The Enclave (The Verge) by H.M. Clarke

Author:H.M. Clarke [Clarke, H.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sentinel Publishing
Published: 2014-05-14T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter

Eighteen

Lieutenant Commander Richard Coulthard sat stiffly in the Adelaide's briefing room as he listened to the Federation Ambassador's tirade.

John Kirk was less than pleased to find Joshua Val Myra gone when the man had not showed for a scheduled pre meeting. He was angry; mainly at his sister for taking him, but also at the Val Myran for taking such a foolhardy risk. And since Commander Kirk was not here, it fell to her XO to take the yelling for her.

Richard took it in his stride. He had been bawled out by Commodores and Admirals alike, he knew none of the insults were personal but he could not see what all the fuss was about. The man's brother had been kidnapped, and he was ex military, it was only right that he went with the team to bring him back. The official negotiations had not yet started so there should be no issue if Val Myra's sister steps in.

"What was she thinking?" Kirk repeated for the third time as he paced around the room.

Richard said nothing in reply. Their expected guest should be here shortly for the meeting that Val Myra was supposed to be attending. He tried not to let his eyes stray to the chrono on the wall. The Ambassador was not paying him any attention but he had to act the part. Frankly, Richard could think of more important things to worry about than Joshua Val Myra. He was in safe hands - probably safer hands than those left in New Holland.

The door buzzed.

"Yes," Richard was thankful that the sound had halted Kirk's constant stream of talk.

"Ms Hayes is here Sir." The midshipman's voice sounded strained.

"Let her in Gibbs."

"Yes Sir."

The door whooshed open and Hayes pushed angrily past Gibbs to come inside. She did not spare the XO a glance, just treated him like he did not exist. That suited Richard just fine; it was hard work being civil to that woman. How can Kirk stand her?

"John, Director Prockter has just arrived, he will be here shortly."

"Thanks Jenny."

Kirk then returned to his pacing, thankfully he was silent this time. The expression on Hayes' face was gold. Richard felt a malicious joy at her being brushed aside, and then had even more satisfaction when Kirk turned in his pacing and saw that the woman was still standing by the door.

"You may go Jenny, we'll call if you're needed."

The dismissal could not be any plainer but it looked like the woman was going to stand her ground. Instead she turned and let herself out of the door.

"Prockter called this meeting, hopefully to shed some more light on what happened yesterday. And he's going to want to know where Joshua is."

"I thought that Federation Ambassadors did not answer to the local intelligence agencies," Richard replied

"We don't, but it helps if we have a congenial relationship with them. The New Holland SIO has more ground intelligence than we do; we need them to want to share it."

"Much good that ground intelligence did us yesterday.

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