Stars Fell on Alabama

by M. Alan Marr

  “Is that for fighter pilot vanity?”

  “Maybe, but pilots are highly regarded here. Plus, whenever we launch, there is the possibility we may not come back.”

  “Hmm.”

  Two Lieutenants depart the cafe as Dev and Chaz approach the open doorway. The Lieutenants, wearing Old English-looking bicorn hats see the commanders and quickly make way and stand at attention, flanking either side of the open entryway. Dev and Chaz walk past them with a polite nod and enter.

  “Those are the hats?”

  “Shh.”

  “They didn’t nod or salute,” Chaz whispers discreetly.

  “They made way for us,” Dev whispers back.

  The interior of Cafe Capua has that familiar coffee house feel Chaz knows so well. Cafe Capua, like all high-end outlets selling caffeinated beverages, is popular with both academics and professionals. Chaz’s attention is directed upward as he listens to the music that is playing. Modern, with something like a sitar, giving the music a transcendental sound to it.

  “Is that your music?”

  “Yeah,” Dev says. “Most of our music has an ethereal kind of sound to it, but each territory has its signature qualities. I can tell this is from Trieste.”

  “Is it the only kind they play here?”

  “No, not at all. But based on the tones and cadence, and type of instruments, you can usually tell where it originated.”

  They approach the end of the short line, where three newly commissioned young Ensigns and one Fourth Midshipman stand in front of Dev and Chaz. They are all wearing much simpler hats, almost reminiscent of baseball caps. They are bantering about, perhaps being just a little too boisterous for officers, and way too much so for a Midshipman. One of the Ensigns swats the head of another, jostling his cap, causing the youngsters to get even more rambunctious. Dev narrows his eyes. Chaz’s space jet lag, lack of coffee, and experience in the combat zone made him instantly irritable; that and reviving his former Navy-self causes him to simply clear his throat, attracting the attention of one of the juniors. The nearest Ensign turns and sees Chaz’s flight suit and shoulder boards. The Ensign’s eyes widen, and he immediately snaps to attention. The others quickly follow suit, taking up positions of attention on either side, creating a space between them. The Ensign closest to Chaz remains nervously facing him.

  “Commander, sir!” He salutes and then sees Dev. “Sirs!”

  Chaz, more than a full foot taller than the Ensign, leans forward and speaks slowly. “This is a bad day for levity.”

  “My apologies, Commander!” The Ensign quickly takes his place in the four-man formation.

  Dev, with his wrists locked behind him, slowly and contemplatively walks down the space created between the four juniors. Chaz knows this drill; there’s a verbal beat down about to happen.

  Dev turns ninety degrees to face and address the Midshipman. “Public decorum says what, sir?”

  “Flight Commander!” the Midshipman answers quickly. “Public decorum requires officers and officer initiates to always display the best attributes of the Service, sir!”

  “And the Four Pillars of Service?”

  “Excellence. Integrity. Altruism. Honor. Sir!”

  Dev stares at the Midshipman for a moment or two, says nothing further, then moves ahead to the waiting barista. Chaz, a bit unsure of what to do at this point, stands where he is. Dev orders two capuli from the barista. Having not been dismissed, the four juniors remain nervously standing at attention in their formation. The barista presents an electronic pad for Dev’s fingerprint for payment. Before he does, Dev signals to the barista to order the four additional capulus drinks for the juniors. The barista nods and makes the adjustment to the bill. Dev presses his fingerprint against the pad for payment.

  Dev carries the two large capuli and walks back through the quartet of rigidly standing youngsters. After he walks past the juniors, he mouths the words dismiss them to Chaz, who smartly turns to let Dev pass. Out of Chaz’s periphery, he sees Dev exit the cafe and turn to the right and out of sight.

  Chaz puts on his sternest face and turns to the juniors and looks very displeased. “You’re dismissed.” He turns about and walks outside, where Dev is waiting out on the sidewalk. He hands Chaz his capulus and they toast.

  “I’m sorry,” Chaz says. “They were annoying the hell out of me. I guess I’m a bit irritable.”

