by Susan Kelley
The wine safe, kept locked to protect the finest wines stood against the dark, far end of the basement. Joe worked his way toward it, identifying the positions of two more men lurking in the shadows. One of them should have bathed.
More silent than a breath, Joe circled behind the odorous guard. The fool stared at the distant glow from the open door, unaware of the danger at his back. Joe’s fist caught him on the temple, dropping him to the floor with nary a sound.
The scuff of a boot on the floor marked the location of the next man. Aware of the passing of time, Joe used the shadows to take a direct route to him.
“Is that you, Phil?” The guard started to bring his weapon to bear, but he’d reacted too late.
Joe’s kick struck the man’s chest, knocking the breath from him so he couldn’t shout. Before the guard hit the floor, Joe chopped him across the neck. Again, he tried not to kill him.
A bottle exploded behind Joe as a laser guided slug passed over his head. He dove to his right, rolled and fired. He traced an arc in the direction of the attack. Unlike his opponent, Joe didn’t miss.
Joe trotted to the wine safe, ignoring the wounded guard’s moans. Adjusting his gun to shoot a thin, intense laser beam, he targeted the spot where the lock bearings were cased. It sprang open as the bearings melted.
“Sontu?” Joe called into the dark room.
“Joe?” Sontu took a hesitant step out into the dim light, followed by a dozen other men. “What are you doing here? Where’s Callie?”
Joe filled him in as he hustled Sontu and his officers out of the cellar. They picked up the weapons the guards had dropped, and then threw all Hadrason’s men into the cellar and locked it.
“Should we help the injured man?” one of the officers asked.
“Leave him,” Joe ordered. “Take three men and go stand watch over your queen. If anyone gets to her and you’re not dead, I’ll kill you myself.”
The officer selected three others and ran toward the kitchens.
“What’s the plan?” Sontu whispered as they hurried toward the royal quarters.
“We need to see if Hadrason is alive. I think he killed Smeltz, but I’m not sure.”
Sontu gave orders to the rest of his officers, telling them to make their way to the barracks and see about their men. Then he followed Joe to the closed door of the reception room.
“I left him in here,” Joe whispered. He nudged the door open a meager slit. Seeing nothing, he pushed it open wider.
They stepped in with weapons ready but found nothing but empty wine glasses. Hadrason had escaped. What mischief would he plot against them now?
* * * *
Callie had never suffered a headache quite like this one. Her skull seemed to expand and then contract into a hard ball of pain. Someone placed a drop of liquid on her tongue. The exhilaration identifiable as the elixir sped through her. The pain in her head cleared, but a fog hung over her thoughts.
“Wake up, Callie.”
Jak. But she feared opening her eyes might bring back the pain. She drifted through the fog, gathering scattered facts into something sensible. The familiar cushioning beneath her told her she rested on her own bed. A cool cloth settled on her forehead.
“Why isn’t she awake?”
Callie’s heart leaped in her chest when she heard Joe’s voice. Memories chased one another around her brain. Hadrason and his drug. Collapsing at the bastard’s feet. Nothing after that.
“She’ll wake up soon,” Jak said. “Go find something to do.”
“No. I want….” Joe’s trailed off when Callie opened her eyes.
“How do you feel?” Jak leaned over her, his face pale and drawn in the warm light of the bedside lamp.
“Less terrible than before I lost consciousness. Did you capture Hadrason?”
“No,” Joe answered.
“Did you kill him?”
“I don’t think so.”
Jak stood up and paced. “What are we going to do now? Hadrason will frame Joe for Smeltz’s death, and you’ll be held responsible along with him.”
Callie sat up despite the return of a vague throbbing at her temples. “How long until word gets back to the Galactic Council?”
“Two days even with hyper light transmission,” Joe answered.
“Then we have two days and at least that many more to come up with a plan.”
Joe looked doubtful. “Smeltz’s destroyer and its two escorts have only withdrawn to the outer boundaries of this galaxy. If word comes back to arrest us, you could have a good sized army landing outside your gates. We don’t know how far Edow went when he was ordered away.”
