Diverse Demands

by Sharon Rose

  She flashed a smile at him. “Yeah, there are a few reasons, like that one, that made me major in navigation.”

  The triple chime command tone sounded from her computer. “Tsk. I was hoping to finish before that came.” She jabbed the communication control.

  “Good morning, Kena,” Ghent said over the comm system. “Is now a good time?”

  “I’m in the middle of a simulation with Antony.”

  “Don’t rush it. Join me when you’re finished.”

  “Yes, sir.” She closed the channel. “You see, Antony? I don’t demand my rights from Ghent, but he invariably uses the phrases good morning or good night with me.”

  “I was relieved when I saw how well he treats you.”

  “There was a moment early on,” she said, “when he got me really worried. Oh, by the way, if he speaks with distinct cadence, he’s annoyed. Don’t show him any displays of temper. No one comes off well from that.”

  “Shouldn’t be too hard to avoid. What do you need to see him about?”

  Kena waited while he dodged between rocks. “Plenty of time for that after we’re done.” She responded to a course change.

  They continued a while longer, keeping conversation to necessities, until Antony said, “That’s it. Cut it.”

  Kena let out a breath. “Nice run, Antony.”

  She unclipped her belt and reached for the door control, but Antony clasped her hand. “What was it you didn’t want to say a moment ago?”

  “I got a message from Travannesal overnight. Ghent probably did, too.”

  “Hm.” He unclipped and stood, offering her a hand to help her up.

  The instant Antony opened the door, Tevd’s voice demanded, “Why does he need Kena’s approval?”

  Oh, that man grated on her nerves! She didn’t need this now, but he was too close to avoid.

  Antony cleared his throat as Kena stepped from the simulator. The nearest navigators looked like they’d been frozen in place.

  Tevd swung around and snapped at Kena. “You’ve never been in actual flight with him. Don’t forget, I have more than twice your experience. This is not your decision.”

  Pulling rank on her? “True,” Kena said. “It is Netlyn’s decision.” She turned, speaking a bit louder to reach the review consoles. “I’d be happy to fly with Antony anytime.”

  By the looks on their faces, neither Hrndl nor Netlyn had any trouble hearing Tevd.

  Hrndl’s voice rumbled. “Tevd, we already have your input. You are not being disregarded. Do not think your experience allows you to disrespect Kena or usurp her position.”

  Tevd stiffened. “Usurp?”

  “Our situation with the PitKreelaundun is precarious,” Hrndl said. “We sometimes receive communication from their command watch officers. If that happens when you are on duty, do not forget for one second that Kena outranks you on this ship.”

  If his rising lip was any indication, this was news to Tevd.

  Hrndl eased up. “You will get just as many mission commands as she does, maybe more. You have nothing to complain about.”

  The last thing Kena wanted to hear was his opinion. “Excuse me, please, Hrndl. Ghent sent for me.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Antony strolled toward the bay, rehashing Netlyn’s remarks. She left him with no sense of accomplishment. Would he even have gotten through it without Kena’s help? Nice to have her as an ally, but he shouldn’t need one.

  He didn’t get a chance to thank her, either. Now she was on duty, while he was bored. Maybe Dhgnr would give him something to do. Antony found the chief engineer beside an opened craft in the back of the bay.

  Dhgnr wasted no time accepting his offer. “We have a Human-designed octopus craft. Are you familiar with the mechanical robotics?”

  “I am.”

  That was all it took to fill up Antony’s empty time. Hours later, he hooked up the test device. Only the access panel still leaned against the hull.

  Dhgnr must have been watching, even though he was directing a more complex repair. He walked over and began inspecting the robotics.

  Beyond the protective energy fields, the bay doors opened to receive returning craft. Antony watched them settle onto the deck.

  Dhgnr pulled out his computer and said, “Inspection passed. Close it up.”

  As Antony finished replacing the panel, a message signal chimed at his belt. He took a quick look.

  Dhgnr shut his computer. “Hrndl and Kena are on their way to deck C, outer ring,” he said. “Shall we join them?”

  Pretty close to the same message Antony was reading. He nodded as he sent Kena a response. “Absolutely.”

