Chapter II
"Surprise"
Kris woke up in the morning, and Daria was lying next to him. He gently kissed her forehead. Daria was still asleep. Kris put on a robe and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. Then he carried her to bed, gently waking her:
"Good morning, 'sunshine.'"
He said to Daria.
"Good morning. I see you haven't been idle.
" "Enjoy your meal .
" "Thank you."
They ate breakfast together. Then Kris put on his uniform and Daria put on her dress. McShelf drove Daria to the Katusa II:
"We have to go back. "
"Yes, that's a shame. I would have spent a few more hours with you.
" "Don't worry.
" "Thank you for everything.
" The ship was already docking at the Katusa II's airlock. Daria said goodbye to McShelf with a long kiss. Then Kris flew back to the Daria. He went straight to the bridge:
"Boys, how's our convoy going? "
"Good. " Two ships are still waiting to be unloaded, which will take another five hours.
"Okay. All bridge crew, you have three hours off."
Kris was left alone on the bridge. He ordered the computer to scan all ship systems and subsystems. The scans revealed no faults or errors. The radar screen showed no enemy ships. Kris knew his watch would be long.
There were still a few minutes left, and crew slowly began to arrive on the bridge. Commander McShelf ordered the convoy to form up; two more ships were finishing unloading. Kris checked on the progress of defense construction; on "Dragon 1" all planetary cannons had been built, and on "Dragon 2" the cannons were being completed. Two ships had already finished unloading. The convoy was about to head for the jump zone:
"Captain, the radar is showing something very strange.
" "What is it?
" "About 100 Kingon ships.
" "This isn't a radar error. A combat alert!
" Kingon ships were visible through the Daria's bridge visors. It was too late to turn. The Kingonian units had hit the last ship in the convoy.
"O'Malley, what ship is that?
" "Katus II."
Kris paled when he heard the name.
"I'm taking over control of the ship, and all the colonial cruisers are at the end of the convoy for cover."
Kris grabbed the helm. He immediately turned to port, accelerated to full speed, and then braked near the Daria ship.
"Extend the terminal to the Katusa II's airlock." Prepare a commando group to evacuate the Katusa II's personnel.
Kris handed command over to O'Malley. Sam ran to the terminal, donning a spacesuit. Through the terminal, he entered the ship. A second spacesuit hung in a locker; he grabbed it. He ran straight to the bridge. He passed several sections with breached hulls. The bridge and the section in front of the bridge were unsealed. Kris entered the bridge, where ten bodies were on the bridge. Kris recognized three bodies as Daria. She had a pulse. Unfortunately, the rest were dead. With great difficulty, Kris dressed the unconscious Daria in the spacesuit. He lifted her onto his shoulder and left the bridge, heading for the terminal. He told the soldier at the terminal that everyone on the bridge was dead. He was about to enter the terminal when an explosion rocked the ship. The terminal slowly tilted, breaking in half. Kris ran to his ship's airlock and opened it. He immediately ordered the airlock closed and secured. The terminal was shot down. Everyone on the ship died in the explosion. With Daria on his back, he ran to the hospital section. Several people were already lying in the hospital section. Kris placed Daria in the nearest available bed.
He himself went back to the bridge:
"Captain, our shields are at 79%. We managed to shoot down four ships.
" "What about the convoy?
" "He's jumped already. We're alone.
" "Okay, we're packing up. How are the planet defending?
" "Great." The Katrags tried to launch a landing, but all the dropships were destroyed.
" "We're on our way."
The ship jumped into hyperspace. However, he didn't catch up with the convoy. He handed over command to the first officer. He went to his cabin, took a shower, shaved, wrote a report, and sent it. Then he ran to the hospital. The doctor told him that Daria had broken both legs, one arm, and three ribs. Unfortunately, he hadn't yet regained consciousness. He went to the bridge and took command. The ship had another 50 minutes to fly:
"Officers of all systems, come with me.
" "Yes, sir."
Kris led them to his cabin. They all entered:
"We are listening."
"So, rule one: if you're in my cabin, you don't say 'Captain'; you say 'Kris'. Rule two, on the bridge, you may call me by my last name. Rule three: if you have a problem, feel free to bring it to me. Rule four: "One for all, all for one." Rule five: in a combat situation, I expect complete concentration, dedication, trust, and effort. No one may ever betray you. And one more thing: in combat situations, my orders may sound strange or dangerous. I treat the ship like a home, it's not something you work in. Understood.
" "Sure!!!
" "If you want leave, the entire crew will get it after the next operation.
" "Thank you.
" "You may go.
" The officers left, Kris with him.
