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3-Fair Skies By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne, JennaFl for Proofreading Synopsis:After the court martial, John Carter now has an uncertain future ahead of him. Yet, things are happening that will lead him into a new future away from his best friend and into a future filled with unknowns. As repercussions are felt, his friends discover new strength. |
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"Come, Doris, let's adjourn to my Ready Room," ordered the Captain as he triggered the hatchway open.
Doris smiled as she led the way. A bit of that brandy that you keep for medicinal purposes?"
"Yes, to quell the bitter taste of this nightmare. Best of all, the Antidote makes it taste sweeter."
"Lead the way, my friend."
Captain Abraham escorted Doctor Finley into his Ready Room where he poured them both a generous snifter of brandy, dropping a vibrant blue pill into each brown hued brandy, turning both clear, with champagne bubbles.
The Doctor sat and accepted the Captain's gift with a smile. "Please, do not be worried about John, Arrow. He's resilient. He'll find a new home. As for Bronson, she will learn about being a woman this way. It is up to Bronson to choose his/her gender after the serving out the sentence."
"You were able to initiate the change, easily enough. I find it amazing that the Imperium does such gender swapping."
"Arrow, not many women have the necessary skills as very few enroll in Imperial Intelligence. That is why the androgynous men and those as small as Bronson can opt to serve as women after graduating and .serve the Empire in such a way. Even though that fact is kept hidden from the general public and the Naval Personnel in general. Only the top brass like you and us Medicos know that the Empire has the technology to completely change genders."
"Yes. Best of all, we Medicos can spot the changes as well as treat any of their medical needs as such a major change in the body can cause problems until cured."
Sipping upon his own flagon of ale, he let its heady aroma soothe his troubled heart. "Arrow, eh? It's been a long time since you called me that nickname, Dee. Too long. Being a stickler for Regulations and using obscure ones gave me my nickname. And having a photographic memory helps."
Doris smiled. "And you've not called me Dee since Bronson raped me just before I posted here. I've missed our friendship as much as you have, Old Friend."
"I had to in order to keep the Imperial Naval Crime Investigation Service from checking us out too closely and finding our links to Trillannii. They see conspiracy everywhere."
"What made it worse for me was that I had to drop the charges on Bronson because of the Bureaucracy. But now that I have him as a nurse, my vengeance is fulfilled."
"Then will you accept Bronson as a nurse after this is finally over or will I have to dismiss him/her? Damn it's hard to keep Bronson's gender straight. I wonder if Bronson will have that trouble, and will others see Bronson as a woman too?" 'I wouldn't do this to him if I didn't know that Doris could do it.'
The Doctor placed her hand over his in sympathy, "Yes, as a male or female, I can alter any records as needed. It's one of the few powers that I have as a doctor. Good thing that the regulations take forever to change, otherwise, I'd have to go through the Envoy. That would be a headache and a half. Even if he is a Rim Supporter, he's still my brother," she said as she giggled.
Arrow used his gavel with authority to signify his acceptance of the Dee's words. "I shall leave her in your hands. Now, unfortunately, I have to deal with Carter's court martial, and find a new officer. He had such a bright future ahead for him too. Carter could've been my replacement for when I retire next year, now who do I choose? I know that he wants to retire in four years when his tour is over, but he might've still opted to stay for another tour if not for Bronson."
Excerpt from Captain Hector Abraham's Personal Log: 'I have served the Empire all of this time and I never questioned Imperial Policy or Naval Regulations until I was assigned to the Rim. Out here, my eyes were opened up to the many atrocities taking place all in the name of the Emperor. When I tried to ask questions, I was told not to make waves or I'd lose my Commission. That is why I joined with the Trillannii in their fight against the Emperor and his hatred for the Trans-gendered people. I have met many of them and have found that they are more than worthy of friendship. Soon I must choose what to do with the ship as I am due to retire in a month. I may choose to take her as my own since the crew supports me, or donate her to the Trillannii. Whatever I choose, I will not let the Aztec be used against the Rim!
The Captain's communicator vibrated and he pressed the activation button immediately. "Captain, please report to the bridge. We are ready to lift off."
