by L. Fergus
Collector pointed at Kamikaze. “You speak like Snowy, with knowledge and wisdom. I have planned this war for decades, ever since the scouts returned from the Alicorn wormhole and reported a new civilization. The humans lacked the FTL drive and were deemed non-threatening. I saw an opportunity to return the Djinn to glory. I have painstakingly put the pieces in place. Kita was never part of my plan until Snowy recommended you. At the time I thought she oversold you, but the truth is, she undersold you. You are more than she promised and those you brought with you are a bonus. It is not that my hand has become poor, but has become significantly better. I will go down in Djinn history as the savior of the Djinn, and it will be because of Kita.”
Kita rolled her eyes. “I assume your organization can spin what happened in the Bermilli Expanse to our benefit?”
“Oh, yes. Investigators are already saying the human vessel turned on the Verisom and Diamock and is now running loose in Tet space.”
“That sounds like the truth to me,” said Defiance.
“Sometimes the truth beats any lie,” said Kita.
“Agreed,” said Collector.
“Then we’re in agreement?” said Kita.
“Yes. You are free to do as you wish and are in command of my forces. I expect to be kept informed of your progress, and the attack to happen soon.”
“That’ll be up to Admiral Sheppard.” Kita looked at Sheppard.
“The sooner I establish command, the sooner it will happen.”
“Orders are already going out,” said Collector.
“Good,” said Kita. “Then we’ll take our leave.”
Collector nodded and vanished. The room went dim.
“I think that was a first,” said Panther.
“What’s that?” said Defiance.
“Someone going along with Kita without having to have sense pounded into them.”
The other Angels laughed as they exited the room.
“You,” Sheppard pointed to Gargah, “are now my aide. Make sure Collector’s orders on change of command are received and distributed. Then tell the other ships I want an inspection. I want you to gather the other ships’ status and tech specs for analysis.”
Gargah saluted and left.
“What do we do?” said Defiance to Kita.
“Help Rene figure out how we’re going to start a war.”
“…And I spun around and swatted him with my wing,” Stormy said with a laugh. “I felt so bad.”
Starlight, Valor, and Blitz laughed with her.
Along with the Angels, a few tables in the wardroom were full of officers eating. Phoenix and Toxic sat in a corner booth looking sullen and grumpy.
“I keep forgetting I have four feet behind me and keep hitting things,” said Blitz.
“It takes everyone time to adjust,” said Valor.
“Yes, but you don’t take up as much room as the rest of us,” teased Starlight.
“I have less to preen,” replied Valor as she stuck out her tongue.
“You leave that out there and I’ll put it to work.”
Stormy blushed and laughed.
“You’d like that wouldn’t you?” said Valor turning up her nose.
“I know you would,” said Starlight with a dazzling smile.
“I don’t understand,” said Blitz. “What am I missing?”
Stormy giggled. “She’s talking about Jess licking her—”
“Will you chicks shut up,” Phoenix yelled from her corner.
“I’m sorry,” said Stormy, “we’re just talking.”
“Shut up, hatchling.”
“Kylee, come on,” said Toxic. “Let’s go.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I was here first.”
“From what I understand you haven’t left that corner since Kita put you in it,” said Valor.
Phoenix slammed her fist on the table. “Watch your mouth, you short little freak. I can still kick your ass.”
Toxic hopped out of the booth. She grabbed Phoenix’s arm and pulled causing Phoenix to fall out of the seat.
“Dammit, Kara. Don’t pull so slagging hard. You stupid moron.”
“Hey,” said Stormy. “Be nice. She’s trying to help you.”
“Oh, shut up,” snarled Phoenix. “I’ll talk to anyone any way I want. I’m the slagging leader of the Valkyries.”
“That doesn’t give you license to be rude,” said Blitz.
“Holy slag, the goat freak talks,” said Phoenix as she walked to the other Angels, her wings dragging on the deck.
