A Faded Star by Michael Freeport

humanity. Once
more, we travel beyond our home star system to join the greater community of
interstellar space. We hope to find friends and allies.” Stokes' face grew
grim. “If we find enemies, we will be alone and without the possibility of
rescue. Rook, the second ship of Rampart's class, is still months from
completion. We will succeed at our mission and return, having solved the
mystery of the origin signal. I thank all of you, again, for all of your hard
work, and I look forward to leading you through the mission that lies before
us.” Stokes turned and looked at Admiral Vesper, who nodded. “Crew, fall out
and enjoy the afternoon socializing. I encourage you to take a moment to
congratulate Captain Hanlon on her promotion and to wish her and Admiral Drogue
luck leading the expeditionary force.”
     Aden Patho watched the group from the stage break up
and begin moving through the assembled crew. He approached Stokes and said,
“Sir, who will be replacing Mister Kri as science officer?”
     “A newly assigned officer. I tried to promote one of
the division officers, but none of them have the experience needed.”
     “I see, sir. When is Hal's replacement arriving?”
     “Tomorrow morning. Since Mister Kri is still settling
in to his role as executive officer, I would appreciate it if you would take
charge of getting the new science officer orientated to Rampart.”
     “Yes, sir.”
     “Very good, Mister Patho. I'll forward the pertinent
information to your data node once the ceremony is over.”
     Patho nodded, and as Stokes walked away, Patho turned
and nearly collided with Admiral Drogue. Patho felt his spine go stiff. Of all
the people currently in uniform, there was no one he would rather less meet
than Admiral Drogue. Drogue had commanded the forces that defeated the Karn
nation. Patho started to simply step around the man, but Drogue began to speak,
halting Aden with his voice.
     “Mister Patho, I am glad to have the opportunity to
meet you here.” Drogue caught the expression on Patho's face. “Commander, I'm
sure you would likely rather not talk to me, but it's important I say this.
You, and your career, are symbols of unity for our people. Without men of
courage like you to join and serve, our military would undoubtedly seem nothing
more than an occupying force. We need you and everyone like you to help our
people stay united in the cause of safety and the well-being of everyone on
Lashmere.”
     Patho stared at the admiral, speechless for a moment.
Admiral Drogue was not a young man. There were heavy wrinkles around his watery
blue eyes and gray peppered his dark brown hair. The admiral's eyes took on a
light of disappointment, and he began to turn away when Patho said, “My father
died in the war, sir.”
     Drogue held Patho's gaze for a long moment before
looking down. He said, “I'm sorry, Commander. I didn't know.” The admiral
strode away.
     Patho watched him go and just stood, trying to get
control of his emotions for a few moments. He walked, almost in a stupor, to a
chair and sat down, staring, unseeing, at the floor in front of him until
Simmons came to him.
     “Hey, Aden. It looks like the party is starting to
break up. Want to go back to your cabin?”
     Patho jumped at the sound of her voice and then stood
abruptly. He looked down at her brown eyes, staring up, waiting for an answer.
He considered her question and rolled it back and forth in his mind for some
time, pondering her voice and posture. Simmons started to get a concerned look
on her face when Patho just stared at her without responding.
     “Aden, are you okay?”
     “Marli...” Aden looked down at the floor before
responding. “I ran into Admiral Drogue a few minutes ago. It made me think of
the war is all.”
     “Did you have any family in the war?”
     Aden looked up and stared into her eyes. She looked
genuinely concerned for him. “My father died in the war. He was in the final
stand just before