Ambush

by G J Moses

  “Well, I am glad you finally decided that I could be of use. I would be honored to join you, but please, next time, give me more advance notice so I can get my hair and makeup done properly. I just hope I can find an adequate outfit for the occasion. I just hate to meet royalty without having enough time to prepare properly.” Jeanne said while fluffing her hair.

  Discreetly smiling, Zeke tipped his head to Jeanne in gratitude as the yells now turned into laughter. Even Khaleesi had half a smile on her face, well more like a snarl, but at least she had stopped yelling.

  “Ok then. Let’s talk about when we exit the asteroid field and close in on Nocuous. Will, Isolde, hopefully we will not be meeting any more of the Chohish before we get to Nocuous. I need you two to devise a layout on how best to deploy the mines for any ships that may be following us. I want them to be placed where we will be able to track any that go off. I do not expect them to cause much damage, nor stop their advance, although it would be nice if it did,” Zeke smiled hugely at Isolde while he said this, “but it will be a good warning mechanism that we are about to get some unwanted company. Sow some sensor arrays in with them if we have any to spare.”

  Replacing the Chohish images with an image of an asteroid tunnel on the center screen, “I think we are done with these guys.” Zeke continued on. “Titus supplied a full set of videos’, images of the asteroid field, the tunnel, along with both entrances before we left Niflhel.”

  “”My recommendation is to have the mine deployment be as far into the tunnel as you can get them from the Nocuous entrance or in our case, exit, but where we can still detect them. The closer the exit, the larger the opening and less dense the mines become. I am hoping that in their mad rush, some will take the tunnel and plow straight into the mines. Will…”

  Pausing, Zeke turned with a strange expression on his face. “Hawke, when your people fought the Chohish those many years ago, did either of you use any type of mines?”

  Taken by surprise at the sudden question, Hawke shook his head negatively. “No, we were never able to develop any that was worthwhile. The few mines we ever developed were easy to bypass or destroy. Not until we met your race and joined in a joint defense pack where we were introduced to mines that were worthwhile. We never encountered any Chohish mines and assumed they did not have any. Why do you ask?”

  “I just realized that we did not run into any at Niflhel nor in the tunnel. With as much planning and forces the Chohish brought to capture this system, if they had any, it would have made sense to use them profusely. If we had the numbers and time, I would have seeded both Niflhel and the tunnel.”

  “Not necessarily, we did not encounter any in New Providence and we know they had them.” countered Will.

  “You are correct. But that was because, besides being their own system, they were not actually fighting to win the war. Just trying to get a better trade deal with the Empire so their systems could survive. But they had acquired mines just in case they needed to drag the war out to purchase more time to get a better deal.” acknowledged Zeke.

  That was confirmed by Jeanne with a shake of her head while at the same time glancing towards Zeke in admiration. “It seems that your Captain understood our game plan better than most.”

  “Working off that possibility, let’s take advantage of that if we can. Isolde, use your creative genius and work with Will to mask as many as you can from detection. Use them all if necessary.” Zeke ordered.

  “Questions? Thoughts?”

  “One, what happens if the Chohish bypass coming through the tunnel and go around? The mines would be wasted.” asked Will.

  “All the better. I do not expect to get much from the mines. Some damage, possibly getting really lucky and taking out a ship or two. But more importantly, what I hope they will do is give us a warning of their arrival. Our sensors are not able to see far into the tunnel, the asteroid makeup blocks almost all energy transmissions. Explosions now, that is different. If they go around, we can track them once we get out of the tunnel.”

  “Anyone else? No, good. Then let’s talk about when we get to Nocuous. Khaleesi, your assignment is to clear every one of those frigging Chohish off that planet before we leave. As you know, a good many of the Marines will already be occupied protecting my butt. Take whatever actions you deem appropriate, but I do not want any Chohish around to cause trouble after we leave. Work with Governor Reynolds and make use of her forces if possible. All resources here that are still available, are yours to use. All departments are to assist you in your task, everyone get that?”

