by Nate Johnson
Her father studied her for a long moment, then his shoulders slumped in defeat. “I do understand, Nora,” he said, hesitating a minute. “What if I could do something? Would you be willing to forget this man? To live the life your mother and I hoped for you?”
Nora didn’t hesitate. “No,” she said. “Not because I expect anything to happen between Erik and I. He despises me and will never forgive me. What is more, he’d never be happy in your world. I’m saying, ‘no,’ because it would be a lie. I will never be able to stop loving him. I won’t negotiate with you father. You will see that he is exonerated. It is the right thing, and if you have any honor, you will do what needs to be done. If not, then I don’t want to be your daughter.”
With that, she got up from her chair and marched from her father’s study, her back straight, and her heart racing faster than a starship.
Chapter Twenty
Petty Officer Second Class, Erik Tanner, looked at all the briefcases on the tables in the court room and shook his head. Brass, he thought. You had to love them because it was against regulations to shot them.
There were enough lawyers in the room to staff a three-year-old’s birthday party with a dozen clowns.
Shaking his head, he reached under his collar and pulled. The damn dress uniform was trying to choke him. It had been squeezing his neck for the last two weeks.
This was it, he thought, as he looked up at the clock on the wall. He would know his fate within a few minutes.
Glancing over his shoulder, he studied the audience. Three dozen media types from across the galaxy. Great, his two favorite people. Reporters and lawyers trained liars each of them. Like vultures on a fence, waiting to pick over the carcass.
His eyes traveled across the crowd, then halted in shock. Nora, in the far back. She smiled at him weakly and gave him a nod of support. His heart skipped a beat. Why was she here? Was it to see him humiliated? No, that wasn’t like her.
She looked as beautiful as ever. Her hair pulled back. A conservative dress. Prim, proper, nothing like the lioness who had wielded a spear so well. He wondered how she was doing with the transition back to normal life. She looked well, healthy, and sane. Was she having nightmares like he did? Did she wake up at night with Yarks charging her?
“All rise,” a Marine Sargent in the corner said, his voice booming through the room. “The forty-sixth Imperial Navy Board of Inquiry is now in session.”
Erik tore his eyes away from Nora and stood to face the court. Two Naval Captains, a Marine Colonel, and finally, Admiral Harris himself, entered the room and took their seats at the front of the room.
The crowd behind him mumbled and stirred until Admiral Harris looked up from his device. His glare let them know they had better shut up and settle down, or he’d see them all parked on a distant star.
The quiet was worse, Erik thought, as the tension began to build inside of him.
The Admiral continued to study his screen, the other officers looked on stoically. Erik couldn’t get a read on them. They could be getting ready to send him to the gallows or finish that report on how much ice cream the officer's mess needed. There wasn’t any indication.
His stomach turned over.
At last, Admiral Harris raised his head.
“This Board of Inquiry was empaneled to investigate the destruction of the Imperial Starship Intrepid, and to investigate the actions of its survivors. We were instructed to make findings of fact and any recommendations for future actions such as Court Martials, Allotment of Shares, and Changes in Naval policy and or processes.”
God, Erik thought, the man’s sounds serious.
“As such,” the Admiral continued, “this board has reviewed all statements by the witnesses, the interviews of the survivors. We have sought out engineering expertise from the yards and designers of the vessel. We have examined the physical evidence obtained by the Star Cruiser Hanover. Both of the readings in space and the examination of the shuttle, Intrepid One.
The mentioning of his shuttle made Erik’s throat tighten up. He missed her.
“As a result of our examination, we submit the following.”
Erik held his breath. Hell, everyone was holding their breath. He quickly turned and glanced back at Nora, but her eyes were on the judge. Her lips were drawn in a tight line. She looks worried, he thought, as if what happened to him mattered.
The court door opened, and her father stepped in. He sat down next to her and looked straight ahead. Nora glanced at him, but didn’t smile. Erik wondered what that was all about.
