Think of this as a space opera.

All characters/places/persons not belonging to the writer are the sole properties of their owners, PTEN, WB, JMS, and will be turned over to the owners at the request of their agents. All other characters/places/persons are public domain.

Rated PG-10 (Vocabulary)

"..." = spoken words
{...} = telepathic speech
[...] = one's own thoughts, internal
(...) = to set off items such as acronyms immediately identified by the phrase they stand for.
'...' = to set off italics/odd items???
#...# = Alien/foreign (non-English) speech???

*****************************

   The Ares had just transited to hyperspace when Ivanova turned to General Leftcourt 
and said, "I don't expect any trouble on the way home, but I see no reason to not be 
ready. Commander Evans, before he left, made up rosters for the civilians riding 
back with us. They’ve been mustered and made aware of what’s expected of them in the 
event that we have to go to general quarters(GQ). We will be going to GQ shortly. 
I want to insure that we can get everyone where they should be in an efficient, timely 
manner. Your officers are advised to go to their quarters areas and log into the ship's 
personnel accounting system. It will serve the purpose of mustering them 
and 
keeping  them out of the way. Being anyplace else will just cause them to be in 
someone's 
way. If you make it up here, you will sit and observe, nothing more. Any 
questions, sir?"

   "It's your ship, Susan. I would not presume to tell you how to run it. Somehow, 
I think I might make it to the brig if I tried."

   "Only if we are at GQ, general."

   "That was an interesting demonstration you conducted back there."

   "It's only part of what this ship can do. We do things the designers never envisioned."

   "Well, I’m going to give my boys the news. They need to get their acts together 
before you start running drills."

   The chief engineer (Cheng) turned from his console said to Susan, "Captain. We really 
need to work on several of the reactors besides the one which was sabotaged. I request 
that we be allowed to take down two more for non-routine maintenance."

   "What the hell, I’m losing her when we get back. Go ahead, commander. They're 
yours. Just keep me informed. I may need them back on short notice."

   "You got it, captain." He turned back to his console and passed the word to his crew 
then called his relief.

*****************************

   It was 1300 and lunch had finished thirty minutes before when the 1MC (ship's 
general announcing system) began blaring the ringing of a brass bell followed by the 
announcement, "GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS!
SET CONDITION 2A THROUGHOUT THE SHIP! MAKE MUSTER REPORTS TO THE SHIPS OFFICE AND 
READINESS REPORTS TO THE OOD IN CIC!"  It was immediately repeated.

   In spite of earlier preparations, what followed was a sort of pandemonium amongst 
the civilians, many of whom had never heard the general quarters passed over the 1MC, 
much less had to respond to it. It took thirty minutes for the evolution to be completed.

Finally, the OOD turned from his console display and reported, "Captain, DCC (damage 
control central) reports that Condition 2A has been set throughout the ship. Ship's 
office is reporting all personnel, including our riders, are present or accounted for."

   Susan thumbed the 1MC 'on' switch on her console control panel and said, 
"This is 
the captain speaking. It took us thirty minutes to get this little evolution finished. 
We will practice until we can do it in less than fifteen. It is important for all of 
you, especially the non-crew members, to understand that when we go to Condition 
1A, we will be flooding unmanned outer areas of the ship with nitrogen gas, to lower 
the possibility of uncontrolled fires, when we are taking enemy fire. Anyone in those 
areas when the flooding begins will suffocate. Bear in mind, I won't hesitate to flood 
those areas if we start taking fire. If you are in there, I will have the displeasure 
of informing your next of kin. Ladies and gentlemen, my ship comes first, and with it 
the safety of my crew. I will not allow someone who can't or won't get his or her ass 
in gear to jeopardize either of them. Captain out."

  In the wardroom General Sanchez looked at the other officers present. 
"Gentlemen, 
I think this trip is going to be anything but boring. General Ivanova runs a very tight 
ship. I sincerely suggest that getting on her bad side will not be pleasant."

  "I don't know about the rest of you, but I like her style and attitude," replied 
General Ames.

