by Neal Jones
Gabriel glanced at Saveck, who was just as puzzled by this as he was. The commodore stepped forward and introduced himself. The major returned the introduction, then requested Gabriel and Saveck to follow him. Once more, the commodore and his second-in-command exchanged puzzled glances.
"Major," Gabriel said, turning back to the courier. "Where is High Chancellor Kroth?"
"He's aboard the ship, commodore. He requested that the initial meeting with you and Major Saveck be held in his private quarters."
Gabriel considered this for a moment, then nodded. It made sense. Kroth wanted to meet the commodore and Saveck on his turf, establish who was really in charge here. "Very well, major. Lead the way."
As he walked the corridors of the Chrisarii flagship, Gabriel felt a tremor along his spine, and he quieted the rumble in his gut with a firm thought that this was not during wartime. The Chrisarii were allies now, and this flagship was here under a banner of peace. He was here as a guest of the High Chancellor, and yet...there was a flash of memory –
(running...running...voices shouting...blood...stabbing a black uniform...duck and cover...grenades exploding ahead...more running...)
- that almost made Gabriel stumble as he followed Major Erorn into the PTL.
They were now at the door to Kroth's quarters. A pair of guards stood aside, allowing Gabriel and Saveck to enter, and the High Chancellor stood from behind a large, ornately carved desk to greet them. The door closed, and Kroth gestured to a pair of chairs in front of his desk.
"Gentlemen. Please sit." There was no offer of refreshment or beverage, nor did the chancellor initiate the customary salutation dialogue. Only after his guests had complied did Kroth sit, folding his hands over his lap and resting his elbows on the arms of his chair. "During my trip here, I have been pondering this situation, and I've decided that I wish to speak with Mister Blacke before I make my decision. Tomorrow morning, zero-nine-hundred hours. I assume he's being kept in some form of solitary confinement."
"That's correct," Gabriel replied.
Kroth was silent for a few seconds, then stood and walked to a large cabinet which was nestled in the corner of the room nearest his desk. Inside was an array of liquor bottles and tumblers. The chancellor poured himself a drink, then turned to his guests.
"Tell me, commodore, have you ever tasted Falorian wine? It's brewed in the Honsh valley of Garrt province, one of the most beautiful places on our homeworld."
"No, I don't believe I've had the privilege, chancellor."
Kroth nodded, as if this was the answer he'd expected, and turned back to his collection. He poured two more glasses, then handed them to Gabriel and Saveck. The officers waited while Kroth took his seat once more, and the chancellor raised his glass.
"To our new friendship. May it be both profitable and lasting."
Gabriel and Saveck raised their glasses, and both murmured the customary agreements. All three men drank, then Kroth reclined in his large chair once more. There was a curious look in his eyes, as if this whole tête-à-tête was for his amusement. The way he carried himself, the tone he used when he spoke, the manner in which he held one's gaze – all were attributes of a man who was accustomed to power and privilege. Gabriel suspected that Kroth was one of those who had been born into a wealthy family, and to whom the seat of High Chancellor had practically been given. During the initial conference call four days ago, Kroth had appeared stern, commanding and austere, suggesting a man who was more like a military general than a civilian. Yet now, seeing him in person, Gabriel decided that Kroth was nothing more than a spoiled, demanding politician who was not only accustomed to getting his way all the time, but also took every opportunity to indulge in the rituals and ceremonies that came with his esteemed position.
After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Gabriel finally asked, "Chancellor, is there anything else you require of us at this time?"
"No, commodore, not of you. You are dismissed. Major Erorn will escort you back to the airlock."
Gabriel wasn't sure if he should be relieved or worried. He stood and bowed at the waist, then walked out the door. Saveck sipped his ale, waiting for the door to close, knowing all along that this had been the direction that this meeting was headed. As expected, Kroth put down his glass and rose. He began speaking the opening lines of the traditional salutation. Saveck stood and recited the customary response. Kroth smiled but there was no humor in his expression. His eyes were flints of onyx which sparked with bemusement as they focused on Exxar-One's first officer.
