Empire to Earth

By Raymond Jennings

Training is over for Crineal. No longer a cadet, he is now a pilot officer in the Imperial Space Corp. His destination is the Strike Carrier Ragnarok, where the mythical General Sarclax awaits. It is here that Crineal can make his name, with a little luck and a lot of skill. Here is where he will make the rebels start paying for the death of his family.... Or maybe see his own death in the unforgiving void of space. The frozen depths will be the forge that makes or breaks him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raymond Jennings
• Release date: Aug 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370531523

Raymond Jennings

Raymond Jennings was born and raised in England. He studied Applied Physics at Lancashire Polytechnic and worked in the British civil service for twenty years before moving to Tucson, Arizona where he now lives with his wife and their two cats.His interests include science (with a special emphasis on space exploration), military history, war-gaming (most notably Advanced Squad Leader) and travelling.

Book preview

Empire

To Earth

The Crineal Chronicles

The Early Years: Volume 2

By Raymond L. Jennings

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright © 2017 Raymond L. Jennings

All Rights Reserved

Cover image courtesy of www.pixabay.com

Other books by

Raymond L Jennings

The Crineal Chronicles

In Hera’s Service

Imperial Citizen

Lady of Glenxanie

The Early Years

Ashes to Empire

Empire to Earth

The Shizzak War (Forthcoming)

Acknowledgements

I’d like to say a big thank you to a few people who have helped tremendously with getting this book prepared.

First and foremost, again, Kay Hawkins. Once again. she has been a rock and without her I know the book wouldn’t be anywhere near as good as it is. Thank you, Kay.

And, of course, my wife, Brenda, for her unstinting love and support. I’m sure these books would never have happened without you in my life.

The Imperial Federated Worlds

Core Planets and Governors

Branklee (Capital)

Lord Zor’Kalen (Imperial Chairman)

Arzonkle

Lord Del’Herat (Imperial Vice-Chairman)

Burayon

Lady Mar’Alaneo (Transport Councilor)

Caralaxas

Lady Fen’Illak (Education Councilor)

Defenitil

Lord Nek’Dorrash (Justice Councilor)

Escarlian

Lord Teh’Segara (First Lord of the Space Corps)

Haikaidai

Lord Pal’Toranaka (First Lord of the Treasury)

Nefenel

Lady Col’Impanna (Industry Councilor)

Vorcalnia

Lady Tor’Ryanthe (Information Councilor)

The Galactic Calendar

The galactic year is based upon the Branklee sidereal year and is 361 days long, split into 12 months of 30 days each with New Year’s Day being an add-on. All starship’s clocks are set to the time in Caradon City, Branklee and this is referred to as ‘ship’s time’ or Galactic Standard Time.

Imperial months are: Unonth, Duonth, Trionth, Quadonth, Pentonth, Hexonth, Septonth, Octonth, Nononth, Deconth, Hendaconth, and Duodeconth

Note about Flight Groups

The flight group of each carrier comprises 12 squadrons of Star Hunters, 3 squadrons of Star Bolts, 1 squadron of Star Rangers and a shuttle section. The Hunter squadrons are arranged into 4 wings of 3 squadrons each, and the 3 Bolt squadrons into 1 wing. The Hunter wings are Artakon, Betalt, Cremar and Drelfor wings, The Bolt wing is Engala wing. The 12 Hunter squadrons are Artakon, Betalt, Cremar, Drelfor, Engala, Frint, Granmar, Hamalt, Illen, Jatarn, Kalent, and Lumen squadrons. The 3 Bolt squadrons are Makent, Nattine and Oppal squadrons. The Ranger squadron is Quendal. Each squadron comprises 10 flights of 4 craft each. The flights are Artakon, Betalt, Cremar, Drelfor, Engala, Frint, Granmar, Hamalt, Illen, and Jatarn flights.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Preview of The Shizzak War

