by C. R. Daems
"Navy justice. Sharat acts recklessly and is not held accountable. Anna saves the day, and she is given a letter of reprimand," Kris spat out the words in disgust.
"Yes, it looks that way on the surface, and that had to be the official position," Maclin said in response to Kris. "They clearly sent the message that Captain Sharat was reckless. That will not help her for promotion or future assignments. If they officially censured her, they would send the message that captains have to check with headquarters before they make decisions. The Admiralty has to assume that they promoted the best people to captains and therefore have to give them wide discretionary powers. Likewise, if they hadn't slapped Paulus's hand, it would send the message that you have a right to question your superiors. Notice they said they understood her passion and passed any real action onto Rawls. That was a backhanded compliment. I think the messages were clear and everyone is happy justice was served without changing the long-standing rules of the game."
"What about you Anna?" Kris pressed.
"I'd do it again," I said, content with a reprimand. Kris and Maclin laughed. Just then, Stauffer approached us.
"Lieutenants, Admiral Rawls would like to speak with you. She has a room reserved. I'll take you there in a moment." He turned to Maclin. "Captain, Admiral Rawls has cleared it with Admiral Webb for my aggressive duet to be assigned to the Vulcan, unless you have any objections."
Maclin shook his head. "No. As I explained to your duet, the inquiry was very clear. They did all the right things, and Captain Sharat should have listened."
"The guards I assume are for their protection?" Stauffer asked. When Maclin nodded, he continued. "Good. I'll send them back to the Vulcan when the Admiral is through."
We followed Stauffer into the elevator, which took us to the forty-six floor. There, he led us to a small conference room halfway down the hallway. We braced to attention when we entered and saw Admirals Lulltrel and Rawls in the room.
"At ease. Grab yourself something to eat and drink, and sit," Lulltrel said, pointing to the chairs opposite them on the oblong table.
The conference room was clearly reserved for admirals, with its cushioned executive-type chairs, wooden conference table, plush carpeting, and floor-to-ceiling windows with a birds-eye view of the city. I put two small sandwich wedges on a plate and mixed my coffee drink before going to the chairs Lulltrel had designated. Kris joined me a minute later.
"This has by far been the most productive and dangerous assignment in my twenty-five years with the NIA. The project team has accomplished the impossible in record time. I and everyone else thought it would take years to penetrate the smuggler organization and that at best, the team might cut the contraband in half. Taking out the merchants alone would have cut the traffic close to zero, and we've destroyed four of the FPU ships the smugglers were using for pickups and drop-offs. You've even weeded out several drug-dealing sailors."
She stopped for a drink of coffee. "I know the cost has been high, very high. Only by luck and good fortune that you aren't all dead." She shook her head as if to clear it. "I called you here to congratulate you and to give you several well-earned awards: two Purple Hearts and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. That is for your bold action that resulted in saving hundreds of lives and the destruction of three smuggler ships, because without your action, those ships would have destroyed the Tityus and gotten away. The Inquiry Board also sends its unofficial thanks. I'll leave you with Admiral Rawls to discuss your future assignments."
She left me with my mouth open, looking at the three velvet boxes lying open in front of me.
"I think the admiral is pleased," Rawls quipped. "As I am. You're also entitled to Combat and Service-on-a-cruiser ribbons. The question is: what do I do with the three of you now? Kris, you will be promoted to Lieutenant Commander on the next round of promotions and your career is on a fast track. Anna, do you want to remain in the navy or return to being a civilian contractor? Regardless, you too are on a fast track. Needless to say, we would like you three to stay as a team within the NIA."
Red took that as a signal to appear, winding himself partially around my neck with his head on my shoulder. He didn't seem interested in the awards and gave my cheek a lick, which jarred me out of my shock.
"It's not over. The smugglers have an extensive information network—like the NIA, navy personnel, and logistics rolled together. They will be back in business before long," I said, expressing thoughts that had been bouncing around in my head for several weeks.
Kris looked at me for a minute then nodded. "Anna's right."
"How do you know?" Rawls asked, her eyes going from me to Kris and back like watching a tennis match.
"It all fits together. How did the people on individual planets know the times and locations of the pickups and drop-offs? The messages to the merchants were from planet-side senders. How did they know when the smugglers would be available for pickups? They got their information from another source," I said.
"And they had, maybe still have, UAS officers sending them updates on ships' schedules, deployments, and activities. So they knew where our ships would be and when the smugglers would be available. They have connections on each planet. That speaks to a sophisticated network," Kris said, summarizing what we had discovered to date.
"What are you suggesting?" Rawls asked.
"I think the answers are on Oasis. If nothing else, we might be able to cut the crucial link between the smugglers and the Alliance." I reached up to my shoulder to touch Red, whose head was pointed toward Rawls. Stauffer and Rawls leaned close together and talked in low voices for several minutes.
"All right, join the Vulcan and have Captain Maclin take you back to Oxax. Paulus, go see your mother; she must be totally grey by now, worrying about you. Sinclair, you are free to do what you want until I decide. I want Maclin to stay in Oxax and for you to have twenty-four-seven security. I doubt the smuggler organization will be satisfied until you are dead. And I can't blame them. Your team has single-handedly brought their organization to its knees."
