August 11th, 2262. 08:00 St. Mary’s Station – Second Squadron Taskforce HQ
John was sitting in the waiting room. He cursed under his breath about the last six months. A typical day involved meetings and being questioned for two to three hours, followed by working with marines for another three hours. And then ending the day with more inquest nonsense.
Three transfers and at least one deployment were delayed. John’s career was effectively on hold, more accurately it felt as if it was dead or dying. And it had affected him far deeper than he thought possible. Today though, it would be different. His work was largely done now and all that was left was to complete his transfer to the CNS Anchorage.
That downtrodden, hopeless feeling and pessimistic feelings John was feeling were in the rear-view mirror. The Anchorage had docked overnight, fresh from the Martian shipyards on her shakedown cruise. A virgin ship.
John had a smile plastered on his face. The Mobile class heavy cruisers were technological marvels. Her hull was made of a new alloy colloquially called duramite. It was effectively the next generation version of ceramite, twice as strong and half as light, and nearly three times as ablative. It took researchers and industrialists over a century and a half to create and produce an alloy that was better than ceramite.
As he sat in the waiting room John was wondering if the Anchorage could have survived that asinine attack from last year. If the specs that were shared were true, duramite being roughly three to four times as dense as ceramite and at least an order of magnitude stronger. She could tank a hell of a lot more damage than the Oslo class could.
But her weaponry was still limited due to the ship only being a cruiser. Even with the classes growing bit by bit each generation the Anchorage was still well under half the length of the battleship they fought and roughly a third as long as modern Confederate battleships. The support ships that came out of nowhere would absolutely have been torn up by their fleet.
John’s thoughts were interrupted by the secretary speaking up.
“Lieutenant Lief, please head down this hallway,” she smiled as she pointed down the hallway to her right, “You’ll want to go all the way to the end and hang a right. The Second Attack Wing’s operations room is on your left three doors down.”
“Thank you, ensign,” John smiled and walked with a renewed pep in his step.
He rounded the turn and walked down the hallway and naturally missed the door. He spun around, found it, and walked back towards it. He waved his ID in front of a ready and the door opened. Forty or fifty people were busy at their stations. John stopped three steps into the room as he was trying to determine where to go.
His quest was solved by a lieutenant that waived him over to their table. John nodded and walked over. He stopped three feet in front of the table and gave a quick salute.
“Lieutenant Lief reporting as ordered.”
“Lief… Lief…” the lieutenant said as she was scrolling through her terminal, “Ahh, here we go. Let’s see where Captain Marco is right now?”
She tapped the terminal as she flipped through the different screens, “Ooh, here we go. Third room he’s been in today. For reasons, I guess. Head right on over here,” she pointed at the corner nearest the entrance, “Room 3B. You can walk right on in.”
“Thank you, lieutenant,” John saluted once more and spun about and walked to his meeting room.
The door opened and John’s mood was gutted instantly. Captain Marco, a man he didn’t personally know but had heard a great deal about in the attack wing, was flanked by Captains Ekre and Walker. More worrying than that was Admiral Dufresne to John’s right.
John hadn’t even walked into the room as he sighed and stared emptily at the desk, “Transfer got canceled again didn’t it.”
“Why don’t you enter the room, and we can discuss this,” Admiral Dufresne said.
John complied but didn’t salute or stand at attention properly.
Captain Marco started, “Unfortunately your assumption is accurate. You are going to be called to testify in the public hearings at the capitol in Washington D.C. As you cannot be in two places at once it is difficult to have you on the Anchorage’s roster.”
“And not to pile on you anymore, but the public hearings could last up to six months,” Captain Ekre said, “Captain Walker will be your lead counsel. If you wish to hire additional lawyers for representation then you can do so.”
John looked up in horror, “With respect, I am not going to stay on Earth, on some bullshit deployment away from my wife. That isn’t fair to her or me.”
“Your opinion is noted, but your presence on Earth is mandatory,” Tim said sternly.
