"Thank you, General. It looks like Admiral William is coming into the airlock now."
***
"Okay, both sides agree to assist in finding all the disabled ships. All rescued crews from both sides are to be interned as they would have been if only Space Rescue was recovering them," Richard said.
"Yes, if recovered crews from both sides are interned, then I see no reason to oppose that," Admiral William said.
"I agree to that as well. Let's move on to the next point," General Budakov said.
***
Admiral William took hold of the radio microphone. He pressed on the transmitter switch and began speaking. "This is Admiral William of the First United States Space Fleet. It is my duty to report that I have surrendered my force in order to prevent the further unnecessary loss of life in a battle that was already lost. The responsibility for this loss is mine and mine alone. General Budakov is graciously permitting us to return home provided we intern our ships on Earth's moon. I fully intend to do so. We will be accompanied by an escort consisting of the Space Rescue Service and a small contingent of Venus-Mars Alliance ships. I ask that all Earth forces please respect this agreement and not interfere with the orderly retirement of the First United States Space Fleet. For the time being, both the First US Space Fleet and the VMA force are working together to recover as many survivors and bodies of our combined dead as possible before we return. I wish I could say that some of these brave men and women did not die in vain, but I cannot. It is my fault that some of them died. I shall carry that burden with me the rest of my life. I have nothing more to say than to extend my apologies for losing so many lives. Thank you and good bye."
***
"This news flash just came in folks. As a result of the decisive loss in the battle for Venus Space Station, the United States has agreed to cease hostile action against the VMA. The US representative to the United Nations is going to recommend that the UN recognize the independence of both Mars and Venus as well as end the hostilities. From the sounds of this, folks, the war is going to be over soon."
Chapter 14
"Well, you got lucky, sir. The United Nations is going to permit you to remain in command of Space Rescue One now that it's taken over the Space Rescue Service," Chief Dickson said.
"I don't consider it lucky. I'd rather that Captain Shortner was back in charge, even though he was willing to be part of the military. That way I can get back to rescuing people," Richard said.
"Think of it this way. You can affect a lot more lives positively by being in charge than you can by risking your ass making rescues personally. You try it as a rescue technician again, you're never going to reach enough people. This way, you'll know that the ship and rescue teams are doing the best possible. Now how's that sound to you?"
Richard stared at Isaac for a moment. "I once told you that I respected you for inventing something I couldn't. Now I have to tell you that I respect you for having a keen insight into how other things work."
"Well, I'll accept your respect just so long as you don't start respecting my body for the wrong reasons. I draw the line there, Captain," Isaac said.
Richard forced a chuckle for a moment, then asked, "How well can you supervise both teams while Chief Brunner is away?"
Isaac answered, "I'll be fine. I'm recommending that Tim be dismissed. He's not fighting it, either. I think he saw too much dying for his young age."
"That's going to put us four people short, Chief."
"I know it does. We'll just have to hope that there aren't anymore wars to attend. I think we can take care of anything else that happens without much of a problem."
"I'm not so sure. I hope they carefully check out and repair every ship that was used in the war before they use them for shipping again. Most of them took hits and the damage could come back to haunt the crews and us real soon," Richard said.
"We'll handle it anyway. What I'd like to know is how you're doing, sir."
"Me?" asked Richard.
"Yes, you. I now know what you're up against at night. That's another reason I'm glad the UN kept you in the Captain's position. You've looked better than ever since you took charge."
"I don't really think you know what I'm up against, Chief."
"Yes, I do. Shelly heard you talking in your sleep one night. We know you're blaming yourself for failing to convince those green crew members on the Southern Pride to follow your orders when you tried to lead them to safety. They didn't die in vain, you know," Isaac replied.
"Yes, they did die in vain. And they died because I was a poor leader."
"No, they didn't die in vain. Because of them, there are hundreds more shipmates who are alive today. Because of them, every green crew will have a better chance of survival during a space disaster. Their deaths were never in vain when you see what they accomplished by dying. Their deaths were the weight that tipped the scales in favor of establishing the Space Rescue Service."
"But they shouldn't have died. They wouldn't have if I'd been a better leader."
Isaac replied, "No, you're only feeling sorry for yourself while forgetting the most basic fundamental we're all taught. You're forgetting the Shipmate's Code. No one is perfect. Not them, not me, not you. You lived up to the code to the best of your ability despite the fact that you're human and not perfect. You have the proof of that under your beard and on your back. Those men and women aren't blaming you. You are. Next time you see or hear their ghosts, listen to them and look into their eyes. Look and listen to them while remembering the Shipmate's Code. They're not accusing you at all. They're with you in spirit because you lived up to the code. They're your personal guardians. I'm sure of it. When you find out that's true, you'll sleep better."