  “You do not ask for much, do you? A few Marines, couple of shuttles, no fighters and finally, possibly no cooks and dishwashers. Captain, you do not ask much, do you? Oh well, it is not an unusual request from you so at least you are consistent. I will figure out something.”

  “Actually, I may be able to help you out there.” informed a smiling Jeanne. “We have some personnel and equipment on the Fox that you may find useful.”

  Just at that moment, a man walked gingerly into the room. All stared at him with a mixture of astonishment and pleasure in their expressions.

  Before anyone could say anything, a blur passed Zeke only to launch herself into the arms of the new arrival.

  The new arrival staggered back a few paces and it was obvious not only was he taken by surprise, but the sudden jolt pained him. But that only lasted for a second before he wrapped his arms tightly around Isolde.

  Sniffling, Isolde looked up into Gunners eyes. “Don’t you ever do that to me again. I thought I would never see you again.” With that, she snuggled deeper into Gunners arms.

  Gunner, looking around the room in embarrassment, stopped when he met Zeke’s eyes. “Reporting for duty, sir.”

  Followed by almost everyone’s eyes in the room, Zeke walked over to Gunner to pat him gently on his shoulder. “Good to see you my friend, good to see you. But unless I miss my guess, Doc, will not agree with you. I doubt he is ready to release you from his medical care.”

  Which was confirmed by the man who entered next. “As you surmised correctly, Captain, he is not cleared for duty. But he was very insistent on leaving the medical bay. Now I know why.”

  With laughter bubbling through in his response, Zeke replied to Doc. “Relax Doc, there is no way I would throw Gunner back into the fray right now. But would it be OK if he assisted Isolde and Will in planning the deployment of the mines. I may be wrong, but I think Isolde will make sure Gunner does not overexert himself.”

  “I guess that would be ok, but only if Isolde promises to keep me updated regularly on his status.” Doc agreed while trying to hide a smile.

  “I will Doc, I will, you can rest assured on that.” Mouthing a silent thank you to Zeke, Isolde snuggled contentedly into Gunners arms.

  Meanwhile, Gunner, wriggled one arm free from Isoldes grasp to raise it in a salute to Zeke. “I understand Sir, that I owe my rescue to you. Thank you, Sir.”

  “Actually, you should thank Jeanne and Masson, they were both several steps ahead of me. I, sadly, was lacking. Without them, I would never have been able to make the attempt, let alone succeed.” an embarrassed Zeke replied.

  Searching out Jeanne with his eyes, Gunner saluted and bowed his head in thanks. Jeanne, smiled and bowed, while swirling her hat around in acceptance. “I will let Masson know; he will be glad to hear that you are recovering.”

  “Hi Gunner, this is Masson, you are more than welcome. It was my pleasure. And do not let Captain Kinsley mislead you, he was a big part of it. Good to have you back. I will let you buy me a drink next time we meet. Masson out.”

  “Ok people, unless someone has something else, they need to bring up, grab a quick break and plan on meeting again in an hour and a half.” ordered Zeke.

  With that, everyone slowly made their way out. The vast majority stopped by to speak a few words to Gunner who could not get free of the grasp of Isolde. It was obvious, though, that he was not really making that much of an ef
fort. He was watching Gunner and Isolde in amusement as Hawke, Jeanne, Jan and Will sidled up next to him.

  “When did you know about Isolde and Gunner?” an amused Hawke asked.

  “I had suspected for a good while now, but I knew for certain after the Irracan engagement. And I knew it was really serious when Isolde spent every spare moment she was not on duty at the medical bay. Doc, guessing correctly, had informed me as he was concerned about Isolde’s effectiveness.”

  “Did you? Have concerns about Isolde?” inquired Jeanne.

