Dust Bunny (Rust Bucket Universe)

by Atk. Butterfly

  The first of the new warships were coming out of the shipyards as well. Admiral Oden inspected them with Admirals Wund, Kruler, and several other officers.

  "That's what we're going to need as part of our force," said Dave.

  "There's more?" asked Benz.

  "Plenty more. I had the salvage people stop cutting up the Malakin warships that could be restored. We're going to use them in several ways as well. The ones that are in real good condition are going to be used as decoys and transports to confuse the enemy," said Dave.

  "What about the one's that aren't?" asked Nicky.

  "You ever read about how the English attacked the Spanish Armada?" asked Dave.

  "Yes, but I don't see the similarities here," said Nicky.

  "First, like the English, we're outnumbered. Second, we have better ships, though only slightly better. Still we have the edge where it counts, in maneuverability and speed, just like the English. But the English didn't use just those to defeat the Spanish. They fire bombed the Armada while it was anchored during the night to disrupt them and cause significant early losses to the Armada. We're going to do something similar to that," replied Dave.

  "Hmmm," said Nicky, "it could work. Laden them up with explosives. Then have them crash land at the secret bases by remote control. That could just work."

  "That too, Nicky, though I was thinking of using them against their formations and not just their bases. So, now we've got two uses for the worst condition Malakin ships. Then we're going to pull a Trojan Horse as well," replied Dave.

  "Put our people in Malakin ships and attack their formations? Isn't that going to be risky, even with responders for our people to keep from shooting each other?" asked Kyle.

  "Not quite like that. We're going to hide some of our ships inside the worst damaged Malakin ships and try to sneak them inside to within point blank range. The Union ships will trigger a device that our engineers are working on now to shed the outer skins. When the outer skins fall away, they'll blast away at the real Malakin warships. That way, they'll have their speed and maneuverability restored since they'll need those if they're to even have an even chance. The shipyards aren't going to do too much repair work to the damage those hulks already have. That way the enemy might be fooled into thinking that their ships aren't responding because of battle damage. We all know that happens all the time in battle," Dave answered.

  ***

  It was almost another month later before the second reconnaissance mission finally launched its attack on the Malakin worlds. First, it sowed thousands of tiny sensors that floated about inside trillions of cubic kilometers of space in all directions from the enemy home worlds. It took time to seed the sensors so that there would be very complete coverage. Then the reconnaissance mission attacked two of the home worlds only long enough for the Malakin forces to be alerted and respond to what appeared to be a major attack. Wasting no time, the Union ships sped off as soon as they confirmed that a huge force of enemy warships was on the way. The three Malakin warships protecting each home world were the only targets confirmed destroyed since the Union warships had little time to bombard the surfaces.

  The Union force made its escape into deep space, hoping to draw off some of the defenders. The Malakins, however, showed that they were both smart and flexible by refusing to chase such a small force.

  ***

  Dave looked at the results of the reconnaissance mission and the latest report from them indicating that they weren't pursued.

  "We've got to beat them soon," said Dave, "or they'll evolve completely out of their enchantment with threes and into some real tactics and strategy. If they do, we'll be extremely hard pressed. Once that happens, they'll be attacking every planet in the Union and from any direction they can reach. If I knew where their military headquarters was at, I'd hit it now just to eliminate anyone they have with half as much tactical sense as anyone we have here in this room."

  Admiral Nick nodded and said, "Are you going to use the new temporary officers on the new ships?"

  Dave answered, "I think we should spread them out. I don't know yet if they'll compare well with what the Academy produces despite knowing that some of our finest trainers were used to teach them. The new officers simply haven't had the same degree of physical conditioning nor the depth of all around training. I would prefer that no ship have more than ten percent of these temporary officers on board. That's for everyone's benefit who's involved. I'm sure that some of them will measure up, but I'm just as sure that a few of them won't."

  ***

  "You there! Where's your damn uniform?" the new ensign shouted at a woman as he stepped inside his assigned ship for the first time.

