Sunderbans K: The beginning of the Ky Epic

VIII

Bright Stars Duchy
Home Station
Command level

"Lieutenant Chattar" called Tagus as he approached from the commodore's doorway. Chattar came to attention and gave him a quick salute. "The commodore's XO would like a chat with you," Tagus said.

"Yes sir. Do you know what it concerns?" Chattar asked as he followed his captain.

"Perhaps," Tagus replied. As the walked, Chattar heard something that caused him to pause at the doorway of the policy office. He glanced in and raised his eyebrows, seeing something familiar.

Tagus noticed that Chattar had stopped and looked back. He cleared his throat and gained Chattar's attention.

Chattar nodded and caught up with Tagus. "Something interesting there, Lt. Commander?"

"Ah, no sir."

They began walking again, finally coming to the commodore's office. Uthro noticed them and came out. Chattar saluted him.

Uthro returned the salute and smiled. "Lieutenant."

"Yes sir," Chattar replied.

Uthro pulled out his pad and accessed a list. "This is a bit informal, but I asked the Commodore if I could give this to you."

Chattar looked at both them nervously, then Uthro went on. "I have here a recommendation from your commanding officer requesting to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Doing so will make you one of the more senior officers on the Alecto." He stopped and looked at Chattar. "And I see you completed the Executive Office course while the Alecto was being repaired."

"Yes sir."

"Very well, Lieutenant, effective upon the first day of the New Year, you will be Lieutenant Commander Chattar. Congratulations!" And he extended his hand to congratulate him. Chattar smiled and firmly grasped the captain's hand and shook it. Then he turned and shook Tagus', who struck Chattar firmly on the shoulder. "Congratulations, Chattar. I suspect we'll receive the orders for this later. Now, if you'll excuse us, we're on our way to a match."

Chatter bowed, then executed a salute. The two captains returned it, then Chattar left.

Uthro's attention was diverted to his pad, his eyes narrowed as he looked.

"What, what is it?" Tagus asked.

"Retswer's ship has not arrived at Tarragan yet. It's over two hours late." He thought for a moment.

"Perhaps they had to slow down on the way." Tagus suggested.

"Possibly."

"And that bothers you?"

Uthro frowned. "Would it not you?"

"They have gone a long distance, have had several stops along the way. It may be due to normal circumstances," Tagus reasoned.

"Maybe. Then again, maybe not."

"Perhaps," Tagus said. "That depends on many things. Do you know what ship they took?"

"The Toronaga."

Tagus' expression changed to one of concern, "It is an old and well armed ship. He obviously expected trouble."

"I am not sure how the doctor arranged for the Toronaga, but he did. I hope it did not attract more attention than he would have had he simply taken a standard freighter."

Tagus thought for a moment, taking it all it. His mission, the team, the Toronaga, the delay.

"Well, you piece that all together." Uthro prodded. "It shouldn't take long."

"No?"

"No."

"Very well, then." Tagus said. "I'll do that on the way to prepare for my adversary in order to defeat him." He saluted his friend, who smiled at him and returned it. "I will meet your challenge, and crush you for your insolence! " Uthro returned with a laugh.