The Iron Admiral: Deception

by Greta van Der Rol

  The admirals of each battle group had deployed their frigates so they could seem to drift without causing a collision. Beaumont had constructed a feint, whereRigel and one of her frigates drifted close together.

  Valperez had sent out two squadrons of fighters on auto-pilot. The ptorix gunners had had some fun with them, picking them off before the major advance, no doubt to satisfy themselves that the human fleet posed no threat. The battle cruiserChohzhu loomed large in the view screen, its indigo horns and turrets reflecting the rays of the distant sun. The ptorix flagship came in first, headed forArcturus, while the rest of the group split up, each capital ship aiming for one of his star destroyers.Chohzhu, it seemed, was going to deliver the killer blow first.

  He smiled. They were over-confident, advancing carelessly. His heart thudded in his chest.Closer, bastards. This is for Allysha .Chohzhu the destroyer was about to be destroyed. His fingers itched.

  Normally he’d be rallying his commanders, telling them to hold position. This time, he had to hope they would. A trickle of sweat oozed down his temple. A quick glance at the ptorix ship’s configuration and he

  chuckled. They were so confident they hadn’t raised their shields. They could fire more easily that way, of

  course; but then, so couldArcturus .Welcome to hell, bastards.

  “All ships, commence firing.”

  Arcturus’smissiles streaked toward the huge ptorix flagship. Apparently drifting frigates on either side of Chohzhu suddenly sprang to life and pumped energy beams and missiles into her flanks. One horn shattered, then another. Too late the admiral realized his mistake. Shields flared around the ship even as it

  returned fire. The energy blast sparkled onArcturus’s shields but the missile launchers had already dispatched a new volley.Chohzhu angled away, driven by the power of the blasts along her length. Over to starboard,Rigel andAlexander Colchin had engaged ptorix capital ships in a firefight and appeared to be winning butCenturion had sustained major damage. Saahren had Valperez dispatch a flight of heavy starfighters carrying missiles to assist.Chohzhu was in trouble. Her shields flickered around the stern.

  Saahren watched, tight-lipped, as a final missile strike cut into her hull. The ship’s stern exploded, opening

  the hull like a deadly flower.Arcturus’s shields lit up like a fireworks display as fragments expanded in a cloud.Rigel had won its battle and veered away from the shattered hull of its adversary to assistCenturion

  . Saahren moved his ships to take on the remainder of the ptorix fleet. There was no need. WithChohzhu gone, the commanders withdrew heading for enough clear space to jump to shift space. He allowed his captains to chase for a short way in case the maneuver was a feint. When the enemy disappeared into shift space, he brought the pursuers back.

  ****

  It was over. Black hulks drifted in space. Sweeper ships worked to clear debris and unexploded ordnance. And bodies, both ptorix and human. Allysha. She would be dead and yet the lump in Saahren’s chest that was his heart still beat.

  His legs stiff from long hours of sitting, he staggered out of the command capsule. Pedder greeted him, proud and delighted. A great victory, the enemy flagship and two of its escorts destroyed, another two limping home.

  “Intelligence certainly delivered this time. Whoever pulled this off ought to get a Confederacy Star. At least.”

  Saahren looked away.Allysha died so we wouldn’t . Even the thought stuck in his throat. “Yes, I’ll make sure that happens. I must contact President McKinley and Suldan Bentrax.” He managed a smile. “Well done to you and your crew, Captain. Please convey my congratulations until I get a chance to do it myself.”

  Her face glowed in his mind. Her green eyes, her golden skin. Oh Allysha.

  Captain Loris reported in, complete with images. The asteroid base orbiting Isabella was a black hole.

  As ordered, the place had been reduced to rubble. The shattered remnants too small to escape the moonlet’s gravity hung like a halo.

  Like an automaton he went through the motions, a swift call to a jubilant McKinley, another to Bentrax, dignified and immeasurably relieved. He escaped to his quarters.

  “Show me the dance, Arcturus. Let me dance with her again.”

