BOQ, Imperial Training Base, 08:00 hours, 18 August 2453.
Rick Castle stepped out of the shower, feeling alert and refreshed. He'd already finished his morning exercises and was ready for a leisurely breakfast. He put on a class B uniform and was picking up his beret when his com went off. "Castle"
"It's Del; Want to come out to the estate for brunch?"
"No, I'm headed to the officer's open mess. Want to join me for breakfast?"
"No, I've got to do the brunch thing, with Mother, Father and Lurlene. "She's pissed at me for last night and the Fire Rose. She would have liked to attend the dinner dance."
"How did she find out about it?" I told her about it, when she asked if you would be with me."
"You didn't have an invitation, so you're off the hook."
"No, I'm not. I could have got one easily enough.
" "Well, I guess it sucks to be you, at the moment. As for me, I'm free as a bird."
"Yeah, a damned mocking bird!"
He hadn't even reached the door, when his com went off, again. "Castle"
"Good Morning, Rick. We would really like you to go to church with us and join us for lunch, afterward."
"Sorry, Julie. I don't have any reason to let the sky pilot yammer at me. So, no go!"
"What about lunch?"
"No. I'm headed for the open-mess, right now. I'm going to have a hunter's breakfast. I probably won't eat lunch until midafternoon."
"Rick, you did promise to come sees us; I mean more than a few minutes."
"I will."
"So, you say! I want a firm time."
"Okay, I have next weekend free, Saturday afternoon."
"Sunday too, please."
"Okay, but not church."
"Fine. So how did you like last night?"
"Surprisingly, I had a great time."
"What did you think of Kate?"
"She's a beautiful woman, intelligent, great dancer."
"That's just a description, what did you think of her?"
"Okay, I think that she's a very special woman. She's not a one night -stand, hoochie-girl
Or even a hot pillow affair. She's a keeper, for the right man. A stable, come home every night kind of guy. I'm not that guy. I'm a Force Recon Marine. You know, as well as I do what the odds are."
"Besides, she's too smart to get involved with a Recon Marine. Even if she weren't, she's got her brothers and General Frasier to straighten her out. I know what you're up to. So, drop it. It's a moot point. See you next week."
After the call ended Julia thought, "She's the perfect girl for you, little brother and if you think I'm going to give up, you're crazy." (One of the few people as stubborn and determined as Rick, was Julia.)
Frasier household, 09:30, 18 August 2453
Kate Beckett was wearing a new, pale green dress that her aunt Marlene had given her. It would be nice to attend church with her family; again, it had been quite a while since she had.
"Ready, Honey?" Marlene asked.
"Oh yes, Aunt Marlene. It's so wonderful to be together. It's even going to be a Mass instead of an ecumenical service."
Alex and Jake wore suits instead of uniform in deference to Kate 's desire to be in civilian attire as much as possible.
"Did you enjoy the party, last night?" Alex asked.
"Yes, I did, Uncle Alex, very much, even if Jake did his best to sabotage it!"
"Hey, Kate, I apologized!"
"I know that. I'm just reminding you, not to try it again!"
"I won't. Felicia read me the riot act too!"
"Yes, I did." Felicia said, as she walked through the doorway. "And I'll do it again, if you ever pull something like that!"
"You can all believe I won't. In fact, I really admire that guy, the way he tore into Leighton! I'll bet Leighton almost had an accident!"
"What do you mean almost?" Alex said. "Didn't you see how he was walking when he left?"
"What are you doing after church, Kate?" Jake said. "Felicia and I are going to The Tail's Tale. We'd like to take you there for lunch. They do a nice mixed grill."
"I'll take a rain check on that, Jake. Julia Caldwell has invited me to her home, for lunch and then a private, personal tour of her gallery."
"How did that come about?" Felicia asked.
"I'll tell you the whole story, later. It's almost unbelievable. But, indirectly, it's all because of Major Castle!"
Outside the base Chapel, 11:30 hours, August 18, 2453
The Caldwell family waited for Kate in the shade of a large tree, like a Magnolia.
