Grand Admiral Denis Makosso was in a very bad mood. It was exactly 04:56 of Ra-Nael time and he was already on his feet since 04:00 when Dauntless according to his own order woke him up with the news.

Makosso had to wake up everyone. He was very tempted to rise combat alert for the entire Terran Commonwealth Fleet even but with the data he had it would be questionable. He looked at reports given to him by Dauntless once again. One report he should have got twelve years ago. He was furious.

This whole fiancee of now-dead Gregoray Flynn was 40 minutes ago arrested for treason and will spend the near future in the interrogation room. Sara Lovish will spill everything she knows about Flynn, his connections and hers.

He doesn't care that her lawyer wants to go public with this. He send him a note on how bad the situation for this sorry TV star is and how bad it will be if it goes public.

Their choice.

He was so angry he was wondering how he still is not yelling. No this can't wait, he prepared entire series of dispatch orders and send them to Neptune.

"Dauntless give me MacArthur immediately. Check if he is not 'busy' and gave him five minutes max just in case but I'm going in virtual."

"Yes sir. But virtual?"

"Yes, Dauntless. Virtual. Time maybe is not essential but I don't want to waste an hour for transfer to Wrat or him here."

Exactly two minutes later Dauntless reported.

"Admiral was asleep with his fiancee. They are ready now for transmission. Im opening the link now."

Admiral smirked. Thanks to implants such virtual connection was easy and almost as good as in person. He closed his eyes and opened them in the office of admiral MacArthur as a 3d hologram similar to one used by AI, indistinguishable from his physical body. Virtual visits were less popular since simple direct calls from implant to implant worked as well. The virtual visit was much more official and Makosso needed this right now for his own sanity.

MacArthur and his adjutant-fiancee were wearing perfectly prepared immaculate uniforms like they were waiting for his appointed visit. Makosso shook his head in disbelief at how such excellent officer was overlooked and once again cursed the ghost of Flynn.

"Rise and shine admiral. We start working early."

"Good morning Grand Admiral. How we can help you today?" started Robert maybe not very officially but in the same tone as him.

"I am calling you because of Flynn." Makosso was pleased- a good man always can read a room. Robert tilted his head and didn't say a word he was just waiting for more information. Admiral Makosso continued.

"Yesterday morning when we entered the system, Dauntless according to fleet procedures linked himself with Wrath. We exchanged data and Dauntless decided he will update the entire data core with all unmatching data. Today at 04:16 Sara Lovish was arrested and charged with treason."

MacArthur was unprepared for this.

"What was the reason? She was a toxic snake but I hardly can imagine her committing treason, sir."

"Gregoray Flynn and Sara Lovish are guilty of treason. Since he is dead may he rot but for sure I will not allow for peaceful rotting! Now she must answer for most of his crimes as an accomplice." Grand Admiral calmed himself and continued. "Somehow that trash Flynn was hoarding all reports from your fleet, MacArthur, forwarding only bad news. The evaluation algorithm exploded recently when Queen Shanti and King-General Konrad Ravens send their official letter full of superlatives and asked for awarding you with a Cross of Merits. That was the reason why all actions against you derailed and land in the trash bin."

Grand Admiral watched Robert silently nod while Naella was furious and glitter in her eyes did some funny things.

"So that's the reason Headquarters never responded to any questions or requests." MacArthur hissed angrily.

"Yes, Admiral. For little over 20 years we didn't received 90% of your reports. We are investigating how it was even possible. Dauntless is trying to figure out how headquarters AI allowed for manual assessment of reports from the numbered fleet. In the initial investigation, we found hard evidences of Sara Lovish's involvement as she even urged Flynn to fabricate reports unfavorable to you. And in light of few reports we didn't obtained that meant treason."

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"I'm glad Admiral Makosso she will receive fitting punishment but I doubt that is a reason you wanted to see me at" Robert checked time "05:00 Ra-Nael time sir."

This boy is good. No wonder he was described as Pride of Navy School when Makosso got him under his command. How pride of the Academy in such a short time could become a useless muffin? He was so angry he didn't found time earlier to check this all out. He can start fixing not only his reputation but relations with a young and very promising admiral.

"Drop that Grand Admiraling or other formality. Names Denis. And since we now are both Dukes we can use our names, Robert."

Robert was intimidated by the older admiral's directness. And He marked shaking avatar's outstretched hand happily. He carefully and with respect started.

"I'm honored, Denis. But what report exactly started this commotion?"