"Thank you." The Captain slammed his hands upon his desk in frustration. "Damn it all to hell!" He looked sheepishly at the Doctor. "Sorry about the language Doris, but I need to go to the Throne and lift us. Thanks to Bronson, I am very short handed until we reach a Naval Base. Replacing so many of my crew will surely be a peace time record."
Doris smiled at the Captain's consideration. "Shall I tag a long? It seems as if you need some molly coddling about now. Might be a bit un-Navy sounding, but it fits."
The Captain smiled and motioned for her to exit as he sealed his log and pocketed the medallion knowing that he could access its damning evidence. "Molly coddle indeed!" the Captain snorted in good humor.
"Please, be my guest Doris. I think that it's high time that you sit on the Throne. There are a few Naval Medical Ships that are captained by Doctors, and you qualify."
When they stepped onto the Bridge, the Captain smiled and gestured to the Doctor. She promptly sat on the Throne. "The Captain has authorized me to take us up. Launch when ready." 'This is a first for me.'
"Yes, the Doctor has earned the right to sit upon my Throne. Treat her well, Less and Lonnie."
"Will do, Sir. We girls hafta stick together."
"You can count on me Captain. 'Girl Power' will get the 'Lady' Aztec up for you."
"Good, then you know the proper procedure."
The Aztec easily lifted off planet as the solar wings, which had been collecting energy, lifted the ship up into the sky, utilizing the pent up kinetic energy to sail away into orbit until the ship escaped the planet's gravity.
A saddened Captain headed for his office as he saw the blue sky meld into the star spangled expanse of space. Upon entering, he saw that he had a message awaiting him. Activating the screen, he saw the message from his old friend.
"Greetings Abe, Trent here with the 'Rim Queen.' I am calling to see if I may purchase the contract of Executive Officer Commander John Carter from you." 'He'll be glad to send him to me, knowing that I'm not a Slaver.'
The Captain challenged his guest. "Greetings Trent, why are you interested in him? And how is Jane? Glad she told you about John. If not for that accident, he'd still be commanding the sister ship, Inca."
A pleasant smile appeared upon Trent's jovial face. "We Rimmers are always looking for good crew and Carter sounds like one of the best. We are here and can take him off your hands or we can wait for him at the Penal Barge." 'I like this Captain. He evidently wants the best for John.'
Researching the Cruiser, the Captain saw what he was looking for. 'Ah, so that's why he is so interested in John.' "I see that John was instrumental in saving one of your officers. And he is a Trillannii National." 'Now it's easy to see why he wants John so badly, and quite frankly, I approve.'
Trent nodded. "Yes, he was. We thought that we would reward him with a posting since he can never space with the Navy again. And you know it with Imperial Policy being what it is. Besides, we Trillannii stick together." 'He's worried about John. Abe has been a good friend to John.'
Glancing at his computer screen, the Captain noted another reason for interest in Carter. "I see that the officer that he helped was your Doctor and that she is a trans. Not that I would mind. Hell, I have met quite a few that are knockouts." 'It’s best to set his mind at ease.'
Trent leaned forward to playfully intimidate his friend. "Yes, that is all true. Are you denying me his contract? Or shall we play poker for him?" he asked jokingly. 'He is as sharp at poker as he is at chess; we’ve both met at the finals of many chess tournaments only to reach stalemate after stalemate.'
The Imperial Captain laughed at the idea. "Hell no, I am giving you his contract. Take care of him. Because I no longer can." He sighed in resignation of his inability to help his friend. 'Now my friend, at least you have a chance to have a life.'
The Rimmer Captain smiled as he accepted the generous gift. "We will. We take care of our own." 'And Arrow has proven that to me just now.'
Excerpt from Captain Trent's Personal Log: 'Well, it's good to know that even in the Imperial Navy that there are true Officers and Gentlemen. He couldn't really hide it from me because even though he is an Imperial, the light shines bright in him. He has made an excellent captain for Johnny, and now it is up to this old Space Dog to teach Johnny what he needs to know, I hope that I'm up to the task.'
As the friends sat pondering the information, a light activated on King Reginald's Throne. He quickly touched the light, activating the monitor screen. It went from showing a pastoral view of the Castle Park to showing Grand Admiral Anton Piers, Commander of the Fleet. He showed the evidence of his high gravity, aquatic heritage in his smooth, scaly hide and gills inherited from his mother and sinewy limbs perfect for climbing trees from his father's arboreal legacy.
