that you mentioned. That means traffic to and from the yard will increase significantly. They plan to have four shuttles running concurrently by the end of next year. Two of the three new shuttles are almost ready for trial workups, and crews are being assembled at Lockheed’s lunar base.
“The next position is with Asteroid Mining Company. AMC is in stiff competition to find and mine the best sources of raw metal ore to sell to the foundries. The foundries output the refined metals required to build those interstellar ships. AMC has been building a new breed of fast assay ship that can jump from asteroid to asteroid and quickly determine if there are enough raw materials to lay a claim and begin a mining operation. As you know, claim jumping in the belt is all too common. Your time spent on the Revere patrolling the belt to keep some order out there makes you particularly qualified for this position. You know the dangers and have had to deal with claim jumpers as part of your duties.
“I spoke directly with Cam Dunston at AMC, and he would love to have you on board as soon as possible to assist them directly in the final configuration of their new ship. They have built new defensive weapons systems to fight off claim jumpers until the Navy can arrive to help. Cam is currently at Tranquility Base specifically to meet with you before heading out to their lunar headquarters. I strongly suggest that you schedule some time with him today.”
“Yes sir,” Sted replied. Neither position had the appeal of a true naval captaincy, but each had its pluses and minuses. “Let me go over the details of each offer, sir. Then I’ll contact each of the companies this afternoon. I’ll contact Mr. Dunston first and set up an appointment at his convenience. Then I’ll contact Lockheed and see what develops.”
Sted stood up. “Thank you, sir, for all you have done for me over the last few months. I know the Navy did not have to go to these lengths with my rehab, so I want you to know that I owe you and the Navy a personal debt of gratitude. I will keep you informed about my progress, and I may call on you for advice in making my final decision.”
“You are most welcome,” Bunting replied. “You never know when we may need your services in the future, especially if we can get that policy changed. We want to make sure you are properly positioned should that happen. If we call in that debt, we want you in top shape and within reach on short notice. I’m just sorry that you’re not interested in the current naval training positions on C8. Commander Jenssen will be very disappointed.”
Once Sted left his office, Bunting had Lieutenant Hartman connect him with Cam Dunston.
“Hello Cam. I just finished my session with Captain Richardson, and you should be hearing from him shortly. He is not thrilled to be anything short of a true naval captain, but perhaps you can convince him that his time spent with AMC will be useful in furthering his career.”
“Don’t worry about that, Vice Admiral,” Cam replied. “When he sees what we’re trying to accomplish with our new Delta class ships, I think he’ll be hooked.”
“Just remember our deal,” Bunting said. “If I need Sted back for any reason, you are to give him up willingly. Also, I’m going to hold you to your promise of passing his fitness reports back to me on a regular basis. I have a feeling we may need him sooner than later.”
“I understand. I definitely don’t like it, but you have my word.”
Chapter 19 – Interview with AMC
“Welcome, Captain Richardson,” Cam said as he stood up from behind the small console desk in his guest suite. “I have been reviewing the condensed version of your fitness reports provided by the Vice Admiral, and I am quite excited to meet you in person.”
“Thank you, sir,” Sted said as she shook Cam’s hand. “I have to admit that I’m interested to learn
“The next position is with Asteroid Mining Company. AMC is in stiff competition to find and mine the best sources of raw metal ore to sell to the foundries. The foundries output the refined metals required to build those interstellar ships. AMC has been building a new breed of fast assay ship that can jump from asteroid to asteroid and quickly determine if there are enough raw materials to lay a claim and begin a mining operation. As you know, claim jumping in the belt is all too common. Your time spent on the Revere patrolling the belt to keep some order out there makes you particularly qualified for this position. You know the dangers and have had to deal with claim jumpers as part of your duties.
“I spoke directly with Cam Dunston at AMC, and he would love to have you on board as soon as possible to assist them directly in the final configuration of their new ship. They have built new defensive weapons systems to fight off claim jumpers until the Navy can arrive to help. Cam is currently at Tranquility Base specifically to meet with you before heading out to their lunar headquarters. I strongly suggest that you schedule some time with him today.”
“Yes sir,” Sted replied. Neither position had the appeal of a true naval captaincy, but each had its pluses and minuses. “Let me go over the details of each offer, sir. Then I’ll contact each of the companies this afternoon. I’ll contact Mr. Dunston first and set up an appointment at his convenience. Then I’ll contact Lockheed and see what develops.”
Sted stood up. “Thank you, sir, for all you have done for me over the last few months. I know the Navy did not have to go to these lengths with my rehab, so I want you to know that I owe you and the Navy a personal debt of gratitude. I will keep you informed about my progress, and I may call on you for advice in making my final decision.”
“You are most welcome,” Bunting replied. “You never know when we may need your services in the future, especially if we can get that policy changed. We want to make sure you are properly positioned should that happen. If we call in that debt, we want you in top shape and within reach on short notice. I’m just sorry that you’re not interested in the current naval training positions on C8. Commander Jenssen will be very disappointed.”
Once Sted left his office, Bunting had Lieutenant Hartman connect him with Cam Dunston.
“Hello Cam. I just finished my session with Captain Richardson, and you should be hearing from him shortly. He is not thrilled to be anything short of a true naval captain, but perhaps you can convince him that his time spent with AMC will be useful in furthering his career.”
“Don’t worry about that, Vice Admiral,” Cam replied. “When he sees what we’re trying to accomplish with our new Delta class ships, I think he’ll be hooked.”
“Just remember our deal,” Bunting said. “If I need Sted back for any reason, you are to give him up willingly. Also, I’m going to hold you to your promise of passing his fitness reports back to me on a regular basis. I have a feeling we may need him sooner than later.”
“I understand. I definitely don’t like it, but you have my word.”
Chapter 19 – Interview with AMC
“Welcome, Captain Richardson,” Cam said as he stood up from behind the small console desk in his guest suite. “I have been reviewing the condensed version of your fitness reports provided by the Vice Admiral, and I am quite excited to meet you in person.”
“Thank you, sir,” Sted said as she shook Cam’s hand. “I have to admit that I’m interested to learn
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