Solbidyum Wars Saga 9: At What Price

by Dale Musser

  “Few people in the Federation realize just how serious this threat was and most will only see the magnitude of lives and property that were lost without knowing how much more devastation was averted. No doubt we will receive millions of complaints from people who were inconvenienced by the curfews or traumatized by the fires and violent deaths, suicides and murders. They will wonder why it took us so long to get things under control. They will not understand how much was accomplished with the few resources that were available for the protection of the entire coalition of worlds. They will not see or realize just how much worse it would have been, had you not acted in the manner in which you did. I speak not only for myself but for the Senate as well, when I say that we do know and we do understand what your actions have averted and we wish we were able to personally thank each of you and your troopers for your outstanding dedication and service. I would particularly like to commend Rear Admiral Tibby, Admiral Wabussie of the FSO and Chief Halfredies of the FOI for their quick thinking and cooperation between them and their teams in developing the framework and key components of the plan that averted what might have been a much larger calamity.

  “While Rear Admiral Tibby stands before you today, looking as fit and effective as always, I have learned that he has been operating under the most extreme of conditions. As you may or may not know, the terror attack on Plosaxen left Admiral Tibby mortally wounded. As he was evacuated, he had to be revived by his rescuers. In the days since, he has been performing his duties with extreme pain from life-threatening tissue damage and several broken ribs. In spite of these tremendous challenges, he has not wavered in his responsibilities nor in his commitment to the protection and welfare of our Federation. While all of you and those serving under you are to be commended for your outstanding services the past few days, I feel it is important that we recognize Admiral Tibby’s extraordinary fortitude and strength, which not only elevates the position of Rear Admiral, leader of our Federation’s military, to one that has been filled by a man of legendary heroism, but it also creates a legacy of courage and valor associated with the title of First Citizen that shall never again be seen in the history of the universe.”

  The Leader was quite emotional in his declaration and the cheers and foot stomping that could be heard among the virtual attendees was deafening. Leader Pheosa finally raised a hand to calm the noise and finish his address.

  “In the coming days and months, we anticipate that the Brotherhood will renew and escalate their attacks. It will be necessary for all of us to fight with the same level of dedication and service that Admiral Tibby has repeatedly displayed. Already our Federation’s defenses have been stretched to the limits. Were our enemy to launch an assault on many fronts while also instigating an internal onslaught like the one involving the drug addicts, I fear our forces might not be able to withstand such a murderous campaign; but we must not surrender. We must fight with unrelenting courage and intellect and might and hope.

  “May the stars be with us all.”

  On that sobering note the meeting adjourned.

  To break the heavy silence, Marranalis decided to focus on a lighter point in the Leader’s address. “That was some commendation the Leader gave you,” he said as we left the War Room. “I wonder where he learned about the extent of your injuries.”

  “Yes, I wonder, too,” I said as I turned to looked at Admiral Wabussie, who seemed to be paying no attention to us, but who I was sure heard every word. Outside of Marranalis, Wabussie was the one person who had any details about the severity of my injuries and the events that surrounded them. Even though Wabussie answered to me directly, I knew that he also answered to the Leaders, which included submitting reports about me as well as anyone else.”

  I decided that I’d had enough of ship life for one day, so I returned to my estate for the evening. While I was en route, I notified Kala, who said she would meet me there and that she had been hoping I’d be able to spend the evening at home.

  I was a bit surprised when I arrived to find Kala, Lunnie, Reide and another young woman waiting near the gate. The young woman looked familiar, but I couldn’t recall where I’d met her.

  “Hey, this is a pleasant surprise,” I said. “Aren’t you supposed to be on duty?”

  “Our leaves were reinstated, since our original breaks were canceled during the martial law period,” replied Lunnie. I’ve only got a day left. Reide has four days, I believe.” She glanced at Reide, who nodded.

  “And who is this lovely young lady?” I asked, looking at woman standing next to Reide.

  “Dad, this is Lieutenant Volydalle, the friend I mentioned to you and mother.”

  “Ah, yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you Lieutenant,” I said.

