Starlight Gleaming Ch. 20

"Yeah. Nariya had cramps off and on all through the night. Is that normal?"

Turning off burners and removing pans from the heat, she filled her own plate. "Yes, Wit. For nine months she's been making your child inside her body. Now she's getting prepared to give birth. Your child will be born soon. Might be today, might be tomorrow, but it will be soon. Don't worry. We'll get through this."

My aide turned to me. "You're usually gone by now. Something going on, sir?"

Janetta snorted as she shoveled food into her mouth.

"Lady Tlacotli and I are flying a medical mission today. We'll be back late tonight. Don't look like that. Your wife is going to have your child soon. The first of many, I hope. You both deserve such happiness. You focus on taking care of her, Wit, and in the years down the road, she'll remember you were there when your child was born. We'll work things out afterward. Besides, you've earned the time off."

"Thank you, sir."

Zinja grinned at Sowitwee. "You think you're tired now? After the baby comes, that's when the work really begins." At his look, she added, "Oh, it's too late now for second thoughts."

As we finished up, Mack and Akama arrived. To my surprise, both wore supplemental armor. I hadn't seen a chainmail shirt in ages, but they both wore them beneath their bullet-proof vests. Fould-plates guarded their hips. Poleyns attached to their upper thighs, and greaves to cover their shins. Pauldrons over their shoulders and vambraces protected their lower arms. And both wore sergeant's helmets with the added scanning abilities. Heavy stunners on their hips with a light pack. Both carried heavy assault rifles as well as the Starkline-9 advanced shields. They were definitely armed for trouble.

"Expecting trouble?" Janetta asked.

"No, Lady," Mack answered. "But if trouble finds us, we intend to end it."

Janetta nodded in approval.

Standing up, I took my plate and silverware to the sink, then leaned over Calia's shoulder to give her a kiss. "Thank you for seeing us off, sweet Calia. I love you and I hope you have a good day. We'll be back before you know it."

"There, on the edge of the counter. Two thermoses full of hot cahault for your trip."

That earned her another kiss as well as a hug.

"Please be safe," she whispered.

Janetta stopped next to her. "It's customary to say, 'Safe flight and safe return' when pilots are leaving."

Calia smiled at her. "Safe flight and safe return to you both."

Gathering our gear, we loaded up the coolers into the back of the escort cruiser, and because she wanted to, Janetta drove. She had Zinja pull the bags of pillows to the seat beside her so that she could use her rearview mirror.

The eastern skies brightened with the impending sunrise. Not a cloud in the sky from horizon to horizon, the starlight gleaming above us already beginning to fade. There was little traffic on the road that early in the morning except for those with business at the airfield.

We made our way to the hangars set aside for Search and Rescue. Due to High Guard's size, two flights were normally deployed to the war base, the 1040 and the 1199 Search and Rescue Wings. Because of their focus on pilot recovery in the water, six out of the ten Super Albatrosses were seaplane versions.

The 1040 had been the one to suffer the loss of two rescue aircraft against the Atlanteans. And they had been picked to provide the aircraft for the trip.

The normal pilot, his flight crew as well as his ground crew stood by the aircraft being loaned to us. The senior lieutenant and his men were clearly unhappy with the situation, and that I understood. But when Janetta had to ask twice for the pre-flight checkoff list, I got a little heated. The unit CO was there, but he didn't step in, so I did.

"Suck it up, Lieutenant. It is her right to do her own pre-flight check, up to and including opening the cowling to inspect both engines. If you make her mad, Captain Tlacotli isn't above putting her boot up your ass. This isn't about you or even us. It's about the injured students coming here to get some nano-treatment, without which some of them may die. We fully intend to take care of your aircraft as best we can. With Atlantis on the prowl, I can't make any promises. Now, can we have some cooperation here?"

"Will all due respect, Commander, you don't have all that many hours in the PE-15 Albatross, much less the PE-15R Super Albatross. Why can't my crew and I fly you where you want to go?"

"Because without me, the paperwork would not have gone through as fast, if at all. Since we're going into the Seven Nations, we already have three passengers and eight guards. It's going to be crowded as it is."

The man scowled. "Will you at least take my Load Master? He can help you get the passengers situated more efficiently and faster."

