Universe of the Soul

by Jennifer Mandelas

  Was she that transparent? The man read her like a public forum. She even let him get away with calling her Adri. What were her options? Shooting him was a bad idea, she'd get thrown into the brig, and it would be a pity to ruin that pretty face. She failed miserably at ignoring him. “I've known you for only a few days, and you've already complicated my life.”

  “What is life without complications, Adri?” Gray watched the emotions play out in her pretty brown eyes. The woman had an obvious mistrust of relationships, but hopefully he could show her how special being with someone who cared for you could be. He had a feeling that he was fast approaching a line in the sand, and he didn't care.

  Adri stared hard into his eyes before running her fingers through her hair and turning away. “I think about you too much, Gray. Let that be enough for now.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “This level houses mostly engineering and storage,” Adri said as they wandered down yet another corridor. “Warehousing is in charge of cataloguing and organizing everything in the storage spaces, including the ammunitions storage. Commander Janag or Vice Captain Lowell are the ones who usually deal with Warehousing, so I wouldn't concern myself too much with whatever they do to pass the time down here.”

  “I've always though that Warehouse was a rather thankless job,” Gray commented.

  “Further down this corridor is Engineering, and depending on how Commander Solson's mood is, you might be making a lot of trips down here.”

  “Why?”

  Adri pressed the release on the door. “To suppress riots.”

  The minute the door was open, the noise level increased to a wild clamor. Over it could be heard an older man shouting. “Did I ask you to think, grunt? No. I told you to adjust the power regulator, that's all. A simple order you could have followed if you hadn't taken it upon yourself to THINK!”

  “I see what you mean,” Gray murmured.

  “He's really on a rampage,” said a voice to their right. Gray watched as Duane sauntered over, his bright magenta face streaked with something black and greasy. “Well, I see that you made it down to the Engine Room at last, Grayson.”

  Gray nodded. “I dabbled in engineering while aboard the Cliam Lomas, but this is…something else.” The chaos was unbelievable. Gray watched as two running engineering ensigns, each carrying what looked to be boxes of tools, crashed into each other with deafening noise. Tools cascaded over the floor like escaping hamsters. They promptly began to yell and curse at each other. No one else seemed to notice or care.

  “This is a good day. Solson is in an uproar because the Damacene is on its way, and he has a longstanding rivalry with Commander Haggan, the Damacene's chief engineer,” Duane went on blithely.

  “I'd hate to see a bad day,” Gray muttered, watching in fascinated horror as the two ensigns tackled each other and began to roll around on the scattered pile of tools.

  “Danwe,” Adri said suddenly, noticing the two ensigns for the first time. “Utter morons.”

  Gray and Duane watched as Adri strode over to the two fighting ensigns, stepping over tools and shoving aside spectators.

  Duane shook his head. “Now they've gone and done it. She was in a nice, mellow mood, too.”

  “What do you mean…” Gray began, but stopped speaking as Adri stepped up to the battleground. When her sharp order to cease was ignored (they probably did not hear her over their own huffing breaths and raging insults), Adri gave up any form of diplomacy. Reaching down for the nearest assailant, she hauled him up and rammed her knee into his stomach, decommissioning him. Tossing him aside, she reached for the second man, who was trying to pounce on his downed opponent. He tried to dodge her jab, and ended up wheezing in pain as Adri's knee hit him several inches lower.

  Hands on her hips, Adri glared down at the two culprits. “Which one of you two morons thought that it was a good idea to start a wrestling match while on duty?”

  One ensign squeaked in terror, obviously realizing for the first time just who had broken up their fight.

  “And there's our beloved L.C.” Duane said as Adri berated the two idiots.

  Gray whistled. “I can see where she gets her reputation. Sergeant Kalinen from Analysis stopped me in the main corridor this afternoon and whispered ‘Good luck with the L.C.’ to me. I didn't know what he meant.”

  “The L.C. isn't known for her diplomacy,” Duane replied, winking at Adri as she strode back towards them. “She's as tough as she is pretty.”

