Please forgive me for what must appear to be an appalling
lack of empathy. When you learn why I have brought you here, you will
forgive me, I think. I am expecting a message any moment now, and I
wanted you to be here when it came in. It is coming from the commander
of a large fleet of Starlight Enterprise ships." Richard glanced at
Robert. The two friends shared a subtle smile.
"Encrypted message from Captain Marks-Owens, sir," came an artificial,
mellow voice through the high-level communication system.
"Ah!" said Richard. "Transmit to my office."
The large screen on the wall behind Richard lit up. He turned his
chair. The visage of a tall and slender woman appeared, with high
cheekbones and honey-dark hair drawn back and held in place with a
small circlet.
"Captain Mary Marks-Owens on the Starlight Enterprise ship Tempest,
reporting on top security beam to Richard Starlight. Starlight fleet is
in place. There were no incidents, and we are ready for your command,
sir."
Richard smiled widely and said clearly, "Excellent work, Mary! Deploy
the probes immediately!"
Beowulf Denn choked. "What is this?" he burst out.
"Surprised, eh?" said Richard jocularly, turning his chair back to the
table. "Of course, she won't get the message for about ten minutes. But
when she does, we'll be able to say, 'mission accomplished'!"
"What is this?" Commander Lewis echoed Beowulf Denn.
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