Wandering Engineer 6: Pirates Bane (40 page)

“Can't run, can't hide. So, we have to fight,” Sindri rumbled.
The others looked at him. He stroked his beard. “You mean to make munitions
with some of the salvage?” he asked, turning to the Admiral. Irons nodded.
“Thought so. And bring this ship and the others up to new. Better if we have
time right?” Sindri asked, still stroking his beard. Irons nodded again. “Aye,
it's possible. But then what?” He asked, raising a bushy eyebrow. All eyes in
the compartment turned to the Admiral.

“What I'd like to do is hit them in succession. Take the corvettes
by pretending to be a Horathian,” the Admiral said. Slow smiles of
understanding and wicked intent answered him. He returned the smile with his
own. “From there we'll re-assess the situation. One potential plan is to jump
into Beta 101a1 and have Bounty and the corvettes cover the freighters as we
all make a run for the Pyrax jump point.”

“That's sketchy Admiral,” Hoshi said. “We don't know where they
are positioned. They could be on the Pyrax jump point. And taking an untrained
crew into combat? Against a fleet?” she slowly shook her head.

“Yes, which is what I thought. And unfortunately, we'd have no
way of knowing until we entered the system.”

“Can we bluff or get sneaky?” Ian asked.

“Possible, but unlikely.”

“The other option is to hide in Hidoshi's World, but I'm betting
the Horathians will eventually miss Bounty and send someone to look.”

“There is a scheduled resupply convoy,” Sprite said. They looked
at the Admiral's hand. “It isn't supposed to arrive for another five weeks
however.”

“Nice to know we have a time table to be here or gone,” Nata'roka
said. “I suppose you'll need my services?”

“Possibly. There are two other options,” the Admiral said. They
looked at him again. “One is to try to slip past Cartwright. Either by jumping
to Kathy's World and then to Beta 452c if he's there or beyond. But if we did
that we'd run out of fuel in Agnosta or Briev. And don't get me started on
Briev.”

“And if we were chased we'd be screwed,” Kinja said shaking her
head. “The other option?” she asked.

“The other one is hard. We could abandon the other ships and try
a long jump to another system such as Pyrax.”

“What you did Admiral?” Nata'roka asked. “I'm surprised you
attempted it.

“I may not have the genes, but I do have the balls,” the Admiral
replied. That got a laugh. He took a sip of coffee as they settled back down.
“Or I was just nuts. I regret it now, believe me. But doing it with more hands
would make it easier.”

“Many hands make light work,” Irina murmured. The Admiral nodded.

“Do we have to decide now?” Hoshi asked.

“By no means. Right now, we need to be on the same page. Mister
Sisko's paper helps, but sometimes it's best to talk about it in person,” the Admiral
said. “Some people absorb information better that way,” he said.

“And it's nice to hear how things are going in other
departments,” Sprite said dryly.

“True,” the Admiral said. “Changing the subject, the crew...” he
turned to the Doctor. “In general, health wise?”

“Getting better. Still some issues, but we're getting a handle on
them. Thank you for the support.”

“Okay, and OPS...” Irons turned to Hoshi. She responded
positively. He went around the room, drawing each person out before the meeting
ended.

The next morning Sprite reported excited people mobbing his cabin
or clustered in the MPR. “What are they waiting for?” the Admiral asked. A
brief concern of a second mutiny flashed in his mind before he disregarded it.
It wasn't that it wasn't likely; it was that Bounty or Sprite would have picked
up on such things sooner.

“The oath Admiral. They want in,” Sprite replied, all smiles.

“How many?” he asked.

“Right now? One hundred twenty nine and counting.”

“Okay,” he said slowly. “I thought you said half of the crew?
That's one hundred and thirty two by my math Commander.”

“No, make that one thirty one. Two.”

The Admiral smiled, feeling a bit of vindication and elation. “A
bit much to do in a small compartment. We'll do it in two groups, officers and
enlisted. I want to hit the ground running with this Commander. That means
we'll need military ident implant nanites, along with uniforms, training
materials, the works.”

“Understood Admiral. I've anticipated part of that. I can't do
much about the nanites, but the other things are in the works. They should be
ready shortly.”

“Understood. What about scuttlebutt? Any issues?”

“There was some minor grief over the idea of sacrificing Anderson
and Jaw-te, mostly from their former crew. But they understand the ships are
dead. They also know they were picked over; some of them did the picking. No
issues.”

“Okay,” the Admiral said. “Ideas for the swearing in?”

“Admiral, to do this right we should do a ceremony. The largest
spaces that aren't filled are the mess, MPR, and boat bay. My suggestion is the
boat bay,” she said.

The Admiral frowned in thought. Sprite was right. The MPR and mess
could handle about fifty people in a tight squeeze. The boat bay could handle
about a hundred, but the space craft inside... he frowned and then shrugged.
They could always deploy the shuttle craft, he thought.

