Warrior One - Fleet Action Pt. 08

"I have been told, by higher authority, to pick six of you to join my squadron."

Once more, a murmur went about the auditorium.

"I will hold interviews in the evening in the second week we are here. I know it will take time. If we finish the class first, then I will interview during the day. Now... hush!" Gillian said, "We have a lot to cover so listen up."

Everyone settled down and looked at Gillian.

"Now, Lieutenant Commander Bella Baranski," Gillian said.

"Here ma'am," Bella said raising her hand. She was right up front not two seats down from Gillian.

"Front and center, please," Gillian said.

Bella rose quickly and quick-stepped to stand in front of Gillian.

"Turn around, dear, " Gillian told her.

Bella turned to face the class.

"Class, this is Lieutenant Commander Bella Baranski, Captain of Saber, and Commander of Scout Ship Squadron Two of Fleet Two."

Bella gasped just a microsecond before the class. Then thunderous applause filled the room. Gillian smiled and stepped up beside Bella putting her arm around her shoulders. Bella jumped, almost running away.

"You better get used to this, you are now a leader of a squadron of scout ships of the FOP Navy."

Bella jumped again, turned, and looked, her eyes filled with, not fear, but close to it.

"It's easy. I spent the same amount of time alone as you have. You have a problem come see me."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Gillian."

"Yes, Gillian."

"Okay go sit down and relax," Gillian told her.

Watching her, Gillian saw that Bella did wave at a few fellow pilots.

"Quiet down class. I have more to tell you about things and this and that."

Gillian saw the middle door open and Admiral Nichols stepped in putting his finger to his lips. Gillian nodded looking down at her papers.

"Will the following people come down and stand in a line just in front of me. Lieutenant Bridget Carlin," a gasp went around the class, "Lieutenant Michael Seacrest, Lieutenant Bishop Finn, Lieutenant Jennifer Marks, Lieutenant Sally Marsh, Lieutenant Sabrina Morse, Lieutenant Ginger Rye, and Lieutenant Lilly Quan."

It took them a while to get down in front. Then they stood there at attention. The Admiral started down as the last one got in line. As he passed the class and they noticed who he was, they jumped to attention. He continued down to stand in front of the line of scout ship pilots. He stood there looking over them. He then walked up to the first in line. Candle was suddenly there to his right. Ezra held out his hand and Candle placed a document and a box in it. Gillian was standing just to his left. Took the box from him and started to remove Bridget's Lieutenants bars.

"Lieutenant Bridget Carlin, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and assigned as Commander of Scout Squadron Three of Fleet Three."

"Thank you, Sir," Bridget said saluting the Admiral and taking the promotion and assignment papers from him.

The next half hour Ezra spent promoting the eight Lieutenants to Lieutenant Commanders. After everyone had new insignia and their documents, the Admiral still had one more set left. He turned to Gillian.

"I have waved the time in grade requirement, Lieutenant Commander Gillian Saraid, you are here by promoted to the rank of full Commander."

"Thank you, sir. One question?"

"Yes, but I think I know what it is."

"Do I keep my squadron?"

"Yes, but there are now six fleets and we have eight scout squadrons, you will be in charge of the first scout ship wing of Fleet One. You will be responsible for three squadrons, until such time as the new fleets are ready for them."

"I understand sir."

"Good. Everyone, as you were," Ezra said, turned, and walked up the aisle and out the door.

Chapter 172

"So, it looks like I'll be looking for a replacement for you," Gillian said to Bridget as she sat back down.

"Yes, ma'am."

Gillian scrubbed her face with her hands.

"Starting in one week, the new squadron commanders and I will be starting interviews. By that time, we should know who is who and what is what. The only reason you are here, is because you are the best of the best. Out of the two thousand scout ship pilots, you alone made the cut to become part of strictly assigned squadrons. Your duties will change as needed, but you will never rotate out of your squadron. The rest of the scout ships will be assigned where they are needed. Maybe one day they will become part of the assigned squadrons. Or the squadrons will become wings. I can tell you, you won't be bored.

"Now, to work. Tomorrow we start working in earnest. On the tablets in front of you, you will find the lesson plan. You will have to dig to find it. That's lesson one. Find the plan. Go."

Gillian laughed as they all stared at her.

