Hover by Anne A. Wilson Read Free Book Online Page A

tablecloth.
    â€œCulinary non-skid,” he says, grinning.
    I smile, only to receive a scathing look from Commander Claggett, like I’ve interrupted him or embarrassed him or something.
    But his caustic expression doesn’t come close to rivaling Eric’s. His eyes have turned cold.
    So I’m rather surprised when he starts speaking to Commander Claggett in an upbeat voice. “Sir, I wanted to let you know that we’ve already started writing up our witness statements to attach to Sara’s award recommendation.”
    I almost choke on the cucumber I’m chewing.
    â€œExcuse me?” Commander Claggett says.
    â€œSara’s NAM for her handling of the emergency today,” he says.
    NAM? Navy Achievement Medal? What on earth is he talking about?
    â€œHer NAM?” Commander Claggett says.
    â€œOh, I’m sorry. You probably weren’t thinking NAM. You were probably thinking COM, which is certainly understandable given what happened today, and I think our witness statements would support that. Don’t you?” He turns to the other pilots.
    â€œHell, yeah,” Stuart says. “That was the most incredible bit of flying I’ve seen in my life.”
    â€œAnd they had thirteen passengers onboard that were saved due to her flying,” Ken adds.
    â€œIn addition to the aircrew, so that’s actually seventeen souls,” Ben says.
    â€œWhat do you think, Brian?” Eric asks.
    â€œYeah, I think a COM would go through,” Brian says. “Maybe NAMs for the aircrew?”
    A Navy Commendation Medal? It’s a higher-ranking award than a Navy Achievement Medal. I can’t believe this discussion is happening, and judging by Commander Claggett’s expression, neither can he. An award? For me? Initiated by him? It would never happen. No matter the circumstance.
    â€œI would think so,” Brian says. “Captain Plank, sir, is this something we could run up our chain of command, since it happened on our ship?”
    â€œThat’s fine with me,” Captain Plank says. I guess he’s been listening to the discussion. “I watched it all on closed circuit from the bridge, and awards for that would go through.” He turns to Commander Claggett. “Get me those recommendations tomorrow and I’ll send it up for approval. Navy COM for Lieutenant Denning and NAMs for the rest.”
    â€œYes, sir. Okay, sir,” Commander Claggett says.
    I watch, incredulous, as Eric sits back with a satisfied smile.

 
    6
    As dinner progresses, I sit next to a hornet’s nest, one that’s being poked and prodded, swiped and stabbed. Commander Claggett is agitated and angry. His aircraft is down. He’s stuck on another ship. The captain wants him off. The weather is lousy, which will cause inevitable delays. He’s trapped with the one pilot he likes least, and this same pilot has been recommended for an award that he would never have generated on his own, yet that he now bears the responsibility for writing. I don’t see how it could get much worse for him.
    But he’s not the only one who’s bothered. The more I think about what just happened, the more it leaves a sour taste. This isn’t how I wanted to get an award—to have Commander Claggett cornered into giving it to me. I want to earn his respect and have it initiated by him.
    â€œNick, do you want to come with me?” Brian says. “I can get you set up in the XO’s stateroom. And Eric, why don’t you show Sara around? Make sure she has everything she needs. My stuff is already out of my room, so she can have it.”
    â€œNo problem,” Eric says. He turns to Commander Claggett as the group rises and begins walking to the wardroom door. “Sir, is there anything you’ll be needing Sara for tonight? Any messages? Anything? I don’t want to inadvertently keep her from something you might need her to do.”
    Boy, does