"Chief, that's a nice story, but I'm not convinced. I've heard their anguished voices," Richard said.
"But did you listen to what they were really saying? In the meantime, whether you like it or not, you have shipmates who care about you. I'm not just speaking for myself. I'm speaking for the entire crew of this ship. We're your shipmates and we're not going to let you down no matter how rude or hostile you are to us. You did your best for shipmates. Now we're going to do our best for you as a shipmate."
Richard brushed away a tear forming in one eye. "Okay, I can't argue with you on that point. I can't even order you to disregard the Shipmate's Code when it comes to me. As far as this goes, I'll try to remember that you all are my shipmates and not take out my rudeness and hostility on any of you. That's about the best I can promise."
"That's good enough for me, sir. I'm sure it'll be fine with the crew as well."
***
"Attention all personnel. Space Rescue One is on scramble alert. Level four emergency. Attention all personnel. Space Rescue One is on scramble alert. Level four emergency."
***
"This is Captain Saberhagen of the Space Rescue One. We are two hours away from you. What is your current situation?"
***
"I don't think the United Worlds of Sol has the chance of a spitball in hell of succeeding," Jimmy said.
"Why not?" Alex asked.
"Look at what the nations on Earth are demanding. They want representation in the UWS by population. Mars and Venus won't buy that. They'd be outvoted on every issue that comes up. Most of the nations on Earth aren't willing to establish any human rights, either. They're still involved in their petty politics. Now that we have a solar society, you'd think that they'd realize that they all need each other," Jimmy answered.
"So, what do you think is going to happen? Earth isn't going to go to war again with Mars and Venus, is it?" Alex asked.
"Not very likely. It will take them years to establish a military presence in space. The United States stopped its program of building military ships once the UN agreed to recognize Mars and Venus as independent. Meanwhile, Mars and Venus are both going ahead with their own plans for a military space force. There's nothing anyone can do or say to stop them since they're not under UN control any longer. I
n fact, hardly any of the nations on Earth are under UN control. That's why it's falling apart, despite the fact that we're now a part of it. However, I do think that there's going to be a war on Earth. It might even be big enough to rival World War II in scope and losses."
"But that's stupid. Why should they even think of having another war so soon?" Alex exclaimed.
"Simple, Alex, my friend. You've got a lot of factions that don't like the current situation for any of a lot of reasons. Some are pushing their own agendas whether it's power, politics, religion, or economics. Some simply don't like others being in charge. This is possibly the last opportunity some of them will have to be in charge. Once the Earth is united under one leadership, it's going to be almost impossible to overthrow it. The stability that one leadership gives the Earth will lead to greater prosperity for most of the world. People who are prosperous will tend to support that leadership. They won't put up with insurrections by factions that feel disadvantaged in some way or another. At the same time, they're all afraid that if they don't unite soon, then they might have to worry about Mars or Venus trying to take over the Earth sometime down the road."
"That's stupid, Jimmy."
"Sure it's stupid, but that's the way some people think. One thing for sure, I'm advising my relatives to immigrate to Venus as soon as possible."
"Why Venus?" Alex asked.
"Because its terraforming is more stable than that of Mars. Mars is okay for now, but unless they get everything completely stabilized soon, they're going to see it fall apart badly."
"How soon?" asked Alex.
"Within the decade. Meanwhile, if Earth has another World War, Mars might be doomed unless they can get what they need from Venus."
"You'd think they'd have the sense to apply the Shipmate's Code to themselves."
***
Shelly crept down the ship's corridor and entered Richard's quarters. As usual, he was sleeping badly. Quietly, she eased herself onto his bed and lay next to him after removing her robe to keep it dry. Almost immediately, his labored breathing calmed down to something more normal for sleep. She rechecked her paging watch to ensure that it was set to vibrate on her wrist so she could leave before he woke in the morning. Hopefully, there wouldn't be an alert to wake him before she could disappear from his cabin even though she'd left instructions with the bridge to page her a minute before waking him.
As she dozed off, one of her hands caressed his left shoulder while she thought about whether Richard had any deep down feelings for her. Already, she knew that she was in love with him. It hadn't been easy sorting out her feelings for him after all those mixed signals he gave out. She felt it would be nice if he fel in love with her. She wondered about asking Damon if he knew anything concerning Richard's feelings toward her.
Chapter 15
Richard woke up sweating profusely, the horror still fresh in his mind. Too late, Shelly realized he was awake and could feel her bare skin against him. Before she could move, he grasped her wrist.
"What are you doing in my bed?" he asked somewhat gruffly.
Shelly answered, "Helping you fight your nightmares."
"There's no way you can help me fight those."
