Free Badger by Kindal Debenham Page A

last handshake. The reactions, however, differed widely. Espinoza was similarly cool and professional, but her eyes reflected a warm sense of approval as the High Admiral passed to the next officer. Upshaw seemed very much off balance, as if the High Admiral’s grey eyed stare had stolen the force from his stiff, officious personality.
    Kenning was the most interesting of all. The young commander’s face went from hopeful and excited to dismayed and downcast in less time than Jacob would have believed possible. He had obviously hoped to engage the High Admiral in the same kind of banter that had occupied Captain Upshaw so efficiently aboard the shuttle. When Nivrosky turned to address Jacob, a flash of something darker and angrier crossed Kenning’s face, but it was gone too quickly for Jacob to be sure. By the time he turned back to talk with Captain Upshaw again, Kenning was once again, by all appearances, just a friendly officer, ready to chat.
    Then Admiral Nivrosky spoke, and Jacob stiffened as those grey eyes swept over him. He brought his hand up in a formal salute. “High Admiral, sir.”
    Nivrosky nodded distantly and returned the salute. “Captain Jacob Hull. Welcome to the Badger . I am glad you could make it.”
    Jacob waited until the High Admiral lowered his hand before he settled into his own relaxed posture. “I came as quickly as I could, sir. I hope we were not too much behind schedule, sir.”
    The high Admiral’s face did not change, expressing neither approval nor condemnation. “You arrived in a timely fashion, Captain Hull. I heard there was some excitement onboard your ship in transit.”
    It was all Jacob could do to keep from glaring at Captain Upshaw. “Yes, sir. We are still investigating the incident, but we have not developed any leads so far. My executive officer has instructions to continue those investigations in my absence.”
    “Good. I am sure that Commander Flint will do an excellent job in your absence. I will expect you to remain aboard Badger for your assignment.” The High Admiral glanced at Leon. “I trust my son will show you to where you need to go. You are dismissed, Captain Hull.”
    With little more than a nod, the High Admiral turned back to Leon. There was a brief, quiet conversation, and then Admiral Nivrosky continued with his entourage toward the nearest exit. Jacob glanced around, but the other officers had already left as well, heading out of another exit. The only people left in the hanger were Leon, a nervous looking ensign, and him.
    He raised an eyebrow at Leon and then turned to the ensign. “Did you draw the short straw, Ensign Burns, or did you just get your lieutenant mad at you?”
    She seemed to relax at the question. “Neither, sir. I requested the opportunity.”
    The accent of her words seemed familiar, and it only took a few moments to place it. “You’re from Reefhome?”
    “Not quite, but close.” She smiled. “My uncle and cousins were living there though. It was good to discover they are all still alive.” The ensign stepped toward one of the exits. “If you will follow me, sirs? Your temporary quarters are this way.”
    Jacob glanced at Leon. “So we’re all going to be staying onboard? I guess this operation, whatever it is, must be pretty serious.”
    “It is, Captain Hull. Very serious.” Leon’s face was grim. “We need to have a talk.”
    From the tone of Leon’s voice, it wasn’t going to be a talk that Jacob would enjoy. He sighed, drawing a curious glance from the ensign. “You know, everything seemed so much more simple when I was your rank.”
    The ensign gave him a tolerant grin. “I’m sure it did, sir.” She continued to lead Jacob through the corridors of the ship, and Jacob resigned himself to whatever unpleasantness he had in store.
    Perhaps it wouldn’t be as bad as he had thought, anyway.
     

Chapter Five
    His hopes only lasted until he had reached the door to his new quarters. Ensign Burns provided