William Forstchen: Article 23

Justin nodded in agreement. He could perceive that in a way he was the center of attention in the room and all he truly wanted at the moment was to slip back and be an anonymous plebe-year cadet like the rest of his friends. He wondered if the Academy would ever be the same again.

"Now, lets just say the next watch is free time, but at 0700 hours tomorrow we are back on Academy schedule," Thorsson said with a grin.

"I just happened to bring along a complete update on all assignments and study guides. Malady is beside himself thinking you people have slouched off on your physical training, so we'll start with a two-hour workout. Heaven knows I need it after being cooped up on that Eagle for ten days. I'll then give a daily two-hour class on Fleet Procedures, followed by study for the rest of the day."

Muttered groans greeted his comments.

"You're dismissed until tomorrow morning."

The group came to attention as Thorsson went to the door to the forward section. As Thorsson came to Justin, he slowed.

"I heard that Captain Marcioni asked you a question that troubled you, Justin."

"What was that, sir? There were so many questions I really can't remember much of anything now."

"Whether or not you feel that you are entitled to bear the honorable name of your father."

Justin flushed and lowered his head.

"Well, son, do you?"

Justin finally nodded his head. "I think so, sir."

"I know so," Thorsson replied, placing a hand on Justin's shoulder. "I know so, and I'd be proud if I ever had a son like you, as I know your father is proud of you now."

Thorsson squeezed his shoulder and then departed. Justin, eyes full, smiled when he saw that Thorsson left the door to the forward section open after he had passed.

The group started to break up. Off in a corner he heard Matt going into another one of his tall tales, with Livollen and Smith drifting over to listen. Justin stopped at the edge of the group and for a moment the two caught each others eyes. Matt grinned and shrugged, but there was the slightest look of acknowledgment, an almost whispered thank you, and Justin, smiling, backed away.

"Care for some coffee?"

Justin saw O'Brian coming, and he gladly took the cup and sipped on the straw.

"I think I might stay on with you Academy folks," O'Brian announced. "This getting bounced around from ship to ship is growing old. So I asked old Thorsson and he said the transfer will be through by the time we dock if I want it. He said no one else would want me anyhow."

"Well, we'd sure want you," Justin said with a grin.

"That would be just fine, Bell, I'll make sure you pull extra kitchen duty so we can talk over old times. You should see the things I can whip up when there's gravity under my feet."

Grinning, Justin stepped away, not sure where to go next. His old cabin seemed too cramped, so he started forward. Seay was coming down from the flight deck, and with a smile extended his hand. Again there was the comment about a job well done and again Justin didn't know how to respond.

"Remember, we jump again the week after we get back. You up for it?"

"Sure, can't wait!"

Brian clapped him on the shoulder and continued aft.

Stopping at the door to the forward section he hesitated. There was a flash memory of standing at the doorway, bursting through and seeing Matt drifting in the airlock and then there was MacKenzie. For a brief instant he wondered if a ghost had come aboard the ship, he could so clearly see him, pistol raised, screaming at him and then firing.

He drifted up the stairs to the flight deck and saw that someone was in the command chair.

"Permission to come on deck and observe, sir," Justin announced.

Hemenez turned and smiled.

"Come aboard, cadet, but someone's already in the co-pilot's seat."

Justin was surprised to see Tanya and he started to back away as if to leave.

" Bell, maybe you can do me a favor. I need to take a break. I think you and Leonov here are capable of standing watch awhile. OK?"

"Yes, sir, I think so."

Hemenez unstrapped from her chair and floated out, moving carefully as she maneuvered her arm that was still in a sling.

"I know I can trust you and Leonov with the ship, just page me if anything comes up."

"Yes, sir."

Still smiling, she drifted past him. Justin looked over nervously at Leonov; she motioned for him to take the seat and strap in.

For several minutes Justin said nothing, studying, the array of instruments and control screens. He wasn't quite sure of all of them, but he figured Hemenez wouldn't leave the bridge if things weren't under control with all automatic sensors working correctly.

Finally he looked up out the forward view screen. To his surprise he felt Tanya's hand slip into his. He looked over at her and she smiled.

"Beautiful night," Tanya said.

Justin nodded, unable to speak. It was, indeed, a beautiful night, and far off, a glowing dot in the sky marked their course to home and the Academy.