FIREWAND

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Captain Seelsa Ironclaw smiled to herself as she entered her new bridge. Unseen by anyone she carefully pinched herself yet again. Somehow she still couldn't believe FIREWAND was her command, as just seven months ago she had been commanding a freighter convoy. Now with the first interstellar battle hers, more by pure luck than skill, she now commanded the newest Cruiser in the Naorhy fleet. Silently Seelsa scanned the bridge, some of the crewfem she recognized, but the majority were unknowns. Slowly she walked around the bridge, checking each station as she passed before stepping up to the command platform. It was more to settle her stomach than as an inspection tour. Though there was no reason to let her crew know that.

Crewfem had snapped to attention at her approach, to be waved back to their work. 'The worst thing I can do is have a by the book bridge' she decided. All too quickly she had found herself back at her starting point, then taking a breath she stepped up onto the command platform, walking to the command chair. Her Command Chair. She paused when she realized her first officer was standing, not, as was her right, sitting in the chair.

"Mornings greeting Captain" Reeshale said, "All systems nominal, Survey ship FANG II warped out an hour ago. Convoy 277 is scheduled to depart in forty minutes. No other actions expected today."

Seelsa nodded to herself as she realized what was happening. Reeshale was showing everyone how to act around their new Captain, she appreciated that. Nodding to Reeshale she turned to her command chair and withdrew her war dagger, quietly sliding the blade into the scabbard attached to her command chair. Only then did she slowly sit down. 'Goddess but this feels good' she thought to herself.

Turning in her chair she looked to her Communications officer, "Any messages to report?" she asked.

"Negative Lady" the officer replied too crisply for Seelsa’s taste. "Standard in-system communications, nothing out of the normal."

Seelsa nodded in acknowledgment. Time to buff the sharpness off that one later. For now let her loose fur. "Let me know as soon as anything comes in, our orders are running late." She turned the chair back, facing the main screen again and leaned back. "Give me in-system tactical, level six." Slowly the screen faded, to be replaced by numbers and symbols indicating every moving ship in-system larger than a shuttle craft. "Reeshale, continue with your duties" she commanded as she began her studies. It was a busy display, taking her several minutes to make sense of, but giving her something to do other than appear as a figurehead. 'Besides' she thought to herself, 'It never pays to be uninformed.'

Some time later, she was unsure exactly how long, communications announced an incoming private message for her. Pulling herself from the display she plugged her headset into the comm port of the chair. "Transfer to me" she ordered. There was a hiss, then the clear tone indicating an open carrier.

She spoke briskly into the small microphone. "This is Firewand, Seelsa Ironclaw commanding, who calls."

Only then did the tone clear. "This is Admiral Elsakah, report to my offices immediately. I will discuss your orders before turning them over to you."

Seelsa's heart raced, 'Orders at last' she thought, "Immediately Admiral Elsakah, shall I bring my First with me?" she asked, glancing towards Reeshale.

There was a significant pause, long enough for a short conversation. "Negative Captain, just yourself."

Seelsa started, 'Not my First?' she thought, then answered "Acknowledged, complying." The signal faded leaving the neutral hiss of space. Seelsa unplugged her headset, tossing it into its holder. Standing she turned towards the lift. "Reeshale, you have the Con until my return" she told her First, leaving the Bridge without another word.

Seelsa stood quietly outside the Admirals office some time, patiently waiting to be called in. She had been waiting over an hour and had occasionally heard voices in argument through the heavy pressure hatch. Still, she had never waited this long for orders before and the dress uniform was beginning to itch. She never liked it anyway, preferring the soft duty uniform. It didn't help she couldn't wear a skinsuit under it, so the rough fibers caught and pulled at her unprotected fur. Suddenly the hatch opened, a Senior Lieutenant stepping out obviously shaken. She saluted and held the hatch open, "You may enter now Captain Ironclaw" she said. Seelsa wondered at the obvious hate in the others voice as she stepped through the hatch, hearing it lock behind her.

"Captain Seelsa Ironclaw commanding FIREWAND reports" she announced, coming to attention and saluting.

Admiral Elsakah looked up from her papers. "Mistake young Captain, your rank from today is Senior Captain."

Seelsa felt a wash of weakness run down her spine, Senior Captain a full four years before she was eligible!

