In the Blink of an Eye

by Mark Dutkiewicz

  “Not a Drac?” Jeff shouted angrily. “And what gives Swany the authority to make that claim?”

  “Control yourself Commander,” Kami seethed while Styles threw him a silencing glare.

  “I can see you’re very emotional about this,” Wesker apologized. “But Commander Swanson has considerable experience dealing with this enemy and the lifeform in question seems far too fragile to be the threat you make it out to be. There’s consensus in the staff that you and the other survivors were experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion and possibly a shared hallucinogenic memory brought on by the atmosphere of Euphrates.”

  “Oh for Christ…” Jeff began before Styles slapped a hand to the table silencing his outburst.

  “Colonel,” the captain said soberly after a brief pause, “Has this ever been reported on Euphrates before?”

  “Yes, in the vegetative band about the equator. The commander’s report detailed a dust storm that swept through the vicinity. Though the offending microbes are no longer in his system, it’s quite likely that spores or noxious gasses were carried from the equatorial zone by that storm. Is that satisfactory Captain?” Styles nodded in acquiescence.

  “Good, now that that’s settled—”

  “Wait a minute,” Jeff broke in once more. Kami began to call him down for his constant interruptions but he powered over her words. “We recovered a weapon. I remember that clearly. A rifle of some kind, it could drill a crater into the earth like fucking nothing.”

  “Please Commander,” Wesker said, obviously running out of patience. “Your preoccupation with this alleged Drac encounter is bordering on the obsessive. I can assure you, we recovered no alien technology. And whatever scraps observed from the craft you and your wingman dispatched were as useless to us as the hulks left behind after a deep space engagement. Now as I was saying—”

  “This is bullshit Captain,” Jeff protested.

  Styles answered with a harsh, “Commander. We have no time for going over the details of that doomed expedition. Now allow the colonel to finish his report.”

  Jeff folded his arms gruffly coughing his disagreement.

  “Yes,” Wesker began again; seemingly unsure he wouldn’t continue to be interrupted. “I believe we have a more pressing issue that must be dealt with. If the Drac are willing to destroy an entire planet to ensure their victory, I’m afraid you’ll have your hands full trying to counter this threat instead of chasing extraterrestrial red herrings.”

  Jeff grunted at the slight but otherwise remained silent.

  “It appears that our situation is much more drastic than originally thought,” Styles growled in obvious distaste. “What does Command have planned for us Colonel?”

  “To find a way to assess that weapons capabilities so we can find a weakness. I’m afraid any type of long range analysis will be essentially useless.”

  “A recon then.”

  “It would appear that way Sir.”

  “Do you have anything else?”

  “Only that the ship is for reasons unknown still in the vicinity of Prokuon…That is, where Prokuon was. And that it has a surprisingly small escort. Say, a dozen warships.” Wesker collected his affairs, arranging his papers and thumb drive meticulously in his folder. “You’ll find everything we have on the situation in here,” he said sliding the folder to the center of the table. “If that will be all Captain, I have pressing matters to attend to back on Earth.”

  “Yes, thank you Colonel,” Styles quietly dismissed the man. He waited until Wesker shuffled from the room before turning to Kami saying, “It seems the months I was hoping for just turned into weeks.” Cupping his hands over his mouth Styles rested his elbows on the polished surface of the table. The years looked to be weighing down on him in light of the drastic situation. Reaching out, he fingered the report folder for a moment before sliding it across the table to Jeff. “Go through this in detail Commander. We have precious little time to deal with this situation and I want a plan, fast. I expect something, no matter how extreme, worked out by tomorrows command staff meeting. Thomas, please relieve Mister Flores on the bridge. I’ll be in my cabin.”

  Styles didn’t appear to notice the formalities and strode from the room somberly. Forgetting his objections to Wesker’s insulting dismissal of his report, Jeff waited for the hatch to close before blowing out a low whistle. “If I didn’t know better,” he said turning to Kami, “I’d say that man is frightened out of his wits. I’ve never seen him like that.”

  “Can you blame him?” Kami asked quietly. “It’s not every day you see your home atomized.”

