Tammyverse Book 14   Rank Stupidity   Chapter 1 of 5 Situation Normal?     Shiraz & Snowfall © 2023

 
Tammyverse Book 14 - Rank Stupidity
 
Note. This story is set in 2018, prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth. This is a work of fiction but a number of real people, places, and institutions are mentioned in fictitious circumstances. In short it's a story!

 
 
Chapter 1 – Situation Normal?

Tammy was smiling as she returned to the University of the Highlands & Islands on Tuesday, May Day, having survived her first day without incident.

She had wondered whether the new, lighter, atmosphere in the classroom on Monday had been due to the shock that the university managers had finally acted against the disruptive element in her class. Although Tammy had been a repeat, regular, victim, she wasn’t the only one. The final straw had been the vexatious accusation of infidelity that had caused both Tammy and Ben to be suspended two months earlier.

Certainly it was quieter without the antagonists. The previous coven of witches had been reduced to two girls and a feminine boy who were definitely followers not leaders. During the previous afternoon this trio had individually had been called out of class, returning silently without any spring in their step. Before that day was out several more students had also been called from the class.

The remainder of the class were pulled out every twenty minutes on Tuesday morning leaving Tammy until last, just before lunch. This time there were no giggles, snide remarks or outright nastiness as she left the classroom. Indeed, it was already apparent that Ben had fully regained command of his class.

She checked her phone as she walked up one flight of stairs towards the executive suites, finding an anonymous missed call, probably the least useful type of communication.

Her destination was the usual Vice Chancellor’s room, but a different face greeted her.

“Good afternoon Miss Smart, or would you prefer Captain Smart?”

“Hello, Sir, I have always attended the university as a civilian so there’s no need for any military titles.”

Tammy took a seat facing the man. Across the table from her was a senior lecturer she’d seen before but this was the first time they had spoken. Tammy guessed he’d also been newly promoted, perhaps temporarily?

“I’ll note that, in case of confusion. Let me introduce myself, my name is Vince Freeman and I’m acting Vice Chancellor. Now, I must ask if you are recording this conversation?”

“I haven’t, so far, thought it necessary to use that facility, Sir.”

“Thank you. In view of recent events we have revised privacy and complaint policies so I’d just like to make sure you understand how this affects this establishment. As of yesterday, if you want to use a recording during a complaints process then you must inform the other party, or parties, at the start of the meeting.”

Tammy went to speak but he held his hand up.

“I understand that you, in particular, have had to use recordings to protect yourself from bullying and potential legal endangerment so there is an allowance for that on the condition that you inform the chancellor’s office immediately or the next working day in extremis.”

“That is acceptable.”

“Good, thank you, it was clear that a strict policy would probably work against you.”

“I have more than myself to protect, Sir. As you should know I run a successful property business and separately I quietly assist in the defence of Crown and Country. Neither of those should impact adversely on my studies here but it is clear that whilst I want to study, others have taken it unto themselves to deny me that. Such issues can and will have an impact outside this building. I try to resolve such matters myself but sometimes my friends become involved. I made some new friends recently.”

“That is understandable and we hope that by dealing with the local protagonists we will have made your studies a safer environment. Meanwhile we have tried to establish a better understanding of your extra-curricula activities and where the boundaries lie.”

“Which means you can be more flexible when I am called up for duty or training?”

“Yes, in one respect, but we would also have to evaluate your ability to catch up. The two must work in tandem.”

“I see.”

“I would imagine that you are aware that there is a great deal of interest in London regarding your studies?”

“Yes.”

“I was told you had tea with Her Majesty recently?”

“We did, and that was following a recent military deployment.”

“Protecting members of the Royal Family?”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I cannot divulge anything. I also doubt whether my name would have been in any press releases. Can you perhaps also imagine, for a moment, what certain folk would do if they suspected that I had access to the Royal Family? I don’t as it happens, but it’s a known fact that if you give out just one piece of so-called secret information then you can expect reams of conspiracy theories to follow. That impacts here, as well as my partner, family, friends and business.”

“Ah, your partner. I take it that she’s not a student here?”

“She isn’t.”

“Can you clarify one matter though, you said a month ago that you would be asking for maternity leave? Does this mean you are pregnant?”

“I believe that question may be borderline improper, sir, but no, I’m not. Please tell me the relevance?”

“My predecessor had queried and highlighted it, suggesting that might be the case. I’m sorry if this upsets you but we are picking our way through facts and half-truths.”

“You could have asked my solicitor? In any case, is your predecessor going to return to taunt me?”

“As far as I know, Miss Smart, he isn’t. So far as contacting your solicitor, that’s an option but I’d like to keep this friendly were possible.”

“Okay, I will inform you if my personal circumstances change enough to disrupt my studies – is that acceptable?”

“That is, in fact it’s required by all students and staff. Now, I have asked every other student whether they have any concerns or issues that I should be aware of. As you will know we have a zero tolerance policy.”

Tammy laughed. “That seems to be a very selective policy from my point of view?”

“There are two sides to every incident, Miss Smart, and we mustn’t prejudge the issue until we have examined the circumstances.”

“Ben and myself were suspended whilst those witches were able to stay in class! That’s not a fair and balanced approach!”

“I don’t necessarily agree with how that was handled Miss Smart, but I must say that our policies are not selective – every student is covered.”

“Forgive me, but I’ll need evidence that is the case.”

“I understand that you are reticent, but I can promise you that you will be treated no different to any other student.”

“Good. Is that all?”

“It is, thank you for your time, Miss Smart. Oh, one more thing?”

Tammy had already stood. “Yes?”

“How would you describe your relationship with Ben Franklin?”

“In one word, ‘professional’. I know plenty about his life before he started working here and Ben knows plenty about mine before I was a student. For what it’s worth, I met his wife before I met him when I was still at school. Familiarity does not, however, imply contempt or favouritism. By mutual consent we keep our relationship professional.”

“Thank you for the clarification.”

“I believe it’s worth adding, Sir, that the Highlands are socially small so mine and Ben’s circles have intersected several times over the past three to four years. My guess is that other members of staff will be connected to students but those relationships have never been disclosed, where as myself and Ben have been fully open about a potential conflict of interest.”

“Thank you, Miss Smart.”

The VC now stood and offered his hand to Tammy; they shook before she left the room, with the lunch bell starting to ring.

Tammy wasn’t needed for the afternoon and wouldn’t be back before Thursday for more structured revision.

She cycled into town noting the freshly arrived grey clouds and parked her bike in the office stairwell, against the stairlift. It wasn’t strictly legal if they needed to evacuate using the upper floor’s only fire exit but there was a greater risk to Tammy’s bike if she’d left her bike chained up outside.

She exited into the street and walked back towards the bakery so collect a sandwich. Back at the office she squeezed past her bike and climbed the stairs.

“Oh there was a call on the office phone for you, someone in Aberdeen was asking for you by rank. The name and number are on the pad over there.”

Tammy spotted the information laying on her desk, she picked it up rather than sitting there.

“Thanks Joey, I best have lunch first. Anything else?”

“Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Tammy took took herself across the room and munched her sandwich before placing the call.

“Gordon Medical.”

“Hello, it’s Captain Smart of Broadsword, I missed a call from Major Dearing?”

“I’ll find her Ma’am.”

That took a minute.

“Dearing?”

“Good afternoon, Major, I’m Captain Smart, returning your call?”

“Yes, a civilian answered the phone?”

“My office assistant, I’m calling from my business premises. I take it that you called my mobile number as well?”

“Yes, ah well, it concerns your Lieutenant.”

“Lizzie Harrison? What’s up with her?”

“Are you aware that we did a full medical on her a week ago?”

“I am, my Colonel ordered it.”

“We checked her hormone levels and it has thrown up an anomaly. We need to verify it but the preliminary diagnosis is borderline Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.”

“I’ve heard of this, would it explain her overtly feminine features?”

“It would. This diagnosis also means that we need to be very careful with any hormone treatment. I understand a civvie GP issued the current prescription?”

“Yes, my GP in Thurso issued the prescription but she also gave Flight Lieutenant Harrison a fasting blood test, I expect that the results will be on the NHS database. For information, my GP has been cleared in the past.”

“With respect, Captain, you should both be seeing a medical unit on base?”

“I would, Ma’am, if I lived on a base but I am very much a mobile asset, and live at home when not needed. As it is, I had a full medical a month ago, courtesy of a Royal Navy medic, at a NATO establishment. Whilst the Flight Lieutenant was also at that location she wasn’t given a medical, my GP did that a few days later prior to giving her HRT. There was insufficient time prior to the deployment but I asked my Colonel if we could arrange a military medical once we were all back in the UK. That request ended up with yourselves.”

“I see.”

“With hindsight, Major, would this diagnosis have prevented her deployment?”

“No, but it’s sloppy management.”

“Her management has been undefined, until recently the Flight Lieutenant was still attached to the RAF and not under my command. That has since been corrected, although she retains her RAF rank. With respect, Major, I believe I have addressed these matters at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, the CAA will soon demand their own health screening before her civilian licence can be issued. Is there any reason why she wouldn’t pass their tests?”

“No, none, although I still don’t understand why the RAF couldn’t undertake this training?”

“The RAF can’t currently provide the complex training that is required for the Flight Lieutenant, and that need has been decided by officers above my pay grade, Major. Is it possible for me to receive a copy of her medical report?”

“Of course, do you have secure email?”

Tammy read out the address. “A copy to my colonel as well please. I don’t have access here but I’ll pick that up at home.”

“Understood. Thank you Captain.”

“Thank you Major.”

Tammy ended the call and picked up the rest of her sandwich but now found a secure message on her phone from Commander Geoff Traeger.

“The Kiwi has landed.”

That brought a smile to Tammy’s face but that was now the second time Kyle Fielding had been removed to New Zealand, so was it the last time they would see him? She doubted it.

Another message arrived.

“He went ballistic once the handcuffs were removed and is currently in detention pending a hearing in front of a magistrate on Thursday. Three police officers were injured, one seriously.”

“Damn, he’s insane!”

“Who, Tammy?”

“No-one you’ve met, thankfully.”

“But I guess you have?”

“Er, yes, Joey, but I walked away from our last two encounters and he didn’t. I just hope I’ll never see him again.”

The office phone started ringing so Tammy decided it was a good time to exit.

She reached home ten minutes later, by which time it had started raining. Tammy was somewhat damp by the time she made it through the rear door. A panel was flashing “call”.

“Great! What have I done?”

The display changed to “Coffee first”.

Tammy sighed, at least that probably meant this wasn’t urgent, whatever it was. She dropped her bag on the worktop and filled the kettle. She’d considered a dedicated coffee machine but she’d spent so much time out of the country, or at least away from home, that it wouldn’t get enough use to justify the expense. She did, however, have a bag of beans, a cafetière and the necessary equipment to make a good coffee at a strength of her own choosing. She sipped the hot black liquid, thankful for the instant hit, before trudging up to the office.

She’d just enabled the secure phone when it rang, saving her the trouble of placing a call.

“Smart.”

“Hi Tammy. Can you pass us Harrison’s medical?”

“Sure, Krystel, but why?”

“If she’s working with you, we need to know she’s medically clear. She wasn't available for full medical or fitness assessments when she was here. We have your and Maisie’s reports, but not her's.”

“Okay, I haven’t checked my emails yet but I’ll send that over.”

“Cool. Now to real business; we've received the True Freedom report from London. It's a fucking mess!”

“I know, I was in the thick of it!”

“Don’t take this wrong, but you're going to have to do something about that sister of yours. She is a liability.”

“I know, and that’s on a long list of local issues that I’m working through. College appears to be back on schedule.”

“That’s good, you want the background on this new Vice Chancellor?”

“Is that necessary?”

“Under the circumstances, Tammy, yes. We have a recording of that conversation here if you need it?”

“I told him I wasn’t recording, so no.”

“Okay. Do your thing, report as usual, call if you need anything.”

“Will do. Anything else?”

"Yes." Kimberly's voice came over. "Youtube and the other socials are bad for you, continue to stay off them. Thank you."

"Yes Ma'am. Thistle Maiden; out."

Tammy ended the call then fired up her laptop to check emails. That took a few minutes as she loaded the secure operating system. Several passwords and authentication layers later, she was in.

The upshot of Lizzie’s report was that the Flight Lieutenant needed to be monitored and that her dosage would be adjusted if necessary. Tammy already knew that her GP, Dr Adelaide Sutherland, had prescribed Lizzie three months of low dosage estrogen, but that had been seven weeks back so a decision about the next prescription would be needed soon. She contemplated calling Lizzie later, but couldn’t be certain if she had been informed of the diagnosis yet.

She called Traeger and brought him up to date. He had one question.

“Is she fit for duty?”

“Oh yes; no question of that, but she’ll be monitored closely in case her circumstances change.”

“I see. I’d like to speak to the lieutenant personally?”

“She’s training five days a week in Aberdeen. I’ve put her in an apartment for the time being.”

“I’m aware, I’ll arrange to stay at the local barracks. I’ll see you on Saturday, with your Sergeant, in uniform.”

The call ended.

Tammy banged the desk, was Traeger going to be just like Marcus Wade?

She needed to deal with the logistics, regardless. She first called Smart Air at Wick Airport, fleet manager Jim Surtees answered.

“It’s Tammy, I’ll need a plane for the weekend?”

“The Epic is booked for a golf tournament from tomorrow morning.”

“Understood, the two seater should be enough for the pair of us. I’ll need it for Friday afternoon.”

“Okay, Tammy, we should be able to sort it by Friday, how far are you going?”

“Only to Aberdeen, but is there an issue?”

“There’s a restriction on AV gas, the regular Monday tanker failed to reach the airport and it’s now due on Thursday, the same time as the other regular tanker. As soon as that’s available we’ll be able to fuel it for your return flight and a little spare. Anything else and you’ll have to top it up at Aberdeen.”

“Thanks Jim.”

Next, Tammy booked herself and Maisie into the same Travelodge they had used a week or so earlier whilst getting Lizzie’s apartment ready. Maisie’s father, Thomas, was also at the apartment, to keep an eye on Lizzie.

Once that was all done Tammy retreated to the basement with her revision notes.

-o-

She emerged a few hours later and started to think about dinner. Tammy was firmly back on her diet, her fitness levels had dropped since her return from the island, not helped by their captivity in central London whilst their enemies had been rounded up. One key person remained outstanding, William Burgess, formerly a member of the House of Lords and a Knight of the Realm but now a wanted civilian.

There had been no news about Burgess for over a week, probably two, when he was reported to be in Norway. Right now he could be anywhere, even Scotland, and Tammy wasn’t allowed to hunt him.

She found a few fresh ingredients in the fridge and set about putting a healthy meal together, but Maisie would get more carbs than Tammy.

The girl returned at six, wrapping herself around her partner. “I had a call from that Commander!”

“Me too, Maisie, I’ve booked a plane.”

“So you agreed?”

“I don’t think we have any choice, but I can use the opportunity to remind him that we have real lives?”

“Yeah, we can be back here Saturday night?”

“Sure.”

“Good, I don’t want to upset this new group. You should join us, you don’t get enough exercise?”

“I’ll think about it. Dinner’s almost ready.”

That earned Tammy a kiss. “Put it on hold.”

“You’re kidding?”

“I’ve not pushed you for the last few days, but you’re overdue a heavy work out.”

“Seriously, Maisie?”

“Yes. Get into your running gear, we’re heading out.”

Tammy looked out of the window, dusk had arrived.

“Tomorrow?”

“Now! Get changed.”

“Yes, boss.”

They spent an hour pounding the streets, down one hill and up another. It wasn’t the heaviest work-out that Maisie could offer but Tammy’s fitness had waned since their return from Rams’ Rock Island and exercise facilities were extremely limited during their effective lockdown in the Royal Guest Quarters.

“One more time!”

Tammy didn’t have the energy to argue so kept going. Her muscles were complaining badly, but her fitness was not negotiable.

“No gain without pain, no gain without pain.”

Thankfully Maisie didn’t order another circuit. They arrived indoors as Tammy’s mobile rang.

“I had plans this weekend!”

“Cancel them, Lizzie!”

“Jeremy was taking me out for the day.”

“Oh, you are still seeing him?”

“Yes, Tammy, I am. I can hardly ignore him when he’s doing the same fixed wing training as me?”

“Okay, I best have his details?”

“Why?”

“To make certain he is who he says he is, otherwise you are at risk.”

“I can cope.”

“No Lizzie, you can’t. I could make this an order, all of it, but then I would have to make a note in your permanent record.”

“Okay, he’s Jeremy Bates. His birthday was last Sunday so we had a meal together.”

“April 29th then, what year?”

“I don’t know, I think he’s a year older than me, so that makes him 23?”

“Address?”

“I don’t know, he’s always collected me, and I’ve never been to his house?”

“So he could be married?”

“Oh?”

“We’ll deal with this one step at a time. You’ll have to say you are busy from Friday night onwards. I want to do a full course evaluation with you. On Saturday we’re at the barracks in full uniform so make certain it’s laundered and pressed, Lieutenant!”

“Sunday?”

“We have something else planned.”

“But …?”

“No, Lizzie, just remember that Maisie and myself are both losing our weekends as well. For information, I’ve had one weekend off since March!”

“Yeah, okay, okay.”

“Good, I’ll see you Friday afternoon.”

Tammy killed the call.

