by Jim Laughter
Damage was obvious on both ships. While John and the commander watched, small tugs came out of a docking bay and made their way to the trio. They watched the magnetic cables let go and the three ships separate just as the tugs arrived and locked on to the derelict ships with gravitational beams and steered them into the docking bay.
John let out a low whistle.
"That is one pretty ship!" he said, looking at the FAR scout. It swung around and nosed into the open bay door.
"That's one of the new fast attack recon ships I was telling you about,” the commander said to John. "Your son flies one of those."
"Well then, let's go get a closer look.”
The two men exited the cafe and made their way down a corridor. Going up a level, they entered the bay control center to watch the ships being brought in.
"What's the word, Chief?" the commander asked the Trooper overseeing the docking.
"Came in from a few systems over,” the Chief answered, continuing to watch his crew. A smile reflected his approval of his team's actions.
"The FAR ship found them stranded. Seems the freighter has been holed by something. I don't know about the other ship."
"Sure is an old one,” John commented as he looked at the ancient patroller being set in a docking cradle. "Those were old when I last saw one fifteen years ago. I didn't realize any would still be in service."
While they watched, the damaged freighter was brought in and secured in a dolly. What appeared to be some sort of cable extended out of an open panel.
On the other side of the bay, the FAR scout landed under the direction of a landing guide and shut down. A klaxon sounded and then the bay doors closed. A blinking light signaled the return of atmosphere to the secure bay.
"Let's go get a look at that ship," John said.
They watched the hatch on the FAR scout open and its captain emerge. The man dressed in a Service black jumpsuit headed over toward the two damaged ships. The hatch on the old patroller opened and five people in pressure suits emerged. They all peeled open their headpieces and drew desperate breaths of fresh air. Four of them hugged each other while one seemed to stand apart. John noticed they were all dressed in civilian attire, although the patroller still carried Axia service registry.
The commander turned and headed to the stairs that led down to the docking bay deck.
"That one carries himself like a Trooper,” he said.
Entering the giant docking bay, John looked around. There seemed to be people everywhere now. He and the commander approached the FAR scout ship while some sort of commotion seemed to be brewing over by the other two ships.
"Bet they have quite a story to tell,” John said while he walked along with the commander.
"It'll be all over the ship soon enough,” the commander replied as they approached the FAR ship. John stopped and looked it over from stem to stern. He let out another whistle.
"Boy, I like these lines!" John said appreciatively. "She looks fast just sitting here!"
"That they are,” the commander agreed. "They just came out with these a few years ago. We've only seen one here before this."
They walked closer, examining the various apparatus and sensors protruding out along the sleek hull.
"Can I help you, sir?" a young voice said from behind them. Both turned and saw a Trooper-Third walking up, his captain's plate displayed on his shoulder.
"Your ship?" the commander asked.
"Yes sir," the captain said in obvious pride.
"I like her name as well,” John said, nodding toward the name painted on the nose.
"Mind if we see inside?" the commander asked.
"I'd be happy to give you a tour, sir,” the proud captain said. "But I want to get back over before they take them away," he added, nodding toward the other ships. A small crowd was now surrounding the five people.
"What happened?" John asked as he surveyed the damage on the freighter.
"Seems the freighter got holed by space slag and it knocked out critical systems,” the captain replied while the commotion continued behind them. "Then this old patroller came along to help. It had a failing power supply so they cabled the two ships together and rigged a jumper between them. They were headed for a repair depot when the cables holding the ships together snapped. They managed to stop but couldn't get rigged back up to move again without more steel cables to bind them together. So there they sat."
"And that's when you came along,” the commander continued.
"Yes sir. Rigged them up on the tow cables and brought them here since it was closer. Besides, I prefer a Service ship to a civilian installation any day."
"You did well,” the commander said, smiling at the captain.
"If you'll excuse me, sir. I want to catch back up with them,” he said, turning toward the crowd. Surrounded by workmen, the five people were starting to make their way out of the docking bay and into the ship proper.
"Go ahead son, and give them my regards,” the commander said to the young captain. The young Trooper saluted and turned to chase the crowd. John and the commander turned again to admire the FAR ship.
"Hey, Eagleman!” the young captain shouted behind them.
John froze in place as his heart jumped. No one knew he was on this ship except the commander and Keith. Who could be calling his name? He turned slowly, his face pale.
"Delmar Eagleman!” the captain shouted again as one figure in the crowd stopped and turned toward the young captain. The commander spun around as well and watched with John as the two young men came together.
"Saved your hide, you dog!" Eaton said to his friend as they embraced. “Fleas and all.”
“This is becoming a habit,” Delmar answered. “Let’s find a place to sit and I’ll answer those questions you asked.”
"Excuse me, Captain?" the commander said, walking toward the two young men.
"Yes sir?" they both answered at once. They parted and faced the two older men. John continued to stare.
"Did you just call this young man Delmar Eagleman?" the commander asked.
"Yes sir, I'm Trooper-Third Delmar Eagleman.” Delmar answered.
