by C. M. Kane
Loki nodded. ‘Of course.’
She was now so thoroughly relieved and excited at the prospect of her new job, she did what was now becoming a habit for her when she was happy, she launched herself straight at Loki and hugged him fiercely.
‘Thank you, thank you, thank you,’ she said excitedly, ‘I swear I won’t let you down, I’ll study hard, I promise.’
Loki was bewildered by her behavior. Those in service didn’t touch their gods, let alone wrap their arms around them, unless they were having sex of course. But, just like her look back on the Island, it felt surprisingly nice.
A smiling Odin looked at him and shrugged. ‘It’s what the girl does when she’s happy, apparently.’
At Odin’s words Tae realized what she was doing and dropped her arms. She stepped away from them, horrified at her impulsive actions. ‘My sincere apologies, my lord,’ she said. ‘I was overcome with happiness at your generosity and knew of no other way to thank you. It appears I’m becoming a tad spontaneous,’ she said sheepishly.
Odin laughed. ‘Looks like you might have your hands full with this one, Radnor … literally.’
Radnor raised an eyebrow. ‘It appears so, my lords, but I shall do my utmost to teach the young lieutenant what is to be expected from one in her position.’ Radnor turned to Tae. ‘If you will follow me, we’ll begin your initial briefing immediately.’ He turned and walked away with Tae following behind him, all the while thinking of her new position and all that it would entail, after all, Radnor was Loki’s second, he must have lots of exciting things to teach her.
At long last her life was looking up again, it was clear sailing from here on she told herself happily. The worst was finally over.
As Tae left Loki turned to Brohan and Valaria. ‘There are jumpers awaiting your departure. I’ve informed Tannan of where you’re going so don’t be shy about asking him for anything. You’re to report to me as soon as you return, or if there’s a problem.’
Brohan and Valaria bowed their heads. ‘Yes, my lord,’ they intoned, and then they, too, turned and departed.
Odin looked at his son. ‘You have the makings of an excellent crew, Loki. Luckily you still have Radnor and your best techs left.’ He frowned slightly. ‘Let’s hope he doesn’t knock the spontaneity out of the girl, I find her honesty and lack of guile quite refreshing. Besides,’ he grinned, ‘I think she’ll keep you on your toes, if you can refrain from killing her for her lapses in etiquette.’
Loki smiled back at his father. ‘I’ll endeavor to keep myself under control, father. I was more worried about having to stop Zeus from killing her when she butted in today.’ He started to laugh. ‘Did you see her utter lack of concern at his threat?’ He shook his head. ‘I’m not sure if she has no idea how volatile he can be when his temper is roused, or if she just doesn’t care what any of us think. I’m actually beginning to lean towards the later.’
Odin shook his head. ‘I think he’s intrigued by her, he obviously wants to bed the girl and, from the look on his face at the pavilion, he was shocked when she chose service with you. Did you believe her reasons?’ he asked.
Loki thought for a moment then nodded. ‘Yes, she has a need to prove herself, coupled with a strong desire for revenge, not to mention her thirst for knowledge. If she gets her hormones under control she’ll be an outstanding find.’
Loki turned abruptly to face Vulcan who was still standing quietly beside him. ‘I’m still at a total loss to see just what the hell she saw in you to get her so hot under the collar though?’
Vulcan raised his eyebrows. ‘Jealous, Loki? Now that is interesting.’ Smiling to himself he turned and sauntered away, leaving a nonplussed Loki glaring after him.
‘Jealous.’ He scoffed. ‘As if I need to be jealous of anyone. I’ve already procured two nymphs for a little entertainment after the meeting.’
Odin smiled benignly. ‘That is only as it should be my son.’
Loki of course, omitted that he had requested the two nymphs have long black hair and green eyes, if possible.
Chapter 15
Radnor escorted Tae to a large room that served as his office while he and Loki were onboard the Olympus. He went to his com-desk and sat down while Tae waited expectantly.
‘You have a lot to learn young woman, a lot,’ he said. ‘For the rest of today I will be going over the vids of your time on the Island, along with the vid from the WLE Headquarters. The med techs have also seen fit to send me what they have on you and your odd nanites. You have just taken a class with Commander Brohan in the jumper simulators, yes?’
