Starlight Gleaming Ch. 20

The women were tense as they watched the Air Marshal for his reaction. Even Cooma looked worried.

After a pause, he nodded, chuckling. "An inventive interpretation. So I did order. The changes stand, with my approval."

The women started breathing again.

I nodded to the Air Marshal. "They are good warriors, sir, and they are loyal to the Empire. I am honored to have them in the regiment."

"Of that, I have no doubt. I'm curious. How many of you went with the Commander on his recent trip to Copán?"

Of the five women there, only Akama's stayed down.

Chuckling, the Air Marshal looked at me. "Fascinating. And of those, how many of you were involved with the rescue of Lieutenant Sovansi?"

Cooma's hand dropped.

Satisfied, he nodded. "There were three troopers in the report and all three are here. You go by Mack? As in Sonoctamack? Marshal Blokane of Ground Security read your report on the incident. He passed it along to Marshal Teekamway, head of Air Security, who then asked me to read it."

Mack's face paled.

"I was impressed enough I passed it along to the Air and Ground Service JAG offices for their input. Your recitations were remarkably thorough. Though some were curious, since you were throwing the book at them, as to why you didn't charge them with violating Article 12, being out of uniform. I admit to my own curiosity on the matter."

"The incident took place in the showers, sir. That wouldn't have been a fair application of the Imperial UCMJ."

The Air Marshal laughed, shaking his head. "You're absolutely right, Sergeant. And well done, too. What a truly remarkable crew you've assembled, Commander."

Another of Marshal's aides arrived. "It's nearly time for your next meeting, sir."

Lord Bantochi checked his watch. "So it is. A pleasure to meet you fine warriors. Outstanding act of bravery, Corporal Akama. Thank you, troopers. It's been most... enlightening. Good work, all of you. Carry on."

I turned to leave, too, when Akama called out to me, so I turned back to her. "Yes?"

She lowered her voice. "Commander? Will you please give Lady Calia my thanks?"

After moving closer to hear better, I raised eyebrows at her. "What do you mean?"

"There's a lot I don't remember, sir. The ride to the hospital was a blur, and after that, it's pretty much a blank until I woke up in my bed, seeing Mack's big ugly mug peering down at me."

"Hey!" Mack protested. "Who are you calling big?"

Haytam and Laylandi covered their mouths to hide their snickers.

Akama continued. "But the one thing I do recall is Lady Calia. Even when I don't recall anything else, I remember she was there. I heard her voice. Talking to me. Telling me to hang on and fight because Shima needs me."

"She's not technically a lady," I countered. "She's my Personal Servant, Akama."

"With all due respect, sir, she's also your house manager and oversees the education of your daughters. Mack told me what happened when they made her let go of me, and what happened when she reconnected. I felt it when that contact was lost, and I started to drift away, and when she touched me again, I felt her pull me back. It was real, sir. She saved me. I know it!"

"What do you want me to say, Akama? I'm thrilled you are alive and here for your daughter. If Calia provided you with some comfort, then I'm glad she helped."

"Commander? I don't understand. She's a genuine healer, sir. If'n we had your permission, could she sometimes visit us at the home? To teach us how to better care for babes? And maybe check them out? We know she's important to you and your daughters. We'd take awful good care of her." The pleading in her eyes was heartfelt.

The other women waited on my answer, too.

"She's not a medical professional," I said. "However, I'll let her know of your request. And, if she's willing, then you and she have my permission for her to visit."

The effect was instant. Wiping at her eyes, she grinned happily. "Thank you, Commander! Thank you!"

The other three looked happy as well.

As I walked away, I heard Laylandi ask Akama, "Sowitwee says she's Nariya's midwife. Do you think she will midwife for Mekki and the others, too, when their time comes?"

"I hope so. Mack! The Air Marshal commended you on your arrest report!"

Which reminded me that we still had Mekki and five other veteran troopers in late stages of pregnancy, waiting to birth their child and recover before being inducted back into the Air Service.

I was impressed and grateful for Lord Bantochi's personal recognition, and just as important, his approval and support for what I'd done. It also told me High Command really was looking into all the events during our visit to Copán War Base.

Most important right now, though, I really was glad that Akama was alive. But it seemed that Calia's healing ability was out, and there was nothing I could do about it.

