Retribution (The Federation Reborn Book 3) (112 page)

“Heavy and expensive with this crew... wow,” Horatio said, shaking his head. “High stakes indeed knowing some of the hollow legs here,” he said. Hsu grinned impishly. “She's going to regret not cracking the whip harder,” he said thoughtfully.

“To be honest she did the best she could given the circumstances. I spotted her three days since we had that much of a lead on her.”

“Generous of you,” Horatio said with a grin. “Since by that time your people had hit their stride and knew what they were doing and she was just starting out,” he said. “And I think she didn't poach as many people from you as she'd liked to have. You had a lot more experienced people, given they've all had a hand in building smaller carriers.”

Hsu spread his hands in supplication. “Not my fault sir. She didn't get all green horns. We just have different ways of doing the same job I think.” He didn't want to admit that he'd almost let the bug talk him into doubling down with a barbeque. He'd been tempted, but a few hiccups had made him think twice. He was now glad he'd bowed out, even if she'd ribbed him a bit about it.

Horatio snorted. “Well, don't be too surprised when she sends her spies around to figure out how many corners you are cutting so she can replicate it. And she'll want to double down,” he said.

It was Hsu's turn to grin. His eyes twinkled. “She's welcome to try sir, but I know we'll still kick her ass. I've got a good crew.”

“I see that,” Horatio said with a nod.

He didn't have much long to wait before the Commander cleared his throat. “Um, sir,
Argus
will be ready to fly in two days right? I mean, at least go out on builders trials?” he asked plaintively. “I've got the timing down to the minute...” he paused when Horatio's chuckles interrupted him. “What? What's so funny sir?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Horatio said, waving the other man off. “So, we're waiting on her shipment of fighters and other craft to fill out her compliment I understand. The powers that be are polling the fortresses and other ships for veteran pilots to fill in her upper ranks, but they are all starting with new ships.”

Hsu grimaced. “That means they'll have to break them in,” he mused. After a moment of thinking that sort of problem over he shrugged. “Hell, not my problem.”

“Well, it will be someones. The shipment is arriving on the next scheduled convoy I believe. Which,” Horatio frowned as he checked his implants. “Should be jumping in by the end of this shift. So, we'll see them in three days. Just in time for her launch I think.”

“A day or so after. She'll be in the fitting slip by then,” Hsu replied. “Not my problem,” he said with another smile.

“Right. And neither is finding her crew. And her skipper. I'm still working on that,” Horatio admitted.

“Wait, I thought that was Bupers problem?” Hsu asked.

“It is. But I dabble,” Horatio admitted. He had settled on one candidate after thinking about the options. He'd settled on Junior Valdez for a variety of reasons. Getting it past Bupers shouldn't be a problem he thought. Selling it to both Junior and Subert though.... He decided Junior would be easier.

“Meddling you mean,” Hsu snorted, bringing him back into the conversation again. “Be careful boss, they might want you over there,” he said, shaking a finger at Horatio.

“Perish the thought,” Horatio retorted.

“Anything about our Bek friends?” Hsu asked, clearly anxious.

Horatio shrugged. “They are still being debriefed by the powers that be I believe. We'll see them eventually. I'll give them a tour.”

“You would just to get out of doing paperwork,” Hsu replied in amusement. “You know most people have aides and such for niggling things like that boss,” he said.

Horatio snorted. “Yeah, but as you said, I get to get out and look around,” he said as his implants pinged.

“Last call for the shuttle. Gotta go. I guess I'll have to check on
Collective Destiny
and tattle on you some other time,” Horatio said. He shook hands with Hsu. “Damn good work here.”

“Awe shucks,” Hsu said as they shook hands. “Stay safe sir.”

“It's space. It's the navy,” Horatio replied.

“Exactly my point,” Hsu said as Horatio departed.

~<><{<^>}><>~

The rest you can hopefully read in August of 2016!