The Hope Island Chronicles Boxed Set

by PJ Strebor

  “They’ve been nothing but cooperative,” Nathan said. “What of the crew of the Odenwald?”

  “They’ll be run through the system. I’ll see that they’re processed as quickly as possible.”

  The lift arrived and they stepped aboard. Spotiswood examined Nathan’s face in a way that made his squirm internally.

  “You’ve gone through quite a life changing transformation, haven’t you?”

  Nathan’s brow furrowed.

  The Commander snorted. “All of these years detesting everything Pruessen, then all of a sudden you come to the startling realization that they’re human after all. Must have been a shock to you.”

  “I didn’t have much choice. We were serving together for months. Believe me, no one was more surprised than I.” The lift opened and they stepped out.

  “You did good work, Nathan,” the Commander said. “Your mission was to locate Adroit. You did that and by some miracle managed to rescue her and her crew. Amazing. Then you commandeered an E boat with crew. That’s a big bonus. But the biggest boon to come out of this mission is the intell you gathered on Saint Joan. Our analysts will take months to go through it all. Well done. I will look forward to working with you again, some day.”

  Nathan stopped walking and stared him in the eyes. “No thanks,” Nathan said. “That was a one-off. Never again.”

  “Hey, I gave you an opportunity to rescue your friend,” the Commander said with a smile.

  “Bullshit. You intended to destroy her from the outset. You owe me one Spotiswood.”

  “You were doing your duty, Lieutenant.” He considered Nathan for a time. “However, you prevented Adroit and her crew from falling into enemy hands. I suppose that’s worth something.”

  “You can have that one for free,” Nathan said. “But think of what would have happened if Deception, and you had been taken. They would have squeezed every gram of knowledge from you and would have had access to one of the fastest stealth boats in the region. That one I’ll collect on one day.”

  The Commander snorted. “Perhaps.”

  “So what happens now?”

  “First things first, Nathan.”

  The hatches to the ship’s brig opened as if by magic when the guards spotted the Commander’s ANSIO insignia.

  Nathan’s crew were corralled into a single large cell with barely enough room to sit. Their shackles remained fixed. Nathan turned to the senior non comm.

  “Let them out of there and get rid of those fucking shackles,” Nathan growled.

  “Yes, sir. The order just came down from the Admiral, sir.”

  Ernst Ryden stepped from the cell, rubbing his chafed wrists.

  “I’m sorry,” Nathan said, addressing the entire crew. “I didn’t know about this until today.”

  “We knew you’d come for us, Skipper,” Krause said.

  A mumbling of agreement from the crew.

  “What now?” Ryden asked.

  “Hot showers, clean clothing and a good meal.”

  The glum faces came to life at the news.

  ***

  Two hours later, after seeing to his crew’s needs, Nathan stepped into Odenwald’s lounge area. Crews from the Odenwald, Adroit and E 692 mingled as if they were at a family reunion.

  Moe stood in a group comprising half Athenian and half Pruessen officers. Kellerman and Hoppe, leaning against the bar, raised their glasses. Nathan nodded to them.

  “There he is,” Moe said. “Where have you been?”

  “Checked in with the dock supervisor. It’s all good with both boats.”

  “I could have told you that,” Moe said.

  Ensign Willet offered him an Oceanian beer.

  “Thanks, Rudi.”

  “So, what’s the word?” Ryden asked.

  “We ship out tomorrow morning,” Nathan replied. “Ernst, you and the crew will be debriefed at a location as yet to be divulged. Odenwald’s people will be assimilated into Athenian culture then placed onto a world of their choosing. After what they’ve been through counseling is not optional.”

  “What about us?” Moe asked.

  “You, Acting Captain, will report on your miraculous escape from internment and your brave journey through hostile Pruessen space pursued by the enemy.”

  “Yeah, I got the gist of that from the Commander. But Commander who? No one calls themselves just Commander.”

  “He does, and you’d be well advised not to question that.”

  “And you, Nathan?” Ernst asked.

  “I’ve been on Corinth all this time. Extended leave.”

  “You should get recognition for what you’ve done,” Krause said. “A medal, at least.”

  “I can’t receive commendation for something I wasn’t a part of.” He ran his eyes over the officers. “Remember, Captain Vogel doesn’t exist. Make sure you and your crews all remember that.”

  “The Commander made it abundantly clear what would happen to us if we didn’t stick to the cover story,” Moe said.

  “Once I hand Ernst’s crew over to the Commander’s people, I’ll transfer to Adroit. You can give me a lift home.”

  “Aren’t you already there?” Moe said.

  “Funny,” Nathan said.

  Nathan tried to concentrate on the ongoing conversation but thoughts of Livy and the kids vied for his attention. He’d never been apart from Livy for more than three months. His heart ached for his family but he would have to wait another three weeks before he could hold them in his arms. It would be the three longest three weeks of his life.