The Phoenix Project Read Free

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         "We’re almost done our
shifts. Would the handsome Admiral care to see our new officers’ mess? It was
renovated six months ago and I think you’ll like it.”
         Elliot inwardly balked at a
half—hearted conversation over drinks but accepted in spite of his misgivings.
Joshua stood up from his seat and looked to an officer at a nearby station.
         “When does Lieutenant—Commander
Scott arrive for his shift?”
         “In five minutes, Sir.”
         “Can you handle the bridge for
five minutes Sub—Lieutenant?” Joshua demanded of the frightened man.
         “I,” he hesitated before
remembering his training. “Yes, Sir.”
         Joshua gave him a quick nod
and led the party off the bridge. The couple led him through several arched
hallways painted in matching colours of cream and light grey until they found
themselves in a lift, which took them from the centrally located command deck
to the very top of the ship.
         Elliot was impressed by the sight
that awaited him. The newly renovated officers’ mess was spacious and comfortable.
The large room was about two hundred feet long and half that wide. The warm
burgundy walls were a good twenty feet high, affording the far wall's tall
windows a panoramic view of the full length of Endeavour’s hull. Distant
stars glittered beyond the ship’s dorsal armour.
         The trio found a plush, three—sided
booth on a middle rise, facing the spectacular view and sat down. A head waiter
saw the small group of high ranking officers and immediately went over to take
their orders.
         “What’s good?” Elliot asked
his hosts.
         “The house draft is pretty
good,” Joshua replied.
         “They have a pretty good
chardonnay, too,” Madison
said.
         “House draft,” Elliot said to
the attendant. Joshua ordered the same and Madison ordered a dry, white wine. The order
arrived shortly thereafter.
         "So Eli, what have you
been doing for the last year?” Joshua asked before lifting a tall glass of
golden ale to his lips.
         "Finishing what I signed
on to."
         “I thought you’d have moved on
to something else by now, like command of a battle group,” Madison said.
         “No, not for me. I’m thinking
of moving to HQ once this is over.”
         “You mean to a desk job?”
Joshua inquired.
         “Is there something wrong with
a desk job?”
         “There isn’t if you’re an old
man,” Joshua replied.
         Elliot looked at him with a
stern face before breaking into a heartfelt laugh for the first time in what
felt like years.
         “You’re a smartass,” Elliot
said.
         “That’s what Madi tells me.”
         “It’s true. I really do,” Madison said and drank
from her glass.
         “I’d hate to admit it, but I
really missed you two.”
         “Likewise,” Madison said and raised a glass for a toast.
All three of them clinked their beverages and took a sip of their beverages before
returning them to the table. “So when does my husband get a battleship to
command? Hell, when do I finally get a command?”
         “In three months they’ll be
ready for trial runs. The rest of the fleet will be phased out over the next
twenty years after that,” Elliot replied.
         “I’d hate to say goodbye to
this ship,” Joshua said and looked around the large bar.
         “Don’t worry Josh,” Elliot
said. “She was last off the line and will be the last to exit the stage.
Besides by then you’ll be what, fifty—five, and probably an Admiral?”
         “Not if I can help it.”
         “Eli,” Madison began before Elliot heard a beep from
the small, dark piece of technology that clung to his earlobe.
         “Sorry,” Elliot interrupted
and activated the earpiece. He listened for a moment, nodded, and then acknowledged
the order. “I’ve got to go.”
         “You just got