“I thought she liked me.” Marcus replied, playing off his best friend’s tension–easing ploy.
“You always think that when it comes to women.” Serros joked. “Now,” she began, switching to pure business, “recall Ghost Squadron and prepare for an instant deployment of all remaining Drones, Combat and Decoy alike, as well as shuttles ES1 and ES3 on auto–pilot. Position the lot directly between the Excalibur and the Sha’tal. Have Excalibur ready for an immediate launch of a Q–Net and prepared for a QGST Jump at Q6, 100K miles out.”
“Yes, Captain.” A silly, probably ridiculously optimistic thread of hope grabbing hold as he listened to her orders.
Well, it was Avara, after all.
“Also, have a fresh full–dress uniform and some water and towels readied for me in the Shuttle Bay.”
“You got it, Captain.”
With that, Avara closed the channel. Looking towards Diana, Marcus saw that she was somehow holding it all together and already moving with the speed of the devil to follow Avara’s directives.
Now there was nothing left to do but wait.
*
“Welcome home, Avara.”
Marcus’s voice, gleaming brown eyes and the completely against regs, brief but bone–crushing hug he yanked her into the minute she stepped onto the Excalibur’s Bridge, signified that she truly was home.
A more reserved but no less happy Diana Adeline had stepped near and gripped her shoulders in a close, almost painful hold of relief and affection before stepping away a heartbeat after Marcus did.
“Marcus, Diana, I missed both of you, too.” Briefly turning her head around the Bridge, Serros added, “All of you.”
Watching the faces that she knew and loved so well, seeing Marcus place a welcoming arm around K’llan’s shoulder, Avara could hear how husky her voice sounded even to her own ears. In desperate search of balance, she shook her head and pulled for the adamantine self–discipline that had served her so well throughout her life. Deliberately, she blotted out the almost overwhelming surge of emotion within herself and exuded from her crew, to deal with the very real crisis that faced them all.
“Captain,” Rygel began, half–bouncing up and down in his seat from suppressed excitement and anxiety, “Admiral Vael is asking us to surrender; she says the allotted ten minutes are up.”
“Is she?” Avara murmured, brow twitching at the presumption.
Moving forward to stand directly where her image and her image alone would be projected to the TS Sha’tal, Avara carefully tugged her hastily donned, crisp uniform into place, preparing for the confrontation to come. With a slight sigh of irritation, she pushed back a too long curl of black hair brushing her forehead, and then, taking a deep breath, stood ram–rod straight with folded hands behind her back.
Deliberately letting a sense of calm certitude pour from her being, Serros tranquilly ordered “Dane, patch the Admiral through, if you please.”
When the Karukai Admiral appeared, the first thing Serros noted was her strong physical relation to her… daughter? Cousin? Niece?
Whomever she’d just so recently battled in the cloning warehouse of Outpost J2, the resemblance was unmistakable. To Avara’s satisfaction, the second thing she observed was the slight shimmer of surprise that flitted in the Karukai’s sultry–red eyes, though the Admiral quickly submerged the tell.
“Greetings, Admiral Artah Vael. I am Captain Avara Serros, Strategic High Risk, Intelligence, and Enforcement Operative of the Quorum Aligned Systems.”
“Captain Serros,” Vael hailed, her full lips upturned into a slight smile, “I am so pleased to see that you’ve not been lost after all, and that it is you who is going to place the Excalibur into my custody.”
“Ah,” Avara said, deliberately throwing a note of mock regret in her voice, “I am afraid I will have to disappoint you on that score, Triarch Vael, as you have no authority to demand such a surrender.”
“My authority, Shield Operative Serros, is based on the Excalibur’s destruction of the TS Ardent, attack on the TS Watcher, and apparently, the destruction of Science Observation Station J2 on Dantis.”
“It seems that some of your facts have been confused, Admiral.” Avara answered, letting a cool note of steel slip into her voice. “We came here, to the unclaimed space of the Arkaia System, in response to a distress call routed through both the Human Ministry’s channels and those of the Quorum. Apparently, some illegally captured slaves from territory within the Aligned Systems had staged an escape aboard the Ardent.”
