Hamilton’s captured transport was a massive swath of open space. That was unsurprising, given how Earthers allotted twice as much area as Tukui thought they needed for any given task. Maybe it was because there were so many of them, he mused. Earth had ventured out of their own solar system in search of a second planet to colonize, which was how the members of the Galactic Council of Planets had learned of their existence. That had been only eight years ago.
And here we are, at war with them. Tukui fought off a sigh of remorse.
His new navigation station, situated next to the helm, was an additional example of wasted use of space. The console was as wide as his arms could reach and boasted small drawers and slots filled with writing implements, papers with scrawled notes he couldn’t read, and other assorted objects he had no way of identifying. There was also a circular depression, similar to those in the arms of his quarters’ chairs and lounger. Cupholders, according to Tina.
Tukui tried to imagine the look Captain Tranis would give him if he sat down to work with a cup of kloq. The visual almost made him laugh out loud.
“Duty roster,” Simdow said.
His station was next to Tukui’s, but helm controls were as spread out as navigation’s. The first officer had to get up out of his smallish chair and step close. Sitting while on duty. It was another weird thing Earthers did.
Tukui was happy to stand and stretch a bit, though he winced as he did so. The low consoles forced him to use the uncomfortable seating. Simdow offered a sympathetic smile. “Any excuse to get up, right?”
“I don’t know about your back, but mine’s miserable by mid-shift.” He lowered his voice so the captain couldn’t hear. “By the way, Commander, thank you for speaking so highly of my performance during the battle with the Tragooms.” A day after receiving his first commendation, Tukui was riding high on Tranis’ praise.
“You deserved that award, Navigator. You kept our ship in one piece until we got the stabilizers on line. Nice job on the venting guidance protocol as well. I hear the captain is submitting it to Fleet Command with the suggestion they include it in emergency training.”
Tukui flushed. “Forget about me. You were outstanding as acting captain during the emergency. If your response to the situation doesn’t fast track you to actual captaincy, I can’t imagine what would.”
Simdow shrugged. He didn’t act thrilled to have been lavished with the accolades he’d earned. “The captain was generous.” Noting Tukui’s surprise, he added, “I’m grateful to have been recognized. Captain Tranis doesn’t give awards lightly. I’m just focused on some issues where my Matara’s concerned.”
“I think we’ve all been through the wringer when it comes to our beautiful lifemates.” Thank the ancestors Tina was making strides in a positive direction.
Simdow turned so his back was to the captain and weapons commander, bringing the handheld up as if they were discussing the task at hand. “I hate that I’m taking her from those she cares for so deeply. Has the same thing come up for you?”
“My Matara doesn’t have close ties to anyone from Europa. They were on the brink of sending her to Earth.”
“To family?”
“I suppose, but she’s not close to them either. It’s sad that she has so little to leave behind. Abandonment issues—” Tukui broke off, remembering himself. “Sorry, Commander. We all have plenty to deal with. Including duty rosters.”
Simdow chuckled. “So we do.”
They went over shift assignments. Tukui appreciated this new task that allowed him to exercise a subcommand-level role despite his lower rank. That Captain Tranis would make him Simdow’s aide in such a task was a good sign. Despite the young Dramok’s shortcomings, Tranis must believe he could rise to bigger and better things.
When they completed the job, Tukui returned to his station, hardly minding the chair in his upbeat mood. Even with a war going on, life wasn’t shabby. Thanks to their crew capturing important codes, lately deciphered, they had the means for successful invasion of Earth. The war would end as soon as the fleet fought its way to the hidden wormhole that would send them unopposed straight to the enemy planet.
After that? Tukui and Osopa could count on successful careers in the fleet. After the Europa adventure, they could probably snag coveted positions on a destroyer. Yorso’s work on behalf of the fleet might land him a post with his choice of ambassador.