Stories of the Confederated Star Systems (3 page)

Exquisitely polite young men came and took their bags, and Krystal sighed as they made their way to the desk. “Do I really have to be good, Erica?”

The captain chuckled softly before answering. “Just no skinny-dipping in the fountain this time.”

Krystal whispered, “That was your idea,” just before they reached the desk.

Captain Reordan asked, “Do you have reservations for Erica Reordan and Krystal McCormack?”

The man at the desk punched a few keys on his keyboard and nodded. “Yes, Madame. Adjoining suites twenty-three-oh-five and twenty-three-oh-seven.” He handed over two keycards. “The bellmen will see you to your rooms.”

Captain Reordan took the keys and handed the one marked twenty-three-oh-seven to Krystal, then nodded to the bellmen. The two young men led off without a word, and Captain Reordan shook her head as she followed Krystal’s gaze. The young man did have a nice backside. In fact, both of them did.

When they reached their rooms, Captain Reordan tipped her bellman and let him go, then stood in her doorway to see how long Krystal kept her young man. It took three extra minutes for the bellman to emerge from her room, and he had a bemused expression on his face as he walked past Erica. Krystal came out a few moments later with a similar expression. “What?”

“He called me Ma’am, Erica.
Ma’am?
I’m not old enough to be called Ma’am by a man his age—am I?”

Captain Reordan shook her head slowly. “I’ve been getting it from men my own age for twenty years, Krys, so I’d have to say yes, you are—don’t!” she snapped as Krystal’s fist came up. “Hitting your captain is not allowed.”

“Even if she deserves it?”

“
Especially
if she deserves it. Come on, let’s go up to the restaurant and see what’s on the menu.”

Krystal nodded and fell in beside Erica, getting in step automatically. Neither noticed. Like most long-time service members, it was as natural as breathing. They took the elevator up to the restaurant that occupied the entire roof of the building.

“Two for dinner?” a pretty, brightly happy young woman asked.

“Yes. By a window, please,” Krystal answered.

“This way,” the girl said with a big smile and led them to a seat that let them look out over the city, almost straight down to the ground. “Will this do?”

“Yes,” Krystal said as she took a moment to look outward.

“Anton will be your server.” She laid two menus on the table and went back to her station.

He was there immediately. “Good evening, ladies. I am Anton. What can I bring you to drink?”

Krystal again took the lead. “Margarita, double-shot of Quervo Gold, frozen.”

Anton simply nodded and turned to Erica. “And for you, Madame?”

Erica smiled and said, “Mango daiquiri.”

Anton nodded again and turned away, saying, “I shall return shortly,” as he moved.

Krystal breathed, “God, that’s a beautiful view.”

Erica had to agree. “Yep. Now quit looking at the waiter’s butt and look outside. There’s a lot of traffic coming into the port.”

Krystal looked out and nodded. “Big to-do tomorrow. Now are you going to tell me who you’re worried about seeing or not?”

“Admiral Ruel.”

“Paul Ruel? Wasn’t he your CO at one time?”

Erica nodded. “When I was engineer on the
Moscow
. Krys, he opposed my advancement from lieutenant commander to commander. Opposed it so vehemently that he threatened to resign his commission if I was promoted against his recommendation. I was, he didn’t, and Admiral Kenyon took me onto his staff to show Captain Ruel what he thought. Captain Ruel disapproved of my tendency to treat enlisted personnel as humans and not just expendable equipment.”

Krystal nodded. “Now I remember. Wasn’t he encouraged to retire because of his relationship with a young lieutenant?”

“Relationship? No. He was sexually and mentally abusing the man. But that was all right in his book because they were both officers. As far as he is concerned, officers and enlisted are two different species.”

“And you think he’s going to be here?”

“He’s a representative from Spain now.”

“He’ll be here.”

“Your drinks, ladies,” Anton said as he stopped to deposit their order. “Are you ready, or shall I return in a few minutes?”

Erica smiled and said, “Prime Rib, as rare as you have. Vegetable medley and rice pilaf.” Anton smiled and turned his attention to Krystal.

“Porterhouse, rare, baked potato and beans.”

Anton said, “Very good, ladies,” then bowed and turned away.

Krystal sighed and said, “I know what I’d rather have.”

“You need to get out more.”