  “No, not at all. I have worked with Isolde on several campaigns. We have lost some very close friends and never, not once, did it affect her ability to rise above the personal loss. It would have hurt her tremendously to lose Gunner, but if anything, it would have made her dive even deeper into her work. And knowing Gunner, that is one of the things he finds so attractive about Isolde. They share a lot of the same personality traits. And with that, my friends, I must run. There are a few things I need to check up on. And I would like to get cleaned up a bit. That is if my ‘visitors’ have not taken over my living area. That reminds me, I need to stop by supply and get some cocoa. Jeanne, maybe you could join me in the Diners Club in fifteen minutes for a quick meal and drink?” asked Zeke.

  “Diners Club? If someone would tell me where that is, I would be honored. Fifteen minutes it is.” a flustered Jeanne responded.

  “Well, well, seems like Gunner and Isolde are not the only pair catching the bug.” joked Khaleesi as she watched the back of Zeke exiting the conference room.

  It was an embarrassed red-faced Jeanne, who swatted Khaleesi with her hat, while the full-throated laughter of Jan echoed in the background. “Oh shush, please!”.

  Dinner

  After stopping by her room to clean up and change into some fresh clothes, Jeanne made her way to the Diners club. When she reached the doorway, she had to wait while a couple of Marines made their way out.

  Walking in, Jeanne looked around until she spied Zeke at a small table in the far corner. It was obvious he had stopped to change too, as he was dressed smartly in a white RGN officer’s uniform that fit him like a glove. “Hmm… that uniform looks good on him… or then again… maybe it is Zeke who makes the uniform look good. Oh jeez, when did I get this mushy about someone…”

  Upon Jeanne’s arrival at the table, Zeke stood to pull the chair out for her. “Wow! I should have asked you to dinner sooner. When you get out of your fighting clothes and dress up, you go from just gorgeous to absolutely frigging gorgeous. I love the outfit; it brings out the color in your eyes. Is the pink blush new? Something special?” asked a bemused Zeke.

  Glancing covertly so as not to be so obvious, Zeke had to admit, Jeanne looked fabulous. The tan thigh high flaring boots went very well with the tight brown leather pants. They were accompanied by a frilly white shirt with tan highlights on the sleeves. The hat had been changed to wide flaring brown tricorn hat with red and black streaks running through it topped off by a pair of her trademark long black and red feathers. It was an outfit that he doubted another woman could have pulled off so elegantly.

  As Zeke was holding the chair for Jeanne until she finished getting herself seated, the waiter arrived. The waiter patiently stood nearby as Jeanne was having a little difficulty taking her seat. Strangely for her, Jeanne was trying to compose herself, after the unexpected compliments from Zeke. It had caught her by surprise and… well… she was flattered and excited at the same time.

  “Young man, do you have any decent champagne? I want to take the opportunity, while it exists, to thank this young lady, our new friend and ally, for all that she and her companions have done.” requested Zeke. “And add some decent appetizers ok?”

  “Yes, sir. Is there anything else the lady would like?” asked the waiter.

  “I don’t suppose you have any salmagundi, would you?” inquired Jeanne. Who, upon seeing the question mark on the waiter’s face, continued “Skip that, but if you have any fresh fruit, grapes, preferably, would be great.”

  “I think we do have some red and green grapes along with some melon if that would work?” replied the waiter.

  Jeanne shook her head to indicate that would be just fine at the same time she noticed that Zeke was staring at her. As the waiter left, Jeanne put her hands to her face and asked “Did I grow a wart or something?”

  “No, actually, the opposite. The lighting behind you enhances your beauty and I could not resist the opportunity to take advantage of it.”

  “Normally I would laugh that off, but now… it thrills me… am I… could I really be…” a blushing Jeanne reflected. “I am curious, do you bring all your dates here to this specific table so you can use the same line?”

  “Actually, I have never dated anyone on any of the ships I have been on. Tough when you are an officer. But if I knew it would be as rewarding as the company I am keeping right now; I would have tried it much earlier.”

  “Afraid of the complications of having your sweetheart under your command and how it would affect morale?”

  “No, I am afraid I would have to give her orders that would mean her certain death. Not sure if I could do that. Wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the crew.” countered Zeke with a somber expression.

  “But, being I am a ‘pirate’ that would be ok, huh?” entertained Jeanne.