"Don't get a swelled head Ironclaw" the Admiral continued. "No military ship Captain can be under the rank of Senior Captain, thus the bump in rank. Seems Command forgot that until this morning. I rectified it." Elsakah stood up, towering above Seelsa. "Seems you must be the smallest Senior Captain I have ever met, well the smaller the package the bigger the bite." Abruptly she smiled at Seelsa, "You've made quite a name for yourself, proved Fleet's tactics as well as made one or two up yourself. Fleet's happy, Command's happy, there's just one small problem."

Seelsa groaned inside, her arm was getting tired and she couldn't drop the salute until Elsakah returned it. Elsakah walked behind her, she could feel her eyes in her back. "Good form" Elsakah mummered, "Regulation uniform, don't ever wear it in my office again Ironclaw. Duty uniform only within this room." Seelsa wanted to hug Elsakah for that command, still she remained at rigid attention, her arm beginning to quiver ever so slightly.

Admiral Elsakah walked back into Seelsa's view, returning to her desk. Suddenly she snapped to attention, returning Seelsa's salute. "At ease Ironclaw" she ordered. "Grab a chair and make yourself as comfortable as you can in that neeka suit." Both women then sat down facing each other, Seelsa's ears flickered as she picked up a soft giggle behind her. She couldn't turn around or recognize the other until Elsakah gave her permission, or she left. 'An unknown then' she thought, 'Something to add a bit of uncertainty, I'll have to ignore her' she decided.

Elsakah picked up two large envelopes, holding them up to Seelsa's sight. "Normally you get two choices and an unknown for orders" she said, "Of course everyone knows the unknown is most often one of the original two choices." She paused, seeming to weigh the envelopes. "This time you get two choices, nether of which are remotely the same. Your known choice is as escort for the next convoy to the colony world Darktower. I won't lie to you, its an important mission. If the convoy doesn't make it, well it will be at least another three years before the system gets on-line." She held up the second envelope, Seelsa noticed a small disc attached to the outside. "Then there's the unknown, even I don't yet know these orders." Smiling she laid both envelopes within Seelsa's reach. "Pick one girl, and may the Goddess guide your hand."

Seelsa, as usual, picked up both envelopes, thinking about her options. Unknown orders had been known to contain long, boring, and very useless missions often meant to train patience. They had also been known to contain bright, startling missions. Many or which were one way trips. Carefully she replaced both envelopes on Elsakah's desk, then closed her eyes. She could feel it then, the draw that sometimes came to her. Something like the feeling she had had that day the alien's attacked. Opening her eyes she picked up the second envelope. "I think this one will do" she announced.

Elsakah stood up, reaching over to take both envelopes from her desk. She tossed the rejected one into a bin filled with others like it, then pulled the disc off the second. Walking to a player she inserted the disc, stepping back to lean on Seelsa's chair. "Stay seated girl" she warned. "Now we both find out what Command has cooked up." Seelsa watched as the screen flickered, then cleared. She caught her breath as Survey's emblem faded in, not the expected Fleet. She heard Elsakah swear softly beside her, conformation the Admiral was a surprised as she. The emblem faded out to be replaced by the aged face of Surveys Sector Admiral. She was looking into the camera, seeming to pear directly at Seelsa.

"Mission tape 6260.93 Survey" she intoned. "I am Sector Admiral Riceachan. You have accepted this mission sight unseen and will retain all information as secret until you open your orders. This mission is to seek out and crush the nest of aliens that sent the two raiders against Captain Ironclaw's convoy last year. Inspection of their tapes, as well as interrogation of prisoners, has given us the location of their nearest base. You will join with Dark Desire and Convoy 277 at the star Nani. You may open your orders as soon as you clear this sector. Good luck and may your Gods watch over you." The disc ended, popping out of the reader with a metallic click. Seelsa started breathing again, realizing Admiral Elsakah's hand was on her shoulder, her claws digging into Seelsa's flesh and bringing blood. She coughed slightly, bringing Elsakah aware of her situation.

"Sorry child" Elsakah apologized, "Unintended I assure you." She returned to her seat facing Seelsa, "I would trade anything to have those orders, but the Goddess seems to have touched your life not mine. You will find your Keeleuf's replaced with the newer type B, I think your pilots will be happy about that." She paused, opening a drawer and withdrawing a silver embossed envelope. Seelsa was already in shock, but even so she recognized the Royal Seal. "Now to the problem" Elsakah said. "You received a battle prize on your way back, correct?"

Seelsa nodded as she answered. "Yes Admiral, spoils of combat. One tenth of all value."

