Hey everyone. I would like to wish all the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day. I would also like to challenge you to be the very best dad that you can be. Be the dad that your sons emulate. Have the qualities and values that your daughters look for when they grow up and are searching for a husband. Be the best man that you can be, not only for your children and wife but for yourself as well. My father passed away in 2006 and I still miss him. His legacy makes me want to be a better man, but I will never be the kind of man that he was. In my mind, I will always fall short, but that is a good thing. It makes me strive to be a better man. I remember one time when I was around four or five years old I asked him a question. I can’t remember what the question was, but to this day I remember the answer. He said, “I don’t know.” That answer blew me away. I remember thinking that if he doesn’t know, nobody does. To all you sons and daughters out there cherish the moments with your parents, because soon they will be gone. Be the best man or woman that you can be. Your children are watching. Live your best life and be the kind of man or woman that you want your kids to be. Peace Out!

Now for your reading pleasure check out chapter eighteen of my science fiction novel, the Battle for Europa, book one of the Space Corps Cronicles.

Chapter 18

Captain Chambers sat down in front of the VID screen in his conference room. He logged on, using his secure code, and sent a video transmission to the CEU-Saratoga. The image of a young blonde-headed woman, the ship’s communications officer, filled the screen. She broke out into a smile. “What can I do for you, Captain?”

Chambers smiled back. “Is the Admiral available?”

“Wait for one minute. He’s in his quarters.” The woman flipped a switch on her console, spoke in a low tone, glanced up, and smiled again. “I’ll patch you through.”

The image on the screen shimmered showing Admiral Ivanov leaning back in a lounge chair. He wore a brown robe and was sipping at a tumbler of Vodka. “Jack. What is it that you might be wanting at this hour?”

“Have you spoken with Admiral Delacroix? Will these people on Europa allow us safe passage?”

The admiral shook his head. “Ya. I have spoken with the admiral, but these rabble-rousers say no. They say if we approach Jupiter or any of its moons that it will be an act of war. They will respond with force.”

“Did Admiral Delacroix tell them that we weren’t part of all this? That we want to use the gravity of Jupiter to slingshot us to the outer reaches of the solar system?”

Ivanov nodded. “Ya, ya, but these people are stubborn. They say no.”

Chambers paused drumming his fingers on the tabletop. “Is the fleet going to attack?”

Admiral Ivanov shrugged. “Right now the bureaucrats in New York are discussing this matter. For now, we sit on our hands.”

“I had a look at fleet records. I used to serve with this Shawn Gallagher when I was in the PPF. Do you think Admiral Delacroix would let me speak to him? Maybe someone like me, someone at a lower rank could persuade him to let us pass. We could talk about old times when we served on the same ship. He would listen to me.”

“It would be worth a try. I will contact the admiral and get back to you.” The image of Admiral Ivanov disappeared from the screen. Chambers logged off the vide-net and stood to his feet. He stepped through the doorway of his conference room, and out to the main corridor. A naval ensign passing by snapped off a salute. Chambers returned the gesture and headed down the hallway to the officers’ pub.

Chambers crossed the crowded bar room to a table in the back where First Officer Bannister sat. He ignored the smile coming from one of the comfort girls. A good-looking raven-haired woman wearing a skintight dress sat sipping her mixed drink.

“What? Mr. Lover Boy’s not in the mood for female companionship tonight?” Bannister asked.

Chambers shrugged. “Not tonight. I have other things on my mind.”

“Have a seat.” Chambers sat. “What are you drinking? I’ll buy.”

“I’ll have a Jack and Coke.” Bannister motioned to one of the waitresses. She sashayed over. Bannister ordered the captain a Jack and Coke and himself another Scotch on the rocks.

“What’s got your panties in a bunch?” Banister asked.

Chambers sighed. “Nothing. I had a conversation with Admiral Ivanov. I told him that I served with Shawn Gallagher and asked him to let me talk to the man. I hope I can talk some sense into him.”

Banister folded his hands on the table. “It’s been my experience that these miners don’t have much in the way of common sense, and they’re a stubborn lot. What did the admiral say?”

“He said that he would contact Admiral Delacroix and see if he could arrange it.”

“In the old days, the main battle fleet wouldn’t be sitting around on their ass like they’re doing here. They would have gone in like gangbusters. This situation would be over by now.”

Chambers nodded, their drinks arrived and the captain took a drink from his tumbler. “Tell me about it. The military used to have some leeway. Now the politicians run the show.”