  “I can't believe the idiots you have working down here, Duane, I really don't,” she said heatedly.

  Duane shrugged amiably. “I don't do the hiring, I'm only an assistant engineer.”

  “Solson would have us stranded in the middle of nowhere with the way he runs things down here.”

  “Well, at least the engine's running. For now.”

  Adri felt like throwing up her hands in sheer frustration. “I'm getting out of here before something else happens that will offend my sense of order. Duane, do you have those specs I asked for?”

  Duane reached into his pocket and pulled out a small data chip. “Here you are. I had to twist a few arms in the weapon tech's division for it.”

  “Thanks,” Adri slipped the chip into her own pocket. Turning to Gray she said, “Are you coming?”

  “Right beside you.”

  “Duane,” Adri called out as they headed for the door, “You should probably call Dr. Geiger and have those two imbeciles moved to the infirmary.”

  The door closed on Duane's annoyed expletive.

  “Adri, what's on the data chip that Duane gave you?” Gray asked as they walked along the level that housed the science and technology labs.

  Adri was quiet for a long moment. Finally she stopped and turned to look hard at Gray. She hadn't known him long, only a few days really, but he'd proven himself a capable soldier and officer. He was interested in her; something she really didn't want to think about for…maybe never. It all came down to a matter of trust. Looking into his calm, questioning gray eyes, she could feel herself longing to be able to trust someone. Something more than the friendly camaraderie she had with Duane, or some of the other Advance Force members. But did she dare open herself even that much? Did she even remember how?

  Gray could see some interior struggle going on behind Adri's lovely brown eyes, and he found himself holding his breath, waiting for her answer.

  “It's the data analysis of the ambush at the Belligerent Coalition camp last night.”

  Gray frowned. “Can't you just order up a copy? You are the lieutenant commander.”

  “You're right, but I'd need to sign out on it, and I didn't want it to be general knowledge. Something strange happened, and I need to figure out what it was.” Adri shook her head. “It might be nothing, but I need to find out.”

  “Find out what?”

  The overhead communication system buzzed before Adri could reply. [Bridge to Rael and Grayson. Contact has been established with the Damacene, and the captain requests your presence on the bridge.]

  Both Adri and Gray touched their earpieces, [Acknowledged, Bridge.]

  They began walking at a faster clip towards the lifts. When they had stepped inside and were rising to the bridge level, Adri said, “Grayson, are you well versed in the schematics and workings of the Belligerent's handheld weaponry?”

  “I've seen my fair share, and I've had some extensive training. Why?”

  Adri opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She tried again. “I'm going to go over these specs, and then run a probability analysis. I'm going to need an assistant. I don't want anyone else to know what or why I'm doing this.” Oh crap, what was she doing? She didn't want to spend time – private, one on one time – with him. Did she?

  Gray nodded, a hint of a smile in his eyes. “I'm your man.”

  Something in Adri's stomach fluttered, and she found herself wishing in the back of her mind that he were.

  My mind has been unsettled lately. T
here is a dark presence around the convent, as though a warning of danger to come; yet no one can identify it. This is probably the most disturbing part of the whole situation. A convent filled with Talented and headed by a Talented ought to be able to decipher coming danger. No one speaks of it aloud, but I know in my own way that everyone is worried.

  Ayane's vision disturbed me more than I can say. She has a very powerful gift, and she has spent most of her life refining and perfecting its use. But it is a burden. I am glad that I have no such power. Rather, I prefer my variations of weak gifts. It must be an incredibly vulnerable feeling, to not be able to rely on a part of oneself that has always been there. This adds to my uneasiness. Did her gift simply fail her? Or is it something else? I have heard that there are powers out in the vast universe that can block or manipulate another's conscience,…but that seems absurd. Why would someone with such a skill wish to block Ayane's Sight? Unless…

  I have a terrible feeling that something is about to happen, something irreversible, not just for my life, but for everyone else's. It grows stronger daily. On top of this is my growing concern for my brother. He is never home to speak with by transmission, and my telepathy cannot reach as far away as Corinthe city. The news he sent me of father's death was most grievous, and I was surprised and upset when ada Sergei did not allow me to return home for his funeral. Something is not right about the report Floyd sent me on father's death. He was never one to throw his life away! The whole situation seems suspicious. Poor Floyd, dealing with all this, plus the workload I know he's taken on, I worry about his health.

