Chapter 1

Ships Log 2853AC

Captain S. Miller

I have been treading the space lanes alone for ten years now. At that time, I made more money than I had ever dreamed possible.

‘Now what?’ I wondered.

I was bored with trading. When I got my Mk IV trade vessel, it was over one hundred fifty years old. I had to make my way the hard way. It may be time for me to upgrade to a better ship. Even a new Mk IV with its enhanced features would be an improvement.

Then again, I had made my application to the Star Federation three months ago. It was about time I heard from them.

‘Maybe there will be a message at the next port of call,’ I mused.

“End log entry,” I stated to the AI system.

There was a bleep to acknowledge that the recorder had shut off.

Three ports of call later, when I was approaching Lakly Starport, I finally heard from them. The onboard AI announced an incoming message from the Star Federation Admiral Steiner. I could hardly contain my excitement.

I told the AI system, “Display it at once.”

The message began with the logo of the Star Federation Alliance displayed. After a moment, a prerecorded message played the face of a young-looking ‘Vice Admiral of the Star Federation Fleet.’

“Greetings, Captain Miller,

This is Vice Admiral Steiner, Military Advisor to the Lakly system and the Starport commander. Captain, I request your presence in Space Dock Command today at 1400 cycles Starport time. The subject of our meeting will be your application for Warrant Officer.”

“A free bit of advice here, Captain. This is a test of your abilities and resourcefulness. If you can’t make it on time, don’t bother to show up.”

End of transmission.

The Holo screen displayed the eight galaxies of the Federation that followed all official communications. I sat stunned for a moment, just staring at the display. Finally, reality set in, and I spoke.

“AI, what is the current local time on Lacky station, please?”

The sexy AI voice responded, “1299 Cycles, Sir.”

‘101 cycles is all I got? Oh! How am I going to get docked in that amount of time?’ I was thinking to myself.

Then, an idea popped into my head. It was strange, in a way. It didn’t seem like my thought. The thought just came to me. I didn’t worry about that at the moment, however. Instead, I addressed the AI.

“AI. Engage auto-docking, priority two.”

The ship’s AI responded, “Priority two, Sir?”

It was programmed to respond in that sexy voice. I have had many wet dreams listening to that very voice. I could get that personality crystal and VR halo projector for my next ship.

I confirmed my order for the AI.

“Yes. Priority two.”

The ship’s AI said, “Sir, Priority two is reserved for Federation Star Alliance Warrant Officers.”

I replied, “I know. If the priority request is accepted, I will know that a commission is awaiting my arrival.”

Then, I wondered why I had never received a personality crystal for the AI system. Maybe it was about time I did. That thought would give me something to contemplate for the subsequent hundred cycles.

As it was currently 1300 Cycles, Station time, I could only dock and make the appointment if I had Warrant Officer status. Priority three was expensive and usually meant a one- to two-hundred-cycle wait in line. That wait was before even beginning the docking procedures.

Since only military ships and local police used priority one, priority one was out of the question. As long as there were no ships with priorities one or two waiting to dock ahead of me, I would be docking very shortly. At least, that was my hope as I made my request.

The ship’s AI replied, “Starport Lakly Station has accepted the priority two docking request. The auto systems have been engaged. Estimate docking in less than ten cycles, Sir.”

At precisely 1400 cycles, I spoke to the station’s AI unit operating the Admiral’s office.

The computer replied, “Please state your name and rank for a voice identity check.”

‘Right,’ I thought to myself, ‘military formalities!’

It had already identified me from my voiceprint. However, there was nothing to do but play along.’

So, in my best voice, I stated sharply, “Captain Sam Miller.”

The station’s AI replied, “Voiceprint confirmed. Please enter and have a seat. The Admiral will be with you shortly.”

I entered the office and sat in the only chair before the desk. It was cumbersome-looking but comfortable, but the restraint features were visible. I almost panicked about that little fact, and the Admiral entered the room.

“Stay seated. You haven’t been sworn in yet,” the admiral said and smiled at me. Then he sat in his chair and began. “Captain, congratulations on your acceptance as a Warrant Officer in the Federation’s Independent Forces Division. I have reviewed your record. I am impressed with your bounty reports. I rarely meet a man capable of taking out six ships at once. You have demonstrated an insight that has earned you this opportunity for a commission.”