Chapter 29
December 18, 1925
Palace Family Room
Rachel and Matt sat in the Palace Family Room with her family and Lew's parents, who had arrived from Manticore two days prior. They spoke of the trip on the luxury space liner and profusely thanked their son. That night, they were going to be treated to Randleman's for dinner.
"Lawrence wanted to make the trip, but he just couldn't get enough time away from work," Mr. Radford said of their other son.
"We'll take plenty of photos and videos for him," Mrs. Radford added.
Lew cleared his throat. "Before we head out, I need to say… um… ask something."
Matt squeezed Rachel's hand as Lew stood before Jeanette and then dropped to one knee. Her eyes went wide and teary.
"For me, it really was love at first sight. Smart, pretty, and sweet wrapped up in one package. So I'm asking, here in front of your family and mine, will you marry me?"
The room was shocked into silence, waiting in anticipation for her response. A tear fell down her cheek and she nodded. "I will."
Elaine rushed in to hug her. "My sweet girl!"
She looked to Ben. "Did you know about this?"
Ben nodded and smiled. "I guess this means another wedding to plan."
#
Since Rachel and Matt were spending the night at the Palace, Rachel gave a piano lesson to Bella after dinner in the kid's library. She also helped Lawrence with a book report, and worked a jigsaw puzzle with Bernie.
"Great! You've almost got that bridge down pat, the arpeggio is important," Rachel said.
Honor came into the room, and Rachel smiled at her as Bella continued the song. When she finished, her audience clapped.
"You've been working on that one a while, good job," Honor praised and then looked to Rachel. "Can we talk?"
"We'll work some more tomorrow, all right?" Rachel offered.
Bella nodded and left the room, mumbling, "It's probably about a stupid boy."
Honor chuckled. "Good guess, but it's not about a boy."
Rachel sat down on the couch with her glass of tea and waited for Honor to start. "I'm interested in joining the Navy… as a reservist though."
Rachel smiled and squeezed her sister's hand. The military recruiters must have visited Mayhew United High School that week. "First off, I'm glad you've come to a decision, seeing how it's your senior year. Second, do you want to be an engineer?"
Honor shook her head. "No, that's all so complicated, and I don't have an interest or capability for it."
"Good, you're honest with yourself. Then what are you interested in?"
"Well, when I interned at Planetary Security this past summer, I became interested in the law. I've been studying it, and Jeanette has helped too."
"You don't think the law is complicated?" Rachel asked and Honor shook her head.
Jeanette had planned on law school until she accepted her dad's request to take over as Steadholder. She had to put classes on hold for a bit, but was catching up and was in her third year of her World History and Law Studies Degree.
"She had to give up a lot, but she doesn't see it that way," Honor said.
"You win some, you lose some," Rachel quipped.
"Dad says that," Honor replied.
"Considering my plans, the recruiter suggested I enlist in the reserves, go to boot camp, and then legal clerk school. After I get my degree, I go to OCS and start law school."
"A lot do it that way, like Matt and Lew," Rachel replied.
A majority of the Grayson enlisted women were reservists; many wanted to serve but still be with their families and stay with their jobs, if they had one.
"Jessica and Eric are doing it," Honor said of her best friends from school. "The reserves seem like a good fit for us."
"Hmm… just be sure you're doing because you want to do it," Rachel advised. "Out of curiosity, what do Jess and Eric want to do in the Navy?"
"Well, Jess has been working in a dress shop, so she could work in the uniform shop?"
"They're called supply specialists, but yes," Rachel answered.
"And Eric's been on the school shooting team, so the recruiter could sign him up as a weapons tech," Honor said.
#
Rachel and Honor sat in front of Ben's desk as Honor told him of her plans. Ben steepled his fingers under his chin as Honor spoke.
"I had no idea you were inclined that way," Ben said when she finished. "As it might pertain to you, I can let you in on some news that will be announced after the new year. However, it's not yet for public consumption."
Rachel and Honor nodded, wise in the ways of not yet for public consumption.
"Starting with the next August class, females will be allowed to apply for admission to our naval academy," he stated.
"Outstanding!" Rachel exclaimed.
Ben looked at Honor. "You know how unsure I was of Rachel attending the academy on Manticore, but that uncertainty is a thing of the past. There will be a period of adjustment at Mackenzie, and it might not be easy, but we're a resilient people. Change is an inevitable part of life, as The Tester says."
He sat up in his chair and started up his desk comm unit. The switchboard operator on duty answered, and the operator trainee at his side sat up straighter when he saw Benjamin.