“Apologize, or I’ll knock your teeth down your throat,” said Valor. “I don’t care if you are Kita’s kid.”
“Yeah, you better remember who my mom is. Mess with me, and she’ll make you human again so fast your head will spin.”
“I doubt that,” said Stormy. “She didn’t seem too happy with you the last time we saw you together.”
“Yeah, so? I’m still her daughter, and I can do what I want.”
“Kylee, come on,” urged Toxic. “I don’t feel like getting into a fight.”
“Well, she’s in one until she apologizes to Zen,” said Valor.
“Bring it, shorty,” yelled Phoenix.
Blitz flashed to the side of Phoenix and punched her in the jaw. Phoenix crumpled to the ground whimpering.
“Thanks, Jess,” said Blitz, “but I can take care of myself. Kita said don’t start a fight unless you’re willing to lose,” she said down to Phoenix.
“My jaw, you stupid freak.” Tears filled Phoenix’s eyes. She curled up in a ball and covered her face.
Toxic and Stormy knelt next to her.
“Kylee?” said Toxic.
“Go away,” Phoenix wailed.
“Just like every bully,” said Valor. “One good shot and they crumble.”
“I need to get her to the medical ward,” said Toxic.
“You want some help?” said Stormy.
The light in Toxic’s hood brightened. “You sure? She did just insult your friend.”
“Kita says we’re one big family. We fight and then we make up.”
“It’ll make it easier to handle her.”
Stormy picked Phoenix up in her arms. “I’ll be back, girls.”
“Make sure you get her attitude adjusted while you’re down there,” said Valor.
“I think only Kita is capable of that,” said Starlight.
Toxic sighed, the light coming from her hoodie dimming. “I wish she would,” she mumbled.
Stormy sat with Toxic outside of the surgical suite in the medical ward.
“I didn’t realize Kita took everything from Kylee,” said Stormy.
“Yeah. Kita was pretty pissed. But, I think it’s more than what happened then. Kylee’s been dominate for years. She was bragging she could take Kita. And, Kita hears all and knows all, so I bet she was waiting to take Kylee down. Kita doesn’t like anyone challenging her, even her own daughters.”
Stormy watched the lights flash in Toxic’s hood as she talked. “So you’ve seen this before?”
“Not like this. Kylee used to challenge Kita all the time, but it was small stuff, not for control of the group.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure, I guess. No one ever cares to ask me anything.”
“I’ve never seen your face. Do you keep it hidden for a reason?”
“Huh? No,” Toxic shook her head. “I like to be alone. It gives me solitude and helps hide the light.”
“What is the light?” said Stormy.
“My eyes, mouth, and nails glow.”
“Must be nice if you lose something in the dark.”
Toxic chuckled dourly. “I can see in the dark as well as you can.”
Stormy smiled apologetically. “Ok, bad joke, but it’s a pretty color.”
“Toxic green is a pretty color? I’m just a freak.”
Stormy took Toxic’s hand. “You’re not a freak.”
“Why are you being nice to me?”
Toxic said depressed.
“Because you need a friend—a real friend.”
The light in Toxic’s hood dimmed as she shook her head. “I’m fine,” she whispered.
“I don’t believe that. I think you’ve been hanging around Kylee for too long.”
“Kylee’s a cool friend…when she’s not a bitch.”
“Can I see your face?”
Toxic shrugged and lowered her hood. Her face was tired looking and sunken. I didn’t know Angels could look this bad.
“See? I’m ugly,” said Toxic when Stormy didn’t say anything.
“No, I…your face is beautiful. You look like you’ve been through a hard time and need some rest and less stress. Can I ask what’s bothering you?”
Toxic hung her head. “It’s nothing. I can handle it.”
“Come on, tell me.”
“You sure do want to know a lot about me, and you just met me.”
Stormy blushed. “I think you’re interesting and Angels are supposed to watch out for other Angels. It looks like no one has been looking out for you.”
