Address criticisms to [xazqrten@cox.net]

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

In Susan's apartment:

   Susan had been speaking into the recording device for a number of hours. 
Charles had quietly gone to sleep just before 2200 hours. She was replaying the 
afternoon's events in her head when the incoming call sounded on the picture 
phone. Susan accepted the incoming call.

   "I'm sorry to call at this hour, Mrs. Wayne, but a mutual friend suggested 
that I get together with you to discuss some common interests."

   The first thing Susan thought of, with the person being a bit cryptic in his 
statement, was that somehow Kosh had been reincarnated as a human male. "What 
can I do to facilitate your endeavors, Mr....?" Inquired Susan.

   "I just arrived. I'd like to sit down with you sometime tomorrow. Preferably 
in an open environment, if you don't mind."

   "There is a large mall locally. I'll meet you there at 1200 hours tomorrow. 
You can buy me lunch on your expense account."

   "Until tomorrow, Mrs. Wayne."

   After the man broke the connection, Susan began to wonder. Michael had said 
one of his people would be in contact with her. She decided to put it out of 
her mind until the next morning. The only thing she wanted to do now, was 
snuggle up with her husband and get a good night's sleep. However, that was not 
to be.

   The images in Susan's dream started with her being very round as a result of 
her pregnancy. She saw herself in the delivery room and then felt herself 
feeding her son for the first time. The feelings she was experiencing as part 
of the feeding process were intensely satisfying. Charley was sharing the 
intense dream his wife was having. The dream continued showing the couple's 
involvement in the baby's maturing process. It was as they sat in the audience 
watching his graduation from high school that everything started to unravel. As 
the dream, maybe nightmare was a better description of what Susan and Charley 
were experiencing now, progressed, everything they had envisioned was now being 
brutally destroyed in a manner that had them experiencing intense pain as 
neither had experienced before. The nightmare continued until Susan was once 
again at the early stages of her pregnancy. Then she was being shown her unborn 
child being torn from her womb and thrown onto a heap of medical waste. She 
awoke screaming at the top of her voice. Charley snapped awake to find himself 
hearing his wife's screams, and feeling the sweat roll off him. The 
dream/nightmare had seemed as real as anything he had ever experienced. For 
once, he wished he and Susan didn't have such intensely close mental links. 
When they slept together in the nude the bodily contact and their lowered 
barriers made their minds almost intertwine and resulted in shared dreams and 
other intense experiences.

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

Sunday noon at the mall:

   "Charley, this is personal business, or at least I think it is."

   "When you meet him, I'll make myself scarce. I enjoy getting out with my 
favorite wife, even if it is just a walk around the mall."

   They had been meandering around the mall for about twenty minutes when 
Susan's cell phone rang.

   Susan put the instrument up to her ear. The voice she heard said, "Lose your 
husband, and meet me at Ling's Fine Chinese Restaurant."

   "I have to go, Charley. He wants to talk to me alone. Don't worry. I can 
take care of myself. Besides I brought my denn'bok," she said fingering the 
small carrying case attached the right side of her belt and riding just on top 
of her hip.

   "I'll be sitting outside the coffee shop, drinking coffee and eating a 
sandwich or something."

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

Sitting a table in Ling's Restaurant:

   The nondescript man, somewhere between his early thirties to maybe mid 
fifties, sitting across the table from her, introduced himself. "I'm Alex 
Collins, Mrs. Wayne. Michael’s people here have assigned me as liaison to you. 
It's so we can keep you isolated from any fallout that might occur because of 
what we're working on." 

   "And just what are you working on?"

   "Michael assigned us to collect information on a certain fellow named King. 
Ever since it was revealed that you were going to be the next CINC of 
Department of Design and Procurement, there has been a concerted effort on the 
part of certain interested parties to put together data bases that might help 
you with your efforts in completing that assignment."

   "I haven't even taken over the command yet, and already they're trying to 
turn me into a political football."

   "Not at all, Mrs. Wayne. The department has grown almost two hundred percent 
since Clark ascended to the presidency. There are some who wonder what all 
those new billets accomplished, besides adding horrendously to the department's 
operational budget. It certainly hasn't added to its efficiency."

   "Just what kind of data can you supply, Mr. Collins?"

   "Budgets broken down to whatever level you think you need, personnel data 
including their past associations, work history, what they like for breakfast, 
literally, whatever you wish, as long as it exists and is legally available. I 
might add that we got our start gathering data for the rogue telepaths during 
the Telepath War. Michael and his telepath friend elected to keep us on the job 
when the war ended. We've been perfecting our search techniques amongst other 
things. You don't know it yet, but we've been working for you ever since you 
had the lawsuit taken out against you."

