Starlight Gleaming Ch. 20

"Provocative, sir?"

He laughed. "Don't take it the wrong way, Commander. You are shaking things up. What matters to me more than tradition is results. I am in agreement with most of the policies you've implemented, and I'm open to the others. But let's be clear. You are also upsetting some people. Minister Supay is not the only one who's noticed you. Nor is he the only one opposed to what you're trying to do. Supay is merely the most formidable of your opponents."

I nodded. "I understand, sir."

Janetta said nothing, but she was clearly worried by the Air Marshal's words.

"Fortunately, those opposed to you aren't working together. You also have the backing of some important allies, Commander. I count myself among them. And some of us are to be reckoned with."

"I am aware and very grateful for your support, my lord."

The Air Marshal lowered his voice. "Itznacoco brought your Second to a high-level meeting earlier this year. He told me he had some things he wanted to discuss with her later, so I paid no further attention. But then our facility was attacked. If not for her ability to call for help, all of us would have perished there. Afterward, I asked her what she wanted. She asked me to support you, Commander. Yes, you heard me right. She said you were doing important things, and that you needed our help to protect and defend the Empire."

Lord Bantochi paused a moment to let his words sink in. "Her promotion to full lieutenant was signed off by three flag officers. Itznacoco insisted on awarding the medals as well. He's right. With her being promoted from the ranks, the medal will help mitigate any bias issues down the road. Rank is one thing, but awards for valor say there's a reason for the fast promotions."

"She's a damn fine officer, sir. Brave, conscientious, diligent. I couldn't ask for a better Second."

"The women officers do seem to shine a bit more here at High Guard." He glanced at Janetta, who blushed. "I'm still interested in your input, Commander."

I nodded. "With all due respect, sir, here's my take on things. Today Atlantis has delivered a nasty defeat to the Imperial Air Service and while fleet units of the Imperial Naval Service held their own, they too suffered casualties out of proportion to the forces arrayed against them. On the exact same day, the Minister of Imperial Security made two separate attempts on my life, attempted to kill members of my family and senior members of Air Security. Some civilians were injured or killed, and we have had several troopers injured or killed as well. My lord, these attacks by Minister Supay happened at the same exact time that Atlantis chose to deliver us the bloodiest defeat in the air in decades. That was after the attempt to blow up a primary school full of loyal Imperial citizens, children of Imperial warriors. Should that have succeeded, the morale here would have taken a serious hit. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. If all these actions against Imperial warriors had been committed by foreign agents, we would consider them to be hostile, belligerent acts as a prelude to war."

Lord Bantochi nodded in approval. "Even more so, considering other news I've heard this afternoon. An attempt was made on the life of one Lieutenant Kestral Janoose, a member of Ground Security CID at Copán War Base. He's in protective custody and recovering. Unfortunately, there's another bit of news which is far worse. Lieutenant Arban Sticks, the founder of the dog-sniffing program, was murdered last night by poison, along with most of his command. Just as regrettably, all of his special dogs were poisoned as well. It'll take months, maybe years for the program to recover. At this point, the only intact unit is here at High Guard, working for you."

"Gods above," I muttered.

The Marshal nodded. "This is highly disturbing. Over the past month alone, the dog teams discovered explosives on six Condor transports that were cleared by the e-sniffers, saving lives and aircraft. Copán had just approved doubling the program, with expansions to follow. Commander Brenaka, in charge of Operations at Copán War Base, is up in arms about this setback, and based on the reports there and here, I'm in agreement. Captain Korreem was listed as missing and a person of interest, but after seeing the video, we know he and his small team were not involved in committing any acts of sabotage and murder but was rather another victim.

"In a related bit, Itcha Armaments is hotly denying any link between themselves and their former employee, Arvine Xochatsm, and the terrorist group known as the Night Hunters. It seems the documents you provided to the late captain have gone missing. Itcha's representatives are applying a lot of pressure to be absolved of the matter, and to letting Xochatsm off."

"Sir, Xochatsm openly spoke his endorsement of the Night Hunters in my presence!"

