“We want a promise of no reprisals and an amnesty for Ivanov, Gregorious and our source on Josker.”
Pious was keen not to jeopardise their agreement. “I think this can be left to the officials to work out” and turning to Packer “Don’t you Council Head?”
Justine Packer studied Art closely, then she turned to Moon, who nodded. “OK we will leave this till then.”
“No, that won’t do” said Art. Pious stared angrily at him but before he could say anything Art continued. He addressed Moon. “You know how this will work out. Before any summit takes place, these security risks will be dealt with. Well these people have done nothing to compromise Alliance security nor Federation security for that matter. But they have risked their lives for a common good. They should be honoured not bundled into a vehicle in the middle of the night and shot in the morning.”
“Mr Simons, you are in no position to be making demands here” said an angry Pious.
“This is not a demand” he replied to Pious and then turning to Packer added “This is a request Madam Council Head.”
Packer turned to Moon. Moon felt as though all the heat was now on her. She knew only too well that Art spoke the truth about what would happen to his two sources. Her usual task oriented brain was saying to oppose it but she looked across at Art and saw something admirable. She turned to Packer and said “We can support that and in turn would request similar amnesty for our Agent Sterkze.”
Art looked to Pious and now he felt the heat, well his ego certainly did, but something else stirred in him as he looked at Art and he decided to accept this graciously. “Agreed” he replied.
Art felt very relieved. More than that, he felt good about himself for the first time in years. He left the Commodore with Packer exchanging pleasantries and saying their goodbyes. He came over to where Sue was seated and was actually smiling and when she smiled back he began to grin widely. Sue rose to her feet and as he reached her he said “We did it!” and they embraced.
Pious too was very pleased. He even smiled as he saw Art and Sue embracing. There was this euphoria swelling up inside him that he had not experienced for a long time. He tapped Art on the shoulder and Art separated from Sue. Art thought ‘oh, here it comes’. But Pious was in a mood to surprise. “Mr Simons I will be commending you to the Fleet Board and to Council. Humanity owes you a great debt. We have, all of us, done a wonderful thing here. Mr Kiralenko, can you please arrange for our transport?”
“Yes Sir” said Ivan who was all smiles.
Chapter 16. Hermes in warp to Klaster 0030, 12 May.
It had been late when the Commodore and party arrived on board Hermes. Everyone was rejoicing in the successful outcome. It was a weary Warner who retired to his cabin alone just before midnight. It was a frustrated Rihan who retired to her cabin, alas alone, around about the same time. The Commodore eventually drifted off to sleep just after midnight a very happy man indeed. It was as well that he slept soundly.
Art hit the sack before all the others. Although he too was a happy man, he was an exhausted one. It had been a long day. Warner had never seen him so happy, well not since the days they had shared together in Special Forces. At first he put it down to the diplomatic coup he had pulled off. But then he caught Art watching Sue Chalker. He knew that look. He should do - it was one he had so recently come to use himself.
Sue Chalker too had gone to bed early. But she was still lying awake well after midnight. She had been through a lot. She had experienced almost the full gamut of emotions in just this one day and at an intensity she found hard to bear. At the space port she actually wished Pug Strerkze well. At the time you could have knocked Pug down with a feather. But for Sue it was a moment of liberation. She had purged at least one of her demons and she had felt so good.
She had sat in the shuttle replaying the day’s events, reflecting on her own transformation. She could not have thought it possible but there it was. And she knew who she had to thank for this. Art Simons the man who she would have willingly shot after Josker. OK, she had to thank Warner for saving her from that one. But it had been Art today that had not only saved her life but more importantly had opened her heart possibly for the first time since she lost her parents.
In her eyes he was amazing. He had risen like a phoenix from the ashes displaying true strength and he had shown her such kindness when she was falling apart. She felt a tremendous amount of gratitude but welling up now was another feeling a stronger feeling, a compelling feeling. And so she rose from her bed, put on her robe and stole down the corridor to the man responsible for that feeling of love. Well love and passion if the truth be known.
She knocked on his door quietly. Art too was still awake in his bed. He too had been reflecting on the day. He too was amazed by the turn of events and by the effects they had had on him. But he knew that it wasn’t just events that had an effect. He couldn’t get an image out of his mind. It was a beautiful image, an image transformed in fact. One that had been hard was now softened and that had been bitter was now forgiving. One that had been tight was now blossoming.
He heard the knock and came to the door and found the image in front of him.
“I’m in need of a nice man” Sue said.
“Then you’ve come to the right place” he replied, taking her hand and pulling her gently inside.
He turned off the lamp and took her hand. They came together standing and began a slow shuffle. There was no music for their dance but they were in harmony. There was no light but they each felt brilliant. An inner contentment descended upon them. They stayed like that for quite a while, neither wanting to break the spell.
He eventually kissed her neck gently and when he heard her sigh of appreciation he kissed a little firmer. She sighed again and so the pattern repeated with the kisses getting firmer and the passion rising. Finally, Sue rolled her head and kissed him on his lips. She opened her mouth wide and let him in. She wanted to let him know that she was his for the taking. She was giving herself willingly and completely.
