Starlight Gleaming Ch. 17

"Yes, sir." And she scurried out.

"It's funny. I really am pleased you made her feel good. She's worked so hard to get back into shape, and she was sad she didn't get to give you a proper goodbye before you left."

"You are a good officer, Janetta. You worry about your people."

She laughed. "Sharing you with them hardly comes under the usual standards of being a good officer."

"And how about you? How are you feeling?"

"It's been a rough day emotionally. You hardly gave me time to absorb one thing before you hit me with another. But it feels good, finally knowing what happened to you. Still not entirely happy about some things, but all things considered, I love you, Ranji Kandikan, and I missed you so much."

I pulled her up and drew her into my arms. Her arms encircled me, and we kissed, slow and gentle. As our lips parted, she sniffed at my face.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Making sure your face doesn't smell like Cholan's pussy."

I laughed. "You are so bad."

"When I kiss you, Kandikan, it's you I want to smell and taste."

"I thought you were okay smelling them on me."

She gave me an odd look. "Smelling them on you is one thing. Having to taste them when I kiss you? Not really my thing."

"You've kissed me after I've loved on your pussy."

"That's because you are a pervert and you make me crazy. Change of subject already! Are you going to let me launch from the hangar?"

I secured my holsters again. We were going to Sentry War Base, but I was getting to the point where I wanted to be armed whenever I left the house. "Yes. You can sit in the pilot's seat, too."

Her black eyes glittered with excitement. "Are you ready?"

I slipped my garrison cap under my left shoulder board. "Yes."

We left my suite and headed to the drawing room. My parents sat together, holding hands, my mother leaning against my father. Everyone else had gone to bed.

My parents looked at me.

"I supposed it's time to go," Father said.

Rising together, they hugged. I heard her whisper, "Arjun." Then they kissed.

"I will return, Shanti," he promised.

On the one hand, I knew my parents were adults and made love together. I knew it, but determinedly did not dwell on the particulars. However, seeing the genuine love and affection shared between them, well, it made me feel good.

Styen met us in the hangar. He helped my father put on the protective armor, while Janetta, Lieutenant Yanultam, and I went over the aircraft doing a visual check.

As they finished gearing up, we loaded back into the craft. While they were buckling in, I said, "Based on how things have been going, Styen, you're more needed with Father than at High Guard, with me."

His square face gave me a reluctant nod. "I'm sorry, young master. I was enjoying teaching your daughters. But since you are going back with them, you should teach them yourself."

My father smiled at me. "Your family is unusual to say the least, Son, but your mother is quite taken with both of the girls. I'm taken with them as well. Keep us posted on what's happening, will you? And send pictures. Sisi and Mina will both start growth spurts soon. And visit us when you can."

"I will. Seatbelts secure? We'll have you back at Sentry within half an hour, Father."

Going into the cockpit, Janetta was in the pilot's seat. We went through the steps together, checking off meters, gauges, and turning on systems. It was a professional pleasure watching her go through the steps, talking them through.

The fast aircraft turned around. Warnings were given, the bay doors opened and outside lights came on. The engines ignited, power built, and then we shot up into the clear night sky.

Because Janetta wasn't official, I handled the radio communications. And because they were expecting our departure, two Lightning interceptors matched our flight path overhead almost immediately.

Again, the flight was without incident, and we had a smooth landing. Only after we were nearly stopped did Janetta give a hint of a smile to me.

When we parked by the terminal and the doors opened, Janetta and I stood by the exit to say goodbye to my father and Styen.

Both men gave me a hug, which I returned. Styen exited, waiting at the bottom of the ramp.

My father turned to Janetta. "He says he loves you. Do you love him?"

"I do, Lord Kandikan."

"Good. You are a prickly pear, indeed, but his mother and I like you. You are welcome back, anytime. And, nice flight, Captain. What's that phrase you say?"

"Safe flight and safe return," I supplied.

"Yes. Safe flight and safe return to you both." After putting on the armored helmet, he exited the craft and walked toward a ChoCac.

We closed up the door as he entered the vehicle. Yanultam gave me a friendly nod from his seat.

After the ChoCac departed, we turned around, and while I talked to the control tower, Janetta moved us to the runway. We waited for several minutes for the traffic from the civilian airport to clear, and then we were airborne again.

The two interceptors, Viper five and eight, rejoined us for the return flight.