"Yes, there is. You sleep better when I'm beside you. I've been doing this every night since I found out my presence calms you. Tonight, I was late getting to you. I'm sorry."
"Every night? You've been in my bed every night?" he exclaimed.
"I always get up before you do and leave quietly so you can keep your silly male pride intact."
Richard stated, "It's not my pride I'm worried about. I'm more concerned right now with how it possibly looks to the crew of Space Rescue One. Strike that word 'possibly.' Make that how I'm sure it looks to them. They probably think you're my mistress."
"No, they don't. Most of them know why I'm in here each night. Even if they thought that, I don't care. That's not the case, though. I've even had offers from some of the other women to take my place so I can have a night off now and then. If I didn't think you were worth it, I might have taken them up on it. Right now, you're acting pig-headed as usual and making me reconsider their offers."
"I just don't like the idea of you getting the reputation of a slut," Richard said as he groped for and found the reading light switch. "Where are your clothes?" he asked as he glanced around the cabin.
"I left them in my quarters so they wouldn't get soaked."
He exclaimed, "You walked in here naked? What if someone saw you?"
"So what if anyone did? I think you're worth what I've been doing."
"It doesn't look right. You could lose your chance later to be promoted along with ruining your reputation."
"I don't care about my reputation. It's nothing compared to keeping you sane. You might be the Captain now, but you're still a shipmate and shipmates stick together. They can't survive in space without each other. I'd give up more than my reputation and any stupid promotion to protect a shipmate," Shelly said.
"I see. Calling in the golden rule of space, huh? I can do just as well. I can order you to leave my cabin and not enter it again."
"So? I'll just do what you'd do under the same circumstances. I'll just ignore your order like you ignored orders and came to my rescue before. You're going to have my company if only because I owe you my life. The least you can do is let others help you in your time of need. Or is Richard Saberhagen the only person capable of understanding the golden rule?"
"No, I'm not the only one who understands the damn rule. Still, I don't need you here every night. If my dreams get real bad, I'll drink myself to sleep."
"Uh-uh. I can't let that happen. As the Captain, you have a responsibility to remain sober. What if an emergency call comes in while you're drunk? What if you start issuing orders when there isn't an emergency and we're off somewhere when one happens because we followed your orders? No way, Richard. You haven't touched that bottle once since I've been helping you. I don't want to see you return to it. You have too much to give to rescue work and yourself. I don't want to see you get lost," Shelly said.
"I only said if."
"And I'm saying there won't be an if so long as I continue sleeping beside you. Can't you get it into your damn thick head that we're all on your side? No one really minds that I'm in here with you, even though we're only sleeping beside each other. They could care less if anything else happens between us so long as you're kept whole. They see you as important. I see you as important—"
"I'm not important."
"Yes, you are. You helped stop a war already. That's more lives than any other rescuer can ever hope to save. That makes you important to us and just about everyone else. No one is going to get upset just because you have a woman sharing your bed at night. Now turn off the light and go back to sleep, Richard. I'm tired and can use the rest unless you want to really help me ruin my reputation," Shelly said.
"I can't do that to you, Shelly."
"Then go to sleep, Richard."
***
Seguma David looked at the ceiling of his apartment. It was too high for him to reach from his wheelchair. Nor could he throw the cord up over the beam from his position. His crippled hands prevented that as well. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he realized that he couldn't even commit suicide without assistance. His friends had already refused to purchase any poison for him. He sat there staring at the unattainable ceiling remembering when he asked Bea to assist him in committing suicide.
Bea had said, "Seg, you still have much to live for."
"What do I have left to look forward to, Bea? I'm a broken man. I can't even get in bed at night without a friend dropping by. Three nights ago, I had to sleep in my chair. No one gives a fuck about a crippled black man. No one!" Seguma replied.
"You have lots to look forward to if you'd quit feeling sorry for yourself. Besides, you're going to be rich by the end of the year when the Corporate Responsibility Tax is disbursed by the government to everyone injured by faulty consumer products. Y
ou'll be able to hire someone to care for you when friends can't be around."
Seguma sneered, "Oh sure, the Corporate Responsibility Tax. It was a good idea at the time when the President proposed it. Pissed off a lot of lawyers when it passed, too. Most of them white. Sure cleared up the court backlogs. Still, it's not as if they're going to give a black man a fair shake."
The act provided for injured parties. However, they couldn't sue for unlimited damages since any business producing a product that caused an injury had to pay the tax instead. Then everyone who was injured that year by a faulty product got reimbursed from the tax fund at the end of the year according to the extent of their injuries.
"Yes, they will. It's not like happened with your grandfather before the tax came along. Things are different now. We both know that things have been different since the country finally elected a black man as President without his color being an issue."
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