  “It is nice to meet you also. Actually, sir, we met briefly once before,” said Volydalle. “Two years ago when you came to the JAC base on Plosaxen to visit Reide… after the conflict at Glomar Rosa.”

  “Oh, yes, I remember now.” I replied, just as I recalled where I saw her. “You were the cadet clearing tables in the Officer's Mess. You mentioned that your father was in the military and I believe you had an uncle who died at Glomar Rosa.”

  “You have a good memory, Admiral,” replied Volydalle.

  “He does most of the time, but now and again it seems he can’t remember the simplest of things,” commented Lunnie.

  I had to admit Volydalle was cute. Her dark brown hair was barely shoulder length, and her eyes sparkled as she spoke. She was nearly the same height as Reide and appeared to be in excellent physical shape.

  “So how is your father doing?” I asked, trying to maintain polite conversation until someone changed the topic.

  “He’s doing very well, sir. He was most pleased to hear you had been promoted to Rear Admiral as the replacement for Admiral Regeny.”

  “Where is he stationed now?” I asked trying to keep up what was about to become a very awkward conversation if someone didn’t step in with something new to say.

  “He’s stationed on the MAXETTE. He was assigned there shortly after your flagship was changed to the GLOMAR ROSA.”

  “Then he’s serving under Captain Mareoparen, a fine commanding officer and a good ship.”

  “So Reide, what are you and Lieutenant Volydalle going to do during your leave,” asked Kala.

  “Yeah, Reide, what will the two of you be doing,” Lunnie interjected with a mischievous grin that reminded me of her Aunt Lunnie and the way she used to make similar taunting comments about Kala and me.

  Reide completely ignored Lunnie’s comment and replied, “I thought that tomorrow I would take Volydalle horseback riding. She’s never seen a live horse, but she’s been interested in them for some time.”

  “Oh, Volydalle, you’ll love horseback riding,” Lunnie interjected again. “Bounding around on that saddle really gets your juices flowing.”

  Kala gave Lunnie one of her humorless stares, while Reide ignored her completely.

  “I really don’t know what to expect,” said Volydalle. “Reide assures me your horses are well-trained and that he can teach me the basics of riding in just a few minutes.”

  “I wouldn’t know,” Lunnie quipped with one of her impish grins. “I’ve never heard anyone comment on Reide’s riding techniques.”

  “So, Reide,” Kala interrupted, clearly trying to stop Lunnie’s teasing. “What plans do you have for this evening? Will you be able to have dinner with Tibby and me?”

  “Yes, we were hoping to,” Reide said.

  “Excellent,” said Kala. “Why don’t we move our conversation to the patio? I’ll instruct Piebar to prepare dinner for five. You’ll be dining with us, Lunnie, won’t you?”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t miss it for the stars!” Lunnie replied with a bit more drama than necessary.

  As we headed outside, Reide and Volydalle walked ahead. Kala grabbed Lunnie by the arm and pull her aside as I walked past. The look on Kala’s face was all I needed to see to know that what she was about
to say to Lunnie was something I didn’t want to stick around to hear.

  Sunsets on Megelleon were always spectacular. There was something unique about the planet’s atmosphere that caused every sunset to pass through nearly every color in the palette. The ambiance and special gathering of family and a new guest prompted Kala to ask Piebar to make something special. He replied that he had something in mind, but it might take up to two hours to prepare. Kala replied that we could probably wait that long, if there were some finger foods we could snack on in the meantime. The assortment Piebar brought out moments later could have made a meal for me, as the selections were outstanding in both visual appeal and flavor. Kala was busy talking with Volydalle and a somewhat more refined Lunnie, while Reide and I discussed his experiences at the graduation and his duty during the martial law period.

  “Dad,” said Reide, “I received a change in orders just before Volydalle and I came here today. They say I’m to report for service in the unit under the leadership of Captain Padaran. Did you have anything to do with that?”

  “No, though I did hear about it. Marranalis told me that Padaran had requested you be assigned to his unit. I refused to have any part of it. As I’ve said in the past, Reide, the careers of your sister and you are in your own hands. I neither approved nor rejected the request. I simply let it pass through the usual protocols.”