  Dhgnr walked beside him to the lift. “Thank you for using your free time on maintenance.”

  “My pleasure,” Antony said.

  “Is it? Why?”

  Strange, but that was life among aliens. “I just have a general liking for taking things apart and putting them together again. Don’t you?”

  Dhgnr stepped from the lift. “I suppose I do.”

  They approached the outer ring, and Antony pointed right. “This is closest, but we’ll be following them.”

  Dhgnr turned right. “A quick pace, then.”

  Antony lengthened his stride, his muscles rejoicing in the demand as they passed others.

  “You enjoy the pace?” Dhgnr asked.

  “I do.”

  Kena came into sight along the curved hall.

  Perhaps he gave some sign of it, for Dhgnr said, “Or is it the goal you enjoy?”

  Antony grinned. “That, too.”

  They drew nearer the ladies who strolled, allowing them to catch up.

  “Do you find Kena attractive?” Dhgnr asked.

  Antony’s breath jerked out of rhythm and he groaned inwardly. Kena must have heard that question. The simplistic answers of yes or no yawned as deep pits on either side. “All women are attractive, each in their own way.” Was that a twitch of Kena’s shoulders?

  For a few seconds, he thought his answer had worked, but apparently it only puzzled Dhgnr.

  “I suppose so, but that’s not what I meant. Do you find Kena in particular to be attractive?”

  How did he tell a Grfdn officer to can it? “Sir…this, uh…”

  Kena spun and walked backwards beside Hrndl. Her eyes scrunched. “Do you remember those times, Dhgnr, when I accidentally asked the wrong questions? It seems to be your turn now.” She spun again and continued to stroll, leaning her head near Hrndl.

  Dhgnr frowned. “I apologize for overlooking a taboo. I thought Humans freely discussed—”

  “Not taboo,” Antony interrupted. “Just an awkward question. All is well.”

  The two women positioned themselves in the center of the hallway, and the men fell into step on either side. Kena’s fingers brushed Antony’s, and warmth flowed up his arm.

  “Nice dodge,” she whispered.

  He answered her quip with just a smile. “I was hoping to hear from you before dinner.”

  “Hrndl invited us to join her table. I accepted, but of course, couldn’t speak for you.”

  He let his gaze sweep Hrndl and Kena. “I would be delighted to join you.”

  They turned the corner of a connecting hallway as Hrndl said, “Human phrasing sometimes reminds me of the Meklehon.”

  Kena chuckled, as Antony said, “Can’t complain about that comparison.”

  They reached the dining hall, filled their plates at the buffet, and wove through the crowd to the Grfdn table. Kena narrowed her eyes when they alighted on the central tray, which held tall glasses and pitchers of water. No drinking pouches. Kena had been right, when she claimed they wouldn’t use them. Because of him. Just what he didn’t want to remind her of. However, she looked away, and conversation flowed. Frdn soon joined them. Not a talkative man, but an intent listener.

  Rnl came several minutes later, slapped his plate onto the table, and flung a hand in the direction of the central tray. He growled somet
hing in his own language as he dropped into his chair. Sounded nasty, but their guttural language always did.

  The other Grfdn drew stiffly erect, as Dhgnr’s voice rumbled. “Leave.”

  Rnl sprang up, his chair skidding backwards. His nostrils lifted in the Grfdn version of a sneer. A vibration emanated from him. More a feeling than sound, to a Human, anyway.

  Dhgnr growled, “Hold.”

  Rnl stiffened. Whatever he had meant, it wasn’t pleasant.

  Dhgnr stared at Rnl. “Antony, I hold the title of khn. Are you aware what that means?”

  Why bring him into this? He wanted nothing to do with Rnl, but he had to answer. “A position of authority in Grfdn culture.”

  “That is correct. I assume Ghent has told you he allows no fighting on the Ontrevay. However, I must warn you that Rnl once ignored that prohibition and attacked Kena without cause.”

  Antony clenched his jaw. He was all in now.