Note to the Reader

About the Author

Chapter One

Standing in front of the mirror, Crineal adjusted his blue beret for the third time. The rest of his uniform felt strange, too. After two years in cadet white, the black and silver uniform seemed odd, but good. It made him feel as if he was at last a proper member of Space Corps. The single gold pips of a pilot officer glinted on his collar tabs, the culmination of two years’ hard work. Crineal sighed; so far it had all been study and theory, but now he was on his way to his first posting, a front line combat ship, the Ragnarok. Would he be able to face up to the dangers and rigors of actual combat or would he fold and fail the final test? He’d thought about it a lot these last few days and he was certain he’d be able to handle it, but deep down Crineal knew that he’d only truly find out when the time came. There had been so many changes since he’d left Earth, would he be able to make this change as well and actually kill someone? Probably, Crineal told himself, it’s not like being a marine where I could see my opponent. In the cockpit of a Hunter all I’ll see will be the displays and little blips on the radar screen. Space combat ranges meant that you’d be afforded very few actual views of the enemy. Crineal sighed once more; he was a long way from home… years and parsecs. Apart from a few short weeks on Breconia, he hadn’t seen the sky in over two years. Ship life would be similar to station life he assumed. He’d get to know his fellow pilots, just as he had with his classmates, and they would become the center of his world. Crineal wondered how he would cope with losing them. People left the academy, but they would be returning home to relative safety. On active duty, the people at his side might not return from missions. There was a world of difference between knowing someone was going home as opposed to being dead. This was the life he had signed up for, though, and he needed to steel himself for it. He’d be no good to anyone if he sat crying every time someone died. Crineal expected the pilot community on the Ragnarok to be different, too. There would be less pilots there than there were in his class, and his class was only one of four at the academy. It would be odd being in such a small minority compared to the navy personnel or even the marine contingent. So many changes…. The door to the bunk room slid open, interrupting his thoughts, and Tonepear strolled in.

All ready to go, bud? his roommate inquired cheerfully.

Crineal sighed again. I guess, he replied, bending down to retrieve his carryalls, slinging the first over a shoulder and hefting the second one in his hand. Tonepear grabbed the third one and Crineal smiled gratefully at him for the assistance. Thanks, Tone.

With Tonepear leading the way, the pair left the bunk room that had been their home for the last two years and exited into the dorm block. The area, which was normally busy, seemed empty. The few newly-minted pilot officers still around, his classmates, gave Crineal friendly goodbye waves as he made his way out of the dorm. In the three days since they had graduated most had already left, heading for their own assigned duty posts throughout the empire. Shouxei, Shenna and Tannette had left the day before. The other floor leaders, Rollienze, and Yellanna had gone the day prior to that, but not before Crineal had taken them over to Branklee Orbital One and treated them to dinner in the finest restaurant he could find. It was a thank-you for their hard work and friendship during his time at the academy. The dinner became more of a party and the wine had flowed freely. By the time they staggered back to the academy for the night, they were all more than a little drunk, with Tonepear and Crineal supporting each other to their room and bunks. Crineal’s hangover the following day was spectacular and he remembered why he didn’t really drink much. Thankfully, they had no duties at the moment and had been able to recover in peace. Crineal was going to miss all of them, especially the man at his side, Tonepear. Now the dorm seemed desolate with so many people gone and no one sure when or if they would meet again. It would be full again in four days when the new juniors arrived. And so it goes, thought Crineal as they left the dorm block, heading towards the shuttle bays.

You’re quiet, commented Tonepear as they walked through the corridors.

Just thinking, Crineal answered, wondering what the Ragnarok’s going to be like.

Tonepear nodded, understanding how his friend felt. His own assignment was to an orbital station and he wasn’t likely to see much action, but even so, it would all be new to him as well. Ahead, a petty officer appeared in the corridor, walking towards them. The enlisted man saluted as they approached, with Crineal and Tonepear returning the gesture. Last week, as cadets, they would have had to salute him. It was another odd feeling. They may have been the lowest ranked officers possible, but that still put them in the top ten percent of Space Corps personnel and so the enlisted ranks would all have to salute them. It was just one more thing to get used to. Arriving at the shuttle bay, Crineal and Tonepear boarded the waiting craft that would take them to Branklee Orbital Three. Tonepear wasn’t due to leave until tomorrow and Crineal appreciated his friend keeping him company on this short journey. They settled in seats about halfway back and buckled themselves in.

At least you’ll have plenty of time to get used to being a fully-fledged officer, offered Tonepear as the shuttle took off. It’s what? A five-day trip to Defenitil, a two-day stop over, and then another four days to Lantrill?