“Are you accusing the Imperium of illegally raiding the Quorum Aligned Systems Space for captives, against the Treaty of Duriélle, Captain?” The Karukai Admiral asked, iron coloring her own tone as her bright gaze narrowed in a show of anger.
And Avara knew that was exactly what it was; a show. If the stakes hadn’t been so very high, Serros would have laughed at the skillfully played allegation.
“Far be it for me to judge whether or not the Ardent was under Imperial orders; you would know better than I.” Avara responded, letting just the right trace of professional criticism slip through at the thought that the Imperium couldn’t mind their own officers and resources. “However, when we boarded the Ardent, none were left alive, and only corpses remained to greet our rescue attempts.”
“If your words are true, certainly a travesty.” Vael responded within the pause Avara had deliberately created.
“Yes, quite. Many had died horrifically, with several prisoner cells actually vented, air sucked away.” Avara announced, allowing some of the fire she felt in her gut to flare within her eyes, clearly communicating her opinion of such acts of brutality to the Karukai Triarch.
“As I am sure you know, Captain Serros, any who enter Karukai Sovereign Space are free game to be captured as potential spies and infiltrators; which, I am confident, evidence shall confirm was the situation of the prisoners aboard the Ardent.”
Vael’s slightly conceited smile rankled at Avara, knowing only too well that the response was beautifully tailored to suit diplomatic circles within the Quorum. It was designed to encourage politicians fearful of igniting war that it all was just some tragic, unintended error. A misunderstanding that the correct words, a few scribbled signatures, and a smattering of handshakes would solve.
Appeasement; the looming tragedy of our times.
Serros knew better.
“It’s funny how definition changes with interpretation, is it not?” Avara commented, offering a slightly feral smile that she knew from experience, was still nonetheless engaging. A smile that she used to full effect. “Sort of like the difference in meaning between the terms ‘Science Observation Station’ and ‘Secret Clone Research and Production Outpost,’ yes? Especially when you add once–free, raided and enslaved sentients for genetic variance and enhancement study.”
There it is! The first crack in the Triarch’s formerly imperturbable façade. Carefully sublimated anger and…. concern?
“Arrogance, Captain, a fatal Human flaw. Your customs and mores do not apply to the citizens of the Imperium and it is pure hubris to think otherwise. Additionally, philosophical debate is irrelevant to our current circumstances.” Vael asserted. “You will surrender, immediately.”
For a moment, Avara could feel the sheer power of this woman’s will, the strength of what her species and the Vosaia would term nya. And abruptly, Serros recognized that the Karukai Triarch was deliberately broadcasting the strength of her soul and purpose to force Serros to acquiesce.
Apparently, for all of her brilliance, Artah Vael still had a lot to learn about Human arrogance in general, and Avara’s in specific.
“Tell me, Admiral, is war irrelevant? Because, make no mistake, that is the issue which is the current debate between you and I. I will not surrender my vessel and the result will be the immediate declaration of war between the Quorum and the Imperium.”
Pausing for a just a brief moment, Avara serenely met the Karukai’s silent stare, l
ook for look. “After all,” Serros added, fully returning the Admiral’s earlier gesture by blasting her own psychic signature, literally bombarding the Karukai Admiral with the potent and absolute certainty of will and purpose that Avara Serros knew resonated within her own nya, “All of the data regarding the Ardent, the attack by the Watcher, and Outpost J2 has already been directly transmitted to the Quorum and Human Ministry, and a fleet is currently underway to these coordinates.”
Utter silence, save for the intake of several soft, measured breaths.
As if rousing herself from light meditation, Admiral Vael finally inquired “Would you really allow your ship and all of your crew be destroyed, rather than surrender into my custody?”
“You already know the answer to that question, Admiral.”
As the Karukai’s piercing gaze remained laser–locked to her own, Avara maintained her current demeanor, sustained the sense of being an immovable object content to spend an eternity in this moment, here and now, without hope or fear, suspended between life and death.
Finally, the Karukai Triarch broke the silence, a flush spreading across pale cheeks as she regarded Avara with almost… Irritation? Regard?
