"Oh, come on," Dylan Beyda complained to his commanding officer in a tone that could almost be termed whining. "I grew up in Hawaii, snorkelling and swimming every weekend. My mother's family is descended from Japanese free pearl divers and my father is Japanese Hawaiian. You know I swim like a fish. I can't see why I need to spend the next five days on a boat in the middle of the ocean when I've probably got more scuba experience than the Instructor."
"Yet," Commander Thurman rebuked, tapping the young captain's record while keeping his voice level, "you've never obtained a formal qualification. If you want to achieve a place on the main team, a position you've strived to obtain for the last five years, you'll need to gain it. That's why I'm sending you to the Federations Marine Research Centre. There is a Dive Master named," searching for the appropriate electronic file, Jack located the individual he'd been seeking, "Lieutenant Kallan James. The lieutenant's supposed to be the best in the business and almost as highly qualified as you."
Pausing for effect, it caused the apprehension Commander Jack Thurman sought. "Yes, here it is, Bachelors of Biology and Engineering from Oxford with a Master's degree in Marine Science by the age of twenty-two. It seems the Lieutenant also graduated top of the class from the IRO's flight school. I see an impressive list of commendations in the three years served as an officer with International Rescue. Now, that's impressive. Not to mention qualifying for the English Olympic team for both the 72 and 76 summer games."
"A paragon of virtue," Dylan muttered under his breath, earning him a glare from Commander Thurman.
"With that background," Jack relaxed back into his seat. His posture achieved a high level of unease in the young officer before him, just as he intended. "Maybe I should consider Lt James for the back-up squad. It's probably about time this officer got a promotion. I could use someone with that much experience and the right paperwork to back it up."
Swallowing hard, Dylan realised he'd overstepped a fine line. "That won't be necessary, Sir," he saluted.
"Good, your transport leaves in twenty minutes, Captain," Commander Thurman returned his attention to other documents on his desk. "Make sure you're on it. Oh," looking up he speared his subordinate with a hard, assessing stare, "and don't come back without that certificate. There are many other qualified young officers vying for your position, both on the backup team and for an opportunity to join one of the IRO's most élite squads."
Saluting, Dylan kept his curses internalised until he cleared the IRO building. Even then he muttered under his breath while almost sprinting towards his apartment in a residential area of Arcology. It didn't dispel the resentment he felt at this assignment nor the way it had been forced on him at such short notice.
On reaching his quarters, Dylan shoved several pairs of swimming trunks into his duffle along with his personal dive gear. In the tropical waters off Hawaii he wore little while snorkelling or diving. Looking around his austere home, he mentally calculated what else he might need. A few personal items made it into the bag. Still angered at the enforced duty, Captain Beyda's analytical mind wondered how he could get back to Arcology by this evening, certification in hand.
Stuffing two uniforms, his shaving and showering kit into the bag, Dylan added his data tablet. At least he could stay connected while in the middle of the ocean. If one of the prospective students turned out to be female, that would make the obligatory course more palatable. Throwing in a civilian outfit, Beyda covered his options. The prospect of impressing a young lady amused him and might add an interesting distraction.
Boarding his transport, Dylan nodded to the four young men in civilian clothing. Settling into his seat, Captain Beyda ignored his companions. Assuming they'd be spending the next five days together if he had to complete the assignment, there'd be enough time to get to know them. Opening an internet connection on his tablet, he prepared to do his homework on the instructor. Searching for Kallan James, it took a while to find the correct spelling. Once the image appeared he gave a long low appreciative whistle. Poised on uneven parallel bars, an Olympic gymnasium in the background, the grey eyed blond smiled for the camera, as if she knew the routine would win her a medal.
Well, Dylan reflected with a cynical smile, this could be more interesting than I assumed. Let's hope you're as intelligent as Commander Thurman gave you credit for, and then we can let the games begin.
"Bit young for you," a sandy haired Australian with a broad accent lent over and commented, "isn't she mate?"
"This," Dylan glanced up at the man, before pointing to the picture. Deciding to play with him a little, Captain Beyda stated in an amused tone. "It's from the 72 Olympics. She's about the same age as the rest of the girls on the team."
"Is she your other half?" Quirking and eyebrow, the Australian obviously liked what he saw.
