Free Sertian Princess by Peter Kenson Page B

order to work at the desk, it was necessary to perch on the edge of the bunk.  The sickbay itself contained two bunks, an operating table and a lockable walk-in cupboard for storing drugs and equipment.
    Anton, when he got there, found that the sickbay was very well stocked for its size.  This, while being a welcome indication of his Captain's attention to such details, did cause him some problems with the additional supplies he had brought with him and the already cramped accommodation rapidly became cluttered with half unpacked boxes.  He was on the point of deciding that the sickbay, as it currently stood, was more of a health hazard than a place of healing and that, reluctantly, he must leave some of his supplies behind, when he heard the 10 minute launch warning followed by a tannoyed announcement.
    "Surgeon to the bridge.  Surgeon to the bridge."
    Anton sighed.  At least it solved the problem of what to leave behind: it would all have to come and he would have to find room for it somewhere.  In the meanwhile he would have to leave the boxes half unpacked.  He left the sickbay and headed towards the nearest stairwell.  Coming from a relatively large ship like the Pushkin, he found the narrow passageways and stairwells of the corvette quite confusing and it took him a couple of false turns and the helpful directions of a passing crewman to find his way to the bridge.
    Mikael spotted him as soon as he entered.
    "Ah, there you are, Tony.  I thought you'd got lost.  I was about to organise a search party."
    Anton considered confessing that he had indeed got lost but thought better of it as Mikael burbled happily on.
    "Come and let me introduce you to my Exec.   Frank, this is Surgeon Commander Anton Barasny.   Lieutenant Frank Bennetton."
    "Pleased to meet you," Anton said.
    "Welcome aboard, sir.  I hope your quarters aren't too cramped for you."
    "Well, they're a bit smaller than the Pushkin's but I'm sure I can fit myself in.  I am having a bit of trouble stowing some of the extra supplies I brought with me, though."
    "I'll have a word with the Chief for you.  I'm sure we can find an odd corner somewhere for a few supplies."
    "Thank you.  I would be grateful."
    While they had been talking, Mikael had returned to the Captain's console.  Now he began issuing orders. 
    "Close outer airlock doors."
    "Outer airlock doors closed and sealed, sir."
    "Start auxiliary drive."
    "Auxiliary drive started, sir."
    "Close all bulkhead doors and check the ship for Space."
    There was a pause on the bridge as each compartment in turn, checked in.  Mikael watched the seconds ticking away on the bridge clock.  The departure of a ship from the Star Base would be watched by many eyes, not the least of which would belong to Space Admiral Wei himself.  He could still remember the story that circulated while he was a cadet, about the captain of a frigate who attempted to leave the Star Base in a particularly brisk fashion but who, unfortunately, forgot to release the docking arm before doing so.  According to the story, the officer concerned was now commanding a desk in one of the remoter outposts of the Empire.
    Mikael was determined that his ship would leave in a proper fashion and, furthermore, precisely on time.
    "Prepare to disengage docking arm.... Now.  Auxiliary drive slow astern....  Stop auxiliary drive....  Come ahead slow.  Steer red 30.  10 degrees of climb."
    As the Cleopatra slowly nosed away from the Star Base, a pattern of lasers erupted into the space around them.
    "Prepare to return salute," Mikael ordered.
    The pattern of the laser salute varied considerably, depending on the rank of the officer being saluted.  In this case, the Cleopatra would have to provide the complex pattern due to a Rear Admiral.
    "Commence laser salute."
    As the laser pattern from Runnymede died away, the Cleopatra began her intricate reply.  When it had finished, Mikael spoke again.
    "Start main drive....  Ahead one