Inclusion, page 11
In the meantime, I'm going into my office to collect my thoughts for the meeting. Then probably take a nap. Would you wake me two hours before the guests arrive?”
"Very good, Sir. Have a nice nap."
Rick headed into his office as Benson and Nancy started talking about dinner. With the door closed, Rick let his mind go silent. At this moment, he felt numb with everything he knew and knew he had to do. Rick felt like it was the calm before the storm. Rick was curious if he would bend in the wind or break. What he did know for sure was that he felt like everything was on his shoulders. And all he wanted to do was shrug.
Chapter 18 Tina
THE HIGH POINT OF THE evening was meeting Tina. She was Tim’s girlfriend. Rick got the impression that Tim was bringing her home to meet dad, so to speak.
While Nancy knew the whole story, Tina did not. Rick could see that she was a little intimidated by the company.
While she was not Rick’s type, Tina was a beautiful woman. With brown hair and eyes, she was a full-figured woman with all the curves in all the right places. By the look on Tim’s face, he adored her. Once she got over the shock of having dinner at a Director's house with the CEO, Rick could see that she cared for Tim deeply.
As they sat down to dinner, Rick could see that Tina was flustered at the sight of all the silverware on the table. Rick knew exactly how she felt. Benson had to teach Rick what to use and when for his first dinner with Nancy in his new home.
"Excuse me," said Rick as he got up from the table. He headed back to the kitchen and caught Benson as he was coming out to serve the wine. Rick pulled him off to one side and said, "Benson, I need you to do me a favor, please."
“Anything Sir.”
"I don't think Tina has been to a dinner like this. I was hoping you could tell her how to use the silverware. Please can you do it discreetly? I don't want to embarrass her."
"Very good, Sir. Discreetly Sir."
“Thank you, Benson.” Rick went back to the table and sat down.
Benson came in a moment later and started to serve the wine. As he poured a glass for Tina, he leaned in close and whispered into her ear so that no one else could hear. As Benson spoke, Tina smiled slightly, becoming a much bigger one.
Rick was now sure that Tina knew what to do with the silverware. At once, she seemed more comfortable with the situation. He wondered where Tim had met Tina, but it didn't matter; she was now part of the group.
As the evening progressed, Hobbs made Tina the center of attention. At first, she was reluctant to talk about herself, but once she learned more about Rick's past, Tina opened up. It seems like her past was not too different from Rick and Tim’s. Maybe that was why Tim had feelings for her.
After the meal, they talked, and Rick saw that they were forming their social group. What would the Directors say when they discovered they were being left out?
There was a small break in the conversation, and Rick took the opportunity to end the social part of the evening. "Nancy, why don't you take Tina around and show her the house while I talk with the men."
"Come on, Tina. The boys want to talk business. It's going to be dull."
Tina giggled as she got up, and she and Nancy started talking as they left the room.
"Gentlemen, if you would accompany me to my office."
They all stood, and Hobbs said, "Benson, that was a wonderful meal. My compliments to the chef."
“I will pass that along.”
“Thank you, Benson,” said Rick. “You did a wonderful job.”
“You are welcome, Sir. Would you like me to serve brandy to you in your office?"
Before Rick could say anything, Hobbs said, "Yes, please." And Rick just nodded.
"Very good, Sir."
They went into Rick's office. Hobbs and Tim sat on the couch, and Rick took his favorite chair. "Before we get started, How are things going with McTech?”
Benson came in and served the brandy.
“They are down to minor things. I’m trying to get them to sign before we have to recall the Titan.”
Mentioning the Titan made Rick think about Jennings. He hoped that he was all right. But he needed to tell Hobbs about the treaty. “I’m glad to hear that.”
After Benson left the room, Hobbs said, “So, stop beating around the bush and tell me about the treaty with the aliens?”
“Okay. Here are the bullet points. They are sending a large portion of the fleet here. They will arrive in sixty-nine days. This is what we are going to do for them. We are going to give their families sanctuary at the FireBase."
"That's a heavy-gravity planet. Won't that cause issues?" said Tim.
“As I understand, the gravity on the Croth homeworld is 1.5 that of our standard. So it will cause a few problems, but not nearly as much as it did with our people. Thang says that his people will get used to it quickly."
Rick paused to see if there were any other questions. “They have requested us to let them hide ships on thirty worlds along with enough Methane-Hydrate to hide their talents."
"I see two problems with that," said Hobbs. "One, we don't have thirty worlds for them to hide on. And two; won't that deplete the Methane-Hydrate reserves we have?"
Rick nodded his head to acknowledge the question. “While I went out on a limb for this one, I thought that we have twenty-three corporations with which we have a defense pact. Corporations that don't have the resources to build ships. I thought that at least some of them would welcome a fleet of ships that would protect them when the time came."
“Okay, I can see that,” said Hobbs. “What about the Methane-Hydrate?”
“I was going to get to that, but we are getting off the subject. However, we have discovered that the Methane-Hydrate is a self-renewing resource. We have also discovered that the Methane-Hydrate has microbes in it. It is the microbes that are causing the mental noise. We are going to have Dr. Weller study these microbes. That is why Nancy is here to get the equipment he needs.”
