Cambridge Military Training Base
During the short trip, Colin sat deep in thought. The Pirates had killed and wounded many people during their invasion. Too many of Colin’s friends and acquaintances were among those. He wondered how to stop the attacks. This wasn’t an easy problem to solve so Colin put it aside for later consideration as the Air-Car landed at their destination.
As Colin walked into the office with Anne. Wheeler saw the two Officers first and shot to his feet.
“Attention on deck.”
The other occupants of the room shot to their feet before Colin reacted to stop them.
“At ease, everybody. While I appreciate your reactions and they are correct, dispense with the formality, it takes too much time. We have too little spare time available to waste it with needless formality, understood?”
“Yes, Sir,” chorused the three Ensigns in unison.
Colin noticed Anne had an ear to ear grin on her face but ignored it.
Gordon continued, “I’d like to introduce you to Lieutenant Anne Fraser. The Lieutenant is my aide for now. While I have no wish or intention to discourage you from contacting me, she will often be easier to find. Gather around, we have things to discuss.”
Lieutenant Downer approached them, curious. Colin looked uncomfortable, so the Lieutenant expected they might be in trouble. Kelly worried, but couldn’t think of anything they’d done wrong.
Colin said, “Okay, first, thank you for a job well done. You did outstanding work scheduling the repairs. Repaired ships are coming online much faster because of your efforts. Now, I have other things to discuss. The first is that I’ve been talking to Admiral Fraser. Cambridge is short of good Officers for our ships. That situation won’t improve much within the next two years. If any or all of you want a ship assignment, talk to Lieutenant Fraser here, she’ll start the ball rolling. I promise a glowing recommendation. Now I don’t want to lose any of you, but we need the ship’s Officers, and you’ve earned the opportunity. You need not rush. Take your time deciding. Are there questions?”
Lieutenant Downer asked, “Does your offer include me, Sir?”
“Oh yes, Lieutenant, you’re part of this team and have performed as well as anyone, you deserve the same opportunities.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Now, I must discuss one more thing. I sent you a link to new technologies I believe will be useful for the new ship classes. You don’t carry preconceived ideas about how things work during a battle. Please, consider ways to use those technologies. Consider both the upside and the downside, put together a report for me. These new ship classes will be the most powerful ever fielded in Federation history. We must make sure we achieve that goal.”
These instructions didn’t surprise Colin’s staff. The audacity of their leader’s expectations was something they understood. Colin appreciated what Cambridge and the Federation needed. Lieutenant Downer and her gaggle of Ensigns also realized the Federation needed more powerful ships. They spent endless hours theorizing about the new ship’s requirements. Now, they could make an impact.
After Colin had finished, Anne moved forward, taking Kelly by the arm. She guided the Lieutenant into a separate office to chat in private.
“Kelly, I want to explain, I didn’t come to cause you problems. The Commodore and I share a history. I want us to be a team; lord knows I can’t do my job without your help. You’ll be far too busy to do both my job and your own. Don’t think for a second that the Commodore isn’t aware of what you’ve done. He notices everything you do for him, I promise. Are we good?”
“Yes Anne, we’re okay. I know your history with him, at least the public history. I’ve thought for a while he needed an aide. If we can work together, I won’t have a problem.”
“Great Kelly, is there somewhere near here where we can find decent coffee?”
“I’m not sure you could classify the coffee as decent; it is adequate though.”
“Oh well, it’ll do, I have the devil’s own time making sure the Commodore eats enough when he’s busy. The boss needs to eat, so how about we go for coffee while I shovel sustenance down his throat?”
Kelly giggled, realizing she liked Anne’s irreverent attitude. The two women headed to the outer office where they rounded up the males and herded them to the base cafeteria. It was mid-afternoon when they arrived, so plenty of tables stood empty. Anne pointed Colin to a table with ‘the look’ that told him he’d best do what she wanted. She whispered in Ensign Brown’s ear, and he sat with Colin.
“So, the boss ordered you to babysit me then.”
“Oh no, Sir, the Lieutenant didn’t order me.”
“Don’t worry Mr. Brown, Lieutenant Fraser has been ordering me around since we rescued her from the Pirates back on FNS Destiny.”
The changes in Brown’s facial expressions caused Colin to burst out laughing. The outburst of laughter confused and disturbed the Ensign. Brown didn’t believe the Commodore was making fun of him, but couldn’t understand what the Commodore found so funny. After a few minutes of laughter, Colin calmed.
“I’m sorry Ensign, please accept my apologies. Your reaction to my comments about Ensign Fraser was a picture. Forgive me, I have little reason to laugh. Lieutenant Fraser and I enjoy a special relationship, she feels free to tell me what to do sometimes. The problem is, I’ve noticed Anne is often right when she does. That, son, is why I do what the Lieutenant wants. In fairness to her, we have a gift, Anne and I; we think alike. She often anticipates my needs.”
“Oh, I see.”
It was clear to Colin; the Ensign didn’t see. Colin couldn’t think of a way explain the relationship. Even he didn’t understand his connection with Anne.
About then, the others returned, Anne, carrying a tray with sandwiches and coffee. The six of them spent the next hour at the table, talking and discussed the requirements for the new Destroyers.
