Read The Clones of Mawcett for Free Online Page A

chair.
“Thank you, ma'am,” Jenetta said as she climbed into the chair.
“I expected you to be early, based on what I read in your file,” LaSalle said, as she leaned over towards Jenetta and lowered her voice so that only Jenetta could hear. “You've impressed a great many people in a very short period of time, and you've already earned more medals than most officers will earn during an entire lifetime of military service; and the right medals at that.”
Jenetta grinned and replied equally sotto voce, “I guess that it's just been a matter of always being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or something like that.”
LaSalle didn't smile or even grin. “I've also been told by the Captain that we have you to thank for setting up such a well organized command and reporting infrastructure on this ship.”
“I just got people doing what they were trained to do anyway.”
“Yes, I know that, even if the captain doesn't. You may have been the commanding officer of a heavy cruiser for the past year, but I want you to know that you're just the second officer here. Those two pips on your collar and a chest full of ribbons don't entitle you to any special privileges.”
Jenetta was completely taken aback by the statement, but didn't let the surprise she was feeling show on her face. “I realize that, ma'am,” she responded, now acutely aware that the affable attitude displayed by LaSalle earlier, in front of the Captain, had completely evaporated.
“Make sure that you remember it. I'm the executive officer here and you no longer report directly to the Captain. Observe the proper chain of command at all times and we'll get along.”
“Yes ma'am.”
LaSalle straightened back up and raised her voice to a normal level, then briefed Jenetta on the status of the ship, before saying, “I'm sure that you'll be anxious to get some rest after your duty shift, but the Captain wants all command officers not on watch to be at the forward cargo bay at 0930 hours, in full military dress, for the launching ceremony.”
“Yes ma'am.”
“Is there anything else that you need to know before assuming command of the bridge for your first duty shift?”
“No ma'am. I know what's required of me.”
“Then you have the bridge, Commander. Goodnight.”
“I have the bridge, ma'am. Goodnight.”
As LaSalle climbed down from the command chair, Jenetta recalled the words of Lieutenant Kerrey in the mess hall earlier. LaSalle's statement of the obvious, presented in a manner that seemed antagonistic and even threatening, had made her feel extremely uncomfortable. She hoped that things would be less strained once they got to know each other, but in her heart she knew different. LaSalle seemed like the sort of senior officer that you occasionally encounter in the service; one who is insecure in their position and greatly fears that a subordinate might outshine them.
Lieutenant Kerrey and half a dozen other crewmembers arrived a few minutes before the watch began. As chronometers throughout the ship faintly rang eight times to signal the end of the watch, third watch crewmembers relieved their counterparts, and assumed their duties. Jenetta knew all but two of the third watch bridge crew, and suspected that the other eight must also have requested third watch duty because, like Kerrey, most had sufficient seniority to get an earlier watch. Since there was little to do while docked in spaceport, Jenetta permitted light conversation on the bridge. As long as crewmembers stayed fully alert to their duties and responsibilities, she would allow the blithe discussions and light banter that helped pass the night while the ship was in a safe port.
* * *
Jenetta hurried to the officer's mess after her watch so that she'd have adequate time to enjoy her full breakfast and still have time to wash and change into her dress uniform before she had to leave for the forward cargo bay.
Her stomach sated temporarily, she frowned at the reflection in her bedroom