   "What or who had you working on that?"

   "It was instigated by your friend Lyta Alexander. We furnished what we found 
to interested legal councils. You'll be hearing from them in the near future. I 
think you'll like what you hear."

   "What have you learned about Mr. King?"

   "I'm not at liberty to tell you. However, you'll become aware of the 
situation later this week. General Donovan is very pleased with what we have 
found so far. You'll learn about that too."

   "You haven't really told me anything, Mr. Collins. You've only spoken in 
generalities."

   "You can't inadvertently tell about something, if you don't have any real 
knowledge of it. Believe me when I tell you that by the end of this week, you 
will understand. You are security conscious because it's part of what you are, 
General Wayne. I'll contact you in about a week. Then you can tell me what you 
think. Meanwhile, think up something for a database that we can develop for 
you."

   "Maybe we should order lunch. You make me want to eat something expensive."

   "There is a young officer named Robert Arkland awaiting your decision about 
whether he should be court-martialed. I'd like to know how you are going to 
handle it."

   "What does that have to do with what we have been talking about?"

   "Nothing at all. However, it could be useful."

   "How?"

   "Suppose General Marsh sent you a message telling you what he suggested as a 
resolution for the situation. Now suppose he gave you a time frame in which to 
register objections to this course of action. Would you have a problem with 
that?"

   "What you're saying is that he sends me a unless otherwise directed (unodir) 
message and to accept his recommendation, I have to do nothing. Okay. It would 
be one less thing I have to think about. What do I have to do to get this 
message sent, and why would I do it?"

   "You don't have to do anything. The why is my business, but you'll 
understand when you see it. We get to solve two problems with one effort."

   "Do it. You have piqued my interest, Mr. Collins."

   Susan and Collins finished lunch and were about to part company; Collins 
looked at her and said, "You think that your assignment to this post is a 
mistake."

   "Since I'm not a ‘pork chop’ it does make me wonder. After all, kick ass 
seems to be what I do best, and I really don't see what that has to do with 
supply functions."

   "You were chosen for this when you declined to become commanding officer of 
Babylon 5, and insisted on taking command of the latest destroyer to come out 
of Earth Alliance shipyards, the EAS Zeus. Instead of taking the safe courses 
in your career, you have taken the roughest roads available. It's your 
trademark, so to speak."

   Susan looked completely confused. Collins continued to explain.

   "You know that many officers supported Clark outright. What you don't know 
is that many civil service types jumped on the bandwagon. It was felt that to 
try and root out the sympathizers, after Clark's government fell, might result 
in a civil war on Earth. It was decided that what was needed was someone who 
had no ties to the regimes in Earthforce, or to any political organizations. 
That's a tall order to fill, General Wayne. Now on top of that you would want 
someone people respect, and who is not afraid to kick ass. Someone who will 
hang their ass and career out to get the job done and can inspire others to 
travel that road with them. When you factor that in to all the other 
requirements, the list gets remarkably short. It gets down to two names. 
Captain John Sheridan and Commander Susan Ivanova. Last time I checked, John 
Sheridan was occupied with being president of the Interstellar Alliance. That 
means the list just got shorter. You get the job by default. They've been 
waiting until you brought the Ares back. Then came the promotion and 
reassignment."

   "Someone seems to be expecting a hell of a lot out of me. I could disappoint 
them very badly."

   "They don't think so, General. You don't surrender, and you don't quit until 
your adversary is destroyed or rendered harmless. They believe you will operate 
in that manner with your new assignment. You are popular, you don't owe anyone 
anything, you're thorough, and you're one hell of a good leader. You're very 
good looking too. My money is on you."

   Looking thoughtful, Susan said, "I just hope I don't screw this up."

   As he turned to walk away, Collins said, "Not a chance, General. Not a 
chance."

   "Just a moment, Mr. Collins."

   Collins stopped and turned back toward Susan. 

   "You asked me to think up something for a database that you can develop for 
me. Let me see your data pad for a minute?"

   Collins handed her the device and a stylus to use with it. Susan pushed 
several input keys on the unit then seemed to make scribbled notes on the 
writing surface. About three minutes later she handed the pad back to Collins.

   "Can your people do that for me?"

   Collins let out a low whistle. "Are you going to do what I think you are 
with this?"

   "That would only be for starters. With databases containing this data, I can 
quickly do analyses of whether a person or a whole group of people are 
necessary for proper operation of an organization, not to mention the political 
possibilities."

   Collins looked at Susan, and it was evident that his evaluation of her had 
just gone up a couple of notches. "You're as good as your reputation, General 
Wayne. The beauty of database designs like these is that they can be used on 
any large or small organization. It'll take a bit of time, but yes we can do 
this."