‘Yes, sir.’ Tae nodded.
‘Good, I want you to continue with the lessons until you are proficient in the piloting of jumpers of varying sizes and designs,’ he said.
‘I admit, I was surprised at Lord Loki ordering the de-ageing nanites for a terran warrior, but I have since studied Commander Brohan’s records and agree with his reasoning. The commander obviously knows what he’s doing and should prove to be a very valuable asset.’
‘Your aunt, Lieutenant Salesh, is an interesting choice, but once again, she could prove extremely beneficial given her more unusual training.’
Unusual training? Tae thought, What unusual training?
‘You will have the next fourteen hours off,’ Radnor continued, ‘this will bring you in line with the ship’s twentyseven hour schedule, we will start your work at the beginning of a new day.’
He reached up to his com-panel and punched in some orders. ‘I have been informed you received a communications chip when you were recovering from your injuries. I have just ordered a new com-watch set to Lord Loki’s official frequency, it will be awaiting collection at the armory. Oh, and this is yours I believe.’
He took the battered com-watch Brohan had given her before she entered the Island from his pocket and pushed it across the desk to her. ‘Commander Vesh took it from the WLE Headquarters back on Terra, he gave it to me while you were in the infirmary.
‘Thank you,’ she said in relief. ‘It’s got all my music and movie vids on it.’ She picked up the watch and strapped it onto her arm.
‘Most importantly,’ Radnor said sternly, ‘you will remember your position in Lord Loki’s staff and not launch yourself at people, be they gods or wolven. Is that understood?’
Tae blushed scarlet. ‘You know about that?’
Radnor sighed. ‘Despite its size this is still a relatively small community lieutenant. When an attractive young woman walks up to the commander of Zeus’ security forces and kisses him in front of everyone, people do tend to notice. Especially when the commander then makes an appointment at the House of Aphrodite as soon as you leave, and I might add, after talking to your aunt.
This shocked Tae a little, she had nothing against people using a house of pleasure, after all it was between two consenting adults, but had she been so inept that Vesh couldn’t wait to be with a professional? Someone who actually knew what they were doing? Speaking of which, just what the hell had Valaria said to him? Tae’s anger started to rise, as every selfdoubt she’d ever had started to crowd in on her while she listened to Radnor’s lecture in decorum.
‘Lieutenant Rames, you have just been responsible for saving our Lord Loki and his most brilliant techs from entombment. You then went on to save all the gods that had arrived at the pavilion, and then single handedly brought down the Hindishah. I have also been reliably informed there are rumors that your responsible for turning half the WLE warriors either orange or red, and there are vids circulating from your time on the Island, all of which I am about to watch for myself. People are intrigued by you, you have captured the imagination of their gods and they want to know why. From now on you will conduct yourself in a manner more befitting a lieutenant in Lord Loki’s personal staff. There will be no more breaking into the terran museum to download those foolish music vids. I can assure you, you will have far too much study for such childish endeavors.’
‘But its music,�
�� Tae said, both horrified and angry. ‘It can’t hurt anyone, and it helps me relax and have fun. I need it!’
Radnor glared at her. ‘You have just been given orders from a superior officer, Lieutenant Rames. You will obey these rules or suffer the consequences, is that understood?’
‘Consequences?’ Tae asked, barely holding her rapidly rising temper in check. ‘What do you mean by consequences?’
Radnor pulled his head back and looked at her in confusion. Usually people simply obeyed him without question, let alone when he issued not so subtle threats. He wasn’t sure what to say but she was staring at him expectantly. ‘Your service, and possibly your life, will be terminated immediately.’
‘What?’ she said shocked. ‘You’d actually kill me for kissing someone, or listening to music?’
Radnor quirked an eyebrow at her as if to say, of course, why wouldn’t I.
Tae felt her control snap as her temper flared to full life. What in Hades name is wrong with these people, I try to do the right thing by everyone and what thanks do I get in return? I get threats to my life if I kiss anyone in public, or worse, if I download anymore of my music, she seethed inwardly. Those selfish, arrogant, pricks! To think I actually hugged Loki! That total humongous knob!
