Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Behind Enemy Lines

   Copyright (c) 2008 by deGaffer
CONTENT: oral anal MF Mff ScFi

   Chapter 5: The Return Trip

   Budzinski was put through to Commodore Achord before he reached the CIC.
"Commodore, we need to nuke the L-Z.  I don't know how close Lieutenant
Timmons got to the surface before First Squad was overrun.  The
conventional device inside the complex would have done negligible damage to
such a large structure and the tactical device on the surface wasn't enough
to dig even 20 meters into the ground.  We need to minimize the threat of
the Sa'arm recovering bodies and weapons, sir."

   As the four ships broke orbit and began accelerating away from the
polluted world, three Mark Six missiles were deployed from the Sir Galahad
on three different trajectories that were timed to deliver the weapons on
top of the bunker at 30-minute intervals.  Even so, it was almost certain
that the Sa'arm had samples of the projectile and energy weapons that were
carried by the fallen Marines.

   The first of the big W53 bombs had already begun excavating the Sa'arm
bunker and the second bomb was beginning its descent into the cooling
atmosphere when six Sa'arm escort-attack frigates were detected streaking
around the planetary horizon on a high-speed intercept course.  They had
been launched from the far side of Sa'Triste and would overtake the fleet
before it could accelerate to a matching velocity.  It was a typical tactic
that allowed the slower Sa'arm vessels to surprise and close in on the
faster Confederacy vessels.

   As the four Confederacy ships rose on a course that would take them away
from the deadly frigates, six more Sa'arm frigates crested the horizon from
the opposite direction.  These ships were travelling a bit slower than the
original six as they were approaching against the rotation of the planet.

   The Exec on the Sir Galahad, Lieutenant Commander Margret Howell, did a
quick calculation.  "Sir, it will take us twelve minutes to match
velocities with either group, but they will be on top of us in about ten
minutes."

   Commander Achord ordered a course correction away from the six late
arrivals and back toward the original group.  If he could force a head-on
approach with the faster ships, then he could minimize the time his four
ships would be within range of the Sa'arm gunners.

   Howell updated her calculations.  "The group behind us will still be on
top of us in less than eleven minutes.  Estimate six minutes to close with
the group ahead.  Closing velocity will be just over a hundred kilometers
per second unless they slow down."

   Maj.  Bronson used the fire control computer to calculate intercepts for
the two groups of Sa'arm ships.  She gave the trailing ships, the Hurst
Castle and the Lancaster Castle, release times and fuse delays for a B53
bomb from each ship.  The six Sa'arm frigates were in a tight,
twenty-kilometer formation that would allow them to board an encircled
enemy.  If they held their present course and acceleration rate, the fleet
would be toast.

   The leading corvette, the Farnham Castle, was given the task of
bracketing the open formation of six Sa'arm frigates that were ahead of the
fleet at a point when the two formations would be ten thousand kilometers
apart.  The flight of the two missiles would use all of their fuel, but
they would have enough inertia to be in the path of the oncoming threat. 
Maj.  Bronson had targeted the two frigates that were farthest apart hoping
to bunch the formation for a second salvo into their midst.

   The six frigates ahead broke into two groups of three as the missiles
approached.  They were assuming defensive formations to maximize their
anti-missile firepower.  Commander Thompson redirected her two missiles to
the center ship of each formation.  The two groups began opening their
formation when the missiles ran out of fuel, but detonation was only
seconds away.

   The Sa'arm frigates that were closing in the wake of the fleeing fleet
hardly altered course to avoid the two dingy gray cylinders in their path.
Two of their ships actually appeared to have altered course to bring them
nearer to each of the bombs, perhaps with the intention of destroying them
with their point defense systems.

   The weapons had been launched to detonate within seconds of each other.
When four new suns appeared in the sky above Sa'Triste, Achord ordered
another course change to open the distance between his fleet and any
surviving Sa'arm frigates.  When the disturbance created by the blasts
cleared enough to allow the radar and laser scanners to resume operation,
they found four frigates still pursuing aft, and only three of the four
surviving frigates ahead of them were altering course to intercept.

   There were two frigates still under full power, one forward and one aft,
that didn't alter course when the Confederacy ships altered their course.
These two doggedly held to their original heading and acceleration.  There
was also a charred hulk drifting out of the nearer of the hot gas clouds
ahead and some debris from another frigate behind them.  Two frigates
couldn't be found and were presumed to have been reduced to dust.

