Loyalty to the Cause (TCOTU, Book 4) (This Corner of the Universe)

by Britt Ringel

  Cooke interposed quickly to eliminate the misunderstanding before Vernay could speak. “Commander Vernay is the captain’s first officer.” Upon seeing the confusion on Wallace’s face, he added, “There was some difficulty with their uniforms, Admiral.”

  “You must feel naked, then,” Wallace declared to Heskan. The wives present blushed slightly before they burst out in laughter at the audacity of the admiral’s words. Wallace looked to Vernay and dipped his head. “My apologies for the gauche remark, that was poorly phrased.” He turned to the woman on his left as he introduced, “I present the admiral that will lead Sade’s main section, Admiral Salene Lane.”

  Heskan exchanged greetings and pleasantries with the winsome Saden admiral only briefly before Vernay stretched up onto the balls of her feet to whisper mischievously into Heskan’s ear. “Remember, she is the enemy.” He resisted the urge to elbow her gently before returning his attention to the party. Cooke and Wallace had taken on a less formal air.

  “And how has Christabel found prep-school, Piers?” Wallace asked.

  “Regrettably, he struggles with the math,” Cooke confessed. “I worry about his admittance to the academy next year.”

  Lines grew around Wallace’s mouth as he smiled coyly and offered, “Perhaps I can assist with his admission. Several who sit on the board have served under me in the past. It’s the least I can do.”

  Cooke began to answer when raucous laughter from a group of officers drowned him out. Two commanders in the group, one Seshafian and the other Saden, were slapping each other on the backs. The men then hugged each other fiercely before resuming their conversation at a more appropriate volume.

  Heskan shook his head in disbelief. “With all this goodwill, it’s difficult to believe that you are enemies, Admiral.”

  Cooke nodded sympathetically. “Difficult from a privateer’s perspective, per chance, but there should be comity between those men. After all, they are brothers.”

  Vernay’s jaw dropped open. After several moments, she asked loudly, “Brothers? How can they be on opposing sides?”

  Wallace grimaced at Vernay’s volume but answered, “Peter Tannault was transferred to the Saden Navy as a lieutenant during a time when there was a glut of company grade officers in the Seshafian Navy. We were happy to accept such a fine, young gentleman and he was eager to join a navy that could offer him the opportunities his talents merited.”

  “So he’s a traitor,” Vernay stated darkly. Her assertion elicited gasps from everyone but Heskan.

  Wallace shook his head distastefully, the tone of his voice becoming that of a teacher attempting to simplify a misunderstood concept for a student. “You must watch your remarks, Commander. Such accusations could result in severe unpleasantness.” He brought a stern hand forward and pointed as he cautioned, “I understand you are a privateer but you must realize there is accountability for every person’s words in our culture. Those men are no more ‘traitors’ than Piers was when we fought together in Nine Seventy-Seven.”

  Cooke gave Vernay a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “I understand our ways may seem odd to Hollarans. Your enemies are bloodthirsty and without honor.” He looked gaily around the ballroom as he spoke. “Please understand that this is an exciting time for us, Commander, especially for our junior officers. Many of them have never experienced combat. And our skirmish,” he looked genially at Wallace, “if it comes down to that, will help hone the future admirals of our navies.”

  Wallace agreed cordially, “Indeed, and speaking of such, I have received the updated order of battle, Piers. I thank you. Priscilla the Guardian must have smiled upon you to have received an extra snow for your fleet.” The man’s last statement sounded sour.

  Cooke rumbled agreement as Heskan thought to the document being discussed. Cooke’s aide had delivered the order of battle to him less than half an hour ago, giving Heskan only a minimal chance to review it. The notice seemed to be a logistical account of every ship designated eligible to participate in the looming battle. Both Heskan and Vernay were dumbstruck over the notion of providing such critical information as ship type and commander to the enemy. Additionally, Heskan noticed that while Seshafi possessed several cutters and patrol craft, no ship massing smaller than a corvette had been earmarked for battle. Afraid to ask why and risk yet another social blunder, he assumed that using such small ships was “unsporting” or some other such thing. During battles with the Commonwealth, even the Republic dreaded pitting system defense ships against Hollaran back space ships that out-massed them by a hundred to one. It’s just simple murder when we do, Heskan thought as a chill ran down his spine.

