No Way to Start a War (TCOTU, Book 2) (This Corner of the Universe) Read Online Free PDF Page B

formation to staggered square and that should save the
day.”  Finished, Durmont sat back and smiled.
    “Sir,
is it possible to work our two frigates into this exercise?” Heskan asked.  “I
think having them included will make the pressure our center will face more
realistic.”
    “It’s
already calculated into the simulation, Lieutenant.  I’ve reduced the ratio of
incoming missiles based on the standard square theory.”
    “What
if the pressure on the center of the formation is greater than what’s been
calculated, sir?” Gary questioned skeptically.
    Durmont
frowned deeply as his face flushed.  “It won’t be, but even if it is, the corners
of the square can lend additional support.  That’s why the square formation has
been the standard missile defense formation since before you were born, Lieutenant!” 
Durmont looked around the group, exasperated.  “Haven’t we covered this
already?”
    “I
think Kelly is referring to dead center, Commander.  None of our ships will be
able to cover that portion of the square since we’ll be seven to nine light-seconds
from the frigates,” Heskan clarified.
    Durmont
shot up from his chair and bellowed, “The frigates aren’t helpless, you two! 
Instead of undermining me by questioning every decision I make you both will support me like good officers should!”
    Both
Heskan and Gary sat in stunned silence as Durmont continued to rant.  “Both of
you need to be part of the team instead of armchair admirals.”  He jabbed at the
top of the table with a finger.  “Each of you needs to think about that long
and hard and realize that I have full authority to replace any ship captain
under me if I think it’s in the best interests of the Navy.”  Durmont bit down
before taking a deep breath and slowly exhaled.  Several seconds later, he
reseated himself and his volume approached normal conversation level again.  “You’re
both new and inexperienced to fleet combat.  I’d advise you two to L-and-L and
take your cues from Lieutenant Moore.  Unlike the two of you, she was top of
her class in Squadron Officer School and understands naval combat theory.  Are
we clear?”
    Heskan
and Gary replied in unison, “Yes, sir.”
    Satisfied, Durmont leaned
back in his chair.  “Then you’re both dismissed.  Lieutenant Moore, I need you
to stay behind for special consultation.”  Heskan and Gary rose quickly and
walked out of the briefing room.
    *  *  *
    Durmont
watched the door close before locking eyes with Moore.  His stern expression
softened and he took in a deep breath.  “That man hates my guts,” he proclaimed
as he watched Moore rise from her chair and begin to walk toward him.
    Moore
laughed pleasingly and replied, “No more than Gary hates me.  She’s always been
resentful that I have you.  It’s the same with Heskan, he’s just plain jealous
of your abilities.”
    “I only
hope our careers can survive screw-ups like him and this half-baked squadron. 
He’s right, you know, the frigates are a liability,” Durmont admitted.  He
thought of his promising career and of the doors that could open or forever
close after his time as CortRon 15’s commander.
    Moore
stood close to Durmont and smiled encouragingly.  “You’ll do great, Shane.  The
frigates won’t be that bad and your leadership will overcome any mistakes by
Heskan.”
    Durmont
rose and turned away from her.  He looked, unseeing, at a blank wall screen. 
“He’s a menace.  He constantly undermines me and takes every opportunity to try
to make me look bad.  I just hope the task group leadership will see it for
what it is.”
    Standing
behind Durmont, Moore tenderly slipped her arms around his waist and rested her
chin on his shoulder.  “They will.  How could they not?  Everything he touches
turns to ash.  Frankly, I don’t know how he got command of Kite after Derringer
and Anelace.”
    “He
was decorated for Anelace… and Derringer, Stephanie,”