  “No, you did exactly the right thing,” Dev confirms. “As a Lieutenant Commander traveling with a Commander, it falls to you to make the interdiction on my behalf. The reprimand falls to me, the senior. So that played out exactly as it should have.”

  “It comes back fast.” Chaz smiles.

  The Ensign, the one Chaz first spoke to, hurries outside the cafe carrying his large capulus.

  “Sirs?”

  Dev and Chaz turn and stop. The Ensign approaches and comes to attention and renders a salute and addresses Dev. “Commander, I want to formally apologize for our behavior. And also, to say thank you, sir.”

  “Third Pillar, Ensign,” Dev says, returning the salute. “Carry on, sir.”

  “Yes, sir.” Then he looks at Chaz and salutes. “Commander.”

  Chaz returns the salute as well, although flubs slightly by rendering a Navy salute. The Ensign does a swift about-face and heads back into the cafe. Dev and Chaz exchange a smile and continue on their way.

  “Third Pillar?” Chaz says.

  “Altruism,” Dev replies. “They’ll remember this.”

  ADMIRALTY

  FLEET SIGNALS DIVISION

  The visit to the Signals Division is fairly quick. Dev learns that the Yeti detonated a series of finely tuned electromagnetic pulses prior to and during the attack. That’s what brought down the communications grid. The pulses dissipated shortly thereafter, and everything is back up and running. The Admiralty is once again in full communications contact with the fleet and all stations across the Crown. Dispatches from all of the effected stations, including Lyra and Adonis are coming in now and are being routed to their appropriate recipients. Precautions against the same type of blackouts are being addressed, but all stations are making preparations to operate autonomously in case of further outages.

  A signal tech works with Chaz to set up a protocol for accessing Dev’s home system, that is to say his home system on Earth. With some creativity, the signalman is successful in tapping the relay buoy left in Earth orbit. With Chaz’s permission, the tech downloads the Triad scheduling software from Chaz’s iPhone. The programming matrix is mapped out on a tabletop display. A few keystrokes triggers an analytical program and plots a Tertian-equivalent matrix to mirror the Earth-based program. This attracts the attention of several techs, who on with interest as this is their first time examining an Earthbound computer matrix. Chaz explains what he needs to do with the Triad program, and the tech explains he will need to enter all the information at each step of the programming matrix and then send it all at once for this to work. Chaz realizes this layout is an analog of the software roots, with pictographic options, just like the displays of the computer hacks he saw on the Recon ship.

  “I think I understand this.” Chaz taps the first icon, which opens up a small window showing the Triad Airlines program graphic where he would normally enter his employee number and password. Because these windows were populated from the data in Chaz’s iPhone, the security information is already present. Chaz taps the next icon, which opens a series of windows mimicking each of the options he’s familiar with. Step by step, Chaz manually navigates to the Trip Give Away board where he selects his next three trips, and then selects the confirm key.

  The transit time and distance makes the connect time incredibly slow, reminding Chaz of the old days of waiting for dial-up, but the Tech is able to boost the outbound signal speeding up the communication significantly. Dev, meanwhile, is in a meeting with a few officers in private. Chaz sees Dev in the other room talking, but doesn’t know what the meeting is about. The worksta
tion screen indicates the outbound signal has been sent. Dev completes his private meeting and returns to the main area.

  “Any success?” Dev says.

  The signal tech responds. “Yes, sir. There is an old fleet com buoy downrange of the Crown. It’s been decommissioned for the last forty years, but we were able restart it and configure it to help bridge the gap and increase transmission speed.”

  “Outstanding. Are the systems in long range sync?”

  “No, sir. This link will never be fast enough for vocal or photo-coms, but it should provide ample signal strength to relay dispatches, but there will be a delay.”

  “And Commander Ronaldi’s needs?”

  “We were able to transmit a compressed data packet to the Commander’s resident system, but we’ll have to wait for confirmation, sir.”

  “Transit time?”