  When Cooke finished his judgment on the status of Seshafi’s newly acquired snows, another loud burst of frivolity punctuated his statement. A Seshafian lieutenant was wagering against his counterpart on whose weapons crew would outperform the other. Heskan noticed Vernay close her eyes tightly and mutter, “Dulce bellum inexpertis.”

  Wallace caught the Latin and chortled, “Ah yes, but dulce periculum, Commander. You cannot blame them for chomping at the bit with combat only five days from us.”

  Heskan arched a questioning eyebrow. “That is oddly specific, Admiral. How do you know when combat will begin?” Did he just openly state when he is going to attack us?

  Once again, the social atmosphere chilled several degrees. Wallace straightened himself to his full height and loomed over Heskan. “Because, sir, it is so stated in my casus bellum.” He scarcely concealed his disdainful expression as he lectured, “I don’t know what villainous corporations you have worked for but Sadens abide by the rules of war and we conduct ourselves like the gentlemen we are.” He gave Cooke a precautionary glance as he declared, “I would expect all representatives of Seshafi, even rabble without uniforms, to know this and I would lament any stain placed upon our good friends by their privateer allies.”

  A red-faced Vernay stepped forward in defense. “Captain Heskan has an unblemished record, Admiral, and the only villainous corporation I’ve seen is the one that stands before me now.”

  Heskan tried to subtly restrain Vernay by placing a hand to the small of her back but she stepped closer to Wallace and pressed, “And the only ‘stains placed’ might be the deposits in your ship captains’ undergarments after he’s done with you!”

  Heskan saw Wallace and Lane bristle at the taunt. A crimson hue darkened their cheeks but Wallace merely replied politely, “Of course. Now, if you will excuse me.” He shot an angry look to Cooke and curtly uttered, “Piers… Camille.”

  Heskan watched Wallace’s trio retreat. He glanced sideways at Vernay who was staring at the ground before her, slightly shaking her head. Her hands were curled into tight fists.

  Admiral Chattersby addressed Cooke’s wife. “Camille, why don’t we go find my husband? Perhaps you can help me spot Charles in this crowd.” The two women moved off together.

  Heskan glared at Vernay before he looked up to Cooke’s eyes. “Sorry about that, Admiral. My first officer is fiercely loyal.”

  “An admirable trait, to be sure,” Cooke conceded. He took Heskan by the shoulder the way a father might a son. “Garrett, Viscount Wallace’s rabble comment was out of line. I believe that’s why he did not press the matter. However, given the sequence of events tonight, I fear I must have a private concern of mine answered for us to continue.” The man sighed before stating, “You see, your service file with Secure Solutions was corrupted. The only contents in the Secure Solutions jacket are your name and rank. Now normally, these things take care of themselves. Solutions’ reputation is outstanding so I overlooked the matter. Unfortunately, I feel I must address this… unpleasantness, given your…” Cooke looked away from Heskan and swallowed as he mentally constructed his next phrase. “Your seeming lack of awareness of warfare.” He smiled bashfully at his own utterance. “Might I inquire as to your experiences of war?”

  Vernay shot Heskan an incredulous look even as Heskan looked at Cooke with understandi
ng. I can’t blame him, he thought. We waltz into his star system unannounced, looking like ignorant vagabonds to his people. We’ve committed social blunder after blunder. How could he not be worried given our lack of records and performance in his system to date?

  “Admiral, surely you must respect the confidentiality of privateers,” Heskan began cryptically. “However, I can tell you that my crew and I have survived the Brevic-Hollaran war. Further, in our last corvette, we single-handedly bested adversaries who out-massed us five to one. It was not a bloodless victory, but it was decisive.”

