Protector of the Realm (33 page)

Rae finally let go of Armeo and Kellen and turned toward her father. “We both know this is just the beginning, but it was an important step. Have you heard more from Councilman Thorosac?”

“Yes, and I need to talk with you right away,” the admiral replied. “I have new classified information.”

“Very well.” Rae looked at Kellen and Armeo, who stood close together, waiting for her. “I have to attend a meeting,” she managed, knowing she was disappointing them. “We’ll celebrate when I come home later.”

“I understand,” Kellen said. “I’ll take Armeo back to school so he can share the good news with his friends.”

“Sounds fine. See you later, then.” About to turn around, Rae changed her mind and bear-hugged Armeo. “I’m so happy.”

“Me too, Rae,” he murmured against her shoulder.

Letting go of him, she leaned forward and kissed Kellen on the cheek. “See you later, darling. Keep your communicator close.”

“Of course.” Kellen’s eyes still glistened with tears, but her shoulders showed less tension, and a faint smile played on her lips.

Turning toward her father, Rae took a deep, cleansing gulp of air and slipped back into her professional role, motioning toward the door. “All right, shall we ,then?”

“After you.”

*

She had never known it could hurt physically to go from euphoria to a sinking feeling of pure dread in a matter of minutes. As she stared at the computer screen showing the SC Council meeting, Rae felt like she had been stabbed.

“I motion we do not allow an alien woman to retain custody of this child!” one of the councilmen exclaimed. “The Onotharians demand he be returned, and it’s in our best interest to accommodate them.”

“Councilman Timma, with all due respect,” Thorosac interrupted. “Judge Beqq has ruled on the case, and the boy stays where he is. I know why you’re so eager to play into the Onotharian hands. Your homeworld has a long-term understanding with them, since you import most of your fuel from them.”

Several other voices interfered, demanding to be heard by the elders in the Council.

“Damn,” Rae whispered, turning toward her father. “I knew the Council was divided on the issue, but I had no idea it would come to this.”

“Several planets depend on Onotharian assets,” he said. “Councilman Timma is only representing one of several. There are enough of them to cause trouble.”

“Will they be able to sway the Council?”

“It doesn’t look good. If they do, there’s no telling what--”

Loud voices from the Council meeting interrupted him, and they turned their attention toward the screen. A tall BaDalchian woman had taken the podium.

“The Onotharians have long claimed that what you refer to as an occupation is instead a legitimate reclaiming of their territory. The Onotharian Empire is vast, practically the same size as the SC, and they would be a valued member of our union. Having the last of the M’Aido dynasty as well as the last of the O’Sarals on SC territory renders us an unexpected and very useful asset, which we should not waste!”

Rae ground her teeth at the woman’s callous way of describing Armeo. “Damn her! To all intents and purposes, she’s talking about my son!” She clenched her fists, flinching when her father put a steadying hand on her shoulder. “He’s nobody’s asset.”

“Councilwoman Migra, the child is first of all a young boy who is now in custody of one of our most decorated officers, Commodore Jacelon, and her spouse, who in turn is his Protector, according to ancient Gantharian law.”

“Gantharian law!” Migra spat. “A fairy-tale title without substance! We need to seize this boy and restore him to his own people in exchange for the Onotharians’ collaboration and gratitude.”

“Are you suggesting we use the boy as nothing but a trade-off?” Thorosac sounded outraged and incredulous. “Councilwoman Migra, if you insist on traveling down that path, I will have you removed from these chambers for breaking the Humanitarian Convention!”

The woman paled, taking a step back from the podium. “I’m merely a representative for my homeworld and…”

“Now she backtracks,” Rae snarled. “Good for Thorosac. He nailed her.”

“Still, several others share Migra’s opinion,” her father said. “We need to be aware that winning the custody hearing today may only have bought us a little time. The Onotharians have committed an act of war against us, and if we’re going to retaliate…”

Rae heard a tap on her office door. “Enter.”