  My spirit is warning me, I know what I have to do, but it will go against all the training and commands I have received since entering the convent life when I was young. Perhaps I should wait and see how the situation unfolds; it is always better to be informed than to run around in the dark.

  But then, darkness has its own uses, as does ignorance.

  I'm beginning to fear that the change Ayane spoke of will be very soon.

  Chapter Nine

  “Rise and salute, captain on the bridge!” At Vice Captain Lowell's order, everyone on the bridge rose from their assigned positions and saluted as Captain Heedman entered the bridge, followed by Captain Francesco Yates of the battleship G.C.N. Damacene and a few members of his senior staff.

  “Welcome back to the bridge, my dear fellow,” Captain Heedman said in an almost fawning tone. Captain Yates was nearly a foot taller than Heedman. Like all other kievians, Yates boasted a second set of eyes high on the forehead, and impressive copper colored tentacles in lieu of hair. His burnished gold complexion made Heedman look sun starved. His gray uniform was crisp and sharp, hinting at a newer style than Heedman's. An over-shined medal for excellence hung on his chest. He'd left the collar of his jacket open to sport an expensive looking cloth cravat.

  Yates made a thorough survey of the bridge before commenting, “I see that you have some new members on your senior staff, Albert.”

  Heedman scurried behind Yates as the taller captain strode across the room to where Adri and Gray stood together beside the tactical station. Giving Gray the critical eye, he said, “I thought I knew most of the up-and-comings on the officer lists, but I'm afraid I don't recognize you.”

  Gray saluted. “I am Field Lieutenant Thaddeus Grayson, formerly of the G.C.N. Cliam Lomas, currently stationed in the Turotia system.”

  “I see,” the captain said, although from his frown Gray could guess that his non-aristocratic name wasn't ringing any bells. “Well, good luck with your assignment.” And with that dismissal, Gray knew he had been forgotten. It was often the same with those in the military who had gained their rank through blood and political connections. Yates turned to Adri. “Lieutenant Commander Rael, I see that you are still hale and hearty,” there was a definite sneer in Yates's voice now.

  “Much to my enemy's displeasure, yes,” Adri replied in a polite monotone.

  “I hear your name is on the list for captain candidacy.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Yates raised an aristocratic eyebrow. “The credential reviews are coming up, but I hear that there is quite a list this year. Even Lieutenant Commander Carter has applied for captaincy.”

  Adri glanced over to the Damacene’s senior staff, still standing by the doors to the bridge. “I am pleased for him.”

  “So am I; his uncle is sponsoring him for a position.”

  “Again, I'm pleased for him.”

  “Hmm,” with a last frown at Adri, Yates moved to the captain's seat and sat, turning then to Heedman to discuss the latest news from Halieth, the capital planet of the Commonwealth. With no place to sit, Heedman had to stand beside the console to talk.

  “I take it that Captain Yates is not too fond of you,” Gray whispered.

  Adri raised a skeptical eyebrow and whispered back. “He's an aristocrat from Kieve, and has some political pull with the Supreme Council. He even met the chancellor.”

  “So he's a snob.”

  “Basically. He dislikes me on principal because my family was nothing, politically. He is also irked that I have advanced the way I have without a political sponsor.”

  Gray muttered something truly uncomplimentary under his breath. Adri had to bite down a smile. “I've seen you on the battlefield; you earn your position, you don't have it handed to you on a platter.”

  The smile escaped. It was strange, but the compliment made her stomach flutter. Her stomach did a great deal of fluttering around him. The traitor. How was she supposed to handle this? Obvious she could not escape. Despite her own advice, she'd gone out and become his friend, and now the rest of her was willing to risk more.