The ship reached the "Giant." And the Rapid Reaction Fleet "Pioneer" was no longer on the "Giant." All the ships in the convoy formed holding positions. Kris was ordered to proceed to headquarters. The ship docked at Terminal 345. Kris went straight to headquarters – Office 45. Office 45 handled combat operations:
"Commander Kris McShelf?
" "Yes.
" "Your fleet has gone to the "Dragon." You passed each other in hyperspace.
" "When will they arrive?
" "In about 12 hours.
" "What are my orders?
" "You're free.
" "Thank you."
Kris exited quietly and went straight to the ship. The ship looked like a dolphin against the black space background. The bridge was in the "prow," then the hull expanded, and inside were the "fins." Then it narrowed, passing the engine section – the "tail fin."
Kris quickly took the elevator to the main airlock. He went straight to the bridge to inform the crew that he had a 10-hour leave. A moment later, the ship was deserted. Kris went down to the dining hall to get a hot meal. The dining hall was empty. After the meal, Kris ran to the hospital section. Daria still hadn't regained consciousness. Kris ran to the florist's to get fresh flowers. He brought Daria a whole bouquet of red roses. The doctor approached and began examining her.
"Doctor, how long will she be unconscious?
" "It depends on her. We've given her all the necessary medications; she should wake up in an hour, maybe three.
" "Finally. Thank you."
Kris left the hospital and went to his cabin. He remembered to prepare a report from the convoy operation. He quickly wrote it down. He lay down on the bed and set the alarm clock to wake him in two hours. He fell asleep quickly. The alarm clock woke Kris on time. He went to the bridge and scanned all systems, fearing sabotage. The diagnostic computer showed no faults or malfunctions. Kris left and closed the bridge. Then he went to the hospital. Daria had already regained consciousness:
"Hi, sweetie. How are you feeling?
" "Very well. Thank you for saving my life.
" "If you had died there, I don't know what I would have done.
" "Like the rest of the crew?
" "Don't think about it.
" "Did they die?
" "Only 13 are alive.
" "What exactly happened?
" "The Kingon cruiser unleashed its full salvo on your ship. The rear shields failed.
" "That must have been terrible.
" "Well, it didn't look very promising.
" "Where are we now?
" "In the Giant." You'll have to stay here a while longer.
" "Thank you for saving my life."
"Sunshine, my doctor, the doctor told me you'll have to spend 10 minutes in a regeneration chamber."
At that moment, a medic entered the room with a mobile bed. They took Daria and went to the chamber. Kris followed them. The doctor went to a computer console and typed in some instructions. The chamber door opened, and the medic ushered Daria in. The treatment was supposed to last 10 minutes. After that, the chamber door opened, and Daria emerged. The doctor checked the broken bones; they healed as if they hadn't been broken. Kris invited Daria into his cabin:
"Please come in.
" "Is this your cabin?
" "Yes. It's not as big as the entire apartment, but it's perfectly adequate for me.
" "I see you have a separate bathroom.
" "If you want to use it, you don't have to ask. One more thing—what's your favorite color?
" "Blue.
" "Great. I'll be out for a moment. I'll be right back.
" Kris found his commander's identification card, which also served as a payment card. He quickly ran to the nearest shopping mall. He bought Daria a feminine blue petty officer's uniform from the Earth Alliance Navy. He ran back to his ship. He dropped the uniform off for Daria in the bathroom. He sat down on the sofa and turned on the holovision.
"Kris, is that bag on the ground for me?"
"Yes, 'sweetheart.'"
While Daria was changing, the commander turned on the computer and activated the photo function. At that moment, Daria walked in. The uniform fit Daria perfectly. His tight pants perfectly shaped Daria's legs.
"How do I look in this?
" "Hmm, besides being appetizing, it's great. If you want to be on the ship, you absolutely have to be in uniform. Unless you don't want to be here.
" "No. Your company is soothing to me, honey. Could you show me the ship?
" "Yes, but first I want to take a picture of you.
" "Okay."