Yep, nearly two weeks, agreed Crineal. I should be used to people saluting me by then I suppose.

Tonepear grinned. And then the Ragnarok and fame, fortune and glory!

Crineal winced at his friend’s jolly tone. I’ll be glad to survive and do my job.

You’ll be fine, bud, Tonepear assured him. And you’ll be flying with General Sarclax.

Sarclax was a legend amongst pilots. Already a colonel when the rebellion had started, he had quickly risen to general and taken the fight to the rebels. After two decades of combat, he had won nearly every gallantry award there was and rumor had it he’d turned down promotions to the general staff, preferring to stay on the front lines and fight. Crineal wasn’t sure he was going to be able to measure up to Sarclax’s standards, although he intended to give it his best shot.

I probably won’t even meet him, Crineal countered. There’s seven hundred pilots in a flight group and only forty of them in his squadron. I might not even get a combat slot. They could just assign me to shuttles to start with.

Have confidence, bud. You’ll be just fine, Tonepear reiterated as the shuttle docked.

Their walk across the orbital was accompanied by Tonepear’s cheerful chatter, as he attempted to buoy his friend’s spirits. On previous trips through the station they had stood out, either wearing civilian clothes or the white cadet uniform. Now the pair blended in with the rest of the personnel in their black and silver outfits. They reached the airlock that held the freighter that would take Crineal to Defenitil. Tonepear held out his hand.

You take care, bud. I don’t want to see your name on the casualty lists, Tonepear cautioned him.

Crineal ignored the hand and instead, stepped forward to give the taller man a hug. You take care, too, Tone. I’m going to miss you.

Tonepear returned the embrace. Hey, hey, no getting sentimental on me.

As the two parted, the airlock hatch slid open and a petty officer appeared. Pilot Officer Crineal? he asked, looking between the two of them uncertainly.

That’s me, replied Crineal, giving Tonepear one final pat on the arm.

The petty officer held out his data-pad for Crineal to register his passage and Crineal dutifully thumbed the screen. After handing Crineal his other carryall, Tonepear stood back and gave his friend a jaunty salute. See you soon, bud, he said with a smile.

I’ll message you from Defenitil, promised Crineal and, with a last nod, followed the petty officer through the airlock and into the ship.

The journey aboard the freighter was once again the same but different. The trip was tedious, but his status onboard had changed. As a civilian on his way to the academy, Crineal had been treated with polite deference by all of the crew. As a cadet, going to Breconia and back, he had been required to show deference to everyone else instead. Now as a fully commissioned officer, the enlisted crew were required to salute him and as the most junior officer, he was required to salute the command staff of the freighter. Even though he had graduated, it didn’t stop Crineal from studying. Now he was reading up on the Ragnarok and its history. At the start of the rebellion, Space Corps’ biggest ships had been exploration cruisers. They were the progenitor of the modern cruisers; less well armed and a little smaller as befit their peace time role. When faced with similar rebel ships, the battles became one of numbers and Space Corps general staff decided that they needed a heavier ship able to carry significant numbers of fighters for protection, attack and scouting. And so the strike carriers had been born. The Ragnarok was one of the first and General Sarclax had served aboard her since the day she was commissioned. Cruiser squadrons patrolled uninhabited systems within the empire, searching for rebel bases, but finding nothing, and so the strike carriers and their escorts were sent out to try and locate the rebels in deep space using their flight groups of small craft. It was like looking for a needle in a thousand haystacks. The gulf between stars was immense and the chance of locating any rebels in that vastness was unlikely to say the least. A few supply caches had been found, but no bases so far. Everyone agreed that they had to exist for command, repair and supply purposes, but so far, Space Corps had come up empty. And so the war dragged on with hit-and-run raids by the rebels, along with the occasional stand-up fights in which the empire usually claimed victory. It made for depressing reading. At least the rebels didn’t have the man-power to maintain their own strike carriers, thought Crineal. The prospect of a rebel strike carrier force attacking planets didn’t bear thinking about. Even the current stalemate wasn’t good as the people were tiring of the war and the constant threat of raids. Crineal sighed as he closed down the data-screen and headed to find lunch, hoping he could do some good once he was aboard the Ragnarok.

