Starlight Gleaming Ch. 21 Pt. 02

"Wit?" I said.

"Yes, sir?"

"When you get back to work next week, I want you to get a media specialist and go to the homes of these fine women. Make sure you include the women doing the daycare, too. Take plenty of pictures of everyone there. Take group shots, individual family shots of troopers with their child, and group shots of mothers and children together. And make sure you get a picture of each in their dress uniform and their working trooper gear. Anyone who gets missed because of duty, make arrangements for a second visit to get them as well. And feel free to get some shots of a certain young mother and her newborn son while you're at it."

"Yes, sir," Sowitwee replied. Then he grinned at me. "Yes, sir!"

Doyya and Chita both gave me an indulgent smile.

However, the four women troopers looked overwhelmed. Mack cocked her head toward me. "What... what do...?"

"One of my favorite pictures," I said, interrupting her. "Though it's getting harder to choose with so many great ones to pick from, but one of my favorites is of Sergeant Zinja here standing at attention in her uniform when her daughter Ixma was a child, dressed in her best dress and wearing small white flowers in her hair like a crown. A remarkable image, it's full of love, pride, and hope, and both of them are absolutely beautiful."

Zinja gave me an emotional look.

"He's right, you know," Janetta confirmed, reaching over and giving her shoulder a squeeze. "Everything he said it true." Looking at Haytam and Cooma, she asked, "Are you taking my crew chief and the commander's aide home?"

"Uh, no, sir. We're here to relieve Sergeant Mack and Corporal Akama. But I'll get that taken care of right away, Captain!" Taking a couple of steps away, she called out, "Lieutenant, we need two with a vehicle for escort!"

"No, we don't need a vehicle! We already have one!" Janetta called out. Then she gave an amused smile. "Zinja, drive the ChoCac. The escort can ride in the backseat. I'll ride with Ranji and Izel in the fancy security cruiser to the O club."

Zinja grinned back at her officer. "Yes, Captain. Mack, you and Akama want us to drop you by your quarters on the way?"

Mack and Akama glanced at each other, then nodded. "That'd be great. We can finish our shift reports and send them from home. Bye, Commander. Lady Izel. Congratulations to you both. It was a privilege to be here today."

Akama added, "An honor. Thank you." Then she told Cooma where they'd parked, and Cooma took off in that direction.

Mack and Akama both snapped salutes, which I returned. Doyya just waved them off when they saluted her, too. "Go home already, you two! You're three hours past end of shift."

Zinja and Sowitwee headed for the family ChoCac, followed by Mack and Akama. Two freshly changed troopers hurried behind them. Doyya and Chita said goodbye and headed for their own vehicle.

Janetta looked at me. "What's the plan now?"

"I'm thinking I still want that drink," I answered. "Now that it's just the three of us, we could go have a drink and a meal to the Officers' Club."

My warrior frowned.

"I know what you told me last year," I said. "It's not the same, Janetta. You are Mistress of my household. Izel is my wife. Those days of you getting harassed are over. If anyone gives either of you the slightest discourtesy, I'll arrest them and toss them in solitary. What do you say? Drinks and dinner? I'm buying." I wiggled my eyebrows at Janetta.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Janetta nodded. "All right, Kandikan. You've sold me."

"What about you, Izel?" I asked.

"If that's where you want to go, Husband, then I will be proud and happy to accompany you."

Cooma arrived with the cruiser, and we climbed into the back. Sitting in the center, I held a hand in each of my own and enjoyed the ride in silence.

Once parked and inside the club, we passed by the host station, finding the dining area just less than half full. Locating a quiet booth along the wall, we relaxed with glasses of metl juice, though I had mine with a lot of water. Janetta rolled her eyes at me.

It was a quiet and enjoyable dinner. We chatted, asking and answering questions. It was good because I got to learn more about both women.

We had a good time, but Izel noticed me starting to look at my watch.

Janetta gave me an indulgent smile. "Relax, Izel. It's not us. Ranji's a good father, and he's missing his time with his girls. Usually, at this time of night he's reading to them. You didn't get to spend time with your girls at all today, did you."

"Nope," I answered. "Just briefly lunch is all." Janetta was right. I did miss them.

Izel nodded. "I've had a wonderful afternoon, and while I'm enjoying this time and the company, I'm more than happy to go home. With all that's happened, all the weeks of fear and stress are catching up to me."

