Starlight Gleaming Ch. 20

My heart felt near ready to burst, like I was king of the world, basking in the love of my two girls.

Calia wiped at her eye as she smiled at us.

"What?" I asked her.

"The three of you look so happy together. It's adorable."

I grinned. "I am happy. I love my girls a lot."

"A lot?" Mina asked, raising her head.

"A lot means bigger than the whole world!" I assured her.

Her eyes big, Mina said profoundly, "Oh!"

Calia said, "You are such a good father. Should I remind you there are five women who also love you?"

"Okay...?"

"If each of us has two children, which seems only fair -- well, that means you will have a dozen children to love."

"A dozen?" Mina asked.

"It's a lot," Sisi piped in.

"Oh!" Mina pondered the implications of that.

"Ten. That would indeed be a lot of children," I replied. Then I recalled what I'd promised Zinja and Ixma. If I kept my promises and they had their way, there would be considerably more than a dozen. And then there was Cholan.

Holy gods.

"But Ixma and I have been talking," she continued, obviously enjoying the topic.

I took turns kissing and nuzzling into their hair. "Do tell."

"We're pretty much agreed that we want what you promised Cholan." Her brown eyes glinted with merriment.

"What I promised? Now hold on there! I did not promise. She offered. That's not the same thing at all!"

"But it would make both Cholan and Ixma so happy," Calia said. "Plus, I have to admit to my own interest in the notion. It's only fair we get equal treatment. However, we need to get started if we're to have any hope of reaching our goals."

"I thought you were waiting for me to tell you I needed you to have babies," I countered.

"You do seem to be the bottleneck here," Calia admitted, sighing dramatically. "What's holding you up?"

Sisi looked at Calia intently. "You want to have Tenant's babies?"

"Oh, yes, Sisi," she answered. "It's what I've wanted for many years now."

"And Ixma wants Tenant's babies, too?" Sisi asked.

"She would truly love that," Calia assured her.

My oldest daughter nodded sagely. "Calia's really nice and she loves us, Tenant. She helps everybody. You should give her what she wants. An' Ixma's my sister, so you should give her what she wants, too."

If anything, Calia's grin turned into quiet laughter at my expense. Truth to tell, I'd rather that than the sadness any day.

"Think of it, Sisi," Calia extolled. "You would have many brothers and sisters that you as Princess of the World could lead into battle against Atlantis."

Sisi's eyes widened as she embraced the idea. "Tenant! You need to help them out, Tenant! Please? Pretty please with sugar on top?"

Calia snickered behind her hand until she lost it and burst out laughing at me.

"Really? Getting Sisi to help you? I'm... words fail me. How long have you and Ixma been plotting this scenario?"

"Not long. Just since we returned to High Guard."

"I see."

I chose to bury my face into Mina's neck, which caused her to start giggling, so I buried deeper, giving her kisses. Mina laughed and wriggled. After a few seconds, I took mercy on her and gave Sisi the same deal. Being bigger, she laughed and wriggled more effectively. I had to set Mina down to keep a safe hold of Sisi.

When she'd caught her breath, Sisi asked, "Are you staying home and watching us today?"

"I wish I could. No, I need to change my uniform and return to work. Besides, I think you might have some school today."

Sisi suddenly frowned, her fingers gently touching my neck. "Tenant, you have scratches on your face. They weren't there last night. Did you have an accident?"

"I did, but I'm fine, Sisi. Thanks to Calia, that was the worst of it." I gave her a reassuring hug.

"Gotta go now," Mina announced. She scooted off the bed and moved with single-minded purpose out the door, making a beeline to the bathroom. Calia hurried after her; even with the small stool, she might need assistance climbing onto the seat.

"You have to go, too, Sisi?"

"Yes. But I can wait until Mina's done, Tenant."

I kissed her forehead, carrying her down the hall to wait outside the hallway bathroom door. Sisi hugged me again.

"What was that for?"

"Aunt Calia and Ixma said you needed extra magic today."

"They're right. But any time you want to give me one of your magic hugs, you don't need a reason. I will take them all and cherish each and every one, Sisi."

She grinned at me and gave me another hug, and I was once again devastated by how wonderful and misty-eyed it made me feel.

