Rigel III
Joran Kell's Estate
November 28, 2505
Supreme Commander Quedon's fierce visage filled the viewer wall. His intense stare pierced Kell's soul, though there were those who said he did not have one. Kell waited for the Supreme Commander to speak. When dealing with high-ranking Zontaerian officers, it was always best to defer.
"Mr. Kell, my emperor, Tanus IV, conqueror of Earth, sends you his regards." Quedon bowed his head as he spoke the emperor's name.
Kell bowed in return. "I am honored by your emperor's greetings. I send him my regards as well."
"We are going to use your facilities to upgrade the IB ships. Through them, our weapons will reach the troops on Earth and throughout the Sol system. They will deliver the completed invasion plan soon. Victory is ours for the taking. Tell Mr. Ziad we will meet the lion in its den and slay him there."
"I shall, Supreme Commander. I will await your next signal."
"No. We will meet in the system you call HR 6819." Quedon looked at a monitor off-screen.
"The hidden jewel, as my fleets call it. Astro Corps does not patrol there often. Because of the gravity anomalies and the instability to form vortex tunnels, it is an excellent place to operate." Kell poured a glass of whiskey and drank.
"Then we begin shipments in three days. Until we meet in the hidden jewel." Quedon's image vanished from the screen.
Joran Kell had work to do. He had to coordinate his fleets and speak to Ziad. The plan was underway. All he knew was that he would profit no matter the outcome. Wealth was Kell's quest, and anything else was a waste of his time.
ASC Chesapeake
Jupiter Station, Bay Six
December 1, 2505
10:24 Hours GST-Z
"You know I can find my way to the shuttle bay, Zeke. I've been there before," Harrigan said with a grin.
Braggart smiled and punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Don't be a smart-ass. I know, but it's my prerogative to walk my former first officer to his shuttle."
"I can't believe it's here. So, what am I supposed to do for the next three months?"
"You'll have an office. Get your requisitions in order. You're going to need a ton of supplies before departure. It's a big ship, John, so there will be plenty of work."
"I plan to use the simulators on station to learn the layout. I want to move anywhere on board with no need for too much help." Harrigan tapped his brow.
"Smart move. When a captain knows his way around, it puts the crew on notice."
John frowned. "On notice about what, sir?"
"That no deck and no corridor are off limits to you. If you know your way around, you can be anywhere. That keeps a crew on its toes."
A smile tugged Harrigan's lips. "I see. Well, that was my thinking."
"You're going to be a fine captain," Braggart said as they approached the shuttle bay doors.
"I had an outstanding teacher."
"John, you're about to rank up. No need to kiss my ass anymore." Braggart laughed. Harrigan clutched his chest in mock pain.
"You got me, Zeke."
The shuttle bay doors opened. Harrigan's chest tightened as his heart skipped a beat. Lining the path to the shuttle was most of Alpha shift, the people he had worked with most closely over the past five years aboard Chesapeake.
Braggart stepped into the formation. "Attention on deck!"
The thunder of one hundred boots struck the durasteel deck.
"Commander John Harrigan, by order of Astro Corps Command, you are given the rank of captain. Step forward."
Harrigan obeyed. Braggart produced a jewel case, pinning the stars and bars to his collar before stepping back and saluting. Harrigan returned the salute.
"Honors up," Braggart barked. The crew snapped into a salute.
Harrigan looked at Braggart, eyes misting. This was more honor than he had ever expected for a simple departure. Braggart never said such things aloud, but his actions spoke clearly. John Harrigan had Ezekiel Braggart's respect.
"Good luck, sir," voices called as he walked toward the shuttle. He exchanged nods and smiles as he passed.
"Go give them hell, John," Davy said, grinning as he saluted.
"Take care, John, and Godspeed," Katie added with a wink. Harrigan nodded, careful not to encourage her. She was attractive, but he knew too much about her to be comfortable, and he did not trust his own desires.
As he reached the shuttle ramp, the boatswain's whistle trilled and the ship's AI announced:
"Attention crew of ASC Chesapeake: Captain John Michael Harrigan, commander of ASC Galaxy, is departing."
"Good luck and Godspeed, sir," the crew chanted in unison.
Harrigan turned to face them. He saluted, holding it as tears stung his eyes. Clearing his throat, he gave his last order aboard the Chesapeake.
"As you were. Clear flight deck for shuttle departure."
"Aye, sir," came the reply, followed by cheers and whistles. Then, with the discipline of seasoned officers and non-coms, the crew cleared the deck.
Harrigan ascended the ramp. The hatch locked into place. He was now Captain Harrigan, and his mission had changed forever.