“Wait,” John said trying to comprehend the conversation, “Why did you say representation? Am I on trial?”
“No, you aren’t. However, Senator Fitzpatrick’s people have managed to make this a referendum on the Navy. They…” Captain Ekre was saying before she got interrupted by John.
“Outplayed our team that was in charge of the investigation. Honestly, they made many of you look like rank amateurs. But you never bothered getting me on board until it was too late.”
Tim looked displeased, “Not many Third Lieutenants survive speaking to superior officers in that matter.”
“Am I even one anymore sir? I signed on to serve onboard starships. To patrol the void and fight back against our enemies. For six months I’ve been the subject of interrogation after interrogation and relegated to menial tasks. And for what? The crime of bringing back a crippled ship that didn’t contain any survivors of important or rich families.”
“Lieutenant, you’re treading in dangerous waters,” Tim warned him.
“So what? What can you really do to me Admiral that hasn’t been done already? I want to serve, even after everything command has done to me in the aftermath. Look, I get a delay. But why am I being punished? Because that is exactly what’s happening here. I rallied a beaten and near-dead crew and got home, by some miracle and grace from God. I have every right to be pissed off here. I’ve been on one deployment, all my classmates have been on at least three, and several have been on four.”
“Then how would you handle the Senator?”
“Kill him?” John said seriously, “Blackmail him? Play his game better? All of the above?”
“You cannot be serious,” Captain Walker said.
“We’re obviously not going to down that path,” Tim said, “The Navy will require the hearings be structured so that after two, with a max of four, weeks your presence will no longer be necessary. Unfortunately, that means your assignment to the Anchorage is rescinded. I promise you, son, that I will get you on an equivalent ship when you get back.”
“Lieutenant, please review these data slates. One of them contains the full civilian investigation. The other contains Fitzpatrick’s team research on you and other items that didn’t make the final report,” Captain Ekre said, “My team and I will be traveling there with you for these hearings.”
John picked up the data slates. His body language was clear to all in the room. He felt worse than an abused puppy did. Once again, his hopes had been raised and yet again the brutal reality came back and kicked his ass.
“Captain’s, you're dismissed. Make time to speak with the lieutenant later today about our plans. Speaking of plans in general. Lieutenant, you’re going to have three weeks of leave, your wife has already been included on said leave, and you will hitch a ride on the CNS Albertville back to Earth on Wednesday. Everyone is dismissed. John, you stay.”
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The captains got up and filed out. Marco slapped his shoulder and apologized to him. He was at least on his side and didn’t like seeing this any more than John did. John could feel his table buzz twice in his pocket within thirty seconds of the doors closing. The two other captains had presumably scheduled those meetings with him.
John turned to see the doors close then faced the admiral, “Permission to speak freely?”
Tim grunted and grinned, “I kind have presumed you were already doing that, but sure speak freely.”
“What in the absolute fuck did Ekre’s team do? Or rather not do? My fucking god man. They wasted a week arguing about some minor bullshit detail that literally doesn’t matter. Who fucking cares if the brig was two degrees cooler than normal? For ONE DAMN WEEK, they argued about that forgetting that the ship was being held together by rainbow farts and unicorn piss. They got snookered in by Fitzpatrick’s group so easily that they couldn’t drive the conversation,” John looked exasperated.
“We’re keenly aware of the shortcomings that our team had in the investigation. You do realize he has access to your unredacted records. Records that I might add I don’t have access to.”
John shook his head, “Doesn’t matter if he thinks I’m a serial killer or not. He won’t touch those records. He’d have to admit to having previous access to those records,” John then flashed that evil grin of his, “And he has to presume I have him dead to rights on a great many things.”
“Such as?”