   Several of the generals and a number of the junior officers, captains and below, 
only groaned in response.

*****************************

  Charles had nothing better to do, so he wandered down to the wardroom. He figured a 
good cup of coffee and a fresh doughnut would be nice. Susan had bought some of the real 
thing for the wardroom galley. He wasn't alone. There were a number of junior officers 
from the board of inquiry sitting at the tables killing time and cups of coffee and tea.

   Charles sat down at a table that for whatever reason was empty. Taking a bite of 
a freshly made doughnut and a sip of coffee, he started thinking about the last time he 
had been aboard a warship commanded by his, now, wife. It had not been pleasant.

   "A credit for your thoughts," said an unfamiliar voice.

   Charles opened his eyes and looked at the speaker. It was one of the commanders 
who had worked for the board.

   "They aren't worth that much, commander," he responded.

   "Might I share your table?"

   "Sure thing. Besides it isn't mine. I only have a short term lease on it."

   The commander sat down and placed his tea in front of him. "You don't look like a 
shipyard worker."

   "I'm not. Anyway, how is a shipyard worker supposed to look?"

   "Surely not as relaxed as you do. What do you think of the drills?"

   "I think of them as a necessary evil, commander. I'd damn sure rather know what to 
do in an emergency situation than not."

   "It's only a milk run back to Earth. What bad can happen?"

   "I really don't know, and I'd rather not find out. I’m sure the captain knows what 
she’s doing."

   "Sometimes I wonder. Giving a woman that kind of power seems wrong somehow."

   "Well, let me see. The Earth Alliance President is a woman. The CO of Babylon 5 
is a woman, and before that she commanded a destroyer. Yep, commander, I suppose 
you do have a point. However, this isn't Susan's first ship, and she was XO of Babylon 5 
for four years. Let me see now. She also totally destroyed Clark's advanced destroyer 
fleet, even though she was out gunned and out manned. Tell me, commander. What have you 
done in your career that’s notable? I mean besides gripe."

   "You seem to have a high opinion of her?"

   "Well, you see, commander, I'm biased. After all, she is my wife."

   At that revelation, the commander choked on his tea. Then he hastily left Charles 
alone at the table.

   Charles wasn’t lonely for long. A few minutes later a young lieutenant junior 
grade (ltjg) asked "Do you mind some company, Mister....?"

   "Wayne is my name, and no, I don't mind," responded Charles.

   The young officer sat down across the table from him.

   "Are you a member of the crew?"

   "No sir. I work for the JAG. I'm the all-purpose 'gofer'. You know, go for this and 
go for that."

   "I do understand the position, lieutenant. What do you think of all the drills 
the captain has promised?"

   “Well, my first assignment was a destroyer, but I’ve never been in combat. I believe 
in being prepared. When they're shooting at you, it's too damned late to learn what 
you need to know."

   "My sentiments exactly, lieutenant. Mister Wayne, may I join you?" asked an older 
commander who pulled back a chair and seated himself.

   "You have me at a disadvantage, commander."

   "I’m the operations officer of the Ares. I'm also wearing the XO hat for the time 
being. Commander Evan's sudden departure left us one short. I'm Wallace Finkle, but 
Wally is just fine, unless we’re dealing formally."

   "I've worked for the military on and off over the years, but I've never really 
gotten used to its traditions and way of doing things. It's in its own little universe."

   This caused the ops boss to laugh heartily. "Yes, I suppose we are." Looking at the 
young lieutenant junior grade, Finkle asked, "Do you know who this is son?"

   The young officer nodded, no.

   “This is the CO's husband.”

   The young man looked surprised. "Oh. I didn't know that." 

   "Don't worry lieutenant. My wife's bite is much worse than her bark," offered 
Charles.

   "I’ll be witness to that," agreed Finkle.

   "She is one busy person. I haven't seen her since breakfast this morning. I hadn't 
realized how much effort it takes to run something like this ship," commented Charles.

   "It always looks easy until you get involved in it, up close and personnel," agreed 
the ops boss.