“Do you have a plan, Joe?” Callie felt optimistic. They’d made it through the first contact with her enemies.
“I’m working on one.”
Callie couldn’t help smiling. “Jak, why don’t you get some rest? We’ll work things out tomorrow.”
Jak patted her hand. “I’ll make a final check on security first.”
After the captain left, Joe came closer. “Do you need to sleep?”
“No, I need to be held.”
Joe hesitated, wearing his patented lost look. He shrugged out of his shirt. “I should bathe.”
“Later.” Callie swept her gaze over him, wondered if she would ever get used to the perfection of his body.
He slipped off the rest of his clothing and slipped under the blankets. As if she might break, he gently took her into his arms.
Callie snuggled against his side, her head on his shoulder and one arm stretched across his chest. Tonight she and Giroux were safe and by tomorrow, Joe would have a plan.
* * * *
Joe held her and basked in the warmth of her trust. He made a list in his head. Callie trusted him, cared for him at least a little, and she liked his lovemaking.
Mumbling in her sleep, Callie flung one leg over his thighs. She also seemed to enjoy his companionship. Though a short list, it was closer than he’d ever been to another person. It was a bond rooted in emotional things.
He dared not let her down. Smeltz was gone, and his death might benefit Joe and the other marines. Even now Sontu searched through the security video to find the scene of Smeltz’s death. Thank Unon they’d installed the updated system as one of their first improvements.
Joe made another list of every possible variation of future events. Every plan he came up with required only one thing. That Callie be safe.
* * * *
“Hadrason’s ship left the system last night,” Jak reported. “We picked up enough communications to know he survived and placed a call to the Galactic Council.”
Callie took small bites of fruit, munching slowly to test the steadiness of her stomach. “Smeltz’s ships?”
“Still out there. Their commanding officer probably sent an alarm also.” Jak took up his tea, looking little rested since the night before.
The three of them sat in the small dining room Callie and her father had used to entertain small groups of friends. Callie had asked the serving women to leave them in privacy. “What’s our plan?”
“It depends on who responds to the call.” The food on Joe’s plate remained untouched, something Callie had never seen.
Jak dropped his gaze to his full plate.
Fear blossomed in Callie’s chest. “Tell me, Joe.”
Joe met her gaze, but his thoughts were as hidden from her as the day they first met. “We don’t know what lies have been told.”
“Hadrason said he would blame Smeltz’s murder on you,” Callie said.
Neither of the men said anything. A low beep from Joe’s communicator interrupted Callie’s next question.
“Wait for instructions,” Joe said briskly into the unit. “Don’t respond to their hail.”
He clicked the small instrument off and pushed his plate away. “Three more military ships just came out of space warp. They demand to speak with the queen immediately, or they’ll consider Giroux an enemy of the Galactic Al
liance.”
* * * *
“Surrender is not a plan!”
Joe had known Callie wouldn’t like it. “Not surrender Giroux. Give me up to them and let them try me for Smeltz’s murder.”
“Hadrason will interfere.” Callie had a wild look in her eyes. “How will you get a fair hearing? And once they have you, they can carry out your original sentence and send you to the Nye moon.”
“I’ll ask for a civilian trial instead of a military court.”
“That only means Hadrason can have more influence.”
“Not necessarily,” Sontu offered. “A civilian trial means Joe can have someone speak for him. It will be his chance to bring attention to the prior improper proceedings. People are always ready to question the power and might of the military.”
“But….”
Joe interrupted her. “They want an answer now. You can’t let them attack Giroux. Depending on who leads them, it could turn into a massacre.”
Callie pressed her lips together in the way she did when she was thinking, Joe stared at her mouth, wondering if he’d ever taste her luscious lips again. How long would dreams of her haunt him until the hard labor on the Nye moon drove all sane thoughts from his mind? Was it insane to wish they’d never found a way off Crevan Four?
