Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space

CHAPTER 26

  ADMIRAL’S EVALUATION

  Gallant stood at attention in Admiral Collingsworth’s office in New Annapolis. The room was slightly old-fashioned, even Old World. Gallant would not have been surprised to see it at the Naval College on Earth. In fact, it was a near replica of the office of the commandant of the Space Academy, which Gallant had visited once. Nonetheless, it was also equipped with the latest communication and computer technology required for conducting detailed military assessments with subordinates.

  The admiral, himself, also appeared Old World. He was a rather short, wizened old man. His uniform was immaculately tailored to enhance his stature despite his height. He glanced at Gallant, attempting to size him up, comparing the information he was reading with the individual standing before him. He frowned repeatedly and asked questions of his chief of staff, things that Gallant couldn’t hear.

  The admiral's chief of staff, Captain William Pierce, hovered around the admiral, whispering in his ear giving him last minute information. He presented virtual screen readouts and updates on fleet activities and a comparison of strength against the Titans. SAI input adjustments based upon Gallant’s debriefing were shown in red on the screen. After several minutes, he nodded toward Gallant and started talking fast in the admiral's ear once again. The admiral stood up and began pacing, lost in thought, but clearly troubled.

  “When I was asked to make you available for a briefing to the Senate’s Armed Services Oversight Committee, I was not informed of the nature of the format, or the process,” said the commander-in-chief of the Mars Fleet. He voice was harsh and strained. He paused and then added, almost under his breath, “It’s unfortunate, but the field of battle isn’t the only place, you’ll face enemies.”

  While the admiral didn’t openly express his opinion of the committee’s behavior, Gallant judged that he was seething to say more, but found it inappropriate to say it, to an officer as junior as Gallant.

  Collingsworth walked to the far wall and looked out the window. After a minute, he had visibly regained his equanimity. “You may rest assured, however, there will be no further action taken against you. Your record will properly reflect your honored service and valor.”

  “Thank you, sir,” said Gallant, feeling both grateful and relieved.

  Collingsworth returned to his ornate chair and sat down. “You may have wondered why the SAI spent so much time questioning you about your personal background at the academy and on the Repulse. I ordered that. I’ve found over the years that written words are too sterile to take the measure of a man. Your recent performance and accomplishments were unique, and I needed as complete a picture of you as possible, in order to form my own opinion.” He smiled slightly. “I like officers who were bright and inventive and willing to fight against the odds.”

  He leaned forward and looked carefully at Gallant, “You’ve managed to have quite an adventure. I'm not sure, exactly what to make of it. But I’m particularly impressed with your special neural interface abilities. This unique ability to understand so much of the battlefield may be of significant importance.” He paused and then said, “I have plans for you.”

  He hesitated before adding, “That is all for now. See Lieutenant McCall as you leave.”

  “Aye, aye, sir,” said Gallant, wondering just what plans the admiral had in mind.