   "I was looking over some of the reports she utilizes every day, and was astounded 
at how much she must know to do her job."

   "That's why they pay us the big credits, Charles."

   "Speak for yourself, commander. I surely haven't seen any of them yet," replied 
the young lieutenant.

   "Don't worry, son. You will. Just as soon as you retire and go to work for a civilian 
company."

   "I wouldn't give him any false hopes, commander. It doesn't pay as well as you might 
imagine," noted Charles.

*****************************

   Ivanova was walking down the passageway heading toward the wardroom, when she a voice 
from behind ask, "Where are you off to, Susan?"

   Recognizing Leftcourt's voice, she responded, "I'm tracking down my ops boss. 
I’ve decided to forgo the speed run back to Earth. I want him to initiate a sitrep 
update and include our new arrival time."

   "Why are we not doing the speed run?"

   "My cheng asked for permission to perform maintenance on a couple of the reactors. 
Since you're taking Ares away from me when we get back, I can't see any good reason to 
be in a big hurry, general."

   "I see. So, we get the scenic tour. Is that it?"

   "And they say you don't have a sense of humor."

   "Are your trousers off-the-rack or do you have them tailored?"

   "Why do you ask, Sir?"

   "They seem to fit very well."

   "General, they don't make the uniforms to fit a woman's body, in spite of the fact 
that we make up thirty percent of the service. Since my ass is larger than my waist, 
a normal condition for  woman, unlike most men who have big waists and no asses, 
I have them tailored to fit. I’m physically fit, meet the weight standards, and according 
to rumor, am built like the proverbial brick outhouse. I can't be held responsible 
for how my appearance affects the men around me. Is that a problem?"

   "No. It's just a distraction."

   "That's your problem, general. I think you'll find it hasn't presented any problem 
for my officers and crew. None of them thinks of me as a female. I have a reputation 
as one of the hardest-nosed COs in Earthforce. Not many people dream of going to bed 
with someone like that."

   "You do have a point." 

   "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

   "Yes. I was thinking about these Drakh. What do you know about them?"

   "I think this is the wrong place for a briefing. Let me find my ops boss, then I’ll 
be happy to tell you what I know. You know we’re at war with them, whether Earth has 
declared one or not. The attack on Babylon 5 was a defacto attack on the Earth Alliance 
and the Interstellar Alliance."

   "As you said, let's discuss it later."

   They continued walking in a direction that would bring them to the wardroom.

*****************************

  As Ivanova and Leftcourt entered the wardroom, one of the junior officers piped up, 
"ATTENTION ON DECK!" 

   "As you were!" said Susan before anyone could come to attention. She then headed 
toward the operations officer.

   Susan stopped at the table and said, "Wally, I want you to send a sitrep update, 
after you finish your coffee. Let them know we expect to be arriving very late day after 
tomorrow. Follow up with a new one as soon as the navigator gives you an updated 
arrival time."

   "Yes, sir," responded the ops boss.

   "What brings you down here, Charley?" she asked her new husband.

   "Good coffee, better doughnuts and excellent company. I know you’re very busy and 
I’ll go stir crazy sitting in your quarters," he replied.

   "He's joking, Wally. I know for a fact that a year in solitary confinement won't even 
phase him." Saying that, she leaned over and kissed him lightly on the lips and whispered 
in his ear, "More later."  

   Having finished her business, Susan left the ward room with Leftcourt following 
closely behind.

*****************************

   Susan had made a stop in her office to pick up some data crystals on her way to the 
briefing room where she would explain the Drakh problem to Leftcourt.

   "I take it that all that I’m showing and telling you is new to you. Is that accurate, 
General Leftcourt?'

   "None of this information has ever been disseminated, Susan," he replied. 
"These 'First Ones' are beyond anything I could imagine, and these Drakh had been 
working for the ones you call Shadows for thousands of years. I can imagine they 
have to be plenty pissed at those responsible for their mentors being banished. Even 
worse, they’ve had access to advanced technology for a very long time. I can't help 
believing we’re at a real disadvantage. It makes the results of your efforts at Babylon 5 
even more important."