  Dhgnr held Rnl’s gaze. “Rnl has just demonstrated that he has learned nothing from previous discipline. It is conceivable, Antony, that he could attack a Human again. If that happens, defend yourself or Kena with all vigor. Do not stop until you have rendered him incapable of further aggression. I will inform Ghent of my words to you.”

  “Understood.” The word sliced between Antony’s teeth.

  Hrndl’s voice grated like blocks of ice. “Rnl, when I invite non-Grfdn to my table, you will not approach it.”

  “Go,” Dhgnr snapped.

  Rnl stomped out.

  Antony pushed his plate away and leaned his forearms on the table, fists clenched. He looked beneath jutting brows into Kena’s eyes. “How badly did he hurt you?”

  Her tight smile—part anger, part mischief—produced her elfin look. “Not at all. A back kick to his knee threw him off balance.” She braced a fist into the opposite hand and mimicked a short thrust as she spoke. “An elbow to his chin, and he was on the floor.”

  Antony raised his eyebrows. “That was enough to end it?”

  “Well, you see, Rnl does not value forethought. He did it here, of all places, so there were plenty to rush to my aid. Remlishos took charge, and I left. Rnl was confined to quarters. I didn’t see him again for several days. Since then, he keeps his distance.”

  Hm. Ghent must not have been present, but Remlishos was second in command. Good enough.

  “Perhaps I should mention,” Dhgnr said, “that I have retracted Rnl’s permission to join multi-racial starship crews. As soon as we return to a space station, we’ll be rid of him.”

  Kena traced her fingertips along the knuckles of Antony’s fist. “This isn’t worth spoiling your dinner.”

  He allowed her touch to loosen his fist but clasped her fingers. His eyes held hers as he raised her hand and bowed slightly over it. Not the dramatic gesture of the day they’d met. Instead, a promise. “You understand, I will defend you.”

  “I rather thought you might,” she murmured in English. She returned to Prednian. “Now, if we could find another topic…”

  Antony pulled his plate near, though a new subject was beyond his reach.

  Hrndl filled the gap. “I’m glad you checked out today, Antony. It’s good to have first shift adequately staffed again. After you and Kena have your day off, I want you running simulations together on bringing the Ontrevay in and out of dimensional slip.” She continued, listing the standard navigator pairings for that crucial task.

  He chewed a bland, alien vegetable as he listened to her. Good information to know.

  “I understand,” Hrndl said, “that messages came from the PitKreelaundun.” When Kena’s eyes dropped to the table, Hrndl shifted back. “I’d like to hear, if you want to discuss them. You don’t have to.”

  Kena took a breath and let it out. “No, I don’t…but yes, I do.”

  Hrndl straightened, shaking her head.

  Frdn leaned forward. “Pardon, but that is not Prednian structure. What does it mean?”

  Kena relaxed. “Pair it with Hrndl’s words. No, I don’t want to discuss them, but yes, I do have to.”

  Frdn’s frown cleared, and he asked Antony, “Did you understand her?”

  Antony nodded.

  “But, Kena,” Hrndl said, “you don’t have to.”

  “I do, though.” She quirked a smile at Antony. “Do you understand that part, too?”

  “Yes.” He touched her hand. “And, yes, I think you’re right.”

  “So…” Kena focused her gaze on nothing for an instant. “Pernanyen seems to have been hoping that having one other Human on the Ontrevay would be enough for…” Her restless fingers extended. “I don’t know what. Enough that I wouldn’t need to go to Earth before returning to her. Once I understood what she was getting at, I told her no, that wasn’t the same thing at all. Then, Travannesal sent messages to both Ghent and me. They seem to hint at…” She squinted. “Perhaps Pernanyen is not doing well.”

  Hrndl frowned. “Not doing well in what way?”

  “What way, indeed? Despite their many words, they can be difficult to understand. I’ve asked…though perhaps I can guess.”

  Antony waited a few seconds. “Well, I can’t.”

  The corners of her mouth pinched. “Consider her perspective.” Kena extended her index finger. “Her father disowned her. And that, by the way, was devastating.” Two fingers. “She must still see him often, but is denied the close bond they once had.” A third finger. “She is disgraced. Even if she survives, the life she expected must seem impossible.” A fourth. “She endured a trial where people she loves accused her of a crime punishable by execution.” Kena extended her thumb. “The verdict is in limbo. Death may still await her.” Kena waved the fingers she’d counted off. “Quite a lot to bear for months on end.”

