Wings of Steele - Flight of Freedom (Book2) (72 page)

The Admiral smiled warmly and looked over at Alit
é, “Your Majesty, is your husband prone to these lapses of mind?” he chided. “Or is he being obtuse on purpose?”

The Queen smiled modestly, “No, Fleet Admiral, my husband is a smart and cunning man. But he is also a humble man...” She was interrupted by a few chuckles around them, which she ignored. “And I'm sure,” she continued, “that you've taken him quite by surprise. I don't think he was expecting this,” she added, glancing at his profile. “I'm sure he's also considering his people and their welfare, switching from a freelance to official military status...”

“Very well put, Mr. Steele,”chuckled Higdenberger.

Jack glanced over at his wife. “Thank you, sir.”

“I can assure you, your Task Force,
Lancer
, her ships, fighters, officers and all the personnel in it, are up to you to command as you see fit. Under UFW guidelines of conduct, of course,” he waved.

“
Of course,” replied Jack.

“
You will report directly to Vice Admiral Kelarez, and I expect you two, to work as effectively as you've proven you can. Your patrol routes and tactics are yours to develop and improve upon. As long as you provide results, you'll see no complaints from this office...” he glanced over at the Madam Directorate, then back. “At this level of command, you will have direct access to Fleet Command Offices if you see the need...”

Steele raised an eyebrow, “Promotions?”

Higdenberger held up his e-Pad. “We've prepared some recommendations for you, but ultimately it is your decision. You may have some additional or alternate choices, that's fine...” He stood at-ease again, his hands clasping the e-Pad in front of him. “Well Steele? What will it be? I'm afraid I need an answer now, there's a lot of things that hinge on your decision.”

Gently pulling his hand free from Alit
é's grasp, Jack went rigid, snapping a salute. “Thank you, sir.” He swallowed hard, suddenly parched. “I am honored to accept.”

“
Out
standing!”
exclaimed Higdenberger, returning the salute.
“Rear Admiral
Steele, as soon as you have things squared away in the Velora Prime system, you will begin Task Force Lancer's patrol duties. I hear the
Terran System
might need a look,” he nodded knowingly. “In fact, you might want to inquire if they're interested in UFW membership while you're in the neighborhood...”

“
Aye, sir.”

“
Stay in contact with Admiral Kelarez, keep him updated.”

“
Aye, sir.”

“
One last thing, Rear Admiral, that little
deep cover
operation you dreamed up? I'm interested in discussing that with you at length. Keep thinking about that, we'll talk soon... Congratulations again, everyone. Outstanding job. Please extend my personal thanks to all your people. Fleet Operations, out.” The video square winked out.

For a moment the bridge was silent, only to be replaced by everyone talking at once, a cacophony of clapping, laughter and cross talk.

“You think he's sending you home on purpose?” shouted Alité.

“
I don't know,” grinned Jack, “but it sure seemed like it. Maybe Kelarez said something to him. I guess it really doesn't matter why...”

Commander Paul Smiley came up behind Jack, clapping him on the shoulder. “Holy crap...
Rear Admiral,”
he laughed. “Who woulda thunk it? Personally, I don't think you're smart enough for the position,” he joked, “but that's just my opinion.”

“
Careful,
Captain,
that's bordering on insubordination.”

“
Captain?”
Paul thumbed his chest, “
Me?
I like the sound of that...”

“
You're the first,” said Jack, “the list continues...”

“
So, we get to go home?” asked Lisa, sneaking up on her brother. “That's awesome!”

“
Lisa,” he whispered, “how'd you get on the bridge? It's supposed to be officers only, and you're not even...”

“
Relax,” she waved, nonchalantly, “being the Admiral's sister has its privileges. They let me walk right in...”

“
How did you hear...”

“
Psh,” she snorted, “are you kidding me? It's all over the ship. Probably all over the fleet already.” She punched him in the arm, “Congratulations by the way.”

“
Thanks,” he smirked, “wasn't expecting anything like this...” He stared at her for a moment...

“
What?”

“
Why don't you stay here? On Veloria, I mean, with Alité and Colton. Help her...”

“
Oh
hell no!”
She leaned around him to address Alité, “No offense.”

“
None taken,” Alité replied sweetly.

“
You might be a big-shot Admiral now,” said Lisa, poking him in the chest, “but I'm still your sister, and you're still not going anywhere without me. Especially if you're going home to see mom and dad.”

“
OK, OK,” said Jack raising his hands, “It was just a thought...”

“
Sure it was,” she chided, hands on her hips, “you're just full of stellar ideas, aren't you?”

“
Y'know,” he said, raising an eyebrow, “you're too old to spank...”

“
Since when?” whispered Alité, nudging him with her shoulder.

“
But,” continued Jack, smirking slyly about his wife's comment, “you're not too old for the brig...”

Lisa's eyes narrowed, “You wouldn't...”

“Yeah, he would,” said Maria, entering the conversation. “Trust me, he absolutely would...”

“
For what?”

Jack shrugged, “Epically offensive smartassery...”

Lisa laughed “What the hell is...”

Maria stepped over to Lisa and draped a friendly arm around her shoulder, steering her away, “Let me tell you a little about your brother...” she said, looking back over her shoulder with a wicked grin.

Jack sighed, looking over at his wife, “I have a bad feeling about that conversation...”

THE END -
FOR NOW...

You might also want to read...

Book 1 - WINGS of STEELE – Destination Unknown

Upcoming Novels in the Series...

Book 3 - WINGS of STEELE – Revenge and Retribution

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Burger was born and grew up in Chicago, Illinois,
moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida at the age of 28, where he still lives today with his German Shepherd, Fritz. Jeff returns to Chicago on a regular basis to visit family and friends.

Originally drawn to law enforcement like his father and uncle, Jeff's extremely creative nature drove him toward a rewarding career in photography, illustration, design, marketing and advertising.

Jeff's choice in career and life in Florida have offered some truly unique experiences which he continues to enjoy. A certified NRA Instructor, Jeff has worked with civilians, Military Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers from many agencies. This has afforded him the opportunity to regularly handle and become proficient with firearms of all types, new and vintage, from all over the world.

An affinity for aircraft and flying have provided many opportunities to fly with talented civilian and military pilots in a wide selection of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. While Jeff finds jets to be supremely exciting, nothing beats the sublime sound or primal feeling of a piston-driven Rolls Royce Merlin V12 in a vintage P51 Mustang.

For more information about the author, additional Wings of Steele content, events, future novels, or to join my mailing list, please visit:
www.wingsofsteele.com

Coming in 2014

WINGS of STEELE – Revenge and Retribution