The Clones of Mawcett Read Online Free PDF Page A

Raiders when she destroyed their base. She also talked of the two men that she'd killed in unarmed combat. Jenetta knew that both deaths had been necessary, and didn't regret her actions, but unburdening herself that way was a catharsis. Her mother wasn't unused to such confessions. She'd heard them from her father, brothers, husband, and sons, but hearing one from her daughter touched her soul as none had before. It had been twelve years since they'd shared one another's company, and each cherished every minute of their time together.
* * *
As she entered the enormous bridge of the Prometheus, Jenetta paused for only a fraction of a second to look around. The helm and navigator consoles were presently unattended, but the other stations were manned, and several junior officers were having a discussion at the tactical station. The captain was standing near his command chair, engaged in conversation with a tall female officer whom Jenetta judged to be forty plus years of age. After moving to a point just a meter away, Jenetta waited patiently until her presence was formally acknowledged.
“Reporting back for duty, Captain,” she said when he turned towards her.
Captain Gavin's strong face broke into a wide friendly smile. “Welcome back, Jen. I hope you had an enjoyable shore leave, what little you were able to arrange.”
Although astonished to hear the captain use her given name, since he'd only addressed her by title and surname previously, she didn't allow surprise at this new familiarity to show on her face as she returned the genuine smile. His knowledge of her activity while she'd been on detached duty, indicated that he'd been inquiring after her.
“Yes sir,” she said. “Thank you. It was wonderful to see my family again.”
“I'm sure it was for them as well, especially after such an extended absence.” Gesturing slightly to the female officer next to him, Gavin said, “This is Commander Genevieve LaSalle. She's assumed her post as first officer so you'll have an easier duty schedule on this trip. Commander, this is Lt. Commander Jenetta Carver, our second officer.”
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander,” Jenetta said to the new first officer.
Commander LaSalle, at five-foot ten-inches, was just millimeters taller than Jenetta. She tore her jade-green eyes away from the medal and campaign ribbons on the younger officer's chest and stared into Jenetta's smiling eyes. “Likewise, Commander. I've seen your face in the news so often that I feel like I know you already. Congratulations on receiving the Medal of Honor; and the other medal honors.”
“Thank you, ma'am. I'm happy that all the attention will be dying down now.”
“Not for awhile yet. This trip to Nordakia is so you can be honored at another medal ceremony, after all.”
“Yes, but it's not a Space Command medal award, so I've been hoping that it won't draw as much attention.”
“I think you're mistaken there, Jen,” Gavin said. “You're the first Terran military officer ever to be honored by the Nordakian government. And since you're being awarded their highest military honor, it's no small matter. I suspect that every news agency in the GA will be represented there, or they'll be getting a feed from a news service on the planet.”
Jenetta sighed. “Yes sir; that's probably true.”
“Is your wound completely healed?” LaSalle asked.
At first mention of the injury, Jenetta's left hand moved involuntarily to her abdomen, fell again to her side. “Yes ma'am; I'm completely fit for duty. There's not even a scar to show where I was shot.”
“Following the official launching ceremony tomorrow, a Galactic Alliance delegation will be coming aboard ship,” Gavin said. “They'll accompany us to Nordakia for the medal ceremony. As one of our senior officers, you'll be required to have dinner with the delegates some evenings. Since this trip is being made to honor you, better plan on at least four nights a week.”
Jenetta grimaced,