Starlight Gleaming Ch. 17

"Get your gear then," she said, grabbing her own duffle bag. "Fuck, Ranji. We really need to work on your social skills. There are just some things you don't give a woman you aren't fucking or planning to fuck, and those toys qualify."

We headed out the door, arms loaded. "All right. I could blame my home schooling, but that would cast unfavorable aspersions upon my parents. But can I give the ones I've already purchased to those intended?"

"Tell me who, and I'll say if you can give it or not."

"You."

"You don't think I'm going to have your cock anytime I want it? Don't need it."

"I may have to be gone at times, maybe more than overnight," I replied.

"Okay. Fine. Who else?"

"Cholan."

"What did I say, Kandikan? Give it to those you fuck or plan to fuck. That's my flight crew and Calia. Anyone else?"

"Nariya?"

"Hell, no, Ranji! Just... no!"

"Doyya and Chita?"

"Fuck, no! Damn it, Kandikan! They already worship the ground you walk on. I'm not sharing you with them, too!"

I blinked. I hadn't even considered that possibility. I was responsible for them, and wanted to keep them safe, but I had no designs on them. But I couldn't resist teasing Janetta. "Okay. How about Commander Barankoshto?"

"First chance we get, you need to get your head examined! Kandikan, are you fucking insane?"

"I did feel up her tit once, and she didn't say anything."

"What?" Janetta whirled about, bringing us to a halt.

"It's true. Of course, I might have torn her shirt pocket and given her a bruise on the face, too. And, I bled on her. When you were in the hospital and I was shot in the leg? She did look surprised when I knocked all of them over and landed on top of her."

She seethed for about two seconds. "Hah, hah, Kandikan. Real funny."

"So, she doesn't get a toy? Are you sure?"

She whirled and stalked off. I heard my name, and phrases like flaming idiot, blithering moron, and having a death wish being angrily muttered.

I followed, grinning.

Not that I ever had any intention of ever broaching such a subject with the Commander. She was a good ally, but truth be told, she intimidated me a little. Probably had to do with that huge tank she liked to ride around in.

We met everyone by the front door, including my mother, Rana, and her boys. Tearful hugs and kisses.

"You just got here, son!" A fierce hug from my mother.

"I know. Can't be helped. Bilan saw the orders, too." Another quick hug, and moving on.

"Zinja," Janetta ordered. "Get everyone packed and arrange transport to Sentry with Captain Monaycote. Cholan, arrange a ride on a Condor transport. Do your best to get space by tomorrow afternoon. Email me when you find out your departure time. Kandikan, that ChoCac out front ours to take? Great. I'm driving."

"Bye, sir! Safe flight and safe return!"

Solid kisses with Zinja, Ixma, Cholan, and Calia. And surprise, a tentative hug and kiss from Mina. Progress!

I crouched down and Sisi gave me a worried look. "Are you going to be gone a long time again, Tenant?"

"No," I assured her as I hugged her. "You and everyone else will pack up tonight and follow right behind us. We're going back to High Guard, where we were living. We will see you soon. I need a magic hug to keep me safe until then."

"Okay. It's got a lotta magic, Tenant."

As I hugged her, I murmured to her. "A perfect magic hug, Sisi. I love you, and I will see you soon."

Handshakes with the boys. And a cheek kiss to Rana. "You make sure my brother takes good care of you. If he doesn't, tell me and I'll come back and make him behave. All right?"

Rana laughed. "Be safe, Ranji. Both of you."

The horn on the ChoCac blared twice.

Picking up my stuff, I hurried out. Janetta was in the driver seat, and Bilan sat next to her. I tossed my bags into the back seat, and hopped in. I barely got my foot inside the vehicle when we started moving. I hauled myself in and narrowly avoided the door slamming into my leg. I think she was trying to get at least one wheel off the ground. I think she succeeded.

The guards at the gate directed us to take the road to our immediate left, as it was a direct route to the airfield.

Utterly deadpan, Bilan told her, "You know that ChoCacs can't fly, Captain."

"They should," she answered tersely.

I wasn't sure, but I think we may have reached the airfield before we left the house. But that was my imagination, no doubt.

The Ground Master directed us off to the side, so the fuel truck could depart. In front of us, the rotors on an AHR-17 Kite began to spin up.

We got out, grabbed our bags, and dashed to the aircraft.