   "Thank you Mr. Collins." She turned and walked away from Collins. He watched 
her leave and envied her husband.

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

In front of the coffee shop:

   Charley had been sitting at a table just outside the coffee shop for just 
over an hour. He had been enjoying looking at the pretty young women, and some 
not so young pretty women, and listening to the thoughts they projected as they 
walked by. He was pleased that so many of them thought he was good looking. He 
wondered what they would think, if he was wearing his old psi cop uniform 
instead of a shirt and slacks. He would bet good money that they wouldn't even 
look at him, and their thoughts would not be for his good health. It was times 
like this that he was very glad that Psi Corps was a thing of the past. Though 
he wondered if what had replaced them wasn't even more insidious.

   He looked down the mall and saw Susan walking his way. She approached his 
table and asked, "Are you ready to leave?" 

   "Whenever you are."

   As they walked toward the mall exit, Susan said, "I need to exercise today. 
Want to come over to the company gym with me?"

   "We can get plenty of exercise at home," replied Charley.

   Susan looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Are you talking dirty to me?"

   "We haven't had a day like this in a while. At the very least, we can get in 
an afternoon of aerobics."

   Susan tightened her grip on his arm, and picked up the pace of her walking.

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

Monday morning, Geneva time in the Earthforce JAG Headquarters:

   "What can I do for you, Mr. Hill?" Asked Commander Jennings.

   "I understand that the JAG is waiting for General Wayne to decide if she 
wants to court-martial Lieutenant Robert Arkland the Fourth."

   "I believe that's true Mr. Hill. It seems that resolution of his situation 
has been somewhat delayed, due to his injuries, and his recovery from same. 
What does that have to do with you?"

   "Personally, nothing. However, we believe it can be used to General Wayne's 
benefit."

   "Enlighten me."

   "All that's necessary is for JAG to send General Wayne an official 
Earthforce message, notifying her that unless she files an objection by a 
certain time, JAG will process the charges against the good lieutenant, in 
accordance with present Earthforce rules and regulations and proceed with court-
martialing him."

   The commander thought about it for a minute. "It seems straightforward 
enough. What do you gain from the situation?"

   "No matter which way you decide, I gain absolutely nothing, nor do any of 
the people in our organization. However, depending upon how certain people 
respond in the handling of the message, General Wayne stands to gain the 
enhanced ability to trash a former voluntary member of the Nightwatch."

   This time the commander didn't even have to think about it. "I'll see that 
it's done. Just give me enough details to convince General Marsh."

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

In Colonel Pearson's office at Department of Design and Procurement HQ:

   Colonel Pearson always came in early. His functions as CoS included 
screening the previous nights message traffic, deleting that which had nothing 
to do with the command's responsibilities or personnel, marking others for 
action and/or to be readdressed to the appropriate junior command under General 
Zaleski's cognizance, if it wasn't already listed as the action addressee. He 
highlighted items he believed required the general's personal action or that he 
might find interesting. The remainder he scanned for his own information. His 
eye caught one addressed to General Zaleski for delivery to General Wayne. He 
highlighted it, particularly its priority markings and reply requirements, and 
marked it for transmittal to Lt. Colonel King, at the Ashley Company, for final 
delivery to General Wayne. General Zaleski would read it and see that 
appropriate action had already been taken. 

   Colonel Pearson took a break and got himself another cup of coffee. After 
reading the message addressed to General Wayne, he was sure that his new boss 
was going to be an interesting person to work for. Ever since he had found out 
who General Zaleski's relief was going to be, he had made it a major item on 
his agenda to learn all he could about her. There was quite a bit to know. 
After he had gone through all that was available to the regular browser, he had 
made an effort to get at the material that wasn't available to the general 
public. All of it had been interesting. The short conversation he had with her 
a week ago had proven that. She had a record of not screwing around with 
people. Anyone who didn't believe that was totally uninformed or completely 
naive.

   Pearson set up his data crystal viewer and began to watch the data on 
General Wayne's recent endeavors. Viewing those and reflecting on the other 
data, he came to the conclusion that Lt. Col. King's future in Earthforce was 
going to be hastily abbreviated, and it would not be to King's liking. During 
his viewing, General Zaleski drifted into his office.

   Pearson arose. "Sit back down, Mark. I just read the message to General 
Wayne. I hope King doesn't screw around with her," said Zaleski, taking a seat 
on Pearson's couch.

   "What's the story with King, General? I mean how did someone like him make 
it to first lieutenant, much less lieutenant colonel, Sir?"

