Responsibility
© 2022 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  rabbi-tom


The Bōank and the other five ships had returned to Wangguan as the patrol’s stint near Lalande had come to an end. The six heavy cruisers had not seen any sign of the anomalous hyperspace signature after the initial contact. The collective captains’ report addressed this, saying that its lack of presence was by no means proof that it no longer existed.

Varan was certain of that. Whatever the Terrans were up to, it was a matter for other shlani.

Apart from the absence of the anomaly, the patrol was relatively boring. The formation had reached to within a light-year of Sol’s arbitrary ‘border,’ and found no signs of enemy activity. Varan and the crew of the Bōank had been looking forward to a return to base, with the various amenities and amusements it offered.

“Outphased,” the Pilot said. “Transponder signal received, Traffic Control acknowledges.” The suggested course appeared in the plot.

“Confirm the course, Pilot,” Varan said, “and take us to dock.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Varan settled back in her seat as the command crew went about their duties, her tail coiling around her right ankle and the bony spur tapping the top of her boot. She ignored the slight nervous motion and watched as the ship maneuvered to the dock.

“Docking completed, umbilicals connected.”

“Very well. Secure the engines and set the station watch, Duty Officer,” Varan said as she stood up. “Another successful patrol.”

“Boring,” the Weaponeer remarked.

Varan chuckled. “That’s why it was successful,” and a few others laughed. “Submit all maintenance requests to the Engineer. Duty Officer?”

“Ma’am?”

“I’ll be in my office,” and the vir headed to the small room just off the command center.

The door closed as she sat down, fingers spidering over the desktop and bringing up her patrol report. The Weaponeer had been right; it had been boring, but they were aboard a warship. It could be boring one moment, and extremely busy the very next moment.

And the Terrans were being entirely too tame.

Her padd, linked to the desktop, chimed. “G’Raf.”

“Message for you, Gartabin. Admiral k’Daridh.”

“Thank you.” Vesan’s likeness appeared over the desk’s surface. “Admiral.”

“Captain,” k’Daridh said as she smiled. “Very good to have you back.”

Varan smiled. “Thank you, Ma’am. I and my crew are pleased to be back at base.”

“Good.” K’Daridh’s ears dipped. “Will you be available to join me for lastmeal, Varan?”

Varan’s smile widened. “Of course, Vesan.” She gestured, and her superior officer repeated the motion as both viri smiled.

“I also have a personal message for you, Gartabin.” Use of her rank indicated official business, and Varan waited respectfully. “The Fleet here at Wangguan is receiving a rotation of new ships, with others being rotated back to This Far for refit. When the Bōank goes on patrol again, you will be the senior captain.”

Varan blinked at that. The senior captain was generally the overall commander of a formation in the absence of a higher-ranking officer. “I’m honored, Frelen.”

“It means increased responsibilities, lir renit, and it is time you tested yourself against those responsibilities.” Vesan smiled, the scars on her face twisting. "I look forward to seeing you for lastmeal.”

“Thank you again, Admiral.” The image faded, and Varan felt her shoulders sag as if she could feel Vesan’s words as weights on her shoulders. It meant added responsibility – not just for her crew and ship, but for five others as well.

But she knew her duty, and would do her best.