"Thomas, can you patch me through to the High Admiral?"
"Certainly, Protector. Stand by, please."
"Thank you."
Benjamin chatted with his girls while waiting for the High Admiral to answer the call. After a couple of minutes, the GSN crest displayed on the monitor. The High Admiral appeared, straightening his tie.
"Don't worry about it, Mac, it's well past working hours."
High Admiral McDonnell relaxed, grinned, and took a sip of tea from the glass on his desk.
"Mac, do you have any numbers about the pending boot camps for women and academy warrants?"
The High Admiral pursed his lips and looked through some files stacked haphazardly on his desk. "As a matter for fact, yes. The Navy minister had some question about academy numbers."
He chose one, held it up, and opened it. "As far as the boot camps… 32 are slated to report for the March class… then 48 for the June class so far. We expect more for the September class because of the high school graduations. Do you have a question, m'lord?"
"My daughter, Honor, is graduating from high school this year, and she expressed an interest in the Navy. The recruiter helped her develop a tentative plan, and I was curious about the numbers."
The High Admiral smiled brightly. "Another Mayhew for the Navy? Outstanding! We're still taking warrant applications for females at Mackenzie; we have 22 confirmed so far. The cut-off date is April 30th, so if the academy is in her plans, she needs to start working on it."
"I'm not interested in the academy, it isn't for me," Honor added. "Although I do know some girls from school who might."
"Whatever your decision, I'll be proud to see you in a uniform. I see all my girls making history," Benjamin said.
January 4, 1926
The D&P division assembled for the usual Monday morning meeting. When Commander Kimbrell concluded the meeting, he shut down the projector screen and had everyone stand.
"Ensign Goodson, come stand before me."
She stood, with no idea as to what was going on. No one did, except for Commander Kimbrell and Lt. Commander Purcell, who arrived at his side. Rachel stood at attention before him. Commander Kimbrell took a folder from his XO and spoke again.
"Attention to orders! The Navy Minister, acting upon the recommendation of the Navy High Admiral, has recognized the superior performance of Ensign Rachel Goodson. In view of her performance, she has demonstrated potential to serve in the higher grade of Lieutenant Junior Grade, effective the fourth of January, of the common year 1926. By order of the High Admiral, Grayson Space Navy."
Commander Kimbrell extended his hand. "Well done, Lieutenant Mayhew. Congratulations."
Shocked, she returned the gesture. She wasn't due for promotion until June! "Th-thank you, sir."
He handed the promotion warrant to her and Lt. Commander Kimbrell dropped the gold pips into his waiting hand. He removed the double silver pips from her collar and replaced them with single gold ones.
"After this, head to the store and get the rest."
"Yes sir."
"Division, fall out!"
Rachel was congratulated by her team members, and they chuckled at her obvious surprise. Natalie gave her light, teasing punch to the arm. "That's what you get for overachieving!"
#
On the way to the store, she called Matt. His voice mail greeting was heard, and she rolled her eyes waiting for his I'll return your call spiel to end.
"Guess what? I was promoted! I was so surprised! Call me back at lunch time, love you."
At the base store, she found three sets of Lieutenant Junior Grade accoutrements and brought the selection to the check out counter. Enlisted personnel don't have to buy theirs! She placed her purchase on the counter and the supply services PO rang it up.
"We can attach those sleeve stripes now, if you like. It'll take a few minutes, ma'am," the PO offered.
"Thank you," Rachel said and swiped her credit chip for the purchase. She handed her jacket over and sat in a chair in waiting area adjacent the counter.
Rachel treated her section, officers and enlisted, to lunch that day at Randleman's Cafe in the base store complex. Space was limited in the complex, but Randleman's got their foot in the door ahead of Dempsey's.
"It's beef tips day, thanks," Josh said and saluted her with a fork.
As she took a bite, her uni-link signaled Matt's tone. She put her fork down and answered.
"Congratulations!" he exclaimed.
"Thanks, love."
"As a reservist, promotion might be slower for me," he said.
"But you already knew that," she said.
"I'll be a doctor, that's what matters. Dinner at Randleman's to celebrate?"
"How about Starlight or Dempsey's? We're at Randleman's Cafe for lunch."
"Sounds like a plan, see you tonight, love."
She ended the call and engaged another to let Gillian know to put off the roast beef planned for that night.
