As we went closer, I could see the blue diamond-shaped insignia with the white skull and crossbones over the red rendering of the number one. I was not close enough to read the small words that were also part of that insignia, but I knew them of course as they were the motto of the Marine First Recon Battalion, swift, silent, deadly. The most elite of all Marine units, nicknamed the Deadly Ghosts.
There were rumors and stories about them, but no one I knew had ever seen members of that unit.
McElligott explained, “The Marines are wearing the first prototypes of a brand-new battlesuit design codenamed Gilgamesh-MBS. These new Main Battlesuits are the first fully cloakable suits, unlike the adaptive camouflage of the Quasimodos. The Marines and the fleet will eventually, in three or four years, see the first Gilgamesh suits that will then replace the Quasimodos. These suits are completely psi-neutral. Incorporated Micro Translocator Cannons, TKU Gatlings, and Intelligent AM warhead drones are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of offensive capabilities.”
Stahl whistled. “I need to get me one of these.”
McElligott was not done as he walked over to the robot and said, “And these are SII’s newest development, the still top secret FENRIR Type I Battle Robots. I saw some battle tests, and even I was scared when I saw what they can do; and no you can’t have any, Richard. Only sixty exist so far, and they are part of this ship.”
The Marines saluted, and Stahl, who returned the greeting, said to them, “Ooorah and Semper Fi, boys!”
The two Marines lost their stoic facial expressions and brimmed with visible pride. “Sir, I shall die a happy man now, meeting the first Marine in person! Semper Fi, sir!”
McElligott rolled his eyes. “He simply can’t pass any Marine guard doing this schpiel. You’ve been a Marine, what fifteen years, and you’re an admiral now for three thousand?”
Stahl grinned. “I have been, was, and will be a Marine first. You should talk, still wearing a kilt, 4560 light-years away from Scotland.”
Despite all the incredible technology presented to us, I could not help but find this friendly banter between those two Immortals amazing. It made them, despite their titles and reputations, very human. The possibility that I might indeed become one of them seemed a little less frightening.
McElligott ignored the last squib of Stahl and said to us, “The IST is the first functional Transonic Intership Transport system in existence. Travel time to any deck in less than a second! During battle stations, the doors will open and close in less than a second. So you basically run in and, without stopping, you will come out running at any deck you chose. It’s almost as fast as teleportation.” He added, “But the IST is limited to three standard persons or one Saturnian. So who will go first?”
I was completely caught off guard as Stahl simply pushed me in and followed.
The door closed faster than an eye blink and opened again, and we were already at the command deck!
That’s what a screen displaying a pictogram told me projected onto the corridor wall across the IST. The cross section of this corridor had the same contour as a wide-based egg, smooth and round except for the floor, of course. Corridors on regular Union ships were rectangular or octagonal. The ship smelled as all brand-new machines always did; it was a scent that could not really be described, but everyone instantly recognized it. The softly curved walls were about five meters apart, and the corridor was perhaps seven meters tall at its apex. Like in all Union ships, the walls were white, but the floor did not have the usual mustard-yellow carpet, but a black surface that felt like walking over an inch of rubber matting. I had barely time to look around when the others were all here,
Like a boy with his new toy. McElligott took the lead again, and we followed him through that oval-shaped corridor. At intervals of ten meters were black and yellow striped sections. After we had passed three of these, we passed a double robot guard and onto the bridge.
It had the usual horseshoe arrangement of the duty stations around a raised central command chair
The entire front was currently transparent and gave a great view over the sloping bow section, the landing field and the mountains around it.
A man who almost looked like a brother to Stahl stood up from the command chair. He, too, was tall and had an athletic figure. His hair was cut just maybe a hint longer than that of the Eternal Soldier, but that’s where the similarities ended. His eyes had an almost yellow shade and a distinctive black thin circle around his outer iris. It was more disturbing than the reptile eyes of a Shiss. I was sure I had never seen colder, more piercing eyes than those. There also was a hint of a brutal and cruel line around his mouth.