The change of pace excited Art. He dove his tongue inside. He was also pushing her to the wall. What had started slowly was now hurtling towards its climax at breakneck speed. They banged against the wall but both were now so engrossed in the passion that they were oblivious to the noise they were creating. Finally she let out an uncontrollable “Oh”. He started to lose his strength and whispered “Sorry, I just couldn’t hold on any longer.”
She held his head against her shoulder and kissed it. Their breathing was coming back to its normal pace. “You’re beautiful” Art said.
“And you’re a very nice man indeed.”
They both crawled into Art’s bed. It wasn’t designed for two but they lay on their sides content to be close. Sleep came quickly.
Chapter 17. Hermes in warp to Klaster 0800, 12 May.
Warner knocked on Art’s door to remind him he had a debriefing at 0900. Sue heard it. Art did not. In fact Sue tried but nothing was going to wake Art, short of a bucket of water, from the best sleep he had had in years. Reluctantly she donned her robe and opened the door just enough for Warner to recognise her.
In a low voice, a somewhat shocked, but not surprised Warner said “Good morning Sgt Chalker.”
An embarrassed Sgt Chalker responded. “Good morning Sir.”
“I take it Mr Simons can’t tear himself away from the bed.”
Sue opened the door a little further and replied “He’s really tired Sir.”
“I bet he is” Warner couldn’t help throwing that one in. “But can you remind him, using whatever means you think will be effective, that …”
“That we have a debriefing at 0900” boomed out the Commodore as he came out of the adjacent cabin. Sue’s jaw dropped and Warner couldn’t believe it. But just as he thought the worst, Pious added “and please Sgt give Mr Simons my kind regards but I do not want to be delayed.” Warner was speechless as was Sue. Pious marched past them beaming and added “Excellent morning
isn’t it Commander. Just excellent.” He strode off and if they had been facing him they would have seen a very wry smile indeed.
“Yes Sir” Warner finally responded. When the Commodore’s footsteps could no longer be heard he turned to Sue. “Just get him up now and make sure he is at that briefing.”
“Certainly Sir” and Sue eased the door shut.
Warner walked down to Rihan’s cabin and knocked. She came out beaming and he loved her for it. He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. After a minute’s lingering embrace she separated and said “and what brought that on?”
“Passion, lust…I’m not sure really but it’s an excellent morning isn’t it?”
She stole a glance down the corridor and then grabbed Warner by the shirt and dragged him in. “I’ll show you an excellent morning” and the door slammed shut.
Chapter 18. Hermes in warp to Klaster 1000, 12 May
The debrief went according to plan. Warner and Rihan were there beaming. Art and Sue were there beaming. Ivan and Sherri were there beaming too. Even the Commodore was beaming. In fact as debriefs go it was probably the shortest and smoothest on record. At the conclusion the Commodore requested the presence of Warner, Rihan and Art in the mess for morning tea.
So there they were sipping their coffee, eating some pancakes that Cranky Jack had made for the occasion at the Commodore’s earlier request. Art who was now well aware that he had been busted was unsure of his feelings. On the one hand he was still on cloud nine after last night’s - early this morning’s - activities but he did feel a fair measure of embarrassment. But he was also encouraged by the Commodore’s good mood.
“I’m so glad we could get together like this” Pious began. “Now given all that has happened I think you will all agree that there have to be some changes.” He then panned around the table and was pleased that his words had the desired effect. The expressions on the faces of his guests were a mixture of confusion and dread. ‘Excellent’ he thought.
“To the first order of business. In one week’s time a base force will arrive on Klaster and deploy, transforming the facilities there from an outpost to what will eventually become a major Fleet base. Now this is not going to happen by itself. Far from it. It is going to require a lot of hard work. But more than that, it is going to require a new Base Commander, someone capable of driving this change forward. The qualities required of this new commander are many but determination, or might I say, pig headedness, probably tops the list.”
“They will need to be a self-starter, quick to thought and deed and, possess a quick mind. A quick tongue won’t go astray either. They will need to be able to command respect in a brutal sort of way if they are to ramrod these changes through on time. They need to be the sort who when they are on the warpath few men or women will dare cross them.”
“Now these talents all in the one person are hard to find. But I do believe I have found just the very person.” Again he paused to savour their reaction. His guests were looking at each other and then back at him all at a loss. ‘Excellent’ thought the Commodore.
Finally Warner tentatively asked “Who Sir?”
“Why your good wife to be Commander, Lt Kabel.” Again he was enjoying every minute of this and so Pious paused to let his words sink in. Observing a floundering Warner and a shocked Rihan he continued “You do intend to marry, don’t you?”
Rihan looked to Warner who was still in shock. She waited for him to look at her but he didn’t. Finally, in exasperation, she said “Yes we do Sir”.
“Excellent” he said with extra emphasis on the first syllable and directing a loving smile Rihan’s way.
Rihan couldn’t believe it but she was delighted nonetheless. Until her mind focussed on all the qualities she was supposed to be bringing to the position and then her blood began to rise. “What do you mean I’m pig headed?”
