Nebula Nights: Love Among The Stars

by Melisse Aires

  Checking the safety, Tom holstered the weapon. “It was close, let me tell you.”

  “Captain Deverane?” yelled one of the commandos who had just arrived, as his fellows dispersed themselves along the defensive line. Weapon at the ready, the man stared around.

  “Here.” Tom held up his arm, clenched his fist and waved as he shouted. “We’re sure happy to see you guys.”

  The soldier ran up, saluted. “Lieutenant Andrews, sir. Glad to be of assistance. We’ve notified Command. They’ll be sending an evac unit for the extraction.”

  Crisply, Tom returned the salute. “There’s a dead Betang over there in the middle of the trucks.” Putting his hand on the lieutenant’s shoulder, Tom forced him into a half turn away from his view of Andi, pointing across the plain toward the road. “Command will want to preserve the body for scientific analysis. You need to let them know what we’ve got for them.”

  The young lieutenant had been eyeing Andi appreciatively, but now he went pale as his jaw dropped, and he rocked back on his heels. “A—a Betang, sir? Here on Zulaire? This Sector hasn’t been penetrated.”

  “Yeah, this Sector is compromised now, trust me.” Reaching out, Tom snagged the canteen hanging on the other man’s belt, handing the cool container off to Andi. “Here, you probably need some of this.” He smiled at her, his eyes softening, facial muscles relaxed.

  She laughed at him. You didn’t like him giving me the once-over, did you? Running one hand through her hair to try to restore order to the wild curls as she raised the canteen to drink, Andi thoroughly enjoyed the moment.

  As Andrews talked into his com, Tom and Mitch conferred next to her. Not paying too much attention, Andi listened with half an ear, more interested in slaking her raging thirst with cold water from the canteen. After drinking deeply, she poured some of the water on her hand and swiped it over her face, drying off with the hem of her tunic.

  Tom clapped the lieutenant on the shoulder. “Glad you guys showed up when you did.”

  “Well, the way I heard it, when the shift changed the comlink operator mentioned how he’d gotten a crank call from someone claiming to be you, sir. The watch commander is an old friend of yours, I guess? Anyway, the word is the Old Man went orbital because the contact hadn’t been reported. So next thing we know, the entire base is on alert, and we’re on a sortie to look for you. Appreciate you being so easy to find, sir,” Andrews said with a wry smile. “I had specific orders not to come back without you. Most action we’ve seen since we got to this planet.”

  “You’ll be seeing a lot more action now that the Betang have infiltrated.” Tom’s face was grim. He turned back to Andi and Mitch. “She okay?”

  “Your lady is good to go, sir.” The sergeant gave her one last inject and made a thumbs-up sign.

  “Thank you.” Rubbing her arm, which felt like a pincushion peppered with small purple bruises, Andi leaned back, closing her eyes. No urabu appeared. She didn’t know if she’d ever see them again, in any form. They brought me so much luck. Maybe their job is done.

  The end of her ordeal drew closer by the minute.

  I hope…

  Chapter Nine

  Less than half an hour later, Andi watched as the giant evacuation ship came in for a landing in the open plain slightly to the east of the Knives. Tom straightened from where he’d been lounging against the cool black rocks, close to her. “Here we go. Things will move fast from here on out.”

  An officer with armed escort headed across the dusty plain from the evac ship. Tom strode off to meet them, Mitch on his heels. Crisp salutes were exchanged, and the two officers fell into an animated conversation while the sergeant chimed in occasionally.

  Returning to Andi and the others gathered by the Knives in what shade there was, Tom said. “We’re going to the civilian terminal at the spaceport. I’ve asked Captain Kenyatta over there to call ahead and make sure some of His Serene Holiness’ staff will be waiting. Lord Tonkiln will meet us there as well to collect his children.” He gave Andi a conspiratorial smile. “I told them you’d be coming to the base with us for medical attention, okay?”

  “Fine with me,” she said. “This blaster sear really aches. I want that promised time in the rejuve resonator.”

  “Sure thing. You’re entitled.” Tom beamed at her, his green eyes warm, then surveyed the three remaining members of his squad. “Get your gear, soldiers, and make tracks for the ship.”