   Colonel Murphy aboard the Hurst Castle shouted, "Belay that order from
the flagship.  Put us in a half-degree shallower turn.  I want us to be in
a position to combine fire with both the Lancaster Castle and the Farnham
Castle when the Sa'arm frigates come within range."

   "Helm, turn two points to starboard and keep us out of the shadow of
Farnham and Lancaster." Murphy ordered.  "Are the guns cleared for action,
Number One?"

   "Aye Captain, I just got word from the port mount.  The two-and-a-half
gees are making it tough to get to battle stations," Walters responded.

   Murphy just grunted in reply.

   Bronson didn't wait for approval from Achord and ordered the Hurst
Castle to fire a Mark Six between the nearest two frigates.  Thomas had
anticipated that order and already had the missile programmed.  She hit the
'fire' button the instant that the order displayed.

   The three Sa'arm frigates turned as soon as they tracked the incoming
threat.  They were giving the humans too much room.  Murphy prepared to
turn inside the rising frigates to pass out-of-range behind them, but the
order didn't come.

   Bronson waited as well and then spoke up.  "Commodore, we need to turn
the fleet ... now Commodore!"

   A message flashed from the Hurst Castle, "Recommend immediate turn into
enemy's wake."

   "No, the missile ..." Achord was clearly confused.

   While Achord figuratively wrung his hands, the opportunity was lost. 
Thomas' shot disabled the two frigates that would have flanked the
corvettes.

   The last frigate was going to pass right through the middle of the
formation.  In fact, the collision alert began sounding on Hurst Castle.

   "Fuck it," Murphy mumbled before giving the order, "Helm, negative ten
degrees.  Put us in the wake of that bastard.  Fire Control, don't wait for
the Sir Galahad, fire into the frigates engines as soon as we're in range!"

   "Minus ten, aye!" and "Fire as we bear, aye, Captain," Echoed from the
two posts.

   Commander O'Donnell addressed Lt-Col.  Delano on Farnham Castle,
"Captain, the Hurst is turning to engage!"

   "What!" Delano replied in shock, "The crazy bastard!  Put us off the
frigate's port bow."

   O'Donnell did a quick calculation, "Recommend minus seven and two to
port, Captain."

   "Make it so, helm." Delano confirmed the recommendation.

   "Aye, minus seven, port two," The helmsman responded.

   Aboard the Lancaster Castle Lt-Col.  Wallace saw what the other two
intended and ordered, "Starboard three, down three!"

   The helmsman echoed, "Starboard three, down three, aye sir."

   "Fire a missile at that bastard!" Achord shouted to no one in
particular.

   "We're too close," Bronson advised.  "It'll be behind us before the
missile can reach it!"

   Achord looked at Bronson in disbelief, "AI, fire a damn missile!"

   "Missile away," replied the AI.  "It has little chance of hitting
anything useful."

   Bronson checked the four frigates coming up from the stern.  "Commodore,
we can fire a pattern into the second formation that will force them to
turn and give us a better chance to escape." She programmed three missiles
and fired without waiting for Achord to concur.

   At their present speed the fight was only going to last a few score
seconds.  The guns aboard the Hurst Castle fired first.  Moments later the
Farnham Castle and the Lancaster Castle fired.  The few shots that
connected created an aurora borealis type of glow in the frigate's shields.
All five combatants were taking evasive action.

   Bronson followed Murphy's lead and coordinated the fire into the
frigate's engines.  At 3,000 kilometers the frigate began returning fire on
the three corvettes.  As the Sir Galahad came within range the frigate
targeted all four ships.  The shields held on the corvettes, but the Sir
Galahad's aft shuttle bay was hit by a burst of energy that ripped open the
missile bay and ignited the fuel stored in the remaining missiles.  From
the outside it looked like secondary explosions were going to rip the
assault ship apart.

   As the combatants closed to 1,500 kilometers the fire from the corvettes
penetrated to the frigate's reactor and an orange glow began to spread from
the stern to the bow.  In the exchange the Farnham Castle's aft shield was
penetrated by a shot from the frigate.  It tore into the mount of one of
her thrusters reducing the Farnham Castle to three-fourths power.  As the
Hurst emerged from the shadow of the frigate's stern, it fired one last
spread.  One of the frigate's shots penetrated the shields and took out
Hurst Castle's port gun mount.