Denis grinned and explained. "Not one but all series of them. We know Flynn had a draft of a report in which he wanted to claim all credit for your findings but it was so checky he couldn't dream it would pass so it was still under fabrication when Prince send him straight to hell. I meant Voyager incident and all connected."

Robert's eyes got bigger. Naella put her hand on his arm and calming warmth engulfed him.

"We thought you dismissed our report..."

"Ha! Robert if I saw it twelve years ago I would move 30 hunter fleets and install myself on sector command! And that's exactly what should I do now but you have played all cards perfectly and it seems like you don't need me here anymore. If I already wouldn't have a son adopted I would took you as my own!"

Roberts and Naell's jaws dropped in unison.

"Don't do funny faces kids. You probably saved billions of lives in this sector Robert! That fucker Flynn actually helped you two times!"

"Two? What are you talking about? He hated me since 1st grade in Navy Academy."

"At least two times come to my mind! First for your personal life and second when he cut you off from headquarters and you had to organize everything by yourself."

Naell was first to recover from the shock and asked with her melodic Fa'enni voice.

"What do you mean by he helped Admiral MacArthur with his personal affairs, sir?"

Denis Makosso smiled with approval of her professionalism. He read all data about Naella D'Astra and he was pleased.

Ensign yes?

Fa'enni not so long ago didn't have any concept of military or formal etiquette. But they are learning fast and she is very good, no wonder Robert was holding her so long as adjutant. He pointed his head at MacArthur.

"Without his meddling MacArthur a long time ago would be transferred to my headquarters. You are too good to be left unchecked but it's too late to take you away now and I don't feel like arguing with Ravens is a good idea. So about 10 or 9 years ago I would snatch your boy from here and I don't think you could follow him, Ensign. And since I have found all the missing puzzles I plan a very exciting carrer for him so be prepared."

Then he pointed his big finger directly at her. "Also citing 100% male crew on Dauntless, married guys included "did you saw that insanely sexy Babe that was with MacArthur on the party? No?! Look, just look on this holo!" and "I would happily apply for this mission myself back then if they told me how otherworldy sexy Fa'enni girls are" end of quotes. Also when we speak in private or without an audience drop that sirs and other formalities Ensign. That's an order."

Naell's face started being all red from the bottom of her chin to the tips of her elvish-like Fa'enni ears, she covered her face in her hands in embarrassment which make her look even cuter.

"I shouldn't have asked..." She murmured from behind her hands.

Robert was a bit embarrassed but let's face the truth, for the last 20 years he saw or hear all possible options of such remarks. Without commenting he pointed to Naell chair since all the official aspects of this visit were thrown out of an airlock. He tried to guess what could be second but guessing was not needed.

"So the second time he helped me would be why this entire situation is treason? Cutting me from high command?"

Denis nodded.

"Almost correct. If not for what you have found that moron would be just dispelled from the Navy with the scandal around him. Maybe he would face some charges for incompetence or ill will but that would be max 10 years. No Robert. What you have found and you described as "Shadow" is one of the top secrets of the Navy and the reason for our shame that ended in Novar incident."

Robert's eyes narrowed and his heart almost stopped. Naella feeling his emotions quickly grabbed his hand. His heart started beating once again as he regained control.

Denis watched with interest. He must dig out some data but it looks like she is able in some paranormal way to calm and aid Robert.

"Did you just said that Shadows are responsible for Novar?" He asked very quietly.

"We don't know!" responded the old admiral angrily. "But we saw exactly the same pieces of evidence of stealth systems as you in very classified records recovered from ruined satellites from the system!"

Robert was trying to remain calm. He knew if not for Naella and her Fa'enni magic he would already be ordering all his fleet to hunt for shadows. He closed his eyes still holding Naell's hand as his only lifeline. He thanked Shanti for putting this woman at his side and blessed his son for pushing him to propose to her. All memories of his friends and family flashed before him. He was calm once again. He look with love and gratitude toward Naell and smiled. She breathed heavily and looked exhausted but smiled back. He looked at Denis.

"In that case, you should join us on Wrath, sir. Until you decide otherwise and talk things with Queen it's classified and for your eyes and knowledge only Denis."

"And I was about to tell you real news why you had to see me at such an hour. Very well but better be it good. Then see you in about 2 hours. I guess we both need some preparations."

He looked concerned about Naell, quickly saluted to Robert and when they both saluted him back he said.

"Make it 3 Robert. She is exhausted and you will need adjutant. Denis Makosso. End of transmission!"