Thumar
Chapter 7: Admiral Morton

The next six weeks passed in a blur, becoming a moment in time that ushered in inexorable changes into Derak’s life. His quick rise in Thumarian society was taking time to get used too. CNC returned to normal activity with ships docking for refueling, and an occasional need for repairs. The retrofitting of the AS Armstrong was moving into its final phases before her trials would certify her space worthiness.

More reports were coming in on escalating skirmishes on the Terelian borders. Incursions backed by Kek mercenaries streamed in at an alarming rate. During the day, Jack and Derak were called to meetings with the Thumarian high council to share intelligence. Their reports didn’t lighten their moods. They decided the matter would be discussed at the upcoming briefing, after the arrival of the Orion battle fleet. Captain Arnold was out of the hospital, and he and Jack were busy supervising the refitting of The Armstrong.

At night, Shesain and Derak enjoyed evenings with her showing him new parts of Shenmar and the surrounding countryside. He was totally taken with her. Their physical and emotional advances stayed within Thumarian guidelines. They were becoming quite an item in the media. All their free time was spent together. Her office reported this as Derak’s “education” in Thumarian culture.

Mid-week saw Derak at a dinner at the presidential Palace. Remor and Shesain introduced him to the ambassadors from the neighboring systems. The Ductas had humanoid bodies, but that is where all similarities ended. The Murbese came from reptilian DNA, and the Katkurns sharpened their teeth by chewing on rocks.

One evening, at the estate of Shesain’s father, while Shesain and Derak were otherwise occupied, Rhemar and Temela discussed the romance.

“What do you think of our daughter’s new love interest? She appears quite smitten,” Rhemar asked his wife.

“Yes, her eyes get dreamy every time she talks about him. Derak is just as taken with her,” she replied.

“One thing bothers me, his Veterans Battle Recall. With his background, a bad episode could be disastrous,” Rhemar commented.

“Shesain has assured me that it will not happen. She says that he’s almost ready to start seeing Dr. Berethure.”

“I hope so for everybody’s sake. Derak has the citizens backing now, but one bad episode of VBR could be a deal breaker.”

“Give it time; she has waited a long time,” said his wife. “She seems to have him well in hand. It reminds me of our courtship. You were always trying to keep up with me.” She teased Rhemar.

“I more than kept up with you and your antics,” he quipped back.

“Do you think he’ll last ten months? My credits are on Derak.”

“You’re on, and I pray to Kumar, I lose this one. I think Shesain has met her match. He is very nice, but there is an unusual edge to him,” Temela said.

“You’ve seen his dossier,” Rhemar responded. “If you had experienced what he has, you would have an edge too. I think you may be planning a wedding in the not-too-distant future.”

“I hope you are right, my chimera.”

The second week started with a breakfast in Derak’s quarters with Shesain before she set out on a diplomatic mission to the Ductas system. This mission did not excite her, something about establishing trade routes to their outermost colonies.

“The Ductas and the Murbesians treat their women like second-class citizens, to the point of restricting their rights and privileges. I understand that Earth has been guilty of the same treatment toward their women,” she inquired of Derak.

“They still are, I prefer Thumarian customs and practices, they are much more civil.”

She sweetly smiled, “Your practice of eating meat at breakfast will catch up to you. When I control your diet, that is going to change.”

He smiled at her.

“Is there something I should know about?”

“You’ll replace out, when the time comes,” she teasingly answered, then added, “have you had any more VBR episodes?”

“Minor ones, nothing I can’t handle. The braid is out of sight for a short while, so that level of recall is at bay, momentarily. I might need a weak sedative in four weeks, with the PTSD and Morton in the same morning.”

“You should start seeing Dr. Berethure immediately. He can help with the memories and how to deal with them. He might also give you an herbal remedy to keep your blood pressure down at the briefing.”

“Will it cloud my brain? I can’t have an addled mind in that meeting.”

“No, our medicines do not do that. Promise me you’ll give it a go. Please.” Her deep brown eyes melted him to the core.

“Ok, set it up, and I’ll give it a shot.”

“I’ll have mother set it up, and when I return, I will prepare a proper Thumarian dinner for you.” She looked at her watch, “I must leave now. I have to brief my staff before the flight.

Don’t eat too much bacon, and thank Terga for me.”

She gave him a light kiss on the cheek. “I’ll miss you terribly. Call me.” She left quickly waving goodbye.

Mid-week, Derak received a transmission from Shesain. His day brightened immediately when her beautiful smiling face showed up on the wall screen.

“How are you doing?” she asked, sweetly.