As Kate joined them, Julia said, "Alex, Melissa, this is our new friend, Kate.
Melissa was a miniature replica of her mother. She looked at Kate and said;
"Are you a princess?"
Kate laughed. "No, Melissa, I'm not a princess."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes Melissa, I'm sure. I am a doctor." Alex, with his dark hair and sturdy build, looked more like a Castle than a Caldwell. He had his uncle's clear blue eyes and strong features. "You're pretty!"
"Thank you, Alex."
"Are you ready, Kate?"
"I'm more than ready, I'm eager!" "When they reached the Caldwell home, Julia said;
"Why don't you relax, while I lay things out? We'll be eating sandwiches, buffet style. Make your own."
"I'd rather help, if you don't mind."
As they laid out the cold cuts, Kate said;
"What did you do, read my mind? Corned beef, soda bread, sharp cheddar, potato salad, sugar cookies! It's wonderful. Just like when I was a girl!"
"Would you like iced tea, hot tea, coffee or a soft drink?"
"A soft drink, please."
"Would you like to try a locally produced drink? It's quite a bit like Ginger Ale."
Kate sat back, nibbling on a sugar cookie. "Thank you so much. I haven't had such a wonderful lunch in a very long time. Everything was perfect!"
"You're welcome, Kate. We're glad that we could do it. Please tell us a little about yourself."
"There's not a lot to tell. I was born in Dublin, Ireland. I grew up there until I was ten. My parents died in an accident, that year and I spent the rest of my youth with my brother Jake or Aunt Marlene and Uncle Alex. I graduated from medical school and did my internship and residency at Fleet central hospital. I love dancing and I play the piano. I love to sing the old Irish ballads."
"What about you, Julie?"
"My story is pretty well known."
"Your adult years, yes. I mean earlier. Have you always wanted to be an artist?"
"As far back as I can remember. My mother was too. She really encouraged me. Not only me. She wanted Rick to be an artist or an architect. She never wanted him to be a soldier. He has a lot of talent too. He just won't use it as he should. I've seen some of his sketches. He's very good. I've also read his poetry. It's beautiful, though dark. I want to publish it but he won't let me.
If mom had lived, he would be a different man.
"What happened?"
"She was killed in the Christmas Massacre."
"I remember seeing the news reports, there was one scene that showed a girl on her knees with a boy beside her the rest was blurred." Kate said.
"That blur was our mother. She died in Rick 's arms. He was only 12." "That changed him the carefree happy youth was gone forever."
"Oh, my God, how terrible and tragic that must have been, for both of you!"
"More for him, than me, I could cry, and did, for days! Rick couldn't or wouldn't. In his mind, he had to protect me. He had to be the strong, tough little soldier. Ever since then, when he is hurt, no matter how badly, he just buries it. He won't ask for help and he won't talk about it. But he is my brother and I know. When he thinks, no one is looking, I have seen the hurt in his eyes I've seen that great body twitch in remembered pain.
Rick 's a fierce, deadly fighting man and a brilliant commander. But once you get past his emotional armor, he's sensitive, gentle and loving. Children adore him. No woman or child is in danger if he's around. I've watched him get down on the floor and be a horse for my children. You should see his face when he does. It's a transformation. His smile is as sweet as any I've ever seen on a man. His eyes dance and sparkle.
"You came here to see the gallery, not have your ear bent, let's go."
Kate was enthralled at the depth, beauty and variety of Julia's work and by her choices of other artist's works on display. Not only were there works of art, but music and literature sections as well. "Julia, I could spend days in here!"
"That's easily arranged. Come as often as you like." A large oil painting caught Kate 's eye. A little apart from the others, it was especially lighted and clearly marked not for sale. Titled "Melancholy", it was done mostly in grays and blues. A young man stood at the edge of a cliff, looking out to a storm wracked sea. One hand twined in the ruff of a large Collie, the dog looking up at his master. The face was mostly shadowed, but clearly a strong one. The sea- wind was whipping through his hair.
"That's Rick, isn't it?"
