The officer smiled as he entered his stateroom. He switched on his dampening field generator and sat at the console across from his rack. He activated his tablet and keyed in a code, then sat back as he waited for the wraith-like screen to respond.
“Report, oo-mann.” The display was black, the voice electronic, which enhanced its ominous tone. The officer sat up.
“The attempt to manipulate the Parallax’s shields was a success, although only one team was able to breach and board. But we now know it will work.”
“And the other action?”
“It was successful as well … at least in principle.”
“Explain.”
“The subjects responded to the implant. However, they were stopped before they could sabotage the MFD array.”
“They failed.”
“No. Well–yes, in a manner of speaking–but we know the system works. They targeted an area that was manned by too many personnel. If we target an area where there are fewer crewmen present, the attack would be successful. If you can capture and implant another group, I can choose a more viable target–”
“I must report to my superiors. I will contact you again at the appointed time.”
The display flashed a “signal ended” icon. The officer sat back in his chair once more and sighed.
That went well. At least, as well as can be expected.
He disconnected the dampening field generator and stood to stow it in its hiding place. He turned back to stare at the black screen once more.
By aiding the reptilians, the officer was committing treason. Now he could add murder to that charge. He glanced down at the drawer in his console that held the FX-5 he commandeered from the weapons locker. He almost got caught then as well. He didn’t want to kill the duty nurse, but she gave him no alternative. And it wasn’t like he would destroy Parallax–Gagnon and his crew would have simply disabled the array, and the carrier would be dead in space. With his manipulation of the shield grid, she would be boarded and the crew abducted, then the reptilians would destroy her. They would debrief him and return him to Earth to be re-integrated onto another carrier, where he would begin the same scenario again. It sounded reasonable enough. Destroy the Solar Warden fleet one carrier at a time. Then the reptilians could move on Earth without any resistance, and he would be rewarded beyond his wildest dreams. That’s what they promised.
If I do my part, they can’t refuse me.
“So … how’d it go last night?”
Hutch entered the wardroom and sat down at Scarecrow’s table. He clasped his hands together and leaned forward to look his squadron commander in the eye.
“It was perfect,” Scarecrow replied over his coffee cup. “I owe you and Frank a big debt of thanks for all your help. Not to mention the admiral for telling me about that observation bubble.”
“Yeah, yeah, that’s all great, you’re welcome,” Hutch said, his impatience telling. “But how did it go? Did she say ‘yes?’”
“What do you think?” Scarecrow flashed a frustrated frown at his friend for asking the obvious. “Of course she did.” His frown morphed into a smile as he beamed.
“Way to go!” Hutch shot his hand across the table, engaging Scarecrow in a vigorous handshake. “Congratulations, Steve! You two will make a great couple. I mean that. Now, who’s gonna be your best man?”
“Well, I was thinking of asking Frank, or maybe … I know this butterbar serving on the listening post orbiting Saturn–”
“Come on!”
“Who do you think I’m going to ask? You, of course.”
“What about Jonathan? Or Zvi?”
“Who do you think’s performing the ceremony? The admiral asked if he could, and I told him we’d be honored. And Zvi, well it’s been so long since I’ve seen him. You’ve been big part of my life recently, so I thought it only prudent I offer you the honor.”
“Well, I am honored. So, when’s the big day?” Hutch asked, still curious. “I’ll have to get my full-dress uniform pressed and polish my shoes.”
“I found out we’ll both have to submit a formal request to Command. The regular Branches don’t do that anymore, but I’m told with the off-world nature of Solar Warden, it’s still required.”
“Well, you won’t have any problem. Admiral Maddox would give you the shirt off his back for rescuing his daughter. General Patrick on the other hand, might turn out to be a bit of a tough nut to crack.”
“How so?”
“He’s not a big fan of serving line officers marrying each other. Says it clouds their ability to focus on the job. In your case, I tend to agree with him. You two may not be able to keep your hands off each other once you’re hitched.” Hutch smiled and winked. Scarecrow was about to object when Frank approached their table.
“Well Sir, how did it go last night?” The mess specialist rubbed his hands together, eager to hear the news.
“It was fantastic, Frank, thank you for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you. And, to answer the question I know you’re dying to ask, she said ‘yes.’”
“Woo-hoo!” Frank shouted and punched the air, causing heads to turn in their direction. “This calls for a celebration, Sirs! Let me put something special together for you. It’s on me. I’ll be right back.”
Before they could protest, Frank spun on his heel and darted back to the galley. As he left, a burly Marine approached them.
“I just wanted to offer my congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, Sir.” The Marine offered.
“Your name’s Cook, right? Lieutenant Cook?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Thank you, Cook,” Scarecrow replied with a genuine smile. “I appreciate your felicitations.”