"All right, Lieutenant. If he can get his kit together in the next half hour, he can ride with us. I'll need to amend the flight plan to include him among the passengers."

As expected, Janetta made them open the cowlings so Zinja could peer inside. She didn't know the engine very well, but she was an excellent mechanic, and she was just looking for signs of blown seals as well as any obviously damaged or missing parts.

Despite the injured pride of the two flight mechanics, Zinja kept her peace until they were done. Then she called them over. "It may be your aircraft, and believe me I understand how protective one can get about what's in your care. But those are my officers so mind your shit. If it was your officer or your crew, you'd want to check the aircraft out, too. And if you didn't, I wouldn't want to fly with you. See those two armored troopers? They volunteered to come protect him. If anything happens to my officers, it won't just be me and my crew looking to part your fucking hair with a spanner. There's more than a thousand troopers just like them -- and trust me -- they will come looking for some ass to kick, too. And by the way. If you ever ignore my captain when she talks to you again, I will introduce you to my 912 torque wrench Valena. She just loves removing stuck nuts."

The two men suddenly laughed, appreciating Zinja's words and her loyalty. At least some of the tension eased.

The base media crew arrived, and began taking pictures and video of our preparations. Because of space, they were not going to accompany us. Rather, would get some of the photos and video cuts from the Seven Nations reporter.

Shortly after, the Seven Nations people showed up as well. I shook the hands of Mr. Doonitz, the Liaison rep, and Miss Sammi Reo, a local photo-journalist from Capisco. I'd actually seen her a few times on some of the news broadcasts.

I held my grin, though, until I saw the third man I was expecting. I reached out and shook hands with Detective Sergeant Jon Crazy Wolf. "You won't find any bodies around here, I'm afraid."

He took the jibe good-naturedly. "My superiors decided that since I met you once, that I could somehow keep you under control while you're within our borders. Anything I should know about?"

I shrugged. "I hope everything runs fine. But the men who murdered two of my people may decide to show up. If so, it could get... interesting. That's why we have the guards along."

He glanced at the heavily armored Mack and Akama, then lifted his cahault in a toast. "Well, here's to boring."

More quietly, he asked, "Any news about the woman you were looking for?"

"Tortured and murdered. I'm afraid that's all I can say on the matter at this time. When we have more time afterward, if you really want more details, I'd be open to that."

He winced, then nodded.

The four Ground Security arrived, led by Sergeant Guerca. Two of the dog handlers also arrived. Corporal Hika and his canine partner Sleek, and Field Corporal Angitsi with Arrow. I was surprised, but readily let them do a quick check before they boarded with everyone else.

All things considered, we were in the flight queue by zero-seven-thirty. With the short notice and all the many disparate people involved, it was well done.

Ten minutes later, we were in the air.

Using the frequencies given, we soon transferred to Seven Nations Air Control, and followed instructions for our flight path and elevation. Once through the initial stages, Janetta had me go through where the different controls were. Both the Albatross and Super Albatross share the same console layout; the difference is in the size of the engines and the larger cargo area. It's a lot less complicated than a Condor, so it took considerably less time for her to familiarize herself with it.

Within ten minutes, she had it down.

Once the orientation was done, Janetta just sat there with her aviation glasses on. I knew she wasn't feeling her best. But as I told her, she was there because I wanted to know her -- how she thought and what she liked -- aside from flying interceptors, of course.

After some prying, I got her to start talking. She pointed out that at least during the flight, that even with the headwinds, we were flying west while the sun was still in the east; on the return flight, we'd have the winds behind us and again, the sun would be at our backs. With the weather generally clear, it should be an easy flight.

Then she said, "As long as no one on the ground tries to kill us."

Not much I could say to that.

Half-way to Tellumgu, I let her have the controls while I checked in on everyone. The Ground Service troopers either dozed or chatted quietly. The Load Master played a game on his tablet.

Miss Reo, the Seven Nations media specialist had tried to engage the security troopers, but they were taciturn with her, so she interviewed Crazy Wolf. He was almost as laconic with little to offer, as much of our prior meeting was -- at least for the Seven Nations -- an open, unsolved murder-kidnapping. In desperation, she was trying to find something interesting about Doonitz, the bureaucrat, but apparently he was exactly the form pusher he appeared to be. When she saw me, it was like a starving woman seeing food, she nearly leaped at me in her eagerness.

