Victoria's Challenge

  “Victoria, what’s wrong?” The look in her eyes confuses him. She looks lost, guilty and determined, all at the same time.

  “I remembered.”

  “Remembered? Remembered what?”

  “What Grandpa Jacob wanted me to. They are alive Lucas.” The buzzing of the Admiral’s comm stops Victoria from saying anymore.

  Sitting down, Quinn answers, “Tar.”

  “Quinn, what’s going on?” The High Admiral demands.

  “You’ll have to ask Victoria that. She requested this.”

  “Victoria?”

  “She’s here with Lucas.”

  “Victoria, what’s going on?”

  “I need to go to Earth.” Her statement is met by a stunned silence.

  “Explain.”

  “They’re alive. Mom, dad, and Brett.”

  “What? Who’s Brett?”

  “My brother.”

  “Victoria…” She hears him take a deep breath. “No one could have survived on the surface, we’ve been sending probes.”

  “I know, two a cycle, but Uncle William, they’re not on the surface, they’re in the shelter!”

  “What are you talking about? What’s a shelter?”

  “A bunker. Grandpa had a bunker.” She runs a trembling hand through her hair. "It was built into the mountain. Every generation added to it, it was about a half mile behind the cabin.”

  “Even if he did, Victoria, it’s been nine cycles.”

  “It was fully stocked and self-contained to support five adults for four cycles.”

  “There you see…”

  “But there weren’t five adults! There were two, Mom and Dad and one child. Grandpa’s dead, I know that, but not mom and dad and Brett!”

  “How can you possibly know that?”

  “Because of my dream.”

  “Victoria….”

  “Hear me out, please….”

  “Go on.”

  “I’ve dreamed about Brett since before Kayden was born, every cycle on his birthday. He grows every cycle. I assumed it was wishful thinking but now I know it’s not. Then I dreamed about the meadow, the one on Earth, I was in a protective suit, I took off the helmet and there was nothing, no noise, no life and the air, it was foul, it hurt to breath.” Lucas who has sat down next to her, takes her hand, giving her his support.

  “Grandpa Jacob was sitting on the boulder, carving a piece of wood. He said he needed me to see something, but there was nothing to see, not until I looked behind the boulder. There were three graves with markers, Jacob Chamberlain, Cassandra Chamberlain, Victoria Chamberlain, and one half dug.”

  “Victoria, you’re projecting.”

  “No. I know I’m not dead, neither is Aunt Cassie. If I were projecting, it would have been Cyndy and Peter on the graves. But beyond that… who dug them… someone has to be alive to dig a grave.” She pauses, looking at Lucas. “Uncle William, have you ever just known something with no proof, no logical reason to believe it could be, but still you know.”

  William is silent on the other end, thinking about everything Victoria has said and remembers, back to his own dreams with Kayden, his ancient ancestor his son was named for and Cassandra’s with Sabah. They’d had no proof they were true, but they’d proven to be.

  “What are you wanting, Victoria.”

  “The Phoenix.” She lets out a startled cry. "Oh God, the Phoenix. Did Aunt Cassie ever tell you what that means on Earth?”

  “It’s was mythological bird on Earth, it would die in a burst of flames then rise from…”

  “Rise from the ashes reborn. Alive. Can you really ignore all the coincidences? I’m eighteen. Aunt Cassie was eighteen when I was taken by Audric. Brett will be nine. I was nine when the Earth was destroyed. The Regulians, they didn’t home in on Lucas’ transmission to you, they homed in on the thread in my arm. That’s why they attacked the meadow. If I’d been in the shelter, they would have dropped the bomb there, not in the meadow. They wouldn’t have survived a direct hit. I wouldn’t have survived if Lucas hadn’t have crashed.”

  “Victoria, I can’t send a Coalition crew into the Relinquished Zone, even on the Phoenix.”

  “You don’t need too. Just get it here, I can fly it.” When her comment is met with silence, she presses. “You taught me yourself. You know I can handle her.”

  “But you can’t fly the Raptor to the surface.” William tells her.