  Cooke angled his head slightly as he pursed his lips in thought. Finally, he stated, “All interestingly phrased, Captain. This, perhaps, brings about more questions than it answers.” He looked contritely at Heskan while he explained, “You see, I am well aware of the rules and regulations of The Foster Fifteen and you seem too young to have been a Hollaran full komandor before your admittance. Therefore, the trajectory of your privateer career must be meteoric to have been promoted to captain inside Secure Solutions, but then that does not account for this unfamiliarity with corporate protocol in this region.” Cooke rubbed his chin as he dissected. “Then there is the matter of your first officer’s addressing her former rank.” He looked casually toward Vernay. “Lieutenant, junior grade, is neither a Hollaran nor Federation rank.”

  Heskan’s stomach roiled. It’s all falling apart and we haven’t even started. I was a fool to think we could pass ourselves off as something other than the Brevics we are. He looked openly at Cooke and admitted, “Admiral, I know there are questions and I won’t lie to you; we’re all new to corporate etiquette.” Heskan reached out to grasp Cooke by the shoulder. “But I promise you that there is not a finer, more professional or experienced crew in Seshafi. I am responsible for all the actions of my crew and the social failures committed tonight are my fault alone. Just understand that my crew has come a long way, sacrificed more than you might believe to have this opportunity to start their lives anew.” He looked earnestly into the admiral’s eyes and beseeched, “If you give them this opportunity, you won’t regret it.”

  Cooke returned Heskan’s hard stare with one of his own. After many moments of deliberation, he nodded and said, “Very well, I am convinced but please consider that just as her social conduct tonight reflects on you, your conduct in battle is attributable to me.” He pulled firmly at the bottom of his jacket and smoothed his sleeves. “You see, history will judge us not only on the outcome of our battles but the fashion in which they are fought.”

  Vernay smiled pleasantly but offered, “Some might say, Admiral, that the victors write the history.”

  Heskan wanted to both laugh and cry at Vernay’s reference to the very Brevic turn of phrase. “What Commander Vernay means is that we, as the victors, will write a history that Seshafi will be proud of, Admiral. I promise.” He squeezed Vernay’s elbow slightly to emphasize his meaning.

  Vernay merely maintained her charming smile while Cooke nodded. “Excellent. I am glad we have an understanding. The Sade system contains our brethren and when this conflict with IaCom is resolved, we will reinitiate friendly relations with them. Now if you will excuse me, I mustn’t neglect my other guests. Captain, I look forward to our conference tomorrow morning to negotiate your contract.”

  * * *

  Cooke reunited with his wife and the Chattersbys. His entourage swept by Wallace’s company once again before heading off to another large group of mixed officers. As Viscount Wallace and Admiral Lane watched their departure, Lane looked back toward Heskan and Vernay and commented, “Curious couple. What other contracts have they signed?”

  Wallace felt his ire rise again but declared sedately, “I’m uncertain but they are ruffians of no consequence. Merely unknowns from the outer systems, no doubt.”

  Lane looked inquisitively at her superior. “Shall I have a book started on him?”

  Wallace shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. After all, he won’t even fire a shot.”

  Chapter 26

  The morning contract negotiations turned into nearly an all-day affair, though not because of any hurdles over the actual terms. On the contrary, Heskan had been pleasantly surprised at the speed and efficiency in settling the matter. The Seshafian government had all the necessary documents already on hand, a byproduct of familiarity with employing privateers. The delay was a result of the overwhelming Seshafian need for hospitality. First, before negotiations could be discussed, a “light breakfast” more resembling a feast was served with polite but inconsequential conversation. Heskan learned of Cooke’s distinguished military past including two defensive battles fought against the Lagrin system. During those conflicts, Admiral Wallace and the Saden fleet had thrown in their support to Cooke, cementing an enduring friendship.

  Over coffee, when Heskan expressed interest in signing a landed contract, Admiral Cooke insisted that they take his private shuttle down into the atmosphere of Seshafi Major to fly over the most appealing territory approved for privateer contracting. Cooke also offered to tour many areas on Seshafi Minor, but Heskan’s prior discussions with his crew had determined that land located on the primary planet was preferable to the harsh environment on her thinly atmosphered “twin.”

