by G. E. Stills
The thought of that made a genuine smile creep across Gina’s face.
“That’s better,” said Kat. “Now get the hell out of here, find your man and start practicing on making those babies.”
Kat left and Tantara assisted Gina to her feet. She dressed and left to find Joren.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Becky
The shuttle descended into the upper atmosphere of Ormel. Becky thought of the five Teelan ships that orbited the planet. One civilian ship and four warships including one of the kilometer long battleships. With their protection, there was little chance the men-gar would attack.
She glanced up at the screen that had lowered in front of her. The capitol city of Meingarth, being displayed on the screen, reminded her much of Earth’s Houston.
“I’m in contact with an operator at the airport tower,” the shuttle pilot reported to her over her communication implant.
“Very good, captain. Follow his directions,” Becky answered back.
“Yes, ma’am.”
The shuttle dropped further and shifted slightly into a new heading. Following the tower controllers directions, the pilot set down on the tarmac away from the bustling terminal. Though different in appearance, Becky recognized the many craft coming and going nearby as airplanes.
“The controller says to wait here. A delegation will meet us shortly.”
“Understood, Captain. You might open the door and extend the ramp.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The side door slid open and with a slight whine, the ramp extended. Becky slid to her feet and stood by the door. The morning air was warm and humid and promised to get hot as the day progressed. Allen, one of the ambassadors started to rise from his seat. “Sit, Allen. You too, Marsha,” she ordered. “This is our first face to face meeting with the people of Ormel. From now until I say different this is a military situation and that means I’m in charge.”
At her direction, two of the men from her four-person unit joined her at the door. The other two waited beside the ambassadors. Peering out the door, she watched three-ground cars approach. The one in the lead stopped in front of the ramp. The door opened and five men got out. One of the men stepped forward and Becky advanced partway down the ramp to greet him. She noted he wore a holstered sidearm, as did she and the rest of her unit.
“Greetings, I’m Stanislof Laterner,” he said.
“Stanislof is the equivalent of major and Laterner must be his name,” her AI, Randy, supplied.
“Thanks, Randy.”
“Greetings, Stanislof Laterner, I’m Lieutenant Commander Mitchell.” To her surprise, he saluted and then extended his hand. She returned the salute then took the remaining steps down the ramp and shook his hand.
“I have been studying English since your people first made contact with us and I would like it very much if you called me Pla’ton instead of Major Laterner,” he said. “That is my first name.”
“Okay,” Becky said, “if you will address me as Becky, you have a deal.”
“Most excellent. Becky if you and the others will join us, we’ll take you to the housing quarters that have been readied for you. These are temporary until the permanent embassy is finished.”
“Very good, Pla’ton.” She issued the orders for the rest to join her. Becky ushered Allan and Marsha into the back seat of the limo type car. One of her team slipped into the facing seat and she ducked in beside him.
“May I join you?” Pla’ton indicated the space beside her.
“Certainly,” she answered and moved over to give Pla’ton space.
During the short drive, Becky divided her attention between gazing out the tinted windows at Meingarth and studying Pla’ton. He wore his dark brown hair in a short military style flat top cut. A tan colored uniform accented his magenta complexion.
“My ten member team and I have been charged with providing security to you.” He smiled. “I’m certain this will be largely ceremonial though, because our government and the people are delighted to welcome you.” He glanced over at Allan and Marsha. “The plans are to allow you time to settle into your quarters today. Tomorrow three of our representatives will meet with you to begin negotiations. To be frank,” he continued, “I am personally excited and happy to welcome you. The members of my unit and I have schooled in English so hopefully communication will not be a problem.”
“We’ve also schooled in you language, Pla’ton, so I agree there should not be a problem in understanding each other. We’re happy to be here. I think great things will come from the union of our races,” Allan said.
The conversation turned to small talk and Pla’ton indicating points of interest in his city during the rest of the trip. The caravan of three limos pulled up in front of a twenty-story skyscraper type building.
Pla’ton exited the car and held the door for them while they entered a lobby. “We have appropriated the nineteenth and twentieth floors of the hotel Me’galith, and remodeled them to Teelan specifications according to the information provided. I hope they’ll meet with your approval, but if there is anything you wish changed or added let me know.”
The group crossed the lobby to an elevator amid many stares from the other hotel patrons. Pla’ton stationed two of his men as guards in front of the elevator door and gave instructions for the remaining eight to take the other elevator. Becky ushered the two ambassadors and her four-man unit into the car, then she and Pla’ton joined them.
Pla’ton inserted a key in the slot by the doors, they closed and the car started its journey up. Pla’ton further explained, “This is the only elevator that goes to the twentieth floor. The operator of the car can of course stop on any floor they choose, but it can’t be summoned or stopped by people on outside.” He handed Becky a key. “You will have to use this to activate the car.” He handed a key to Allan and Marsha. “You, Marsha and Allan each have a key. The only other one I have. I’m sure these precautions are not needed, but-”
“Better to be safe than sorry,” Becky finished.
