“Alright. But I think it wise we transfer the summit to Beta Phi. It’s just getting too dangerous here and we already have the enemy knocking on our door” said Pious.
“Fair enough Sir” responded Warner.
“Does this mean diverting heavy shuttle capacity to transfer the summit staff that is here” asked Rihan. “We really need every bit of it unloading the base force and drawing more supplies in.”
“Good point Commander. How about we transfer the summit staff back to Polaris with the regular shuttle runs and we’ll arrange for them to be moved to Beta Phi from there. I don’t think it matters now if the signing of a formal treaty is delayed. Actions speak louder than words and the commitment from our Alliance friends speaks volumes. Don’t you think?”
“Yes Sir” responded Rihan. Warner nodded.
“Now what do you need in the way of support?” asked Pious.
“We’ve shot all our missiles. A shuttle with some emergency supplies has been despatched to the Washington. We can transfer the remaining ones from the Sydney to the Hermes tonight. But we’re still short around 70 missiles.”
“We had to suspend the shuttle transfers from the base force during the engagement but I’ll have more than that transferred by morning” said Rihan.
“Excellent” said the Commondore. “Anything else?”
“No Sir just some sleep.”
“Right you are Captain. I’ll leave you to it then….And Captain”
“Sir”
“Well done and thank you.”
Warner just nodded and Pious left the office.
“Come on handsome” Rihan said to Warner “I’ll show you your new berth. It’s got all the mod cons that only a mine can offer!”
“Terrific” said Warner rolling his eyes and standing up. Rihan put her arm around his waist. As they walked out Warner asked “I trust there will be no regulation spacing in force down there?”
“You’re in luck Captain. I make the regulations around here.”
“That’s handy.”
“It is, isn’t it?” and she switched off the light.
Chapter 22. Klaster 0800, 24 May.
Warner approached Herb Debeck in the dock. Herb was giving instructions to one of his crew. “Good morning Sir.”
“Good morning Herb. Have you had any sleep?”
“Not much. There’s been a lot to do.”
“Your marines offloaded?”
“Yes Sir, along with one of our warthogs. You will look after it won’t you?”
Warner smiled “trust me!”
But Herb knew better “that’s what I thought. What do I need a second one for anyway? You’ve got all my missiles too.”
“Yeh, much appreciated. It’ll lighten your load for the journey back to Polaris.”
“Gee thanks” replied Herb and then switching to a more serious note “I’m sorry we can’t stick around Sir.”
“Nonsense Herb. You did your best yesterday but you got unlucky. I didn’t know that cap could accelerate like that. Anyway there’s no shame on your part. Go get your ship repaired and high tail it back. We’ll save a bit of the action for you.”
“Thank you Sir. It was a good fight. When I saw that cap arrive, I really thought our number was up.”
“Yes it took me by surprise. But we did alright. Thanks for your support Herb. What time are you away?”
“That dragon of a Base Commander wants us out of here by 0900” and Herb gave his boss a wink.
“She better not hear you say that. You know her bite IS worse than her bark” and Warner gave him a big smile.
“Good luck Sir.”
“And to you too Herb.”
Warner walked the 100m to where 2nd Lt Val Gomez was. She was working her way through a manifest. “How’s it going Val?”
“We should have the rest of the missiles loaded in an hour. Refuelling’s finished. The techs are still repairing the shield and hull damage. When I last checked in with them a few minutes ago they were confident they would have it all done by 1000.”
“Good. We need to launch and take over CAP so the Washington can replenish.
“Yes Sir. We’ll be good to go at 1000 Sir. I’ll go and chase those techs up in a minute.”
“Thanks Val.”
A buggy came through the outer dock doors and headed over to Warner and stopped. Art got out and said with a smile “Congrats Captain. I hear you did good.”
“Hi Art…thanks…yes we did OK. But as to how good I just don’t know.”
“Well morale around here has certainly picked up.”
“Yeh, but you and I both know how quickly morale can drop” countered Warner. Art just nodded agreement. Changing the topic Warner went on “Are you and Sue going to be going back with the rest of the summit staff?”
“Nah, it appears the Commodore thinks our talents could be better employed helping to defend this place. Apparently, I’m the recipient of temporary Lt Commander’s commission and assigned the hifalutin title of Commander Base Defences. CBD for short. Although my new deputy, the lovely now Lt Chalker, thinks I don’t look anything like a central business district. There’s just no pleasing some people Dave.”
Warner was pleased to see Art in such good humour. “You two make a good couple.”
“Yes we do, don’t we.”
“Since you have a formal business relationship, are you going to formalise your personal relationship?”
“Now, now, now! Just because you’ve been hooked line and sinker doesn’t mean all us red blooded males need to follow suit.”
“Fair enough. But don’t let her get away Art. She’s the best thing that has happened to you in a long time.”
“No you’re wrong. She’s the best thing that has happened to me, period” and he grinned.
“So go on, make an honest woman out of her. What are you afraid of?”
