Protector of the Realm (18 page)

The admiral seemed to listen attentively as the staff gave their reports, his expression unreadable. Rae knew this was a deliberate technique, meant to rattle any subordinates who didn’t know what they were talking about. She hid a smile when the pompous ensign finally sat down, obviously relieved.

“I believe that was everything for now.” Rae leaned forward on her elbows, knowing it was time to brief her senior staff on the new developments. She dreaded it, anticipating her father’s scrutiny and criticism at the end of every sentence. “Commander Todd, Lieutenant Grey, I want you to stay. The rest of you are dismissed.”

Ensigns and junior lieutenants literally scurried off. Then the admiral turned his steely gray glance to her.

“Commodore, I take it you have an update on the Onotharian situation?”

“Yes, sir. Commander Todd briefed me earlier. Go ahead, Commander.”

“The twenty-two injured Onotharian crew members brought aboard the
Ajax
, and later onto the
Gamma VI
, are still here. Dr. Meyer’s report shows we can return thirteen of them to the Onotharian vessel docked at port 3. We can’t move the remaining nine yet, two of whom are in critical condition. They were the only survivors of the ship we destroyed.”

“I see,” the admiral said. “Have you communicated further with the ambassador?”

Rae took over. “Yes, sir. We provided legal documents regarding Kellen and Armeo’s citizenship status, as well as copies of the preliminary application for custody. Ambassador M’Ekar knows when the court ship will arrive, and we have informed him this is his opportunity to respond through legal channels.”

“And his response?”

“Ambassador M’Ekar is not corresponding with us directly, but through Deputy M’Indo. The deputy maintains we attacked the Onotharian fleet unprovoked and is demanding to speak with someone in authority. When they learned you were aboard, Admiral, M’Indo seemed impressed. But once he learned of your relationship to me, he broke communications after telling us he would confer with the ambassador. This was earlier today, and we haven’t heard back from them yet.”

The admiral chuckled. “It’s amazing how little background research they did before they blew in here. Don’t you find that odd?”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it. You’re well known throughout the sector, and still they come charging in. At first they seem pleased that the admiral of the fleet shows up to set things straight and then taken aback by the fact I’m your father. Wonder what their next move will be.”

“I’m sure we won’t have to wait long to find out.” Rae turned to Owena. “And our security detail?”

“We’ve changed the duty roster to SEC 5. Twice as many security officers are doing rounds on the station, and double the usual number of patrol ships is guarding our outer perimeter. I’ve emphasized two locations on the station--the infirmary and the guest quarters where the recuperating Onotharians stay. Security also accompanies Armeo M’Aido and the commodore’s spouse at all times.”

“And your assessment, Lieutenant?” the admiral demanded.

Owena directed her sharp glance at him. An obsidian hairclip kept her long black hair back and emphasized the sharp angles of her jaw and cheekbones. Her brilliant blue gaze homed in on the admiral. “Two patrol ship pilots reported increased activity at several places outside our borders. I redirected two frigates to investigate, but this is probably a diversion. The Onotharians want the boy back on their territory, so they will presumably attempt to create a small skirmish or a series of feints along the border. If that occurs we will have to reduce the number of resources available here at the station, and in this situation, we can’t afford to do that.

“Several Onotharians are present on
Gamma VI
, and we know their ultimate target--the boy. Judging from their past actions, they really don’t care if they take him dead or alive, so the station is as much at risk as the child and the commodore’s spouse. An Onotharian ship is docked at port 3, ready to launch when all of its people are aboard. The risk of them trying something stupid is great. The threat is very real. We must be prepared for any possible contingency.”

The admiral was silent for moment. “Contingency, eh? Well, Lieutenant, I agree with your assessment, and I’ll add my piece to it. We’re dealing with the possible political and no doubt monetary greed of one man, as well as the much greater machinations of a planetary system out to cause a political meltdown. But for what purpose?” The admiral leaned back in his chair. Rae recognized his impatience as he drummed his fingertips against the conference table.

“Let’s assume we’re dealing with the greed of one man,” he mused. “I don’t foresee any major issues at the preliminary custody hearing. The ambassador isn’t familiar with our legal system and will use this meeting as practice for when it really matters. I’ve spoken to one member of the Council who carries a lot of weight and explained about M’Ekar’s actions at our borders.” Rae felt his stern gaze. “I spent most of last night reviewing your logs once again and those of the ships under your command. This mission was a textbook example, Commodore. Irreproachable.”

Surprised, she tried to conceal her reaction by shrugging dismissively. She didn’t want her senior staff to witness how her father’s unexpected praise sent her heart racing. “I’m glad the logs confirm my report.” Rae paused and hoped her face didn’t betray the commotion in her mind. “You’re right. This situation can still blow up in our faces. Given the situation, Lieutenant Grey has placed more guards at port 3 as well. The Onotharians may not be able to demand we extradite Kellen O’Dal, but her son’s safety and the political climate depend on how we handle this situation.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Once our legal system rules in our favor, nobody within SC space will assist the ambassador. All right, I’ll talk to Ms. O’Dal and the lawyer to make sure we cover all our bases before the court ship arrives. We can’t have any last-minute surprises.”

“Good.” The admiral rose and the other three followed suit, standing at attention. “I have several subspace conferences to attend. I’ll see you later, Commodore. Commander, Lieutenant.”

