Read By the Fire: Issue 3 for Free Online Page A

to the table and smiled. “I’m free at the moment. What would you like to talk about?”
    The President sat and motioned to one of the guards. “Would you be so kind as to bring coffee and food for our guests?”
    The guard nodded and hustled out of the room.
    “We’re getting some racket from the Sino/Russian Alliance about the destruction of their shuttle as well as their fighters.”
    Alicia sat up straighter. “Both incidents were unprovoked attacks by Chinese forces. An attack that also included nukes despite previous treaties forbidding them.”
    The president cocked an eye towards her. “Can you prove that?”
    Delaney chimed in. “I can have the footage from the attack sent down from Morrigan. That should quell any rumblings.”
    “Excellent. Hopefully that will be enough to forestall a shooting war. Now, I’m curious what your plans are? I’ve read Captain James’ report on your situation and I’d like to know what comes next from you.”
    Delaney shook his head. “I honestly don’t know yet. We’re lost here just trying to find our way. The next step will be to head straight for Earth and see if we can find any answers there.”
    “We’d like to support you in any way possible. Of course we’d love to have access to anything you find out.”
    “That’s a reasonable request. I’ll see that copies of any data are made available to you. I cannot offer any technology to you however.”
    “I was afraid that you would say that. Ah well. We’re no worse off than we were. I would like to ask one more thing though. I’d like to assign a liaison to go with you.”
    “Who did you have in mind?”
    The President shifted his gaze to Alicia. It took her a second to realize what he was implying. Her heart leaped at the thought.
    “Oh Hell yeah!” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “My apologies sir that just slipped out.”
    He waved her apology away. “It’s quite alright. Commander is that acceptable to you.”
    He found himself grinning. “Oh Hell yeah.”
    Alicia raised a hand. “May I request my team be assigned as well?”
    Delaney frowned. “I’m not sure I’d like an armed team on my ship.”
    “I can assure you that we will follow all instructions while under your command. But I believe I’m correct when I say you could use the manpower.”
    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Very well. Anybody else you’d like to bring along?”
    “There is a Doctor Simons who I believe would jump at the chance to go along.”
    Delaney nodded. “Very well” said then President. He slapped the table and rose from his chair. “That’s settled. I’ll see about having supplies prepared. God speed Commander. I hope you find what you are looking for.
    ****
    Doctor Simons tripped coming off the shuttle ramp. Alicia had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. Already overburdened with bags, he had been staring open mouthed around the bay and his foot slipped sending him sprawling. The marines around him didn’t even bother to hide their laughter. It was good natured though and they promptly helped him back to his feet. Several even took his bags for him.
    He pushed his glasses back up on his nose. “Thank you gentlemen, I seem to have lost my footing.”
    Alicia looked at Delaney. “How long until we leave orbit?”
    He glanced at his wristwatch. “Not for a few more hours. It’ll take that long to get the promised supplies picked up and unloaded. Wanna be on the bridge when we take off?”
    “Oh hell yeah” she said jokingly.
    He rolled his eyes at her. “Don’t know that it is inappropriate to speak to a superior officer in that manner” he said while shaking his finger at her.
    “Hey, last I checked I was a Captain and you were a Commander.”
    “Yeah yeah yeah. I’m still in charge of this tub so you just watch it.”
    He waved a crewman over. “Will you show Captain James and her team to their quarters?”
    The crewman gave him a crisp salute in rely. “If you all will follow