It's Lonely at the Top

Back in the control room, Em just shook her head in amusement at the pair, and continued in her duties. With them both asleep she knew she wouldn't have to worry about being distracted anytime soon.

"Sergeant." The commander said in a way of a greeting as he passed her, heading for his office.

"Morning Sir." She replied. "All the com messages that need your attention have been routed to your desk already."

"You get any sleep last night? I don't need you burning yourself out." He commented, knowing she spent her off duty hours searching in her own way for Jon.

"Yes sir. I did…." She answered then sighed softly.

Stargazer caught the sigh and raised his eyebrow in a silent question.

She shook her head at his unasked question. "I know he's alive, but it's like he's hiding from me." She said.

"We'll find him."

Both knew the unspoken words of 'I hope' hung in the air.

He watched her work for a moment. "You've been helping out Bluegrass, pointing him in the right direction. How is he holding up?"

"Fairly decently. Phantom's been helping him with the paperwork as well as pointing out that she has just as much piloting experience if he needs a break"

"Good. We'll be getting some reinforcements soon; a new computer whiz..." He hesitated for a moment. "And a new first officer. Command insisted."

Emily spun about, an expression of protest that Jon was still alive. But she stopped herself before she could let her temper get the best of her. She still frowned though. "…yes sir. Should I have the housekeeping staff get some rooms ready for them then?"

"Yes. And a VIP suite. the General wants to discuss the situation."

"Great" She muttered. "Should I let Phantom know incase there's going to be a problem? She's not official one of us, no mater how we treat her around here." She hated to bring that up.

"General Landon knows. He says he cares about results, not where they come from. I think he's filed her under some sort of Reservist status for anyone back on Earth that cares."

She raised an eyebrow at that. "IF you don't mind me asking sir, How long has he known about Phantom? You know how she hates anyone poking their nose into her life unless she invites them."

"I think he first suspected something when she sta to to work on that ream of paper we turn out in a day. There's nothing for her to worry about. though. He stated flat out that as long as it gets done, he doesn't care who does it."

She shook her head with a soft laugh. "I do have to agree with her. How can we generate so many reports when it seems as if nothing has been done during the day."

"Have to keep the bean counters back on Earth busy, or they might want to come up here to count their beans."

She made a face. She had the attitude of 'If it wasn't broke, don't fix it' when it came to how things ran smoothly around the station. "Defiantly don't want that. Not if Phantom's around. She'd probably chew them up one side then down the other. And that's on a good day!"

"All right, Serge Get Get housekeeping on those quarters, and if anyone calls, take a message. I'll be in my office."

"Yes Sir." She smiled as she turned around to call Housekeeping and have them get started.

"Keep up the good work, Steelheart." the commander said, then turned and left.

"Sir, I believe it is unwise to keep that one any longer."

"Why do you say that?"

"The ones that acquired him have been arrested."

"I see. Would they talk?"

"It is an unknown with them sir. But they were the ones to catch the one that is favored by you. We do not want anyone to trace it back to thisce dce do we sir?"

"No…A pity too. I enjoy him in many ways. Ah well, I can find another one just as easily. And he is of flawed mind and body, is he not?"

"Yes sir."

"Get rid of him then."

"Yes Sir."

"But in the morning. I plan on enjoying him one last time tonight."

"…Yes sir"