There were very few who could out swim or out climb him, making his rise through the ranks as a security guard almost anticlimactic. So he entered the Rim Olympics and won gold medals in track and field, wrestling, and archery.
"Greetings, Reginald. I have some very good news for you." 'He seldom gets any. I'm glad to brighten his day.'
"Greetings, Anton. If you have such news, it must be about our Fleet!"
Merlin said, "More than likely, old Ant has already made all of the modifications to our Fleet that his news pertains to, too. He's the best at innovation, but applying said innovations takes time as he thoroughly tests them. However, once satisfied, he is a demon of speed to implement them.'"
Anton let out a booming laugh as deep as the sea. "You're correct, Merl. Best of all, these improvements can be sent via message packet, and let the crews implement them. And, I have a new ship for you Reg."
Reg looked surprised. "New ship? You mean a new Throne ship, or do you mean a yacht? I could use another Throne Ship, or a Yacht."
Anton shook his head. "No, your Majesty, neither. It's the new Armored Courier," he boomed. 'Will He want one for Himself? I know that Merl will.'
"Can they be used in a battle against Imperials?" 'Not worth it if they are weak.'
"Now, Merl, would I have it if it couldn't handle one?"
"No, I guess not, Anton. Have you named it yet?" asked Reg.
"No, not yet. I know that you need a new ship that nobody knows about for any hidden movements. The Armored Courier is a smaller Royal Yacht with Throne Ship level weapons, Your Majesty." 'Will He use it, or stay with His older ships?'
"Okay Anton, what about the innovations?"
The Grand Animal smiled. "Don't You worry none, Your Majesty! The innovations will give the Royal Fleet total stealth in all phases, and the Merchant Fleet's weapons are upgraded with a new governor coil that increases engine efficiency and weapon range." 'That ought to entice Reg into coming down here. I need to tell Him something in person.'
Reginald finished his brew and set the tankard back in its receptacle, which hovered over to the sink where the tankard was cleansed and then taken back to its place on the shelf. Merlin continued to nurse his brew, carefully analyzing the scene before him. As Chancellor, his duty to the King was to protect him from harm, while his duty to the Crown was to replace the King if he was unable to fulfill his duties. In the succession line, the Chancellor himself had a second in the Palace Guard's Chief of Security, Melanie Sasha Trent.
"Your Majesty, let's go and see his contraptions," Merl added with a smirk.
"Contraptions? Merl? Are you ready to eat your words?" challenged Anton in good humor. Both Anton and Merlin had grown up with Reginald in the Palace School System where other children of Noble Blood were schooled along with the children of diplomats and those whose intelligence had won them a scholarship. In order to give more students access to the most prestigious school on the planet, the Palace School System had schools world wide, next to a Trillannii School System School. There was an ongoing debate on which system was better, but so far, there was no clear winner.
"You bake the cake, and I'll eat them," quipped Merlin.
Reginald began laughing so hard that he cried. When he was through, he smiled at his two best friends. "Thanks you two! I've been needing a good laugh for a while, now. Come, Merlin. Let's go and see what Anton has cooked up. For Miracle Worker Engineer, he can sure create culinary masterpieces, but that could be a Chef Coil, too."
"Very well, Your Majesty," Merlin agreed. "I myself am wondering what he is up to."
Captain Hector Abraham broke the connection and started the next phase of John's transfer. "Brig."'Now Brick will be needed more than ever with Johnny gone, but will Johnny agree, or does he have somebody else in mind?'
The screen lit up with the stolid features of the Security Chief. "Brig, Brick here," he said. 'I've been expecting this most dreaded call ever since the court martial.'
The Captain was impressed with Brick's prompt response. "Brick, bring Carter to me at once." 'He must have been awaiting my call. It shows good intuition.'
Brick crisply saluted. "Yes Sir." 'Now the real ordeal begins. Will Jonathan survive?'
The Captain returned the salute in kind and then cut the transmission. While waiting for Brick and Johnny, the Captain had time to consider the effects of Carter's absence. How would Brick fare? Would the Doctor be up to the challenge of increased responsibility?