  “I can.” Lucas speaks for the first time. Victoria’s head whips around to him.

  “No. You can’t,” she denies.

  “That’s not your choice,” he tells her. “Dad?”

  “It would still be considered Coalition Lucas.”

  “How? If I’m accompanying my life mate on a trip… a trip to her home world?” The silence on both sides is massive.

  “You’re claiming, Victoria?”

  “I already have. It’s done, dad.”

  “Victoria?” William asks. Lucas looks into her eyes, waiting. She’ll never deny him.

  “Lucas is my life mate.”

  “I need to think about this. Wait!” William knows Victoria well. Her mouth is already open, ready to argue. “There’s more involved here than just sending the Phoenix. Cassandra…”

  “You can’t tell her.” Now Victoria does speak up.

  “I don’t keep family things from her!”

  “You’ve never told her you send a second probe,” Victoria challenges him and William says nothing. “You didn't tell her because you knew she’d worry herself sick until the data came in. This is the same thing.”

  “No it’s not. You’ll be at risk, both of you!”

  “All the more reason not to tell her. Especially now.”

  “What do you mean?” The total lack of infliction in the High Admiral’s voice has both Quinn and Lucas sitting up.

  “Uncle William, do you really think, after all this time, I don’t know when my Aunt has conceived?”

  “What? Lucas looks at Victoria. “Dad, why haven’t you said anything.”

  “We’re trying to keep it low key, this one’s different.”

  “Different, what do you mean, different?” Lucas demands.

  “It’s a girl….” Victoria whispers, suddenly understanding. Aunt Cassie is carrying the future Queen of the House of Knowledge. “You can’t tell her, Uncle William, not until it’s confirmed. She’ll not only worry herself sick, but she’ll blame herself for not thinking of the shelter. She knew it was there but never knew Grandpa Jacob told dad to go there. To take his family and protect them, just in case. You have to do the same.”

  “I know how to protect my family!” William roars.

  “Dad, Victoria knows that. You’ve been protecting her for cycles, now it’s my turn.”

  “Uncle William I’m not doubting you. Never! I know you and Aunt Cassie tell each other everything, but this… it’ll take the Phoenix, what… three days to reach Earth? A couple days there, three days back. Then we’ll know, for sure. It’s only a week. But for her…”

  “It’ll be a lifetime.”

  “Yes.”

  “I still need some time.”

  “It’s the one thing we’re short of. I’m running out of time Uncle William. It’s taken me too long to remember.”

  “No, you remembered when the time was right. If you truly believe that certain things had to happen to get you where you are Victoria, then you need to believe that.”

  “Thank you Uncle William.”

  “I’ll have the Phoenix prepped and on its way to you, but I don’t promise I won’t call it back.”

  “Understood… Would you…” Victoria hesitates.

  “What Victoria.”

  “Have a stock of radiation sickness meds on board? They’re going to be sick, Uncle William.”

  “Understood. Quinn.”

  “Here.”

  “You can spare Lucas?”

  “I don’t think I have a choice, but yes. Dodge can handle the squadron
. It will be good experience for him.”

  “I’ll prep the Phoenix. It’ll be ready in twelve hours. I’ll let you know my decision in twenty four.”

  “Thank you, Uncle William… I need you to know… No matter what you decide...I love you, you are my second father.”

  “And you are my first daughter.” As he disconnects, Victoria leans back in her chair.

  “Lucas, take your life mate home.” Quinn tells him.

  “Admiral…” Victoria starts.

  “Victoria, there’s a lot that needs done. A lot that needs decided.”

  “I know.” She looks into the eyes of the man that had protected her second father. “I…” She doesn’t know what to say so she just acts. Walking around his desk, she leans down to hug him, kissing him on the cheek. “Thank you… you didn’t have to put up with all this.”

  “Victoria,” Quinn carefully hugs her back. “I hope you’re not insulted, I’ve never had a daughter, but I’d be honored to claim you as mine.”

  He sees tears well up in her eyes.

  “The honor is all mine, Quinn, I’ve truly been blessed with the men in my life.”