"Please sit. Would you like me to refill your glass?"
"No, thank you," Saveck replied. "I have never cared for Falorian wine."
"Really? Now that surprises me, major. Your father is one of the preeminent brewers in the Honsh valley. In fact, he owns three vineyards and two processing plants, does he not?"
"That's right."
"I imagine that being raised among the boes fields would give one plenty of opportunity to get one's fill of this stuff."
"I only needed one taste when I was close to age. That was enough. It was my father who gave it to me."
Kroth chuckled at this, but as before with his smile, there was no humor in his eyes or his tone. "Farak Saveck is a wealthy man. I imagine that's how you escaped your punishment in that incident at the War Academy two years ago."
So that's what this was all about. Saveck knew he shouldn't be surprised, but he was anyway. "I assumed that a demotion to the rank of major and my assignment to this station was punishment enough."
"You were responsible for the severe injury of two recruits under your command. Had they died, I imagine your punishment would have been much worse."
"Chancellor, is there a point to this dialogue, or are we just sharing small talk?"
"Oh I'm sorry, major. I wasn't aware that I was wasting your time."
"And I wasn't aware that I was important enough to warrant your attention. I'm also surprised that the murder of Ambassador Vorik and his wife was too important for the Ministry of State to deal with. I find it very odd that this matter was placed on your desk, and that you suddenly find a need to visit a starbase only after all the other important dignitaries of the Federation have done so."
"I think I will have a tour of Exxar-One after all," Kroth said before emptying his tumbler in one gulp. "And I would like you to escort me. We have much to discuss, major." The chancellor stood, and Saveck followed suit. "I will meet you in the central security office at ten hundred hours tomorrow."
"As you wish," Saveck replied quietly. He turned on his heel and walked briskly from Kroth's quarters. Major Erorn was waiting outside the door, but Saveck waved him off. "I can find my own way back to the airlock, major."
As Saveck stepped into the PTL, he growled under his breath, simmering with frustration and irritation. Maliston Kroth was a man who had more than earned the title and the seat of High Chancellor. As all chancellors before him, Kroth had served in the military, rising quickly through the ranks and currying favor with almost every superior officer he served under. He commanded a legion during the Strolm Campaigns, when the Sohnath Empire had rebelled against the Alliance. Only a decade after that Kroth rose to the seat of High Chancellor, a position he had held for almost three decades now. The fact that he had been born into one of the ruling houses of the Empire didn't hurt either, and, according to some of the chancellor's critics, was the only reason that Kroth was where he was today.
But, after only a few minutes of talking to him in person, Saveck was positive that Kroth's birthright was only part of the reason for the man's success and power. The chancellor was not just a warrior. He was also an accomplished politician, and while he was spoiled by his position and influence, he was also smart enough to know when to indulge himself and when to practice restraint. The fact that Kroth insisted on meeting with Saveck and Gabriel in his personal quarters was an example of indulgence. It was against Chrisarii custom, even for a head of state, to meet one's host on on
e's own ground. The conference should have been held in Gabriel's office, not Kroth's, and the fact that the chancellor defied tradition - then dismissed Gabriel only a few minutes after the meeting began - spoke volumes about his opinion of the commodore, and the Federation as a whole.
But Kroth was shrewd enough to recognize how far was too far, and Saveck was certain that, sooner or later, there would be a meeting with Gabriel in the commodore's office, and that Kroth would not be as informal as he had been in his own quarters. That was another character trait which angered Saveck. The man whom he had just talked with a few minutes ago was not the same somber, commanding general who often stood on the Quorum floor and delivered an impassioned yet calculated speech to the Elders. He was obviously adept at the art of projecting a specific image for a specific occasion, and there were probably many personas in Kroth's closet. All of this was no secret, of course, for the chancellor had many critics, in both the government and among the people, but it was one thing to read about these attributes and then witness them firsthand.
