Protector of the Realm

by Gun Brooke

  "Can I help?" Kellen asked as the commodore approached. "After all, I am a pilot."

  "That would be a breach of protocol, but how are your navigational skills?"

  "Quite good, ma'am." Astounded at how easy she fell into the crisp military language, Kellen feared she sounded impudent.

  She waited for Rae's disapproval, but to her surprise, Rae nodded. "All right. Join Ensign S'hos at the navigation console. He's as new as you are on the Ajax."

  Kellen nodded. "Yes, ma'am." She noticed several officers furtively watching her when she walked over to the young man's station. Kellen wondered if they realized they were deploying because of her actions.

  Rae sat in the command chair. As the commodore of the Gamma VI Space Station, she did not have to captain destroyers herself, but she preferred to take the conn while in space.

  "Our XO is aboard, in engineering. On our way, people. Release locks."

  "Aye, ma'am. Locks away."

  "Take us out, Lieutenant D'Artansis. Thrusters only."

  "Aye, Commodore." The pilot punched commands into the computer and maneuvered the small joystick skillfully.

  Rae watched her favorite pilot get to work. The young-looking Cormanian, Leanne D'Artansis, was a divinely gifted pilot who handled any vessel as if it were an extension of her slender arms. Her strawberry blond hair, secured by a SC Fleet-issued hairclip, ran like fresh water down her back and reached well below her shoulder blades. Rae knew every one of the pilot's peers loved and treasured her. Her laughter was contagious, and her glittering personality automatically drew people in. Leanne was rare—a truly kind person.

  The Ajax, equipped with the best technology and weaponry the Supreme Constellations could assemble, glided by the six smaller frigates waiting to accompany the vessel on an intercept flight to Ambassador M'Ekar's fleet. Each frigate carried eight small assault craft, each manned by a pilot and a navigator.

  "We've passed Gamma's outer perimeter, Commodore," Ensign S'hos reported.

  "Very good. Wait for the frigates and go to half-impulsion until we're at a safe distance, then field-distortion drive six."

  "Aye, ma'am," Leanne replied smartly.

  Rae checked the small computer console next to her chair. She still didn't see any new information from the Council. That meant Kellen was still safe but also that they were going into battle. Though Ambassador M'Ekar had insisted he had connections in high places, so far he hadn't produced a shred of proof.

  "All frigates in position, Commodore."

  "All right. Leap to field-distortion drive six."

  Stars became streaks of light as the destroyer leaped to field-distortion drive. Rae felt a slight tremor reverberate through the vessel as the dynamic vibration absorber, the DVA, engaged. She glanced over at the navigation console. Kellen held a small computer and was making calculations. Ensign S'hos glanced over Kellen's shoulder, asking questions in a low voice. Rae hid a smile. She wasn't surprised Kellen had taken over and was in fact more knowledgeable than the young ensign. She watched Kellen demonstrate something to S'hos, earning a vigorous nod from him.

  "How long before we reach our destination, Ensign S'hos?" Rae asked.

  His yellow eyes shimmered. "Two hours and forty minutes, ma'am."

  "Very good." She heard someone occupy the XO's chair next to her. "Good of you to join us, Commander Todd."

  "Sorry, ma'am. The problems in engineering took longer than expected."

  "You have the conn. I'll be in my office." Rae stood up and glanced at the view screen in front. "Page me when we're within range of the ambassador and his fleet."

  "Aye, ma'am."

  "Ms. O'Dal, join me in my office."

  She walked across the bridge toward a door at the far end and waited as Kellen put the small computer down and followed her. Inside, she pointed toward the visitors' chair on the opposite side of the desk. "Take a seat. How's the leg?"

  "Fine. I prefer to stand. Can you tell me now why I'm here? Have you changed your mind about me after all and intend to hand me over to M'Ekar?" Kellen stubbornly remained on her feet, which reminded Rae of their first face-to-face encounter.

  She recognized the fear and anger behind Kellen's arrogant tone. Examining Kellen's posture, she sensed how uneasy she felt. Her blue-tinged fingers tapped against her thighs, and she seemed to be forcing herself to breathe evenly. It was as if all of her feelings simmered just beneath her skin, ready to erupt and cause havoc at a moment's notice.

