Dreadnaught

“That’s true.” He thumped a control. “Madam Emissary Rione, someone aboard Dauntless placed a worm in her systems. I will give you the opportunity to speak with Commander Benan about that before he is formally interviewed. If he was aware of or involved in the matter, an admission and cooperation at this point will be taken into account. While speaking with Commander Benan, you might also ensure that he is fully aware of recent history with worms in this fleet, both alien in origin and those created by internal enemies.”

Rione gazed back at him, her expression as stiff as if molded of metal. “Thank you. I’ll speak with him.”

Desjani waited until Geary was done. “As commanding officer of Dauntless, I have an obligation to launch an investigation.”

“Do so, Captain Desjani. Please take into account the status of those being questioned. We don’t want to give anyone grounds for claiming they’re being dishonored or disrespected.”

“Yes, sir.”

He gave her a sharp look. “I mean it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Before the day was out, Rione had asked for a private meeting with Geary, bringing along Commander Benan, who stood rigidly at attention as his wife spoke. “He says he placed the worm into Dauntless’s systems, Admiral.”

“It was an exercise of our rights to be heard,” Commander Benan said. “I was assured the worm would cause no damage to any ship or system.”

“Nonetheless, Commander,” Geary said, “placing unauthorized software into official systems is contrary to regulations, especially if such software is designed to override normal control functions. Are you aware of what happened to the heavy cruiser Lorica?”

Benan, already rigid, somehow stiffened even more. “I would never—Nothing would excuse such an action.”

“An action that was justified by those who committed it on the grounds that they didn’t believe I should be in command,” Geary said.

“So I have been informed. I repeat, I would never commit such an act.”

“I believe you, Commander. Would you inform me or someone else in authority if you are again approached to assist in actions contrary to regulations?”

Benan didn’t answer at first, looking over at Rione, who looked steadily back at him. “Yes. My wife’s honor has suffered enough.”

That could have been a barb aimed at Geary, but he let it pass. “You are a man of honor, so your word will not be questioned. Emissary Rione has asked that you remain on this ship with her, and in light of her long and distinguished service to the Alliance, I have no trouble granting that request. You’ve both been separated for too long as it is.” He looked at Rione, wondering what impact his words about her service to the Alliance had on her in light of the secrets she seemed to be keeping.

He had long since recalled the advice given him after other prisoners were liberated during earlier voyages, to give them something meaningful to do, and had regretted not being able to find tasks for so many high-ranking individuals. But perhaps it was time to offer something, anything. “Commander Benan, I regret that there are no positions on Dauntless appropriate to your rank and experience. However, the engineering department is in need of officers to inspect and test newly installed and upgraded equipment. If you are willing to undertake that assignment, Captain Desjani will assign you to that task.” It hadn’t been too easy to get Tanya to agree to that, but he had managed to convince her that useful employment and a sign of trust would both be a good idea.

Benan finally looked directly at Geary. “You’re offering to let me work directly on ship’s systems?”

“I either accept your word that you will not violate regulations again, or I don’t, Commander. And I have accepted it.”

A long pause, then Benan nodded. “I would be happy to contribute in any way I can to the readiness of an Alliance warship.”

“I’ll notify Captain Desjani. Thank you, Commander. Thank you, Madam Emissary.”

They left without saying anything more though Rione gave him a glance whose meaning was unclear.

IT took a total of six days to reach the jump point for Hina. Six days of futile searching for any sign of human or alien constructs. If wreckage from Syndic ships floated among the asteroids and smaller rocks of the star system, it was so old and slight that it had dispersed beyond long-range identification.

“If they wanted planets that were also suitable for human habitation, they’ll be at Hina,” Geary advised his fleet. “If there are still humans held captive by the aliens, they might well be at Hina, too. Be ready for action upon exiting jump.”

STARS once more filled a living universe as the fleet arrived at Hina.

“Yes!” Desjani cried as the displays updated.