Janetta flipped the switch, and hailed them.

"This is Viper five, Sunskipper II. Is there a problem?"

"Lieutenant Daykotso?" she ventured.

"Identify yourself."

"Tlacotli. We met at Tikún last year."

"Janetta Tlacotli? Holy shit. You're flying that thing?"

"Senior Lieutenant Kandikan is the pilot of record," she answered.

"Rotekka is my wingman. I thought you were at High Guard, Sublieutenant."

"Still there. This is what I'm doing for fun while I'm on leave. And it's Captain now. I just wanted to let you know I was going to do a systems check."

There was a short pause. "What sort of systems check, Captain? For security reasons, you are not allowed above two thousand feet."

"Acknowledged." Then she turned us upside down for a count of ten. Righted us, then promptly did a port-side barrel roll, followed by a starboard roll. No slip on the return either; one second we were moving and the next moment we were steady again.

Yanultam began swearing from the passenger bay.

The Lightning pilots laughed. "Systems check confirmed, Sunskipper II. Nest fast approaching. Time to put the chick to bed. Viper Five out."

Then we were nearly there. Runway lights on the ground blinked on. Janetta slowed us down for the turn, and calmly proceeded to take us in for the landing.

As we came to a stop, Janetta called out, "Do you want to drive it back in, Lieutenant Yanultam?"

"I think that would be a good idea." He was still flustered by the surprise acrobatics.

We quickly recorded to flight in the log book, and Janetta grinned as she wrote her name down.

While the tow tractor got us hooked up, we exited the craft, and the lieutenant closed up the hatch behind us. Shaking his head.

The escort jets roared closer. We looked up, trying to see their dark forms against the black canopy above us. Janetta pointed them out as they raced toward us, picking out the fast moving lights amongst all the starlight gleaming above us. Then the pilots hit their afterburners, and they suddenly screamed skyward, the booms echoing through the mountains.

Ground Security gave us a ride back to the main house.

Hand in hand, I started to walk to the front door, but Janetta tugged on my arm.

"What?"

"What's your hurry about going inside?" she asked.

"I thought you wanted to spend time with me."

"Wait a moment. I want to thank you, Ranji. I really enjoyed tonight. Before you left, you said you'd do your best to let me fly the Sunskipper, and you made good on it."

I raised my eyebrows. "I try to make good on all my promises. Especially to you, Janetta."

She shook her head. "I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I just want you to know I realize how special this was."

"I hope to fill your days with such surprises, Janetta."

She leaned close, tilting her head up, and I drew her in, kissing her. Two kisses, a third, then she laid her head against my chest.

"I must be learning something about love after all," she murmured.

"What makes you say that?"

"I was tempted to drag you to that rock where you are going to bury your friend and have sex with you on it. Then I realized how petty that would make me, that I had to be jealous of a dead woman."

"I hurt your feelings," I replied. "I still stand by my reasons, but what I did should in no way be a reflection against you or the others. I was hurt and she was hurt and we took comfort from each other. You are an incredible woman and an magnificent warrior, Janetta Tlacotli. You are the one I want beside me."

"I was planning on making love to you all night. But you know what sounds really good?"

Nuzzling her, I asked, "What's that?"

"A hot bath, and you washing my hair. Then just holding each other in bed and going to sleep."

Some intimacy and romance with just the two of us. "Sounds perfect."

Once past the guards, that's what we did. A long, leisurely bath while I washed her hair and scrubbed her back. Combing her hair out until it was dry, shiny and silky smooth. Laying down together for gentle kisses and holding, and holding her in my arms.

It really was perfect.

* * * * *

The morning run the next day was much better without the added weight. Sisi was still about forty pounds, but forty is not eighty or a hundred.

After getting cleaned up, we had a nice breakfast, everyone chattering, enjoying the food and the company. Drinking hot tea with milk and cardamom. The only thing that would have made it complete would have been my father's presence. I knew he would have been there if it had been possible. I surveyed all the people about me. My mother, my family, and Bilan's gathered together, happily eating and chatting at one table. I knew this was a special day.

Throughout the morning, I noticed that Mina kept staring at me. Then she'd look away as if pondering something. Better to my mind, she didn't seem as afraid of me.

After the meal, we got dressed to say goodbye to Deedee Marrin. I don't know if Janetta said anything, but everyone wore their Class A uniform. Bilan, too, joined us. My mother, Rana, and Bilan's boys were in their finery as well.