   "If they knew who was responsible for the destruction of Z’ha’dum, they would 
being trying to destroy them, too. You see, as John Sheridan explained it, there 
were four of us on Babylon 5 that the Shadows considered capable of being a nexus. 
There was, of course, John, then in order came Delenn, me and Garibaldi. At the very 
least, Delenn and I are considered prime targets for revenge. I think that the lengths 
they employed trying to destroy me and the Zeus helps prove that point."

   "I would assume then, that the you being at Babylon 5 during their planned attack was 
considered a stroke of very good luck."

   "I don't think so, general. Remember, their attack corresponded to my arrival 
almost to the day. I don't accept it as a coincidence, especially considering we were 
well ahead of schedule."

   "I don't know about that, but I do accept your assessment that a state of war exists 
between them and us. This is at least the second unprovoked attack on an EA installation."

   "I’m looking forward to getting home, general, but if I run into a Drakh ship, it 
will be history. I won't wait for them to shoot first."

   "I don't like the idea of a shootout, but I understand your feelings."

   "I just want you to know what my perspective is, general."

   "There was never any doubt about that, Susan. You’ve had a chip on your shoulder 
for a long time. I think you feel you have to prove you can do the job. You don't 
have to prove anything. Your record speaks for you."

   "Did they tell you that when I was XO of Babylon 5, I was called 'Ice Queen' behind 
my back?"

   "You like to be in control. That puts a lot of people off until they get to know you, 
and you don't make that easy."

   "Of all of my friends, only one really understands me."

   "Who?"

   "Lyta. She’s been there and understands. When I first met her, I hated her. It took 
me a very long time to accept her, and that only came about because she started working 
for Kosh. Then she saved our asses several times. It's funny how having someone save you 
from certain death can make you reevaluate your opinion of them."

   "She got pretty close to you."

   "Closer than a beloved sister."

   "Except for my wife, I have never felt that way about anyone I know."

   "I hate to brief and run, but I have business in CIC. We have some more drills 
to run."

   "Somehow, I just knew you were going to say that."

*****************************

   Susan held three more drills running until 2000 that evening. The crew and riders 
had managed to do the last one in just a few seconds more than fifteen minutes.

   After the OOD had reported that muster had been taken and Condition 2A successfully 
set, Susan looked at him and said, "I think they have the general idea, OOD. Secure 
from GQ and set the normal underway watch."

   "Yes, sir," he responded.

   Susan left CIC and headed for her quarters. She needed to unwind, and a shower and 
Charles would be a real help in that department.

*****************************

   Susan was preparing to take a shower, when Charles asked, "Did you fit your trousers 
this well when you commanded the Zeus?"

   "You were there. You tell me."

   "If memory serves me correctly, I saw you once, in the wardroom. You were sitting 
down behind a table, and you had security remove me and confine me to my living compartment. 
It was the size of one you normally assign to a junior ensign. It was two and a half by 
three meters. After the fight with the Drakh, I awoke in the brig, and I didn't leave 
there until I departed the ship. I didn't see you then, so the only time I saw you in 
all the time I spent aboard was when you confined me. Therefore, I have no idea how well 
they did or didn't fit."

   "I stand corrected. That’s one thing I have done for which I am truly sorry."

   "You’re only sorry because you met me much later, and learned what I really was."

   "Charley, I don't want to fight."

   "We aren't going to. I told you that’s past. I only stated a fact. That being, 
I never saw all of you on the Zeus."

   "As I said, you're correct."

   "Did your pants fit that well when you were CO of the Zeus?

   "Yes they did, Charley. I have been told I have a nice ass, and that it is distracting."

   "You mean someone’s complaining about how you look?"

   By this time Susan had removed her clothing and was walking toward the shower. 
"General Leftcourt mentioned that the tailored trousers caused my ass to be distracting."

   Charley started laughing. "You'd think he had more important things to worry about. 
Is it distracting?"