“Exactly,” Pla’ton agreed. “There are stairs the lead up to the nineteenth floor. The elevator next to us is an express one too, but only goes to the nineteenth floor. This car and stairs from the nineteenth are the only way to get to the penthouse from inside the hotel. On the roof, there is a helicopter-landing pad. Yes, we have helicopters too. That is the only other access to the, I believe your term is penthouse, on the top floor.”
He stopped the car at the nineteenth floor and they waited for Pla’ton’s men to join them from the other elevator. Pla’ton stationed a man at the stairwell shaft leading up from below and another one at the elevator. “You four,” he pointed out four of his men, “are dismissed to go to your assigned rooms. You know the schedule.”
The men departed down the hallway and each went into one of the rooms.
He turned to Becky. “The four I dismissed will rotate with the others as relief. Each man is familiar with all the areas of responsibility. You and each of the people in your unit have rooms assigned here also, as do I.”
The rest of the group crowded in the elevator car for the short trip up to the next floor. The elevator doors opened and the group stepped out. Pla’ton sent his two remaining men to the stairway that led to the rooftop. Strolling across the huge room, Pla’ton showed Allan and Marsha into two lavishly appointed bedrooms. A chime from Pla’ton’s pocket interrupted the continued tour.
“Yes. Very well. Send the luggage and I will inform the Lieutenant Commander.”
He hung up. “Your luggage will arrive shortly. I am also to inform you, Becky, that the shuttle has returned to the Vancouver. I notice you don’t appear to have any of these,” he indicated his phone. I will supply ones to you and each of your people. They can be tied into our dedicated frequency, or if you prefer, a frequency of your own.”
“I would like to have one of
the phones, but you will not need to supply them to my unit. We have other means of communicating.”
Pla’ton cocked his head waiting for her to further explain. When she didn’t, he dismissed it. “I’ll let you disburse your unit as you see fit, Becky.”
“Thanks. Marty you go up top and join Pla’ton’s two men on the roof. James you stand guard at the elevator entrance to the penthouse. Jane, you and Murphy go back down to your rooms. You’ll relieve James and Marty.” The four people rushed away to their assigned duties. “And then there were just the two of us.” She laughed.
“Yes. Again, welcome to Ormel, Becky. Drink?” He strolled across the floor headed for the bar in one corner and she followed.
“Drink?”
“Water I think.” He laughed. “We are on duty after all. I would like you to taste some of our wine selection at a later time. When we’re not working.”
“Water will be fine. I might as well try it and see if it is compatible with my digestive system. There is a unit coming with our luggage that will test your foods compatibility with our digestive systems.”
“Excellent.”
While Pla’ton poured them glasses of water, she allowed her gaze to drift over the room. Several large couches accompanied many overstuffed chairs all of them a light tan in color. The floor was a combination of plush earth-tone carpet and shiny white tile in certain areas. One wall was entirely made of glass. Two of the other walls were an off-white and the last was chocolate-brown much like her own complexion. Several, what must be large TVs hung on the walls.
Pla’ton finished pouring their drinks and handed one to her. He picked up a small box with many buttons on it and pressed one. A section of the glass wall trundled to the side forming a doorway to the balcony outside.
“Shall we?” He indicated the door.
Together they went outside and while she gazed at the city below he continued. “I hope the accommodations meet with your approval. The Captain of the battleship circling Ormel has been very generous in providing us with information about Earth and we have attempted to make your surroundings reflect them. I find that the technology and civilization of Earth is remarkably similar to ours. Or at least the Earth of about twenty years ago.” He cocked his head. “The Captain wasn’t nearly as free with information about Teelan. I know that things are much different there and your technology is far advanced from ours.”
She couldn’t miss Pla’ton’s hint. “The ambassadors will tell your representatives more about Teelan, I’m certain. It’s not for me to decide what to tell you and what not to. I’m just a military working girl.” She chuckled. She decided she liked Pla’ton and liked him more as time passed.
The tight bun in her hair prevented her hair from stirring in the gentle breeze on the balcony. Although the day’s heat was increasing, the climate control ability of her black and silver flight suit maintained her body at optimum comfortable temperature.
Major Pla’ton’s phone buzzed again. “Good. Send them up.” He broke the connection. “Your luggage has arrived. The baggage handlers are bringing it up. Shall we go see to its distribution?”
“Sure.”
When they walked back in from the balcony, they saw that both Allan and Marsha were seated in the room. “One of my men will see that your luggage is delivered. Lieutenant Commander Mitchell and I are going down to see to the distribution of the rest.”
Becky glanced at Allan. “If that is okay?”
“Sure, Becky. We’re fine aren’t we Marsha?”
“Yes. Take your time about returning we’ll be busy unpacking.”
She and Pla’ton rode down to the next floor and took care of the baggage.
“This is your room, Becky,” Pla’ton indicated one of the doors. “Mine is right next door.
The man behind them went in, set the bags on the floor and left.
