“See if you can make it thirty, Harry. What about you, Signio? Can I count on support from the other sectors?”
“Definitely. I won’t commit without their approval, but we’ll scrape together as many as we can. I assume we’re talking about hardship duty.”
“We are. Until the Queen can move out into one of the sectors, I cannot support dependents.”
“What can the Queen do for you?” Mike asked.
Veswicki spoke immediately. “We need regular communications, and I am requesting a summons from the Queen for myself and my senior commanders.”
“She’ll want to Test you, but she’s not up to it yet. Multiple Testings take a lot of energy, energy that she won’t have for a while. I’ll let you know when she’s ready. Until then, you have Admiral Chandrajuski’s support, and that means you have hers.”
“You mentioned something about gleasons, Sire.”
Chandrajuski answered. “Struthers has recruited them.”
“How?”
“I don’t have a clue. There were three of them. Her Protectors took them out, but not before the last one threw a poisoned knife into her heart.”
“And she’s still alive?” Veswicki demanded.
“To make a long story short, Sir Mike killed the last gleason, then sent his Rider to the Queen. The Rider is repairing her injuries as we speak.”
Veswicki turned away, then turned back to Mike. He stared hard at him, but he addressed everyone within the room. “The Chosen have never carried Riders. Does anyone know what effect the Rider will have on her being Queen? Will her Touch still work?”
“We won’t know until she’s strong enough to try,” Chandrajuski said. “I’ve given this a lot of thought. If her Testing fails, she might be able to rid herself of the Rider. If all fails, we still have Alexis who will be named Daughter if she passes her Testing. The circle of those who know about this must remain very small. Understood?”
Solemn heads nodded agreement. “I will inform you when the Queen is ready to Test each of you. She may even come here to do it. That will be her decision.”
“Where are you off to next?” asked Veswicki.
“Admiral Korban is my next stop. You three will be my top commanders.”
“You’re wasting your time if you think you’ll get any help from him,” Veswicki responded. “He’s up to his eyeballs just trying to hold Orion Sector together. He’s in Struthers’ sights, and they’re going after him hard.”
Chandrajuski thought for a time, considering options. “I’d love to teach Struthers a lesson,” he finally said. “Can we offer any support to Korban?”
“We already sent a couple of courier ships. When neither returned, we sent a full squadron. Not a single ship has returned,” Seeton said. “We’re on the verge of declaring the squadron lost.”
“It has to be the Chessori,” Val said. “In addition to their mind weapon, they have some other advantages we do not have. They can track through hyperspace, and they have an interstellar communicator. Beware.”
Veswicki and Seeton looked at each other in alarm. Seeton said, “A dispatch was received from our lost squadron. It, too, claimed a trader tracked them through hyperspace.”
“A Chessori tracked me through hyperspace,” Mike said, “though they’re not actually tracking during the jump. Someone had placed a mechanism aboard our ship that broadcast our jump settings just prior to each jump, so they’re really tracking only during the intervals between jumps. I wonder if any of your ships have been compromised?”
Seeton frowned. “We’ll have to check. What do we look for?”
“I don’t know, but I know who does. We’ll get the information to you.”
“Whatever develops here or anywhere else,” Chandrajuski said, “the Chessori, and hence the Rebels, will know about it if we allow them the opportunity to get a message out. Timing will be everything when we make our moves, and because of the Chessori, we’re not going to be able to move simultaneously in all sectors. It’s going to be one at a time.”
“Sir, we can’t fight on these grounds.”
“You’re not fighting, not yet. You’re holding. Your job will be to defeat the Rebels, and you’re well focused on that, but you can’t act yet. Sir Mike’s job is to defeat the Chessori, and we have a plan. There is a way to defeat the mind weapon, but it’s not something I can discuss. Just know there’s a plan that will take some months to put together.”
He added one more consideration for Veswicki. “Are you ready to give up your position here?”
“Definitely not. I’ve just gotten started.”