“Admiral, you know damn well that I can take a life with little to no effort, but I’ve always done it in defense of others, defense of myself, or for my country under orders. I never once killed for sport or enjoyment. It’s simply a result of actions that I’ve taken,” John continued to grin, “He’s paid to eliminate certain individuals, is a serial philanderer, thief, liar, and accessory to murder, if not a murderer, himself.”
“You have actual evidence of this?”
John nodded.
“Why has it not been used to remove him from his office?”
“It’s why he’s not run for president,” John pulled the chair and sat down in it, “He is aware that Naval Intelligence holds his leash, but over the years he’s tested it and realized that it’s pretty loose. If he pushes too hard, I’ll hang the bastard myself.”
“This is troublesome. The problem here is that the good senator believes that you are responsible for the attack. And your unwillingness to relieve Kory and in fact assist in the attack the way you did makes you just as, if not more, responsible for the outcome.”
John laughed, “I should’ve listened to Deniz and just killed or incapacitated those two and got all of our crews home safely. The needs of the one and all,” John sighed as he shook his head.
“That little communication is rather critical,” Tim chided John.
“I didn’t think he was being serious sir, had I tried to relieve Kory and Kelly I would have been in the brig. Less than a quarter of the crew would have agreed, much less supported, my actions. Which we know from all the interviews and reviewing of the personal log. Christ almighty, the hero worship most of them had for Kory was sickening.”
“The good thing in all of this is that you will now be fully engaged and free to defend yourself against these charges. You’ve got a near full sanction to do so,” Tim said as he rolled his seat away from the table.
“I know, no killing. However, if anyone comes after me…” John let the sentence hang on that note.
Tim just nodded but moved on to his next point, “I hear a friend of yours is getting married next week. Enjoy the time off. I will see if your wife can work remotely from the Pentagon or at the safe house. I’ll make sure that the two have a good home to rent and will have armed guards with you at all times.”
“Thank you, sir. But when I do get back, I intend to collect on your promise.”
August 23rd, 2262. 14:15 Tampa Bay, Florida. Tabellas at Delaney Creek
John and Alice were transported to Earth after his meeting the previous week. Twelve straight days of working on their presentations and testimony. Those days felt like a gross waste of time that he didn’t contribute much or really anything to the end results. All the work had already been done. There was nothing else for John to do besides show up and answer a bunch of questions from political critters.
So, it was to John’s great delight that they were able to escape from the Washington D.C. metro area and head to Tampa Bay for a wedding. Alice was part of the wedding party, but questions about John’s availability prevented his inclusion. Andern and Kristin both had apologized profusely but he just shrugged it off. Just being there for his friends was good enough.
There was a joke about making John the ringbearer at the wedding. But Andern’s young nephew was purpose-built for the role. Plus, the kid was way cuter than John and couldn’t be blamed for trying to do anything stupid. The young boy did in fact get lost as he walked down the aisle, but he was barely three, so it was a moment of brevity to lighten the mood of the wedding a bit.
John was wearing his Navy whites, leaning against a beam behind the last pew watching the ceremony. He was smiling, for the first time in a long while. His career may currently be drifting aimlessly to nowhere in particular, but this was a great moment for his friends. And how could he bring a sour mood to such a momentous occasion?
Both Andern and Kristin fumbled through their vows, which caused both to giggle. That triggered the pastor to start laughing which then did the same to the bridge and groom. The crowd enjoyed the moment, but eventually, the pastor wrangled back the control over the ceremony and got things going again. The couple kissed and cheers rang out from the pews.
Eventually, the wedding party filed out of the ceremonial hall. John blew a kiss to his wife as she passed by. He waited there at the beam until the ushers had let everyone else exit. John got in line and greeted the wedding party one by one. He leaned down and kissed Alice, surprising her a bit.
When he got to Andern he gave him a bit bear hug, “Congratulations brother!”
“Holy crap, we made it!” Andern exclaimed.
The wedding photographer snapped a couple of pictures of the two. John then shook Andern’s hand and slipped him a Cuban cigar in a tube. He walked over to Kristin, and she instantly hugged him.