Using a carry tool, Bilan grabbed one side and I took the other, and we carried the urn out to the place on the trail. When we arrived, I was surprised there were already two Ground Service men with shovels standing around a large hole already prepared. A funeral detail of eight riflemen also awaited us. Next to the hole was a metal pole embedded into the earth, with a bronze plaque affixed to it. Deedee's likeness in her uniform taking much of the space. We sat down the urn, and I read the text beneath the image.

Lieutenant Deedee Marrin, Ground Service, Medical Corps. Born 318.16.12.12.03

Died 318.17.17.02.16. Age 25. Killed in the line of duty while saving others.

With no place else to rest, and in loving gratitude for saving the life of Ranji Kandikan, we give you this bit of ground and bid you welcome, Honored Warrior.

May Inti's divine light always shine on you.

I almost lost it, I was so overwhelmed. Whirling about, I looked around at those present. "Who... who did this?"

My mother started to answer, but Bilan said, "Your mother and I discussed it and worked out the wording. Our machine shop crew worked all night on the plaque to have it ready for you. Her records say she was a believer in the sun god. Do you like it?"

Unable to speak, I just nodded, tears suddenly spilling down my cheeks.

Bilan removed the carrying tool and put his hand on my shoulder. "We should lay her to rest, Ranji. Do you wish to say anything first?"

"Welcome home, Deedee," was all I could manage. I got onto my knees, and picking up the urn, Bilan and I carefully lowered it into the hole. Then we stood up. Brushing off my hands and wiping at my eyes, I felt better. Deedee had her bit of earth to call her own now.

Sisi left Zinja's side and came to me, looking up. "Who died, Tenant?"

"A brave warrior and a friend. Bad men wanted to hurt me, Sisi, but she stopped them. Deedee saved my life."

Turning to the plaque, she said, "Thank you, Deedee." Then she clutched my legs.

Bilan said, "Sergeant, you may begin."

"Detail, attention!" Those of us in uniform, came to attention. "Present arms! Load magazine! Charge weapon! Ready... aim... fire!"

The report rang out, echoing through the trees, startling several flocks of birds. Mother, Ixma, Cholan, and Calia jumped at the loud noise.

"Aim... fire! Aim... fire! Detail... hold! Safeties... locked! Order... arms!"

"Lieutenant Deedee Marrin, the Empire salutes you. Ground Service!" Bilan barked.

The rest of us echoed back, "Ground Service!"

The sergeant saluted Bilan, then faced his detail. "Detail, attention! By my command, one step to the rear, march! Right face, march! Column, slow step... march!"

As they moved down the trail, an instrumental version of the Ground Service March played, until they turned around the bend in the trail. The two men with shovels quickly filled in the hole, burying the urn. After tamping the dirt down, they took their leave.

My mother turned to Bilan. "Captain, isn't it dangerous to fire weapons like that into the air? What if the bullets came down and struck someone?"

He smiled. "You are quite correct. However, those magazines have a wide blue band around them, used for ceremonies like this one. They fired blanks, Lady Kandikan."

Satisfied, she smiled at him. "Thank you for your explanation, Captain."

We headed back to the house. Sisi rode on my hip, and Janetta took my other arm and wrapped it around her shoulder, walking close.

Once inside, Bilan informed me that I needed to go with him to update my ID card. My mother and Rana went out to the garden with mother's new handmaid. Bilan's sons and Sisi went with their tutor. Janetta and I quickly changed into a clean set of Class B uniforms, and then she and the other women disappeared in a separate direction.

As he drove, I thanked him for the honor guard.

"It was an honor to pay tribute to a real Warrior. No thanks needed," he replied.

With time, I knew the pain of losing her would fade, but it was still only a few weeks since her death, and it still hurt.

We passed through the gate and soon arrived at the Ground Security building. Once inside and at the counter, I removed my ID card from the lanyard and passed it over. The corporal brought up my record, then frowned. "Captain? I've never seen this type of message before."

"Show me," Bilan said, leaning toward the clear barrier.

The corporal turned the monitor around. It read, "Verify recipient. Encrypted orders pending."

Bilan looked at me. "Well, let's get you verified."