“Finding of fact one,” Admiral Harris said, bringing him back to focusing on the proceedings of the day. “The ISS Intrepid did succumb to an unknown engineering failure. The result of this engineering failure caused the complete destruction of the vessel. Similar failures have occurred elsewhere. It is the recommendations of this board that a detailed study be conducted of the Higgs Field generator so that we might identify this reoccurring failure.”
A general murmur went up from the reporters behind him.
“Finding of fact two,” the Admiral continued, “we find that the crew of the ISS Intrepid were not at fault for this failure. In addition, we believe the crew acted heroically to try and save their vessel. It is the recommendation of this board that each crewman who remained on the vessel be recognized for gallantry and be awarded the appropriate recognition.”
“On a side note,” the Admiral said, breaking from his prepared remarks, “my staff will submit the necessary paperwork to the Imperial staff for the awards.
“Finding of fact three,” he continued as he returned to reading, “we find that Captain Freeborn acted correctly in dispatching his passengers away from the vessel. It was his quick thinking that saved so many lives.”
Erik's shoulders relaxed, they weren’t going to try and hang this on the crew.
“Finding of fact four, we find that Petty Officer Tanner acted correctly when he chose to depart orbit and land on the planet Intrepid. The physical evidence confirms the witness reports. He had no other choice but to land. In addition, we the court, find that Petty Officer Tanner performed admirably in bringing the vessel down. Few pilots could have done so.”
Erik stiffened. At least they’d said something nice, but really, it was the actions on the planet that were in question.
“Finding of fact Five, we find that the unfortunate deaths of Professor Creshington and James Pine were not caused by negligence. A careful examination of the evidence can find no fault with any actions taken by Petty Officer Tanner or anyone else in the landing party.
Erik relaxed. This was the one he had worried about the most. They could throw the book at him for the assault on Combs, he’d only get six years. Hell, he could do six years. But, knowing that they didn’t think that Creshington or James were his fault set his soul to rest. He could handle anything except that.
“Finding of fact six, we find that the accusation of assault against Petty Officer Tanner is not justified ...”
A gasp went up from the crowd.
The Admiral ignored it and continued on, “we find, that Petty Officer Tanner took the necessary action to insure compliance with Navy regulations. And, I might add, we find that Petty Officer Tanner is to be commended. I will add,” the Admiral said, looking directly at Erik, “that Sargent Major Jefferson, of the Imperial Marines, asked me to inform you that you can serve on his squad at any time, he was rather impressed. And, the Sargent Major is not easily impressed.”
Erik still couldn’t believe it. He wasn’t going to be charged with assault. They didn’t blame him for the deaths. He turned quickly to see Nora and her father quietly leaving the room. Why? What was wrong now? Were they disappointed? His heart was torn in two directions.
“In addition,” the Admiral said loudly, bringing the room back under control, “we the Board, believe that full shares should be awarded to the discoverers of the planet Intrepid. This distribution to include the families of the deceased crew. W
e also find, that as the first person to actually walk on Intrepid, by tradition, Petty Officer Tanner will be awarded the first choice of share.
Erik sat back, unable to process everything he was being told.
“Finally,” the Admiral said, looking up from his report to stare at Erik, “we find that Petty Officer Tanner acted in the highest tradition of the Imperial Navy. And, that his actions merit the awarding of the Empires highest honor, the Imperial Cross. I will personally walk the paperwork through, I can assure you.”
“And, with that, this Board is adjourned,” the Admiral said, as he brought the gavel down.
The military personnel jumped to attention. The rest of the room erupted into a bee hive of activity. Reporters rushing from the room. Lawyers stuffing their briefcases. Erik didn’t know what to do.
His mind raced, he felt as if he’d been plowed over by a large Yark. What now? They hadn’t said anything about his next ship. Would he get one? Would he get any say in the matter? Anything, as long as it wasn’t one of those damn cruisers. The ships were so big, he’d have a dozen bosses, all of them dumber than dirt.