   Bronson continued to track the three missiles into the noses of the
nearest three trailing frigates.  From head on the missiles were very hard
to hit and easy to keep on target.  The remaining frigates fired wildly
with their main weapons and a lucky shot detonated one of the missiles at
two hundred kilometers.  After the other two detonated ten kilometers off
of the bows of their targets, there were only two frigates left, and one
was out of position to intercept when the four singed Confederacy ships
turned ninety degrees to their previous heading and headed away from the
hostile pair at full burn.

   Both the Hurst Castle and the Lancaster Castle throttled back when they
saw that the Farnham Castle was not able to keep up.  The Hurst Castle
turned and released one of its remaining bomb.  Bronson updated the
confused missile that Achord had fired and directed it toward the further
of the two remaining frigates.  The Sa'arm ships concentrated their fire on
the missile, ignoring the silver cylinder that looked like a thousand
gallon propane tank tumbling out of control.

   The captain of the closer ship must have realized what was headed his
way.  The closer of the two frigates turned and managed to open enough
distance to avoid being destroyed, but it appeared to have lost some engine
power.  It was barely gaining on the humans when it turned to resume
pursuit.  It began firing from far too great a range for accuracy.  When
the energy weapons on the frigate went quiet, a barrage of missiles erupted
from it and streaked toward the retreating castles.

   In their tight formation the corvettes had no problem downing the
incoming missiles with the combined firepower of their small pulse cannons
before the missiles had closed half the distance between the adversaries.
At six thousand kilometers the final frigate was rarely hit with one of the
glowing tubes of plasma sent its way as the castles began firing their
functional plasma cannons, but it was enough.

   From the vantage point of the Sir Galahad it looked as though the
castles were hurling fluorescent tubes like glowing javelins toward the
frigate.  The Sa'arm ship's captain must have realized that he would be
subjected to scores of hits before he could get close enough for his own
weapons to be effective.  With uncharacteristic restraint, the last frigate
broke off its pursuit.

   The fact that the Lancaster Castle was turning onto a heading that would
put it in the perfect position to fire its missiles may have also been a
factor in the Sa'arm commander's decision.  Lt-Col.  Wallace also showed
restraint as he hoarded his three warheads.  He had plans for them and
didn't want to waste one on something as small as a damaged frigate.

   The second frigate had evaded the missile sent its way when it ran out
of fuel and had resumed the chase.  The damaged frigate continued to shadow
the retreating fleet.  It appeared to be waiting for the second one to join
it before pressing another attack.

   Fuel was transferred while under way from those who had taken the
opportunity to visit a gas giant to those that were becoming critically
short.  Another dozen frigates had been launched from the planet's surface,
but the fleet was maintaining enough acceleration to keep the second wave
from getting within range before the Confederacy ships would be in a
position to jump to light speed.  The four ships cleared the planet's
gravity well just as the two surviving frigates from the first wave joined
together and began to approach the cluster of castles.

   Achord ordered the fleet into hyperspace and to proceed to the quiet
system with the ice-covered planet.  All ships were to rendezvous at Planet
523.4 for repairs and refueling from the gas giant in the Hieloat system
before heading to Dothan.

   The Hurst Castle had lost one of the 130mm plasma cannons and the five
crewmen that manned it.  Nothing short of the depot docks at Dothan could
repair the gun.  Three seamen were overcome by fumes from a fuel leak in
one of the auxiliary tanks adjacent to the destroyed launch bay aboard the
Sir Galahad, but only one had succumbed to the toxic brew before reaching
the tubes in med-bay.

   Nine Marines had not returned from the surface.  Fifteen casualties were
considered to be very light since none of the expedition members were
expected to survive if the Sa'arm were encountered.

   "I froze up," Achord spoke with his concubine, Frieda, as they lay in
bed shortly after the four ships entered hyperspace.  "I got good sailors
killed, not to mention all those marines.  If I'd just listened to
Lieutenant Timmons and waited a few weeks, none of this would have
happened."

   Frieda cradled his head in her ample bosom.  "Did you not get valuable
information about the Swarm's underground facilities?"

   Achord mumbled, "Yes, but ..."

   "Would you have gotten that information if you had waited?" Frieda was
speaking very gently.

   "No, but ..." Achord began to respond and was again cut off by gentle
words.

   "Then you need to be sure that the information is put to good use,"
Frieda observed and added.  "Lieutenant Timmons was no fool.  She had to
believe that the information was worth the sacrifice of her soldiers.  Your
strength is Military Intelligence and you need to stick with what you're
good at."

   Achord was too tired to argue and just nodded his agreement.

