by Saxon Andrew
“Bellemy won’t like that, Sir.”
“While he’s at it, have him visit Admiral Jordan as well. Get back to me after he completes his examination. I know Admiral Bellemy will not question my decision; he’s aware of the problem that would cause if he did. Bellemy can be trusted because he’s afraid of getting on my bad side.”
The First Assistant bowed and said, “I’ll issue the orders immediately. I’ll get back to you after the telepath visits them.”
The Prime Minister smiled, “That’s why I like you; you always see the darker side of everything.” The First Assistant smiled at the complement and left the Prime Minister’s office.
• • •
Bellemy looked up from his console at Major Storm, “Lt. Goins is being transferred to Fleet operations.”
“What?!”
“She’s been promoted to Major and has been ordered to report in two days.”
“She doesn’t deserve to be a Major!”
“Tell it to the Prime Minister. You need to break it off with her now!”
“Why?”
“I don’t want her knowing anything we’re doing where she can report on it to the Prime Minister’s staff.”
“We could use her as source.”
“Get real! They’ll use her as a source into my office! End it now and thank God I didn’t allow you to remove her.”
“I’ll handle it tonight Sir.”
“See that you do!”
• • •
Vickie reported to Fleet Operations with a heavy heart. The man she loved told her he had found someone else; he said he was weary of having to wait for her. She pleaded with him that she was now free to be with him, but he was in love with another woman. She was greeted by a woman who showed her to her desk, and she sighed; it was better to be separated from him. She threw herself into her work to get her mind off what had happened. It was Admiral Bellemy’s fault she had lost him. She longed to get revenge but knew that was just a pipe dream. She represented no threat to the Admiral; she was nothing but a small fish in a very large pond.
Chapter Ten
Cami boarded the ship and looked around at the others, “I apologize for keeping you here a week, but a lot had to be handled between the Tanis, Grang, and DoRen before we could leave. Thank you for your patience.”
“It’s ok Aunt Cami; I enjoyed getting to know them.”
“Know who Coco?”
“All of them.”
Cami hugged her and nodded to Charlie. He activated the gravity drives and announced, “Next stop Britannia.”
Cami pulled down the computer display at her chair and began entering information. Coco looked at the rear of the ship where Stoney was sitting and smiled. He rolled his eyes and she left the seat beside Cami and went to sit on Sweet’s lap on the bridge. After a few minutes, Stoney blew out a breath and walked forward and sat down on the seat beside Cami. Cami turned to him and Stoney said, “You have impressed me numerous times since we started working together but what I observed here was really amazing; you were truly incredible.”
Cami smiled, “Thank you Stoney that means a lot.”
“Also, if you are considering giving me another assignment, I hope you won’t do that but will allow me to continue working with you.” Cami’s head tilted as Stoney stood up and went back to his seat in the rear of the ship.
Cami turned back to the computer and then paused. She thought for a few minutes, then stood up, and went back to sit beside Stoney. “Why did you just say that?”
“Say what?”
“That you didn’t want to stop working with me.” Stoney shrugged and Cami pressed, “You have a reason; what is it?”
Stoney took a deep breath and blew it out slowly before answering, “I think I would be miserable if you moved me to another assignment.”
“Why?”
“I just would be, ok?!” Cami stared into his eyes and he blew out another breath before adding, “I just wouldn’t be happy without you in my day.”
“What are you trying to say Stoney?”
Stoney looked away and said softly, “I came to respect you first. You are a really remarkable woman.”
“Go on.” Cami prodded.
“I’ve found over the last few months that I…”
“That you what?” Cami prodded again.
“That I have developed feelings for you Cami. I wake up looking forward to seeing you and go to bed thinking about you. I just don’t want to be separated from you!”
Cami stared at him and tilted her head, “Are you saying you’ve become emotionally attached to me.”
“I guess you could say it that way,” Stoney replied.
“How would you say it another way?”
Stoney turned and looked into her eyes, “I’m falling in love with you Cami. I hope you won’t stop me from working with you because of my feelings.”
Stoney looked away and Cami sat beside him in silence. After a very long moment, Cami asked, “Do you remember when we first met on that bench?” Stoney turned to her and after a moment, nodded. “Coco allowed me to see your thoughts and I saw that you are someone who believes in doing the right thing even if you died from following your beliefs. I saw Coco was right and that you are a good man.” Cami paused and said, “The last man I was interested in thought about his own safety ahead of doing the right thing and that is what showed me that he wasn’t someone I could accept into my life. The reason I allowed you to leave safely was that I prayed that you would see the truth and come back to me. I decided at that moment that you are the one I want to be with. There is no way I will ever send you away from being with me. Seeing you every day makes my day so much brighter and happier.”
“Why haven’t you told me?” Stoney asked.
Cami sighed, “I’ve worried that I’m not someone that you would find attractive. I’m not that much to look at and you’re so handsome. I’m a driven person constantly pressing forward to accomplish my goals. I didn’t think I measured up to your standards.”
“What are you telling me Cami?”
“I think I loved you from the moment I first saw your thoughts. I have one regret about it though.”
