The last word caused him to squeeze her a bit. “Shal I get the whip, Lady?”
“You may have need of it.”
He tsk ed her certainty. “If you’l stow your confession until later this morn, I might appreciate it better. My arms are too tired to properly beat you right now.”
“Forgive me, Sir, you’ve been busy and must be tired. I’l certainly remember my actions in a few hours from now.” Afraid pondering it wouldn’t let her rest, he asked, “Your transgressions were so bad?”
“I’m not certain but afterthought made them seem so.”
“I saw what you did, Reina.” His voice sounded very serious and flat. He hadn’t meant it to come out like that but he’d spoken the truth when he said he was tired.
“And you’re holding me?”
“It appears so.”
She wormed within his arms and her breath fanned his chest. He drew the covers up to her ears before she shivered again and got closer. “Thank you,” came out softly as she relaxed.
“You’re welcome.”
* * * * *
Gage came awake slowly, not ful y understanding where he was. The bed wasn’t familiar and the room wasn’t either. He traced his recol ection to when he’d crawled into Reina’s bed. “Time?” he asked.
The speaker above him answered. He’d slept for five continuous hours and to the best of his memory, he hadn’t experienced one rough dream. His body felt sore from the long slumber and his mind slowly began processing. He sat up and looked about the chamber. Everything as it should be, the only thing amiss was the lack of a raven.
After taking advantage of the relief area, he found the standard-issue necessities in the cabinet. He lasered his face and stepped through the sanitizing unit before running his uniform through the cleanser. Dressed and more alert, he set off to find Reina.
When he couldn’t locate her in the mess, he walked the distance to medical. He’d get a report if Reina got into mischief and others needed his attention. He’d yet to check on the damaged Pinski. Whether shot clean through by enemy fire, thrown through the air to break a limb or mauled by animals aboard his vessel, the wounds resulted from battle. And he’d never once neglected those who served. He regretted not seeing to her sooner.
The door opened and he found the smal private in the first holding area sound asleep. With medical jargon displayed on the screen above her head, he turned the chair next to her bed and sat down to take it in. Broken hands, torn flesh, concussion, four fractured ribs, lungs punctured, dislocated hip—
the list went on. How the woman survived the attack was incomprehensible.
Extremely long brown eyelashes came open. He watched her reaction as pupils dilated against deep blue irises. She struggled to sit up and his hand came down on her shoulder.
“At ease, Private. I’m only here to see to how you fare.”
“General, Sir, I’m wel .”
He laughed and squeezed her shoulder. “If you say so, Private, but the readout above states otherwise. Please settle back. I’ve not come to upset you.”
The woman could barely be out of the classroom, looking overly much like a girl. When introduced to her and told she’d oversee the handling of the animal compound, he hadn’t detected such youth. Wrapped and on a sick bed al owed him a clearer picture. “Has Dr. Nare made you comfortable?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Is there anything I can get for you?”
“No, Sir, thank you.”
“A dispatch to your parents, perhaps? Something to tel them of your bravery with the felines?”
“No, Sir, no parents.” She cast her gaze down.
“No one at home expecting word from you?”
“No, Sir.”
“Your given name, Private. May I have it?”
“Patricia, Sir.”
“Wel , Patricia, it’s with regret only those you know as friends wil hear about your commendation.”
“Sir?”
“Colonel LeRoy and I viewed the happenings in the compound. Your Walter got loose from the first hit the Raze took. You secured the area and stood your post, even with the other cats not completely caged. Another soldier probably would’ve run. I’m very proud of you. Others on this ship are safe because of your actions.”
“But I didn’t put the extinction plan into effect, Sir.”
“Why did you sign on with the cats, Patricia?”
“My love for them, Sir. Plus I was a bit hungry and hadn’t the means to support myself.” He laughed again and it probably didn’t sit wel with her, but she’d clearly been around one lady raven and taken lessons on candidness. “Those other things don’t matter because you learned to be a soldier and acted as a soldier with a heart. You did what intuition dictated and it al turned out.”
