by L. Fergus
“We have to contend with two Kitas now?” groaned Snowy.
“Problems between you two?” asked Talon.
“Kita’s being a bigger pain in the ass than usual.”
“That’s because you’re on the outside looking in,” said Babydoll.
“You could merge with Kita and get in on it,” suggested Cinnamon.
“Good idea,” said the clone. She walked over to Kita and Sarin and placed her hand on the back of Kita’s head.
Kita jerked and fell out of Sarin’s arms. She shook her head as she suddenly had two years of new memories dumped into her computer. “I didn’t expect that,” Kita muttered as she floated to her feet and back into Sarin’s arms.
“Hey, Jane,” waved Anthrax. “Thought I’d get that in before we lose you for a couple of days.”
Sarin moved Kita aside. Kita’s face screwed up in a pout. “Nell! I’m so happy you’re alive! No one could tell me what happened to you.”
“I was picked up by Kerri, and we’ve been roaming space searching for Kita parts.”
“Is that what you were doing? I heard some Angels had been turned into gods. I could only guess at whom.” Sarin scanned the assembled Angels. “You!” she roared. “What are you doing alive?” She pushed her way to Sheppard, who’d been standing in the back next to Defiance trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.
“Jane, it’s ok,” said Kita. “She’s apologized—”
“There is no apologizing for what she did! I was on the ship when she killed Spike and Quill. How can you let this murderer walk free?”
“Feel her,” said Kita. “She carries with her remorse, sorrow, and pain over what she’s done. Killing her would have been what she wanted, an escape from it. Now she lives with it. Every day she’s had to look at me, and now she has to look at you, too. That’s a far better punishment than killing her and I couldn’t have gotten here without her.”
“Why?” yelled Sarin at Sheppard. “Why did you do it?”
“Stop,” said Defiance.
“Who…are…you…I recognize that voice—Casey Bush.”
“That’s Princess Casey Bush, to you, Miss,” she stressed the word so hard it dripped with contempt, “Jane Gjord. I will not have one of my officers berated for something they’ve already been punished for. If you don’t like it, take it up with me.”
“And what if I do?”
“Rene’s admitted it was a mistake in judgment. She’s been reprimanded by myself and Kita. It’s old news.”
“Not to me, it’s not,” Sarin growled.
“It’s been dealt with. There is nothing more to be said on the subject.”
“You’re barely out of the egg to be throwing your weight around with me,” snarled Sarin.
“I am your princess.”
Sarin changed into countless points of light. “I am a god. Know your place.”
“Kita,” snapped Defiance.
Sarin laughed.
“Why do you have to involve me?” said Kita.
“Because, big sister, last I checked one was your partner and the other your girlfriend,” said Tina.
“What?” cried Sarin.
“Twelve years is a long time,” whispered Kita.
“What else did you omit?”
“Ah…I almost married a princess bunny. Funny thing, apparently I have a thing for smart, beautiful, and powerful girls.”
“How’d you get on that list?” Babydoll whispered to Snowy.
Snowy extended her middle claw. “I’ll show you power.”
“It hasn’t been just Casey. I slept with Vee, too.”
Sarin glared at Panther.
“She’s not getting anything from me for a long time,” said Panther tartly.
Kita shrugged. “I can’t keep everyone happy all the time.”
“Really, Kita?” screamed Sarin. “I’m gone twelve years, and this is what I come home to?”
Kita looked at the floor and ground the carpet with her boot. “Sorry.”
“You think you were just going to find me and jump from them straight to me?”
“Ah…”
“I never thought I’d see the day when Kita met her match,” Valor whispered to Stormy and Starlight.
Kita walked away as a tear slid down her cheek.
“Where are you going?” demanded Sarin.
Kita vanished.
“Get back here,” Sarin yelled. “Where’d she go? I don’t see her.”
“Kita’s learned some new tricks,” said Babydoll. “She’s discovered a way to mask what she does in the equation.”
“How’s that possible?” demanded Sarin.
“If we knew, we wouldn’t be having the argument to get her to tell us.”
“Dammit. I know you can hear me! I’m not going to wait around for you. There’s a war on!”
