Sister Katherine

by Tracy St. John

  Katherine sighed. “One would think.”

  Simdow alone appeared serene about the battered technology they had inherited. “That will change. The supply and relief ships will be here tomorrow, so be sure you have your list of needs ready. Make sure you ask for extra, too.” He gave them all a devilish grin. “When the Galactic Council and Kalquor counter our request for fifteen computers with ten, we’ll have exactly what we need.”

  Miv arched a brow at his Dramok. “Just listen to yourself with the conniving. You’re a politician already.”

  Even Besral joined in with their laughter. When the hilarity subsided, Simdow was quick to point out, “Not quite. That reminds me; military governorship falls under the ground troop purview. We are no longer a part of the Kalquorian fleet, my clan. We’re officially soldiers now.”

  His words brought worry to Katherine. Her stomach churned uneasily as she paused in her inspection of the room’s wiring schematic to look at her clan.

  She asked, “Are you sure you’re okay with this? After all, this isn’t what you planned for your lives.”

  Her three men looked at her and smiled. Besral glanced around at them, sketched a bow in Simdow’s direction, and quietly left the room.

  Simdow walked over to Katherine and gathered her in his arms. “You’re right. I hadn’t planned for this at all. This is much better than what I had in mind for my future.”

  He smiled at them all. “I have my clan. I have my Matara.”

  Miv grinned and added, “Everything else pales in comparison.”

  Marci suddenly dashed into the room with Darci chasing on her heels. The two girls shrieked with happiness and ran straight to Miv. The Nobek scooped the sisters into his arms and laughed. He told them, “Only a fool would choose other than this.”

  Marci chortled. “You’re no fool, big brother Miv!”

  “Indeed I am not, my warrior sister.” He arched a brow at the pair. “Sister Cheryl came in here a few minutes ago looking for you, my younglings. Aren’t you supposed to be helping with lunch preparation?”

  Darci grabbed Marci’s hand, wriggling to leave Miv’s arms. He set them down as the older girl cried, “We forgot! Come on, Marci! I don’t want demerits our first day back!”

  They ran out, yelling at each other to hurry. The clan chuckled at the girls’ antics, and Simdow said, “I miss nothing of what I’d originally set out to do.”

  The enormity of what lay ahead of them impressed itself on Katherine, and she had a moment of panic. “Some of the parents and guardians will never be found. More orphans and children of the missing are already on their way here. Who knows how many there will be in the end?”

  Simdow squeezed her close and planted a comforting kiss on her forehead. “We will welcome and care for them all. It is a momentous task, but we can do it.”

  Vadef nodded. “We are theirs, for as long as they need us. We will see to it no one is left wanting.”

  Katherine looked from one man to another, her heart swelling in renewed recognition of her good fortune. “Have I mentioned how wonderful you are and how lucky I am to have you?”

  Miv grinned. “Yes, but feel free to tell us all you like.”

  That earned another round of laughter, and they set about their work once more in good spirits.

  * * * *

  That night everyone sat together for dinner in the dining room. The aspirants sat in a group, their two tables loud and boisterous with unrestrained enthusiasm as they settled into familiar environs. Katherine could detect an undercurrent of concern still present, but for the moment all of the girls seemed determined to hope for the best when it came to reuniting with loved ones.

  The Kalquorians also grouped together, their attitudes ones of ease. There was much work to be done, but the war was over. The end had come with great tragedy, but horror had eased back now that a sense of purpose had been returned to these men. The infectious laughter coming from the aspirants’ tables made even the fiercest-seeming Nobeks grin.

  For the most part, the remaining nuns also clustered in a little group, keeping affectionate tabs on the girls. The one exception was Sister Cheryl, who sat with Nobek Besral. The unforeseen pairing had initially been greeted with wide eyes from the other nuns and titters from the youngsters. However, no one protested. Cheryl smiled shyly at her dinner partner and occasionally laughed over something he said. For his part, Besral was far more animated and at ease than he had been while he’d helped set up the cramped office the convent’s new leaders momentarily shared. Katherine noted the seasoned Nobek’s gaze rarely left Cheryl’s face.