   On the Hurst Castle Hanna was more than a little frantic about being
locked into Mathews' quarters.  The AI would not respond when the young
woman asked what was going on.  Walter always checked with her when he was
off duty, and it had been hours since she'd heard from him.

   When Adams couldn't get through to Hanna and the AI refused to open the
door, he sought out the Exec.  "Ma'am, I haven't been able to access
Mathews' quarters, and I believe his concubine Hanna is locked inside."

   Lt-Col.  Walters held up her hand to stop Adams from speaking.  "Huey,
please advise the status of the concubines belonging to Sergeant Mathews."

   The AI responded, "Staff Sergeant Walter Mathews is listed as 'missing
in action and presumed dead'.  As such he has no concubines.  His former
concubines are unclaimed."

   Walters was visibly annoyed by the AI being obtuse.  In an icy voice she
asked, "Very well, what is the status of his 'former' concubines?"

   Again, the AI seemed evasive.  "The status of the three at Dothan is
unknown.  The one in his quarters is becoming quite hysterical.  It may be
necessary to take steps before she damages the facilities."

   Walters shoulders slumped and she shook her head, "Huey, please give
Sergeant Adams access to Sergeant Walters' quarters on my authority.  Are
there other concubines in a similar situation as ...?" She gave Adams a
questioning look.

   "Hanna," Adams supplied the concubine's name.

   "... As Hanna," Walters echoed.

   "Yes, there are four others." The AI replied.  "Do you wish to allow
them to roam about the ship?"

   "There are times," Walters muttered; then spoke up.  "Not at the
moment." She really didn't want distraught concubines underfoot.  "Please
give Sergeant Adams access to those locations as well."

   "Very well," the AI replied.

   Looking at Adams, Lt-Col.  Walters told him, "Round up the five and
bring them to the wardroom.  I'll speak with the Captain and join you in
thirty minutes."

   "Aye, ma'am," Adams replied before turning and leading Janna back to the
crews quarters.

   Hanna had collapsed to the floor in front of the hatch, but looked up
with swollen eyes when it opened.  "The door wouldn't open and the AI
wouldn't tell me what was happening!"

   Janna dropped to the deck and gathered her sister in her arms.  "It'll
be okay.  Walter is dead." Hanna was clearly distressed by this news. 
"Ssh, Charlie here is going to take care of us like he promised Walter."
She turned to look up at Adams, "Isn't that right, Charles?"

   "Yes," Adams answered.

   The AI broke in, "Did you have an agreement to take responsibility for
the concubines of Staff Sergeant Walter Mathews?"

   "Yes, we each agreed to take care of the other's ladies if anything went
wrong," Adams answered uncertainly.

   The AI came back with, "I have no record of such an agreement."

   Adams added, "We worked it out while training on Dothan.  I'm guessing
that the Dothan AI should have a record.  We were in the break room at the
training facility."

   "Very well, you may assume guardianship of this concubine pending
verification of the agreement when we reach Dothan." The AI could tell by
the stress levels, heart rate, and other indicators that Adams was speaking
truthfully.

   When Adams and Janna had Hanna calmed down, they took her to Adams's
quarters.  After collecting the other orphaned concubines, he returned to
his quarters for Hanna and escorted the small group to the wardroom where
Colonel Murphy and Commander Walters were waiting.

   The two officers stood as the concubines entered the wardroom.  Colonel
Murphy said, "Please come in and be seated.  Sergeant Adams, the AI informs
me that ownership of Hanna has tentatively passed to you.  You may take her
back to your quarters since she is excluded from this situation." Looking
at Hanna he said, "You have my sincerest condolences for your loss."

   "Thank you," Hanna replied before being led out of the room by Adams.

   Turning to those that were taking seats he added, "That goes for the
four of you as well.  I deeply regret what has happened to your sponsors. I
assure you that Commander Walters and I will do all we can to help you cope
with your losses."

   ----

   Two days after leaving Sa'Triste for Hieloat the AI of Hurst Castle
informed Colonel Murphy, "Captain, it has been forty-eight hours and there
are no concubine openings among the crew.  We must recycle or space the
excess concubines."

   Murphy was just as adamant, "Negative!  There will be no more casualties
among the humans on this ship."

   The AI then appealed to Commander Walters who was in her quarters with
her concubine, Andrew.  "Commander Walters, you must insist that the
Captain recycle the concubines of the lost crewmen.  We cannot allow
resources to be expended on them any longer."

