David Foss

Commander Junkkari, Thank you, sir! I'm just glad to finally be a part of Orion Fleet, as well as being able to participate in this epic story. I've been a silent observer for a while, only having recently found my voice. Commander Tringad, Actually, I might do that. Provided, of course, that I can actually finish one of these stories. I've always had trouble finishing them off. There's always a loose end somewhere. The other sci-fi series I am working on was originally just going to be a short story. It was designed to get my thoughts flowing for a game that I was (and still am) designing. They started flowing, all right. My girlfriend sent me a list of titles that I could use for the short story. The short story has now evolved into the beginnings of a novel which is just one part of the series, with the other titles in that list going to seventeen other books in the series. The whole thing will span about forty ears (in the books, not real life). Anyways, without further delay, here's part five. (RP on) I sat down in the shuttle, securing the safety harness and firing up the engines. They came to life, the familiar whine filling my ears as I lifted the shuttle off the deck and guided her toward the yawning doors. I kept a steady hand as the shuttle cleared the launch bay. The doors closed not five seconds later and the Deterrence turned away, heading back to friendly territory. The carriers exited hyperspace on the far side of the planet, thankfully. We had a few minutes. I dropped the transport down, preparing to tractor the Js Pride. Once in position, I hit the switch. Nothing. Just my luck to nab the shuttle that had been damaged by the explosion of the first Stormcarrier. Even the shields were damaged, operating at only twenty percent. I could have lived with a smashed panel or two, but no! It had to be the two systems I needed most. This sucked. I guided the shuttle over top of the transport, easing down until I could see a docking hatch. The shuttle settled with a jolt against the hull of the Js Pride as I hurriedly slipped into a pressure suit. When I was finished, I proceeded through the airlock out onto the hull of the transport. I entered through the docking hatch, pressurized the chamber and entered the transport. Janice fired a shot before I had a chance to react. Fortunately, her aim was off. The shot flashed past me, scorching a black furrow across one of the bulkheads. Janice realized I was not a Gammulan, then lowered her weapon. She didnt have time to say anything before I grabbed her, hauling her back to the airlock, which we both entered hastily. Fearing a hull breach, she had already suited up for it. We moved quickly, exiting the airlock and entering the shuttle. She sat in the copilots chair as I sealed the airlock. I had just sat in the pilots seat when she disengaged the docking systems. I fired the engines, taking us away from the doomed vessel at full speed. I did not get us away from the fighters, however. Two P-21s collapsed the damaged shields in seconds, crippling the engines. Sparks flew from Janices console as I dove the shuttle into the atmosphere. For some reason, the fighters did not follow, instead pulling back to rendezvous with the carriers. They were going after the Deterrence. There was nothing I could do about that aside from making sure that part of Deterrences original compliment, namely the shuttle, got down in more than one piece, but less than five hundred. The shuttle penetrated the upper atmosphere, then bucked as we entered the more turbulent lower atmosphere. The air rushed past the hull, drowning out what little sound the damaged engines made. The damaged systems couldnt even keep us in the air as I fought a losing battle with gravity. I focused on the readouts, all of them telling me the same thing: we were screwed. The rough landscape of Crystar rolled on before us. Just my luck to end up bringing us down over mountainous terrain. This sucked! We cleared the mountains a few minutes later, just a few seconds before the reactor died. The shuttle plummeted to the ground, striking the unforgiving surface at a thirty-degree angle. I heard and felt the bone-chilling introduction of metal to hard rock as the bottom of the shuttle smashed into the ground at the base of a large mountain. We might have bounced, or we could have rolled. I don't know what the final verdict was. I was already out cold from the initial impact. We didnt even have time to yell (RP off) ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-02-99).]