Her mind went straight back to the meeting. First it was Isis with her little warning for pointing out the damn obvious to them, and now I get stuck with some ancient old bloodsucker that looks as though he wouldn’t recognize a good time if it come up and bit him in the arse. And just to top it all off, that stupid wolf is off having sex with an expert instead of me. This isn’t fair, none of this is!
She stood there fuming while she decided what to do, once her mind had quickly whittled through her options, which were pretty much limited to zero, she settled on the only thing open to her. She took a deep breath and leant over to look fully into Radnor’s pale red eyes.
‘Well then, Elite Commander Radnor, I suggest you tell Lord Loki I quit. Oh, and please be sure to give him this for me, it’s most important.’ She grinned, lifted her hand, and waved. When she had finished her brief wave she swung around and stormed from the room without a backward glance.
Radnor stared after her for a moment in consternation and anger. What in Hades’ name is wrong with the silly child this time? He leant back and sighed tiredly. Lord Loki liked this strange little terran, that much was obvious, he wondered idly about the significance of her message. A silly grin followed by a wave goodbye? He had no idea, she was illmannered, uncouth, and seemed to be running on an excess of hormones. Perhaps it might be advisable if he insisted she visit the House of Aphrodite onboard the Olympus to get herself under control.
He rubbed between his eyes with his fingers, he was still feeling the effects of his century’s long sleep, and his overly sensitive eyes stung. The red eye would be gone soon thanks to the med techs and the fresh nanite-enriched blood they were giving him. Still, he reasoned, he was her superior in both rank and race. He knew she would relent shortly and come back to apologize to him as soon as she was over her little temper tantrum, it was the only logical course open to her. He’d probably have to lecture her yet again on her lack of manners and respect for a superior officer, as well as punish her in some way for her rudeness. In the meantime he would study her file and go through the vids to catch up on everything he had missed. Confident with his plan of action, he settled into his chair and bought up her file, all of which had been generously supplied by another of her fans, Elite Commander Tannan, he sighed to himself again and began reading.
Chapter 16
Tae was livid, it was a simple kiss for all the gods’ sakes. The first she had ever given to a man, and they’d kill her for it? Was this the life she wanted? Tied down to a strict set of rules that meant she couldn’t be herself anymore? She knew she’d changed a hell of a lot since surviving the Island, she was now confident in herself as a person. Could she give all of that up now that she had finally found herself? It would mean going back to the girl she was before the Island. The child, who was forever trying to prove herself worthy of any tiny scrap of approval thrown her way.
Frustrated to her core she stalked the corridors, going over Radnor’s words in her mind. It seemed she was expected to become a mini Radnor, all polite and quiet, forever standing loyally behind her god, never to speak her mind or offer her unsolicited opinions on anything. Condemned to go to her room after her work and stay there until called upon, like a good little robot. She laughed harshly as she felt the hot sting of angry tears in her eyes. To think that just a short time ago she’d been filled with such high hopes.
Loki has done this, she thought, that miserable skinny turd deliberately put me in Radnor’s hands, he is his second in command and his most trusted commander. Loki must have known what he was going to say to me, that smarmy little prick. No! She liked the new Tae, the real Tae. Even with all the hugging and killing I’ve been doing lately. And as for stupid Vesh and his stupid appointments, well … I hope … I hope his balls explode !
For the first time since she’d received her nanites she felt free, like she was worthy, and she’d be damned if she’d give that feeling up for anyone. Screw them all. She had come too far and done too much to change who she was for some man, even if he were a god.
She reasoned, rather sanctimoniously, that she wasn’t hurting anyone with her music, she was simply enjoying herself, and it had proved useful in that it had saved her life. Following that line of reasoning aggressively she quickly concluded that her music was not only a major life saving device, but it had the added benefit of de-stressing her. She could refrain from the public displays of affection she supposed, but even that was just a bit of fun. Why did she have to change who she was? Would they stop her from hugging Jason, her mum, or even Valaria? What about Brohan, who was like a father to her? What the hell was so wrong with her that these people thought she needed changing? After all she’d accomplished over the last few weeks she thought she might be cut a bit of slack. But apparently not, apparently all that bastard Loki seemed to want was to change her into another Radnor.
