Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11)
What kind of sloppy planning is that?”Topper said, “It does seem strange, Boss. I don’t see what they could be hoping to gain, by a delay.”
“Neither can I. That makes me nervous. Usually, I can understand what they’re trying to do. Right now, I don’t have a clue.” We sat there pondering for a few minutes, until Tikki came onto the bridge, breathless. She said, “I just got a call from Captain Dressi. He wanted me to tell you that he has heard reports of attempted mutinies from five ships patrolling in our region. There are three other ships, not responding to comms, and presumed taken.”
Topper said, “There’s your answer, Boss. They had to take the ships before they could head this way.”
I asked, “Tikki, did he happen to mention how long ago all this happened, or how far away?”
“I got the impression he thought he was breaking security telling me that much. I doubt he wasted much time calling me, but I also doubt the Captains who had to put down mutinies would bother calling it in, until they had the situation under control. My best guess would be three hours ago, more or less.”
“I’m guessing he didn’t give you any idea how far away they were, either?”
“Nope. We did put new sensors in Black Beauty and her sister ship that might be able to pick up ships passing in FTL, but we haven’t had a chance to test them.” I turned to Topper. “Find somebody to ride with Shorty in the number two ship, and get them out between us and the Squirrels, on the most likely path.” He turned toward Sue. I said, “Nope. Think again. She stays here.”
“She is the best qualified, Boss.”
“That’s why she’s sitting Sensors on the Commodore’s flagship. When these idiots get here, we’re going to need the best data, as fast as possible, to plan our attack.”
Sue said, “Sorry, Mr. Topper, but the Commodore is right. Besides, I never finished my field training. I know a bot who can do the job, though. She’s on the Shepherd.”
I said, “Topper, get the data from Sue, and let Sally know we are borrowing one of her crew. Get those ships in the black as soon as you can.”
“On it, Boss.” I must have been getting more accustomed to the Gene, because I noticed the small jolt when the ships launched. I said, “Good work, Topper. Are Willum and your brother sleeping aboard Black Beauty?”
“They get aboard whenever it begins to look like they might need to go out.”
“What’s Shorty’s excuse?”
“He was visiting Taz, when you asked me to alert them, and the other ship was next to Black Beauty.”
“We really need to come up with a name, instead of just calling her Beauty’s sister.”
Topper replied, “The AI aboard suggests ‘Midnight’, Boss”
“Midnight it is. I assume between the four of them, they can come up with a plan to cover the approach from Squirrel space?”
“It appears Taz and Willum have been working on it for some time. They think it is about as good as it is going to get.”
“That ought to be entirely good enough, then.” I turned to Saucy. “Connect me to Scotti, please.”
“Yes, Boss?”
“You probably already have it started, but I was just checking to make sure that you have the other carriers building scout ships like Black Beauty and Midnight.”
“No, Boss. For once you’re not behind. I’ve been so busy getting everything back into good shape, I hadn’t started that yet. It is on my list of things to do, and I think the other carriers are fit enough to start some side projects. I’ll get them on that.”
“Thanks, Scotti. I know you’re busy, I’ll let you get back to it.”
“Later, Boss.” I waited till the connection dropped, and asked, “Topper, Sue, do either one of you have any idea how close those Squirrel patrols might have been when they had their mutinies?”
Topper replied, “I don’t, Boss.” Sue was busy with her console, so I gave her a minute. Finally, she said, “Based on all the data we’ve taken from captured Squirrel ships, they don’t normally patrol closer than about two day’s flight, for their FTL drives. Given the current situation, they are probably patrolling closer than that. Even so, I don’t think we should expect them for at least twenty hours, Boss.”
“Thanks. I think I’ll go relax a while, before the big battle starts. Topper, your ship. If they arrive before I return, I want stunners and drive killers asap when they come out of FTL. Whatever you do, do not give them a fighting chance.”
Topper replied, “My ship. If the Squirrels get here before you get back, kick their butts hard and fast. Understood. I forwarded your instructions to the fleet. Commodore Sally sends her regards.”
“Tell her if she lets the Squirrels scratch your nose art, she can go out with you to help fix it.” Topper chuckled, and said, “Message sent, Boss.” I headed out, not sure where I was going. I found Snitz waiting outside the door to the bridge. I said, “I think you’re right, boy. It is time for some Frisbee.” We got a transit, and headed to the room where we usually played. We had a lot of fun, until Snitz got tired. I sat down and petted him. That’s how Nikki found us. “Playing hookie, Caveman?”
“Guilty as charged, Your Honor.”
“What are you planning to do today?”
“Get in some range time on moving targets, and try to unwind, before the next bunch of angry Squirrels show up.”
“When are you expecting them?”
I looked at my watch. “About eighteen hours, if Sue’s guesses are right.”
“Let’s get to the range, then. Why do you think you need to work on moving targets, anyhow?”
“The other day in the gym, there was only