Starlight Gleaming Ch. 21 Pt. 01

"When you're looking, my preference is that we set them up here, but I'm open to having them at another location. Lieutenants Fortri and Raltikon will involved as well. Anything else?"

"Not at this time, and I need to leave for my meeting with Ground Security. Door open or closed?"

"Open is fine."

Without another word, she left.

Checking my email, I saw a status update from Dr. Jehantli.

Three of the students with severe burns, including Makhelchel's niece, had already been treated and released. Emilo's son, Kosumo, had spent several hours in the nano-tank and had not only recovered from his coma, but was able to sit up and converse. Still weak, Kosumo was staying overnight in the hospital for observation. The other three critical cases, including his daughter, were scheduled for treatment the next day. The reporter Sammi Reo, after she was checked for electronic devices, was going to be allowed to observe one of those nano-treatments, a rather rare event. I had to believe she was probably one of a very few foreign nationals to see such a medical procedure.

General Rikoletsi and I had conversed, and our endorsements to the War Minister and Air Marshal, and her seeing the process had been okayed. Good PR for the Empire was important right now. And, to go with it, Reo was going to announce that a small, select group of needy patients from the Seven Nations would be treated at the facility, initially one person per month, with a team of physicians from the Seven Nations making the selection list of candidates, with Dr. Jahantli having final selection approval.

As for Emilo's group, the remaining students would be treated in between other previous appointments through the coming week, with the last ones being seen at the middle of next week. The doctor was kind enough to send me a schedule. I wrote back and thanked the doctor and his staff for his work. Then I sent an email thanking Captain Uturuunco for her excellent efforts in taking care of the parents and injured students, with a copy to General Barankoshto. Then I sent her a separate one thanking her and her office for arranging new quarters for Izel's people so quickly.

I had cleared out a sizeable portion of my inbox by the time Hanami returned with breakfast. She washed out my mug in my personal latrine and then filled it with fresh cahault.

Hanami let me know that Emilo was currently at the hospital visiting his two children, and that he would be notified about my call upon his return. In the meantime, the remaining students had been taken shopping at the Commissary for supplies, entertainment apps, and whatnot, and the charges billed to my account. One of Sergeant Chita's staff had gone with them to supervise and to help keep expenses down. Security reported that Reo, her cameraman, and the Public Relations Media Specialists were taking plenty of photos and video of the whole event.

I picked up the food, examining it. "What's in the sandwich wrap?"

"Shredded tapir meat with shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped pineapple, and chili sauce."

"Sounds good. Thank you, Hanami. Did you get something for yourself?"

"I did, sir. Thank you." She stood by the entrance. "Door open or closed?"

"Closed for right now." I took a bite and started chewing. It was pretty good.

"Enjoy your meal, Commander," she said as the door closed.

Between bites, I wrote up a summary of the previous evening's events, starting from my arrival home with Janetta and Izel's arrival, including the death of the priestess, Izel's near death, the acceptance of Sanctuary by Izel, and this morning's agreement to marry her to protect her from her brother.

Next I scanned through the shift reports from the troopers, finding plenty of references to Calia's declaration about the evil Tzinco, her gruesome death, and Calia's subsequent healing of Izel.

"Shit," I muttered. I marked those reports as Restricted.

With something like this, the smart thing would be to simply erase those bits and move on. But I thought my father might find the originals interesting. Encrypting the files and my summary, I sent a copy to him, promising myself that I'd work on the originals tomorrow. I wrote a reminder on my e-calendar just in case because as much as I hated to admit it, even with Hanami keeping watch, I was finding that some of the little things got away from me. It was those things she wasn't privy to that seemed to suffer the most.

Going through the summary again, I edited it for more formality while removing most of the references to Calia, and then forwarded the copy to General Rikoletsi as well as to Tikún Travel.

A new general had been appointed to oversee the Air Service units here at High Guard, but he'd only arrived two days prior. I had yet to meet him face to face, and I couldn't recall his name. Scrolling through the address book by title, I found him. Ah, there it was. Field General Tellek Ulee'ar, Air Service CO at High Guard. Forwarded a copy to him as well. Then, to be politic, I wrote a brief email welcoming him to High Guard, briefly introducing myself, and expressing my desire that we could meet soon for lunch.