Whilst she still had her phone in hand she sent Jeremy Bates’ details to Traeger asking if he could run a background check on the lad. He called her.

“Why ask me?”

“Because I don’t have an office I can pass this to, without breaking protocol.”

“You should use the team at Catterick, that’s where I am most of the time now.”

“I would have done but I’ve been there twice and Marcus couldn’t wait to get me off the base!”

“You should report there tomorrow for a tour.”

“With respect, Sir, I don’t have the time right now. I’m playing catch-up after the deployment, plus the pre-deployment briefing and the post-deployment debriefings. I have had one weekend to myself, and Maisie, in the past seven weeks.”

“That’s an attitude that needs to change, Smart.”

“I resign.”

She killed the call and switched off her phone.

“Did I just hear that correctly, Tammy?”

“Yes, Maisie, but I know he won’t accept it.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t give it to him in writing, in triplicate.”

“True. What will he do?”

“Complain to the Colonel.”

“Just keep me out of it, please.”

“Will do, but it’s going to be out of my hands.”

“Oh, I had a call from your father, could you visit them?”

“Will do.”

“Seven o’clock tomorrow, for dinner.”

“I detect Joan’s hand at work.”

“Probably, and I heard that Suzie has arrived. She’s been ordered to take a week off.”

“Oh, great. Anything else?”

“I’m due in Glasgow next week, they’ll try again.”

“Okay, put it in the diary and I’ll make myself available.”

“I can take Joey with me, she was there last time.”

“I’d rather be there myself?”

“Sure, but it’s probably out of your hands?”

“Knowing my luck right now, that’s a real possibility. Okay, how about dinner?”

“Shower first.”

“It’s nearly eight o’clock!”

Maisie kissed her. “Shower!”

“Yes, boss.”

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Tammyverse Book 14   Rank Stupidity   Chapter 2 of 5 Flight of Fancy     Shiraz & Snowfall © 2023

 
Tammyverse Book 14 - Rank Stupidity
 
Note. This story is set in 2018, prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth. This is a work of fiction but a number of real people, places, and institutions are mentioned in fictitious circumstances. In short it's a story!

 
 
Chapter 2 – Flight of Fancy
 

Wednesday evening Tammy and Maisie made an effort to get on Joan’s good side by dressing overtly feminine for dinner, although only Tammy was in heels. They had just managed to shrug off their jackets when the recriminations started.

“You put all of us at risk when you were in London, and refused to keep us safe, or even tell us what was going on. Suzie had to do that, because you wouldn’t.”

“No, mum, that’s all wrong. I can guarantee it.”

“That’s not what your sister says? Are you calling her a liar?”

“It would seem that Suzie hasn’t perhaps told you what really happened, or perhaps you misheard her?”

“Don’t patronise me, young lady, I know what I heard and it seem you have some explaining to do.”

“Maisie, Lizzie and I flew back to the UK after we finished work. We were going to overnight at the Epping house but found that Suzie had been sent home early from Thames House. She’d also been told that we were renegades. When it was clear there was trouble my friends got us all into secure, safe, accommodation so we could be debriefed. There was a rule that no-one, not Suzie, not me, not anyone could make a phone call. That was for everyone’s protection.“

“But we had a right to know?”

“There were people looking for me, for the rest of us, and they wouldn’t be concerned for our health and welfare. They had already tapped Suzie’s phone, my phone, and anyone else who could be used or who was a threat. When Suzie phoned here she added this number to that list.”

“One call?”

“Yes, they didn’t even need to listen to the call itself, just the phone’s call history or the telephone exchange records.”

“Nothing happened?”

“Not this time, at least not yet. We managed to put an end to the insurrection and almost all the terrorists were arrested.”

“Terrorists?”

“Yes, mum. Until Suzie called they didn’t know you existed. Once she called you became a potential target. She broke the rules and put you at risk.”

“Then why would she say otherwise?”

“I don’t know but did she forget that she’s signed the Official Secrets Act so should know when to say nothing. Her actions in the past have had messy consequences and yet I get no thanks for fixing her complications.”

“Since she got back here Suzie has told us someone was hurt whilst you were in hiding and you were involved, so were you really safe?”

“One of terrorists found out where we were and tried to take me away. I shot her, in self defence. She survived to see justice done.”

“I didn’t want to hear that, but weren’t you supposed to be lodging with the Queen?”

Tammy glared at Suzie before replying to Joan. “Only a handful of people, other than the ones who were there, knew exactly where we were. We were being debriefed whilst the investigators dealt with a mass infiltration of the intelligence services.”

“And then you had tea with Her Majesty whilst your sister had to go back to work?”

“So that’s what this is all about? A missing invite? Maisie, Lizzie and myself spent two weeks protecting William and Kate from terrorists whilst Suzie pushed buttons in Thames House and at most risked chipping her nail varnish. Meanwhile we put ourselves in the way of live bullets to ensure members of the Royal Family could have a break. That’s why the Queen invited us, in uniform, to have tea with her.”

“Oh, that’s not how it was explained?”

“Maybe it wasn’t, because Suzie didn’t help protect the Queen’s grandson, his wife and their children. She then put all of our security at risk by making a call seeking your attention and pity, whilst the rest of us obeyed that instruction.”

“I see, Tammy, I’m sorry but it appears I was misled.”

She stared at her step mum, Joan. “I did say that a few minutes ago. That doesn’t earn you afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace, no more than Suzie earned it.”

“Okay Tammy, however, you’ve been back here for weeks and haven’t been to see us once?”

Tammy bit her tongue, and chose her response carefully; the wrong words here would result in a frosting of diplomatic relations with Joan. “We’ve been very, very, busy, but I’ll try to do better, mum?”

“Yes, you do that.”

Joan walked away, smiling. That left a semi-bewildered Tammy stood pondering whether she should have conceded so easily on that last point. She swirled the remains of her red wine before finishing it off, before seeking a bottle to refill her glass. Tammy had intended to stick to just one glass but right now that wasn’t a primary concern.

Unknown to Joan, Tammy’s father had been exchanging occasional SMS messages with her since Tammy had returned to Scotland and he knew more about her work than Joan. That should have put him in a strong position but the maternal aspect meant Richard’s understanding of national intelligence work didn’t come close to a mother comforting a crying daughter over a snub.

Across the room Tammy noted that Maisie was being questioned, gently, by Angela. Tammy actually had no idea what her former schoolmate and step-sister was now doing. The last Tammy had known was when Angela had started a three month placement at the Aberdeen Children’s Hospital in early January. She guessed that had finished but Tammy hadn’t heard anything more recent.

After speaking to her father it became clear that Suzie had been told to take leave and to get out of London for a week. She’d clearly been avoiding Tammy but they found themselves next to each other at the dinner table. Tammy’s self control took a turn as her glass was refilled by her father. For someone who felt they had a low tolerance for alcohol, this wasn’t ideal.

“Why are you up here? I don’t remember you saying that you had leave?”

“My manager decided I was stressed, because of what happened.”

“That was weeks ago!”

“I haven’t been able to concentrate, then last week I saw a report about a missing Lord and your name was also there.”

“You shouldn’t have been allowed to see anything about me. That’s one of the rules. It’s not even financial intel?”

“Yes, but I was helping at another desk. I was sent back to financial, but the next day I was told to take some leave. I arrived here the next day.”

The Smart’s housekeeper, Zara, started to bring the plates from the kitchen. Tammy hadn’t been told what to expect but her own plate looked like it was compatible with her diet, just.

There was very little chatter during the meal but it started up in earnest once they moved away from the table. The matter of motherhood came up again when Tammy heard Maisie being questioned about the chances of pregnancy, whilst Joan was also wondering out loud about becoming a grandmother given that neither Suzie nor Angela had shown any progress in starting a family.

Richard took Tammy aside whilst Joan rounded up the other girls.

“Take it easy on Joan, please!”

“Sure, Dad, but she does tend to believe Suzie’s spin and then wouldn’t listen to what really happened?”

“I know, and I hear it all the time.”

“If it was down to me I would suggest Suzie joined us on a deployment but it has been made very clearly to me that she’s a liability. Having said that, she’s probably a better analyst than me and I’m not going to challenge that view. There’s no jealousy from here, but what’s the beef from the other side, Dad?”

“You might be right with jealousy, but it is the other way around. Suzie expects to be at an after party without having been at the main event beforehand. So she complains about missing tea with Her Majesty despite not knowing why you were invited to the Palace?”

“Yep. We also had a BBQ with the Duke and Duchess but before that we had to snare two terrorists. Earlier the same day I took the Duke fishing. The downtime is the reward for putting the effort in. You know, Maisie and I have had one weekend off in two months but we’ve just lost this next one as well because my new commanding officer wants to see us. I could complain, but it wouldn’t get us anywhere. I could equally moan loudly if I had missed the BBQ with the Duke and Duchess, because I was stuck somewhere else, but that would fall on deaf ears. That’s real life.”

“Oh, I fully understand, Tammy, although the reverse is also true when I don’t want to be at a social engagement but I am being told I have to be there!”

“I suppose that was when you worked for the bank?”

“That as well!” Richard looked around to see if anyone else had caught the comment.

“I think you got away with that, Dad.”

“Don’t you dare repeat it, though.”

“I’m not the type to spill secrets, it’s definitely dangerous for my health and well-being.”

“That’s a good practice to keep. Perhaps you could rescue your future wife?”

As Tammy walked across the room she again caught the word ‘wedding’, followed by Maisie suggesting that Joan asked her step-daughter the ever-so important question.

“Well, Tammy? When and where?”

“Hasn’t Suzie already told you?”

“No, she clearly doesn’t know yet.”

Tammy smiled as her father coughed behind her, before responding. “We’re trying to fit it into our schedule plus making certain that the weather is appropriate.”

“So do you have a venue and a date?”

“We have a potential venue, but it isn’t yet booked.”

“You really should go ahead and book, otherwise some of us might not be able to go? We have jobs, you know? There’s caterers, hair stylists and dresses to consider. I’ve done it twice if you need any help.”

Tammy held back. “Of course, Mum. I’ll make some enquiries. Can I just suggest you make certain your passports are in date?”

“Oh, so the wedding is abroad?”

“Not necessarily, but I wouldn’t like that to be an obstacle if we were to hold it overseas?”

“True. Richard, can you check?”

“Yes, dear, in a minute.”

“Now, please.”

Tammy’s phone pinged.

“Do you need an out?”

 

Tammy responded. “Urgently.”

A siren was heard from her phone, that instantly had every pair of eyes looking at her. Tammy stabbed at an Acknowledge button.

“Mum, Dad, girls, sorry, but we’re needed.”

“So soon?”

“We’re on a one hour standby, I need to get home and check what’s happening, whilst Maisie packs our kit for a swift exit. That’s our lives. Sorry, we need to move.”

Richard stopped Tammy before she had reached the door.

“It’s the AGM of Smart Air on the twelfth of next month. I’ll get the paperwork to you in a few days. Please make an effort to attend this year!”

“Will do, Dad.”

The pair made their way out to the car after retrieving their jackets. Soon they were on their way, Maisie drove.

“That was naughty, Tammy.”

“What was?”

“There isn’t a callout.”

“I know, but there was a clear and present danger?”

“Yeah, she wouldn’t give in?”

“Worse than that, I regretted telling her about her passport but then she started to order my dad around. I couldn’t have stood there as I might have told her to forget being at the wedding.”

“What about my own father?”

“Make sure he has a passport; get a form tomorrow and we’ll take it with us, just in case. Get him into a photo booth as well while you’re about it.”

“Sure.”

They arrived indoors, finding a notification on the security panel “Office Now”.

“Oh come on, there isn’t an emergency.”

The word “Now” started to flash.

“Damn.”

Tammy shrugged her feet out of her heels so she could make her way up the stairs quicker and safer. The phone was ringing as she reached it. She hurriedly found the security token and activated it.

“Smart.”

“That took too long.”

“Maybe, Carl, why do you need me?”

“A message from Kim; your guy, Burgess, is on the move again, he’s just landed in Lerwick. That’s not far from you, right?”

“It’s on an island!”

“Oh, yeah.”

“My guess is he’s there to see someone or to collect something, and won’t stay long.”

“That’s Kim’s assessment too. How soon can you get there?”

“Not easy, my plane is out of fuel due to a local supply issue. I might be able to get one of the Smart helicopters but they’re shutdown until the morning and I’m not cleared for those models.”

“You need a chopper that’s available twenty five hours, one that you can fly with your own ticket.”

“Twenty four …. okay. I’ll investigate, but that’s not easy to get authorised.”

“Can't you host birds over at those neighbor's house?”

“The Macphersons'? There's a grass helipad.”

“And you got a ticket for Pumas, right?”

“Yes, but it’s a military ticket not a civvie one.”

“Sort it, girl.”

“Right.”

Tammy put the phone down as Maisie arrived with tea.

“What’s up?”

“Carl says that William Burgess has landed at Lerwick, and we should investigate.”

“Even I know that’s in the Shetlands?”

“Yes, so it’s about a hundred and fifty miles across open water.”

“I guess your plane isn’t ready all the time?”

“No, I’ve asked for it to be ready Friday afternoon, it isn’t a priority. He suggests we get a helicopter!”

“Those are expensive to run?”

“Yes, and I’m only cleared for the Puma on a military licence.”

“And you won’t want to fly one in military uniform all of the time?”

“Correct.”

“Where would you keep it?”

“Somehow Carl knew the most obvious place, there’s an unofficial helipad behind mum and dad’s house. There’s no facilities though so it really is just a drop-off and pick-up point.”

“So, are we going to Shetland?”

“No, Burgess will have likely left before we could get there, although the Colonel can request CCTV from the airport to be certain. In any case, I was previously told I wasn’t authorised to go after him, in fact I was specifically told I mustn’t.”

“Okay, so are we flying down on Friday? I have work all day?”

“I want to leave by six?”

“That’s okay.”

-o-

Tammy was back in class on Thursday but it appeared that news of her return had now reached the former students as she spotted two of the girls as she cycled across to the bike racks.

Tammy was tempted to turn around and ride straight home but figured that would end up just delaying the obvious issue. She chained her bike to the stand, already aware that a camera had been installed to cover that area.

“Hey, Bitch!”

Tammy ignored them and made for the main entrance, knowing that they couldn’t enter without being seen by one of the security team. Tammy reached the door before they did and walked past the uniformed guy near the door but caught another one near the security gates.

“There’s two girls outside who were recently removed from their course and banned from the campus. They may decide to harm my bike now that I’m inside and out of reach.”

“We know who you’re talking about, Miss Smart, they were told to leave the site yesterday as they were looking for your car.”

“Good, thank you.”

She took herself to a bathroom first and took the opportunity to check her face before arriving in the classroom, without coffee. She decided not to say anything to Ben other than a simple greeting.

Her phone pinged as she took her seat, despite being on ‘do not disturb’, indicating a secure message that shouldn’t be ignored.

“The new VC is no trace on intel indexes.”

 
“Tammy, put it away!”

“Sorry, Maisie set my alarm for class start.”

"Well at least you're on time."

The revision session concentrated on the workings of the Scottish court system, and Ben’s prior career as a Police Officer certainly helped with the increasingly vague questions. Nigel was back in class and started the ebb and flow.

“Whose responsibility is it to get an interpreter?”

Ben decided to handle Nigel’s question himself. “That would depend on who is responsible for the case, and how necessary it is?”

“Ah, so in a civil case it could be the Procurator Fiscal or the solicitor?”

“Correct, or even social services, if they are involved.”

“Cheers, ‘cause the Sassenach in court before me couldn’t understand a word!”

Several laughed in response.

“Thank you for your insight, Nigel, I guess you are here freely?”

“Sure, was just a misunderstanding.”

“Good, let’s take a break.”

Tammy decided to check her bike, finding one of the tyres partially deflated.

“Sorry, Miss Smart, we caught one of the girls by this bike but not before she’d done some damage. We also didn’t know it was your bike.”

“I try not to make it obvious. I can’t see any other damage?”

The security guard pointed and Tammy could now see that the rear brake line had been severed.

“Do you have video?”

“Yes, and a name.”

“Good, I will ask my solicitor to obtain this so we can prosecute.”

“The Chancellor will need to authorise that, Miss.”

“Indeed, but I suspect that won’t be an issue right now. I need to make a few calls then speak to my tutor. Do you think you could write a statement for me?”

“I’ll clear that with my supervisor.”

“Thank you.”

Tammy called Smith, Smith & Smith Solicitors, finding John Hibbert.

“It’s Tammy, can you ask Jeremiah to contact UHI, they have CCTV of malicious damage to my bike.”

“Sure, can you email the details.”

“Will do, John.”

Next she asked Maisie to collect the bike in her van and drop it at the bike store.

“Can’t you take it yourself?”

“I won’t have an escape plan, change of plan, collect me and the bike. I’ll skip class.”

“Give me fifteen.”

“Thanks.”

Tammy went back inside and found Ben at the coffee bar.

“I need to go, Ben.”

“Problem?”

“Criminal damage to my bike. I’ve phoned my solicitor and my fiancée is on her way to collect it and me.”

“You’ll continue revision at home?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll remind everyone when we go back in that next week is half term. The campus is open if you want to use the library, but all revision is at home.”

“That suits me, thanks.”

“Don’t forget that the end of year exams are a week after that.”

“Sure. If anyone asks, just say it was a personal matter.”

“Of course, Tammy.”