“You’d better be looking for your replacement during the next few months. The insight you’ve shown me with your understanding of the big picture is impressive, much better than my own. The Queen does not have access to a lot of political advice right now. She might want you at her side. She’ll let you know.”
Chapter Four
Getting help from Earth suddenly moved up on the list of priorities. Struthers had a timetable. Though they didn’t know its details, it most likely included demonstrating to the Imperial Senate that he was capable of taking control of those sectors that resisted. Chandrajuski was determined to do the same in the Queen’s name, and Orion Sector looked to be the place to do it.
In the end, among many other things it was decided that Val would pay a visit to Admiral Korban by himself. His mission, though extremely dangerous, was crucial: in addition to bringing hope to Korban, he was to determine what had happened to Seeton’s lost squadron and what assistance Korban needed to keep his sector out of the hands of the Rebels.
Mike and Chandrajuski would return to Shipyard, first gathering up any Protectors or Guardians they could find here on Aldebaran I to guard the Queen.
Mike would hasten his departure to Earth. While he was gone, Chandrajuski would organize a training regimen for the recruits from Earth in addition to his myriad other chores of organizing the Queen’s armed resistance to the Rebels.
“Thank you for not telling them about Serge’s fast ships,” Chandrajuski commented to Mike during their return to Shipyard. George had turned off his beacon a week after departure, and their signature had dropped from the screens at Seeton’s headquarters. Because of that, they were able to fast-ship the rest of the way.
“No sense getting their hopes up until Serge agrees to provide the science and engineering,” Mike answered. “We definitely need it. We’re in the hole when it comes to new discoveries to combat that communications ability of the Chessori. If they really have it, Struthers has access to it, and don’t for a moment think those kinds of things are insignificant. On Earth, major battles, even whole wars have been won or lost because one side suddenly gained a slight advantage. But bringing Earthmen to the front lines, if we can pull it off in time, provides us with a huge club against the Chessori. I just hope we can keep their knowledge of our source, Earth, a secret. It won’t be easy. As soon as my people show up in the fleet, everyone will know.”
“Then maybe we should lie about where they come from. Where would you like to be from?”
Mike smiled. “I couldn’t care less. Somewhere that won’t suffer when the Rebels find out. I can readily see them decimating some poor, innocent world out there.”
“We’ll have to do some homework on that one. Maybe we can have your men wear a special trinket or something that leads everyone to believe we’ve found a technological solution to the psi weapon.”
Mike brightened. “Great idea. Anyone with the trinket will be immune, no matter where they’re from.”
“We’ll have to claim it only works for humans at the moment,” Chandrajuski grumbled.
*****
When they arrived on Shipyard, Ellie didn’t wait for Mike to find her. She boarded Resolve the moment the ramp touched the ground. With Jessie and Reba at her side, she threw her arms around him, clearly not caring who observed.
“Welcome back, my love,” she whispered into his ear.
“Welcome home, you mean,” Mike corrected. She pressed closer.
Serge came strolling up the ramp soon after with his hands in his pockets, acting as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “You’re back early. More bad news?”
“Some good and some bad,” Chandrajuski responded. “The good news is very good. The bad is about what we figured. Did you bring my ships back with you?”
“Yes, and no,” Serge replied. “After a lot of bickering, I caved in and brought the ships to Parsons’ World. Shipyard is, and must remain, a closely guarded secret. I brought Jeffers all the way.”
“Hmm. You may have to put up with more bickering from me.”
“I know. But once the location of Shipyard is out, it cannot be undone. I’m not as worried about the damage to my business as you might think, it’s just that Shipyard is a diamond in the rough, especially right now. Is it necessary for you to have your headquarters here? Seems to me that Parsons’ World, or even somewhere else, might work just as well.”
“We’ll give it some thought, Serge. Thanks for what you’ve done. You’ve made good decisions, and I know they weren’t easy.”