  "Please, do take a seat, Kellen." Rae watched Kellen finally relent after a few seconds. She sat down and carefully extended her injured leg. Rae joined her and sat down behind the desk. She wasn't quite sure why it felt appropriate to keep the piece of furniture between them. "And as for your question, absolutely not. That's the point of this whole display. M'Ekar is trying to place himself above SC law." She paused for effect. 'Wo one is above the law. I mean to stop him. It's that simple. We're treating him as we would treat a pirate.

  "The law is fascinating, with many facets. For instance, if Ambassador M'Ekar has connections within the Council and obtains supporting documentation, legally I would have to turn you over."

  Kellen paled. "What?"

  "Of course, there's usually a loophole. We have means to ensure you cannot be extradited, and if you have to stand trial, you could do so in an SC court of law."

  "What do I have to do?" Kellen spread her hands in a wide circle that emphasized her words. "Just tell me, I'll do it."

  Rae could tell Kellen had taken a leap into battle mode in one effortless moment. She paused, then said, "You have to marry a Supreme Constellations citizen and remain married for at least five years."

  Kellen looked stunned. Her shoulders slumped, and a desolate expression spread over her paling features as she sank back into the chair. "It's hopeless, then," she murmured. "If he uses his connections, and he will, I won't stand a chance. Who would marry me? I don't know anyone within SC space."

  Rae leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. She didn't see any blue tears yet, but she knew they weren't far away. Suddenly, she had a strong urge to keep them at bay no matter the cost.

  "Commodore...Rae, please." Kellen's voice sounded raw with emotion. "Send me back to the station and give me access to my ship. Now. Armeo and I will have to take our chances. I can't allow M'Ekar to get his hands on Armeo and use him as his puppet. You know that!" Placing one hand over her heart, she reached the other one across the desk, palm up. "You've guessed what kind of man M'Ekar is. Armeo and I still have a chance to get away if you stall him. If it means running and hiding, I don't care. We'll just have to do it."

  "No, you won't. I've brought a civilian judge on board the Ajax. You can get married right now, before we rendezvous with the ambassador. No matter what happens then, you'll be a SC citizen with all its benefits and obligations."

  Kellen looked shocked. "But...who would marry me? I told you. I don't know anyone."

  "Hear me out. You've met several people on the station, and of those people you've had the most interaction with me."

  Kellen crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat. Rae could tell from her hardening expression that she still hadn't grasped what she was saying.

  "With my occupation, I've never had time for, or wanted to form, a family unit," Rae said in a matter-of-fact voice. "However, it makes sense to do it now. Since no other suitor for you comes to mind, the most realistic option is that you become my wife."

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Kellen stood by the porthole in the commodore's office and watched the stars turn into silver streaks. Her inner turmoil had settled into a false calm, as if her life were that of a stranger.

  Only a few weeks ago, she and Armeo had lived happily in the quiet countryside on a planet light-years from here. What twists of fate had taken the son of her heart and placed him in such danger? She had to be pragmatic. She and Armeo were fugitives, refugees at the mercy of strangers. Their life on Gantharat was over and her optio
ns limited. Rae's route offered the best possible outcome, but damn, the woman overwhelmed her.

  The commodore's solution to her situation disconcerted Kellen, and an inner voice clanged, warning her not to trust Rae. H'rea deasav'h! The Gantharian curse flashed through her mind, relieving some of the pressure. She s a member of the damn ruling class. High up enough in the hierarchy to have power over an entire sector. Everyone on Gantharat knows it's only a matter of time before the SC recognizes the Onotharat occupation. No matter how you look at it, she's part of all that!

  Kellen pressed her nails into the calloused palm of her hand, trying to remain collected. She had to play along; right now she had no options. She's damn sure of herself manipulating me this way. Well, two can play that game, Commodore.

  "Kellen, this is Judge Trijjani." Rae's calm voice broke her out of her reverie. Turning around, Kellen faced an extremely tall man dressed in a long black robe. His handshake was strong when he greeted her the traditional human way, and the gleam in his brown eyes was alert and observant.

