Book 3: Chapter 115: Candid-idicy

Book 3: Chapter 115: Candid-idicy

USD: 41 Days after arrival at Fort Glisson

Location: Van Biesbroecks star, Meltisar, MIL-1A, Navy Administration Offices and Bureau of Personnel

Instructor Riley peered critically at Lieutenant Martinez. If she was intimidated by the fact he was an officer and she was an NCO, Alex couldnt sense it.

The time to question my recruit was the last few days, Lieutenant. Im supposed to be moving her back to Glisson. Riley paused for a second as she sized the man up. If you dont have orders to the contrary, written orders that countermand that, then you need to excuse us.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

Lieutenant Martinez reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a small datapad. After activating it and scrolling to some text, he handed it to her. Whatever it said took the sails out of her resistance, but not her defiance.

Fine. But Im staying with her so I can escort her back. Riley said.

That isnt really necessary, Sergeant. I can escort her to the Admiral and to the Elevator. Martinez replied.

I really have nowhere else to be and I wouldnt be following my orders if I let her out of my sight now that I found her. Riley countered.

Suit yourself. If youll both follow me, I have a priority tram override. Martinez said as he pulled out an orange card from a pocket. When they reached the tram station, he swiped it through a wall mounted device. The red colored DO NOT BOARD lights activated.

Alex frowned. From what she knew from riding the tram station so far, those were only reserved for emergencies or high-profile individuals. Even when Elis had been transported, they hadnt used the orange card but just allowed her to board first.

She didnt like the overt entitlement the Lieutenant was displaying, and it actually made her feel like she could trust Admiral Westlake less than before if he employed someone so willing to abuse their position of power for a bit of convenience.

It wasnt like her getting to speak to the admiral slightly faster was an emergency. It couldnt have been, since theyd kept her locked up for days without a word, then let her out with no explanation.

Alex remained silent because she didnt feel comfortable asking any questions to the Lieutenant, and she didnt have anything to say to Riley while Martinez was present.

They were the only ones that boarded the tram, and it whisked them away without stopping at any other stations to the Naval Administration Offices section in record time.

The silence got to Alex as they walked through the station corridor. I thought Admiral Westlake was the Director of Naval Intelligence and Integration, not the Judge Advocate General. But all the lieutenants he sends are from JAG, how come?

Instructor Riley gave her a sharp glance, but Martinez gave her a wolfish smile.

Once you get to a certain point in the military, Recruit, military lawyers are just as effective and as important as spies or weapon systems. Normally youd be subject to court martial, just as a matter of course, because an officer was killed in the incident. However, so many strings have been pulled to avoid it that you were almost forgotten enough to the point you were going to walk off the station without speaking to the Admiral.

Alex frowned. Something felt wrong to her. So, everything is being swept under the rug? Made to be like the kidnapping and Lieutenant Harmons death never happened?

Why do you sound upset? Isnt that the best thing for you? Martinez said, raising an eyebrow.

Alex didnt know what the best thing for her was. But she knew what she wanted, and she doubted that being locked up for a trial would help Elis any or get her back to A31 and H32, so she remained silent.

As they reached a nondescript door, Martinez opened it and stepped inside first. Alex caught a look of shock on Rileys face as the instructor entered second. Confused, Alex followed.

The only stupid thing your fucking moon has had to offer are some stupid idiots on the crew of a mercenary ship that has tried to kill and murder me twice, stupid cryptic messages in restroom mirrors, and the few friends I have been able to make in a frosty camp where they try to freeze our tits off every day!

Biting her lip, she continued speaking, So! To be absolutely clear: I dont give one frosted snow pile about ruling Meltisar or its stupid navy! Its obvious to me that youre all either trying to shove me in a box to do science experiments or to con me into being some political escape hatch against the bigger star nations! I have no sympathy or care for it beyond my personal issues!

Every one of the admirals at the meeting table sat in stunned silence as Alex spoke, her words stabbing through the air like hot pokers. It was clear they had not expected her emboldened and candid response.

Admiral Westlakes face registered outright shock, his mouth falling open in surprise. He quickly shut it, but it was clear he wasnt happy with her statements.

Admiral Anderson also looked taken aback by her outburst. His mustache twitched as he tried to process the unexpected answers.

The other admirals at the table were hocked as well, their expressions ranging from surprise to disbelief. Some leaned back in their chairs, mouths agape, while others sat forward, their eyes fixed on Alex as she spoke.

Instructor Riley slapped her on the small of her back. Attention! The instructor hissed.

Alex reflexively moved to the pose without thinking. A second hissed honorific! below Riley's breath prompted Alex to finish.

Admirals. Alex said as she returned to military bearing.

The atmosphere was electric, tension palpable as the admirals struggled to come to terms with the difference between what had each expected and her words and attitude. It was quite obvious that they were not used to being spoken to in such a manner, and they were not sure how to react.

Some seemed thoughtful, others looked like they might be preparing to come over and thrash her for her insubordinate tone.

Alexs eyes fell on the man at the end of the table. No one spoke or said anything, and all the Admirals seemed to defer their response in favor of FADM Wilkes. She slow realized that his was the only opinion that really mattered, and he appeared thoughtful.

Finally, he spoke. Recruit Myers. Thank you for your candid and very honest response. But I believe that your presence at this meeting is no longer required.

The Admirals gaze landed on Instructor Riley. Sergeant.

The woman immediately went to attention and saluted sharply.

Everything youve seen here is classified at the highest level. You will forget it all. Please take Recruit Myers back to her cadre and see that she receives the best education and training that the service provides to all its members, permanent or otherwise.

Aye aye, Admiral!

Riley looked at her with a vicious, vengeful glint in her eye. Recruit! Salute!

Alex saluted.

About, Face!

She spun.

Forward March!