“What war?” demanded Defiance.
“A civil war,” said Sarin. “The Political Bureau has seized power on Earth. I’ve spent the last two years setting up the opposition. We control the Shadow Fleet, the frontier, and Neptune, but don’t have the manpower to take on the planets. With you we can show the planets there is a usurper on the throne.”
Defiance bit her lip. “Do you have some ideas?”
“General Starr does. She’s my ground combat specialist.”
“I’m sure with Admiral Sheppard’s help we can think of something.”
“I don’t trust Sheppard. Galina is her old bedmate.”
“I trust her. I’d be dead if it weren’t for her,” said Defiance.
Sarin scoffed. “She could be keeping you alive so she can deliver you to Galina.”
Sheppard made a face.
“Fine,” said Defiance. “Leaf, Tina, can you come here?”
The two tiny high angels flittered over.
“What’s up, Your Highness?” said Tina.
Aspen bowed her head.
“I need to prove Rene’s loyalty.”
Tina looked at Aspen. “Sure, if Sheppard is willing.”
Sheppard grimaced. “I’ll do what I must to prove myself.”
“Rene, are you working for General Lyakhova?” said Defiance.
“No.”
“She’s telling the truth,” said Tina. Aspen nodded in confirmation.
“Admiral, are you planning on turning me over to General Lyakhova?” said Defiance.
“No.”
“Telling the truth again,” said Tina. Aspen nodded.
“Are you loyal to the Princess?” said Sarin.
Sheppard looked at the floor. “No.”
“Who are you loyal to?”
“Kita.”
“Is it out of fear?”
Sheppard shook her head. “No. She’s earned my respect and my loyalty. I’ll help you because of Kita and the Princess, but I have no respect for you, Jane. Are we done?”
“I’m satisfied,” said Defiance. Sheppard walked over to join Stormy, Valor, and Starlight. “Thanks, Tina, Leaf.”
“No problem. Glad to see Sheppard’s on the level,” Tina said with a grin.
“You’ve suspected her?” said Sarin.
“Call it curiosity. How does Sheppard go from Galina to Kita? It would be an interesting tale.”
Kita reappeared with a sour look on her face.
“That wasn’t long,” said Babydoll. “But, she looks pissed. Prepare to take cover, girls. This could get ugly.”
“Come to explain yourself?” said Sarin.
“No,” Kita said icily. “I don’t have to explain myself to anyone. I’ve explained the situation to you before, and I’m not doing it again. If you don’t like it, go find Raptor. You can be pissed off together. What I do want to know is why you just put Rene through that embarrassing interrogation—in front of her command! I thought you’d have more respect. Maybe time apart has changed us. I’m sorry, Rene. Obviously, my word doesn’t carry the weight it used to, or I don’t have the respect I used to.
“Which is f
ine. People are entitled to their opinions, and I’m entitled to mine. I can still kick everyone’s ass here, at the same time, and I don’t have to be a god to do it. If you don’t want to be here—leave. If you don’t like the way I’m handling the situation—leave. If you don’t like that I have secrets—leave. I’m tired of the backbiting and infighting.
“General Starr, Rene, Kerri, Jess, Amanda, Princess, I want to know the situation and look at scenarios. Everyone else is dismissed to your duty area, the wardroom, or to go pack your bags. For those leaving—good luck.”
“What about me?” demanded Sarin.
“What about you? Hali, find Jane a rack somewhere.”
“Of course, Kita. I think there are some left.”
“What are you?” said Sarin to Starlight.
“An Angel,” said Kita firmly. “She is an Aurorian. The most beautiful race in the galaxy.”
“Doubt it,” scoffed Sarin.
Starlight pulled down her mask and hood, revealing her perfect face and golden skin. The scales on her head rippled, reflecting the light in a rainbow of colors.
“It’s not nice to stare,” said Valor coming over to take her girlfriend’s hand.
Sarin shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Then stand over there,” Kita pointed to a place next to the wall, “and stay out of the way. Try not to make any noise. People are working.”
“I’m the one in charge of the resistance. I will not be cast aside like a cheap dress on prom night.”