Bilan followed us, talking as we buckled in. "Sentry is expecting you, and that's your ride." He glanced at his watch. "You have forty minutes to get there, and get to your ride. Take care, brother!" Then he surprised Janetta, reaching over and giving her a hug. Her surprised protest faltered as he whispered something to her.

Because of the gear, Janetta pulled rank and sat up front beside the pilot. If she only knew! I sat back, crowded with our duffle bags and looked out the window.

We lifted off. Turning after fifty feet, we continued to climb while gaining air speed. Climbing even higher, the jet engine engaged, and we shot down the mountain into Caibo Valley, heading north toward Tohingo and Sentry War Base.

Looking up, I spied the avionics control box on the ceiling. With the noisy hum of the rotors in my ears, I thought of the two I'd shot down. As I closed my eyes, I remembered thinking how lucky I'd been. Damned lucky.

* * * * *

"Ranji, wake up. We're down." Janetta pushed my leg, then grabbed her two bags and hustled over to the loading ramp of a Condor idling a few hundred feet away.

Coming awake, I collected my own duffle bag, luggage carrier, and weapons case, and hurried out after her.

Once inside the behemoth, the Load Master checked us in, then directed us to stow our gear in a nearby cargo net attached to the wall. While he left to close up the rear ramp and door, I took a seat next to Janetta.

Within minutes, the six engines throttled up a bit, and the giant transport began moving, taxiing into position. Janetta handed me a headset for my ears. I checked the switch. By default, it was set to local, which gave it a range of about twenty feet. Once the headset was on, the pervasive noise of the engines faded away.

Then she cursed. "I forgot my flight jacket!"

"I have a spare in the luggage carrier. Once we are in the air, I'll get them for us." I reached for her hand, and she squeezed it. I remembered once upon a time when she wouldn't let me do that in public, and felt good about the change.

Soon enough, the engines revved up, the brakes were loosed, and we began rolling forward. Once we lifted off the ground, the aircraft banked starboard so we paralleled the coast as we continued to climb for altitude.

Unbuckling, I got up and retrieved both flight jackets. On returning to my seat, I was surprised to see Doyya and Sowitwee moving to take seats next to us. I noticed right away that Doyya had the double-pips of a full lieutenant, no longer brevet.

There was obviously more catching up for me to do.

Both saluted me when they saw me. I returned it. I gave Janetta her jacket, and put mine on.

Then Doyya handed me a sealed envelope. The seal was from the Air Ministry. My previous orders had been pre-stamped. This actually had a wax seal on the envelope. I broke the seal and read the letter.

Pacha-puchay 26

17th Year in the Glorious Reign of Rasimmu II

Beloved of Inti, God of the Sun, and Emperor of all Chimorro

Lord Ranji Kandikan,

You are hereby promoted to the rank of Field Commander, Imperial Air Service, effective immediately. You are ordered to assume command and control of all Air Security forces at High Guard.

In coordination with the commanding officer of the Ground Security forces at High Guard, you are ordered to root out all corruption, ensure the safety of the war base, and the loyalty of its officer- and enlisted-warriors to the Emperor and the Empire of Chimorro.

You are hereby ordered to end all hostilities between units of the Imperial Air Service and Imperial Ground Service, at once, by any means necessary. This situation must not escalate nor involve the Imperial Naval or Imperial Marine Services.

Commander Dakkan Voyacherno is not to be harmed, but he is to be placed under arrest and turned over to Captain Tsocotchi, Commander, Third Company of the Personal Household Guard of Her Majesty, Chaya, Beloved of Inti, God of the Sun, and Empress of all Chimorro.

Punishments for all other traitors and miscreants are at your discretion.

Your promotion and other tools have been provided to get this situation resolved. Results are demanded, Field Commander, and a full report will be expected by the first day of Inti Raymi. The clock is ticking.

In the Emperor's Name, I command you.

Erkarto Bantochi

Marshal, Imperial Air Service

cc: Insoruutu Paritchul, Marshal, Imperial Ground Service

Berso Wanitsl, Imperial War Minister

I swallowed, then took a breath. The month of Inti Raymi was the start of summer. I had a little over sixty days to get High Guard straightened out and back in working order.

I wasn't quite twenty-three years old. Becoming Field Commander while so young, people would see my advancement as a political one, rather than one based on experience or even merit. I wouldn't argue the point with them. The best I could hope for would be to earn respect by doing the job I was given, to make life for the warriors of High Guard not just livable but safe -- or at least as safe as any front-line war base on the frontier of an aggressive Atlantis could hope to be.

