by L. Fergus
“What’s it like being with a woman?”
“You mean sex or just dating one?”
“Both.”
“Well, ah, what do you like and what are you like? Everyone’s personality is different. I can’t really tell you. I’ve never dated a man to know the difference. If you’re curious, Case probably has the greatest depth and breadth of knowledge. I’m sure she’ll tell you if you ask.”
Valor tapped her cheek. Kita sighed and bent down to kiss her.
“There, we’re officially broken up. I’m just in charge of your security now.”
Kita nodded and smiled. They walked back to the knot of Angels.
“So, are you two staying around this time?” Kita asked Tina and Kamikaze.
“No. As per the agreement, we can’t hang around longer than we have to,” Kamikaze said, glaring at Tina.
“Good luck with Sheppard. She’s going to need your help.”
“What about me?” said Kita.
“She can help you with your stuff, too. She’s a good Angel and just got mixed up with the wrong person.”
Kita sneered.
“Bye, big sister.” Tina gave Kita a hug and gave Cotton a hug from behind. The Verisom squeaked in surprise. Laughing, the little Angel collapsed into a point of light and flew out of the ship.
“Bye, Kami. I wish you could stay,” said Kita.
“I’m sorry, Mom. Someday.”
“Someday you’ll have to tell me exactly what is going on.”
“I know. Soon.” Kamikaze said goodbye to the rest of the group. She went over and gave Cotton a more polite goodbye than Tina had. The Verisom smiled and said something in the cat’s ear. Kamikaze looked at her mom and laughed. She waved goodbye as she transformed into her point of light. She took off in the opposite direction of Tina.
“They’re an interesting pair,” said Defiance. “Amazing you’re all related.”
Kita shrugged. “Tina is definitely an outlier.”
Kita kicked back in the chair at her desk. It was well past the witching hour. There was a knock on her door. A sergeant entered and handed her an envelope. It was addressed to her or Cotton. Kita dismissed the Diamock with her thanks. She pulled the module out and plugged it into her computer.
It was the initial contract from the shipyard for repairs to Enterprise. Kita flipped to the back page to see the final cost. She saw the final figure and nearly fell out of her seat. There were more zeros than she’d ever seen.
There’s no way Cotton can afford to pay that. Only a government, a rich government, had that much money. She doubted she could get the Diamock government to help foot the bill.
Cotton was going to be crushed if they couldn’t get the ship repaired. Kita looked at the contract again and went white. This wasn’t a contract for the repairs, this was a contract for the preliminaries—dock fees, transfer fees, insertion fees, administrative costs, permits, subcontracting bidding costs, and much more before any torch or wrench touched Enterprise.
The next logical person to ask was the Queen of Verisom. It wouldn’t hurt to send a message and ask. She searched for Verisom on her computer and brought up the planetary government’s page. It looked to be a pretty, tropical world mostly flat except for mountains in the arctic region.
She had a short daydream of Cotton on one of the many beaches pictured. Each warren had a page. She’d never seen Cotton’s warren. She searched for it, but couldn’t find it. Then she remembered she was searching for the wrong name, and entered Cotton’s formal name, which she couldn’t pronounce. The computer found Cotton, her picture blinked above the arctic region.
That couldn’t be right. She tapped on Cotton’s picture, and the computer zoomed into the region displaying pictures of towns, the people, and various recreational resorts. She looked up the statistics for the Warren. It had the smallest population and…Kita’s eyes nearly bulged out of her head. The yearly net income wasn’t measured in millions or billions but in 1021. That couldn’t be right for a resort town. She clicked on industry. Maybe they do industrial and precious metals mining? But even then that wouldn’t generate that kind of revenue. The only industry listing was xeox production.
What is xeox? She searched for it and tapped the page. Xeox was what they called their FTL fuel. There were only five places in known space where it was found. No wonder money never bothers Cotton. The girl’s home is the gas station for the galaxy. She brought up Cotton’s personal data. Her net worth was over 1024.