“You’re welcome, and they weren’t. My men will exact a price, but I’m with you all the way on this.”
“Does that mean you’ll give us fast ships?”
Serge rolled his eyes. “I knew that one was coming. I will not make that choice by myself.”
“Understood,” Chandrajuski agreed, nodding his head. To Ellie, he said, “I’m convening a staff meeting. Are you up to it, Your Majesty?”
“It’s all set up. We’re just waiting on you.”
*****
Reba, clearly disappointed that Val had not returned with them, remained quiet during the meeting. When it ended, Ellie ushered Mike into her quarters. She was accompanied by Jessie and another Great Cat unfamiliar to Mike.
“Michael, let me introduce Ralph, Otis’ replacement,” Ellie said.
Mike’s eyebrows lifted. “His replacement?”
“He has removed himself from the roll of my Protector. The damage to his body is not completely healed, and it might never be. He is ‘slowed,’ which might be to our advantage. He has more important duties as a Knight. He waited until you entered Shipyard’s system, then left immediately for Brodor. You’ll have your Guardians.”
“How many?”
“As many as you need. All of them, if that’s what you want. Brodor will terminate as many contracts as it takes. It will take time, but it’s his problem.”
“Won’t that leave them undefended?”
Ellie turned to Ralph, who answered. “Our commitment to the Queen is strong, Sire. We will not hesitate to risk all, if that is what it takes, but Brodor will not be undefended. Everyone there is a survivor, not just the Guardians and Protectors.”
He bowed to Mike. “A pleasure to finally meet you, Sire.”
“Welcome aboard, Ralph. The Queen’s Protectors do not bow to anyone, least of all me.”
“We don’t have to bow, Sire, but you’ve earned it. Jessie briefed me on your activities. My people thank you.”
Mike bowed to Ralph. “I would know your full name.”
“My true name is Rllapllptshsdt, Sire. Don’t even try. It doesn’t work in Galactic High Standard, nor can your body produce the proper sounds. Ralph is my working name, and it works fine.”
“I guess it will have to. Are you a Protector?”
“I am.”
“Otis called me a cub. You’re welcome to do the same. All of the Brotherhood has earned the right,” Mike said with a smile.
“I thank you on their behalf, Sire. Jessie is also a Protector now.”
Mike’s eyebrows rose as he turned to her. “Congratulations, Jessie. I saw you try to take the knife into your own body. You’ve earned the promotion and my gratitude.”
“Thank you, Sire. Can I call you cub, as well?” she asked, showing all her fangs in a smile. Mike, smiling in return, just nodded his head.
“She was not elevated because of the knife, Sire,” Ralph added. “It was because of her performance against the gleasons. She and Otis are the only two of the Brotherhood who have stood against gleasons and lived. I hope there is no recurrence.”
“So do I, Ralph, but there might be. You were both in the meeting and you know the stakes. I believe quite strongly that every possible effort will be made by the Rebels to find and kill the Queen, and that could include sending gleasons if they find us. I won’t complain if you go overboard in protecting her, even if she complains.”
He turned to Ellie. “I mean that. There’s no single thing of greater importance to Struthers than ending the line of Chosen. I saw with my own eyes what’s happening out there under the mistaken impression that the Chosen are no more. For the sake of your Empire, you can no longer take risks like you took on Gamma VI and Centauri
III.”
“I know. Like you, I’m learning. I was still thinking as Daughter then, not Queen. As Queen, my life is no longer my own to risk.”
“There is some question that, because of accepting a Rider, you might have lost the Touch. Have you?”
Her eyes took on a hooded look. “I haven’t tried. It might be better not to know just yet.”
Mike took her head in both of his hands and looked deep into her eyes. “Your realm must know, Your Majesty. Test your First Knight.” He released her.
She put her arms around him, mumbling into his shoulder, “I’m afraid.”
He held her for a time, then pushed her out to arms length. His gaze insisted. She took his head in her hands and looked into his eyes. Nothing happened. She let go, frightened and confused.
