“I have to say, it’s a load off my mind, too. I figured you would be whizzed off, because you didn’t get a carrier, after I said you could have one.”
“No, Boss, I’m anything but whizzed off. It’s better for both of us if I don’t get a carrier.”
“Glad to hear you’re okay with it. Get back to your sims, and tell whoever is running them to start you on destroyer work, instead of carriers.”
“On it, Boss.” He left. Topper came in not long after that. “You wanted to see me, Boss?”
“Yes, I did. Why is it that you are out of uniform, Topper?”
He checked the camo he was running, of a Commonwealth Navy uniform. “I don’t see the problem, Boss.”
“Improper rank insignia, Lieutenant Commander. Improper rank insignia.”
“Do what!? I mean, WTF, Boss?”
“Sally is getting her own ship. I need a new XO. You’re up. You need the rank for that. Which part are you having trouble with?”
“Cheese on rice, Boss. You could break it to a bot easier than that.”
“I have to get my fun where I can. I don’t think I’ve seen you flustered before. That was fun.”
“Mr. Branham is right, Boss. You are an asshole. Thanks for the promotion.”
“You’re welcome. You’ll assume your new duties as soon as Sally takes command of the Alan Shepherd.”
“Understood, Boss.” He left, and I followed him to the bridge. Sally said, “Commodore on the bridge.”
I replied, “As you were. Anything new and different in our little corner of the universe today?”
Sally was about to answer, when Sensors sang out, “Ship emerging from FTL. Drive reads Commonwealth, correction, it’s one of ours. Transponder says it’s the ship Colonel Sloan was flying.”
The main screen lit up with Dingus’ face. “We’re here, Bob. Do you want us aboard the Gene?”
“Yes, please. Did you have any luck?”
“We found a whole bunch of bots to bring back. Tex’s friend is anxious to see him.”
“I’m sure he is anxious to see her as well. Bring her to the bridge once you’re aboard, I can’t have him too far from his board, with the Squirrels likely to show up anytime.”
“Will do. See you then.”
I turned to Tex. “Sorry I can’t let you go down and meet her, but nobody fights this ship as good as you.”
“I understand, Boss. After all these years, a couple more minutes isn’t that big a deal.”
“What is she good at, anyway?”
“She usually handles the sensor console, but I’m sure she’ll be willing to do something else, since we already have someone on sensors.”
“Turns out he’s leaving with Captain Sally, for the Alan Shepherd, so I’m in the market for a new sensor operator.”
“She’s good, but it may take her a little bit to get used to the way you do business, Boss.”
“I’m sure we can work it out.”
Topper said, “That reminds me, Boss. We’re going to need someone to sit this station, as well.”
“I figured you already had someone in mind to replace you at that position. Are you telling me you don’t have a favorite out of the candidates you have been instructing?”
“No, Boss, I’m not saying that, I just thought I should get your approval before I proceeded.”
“Is it somebody besides Saucy?”
“No, Boss. How did you know?”
“He’s the only one of your students you’ve had on the bridge for any reason. I assumed you were testing to see how well he fit in with the bridge crew.”
Sally said, “Get used to it, Topper. That organic brain of his sees around corners.”
“I know, Ma’am. I’ve been around him longer than you have. I’ve got no excuse.”
Just then, Dingus, Dee, and a bot I didn’t recognize came on to the bridge. I said, “Captain Sloan, so good of you to join us.”
Dingus replied, “Your day is coming, Bob Wilson. One of these days, we are going to find time to play paintball again.”
“Just what the doctor ordered. Captains with fighting spirit.”
“You, Sir, are an asshole.” Then he lost his serious face, and asked, “How are you, Bob?”
“Doing as well as can be expected. Left in a hurry, Nikki is still back at Charlie’s Planet.”
“No wonder things are getting done so fast around here. Nobody wants to see a lonely Bob.”
“Who’s your new friend?”
“Commodore Wilson, let me present SU-436. 436, this is Commodore Wilson.”
“He may have told you, I’m terrible at remembering numbers. Is it alright if I just call you Sue?”
“That would be fine, Sir.”
“Glad to hear it, but that will be enough of that ‘Sir’ stuff. Everybody around here calls me Boss.”
“Yes, s..si, I mean Boss.”
“You’ll get it. Tex tells me you’re used to working the sensors?”
“Yes, Boss, but you already have someone. I can do other things.”
“Well, you see, the fellow working sensors has decided he likes working for my XO better than me, so he’s going with her to the ship she’s taking command of.”
“You mean you’re looking for a new sensor tech?”
“That’s exactly what I mean. Do you know anyone who would be interested?”
“You mean I would be on the same crew as FS-115?”
“Afraid I don’t know who you’re talking about, Sue.”
Tex said, “She means me, Boss.”
“Oh! I guess I never heard your number, Tex. My mistake. Yes, you would be working with Tex. Lieutenant Commander, be sure these two
