by Ben Winston
Lara chuckled. “Actually, Luke is the Councilor; I just serve as the recording secretary. Laura however, is also a Councilor, she’s ‘officially’ the mayor too.”
Ian shook his head. “So that was the deal with the new titles yesterday! I really need to start paying more attention to the newspaper. I had no idea there even was a Council.”
Laura shrugged. “When the proposal to form a Council was suggested, we did include the people up here in the vote. We felt that since we were forming their civil government, they should have a say in it.” She shrugged. “I thought you knew because your wife turned down her nomination because she felt it would be a conflict of interest.”
“I must have been really occupied with something to have missed that,” Ian said thoughtfully.
“Well, you actually were kinda busy at the time,” Elias chuckled. “It was started the day of your Command ceremony, the day after we told everyone the truth.”
“Damn, things have been moving fast down there. That was only a week or so ago!” Ian sighed. “Lara, would you please send me a list of the councilors, so I don’t make another political gaff?”
“Sure Ian, but what gaff did you make?” Lara asked. From the look on Laura and Elias’ faces, they wanted to know too.
Ian winked at the trio and turn to the silent Cadets. “Cadets, can any of you tell the Councilor and her party of the ‘Gaff’?”
“Yes Sir! We all can, Sir!” Kyle replied.
“Then please do so, Cadet.”
“As a Councilmember of the current Ruling Council, you politically outrank the Commander. However, on the ship, he is the highest authority. It is traditional for the Commander in his role as leader of the crew to be on-hand to formally welcome members of the Ruling Council aboard as a sign of respect. Failure to do so without justifiable reasons was considered a major insult to the Councilor. After all, you are a Head of State,” Kyle finished.
“Excuse me Councilor, everyone. It’s almost time to get started, sir,” John Harris said interrupting the conversation.
Ian nodded, but turned back to the small group. “Are there any other Councilors here?”
Laura tried hard not to grin at Ian’s discomfiture. “Yes, there are four of us here. Although all of us are here to see our kids graduate, not as Councilors.”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re still a Councilor, and should be shown the respect of your office. Thanks for the info, if you’ll excuse me?” Ian asked.
They all nodded, and Ian quickly followed John back toward the raised dais. Elias watched him go. “You know, I think we really pitched him a curve ball this time. I was starting to believe nothing could surprise him.”
“Oh, things can surprise him, Dad, but he doesn’t stay surprised for long!” Stephanie replied.
Chapter Thirty-Three
“Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the first Star Dancer Flight School Graduation.” John began, and had to wait for the applause to die down.
“Roughly six months ago, I was standing in Flight Control aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan watching new pilots landing for their first cruise. I remember thinking to myself that they all looked so young. I realized that it wasn’t that the pilots had gotten younger; I had gotten older.
“Today, I find myself again looking at a group of new pilots. This time, I don’t feel so old, nor do I feel as tired,” He looked at a grinning Talena. “Helping to train them has helped me find my own lost youth.”
John shifted position slightly. “None of us really know what the future holds. It may be that very soon we’ll be in a desperate fight for our lives, or we might just get bored flying patrol routes around the system. These people have trained hard against the first possibility; but I hope they see plenty of the second instead.”
He looked directly at the Cadets. “Before I introduce the Commander, I want to let all of you know that I’m proud of each and every one of you. Yes, even you Corvis!” The Cadets all chuckled and the ones closest to him, slapped ‘Corvis’ on his back.
Wayne Thielen, callsign: ‘Corvis’, had come to numerous loggerheads with John over his ‘exuberance’ at becoming a pilot. He was the ‘Goth’ oldest son of two of the eggheads from Talos and had morosely tried to argue every explanation behind the physics involved in the operation of the small fighters. His ‘Goth’ appearance got him the name ‘Corvis’, but it was his intelligence that got him into trouble. At one point, John had threatened to kick him out of the school if he didn’t get serious. Although he did still have problems, his young wingmates considered it their duty to help get the young man out of his eternal depression. It was working, and the new pilot was a much better person to be around.