“You’re very kind, General.”
Used to awkwardness from subordinates, he found it distasteful in the youngun wrapped up with such damage done to her smal body. Touching her hands gently, he asked, “Do they hurt you much?”
“I’ve no pain at al , Sir, no discomfort. The doctor said I’d return to my post in several days at most.”
“He’s quite remarkable, our Dr. Nare.”
“Quite.”
Tears came from nowhere and hastened down her cheeks. A cloth lay handy at the bedside table. He retrieved it, wrapped it against his fingertip before dabbing at the wetness. Nare came up behind him and Gage glanced back long enough to motion toward a special cabinet. The doctor withdrew to get him what he silently requested.
“I don’t know what’s wrong,” she said, using her bandaged hands to try to help wipe the moisture.
Gently placing her wrapped hands back in her lap, he took care of the tears. “I do, little soldier. You’ve had a bad scare and taken injuries most men would wail about. You’ve yet to feel a bit sorry about it until now.” Giving her a different excuse for the wetness, he offered, “Most of those I come in contact with are frightened of me.”
“In truth, Sir, I am too.”
“Not too much, I’d wager. You’ve given your grief to me when you’ve been extremely brave in the presence of others. Do you have friends aboard my ship?”
“None yet, Sir, save your lady raven. She was my first. Oh, and both Corporal Lobank and Sergeant Lobank have been most kind.”
“And now you have four friends. Although to keep jealously from the ranks, I don’t suppose we’l have too much opportunity to sit about and endlessly chat.” She laughed and the remaining smile warmed him. “Should you wish to resign your post with the beasts, I’d understand and find you placement elsewhere.”
“No, General, I wish to tend the felines. I’l be doing so shortly.” He witnessed her grit then. Despite her smal build, she truly was a Governance soldier.
“That’s a fine, brave woman. And for one so devout,” he said, turning to take the smal box from Nare when he sensed the doctor’s return, “I’ve smuggled some treasure aboard the Raze. Are you fond of sweet things, Private?” Her eyes lit and he couldn’t help smiling. He opened the box and the bittersweet smel drifted between them. “If you’d permit me, I’l help you sample one.” Reluctantly she nodded and he took a smal coated bal and placed it in her mouth. Again she gave tears, which he patiently wiped.
“I’ve not tasted risha since my parents celebrated my tenth birthday with me. Your gift is too much.” His eyebrows rose. “You don’t want them?” Her look gave him the answer. “I worship al things sweet, Patricia, but like you, these are a smal sampling of a childhood long gone. I would hold one in my mouth as the flavors melted. They created utter happiness before trickling down my throat. I’l leave the box in the drawer beside your bed. Should you wish another, ask the good doctor and I bet he’d give you one if you offered him a taste.” Placing the box in the drawer, he started to stand. Her bandaged hand stopped him. “General Ryker?”
“Yes, Private?”
“I’l serve you wel , Sir. I’l be loyal and—”
“Re
spect and obedience under my command is sufficient if I’ve earned it. Serve no one total y. Always retain a bit of doubt so you’re not blinded and make choices that leave you with a heavy heart. It’s the most I expect from a soldier because it’s the most I give as your commander. Take your leave, rest, enjoy your sweets and return to us whole, Private. I’l see you again.”
Reina stood at the doorway listening to the conversation between the general and private. She’d gotten up early and gone to the botanical to fetch a flower for her battered friend. Upon hearing his words and sensing his compassion, her heart swel ed. He took the time to speak with and reassure a smal woman in his army, which spoke vastly of what lay inside him.
A sudden feeling of discontent washed over her. Comparing herself to Pinski, Reina viewed herself as lacking. The private understood the ways of the general because of her comparable military background. Even mauled and severely damaged, she knew how to speak to him without tempting his anger.
