doesn’t know everything. She was willing to listen to why something she suggested was not a good idea, as long as it was done tactfully and in a manner that increased her knowledge of the ship. She’s smart, but still realizes she has a lot to learn. As far as the section goes, I have a couple of single stripers that are a little hesitant to make a call, but I’ll break them of that by the time we get to our patrol sector. It happens with a lot of the newbies, but you know that.”
Chief Pennypacker said, “Gunnery did well. We have a few that are below the average, but more work with the simulators will fix that. The XO proposed keeping the turrets locked forward when not manned, and did it in such a way she made me think it was my idea. She’s slick. Some of my guys have started on proficiency exam prep, but I’ll get all of them cranking on it on our next patrol.”
Chief Austin followed. “She can cook. I think she’ll do fine as soon as she gets more used to the crew. Remember she was an engineer, not a command track officer. She’s used to having a supervisor look over her shoulder. She’ll learn to be more forceful and direct.”
Chief Billings took his turn. “Bridge crew did fine. It was almost funny to watch LT Cortez when the skipper gave her the helm. She was shaking so bad when she first sat down, but she calmed herself and did a good job at helm. She eventually loosened up enough to try some loops and rolls. By the time she finished, she was having fun with it. I have one helmsman that doesn’t yet have that level of comfort. I’ll work with him in the simulator. The rest are good.”
Chief B gave them all some last minute taskings and broke up her meeting.
Chapter Three
Alan Shepler, the new Chief Executive Officer of the Indigo Consortium, considered his company’s financial future. The fire that killed his predecessor had destroyed some of the jewelry production capability in the main building. The remaining production capability in the two outlying buildings was insufficient to pick up any additional output. Unless he could find replacement production capability, he was going to record a very low profit for this year.
There was the flamestone cache on their asteroid 4533 facility near Rigel, but he wasn’t ready to use them yet. He would have to build a new production facility before he could chance using them. He had visions of an exclusive stone and mounting collection with platinum, silver, and gold rings, bracelets, and pendants — all designed to show off the flamestones’ special luminescence.
He wondered if he could re-establish trade with the K’Rang. Yes, he had several liters of flamestones, but who couldn’t use more? When he briefed Mr. Debran as a new vice president, Debran had seemed receptive to the idea of acquiring more flamestones. How could he regain contact with the K’Rang? All the contacts went up in flames when Charles Delphant died in the fire. There must be a way. He was attending the annual jewelry industry convention on Earth next month; perhaps he could put out some discrete feelers.
Irina Bugarov settled into her new office. Her executive assistant, Terri Hawkins, a tall, willowy, pale blonde woman in her late twenties, suggested that while her full glory wall of framed awards, decorations, and mementos from her 32-year career might have been appropriate for the military, it did not befit a new senior executive of a major corporation. Terri picked through her boxes and pulled out a handful of mostly pictures, a few key awards, and Irina’s folded Fighter Force forest green Two-Star Flag. She walked around the room, while Irina watched her curiously. She finally stopped and pointed to the wall behind the desk.
“Your pictures taken with dignitaries go there. That will show your visitors your connections and what you bring to the company. Over there, above the credenza, is where we put your framed flag. I’ll have it put in a walnut frame to match the credenza. Immediately below that, we will put your model of the F-53. On the opposite wall, we’ll put this painting of your old battle group traveling majestically through space. Over here on the entry wall, we will put your highest decoration certificates. The total look will be one of understated, but evident competence, service, and experience.”
Irina stepped into the middle of the room, spun around slowly, looking at each wall in turn, and said, “I like it. Terri, you have a good sense of style. Perhaps you could go shopping with me for a better professional wardrobe? This is just something I had left over from when I would occasionally wear civilian clothes.”
Terri smiled and said, “Of course, General, that’s why I’m here. I know just where to take you for the best look and quality.”
Terri walked to the credenza and retrieved her pocket terminal.
“Ma’am, how do you prefer to be addressed? Do you prefer ma’am or General or something else?”
Irina thought about it for a bit then said, “ General or ma’am will do for now.”
Terri looked at her terminal and said, “Yes, ma’am, your first appointment is in 30 minutes. Your company CEOs will be here for a meet and greet in the executive conference room. Here are their bios. There will be coffee, tea, water, and a small selection of pastries. It’s scheduled for an hour, and there will be no presentations at this time. Over the next five days, they will come in individually and brief you on their operations. They’re scheduled one in the morning and one in the afternoon from tomorrow to Saturday.”
“Excellent,” Irina said. “Now sit down. There are some things I want to let you know, how I want my days organized, and what I will expect from you.”
Andrew and Moira Blake caught the daily shuttle from Gagarin to Armstrong. They hadn’t seen their son since his assumption of command. Moira wanted to see her baby, the newest and youngest ship captain in Scout Force and the Fleet.
Admiral Tom Craddock, Scout Force Commander, received a call from Andrew, asking if it was all right for them to drop in and see their boy. The Admiral could hardly say no to the inventors of FTL communications and the transporter gates. They were also personal friends. He invited them to stay at his quarters if they wanted to make it a longer stay.
LTJG Tammy Nielsen, Kelly’s friend and daily shuttle pilot, messaged to inform him of their departure from Gagarin. She recognized them from having met them at Kelly’s assumption of command ceremony. The Admiral’s call, telling him to come by at 1800 for dinner, followed Tammy’s message. Kelly apologized to the Admiral for his father’s uncharacteristic spur of the moment visit. Admiral Craddock said not to worry, he always enjoyed the Blake’s visits, even if this one was unannounced. He told Kelly to come casual and he would see if he could get Candy down from her mountain aerie for the evening.
Kelly checked his calendar for tonight and tomorrow and found no conflicts. The ship was being loaded for his upcoming patrol, but that would close out well before 1800. He told Chief B and Connie his parents were coming to visit, and he would be having dinner with the Admiral tonight.
Kelly met his parents at the Military Spaceport Operations Building. They were glad to see him, but had something else on their mind. He drove them directly to Admiral Craddock’s house, where the late summer plantings were just as spectacular as those from the early spring. Candy’s mom was a master gardener.
Amy Craddock met the Blakes at the door, warmly greeted them, and showed Andrew and Moira to the guest room. Kelly waited in the den while they got settled. Mrs. Craddock walked into the den and asked if Kelly would care for anything. He politely refused, saying that he just wanted to make sure his parents were all right. He still had to return to the Vigilant and change for dinner. She assured him that they were fine and he should go and change.
He left when the transport arrived and returned to the Vigilant, then showered, shaved, and put on a shirt and slacks that he and Candy had shopped for on the southern continent. At 1720, he left for the Craddock’s house. He arrived a few minutes early and Candy met him at the door. She must have just arrived, as she was still in her pinstriped office suit. Mind, it looked very good on her.
Her face lit up when she saw him. “Kelly, I’m so happy your folks dropped in. I get to see you again. You haven’t been as much fun since you assumed command. Come in. Would you like some wine?”
Kelly took her hand and gave her a peck on the cheek. “I’d love some wine, thank you.”
He followed her to the bar and she poured him a glass of their favorite vidal blanc. Kelly took a sip, smiled, and pronounced it excellent. Andrew came up to the bar and asked for a glass as well.