She walked back out of the main entrance in time to see Maisie pull into the carpark, ahead of schedule. Tammy unchained her bike and pushed it across to where Maisie had stopped. It was only a minute later that they were on their way.

Maisie stopped close to the bike store that had supplied the bicycle but left Tammy to unload it. The store owner was waiting at the door as she wheeled it from the van.

“I saw you pull up, I guess something is wrong?”

“Criminal damage, including a snipped brake cable. Could you do a formal report on the damage please, I want to prosecute the little bitch who did this.”

“I hope you have evidence before you start threatening legal action?”

“CCTV and a witness, plus due cause.”

“Cutting the brake line could be considered an attempt to cause harm?”

“Indeed. This needs to be stopped before someone gets hurt.”

“Okay, Miss Smart, this will take a few days as I’ll have to order a full replacement cable. As for the scratch, I’ll take care of that, it didn’t cut through to the aluminium.”

“Thanks, what’s your estimate for getting back on the road?”

“Tuesday or Wednesday next week. If I can get it back to you by the weekend I will, but that’s unlikely. You’ll be looking at close to £150 for the damage.”

“Okay, thanks.” She handed over one of her cards. “Send me a text and I’ll be down as soon as I can.”

“Will do.”

Tammy and Maisie made it home via Lidl, loading up with fresh vegetables and salads, some of which would be taken to Aberdeen.

Finally back in her office Tammy sent an email to Jeremiah Smith detailing that morning’s events before deciding whether to inform Commander Traeger? She asked Maisie for her thoughts, the girl moved closer to Tammy, taking a hand.

“He’s a traditional officer, who got there the hard way, what would he do with an upstart who can’t follow orders? Then you put yourself in positions whereby you could bring yourself and the army into disrepute?”

“It’s not my fault those girls are making my life hell.”

Maisie squeezed Tammy’s hand. “He’ll say there’s one easy way to deal with it.”

“Yeah, confine me to base. Perhaps it’s best he doesn’t find out?”

“Don’t forget you told him you had resigned?”

“Ah, that could cause a problem?”

“Yes, Tammy, resolve it.”

“He wasn’t like this when we were on the island.”

“Tammy dear, you were effectively a local expert, placed there by the Colonel and other seniors, he had to work with you. You were also on good terms with the Duke and Duchess, that goes a long way to keeping you respected out there, and during the debriefs. But, we’re home now and SNAFU applies. You cannot risk an incident or the Colonel will be forced to put you through officer training or bust you to a Private. Either way you lose any plans you had as well as any special relations you have with the intelligence services or the Royal Family.”

“That bad, Maisie?”

“Yes, Tammy, be prepared to get on your knees and beg.”

“Metaphorically?”

Maisie looked directly into Tammy’s eyes. “Physically, if necessary.”. They hugged. “I love you.”

Maisie went to get them both a glass of water. Tammy waited until she was calm then tried to contact Colonel MacTaggart, but his phone was off. Her options were limited, none of her friends could fix this. She called Geoff Traeger on her secure mobile, he wasn’t surprised.

“Captain, I was hoping you would call?”

“Yes, sir?”

“What are you doing next week?”

“Revision for my university exams, but there’s no classes.”

“Good. You can report to Catterick on Monday for training.”

Tammy wanted to object, wanted to talk to Traeger as an equal, but he wasn’t and he knew it.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Bring that Flight Lieutenant with you.”

“Sorry Sir, but aren’t you seeing her on Saturday in Aberdeen?”

“Change of plan, I’m going away in the morning for a few days. Please let the Lieutenant know. Check your email in an hour.”

“Yes, sir.”

The call ended. Maisie walked in with two glasses.

Tammy placed her mobile on the desk. “I’m not sure what happened?”

“I heard you say ‘Yes, Sir’ three times as I came up the stairs. So, he gave an order and you accepted it? ”

“That sounds right.” Tammy repeated the conversation.

“Was my name mentioned?”

“No,

“Are we still going to Aberdeen?”

“I guess so, you wanted to see your Dad?”

“Yes, Tammy. This isn’t important right now, bring your glass and help me with lunch.

“Yes dear, no dear, three bags full, dear!”

-o-

Tammy logged into her secure email once she was fed and watered.

 
Tammy looked at the bottom line, so Traeger was a DSM – Distinguished Service Medal – holder? Her eye then flew up to the top, spotting the D/Capt – so was she deputising? What was her status?

She tried to put a positive spin on things when she showed this to Maisie.

“You only met Marcus once, didn’t you?”

“At that NATO place?”

“Yes, but you saw how he was trying to mess me about?”

“Sure, but what’s the relevance to this?”

“The Colonel wanted me on board but I was already involved with the intelligence service and the Americans by then. He left the arrangements to Marcus Wade who did his best to screw me.”

“He didn’t, though?”

“No, he didn’t. The thing is Marcus did very little training with me, and some of that went wrong, so my records are probably awful. I wonder if Traeger is trying to put that right?”

“Possibly, but to what end?”

“I’m not sure, Maisie, but I hope it’s for the right reasons and I’m not dealing with another idiot?”

“Hadn’t you best work out your travel and let him know?”

“Yeah.”

-o-

The two girls flew into Aberdeen Friday teatime and checked into the Travelodge. Arrangements had been made for them to eat together that evening in a family restaurant attached to the hotel. It was noisy, but that afforded the four some privacy.

“I don’t want to go?”

“Sorry, Lizzie, but that’s how it is. Didn’t you get orders as well?”

“Someone brought them from the barracks. I was having coffee with Jeremy at the airport café at the time so it was a little awkward when the Corporal saluted!”

“At least you received orders?”

“Yes, but they are Army orders and I’m still RAF?”

“Commander Traeger is S.B.S. We're in a Joint Task Force, Lizzy. Certainly you've heard of those before.”

“Well yeah, but Monday’s a Bank Holiday so my usual trainer is off, but I was planning to do a solo flight.”

“That can wait. I’m hoping it’ll only be a few days.”

“Oh come on! Jeremy’s asked me to see his parents next Friday night.”

“Lizzie, be careful, very careful. You cannot risk a relationship and definitely not a serious relationship.”

“Says the person who shagged her trainer, Tammy?”

“And just exactly where did you hear that?”

“One of the SAS told me. Well?”

“Now is not the time, neither is it your business, Lizzie.”

“So don’t lecture me about relationships.”

“We need to have a talk about professionalism, Flight Lieutenant.”

Thomas Staines shook his head. “Ladies, I don’t care what’s going on but I also don’t want to hear it at a dinner table and most certainly not in a public area!”

Maisie did her best not to giggle as Tammy and Lizzie obeyed the retired Staff Sergeant. Eventually Thomas went to the loo, Tammy took Lizzie outside whilst Maisie minded the table.

“Firstly, you are attending a civilian course, but you remain a serving member of the armed forces and I am your commanding officer. Your comments in there were not appropriate. Understood?”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Good, Lizzie, now I get the feeling that Commander Traeger doesn’t like the arrangement we have here.”

“It’s not regular army, or RAF, for sure.”

“I know, but the regulars wouldn’t be able to gain the skills I have and those that you are going to have.”

“Which I appreciate but I still don’t know why I’m doing this?”

“And I’m not sure we can tell Traeger. What do you know about your last medical?”

“There was a question, they said they might want me to do another fasting blood test?”

“You have a hormonal imbalance caused by a genetic variation.”

“You’ve been told, why not me?”

“I was sent a copy of your medical report as I’m your immediate superior, but I have a copy in the hotel room for you.”

“Okay, but what is it, and will it affect me?”

“We’ll have a chat tomorrow, but carry on as before.”

Tammy and Maisie walked back to their hotel room, waiting until they were inside before saying anything. They sat on the bed, holding each other.

“Is Lizzie stupid, Tammy?”

“Hormonal yes, but as for stupidity – I don’t know.”

“So she’s allowing this boy to make the moves because she thinks she needs it?”

“Perhaps. Don’t forget she still has an unresolved plumbing issue and I have no idea if she’s seeing a gender counsellor yet.”

“Wouldn’t you be automatically told?”

“No, but my guess is that she wouldn’t know how to book one privately, plus she’s probably still registered with Dr Adi in Thurso?”

“My dad doesn’t know about her?”

“No, and shouldn’t know about me, Maisie”

“I think he does.”

“Oh?”

“Marcus told him, apparently.”

“He’s never said anything?”

“No, Tammy, because any grandchild would be our offspring and not someone else’s.”

“I see.” That earned Maisie a kiss.

“Family matters to him. He already thought you were weird and Marcus did try to muddy the waters but Dad has thought it through. He knows Mum would have liked you.”

That earned Maisie another kiss. “It’s been a long day, my dear, let’s turn in.”

-o-

The three girls and Thomas had a working breakfast on Saturday morning then Tammy and Lizzie went up to the hotel room to talk, whilst Maisie went with her father.

“So what’s my medical problem?”

“You have borderline androgen insensitivity syndrome according to Major Dearing’s report. In your case it seems your body wasn’t processing your naturally produced testosterone so any female hormones would have a better chance to influence your development. Now that you are on a hormone prescription that changed your blood chemistry a little. It doesn’t, however, reduce your fitness but you might need to work a little harder to keep your fitness levels up.”

“I have been getting tired more quickly since I was on the hormones.”

“So check your diet. I know you received a fitness programme, diet and exercise regime from the course, along with the other materials.”

“Yes, I have them packed away.”

“You were given them for a reason. Get them out and try to stick to it, you’ll get energy but no extra fat. Maisie and I brought some stuff with us.”

“Thomas likes to cook, but I get what he likes and there isn’t a great variety.”

“Maisie will help educate him.”

“Okay, how am I getting to this army base?”

“I’ll fly into Teeside tomorrow so I’ll collect you just after lunch.”

“Can’t I just fly back with you tonight?”

“I only have the two seater here and the second seat is needed by Maisie as she needs to be home tonight.”

“Well, stay for lunch tomorrow?”

“Okay. Make sure you have your dress uniform available, a set of combats and running gear? We’ll visit the base stores if you need more.”

“Okay, can we get on base tomorrow?”

“I’m not sure, so I’ve booked two rooms at a hotel just outside the base.”

“Okay, at least it’s not on base?”

“I’ve provisionally booked the hotel for the whole week, but we can wait and see. We’ll be using my two-seater plane so you’ll have to use a duffel or sports bag as a suitcase won’t fit in the space.”

“Will I be expected to swim?”

“I honestly don’t know, find a one piece outfit that cover you.”

“I’m not comfortable shopping for things like that, and Thomas is no help!”

A large supermarket was ten minutes walk away so the pair set off.

“You haven’t mentioned your parent’s place, Lizzie, what’s happening?”

“I asked a solicitor to handle it for me seeing I was going to be out of the country and now I’m up here. They will photograph everything, ask me what can be sold or junked and what needs to go into storage. So far we’ve done the ground floor. Once the building is clear then we’ll put it on the market, but it’ll be the summer before I see any of the money.”

“Okay, but don’t go spending it in case you need to buy somewhere.”

“Don’t worry, Thomas has said the same but he has never owned a place as he’d been in the army since he was sixteen.”

“Have you had your bonus for the deployment?”

“The five thousand? I don’t know where that came from.”

“Don’t worry, you earned it because the right folk noticed.”

The store was busy this Saturday morning of a Bank Holiday weekend, so the kids were plentiful. Lizzie wasn’t comfortable but Tammy pushed her across to the clothing section. The choice of swimsuits wasn’t great but Lizzie did find one that would help cover up anything that wasn’t supposed to show.

“Pick up a pack or two of cheap undies, don’t take anything decent with you.”

“Good idea, Tammy.”

The camping section of the store had large waterproof bags that Tammy felt would work for Lizzie. She stocked up with toiletries, keeping to the simple theme, along with a roll of clear bags that could be sealed airtight.

“In case the shampoo gets damaged, I once had shampoo go through my entire bag, ruining everything. I was on my way to a training week at the time.”

Lizzie paid and the pair started to walk back to Tammy’s hotel.

“What’s the point of this time at Catterick, Tammy?”

“I wish I knew, Lizzie, because I have very little information. It’s fortunate that I don’t have college next week but I am supposed to revise for the end of year exams.”

“And I’m supposed to be doing revision myself as the training school is closed for the week.”

“You hadn’t mentioned this?”

“I figured I could get down to Edinburgh or Glasgow, or even head down South.”

“That would have been very stupid, Lizzie, as if we had needed to deploy you would have been unexpectedly unavailable – that is less than ideal, at best, and outright irresponsible at worst. You would also find yourself on a charge, although I still don’t know how to process that.”

“But I’m on a civilian course?”

“And you are still a serving lieutenant. You might not be on a base being told what to do and when to do it, but you are not a free agent. If you wanted leave you should have asked. I suggest you complete the current training then take a few weeks off.”

“I’m almost done with the single engine training and should have my private pilot's licence in a few weeks. My medical is on the seventeenth and my exam is later the same day.”

“When did you know that?”

“I had a text last night, it wasn’t worth mentioning.”

“Not good enough. Don’t assume that I’ve been told, but do assume I need to know, Lizzie. What are you doing next?”

“AIS and night certification. I’m also getting my military rotary licence converted and I’ll practice with the Bell that the school has.”

“Just keep me informed, please.”

“Sure, Tammy.”

Shiraz on Kindle

Alecia Snowfall on Kindle

Tammyverse Book 14   Rank Stupidity   Chapter 3 of 5 Standards     Shiraz & Snowfall © 2023

 
Tammyverse Book 14 - Rank Stupidity
 
Note. This story is set in 2018, prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth. This is a work of fiction but a number of real people, places, and institutions are mentioned in fictitious circumstances. In short it's a story!

 
 

Chapter 3 – Standards

Sunday 6th May 2018

Tammy had a full tank of fuel by the time she took off from Wick, aiming once again for Aberdeen. Lizzie was waiting airside with her bag which Tammy loaded into her plane, dropping a tracker tag into a deep external pocket, just in case.

Thomas was waiting with an surplus army Landrover that Tammy hadn’t seen before.

“It’s got a good engine that will go for years, I collected it yesterday afternoon, after you’d left.”

“Okay, where to?”

“Home. I’ve made lunch, it’s just gone into the oven.”

Tammy was pleased that the apartment was clean and clearly well looked after. Lunch turned out to be a very light home-made quiche with a dressed salad. It was close enough to her diet and Tammy was also pleased there were no deep fried sides. She did, however, suspect that Thomas would have a substantial meal later, after the girls had left.

“I forgot to say, the army has settled my final pay, including a lump sum I hadn’t expected. As of last week, my pension is also dropping into my bank account, that was a lot easier than I expected.”

“So you were easily able to afford the car?”

“Yes, I have never liked using credit so I waited until I had the cash available.”

“A good plan.

He dropped the girls back at the airport at two, Tammy first needed to book her flight to Teeside International and check the weather. Lizzie had flown in Katie, Tammy’s commercial plane, several times but this would be a first time in the two seater CzechSport. Whilst Lizzie was fussing, Tammy set her squawk code.

“Strap in, I’ll get the checks done.”

It was another fifteen minutes before Tammy made her way to the end of the runway, having had to give way to ‘bucket and spade’ flights to and from the Mediterranean beaches. She had instructions to clear the local airspace quickly, rising to 9,000ft turning due South on a heading of 180 degrees.

It certainly wasn’t a quiet flight and the westerly winds at that altitude were buffeting the small plane.

“Tammy, is this safe?”

“Sure.”

Lizzie had been scanning the controls when she finally spotting the active squawk box.

“That’s military?”

“It lets me take this plane into restricted airspace, nothing more than that. It’s not fun having a pair of fast jets come alongside because they don’t believe who you are?”

“I see. It’s just not normal.”

“You’re not wrong, Lizzie.”

The radio burst into life.

“Tartan One this is Viper One.”

“Viper One, this is Tartan One, how are you keeping?”

“Just fine, going somewhere, ladies?”

“South, on business.”

Lizzie was confused, so turned her head to look port and starboard. “How does he know?”

The reply came even though nothing had been broadcast. “Viper One is in the cloud a few miles ahead of you, young lady, and you don’t want to know how we know!” On cue an Apache climbed into view with a barrel roll and launched flares while inverted. A second Apache now made their presence known and did the same. "That's Die Nasty on my Six. Say howdy."

A female voice laughed. "It's Dynasty. Hey there Tartan."

“Nice to meet you Dynasty, safe flight. Tartan One out.”

“Acknowledged, have a good flight. Viper One Out.”

Both gunships rolled over and dove down out of sight.

“Was that the same pilot, the first one, as we saw out of Benson? We are on a civvie flight, aren’t we?”

“It may be, but you will not tell anyone what you saw. They were never there, understood?”

“Oh.”

An hour later Tammy brought the plane down at Teeside, heading directly to the fuel stand.

“Why do that now?”

“A quicker exit, whenever I leave. Let’s make our logbook entries and find somewhere to park up.”

There was a hire car waiting for Tammy once they eventually exited the terminal. Tammy drove across to Richmond and checked in at the Premier Inn just outside the main gate into Catterick Garrison.

Tammy hesitated telling Traeger that she was effectively on site but decided she would wait to see whether he had access to that kind of intelligence. Lizzie’s room was further down the corridor so Tammy felt comfortable that she had privacy, although it was likely that the walls wouldn’t be thick enough to have a secure conversation. Her room was otherwise typical of two and three star hotels across the globe – functional but plain.