Commander Todd walked in, carrying a handheld computer. “An important message for you, Admiral, via a secure subspace channel.”

“Thank you.” Ewan Jacelon took the device and punched in his authorization code. Reading through the short message, he pinched the bridge of his nose for a second. “It’s as I suspected. They’re preparing for war and want me to assume command of this sector. We’re the only defense between SC and Onotharat.”

Rising from her chair, Rae stood at attention and saluted her father. “Sir!”

Jeremiah Todd followed her example. “May I inform the station, sir?”

“By all means. You will also prepare for the arrival of twice as many military vessels as arrived yesterday. We will have to reroute trade vessels and generational ships to
Gamma V
and
VII
.”

“Aye, sir.” Jeremiah left the round office.

“Will you need this particular office space, or do you prefer something else, sir?”

“Rae, I may be your commanding officer, but please refer to me as your father when we’re alone. I was just starting to enjoy the truce between us.”

The wistful tone in her father’s voice surprised her. “Of course, Father. Thank you.”

“And no, I don’t want your office. I want you to set up headquarters for me in the conference room. I’ll need plenty of space to brief the captains who will arrive shortly, and to strategize.”

“Not a problem.” Rae was secretly relieved. Relinquishing her office didn’t appeal to her.

“Who do you recommend I use to monitor this situation and report any trends to me?” Ewan pointed at the screen where the Council members argued their respective opinions.

“Lieutenant Grey’s next-in-command, Ensign Murad. He’s a keen young man who won’t miss anything.”

“Excellent. Now, I want to spend a few hours celebrating with my grandson. I have a feeling I’ll be busy in the upcoming days.”

Rae gave a strangled sound, her throat constricting. “How the hell am I going to explain this to him?” She gestured toward the screen. “He thinks it’s a done deal now.”

“Don’t say anything yet. Not until we know.” The admiral pressed the button to turn the aluminum walls opaque and put his arm around her shoulders. “Leave Armeo to me for the time being. You’ll have your hands full trying to explain to Kellen. She’s not going to take this well.”

“Oh, God, that’s an understatement.”

Ewan let go of his daughter and gave her a rueful smile. “I’ll keep Armeo in my quarters until you tell me the coast is clear. If necessary, he can spend the night.”

Rae felt her cheeks warm and tried to mask her embarrassment by leaning over her computer screen. “Thank you, Father. I’ll page you later.”

Turning the walls transparent again, Rae watched the main screen, which tracked the many military ships as they approached her station. She knew an evacuation of civilians was imminent if the SC declared war.

*

“No! I will not allow it to happen!” Kellen refused to sit down, pacing back and forth in their living room. She tugged at the buttons of her jacket and impatiently tossed it over a chair. “The court awarded
us
custody of Armeo, and I would sooner take him aboard the
Kithanya
and leave…”

“I know, but you can’t! The only people who care if you live or die are on this station. If you take Armeo and run, you’ll be alone, and what kind of protection will that offer?”

Kellen stopped pacing and stared at her wife. “I was his sole Protector for seven years.”

“That was different. You have to admit, as soon as someone really went after Armeo, you needed help. There’s no shame in that.” Rae reached for her, but Kellen stepped back.

“I’m not ashamed. I didn’t ask for anyone’s help. You dragged me to
Gamma VI
against my will…” Tears of fury rose in her eyes. Her resentment toward the scheming Council members made her lash out at Rae, and she hated not being able to stop herself.

“I know I did!” Rae’s temper flared. “I’m glad I did, because if I hadn’t, you’d be dead from the infection in your wound and Armeo would be mourning you, all alone, and in the hands of God knows what people.”

Moving so fast that Rae had no chance to react, Kellen slammed her against the bulkhead. “Damn you!”

“Damn me for what? For being right? For caring about you and Armeo?”

