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“Of course, that’s why I will happily remain a lowly lieutenant for the time being.”
    Jacob shook his head ruefully. “If you say so. Careful though; any more smart remarks like that and you might end up with a ship or squadron of your own to worry about.” Isaac mimed a horrified swoon, and Jacob found himself chuckling in spite of his poor mood.
    Isaac did not leave him long to enjoy himself. “So now that we’ve established which of us is the wiser, how are your communications going? Any news from Lieutenant Commander Al-shira?”
    “Commander Al-shira, actually. I believe she qualified for a promotion last month.” Jacob fell silent a moment, wondering why the subject had plunged him back into a more morose mood. “I don’t know. I haven’t heard much from her, to be honest.” He forced a lopsided grin. “One of us has to follows the regs for com traffic, after all.”
    His friend smirked. “Sure. You’re just jealous that I haven’t shared my secrets in subverting the message traffic. Still, for the right price, all secrets can be bought…”
    “I doubt it would be worth the cost if Upshaw found out, Isaac.” Jacob rolled his eyes. “I can wait like everyone else.”
    “Suit yourself, then. Just keep in mind I’m here for you.” The smirk faded from Isaac’s eyes as an ensign appeared along the corridor and approached them. Both officers settled into a more formal and professional attitude as the junior officer drew close.
    The young man came to a halt in front of Jacob and made a salute. “Captain Hull, sir. There was a transmission from the flagship. Commander Flint asked me to bring you the recording.”
    Jacob frowned, but returned the salute. “Thank you, Ensign Knowles.” The ensign extended a small package, which Jacob accepted. When the ensign had retreated, Jacob sighed and glanced at Isaac. “Looks like it’s back to the grind. Take care of yourself.”
    “Of course! Laurie would never forgive me otherwise.” Isaac strode away with a wave and a grin, leaving Jacob standing in the corridor. Then he made his way to his office.
    The Terrier had been modified compared to the Wolfhound ’s plan in order to accommodate the need to house the squadron captain. Where the commander’s office and suite had been located in the Wolfhound , Jacob had found space carved out for his own duties and living space. Commander Flint’s quarters and office had been squeezed in a bit further back, cramping the cargo holds by necessity.
    Still, it was comfortable to have his working space in the same spot where he had spent so much time on Wolfhound . Jacob nodded to the Marine on guard duty outside the office, and slid the door closed. Turning, Jacob glanced around to reassure himself that no one had intruded in his absence. Just as the late Commander Rogers had, Jacob chose to keep his office sparsely decorated. A clean, mostly empty desk took up most of the room. Four small chairs were grouped close to the front of the desk, while his chair was squeezed in behind it. A computer and hologram projection unit had been built into the desk, allowing him to access both his data for work and project the various maneuvers his flotilla was assigned by their orders.
    Scrunched into the right hand corner was a small, securely locked data storage unit. The sheer durability of the unit, when it had been explained to him, was a testament to the determination of the Navy to guarantee the sanctity of their orders and information. A smug-sounding technician had informed Jacob that without the proper codes, a direct hit from a railgun shell would be needed just to open the unit, let alone access the information. He had been skeptical of the claim, at least until Isaac told him the thing was uncrackable. If Isaac couldn’t hack it, no one could.
    Unlike the old office he had used on the Wolfhound , this one was meant for him and not simply surrendered to him in a time of emergency. As a result, he felt more