“I’m busy with preparations for the meeting. If you must know, I am missing you something fierce.”

“I miss you, too…Oh! These Ductas! I’ve never experienced such a Perakian race in my life! They are as repressive as the Victorian age in your late nineteenth century England,” she groused.

“Is that a new reference you looked up?”

“Yes, and the shoes fit! The Ducta’s take it to a whole new level. How did you survive Earth?”

“Well, being a man, the shoe was on the other foot. For most other things, I managed with a lot of help from Master Li.”

“I’ll have to thank him if I ever meet him. I’m sorry; I’m being called to another session. Don’t forget to have your festival uniform cleaned and pressed. I’ll be back in time to attend the meeting with admiral Morton. I want to see him in person.”

“That will be a rather unpleasant experience. See you when you get back.”

“Oh…by the way, admiral Morton contacted us to inform you of a meeting that you must attend with Jack, before the main briefing. It’s to be held in the auxiliary room next to the conference room. I know you’ll be looking forward to that.” Smiling warmly, she signed off.

The following four weeks, after Shesain returned from her mission, were filled with quiet evenings and flights to the other two continents. Karn was present at all times as he accepted his role of a temporary shadow. Neither of them could have gotten away with anything anyway nor did they push the boundaries. Derak liked this way of conducting a courtship, to a point.

The last week of preparation for the arrival of the Orion Battle Fleet ended in a flurry of activity at the space docks and CNC.

Monday morning arrived, and Derak left his bedroom, to replace Shesain waiting for him in the living room. She moved forward to inspect his uniform. “Where’s the beret?”

“Morton requires a service hat, complete with lightning bolts.” He pointed to the polished bill of his service hat.

“You look handsome, but, now, it’s time for breakfast. You’ll be no good in the meeting with your stomach grumbling through the entire proceeding.”

He capitulated and sat down. To his great surprise, she served him real bacon and Terran coffee.

“Where did you get the…?”

“A presidential connection has its advantages,” she smiled in reply.

As they were leaving, Terga interjected, “Have a good meeting.”

“Thank you,” Shesain answered.

“How long have you two been able to communicate?” Derak tersely asked Shesain.

“From the beginning,” then she abruptly changed the subject. “Let’s not keep the admiral waiting.”

“Wait a minute! How do you tap into my private channel? Terga’s set up to link with only me!” His irritation was obvious.

Shesain sighed. “It’s part of my special abilities. I assure you, I keep it to business only. We can talk about this later. Right now, we need to leave, or we’ll be late.”

He was still irritated at the breech, but she mollified the situation before he could say another word as they walked to the auxiliary room. His temper wasn’t helped by the sight of his braid. Shesain tried to help him calm down. That and facing admiral Morton in a private meeting put him in a foul mood. Shesain sensed this and gave him a reassuring smile.

She reminded him, “You represent the Alliance. Save your personal feelings for after the meeting. We’ll be seated together beside Remor.”

Seeing Jack in his festival dress uniform lightened his mood slightly as Shesain greeted him at the entrance to the room. Then she indicated that it was time to enter.

“Good luck,” she added, as she turned to rendezvous with the rest of the Thumarian delegation. Derak, nervously, pulled the bottom of his coat down, as Jack pressed the door buzzer.

“Enter.” Morton’s reply echoed back through the shut door.

Derak steeled himself as admiral Morton came into view. Both of them saluted. The admiral returned the salute as he stared down the new uniforms, stopping at Derak’s Zertha Braid and Medallion. Morton’s eyes darkened and his lips shrunk to a small controlled scowl. “Mmmmph.” The admiral cleared his throat and turned to Jack.

“Commander Morgan, how is the work proceeding on The Armstrong?” He framed the question in a friendly tone.

“Fine sir, she’ll be ready in six weeks. Then we take her on a trial run in the Thumarian system before we deploy.”

“Good work, Commander,” he paused. “The reason for this meeting is to confer promotions on both of you.”

He smiled at Jack first. Then, the smile disappeared as he turned to Derak.

What did they tell him? He’s unusually controlled; there must be more to this picture than meets the eye.

“Captain Jamar, you are promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral, First Tier.” He roughly handed him the shoulder boards and service cap, with no handshake or congratulations.

“Thank you, sir,” he replied, dryly.

Moving on to Jack, “Commander Morgan, you are hereby promoted to the rank of captain. You’re assigned to Thumar and will hold the post of executive officer on the Galaxy Class Cruiser, TS Morwen. You will report to admiral Zolar Kaitain. Congratulations, Captain.” He handed Jack his shoulder insignia and service cap, and shook his hand.