  “The captain’s from Prokuon?”

  Kami coughed an incredulous laugh at him. “The man was best friends with your father and you have no idea what planet he’s from?”

  “Never thought it was important to know,” Jeff admitted. He personally didn’t know a soul that wasn’t from Earth before being deployed and his dad first met Styles while at the academy so he always assumed the captain was as well.

  “Do you put the same due diligence to work with your squadron leaders?” she asked sarcastically while collecting the large stack of reports Jeff had given her. “Or do you just not pay attention to anything that’s not filled with booze or flirting with you?”

  “Someone sounds jealous,” he teased.

  Slamming the stack of folders down at the crack she bit, “If that has anything to do with Lieutenant Commander Argo’s little bet you’re sorely mistaken.”

  “Ease up Kami,” he defended, “I can assure you it’s just my usual lack of decorum. In fact, I want nothing to do with Skid’s ridiculous game as it is.”

  “Good,” she said quietly, surprisingly not attacking him for his familiarity. “Anyway, we have work to do.” Tapping the large stack of folders she added, “If you’ll do me the favor of carrying your life’s story to my office, we can both get on with it faster.”

  With a tongue in cheek, “As you wish my lady,” he scooped up the reports. She scoffed at the theatrics and set a brisk pace from the room. Jeff had a trot a distance to catch up with her. “So what do you think of that bullshit?” he asked coming abreast of her.

  “You’re going to have to be more specific Commander. With you there could be any number of things I would call bullshit.”

  Jeff chuckled at the remark, admitting to himself she was one-hundred percent correct. “I’m talking about that crap wacky Wesker said about me hallucinating.”

  “I’d find your continued disrespect for the colonel evidence enough if I didn’t already know you,” she scoffed. “Your own report details a rapid deterioration of the crew’s mental health. Combined with Captain Miller’s description of the conditions on Euphrates when we picked you up, I’m forced to agree with Colonel Wesker.”

  “I saw my chart Kami,” Jeff bit, irritated by the dismissal. “I’m not willing to take the opinion of that intelligence gremlin on face value.”

  “Colonel Wesker is a respected intelligence agent and noted doctor. I find his analysis to be sacrosanct.”

  “He’s a quack more interested in that planet killing douche dispenser he can’t hide while sitting on the fruits of my labor.” Jeff derided.

  “Such an eloquent way to put it Grant,” Kami said with a snort. “And while we’re on the topic,” she added lowering her voice, “this information is still classified. I’d like you to limit involvement to senior flight staff only.”

  “Losing an entire planet isn’t something we can keep quiet for long.”

  A hiss escaped Kami’s lips. Quickly looking about the passage she said in a hushed tone, “If you can keep your voice down we may be able to keep it that way long enough to gather intelligence. Maybe even enough to offset any loss of moral due to our dire straits.”

  “Dire straits,” Jeff scoffed, “That thing is a one trick pony. We take it out and we’ll have the Drac on their knees.”

  Sighing Kami mumbled, “I only hope you’re right.” Turning down the passage
that lead to the main bridge Kami stopped swiping her thumb over the activation switch to her cabin “Leave the reports on the desk. I’ll get to them when I have time.”

  “Whatever you say sweetheart,” Jeff teased peering into the hold. “Shall I have housekeeping pay a visit as well?” he mocked nodding at the large stacks of papers covering her desk. “Or maybe you need a personal assistant? Someone to help with the filing would be nice.”

  Narrowing her eyes, the XO shook her head repeating, “Leave the reports on the desk.”

  “I’m just saying Commander; all that paper work has to be tiring.” Leaning on the frame he hefted the collection he carried for emphasis. “This looks to be less than half of all that,” he added with another shrug of his head. “But I think I know now why you’re so grouchy all the time.”

  Turning with a huff Kami all but stormed off calling over her shoulder, “You’ve got a lot of work to do Commander, so no slacking off in your Pilots Lounge.”

  “Paper cuts!” he called back, “That’s it! I get those a lot too dealing with these,” he waved his unruly package at her back.