Kita gulped. She thought she’d been fabulously wealthy once, but this was a completely different league of money. She could have bought a small moon. Cotton could buy several star systems. She just felt the balance of their relationship fall to one side with a clunk. She now understood why Cotton prized rare things. Is that why Cotton wanted me? What’s rarer than an Angel? Only six in existence.
And when was she going to tell me this? She’d already held back her place in line for the throne from her. It would probably be one of those wedding-night surprises.
Kita really didn’t care. Money had always been kind of an arbitrary thing. Everything she needed had always been given to her, except when she was PL. Cotton’s money didn’t bother her. The Verisom didn’t have the power to make her stay if she wanted to leave.
She pulled the module out and put it back in the envelope. She’d let Miss Moneybags worry about it. It did explain why Cotton hadn’t cared about the state of the ship when she gave it to her or why the largest shipyard cleared their yard for her when she called.
Kita shook her head and looked up at the ceiling. She pointed her finger at it and a fireball splashed off the metal panel. There were better things than money or rare items in the world. Power was better than money because there were people in the galaxy, like her, who couldn’t be bought.
The arena was fuller than Kita’s last visit. It was packed past standing room only. Her face was everywhere, and everyone wanted to see the hero of the Last Stand of the Tet, as some reporter had dubbed it.
The crowd stood as the Grand Panel entered. Each was dressed in their most formal attire. Kita wore a plain black bodysuit, thinking this was just a routine question and answer session. This felt more like a trial. A set of security guards coming out to set up a plastic screen between her and them didn’t help.
“I didn’t know this was a formal affair,” she called making Cotton’s ear twitch. She waved a hand down her body, and her body suit became her qipao. On the front panel of her skirt, she’d added Cotton’s crest to denote her status with the Verisom. The trick awed the crowd. Kita spread her hand and waved it back and forth to change her makeup from the subdued look to her most formal smoky look. Off to her left in a corner were her friends. The other Angels had followed her lead to change to something more formal, even Sheppard changed to her dress uniform.
The panel took their seats and waited for the crowd to settle down from the Angels’ public transformation.
“Please be seated, Vicereine,” said Cotton.
Kita had been ignoring the high-backed chair. I wonder who’s behind this insult. She pushed it over with her foot and slid it across the floor. “I’ll stand, thanks.”
“I hope you’ve had a chance to recover from the incident,” said Hali.
“Battle you mean?” said Kita. “As much as I love my ship, being confined to it doesn’t exactly tell me to relax. I have had a chance to personally thank my crew and offer condolences to the squadmates of the two hundred and eighty-three dead I suffered, and to visit the four hundred and twenty-nine wounded.”
“It is a tragedy so many were lost.”
“Seven thousand seven hundred and thirty-two dead and two thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine wounded between both sides. To me, they are more than just numbers. I have had a lot of time at night, and I’ve personally written a condolence letter to each princess and warren of each Verisom lost, and personal letters to the wounded. I’ve also written letters to the commanders, squadmates, an
d/or families of every Diamock, Djinn, Aurori, and Zentos lost and injured. And, I’ve written three open letters to the people of the Tet, the human fleet, and Tet-Sec for their losses and injured.” Kita reached into her skirt and pulled out six memory modules. She set them in a row on the table. “These modules contain a copy of each letter, one module for each of you and the press. The letters have already been sent, but in the interest of being thorough, I hope you’ll also deliver them through your official channels.”
King Lear and Grand Marshal Tetarax looked on stone-faced. Lord Falix looked moved that someone acknowledged his people’s contribution. Hali and Cotton looked on the verge of tears.
“The fighting didn’t leave my own family untouched. UEE Marine Private Timothy Cross gave his life fighting above the Tet to protect his princess. He died when a Diamock sloop blew our truck out of the sky. The boy fell to his death. I tried to reach him, but I couldn’t. His death was needless and tragic. His commanding officers, Admiral Sheppard, Princess Bush, and I have handwritten letters signed and sealed in blood to his mother, Madeline Cross, in Amarillo, Texas. His body will return with the human fleet when they move out. Like all the dead and wounded he was doing his duty to his commander, comrades, government, and planet.