   "I'm not sure, Mark. He got his present position thanks to his Nightwatch 
connections. Clark may have gone away, but the bulk of the ones who joined 
Nightwatch are still with us. There was no way to get rid of all of them 
without another civil war. CJCS and some of his cronies have been working on 
that ever since Clark fried his own brains. I imagine the president is also 
doing whatever she can, but she is limited by the changes to the constitution 
that were rammed through immediately after Clark was deposed. They didn't want 
anyone else to be able to grab absolute power the way he did. It has 
effectively hamstrung her in dealing with the military. I was hoping things 
might swing back toward the center before I had to leave the stage. Now, it 
looks like that isn't going to happen. I'm still trying to figure out why 
they're replacing me with an unrestricted line officer (URL). How can she be 
expected to run an outfit like this one?"

   "I've been learning all I can about her. She has a very interesting career 
to say the least, General. She is a fighter pilot. She was XO on Babylon 5, so, 
she effectively ran a station with a quarter million people on board, 
consisting of Earthforce personnel, people from all races in the various 
alliances and the ambassadorial representatives from all those races, the 
civilian workforce and a bunch of special interest groups. I mean Commander 
Sinclair and Captain Sheridan were the commanding officers, but she handled the 
day-to-day fiascoes. She has commanded two destroyers and dealt with any number 
of diplomatic situations in that capacity. From an overall perspective she has 
one hell of a resume and practical experience to back it up. As the CINC of our 
outfit, she will have a load of experts and specialists to handle the trench 
work, and she has shown that hands-down she is a very competent administrator. 
Personally, I'm not worried in the least, Sir."

   "You're probably right, Mark. My real worry is, are the people in this 
organization going to be able to adapt to her. She doesn't look like the 
understanding type."

   "Maybe that's why they are shoehorning her into the position. She owes 
nothing to anyone in our whole organization. She'd be the perfect chainsaw to 
use for pruning the trees, so to speak, and she does have a reputation for 
taking no prisoners, sir."

   "We'll see. I'm getting heat from Edmonds of the House of Representatives. 
He's made thinly veiled threats to investigate us, if we don't get off Lt. Col. 
King's back."

   "I bet this has to do with me ordering the two lieutenants back to their 
parent command. If I were you, general, I'd stall for a few weeks. Let me 
inform them we are checking into it. General Wayne will be relieving you in a 
bit less than three weeks. Let her handle it. Maybe she can make both King and 
Edmonds go away."

   "It sounds like a plan to me, Mark. I leave it in your capable hands."

   "General, has there been anything more in the official word about the 
consolidation we are supposed to undergo? I keep hearing it will cause your 
position to be upgraded to three stars."

   "You know as much as I do, Mark. I suspect it will happen on General Wayne's 
watch."

   "They're going to temporarily promote her to two star status to relieve you. 
You don't think they would up the ante for her to three stars before the second 
one becomes permanent, do you, Sir?"

   "They, the joint chiefs and the president, with the consent of the Senate, 
can do pretty much what they want in promoting flag officers. They reached way 
down in the numbers to early select her for one star in the first place. Hell, 
because of John Sheridan's maneuvering, she was selected for captain at least 
five years before she should normally have been eligible for deep selection to 
that rank. I think some very influential people want her on top of the totem 
pole ASAP. I think I know who and why, but I'm not going to speculate for 
public consumption, and you are the public, Mark." 

   "For being the second in command of the rebel forces, she hasn't done too 
badly for herself."

   "Would you have put your career and life on the line like she did during the 
civil war? I didn't. I don't think I could have taken that walk on the wild 
side. I'm too much of a coward. She may be many things, but she has courage and 
integrity. Maybe that's why they want her on the top of the totem pole. I think 
she's going to be just what this outfit needs, now that you make me think about 
it."

   "I hope you're right, General."

   "Let's see how our good Lt. Col. handles this message for General Wayne. I'm 
giving odds he screws it up."

   "With all due respect, I don't bet into a pat hand, general."

   Zaleski chuckled to himself as he departed Pearson's office.

   [Especially when it's a royal flush,] Pearson thought to himself.

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

Tuesday morning in Susan's classroom:

   Susan had changed her workout time since Grand Master Macel had departed. 
Now she worked out for only one hour in the morning, but it was a very vigorous 
effort. She had finished her work out, eaten breakfast in the cafeteria, and 
was now waiting for the day's instructor to arrive. The videophone on the 
instructor's desk started to ring. Mary Locks answered it and looked at Susan.

   "It's a Colonel Pearson for you, Susan."

   Susan stepped within range of the video pickup. "What can I do for you, 
Colonel Pearson?"

   "I forwarded a message to Lt. Col. King for him to pass to you. It was from 
JAG Headquarters and required a response from you, if you didn't agree with its 
contents."

   "What was it about?"