"Before we go, we need to finish the evening properly." Janetta turned to Izel and lifted her half-full glass. "To House Kandikan! May prosperity and happiness ever be yours!"

We raised our own glasses. Before I could add my own addition, Janetta held up her finger.

"No!" she admonished. "One toast at a time, Kandikan. I know you want to add to it but don't. One toast, one drink. That's how it's done. Now drink up."

"To House Kandikan," Izel and I murmured, and drank a good swallow.

"Izel," Janetta said with a grin, "as the bride, you should make the next toast."

Pursing her lips, my new wife looked down, then to both of us. "To new alliances, friendship, and love."

"New alliances, friendship, and love," we echoed and drank.

I was worried. I didn't want to get drunk, even though I'd cut my liquor with a lot of water, I'd had three glasses. If I ended up having to face Kirfan and his mobile mountain, I didn't want to be impaired.

Then I saw Chiatl at the club entrance and he looked rather put out. Two of his men flanked him. So I raised my own glass, anxious to finish before he saw us. "To House Tlacotli. Fierce, brave, loyal, and true, may House Tlacotli and House Kandikan ever fight side by side and see our enemies at our feet."

Janetta frowned. "See? You're not getting it. That's two different toasts, Kandikan."

I raised my glass again, giving her a look.

"Fine," she muttered. "To me. Huzzah." Then she tossed back the rest of her glass.

Amused, Izel drank to the toast as well.

Lifting the bottle, Janetta filled her glass again, but I put my hand over my glass. My water glass was empty. "No more, thank you. You know me, Janetta. I'm a pansy-ass when it comes to alcohol."

She burst out laughing, slapping at my arm. "Yes, you are a pansy-ass!"

At Izel's wry and inquisitive look, I explained, "It doesn't take much alcohol to put me under. And I'd rather keep my wits about me."

Before she could say anything, Chiatl strode forward, flushed and irritated, right up to our table. He chose to stand closer than was polite, invading Izel's personal space.

"Lady Ocotépan, your orders have been carried out. However, the new quarters are unacceptable. It is even farther away than the previous location! And the place itself, why it's a common platoon barracks!" His arms started moving as he spoke. "There's only one separate room for me and no separate place for my Second, and the room is small! How can we protect you? This whole situation is totally unacceptable! What do you intend to do about it?"

I was seated in the center with Janetta on my right and Izel on my left. Chiatl stepped even closer, putting himself right in Izel's face. "My lady, did you hear what I said?"

Cooma and Haytam just as quickly interposed themselves, firmly shoving him back, both with one hand on their heavy stunners.

"You mind your manners!" Haytam growled out. "Stop crowding Lady Kandikan!"

Like myself, Janetta's face had flashed anger but eased off by the actions of the two troopers.

"Her name's Lady Ocotépan! I am a warrior, a nobleman! Just who do you think you are to tell me what to do?" Chiatl demanded. "Out of my way--!"

He froze when the barrel of a heavy stunner suddenly pressed into his neck. "Make one more move, say one more word and I'll fire," Haytam snarled. "You are going to listen to me and listen up good."

Cooma had her stunner out, too, covering both Chiatl's men.

Haytam continued, slowly and clearly. "At this range, I'll suffer some flashback. However, I don't care because you will be out for a long time. Long enough for me to recover and put you into cuffs. This is a Beltan 570 Mark III Heavy Stunner. At this range, besides the very nasty burn you'll get on your neck and face, you will be out a minimum of ten minutes but probably closer to twenty, and with the heavy stunner, you are guaranteed to lose bladder control and piss your shorts. You might even shit yourself, too."

"Commoner whore! How dare you touch--!" Chiatl started, but Haytam jabbed the gun's snout firmly into his neck, cutting him off.

"I said, shut up! The patch on my left arm says 602 Air Security Regiment. That's Imperial Air Security to you and that gives me the right!" She took a breath. "You must be Chiatl. Mack and Akama warned us about you. Disrespecting Lady Kandikan and the Commander, and having the gall to do it inside his own house, too! Your papa neglected to teach you good manners. Now you've been warned a second time. That's our commanding officer behind us and those are members of his household. You will keep a respectful distance and you will keep a respectful tone in your mouth when you talk to them and when you talk about them. Next time you step out of line, I'll just shoot your ass and it'll be the stockade for you. Am I clear?" When he hesitated, his face purple, she jabbed him in the neck again, speaking louder. "I said! Am. I. Clear?"