“What is that?” Stoney asked softly.
“Like the Leader of the Grang said, I regret that you had to say it first. I should have told you sooner.” Stoney leaned in and kissed Cami tenderly.
• • •
Coco got up and closed the portal to the bridge. Sweet’s eyes narrowed, “Why did you do that? Cami won’t be able to talk with us.”
Coco grinned, “I don’t think she’ll be talking with us for a while.”
“Why not?” Charlie asked.
“I think Stoney has all of her attention.”
Charlie looked at Sweets and she shook her head until she understood. “Are you serious?” Coco nodded. “Are you listening to them?” Coco nodded again. “That’s not polite Coco.”
Coco smiled, “They know I’m watching them, and they don’t care.”
Charlie burst out laughing and pulled the thruster handle back, “We don’t have to rush back to Britannia.”
Sweets nodded and leaned over to kiss him. She broke the kiss and turned to Coco, “Does he…”
“He loves her Mommy.”
Sweets’ smile was huge, “Thank God. I’ve so hoped Cami would find someone.”
Coco raised her shoulders, “They found each other.”
Sweets started crying and Charlie held her hand. He had worried about Cami being alone as well.
The ship finally moved in close to Britannia and Sweets opened the portal and walked back to Cami’s chair. She was resting her head on Stoney’s shoulder as they slept, and her expression showed she was at peace. Sweets went back to the bridge and smiled, “We’ll wake them when we land.”
Coco’s expression wasn’t normal, and Sweets asked, “What’s bothering you?”
“It’s really something when two telepaths completely open their minds to each
other.” Sweets’ eyes narrowed and Coco looked up at her, “I’ve stopped listening to them. They’ve changed.”
“How?” Sweets asked.
“Their minds are much stronger together, Mommy.”
Sweets nodded and wondered what this meant.
• • •
Devin ended the contact with the First Assistant and sat back in his command chair. Things were starting to get serious. He contacted Admiral Jordan’s Executive Officer and notified him that he was coming to inspect his fleet. He realized that he would play a major role in the selection of who was going to command the Colony’s fleets. The First Assistant made it clear that Jordan was not the first choice of the Prime Minister…but he could change that with the right report. His display activated and the Executive Officer reported, “Admiral Jordan has been informed of your inspection and he requests you come to his flag ship and meet with him before you start inspecting his fleet.”
“I’ll be there in three hours. Please notify your carrier commanders that I will be arriving to inspect their commands at the Prime Minister’s orders.”
“I’ll notify Admiral Jordan of your request.”
“It is not a request! It is an order.”
Devin stared into the Executive Officer’s eyes and he blinked first, “Yes Sir. I’ll make the announcement.”
Devin ended the contact and began searching for Charlotte’s mind. After a few moments, she thought, “What’s going on?”
“I’ve been ordered to go out and look at the two officers being considered to be the overall commander of the Colony’s fleets. Do you have any suggestions?”
Charlotte thought about it and replied, “At first blush, I’d say choose the one that is the least skilled of the two.”
Devin smiled, “What about second blush?”
“I’d say choose the one that is willing to listen to reason. If the Colony Commander is one that will attack and refuse to back off; then that could lead to millions of deaths.” Charlotte smiled, “But you already made that determination, didn’t you?”
“Yes but both of them may be fanatics who refuse to back off.”
“If that’s the case, choose the one with the least combat skills.”
“I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“Be careful Devin. They could be checking behind you to confirm your loyalty.”
“I’m sure they are. I don’t have to be deceptive; I’m sure if I ask the right questions both of these officers will give me what I need to convince the Prime Minister to accept my judgment.” Devin ended the contact with Charlotte and accelerated away from New Sydney.
• • •
He arrived aboard Admiral Jordan’s flag ship and was escorted to the Admiral’s office by the Executive Officer. He immediately saw the Admiral was wearing a thought blocking helmet. Well…this was interesting. He looked at the Executive Officer’s mind and immediately determined that Jordan had contacted Admiral Bellemy prior to his arrival and he suggested Jordan wear the helmet. The Executive Officer recommended against it, but Jordan followed Bellemy’s advice; he was incredibly naive about the skills of a telepath. He never considered that Devin would look at the minds of his staff and find out everything he needed. Devin didn’t need to interview the Admiral, by wearing the helmet, he was as good as dead. But first, perhaps this admiral was dumb enough to be an asset to Britannia and its allies. So he questioned Jordan on what tactics he would use against an enemy of the Colonies. He quickly saw that Jordan was a fanatic. Devin asked him what he would do if his fleets were outnumbered and overwhelmed by an enemy and he replied that he would send all of his forces against the enemy even if it meant he lost all of them.
Devin nodded at the Admiral’s comment and asked, “Who would then defend the Colonies if you lost all of your forces?”
“If this enemy could defeat all of my warships, then it’s imperative I reduce their numbers facing the Colonies so that they are forced to withdraw and reform, which would allow the closest Colony to start evacuation of the civilian population.”
