“My scopes empty of toads. Can you confirm?”
“That’s affirmative. It’s dead out there,” Curtis said. It was as if the Drac fighters had simply evaporated from the combat zone. Jeff hailed others from the flight and it was the same. No signs of the enemy craft save what was floating about as wreckage.
A sparkling flash lit up the area, followed by another, then another. Jeff ordered the squadron to peel off and regroup eyes never resting in one place for long. Keying up Victoria he began to ask if they had any instructions as the flashes multiplied rapidly. Then he noticed exactly what was happening. The cheering didn’t take long to follow and was by far the most exuberant he’d remembered hearing since the day he graduated from the academy. For the first time in his short career humanity had scored an utter and decisive victory succeeding in not only beating down but downright routing the Drac from the field of battle.
CHAPTER 12:
REFLECTIONS
Stepping into his spacious cabin Captain Styles unbuttoned his jacket and tossed his hat on the small sofa. Stopping at the liquor cabinet he mixed a stiff drink and looked around the room that had become more of a home to him than Earth itself. Stark yet comfortable, decorated in the muted greys of the ship’s hull, the room had everything he needed. A sturdy desk, a neat rack and a small collection of keepsakes he’d acquired over the years reflected his simplistic needs. The walls were sparsely adorned. Some photos of family, his commissioning plaque upon taking command of the ship, an old tattered map showing the boundaries of Earth’s nations in the late twenty-first century.
Taking a sip and a few leisurely steps he stood before the large window adorning the length of the wall. His fleet stood outside, maintaining its position for the moment just outside the edge of the Eridani asteroid field. The blinking lights decorating the numerous hulls had an almost hypnotic affect and for a brief moment he allowed his mind to wander.
The past twelve hours. The past two years in fact. His thoughts had focused on what he could do to stem the Drac’s encroachment into human territory. Or maybe that humanity itself had encroached into their territory. The fact that he’d fought this war once already wore on his soul but this time it was different. He wasn’t in the seat of a razor. His decisions affected more than his life, or that of his fellow pilots.
Idly stirring his drink with a finger he banished the thoughts of war and duty. Just for a moment, he let his mind drift and merely enjoy the beauty that was the outer reaches of space. He gazed at the multitude of vessels silently drifting against the star studded canvas but not really seeing them. Instead his attention brought his eyes to the plethora of colors that were out there. The gaseous clouds of nebula illuminated in the distance by the twinkle of the stars that seemed to burn forever in the unforgiving cosmos. How such terrible acts could be performed upon the breathtaking backdrop that stretched to eternity was simply a travesty.
The sound of the door chime tore him from his fleeting retreat. Duty never ends, he thought. Taking one last moment to admire the view he reluctantly turned back from the porthole calling, “Enter.”
The hatch hissed to the side revealing the slim form of Kami Thomas. “Is this a bad time Captain?” she asked from the threshold.
“Kami, no, do come in,” he said setting his glass down on the liquor cabinet. “Can I make you a drink?”
“I’d like that,” she said stepping into the room. “I was hoping I wouldn’t disturb you. You seemed…disconnected when you left the bridge.”
Styles chuckled. “Are you saying I’m brooding?” he asked handing her a glass.
“Not at all Sir,” she defended. “Just...well…just more reserved than normal.”
“You sound like Russ.” Styles smiled taking a sip of his drink. “Always watching out for me, trying to convince me I’m carrying too much of the burden.” Taking a seat on the sofa he leaned forward resting his arms upon his knees. “He was a good friend.”
Kami paused a moment taking a breath. “I’m sorry Gunther I didn’t mean to open old wounds. I miss him too. Russell taught me a lot about being a model officer. Including how to read their CO and be their crutch in times of need. I’ve always felt at best I could only succeed him and they do say emulation is the best form of flattery. It only seemed right to carry on his legacy.”
“Legacy,” Styles laughed. “Kami you have all the skills that Russ ingrained in you about being a ships Exec. How to make the hard decisions. When to make the hard decisions.” Looking over at the woman he added, “You even have his uncanny ability to read people. Most people at least. When you’re not blinded by your strict adherence to regulations and procedures, sometimes you sound more like a drill instructor than an XO.”