“Erica, I thought that was you,” a woman’s voice said from behind her, and Erica turned, then quickly stood, motioning Krystal to do likewise.

Erica gathered her wits and said, “Lady Leslie, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“You didn’t think I’d stay at the port, did you? The Avalon is the finest resort in the city. But you and Krystal already knew that, didn’t you. It’s not your first time here.” Erica and Krystal shared a quick glance that made Lady Leslie chuckle. “Oh, come now, I have full reports on both of you. Your adventure here twenty some years ago was so
very
amusing to read. It was one of the reasons I approved Krystal for duty on the
Wells
. The captain and COB have to work well together, and Krystal has proven her courage and flexibility in the most trying circumstances.” She smiled impishly, which was a surprisingly frightening expression on her, and waved someone forward. “Ladies, this is my grandson, Bertrand.”

A young man in a navy ensign’s uniform came to attention, but didn’t salute. He said, “Ma’am. Master Chief,” as he stood at his grandmother’s side.

Erica said, “Mister Roberts,” as she bowed her head slightly, and Krystal bowed her head more deeply.

Lady Leslie chuckled at the tone of Erica’s greeting. “Oh, don’t worry, Erica, I’m not foisting him on you. Given the nature of your vessel and assignments, his father would never allow it.” She ignored the intensely curious look he gave her. Smiling, Lady Leslie reached out and patted Erica’s hand. “You ladies enjoy your night, but don’t be hungover tomorrow.” With that she took Bertrand by the arm and turned away. She looked over her shoulder and said, “And stay out of the fountain,” with a trace of mischievous glee.

Erica and Krystal sat down and exchanged a glance, then burst out laughing. Krystal said, “You’re right. There’s something terrifying about that little old lady that has nothing to do with her size or birthright. I sure am glad she’s on our side.”

Anton returned a moment later and all other concerns vanished. No Navy meal could compare to one at the Avalon.

* * *

There was a knock on the door between their suites and Krystal’s voice asked, “You up yet?”

Erica walked over and unlocked her side, then opened the door. “Been up for hours. My body thinks it’s about ten in the morning.”

“Clock says six.”

“Lying piece of—”

Krystal laughed. “Now, now, be nice. Let me take a look.” Erica came to attention as Krystal walked around her. “Everything is satisfactory. Me?” She came to attention as Erica inspected her.

“Perfect as always, Krys.” She reached out and adjusted the rows of ribbons that decorated Krystal’s chest, then nodded. “Looks like we’re ready, Master Chief McCormack.”

“After you, Captain,” Krystal replied with a bow as she opened the door.

Erica led the way to the elevators and hit the call button. “We’re going to be early, but better early than late for these things.” The elevator arrived and the doors opened to let them in. Only one other person was in the car, and he ignored the women in uniform.

In the lobby, Erica approached the concierge. “We need transport to the capitol building.”

The man bowed his head and clicked his heels, then made a gesture with one hand. One of the dozen or so young men standing around the room immediately hurried out and flagged down a taxi. “This way, ladies.” The man led the way and he and the bellman held the doors for them.

“The capitol building, please,” Krystal told the driver, and he immediately accelerated out of the parking area. The ride was long, but interesting. Geneva had been chosen as the planetary capital of Earth long before the founding of the Confederated Star Systems, and had taken on the role of Confederate Capital naturally. The city had expanded tastefully, and the architecture was in some cases stunning. The architects had stayed with the original Swiss designs, and had done a magnificent job.

The taxi came to a stop at the capitol drop-off point and Erica paid the bill. Erica led the way up the steps. A man in the uniform of the Capitol Guardians met them at the top. “Are you here for the ceremony?”

“We are,” Captain Reordan replied.

“May I see your IDs, please?” the guardian asked, and both women handed them over. A quick scan drew a smile from the guardian. He waved a woman over as he handed the IDs back and said, “Escort these sailors to the waiting area.” The woman saluted and led them to the left. They walked half way around the building to a large tent. She smiled and bowed them on their way without ever saying a word.

Captain Reordan led the way into the tent and looked around. Even as early as they were, they were not the first to arrive. At least fifty people were already there, including the familiar figure of Lord Kenyon.

Devero Kenyon saw them coming and smiled. “Captain Reordan, Master Chief McCormack, it’s good to see you again.” He smiled as his eyes scanned both women, then stopped on Krystal’s chest. His back automatically stiffened as he came to attention, but he wasn’t in uniform so he didn’t salute. His eyes came up to meet hers as he said, “I’d almost forgotten about that, Master Chief.”

