FLEET MARINES
NEW COMMISSION
CHAPTER NINE
Aboard C.S.S Clara Barton 04 June 2452 17:00 hours
The com screen on Yeoman Schmidt's screen beeped. The woman looked up.
"Captain Beckett's office, Yeoman Schmidt speaking."
"Good afternoon, Yeoman, this is Lieutenant Beckett. Is the captain available?"
"Yes, Ma'am just a moment please." The yeoman had orders to put Lieutenant Beckett through, anytime she called.
Kate's screen lit up with Jake's smiling face.
"Hey Kate, what's up?" He asked.
"Tomorrow's Saturday, I've got the day off and I wondered if you want to do something?"
"I've got an engineering staff meeting in the morning, but the afternoon and evening are clear. Is your private license current?"
"Yes, it is. She said. Why?" Jake grinned at her.
"The recreation services people got the admiral to beacon off a sector of space adjacent to the star base. They've got a dozen of the Mercedes-Lockheed Starswifts for recreational flying. Care for a little race? Loser buys dinner at Ruggles."
"You're on! You've been spending so much time behind that desk; I'll have a fifty-kilo advantage. Remember, I adore prime rib."
"Yeah, he shot back. First you have to figure out where the on button is. You'll be buying my lobster thermidor. See you at thirteen hundred. Beckett, out."
Kate eased the nose of the sleek little craft into the space dock. Despite the chagrin of watching Jake dock ahead of her, the exhilaration of piloting the speedster more than made up for what Jake's dinner was going to cost her. She caught up to her brother.
"If I didn't know how honorable you are, brother dear, I'd have reason to believe that your ship wasn't a rental, or even stock." With an expression of mock horror on his face, Jake exclaimed;
"Why little sister, how could you think that such a paragon of virtue, such as myself would stoop to such a low trick, just to win a bet? I am mortified!"
"How could I think such a thing, she said, raising an eyebrow. How long have I known you?"
Jake roared with laughter. "yeah, It's mine. I finished the modifications, yesterday. And you, little fly, flew right into my web. You're off the hook, I'll buy."
"No, you won't, I'll pay and keep the receipt to remind myself that four silver pips, do not a gentleman make. Anyway, thank you for introducing me to that little sweetheart. It's the hottest thing in the sector. It will give me something to save my pay for." Kate stopped talking when she saw Jake's mouth turn into a grim, straight line.
"What's wrong, Jake. What did I say? Jake shook his head.
"It's not you Kate, it's just that your remark was nearly identical about another craft. And I don't like it when a wet-behind the ears lieutenant does an end around me and gets away with it!"
"What are you talking about?" She asked.
"Do you remember that Marine with the shuttlecraft proposal?"
"Mister Castle?"
"Yes, he snapped, him. I officially stated that I did not approve of the modifications and the design bureau would have nothing to do with it. That didn't stop him. Somehow, he got the backing to purchase two surplus shuttles, re-engine them, arm them to his specifications, in a commercial yard. He then got Fleet to accept them as a private venture! Fleet has directed me to support them and the volunteer test crews. The crews are all Marines, as crazy as he is!
"Why are you so upset? Private venture craft are tested, all the time and have been, for centuries."
"I realize that, but not ones that are designed by some dumb grunt!"
Kate frowned and interrupted her brother before his rant could go on any longer.
"Just a minute, Jake, is that fair? Mister Castle is a regular officer, isn't he?"
Jake scowled. Kate's way of being fair, sometimes got on his nerves, like right now.
"What are you getting at, Kate?"
"If he's a regular officer, he graduated from the academy. The academy confers degrees, even to Marines. What could his be, engineering maybe? I'll bet you never checked."
Jake frowned again. "You're right, Kate. That kid annoyed me so badly that I lost my professional detachment. I forgot that a military specialty may have nothing to do with the base education. He grinned ruefully. Score another point for clear-headed fairness."
She smiled at him. "Let's forget all about Marines and shuttlecraft and enjoy a lovely dinner. If his design works, well and good. If it doesn't, you did your best to stop it, no harm, no foul."
