“I think I will be fine.” Sabine made her way around the ring and up the ramp on the other side that led to the fighters’ area. The changing area was empty, but Sabine heard practiced grunting coming from the training area beyond.
K’aia was armed, with two swords.
Sabine paused by the door to watch the four-legged Yollin work her way through a kata. She was surprised to see that some of the techniques looked remarkably familiar, while some were…well, alien to her.
K’aia spotted Sabine and came to a stop, her arms dropping to her sides. “I hope you don’t mind. I saw the swords…”
Sabine waved her apology away. “It’s not a problem. You have an interesting style, blending techniques from different worlds like that. Who trained you?”
K’aia’s mandibles clicked a somewhat haughty reply. “I trained myself.”
Sabine narrowed her eyes. She’d recognized a couple of the steps in the kata as being adapted from some of Bethany Anne’s repertoire. K’aia’s story might be a little more complicated than she had originally suspected.
“Where are you from, K’aia?” she pressed gently. “How did you end up learning those moves from Bethany Anne?”
K’aia gave Sabine a look, hearing the familiarity in the way this woman spoke about her Empress. “How did you know that?”
Sabine smiled. “If you’ve met Bethany Anne, then you must also have met Michael? I’m going to take a guess and say they helped you out like they did me.”
K’aia narrowed her eyes. “It’s true, I was a slave in a mine near City-On-The-Lake until I escaped. The Empress freed the rest of the slaves, and I went on my way to look for my family.” She looked away.
Sabine nodded, reading between the lines. “But you didn’t find them,” she finished softly. This was a sad situation, and one that had occurred far too often on this planet before Bethany Anne came along and put a stop to slavery.
K’aia shook her head. “Oh, no. I found them, but they were long gone from this life. I decided to go and find my Empress and serve whatever cause she has.” She shrugged. “Problem is, you need funds to travel, so here I am. Will the Noel-ni forgive me and allow me to fight?”
“I don’t think that will be the issue,” Sabine told the young Yollin. “I can see that you’re an excellent fighter, but you’re too young to fight in the adult leagues.”
K’aia’s shoulders sank. “You’re not going to let me fight, are you?” She walked over to the bench where she'd left her belongings and dropped the swords in favor of picking up her pack. “I'm sorry for wasting your time. I'll get out of here.”
Sabine shook her head. “Wait,” she called after K'aia as the female went to leave. “If your story checks out, I will get you passage to High Tortuga.”
K'aia paused at the entrance to the changing room and turned back to Sabine. “High Tortuga. That's where my Empress is?”
Sabine nodded. “Yeah. Just…don't go back out there by yourself. Let us help you.”
The young Yollin raised a hand in farewell as she turned to leave. “You just did. I know where I'm headed. Thanks, lady.”
“My name is Sabine.” She ran after K'aia, catching up before they got to the arena entrance. “And I'm serious about helping you.”
K'aia kept walking. “I don't need the help. I can just work for passage on whatever ship is going to High Tortuga.”
Sabine sighed inwardly and followed her into the arena. She put a hand on K'aia's arm to halt her progression. “That's not going to get you there. Travel to High Tortuga is heavily restricted.”
That worked. K'aia paused as she turned to eye the human. “So how do I get there?”
Sabine swept a hand toward the door to the living quarters. “You get a shower and a decent meal while I confirm your story, which is just procedure, and I book you onto a transport.”
K'aia narrowed her eyes. “Why would you do that?”
Sabine's heart broke at the suspicion in K'aia's question. “Because I was young and alone once, just like you. You aren't even the only former slave. Demon had it even worse than that before we rescued her.”
K'aia's eyes bugged out as Winstanley's translation missed the mark. “You have a rift beast?”
Sabine frowned and shook her head. “No?” She chuckled when she realized what the confusion was. “Demon is a cat, an Earth species. You will meet the others, who all have their own stories. If we can help, it's not just our duty. It's our pleasure to give people options where they had none.”
She thought she saw K'aia relent. “What do you say. Will you let us help?”
K’aia shook her head. “I’m good, thanks.”
