All That Glitters Ch. 31

"Not so surprising considering the cost of outfitting a shuttle as a dedicated medical vessel. Those two shuttles could be used for no other purpose once they have finished refit," Fiona said.

"Still, it is an idea worth looking into. We have lost miners out there because nobody could get to them in time. A dedicated medical evac shuttle would be able to immediately begin emergency medical treatment on the injured and get them back to the Trauma Ward in excellent time.

"Cost be damned, I like the idea. Thank Kayl-Ur personally for me please, Heyya. This one is something that I'm going to put into place. We might even be able to work the cost of the medical shuttles into the refit of the platform," Fiona said with a smile.

NS Styles Dixon, Sector Twenty-Three Headquarters, Planet Layette, Crestor System, 163 Light Years from Terra

The NS Styles Dixon came into existence in the Navy inbound lane high above the Planet Layette. It moved over to the Clarren Orbital Naval Base, and formally registered itself with the help of FAdm. Wilhelmina Holstern, who was onboard.

Lt. Joyce Nyalla received permission to use the senior officers shuttle port at the Clarren Naval Base, given carte blanche for it's use by FAdm. Holstern. Not long after, they landed at the shuttle port where they were met by a Navy Commander wearing an aide-de-camp braid.

"Cmdre. Dostier, this is Cdr. Mariella Schell, you new aide-de-camp. Mariella, Cmdre. Liana Dostier of Liramor-23 fame. Let's go to my office," Holstern ordered.

They entered the commander's office a few minutes later, tea ready for them.

"I hope you don't mind, I'm partial to tea instead of coffee," Holstern stated.

"Not an issue, ma'am," Liana replied. "I'm used to it from Liramor-23."

"Good. Let's get down to business," Holstern said. "We have information that the Alnitah and Deneb pirate syndicates have already begun to recce your system. They are looking to see who is taking over the two vessels in system and to see what is being done to them.

"My information is that the Liramor Mining Company has taken over the mining platform and designated it as Liramor-30. They intend to strip the platform back to it's core and strengthen it so that they can build a robust platform the size of the original Liramor-23. That means 12,000 workers, eighteen ore ovens and a working cage for each oven.

"The shipyard has been taken over by Pallanders Shipyard and designated Pallanders-4. It will be dedicated to building and repairing naval vessels. The Navy is in the process of building itself back up due mainly to the threat from the Pod-Drran and other possible aliens, though I haven't been told what other aliens," Holstern ended.

"That would be the Insectoids," Liana advised. "They are kind of like giant, two meter tall ants. We found one of them in alive in suspended animation in a small pod near the damaged alien mining station in the Piscium system. We are currently working to create a language matrix for its language. Last I was told, we had something close to 1,200 words in the matrix. That means the language scientists will likely allow the computers to take over building the matrix.

"Humans need around 3,000 words for daily use, some 6-8,000 words for technical work. The computers should build those numbers up relatively quickly according to the language experts, though how quickly relative is I couldn't say," Liana finished.

"Damn, I wish I could see it," Holstern said.

"I'm sure Fiona would give you permission to visit," Liana said. "It wouldn't take much to get you there and back on the Dixon."

"I'll take you up on that if I don't have my own transport in the next little while," Holstern told her. "Unfortunately, being in command of a Sector, I can only be away from my command for seventy-two hours at a time and I have just spent three days on Terra.

"Liana, time for you to go back to Liramor-23 and make you goodbyes. I want you at your new command within seventy-two hours," Holstern ordered.

"Yes, Admiral," Liana replied. She stood and gave her new superior a salute, turned and left the office, her new aide in tow.

Central Control, Liramor-23, Piscium System

Fiona was in her office going over new dispatches both military and civilian when she heard Ops call out.

"Unexpected FTL event in the military inbound lane. IFF is identifies the NS Styles Dixon," SOps called out.

"Central Control, this is the NS Styles Dixon, Lt. Joyce Nyalla commanding. I have Cmdre. Liana Dostier on board. Requesting access to a shuttle bay, over," Nyalla said over comms.

"NS Styles Dixon, you may use Shuttle Bay-3 center, over," came the reply.

"Dixon, roger, Bay-3 center, out."

The Dixon landed in shuttle bay three some fifteen minutes later. Fiona was at the reception area where the commercial gangway emptied, waiting for her friend and fellow commodore.

