by Gun Brooke
As tremors shook the ship when the tractor beam sucked them toward the massive Onotharian vessel, Kellen pressed her lips against Rae's forehead, suddenly seeing images of her father riding his favorite maesha, Dinster, across the green, rolling fields behind their estate, the chain of mountains towering in the distance. Sunlight flooded the idyllic scenery. Kellen cupped her lover's cheek as she squeezed her eyes shut. Her heart full of wistful love, Kellen's mind went almost blank as she anticipated the nothingness when the tachyon-mass drive overloaded and turned them all to space dust.
"One hundred and thirty seconds to self-destruct and counting." Owena clutched the armrest of the chair. The faces around her on the bridge, solemn, sad, but collected and panic free, regarded her closely. She could not afford to fall apart during the last half minute of their lives. Do they need any last words from me? I hope not, because I don't know what to say.
Leanne abandoned the helm and walked the few steps over to her. "I guess professional decorum is a moot point, Owena," she said huskily, a slow smile on her face. Leaning down, she brushed a tender kiss across her lover's lips. "I love you, darling. We've had fun this last year, haven't we?"
"We've had the best of times." "You're my heart."
"I know. I knew I'd come to love you the moment I saw you." Owena had to tell Leanne. She couldn't send Leanne to the afterlife without knowing just how she felt. "I was afraid.. .to let you close, but now.. .I'm glad I did. I adore you."
Leanne's tears began to flow. "Oh, damn the stars, Owena. I love you. And yes, I wanted more time with you too. I wanted to show you Corma."
Owena tried to smile, her own tears resisting gravity by clinging to her eyelashes. "In the next life. I'll find you. You have my word." "I know I do. Now...speak to the crew, Owena." Owena instinctively recoiled. "What does it matter?" Leanne cupped her cheek, her eyes gentle, all-seeing. "It matters."
"A hundred seconds to self-destruct and counting." "All hands, this is your...acting captain." Owena found new strength in the love so abundant in Leanne's serene eyes. "We almost made it. We can follow our ship down and know for certain we took several of their best fighters, and one of their prized ships, with us. I want to..." Her throat convulsed and she bowed her head, swallowing against the onslaught of emotions. "I want to say, it's been an honor to serve with you all. You've made a tremendous effort, each of you. On behalf of the commodore, I want you to know we couldn't have asked for a better crew. Grey out." She whispered the last words. "Sixty seconds to self-destruct and counting." Leanne kneeled before Owena. "I'm not afraid."
"I am." Owena took Leanne into her arms, feeling the petite body tremble against hers, or perhaps it was she who shivered. "I dreamed of more time with you."
Leanne's face lit up with the softest, most loving, of smiles. "And I'm grateful for every single moment, which was more than I ever expected. I never thought I'd find anyone like you."
"Oh, Leanne.. .I love you."
"I know. I love you too."
"Ma'am," the ops ensign said, "the Onotharian vessel is trying to hail us."
"Which one?" Owena raised her head from Leanne's shoulder.
"The one that decloaked."
"We're not interested. There is nothing they can say..."
"Owena, they might..."
A boom resounded through the Liberty, interrupting Leanne. Owena realized they had docked inside the Onotharian vessel's shuttle bay, or possibly its cargo bay. "Guess we're inside," she murmured. "Well, the blast from our self-destruct will destroy this ship."
"They're still hailing us," the ops ensign reported.
"Damn it. Why not? Audio only." Owena awaited the ensign's go-ahead sign. "Lieutenant Grey of the Supreme Constellations vessel the Liberty to Onotharian vessel. The game's over."
The computer almost drowned out her voice. "Fifteen seconds to self-destruct, and counting."
"Commander Todd to the Liberty and the Freedom. Disengage self-destruct sequence. I repeat, disengage self-destruct sequence. This is an SC rescue operation."
Reacting instantly, Owena did not allow herself to consider if it was a trick. She was only vaguely aware of the impossible in what was happening. If I'm wrong, lean reinitiate and weld the doors shut before they realize it. Slamming the all-stop button on her right console, she opened a comm channel to the Freedom with her other hand. "Grey to de Vies. Cancel self-destruct. I repeat—"
"I have, Lieutenant. We heard them too." Alex's voice was hoarser than usual.
