All That Glitters Ch. 15

"The crew should be arriving starting at the beginning of next month. They will report to me and be housed here on the orbital platform until they board the ship just before the naming ceremony," he finished.

"Do we know who the new captain will be?" Raymond asked, already having been informed that the navy would have their own captain on board.

"Thenton hasn't informed me yet, other than to indicate that you may already know the person. Not much of a hint considering your career, sir." Sprawl told him with a smile.

"I suppose not," Raymond admitted. "I hear you have made a name for yourself here, Master Chief."

"Aye, sir. I may have given a hint to the Pallanders about their new venture. It will make me a fortune, but Pallanders' side of the fortune will be even greater. They will hire me after my retirement, which will be when The Wanderer is complete and ready for service.

"In the meantime, I provide them with some unexpected expertise that they had not anticipated. They thought Pallanders was the end all for outfitting a ship and were quite surprised at what a navy man could bring to the table," the Chief informed him with a smile.

Just then, the Pallanders rep re-entered the room and asked Raymond if he would like to go over the final look of the ship. The three sat down to see the representation of what the ship would eventually look like, both externally, and internally. Raymond was impressed. The VIP decks were beautiful, and even the crew quarters were far above the norm. Raymond didn't think the crew would be complaining about this ship. Liea had done an amazing job.

Brig, NS Dewfall, Piscium System

Cynthia Stewart had finally received permission to interview some of the pirates who had been through the court-martial process. She was given the name of several who would be willing to be interviewed.

Of the six who she interviewed, all insisted that they were not pirates, that they were simply members of a ship's company who were directed by their superiors in a manner that they had only begun to understand included piracy. They insisted that their superiors had told them that they were still fighting the good fight, battling against the Union in a war that had not yet ended.

In her early thirties, Cynthia was still young by Union standards where the average lifespan easily exceeded 140 years and people could work well into their century, usually slowing down only in the last twenty to forty years of life.

Cynthia had been a news reporter since leaving university at age twenty-two. In that time, she had gained an ability to read people and was rarely surprised by how her read turned out.

Cynthia's intuition now smelled a rat in each of these men. Looking into the trials of all six, she discovered that two of them were junior officers, that two more were senior enlisted ranks, and the remaining two were criminals who had escaped custody and later joined the pirates. All six had been singled out by the rescued slaves as being some of the more vicious and sadistic of those who had misused and abused them.

When Cynthia edited the interviews, she commented on them from that viewpoint, showing that the junior officers and the senior ratings would have been part of the decision making process on who would have lived and who would have died on the capture of a vessel. Living meaning that the survivors were made into slaves. Yet these men would have you believe they were innocent ratings or junior officers who were forced to follow the dictates of their cruel senior officers.

Cynthia made sure the viewers understood that those interviewed were killers, rapists, and looters for profit. It had been years since the end of the Union War, and four of these men had been pirates all that time, while the other two had joined the pirates to escape justice some four years previously.

Navy Intelligence had gone through the memory cores of all the captured ships. The number of free citizens turned slave victims from just these ships, was in the thousands, of which only a little over 800 had so far been recovered. The final number of how many died or how many were sold into slavery would probably never be fully determined.

One thing that was certain in Cynthia's mind, however, was that the pirates needed a place they could sell slaves. That could only happen on six planets in human space, none of which were members of the Union.

Cynthia now had a lead for more experienced members of Interplanetary News to follow up on and find out what had happened to those slaves who had been sold for profit, free citizens of the Union sold into slavery by pirates.

Once the interviews were completed, she edited them together with excerpts from their individual courts-martial, her own comments, and pieces of the clips from the freed slaves. It would make for a particularly damning piece and, hopefully, start a serious investigation into the potential recovery of free Union citizens sold as slaves on non-Union Planets and maybe, just maybe, the end to slavery in human space.

Conference Room One, Liramor-23, Piscium System

FAdm Charles Thenton was once again on Liramor-23. It had been three months since he had last been here. He now stood in conference room one with his entourage and had gathered all the senior navy personnel on the platform for an announcement. He signalled his aide with a nod.

