Thunderhead

6

As Commodore Broadly turned away from the screen on which he had delivered his position report to the crew of the great war vessel, his eye met that of his executive officer. The latter shifted his gaze uneasily.

“Well, Roy, you expect me to announce to all hands that Cincfleet has committed a major blunder in letting this bandit slip through the picket line?” he demanded with some asperity.

“Certainly not, sir.” The officer looked worried. “But in view of the seriousness of the breakout…”

“There are some things better kept in the highest command channels,” the commodore said shortly. “You and I are aware of the grave consequences of a new release of their damned seed in an uncontaminated sector of the Eastern Arm. But I see no need to arouse the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins of every apprentice technician aboard by an overly candid disclosure of the facts!”

“I thought Containment had done its job by now,” the captain said. “It’s been three years since the last Djann sighting outside the Reservation. It seems we’re not the only ones who’re keeping things under our hats.”

Broadly frowned. “Mmmm. I agree, I’m placed at something of a disadvantage in my tactical planning by the over-secretiveness of the General Staff. However, there can be no two opinions as to the correctness of my present course.”

The exec glanced ceilingward. “I hope so, sir.”

“Having the admiral aboard makes you nervous, does it, Roy?” Broadly said in a tone of heartiness. “Well, I regard it merely as an opportunity better to display Malthusa’s capabilities.”

“Commodore, you don’t think it would be wise to coordinate with the admiral on this—”

“I’m in command of this vessel,” Broadly said sharply. “I’m carrying the vice admiral as supercargo, nothing more!”

“He’s still Task Group CINC…”

“I’m comming this ship, Roy, not Old Carbuncle!” Broadly rocked on his heels, watching the screen where a quadrangle of bright points representing his interceptor squadron fanned out, on an intersecting course with the fleeing Djann vessel. “I’ll pinch off this breakthrough single-handed; and all of us will share in the favorable attention the operation will bring us!”