  It was sure nice to smile again.

  “And who was that guy he shoved in your face? Carter?” Gray went on.

  “Lieutenant Commander Royce Carter. He's Yates's operations officer. See, he's the one with the light brown hair who looks like he's falling asleep.”

  Gray looked over the visiting Damacene staff members and easily managed to pick out the young man who looked like he was about to take a nap while standing. He was a slender fellow, maybe a few inches taller than Gray and currently had a pleasant, my-I'm-happy-to-be-here-half-awake smile plastered to his face. “He doesn't look like much.”

  Adri shook her head. “Carter never looks like much.”

  Something in her tone, perhaps the half-concealed amusement, made Gray turn sharply towards his superior officer. “How well do you know this guy?”

  “Carter and I go way back,” Adri murmured, staring now at the officer in question.

  Something dark and unpleasant twisted in Gray's gut. “How far back?”

  But just at that moment, the two captains had decided to adjourn for a meal, causing the usual minor chaos as officers took up or relinquished their posts. “All the senior staff is requested to come and dine in the mess hall, now.” Lowell announced.

  In the general exodus off the bridge, Gray had no chance to repeat his question.

  “Rael, it's great to see you again,” Lieutenant Commander Royce Carter wove expertly through the crowded mess hall to stand in front of Adri as she entered.

  Adri smiled. “It's good to see you, too, Carter.”

  “Sorry if I'm interrupting,” Gray said as he bumped another of the Damacene's senior staff out of the way in order to stand beside Adri. “I'm Field Lieutenant Thaddeus Grayson.”

  Carter's eyebrows lifted at the possessive stance Gray automatically took beside her. He grinned as he turned back to Adri. “My goodness, Rael, I leave you alone for a few months and you go off and decide to have a personal life!” He winked at Gray. “I commend you. I've known our brave and stalwart Rael for years, and this is the first time I've seen her with…a someone.”

  “Danwe, Carter,” Adri hissed, mortally afraid that she was blushing, “It's not like that.”

  Gray turned to look at her, put at ease by Carter's comment. “Isn't it?”

  Adri's glare could have mel
ted tunsteel. Before she could come up with something suitably scathing, Captain Heedman called Gray's name.

  Carter watched Gray wind his way towards the head table at the other end of the mess hall. “How long has this been going on?”

  “I have no idea what you're talking about.” Adri gestured towards the tables and sat down at an empty one against the wall. Carter sat down across from her. “You know, I kind of like the look of him.”

  “I have absolutely no desire to talk about my subordinate, Carter.”

  Carter studied Adri's face for a moment before replying, “If you like. But if I were you, I wouldn't worry about the situation too much. Just…let nature take its course.”

  “Thank you for the sage advice. Now drop it.” Adri ordered a cup of coffee from the simulator built into the wall.

  Carter's smile was lightening fast. “That's one of the things I like about you; you always state your mind.” He sighed dramatically. “You never gave me a chance,”

  “Your infamy with the ladies preceded you, pretty rich boy.”

  “Yes, I'm afraid you're right.” With that, Carter shifted in his seat, suddenly turning serious. “You're on this year's list for the captain's candidacy.”

  “That's right. I hear your uncle is sponsoring you.”

  Carter shrugged. “Uncle still has delusions that I'm going to turn out an admiral. But I am ready to take on my own crew.”

  “You getting a ship?” Adri lifted an eyebrow.

  “Most likely,” Carter replied. “But your name is actually ahead of mine.”

  Adri frowned thoughtfully. “That's strange. I don't have a sponsor to shove my name out there.”

  “That's just it. Reports of your missions have been spreading like wildfire throughout the Advance Force and making its way to the capital. They bumped your name once, they can't afford to do it again, not with the rep you're making.” Carter sipped his own coffee and winced. “Ugh. Simulated crap.”

  “So you're saying my name's going to get called?”

  Carter grinned and shrugged, leaning back in his seat. “What do I know? I'm just a pretty rich boy, who joined the Advance Force for the flashy uniform and the ladies.”