"Attention to orders," the Capt. Fillertan called out. "Captain (N) Henadi Noor step forward."

Henadi had been anticipating this so stepped forward to stand at parade rest before FAdm. Thenton. He reached up and unclipped the braid of Civilian Liaison Officer from her left shoulder.

"Sir, you are relieved," he intoned, with more formality than usual as he noted Cynthia Stewart recording the event.

"Sir, I am relieved," she replied in turn, slightly saddened that her term with Fiona Marsh was at an end but looking forward to her next appointment.

"A-113552-876 Captain (N) Henadi Noor, you are hereby ordered to Liramor Prime and Pallanders Shipyards to take command of the ship that is currently under refit with Pallanders," Fillertan said clearly for all to hear.

"Since the time that men sailed the oceans of the home planet, Terra" Thenton took over, "ship's officers sought to attain one status: command of a ship of their own, and the title of Captain in it's true meaning.

"For security reasons, we will not name your command at this time, though I am sure that all present today know her name.

"You have been given a unique command. Her task will be to range far and wide both outside of and inside of known human space. A true ship of exploration, she will act partly as of a science investigation team, partly as a diplomatic mission, and partly as a defence ship for all human space.

"To accomplish these tasks, you will have a unique team of very experienced ratings, some of the best combat specialists in the Marines, members of the UDC, senior scientists, and you will be supported by one of the best tactical minds I personally know.

"You are a young captain, but I expect and demand much from you and I know you will not let me down. Congratulations, Captain," Thenton said.

"Sir, I will do my best not to disappoint you, or myself," Noor replied giving him a very snappy salute.

"Cdr. Beverley Davis, step forward," Fillertan intoned.

Beverly came to stand at parade rest before Thenton. He reached up and unclipped her braid of aide-de-camp, surprising her.

"Sir, you are relieved," Thenton said.

"Sir, I am relieved," Davis acknowledged with a slight quaver in her voice. She had not been expecting this. She gave Thenton a salute and stepped back.

Thenton signaled a new person to step forward.

"J-173563-882 Commander Helga Hellebore," Fillertan spoke, "you are hereby ordered to Liramor-23 to take up the position of aide-de-camp for S-118938-117 Commodore Equivalent Fiona Marsh, commanding Piscium system," he intoned.

Thenton called Fiona forward and gave her the braid of Aide-de-camp. She pinned it to her new aide's shoulder and shook hands with her, while images were taken for posterity. The new aide gave her boss a smart salute, and took up her position, one pace behind and the left of the Commodore.

"Cdr. Beverley Davis, step forward," Fillertan said. "B-877332-188 Commander Beverley Davis, having completed the Senior Command Course, is hereby promoted Captain (Navy) with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities applicable to said rank."

Fillertan slipped his boss something and Thenton called Fiona forward. Having been through this before, she knew what to do.

Both senior officers took the triple bar pin of Commander from the bottom of Beverly's sleeves and affixed the four gold bars of Captain in their place, pausing briefly for images.

"Don't move please," Thenton ordered.

"B-877332-188 Captain (N) Beverley Davis," Fillertan began without preamble, "you are hereby ordered to Liramor-23 in the Piscium system, to take up the duties of Civilian Liaison Officer for the local Civilian Authority, Fiona Marsh, Director of Operations Liramor-23, and to Liramor Holdings on Liramor Prime."

Thenton took the Liaison Officer's braid and pinned it to Davis' left shoulder, smiling at Fiona. "You didn't think I would let you have all the fun did you, Commodore?" he asked with a smile that brought laughter all around.

The crowd broke out in the navy's traditional three cheers in honour of the new appointments and the new promotion.

"One last thing, Commodore, I came with the two ships you were promised. They are NS Betelgeuse, a Fairling Class Frigate, Capt. Lorain Tuffet commanding and NS Churchill, a Whippet Class Escort Ship, Cdr. John Seldon commanding," Thenton finished, presenting the two officers in question.

"You will have to provide me transportation back to Folden Naval Base as those two ships now belong to you. I think a return trip in that wonderful fast-ship of yours is more than justified," he said with a smile.

"Now, lets celebrate a promotion and three changes in positions."

