Part 8

There was expectation in the air, a quiet anticipation not felt for a long time. Everyone was working their posts, hardly talking, just enough conversation to work by. After the blast, the fury of an antimatter path clearance. It was the quiet both after and before the storm.

Ko-on monitored two jobs. Tracking the oncoming battle and finding the mine dropper. His big question was why only one mine. A field or cluster would have made more sense. He looked for his answers.

The 'Chances big table showed the scene. Hovering in easy to view space. There was the Chance, behind it leading the convoy stood the 'Fire behind that back in the 8 point formation was the convoy. Long, and heavy looking ships all. So different to those in the lead. Yet with their big engines effectively swift when needed but so vulnerable in a fight.

Ko on kept looking.

In reality his third job was the real one. Making sure the 'Chance was ready for a fight. He knew the fighters were fueled and the missiles were being transported to the Smokeless Fire. He know that the guns were being tested and he knew all were fully armed. He knew that marines were taking guns from storage, and preparing for action. He even knew that the galley had the infamous fleet traditional before the battle menu nearly ready to eat. He hoped chef hadn't just followed the book of fleet meals. Left on his own the 'Chance's chef was a wonder in the kitchen, yet when following fleet recipes somehow things went a little awry.

Ko on was looking out for all things.

He also worried about the Captain. He'd known Captain Freddie for longer than any man in the crew. This was the first time in years the Captain had been reminded of the battle of Midtreanas that had trapped him and the ex admiral in Hajamke.

Most of all his eyes followed every display and every crew member on the bridge.

Then suddenly there it was. One of the answers he'd been looking for. They'd found the missing ship. The one that dropped the mine. Time to get in touch with the captain. Who was now doubt on his third or fourth fleet beer with the heavy drinking ex admiral.