Kita pointed at Defiance. “She’s the princess—she’s in charge. It’s her resistance.”
“You need me. I know what’s going on,” yelled Sarin.
“Are you saying General Starr is incompetent?” said Kita harshly.
“Of course not. She doesn’t know the economic and political situation.”
“I’m sure we can find people who can fill us in.”
“Dammit, Kita, don’t do this. I’ve got a right to be upset.”
Kita shrugged. “I’ve got a right not to care. I am a fixed point. You orbit me tightly, but you still orbit. What I do with my time is mine. I spend it with whomever I wish. I love you and like I promised, I will come when you call. I will not be bullied into being someone I’m not. I love Casey, and I promised I’d be there to help her in whatever capacity she needs me. You’re welcome to leave and come back. I’ll understand.”
Sarin’s jaw dropped.
“If it helps, she gave a similar speech to her fiancée, Cotton,” said Valor.
Babydoll winced. “That was harsher than any melee attack.”
“I will not lose to her.” Sarin pointed at Defiance.
“You’re not losing,” said Kita. “You’re always first, but she is there, and I do love her. We have done this in the past.”
“You have never been so absolute,” yelled Sarin.
“Maybe I’ve come into my own. Maybe I know what I want. Maybe I was tired of being pushed around, and I realized it was my problem—not yours—after another girl pushed me around. Whatever the reason, this is where I stand now. You can decide where you want to stand, next to me or not.”
“I will not be dictated to,” Sarin yelled. “You are my equal.”
Snowy phased between the arguing couple. “Jane, you are my friend, and we’ve had this argument with her. You know no one is her equal, not even you.”
“I am a god!” Sarin roared.
“There are gods, and then there are gods,” said Snowy. “Once again Kita has found a way to beat the system.”
“It’s not possible. The system we built is perfect.”
“Snowy’s right,” said Kita. “We’ve had this fight before, but this time I won’t run away to my grandmother to find myself. I know who I am and what I want. I want you. I want Casey, and I want Vee. I love you all. It’s your choice. You’ve gotten used to being in charge. If you stand by me, I’m the one in charge. You’re free to leave, but know I’m taking everything from you.”
“No!” Sarin drew a pistol from her back and fired at Kita.
Kita grabbed Snowy and threw her to the deck as the high angels put up their shields to protect the other Angels and crew. Landing on top of Snowy, Kita put up a wing to block the bullets and rolled to her feet. Drawing her swords, she flourished them as she faced Sarin.
“I’m not afraid of you,” Sarin yelled as drew her second pistol.
“You should be,” said Kita. She leaped into the air at Sarin.
Sarin fired. Kita twisted, knocking the bullets out of the air. Landing, Kita spun, slashing at Sarin as she went around her. Blood appeared on Sarin’s blue uniform. Sarin jumped into the air backward, firing at Kita. Two rounds struck Kita in the stomach and one in the arm as she swung and missed. Sarin backflipped out of Kita’s reach, raised both pistols, and fired. A series of bullets struck Kita’s hands, knocking Dead and Buried from her grasp.
“Don’t move or I’ll put a crystal round through you,” Sarin ordered.
Kita smiled and took a step forward. Sarin fired. The bullet struck Kita in the heart. Her eyes went wide and she fell to her knees. Kita slumped onto her butt and pitched forward. Flames radiated across Kita’s body from the bullet hole and disintegrated her body into ash.
“She’s gotten easier,” Sarin scoffed.
“Jane, watch out,” said Snowy. “She did this same trick to me and put me in the ward for a week.”
“You’ve always been able to beat her.”
“Not anymore—”
The ash pile blew toward the ceiling on an unholy wind. Swirling at the top of the domed window, the ash recombined into a glittering ball. A body extruded from the ball forming into Kita. Miniature explosions spiraled around her body clearing the glitter. Kita floated above the group of Angels.
Kita smiled wickedly at Sarin. “I can always count on you to make my life easier, pretty blackbird. It’s much easier to make changes when I’m dead.”
“What changes?” said Babydoll.