Dinner options were the attached restaurant or the adjacent Foxglove pub. Tammy decided the alcohol wasn’t a good idea for either of them that evening, so went for the Brewers Fayre family restaurant, opting for the non-diet Sunday roast on the assumption that she’d need the energy over the next twenty four hours.

-o-

On Monday Lizzie joined Tammy for a light breakfast but wasn’t in uniform, she was sent back to her room to change. Tammy drove to the main gatehouse having fortunately allowed a little extra time knowing how any incompetence at the gate would be blamed on herself.

Naturally her civilian hire vehicle was subjected to a full search. Tammy was armed, though left her Glocks with the aircraft, but a metal detecting wand was still applied to her. The MadDog up her sleeve went undetected. As the wand approached her groin she knocked it away.

“Corporal, I will have you on a charge of sexual assault. I am not armed, regardless of any official notice that claims otherwise. I am due to meet officers at exactly nine so I suggest you conclude this otherwise your army career will be very short!”

They were moving less than a minute later, once a temporary site permit had been issued for their vehicle. Tammy then successfully remembered the way to the Broadsword unit.

“Come on, Lizzie, let’s see what horrors await.”

They walked through the door at 0859hrs. The desk sergeant waiting inside stood and saluted.

Both returned his salute and Tammy announced them. “Captain Smart and Lieutenant Harrison for Commander Traeger.”

The sergeant checked a log and nodded. "Captain, the Colonel would like to see you. Lieutenant, you’re needed for medical. A corporal will show you. Captain, please follow me.”

Tammy followed the sergeant as they went down a level and along a long walkway to the very end. She turned her phone off as she walked, guessing that there wouldn’t be any signal at this level. He left Tammy outside the last room and walked away. She knocked.

“Enter.”

Tammy entered and saluted. She wasn’t entirely surprised to be in a darkened meeting room, it seemed to be an ongoing theme. Various personnel was present but only Sean MacTaggart spoke.

“Sit by me, Tammy. We have work to do, we need to fix a few things.”

“I’d guessed that much, Colonel.”

“Indeed. Let me introduce you to the others present, most of whom you will know.”

A bank of monitors now came on, Tammy recognised Paul Dannigan, Sir Thomas Addington and DCI Emily Keane. The fourth face was American military and unknown to her.

“Captain Smart, I’m General Hubert Jenkins of the US DoD London liaison office.”

Sean picked up the conversation. “As you will recall, Tammy, and as all of the assembled will know, you were promoted to Captain at the start of Operation Jewel. For a variety of reasons that couldn’t be a substantive promotion at the time, something that now needs to be remedied.”

“So I lose the rank?”

“Yes and no, it isn’t as simple as that.”

“Nothing ever is, Colonel.”

“Under the normal turn of events you would go back to Sandhurst for training, but you have never been there.”

“Correct. ”

“Your personal issues during Operation Jewel were reported back through a variety of channels and they reached the desk of an officer in the Ministry of Defence. That caused your file to be opened and I ended up with a bunch of questions I couldn’t resolve. I asked Commander Traeger to investigate a solution that met everyone’s requirements.”

“Okay, is anyone suggesting I couldn’t do the job?”

“Not as such, but you haven’t demonstrated the competences.”

“In fact I have had limited training with the Army, although my fitness, endurance and range skills have been regularly tested. I have however stepped up to any challenge, Sir.”

“That has been noted, several times. Now, whilst Traeger was looking for a solution I received a notice from the General. Hubert?”

“Thank you Sean. A week or so ago I was informed that Captain Smart had personally detained two terrorists who had evaded capture by the US Coastguard, and co-ordinated the detention of arms suppliers in Freeport. All of that was in addition to her stated role of protecting the Royal visitors and liaising with local personnel.”

Tammy shrugged. “Just work.”

“Work well done, Captain Smart. I am authorised by the Department of Defense to issue a citation acknowledging that you performed over and above your orders, resulting in safer waters. I’m also told that your participation gave the local Coastguard a morale boost, twice?”

“I was grateful for their liaison, Sir.”

“And that was noted, although not included in the citation. That citation should be with you in a few days.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“There is one other matter I can deal with. I hereby authorise Major Paul Dannigan as a NATO certified training assessor for the twelve month period June first 2017 to May thirty-first 2018. Will you relay that, Colonel Preston?”

It took Tammy a second to catch that the General didn’t know that Dannigan was, Dannigan.

Dannigan nodded. "Certainly, General. Thank you for understanding the need on such short notice."

He saluted, which Dannigan returned, as did the other armed forces personnel. General Jenkins screen went dark.

Tammy wondered how many aliases Paul Dannigan had, also what his true rank was? This was a complication she hadn’t expected but would have to consider lest compromise operational security. Just one more thing to deal with.

“So, Tammy, the Americans have issued an official accredited certificate relating to your deputising rank.” Sean stated.

“That’ll look nice framed in my office.”

“Quite. Commander Traeger however would see that anything like that is confiscated until you prove yourself worthy of the rank.”

“I suspected as much, Colonel, but short of going through initial selection for officer school at Sandhurst, what do we do?”

“Sir Thomas?”

“The Duke and Duchess have advised me that you are being considered for a Queen’s Gallantry Medal.”

“Does my work qualify for a Queen’s Gallantry Medal?”

“According to their Highnesses, it does.”

“Oh, that would complicate matters?”

“Yes, Tammy.”

“Thank you, Sir Thomas, but that still doesn’t fix matters?”

“Maybe not, but your recent apprehension of terrorists in Scotland had brought your name to the attention of others, some of whom already knew about you. Emily?”

Tammy noted that Paul Dannigan’s screen was still active although he had slipped away, next up was DCI Keane.

“Tammy, I’ve been keeping an eye out for your name, especially as I was the one who signed off your firearms licence!” She coughed then continued. “The operation in Scotland, although it had very personal ramifications, wasn’t done with malice or with any egotism. That is a very professional attitude despite some very extraordinary circumstances. I have also become aware of other recent counter-terrorism operations that you have been involved in and I have written to Colonel MacTaggart accordingly. We don’t thank people enough and your thanks is overdue Tammy.”

Tammy nodded. Sir Thomas took over. DCI Keane’s screen went dark.

“So, young lady, we have an even bigger problem. Your fan club is global, although we haven’t heard from New Zealand recently.”

“Indeed, I yet discovered how the local magistrate handled a certain former Captain.”

“Best stay away from that, Tammy, he’s bad news.”

“Sir Thomas, it doesn’t matter if I stay away, he still goes after me! It is personal and I need to keep abreast of what he’s doing – for my own safety.”

“Let others deal with him.”

“I think you missed the point..”

Colonel MacTaggart coughed. “That is the wrong reason to be involved. We can order you to leave this matter, and that’s not an excuse to run around our backs young lady.” Sean reminded.

“Aye, Sir.”

“Nevertheless, on one hand we have a multitude of senior personnel agreeing that you’re special and that you get the job done, whilst on the other hand the standard sections of your army file have more holes than Swiss Cheese.” Sir Thomas remarked. “I’ve seen it!”

“Yes, yes, so how do we deal with that, or do I transfer to a US command?”

Tammy had spotted Dannigan return, papers in hand.

“That had been a consideration, Miss Smart, but your logistics wouldn’t have allowed it. You would have to relocate.”

Tammy shrugged and turned to Sean MacTaggart. “I hope there’s a plan, Sir?”

“There is, but you might not like it.”

“Go on?”

“Although I hadn’t been on Ram’s Rock Island; I have been kept informed of the training package that you have undertaken.”

“They push me hard.”

“Correct. Some of the exercises are purely to develop stamina and skills but some also test leadership. Paul?”

“Yes, Sean, and, Tammy, the reports from your last two visits to Ram’s Rock have been sent to me for analysis. The question of leadership is key as otherwise you could be just an extremely fit grunt.”

“So how did I do?”

“Adequate.”

“Adequate?”

“You met the standards. I have been authorized by the DoD to adjudicate that you met the standards for leadership, independant operation, firearms, fitness, amphibious and air training. Jump and Air Assault schools. You gained the respect of junior officers you had only just met, managed deployments to gather intelligence and render terrorists non-viable, on the fly. With the new authorization I can submit this in terms of a NATO cross-service appraisal, which Commander Traeger can process into your UK records. Shuffling and restacking the deck in your favor, as it were.”

“As it were. Thank you, Sir.”

The Colonel took over.

“That’s part of the jigsaw, lassie, but the pen-pushers will want more. Starting this afternoon you will have a crash course in army command and control methodology. You won’t agree with it, but it isn’t a debate. These are basic skills and knowledge you need. You will listen, learn and retain.”

“Will I learn how to put someone on a charge?”

“That would have been a part of your lieutenant training, if you had done that.”

“Whose idea was it to give me the rank of Lieutenant originally?”

“Wade.”

Tammy noted that the rank and first name had been omitted.

“What was the whole point of giving me a pseudo rank?”

“Wade convinced me it would be a temporary arrangement whilst you were evaluated. Some corners were cut.”

“Which is why we ended up here today?”

“Correct, Tammy, let’s close this down.”

Paul Dannigan had already gone but Sir Thomas was listening and watching.

“Indeed, Sean. I believe I’m owed a bottle Tammy?”

“Sorry, Sir, I’ll get that organised although I did send half a case to the No Name Club recently?”

“Favouritism?”

“Just getting into credit, Sir.” Seeing the dubious look, Tammy amended. "I could write off a larger amount as a business expense."

“I see, well that confession doesn't sting. I have other things to do, good day.”

Over an hour had passed so the pair retreated to the Colonel’s office at ground level for coffee and biscuits. Traeger joined them.

“I’m sorry, Geoff, that you weren’t a part of the earlier briefing, but you weren’t cleared for some of the content.”

“But Captain Smart is?”

“She also works with other agencies outside of the military, several of those were represented today. For your ears only, Captain Smart is set to receive a QGM and a citation from the US Department of Defense following Operation Jewel and other recent incidents,”

“I see. That’s not public?”

“The QGM may be made public but the citation isn’t. Both refer to Captain Smart.”

“Which clouds the issue?”

“No Geoff, see to it that it doesn’t. Later today, latest tomorrow, you will have leadership assessments for the Captain from a NATO accredited assessor. Your job is to ensure Tammy’s record includes the necessary information for her to know … how do you put it, dear?”

“Marching and farting to order, Sir.”

“Appropriate for the rank, of course.”

Geoff Traeger clearly didn’t want the task. “How much time do I have to bring her up to our standards?”

“I’m guessing you wanted the whole week and possibly next week as well?”

“I was thinking of three months, Sir.”

“No. This is not a training package to be delivered across multiple areas, you simply need to ensure Tammy can pass herself as a Captain should that be necessary?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Tammy, what’s your deadline?”

“Maisie is being inseminated at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Friday at ten in the morning.”

“And you’d like to be there?”

“Yes.”

“Out of interest, what does next week look like?”

“End of year exams for my criminology degree.”

“So there’s no way we would demand your presence?”

“My university life has been disrupted enough as it is, Sir, although I guess a pandemic or other national emergency would release me?”

Geoff Traeger wasn’t impressed. “A pandemic, pah! The Army would swing into action before any infection could get a foothold. We won’t be hit again like that Spanish Flu in 1918.”

“Tammy, Geoff, can I suggest you start work? A word of advice, Commander, I see no point in wasting time on a fitness test as I suspect she’s fitter than you.”

“Sir.”

As Tammy left the room, following Traeger, she remembered Lizzie.

“I’d like to check on my Lieutenant?”

“Can it wait for an hour or so? She’ll be available for lunch.”

He stopped and entered a training room, or at least that’s what Tammy assumed it was. She was invited to close the door behind her.

“Now, Captain ….?”

“Please, call me Tammy. I feel we can get this done easier if we drop the pomp and circumstance.”

“No, Captain, and let me explain.”

Tammy rolled her eyes, took a seat and folded her arms.

“Stand when I’m talking!”

“Geoff, you’re as bad as Marcus if you think you can bully me into submission. There’s just the two of us here so you don’t have to show off or justify yourself. I suggest you relax before that coronary walks up behind you?”

He picked up a book and slammed it onto the table in front of her before leaving the room.

Tammy waited a minute before picking up the book in question, an autobiography. The book covered the early career of a man who would eventually become a General in the UK Army. Tammy began to read.

As she made her way through this soldier’s story she applied the scenarios to her own early history with the Army, starting with the range in Hythe and then the exercise at Wattisham, as well as her prior visits to Catterick.

There were gaps, of course: she had never marched anywhere, let alone in sync with any bodily functions. She had, however, directed troops, shown inspiration and taken the flack for errors. She continued reading, becoming engrossed.

-o-

It was gone midday when the door opened. Tammy had expected Traeger to return but was surprised to see Lizzie. She ran towards Tammy.

“Oh, they were horrible!”

“What?”

“They took some blood then sent me to this little room. I’ve just done three hours with a shrink.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, but your name came up several times.”

“In what regard?”

“Did I trust you? Had you known I was trans when you were at RAF Benson? Did you force me to come out? Was I pretending to get close to you? That kind of stuff.”

“That’s a problem, but what’s the issue?”

“Search me, Tammy, did you have any ideas?”

“I’m suffering from rank stupidity right now but there’s no direct threat. Let’s get lunch.”

Tammy was intercepted on the way to the mess and offered her own arm for several vials of the red stuff.

“Sorry Captain, we were meant to do this earlier. Can you and your lieutenant be here at eight in the morning, before breakfast? We’ll be checking for any underlying issues.”

“Sure, so what is today’s for?”

“Drug and alcohol abuse. Everyone on base is being screened.”

“Fine, but she was screened a week ago at Gordon Barracks.”

“I’m aware, we’ll do a side-by-side comparison to see if the issue is stable or changing.”

“Understood.”

The pair walked out of the Medical Unit, Tammy noted that they were both in dress uniform, whereas most around her were in fatigues. The uniform had served its purpose so far but she wanted to change. They arrived at the mess building and Tammy pushed Lizzie towards the officer’s mess.

They were seated in a far corner, Tammy wondered if that was due to herself or the lieutenant but didn’t question the waiter. They went for salads and were just about finished when Major Elliot approached.

“I’s told y' had a field promotion?”

“Aye, Major. That was quite unexpected.”

“Make y'self available, sixteen -'undred hours, I b'lieve y' know the room.”

Tammy took an educated guess. “I’ll be there.”

As the Major walked away Lizzie leaned over. “I’m guessing you know what that’s about?”

“Yes, and it’s above your pay grade.”

“Okay, so I guess I’m not invited. I have no idea what I’m doing here though? Apart from being grilled by a shrink?”

“Things will become clearer, probably.”

“Yeah, otherwise I’m wasting my time here.”

“Come back with me, if they want you they’ll find you.”

They were back in the training room ten minutes later. It wasn’t long before Traeger arrived.

“What did the Major want?”

“I’m needed for a briefing.”

“What briefing?”

“I’m sorry Commander, but I don’t believe you’re cleared. It’s for the same reason you were excluded this morning, it’s not personal.”

“It’s up to me to decide if you’re available?”

“Commander, I also work with the Security Service and other executive agencies from time to time on non-military matters. Those are definitely not a part of your remit. I wonder, however, if that isn’t part of the problem?”

“Meaning?”

“I’m twenty one years old and I’m female. I guess that makes you uncomfortable?”

He kept quiet.

“Let me continue. I also have the full support of senior officers from multiple units and armed services, as well as civilian intelligence agencies. My work is applauded and rewarded. How am I doing?”

He nodded.

“Now onto the negatives: I was drafted, for someone’s convenience, directly into an officer rank and have since been promoted without having to endure anyone in a pompous uniform making my life hell for a year or two. My work methodology is unconventional, bordering on illegal, but I take the risks and get the job done. My skill set is not necessarily in my file as yet although I’m capable of handling situations that you’re not. How am I doing?”

Another nod.

“So you are fighting all your own training and experience, plus the many years it took to reach your rank, against this upstart who apparently gets everything given to her on a plate for smiling or showing a bit of leg?”

“A bikini is not an approved uniform, regardless of what the Americans said.”

“So do you wear a uniform because you are required, because you’re expected to do so?”

“Yes, of course.”

“So do I, but I have a much wider range of uniforms available to me. I can put myself, and only myself, into situations that you would require a platoon to enter. I have training for insertion.”

“That’s a special forces skill.”

“Yes, and I have trained with UK and American officers over the past few years. What you see here is not what you get, Commander.”

“I see.”

“As I said this morning, work with me please. We can achieve more if you drop the pretence of me being one of your regiment who can’t keep in step.”

“It was suggested you were only playing along?”

Tammy smiled. “If I gave that impression it was to test them, believe me I have more than one way of presenting myself. If you had stopped and actually asked me about myself, especially whilst we were on the island, we wouldn’t be having this conversation now.”

“That’s not how the Royal Marines or SBS work.”

“This isn't the Royal Marines or SBS. As I reminded Lizzie recently, this is a Joint Task Force. Nothing is regular here. We all come from different places but must adapt or be unable to cope with developing situations. Let me tell you a story – two years ago there was a terrorist attack in a coffee shop in the West End.”

“Everyone got out alive, somehow.”

“All of the hostages, yes. I killed at least one of the attackers.”

“What were you doing there?”

“Strange as it may seem, having a coffee.”

“With a firearm?”