"Go. Start digging. It's in there. Someplace. Find it. You don't find it, well there are actually more people here than we really need. You won't be turned away if you pass the classes, but you will if you don't. Now dig."

Everyone was head down, swiping and tapping the tablets. Gillian nodded at her squadron. They got up and walked around the class. If someone needed help, they would get it. Gillian wanted them all to succeed, even if she had to carry them across the finish line. Most of them were finding the lesson plan without a problem. Those were the NAD people.

The few non-NAD people were having a little difficulty finding the list. All were excellent pilots. But their minds didn't work the way Gillian's or the others from the NAD did. They would have to be taught how to think like they came from the NAD. Finally, everyone had the lesson plan on their screens. Gillian let them read through it, then cleared her throat.

"I know some of you needed help, but that's fine, your minds don't work the same as mine or the NAD pilots. Although you Aussies pilots didn't have that much trouble. You have all read the plan. Now the only thing it is good for is reading the rest of what is on your tablets.

"It's almost time to go to our ships, read the first section. If you have any questions see me or one of my squadron mates or Lieutenant Commander Carlin."

Heads down, they were all reading. For an hour, they all read and reread the first section. To some, it would be gibberish. To others, it would make perfect sense. Then, to others, it would make sense, but be totally illogical. There was just one bit of information missing.

"All right, who knows what's being said here?" Gillian asked. "Show of hands."

All those pilots who have the new hyperdrives knew exactly what the plan detailed.

"Who thinks they know, but think it can't be done?"

Half of those left raised their hands.

"All of you listen carefully. There is a new hyperdrive, which is currently being installed in your ships. You already know that. That hyperdrive can take you across the galaxy and back, if...and only if...you let your ship make the jumps."

Everyone one was mulling that over, except Gillian's squadron and a couple of other Gillian knew had the new drive and talked to their ships. The rest just stared at Gillian.

"Right. It's time to go talk to your ships. They have all been talking to each other and have the new hyperdrive explained to them. After you, say hello, talk to them about the hyperdrive. You will be surprised, I guarantee you. Let's go," said Gillian walking up the aisle and out the door.

It took them twenty minutes to get to the landing area. A maintenance chief met them at the entrance.

"Commander Saraid, your ships are behind the security fence. Admiral Nichols requested they be isolated for now."

"Thanks, Chief. What's the code?" Gillian asked

"Admiral Nichols said you would know, Ma'am."

"Oh. Okay, thanks, Chief."

"Yes, Ma'am." The Chief turned and walked away.

"Oh my," Gillian said. Michelle was standing next to her.

"What now, my dear?" Michelle asked.

"When all else fails, try your service number." Gillian tried it and the field dilated. "Follow me, people. Find your ships. If you think you will need support, ask someone who already does."

For the next three hours, everyone sat in their ships. Most were alone but some needed help. All were now talking to their ships. Gillian sat in Cass going over the never-ending paperwork.

"Some pilots are having problems, Ma'am," Cass said.

"That's to be expected. Are they alone or is someone who..."

"The three I'm watching are alone and never asked for help. Their ships are telling me their pilots have shut down. They are worried."

"Send Michelle, Jordan, and Anna over."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Let me know what happens. Are these NAD people?" Gillian asked.

"No, the Asian Conglomerate."

"Yeah, I was expecting them to have trouble. I hope they can cope. I want you, Chaser, Hunter, and Finder to evaluate which of the Pilots aren't going to..."

"Of course, Ma'am. I understand. Will the ships get new Pilots?"

"They will."

"Good."

Chapter 173

The next week went by quickly. Up at sunrise, six in the morning, in bed by midnight. Long days, short nights. But all the pilots came through okay, even those that at first had trouble talking with their ships. It took a couple of days, but with the class work and ship work, they finally got with the program. Their ships were ecstatic, they now had a partner they could talk with. Gillian was glad they had come around, she would have hated to have to down check them. A down check meant they would be out of the Navy and would have to go home in disgrace. So Gillian gave them the extra time and help they needed.

The second week was even more hectic. Interviews with the pilots. She knew that she would be taking Jordie to replace Bridget. She made that decision the same day Bridget was promoted. She had already put in the paperwork and she would notify Jordan at the end of class. She also notified the other commanders of her choice.

