“Task Force Perseus, arriving!”

Bosun’s pipes sounded, and a contingent of Argent Second Marines snapped to attention, their dress crimson and gold uniforms resplendent against the neutral colors of their battleship’s primary flight deck. All wore the sleeve insignia of enlisted personnel from PFC to Strike Sergeant.

Commander Jayce Hunter appeared at the hatch of her command shuttle. It bore the distinctive raptor of her flag on its side, along with the designation of her flagship: DSS Fury, CX 704. She turned and performed a sharp regulation salute of the ensign, then saluted the Officer of the Deck. She looked quite impressive in her gray and gold uniform and garrison cap. She wore gleaming commander’s insignia on collar and cover.

“Permission to come aboard.”

“Very well, ma’am.” The OOD replied. All by the book.

A marine sergeant barked a command, and the entire marine line brought their weapons up to present arms with a piercing clak. The sergeant saluted as Commander Hunter stepped on to the deep crimson carpet that had been laid down for the ceremony. Her XO, Commander Huggins followed, performing every salute in exactly the same order. One by one the rest of the Task Force’s command staff filed out.

At the opposite end of the line of marines stood Argent’s senior officers, all wearing their dress blues and covers. The Perseus contingent strode towards them.

“I forgot to tell you I saw a really nasty bug of some kind crawling up your pant leg,” Captain Hunter whispered, elbowing his signals officer.

“Stop it,” Zony growled through gritted teeth.

Commander Hunter stopped before her brother, came to regulation attention and saluted. “Permission to come aboard, sir.”

“Granted,” Jason replied, returning the salute. “Welcome aboard the Argent. You owe me a bottle, Commander. I got us out of spacedock in one piece and all the way to Gitairn without bumping into anything.”

“Then we’re even,” Jayce replied. “You’ve owed me a bottle since we rescued the Saint Croix together.”

“I have?” Hunter said, scrunching up his face. “I don’t remember it quite that way.” Then he grinned like he always did when he was trying to get the best of his sister.

Jayce rolled her eyes and stepped up to Commander Doverly. “Annora, it’s so nice to see you again.” The two women exchanged salutes.

“Thank you for that nice card,” Annora replied. “It meant so much to me, and I’m so glad to hear your nephew is doing so well.”

One by one each Perseus officer greeted their counterparts aboard Argent. Once the formalities had been discharged, Captain Hunter summoned the Quartermaster and his staff to see to the needs of their guests.

“I’ve scheduled a briefing at Oh Nine Thirty, after which I’d be honored if you and your officers would attend the Captain’s table for dinner.”

Jayce looked appropriately impressed. “We would be honored. Thank you for the offer.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Huggins added with an appreciative smile.

“My pleasure,” Jason replied, showing the Task Force officers towards the inboard corridor to the executive guest quarters.

After the guests had proceeded into the corridor, Jason leaned over and spoke to Zony in a quiet tone. “I suppose I should be nice to my sister at least once before we all get blown out of space, right?”

Zony slapped his arm.