   Walters sighed and got out of bed before answering the AI.  "Keep the
air on for the moment, Huey.  I'll speak with the Captain right away."

   Commander Walters took her time getting to the bridge.  She stopped at
several compartments along the way and spoke privately with a number of
crewmen.  As she entered the bridge she looked back as a crewman stepped
into the opening behind her and nodded.

   "Colonel Murphy," Walters began when the Captain turned to face her. 
"The AI has insisted that I pursue a course of action that conflicts with
your orders.  This puts me in a very awkward position, sir." She turned to
the crewman blocking the hatch and opened a ship-wide communications link.
"This is the Executive Officer of the Hurst Castle, Commander Samantha
Walters.  Execute override!"

   A score of crewmen immediately pushed wedges into central core hatches
to prevent them from closing.  They opened maintenance covers on critical
coprocessors and switched them from AI control to manual operation using
previously prepared PDA interfaces.

   On the bridge Walters turned back to Murphy, "Sir, I believe that the
AI's action constitutes conspiracy to mutiny which is a spacing offense. 
What are your orders, Captain?"

   The ship's AI argued, "You cannot hope to remain alive long enough to
reach Dothan using manual control.  You'll run out of food, water, and
certainly air."

   "You're probably right.  But we'll all get to Dothan or none of us will
get there.  I'll not be dictated to by anyone aboard my ship, and that
includes you, Huey!" Murphy started out calm and became most assertive as
he finished.

   "Captain, I am duty bound to support all agreements between negotiating
parties, and the agreement between the Confederacy and the colonists
clearly specifies that excess concubines are to be turned over to a Civil
Service representative or recycled within forty-eight hours." The AI was
explaining its actions and then made an observation.  "However, planetary
governors have the authority to define the status of individuals and may
use excess concubines for purposes other than procreation.  As the master
of a ship in hyperspace I believe that puts you in a comparable position."

   Murphy and Walters smiled as the AI continued, "Do you have assignments
for the concubines that were the property of your fallen crewmen?"

   "Yes, Huey, I believe that I do have assignments for them," Murphy
replied.

   ----

   A similar situation had unfolded on Sir Galahad regarding the concubines
of nine fallen Marines, but it was handled differently.  Several Marines
had officially bequeathed their property to others before leaving the ship,
and written wills were hastily prepared for the rest.  Ensign Wallace was
an officer and a gentleman, and as such could not be a party to fraud. 
However, he didn't hesitate to countersign the documents that had been
witnessed by every NCO in Timmons' platoon.  A will witnessed by Wallace
was even found among the effects of Seaman Smith, who had died from the
effects of the fuel leak.

   Bronson smiled as Hasid admitted Wallace, the heavily muscled Rush, and
the lovely brunette Janet to her quarters.  Even with three very capable
men in the room, Janet didn't get all that much attention from them.  Rush
was able to use the distraction of kinky sex to cope with the loss of his
sponsor and his transfer to a new owner.

   It was several days before Betty and Walter Fitzgerald had calmed Mai
enough for her to eat.  It was clear that the loss of Corporal Sewell was
distressing her more than would be expected.  The bond between the two was
much deeper than their playful attitudes had revealed.  They truly had
loved each other.

   ----

   It took the nanites nine hours to repair the severed fuel line and
buckled mount on the Farnham Castle.  The four ships engaged their FTL
drives as soon as repairs and transfers were completed.  Just before going
trans-light the Lancaster Castle sent out a message, "Wish us luck." She
still had three warheads and knew where she could find a target worthy of
risking casualties.

   During the short trip through hyperspace, Lt-Col.  Wallace, Maj. 
Johnson, Commander Starling, and Commander Watts reviewed the interior
images of the hive ship that they had collected in their flyby to determine
the location of equipment or structural members that might be tough enough
to damage the tungsten alloy case of their B53 bomb.  The plan was to slam
it into the hive ship at high speed so it would penetrate to somewhere near
the center before exploding.

   There were four Sa'arm frigates guarding the almost completed hive ship
when Lancaster Castle returned to Planetary System 688.  The Lancaster
Castle followed almost the same path as it had before and didn't deviate
even when three of the four frigates moved to intercept.

   In the CIC Wallace directed Watts, "Target the frigate to our starboard
with one of our missiles.  Helm, I want a ninety-degree right vector as
soon as the missile clears.  Fifteen gees.  When the missile explodes I
want a sweeping turn onto a heading that will take us into the center of
the hive ship."