Judging by his expression, Gabriel agreed with Saveck's assessment of Kroth. But then the commodore began to snicker, and Saveck was puzzled by this response.
"What's so funny?"
They were in Gabriel's office, and the major had just finished relaying to Gabriel the highlights of his conversation with the chancellor.
"I'm sorry, but I was thinking of a professor at the academy who would get along so well with Kroth. Admiral Whitter. He was a pompous, arrogant, know-it-all who was famous for delivering lectures that would always be ten minutes too long, yet he threatened to give demerits to any student who dared to leave the classroom before he dismissed them. One time, about halfway through the course, I challenged the admiral on one of his points. I don't even remember what he was lecturing about, but I do remember that the course subject was the principles of first contact, as laid out in the directives of First Law. This particular class was in the middle of the semester, and by that point I was tired and fed up with Whitter's constant lecturing and no opportunity for debate. So I interrupted him in the middle of a sentence and proceeded to tell him why I disagreed with the statement he'd just made." Gabriel chuckled once more and shook his head. "After class, Whitter called me into his office, and the setting and script were nearly identical to what I just experienced with Chancellor Kroth. Whitter loved to drink Scotch, and he poured himself a glass but didn't offer me anything. Then he promptly told me that if I ever interrupted him during one of his lectures ever again, I would fail the course. Since it was one that I needed in order to graduate, I had no choice but to say 'Yes, sir,' and then he immediately dismissed me."
"I see," was Saveck's only response. He wondered if the commodore was always prone to this anecdotal rambling, or if this was just a onetime occurrence.
Gabriel sighed as he walked around his desk and sat down. "I would like to say that I'm relieved that I don't have to accompany him on his tour, but the truth is, I'm bothered by this. Why do you think he requested you instead of me?"
Saveck shrugged. "I don't know. I'm sure I'll find out tomorrow." He had neglected to tell the commodore what Kroth had said about the Academy incident. Saveck was sure that would be one of the subjects of tomorrow's discussion as he showed Kroth the medical sector or main engineering. Gabriel appeared lost in thought, so Saveck said, "If you don't have anything else to discuss, I'll return to the command deck."
"No, I'm finished. Thank you, major."
( 5 )
The door chime sounded just as Mariah finished setting a plate of cheese and crackers on the kitchen table. Another plate of various meats was next to it, and a fresh pitcher of iced tea stood in the table's center. The science officer took a moment to make sure everything was perfect, then walked quickly into the living room to answer the door. Tjase and his mother were standing on the other side, and both of them looked disgruntled, although Siyri did a better job of hiding her discomfort than her son.
"Come in. Tjase, Josh is in his room. Why don't you go join him? He downloaded the next chapter of Khan's Warriors and was waiting till you got here to play it." She looked at Siyri. "Is that all right with you?"
"Yes, it's fine."
While Tjase walked out of the room, Mariah motioned to the kitchen. "I have a snack prepared. I thought you and I might talk for a few minutes. I know you have to go soon so I won't take long."
Siyri hesitated but then sighed as she nodded. "Sure. I could use a break after the day I had."
Mariah smiled and led the way. She poured two glasses of tea, handed Siyri a fresh plate, and then filled one of her own. After a few bites, Decev cleared her throat. "I decided that since our sons will be friends, you and I might as well get to know one another a little more." Siyri held up a hand and Mariah waited for her to finish her bite and take a sip of her tea.
"You don't have to explain yourself, commander. Nor did you have to bribe me with an afternoon snack." She paused, looking more uncomfortable by the second, and she played with her napkin as she spoke, twisting and untwisting one corner. "I know what you think, and you're only partially correct. Yes, I was upset and angry the other day, and I'll admit that I did come into that meeting with a few preconceived notions about you. But here's the truth. While I didn't have a choice in this assignment, it is a step up from my previous posting, and I like it here. However, as I'm sure you've experienced with Joshua, this move hasn't been easy on Tjase. My last posting was on homeworld, and I was there for almost six years. It was very hard for Tjase to leave all his friends and his school, and that's why he's been acting the way he has. And for the record, I think this whole thing is a good idea."