"A week or so on Oxax may convince them we think we've broken their organization, and they might leave you alone," Stauffer said as the two rose to leave. "See you back on Oxax."
"Now we know what it takes to get on the fast track," Kris grinned. "I just hope we don't need to duplicate the past several weeks to stay there."
"Or earn any more Purple Hearts. We were lucky." Very lucky, I mused. Red saved us once, and the second time Lieutenant Toney was a lousy marksman, as were most navy crew. They knew how to use small arms, but didn't practice once they qualified at the beginning of their career.
"Before we go back to the ship, I think we should stop at the military shop somewhere in this building and buy some new uniforms and ribbons." She chuckled. "This is my only good one, and the ship doesn't have much except for work uniforms. And I doubt they have a Distinguished Service Ribbon." A grin split her face and she pulled me to my feet, and we made our way to the store after getting directions several times along the way. Navy Headquarters on Eastar was a massive complex. We purchased two sets of uniforms, planning to get them altered on Oxax, and accessories: ribbons, rank, insignia, shirts, socks, and underwear. Back on the Vulcan, we gave Maclin a summary of our discussions with Rawls.
"So, you think I'll be transporting you to Oasis? Does that mean I should get stocked up on missiles?" He grinned. "You two are exciting people to be around."
"I hope not. I don't think my heart can stand much more excitement. I've had my lifetime limit of space submarines, shooting wars, and men trying to kill me. I'm supposed to be at a desk solving puzzles and in my spare time finding a husband." Kris said, looking serious.
"There are lots of eligible men on the Vulcan," Maclin said with a smile.
"No and No. I want a husband who is home at night, not off in space ninety percent of the time. Get me pregnant then run off and let me raise them? No, thank you."
"You have a point." Maclin nodd
ed. "Well, I've got a ship to get prepared to leave. Travel time will be about eight days unless you want to stop somewhere."
I looked to Kris, who shook her head.
* * *
There isn't much to do on a cruiser if you aren't crew, and there is no way to communicate outside the ship when you are in the Wave. Captain Maclin invited us to dinner several times, which helped break the monotony. He was an interesting down-to-earth individual with a somewhat unusual naval career. His heritage was old-Earth Scottish, and his parents kept many of the old customs, although undoubtedly modified over the years. He was born and raised on Black Water and had enlisted as an able seaman when he was eighteen and worked his way to petty officer with an engineering rating. He had liked the work but wanted something more exciting, so he took off three years to get a college degree and a commission. Fifteen years later, he earned a promotion to captain. He enjoyed life and was at home with officers and enlisted alike. I thought Alexa would like him.
Kris and I also spent a lot of time talking about our early lives. Unlike Maclin, she had attended college because her parents held advanced degrees and it seemed natural. An only child, Kris was used to being on her own and loved mysteries and puzzles. Her high grades in math and logic had attracted recruiters from the intelligence agencies. Lured by the aspect of travel and ferreting out criminals, she joined Naval Intelligence, where she had been successful, which was the reason she had been selected for the Smugglers Project. Since none of the officers on the ship were in her chain of command, she had several ship-dates, more to break the monotony of the voyage than looking for mister right.
Kris, Maclin, and I were equally delighted when we exited the Wave into Oxax. Kris was considering visiting her parents on Safe Harbor if Stauffer thought we'd be on Oxax for longer than a week. Maclin thought it a good opportunity to give his crew some extended planet-side leave, and I looked forward to being home. When Kris and I arrived at the terminal on Oxax, Alexa was waiting. She grabbed me in a tight hug.
"I hope Red remembers I'm your mother!" She gave a short laugh. "Actually, I don't care. It would be worth it. I've been so worried: attempted murders, hospitals, and an Inquiry. Hi, Red," she whispered. He had worked his way between us and was lying wrapped around my neck, his head between our necks.
"I think he's also glad to be home," I said as we parted.
"Sorry, Kris," Alexa said. "Mothers can't wait to touch their children as proof they are alive, especially this one. Each day is a potentially exciting one." She snorted a laugh.
"I understand, especially the exciting part. A few weeks with Anna, and I've already received three awards. And I suspect you've earned several, if truth be told."
"Think how boring life would be without me," I quipped. "Would you like a ride somewhere?"
"You can drop me at the office. I'd like to talk to Stauffer about a leave."
I dropped Kris at our office and then flew home with Alexa. Joetta had prepared a special dinner at Alexa's request: a stuffed leg of Zespa lamb with pork and apple stuffing, roasted potatoes, a vegetable mega-mix, and a peach cobbler for dessert.
"I'm ... happy to be home. I loved the experience of being crew on a warship, solving puzzles, and helping to rout out the bad guys and gals, but there is no place like home. You may have to get a court order to get me to leave."
"Then you're safe. Magistrate Bellona would deny it on the grounds that you are the perfect daughter," Alexa said and hugged me. "I too am happy you have a purpose in life, one you enjoy, but I'm happy you're home. I love having you here."