"Yes," Chiatl grated out.

"Outstanding," Haytam said. "Now take two steps back. Slowly!"

She walked with him as he stepped back, then she quickly stepped away from his arm's reach.

I could see he was furious, and possibly contemplating a physical reprisal, so I added my own words. "My troopers are doing their job and doing it quite well, I must say. Lord Chiatl, you best think very carefully before you strike any one of my troopers because if you do, I will hurt you."

He eyed me as Haytam scowled at him, stunner still aimed at him.

"Trooper Haytam is quite right, too," I added. "You were extremely rude to your liege lord. I expect you to apologize to her. Right now."

Four Ground Security quietly moved up behind Chiatl and his men. The sergeant spoke up. "Is there a problem here, Commander Kandikan?"

"Just waiting for Lord Chiatl to apologize to his mistress for his rudeness," I answered, keeping my eyes on the man in question.

The sergeant folded his arms and looked expectantly at Chiatl. The other three Ground Security likewise stared at him.

Chiatl sighed dramatically. "Mistress Ocotépan, this one begs forgiveness for trying to--"

"No! That's not good enough!" I snapped out. "Don't make excuses. Just offer her your apology. And bear in mind that your mistress, your liege lord is seated and you are standing. Now try again."

Glaring at me, he got down onto his knees. At his gesture, the other two dropped down as well. "Mistress Ocotépan, I humbly beg for your forgiveness."

Izel raised her eyebrows to me.

"He's your man, so you have the first claim on him," I answered. "However, the situation has changed since this morning. Now you are my wife and he's pissed me off. Again."

Nodding, she turned to Chiatl, her voice filled with cold anger. "As my husband reminds me, you are pledged to my service, Lord Chiatl, not the other way around. I am fully aware of the debt I owe you and your men for my escape and seeing me safely to High Guard War Base. However, that and your years of service to me do not excuse your behavior of late. You have repeatedly overstepped yourself, especially since our arrival here. Things may be uncomfortable right now, but I remind you they are a sight better than a cold grave my brother would give you. I am already aware of your childish and incredibly shameful and disrespectful stunt with the food this afternoon.

"Now you listen to me, Lord Chiatl, and you hear me good! Lord Kandikan is my lawfully wedded husband. Full stop. I don't care if the Jade Goddess isn't a part of the Nahua religious traditions. That church is a legally recognized temple within the Empire of Chimorro and we are part of that Empire. I demand that you and your men treat Lord Kandikan and all the members of his household with the same respect and courtesy you showed to the general! I also demand that you show me the respect due to me as your sworn liege lord. I have been reminded that I am the daughter of generations of warriors. With my new husband and with Lady Tlacotli as my new sister by my side, High Guard is where I make my stand.

"As for you, open your eyes and pay attention to the protectiveness of his troopers! They aren't just following orders. They care about their commanding officer and his family. They protect him like a mother jaguar protects her cubs." Izel took a long breath. I counted three heartbeats. "I accept your apology, Lord Chiatl -- with the full expectation that your behavior will dramatically improve. Have I made myself perfectly understood?"

"Yes, Lady," Chiatl and his two men replied.

"Good! I warn you, this matter is not closed, only temporarily addressed. We will discuss this further." The cold visage faded, and she looked at me and Janetta, openly showing us her embarrassment. "Please accept my sincerest apologies, Lord Kandikan and Lady Tlacotli. Those pledged in service to me have again shamed me with their inexcusable and rude manners. Yesterday, I came to you begging for your protection, seeking to become part of your two Houses. Indeed, you saved my life twice over and have embraced me as yours."

Taking her hand, I kissed it, and she blushed as she smiled at me. "You are amongst your family now, Izel. Neither Janetta nor I will speak further of this in public. However, we are concerned that the matter is resolved so that it does not arise again. The affront was to you, Izel. Because you are family now, it affects us as well. I hold you blameless in this matter."

"Not your fault," Janetta said clearly. "All of it, theirs."

Izel bowed her head. "I'm overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness."

"Lord Chiatl," I said, "you and your men have leave to stand. Both the tables behind you are empty. Have you and your men eaten your evening meal?"

"No, we have not," he answered sullenly. I ignored it. Like Izel said, it would be dealt with later.

Satisfied by the exchange, the Ground Security sergeant gave me a nod and the four ground security retired. Haytam and Cooma holstered their stunners and took station at each end of our booth, staring at the men with open disdain.