This promotion and task was no doubt Itznacoco's doing. What kind of power did that man have, that he could persuade the Marshal of the Air Service and the War Minister to endorse this action? And what was he doing at Tikún, masquerading as a senior sergeant?

This will quite probably mean a confrontation with Supay, the Minister of Imperial Security. Supay was like an octopus, with tentacles everywhere, and each one capable of delivering a venomous sting.

I already had at least a few enemies that I knew about. Sergeant Cherunt from Sparantzlo, and Chatolklan's unnamed brother in Imperial Security, who nearly succeeded in killing me in Uiyatiwitz. Hopefully, the Minister of War and the Air Marshal will provide some interference for me. Once Supay personally becomes aware of me, things could get dangerous real fast.

Melannee once told me my life was like an avalanche. I think it just picked up another burst of speed. As if I needed it.

Folding up the orders, I stuck them into my breast pocket.

Looking around for Janetta, I saw her by the cargo net holding our gear. She had withdrawn my luggage carrier, and was busy going through its contents.

Walking over to her, I asked, "What's going on?"

"Taking care of business, Kandikan." She gave me a disdainful look, and continued rummaging. She already had three of the massage toy boxes set aside, and then tossed out another. As I watched, she soon had all seven toys beside the luggage carrier. Janetta rummaged around a bit more, checking out what other forbidden marvels the carrier might hold.

While Janetta was distracted, a fully-armed and armored woman in a purple uniform with gold highlights walked up to where Janetta diligently worked.

I read her name tag. Captain Tsocotchi of the Empress' Household Guard. This could be interesting.

It was then I noticed that several rows of seats closer to the cockpit were occupied by other members of that elite unit. The Empress had but a single regiment, and all the members were women, and all the officers were dual warrior-priestesses. Based on my orders from the Marshal, I realized that the entire Third Company was present.

Seven hells! All three hot, all three cold, and the one in between!

Alarmed, I glanced at Doyya, who did not seem surprised to see the guard captain, but worried about the look on Tsocotchi's face as she watched Janetta work.

Janetta counted out five, and picked one up to put it back into my luggage carrier.

Tsocotchi cleared her throat. "Stop! Put it back. Those are illegal devices. Dispose of them all, at once, or I will press charges."

Janetta suddenly looked up, saw the uniform, paused for half a second, then calmly shrugged. Scooping up all seven boxes, she walked toward the latrine, closely followed by the guard captain. When she came back, again followed by Tsocotchi, Janetta asked her archly, "Anything else you want me to dispose of?"

After glancing at the things on the deck, she said with disapproval, "You may keep the children's toys. Stow the gear and return to your seat."

A simple nod, and Janetta did as ordered. The guard captain nodded at Doyya and said to me, "You must be Commander Kandikan." Then she paused, narrowing her eyes at me. "Are you... Vedan, Commander?"

"No, Captain," I said, frowning, knowing what she meant. "I am a Warrior and an officer in the Imperial Air Service, and a citizen of Chimorro. For the record--"

Her reinforced glove clipped my chin. Stinging as it surprised me. I barely dodged the next set of blows.

In the time that I managed to put a couple steps distance between us, Janetta had both her boot knives out and was beside me, snarling out, "I am Eagle and I am Jaguar, bitch! That man is mine! You fight him at your peril!"

Almost simultaneously, over a hundred armed women unbuckled and rose up, charging bolts clacking loudly, even over the roar of the engines.

Tsocotchi barked out, "Ke-choh! Hah tsay!" The women sat down. Glaring at Janetta, arms in defensive posture, she said, "Stand down, Captain! This is between him and me."

"Fuck you!" Janetta snarled. " Are you deaf? Touch him again, and I'll carve you a new fuck hole."

"My women warriors will kill you, Captain. Stand down!"

"You'll still be dead," Janetta growled.

The guard captain spared a glance at Doyya. "What about you, Lieutenant Lovyanchiti?"

"He is my commanding officer. If you force the issue, I will fight at his side." No hesitation.

Surprised, she took a step back from Janetta and myself, asking Doyya, "Even if it cost you your life?"

"Yes, sir." Again, no hesitation.

"Has he taken advantage of you?"

"No, Captain," Doyya answered, blushing as she glanced at me. "Lord Kandikan has never treated me with anything other than respect."

"He's a man!" the guard captain persisted. "Do you trust him?"