“Legally issued, I can assure you, because I have been the subject of multiple assassination attempts.”

“There was trouble at the inquest, I'd heard.”

“Me again. My solicitor was killed in front of me, I was going to be next, so I took out his murderer. That was a civilian matter in that case, not terrorism.”

“But you’re here? You killed and yet you’re free?”

“Both were justifiable, I was defending myself and otherwise would myself be deceased.”

“Did you bring a weapon onto the base?”

“I did not bring any firearms with me to Catterick. I had hoped it not necessary.”

Traeger went silent.

“What? You assumed I was armed?”

“I regret to say that the MPs have searched your rooms at the hotel searching for illegal weapons.”

“I won't even bother asking who authorized that. Lizzie, we’re leaving.”

“Jeez, Tammy, they really don’t like you.” She turned to Traeger. “You don’t get Tammy do you, you allowed the military police to break into our rooms with an invented justification, that won’t be forgiven.”

“Lieutenant, I don’t care to be spoken to like that.”

“Piss off, you misogynistic prick. I guess you’re pleased that you care for your own soldiers but Tammy isn’t one of those, is she? So you let them stamp all over her. I hope you’re proud of that uniform.”

The girls exited and briskly made their way across to the hire car, which thankfully was exactly where she’d left it. It was, however, unlocked.

“My guess is they searched the car as well.”

Tammy could see an audience gathering, including an MP. She dropped to the pavement and used the flashlight on her phone to scan the underside of the vehicle. It didn’t take long for a small black box to be identified. Against her training she reached and snagged it.

“This is war!”

She dropped it on the ground and stamped on it.

“Come on, Lizzie.”

The engine started first time and they rolled towards the guardhouse. The barrier raised as they reached it and she received a salute. A few minutes later they were parked outside the hotel. Tammy and Lizzie dashed up the stairs, finding the doors were, at least, closed. Inside Tammy could see clearly that someone had searched through her belongings. For this trip she hadn’t brought any offensive equipment so there would have been nothing to find. She roughly packed her bag and had reached her door just as someone tapped on it.

“Tammy, I don’t feel safe here.” Lizzie also had her bag.

“I agree, let’s go.”

Back at ground level Tammy looked for a member of staff, finding one in reception.

“I’d like to know who allowed our rooms to be violated?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

“So you’re complicit? I want a full refund, every single penny. I’ll also make certain that you are out of a job before the day is out.”

“That’s a threat, and I’ll have to ask you to leave the building or I’m calling the police.”

Tammy smiled. “That wasn’t a threat, that was a promise. How would you feel if a military policeman searched your knickers?”

“But I’m married to ….”

“Oh dear, oh dear.”

Shiraz on Kindle

Alecia Snowfall on Kindle

Tammyverse Book 14   Rank Stupidity   Chapter 4 of 5 Leaks     Shiraz & Snowfall © 2023

 
Tammyverse Book 14 - Rank Stupidity
 
Note. This story is set in 2018, prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth. This is a work of fiction but a number of real people, places, and institutions are mentioned in fictitious circumstances. In short it's a story!

 
 

Chapter 4 – Leaks

Monday 7th May 2018 (Continued)

The girls, plus the Colonel, were airside at Teeside Airport, well away from the Catterick base and that afternoon's mayhem. Tammy had taken the opportunity to return the hire car as she couldn’t yet be certain who had attached the tracker, or whether there was a second one.

“You are always in the middle of trouble, lassie.”

“Maybe, Uncle Sean, but I didn’t cause these incidents.”

“Aye, but someone did, and they’ll pay for it. Please leave it with me.”

“Look, Geoff Traeger told me that our rooms had been turned over, so he knew what had been said and I guess he went along with it and must have known in advance?”

“Tell me what happened?”

Between Tammy and Lizzie they recounted almost word for word what had been said, sincluding Lizzie’s encounter with the shrink.

“I’m sorry, Sir, but Geoff Traeger wants to treat me as a regular and would happily have me confined to barracks. Let me be clear I want to work with him, someone, to work out what training I still need and what protocols I should already know. You know I’m a part-timer but not an official Territorial officer and my army induction into Broadsword was a means to an end.”

“So you think he misunderstood my orders?”

“Effectively, yes, but had he already been fed misinformation about me, before we even broke for lunch? Additionally, when I was asked by Major Elliot to attend this afternoon’s briefing, the Commander just wouldn’t accept that I could be there but he couldn’t?”

“Please don’t jump to any conclusions, and as I just said, let me handle this.” The Colonel walked a short distance away with his phone in his hand.

Tammy now took an opportunity to retrieve an item from her plane and was wearing it in a holster under her jacket, although it wouldn’t have helped resolve the earlier issues.

Her phone buzzed with an encrypted call.

“Smart.”

“Well, here's another fine mess you've gotten into?”

“Oh dear, Krystel, are you a Laurel and Hardy fan?”

“Nope, but the catchphrase is appropriate.”

“Sure, I’m getting a whiff of the Marcus Wade and Kyle Fielding fan clubs over here.”

“Sounds reasonable, but what are you going to do?”

“Let someone else clear it up?”

“Good call, Tammy girl, you have other matters to handle.”

“The briefing, I guess you know about that?”

“Right. You get your invite this time?”

“Yes, from a Major, but the Commander was a little pissed that he’s not invited.”

“What’s his issue?”

“I called him out a few hours ago and told him what he wouldn’t tell himself.”

“Such as?”

“That I’m two decades younger, I have never been to officer training but am still multi-skilled, plus I have access to lots of folk and, best of all, I’m a girl. ”

“Read 'How to win friends' backwards?”

“Look, if I was going to work with him I would need to know he’s on my side. Right now all I can see is that he was waving the same flag as me but was also using it as a lance. That’s not friendly.”

“Sounds like a fair point. Say it is; what now?”

“Hopefully the Colonel can square this and the week can get back to normal?”

“Go with that and switch to satellite.”

“Sure.”

Sean MacTaggart walked over. “It would seem that someone put a false intel report into the Military Police system so they reacted to that.”

“Colonel, I’m not buying it.”

“I don’t blame you, it probably feels personal.”

“It is personal, I was targeted.”

“True, so that’s a good reason to leave it for others to investigate?”

“So they can cover it up?”

“No Tammy, they won’t. On that you have my word. I will however ask you to submit your report by email when you get home.”

Tammy and Lizzie left their bags in the plane then spoke to airport security.

“That may be a private plane but I am not here in a private capacity. I hope you can assure me that nothing will happen to it in the hour or two that I’m gone.”

“Certainly, ma’am.”

They then joined Colonel MacTaggart for a ride back to Catterick; they were waved through the gate.

Lizzie followed the other two as far as the same meeting room that Tammy had inhabited that morning. The Colonel only realised this as he reached for the door handle.

“Ah, Lieutenant?”

“Yes?”

“I’m not sure you’re cleared.”

Tammy intervened. “Given the recent events, where do we leave her? Right now there’s a risk that the MPs could decide to take her apart as well. We need to retrieve that shrink’s report from this morning as I doubt it was done with good intent; Meanwhile Lizzie is safe with us, but at danger otherwise. I’d remind you that she was with me for Operation Jewel and took refuge with the rest of us when we returned to London. Nobody worried about clearances when we were dealing with an insurrection.”

“True, but what about the others?”

“If Major Elliot and Paul Dannigan are involved in this briefing then thy both approved Lizzie’s deployment to the island.”

“Correct, but what about the rest?”

“I don’t know who’s involved, Sean.”

“Oh damn it, let’s get in there. Turn your phones off.”

As usual the lights were dimmed so the screens could be seen, a light illuminated each person at the table. Apart from Major Elliot, they had been joined by two in khaki she didn’t recognise. Meanwhile on the screens were Sir Thomas, DCI Emily Keane and Paul Dannigan.

“Apologies everyone, we needed to resolve a small issue outside.”

Dannigan replied. “Clearly, Sean. That would be Flight Lieutenant Harrison? Good afternoon Harrison.”

“Oh, hello. I’m afraid I don’t know most of you and I have no idea why I’m here.”

Major Elliot responded. “I’m sure there’s a good reason. I do need to say, however, for the Flight Lieutenant’s benefit that anything, and I mean anything, discussed in this room stays in this room. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Tammy could clearly see that the Major was chairing this briefing.

“This briefing is Top Secret and I should remind everyone that we are here to pool resources, not to write a press release. “

He paused.

“Firstly, former Lord William Burgess remains outstanding: every hour, every day, he is rebuilding his network of True Freedom sympathisers and activists. It is only a matter of time before he makes another move. Major Dannigan?”

“Correct. We’ve been tracking him but often the intel is delayed or that we simply cannot respond quickly enough. Tammy, you were tasked; yes?”

“That was unfortunate, Sir. He was a hundred and fifty miles away over water, that meant flying but Wick airport had a fuel shortage. The earliest I could have got there was the following morning using one of the oil rig helicopters.”

“Unfortunate is understating. As it happens, his plane took off barely an hour after he landed without asking for clearance. You are cleared for the Puma?”

“I am, Sir.”

“Major, how about equipping the young lady with a Puma?”

Elliot hadn’t anticipated the request and Sean looked surprised at the suggestion.

“Hmmm, did I hear that correctly?”

Dannigan and Tammy nodded at the Major.

“I’ll have to take that under advisement but clearly this is not a simple matter of clicking my fingers or putting in a requisition request. Can we return to the matter at hand?”

Paul Dannigan replied. “Indeed, earlier today my people identified that William Burgess has recently arrived on the Isle of Man. I believe, DCI Keane, that you have corroborating intel?”

“Correct Major Dannigan. We have received evidence today that funds were sent from True Freedom affiliated accounts in Germany and Uruguay a few days ago to an account for Manx Bank in the name of Charles Houdini; Houdini is a known alias for Burgess. That Manx account has since been used on the island for adhoc purchases although we don’t yet have a photo of who is using it. Additionally we have still not found any ticketing to confirm how he arrived on the island.”

Major Ellis had an idea. “Thank you Emily. Can you ask the local police for details of all aircraft and yachts that have arrived in the past two weeks?”

The DCI laughed. “The Isle of Man TT Races start in a fortnight! Planes and boats will have arrived from everywhere around the globe and I can guarantee that it wouldn’t take much for a yacht to anchor in the bay and bring someone ashore by launch when twenty other crews are doing exactly the same!”

“I see. Does he have an interest in motor sport?”

Paul Dannigan answered. “He has been seen at the Daytona Five Hundred in recent years, so I would say that he’s on the island for the races. How he arrived there is largely a moot point, the issue should be how we track him before he vanishes.”

“Can we ask the local police to intervene in any way? DCI?”

“I don’t believe that’s appropriate, Major, given the huge public presence. It wouldn’t take long for word to get out and for Burgess to escape again. He also hasn’t been charged with anything so remains a person of interest. Additionally, the legalities of getting him from the Isle of Man back to UK soil are somewhat complicated.”

The meeting shifted onto other True Freedom matters then a break was called. Tammy and Lizzie now left the room with Sean. They reconvened in his office.

“Ladies, we have other matters to discuss that are outside your remit. Paul’s concern about your deployment timescale is warranted but it clashes with the earlier instruction not to go after Burgess. I feel there has been some miscommunication?”

“I’ll agree with that, Sir. Under different circumstances I might be authorised to deploy but still be limited by my location plus aircraft operating hours and availability?”

“That’s a correct assessment. What are the viable options?”

“The grass helipad behind my parents’ house, is only suitable for limited pickups or drop offs and wholly inappropriate as a base of operations. We would never get permission to use it.”

“That’s fair.”

“Next is to co-locate with Smart Air at Wick Airport and to share facilities. This is limited by ground crew and tower availability as well as being effectively insecure and at risk of being denied access to our own aircraft.”

“I doubt anyone would disagree with that assessment.”

“The final option I can see is that we develop our own secure facility with our own staff.”

“That’s also the most expensive option, Tammy.”

“I’m aware but we could have 24/7 capability with on site maintenance and refuelling.”

“The military wouldn’t necessarily agree that’s required? Lossiemouth is accessible.”

“I doubt that RAF Lossiemouth would have an open door policy for me, plus that's several hours by road away so I'd have to fly there! My thoughts are that we go with the self-managed site but make it a civilian facility with a military support contract?”

“But essentially your own private heliport?”

“A Highlands and Islands facility that can deploy to observe shipping routes?”

“Surveillance and counter intelligence?”

“Yes, Colonel. That suggests the funding could be sought from certain obscure budgets?”

“I would hope that your friends might contribute?”

“That’s up to them and I wouldn’t demand their support.”

“Understood. I’ll speak to Elliot and Dannigan to get an agreement in principle. Why don’t you scope for a suitable location? Environmental issues should be considered, well away from residential if possible!”

“Will do.”

“I suggest the pair of you go home whilst we sort out the mess here? I’ll be in touch.”

“Yes, Sir. How do we get back to my plane? I have returned my hire car.”

“Ah, good point.”

He made a quick call.

“My corporal will be available in just a minute, she has keys for my Landrover.”

“I’ve not met her, Sir?”

“She was allocated about two months ago, but is based here and rarely travels. She handled your case, Lieutenant Harrison, although Sir Thomas dealt with the non-military aspects.”

“I see, Sir.”

“You don’t think I know how to process such changes, do you?”

“I couldn’t possibly answer that, Sir.”

The colonel turned back to Tammy. “Good! Captain, get her details, she knows how to do things.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Oh, I have one personal matter. I will pass Sir Thomas one of my bottles but you owe me a replacement in due course, young lady.”

The girls found Cpl Sally Ledbetter outside. She saluted as they approached. The girls responded.

“Stand easy, Corporal, I don’t do pomp and circumstance.”

“But Ma’am, I would be on a charge if I was disrespectful.”

“Only if someone else overheard you. You must be aware that I don’t fit the standard definition of anything?”

“I’m not sure I can say anything, Ma’am.”

“Who do you work for?”

“Colonel MacTaggart’s command, Broadsword, Ma’am.”

“And for no-one else?”

“I’m also available to yourself and Commander Traeger, Ma’am.”

Tammy handed over her personal card.

“I also have a secure email address but you’ll have to find it. Meanwhile can you send me your contact info please.”

“Of course, Ma’am.”

“Please stop ma’am’ing me!”

“Sorry, Ma’am.”

“We’ll work on that. Can you get us to my plane, please?”

Lizzie wanted to speak but Tammy shushed her. “Later.”

They arrived at Tees International just after five, Tammy was in the air twenty minutes later, grateful for the escape but regretted that she had left unfinished business behind.

They touched down at Aberdeen close to seven in the evening but Tammy was concerned whether she would be able to fly into Wick before the airport closed for the day. She turned her phone back on, finding a slew of voicemails and text messages. They could wait as she quickly needed to book a room for the night.

Lizzie called Thomas seeking transport whilst Tammy returned a call from Maisie.

“I’m stuck at Aberdeen for the night, back home tomorrow morning as it stands.”

“Okay, so you’ll be free to take me to Glasgow?”

“On Friday? I’ll be available unless something changes.”

“The appointment has been moved, it’s Thursday morning now.”

“Okay, so we fly down Wednesday evening?”

“Yes, I’ll book a room. What time are you back?”

“About ten tomorrow.”

“I’ll be at a new client, it’s someone who I saw in a group session recently. Should be back for lunch. Can you stop at Lidl on the way home? The salads in our fridge don’t look too brilliant.”

“Sure, Maisie.”

Lizzie had stood waiting for Tammy to finish the call.

“Thomas has gone to Dundee for a few days, he thought I wouldn’t be back before Thursday. I need to go shopping tomorrow as there’s nothing in the fridge for tonight, apparently.”

They opted for a restaurant and finally Lizzie’s questions poured out.

“What happened, Tammy?”

“What do you mean?”

“Today, all of that?”

“Effectively nothing.”

“What do you mean?”

“My questions weren’t answered, there were plenty of plaudits but no answers. Meanwhile the great establishment tried to harass me, again, and failed.”

“You didn’t seem surprised?”

“I was, but it’s a recurring theme. Perhaps I was supposed to flip out so they could charge me with behaviour unbecoming of an officer and bust my arse out of the service?”

“Seriously, Tammy?”

“Yes. I’m a target, it might as well be pinned to my back.”

“But you fix things?”

“Yes, I fix things that shouldn’t have been broken.”

“Like me?”

“I suppose so, Lizzie.”

Lizzie ordered a cab back to the apartment whilst Tammy walked back to the hotel she’d booked. Her phone rang with a secure call.

“Your Lieutenant asks plenty of questions?”

“Yes, Kim, this is still very new to her.”

“That makes her a liability and I’ve said that before.”

“I hear you, but I have to manage the risk. Did I tell her anything?”

“Not just now, but she was in a briefing that was completely inappropriate.”

“Lesser of the two evils, Kimberly, I couldn’t afford the risk if she was left unattended.”

“That’s understandable, Tammy, but she now has knowledge that should have been compartmentalized.”

“She’ll forget the details, and the personnel who were there.”

“Plus those who weren’t there, Tammy.”

“Not officially, anyway!”

“Yes. You know we’ll support a good plan to get you helicopter access?”

“Thanks, but it’s a huge undertaking.”

“I can give you an update - there’s an agreement in principle now, Project Spinnaker is live.”

“Ah, okay, that’s great but I now need a site, facilities, security, personnel, training, support and funding?”

“Plus aircraft, Tammy.”

