“Yes, Major,” Li said as he watched Russo disappear through the hatch.
Morning Grass and Haley were buckled into their seats when Russo made it to the payload section. Haley was staring out a view port and Morning Grass was sitting with her head down, apparently in deep thought.
“Why don’t you go forward and keep Li company for a little while, Haley,” Russo said. “I would like to discuss something with Morning Grass.”
“Of course, Major.” Haley wasted no time unbuckling and heading for the cockpit.
“I know why you’re here,” Morning Grass said without looking up. “I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’ll see Colonel Stiles first thing in the morning.”
“So, you did remember something?”
“I may have. I don’t know. Now isn’t the time.”
“I don’t want to upset you, but I’m curious about something. You lived in that crate for years. Why did you suddenly feel anxious?”
“I don’t know. I must have heard the gun buggies and it didn’t register until I went to the door.” She fidgeted with the hairbrush in her lap.
Russo looked down at the brush. “May I take a look at that?”
“Certainly,” Morning Grass said as she handed the brush to Russo.
Russo studied the brush closely. It was plastic, but made to look as if it had been carved out of wood. It appeared to be quite old, but it was obvious it had been treated with great care. She noticed that there were Latin characters scratched into one side of the handle. “M-M-R,” Russo thought to herself. “Are those initials?”
Russo handed the brush back to Morning Grass. “Where did you get this? The grooming supplies they give us in the CEF are much less fancy.”
“It’s been with me as long as I can remember, but I couldn’t tell you how I came by it.”
“Did any of your friends have brushes like these,” Russo asked.
“I never thought about it before, but not that I can remember.”
“Is it possible one of the colonists gave it to you?”
“I doubt it would have come from anywhere else,” Morning Grass answered. She was becoming uncomfortable with the conversation. “Could we talk about something else?”
“Sure,” Russo said. “I was impressed with your performance, today.”
“Oh, really? I didn’t do all that much.”
“I mean I was impressed with the way you didn’t get upset and pouty when you found out you weren’t going to be able to log any clinical hours. I think I would have been a lot less cheerful.”
“What could you have done about it? It wasn’t your fault. I had no reason to be upset with you. You told me you were just as angry.”
“That’s what I mean,” Russo said. “You’re getting much better at handling disappointment.”
“I hope I’m getting much better at not disappointing others,” Morning Grass replied. “It was good to see Elder November again.”
“I like her,” Russo said. “She’s poised and dignified. She has quite a presence.”
“She was a very high-ranking officer during the Earth-Zunnuki conflict,” Morning Grass remarked. “She was also a hero in our war for independence.”
“I might have guessed as much,” Russo said.
“She and her mate, Calf Stealer have tried to mentor me since we gained our freedom. It’s to my shame I’ve often disregarded their counsel. Perhaps now I can do something to make them proud of me.”
“I’m sure Elder November was telling the truth when she told you she and Calf Stealer have always been proud of you. She certainly seems happy you’ve chosen to serve with the CEF.”
“I wish I could believe that,” Morning Grass said. “I only know for certain she is happy to see the change in my attitude toward humans. I somehow sense she would be much happier to see me back in a feline army uniform, but without the separatist armbands I once wore.”
“You’ve done what you had to do,” Russo said. “There’s no shame in wanting to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity when it arises. Besides, you’ll be able to take your medical training back to your people one day.”
“No matter how many of them I help, for some it won’t be enough. They’ll see my choice to join the CEF as a betrayal. Our history with humans has conditioned them to feel that way. It will hurt, but I’ll try my hardest not to take it personally.”
“You felt that way when you first saw Teacher in a CEF uniform,” Russo reminded Morning Grass, “but, you changed your outlook soon enough.”
“Yes, I did,” Morning Grass replied. “You must forgive me if I tell you I’m confused about how quickly that happened. No good reason for such a great change of heart comes to mind. I’m always afraid something will happen to ruin things.”