Owena awaited the computer's confirmation with her heart hammering painfully in her chest, drawing all of her energy. The seconds ticked by as the computer kept up the countdown for a few more agonizing seconds, "...five, four, three..." After a brief silence the emotionless female voice spoke again. "Self-destruct sequence aborted."
Taking a deep, trembling breath, Owena ripped the communicator from her shoulder. "Lieutenant Grey to Commander Todd. Jeremiah, do you care to explain this?" Her voice sounded harsh even to herself, and tears formed in her eyes and blurred her vision.
"I'd love to, Owena. Can it wait until we have you safely in our shuttle bay?"
"Of course."
"Why do you have the conn? Where's the commodore?"
"She's wounded and unconscious, sir." Owena rediscovered her formal attitude toward a superior officer. "Ms. O'Dal and Ensign Hammad are tending to her around the clock."
"Glad we showed up, then. We have a fully equipped infirmary aboard this vessel."
"See you soon, Commander. Thank you."
She heard Todd clear his throat. "You're welcome, Lieutenant."
Leanne resumed her position by the helm, supervising their entrance into the shuttle bay of the Kester's sister ship, Ursa. Glancing at Owena over her shoulder, she gave her a broad smile.
M'Ekar regarded the couple facing him. Not sure if he was supposed to be flattered to be in the company of two Jacelons at the same time, the Onotharian remained seated, knowing full well his action was a serious faux pas in the presence of a human woman.
"We finally meet face-to-face, Admiral." He gave a regal nod. "I have had the...pleasure of your spouse's company for endless days now. I can't possibly think of anything else to say."
Dahlia crossed her legs, leaning comfortably against the armrest on her chair. "It's not what you can or can't tell us, Ambassador. We have information for you."
M'Ekar's interest was piqued. "Yes? Has my government finally taken action to get me out of this godforsaken place?"
The SC diplomat looked mildly surprised and then shook her head, a patronizing smile on her thin lips. "Your government? They haven't shown any interest in your well-being. No. Instead we've received a subspace message informing us that Commodore Jacelon and her crew have collected evidence of Onotharian crimes against Gantharat and other homeworlds."
Feeling all the blood drain from his face, M'Ekar wiped the cold sweat that broke out on his forehead. "By the Gods, do you have any idea what you've done?" he whispered. "You haven't listened to me, Diplomat Jacelon!"
"You've told me several times of the risk of millions dying should my daughter succeed in her mission. For all your dramatic words, you have yet to come up with an example or proof of what you're saying."
M'Ekar slammed a fist on the table between them, denting the metal surface. "Damn it, woman! It should be obvious. The only thing that can come out of this is a full-scale war."
"We're aware of the possibility." Diplomat Jacelon nodded. "However, the SC has to do what's right. If your people gain access to Armeo M'Aido, the power balance will be compromised—and not for the better.
"With Armeo as a front figure, the Onotharians would be able to rule Gantharat with hardly any interference by the resistance movement..." M'Ekar couldn't disguise his surprise and knew Dahlia Jacelon noticed, giving him a knowing look. "Yes, we know about the resistance movement in great detail, thanks to Ms. O'Dal. The documents she's bringing back to Gamma VI will confirm everything." Leaning forward
, she locked her eyes on him, her steady gaze relentless. "As for Armeo, tell me, what did they offer you for his safe delivery?"
M'Ekar's first reaction was to deny everything, but a new, discouraging scenario was forming in the back of his head. "Madame Diplomat," he said, "my home consists of many worlds, but that fact does not satisfy our leaders. They want more."
"You've been part of the current administration for decades, Ambassador. The better part of your life, in fact," Ewan insisted. "You've been solely responsible for the oppression of the Gantharian people."
M'Ekar leaned back in his chair and chose not to comment on the unfavorable statement. "I possess vital information that I know would interest the SC Council."
Dahlia's casual expression changed into one of unbending steel. "Are you offering to sell out, Ambassador?"
"I am offering...a mutual tradeoff, Madame."