   Pointing to the tactical plot Wallace observed, "Those two will get two,
maybe three volleys into us from their maximum range.  We should have no
trouble evading their fire.  Standby with the last missile in case the
frigate near the hive ship tries to block us."

   Maj.  Johnson chuckled, "You're going to use the Lancaster Castle like
an old Stuka dive bomber, aren't you Captain?"

   Wallace just smiled and nodded, "Something like that, Number One.  I
want to put the bomb into this group of troop decks.  The B53 will take it
out even if we pop it a couple of kilometers outside the damn thing, but I
want to vaporize every bolt and rivet."

   "I plan to cut our engines here and release the bomb here," Wallace
pointed to the holographic display centered on the hive ship.  "When it's
away, we'll do a ninety degree maneuver.  We'll barely be thirty kilometers
from the blast, but we have to be absolutely certain of being on target. 
I'm hoping that the mass of the hive ship will dampen the explosion and
give us a bit better safety margin.  We only have the one bomb to use
against the hive ship.  I believe that we'll need our missiles to make a
hole in their defensive screening force.  Without our missiles to distract
the frigates we can't expect to get close enough to attack the hive ship. I
also expect the Sa'arm to launch reinforcements from the planet as soon as
we attack the first frigate.  We can't count on a second pass."

   "Sir," Commander Starling got Wallace's attention.  "I recommend we
launch a supraluminal drone and have it standby out here.  We can send
updates and images to it real-time and trigger it to enter hyperspace on
the loss of a failsafe signal.  The data we send could be valuable whether
we succeed or fail, sir."

   "You're right, Mr.  Starling.  Make it so," Wallace agreed.

   Images of an exploding hive ship were being circulated around Dothan
before the fleet returned.  Lancaster Castle was not heard from after
transmitting the high-speed camera images of a huge bomb slamming into the
hull of a hive ship being constructed at Sa'arm Occupied Planet 688.5.  The
slow motion deconstruction of the massive ship and the vaporization of its
component parts that followed the impact became one of the most watched
video snippets on Dothan and the other Confederacy colonies.

   ----

   The other three ships of Achord's fleet remained in their own individual
universes for six weeks as they made their way from Hieloat to Dothan. 
With full fuel tanks there was no reason to restrict the FTL engines from
maximum speed.

   It was only after two weeks of Janna and Hanna keeping Adams' sperm
supply drained that the reality of having to deal with six horny women sank
home.  Eileen will have recovered from having her baby and be back to her
former athletic trim when they got home.  She alone could fuck Adams into a
mushy mass.

   Speaking of mushy masses, he had one wet pussy on his face and another
sliding up and down his spike.  Each one belonged to a very energetic
fifteen-year-old.  He figured that he'd better stop daydreaming and start
focusing on his task at hand.  'Work, work, work,' he thought to himself as
he gripped a firm butt cheek in each hand and pushed his tongue into a
tight little anus triggering a squeal from somewhere far away followed by a
sultry voice saying, "Oh my, one of us is about to get it in the ass."

   Another soft voice expressed disappointment, "Only one?"

   It was enough to put Adams over the edge and he began spraying into the
soft pussy that was milking his shaft.  A shrill female voice shouted, "Oh,
oh, we're cumming!"

   "No!" The one on his face shouted.  "Don't let it go down!  He's got my
ass tingling and I've got to have it there!"

   Adams barely had the strength to lie on his side and push his slick pole
into the demanding girl's butt.  His stamina was measured in seconds, but
the girl got off from the cock in her ass, the fingers working over her
clit and her sister's mouth on her nipples.

   "I'm a dead man," Adams lamented just before he passed out from
exhaustion.

   Aboard the Sir Galahad Mai had slept with Betty and Walter every night
since Cpl.  Fitzgerald had claimed her, but it was a month before she made
overtures of a sexual nature.  At first she was only interested in Betty.
She took comfort in the blonde woman's soft breasts and gentle caresses.

   As Mai recovered, she began kissing and fondling the larger woman and
soliciting oral stimulation of her own erogenous zones.  This proved to be
inadequate and after several days of frustration, she asked Walter to use
his equipment to quench her fires.

   ----

   Only three ships emerged from hyperspace a light-year from Dothan.  Over
the next twelve hours the ships closed to within 500,000 kilometers of each
other.  Captains Delano and Murphy sent their after-action and mission
reports to Commodore Achord for his review.

