First Command Read Online Free Page B

security.   I do have a prospect.   It is one of the Blake’s research assistants that helped them develop the prototype ring they used against us at G’Dranu.   I have been suggesting to him that he didn’t get sufficient credit for the work he did helping them develop it.   It seems he unwisely left their employ, planning to start his own research establishment, just before the government bestowed large bonuses and recognition on the research staff and the Blakes.   The Blakes insisted he be rewarded, but the bureaucrats said no.   I’m twisting that knife slowly for maximum effect.   I judge that he may favorably consider an offer to work for us if he feels slighted enough.”
           J’Kraul quietly said, “I hope, for both our sakes, that you are correct.”
     
    * * * * *
     
           Kelly’s terminal in his cabin chimed to let him know he had an incoming message.   He keyed up his terminal and Commander Timmons’ face appeared.
           “Kelly, I just heard back from Hasselrode.   The Admiral has approved Connie’s assignment as your XO.   She has some things to close out at R&R before she can report in.   One of those is the engine tweak up to FTL Power 6.   She told the Admiral about that and he wants her to see if she can make that happen before she reports in.   R&R has better computers to work out the algorithms.   The Admiral suggests you postpone your training cruise until the engine modifications can be made.   He left it up to your judgment, though.”
           “I can hold off, boss.   I didn’t want to do the training cruise without an XO anyway.”
           “Good!   Why don’t you come join me for dinner at the club tonight?   Somebody is visiting me and wants to see you.   Meet me at 1930 in the main dining room.   Your old Flight Leader is in town.   Janey wants to help you wet down your new rank.”
           “Janey’s in town!?   Great!   I’ll be there.   The drinks are on me.”
           Commander Timmons signed off.   Kelly thought things were really going his way:   First, he finds out his choice for XO was approved.   Next, he gets news his ship will be one of the fastest ships in space.   Then he gets to have dinner with Janey Willis, his old flight leader from when he was in Fighter Force on the Carrier Bolivar.   Life was good.
           At times Kelly couldn’t believe his luck.   Just under two years ago he had been drummed out of Fighter Force for stepping on the toes of a senior Fighter Force General Officer, Major General Irina Bugarov.   She had a penchant for disposing of good officers, an infamous legend throughout the Fleet.   Kelly had managed to be in the right place at the right time to expose one of her serious tactical errors and save the Fleet Carrier Simon Bolivar from a K’Rang sneak attack.
           She beached him on Fleet Base 17, expecting him to spend the rest of his time in the service overseeing toilet repair requests.   Things didn’t work out as the General planned, because Kelly came to the attention of Admiral Craddock, Commander of Scout Force.   He took Kelly on as XO of the Vigilant and gave him his second chance.
           He flourished under the tutelage of Commander Timmons, so well that he succeeded Timmons in command of the Vigilant.   Life was definitely good.
           Now that he didn’t have a training cruise to plan, he realized that he had a free weekend.   He called in Chief Blankenship to tell her to stand down the crew.
           Chief Blankenship, a slender brunette with a no-nonsense air about her, came into his cabin after knocking.   “Was there something you wanted to see me about, sir?”
           “Yes, Chief, stand down the crew for the weekend.   Admiral Craddock has approved LTJG Cortez as our new XO.   She’s going to be working with Chief Miller on some engine enhancements to get us up to FTL Power 6 as she closes