* * *
Gallant stood at attention inside the open hatch. Captain Kenneth Caine was seated with his back to Gallant while he reviewed Gallant’s military record on a computer tablet. Clean-shaven with close-cropped graying hair, Caine was solidly built with square shoulders and a craggy face.
From his short time on board, Gallant had already realized that the Repulse was an orderly ship and that Kenneth Caine was an orderly captain. Precision and disciple were expected. He was suddenly conscious of the fact that his tangled brown hair was somewhat longer than regulations allowed.
The cabin was sparely furnished, revealing a traditional stark military room. A desk rested in one well lit corner and held the single personal item in the room, a photo. It showed an attractive mature woman with a pleasant smile. It hinted of someone who had made a bad bargain - that of the lonely wife of a devoted space officer.
While the captain rapidly slid his finger across the tablet screen, flipping through the personnel folder, Gallant’s gaze wandered to the scene visible from the compartment’s porthole. The solar flare had subsided, leaving gigantic colorful Jupiter filling most of the view.
“Mr. Gallant, come in,” said Caine, finally turning to face the newcomer. “Welcome aboard the Repulse.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Gallant in a strong clear voice.
“What do you know of this ship’s mission, Mr. Gallant?”
“As flagship of the Jupiter Fleet, Repulse is required to prevent further alien encroachment along the Jupiter frontier, sir,” ventured Gallant cautiously.
“Quite right, as far as it goes. But you’ll find Mr. Gallant, that there are often more layers involved than may appear on the surface. As a United Planets' (UP) officer, it is your responsibility to find the additional shades of meaning that can affect the performance of your duties. What would you surmise is behind this frontier watch?” The captain’s reassuring voice beckoned a resolute answer.
Gallant spoke guardedly, at first, but then with growing confidence he said, “Well, sir, UP knows little about the aliens' origins or intentions. They appear to have bases on the satellites of the outer planets. Clashes with their scout ships have proven troublesome and Fleet Command wants to gather more intelligence. With so little known about the alien technology, it’s difficult to assess the best way to repel them. Nevertheless, this fleet is tasked with forestalling any possibility of an invasion of Earth by preventing the aliens from gaining a foothold in this sector of space.”
“And what would you say will be the single most important element in achieving victory in battle?”
“Surprise, sir. I assume that is why you've dispersed most of the fleet, in order to search the widest possible region of space for the first signs of significant alien activity,” he said boldly.
Caine examined Gallant once again, as if seeing him for the first time. “Good. We will not be the ones surprised. We will be prepared. You can appreciate the importance that Repulse performs well.” Then, more emphatically, he added, “And I will allow nothing, and no one, to interfere with our mission.”
“Yes, sir,” said Gallant, feeling the sting from the pointed comment.
“Tell me, Mr. Gallant,” said the captain as he shifted in his chair to find a more comfortable position, “why did you apply to the academy?”
Gallant couldn’t suppress the passion in his voice as he said, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to pilot spaceships and explore the unknown, sir.”
“You are no doubt aware that many people wanted your hide raised up the flagpole.” Caine’s eyebrow twitched upward. “While your progress for the two academic years at the academy has been respectable, there are many who are doubtful that a Natural can compete in the fleet. Today, your real qualification for advancement is your double helix.”
Caine cleared his throat and continued, “Frankly, I’m astonished you have gotten this far without the advantages of genetic engineering. However, you're a bit of a mystery that has yet to unfold."
Gallant didn’t like being referred to as a mystery, but he had his own uncertainty about how his future might unfold.
Caine said, "Now that you are commissioned, you must serve a two-year deployment on Repulse. Then, if you complete all your qualifications and receive strong ranking marks you may be recommended for promotion to Ensign in the UP Space Service.”
Caine searched Gallant’s countenance as he waited for a reply. “Well, nothing to say for yourself?”
Gallant fought to avoid grimacing, “I am prepared to do my duty to the best of my abilities, sir.”
“It is exactly ‘the best of your abilities’ that is in question, young man,” responded Caine, his voice rising slightly. Then he concluded with a weak smile, “Well, we shall see. Won’t we? Learn your duties, obey orders, and you will have nothing to fear. That’s all.”
“Aye, aye, sir,” said Gallant, withdrawing from the captain’s quarters.