Kris sat down in the chair, and Daria sat on his lap. Kris set the timer to 10 seconds. The computer camera flashed. Kris started to stand up, but Daria remained seated. After a moment, she turned her head and kissed Kris. Deep down, Kristof felt these were the best moments of his life. Daria finally stood up. Kris took her hand, and they continued walking. First, they went to the bridge. Daria was impressed by the amount of computer equipment. Then they went to the mess hall. There was no one there. The next stop on the "tour" was the room containing the machinery and crew of Missile Launcher No. 6. Kris wasn't alone in most of the rooms he was supposed to show Daria. However, he knew a great deal about these rooms. The missile room was very large, divided into two sections. One section, which took up one-fifth, housed all the machinery feeding the missiles to the launchers, and the missiles themselves, positioned on "cradles," ready for delivery to the launchers. A smaller section was occupied by the crew room and computers. Then they went to the nearby heavy laser cannon. The cannon didn't take up much space—it was half the size of the missile launcher. There was still the section of the ship occupied by the infantry corps, the enormous cargo hold, and the propulsion section to explore. The infantry corps section was completely deserted. The corps' living quarters were uninteresting, consisting of several hundred rooms—a few beds, lockers, a bathroom, and a holo-vision unit. The corps section was more interesting, housing all the vehicles, mechs, servo armor, and mobile laser cannons. This section had its own landing pad, where Taran-class transporters picked up vehicles and infantry, transporting them directly to the battlefield. The corps landing pad had four independent airlocks. The hull section made a huge impression on Daria. They calmly made their way to the enormous cargo bay. The cargo bay was a vast hall, undivided into rooms or cabins. The cargo bay was almost empty, with only 10 tons of cargo stored. The empty space was occupied by scattered shuttles and transports. They moved on to the propulsion and power section. First, they inspected the 16 KL-MN12 reactors. Six reactors were intended solely for weapons systems, three for electrical maintenance, and three for shields. The remaining four were spares. The thrusters and hyperspace engines each had their own propulsion system:
four thrusters were powered by four MO-34-DE reactors,
and two hyperspace engines were powered by eight MO-34-DE reactors each.
That was all they needed to see; they still had some time left:
"What now, sweetie?
" "I don't know."
"We're at the Giant," the largest military base in the Earth Alliance. "Giant" is a series of interconnected asteroids with a combined population of 100 million people. They must have restaurants, holocinema, bars, clubs, and the like.
- We can go to a club.
"Yes, but first we'll go to headquarters. Maybe I can arrange time off until tomorrow.
" "Great idea. I just have a question, won't I be bothering you?
" "You surprised me. Such a question. YOU in my life!!! You're the best part of me, and with you I know I love anything other than the Navy and my own ship.
" "Let's go."
Kris grabbed Daria's hand and they went to headquarters. He quickly settled his business. It turned out that the First Fleet wouldn't have any more assignments until after the next assignment anyway. So the couple had some free time:
"Just one more thing, I won't be dancing in these clothes.
" "That can be arranged. We're going to the mall.
" "I don't have any money.
" "I didn't say you'd be paying. Commander Kris McShelf is donating any amount.
" "No...
" "You can!!!. That's an order."
They continued to the elevator to the commercial floor. The elevator quickly reached the commercial floor. They exited. The mall was bustling with activity. Daria quickly found the things she wanted. Kris paid. They returned to the ship, and Kris had to change, and so did Daria. They quickly changed. They were ready to go to the club:
"You look beautiful in that dress."
"Thank you.
" "You're welcome.
" "You know. I should probably report to some information center to find out what to do. My ship was destroyed. They might think I'm dead.
" "Okay, we'll sort this all out.
" They reached the club. There weren't many people in the club yet. They sat down at a table:
"What can I order?
" "Maybe some synthetic wine.
" "Great, I'll take some synthetic whiskey."
Kris went to the bar for drinks. The bartender quickly served Kris. People slowly began to arrive:
"Why are you so lost in thought?! "
I don't know. I feel like something bad might happen.
" "Don't be afraid. The 'bad' thing has already happened.
" "Something else might happen.
" "Don't worry. Come dance."
Kris went to dance with Daria. They danced several songs in a row. Then they returned to the table:
"So many of my friends died on the ship. If it weren't for you...
" "Don't think about it.
" "Here, have a drink, forget it.
" "I don't know.
" "You're alive, and that's the most important thing to me.
" "But war is quickly claiming its victims. The Kingons are great warriors and strategists. I'm worried about you.
" "You don't have to, the fleet has new, excellent ships. We've already taken over five systems occupied by the Katrags. There are about 23 more left. After that, it's Katrag territory.
" "But you can't say you're not in danger.
" "You're right again.
" "I know.
" "Enough of this speculation. Let's go dancing."
The couple continued dancing until the early hours of the morning when the party ended. Afterward, they went to the ship for a nap. While Daria was still asleep, Kris went to the dining hall and brought the best dish for Daria. He brought the food to the room and wrote a note:
"Sunshine. I've gone to get new orders. I'll also ask what you're going to do with yourself and the rest of your ship's surviving crew.
Always yours, Kris."