  Captain Gail Gott turned and looked at him sharply and replied, "You better remember your place, mister, before you start hollering at senior officers. I'm Captain Gott, commander of this ship. In answer to your question, in case you haven't heard, the Navy is adopting the Universal Rights Bill to its fullest application. We're to demonstrate to the outer planets that the Union is serious about the Universal Rights being implemented to their fullest when the war is over. Now would you mind reporting to your ship's captain before she decides to kick your ass off this ship?"

  The ensign, already blushing over his embarrassment from both seeing the captain nude and hollering at a senior officer, quickly saluted, saying, "Ma'am, Ensign Cargille reporting for duty."

  Captain Gott returned the salute and then looked at the Ensign's orders. "See Lieutenant jg Chalver about quarters. Mind you, he's an up and coming officer. You'd be well advised to take lessons from him on how to conduct yourself while you're on the Mars City. That's all, Ensign. You'll most likely find him in the engine room today."

  Ensign Cargille saluted once more and then made his way to the engine room of the old destroyer. He reached the engine room and looked around for a moment before he spotted anyone inside. "Hey mister, have you seen Lieutenant Chalver?"

  The man stood up to his full height and turned to look at the newcomer. "I'm he," Mike said as he brushed away the dirt and grime covering his uniform and face, which made him look like an enlisted person.

  Ensign Cargille blushed a second time as he quickly stiffened and snapped to attention and saluted. "Sorry sir, Ensign Cargille reporting. Captain Gott sent me to see you for quarters, sir."

  "Would you mind handing me that torque spanner and that grill beside it."

  Ensign Cargille waited for a return salute. Finally, Mike noticed and returned it.

  "Now, would you hand me those things? We're in a hurry to get this old tub ready. Everyone is pitching in or are you that tired already?"

  Cargille answered, "No, no sir. I'm not tired. You wanted a torque span and a grill?"

  "Torque spanner and the grill next to it. Be quick, man."

  "What about my uniform?" asked Cargille.

  "Well, you can either wear it and then wash it or work naked. That's your choice, but get on with it either way, mister."

  Cargille quickly grabbed the torque spanner and handed it across the equipment to Mike. Then he struggled to lift the grill. He barely got the grill lifted up to shove over the motors and other equipment when Mike reached over, grabbed it, and lifted it clear of the equipment. Mike took the spanner and grill and set to work with them.

  "Anything more I can do, sir?" asked the ensign.

  "Yeah, go get me a left-handed spiro-nut. I also need a bronze toofie bubble-bar with two grooves on both sides. Check ship's supply for them and be quick. If they don't have them, ask them where to get some and hurry up about getting them."

  "Yes sir," Ensign Cargille said and left the engine room. He knew the general layout of a destroyer from his training and quickly reached the supply area.

  Cargille said, "Specialist, I need a left-handed spiro-nut and a bronze toofie bubble-bar with two grooves on both sides for Lieutenant Chalver."

  "Sorry, sir. We're out. You'll probably have to check with base maintenance. I'll call ahea
d to make sure they have some, if you like."

  "Sure Specialist," Cargille responded.

  The Specialist picked up his radio and asked base maintenance about the two items. He then replied to the ensign, "Sir, base maintenance has one left-handed spiro-nut on hand. They don't have the other item. They said they've had a run on both today. You better hurry, sir."

  "Thanks, Specialist. I will," replied Cargille as he hurriedly left the ship's supply.

  ***

  Ensign Cargille almost ran the entire distance over to the base maintenance. There, a naked man looked at him and said, "You're going to carry a left-handed spiro-nut with clothes on to generate static and ruin it? Don't you know anything about the sensitivity of this equipment, sir?"

  Cargille replied, "Uh, no, Sergeant. I didn't know that it was that sensitive. Will wearing boots cause any problems?"

  "Not if they're non-skids, sir. You have standard non-skids?" the sergeant asked.

  "Yes, Sergeant," Cargille replied.