“You’re also the captain of one of the FAR scout ships, correct?”
“Yes sir. The Cabbage Patch. AR-237.”
“So why are you flying that old bucket?”
“It’s a long story, sir.”
Delmar noticed the other man staring at him and felt uncomfortable.
Must be an Axia investigator out looking for me.
"Are you the pilot of that C-34 patroller over there?" the commander asked. Delmar turned crimson. This wasn’t going to end well.
"Yes sir,” he choked out.
Now I've had it, Delmar thought as he faced this commander and Trooper-First. Surely they know I took the DayStar by now.
"I want you to meet someone,” the commander said, breaking into a smile. Delmar looked puzzled.
"Trooper-Third Delmar Eagleman,” the commander said evenly, "I want you to meet Trooper-First John Eagleman, your father."
CHAPTER 20
The two men sat sipping their coffee and enjoying each other's company. The lounge around them was nearly empty at this early hour as the mothership's morning shift was just coming on. John and his commander relished the relative privacy the near-empty cafe afforded them. Anyone seeing them would only see two Troopers in uniform having their morning coffee while watching ship traffic outside the giant spacecraft. Contrary to appearances, the subject was both serious and far-reaching.
"So you're saying my son is in pretty serious trouble?" John asked as he continued to stare out the windows into space.
"According to the reports I received late yesterday, yes,” the commander answered.
An Axia cruiser drifted slowly by outside. The commander admired her lines while he considered what he had to say next to his friend and fellow Trooper.
"As you know, he was on medical leave on Erdinata,” the commander began. "But then he
took a notion and made off with one of the ships being stored there waiting to be scrapped. The thing was a flying wreck, but he managed to avoid detection most of the way out in this direction."
"Does anybody know why he did it?" John asked sadly.
"Only Delmar,” the commander said. "And he wouldn’t answer that at the debriefing yesterday afternoon."
"So what happens now?"
"I’ve got him confined to the ship pending his being returned to Erdinata to face a board of inquiry,” the commander answered. "Jasper Station on Erdinata has been notified and will convene a board upon his arrival."
"What's the likely outcome?" John asked, fearing the worst.
"I expect he'll be grounded and stripped of both his ship and his captaincy,” the commander replied evenly.
"Will he still be in the Service?"
"I think so,” the commander said. "There is the mitigating factor of his health prior to this incident. That may work in his favor. It may not."
Both men lapsed into silence while John considered this turn of events.
Yesterday he was overjoyed when he discovered his son was on this ship. That he was also instrumental in the rescue of the damaged freighter and its crew made him even prouder of his youngest son. It was more than he had hoped only hours earlier. Now it looked like he might lose him again.
After Delmar had cleaned up and was issued a uniform, they talked for several hours. Family, friends, and adventures were discussed and both shared their experiences over the past many years. John had been saddened to hear of the hard years after his wife had died, but marveled at what they had produced. That old friends like the Hassels and the Senders had become involved renewed his faith. Life had gone on, but not in a way John had foreseen. Through it all, he had been surprised to find how easily he accepted the changes during his absence.
John also found himself telling Delmar about all that had happened while stranded on Sol-3. Originally, he intended to tell only the high points, but in the face of Delmar's thorough accounting, he could do no less.
Through his father's eyes, Delmar saw the struggle to survive, the years of loneliness, and the friends made along the way. He found it interesting that John had also ended up an aviator, somewhat as he did on Panay when he’d also been lost and alone.
It was when they called Delmar for a debriefing that John began to wonder. His son had been somewhat evasive when John asked about the events bringing him to this ship at this time. While Delmar was absent, John looked up his old commander and told him his concerns. Promising to get back to him, the commander made use of his position to dig into the matter.
After the debriefing, he and Delmar spent more hours continuing to bring each other up-to-date. John chuckled when he heard about Delmar's adventures and possible love on Panay. He also marveled at how a son whom he had not seen since he was a small boy had filled out into full manhood. Delmar had become a credit to both his name and the Service. His only doubts revolved around Delmar's more recent actions. Finally, far into the night, the two parted. John had a restless night turning recent events over and over in his mind.
Now here John sat trying to digest the news. His son's actions were difficult to comprehend, especially considering his Service record up to that point. Not only had he violated doctor's orders, but had stolen a ship which in the least constituted both insubordination and grand theft. Now there would be an investigation and the likely outcome was unpleasant to consider. A young voice brought John out of his reprieve.
"Morning Dad. Commander,” Delmar said as he approached the two men.
"Well, I have to go to a meeting,” the commander said. He looked at his watch and stood. "I'll leave you two to your own devices."
John rose and he and Delmar said goodbye to the commander. With mixed emotions, John watched him leave the lounge. Although he knew the commander’s position negated him from taking sides, the kinship he felt for his old friend who had waited all these years was difficult to express.
"Sit down, son,” John said to Delmar, motioning toward the commander’s vacated chair. A waiter soon appeared, poured Delmar a cup of coffee, and took their order. After he left, John looked his son over.