Art stopped grinning. He thought about the question for a moment. He then looked at Dave with a more serious demeanour. “That she may turn me down.”
“For heaven’s sake, Art. You are probably the bravest man I know and here you are scared of making a commitment to someone you’ve just admitted is the best thing in your life.”
“I know…physical courage, even moral courage I can handle. It’s this personal courage that freaks me out.”
“That why you’ve never married?”
“Yeh.”
“Time to change?”
Art took a deep breath. “Yes it is. Dave. Don’t know how much we have left, do we?”
“No we don’t.”
“Thanks Dave. You’re a real friend. Got to go. I have a good woman to proposition.” Art smiled, climbed back in the buggy, parked it by the inner dock door and headed into the facility. He left Warner smiling.
Art found Sue briefing one of the marine platoon commanders. When she saw him she finished up and came over to him. She was looking happy and that was as well for Art. If the truth be known he would have probably baulked if her mood had been otherwise.
“Can we talk?” he asked.
“Of course. I’ve always got time for you, boss” she teased him.
“Come in here where we can have some privacy” he motioned and they entered a store room and shut the door.
“I think we did this last night Art. You’re a greedy boy, aren’t you?” and she kissed him on the lips.
But he pushed her away gently. “No I said talk, remember.”
Sue was now very intrigued “What about?”
“Us.”
“Us?” said Sue. Now she was extremely intrigued.
“Yes us.” Art was struggling now. He hadn’t really thought through what he was going to say exactly. But here he was at the moment of decision and clear thinking was not coming easily. He had been here once before with another woman eight years ago and had baulked. He was determined not to fall short this time. “Marry me Sue” he blurted out. He then froze unable to add anything more by way of embellishment. He ju
st looked at her petrified waiting for her to respond.
“Marry you?”
“Yes, marry me.”
“Is that it Art?” she was toying with him now. She could see her love almost trembling in fear and she was delighted to have him at her mercy. She was also going to string this out just a little longer. “You know a girl likes to hear a lot of sweet words at a moment like this preferably with some flowers and mood music under candlelight.”
Art was transfixed. His system was in lock down. He heard everything but was incapable of responding. Sue saw all of this and the hunter in her was delighted. “But here we are in a…” and she looked around and then continued “in a broom closet. Not even a ring either. Is there a ring Art?”
He just shook his head. “Disappointing Art, don’t you think?”
He just nodded in defeat prepared to receive the coup de grace that his paltry efforts deserved.
Sue realised that she had strung him along enough. “Yes I will” she said with firm conviction.
“You will what?” asked Art.
“Marry you, you goose” and she kissed him strongly. As her tongue probed his, he felt a wave of relief then gratitude and joy followed by passion. She felt him getting excited, jumped up and wrapped both her legs around him. He struggled to hold her and he stumbled forward only breaking his fall by taking hold of a cabinet. In the process, Sue only just regained her balance but she knocked over a pile of cleaning gear making a very loud noise. They both regained their balance and began laughing.
At that moment the door opened and a marine trooper looked in. Art and Sue froze in their compromised position and just looked at him like deer in the headlights. The trooper was a little surprised but not really. He simply said “Sorry Sir, Maam” and closed the door. To wit they both bust out laughing again.
Chapter 23. Hermes 0830, 24 May.
Ivan was just stirring. It had taken him ages to go to sleep after he got to his cabin late last night. He had broken out in sweat several times as the boarding events were replayed in his subconscious. But he finally did get some rest and he knew he wouldn’t be back on duty for another hour and half. So he just lay there bringing his focus back to the awake state.
A few moments later Sherri opened the door using his pass key. She was on duty and in uniform but she just had to see him before he went back on duty. It seemed that everyone on board was conscious of time marching on and the potential for it to run right out very quickly. Sherri was no different and she wanted desperately to share a few more minutes with her love.
“Hi” she said.
“Hi” he responded. She came over and sat on the side of his bed. Ivan pulled himself up onto his elbow and looked up at her round face. Her dark hair glistened in what light there was. He reached forward and ran his fingers through it. She leaned into his fingers and he cupped the side of her face. She leaned towards him and they kissed tenderly. And it was tenderness that Ivan craved to salve the hard emotions of the previous night’s engagement.
Sherri responded with gentleness. For years now she had been the tough marine. She had shown the blokes that she could hack it. It’s what she knew a woman had to do to gain the respect in such a group. Or so she had thought. Ivan was changing that view.
She had been drawn to his strength on the battlefield and his sense of humour was very much to her liking. But it was only in these past few weeks that she had come to appreciate that his true strength lay in his softer side. He had shown her more kindness and gentleness than she had ever experienced. He somehow combined physical toughness with gentleness. He had taught her that it was possible to have both and this had touched her deeply.
She sat back up and took off her shoes and climbed in next to him otherwise fully clothed. With his big frame there wasn’t much room but she rolled onto her side and he cuddled into her back. They lay like that for a good ten minutes, silent but content.
“We should marry” said Ivan.
“Yes we should” replied Sherri.
“Good” said Ivan.