He quickly ran to headquarters. He received orders and instructions. Regarding Daria, it turned out she was going to the Moon and would receive a new assignment there. Kris was supposed to open his orders and instructions only on the ship. So he hurried to the ship. Daria was already awake. Kris, however, didn't exchange a single word with her; he opened the envelope containing orders and instructions:
To Commander Kristof McShelf.
Your fleet has recaptured the "Dragon" system, but due to the overwhelming number of enemy cruiser-class vessels, the "Pioneer" fleet has suffered heavy losses (one colonial cruiser, three cruisers, three destroyers, seven frigates, twelve corvettes, and three aircraft carriers). It is being sent to the Sol system, orbiting the Moon, to replenish its strength.
Combat Operations Command Center .
Kris was happy to be able to escort Daria all the way to the assembly point. He would also visit his friends at the Academy.
"Why are you so quiet?
" "Those are orders. We're going to the Moon. Both of you.
" "Both of you?
" "Yes. I went to ask headquarters what you should do with yourself.
" "So?
" "You're going to the Moon.
" "To the center of my enterprise?
" "Yes.
" "What should I do now?
" "Kiss me."
"Yes, sir."
Daria approached Kris and kissed him passionately.
Kris left his cabin and walked to the bridge. People slowly began to appear on the bridge. The weapons officer was already there, as was the navigation officer.
"Tell all crew members to return immediately.
" "Yes, sir.
" "Their transmitters are to beep continuously for ten minutes. Everyone is to return to the ship within the hour.
" "We're ready. Captain, where are we going?"
the navigation officer asked.
"We're going to the Moon. Our fleet in the Dragon got a bit of a kicking."
"You'll probably have time off there, but I don't want to jinx it."
"Thank you. "
Kris returned to his cabin.
"Sweetie!
" "Yes.
" "You have an hour. This is the commander's debit card. You can use it in three months. Go to the store and buy yourself anything you want.
" "Thank you!!!
" "Remember, you have an hour.
" "Yes."
Kris left his cabin, but was heading to the bridge. The first officer has already appeared on the bridge:
- Commander Kristof, the crew is 82% complete.
"Good. Do not move without my permission or express orders.
" "Yes, sir.
" "For now, you may go to your quarters. I will broadcast an official message to recall you. Remain at ease and march off!"
Kris himself sat in the captain's chair and typed a command to connect to the military network on the computer keyboard. Then he ordered a software update and other necessary items. The computer quickly completed the update. He also typed a command to scan the ship's main systems and subsystems. The scan took a while. McShelf sipped an energy drink during this time. The scan revealed no errors or malfunctions. He turned off the computer and went to his quarters. Daria was still shopping. Kris began writing his report. It didn't take him long to write. He even managed to message his academy classmates that he would be visiting them. He checked his schedule; there was nothing important on it. There were still 29 minutes until launch. McShelf checked all his lockers. He had all his clothes in them. He remembered the photos. He ordered the computer to print them as photographs. The printer built into the computer quickly produced the photograph. In his office, he found two empty frames and placed the photograph in one. He hung the photograph on the wall opposite the door, next to the bed. It matched the entire room perfectly. McShelf then had the idea of taking a film photo. That requires special equipment. There will be thousands of photography shops on the Moon. Kristof sat down on the bed and began to think. When he awoke, there were still five minutes left until launch. Daria was still missing. Kris went to the bridge to transmit an announcement:
"Crew of the Daria, I declare combat ready. Everyone to their stations."
After the announcement, he ran to his cabin; Daria was still missing. There was still one minute left until launch. Daria arrived at the last moment, just as Kris was about to go to the bridge. He didn't exchange a single word with Daria. The bridge was bustling. Everyone was ready for launch. The navigation officer entered the appropriate bearings into the computer, and the automatic pilot guided the Daria out of the dock. The ship quickly joined the fleet and jumped into hyperspace.
"The trip to the Moon will take about 5-6 hours,"
the captain announced.
"Yes,"
the navigation officer replied.
"Everyone can go to their cabins or wherever they want. Only the watch remains on the bridge. "
The entire bridge quickly emptied. Only one person remained working on the devices and computers. Kris went to his cabin to see Daria.
"I thought you weren't coming,"
Kris said.
"She bought herself some nice things.
" "Of course. We have five hours to ourselves.
" "What if I wasn't here?
" "Where would you be?
" "On my ship."
"Oh!!! I'd definitely like to do something for myself. Let's not talk about it. We're together, and that's the most important thing to me. I don't know how you feel about me, but I know how I feel about you.
" "I love you.
" "I love you too.
" "Maybe you could get a job in the Alliance Fleet.
" "I'm sure we'll find something.
" "Thank you.
" "Don't worry.
" "How much time do we have left for each other?
" "About five hours.
" "Let's get started!"
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