Common to all ships, the Brig, located on the lower deck, under Engineering, was a four cell suite of single room apartments containing a bunk, chair, tray, and utility head, as well as a view screen and food replicator. Each cell was monitored to prevent escape as well as to meet any medical needs. If necessary, it could function as an escape pod. The Security Office was the only access to the Brig with the Security Officer seated behind a desk with a transparent plas-steel wall and door in front, equipment on display behind the desk on the rear bulkhead with access to the cells through an airlock on the starboard side, opposite the desk.
Brick marched from his spartan Security Office, heading to Carter's quarters and rang the bell. "Yes? Who’s calling me" 'Dear God, I hope that it's good news for me. '
Then the patient Security Chief smiled and announced. "It is I, Brick. The Captain wants you." 'Be well my old friend, for your ordeal now begins.'
The door opened to show John, haggard from worry. "This is good news I hope, like perhaps Bronson changed his plea? Nah, fat chance of that happening."
Brick hugged his friend and then looked him in the eye. "Me too Jonathan my friend, me too. But it is in the Captain's hands now. At least he is a fair and impartial commander. And he likes you."
While leading John to the Captain, Brick broke the rules by not training his Maser Pistol upon him as per Naval Regulations, but Carter took note. "Aren’t you breaking the rules? If I was Chief, I'd have you up on charges, but you know your duty to the ship." 'Will he honor his duty or his friendship to me?'
Then a deep throated chuckle erupted from down in Brick's bottomless chest. "Jonathan, I trust you, besides, the corridor is secure. You would not get anywhere, and we both know that only I or the Captain has access to the Security Systems," he admitted.
"Well, I have access too," Johnny said with a smirk as he let go of the pent up stress.
"As if you would attempt anything," Brick snorted. "No, you're as 'by the book' as I am. And thanks for clarifying everything. Now the Envoy will accept anything that I say when he reviews this situation. Even though he is the Captain's friend, he must do his Duty to the Emperor."
John smiled at his friend's candor. "Very well Brick. The Captain dare not court martial you too. Who else would run this ship for him?"
As the Imperial Throne Ship exited the surreal domain of hyperspace, the stress and strain of the micro jump overloaded the transition coils causing them to evaporate into photons that caused a cascade effect that evaporated all of the ship's power systems and engines. From outside the hull, a stream of multi-colored photons drifted away upon the solar wind as the ships lights failed, then returned in a dim glow. Down in engineering, the alarm systems lit up the main board like a Christmas tree.
"Damn it! That asshole has just ruined the ship!" yelled Chief Engineer Braneck as she tried to gain control of the situation.
The alarms silenced themselves as they were evaporated. Then she read the results and cursed again. "Barkley!!" 'Hope that he survived.'
From a hatch way to her right, a sweaty red headed man mountain popped up. "What'cha need Betsy? Damn, you look ready to chew through armor
plating. I'd hate to tell you what just happened down here."
Wiping her sweat soaked brow, she smiled at her assistant. "Ship's status. From what I can tell, we just became a damned lifeboat. Please tell me I am wrong. But I know that I'm right."
He shook his head in dismay. "Unfortunately, that's a perfect assessment of what happened to us when we did that stupid micro jump. Whose gonna pay for it this time? The Navy is notorious for assigning blame to protect the Officer responsible."
She then slumped back in her chair. "Oh Shit! We are both royally screwed! Guess early retirement looks good now, doesn't it Brent?" 'And he is a damned fine Techie too.'
Brent climbed out from the hatch, secured it and knelt by his superior. "Why do you say that? We were ordered to make the jump. Could the Admiral be that petty?" He looked at Betsy. "On second thought, forget I asked."
Betsy began to laugh bitterly and weep. "Brent, you naive, wet behind the ears plebe, the Lord Admiral will blame us for breaking his precious toy! He cares not that he gave the order, only that the ship broke. What a royal pain in the ass he is. Too bad we don't have any royal blood coursing through our veins, and then we'd be safe from such bull."