  ***

  "Mike, how's the new ensign shaping up?" Gail Gott asked.

  "He should be naked just about now according to my informants and slowly carrying the left-handed spiro-nut at arm's length across the base to main supply where he'll pick up the toofie."

  "Good. Make sure he knows where everything is located that's important on this base. Oh, and don't have his clothes sent back just yet. I want to teach him a little humility at supper tonight. Make sure he sits near me."

  "Can do, Captain," Mike responded with a chuckle.

  ***

  Had Ensign Cargille not been too busy trying to protect the precious left-handed spiro-nut from static, he might have noticed some other ensigns going about the base to some of the same locations after other odd items that either required special handling or weren't readily available. However, he was told to keep his eye on the needle in the gauge attached to the left-handed spiro-nut to watch for dangerous static. If the needle moved, he was to get the item to Explosive Ordnance Disposal fast before he killed himself or someone else. However, the needle couldn't move because it was glued in place, but he didn't know that.

  Ensign Cargille made it back to the ship just before three in the afternoon. He made his way to Lieutenant Chalver in the engine room. By then, he'd forgotten about the static in his concern for keeping the bubbles balanced in the bronze toofie bubble-bar with two grooves on both sides. Those did move. Lieutenant Chalver took the left-handed spiro-nut and shoved the needle slightly off center with his finger while Cargille's attention was still on the bubbles.

  "Jesus! You brought me back a live one! Get this to EOD in a hurry, man!" Mike exclaimed as he handed the item back to Ensign Cargille and took away the bubble-bar.

  Ensign Cargille hurried through the ship with the left-handed spiro-nut and then out onto the tarmac. He ran for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal section.

  ***

  The sergeant at EOD took the spiro-nut from the winded ensign and calmly looked at it.

  "Aren't you going to dispose of it?" Cargille asked.

  "Not yet, I like to watch the needle get just next to the edge when it's about to explode before I toss 'em. Want to stay and watch?" the sergeant asked.

  "No-o-o, sergeant. No thanks. By the way, would you know where I can get another one to replace that one?"

  "Sure, I've got a few of them here. Wait a moment while I get you one. Hold on to this one for me," the sergeant said as he handed the spiro-nut back to Cargille.

  Cargille nervously watched for the needle to move closer to the edge as he held the spiro-nut once more while he waited for the sergeant to bring back another from inside the shack. The sergeant went inside and called Lieutenant Chalver before he picked up one of the other spiro-nuts given to him by other new officers. He bent the needle back into place and looked at it for a moment. Then he lit a cigarette and walked back outside with the spiro-nut replacement.

  "Here mister, catch!" the sergeant said as he tossed the spiro-nut to the ensign.

  Ensign Cargille almost went pale as he saw the left-handed spiro-nut coming toward him through the air. He grabbed for it, dropping the other one in the attempt. Both hit the ground and the sergeant stopped suddenly.

  "Christ! Can't you catch? You trying to get us both killed? You can't go dropping those on a hard surface like that!" the sergeant exclaimed loudly. Then the sergeant approached both spiro-nuts and carefully picked up one. He bent the needle almost to the edge as he did and in a manner that the ensign couldn't see him doing. "Now hold this one carefully while I get the other one."

  Ensign Cargille stared at the spiro-nut with the needle almost to the edge of the gauge while the sergeant picked up the other one.

  "Oh shit, this one's going to blow!" the sergeant exclaimed.

  Ensign Cargille ran, dropping the other spiro-nut behind him.

  "Hey, mister! I've still got some more inside the shack!" the sergeant called out.

  ***

  A few moments later, the sergeant caught up with the ensign and stopped him. "You forgot your spiro-nut, mister." The sergeant then handed over one with the needle in the center.

  Ensign Cargille looked at the spiro-nut and the gauge, thanked the sergeant for bringing him one, and then slowed to a walk as he continued on back to his ship.

  ***

  Somehow, Mike kept Ensign Cargille too busy to leave and retrieve his uniform. As supper was announced, Mike said, "The Captain wants to talk with you during supper. Get washed and then report to the ship's dining room for supper."