Getting a fresh cup of cahault, I sat back down in my chair. If Izel's brother and his people became violent, it would help if General Rikoletsi already knew there might be an altercation. Considering that Kirfan had kept his sister incommunicado while a prisoner, chances were he would engage with a surprise attack using overwhelming force to recapture her if he could do so, and then beat feet back to Nahua State. With so many armed men coming with him, he might try that even on an Imperial War Base.

I also explained to the Commandant about plans for a more formal wedding ceremony at a date to be established later -- sometime after her brother was dealt with -- so as to give people time to adjust calendars if they wished to attend.

As a warrior officer, I didn't need to ask anyone's permission to get married. Enlisted had to fill out paperwork, but for a warrior officer, marriage to a civilian was considered private House business, and one simply listed any names, identification, and the like and notified Personnel. All that mattered was that one did one's duty. The exception to that, of course, was if you married foreign nationals. Then things got sticky. Fortunately, not my concern.

That got me thinking about the supporting cast. The job of the best man was to stand by the groom and make sure no one interrupted the ceremony, especially any agitated family of the bride. Likewise, the bride would have a respected woman to ensure she was not there under duress. Naturally, I thought of Bilan, but this was way too last minute for him, especially with him being so far away. Besides, Izel might decide this should be a long-distance marriage, and if so, I didn't want to make Bilan come all the way to High Guard with the Atlanteans making things hot just to attend a political marriage. I next thought of Jay and Pen. Pen needed rest, and Jay should be in the middle of his sleep cycle.

Then I blinked, and then laughed aloud.

Doyya!

Why not? She was my Second, and would easily be available. I trusted and valued her a great deal, and I considered her a trusted friend. Her being my best man would send a message, too. I'd talk to her about the ramifications, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized she was the perfect choice.

As for Izel, maybe we could get Janetta to stand as Izel's warrior matron. It would make clear to everyone here at High Guard that Janetta approved of the marriage, and hopefully would help with...

Who was I kidding? Once I got married, the gossip would go crazy.

When I called the Chaplain's Office, I presented myself as enquiring for a friend about openings to do a simple marriage ceremony. The priests to Inti, Huitzilopochtli, and Tezcatlipoca were booked solid for the next couple of weeks. It seemed weird to have a priest of the sea god Caratachoc officiate since I was neither a marine nor a sailor, so I didn't even consider that temple at all.

Xiao, the fifth chaplain, turned out to be a priestess to the Jade Goddess. Surprisingly, her voice was a smooth alto-bass. She informed me she was well-versed in performing marriages, especially mixed marriages that took into consideration tribal and family needs. "So what tribes are the bride and groom?"

"The bride is Nahua. Uh... the groom is happy with whatever is required. Within reason, of course."

"That didn't answer my question, Commander."

I sighed. "All right. The groom is me. Vedan."

She gasped, then actually giggled. "No shit! The hottest, most eligible bachelor at High Guard is getting married? Be still my palpitating heart! Does this mean you've finally persuaded that sexy jaguar pilot of yours to give up flying and start making you some cute babies? With your combined coloring and bone structure, and especially if they inherit your killer blue eyes? Oh, please tell me it's so!"

"You know about Janetta?"

"Of course, Commander!" Priestess Xiao exulted, speaking quickly. "Just last month there was a long, informative article in the Armed Services Times about the new Nano-tech Treatment Facility. It featured an interview of the facility director, Doctor Jehantli, who got a promotion to go with his new assignment. In the interview, he told all about how you built the facility to help the men and women posted here at High Guard, to help take care of the long backlog at the Naval Hospital. There was also that heartwarming story about those cute little children, Tambo and Piya, who you personally intervened to save. Both of their pictures were so adorable! While the mothers were anonymous, they were absolutely effusive in their praise for you. And there was a deliciously romantic piece on how you paid for the new facility from your private fortune and had it dedicated to Captain Tlacotli's father. The many romantic hearts here at High Guard are all aflutter about how much you must love that woman to do something like that for her. The gossip lines have been simply burning since that story was released. Did I say burning? I meant scorching, Commander. Scorching."