Hotel Eclipsa, Liramor Prime, Liramor System

Fiona had finally taken some vacation time. She was currently staying with Liea in her hotel suite and making preparations for going clubbing that evening. Liea, her EA, her bodyguard, Kim, her PSec, Analisa Talbot, and Fiona's new aide-de-camp, Cdr. Helga Hellebore, were all there.

Helga came from Uusi Suomi, the same home world as Capt. Whatt. She was the same height as Fiona but, like Capt. Davis, was blonde. She too had just completed her Senior Command Course, though not of the same class as Davis. Like Davis, having graduated in the middle of the pack, she would not likely see command of a ship for several years. If ever.

At forty, Helga was a little younger than Davis to have been through Command School. Similar to Davis, she had earned her way there when she took over command of a small escort ship as a LtCdr., this time because her captain died of a heart attack. Helga spent one year as the acting captain of the vessel and earned distinction for the vessel in several pirate engagements while on anti-pirate patrol with other ships.

Her Anti-pirate Campaign Star contained three battle bars, all engagements while she was the acting captain.

All the ladies were going over the routine for the evening, the two security professionals reminding everyone of what had happened on the previous outing to the club they were returning to.

Hopefully, the precautions would be for naught, and all would have a good time.

Club District, Capital City, Liramor Prime

Lynne Ducharme was looking forward to a night of partying. It had been sometime since she had been out, and even longer since she had been out on her own.

She would be celebrating an early thirtieth birthday, her only regret was that her close friends could not be with her tonight. But she needed the time off, and the time partying.

Things hadn't gone right for Lynne since she had finished University. A CPA, with an MBA, Lynne had expected to be hired by a reputable company right off, only it hadn't happened like that.

Her first real job had been with the Ressetta Corporation. A small business of some sixty people, Lynne had been hired to attend to the books. She damned near shit herself the first time she opened them. She could see immediately that the family of the family run business, was using the profits as their own personal banking account.

Lynn had warned her boss of this, but he had ignored her. The skimming continued until the business was forced into receivership, putting the family, and all sixty workers, including Lynne, on the unemployment line. The job had lasted just over two years.

Then, she had been hired by one Faegan Dickers, a fat lawyer who wanted Lynne more for her looks for the front office than for her business acumen. The name 'Dickers' should have been a telltale, as the man could hardly keep his hands off her and was constantly attempting to solicit a more 'meaningful relationship' with her.

More often than not, she had to take a shower at the end of the day from the feelings the slimy bastard left on her skin. Dickers' attempts to bed her became more brazen until she finally stormed out of his office never to return. She spent the next three years in court against the bastard finally gaining success when other women came forward to complain about his 'personal' style.

It had taken her two years to land another position, this one again with a law firm, however, her boss, a woman in her late sixties, was a work-a-holic who didn't know the meaning of reasonable work hours, often calling her in at odd hours or on weekends.

After working for her for two months with little or no sleep, Lynne had put her foot down declaring that she would not be available at all this weekend as she would be celebrating her thirtieth a little early. Her expectations of a grand party lasted until she called her friends, only to find out they were not available at the last minute.

So, Lynne now stood in the long line waiting patiently for it to move that she might get into the club this evening. Looking around, she noticed an exceptionally good looking man coming up to the line. He was perhaps in his late thirties, which was ok as far as she was concerned, and a little on the tall side, but that was OK too as everybody fit together equally well when they got horizontal. She mentally chastised herself for thinking like that, but he really was that good looking.

She smiled at him as he approached, giving him her best show of teeth. He nodded to her making her feel good that he had noticed and acknowledged her.

"The line is not moving," she told him. "But I wouldn't mind having some company to wait with," she told him shyly, but not too shyly.

The man stopped and considered his options. He smiled down and extended his elbow to her. "Why don't we see what is happening up front," he said is a smooth voice that didn't stumble. "If nothing is moving, maybe we could take in another club," he suggested.

Lynne took the offered arm and they moved down the long line. "I'm Lynne," she told her new friend.

"Raymond," her replied. "What do you do?" he asked.