Krystal replied, “There are times, My Lord, when I wish I could.”

Lord Kenyon’s mouth twisted into a wry smile. “I imagine so, Master Chief. I imagine so.”

“Ah, Devero, there you are,” a cultured voice said as a tall man walked up to them, ignoring the uniforms completely. “I’d like you to join us after the ceremony. Juanita is looking forward to seeing you again.”

“Paul, I believe you know Captain Reordan,” Lord Kenyon said as he turned back toward the women. “She’s the CO of our new ship.”

Paul Ruel inclined his head slightly. “Captain.”

“Representative Ruel,” Erica replied coldly.

The man raised an eyebrow when his attention shifted to Krystal. “I see your taste in companions hasn’t changed.” His gaze was icy as he swept her with a glance.

“Representative Ruel, Master Chi—”

“That will be all, Captain,” the representative interrupted.

“Indeed,” a new voice agreed. All of them turned to face a short, stout woman in the uniform of a CSS Marine general. “Captain, it is inappropriate for you to bring an enlisted sailor to this ceremony.”

Lord Kenyon said, “General Soto,” in a dangerously soft voice.

“Lord Kenyon?” she answered in clear puzzlement. Lord Devero reached up and tapped his chest four inches below his left shoulder. General Soto looked puzzled, then looked at Captain Reordan. When she didn’t see anything remarkable, she shifted her gaze to Master Chief McCormack. Her eyes locked with an almost audible click on the small blue and white ribbon that stood alone above all of the rest of Krystal’s awards.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Leobarda Soto snapped to attention and offered a parade-ground perfect salute to Master Chief Electronics Technician Krystal Elise McCormick, one of only thirteen living recipients of the Confederated Star Systems Congressional Medal of Honor.

When Krystal had returned the salute, Lord Kenyon continued. “ET2 McCormack saved the lives of three thousand Marines by locking herself in a leaking compartment without an environment suit to repair the life support system of the transport ship CSS
Jose Francisco Jimenez
. She was clinically dead by the time a repair crew sealed the breach and repressurized the compartment. She died five more times in sickbay before the medics finally convinced her to stick around. I may be prejudiced about it, since my daughter was one of those Marines, but I think she has every right to be here.”

General Soto said, “Yes, Lord Kenyon,” and turned away.

Lord Kenyon turned back to Paul Ruel, but all he saw was the man’s back as he all but stomped away.

Lord Kenyon smiled but made no other comment. Changing the subject, he turned to Captain Reordan and said, “Lady Leslie told me she ran into you last night. She’s not in the best of moods right now. There has been a leak, and she’s pretty sure she knows who it was. An ENN newsperson woke her up at four this morning to ask about the reported timeship from the past.”

“Oh no,” Captain Reordan breathed.

“Oh yes,” Lord Kenyon agreed. “We’ve tightened security as much as possible, but you may be assaulted by reporters at some point today. Keep your tempers in check. Especially yours, Erica.”

“Me, Sir?”

“You, and don’t try that big-eyed innocent look on me. I know better. No punching reporters. I don’t care what they ask or say.” He frowned and stared into Erica’s eyes for a moment. “If I catch one hint of trouble, I’m going to have the Marines sit on you.”

There was a strangled snort from the side and Lord Kenyon turned toward Master Chief McCormack. “And don’t let me here of trouble with you either, Master Chief. Your reputation is a bad as hers.”

“Sir!
I’ll have you know, My Lord, that I’m nowhere near as restrained as the captain.”

Lord Kenyon sighed and ran both hands through his hair. “Lady Leslie chose well. God help us all. Grab something to eat; it’s going to be a long day.” Both women came to attention as he turned away.

Captain Reordan looked at Master Chief McCormack and whispered, “Teasing him isn’t the best idea, Krys.”

Master Chief McCormack whispered back, “You’re the thinker, I’m the stinker.” Then in a stronger voice, “After you, Captain.” They both moved toward the buffet table and joined the queue.

* * *

The podium was centered at the top of the capitol steps with a horseshoe of security personnel six deep below it. Back in the shadows of the portico could be seen perhaps a hundred more, and behind them stood three platoons of CSS Marines in full battle dress.