Then she took a breath and continued at a slower pace. "So tell me, who is the very, very lucky woman who landed the very eligible Commander Ranji Kandikan? Is that hot captain of yours leaving the service for a life of happy marital bliss? You two look so cute together, and it's fitting, too. She was third runner-up for the hottest female officer."

I cleared my throat. "Uh, no. Captain Tlacotli is staying in the Air Service, and we're staying together. No, the bride is Lady Izel Ocotépan."

A sharp intake of air, followed by a five-second pause. "I don't think I heard you correctly. Could you please repeat that, Commander?"

"The bride is Lady Izel Ocotépan."

"As in the widow of--?"

"The same," I confirmed.

"You aren't having me on, are you?"

"Not at all. I'm being totally serious. And the sooner the marriage is done, the better."

"I hadn't even heard she was back at High Guard." Then she paused before continuing, and this time her voice was a little sharper. "This isn't a marriage by right of conquest is it? She wasn't even at High Guard when you and the general fought your duel. Tell me the truth, Commander, because I would be so disappointed if it were, and that opening this afternoon just might have been a clerical mistake."

"I'm sorry?"

"Our goddess believes in men and women having their respective spheres," she said sternly, "but our divine Mother also is quite clear that women are not property. Your Protection Order has received the church's endorsement both here and abroad. I mention the Order as often as I can in my sermons, and there's a copy posted outside our chapel."

"Priestess Xiao, if I had done such to Lady Izel, there would be no reason to even call you. Lady Izel demanded that I take her thus, but I refused. No, this marriage is to protect her."

"That's a good point. Still, I want to hear the short-and-sweet version when you get here, Commander. And don't try to shine me on. I have an excellent shit detector. I want both of you here at fifteen hundred hours. I'll interview you together and then her separately. If I'm satisfied, the marriage will begin at fifteen-thirty hours."

"Thank you."

"Because this is short notice and you tell me it's urgent," Xiao warned, "we won't have time to do anything fancy. I have another couple arriving in at seventeen hundred, and I will not make them wait. The Jade Goddess does not recognize rank or caste. Also, this is important. It's nothing against you, Commander, I tell this to all couples because it's required.

"After the vows, under Imperial law, you must penetrate her pussy with your cock and inseminate her in order for the marriage to be legally binding. Also, oral and anal ejaculation will invalidate the ceremony. A few men tried that trick, penetrating all the woman's holes and finishing elsewhere but inside the pussy. That left the woman's reputation in ruins and her unmarried. We no longer allow those situations to happen, and we have armed guards within the temple to ensure such men do not escape punishment. I assure you, no threat is intended, and with your reputation, I'm sure we have nothing to worry about. When you're alone in the marital chamber, you and she can do whatever you both agree to, but at the end of your time limit, you must coat the outside of her womb with your seed. I'm not going to watch, but I do need to see semen dripping out of her, and visual evidence that her pussy has been worked over, and it needs to be filmed in case it's challenged in Imperial Court. Legally, only the judge can view the film record."

I felt my face heat up. "I understand, Priestess Xiao. Thirteen hundred hours. We'll see you then. Goodbye."

I shook my head. Seven hells! The gods of Chaos must be pissing themselves with laughter.

Getting up, I wandered out and over to Chita's office, which was empty.

Her admin, Suhanee, feathering her fingers through her purple hair as she looked up. "Said she had an early lunch with Captain Lovyanchiti, Commander. Something about hankering after some clams? She said she'll be back in about an hour. Unless you need me to page her?"

Hanami, her face almost burgundy, coughed as she glanced at her co-worker.

Suhanee looked up at me, shocked with sudden realization. "Clams? Oh, sir, you don't think...?"

"Aaaand, I think it's best if no one discusses what the sergeant meant, much less even thinks about it or says another single word about it even when they're off duty." I dug into my wallet. "Here's a twenty. You and Hanami enjoy a meal on me."

Suhanee took the cash. "Thank you, sir. We'll think of you at lunch!"

Considering the betting pool, I wasn't sure Suhanee's promise was an improvement. Returning to my desk, I closed the door and called Doyya.

She picked up on the sixth ring, answering like she was out of breath. "Yes, Commander? I, uh... I was just getting ready to step into the shower."