“I will not shy away from accepting my share of the blame. Hindsight is always clear, and there was plenty I could have done differently. But I believe I’m not alone in accepting blame. Others should be recognized as heroes. The crew of Mauler willingly took on the enemy unsupported. In the face of overwhelming odds they held firm in withering enemy fire. Without them, the outcome would have been much worse. Princess Cotton and the Verisom fleet rose to protect the Tet even when the other fleets hesitated. They suffered incredible losses while holding the line. I hope the Grand Panel will show them and all the soldiers and sailors who gave everything to protect the Tet the respect they deserve.”
The arena was silent.
“I see she hasn’t lost a step,” Sheppard said to Defiance.
“The people are going to love her, and the powerful are going to hate her.”
Someone yelled ‘thank you’ to Kita’s left and applauded. The arena was engulfed in a respectful roar of approval. Cotton, Hali, and Lord Falix stood and joined in the applause. Even some of the Tet-Sec officers applauded her.
Kita stood in the center looking stoic. Her eyes locked with Grand Marshal Tetarax’s for a moment. The Diamock looked furious at being outmaneuvered before the interview had begun. Kita walked away from her station back to her friends. She thanked each one and endured a hug from Onyx.
“Are you finished, Vicereine?” Grand Marshal Tetarax asked after order had been restored.
“Probably not. I’m sure the panel has questions.”
“Yes, we do. But first, I wish to raise a motion.”
The rest of the panel looked at him.
“I motion that Princess Cotton and Grand Ambassador Ah’tem recuse themselves from the panel. It’s well established they have a personal relationship with the Vicereine.”
“What’s wrong, Grand Marshal, do you think my recent exclusivity with Princess Cotton will keep her from being impartial?” Kita called.
Every reporter turned to her. Kita gave them a dazzling smile. Cotton smiled with her.
The only thing better than a war hero is a war hero marrying another war hero. Once this was over, she and Cotton would be swamped by reporters. Hopefully, Cotton has a good press team.
“Excuse me, please, everyone settle down,” called Lord Falix. He repeated himself five more times until the crowd sat.
“Sorry, my lord, I didn’t mean to cause a scene,” Kita said when she could be heard.
“Can we please move the proceedings forward, Vicereine. We’ve been delayed long enough,” said King Lear.
Kita smiled. “I agree, Your Majesty. Please, ask away.”
“I insist that Princess Cotton and Grand Ambassador Ah’tem remove themselves from the Grand Panel for the duration of this investigation,” Grand Marshal Tetarax demanded.
“Then you must step back as well,” said Hali forcefully. “It was you I was talking to when we were chased in the city. You gave the orders to the Diamock forces. If there is the possibility blame may be laid at your feet, then you can’t be any more objective than Cotton or me.”
“I did nothing of the sort. The response was given by my junior commanders doing their duty.”
“No junior commander would order a warship inside the atmosphere of a petal.”
There was a quick meeting between King Lear and Lord Falix. “I have consulted with King Lear. That all members of the panel may stay, but only he and I will have voting authority,” said Lord Falix.
“Sounds fair to me,” said Kita.
“You don’t have the authority to bring such an action,” said Grand Marshal Tetarax.
“But the entire panel does,” said Hali. “So, I call for a vote. Princess Cotton, Grand Marshal Tetarax, and I will remain on the panel for information gathering purposes only. We will have no vote for the length of the investigation, nor any that result from its outcome. How do we vote?”
The vote came out four to one for the resolution, and Lord Falix was named investigation lead. After the panel had finished sorting itself out, they came back around to Kita, who had stepped aside to chat with the other Angels.
“Kita…I mean, Vicereine, we’re ready,” Cotton called.
