Starlight Gleaming Ch. 20

I nodded. "That'll do."

"Any other questions for me? Otherwise I'd like to get started."

"Ja-See -- is that a House name or a first name?"

"Both," she answered. "My given name is See. However, I'm not prepared to go into details about my family or my personal life at this time, Commander. I hope you will respect that?"

"Certainly. Just curious, Lieutenant." Considering her mention of Melannee, I wondered how much of what was in her file was actually real. Didn't matter. I'd look anyway. Opening a drawer, I pulled out a regimental patch and tossed it onto the desk. "Welcome to the regiment."

Rising from her seat, she collected the patch and affixed it to her right shoulder. The left shoulder already had a patch with the phrase, "Tactical Operations." She extended her hand. "Excellent. I look forward to working closely with you, Commander."

We shook hands. She collected her briefcase and exited.

The first email I wrote was to announce the presence of Senior Lieutenant Ja-See to all my officers and NCOs, and her assignment with the 602. They were to let her ask questions and they were to provide any assistance as she requested. If the tasks interfered with anyone's duties or if they had reservations or questions, they were to inform their CO accordingly, and COs were to pass the concerns along, no matter how trivial they appeared. I was learning to trust, but also to verify.

The second email was to Sergeant Chita. I said that Suhanee be allowed to alter or change her hair color and style as a test case.

After that I settled in to work.

At half-past ten hundred hours, my escort and my XO, Hachan, arrived. Hanami gathered her things, and together we rode over to meet with our Ground Security counterparts. It was a pleasant meeting, and afterward we enjoyed a late lunch.

On our return back to the office, I checked in with Pen's Second. She asked advice on a couple of matters, but seemed to be managing her duties just fine. I napped in my office for a bit, then worked with Hanami on my upcoming schedule for the next few days. Because of my daughters' birthday in four days, I cleared my afternoon for that day. Then I went to see Doyya after roll call and shift assignments.

We'd been working in her office, talking about schedules, training, and evaluations when my Second lapsed into silence, staring at me.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself."

Puzzled, I asked, "What's going on, Doyya?"

"The changes you've made are gaining momentum," she said quietly, "but they still depend a lot on you. If something happened to you, there's a chance things would fade away and go back to what they were. I don't know if I could handle that."

Nothing like the loss of good friends to remind you of your own mortality.

I sighed. "If that's all. Yes, I promise I'll take care of myself. I can and will take precautions. But we both know things happen. When it's your time, it's your time. As for you? You have the gratitude of Itznacoco and the Air Marshal. Those are no small things -- and you and Sowitwee did that all on your own. The actions by the both of you reflected positively on yourselves, but indirectly on me as well. Doyya, you are an officer in the Imperial Air Service. You are a member of the nobility. You heard the Air Marshal's words about Yalcamara. Both of you proved my trust in promoting you to officers, and both of you are shining examples to the Air Service."

"Thank you, sir. For your trust in me. It means a lot."

I smiled at her. "You are most welcome. You are a good officer and my Second, and you are also my good friend. I'm touched by your loyalty and your concern -- and yes, based on recent events, it is warranted -- not just for me, but for all of us. However, I could not do a tenth of what I have to do without the support you and everyone else in the 602 give to me and to the regiment. I depend upon you, but more importantly, I firmly believe you have both the capability and the drive to do the job. Llam nuqan, Doyya. It's not just for team-building and morale. I believe in it."

She relaxed and smiled. "I do, too, sir. And thank you for the compliments."

"Not compliments, Doyya. The straight unvarnished truth."

"Changing the subject, Troopers Derkmando and Simko will be added to the wall this afternoon."

"Yes, I saw the email you wrote. Nicely done."

"While I appreciate your words, I hated writing them. I know we're going to lose more as time goes by, but it's not something I look forward to."

"Agreed. I know Derkmando and Simko will automatically get the Air Service medal because they died in the line of duty, but I'd like to nominate them for Claws of the Eagle. It'll mean an extra two-hundred and fifty credits to their families in death benefits. It's not much, but maybe it'll help. Also, I am putting Corporal Akama in for a Gold Star of Merit. She nearly died saving me."