  The hologram appeared. She gazed into his face, her hand in his while his fingers stroked her back. Her hair, with that hint of red, her remarkable green eyes like sunlight on new leaves, her skin smooth and soft. He breathed in her scent, felt her body against his, heard the lilt in her voice, her laugh. He leaned over her in the dance, whispering ‘come with me’; and knew she was tempted. Oh, if only.

  He sat unashamed as tears trickled down his face, over his chin.Allysha, my love.

  And yet…

  He was sure, when he orderedSpartan to attack that he would know, the minute, the second when she died. A part of his soul would die with her, blown out like a candle flame.

  The flame still burned, a tiny, glimmering light in the darkness, wavering, flickering.

  Saahren contacted Captain Loris. “Search for survivors. Or bodies, human bodies. Particularly female.

  Scan for transmitters. I’m to be informed of any discovery.”

  All he could do now was wait and hope.

  At least he had plenty to keep him busy. He summoned Butcher to his office to work through the casualty lists and ship damage reports. They prepared the incident reports, agreed what would be public and what would not. The knot that had formed in his stomach stayed there but the flame still glowed.

  Hope flared when a report arrived fromSpartan . The ship had recovered a few bodies and some body parts. Two were female. Saahren’s shoulders sagged and the candle guttered. Send a body scan, he told them, and keep looking.

  “Anything else?” he said to the adjutant.

  “That’s about it, Sir,” Butcher said. “For now, anyway.”

  Saahren rested his elbow on the desk and his forehead on the heel of his hand. Foolishness. Foolishness.

  No-one could have survived. The base was completely demolished.

  “Can I get you some kaff?”

  Saahren sat up and nodded. “Yes. Please do that.”

  Butcher’s face went vacant as he contacted his clerk. “Um. What’sSpartan looking for?”

  Why not? Butcher, of all people on the ship, knew what he felt for Allysha. “Allysha.”

  “What?” The officer’s jaw dropped. Saahren saw the thought processes reflected on his face. “She was there? That base? She was the person who delivered the warning?”

  Saahren nodded.

  “Sir…” Butcher frowned and chewed on his lip. “Nobody could have survived that.”

  “I know. I just…” he waved a hand. “I just have that feeling.”

  Butcher kept his mouth shut. Saahren knew what he was thinking. Sympathetic, but he, Saahren, was clutching at straws, hoping against hope, not a chance.

  “We have a priority message fromSpartan, Grand Admiral. They have found a female survivor.”

  Arcturus spoke the words in its usual measured tones.

  Saahren sat up, not daring to hope. “Condition?”

  “The person isunconscious and suffering hypothermia, but alive.”

  “Is it Allysha, Arcturus?”

  “Checking…”

  He held his breath and prayed. Prayed to every water nymph in every pool on Ceres, to the God of Shadow, the God of Light and every other God on every world throughout the galaxy.

  “Physical attributes fit Miss Marten, Grand Admiral. But I think we can be certain. The survivor has an implant in her skull of the same size and in the same shape as Miss Marten.”

  He gulped air into his lungs and collapsed against the chair back. Alive, at least alive. “Will she recover?”

  “Yes.Spartanawaits orders.”

  “Have her rendezvous withArcturus in Carnessan orbit.”

  His heart began to beat again. In his soul the candle flame burned steadily. He bounded out of his chair, grabbed But
cher and lifted him off his feet in a huge bear hug. “She’s alive.” The grin threatened to split his face. “To hell with the kaff.”

  He let Butcher go and darted into his quarters to grab a bottle of Lochandor and two glasses from his private bar. He splashed a large measure into both glasses and handed one to Butcher, whose grin was a mirror of his own.

  “Here’s to Allysha.” He took a gulp of the liquor, as did Butcher.

  “How did she get there?” Butcher asked.

  “I don’t know any answers. But she’s on her way and there are a number of things I want you to do.”

  ****

  Allysha opened her eyes and looked around her. A medical unit, yet again. The monitor stood beside her bed, silent witness to her vital signs, delivered via the band on her wrist. She breathed in clean, scrubbed space ship air, filling her lungs with the stuff. The reassuring rumble of environmental systems murmured in the background. Wonderful.

  “You’re awake.” The speaker arrived next to the bed, a youngish man wearing Lieutenant stripes. “I’m Doctor Sorvig. How are you feeling?”