  “Yes, sir.” Mitch saluted. “Not all that much gear to get.” He winked at Andi. “Medkit’s about empty of anythin’ useful by now anyway.”

  Tom just nodded. “Collect the packs and our personal weapons, Mitch. That’ll be fine. The troops from base can bring the other gear in. See you at the evac ship.”

  “I must get something from the cargo hauler.” Rahuna slapped his forehead. “Andi, can you manage the child?”

  “Of course,” she agreed wearily.

  “Whatever you forgot may not be in good shape any longer,” Tom said to Rahuna’s retreating back. “The cargo hauler took an amazing amount of punishment during the firefight.”

  Waving his left hand to indicate he’d heard, His Serene Holiness continued doggedly down the slight incline toward the battered vehicles.

  “What do you suppose he left that’s worth retrieving?” Shading her eyes against the glare, Andi watched the cleric circle the truck, moving out of view.

  “I don’t really care. It’s his problem. You’re not carrying Sadu.” Tom’s tone brooked no disagreement. “Not with that proximity wound. Abukawal, you carry the boy.”

  Sadu was so worn out he didn’t seem to care anymore who hauled him around, as long as no one expected him to walk on his own power. With a big yawn, the toddler allowed the tall Shenti warrior to pick him up, Sadu leaning his head on the man’s broad shoulder.

  Hoisting Andi effortlessly off the ground, Tom got her situated in his arms, trying to avoid bumping her wounds, before striding toward the evac ship. A loose cordon of heavily armed Sectors troops fell in around them as an escort. Their ride sat poised for takeoff, engines humming at a subtle pitch. She kept glancing over her shoulder at the scene of their dramatic last stand.

  Staggering as Tom set her down at the base of the on-ramp, Andi was grateful when he and Mitch reached to steady her.

  “Watch your step, ma’am.” The sergeant’s familiar drawl penetrated her fog of exhaustion and pain.

  Once inside the ship, she sank into a cushioned seat near the front of the large craft. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes, more tired than she’d ever been. Andi couldn’t even summon the energy to make sure that Lysanda and Sadu were safely aboard, or that Rahuna had found whatever he was after in the cargo hauler. When she heard someone slide into the seat next to her, she opened her eyes reluctantly.

  Flattering concern reflected in his face, Tom studied her, reaching across to take her hand. “You okay? Should I ask Mitch to give you something else?”

  Andi rolled her head side to side against the seat back. I don’t care if I never have another inject as long as I live. “I’m tired. Nothing more serious.” Her voice sounded weak and whispery even to herself. Clearing her throat, she tried to exhibit some interest in what was going on. “Any reason why I shouldn’t take a nap?”

  “Go ahead, but flight time won’t be more than half an hour. Command is eager to get us back. A debrief is top priority, I’m sure.”

  “Wake me when we land.” Keeping her fingers around his warm hand, Andi curled up and drifted off to sleep.

  ***

  Tom shook her awake all too soon. “We’re at the spaceport. Come on, we need to join the others outside.”

  “I’m going to sleep around the clock, starting sometime soon.” Standing up with effort and smoothing her dress over her hips, Andi sighed.

  He led her toward the exit door. “I wanted you to rest as long as possible.” Holding her elbow gently, he escorted her down the off-ramp and away from the ship. The b
ig craft lifted off again, straight up as before veering across the spaceport, heading for the Sectors base on the other side. The backwash from the takeoff blew Andi’s hair around her face, and she flattened her palms over it to keep the waving tendrils in some semblance of neatness.

  “They’re waiting for us over there.” Tom nodded to where the rest of their party stood closer to the terminal.

  As Andi got within a few paces of the group, a door opened in the side of the building and Planetary Lord and Chief of the Obati Tamir Tonkiln emerged, surrounded by guards and retainers, a Sectors general by his side. A bevy of priests in black religious habits followed at a discreet distance.

  Sadu, recognizing his father in the vanguard of newcomers, struggled in Abukawal’s arms. The Shenti warrior managed to hold the squirming toddler a minute longer before setting him safely down on the pavement to make a wobbling run to his father. Reaching Lord Tonkiln, throwing himself the last half a yard and twining his short arms around the Obati’s neck, Sadu made it clear that things were right with his world now that he had his father close by.

  Blinking back tears, Andi leaned into Tom.