* * * * *

Part 13 -- Binding Wounds

* * * * *

"Is it all right if I ask a question, sir?" Corporal Cooma asked as we walked back to Janetta's room.

"Sure."

"You don't seem happy about the request for Lady Calia to visit with us, Commander. If you'd rather not, we'll understand. You've already done so much for us. More than we've any right to expect."

"I'm worried about Calia, Corporal. If other people believe she's a healer, they may try to take advantage of her. They also might try to harm her or kidnap her."

She nodded. "Understood, sir. We're just hungry to know more is all. We also know she's important to you and your family. Like Akama said, we'd do our best to keep her safe, Commander."

"Hungry for more?"

"Yes, sir. Until we completed the first aid course, most of us had no idea about arteries and veins carrying blood in the body, and about pressure points to help stop bleeding. We know sex makes babies, but we don't know what goes on inside our own bodies. Excuse me for being so frank, but we women can't even see our own sex, sir -- at least not without a mirror. The five former wives -- Veena, Ro, Tulane, Aria, and Matti -- they've helped answer some of our questions. Yet they know even less about what goes on inside their own bodies than we do. Those of us who have guarded your house, we've heard Lady Calia teaching your daughters, and heard her talking to Nariya about being pregnant. Is it true, that if she weren't your Personal Servant, that she could be a certified midwife? And a teacher, too?"

"That's what Calia says, and I have no reason to doubt her. I know for a fact she's really good at massage." Then, to change the subject, I said, "How are things at the home?"

She chuckled. "Crowded. Almost no privacy whatsoever. Diapers everywhere, and the smell of poo, urine, and milk can get pretty overwhelming at times. The stink is a lot better since the new washers and dryers were installed. Some days it's like they never stop running. But you, Commander? We arrived here dirty and hungry, with our babe in our arms and what we could carry. For me and a few others, it was just the clothes on our back. Your generosity has been amazing. I've put on almost forty pounds since I arrived here."

I looked at her. If there was an ounce of excess fat on her, I didn't see it.

"First you gave us hope, and then you restored our pride. You literally saved us and our children, too. We can't forget that, sir."

"It was my privilege, Cooma. What was done to you and the others was wrong, plain and simple. If there's anything you or the others need, just say the word. Besides, the 602 needed you back."

"Yes, sir. Even with the noise and lack of privacy, we're getting used to it. It's great that we have each other to depend on. When one of us gets sick, the others pitch in. When we lived in the barracks, we were pretty much on our own."

"Tell me about your child," I said.

She grinned shyly. "Beejo? He's nearly seven months now, and growing all the time. He sits up on his own, and you can see he's paying attention to everything."

I laughed. "Only a few more months and he'll be walking and talking."

"You know about babies and children, sir?"

"I had a few classes years ago. Once they start walking, you have to child-proof everything. And from then until around two, they'll put anything within reach into their mouth."

"That's what Veena and the others warned us about, too! Their advice and the childcare -- it's been a tremendous help." She looked at me with respect. "You know a lot about babies for a man. Uh, no offense, sir!"

I smiled back. "None taken." Then I frowned. "Are you supposed to have a partner sharing your duty, Corporal?"

Her mood immediately sobered. "Yes, sir. Trooper Derkmando."

"Why isn't your assigned partner here with you?"

"He and Trooper Simko were killed guarding Captain Tlakotli, Commander."

Seven hells.

"I've already notified Dispatch about it," she continued. "With the Air Marshal here, we're hopping trying to cover everything and every one, Commander. Escorting the Air Marshal around, keeping guard over him and his staff, and trying to sweep areas that he's scheduled to visit ahead of time. Then there was the review, today, too. Unless you are planning on an outing, I should be okay keeping watch alone at your home, sir."

"Did you know either of the men killed?"

"Not very well," she admitted. "We met in passing through a couple of shared classes. Today was to be my first shift with Derkmando. They were both new to the 602. Corporal Simko was a transferee from Welles Bay War Base. He only arrived last week. Derkmando was a month fresh out of boot."

With over fifteen hundred men and women, it was impossible to know everyone. Her words helped solidify them in my mind. Normally, their platoon officer would write the letter of condolence to their families for dying in the line of duty. Since they had died guarding Janetta and her crew, I resolved to write my own letter to their families as well as seeing what level of award for valor I could nominate them for. Which reminded me that such painful duty for Yalcamara and Stimmi had fallen to Doyya as their CO.