"Commander Kandikan!"

Mack rose from her seat and blocked her. "Don't crowd him," she warned. "If he says subject closed or he's too busy, that's it."

"I have a job to do, just like you do. You had your chance to speak. Now I want to hear from Commander Kandikan. He's the reason we're all here, after all." Then she tried to go around her.

Mack's blocked her again. "One last thing. You aren't an Imperial citizen. A pilot's word on a flying aircraft is law. The Commander is also a nobleman within the Empire. Please treat him with respect."

Then she stepped aside.

Scowling at Mack, she straightened her dress, put on her smile, and approached me.

"Commander, I'd like some of your time." She glanced at Mack. "If it's convenient for you, of course."

I leaned against the bulkhead. "I guess now is as good as any. What do you want to know, Miss Reo?"

"Let's start with the basics. Who are you? What are we doing on this aircraft? And why are we doing it?"

"I'm Commander Ranji Kandikan, Imperial Air Service. I command the 602 Air Security Regiment at High Guard War Base, the best Air Security troopers in the Empire. What we are doing is performing a medical mission to collect some young secondary students badly injured in a recent accident. The why is because they need it."

Miss Reo raised her eyebrows. "Who are these young people and where are they from?"

"They are from the Pomo District in northern Chuman State. Four are in critical condition. The treatment they will receive will save their lives."

"Isn't Chuman State on the western coast? You are flying clear across the continent for these young people. Surely there are medical facilities closer to their home. Why are you taking them to High Guard? What are they to you?"

"Yes, there are closer facilities, but they are very expensive. Two of the injured are children of a friend of mine. The others are their classmates. They were all injured in the same tragic accident, and because doing two was as easy as a dozen, it seemed fair to provide medical assistance to all the severely injured. If I helped only his children, he would be grateful, but his neighbors might become jealous or even angry that the others weren't treated. Most of them will survive without the treatment, but some will have permanent crippling injuries to live with. With these treatments, they will be fully healed. All of them are ordinary, hard-working citizens living on the frontier of the Empire."

"Fully healed? So they are actually going to receive nano-tech treatment?"

"Yes."

"That is incredibly expensive. Only the very rich can apply to get such treatment, and the waiting line for your Naval Hospital at High Guard is very long."

"It is," I answered, thinking about Janetta while I spoke. "That's why a second facility was recently constructed. Many of our enlisted and civilian dependents face long waiting times. The more seriously injured now have a second medical facility to receive treatment."

Miss Reo's eyes lit up. "A second treatment facility? That's very interesting news! What is the name of this new center? Will it open its doors to citizens of the Seven Nations? Do you think the Empire will eventually open a treatment center within the Seven Nations, to allow others to benefit from your advanced medical knowledge?"

"I'm not in charge of making those decisions. My job is Air Security, so I focus on keeping everyone safe. The official name of the treatment center is the Captain Milintica Tlacotli Nano-Tech Treatment Facility. It was named after a very brave warrior in the Ground Service who was killed in combat some years ago."

Her eyes opened in surprise. "Tlacotli? Isn't that the same surname as your co-pilot?"

Giving a somber nod, I said, "Yes. The Captain was her father."

"Is that why she's at High Guard?"

"The Empire sends the military where it feels they are needed. My co-pilot was here before plans for the treatment center were even being considered."

"Fascinating. There's been rumors of a great many changes happening since your arrival at High Guard, and your name keeps coming up in the midst of those rumors, Commander." She smiled as she looked me over. "You are a very handsome man. You also seem young to be a commander. How old are you?"

"Twenty-two this year."

"Twenty-two! Your family must be very powerful, Commander, for one so young to reach such a high rank. How long have you been in the Air Service?"

"Six years."

"Are you married?"

"Uh, no, I'm not. But I do have family, and I love them very much."

"Oh? They live with you at High Guard?"

"They do."

"You said you have a family, not a girlfriend. Does this mean you have children, Commander?"

I smiled. "Two wonderful daughters."

"Really! How old are they?"