  “Difficult to say at this point, Commander. Maybe a day or two? We’ll know more once we see the results of Commander Ronaldi’s initial message, but I’m optimistic we can make adjustments at that point, sir.”

  “Well done, signalman.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Chaz adds, “I’ll have to check back later and see if anything changes.”

  “Now that we have a transmission solution, Commanders, you can access this configuration with your interlink devices anywhere in the Crown.”

  “Sounds good,” Chaz says to the signalman.

  “I’m really sorry about this, Chaz,” Dev says, apologetically.

  “Part of the adventure.”

  Dev turns to the signalman. “I want this configuration secured. Command-level access only.”

  “Aye, sir.”

  ADMIRALTY

  FLEET COMBAT CENTER

  The Flight Admiral waves Dev and Chaz over, where Dev quietly makes his case for Chaz keeping his Earthly commission. Chaz is impressed his US Navy service record is on hand and displayed at the Admiral’s station. No doubt Dev had something to do with this. The Flight Admiral, despite his workload and urgency in the aftermath of the attack, gives Dev his full attention. Owing to Chaz’s present situation, and most importantly taking into account his education, prior service record, and recent service in Lyra, the Admiral carefully weighs granting the continuance of Chaz’s previously commissioned rank. As Dev is making an official request, the Admiral’s aide-de-camp prepares two orders on a pad; one in the circumstance the Admiral approves the request, the other if he denies.

  The Admiral looks directly at Chaz. “Your service record is well rounded, sir.” The Admiral picks up a pad. “I have here new dispatches from Adonis Fleet Commander, updating the information you brought back from Lyra. Of specific note is a statement from a fighter tech.” He reads, “‘On a decompressing Weather Deck, the Lieutenant Commander’s thoughts were not of saving himself, but to the fallen Fourth Leftenant.’ ” The Admiral adds, “Adonis Fleet Commander further indicates after landing, you encountered a Yeti with a Lyran hostage.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And while standing on alien ground for the first time, armed with an unfamiliar weapon, in circumstances that would try any officer, you vanquished the Yeti, saving the hostage’s life; a man you had never met, and will likely never see again, but one who clearly needed your help.”

  The other officers at the Admiral’s station are justifiably impressed with Chaz’s actions. Not many in fleet service ever find themselves on actually standing next to a living, breathing Yeti and survive the encounter.

  The Admiral continues, “Fleet Commander Vijay also praises your rendering of aid to many of the injured in the hours after the attack. In short, Commander Chaz, in the span of only three days, you have displayed the finest attributes every officer in the service of the Crown aspires to.”

  “Thank you, Admiral,” Chaz says quickly, nearly choked up.

  “Commander Dev, anything to add?”

  “Only that he faced airborne combat and compression flight with courage, sir.”

  “Good,” the Admiral says, then turns to Chaz. “Are you familiar with our Four Pillars of Service?”

  “I am, Admiral.” With confidence, Chaz adds, “I believe they are Excellence, Integrity, Altruism, and Honor, sir.”

  The Admiral is pleasantly surprised. “Indeed they are, sir. And although we typically list them in that very order, they are all equal in significance.” The Admiral motions toward the exit with his head. “In the outer courtyard of this Admiralty, there is a great globe upheld by four pillars. Those pillars support the heaviness of the world.” The Admiral is trying to impart the significance of the commission. “No individual pillar can bear the immense weight on its own. You understand, sir?”

  “Completely, Admiral.”

  “Very well.” The Admiral glances at those around him. “Attention to orders.”

  All of the officers around the Admiral’s station stop what they’re doing and stand at attention. Chaz stands straight and rigid. The Admiral takes the stylus from his aide. “Chaz Karl Ronaldi, I hereby confer your previous commissioned rank of Lieutenant Commander, as indicated by the Commandant of the Navy and President of the United States of America. All courtesies, rights, and privileges contained therein are officially extended to you while on Trieste and all territories of the Crown. In return, Commander, you are expected to respect the chain of command and abide by the tenets of the Crown Defense Force and civilian government. Do you accept these terms, sir?”