"Then be seated and order a meal," I instructed. "You and your men order what you want to eat and drink and I will add it to my bill. While that's happening, I will arrange for the rest of your men and the servants to have food delivered to your new quarters. Lord Chiatl, since you are the head of Lady Izel's personal guards, you may assign two men to stay the night at our home for her protection, but no more than that, and they will be assigned cots again for sleep. More comfortable mattresses will be obtained soon. Who you select for that guard duty is at your discretion. The rest will need to stay in the newly assigned quarters, especially while Lord Kirfan is here. We simply don't have the room to take all of you at this time. Please exercise patience. You are free to talk amongst yourselves, but allow us to finish our private celebration. Take as long as you like with your meal. We, however, will shortly be leaving for home. That's all."

Janetta leaned down and re-secured the combat knife in her right boot, and I heard the distinctive sound of a brass snap popping into place. I don't think Chiatl knew how close he came to eating seven inches of steel. Her face somber, she swirled her half-full glass of metl juice. Then she grinned at Izel. "Hey. You called me your sister."

Smiling, Izel grinned back. "I meant it, Janetta."

"Oh, I didn't doubt you," she answered quietly. "But it was nice to hear, Izel. Really nice. Thank you."

While they quietly chatted, I tried the new online phone ordering app for the Commissary Diner. I placed the order for ten meals and an ice chest full of beer and mineral water and then paid for it to be delivered. Pleased that it went off without a hitch, I smiled as I put my phone away.

Naturally, as soon as I closed the lid, my phone buzzed. The caller ID said, "Dispatch."

Opening the phone, I said, "This is Kandikan."

"Dispatch, Commander. Lord Kirfan is insisting that he meet with you immediately to discuss Lady Izel. Per our instructions, no one said anything to him about her or her whereabouts, but he already seemed to know she was with you when he arrived. What shall we tell him?"

"Please tell his lordship that I am preparing to retire for the evening to spend time with my family. However, I am willing to discuss meeting with him tomorrow any time after ten-hundred hours."

"Confirmed, Commander. Telephone contact permitted after ten-hundred hours. Dispatch clear."

I put my phone away.

"So we're good for tonight?" Janetta asked me.

"We are."

"Good. Thank you, Kandikan, this was a nice experience. We'll have to do it again, but I'm ready to go home. I want to hear what happens to Little Pani. We missed hearing you read last night."

Izel blinked. "You mean like -- 'Little Pani and the Lost Bucket'? And 'Little Pani and the Missing Tools'?"

Janetta nodded.

"Oh, how delightful!" Izel exclaimed. "I haven't heard those stories in years."

"He's also reading us a longer story aimed at older kids. Sisi seems to get a lot out of it, and I've become accustomed to hearing him read aloud to everyone. It's kind of soothing. Truth to tell, sometimes he reminds me of when I was a little girl when my father was alive." She looked at me with open affection when she said that, and I felt my heart swell with pride and love.

Rising, we headed to the register by the main doors. I explained that meals and refreshments for Chiatl and his two men were on my tab. The host nodded and made some notes.

As we stepped outside into the clear summer evening, the breeze from the sea kept the heat from being too oppressive. Nearby, two Ground Security cruisers idled. It appeared to be the same men who'd checked on us earlier in the club. Haytam checked and it turned out they'd been assigned to ensure our safety.

Cooma retrieved our ride and with all due diligence from both of my troopers, we headed home. Both Ground Security units tailed us the entire way, departing with a double flash of their lights only when Cooma had parked the cruiser behind the second garage door behind the HueCac.

* * * * *

Part 9 -- Settling In

* * * * *

Once inside our home, we were warmly greeted by our family. Izel's servants hovered shyly about the edges, taking in their mistress' demeanor. Calia approached, letting me know that eight cots with padding and bedding were set up in the gym. It had been explained to them firmly that until there was a decision otherwise, they were to sleep in their assigned areas and not at the foot of the bed.

"Thank you," Janetta with relief.

Janetta, Izel, and I went upstairs to dress in more casual clothes. I found some slacks and a tee-shirt and a pair of slip-on deck shoes. Janetta some shorts and an oversized tee-shirt. Suspicious, I looked at her.

"What?" she demanded. "Yes, it's yours, but no, it's not used. I don't know how they can stand it, wearing your dirty shirts."