by John Migacz
CHAPTER 17
DartPilot Keed walked down the main corridor of the Reliant fully aware that everyone he passed stopped to stare at him. Get used to it, Hero, he thought. Walking past a smiling, pretty female ensign, he fought to keep a grin from breaking out on his face. This is just the start. He could see the netlines now – “Keed the Kraken Killer.” The name had a nice flow to it. His walk became a swagger.
Entering the bridge, he marched up to the Captain and gave him his smartest salute. “DartPilot Larg Keed reporting as ordered, Sir.”
Captain Arslac ceased blinking into space and studied him. Keed saw the Captain’s appraisal took about three seconds. He thinks I’m too young, too handsome and too cocky for the kind of fame this will bring me… – Well, he’s right about the handsome part.
“At ease, son.” Captain Arslac nodded and smiled. “Well, DartPilot, this is some present you’ve found for us. It’s an incredible feat. I’ve read the ship’s action report but I’d like to hear the tale directly from you, if you don’t mind.”
Keed repeated the story he had rehearsed while waiting for the Reliant to arrive. Not too offhanded, not too smug, not too daring. He wanted to be seen as a dashing hero, not a suicidal nut. As he told his story, he became aware that the entire bridge staff was listening. He felt a blush starting at his ears and hurriedly finished his tale. I’m going to have to work on my delivery, he thought.
“Amazing, DartPilot,” said Captain Arslac. He reached out and patted the young man on the shoulder. “An amazing tale of luck and courage.”
“Excuse me, Sir,” the executive officer interrupted. “The Cross has sent out a directional signal toward the Stromley System. We are jamming it.”
The captain closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger. “Tell Commlead Haridep to use all possible speed in her research.” Turning back to Keed, he cocked his head. “Tell you what, my boy. You have the only long-range scout ship available. Have a hot meal then take your scout ship out to the next quadrant, between the Reliant and the Stromley system. Keep us informed – I hate surprises. Dismissed.”
“Ah… Aye, aye, Sir.” Keed was crushed. He moved zombie-like off the bridge and sat down in the first available chair. “Humph, some parade!” he mumbled. I shouldn’t be so gloomy, he thought. I can do one last patrol, but no heroics this time. He felt better then remembered the Captain’s remark about fresh hot food.Maybe I can use my new-found fame to get something made special. Smiling at the idea, he went to find the cook.