Read Federation Reborn 1: Battle Lines for Free Online

Sergeant Chalis Sendril I believe,” the commander said, checking the records through his implants. He nodded when he got confirmation, including the confirmation that despite her medical issues her bump in grade had gone through. He sent them to the admiral's inbox, but the admiral casually waved the email aside. “She's in Antigua currently, sir, still recovering from her injuries and time shock counseling, sir.”
    “I see,” the admiral nodded. His lips puckered at the mention of time shock counseling. He'd had a couple of rounds with a counselor, but although it had put some things in perspective, he preferred to get into the work. There was absolutely nothing he could do to change the circumstances of what had happened, the loss of friends and loved ones. It hurt, but it was undeniable. The best medicine in his estimation was working towards a new brighter future. He cleared his throat and nodded a second time. “Good catch, Commander. I'll see if I can get her transferred here,” he stated, turning back to the lieutenant. The SEAL lieutenant nodded back to him.
    “That's what a chief of staff is there for I believe, sir,” the commander said, with a bit of a preen in his voice.
    “That and keeping me on track. Good work, Saul. I know we still have some issues to work out, but you're doing fine. But the real test and the real work won't come until we get to Pyrax. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and dig in then.”
    “Yes, sir. I'm looking forward to it.”
    “I know. I am too,” the Admiral admitted.
    The admiral dismissed the lieutenant to return to his duties and then continued his inspection tour.
    They didn't really need the young Ensign Timberlane as a guide. Both the rear admiral and his chief of staff, Lieutenant Commander Saul Garretaj, could have accessed their implants to get a map and guide. Or they could have accessed the base's dumb AI.
    Phil turned slightly to look at the commander out of the corner of his eye. The man was distracted, most likely using his implants to handle paperwork instead of paying attention to the tour the admiral judged. He was a stocky man with sandy hair. Saul was a sleeper from Lemnos like he was, a junior administrator who had served on several stations before being transferred to Lemnos. He had been a lieutenant before Admiral Subert had him jumped to his current rank and had him assigned as his chief of staff.
    “Sir, is it okay to have a meet and greet with the local colony administrators? They are keen to meet you,” the chief of staff asked. There was a broad hint in his last sentence.
    The admiral frowned thoughtfully. “Politics,” he muttered.
    “They are a bit rough around the edges, but I think you can handle it, sir.”
    “I can handle my own, son. I've rubbed elbows with senators and others back …,” the admiral cut that sentence off. “Yes. Fine. Make it a dinner.”
    “A formal dinner?”
    “If … yes. We can use the publicity I suppose,” the admiral stated as he returned the salute of a squad of marines out on a jog. Unlike some he reveled in breaking out his dress uniform and showing it off he thought as he struck the salute.
    “Understood, sir. We'll need to be back at the guest BOQ in an hour then, sir,” he stated.
    “Did you hear that, Ensign?” the admiral asked, glancing at the driver and guide.
    “Aye aye, Admiral. I'll just cut the recreation and live fire centers off the list since they are on the other side of the island.”
    “Perhaps we can tour them the next time we are here.”
    “Yes, sir. It is going to take at least twenty minutes to get back to the BOQ. I'm plotting a new path now, sir,” the ensign stated. After a moment he turned the wheel and changed the vehicle's path. He cut off another jeep, but the small flags and stars flapping on the rods cut off a shouted reprimand from the marine officer in the other vehicle. He didn't salute, however.
    “Let that man know he's out of uniform,” the admiral