  “I’m glad you did. I don’t want to be receiving any special treatment because I’m your son.”

  “Don’t take me wrong, Reide. I’m glad you’ll be serving with Padaran. I trust him and I certainly feel better knowing you’ll serve with him rather than with some others, but your movements through the military will always happen through normal channels and not because I implemented them.”

  A flurry of movement advanced toward the table from my left and I turned to see Jenira approaching us. She gestured a brief greeting to our group when she saw an unfamiliar guest and then marched around the table and headed straight for Reide. She began signing at one of her manic paces that was hard for me to follow.

  “I am very proud of you and what you did at your graduation. Both you and Lunnie behaved and reacted as you should have. Now you understand why I trained you so hard as you grew up.” As she communicated with Reide she glanced at Volydalle.

  “Who is this one? I don’t believe I know her,” she signed quickly.

  “Her name is Volydalle. She’s a friend of mine,” replied Reide.

  Jenira gave her another scrutinizing glance and then walked around Reide’s chair to stand in front of her and give her a thorough evaluation.

  “Can she fight?” Jenira signed to Reide.

  Before Reide could respond, Volydalle rose to her feet and signed back, “Why are you asking him, when you can ask me directly?”

  Jenira gave Volydalle a crooked smile as she replied, “So you understand and can use Federation sign language. That is good. Can you fight as well?”

  “Jenira, Volydalle is my guest. You have no right to approach her this way,” said Reide out loud as he rose to his feet.

  “It’s alright Reide,” replied Volydalle. Then she turned back to face Jenira and said, “There is no way to answer your question that would satisfy your curiosity other than to engage in a combat situation.”

  The grin on Jenira’s face widened as she drew one of her catas and tossed it to Volydalle, who caught it by the hilt.

  “NO, Jenira!” shouted Reide. Why are you doing this?! Volydalle is my guest and my friend! You have no right to challenge her!

  Jenira gave Reide an angry look and signed back, “As long as I live and fight to protect you and your family, I will always need to know that those around you are able to fight and defend you if needed. Do not worry. I promise I will not cut her or hurt her in any way.”

  “Jenira, this is very rude,” Kala interjected.

  “It’s alright, Captain Kalana,” Volydalle said, “If Jenira wishes to test my skills, I am happy to be tested. Perhaps I shall learn some new techniques from the exchange.”

  At this statement, Jenira’s smile grew even wider. She began circling Volydalle as though she were ready to attack. Meanwhile, Volydalle stood looking at the sword in her hand as though she didn’t know what to make of it. In a mock thrust, Jenira soundly tapped her blade against the one Volydalle held in her hand. Jenira continued circling Volydalle and moved to tap her sword again, only this time her thrust was met with a very effective counterattack. With a spark of steel, the clashing of swords began. The rapid flash of blades in the late sun created a single blur of light as the metal rasped and rang almost musically. The pair sparred along the tiered expanse of decks and patios for what felt to me like a very long time. It seemed like the opponents were equally matched, but then bit by bit it became apparent that Jenira outmatched Volydalle, who was clearly beginning to lose ground to Jenira’s advances. It was obvious that Volydalle didn’t quite have the endurance to maintain the lightning-fast reflexes that were the trademark of Jenira’s swordsmanship. Then, in one rapid sweep of the blade, Jenira dislodged the sword from Volydalle’s grip and sent it clattering across the stone pavement. As Jenira stepped back in the victorious but respectful pose that was characteristic of the Women of Swords, I could see a fine sheen of perspiration on her skin. While Jenira had won the match, it was obvious that Volydalle had given her a good fight and it had not been the easy match Jenira had expected. Jenira faced Volydalle and gave her a slight bow as she slid her cata back into its sheath. Volydalle retrieved her weapon and responded with her own bow, returning the weapon to Jenira, blade down.

  “Not bad. You fight very well. Where did you get your training?” Jenira signed to Volydalle.

  “From a Ruwallie Rasson named Harmoon,” she said as she tried to catch her breath. “He and my father are friends. Before I joined the JAC, he would come to our home and teach me how to use the catas. He was always telling me that if I practiced hard, I might one day be as good as you.”

