Starlight Gleaming Ch. 19

"I have mastery in Jaguar and Snake, and fifth or sixth tier in Eagle. I picked up Eskeirat during our training time."

"That's an Atlantean school!"

"I'm well aware of that. It was designed to exploit flaws in the Eagle school, and has some effectiveness against Hummingbird as well. Know your enemy."

Kestral laughed. "In other words, you are still able to kick my ass. At least if we're ever in a fight together, this time, it'll be side by side."

"I would welcome the chance to fight by your side."

"One day I hope to meet this formidable Sergeant Styen Topangiti and share a drink with him and you both."

"I'd like that. In some ways I've been lucky. The people openly opposing the Protection Order have been so blatantly shitty that it's increased support among those initially unsure where they stood on the matter. The Protection Order is now in effect over all High Guard, including the Naval and Marine sections, by order of the new base commandant."

"The rumors about that are getting through. Some of those in High Command are doing their best to suppress the news, ordering those leaving High Guard to not discuss the matter, and out here in the rest of the Empire, they're dismissing the whole thing as baseless rumors. Please take care of yourself, Ranji. The Empire needs you."

I stood up, looked out his window, then shook his hand again. "Well, I'd love to stay and chat, Kestral, but I think you have work to do, and I need to hit the road. If you need anything, even if it's a bolt hole to run to if things turn dangerous and you can't reach the general -- call me. I'll do what I can. We survived the Seventh Hell together. I still consider you mine."

His eyes spoke volumes. "Thank you, Ranji."

"Oh, would you let Commander Brenaka at C&C know about this dust up in the BOQ showers? A courtesy call to let him know the Armory is now short on its officers."

Janoose snorted. "I think I'll do that in person. Should be fun to see his reaction."

"Styen recommends Commander Brenaka, and my impression he might be a resource for you here."

"Thanks. I'll bear that in mind."

Opening the door, we saw Haytam and Sovansi were there, eating from their food boxes. Sovansi's arm in a cast and sling. Field Corporal Brill ate beside them.

I grabbed a clipboard and a pen and presented the transfer papers for her to sign.

"I'm trusting you, sir," she said as she signed in all three places. Her face was tired from the pain.

"What did I say about biting hands? Talk to my people, Sovansi. I have nothing to hide."

"I'm sorry, sir. I've just come to expect the worst is all. No offense meant."

Kestral, as I now thought of Janoose, barked out, "Merlotam! Xochatsl! You're on temporary assignment. You will escort this lieutenant to Housing to pick up packing supplies. Then you get a vehicle from Motor Pool to transport her gear. Next, you will drive her to her quarters and pack all her goods, and take them where Commander Kandikan's people are staging. Not right this moment. Give her a chance to finish her meal."

"Corporal Haytam," I said, "Stay with the lieutenant, and show these young men where we're located, and update Lieutenant Tchanoonka on what's happened. If anyone objects to her leaving, you call me or Sergeant Mack, and have the Ground Security troopers call Lieutenant Janoose and let us straighten them out. Your assignment is to keep Lieutenant Sovansi safe. Sovansi, I know you are in pain. Do the best you can. They are there to help you. Once you get to my people, you can rest."

"Yes, sir," both women acknowledged.

"By the way, Commander, where exactly are you staying?"

I scowled. "In three abandoned hangars by the airfield, if you can believe it, near Terminal Three. Hangars 67, 68, and 69. You know, Air Service personnel need to sleep in hangars to feel at home. I had to supply my people with cots and mattresses, too. No food vouchers either."

Eyes wide, Kestral shook his head. "Somebody screwed up. It's one thing to do that to enlisted or even a junior officer. You're a field commander. Someone at the Quarter Master's Office needs an ass chewing and maybe an official reprimand."

"They will, when I get home," I promised. "Maybe you could mention this to Commander Brenaka. He might tell you to find out which irresponsible ass needs an extra orifice."

Kestral grinned. "I might just do that."

Cholan laughed when I winked at her. As for Mack, Haytam, and Laylandi, they didn't laugh. I think they saw the whole matter as their unit being disrepected. It wasn't on the level of what happened to Janetta's unit logo in our old cottage, but it was up there.