February 6, 1926
In a downtown Austin bridal shop, Jeanette turned left, right, and around in a mirror to admire the wedding dress she had chosen. Honor was thrilled to be chosen as maid of honor for her sister; she thought Rachel would have been her choice. Rachel, Theresa (who came from Manticore for the weekend), and two of Jeanette's friends since junior high school were her bridesmaids.
"Netty, it's sublime," one of the friend's gushed.
"I agree… Netty," Honor chortled, fingering the delicate lace on the end of a sleeve.
They all heard the tinkling bell on the shop's door and Elaine and Katherine came into the back dressing room. Elaine stopped and put a hand over her mouth, her eyes teary.
"I wondered if this day would come," she said softly and Katherine handed her a handkerchief. "And your engagement won't last near as long as your sister's did."
"That's true," Rachel added.
Jeanette and Lew were planning an April 3rd wedding, a four month engagement, a normal amount of time for engaged couples on Grayson.
"We just came from the stationers," Elaine said and held up a sample invitation.
Jeanette took it from her and admired the cream colored card with gold trimmed borders and soft black lettering.
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Mayhew
and
Mr. and Mrs. Lane Radford
Invite you to share in the joy when their children,
Lady Steadholder Jeanette Bethany Mayhew
and
GSN Ensign Lewis Charles Radford
Unite in matrimony on Saturday, April 3, 1926
At 3 PM, Protector's Cathedral
Grayson, Austin City, Mayhew Boulevard
Reception to follow, Protector's Palace Ballroom
"Perfect," Jeanette whispered, running her fingertips over the invitation.
"Then we'll go ahead and place the order," Katherine said.
"Lemme see!" Theresa said and looked over her sister's shoulder.
Rachel looked at it and noted that it was more ornate than her own, but that was Jeanette's preference. She was a Steadholder, so it had to be ornate, she supposed.
"This is the dress, I'm sure of it," Jeanette told Elaine.
"Good, then we can start looking at the bridal party dresses," Elaine said.
Jeanette pulled Rachel closer. "Um, mama, I asked Rachel if it was alright for her to wear her dress uniform. She said she didn't mind."
They looked to Rachel. "It's her wedding; if that's what she wants me to wear, I'll be happy to wear it. Besides, no one is going to pay me any mind."
February 9, 1926
Lt. Hardin, Rachel, and Ensign Cordell were tasked to test fly a shuttle with upgraded propulsion engines to Yanakov Station and back. The lieutenant was piloting, Cordell was the co-pilot, and Rachel was at the flight engineer's station. Robert sat in a seat near her and read from his tablet. Lt. Hardin departed from the hangar and took a few turns around the perimeter of the dome. Although he liked her squad, Hipper didn't like being left behind in the shop. When the shuttle departed the dome, it was time for planetary flight.
"Be sure to get solid readings, if this upgrade performs as expected, all fleet shuttles get the upgrade," Lt. Hardin said to the crew.
"Aye sir," Rachel and Cordell replied.
The shuttle flew over Austin City, Harrington, Howell, and MacKenzie steadings.
"Next stop, Yanakov Station for diagnostics, testing, and lunch," the lieutenant stated.
They all put on their helmets and the shuttle set course for the station. On approach, Rachel's monitoring board sounded.
"Sir, the gravitic detection array sensor has indicated a malfunction," she reported.
"Well, we don't need that right now, but add it to the list," the lieutenant instructed.
"Aye sir."
"Now that I think about it, go ahead and pop open the avionics panel and take a look," he requested.
"On it, sir."
She left her seat and removed her tool kit from a stowage bin. She removed the avionics panel cover on the bulkhead adjacent the engineer's station, and got a good look at the various runs, wiring, and control boards. She got to work with her diagnostic and monitoring tools.
"Sir, the primary control runs are—" and yelped when the shuttle jerked and she was thrown against the bulkhead.
"M'lady—" Robert said and started to unbuckle his seat belt.
"Stay there, your seat is the safest place right now," she said and got to her feet.
"Starboard propulsion out!" Lt. Hardin called out.
She hissed at the pain from her right shoulder and buckled in back at the flight engineer's seat. She held on as best she could, one hand gripping her seat and braced the other on the desk. The shuttle was shaking so hard her teeth were rattling. This shouldn't be happening!
"Something is very wrong, hold on as best you can," she said to Robert. He nodded and pulled his seat restraints tighter.
She heard the station's instructions through her comms and the lieutenant shout, "Brace for impact!"
Thank Tester I left Hipper at the shop!
The 'cat had been grumpy about being left behind, but the last she saw of him, he was perched on Natalie's desk, content with Natalie's attention.
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