Emerald Flight: “Star Wing” (continued)

“Captain,” Elizabeth called out over the cacophony of internal communications traffic. “You have a Priority message coming in from Command.” Her eyebrows rose, but her expression became nearly unreadable as she added, “It’s command-encrypted.”

Devereux felt a lump like granite form in her stomach. She fought to keep her expression neutral and voice even as she replied.

“I’ll take it here,” she told Elizabeth, activating the privacy shield. She was already entering her authorization code phrase before it opaqued completely.

She did not react with surprise when the security access screen cleared to reveal the face of Admiral Gennell.

“Admiral.” Devereux let her tone reflect the salute that she would have offered in person.

Gennell looked grim. “Captain,” he began, “I’m afraid it’s bad news.”

That declaration alone was not enough to set Devereux further on edge. Command-encrypted messages were rarely used except when the strictest security was necessary. Whatever Gennell had to say, he had wanted to make certain that she would hear it first, before any member of her crew.

“Our fleet was ambushed at our transit rendezvous point in the Lapis Majoris system,” he told her. His gaze took on a momentary faraway look at the memory. “We defeated their forces and reentered slipstream.”

With reduced numbers, Devereux amended for him. Secure transmission or not, she could tell that he was not planning to reveal any more to her than he had to.

“We’re on our way,” Gennell continued. “But we’re going to be delayed.”

“How long?”

Gennell’s eyes did not shift from hers, clearly expecting that question.

“Too long,” he admitted grimly. “Our estimates are that the Arctican forces will be in position well before we can arrive.”

Devereux’s eyes moved away from the screen, staring for a long moment at the blank virtual walls before her.

“Christine,” his voice held both resolve and genuine concern. “You can’t allow them to launch their assault force.”

Devereux felt her throat constrict. Tension radiated down her neck and along her shoulders.

“Understood, sir,” she answered tightly.

“We’ll be there,” he told her with firm determination. “As soon as we can.”

A long moment of silence passed between them before Gennell spoke again.

“Good luck, Captain.”

“Thank you, sir,” Devereux acknowledged, trying not to see the dark sense of loss in the Admiral’s eyes.

Gennell’s face dissolved back to the security access screen. A moment later, that faded to darkness.

Devereux took a long, slow breath, feeling some of the tension ease from body. Her eyes remained on the empty screen for a long moment, and then she deactivated the privacy shield. Looking down at her bridge crew, she reached down and tapped the intercom control.

“All hands,” she said, surprised by the strength in her voice. “This is the Captain. Assume battle stations.”