He wore an expensive-looking business suit and said to McElligott, “That’s the first time I ever delivered a ship myself, but I am certain I have never flown anything that fast!”
“I doubt your Raven or the Black Sirius is much slower than this one, Rex!”
The man addressed as Rex said, “Trust me, compared to this fish, the Raven is a distant second.” He then touched the hand rest of the command seat and said, “Ship, recognize Rex Schwartz.”
The ship’s computronic responded with a well-modulated female voice, “Recognized.”
“Transfer of all command codes to Fleet Admiral McElligott!”
“All command codes have been transferred.”
The man in the business suit said to McElligott, “Schwartz Industries hereby completes the delivery of Small Container Courier Craft SCCC 56.”
McElligott shook the man’s hand. “Thank you!”
I thought if this was indeed Rex Schwartz, and all pointed to the fact that he was, then this was richest, most controversial and perhaps most powerful man in this galaxy and he had personally delivered this ship.
He then brushed past the admiral and to everyone’s surprise, he took Wetmouth in his arms and lifted the Sojonit to her feet. His cold voice suddenly had a warm undertone and rang with affection. “I didn’t know you would be here. If I knew, I would have brought you something. You could have called, you know.”
Wetmouth had her arms around the neck of the man and said, “Dad, I had no idea I would be here only moments ago. All this is very hush, hush and secret, and I did call you just three weeks before we left the Devi. Besides, the only gift you needed to bring was you.”
Everyone stared while he let her down and said, “I see you made lieutenant already, but I knew my girl would make it. Now, if you had enough of all this, you could come with me. Linda is missing you, and so am I.”
McElligott said with big eyes, “Lt. Wetmouth is your daughter?”
Wetmouth said, “Sir, this is the man who helped me to become a citizen. He adopted me and yes, I consider him the father I never had.”
McElligott glared at Stahl. “Of course you knew about this.”
“Naturally, Rex called me the day she joined to keep an eye on her. So, a Sojo could join unrestricted by her chosen religion.”
To the mega tycoon, Wetmouth said, “Dad, these are my friends, and that is Eric. I have told you about him.”
The man took my hand and said, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Olafson.” Then he greeted the others by name.
To Wetmouth, he said after he was done, “Well, you know where home is whenever you want to come home.”
“I do, Dad, and I will come home as soon as I can.”
After this unexpected development, Mr. Schwartz boxed the black captain in the side and said, “Do you think I can hitch a ride in that metal mountain of yours?”
Captain Bangizwe showed his white teeth in a deep grin. “I might be able to squeeze you somewhere in an equipment locker or something.”
Mr. Schwartz laughed. “All fine with me as long as you make Gazelle Burgers!”
“Only if you play chess with me and let me win just once!”
“It’s a deal!”
The ultra-rich tycoon had his arm over Bangizwe’s shoulder, and the two of them left, laughing and talking.
; McElligott shook his gray head. “He could buy any delicacy in the universe, and for the last seventeen days, he talks about nothing else but the burnt meat things Bangizwe fabricates. Ever since I told him it would be the Atlantis that takes him back.”
Stahl still was staring into the direction of the bridge access door where the two had left. “Rex and M’butu are close friends for a long time and besides, Captain Bangizwe is a great cook and those burgers are delicious!”
McElligott sighed and then looked straight at me. “So, Mr. Olafson, what do you think of her so far?”
“Sir, about whom?”
“The ship, of course, Mr. Olafson.”
“Sir, I am certain this is a fine ship and all, but what would the opinion of a midshipman matter to you?”
McElligott changed his gaze to Stahl. “He does this sarcastic thing almost as good as you.”
Then, addressing me again, he said, “You better have an opinion; this is going to be your ship.”
Stahl now grinned over his entire face, and I was speechless.
