Free Impulse by Dave Bara Page B

looked away again. I could tell from the way he spoke that he took
Impulse
’s failure personally.
    â€œI should also like to meet with your exec at the earliest opportunity,” I offered. “Just to get more familiar with
Impulse
’s key personnel and my duties.” Zander glanced at his watch.
    â€œThe new exec should be here any minute,” he said.
    â€œNew exec, sir?” he nodded.
    â€œWe lost our XO at Levant, Commander. His replacement is an officer I have been grooming for several years. Capable, competent, and no-nonsense. You will be learning from one of my best,” he said.
    Just then I heard a knock at the door.
    â€œAh,” said Zander, standing. “That would be her.”
    â€œHer?” I asked. He nodded.
    â€œThe commander and I have served together for quite a while, since she was an ensign, and it’s her old job you’ll be taking,” he said. I stood automatically to greet my direct superior as the door opened. I was surprised that I already knew her.
    â€œLieutenant Commander Peter Cochrane, may I introduce my new Executive Officer, Commander Dobrina Kierkopf,” said Zander.
    I extended my hand in greeting and she took it. “Commander Cochrane,” she said, shaking my hand. “So good to meet you.” Her tone gave away nothing to indicate that we had met before.
    I returned her handshake and tipped my head slightly in greeting.
    â€œAnd so good to meet you as well, Commander Kierkopf,” I replied, being equally coy. We all sat down, Zander and Dobrina on the sofa, I in the increasingly uncomfortable leather chair. The next few minutes were taken up with casual conversation about duties and protocol, though nothing was said of my uniform choice. Zander seemed satisfied at this exchange and then glanced at his watch at five minutes to seven, by the wall clock.
    â€œMore to come, Commander, but for now I have to make my appearance on the bridge or those rogues will start slacking. As I said, feel free to take until noon to report, and Commander Kierkopf here can continue to fill you in on the run of the ship.” Then he stood and Dobrina and I followed suit.
    â€œThank you, sir,” I said. “It’s an honor to serve with you.”
    â€œNonsense, my boy, the honor is mine. Here’s to hoping we can resolve this Levant blockade and get back to doing what the Lightship fleet was designed to do, opening up new worlds once again.” We exchanged handshakes and then he was off to the bridge, followed by his attending ensign. That left Dobrina and me alone. I stood for a second, hands on my hips, looking at the now-shut door and bobbing my head ever so slightly. I had been played by her again, and I didn’t like it. I crossed my arms and turned back to Commander Dobrina Kierkopf.
    â€œHow—” I started, but she cut me off with a wave of her hand as she sat down on the sofa.
    â€œHow did I come to be here? Or how did I get aboard before you?” she said between bites of a croissant and sips of coffee.
    â€œYes! Both . . . I’m not sure. I just know I don’t like it.”
    â€œYou’re not supposed to,” she said. “You’ve got a lot to learn, Lieutenant Commander Cochrane, and I intend to be your teacher.” That pissed me off.
    â€œI don’t need a teacher, I need a compatriot. You and Poulsen came to Candle to spy on me,” I said, getting angrier at the thought of it. “I knew I recognized him from the bar.”
    â€œNonsense,” she replied. “I was assigned to
Impulse
by your Admiral Wesley, and I had to meet with him before he would approve me as Zander’s XO. The trip to High Station was already planned.”
    â€œHe sent you to check me out though, didn’t he?”
    She shrugged. “You’re a very valuable asset to the USN and they don’t want to lose you on your first mission.”
    â€œSo