“Commander, welcome aboard the United Star Systems Fleet covert operations cruiser Phoenix. I’m Lieutenant Commander Alana Ayres, your executive officer. All crew have reported aboard,” she paused. Her tone suggested she was somewhat uncomfortable. “Save for one,” she finished.
Aaron’s new XO was six years his junior. From what he’d read, in many ways she was like him. It appeared as though Shepherd thought to show him exactly what it was like having a subordinate with such a . . . unique personality. He wanted to laugh. Shepherd might portray the serious Supreme Commander of the Fleet, but Aaron had seen another side to him.
Aaron didn’t need to look at the crew assembled to know who was missing. It could only be one person. The same person who insisted he was only considering voluntary assignment aboard a starship because Aaron was still his patient.
The sound of boot heels striking the deck reached his ears.
“Max,” he said. “You’re late. It’s improper to arrive for your posting after your commanding officer.” Aaron peered over his shoulder.
Max pulled an anti-grav tray full of equipment and stopped next to Aaron. The doctor kept his voice low.
“The last time I came aboard this ship you abducted me. You don’t hear me whining about it. I’m no starship explorer. I’m here for one reason. To keep your stubborn self alive. So don’t push me, or I’ll relieve you of duty before you can leave on your latest galactic adventure.”
Ayres was straining. Difficult though it might be, she stifled the laugh.
“Something funny, Ms. Ayres?” Aaron held a serious tone. It was all he could do to stop from laughing himself.
It was obvious the doctor intended to give Aaron far more gripe on this venture than he ever had.
“No, sir, nothing at all. May I present the crew, Captain?”
Aaron half smiled. Ayres deflected that one nicely.
He watched Max stroll to the assembled crew and join the end of the line. The doctor might want to clobber Aaron over the head but he wouldn’t push it in front the crew. Max would sure give it to him in the officer’s lounge later.
“Lead on, Ms. Ayres. And, before we move on. I know that historically, according to naval tradition, regardless of rank, the commanding officer aboard a ship is addressed as captain. I however, prefer to be addressed by my rank if we’re being formal.”
“Of course, Commander,” Ayres replied. She turned and motioned for him to accompany her.
The first in line was Lieutenant Malcolm Lee. Tactical officer. A native of Rigel. His jaw rigid. Lee had short grizzly hair. His brown eyes filled with the swagger of youth, but conveyed the maturity of an experienced officer. An expert martial artist. Either Lee had grown a size or two or his uniform was a size too small. He’d lost his arm during the last mission. Imperial agents had shot it to pieces while Lee dragged Alvarez to safety during an intense firefight on Rigel. Max had successfully attached a bionic limb.
“Malcolm,” Aaron said, smiling.
“Commander,” Lee nodded, shifting almost imperceptibly. “You’re looking strong. Like you could fight a dozen Imperial centurions.”
Aaron grinned. Lee was reminding him of the last time they’d been together. They had to fight their way through a mutinous legion of Imperial soldiers, aboard an Imperial ship, to save its commander, and prevent a war.
“Indeed, Lieutenant, with you at my side of course, taking out the first ten.”
“Indeed, sir. And please only my mother called—”
“You Malcolm. I remember. I won’t slip again,” Aaron said. Of course he remembered, but he was just poking the sometimes edgy lieutenant. Aaron stepped to the next in line.
“Commander,” the man said. “Master Chief Mick Garrett, I’m your engineering chief. I am assisted by Chief Petty Officer Reyes. Great to be aboard this fine ship and to join your crew. I promise I’ll keep her in tip top shape.” Garrett had a head full of thick, red hair. Bushy eyebrows and a full red beard. His long pointy nose reminded Aaron of a character from a children’s book. The name escaped him.
Other than coming highly recommended by Shepherd, Aaron liked Garrett already. Apart from him, only the best engineers referred to their ships as she. Aaron supposed it went back to an ancient time of chivalry when men believed women were delicate creatures to be taken care of, many sea-sailors referred to their vessels similarly. Sure, women were delicate creatures.
And they could also be raving beasts and rip your head off.
They were unpredictable. That fact alone made women more than able warriors. They could be fierce or gentle, merciful or merciless.
Long gone was the prejudice some held, that women were somehow not as robust as men. The only field in the Fleet men tended to outnumber women was starship command. And this was simply because women were pursuing strictly scientific endeavors in larger numbers than their male counterparts. Women were unraveling the mysteries of the universe.
Here, however, the lead scientist on this mission was a man and the second in command was a woman. And it was likely this was Ayres’ last stop before receiving a commission.
“As far as I’m concerned Mr. Garrett,” Aaron said. “This ship belongs to you and you’re just allowing us to borrow her.”
“Thank you, sir, means a lot to an engineer.”
Aaron nodded to Reyes and moved on. The next crew member was beaming a wide smile at him. If his lips stretched any farther, they might tear. His eyes were youthful and curious, his boyish grin endearing.
“Yuri,” Aaron clapped the young helmsman on the shoulder.
“Commander! I couldn’t believe it when they told us you were taking command.”
“Truthfully, Ensign. Neither could I. How’s she handling?”
“Smooth as ever, Commander! Even got her outfitted with an upgrade to the combat thrusters. Wait’ll you see what she can do!”
Aaron smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Next in line were some personnel he wished he had on Phoenix . . . before boarding the Imperial flagship to save Lord Commander Scipio.
“Sergeant Randall Dawes, United Star Systems Marines.” The marine gestured to the men on his left. “My humble squad assigned to Phoenix: Corporals Ubu and Chen. An honor to meet you, Commander.”
“Oh don’t build me up till you’ve had a chance to work with me, Sergeant,” Aaron said. “Corporals.” He nodded at the two men to the left of the sergeant.
“Commander.” They each responded.
These marines weren’t mere “marines”. These were Covert Operations Special Force Recon Marines. They were recruited, trained and deployed solely for special operations. Every covert ops starship was assigned a group of these ultimate warriors.
Aaron continued down the line.
“I am Lieutenant Herman Zane, Fleet Advanced Scientific Research Division. I specialize in quantum physics and wormhole theory.”
“Pleasure to meet you Mr. Zane. Are you settled into your quarters and work space with all your equipment? Unlike Doctor Tanner over there?”
“Quite settled, Commander. Will we be departing soon? I’ve devoted my entire career to studying these theoretical Einstein-Rosen bridges. That they are no longer in the realm of mere theory . . . well excited doesn’t quite describe the feeling. Certainly you understand of course yes, Commander?”
“I’m certain that I don’t,” Aaron replied. “This is primarily a rescue mission as much as it is a fact finding mission. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Herman might be a problem. Already fixated on his goal, and his goal alone. Impatient. Antsy. “We’ll be departing Sol shortly.”