The lieutenant stood in silence for a moment. Scarecrow’s smile turned to a quizzical bearing. “Anything else?”
The Marine sighed. “No, Sir.” He saluted and left.
“He’s jealous,” Hutch said once the Marine was out of earshot.
Scarecrow thought for a moment, then shrugged. “So, does everybody aboard Nautilus know Sandy and I are engaged?”
“Buddy, I’m sure everyone in Solar Warden knows it by now, including that butterbar on the listening post orbiting Saturn.”
“I guess that’s what you get when you live inside a 3,000 foot tin can in space. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it.”
At that moment, Major Cooper entered the wardroom. Hutch spotted her, and nodded in her direction. Scarecrow spun in his chair and smiled at her.
“I’m gonna have a little fun,” Hutch said as he rose and approached the major.
“No! Don’t! Hutch!”
Scarecrow tried to stop the CAG, but it was too late. He’d already made it over to the attractive Marine officer, and was saying something to her just beyond earshot. Scarecrow cursed under his breath as he watched Hutch point at her finger, obviously wanting to see the ring, a big dumb grin on his face. Cooper peered over at Scarecrow with an expression like that of a trapped animal. Scarecrow shook his head and got up to rescue his new fiancé.
“Hutch, please,” he said as he approached them. “Major, I’m sorry–”
“It’s alright, Commander,” she replied as she held up her ring for Hutch to see, giving the CAG a patronizing glance as she did. “He’s harmless. Most of the time.”
Hutch pretended to gush and fawn over Cooper’s ring, hamming it up.
“Are you quite finished?” Scarecrow said, his arms akimbo.
“I’m just so happy for you both!” Hutch replied. “Group hug!” He shot his arms out to envelope both officers at once.
“Not if my life depended on it!” Cooper said. She leaned back with her hands held out to keep him at bay. “And not just because it’s a PDA.”
Scarecrow glared at Hutch. He quit his routine, dropped his arms to his side and morphed into a more serious aspect.
“I’m very happy for both of you,” he said, nodding. “Really. I’ve seen a change in you, Major. A positive one. I think Steve has been very good for you. I sincerely wish both of you all the best.”
Cooper softened and smiled. “Thank you, CAG.”
“Is there anything I can do for you, Major?” Scarecrow asked, trying to regain some normalcy.
“I was just going to grab a sandwich–”
“Would you like to join us? I think Frank is whipping up something special for us back in the galley.”
“No, I think I’ll just get something later. Sirs.” She saluted and turned to leave.
Scarecrow shot her a glance of concern, hoping that he hadn’t upset her. Cooper caught his look.
“I’ll see you tonight, Commander,” she said, offering a reassuring smile as she left. “CAG.”
“Major.”
“You Delta Sierra!” Scarecrow scolded Hutch and back-handed him on the shoulder once Cooper was gone.
“What?” Hutch replied with sincere innocence. “Can’t a guy have a little fun? It’s not every day your best friend gets married.”
That evening, Scarecrow took Cooper to the dining room at the back of the wardroom for a quiet dinner.
“I’m sorry about earlier today,” Scarecrow said as they ate. “I hope Hutch didn’t embarrass you.”
“I was a little put off at first,” Sandy replied. “But I guess I have to expect some ribbing. I haven’t exactly been cordial to most, so I probably deserved it.”
“No you didn’t. It doesn’t matter how you’ve treated anyone in the past, Hutch should have shown you more respect.”
“Don’t let it bother you. Hutch was right. I have changed, thanks to you. My pain and my grief are fading. I’ve finally been able to come to terms with Jimmy’s death. Because of you. You pulled me back from that abyss, that darkness that was swallowing me up. I can never, ever repay you for that.”
He leaned back, pensive for a moment. “I know you loved Jimmy very much. I just hope I’m not going to have to share you with his ghost. I don’t think I can compete with a memory.”
At his statement, a more serious expression clouded Sandy’s countenance. She glanced around the room as she reached over and took Scarecrow’s hands in hers, shifting her coffee mug to hide the embrace. “It’s true that Jimmy and I were very much in love with each other. We were together for almost three years before I lost him, and I will never forget him,” Sandy stared into Scarecrow’s eyes as she spoke. “He’s gone, and thanks to you, I’ve finally been able to let him go. Darling, there’s no competition. When I’m with you, I’m all here. You have all of me, 100 per cent. I’m not thinking about Jimmy or anyone else. As much as it lies within me to do so, I want to assure you that I’m all yours.”
“I love you very much, Sweeting,” he whispered.
Sandy continued to stare into his eyes for some time, her candor evident. “And I you,” she replied. “More than you can know.”