Starfire
Copyright© 2025 by Mark Randall
Chapter 4
As Thad approached Commander Olivet’s office, he met Max Eastman, who was leaving the office. Max was an older pilot. He had joined the ship at Mars Station just before they sailed. Thad knew He was a good pilot. They had flown together several times, both in simulators and transports. The rumor was that Max had been in the Mars Confederation Navy as a fighter pilot and that he had been released from duty for an economic reduction in force. Usually, he was a friendly guy, joking around. He always had great stories about pilots and flying. But when he was flying, it was all business. Reportedly, he had a low tolerance for failure, both in himself and others. Thad didn’t consider him a friend, just more of an acquaintance. Thad had the feeling that Max looked down on him for being younger, less experienced, and coming from a homestead rather than a service academy.
“Sawyer, good to see you, boy. How’s business?” He greeted Thad.
“You know how it is, Max. Some good days and some bad days.” Thad replied, shaking Eastman’s hand.
“Going in to see Olivet?” He asked. When Thad nodded, he continued. “Well, don’t get too nervous. A little birdie told me that you’ll be pleasantly surprised with what they’ve got for you.”
Thad was confused. “What do you mean, Max? What’s going on here?”
Eastman chuckled, “Not now, Thad, old son. Talk to me later.” He then turned and continued down the hallway, whistling.
Thad stared at him for a moment. Then he turned and walked into the Air Boss’s outer office.
Walking into the Air Boss’s office, Thad saw Rose Johnson, the Commander’s secretary, sitting at her desk. Rose had come out of retirement shortly after Commander Olivet joined the ship. It was rumored that she was a distant relative of Beverly Chilkoot, the matron of the Chilkoot Pass. The remaining survivors of the Chilkoot had joined the Seward’s Folly after being rescued by Commander Olivet.
Rose, well into her 60s, had been a secretary for years in various departments, including some time as the secretary to the mother’s council. It was rumored that Rose knew where all the bodies were buried and who put them there. After several years working for the council, she retired from the position for health reasons. Some people said it was her heart, others said that she just got tired of the politics.
“Ah, Mr. Sawyer, so glad to see you, young man. We had a heck of a time finding you. No one would admit knowing where you were, and you weren’t answering your communicator.”
“I’m sorry about that, Mrs. Johnson. I was on the simulator deck, evaluating some new equipment, and had it turned off. I hope I didn’t cause you any grief?”
“Not for me, the Commander was a bit peeved. Several others aren’t too happy, either. But don’t worry about it. They didn’t know where you were either. Now hang on a moment while I let the Commander know you’re here.”
She picked up an old-fashioned telephone and punched a button. After a moment, she said, “Mr. Sawyer’s here, sir.” She paused a moment, then chuckled and said, “No, sir, he isn’t bleeding, and I don’t think there’s any broken bones.” She paused another moment, “Yes, sir, I’ll send him in.”
As Thad entered Commander Olivet’s office, he was stunned to see that Captain Sullivan was also there.