   "It hasn't bothered my officers and crew."

   "You don't seriously think anyone would have enough nerve to tell you, do you?"

   "Oh yes. My former XO, Pat Owens, would not have hesitated to tell me. That's 
why I chose him for the position. That's why I know nobody cared. Pat would have 
heard about any rumors and acted to handle them."

   Charles listened to the shower run, shut-off, and then run again. A minute later, 
Susan was out of the head and into bed.

   "You're slow, Charley."

   "Actually, I took my shower before you came in," he replied removing his pajamas 
and joining her in bed.

   Susan wanted physical contact and was on top of Charles before he could get the blanket 
pulled up.

*****************************

   It was 0430 when the alarm went off. Susan was up and getting dressed in a sports bra 
and sweatpants. Charles looked at her and asked, "Where are you going?"

   "I like to start the day with a workout, so I join Lieutenant Colonel Munoz and his 
marines for an early morning workout. Sometimes I work out with them later in the day, 
but these early workouts seem to give me an energy boost. You’ll have to try it sometime. 
It’ll tone you up."

   "Give me a minute. I want to come and watch. If it doesn't look to dangerous, 
I may give it a try."

   Within two minutes they were hustling through empty passageways heading toward one 
of the ship's gymnasium facilities.

   "Has anyone ever told you that you’re distracting in sports bra and sweatpants?"

   She shot him a dirty look, and then smiled broadly and gave him a quick kiss. It 
took them ten minutes to walk to the gym.

*****************************

   Looking across the breakfast table at Charley, Susan commented, "You've never 
seen the ship have you?"

   Charley, with a mouthful of food, shook his head, no.

   "As soon as I get through going through message traffic, I'll give you the credit tour. 
I have a training session with the Colonel's troops scheduled for 1000. I can give you 
a tour and end up in the gym on time."

   "You just did a workout with them."

   "That was a warm-up workout to get the blood flowing. This is close personnel 
combat training. It's kick-butt and take-names training, without taking names."

******************************

   "Has anyone ever told you this one very large ship?"

   "Several times. It’s considerably larger than the Zeus. This is one of the reactor 
rooms. It’s one of eight on board."

   Susan led Charles into the outer control room. He could see the reactor itself was 
four decks high and least a hundred meters wide.

   "This is as close as I can take you. This is a very hazardous working area. I don't 
even go in there, unless it can't be helped. I leave it to my engineers. It is their 
area of expertise."

   "Sweetheart, this is closer than I want to be."

   "May I ask what you two are doing in here?" asked a gruff male voice from behind them.

   Without turning around, Susan responded, "I was giving Charles the one-credit tour."

   "Well, someone should have told you this is a restricted area. There are signs 
posted outside the space."

   "I know. I read them," replied Susan still not turning around.

   "I’m going to call security and have the two of you taken to the brig. The captain’s 
going to have a fit when he finds out you were in here."

   The chief engineer came into the space just in time to hear the man's last statement.

   "What's the problem, Jeff?"

   "The skirt’s giving her boyfriend a tour of the ship. I caught the two of them in here."

   "Were you at the short indoctrination that the XO held for all you civilian workers?"

   "No. It was a waste of time. I already studied the ship's plans. I know where 
everything is."

   "That may be, but the other purpose of the indoctrination was to familiarize you people 
with our ship's officers."

   "So? She ain't wearing a uniform."

   "That was my point. If you had attended, you would know who she is."

   Susan and Charles had turned to look at Jeff and the chief engineer.

   "You haven't sent for security yet, mister. I suggest you make it quick, before me 
and my 'boyfriend' simply walk out."

   "What aren't you telling me?" asked Jeff.

   "I’m not telling you that you're about to step on your crank with golf spikes."

   Jeff looked at the commander with confusion showing on his face.

   "I think what cheng’s trying to tell you is that your dismissal of the indoctrination 
briefing is about to get your ass fired!" snapped Susan.

   Charles had seen Susan in this frame of mind before, and was glad he wasn't going to 
be on the receiving end of her anger.

