"With me in overall command, sir." I pointed out. "And nothing happens unless Skippy is Ok with it, anyway." Brenner's jaw worked back and forth, like he was chewing on something he just couldn't swallow. "I know Chang, sir, he's a good guy." A good guy? All I'd done there was remind Brenner that he was handing command of the mission to a young, inexperienced sergeant, regardless of what insignia was on my uniform.

"Colonel," Brenner looked me in the eye, and I was determined not to flinch. "After you jump away, you're on your own. I think letting our allies save face is less important than maintaining a clear chain of command, and I think this arrangement is courting trouble, but it's your call. After you jump, it will be all your call." It was hard not to look away when he said that, but I didn't.

Shit. Now I was doubting myself. It was too late to change my mind now. "I can make it work, sir. If Chang causes trouble, I'll ask Skippy to lock him in his cabin." That came out like a joke. Chang knew, from experience, that nothing happened aboard the Dutchman without me and Skippy knowing about it, and approving it. Another officer might have ideas of seizing control. Chang would not.

And, I hadn't told anyone, having Chang take care of the crew relieved me of the associated administrative bullshit. Bonus, as far as I was concerned.

"We're agreed, then." Schmidt nodded to me. "That was a good idea, Colonel Bishop. You'll need diplomatic skills to lead that multinational crew out there. Maybe you are the right person for the job."

"Thank you, sir."

Schmidt frowned. "While we have a moment, I need to ask about Dr. Constantine."

I groaned inwardly, ready for a fight. "His personality makes him unsuitable for a long voyage in close quarters, sir."

To my surprise, Schmidt beamed. "Good, that's good. All right, he's off the list."

"Just like that?" I asked.

"Yes. Constantine has powerful supporters, but if the mission commander says his personality profile is unsuitable, I don't think anyone could argue about that. The White House has been looking for an excuse to leave him off the mission roster."

The Chinese ambassador accepted, with enthusiasm, the idea of putting Chang in charge of the crew, he proposed that Chang be officially appointed Executive Officer to formalize his authority, and I agreed. Peace and harmony among the crew, Dr. Constantine off the roster, an opportunity to see my parents before we departed. Those were all good signs in favor of our voyage. A voyage of undetermined length, in a hostile galaxy, aboard a captured ship with limited spare parts, a ship we didn't understand, guided by an absent-minded alien AI who had only a vague idea of where we were going.

What could possibly go wrong?

CHAPTER NINETEEN    OUTBOUND