  The Planetary High Lord hugged Sadu so tightly that the boy squeaked. Tonkiln regarded Lysanda, still clinging timorously to Abukawal. She appeared torn between a desire to go to her father and a reluctance to release the warrior’s strong hand.

  “Sanda?” Lord Tonkiln held out his free arm to her. The girl hid her face in Abukawal’s chest. “Will someone please tell me what’s going on here?” The Planetary High Lord braced Sadu on one hip and scowled. “Why is my own daughter afraid of me?” He pointed at Abukawal. “Who is this?”

  Quickly, Rahuna took Lysanda’s hand, escorting her and Abukawal to Tonkiln. “Your daughter has been through a tremendous ordeal, my lord, her life spared through miraculous intervention by Miss Markriss, Captain Deverane here, and his soldiers. The rescue party included this fine young Shenti man. May I present Abukawal, son and heir of the Shenti chief of the Western Ranges?”

  Andi hid a smile. Smooth one, Rahuna. You just forced Tonkiln to observe the customary civilities in front of all these witnesses and recognize Abukawal’s rank and standing.

  The Planetary High Lord made the traditional Clan sign of greeting and peace. Abukawal bowed. “It has been my honor to be of service to your daughter and son in their time of peril and hardship.”

  Wiping her forehead, locking her knees to stay upright, Andi spoke up. “We’re all tired and thirsty. If you and—” She glanced at the high-ranking Sectors officer who stood by, and who had so far been silent “—the others want to hear the whole story here and now, I suggest we move inside, out of this blazing sun.”

  The Sectors general smiled. “She’s giving us good advice, Lord Tonkiln. Base Commander General Chang-Wilkins at your service, Miss Markriss. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He came to shake her hand. “Your grandfather and I are old friends. Glad we could oblige him by extracting you from the compound.”

  So Grandfather Loxton was the one who’d exerted pressure on the military to rescue me.

  Andi refocused her attention as High Lord Tonkiln said, “I owe you more than I can possibly repay, Miss Markriss. In this time of terrible loss and death, you preserved two lives more precious to me than my own.” The Planetary High Lord glanced around impatiently. “Where is that officious portmaster? We require a privacy to conduct these discussions.”

  The general was still staring at Andi, eyebrows pulled together in a puzzled frown. “Miss Markriss, I understand you somehow killed a Betang infiltrator embedded with the rebels? I’ll be eager to get a debrief on that.”

  “I’ll tell you all about it in return for full treatment in the base hospital rejuve resonator, sir.” Andi winced as a piercing twinge traveled through her nervous system. “Soon.”

  Tom swept her up in his arms. “I think you’ve had enough for one day.” He glared over at Tonkiln and the general. “Can’t this debriefing wait until tomorrow? She’s about at the end of her orbit.”

  “No, no, I’ll be all right.” Twining her arms around his neck, Andi leaned against him. “Lord Tonkiln shouldn’t have to wait any longer to hear about what happened in the summer colony. Then I’ll rest, I promise. You can even order me to rest.”

  Tom gazed at her, his green eyes reflecting his loving concern. “That’s an affirmative. Believe it.”

  The portmaster bustled up, surrounded by his own subordinates, and bowed so low his nose nearly touched the ground. “I have a conference room and refreshments ready for you, High Lord.”

  As the portmaster led them to a well-air-conditioned, large meeting room, Tom carried Andi, and the rest of the group trailed after them. Andi settled into a chair, Tom drawing another one up to sit beside her.

  Tonkiln stared at both of them and nodded. “We’ll keep it brief for today.”

  Andi couldn’t control the shaking in her hands. Exhaustion and deferred stress, she supposed. Together, she and Tom told the story of the events that had begun a few days ago. Abukawal or Rahuna chimed in on occasion with some detail they considered essential.

  Lysanda fell asleep in Abukawal’s arms while the debriefing continued. The Planetary High Lord handed Sadu over to a nursemaid, a woman who’d worked for his family in years past, apparently recalled from retirement for this emergency.