Elsakah nodded in understanding. One tenth was a great sum of money in anyones pocket. “Captain, the Crown has asked for a trade. Your one tenth, for something from them."

Seelsa reached into her tunic, pulling her owners papers out and laying them on the desk. "Here are my papers, I happily sign them over to you or the Crown, for no repayment" she answered. “It is more money than I could use in two lifetimes. I wish only to be a starship Captain. Not some fat rich puddy lying on a beach, paying others to meet her challangers.” Reaching in her pocket she withdrew a stylus, signing the transfer and handing it to the Admiral. Behind her the watcher giggled again, causing Seelsa's ears to twitch back for an instant.

Elsakah accepted the transfer, handing Seelsa the silver embossed envelope in exchange. "Your repayment, directly from the King himself. Done then, and our interview is complete. You leave as soon as you return to your ship, and have accounted for your crew." She stood back up, leaning over the desk to hold out her hand. "Good luck and may the Goddess fight with you."

Seelsa stood as well, taking the older women's hand. "Thank you Admiral" she answered. "We will do what has to be done, I look forward to working with you." She saluted, then turned to leave, seeing the other for the first time.

Before her stood the smallest adult Naorhy she had ever seen. She couldn't be four feet tall. Her hair and fur were purest white but her eyes were a dark blue, almost black. She was wearing a standard skinsuit but held herself as if she wore a ball gown. Carefully the delicate woman knelt down, bowing her head to Seelsa. "You have accepted my papers, therefore I am yours." her voice a soft melody. "I am Scholar Nelahe, late of the Royal House, and I am yours."

Seelsa shook in reaction. 'From the Royal House," she thought, 'A trade of trades, or a spy. Worth ten times what I gave up. More. ' She walked past the kneeling woman in shock, staring ahead. "Follow" was all that she could say as the hatch opened, 'Too much in one day, I have to take time to think' she decided.

Seelsa guided them to the closest gateroom, feeling the weight of her orders and listening to the quick soft steps behind her. Turning into the room she stopped at the great framework, watching Nelahe take a position to her left. She looked up at the Acting Ensign at the controls. "Firewand, Gate Room two" she ordered. She felt the soft tingle of the Gate as it activated, then stepped through and into Firewand's smaller. Stepping away from the cooling framework she left the room, heading for the nearest lift and the bridge. She knew the Ensign would inform Reeshale of her arrival. Behind her came those same soft steps.

"Bridge" she ordered as the lift door closed behind the two of them. Then selecting Securities channel on the intercom she ordered all crewfem returned to the ship. Satisfied she glanced down at Nelahe. "Reeshale is both my First and my love" she informed her, "Other than that there are no people aboard this ship involved in my life, as yet. Until room can be found you will live in my quarters."

Nelahe simply nodded her head, she could not speak again until Seelsa gave her leave, thus the rest of the short trip was made in silence.

As soon as the lift doors opened Seelsa walked to her command chair, nodding to Reeshale as they passed. She ordered Nelahe to sit down out of the way as she reviewed her reports, then addressed the crew. "As soon as the last crewfem has been accounted for undock, heading is the star Nani, slowest cruising speed." She glanced at the envelope, reading the instructions printed on the outside. "Notify me as soon as we clear the Sector, until then Reeshale has the Con." Carefully she locked the orders within a small pocket on the side of her chair, then stood, looking to Nelahe's chosen place. "And get repair to mount a chair right there" she finished, pointing to Nelahe. “You stay here” she ordered the white furred woman. “Where Reeshale can keep her eye on you.” Turning away she walked back to the lift, stopping only long enough to look around at the bridge crew. Frowning she entered the lift, leaving Nelahe where she now sat at Reeshale's feet.

“Flight deck" she ordered the lift, pressing the intercoms All Ship button, "This is the Captain. All pilots to meet me in Flight briefing room, no exceptions" she ordered. There was a sharp acknowledgements then silence. Her mind whorled, so much was happening so fast, she just hoped she was up to where events were taking her. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't eaten all day. "Dumb" she said to herself, "An empty stomach is no way to go into battle, makes you jumpy, eager, you make mistakes." She shook herself out of her thoughts as the doors again opened, stepping out into the flight bay. Before her the new model B fighters were still being secured, deck crews working feverishly to finish their jobs before the Firewand undocked. "Funny" she thought, "They don't look much different from the old models."

