His free hand drifted up to push a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Shhh, do not cry. There is nothing to forgive. Such is the way with lifemates. The more we love each other, the more we will fight. But the making up part will be all the better for it and I cannot wait to get out of this bed and into my own to make up with you.”
She laughed joyously, relief and giddiness radiating from her every pore. “You know, your mother told me much the same thing,” she revealed. Her face froze and she jumped from the bed. “Oh, no! I told mina that I would call her when you woke up. Let me go get a medi-tech to check on you and contact her and Marte.”
“Not quite yet, Katsuko. I just want to be with you for a time before they all descend upon me like slavering vlarneks,” he pleaded. With a grunt of effort, he moved his body slowly over to the side of the bed, and the red corrective laser followed him. He patted the empty spot with his hand. “Come and lay with me for moment. I want nothing more than to feel your body pressed against mine once more.”
She started to protest, but changed her mind when his face turned mulish with stubbornness. Very slowly, she eased her way onto the bed, careful not to jostle him. She cushioned her head on his chest and he pulled her in closer to his side with his arm. Her hand rested over his heart and she could feel its beat strong and sure against her palm and it made her smile.
They spoke quietly in fits and spurts, interspersing words of love with news about the aftermath of the attack. He asked about the warriors that had died in battle, and she told him their names reluctantly. Though he was full of sorrow at their loss, he commended their bravery and wished them rest with the stars. She told him about the king’s visit in detail, and though he remarked about the news concerning the Warfarer’s plans, he was most intrigued by Korian’s final actions.
“And you are sure he saluted you with a clenched fist to the heart, Katsuko?” he asked for the third time.
She leaned up to shoot him a curious look. “Yes, Mikael. I’ve already been over this three times. It’s the same salute I’ve seen your men give to you. Why do you keep asking me that?”
He pressed her head back to his chest and replied, “It is very simple, my sweet one. It is called The Warrior Salute and it is the first lesson we learn in training. It is a symbol of respect, loyalty, and honor and each time we clench our fists to our hearts, we are saying ‘Our heart for our king.’ That salute has never been given to an off-worlder, much less a female. And it was given to you by our king himself.”
Mahoney’s heart swelled with pride. “I am more than honored to be counted among you. I could ask for no better reward than to be considered as equal to a T’Kalan warrior. Well, I could ask for one thing that would be better,” she hedged.
“Name it and it shall be yours if it is within my power to grant it, sweet one,” he promised.
She leaned up once more and her exotic brown eyes locked onto his pale green ones. “I wish to be the lifemate of Commander Mikael R’Varsel and to one day have his children. I wish to travel across the galaxies with him, fight alongside him, and make love to him every day. I wish for him to love me forever, even when I am angry and unreasonable, and to forgive me when I do him wrong.”
He sucked in a breath and lifted a shaking hand to her cheek. He stroked her lips tenderly, love and emotion in every touch. “As my lady wishes, so will it be granted,” he replied softly before pulling her lips down to his once more.
Epilogue
One week later…
Mahoney collapsed on the pillow and struggled for breath. Mikael, also breathing heavily, followed close behind her.
“Wow,” she huffed, a trickle of sweat rolling down her temple. “Just…wow.”
His laughter shook the bed and he rolled until his naked body spooned hers. His beard tickled her face and she squealed with merriment while his hands roamed over the well-loved curves of her body.
“We may have time for one more round, my little warrior,” he said hopefully. His hand drifted lower to sink into the wet heat of her sex and she arched into his hand with a moan.
Reluctantly, she pulled his hand back and tossed his arm back behind her. “Enough of that, husband. We’re already running late and I still don’t know what to wear,” she reminded him, her tone distracted.
Mikael had been released from the hospital four days past, and they had spent most of it in the bed in his apartment in P’Hartha. Since the king had already verbally given his approval of their union to Mahoney, it was easy enough for them to register on the government database as lifemates. Though she agreed to take his last name as her own, she still insisted on keeping Mahoney as her title since it was not only part of her identity, but also because it was now famous across the planet.