"Yes, on the day he left for the academy. He loved the sea and he loved that dog. He raised him from a puppy. Champion Lord Lochinvar. Our brother, Sam, has kept the line going and Rick will have one of his great grandsons, if he ever settles down."
"If he ever settles down?"
"Yes. Our family is an ancient one, related to the Irish O'Neil's of the Wild Geese, Irish soldiers who took service with Spain. Our men have mostly been warriors or professional soldiers, with a few bankers and merchants thrown in. Very few have died peacefully in their beds."
"There is an upside, however. I listened to my Grandmother Bridget Connolly Castle's stories and read family journals. The Castle women, while they often mourned their men, were seldom bored, unfulfilled or frustrated.
"I'm sorry Kate. I've said way too much. Rick would be furious with me for telling you half as much as I have."
"Really, what would he do if he found out?"
"Cut off all contact with me for God knows how long."
"You can rest assured that I won't say anything about it."
They walked back into Julia's home. "Would you like a glass of wine or a cocktail?"
"A glass of wine would be very nice, thank you."
"Good I have a sherry from Earth and a very nice local cheese. Jason joined them. They discussed Julia's work and Julia asked Kate about her work with Fleet.
"Most of the time, I love medicine. But off Tantalus, it was horrible."
"Were you in danger?"
"No, the Gorrock fleet had been destroyed. It was the terrible wounds our marines suffered. Before that, I thought that modern medicine could cure anything. I was wrong. We only lost a couple, on the ship. But many died before they could get to us.
"Julie, I've had a wonderful time. I don't have the words to tell you how much."
"So, have I, Kate. My initial feeling was right. We shall be great friends."
"That we will be, Julia all our lives."
"I hope that you will accept a small friendship gift. Kate."
"But I have nothing to give you, in return." "There is nothing material that I want. Your friendship is a gift. Wait here, I'll be right back." Julia handed Kate an oil painting. It was night. A cabin sat among tall trees. A warm glow came from the cabin's window. The moon was rising over the mountains causing the clouds to reflect its light.
"It's so beautiful, Julia."
"That's not from imagination. That's a cabin in the High Sierra's of California. Our family owns it. It has been rebuilt, several times. It was first built in the late 1860's by one of our ancestors, Brigadier General Brendan Castle, for his wife."
Kate said, "Thank you, Julia. I shall treasure this."
"We'd better get you home. Your family will be expecting you."
Kate entered the Frasier house, smiling and feeling very relaxed and happy.
"How was your afternoon? Marlene asked. Did you enjoy yourself?"
"I can't believe how much I enjoyed it! The Caldwell family is so unpretentious. Just as you said, Aunt Marlene, you would never believe that they are celebrities! Julia is so sweet and gracious.
Their children are so well behaved. Melissa is going to be a beauty, like her mother.
She said that I looked like a princess."
Jake laughed. "So where is Prince Charming?"
"Jake, shut up!" Felicia said.
"What have you got there?" Alex asked. Kate held it up for all to see.
"That's a Caldwell or a very good copy Felicia said. How could you afford that?"
"It's an original. Julia just gave it to me."
"Just gave it to you? Do you have any idea what that's worth?"
"I have an idea, but that doesn't matter. It's not for sale!"
30, August 2453 at the base chapel, Sector headquarters Karolain City, 18:00 hours.
Kate Beckett stood with the other three bridesmaids waiting for the ceremony to begin. Felicia's mother, father, sister and brother-in-law had come from Earth for the wedding. Her sister would serve as her matron of honor. Kate was happy that Jake was finally getting married. He certainly deserved to be happy. She also had an unworthy thought. Maybe with a wife to worry about, he'll finally stop trying to run my life.
Kate was grateful for the love and care he had devoted to her but she was a grown woman with her own career and her own mind. Jake and his groomsmen were on the other side of the aisle, Peter Beckett serving as the best man. The chapel door opened and the ancient, beautiful wedding march began, Felicia came down the aisle on the arm of her father. They halted at the altar and Jake took her father's place."
"Dearly Beloved." The traditional ceremony was soon over and the wedding party exited the chapel under the traditional arch of swords. The reception at the officer's club was a glittering affair but a small one. During the dancing, Kate thought, I really wish that Jake and Risk were friends I would love to be dancing with him.