"Aren't you looking bright and chipper this morning?”
His eye took in the details of his son in Service uniform. He noticed Delmar was not wearing a captain's plate, but then remembered that any personal insignia of Delmar's was probably back on Erdinata.
"I’m surprised to see you up this early,” Delmar retorted. "After last night, I figured you'd be taking a vacationer’s privilege and sleep in."
"Oh, you know old dogs, son,” John said. "Can't sleep long, so we spend our time chewing the fat. What's on your agenda today?"
"I have to submit another report regarding the Robin Murrin,” Delmar replied absently. "Then I have to ship out for Erdinata. Eaton offered to provide direct transport and received approval. I have a little matter to take care of back there."
Just then the waiter appeared with their food. As they gave thanks to the Unseen One, John sent up a silent prayer for his son. He also reflected that he and Delmar were all that was left of their family, though they had been apart for many years.
"Funny you should bring up Erdinata,” John said to his son. He noticed a redness creep up from Delmar's collar.
"Yes Dad?" Delmar asked.
"I've heard that you may be in a bit of trouble back there,” John said, looking into Delmar's eyes. "Care to tell me about it?"
"Alright,” Delmar squeaked, swallowing hard. He lapsed silent while John waited.
"I have to face a board of inquiry back a Jasper Station,” Delmar confessed. "I violated conditions of a medical leave."
"There's more, isn't there?" John gently asked.
"Yes sir, there is,” Delmar answered. "I also took a ship. The old C-34 Interstellar I was flying. It was waiting to be scrapped."
"That doesn't matter,” John said evenly. "The facts as I've heard them, and that you have confirmed, is that you took a ship without authorization."
"Yes sir,” Delmar said meekly.
"Care to tell me why?"
He saw Delmar's face redden and contort as his son wrestled with his emotions. Finally, it settled down into adult firmness.
"No sir, I wouldn't,” Delmar replied steadily. "Regardless of my motives, it doesn't bear on the situation in any material way. The end does not justify the means."
Now it was John's turn to sit and think.
"Alright,” he said finally.
He was disappointed at not finding out his son's motives and yet proud that Delmar was taking responsibility for his actions.
"Is there anything you'd like me to do?"
"Not in this situation, sir,” Delmar answered evenly. "I would like to know your plans. Eaton says there is more than enough room to take you with us to Erdinata."
It was obvious that Delmar had not been apprised of the entire situation. And though he longed to go back to Erdinata for years, he didn't want to go there to see the disintegration of his family and his own son's possible court-martial.
They ate in silence while John considered his reply. Delmar did not press the matter. He knew his father would answer him eventually. Finally, John seemed to come to some sort of decision and spoke.
"I've been giving my future a lot of thought lately,” John said quietly. "Plans that I had entertained while waiting all those years don’t apply now. Your mother and brother are gone. The farm is gone."
John raised a hand when Delmar rose up slightly to protest.
"No. I approve of your decision on the matter,” John said. "It sounds like the Sabeti’s are fine people and will do well. It's their home now and I stand by your decision."
"But what about you?" Delmar gently prodded.
"That's the strange part,” John answered. "I find that I am out of place here. Not to mention out of date. Everything has changed, including me. The universe and I have taken divergent p
aths."
"What do you mean, Dad?" Delmar asked. "I thought you'd pick up where you left off. Maybe go on to become an officer or retire back to Erdinata. I'm sure we could find a new place."
"No son,” John said, holding up a hand. "That's not my place. The Unseen One has put me on a new path."
Delmar continued to look alarmed.
"I've given this some hard thought, son.”
"But what about me? What about us?" Delmar asked in a near whisper. John looked at his son and smiled.
"Son,” John said, looking deep into Delmar's eyes, "you have a life."
Delmar swallowed hard. John continued.
"You have a life, son. Don't worry. I’m a part of it now. But that part is here, not on Erdinata."
"Dad?" Delmar whispered, tears in his eyes.
"Because of what happened on that mission, son, I was not there for you except through our larger family of Troopers,” John said evenly. "I salute you as a Trooper and wish you well."
"But you’re my father!" Delmar exclaimed in a harsh whisper.
"Yes, I am your father, and I always will be. And I couldn't be prouder,” John replied.
"And now you have adopted parents with the Hassels that have filled a place in your life that I missed. I’d never try to replace that or hold it against you. I weep for joy that the Unseen One brought them into your life back then and they hold a special place in your heart. I could never replace that."
Silent tears trickled down Delmar's cheeks.
"See me not as a lost father but as a friend found,” John continued. “As a fellow Trooper, I salute you and commend you to walk the path set before you. Consider me a friend, a father, a fellow Trooper, and most of all, keep the Faith."
“But what about Erdinata; about home?” Delmar asked.
“I’m going with you to Erdinata,” his father answered. “I’ll stand with you at your board of inquiry. I’ll support you with every ounce of my strength. And I want to visit the old farm and meet the Sabeti’s. I haven’t seen Robert and Agnes in many years. It will be good to see them too.”