  “She created her circumstances,” Antony said. “They are hers to deal with.”

  Kena rocked sideways. “I suppose there is a certain justice in that, but I’ve agreed to return and link with her. I’d rather not wade through emotional turmoil.”

  He nodded. “Understandable.”

  Strain tightened her brow. “Enough of this. What’s coming up in the next few days, Hrndl?”

  Antony watched Kena, unconvinced that she’d dismissed Pernanyen from her mind. A few navigators joined them when they had finished eating. He and Kena followed them to the back of the dining hall, mingling with others.

  Kena whispered, “Later,” and left.

  Kena returned to the dining hall, hoping Antony was still there. She halted in the doorway, barely believing her eyes.

  Delf and Tevd faced off, stances wide and stiff, fists clenched.

  “What is going on?” Kena demanded, closing the distance. She took in the rest of them. Jorlit and Quon stood behind Delf. Farian and Theshain with Tevd. That same division. Antony, on the far side of the group, looked fed up. At least the rest of the dining hall was empty.

  She looked to Antony. “Are they fighting over us again?”

  He nodded. “You’ll never believe how this one started.”

  This had to end. “I don’t even want to hear it.” Kena narrowed her eyes, turning them from Tevd to Delf. “Two senior navigators on the verge of blows.” She flicked her glare to Jorlit. “And you are letting it happen?”

  Jorlit and Delf at least began to look uncomfortable, but Tevd was still rigid.

  “Senior navigators.” She brought her voice down. “Do you know what that word means?”

  Antony eased back a half step. Quon, Theshain, and Farian copied him, their lips clamped.

  “Have you forgotten that we lead?” Kena raked Delf, Jorlit, and Tevd with a glare. “If we are divided into factions, do you not realize that example will split our entire team? Do they all matter so little to you?” She paused for a heartbeat. “We have one team. One purpose. Not two. One! At any moment, lives could depend on our ability to work together. We need trust. Respect. Not factions.”

  “Fine speech,” Tevd said, “but are you n
ot in the same faction as Jorlit and Delf, who have yet to show a sliver of respect to Antony?”

  “Nonsense! I came here hoping to enjoy an evening drink with Antony.” She walked between them to his side and faced them again.

  Delf and Jorlit looked more awkward than ever and offered apologies to Antony.

  He inclined his head to them. “Accepted.” Then, he fixed a long stare on Tevd. “Didn’t you just say something about showing respect?”

  Tevd finally brought his knee forward and lowered his gaze to Kena. “Ma’am.”

  Kena relaxed her posture and swept a smile over the whole group. “I’m sure I can count on all of you to never let this happen again.” She turned, drawing Antony toward the kitchen end of the dining hall. “Interested in that drink?”

  “Of course.” He touched a hand to her back, moving with her. “What’s your evening preference?”

  She sensed the others leaving. A relief. “Usually an herbal tea, but tonight…” She heaved an exaggerated sigh. “I need a hot cocoa.”

  Antony laughed. “Need chocolate, do you? That is bad.” They went to the beverage area. “I won’t force simulated cocoa into a competition, but I happen to have some real, made-on-Earth chocolate in my quarters.”

  Her lips formed an O, complete with a purr.

  The corners of his eyes crinkled. He reached into the dispenser and withdrew a steaming cup for her. “We’re both off duty tomorrow. What are your plans?”

  “Eating chocolate, I hope.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Kena’s chipper voice answered Antony over the comm system. He faced the wall of her adjacent quarters as though he could see her. “How do you feel about working out before we sample my chocolate?” he asked.

  “I get this trick,” Kena said in a can’t-fool-me tone. “Chocolate as a reward. Is that how you stay motivated?”

  He grinned. “I know this will be hard to believe, but…” he mumbled as though shamed, “I prefer a good workout over chocolate.”

  “Oh, no! A fanatic.”

  He laughed, for he could never help it when she switched into her dramatic style.