Join Ensign S’hos at the navigation console. He’s as new as you are on the Ajax .”
Kellen nodded. “Yes, ma’am.” She noticed several officers furtively watching her when she walked over to the young man’s station. Kellen wondered if they realized they were deploying because of her actions.
*
Rae sat in the command chair. As the commodore of the Gamma VI Space Station, she did not have to captain destroyers herself, but she preferred to take the conn while in space.
“Our XO is aboard, in engineering. On our way, people. Release locks.”
“Aye, ma’am. Locks away.”
“Take us out, Lieutenant D’Artansis. Thrusters only.”
“Aye, Commodore.” The pilot punched commands into the computer and maneuvered the small joystick skillfully.
Rae watched her favorite pilot get to work. The young-looking Cormanian, Leanne D’Artansis, was a divinely gifted pilot who handled any vessel as if it were an extension of her slender arms. Her strawberry blond hair, secured by a SC Fleet-issued hairclip, ran like fresh water down her back and reached well below her shoulder blades. Rae knew every one of the pilot’s peers loved and treasured her. Her laughter was contagious, and her glittering personality automatically drew people in. Leanne was rare--a truly kind person.
The Ajax , equipped with the best technology and weaponry the Supreme Constellations could assemble, glided by the six smaller frigates waiting to accompany the vessel on an intercept flight to Ambassador M’Ekar’s fleet. Each frigate carried eight small assault craft manned by a pilot and a navigator.
“We’ve passed Gamma’s outer perimeter, Commodore,” Ensign S’hos reported.
“Very good. Wait for the frigates and go to half-impulsion until we’re at a safe distance, then field-distortion drive six.”
“Aye, ma’am,” Leanne replied smartly.
Rae checked the small computer console next to her chair. She still didn’t see any new information from the Council. That meant Kellen was still safe but also that they were going into battle. Though Ambassador M’Ekar had insisted he had connections in high places, so far he hadn’t produced a shred of proof.
“All frigates in position, Commodore.”
“All right. Leap to field-distortion drive six.”
Stars became streaks of light as the destroyer leaped to field-distortion drive. Rae felt a slight tremor reverberate through the vessel as the dynamic vibration absorber, the DVA, engaged. She glanced over at the navigation console. Kellen held a small computer and was making calculations. Ensign S’hos glanced over Kellen’s shoulder, asking questions in a low voice. Rae hid a smile. She wasn’t surprised Kellen had taken over and was in fact more knowledgeable than the young ensign. She watched Kellen demonstrate something to S’hos, earning a vigorous nod from him.
“How long before we reach our destination, Ensign S’hos?” Rae asked.
His yellow eyes shimmered. “Two hours and forty minutes, ma’am.”
“Very good.” She heard someone occupy the XO’s chair next to her. “Good of you to join us, Commander Todd.”
“Sorry, ma’am. The problems in engineering took longer than expected.”
“You have the conn. I’ll be in my office.” Rae stood up and glanced at the view screen in front. “Page me when we’re within range of the ambassador and his fleet.”
“Aye, ma’am.”
“Ms. O’Dal, join me in my office.”
She walked across the bridge toward a door at the far end and waited as Kellen put the small computer down and followed her. Inside, she pointed toward the visitors’ chair on the opposite side of the desk. “Take a seat. How’s the leg?”
“Fine. I prefer to stand. Can you tell me now why I’m here? Have you changed your mind about me after all and intend to hand me over to M’Ekar?” Kellen stubbornly remained on her feet, which reminded Rae of their first face-to-face encounter.
She recognized the fear and anger behind
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