The freighter arrived at Defenitil Orbital Three on the fifth day as per schedule. Crineal had just completed his morning workout and was showering when the ship’s comm system announced the news. He stayed onboard for breakfast, before packing and disembarking to go and find his accommodation for the next two nights. Once he was settled in a room in the transients’ quarters, Crineal set off for a walk around the station. Defenitil was one of the nine core worlds that had founded the empire. The native population had an Asiatic look and Crineal thought that you could have dropped an inhabitant from the Russian steppes onto the planet and they would have blended right in. As an officer, he had a little more freedom to move around the station than he had as a cadet or civilian. Taking advantage of this, he made his way to the pilots’ area of the station in search of the flight group commander. The senior officer turned out to be a Colonel Levine and Crineal saluted the man.

Sir, Pilot Officer Crineal, reporting, he stated, dropping his salute as the colonel acknowledged it.

Good morning, Pilot Officer. What can I do for you? I don’t recall being told that I was getting anyone new, Levine said, looking him over curiously.

No, Sir, I’m just in transit, but I wished to pay my respects and request permission to use the flight simulators. I’d like to keep in practice, Crineal explained.

The colonel chuckled. Well, you’re a keen one. I appreciate the courtesy and you have my permission to use our facilities whilst you’re here. Was there anything else?

No, Sir, thank you, Sir, Crineal replied, giving another salute.

Then you’re dismissed, Pilot Officer, Levine said, turning back to his data-screen.

Crineal left the office and went straight to the simulator room. It had been five days since he’d last practiced and it left him feeling a little edgy, as if he was shirking his duties. After three hours, Crineal shut his simulator down and popped the hatch, climbing out and ready to go find some lunch. As he stretched, a small group of pilots entered the simulator room, chatting amongst themselves. A male lieutenant spotted Crineal and the man frowned as Crineal approached, saluting.

The lieutenant returned the salute, his forehead still wrinkled in thought. Pilot Officer Crineal? he inquired at last.

Yes, Sir, confirmed Crineal, wondering how the man knew him. That’s me.

The man grinned. Thought so… Lieutenant Gabani… I was in Leilana’s class, he added at Crineal’s blank look.

Oh, yes, Sir, pleased to see you again, said Crineal, still not able to place the man. That wasn’t unusual, though. With each cadet class numbering over a thousand, it was hard enough to keep track of people in your own class, never mind the other classes.

Gabani looked to the pin of Crineal’s chest. Finished as honor cadet I see. Have you been posted here?

Ah, no, Sir, I’m in transit to the Ragnarok. I was just keeping my hand in, Crineal explained with a look towards the simulators.

Letting out an amused snort, Gabani nodded. Just like all new pilots. Well, it’s good to see you again, Crineal. If you’re around tonight, why don’t you have dinner with us in the pilots’ mess? You can bring us up to date on academy news.

Yes, Sir, I’d be honored, agreed Crineal, saluting once more as Gabani joined the other pilots to begin their simulator session.

Crineal arrived in the mess hall at eighteen hundred hours and spotted Gabani as the man stood and waved him over.

Go get your food and join us, Gabani told him in a friendly tone as Crineal reached the table.

Following the instructions, Crineal went to the replicators, made his selection and then returned to sit with Gabani and the others.

Everyone, this is Pilot Officer Crineal, the latest honor cadet to graduate from the academy, Gabani said, addressing the other pilots at the table. Several people raised cups and glasses in salute as Crineal sat down. So, what’s the latest from the academy? Gabani asked. Any big changes?

No, not really, Sir, Crineal answered. Everyone’s working hard… of course… That drew some knowing laughter. There are a couple of new instructors, one for tactics and the other for logistics, but that’s about the only staff changes.

Yeah? Gabani looked surprised. What happened to Captain Gavellia and Merlet?

They resigned. Commandant Renshal said it was for personal reasons, Crineal stated succinctly, unwilling to elaborate on the situation.

Huh, they seemed like they’d be there for life, said Gabani thoughtfully. I wonder what happened.

That’s all the commandant told us, Sir, replied Crineal, doing his best to act dumb.

So, how well did you score in your finals? Gabani inquired with interest.

Pretty good, Sir. Enough to keep me at the top of the class, Crineal answered modestly.

