Pearl of the Stars

Captain Grace Ifhans sat waiting for the unit commanders to join her, albeit digitally, in the conference room. As usual she was early and as she waited she smoked whilst drinking what was quite frankly a poor excuse for a cup of coffee. There was much to discuss and Grace was getting agitated. Thankfully she did not have to wait too long as one by one, the images of the unit commanders appeared upon the screens surrounding the conference table.

“Captains,” said Grace, offering a greeting to all at once. “We all know why we are here, so I will not waste any time.”

“That’d be a first,” said Captain Frost of the Rose of Sharyn, not quite quietly enough.

“Have you something to say, Captain Frost?” She looked directly at his image on the screen, but he refused to meet her gaze. “Good, I thought not. Now, back to business.” Grace paused to light a cigarette, her stare still fixated on Frost. “Those men and women rescued from the various military installations throughout this system have all been declared fit for duty by our medical staff, and have been assigned duties throughout the Fleet. I fully understand this in no way makes up for the sailors we have already lost on this mission, but at least all vessels are close to a full compliment of crew once again.”

Grace paused for a moment in case anyone, specifically Frost or Hubbard had anything to say, but both men remained silent, and so Grace continued.

“The way I see it we have two viable options, so I intend to put it to a vote. We can either continue on mission in which case our next jump will be to the Callovan System. Our other option is to follow the enemy fleet into as yet uncharted territory.” She stared around the conference table, taking great care to make eye contact with each of her fellow captains, and much to her surprise even Frost met her gaze, albeit only for a second. “So captains, cast your votes now.”

“Callovan,” said Captain Hubbard.

“I agree with Hubbard,” said Frost, much to Grace’s amusement. She had expected nothing less. “We must stay on mission.”

“Duly noted,” said Grace with a smile.

“I have to disagree, who the fick knows how much more this new enemy fleet will advance technologically should we leave them to their own devices.” Captain Holding was still clearly angry about the losses to his and Imperium’s unit. “We should hunt them down whilst we still have a chance to destroy them.”

“Captain Casper?” Grace turned to the next screen following a nod of recognition towards Holding.

“I vote with Frank,” replied Captain Danielle Casper. “Whilst I accept our mission is of the utmost importance, this new threat must be dealt with.”

“Captain Erstwhile, the outcome of this vote lies with you.”

“As much as it pains me to do so, I vote to continue on our mission.”

“Then it is settled,” said Grace with some reluctance. “We jump to Callovan. Thank you captains, orders will be issued shortly.” Captain Grace Ifhans stood and marched swiftly from the conference room as one by one, the video screens around the table were deactivated. Fick. She really had not expected Captain Erstwhile to vote with Frost and Hubbard. Between them they did speak the truth. The mission was all that mattered but this new enemy had hurt the Fleet, badly, and Grace did not intend to let that lie.

She soon found herself at the medical bay, and quickly located Major Hynes’ private room. She entered and closing the door gently behind her, she sat upon what turned out to be an incredibly uncomfortable chair beside his bed, and lit a cigarette.

“Rough... day?” Hynes wheezed, his eyes open a crack. “Could... could be... worse...”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Grace replied as she exhaled thick, creamy smoke. “How are you feeling James?”

“Like I got... ficked in a... bull pen,” he replied and attempted a chuckle. Once he had caught his breath a little, he continued. “Doc... says I... should be OK.. in a... few... days...”

“I am very happy to hear that Major. I know it has been only thirty-six hours, but I really do need you around,” she said with a smile. It was a huge relief for her that Hynes was going to pull through, as those first twelve hours had been a little scary to say the least. “Did you uncover anything regarding Herbert’s death?”

“Well it wasn’t... suicide,” he replied, wheezing heavily. “Put... Danielle thr... through interrogation...”

“Captain Danielle Casper?” Grace asked with no small amount of surprise. “Are you sure Major?”

“Y... yes Ma’am, I am.”