Redemption: Book 2 of Warner's World

by Dave O'Connor

  Ross was not only impeccably dressed but he held himself impeccably too, upright but not rigid. He was clean shaven and his blue eyes took in everything. He instinctively slicked back his black hair as he entered. ‘Too slick by half’ thought Dave. ‘How I hate salesmen’.

  Justine Falks was not in the same class. Her angular features and searching grey eyes were far too earnest. Her hair was pinned back severely, the taut light brown fibres mirroring her nature. There was little meat on her bones. She was as hard as nails.

  Dave led them to the lounge chairs where they sat down. Rihan emerged fully dressed and the introductions were repeated.

  “So what’s this all about?” asked Dave.

  “I am not sure if you are aware of the coverage you received back here from your recent exploits in the Orion sector” said Cmdr Ross. “Suffice to say it was substantial and a very good look for the Fleet. The word has got out that you are back on Polaris and we have been inundated with requests for interviews.”

  “I wonder how that word got out” said Dave. It was more a statement than a question and Ross was aware of his implication.

  “I’m not sure how but it’s out there now. I also understand you are going to have a wedding next week.”

  “You are well informed” chimed in Rihan.

  Ross let the comment go through to the keeper and continued on. “We would like to help you manage the media for the event.”

  “This is a private event” said Dave. “There is not going to be any media at the event for you to manage.”

  “With all due respects Sir” responded Justine Falks “I don’t think you realise that whether you like it or not the media will turn up. The Fleet has a vested interest to ensure that this is handled correctly.”

  Dave looked to Rihan and could see that she was not happy. He turned back to Ross. “This is a private affair and it will remain so. I don’t give a toss for your vested interest.”

  “Sir” said Ross “I understand where you are coming from but I am here under Rear Admiral Turnhout’s orders.”

  “I don’t care Commander whose orders you are under” said Dave. “I am on leave and this, as I said, will remain a private matter.” Dave stood up and added “Good day to you both.”

  Ross could see that Dave was not going to budge. He motioned to Justine and they stood to leave. “The Admiral’s not going to be happy.”

  “They rarely are” responded Dave and shut the door behind them.

  “Oh terrific” exclaimed an annoyed Rihan.

  Dave checked the time on the fridge display. “Max and Alecia will be here in a minute.”

  “What are we going to do about this PR business?”

  “Nothing, unless Turnhout gets stroppy about it.”

  “And he will by the sound of it.”

  “Well I’ll have to up the ante and take the matter up with Yomoto. A full Admiral trumps a Rear Admiral most days.”

  The chime rang. “Suite answer. Yes?” said Dave.

  “Dave my boy it’s your favourite uncle and aunt.”

  “Come on up Max.”

  When Dave opened the door his big smiling uncle gave him a hug. Max was not as tall as Dave, but he used to be. Age had taken its toll. Despite that he still had a swagger and an almost irrepressible positive nature.

  Alecia wore her good nature on her face. Her hair would have been grey but the blond streaks helped make her look younger. She wore a blouse and loose fitting slacks and craned her head as her eager green eyes sought out the future niece she had never met before.

  After hugs and introductions, Dave put on a coffee while Rihan was answering a series of question that had been waiting a long time to be answered. From the other side of the kitchen bench Dave watched the three of them talking. At first it was a little measured but Dave took his time with the preparations. When Dave brought over the cups the conversation was livelier. He went back to sort out the croissants. By the time he returned with them everyone was relaxed and Rihan was at her charming best.

  “Oh Dave you have scored” said Max.

  “I know” said Dave and he gave a reassuring smile to Rihan.

  “Pay no heed my dear” said Alecia “Max has no sensitivity at times. But he means well.”

  “What did I say?” asked a bewildered Max.

  “It’s all right” said Rihan “I have had far worse on Fleet ships.”

  “I’m sure you have” replied Alecia. “But you should expect better from family” and Alecia cut Max a disapproving look.