"Good. I agree. And you can call me Mariah."
"I'm Siyri."
"Nice to meet you."
Siyri smiled, relaxing, and she raised her glass. "Good tea, by the way."
"Thanks."
They both drank and then the Murdohn stood. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I have to go." She considered something for a moment, then said, "Do you have any plans for next Friday? Tjase and Josh can work on their project, and you and I can get to know one another a little more."
"That sounds great. I look forward to it."
"Good. I'll see you later then. And if those two hit it off and Tjase wants to stay longer, it's fine with me."
Mariah grimaced. "I doubt they'll get along that soon."
Siyri shrugged, as if to say maybe, maybe not. "Just don't let Tjase leave before eighteen hundred."
"Absolutely."
After Siyri left, Decev munched on her crackers and salami, pleased with herself, and, for the first time since arriving on Exxar-One, she felt genuinely happy.
( 6 )
Jennifer stirred the pasta one last time before scooping a small serving onto Emalie's plate. "This is hot, sweetie, so let it sit for a few minutes before you try it. Eat some of your bread and your peas first."
"How was your first day?" Ben waited until his wife was finished dishing up her own plate before he reached for the ladle.
"It was good. Could have been better, but I'll get the hang of things by next week."
"Third grade a little too rowdy?"
Jennifer laughed. "No, not exactly. But there was a couple boys who I had to send to the principal's office, and the teacher didn't leave me a well detailed lesson plan. But all in all, I think I'm going to really like this job."
"Good."
Emalie interrupted with a long, rambling account of her day at the preschool, and Jennifer smiled to herself as she listened to her husband and daughter converse. Later, after Emalie had her bath and was tucked in bed, Jennifer plopped onto the couch and snuggled next to her husband. Ben was reading a compad but was easily persuaded to set it aside.
"It's still early, and I'm not tired," Jennifer murmured as she nuzzled Ben's neck.
"You must have had a good day," Ben replied, slipping a hand beneath his wife's shirt and caressing her stomach. He knew exactly where
to touch to make her giggle, and he smiled at the sound. He started to rise, but she pushed him back down.
"Let's do it out here. Emalie's asleep and I set the computer to warn us if she wakes up."
Ben laughed, surprised and aroused by his wife's suggestion. "Whatever you say, Mrs. Rosenberg." He laid back, allowing Jennifer to have her way, and they didn't make it to the bedroom until well after midnight.
Chapter 12
____________________
( 1 )
"How long has he been in there?"
"About twenty minutes."
Saveck glanced at the chrono on Zar's desk. It was oh-nine-forty, which meant that Kroth must have started his conference with Isaac Blacke late, which meant that his tour of the station was going to start late as well. And that meant that Saveck's schedule for the day was going to run at least a half hour behind. The fact that the tour was the only thing on his schedule was beside the point. The major had been secretly hoping that Kroth would let him go sometime around fourteen hundred, and then Saveck would take the rest of the day off. But as he draped himself in a chair to wait for the chancellor, Saveck prepared for the worst. Kroth was going to monopolize the major's entire day and then some. He probably even had a surprise dinner planned, in his personal quarters of course, and Saveck would be lucky if he would get two hours to himself before bedtime.
Not only that, the work week ended yesterday, and Saveck shouldn't even be in his uniform today at all. A galactic standard week was nine days long, and the last three were considered the weekend. Saveck had once hoped that Kroth would make his decision about Blacke today, announce it tomorrow morning, and be gone by tomorrow afternoon. But after his meeting with the chancellor yesterday, it was a good bet that Kroth would take his time, lording his power and authority over the station's crew, and Gabriel and Saveck in particular.