Rae relaxed back in her chair as her father left the conference room. His brief, cropped praise still reverberated inside her.
Do we ever stop seeking validation from our parents?
Her thoughts brushed past the memories of how she throughout her years in school had tried to live up to her father’s expectations by joining in some of the extracurricular activities appropriate for a commodore’s daughter. She remembered art classes where her inability to even draw a straight line became humiliating among her talented friends. Later she tried music lessons, where she realized she’d never learn to master any instrument known to mankind.
All I wanted was for him to recognize my capability for what I really wanted to do. Was that what I just saw?
Angry with herself for not being able to shake the bitter thoughts, Rae pressed both palms against the titanium conference table.
Why such benevolence now, Father? A little late, isn’t it?

“All right, I’d better locate Ms. O’Dal.” Rae stood, her command settling like a cloak around her shoulders, shielding her from personal sorrow as it always did. As the commodore, she was untouchable. “She and I will be at the law firm in the commercial section, if there’s an emergency.”

“Yes, ma’am,” her subordinates answered in unison.

“Dismissed.”

Leaving the room, Rae took a right and headed for the elevator. She pulled the communicator from her shoulder and paged her quarters. When nobody answered, she hailed the officer in charge of security.

“Yes, ma’am, go ahead.”

“Where is Kellen O’Dal right now?”

“One moment, Commodore.” A brief pause. “Ms. O’Dal and her security guard are at the physical training facility, section 10D.”

Rae signed off and stood motionless by the elevator door, mulling over the unexpected information. She wondered what Kellen was up to and decided to investigate. After she rode the elevator to the tenth level, she took the rail car to the gym section.
What the hell’s she doing there? Surely Gemma hasn’t cleared her for such activities already?
Rae wanted to page the CMO to ask but refrained from doing so. She wanted to see for herself first.

Several officers saluted her as she strode toward the part of the facility designed for combat practice. What kind of training could Kellen be participating in? She found her wife so unpredictable that having her in this part of the military section worried her.

Rae heard muted thuds and grunts echoing from a room to her right. Nodding to the security guard on post, she peeked inside, her breath catching in her throat at what she saw.

Dressed in a skintight red suit made of what looked like real leather, a blond figure vaguely recognizable as her wife whirled through the air, one leg like a sword ahead of her, the other curled up underneath. Stretching her arms out as she landed, she produced two long metal objects, twirling them in intricate patterns as she dived into a roll. Slicing through the air with precise movements, she moved with feline grace, forceful and deadly in her display.

The red suit accentuated every part of Kellen’s curvaceous body, and her hair was slicked back in a tight braid. Rae felt the small hairs on her arms stand up as she watched her move in ways that seemed to defy gravity. After a somersault, Kellen landed on slightly bent legs, her metal staffs describing a cross. When she didn’t move for a moment, Rae stepped inside the room.

“Kellen?”

The blond head snapped in her direction, staffs moving into what Rae assumed was a defensive position, one in front her, one above her head, ready to launch. Kellen’s eyes raked along Rae’s body until a look of recognition appeared. Lowering the staffs, she said, “Rae. What brings you here?”

Still oddly breathless from watching her, Rae walked closer. “I came to let you know we have a meeting with the lawyer. Are you up to this kind of exercise? I thought you had an appointment with Gemma this morning.”

“She gave me the go-ahead to resume training.”

“Did she know that your training entailed…this?” Rae gestured toward the staffs.

“No, but she said any method not involving tools.” Kellen walked over to a long, sleek casing sitting on a bench. Sheathing what Rae had to surmise were weapons, Kellen glanced over her shoulder. “I assumed she meant the machines in the gym I passed on my way here. My security guard described their purpose to me.”

“You better clear this with Gemma before you engage in another training session. What’s this sport called?”

“
Gan’thet
. But you’re mistaken. This isn’t a sport. It’s an ancient Gantharian martial art.”

“So you don’t compete?” Rae started toward the door.

Kellen hoisted the casing onto her shoulder and gave her a wry smile. “If I did, and won, my opponent would be dead.”

Rae flinched, the truth dawning on her. This was no recreational activity to stay in shape. She was married to a woman who could turn into a lethal weapon in a second. “So no holding back, huh?”

“No.”

“And the outfit?”

“The Ruby Red Suit shows I’m a
gan’thet
master. It’s made of
gindesh
skin, from a large quadruped animal hunted on Gantharat for its tender meat and its prized skin. The red stands for the blood that my opponents would shed…”

“Too much information, I get the picture.” Rae held up her hand to forestall any more. “Why don’t we go back to our quarters so you can shower? I can check some things on the computer while you get ready.”

“Of course.”

Rae punched her code into the elevator controls. “I usually come down here late in the evening to work out, mostly because I have trouble sleeping sometimes.”

“Maybe I can accompany you next time?” Kellen glanced at her.

Rae quirked an eyebrow. “Sure, but only if you don’t intend to use me for target practice.” She meant it as a joke, but she could not disregard the fact that watching Kellen in action confirmed her worst suspicions. A flick of her wrist with one of those rods would break a human bone, possibly a person’s neck. This was, however, not the worst part. She shuddered at the memory of how Kellen, when she was in full battle mode, had not recognized her. That vacant look haunted her.

Walking along the corridor next to her wife, Rae had never been more aware that she had married a dangerous stranger.

“Rae, is this dress appropriate for tonight’s activities?” Kellen’s voice sounded matter-of-fact, but Rae thought she detected an impatient tone beneath the cool surface.

As she grabbed her own black cocktail dress from the closet, Rae glanced at her wife and caught her breath at the vision before her. Kellen wore a deep blue, sleeveless dress made of silver-coated Cormanian fairy silk under a thin grid of Savorian Karma pearls glimmering in all shades of blue above her waist. The skirt flowed around her legs, ending at mid-calf.

“You looked wonderful,” Rae answered truthfully, watching Kellen’s hair take the shape of a sleek wave of moonlight down her back.

“Thank you for providing me with credits to buy it.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’ll repay you when I find a job.”