“I don’t understand,” Russo said. “What are you saying? Are you telling me you have second thoughts about joining the CEF?”
“No,” Morning Grass replied. “I’m telling you I have none at all, and I find it unsettling.”
Part V—Necessary Evil
Chapter 40
15-May-2210
Teacher, Wolf Tamer, Bear Killer and Eagle Chaser got to the mess hall just before noon and went through the chow line. Just as they sat to eat, a large crowd formed at the entrance and before long the mess hall filled with noise from hungry marines, both human and feline.
“Looks like they called everyone back in from leave because of the shelling,” Bear Killer said. “We got here just in time.”
“What can the separatists hope to gain from shelling us,” Teacher asked. “As soon as the first shell falls we have Shrikes on top of them. They aren’t doing any real damage.”
“They’re gauging our reactions,” Eagle Chaser said.
“After two attacks they would have learned how quickly we respond and with how much firepower. Why keep shelling? They’re taking unnecessary losses.”
“It’s not only that,” Eagle Chaser explained. “They’re watching what we do inside the perimeter during an attack.”
“What are they watching for?”
“Anything they can exploit,” Eagle Chaser replied. “I don’t think the attacks are a diversion to get inside the fence, but Hayes is correct to have us patrol the barrier after each attack.”
“If they aren’t looking for a way to get in, what do they want?”
“I’m not entirely certain, but my guess would be they’re particularly interested in how we felines behave.”
“Hopefully they are learning we behave like marines.”
“Speaking of which, I imagine your little act of heroism the other day won’t go unrewarded.” Eagle Chaser tried to keep his voice low enough so only those sitting with him could hear it over the noise of the crowded mess hall.
“I did what anyone else would have done in my shoes,” Teacher said.
“Of course,” Eagle Chaser responded. “but, it helps your cause it was Leland you rescued.”
“I don’t exactly know what you mean by that,” Teacher said.
“I mean Hayes needs someone to lead the feline contingent when we do the survey of the planets around the orange sun. I’m sure you impressed him and he’ll show his gratitude very soon.”
“Leland will certainly show her gratitude,” Bear Killer said as he moved a forkful of mashed potatoes from his plate to his mouth without looking up from his comic book.”
Wolf Tamer poked an elbow into Bear Killer’s ribs and pointed toward the door.
Bear Killer looked up and in the direction Wolf Tamer pointed. “Speak of the Devil.”
Teacher and Eagle Chaser both turned to see Leland in the chow line. She had her left ear bandaged and some gauze packed in her left nostril. When she made it to the end of the line and turned to look for a table, the four felines could see she was also suffering from an eye bleed.
“She must have been less than five meters from that blast,” Eagle Chaser said.
“She’s up and about amazingly soon after a concussion like that,
” Wolf Tamer added.
Before Teacher could turn to avoid it, Leland made eye contact with him. She smiled and walked directly toward the table.
Bear Killer nudged Wolf Tamer who reached to pull a chair from the next table so Leland could sit.
“Thank you, Corporal,” Leland said as she put down her tray and sat at the end of the table occupied by Teacher and Wolf Tamer. “And, thank you, Lieutenant,” she added, looking Teacher in the eye.
“Don’t you mean, ‘Thank you, Lieutenant Prick,’” Teacher asked.
The other three felines at the table exchanged looks of confusion mixed with amusement.
“Is that how you’d like for me to refer to you from now on,” Leland asked.
“No,” Teacher replied. “Lieutenant without the epithet is sufficient, Captain.”
Leland clenched her teeth. “I’m not certain why you seem to dislike me so much, but could we please start over, Lieutenant? Perhaps, this time on better footing?”
“Maybe we should, Captain Leland,” Teacher admitted. “I believe I’ve made an uncharacteristically negative first impression upon you.”
Eagle Chaser and Bear Killer continued to look on, amazed at what they were hearing.
An impish smile grew on Wolf Tamer’s face. “I would say so if she thinks you’re a prick.”