Gabani laughed. Come on, Pilot Officer, don’t give me that. You were a pretty good pilot. What did you score on the flight exam?

Nine ninety-seven, Crineal admitted between mouthfuls.

Great blazes! said someone further down the table as Gabani laughed once more.

I told you he was good, Gabani said with a smile. Let me tell you a story about Crineal here. Crineal tried to hold in a wince; sure he knew what was coming. Crineal’s class were the juniors and my class the middle seniors. Because Crineal was in the honor cadet position, the ladies in my class were giving the junior ladies a hard time, saying that they weren’t really trying if a man could top the class. Gabani gave a shrug. You know how it is; people letting off steam and running their mouths. It happens. But the ladies in the middle seniors wouldn’t let it go and kept on ragging on the juniors. It didn’t help that our honor cadet, Leilana, joined in instead of putting a stop to it. Most of the guys in my class were keeping quiet; we didn’t mind seeing a man as honor cadet, Gabani admitted, getting some grins from the other pilots. Thinking back, Crineal couldn’t remember any of the men saying much to the juniors, but then his attention had been on those actually causing the problem. Gabani continued. So this went on for a couple of months and then just after New Year, Crineal here had had enough and he confronts Leilana in the mess hall and challenges her to a one-on-one dog-fight. He was real polite about it, but he made sure everyone knew that he thought Leilana couldn’t cash the cheques her mouth was writing.

Someone sniggered. I think I have a feeling I know how this is going to turn out, said a female 1st lieutenant.

Yeah, agreed Gabani. So Leilana is backed into a corner and accepts the challenge. The next couple of days see a lot of name calling and people taking bets on how long Crineal isn’t going to last against her. Back then we still weren’t really sure of how good he was. The juniors had only been in proper flight practice for a couple of months so we didn’t have much to go on apart from a few early simulator runs. Most people were betting on him lasting less than five minutes. Anyway, the morning of the challenge, Crineal’s roommate turns up in our dorm block… Gabani paused, thinking. Can’t remember his name…

Tonepear, Crineal supplied, intrigued as he’d not heard this part of the story before.

Gabani’s face cleared. Yeah, that’s right, Tonepear. So he comes swaggering into the block like he owns the place and heads over to the biggest group of cadets he can find. He asks them what the odds are of Crineal winning and one cadet, Chezzarie, just laughs and says ‘a million to one’. So Tonepear smiles and says I’ll take those odds, I’ve got hundred credits says that Crin will win. There was more laughter around the table at Tonepear’s audacity and Crineal couldn’t help but smile, too. Now Chezz is looking nervous ‘cos there’s always a slight chance that something will go badly wrong and Leilana will lose. So she tells Tonepear that they’re not taking that kind of bet as it’s ridiculous. Tonepear starts to goad her, asking if she’s not really that sure that Leilana can win. Now Chezz is all riled up and says she’ll take the bet at sensible odds. At first Tonepear offers a thousand to one and Chezz comes back with a hundred to one. Tonepear shrugs and says fine and Chezz suddenly realizes she’ll have to cough up ten thousand creds if she loses, so she quickly goes around her friends to get them to help cover it, you know... just in case. By now, everyone listening was grinning, including Crineal as he could just imagine Tonepear facing down the woman. When she comes back and says it’s covered, Tonepear tosses her a pair of fifty cred chips and says he’ll be back for them later along with his winnings. Man, that guy has some balls, said Gabani, admiringly.

That’s Tone, alright, agreed Crineal, smiling.

So that afternoon, Crineal and Leilana square off and we can’t believe it when he’s still in the fight after five minutes and giving as good as he gets. At ten minutes, both Hunters are battered to blazes. Then Crineal pulls a maneuver that we’d only started to practice and he shouldn’t even know and suddenly Leilana’s ship is tagged as dead. Gabani finished the story with almost an air of satisfaction.

I was lucky, Crineal admitted. When I came out of that spin, Leilana’s ship was off to one side. One of her damaged thrusters misfired and happened to put her in my sights. She could have gone anywhere. It was just bad luck.

Bullshit, said a lieutenant. You make your own luck.

That’s what Leilana said as well. She’s an excellent pilot. Crineal received some curious looks from the audience at his championing of his opponent.

