Free Star Watch by Mark Wayne McGinnis Page A

He’d reviewed the list numerous times and it still seemed like an overwhelming number of crew on board. His largest command responsibility to date.
    “And that’s just the Minian ’s crew. The armada includes three light Craing cruisers and nine heavy Craing cruisers. That’s roughly another two thousand.”
    Jason was being hailed via his NanoCom. He gestured for Perkins to hold tight.
    “Go for Captain.”
    “You still have a place for me?” Billy Hernandez asked.
    “You, yes … your stinking cigars, no,” Jason said, glad to hear his friend’s voice. “So what happened? Got tired chasing zombies?”
    “Something like that. Um, Cap … I’m here with Lieutenant Garret. It seems there’s no room here for this old sea dog.”
    Jason checked the time. “I’ll be right down, I need to make a quick stop first … try not to get your panties twisted into a knot.”
    * * *
    Jason exited the DeckPort on Deck 7—where the ship’s security forces barracks were situated. He found Lieutenant Garret’s office; Billy stood in the center of a group of men nearby. Jason tapped his knuckles on the lieutenant’s open hatch and entered the compartment. Garret was seated at his desk, reviewing a virtual notebook. Without looking up, he said, “Just take a seat … be with you in a moment.” Jason instantly didn’t like the man. Stocky, with broad shoulders and an extreme flattop haircut, the ruddy-faced lieutenant looked near to Jason’s age.
    Jason remained standing and waited for Garret to look up. Eventually he did.
    “Oh! Pardon me, sir. Didn’t see you lingering there.”
    Jason checked his watch. “I don’t have a lot of time so I’ll make this short and sweet. Hernandez will hold a leadership position here.”
    “With all due respect, sir. Billy … as well as your other men including Jackson and Rizzo … is not trained at the same high level as my Sharks. I can work Rizzo and Jackson into shape … but not for leadership roles. This isn’t a good fit for Hernandez.”
    “Is that so?”
    “Aye, sir. I realize you two go way back. You’re friends and all. But—”
    “Stand up, Lieutenant. You’ve already disrespected me once. Don’t disrespect me again.”
    Garret made a face, hesitated a second, then slowly rose to his feet. He made a nasally sound—a quick huffing noise through his nostrils.
    “You’re a real tough guy … I can see that, Lieutenant.” Jason glanced back through the hatch at the growing crowd watching them from the barracks. “Tell me. Are you as tough as your men … your Sharks? Or are you just a big talker … a blow hard?” Jason checked his watch again. He had ten minutes to get back to the bridge.
    “Look. I’m sorry if we got off on the wrong foot, Captain. I guess, I’m just not used to being micromanaged when it comes to my men.”
    “Yeah, well things are done differently on my ship. Keep in mind, they’re not your men any longer, they are mine. But I’m going to give you an opportunity to put your money where your mouth is. I noticed you have a gym and a sparring ring set up here.”
    “Sharks are rarely idle … you’re free to come down and use it, sir. Perhaps we can put a program together for you. Get that waistline of yours tightened up a bit.”
    Jason knew his middle wasn’t quite as firm as it had been several months ago, but it hadn’t yet reached the point he needed to loosen his belt a notch either.
    “Get yourself into that ring. Don’t change your clothes, don’t remove your boots,” Jason ordered.
    “Me?”
    “Yes, you … right now.”
    There it was again, the nostril snorting. This time, a smirk came along with it. “No problem, Captain.”
    Garret came around his desk and walked past Jason, keeping his eyes locked on Jason’s. Apparently, their heated discussion hadn’t gone unheard. All Sharks in that section of the barracks, easily one hundred men, plus a few women, made an open space for the lieutenant to walk through.