"Air Service," I replied.

"Air Service," she echoed.

As soon as I opened the door to Janetta's room, a small blur collided with my hips, nearly knocking me over. Small arms fastened themselves around my legs.

"Tenant!"

I looked down at my daughter as she burst into tears. Leaning down, I drew her up into my arms. Pulling out my handkerchief, I gently wiped her face. "Hey, there. What's wrong, Sisi?"

"We heard you were hurt... an' Calia was gone, and the teacher said people were shot an'... an' they wouldn't let us come see you... an' ... an' they said bad men tried to hurt Mama Zinja an' Captain an'..." At that point she buried herself in my chest, sobbing.

Hearing my daughter's tears weren't as painful as a knife to the guts, but it was close.

I looked up around the room. Janetta's crew were here, waiting for their officer. Calia and Mina were there, too. It was clear they desperately wanted their own hugs and reassurance. Keeping one hand under Sisi's rear for support while my daughter latched on tight to my body, I opened my other arm to them in invitation. All four women zoomed in, eager to hold and touch me.

Half the side of Cholan's face was purple and swollen, giving her a distorted appearance. A long strip of Nu-Skin covered part of the damage, but she looked quite a sight, moving slowly and with a limp. Because she was alive, she was beautiful. Mina, on Ixma's hip, protested getting squeezed. Ixma apologized to her as she shifted her higher, but Ixma didn't add any space between her and me either.

After several kisses all around, I was able to convince them that I was all right, and give each of them a one-arm hug with a solid, heartfelt kiss. Ixma and Cholan were shaken by their experience at the hangar; they kept at least one hand touching me for reassurance that everything was all right.

"Zinja, I can see you want more, too. Don't hold back. Calia, you stay and get your share as well."

As they stayed close, their arms around me, they began to calm down.

"First off, I'd like to say I am happy that all of you are okay. I love you all. Zinja, you went above and beyond, and you made it possible for everyone to come home. Thank you! Ixma, I'm proud of you, too. They were going to hurt all of you, and you fought back. Cholan, you were the distraction the enabled Zinja and Ixma to take out one of the assassins, and you suffered for your efforts. You are so brave! And all three of you came to the defense of your officer. I am proud of all of you. You are true Warriors."

That earned me more kisses.

"Calia, Akama is alive because of you, and she knows it. She sends her profound thanks for saving her life. I'm sure if she knew how, little Shima would thank you, too."

Cholan exclaimed, "What?"

Zinja looked startled, and Ixma asked, "What did you do, Calia?"

Flushing with embarrassment, Calia said modestly, "She was bleeding, so I just helped put pressure on her wound. I'm glad it helped."

I glanced at Cooma, and even though she was looking away, I could tell her attention was on us.

"That's not all," I said. "The doctor spoke to me earlier. He said that while Calia kept her hand on her Akama's blood loss slowed down enough to keep her from bleeding to death, allowing them time to start a transfusion until they could get her into the healing tanks."

Ixma cocked her head at Calia. "You can heal now?"

"It's not easy," Calia protested quietly. "But yes, I can do a little."

Incredulous, Zinja asked, "But... how long have you been able to do that?"

Cholan, too, piped in. "What happened, Calia? Why did you save this woman?"

"Several reasons," Calia answered quietly. "I knew Lord Kandikan was in trouble, so I left both girls in the care of the guards and ran out to where he was. I knew right away that while he was hurt, that he was going to live. At nearly the same instant, I knew that Akama was dying, and that she'd been injured while protecting Lord Kandikan. She had put her body between him and the bullet aimed at him. I knew she was in great pain and once I touched her, I felt her fear for her child. So I did what I could to keep her alive. To answer your question, Zinja, not long."

By touching Akama, she'd learned about Shima and used that to help Akama fight to live.

Cholan's eyes widened at the implications, but didn't say anything.

I looked at them. "This ability tires Calia out. I'm happy for what she's done. Little Shima has her mother tonight, thanks to Calia and to the skills of the fine medical staff here. However, it's not something we want talked about. Some may think Calia is blessed and seek her attention. Others may see her as cursed and try to harm her or to kidnap her. Or worse."

Two chairs had been moved in, and the rest of us sat on the bed.