She rose and walked over to sit on the end of the table, leaning on her left hand. As she towered over the tall ambassador, M'Ekar secretly acknowledged the effect her strong persona had on him and barely resisted the urge to push his chair back.
"You can't go back, can you?" Dahlia's voice was smooth. "You've failed your leaders by not delivering the child and thus giving them the edge they need. Considering your penal system, your situation is dire, should you be allowed to return with your tail between your legs."
His chest suddenly tightened, making it almost impossible to draw a new breath. Realizing he was experiencing claustrophobia for the first time in his life, M'Ekar slumped back against his chair. The endless sessions he had endured with Dahlia Jacelon's cool voice surrounding him, extracting the information she wanted, clever, cunning, only giving him enough slack to hang himself, had worn him out. She was right. He could not go back. His destiny was sealed.
As if her body came to life after having been suspended in everlasting pain, Rae slowly opened her eyes and found herself in unfamiliar surroundings. The dim light didn't hurt her eyes as it had the last time she tried to focus. Carefully turning her head, she moved her arms, wincing at the pain.
"Don't move too quickly, Rae. Be careful."
The low alto voice. She would know it anywhere. Rae smiled even before she found the blue eyes gazing down at her. Kellen looked exhausted, her skin bluish pale and her long hair completely disarrayed.
"You look like hell." Rae tried for a smile, but was uncertain if she was successful. "Where are we?"
"We're aboard the Ursa. Commander Todd showed up to save us. We made it safely into SC space and will arrive at Gamma VI in twelve hours."
"Excellent." Though speaking hurt her throat, Rae had more questions. "The crew?"
A shadow darkened Kellen's eyes. "Eight wounded, including you. One fatality."
Not able to hold back a brief whimper, Rae steeled herself. "Who?"
"Ensign S'hos."
The thought of the young man, so eager to please, so dedicated, gone from this universe, was almost too much. "Oh, no. No." Coughing, Rae felt more pain stir, this time on the side of her neck. "No." She held her left side to alleviate some of the pain.
Kellen reached out and held her in a gentle embrace. "I know. I know." Helping Rae get comfortable against the pillows, she kissed her forehead. "Everyone is devastated."
Rae fought to regain her calm. "The evidence?"
"All accounted for."
"The discs?"
"In Captain de Vies's possession. He's briefing Commander Todd right now. They'll be down to see you soon."
"What happened to the ships?"
"Our vessels are in cargo bay one. This ship is one of the Onotharian fleet's largest. The ships pursuing us thought the Ursa had arrived as backup for them, but when the commander fired on them, they scattered."
Rae tried to remember the last few days, her mind whirling at the extremes her crew had gone through to get them all back. "I remember you reading to me, talking with me..." Her voice trembled. "You never left my side."
Kellen stroked her forehead, then cupped her cheek. "Not unless I was needed on the bridge. I had to be with you, to make sure you were still breathing. I couldn't lose you."
Raising her right hand, placing it on top of Kellen's, Rae leaned into the touch. "I heard you."
"You did?"
"I heard you say.. .you love me."
Suddenly blue tears welled up in Kellen's eyes, spilling over and streaming down her cheeks. Absorbed by the fiber-coated high-neck shirt, they soaked it as more kept coming. "I was so scared." Her jaw muscles worked as she spoke haltingly. "I saw your broken body. I witnessed what M'Aldovar did to you."
Grunting, Rae used her right elbow to move up against the pillows. Reaching for Kellen, she pulled her onto her uninjured shoulder. "What did you do?" she said softly.
Kellen went still. Not even breathing, she leaned her forehead against Rae's shoulder without putting any weight on it. She began to tremble. "I killed him. I snapped his neck."
Letting a few seconds pass, Rae knew that whatever she said now was crucial to their future together. "You saved my life. Thank you."
Kellen didn't seem to hear her. "I used my skills, and the tradition of being a Ruby Red Suit gan'thet warrior, as my excuse... and I killed him."
