“We don’t know that for sure yet,” Marcum said. “The organic remains from the battle in this system are still being analyzed by Fleet R&S, but they’re confident that having samples from both an Ushin and Darshik ship will give us a conclusive answer on that.”

“That’s something at least,” Celesta said. “So can we put these ridiculous questioning sessions to rest and get down to business, sir?”

“It’s why I came personally to see you.” Marcum stood up, prompting her to do the same. “Your presence is required down on the surface tomorrow at 0900; you can ride down in the shuttle with me. Have your crew stand down on the station here for R&R.” He shifted around uncomfortably for a moment before simply nodding and exiting the office.

Celesta just shook her head at the odd behavior and wondered what fresh horrors would be revealed at the upcoming briefing. Since it was on the surface, she had to assume members of the new civilian oversight would be in attendance.

****

The uncomfortable ride down to the surface in the Chief of Staff’s personal shuttle was soon forgotten when Celesta saw who was standing on the landing pad waiting for them. Like a ghost from the past, resplendent in his dress blacks, was Senior Captain Jackson Wolfe. She heard a chuckle as Admiral Marcum seemed to be thoroughly enjoying her shock.

“I was going to tell you yesterday but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise,” he said. “I went to Arcadia personally and reactivated him.”

“I bet that pissed him off … sir,” she said, looking at the scowl on her former mentor’s face.

“A safe bet,” Marcum nodded as the shuttle touched down with a bump. They waited until the atmospheric engines spooled down and then the six passengers climbed out and walked towards the greeting party.

“Sir, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Celesta said, saluting. It wasn’t a necessary courtesy as she was with two fleet admirals and she held the same rank as Wolfe, but she did it anyway as an overt sign of respect. Jackson returned her salute crisply and shook her hand.

“Likewise, Captain Wright,” he said, almost smiling. Any further conversation was interrupted as the flag officers accompanying Marcum wanted to crowd in and talk to the legendary starship captain and have an opportunity for a picture or two. Celesta was reminded of something that Wolfe had said to her as she watched the bizarre spectacle: All flag officers were politicians at heart and all had aspirations of higher office, and everything they said or did had to be viewed through that filter. At the time Celesta had just thought her boss was a world class cynic, now she understood what he’d meant.