"I want to borrow you this afternoon."

"What? Wait a moment. Chita, please stop! It's the commander, and I'm putting him on speaker. Could you repeat that, sir?"

"I want to borrow you this afternoon. I'm sure you're aware Lady Izel stayed the night at my place. I've already given her Sanctuary, but she's convinced us that she needs to be married to be safe from her brother and from the man her brother wants her to marry. Get this, the man he picked is the brother of the man Yalcamara shot. Yeah. Calia and Janetta have both told me I need to marry her. We're heading to the temple of the Jade Goddess at fifteen hundred hours. I'd be honored if you would be my best man."

"But I'm not a man!" she protested. "Besides, what about Lady Tlacotli?"

"Izel is here only with a small retinue. However, you raise a good point. I'm going to suggest that Janetta be warrior matron. However, if Janetta insists otherwise, would you be okay with being Izel's warrior matron?"

"Holy shit!" Chita exclaimed. "Hey, wait a minute! Did you say matron?"

"Whatever you need, Commander. And I'm honored you asked me. And good catch, Chita. Sir, Captain Tlacotli is unmarried and has no children, so the proper title is warrior maiden. For that matter, sir, I'm not married either. If you call the captain a matron, she might get peeved, and having seen that before, I know it's not a pretty sight. Lesser mortals have not survived the experience. The men might not understand, but I guarantee you that every woman who hears about it will. Warrior maiden, sir."

I blinked. "Thanks, Doyya. You're right. I don't think that would have gone well. Once again you save me from a fate worse than death."

Chita snickered in the background. Doyya said, "Unless you have something else to add, I'd better make some phone calls for shift coverage."

"Good call. And, of course, it wouldn't be complete without my Regimental NCO in attendance. I'm planning on doing a more formal ceremony later, after Pen heals and I have a chance to let Jay attend, too. Are you enjoying your seafood?"

"Sir?"

"Chita told others here she was going to have a clam sandwich for lunch."

Chita herself began howling with laughter. "I love me some of that special dipping sauce! Did I say dipping? I meant dripping!"

Doyya replied hotly, "Oh, she did, did she? Goodbye, sir. Chita? I'm gonna--"

Chuckling to myself, I refilled my mug with cahault and finished the last of my late and very cold breakfast, I spent the next hour catching up on important projects and signing off on status reports. Potato wedgies are definitely better hot.

In between work, I managed to arrange for Calia's emancipation papers to be drawn up. Since I already had a rapport with Captain Kilfoor at Ground Service JAG, I contacted him, and he was amenable to the work. He told me it would only take a couple of days to file the paperwork. To my surprise, he then informed me that since I was now a full commander, I was entitled to a much-reduced cost in emancipation fees. Instead of seventy-five thousand credits, Calia would become a free woman for a mere five thousand, which included both his costs and the JAG court fees.

Hanging up, I sat back in my chair, savoring the news. Rank had its privileges. Opening my account, I transferred the funds to Kilfoor. On a hunch, I checked Calia's bank account and seeing it had a balance under five hundred credits, I transferred in fifteen thousand more. A quick scan of the other women's accounts showed they were pretty healthy. Still, I added an extra thousand to each.

After our return from Copán, I had replaced the funds Cholan had spent on her parents. She and Janetta had both loudly argued with me against it, but I had insisted. I told them both I understood their position, but what was important to me was that each of them were to have the means to take care of themselves if anything happened and I wasn't there. "It's my decision, and neither of you has a say in it." As I recall, all the women were very vigorous in their need for me the rest of that week. Not enough sleep, but there were satisfied faces.

I secured my laptop, checked to make sure my desk was locked, grabbed the gym bag, and locked my office.

My aide, Hanami, was just returning to her desk. "Oh, hey! Here's the address for Lady Izel's people, sir! And don't forget about your meeting with Commander Topak at C&C at thirteen hundred hours!"

"I just sent him the status report he wanted," I told her. "Call him up right now. Give him my apologies and reschedule the face-to-face for next week. If he asks, tell him there is a large party of important VIPs arriving at High Guard tonight, and chances are they won't be friendly, so I need to make some preparations just in case."