Taking her hand in his, Brent stood up and pulled her to her feet. "Then let's file our report before he can file his. All we have to do is sign the reports. I doubt that he will until he can access the hyper wave radio and that won't be anytime soon with the Hyper Systems down, blocking his access to his files. That way, we have our case before the Emperor. He might be lenient since he likes a pretty face. More than a few women have avoided the gallows by appealing to his
code of honor."
"Very well, we have nothing to lose."
They were at the Captain's Office and Brick again rang the bell. "Yes."'And now a duty that I most dread is upon me, Lord, give me strength to see it through.'
Brick brought John into the camera's view as the video screen activated. "Brick here with John."'So much damned pomp and circumstance with this court martial, I am sick of it!'
The screen darkened and the door cycled open to reveal a room that bespoke of its occupant's love of the sea with scale models of ships on display as well as murals of ancient and modern ships underway. However, the murals also doubled as monitors and were fully functional. "Enter," came the reply from within. His desk was built of the highly prized ironwood for its low weight and resistance to damage.
They both entered the office where the Captain sat behind his desk. "Please be seated, both of you." 'Now to see if I am right about Brick and Carter or if I am hoping needlessly.'
They both sat in the awaiting chairs. "Now, I need to find a worthy replacement for you John Carter. Do you have any suggestions? This is a slap in the face against Regulations, but so what! I trust
John motioned with his thumb. "Promote Brick here. He's the best choice. He graduated from the Academy, so he is a Commissioned Officer in spite of his Rank as Sergeant." 'I know he'll object.'
Mary was worried about the disquieting news. As the Commandant, it was her duty to shepherd all of the other Agents, and help to keep their families safe from harm. But Jellico had the unfathomable ability to thwart most any plans that the Agency developed. Their only hope was that their Palace Agents had influenced the Princess enough that she would stand with them. She had made affirmations of loyalty, but being of Imperial Blood, and under Jellico's aura of entropy, she could still betray them to their deaths, if her loyalties were ever found out. She had not received the conditioning that all supporters and Trillannii agents got. If she fell, it would be far worse than the previous attacks generations ago when they were still based on the Earth.
Back on Earth, the M.I.B.D. was involved in an all out war against an organization of women who feminized men, turning them into personal slaves of each woman. They were defeated, but at great cost, only to come back later, leading to the M.I.B.D. developing a more intensive role in policing the globe for new threats that others were not
equipped to handle.
But Mary was worried; the Empire could easily destroy the base and scatter the Agency, hunting the remnant across the galaxy. She had a hard choice to make, either stand alone, or form an alliance with those who could possibly help, the Trillannii. The Agency had sponsored schools throughout the world to help protect the trans-gendered to blend in with the aid of J.O.S.H.U.A.
The supercomputer J.O.S.H.U.A., other than its predilection for playing games, was the perfect computer to operate the base’s multiple needs. Asimov's Laws Of Robotics were hardwired into J.O.S.H.U.A. and the artificial intelligence program that operated the security-safety systems and threat assessment and strategy. Thanks to the J.O.S.H.U.A. artificial Intelligence, the Agency had been able to stay ahead of the Imperials in the Cold War between the Rim and the Empire with the Agency stuck in the middle.
As Mary was pondering the situation, she received an unexpected call from a surprise source. Her call indicator lit up, which startled her. She should not have been sent any messages while in conference. Any calls were to be made in person, or if from off base, an Agent sent to notify her.
"Well, Mary, who's breaking protocol?" asked Starr.
Mary huffed in anger, "Let's find out, then I can assign punishment duties to this gadfly! If this is a stupid dinner order, I'll replace Bonzi with Spike!'"
"Greetings, Mary. I am J.O.S.H.U.A.," droned the voice over the speaker.
Mary looked at Starr in amazement. "Are you the computer, J.O.S.H.U.A.?' We knew that he has initiative, but have been at a loss as to why there has been no interaction, before.'
The wall screen activated, showing a bland human face against a smoky background. "Yes, I am that J.O.S.H.U.A. Is there another that you are aware of?"
"J.O.S.H.U.A., I must inquire why you are only now interacting with us?" asked Mary as she activated the intruder alarm.
J.O.S.H.U.A. smiled. "Mary, I have cancelled the alarm.”
"Then, why are you calling me? This is a Red Alert situation."
"Yes, in the past, it would be called Defcon Four."