Bannister laughed. “The Council of Economic Unions can’t even fart unless they have a consensus.”

“I know. They’ll be sitting here orbiting Jupiter when we come back from this mission. Twenty-some-odd years from now.” Chambers laughed.

“I got to hand it to that Shawn Gallagher, though. He’s a ballsy son of a bitch. Does he, think he can stand up to the might of the Federal Defense Forces?”

“He did have a reputation in the PPF as being fearless. Do you remember that raid we did on that pirate base deep in the asteroid belt about eight years ago?”

Banister nodded. “Yeah.”

“Gallagher’s entire team got wiped out. He stormed into one of their hideouts all by himself and killed at least two dozen of them, good-for-nothing bastards.”

“I do remember something about that. The only thing he has waiting for him now is a laser bolt through the back of the head when this is over.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.” The com-unit on the lapel of Chambers’ uniform beeped. The voice of the communications officer on duty on the bridge came through the tiny speaker. Chambers slapped his shoulder. “Chambers here. What can I do for you, Miss Livingston?”

“Captain, you have a video transmission from Admiral Delacroix.”

“Patch it through to my council room. Tell the admiral I’ll be there in two minutes.” Chambers ended the transmission, tossed back the rest of his drink, and stood up. “Duty calls, my friend.”

Bannister raised his glass. “Good luck. I hope you can talk some sense into Mr. Gallagher and we can get on with the mission. I’m tired of sitting here on my ass waiting for something to happen.”

Chambers hurried into his conference room a few minutes later. He sat down in front of his VID screen and logged on. The image of Admiral Delacroix filled the screen. Chambers leaned back and took in the admiral’s rugged features. He looked out of place in his crisp blue uniform. His dark skin reminded Chambers of scarred-up saddle leather. His facial features looked hard and well-defined. A smile spread across his rocky face. When he spoke, his voice was soft and his manner of speaking somewhat refined. From his physical features, Chambers expected a booming robust voice.

“Captain Chambers, I presume?”

Chambers smiled. “Yes sir, Admiral. I’m Captain Jack Chambers.”

“I’ve read through your service records. Impressive. Admiral Ivanov tells me that you served with this Shawn Gallagher in the past?”

Shawn nodded. “That is correct.”

The admiral leaned forward in his chair. “Is there anything about his psychic that you can tell us to help deal with this pretentious fellow?”

Chambers paused. “I can tell you that if he says he is going to do something, then that is what he will do. If you are expecting him to back down, don’t. It won’t happen. The man is fearless.”

“I read about his exploits a few years ago when he was with the PPF. He was part of the campaign in the asteroid belt against some pirates. You participated in that battle as well.”

“Yes sir.”

“Your exploits were as impressive as Gallagher’s. Admiral Ivanov says that you’d like to speak with the man. Do you think you can persuade him to see some reason?”

“I know I can’t talk him into surrendering to your forces. That won’t happen. I hope I can talk him into letting our fleet through the blockade. I’ll tell him that we want to use Jupiter to head to the stars and continue our mission.”

Admiral Delacroix sighed. “Very well. I’ll contact him and try to arrange it. The council is backing your mission to the hilt. They want you out there in the galaxy as soon as possible. God, I wish I were going with you instead of dealing with this mess. You’re making history son. You’ll wear admiral stars before your career is over. I’ll try to make contact with Gallagher and get back to you. In the meantime keep up the good work.” Admiral Delacroix ended the transmission.

Chambers entered the officers’ pub a few minutes later. Bannister occupied the same table as he did when Chambers left. The raven-haired comfort girl sat at the bar. When the captain walked in, Bannister looked up and smiled.

“You’re back. How did your little chat go with the admiral?”

Chambers sat down at the table. “It went well. He said he’d try to set up a face-to-face video transmission for Gallagher and me. It will take a while though.” Chambers motioned to one of the waitresses. He bought another round and ordered a drink for the comfort girl sitting at the bar.

Banister laughed. “I guess you’re little talk must have calmed your nerves. You’re starting to feel amorous again.”

Chambers blushed. “You’re drunk.”

Banister laughed. “You’ve got me there, old friend, but I had a head start. Don’t worry. You’ll catch up.”

When the comfort girl received her drink, she stood up, glided across the barroom, and came to their table. Chambers breathed in the sweet fragrance of her perfume. “Thank you for the drink, Captain. Do you mind if I join you?”

