CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

"If you bungle raising your children,

I don’t think whatever else you do well

matters very much.”

- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

"I want to thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Admiral."

March Patterson examined Erika Benteen, taking care to remain expressionless as he did. They'd met briefly, once or twice some years ago, when Patterson had been in command of Endeavor and Benteen on Admiral Leyton's staff. He'd thought her quietly competent, with a spark of something smoldering beneath her carefully groomed exterior. They'd known each other only vaguely at the Academy—he'd been a senior her freshman year—but the two had an interesting connection arising from that time.

Both were—or, in his case, rather, had been—close friends with Erika Donaldson.

Though I'd be willing to bet, he thought amusedly, she was never as "close" as I was.

Liberty's chief of operations had returned suddenly from leave, and urgently requested an immediate conversation. More of the ship's crew was trickling in by the moment, abruptly recalled to active duty by the decision to launch ahead of schedule, so her appearance wasn't exactly surprising.

The immediate need to have a talk, though, was.

She didn't bother with niceties, but that was all right. He could appreciate directness from an attractive woman.

As a matter of fact, usually he preferred it.

"Sir, I find myself in the position of having to ask for a transfer."

He folded his arms and leaned back in the ready room desk chair.

"Really? And why is that?"

Benteen, he noted, looked unsettled—if not precisely fidgety, then certainly distracted.

A moment later, she gave reason.

"Sir, I'm engaged in a custody battle over my daughter, Gabriella, and have been told by the court my chances of emerging from it with her are immensely improved if I have an assignment planet-side."

Maternal sentimentality. Interesting. I wouldn't have tagged her as a doting mother… she seems more the "children are an impediment to my career" type.

Patterson replied, "I've looked forward to working with you, Commander. I was a great admirer of your mentor, Admiral Leyton. I thought him a visionary man—misunderstood in his time."

Her reaction to that was extremely interesting. He'd wondered whether that would draw her a bit out of her shell, but instead she looked even more uncomfortable.

I guess the counselors did a little too good of a job with you at Dalarian Prime, eh, Commander? You actually believe you did wrong now, don't you?

Well, that certainly alters my perspective a bit.

"Request granted."

For a moment, she blinked at him.

"Really?" Benteen blurted, astonished into a breach of etiquette.

He smiled. It had an edge of contempt to it, but he was certain she was reading it as benevolent regard.

"Of course, Commander. We can't have you worrying about your daughter while you should be concerned with Liberty. I'll make a few calls, and we'll get you a billet on Earth.

"I hope you're not expecting something wonderful on such short notice, though."

Her brow furrowed.

"I…"

Oh, now you're concerned for your career, eh, Commander? A little late for that, wouldn't you say?

She recovered her bearing a moment later.

"…I'm certain anything you arrange will be just fine, sir."

He stood.

"Very well, Commander. I suppose I'll say it would have been good working with you."

She gave him a smile that seemed both confused and sincere, even while accepting his proffered hand.

After she'd gone, obviously still a little surprised at her "good" fortune, Patterson grinned. While he'd hoped Benteen would prove to be a helpful compatriot, it was apparent her time on the Liberty had further atrophied whatever wherewithal and sense of purpose she'd once possessed.

I'm glad I found out now. Bob Leyton must be rolling over in his grave at the erosion of his prize pupil's spine.

Oh, well.

Let's see how she likes her new assignment. I'm sure I can come up with something both tedious and career stagnating. After all, with that newfound attitude, we certainly don't want Commander Erika Benteen making captain, again.

Patterson called up a series of names on the desk's viewer. The list was a short one, and comprised people he'd wanted with him when Liberty launched, but hadn't been reasonably able to include.

Now he was in a position to reward another ally with a posting they richly deserved; in addition, it would contribute to further diluting the Mantovanni influence he’d eventually have to snuff out completely.

It hadn't worked out precisely how he'd wanted it to, but… overall, so far, it had been a good morning.

Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-Two