"Liana!" Fiona called out arms open. "So good to see you again."

"I need to clean out my desk, Fiona," Liana replied. "I would like to present another fan of yours. This is Cdr. Mariella Schell, my aide-de-camp."

Fiona shook hands with the young woman, who blushed when her boss referred to her as a fan.

"How long are you here for?" Fiona asked.

"I have to be at my new post within forty-eight hours. I just got back from a quick run home and a day with my family. Now, I want to have a few drinks with my former command and say my goodbyes to the people I know on this platform," Liana finished.

"Do I have permission to visit?" Fiona asked.

"Once we get the two vessels up to code. That will likely be in the order of six months before we can invite guests," Liana advised. "You have to request permission from Command Sector Twenty-Three, but I have already told my boss that you have permission to visit whenever you want to.

"Incidentally, she would like you to return the favour and allow her to visit Liramor-23 to see what all of the fuss is about," Liana explained.

"I have already begun a basic look at my new system from system charts. I have asked for advice from Raymond as to where to set up mines etcetera. He has told me he will start looking at the system from charts and will confirm all when he arrives in a little over two months.

"He is going to produce mines here and carry them to me on The Wanderer, then have my people place them.

"I don't look forward to the next couple of days, Fiona," Liana told her. "I've always hatted goodbyes, and these ones are going to be the hardest I've ever had to say in my career."

Fiona gave her a hug. "I don't envy you, Liana, having to say all those goodbyes. But I am proud of you and I know you'll do a good job at your next command. Go with my best wishes and my faith in you."

"Thank-you, Fiona," Liana replied, whipping a tear. "You don't know how much those words really mean to me."

Conference Room One, Liramor-23, Piscium system

The next two days were as hard as Liana had anticipated, especially when FAdm. Charles Thenton arrived on her last day on the platform.

Late in the afternoon, just before Liana was due to leave, Thenton had all of the senior military and civilian leaders attend him in the Conference Room.

"We have a few announcements to make today, most of the Navy, however, the first one I am handing over to Prof. Zilina Smelt. Professor."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to inform you that Mind-Ur has successfully completed her dissertation, which means she will be formally accorded a Doctorates Degree in Engineering. Her dissertation was on the differences between human and Pod-Drran engineering. It is an excellent piece and will be included in the required reading of engineers starting in the next semester.

"Congratulations, Mind-Ur, you are the second of your House to be accorded a Doctorates Degree from the University. You may now refer to yourself as a Graduand until your convocation," Zilina finished, shaking Mind-Ur's hand.

After some polite applause and handshakes for Mind-Ur, Thenton's Aide-de-camp Capt. Fillertan took over.

"Attention to orders," he called out. "J-173563-882 MMB, Captain Navy Helga Hellebore, please step forward."

Helga stepped up to the line and gave a salute to Thenton.

"Captain Helga Hellebore, you are hereby relieved of your position as Civilian Liaison Officer to Liramor-23 and Liramor Prime," Fillertan intoned.

"Sir, I relieve you," he intoned as he removed the braid for Civilian Liaison Officer from her shoulder.

"Sir, I stand relieved," she replied.

"Please stay where you are, captain."

"J-173563-882 MMB, Captain Navy Helga Hellebore, having successfully completed the Senior Officers Command Course, you are ordered to the Piscium System where you are to assume command of the NS Kindalla," Fillertan said.

"Congratulations, Captain," Thenton said, shaking her hand. "She is a fine ship with a fine crew. You have large shoes to fill replacing Liana Dostier as commander of that ship, but I have every confidence you will be able to do just that."

Helga stepped back and gave a salute to Thenton, then gave a salute to Fiona. She stepped back and waited.

"F-447835-992 Commander Damyanti Balakrishnan, please step up to the line," Fillertan ordered. "Commander Damyanti Balakrishnan, you are hereby relieved of your duties as Aide-de-camp for S-118938-117, Commodore Fiona Marsh," Fillertan intoned.

"Sir, I relieve you," Thenton said.

"Sir, I stand relieved," Damyanti replied.

"F-447835-992 Commander Damyanti Balakrishnan, having successfully completed the Senior Command Course, you are hereby promoted Captain, with all its duties, responsibilities, and privileges," Fillertan intoned.

Fillertan passed two items to Thenton, who signaled Fiona forward. Having gone through this several time already, Fiona knew what to do. The pair removed Damyanti's Commander's bars from the sleeve of her uniform and replaced them with the rank bars of a Captain.