"Yes, we have your statement on record, Commander. Itcha also wants the ammunition that was already approved to remain certified. The Minister of Imperial Security has suggested that Xochatsm has roots in Chohinze state, and is thus not a flight risk. This may even reach the Emperor for adjudication.

"However, the War Minister disagrees and is taking his own steps. Marshal Blokane, head of Ground Security, has dispatched his own team to look into the events at Copán. No one has claimed any credit for the murder of Lieutenant Sticks, his men and the dogs. The Night Hunters are usually pretty vocal about any act of violence that can be construed as a bid for independence. Still, security has been a lot tighter at Copán of late, so that may factor into it.

"At the urging of both the War Minister and the Ground Marshal, Marshal Blokane has mobilized two Ground Security regiments to assist his investigators. However, based on what we've already uncovered, it appears that the murders and attempted murders were done by 'rogue' Imperial Security agents."

I raised my eyebrows. "More rogue agents? That's pretty damning, if I say so myself, sir."

"So it appears. The War Minister is also asking Imperial Treasury to audit the records related to the violations of the Commerce laws, since they affected Sergeant Sowitwee, a decorated warrior on active duty. Additionally, Itznacoco is looking into the kidnapping ring you uncovered."

Immensely pleased, I nodded. "Thank you, sir."

He waved his hand. "It's too bad Xochatsm's confiscated journals went missing. I think we know who has them now. This next bit is not for sharing with others, but it affects you both as Air Security CO and as a member of Imperial Security. Effective immediately, the War Minister has ordered the automatic sharing of information with Imperial Security computer systems across the Empire suspended. All military communication links to Imperial Security are to be hard severed. Ground Security is following through with those orders here at High Guard. People at Copán are going to be examined very closely, and security at all other war bases will go to Alert status 2. That's already being implemented here."

"Yes, sir," I acknowledged.

"On a personal note, Itznacoco has informed Marshal Blokane about Lieutenant Sovansi and the murders of the Yakalme family, and the Marshal has agreed to look into the matter of that and the dog-men as you call them.

"I'm working closely with the Navy officials here. As for the lost interceptor flights, three submarines and a deep-sea submersible have been dispatched to recover as many bodies and data recorders from any downed aircraft that they can reach. Funerals for those lost, with or without a body for the casket, will be held at the end of the week. In the meantime, there will be no public announcements of the... defeat at this time."

The Air Marshal spoke the last words with bitter revulsion. "We may not be able to prevent war with Atlantis. It may change down the road, but the War Minister and High Command feel that with the current tech advancements possessed by Atlantis, we might not be able to hold High Guard. We feel that if we publicly acknowledge such a loss as we have had today, Aesir-Veda will smell blood and be eager to join in, possibly opening another front, and we must do everything we can to prevent that from happening."

"Like sabertooth tigers fighting dire wolves over a woolly mammoth," Janetta observed.

"Just so," Lord Bantochi agreed. "The fact that there were only five Atlantean craft probably means that's all they had available. I have been assured that our agents overseas will do everything they can to discover factory locations and do what they can to slow down production. However, we cannot depend upon that. We also are hoping Tohingo Research will have at least one working prototype soon. Your father assured me this morning they have a functioning shield circuit board, but that it needs refinement. I intend that the testing be done here. In the meantime, I need to return to High Command to better coordinate our response. I wish I could be here for the funerals, but I must depart soon. I trust High Guard will see the ceremony proceeds without any issues."

"Yes, sir. We'll see to it," I promised.

There were a few sharp raps at the door.

The Air Marshal stood and answered the door. It was Commander Papatswee. "There's a nurse here to collect Captain Tlacotli, sir."

He stood back and let them in. Before I let them take her away, I got up and gave Janetta a kiss. As I nuzzled her neck, I whispered, "I love you."

She kissed me again, this time a little fiercer, then growled out, "You'd better."

I chuckled, delighting in her warrior heart. I was also glad that she and her crew had survived Supay's attempt on their lives.

Both the Air Security troopers re-entered the private room. Corporal Cooma carried in a fresh uniform for me, and the other trooper carried a fresh one for Janetta, which he hung up on the clothes rack.

