Seven years later, I was about ready to say the hell with Corman and Nagala. They had done nothing but put me through 'training' that I didn't really need. Granted, they had been condensed ad truncated versions for most of them, but still.
I now had 'officially' been through OCS, FTP, ATT-Viper, ATT-Raptor, CSWOC (Colonial Special Warfare and Operations Course), Cyber Warfare and Counter-Warfare, War College, Basic and Advanced Engineers certification, and even the Command Officers Course. Not to mention the 'specialized' training that I received in any off time.
But, I knew that time was running out. There was only 40 months until 'the end of civilization as we knew it'.
On a personal level, I was even more confused. I still didn't know why I was here, how I was here, or what all was different about me.
During the more physical aspects of my training, it had become quite apparent to everyone around me that not only was I stronger, faster, had more endurance than anyone had right to be, I also healed extremely fast.
The part that really confused me was the effect I had on people, especially women. It was worrisome, and to be honest, a little frustrating.
I was currently on my way to see Admiral Nagala. He was aboard the Atlantia which was in parking orbit of the Scorpion Shipyards.
At twenty-one, I was by far the youngest Colonel in the Colonial Fleet. I was technically a 'Black Beret', but one that was certified to do just about anything in Fleet outside of Medical. But, the only qualification badges I wore were my Master Aviator wings (which basically said I could fly anything that had a pilot instead of a helmsman), my Senior Engineering Badge, and a Line Warfare Officer Badge with a Command Star.
These Badges combined with my youthful appearance, not to mention my size, pretty much ensured that fact that I was noticed when I deplaned from the Raptor that had brought me aboard the Atlantia.
"Colonel Hawk?" a young blonde ensign asked as I stepped to the deck of the Hanger Bay. She was a little hesitant which surprised me considering who she was working for.
"I am Colonel Hawk," I replied simply.
"If you will follow me, Sir, Admiral Nagala is expecting you," she stated.
I gestured for her to lead the way. She showed curiosity, more than is healthy, especially for an Ensign.
"Ensign…" I trailed off, obviously waiting for her to supply her name.
"McMillan, Sir," she replied with a hint of emotion.
I arched an eyebrow at her in askance.
The young woman sighed in surrender.
"I'm the Admiral's Granddaughter, Sir."
"Well then, Ensign, you already know this, but I will tell you anyway. Don't get overly curious about things that you really don't want to know the answer to. ESPECIALLY as a young Ensign," I said in doting but firm 'uncle' tone.
She started to chuckle but it changed to more of a choking noise.
"What's wrong, Ensign?" I asked.
"Nothing, Sir, sorry, Sir," she blurted out in embarrassed worry.
"Ensign, you obviously found something humorous. What was it?" I asked pointedly.
"I apologize, Sir. It's just that you sounded a lot like my Grandfather when you said that. And, no offense Sir, but you don't look any older than I am," she said worried about having been too far with the mysterious and handsome Colonel.
I had to chuckle.
"Well, looks can be deceiving, Miss McMillan. And it doesn't change the fact that it's true," I said with light humor.
McMillan visibly relaxed and relaxed.
We had reached the Admiral's office.
"Here you are, Colonel," she said. "I will be here when you are finished."
I seriously doubted that this meeting would be short enough to warrant her waiting, but I sim
ply nodded to her and then the senior of the Marine sentries, signaling that I was ready to be announced.
A few minutes later, I was reporting in to Admiral Nagala.
"Colonel Alex Hawk, reporting as ordered!" I rasped out while snapping a sharp salute.
Nagala returned my salute with a curious half smile. "I still can't figure you out, Hawk."
"I am afraid I don't quite follow, Admiral," I said honestly.
He chuckled wryly. "No, I suppose not. It's just the musings of a tired old man. You are the only person outside of Marines who put so much pride into a simple salute."
"Sir, if something is worth doing, it's worth doing right," I replied.
"I have realized that about you, young man. Even with training that you don't believe that you need, you still put in maximum effort."