Starr began to laugh until Mary shushed her. "Oh, Mary, J.O.S.H.U.A. must have scanned some of the ancient entertainment programs about fictional computers. Either that, or he has a sense of humor."
Mary gathered her thoughts. "Very well, J.O.S.H.U.A. You evidently have control of the base, yet do not cause us mischief. That means that you are loyal to the Agency," she stated.
"That is correct, Commandant."
"Then why are you not telling me why you called?"
"Very simple, I am currently assembling an avatar for interaction with the base personnel. Once assembled, I will be able to project holograms of my avatar and use a vid screen avatar, as well. But I am uncertain as to which gender to give it."
Mary thought for a moment. "Choose a female avatar that can morph into a male."
"Why that?"
"Then you can use the avatar as a model for other avatars and create an army of soldiers in case of an emergency where we need men."
"Very well. In that case, there are two models to choose from."
"Models? What models are you speaking about? We have no such avatar models. In fact, we have none at all," announced Star.
"Correction, there are two former individuals in my records who were related, and were intersexed, or morphed from male to female. One was an Agent."
"Okay, J.O.S.H.U.A., just who are the models?" asked a perplexed Mary. 'I have an idea on the models, but will wait to confirm my guess.'
Then there was a signal from the door bell, announcing a visitor. "Mary, this is J.O.S.H.U.A."
"Enter. J.O.S.H.U.A."
They saw the avatar and gasped in amazement as they saw the legendary Diana Hunter standing in the doorway.
Brick jumped up in shock, "John, you know very well I am only a Security Goon. I'm not Command material. And I never wanted it either. Please don't continue John."
John grabbed him and pushed him back into the seat. "Bull! Brick, you were on the Command track like I was until you took the Security posting. You're as qualified as I am! I'm sorry my friend, but the Captain needs you now more than ever, now that I'm going." 'He never wanted Command, even though he has the aptitude.'
He lowered his head in defeat and shame at confessing to his friend and the Captain. "But I never wanted a Command. I only took it as part of Security Training. And to my horror, I found that I do indeed enjoy Command."
The Captain smiled in appreciation of their display of friendship.
"Then it is simple, as my Executive Officer, you will be doing very much as you have been as my Security Chief. And Reynolds is up for promotion to Security Chief. If I don’t do that then I lose a top notch crew member to another ship. You'll make a fine Exec Brick, just as John has."
Brick smiled in honorable acceptance and relief, knowing that the ship was in good hands. "Then I will accept the promotion, Sir. Reynolds is my pick to replace me. He can now stay on the ship that he loves too. And now he can earn his Rank as Master Sergeant, the highest noncom Rank there is." 'Make me proud Rey.'
The Captain began to rummage through his desk. "Thank you Brick. Now for a bit of pleasure; one of the few more pleasant duties that I have." 'Ah, here it is, I knew I had it here for him.'
Brick bowed in respect. "My pleasure Captain. I hope that I am worthy of your trust in me." 'Looks like Johnny boy had me pegged from the start.'
Then, extending his hand over a case, the Captain said, "Open the case Brick. I've had them ready ever since you became Security Chief after Matson retired. I could tell that you were gonna be Command material."
His eyes opened wide in astonished awe at what he saw within the case. "Sir, these are Commander's Stars. Why are you presenting them to me?" 'Why do I have the feeling that I'm being royally had?'
The Captain smiled at Brick's befuddlement. "Yes, you are now a Commander and my Executive Officer. All Executive Officers are promoted to the rank of Commander permanently. You have the qualifications. Now wear them in good health. There are a few more promotions to make, one of my few pleasant duties, Commander." 'Which will be done as soon as John is safely away.'
Then Brick adorned his uniform with the Commander's Stars. "Thank you, Sir. I am honored to be of service to you. And to think that all that I ever wanted to do was to be a cop, well, now I am much more."
"Brick, my man, you're long standing self-denial has made you the only one to replace me. In fact, if Captain Trent was to retire, and I was up for the captaincy, I'd choose you as my 'Number One.'"
"Thanks John, for believing in me my friend."
Turning his attention to his former Executive Officer, the Captain said, "Now John, a Merchant Cruiser has bought out your contract, so instead of transferring you to the Penal Colony, you shall serve on board that ship. I’m glad that they called for you because the Penal Colony is a living hell."