She stormed into her room and threw herself down onto her sleeping pallet.
Now what the hell do I do? She kicked at the wall with her foot. She could always go to Isis, but she probably had her own set of stupid rules to follow.
‘Stupid gods and their stupid rules. No music!’ She muttered sullenly, ‘that’s simply going too far.’
The trouble was she couldn’t just get up and walk out; she was in a freaking space ship. She certainly couldn’t just take a jumper, leave, and try to make it to Cassandra as her mind was now urging her to do. She frowned as she realized that the seer had been at on the edge of her consciousness ever since the meeting, she pushed the thought away and concentrated on the here and now. She was effectively trapped here. She paused in mid kick, or was she?
Tae immediately stopped kicking the wall and sat up, her mind suddenly consumed with thoughts of taking a jumper. Was it possible to get around this so she didn’t have to actually steal anything? She sat there a further twenty minutes going through scenarios in her mind until she came up with a feasible plan.
She would need supplies of course, but that should be easily taken care of. She smiled. It’s worth a shot, she thought with renewed determination. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen? Brohan and Valaria were now settling into their new jobs, and she knew Loki needed them, so she wasn’t concerned about their futures. Jason and her mum were safe now. She was the only one that was stuck in an intolerable situation.
She smiled to herself in satisfaction; after all, if she could pull this off then technically it wouldn’t even be stealing, not really. And besides, she now had another place she needed to be. The mere idea of going to Cassandra had ignited something within her, it was like a sirens call urging her on. Satisfied with her plan she settled her hand on the com-panel beside her sleeping pallet to begin the first phase. She sent her nanites into the
mainframe of the Olympus to look for what she wanted as discreetly as possible.
She waited impatiently for a further fifteen minutes before she found the necessary information. They would discover her breach quickly so time was of the essence, unfortunately Tannan was very good at his job. She disconnected and hurried out of her room, heading straight for the Garden. She refused to give herself time to think through whether what she was doing was a good idea or not. She was running on a deep well of frustration, anger, and hurt, along with a subtle need that kept pushing her inexorably toward Cassandra.
She figured it was far too late to change her mind anyway. She’d just hacked the mainframe of the Olympus, and that wasn’t going to go down well with anyone. She arrived outside the large double doors of the Garden. Everything depended on who was here right now, and her ability to act. She peered in briefly, seeing only Baste and Thor talking quietly on one of the benches. She smiled slyly to herself then walked in. Once she reached the two gods she bowed low.
‘Please excuse my interruption, my lord and lady, but I was hoping Lord Loki might still be here?’
‘He left for the Asgard a short time ago with our father,’ Thor said, looking up at her. ‘He won’t be back for another several hours.’
He looked over at Baste, grinning. ‘Apparently father has some nymphs Loki wanted to be introduced to.’
Tae crushed down the sudden flash of rage she felt. Now Loki was off having sex with some slutty nymphs while she was stuck here with Radnor, getting bullied and threatened.
First it was Vesh, and now Loki. Males! Humungous Knobs! She continued on with her plan with renewed relish at the news. ‘Damn it.’ She sighed, her face falling in feigned disappointment.
‘Is there anything I can help you with, Tae?’ Thor asked.
Tae looked at him with hope and admiration shining in her eyes.
‘Oh, please, Lord Thor. I wanted to complete my training on jumper piloting, but to do so I need Lord Loki to give permission for me to borrow a jumper.’ She looked at both gods. ‘I had hoped to have my training complete before the start of a new day onboard the Olympus. Commander Radnor has made it very clear there’s still so much I have to learn, and jumper training is just another thing I have to add to my already full list. And that’s apart from everything else that’s happening at the moment.’ She clasped her hands together and gazed imploringly from one god to the other. ‘It’s just that it would be one less thing I would have to be concerned about.’ She let disappointment flood her features again.