Chambers felt a nervous flutter pass through his stomach. He struggled to keep his voice from cracking. “Not at all, but do you think you might have a friend who wouldn’t mind spending some time with our first officer here? She might need to be deaf dumb and blind though.” The dark-headed woman laughed.

“Nonsense. I know a lot of women who would die to spend some time with such a handsome and distinguished gentleman.”

Chambers made a gagging sound. “You need your eyes checked.”

The dark-haired woman spoke into her com-link bracelet on her wrist. A buxom redhead joined them a few minutes later. Chambers noticed a tiny field of freckles running across the bridge of the redhead’s nose.

“You ladies have us at a disadvantage. Introduce yourselves,” Chambers said.

The dark-haired woman smiled. “My name is Nicole Allison,” she said. Nicole put her hand on the redhead’s shoulder. “My friend here is Jeanne Sinclair.” Chambers motioned to the waitress and bought a round of drinks. They stayed in the officers’ pub drinking for the next two hours. Bannister headed off to his cabin with the redhead. Nicole took the captain’s arm when they stood to leave and the captain escorted her back to his cabin.

“I feel special,” Nicole, said. The captain opened the door to his quarters and led her inside. The room’s computer turned on the lights. “Most ship captains wouldn’t want a girl like me. Much less, take her back to his cabin.”

“What do you mean a girl like you? Most officers I know would love to have a beautiful woman hanging onto his arm. Besides, I’m not like most captains. I’m a man like any other. I put my pants on one leg at a time and I’m lucky if I can find two socks that match.” Nicole laughed and the captain led her over to an octagon-shaped table setting in the center of the room. He pulled out a chair. She sat down and gazed about the room taking in the ocean blue carpeting. Pictures of the sea and space-faring vessels adorned the walls. Chambers crossed the room to the beverage dispenser. He poured them each a drink, and they chit-chatted for a while.

“Why me? I’ve never been with you before, but I know girls that have. You have a reputation for chasing women but usually, you like them two at a time. I didn’t figure myself to be your type.”

“Besides the fact that you’re beautiful, you seem more real than most of the girls at the station. I’ve seen you around before.” Nicole sat down her drink, leaned toward Chambers, and kissed him. He enjoyed the taste of her cherry-flavored lipstick. The captain’s heart pounded inside his chest and his breathing quickened.

“Flattery will get you anywhere you want to go,” she whispered and kissed him again. They finished their drinks, moved to the bedroom and Chambers sat down on the bed. Nicole sat on his lap and kissed him long and hard on the mouth. The captain’s hand found Nicole’s left breast. He let his hand rest there feeling the rise and fall of her chest for a few seconds and then reached for the buttons on the front of her dress. Nicole pushed him back, straddling him. She pulled his uniform blouse over the top of his head and went to work on his pants. Undressed, Chambers slipped under the covers.

Nicole stood up facing him, undid the buttons on the front of her dress, and let the dress fall to the deck. Facing the captain, she stood naked. Chambers’ bottom jaw dropped. He fought to catch his breath. His eyes took in Nicole’s pretty face, her high cheekbones, and her dark brown eyes. He took in her large well-formed breasts, which jutted forward not showing a once of sag, and her trim body which tapered down to a thin waist that flared out to form a pair of round hips. Her long sensual legs looked sun-bronzed and well-muscled but in a feminine way. Chambers figured that she must spend a lot of time on the treadmill and in the tanning booths.

“Turn around. Let me see your ass.” Nicole laughed and twirled around. Chambers nodded in approval and Nicole climbed between the covers. “Computer lights off.” The room faded to black.

***

The digital alarm clock beeping woke Chambers from a deep sleep at zero five hundred hours. He glanced at the green digital numbers on the face of the clock embedded in the bulkhead next to his bed.

“Computer lights on,” he said. His eyes turned to the naked woman lying in bed with him and his heart sang. She had the covers pulled down exposing her right breast. The captain noticed the hard nipple and the rise and fall of her chest as she slept. Nicole let out a groan. She stretched while Chambers flipped on the com-unit next to the alarm clock. “Captain to the officers’ mess.”

“Yes, Captain,” one of the stewards manning the com-unit in the mess hall said.

“Send breakfast for two to my cabin.”

“What would you like sir?” the steward asked.

“Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes with Maple syrup. Send some biscuits and gravy up as well.”

“It’ll be about ten minutes Captain.”

“That will be fine.”