Sabine didn’t try to prevent her from leaving.
She did, however, pull a move worthy of Michael’s love as soon as the young female was out of hearing range. “Winstanley, put a surveillance drone on her. I want to know if she gets into trouble.”
High Tortuga, Space Fleet Base, SSE Fleet Communications Hub
The fleet escort surrounded the prearranged coordinates, waiting to learn whether the SSE ships they were waiting for had made it back from the Ooken system without a tail.
The first Gate opened, and everyone in the room held their collective breath as the gen III scout ships nosed into the system.
Alone.
Bethany Anne released the back of the chair she was gripping. “SSE fleet, good to have you home in one piece.”
Mirabelle’s voice came over, sounding static through the speaker. “Not entirely intact, my Queen. Those slimy fucknuts got Loralei again.”
Bethany Anne hung her head. “I can believe it. She’s damn heroic. Did you manage to retrieve her?”
Another Gate opened, spitting out three SSE ships and a hail of kinetic fire. The Gate snapped shut before the pursuers got the chance to follow, and the two EIs towed the third ship behind them toward the closest dreadnought.
All three ships were banged up almost beyond recognition.
Bethany Anne sent a mental instruction to ADAM to check them out. It wouldn’t do to take a Trojan horse in.
>>Very true. However, these three ships are legit.<<
The lead ship opened a link to the hub. “This is the SSE Savannah. We managed to retrieve Loralei, but it’s not looking good for her.”
“Come on in,” Bethany Anne told the fleet. “We'll have her good as new in no time.” She nodded to the SSE techs and left the hub for the next task on her to-do list that day.
Bethany Anne wasn’t exactly looking forward to what came next, so she chose to walk and have at least a few more minutes of normality before the shit hit the fan.
ADAM spoke up when she was halfway down the corridor from the hub. >>I’ve got the fleet report if you want to take care of that.<<
That obvious I need a distraction? Bethany Anne forced some of the tension out of her body. Go ahead. What’s the word from the fleet?
>>The gen III squadron confirmed a sixth splinter world, and they picked up the gen II’s latest from the dead drop as planned. They got all the information you requested on the first three planets. I’m translating it for you now.<<
Bethany Anne didn’t want to wait for ADAM to run all the data. Just give me the highlights for now. What’s going on out there? Is it as we suspected?
>>It is,<< ADAM confirmed, giving her the hard data in her internal HUD. >>They’ve been building, too—and they’re ready to move.<<
Bethany Anne tapped a finger against her lips as she scanned ADAM’s report. It was exactly as she’d suspected. You’re right. They could be ready in as soon as a few weeks.
>>It could still be months,<< ADAM countered. >>We don’t know for certain.<<
You’ve seen the messages the scout ships intercepted. They’re after blood for the colony they lost. Bethany Anne clenched her hands into fists. What she would have to put her family through to protect them all was killing her inside. Without action, the Ooken will be free to cause chaos wherever they point those damned
ships of theirs.
ADAM spoke slowly, already sure of the answer but needing to hear it from Bethany Anne. >>So, what are you going to do about it?<<
Bethany Anne knew there was no other way around it. There’s only one thing to do, she admitted. Put on my big-girl panties and stop avoiding what needs doing just because we’re all cozy here right now.
We’re going to war.
Chapter Five
High Tortuga, Space Fleet Base, Western Wall, Guardhouse
Bethany Anne took the shortest route across the base to Tabitha and Peter's home, the action giving her time to get her emotion in check before she arrived.
Walking and thinking was becoming a theme recently, but then her mind was heavy with thought. Alexis was too damned astute, as always.
Bethany Anne hated what she was about to do. However, whether she liked it or not, it was the right choice for everyone involved.
Peter opened the door to the remodeled guardhouse just before she reached it. He smiled warmly as he stood aside for her to enter. “Thanks for doing this all the way out here. Tabitha’s running late, but she'll be back from her thing with Barnabas soon.”
Bethany Anne followed Peter to the living room, where Todd was on the rug doing his best to roll himself onto his stomach. She sat beside the baby, who immediately increased his efforts. “Hey, little man. Just look at you go!”