Commander Tringad, Actually, I have been told on more than one occasion by my friends, family and especially my girlfriend, to send my work in for both sci-fi and fantasy. Unfortunately, I have yet to finish any of the stories I'm working on. I'm currently focusing on three projects (this one, a fantasy series and another sci-fi series). However, if there are any BC3K books that are published, I would certainly enjoy contributing to them should such an opportunity arise. (RP on) Mayday, mayday! This is Janice Errintha, transport Js Pride requesting immediate assistance! I am under attack by Gammulan forces. Position is Gammula region, heading for Tyrinis/LV-110 jump point. I say again, this is Js Pride under heavy attack requesting immediate assistance! Janice rolled the transport over just as another fighter fired. The shot glanced off her shield, causing no damage. They were getting better, though. She wouldnt last long. Her ship rocked again as another shot penetrated the shield. Current situation is critical! Twelve enemy fighters attacking, six Aestroms and two Stormcarriers close behind. Request immediate support! Data indicates strong possibility of another invasion She looked down at her damage control board and saw the bad news. The hangar was destroyed, and all four shuttles had just been rendered useless. Her weapons were down as well, and her missiles were exhausted. Comm systems were also down from the last shot. The last part of her message hadnt gone through, either. Damn! She screamed as her ship vanished through the jumpgate. The fighters were right behind her, followed a few minutes later by the carriers. Goddamn it! She said she was going to be on this side of the border! Whatd she do? Read the map backwards? I thought angrily. Neilson had also heard the transmission. He was handing me a status report on the consumption of Radine when the signal was received. He paled visibly. He remembered, all right. He knew very well who was making that call. It was the right voice, the right name, but that ship was in the wrong place! I shook the thought aside and began issuing orders. We were currently patrolling Rinaal. Set course for Pravis! Prepare to jump! We are going after that transport! Engage cloaking device! McKay looked up, once again falling back upon the comforting lap of Galcom orders. She didnt even get the our orders out before I turned on her. McKay, that transport will not be lost! Orders or no orders, I will not abandon the Js Pride! Perhaps she was as tired as I was of abandoning people to their fates. Perhaps she was also fed up with the absurdity of our orders. Or, perhaps, she just wanted to get my command booted out the window so she could take over. Whatever the reason, she backed down without another word. In fact, she seemed eager to engage the Gammulans in battle. Vess looked up at me. Sir, itll take us at least twenty minutes to reach the location of her last transmission. Then lets hope she can last for ten. Well meet her in the middle. I dont know how she got into this situation, but well get her out. The Deterrence, against all orders, jumped into the Cryon region, disregarding her orders and entering Gammulan space. Sure enough, ten minutes later, we arrived in the Alpha Gamma system near Crystar. The system was also currently occupied by the Js Pride, twelve fighters, a Stormcarrier and a starbase. Disengage cloack. Launch all ICs. Orders are to screen the Js Pride from enemy attack. Aye, sir. Yu said, issuing the order to scramble. Berringston, arm weapons. Set PTA at 100% and IOD at 70%. Target the Stormcarrier. If we can cause enough damage, maybe we can convince them to recall their fighters in order to protect her. Well take a beating, sir. Aye, that we will, Berringston. But well bloody their noses as well. The Js Pride was orbiting Crystar, attempting an emergency landing. The Deterrence jumped, emerging over the Js Pride, covering her in the protective shadow. The fighters, four P-21 Vandals, four S fighters, two Corsairs and two Interdictors, were right behind her, jump anomalies forming all around the damaged transport. The ICs were already forming a protective circle around her as the Gammulan fighters emerged. A bigger hyperspace anomaly flashed into existence directly ahead, indicating that the Stormcarrier was coming in close to finish the transport. Big mistake. Berringston was ready, standing by to let every offensive system on board rip that carrier to shreds. Sir, the fighters are reacquiring the transport. I watched as the ICs scrambled to intercept the threat. Four against twelve. We would need a more effective screen than this. The Stormcarrier exited hyperspace directly in front of us, presenting just the effective screen we needed. "Berringston, destroy that ship." Berringston fired all weapons at once, and the Stormcarriers shields collapsed seconds later. The Deterrence flew past, the PTA pouring bursts of deadly energy into the carrier, ripping deep into the hull. The Deterrence shook as the Stormcarrier got off a single shot before exploding spectacularly against the backdrop of stars. The Deterrence shook wildly as the shock wave hit, nearly crippling the shields in the process. Damage report! I called out. Tractor beam, transporter and solar reactor inoperative, sir. Main reactor is damaged, but Ive got people on it. Neilson replied. Hed accessed the Logistix Computer from the bridge, not having time to hoof it back to engineering. Shields recharging, currently at 25%. What about the transport? The fighters are retreating, but the transport is also dead. Her engines are damaged. Shes a sitting duck, sir, her orbit is deteriorating. Shell burn up in about three hours if she cant get her engines back. Berringston looked over his instruments a second time. Sir, we have six Aestroms and another Stormcarrier entering the area! ETA two minutes. They are launching fighters! I swore, looking over at McKay. I couldnt leave Janice, but orders said otherwise. So did the numbers. Screw them both. McKay, Im taking shuttle 1. As soon as I clear the launch bay, take the Deterrence back to friendly space. Sir, you cant be serious! There are five carriers bearing down on us! We dont have time! You dont have time. I do. Get this ship out of here as soon as Im clear. I left, ignoring her objections, running full speed for the shuttle bays. (RP off) ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-01-99).]