Kelly said, “Sir, I had a call from the hospital this morning. The nurse wanted to know what we planned for Dave Bach. They said he’s due for release for light duties tomorrow. Do we have a job for him?”
“Yes Lieutenant, Dave will slot in with the Destroyer project. Mr. Bach is a whizz kid with Sensor technologies. I think he can improve the Sensor capacity on the Destroyers if he has access to a decent budget. Ask him to report to Headquarters after he leaves the hospital tomorrow.”
“Yes, Sir. I’ll explain it to him.”
After that, Colin left for Headquarters with Anne in tow.
Cambridge Naval Headquarters
After he arrived back at the Headquarters complex, Colin again consulted with the Destroyer design team. During these discussions, it became plain to Colin a lot of work remained to fill in the overall layout. They’d completed engineering design for the Hull and the power and drive systems, but everything else still needed extensive work. Colin held concerns that the design for the Sensor Suite wasn’t started yet. He believed Dave Bach would make a good fit in that area. To complicate matters further, they had yet to define the weapons mix and a host of other details.
In the back of his mind, Colin worried about Suzanne Riley. He still felt responsible even though he didn’t Command the action where she received her injuries. Suzanne was alive, but nobody would tell Colin how critical her injuries were. At least he could visit the hospital now he had free time.
Sonsberg Hospital
Colin walked into the main hospital wing with his security contingent. Stark had reduced Colin’s security to six Marines since all the Pirates around Harmon were in custody. Two watched his back, two stayed by his side, and two entered before him. This gave the rest of the platoon time to rest and train. The Marines considered assignment as the Commodore’s security enjoyable because things often became exciting around him. They wondered how the man kept going with his exhausting schedule.
Colin reached the reception desk where the receptionist directed him to Suzanne Riley’s room. Mathew Riley, Suzanne’s partner, and
their child Courtnay were waiting outside as Colin arrived and introduced himself.
“I dropped by to say hello and see if Suzanne needs anything. How is she going?”
“She woke earlier today. The doctors say she’ll make a full recovery. Suzanne is out of action for at least several months Sir. Commodore, do you know what happened? How did she receive such severe injuries?”
Colin looked at Courtnay before giving Mathew a quizzical look.
“Are you working at Headquarters?”
“Yes Sir, I am. Why do you ask?”
“I’ll tell you what I know, but not here. Come see me tomorrow. Check with Lieutenant Fraser to make sure I’m there first. I move around a lot, but she knows my schedule. I prefer face-to-face meetings rather than Comms systems. Just one of my foibles.”
“Thank you, Sir. I’ll contact Lieutenant Fraser in the morning. Suzanne is a careful Officer. I don’t understand how this happened.”
“Commander… Mathew, Suzanne is much more than a careful Officer. She is a good Captain and a gifted tactician. I promise we will sort this out. We are in a dangerous profession, but we cannot afford to waste Officers of her caliber.”
“Thank you, Commodore, the nurses, are bathing Suzanne and making her more comfortable. They should finish soon.”
Colin was about to reply when Suzanne’s door opened, and the three visitors entered. He observed the apparent love and affection this family displayed to each other.
Colin experienced a sudden sense of loss which he pushed to the back of his mind. He remembered his family daily, but time had dulled the pain. Over three years before, he left Earth. Although Colin had almost accepted never seeing them again, he still held hopes of going home.
Suzanne was sitting up in her bed, her neck in a brace, immobilized while she healed. She saw Colin and her eyes widened in surprise. Suzanne wasn’t prepared for seeing the Commodore at her bedside. She reacted, trying to sit up straighter, perhaps salute but nothing worked.
Colin saw the movement and said, “Relax Commander, I’m here for a social call.”
In a weak voice, she replied, “Thank you, Sir. Did we beat the Pirates? I… I was heading back to rearm when something happened. I woke up here, unable to move.”
“We’re not sure what happened yet, an investigation is underway. I’ll tell you more when you’re better, and we find out more. Loki is in the yard for repair. I’m just here to let you know you have my support.”
“The doctors tell me I’ll recover, I have little movement now though.”
“Well, Suzanne, I’ve achieved my purpose for coming here. Relax, take the time to heal. If you need anything, or I can help, ask. I’ll come visit again in a few days. Good night.”
Colin left Suzanne’s room, but not the hospital. He moved on to visit Sonya and Simone. The two women were in adjoining rooms. Colin walked into Sonya’s room first. Sonya lay propped up in her bed with a bored look on her face.
“So, Sonya, how are you?”
“Bored. I want to return to work.”
“I’m told they plan to set you loose soon. Henry asked me to see if you will accept light duties for a while. Will you?”
“Anything to escape this prison.”
“Okay, I’ll tell Admiral Fraser, he needs help, and I have little time. I’m occupied with arranging ship repairs and the new Destroyer designs. One other thing, I intend making an offer to Simone. Commander Lister will make a good Captain for a Destroyer we’re planning to build. I want her and Dimitri both on board sooner rather than later.”