While I had been away, the sheets had been changed, and there we were, messing it up again. To pass the time and help my girls to relax, we sang the Farmer Song, singing it as a round. I started it, Zinja took the second round, Ixma the third, and Calia the fourth. A few times we messed it up, laughed about it, and started again. It helped Sisi to calm down, and soon she was urging Mina to sing along. Mina mostly hummed, and most of the time, she got the tune right. Cholan tried to move her hips a little, but ended up gasping in pain. After three successful rounds, we ended the song.

"That wasn't fair at all," Cholan said painfully. "I kept wanting to dance to it, but I hurt too much."

"When we get home, I'll massage your body," Calia offered. "It'll help you heal faster."

Cholan grinned at her.

Nuzzling into Sisi's hair, I asked my girl, "Feel better now?"

"Yes, Tenant."

"You know it's okay that you cried, don't you? Even warriors get scared."

"I know," she answered. "I love you, Tenant. I was afraid I was going to lose you, like Mama and Tishtin."

I kissed her forehead and ran my hand along her small back. "I love you, too, Sisi. You are my big girl."

Then, because I saw her watching, I leaned over and kissed Mina on the head. "I love my Mina, too." The smile she gave me almost melted me, and the only word that ran through my head was Yes!

Janetta's treatment still had an hour to go before it was finished. Everyone was tired, and I suggested they go home to be comfortable, but no one wanted to leave yet.

I called Sowitwee and spoke with him. He was home with the others. They were doing fine, but he was worried that the Captain and her crew were not home yet. I updated him about the attack at the hangar, but that everyone was all right and they were with me. He was happy to hear Akama had made a full recovery. As it was past dinner time and Nariya wasn't feeling well, so they were going to eat leftovers. Then I hung up.

To pass the time, Calia started telling them a story about how Uncle Styen taught me how to be a warrior as a young boy, showing me how to exercise --

"You mean like we do at home?" Sisi asked.

"That's right," Calia answered. "Every day he exercised and worked hard to become stronger, more agile, and more skilled in fighting as a warrior."

I gently brushed the hair from my daughter's face. "What your aunty fails to mention is that she was there studying with me."

She looked at Calia. "You trained to be a warrior, too?"

Calia shook her head. "I was trained how to fight, but I love your Tenant so much that it hurts my heart to raise my hand against him, even to practice. And I cared too much for Uncle Styen to hurt him as well. I do the katas because they are good exercise, but I have no experience applying those skills against others."

"She's very good at healing and helping others," I added. "Not everyone can be a warrior. Nor does everyone have to be. We have need for healers, scientists, farmers, and many others, all of whom are important and contribute to our way of life."

Sisi looked thoughtful, then asked, "Will the bad men keep trying to hurt us, Tenant?"

I wanted to reassure her, to make her feel safe. But my daughter had already had many hard knocks in her short life.

"Maybe. The Emperor has told them to stop, but I'm not sure they will listen. What I can do is promise you I am working hard to keep everyone safe. You are my family and I love every one of you. You are my girl, Sisi. I am so happy you are my daughter."

She nodded, then wrapped her arms around me. "Mina, too?"

"Mina, too."

She grinned happily at Mina, who grinned back.

I heard Sisi's stomach grumble, and mine grumbled right back. Her face lit up as she looked at me. "Were they talking to each other?"

"Yes, ma'am."

She giggled, then nodded. "I'm a lady!"

"You most certainly are. You are Lady Sisi Topkoransa Ba'lanchicotl Kandikan, daughter of Commander Ranji Kandikan -- that's me -- and Zinja Ba'lanchicotl. Mina is a lady, too. You both are loved dearly. Never forget that, Sisi. No matter what happens, there are people like me and your Mama Zinja who love you and will do everything they can to protect you and Mina."

Another pair of troopers arrived and Zinja checked my watch. "The captain will be out in an hour. I want to wait, but these children need to eat and get ready for bed."

As Zinja took her from my arms, Sisi asked, "Will you check on us when you get home, Tenant?"

"I will. That's my privilege, Sisi, to make sure you are safely tucked into bed."

The new troopers were instructed to escort them home.

Hugs and kisses to everyone, and they left. I lay back on the bed, and took a deep breath.

The hard shocks to my body must have worn me out, because the next thing I knew was being awakened by a nurse as Janetta was brought in, still sedated.