Bear Killer kicked Wolf Tamer’s shin under the table. Wolf Tamer yelped and looked over at Bear Killer, who scowled back.
“Perhaps we should move to another table and let the captain and lieutenant sort some things out,” Eagle Chaser said. He stood and picked up his tray. He motioned for Bear Killer and Wolf Tamer to do the same. They also rose. Neither Teacher nor Leland asked them to stay.
Once they were gone, Leland spoke up. “I appreciate what you did for me, yesterday. As disoriented as I was I might have wandered around camp and been hurt worse or maybe even killed.”
Teacher didn’t look up from his tray while Leland talked. He continued to attack the food that was there. “I did nothing for you I wouldn’t have done for any other,” he said between bites.
“Even somebody you seem to have taken an instant dislike to?”
“Dislike is too strong a term to use, Captain. Besides, I don’t know you well enough to make that determination.”
“Well, there must be something I did to set you off, then. You don’t seem to care for me any more today than you did the day we met. Just what is it about me that bothers you, Lieutenant?”
The question made Teacher uncomfortable. He stammered his answer. “I’m sorry Captain Leland. I never meant to leave you with that impression. I’m separated from my mate and my home. I’ve found it makes me edgy.”
“I’m a little over four light years from my home and family, Lieutenant,” Leland responded, “and I haven’t seen them for over fifteen months, except via recorded holograms. So, forgive me if I’m not entirely sympathetic.”
“I understand, Captain,” Teacher said. “I apologize again.”
“Stop doing that,” Leland said, throwing a frustrated glint in Teacher’s direction.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Stop apologizing to me. You don’t have to apologize to everyone you disagree with. Your opinions and feelings are just as valid as anyone else’s.”
“Then why did you just apologize to me for not being sympathetic to my predicament?” The conversation was barely a minute old and Teacher was already growing tired of it.
“I didn’t apologize for anything, Lieutenant,” Leland said. “I merely informed you I found your excuse for being a self-centered prick very weak, considering I’m much farther away from my home and loved ones in both time and distance than you are. My response was also meant to convey the message, ‘If you find my lack of sympathy offensive, it’s up to you to deal with it.’”
“Ah,” Teacher said with a laugh. “I think I understand perfectly, Captain.”
“What’s so damned funny?”
“The situation I find myself in, Captain.”
“Would you care to explain,” Leland asked.
“I’m afraid I can’t at the moment, and I realize I just apologized to you once more, but social convention requires me to do so for refusing your request.”
“Then I guess we have nothing more to talk about.” Leland started to rise from the table.
Teacher grabbed Leland’s upper arm and forced her to sit back down.
“Let go of me, Lieutenant,” Leland said firmly but only loud enough for Teacher to hear. “I’m an officer. You could get in a lot of—”
“Please shut up and listen to me, Captain,” Teacher told her, also firmly and quietly. “I’m going to try to explain some things to you.”
Leland suddenly found it difficult to look Teacher in the eye. She dropped her head and stared at her lunch tray while Teacher talked.
Eagle Chaser, Bear Killer and Wolf Tamer watched Teacher and Leland from across the room. They couldn’t hear what was being said, but from the body language they could observe, it was clear to them what was going on.
“He’s good,” Bear Killer said. “The Cat Lady may have met her match.”
“Not so fast, Bear,” Eagle Chaser said. “Leland hasn’t failed to charm a stray, yet.” He wore an amused smirk. “However, If Teacher’s mate is as difficult to live with as WT says she is; he has a leg up on the situation.”
“You two are enjoying this,” Wolf Tamer said.
“And, you’re not,” Bear Killer asked.
“No,” Wolf Tamer said. “I’m not. Teacher is a friend.”
“Leland is only doing what Hayes has ordered her to do,” Eagle Chaser said. “With all the attempts by the separatists to place operatives inside the CEF and the reformed feline army, this is a necessary evil.”