Sorry this took so long. It'll be edited later to make up for any discrepanies that show up. (RP on) I walked down the corridors of the GCV Karhu, the layout and appearance not unlike that of the Deterrence. I made my way to the bridge, then waited patiently. One of the crew approached me. She was young, but I could already tell she had been involved in that black day over Jupiters skies. Commander Foss, Orion Fleet Commander Junkkari is waiting for you. I nodded, and she led me to the Commanders ready room. The door slid open, and Commander Junkkari looked up from his desk. Greetings, Commander. Please have a seat. He said, indicating the chair in front of his desk. I sat down, and he got straight to the point. Ill get straight to the point, Commander. There have been many disturbing reports of unprovoked attacks along the Gammulan border in the past few weeks. Several of our ships have been venturing into their space. Galcom ships have been responding to distress signals from within their territory, and are often critically damaged while rendering aid. Although no Galcom ships have been destroyed, and we are not officially at war with the Gammulans, a lot of people seem to think otherwise, and have taken to conducting hit and run attacks on their own accord, often at the expense of their lives. The outer systems of Gammulan space are too heavily defended as a result of these actions. We are trying to prevent hostilities as much as possible. Our resources are still stretched thin from the recent battle in Sol, and having to move our ships to defend the border in case of attack is costing us too much. Your purpose there is to send a message: that although Galcom is at odds with the Gammulans, we are more interested in keeping territory rather than gaining it. We do not want this conflict to escalate any more than it already has. As such, your orders are to ignore, I say again, ignore any request for assistance if the transmission comes from within Gammulan space. We are pulling several other BCs back, and will be sending the Deterrence to monitor the Cyrian region. I hate giving you the order to abandon lives like this, especially given your exemplary record as CMO aboard the Kevs Star. But this is a critical situation, and you must adhere to these orders. He must have seen my sickened expression. I was a doctor, and he was asking me to ignore calls for help. That went against everything I had ever stood for. Commander, I know this isnt exactly what you had hoped for. However, the Deterrences presence alone will deter many others from making the same mistakes as others. You have a chance to save more lives than you would by charging into those sectors. I shook my head. Sir, I feel it is necessary to inform you that I object to these orders with the strongest possible disdain. He looked up and smiled. You and me both, Commander. I dont like this situation any more than you do. But Galcom needs this done to ensure we dont end up repeating the events of last month all over again. I sure as hell dont want that to happen. I lost enough in that last battle without having to lose it all over again. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. Although it pained me to acknowledge it, I managed a nod. Understood, sir. Well be on our way right away, though I still protest this arrangement. Well, my protests went unheard as well, Commander. Dont feel like youre alone in this. I left his ready room and headed back to the Deterrence. After securing all supplies and weapons aboard, we left Betelgeuze station for the Cyrian region. It was worse than I thought. Not five minutes after wed entered the region, we received the first distress call. Lets hear it, Jolkowski. Gina routed the signal, and it played over the speakers a moment later. This is Warrens Pass. We are under attack by Gammulan forces. Any friendly ships, please respond! We need immediate assistance! Reflex took over. I jumped to my feet, shouting orders before I heard them. Triangulate the position of that transmission! Engineering, prepare for hyperspace jump! Navigation, as soon as Comms sends you that data, plot a course! McKay, my first officer, looked over at me. Commander, our orders were to ignore any requests for help that did not come from this side of the border. Screw the orders! I snarled. Lives are at stake, Officer! Five lives, Commander! Five lives for the sake of over one-hundred! She had accessed the crew manifest of the Warrens Pass. You would risk so many lives for that transport? Damn