Jake's good humor returned. With a big grin, he said;
"You're absolutely right, we will have a lovely dinner, and you're going to pay for it!"
Kate stretched out in her bunk. Oh, what a great day it had been. Not only the flight in the wonderful little Starswift, and a lovely dinner, but the chance to tweak Jake didn't come along, all that often. Although she loved Jake with all her heart and not even a parent could have done more for than he had, she was objective enough to realize that Jake was often extremely hardheaded and opinionated, pretty much used to getting his own way. It was amusing to see him come up against someone who could give him a taste of his own medicine. She idly thought; I wonder what you're really like, Mister Castle. Are you just as stubborn as my brother, or is something else going on? Oh well, I'm much too busy to find out. I don't have time to think about the likes of you. She turned over and went to sleep, not knowing how wrong that thought was going to be, in the near future.
Aboard the Clara Barton, 06 August 2452, 17:30 hours.
Kate was in a foul mood. She had reported aboard, expecting to hone her skills on a meaningful mission. Instead, they were enduring the second month at this miserable star base undergoing very intense training. Today was Friday afternoon, the capper to a rotten week. The last two days had been spent learning the finer points of operating a triage station. She realized the need for triage but she was a healer! The thought of having to decide who would receive treatment and live and who was set aside to die, was appalling to her. She did realize that it wasn't that simple, but that's how it felt. The one bright spot in the last two days, was that triage stations were normally run by ER doctors and senior nurses. Her growing skills as a surgeon would spare her that onerous duty.
Kate flopped down on a bench. "Thank God, it's Friday. I'm whipped!" Lanie Parish flopped down beside her.
"Let's go to the Lizard Lounge and get a stiff drink. If you get me there, Kate, I'll buy."
Kate sighed and stood up, pulling Lanie to her feet.
"Come on then, while I still have the energy to get us both there."
Another new Fleet surgeon, Lanie was Kate's exact opposite. They were perfect foils for each other and in the short time they'd known each other, had become close friends. A short, dark skinned woman tending toward plump. She had to fight to keep her weight within Fleet regulations She was always trying new diets and exercise routines. She envied Kate her high metabolism and seemingly effortless mastery of exercise routines. She was very pretty, right on the edge of beautiful. She had merry brown eyes and a luxurious crop of black hair.
The two women walked into the lounge and took seats that afforded them a view of nearby space. Officially known as the Forward Officer's Lounge Two, it was commonly known as the Lizard Lounge, due t6o its' predominant green color and subdued lighting. When their drinks came, each woman lowered the level in their glasses at least two thirds before setting them down.
"Whew! I needed that!" Kate exclaimed. With a sweeping gesture that included all the visible area of the star base, Lane said;
"There must be nearly forty ships in orbit. Combined with the intensity of our training, there must be a major campaign in the wind." Kate suddenly sat up straight in her chair.
"I think you're right, Lanie. Isn't that a Terra class battleship out there?" Both women leaned forward to watch the huge warship dock.
"You're right Lieutenant, that IS the Terra and she's showing the recognition lights of a fleet admiral on board." The voice came from behind them in the annoying high-pitched nasal tone, that could only come from one person. Lieutenant Junior Grade Ervin Grenville, Medical Service Corps.
Medical Service Corps personnel were not doctors, dentists or nurses. They were the administrative and supply arm of the Medical Corps. In Grenville's case, a medical supplies officer. Lanie groaned and said, under her breath;
"Oh, Lord, it's the nerd of the herd. She turned to face him. What are you doing Ervin following us around? Every time we try to relax, you show up. That could be classified as stalking!"
Ervin Grenville was a slight, fair, awkward young man who looked more like a high-school kid, in costume than a commissioned officer. Short cropped pale blonde hair topped an angular, bony face, sporting a long, thin pointed nose above a small, prim mouth and a receding chin. In a time before corrective contact lenses, he would have worn wire-rimmed glasses. As it was, his eyes were of such a pale gray as to appear colorless.
