Battlefield Promotion
© 2021 by Walter Reimer


Thumbnail art by  rabbi-tom


“Tabin g’Raf?” Communications said over the conference room’s intercom.

Varan replied, “Yes?”

She and the Kith’s division heads perked their ears as the Communications Officer said, “Message from the Fleet commander, Ma’am.”

“Conference room, please,” and everyone in the room sat up straight as the Admiral appeared. “Tabin g’Raf,” she said.

Varan stood up, saluting. “Yes, Ma’am.”

The vir smiled. “Be aware that I have confirmed your promotion to Gartabin. You will need to change your sleeve insignia, and congratulations, Captain. Make the enemy fear you.”

“Thank you, Ma’am. They have feared us, and will continue to do so,” she added. The rest of the ship’s staff made approving gestures as they agreed with their new commander’s statement.

The Admiral chuckled. “Well said. Have you chosen a Command-second?”

Varan gestured behind her at the assembled officers. “I have, Admiral. I’ve selected Dorwant Kandun m’Tan, the Operations Division commander, and I’ve forwarded my recommendation.”

The simulacrum smiled. “Approved. Congratulations, Tabin m’Tan.”

The kam stood and saluted. “Thank you, Ma’am.”

“Please, be seated.” After the newly-promoted officers had sat down, the Admiral’s smile broadened. “In recognition of your crew’s service in combat, I am awarding Battle Honors,” and she paused as those in the room all looked surprised. “The Kith and its crew have earned it, and wear it proudly.”

“We will,” Varan said. “Thank you, Ma’am.”

“You are not in dock yet?”

“No, Ma’am. We’ve had to outphase twice to correct slight imbalances in the emitters. We’re two days away from the This Far System. The Engineer – “ and her tail gestured at the officer “ – advises a major overhaul and refit, in addition to repairs.”

“Understood. Advise the dockyard if you are delayed any further, Captain.” The transmission ended, and the senior officers congratulated the new captain and her executive officer.

After several fractions of this, Varan gestured for quiet. Once everyone settled down she said, “Let’s finish the meeting, and I’ll let you notify your divisions of the award. Surgeon-mistress?”

The ship’s doctor said, “We had two minor injuries after the last stop for repairs. They’re recovering. I released six more from medical care to full duty and two to light duty.”

“Excellent. Thank you, and please let your staff know that their work is appreciated. Subcaptain m’Tan, have you chosen your replacement at Operations?”

“I’m down to two possible candidates, ma’am,” the Command-second replied. “I’ll have a final decision for your consideration by tenth cycle.”

“Very good. Is there anything else?” After a pause, she said, “Tomorrow’s briefing will be at the same time. Tabin m’Tan, could you stay a moment? The rest of you are dismissed,” and the rest of the ship’s officers left the room, a few talking among themselves.

“Thank you for recommending me, Captain,” m’Tan said.

“You are welcome,” Varan replied. “Your qualifications were superior to the other department heads, as well as a high completion grade in boarding party scenarios. Also, as Operations head, you had to know everyone else’s job.” She smiled. “I would like you to conduct an inspection of the ship, Subcaptain. I’ll be in the command center.”

“Ma’am.” M’Tan saluted and left, while Varan gathered up her padd and tucked it into her pocket before leaving and going to the command center.

The Duty Officer stood and moved aside to let her take her seat. “Status?”

“Status is normal, Ma’am. Sensors report no hyperspace wakes or anomalies.”

“Very good.”


***


Two days later, a transmission was received and a Terran appeared in the focus. “Magus Station traffic control to the Kith, narchak.” The Terran was a feline, and Varan smiled at his use of the traditional greeting. The translator had improved as well.

She gestured to the Communications Officer and replied, “Narchak.”

“You’re clear to outphase at Point H-3, and traffic is diverting to give you a clear path to the AGB 58836.” The feline flicked an ear. “We had heard that you were damaged, Kith; do you require assistance?”

“No,” she replied in Terran Basic, and the controller’s ears went straight up. “Thank you for asking, of course.” The transmission ended, and she said, “Pilot, get us to the dock, please.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Varan settled back in her seat as the ship, now in normal space, made its way toward its berth. She would still have a lot of work to do, including dock inspections with the repair supervisor, while the ship was completely repaired and refitted.

She made a note to ensure that the liquor stores were replenished as well. The lack of henal had become acute.

M’Tan had proven to be quite capable in his new capacity as the Command-second. She had known that he was married, and was uninterested in twining tails with her. That was not a problem, as Kirian was still aboard and had not been injured.

There would also be some leave, as her crew needed rest, and Varan thought about the game she and Meredith were playing.

And whether Meredith was safe.

The vir reached for her repeater screen, and after linking it to the traffic control system she queried it about a freighter called A Quiet Life.

She smiled at the result of the search.