“Thank you, sir.”

Admiral Morton left them alone in the room. They stared at each other in disbelief. The door buzzer rang, and the small wall screen showed Shesain, Remor, and Shenar standing outside. They let them in and received congratulations. The women slipped their jackets off and began transferring the hardware and medals onto new suit coats. After completing the job, they slipped their new coats on, brushing them off while checking the fit.

The uniform jackets were current with the promotions, complete with the gold rank stripping on the bottom of the sleeves.

“You both look fabulous,” said Shesain.

Looking at a smiling Remor, Derak stated, “You knew about this all along.”

“Of course, I made it happen. There’s a lot that one can do as a Senior Galactic Council member. Beside, both of you deserved it. Welcome to Thumar, Captain Morgan. Admiral Kaitain is an excellent officer and a better man. You’ll sit next to him in the meeting. Congratulations to you, Admiral.” They shook hands. “If you will excuse me, the briefing is starting shortly, and I must finish readying my staff.” Remor left the room.

The women gave them hugs of congratulations, and Shesain looked at Derak. “We are starting shortly, and we must get to our places with Remor’s staff.” As they left, Shesain called back to Jack, “Be quick, Captain. Protocol is strictly adhered to.”

This left Jack and Shenar alone.

“I’m so proud of you, Jack,” Shenar beamed with pride. “I’m ecstatic that you’re reassigned to Thumar. I won’t be in the meeting, but you’ll replace me in the VIP lounge waiting for the meeting to finish. Now go! You don’t want to deal with Shesain if you’re late, especially a conference of this importance.”

Shenar ushered the jubilant captain to his duty.

Shesain and Derak were taken to their places in the presidential party as Jack was accompanied to the door by Shenar. Waving to them, Shenar returned to the VIP lounge. Admiral Morton did not acknowledge Derak as he passed. This behavior was not missed by either Shesain or Remor. Then, lieutenant commander Tark gave him a scowl, and his eyes were dark with indignation. All of the military officers and the three Ambassadors had entered the room and taken their seats.

The president’s entourage was guided through the door in order of rank, with Shesain and Derak entering before the president. The room was buzzing with conversation, with the Murbese ambassador reminding the Katkurn ambassador not to chew on his rocks during the meeting.

Everyone was seated when Remor’s protocol officer entered and announced. “All rise for the president of Thumar and Senior Galactic Council Member, the honorable Remor Andehar.” Chairs scraped the floor as everyone rose. Remor entered, and immediately signaled everyone to sit.

The main conference room was large and circular, with a high domed ceiling. The tables followed the form of the room. A center circular console occupied the middle of the room. Three-dimensional holographic images were displayed on this device allowing presentations to fill up the entirety of the dome.

Remor brought the gavel down on the hardwood stand to bring the meeting to order.

“We are here to discuss the Terelian border conflict with support from the Kek mercenaries. We will first hear from two officers who have been involved in direct conflict with both races. I first call Alliance Captain Jack Morgan. He docked the AS Armstrong in our facilities for repairs. Captain Morgan, you may begin.”

“Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to start with the bridge vid, in holographic form, before captain Arnold lost consciousness.”

The playback began in the center of the room, filling the entire space. The lights were dimmed as it started. The realism of the vid put everyone in the room on the bridge.

The lights came back up and Jack continued.

“We were on a routine assignment on the borders of Terelian space when five highly modified Ging attack class cruisers ambushed us. The Armstrong and her crew were battle ready. Anytime we run that close to the border, we maintain a high alert status. Our shields had been up before the firefight began, so minimal damage was incurred on the first volley. All five ships carried Terelian and Kek markings. They used new Kek phase shift nano pulse cannons. These weapons hit in three phases. The first phase detects the harmonic frequencies of the shields, transferring information onto the second phase nanobots. Then the second phase nanobots change their frequencies to match the shields. The third round penetrates the shields and does its damage. This rendered our shields useless, as the major hull breaches show.

“We arrived here at Thumar’s space docks with one hundred and twelve, dead, and eighty-four crewmembers, injured. Damage to The Armstrong was substantial but not debilitating. Captain Arnold was exemplary in destroying their second cruiser and saving the ship and her crew.”

“How are you doing, Captain Arnold?” a Thumarian admiral asked.

“I’m fine, Admiral. I’ll be one-hundred percent for the space trials.”

“So, the captain was wounded, and you were left with the responsibility to command the retreat,” continued the admiral.