Now the mysterious blonde spoke for the first time, and Cherubim said, “ Obrock, you forgot something!”
McElligott touched his forehead. “Of course, maybe I am getting old after all!”
He stepped a few steps back and said, “Attention on deck!”
It was actually weird to see even Stahl snap in attention, but we all followed suit in less than a second.
The kilt-wearing admiral centered himself before me and said, “I, Admiral of the Fleet, Obrock McElligott and in accordance with our laws and sacred traditions commission you, Eric Olafson, to the rank of Captain of the United Stars of the Galaxies Space Navy on this day the 23rd of October 5016 and give you command over this vessel, the USS Tigershark, with all the commensurate responsibilities and privileges of this rank.”
My friends cheered, but I gave them a sign and they quieted down and then I said, “Sir, it honors in the highest order, that you deem me to be worthy. To reach this position was and is the declared goal of my life. However, as I would be responsible for the lives of everyone aboard and fulfill the duty and the tasks you will give this ship in such manner and utmost compliance to the high standards of this Navy, I thus must decline this commission as I do not have the experience and the wisdom that is required.”
It grew deadly quiet after the words I had said, and McElligott put his hand on my shoulder. “You may never know how much you just have risen in my opinion of you. I happen to know how badly you want this and to show me that you are willing to decline it, due to a grasp and understanding what this post means, erases the objections I had.”
Stahl said, “Know this, Eric, it was I who recommended you, and I have confidence in your abilities. You must also know that this rank is, of course, temporary. After you complete the mission we have for you, you will be a lieutenant like the others. I will send you to Command school and if you graduate, your rank will be made permanent.”
He put his hand on my other shoulder and added, “I trusted you with the Devastator and all the lives on board, including mine.”
Narth, even though he was technically in attention, said, “I trust you, and I will take your orders no matter to what end.”
Har-Hi also spoke while still standing in attention. “I follow you to the demon-infested badlands and back!”
I tried to swallow and said, “Sir, I reconsider and accept the commission.”
McElligott pinned the eagle-shaped pins on each side of my shoulders and took my hand. “May God or the deity you worship give you wisdom, Captain Olafson. For all intent and purpose, you are a captain and the acting part is a technicality that has no place in communications or address.”
He stepped back and both admirals and my friends saluted me.
Then McElligott said, “Ship, recognize McElligott, Obrock Admiral.”
“Recognized.”
“Transfer all command codes to Olafson, Eric Captain.”
“All command codes have been transferred. Ship systems now recognize Captain Olafson.”
The blonde woman said, “I give you two hours to celebrate, Captain Olafson. As a captain, you have access to all Fleet personnel records, so pick and request your senior staff as it is tradition for any newly commissioned captain.”
I was certain she smiled behind her mask as she said, “Maybe you want to choose from personnel present on Richter base. That would speed up the transfer and might even solve the problem you were mulling over at the dinner table. After those 120 minutes, we all must meet in your conference room and discuss your part in Operation Fish.”
Why she was giving orders, I could not say, as she had no apparent rank, but since both Stahl and the Admiral of the Fleet were present, there was no doubt she was authorized to do so. The three Immortals left without much further ado.
It began to sink in. I was standing on my bridge. This was my ship; I had made it.
I turned to my still at-attention friends. “Cirruit, would you like to be my Chief Engineer?”
He made a strange whistling sound and said, “Eric, I mean, Captain! I already feared you would not ask me. Of course, I will be your Engineer.”
It filled me with a sense of joy as I said, “We do have at least 116 minutes. Instead of celebrating, you might want to check your engines.”
He whispered and what he said sounded almost like a prayer, “My engines!” Then he went to the bridge door, and I think he made the twelve-meter distance in less than three jumps. Just before he disappeared he yelled, “My engines!”
I turned to Mao. “Mr. Mao Mao Vouza, I need a tactical officer, and I was hoping you had no other plans.”