Damyanti gave her salute and then stepped aside.

Thenton signaled a man, who was obviously from Hollander's World, standing to the side.

"H-677882-891, Commander Malteyea, you are hereby ordered to Liramor-23 in the Piscium System where you will take up the duties of Aide-de-camp to S-118938-117, Commodore Fiona Marsh, commanding the Piscium Defence Force," Fillertan said.

Thenton handed the braid for Aide-de-camp to Fiona who pinned it to Malteyea's Right shoulder. He gave his new boss a salute and took his place one pace to her right rear.

"F-447835-992 Captain Damyanti Balakrishnan, please step forward. Captain Damyanti Balakrishnan, you are hereby ordered to Liramor-23 in the Piscium system where you will take up the duties of Civilian Liaison Officer to the civilian authorities of Liramor-23 and to Liramor Prime, specifically Liramor Holdings," Fillertan said.

Thenton took the opportunity to pin the braid to Damyanti's shoulder, shaking her hand and congratulating her on her promotion and her new position. She gave her salute and stepped back from the line.

"Today has been a momentous occasion for all of us," Thenton began. "A degree confirmed, a promotion, three changes in positions, and the loss of one or our own, Commodore Liana Dostier, who is now off to take over her new post as Commander the HD-115153, Punarjanm System Defence Force.

"Being in the Navy means constant change for many of us. Not the least of those changes is the loss of friends and teammates through forced moves, as is happening to Cmdre. Dostier. This is not a bad thing, overall, as the Navy needs good people in the right places, so moving locations is a fact of life for us.

"Usually, moves mean promotions or changes in priorities or positions for us. Sometimes they mean that we leave a ship, or a command, where we have made many good friends. Sometimes those moves bring both to us. It is a necessary fact of life in the Navy.

"We are losing a good officer from the Piscium Defence Force. We are gaining a new ship's commander, a new Captain and a new Aide-de-camp.

"To Cmdre. Dostier, I offer my congratulations on your new command and my heartfelt best wishes for you in the future. To Capt. Hellebore I offer my congratulations on your new command and my outmost confidence in your abilities. To Captain Balakrishnan. I offer my congratulations on your promotion and know you will do your best in your new position. To Cdr. Malteyea, I offer my congratulations on your new position. I offer you one piece of advice, learn your job quickly, as promotions from your position tends to be fast and furious at Liramor-23," Thenton finished to laughter from all.

"Last of all, but not least, to Graduand Mind-Ur, congratulations. I hope to be here at your convocation.

"Now, a little bit of bubbly, then we must send off Cmdre. Dostier, who needs to be at her new command be later today," Thenton said, picking up a glass and toasting the new promotions and positions.

************

Fiona was doing her daily rounds with her new aide-de-damp in tow letting him know what she expected of him as she went along.

Malteyea was impressed with the feelings he received from the people on the station towards Fiona Marsh. He could count the number of senior Navy people on one hand who had impressed him to a point of awe. He was quickly discovering that Fiona Marsh would likely be add to that total.

"Capt. Damyanti Balakrishna was my aide for almost a year," Fiona was telling him. "She will be a font of knowledge for you about your current job. I'm sure that she is bending the ear of Capt. Helga Hellebore right now, learning more about the duties of Civilian Liaison.

"You will need to quickly learn who is who on the platform, especially the senior personnel who deal with me on a daily basis. That includes civilian as well as military personnel.

"I expect you to be able to act as my voice when I need something done, to have you go to these people and relay my orders in a tactful but non-nonsense manner. When I want something done, if it is relayed through you, I will take the head of the person who doesn't complete their tasks as well as you, for not relaying properly my commands.

"My people will rarely fail because of stupidity or ineptitude. I don't allow stupid or inept people to progress on my platform, I can't afford what people like that could cost Liramor-23. So their failure will also mean your failure. Make sure you pass on my commands explicitly and don't allow people to trick you into what can or cannot be done. I've been on this station for longer than many directors have. I know what my people are capable of and will not ask them to do something they cannot do," Fiona added.

"We are coming to a location that will be of interest to you," Fiona told him as the moved toward construction by twenty-three. She used her comp code to open the airlock and they entered.

"Good day Ms. Marsh," said a disembodied voice as they stepped inside.