Hearing the sound of running water, I set her down, and Calia opened the door for Sisi.

I collected my gym bag and went to my own bedroom. The morning was already slipping away. After shaving, I dressed in my second Class A uniform. The one still in the back of my cruiser would end up at the office as a spare. Having a spare set of each at work seemed prudent.

By the time I was done, Calia and the girls were downstairs. I went to the front door and signaled to Mack and Akama.

Both cautiously got out, then hurried over. A worried Mack asked, "What is it, Commander?"

I held the door open, gesturing for them to enter. "Come on. Have you two eaten yet?"

"Yes, sir," they said.

"Cahault? Maybe some bacon? Or some pastry?"

Surprised, they both seemed agreeable, and let them lead the way to the dining table. After the two troopers were settled, Salvia came over to offer them breakfast.

Sisi grinned at them, a piece of bacon in her hand. "Hi, Mack! How's Tambo doing?"

"He's doing great. Thank you for asking."

Turning to Akama, Sisi asked, "My name's Sisi. What's yours? Do you live with Mack?"

Impressed by Sisi's boldness, she smiled. "My name is Akama, and yes, I live with Sergeant Mack."

"Mack is Tambo's mama. Do you have a child, too?" Sisi persisted.

"I do. I have a little girl. Her name is Shima. She's older than Tambo."

Sisi munched thoughtfully on a bite of bacon. Then she said, "Maybe when they grow up, they can go to school together and play with Mina."

Mack and Akama smiled as they nodded at her.

"When they grow up," Sisi continued, "they should work for Tenant, too. We need everyone we can get to beat Atlantis."

Eyebrows raised, they glanced at me in surprise.

I looked at Sisi. "What makes you think I need more troopers?"

"Captain said you need good people. I like Mack and if'n Akama is her friend, she must be good, too. If they are good people, their babies will be good people, but they need to grow up first."

Impressed by her logic, they both took a drink as they mulled over her words. Seemed the thing to do, so I took a drink of cahault as well.

She's only six? When she grows up, Atlantis will never know what hit them.

Sowitwee entered the room wearing his own Class A uniform, closely followed by his wife. After getting his own glass of cahault, he stood at the table.

Nariya checked him over, her face full of love and pride. "You are so handsome, Wit."

He looked immensely pleased by her praise. She held his jacket for him as he put his arms into the sleeves.

I agreed with her assessment. He cut a fine figure of a man in his full dress uniform.

He paused when he saw his father looking at him with approval. Barely a nod passed between them, but I knew much had been said with those simple gestures.

We quickly finished the meal, and I said my goodbyes to my girls and to Calia while Wit did the same with his wife and his father.

We rode quietly in the cruiser as Akama drove when both troopers burst out laughing. Both checked me out, either via the rearview mirror or by sidelong glances.

"No disrespect, sir," Mack said, "but I can't believe your daughter is trying to recruit our kids for the Air Service!"

Even Sowitwee struggled to suppress a sudden grin. "She really is quite the pistol, Commander."

I had to smile at that. "She is. I've only been at this a year, but even I know it's only going to get more intense. Just turning six, she's amazingly smart, and already knows her multiplication tables up to fifteen. She's a good kid with a good heart, and I love her to death. Mina, too." I looked at my aide. "Just think, Wit. This is the sort of thing you and Nariya can expect to experience."

He looked at me with suspicion. "Commander, are you taking joy in my possible future embarrassment?"

"Not so. Rather, shared commiseration. My father once told me that children are born wild, and it's by love and patience that we teach them to get along with others, to learn the manners and morals of society. The challenge is to do it without crushing the spirit of the child. Children need rules and discipline as much as they need love, food, and care. Sisi and Mina are mine by choice. As they grow up, I will have the honor of teaching them lessons on how to live and prosper in this world. I am the father they will remember, and they will pass on what I teach them to their children. As far as legacies go, that's pretty damn good."

He nodded thoughtfully. "Being remembered kindly by our children? That's probably the best hope for all of us, sir."

"The gods make it so," Akama agreed.

Mack nodded soberly.

