Home in the Stars Box Set

by Mason, Jolie

  He leaned in and kissed her. Something he did often when confronted with a hard question. “I'll be around.”

  Exasperated, she tried to follow up on the thought, but he waved jauntily and escaped- there was no other word- the kitchen as he bit down on an apple he snitched from the bowl on the large kitchen table.

  Luca moved to the open door watching him joke with the hands and move gracefully across the yard to the cattle pen. He may not be lying to her, but he wasn't sharing his suspicions which meant he didn't know what to do about them.

  She picked up her favorite kitchen knife and continued peeling the apples. The pie would be done in time to feed the hands. She shook her head. She could fly everything up to and including M75 Cortana with torqued rear thrusters and totally manual piloting, and she was making pie.

  She liked it. That was the worst part. The universe went to hell, and she got a vacation. A fantasy vacation.

  It made her feel like she belonged and brought out a maternal side she didn't know she had. She mended torn clothes, washed laundry, fed chickens, and she loved it for the moment. She missed the stars, but the land had a hold on her too. Or maybe the people did.

  Dorenda definitely had charms. They had dress up dances every Saturday, and she determined to drag Emery to one if it killed her. She even had his formal tuxedo already, hidden in the very back of her closet. She couldn't wait to spring it on him two days from now. She smiled wickedly.

  It was time for the two of them to enjoy themselves a little bit. Plus, it wouldn't do for the locals to think them unfriendly and anti-social, or, at least, that was how she intended to sell it to him. They needed to act the part on Dorenda, and that included getting to know their neighbors.

  Plus, she'd bought herself a knockout strapless, midnight blue straight line dress that shone like the dark of the night sky full of stars. She couldn't wait to make him drool on the carpet. It would serve him right for keeping secrets.

  8

  Emery tugged uncomfortably at the rich, silk of the extremely tight bow tie, as he stared miserably in the mirror. “Luca!”

  “What?”

  “This doesn't feel right. Are you sure this is how you wear this thing?”

  She chuckled indulgently, then, showing some mercy at least, she adjusted the tie on his neck. Her soft hands running over the rich weave of the fabric and down his chest with a flirtatious smile. Grabbing her elbows, he tipped her forward into his chest.

  “Maybe, we should just stay home.”

  “Oh, no, you don't. We are going to enjoy ourselves tonight.”

  He nibbled seductively at her neck. “I can enjoy myself right here.”

  She laughed, dancing away out of his arms. “I've already reserved a room a the boarding house for the night. You know Imogene needs the money, so, no, we're going.”

  He sighed. It was worth a shot, but he'd known she wasn't likely to bend. For some reason, this dance was important to her. He smiled as her backside swayed walking away from him in the shiny dress she'd bought. It was important to him if it was important to her, and that dress may make it all worthwhile in the end.

  The dark fabric slinked along her skin like a whisper as she walked, and the little winking stars glinted in the lights, giving her a shine even in the dark of the front walk. He'd pulled the slider up an hour ago. He tapped the lock on the door panel of the ranch house.

  “Emery”, she said.

  He checked his pockets. “I remembered. The fob is right here.”

  When he turned, his breath hissed out. She stood with her wrap pulled close around her in the cooling autumn air, and her eyes watched him carefully as he took in the sight of a man dressed in black holding a pulse iron on her. He heard two more move from positions flanking the front door, and he hadn't needed to see the laser sighted on him to know there was a sharpshooter somewhere out and above them, Probably, the barn. He rattled the slider fob in his hand.

  “Mr. Charles, there is no need for theatrics, if that's what you're considering. You are clearly outnumbered.”

  “Since you know who I am,” Emery said coldly. “You should know that hasn't deterred me from theatrics before. I'm rather an expert at drama. You're early.”

  The man approached calmly from the shadows to his left. Once he stepped into the light, it took Emery a moment to process who he saw there. “Officiate Perkins, you are a long, long way from home.”