Seeing that Lanie was about to explode all over the insufferable little bore, Kate put a stilling hand on Lanie's arm and said;
"Thank you for the information Mister Grenville. I know that you were only trying to be helpful, but we've had a very hard day. Please don't take Lanie's words to heart. We were just about to leave. Will you excuse us, please?" He stared at the beautiful young doctor, for a moment, the anger leaving his face, as an adoring look replacing it. A case of puppy love as plain as the nose on his face. He stammered for a moment, before he got out;
"Of course, Lieutenant."
The poor man backed up and tried to sit down while still staring at Kate. He missed his chair and crashed to the floor, amid gales of laughter. Red-faced he got to his feet and rushed from the room.
As they left the lounge, Lanie said;
"Thanks for getting me out of that. If I really upset that guy, I'd never get any supplies." Kate choked her laughter down, before it became too loud.
Aboard the Clara Barton, 09 August 2452 09:00 hours.
Commander Gloria Wayne walked into the doctor's lounge and looked around. Spotting the two women she was looking for, she said;
"Doctors, will you join me, please?" Kate and Lanie walked over to her. "Yes Ma'am?"
The commander looked them over for a moment, nodded her approval and said;
"We have a fairly routine but delicate surgery scheduled this morning. I would like you two to perform it under my supervision. Are you interested?" The two doctors looked at each other with suppressed excitement. Kate answered for both of them.
"Yes, Ma'am what is it?"
"A young woman was injured in an amateur athletic competition on a fast passenger liner. They had no surgeon aboard, only a G.P. They were close, so they brought her here. She fractured two ribs and they are threatening her lung." Lanie cocked her head to one side.
"That's a fairly routine operation. What makes it delicate?"
"She's the daughter of the Dalineanian ambassador. Still interested?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Both women chorused."
"Very well. Meet me in the main operating room, in one hour."
Kate picked up the laser scalpel and prepared to make the first incision. The patient had taken the anesthetic easily and was resting quietly on the operating table. Young woman, my foot! This one is little more than a girl. The surgery went quickly. Both rib fragments were fused back into place. Fortunately, the lung suffered no damage. Kate stepped back and Lanie closed the incision, applying a device that eliminated any mark. The two surgeons left the O R, removed their sterile garb and stepped into the waiting room. The father stepped forward, his anxious eyes scanning their faces. "How is my daughter?"
Kate looked at the short, rotund diplomat, smiled and said;
"She is doing fine. She should be awake in about an hour. She is going to be very sore, for a few days, because there was a large contusion at the site of the break. Other than that, there should be no problems. She won't even have an interesting scar to talk about."
He ambassador took Kate's hands.
"Doctor, how can my wife and I ever thank you? You did such a wonderful thing for us."
Smiling again, Kate said;
"No thanks are necessary, Mister Ambassador. Doctor Parish and I were just doing our jobs. It was a pleasure to work on such a brave, sweet child. Now if you'll excuse us. we really must go for we're still on duty."
"Just one moment more, please, doctors. This may have been just a minor operation to you, but you handled it with great skill and gentleness. To my wife and I, it was no small thing. We are deeply indebted to you and we shall not forget it. May whatever deity you honor, guard and keep you."
23 August 2452., 16:00 hours
Lanie stuck her head into Kate's quarters.
"Aren't you going to mail call?"
"No need to. Jake's here on the base. Vic and Peter only write once a quarter anyway. I had a holo from aunt Marlene last week. No one else would send me anything."
"Well' I'm going. With my legion of paramours, the whole mailroom should be mine."
"Quit complaining. You get lots of mail."
"Yeah, all from my family. See you in a few." She called a few minutes later. later.
"Hey, come on down, the clerk has a package for you and you have to sign for it."
"Oh, all right. If it will shut you up." Kate was tired and wanted to rest. Grumbling, she went to the mail room. She turned the package over in her hands. It was from the Dalineanian ambassador.
"Open it, open it! You wouldn't want a friend to die of curiosity, would you?" Kate glared at her
"At the moment, I just might!" Her annoyance flared for a moment. You're worse than a five-year old." Kate opened the accompanying holo first.
