Free Retribution by Dave O'Connor

saluted and dared not move. Phil smiled and with a flick of his head indicated he could now sit down. Ivan was grateful for the excuse to get out of the limelight.
    “Mr Hanlon” said Phil and with his hand gestured for Chase to step forward, which he did. Unlike Ivan Chase was revelling in this moment. He was beaming and focussed on Kat sitting in the second row.
    “Mr Hanlon on the 5 th of February this year over Fulmar led the boarding of the Imperial Rogan Ship, the Drakush. The enemy had already contained the initial boarding attempt with great loss of life inflicted on the marines of the FFS Chicago. With captured enemy shuttles Mr Hanlon planned and led the second attempt. It was a long hard and deadly engagement. The enemy made an attempt to relieve the Drakush with fresh troops who arrived on a shuttle that seized the hangar. Mr Hanlon with no regard for his own safety led a charge into the hangar and routed the enemy and secured the enemy shuttle. For unselfish devotion to duty and courage of a high order I present you with the Fleet medal and I am also pleased to announce your promotion to 1 st Lt.”
    Phil pinned on the medal and handed Chase his new badges of rank. Chase saluted and revelled in the applause. Phil had to wave him off the stage.
    “Our third recipient, Sgt Williams cannot be with us tonight. He is still on Beta Phi recovering from his wounds suffered in an action which is itself worthy of distinction.”
    “Sgt Williams on the morning of the 26 May last year led Bravo team in the first assault wave on the Pulton 1 tunnels. He repeatedly led his team in assault after assault engaging the enemy at close quarters. When casualties forced the amalgamation of Alpha and Bravo teams he stepped up and led this force to the point of exhaustion. For unselfish devotion to duty and courage of a high order I present Sgt Williams with the Distinguished Service Medal.”
    “As I said Sgt Williams is recovering from his wounds. I am sure he would appreciate our prayers for his speedy recovery.”
    Phil paused for a moment. “I would like to also say that these three individuals singled out for the awards today are a poor attempt at the recognition that you all deserve. I am so proud to serve as your commanding officer.”
    As Phil walked off the stage, Dave could see that Phil was quite touched by the ceremony. The crew started filing out through the main entrance. Dave made his way over the side of the stage. By the time he got there the Admiral had recovered his composure. “So how did I do?” asked Phil.
    “Very nice Sir.”
    “Good. Can you hold onto these for Sgt Williams?”
    “Of course Sir.”

Chapter 17. Resolute at Tumos 1000, 3 June
    It had been a close run thing but somehow, through all the administrative and logistic chaos they had made it. Rihan surveyed her charges as they milled around the huge foyer just inside the facility entrance. It was already getting warm. The sun was blazing over the desert and baking the mountain rock. The smell of hot dry clay met anyone out on the apron. But the ground staff out there, waiting for the imminent touchdown of the heavy shuttle, probably didn’t notice.
    Val appeared at the far end of the foyer and gave Rihan the thumbs up. The last of the gear scans had been completed. ‘Not before time’ thought Rihan. Val looked drained as she approached Rihan. “Well done Val. Tracy has your gear over there.” Her partner, Cpl Tracy Gordon, gave Val a wave and Val smiled at her.
    “Oh thanks Maam. I don’t want to do that again. There’s got to be a better way.”
    “Well you have at least a week to think of it.”
    Val looked over to Tracy and then back to Rihan. “Nah! I’ve forgotten about it already.”
    Rihan laughed but her noise was drowned out by the thrusters of the heavy shuttle as it descended on the apron behind the Resolute. It created a sudden wind storm swirling dirt and dust about. The heavy shuttle was a big craft, almost as long