Glancing up, he caught sight of Admiral Harris studying him for a long moment. The Admiral hadn’t moved since adjourning the board. He slowly lifted a hand, then crooked a finger, summoning the young Petty Officer. Erik’s stomach tightened up into a ball. This could not be good.
The Admiral slowly leaned forward as Erik approached.
“You and I need to talk,” the Admiral said. Erik tried not to gulp too much air. Jesus, this couldn’t be good.
He followed the Admiral into a side room and stood at attention, waiting for the boom to be lowered.
The Admiral slowly closed the door before turning to face him. The man’s eyes didn’t look happy.
“First off, Tanner, I couldn’t say this until the Inquiry was finished. But, I wanted to tell you personally that I am very proud of you. I couldn’t have asked for more from one of my men. You performed admirably. Those kids wouldn’t be alive today without you. They and all of their decedents owe their very existence to you.”
Erik swallowed hard. “But? Sir,” he asked. “A statement like that is always followed by a but…”
The Admiral laughed, “You know the Navy too well,” he said. Then, pausing for a long moment, he gave a heavy sigh, and said, “But ... You can’t stay in the Navy.”
Erik’s world fell from beneath him. He thought he had won. Why? This wasn’t fair. The only thing he had left was the Navy. He had lost the only friends he ever had. He’d lost the only woman he would ever love. Now, to lose the Navy. It was too much.
“Why, Sir?” he asked.
“Financial hardship,” the Admiral said. “I don’t know if you realize this, Tanner, but you are a rich man. A very rich man. With the first selection on a brand new planet. You’ll have companies and worlds lining up to buy it. The Navy doesn’t like rich men. We can’t control them. They’re always off worrying about their money.”
“But, Sir.”
“No, Tanner. Besides. It would never be the way you remember it. You’ll never fit in with the crew. Not like you used to. You’ll be rich, famous, and a winner of the Imperial Cross. You’d never fit in.”
“I could give the share away,” Erik said, as he desperately fought to find a solution. “Give it to the Old Spacer’s Foundation. Something, anything.”
The Admiral slowly shook his head. “It wouldn’t work, Tanner. Besides, the Minister of Defense doesn’t want you in the Navy.”
Erik’s shoulder’s slumped in defeat.
“If it had been just the money, you could have fought. I doubt you would have won, but you could have tried. With the Duke of Lexington not wanting you, you don’t have a chance in hell.”
“I understand,” Erik said, as he looked down at the floor. Everything gone. Every dream, every hope of happiness gone. An empty numbness settled over him. What now?
A knock at the door barely registered, as his mind tried to figure out a solution.
“Speaking of which,” the Admiral said, as he reached to open the door.
Erik looked up as Nora’s father stepped into the room.
Erik instinctively jumped to attention. His mind might be numb, but old habits die hard.
“Petty Officer Tanner, it is nice to finally meet you,” the Duke said, as he held out his hand.
Swallowing hard, Erik took the hand and said, “Yes, Sir.” What else could he say?
“I wanted to personally thank you for saving my daughter's life. On more than one occasion, she tells me.”
“Yes, Sir, I mean of course, Sir. She saved mine in more ways than one.”
The Duke of Lexington studied him for a long moment, his eyes bore into him, as if trying to pull the truth from him. Almost like he wanted to know everything of importance about this man. At last, he slowly nodded his head, as if he had come to some kind of decision.
“Tell me, Petty Officer Tanner. What is your relationship with my daughter?”
Erik balked, what was the man asking? “I don’t know what you mean, Sir. We never ... I mean I can assure you that we ...”
“No, Tanner,” the Defense Minister said. “I know nothing happened physically between you. Nothing more than a kiss, my daughter said. No, I mean, your emotional relationship. What do you think of my daughter?”
A cold shiver ran down Erik’s back, where was this going? The man had already decided to kick him out of the Navy. Wasn’t that enough? What more did he want? Was he trying to figure out some way to string him up in the Imperial Courtyard?