  "But I'm naked," Cargille said.

  "So what? The Captain's naked all the time. You think she's worried about whether you're naked? Now get moving, mister."

  ***

  Ensign Cargille felt okay about being naked in front of so many others only while his tray was empty so he could hold it down in front of himself. Once he had to place food items on it, it was a different matter. Whether anyone bothered to look or stare at him or not, he felt like everyone's eyes were on him. He made his way to the table where the captain was sitting.

  "Sit down, Ensign. How was your day?" she asked.

  "Busy, ma'am."

  "Good for you. I like a man who knows how to pitch in the moment he arrives and doesn't worry about petty things. Something bothering you?"

  "Uh no, ma'am. I'm just not used to being naked," he replied.

  "So, you feel like everyone is watching you, right?"

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "You're right. They are watching you. They want to see if you can handle the job. I understand you helped Lieutenant Chalver today. Any problems?"

  "Uh, no, I mean, yes ma'am. There was one problem. It happened with the left-handed spiro-nuts."

  "Couldn't find any?" she asked.

  "No ma'am. I dropped one," Cargille answered. "Actually, I dropped one and missed catching another. Then I ran when the sergeant said one was about to blow up."

  "So? What of it?"

  "I was a coward, ma'am. I left that sergeant there to die," Cargille said quietly.

  "Was there anything you could do about it?" she asked.

  "I could have caught that spiro-nut and not dropped the other," he replied, "but I'm still ashamed of running."

  "I'd be ashamed of you if you hadn't run. I don't want anyone on this ship who's so damn cocksure of himself that he thinks he can do everything and isn't afraid of anything. I know you ran. You were being tested, mister. You passed when you just now admitted running," she replied.

  "Tested?" Cargille asked.

  "Yes, tested. Everyone else around here has passed some sort of test. You're no different and you're not the only one who ever ran. By the way, that left-handed spiro-nut is a hoax. There isn't any such thing. Same with the other item. Those were designed to see if you could keep your attention on several things at the same time and still do your job. Now eat up. Then we'll get you settled and give you a chance to meet everyone on this old tub."

  Mike f
inally came in, wearing a clean uniform. He tossed the left-handed spiro-nut on the table. "Later, I'll show you how it works, Ensign. You can keep that one as a souvenir. By the way, overslicks aren't conductive and don't produce static."

  ***

  Admiral Oden looked at the preparations for the second invasion attempt. He was pleased with most of what he was viewing. Then he turned to the engineers. "I want some of everything tested, even though it means that you'll have to redo it. I don't want anyone put at risk on something that hasn't been thoroughly tested."

  "Can do, Admiral. We'll have some of our workers take care of it," one engineer said.

  "No, you won't," replied Dave. "You'll instruct the crews on how to do it and then have an observer on board with them. The observer will keep silent once the test starts while the crew will do everything as if the observer isn't there. If they can't do it right, then the observer can tell you what went wrong. After that, you can figure out how to fix it. I don't want anyone helping them once the test begins. Is that understood?"

  "Uh, right, Admiral. We'll get on it right away. How many do you want tested?"

  "Keep testing until one of the crews makes it work. Then we'll know what worked and what didn't," Dave replied.

  "What if the first one works?" the engineer asked.

  "Then test a second and third one to be sure it wasn't a fluke. If they don't work, then keep testing."

  ***

  "Scramble, scramble!" Gail shouted. "Get your asses on board!"

  Around her, personnel ran to and got inside the old destroyer. Inside, they ran or climbed into their launch positions. As the last person got in, Gail followed and slammed the hatch shut. She made her way to the bridge and took her position. Already, reports were coming in. She stopped counting the time when the last report was received.

  "That's better. Launch!" she ordered.

  If anyone hadn't expected it, it served them right. Gail didn't call a drill just to see how fast they could get in the ship. She was launching her ship into space and doing everything that might have to be done if the scramble had been for real.