“My father always said you need to establish a degree of respect for you position,” Kami defended perching herself delicately on the edge of the sofa, “and be sure the men know who’s in charge.”
Styles laughed at the simplicity of her response. “Kami, your father is a brilliant man. But I always felt his personality needed some polish.” Leaning back, he draped an arm over the back of the couch gesturing toward her with his glass. “All I’m saying is you need to loosen up a bit.”
“I’m not so sure he’d agree with you on that…the loosening up part I mean.” Looking down into her glass Kami said quietly, “The admiral’s always been a stern man. I can’t help who I am Gunther,” she looked up into his eyes, “and being around navy men all my life. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to change that.”
“I’m not asking you to change Kami,” Styles said in a fatherly tone. “I’m only saying that at times I think you take things too far and some of the crew resent your attitude.” Taking a sip Styles added, offhandedly, “Commander Grant for one.”
“Must we bring up that incorrigible jackass?” A hint of irritation tinged her voice.
“That’s a perfect example of what I’m saying,” Styles chuckled. “You’re so hung up over his less than ideal approach to what an officer should be its blinded you to his qualities.”
“He’s an insubordinate lout!” Kami seethed. “How can someone who has no respect for authority be related to a man I loved and admired. Just seeing Russell in that showboats face is bad enough, but his attitude defiles the man’s name as well.”
“He’s a lot more like Russ than you think. You’ll see that if you take the time to be civil too him.”
“The only thing civil between us would be civil war. And that jack fool fighter jock seems to delight in goading me every chance he gets.”
“Let me tell you some things about Russell Grant when he was Jeff’s age,” Styles began to say when the ships intercom chimed interrupting him. Duty never ends, he thought once more with a sigh before saying, “Go ahead!”
“Sorry to disturb you Sir,” a young communications tech announced over the speaker, “But we have an incoming transmission from Fleet Command. It’s Admiral Caloway Sir!”
“Thank you I’ll take it in here,” he replied. Looking over at Kami as she stood straightening her uniform as he said, “I’m sorry Kami. Some other time maybe.”
“I understand Sir.” She was once more the ships XO. Keeping that rigid barrier between work and pleasure. “I’ll just let myself out.”
Styles moved to his desk waking up his terminal. He stopped Kami when the soft hiss of the door filled the air saying, “I’m sure Commander Grant is visiting the pilots lounge celebrating our success. It might be a good place to start building a more civil relationship.”
Kami stood just outside the hatch holding it open with a hand. “I’ll think on it Sir,” she admitted, “But I make no promises.”
“I expect you to do what you think best of course,” he encouraged.
“Thank you Sir. And thank you for the drink.” The hatch hissed closed when the young commander stepped ending Styles all too brief fancy of respite.
***
“The big bad Drac were no match for the Yellow Jackets!” boaste
d Alan Jacobs just before he drained his beer. Producing a loud belch he continued, “You should have seen me out there! I was rolling through a hail of energy bolts,” he mimed the razor’s maneuvers, “lined up one toad and fragged him. His ship spun around and fucked up another one. That’s two with one shot I say. Then I heard Mako screaming, ‘Jesus Christ,’ ” he raised his voice attempting to imitate Alison. “ ‘They’re all over me! They’re all over me! Please, somebody help me! Help me, help me, HELP ME!’ So I had to go and bail her sexy little ass out.”
Over the roar of laughter from the gathered pilots Alison shouted, “That’s not exactly how I remember it runt!”
“Let him have his fun Mako,” Jason said through a cloud of smoke rolling from his mouth. “The way he looks for trouble out there it’ll catch up to him one day anyway.”
Extending his middle finger at him Alan mocked, “I had to bail your ass out too. And if I’m out there looking for trouble, Mako draws it like a magnet!”
