Proving True
Chapter 29

The day comes when Gallagher is delivered of Star Chaser. Shawna pilots the smaller craft out of the larger without a bump or a scratch. Had I not been on the bridge watching, I would have believed we had just been released from an umbilical rather than from a dry-dock type structure. “Captain,” Athena announces, “Gallagher is clear and free to navigate.”

“Very well,” I respond. “Have we heard from Oedipus?”

“Star Chaser has relayed that Oedipus is due to be discharged in approximately six hours. Apparently there are some logistical issues being worked out. We are being hailed.”

“Oh?”

“A shuttle from Star Chaser requests permission to board. Captain Pipper is among the passengers.” Why now? He could have walked on and off a few moments ago. And he would have, he’s never demonstrated a need for pomp and circumstance before.

“Allow them access to the shuttle bay. I’m on my way. You have the bridge.”

“XO has the bridge.”

The walk to the shuttle bay is not far, for a starship. It takes me a few minutes, but I get there before the shuttle’s engines finish spooling down. Captain Pipper and a few of his practically ever-present straphangers dismount. As is customary, he speaks first. “Captain, may we come aboard?” The irony is that I would be completely within my rights to deny him permission and tell him to get the hell off my ship. Part of me wonders if that’s ever been done. I certainly won’t be the first.

“Of course, Captain Pipper. It is my pleasure to welcome you and your party to Gallagher.” I honestly can’t remember if he’s been aboard before or not. I err on the side of caution. “May I interest you in a tour of the ship?” I gesture towards the corridor and we begin walking.

“If it’s convenient,” he says falling in step to my left. “But it’s not tantamount. My intention is that Star Chaser remains in the area until Oedipus begins fuel-processing operations. If the information I have is accurate, that will be in just under eight hours. In truth, I came over to wish you well and, if you’ll allow, provide a gourmet dinner. I took the liberty of bringing a chef. And a talented, well equipped one, at that.”

“Of course, sir. That will be quite welcome. As it happens, there are still some very elusive defects in the automated systems and the closest I come to a cook on board, excluding my executive officer, believes that a hot meal consists of a slice of ham on toast.” Captain Pipper smiles, the chef looks scandalized. I wave down a passing trooper. “Please be good enough to escort this gentleman,” I indicate the chef, “to the galley.”

“It’s on my way, ma’am. C’mon, Bub. Let’s get to steppin’.”

“Gaston, Meredith, with me!” The chef and his two assistants follow the quickly moving trooper.

“So Captain,” Pipper begins. “This is not your first command, but even so, how are you faring?”

“Well I think, sir. Granted, Gallagher isn’t Night Searcher, and it certainly isn’t Star Chaser.”

“Very true,” he says with a chuckle. “In some ways I envy you. From time to time I think my title should be ‘Mayor,’ rather than ‘Captain.’”

“I should think ‘Governor,’ sir. But during our journey here, I was able to get very acquainted with this ship.”

“That was by design. It seemed the height of cruelty to ferry you here knowing the command was coming, but keeping you from getting your hands dirty on it.”

“I appreciate that, sir. I’m sure Commander DuQuois wasn’t happy with me being so near but unavailable.”

“Oh, she raised quite a ruckus. And every once in a while she made some very valid points. And speaking frankly, Captain to Captain, a stern look and the command ‘Do your job’ will do wonders for those situations when they arise. And believe me, they will. If you haven’t mastered The Look yet, you should invest some time in doing so. You don’t have children, do you?”

“No sir, not anymore. I had a quasi foster daughter, but that didn’t last.”

“It’s probably quite the same. I myself have seven. And before you start doing the math and wondering, Lorena is my fourth wife. She has mothered no children. To my knowledge. If I may impose until dinner?” Somehow, we’ve wound up outside my quarters/office. Did he guide me here somehow?

“Oh, I don’t see why not.” I open the door and enter. He follows me, dismissing his clerk.

He sits on the settee and gestures at me to sit at my desk, “Now, what are your questions about your mission?”

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