“You’re looking at me as me, Ellie,” he said gruffly. “Try again, but look at me like I’m someone you’ve determined must be Tested. And it’s time to Test me anyway. I’ve been away. Maybe I’ve had a change of heart. Maybe I’ve found someone else to love.”
This time her eyes swelled, and he willingly became her subject. He was no longer afraid of her knowing everything there was to know about him, not that he had any say in the matter. As before, she was totally in command. When she released him, she stood back, her smile filling him with relief.
“Ralph, Jessie, we’d like some privacy,” she said.
“We’ll be just outside the door, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Ralph.” She stood back from Mike, studying him. “Thank you, First Knight. That was a thorough Testing. Sorry, there are few secrets in your life now.” Smiling again, she said, “And I sensed the strong need uppermost in your mind, but something else comes first. I have a present for you.”
He blushed, knowing what she had sensed from him. “Uh, oh. I didn’t stop to shop.”
“I would hope not. Come here.”
She took him in her arms and ran her hands along his waist, pulling the back of his shirt up until her hands caressed his back.
“Uh, Ellie…?”
“Hush, this will only take a moment.”
Suddenly, Jake was there.›Hi, Man! I’m back!‹
“Jake!” he yelled aloud. Ellie still held tight to him.
›Don’t move, you idiot. I’m not all the way in yet.‹
›Are you back to stay?‹
›If you’ll have me.‹
›I’ll have you. Welcome home. It didn’t work out with Ellie?‹
›Does she look unhappy?‹
›No. I’m surprised you’d leave, though.‹
›She wants to be the one to tell you.‹
“Tell me what?” he spoke aloud, leaning back to get a better look at Ellie.
“Jake had another child,” she offered softly. “Her name is Cassandra.”
Mike’s mouth dropped open. “Is it working?”
“Hmm,” Ellie murmured. “She’s wonderful. And intelligent. And my second best friend.”
“She hasn’t taken my place, then?”
Ellie just leaned into him, squeezing harder. “An
d now you’re leaving me again.”
“Sorry. I’d rather stay. Should I send Reba by herself?”
“No. The two of you have to go. Your mission is critical. I am not inclined to die twice at the hands of the Chessori. By the way, Celine also fissioned. She is back with Reba, and Otis has a Rider of his own.”
›Okay, Mike. I’m in.‹
Mike suddenly felt whole again. He stepped away from Ellie and closed his eyes.›Welcome home, my friend.‹
›Home sweet home, and it’s all mine again, finally. I have to stop having offspring that stick around.‹
›I think she needed the extra help. Is she really all better?‹
›No, but Cassandra has things well in hand.‹
Mike felt Ellie’s hands go around his waist. He opened his eyes to find her staring at him from inches away, her eyes his whole world.
“Has Jake told you what’s coming next?”
“Uh, no.”
She put her arms around his neck, stood on her toes, and kissed him on the lips, a long, warm, inviting kiss. “I’m what’s next, if you’ll have me,” she breathed, leaning back slightly, still staring into his eyes.
Mike blinked, then closed his eyes. “Not fair. You Tested me. You know how I feel.”
“I do know.” She stepped away slightly and unbuttoned a button on her blouse, then another, revealing the soft swell of a breast. Her eyes took on a distant look, a sweet look.
“Wait, Ellie,” he said, taking her back into his arms.
She smiled. “You cannot command the Queen. And my realm desperately needs to restore the Chosen. There’s only one way to do that. Must I beg?”
“Never,” he said. “But I’m selfish. I want all of you, not just a part of you.”
“What part of me have I not offered?”
“The part that calls you the Queen of All Space and me a man from an emerging world. You told me once that the Chosen do not marry for love.”
Her gaze hardened. “They don’t carry Riders or enter ships nets, either. I know your customs. Test my commitment.”
Knights of the Chosen soe-2 Page 5