The grandstanding and rubs continued to flow back and forth and Jeff contentedly sat back with a strong drink and fat cigar letting the celebration wash over him. It had been far too long since the sweet taste of victory had graced him. The first time since long before the Tungsten met her untimely fate in fact. Blowing out a lazy smoke ring he couldn’t help but feel the day’s effort was a significant turning point in the war. As an added bonus the entire flight crew had been given a one-week furlough in recognition of their efforts in what was now being called the battle of Eridani. Exhaling a contented sigh Jeff absorbed the atmosphere intent on making every second of this time count.
“You’re being awfully quite,” Curtis said from across the table. Tapping the ash off the end of his thick cigar, which looked more a cigarillo in his thick fingers, he took a seat asking, “Care to share your thoughts?”
“Just thinking about how much things have changed over the last few years.”
“Sure have,” Curtis said smiling, “we just gave the Drac a black eye they won’t soon forget.”
“More than that…it’s…well, just about two years ago we were so happy to finally be graduating. Looking forward to our future and the adventures we’d have. Now you have a kid, we’re caught up in this war and I feel like we won’t have many moments like this for quite some time. Kind of makes you want to go back to a simpler time.”
Curtis laughed, “Now I’m sorry I asked.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Jeff, you’re the only guy I know who can find the joke in the hairiest of situations then turn around and start brooding when a true party surrounds you.”
Draining his drink Jeff smiled at his friend and in a subdued voice said, “Hooyah.”
Curtis rumbled in laughter. “Not good enough. Maybe I should get Mako over here to give you some incentive.”
Leaning over to see around Curtis’ large frame, Jeff eyed the lithe lieutenant seated between Alan and Jason. They looked to be involved in a drinking contest. By the looks of Alan, he wasn’t doing so well. “She is pretty,” he admitted. “But my face is still sore from the last time she gave me incentive.” Puffing on his cigar he added, “Besides, she’s already made it clear she prefers the dark meat.” Standing Jeff gripped the stogie in his teeth calling, “Hey Mako! I think Spanky wants some company.”
“No time for love Jungle Man,” she called back, “I’m about to send the half pint to sickbay.”
“Well,” Jeff said with a smile looking at Curtis, “she has her priorities straight at least.”
***
Lifting his glass to his lips Curtis said, “I’ll drink to that,” then noticed Jeff was no longer standing there. Turning he saw the man striding towards the bar. Stepping up on a stool Jeff lay across the bar top reaching underneath to retrieve a bottle of bourbon. On his return he flashed that roguish grin of his and waggled the bottle. “Don’t mind if I do,” Curtis answered raising his glass.
“Have fun with Mako, ‘Jungle Man.’ ” Jeff laughed and turned for the hatch.
“Hey, where’re you going? The parties not over.”
Jeff paused looking at the bottle a moment before meeting Curtis’ gaze. “There’s someone else on this ship that deserves a bit of celebration as much as we do.”
“Yeah? Who’s that?”
“The most cantankerous son of a bitch I’ve ever met.”
Jeff saluted with the bottle and was almost through the hatch before Curtis stopped him again calling, “Too Knight! May he win every battle.”
A healthy chorus echoed the toast and Jeff made one of his theatrical bows before calling back, “Veni, vidi, vici.” Raucous cheers and whistles chased the lieutenant commander from the room and Curtis leaned back thinking about what Jeff had said. A lot had happened over the last couple of years. He missed Laura, the sound of her voice, the feel of her hair, the sweet smell of her perfume.
Reaching into his pocket he pulled a photo of her and his little boy. The chubby faced child was about just over a year old in the picture. His hair had grown in as tight curls, definitely from Laura’s side and had a smile to match Curtis’ own. I hope I do right by you son, Curtis thought tugging unpleasant memories of his own childhood to the surface.
“Penny for your thoughts Lieutenant?”
Curtis looked up to find the diminutive Emily smiling at him. “My wife and kid,” he said showing her the photo.
“Oh, he’s so cute,” Emily practically squealed. “What’s his name?”
“Eldrick. Laura said it means, ‘sage ruler,’ or something like that.” Picking up his drink he took a sip grimacing at the taste. It apparently wasn’t the best of bourbons. Even for the navy’s standards. “I honestly don’t care what his name is. So long as he’s happy and healthy.”