Not on your life, Dylan eyed the image. You've caused me enough trouble and I haven't even met you yet, even if you are an attractive woman. Letting out a sigh of pent up frustration he offered a hand in greeting. "Dylan Beyda."
"Bruce Wilson," the Australian returned the greeting. Glancing at the insignia on Dylan's shoulder, he smirked, "so you're a Captain, hey, Beyda. The rest of us are Lieutenants stationed at the Ocean Rescue Base in Sydney. You can call me Ozzy." Introducing the others, he added, "we wondered why we called in at Arcology. I guess we have our answer."
"Didn't you get the pre-course instructions?" Will Channing asked, pointing out his working uniform.
"Only got orders a half hour before your transport arrived," Dylan shrugged, wondering if he'd made his second mistake in the same day.
"Say," Doug Schmelling seemed more interested in talking about the image on the data pad, "you got any recent pictures of your broad?"
"Broad?" Dylan questioned.
"Girlfriend," Bruce smirked, indicating the blond. "Sure like to see what she looks like now."
"Here's another one," Dylan advanced the screen. Amused by the assumption, he didn't acknowledge a relationship or lack of one either. Reading the small print, he said, "at the 76 games. This one's taken at her graduation from the IRO's flight school." Enjoying being the centre of attention, he guessed, "must have been a few years after I graduated."
"You're both pilots," Doug seemed impressed. "Guess you know each other real well then."
"Not as well as I'd like," Dylan winked at the salivating group of men.
"If she's not your squeeze," Bruce teased, "why have you got all those images of her?" When Dylan refused to answer, the lieutenant laughed. "So, did she get away or is she not interested in a fly boy like you? Maybe she's a smart girl, smart enough to fall for someone more her type."
Snorting on the inside, Dylan managed, "like you? I guess you'll find out soon enough."
Bruce gave Beyda a hard, assessing stare. Something odd in the conversation tickled the back of his mind. Leaning over Dylan's shoulder, Ozzy took another long look at the woman on the screen before the Captain shut the device down. Ozzy knew he'd seen her before. Somehow the blond had been associated with his work. It'd take a while, but in the end Bruce would remember the woman.
"Hey, Beyda," Martin Hays asked to keep the banter going, "you know anything about this Dive Master taking the class."
"Regular paragon of virtue," Dylan comment sarcastically, "or so my commanding officer informs me."
"I heard," Will Channing broke in, "he's the most qualified diver in the IRO."
"Really," Dylan's eyes lit up. He'd dispute that in a heartbeat. Maybe he should keep this ace up his sleeve. Then again, if Lt Kallan James knew who'd trained him, maybe she'd send him home when the transport returned to Arcology. "Somehow I doubt that."
"What have you heard?" queried Will.
"Lt Kallan James might be well qualified," Dylan made the pause just long enough for the other men to hang on his words, "but I bet you've never met Captain Kin Lee."
"He's got you there, Blue," Martin snickered, using his colleagues' call sign. "The man's a living legend."
"Don't forget," Bruce added, a shrewd smile covering his features. The cogs turned, his blue eyes watched Beyda and he began to understand the reason for the innuendo about Lt James. "He's the current captain for TB4. I gather you've met the man."
"Yes," Dylan boasted quietly, "he's training my unit for ocean rescues."
"You're on the TB back up team," stated an astounded Doug. "No wonder we had to stop at Arcology to pick you up."
The guys wouldn't be able to keep that kind of secret. Grinning, Dylan wondered how long it would be until he'd be home in his own bed. He'd met a brunette at the bar last night and still had her number in his pocket. Maybe he'd be back in time to arrange a date for tonight. He could even change into his civilian clothing on the return trip.
"Sorry I'm late, Ziggy," Kallan apologised, climbing onto the launch tied up beside the IRO's Ocean Marine Research Centre.
Glaring at the young woman with mock indignation, Dr Hans Ziggerman shook his head. Indicating she stow her kit first, they could get on with their assignment. Waiting until Kallan returned to the aft deck, he called, "I guess it's better late than never."
"Anne and Alyssa had to attend a meeting in Hawaii," she explained, still in her flight suit. Kneeling beside her dive bag, Kallan started to hang her gear on the peg reserved for the Dive Master.
"Taxi run again," the deck hand's voice echoed from the open engine bay.
"That's all I'm good for around here, Goose," Kallan stated sarcastically, her voice caring beyond the open panel.