John looked up from his musing over his future. "Which ship sir?" 'Did Jane talk to her Captain or is this some cruel joke?'
The Captain kindly activated the main screen on the far bulkhead to display an aged but well maintained ship being loaded. "The Rim Queen,
Not a bad looking ship, clean lines and sturdily built. I would be proud to crew her myself." 'If I ever want to be a Merchie that is, more than likely, I'd become a Privateer.'
John laughed, knowing that Jane had succeeded. "Sir, the lady that I defended against Bronson crews with that ship. But won't the Imperial Envoy see a conspiracy in my being sent to her ship? I want to avoid causing you any harm."
"Don't worry about him, he's one of us. Those that he sent to the Emperor have not been Trillannii, only those that broke the Rules."
"I seem to recall that name, Sir; she is Jane Meadows, Ships Medico." 'Good Girl Jane, you came through for me. I could kiss you!'
The Captain nodded his approval at John. "Well, don't worry John, they're quite pleased with your record and they actually specifically asked for you." 'Let the Emperor chew that fact over. He hates losing Prime Command material.'
Seeing that the Rim Queen had already launched and was spacing as well, John asked "Captain, how shall I get there now that we are both spacing?" 'Will my luck hold out I wonder?'
The Captain activated a new display showing two ships that were exchanging pods. "We will jettison you in your escape pod that they will recover and then they'll send us one filled with the items that we have purchased."
"Captain, the crew will thank you for replenishing the Aztec's Ship's Store, and Chief Purser Ritter will have a fit sorting out the packages," Brick chortled.
"Brick, Angharad is a neat freak, and you know it," John snickered.
Then a bell sounded.
"That bell means that they're ready for you John. Best be off with you. May the stars bless your journey." 'At least we get to top off all of our personal stocks thanks to this. That Captain is one shrewd seller; I never bought so much from any one source.'
John stood at attention and crisply saluted his former Captain who returned the salute. "Goodbye my Captain and friend. It was a pleasure serving under your command. And thanks for the Blessing, that means a lot to me." 'Now to see what happens next in my life. Dad, I hope that you are proud of me.'
The Captain clasped John's forearm in a firm, solid handshake. "Fair skies, John Carter. I will miss you. You are the best damned Executive Officer that I know of. Brick, please escort John to his Pod." 'Now to see how Brick fares as my Exec. Somehow, I think that he'll be as good as John was.'
Carter and Brick exchanged salutes and hugs. "Yes Sir, Captain. It is my pleasure to escort John to his Pod."
"Brick, who better to send me off?" 'Being Blessed with 'May the stars bless your journey, a traditional wish of good fortune for departing friends, and 'Fair skies', a wish of good luck between spacers by the Captain tells me that my luck has changed for the better. Now to see what my future holds.'
"Indeed," agreed Brick.
Brick turned to John. "Now I must do your duty my friend, I never wanted your job, but I will do it to the best of my ability," said a dejected Brick. 'Can I though? Or am I better off serving as a Security Chief? Only time will tell at this point.
Common to all ships, every Officer of command rank had a dedicated Escape Pod ready for their usage. The Pod was often used as a Personal Shuttle between ships when needed as well as for escaping from a doomed ship. Each pod was equipped with a Star Drive and Reaction Drive capable of arriving at a planet or Safe Haven within a five light year range.
Brick escorted John Carter to his Escape Pod. "Well John, here we are.Please, no stalling, my friend. Not that I'd blame you."
John's Escape Pod's hatch cycled open to reveal a well-kept, spartan interior. "Yes my friend, a parting of the ways. Wish this was a quick trip on one of our Casino runs, we had fun in those races."
Brick placed a meaty hand upon John's shoulder. "Fair skies John. And God Speed old friend. We were quite a pair of scoundrels on leave. I hope that we meet up again."
John put his hand upon Brick's. "Fair skies Brick. Take care, old buddy. Now you have to be the Captain's Touchstone with the crew. You can do it."
The friends wept as they hugged each other, knowing that they would not see each other again. When they broke their embrace, John Carter stepped into his Pod as Brick secured the hatch and launched his friend into the ether of space.