“Don’t worry about it. Now. Where were we? Oh, yes. I was about to hand my partner her ass.”
Kita dove at Sarin, who brought her pistols up and fired. Ignoring the bullets as they struck her, Kita landed in front of Sarin, grabbed her by her wrists and swung Sarin over the top of her. Sarin hit the deck with a hard thud. Kita rolled over backward onto Sarin and punched her in the face. Sarin tried to throw Kita off, but Kita made herself impossibly heavy. Kita punched Sarin repeatedly, causing blood to leak from her nose, eyes, and mouth. Sarin changed to her god form. Kita grabbed Sarin’s face and forced her back into her angelic form, then grabbed Sarin by the collar and head-butted her. An explosion of blood came from Sarin’s nose.
Kita dropped Sarin and stood. She found Sarge and Jupiter waiting for her. Kita scratched their ears.
“We’re not done yet,” said Sarin.
Kita turned from the cats. Sarin, stood with her sword Razorsplitter drawn. Dead and Buried flew into Kita’s hands. She jumped at Sarin bringing her swords down. Sarin brought Razorsplitter up to block. She tried to kick Kita in the stomach, but Kita twisted away. Sarin brought Razorsplitter around in a broad arc. Kita backflipped over the blade and stabbed Sarin in the side. Sarin tumbled and rolled to her feet facing Kita. She swept Razorsplitter up and brought it down.
Kita crossed Dead and Buried to parry. Sarin had a lot of power, but no finesse. She’d been trained long ago by the Arconians and had learned little else. For Kita, it was easy to predict and counter her. Kita mentally shrugged. Her partner couldn’t have everything.
Kita pushed back against Sarin’s attack. Once she had Sarin committed to the test of wills, she released Buried and used Dead to push Razorsplitter aside. Kita twirled and slammed Buried into Sarin’s side. Kita continued to twirl and stabbed Dead through Sarin’s back, then twisted it, causing Sarin to gasp and gurgle.
Kita kicked Sarin’s legs out from under her. Razzorsplitter clattered to the deck. Kita withdrew Buried as she lo
wered Sarin. She laid Buried across Sarin’s throat.
“Anybody else?” Kita asked the gathered Angels. She pushed Sarin off Dead with her foot. Sarin collapsed to the deck. “Offer still stands.”
“I think we’ve had enough,” said Defiance with an angry look. “We don’t have time for you to fight everyone. We have a pressing problem that we need the other Angels help with. And clean the deck. I don’t want any bloodstains.”
A blast of flame radiated from Kita, cleaning her, her swords, and the ground around her.
“You don’t mind if we take a look at Jane, do you, big sister?” said Tina.
“Go right ahead.” Kita waved Aspen, Tina, and Talon to Sarin.
“Just like the old days,” Anthrax said to Snowy.
“I’m not interested in reliving them,” Snowy grumbled.
Kita leaned against the holotable, her arms and legs crossed, and wings drawn around her. She was ignoring the activity on the bridge. Sarin was in the medical ward, and Babydoll was marshaling the rest of the Angels except those required by Defiance to plan for Collector’s fleet.
She debated going back to the forward observation room to brood. It seemed the only thing she was good at lately as she watched a bullet being squeezed out of her arm. I can’t even fight well anymore.
Tina stuck her head into Kita’s view. “Hey, big sister,” she said in a more bubbly and perky voice than usual.
“What, Tina?”
“I wanted to know if you had a few minutes to talk.”
“About what?”
“I want to talk about whatever.”
“I’ve got things to do.” It was a lie, and Tina would know it, but Kita didn’t care.
“I know. It’ll be quick. I promise. Please?”
Do I? If I don’t, she won’t go away. Might as well do it now while I’m waiting. “Ok. What do you want to talk about?”
“Let’s go someplace a little more private.”
Kita raised an eyebrow. She touched Tina’s shoulder and phased them to the bow of the ship. Kita moved to the edge of the bow. The expanse of space stretched out before her. One step is all that separates me from the vastness of space. Sol burned bright to her left. Some of the points of lights were planets.
“What do you want Tina?” said Kita in the most upbeat voice she could muster.