Looking about the room he noticed a good number of people had left, including Alison and Jason. Alan’s head lay on the table they shared fast asleep. “What time is it?” he asked looking back at Emily.
“Almost twenty-two hundred,” she said with a smile. “If you’re looking for your squad they’re currently stumbling down the passage heading for the wardroom. And by the looks of them they need to.”
“You just get here?”
“Not everyone on the ship is furloughed Lieutenant,” a hint of sarcasm caressed her voice. “Where’s Jeff? You two tend to be shadows of each other, I would have expected him to be with you.”
“Said something about bringing the party to someone who needed it.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Beats me,” Curtis sighed, “He gets in these moods sometimes. Swiped a bottle of bourbon from behind the bar and took off."
“Took off where may I ask?” Kami announced.
Curtis didn’t even notice the XO’s arrival. Bolting to attention he said, “Commander Thomas sir. I cannot say where the lieutenant commander went.”
“Cannot, or will not?” Kami asked crossing her arms.
“Cannot Sir. I have no knowledge of his whereabouts.”
“Is that so?” Irritation was plainly visible on her face. Stiffly locking her arms behind her back she addressed the smattering a pilots that remained, “Can anyone here tell me where Lieutenant Commander Grant has wandered off to?” A chorus of responses answered the XO, none of which looked to placate her. Kami’s gaze swept across the room pausing a moment on the comatose form of Alan.
A noticeable growl massaged her throat and she muttered under her breath, “That man just has to be difficult.” Mockingly she added, “ ‘You’ll see that if you take the time to be civil too him.’ Faugh,” she huffed, “he’s a pain in my ass and causes trouble even when he’s not trying.”
Curtis dared not move. Around Commander Thomas it was always best to toe the line and not bring undue attention upon yourself. The woman tapped her foot in annoyance before turning about-face in vexation grumbling, “I tried Gunther, but the little shit’s avoiding me!” as she stalked from the room.
Cu
rtis looked down at Emily hoping to find an answer to his unasked question in her face. She looked concerned and said, “I think I better go see what’s got her so riled up. Have a good evening Lieutenant.”
Emily darted from the room hot on Kami’s trail. Curtis slowly sat back down trying to make sense of the scene. Lifting his glass to his lips, he grimaced forgetting the sour taste of the lousy bourbon. What are you up to now Jeff? he thought as a din of conversation began filling the room again.
CHAPTER 13:
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM
Sitting in the command chair on Victoria’s bridge, Kami wore a particularly sour expression that had the crew walking on eggshells. Almost four weeks had passed since humanities stirring victory over the Drac and things in the quadrant were refreshingly quiet at first. Styles had sent half the fleet to compliment the deep space forward positions holding the Essex and Victoria herself close to Eridani with the more beat up escort craft. Unwilling to leave the sector he’d opted to affect repairs at sea and maintain a presence in case the Drac decided to double back. The man must have been clairvoyant. It only took a little over a week to shore up the fleet allowing most of the crew to catch up on rest. That is up until five days ago when a small contingent of Drac ships took up a flanking position on the far side of the asteroid field.
Almost two-hundred thousand kilometers of treacherous rock filled space separated the two fleets, and the standoff was making her irritable. Adding to her mood was her continued trials with Jeff. She’d eventually caught up to the lieutenant commander that night and the encounter went worse than anticipated. She supposed she could have been a tad more tactful, but upon finding him on the flight deck with Crew Chief Sparkoli and a bottle of bourbon any idea of talking went right out the window.
Emily tried to be a voice of reason to her that evening and eventually calmed her down. It was a gift. Something about the woman’s perky personality had a power over her. Looking over at her, Kami thought about the unlikely friendship that blossomed between them. Emily had come from a privileged family. The kind of people a navy brat such as herself tended to look down upon. Not having to work for your status, Kami thought, was one of the true injustices of the world. Maybe it was her innocent demeanor. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Whatever it was, she was grateful to have her. The only person she could truly confide in onboard the ship. Even Captain Styles couldn’t connect with her in such an intimate way. Even the thought of their relationship had a soothing effect on her. Leaning back a thin smile began to turn up the corners of her mouth.
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