Matt came into Rihan’s office beaming. “It’s official” he said.
“When?”
“He departs on the 12th . The new commander arrives on the 19th”
“That’s wonderful news” said Rihan. “Who’s replacing him?”
“Newly appointed Vice Admiral Rose McCubbin.”
“Did she command the Tiger Ready Reaction Group?”
“One and the same. She’s a real fighter.” The smile on Matt’s face said it all. “I don’t normally imbibe at such an hour but I reckon this calls for a little celebration.”
“It sure does” said Rihan and she could feel the joy rising within.
Chapter 17. Chester 1030, 20 December
“We’re meeting in the briefing room” said Matt as he poked his head into Rihan’s office. The new commander had spent the first hour in a briefing session and the next with Matt. Now it was time for the rest of the staff officers at the HQ.
Rihan sensed the enthusiasm in the room as she took her seat. All there were hoping for a new broom and Rose McCubbin did not disappoint. She was not an imposing figure. She was short and trim with brown hair, cut in a bob that matched her brown eyes. She moved quickly and was a high tempo person.
After the first half hour Rihan could see that she was a real dynamo. She overturned the previous commander’s policy on pursuits and ordered that a special intelligence unit be set up to target the pirates.
“I understand we have a top operative wasting away on escort duties by the name of Simons” said McCubbin. “I want him reassigned. I want him to go undercover in the Betelgeuse system and find out where these pirates are operating from.”
She also ordered that a ready reaction group be set up comprising the Chicago and two frigates.
“I want the Hermes to be one of these” stated McCubbin. She purposely focussed on Rihan. Rihan stared back poker faced. “I hear from Admiral Yomoto that he’s a real warrior. Is that the case Commander Kabel?”
Rihan could see that the new Admiral had done her homework so there was no point in trying to play it straight any more. “Yes Sir. He is that.”
Rose McCubbin smiled warmly. “Good we’re in need of warriors. Who’s the most aggressive of the other five frigate commanders?”
Chapter 18. Chester 1430, 21 December
Rihan met Sue as she came through the Bay doors at the terminal. She gave Sue a hug and grabbed her arm. Sue was delighted to see Rihan so happy. “You’re looking very pleased.”
“And so will you be.”
“Yes…go on” said an intrigued Sue.
“We have a new sector commander and she’s changing everything. Now let me fill you in on all the goss.”
Twenty minutes later Rihan took another sip of her coffee and saw that Sue looked a little concerned. “What’s the matter?”
“Oh I’m really pleased that we can spend Xmas together and all that but I’m not sure Art wants to go back to the spying game” said Sue.
Rihan nodded. “Look Sue he’s been absolutely miserable these last months while you’ve been away. Most of that is down to him missing you. But there’s a sizeable part of him that hates escort work.”
“I thought he got his watch certificate.”
“He did but it doesn’t really satisfy him. Dave’s tried hard to get him interested in ship duties but let’s face it he’s probably too bright to be satisfied with routine tasks. And escort work, where there is no action, is deadly dull.”
“Yes I understand that but after Tindel he just wanted out of spying. He was afraid of what he would become if he stayed doing it any longer. I’m worried for him too but also I don’t want to lose him Rihan. I would rather he be safe and bored.”
“Really?” said a surprised Rihan. “That’s not the Chalker I know.”
“Well I didn’t have something precious to lose back then.”
After a minute’s pause Sue asked “Aren’t you worried about losing Dave. He’s going to be in harm’s way again in this new role.”
“Yes but I know it won’t do any good. Besides he’s a warrior at heart. So is Art.”
“That’s just a role Rihan. We can all perform different roles.”
“Yes but some roles fulfil us and make us happy while others don’t. Better to have a happy partner than a miserable one I say.”
Sue pondered in silence while Rihan finished her coffee.
Chapter 19. Chester 1640, 22 December
The Hermes arrived back at midday but it wasn’t until 1500 that Dave, Aubrey and Art began what they thought would be the usual debriefing session. It proved to be anything but.
After the new orders were issued and questions answered, Rose McCubbin said “I think that’s everything for now.” Her subordinates stood up and started filing out of the briefing room. She could see that Dave looked as pleased as punch. She called out to him “Commander Warner could I have a word in private please.”
“I’ll wait for you in my office” said Rihan from across the table.
Matt closed the door behind him leaving Rose and Dave alone at the big table.
“You’ve quite a record Commander?”
“Yes Maam” said Dave.
“Mostly good…some brilliant and some…disappointing?”
“Yes Maam.”
“I have read the court orders relating to you along with the various communications from interested parties. They paint, how should I put it, rather contradictory pictures.” She paused to gauge Dave’s reaction. But he wasn’t giving anything away so she continued. “I had a chat with your old boss Phil Yomoto before I left Polaris.” Dave just nodded. “Do you know what he said to me about you?” Dave just shrugged. “He told me that you were the best frigate commander we had in the Fleet…In the Fleet…high praise isn’t it?”
“Yes Maam” said Dave feeling a little less on guard.