  Andi blinked away sudden tears as the nanny carried the drowsy toddler off, remembering the sweet girl who had been Sadu’s nursemaid in the summer compound, now dead in that burned-out village. Three massive, armed Obati guards accompanied the elderly woman and the toddler as they left the room. Distant members of Tonkiln’s own sub-Clan, by the tattoos. I’m glad the Planetary High Lord isn’t taking any chances with his remaining son. Sadu’s going to rule Zulaire one day, after all. As he was carried from the room, Sadu gurgled in his sleep, thumb firmly stuffed into his toothless mouth. Andi grinned. Hard as that may be to imagine right now.

  “An amazing tale altogether.” Rahuna set his wineglass on the table when Andi and Tom had finished. “I lived through most of it, and even I can hardly credit our good fortune. But much work remains to be done, my friends.”

  “Yes, you’re right,” Lord Tonkiln agreed, clenching his fists. “Even if this one alien sentient has been eliminated, and we’re fortunate enough that there were no others, we have to clean out the pockets of rebellion. Rebuild trust between the three Clans. A divided Zulaire will fall to the enemy.”

  “If there are any other Betang on Zulaire,” General Chang-Wilkins told them, “it’ll be a major operation to save the planet. Highest priority. We must work in unison on this. The Sectors can’t afford to cede a planet in this Sector to the Mawreg so you’ll have our full cooperation, Lord Tonkiln, I assure you.”

  “Captain Deverane, I’m told you’re eligible for retirement now?” The ruler toyed with his wineglass, swirling the ruby liquid.

  “I’ve served enough years to retire.” Tom raised his eyebrows as he shifted in his chair and drank some wine.

  Startled by the turn the conversation was taking, Andi glanced from one man to the other. Why would Tonkiln care about Tom’s career decisions?

  Steepling his fingers, the Planetary High Lord peered at the captain. “Zulaire isn’t open to outside settlement via veterans’ acres claims, but I can make an exception in your case. A substantial exception.” Rising and pacing in a tight circle, Tonkiln said, “Zulaire and I owe you much already, but I ask for more. We need someone with interstellar military experience and strong connections to the Sectors to take charge of the unified planetary defense force I’m going to establish. We must find a way to blend Obati, Shenti and Naranti in one strand and build on that, creating a military capable of protecting this world and my people.” He paused in front of Tom’s chair. “Would such a challenge interest you? Compensation would be commensurate to the task, I assure you.”

  Setting his glass aside, Tom rose to his feet. “An incredible offer, sir. I’d
definitely be interested. It’s an honor to be considered, but I’d have to discuss it with Andi.”

  Smiling, she gazed at him. “There are so many things to commend that plan I can’t begin to list them. There can’t possibly be a better-qualified candidate for the job.”

  Tonkiln nodded. He put one hand over his heart, fist clenched, and bowed slightly to Andi. “You’re welcome to return to my home to recuperate after your medical treatment. From this day forward you are a daughter of the Tonkiln House, a member of the Obati Clan, with all the rights and privileges that pertain.”

  Lords of Space, he just made me a princess of Zulaire. Stunned, she was almost at a loss for words, stammering as she said, “I’m grateful, sir, and deeply honored. As far as tonight, though, I’d prefer to go on to my own home.” The mere idea of being in the busy Tonkiln household, even with my newly acquired status as daughter, isn’t appealing in any way. I want some peace and quiet.

  And time alone with Tom.

  Grinning, the captain winked at her.

  Andi knew she was blushing as her cheeks grew warm. A lot of time.

  Rahuna stepped forward. “Would you permit this much, Andi, that while you’re at the hospital on the base, the High Lord and I will direct our staffs to open your house, lay in supplies, make all ready for you?”

  “Thank you, what a lovely idea,” Andi said, much relieved. Tactful Rahuna to the rescue yet again.

  “All right then, now that’s settled,” Tom declared, “I’m getting her medical treatment without further delay.” Taking her tea cup, he set it on the table next to his wineglass. Crouching down so he could study her face, he asked quietly, “Can you walk, or would you like me to carry you?”

  “I can walk.” Taking his outstretched hand, Andi stood, favoring her left side, which ached abominably. She was halfway across the room, heading to the exit, before Lord Tonkiln’s imperious voice stopped them. “Tomorrow, we have business to conduct, Andi.”

  “Business?” Leaning heavily on Tom’s arm, she turned to face the ruler. “What business, sir?”