"But, I suppose that we need to get down to business," Nagala stated, not really wanting to. "When the need arises, you will be given assignments that require your varied and in depth talents and abilities."
"The only thing that hasn't been determined is what your 'cover assignment' will be. The problem is that as a Colonel, the options are limited."
"Admiral, on many occasions, Black Berets have assumed identities that had lower ranks than they held personally. Why couldn't a cover identity do so as well? "
"Only for the fact that most are not willing to give up their rank unless the mission calls for it specifically," Nagala replied bluntly. "Is there something in particular that you have in mind?"
"May I speak freely, Sir?" I asked neutrally.
"Within reason," Nagala replied.
"Nothing sinister, Admiral, I assure you. I would like to be assigned to an appropriate position at one of the Fleet Storage and Maintenance Yards, preferably in a Command slot."
I had clearly surprised him.
"Why would you want to be assigned to one of those? They are avoided by those with youth and ambition like the plague. So, tell me, why would you want to be assigned there?" Nagala asked directly.
"Sir, I don't believe that most of the Inactive Reserves are significantly below the necessary and required Fleet standards. I would like to begin reversing that," I answered honestly. "Besides, that would allow me to 'stretch my legs' so to speak, in many fields. Command, Engineering, Logistics, and even getting some stick time in," I added with a light grin.
Nagala eyed me intently for quite a while before speaking.
"I am surprised that you would take that long of a view," Nagala stated openly. "But pleasantly surprised, I admit. Admiral Renquist won't be pleased about losing your services, but I believe I can accommodate your wishes by combining them with my needs."
I was curious as to where he was going with this, but I remained silent and waited patiently for the Admiral to continue.
"You are correct in that the Inactive Reserves are woefully inadequate and ill-prepared. And, there never seems to be enough qualified, and dare say 'honest' officers to get it rectified. If I were to give you this, I can almost guarantee that you will need some of your more 'darker' skills will be required."
He looked at me intently for a good while.
"Are you certain that you want this assignment?" Nagala asked in a serious tone.
"Admiral, what choice does the duty-bound have but to do what is right and needed?" I asked him sincerely.
"What I find the most surprising thing about that is I believe your honesty and sincerity about it," Nagala replied with open surprise.
We discussed specifics for a few hours before he made a call.
"Denny, please plot an inspection tour of the Outer Colonies and Fleet Installations; No, nothing too consuming; Yes, that's fine. And please have Colonel Francione arrange quarters for a visiting O-8 specialist. Thanks, Denny."
As he disconnected, he noticed my expression.
"Yes, I realize that it further complicates your situation personally, but it is necessary for what you will be doing." He stated in a tone that made me realize that any further discussion on the subject would be a waste of breath and energy on my part.
Nagala pinned Commander's pips on me then sent me to the quartermaster.
I was mildly surprised when the Atlantia's Quartermaster had the gold piping to modify my uniform. At least until I thought about it. She was the Fleet's Flagship. I was probably far from the first to be promoted to Commander, or even Flag Rank, aboard her.
The Quartermaster also took measurement for new uniforms. I tried to argue about it, but the Master Chief stopped me.
"Sorry, Sir but I am following orders. And his color has a bit more weight, no offense, Commander," the salty Quartermaster stated easily.
I had to laugh. "That he does, Master Chief, that he does."
During Nagala's impromptu inspection tour, I got to see five different Fleet Storage and Maintenance Yards. It not only gave me perspective for what I was getting into, but gave me the opportunity to see what was stored there.
After the fifth 'tour', Nagala sent me to my new posting. When I left, he had given me my 'cover' orders as the 2IC of Fleet Storage and Maintenance Yards – Medusa Nebula. He had also given me a code binder with several coded OSD's and a large sealed packet.
"These are contingency orders. Inside the binder are Com protocols and challenge series. Those are for future possibilities. The sealed packet is for emergency use only in your endeavors to clean up Medusa Nebula," he stated firmly.
"Understood, Admiral," I replied.