| �Aye, sir,� responded the Irish Commander, not even bothering to move from his own seat to Blackbird�s. At one time, Burly would trip over his own feet in a rush to sit in the center seat. Now, however, he didn�t even bother. Yet another sign that USNF morale was at an all-time depression. Reaching his quarters, Captain Blackbird flipped up his miniscule info center and submitted his security code. Almost immediately the face of Captain Brungess appeared. �Jim! Jim Brungess! What�s up, old man?� Jim Brungess smiled back at the Captain. �Captain Blackbird. Nice to see you in good health.� �I could be better. Something wrong?� Obviously, he thought, or else he wouldn�t be sending a secure transmission. �Nothing at all, Benson,� Brungess said. �Just a request. I was wondering if you�d like to accompany me on the shakedown cruise of the Stealthlon. �That is an unusual request, Captain,� Blackbird responded, leaning back in his chair. �May I ask why?� �I have a few matters to discuss with you,� Brungess said, steepling his fingers. �Matters?� asked Blackbird. �What kind of matters?� �Attend the shakedown and find out.� Brungess quickly glanced off screen. �I�m sure you�re well aware of the time and place. As of now, I have stuff to attend to. Good day, Captain.� |
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| To Chapter Six |