A Day in the Life of Marine Captain Cross before the Zoastra Part Nine
At least they could block the new technology for now, which gave them defensive capabilities. “Including the hats that cut off the air supply, sir?” Captain Cross asked.
“Negative, although any markings on the face that appear feminine must be covered up.”
“Colonel Hunter on deck,” a voice called out,
Cross sniffed the air for the stench of alcohol that followed Colonel Hunter. And the faint stench of gin surfaced. He’d been missing from the flight deck for that very reason. Now the drunk showed up to look important.
Of course, Cross kept his mouth shut. But he wished he could shut his nose as well.
“Captain Cross, on my mark, you will lead First Sergeant Masters, Marine Gunner Arash, and ten privates down to the planet, to retrieve the…uh, women.”
Cross’s upbringing had stressed equality, and the way Colonel Hunter had said “women” churned in his stomach, making him sick. He made the word sound like a slur. The man made his skin crawl and that, in and of itself, told him what he needed to know.
Major Newman’s grimace indicated he found the man insufferable as well.
Colonel Hunter turned on his heel and left, followed by Newman. They waited formally until the doors closed. Then Newman said, “My wife filed paperwork on Colonel Hunter for his ineptitude. His hearing is in two weeks. I don’t trust him.”
“I don’t trust any man who can’t hold his liquor,” Cross replied. He needed to figure out his next move. “You can smell him coming.”
“Yeah, you can. I trust you because Grace trusts you. I wouldn’t be surprised if Colonel Hunter puts you in the middle of a firefight without all the preparations. He doesn’t want my wife back here. Although I have no proof of his involvement, when it’s time to leave on a rescue mission, I’m going with you.”
“You don’t have the orders, sir.” Respect for Peter grew. Few men dared state outloud on this ship Hunter’s incompetence.
“I’ll be there,” said Newman as he walked away. “I’m reporting to flight deck now to see Brigadier Aurelius.”
Aurelius and Newman were friends. The friendship had sprung up as soon as they were thrown together. Whatever star shined on Peter Newman’s head made him a lucky man. Cross never had that kind of luck, and relied on skill.
He needed to pack weapons for one man more than he’d anticipated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Captain Cross feel about Colonel Hunter’s leadership in the Zoastra Affair?
Captain Cross deeply distrusts Colonel Hunter, primarily because of his alcoholism — Cross can literally smell gin on him. Cross also finds Hunter’s dismissive attitude toward women troubling and morally repugnant. He suspects Hunter may deliberately place him in a firefight without proper preparation, and keeps his concerns private while quietly planning for the extra risks Hunter’s incompetence creates.
What orders does Colonel Hunter give Captain Cross in Part Nine of the Zoastra Affair?
Colonel Hunter orders Captain Cross to lead a ground team — including First Sergeant Masters, Marine Gunner Arash, and ten privates — down to the planet to retrieve a group of women. Hunter’s dismissive, slur-like tone when saying ‘women’ visibly disturbs both Cross and Major Newman, signaling the colonel’s problematic attitude toward the mission.
Should Captain Cross trust Major Newman or Colonel Hunter as a commanding officer in this story?
Cross clearly places his trust in Major Newman over Colonel Hunter. Newman openly acknowledges Hunter’s incompetence, reveals his wife has filed official paperwork against Hunter with a hearing scheduled in two weeks, and promises to join the rescue mission without orders. Cross respects Newman’s candor, while Hunter’s alcoholism and bias make him an unreliable and potentially dangerous commander.