  The officiates rotund frame shook with his amusement. “Not as far as one might think.” He bowed in a stately fashion in Luca's general direction. “Captain Brine, may I say you look lovely this evening. It saddens me to interrupt your evening so rudely. I will endeavor to be brief. Do you mind if we go inside a moment?”

  Emery had already done the math. Perkins owned his own world, and several others if rumors were to be believed. He cornered the market on military grade bots early on in life, and built his own conglomerate reminiscent of Caden Carnes' little empire. If this man was here standing on this planet, he could have only one purpose.

  “I'm afraid you can kill us out here. I'd hate for you to ruin the carpets. My wife is awfully protective of them.”

  Perkins smiled pleasantly. “You misunderstand, Charles. I don't want to kill you. In fact, I need your help.”

  “The bounty on our head suggests differently.”

  “I cannot deny the fact of the bounty, but you should be informed that, given recent developments, the bounty was only for capture of you and your lovely wife.” The officiate ran his eyes up and down her lean frame.

  “Do me a favor, Perkins, and stop checking out my wife?”

  “Let's go inside and discuss these matters like gentlemen, Charles. Hear me out.”

  It wasn't as though they had any choice in the matter. He held his hand out to Luca who came to him without a second's hesitation. He placed his body in front of hers saying softly, “Open the door.”

  She took the fob and preceded them all into the quaint foyer. Leading them into the parlor, Luca cut him a look asking for instructions. He gave her a sign to wind down. They didn't have a play here, and he knew it better than most.

  Luca sat in a wing-backed chair of extremely antique design, very old Earth, but very new materials. A reproduction, she'd called it when she ordered it. It was her chair. No one but Luca sat there.

  Anxiously, he bounced the fob once again in his hand. Perkins ran intelligence for the Empire. It was the only possible explanation. What was murky was his presence here in Emery's parlor. Why not just send operatives? He had plenty. The obvious answer was exactly what he'd claimed. He wanted something, and that might not be bad for them. Might not be good either.

  Four of them fanned out to clear the house, while two stayed in the parlor to watch their prisoners. Emery kept his gaze on the most dangerous man in the room; Perkins sat on a stiff, formal sofa and crossed his legs casually while they waited. Finally, one of the men came to announce the house was clear.

  “Perkins, you want to explain why you aren't just killing us?”

  “I understand your suspicion, Charles. You solved a problem for me whether you intended to or not. The rogue program that created the virus that nearly killed the dear Captain here. Well, none of that was sanctioned to say the least. Morgan….”

  “I thought his job was to tear it down”, Luca said. “Turn out the lights?”

  “It was”, Perkins said grimly. “And he did end some of it. The parts he no longer considered useful.”

  “But he kept some of it for himself?” Emery nodded.

  “He found the idea of super soldiers too much to pass up. The tech has limits, and there are just some things that make the men too unpredictable. Morgan didn't understand that an undisciplined force, a military that can't be controlled, is a danger. He disagreed when IG wanted to shut down the worst of the research.”

  The man gave Luca another once over with his eyes, making Emery grit his teeth, before he continued. “Thanks to the two of you he's gone, and his
target was missed entirely.”

  “Taarken?”, she asked.

  “Taarken. I have a deal with Caden that makes him excessively important to the empire. We believe Morgan was hoping to obtain his assets and basically set himself up in the business of being the kingmaker.” He smiled. “That position is filled at the moment.”

  Emery nodded and adjusted his legs on the floor. “The king's assassination”, he said.

  “A timely coincidence. Our current empress was under-qualified, thanks to her father. She needs guidance.”

  “Guidance which you can provide. I get it. None of this explains what you need from me.” Emery felt frustration boiling his blood from the inside. He had the feeling this was evolving into a Devil's deal. He wished the man would just spring the trap.

  “You aren't an automaton. That's what I need.”

  Emery laughed. “That's exactly what you don't need in an operative. I know the drill. These guys are almost robots. A robot is exactly what you need.”

