Naomi Al-shira.
He tried not to jump in surprise, and he was sure he more than half-succeeded. “Commander. How can I help you?”
Al-shira didn’t seem to hear the question quite the same way he had. “Is that why you made me flag captain on Wolfhound? Because I wasn’t ready for an independent command like Commander Flint was?” Her voice was pitched low and dangerous, and her dark eyes smoldered slightly. Jacob met her gaze steadily and folded his arms across his chest.
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