   "The court-martial of Lieutenant Arkland was the subject. They wanted to 
know what you wanted to do."

   "I haven't seen the message Colonel. Are you sure that Mr. King received it?"

   "It was a priority message General Wayne. It was very time sensitive. 
According to the receipt date/time stamp that is automatically returned to the 
sender, Lt. Col. King read it at 0930 yesterday, your time. I was watching for 
your response. I thought maybe I missed it. I see that is not the case."

   "I'll go see Mr. King. With any luck, he'll have an explanation. If he 
doesn't... Let's just say screwing with a message that affects someone else's 
future is not career enhancing, to say the least."

   "I'll call him as soon as you hang up, General. With me on the video phone 
and you in his office, it should be an interesting situation."

   Susan hung up the videophone and started at a fast walk toward King's 
office. He had said nothing either yesterday or this morning when she had 
inspected him. She wondered what he used as brain cells.

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

In Lt. Col. King's office:

   King had barely sat down to enjoy his first cup of coffee for the day when 
his videophone rang. It was Colonel Pearson. He wasn't pleased. First he had to 
submit to inspection by that damned Wayne woman, now he was going to have to 
verbally fence with Pearson. He hadn't passed the message from the JAG 
Headquarters to Wayne. Somehow he just knew that's what this call would be 
about. Since he had never received a call from headquarters so early in the 
morning before, he answered the call, and did his best to look interested and a 
bit confused. Then he remembered, he had contacted his friend in Congressman 
Edmonds' office. That was another possible reason for this call.

   "Good morning, Colonel Pearson. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

   "We seem to have a problem, Mr. King...."

   At that point King heard the door to the passageway close. A few seconds 
later, he was looking into the face of one very angry General Susan Ivanova-
Wayne. He knew enough about her to know that she could break him into pieces 
and feed him to stray dogs. So, he didn't make any attempt to be a smart ass. 
However, it left no doubt in his mind what Pearson's call was going to be 
about. He came to attention, asking, "What can I do for you, General Wayne."

   "Log into your message traffic account, and print out a copy of the message 
you were supposed to pass to me yesterday!" She snapped.

   Asking Pearson to wait, King quickly complied with Susan's order. Handing 
the message to Susan, he looked back to the video phone and Pearson.

   "You said we appear to have a problem, Colonel Pearson. What kind of 
problem?"

   Susan quickly read the message. King could see the muscles in her jaw 
tighten. It was obvious even to him that she was infuriated. When he had 
ignored passing the message to her yesterday, his only thoughts were that she 
would not be aware of what he had done, because no response was actually 
required by the message. It only required a response if she didn't concur with 
the contents, therefore it would be assumed that she concurred and Lieutenant 
Arkland would be screwed. His idea was that when the crap hit the fan, Susan 
would be held responsible for the situation. He hadn't anticipated either 
Colonel Pearson's interest or his follow-up, and not being familiar with 
various communications procedures and requirements, he wasn't aware of the fact 
that any message marked as priority, immediate, flash or flash override 
required that all communications centers passing or processing such a message 
date/time stamp it for records purposes and that the final point of receipt 
would transmit first an automatic receive date/time stamp and also a message 
read date/time stamp. Further when the message was printed out, all of the 
pertinent date/time stamps and message center codes would be printed along the 
bottom of the last page of the message. Susan, being a URL, was familiar with 
this requirement. Being assigned duties that required following orders and 
changes to orders that were transmitted by message, URLs were for the most part 
very familiar with these facets of message traffic handling requirements. King 
could not be faulted for not being aware of the date/time stamp requirement. 
Most supply corps officers would never see even one time sensitive message in a 
career. It was usually the enlisted personnel who actually handled requests for 
time sensitive parts/material issues. Casualty Reports (CasReps) were the one 
big exception to the rule, but a supply corps officer could easily spend an 
entire career in areas that would not process even one of these message types. 
Lt. Col. King had been one of those supply corps officers. 

   "The problem Mr. King is that General Wayne never responded to the message 
JAG Headquarters sent her yesterday. You did pass the message to her, didn't 
you?"

   King hesitated. Wayne was less than two meters away. There was no way he 
could try and snow Pearson with her hearing every word that was said.

   "I seem to have overlooked it, Colonel Pearson. I just printed it out for 
her. Why would that be a problem?"

   "It required action before 1600 your time yesterday afternoon, Mr. King."

   "I wasn't aware of that, Colonel."

   Susan stepped over to King's communication station and faxed a hardcopy of 
the message to Pearson. 

   Less than a minute later, Pearson said, "Mr. King according to the date/time 
stamps on this message, you received and read this message prior to 0930 hours 
yesterday morning. The way I read this you are guilty of dereliction of duty. 
What do you have to say for yourself?"