* * *
By the end of two weeks, it felt like I had never left. When I had reported for work the next day, Commander Stauffer had told me I had the next two weeks off. Kris had been granted leave, Adrian was still recovering on Stone Ring, and the rest would do me good as well. And it had. I had spent the first few days discussing my future, something I had never done before. I had never dwelt on death, just accepted my very early death as a given.
"Mother, what do you think about the offer to remain a naval officer versus being placed on navy reserve and becoming a civilian again?" I asked one evening. I owed Stauffer an answer eventually.
"Well, that reprimand certainly won't hurt your career. It reads more like a recommendation for promotion than a censure. The board had to make their verbal verdict sound like a censure, although unofficially they approved of your actions. So no one will see the written reprimand except someone reviewing your records for an assignment or promotion. But everyone else will think you were punished for talking back to an officer—quite clever. You have obviously thought about it. Which way are you leaning?"
"I'm not. This thinking about my future stuff is new to me. I've learned to get out of each day what enjoyment I can. I don't think it's morbid thinking."
"No, during combat, people tend to think much the same, and your life has been much like combat. What would give you the most satisfaction on a day-to-day basis?" Alexa asked.
"Being an officer, I think. I'm in naval intelligence, and the people I work with are navy, so I think I would feel more like one of the team, even though they have never made me feel like an outsider. I'd have to learn adult-speak though." I laughed at the thought.
"Well there is your answer. A few more reprimands like this one will put you on a fast track for admiral. The Red admiral." She laughed.
.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Breaking the information network
"Adrian!" I screamed when I entered the office and saw him sitting at his desk. I ran up to him, but fortunately stopped my impulse to grab him in a hug. "It's great to see you up and on your feet. How are you feeling?"
"Hi, Anna. I'll consider myself hugged. I'm feeling better each day. That shard gun caused multiple problems, but everything seems to be healing. You look good considering you've had two murder attempts that almost succeeded. And Red looks in top form." His head nodded upward, and I realized Red was resting on my forehead.
"I think he's happy to see you as well." I laughed. "I don't think the smugglers much like us. I think they are taking it personally."
"I'd like to tell them it's you and Kris that are the real troublemakers, but it's one for all and all for one." He lapsed into silence, and I could feel his deep sadness. "We need to shut them down for Wilber."
"I agree!" Kris shouted from across the room. "Give them a taste of their own vengeance. How are you doing, Adrian?"
"I was telling Anna, I'm recovering well. Still in a bit of pain and have to be careful not to put pressure on certain parts, but almost back to functional." He smiled weakly.
Kris gave me a hug.
"Wow, was your vacation that bad, or do you just have a death wish?" Adrian's eyes were wide and his mouth open in surprise.
"No, the vacation was great. I'm Red's nanny when Anna is in a really bad mood," Kris said while maintaining a serious expression. "When we told Captain Sharat about the message we apparently intercepted, she..." Kris related the incident at Shadows Rest in all its gory details."
"You two are certifiably insane, but since we're teammates, my lips are sealed." He gave Kris a hug, which from the look on his face caused him some considerable pain. We sat in the conference room recounting our experiences until Stauffer appeared sometime later.
"Admiral Rawls has received permission from Admiral Lulltrel to conduct Operation Oasis. Captain Maclin is recalling his crew from shore-leave and will be ready to depart in two days. Adrian, the NIA doctor has declared you fit for light duty. I'll leave it up to you whether you feel up to accompanying these two to Oasis. Trouble tends to follow them." He gave a snort. "You again have Priority One Access. They want the smuggler organization crushed, and they are giving you the authority to do it."
"Maybe I can watch their backs. I'd like to go so long as Kris and Anna don't believe I'll be a burden," Adrian said with a wry smile.
"I'd welcome you, Adrian. Keeping Anna out of trouble is a two-perso
n job." She looked serious, except for the twitch of her lip.
"I protest. I'm young and inexperienced, and Red and Kris encourage my bad behavior." I raised my bottom lip into a pout. That caused everyone to start laughing.
"I'll authorize you to go. You obviously make a good team. Anna, have you made a decision yet?"
"Yes, sir. I've decided to remain on active duty. It feels right."
"I'm glad. I should have your P1A identification badges tomorrow. Captain Maclin is expecting you on or before noon the following day."
* * *
Saying goodbye to Alexa again so soon was difficult. Being home had been wonderful, but I was looking forward to going to Oasis as part of the project team. I drove Alexa to work, then continued on to the Oxax ground terminal for a shuttle to the space station. The shuttle was crowded with crew from the Vulcan, including Commander Dowell, who I sat next to, as I was the second ranking officer on board—actually my P1A gave me priority, had I wanted to exercise it.
"Good morning, Commander Dowell. Have a good vacation?"
"Yes, Eteos is an interesting city with plenty to do. How about you?"
"Yes, Oxax is my home."
"Since you are joining us, I assume we will be chasing smugglers."
"Yes, we will continue to harass them." I had gotten paranoid over the year and was afraid to say too much. I didn't know who might be listening, and they had managed to corrupt Alliance officers. I thought it best to confine the telling of our real intent to the captain. When we docked, I followed Dowell and the others to the Vulcan, where a long line waited to board.