  “I do, Admiral.”

  “Very well. So ordered.” The Admiral signs the order, making it official. “Please accept my apologies, Commander Chaz, there is usually more ceremonial reverence to a commissioning.”

  “Of course, Admiral.”

  The Admiral shakes Chaz’s hand. “You do your world credit, sir.”

  The next two hours have Dev working in the Fleet Combat Center. During this time, Chaz meets with a Fifth Leftenant for a crash course in what the Navy would call Charm School—a class designed to teach military courtesy, the hierarchy of the command structure, as well as a general rundown of Crown military customs. Chaz is extremely tired from his ordeal, bud manages to secure another large capulus to keep him alert during his briefing. His reading while on Adonis and Dev’s previous briefings, along with his prior naval service, make him a quick study.

  Satisfied the re-commissioned Lieutenant Commander Chaz can comfortably conduct himself as an Officer of the Crown, the Fifth Leftenant offers to escort him back to find Commander Dev. Chaz is confident he can find his own way through the FCC and declines the offer. He thanks the Leftenant and dismisses him to resume whatever duties he had before being tasked with charm school. Chaz enters the busy FCC and begins searching for Dev. As he winds around the busy room, many officers render passing respects to him, much the same way the officers on Adonis reacted to Dev’s presence. And just as on Adonis, no one sees an Earth resident anymore, but a ranking Officer of the Crown.

  A now-weary Dev is standing apart from the Admiral’s station, looking up at a large navigation screen. He enters several commands in a keypad, bringing up a map of the constellations. Warship Adonis’ original patrol route is displayed as a long, curvy course line. Dev’s next command brings up the point where Adonis was diverted to Earth.

  The Flight Admiral happens to glance over and sees Chaz looking around the room. When their eyes meet, the Admiral waves him over. Chaz didn’t notice, until now, the immense screens are the same kind of holographic technology as the navigational display in the fighter.

  The same highlighted combat areas as before are displayed, but now, so is another: Hercules. As he approaches the Admiral’s position, Chaz notices Dev at a background station rubbing his eyes. He can tell Dev is very tired, but the Admiral beckoned, so it would be inappropriate to divert elsewhere.

  Chaz reaches the Admiral and salutes. “Admiral.”

  The Admiral casually returns the salute as he speaks. “Bad news from one of our Elementals in Hercules.”

/>   “Elementals, Admiral?”

  “Mining world. Hercules has several planets extraordinarily rich in elements, many of which are scarce here on Trieste. Some of the purest metals in the cosmos come from Hercules. We drove off the Yeti, but our facility was obliterated. No loss of life, however. The miners took refuge deep underground and were spared from the bombardment.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, Admiral.” Chaz looks over toward Dev, still studying the course projections.

  “Commander Dev is checking Adonis’ patrol route,” the Admiral says, discreetly. “I believe he’s worried their diversion may have impacted the efficacy of our defense in Lyra.”

  “That does sound like him, Admiral.”

  “Indeed it does, Commander.”

  “Admiral, may I ask . . . did it make an impact, sir?”

  The Admiral can see Chaz is concerned about this as well. “Yes. A very good impact. People are alive on Lyra because of it.”

  “Dev told me . . . he thinks the Yeti deliberately hit Lyra to force Adonis to remain in place, to take them out of the fight.”

  “They did exactly that.”

  “He hoped he was wrong about that.”

  “It’s been my experience that Commander Dev is rarely ever wrong. He has a very keen sense of military strategy.”

  “I’m not sure how I can ever measure up to that kind of standard, Admiral.”

  The Admiral gives the very slightest of chuckles. “In time, sir. Commander Dev is rarely wrong. Midshipman Dev . . . is another story.”

  Chaz smiles at this.

  Across the room, Dev discontinues his research. Another officer approaches him with an electronic pad. Dev reads and signs the pad and then tries to conceal an exhausted yawn as he approaches Chaz and the Admiral. “I just saw an engineering breakdown of the fighter we brought in, sir.”