News of the Warfarer attack on The Ax’Sandre had made headlines across the world. Video clips of the attack and interviews with the crew had catapulted her into the spotlight. Journalists had tracked her down both at the hospital and at Mikael’s home and begged for an interview with the wildly popular “Lady Warrior” and T’Kalan females stopped her on the street to ask for lessons on how to fight. She was overwhelmed with the attention, but Mikael shielded her as best he could as he fielded questions and demanded privacy for the newlyweds. Unfortunately, this news only inflamed the people more. Their union was hailed as “a love story written in the stars” and there was already talk about a live-action play being written based on their story.
If the attention she received from the citizens was overwhelming, then the visits from T’Kalan officials were almost debilitating. During their first day home, the officer of defense and strategy arrived on their doorstep requesting an audience with Mahoney. The officer was a stern, older woman with short dark hair shot through with silver. She grilled Mahoney on her use of the training bots during combat and reviewed the protocol that Felonia had helped her design. Mahoney was nervous in the unsmiling woman’s presence, and expected a rebuke for instituting such an untried and maverick approach during the heat of battle. She was shocked, however, when the woman pulled out a touchscreen and began showing her mock-ups of newer, hi-tech bots with built in weaponry and others with medical programming that could be used during combat to give aid to injured warriors. At the conclusion of the meeting, she formally requested Mahoney’s assistance with launching their android army in the coming months.
News had reached them from King Korian, as well. He announced a commemoration event to be held at the king’s compound to honor the crew of The Ax’Sandre and pay their respects to those that had died so bravely that day. It was to be a huge event with a ceremony and banquet, and it would be broadcast to every citizen on the planet. She and Mikael were billed as the guests of honor, so no matter how much she would have preferred to stay home in bed with her husband, she knew it would be churlish of her to refuse.
“You do not need to find suitable clothing, wife. A package has arrived for you from the king with clothing inside,” her husband called out as he rolled out of bed.
Mahoney walked over to the box lying unopened on the table. She had ignored it, assuming it was yet another marriage gift from one of Mikael’s family or crew. She lifted the lid, and pulled out a one-piece jumpsuit made of tough, cotton-like material that resembled Earth’s Air Force flight suits. It was a deep, hunter green and had the flag of T’Kala stitched into the back. Placed carefully on top of the bundle was a shiny T’Kalan sword with a curved edge, smaller and lighter in scope than Mikael’s, and a belted sheath to be buckled around her waist.
Her gaze shot to Mikael in wonder. “This is the dress uniform of the T’Kalan warriors. Are you sure he meant for me to wear this?”
Her husband laughed. “I hardly think it would fit me, my love. Korian has bestowed upon you a high honor, indeed.”
Her spine straightened with pride and she hurried to shower and get changed. Her hair had been restored to its previous design with it cut high in the back and longer in the front, so it took little time for her to get p
repared for the ceremony. Mikael looked ravishing in his dress fatigues, his arms and shoulders filling out the material until it nearly hugged his muscles. She laughingly combed his short hair and beard before placing a finishing kiss on his lips.
On their way to the compound, they stopped at Ax’Sandre’s home to pick up both her and Jessica. The actress was a bundle of nerves, both excited and full of trepidation, since she would not be leaving with them at the ceremony’s conclusion. She was dressed simply in a flattering day dress of pure white with a royal blue medi-tech lab coat over top since she was to be honored with the medical staff for her efforts in the aftermath of the battle.
The king’s compound was massive and larger than any of the Hollywood homes that she had been to over her years in the movie business. The house in the middle was the biggest, and could easily accommodate at least 100 guests. There were several other buildings and houses surrounding the residence, as well as two swimming pools, a training arena, stables for hover crafts and riding animals, and even an entertainment structure used to host plays, dances, and parties.
