Chapter 9d

“I think it's a code Sir, among the ranked officers.” Rowan said seriously. “I hear they have signs and signals too that only other ranked officers can understand.”

“Are you serious?” Creed said in amazement. “You are, aren't you. Look Rowan, would I be asking you what it meant if it was some sort of official code that ranked officers were privy to? Keep in mind that I'm a Captain.” He said patiently.

“Oh. Yes I see.” the cadet looked rather disappointed. “I thought they just didn't want me to know. I don't think Captain Pape likes me. Feeling's mutual.” Rowan muttered and Creed tried not to laugh. Maybe he wasn't going to be totally alone in getting to the bottom of Pape and Marx's activities after all.

“Unless ... no, that would be ridiculous.” Creed said, glancing at Rowan. “Umm I wonder ... no they wouldn't do such a thing.”

“I was there all the time Sir so I can tell you if they did or they didn't and don't think I won't!” Rowan said proudly.

“This code.” Creed said, pursing his lips. “I wonder why they haven't told me about it.”

“Well Sir, if your face doesn't fit ... if you pardon me saying. You're a decent soldier Sir. Any skulduggery and you'd report it as quick as they liked and no messing.” Rowan sat on Creed's bunk next to Creed and Creed looked at him in surprise.

“Absolutely. So You think there's skulduggery afoot, Rowan?”

“Can't say Sir, but something isn't right when they haul a fellow in after a hard shift on patrol then go all ciphers on him now is it?”

“Definitely not right. Come on, we need to see those arrest forms to see what their silly codes mean, if anything. I might also have a small task for you to do tomorrow, as an extra but private and confidential duty.” Creed said, straight-faced. Rowan nodded eagerly. “I have to leave town for a few hours but I'd like the lady who was here earlier kept an eye on. I don't want her approached, harassed, provoked or otherwise aggravated in any way.” While Creed semi-trusted Kore, he didn't trust her temper at all.

“Is she in danger Sir? I'll see no harm comes to the young lady, don't worry.” Rowan said smartly. “Er ... Sir? I get the impression I've made a gaff here. She isn't a tart is she.” He stated more than asked and Creed shook his head. He did wonder if the cadet would recognise Kore at all. “In that case I'm sorry Sir, so very sorry. I'd never, ever say such a thing about someone's young lady, let alone a senior officer's young lady.”

“Huh? Oh! No Rowan, you misunderstand.” Creed laughed.

“It's OK Sir. I'm the sole of discretion.” Rowan assured the Captain.

“Rowan, that wasn't what it looked like back there.” Creed tried to explain. “She had me pinned to the bunk half an hour earlier. Shit, no, I mean ...”

“I said it's OK Sir.” Rowan repeated and Creed sighed heavily. “Having that Nellatian watch the door was a good move Sir. The only reason I got past him is because he was busy sharpening that sword of his on a boulder.”

“Yes, OK Rowan. The barracks aren't really the place for a young woman so we'll say no more of it.” Creed coughed and opened the doors to the jail-house. Captain Janus Hax was asleep in a chair behind a table with his feet on it. “Security is phenomenal.” Creed muttered.

“Creed.” Louis Marx appeared through an iron door that lead to the cells. “I thought you were in the Second Quarter.”

“Not until tomorrow Sir.” Creed cursed under his breath. He's expected Marx to have gone back to barracks. “I offered to help cadet Rowan with his reports, he seems to be short of a few details of this afternoon's arrest.”

“Oh? Details?” Marx looked at Rowan.

“Namely, the reason for it.” Creed said flatly. “As you know Sir, the cadets are graded on their reports and their future ranks depends on those grades. 'Matter of a delicate nature' means that cadet Rowan cannot give his interpretation of the charges, nor state which law was broken.” Even Creed thought that was damned good. “He'd be at a disadvantage among the other cadets who have participated in routine apprehensions. Perhaps you could clarify the exact charge, for his benefit, Sir?”

“I can do better than that.” Marx smiled and Creed felt like slapping him. He pushed Hax's boots off the table and retrieved a paper and pencil. “This should suffice, cadet Rowan. A full commendation for your part in this particular arrest, which was above the routine exercises your peers participate in. I've stated that your assistance was invaluable and above your call of duty, that you should carry out your orders without questioning what was obviously a more classified matter than the usual arrests involving cadets. Your tact and respect for confidential matters are a credit to you, cadet Rowan. Well done.” Marx handed Rowan the paper which would be graded at least two standards higher that the top grade obtainable by the conventional system. Rowan looked delighted and Creed just fumed. “Was that all, Captain Creed?”

“Yes Sir.” Creed tried not to growl. “Come on Rowan, let's go and file your commendation. Well Done.”