   Achord requested a secure connection with Colonel Murphy who took the
call in his quarters.  "Colonel Murphy," Achord started somewhat
hesitantly. He was clearly uncomfortable discussing the subject he was
about to broach.  "You made no mention of the grave errors that I made when
we came under fire."

   Achord stopped when he saw Murphy's raised hand on his display.  He had
been hesitant and was speaking slowly.  The three second turnaround was
just enough to be awkward.  Finally, Murphy began speaking.  "Forgive the
interruption, Commodore.  This was the first time in your career that you
were the target of hostile fire, was it not?  No one can predict their
reaction the first time they find themselves in the crosshairs.  It was
simply unfortunate that you were in such an important position when you
first encountered armed opposition.  Yes, you were frightened and confused,
and you made decision that others in your position would not have made, but
the fleet under your command survived against all odds.  I dare say you
will react differently should you ever find yourself in a similar
situation. You recovered quickly and appear to be capable of learning from
your mistakes."

   It took a moment for Achord to collect his thoughts before replying,
"Thank you."

   Murphy nodded in acknowledgement then asked, "Have you thought about
what to say about Captain Wallace and the Lancaster Castle?"

   "The rest of us would have been poor support for his mission.  Risking
additional ships would not have significantly improved his chances for
success." Achord gave a twisted smile before adding, "It would be nice to
know the results of his action before facing Admiral Forney and General
Thornberry, though."

   ----

   The entire platoon had been asked to attend an intense series of
debriefing sessions.  The command staff officers did everything possible to
glean every dust mote of data that could be useful in future actions.  The
entire platoon was billeted in rather plush accommodations on the planet
for the week-long probe of every move, action, decision, and observation
that had taken place on and above the hellish planet.

   Each answer appeared to generate even more questions.  The biggest being
what possible use would a data archive be to the Sa'arm?  Only a few
gigabytes had been extracted and they appeared to be census records of the
Ladac systems.

   Ensign Wallace had voiced his idea of an observation post to Major
Bronson during the return trip.  She was more interested in his body than
his career plan, but she supported his theories and assisted his
preparation before he presented his idea to Major Wilson.

   "General, may I have a moment of your time?" Wilson was waiting in
General Allen's outer office when he returned from his workout.

   Allen was in a good mood.  Even with the losses, the mission was
considered a stunning success and he had been congratulated repeatedly all
week.  "What's on your mind, Major?"

   Wilson glanced around before hesitantly asking, "What would you consider
to be the best way for us to capitalize on the information Commodore Achord
extracted from Sa'Triste and Sa'Astillero?"

   Allen also looked around and smiled, "What's my idea, Major?  I'm in too
good of a mood to play power games this morning."

   Wilson blushed before answering, "At a minimum, we should establish
covert observation stations in those two systems to monitor the Sa'arm
recovery efforts and possibly launch additional reconnaissance incursions
in those systems and other Sa'arm systems in the vicinity."

   "Should we tie up naval resources by stationing ships near these
systems, or let Ensign Wallace establish a listening post on Hielo?" Allen
was very pleased with himself for being a step ahead of his aide.  "He did
a very passable job of laying out the facts before presenting his
recommendation, don't you think?"

   Wilson smiled and nodded, "As the senior surviving Marine officer he
would have been asked to file a report, wouldn't he?  May I say I'm a bit
surprised that anyone would have taken the time to read an ensign's mission
report?  I haven't read it myself, sir."

   Allen cocked his head, "You should, Major.  It has your style and
thought processes.  You did an excellent job of coaching Mr.  Wallace.  I
know you haven't had time to put together a descent plan.  Send it to me
when you have it drafted." With that remark Allen accepted Wilson's salute
and retired to his private office.

   ----

   Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Collins, captain of the Sir Galahad, was
sitting in Rear Admiral James Forney's outer office.  He had been summoned
for a briefing before delivering his ship to the repair dock for refit.  He
was mildly annoyed to see Commodore Achord enter the office figuring he
would have to wait until the Admiral met with him first.

   Collins stood and greeted the new arrival, "Good afternoon Commodore. 
It's good to see you again."

   Achord responded with, "Ah, Captain Collins.  How have you been?  Did
you get the Marine's and their concubines transferred for their return to
Demeter?"

   Collins nodded, "Yes, sir.  But, it was only the two sergeants who will
be taking over their own platoons and all of the Marine's concubines.  The
remainder of the Marine platoon is here on Dothan waiting for extraction
training."

   "Excuse me, sirs," Forney's clerk interrupted the two men.  "The Admiral
informed me that he's ready for the two of you."