Imperial training base, 29, September 2453 08:00 hours.
"Battalion Attention! The Commanding Officer."
"Seats!" "Good Morning, Men." Major Rick Castle said.
"Good morning Sir, came the massed response. "We are about half way through our training cycle. You have all done very well. The attrition rate has not been as high as expected and most of the dead wood is gone. Today we begin what I feel is the most exciting part of the training.
And it is fun if you approach it with the right mindset. All of those who came from Force Recon are qualified drop troopers. All of you will be. The first phase will be those drops used in a planetary atmosphere. Parachute and paraglide drops.
Most of you have heard of jet packs, anti-gravity belts and jump belts.
They exist, but are not practical for real world military operations. Jet packs and jump belts require fuel and reaction mass. Those items, along with the necessary tanks are heavy. The units are expensive. Parachutes are relatively inexpensive and disposable.
They can also be used as shelters.
Those who are already qualified will be working directly with the non-qualified to give them the benefit of their experience. Once the actual drops start, every man will jump.
Captain Kevan and I will lead every drop.
"Company commanders; take charge of your troops."
After the basic classroom instruction, the men learned to pack their parachutes, how to rig Para-gliders and the use of ultra-light aircraft. One ultra-light could tow four gliders into position. At the start of the third week, the actual drops began.
Lance Corporal Cedric Gavin stood looking at the big transport. "What the hell kind of engines are those? I've never seen anything like them."
"Jets. These things can go slow enough to drop us safely. They're widely used on planets that can't afford to support hypersonic rocket planes or need them to land on rough surfaces."
Five of the aircraft were lined up. Sergeant Fallon Haley said;
"Board aircraft."
Cedric sat. "Just my luck." He thought. "I'm in the major's aircraft. God help me if I screw up" There was a loud whine as the first engine started, then three more in quick succession. Minutes later, the roar of the engines rose and the aircraft surged into the air.
"Three minutes to drop, Major."
"Very well, Jump Master, your drop."
"Aye, Aye Sir.
"Stand up! Hook up. Check equipment. Shuffle to the door." The men stood, folded their seats against the fuselage, hooked their static lines to an overhead cable, checked each other's equipment, and then moved to the door. (A lowerable ramp at the rear of the aircraft, allowing ten men to jump at once.) "Stand in the door!" With a whine of hydraulics, the ramp lowered. The roar of the slipstream filled the aircraft. "We have a green light. GO!
Major Castle and his primary staff made up the first stick off the ramp. With Sergeant Haley leading, Gavin's stick was the third one out. On that first, critical drop only three men refused to jump and were immediately transferred out. In the following five weeks
The battalion qualified in parachute, Para-wing, ultra-light aircraft and drop capsule training. Drop capsules were basically one- man aerospace craft, launched from an orbiting starship. They had retro rockets and rudimentary controls that allowed the trooper to guide them if the guidance computer failed. They normally homed in on a beacon, fired from the mother ship. The capsules also had a small engine that allowed them to return to orbit for automatic retrieval, if the tactical situation allowed it. If not, the self-destruct mechanism was activated and the unit combat losses.
Sector base hospital, Karolain city, 15, October 2453 10:30 hours.
"Lieutenants Beckett and Parrish report to the hospital commander's office in 15 minutes. I say again…" Kate and Lanie were making their rounds when the call came. "I wonder what that's about." Lanie said.
"I have no idea, but we'd better hurry." Kate replied. The two women shed their white coats, straightened their uniforms and headed for the office. They reported to the commander.
"Good morning, Ladies." He said. "Let's go into my conference room. There is someone who wishes to speak with you."
Captain Gloria Wayne, Fleet Medical Corps was waiting for them. "Good morning, Ladies. Please be seated. That will be all, Captain. Thank you. The following interview is of a classified nature that is beyond your security clearance.
The hospital commander nodded and left.
"If you would like coffee or tea, there are urns on the table." Both women got cups of coffee and sat down.