  "Ms. O'Dal, I'm glad to make your acquaintance," he said in a deep voice. "I believe we have an urgent ceremony to perform."

  "So I understand." Kellen glanced at Rae, trying to judge what she was thinking. Rae merely nodded, her eyes darker than usual.

  Turning her attention back to the judge, Kellen scrambled for something polite to say in Premoni. She had to prevent them from noticing her true feelings regarding this charade. Searching her brain, Kellen wanted to curse out loud when the alien language eluded her. She clenched her hands harder and attempted a common nicety, almost choking on it in the process. "Thank you for helping me... for..." This was not going well.

  "For assisting us in this matter," Rae filled in, moving up to stand next to Kellen. "I have summoned two witnesses, as required, Your Honor."

  "Excellent. I know we must hurry." Judge Trijjani walked over to the desk and placed a folder and an old scroll on it.

  The door hissed open again and Lieutenant Grey entered, followed shortly thereafter by Commander Todd.

  They exchanged formal greetings and shook hands with Judge Trijjani.

  "Thank you for coming." Rae gestured for her crew members to stand by the porthole. "You are here to witness a legal procedure."

  Kellen thought she detected a glimpse of understanding in Commander Todd's eyes when he shot her a look. Refusing to lower her gaze, she returned his glance with defiance. He surprised her by smiling and winking discreetly, which took her off guard, since she expected him, and everyone else around Rae, to disapprove.

  "Let's begin," Judge Trijjani suggested. "Commodore, please stand in front of me and take Ms. O'Dal's hand."

  Kellen and Rae moved in front of the impressive man, looking up at him. Kellen tried to remember all the objections to Rae's solution to her problem that she hadn't listed out loud yet. We don't know each other. We 're from different worlds. And we certainly don't love each other. And who knows what the commodore's agenda is.

  Kellen knew she should feel grateful for Rae's sacrifice, and she did, but her emotions were tangled as she tried to fathom Rae's real motives. Was she being absurdly overprotective? Would Kellen become a political pawn for Rae's future promotions? Or was she being what she seemed—caring and unwilling to let Kellen die a slow, agonizing death on an Onotharian prison asteroid?

  Kellen had agreed to marry Commodore Rae Jacelon only because she had no other choice. She would be trapped in a loveless marriage for five years, but that was a small price to pay if it guaranteed Armeo's safety. Standing in front of the judge, she felt a hand claim hers. She refused to look at Rae but found she clung to the hand nevertheless. No matter how she distrusted the commodore, right now, she was her only solution.

  The judge began the ancient ritual. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join these two women in a civil partnership, the bond acknowledged and revered by the Supreme Constellations and all its inhabitants. They have agreed to form a family unit, forsaking all others and staying true to each other until life expires."

  Kellen listened to the strange words, unable to take them in, aware only of the sound of her thundering heart. She was about to commit to a stranger, someone who'd hauled her in like a common space thug. To spend five years in this woman's presence, acting to the world like her spouse, seemed undoable. Her throat constricting, Kellen held on to Rae's hand with ice-cold fingers. She wanted to yell to the friendly judge to stop, it was all a mistake and they could find another way. But it was too late for objections. It was time to repeat their vows.

  "Rae Jacelon, do you take Kellen O'Dal to cherish and care for, as long as you both shall live?"

  "I do."

  "Kellen O'Dal, do you take Rae Jacelon to cherish and care for, as long as you both shall live?"

  Kellen flinched, her voice betraying her. Rae squeezed her hand and forced her to focus.

  "I do."

  "You have now, in the presence of these witnesses, agreed to the terms of matrimony. By the power vested in me by the Supreme Constellations Council, I hereby declare you partners in life. You are now responsible for each other and obligated to pursue mutual happiness. All worldly assets are now your common property. You may embrace."

  Startled, Kellen turned to Rae, who smiled. "It's tradition." She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Kellen's cheek. "Now you."

  Oddly comforted by the small caress, Kellen allowed the feeling of Rae's lips on her skin to warm her just like kisses from loved ones had done in the past. Finally able to take an unlabored breath, Kellen turned her head and kissed Rae's cheek.

  "Congratulations to the both of you." Commander Todd said. "May I call you Kellen? I'm Jeremiah."