"My dear doctors, Kajara is fine and recovering rapidly. We hope that you will keep these small tokens of our gratitude and remember us fondly. They are a specialty of an artist here on Dalinean. With deepest gratitude, Koanean Storkay." Kate carefully unwrapped the package and almost dropped the contents, in surprise. The package contained two exquisite figurines; laser carved in white Dalineanian jade. One of Kate and one of Lanie. Each one a perfect replica, as if someone had frozen a hologram.
"Good Lord! Lanie exclaimed, these are fantastic. What do you think they are worth?"
Holding hers up to the light, Kate said;
"I have no idea what yours is worth, but mine is priceless!"
Aboard the Clara Barton. 28 August, 2452. 11:00 hours.
Kate stood at the viewport, gazing out. They were finally getting ready to move. There were over fifty-star ships assembled around the star base. The movement orders had been posted. They departed star based-15 tomorrow. The Clara Barton would move into the center of a globe formation, surrounded by supply and support ships including ten of the huge, ugly (to her eyes) assault transports, (Drop ships) each carrying a full regiment of Marines and their support. The escort was even more impressive. Two of the old Victoria class super-battleships, four Indomitable class battle cruisers and sixteen cruisers, destroyers and corvettes.
She didn't know it of course, but this was the landing force headed for the Tantalus system. The battle fleet preceding it was even more powerful. It contained Four Terra Class battleships. The Terra, the Mars, the Neptune and the Saturn. Four Saratoga class battlecruisers. The Saratoga, the Hood, the Velene and the Toushoun. Six heavy and six light cruisers and fourteen destroyers and corvettes.
The Gorrock had ruthlessly invaded a Commonwealth planet, Winthrop's Planet and the Commonwealth was taking it back. Winthrop's Planet was in Commonwealth space, on the edge of the neutral zone between the Commonwealth and the Gorrock Empire. The coming surface battle would change Kate's life, forever although she wouldn't learn that for some time to come.
A couple of days ago, she inadvertently overheard a terrible row between Captain Sevilla and a Marine officer who wanted to put a Marine security detachment aboard the Clara Barton. Captain Sevilla maintained that since the Clara Barton Was a hospital ship, thus a non -combatant it didn't need a security detachment. The Marine argued back, heatedly, that the Gorrock had ignored non-combatant status, before this. She left before the argument ended, she didn't want to get caught eavesdropping on her superiors, even by accident.
Kate turned away from the viewport. She would call Jake and see if he wanted to get together tonight. There wouldn't be time, tomorrow. In her quarters she had just reached for the transmit button when her screen lit up with Jake's smiling face. In a burlesque of an old western holo, he drawled;
"Hey there little lady, ya reckon we oughta mosey over to the salon for a little celebhratin?" Kate could give as good as she got.
"Well, that sounds right neighborly. Why don't you come and see me some time?
They both broke into fits of laughter. After she quieted, Kate said;
"I'd love to have dinner with you, but I don't feel much like celebrating. This cruise looks like it's going to get pretty rough."
"Yeah, it just might. All the more reason to celebrate. Especially with the Fleet's newest commodore." Caught off guard, Kate was speechless, for a moment, then said, in a surprised voice;
"Commodore, isn't that unusual for a Chief Engineer? You don't have any combat experience."
"I don't need any. They've combined all the service and repair ships into a single task force. Under my command! We'll be in the same group as you and the escort commander has plenty of combat experience. Rear Admiral Bill Halsey. So, you see, little sis, you've got nothing to worry about. Big Bro will be right behind you. Oh, I should warn you, the celebration might get a little wild. Uncle Alex made Brigadier at the same time. I don't know if he'll make the party, but if he does, some of his Marines might be with him."
"I'm not worried with "Big Bro" there. I will see you at the officer's club at nineteen hundred. COMMODORE, SIR. I plan to eat enough for two, so bring a gold credit chip!" Jake shook his head. "You always have to have the last word, don't you?"
Kate walked into the officer's club. Jake was waiting for her. He could hardly believe that his gawky little sister had turned into this stunningly beautiful woman. She walked up and kissed his cheek. Rising one elegant eyebrow she said;
"Did you bring that gold chip? I hear that the prime rib is especially good tonight."