"I'm bringing my new aide-de-camp to see the highlights," Fiona replied to the voice. The inner hatch opened immediately.

"Access to this bay is restricted to those scientists who work here and a select list. If you are not on the list, you need to be accompanied by one who is. You will be given access so that you can bring guests around on occasion," Fiona told Malteyea.

The swiftly moved up to the observation lounge.

"Ah, good morning, Linsey. Dr. Linsey Stanet, my new aide-de-camp, Malteyea. Malteyea, Dr. Stanet is a computer specialist who is helping with the new translation matrix," Fiona explained.

"Translation matrix?" Malteyea asked.

"Oh, that's right. You haven't seen Raymond Clark's original brief, have you," Fiona said. "Well look out there, Malteyea. This is why we are here in the Piscium system."

Malteyea looked into the bay and almost had a heart attack! There, standing next a woman who was obviously from Hollander's World, was a giant insect-like form working at what looked like a computer station.

As we watched, he was suddenly aware of someone touching his mind. He originally thought that it was the woman he was looking at, but it just didn't seem to be coming from her direction.

"Would you like to go in?" Dr. Stanet asked him.

Malteyea looked to his boss, his face open to the experience.

"OK, let's go introduce ourselves," Fiona said.

Linsey opened the hatch to the other side and Fiona stepped through, her aide following dutifully behind.

The first thing that Malteyea was aware of was the mental touch of a very powerful female empath. He was then touched by another, this one a little less powerful but definitely from the woman he had seen before.

Malteyea was looking around for the other empath but could not see another obvious empath. Then he noticed the Cat flying around.

"By the Gods! That's a Cat." Malteyea exclaimed.

"Yes," Fiona acknowledged. "That would be Juneya, Junelliya's Cat."

Malteyea watched as the Cat flew towards him buzzed his head and quickly landed on his shoulder. The Cat buzzed in his ear and leapt from his shoulder to land on the shoulder of a tall, willowy, brunet, who was obviously not from Hollander's World.

That's when he was hit be the mental touch. This was The Empath, then!

"Junelliya, this is Malteyea," Fiona introduced him. "He is my new aide-de-camp."

"Oh, that should make things interesting when you are getting dressed then," Junelliya quipped.

"You're getting to be as bad as Gillaya," Fiona groused.

"Malteyea, this is Junelliya Harlen, a new empath recently accepted by the Council of Empaths," Fiona said.

Malteyea deliberately did not shake her hand. He didn't trust himself with that much power radiating from the woman. Instead, he bowed and greeted the woman, and Juneya, who preened contentedly for being included in the introductions.

"Hello," said another voice.

Malteyea turned to see the other empath standing to his left.

"This is my partner, my friend, and my trainer, Grand Master Vangeliya," Junelliya introduced her friend. "Vangeliya, this is Malteyea, he is Fiona's new aide-de-camp."

"Oh! What happened to Damayanti?" Vangeliya asked, suddenly sounding surprised.

"Helga took command of the Kindalla. Damayanti got promoted to Captain and took over Helga's duties as Civilian Liaison Officer," Fiona explained.

"Wow, things sure happen fast on this platform," Vangeliya stated.

Both Fiona and Junelliya noted that neither of the other two could take their eyes off each other.

"Yes, they sure do," Junelliya quipped, giving Fiona a tight smile and a wink. "If I may ask, what is your primary rating, Malteyea?"

"I have a seven, six, seven, six, six rating," he replied, his eyes never leaving Vangeliya's. "I suppose I could become a Grand Master if I can ever get back to Hollander's World to be assessed."

"Oh! Maybe we should include him in my Training Congress?" Junelliya said to no one in particular.

That brought Vangeliya out of her revere as she turned to look at Junelliya, seeing the smile on her friends lips.

"We will have to assess his capabilities as an instructor, however, having another strong empath around to help in your training can't hurt," Vangeliya replied.

"How is Rikki doing today?" Fiona asked.

"Physically he is doing well," Junelliya stated. "His isolation from his own kind though is starting to get him down. He needs contact with his own kind soon. We need to complete the matrix before too long."

"Where are we now with the matrix?" Fiona asked.

"We are ready to start letting the computers do their own thing," said a new voice.

"Malteyea, this is Dr. Sylvia Hitron, the Head of the Piscium Scientific Investigation Team. Sylvia, this is Malteyea, my new aide-de-damp," Fiona made the introductions.