“Yes, sir,” Jack answered. “After captain Arnold ordered the retreat, he passed out. The safety of The Armstrong’s crew was paramount, and we had no answer for their weapons.”

“Thank you, for your report, Captain Morgan,” Remor said. “We will now hear from Admiral Jamar, who has experience in fighting the Keks in hand-to-hand combat.”

“Admiral Jamar, you were involved in the Voeleran war and received your Zertha Braid because of your actions, is that correct?” the Murbese ambassador interrupted.

Derak hesitated for a moment, collecting his thoughts, and then he felt Shesain’s slight reassuring presence in his mind. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she returned.

He inwardly smiled. Their first thought transfer.

“Yes, on both counts, Ambassador. The Kek are a fierce race, vicious and blood-thirsty. They’re not afraid to die, making them fearless in battle. To die in war is, to them, the highest honor to be achieved; they literally fight to die.”

Bringing up a three dimensional holographic image of their handheld weapon in the center of the room, he continued, “This is their hand-held phase blaster. It’s a miniaturized version of what captain Morgan described. Its effects are devastating.

“These are three phase blasters. The first phase detects the harmonics of the body armor. The second blows a hole in the armor, and the third cause’s corporal damage. You either die; lose a limb, or both. It is a very painful way to go. Their new model has added a disrupter. When the disrupter hits you, your entire body is consumed by the charge at the point of contact. All that’s left is a white burned image of what used to be there.”

Taking a drink of water he continued, “Kek rifles are more powerful than their hand-held blasters and have an automatic setting. Their fierceness increases in hand-to-hand combat. They have two very dangerous weapons. One is a long, very sharp knife. When that’s gone, they have retractable one-inch razor sharp claws. The latter can take a man’s throat out in a single swipe. Keks are fast and accurate. After a victory, they leave no one alive.

“They eviscerate the enemy, the dead and living, ripping out their hearts and eating them on the field. This includes women, pregnant women, and children. No one is spared.”

Derak stopped to control his emotion, the memories. “For every Kek that falls in combat, we lose six to eight of our own. Do the numbers gentlemen. They are a powerful and fearsome adversary.”

“If they are that fierce, how did you survive, Admiral?” asked an army general. “And how did you defeat them?”

He hesitated a long moment, taking another drink of water, continuing after he felt Shesain’s thoughts mentally comforting him.

“That’s for another briefing,” he tersely answered.

Remor sensed that these were very difficult memories to recall. He stepped in and stopped the report. “I think we’ve heard enough, Admiral. Thank you.”

“New York’s finest,” Morton mumbled derisively under his breath.

“Admiral Morton, you will not speak out of order,” Remor responded with controlled anger.

“I see you have your protectors, Admiral Jamar,” Morton retorted, with a sneer.

“Admiral Morton!” Shesain was on her feet. “If you cannot conduct yourself professionally, you will be excused from this meeting!”

Admiral Morton sunk back into his chair and disappeared into his briefing notes.

Shesain sat down hard, visibly shaken by her outburst, and noticed a dangerous look in Derak’s eyes. His hands gripped the chair’s hand rests tightly. His muscles tensed as he prepared to stand up and rebuke Morton.

Shesain’s hand flew down to his thigh under the table to keep him down, and a “STOP!” entered his thoughts.

He just glowered at admiral Morton.

“Admiral Morton, can we be assured of no more outbursts for the remainder of this meeting?” Remor calmly asked him.

“Yes, Mr. President,” he mumbled.

“Shall we continue, then? Admiral Morton, do you have your report on your battle group’s readiness?”

“Yes. The Alliance has eight ships in orbit, one new Andromeda class heavy cruiser and seven Orion class medium cruisers filling out the fleet.”

“Thank you, Admiral.” Remor then opened the floor for questions and comments.

More questions than comments were expressed for the next hour, with all the dignitaries wanting to know what they could do to protect their borders, home worlds, and colonies. A few outlandish suggestions were put forth, along with others that had merit.

Ideas were bantered about, and everyone agreed to the recommendations, including admiral Morton. Morton leaned over and whispered something to lieutenant commander Tark, with both nodding in agreement. Remor adjourned the meeting and thanked all who attended.

Morton rose immediately and left in a foul mood. Lieutenant Commander Tark followed. Shesain and Derak were conferring with another admiral when they passed.

Morton said nothing. Tark leaned into Derak and hissed into his ear, “You think you won today, Admiral? Think again!”

Shesain heard it and a “not now” entered Derak’s thoughts. She let go of his arm and turned to talk with Remor.

This was his best opportunity, and he disappeared in anger.