The corporal opened the secured door and we entered. I submitted my thumb print and the machine performed a retina scan. The monitor screen readout changed to say, "Verification confirmed. Incoming text..." The screen cleared and new text appeared. "Orders to Tikún cancelled. Transportation arriving Sentry today, 1200 hours, Terminal 6. Immediate departure to High Guard commanded. Further orders pending. Your discretion, family to accompany or to follow soonest."

Bilan and I looked at our watches. I had an hour to get to Sentry War Base! It was a two hour trip by vehicle.

Seven hells!

"Take my vehicle, get back to the house and get packed. I'll call in one of the helicopters. With a jet assist, a Kite can get you there in time. Barely. Better hustle, Ranji!"

"Commander! Don't forget your ID card!" the corporal exclaimed.

We both looked at him, then at the card he handed me. We both looked at it. It was still warm, the security device having shredded the old one.

Field Commander Ranji Kandikan, Priest-Technician, Imperial Air Service.

Field Commander? What was going on?

Bilan clapped me on the back. "Congratulations. Now move your ass! And I expect to hear all about it later!"

I ran out and hopped into the vehicle, flipped the power switch, and drove to the gate at a rather brisk pace. A quick check at the gate, then I drove home even faster.

A quick stop near the front of the main house. Heart pounding as I went through the door check. Once inside I began yelling as I ran down the hallway, "Janetta! Calia!"

Bursting into my suite, I blew past Janetta and Cholan deep in conversation, heading straight for the bedroom. "I need both of you in here, now!"

Grabbing my duffle bags, I began emptying drawers into them as fast as I could.

"Ranji! What's up?" Janetta asked. Cholan stood behind her.

"Orders. Back to High Guard at once. Need to be on the tarmac at Sentry in... shit! Eighty minutes."

Janetta barked out, "Go to the school room and let Zinja know what's going on. Then call and find out when the next Condor flight to High Guard--"

"No!" I said, grabbing a rack of clothes from the closet. "Essentials only. Tablets, laptops. Anything else we can buy when we get there, and send for our things to come later. I want my family with me! Turn to, Cholan!"

She looked at Janetta.

Janetta scowled as she rounded on me. "Kandikan, they can take their time and pack everything up. You and I go now. They follow. Think of your kids, damn it! Let them say goodbye to their grandma and their friends!"

A half-second, then I sighed. "You're right, Janetta. That was my heart talking, not my head. All right, Cholan, tell everyone to meet us by the front door."

Cholan vanished.

Pulling the luggage carrier out of the closet, I opened it up. Digging around, I pulled out two of the toys and tossed them onto the bed. Then closed up the carrier.

Janetta gave them a funny look. "Are those like what you gave us after your trip to Capisco?"

"Yeah. One's for Rana and the other may be for my mother."

"Gods of North and South, Ranji! You go shopping alone, and see what kind of things you bring back! And what big balls you have, giving something like that -- to your own mother!"

"If I have big balls, then it's all the better to slap your ass with, Janetta. Relax! Calia is going to give them, not me."

"That's not awkward. No! Not at all!" After zipping her duffle bag closed, she gathered her laptop and power cord, slipping them into her satchel. Then she turned to me. "Where did you get those? They're illegal in the Empire, Ranji."

"Raydam. There's a duty-free zone in the harbor and warehouse districts."

Her black eyes narrowing in suspicion, she asked, "Did you give one of these... things to my mother?"

"No. Teela was feeling so down, I gave one to her. And... I suggested she could give one to your mother." I grabbed my satchel and slipped it over my shoulder.

Hmm. I did suggest the house manager get one, too. Oops?

"A sex toy! To my mother!"

"Okay, yes, to your mother."

"I'm going to say this once, Kandikan. What's between you, Zinja, and Ixma is what it is. But if you ever put your dick in my mother, I will haul your ass in front of an alligator, where I will cut off your dick and your balls and feed them to it! Do you hear me?"

"Never entered my mind, Janetta. You know, giving these type of gifts doesn't mean I want in their panties. I just want them to be happy. And for the record, you get a lot of your beauty and personality from your mother. Your father has been gone a lot of years, but your mother is still married to him. I don't have time for this. Are you coming with me? Or are you coming later?"

More somber, she said, "That depends upon you, Kandikan. Do you want me with you?"

"Janetta, I don't want to fight with you. You are the Warrior I want fighting beside me. Against our enemies. Yes, I want you with me!"