Paperwork to release Sovansi's quarters could wait until we were back at High Guard. Using my laptop, I scanned Sovansi's ID card and sent a quick note to Sergeant Chita, asking her to follow up on the transfer paperwork on our end, and the usual details for incoming personnel, such as housing, food allowances, etc.

With directions provided by Kestral, our next stop was to Sovansi's CO. Marching briskly into the building, I blew by the captain's admin sergeant, Mack and Leylandi right behind me, visors down and holding their assault rifles in the tactical carry position.

Bursting into his office unannounced and taking out the two-page document, I slapped it onto his desk and barked out, "Sign the transfer order. Now."

"Wait a minute! Who are you and what the blazes is this all about? I demand to know what's going on!"

I pointed at my shoulder boards, then at the patch on my arm. "Field Commander. Air Security. Sign the transfer orders and we'll be out of here."

He picked up the transfer paperwork. "Sovansi? Why should I sign this? She's Ground Service, not Air Service. And frankly, I don't appreciate you trying to intimidate me, whatever your name is... Kandikan."

"That's Field Commander to you, Group Captain Hetonxi. Five of your officers are currently in the stockade for seriously injuring Sublieutenant Sovansi. They broke her arm! They also tried to lay hands on me for coming to her aid. They are lucky I didn't kill all five of them."

"Shall we place the captain under arrest, Commander?" Mack queried.

"Arrest me? On what charge?" Hetonxi bellowed out, rising out of his chair.

Mack and Laylandi flipped off the safeties, racked the charging bolts, and moved their rifles to alert position.

Nothing says calm down like trained troopers armed with assault rifles in your face.

Suddenly paling, the captain slowly sat back is his chair, making sure his hands were kept in view at all times. I appreciate it when belligerents become cooperative.

Mack continued. "Commander, there is cause for arrest. Article 236.702, felony accessory after the fact. According to Article 45 of the Imperial Securities Act, when three or more officers under the same commanding officer commit multiple separate felony charges, a review shall be conducted by the relevant Security authority, and such investigation may include referral to military courts martial or further investigation by Imperial Security.

"Charges against subordinates as follows: Article 124 of the Warriors Code, ignoring a lawfully presented duel of honor from another officer, three counts. Under the Imperial Military Code of Justice, Article 10, willful disobedience of a lawful order from a superior officer. Five counts. Article 16.12, striking or attempting to strike a superior officer during the commission of a felony, five counts. Article 78.139, felony injury of a fellow service officer, subsection B, requiring medical attention, and subsection C, resulting in the loss of duty time for the injured. Five counts, each subsection. Article 147.22, interfering with a Security officer or field trooper in the performance of his lawful duty, five counts. Article 147.23, planning and deliberately attempting to injure or kill a Security officer or field trooper while said Security officer or field trooper is performing his lawful duty, five counts. Article 349.22, willful vandalism of property on an Imperial war base, one count. The last one is technically a misdemeanor. However, each charge is sufficient cause for the arrest and detainment of the captain until JAG counsel is arranged."

Vandalism? Oh, right. One of them hit the sink hard enough to break it away from the wall. I was seriously impressed by Mack's recitation. She didn't even resort to looking at her tablet. I was a quick study, but I would have had to make the reference check. I wondered if she was related somehow to Sergeant Chita.

Focusing back on the man in front of me, I glared. "Sign or it's the stockade for you, Group Captain Hentoxi. Your choice."

After licking his lips, he was exceedingly careful about picking up the pen and pulling the paper for signature.

Mack and Laylandi flipped their safeties back on and returned to tactical carry position. Collecting the orders, I turned and my troopers flanked me out the door.

Behind us, Hentoxi exploded in a long rail of profanity.

On the way out, I asked Mack, "Did you send a copy of those charges to me?"

"Yes, sir."

"Outstanding, both of you. You made me proud, Warriors."

When we were back in the vehicle and their helmets were off, both women wore huge grins on their faces. They were well-earned grins, too.

On the way off the war base, I had Mack stop by the Commissary. Inside, I rented four portable latrines to be delivered at our building. I also ordered four cases of beer and eight cases of flavored electrolyte water, as well as six of everything on catering menu. Mack picked up a couple of pre-made sandwiches and drinks for her and Laylandi, and I added that to the bill, refusing to let her pay.