  “I didn't say I wanted an operative.”

  Emery stared hard at him. He was smarmy and superior, but he had just spoken a truth.

  “What then?”

  “Valek left me with a dilemma. I need someone incorruptible. His work is not only unfinished, but it has been hidden and expanded in some sectors. I need someone I can trust to take it all down, discreetly.”

  “You need someone dispensable. And you trust me because?”

  “You have but one motivation, it seems.” The man smiled at Luca like the cat sizing up the canary. “Your wife, and I can offer you plenty of motivation there.”

  Emery sat up straighter. “Is that a threat?”

  “Not at all. You both have a problem; a bounty on your heads and six operatives around you ready to cash it in. I have a solution; Come back.”

  Emery looked around the room slowly. He'd known how screwed he was already. The reminder, however, did the job it was intended to do. His gut twisted with cold fear for Luca.

  “All will be forgiven. You acted in conscience and to the benefit of the empire. One word and I can make that bounty a commendation.”

  “What exactly would he have to do?” Luca asked firmly.

  “Ah, women are always so practical. I love them all.” Perkins enthused, then met Luca's level gaze. “He would do good, Captain. That is all. He would hunt down the facilities Morgan moved, and he would serve the empire as he vowed to do.”

  Luca slipped her eyes his way. “What do you want to do? You aren't selling yourself for me.”

  He said nothing to Luca. “Done. Obviously. And keep your commendation.”

  Officiate Perkins grinned in utter joy. “This is a fine thing, Charles. You will not regret your decision, that I promise you.” Perkins stood and signaled for the guards to go get his vehicle. “I regret we will need to leave tonight, however.”

  “Luca stays with me. Is that understood?”

  “By all means, in fact, I prefer it. Captain Brine is capable in her own right. I'm sure she'd be quite useful to our organization.”

  Luca made a small sound. “You can keep your doctors to yourself, Perkins. I am done being a weapon.”

  The Officiate gave her that stately bow and charmed smile once again. “You, my dear, may make all the demands you want, and I will endeavor to comply.”

  Emery fought the urge to roll his eyes. He would need to watch his back with the Officiate, unless he decided to play David to Luca's Bathsheba without her permission. That wouldn't end well for the husband.

  They were led to a shuttle transport, and flown to an Imperial cruiser almost identical to the one they blew up. Guards preceded them to the bridge and the quarters nearby. Perkins smiled at Luca as he gave her the small tour.

  “This ship is the P40 in her Imperial fleet. She's yours. This is your command.”

  Emery looked around. This was where it started. His devil's deal.

  He wanted desperately to check himself for a soul because he had the uncomfortable feeling he'd sold it the day he enlisted in the empress' service. He gave the Officiate his own version of the stately bow which provoked a jovial laugh.

  “This is why you're perfect, Charles. I know you don't mean that to be respectful at all. Just remember, son, you may not approve my methods, but my intention is to preserve the empire. That, Morgan and I had in common. “

  He addressed Luca. “Your clothes are being delivered to the ship. All your personal belongings will be here by morning. In the meantime, you and your husband have a crewman's kit. I trust you will be returning to your original identities?”

  She merely nodded. Luca watched Emery, noticing everything about him, he knew, once they were alone. The air in the room seemed lighter the moment the Officiate had gone. Emery stood with one hand on the door he'd just closed, and ordered a voice pattern lock to open only to himself or Luca. She spoke her name one time without ever removing that assessing gaze from him. He could feel it.

  For himself, he felt like he'd maybe been doomed from the day of his unfortunate birth in the slums of Imperial City. Now, Luca would be as trapped as he was. It was a gilded trap, but a trap nonetheless. While his goal had been to save her, all he'd really done was get her coiled tighter in the snake's grasp.