“Interesting. But why do you say it is self-renewing?”
"Because we took a lot out for study, the levels are now back where we began," said Rick.
“Do we know why?” said Hobbs.
“At this time, we don't. That's something we are hoping that Dr. Weller can answer."
"Good; what else?"
“They want us to join their council. Three major races oppose the Caltaire.”
“The Who?”
"The Caltaire is the race that the Alliance has been fighting. The Croth have seen how we fight, and they want us to join them."
“Would that be to our benefit?” Hobbs was looking doubtful about the whole situation.
"I think it would because this is what they will do for us. First, the Croth will give us two battleships, like the one Captain Jennings destroyed."
“That is generous, but what we need is the technology.”
Rick nodded his head. “They will give us the tech and the experts to help modify our ships. Including how to build ships with a quantum singularity as a power source for the big guns.”
“Wow,” said Hobbs, “They are willing to give up all advantage over us.” He seemed shocked.
“I don’t think they look at it that way. The Alliance is fighting for their lives, and they need help.”
“Are these Caltaire that much of a menace?”
"It's not just the Caltaire," said Rick. "That brings up another point. The Croth will turn over all their information on the galactic seen. There are many hostile races out there."
“Do we want to get involved in all of this?” asked Hobbs with a worried look.
"I asked Mary that very question. She said that we would get involved whether we wanted to or not. I believe her."
Hobbs sighed heavily with a look of despair.
“The good news is that the Croth will turn over all the battle tactics and weakness of the Croth Ships. They have limited information on the Caltaire. They only know for sure that they are living ships and almost certain death to fight one."
“What about the time distortion around the Croth ship?”
"I asked Thang about that, and he said it was a prototype ship. It is not something we need to worry about any time soon."
Hobbs said with an air of resignation, "All right, what do you need me to do?”
“See if some of our allies can give up space on their planets. So they can be protected when the time comes.”
“Yeah,” said Hobbs.
"Sir, we knew this was coming. Now we know the face of it, and we have a timetable. In sixty-nine days, the Alliance will arrive. Nine months after that, we need to be ready for the fleet."
There was a momentary pause as Hobbs had a blank look. Rick couldn't read what he was thinking. "Well, we better get started. Get back to Braxis and get everything ready on your end. As soon as I finish with McTech, I'll get things ready here. Tim will start making preliminary calls to get things set up."
“Yes, Sir,” said Tim.
“It looks like we just stepped into a galactic conflict. I better go home and get some sleep. I have a feeling that I won't get much in the future. Good work, Rick."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Well," said Hobbs, then he drained his glass. "I think it's time I took my leave. By the way, Tim, Tina is cute. You should marry her."
“Let me walk you out,” said Rick as he took Hobbs to the door.
“Rick, I’m proud of the way you handled this.”
“Forgive me for saying so, but you didn’t seem proud.”
"I know. With everything going on, this immensity just hit me." Benson helped Hobbs with his coat. "Keep me posted."
"Yes, Sir." And with that, Hobbs left. Rick turned and found Tim standing in the doorway to his office. "Let me ask you something." Rick motioned to go back into the office.
“What’s that?”
“How much does Tina know about our story?”
"Nothing yet. I was planning on telling her on our honeymoon."
“That’s what I thought. You brought her here to meet dad.”
They both laughed. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I did."
“As your big brother, I’m glad to hear it. You deserve a little happiness in your life.”
Tim smiled. “I think it’s time we get going.”
"Benson." Rick was going to yell out, but he knew Benson was in earshot so that he could be of service.
“Yes, Sir,” said Benson as he stuck his head in the door.
“It’s time to call it a night. Where are the girls?”
“I believe they are returning from the bedrooms, Sir.”
Rick and Tim left the office as Tina and Nancy were coming into view on the second floor. They saw the men coming out of the office and came to join them.
“You have a lovely home,” said Tina.
“Thank you, but I must give credit where it’s dew. Benson made this a lovely home.”
“I think it’s time to call it a night,” said Tim.
It seemed like Tina understood that Benson was responsible for everything this evening. She turned to him and said, "I had a wonderful time tonight. Thank you, Benson."
He beamed with pleasure. "You are welcome, mam." Tim and Tina left, and Benson said, "I like her,” with the door closed. He turned to Rick and looked as if he had said something he shouldn't have.
Rick smiled and said, "That's all right. I like her too."
"Me three," said Nancy, and they all laughed.
Chapter 19 Rossom
"HOW MUCH LONGER UNTIL we jump into Braxis airspace?" said Rick. He had the feeling that he was going home. He thought it was strange that he felt more comfortable in the quarters on the Farris than in the mansion. Rick thought about the first night he spent in his new home. He had missed his little apartment.
"We will make the last jump in a few minutes, Sir."
“Thank you, Goliath.” Rick went to the back and sat next to Nancy. “Did you get everything you need?”
“I think so. At least everything I could think of.”