  “Alright, alright my apologies” said Max with an expression that was part guilty and part mischievous. Rihan thought that he must use that expression quite a bit.

  “OK” said Dave “we haven’t got that much time before Art and Sue arrive and then we have to be at Renata’s. So let’s focus on the wedding arrangements.”

  “Ah Renata’s” said Max. “You are going to have the reception there then?”

  “Yes we asked Tony last night.”

  “Do you think it’s going to be big enough?” asked Alecia.

  “It’ll be a squeeze” chimed in Rihan “but we’ll make it work.”

  They addressed who would be attending and tallied up the numbers.

  “Any news on Brennon?” asked Dave.

  “Nothing since the other day” answered Max. “But don’t worry he’ll be pulling out all the stops to get here.”

  “Where exactly is he?”

  “I really don’t know. He won’t tell us anything about that - claims he’d have to kill us if he did and all that security stuff.”

  “Alright let’s leave it” said Dave. “One other thing though Max. Apart from family, did you mention our wedding to anyone else, like Tony for instance?”

  Max looked upwards as if seeking divine guidance. “Yes I did mention it to Tony and to a few other friends Dave. That’s all.”

  “The media?”

  “No certainly not” replied Max with a bit of indignation.

  “Why what’s the matter Dave” asked Alecia.

  Dave explained the early morning call from Fleet PR and how he wanted to keep this private.

  “Private it shall be Dave” said Alecia. She looked across at Max and gave him the evil eye. He nodded his compliance.

  There was a knock at the door and Dave went over, checked the display and saw his best mate Art smiling at him. He opened the door.

  “How’s my fellow lamb” asked Art “ready for the slaughter ol’ buddy?”

  Art’s eyes were beaming. He had a big grin on his relaxed face. His strong right arm was outstretched and his other arm was supporting his fiancée, LCmd Sue Chalker.

  Dave grinned and shook his outstretched hand as Sue was shaking her head. “Ignore him Dave” she said and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She had let her hair grow since they left Chester in the Orion sector and it was now reaching her shoulders. It softened and enhanced her features. Dave had never seen her look so good.

  “Come on in” said Dave. “Max and Alecia are already here.”

  After the introductions Dave looked across to Rihan. She just looked back at him. He swallowed and knew there was no delaying the announcement. “Max, Alecia, we’re going to be having a double wedding with Art and Sue.”

  There was a moment or two of silence. “Didn’t see that one coming Dave” said Max.

  “Well it’s certainly going to be a squeeze then at Renata’s” said Alecia. Dave looked across to his aunt with an expression that said ‘thank you’. She gave him a smile.

  “Not so much of a squeeze really” said Sue “neither of us has any family and our friends are Dave and Rihan’s.”

  “What no family at all?” asked Max.

  “No” replied Sue “I’m an orphan Annie and Art’s would have disowned him if they hadn’t up and died first.” They all laughed.

  Chapter 6. Nova Vista 1430, 22 April

  “Enough” said Dave. “I’ve had enough of all these arrangements. Let’s take a
break and watch a movie or go for a swim, anything that doesn’t involve wedding arrangements.”

  Rihan leant over from her chair at the dining table and placed a reassuring hand on Dave’s. “Sure, I’m up for a swim.”

  “Blast. I don’t have any togs” said Dave as he just realised they too went down with the Hermes.

  “That didn’t stop you last time.”

  “Yeah but last time wasn’t downstairs in the public pool” and he gave a knowing look.

  “Movie then” said Rihan. They went over and sunk into their respective lounge chairs. “Suite. Movie mode.” The windows tinted to almost a complete blackout. The display activated on the central window bringing up a search engine for movies. “Romantic comedy?” But she could tell from Dave’s expression that this wasn’t what he fancied. “Something else then. Let’s see. Forget thrillers and murder mysteries.”

  “What’s wrong with a thriller?”