The third week was even more hectic as ship movements could last well into the evening. Then an interview or two. Sometimes, Gillian was only getting four hours of sleep. She was exhausted. If this kept up she would have some serious sleep deficit by the time five weeks was up. Weekends were a blessing. She could catch up then. She had to pull away from some of her friends and squad mates, but once she explained, which she didn't have to do, they understood and even pitched in to help.

Gillian took the seven new squadron leaders, Bridget wasn't one of them, and eight of the brightest pilots and taught them everything she knew of scout sensors and scout ships. They would in turn teach their squadron and squadron mates. Each of Gillian's squadron members were doing the same thing with sixteen students. Was everyone learning the same thing? No. But they were learning about their ships and what they could do. Just as they learned every time, they talked to them.

The fifth week they spent in space. One hundred scout ships. The new squadron leaders, assisted by one of Gillian squadron members, commanded twelve other pilots. Gillian took the left over four with her as wingmen as she played wing leader. Hidden somewhere within the solar system was a Gar ship. It was a dead scout ship. FOP techs had gutted it and removed the corpse at the controls. Warrior One had hidden it with a life sign generator inside. Where they hid ship was up to them, but the entire solar system was their hiding ground.

The only order she gave her squadron leaders was to find the ship. They were to confer and divvy up the work. All Gillian had to do was watch and wait. She gave her wingmen a task. Find the ship without leaving her side. Cass told her what each squadron was doing and where they were. Gillian herself didn't know where the Gar ship was but suspected that it wasn't within the orbit of Jupiter. She was above the plane of the solar system with her wingmen. Technically, where she was, was still within the borders of the solar system. Yet, she felt like she was cheating, just a little bit.

"Ma'am, I have something," Cass said.

"Where?"

"You're not going to like this."

"Give."

"In the Oort cloud."

"Well, crap. Okay, mark it and track it."

"Marked. It is moving along with the debris of the cloud."

"I bet he thought he would be smart doing this," Gillian whispered as she brought up the coordinates of the ship.

"More smart Alec, Ma'am," Cass quipped.

"Cass," Gillian scolded.

"Sorry, Ma'am."

"He was a smart ass, though."

Cass just chuckled.

"Cass, can you calculate a jump from here to the exact opposite side from here? Did that make sense?"

"I can, Ma'am. It didn't, but I know what you mean. You want to be the same distance from the sun but below the plane of the solar system?"

"Yes. And can you send the jump coordinates to the four ships with us?"

"I can, I have, Ma'am. We jump in three, two, one."

They were exactly where Cass said they would be. Exactly where Gillian wanted to be.

"What are my wingmen saying to their ships?"

"Who ordered the jump, Ma'am," Cass replied chuckling.

Gillian just smiled. It was nice to be in command, even though the paperwork just doubled from what Cass told her.

"How long did it take you to find the ship, Cass?"

"Since leaving Mars or from the time we got here, Ma'am?"

"Let's use leaving Mars time."

"Ten hours, sixteen minutes, and thirty-four seconds, Ma'am."

"Any other ships reporting they found the target?"

"Yes, but they are from your squadron, Ma'am."

"They aren't saying anything to the people they are flying with?"

"No, Ma'am."

"Good. Did any of them find it before you did?"

"No, Ma'am."

"Good."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Gillian watched her screens as the ships moved around the solar system.

"Jordan Dax just yelled bingo, Ma'am."

"I figured she would."

"She is communicating with her squadron commander, telling her where the ship is. It is over a secure channel. No other ship can hear her except us and her commander, which is Commander Carlin, Ma'am."

"Thank you, Cass. Tell Bridget to have Jordan come down here by us."

"Transmitting. Commander Carlin has acknowledged, Jordan is on the way, Ma'am."

Hunter appeared just off Caster's port bow. Gillian could see Jordan in the port, waving.

"We're starting to get bingos from a lot more pilots... mostly NAD pilots, Ma'am."

"Have them jump half a light-year below us as they call them."

"Message sent. They have started to jump, Ma'am."

It took another three days for ninety-five of the ships to call bingo. The five left were all from the European Union.

"Cass, have all ships jump to Mars, except those European Union ships. Have Bridget remain behind with us."

"Yes, Ma'am. Warrior One arriving, Ma'am."

"I see him."

"All remaining ships board Warrior One, topside shuttle bay." The radio transmission was curt and to the point.

Caster made its way to the bay. Five ships cut her off at the door making a ditto landing on the ramp.