"Ladies, I am going to ask you to volunteer for a classified mission that may pose a great hazard and risk of life. I cannot tell you what it is, yet. I can tell you that it will be a deep space mission of an unknown duration. If you accept, it will mean promotion to Lieutenant Commander and designation as full fleet surgeons. You will be working for me.
I will be Chief Medical Officer. Lieutenant Beckett, you will be Chief of Surgery.
Lieutenant Parrish, you will be chief of internal medicine."
"How much time do we have to think it over?" Lanie asked
"No more than 2 days."
"Thank, you, Captain, we'll discuss it."
"Don't discuss this with anyone but your uncle or your brother. They are both cleared for information pertaining to this mission."
"Yes, Captain."
"Very well, you are dismissed."
As they walked back to their duty station, Lanie said; "What do you think, Kate?"
"I think that it's a great opportunity. Lieutenant Commander is at least two years away
At the normal promotion rate. I won't make a firm decision until I talk to Uncle Alex."
"What about the danger?"
"We're Fleet officers, Lanie. It goes with the oath."
"You're not going to talk with Jake?"
"Not till after the decision is made. He'll try to talk me out of it, if I decide to go."
Kate got out her com. "General Frasier's office."
"General Frasier, please. This is Lieutenant Beckett."
"General Frasier's office, Captain Estrada speaking."
"Is the general in?" "Yes, he is, Kate. I'll transfer you." "Thank you, Eddie."
"Hi, Kate. What can I do for you?"
"I'd like to talk with you, today, if you can find the time. Lanie and I have been asked to volunteer for a mission."
"By whom?"
"Captain Wayne of Fleet Medical."
"Captain Wayne?"
"Yes, Uncle Alex." "If this is what I think it is, it can't wait. Meet me at my office at 12:00 I'll clear it with your C.O. We'll have lunch at the club, afterward."
"Thank you, Uncle Alex."
"Captain Wayne." "Captain Wayne, this is General Frasier." "How may I be of service, Sir?" "Can you arrange to be in my office at 12:00?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Very well. Thank you, Captain."
"You're welcome, Sir."
Sector Headquarters, 15, October 2453 12:00 hours.
"Please come into the conference room, Ladies. The general said. He closed the door.
"Please be seated. A Faraday cage surrounds this room and security screens are in place. Please explain what this is all about, Captain."
"It's about the Tenacious mission, Sir. These two officers are among the best in Fleet Medical. I really need them. But only as willing volunteers."
"Very well. About 16 months ago, contact was lost with a colony world in the Fomalhaut
Sector. Two survey ships also lost contact. We don't know what happened. We are sending in a task force, based on the modified battleship Tenacious, to find out. We don't know what's out there. We don't know the threat level."
"That's why the Foxfire was turned back, isn't it?" Kate asked.
"Yes." "I hate to leave a job unfinished. I'll go."
"I'm in." Lanie said.
"Very good. I have your promotion orders and assignment orders right here."
Captain Wayne said.
"You were that sure of us?" Kate asked.
"Yes, I was. Remember, you served with me, before."
"You didn't protest, at all, General." Wayne said.
"Kate didn't ask what I thought.
I'll tell you straight out, that I'm not happy about it. But it's not my place to make decisions for her or Lieutenant Parrish."
"Jake will hit the roof!" Kate said.
"I'll handle Jake. Brother or not, he's a serving officer. The needs of the service still override personal considerations. The general said.
"Now that you are aware of the mission, I can tell you something that may reassure you.
If there is fighting, the weapons crews have been hand-picked from the best in Fleet.
The security force and ground force troops are an elite Force recon combined arms battalion combat team under the Command of Major Rick Castle, Fleet Marine Corps. For your information, Captain Wayne, I consider Major Castle the most brilliant combat commander I have ever seen. He has the reputation of being the hero of Tantalus and it is well deserved."
"You have the rest of the week off, ladies. I'll inform the hospital commander.
Your replacements came with me. We'll start building a medical staff, a week from today. The same day that crew assignment starts for the Tenacious." Wayne said.