Devin stared at Jordan and stood up, “Order your fleet to divide into two equal units and have them perform a maneuver trying to defeat each other. One unit will be charged with defending a planet and the other will be an aggressor attempting to break through their lines. You may choose the coordinate in space that will be defended by the defensive unit. I will board my ship, observe the maneuver, and then send my report to the Prime Minister.”
“And what will you say about our discussion?”
“I will tell the Prime Minister you are devoted to defending the Colonies against any aggressor. Am I wrong about that, Admiral Jordan?”
“Absolutely not!”
Devin turned and said, “Start your maneuver in an hour.”
• • •
Devin watched the maneuver and saw that the Admiral didn’t allow any of his forces to use their positions to get an advantage. Ships that tried to move out of formation to attack each other from behind were ordered back into formation and the pilots were later disciplined for not following their orders. Jordan lost more than eighty-five percent of his forces in the maneuver, but his unit won the exercise.
Devin shook his head. The other unit deliberately lost to the Admiral’s unit to avoid Jordan’s anger. This fleet commander was awful. Devin notified the Executive Officer that he had seen enough and that he was leaving to his next assignment. The Executive Officer was clearly nervous, and Devin knew it had to do with the thought helmet Jordan wore. Devin stared at him and said, “You do an excellent job of getting things done, Senior Captain. Admiral Jordan is lucky to have you.”
“Thank you Sir.”
Devin nodded and ended the contact. He shook his head and envisioned every colony fleet rushing in toward Britannia to destroy the planet. Stopping the millions of Colony ships would be next to impossible if the forces weren’t close to being equal in size. He was unaware of the number of warships being built by the Tanis and decided that a full assault on Britannia needed to be avoided. He pulled up Admiral Gemini’s contact number and was surprised when the Admiral answered his call. “May I help you Admiral McKay?”
“I have been ordered to inspect your fleet and determine its readiness for combat,” Devin answered.
Gemini looked to the side and said, “I see you are a special agent of the Prime Minister and that all Fleet Officers are ordered to comply with your instructions.” Gemini looked back at Devin on the display, “I am at your service Senior Admiral. What do you wish done to conduct your inspection?”
Devin made a decision, “I will be arriving at your location in an hour and I want you to divide your fleet into two equal units. Choose a coordinate in space that one of your units will defend and the other unit will be an aggressor attempting to attack that coordinate. You will start the maneuver upon my arrival.”
Gemini looked away and replied, “Twelve-hundred-hours is exactly one hour from now. Would that be a satisfactory time to start the maneuver?”
Devin tried not to smile but didn’t pull it off, “Make it fifteen minutes later to insure I’ve arrived before you begin.”
“Yes Sir.”
“After the maneuver is completed, I will come to your flag ship and question you on my observations.”
“I look forward to the discussion Sir.”
• • •
Devin arrived and didn’t notify Gemini of his arrival. However, the maneuver kicked off at the exact time agreed upon. Devin watched the defenders surround the coordinate in space with their carriers and they were spaced such that their fire overlapped each other. The defensive carriers didn’t remain in place but changed positions constantly; however, they maintained their overlapping fields of fire. The maneuver lasted for more than six hours and getting an aggressor force through the defenders was almost impossible. Some of the aggressors managed to slip some Garrions through the defenders ranks when several aggressor carriers moved in on a single carrier and for
ced it to focus on the giant warships. But not enough Garrions penetrated the defenders to do major damage to a planet. The defensive Garrions would turn and pursue the attackers and destroy them, but not before they managed to fire on the coordinate. Finally, Devin activated his communicator, “I’ve seen enough. Call off the maneuver and send me the coordinates of your flag ship.”
Gemini immediately responded, “My flag ship is outside the area the maneuver is taking place and if it meets your approval, I’d like to continue the maneuver while we’re conducting our meeting.”
“Are you not worried about fatigue setting in on your crews?” Devin asked.
“Space battles can take days to complete Sir. This is where my pilots and crews can learn how to deal with fatigue and a good opportunity to teach them what to expect in real combat.”
“Send me your coordinates and continue your maneuver, Admiral.”
“Thank you, Admiral McKay. I’ll be awaiting your arrival in my quarters.”
Devin received the coordinates and turned his ship toward the Admiral’s Flag Ship. This officer was dangerous. His fleet was as good as any fleet in Britannia and Devin began considering telling the Prime Minister that he was one of the traitors so he would be removed.
• • •
A young woman met Devin in the landing bay and smiled, “Sir, if you will follow me, I’ll take you to Admiral Gemini’s office.”
“Lieutenant, is Admiral Gemini’s XO going to be meeting with us?”
“No Sir. He is currently keeping score of the maneuver and is on one of the ships taking part in the exercise.” Devin nodded and followed her to the carts.
• • •
They arrived on the bridge and Devin saw that the crew had huge admiration for their commander. The bridge was organized, efficient, and the crew ignored him as he walked by and headed toward the admiral’s office. The Lieutenant looked at him and said, “Official protocol is not followed during combat maneuvers Sir.” She opened the door to Gemini’s office and Devin immediately sensed something before he entered that surprised him; Gemini was a telepath. He locked down his mind and walked through the door.