Kita waved and gave a quick set of hugs to Valor, Defiance, and Sheppard. As she walked away, she was grabbed from behind and given a crushing hug by Onyx. When she finished, the Graniite tossed Kita into the air. The Angel glided down and landed in front of her microphone.
“Apologies, Princess, everyone. My friends are highly excited for us.”
“We understand, Vicereine, but we are behind,” said Lord Falix.
“I am at your pleasure, my lord.”
“Then please explain, from your perspective, how and why this happened.”
That’s not open-ended or anything. Kita started at Angelica Station and told her story and how Defiance’s past was slowly unfolded to her. When she realized the Tet was in danger, she made it her and her friends’ mission to do everything in their power to stop the human fleet.
“The Angels consider themselves members of the intergalactic community. We wish to do our part to protect places like the Tet and those that have offered us friendship. We did not mean to bring this to your station. We’re ready to accept whatever punishment the galactic community deems appropriate.”
“I didn’t think you’d actually accept the blame,” said Grand Marshal Tetarax.
“Are you trying to say I’m blaming Defiance for this?” Kita roared as she flashed in flame. “I would never betray a friend. The blame is mine. I made the mistakes. If there’s punishment to be doled out, then it is mine to bear.”
Defiance and the other Angels glided over to Kita.
Sheppard put a hand on Kita. “Calm yourself, Kita. The creature only has as much power over you as you let him. Remember there are two sides. What they and you are calling a mistake on the Princess’ part, I consider a good decision. You did more to minimize the damage than anyone else. And…” Sheppard smiled. “…I’m happy you bested me again.”
“Thank you, Admiral, or should I just say, Sheppard,” said Defiance. “You’ve done more than any friend could ask, Kita. But the fault lies at my feet, as much as I’ve denied it.” She reached out and touched Kita’s face. “I must follow my leader’s words and accept what is mine. Thank you for teaching me a valuable lesson. A lesson I should have been taught a long time ago.”
A tear slid down Kita’s cheek. She took Defiance’s hand and kissed her palm.
Defiance turned and looked at the Grand Panel.
“Members of the Grand Panel, I hope you don’t mind if I put aside pleasantries. I think we are all on a level where it doesn’t matter. I call some of you friends and hope to continue when this is over. For th
e rest of you, I hope we can work together to find an answer. I will inform you that I do speak for my grandmother, the Emperor of the United Earth Empire, in an informal capacity. Because I am an Angel, I can’t make any binding agreements beyond what I alone can carry out here. Nor will I turn over any secrets to you or give you part of the fleet that is here as reparations.
“This was a mistake of an individual that unfortunately caused a conflict among nations. This isn’t the first time and won’t be the last. I do wish that our governments can work together. Humanity has much to offer. I know words can’t bring back the dead, heal the injured, or repair the damaged, but you do have my humblest apologies for my decision not to inform Kita that my companion was a bodyguard that had the capability to contact the UEE. I am sorry it led to open hostilities between our governments. I will do whatever I can to make it right.”
Kita, Valor, and Sheppard moved up to stand next to her.
“She may be a princess, but Angels hang together,” said Valor. “Whatever she and we can do to make it right we will.”
Behind them, Hawke and the others jumped the barricade and marched across the room. “We all helped make the mess, we’ll help clean it up,” he said to Kita and Defiance.
Kita turned around and gave him a hug.
“Damn. Will this not get any stranger,” Sheppard muttered.
Kita hugged her next.
“Thank you, Princess,” Grand Marshal Tetarax said, dripping her title in contempt, “but a personal apology from a runaway royal is not acceptable. Someone is going to have to pay for the damages. The humans are not going to get away with this.”
Cotton pushed her chair away from the table. She marched down the stairs looking regal in her tiara, glittering jewelry, and tie-dyed sarong. Stopping in front of Defiance, she gave the Angel a hug.
“I’m sorry about your sister, Case. You have my and my queen’s deepest sympathies. If you decide to hold a death ceremony here, let me know.”