After John introduced him, Ian got to the podium and looked out at the large assembly, but couldn’t help noting the large size of the graduating ‘class’. Granted this graduation ceremony also included both himself and Jenny, not to mention the group of seven civilian shuttle pilots. Even with those additions, there were still roughly two wings of pilots graduating this morning. Most of the kids from Talos had been certified by the instructors at Talos Base, and sat here beside the older, ex-pilots of the US militaries that had gone through school down there waiting for the ship to become habitable again.
“There will be combat in our future. Chances are very good that all of you will put your training to use far sooner than anyone would like, most especially me. As some of you already know, the reality of combat cannot be taught in a classroom. Seeing a friend’s ship explode during combat simulations cannot prepare you for this reality.
“I don’t tell you this to be morbid, or to depress anyone. I’m telling you because I know that our younger pilots are chafing because of the age limit. None of us doubts your bravery, or the commitment you have to protecting the people you love. The reason for waiting is because of the cost to you, as combat pilots.
“All of us, down to the lowest ranking private in the marines have to pay a price for every casualty we witness in combat. Be it a friend or an enemy, every death takes a small part of our souls with them. We do heal, but we will always remember the loss. It takes a very painful adjustment to be able to cope with the real horror of combat. By delaying the acceptance as combat pilots until you are sixteen, we are giving you the time to learn how to make that adjustment when the time comes.
“Okay, enough of that. We’re all here to celebrate the achievement of all these Cadets. For me, and yes, I’m one of the cadets graduating today as well, learning to fly the hornets was so easy it was actually fun. The centurion was still a blast but a bit more complicated. But I can tell all of you, my wingmates, that flying this ship is a class ‘a’ pain in the butt!” Ian paused while the group laughed.
“Now, our younger pilots will be assigned to Ghost Squadron, and stationed at Talos Base. Ghost Squadron will be considered our reserve Squadron for our younger pilots, however, we will be slowly rotating members of Ghost up here to the ship so they can get the feel for real flight, and can accumulate some experience.
“Most of the rest of you, although there are more than a squadron of you, will be assigned to Gold Squadron until we get enough pilots to form Silver Squadron. Your duty assignments and duty schedule are posted in all ready rooms. Be sure to look it over right after graduation since most of you will be on duty tonight.
“At the change of command I told everyone that military ceremonies are usually short, so we can get to the partying part. Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m getting pretty hungry!”
The whole crowd laughed and applauded as John took Ian’s place at the podium. Ian walked off the stage, and took position beside a table with Jenny.
John grinned. “Listen up Cadets! As I call your names, report to the Commander. Alston, Richard.”
The young looking man stood up, and came forward to stop in front of Ian and saluted. Ian returned the salute, and Jenny handed him a set of golden wings. Ian pinned them on the man’s chest, and Jenny handed him
something like a diploma. Ian handed the man the document with his left hand while he shook the man’s hand with the other. Once finished. The new Lieutenant saluted Ian again. Ian returned the salute and the man did an about face, walked ten steps, did another about face, and saluted again.
John saluted, and said, “Congratulations, Lieutenant Alston.”
The members of Ghost Squadron all became Ensigns except For Corvis. Because of the strength of character, ability to adjust to radically new situations, and his intelligence, Ian approved his promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade and assigned him as the Wing Commander of Ghost Squadron.
Finally John called, “Williams, Cindy.”
Grinning, Talena and another of their wing-mates helped Cindy up. Cindy thanked the man, and kissed her new wife before waddling up to Ian.
The pinning ritual and saluting proceeded as normal until Cindy turned to salute John. After Cindy saluted and John returned it, he said, “Congratulations Senior Lieutenant Williams. You’ve also been assigned as Wing Commander for Silver Squadron, once you have the pilots to form your own squadron.” Cindy grinned at the loud applause of her wing-mates and now ex-wing-mates.