While I got dressed, the Air Marshal talked to me, asking my reasons for issuing the first Protection Order, and why I felt it necessary. He also asked, if given the chance, were there any other changes I would try and make? The Air Marshal also instructed Commander Papatswee to take notes.

So I talked.

About the lost effort from women having to watch their backs against the men who were supposed to fight beside them, not against them. How, too, the Empire lost a huge amount of money every time they forced a woman to retire to have children, when by giving them a leave of absence, those who wanted to continue service could do so, and the Empire could benefit from their growing experience and expertise. The time off would certainly impact their promotion opportunities, but the gain for the Empire would more than make up for the change in policies. I also told him I thought the marriage ban for women warriors was also an impediment.

I finished up by saying, "We have Atlantis and Aesir-Veda against us. We need everyone in the Empire to stand together to survive. Corporal Akama used her body to shield me from the sniper, and she nearly died doing her duty. Without her sacrifice, I might have died this afternoon. It is my opinion that we need our women to stand beside us. Not as subjects or slaves, but as equals, fighting and contributing to the defense of the Empire. Until we catch up technologically, we need that edge. However, Atlantis also sees that benefit, and has already started relaxing some of these very same restrictions. Female medics and other support staff are now being deployed to their combat units.

"People who feel valued are motivated to do more than what's expected. Yes, there are some men that are disgruntled, complaining about a loss to their status and rights to copulate. However, most of the men at this war base have approved of the changes, since they, too, have sometimes had their wives and daughters victimized by higher ranking men."

Lord Bantochi looked at Commander Papatswee. "You're the Efficiency Expert. What do you think of the commander's arguments?"

"He makes a compelling case," Papatswee admitted. "The boost in morale and production may offset the financial expenditures, my lord. However, most of the priest caste will likely be strongly opposed."

The Air Marshal nodded. "We'll bear these ideas in mind. In the meantime, keep your focus on the Protection Order, Commander. Until we have the Emperor behind us, we have to tread lightly."

"Understood, my lord. Thank you."

Once I was dressed, at my behest, I proceeded to exit, and the Air Marshal asked me where I was going.

"To visit Corporal Akama, sir. She saved my life. I want to give her my personal thanks."

Interested, he stood up. "I'd like to tag along if I may, Commander."

"I'd be delighted, and I'm sure the corporal will be honored by your visit."

When we arrived at her room, Akama was dressed in civvies, as were the other three women with her.

However, instead of getting ready to go home, she was parked on her bed, propped against the headboard, nursing her daughter, Shima. Mack was there, too, a relaxed smile on her face as she fed her son, Tambo. Laylandi grinned while her own son fed, listening while Akama talked with Haytam about the shooting. Piya happily and noisily suckled at Laylandi's breast. Haytam, for her part, assured Akama that Shima had missed her mother but had been well taken care of during her mother's absence, getting plenty of holding and plenty to eat.

It was a compelling sight for all but the most hardened of hearts. These four troopers shared motherhood and childcare together, and it was clear they were also good friends.

Seeing the Air Marshal, they hastily started to rise, but he motioned them to remain seated. "This is delightful. My late wife loved feeding our children. She was a beautiful woman, but feeding them always made her look especially radiant."

With those kind words, he won the sympathy of all four women.

I moved next to Akama. "I wanted to personally thank you, Corporal, for what you did. I'm told that even with the newer, nano-enhanced plating, my armor cracked under the impact from the bullet round. That by going through your body, the bullet meant for me was slowed enough to prevent it from fully breaching my armor. You saved my life today, and you nearly lost yours. You have my profoundest gratitude."

With her daughter nursing, she burst into tears. "It was the least I could do, sir."

The Air Marshal asked, "How did you know there was danger, Corporal?"

"I saw the flash of light from glass. I realized it was from a rifle scope. I tried to get the Commander down on the ground so the vehicle could provide partial cover, but I guess the angle was wrong for that."

"You acted quickly and bravely and at great personal risk, I might add," Lord Bantochi said. "Some detractors don't think women are capable of such sacrifice. Especially since you're a young mother with a young child to think of. Why did you do it?"