After a few minutes, Jack walked up and asked Shesain where Derak was. She looked around and noticed that he had vanished.

“I’ll replace him,” she told Jack, concerned.

After Tark’s remark, Derak stormed off to his quarters to work out his anger. He took off his uniform, careful not to damage it. He placed it neatly on his bed. He changed quickly into workout shorts and a sleeveless shirt and stalked into his dojo/gym. Starting with the bench press, he advanced to heavier weights quicker than usual, pressing hard to reach his limit, and finished the burn in the free weights section of the gym. Then he switched to the large eighty pound bag, punching and kicking it until he was sweating profusely.

Feeling the physical drain, he poured out every last ounce of his adrenaline, focusing on the speed bag, pounding it into submission. Pushing through exhaustion, he finished with a flurry as the last punch tore the leather bag off of the swivel hook and sent it flying.

Dripping with sweat, he turned around and noticed Shesain leaning against the doorjamb with her arms crossed and her fingers drumming against her forearm. Was this something she picked up from her Earth studies, or was this a universal female trait?

“How long have you been there?”

“Long enough,” she replied.

Retrieving a robe and a towel from the wall next to her, she walked over and handed him the robe. “You don’t want to get chilled.”

Derak put the robe on as Shesain wrapped the towel around his neck. She used the two ends to tenderly wipe the sweat off his face. Then, he used the towel to dry his hair.

“That was a rather abrupt exit,” she commented.

He entered the living room.

“It was required for everyone involved,” he replied after collapsing into the couch cushions.

“Would you like something cold to drink?” she asked.

“Apple juice, please.”

She walked into the kitchen and returned, handing Derak a tall glass of cold apple juice.

“Thank you.” He took a deep drink before setting the glass on the table.

She sat down next to him and asked, “Are you still angry?”

His eyes glowered and he slammed his balled fist onto the table in front of him, leaving a dent.

“Talk to me.”

He didn’t answer her.

She took his head in her hands and gently looked into his eyes, “talk to me. Please.”

After an extended pause, he spoke. “It’s not just Morton. I must consider the source. He will always be a jerk. He proved it again today. The thing that gets me...” The compassion in her eyes encouraged him. “What upsets me, the most, is that Morton can still press my buttons; he knows how to get to me. Sometimes I feel like I never left the mean streets of New York City.”

Shesain gave him a long, thoughtful look, and laid her hands on his arm. “Derak, you are a far better person than you give yourself credit for. I’ve known your heart and soul from the first moment we met in your office. You’re not on the streets of New York City, or at the academy. You’re light years beyond that.

“Look at what you’ve accomplished, an academic scholarship to the Alliance Naval Academy, graduating first in your class. You are a war hero many times over and the recipient of the Zertha Braid. You’ve been promoted to rear admiral, first tier. Leave the past behind, Derak. That’s where it belongs.”

Shesain took his hands in hers and leaned in, her loving gaze filled with empathy. “Look at what’s in front of you, now. I love you more than you will ever know. The people of Thumar love you. My family adores you. Jack is the best friend you can ever have, and he’s stationed on Thumar. You have a bright future, Derak Jamar III, and I’m proud to be a part of your life.”

Derak quietly nodded.

She slipped off her coat and picked up her purse. “I’ve got to freshen up. Can I get you some hot tea?”

“Yes, that would be nice.”

She entered the kitchen, and he could hear her preparing the tea. He knew she was right, but he was still unsettled. She returned and stepped in front of him. Karn and Therese joined her, fulfilling the witness requirements of the upcoming ceremony.

Shesain wore a pink scarf around her neck above a tight-fitting very low cut blouse. It accentuated her bosom, leaving very little to the imagination. She silenced him with her thought and looked deeply into his eyes, extending her free hand. He took it and rose from the couch, never breaking eye contact.

“I never thought…”

“Sssh, relish the moment.” She handed him the tea cup with a white rose floating on the surface. Immediately recognizing the symbolism, he looked at Karn and Therese, who both smiled.

Derak took a sip and handed the cup to her. Accepting the tea cup, she raised it to her lips, never taking her eyes off of him. After taking her sip, she handed the cup and saucer to Therese. She wrapped her arms around Derak’s neck, pressed herself into him, and looked longingly into his eyes. Her Terelian rose scent engulfed Derak.

I could drink out of those brown eyes for eternity. Derak thought to himself.

“I will love you forever, my chimera,” she whispered.

“My love for you will never die. My heart and soul shall be yours forever,” Derak whispered back.

She rewarded him with a long, lingering kiss.