Kellen pressed herself against Rae, immobilizing her wife as the turbulent feelings rampaged inside her. All of her nerve endings ignited when Rae didn’t lower her gaze.

“Damn you, for making me care,” Kellen murmured. “Damn you, for…this…” Kellen kissed Rae wildly, parting her lips without hesitation. She let her tongue seek out Rae’s, challenging it to a fight for dominance.

“Kellen,” Rae said huskily against her mouth. “You can’t leave. I won’t let you.”

“I’d be long gone before anyone noticed.” Kellen realized her voice had lost its conviction.

“That’s where you’re wrong. I’d know.” Rae framed Kellen’s face with her hands. “I’d know instantly and come after you. Don’t you see? I could never let you go.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re my wife. It would break my heart if anything happened to you.”

Kellen willed her rock-hard muscles to relax. She still pressed Rae against the wall, stroking along her arms, but she knew her touch had changed from frantic to loving. “What does that mean?” she asked, her voice little more than a whisper.

“If you stick around, we can find out.” Rae’s lips drew a moist line along Kellen’s neck, just above the neckline of her dress. Her hands slid down to cup Kellen’s breasts, massaging them until the achingly hard nipples ignited a dark pleasure between her legs.

Kellen’s throat ached and she found it difficult to speak. “I don’t want to leave you.”

“Why?” Rae challenged in a gentle voice.

“I would miss you. I would miss this.” Capturing Rae’s lips, Kellen kissed her again, this time with a passion tinged with tenderness. Nibbling along her lover’s lower lip, she didn’t relent until Rae whimpered her name and broke free.

“Trust in me, Kellen.” Rae’s chest rose and fell unevenly. “Don’t leave.” She slipped her hands around Kellen’s back and held on to her. “Stay with me.”

“I don’t wish to abandon you.” Kellen lifted her and carried her toward the bedroom. “My heart tells me I belong with you.” She dipped her head and kissed Rae, feeling both desire and remorse. “Right now, all I can think of is how I want to make perfect love to you.”

Rae’s arms tightened around Kellen’s neck. “Oh, yes.”

Kellen placed Rae on the bed and hovered over her, all her senses heightened. She gazed into her eyes, dark gray, hinting toward blue. “Beautiful,” she managed, her vocal cords betraying her when she had so many things to say.

Giving herself over to the passion, she lowered her body onto Rae’s, claiming her in a searing kiss. Right now, in this bittersweet instant, she knew this was where she belonged.

*

Kellen sat up in bed next to her sleeping wife, her thoughts far away as she considered the information Rae had given her the previous evening. After they had picked up Armeo from the admiral’s quarters, they returned to their own and went straight to bed. Unable to sleep, Kellen turned the information over in her head and examined every angle.
She’s asking a lot. Unconditional trust in her and faith in virtual strangers. Is she using the growing bond between us to subdue me?
A quick glance at the still form curled up next to her softened her cutting thoughts.
No. She cares. It’s in her touch.
Still, having gone over every detail of their situation, she knew the only thing that made sense would not please Rae.

Kellen gently shook the sleeping woman’s shoulder. “Rae. Wake up.”

Rae stirred, shuddered, and tugged at the blankets. “Kellen?” She looked up with sleepy eyes. “What time is it?”

“The alarm will go off in half an hour.” Kellen slid down, making it easier for Rae to meet her gaze. “I’ve analyzed the situation and know what I have to do to keep Armeo safe and also help my people.”

Rae rubbed her face. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m keeping my word to tell you first.” Kellen didn’t falter. “You have to let me return to Gantharat.”

Rae, now wide awake, stared at Kellen, certain she had misunderstood. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“There’s a good chance I can find the evidence my father and I collected against the Onotharians over the years, but to locate it, I have to go back.”

“You’d never get past the Onotharians. They’re getting ready to wage war on the SC.” Pushing the covers off, Rae got up and put on a blue kaftan. “Where did you and your father keep this evidence?”