* * * * *

Part 11 -- Passing in Review

* * * * *

Once I arrived at work, I hit the ground running. Sergeant Chita followed me into my office, and behind her were both of our admins. She reviewed the day's schedule with me, while Hanami and Chita's admin Suhanee provided supplemental information as requested. Much of it was about adjusting work schedules for everyone.

The only thing that gave me pause was Suhanee: she'd dyed her hair purple. At least it was muted rather than neon. Some of the teens liked to do loud colors. When she went to get us cahault, she pushed something on her hip, and little blinking lights appeared. We watched her walk away. The lights were off when she returned with the tray of cups. However, Chita gave me one meaningful look of suffering before moving on. Suhanee was her admin, and I'd made a mess of it with both feet.

I'd better do something to make it up to her.

About half of the regiment would get a chance to pass in review before the Air Marshal, the highest uniformed officer in our branch of service. Many were eager to participate, trading shifts and trying to get it cleared with officers and the like. Some of the platoons would get to stay for the whole thing. Others would make one circuit of the parade ground, exit, and then return to duty. Many others would not be able to participate as we did have work to do. Even so, morale, anticipation, and excitement among our people ran high.

Along with the Air Marshal in the reviewing platform would be General Rikoletsi, the interim Base Commandant. Which meant that the Air Service personnel weren't the only ones worked up. Many Ground Service units wanted to show their stuff, too. The Air Marshal had an important voice within High Command.

Buses began shuttling people from all across the base to the parade grounds. Extra buses were activated, and unfortunately the normal bus schedule was something of a shambles with delays or even failures to show due to traffic jams. Fortunately, it was expected things would return to normal by mid-afternoon. However, the reasons were well known, and the crowds were expected to be huge, wanting to show support for loved ones in their moment of glory.

By zero-nine-hundred, I left with my escort and my aide for the parade grounds. With my permission, we made a quick stop at their home so that Mack could run in the fresh bottles of milk she and Akama had expressed during their break. A good officer takes care of his command, and without them, I command nothing. Besides, babies have to eat, and it took less than five minutes. The look of gratitude from both women was all I needed. The few moments spent meant they were better able to focus in the hours ahead, and it made them happy.

As long as the accommodations didn't interfere or endanger anyone, my officers took their cue from me. While the review was important, if I let this be an excuse to forego human kindness, it would become easier the next time. We focus on our duty, but it's the kindnesses we give to each other that help make our lives more bearable. Another dividend was it built teamwork.

Some of the Ground Service units provided extra traffic control, easing things. Both Air and Ground Security already had full tasks every day doing everything possible to keep the war base running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. My counterpart and I worked hard to foster camaraderie rather than rivalry between our respective units. Each of the company COs were instructed to arrange joint potlucks at the Rec Hall. The Support Services companies had met the previous week. Doyya had attended in my stead, and she informed me it had gone quite well.

Once at the parade ground, I formed up with my command, and when the cue was given, we marched out onto the field. Security troopers, clerks, mechanics, even some of the emancipated cleaning staff. Since Pen was on shift, most of the troopers in Jay's and Doyya's command were there. Plus, any that could be spared while still manning the office and Dispatch. Because of space, most of the platoons would march on and then back off the field. Even here, though, our bodyguards stayed with us.

The stands were packed, and there were a lot of people standing, just for the chance to show support.

First to speak at the ceremony was General Rikoletsi. He talked about High Guard's mission as the premier outpost defending the Empire from the incursions from Atlantis, and he thanked the various branches of service and their commanding officers for their cooperation and dedication to the Empire. Then he introduced Enkarto Bantochi, Air Marshal of the Air Service.

The Air Marshal spoke of the many changes experienced at the war base, and conveyed the Emperor's approval of many of our improvements. We were told we should be proud that many of these innovations introduced at High Guard War Base were now being considered as permanent changes throughout the rest of the Empire.

"Now, we come to High Guard War Base itself," he said. "For the past three months, General Rikoletsi has ably steered this front-line bastion of Imperial might through some rocky transitions. In reward and recognition of his efforts, Joh'roon Rikoletsi, Field General of the Ground Service, please step forward."

The Imperial Standard was brought forward, and the general was asked to renew his oath of fealty to the Ground Service and the Emperor. Dropping to his knees, hand over his heart, he renewed his oaths. A media specialist with a boom microphone stood near, and the general's words echoed his words across the parade grounds and through the stands.