"Nah," Ben's head popped up at the mention of his nickname, "you give us some decent scenery."
Shooting the sun bronzed man a withering look, Kallan returned his teasing easily. "I'll tell you if the scenery improves, when we get the students on board. It sure can't get any worse."
"I know it's your way of telling me you really love me, Skipper," Ben grinned.
"It's going to be a rough trip, I'm afraid," Ziggy stopped the friendly bantering. "The IRO's sending over a prospective rescue expert at the last minute. Apparently, he needs to get formal qualifications but has been diving for years. Orders are to handle him with kid gloves."
"Better watch yourself, Skipper," Ben yelled amused. "I bet he's got a reputation with the ladies, if you know what I mean."
"Oh, believe me," Kallan fired back, "I know the type."
"Flight training," Ziggy pointed out several buoyancy jackets and oxygen tanks which needed checking, "must have been tough."
"No, I already had my pilot's licence," Kallan's fingers moved skilfully over the equipment. "Putting up with those fly boys and their adrenalin rush after every sortie, that proved interesting. You either learn to sink or swim as the only woman on the team."
"I can imagine you putting those boys in their places if they tried anything with you," Ben grinned, giving her a wink before disappearing back into his hole.
"How many do we have this time?" Kallan asked, counting four sets of gear.
For the last year, she'd been assigned to the Federations Marine Research Centre. Instead of working to save endangered ocean species and utilizing her Master's Degree, she'd been designated Dive Master, training IRO officers. The remainder of her time used ferrying personal to and from the isolated base in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Hoping this might be her last training trip, Kallan James expected new orders any day. So far, the IRO hadn't assigned Kallan to the same post for more than twelve months. The experience she'd gained in her various roles suited her ultimate goal perfectly.
"Five, so you're going to have to buddy up with one of your students," Ziggy shook his head. "We've orders that the IRO hopeful has to pass his course the first time around. His name is Dylan Beyda. You're the best we've got so you'll have to take him. Sorry, Kallan, but if he needs special attention, you're my girl."
Laughing, Kallan knew of him or at least his exploits. He'd graduated flight school a few years before her and left quite a reputation. The instructors still used his close call in their teaching.
"So, I'm on babysitting duty," she asked.
I'd better check the lower deck cabins, Kallan considered the usual cramped quarters she preferred while living on Gilligan. I can't have him sharing with the others. Those berths are smaller than mine and the reason we're using one as equipment storage. I don't have time to clean it out so I guess keeping the forward head gender specific is a dream. Looks like I'll be relegated to Goose's bunk in the engine room on this voyage. Strike one Captain Beyda.
"That's about the size of it," Ziggy apologised. "I've put their files on your desk along with the new orders. Sorry I had to open them, but I knew you'd be cutting it fine. Our student's will be here in an hour and I want to get going immediately."
"I'll finish checking over the gear, drag out another set for the IRO Captain," Kallan returned to her task, "and then get the training room set up. It shouldn't take too long to look through their records. Hopefully they've at least their advanced open water certification, so I'll start with a three-hour education session."
"We'll be at the first dive site by then," Ziggy rubbed his weather-beaten chin. "Are you planning on lunch before or after their initial dive?"
"Before," Kallan's eyes flashed with amusement, "it'll sort the men from the boys."
"You're a cruel woman, Skipper," Ben climbed out of the pit. He couldn't help the laugh escaping at her tactics. "I bet you take them on the cave dive afterwards."
"Wouldn't be any fun," she let the mischief play about her open, teasing expression, "if I went easy on them. I've only got five days to assess them. At the end of the trip, if they pass, they'll come out with the same qualification as me."
"I don't think," Ziggy paused, about to climb the ladder to the fly bridge, "anyone could be as qualified as you, Kallan. It's a pity the IRO has designs on your career. We'd like to keep you here at the Research Centre but I know you're bored with this assignment."
"What," the mirth disappeared suddenly from the young woman's face, "do you know?"
"I'm betting," Ziggy turned his back to hide his disappointment, "if you complete this task, getting that young captain through to his qualification, there will be a promotion in it for you. Pity, I could us someone with your background on my research project."
I you're right, Kallan prayed silently. I've waited for the opportunity to really show what I can do. I'm not being used to my fullest potential on this assignment.