   "What the hell are you talking about?" demanded Jeff.

   "Questioning our being in here is good security, learning who we are and whether 
we are out of bounds being in here is also part of the drill. Calling security if there 
is valid doubt is also part of the drill. Your being a smart-mouthed wise-ass isn't part 
of that drill. If you had gone to the indoctrination, you would have been aware that the 
captain of this ship is a woman, not a man! Is any of this getting through that Neanderthal 
skull of yours? One more thing, when you address me, you say, Yes Sir! or Yes Captain!" 

   Jeff looked at the cheng and was greeted by a smiling face.

   Cheng offered, "Jeff, you have now met General Ivanova, our CO."

   "I’m sorry, General."

   "Not as sorry as you are going to be. You’ll be working for me when you get back. 
I’m relieving your present CO. If I ever hear of you pulling crap like this again 
because you didn't see fit to go to an informational briefing, 
I’ll 
have your job. Do you understand me?"

   "Yes sir."

   Susan and Charles departed the control room.

   After Susan and Charles were gone, the cheng told Jeff, "You’re very lucky. The man 
with her is her husband. If he hadn't been here she would have ripped you a new ass."

   "I thought she did a fairly good job of it as it was."

   "Not even, Jeff. You haven't seen her mad yet. She was just irritated."

   "Was she kidding about being General Zaleski's relief?"

   "Not at all. She’s only taking Ares back because the fellow they were going to send 
to do it wasn't qualified."

*****************************

   "You went easy on him, Susan."

   "I didn't want to make a scene in front of you."

   He looked at her closely to see if she was joking.

   "What’re you looking at?"

   "After what you did to me on the Ares when I introduced myself, I can't believe 
you could ever worry about making a scene."

   "I’ve changed since then, Charley. You don't know how many times I’ve regretted 
that scene. It made me look cheap and vindictive in front of my officers. I never even 
tried to look beyond your uniform and symbol. That was an inexcusable disgrace, and several 
friends have pointed it out to me."

   "We better get a move on if we are going to make your class on time."

   They speeded up their pace, and walked the rest of the way in silence.

*****************************

   "I’m afraid my people are adamant. They’ll spar with you, but not at full contact."

   "I don't understand, Frances,” said Susan. "They haven't refused in the past. I 
thought I was an accepted full contact sparring partner?"

   "That was then, Captain. You weren't pregnant then. None on them wants to chance 
hitting you and harming your unborn child."

   "It’s unfair. I'm not even showing yet. I thought they were ferocious and merciless?"

   "They are to an enemy, but you aren't an enemy. You're a sparring partner, a training 
opponent as it were. They'll spar with you light contact, but they refuse to do no holds 
barred sparring with you. They respect you very much. They respect your condition 
even more." 

   "I need a quick visit to the head, then I’ll join you for the warm-up."

   As Susan made a dash for the head, Munoz looked at Charles. "Let me guess, morning 
sickness."

   "You got it. Sometimes she can go a whole day, then zap, she's off the do the business."

   "You understand why me people don't want to take a chance with her, don't you?"

   "I do. She grows on you after a while. She doesn't understand how people see her. She 
has this mean tough image of herself and works very hard to protect it."

   "She’s a hard taskmaster, Mr. Wayne, but she isn't mean. They aren't the same things. 
I know skippers who are mean, but couldn't lead a team to pour piss out of a boot with 
instructions on the heel. Believe me, there’s a vast difference between the two types."

   A minute later Susan reappeared and began to lead the warm-up exercises.

*****************************

   "A credit for your thoughts, Charles."

   Charles looked around and found himself looking into the face of General Leftcourt.

   "I thought I would come down and watch the marines workout. I didn't expect to see 
Susan out there."

   Looking Leftcourt up and down, Charles said, "You seem to be dressed to join them."

   "I think I'll do that," he said, and took up a spot in the back of the small formation.

   Less than a minute later, Charles became aware of someone standing close on his 
left side.
   
   "Good morning, Mr. Wayne. Why aren't you working out with them?"