“He also said that you were a fool, Commander.” She paused again to let it sink in. “An unlucky fool for getting LCmd Apell killed. Do you agree with that assessment?”
“Not exactly Maam. I would just say I was a fool. Luck didn’t play much part in it.”
“Fair enough. Look we need warriors to clear up this mess. Your fiancé assures me that you are one and Yomoto thinks you are up to it. But we need smart warriors. We can’t afford fools. Is that understood Commander?”
“Yes Maam.”
Rose smiled reassuringly “Alright that’s all. Have a good Xmas break and I’ll see you back here ready for business in the new year.”
“Thank you Maam and a merry Xmas to you too.”
Chapter 20. Chester 1650, 22 December
When Sue saw Art come out of the Briefing room she felt no inhibition and ran to him. His face was already smiling but now he was beaming. They hugged and she kissed him fully. Her tongue penetrated and pushed hard till he responded likewise.
Rihan looked on and felt happy for them both. Matt raised his eyebrows with a smile on his face as he brought up the rear of the column past the embracing couple. “Best leave them to it” he said as he shepherded Rihan down the corridor.
“That was the best welcome I have ever had” said Art.
“No it’s not” said Sue. “Let’s get out of here and I’ll give you the best welcome you’ve ever had.”
Art couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. He grabbed her outstretched hand as she led him away.
Chapter 21. Chester 0920, 23 December
Sue juggled the tray with their breakfast in her right hand as she opened the bedroom door with her left. She pushed the door open with her toe and entered the boudoir. Her light brown hair matched the colour of the tray but it wasn’t that that Art was admiring. “You haven’t a stich on” he said.
“It only gets in the way” she said as she leant forward to set the tray down on his lap. She could see that his focus was not on the tray.
He took hold of the tray and placed it on the side table. “You’re right. It only gets in the way.” He took
her hand and pulled her to him.
She flung off the sheet with her other hand and cast her eyes over his naked body. “Now that’s something that could get in the way” she said with a grin as she jumped on top of him.
Fifteen minutes later as they ate their breakfast Sue said “I thought you wanted out of the spying business.”
“Yeah I did” said Art “but I can’t stand being cooped up in that ship any longer. I’m so bored of it. I think I’d go crazy if I have to keep at it.” There was a pause for a few moments. Art added “Look darling, with a bit of luck we’ll get this situation sorted and serve out our court order and then we can do something completely different.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I could join the diplomatic core. Pious had said he would put in a good word for me when I mentioned this option to him back on Klaster.”
“You didn’t tell me that.”
“It was just something that came up. Frankly I didn’t give it much thought at the time but Pious thought it might be a good career move for me.”
“I think it’s a great idea. Far less dangerous. But wouldn’t you get bored doing that also?”
“Don’t know till you try it. And don’t worry about this Betelgeuse mission. I’ll be keeping a low profile. There will be no heroics from me. I’m only a hero in the sack” he added with a cheeky smile.
“Well you’re my hero anyway.”
Chapter 22. Chester 0210, 24 December
“Run” screamed out Dave. “Run.” He shot bolt upright sweat pouring off his brow. He was breathing fast. He looked around in the dark of their bedroom. Rihan put her arm around him and was whispering something to him but he couldn’t make it out. His focus was back in his dream state. The tone of Rihan’s voice soothed his nerve and he lay back down and fell back to sleep.
Chapter 23. Chester 0720, 24 December
Rihan was being pulled out of meditation. ‘What is that’ she thought. She opened her eyes and turned to the source of the disturbance – her meditation partner. Dave was pulling out another tissue and wiping away more tears. She put her arm around him to comfort him. It did. He regained his composure, closed his eyes and repeated the mantra.
Over breakfast Rihan asked “What was that Dave and last night?”
“Last night?”
“Yeah you had a nightmare. Don’t you remember? You shot upright and yelled out at the top of voice ‘Run’.”
“I did? … Oh Yeah, I did. Well it must have been the same as the vision I just had in meditation.”
“Well go on.”
“I was the witness. It was back on New Hamersley. I could see Amy in the living room of our old apartment. The kids were asleep. Then I saw the flash through the windows. I started yelling out for them to run but they couldn’t hear me. I just panicked. It was so sad and I felt so powerless.”
Rihan got up from her chair and went over and gave Dave a hug.
“You know I really miss the kids. Gee, John would have been eight next week.” He looked around for a tissue to wipe away the tear that was flowing down his cheek.
Chapter 24. Chester 1900, 24 December
Hose Romerez, the owner and maître de of El Dorado’s nodded as he welcomed the arriving guests. He directed them down to the large table where Dave, Rihan, Art and Sue were already seated. Ivan, Aubrey and Crystal had brought along partners. Mary, Chase and Val were unaccompanied.
After the introductions and the entrées Dave tapped his glass and the talking subsided. “I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight. There’s a saying in the service that Xmas is for families but I regard you all as my family so I’m really pleased to be sharing this time with you. Merry Xmas everyone!”
The Spanish guitar played intermittently with the Xmas tunes. The wine flowed, the tapas came and was devoured, the conversations continued and merriment reigned.
