“Yes, sir. I could hear the codes. I knew they were important by the way they were transmitted. It was more than a simple code or puzzle. It was a puzzle within another puzzle, then overlapped. It was very intriguing.”
“Are you aware that your break in protocol possibly saved hundreds of lives?”
Dot didn’t reply. She wasn’t sure if this was a trick question. She was being reprimanded, was she not?
Captain Powell stacked several documents together then tapped the bottoms on his desk to straighten them. “I would like to clear something up to put you at ease. You did not technically remove work from your station, and you most definitely did not share information with anyone save your immediate superior. Therefore, no charges will be laid against you.”
She gaped. “None? Oh, thank you, sir.”
“Petty Officer Wren Wilson,” he said, his head slightly tilted, “you are quite unique, aren’t you?”
This was very confusing. Was that meant as a compliment, or was she back to elementary school, where she was the strange one? “I suppose, sir.”
“Your qualities and capabilities are well documented, as are the glowing reports of your superiors regarding your character.” He studied her then appeared to make a decision. “Therefore, I am in agreement with the recommendations of your senior officer. You will be transferred out of here first thing tomorrow.”
All the air left her lungs. “Oh, please no, sir. I love it here.”
“Yes, well, you misunderstand. You are being promoted to a position in Intelligence. Would that suit you?”
Dot’s mouth fell open. “I’m sorry, Captain. I don’t understand. Would you mind repeating that?”
“Intelligence. Transfer. Yes?”
She swallowed. “That’s what I thought you said. Forgive me, Captain, but are we not already working in Intelligence here?”
“Of course. Listening is an extremely valuable cog in the war machine. Extremely valuable.” He steepled his fingers, pinning her in place with his direct gaze. “However, you have been put forward to work in a more specialized position. There is listening involved, but this positionwill also require other aspects for which I understand you are well qualified. Your superior officer reports that you are a natural codebreaker. Is that correct?”
She nodded, unsure of what to say.
“Excellent. I should probably mention that the position for which you have been recommended is a little different. Less regimented, you could say. A little more… hands-on.”
“But I will still be listening?” Promotion or not, she didn’t want to leave that part of the job.
“Oh yes.”
Dot’s mind raced. “Will I still live here?”
“No. You will be transferred to Ontario.”
“I see.” That was good news. Her parents would be delighted if she came to visit, and she was dying to see them. Maybe Dash could get away from CanCar for a couple of days, too. “Would I still be under oath?”
Captain Powell scowled. “I’m surprised you would ask that. You will be working in Intelligence, after all.”
“I apologize, Captain.”
He checked a paper. “Your ride to the train station will pick you up at oh six ten tomorrow. Your train leaves at oh seven hundred. The journey to the station at Whitby will take two days. Someone will meet you there and take you to your next assignment. Do you have any questions?”
A million, she thought. “No, Captain. No questions. I will be ready in the morning.”
“Congratulations, Petty Officer Wren Wilson,” the captain said, standing. “I wish you all the very best in your new position. I would also like to offer my personal assistance should you ever have need of it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
On her brisk march back, Dot’s thoughts bounced like ping-pong balls inside her head. She thought of all the steps that had led her here, every challenge she’d faced. She had come a long way from the girl who had stumbled meekly into the recruitment office. She no longer felt the need to hide behind anyone. What would Dash say if she could see her now?
In the barracks, Dot sat Alice down. She’d thought about the best way to tell her then decided on the direct approach. “I am being transferred. I’m sorry, but it’s just me this time.”
“Oh no, Dot! You can’t leave us!” Alice cried, standing. “Girls! They promoted Dot all the way out of here!”