Reina silently vowed to behave more like Pinski. She’d remain polite, soft-spoken and not question the general overly much. She’d do her best to perform her duty and stay out the man’s path so the next time they happened upon each other, she’d have nothing to regret. Perhaps the general might even find her suitable to breach. She dearly enjoyed their intimacies thus far but he’d not been inclined to lie atop her.
With her mind set on a particular course, Reina quietly backed from the room before they detected her presence. She’d behave differently henceforth so Gage would view her as an ordinary female. Excitement tingled her spine as she mental y rehearsed various scenarios in which she’d gain his regard.
She had a plan.
Chapter Eight
The general requested Reina’s presence on the bridge and spent a brief moment issuing directives during the next attack. He seemed calm and completely connected to the activity while issuing orders and commanding his people. The ship lurched suddenly beneath her feet and he reached out to steady her. He’d never even real y looked in her direction.
“Lady, you’re to remain close to quarters, not go near the animal compound and stay out of trouble. We’re nearing the Zyone sector and our situation grows serious. I need to remain focused and don’t need the burden of your potential actions weighing on me. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Sir,” she said, deeply wounded that he’d consider her a burden. He hadn’t even looked at her to view her appropriate military stance.
“Any preparations you need to make prior to our transfer onto Infur should be seen to. We have a day before you’l be cal ed up to track. Is there anything you need?”
Anxiety hastened her mind until she couldn’t stand it. She excel ed in field tracking but to actual y use her abilities on such an important mission troubled her. Too, the general was very busy, but she might settle herself if he would spare her a glance. “No, Sir.”
“Good,” he said before raising his voice. “Lobank?”
The young soldier from the other eve stepped forward. “Sir?”
The general walked over to a console and watched LeRoy before leaning in and adjusting something. While working, he said, “Escort the raven and see to her safety.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“And, Lobank?”
“Sir?”
“Take your hand from her arm. If anything happens, I’l expect you to interrupt me next time.”
“Yes, Sir,” Lobank said before extending his hand in a gesture relaying she should precede him.
Escorted to her chamber, she paced for hours until she marched to the door. She found Lobank on the other side. “Sir, you have an area on board in which one might practice fighting.”
“Yes, Lady, the training room.”
“May I go there?”
“I’m not sure, let me ask.”
“Sir, didn’t the general say for me to remain close to my chamber?”
“Yes, Lady.”
“And he expressly told me not to go near the cats, correct?”
“Yes, Lady.”
“Isn’t the training room close to here, Sir?”
“Yes, Lady.”
“Then why would you interrupt him?”
Lobank looked amused before saying, “Right this way, Lady.”
They gained entrance and she looked around. After touring the area briefly, she asked many questions of the corporal. The general told her to ready herself. She could think of no better manner in which to accomplish it. With her stomach upset and head aching over the impending mission, her anxiety grew when she remembered the fact she’d been a burden. She knew what would help and made her request of Lobank.
After looking at her in disbelief, he asked, “Pardon, Lady?”
“It’s quite simple, real y. I wish use of a synthetic man to hone battle skil s, Sir. My knowledge of such things on board this vessel is recent. Isn’t such a man available?”
“Yes, Lady, but…”
She waited and he appeared to decide something. “Of course, I’l dispatch our combat android. I’m sorry, but it’s hard for me to envision you in hand-to-hand with anyone. If you’d prefer, I could take you to the laser room where you could practice with a weapon.”
“I want the exercise, Sir. This is my first assignment and with the time almost at hand, I find myself with smal creatures stirring in my bel y.”
“Nerves?”
“Unusual expression but I believe that may be appropriate, Sir.”
“As you wish then. Be patient a moment, Lady, while I prepare him.”
* * * * *
The bridge grew calm and Gage quieted his mind. He sat silently for a time as personnel turned over duties to another shift.
“General?” LeRoy asked, gaining his attention.
“Yes.”
“I’ve located her.”
“And?”
“Your presence over here for a moment, Sir?”