"With my life," Doyya answered.

"Why?"

Keeping an eye on her in case she attacked again, I relaxed my stance. Janetta did the same, both of us interested in the exchange.

"He saved my career in the Imperial Air Service. He made me an officer and his Second. I was going to pledge my loyalty to him, and he stopped me. Commander Kandikan told me that the Emperor came first, the Imperial Air Service came second, and that loyalty to him was third. Twice I disobeyed his orders, and both times he praised me afterward, saying the circumstances had changed, and that I had done the right thing. When I was injured and dying, he came looking for me, at some risk to himself. I am not alone. There are dozens, maybe hundreds at High Guard who would also put their lives on the line for him."

"Answer the question. Why, Lieutenant?"

"His first act as my officer was to issue a Unit Protection Order," Doyya replied.

"Explain this Protection Order to me."

"That no one can be forced to have sex against their will, and that such protection is not just for officers or enlisted in the unit, but also for their civilian dependents."

Tsocotchi gave me a measuring look. "Corporal Sowitwee, attend!"

Sowitwee came over, standing at attention. "Sir!"

"You are Lovyanchiti's man--"

"No, sir," he corrected.

"No, sir? Who is your officer?"

"I was assigned to look after the Lieutenant. I was given to serve Lord Kandikan."

"You were given? Explain that statement."

"I should have died. Commander Orchid spared my life, and personally assigned me to Lord Kandikan. Before he left, he ordered me to look after the Lieutenant and help keep her safe. I am Lord Kandikan's man."

"Because Commander Orchid spared your life?"

"And my wife, Nariya, too. Lord Kandikan bought her contract and then freed her. And he paid to heal her injuries. When our personal possessions were stolen, he made it right."

Tsocotchi looked thoughtful.

"Corporal, tell her our unit motto," Doyya urged.

"Llam nuqan," Sowitwee said.

"We work together," the guard captain echoed quietly. Looking at me, she asked, "What do you intend to do when we arrive, Commander?"

"My first act will be to arrest Commander Dakkan Voyacherno and place him into your custody. My third will be to kill Captain Renovo Tonca."

At Janetta's look, I took out the letter and passed it to her to read.

"Because of your lover, Ixma," the guard captain observed.

"Yes, for her. And for Calia, Doyya, and Chita. And for any others I don't know about yet. He's a rabid beast, and I intend to put him down."

Tsocotchi then asked, "What will be your second act, Commander?"

"My second act will be to issue a base-wide Protection Order, effective immediately."

"You hope this wild idea of yours will spread," she said.

I laughed. "Hope? With every spare moment, I will work to see that it does spread. And not just in the military, but all the way down to every strata of society."

"Some will accuse you heresy, Commander," the guard captain said. "What will you say to that?"

"A hundred years ago, Empress Tlilibasa ended the chastity requirement for women warriors. Many pronounced it the end of the world. It wasn't. Some men insist that women aren't for fighting, that they are only good for fucking. Well, we both know that argument is only fit for fertilizer. You yourself are part of that tradition of women warriors. Would you be willing to give up your life as a warrior?"

"It is my honor to serve the Empress."

I nodded. "Many of the men who oppose these changes seek power and privilege, but they have no honor. Given the choice of any warrior to fight by my side, I will pick Captain Tlacotli."

"She is your lover. Of course you would pick her."

"Love is a perfectly valid reason to fight," I countered. "Does it matter whether it is for love of a woman or man, or for love of country? You fight harder to protect what you love."

"Would you end the pregnancy ban?"

"In a heartbeat."

"How can a woman fight when she is with child?" Tsocotchi demanded.

"How does a mother eagle defend her nest? How does a jaguar protect her cubs? As best it can, with everything it has! We are human beings. We fight with hands, knives, guns -- whatever is available to do the job. We also have the power of choice. The Empire spends a fortune training women, but it forces them to leave the service before starting a family. How many women warriors have been destroyed because someone altered their birth control drugs? Last year, before I left, traitors to the Empire tried that very thing, but on a massive scale. Using deceit, they planned to falsely claim that women could not be trusted to obey the law, much less defend the Empire. I say stop the executions and end the dishonorable discharges. Give pregnant women a choice to remain in the service, with a leave of absence for a year. Don't automatically force them out, and certainly don't kill them. Rather than starting from scratch all the time, keep those people with valuable skills serving the Empire, and build on them and their skills."