“It has been most enlightening to meet you, Captain Avara Serros. I very much look forward to doing so again in the future.”
With that, the Military Triarch’s image winked out of existence and quietude reigned supreme throughout the Bridge and CIC.
“Captain, the Sha’tal is changing course to intercept the TS Watcher. Repair drones and shuttles are being deployed from her Bays.” Chopa announced into the pregnant hush, his voice trembling in relief.
“Okay crew. I don’t know about all of you, but I personally never want to see this system or planet again.” Avara announced, sitting down in her chair before the tension and exhaustion she’d been carefully regulating dropped her. “Nice and easy now, let’s leave the Karukai to their efforts. Cee, set a course for Sigil and launch a Quantum Net Buoy when ready.”
“Aye Captain, punching course now.” The Navigation Officer responded, affirmation accompanied by a smile whose buoyancy could’ve floated a ship all on its own.
“Let’s bring our two shuttles home but Belgrum, just in case our Triarch isn’t on the up and up, leave the Drones in place. Right before our jump, activate self–destruct so the Karukai won’t wander into them and war starts today after all.”
“Understood, Captain.” The Braxien Tactical Officer answered, his eye–membranes ticking in satisfaction.
“QN deployed.” Lieutenant Chopa announced, and all could see the triangular net of glowing kobalt cords.
“All right people; let’s go home.” No command was ever sweeter to give, Serros mused to herself as she sat back in her seat, eyes front–forward while the Transition Call sounded throughout the ship and each member of the crew strapped themselves in. The streak of stars was beyond lovely as the frigate leaped through the blaze of dark blue and silvery white stars.
CHAPTER 30
“What I don’t understand is how you were able to talk the Karukai Admiral down. I mean, why didn’t she blow us to smithereens when she had the chance? We knocked out her battlecrusier and you two blew up her entire secret Outpost!” Lieutenant Rygel exclaimed, connecting his two hands together in a closed fist pattern and then suddenly flaring fingers out to convey a massive explosion, complete with sound effects.
Diana watched Avara shake her head in a vaguely self–deprecating manner as she leaned back in her chair. The myriad of kobalt–brushed stars created a rushing panorama outside of the Strategy Room’s oblong viewport, lending a sense of imperturbable eternity, irrespective of the small goings on of lesser beings.
The Senior Staff had been sitting in the conference room for the last two hours, trading intelligence and stories about the last three and a quarter weeks since the Ardent’s destruction. It was an event that seemed almost a life–time past and yet at the same time, Diana could hardly believe what her senses were telling her. Avara was here, alive and safe.
Adeline couldn’t keep from drinking in the sight, though there was much she saw that caused a lump of concern that warred with the sheer joy of having her love returned at long last. Avara’s beautiful eyes were as lustrous as always, yet they somehow seemed bruised, as if injuries had taken place that would require more than rest to heal. Serros was also far too thin, like a crow who’d been kept caged without proper food and forced to live on the barest of scraps. The hollowness of Avara’s frame was exaggerated by her hair, longer than normal and falling across her forehead and upper neck like a shadow. It’s atypical, unkempt length a living reminder of the astounding, seventeen–hundred and twenty–three mile journey Avara and K’llan had endured.
Lieutenant Z’arr looked no less emotionally weary, yet despite obviously being physically taxed, she also exuded a sense of vitality that was hard to miss. Furthermore, though it was almost disconcerting for Diana to note, it was unquestionably clear that a new closeness radiated from and between both survivors of the crashed Karukai life–pod.
A sense of intimacy and comfort with one another pulsed forth as they traded off telling their tale, one finishing the other’s thought or sentence with unconscious ease and familiarity.
Don’t be an idiot, Diana Bernice Adeline! The Lieutenant Commander scolded herself. Avara and Z’arr just survived an ordeal that would’ve left most people nothing more than a broken pile of bones to lay forgotten in some bloody ravine! Of course they’ve grown closer!
Though she figured it was only human, Diana couldn’t help but feel a slight stab of jealousy at the rapport her lover and the Vosaia shared. Still, such thoughts could do nothing to chase away her joy at Avara’s return. Or the happiness of the entire crew, for that matter.