  “Good. My fingers and toes aren’t numb anymore.”

  He nodded. “Things were not good when we picked you up.”

  “I’m glad you did.” She didn’t say the rest. The implication was obvious.

  Sorvig glanced at her as he checked the monitor. “Yes, you were lucky.” He straightened up. He paused and stared at her. “Seems the captain had orders to search.”

  Maybe she did get through to him.

  When she didn’t reply, Sorvig said, “Do you feel like eating?”

  “Yes. Some food would be nice.” She waited until he’d ordered. “Do you know where we are?”

  “Shift space. As far as I know, rejoining the fleet.” He smiled at her. “Got to get on.”

  A smiling orderly brought her a meal and retreated.

  She ate slowly, enjoying each mouthful. In shift space, huh? She’d find out where they were headed shortly. Wherever it was, Chaka would be there, she was certain. Chaka. Grand Admiral Chaka Saahren, Commander in Chief of the Confederacy Star Fleet. Miss Allysha Saahren. She rolled the name

  around her tongue. That bit was scary. Wife of the C in C of the Confederacy Star Fleet. Well, marriage wouldn’t happen until they found Sean, so she’d have a bit of time to get used to the notion.

  She pushed her plate away and checked the ship’s destination in the nav computer. Carnessa. Of course.

  ****

  Sean selected a table on the terrace, with a view over downtown Sal Menoa. The crystal spires of the city winked and glittered in the last rays of the sun, red and gold and blue. Soon the artificial lights would take up the task. The bar wasn’t crowded; too late for lunch, too early for dinner but a few well-heeled folk sat at tables among the potted palms, sharing cocktails. How very civilized.

  A waiter approached almost before he’d sat down.

  “I’ll have a Lochandor; a double,” Sean said.

  He’d been lucky with the online casino. Or at least, Jak Costaz, respectable businessman, had. A nice, untraceable way of making some credits.

  The young man returned, soft-footed, and placed the glass on the table with a small jug of water. Sean splashed in a little water and sipped. He was pretty certain they’d given up on him. He’d seen no sign of Horlitz or anyone looking for him, although he’d taken care to cover his tracks. But then, all they’d ever really wanted was Allysha. He might be able to go back to Carnessa if he had another body reshape. He still had to keep clear of Bronx.

  Here’s to you, Allysha. He hoped she was well, wherever she was. She’d done the right thing for him; more than he’d deserved he had to admit. If she really was Saahren’s girlfriend, she’d do pretty well for herself. Hmmm. Maybe he could score a good divorce settlement. He’d need something to set himself up

  permanently on Kentor. The casino was lucrative but a man could overdo that.

  A moving flash of red at the entrance caught his attention. A woman. Nice looking, too. Great body.

  That red dress must have been made for her, tight in all the right places. She walked past him, on her way

  to a table quite close to his and he smiled, catching her eye. Ah. He noted the quick up and down glance,

  the glimmer of approval, the tiny smile.

  She sat down and ordered, then pulled out a comlink.

  A business woman, he’d guess, checking some work related matters. Still, he’d better be careful. Her drink arrived and he watched her sip, luscious red lips slightly parted. He hadn’t had a woman for a while

  and this one would be nice.

  When she’d finished her drink he walked over to her.

  “Hi. I’m new in town and I could use some company. Could I buy you a drink?” He flashed her his famous boyish smile.

  “I’m from out of town, too. Sure, sit down.”

  He sat. “Where are you from?”

  “Malmos. It’s just a short business trip. How about you?”

  “Dealer in ptorix textiles.”

  “Really?” She seemed genuinely interested. At least he knew enough about it to discourse intelligently on the topic.

  “My name’s Jack Costaz,” he said.

  “Lena Parnessi. Pleased to meet you.”

  He bought another drink while they talked about Lena’s work as an accountant.

  “Where are you staying?”

  “Just up there.” She pointed to a luxury hotel tower. “It has a magnificent view over the whole city. I had no idea it was so spectacular.”

  “I’d love to see.”

  “Sure, why not? Come on.” She stood, pushing the skirt down over her hips.

  Sean drained the Lochandor. Lovely, lovely legs. They’d feel good wrapped around him.