Mao smiled from one ear to the other. “No, sir, I have no other plans.” He rubbed his hands and said, “I still have 114 minutes to check out what this baby’s got!” And with that, he sat behind the tactical console.
Krabbel whipped on his legs up and down. “Eric, please, please let me have navigation. You know I am good at that.” He then added, “I mean, Captain!”
“I could not ask for a better Navigator, Mr. Krabbel!”
To Elfi, I said, “Ms. Petetis, I am not sure what your plans after graduation were, but I could use a Communications Officer.”
She gave me a long look past her long lashes and then smiled. “My plans are to stick with my friends and be your Comm Officer, Captain.”
Hans crossed his big arms and looked at me “Don’t even ask, Eric. You know the answer!”
I nodded. “All right, Mr. Kleinschmitt, go check your security section, armory, and brig.”
With an excited holler that made the deck plates vibrate, he stomped past me and turned before he left. “It all worked out. We’re together. Eric has his ship, and I got my own security department, with Fenris Robots. Have you seen those?” Then he was out the door and gone.
Wetmouth approached me and kissed me tenderly and said shyly, “I am sorry, but I had to do that before you are officially my captain. Now make me your Science Officer, or else!”
I said, “Of course, I do like you as my Science Officer.”
Shaka looked as if he was suffering.
So I said, “Mr. Chitauli, a ship goes nowhere without a helmsman. I know you have many offers, but if you like, you can be the helmsman of this ship.”
He sighed. “I knew you would not forget me, but I still could hardly wait! I can check out the Helm systems, right?”
I nodded. “They are your systems.”
He took my hand and squeezed it. “Thank you, Eric, thank you for everything. Thank you, Captain.”
Now I said to Narth, “Are you with us or must you go again? A ship without OPS is not very effective.”
“Not even Narth Supreme could convince me to be somewhere else. I shall do my utmost to be the best Operations Officer to you I can be!”
Finally, I put my right hand on Har-Hi’s shoulder. “I need someone to keep me in check, and you have more space traveling experience than any of
us. I really need you to be my XO.”
Har-Hi simply nodded, looking even more serious than usual and his yellow eyes sparkled with pride. “Thank you!”
I had a ship and senior officers who also were my friends. I slowly approached the command chair and, after a moment of reflection, I slowly lowered myself into the seat.
Those still on the bridge applauded and said as if with one voice, “Captain Olafson!”
Sitting here in that seat, my doubts were gone. I knew who I was. It didn’t matter if I was Eric or Freya; it didn’t matter if I indeed would be an Immortal or would die tomorrow. I had no idea what the future held for me. I had a ship, my ship, and I was with the best friends anyone could have ever asked for. Maybe someone else would say I was a self-important fool, but I was the captain of a ship.
Chapter 13: Preparation
It was about ten more minutes before the meeting was about to start. I had left the bridge and found my new quarters on the same deck and not far from the bridge; they were still sterile and new. My quarters were spacious and equipped with the latest technology, including an Auto-Dresser, but to my astonishment, it was not the standard Navy issue but an advanced Saresii model. It still had time to correct my shave, get a haircut, and alter my uniform according to my new rank. As I stepped out, clean-shaven, I had three golden rings on the sleeves of my uniform blouse.
With only a few minutes to spare, I went to the command deck briefing room that could be accessed directly from the bridge as well.
It featured a large viewport to the starboard side and a large triangular-shaped table. My friends were already there. They, too, had taken the time to groom themselves.
Before we could say much to each other, five persons entered the room, Admiral Stahl, the Admiral of the Fleet McElligott, the blonde woman I knew as Cherubim, and General Lichfangh. The fifth person I knew as well; it was Deepa. Deepa and Lichfangh looked like sisters. I found it strangely funny, as Lichfangh appeared to be older while I knew Deepa was a million years old.
We all stood up, but I resisted the impulse to snap in attention. I had to tell myself I was the captain.
Eric Olafson: Space Pirate Page 28