   King looked at Susan who was fighting to control her anger. He didn't seem 
to be sure what he should say next. He was afraid that one wrong word and 
General Wayne would attack him physically. That caused him to feel real fear. 
If she killed him, he would never know if she got away with it or not, and from 
the look on her face that's precisely what she wanted to do.  

   Susan was painfully aware of King's character flaws, and she didn't need to 
be a telepath to see through him, but she had lowered her shields and was 
listening to the thoughts he was broadcasting anyway. As she scowled at him, 
she replayed her conversation with Alex Collins in the mall, the past Sunday. 
The message made perfect sense. It resulted in King's helping confirm his own 
incompetence in a manner that left a written traceable trail. They had given 
him the gun, and he had as good as shot himself in the head. This made Susan 
smile to herself, while still scowling at King.

   Susan spoke into the videophone pick-up. "Colonel Pearson, you write up the 
charge sheet. Include complete disrespect for a senior officer in the charges. 
I'll sign the sheet when I report in Monday. Now if you can, would you forward 
this call to Jag Headquarters to the office that generated the message. It 
appears that it was sent by JAG himself."

   Less than two minutes later, Susan was looking at the image of General 
Arthur Marsh - JAG. "General Marsh. I just received a copy of your message 
concerning the Arkland case. Lt. Colonel King, the official representative here 
at the Ashley Company, never passed it to me."

   Lieutenant General Marsh scowled at Susan from the display panel. "That 
message was meant to make sure that Lieutenant Arkland got a fair trial and 
justice, General Wayne. You should have communicated with us before this. The 
message was just a last minute effort to get you to exercise your proper 
authority in a timely manner!" Marsh's face never changed during his
statement.

   Susan played right back to him. "Sir, I have been busy these last few weeks. 
I understood that any decision on his case would be delayed until he was able 
to actively take part in his case. I was hospitalized for the first three weeks 
back on Earth in a coma."

   "That's your problem, General Wayne!" snapped Marsh. "I'll hear your 
opinion, but I'm not sure it deserves being given any weight in this matter."

   "In my opinion, I think it would be best for all concerned to allow 
Lieutenant Arkland to be processed out of the service for the convenience of 
the Earth Alliance. I crippled him very badly. I'm told he may never completely 
recover from all of his injuries. Besides, he didn't instigate the lawsuit 
against me."

   "You need to learn to handle your people more effectively, General Wayne," 
continued Marsh.

   "He isn't mine yet, General Marsh, but he will be in about three weeks. Rest 
assured, I will handle him appropriately then."

   Marsh broke the connection. Pearson had been able to see both sides of the 
exchange on his display using split screen. He had watched the two generals 
exchanges with great interest. They had played the exchange for the benefit of 
anyone who might be listening in, and, of course, for King. It was all for 
show, but it would play very well in a courtroom. Pearson's respect for Susan 
went up another notch. The whole message thing had been intended to drive a 
nail into Lt. Col. King's career's coffin, and it had worked admirably. He 
almost felt sorry for King, until he remembered the rumors he had heard about 
his involvement with Nightwatch. General Wayne was gunning for King, of that he 
had no doubt.

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

Thursday during lunch at the Ashley Company:    

   Susan and Mary Locks were enjoying a second cup of coffee after their lunch 
when Susan was summoned to take a call from her attorney. She and Mary took a 
cup of coffee with them when they left the cafeteria. Susan took the call in 
the classroom. 

   Looking at the image of George White looking back at her, Susan asked, "What 
can I do for you, Mister White. Has something gone wrong with our defense?"

   "Quite the contrary," replied White. "The Arklands have made an offer to 
drop their lawsuit against you."

   Susan looked somewhat confused. "They want to drop the suit?"

   "Most certainly, Mrs. Wayne. They offer to drop the lawsuit, and pay all my 
firms costs expended to date in building a defense for you."

   Susan shook her head. "Let me see if I understand this correctly. They are 
going to drop their lawsuit and also pay all of my expenses to date expended in 
developing my defense. When do I wake up from this dream, Mr. White?"

   "It's no dream, Mrs. Wayne. I'll have all the papers drawn up and in the 
overnight mail to you. Just sign them in front of a notary public and send them 
back to me and the lawsuit will be all over."

   "I don't know how you managed it, Mr. White, but I'm very grateful for all 
of your efforts."

   "Thank your telepath friend. She was indirectly responsible for our success."

   Susan thought for a moment. "This is a result of Lyta's meddling?"