The Air Service medal was for non-combat related heroism. Claws of the Eagle were for extraordinary achievement, including non-combat related heroism, and were given to non-aerial units. Aerial units could receive Wings of the Eagle. It was stretching it a bit, but as we'd been under fire, I was going to push for Akama to get the award. Stars of Merits came in Silver, Gold, and Cluster. The next class up was the Shields of Valor in Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The highest award in the Empire was the Sun Cluster; military personnel received the Sun Cluster with Flare. Stars, Shields, and Sun Clusters had the recipient's name etched on the back with the date of the award.

"She's a good trooper," Doyya agreed. "All the women who live in that house seem to be especially motivated."

"Is there a billet for Akama to move up?"

She shook her head. "She has six years of service. She's also passed the Sergeant's Exam. However, there's no open billet, Commander. But if the Air Marshal approves the expansions you're proposing, she'll be at the top of the list."

"Excellent. In the meantime, write up the award nominations for Derkmando and Simko. I'll sign them with my own endorsements and pass them up the chain of command. Thank you, Doyya. Oh, while I'm thinking about it, I'd like to invite you to attend Sisi and Mina's birthday celebration."

"Me, sir?"

"Yes, you. Like I said, you're a good friend. When they were kidnapped, you helped me search for them. You were there when General Barankoshto brought them back to me. For a time, you lived in my house. You're extended family, Doyya."

"Okay. I haven't found a satisfactory replacement for Yalcamara yet. I suppose I can leave my XO to cover for a few hours. Thank you, Commander. It'll be a privilege to attend. Do I bring anything?"

"If you like. Talk to Calia first. She's in charge of their education, and knows what they already have. If you get somethig, don't spend a lot. The main thing is your presence to help celebrate."

"Are Pen and Jay coming?"

"I haven't invited them yet. I wanted to invite you first. However, I expect Pen will probably come, since Breena's kids will be visiting."

"Okay to bring Chita along?"

"Absolutely! It wouldn't be complete without her there, too."

"A birthday party for children might be just what we need to cheer us up."

I noticed she'd put up Yalcamara and Stimmi's wedding picture, along with the posthumous promotion certificates in nice frames. They were up on the wall next to Doyya's citation for valor and her certificate of completion from the War College in Tikún.

I said, "I like what you've done with your wall decorations. We'll get through this. We're warriors."

With a look of resolve, she said, "Then I guess we need to make sure we're the last ones standing."

"Yes, indeed."

* * * * *

Part 15 -- Birthday Preparations

* * * * *

A birthday party for Sisi and Mina.

Yeah, I heard the comments about girls not having birthdays, but I also heard some embrace the idea, which I thought was great.

Because the party was going to be in the afternoon, and most of us had already put in a lot of extra hours, Jay said he had to decline. He apologized for it, but the party was going to be held in the middle of his sleeping time. I told him I understood perfectly.

There were plenty of adults coming. Doyya and Chita confirmed they would be there. As expected, Pen, Tanti, Breena, and the children were also coming over.

Sisi had asked for and was given permission to invite over up to five other children from school to visit. The rules were that no gifts were to be brought; they were to come for a visit, to play some board games, watch a children's video, have some cake, and to sing a happy birthday song.

We were sitting at the dinner table, talking things over.

The limit of five guests seemed to perplex Sisi, as she had wanted to invite everyone in her class, plus a few from other classroom cohorts.

"Where would they fit?" I asked her, sitting down beside her.

She pursed her lips a moment, then her eyes brightened. "We could hold it at the school!"

I shook my head. "No. Last year was the day your Mama Zinja and I adopted you. This is our first birthday together, Sisi. We want it here. Besides, this is also Mina's birthday celebration, too. She doesn't do as well in large crowds."

"If she got more practice, she'd get better," insisted Sisi.

Which I had to give her credit for. I noticed Janetta's discreet nod. Still, I wanted this to be manageable. As it was, this was going to make all the bodyguards have to work harder. While things had been quiet, there still had been another two attempts by men with bombs in their chests to enter the base with false identities.

As it was, until the Minister started obeying the Emperor, we had issued a warning to all personnel and their families to only travel in large groups of ten or more when leaving High Guard to visit the Seven Nations, preferably with guards in attendance, and to not let anyone go alone. To their credit, the Capisco Police Department, when they were notified of such groups coming to visit and shop, increased their patrols. They were as anxious as we were to avoid more gruesome murders.