"Sisi just turned six. Mina is three, going on four."

Her jaw dropped for a moment, then she gave me a knowing smile. "You must have started your family early, Commander!"

I almost answered they were adopted because I didn't like her inference that I was getting some woman pregnant while I was under legal age. My daughters were legally adopted. However, it could be said that my girls weren't really my children because I kept telling everyone they were adopted. So rather than answer her salacious question, I chose to ignore it. Ultimately, the adoption was irrelevant. Sisi and Mina were my girls. Full stop.

However, Mack took a step forward, growling out, "You're being rude."

I noticed Akama also on the alert.

Miss Reo gave Mack a bored look. "I'm talking to the commander, not to you. Please don't interrupt."

"Mack," I said, then gave a brief shake of my head.

Sergeant Mack straightened up, and taking a step back, she gave me an apologetic look.

The reporter caught it all, and turned to Mack. "You're very protective of him. Why?"

Mack looked at me and I nodded. Then she rolled her eyes before answering. "Of course we're protective. He's our commanding officer. Duh!"

Miss Reo looked at the other troopers and saw that even if they weren't looking directly at her, they were paying attention. The Load Master suddenly noticed the change as well and put away his game. She, however, shook her head at Mack's words. "No, it's more than that. You Imperials have a largely feudal society. I've actually visited the Empire. All officers are part of the noble class. Most soldiers will do their duty, but no more. No. It's not that he's your commanding officer. You are actually loyal to him."

Doonitz and Crazy Wolf also seemed to be paying attention now.

The reporter focused on Mack. "How long have you served Commander Kandikan?"

"Just over two-and-a-half months."

"Amazing. How does a man earn such loyalty in such a short time? Okay, Sergeant. Tell me about Commander Kandikan."

Suddenly embarrassed, Mack looked uncomfortable.

Miss Reo frowned. "Oh, come one. A minute ago you were ready to throw me to the ground and give me a little demonstration in Imperial manners because you thought I was being too rude to your officer. Now you don't want to talk to me? What are you hiding?"

I stood straighter. "Now hold on there! What do you mean by 'Imperial manners'? You've got no call to say--"

"By the gods of the forest, you're his lover, aren't you!"

"Miss Reo, you're out of line--"

Mack purpled up, and took two angry steps toward her, fists clenched. "You take that back, you jumped-up little bitch, or I'll break your face. He's a good man and he's never touched a one of us! How dare you say that! Now say you're sorry, right now!"

"Sergeant Mack! Atten-shun!" I barked out.

Mack looked at me, then paled. She snapped to attention.

Akama looked torn. She was angry at the reporter, too, but it was clear that now she was also worried about Mack.

Both the Ground Security troopers and the dog-handlers were alert, looking on with concern. They maintained their positions, yet it was clear their sympathies were with Mack.

I said, "Mack, I'm surprised at you. She goaded you and you almost lost it. You've been in the Air Service almost ten years, and a security trooper for most of that. Yet here you are, acting like a green recruit. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Flushing, Mack looked conflicted. "I'm sorry for letting you down, Commander. I understand what you mean, sir, but it's a hard thing to listen to someone say such things about you. The 602 is a unit with a strong sense of honor. You are our commanding officer. We belong to you and you take care of us." Then she looked at the reporter. "When you tug on a saber-toothed tiger's tail, you'd better expect to get a face full of fangs. I'm sorry if you feel offended. If you bad-mouth my officer again, I promise I won't break your face."

The implied threat that other parts might get busted hung heavy in the air.

Miss Reo cleared her throat. "I was rude, Sergeant. For that I'm sorry. It was wrong of me. But before, when I asked you questions, you barely spoke to me. Will you answer them now?" She turned to me. "Or do I need your permission first?"

I sighed. "I've never told them not to talk to you. However, all members of the Imperial military are strongly cautioned about speaking to the foreign press. Even if they were invited. That is what liaison officers are for."

She persisted. "There are no liaison officers on this flight, Commander. So do I have your permission to talk to them?"

"You do. At ease, Mack."

"Good. So tell me, Sergeant Mack, what did Commander Kandikan do to earn such loyalty?"

"He treats us with respect," she answered, now at parade rest.