“Thank you so much for coming, and you know not…” Kristin let him go and was dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
“Not dying? That would’ve seriously sucked,” John said sarcastically, “I am so happy for the two of you.”
The ushers then came by and directed the party to head to the outdoor reception area. John followed them out and was thanked for the unusually cool day and the ample cloud cover. These weren’t rain clouds, so they were lucky too.
The whole gang, sans Thomas and Brian, were present. Aside from Andern, Nathan and Kevin joined John sitting apart from the group. He handed them tubes as well and pulled his out too. A handy cigar cutter and lighter just happened to be in his other pocket.
John handed the tools to Nathan as he sat back and took a long puff of the cigar, “Man, this brings back good memories.”
“Things were simple in the academy, weren’t they?” Nathan said with a smile, “Fewer chances of death.”
Kevin laughed, “Yeah, but the chances were never zero being around him. Speaking of, damn good to see that you survive that turkey shoot. How have things been?”
John shrugged, “Honestly, I’m trying, and generally failing, to keep positive about it. But it is so damn hard to be told I’m getting a new assignment only to be rug pulled again and again.”
How many times are you up to now?” Nathan asked, “That’s assuming you want to say.”
“Three, though technically it’s four since one was on paper but never signed off. It was then retracted without comment,” John shook his head, “Hearing starts on Monday. A month later, with any luck, I’ll be heading back to St. Mary’s and can then ship out again.”
“Not sure you want to hear this,” Kevin chuckled to himself, “But take a guess who got assigned to one of those new Mobile class cruisers?”
“Well, I was supposed to get the Anchorage.”
“Oh, damn dude,” Kevin looked sick to his stomach, “Well, our old pal Patrice is on one.”
John smiled and started to laugh, “You know honestly, I can’t help but laugh at that. How are things going for y’all?”
“Well, Theresa is absolutely LOVING being a nurse on the carrier. Dude, man, that ship is seriously impressive. Every shift I learn something new about it.”
“The main gun on the Montana is fucking insane. We put a round up the tailpipe of an Alliance battlecruiser. Smashed through two-thirds of the ship before it stopped. Not really sure how they would’ve triaged that and kept the ship functional. We blew it to hell with the second round.”
“Can you talk much about what you were doing?” Kevin asked.
“Not much to say. We were forward scouts. We jump in, scan the system, scan nearby systems, and jump elsewhere. Repeat. Then my captain decided that if we took out an enemy squadron we could return home triumphantly,” John took another puff and leaned back in his chair, “What a useless fucking idiot.”
Andern then walked over to them with the cigar in his mouth. He was gesturing for the group to hand him the tools to get his cut and smoking. After he sat down and took a puff of his cigar he exclaimed.
“Guys, thank you so much for coming.”
The four all took another puff of their cigar at the same time. The photographer saw the friends and began taking more pictures.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” John laughed, “Or orders. They can be a bit of a drag at times.”
“Yeah, Thomas and Brian were both deployed. We got a nice card from each one,” Andern said as he leaned forward, “Have you guys heard what our honeymoon is?”
John laughed, “Knowing you, it’s a coach ticket on a star liner back to Epsilon Eridani, and then she deploys immediately.”
“That is the only thing it could be,” Nathan said grinning.
“You suck you know that?” Andern was grinning as he stared down at John.
“No, you mean I’m amazing.”
“When do you have to go back?” Andern asked John.
John shook his head, “Too damned early. 08:30 tomorrow morning. Have to be in D.C. by noon for more planning and practice.”
“Damn, well that’s a kick in the pants.”
“Yeah, yeah it is. But that’s tomorrow. For now, let’s have fun and celebrate you for a change.”
“John, come on,” Nathan said with a grin, “We celebrate Kristin, dumbass here is along for the ride.”
“Too true,” Kevin said slapping Andern on the shoulder.
“I hate all of you,” Andern’s sigh turned into laughter.