Toxic pulled her hood back over her head. “I don’t need anyone to look after me.”
“We all need someone. Kylee isn’t doing a good job of taking care of you.”
“It’s not just Kylee’s fault, it’s Denver’s, too.”
Stormy cocked her head to one side. “What happened?”
“It’s not what they did. It’s what they do. They argue and fight, and then put me in the middle. I used to try and help, but they just blamed me. So now, they dump on me, and I take it, trying not to upset them further.”
Stormy frowned. “That’s awful. I’m sorry. Have you tried talking to them?”
“You know what it’s like trying to talk to Kylee about anything that doesn’t involve killing something, video games, or sex? Denver is like talking to a machine. You go in loops, or she says I should be able to handle it—like I’m a machine like her.”
Stormy wanted to put her arm around Toxic, but hesitated, not sure of what reaction she would get. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. She slid her arm across Toxic’s shoulders. Toxic slumped forward and buried her head in her arms.
Not sure what to do, Stormy bent down to Toxic’s hood. “Kara? Are you ok?”
Toxic bolted upright. “You know my name?”
“Yeah, Kylee said it in the wardroom.”
“No one’s ever paid attention to me like that before.”
Stormy hugged Toxic. “I am.”
“I don’t deserve this.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m a lying, cheating bitch fallen angel. I don’t deserve garbage. I deserve what I’ve got.”
“I’m not a saint. I’m a trained killer and am one of Kita’s Commandoes. We’re not nice people and we don’t do nice things. You deserve better. Whatever you’ve done in the past is in the past. You can change the future by making different choices in the present. Talking to me is one of those choices.”
Stormy pulled Toxic’s hood down and brushed her dark hair out of her face.
“Why are you paying attention to me?” whispered Toxic.
“I’m trained to notice the things that don’t want to be noticed. You don’t dress like the other Angels, and you kept your face hidden. You hover on the fringe, but you’re one of the Valkyries so you must be important. You didn’t say anything, but there is an air of nobility about you.”
Toxic shook her head. “I’m not a noble anymore.”
“You were a noble?” Stormy couldn’t hide the surprise in her voice.
“Back on that miserable planet, I was known as Countess Laramie. I was second to the Vicereine herself.”
“Wow. I’m just a farm girl from Oklahoma.”
“What’s an Oklahoma?” said Toxic.
“A place of rolling high plains, grass, and dirt.”
“Sounds like some of my districts.”
Babydoll approached them flanked by Aspen and Anthrax.
“What happened?” said Babydoll.
Stormy stood up. “Zen punched Kylee for calling her a freak. She broke Kylee’s jaw, and it’s being wired shut.”
Babydoll grinned. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. That’ll keep her quiet for a while.”
“I’m going to go in and check on the progress,” said Anthrax.
“Someone should tell Kita,” said Aspen.
Babydoll nodded.
“Zen’s not in trouble, is she?” said Stormy.
Babydoll waved a hand. “Nah. Kylee got what she deserved. She must have forgotten she’s human. We can put her in bed next to Snowy.”
“Do you need us?” said Stormy motioning to her and Toxic.
“No, you’re free to go.”
“Want to get something to drink at the galley?” said Stormy to Toxic.
“Yeah, I guess.”
Babydoll raised an eyebrow as the pair left.
Kita flopped into the shuttle seat. She was tired. Touring all twenty of Collector’s ships was mentally exhausting. Across from her, Valentine sat and pulled out her pistols and cleaned them. It must be to keep her hands busy while she coalesces all the data we gathered.
She had gathered the needed information to disable Collector’s ships, but it wouldn’t be easy. The ships’ networks were not uniform and each required unique solutions. The software and hardware was a patchwork of civilian and military grades cobbled together. The bulk of the hacking tools would need to be written by Valor and Enterprise’s Political Bureau crew. She didn’t envy them, but Kita planned on making Valentine available to help.