My eldest daughter waited for my answer.

"No, Sisi. Five guests. If they have a sibling and are of similar age, they can come, too. But no more than that."

"But why, Tenant? We will have fun and play nicely together. Isn't the party 'posed to be for me and Mina?"

"I love you, Sisi Kandikan, and I am amazed at all the friends you make, and how quickly you make them. Yes, the party is for you and Mina, and we'll do our best to take your wants and wishes into consideration. I know the idea of having a lot of your schoolmates singing to you and you being the center of attention is attractive. Birthday parties should be shared with people who mean a lot to you.

"You should also consider me, your Mama Zinja, and Ixma. It's our chance to celebrate you and Mina becoming a part of our family. That's why I invited a few people from work. Sergeant Chita helped file the paperwork that made you my daughters. It's been awhile since Chita has seen you, and sometimes she asks how you and Mina are doing. Captain Lovyanchiti was part of the rescue efforts that brought you back to us. She also helps me keep everyone on this war base safe and protected. Lieutenant Fortri was one of the men who helped me come back to you and Mina. Besides, he's bringing your Aunt Cholan's sisters and their children. Aarpo's close to your age. Sachi is almost Mina's age. And it wouldn't be nice to make Siénte stay home, not when she needs her mother."

"It's just not fair!" Sisi insisted.

"Sisi!" Zinja snapped. "Listen to yourself! Your Tenant loves you! Before you came to us, did you ever have a birthday celebration? You should be happy that he's doing this for you!"

Frowning, Sisi stared at her plate.

"Sisi?" I said. "Please tell me why it's so important to have all your classmates here. Sisi? Please answer me."

"Because no one believes me. Some... some of the boys say I'm not really Princess of the World... an' I make stuff up." Tears started to spill down her cheeks. She sniffed and wiped her nose on the back of her hand. "They say girls don't have birthday parties... only boys are 'posed to. Girls need to stay home and take care of babies. An'... an' they say I'm a liar, Tenant. I don't lie! I don't!"

Pushing my chair from the table, I held out my arms. "Come here, Sisi."

Getting down, she ran around the table and straight to me. I picked her up and held her while she cried.

Zinja looked at me with mixed emotions. She wanted to focus on how lucky Sisi was. In a farming family, that would serve her well. But not for my girls. Because of who I am, they would get a lot more attention as they grew up.

Ixma, Cholan, Cali, and the others looked at Sisi with sympathy, some more discreet than others. Mina was concerned, but Ixma whispered to her, keeping her calm. Janetta continued to eat, though slowly and thoughtfully.

After a minute of holding her and rubbing her back, I said, "Okay, that's enough now."

Pulling out my handkerchief, I wiped her face and held it while she blew her nose. "That's better. Take a deep breath and let it out slow. Just like when we exercise. That's a good girl. All right. Your feelings have been hurt, but now let's deal with it. Let's start with basics. Tell me your whole name, Sisi. Who are you?"

"I'm Sisi Topkoransa Ba'lanchicotl Kandikan."

"Good! Remember, your name comes from several places. All of them important. Who named you Sisi Topkoransa?"

"Mama and father," she answered quietly.

"Who gave you the name Ba'lanchicotl?"

"Mama Zinja did." She smiled at Zinja, who beamed back at her.

"Why did she do that?"

"Because I'm her girl now."

"That's exactly right. You have that name because your Mama Zinja loves you so much that she couldn't bear to see you alone with no one to take care of you. She said she wanted to be your new mama. Your Mama Zinja loves you very much. Where does Kandikan come from?"

"From you!" Sisi blew her nose again.

"That's right. And do you know why? Because when you and I first met, when you were wet and scared and alone, your Mama Zinja said you were a very special girl. She told me she needed to protect you and love you. And because your Mama Zinja is wise, I knew that I needed to have such a special girl become my daughter, too. You are now part of House Kandikan. No matter what happens, Sisi. You will always be a part of my family. You will always be my daughter. Everyone here at this table is a part of your family. But you also have your Grandma Shanti and Grandpa Arjun who also love you very much. There's your Uncle Styen and Uncle Anton. You also have your Uncle Bilan and Aunt Rana, and Powan and Mika.

"All right, let's turn around and look at the others. Who's that?" I pointed at Janetta, who raised her eyebrows at me.

