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merry men?”
     
    “Of course, hon, they are supposed to be studying up on Martian culture. Let’s go find out.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 7
     
     
     
     
    “Wilson, do me a favor at dinner and scan each of the officers. I’d like their brief histories and background checks please. I don’t know over three quarters of this crew and it would be helpful to know what I’m walking into.” The little AI had been silent for most of the day.
     
    “I am ahead of you on this one, Athena. Check your link and tablet, I downloaded the information a short while ago.”
     
    “Good job buddy! You know me so well.”
     
    “I try to anticipate you.” He sounded a little bit smug about the whole thing. But to be honest, he kind of deserved it.
     
    “Well, try to stay out of trouble on this trip. We’re guests here. Understand?” He is a sneaky little shit.
     
    “I promise I won’t embarrass you.”
     
    “I guess that’s the best I can get from you. Just don’t get caught! Let’s go to dinner.”
     
    I checked my uniform one last time in the mirror. The Pan-Pacific Legion of Merit gleamed on my right shoulder, I gave it a quick buff with a rag. “As good as it’s going to get.” I hurried out of the compartment. It wouldn’t do to be late for dinner.
     
    A small crowd of officers had already gathered by the time I arrived. One of the most irritating aspects of this gaudy decoration on my shoulder was all the salutes it drew. Like the Old Earth Medal of Honor, the PPLLM was always honored by a salute from anyone in uniform. Since formal dress uniform required I wear the shiny thing just about everyone had to salute it. Stupid regulations! So I had to run the saluting gauntlet to get in there.
     
    As I walked into the next room the adventure started up again. You would think they were some sort of mechanical wonder the way those arms were pumping out the salutes. “Just get it over with Athena” I kept muttering to myself. Finally I reached the door to the dining room. The door guards, Marines in dress blues with sidearms, came to attention and saluted me. I returned the favor, giving both textbook salutes. The Marines always seemed to be the most unappreciated units on board a ship. They deserved my respect. Pressing a hidden button the guards opened the door for me.
     
    “Ah good, Athena, I see that you made it.” Captain Gorshin looked snappy in his dress uniform. He too gave me a sharp salute, which I returned.
     
    A tall mocha skinned Marine was staring out the reinforced porthole in the wall. From my records I could tell that this was Lieutenant Kinno Mutai. The Marine had left the Imperial Marines and had defected to our service after government sponsored ‘pirate’ forces had tried to take his ship. He felt betrayed by the service he loved.
     
    “Good evening Lieutenant Mutai.” I held out my hand in greeting.
     
    The Lieutenant turned and saw the ‘shiny thing’ and instantly saluted. I resignedly returned his salute and shook his hand. “My name is Athena Lee. I understand that we will be working together in the future.”
     
    The lieutenant smiled and nodded. “Yes, that is what I was told by the General. Your father I believe?” I nodded at him. “He said that where we are going they respect honor and warrior spirit above all things.”
     
    “That’s my understanding too. This should be a very interesting trip to say the least.” Trying to change the subject, I asked. “Is this your first time on a battlecruiser?”
     
    “It is. I have only served on smaller ships like destroyers. I was surprised by the number of assigned Marines on this ship. Usually I only have three or four under me.”
     
    “True. Battlecruiser’s always carry a full complement. In anticipation of that ‘other’ project, even more have been assigned. Just so you know, no discussing either mission until we leave port and are in jump. Understood?” I really hated for that to