  Katherine sat with her clan, enjoying Sister Miriam’s baked spaghetti dish. As she ate her last forkful, Simdow closed his handheld computer with a satisfied air.

  He reported to them, “There are two supply ships that were part of the invasion force coming into orbit now. They will bring us the first shipment of things allocated for this colony tomorrow morning. More items like food and medical supplies, along with an actual doctor and a couple more medics will show up in a few days. We’ll also get more security over the next two weeks.”

  Katherine nodded. “Wonderful. It’s good to know more of what we’ll need is falling into place. When are the first orphans scheduled to land?”

  Vadef said, “In a month, along with Ashley’s parents. I also received word that five more transports are being lined up to pick up more children from the rescue sites.” He grimaced. “I was told to expect a large number of children on those.”

  Miv’s brows drew together. “Can we handle it?”

  Simdow nodded. “The convent’s containment is being enlarged to accommodate twice the number this colony can accommodate. Its current rating is for 800 people.”

  Katherine felt a little dizzy to think of the population explosion that would happen soon. “Maybe the current containment can take 800 people, but our agricultural fields were just big enough for the 200 of us in residence.”

  Vadef rubbed her back to comfort her. “More food is on the way and we’ve sent out a call to men in the fleet with farming experience. We’ve received 70 responses so far. Don’t worry. We’ll keep up.”

  Simdow smiled encouragingly. “You will all have to get used to Kalquorian food until the farming area is enlarged, however.”

  Miv sighed. “It’s going to be a lot of work.” A fresh spate of laughter from the aspirants’ tables brightened his face. “It’s definitely worth it.”

  Brenda and Ashley came out of the kitchen with a cart of cake squares. A dozen Kalquorians jumped up to help them pass the chocolate-iced treats out to rousing cheers.

  As she watched the activity, Katherine felt a pang for aspirant Brenda Logan. Vadef was now certain her parents had been in London when it exploded. In Katherine’s opinion, they’d been terrible parents, more or less abandoning their daughter on Europa so they could jet set without the encumbrance of a child. Yet there was no doubt Brenda loved them and would suffer horribly when she got the news.

  Looking at the rare smile on Brenda’s face right now, Katherine decided tomorrow would be soon enough to break the poor girl’s heart. She wondered how many more of these children would see their hopes dashed in the weeks and months to come. How many would wait through the years with no word as to their families’ fates at all?

  The best Katherine could do was give them all the love and care in her heart that they and the ones heading for Europa needed to see them through. She thanked God that she had three men just as committed to the effort. Tears mixed with joy would be the order of life for some time to come.

  * * * *

  The next day found the group beginning to settle into their duties. Simdow and Nobek Besral shared a long table for their office work, while Katherine and Vadef used the desk that had belonged to Mother Superior. Miv was also in the room, helping Besral iron out the specific security needs a colony full of minors would require.

  Katherine had every intention of being more in the midst of the
children than an office administrator, but she had to get a few things taken care of right away. She planned substantial changes from the way the convent had operated in the past.

  She’d borrowed Miv’s handheld until she could get her own computer. She frowned over the notes she was busy inputting.

  “Vadef, how hard would it be to get basic academic lessons translated from Kalquorian to the various Earther languages?”

  The Imdiko paused in the middle of requisitioning clothing for refugees. “I could have some materials for you as early as this afternoon. I’ll start with the five main Earther tongues. What ranges are you looking for?”

  Katherine sighed. “Everything. The government thought it was a waste of time to teach aspirants more than what they absolutely needed to read the bible. Mathematics and sciences were terribly under represented. I doubt Marci can do much more than add and subtract.” She rubbed her forehead to ease the headache beginning there. “I need some way to test them and find out exactly where they are academically.”

  Vadef nodded. “I’ll gather all the resources I can, including aptitude and placement testing.”

