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 h
is 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 2: 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.
McElligott asked us to sit, and after everyone had done so, he was the only one who remained standing. He gestured to Cherubim first and said, “First, I’d like to introduce my companions to you. This is Cherubim, Director of the Union News Bureau. Next to her is General Lichfangh, head of the PSI Corps and to my left, next to Admiral Stahl, sits Admiral Lydaa, Commandant of NAVINT.
“We are here to officially begin with Operation Fish, a project Cherubim and I conceived right after the signing of the first Free Space treaty fifteen hundred years ago.
“You see the moment the Blue and the Kermac came up with this idea of a demilitarized zone between the Big Four, I knew it would be a safe haven for crooks and pirates and the like; not to mention a number of civilizations who keep pulling the tiger’s tale, knowing they can retreat anytime they wanted where no warship could go.”
McElligott looked directly at me and said, “Do you think we would allow those Togar to buy human slaves for food? If we could reach them?” Then he pointed at Stahl and said, “There are those who think we should simply disregard the treaty and clean up once and for all. If the Nul, the Shiss, and the Galactic Council wanted to fight, even better. After the smoke settled, the galaxy would be one big happy place.”
He leaned forward and made a serious face. “I saw war too many times. Yes, I will fight, and yes, I will send beings to their death if I have to. I have done it before and will have to do it again, but I am not like the military heroes of old. I do remember those I sent into battle, and I’ll be darned if I call for war and rattle the sabers if I can help it. I don’t mean we should idly stand by when evil men do their thing, but war should really always be the very last option, not the first. Not even you, Richard, can tell me that it wouldn’t be a costly undertaking fighting them all. A war that easily could last millennia and cost countless lives and no victory is assured until the last shell has been fired. Ever since the Free Space Treaty, there were no open hostilities on a galactic scale, and while there are always tensions and little incidents, there are no battles and wars since the second conference and the second ratification of that treaty. We now have five hundred years of peace, and I’d like to keep it that way as long as possible.
“We know the Y’All are stirring, and there is still much unexplored space in our own Galaxy. Who knows if the universe has more surprises like the Y’All, and we all fear that the Dark Ones might return one day.” He sighed and continued, “Every day our citizens live in peace and every day I do not have to sign orders that send millions into battle is a good day.”
He paused and patted his pockets then looked at me. “May I light a pipe, Captain? I talk easier that way, and perhaps a nice cup of tea would be good.”
I nodded. “Please do, sir.”
I wanted to get up to get the tea, but Krabbel was faster and said, “I’ll get it, Captain.”
Krabbel served tea, coffee, and water while McElligott got his pipe going.
After a sip of tea, he declined his head in a pleased manner and went on, “As I said, Free Space is a nuisance, but it is necessary, and one has to be very subtle and do things slowly and without anyone really noticing.” He pointed with his pipe outside the window. “Spies of the Kermac and all the others know Richter is here and have long lost interest in it, as it is out of the way and far from any real points of interest. The Worm and a few pirates used it as a convenient stopover and place to get Union gear, but there isn’t a fleet based here and marginal space traffic for light years around.
“My friends in the spook services here made sure the plans to this base were stolen. They had years to pour over genuin
e Union blueprints and think they know every nook and cranny of this one. Yet they don’t know that Richter Base is now the base for a special NAVINT task force and jointly operated by UNB and GC, the Saresii Intelligence. The base will be under the command of Director Cherubim and the task force’s sole purpose is to monitor Free Space from within through a network of sources and hunt those who use Free Space to hide and escape from Union justice.” He puffed once again on his pipe and then nodded to Cherubim.
The blonde looked us over and said, “Not even I have seen a more diverse group than yours. Ever since Richard became aware of you and put you together, we have been watching your development, and frankly, you excelled and exceeded beyond what we hoped for. That is the reason why you are here. This base was secretly conceived and planned for a very long time to be an Intel base for Taskforce Fish, which is, by the way, a neat acronym for Free Space Intelligence Secret Hunters. Like the base, this ship has been in the works quite some time now.”
She gestured to the walls and the ship. “This vessel is as unique as you are. It was built from the start to have the very finest technology of all our member species. It incorporates Ancient Saresii, not used or seen technology from over a million years ago. Technology that made the Saresii almost equal to the Seenians and it is also the very first ship equipped with Narth technology. In other words, this ship exceeds Tech level nine in many ways.”
McElligott touched a few symbols of the media controls before him, and a three-dimensional wireframe model of the Tigershark appeared, hovering over the center of the table surface. “The frame is made of quad-matrix molecule arranged Ultronit, woven in thousands of layers over a carbon-fiber, bucky-ball lattice.”
The wireframe became solid, and he said, “The armor is made by the most complex and expensive production process and made of Tetra Compacted Ultronit with a layer of neutron degenerated matter, nano-structured. In other words, there isn’t much out there that could even scratch the hull. It also makes it impenetrable to any known Tech Stop, paralysator, or scanner beam. The shields are quadruple-layered TransDim shields, and all the shield generators are energy independent from the main power system by having their own Zero Point energy generators.”
Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 7 Page 80