Matching her mood, he said;
"Of course not. We flag officers are above such mundane acts as paying for things My aide brought it."
"Oh, my. Aren't we full of ourselves, tonight? Full of something, anyway. My aide brought it indeed! Pretty fancy for a jumped-up bog-trotter." Jake exploded into laughter.
"Come on Kate, our table is in the next room. Lieutenant Wolverton is holding it for us."
When they reached the table, a sleek young officer, wearing the golden aiguillette of a flag officer's aide, stepped up and pulled out a chair. After Kate was seated, Jake said;
"Kate, may I present my aide, Lieutenant Alfred Edward Wolverton III. Al, this is my sister, Lieutenant Katherine Houghton Beckett. The two exchanged meaningless pleasantries. Al Wolverton was chagrinned. He had planned to romance the commodore's little sister, if for no other reason than to get in the commodore's good books. His plan wasn't going to work. He had not expected this aristocratic beauty, .05 meter taller than he was, looking at hm with cool detachment.
She, in turn saw a pale, slender, perfectly turned out staff officer with no distinguishing badges or decorations about his uniform, other than the aiguillette. Well, he was wearing the Commonwealth service ribbon, but so was she. So was every cadet at the academy, after his or her first year. Well, he had to be an engineer, to be on Jake's staff. She mentally shook her head in pity.
Wolverton cleared his throat. "Sir, I took the liberty of ordering for you. Cobb salads to start, Lobster Thermidor for you, the Queen's cut prime rib for the Lieutenant. . The wine waiter should be here any moment. If you'll excuse me, I have further arrangements to make for the party. Will that be satisfactory, sir?"
"That will do nicely, thank you, Mister Wolverton."
"By your leave, sir. Lieutenant."
"Carry on, Lieutenant."
Kate was standing, holding a brandy snifter in one hand, the other resting on Jake's arm. The room was a riot of colors as the various uniforms vied with the evening wear of the few civilian's present. It seemed that every officer in the task force was present to pay their respects. There was a slight commotion at the door of the ballroom as newly promoted Brigadier General Alexander Frasier, his aide and a couple of senior Marines entered the room and came straight over to them.
"Uncle Alex!" Kate exclaimed, putting her hand on his shoulder and kissing his cheek. Mock sternly, Alex said,
"Is that the proper way for a junior officer to greet a flag officer?' Kate grinned at him.
"It is for this one!" Frasier grinned back. "Irrepressible, as always. Congratulations, Jake."
"Right back at you, Uncle Alex."
"I can stay for one drink, Then I've got to get back. General Duquesne got his second star and is taking over the division. I've got First Brigade, Second Division. He looked around.
"Damn it, there was one of my young officers I wanted you to meet, but he and his buddy have disappeared on me. He's an extraordinary officer Awarded the Navy Cross on his first action. Purple heart on his second. Also put in for the Silver Star but I don't know if that one will go through, so close to the cross. That man will see general's stars before he's forty. Oh well, maybe another time."
After Frasier had his drink and left, they were standing by a table with an amazing collection of liquor bottles on it. Jake winked at Kate.
"At least this campaign won't be a dry one. I've got enough booze here, to equip my own about something.
"Whoa, Big Fella. Kate shot back. I've spent the last two hours having my feet trod on by every incipient alcoholic in the fleet, ogled by the sober ones and had my butt grabbed twice. I'm taking the two Laiphroag's, the Irish Mist and the Drambuie with me."
Jake groaned. "Those are the cream of the crop." With a wicked grin, Kate said;
"Yes, they are, since you're always telling me that since I'm your only sister, I deserve the best, I'm taking you at your word."
"Ouch, hoist by my own petard. Please, leave me one of the Laiphroag's." Kate laughed.
"Since you asked so nicely, Okay. But I'm taking the Chateauneuf Du Pape instead. You don't have any women to impress."
"Let's get a steward to pack this for us and let's get out of here. I want you in your quarters before the party gets rough. Hey, where did Wolverton get off to?"