  “You never told me about that,” Reide exclaimed with his jaw hanging open.

  “You never asked,” said Volydalle with a wink.

  “Any time you are here or if you ever visit the NEW ORLEANS and I am around, seek me out and I will teach you more techniques. You do very well,” Jenira signed.

  “Thank you, Jenira. You honor me with your words… and your swords,” replied Volydalle.

  Jenira walked over to Reide and signed, “You did well choosing this one, Reide. Hang on to her. You may never find another so qualified.”

  Reide blushed and fidgeted as he looked at his mom and me. It was obvious that he didn’t know what to say in reply.

  “Jenira turned to leave and then paused to look at Lunnie, who sat grinning at Reide’s discomfort.

  “I only hope you do half as well with your friends, Lunnie, when you decide to bring them home," said Jenira. “I would be afraid to let most of the ones I have seen you with even touch my swords for fear they would cut themselves.”

  Lunnie’s face reddened and her grin disappeared. She diverted her eyes to look elsewhere as Jenira left the patio.

  “Volydalle, I apologize for Jenira’s behavior,” said Reide, who still had a trace of blush in his cheeks.

  “Think nothing of it. It was an interesting and welcome experience. Ever since I was small and starting to learn the catas, I had always dreamt of sparring one day with Jenira. This will always be a cherished memory for me.”

  The conversation was interrupted by Piebar, who made a rather grand entrance with several servants, all parading onto the patio with food carts draped with linens that matched those on our dining table. As we sat down again to enjoy dinner in the calm of dusk and the ensuing starlight, I couldn’t help but think about the changes I had seen in my children over the years. In the past, it had been Reide who was the tease and the troublemaker. Now he was becoming the serious one. Lunnie, on the other hand, was taking on the role of the playful jokester, when in the past she had been the resolute and l
iteral one. Each day I was seeing her become more and more like her aunt in everything she did – from the way she walked to the way she thought and talked. Her aunt was a very intelligent woman who, for the most part, chose to function below her ability – perhaps in favor of a more enriching personal life – and even then her performance was above average. Inside she was one of the bravest and most loyal women the Federation would ever know, and when the occasion called for it, her extraordinary bravery and loyalty was demonstrated even to her last breath. I saw those same qualities in Lunnie and wondered where they would lead her in the months and years to come.

  Later that evening when Kala and I had settled into our bed, she asked, “Tibby, why do you think Jenira pushed Volydalle so hard? Was that really necessary?”

  “Jenira thought so. I’m not sure why, but I think in some ways I understand. I think Jenira feels that a romantic relationship could become a weakness for him, something that could distract him and cause him to let down his guard. I think she was essentially testing Volydalle to see if she is alert enough and trained well enough to step up and protect him, in the event he was to momentarily become less than attentive to his surroundings.”

  “You really think Reide is that serious about her?”

  “I don’t know, and I doubt Jenira does either, but I don’t think she will ever take any chances when it comes to Lunnie and Reide. She will always be looking out for their wellbeing.”

  “Sooo,” Kala said as I felt her hand slowly creeping along my bare leg. “How are you feeling since your last treatment?”

  I grinned. “Well… let me show you," I said as I reached for the bedside light to turn it off.

  “Oh,” Kala giggled as her hand moved further. “I would say you’re feeling very good… at least this part of you is.”

  We spent the next hour exploring just how good I did feel.

  I woke up magnificently refreshed early the next morning. Kala was still sleeping soundly when I dressed and returned to the GLOMAR ROSA.

  Marranalis reported that things had been quiet during the night. All three Cantolla Gate Stations were in the process of relocating. One advantage of the mechanism that made the Cantolla Gates work was that their operation did not rely on fixed positions for the actual gate hardware. Hence, gates established on traveling ships, rotating and revolving worlds and, in this case, gate stations moving through space could continue to operation without interruption when something as large as a gate station was being relocated for security purposes. At one point I had even considered having the stations remain in constant motion, so their exact location would never be known. As it was, moving them every few months served the same purpose.