The exchange of information had been interrupted only once, by Major Bennet Gaius’s arrival. Even now, an hour and a fifty minutes later, Diana felt her eyes conspicuously moisten as she pictured the initial reunion between Avara and one of her oldest and closest friends, her personal Steward from the days of her first Command aboard the Sollus.
Gaius had immediately hugged the Captain, inspected her appearance, had Dr. Argos scan both Avara and Z’arr for hidden injuries, and then promptly ordered heaping platters of food and drink brought to the Strategy Room. Both uncharacteristically and unbidden, he also joined the Senior Staff at their meeting. His purpose, Diana had no doubt, being to surreptitiously assure himself of his charge’s wellbeing.
The man could be worse than a fussy old–hen, but at least Avara mostly heeds his orders. The thought made Diana chuckle to herself.
Only now, two egg–salad sandwiches, one still sizzling rib–steak cooked to rare perfection, a heap of sautéed green–beans and mushrooms, a crisp green apple, slice of coconut cream pie and two hours later, were the reunited crewmates finally reaching the point of convergence in the narrative.
“Admiral Vael didn’t blow us to smithereens, Dane, because she rather cleverly is employing a more effective stratagem.” Avara answered the Communications Officer and tech expert’s question, prompting Diana to focus more on the discussion that her own internal musings. “A reliance on politics to delay action in the Quorum and within the individual governments of the Aligned Systems, rather than galvanize a response though the creation of a group of well–known martyrs.”
“Exactly.” Naxos agreed, emphasis lent by his elongated c that sounded more like an s. “The hunter uses every advantage he or she can capture.”
“And in the short term, at least, massacring a Quorum Shield Operative and her crew along with sanctioning the capture, execution and experimentation on a hundred or so enslaved citizens would harm, rather than bolster, her cause.” Lieutenant Z’arr added, her soprano conveying respect and distaste in equal measure.
“Well, it will be a mistake, in the long run.” Avara announced, her voice losing all of its previous, good–natured humor and happiness, now shifting to a cold kind of deadly pur
pose as she added, “We will be prepared, whatever the cost.”
“Prepared?” Rygel asked, and Diana found herself thinking that for all of his skill with a sniper rifle and remarkable aptitude for hacking systems, in many ways, Dane was still so very young, such an innocent.
“War.” Perez announced, rich eyes unusually bleak.
“Yes.” Avara confirmed with a sharp nod, looking at each friend sitting around the table, each officer, one after the other. “Make no mistake, war with the Karukai Imperium is coming, and I intend for us to be ready for it.”
Lieutenant Commander Adeline noted that every last trace of weariness had utterly disappeared from Avara’s eyes and voice as she spoke. It seemed that a volcano would be hard–pressed to rival the intensity she exuded. And every single Officer replied in the affirmative to her declaration, pride and purpose blaring forth as they saluted their superior and friend.
After Captain Serros’s avowal, there wasn’t much left to say.
Basic schedule and orders were laid out for the next forty–five or so days of travel before they reached the Quorum capital. In between, a stop was planned roughly at the journey’s midpoint for refueling and restocking at the Human planet of Cipher.
The crew would use the travel time well, drawing up proposals for both the imminent threat of war and drafting a few new surprises and augmentations for the ship and for her crew. A well–deserved, extended shore leave was planned once they reached Sigil, as well as a full inspection, repair, and retrofit detail of Excalibur.
A brief preliminary discussion was held in regards to merited promotions and commendations, and then, stifling her fourth yawn, Avara finally called an end to the impromptu meeting and reunion, citing the desire for a much need shower and rack–time. The gathering ended with an unusually emotional display irrespective of rank in the form of hugs and hearty handshakes, and then the group disbanded.
By unspoken agreement, Diana escorted Avara from Deck 2 to her quarters on Deck 3. The journey’s normally short duration seemed interminable as every few feet they were stopped by one crew member or another expressing their relief and pleasure at the Captain’s safe return. Expressions that, despite her obvious fatigue, Avara unfailingly returned with a like sentiment and a personal comment or query.
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