“I’ll let you get settled,” Pla’ton said, “But I would like to see you later, upstairs. We can have a bite to eat and coordinate our personal.”
“That’ll be fine. I’ll see you in a couple hours.”
He left, closing the door behind him. Becky gazed around her room. A comfy looking bed, dressers, two chairs at a small table and a couch filled the room. It was not huge or extravagant like the ones the ambassadors had, but it was ample for her. Sliding glass doors led out to a small personal balcony. She began unpacking. As she put away her toiletries, she saw the bathroom was well equipped.
Her implanted communicator hummed to life. “Becky,” Allan said, “I’m certain I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, but it appears we are more protected here than we would be in Fort Knox on Earth.”
“It would appear you’re correct,” she answered.
“Therefore I’m telling you and your people to relax a little. The Mistia people welcome us and want to be our friends.”
“I think you’re right, Allan, still…”
“Becky, relax. Do your guard thing and remain vigilant, but you don’t have to be so formal. Let your hair down and put on some civvies.” Allan reversed her earlier words. “This is a civilian operation now and that ultimately means I’m in charge, so consider this as an order from me.”
“Okay, sir.” She allowed a grin to spread across her lips.
“See you in a little. Bye.” He broke the connection.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The meeting adjourned for the day and the Mistia representatives filed up the stairs to the waiting helicopter. Becky stood on the balcony gazing out on the city. It was hard for her to believe that eight months had passed. She peered up into the sky. Although she could not see them, she knew the five Teelan spaceships orbited Ormel.
The Slayer had left orbit seven months ago to carry out its mission. She wondered how Gina was. I hope you’re safe sister. The swish of helicopter blades increased in volume. Moments later, she watched it rise into the air and speed away.
Becky’s thoughts turned to the conditions here on Ormel. The entire Mistia population lived on this single continent. The other two had been rendered uninhabitable by past nuclear war. At least now they are united and have one central government.
The addition of ten more soldiers to Pla’ton’s guard force made her job here largely ceremonial. She still stationed one of her force at the penthouse elevator and the other on the roof, but her main job these days had been reduced to sitting next to Allan and providing military information to their new Mistia friends.
Not exactly the occupation I desire.
“Home sick?” Pla’ton asked when he stepped up beside her and leaned against the chest high rail.
“A little,” she admitted. “Is everyone gone for the day?”
“Yep. Supper is on the way for Allan and Marsha. I set up the guard shifts.”
“I guess I should go check on my people,” Becky said.
“They’re fine, Becky. I checked on them and besides, if there was a problem you would know about it right away, what with your implants.”
She grinned. Pla’ton had learned about the communicators beneath the skin of each person in her unit. “You’re right of course. I guess then I should go to my quarters and order something to eat.”
“Becky, I have another idea,” Pla’ton said, “How about you join me at a restaurant I know of for dinner?”
“Uh––”
“I think that is an excellent idea,” Allan spoke from behind them. “Becky, you need to get away from here for a while. To my knowledge you haven’t stepped out the building in the last four months.”
Turning she started to protest and Allan silenced her. “Don’t argue with me. It will do you good. Besides, you’re representing our race. It’s high time you mingled a little with the Mistia people. Unless you don’t want to be with the Major.” He quirked an eyebrow.
She cast a glance at the Majo
r beside her. He was handsome and she liked him. He had a muscular body, rugged masculine face and a great personality. What’s not to like?
“It’s not that. My duties here––” she started.
“Can handle you taking a night off,” Allan interrupted. “In fact, since tomorrow starts the two day rest period and we don’t have any negotiations. I think in addition to going to dinner tonight you should take tomorrow off. The Major might even be convinced to take you sightseeing.” The ambassador quirked one eyebrow again, this time at Pla’ton in question.
“Most certainly, Ambassador. I would be happy to take her for a tour.”
Becky was speechless. Dammit, Allan, you manipulating bastard. She glanced to the side at Pla’ton. His lips were pressed tightly together to silence his laugh, but the twinkle in his ice-blue eyes told her he was enjoying watching her boss lecture her.
The shit. She refused to provide him the satisfaction of knowing how pleased she was to be asked to dine with him.
“And you are pleased,” Randy, her AI, said.
“Shut-up Randy. I don’t need you adding to my discomfort.”
Randy’s chuckle hummed in her head, but he didn’t make further comments.
“Well, Major, it appears in order to please my boss,” she stressed, please my boss, “I will be accepting your dinner invitation. So, is what I’m wearing acceptable at this place you have in mind?”
Pla’ton gazed at her silver and black jumpsuit. “It probably would be, but maybe something a little dressier?”
“I see. Well then I’ll change clothes.”
Pla’ton smiled. “And so will I. Can you be ready in about an hour?”
“I’ll be ready by then. I’ll meet you by the elevator going down to the lobby.” She turned and stalked away. As she passed Allan, she whispered, “I smell a plot here and I will make you pay, even though you are my boss.”