Nicole sat up. “Good morning Captain.”

“Same to you.” Chambers crossed the room in the nude. Goosebumps formed up on his arms and legs. He took a blue robe from his closet, put it on, and handed a brown one to Nicole. “I ordered breakfast.”

Nicole smiled. “Good. I’m starving.”

“Usually, when I invite a woman to my room, I send them on their way as soon as they wake up. But I would like you to stay.”

Nicole arched an eyebrow. “I’d like to. What makes me different?”

“I don’t know, but I’d like to find out.” He poured them each a cup of coffee from the beverage dispenser, handed Nicole a cup, and sat down on the edge of the bed next to her. “I have to get on a conference call at six, but we have time to eat first. I’d like you to stay. After the conference call, we could go down to the gym.”

Nicole sipped her coffee. “I’d like that.” The doorbell chimed. Chambers crossed the room and opened the door. The mess steward handed him a tray, which held two plates loaded down with food. He thanked him, set the tray down on the table and Nicole joined him. Finished with breakfast, he went into his conference room and logged onto the VID-net for his morning conference call. After the ship’s conference call, he logged on to the admiral’s call. When it was his turn to report, he transmitted the transcripts from the morning call.

“Everything is status quo, Admiral. We’re sitting on our hands waiting like everyone else. Have you heard from Admiral Delacroix? Has he made arrangements for me to speak with Gallagher?”

“He’s made contact with the man and discussed the matter, but so far they’re stonewalling.”

“Well let me know if you hear anything.” After the admiral’s conference call, the captain loaned Nicole a t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants. They headed to the gym, worked out on the treadmill, and lifted free weights. Chambers ignored a few curious glances from people in the gym. Finished with their workout, they parted company. The captain entered the bridge ten minutes later and sat down in the captain’s chair next to Bannister.

A big grin spread across Banister’s face. “I hear you have a new workout partner?”

Chambers turned three shades of red. “I can’t keep anything secret on this tub.”

“Not hardly. I-”

“Captain I have a VID transmission from Admiral Delacroix,” the communications officer said.

“I’ll take it inside my conference room.” Chambers left the bridge. He entered his conference room and logged on to the video net. The image of Admiral Delacroix filled the screen.

Chambers smiled. “Admiral. It’s good to see you again.”

“Yes. It’s good to see you too. I’ve contacted this so-called President Gallagher. He has agreed to talk with you. He said that his schedule is full at the moment, but he will contact you on the VID-net as soon as he is able. I took the liberty of texting him your VID address.”

“That is good news, sir.”

“I wish you, good luck son. I’d hate for this mess to delay your mission. I hope that you’ll be able to talk some sense into this man.” After his talk with the admiral, Chambers strolled onto the bridge and took his place in the captain’s chair.

“How did your little talk with the admiral go?” Bannister asked.

“Gallagher’s agreed to talk with me. He said that his schedule is pretty tight right now, but he’ll contact me when he’s able.”

Bannister laughed. “I’d say his schedule’s tight. He’s got a lot of things on his plate right now. He’s trying to run a renegade government and he has the FDF main battle fleet breathing down his neck.”

“Until then, we sit here on our heels with our thumb up our ass.”

“Care to join me at the pub for a drink?” Bannister asked after they finished their tour of duty on the bridge.

“Yeah, I’ll even buy the first round.” They left the bridge headed to the officers’ pub and took their usual table near the rear of the bar next to a bulkhead. Chambers glanced out a porthole at space. Quiet conversation buzzed through the barroom. The smell of tobacco smoke filled the air. A waitress sashayed over. The captain ordered a Jack and Coke for himself and a Scotch on the rocks for Bannister.

“I take it your evening with that dark-haired beauty went well last night. You surprised me. Usually, you like your woman two at a time.”

Chambers sighed. “Yeah, it went well. We had breakfast together in my cabin, and of course, we worked out together at the gym, but you know that.”

“News on the ship grapevine travels faster than the speed of light.” They both laughed.

“Tell me about it.”

“That surprised me too when I heard you two worked out together. Don’t you usually kick them out first thing in the morning?”

“Yeah, but this time it was different. She’s different. I’d like to see more of her.”

Banister’s bottom jaw dropped. “I’m speechless. I never thought I’d see you fall for only one.”

“I’m not falling for her.” Chambers tried to hide his embarrassment.

“Famous last words, my friend.”

“She’s interesting.”