Erik frowned, “I love her, Sir, I always will.”
“Yet, you were willing to leave her, to go back to the Navy and leave my daughter heartbroken.”
A deep confusion engulfed Erik. “No, Sir, of course not. We never really discussed it, Sir. But, I would never take her away from her world. I couldn’t give her the things she needs and wants. Besides. I don’t think she ever really thought of me that way. Not really.”
The Duke studied him for a long moment, then shook his head.
“Young people, these days, Patrick,” the Duke said to Admiral Harris. “Please ask my daughter to come in.”
Erik’s heart began to race, what was going on? Was Nora in trouble? Why? What did he need to do to fix it?
Nora came into the room, shooting both her father and the Admiral dirty looks. She turned and smiled to Erik, obviously trying to reassure him.
“Patrick, we have a problem. We have two young people without the brains God gave to a Valdorian chipmunk.”
“Yes, Sir,” the Admiral said while trying to hide a slight smile.
“They are both of age, both richer than Midas, and both unencumbered by obligation to others. Or, at least soon will be, when the Navy can process the paperwork on this one,” he said, indicating Erik.
“Yes, Sir,” the Admiral said, “and I can push that paperwork through rather quickly, Sir. I know just the right Yeoman to do it.”
“I bet you do. Anyway, we have two people, madly in love. Two people that I admire greatly. A young man I would be happy to be the father of my grandchildren. A daughter that would make any father proud. Regardless, of what she did with her life. Yet, they don’t seem to want to do anything about it. Not a thing in their way. But, they won’t act on it. What is it about young people these days?”
Erik looked at Nora. Her face had gone beet red, as she stared at her father in disbelief at the way he was embarrassing her.
“I know,” Admiral Harris said. “It’s a shame they don’t have somewhere to live. Some world to conquer together. Just imagine what kind of life that would be. Settling a new world. A life of discovery and meaning.”
Erik swallowed hard as his universe swirled around his head.
“Yes, a shame,” the Admiral said, a large smile on his face. “And, to think I am sending a survey ship to a just such a new world next month. It is called Intrepid, discovered by a hardy group only last
year.”
Erik looked at Nora, she looked back, her eyes searching his.
The Defense Minister looked at his daughter and shook his head. “You know Patrick,” he said. “If I was young, rich, famous, I’d jump at the chance to go explore a new world. I’d get married first of course, wouldn’t want to upset my mother. But, after that, I’d go and never look back.”
Erik stared into Nora’s soul. He wanted her. He wanted to be with her. He desperately wanted her next to him, as they discovered new things together. He raised an eyebrow, and she jumped into his arms.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“I’ve never been surer of anything,” she said.
Erik’s lips found hers. To hell with her father. To hell with Admirals. This was his woman. His love.
After a long, wonderful moment, she pulled back and stared up into his eyes. “I love you,” she said.
“I love you, too,” he said with a very large grin on his face.
“Let’s go build a new world together,” she said, as she lay her head on his chest.
Epilogue
Nora stood next to Erik and looked out over the green valley. She rested a hand on her stomach. She hadn’t told him, yet. But, she would soon.
He smiled down at her then pointed to the left. “We’ll put the house there. On that bluff,” he said. “We can put the fields to the right. The team says that both corn and wheat will do fine there.”
“What about the Yarks, the Kairns, the Jacks? What about them?” Nora asked with concern. “I don’t want to ruin their world making our own.
“Honey,” he said. “We own a big chunk of this world. More than enough to share. That is the beauty of it. We control so much we can make sure that it isn’t disturbed or ruined. Six generations from now. I want our great grandchildren to be able to watch the herds make their migration. I want them to be able to fish the streams and see the night sky. It is our job to set the systems in place. To lay the values of conservation. Heaven knows the Empire won’t. But, we will be here, on the ground. Protecting this world.”