"We'll have a small promotion party, Friday at the club. I'm hosting." General Frasier said.
After a very nice lunch, Kate and Lanie went home to tell Marlene about the recent events. "You agreed to that? Why? You could be safe here and still help people and build your career!"
"Aunt Marlene, it's something that I feel have to do. And it's a boost to both my career and my morale. Furthermore, there, I'm really needed. Here, I'm just filling a post. Something any civilian doctor can do."
"But if you stay, Honey, you may meet a nice young man. Marry and start your family.
Don't you want that?"
"Someday. Frankly, I want a man who has a rather rare combination of qualities. Intelligent, handsome, honest, athletic, strong, yet gentle And sexy, too! Where do I find a man like that?"
"You already have, if you could only see it." Marlene thought."
16, October 2453 General Frasier's office. 14:00 hours.
"She did what?" Jake exploded. "How could you let her do that? That's an incredibly dangerous mission!" "How do you expect me to stop her? She's an adult and a serving officer. I may not like her decisions but they are hers to make."
"You could order her not to go!" "She's not in my chain of command."
"Then I'll order her not to go!" "She's not in your chain of command, either, Jake."
"We'll see about that!"
General Frasier's voice cracked like a whip. "At ease Commodore. Any attempt by you to interfere with Commander Beckett's orders will be considered a chargeable offense. Do I make myself clear?" "But Uncle Alex…"
"Do I make myself clear Commodore?" "Yes, Sir."
"Look, Jake, I don't want to take that tone with you. But the needs of the service and Kate 's self-image take precedence over your feelings or mine. So, I want you to attend the party, Friday and make her feel that you approve of the decision. Or at least accept it."
Later that night, Marlene said, "Alex, could you invite Major Castle to Kate 's promotion party?"
"Match making?"
"Why not? Didn't you see what an ideal couple they make?"
"Yes, I saw. But the worst thing you could do is try to match those two up, before they see it on their own. Besides, I couldn't if I wanted to. Major Castle is in the field with troops. I don't know exactly where. Even if I did, he'd probably decline it."
19, October 2453. Officer's Club Sector headquarters. 19:30 hours.
Kate sat sipping her drink, enjoying the small celebration. A very nice dinner and a few drinks with family and a few friends. A little disappointed at no dancing but other than that, very nice. She was both surprised and relieved that Jake hadn't given her a hard time. Lanie saw her looking around and said;
"Looking for someone Kate?"
"No, should I be?"
"Not even a big, handsome Marine?"
"Lanie, you're either nuts or sex obsessed. I'm not sure which. I'm not looking for anyone!"
"Okay, if you say so."
Meanwhile, Captain Wayne had pulled Jake aside. "I understand why you are unhappy with Commander Beckett's decision; Commodore and I even sympathize. However, she's not just the best surgeon available but, in my opinion, the best in the fleet. Her skills will be critical, so far out. I wouldn't ask for her, if the need weren't so great."
"I understand Captain but she's my sister. I am worried for her."
"I know, Commodore, but she needs your support."
"She'll have that, no matter what."
22, October 2453 Base hospital, main conference room, 10:00 hours.
"Please take your seats, Ladies and Gentlemen." Captain Wayne said.
"The reason for today's meeting is to discuss the implementation of the updating of an
Old concept that fell into disuse. In the 20th century, during one of earth's many wars
They developed something called an M.A.S.H. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.
It was a hospital that operated out of tents, very close to the front lines. With the unifying of Earth, and the end of major surface conflicts those units ceased operations.
Most inter-planetary wars have been space battles, with only occasional minor surface actions. Due to the recent Actions on Tantalus and Belnarius, we have seen the need for more rapid medical response. Thus, we are creating what has been named a Rapid Response Trauma Center. Basically, a large shuttle converted to house a small operating room and burn center. The Tenacious will carry four of them. Each one will carry a full surgical team on board. They will be under the overall command of Commander Beckett.
Her shipboard duties remain that of Chief of Surgery.
I have a stack of dossiers that I want all of us to go over. We will be selecting the medical personnel to be interviewed and assigned."