"I'm a field trooper, sir. Protecting the Commander was and is my job. I am proud to be guarding him. After all, he already saved me and my little Shima."

The Air Marshal immediately looked interested as the other women nodded. "I'm not aware of this story. Please tell me -- Akama, is it? -- how Commander Kandikan saved you and your child."

She wiped her eye with her free hand, then looked down at her daughter. "We were living on the streets, my lord. I had been taking birth control regularly for years, even before entering the Air Service. Yet somehow I ended up pregnant and dishonorably discharged, my years of military service gone to ruin. I wasn't the only one, either. A lot of other women started getting pregnant, too.

"Anyway, my family weren't happy to see me back, and once they discovered I was pregnant, I was disowned. Having a dishonorable discharge made it really hard to find work, and with no husband, I was on my own. Some friends helped for awhile, but it wasn't long before my savings were gone. I tried but couldn't find work that would also let me care for my daughter. Just odd jobs here and there. When the commander's offer came, my milk was drying up because I'd not eaten in close to a week. Poor little Shima was starving, too. The commander wired us money for food, clothes, and transportation vouchers. He also got me reinstated into the Air Service so that I had work again.

"My friends here... but surely you're not interested in all that, sir?"

"Oh, but I am. Please, do go on."

"Well, my friends here and others at the home where we live, they all helped me feed Shima until I put some weight back on. Even so, I almost lost her. Shima took sick, but the commander saw to it she had the medical care she needed to get better. Haytam here was just like me. Sadly, she lost her son, but it didn't stop her from coming back to the Air Service. Even while she grieved for her son, she gave Shima the milk she needed."

Mack nodded. "Haytam's our floating momma. If one of us is late getting home, she helps make sure our babes get held and changed and fed."

Puzzled, the Air Marshal looked at me. "Commander, if these women were discharged because of pregnancy, how is it they are back in the Air Service?"

"Because what happened to them wasn't their fault, sir. None of them sought to become pregnant. My predecessor worked with medical staff and dispensed fake birth control drugs. With the constant sex demanded of them, it was only a matter of time until they became pregnant and were forced to leave the Air Service in shame. I'm speculating, but the pregnancies with Air Security started happening a few months before it spread across the entire war base. You're familiar with Commander Orchid and her intervention with the Empress? I think these women were a test run, to see if they could get away with forcing all the women in uniform out of the service at High Guard.

"Even after Commander Orchid's actions, it was too late for these women. The wives of six Air Service officers were blackmailed into leaving their husbands and forced to become concubines to my predecessor, whereupon he bred them. All but one were divorced by their husbands. Those women are still here, providing child care for some of the families here at High Guard."

"Who paid for all these things, Commander?"

"Personal funds, sir. And worth every penny. As for what my predecessor did to the women of his command? Despicable is the only word I know that fits. These were experienced field troopers, most of them with years in service. Unfortunately, over half of the women we reached out to were either dead or have vanished. I wish I'd looked into this earlier."

The Marshal raised his eyebrows. "When exactly did you notice this?"

"The second day after I assumed command, Captain Lovyanchiti and I noticed the lack of women within the 602. Then we saw the many discharges over the previous two years. I ordered Personnel to go through all the files and obtained contact information for all those discharged due to pregnancy. As their names became available, Sergeant Chita and her staff talked them into returning. They also went above and beyond in getting all the paperwork done and with helping them get settled."

There were murmurs and nods of agreement from the women.

He shook his head. "The second day? You discovered what had been done, and made it right, and one of those troopers has amply repaid your efforts. I begin to see the motivation for such loyalty. Still, I'm puzzled, Commander. How was it they were reinstated? Once someone has been dishonorably discharged, they should be unable to return to active service."

I faced him directly. "I restored order to this war base, Lord Bantochi, using -- and I quote -- any and every means necessary. Returning these skilled veterans to duty both righted an injustice done to them and was necessary to successfully rebuilding a shattered regiment. A copy of your orders to me are part of their official personnel files, along with an accompanying letter from me detailing my predecessor's tampering with their birth control as well as some of his other criminal activities. My orders gave me the right and the power to reinstate them, and with all due respect, sir, I stand by my decision."