“Yes it is good” said Sherri and she held his hand that was across her breast a little tighter and he pressed a little firmer. Then he kissed the back of her head and smelt her scent. His kisses descended down to her neck and she tilted her head to allow him into its nape. He began to gently suck her neck. She loved it. She released her hold on his hand allowing him to fondle her breast.
“This is ridiculous” called out Ivan “Get this uniform off. That’s an order!”
She laughed lightly and disentangled. She stood up and faced him and stripped slowly for him. She delighted in his reaction and then pushed him down on his back and mounted him.
Chapter 24. Klaster 0930, 24 May.
Warner separated from her hold for the third time. Her lips brushed over his cheek not wanting to part. She knew he would be leaving now. She knew their duties demanded that they part. But these partings in the face of danger weren’t getting any easier - quite the reverse. She knew she couldn’t keep repeating her advice to him about not being a hero. But she knew he knew that. How was it possible for them to be so much in sync?
Rihan enjoyed their meditation together this morning. It was like so much was condensed into that short time together. Everything was unstated but there was so much communion. She still struggled with the interrupting thoughts but the effort of maintaining focus was worth it. She felt even closer to him now. It was another form of intimacy, a bond that tied them together.
She looked into his eyes. She saw the strength there and while she loved that strength, she knew it was responsible in part for his leaving. In her mind’s eye she stole some of his strength, drawing it out from his eyes. She needed it now. She was determined to hold it together this time.
Warner saw not the pleading but the resolve in her eyes. He was grateful for it. It made it easier somehow. Not that his own heart ached any less but knowing that he wouldn’t be turning his back on a wailing spirit made what he had to do just that little bit easier. He nodded his head to hers and then kissed her lightly on the forehead and said “Got to go honey. I love you.”
“I love you too honey” she responded and then couldn’t help herself adding “Play safe!”
“I always do when you’re not around” and he smiled at her.
She smiled back and waved as he left. As he turned the corner and left her sight, she said to herself ‘Now that wasn’t too bad.’ But then she lost it and her eyes watered. She quickly dabbed them with a tissue, took a deep breath in and turned towards her terminal.
Part 5
Struggle
In the midst of the smoke, the shot and the scream
It’s hard to be sure of what you’ve seen.
Some will rise and some will fall;
Some will never cross the wall.
Fear dominates. Rashness grips
Courage conquers and weakness slips.
Where you stand in the rattle and hum
Determines who you will become.
Chapter 1. Hermes 1100, 24 May.
“Washington Sunray this is Hermes Sunray” hailed Warner as the Hermes neared bogey 1’s position. The Washington was just a few kilometres away.
“Sir it’s good to have some company” said Reina. There was genuine relief in her voice. The Washington had been out here for over 12 hours on its Pat Malone with just six missiles in its magazines.
“Everything alright Reina?”
“Yes Sir. Nothing to report except that the tech team seem to be a little excited about their discoveries. Looks like the enemy vessel is powered by some new propulsion system they’ve never seen before.”
“I’m sure that Chief Rapperberg will be giving me the good news shortly.”
“Yes I think he will.”
“We’re going to attach an old bog-standard propulsion system to this vessel and try and remotely land it on Klaster. Then the boffins can really go to town on her.”
“Do you want us to do the remote pil
oting before replenishment?”
“No you better head back without delay, replenish and be ready to launch back up by 1400. I know this isn’t much time and your crew deserve a break but the Sydney’s headed out for Polaris and so it’s just the two of us now. I need both ships up and ready asap.”
“Understood Sir. I’ll recover my marines and be on our way.”
“Thanks Reina.”
“Chase?”
“Yes Sir” responded Chase who was the watch officer.
“I’ll let you manage the vessel recovery and piloting. Have the shuttle bring back Gunter and ask him to come and see me in my cabin. You have the ship.”
“Roger Sir.”
It took Chase and the crew just an hour and a half to get the remote piloting underway. As the Hermes glided back at what would be regarded as a snail’s pace, Gunter Rapperberg knocked on his Captain’s door. He heard a faint “Come in” and opened the door. “You asked for me Sir?”
“Yes Chief. Please take a seat. I’ll just be a minute.” Warner continued looking through yesterday’s logs. Then he turned to Gunter. “Commander Suzuki tells me you got all excited about the enemy’s propulsion systems.”
“Yes Sir. They are amazing. Nothing like ours. I take it you want the simplified version?”
“If you don’t mind, Chief” and Warner smiled.
Gunter nodded and continued “Well I don’t know for sure but I think they have perfected a fast ion drive.”
“Isn’t that a tautology?”
“Well it would be for the ion drives we’ve developed but they seemed to have found a way to accelerate rapidly with an ion drive.”
“Well that capital ship of theirs certainly accelerated faster than anything our capitals can do.”
“Exactly Sir. We’re going to need a lot more time to work it out. It would be best to get this back to Polaris.”
“OK but first we’ll get it back to Klaster and then let Fleet worry about it.”
The Awakening: Book 1 of Warner's World Page 29