   "I'm afraid it is, and I'd not refer to it as meddling. She had some serious 
efforts expended in your behalf. They were very expensive too. I don't think we 
could have been successful without her intervention. Someday, I'll explain that 
to you, but only in person. I'd like for my firm to remain your attorney of 
record, if you don't mind, Mrs. Wayne. I think we can be of valuable service in 
the future. We offer a wide array of services."

   "It's alright by me, Mr. White. I suppose I can afford it now."

   "We'll set it up so that we're kept on a contingency basis and the fee will 
be deducted from the fund that was set up for your lawsuit defense. I'd like to 
add that two of our other services are estate planning and investment 
counseling. Check us out, Mrs. Wayne. We have a spotless reputation in that 
area."

   "I'll make an appointment to see you, Mr. White, after I report in at my 
permanent duty assignment."

   White was all smiles as he broke the connection.

   "It sounds like he doesn't want to lose your business, Susan," said Mary.

   "If you knew how much money there is in the account he was referencing, 
you'd understand perfectly. Anyway, I'm going to need advice about how to 
handle and invest it, and his firm is one of the best in the business. After 
all, if I make money, so does he."

   "You said someone had set up a defense fund for you. Who did it, if it's not 
too personal?"

   "That's just it. The way it was set up, the money trail can't be traced, 
which makes me think an old friend was involved, but you'd never be able to 
prove it."

   "Is it a secret how much money was involved?"

   "No. For what it's worth, Mr. White told me it was in excess of thirty 
million credits, but he never said how much in excess."

   Mary whistled. "With that kind of loot, why knock yourself out doing this?"

   "Whoever set up that fund intended for me to continue my military career. It 
means someone believes in me. I suppose I owe them my best shot at what's left 
of my time in Earthforce."

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

In the Ashley Company's main meeting room:

   In recognition of their efforts to get all that they could out of the course 
they had just finished, Wallace had a catered lunch for the students and their 
instructors to preceed the short graduation ceremony. The instructors made 
evident their pleasure of having students who put their best efforts into the 
lessons of the course.

   Susan was wearing her dress uniform, and stood out from her fellow students.

   "Gentlemen and women, I have appreciated your efforts to ensure us getting 
the most we could get out of this course. Considering how it was thrust upon 
you, you have more than risen to the occasion. I won't forget your efforts. 
That's why I've written a personal evaluation on each one of you. Wally has 
promised to see to it that these evaluations become part of your permanent 
personnel files. I honestly hope we have the occasion to interact with one 
another in the future."

   There was general agreement amongst the students with Susan's comments.
   
   After the other students and instructors had departed, Susan and Charley 
remained with Wallace Ashley.

   "I feel I still owe you an apology for the behavior of my guests at the pool 
party, Susan."

   "It's done and past, Wally. Besides, you didn't make the nasty comments, 
therefore, I don't hold you responsible for the other insensitive clods. They 
were adults and, as such, are responsible for their own actions and statements. 
I hate to run, but I have to turn over the apartment and Charley and I have to 
catch a flight out to Stockton, Ca."

   Wallace stepped up to Susan and embraced her in a very tight embrace. 
Fighting back his emotions, he said, "You have come a long way, Susan. When we 
were wingmen, I wouldn't have wasted a credit betting on our chances of 
surviving our first deployment together. Thanks to you, I have everything I 
ever really wanted. I hope God, if he deems it reasonable, grants you all the 
happiness you desire."

   Susan and Charley departed. Wallace and Frank Goldstein poured cups of 
coffee and sat down. There were some small sandwiches left on several of the 
food trays. "That was some display, Wally."

   "I love her, Frank. She is the best thing that's ever happened to me, not 
including my wife and kids. She was always like a sister to me. When she got me 
icked out of being a fighter pilot, it was for my own good. I never understood, 
until now, how much it hurt her to do that. It makes me realize just how lucky 
I've been in my life. Everyone should have at least one friend like her."

   Frank sipped his coffee and listened. Today he was seeing a side of his 
friend that he hadn't been aware of before. He would have to admit that the 
Wayne woman was full of surprises.

******************************
 
Noon at a local bar/restaurant some kilometers from the Ashley Company:

   "Let me see if I have it straight, you want this General Susan Ivanova-Wayne 
handled. Is this correct?"

   "You got it," replied Walter Shells.

   "This isn't like taking care of the women you had problems with before. She 
has friends."

   "I don't care if she does. I want her handled. How you do it is your 
business. I've made it worthwhile with what I've provided in timely information 
that gave you and your associates inside tracks on a lot of contracts."

   "You have done that, Walter. However, General Wayne has friends that can 
bring the careers of even four-star generals to a screeching halt. They can 
ruin political careers too. Messing with her is extremely dangerous. She is 
also a high-ranking member of the Rangers. Those people can make you go away, 
permanently. It's just too dangerous to screw with this woman."