“And I guess I can also expect for a few folk telling me to go forth?”

“They won’t be the ones who have been read into the project. Your Lizzie is not read in but could be a part of the onsite team.”

“So at some point she’ll have to be told she’s in?”

“Not into the project but probably yes for the operational team. She doesn’t need to know ‘why and how’ only ‘what and when’. Ideally, you’ll need both a military and a civvie helo. The Puma is obvious for military as you can get support from Lossiemouth and Benton if you need it. As for a civvie helo, speak to your father. At a minimum it needs to be capable of carrying four plus luggage.”

“Weaponry?”

“We’ll discuss that at a later date.”

“Okay.”

“You need to work on having three multi-licence pilots, plus an engineer.”

“Okay, Kim, this is going to take a while to get organised.”

“I’m just laying out the groundwork, some of which can be arranged in advance if you know what’s required.”

“Thanks.”

-o-

Tammy checked out of her hotel well before 8am with only a coffee inside her before she reached her plane. The flight back to Wick was uneventful, albeit with a head wind using up more fuel than normal.

She did her post-flight checks then returned the keys to the Smart Air fleet manager, Jim. Tammy couldn’t resist asking a left-field question.

“If I wanted to operate a private heliport, what permits would I need?”

“Whoa, Tammy, what are you thinking? This facility, or one like it, isn’t cheap or simple to operate!”

“Let’s say, for now, that money isn’t an issue, but I needed a twenty-four hour managed site.”

“Do you have a site in mind?”

“No, but I’ll look at adapting a site rather than new build.”

“In which case your first issue would be persuading the local council that a change of use is justified. Think in terms of noise, traffic and environmental considerations. Similarly, the CAA would have to decide if the plan was justified – before you talk specific licences!”

“Okay, so I could tackle a few basics which would allow building work to go ahead whilst staff and facilities get their tickets?”

“That’s still a load of hot air right now, but I hope you’re not planning to poach anyone from here, or compete against us?”

“No, Jim, not at all. It’s primarily for me but also a place my friends can use at three in the morning. Non-commercial, so I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes.”

“I see. It’s still a hair-brained idea though. You must be able to consider another plan, like use an existing facility?”

“That’s been considered. Relying on a third party, even family, isn’t a guaranteed solution.”

“I see. Be very careful, you could be dropping yourself into a very big pile of manure.”

“Thanks Jim.”

“When will you need the CzechSport again?”

“Tomorrow afternoon, Maisie and I are flying to Glasgow, back Thursday.”

“You’re due a service, but I don’t think we have time over the next twenty four hours.”

“Okay, I’m hoping I won’t need it for a few days after we get back.”

“Fair enough.”

Tammy drove home, regretting having skipped breakfast, but did visit the Lidl store as requested. That pushed her arrival home back towards lunchtime and she made herself a simple sandwich before trekking up to the office to catch up with whatever was waiting.

First task was to get an appointment with her hair stylist and the town’s torturess.

“It’s been a while, Tammy?”

“Yes, Sandy, can you find me a slot tomorrow?”

“So long as you don’t need a colour, perm, or anything else that takes a few hours?”

“Just a trim, plus Joanne?”

“Eleven with her, half an hour later with me. I guess you don’t want the new girl?”

“Another one?”

“They do their stint then get a better offer or go back to college. They’re very raw when they arrive and I don’t let them near my best customers.”

“Thanks Sandy.”

Maisie called as soon as the line was free.

“I called the bike shop, it’s fixed.”

“Okay, I’m home now.”

“I’ll pick it up as I’m in town later.”

“Sure, thanks.”

She called Joey whilst the laptop booted, reaching down to open the safe as the phone rang.

“Oh, hi, where have you been?”

“England, and I think it was a bad idea.”

“Okay, lots of issues here but I reckon I have everything under control.”

“Like what?”

“A squall came through here yesterday morning, roof tiles were dislodged so there were leaks. There was hail in amongst the winds and the rain and a few windows were damaged.”

“We can’t have been the only ones hit?”

“No, but I called the maintenance guys as soon as the weather hit us, guessing they would be needed. That helped with the clients as I gave them a time the same day for the repairs.”

“Wow, Joey, excellent idea.”

“Pay rise?”

“Maybe a bonus?”

“That’ll do, thanks boss.”

As Tammy ended that call she heard the doorbell sound, the security monitor showed that her father was stood outside. She walked down to let him in.

“I had an interesting call from Jim.”

“Oh, I guess you want to know more?”

Richard took a seat in the kitchen whilst Tammy filled the kettle to make them a coffee.

“What did Jim tell you?”

“That you are proposing a private heliport.”

“It’s a proposition, yes, but only that right now.”

“Do you have a site in mind?”

“Absolutely not. The whole idea is speculative right now.”

“Okay, but you do know that you can book one of our helicopters if you need it?”

“There have been a few times recently when I’ve needed to fly at short notice, I couldn’t demand that you release a helicopter to me.”

“True, but remember that you’re also a director of Smart Air.”

“Did Jim also say that I wasn’t going into competition with you, with us?”

“Yes, which raises another question – it is expensive to own and operate a helicopter. What with premises, licenses, insurance, staff, training, maintenance and so on.”

“I’m aware, Dad, but I think it’s a viable plan.”

“Where are you getting your helicopters from?”

“As far as I know that’s being investigated, and, in any case, I’m only qualified for one class at the moment.”

Tammy poured steaming water from the kettle into the mugs and sat them on the table. Richard had a sip before continuing.

“I see. I can also detect that you are not telling me anything else about who is backing you, where the financing is coming from or what the real purpose is?”

“And I can’t, I asked Jim a few questions about planning and licensing and you want to know a ton more. Sorry, Dad, but I don’t have many answers and can’t tell you what I do know. If this project goes through then the existence of the heliport will become public knowledge but the operational details cannot be made public, a private company will probably operate it.”

“Offshore?”

“Possibly, for privacy. We won’t be offering rides to the public or stealing commercial business from anyone.”

“I see, but that makes me suspicious.”

“Please, forget it. You and Jim know more about operating a helicopter than anyone else I know. For that reason I may want to tap the two of you for information. You can’t, however, be a part of the project unless others agree you can be.”

“So this isn’t your project?”

“Sorry, Dad, please stop fishing.”

“Yes, Tammy, but you can’t blame me for asking you about it? My two expert fields are helicopters and finances, both of which affect your current plans.”

“Understood. How’s mum?”

“Still complaining. Suzie needed to renew her passport but the rest of ours are in date, oh and Suzie has gone back to London. She left after she was told off by her mother for throwing that hissy fit.”

“That was deserved.”

“If you had been back to see us then you would have known that already. Don’t be a stranger, Tammy.”

“Okay, okay, but my weeks are all over the place right now.”

“Jim also told me you are taking your two-seater out again in a few days? Keeping your flying hours up?”

“Maisie and I have an appointment in Glasgow. We’ll let mum know any news when we get it.”

“I see. What about the wedding?”

“We’ll let her know when we know, Dad.”

Richard was barely out of the door when Tammy’s mobile rang.

“I warned you about your Lieutenant, but perhaps you are the bigger threat, Tammy?”

“I hear you Kim, but it would cause more issues if I excluded Dad and Jim. They know the business and the local administration that goes with it. There’s some things that I have to do for myself but free advice is a good start.”

“Your father is too clever, he was already guessing what you didn’t say based on the few answers you did give.”

“That’s unfortunate, but true. He won’t, however, start telling anyone.”

“Good, because if word gets out then the project is dead, understood?”

“Yes.”

“And we cut you loose as you’d be a liability.”

“Understood.”

“Good. Bye.”

Tammy returned to her office to finish what she’d started. She had a few secure emails, one of which was from Corporal Sally Ledbetter the previous afternoon with phone numbers and office hours. Tammy replied briefly.
 

Thanks Sally
Tammy

 
The next email wasn’t so simple to deal with.
 

From: Colonel S. MacTaggart
Date: 8 May 2018 1015
Subject: Rank
 
I regret to inform you that your field promotion has been rescinded by senior officers pending a formal enquiry into the events of yesterday in addition to those of 1st October 2017 and 28th February this year.
 
You have also been placed on administrative leave and should not communicate with any military personnel unless you are first called.
 
I must iterate that this was a surprise to myself but I am currently unable to say any more,
 
Sean MacTaggart

 
Tammy stared at the message, cursing those who wished to destroy her. She printed the email, as a precaution, before closing down her laptop. The freshly printed paper, her weapon and NATO ID now went into the safe.

Shiraz on Kindle

Alecia Snowfall on Kindle

Tammyverse Book 14   Rank Stupidity   Chapter 5 of 5 Questions     Shiraz & Snowfall © 2023

 
Tammyverse Book 14 - Rank Stupidity
 
Note. This story is set in 2018, prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth. This is a work of fiction but a number of real people, places, and institutions are mentioned in fictitious circumstances. In short it's a story!

 
 

Chapter 5 – Questions

9th May 2018

“Good morning Joey.”

The voice at the other end of the phone didn’t seem happy. “Hey, I haven’t even had breakfast!”

“I wanted to catch you, I’ve paid £200 bonus into your account this morning.”

“Oh, thanks boss.”

“And, would you like the day off?”

“Paid?”

“Yes. I won’t be around for a day or two after today.”

“Ah, so make me happy then drop that on me?”

“Got it in one, Joey, that’s how the world works.”

“Jeez, cheers Tammy.”

The sun was shining through the clouds and the overnight rain was quickly drying in a light breeze, despite the not-quite-warm temperature it did feel as if Spring had finally arrived in the Highlands on Wednesday morning; Tammy’s mood was improving. She took her recently repaired bike out of the former shop’s doorway, engaging the two security locks before riding off towards town.

Her first stop on Wednesday morning was the Smart Properties office. Tammy had very little to do in the office, but it meant she was in town, distracted and ready for her appointments. She left her bike in the office entrance when she walked around to the doctor’s clinic for a standing appointment.

“Good Morning Tammy, how are you feeling?”

“That’s a difficult one to answer, Dr Adi, but physically I feel good.”

“That implies your emotional state isn’t good?”

“Maisie and I have an IVF appointment tomorrow, this is attempt number two and various folk are questioning when our wedding will happen. Oh, and I have my end of year exams next week.”

“I see. I won’t ask about the wedding, but it seems you haven’t spent much time in the Highlands recently?”

“I had a few weeks away, mostly on business, but I managed some down time as well.

The Doctor had attached a cuff around Tammy’s arm to take her blood pressure.

“It’s a little high.”

“I cycled into town then did a brisk walk here.”

“I see. Can you hop on the scales then I’ll take your height.”

With the numbers down the Doctor started on lifestyle questions. “Alcohol?”

“Rarely. I am flying nearly every week and there’s no way I can handle a plane safely if I’m impaired. Before you ask, I exercise regularly and recently did a triathlon.”

“Did you go to a boot camp?”

“Not exactly, but it felt like one from time to time!”

“Okay, here’s your next prescription. I’ll take some bloods as a precaution, but I’ll only call if there’s a need.”

“Fine.”

Tammy dropped her prescription in her bag and made her way to the salon for her 11 o’clock.

Joanne started on her as soon as the torture room door closed.

“Jeez, Tammy, when were you last done?”

“By you, a month ago.”

“Anyway, nice tan, have you been somewhere warm?”

Tammy sighed as the questions started up, again; she’d be seeing friends for the first time in over a month and the women all wanted to know two things.

“The islands, on business for a few weeks. I got some beach time though.”

“That’s nice, did you meet any fit men?”

“One or two near the water.”

“Well?”

“They weren’t allowed to get close to me!”

“Where’s that new girl?”

“Aberdeen, she doesn’t work for me. Someone was telling tales that she had replaced Joey and that took a while to sort out!”

“I don’t tell tales, you know that, but …”, Joanne pointed at her door, “… they are like gossip central.”

“Yeah, and Lizzie couldn’t keep her mouth shut. It’s safer that she’s in Aberdeen!”

“Indeed. So, when’s your wedding?”

“We don’t have a date, and it’s probably not in Thurso.”

Joanne stopped. “So not here, but what about us?”

“Okay, okay, we’ll sort something.”

“Good, as I want to make sure you feel and look good for the big day.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure I’m here the day before we …”

“Fly out? Beach wedding?”

“Yeah, probably.”

“Oh, you said you had business in the islands? You were checking out the venue?”

“Something like that.”

“You’ll need a beautician, take me with you!”

“You won't fit in my luggage. Look, I don’t have a date or a booking yet. No doubt my mum will try to organise things, but I’ve told her exactly the same – nothing is arranged yet.”

“But you’ll consider it?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Joanne finished working on one side. “Okay, roll over.”

Another fifteen minutes later her legs and more were smooth, although she had no idea when they would be on show again. Sandy wanted to chat as soon as Tammy was in her chair, but this wasn’t something that the girl was ready to handle, again.

“Well, are you here today for a special reason, can you tell me that?”

“Okay, we’re trying for a baby again – tomorrow.”

“Oh, the IVF?”

“Yes, in Glasgow. So I’m flying us down there as soon as we’re done here. Maisie needs to relax as she’s doing all the difficult stuff.”

“There’s no guarantees?”

“Correct. This is attempt two. I believe there’s enough of my stuff for one more attempt.”

“I see, no wonder you’re stressed.”

“Indeed.”

Tammy cycled home and prepared a simple lunch for the pair of them. She then jumped into the shower after finding a shower cap. Maisie had arrived in the bathroom just as Tammy emerged wrapped in a towel.

“Fancy a second shower, Tams?”

“We don’t have the time!”

“Awwww.”

Tammy dressed in a skirt suit, forgoing the flying uniform for this personal flight in her own plane. Eventually the pair made it to the kitchen, with Maisie in fresh gym wear. Tammy hadn’t realised that her face had betrayed her thoughts.

“Hey, I’m comfortable and I feel like a run after we’ve checked in at the hotel.”

“I didn’t say anything!”

“You didn’t need to, my dear, I can read you like a book!”

Tammy’s phone rang with a secure call.

“Hey Tammy-girl, heard you’ve got crapped on. Again.”

“Yeah, Krystel. Someone, somewhere, doesn’t like that I was helping co-ordinate garbage removal a few weeks ago and narrowly missed them. Perhaps they are worried that their own appointment with a cell is getting closer?”

“True, bear that in mind but you’re not on active duty right now. Not that it directly affects us, of course.”

“Okay, I just wonder what other stunt they’ll try to pull?”

“Remember they’ll have two opportunities; when they’re ready and when you’re not.”

“I remember. Right now I’m playing along by keeping my nose clean, but that doesn’t stop me from listening. Also, Maisie and Lizzie are untouched by this challenge at present.”

“Correct, Tammy, I‘m certain Maisie will be careful but the other girl can break under pressure.”

“I know. I need to work on that. She needs to be frightened.”

“She trusts you too much. It's why she's so lax with you. You're her buddy in her mind.”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, we’re finalising the plan for the TT Races. It’s purely a civvie affair, of course.”

“I had wondered. So we pack for business, social and special ops, regardless of whether anyone of interest is on the island?”

“Always, don’t be caught out. Pack so you’re prepared.”

“Understood.”

“Oh, and study up hard; you have exams next week.”

“Yes, only three days but it’s three long days.”

“Look after yourself, Tammy-girl, and give Maisie a hug from us.”

“Will do, got to go!”

-o-

Tammy found her plane in the Smart hanger.

“What’s up Jim?”

“We had some spare time, so did a quick service, but there’s an issue with the exhaust manifold. Was there any problem when you flew her back?”

“Just a little sluggish from cold, but otherwise fine.”

“Well, the guys and I don’t think it’s safe to fly so we’ll work on it.”

“Okay, but what do we do?”

“Katie is spare until Saturday morning. When are you back?”

“Tomorrow afternoon, as it stands.”

“Latest Friday lunchtime?”

“Sure. Is she ready?”

“Yes.”

Tammy submitted her flight plan and checked the weather before making a visual inspection of the KT Flight Epic G-KTFL. She was doing her instrument check when Jim appeared at the door.

“We’ve just had a booking for Katie and you were requested to be pilot.”

“I don’t do commercial bookings.”

“I know. The booking is to fly you and partner to Douglas next Saturday. Returning twenty days later.”

“Didn’t you have other bookings?”

“Yes, but strangely they all cancelled just before this one came in.”

“That is odd, who booked us for next week?”

“Butterfly Racing Innovations and that Elegant Executive. Almost all of our bookings are coming from that Elegant Executive.”

Tammy laughed. “Okay, I know about that. Butterfly is a racing team and Elegant Executive is the main sponsor. You can tell women who've attended Elegant Executive by these.”

Tammy tapped the stylized double-E on her jacket lapel.

“So this is about the TT Races?”

“Yes. I am also a sponsor to the team. Didn't I give you a shirt?”

“So that was what that was about. I’ve never heard of them.”

“You wouldn’t have, Jim, they are overseas.”

“Okay, you continue to surprise me, Tammy.”

“If I get boring, let me know!”

“Will do, have a good flight.”

Tammy had been in the air for an hour when the satellite phone rang. Maisie answered the call, but Tammy was needed so the plane was handed over to the auto-pilot.

“Smart?”

“Ah, the lovely Tammy. I understand you are heading to Glasgow?”

“We are, Sir Thomas.”

“Now, I had an interesting conversation with an old friend last night, to whom you owe a replacement bottle.”