“I’ll go with you to court.” Callie made the words a challenge.
Joe couldn’t let that happen, but it could be worked out later. The three of them walked to the main communications room where Sontu sent out the men working there to give Callie privacy.
She took a deep breath and then spoke with authority. “This is Queen Callie Adell of Giroux. I demand the identity of the arrogant commander of the war vessels invading our sovereign space without invitation.”
They waited long moments before a reply came. “This is Captain Dane Edow, your highness. I’ve been sent to investigate the report that a renegade military officer has murdered Minister Smeltz. We’ve heard rumors that you’re harboring this violent criminal.”
“So you threaten me, sir?”
Sontu whispered to Joe. “Edow is a good soldier, not likely to attack without provocation.”
“We made no threat of attack.” Edow sounded calm over the hundred or so miles separating them. “If we’ve insulted you in any way, I offer my sincerest apology, your highness.”
“Perhaps you can soothe my ire in person, Captain. I invite you and ten of your officers to join me for the evening meal.”
“I accept,” he answered without hesitation. “Now about this renegade?”
“All your questions will be addressed at dinner.”
“As you wish, your highness.”
Callie looked triumphant. “We’ll get the feel for what the military is thinking before we surrender anybody. Every hour we delay here is another hour General Drant has to complete his investigation.”
“Clever, your highness,” Sontu said. “Go now and rest before our guests arrive. I will tell the kitchen what to expect. Joe, I’ll take the watch. You need to be at your best for whatever lies ahead.”
Callie took Joe’s hand and led him through the halls to her chambers. She didn’t speak, and he couldn’t.
Joe’s life had been on the battlefield. His own actions determined his survival. His brains, his training, and his physical abilities combined to make sure things happened the way he wanted. Since he’d met Callie Adell, he’d lost control. Each day took unpredictable twists. Every one of his plans ended with an unanticipated turn that pulled him deeper into the complex, unknown world of civilians.
Callie looked at him, her eyes shining. “I want to spend these hours in your arms.” She stepped into his ready embrace.
His penis swelled, and his chest filled with an odd ache. When they first met, she needed him to survive, but later she needed him for this.
Being needed was the reason for his existence. It gave him a reason to be, a reason to fight on. Why then, did it no longer seem enough?
Callie cared about him, didn’t want him to be killed or go to prison. What was beyond that?
He kissed her, drowning in the warm, familiar welcome of her embrace. Every time they made love, he understood it could be their last.
As their bodies became one, he wondered if their union stopped at the physical joining. His climax exploded upon him, pouring his seed deep inside her. If he had believed he had a soul, he would have sworn it also flowed from him to her.
* * * *
“So, Captain Edow, what do you think?” Callie pretended to sip the potent wine she’d ordered served with dinner. Her father always claimed wine mellowed a man.
“I can’t make a judgment, your highness.” Edow took only a scant sip of his wine. “I’m only here to gather information and collect the escaped renegade.”
“We’re only asking you to have an open mind, sir. Do you believe what we told you about Hadrason?”
Edow frowned. “Those of us who patrol the trade routes have questioned some practices of Hadrason Mining. Our inquiries never seem to go very far up the chain of command.”
“Captain Edow.” Joe entered the door that led from the kitchens.
Callie wanted to throw her wine glass at him. She’d instructed Joe to hide until she was sure they could trust Edow.
The captain stood, his eyes wide. “They didn’t tell me who the outlaw was.”
The other officers looked as shocked as their captain.
Sontu looked at Callie and shook his head.
Joe stayed where he was, his hands spread wide to show he had no weapons.
“We heard they’d court-martialed the Interplanetary Recon Marines.” Edow walked around the table, never taking his gaze off Joe.
“I surrender.”
Callie’s heart cried out a protest, but she stiffened her spine and pushed her emotions down. “Hadrason would frame Joe for Smeltz’s murder. I can testify against that lie.”