Next John called Talena. As with Cindy, everything proceeded normally until her salute to John. “Congratulations Senior Lieutenant Talena. You are now assigned as the Wing Commander of Star Dancer’s escort; Gold Squadron.”
All the newly pinned pilots, including the older ones, stood and clapped loudly. Slowly, the rest of the audience joined the pilots.
Talena stood proudly, with tears running down her cheeks. Ian walked down the aisle to her, and she once again saluted her now direct Commanding Officer.
Ian stopped a couple feet away, and returned the young woman’s salute. “This ship’s our home; guard her well, Lieutenant.” Ian’s and Talena’s voices were amplified by Star so everyone could hear them.
“With my life, sir,” Talena replied formally.
“Thank you, Lieutenant. You’re dismissed.”
Once again Talena saluted, but didn’t wait for Ian to return it, before doing an about face and returning to her seat.
“For those of you who don’t understand the significance of what just happened. Gold Squadron’s soul responsibility is the protection of this ship against external threats,” John explained. “The squadron itself is under the direct command of the ship’s commander. The position of Wing Commander of this Squadron is considered to be a great honor, and is usually only assigned to the best of the pilots.
“Now, these last two actually completed flight school almost a month ago. Williams, Jennifer.” John finished.
Grinning, Jenny stepped around Ian to stand before him, and salute. Ian returned it, pinned her rank on, and shook her hand. She saluted him again before turning and walking down the aisle like the rest of the pilots. She stopped, turned, and saluted John.
John returned the salute. “Congratulations Colonel Williams.”
Jenny grinned up at him, before heading back to her place by Ian.
“Before I call the last person’s name, I want everyone to know that his graduation has created a small problem.” John was trying hard not to smile. “You see the pinning on of the wings has to be done by a higher ranking officer.” The applause from the audience started as people began to realize who it was John was talking about.
“During rehearsal, we had a hard time deciding to either break the regulation, which wouldn’t be legal, or he can pin them on himself.
“So, in rehearsal he pinned them on himself. However, the regulation says that the officer has to be of higher rank, not the same rank. Which puts us right back to the original dilemma. Either Commander Williams cannot be allowed his wings at all, or we’d have to find a higher ranking officer,” John finished.
Ian had turned around to look up at him with his hands on his hips. The look on his face was clear: ‘What the hell are you doing?’
Finally John let the grin loose. “Councilor Johnson, would you please assist us?”
The applause grew rapidly as Laura Johnson stood, and made her way to where Ian was standing.
Ian gave John a laughing look that promised he’d get him back for this surprise. He moved back to allow Laura to stand beside Jenny. When she got there, Jenny gave her a quick lesson on how the wings were ‘pinned’. Once she got it, Laura nodded up at John.
Finally, John came to attention and called the last name. “Williams, Ian.”
Starting at attention, Ian took one step forward, and executed a right face movement to place him directly in front of Laura. While the smiling woman gently attached the gold wings to the breast of his uniform, John explained.
“As an elected member of our civil government, Councilor Johnson outranks the Commander. The military has always been a tool of the Ruling Council. That tradition is necessary for all of us to stay free, and protected.”
When Ian saluted her, a grinning Laura bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment.
Ian turned around, and walked down the aisle, turned and saluted John in his capacity as the head of the Flight School.
John returned the salute. “Congratulations, Commander Ian Williams.” He joined the rest of the people in the applause.
Smiling Ian turned slowly and nodded his thanks to the audience before walking back and getting up on the stage to replace John.
As he passed Laura, the applause was too loud to speak, so he said thank you with a kiss on her cheek. She slapped him on the shoulder and pulled him down for a hug. They parted with smiles, and continued on their separate ways.
“I so owe you for that one!” A grinning Ian said to John as they swapped places.
John laughed. “It was worth every minute, sir.”
Ian stepped up to the podium, and held up his hand so he could speak. Once the applause had died down.