"That's Captain."

"Those boys said girls are only good for raising babies. But what does Captain do?"

"She... she's a warrior!"

"Yes! And who is the best pilot in all the Empire?"

"Captain!"

Janetta actually blushed, though she pretended to ignore us.

"Your Mama Zinja helps take care of you, but when she goes with Captain, what does she do?"

"She makes jets go!"

"Excellent. You're doing great! What does your Aunt Cholan do?"

"Fixes jet guts."

Zinja and Janetta both snorted.

Cholan, her right side still a mass of fading bruises, nodded her head. "Well, Sisi's right. That's exactly what I do."

I wrapped my arms around my girl from behind and pulled her close to my chest. "I'm asking you this for a reason, Sisi. If you want to grow up and get married to have babies, you can do that. If you want to learn to fix jets or what goes on inside them, you can do that, too. If you want to become a healer like Calia, you can become a doctor. If you want to become a Warrior, you can do that. Those boys are trying to tell you what to do. But you are the daughter of Ranji Kandikan, a warrior and an officer in the Air Service. You can choose what you want to do, and if anyone tries to tell you any different, you just remember your Tenant told you so. All right?"

"Okay." She wrapped her arms around mine and looked at me with trust and love.

"So if someone tells you that you can only get married and have babies, what do you say?"

She shrugged.

"You tell them, 'I'm Sisi Topkoransa Ba'lanchicotl Kandikan, and I can grow up to do whatever I want to do! My Tenant said so!'"

Sisi smiled.

"Now you say it, Sisi. All of it. And say it three times."

"Because it helps us remember?"

"That's right. Begin."

As she said the words, Janetta looked at me with approval. Zinja saw that, and nodded, too. Calia, Ixma, and Cholan looked satisfied as they watched us.

When Sisi was done with her affirmation, I kissed her cheek. "All right. Go give your Mama Zinja a hug and a kiss, and then finish your dinner."

"Okay, Tenant."

As she hugged Zinja, she told her she loved her.

Zinja melted. "I love you, too, baby girl. I love all my girls so much."

Sitting down, Sisi said, "Tenant? What about Princess of the World?"

"How did you become Princess of the World?"

"We were pretending. Powan and Mika said they were Princes of Chimorro, and they were going to fight Atlantis. I didn't want to be left out, so I said I was Princess of Chimorro, but they said a Princess of Chimorro isn't allowed to fight. It was against the law. So I said then I'm Princess of the World because a Princess of the World can fight whenever she needs to."

"How did you become the leader, Sisi?"

She grinned. "Princess of the World outranks a Prince of Chimorro."

Sowitwee and Janetta's crew were discreet about their amusement, but Janetta coughed and then covered it up by drinking down her glass and refilling it.

I was impressed at her reasoning. "You're right, Sisi. You understand that when you grow up, you have to earn all your titles. And for right now, it's just pretend."

Sisi nodded soberly. "I understand, Tenant. Mama Zinja said all the grown-ups in my family outrank me. 'Specially her, Captain, Grandma and Grandpa, and you."

"Your Mama Zinja is absolutely right. However, since you have fought against Atlantis and won many victories for the Empire, it would seem a shame not to let others know who you are. Maybe during the party, we can call the Princes of Chimorro, Powan and Mika, and your new friends can talk to them. But not in the bedroom." I turned to Cholan. "Could something be rigged up so that the big monitor in the front room can display the telephone call?"

Cholan beamed at me. "I should be able to rig something up so that it can hard-wire connect to the telephone. Set up a switch. I'll work with the House AI to get it set up."

"Perfect. I'll send Bilan and my mother a note to expect a call from us in three days. Powan and Mika can't be here, Sisi, but they should get a chance to celebrate with you."

"What about those who can't come to the party, Tenant? They'll still say I'm lying."

"Your friends at the party will see Powan and Mika, and they can tell the others what they saw and heard. You, in turn, can introduce your new friends to your Princes. In the meantime, being called a liar is a serious thing. I know you are not a liar, Sisi."

I paused. I didn't want her getting into fights with other kids. At a minimum, I wanted her to master at least the basics beforehand, and preferably not until she was in her teens. She might have the heart for a warrior, but Sisi was just turning six and she could get hurt. Children often have their own sense of right and wrong and their own hierarchies.