Badger by Kindal Debenham Page B

fleet at the idea of a minor captain being assigned to the Badger . Even if he had done everything nearly to perfection, the weight of that displeasure would probably have crushed him. “I was more wondering why he was even considering it. I mean, given my record, Badger would have ended up a drifting wreck after our first engagement.”
    Leon watched Jacob for a moment longer, his expression still showing concern. When he spoke, his words were slow, as if he were thinking about something else as he talked. “Your record speaks for itself, Jacob. You’re a fighting captain, one who won’t back away no matter what the Odurans and Telosians throw at him. That kind of reputation has its own rewards.” His gaze drifted away. “And given what my father is planning, he’s going to need someone like that to help him through the days ahead.”
    Again, Jacob felt a sharp stab of curiosity over the High Admiral’s secret plans, but he did not ask again. Leon likely would have told him if he could, but pressing further would not have been wise—or fair. Jacob nodded. “I hope so, Leon, I hope so.” Still incredulous over the idea of him in command of the Badger , Jacob stood up. Life had taken some severe turns lately, and he almost didn’t want to know what would happen next.
    Leon stood as well, stretching. “And on that note, we’re going to go get something to eat. I don’t know what you’ve been able to squirrel away onboard the Terrier , but the Beagle was down to pure noodles and broth. I’d like to enjoy the culinary benefits of the flagship while we can.”
    Jacob nodded, grateful for a guide. On top of that relief, he felt a sudden twinge of hunger. “Sounds good. I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
    Leon tossed him a weary glare as they walked toward the door. “I thought so. Back on the Wolfhound Ensign Timmitz told me he had to keep reminding you to eat. Otherwise he would drop a meal off and come back a couple of hours later to find it untouched.”
    “Well, let’s make up for that, Commander Nivrosky.” Jacob opened the door. “It sounds like we have quite a bit to discuss.”
     
    The next day’s catastrophes started a bit earlier than planned, but Jacob had almost expected it. Too much had been going on to hope for a normal sleeping schedule. He had just finished a brief note to Catharine about his journey when a knock came at the hatch. Jacob paused to set aside his personal reader and arrange the few personal belongings he had convinced the skiff to fetch for him. Then he opened the hatch.
    There, standing in the doorway, was the last person on the Badger that he wanted to see. The last person in the entire Navy, if Jacob had to be honest with himself. She stood with her hands clenched at her side, her dark eyes blazing in a way that did not bode well for his future well being. Her uniform, as always, was immaculate, and the eagle and triple bars of a commissioned Commander in the Celostian Navy stood out on her coat. For a moment, they locked eyes, the tense silence conveying more than any words could. Then Al-shira came to attention and saluted, her face schooled into a false calm. “Captain Hull.”
    Sincerely regretting the conversation he was about to have, Jacob returned the salute. “Commander Al-shira.” The instant his hand dropped, she assumed an at-ease position, her eyes still blazing like dark almond suns. “How can I help you, Commander?”
    Her lips twitched as if she were resisting the urge to snarl. “I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time, sir.”
    Jacob watched her fingers curl into white-knuckled fists, and resisted the urge to sigh. “Come on in, Commander.” She stormed past him, and he slid the door shut. When he turned back to her, she stood beside his desk. Her hands were still clenched tightly at her sides, and her eyes were locked on him. When he motioned for her to sit, she shook her head. Folding his arms, he met her gaze warily. “Well,