   "We have an agreement. I expect you to keep your part of it."

   "As you wish, Walter. Shall we order lunch?"

   Shells agreed, excused himself, and went to the restroom. As soon as he left 
the table, his friend poured a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid into 
his drink. Knowing that Shells liked mocha drinks, the liquid added to Shells' 
drink would not harm him, until the ingredients in the chocolate of a mocha 
drink combined with it in his body. He would appear to have died from cardiac 
arrest when this happened, and a doctor would miss it unless a specific series 
of toxicology tests were conducted on his blood.

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

   It was 1700 when Susan and Charles walked into the lobby of the Stockton 
Supply Center's bachelor officers' quarters (BOQ). Stopping in front of the 
desk clerk, Susan said, "I believe I have a reservation in the name of Susan 
Ivanova-Wayne."

   The clerk looked at his computer display. Looking at the couple in front of 
him, he replied, "I'm sorry, this is a BOQ. You'll have to get a room out in 
town."

   Susan looked at the clerk for a moment. "My reservation was made by Colonel 
Pearson's office, and they are well aware that my husband is accompanying me."

   "Whoever made the reservations made a mistake."

   "Who might I be able to speak to, besides you, about this?"

   "Nobody. The regular staff is gone for the weekend. You can file a complaint 
Monday."

   "This is a BOQ; the operative word being officer. You have been very 
belligerent toward me. Why? I only want to save the Earthforce several hundred 
credits in per diem costs. I was under the impression that your VIP suite had 
been reserved for me. If I'm wrong, then so be it. However, I want your name 
and rank."

   The clerk pushed his nametag toward her. "I'm Sergeant John Miller."

   "Very well, Sergeant John Miller. I want to use your phone, now!"

   "You can use that one," he replied, pointing at the one on the end of the 
check-in desk.

   Susan picked up the transceiver, waited for a few seconds, and then spoke 
into it, "General Wayne for the command duty officer (CDO)."

   Susan listened for a few seconds, and then responded, "I want you here now, 
major. It seems you have a personnel problem. By the way, bring someone who can 
replace the man on the desk!"

   Miller looked at Susan. "Maybe I was mistaken."

   "You can say that again. When I get through with you, you'll be lucky to be 
wearing private's stripes, Sergeant Miller."

   Miller would have bet she was some kind of junior officer. He was wrong. He 
had no doubts that his colonel would bust him to the lowest possible rank just 
to stay on this general's good side. More than once he had been warned that his 
mouth would get him into real trouble. Now it had. He hadn't been on duty when 
the reservation was made for General Wayne, and he had no idea of what had been 
agreed to.

   Less than five minutes later the CDO, Major Jack Gale, arrived, accompanied 
by Corporal Ronald Yates.

   Yates came around the check-in desk/counter and quickly pulled up Susan's 
reservation on the computer display. He turned it so Miller could read it.

   "Did you even look up her reservation? Did you even look at her rank?" He 
asked under his breath, as Susan stood off to one side talking with the CDO.

   "No. I didn't have to. I don't care who she is. Rules are rules," responded 
Miller in a whisper.

   "For what it's worth, you just met General Zaleski's relief. That woman is 
Brigadier Susan Ivanova-Wayne. I'd be surprised if she doesn't have you 
relieved of duty and busted," whispered Yates again. Miller looked pale, as it 
was sinking in that he had screwed up royally.

   Susan and the major approached the check-in desk/counter.

   "Why didn't you check her in when she first arrived?" asked Major Gale.

   "She isn't alone, major. This is a BOQ, sir, not a MOQ."

   "That was taken into account, sergeant, when Colonel Pearson's office made 
the reservation. General Zaleski hasn't finished moving out of the commanding 
officer's quarters. So, he detailed the assignment of General Wayne into the 
BOQ until he can finish moving. It's cost prohibitive to have her use civilian 
hotels for the next two weeks. As soon as you're finished checking the general 
in, I want to see you in the CDO duty office. Corporal Yates will assume the 
watch, until I can get a relief back in here. I'm sure that Monday morning your 
CO will be informed of this afternoon's performance."

   Susan stepped up to the check in desk/counter and asked sweetly, "Shall we 
try this again, sergeant?"

   After Susan was checked in, Miller turned the check-in desk over to Yates.

   "Corporal Yates. Where might a hungry body find decent food around here?" 
Asked Susan.

   Looking at the wall clock, Yates replied, "The ‘chow hall’ has outstanding 
food, general, but it's closed. You might want to try the officers' club. They 
have a good steak, and their fish of the day isn't bad, also they have a live 
band on Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 2000 hours. sir."

******************************
END PART 22

23

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