"CO's privilege," I told Mack.

Laylandi grinned and Cholan laughed at Mack's reaction. While Mack double-checked the charges, I shot off a quick note, forwarding Mack's report directly to Kestral. It was another half-hour of time, but I needed to do it.

* * * * *

Part 23 -- Shopping in Copán

* * * * *

At just after ten hundred hours, we finally exited Copán War Base. Mack produced a map of the city, and with Cholan to help guide us, we made our way across the metropolis, first directing us to a market plaza near her parents' home.

After we parked, we bypassed the numerous street vendors and went into to some of the better shops. I tagged along, hiring two day laborers to carry packages. At my encouragement, my island girl dove right in.

Cholan picked out some very nice clothes for herself, and with me to supply sizes, she also picked some clothing for her captain and the other women. Some scarves, tops, slacks and skirts. I was amazed at how fast she flew not just through aisles but entire shops. A couple of dresses in one place. In another shop, she selected some bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. In yet another, she bought a pair of special shoes for Nariya, saying, "It would help her feet." Unsurprisingly, Cholan knew her shoe size.

I knew I needed to spend more time talking with the women in my life. Simple things like keeping up with what they were interested in, what their current home projects were and such. Things important to build a relationship on. But whenever I was there, the woman who's turn it was with me wanted to make love and then kiss and caress for awhile, and all too often, our time together was over with. I was regularly assured I was doing enough to keep them happy, and they loved the family time after dinner. For that matter, I personally loved our nightly time together as well. When everyone was gathered together, relaxing after a hearty dinner, it felt like home.

In any event, dressed in her newest purchases, Cholan showed them to me and I assured her in each blouse or skirt and dress that she was beautiful. She really was.

Of course, a happy woman is a generally beautiful sight regardless of location or event. But I discovered that Cholan not only had good taste in music, she had a pretty good eye for what looked flattering without being gaudy. A few times she did ask Mack for her opinion, but in general, Cholan went with her choices. I had to hire four more laborers, and I would say the results were more than worth it.

It didn't take long before I had to hire two more laborers to carry bundles.

Some time during the whirlwind I managed to spy a chocolate vendor, and I purchased a selection of half-pound flavored chocolate bars; one dark, one with orange, one with lemon, and one with cinnamon, two with chili powder added, and two with chopped nuts added in -- one with cashews and one with almonds. Sixty-four was considered an auspicious number among the Mayans, and eight was the square root. I hoped I wasn't being too esoteric. Well, most women loved chocolate, so how could I go wrong?

I had my guesting gift and I was pleased. I didn't know them or what they liked, so starting with something relatively inexpensive seemed appropriate.

Cholan had assured me I didn't need to bring anything, but I felt it important to make a good impression on her parents. I was, after all, sleeping with their daughter. Most parents care about that sort of thing.

We were headed back to our vehicle when Cholan spied a temporary tattoo vendor. She selected a small red and blue hummingbird for her cheek, symbol for Huitzilopochtli, patron of the Air Service. I thought it looked adorable on her. Using my phone, I snapped a couple of shots.

I bought several of the temporary tattoos as well. Based on the instructions, they were easy to apply and looked quite colorful. Birds, small animals, and flowers, and added them to the bundles. I smiled in anticipation at how my girls would react to them.

Cholan asked Mack and Laylandi if they wanted one, but Mack shook her head.

"Thank you, but we're on duty," Mack said. "The Lieutenant would murder us."

"And then she would get mad," Laylandi added, deadpan. "And then the captain will hear about it, she'd raise us from the dead, and then we'd get murdered all over again."

Of course, Cholan laughed. She had that same type of humor. I tried, but I was unable to suppress my own smile.

Back at the staff vehicle, we managed to stuff the boot with our goods. The rest occupied a full seat in the back with Cholan and me, forcing my island girl into the middle seat. She didn't seem to mind that at all.

I paid off the laborers with a nice tip each. They smiled, bowed, and vanished into the crowds.

Done with our shopping spree, we headed to Cholan's parents' home for a mid-afternoon lunch. Sergeant Chita had thoughtfully included a list of a couple of entertainment spots with my itinerary, in case things worked out and we wanted to extend the visit with an outing afterward.