“And I have the video evidence that proves Joe’s innocence,” Sontu added.
Edow stopped three steps from Joe. “The Recon Marines were sentenced to life imprisonment on the Nye moon. Wait. Did she call you Joe? You’re the leader of the marines?”
“I am Joe and was the leader. The Recon Marines are no more.”
“The charges against Joe are false,” Callie insisted.
“And do you have video prove that the first charges were untrue, your highness?” Edow asked without looking away from Joe.
“I give myself into your custody, captain.” Joe didn’t look at Callie. “I ask to be taken to a civilian court for my hearing.”
“I’m going with him,” Callie said.
Edow signaled one of his officers. The man unhooked a thin chain of crystallized iron from his belt. Joe’s mouth tightened as the soldier fastened the inescapable shackles to his wrists and then around his waist.
“I’ll deliver you to the civilian base at Banok.” Edow still stared at Joe. “Out of respect for the sacrifices and service the Recon Marines have given to the Galactic Military, I will personally guarantee your safe arrival.”
“I don’t want the queen to accompany me,” Joe said without looking Callie’s way.
“As you wish,” Edow agreed quickly. “Thank you for your hospitality, your highness.”
Edow led the way in a quick exit before Callie could argue against Joe’s shocking request.
“Callie.” Sontu’s tired gaze followed the last of the officers out the door. “Joe asked me to keep you here. He doesn’t want his trial to taint you.”
“To hell with what he wants.” Callie started toward her quarters. “Get a ship ready. We leave within the hour.”
Chapter Fifteen
The brig wasn’t uncomfortable. They served him regular military fare, the same as he’d eaten all his life until the last few weeks.
The last few weeks. Joe began his conditioning workout. Marines knew how to stay in shape even in cramped quarters. He worked until sweat soaked his body, and his muscles
quivered. Then he worked more until it took all his willpower to continue.
“Trying to kill yourself before your trial?” Edow asked, one eyebrow raised and a half smile curving his lips.
Joe had heard the man approach, but he’d hoped the captain only wanted to check on his prisoner’s condition.
“I saw you and your men in action on Pixtel,” Edow said after waiting a long moment for Joe to answer.
Joe stopped working and drank from the water outlet on the wall. Four of his men had died on Pixtel. He didn’t want to think about it.
“You guys were like a rain of bullets the way you cut a swath through those lizards. We were supposed to be your backup. Two hundred aliens and you finished them off with about thirty marines.”
Irritation overcame Joe’s desire to be alone. “The Recon Marines were bred and trained to be killing machines, captain. It’s what we do. What we did.”
“And why would a killing machine protect a flighty princess?”
“Flighty?” Joe didn’t know what the word meant, but it sounded insulting. “She’s a queen.”
“And what are you? Her knight?”
Joe gripped the bars separating him from the captain. He sensed no sarcasm, but what did he know about the nuances of speech? “What do you want? Speak plainly.”
Edow stepped closer. “I’m trying to get your measure. I’ll be questioned about the situation on Giroux.”
Joe could reach through the bars and break the man’s neck if he wished. But if simply answering Edow’s questions helped Callie, Joe would tell the man anything. “I lost four men on Pixtel.”
Joe walked to the back of his small cell and sat on the floor, leaning his head against the wall. “By the time we were ordered to subdue the lizard invaders, I’d begun to suspect we were being given suicide missions. Why send thirty men against those large numbers when regular army like you were available?”
“I remember thinking the same thing myself.” Edow pulled a chair near the bars and sat down. “But why?”
“I’d questioned some orders a few missions before that one. We were sent to assess a settlement on some little tropical planet. We found a small colony of illegal squatters farming in a fertile valley.” Joe recalled the scene clearly. “It was the first time we’d ever seen a human village like that. They never even knew we were there, looking at them through our sights. There were children running in the fields. We could hear people laughing, smell bread baking. We withdrew and reported our findings. After our next mission, I found out they had sent in a star cruiser and fried the entire area.”