  “Thank you, my Imdiko.” They smiled at each other.

  Besral spoke up as he stared at his own computer. “There is a transmission coming in from the supply ships, Governor Simdow.”

  Simdow answered, “It’s about time. I was expecting to hear from them almost an hour ago. Why aren’t they using the com?”

  Besral suddenly growled something in Kalquorian. Miv moved to stand behind him so he could look at the computer as well. He also spat out an angry outburst.

  Besral’s fists clenched. “The supply ships are under attack by Tragoom raiders. The destroyers guarding them are fighting back and winning. The real trouble is that it’s believed a couple of enemy scouting parties may have slipped past. They may be on their way or already here on the colony.”

  Katherine’s heart froze. Tragooms in the convent?

  Miv shouted, “Damn! We’ve got no security shielding.”

  Besral scowled. “That’s part of the supplies we’re supposed to be getting.” He spoke into his com, apparently giving orders to the guards on the moon.

  Simdow stood. As soon as Besral was finished dictating commands, the Dramok spoke. Despite the situation, his tone remained controlled. “Is there any way to tell if the colony is under attack yet?”

  Besral also stood and strapped on his utility belt with its complement of knives and a blaster. “No sir. We don’t have the monitoring equipment.”

  Her heart pounding, Katherine said, “All the children are in the classrooms. Some of the sisters are in the kitchen and garden as well.”

  Besral spoke into his com once more. Voices answered, but since they spoke Kalquorian, Katherine had no idea what they said.

  Besral nodded to Katherine. “The men are getting the sisters to the chapel. Commander Simdow, the rest of you should proceed immediately to the chapel and pick up the children and sisters in the school on your way. Lieutenant Miv, escort them and then report back to me in front of the chapel. The rest of security will prepare to defend that building.”

  Miv had strapped his own utility belt with its weapons to his waist. He jerked his head towards the door. “Come, my clanmates. We’ve got to collect the little ones.”

  Besral followed them out then separated from their group once they reached the outside. Katherine ran as fast as she could, but she was unable to keep pace with her much faster clanmates. That was quickly remedied when Simdow scooped her up. He ran with her so fast that they seemed to fly down the walkway towards the convent’s tiny school.

  It took only seconds to round up the children and the four nuns reading to them. Simdow, as calm as ever, went before the girls and explained, “There may be Tragooms in the colony. If there are, we are going to protect you from them. You are going to the chapel where it will be easiest to keep you safe. I want you all to stick close to us as we go. We are going to run, but do not leave the group.”

  Perhaps it was because he addressed them with such confidence that none of them panicked. The group of forty-two girls and four nuns quickly but quietly evacuated the classroom and headed at a brisk trot towards the chapel.

  Miv’s com went off as they hurried with the wide-eyed children. He answered it, and a quick exchange ensued between him and a voice Katherine thought belonged to Besral. As soon as it ended, Miv exchanged a dark look with Simdow.

  In a low voice so as not to alarm the girls, Katherine asked, “What is it?”

  Simdow muttered, “A party of about twenty Tragooms has been sighted within the containment area.” He raised his voice to urge the aspirants and nuns on. “Girls, you need to run as fast as you can to the chapel. Don’t look around, just run!”

  Marci clung to Vadef, who carried her. Her lower lip trembled. “What about Mr. Honey? The Tragooms will get him.”

  Darci ran at Vadef’s side. She yelled at her sister, “Girl, Tragooms don’t want your old raggedy stuffed teddy!”

  They reached the chapel and found Besral waiting with the rest of the Kalquorians. The grim faces belonged not just to the security group; even Imdikos were armed and grimly ready to protect the girls and women. The sight of aliens willing to lay down their lives for Earther children took some of the terror out of Katherine’s galloping heart.

  Besral waved them towards the building. “Everyone inside. Mataras, I know you’re not used to percussion blasters, but I’ve put some in the chapel if it should come to defending yourselves.”