the numbers. Thats all it came down to was numbers. The percent chance of one person over another, and in that moment, with those figures, one patient would be saved while another dies. One percentage lower than another and Joe dies instead of Vanessa. Damn the numbers. All stations, belay previous orders. I said, my throat dry. We heard the distress signal three more times before the signal was terminated by a burst of static. Jolkowski calculated the termination was only thirty seconds short of the wormhole leading to this system. Thirty seconds. Debris from the transport was a silent confirmation of what she had told us. Only a few fragments came through, but it was enough. McKay, you have the bridge. I said, then went to my ready room. I watched the debris drift silently by the window. Debris from the forward compartment, the rear cargo hold, the port engine housing fragments of the bridge. I had tapped into the comm system, and heard the desperate pleas of over twelve vessels as their cries for help rang across vast distances, spanning a galaxy and going unheard. No, not unheard. Unheeded. Fifteen distress calls in only the first day. At the same time, over thirty smaller craft, ranging from shuttles to fighters, turned away from the wormhole and went off on other missions. Everything from freight to mercenary contracts. Thirty more voices that we wouldnt have to hear in the next few days. At least thats how long I hoped this internal blockade would last. During the same monotonous string of calls on the second day, I heard the distress call that almost broke my career ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-01-99).]

Thanks, Commander! You wanted more, so here it is (RP on) The next hour went by in a flash, as did the christening of the Deterrence. Karl Reines himself was present at the ceremony, and I felt incredibly small at that time. He cast a brief glance, nodding recognition. To think that only two weeks ago, I had been ready to decline the command. Now, despite my fears, part of me was looking forward to stepping onto the bridge of that ship. I turned to my chief engineer. Neilson, I want the reactor up and running within the hour. He looked at me like I was insane. Sir, she is only running on solar power right now. The reactor is still cold. Powering her up that fast could damage the coolant systems, or cause a breach right off the You claim to be the best. Now prove it. I said adamantly. He cast an uncertain glance at me, then signaled the rest of his team to follow him as they left the reception room. The room was an observation area overlooking the newly christened BC. I mingled with the crowd, meeting my second in command and Combat Officer, Kristen McKay, a brilliant and unorthodox Irish lass. The red hair, not unlike Neilsons, curled around her ears, and was the first thing I had noticed. Her dark blue eyes were the second, and freckles being the third. My family was from Scotland. Although Id grown up there, my accent was only noticeable if you knew what to listen for. A ship run by a Scottish commander and an Irish first officer. This crew was in for the ride of their lives. Jonathan Vess was my Navigations officer, a mild mannered lad with black hair, brown eyes, and all the characteristics of a capital ship pilot. He would never touch any craft smaller than a cruiser unless it was with a weapon. Comms Officer Gina Jolkowski, Russian. Her experience aboard the Deterrence in her previous life would be invaluable. Flight Officer Wang Yu, Korean. He had served as a pilot aboard a Nightstar Attack Carrier for two years before receiving a promotion and subsequent assignment to the Deterrence. Tactical Officer Andrew Berringston was from North America, proving himself a tactical genius in his early years at the academy. Medical Officer Eric Daron was from Spain, having an incredible record for one so young only nineteen. Last, but not least, the only non-human member of the command staff, Jerak Tu, a brilliant Vesperon science officer from Canaan. Finally, the time rolled over to zero, and I opened a channel to the engineering section of GCV Deterrence. Neilson, its been an hour, report. I hadnt even finished my sentence before Neilson ran into the reception room panting, out of breath. It took him a minute, but he regained his composure. He didnt hide the look of fear on his face. While he was getting his wind back, I simply stood calmly, waiting for his report. Sir, he said, clearly nervous. His first assignment and