Free Galactic Freighter: Scourge of the Deep Space Pirates (Contact) by Kenneth E. Ingle

Captain. We have some very talented people. There is a difference and I can appreciate it. We all trained from the same books, same history, therefore same strategy, and tactics. Unfortunately, that makes us what I call regimented, predictable. We have a problem thinking outside the box, something that doesn't plague you. I do respect your ability to do just that. I wish more of our officers had the balls to do it. Unfortunately, the system penalizes anyone who dares. I wish I knew how to change it. I've even discussed it with the Emperor. You need to know some of my officers have voiced objections to your presence and strongly against your involvement. That includes my Vice-Admiral. He commands the fleets that will provide your cover."
    Buck had no response to offer and in fact, appreciated that the man had opened up to him. Military men seldom admitted to any weakness. From the few he knew, it wasn't in their nature.
    He followed the Admiral to a conference room where at least thirty men and women waited. Facetiously, Buck thought there was enough gold braid present to buy his own fleet.
    "I have ordered Sixth Fleet to Brandenburg." Hizerman sat at the head of the overly large conference table. "It will space with plenty of fanfare and make lots of noise as it takes up station. Vice-Admiral Grover Dennis will command Twelfth Fleet and join them to provide the cover the Emperor suggested just in case your attack goes wrong." Hizerman added as if confident Buck's effort would fail. "And of course, it’ll handle Barnard's Star if they show up," he said with less of a smile. "Twelfth fleet will tour that end of the empire. We've notified Katakan the fleet would tour the area and received the anticipated response— stay out of our space ."
    Hizerman's objection to Buck's raid didn't show in his delivery. In fact, the man seemed resolute. He was not accustomed to losing and made it known at every opportunity. That included this gathering.
    Buck figured this speech was directed at a certain Vice-Admiral. He tried to stay alert during the conversations, but logistics and fleet realignment held little interest for him. He couldn't afford to come off as casual or inattentive since the raid on Katakan was his idea. Anything less than complete involvement would have not gone over well at all.
    If Admiral Dennis's dislike for a civilian's involvement was all that strong, it never showed. He assigned responsibilities to various officers with instructions to keep Buck in the information loop. He had to admit there seemed little or no resentment about an outsider, and not Navy at that, having the lead role in putting an end to the pirate's refuge. Most likely, the Navy didn't want the Federation, or any other bunch, pointing their fingers at them for starting a war. And a sneak attack at that, Buck mused.
    "We know nothing of the armament surrounding Katakan," said one officer.
    The entire officer corps present, as if choreographed, turned and looked at Buck.
    "A few months ago, I retained a missionary ship." Buck never hesitated. "Its purpose was to go to Katakan, determine the planet's defenses and report back." He looked at Admiral Hizerman, "Sir, it's in the folder I earlier gave you."
    That brought a nod from the Admiral. "I'll see that each of you have a copy," Hizerman’s broad grin made it clear he was quite satisfied with Buck's thoroughness.
    "Captain Fryman, you are authorized to requisition what you may require." The Admiral added, "I think this meeting has gone on long enough. What's the old saying, ‘the brain can absorb what the butt is willing to endure’?"
    Following a few last minute instructions, the meeting adjourned.
    One officer approached Buck. "Captain Fryman, I'm Captain Naiche Tenkiller. I'll command the squadron that comes to your rescue—if necessary." There was a touch of a smile as the man, a head and a half shorter, extended his hand and Buck shook it. "I'll detach from Twelfth Fleet if you need me and