  “You deserve it after Audric,.” he tells her gruffly. “Lucas, get her out of here. You’re both off until the High Admiral reaches his decision.”

  Nodding, Lucas puts an arm at her back. “Come on, Victoria. We need to leave.” Seeing she doesn’t want to, his hand firms on her back. “Let’s go finish moving you.”

  “It’s mostly done.”

  “Victoria’s moving into your quarters?” Tar questions.

  “She will be.”

  “You’ll make it official.” Tar and Lucas both know it will protect her.

  “Yes.”

  “Good. I’ll sign off on it. Now go, I’ve got work to do.”

  “Thank you, Quinn.”

  Walking down the corridors to the Retribution, Lucas keeps her close. He can’t not, and he doesn’t care who sees or what they say.

  “Lucas…” Victoria looks at him as he has her all but plastered again his side.

  “Don’t. Don’t ask me to give you space.” He frowns as someone looks to stop them. “I can’t.” Entering their quarters, he secures the hatch then pulls her into his arms.

  “Did you really think I’d let you go without me?” He presses her against the hatch.

  “I didn’t think at all. I couldn’t. Lucas…. Oh God…” Gripping him, she starts to tremble. “It all happened so fast. They are alive Lucas. I know it, as sure as I know you’re holding me.”

  “Shh… it will be alright.” He whispers into her hair.

  “Will it? Will Uncle William agree it’s worth the risk? Because Lucas, I lied.” Emerald green meets violet.

  “What did you lie about? Stop! Don’t you pull away from me!” His grip tightens. “What are you lying about?”

  “No matter what he decides, I’m going. On the Phoenix, a Raptor, or a Blade, I have too.”

  “Victoria….”

  “Lucas do you believe me when I said you freed my soul by loving me?” Her eyes plead with his.

  “Yes,” he whispers.

  “Then believe me, if I don’t at least try, my soul will die. They are alive. I’m as sure of that as I am that you love me. If I’m too late….”

  “We won’t be, Victoria. We’ll get there, to Earth.” He’d thought he’d understood how much this meant to her, but when she absolutely broke down in his arms, he realized he didn’t have a clue.

  “Victoria… look at me.” Finally, she raises overflowing eyes, his bore into hers. “You are mine, I am yours. You will never go anywhere I can’t follow. We’ll go to Earth. Dad won’t deny you… what… because to do so would be like denying Cassandra and he’s never done that, not when it matters and not when it’s you.” Lucas gives her a somewhat indulgent smile. “You’ve had him wrapped around your finger since you were nine.”

  “You’re confusing me with Aunt Cassie.”

  “No I’m not, and he confirmed it today. You are his daughter, no matter what is ever said about it. He loves you that way.”

  “I know that. But for him to risk…”

  “That’s what love is, a risk.”

  “But it shouldn’t be, not for him, not because of me. He has his own children to worry about.”

  “Victoria… do you really think he sees a difference.”

  “I… no… he doesn’t. But Lucas to risk you…” Her fear obvious.

  “You won’t go without me, Victoria.” Lucas’ eyes harden. “Promise me.” When she doesn’t immediately answer, he gives her a hard shake. “Promise me!”

  “I promise.” When he doesn’t immediately relax his grip, she touches his cheek. “I won’t lie to you Lucas, I love you.”

  Nodding, he releases her, turning he sees her bag on the floor.

  “You packed?”

  “Just my clothes, there’s still some things but not a lot, it can wait.” Walking past him, she drops on the couch.

  “Why wait?”

  “Hmm?” She gives him a distracted look. “If we’re leaving for Earth, there’s really no point.” Sitting down next to her, he tucks a piece of hair behind her ear.

  “You’re not changing your mind are you?”

  “Changing my mind… about moving in with you? No!” Turning, she sees the question in his eye, the insecurity. Straddling his lap, she frames his face. “No Lucas, this is where I want to be, with you. What’s left in my old quarters is just stuff, class work, some visuals, nothing that matters. That’s all I meant.”

  Leaning down, she kisses him. He is the most important thing in her life, for him to doubt she wants to be with him is intolerable. Working his jacket free, her quick fingers pull at his shirt until she finds skin.

