part of the next chap, get some feedback on it from ppl.
Regards
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"Roger, Boat-1, we have you, five-by-five. You are cleared to land."
"Roger, Daanan. ETA, 45 minutes, mark."
"Radio, Conn. Our... guests are arriving, please notify the Captain. Harrier Flight, you are cleared to land as soon as Boat-1 has cleared the deck."
"Roger." Harrrier Flight responded. "You're welcome for the escort, Boat-1." Thanks for nothing, he didn't add. "Bloody babysitting job, this was NOT what I signed on for. I should be shooting up things, not making sure some idiot didn't get lost on an overwater flight!"
* * *
Mardukas took the message himself. So, they've finally decided to grace us with their presence he thought sarcastically. Took them bloody well long enough. Our turn to face the music now, so no sense in delaying it.
"Chief, you have the conn until further notice. When Boat-1 lands, direct our guests to the main briefing room."
"Aye, sir. Give 'em hell, sir!"
Mardukas nodded his appreciation for the vote of confidence. Leaving the Radio compartment, he made straight for Major Kalinin's office.
"Ah, Commander Mardukas. Punctual as ever, I see." Kalinin greeted his counterpart aboard ship with a handshake and a rare smile. "I presume this visit is about business. Please, sit."
" I wish I could be casual about this, Major Kalinin, but our guests are arriving in 45 minutes. The inquiry will no doubt begin shortly after that."
Kalinin sat down heavily. Turning around, he opened his private safe, producing a bottle of vodka. Pouring two half-glasses, he offered one to Mardukas. "No, I cannot my friend. And surely you know the regulations."
"Come, my good friend. A drink should never be taken alone, as I'm sure you English yourselves know that." Kalinin smiled.
Sighing heavily, Mardukas sat down and took the proffered glass. A long serving officer in the Royal Navy, his own family having three generations serving in the blue uniform, whose 'wet ship' policy had been in effect for over 6 centuries, it was by Captain Tessa's command that forbade drink aboard ship except on the odd social occasion. The fine alcohol rolled its way down his throat, making him cough.
"Still trying to outdrink a Russian?" Kalinin mused.
"I never claimed to try. How is your son?"
"Ashore. How is your daughter?"
"Aboard. Cheers!" Both men broke out laughing.
Their private joke, it was good for breaking tense atmospheres, but also reflected their roles aboard ship. Save for Mithril, they had no where else to go in the world. To Mother Russia, Kalinin was no longer a welcomed son, while to Jolly Olde England, Mardukas was an embarassment. They lived with their decisions, but never regretted them.
Sue me...