Kate cocked her head to one side. I think I saw him wandering off towards the Golden Empress about an hour ago."
"Oh no! That bar's a Marine hang out. Why couldn't he go to the Cerulean?"
As they approached the bar, five Marine officers exited the bar, laughing uproariously about something. The leader was the big Marine Kate had seen in the officer's club. Some sixth sense warned him and Kate saw his eyes turn towards them. Such beautiful blue eyes. He saw Jake and his eyes hardened, instantly. He said something to his companions and the laughter cut off, abruptly. All five came to attention. He snapped off a parade ground worthy salute. In a surprisingly cultured baritone, he said;
"Good evening Commodore, Lieutenant." Jake returned the salute and they both returned the greeting. Kate got a closer look. She didn't know what all the Fleet's ribbons and badges meant, yet but she recognized the important ones. The Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, The Close combat badge, Pilot's wings. She didn't recognize the second set of wings or the crossed daggers. Richard Castle had to be the officer Uncle Alex was talking about.
Rick dropped his salute, said; "By your leave sir. And started to turn. Instead of saying carry on, Jake said;
"A moment of your time, please, Mister Castle." Rick' s response was automatic. "Aye, Aye sir.
With a sheepish expression, Jake said;
"I'm afraid that I owe you an apology, Lieutenant. I let personal prejudices get in the way of my professional judgement. I just reviewed the results of the flight and weapons tests. Your designs appear to have produced a fine little fighting ship. I'm going to authorize their use in the coming campaign and recommend that Fleet start producing the type and modify existing craft to type, as time and conditions permit." Still holding an academy brace, Rick said;
"No apology is necessary, sir, but my men will appreciate your support. By your leave, sir."
"One moment more, Lieutenant. You're wearing the Fleet Cross. Would you care to join my sister and I for a drink and tell us about it?"
"With respect, sir I have had enough to drink. The cross is personal, I do not care to discuss it. Once again, by your leave, sir." Jake sighed. "Carry on, Lieutenant."
Jake shook his head as he watched the Marines walk off. That Lieutenant Castle is one tough, self-contained S O B, Aloud, he said;
"We'd better go find Mister Wolverton and find out what kind of trouble he's gotten himself into. Wait here, these bars can get a little rough before a campaign." He entered the bar and a moment later, his hoot and roar of laughter brought Kate into the bar, without being called.
Al Wolverton, minus his tunic, shirt and shoes was suspended, by the waistband of his pants, from a crossbeam. Using fruit juice, someone had painted his torso in alternating red and yellow bands. His face and feet were stained purple. Two cherries hung from his eyebrows and a pair of napkin "wings" were fastened to his back. He looked like a gigantic Centauran fruit Fly. A sign reading pest hung from his neck. Kate was laughing so hard. Tears were running down her cheeks. When the laughter subsided, and Jake could catch his breath, Jake asked the bartender, an elderly Tolvar, "What happened?"
In an almost insolent drawl, the bartender said;
"Well, sir, several young gentlemen were minding their own business, in that booth over there, when this young pup went over and started pestering them about not paying their respects to someone, I couldn't make out who. Anyway, after about five minutes of that, the Centauran gentleman got a few shots of "three-step" brandy into him and the young pup passed out. The Centauran then created this fine work of art." Jake raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't try to stop them?"
The Tolvar replied; "Why should I? They didn't harm him, they didn't damage anything and they pad for their art supplies. Besides, I've seen what seriously annoyed young gentlemen can do, if they're so inclined. This staff pongo got off light"
"Help me get him down from there will you? Someone from my staff will come by and collect him. By the way, you're a Fleet retiree, aren't You?"
"Yes, sir the man said, proudly. Thirty-five years. Sergeant-Major, First of the First, Fleet Marines."
"Obviously impartial. Jake snorted. Come on Kate, let's get out of here."
"What will happen to Mister Wolverton?"
"I'll relieve him as my aide, I can't have someone that stupid in a position that important. His career is toast. He will never make Lieutenant Commander. Fleet will bury him in some rear echelon office on Earth, until he's old and gray or until he resigns."
"That's sad."
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