"Why those sons of a..."

"Easy Cass. A slight, yes, but no damage..."

"Bullshit! You are their commander, they owe you the respect you have achieved..."

"Can it!"

"Yes, Ma'am."

Cass landed them on the other side of the bay. Bridget followed parking just behind Caster.

"Open, Caster, open!" Gillian shouted as she made her way to the hatch.

She was running down the ramp at full speed coming to a skidding halt at the bottom.

"Vulcan 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, front and center!" Gillian yelled. The five didn't stop.

Gillian pulled her side arm and put a round in the deck just before the lead scout ship pilot. That stopped them all. Gillian could feel Bridget and Cassidy were flanking her. The EU pilots turned facing Gillian, a scowl on their faces. Gillian, weapon still in hand but now hanging at her thigh, scowled right back.

"You are at attention!" Bridget shouted.

That stopped them. They slowly brought their bearing to that of attention, each of them with a smirk on their smug faces.

"Wipe those smirks off your faces," Admiral Nichols said from behind them.

Eyes wide, they stood taller and stood still. Admiral Nichols walked around in front of the five, looking them up and down like they were bugs. The scowls returned.

Ezra opened his mouth to say something and Victor 18 moved so swiftly that Gillian would not have saved the admiral if she didn't have her sidearm already in her hand. She fired just as the blade the EU pilot was pulling cleared of the scarab. Eighteen went flying back through the air with the impact of the particle beam. As 19, 20, 21, 22 started to pull their swords, Bridget and Cassidy fired quickly. All five now lying motionless on the deck.

Gillian quickly moved to the side of Vulcan 18. Her eyes were wide with surprise. Blood was leaking from the corner of her mouth.

"I thought my ship would protect me," she coughed.

"Not for being stupid and only against an enemy of the FOP."

"Of course the FOP above all else," she gasped.

"No, not one bit...us for the FOP," Gillian replied.

Vulcan 18 just smiled up at Gillian as her last breath slowly escaped her lips.

"The rest are dead too," Bridget said from behind Gillian.

The admiral was standing looking down at the five pilots.

"What... why?" Ezra asked softly. "Ships?"

"Caster is talking to them. They understand they couldn't interfere. Don't like not being able, but they understand the prohibition. As to why? I would assume it had something to do with the continent being destroyed by... er... in the war."

Ezra stood looking down at the uniforms the five were wearing. He shook his head, looked up at Gillian, Bridget and Cassidy.

"How much diversity is there among the scout uniforms we have allowed them to wear?"

"These are far more... diverse, than most. I have required my squadron to conform to FOP norms, Sir," Gillian told him.

"Very well. Go, go back to your ships, back to Mars," he said.

"What about these five?" asked Gillian.

"Yes. What would you suggest?" asked Ezra.

"That we take them back to Mars with us to be reassigned, sir," replied Gillian.

"Will they go without there... pilots?"

"Cass?" asked Gillian.

"They will go, Ma'am," replied Cass.

"They will go, sir."

"Very well, take them with you. Please don't let them hurt themselves..."

"We won't, sir," said Gillian, Bridget, and Cassidy together.

Gillian snapped to attention and saluted him. He saluted back, then nodded at her. Gillian turned Bridget and Cassidy, falling in behind her. The trip back to Mars was made in silence. Cass was talking constantly with the five pilotless ships as was Bridget's ship.

Chapter 174

For the next three days, scout ships poured into the basin on Mars. As Gillian sat in her chair aboard Caster, she watched as ship after ship landed. Then the word came down for all scout ship pilots to report to the parade ground the next morning at 0800 in combat dress. Weapons not required. Now Gillian understood. She had Caster call all her pilots. They would meet on board Finder in twenty minutes.

"Listen up, people," Gillian said. Everyone looked at her. "Better. Now take a look at your uniform. Anything on it that isn't FOP issue, remove it. You all saw how the pilots from the EU, had their uniforms so embellished that they no longer looked like FOP uniforms? There are several other member state factions with other than FOP issue additions to their uniforms. Once we joined the FOP, we are supposed to be above the petty politics and squabbles of our homelands. The FOP does not require you to renounce your home state, only that you swear allegiance to the FOP. Now, go, fix what needs fixing."

Gillian was the first out of the hatch. Once in Caster she stripped and took a shower and flopped into bed. It was lights out early tonight.