As we got closer to her home, Cholan looked at landmarks and commented on changes since her last visit. The tightness of her hand told me she was growing nervous.

"It'll be fine," I assured her quietly.

She just nodded and resumed looking out the window at the buildings and people we passed.

"Also, I wanted to say that I'm sorry," I added.

That startled her, and she gave me a funny look. "Why ever are you apologizing?"

I gave her a half smile. "I made you wait for breakfast. Plus, we didn't get to do as much shopping as I think you wanted to do. I could tell you wanted to keep going, especially in the shoe store, but you looked at the time and stopped."

"Commander, I would have loved spending the whole day just strolling through the markets with you," she replied. "We'd wander around, taking in the sights, stopping at a café for food and cahault. We'd watch the entertainers or listen to the singers and poets. I would love to try on even more dresses for you to admire on me."

She squeezed my hand, no longer focused on her fear but on reassuring me. "Yes, I'm a little disappointed, but who doesn't like getting new things? Rather, I want you to know that I'm grateful to you for spending all this money on me and for the others, when you already give us so much, every day. I also understand why you were late. What happened was not your fault. That young lieutenant used to be me. It used to be Ixma, Zinja, and even our brave captain."

She pulled up my hand and kissed the back of it. "You have nothing to apologize for, Commander. At High Guard, I no longer wear your neckerchief because I need protection. I wear it because I am immensely proud to be your woman and I want everyone else to know it."

I leaned over and kissed her. We did that a couple more times, then she sighed and relaxed.

Watching her as we neared our destination, I could see recognition growing in her face. There's a look that appears in our face as we near the place we associate with the notion of home. Whether they are good, bad, or indifferent, such memories nearly always run soul deep.

Cholan had spent her early years in the Eastern Islands, where she was born. But from the age of ten, her father got a job in Copán as a civil engineer for the state government, and from then on, the Yakalme family had resided in a well-to-do neighborhood among other upper-tier Guild Caste families.

* * * * *

Part 24 -- A Late Luncheon with the Yakalme Family

* * * * *

We parked in the small lot before the house. Mack and Laylandi would remain outside with the vehicle. Mack opened the door for us to get out, then returned to the driver seat, where Laylandi was opening up their boxed lunches and drinks. They rolled down the windows, as the afternoon air was sultry and thick with humidity, and we'd discovered the older vehicle's AC unit was marginal at best.

The Yakalme home wasn't huge, but did comprise two full acres of land within the city, encircled by a ten-foot stone wall painted white and a front iron-barred gate marking the entrance. Beside the parking area was a narrow drive leading to the back of the property where there was a detached garage.

The walkway beyond the gate was mixed polished stones of various colors and seashells embedded within concrete. Behind the walls several tall trees were visible. The breeze changed direction and I caught several scents. From my mother's extensive gardens, I thought I recognized allspice among floral cornucopia.

Cholan reached for the gate latch, then suddenly jerked her hand back. "Ouch!"

"Are you all right?" I asked.

"It's electrified! I'm more surprised than anything. I didn't expect that," she muttered, shaking her hand a few times.

I put my arm protectively around her. Peering around the edges, I saw a small gatehouse. "Hello, the gate!"

A door opened and a guard stepped up, demanding. "What's your business here?"

"I'm Cholan Yakalme," she said. "I'm here to visit my parents."

The guard moved his hand and spoke to a place behind the wall. "Mistress? There's a young woman here to see you accompanied by some man. She says her name is Cholan. The man looks military. Shall I let them in?"

Hearing the faint whirr of an electric motor, I saw a camera swivel, giving us the once-over. Through cheap speakers, a woman's voice squawked out, "Well, it's about time! They're almost an hour late. Let them in, Dimmek."

Flushing, Cholan winced at the rudeness.

"Yes, Mistress." Stepping aside, he flipped a switch, then used a key from a ring of keys to open the gate. The iron hinges squeaked as he pulled it open, then he stood aside. After we passed him, he closed and locked the gate behind us. I paused to watch what he did. Key back into the lock, then into his left front pants pocket. Covered switch moved to the upright position. He glanced at me watching him before returning to the small gatehouse. I also noticed from this side that the tops of the walls sparkled with what I assumed was chunks of embedded glass to snare unwary trespassers, a common tactic among some of the rich.