  “How about an adventure?” she asked ignoring his question. He nodded. “Hmm…it’s nice to have a consensus” said Rihan.

  He threw his head up and back a little with a weak smile as if to say ‘well of course’.

  She was scrolling down the list of adventure movies when Dave’s phone rang. He got up to fetch his phone and Rihan could see his expression change from one of tiredness to alert and then to anger.

  “I’m not going to agree to that Sir” said Dave.

  He was silent for a while then “You’ve got no right to do that.” Finally Dave terminated the call and his expression was one of disgust. He was fuming. Rihan knew this mood of his. He was like a sore bear and it was best to leave him while he cooled off. She looked at him without saying anything. He slapped down his open palm heavily on the kitchen bench, making a loud bang.

  “Can you believe this jerk?” fumed Dave. Rihan didn’t answer. “Turnhout says we have to agree to let his team manage the media for the event. It’s an ‘event’ to him not our wedding. Well I am not going to stand for that.”

  Dave called Admiral Yomoto and got his PA. She said the Admiral was in a meeting and she would let him know when he gets out. Dave hung up and Rihan could see that he was exasperated. She wanted to ask if that was a rejection but knew that Dave would have responded if it were. She assumed correctly that he didn’t get through to him.

  Dave sat down, then got back up and walked to the fridge. He took out a beer, opened it and took a good swig. He came back over to the chair and sat down, placing his beer on the side table. He hit the control to recline and extend the chair. He took a deep breath in and exhaled long. Then he leant back and turned to Rihan. “So what are we watching?”

  The last mummy was being slain by the hero when Dave’s phone rang. Rihan turned off the movie while Dave answered the phone. It was obviously the Admiral as Dave was in full swing explaining what had happened. She could see how Dave was a lot calmer now. He remained that way till the final ‘thank you Sir’.

  Dave put the phone down on the bench and said “he’s going to have a word with Turnhout.”

  “Good” is all Rihan said.

  Dave nodded, paused for a moment and then said with a smile “So what are we doing for dinner?”

  Chapter 7. Nova Vista 0930, 23 April

  Rihan was about to close the door behind her. She stuck her head back in and called out to Dave. “We’re off now honey.”

  “Right…behave yourselves now” responded Dave.

  “We always do” said Rihan and Sue together.

  Dave laughed to himself as he heard the door close. It was a sunny spring day outside and Dave had opened a window. But the air wasn’t that warm up here on the 41st floor. Despite that, he left it open. He wanted to savour the fresh air each and every day of his remaining leave here on a planet with atmosphere.

  He was trying to calculate how many days over the last two years he had spent in space when his phone rang.

  “Warner” he answered.

  “Funny, that’s my name” said the voice on the phone call.

  “Brennon?”

  “Who else you old fart. So you’re getting remarried Dave?”

  “Yes I am. Are you in town? Come over. We’d love to see you.”

  “Not so lucky I’m afraid. I’m up to my armpits in it here.”

  “And where is here Brennon?”

  “Can’t tell you Dave. You know the drill. But I’m ringing to let you know that I plan to be at your wedding next week come hell or high water.”

  “Thank you Brennon. That means a lot to me.”

  “I just have to come to see if it’s possible for an old bastard like you to find another woman prepared to put up with you. She’s still got all her marbles right?”

  “Oh I can’t wait for you to ask that to her face. She will eat you alive.”

  “Ah one of those. Anyway Dave I have to go. Make sure you keep a place for me right?”

  “Of course Brennon. I know just the place.”

  Brennon laughed. “Good one Dave. Bye for now.”

  ‘He can’t be that far away’ Dave thought as he placed the phone down. It rang again.

  “Warner” he answered.

  “Dave, I’ve had a chat to Turnhout” said Phil Yomoto. “He’s one difficult customer. But anyway I think I have convinced him of the need to lay off. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to side step me.”

  “I understand and thanks Sir.”