  He ventured an arm around the waist as they walked out into the street and she didn’t object. Oh man, he couldn’t wait to get that dress off her. He nuzzled her neck as they stood in the elevator. She took his hand and led him into her room.

  And threw him.

  He sprawled onto carpet. Before he could even think about getting up, a knee ground into the small of his back, his hands were pulled behind him and handcuffs snicked into place around his wrists.

  “On your feet, O’Reilly,” Lena said. “My boss wants a word with you.”

  ****

  Saahren paced. Five strides, turn, five strides back, up and down the length of his private quarters. He’d given up even pretending to work when he’d been informedSpartan had exited shift space. The ship was out there on final approach, ready to join the fleet. And then she’d board a shuttle and cross toArcturus .

  And then…

  He turned on his heel again, hands behind his back. What would she think? What would she do? Fall into his arms? He hoped so. But he’d given the order to kill her. Not in so many words but she hadn’t had a hope. They said she was in a dune crawler, a maintenance vehicle. Oh yes, she said he had to do it

  but… is that what she really believed? She’d have a story to tell, whatever else.Oh please, oh please let this be over.I love you, Allysha .

  He’d decided not to go down to the hangar. He didn’t want an awkward, public meeting. Far better to wait until she was brought here. He turned again.

  “The shuttle fromSpartanhas landed, Grand Admiral.”

  He nodded. The blasted machine didn’t really understand what it meant. “As soon as Miss Marten gets here, let her in.”

  He turned to face the door when it opened.

  She wore too-large, orange overalls, her hair hung loose around her shoulders. She was achingly beautiful but her face looked strange, strained. His heart constricted. “Allysha…”

  She rushed toward him, flung her arms around him and sobbed into his chest. He engulfed her in his arms, his cheek resting on her hair. He breathed in the clean, soap scent of her hair, ran splayed hands over her back, memorizing the feel of her against his body. He cried with her, tears of happiness
too long suppressed. She trembled, spasms racking through her. He let her cry.

  At last the flood subsided. Drained and empty, she pushed herself away, just enough so she could look into his face.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

  He smiled. “I don’t suppose you meant to be out in space on a dune crawler, either. But I’m glad you were.”

  “Did you tell them to look for me?”

  “Yes. I… ordered the destruction of the place.” He sucked in a breath. “I don’t think I’ve ever had to do anything so difficult in all my life. I was sure, I was certain I’d know the second you… died.” He licked his lips. “And when my soul remained intact, I was sure you were still alive.” He smiled again and ran gentle fingers down her cheek. “I love you.”

  She put her arms around his neck and stood on tiptoe. “I love you, too,” she whispered as she brushed his lips with hers.

  His arm tightened and his mouth crushed hers. She melted against him, eyes closed, and he immersed himself in her, her smell, the taste of her lips, her tongue in his mouth, her hair between his fingers.

  At last he took his mouth away. “I want to know everything,” he murmured as he gazed into her eyes.

  “You can tell me in bed.”

  A flicker of amusement sparkled in her eyes, her beautiful, wonderful, green-grass eyes. “You want to talk?”

  “Mm.” He released her and with his left arm around her shoulder, led her toward the bedroom, while his right hand unfastened his jacket. “In breaks between proceedings.”

  ****

  Oh, she was looking forward to this. Her body was already preparing itself. She watched him shuck off his boots and his shirt before she slipped out of the overalls and her panties. He shrugged out of the remainder of his clothes and pulled her naked body against his.

  “Allysha,” he sighed.

  She’d missed him, longed for him, dreamed of him. She thought she’d never see him again. She wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her lips against his throat, drank in his scent, the salty, musky taste of his skin while his hands slid over her back and down to her waist. He lowered her to the bed. She had expected him to enter her immediately but he didn’t. He lay beside her and caressed her as he might a fragile, precious object. He traced the line of her jaw and down her throat with tiny, soft kisses, all the while fondling her breast. She closed her eyes, drowning in the warmth of his caress, as his lips sought one nipple then the other. She melted at his touch as his fingers slipped down her belly and between her thighs. Her skin tingled in wave after wave of delicious erotic quivers.