Sheppard entered with Gargah. Her face was lined with stress and Kita could feel her apprehension and worry. She sat down hard next to Kita, much to Kita’s surprise. Usually, Sheppard took up as much space as possible. Sheppard put her head back and let out a long sigh.
“You ok, Rene?” Kita said gently.
Sheppard lifted her head and rubbed her face. “I feel like a brand new lieutenant sent to command school. I don’t know anything, and I’m expected to put together a fighting force as fast as possible.”
Kita was about to offer Valentine to help but thought against it. Valentine would react negatively, probably violently, at being asked to work with her old tormentor. Even though Sheppard had changed, the trust that would be required for the pair to work together was shattered and would never be repaired.
Kita tried not to flinch when Sheppard slumped against her and put her head on Kita’s shoulder. Is Rene this tired? I know it’s been a lot and she’s feeling the pressure, but this is unlike her to show any kind of weakness. Kita reached over and took Sheppard’s hand.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there to help. So will Casey. Zen has some experience with ships and I’m sure will help.”
“I just don’t know if I can do it.”
Where is this coming from? Rene is nothing but confidence. “Of course you can. I have faith in you. What’s wrong, Rene? This isn’t like you.”
Sheppard turned her head and kissed Kita’s neck three times. Kita jumped out of shock and surprise. The next surprise was when she found both of Valentine’s pistols aimed at Sheppard.
“What the hell are you doing?” Valentine demanded.
Kita was impressed at the speed in which Valentine had gotten her pistols together. “It’s alright, Val.” She looked down at Sheppard, and her eyes were wide with shock and fear. Kita waved Valentine away and put her arm around Sheppard.
Kita leaned in and whispered, “Rene, what’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I just…I just…you’re always so available to everyone else. I thought…I’m just…”
Kita squeezed Sheppard tight. “Shh, it’s ok. You just took me by surprise. I don’t expect kisses from you.”
Tears leaked from the side of Sheppard’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Kita. I don’t know what to do. Everyone hates me, and I’m so alone.”
“Oh, Rene, you
’re not alone, and no one hates you—”
Valentine raised a pistol and aimed it at Sheppard. Kita waved her away.
“—Ok, Denver isn’t your biggest fan, but there are plenty of people who like you: Jess, Zen, Amanda, Casey, and Hali all love you.”
“I know, but Jess has Hali, Casey has you…I’ve got nobody to love me. I know I don’t deserve it, but it hurts.”
Kita pressed her head against Sheppard’s. “Of course you do. I’ll find you someone, anyone you want.”
“Do you think Amanda would be interested?” Sheppard asked quickly. “She hasn’t been seeing anyone has she?”
So much for Alex. Who would have thunk it? “Ah, I don’t think so. I haven’t heard anything from Jess, and she would know.”
“You don’t think I’m too old for her do you?”
Old, no. Experienced, yes. “No. I think she’ll be flattered. But you have to remember, you may be Angels, but she still sees you as Admiral Sheppard.”
“I know. I can put it aside. I hope she can.”
Going to be an interesting conversation. So, Amanda, I’ve got someone who wants to take you out on a date. Who? Well, she’s a bit of a legend in the Shadow Fleet… “I’ll talk to her. I’m sure Casey will help. She’s good at putting you military girls at ease.”
Sheppard sniffed. “Yeah. She’s a helluva princess.”
That’s an understatement. Kita held Sheppard while she wiped her eyes. Sheppard gave Kita a small smile.
“Thanks, Kita. You always know how to make things better.”
Let’s not pass out awards yet. “I try and keep my friends happy.” And if getting you laid gets this fleet firing in the same direction then that’s what I’ll do, even if I have to call in an IOU from Kerri to do it.
“Captain Kita,” called the pilot.
“Yes?”
“Incoming call for you.”
“Ok. I’ll take it back here.” Kita looked back at Sheppard. “Are you going to be ok?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine…as long as Val doesn’t shoot me in the head.”