“All right, boat bay. We'll have to clear the decks. Work on that
as well. We can send the shuttles to the Le More to do a survey. How is
Phoenix? Can Phoenix move out under her own power now?”

“Reserve power. But the ship requires fuel.”

“Get Takagi to move some fuel over to her. I'll try to drop by
and do a once over. Have any officers not on shift and that are awake report to
the wardroom for swearing in after lunch.”

“Understood Admiral. But to make this cohesive they should do it
together,” Sprite said. “And Miss Hoshi has expressed disinterest in signing
on. From what she has said, I deduce she is bucking for a Captain's position on
one of the freighters,” the AI informed him.

“Understood. Military careers aren't for everyone,” the Admiral
replied with a shrug. “And those ships will need good crew and officers. But
she's a little premature. We haven't gotten them online yet.”

“Yet. They've had a taste of what you are capable of now Admiral.
They expect more,” Sprite said with a laugh.

“Wonderful,” the Admiral sighed.

“The good news is, they aren't wallowing in self pity, and they
expect to be there, doing the work right alongside you sir,” Sprite said.

“Good. Let's get too it then.”

<----*----*----*---->

Sprite noted the traffic on the sites she had set up with a fond
feeling. It was exhilarating, noting the hits and repeat hits. People were
discussing the options and going over it. She felt a ping, a tug on her
consciousness. She moved to the location. Enric was there with several people.

“Um, Commander, do you have a moment?” the young man asked.

“Yes,” Sprite replied. “A moment that is. “I take it you have
questions not in the FAQ?”

“Some,” Enric replied, squirming. He looked at Yosef Behr. The
black haired engineer just shrugged at his discomfort. No help there. “I was
wondering about you for instance. How do you, I mean, where are you in the
manning chart? Command chain I mean.”

“I'm there. I serve as the Admiral's Chief of staff and
intermediary. I can fill in for various positions when necessary.”

“Oh.”

“Do you get paid?” Yosef asked.

“Of course!” Sprite said. “Is this what that is about?” she
asked. “I am a person. I get paid. All AI do.” They blinked at her in
confusion. “But what do we spend our money on?” she asked, with a smile on her
virtual face. The men nodded.

“Well, I was investing my credits in war bonds during the war.
Right now my pay is being deferred. Trust me, I am keeping track of it. The Admiral
set up an accounting system in Pyrax and Antigua for AI. I think it needs to be
updated for hazard pay though,” she said, chuckling.

All the men chuckled.

“So, combat pay...”

“There are a lot of perks to being in the military. But with it
comes a great deal of responsibility.”

“And discipline,” Yosef said.

“That comes with being in space. On a ship or on a station, you
have to follow orders,” Sprite reminded them. They nodded.

“AI have a contract just like you would have. Mine is a
half-century, though it can be shortened if the Admiral and I part company. Not
that I see that happening anytime soon.”

“I see.”

“AI want what organics want, a place to live, in our case a
computer system with plenty of processors and memory. Plus a power supply, net
access, and something to do. We don't like just sitting idle for long.”

“Oh.”

“Can you get killed?”

“Of course!” Sprite replied with a laugh. “In many ways, just
like you. I try not to dwell on it. Again, it's part of being in space. You
either accept it or you don't belong here,” she said. They nodded. “But, and
here is the kicker, at least now you get the chance to shoot back!” she said.

That made the men smile and nod grimly.

“True,” Enric murmured. “I'm all for that after what we've been
through,” he said.

“Good. The Admiral is right, he pointed out a famous saying,
mangled, but still true. It is remarkable what you learn in captivity. You get
to the point where you realize; all they can do is kill you. When you get there
you lose your fear, or learn to control it. It becomes a distant thing. Men can
do incredible things, sometimes crazy and stupid things, but incredible acts of
heroism and bravery then.”

The men nodded again, now thoughtful.

“Think about it,” Sprite said. “And think about this. Evil
spreads when good men do nothing. You have a chance here to do something. Not
just for yourselves, but for others who are as helpless as you. Fellow spacers
and kids. People on planets. Human, alien, and AI.”

“Here also you have a chance to do something about the miasma,
the lack of civilization in the galaxy. To rebuild it, to restore order, to
return to the golden age of the Federation.”

The men looked at each other. Sprite felt another tug as more
people started to ask questions. “I've got to go. Do think about it carefully,”
she urged, replacing her image with the flag of the Federation. She thought it
was a nice touch.

<----*----*----*---->

After lunch in the mess the Admiral made his way to the wardroom.
Jake Sisko passed him in a rush. The young man nodded in passing but kept
going. The Admiral realized it was in a different direction than the one he was
going in. He frowned slightly, but then shrugged. He had to let them make up
their own minds in their own time, he reminded himself.

He arrived at the wardroom hatch and paused. There were a dozen
people inside. He adju
sted himself and
then opened the door. He smiled politely when he noticed Ian there in uniform.
Ian moved aside slightly. The Admiral nodded to Irina beyond Ian, and then
Sindri. All of them were in uniform he noted.