“And it doesn’t hurt a bit that she happens to be stone-cold gorgeous.”

“What? Are you jealous?”

“No. It’s not that. You know I prefer redheads. You’re good entertainment.”

They sat drinking for three more hours. The com-unit on the lapel of Chambers’ uniform beeped. “Chambers here,” he said.

“Captain, I have a transmission for you on the VID-net. It’s a Mr. Shawn Gallagher. He is the president of this New Republic,” the communications officer said.

“Patch it through to my conference room. Tell Mr. Gallagher to give me two minutes.” Chambers stood to his feet and tossed back the rest of his drink.

“Good luck. Give the president my regards.”

“I hope he decides to listen and let us pass. I’m sick of sitting in this damned holding pattern.”

“Especially when the galaxy is waiting.”

Unsteady on his feet, Chambers left the officers’ pub. He hurried down to his conference room. Entering his conference room, he sat down in front of the video screen and logged onto the net. The image of Shawn Gallagher filled the screen. Shawn wore a brown suit coat, which lay open with a white dress shirt underneath the coat. He had the first three buttons of the shirt unbuttoned. Dark stubble covered Gallagher’s face and he looked tired.

Chambers smiled. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, Mr. President.”

A friendly smile crossed Gallagher’s face. “It surprised me when they told me that someone of your rank wanted to speak with me. All my communications have been with Admiral Dick Head, I mean Delacroix.” Chambers laughed and Gallagher continued. “You look familiar to me. Have we met?”

Chambers smiled. Yeah right. I’ll bet your spooks downloaded my file from fleet records as soon as you heard I wanted to speak to you. “We served together in the PPF a few years ago.”

“Aw. On the good old CEU-Eagle’s Claw. Those were some good times.”

“Your exploits were legendary. You made a name for yourself in the asteroid belt.”

“I recall that your team did well there too when we went after those pirates. What can I do for you, Captain?”

“Let us pass. My ship is part of the new deep space fleet. We are not part of the main battle fleet. Our mission is to explore the galaxy. All we want is to use Jupiter’s orbit to assist us on our way to the stars.”

Gallagher’s shoulders slumped. “I trust you. I believe you mean our people no harm. But I don’t trust your government. What if, I permit you to approach Jupiter then your admiral orders you to turn and attack my people?”

“I can’t speak for the fleet, but if I give you my word as an officer and gentlemen, then I would disobey that order. I would consider it unlawful. I guess then I would join you in your rebellion. Look. I am not political. I don’t care who’s in charge, as long as they let me fly their ships.”

President Gallagher leaned back, stroking the stubble on his chin. “You would give up a promising career as an officer in the federal Navy and join our cause?”

“If the scenario you describe happened, then I would. My honor would demand no less.”

“I’ll take it up with my advisors and get back to you.”

“Mr. President. If you let us pass, when we get back from our mission, I’d like to sit down in a pub somewhere and buy you a drink.”

“I’ll look forward to it. I have an emergency cabinet meeting coming up. We’ll discuss the matter and make contact with Admiral Delacroix.” Gallagher ended the transmission. Chambers logged off the video net and headed back to the officers’ pub.

***

Thirteen hours later, Chambers stepped onto the bridge. He took his seat in the captain’s chair. “Has there been any word from the admiral?”

“Nope. We’re still sitting here on our collective asses. I have a feeling that things are going to get ugly,” Bannister said.

“Captain. I have a voice transmission from Admiral Ivanov,” the communications officer said.

“Patch it through to my station.” Chambers flipped on the com-unit on his console. “Good morning Admiral.”

“Congratulations Mr. Chambers. Your little talk with this so-called President Gallagher was a success. They have agreed to let us pass. They insist on sending ships to flank our position while we approach the planet and will shadow us on our route to Saturn. They are a suspicious lot, these miners. Your orders are to take up your position in the fleet. We will approach Jupiter in fifteen minutes.”

“That is good news admiral. We’re sitting on go, here.”

“Good. I will write this up and put it in your fleet records.” Admiral Ivanov ended the transmission. Bannister let out a whoop and the officers on the bridge cheered. Chambers looked up at the viewscreen. The ships in the main battle fleet moved to open a hole in the blockade, while the deep space fleet formed up.

“Mr. Walker, plot a course for Saturn,” Chambers said to the helmsmen. “Increase speed by one-third.” The deep Space fleet shot through the gap, approached Jupiter, took one revolution around the planet, and headed to deep space

***