Well, our class just had to shut up after that. After all, if Crineal could beat our honor cadet then perhaps the rest of the class weren’t that bad either, said Gabani.

We put up one of the highest aggregate scores as a class for the flight exam, Crineal added, wanting to make it clear that his classmates were that good.

Of course, Leilana just couldn’t quite let it go and for weeks afterwards she summoned Crineal to her room every Sevenday afternoon to lecture him on his attitude, Gabani put in before turning to Crineal. I always wondered why you didn’t file a complaint against her to Lt. Sangammi.

Crineal shrugged, pleased that the rumor mill hadn’t caught on to what had actually been happening. Leilana was acting within regulations and as long as my class was being left alone, I didn’t see a reason to make a fuss.

Gabani shrugged. Well, I think I would have said something, but you were a good sport about it. Now he looked up as someone else approached the table, meal tray in hand. Nel! Look who’s here.

Crineal turned his head to find himself staring at Nellane. He gave her a respectful nod. Ma’am, it’s good to see you and congratulations on making lieutenant.

Nellane returned the nod. Pilot Officer, congratulations on graduating as honor cadet, she said, taking the seat next to him.

I’ve just been telling everyone about Crineal’s tangle with Leila and the hard time she gave him afterwards, Gabani inform her gleefully as she began eating.

Oh? said Nellane with an inquiring look at Crineal.

I was saying that I didn’t mind her lectures and they did help me understand her, Crineal replied, keeping a straight face.

Nellane merely nodded after a moment and then carried on eating as she listened to the conversation around her.

After the meal, she accompanied Crineal as he left the mess hall. When they were alone in the corridor, Nellane turned to him. Did you really not tell them what you and Leila were up to on those Sevenday afternoons?

No, Ma’am, Crineal answered. That’s a private matter between Leila and me. And Nellane, and Tonepear, and Shouxei, he mentally added.

I appreciate that. I like Leilana and I like that you care for her, too. Nellane hesitated before continuing. Have you heard from her recently?

Yes, Ma’am. We exchanged messages last week. I told her about the graduation and my assignment and she was telling me about the Decimator and a cute lieutenant she’s found, responded Crineal.

Nellane looked relieved. Ahh, I’m glad she told you. I was worried that you didn’t know and thought that she might be waiting for you.

Crineal shook his head. No, Ma’am. Leila and I are friends, but I know there’s nothing more between us. I think she’s sweet, though.

Yeah, she is, once you get past her defenses, Nellane said with a smile. If you’re still going to be around tomorrow then you should come to the mess hall again for meals.

It’d be my pleasure, Ma’am. I enjoyed this evening.

In fact, Crineal had enjoyed himself. The other pilots had accepted him readily as one of them, despite his lack of combat experience. He supposed that they’d all gone through the academy and done the same things there had helped foster that sense of belonging. The following morning, he appeared again in the mess hall, this time for breakfast, and was welcomed by the other pilots.

When do you ship out? Nellane asked Crineal as they ate.

Tomorrow morning, Ma’am, a four-day trip to Lantrill, Crineal replied, picking up a piece of toast.

So, what are you going to do today? she inquired.

I thought I’d get some more simulator time in, Ma’am. The other nearby pilots chuckled at his attitude.

I remember being that enthusiastic, commented Gabani as he sipped his kafe.

One of the 1st lieutenants, Trackanne, spoke up. Mind going up against me, Mister Crineal? I could use a good opponent.

Nellane smiled at the senior pilot. I think you’ll get more than you bargained for, Ma’am.

We’ll see, replied Trackanne before turning her attention back to Crineal. Well?

I’d be honored, Ma’am. What time? Crineal asked, wondering if having a reputation as a hot pilot would always draw this kind of attention.

Let’s say ten hundred, Trackanne said, getting an accepting nod for Crineal.

I’ll be there, Ma’am.

It turned out that most of the pilots wanted to see how the fight went and it seemed that almost all of the off-duty people were there. Trackanne was a combat veteran as well as being a flight leader, and she put Crineal to the test. It was a close match, her experience balancing out Crineal’s natural skill. In the end he was just a shade too good for her and he caught Trackanne with a sharp turn and an instinctive laser shot that took out most of her engines and left her unable to maneuver. She signaled her surrender before he could come around again and finish her off.