  He walked toward the bedroom running his hands over the wall, and the various objects denoting wealth and status. He lifted a crystalline vase that shone pinks and blues in even the dimmest lighting. Staring at it, Emery felt the rage in his own belly wind up like a spring, until the moment he could contain it no longer. He threw the vase hard to listen to it shatter across the room in a satisfyingly shrill explosion.

  “Feel better?”, Luca questioned calmly.

  “Not remotely”, he answered her.

  He heard her sigh behind him, then felt her hands curl around his shoulders to turn him to her. Emery curled himself around her body as if he could shield hers with his own, even though the danger wasn't something physical at the moment.

  “I don't know what I'm doing here. I don't know how to fix this.”

  She burrowed closer. “We're alive. Emery!” She shook him gently. “We're alive. There is hope to figure this out. Just be patient. Now, we should sweep this room, right?”

  He took in a deep steadying breath. “You go get ready for bed. I'll sweep the room and the consoles.”

  She nodded. He centered himself with her soft scent in his arms. If he had never met this woman, what would he be by now? He pulled her closer for a quick kiss. “I love you, Luca Brine.”

  Her blinding smile shone. “I love you, Emery Charles.”

  “We'll have to actually get married one of these days, you know. We'll have to pick one of our names.”

  She kissed him softly, just a brush over his lips. “Names mean nothing to us. My soul knows yours. Remember?” She tossed his favorite phrase at him and pulled away slowly. He smiled.

  “That's all very romantic, Captain, but we have to call the kids something. Otherwise, we might never see them.”

  She laughed lightly. “I have no ship. You can stop calling me captain.”

  He clutched her waist and pulled her closer. “Like you aren't fully aware that you're my commanding officer”, he said softly. “You will have a ship again.”

  She shook her head. “We have a ship or no deal”.

  Just like that. Emery felt the clouds part. He could do this. Somehow, he would find a way out of the maze, preserve his fragile new family, and make the world a little better.

  Luca pulled away once more. Her hand trailing down his arm, until she was too far to touch him, then she was gone and the bedroom door closed behind her with hardly a sound. He surveyed the room. Pulling out his own datapad, he activated the scanner contained in the small box.

  Four listening devices and two video feeds later, he fumed, but continued to work on the console. He uploaded a program of his own devising that would catch worms, bugs, and hacks, close back doors in any program and shut down spyware.
It took far longer than the usual thirty standard minutes, and he fumed again, waiting to have access to a console.

  Once he had access, he wasted no time. He pulled up every available file on the programs he was meant to target, then he released his own little worm into the system. It's job would be to find every mention of four individual children and wipe all data concerning them. Effectively, Ian and the others would disappear. He hoped they could make it with the resources he'd given them.

  By the time he'd finished his main objectives, It was shipboard morning. Dim, filtered light simulated dawn through windows as he sprawled at his new desk. He commed the ranch and got Perky.

  “Hey Perky. Something's come up. We're gonna need you to manage the ranch, close down the main house. There's a big raise in it for you.”

  Perky's sun-tanned face beamed through the screen. The thought of all the rides in the sunlight he was going to miss on Dorenda made Emery a touch jealous. It had been one of the best times of his life.

  “Sure, boss. How long you and the missus gonna be gone?”

  “We aren't sure, Perky. It's a family thing. Just keep making the deposits the way you've been doing and working the ranch the way you see fit. I'll keep in touch. Oh, and see to my horse, would you?”

  Perky cringed. “Guess I can tie her to Castle for exercise, but you know that jealous nag ain't gonna let anyone else on her back.”

  Emery laughed. “I suppose not. Just do your best, Perky. We'll be back when we can.”

  When he signed off, a strange sadness settled over him, almost like homesickness. He'd never thought he'd feel that for a place. One day, when this was all over, he and Luca could go home, and this time it would be there.

  ***#***

  First thing, Luca crawled into the ships records: maintenance, repair and activity logs. She would not live on a ship she had no say in the running of, and she made that clear the next morning by summoning the senior staff to the captain's quarters.