Gage stepped close and stood over the monitor. In utter shock, he watched as Reina fought for her life. LeRoy said, “The training room, Sir. It’s Rodney with the lady.”
“What in the hel is wrong with the monitor?”
“Dim view, Sir. The lights are out in the room.”
“Lobank?”
“Standing ready in the corner. He didn’t leave his post.”
He grimaced as Rodney laid her low by kicking her legs from under her. He asked, “The setting?” LeRoy pul ed up the android’s readings. “Ful impact, attack mode. Time training, one hour, thirty-eight minutes.”
“Impossible.”
“No, Sir, she’s surpassed the hour and a half mark in ful impact, attack mode.”
“Her readings?”
“Excited state, predatory, but her vitals are low as if merely jogging. Her body’s moving but her mind’s doing most of the work. Amazing creature!
Look at her.”
She lay on the floor and when Rodney’s foot came toward her midsection, she rol ed. Using her hands to bring herself partial y up, she balanced on one foot and landing a boot in his mid-back.
“Impact level, eight! Injury—spinal fracture!” LeRoy exclaimed.
The android turned rapidly before making more than ten attempts to punch her. He then used feet and legs along with fists to try to connect.
“Zero impact,” LeRoy said in amazement.
Reina dodged him, crouched low and went back on her hands. She caught Rodney’s legs with her own and spun him before he landed. She sprang to her feet and seemed to wait for him to get up. He did. On his ascent, he swung a fist and barely touched her arm. Her reflexes were incredible. She swiftly deployed a leg to swipe his. On his descent to the mats, she placed an elbow in his face and let him fal .
“Impact level, ten! Skul fracture, broken nose and cheekbones, cranial damage, brain damage, respiratory arrest. A dead kil , Sir!” As if he hadn’t heard the first time, LeRoy said proudly, “A dead kil !”
They heard Lobank speak from the corner of the room. “Bravo! You
certainly know how to kil a man! Another round, Lady?” She shook her head and used the toe of her boot to flip a practice sword from the floor before deftly catching it. As she swung the blade, he realized Reina was indeed a force who could handle a fight as wel as firearms, swords and God knows what else. He had a weapon in the form of a raven on board. As she paced the room, Rodney came up from the mat.
Gage said, “Close up, LeRoy. Something’s wrong with her.” One look at her eyes told him volumes. “Get Lobank out of the room and secure the door.
Shut the android down immediately.”
He ignored LeRoy’s offer of assistance and ran quickly to the area. Stationed outside the door, Lobank asked, “Sir?”
“Dismissed, Corporal.”
When the door opened, he made a request. “Light.”
The room brightened and he watched Reina pace back and forth close to the android with the sword in her hand. Twirling it beside her, she’d bring it to rest under her arm before placing the tip on the ground as she walked. He waited until she neared before he said, “Lady Raven!” Her head snapped to the side as if she’d been surprised. Her pupils were dilated three times their normal size and he realized she wasn’t as far into a trance as she’d been when searching for the major. In fact, after witnessing her flight the first time, her current condition wasn’t remotely similar.
“Place the sword down and come with me.” He relayed the urgency of his order with a menacing undertone so she’d know he meant business. He wouldn’t tolerate hesitance on her part.
Her head remained stil as her body turned toward him. Tension and alertness were conveyed in her stance. It went far beyond that necessary for the situation. He heard LeRoy ask, “Gage?”
“Stand down. Al ’s wel .”
Adrenaline raced through him because she rearranged the weapon in her hand. Using her wrist to spin it, she glared at him as she rotated it first with one hand and then the other. As she focused on him, he recognized the movement of the sword to be more a nervous gesture than anything. He took a few steps toward her and stopped when she drew the sword up. She assumed a combat posture. His deportment changed as wel . When threatened, he reacted. Cocking her head to the side and then slanting it the opposite way, she studied him. Her knees bent and she went low. He countered, ensuring they stayed on the same level. His arms spread and hands opened when he realized the attack would come. He waited for when.
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