On the Bridge Nelahe watched with interest as the repair crew arrived, beginning the arduous job of building and mounting a chair where none had been designed to be. Within minutes they had the deck up, checking for lines and cables before beginning to drill. Two were measuring her, speaking in an archaic technical language she found impossible to follow. She knew she was in the way, but without a specific command, or general release from her new owner she could not leave the area. She looked up into Reeshale's eyes, hoping for release.

Reeshale though was enjoying Nelahe's position, she could barely do more than breath or protect herself until Seelsa gave her orders, and Seelsa had never had a slave before. She didn't know the rules that well and you couldn't count that last servant as a slave, dumb as she had been. It was fun watching the crewfem work around Nelahe, who was effectively chained to the command deck and in the way. Then she glanced down into the dark blue eyes, feeling a shudder run down her spine. Pressing the intercom button she paged Seelsa. A whimpering slave she could stand, but those dark pools drove her nuts.

Seelsa was just entering the briefing room when she received the call. Stepping inside the room she waved the pilots back to their chairs and answered the call. "Seelsa here, who calls" she asked.

"Reeshale" came the reply, "Just wondered how long you wanted this slave of yours on the Command Deck. I really would like to send her for food, with your permission."

Seelsa glowed a light orange, she hadn’t released Nelahe and here was Reeshale reminding her in her most polite manner. She took a deep breath, counted to ten, then toggled the switch. "Nelahe, you are to obey Reeshale's orders as if they were my own, until I return" she ordered. "And Nelahe, speak when spoken to or required only, understood?" She waited until Nelahe acknowledged then turned back to the pilots. "Ok ladies, I forgot. Now which of you hasn't forgotten to lower her landing gear at least once?" she asked. General laughter answered her. 'Things may be off to a good start' she decided.

Reeshale watched Nelahe turn the corner to the lift, then motioned the Repair Chief over. "What kind of chair are you putting in" she asked.

The older woman shook her head, "I thought of a simple restraint chair" she answered. "But with this being the Command Deck I thought I would go a little more on the comfort side." She pulled out a small pad and a styles, "Problem we got is access to the lower cables, I'm going to have to make it movable, but on counter sunk rails. A slot ain't strong enough nor is an arm. Question is, how much should it move other than away from the Command deck."

Reeshale studied the problem for a moment, then looking around she spotted the Ensign at Life Support. "Feelka, come over here" she ordered. Ensign Feelka started, she hadn't been aware Reeshale knew her name yet, much less she had done something wrong. Hurrying, she stepped up on the Command deck.

Reeshale stood up, wrapping her arms around the startled and now fully embarrassed Ensign. Holding Feelka deeply within her arms she whispered, "Yes, your almost exactly her size." Turning to the Repair Chief she grinned. "Set it so Seelsa can use it as a foot rest, measure by this Ensign" she decided. Then turning to the Ensign she motioned her to sit in the Command Chair.

Feelka started, 'The Command chair? Me?' she thought. Then, seeing Reeshale was getting impatient she stepped forward, sliding into the intoxicating Captains chair. She felt her legs pulled up and watched as measurements were made. It only took minutes and they were done but it seemed days, then Reeshale motioned her to leave. "Don't get lost, they may need you again" Reeshale ordered.

Shivering, Feelka returned to her station and tried to lose herself in her work. She had been noticed, and that was never a good thing for the lower grades.

Seelsa had soon finished her meeting with the pilots. Most had impressed her but, as always, there were a few she would have to watch. As she headed back to the turbolift she heard the Major of Marines paging her. Sighing, she stepped to the nearest intercom and answered.

"Captain, Darkblade here, I have a problem that is over my head" came the answer to her query.

"What might that be Major" she asked. "Well, one of my marines got into a bar fight, broke up a couple station personnel pretty bad. They have her in custody and won't release her until charges are proven. I could replace her but I don't like the idea of doing that, its bad for morale."

Seelsa groaned, just what she didn't need, "How bad are the charges" she asked, against her better judgement.

"Bad" came the answer, "I've made restitution from my own funds, but if she's found guilty, well minimum punishment for this level of drunken brawling with major injuries will be the knife. It could be as bad as a collar."

Seelsa shuddered, a few weeks in the Brig was one thing, but looking at the knife as a best option tore at her soul. She toggled the switch, "Meet me in Gate Room room three, no one but you and I, and keep your mouth shut afterwards understand?" There was a quick acknowledgment then the circuit went dead. Sighing, Seelsa heading for the Boarding Gates.