“Of course.”

“I may not be able to help with the bigger issues this time, young lady, but there are a few things that can be managed to help matters along.”

“And put a few noses out of joint, Sir?”

“Correct, although it’s totally unavoidable given the circumstances. Some of those noses also appear to have been powdered recently, perhaps that is the basis for their poor judgement?”

“I’ve not had the pleasure of their company, Sir, so couldn’t possibly comment.”

“Probably best to keep your distance from rogue elements, Tammy. However, once you’re done in Glasgow tomorrow, could you head South?”

“Where to?”

“You may need to catch the tube so stay in some appropriate accommodation. Further information will be supplied.”

"Location?"

"You'll be needed in Central London."

“Dress code?”

“Evening frocks, please.”

“Consider it done, Sir.”

“Excellent.”

Tammy put the phone down and returned to the cockpit.

“I have no idea what’s being planned, but we need dresses and possibly more than one formal change. Good thing we packed heels and formal just in case.”

“Where?”

“London, tomorrow evening it would seem.”

“Why us, Tammy? Don’t you consider this to be weird?”

“I’ve been doing this for a few years so I’m used to it. Just play along but if I say ‘duck’ then ‘duck’.”

“And if I’m asked to curtsey?”

“Then curtsey. And smile.”

“I wouldn’t have had this complication if I’d have gone with Joey.”

“But an eight hour train ride instead?”

“Yeah … so you don’t know what we’ll be flying into?”

“No, very little, but Sir Thomas Addington hasn’t let me, us, down - yet.”

-o-

They’d opted for the fuel stand on arrival in Glasgow so were still in the plane some thirty minutes after touching down. Tammy’s phone rang securely.

“Colonel, this call can be traced.”

“I’m aware, young lady, but it seems someone is aware of your trip to Glasgow and is assuming there’s a meeting taking place, with both tomorrow and Friday being mentioned?”

“I’ve just landed a fully legal, albeit private, civilian plane that was correctly recorded on the national ATC system, Sir, it’s exactly what’s written on the tin and I have nothing to hide. We have a medical appointment tomorrow at the Royal Infirmary that is of no concern to the army. I authorised Maisie’s request for leave for Friday, but the appointment moved so I fixed that before we flew. My own calendar still has it down for Friday as I couldn’t see any point in changing it.”

“That’s what I thought. Would it be best to update your own calendar?”

“For completeness, Sir?”

“Correct. Make that update.”

"Yes, Uncle."

"And Tammy; I think a bit of inaccuracy may be in order."

"I seem to be a bit fuzzy on details. Good day, sir."

Tammy ended the call then edited the appointment at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary but noted it for two hours after Maisie’s own scheduled booking, without specifying which clinic. She suspected Sean was expecting something may occur, but couldn't say as much.

Maisie, meanwhile, received a call to confirm they would be at the IVF clinic the following morning.

The pair rode into the city and returned to the hotel they had last used in January, the Millennium. Once they had reached their suite the next task was to go for a run as Maisie had wanted. Tammy was out running with her fiancée not long after they had made it back to their suite. That took them down to Glasgow Green alongside the River Clyde, then across a bridge to Richmond Park before looping back and starting again.

Tammy was very ready for a shower and a doze but had to dress for dinner, she’d also packed a LBD for the trip so had Maisie zip her into it. They opted for the hotel restaurant, Tammy allowed herself one glass of wine.

-o-

Thursday morning they both had a light breakfast before walking to the clinic for their nine o’clock appointment. The pair were able to go straight through to the consulting room to see Doctor Angela Hyde. They sat side by side, holding hands,

“Welcome, ladies. How are you both feeling?”

Maisie answered. “I’m relaxed but Tammy is quite stressed at the moment.”

“Well, we’ll need her to help you stay relaxed during the procedure? Can you do that Ms Smart?”

“I’ll try!”

“Excellent. Now, firstly the usual advice; there are no promises or guarantees for this service. If it works, great. If it doesn’t then you have to consider whether it’s worth paying for another round or choosing a different method of conception?”

“After today, how many other tries could we have?”

“We can extract eggs as needed. but I can confirm there’s only enough sperm for one more attempt. Any more questions?”

There weren’t any, so they moved next door into the treatment room.

“We have two viable embryos that we’ll implant. There’s no guarantees of a single baby, let alone twins.”

Half an hour later they were done.

Under normal circumstances Tammy would have stopped for a coffee but they retrieved their luggage from the hotel then took public transport back to Glasgow Airport. Tammy reluctantly filed a flight plan direct to North Weald, knowing that she could be tracked via air traffic control if anyone knew she was flying that plane.

She had, however, nothing to hide.

-o-

They were in the air well before midday and made it to the Essex airfield for mid-afternoon. Tammy refuelled, guessing that the return leg would be direct to Wick.

She called for a cab to meet them at the gate some twenty minutes later before wandering to the office to pay for the overnight stay – wondering if KT Flight shouldn’t have an account.

“No need, Miss, we’ll just put it on the existing account.”

“Since when?”

“A couple of months ago, your plane is here a few times every month now so it made sense.”

“That’s great.”

Their cab dropped them outside the Epping house, Tammy again decided against using subterfuge. She unlocked and disabled the alarm before getting all the luggage in.

“We need to get showered and I suggest we go formal straight away – my sister has enough accessories to help out.”

They were still getting ready when Suzie arrived, somewhat earlier than anticipated.

“Oh, I could have guessed you were involved?”

“Involved in what, Suzie? I’ve been told to get myself here and to be in a decent frock by six. Beyond that I know nothing.”

“I had a note delivered to my desk, Tammy, telling me much the same. It also told me to keep the note to myself!”

“It’s a bit late to worry about that, so we’d best play along. Off you go!”

“Don’t boss me in my own house!”

“It’s the family house, Suzie, family! Get yourself sorted!”

Tammy went into the kitchen to make a pot of tea. She walked three mugs upstairs five minutes later, first dropping two mugs in the room she and Maisie were using. Her fiancée had just finished getting ready, although she never used much make-up.

“Do you have any idea what’s going on, Tammy?”

“Not really. Let’s see how it goes. I don’t believe we’re in any danger.”

“Yet?”

“No, I just suspect someone is restricting who knows what’s going on and drip-feeding only when necessary.”

“Sometimes I miss getting a full set of orders.”

“And you would be in Helmand Province by now!”

“Yeah, there is that.”

“Instead of running your own business and having expenses paid trips to foreign parts?”

“Plus having my father nearby.”

“Exactly. We still don’t know what’s happening this evening, but that’s probably for a good reason.”

Tammy went in search of Suzie with her mug, finding her in her room wrapped in a towel.

“Thanks Tammy.”

“Do you have the note?”

“It’s in my bag.” She pointed.

Tammy retrieved the buff paper.

“It has a wax seal?”

“Yeah, that was unusual.”

“There’s very few organisations that still use it.”

“The writing was also a bit odd, and difficult to read!”

“But you worked out you needed to get home?”

“Yeah, then had to explain myself to my boss.”

“Why did Sir Thomas address you as Susanna?”

“Is that who wrote it? Oh, that’s my legal name. My father used to shout it at me so I have used Suzie ever since.”

“Okay, according to Sir Thomas’ note we have twenty minutes to finish getting ready.”

Tammy left her sister to sort herself out, then finish her tea before finalising her own face paint.

At precisely six o’clock there was a toot from outside, where a standard London Hackney cab was waiting. Suzie was nearly ready so Tammy took the lead, finding DI Kevin Edmunds walking towards her.

“Hello, Tammy dear. You look lovely.”

“And you’ve brought that suit out of retirement again?”

“Black works everywhere.”

“Indeed, I’ll get you into an LBD yet!”

“Promises, promises, Tammy. Though I doubt I have the figure for it!”

The three girls, plus Kevin, rode into the City a short while later. Tammy was tempted to ask where they were heading, but shushed Suzie as she started to ask exactly the same.

“We’ll find out when we get there.”

Their destination was the same Royal Guest Quarters where they had stayed a few weeks earlier.

“Oh, here again?”

Suzie wasn’t impressed when they pulled up in the courtyard. “I hope you’re not going to take my phone away?”

Tammy ignored the comment, but now had a look at their driver, realising that he had driven her before. She threw him a wink.

Inside they went first to a lounge that all four had used previously. Wine was offered, although Tammy and Maisie took the fruit juice alternative.

The lounge door opened a few minutes later and Sir Thomas appeared.

“Ladies, Detective Inspector; their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.”

Tammy and Maisie curtseyed whilst Suzie struggled and nearly fell off her heels.

“Your Royal Highnesses; may I present Captain Tamara Smart, Sergeant Maisie Staines, Susanna Small and Detective Inspector Kevin Edmunds.”

William, the Duke, spoke next. “Let’s keep it simple please! I’m not a huge fan of the pomp and circumstance myself, but it has its moments.”

Tammy noted there were no staff, no security, just the seven of them.

“Captain, did I properly thank you for dealing with that threat?”

“Yes, your Royal Highness, you did.”

“It’s William.”

“Then it’s Tammy, and Maisie, Sir.”

“That’s acceptable Tammy. What happened to the man you captured?”

“He was flown under guard to New Zealand, his home country, but lost his temper at the airport. I understand he’s being dealt with by their judicial system.”

“And maybe receiving help for his issues?”

“Possibly, I’ve been asked to leave him alone and not to make any enquiries.”

Tammy hoped there were not going to be any questions about the woman. She seemed to have 'disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle' : that was something that just seemed to happen from time to time, Rodrick had told her with a grin. Thankfully those questions never came.

“I see. I’m told you were in Glasgow this morning?”

“Maisie has been undergoing IVF treatment. We were in Glasgow for the second attempt.”

“I see, so you weren’t on duty?”

“No, Sir, we’re both on leave at the moment.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, when is your wedding?”

“Sometime later this year, but it’s not booked. I’m considering Freeport, Bahamas.”

“Near where we were? It’s a nice area.”

“Yes. I’ll let you have the dates when it’s booked, but you’ll have to arrange your own transport.”

William laughed. “If only it were that easy.”

Across the room Tammy had spotted Kate doing the rounds, but she was spending much longer with Suzie than anyone else.

A few minutes later a gong sounded as the lounge door opened and a member of the staff escorted them to the main dining room, although this time just a small circular table was in use. Tammy half expected a particular Vietnamese restaurant family to appear, but tonight it was the palace staff with a formulaic soup/salad/main/dessert offering. Small talk punctuated the courses but it was subdued and respectful.

They retreated to the lounge, Sir Thomas took on the role of Master of Ceremonies.

“We are gathered here tonight to honour the commitment and valour demonstrated by one person who is still so young but who yet had the foresight to deal with an imminent threat against the Crown and its servants.”

William took over.

“Captain Smart; it is the opinion of her Majesty that your actions prevented a major issue and contributed towards a successful deployment by Her Majesty’s Forces. Your personal contribution, without fear or hesitation, cannot be ignored by Her Majesty and as such you are awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.”

Tammy moved forward to receive the medal, which was pinned to her frock. Kate moved to talk to her.

“Wear it with pride, Captain, when you can!”

“The joys of living a double life, M'Lady.”

“How is the college?”

“Fine, my exams are next week. I believe I owe you thanks?”

“It was a little thing, fixing a wrong.”

“It’s nasty accusations that can sink a career, or in my case my studies. To me it wasn’t a little thing, M'Lady.”

“We may agree to differ there, Captain, but I’m pleased it had been dealt with.”

“If I could I have your attention please?”

Sir Thomas was holding a scroll.

“The United States Department of Defense has awarded Captain Tamara Smart, of the Broadsword Regiment, a Meritorious Commendation for services to maritime safety and security.”

Sir Thomas passed the scroll to Kate who in turn gave it to Tammy. “You see, young lady, the Americans think of you the same way we do.”

“Thank you M'Lady.”

Maisie said quietly with a grin. "Who would've thought you could get a commendation for appearing in a bikini and stilts?"

"I'll never live that down." Tammy sighed.

The Duchess gave Tammy a smile and wink to say she approved.

The Royal couple circulated, Sir Thomas eventually made his way over.

“Okay, Sir, what’s the plan?”

“All in good time, Tammy. Remember, this hasn’t officially happened. Everything is deniable right now.”

“Fine, so we wait?”

“Yes, I suggest you lose that medal in your safe when you reach home.”

“Understood.”

“One other thing, as the deployment involved joint forces who were called to defend the Crown, it has been decided that colours will be issued and a medal for the deployment is also being considered.”

“Two medals and colours, that I can’t wear anywhere near home!”

“The citation for the Queens Gallantry Medal will become public in due course. Sorry, but that’s the way it happens. It will go down to Captain T Smart, British Army, so it could take some effort before your hairdresser links it to yourself.”

“She can be quite resourceful.”

The party broke up at ten with the Duke and Duchess sliding away.

“Our cab is outside.”

The three girls plus Kevin road through the West End and stopped outside the No Name Club.

“Tammy, you’re needed. I’ll return for you.”

Tammy exited the cab and pushed the street door of the club open before descending towards the bar.

Sean MacTaggart was waiting, with Major Elliot.

“Uncle, Sir?”

“Take a seat Tammy, we’d best have a bottle.”

“I have to be safe to fly tomorrow!”

“Understood. Nice medal, by the way.”

“Oh, I should take it off?”

“No, let them see it, you earned it.”

The barman brought a bottle of Wolfburn over. “It’s on the house, Captain Smart.”

“Sean, wasn’t that one of the Special Reserve half case I sent?”

“It may have been, does it matter?”

“I guess not. Oh well.”

“Tammy, what happened in Glasgow earlier today?”

“I don’t know, Major, we left as soon as our appointment was concluded?”

“Four Military Police arrived at the Royal Infirmary main building looking for you. My estimate is that you had been in the air for almost an hour by that point.”

“It would seem to prove a point that someone still wants me in a military cell and that something in the Red caps is rotten. This isn’t new.”

“I’d have to agree, Tammy, but how do we flush them out?”

“I have to make myself untouchable?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Just brilliant, I want a quiet life – for me and my friends.”

“That isn’t how this works. Every other member of the Armed Forces would be shouting right now about the medal and your citation.”

“True, but knowledge of my military activities would most likely make my home life, business and education untenable.”

“Maybe, Tammy, but it would be a five minute wonder.”

“I’m not certain my cousins would look at it the same way. My position needs to be firmly defined, and protected against spurious attacks from within the British armed forces.”

“I don't believe you can make those demands, young lady.”

“From my point of view it’s simple. I get brought in because it suits someone to have me there. I do the job then I go home. I am a qualified pilot, including helicopters. I have a parachute ticket and I can dive. I could market those in the real world.”

“The British Army trained you, you should be grateful.”

“Not entirely Major. I already had a private pilots licence and I did my jumping at an overseas facility, but it’s accredited. I didn’t ask to be a chopper pilot, but Wade decided to send me to the RAF. The same applies to the diving, which the Royal Navy covered.”

“I stand corrected.”

“I’m also twenty one years old, which means I have many years ahead of me in any field I wish to explore. So perhaps the question should be, how do you fix this if you want me to continue being your action woman?”

“That’s a good question.”

Tammy spun around, finding Sir Thomas towering behind her. Tammy rose to give him a peck on the cheek.

“I’m honoured. Anyway, gentlemen, how do you fix this young lady’s issues without annoying some important friends here and overseas?”

“Ahhh.”

Tammy excused herself to use the loo. She tapped a message.
 

“Are you getting all of this?”
 
“Of course.”

 
A few minutes later she was back in the lounge. Sir Thomas took her over to the side to speak to her.

“They are clearly out of their depth. They come from an age when the whole army worked together, not against itself.”

“True Freedom operatives are still active, working against me, us. Emily Keane is working on that, isn’t she?”

“She is, but there’s very few who can be trusted explicitly. Kevin was there this evening to watch your back and, if necessary, to be a witness.”

“Suzie?”

“Another witness but ….”

“Did Kate read her the Riot Act?”

“Yes, Tammy, I’ve never seen your sister so quiet.”

“So what did Kate say?”

“That until Suzie is told otherwise this is a private and secret ceremony. If news leaks out then Suzie will be held personally responsible by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.”

“I see. You’re aware that she broke protocol when we were lodging in the Guest Quarters last month?”

“I am, and I’ve also been told that you had to challenge a view that her own mother held, without breaking protocol yourself?”

“I’d like to thank my friends for keeping an eye on me!”

“Some of us like to know about little issues before they become unmanageable. We’ll only use the big stick if the gentle approach fails, but it can’t be used regularly. I’m given to understand that the work she’s currently handling in Thames House is a lower security rating than before.”

“Concerns?”

“Yes. This test will help establish whether she can be trained to look after herself.”

“I just hope we don’t have to bring a member of the Royal Family in just to fix her problems each time?”

“That’s a once-only solution that happily coincided with your own awards. She won’t know she’s been played.”

“For all the right reasons?”

“Of course.”

The pair returned to the table and Tammy poured a second Wolfburn, deciding it would be her last.

“So, gentlemen, what’s the plan?”

“We need to flush the rogue officers out.”

“And?”

“We’re working on it, Thomas, give us a chance.”

“Maybe. What happened at lunchtime today?”

“The MPs thought Tammy was at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.”

“Why?”

“Probably because she put it into her calendar. Ah.”