Mahoney, Mikael, Jessica, and Ax’Sandre joined the rest of the crew in a staging area outside the training arena which could easily fit four football fields inside its interior. Row upon row of seating ringed the perimeter and it was full to capacity with citizens and nobles who were chatting animatedly about the event and creating a dull roar of sound that washed over the crew, infecting them their excitement.
The crowd came to their feet and cheered when King Korian strode into the arena and waved, his face wreathed in a smile. His dress fatigues were identical to those of his warriors and he cut a fine figure with his muscled form and with his sword belted to his trim waist. Mahoney heard Jessica take a quick breath and murmur, “Oh, my!” Mahoney hid a smile behind her hand, and knew she would not have to worry about leaving her friend behind with the handsome king.
Once the crowd had quieted, Korian spoke. He began by explaining why they had all gathered that day and proceeded to direct their attention to a massive vid screen that rose from the ground. The crew watched curiously as clips began to play from footage about the vessel. It began with the tour that Mikael had taken the two human women on, showing flashes of their meeting with Officer Felonia and the rest of the crew. When the footage cut to the training room, the editing stopped and began to play the entire scene of her warm up and consecutive sparring matches with Zandar, Rodane, and Finian. The crowd was rapt with silence as her battle with Zandar commenced, but they gasped when she brought the T’Kalan warrior to the ground and dislocated his shoulder. Their cheers almost drowned out her challenge to the two males, and they cried out in surprise at each slice from her blades.
Thankfully, the footage ended there and did not continue for her match against Mikael. He bent down to whisper in her ear, “They left out the best part.” She elbowed him in the ribs, her face flaming with color.
The video continued, showing clips of her training and teaching the warriors her skills in the martial arts, Mahoney and Officer Felonia working with Jarvis to create her protocol, and using the bots to spar with the warriors. Suddenly, the loud noise of the warning sirens blared across the arena as the footage of the attack began. For the first time, Mahoney got to see the view of the loading dock as the Warfarer ship cut an opening in the hull and began pouring into The Ax’Sandre. She saw the T’Kalan warriors arrive moments later to clash with the enemy forces, desperately trying to drive them back into the bay and away from the interior of the ship. Her eyes filled with tears as she saw Lieutenant Gregori run through by a Warfarer blade before Zandar stepped in to finish off the invader.
The view changed, now following Mahoney as she ran to the training room and prepared for battle. The crowd was riveted during her conversation with Jarvis and cheered when the training bots came to life and performed a bow before arming themselves with weapons. The footage played continuously from that point, but Mahoney couldn’t watch. It had been difficult enough to live through first-hand, and she had no desire to see her friends wounded and covered in blood for a second time.
The crew was emotional, many of them crying or grim-faced as the vid screen showed Mikael thrusting Mahoney out of the way of the Warfarer’s blade. The crowd erupted with screams and horrified yells when the commander collapsed. Silence fell over the audience, tears streaming down their faces, as they watched the worst moment of Mahoney’s life play out in front of them like a movie. The footage again switched back to clips showing the medical crew racing into the field to tend the wounded, flashing to each tech and officer as they rushed to stem bleeding and move patients to the medical ward. Another montage played showing Jessica, an untrained human female covered in blood, pressing gauze onto cuts, affixing skin sealant over larger wounds, and comforting those that were in pain.
The footage of the battle came to an end and the crowd went silent with emotion. Then, the vid screen began to show pictures of each of the warriors that had died in the battle. It paused over each one, displaying their full name and rank, and the myriad medals of valor each had achieved in their career. King Korian and a host of other warriors in the arena stood and saluted each one while the family of the fallen cried and hugged each other. Mikael and his warrior crew, along with Mahoney, joined them in paying their respect.
When the memoriam reel finished, Korian addressed the crowd again, giving a rousing speech about the bravery and teamwork displayed by the crew of the vessel. Then, with a fanfare of music, he announced, “I give you, citizens of T’Kala, the brave men and women that comprise the crew of The Ax’Sandre!”