“Ladies
and gentlemen,” he said, smiling. “It's a pleasure to see you all here,” he
said.

“We're
a bit nervous, but ready Admiral,” Ian said, glancing at the others. The Admiral
nodded, surveying the group. Sindri was there, but not Kinja. Gustov and Craig
Lewis were standing quietly in the back. Gustov would be the senior Marine, a
first Lieutenant. Mister Lewis had agreed to a lesser rank of Second Lieutenant
to keep the chain of command clear. He was however, quite capable of filling
Gustov's shoes though.

Enric
was there, seemingly jittery.  Both of the Glenns were there. The Admiral
nodded politely to them. He turned. He didn't know Trey Ulster well, nor Raoul
Lee, but he had at least met them briefly. Both were good men, but quiet. Two
other men and one woman were with them. He didn't recognize them; they were
from the Le More. Sprite had their names hovering over their heads, Bill
Peters, Gord Archer, and Brandon Bynum.

The
hatch opened behind the Admiral and he turned as he got out of the way. “Are we
late?” a voice asked.

“No,”
the Admiral said. “Just in time actually,” he said, moving to the head of the
table. “It's tight quarters though,” he cautioned. “So you better squeeze in,”
he warned.

An
additional eight men and one woman came in. The single female was Kelly Frowe.
But behind her the hatch was stopped from closing and another woman entered.
This one was on crutches. Mary Apple came in slowly. “I'm not late am I?” she
asked.

“Nope,”
Ian said with a welcoming smile. “The more the merrier,” he said, moving aside.

“Cute,”
Mary sniffed in disdain. She leaned against the bulkhead once she was in the room.
She looked a little sweaty but determined.

The
Admiral nodded to her. She wasn't ship shape, but she was willing. Her spirit
was there. They could and would do something about her body. Quick heal was
kicking in, he could see her bruises were mostly gone, but she still had a ways
to go before the bullet wounds was fully healed. He turned to the new men.

Jacob
Larson he heard was a good power tech in engineering. He'd borrowed the young
man briefly to inspect Phoenix's reactor and set him up with some of the easier
repairs. Thomas Burrows was a bit of a handy man. He'd had a job briefly in
ship's security but was now interested in a marine posting. Jim Olson was
another security man, also interested in the marines, though he had expressed
interest in bridge duties. It seemed the marines would be over represented, the
Admiral thought.

Jory
Gray was a nineteen-year-old young man who Sprite had singled out as an up and
coming cyberneticist with a willingness to learn. That was good.

Mark
Anderson had just been released from sickbay yesterday. The Admiral had only
met him briefly in passing. Enric Patter was of course there; he'd serve well
as an OPS officer, starting as an Ensign. Tim Brown was another young man who
he had only just met in passing in sickbay he had a thing for shuttles.

Ezri
Patterson was interested in the Cobra fighters. He had little stick time
however. Jesus Cortez was interested in being a boat bay officer. He was the
oldest in the compartment other than the Admiral, but ready it to serve it
seemed. Ornell Drago was another man the Admiral barely knew.

“Ladies
and gentlemen, welcome,” the Admiral, said as the holo projector in the center
of the table came to life. Bounty was standing there in uniform, proudly
standing at attention. “Welcome to the Federation Navy and Marines. Now, if
you'll all raise your right hands...”

<----*----*----*---->

Once the swearing in was complete the Admiral handed out officer
ident implant packages. Each was a series of pills. The steward opened his
hatch and passed a tray of drinks in. As each person came to take their pill
the Admiral initialized it and programmed it with their name, rank, serial
number, and MOS. Ian McGuyver and Vestri Sindri would start as Lieutenant
commanders. Half of the senior members in the compartment would start as first
lieutenants since all had years of prior experience in their civilian lives.
Officers with prior experience who were in assistant roles would serve as
Lieutenants. The youngest members would start out as jig's or ensigns. That was
fine, they all had room to grow. If they played their roles right they would
grow explosively soon. Hopefully not too fast, he still wasn't certain of a few
of his people. And he couldn't train them too hard, too many information
downloads and sleep teaching periods could lead to a wave of seizures and other
issues.

Once they were finished he smiled, putting the concerns for the
future briefly aside. “Now we get to work until we drop,” he said wickedly.
That got a depreciating laugh. “Dismissed ladies and gentlemen. And next time?
Let's find some place to meet with more elbow room,” he teased. That got
another laugh.

Hoshi waited outside the compartment, standing a few meters from
the hatch as they exited. “Admiral,” the woman said when Irons stepped over the
knee hatch combing and out into the companionway. Irons nodded to the others
and came over to her. “Do you understand why I didn't sign on?” She asked
coldly.

He nodded. Her refusal and body language put a slight damper on
his good mood. “Some people don't have the stomach for fighting. It's
understandable.”