  Kami didn’t miss a step and growled, “Just get to work Grant.”

  “Aye-aye Commander,” he answered with an impish grin. Watching her for a moment continue her trek to the bridge, he caught himself admiring her figure. Maybe there is something about you, he thought idly before she tore into some poor seaman who didn’t make way fast enough for her liking. Shaking his head, he dispelled the thought blaming James and Curtis for planting some damned seed in his brain last night. Dropping the folders on the desk, Jeff snooped about the berth for a moment. Aside from the cluttered desk the entire place was as spit and polish as her demeanor. Letting himself fall into her desk chair, disappointed in finding nothing he could use to rile her up, he made a quick call to Curtis from her computer.

  “Yes Comman—, Jeff?” the large dark man answered the call in confusion.

  “Spanky, grab any of the Jackets you can find and meet me in the pilots lounge. And see if you can hunt down Skid while you’re at it.”

  “What did you do?”

  “Nothing,” Jeff assured him defensively, “we just need to go over some things.”

  “Little early for drinks Knight,” by the sound of his voice Curtis didn’t believe him.

  “I swear Spanks, this is serious. Just get the crew together. When you find out what’s going down, trust me, you’re going to want a drink.”

  ***

  “So let me get this straight,” Kami said pacing the length of the briefing room. “You want to strap three razors to the hull of an unarmed long range survey ship and jump right into the middle of the Drac fleet?”

  “Yup, that’s about it!”

  “I was wrong about you Grant,” her temper was on the rise. Turning, she glared at him as if he were some petulant child. “You’re not some jack fool hot shot fighter jock, you’re delusional! This has got to be the craziest stunt you’ve ever suggested. I know it’s the craziest one I’ve ever heard. And my father told me stories of some pilots without enough sense to know their planes are on fire. You make those people look like fucking geniuses!”

  “Look Kami, I know it’s—”

  “That’s commander!” she screeched. She felt the rage growing in her face. Look at that incorrigible man, she thought catching sight of that fucking grin of his. He thinks this is all some game. Who can pull the stupidest stunt and be the big hero. Not on my watch. “Wipe that smug ass look off your face you insolent shit, and explain to me again just how you expect this piss poor excuse of a plan to work and how you’re getting your ass out of there?”

  Clearing his throat Jeff began, “Well, you see Commander, our target is a long way from here and very, very big. We could risk three or four recon planes hoping to gather enough intelligence to be of use. But recon planes aren’t designed for collecting detailed data on something so massive. A long range survey ship is the only thing capable of making a long distance SLD jump, small enough to maneuver in close and packs more sensor arrays than our birds. It’s the fastest way to get a meaningful scan of that thing as possible. The razors will be strapped to her hull as insurance in case we need to frag some toads.”

  “And who will be in these razors Commander?”

  Spanky, Skid, and I.”

  “Spanky, Skid, and you,” she repeated throwing him a firm look.

  “Ah, yeah that’s right. I feel we’ll need experienced sticks out there in case things get hairy, and with a little luck we should be able to strafe that monster and be out before we’re in any real danger.”

  “With a little luck?” Kami’s said in incredulity. “This mission is far too important to rely on luck Grant! And how long has it been since you’ve flown a razor? One month? Two? What happens if you do run into trouble out there and have to ‘frag some toads?’ ” she admonished sarcastically adding air quotes. “Do you think your skills are sharp enough for the job? Furthermore, how do you plan on getting back here if that happens?”

  “You got any better ideas Commander?” Jeff shouted back.

  “Okay you two, that’s enough,” Captain Styles said sternly. Leaning forward he focused his attention on Jeff. “Your plan is unconventional Commander, not to mention very, very risky. However, considering the magnitude of the situation and that time is of the essence I’m forced to let you try.”

  “Captain,” Kami breathed in astonishment.

  Ignoring her protest Styles continued, “How long will it take you to get ready?”

  “That depends on how fast we can get a survey ship onboard Victoria Sir.”

  “Captain I must protest,” Kami spoke more forcefully this time, “you can’t seriously be considering this.”