   Charley looked around at the speaker. It was the young lieutenant junior grade 
from the day before. "Do I appear to be suicidal, lieutenant?"

   "Not really, sir. Is that the CO leading the exercises?"

   "Yes. She’s big on fitness."

   Silence reigned for several minutes, then Charles looked at the young man again. 
He was engrossed in watching Susan exercise.

   "Lieutenant, it’s bad form to drool in public."

   "I'm not drooling, sir. It's just that she’s very beautiful. I've never seen a senior 
female officer who looked that good, before."

   "From what she tells me, it sometimes creates problems."

   "How?"

   "Men don't take beautiful women seriously - especially in the military, almost 
three hundred years of history notwithstanding. So, she has to work extra hard to be 
accepted as serious." 

   "I hadn't thought of that."

   Thirty minutes later Susan and Leftcourt walked over to where Charles and the lieutenant 
junior grade were standing. Susan was breathing lightly and wiped the sheen of sweat 
from her face with a towel. Leftcourt was breathing very heavily and sweating profusely.

   "I hope you didn't overdo it, general," said Susan.

   "I thought I was in better shape," replied Leftcourt. "You damned near killed me 
with that pace."

   "General, you're in excellent shape for your age. I think the fact that you have me 
by more than twenty years has a lot to do with it," commented Susan.

   "You have a cheering section, sweetheart," noted Charles.

   Susan looked at the young man. "Just who might you be?" she asked.

   "He's one of Walsh's boys, Susan," offered Leftcourt.

   "Lieutenant Junior Grade Allison Caldwell, sir," replied the young man.

   "Well Lieutenant, the good part starts now. Just don't yell too loudly," said Susan 
smiling, as she turned and headed back out on the padded floor.

   Looking at Leftcourt, Charles said, "She said this was the butt-kicking and name-taking 
part of the workout."

   Caldwell looked at the marines and Susan taking up positions on the floor and noted, 
"I didn't see her carrying any data pad."

   The older men just laughed.

   The sparring had been going on for almost an hour, when the 1MC blared, 
"CAPTAIN IVANOVA, PLEASE CALL CIC."
   
   Susan jogged over to one of several communications panels mounted on the bulkheads 
around the perimeter of the gym. "Captain Ivanova here. Go."

   "We have something on passive sensors that you should look at ASAP, captain," 
came the reply.

   "On my way. Captain out," replied Susan.

   Passing Munoz, Susan said, "Sorry, Frances. Duty’s rearing its ugly head."

   As she passed Charles, she excused herself, telling him she had duty to attend to.

*****************************

   Susan became aware that someone was touching her mind. It was Lyta saying that she 
was almost half-way to Mars. Lyta's mental touch faded as she told Susan to take care.

   Entering CIC still attired in her work out clothing, Susan's appearance turned 
heads and focused eyes on her. She looked around and asked, "Don't you guys have 
watches to stand?" Everyone went back to his duties.

   "You’ll want to see this, Captain," said the OOD.

   Susan stepped over to one of the analysis consoles and looked at the data displayed 
there.

   "Are we sure of this?"

   "Yes Sir. It exactly matches the profiles we built from the data collected during the 
attack on Babylon 5 and the data from your encounter on the Zeus."

   Susan thought about it for almost a minute and then thumbed the 1MC switch on her 
command chair control panel, "THIS IS THE CAPTAIN. GENERAL LEFTCOURT, YOUR PRESENCE 
IS REQUESTED IN BRIEFING ROOM TWO. CAPTAIN OUT."

   "OOD. Set Condition Three Alpha."

   Taking a seat in the command chair the OOD made the announcement. 
   
   "Get our intelligence types busy. I want a briefing in briefing room two in thirty 
minutes. If the general calls up here, tell him what it's about and to expect a complete 
briefing. I want weapons, engineering, the air group commander and my tactical staff 
there. I’m going to grab a shower and try to make myself look like an officer in the 
meantime." 

   "Yes sir!" came the response.

********************************************************************
END PART ONE

part 2

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