he had not been successful. The reactor will take at least another thirty minutes. We took as many short cuts as we could, but there just wasnt enough time. Im sorry, sir. Youre right, Neilson. There wasnt enough time. Neilson looked up at me, now thoroughly confused. Maybe he thought Id dismiss him and get a new chief. But you did prove to me that you are the best. You are the best because you take as many shortcuts as you can without endangering peoples lives. Now, you can start the reactor up at your earliest convenience, and well be ready to go at 2100 hours this evening. The shock of my words sank in, and he stood dumbfounded for several seconds. Aye, sir! Then, as if Id just given him three months leave, he stepped back, saluted and ran out the door. Right on time, I gave the order to take the Deterrence away from Galcom HQ. The bridge was far more spacious than the cramped compartments of the Js Pride. I stood, the deck plates vibrating softly under my feet as the ship pulled away at half-speed. Our orders were to rendezvous with Commander Junkkari of the GCV Karhu, Commanding Officer of the Orion Fleet, at Betelgeuze station in Jupiter orbit. Jupiter. The last major battle (and the largest, as it turned out) in human history occurred within that region not long ago. Commander Junkkaris old vessel, the GCV Predicant, had been the first casualty in a huge battle with the Gammulans. The Insurgent and Galcom fleets, in order to prevent another war between them, had agreed to a prisoner exchange for the life of a Galcom spy who had been discovered. The fleet had agreed, but it wasnt long before all hell broke loose. Traces of cloaked ships almost lead to open hostilities, but it was realized (just in time) to be an alien fleet staging a massive invasion. Had the fleet not caught on in time, all of humanity would have been destroyed. There were very few people who did not know of the legendary defensive battle that was fought for our home system, especially since the battle was so recent. Just over a month ago, humanity had banded together, Insurgent and Galcom alike, in a last attempt to save the home world. Earthcom Forces stationed at Pluto had been all but destroyed, with a good number of Galcom, Insurgent and raider vessels being lost in what had come to be known as the Battles of Jupiter, Neptune and Polaris. The Battle of Jupiter was the largest single battle in space, and the bloodiest of mankind. Even Commander Rattler, better known as Insurgent One, had sacrificed his vessel, the ICV Necromancer, in the service of humanity. Many other Commanders lost their lives, including Commander Ferrok of the previous ship to bear the name Deterrence. The ship had been severely damaged during the opening battle at Jupiter. The life support systems were offline, the hangar decks destroyed, and massive hull breaches exposed most of the crew to the vacuum of space. The rest had barely managed to survive until after the battle. The ship later succumbed to internal fires after friendly forces had beamed the survivors out of danger. All in all, only seven original crewmembers still wandered the decks of this new ship. Even though this ship had been built from the ground up, I could feel a trace of the old crew. Those who had died still wandered these decks as well. Either that or I was going insane. Probably the latter of the two. But Gammulan losses had been even worse than ours had. Virtually their entire fleet had combined with a massive Valkyrie fleet, outnumbering our ships two to one. Yet even those were not enough to turn the might of Terran protection. Even though our losses were heavy, we had destroyed almost their entire fleet. It was later discovered that their target was not earth, for some reason. The deciding battle was fought in close orbit of Neptune, where a group of Insurgent and Earthcom vessels destroyed a number of Gammulan warships. Unfortunately, over fifteen warheads, launched by the Insurgent fleet had nuked the planet, destroying any hope for a lasting peace between Galcom and Insurgent forces. I was as tired of that war as everyone else. I wanted it to end. I was tired of seeing humans fighting humans. Personally, I thought the universe was big enough for everyone, but my thoughts went unheard, as usual. The universe had a really sick sense of humor. The Deterrence jumped to Jupiter without incident, and was alongside Betelgeuze within an hour of leaving Galcom HQ. (RP off) ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-01-99).]