  That got him some frightened looks from the nuns, but no one protested.

  Katherine waited at the rear of the group filing into the chapel. Simdow grabbed her and spoke urgently.

  “Katherine, do you remember how Admiral Tranis’ Matara evaded capture for a couple of days? She did it by using the ductwork in the dorm.”

  Katherine blinked up at him. “Cassidy Hamilton? Is that where she hid?”

  He nodded. “The chapel has a similar air exchange system. I think that would be the best place for you all to hide, or as many will fit. There may not be room for everyone, but if you can at least get the little ones to climb in there—”

  Simdow was apparently worried the Tragooms would kill those defending the chapel. Katherine swallowed and nodded. “The ventilation ducts. That’s a wonderful idea. I’ll see to it.”

  “Vadef can help you get them in there.”

  The Imdiko scowled at Simdow. He’d traded Marci for a percussion blaster, having set the little girl on her feet to file into the chapel with the rest.

  He told his Dramok, “You need me out here fighting the bastards off.”

  “You’re not a fighter, Vadef.” Simdow’s tone was firm.

  “I’m trained on basic blaster techniques like everyone else in the fleet.”

  Besral joined them to speak discreetly into Simdow’s ear. “Sir, with respect, we may be outnumbered if there is a second invasion party on the ground. We need your Imdiko out here with us.”

  Simdow and Miv both scowled at this, but the interim governor acquiesced with no further argument. “Keep your head down, Vadef.”

  Simdow turned to Katherine and kissed her hard. She clung to him for the too brief moment she was able before he pushed her towards the chapel door.

  He told her, “Stay safe, my love. We’ll do everything possible to keep them away from you.”

  She said, “I love you.”

  Katherine didn’t wait for an answer because she didn’t need it. She ran into the chapel to get the children hidden as fast as possible.

  Chapter 21

  Once inside, Katherine hurried to the knot of frightened nuns and aspirants clustered in the middle of aisle between the narrow pews. She noted with approval that the sisters and older aspirants had grabbed blasters. At least they were willing to defend themselves.

  She grabbed her own weapon from the table near the door she’d come in through. The thing was huge, apparently made
for a Kalquorian’s hand. Katherine didn’t have time to worry about her clumsy grip on the thing.

  She told the huddled group, “We need to hide as many of us as possible. The ducts and ventilation system are the best chance if the Tragooms get in here.”

  Everyone looked up. The vent openings were along the walls near the ceiling which towered at least ten feet overhead. They would be difficult to climb up to.

  Katherine asked, “Does anyone know the most accessible spot?”

  Cheryl answered, “I think it must be in the sacristy. The ceiling in there is lower, and there is a table we can climb up on to get to the ventilation shaft.”

  “Let’s do that, then. Is everyone over the age of 14 armed?”

  They nodded. Ophelia said, “I hope none of us shoots ourselves in the foot. We don’t want to end up a bunch of peglegs.”

  The needed bit of humor eased the terror on most faces. The girls managed to giggle.

  Katherine grinned, appreciating the image of gray-haired Sister Ophelia hobbling around like a pirate. She got back to business in a hurry.

  “I take it none of you has any experience with the blasters. Everyone, be very careful. Only shoot as a last resort. Sister Ophelia is right; we’re more likely to hurt ourselves with those things than anything attacking us.”

  Cheryl pointed out the safety mechanism on her weapon. “They’re all set on locked, so we should be all right. Keep your fingers from the trigger buttons just to be safe.”

  Katherine checked her own blaster, confirming it too had been set to keep from discharging accidentally. “All right, everyone head for the sacristy. The youngest go into the vent shafts first, so line up accordingly.”

  The girls jostled into a line. At the front, Darci looked about for her sister. “Marci? Where are you?”

  A quick look told Katherine and everyone else there was no sign of the little girl. A lead weight felt as if it had been dropped in Katherine’s stomach as a quick search between the pews and behind the altar also came up empty.