Resolute by Mike Shepherd

Author:Mike Shepherd [Shepherd, Mike]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Science fiction; American, Science Fiction, Imaginary wars and battles, Women marines, Longknife; Kris (Fictitious character), Interstellar travel, Navies, Officers
ISBN: 9780441014538
Publisher: Ace Books
Published: 2006-10-31T00:00:00+00:00

“Yes,” Kris agreed, but gave no story.

The pause grew long. “You’re not going to tell me.”

“Certainly you’ve been briefed on me.”

The captain adjusted the tight collar of his shirt as the elevator came to a halt. “Actually, I have no brief on you at all. We left Greenfeld space a month ago and have been paying calls on Confederacy planets since. Four, five, one loses count,” he fibbed. And Kris found herself suppressing a frown. Why are you telling me this? Was he trying merely to pass the time, or was this his excuse for the blundering around the station? Or was he letting her know that he and his commodore were having to make this up as they went along? Hmm.

Kris reviewed the whole of his statement and chose to respond to his first remark. “Well, your commodore has surely shared his experiences of me with you,” Kris said as they walked across the shuttle bay. Around her, files of sailors and Marines in dress uniforms were loading aboard liberty launches, but the area around the barge was clear of activity.

“He has said a few words, nothing of major import.” The captain’s serious face suddenly took on a puzzled smile. “He is rather definite that you and your associates are not to be allowed near the bridge of any of our ships or the controls of any of our craft. No explanation.

Leaves me wondering.”

“Well, if Hank considers that to be top secret, far be it from me to spill the beans,” Kris said lightly.

Without orders, but in accordance with protocol, Jack and Penny boarded the launch first, then stepping aft to give Kris and Captain Slovo freedom to enter. The Captain handed Kris aboard, boarded himself and came to attention facing forward.

Henry Smythe-Peterwald the Thirteenth in full military regalia stood beside the front seat.

Long formal frock coat was topped by a hat that could have been stolen from the captain of a sailing ship, gold fringed and rising high in the middle as it tapered fore and aft. On his chest was a fistful of medals, Distinguished this. Meritorious that. Kris wondered if the poor fellow who approved all of them had actually written up some fiction, or just stamped them. To Keep the Boss’s B r a t Happy.

And why didn’t anyone on Wardhaven ever worry about what might make the Prime Minister’s brat a bit happier. Oh well.

Captain Slovo announced most formally, “Her Highness, Princess Kristine of the United Sentients.”

Hank took one look at Kris and let his perfect face slip into a perfect pout. Was the Commodore just a bit upset not to have a lowly lieutenant to lord it over? Kris thought, and suppressed the grin she felt at her first victory of the night.

Hank whirled to put his back to Kris and sat down, much like a child’s balloon losing air.

And got entangled in the sword he wore on his left. He should have taken the right-hand seat, but that would not have given him the direct line of sight he wanted.

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