“Simone deserves it, Colin. She is a brilliant Officer and shouldn’t be without a Command if she wants one. So, you’re working on the Destroyers now. I expect we’ll end up with a tough, powerful ship wrapped up in a small package.”
“The package isn’t so small. These ships will be bigger than existing Destroyer types. We’re defining weaponry and other systems now a Hull architecture is in place. I’ve even approved fabrication of several components.”
“Give Simone the good news Colin, she’s depressed. She’s formed the conviction that her days in Command are finished. Now go, I’m tired.”
Sonya’s smile took the sting out of the last comment. Colin laughed and took the hint, leaving Sonya alone. He walked next door to Simone’s room to talk to her. The lighting in Simone’s room was much dimmer than Sonya’s. Colin inferred this reflected Simone’s state of mind; he hoped he could brighten her day.
“Hello, Simone, how are you?”
Simone stared at Colin, a listless expression on her face.
She answered, “You know I feel like crap Commodore, I lost my Command and have no future.”
“Oh, so you’re not interested in another ship?”
Simone’s eyes widened.
“What are you talking about Commodore?”
“I’ve taken responsibility for completing the designs for the new Destroyers and having them built. We need help from experienced combat Officers. I’m sure I can arrange a Command on one of the new vessels for somebody with the experience. If you help, you’ll have an extensive knowledge of the systems. Come and work with us, your aid will mean a lot, Simone.”
“Thank you, Commodore. I’d enjoy that, at least I’ll be doing something useful.”
“There is a place for you anytime you’re ready, I need you to heal first. Can I help you with anything?”
“I’m better now Colin, I convinced myself I don’t have a career anymore. You’ve given me hope, thank you, Sir.”
“Don’t thank me, Simone, you’re a good Officer, and Cambridge is short of good Officers.”
Simone smiled as Colin left, now, she had a future. Somehow, the world seemed brighter.
After leaving the hospital, Colin headed home. Colin’s day was long, and he felt exhausted by the end. Colin was thankful, his escort saw no suspicious activity on the way, so the trip home was uneventful.
Cambridge Naval Headquarters
Two days later, Colin met with the leaders of the Destroyer design teams again. His team had put a wish list together full of things they wanted in the Destroyer. He walked into the meeting room with Anne. Colin looked around the room before speaking.
“Good morning everybody. How are you today?”
The others murmured an unintelligible response.
“Okay, you’ve been busy and so have I. I’ve spoken with several Captains since I saw you last. Between them, and my staff, we have a wish list. You may already have considered these items. If so, that’s great. If you find something you haven’t considered, please do so. I’m not ordering you to use all or even any of these suggestions, but please consider them. Do you have questions?”
Colin looked around the room. The Officers shook their heads. The entire team worked through Colin’s list, one item at a time. Many items were already in the preliminary design. Multiple rapid Micro-Jumps, a new plasma cannon, more Point-Defense and more Missile tubes were there. Something they didn’t include in the plan was an ability to use a new Missile. This Missile had a small Jump engine and would carry out a short Micro-Jump just before entering the enemy Point-Defense engagement range. Nobody was sure these Missiles would work. The team verified that the ship could use such a weapon if they perfected it.
Better facilities for the ship’s Trooper contingent were possible. They accepted other enhancements on the wish list, including individual Patrol-Boat docking ports. The design teams tried hard to accommodate all the new features. The final item was something Colin added. He wanted a more powerful AI, intended to give the ship an edge like no other. The Sixth-Generation AI on the Taipans and Cobras had proven to be a game changer. Colin also wanted to have the power generation systems distributed throughout the Hull.
The design team compromised with Colin on the AI. His specification required them to bring a Seventh-Generation AI into existence. While this beast was in development, it wouldn’t be ready for the Destroyers. The compromise they arrived at, was to
slave three Sixth-Generation AIs together. During normal operation, they would divide the running of the ship among themselves. During combat, they could merge and work as one.
With everything agreed, Colin ended the meeting. It was time for him to meet Dave Bach.
Cambridge Shipyard
David Salomon studied the repair progress on the ships. The rate they completed repairs and released ships back into service pleased him. The yard crews had almost completed work on the current three Patrol-Boats, FNS Thor, FNS Adder and FNS Terrapin already. David knew the repair crews had a healthy dose of reality. They wanted the ships out in the System doing their jobs, protecting the people of Cambridge. Many of these men and women had remained at the shipyard during the Pirate Invasion.
These ships were part of the second batch to approach completion. The first batch included Theseus, Loki, and Freyja, each commanded during the Battle of Cambridge by the most aggressive Captains. Zach Manning cleared his throat when he entered David’s office.
“How are we progressing David?”
“Far better than I expected. Another three will be ready in twenty-four hours. The teams are finishing up now.”
“Excellent David, keep up the good work.”
“I will Mr. Manning.”
Zach left, and David rose to inspect progress. The Navy crews helped with the repairs, both to speed things up and to develop their own skills. Several might work at the shipyard when they leave the Navy.
During the tour of FNS Thor, he found Captain Carl Fraser still in the CCC. David wondered why he was there and without thinking blurted out, “What are you doing here Captain? Thor won’t be leaving for at least another day.”
Star Strike: Book 3 of the Star Man Series Page 12