  “Quiet Kami!” he snapped showing frustration with her. The cold glare he shot her planted an icy pit in her stomach. Stepping back to her chair, she meekly sat down in embarrassment sharing a cold glare with Jeff for the chastisement. “Well Commander?” Styles asked.

  “After we’ve found a suitable vessel, and Sparkplug’s finished working his magic, I’d like twenty-four hours to perform test maneuvers, give the rig a proper shakedown. In a pinch we could possibly cut that down to fifteen. But we’d only have enough time to make one, maybe two test jumps before launching.”

  “You’ll have ten Commander.”

  “But Sir, we don’t know how that ship is going to handle.”

  “And we don’t have time to let that thing move out of our range. Ten hours Commander, and God willing it’s enough,” Styles grunted as he stood. “That will be all people. Pick your pilots Commander and keep me informed on your progress.” Turning a hard look at Kami, Styles reared back as she remembered her father doing when he was angry with her growling, “And I’ll see you in my office.”

  CHAPTER 28:

  GETTING A CLOSER LOOK

  “Just what the hell was that all about?” Styles shouted no sooner than the hatch was closed.

  “Just doing my duty Sir,” Kami returned tightly. “As XO of this ship, it is my responsibility to protest courses of action that I feel do not offer the greatest risk to reward ratio.”

  “Bullshit Kami,” Styles scoffed. “Ever since Commander Grant returned from Euphrates you’ve seemed more obstinate with him than ever. When I first promoted him to squadron leader it was somewhat amusing; definitely called for in some situations. But lately you’ve been irrationally cynical of his decisions to the point of obsession. You’re well aware of the dire straits we’re in, and the necessity of what he’s proposing. Under different circumstances I’d be inclined to agree with you. But our time grows short and no matter how ballsy this plan sounds I think it’s our best bet. So explain yourself!”

  Biting her lower lip Kami, clenched her fists visibly calming herself. “I feel,” she said tightly, “the commander’s plan puts too much weight into his perceived skills. He’s gambling with his life unnecessarily when he needs to be preparing his pilots for this
task. His place is on this ship, not in a razor’s cockpit on what could potentially be a suicide mission.”

  Crossing his arms, the captain smiled shaking his head. Of all the people to fall for the wiles of a rogue pilot, Kami Thomas was probably the last person he’d suspect. But there she was, staring him in the face. The daughter of a decorated admiral who didn’t tolerate foolhardy behavior was rebelling against that upbringing. Whether she knew it or not, this was a problem that needed to be dealt with swiftly. “So that’s how it is!” he said in a fatherly way.

  “I beg your pardon Sir?” Kami stammered back.

  “You’re afraid the young…how did you put it? Delusional, jack fool, hot shot, fighter jock? You’re afraid that he’s needlessly risking his neck on a mission of terrible importance, when someone else can be the jack fool out there.” Walking to his desk, he sat and began pulling forms from a drawer. “I guess I’ve been as much in denial about this as you are. But scuttle has a way of ringing true. You can’t let your personal feelings for the man get in the way of doing your job.”

  “The only personal feelings I have for Commander Grant are professional,” Kami seethed. Glancing at her, Styles could tell her heart wasn’t entirely in it.

  “Is that so?” he questioned pulling out a pen. “Well then. Seeing as I can’t afford to have my CAG and XO bickering over every little detail of every operation, and efforts to stem their continued feud have been unsuccessful, I’ve no choice but to proceed with immediate transfer—”

  “No!” Kami yelped confirming his suspicions. “I mean…that is. That won’t be necessary Sir. If Commander Grant feels he’d be better off going on this idiotic mission, then let him get himself killed. Far be it from me to instruct the Commander Air Group on how to operate this ship’s squadrons. Nor is it my responsibility to hold his hand, and make sure he understands it is his responsibility to lead said squadrons; not take part in every crazy fool mission imaginable.”

  “There’s no room in the service for favoritism Kami,” Styles said turning to her. “I want to be clear that I expect you to conduct yourself as an officer, and that includes your relationship with Commander Grant.”