  She nodded, dazed at how quickly everything had transpired. Unable to take in the fact that she was now married to a woman who was little more than a stranger, Kellen refused to let go of Rae's hand when she felt Rae tug on it. Their connection seemed the only thing of substance at the moment.

  Owena Grey joined them. Radiating strength, she extended her hand, first to Rae and then Kellen, who reluctantly let go of Rae's hand. She recognized the calluses on the outside of Lieutenant Grey's hand and wondered if Owena's training equaled her own. The lieutenant moved with controlled force, even in this private setting.

  "Ms. O'Dal, Commodore, congratulations. I hope you will be very happy." Owena's intense blue eyes examined them but revealed nothing.

  "Thank you, Owena. We'll do our best." Rae checked the time on the computer screen on the wall. "We don't have long before our rendezvous. Return to your stations." Turning to the judge, she gave him a warm smile. "Thank you for joining us on this mission, Your Honor. You better return to your quarters now. Things might heat up soon."

  "My pleasure, Commodore. I just need you to sign the scroll, please. Ms. O'Dal as well. I'll register your marital status on my computer as soon as I'm back in my quarters."

  Kellen took the proffered pen, made of titanium and sculpted like a bird's feather, and signed her name, watching Rae do the same in unfamiliar letters as the ink sizzled against the paper, scorching it. Judge Trijjani rolled up the scroll, gathered his belongings, and left after once more wishing them well.

  Todd and Lieutenant Grey returned to their duty stations, leaving the two women alone in the office. For a moment it looked like Rae didn't know what to say.

  Hoping to avoid another awkward moment of losing her voice, Kellen reached out and took her hand. "Thank you," she murmured, determined to hide her mixed emotions of gratitude and resentfulness.

  Armeo was one step closer to safety, but the feeling that Rae had maneuvered her into a situation not of her choosing lay like smoke over Kellen's soul. "You have sacrificed five years of your life with two words and a signature."

  "Let's look at this more optimistically, Kellen. Our marriage is one of convenience, but we can get to know each other and be friends. You're younger, and if you think about it, you may have sacrificed more than I have. You
might have found someone to love. After all, you're very beautiful." Rae seemed uneasy and freed her hand.

  "All I care about is Armeo's happiness and safety."

  "And your own happiness?"

  "It's secondary. If Armeo's happy, I'm content." Kellen clasped her hands behind her back, regretting her harsh tone of voice. Rae was obviously trying to bridge the gap between them. "I would like to be friends, though."

  Rae leaned against the desk, arms folded over her chest, and Kellen wondered if the reality of signing away five years of her life had struck the commodore as it had her. "Let's try for that, then. But right now, it's time to offer our warmest welcome to the ambassador."

  The ambassador's cruiser, surrounded by six destroyer-class vessels and five frigates, floated motionless, apparently waiting for the SC fleet.

  "Comm channels. Audio on," Rae ordered.

  "Go ahead, Commodore," her operations officer said.

  "Onotharian vessels, this is Commodore Rae Jacelon of the Gamma VI Space Station. You have unlawfully violated Supreme Constellations space. If you fail to rectify this infringement, we will view it as a hostile act and deal with it accordingly. Over."

  A short silence filled with faint static permeated space.

  "Commodore, there is no need for these hostilities. This is Deputy M'Indo, Ambassador M'Ekar's aide. The ambassador has permission to enter SC space with as many of the Onotharian fleet as he chooses."

  "Do you have proof of such a claim?"

  "The ambassador's good name and well-known connections in the SC Council should be proof enough." M'Indo's supercilious tone indicated that this assertion should be obvious. "We take offense to your attitude, Commodore."

  Unimpressed, Rae sighed inwardly at the little man's pomposity. "Deputy M'Indo. Turn all but two of your ships back to the outer border immediately or I will be forced to take actions against you and your fleet. You have one minute to comply."

  "Commodore, they're charging their weapons," the tactical officer said.

  Rae gestured to the ops officer to cut the audio. Using voice command, she opened the comm system for the SC fleet. "Gamma VI vessels, this is your commodore. Man your stations and prepare to engage the enemy. Deploy fighters and raise shields. Do not fire. Confirm."