  Gripping her hips, he pulls her against him, letting her know he’s fully aroused. As she frees him, he groans then quickly works her pants down.

  Watching his eyes turn slightly wild, she slowly takes him in, a seductive smile on her lips as she starts to rock against him. It’s the smile that pushes Lucas over the edge. Twisting her under him, he fills her completely.

  “Lucas!” The pace he sets has her gasping as he takes her up and over.

  “Again!” he demands, continuing to drive into her. Gripping her hair, he pulls her head back attacking her neck.

  Victoria can’t breathe as her body starts to tighten again. “More Lucas! More!” This time when her body explodes, he’s with her.

  Chapter Twelve

  The arrival of the Phoenix creates a stir in the fleet, especially when there are only pilots and an educator aboard. It’s the High Admiral’s private transport, the fastest personal transport in the galaxy, capable of speeds comparable to the Coalition’s fastest ships, including the Retribution. Rumor has it, it’s faster. Queen Cassandra had her specially designed the High Admiral to cut down on his time away from her.

  In medical, Victoria packs a supply bag, trying to anticipate what her family may need. Magnes silently watches. He can sense something big is up.

  “Are you going to tell me why?” he finally asks as she closes the bag.

  “Better if you don’t know.” Victoria hesitates as she turns. “I want to thank you, Dr Magnes, and know I am still considering your suggestion.”

  “That’s good. We’ll talk more when you get back.” When all she does is turn to leave, he grips her arm. “You are coming back, right?”

  “I have every intention of. See you soon.” Giving him a tight smile, she heads to the flight deck.

  “Dodge, is everything prepped?”

  “Yeah, it is. When are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

  “I’m not. You’re in charge of the squadron. Keep them sharp.”

  “I will, until you get back.” When he gets no response, Dodge grabs his arm. “You are coming back, right?”

  “That’s the plan.” Lucas watches Victoria stride across the flight deck towards them. Her stride steady and conf
ident. “Get everything you wanted?” he asks taking her bag.

  “Yeah. Hi Dodge.”

  “Tori.”

  “Ready?” Dodge watches as Victoria takes a deep breath and nods.

  “Yes. See you later Dodge, tell Lorre bye for me.”

  “Tell her yourself.” He nods behind her. Turning, she sees Lorre approaching.

  “Leaving without saying goodbye?”

  “I didn’t know you were back on full duty. How are you feeling?”

  “Good. So what’s going on?” When no one answers, her eyes sharpen. “Tori?”

  “It’s family related. I can’t say more than that.” She gives her a hard hug. “Keep Dodge in line while we’re gone.”

  “That, I can do.” Victoria sees the concern in her eyes, gives her a reassuring smile, she turns and enters the Phoenix.

  “Command, this is the Phoenix ready for departure.” Lucas watches as Victoria secures her harness in the co-pilot seat. Her eyes steady as they meet his.

  “Phoenix, you’re cleared.”

  “Affirmative command. Hold on.” He tells her than engaging the engines, launches the Phoenix.

  In command, Admiral Tar watches the screens. “Navigator, initiate sequence Blind Eye.”

  “Yes sir.” As the sequence runs, screens and sensors across the fleet shut down. Lucas engages the Phoenix’s warp drive and flies into the Relinquished Zone.

  Looking at the clock, Tar waits. “Navigator, initiate sequence Open Eye.” All sensors and screens reengage. ‘May the ancestors watch over you.’ Tar sends up a silent prayer.

  On the Phoenix, Victoria lets out a deep sigh.

  “Okay?” Lucas gives her a quick look.

  “Yeah, I guess I just kept waiting for something to go wrong, for Uncle William to change his mind.”

  “That wasn’t going to happen.” Checking the sensors, he puts the Phoenix on autopilot. “Let’s get something to eat. You didn’t touch first meal.”

  “I did too,” she denies.

  “Only to push it around your plate.” Releasing his harness, he turns his chair. “Come on, she’s fine for now.” Holding out a hand, he waits for her to do the same.