The Air Marshal stepped before him. "Arise, Joh'roon Rikoletsi. It is my honor to convey upon you the rank and privileges of General, and present to you this second sun. Congratulations, General Rikoletsi! Well done!"

While the crowds cheered and clapped, the general removed his dress jacket, and the Air Marshal himself affixed the second sun to each of the general's lapels. Meanwhile, Commander Papatswee applied the additional suns to the general's jacket.

A motion was made for quiet, and as the noise died down, the Air Marhal announced, "You are also hereby officially confirmed as the new Base Commandant of High Guard. Congratulations, Lord Rikoletsi!"

The general saluted the Imperial Standard and then he saluted the Air Marshal. He returned it, barking out, "Ground Service!"

There were ten thousand of us, and we shouted out three times, "Ground Service!" The air rang with our voices.

The Air Marshal then said, "Commander Ajanta Barankoshto, advance and be recognized!"

She smartly marched forward.

"Holy gods," I muttered, suddenly realizing what this meant. I'd been warned ahead of time, but to actually see it happening?

There were more gasps around me as others realized we were seeing history in the making.

"Your troops affectionately call you the Iron Lady, veteran of three tours of combat in the foreign lands of Africa against Atlantean-backed forces and two tours in the Tongwe States against those supported by the Vedan Kingdom. Commander, I ask you to renew your oath to the Empire."

She paused, then took a few steps before kneeling before the flag. Like the general, assisted by the microphone, her words echoed across the parade grounds.

"I, Ajanta Barankoshto, do hereby willingly and freely give my fealty to the Emperor of all Chimorro, and hereby swear to defend the Empire of Chimorro against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I will remain steadfast and true in my allegiance to the Emperor and to the Empire with all that I have -- and if need be that I will give my life in that service. I will treat all who wear the uniform of the Empire as my brother in arms, regardless of their tribe or state of origin. I will obey the Emperor and those officers appointed over me, according to Imperial War Ministry regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In the name of holy Inti, God of the Sun, who watches over the Empire, thus I do swear."

As she stood up, the Air Marshal moved to her. As has been done with General Rikoletsi, her old grade pins on her shoulder boards were removed and replaced with a single sun. The commander did the same with her jacket.

Barankoshto was the first woman to ever achieve flag rank who was not an empress. These were indeed historic times.

"It is with pride and honor that I convey upon you the rank of Field General, and confirm upon you command of the 67th armored division, with all the privileges and duties that such rank and command conveys."

She saluted and he replied as smartly.

"Congratulations, General Barankoshto!" he said, shaking her hand. "Ground Service!"

If the previous shouts had been a roar, we made the air ring with a thunderous echo. "Ground Service! Ground Service! Ground Service!"

The next two hours dragged along, with many other deserving warriors being recognized and promoted. It's not that I didn't appreciate the ceremony, but standing in formation for three hours gets old pretty fast.

When Doyya and Sowitwee were called forth and publicly awarded their medal, the Silver Shield of Valor, I admit I was quite proud of them both. The Air Marshal pinned their medals on himself.

When my turn came, I gave my oath to the Emperor and the Air Service, and he publicly confirmed me as CO of the 602 Air Security Regiment. I was stunned as an amused Air Marshal continued, promoting me to full commander. After I renewed my oath of service, he replaced my grade pins on my shoulder boards and Commander Papatswee applied them to my dress jacket, the Air Marshal handed me a small box with a smirk. "I'm told you need extras."

Then he surprised me yet again by handing me cloth pilot wings. "This needs to go on your Class B, Commander. There will be more changes to uniforms in the days ahead, including a memo on where to affix this certification."

Air Service Pilots and their crews -- both ground and air -- wore blue berets to signify their flight or direct flight-support status. Medals and other awards were restricted to Class A uniforms. Till today, our work uniforms had our name and branch of service, our unit patches, and our grade on our uniform. No other ornaments were allowed; the sole exception being the green armsleeves for all medicos, regardless of service branch. For those like me that were dual-caste as warrior priests, we also wore the aiguillette on our left shoulder. I wondered what other changes were coming.