''I heard you. Now, listen to me. You saved my life. He would have shown me no mercy, darling. I saw the callousness in his eyes. He would have killed me, and what's more, this M'Aldovar also would have put every one of our crew members aboard a shuttle heading directly for an asteroid prison." Rae disregarded the pain in her neck. Turning her head, she kissed the wet cheek next to hers. "They would have made us all disappear. You saved us."
"Captain de Vies came. He was the one organizing the crew's extraction from the planet."
"Good. He completed his assignment, then."
Raising her head, Kellen blinked the tears away. "You have previously considered me a security risk, a loose cannon. Don't you despise me for taking a life?"
"No." The answer came readily. "It was an act of defense. Once we deliver the evidence to the Council, a lot is going to change for your countrymen. The people of Gantharat will experience freedom."
"There may be a war."
"Yes." Rae coughed again, holding her ribs. "Damn, that idiot screwed me up."
"Let me call the nurse so she can give you more pain relief."
"No, it'll make me drowsy, and I need to stay focused when Alex and Jeremiah arrive." Grateful for the supporting hands helping her find a better position against the pillows, Rae gave a deep sigh while she tried to relax. "Kellen.
"Yes?"
"You know the truth, don't you?" She examined her spouse's eyes for the answer.
"Which truth, Rae?" Kellen frowned, obviously puzzled.
"You told me you love me." Rae drew a few shallow breaths to alleviate the pain. "You deserve an honest reply." Unprepared for the haunted, desolate expression on Kellen's face, Rae bit her lip, cursing inwardly for causing such a reaction. "Surely you must know how I feel?"
"I had hoped..." Kellen squared her shoulders and elevated her chin, looking steadily at Rae, although her hands trembled. "I've hoped you might...someday, you'd learn to love me too."
"Kellen, listen to me." Rae's voice cracked as tears rose in her eyes. "I love you. I love you more than anything. I've never known anyone like you, and I hope I'll never give you reason to doubt how I feel again. Promise me you'll tell me and give me a second chance, if I do."
Sobbing only once, Kellen took both of Rae's hands in hers and placed her forehead against them. "I give you my word. I give you... myself." Kellen's voice sounded sincere. "I pledge my allegiance to our marriage; I commit myself to you in life and in the afterlife. Where you walk, I shall accompany you. Where I walk, you will be with me, in body, or in spirit. We are joined... in life, in dreams, and among the gods of Gantharat. You are now an O'Dal, a Protector of the Realm, and I am now a Jacelon, with the duties that come with carrying your name. You share my fate, and I am fore
ver a part of yours. Until death, after we pass, and in the next life."
"These are the Gantharian wedding vows, aren't they?" Rae whispered. "They're beautiful. 'Until death, until we pass, and in the next life...'"
Kellen smiled, her lips trembling. "The circumstances prevented me from reciting them at our wedding aboard the Ajax. I've longed to say them to you."
"And now you have."
The softest of kisses brushed over Rae's lips before Kellen leaned back, a new expression of ease and pride mixing with the fatigue on her face. "And now I have."
Kellen knew the Onotharian vessel, escorted by a dozen SC frigates, must look impressive as it headed for Port 1 and moored successfully. She stood in the entrance hall of the Ursa, her hands resting on the handlebars of the wheelchair where a reluctant commodore sat. Rae had initially balked at the prospect of meeting her subordinates and her father "in a weakened state."
"It's this, or be carried off the ship on a stretcher, Rae," Kellen murmured when she felt a movement in her spouse's shoulder, as if she was about to stand up.
"I dislike this sign of weakness," Rae muttered.
"Of weakness?" Captain de Vies said. "You're on the right side of death purely for one reason—your wife's amazing martial-arts skills. So count your blessings."
"All right, all right. I'm counting. I know when I'm outnumbered," Rae grumbled good-naturedly. "Funny how your friends can decide to team up against you."
"Very funny," Commander Todd agreed merrily, joining them as a soft thud reverberated through the ship when Lieutenant D'Artansis engaged the magnetic pull. "I handed over the conn to Lieutenant Grey. I have to get back to the mission room right away."
The large doors hissed open, revealing crewmen operating the seal on the door that led into the gate. When they pulled a lever, the second set of doors opened. "Very well, we might as well get it over with. Wheel me in."