“Funny; it seemed a lot shorter in rehearsal...” Ian paused while people chuckled at the joke.
“Folks, that’s pretty much it for the ceremony. Before we get to the food and fun, I’d like to add my congratulations to all of our graduates; May you all have long and boring careers!” Ian led the applause for the pilots this time, but tried to keep it short.
“I’m sorry to have to interrupt this day of celebration, but this evening, at roughly seventeen hundred hours, Star Dancer will once again take her place in the firmament.
“Now, I know that almost everyone here would love to stay for the event, but since there is a risk involved, I’m ordering the ship cleared of visitors no later than sixteen hundred. I’m not actually trying to be a bastard, but if there is an emergency, having the extra people aboard would hamper our efforts. Not to mention the increased chance of someone getting hurt.
“I would like to see all three of the Wing Commanders in Alpha’s Squadron Mission Briefing room, in ten minutes.” Ian nodded to John to give his last command as their Training Commander.
Major John Harris came to attention. “Squadron, on your feet!” Once again Talena and the man next to them helped Cindy up. John waited until she was up before giving the last command. “Dismissed!”
As one, the group of pilots spun around, (slowly turned in Cindy’s case.) A few hoots and hollers and a lot of clapping poured forth from the new officers. They shook each other's hands or hugged. The group started to break-up and seek out those who had come to see them.
Ian noticed that Jenny immediately left, probably heading for the bridge. Cindy and Talena had given Beth a kiss and where heading for the ready room, Ian assumed that they wanted to know the duty assignments before the meeting.
“Corvis, I want your squadron in their fighters in case of emergency no later than sixteen-forty-five, which means you’re gonna need to leave soon. For this mission, your team will be under the command of Star Dancer Operations. Don’t launch until ordered, no matter what you hear over the comms.
“Gold Squadron will be launch ready by sixteen-thirty-five, and will receive launch clearance between sixteen
-forty-five and sixteen-fifty. All birds will be launching from Alpha since Flight says Beta’s tubes aren’t clear of that ridge. Once launched, I’ll want your fighters deployed in this pattern.” Ian handed Talena a comp-pad. “If we have a worst case scenario with the ship, you are all to do a full power burn away from the moon.”
Talena looked about to argue since the rest of their family would be aboard ship. However the look in both Ian’s as well as Cindy’s eyes told her this wasn’t a point she could argue.
“Athena,” Ian said using Cindy’s call sign. “You and your team are on mission support.”
“At sixteen-thirty, Beta’s landing bay doors will be closed and sealed. Once Gold Squadron is out, Alpha will also be sealed. If anyone has a problem, have them softly land on the dayside, and wait for help.
“Once we are in a stable parking orbit, the bay doors will be unsealed, and all but two of Gold Squadron will be recalled. The last two will maintain the CAP (Combat Air Patrol). For now, Athena is acting CAG (Commander, Air Group), so work up a patrol schedule for operations, so they can hash out the routes. We will also be launching the centurions Challenger, Intrepid, and Atlantis after your folks land,” He said the last to Talena. “Any questions?”
Corvis looked ecstatic that he had a mission, Cindy looked pissed because she was grounded, and Talena looked harried with her new duties. Not surprising, it was Cindy that spoke up.
“Not for you, sir, but I do need to speak to Major Brighton. May I be excused, sir?” Cindy asked.
“You’ve got four hours to come up with that schedule, Lieutenant. Try to relax and enjoy the day a little,” Ian said to her. She seemed to relax, close her eyes and took a deep breath.
“Thank you, sir.”
Ian winked at her. “Okay, you need to get scooting Corvis. Dismissed everyone.”
“Speaking of Parties, are you coming home?” Cindy asked with Talena on her arm. Corvis had already made good his escape. He needed to round up his pilots, and their parents, and get on one of the shuttles.
“I’ll be there after I stop in on the bridge. Jenny left the ceremony quicker than she normally moves in her present condition,” Ian explained, rubbing Cindy’s belly affectionately.