“I know, right?” Peter swelled with pride. “He’s going to get that any time now. Oh, you should wave to Tabbie. She has CEREBRO livestreaming Todd to her while she’s out.”
Bethany Anne looked up and waved, then returned to cooing at Todd. The baby gurgled in return and waved his arms at her. “I wonder where she got that idea?” she murmured, a small smile escaping her lips as she picked Todd up and settled him in the cradle of her crossed legs.
Peter knew better than to let slip that he knew exactly who’d inspired Tabitha’s twenty-four-hour surveillance of their son. “I wouldn’t know,” he offered in his most diplomatic tone. “It’s nearly time for Todd to eat. Can I get you a drink? I think we have Coke in the fridge.”
“I’m good, thanks.” Bethany Anne supported the baby with her forearms and wriggled her fingers to create a swirling contrail of inert Etheric energy for Todd to grasp at. “Besides, I’m not done for the day yet. I have a few more visits to make when we’re done here.”
Tabitha arrived home in a whirlwind of leather. She blew kisses to Peter and Todd and waved to Bethany Anne. “You wouldn’t believe my day.” She grinned and waved her dirty hands over her blood-spattered clothing. “I’m gross. Ten minutes, promise,” she called as she dashed for the bathroom.
Todd's sunny mood vanished the moment Tabitha left. Bethany Anne distracted him best she could while Peter went to get his food.
True to her word, Tabitha returned clean and fresh ten minutes later, her cruddy work gear replaced by soft sweats. Black, of course. “Hi, baby boy! Mommy missed you!”
Todd’s grousing turned to delighted squeals when he laid eyes on Tabitha, then to outright joy when Peter came back from the kitchen with a covered container in one hand and a cloth over his shoulder. He grinned at Todd’s reaction. “I guess someone got the hungry gene from their mom.”
Bethany Anne snickered.
“Hey!” Tabitha protested. “You eat way more than I do.”
Peter flashed a grin. “Our food bill says differently.”
Tabitha stuck her tongue out at him. “See if I bring you leftovers again.” She walked over to Bethany Anne and held her hands out for Todd. “Come to Mommy, son.”
Bethany Anne handed Todd to his mother somewhat reluctantly.
Tabitha carried him over to the couch and settled into the corner with the baby in her lap.
“He’s bigger every time I see him,” Bethany Anne told her, getting off the floor to sit in the guest chair she’d been leaning against.
Tabitha adjusted the position of her crossed leg to give Todd a little bit more support. “Yeah, he’s got that fast-growth thing going on. Thankfully Eve has a handle on keeping it steady.”
Bethany Anne nodded. “That’s good to hear. I was dreading hearing he had the same issues as Alexis and Gabriel.”
“I know, right?” Tabitha tickled Todd’s tummy. “Experiencing nine years in the Vid-doc had only one advantage. I’m nine years older than I look.”
Bethany Anne rolled her eyes. “You’ve looked the same age since you were first upgraded.”
Tabitha pouted. “It’s how I feel that counts.”
“If you say so,” Bethany Anne offered. “So, Eve’s certain he won’t have any issues?”
“Eve’s been great,” Peter told her, passing Tabitha the open container and a small spoon. “She learned a lot about the needs of natural-enhanced babies from the twins’ infancy.”
Tabitha jiggled the container, “She even created this for him. It’s balanced exactly for his nutritional needs.”
Bethany Anne made a face. “I remember her ‘nutrition blends.’”
Tabitha maneuvered the spoon past Todd’s grasping hands into his mouth. Todd pushed the orange mush around his mouth a few times and blew a raspberry, covering her in food.
She wiped her face with the cloth Peter had given her. “As you can see, he really loves it.” Todd babbled away on her lap. “Oh, you’re proud of your achievement?”
“Well, obviously,” Peter cut in, snickering. “He got every bit of you. I’d be proud. In fact, I am.”
Bethany Anne snorted. “That’s my nephew!” She sat back and folded her hands in her lap. “Guys, we need to get serious for a moment. I wish I could stay, but I have another stop after this, so I need to get a move on if I’m going to get home for dinner tonight.”