  “Quite the opposite in fact. I cannot order you to do anything as you are not in the RGN. Being an officer in your own Navy, you know the risks and what the responsibilities of command are. Regardless of that, you still are in the middle of the fighting and risking your life sometimes when not necessary. With all that, in order for me to protect someone that has become very important to me both personally and professionally, I need to stay close to her.” retorted Zeke.

  Taken by surprise, Jeanne clutched her hands under the table as a feeling she was not used to ran through her. “Did he just say what I think he said? Personally? Could he…? Ohhh… I cannot believe I am acting like a schoolgirl… this is embarrassing…” mused a very flustered Jeanne.

  “So, maybe you should look at the menu before the water gets back. That may help you get the rosy pink out your complexion. Although I must say, it is very fetching.” observed a chuckling Zeke.

  Feeling her face heat up even more, she knew she could say something witty in response except she was too flustered to get her thoughts together. In fact, the more she thought of it, the more flustered she was getting. Then she did what she normally does when faced with a tough situation, leap into the fire.

  Reaching across the table to grab Zeke by his RGN uniform, she pulled him out of the chair, half way across the table and planted a deep sensuous kiss on his lips. Watching his eyes open in shock gave her great satisfaction.

  Letting Zeke go and sitting back down, Jeanne looked at Zeke with an innocent smile on her face. “Maybe you should look at the menu before the water gets back. That may help you get the rosy pink out your complexion. Although I must say, it is very fetching.”

  Both looked at each other and started laughing. The waiter walked up and looked at them with a puzzled look. “We ok here?”

  That started a second round of laughter. Wheezing, Zeke mouthed that they were ok.

  The waiter placed a fruit plate in the middle of the table while another waiter arrived with an ice bucket holding a bottle of champagne with two glasses. While the waiter with the champagne popped the cork, the other waiter politely stood back.

  Once both Jeanne and Zeke had a glass of champagne in hand and the other waiter had left, the first waiter asked if they would like to know the specials. Whereupon Jeanne, recovering some of her wits, said she had already tasted the specialty and found it to be excellent.

  Upon seeing the confusion on the waiter’s face, Zeke took pity. “Time is of the essence, so we will both rely on your recommendations. Make them different as we would like to try each other’s dish.”

  The waiter shook his head in acknowledgment an
d indicated his thanks to Zeke with a broad smile. After confirming that they did not need anything at this time, the waiter hurriedly made his exit.

  Watching the back of the quickly retreating waiter, Jeanne turned to look at Zeke “Something I said?”

  Zeke burst out laughing. “You know that if you keep this up, no one is going to wait on us.”

  Looking around the room, Jeanne vocalized her observation “I am surprised a fighting ship has a restaurant. How did you swing this? Or is this common on all ships?”

  “Actually, all RGN men of war have one of these on board. If you notice, it is quite small, only several dozen tables or so. The RGN found early on that having somewhere to go that could normalize life for a night or two makes a dramatic difference on the ship’s morale. The food is the same as to what is made in the mess hall, in fact, they use the same food processors. All waiter staff are volunteers, no extra pay. We have a waiting list many months out and never failed to have enough staff.”

  “Is this for officers only?”

  “No, of course not, it is open to all crew.”

  “Do you come often?”

  “Actually, this is the Captains first time other than as a waiter.” their waiter, who had returned unnoticed, replied. “When the ship scuttlebutt found out that the Captain had finally made a dinner reservation, the people volunteering to wait tables went through the roof. I won the dart contest.”

  Curiosity won out and Jeanne had to ask. “Dart contest?”

  “At the gun range, they change out one of the targets to a block of wood with painted circles on it, a ‘dart’ board. Each person in the contest is supplied with one dart with a metal tip. Being the board is over a hundred feet down range, just hitting the board with the dart is hard enough, let alone getting it to stick inside one of the three circles. But Chancy here, is an expert. He could hit close to dead center at two hundred feet, three out of six times, he is that good.” said Zeke while looking strangely at Chancy.