Nellane and Gabani stood grinning as Crineal and Trackanne climbed from their simulators.

We told you he was good, Ma’am, said Nellane.

Saying ‘I told you so’ to your flight leader is asking for punishment duty, Lieutenant, growled Trackanne. Then she turned to Crineal. Congratulations, Pilot Officer. You’re an excellent flyer. I’m glad you’re on our side.

Crineal saluted. Thank you, Ma’am, but I can see I still have some tricks to learn. What was that move you made when you side-slipped?

Trackanne laughed, Nice to know you don’t know everything yet. Let’s go to the mess hall and get some kafe and I’ll tell you.

The pilots gathered around and followed Trackanne from the room, talking about the fight and giving Crineal some admiring looks. With his reputation established, Crineal found the evening meal even more convivial. It turned out that Trackanne was an ace and had chalked up ten kills in a spell aboard the Harrower. She was considered one of the best pilots on the station and so Crineal’s feat in besting her was considered remarkable. Trackanne showed no animosity about the event and actually seemed to show Crineal more respect than she did to her fellow pilots in the squadron. Crineal found the situation heartening and was looking forward to arriving on the Ragnarok.

Chapter Two

Before boarding the freighter for Lantrill, Crineal spent an hour checking out the commissary for any items he was missing, picking up a few replacement toiletries and some new bed wear. He was glad that the journey was only four days long; transport life was tedious to say the least, especially as a passenger. The arrival at Lantrill was another early morning affair, this time well before breakfast. With the first shuttle not departing for the Ragnarok until oh six hundred hours, Crineal decided to stay onboard the freighter for an early breakfast before making his way across the orbital to the docking port assigned to the Ragnarok’s shuttles. He watched as members of the crew of the carrier left the shuttle, some heading out on leave, as evidenced by their carryalls. Crineal waited until the last of them had left and then he boarded the shuttle, having his choice of seats, being the first one onboard. Twenty minutes later, the shuttle departed, only half full, and Crineal was on the last leg of his journey.

Stepping from the craft into one of the Ragnarok’s shuttle bays, Crineal took a moment to look around. It didn’t seem any different from the bays at the academy. The only real change was in the patches that the crew wore, signifying their ship affiliation as the Ragnarok as opposed to the academy. With a last look around, Crineal hefted his bags and left the bay, seeking out the carrier’s personnel office. Even at this hour, it was a busy place, with new crew members reporting in and others dealing with problems. Crineal took a seat in the officers’ section and waited. He was joined by a navy commander after a few minutes, the man’s sleeves also bare of patches denoting ship. When the duty officer called out for the next person, Crineal nodded deferentially to the commander.

After you, Sir, he said, willing to cede his place in line to a senior officer.

The commander chuckled. Appreciate it, Pilot Officer, but you go ahead. I’ve done this enough times before that I’m in no hurry.

Crineal nodded respectfully and walked over to the counter leaving his bags in a corner. Pilot Officer Crineal reporting for duty as ordered, Sir, he announced to the lieutenant behind the desk, saluting and then offering the chip containing his orders.

Take a seat, the lieutenant instructed, accepting the chip and inserting it into his console. He studied the data on his screen for a moment. This is your first assignment? It was half question, half statement.

Yes, Sir, replied Crineal, sitting stiffly at attention.

Very well. You’re required to read the safety regulations for the ship and familiarize yourself with the locations of the emergency shelter areas. You must complete this by the end of the day. Secondly, you’re required to review the local regulations in force. You have until tomorrow evening to do that. Once done, you are to sign off on both sets of regulations confirming that you have read and understand them. Is that clear? The lieutenant had looked Crineal squarely in the eye throughout the lecture.

Yes, Sir, quite clear. I’m to read the safety regulations today and the local regulations by the end of tomorrow, confirming that I have done so in both cases, Crineal repeated back dutifully, already aware of the requirements.

Sign here, the lieutenant said, offering Crineal his data-pad. Crineal did as ordered, applying his thumb to the appropriate box on the screen. The lieutenant nodded, apparently satisfied, and returned his attention to his data-screen, tapping away at the keyboard. "You’ve been assigned cabin seventeen twenty-six and I’ve notified