Chapter 3:

  Where is that madman? One time he's actually needed, he's asleep!

  Admiral Adams wasn't happy at all in his current position. He had been a stand-in for Mihajlovich for the last six years, ever since his psychological breakdown. He didn't like this fleet, its crew, or his position. He especially hated the situation he found himself in. There was an entire fleet close to the border, and another three ships right on the edge of Terran space. This was a crisis, and there should be at least three admirals present to plan a course of action. Unfit for duty or not, Mihajlovich was the only admiral aside from Gregory who could give a green light for any action. Adams was starting to get nervous.

  "What's wrong, Adams? Getting tired from sitting in the chair?" Mihajlovich asked with amusement.

  Adams turned and was about to speak when Mihajlovich cut him off.

  "Spare me the lecture and moral grandstanding. What's the situation?"

  Before Adams could share any input or give an answer, the information officer spoke, addressing Mihajlovich and visibly ignoring Adams.

  "Sir, we have a fleet twenty-one vessels strong. Fusar raiders, as it seems. They look to be in formation. There are twenty cruiser-class ships, and what seems to be a command ship at the rear, battle-class. Their weapons are primed, and they have been extending hails."

  "Did you tell them to fuck off?"

  "Um, yes sir. We are still broadcasting the warning message. Also, sir, there are three smaller craft below us, Strunin Collective. One is a transport craft with a highly damaged FTL core, and two escort craft. It appears they have powered down their shields and weapons intentionally upon our arrival."

  The bridge was silent for a moment. All eyes were turned to Mihajlovich, who seemed to have an actual serious expression on his face. His unkempt beard and disheveled hair made him look somehow more menacing to what was once his crew. It seemed that the high admiral was back, his mind calculating, his senses clear. It had been years since he left his seat, but in this moment, the crew saw their leader. Even Adams seemed to look uncomfortable.

  Mihajlovich took a breath and spoke.

  "Adams, I'm taking over."

  Admiral Adams needed a moment to come to his senses.

  "WHAT? You must be joking. You're not serious. You are in no state to command. Only a medical assembly can approve your reinstatement. You are not mentally fit to command this vessel. I only called you in because of the 'C' class situation. I just need you to nod your head when I make a decision."

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  "So Adams, you deem this a 'C' class situation?" Mihajlovich asked.

  Adams was getting furious. He was in no mood for the antics of madman Mihajlovich, definitely not now.

  "Yes, you lunatic. There is a whole fucking fleet at our border. It's a high-risk situation. What the hell is wrong with you? Get your mind out of the gutter. I need to finalize the course of action, so please be reasonable for once."

  Adams was fuming. Even the bridge crew was surprised. They were also very well aware that Mihajlovich more than understood the situation.

  "Since this is a C-class situation, as deemed by you and admiral Grayback," Mihajlovich looked at Greg, who nodded, "I do not need a full psychological evaluation. All I need is the approval of the lead medical officer for the fleet, with the rank of Chief or higher. Luckily enough, we have one on board."

  Adams looked wide-eyed. Mihajlovich can't be serious, can he?

  "She's not gonna approve that. She has sessions with you every day. I know you are nowhere near fit for duty."

  Mihajlovich smiled and activated his comms device.

  "Chief Medical Officer Nebiyou, this is High Admiral Mihajlovich Aleksandar. Based on your professional opinion, am I physically and psychologically clear for duty? We find ourselves in a high-risk situation, C class. I request medical clearance to reassume command."

  Adams' eyes went even wider at this.

  "You can't be serious. He's in no condition to command. He can't be reinstated."

  Another moment of silence. Mihajlovich was now looking at Adams, almost smiling.

  Then the medical officer responded.

  "High Admiral Mihajlovich Aleksandar, as the Chief Medical Officer of the Black Fleet, based on my professional opinion and psychological and medical evaluation, I deem you fit for active duty and command of this fleet. You are hereby cleared to resume your active position as High Admiral of the Terran Dominion."

  Mihajlovich smiled. Adams was outraged.

  "That is your final decision based on the situation, Chief Officer?"

  "Yes," Rahel responded.

  "Thank you. Please resume your duty," Mihajlovich said.

  "Understood, sir," Rahel said and cut comms.

  Mihajlovich walked up to the command chair where Adams was still sitting, lost for words. Then Mihajlovich smiled and addressed him.

  "Hey there, pilgrim. You're sitting in my chair. Move."

  Adams was confused for a moment and then spoke.

  "You can't be serious. You can't just…"

  Mihajlovich cut him off.

  "Listen here, Adams. I am taking over. Now get out of my chair. Admiral Grayback, you are my number one. Take the seat to my right. Adams, you can either resume your duty as my number two and take the chair to my left, or be confined to quarters or the brig for disobedience. Your choice. But I am taking over. Now get out of my chair!"

  Adams stood up.

  "Yes, sir," he said resentfully. Gregory took his seat to the right. Mihajlovich looked at the third chair, which was currently occupied by Commander Kaiyo Usui.

  "Usui, you are on Security. Give your current position to Admiral Adams."

  Commander Usui nodded and stood up. Like clockwork, the rest of the bridge crew shifted around and retook their positions. Mihajlovich didn't have to say another word. Adams took his place and without saying anything..

  Mihajlovich sat down in the command chair. It had been six years, but he sat down.

  He opened comms to all of his surrounding vessels and addressed the crews across the ships.

  "This is High Admiral Mihajlovich. I am taking command of this fleet. You know the drill. I hope you haven't gone soft on me and still remember how to follow orders."

  In unison, the captains of the surrounding Terran craft gave a "Yes, sir," which made Mihajlovich smile.

  "Alright, time to deal with the Xenos."