  “Look if it gets difficult I’ll invoke a media blackout on the grounds of operational security. I’d rather not come the heavy just yet. But let me know if you hear any more from him or his staff.”

  “Will do.”

  “So have you settled on the bride’s outfit yet?”

  “It’s a work in progress Sir, a work in progress. The brides to be are at this very moment knee deep in it.”

  “Good to hear Dave. I’ll see you.”

  No sooner had he put the phone down and there was a knock at the door. Dave just opened it, knowing that it would be Art and it was.

  “Come on Dave. We’re on a mission” said Art. As Dave came out and closed the door Art added “I still reckon braces and waist coats are the go.”

  “Enough with the braces, alright” said Dave.

  Chapter 8. Nova Vista 0820, 25 April

  “Gee” said Dave out loud as he heard the news report.

  “What is it honey?” asked Rihan from the bedroom where she was getting dressed, having slept in for the third day in a row.

  “Things are hotting up in the Far Reaches. Three rogan ships made a hit and run - destroyed a shuttle and an Alliance corvette on the deck at Niku.”

  Niku was the second biggest city on Beta Phi. It was where the initial rapprochement with the Alliance took place and they both had memories of Niku.

  Rihan came out while pulling up her slacks, craned her head to see the display as footage was showing the wreckage on the spaceport. They both found it concerning but both chose not to feed it. Rihan returned to the bedroom and Dave turned off the news.

  He followed Rihan into the bedroom. She was facing the mirror on top of the tallboy and trying to decide which earrings to wear. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, poking his head around to the right and smiling at her via the mirror. She smiled back and then her expression changed as if to say, ‘well which one?’

  “The green ones” he said. “Highlights your eyes – those beautiful eyes!” and he kissed her on the cheek. She craned her neck to the left and he planted another kiss into the nape of her exposed neck. She gave a sigh of appreciation and so he kissed her again this time gently sucking her skin. She moaned and his left hand cupped her left breast. She grabbed his right hand and forced it down to her groin.

  Dave loved it when she took the lead. It excited him and she could feel it. She turned to face him and they kissed strongly. She tugged at his polo shirt pulling it out of his trousers. He raised his arms and it was off in one fell move. The smile on her face indicated h
ow pleased she was with her effort. She pushed him at his shoulders with both her hands. He fell back onto the bed and she undid his belt and trousers. He couldn’t stop smiling as she pulled off his trousers leaving him just in his boxers.

  “I see the yardarm is at full mast” she proclaimed.

  “Just for you darling. Just for you.”

  Half an hour later they were each lying on their back, looking up at the ceiling, both content.

  “Isn’t this wonderful Dave?” said Rihan.

  “You’re wonderful, that’s for sure.”

  Rihan rolled towards him her breasts touching his chest and she gave him a peck on the cheek. “It’s so blissful right now. I don’t want it to end.”

  “Neither do I.”

  She cuddled into him and closed her eyes. ‘But it will end all too soon’ she said to herself.

  Dave felt her body against his and stroked her head gently. ‘The thing is to always remember these moments’ he said to himself. ‘They are the rasa of life.’ He kissed her softly before closing his eyes.

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  The story continues.

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  Table of Contents

  Prologue. Hermes in warp to Chelora 1430, 20 June 2512

  Part 1 Resolve

  Chapter 1. Hermes 0955, 21 June 2512

  Chapter 2. Hermes 1000, 21 June

  Chapter 3. Hermes 0700, 22 June

  Chapter 4. Hermes 0800, 22 June

  Chapter 5. Hermes 0920, 22 June

  Chapter 6. Chelora 0926, 22 June

  Chapter 7. Klaster 2350, 22 June

  Chapter 8. Hermes over Doban 1110, 25 June

  Chapter 9. Hermes over Doban 1240, 25 June

  Part 2 Downfall

  Chapter 1. Hermes over Doban 1500, 25 June