“You’re correct about one thing,” Wolf Tamer said. “This strikes me as evil.” He frowned as the three of them went back to observing what was transpiring between Teacher and Leland.
“I don’t dislike you, Captain Leland,” Teacher explained. “However, I perceive a desire in you to manipulate me on a personal level and I find that to be a major annoyance.”
Leland looked up from her tray. “Just what the Devil is that supposed to mean, Lieutenant? Manipulate you? How? I’m only trying to be friendly. I’m an officer attempting to help an enlisted man assimilate. You’re assuming too damned much.”
“I assume nothing,” Teacher said, “but, I recognize a lot.” It dawned on him why the irritation Leland roused in him was so familiar. It was the same irritation he felt when Morning Grass was being pouty and difficult. “Please understand, I’m flattered by the attention, but you’re wasting your time.”
“Are you accusing me of putting the moves on you, Lieutenant?”
“I thought my meaning was clear, Captain.”
Leland stood once more. Teacher didn’t attempt to stop her.
“Well, Lieutenant,” Leland said in a soft voice that dripped with seething anger. “I seem to have misjudged you. You aren’t a prick.” She then yelled loud enough for everyone in the mess hall to hear, “You’re an asshole.”
Amid whistles and cat-calls from felines and humans alike, Leland walked toward the exit, unceremoniously dumping her untouched tray in a trash bin just inside the door. Once she was gone, all eyes turned to Teacher, who was back to eating his lunch as if nothing had happened.
Bear Killer looked at Eagle Chaser and asked, “Still betting on The Cat Lady?”
Chapter 41
15-May-2210
“What do you have for me, Vijay?”
“Nothing good at the moment, Drew. I’m sorry.”
Gupta could feel Wilkes’ frustration and displeasure mounting even over the tele-link.
“I can’t ignore the attacks on the marine base anymore. It doesn’t look like we’re going to be able to contain this. It’s only a matter of time before they start attacking our other facilities in New Phoenix. I’m going to pull our people out of there and
let this take its course.”
“I need more time, Drew,” Gupta said. “Calf Stealer needs more time.”
“Time is something we’re running out of, Vijay. I just got a classified message from Mike Russo. The Ekkidan delegation should be here in about twenty weeks.”
“Twenty weeks,” Gupta asked. “It took us ten months to make the journey from Earth. It should take them thirty months at least.”
“They’re traveling in Ekkidan ships of the latest design,” Wilkes said.
“Something they’ve kept for themselves? Why am I not surprised?”
“Not so fast, Vijay. They’ve turned one of the ships over to Earth. Mike is in command of it. Except for some Ekkidan technicians, the crew is Terran. They’ve also started work on upgrading the Aldrin’s hyper-shielding and gravity drive. It will have a top speed of almost 35c.”
“What have they asked for in return, Drew?”
“So far, next to nothing. You’re aware of their previous demands. I had to mention what’s been going on in the settlements. Too many of the wrong people are upset, Vijay. Our time to resolve this is running terribly short.”
“Calf Stealer is doing everything he can to prevent a civil war. He can’t make a show of strength with inferior weapons. He doesn’t have anything to match what Night Hunter and his rebels have stolen from us.”
“Calf Stealer won’t be getting any weapons from us,” Wilkes said. “I shudder to think of what might happen if Ekkida found out we’d outfitted the feline army.”
“Perhaps Azir’s government will arm them,” Gupta replied.
“They’d better not. You can take that warning to Buzami, yourself.”
“The Zunnuki realize we have them outgunned, but I doubt they’ll take kindly to demands from outsiders with respect to how they run their internal affairs.”
“Maybe I need to pull you from this assignment,” Wilkes said. “You’re too close to this. I need you to be my JAG, not the damned Devil’s advocate.”
“You need me to continue on just as I have been, Drew.”
“How are you coming along with your case building,” Wilkes asked. “That was ‘Plan A’, remember? It may be all we have left to salvage the situation.”
War Orphans (The Terra Nova Chronicles) Page 19