Peter sat down beside Tabitha. “The status review would have waited until family dinner night if you’ve had a full day.”
Bethany Anne made a face. “This isn’t about the review, and it isn’t exactly dinner conversation, either.” She watched Todd for a moment before returning her attention to Peter. “I didn’t want to do this while Alexis and Gabriel were here.”
Tabitha tried not to cringe as she snuck Todd another spoonful of food while Peter distracted him. She relaxed visibly when he accepted it this time. “I already know what you’re going to say. It’s time to move.”
Peter just turned in his seat and gave Todd his pinkie to grab.
Tabitha’s face worked through a series of emotions while she came to terms with the news. “We knew this was coming,” she managed eventually.
Bethany Anne saved them the agony of saying it. “You two want to sit this one out.” She didn't couch it as a question.
Peter sighed and nodded, slipping his arm around Tabitha. “One of us, at least. Tabitha, if I get my way. But we know where our duty lies.”
Bethany Anne raised an eyebrow. “Your duty lies wherever I say it does.”
Peter’s face fell, and he held Tabitha and his son a bit closer. “I understand.”
Bethany Anne looked at him like he’d hit his head. Several times. “Don’t be a dumbass, Peter. I'm not going to split your family up. I'm sending you and Tabitha to take care of Devon in my absence.”
High Tortuga, Space Fleet Base, Jean's R&D Lab
Bethany Anne pushed open the door to Jean's lab and made her way down to the third sub-level. She was considering different issues with the fleet arrangement when she heard the sharp ping of metal on metal.
She located Jean by sound, walking through the lab until she found her old friend in the largest workshop. Jean continued to yell instructions to her team as she worked deep in the bowels of an enormous freestanding machine.
Bethany Anne assumed that to have Jean working on it, the machine was ridiculously expensive, vitally important, stupidly dangerous, or all of the above. She waited for a few minutes, then pinged Jean when it became obvious that she wasn’t going to be done in there any time soon.
Jean’s frazzled face appeared at t
he access hatch. “Hey, good to see you. Give me a minute.” She pulled her head back in and climbed up to exit the hatch feet first. “I don’t know if I like that look you have, Bethany Anne.”
Bethany Anne held her hands up, one eyebrow raised in question. “I have no idea what you mean.” She put a hand on Jean’s back and guided her out of the noisy workroom, staying quiet for the moment while Jean issued yet more instructions to be completed in her absence. “Fuck, Jean. Do you want them to die of exhaustion?”
Jean frowned at Bethany Anne in confusion. “This is a slow day. In fact, there’s been less to do since you had so much of the fleet production moved out to QT2.”
Bethany Anne grinned as they entered the marginally quieter corridor. “Funny you should mention that.”
Jean stopped walking and grabbed Bethany Anne by the arms. “Please tell me we’re moving out there.”
Bethany Anne shrugged her off, chuckling. “We’re not. But you are, if you and John are okay with being apart for a while. I’m not going to war without my right hand, but neither do I want to leave anyone but the best in charge of preparing us to face the Kurtherians when we return.”
Jean raised an eyebrow. “You mean I get to play in my lab guilt-free while he goes off kicking ass for a couple of years? I think we’ll both be fine with that. It’s not like we’re newlyweds or short on time.”
Bethany Anne relaxed. “You know, this is going better than I thought so far. I thought I was going to have to fight you, and Peter and Tabitha, to make you stay while I deal with the Ooken.”
Jean waved a hand. “Nah. You’ve been doing this long enough to know where we need to be. I’m just glad I’m not the one moving the pieces on this board. I don’t envy you, BA.”
Bethany Anne looked off for a moment. “Maybe one day I won’t need to do that, either.” She turned back to Jean. “A day will come when the Seven have been wiped from existence and Earth is safe.”
Jean made a sympathetic face and patted Bethany Anne's arm. “You’re getting there,” she offered. She was interrupted by a shout and a loud clang from the workshop. “Shit. I leave for one minute, and they start trashing the place. It’s like having teenagers around the house again.”
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