Entering the room she found Darkblade talking with the Ensign at the controls. She was, the Captain noted, quite well armed. "We won't need your weapons, not if this goes right" Seelsa ordered, watching as Darkblade secured her most obvious weapons in a nearby locker. Flipping on the intercom she called Reeshale. "How long before departure" she asked.

There was a few seconds silence as Reeshale made her own queries, then "As soon as you order Captain" came the answer.

"Good, be ready to leave the instant I return" she ordered.

She motioned to Darkblade and the two stepped to the nearest gate frame. "Nearest Gate Room to the stations brig" she ordered. Moments later they were stepping out of a small room several yards their destination. "Everyone gets one mistake on my ship" Seelsa told Darkblade, "This is hers. She fouls up like this again and she's off my ship, unless she want's to be ships slave." They then entered the stations brig, heading for the Commanding Colonel's office.

Reeshale looked up when the Repair Chief coughed. "Will she?" she asked.

Reeshale sighed, "Yes, I really think she will" she answered. "As to what the cost, well be I don't know, but I do know she is the kind to pay it without a whimper."

The Chief sighed. "You know, I haven't had a Captain that cared in a long time, I think I'm going to enjoy this pleasure cruise."

Reeshale laughed, then returned to studying the course charts to Nani. No Naorhy warship had yet visited that system, they would be the first. They barely knew how many major planets orbited the star.

Hours later Seelsa entered her quarters to the smell of baked ham and potatoes. Stepping to the washroom she grabbed a glass, washing her mouth out then turned back to the waiting Nelahe. "So, Reeshale informed you of my one weakness did she?"

Nelahe stood up from arranging the small table, "Yes mistress" she replied. "That and many other things she has told me."

Seelsa started peeling the heavy dress uniform off, feeling fur leave with it. "First thing Nelahe, I've never had a slave before so I'm going to make errors. If you need to eat, drink, or relieve yourself just do it. She paused, tossing the heavy jacket and dress shirt towards a corner, surprised slightly when Nelahe caught it in mid-air. "Second, on ship you call me Seelsa unless someone is in earshot that isn't crew. Off ship you can use Mistress but not on the Firewand." She tossed her pants to the waiting Nelahe then started stretching and twisting. "Before I eat I need a shower, how are you at scrubbing backs?"

Nelahe shook her head, "New learning experience miss.. Seelsa, I have never bathed with anyone before."

Seelsa laughed, heading for the shower. "Well, get in here and learn" she ordered.

Reeshale glanced at the fifth message demanding the reason for their slow speed, tossing it back at the lieutenant as she had the rest. "Until something interesting comes in don't bother me with this space noise" she ordered. It would be hours before they left the sector, at minimal power they were trundling along like an old hovercar. She knew why, Seelsa need time to relax, regroup, and clean up. Without it she would be a frazzled set of nerves, unable to sleep. Besides, Reeshale liked Bridge duty, pulling two shifts might be tiring but she didn't mind. She watched as the repair crew feverishly converted scribbles and notes into a miniature of the command chair. It amazed her how fast they could work and still make minimal noise. The occasional waft of burnt fur, whispered curse, and yips of pain informed her they were working faster than normal. She wondered why but declined to ask. She was surprised when Seelsa arrived on the Bridge in duty uniform. "A good meal and a bath do wonders, your relieved until half Second" Seelsa ordered. "Nelahe is in your quarters with your lunch, take her around the ship then dump her at my quarters after she has seen the major areas." She sighed, settling into the command chair. "Pilot, Sub Four please." she ignored Reeshale's departure. Holding out her hand she glanced at the Communications Officer.

"Navigator, what is our position and time to destination" she asked. "Entering Sector three seven mark two in six minutes, arrival at Nani in eighteen months" came the rapid reply. Seelsa reached down, palming open the chairs storage compartment. "Notify me of entry to new Sector" she ordered as she withdrew the envelope. She looked at the half finished chair before her, wondering at the speed her people were working. Calmly she leaned over to the Repair Chief, "You know, it doesn't have to be finished today" she whispered.

There was a slight pause before the older woman replied. "Before Third, or I'll eat my rank" the Chief answered.

Seelsa sat back, 'What a strange crew she thought.' Minutes later she was opening the envelope, drawing out her orders. Orders that ment life or death for her ship, and all aboard.