Dave found himself looking down from the head of the table at his officers and friends. Rihan was laughing at a joke Sue had just made at Art’s expense. Ivan was explaining something that Chase had said to his partner. Aubrey’s partner, who worked in the mining sector, only had eyes for her. He was whispering something to her and Aubrey was laughing. She was the most relaxed he had ever seen her.
Val and Mary were strumming their plates with their cutlery in time to the ‘little drummer boy’ enjoying their karaoke. Crystal had really loosened up. Normally the quiet, serious one she had become loquacious as the dinner progressed. Her partner was Silvio, a young intern from the local hospital. He was smitten.
“What do you think darling?” asked Rihan bringing Dave’s focus back to the top end of the table.
The deserts were being devoured as each guest had to say what they wanted for Xmas. Being the newest officer, Crystal was last. She swallowed the remainder of her desert wine, tilted her head back so her long glistening black hair draped down her back and with her eyes to the ceiling announced “I want to get laid and then I want to kick some pirate arse.”
Well this brought the table to an uproar. Silvio at first blushed and then was in a state of shock. Mary who was beside him said “Looks like your lucky night.”
“I want to change my wish” yelled out Ivan and his partner whispered something in his ear which brought a big grin to his face.
Part 4
Strive
I strive to do what’s right
Take a ship out into the night
To thwart villainy and deceit
To prevail and not retreat
If the stakes rise may I hold my nerve
May I stay the course and do not swerve
If the cost of endeavour should be so dear
I pray your grace and salvation is near
Chapter 1. Chester 0930, 25 December
They had just finished a light breakfast. Dave was stacking the plates in the dishwasher. Rihan smacked his backside as he bent over to organise the plates. “Present opening time” she said. He tried to protest but she took him by the hand and led him over to the couch. With a flourish of her hand she said “You first.”
While she reclined on the couch he took the biggest present from the base of their small tree. With feigned surprise he said “It’s for you!”
She beamed and tore at the ribbon and paper. “Gee you’re brutal” said Dave.
“Well I don’t want you reusing it next year” she said without taking her focus away from the task at hand. “Ah huh!” she exclaimed triumphantly. “I knew it” and she pulled out a winter coat with fur collar. She stood and put it on. “It isn’t real is it?” she asked referring to the fur.
“Of course it is” said Dave feigning indignation. “Genuine oxmot from the forests of Pegwan.”
“Noooo” said Rihan as she rubbed the fur against her cheek. “How could you?”
Dave smiled. “Just kidding. It’s not oxmot but it is real fur, possum from New Zealand.”
“Oh I would love to go to New Zealand Dave.” She leaned over to where Dave was sitting and gave him a big kiss on the forehead. “My turn” she announced. She took an envelope from the tree and handed it to Dave.
“You get a huge present first off and I get this?” he asked. She ignored his taunt. “Just open it.”
He read the words written on the card inside and his eyes began to water. “Are you sure?” he asked.
“Positive” she replied.
He got up from his chair and bending over her reclined form on the lounge said “I love you.”
She put her arms around his neck and said “We better get cracking then.”
“You are one wicked woman Rihan Kabel.”
She pulled him closer and he dropped the card as she kissed him. Her knee came up searching for his groin. “I know but that’s the way you like it. Isn’t it?”
With his head he dived down into her bosom leaving the card exposed on the floor with the words “Let’s have kids.”
Chapter 2. Chester 2239, 27 December
&nbs
p; Sue was lying on her back in bed. Art was falling asleep after making love. She poked him gently. He raised his nearest eyelid slowly and mumbled “You gotta be kidding.”
“No silly” she said as she turned on her side to face him. She wrapped her arm across his chest and cuddled into him. “When do you reckon we can have our wedding?”
Art smiled without opening his eyes. “You know that won’t get you out of going back to Fulmar.”
She lightly slapped his cheek with the hand that was caressing his chest. “I know but I would like to get hitched sooner than later.”
“I’m all for it darling but you better clear it with the Ambassador, the Admiral, ops and personnel.”
“You’re not being that helpful darling” and she gently slapped his cheek again.
“The best we can do is propose a date and apply for leave. But remember we’re stuck here in this sector for another year.”
“I don’t want to wait that long. You don’t seem all that keen darling” and she slapped his cheek again though a smidge harder.
“Are you going to keep assaulting me like this?”
“Until I get the answer I’m looking for.”
“OK let’s aim for May. I like a spring wedding. Is that what you’re looking for?”
She swung her leg over him and was now mounted on top of him. Her breasts were gently rubbing his chest. “Yes that’s more like it” she said “though I think Oliver wants some more, don’t you?”
Chapter 3. Chester 1400, 28 December
Rihan could tell that Sue was bursting to say something. Dave and Art were still in the showers. Well they had only just gone in after waiting for what they agreed was an eternity for the girls to come out. Rihan picked up the rackets from the chair and tried unsuccessfully to stand them up against the wall. They clanged as they hit the floor drawing attention from the other patrons in the lounge.
Redemption: Book 2 of Warner's World Page 18