“Okay, Sean, let’s spell this out. Get that Corporal to add a spurious entry to Tammy’s calendar that attracts the attention of the MPs, and whoever is feeding them the information.”

“That’s too simple.”

“Just choose the location carefully. Somewhere close enough to a barracks, but in a public space. Keep Tammy out of it. One of you will be presenting it, to no-one.”

Tammy wasn’t comfortable being talked about in the third person, but let it ride.

“I see, Thomas, we wouldn’t physically need her and misdirection should mean that they shouldn’t know where she really is?”

“Correct although, as it happens, I already know she’s going to be elsewhere for a while after today, possibly not even in the UK. Has news about this American citation spread outside Broadsword yet?”

“Unknown.”

“Try to keep it that way, Sean.”

Tammy had tuned out and was now toying with her glass, trying not to empty it. The barman walked over.

“Your cab is outside if you need it, Ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

She announced her departure, checked it was the cab driver she expected, then settled in for the ride back to Epping.
 
 

-o-
 
 
The weekend had passed quickly whilst Tammy did her last minute revision. She had arrived at the university ready and focussed on Monday for the first exam but it was now the final day and her time in the exam room was nearly over.

“Please put down your pens. Stay seated whilst your papers are collected.”

Tammy was pleased that she’d managed to grab a seat at the front of the exam hall which meant she wouldn’t get distracted by anything going on behind her, although she was certainly aware of the invigilators’ hard work behind her during that final test. It was a sad fact that twenty year old students could easily behave like ten year olds.

She collected a sealed envelope before leaving the university campus for an extended break from studying; her classes were due to restart late September. She went to the loo before leaving and took the opportunity to open the envelope with privacy.

There was a simple covering note with two cheques; the first of which would cover the repairs to her bike, whilst the second was written in favour of her nominated charity – The Mill Theatre Trust.

The girl who had caused the damage still awaited her day in court but the university had, reluctantly, accepted that their handling of the incident with Ben, a month earlier, had been the cause. Tammy suspected that this acceptable resolution of her case had been due to external pressures, although no-one was telling.

She cycled home enjoying the warm air that had arrived mid Wednesday morning. There was no time to ponder about the concluded exams, she could simply do her best.

Right now Tammy wanted to start packing, but Maisie had different ideas. Half an hour later she was pounding the streets. This time their route went over the River Thurso past the leisure centre then looped back. They did this three times, with Maisie insisting on a sprint up the hill sections.

“That wasn’t fair!”

“Your fitness is questionable, I needed to push you.”

“Thanks, Maisie, but it’s easier away from traffic!”

“Maybe we can build you a running track? You might get bored of the scenery though?”

“Palm trees?”

“Whatever, Tammy, I wonder if you fancy a move?”

“We haven’t been here that long, why?”

“Remember that new client I signed up?”

“Yeah, you go there on a Tuesday?”

“She’s the site manager of a former farm site just the other side of the river, near the A9. She’s looking to move back to England but reckons the site will be sold soon for housing.”

“What are you thinking?”

“I could do with a gym, somewhere to run my classes with outdoor space when the weather is dry, including a running track.”

“Woah, that doesn’t sound cheap?”

“The farmhouse is in good condition. There’s a large barn that could be converted with space for offices. It’s a big site and it’s isolated. Planning permission wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Access?”

“A side gate is nearly a straight mile from a direct connection to the A9, but the main access comes out near Tesco and the leisure centre. We ran past the end of the road earlier.”

“On the junction where that engineering workshop is?”

“That’s it.”

“So, who owns it?”

“Some government agency in London. It was supposed to be used as part of the Dounraey Nuclear plant decommissioning team apparently, but wasn’t used very much. She’s been tending the site for over ten years whilst various civil servants either deny knowledge of the site or swear they have no authority to make decisions. So, Mary’s quitting in September as she’s fed up with the place and the management.”

“I see, why did she call you?”

“She needs to get fit. Mary used to be middle distance runner, but wants to get into coaching and maybe take it up again as a veteran. She doesn’t have the mindset yet to run by herself, or take care of her diet. That’s where I come in – the full holistic approach.”

“Borrowed from our own diet and workout information?”

“Maybe.”

-o-

Maisie’s period was now a few days late, but a pregnancy test on Thursday morning was negative. The girl had needed comforting.

“You want a baby, don’t you Tammy?”

“We want a baby, Maisie.”

“But what if it doesn’t work?”

“Then we’ll try again.”

“But …?”

“We’ll worry about that if it happens, Maisie dear.”

They both cycled into town to have their hair done, a rare event for Maisie, and took the opportunity to shop for any last minute items. It also gave Tammy a chance to drop the previous day’s personal cheque into the bank then meet at the Castletown Hotel for a hastily arranged meeting. Maisie was at the bar as Anne McIntosh arrived, so she added a pot of tea to the existing order of two coffees. Anne noted the two girls looked tanned.

“How are you my dears? Been somewhere?”

“We managed a break at Easter, but it was really a working holiday. Otherwise it’s been a mix of Thurso, Aberdeen and Glasgow.”

“You won’t get a tan in the Highlands until the summer.”

“I know and I can’t see us being anywhere warm in the meantime.

The barman brought their drinks over.

“You said you had something for me, Tammy?”

“Yes. I had some trouble at the university and I managed to convince them that it was their fault.”

“I see.”

“They have refunded my expenses and legal fees but I felt they should also compensate me for the hassle. That has been written as a cheque in favour of the theatre trust. Could you pass that on to Steven, please?”

“Two hundred and fifty? That’s generous.”

“Can you also let them know that I’ll take a full page advert out in the next programme.”

“I will. Now, when is your wedding?”

“It’s still being arranged and we don’t have a date yet.”

“Remember us when you write out the invitations?”

“Of course.”

Other regulars recognised the pair as they arrived, although Maisie was rarely seen in town with her fiancée. All the ladies had a singular question, which Tammy was getting fed up deflecting. Maisie was similarly becoming uncomfortable. As Anne rose to leave, so did the girls, abandoning their original plan to also take lunch. Tammy’s phone pinged as they reached home, just ahead of unscheduled rain.
 

“Medical done. Written exam next.”

 
Tammy replied.
 

“Good Luck Lizzie.”

 
The Lieutenant’s fixed wing flight test had been a few days earlier and she’d felt very confident when she’d told Tammy about it that evening, although she admitted she had told Jeremy about it first. Tammy would need, at some point, to have a chat with the lad, but first they were packing to fly out on Friday. A day earlier than Tammy had originally been told. The main thing was that their booked guest room would be available for the additional night.

A recent fault with Tammy’s CzechSport had been resolved, although a recommended upgrade had also been fitted, improving fuel efficiency and handling. One of the fitters had taken it up for a test flight as Tammy couldn’t spare the time, but for the time being the two seater was sat inside the Smart hangar pending a respray to scratched or worn areas. It wasn’t used commercially, but it did need to look presentable if it was visible inside or outside the hanger. She was, however, booked to fly the larger G-KTFL.
 

-o-
 
Tammy was pleased to have more room in the Epic for luggage, but she still tried to keep it sensible when finalising her packing. Maisie, on the other hand, always managed to pack small. Kimberly’s last conversation meant that a number of specialist items went into Tammy’s bags, albeit concealed in case of visual inspection. Her firearms would be secured aboard the plane, until she knew the security arrangements at the Manx airport and their guest house.

They would be away again for an extended period, so a full perimeter security check was done before they were ready to leave home late Friday morning. For practical reasons Maisie drove her van over to Wick airport, leaving Tammy’s Racing Green Mini Cooper tucked away behind the house. One option had been to ask her father, Richard Smart, to keep an eye on the place, but that would mean giving him unsupervised access. Something that Tammy still didn’t think was fully acceptable. He had, however been to see her the previous day with the paperwork for the Smart Air annual meeting.

“What do I need to do?”

“As a board member, a director, you should examine the way the company is being run, question the practices and accounting and if necessary recommend changes. Or you could accept the chairman’s recommendations for every point. It’s up to you, but it’s best if you’re there, regardless. Have a read, all the accounts are there along with the various reports.”

“I’ll read it when we get back.”

"I'll be golfing on race day, but as you're a sponsor, I'll wear the gifted shirt and hat for your team. Best of luck."

The Epic handled exactly how Tammy expected, especially as it had only been a week since she’d flown it back from London. As she crossed the Western Scottish coast an RAF jet flew alongside. Tammy received a salute and then the jet was gone.

“What was that?”

“Someone, Maisie, is watching our six.”

Tammy’s phone pinged just before she brought the plane down at Ronaldsway Airport. She had two messages, the first welcomed her to Manx Telecom whilst the second informed her that the Army’s Special Investigation Branch was dealing with a disrupted award presentation and had arrested a senior officer. A third message then arrived.
 

“Rank confirmed and restored, Captain Smart. A debrief will be held when you are next available. Commander G Traeger. ”

 
She told Maisie about the messages.

“So, Traeger accepted that they screwed up, Tammy?”

“He’s only the messenger, but clearly still has his own rank. I can’t speculate what’s happened, but I suspect someone very senior has leaned on the right people to fix this.”

“I have my doubts, Tammy, and I bet they couldn’t pee on a pregnancy test accurately.”

“No, Maisie, and I wouldn’t want to test the theory either. Time to go.”

Tammy cleared the messages then switched her phone to satellite.

The Epic was soon fuelled, secured and parked out of the way. The pair hadn’t seen any familiar faces as they walked through the terminal so they took a cab to the Ashfield Guest House to check-in.

Maisie disappeared into the loo as soon as she could. Tammy took the time to hang her clothing in the wardrobe, happy that nothing would require an iron. Her partner returned a few minutes later.

“It’s positive.” Maisie took a deep breath and wrapped herself around Tammy. “I’m pregnant!”
 

- FIN -
 
 
Tammy’s life continues in Alecia Snowfall’s story Butterflies, Asphalt & Insanity

 
A new Tammy serial will start during late 2023.
 

Shiraz on Kindle
Alecia Snowfall on Kindle

The next instalment in Tammy's life is to be published at the end of August 2023. Given that a whole year has passed since the last chapter of Royal Retreat I felt it was a good idea to put some character pen pictures down and to summarise Tammy's history up to this point.

For info, this refers to Book 14 ... there's another prior 13 books in serial format and 10 on Kindle!

Main Characters in "Rank Stupidity" at the time of this story:

Tammy Smart 21yo, Thurso, Northern Scotland. Captain, Broadsword. Superior of FL Lizzie Harrison, fiancée Maisie Staines. Resident Thurso. Attends University of Highlands & Islands (2nd year of degree course in criminology). Owns Smart Properties company, employs Joey Cooper. Personal firearms certificate, Glock 19 & Glock 26. Private pilots licence. Military helicopter (Puma) licence. Royal Navy dive trained. Parachute trained. Speaks French. Apartment in Paris, uses house in Epping, London. Drives Racing Green Mini Cooper with rallying capability; skidpan & protective driving qualified. Also known as Thistle Maiden and Maiden One.

Maisie Staines 22yo, Thurso. Sergeant in Broadsword (formerly Corporal, Black Watch). Also qualified personal trainer with own PT business. Qualified firearms. Fiancée Tammy.

Lizzie Harrison 22 yo, Aberdeen. Flight Lieutenant. Qualified Puma helicopter. Not firearm qualified. Flight training for private pilots licence, fixed wing, and conversion of military helicopter licence.

Thomas Staines, Aberdeen. Retired/Discharged from Master Sergeant REME. Mechanical & electrical qualified. Maisie’s father. Temp housekeeper to Lizzie.

Joey Cooper 19yo. Smart properties office assistant. Daughter of Col Cooper (estranged & deceased)

Col Sean MacTaggart. Tammy’s superior. Broadsword. Enjoys Wolfburn Whiskey. Wise & protective, hates idiots.

Cmdr Geoff Traegar, SBS/Broadsword. Tammy's immediate superior.

Major Elliot. Military Intelligence.

Kyle Fielding. New Zealand Special Boat Service (dismissed)

Paul Dannigan. Major, head of OICA (US Mil Intel & independent militia)

Kimberly/Krystel-Kerri/Krystie/Carl OICA operatives

Emily Keane. Detective Chief Inspector, Counter Terrorist Unit London

Kevin Edmunds. Detective Inspector, Counter Terrorist Unit London.

Ben Franklin. Lecturer in Criminology University of Highlands & Islands. Former Detective Constable Police Scotland. Known Tammy over 3 years.

Sophie Grieve. Detective Chief Inspector, Devon & Cornwall Police, formerly Counter Terrorist Unit London and Royal & Diplomatic Protection Team.

Heather Young. Security Service Financial analyst. Forensic accountant. Sophie’s wife. Based in Cornwall.

William Burgess. Former member of House of Lords. Believed head of True Freedom. Wanted.

Richard Smart. Tammy’s father. Former merchant banker. Chair of Smart Air Services, Chair of Governing Body of St Andrews School Thurso. Married to Joan.

Joan Smart, formerly Joan Small. Welfare manager St Andrews School.

Suzie Small. Tammy’s step-sister, lives in Epping London. Employed in Financial Unit Security Service. Has been sacked once, but reinstated after Tammy intervention.

Angela Smart 21yo, Thurso. Formerly Angela Small. Tammy's step sister. Nursing student. Former student St Andrews School. Transwoman.

Zara, Thurso. Housekeeper to Smart Family. Employed by Tammy 3 years earlier at Richard & Joan’s wedding.

Sandy/Joanne. Thurso hair & beauty (wax torture) salon. Known Tammy since Book 1.

Anne McIntosh, Thurso. Wife of Steven McIntosh

Steven McIntosh, Thurso. Chair of Mill Theatre Trust, former headmaster St Andrews School.

 

---

Tammy potted history

Tammy (Tamara) Smart is a 21 year old transwoman. who transitioned at eighteen whilst still at school (St Andrews, Thurso). Her father, a merchant banker retired to take care of her.

She was inducted into the world of Intelligence, age 18, after becoming a witness, and victim, to terrorism. Security Service paid for her Gender Confirmation surgery.

She was issued a firearms certificate just before her nineteenth birthday (losing her virginity as a post-op girl the same day) and received a firearm for personal protection two weeks later. Her hesitation to use the weapon caused her to be sent on a military course alongside Special Services personnel. She met New Zealand born Capt Kyle Fielding for the first time.

Tammy started work for the Security Service after her first university course was disrupted and became involved with an American Intelligence (OICA) Agent who brought intel on an emerging terrorist group “True Freedom” to the UK. That group sponsored an attack in a London coffee-shop where Tammy and the US agent were sat. The attack failed, because of Tammy and her OICA associate, but a subsequent inquest also turned bloody.

She started back at university on a criminology course but helped repel several True Freedom attacks alongside the Counter Terrorism Team of the Met Police and Security service. Around this time she gained a private pilots licence.

Tammy formed her own commercial property company and is a board member at the family-owned Smart Air Services based at Wick Airport. She eventually employed Joey as an office assistant.

She was inducted into the Army (Broadsword Regiment) as a Lieutenant by Captain Marcus Wade and Colonel Sean MacTaggart, but didn’t go through recruitment. Meets Fielding again on an exercise. He eventually beds her on whilst a subsequent dive training deployment. She gains a replacement 2 seater plane and a commercial turboprop Epic.

She’s suspected of being a True Freedom operative and is frozen out of the intelligence community. Counter terrorism officer Kevin Edmunds supports her, as do American agents. That’s resolved but Tammy’s confidence is damaged.

She become involved more with the Americans and flies out to take part in training. Back in the UK she’s pulled between university and the Army. Eventually she meets Sir Thomas Addington, now Chair of the Intelligence Oversight Committee. Kyle has discovered she’s trans and tries to prevent Tammy from having access to military intelligence and then physically assaults her. She meets Corporal Maisie Staines and brings her back to Thurso against orders.

Tammy has bought a house in middle of Thurso and moves in.

The girls become lovers, Maisie Staines proposes and Tammy arranges Maisie’s promotion to Sergeant - she joins Broadsword. Tammy meets Maisie’s father Master Sergeant Thomas Staines. Tammy and Maisie decide to try for a baby, using material saved from Tammy. They start IVF process.

Tammy is sent for helicopter training with the RAF and meets a feminine airman. On her final flying assessment she hears that her office assistant’s mother has been kidnapped and her office is under attack. She abandons her test flight and takes second seat in an Apache. The threat is eliminated.

At pre-deployment training Tammy meets Lizzie, formerly an airman on her helicopter course and now a Flight Lieutenant. She takes Lizzie home to sort out her formal transition, before Marcus sends her somewhere else.

Tammy, Maisie and Lizzie are deployed to protect Royalty on a Caribbean holiday. Tammy is field promoted to Captain. Kyle tries to attack but is thwarted and detained. He tells the local Lieutenant-Colonel that Tammy is trans. Many of the protection team turn against her. She, Maisie and Lizzie fly back to the UK but become embroiled in a True Freedom insurrection. They were secure in Royal accommodation with others until the emergency was over and the main players, bar William Burgess, were detained. Tammy, Maisie and Lizzie had tea with Her Majesty before leaving London.

Maisie’s father was implicated in the insurrection having been coerced by (Captain) Marcus Wade. Wade is dismissed, Thomas Staines is retired but keeps pension. Thomas was flown to Aberdeen to look after Lizzie who has joined Broadsword and is on flight training courses.

Commander Geoff Traegar had worked with Tammy during the deployment and now joins Broadsword as her superior.