But Pious wasn’t going to be side tracked. “Now of course this involves a promotion suitable to the position. In fact as a Commander you will skip a level.” This completely took the wind out of Rihan’s sails. She forgot about the pig headed attribute and was for a moment floating on a cloud.
“Of course this will be a different command to that of your intended husband and it will be shore based but it does come with some perks including the director’s suite at Shangri La”. Again he delighted in observing the impact. Rihan was now in seventh heaven.
Pious was waiting for a response but Rihan was no longer in the room. Finally, Art nudged her and she realised. She looked to Warner. He was delighted at her good fortune and was nodding in affirmation. “Thank you Sir. I accept” she responded.
“Excellent. Now as you know with the expanded base we will be able to increase our presence at Klaster. When the base force arrives it will be escorted by two frigates and these will stay at Klaster forming the 17th Flotilla. This flotilla is in need of a commander with excellent leadership and judgement. I think that describes you to a tee Commander or should I say Captain Warner.”
Poor Warner he hadn’t really recovered from the last shock. This time it was Rihan’s turn to give him a nudge. But that wasn’t effective, so she kicked him. It hurt, but it did the trick. “Yes Sir. Thank you.”
“You will of course retain command of the Hermes and you will be tasked with the immediate defence of the Klaster belt during the summits.” Pious took a breath. He felt very pleased with himself but he wasn’t finished yet.
“Now Mr Simons. I have some bad news for you.” He looked at Art in a most concerned manner. Art was struggling to think what he had done to deserve bad news. Surely his indiscretion this morning wouldn’t outweigh his achievements yesterday. But he wasn’t sure.
“I think it would be fair to say that your days as a field operative have come to an end. It’s not that your efforts and skills are unappreciated but I think we both know that you’ve come to the end of the line in that career.” He looked to Art seeking an acknowledgement. Art didn’t know how to respond, which was just what Pious wanted.
“Excellent. The question is really whether there is any employment for which your particular skills are suited. Don’t you agree?”
Art had been outmanoeuvred. He was now being asked a question that was built on a premise he hadn’t agreed to. He was lost as to how to answer. Rihan nudged him and then kicked him for good measure. These blokes were hopeless she thought. Finally Art uttered feebly “Yes Commodore.”
“Excellent. Well as fortune would have it I think I have found the very thing. With the summits being conducted at Klaster there is need of a diplomatic head of mission and I can think of no one better suited for the task, and available, than yourself. You are available aren’t you Mr Simons?”
Rihan just kicked him this time and it hurt. “Ouch! I mean, yes I am Commodore.”
“Excellent. And if I may be so bold Mr Simons I do not think Sgt Chalker is cut out to be a field operative but would perhaps be better suited to a position that is also coming up, namely head of security for the summits. She will of course have to accept a commission but I do think that 1st Lieutenant’s pay does provide some compensation. I have yet to speak with the good sergeant but I thought you may put in a good word for it.”
This time Art was quick off the mark “My pleasure Commodore.”
“Yes I noted that this morning” and Pious gave him a knowing wink. He then looked around at the smiling faces and he certainly felt good about it all. “Cranky Jack more pancakes please!”
Chapter 19. Niku 1000, 14 May.
Art Simons and the Commodore, with Kiralenko in train, entered the offices of the Niku Council Head. Justine Packer rose to welcome them. She looked happy. That was a good sign. Jade Moon, while not happy, was not unhappy and that too was a good sign. Pug Sterkze was keeping a low profile and remained at the end of the office. It was difficult for Art to make out his disposition.
“Commodore if you don’t mind I would like cut to the chase” said Packer.
“Ple
ase do” said the Commodore.
“Our Government is happy to go along with your plan but with some provisos.” Pious just nodded for her to continue. “First we would like a communications protocol established urgently that would allow secure comms between our Government and yours and between the respective Fleet HQs.”
“Of course.”
“Excellent” said Packer who was deliberately parodying the Commodore. She was doing so not because she didn’t like the Commodore but because she was determined that the Alliance should have an equal footing in the new arrangements. She was attempting to wrest back some of the initiative lost in their first encounter and she had had three days to plan for this.
She continued. “The Council also feel that given the likelihood of imminent conflict and the need to shoulder its full share in the coming conflict that for those military and government organisations directly supporting the summits it should share in the command arrangements.”
This hit Pious like a thunderbolt and he was struggling for a moment as to how he should respond. Art could see his indecision and nudged him. Finally Pious responded “I’m afraid that this extends beyond my authority Madam Council Head. I will need to consult with Fleet HQ and the Council.”
“Of course Commodore. Let’s say three days, then?”
“Yes, that should be sufficient.”
“Excellent Commodore. I look forward to seeing you again then.” She gave him a warm smile.
And this was noted by the Commodore. He knew he had been bested in this latest round but he was coming to appreciate the qualities of the woman in front of him. It was not every day that Commodore Pious was outmanoeuvred. No! He was actually looking forward to their next meeting. Yes it was refreshing to have a worthy opponent.
Justine Packer too found the encounter pleasing, not least because she had regained some of the initiative but primarily because she delighted in the reaction from the Commodore. Yes it amused her.
The Awakening: Book 1 of Warner's World Page 21