Rick thought it was interesting that Nancy knew that he was talking about the study of the microbes. However, she seemed to know exactly what he was thinking all the time. "How soon will it be delivered?"
"Tim said he would have it shipped as soon as the manufacturer completed it. With Tim being the assistant to the CEO, I'm guessing that it will be two to three days at most."
“Good,” said Rick as they made the final jump.
“There she is,” said Goliath.
Both Rick and Nancy went forward to look out the front viewport. “It will be good to get home,” said Nancy. Rick turned and looked at her in amazement. "Don't give me that look. Okay, the house is big and beautiful, emphasis on big. I've been used to sleeping on a cot in the staff lounge for most of my life."
Rick smiled and said, "Yes, my dear, but being the wife of a Director, you have an image to think about."
"I know, and I will keep up the appearance, but I liked your cozy little apartment.”
“Wow, a woman after my own heart.”
There was a flash of light that caught Rick’s attention. He turned to look; it was a jump window forming, and then another and another. Many jump windows filled the sky. As they were entering the flight deck, a Rossom battleship was coming out of one of the windows.
Goliath touched down, and Rick was out of the hatch at once. A young officer was waiting on him. "Director, I've been requested to bring you to the Admiral’s office.”
"Let's go," said Rick. While the officer was not in a hurry, he didn't delay. Rick calmed down enough to realize that this might be the McTech fleet of Rossom ships. But what were they doing here?
Rick opened the hatch to Ted's office and was shocked to see captain Jennings already in the room. "Okay, so what's going on?"
Ted looked at Jennings and said, “Tell him what you just told me.”
“I’ve been watching the Rossom Fleet for some weeks now. I believe that they are almost ready to jump to Braxis.”
“What makes you say that?” Rick was stunned at the news.
“Well,” said Jennings, “The reason they attacked McTech was so they could take over the Mammoth ships. They have eighteen with the fleet.”
Rick was confused. He didn’t understand what that had to do with anything. “Why is that important?”
“Because six of those ships could build a destroyer in a day. The Rossom attack group has thirty destroyers at all times. This is how they operate. They jump in and shoot up any ships in orbit. Bomb the surface and then rape the planet for resources to rebuild the fleet.”
“Oh, no!”
"Oh, no, is right. The Ares has destroyed seventeen ships in the last three weeks. We severely damaged one of the carries, and they had it repaired in a week."
“Can we take out the Mammoth ships?” said Rick.
"I couldn't do it by myself. They have the work area swarming with destroyers. You would have to take out two or three to get to the Mammoth ships. By then, the rest of the destroyers are alerted to the threat. That is their main battle tactic. They focus on a single target at a time. If they lose a ship in the process, it's no big deal; they rebuild another one after the battle is done.”
“Okay, that’s the back story,” said Rick, “What is going on now?”
"They have just patched up their ships and now have everything ready. They are one jump from Braxis. If they continue the way they have been, I figure we have about three hours."
There was beeping on Ted's desk. He reached over and hit the button, "Hornsby."
“Admiral, we have an incoming transmission from Captain Timove.”
“Send it through to me here.”
“Yeah,” said Rick. “I saw the Rossom ships jump in as we were landing. I thought they were at Anteagen.”
“They were,” said Ted. “I notified Hobbs the second I found out about the attack. He must have sent them right after you left.”
The screen came on. “Captain Timove, it’s good to see you,” said Ted.
“Likewise. Forgive me if I seem rude, but I am given to understand the clock is running out.”
“Yes, it is,” said Ted. “What are your orders?”
“We are to blend into the Rossom fleet. The Mammoth ships are our primary goal. They are to be commandeered or destroyed.”
“That sounds like a good plan. Once they are gone, Rossom will not be able to replenish their fleet."
“Exactly so. While we will not fire upon the Rossom fleet, we will send transponder signals. We ask that you don’t fire on us.”
“Understood, and thank you, Captain."
“You’re welcome,” said Timove. “McTech fleet out.”
“Okay,” said Rick. “Who’s coming out to help us?”
“This is what I know. Hobbs will be sending as many ships as he can. How many that will be, I don’t know until they arrive,” said Ted. “I know the Titan is on its way, but I don’t think they will arrive until after the battle.”
“How far along are they with the decoy site?”
“That’s the good news. They just finished filling the reservoir this morning. Langston caved in the tunnel they were using to siphon the Methane-Hydrate, so if it gets hit, it won't get back to the base."
“Good. That’s good.”
“Rick, can I make a suggestion?” said Ted.
The fact that Ted used his name instead of his title snapped Rick out of his thoughts. "Sure."
“Go spend some time with Nancy. The Captain and I have strategic battle plans to make. We need to determine how we will protect each other.”
“I thought we had other ships coming in to help us?”
“They won’t get here in time,” said Jennings.
Ted added, “We have three corvette gunships, one frigate, the Ares, and the Farris," said Ted.
“We need to figure out how to use those ships to good effect,” said Jennings.
“So go be with Nancy and let us do our jobs.”
Rick realized that Ted was saying that they might not come out of this battle alive. “All right, as long as I’m on the command deck when the battle happens.”