She told him of her work life to date, as she said, 'nothing to write home about', ending with her current job, "I'm a CPA with an MBA, but currently I work as an EA to a real slave driver who doesn't know the meaning of the end of the workday," she told him, the frustration evident in her voice.

"Then what are you doing here?" he asked, jokingly. "Isn't your boss still working?"

"Probably," she admitted. "This was supposed to be my early birthday party, but my friends couldn't get away on short notice," Lynne replied. "I turn thirty on Wednesday," she mentioned.

Raymond looked down and cupped her chin. "Congratulations," he said, bending to give her the traditional double kiss on each cheek. Then he reached in and gave her a tender kiss on the lips. It wasn't an exceptionally long kiss, nor a hungry kiss. It was just, a really nice kiss!

Lynne had kissed her share of people. Some kisses were short. Some were insistent. Some were hungry, insatiable. Others quite chaste. This kiss was none of those. It wasn't overly bold, nor eager in its demands. In fact, it didn't demand. Yet when the kiss stopped, Lynne found herself wishing it hadn't.

Raymond smiled down at her and turned to continue their walk. Not long after, they got to the door. Security was tight, as always, but Raymond was known to them.

"George," Raymond said, nodding to the doorman.

"Raymond," he greeted in return. "Who is this," he asked, casually indicating the woman on Raymond's arm.

"A friend," Raymond told the man.

"You vouch for her?" George asked, getting a nod back from Raymond. "Good enough," he said and stamped both of their hands.

Lynne was more than surprised to be getting into the club this easily. "What is it you do for a living?" she asked.

"I'm currently unemployed," Raymond said with a smile.

George gave out a single bark of a laugh then thought about it for a moment. "It's true! He is unemployed!" he admitted with a weird look on his face.

Lynne looked at Raymond as he led her into the club, but he just gave her a shrug.

They had barely entered the club, when Raymond guided them to the VIP stairs, the security giving him a slight nod and opening the velvet rope for them.

Lynne had never been to the VIP lounge before, though she had heard from friends who had. Maybe her birthday bash would not turn out to be a bust after all!

Raymond guided her to the bar, where she got a White Russian. The drink was in a heavy tumbler that would probably not fall over in a magnitude nine earthquake. She would never have seen its like down on the main floor. It was all plastic there.

Raymond guided her to a pair of round tables with a group of very beautiful ladies, who all smiled as Raymond approached. "Who's this?" asked a woman that Lynne suddenly realized was none other than Annette Liramor!

"A stray I found on the street," Raymond told her. "Can I keep her?" he asked of no one particular.

"Shouldn't you be asking her that question, Raymond?" asked another lady with a saucy smile, that Lynne suddenly recognized as Liea Samson, the billionaire philanthropist!

Then the thought began to percolate through her brain, half of the partnership of Clark and Samson, which meant...

"Your Raymond Clark!" Lynne suddenly said with a shocked look at Raymond.

"I knew that," Raymond said, a slight smile on his lips.

"Let me introduce you," he said to Lynne. "First, near the window, is Annette Liramor, Director of Operations, Liramor Holdings. Next is Liea Samson, billionaire and my partner. Beside her is her EA Lissette Blanche, and her personal bodyguard, Kim.

"Beside Kim is Analisa Talbot, Liea's security coordinator. Then you have Fiona Marsh, Director of Operations for Liramor-23 Mining Platform, Commodore commanding the TUSN in the Piscium star system, and Hero of the Battle of Liramor-23," Raymond told her.

"On her left, is her aide-de-comp Cdr. Helga Hellebore," Raymond told her. "Ladies, this is Lynne Ducharme, CPA, MBA and much put upon EA of a freak of a work-a-holic boss," he finished with a smile.

All the ladies laughed as Fiona, Liea, and Annette were very much work-a-holics themselves. But at least, their friends and colleagues admitted, they did know how to party.

"Lynne is here celebrating her upcoming thirtieth, but her friends couldn't get away," Raymond explained.

The ladies suddenly gave out an 'Aaaawwwweee' in unison, that sent a shiver up Lynne's spine. "We're going to have to make your day special. No one should have to party without friends," Liea stated.