(RP on) Commander Commander Foss Commander David Foss of the GCV Deterrence. What the hell had I done to deserve this? I sat back in my seat as the shuttle cleared Centris atmosphere, heading for the Js Pride, a Tarin Mk II transport. We docked with the Js Pride a few minutes later, then set a course for Sol system, final destination: Galcom HQ, earth orbit. There, I was to take command of the GCV Deterrence, a new Battlecruiser that hadnt even been christened, and join the Orion Fleet at their main star base around Jupiter. It would be several hours before we docked at Galcom, so I was content to sit back and relax. The pilot of the transport, the beautiful and energetic Janice Errintha, had been a good friend of mine since childhood. She had somehow managed to run the transport by herself for ten years. We talked about everything from new relationships to Gammulan undergarments (dont ask). Roger that, Starbase Centris. Ill be back before you know it. Well see you in a few days. She said, then signed off. She locked the autopilot on, swept her shoulder-length curled brown hair behind her, then turned to face me with that penetrating stare that always left me helpless. All right, Davie. Whats wrong? I stuttered, then composed myself. Nothing. Nothings wrong. Its been over twenty years, and you still think you can get away with lying while Im around? Come off it, Foss! She said in anger, turning back to her controls. I sighed, lowering my head. Im not confident that they made the right decision, asking me to be the Commander of that vessel. There are too many expectations. I could handle any ship but that. Theres too much history there. She snickered, then looked across the console at me, that cute but dangerous half smile curving across her lips. Davie, I dont think I have to remind you that the Deterrence hasnt been christened yet! They havent even warmed up the reactor! There is no history! Thats not the point. I said, shaking my head. Its not the ship thats beyond belief, its the name. The name alone has a history that I simply cant compete with. I mean, Commander David Foss of the Galactic Command Vessel Deterrence? I dont think so. It doesnt sound right. Very true. Commander Davie Foss of the GCV Deterrence sounds much better. I laughed despite myself. I wasnt in the mood for jokes of any kind, but there was no choice when I was around her. Shed called me Davie since we were both four years old. Id hated it then and I still hated it now. I probably would hate it until the end of time, yet it was oddly comforting now. So, how did you enjoy your leave? She asked me suspiciously. Well, Centris isnt much for tourists, but it wasnt bad for a few days of relaxation. Not much for tourists? She exclaimed, furious again. I was in trouble. That place has the best damned entertainment value short of nuking Gammula Prime! Shed realized her mistake even before she said it, but shed not stifled her voice in time. The damage was done. God, Im sorry, David. I didnt mean Its alright, I lied. Its old news anyway. Unbeknownst to most, my parents had been deep space explorers. Theyd navigated nullspace, found things that no one had ever seen. They never documented anything they found, though. No one ever found out what theyd known. They had vanished when I was twelve, after leaving on a deep space excursion into Gammulan territory. No one ever saw them again. Gammulans had killed my parents, and I would see them pay someday. Someday. I whispered. What? She asked, looking over at me. I leaned forward, concentrating on my instruments. Nothing. I said simply. She knew I was lying. I knew that because she immediately diverted course, aborting the jump to Sol and instead jumping to a nearby debris field. What are you doing? I asked. Were going to be late! She said nothing until wed entered the field. She cut the engines after bringing the transport to a stop, then turned to face me, anger in her eyes. What am I doing? Im going on a mission thats what Im doing. A mission to find the truth about why Commander David Eugene Foss is so damned depressed about getting the chance of a lifetime! I said nothing, focusing on the controls. Dont ask I wished silently. Please, just dont ask For Gods sake, David, you are the Commander of a brand new state of the art Galcom vessel! Why are you so reluctant to take command? She shouted. In the cramped cockpit of the transport, her voice was amplified several times. It hurt my ears. Because I never wanted this command! I shouted back. She drew back, stunned both by the words and by the fury. I never wanted to be a Commander. A marine, yes! A pilot, sure! But never a bridge officer! All they do is sit around all day on their fat arses entering logs and relaying orders! After a few moments, she looked back at her controls. Thats all I do. She said softly. The pain in her voice lanced through my heart, jarring me out of my self-pity. What? She looked back at me, Thats all I do. She repeated. I relay orders to this terminal. It tells the engines to fire. This tells the ship to head for these coordinates, she said, indicating the navitron computer. Its not the same thing. I said after an awkward silence of almost a minute. She swore viciously, swinging her right fist. I barely managed to duck as she swung it into the ceiling command console beside my face. She was lucky not to have killed herself. She didnt move, her crystal blue eyes locked with mine, her clenched fist remaining inside the smashed panel. Yes, she said, her voice deadly quiet. It is. It was my turn to stare in awe as she continued. I push a button, and it relays a command. Its doing nothing more than relaying orders. You once told me that no one pushes you around. Why then, are you so intent on becoming one of these buttons? I sat silent, unable to respond. I felt blood dripping on the shoulder of my uniform, but I could not move. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke. You are telling me you would rather be a grunt or a fly-boy than a Commander? Thats the biggest load of bull Ive ever heard! You have been running from authority for your entire life! You said authority would never push you around. You said that you would never acknowledge a higher authority. Youve worked your entire life so you could be in a position of authority! Youve had to listen to superiors, yes, but now you are that authority. The Deterrence is your ship, and whether you like it or not, she is yours to command. I dont buy this crap about you not wanting it! I dont buy that for a second! You have been waiting for this chance your entire life, so dont you dare tell me that you dont want it! Are you a button submitting to a higher authority, or are you a Commander, the embodiment of that authority? She stared for what seemed like an eternity (the longest five seconds of my life), then withdrew her fist from the console, grabbing a medikit and opening it. Let me help you with that. I said, without thinking. She shrugged me away violently, and spat, I can take care of myself. At least I know what I want. At least Im in command of myself! I hesitated, not sure whether to take a chance helping her, or to simply back off and let her tend to her wound. My mind was interested in determining the course of action. The rest of me was far more interested in helping her. I reached forward, taking the kit away from her and administering the treatment. Oddly enough, she didnt fight back. Maybe Id made the right decision after all. Maybe I was in command. From medic to Commander in two days. I was still musing as Janice brought the Js Pride in to dock at Galcom HQ. Her hand was already healed, and the damaged console on my side was sealed until the circuitry could be repaired. A tech team was assigned to it as we left the transport. My second uniform was identical to the first, minus the bloodstains. I stood at the exit of the docking bays. Janice took on the role of a mother, straightening my collar, brushing any dust off the shoulders. I was half expecting her to ask me if I was wearing clean underwear. No sooner had I thought that then she said it. I turned red as the tech crew snickered. I didnt realize she was that loud! Get going, Davie. You dont want to be late. I nodded. You going to stick around? Itll be one hell of a show. No, Ive got some business to take care of along the border of Gammulan space. I cant say anything more than that. I didnt want her to go the way of my parents. There was only so much I could do, though. Well, then, take care of yourself, Janice. Look me up when you get back, okay? I will, she said, pulling me forward and embracing with a very tight hug. She released her grip, allowing oxygen to again enter my lungs. She had strength, and not just in spirit. She turned to the tech crew, who had finished the repairs. Take care of the man for me, will you? Hes helpless on his own. Aye, maam. One of the techs said, a short kid with wild red hair, barely out of his teens. The tech gave off a sketchy salute as Janice boarded her transport. I didnt move as she gently raised the ship off the pad, turned her toward the open bay doors and guided the transport into open space. I didnt realize how long Id been staring until the young tech approached me. So, your lady friends going into the Gammulan quadrant? Cant blame you for worrying. Just the border, I said quietly, lowering my gaze. Just the border. The kid looked out after the transport. Yeah, I know how you feel, Commander Foss. I frowned, startled, then turned to face him. He grinned widely as the rest of the tech crew approached him. Gregory Neilson at your service, sir. Im your new chief engineer. This is my crew, whom you see around you. He said, waving his hand to take in the other nineteen individuals. He looked to be the youngest of the group, but not by much. Yes, sir, we are Galcoms finest, brightest and youngest. Dont take this the wrong way, Neilson, but how did you end up in charge? The kid suddenly seemed shy, dropping his gaze for only a moment. Well, sir, not to toot my own horn, but Im definitely one of the best. I work with the best and I work like the best. Thats all there is to it. So why are you down here instead of getting ready for the ceremony? Well, the ceremonys not for another hour or so. No sense wasting a good uniform doing maintenance is there? Besides, the only way we stay the best is to practice, practice, practice! The kid was nuts, there was no doubt about it. Not only that, but he and his entire crew were green. Cadets right out of the academy, but they were still nuts. On the other hand, sometimes the crazy ones are the ones that succeed. Well see how good you really are, Neilson. I said. His smile vanished, but he soon realized what I meant, and the smile returned as I left the docking bay and headed for my temporary quarters. The kid knew a challenge when he heard one. He would be okay. ------------------ Commander David Foss, GCV Deterrence [This message has been edited by David Foss (edited 06-01-99).]