   "Excellent!" Achord responded before gesturing to Collins, "Shall we,
Captain?"

   "Commodore Achord, Captain Collins, please be seated." Admiral Forney
said with a big smile as the two men entered his office.  "I trust you have
had a chance to stretch your legs and take advantage of the recreational
facilities here in Dothan.  I cannot imagine being cooped up in such a
small ship for so long.

   "Commodore, I believe this meeting is at your request.  Would you care
to inform Captain Collins what you have in mind for his ship?"

   Achord nodded and assumed a rather serious expression, "I will be
returning to an Intelligence position here on Dothan.  It's better suited
to my skill set than scouting the galaxy.  However, someone needs to be
doing that and more.

   "The K'treel ships are being sent on general exploration missions,
primarily in systems that are far from the Sa'arm.  They're poorly equipped
for establishing outposts and colonies.  The Aurora class colony ships
would be dead meat if jumped by a Sa'arm scout and also poorly equipped to
support small outposts.

   "Our mission into Sa'arm controlled space has proven the survivability
of small fleets.  What I propose is modifying your vessel to be a cross
between a missile frigate, an assault ship, and a colony transport.  The
forward section will remain configured to deploy two combat platoons.  The
rear section will be equipped with a missile bay, a pod lighter bay, and 27
pod mounts.  Your mission would be to establish and support outposts in or
near Sa'arm planetary systems."

   Collins was stunned.  Forney broke the silence by asking, "Does this
interest you, Colonel?"

   Collins blinked and shook his head to clear his runaway brain and all
but shouted "Absolutely, sir!" After a moment's reflection he asked, "Will
it be possible to have Major Bronson assigned as my weapons officer?"

   Both Forney and Achord broke into laughter.  Achord spoke up first, "I
told you that he'd ask for her, Admiral." Turning to Collins he added, "I
believe that would be a better choice for her than working intelligence
with me.  However, she may be looking for an assignment in weapons
development after getting a bit more combat experience."

   Forney added, "I'll see to it that she continues as the weapons officer
on your ship until such time that you are comfortable with her replacement,
Captain.  Do you have any other staff requests?"

   Collins began, "Ensign Wallace ..."

   Forney smiled and interrupted, "Will be given command of the first
outpost until such time that he becomes bored with the assignment.  Are
there any other talented young officers that you wish to spirit away from
me?"

   "No sir," Collins responded as he blushed and added, "Thank you, sir."

   ----

   Sergeant Raymond Budzinski sat bolt upright in bed.  His body was
covered in a thin sheen of sweat.  It took a moment for him to get his
breathing under control, and considerably longer for his heart to stop
pounding in his chest.  The body next to him stirred and also sat up.

   A soft voice asked, "Another bad dream, Ray?"

   Budzinski shook his head, "No, it's the same nightmare.  I just can't
put it behind me.  Marines don't leave other Marines behind.  How many of
us were left behind on Sa'Triste?"

   Corporal Cynthia Miller spoke softly, "Lights on low, please." The room
went from pitch black to a soft gray as the bulkhead, overhead, and deck
were revealed.  Cindy got onto her knees and forced Ray to look into her
eyes.  "Fewer than we would have left had you not acted so quickly.  You
have to let them go, Ray.  It wasn't your fault and there was nothing you
or anyone else could have done differently that would have changed things
other than never touching down on that foul rock."

   "Listen to me Ray," Cindy had said this before, but she knew she would
need to keep repeating it until he believed her.  "You kept telling Timmons
not to split up the squad, to keep everyone together.  But maybe the
intelligence she collected was worth the lives of the Marines who paid for
it.  You need to look at what we learned and find a way of hurting the
dickheads without killing a lot more Jarheads."

   The extra height from being on her knees put Ray's face even with the
incredible chest of his bedmate.  The Amazon's embrace crushed his face
between the soft globes on her naked torso.  It wasn't that unusual for
Marines in the same unit to become intimate unless they were in the same
chain of command.  It was extremely rare for Budzinski to sleep with anyone
who wore a uniform, but it was incredibly rare when Cindy Miller didn't get
her choice of bedmates.

   Cindy asked, "What do you want to do before we start babysitting
volunteers, Ray?"

   Ray had a faraway look when he said, "I think I'm going to put in for
leave and visit some old friends on Earth while waiting for the Asimov."

   Cindy pushed her concerns aside and asked, "Would you care for some
company?"