  The views from Cooke’s shuttle were breathtaking. Seshafi Major was nearly equal parts land and water, providing for a vast array of panoramic coastline property. While sightseeing, Vernay used her datapad to take extensive footage of her favorite locations. During their flight back to the orbital, Cooke explained that it was not necessary to decide which parcels of land they might want until after services had been rendered. Landed contracts only promised the option of purchasing land at favorable prices rather than restricting the form of payment to specific territory.

  They reassembled in the room where they had indulged in breakfast to find an elaborate lunch waiting. During lunch, AmyraCorp’s CEO, Archduke Joshua Covington, joined them for friendly banter. Heskan sat in awe at the approachability of the distinguished person in the speech he had shown his crew weeks earlier. The archduke was a delight and displayed a profound pride in Heskan’s interest in settling in Seshafi, remarking how it was the perfect place to retire after a distinguished career. Covington enthusiastically extoled the virtues of Seshafi while also surreptitiously inquiring if Heskan owned title to his snow and if that vessel would remain in Seshafi subsequent to any retirement.

  Negotiations securing Heskan’s services finally commenced nearly five hours after he first shook hands with Cooke that morning. After all the build-up, the actual discussions were something of a letdown. Within twenty minutes, the captain’s pricing, indigenous crew fees, supplemental crew requirements, and terms for Elathra’s lease were settled. All offers had seemed very reasonable, if not outright generous, to Heskan and Vernay. Cooke explained casually that AmyraCorp could afford the best since they saved credits by operating only a minimal standing fleet. Such practices normally served corporate systems very well, although for this particular conflict, AmyraCorp was having unusual difficulty securing the service of privateers. Most companies cited vague commitments elsewhere as reason for being unable to offer forces to Seshafian service. Hollara’s pledge of affordable, if a little antiquated, snows had been a godsend for the system, and the appearance of a Secure Solutions snow, when the outfit earlier stated none would be available, was a boon. Heskan believed he sensed a hint of paranoia and desperation as Cooke discussed their inability to enlist normally plentiful privateers to their defense.

  After the contracts were signed, Cooke once again insisted they remain for a more in-depth discussion about corporate warfare tactics that eventually spilled into an early dinner. As the subject of naval tactics was explored, Cooke became a different man. Where there once sat an untroubled and affable gentleman, a tiger emerged. It was clear to Heskan that Cooke not only possessed a keen tactical mind but also was well-versed in his style of warfare. Cooke reaffirmed his pledge to keep Heskan’s ship f
rom the worst of the fighting. Initially, Heskan bristled at Cooke’s insistence that Elathra take station in the rearguard section of his line of battle; it seemed clear that the admiral had lingering doubts about his abilities. However, Cooke explained that there would be a limited number of opportunities to exercise with the rest of the fleet starting that very evening, and that all of the Colossus-class ships would serve the fleet in the trailing section. Cooke pointed out that as a result of accepting station in the rear, Heskan would be that section’s leader by virtue of his rank. Seshafian lieutenants would command the remaining four ships in Heskan’s rearguard. The distinction of leading a section would also invoke the “Line Section Commander’s Clause” in Heskan’s contract, garnering him additional payment.

  Hours later, a very tired Heskan floated through the docking tube with Vernay. As they entered Elathra’s airlock, Vernay stated wearily, “I know I asked to come with you for all that, Captain, but next time feel free to leave me on the ship.”

  Heskan chuckled and replied, “If all goes well, we won’t have to do it again. If we hit the milestones in our contract, we should be able to just convert some of our payment into land and then start building.”

  Vernay’s exhaustion evaporated at the mention of construction of her own house. “It’s unreal to think that we could fight this battle, win and then buy some oceanfront property to build our homes on with the proceeds. Maybe I should’ve become a mercenary sooner.”

  Heskan nodded and began to walk toward Elathra’s bridge. “Well, I’m sure a lot of those credits we’re taking would normally be paid back to our privateer company.”

  “Are we giving Elathra to these Secure Solutions people after the battle?”

  Heskan shook his head. “Not unless they come asking for it. To be honest, based on what our privateer service jackets look like, I don’t even think they’re aware of us or Elathra. Covington seemed very interested in the ship if we get out of the privateer business.”