The crowd roared and came to their feet as the crew filed inside the arena to join King Korian on stage with Mikael, Mahoney, and Lieutenant Andreus in the lead. They took their prearranged positions on stage, filing into formation according to their stations. It took almost ten minutes for Korian to regain control of the cheering crowd and to begin the medal ceremony.
Each of the support staff and crew received pins denoting their service and King Korian affixed each one personally to their uniform. He then moved on to the officers that had distinguished themselves with their actions during the crisis such as Officer Felonia, chief medical officer Ax’Sandre, and the chief engineering officer that had worked so tirelessly to get them back home safely and quickly. Next, he honored the medical crew with special medals that pinned to their lab coats. He lingered over Jessica, his eyes burning into hers, before moving on.
Finally, he addressed his warriors. Each of the remaining 20 men, including Mikael, were given a brand new T’Kalan blade of the finest craftsmanship as well as hanging medals of valor that glinted under the rays of the twin suns.
Facing the crowd again, Korian announced, “It is my honor and privilege to reward those who perform deeds of outstanding heroism, courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and distinction in battle.” The crowd cheered and he held his hands up for silence. “Zandar Nic’Omar, step forward!”
Zandar, shock written across his face, took two large strides forward from the line of warriors. He saluted his king and waited at attention. Korian faced him and proclaimed, “For your unwavering loyalty and tireless defense of wounded comrades in battle, I award you the title of Lieutenant aboard the royal airship The Ax’Sandre.” The crowd cheered in approval and Zandar could not hide his abashed smile when Korian pinned the star to his chest.
He stepped back into line while Korian continued. “Lieutenant Andreus Bak’Nar, step forward!” When the warrior was at attention, he continued, “For your bravery in the face of grave wounds, and insistence on resuming your post within hours of the battle, I award you the title of Commander of the royal airship The Ax’Sandre.” The crowd roared their approval, and Andreus went rigid with emotion as the three-star medal was pinned to his chest. His lifemate, the young doctor that had cared for Mikael and the other warriors, jumped and shouted her glee.
Mahoney was confused. “What about you?” she hissed out the corn
er of her mouth to Mikael.
He just offered her a knowing smile and trained his eyes forward again as Korian called out, “Commander Mikael R’Varsel, step forward!”
The crowd went wild as her handsome husband strode forward to come to attention before his king. A brilliant smile wreathed his face as he announced, “For your decisive action in battle and the extreme sacrifice of your life for your crew, I award you the title of Captain for the entire royal airfleet.” The crowd went wild at this announcement and Mahoney’s heart swelled with pride and love for her courageous husband as Korian affixed the four-star medal to his chest.
When the crowd quieted once more, he announced, “There is one last person I wish to honor today.” The crowd grew silent with anticipation. “Katsuko Mahoney R’Varsel, step forward!”
She shot a panicked look to Mikael, but he resolutely pushed her forward toward the king. A feeling of anticipation rippled through the crowd as the human female warrior stepped into the spotlight. Korian gave her an encouraging smile and she returned it wobbly.
His voice booming across the arena, Korian began, “Never in the history of T’Kala has there been a female or off-worlder warrior among our ranks. This distinction has long been bestowed upon T’Kalan men who trained and earned the right to wield our blades and fight for our world to keep us safe. Within two weeks aboard The Ax’Sandre, Katsuko Mahoney turned our tradition on its head and proved that a female could not only fight as hard and skillfully as a T’Kalan warrior, but that she could also best them and bring them to their knees.”
“I can vouch for that!” Zandar called out, much to the amusement of the crowd.
Korian chuckled before continuing, “Katsuko Mahoney, for your courage in the face of the unknown, your ingenuity in the heat of battle, and unflinching loyalty to your commander and crew, I name you T’Kalan warrior and Lieutenant Commander of the royal airship The Ax’Sandre.”
Fighting Chance Page 15