Victoria's Challenge

  “Yes Major. They’re going to need it.”

  “Then I’ll contact High Consul Tibullus.”

  “Major, what are the charges? We never passed on the Intel that Gad gave us.”

  “Maybe not, but you also didn’t report it to your commanders.”

  “We couldn’t!”

  “That’s not my decision.” Rising Lucas leaves the interview.

  “We have a problem,” Barek comments.

  “Yes, I need to contact the High Admiral,” Quinn replies.

  “He’ll be furious.” There’s a moment of silence. “Lucas handled that well," Barek continues. "He never let his rage over what happened to Victoria interfere with finding out who the real traitors are.”

  “No he didn’t. He saw the bigger picture.”

  “And realized these three were pawns.”

  “Yes.”

  “He’ll make a good Captain.” Barek says quietly.

  Quinn turns to look at Barek but says nothing as the door opens and Lucas walks in.

  “You heard?” Lucas asks.

  “Yes. I’ll be contacting the High Admiral,” Quinn tells him.

  Lucas nods.

  "Tell me about Vagi,” The Admiral demands.

  “His father is a miner on Nuga. During Vagi’s third cycle, he become ill and Vagi worked outside the barracks to make his tuition. Gad found out and threatened dismissal if he didn’t help him pass his fourth cycle classes and before you ask his advisor was Oschofield.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Yeah. Professor Naifeh personally wrote in his record that if he wasn’t assigned to the repair and maintenance of mechanicals, then it was a waste of his talents.”

  “Naifeh wrote that?”

  “Yes.”

  “So you gave him a Blade.”

  “Lorre will inspect all his work, if he’s as good as Naifeh implied…..”

  “And his infraction?”

  “I’d say he’s already received a stiffer punishment, dealing with Stannic, than we could ever give him.”

  “True. You believe he has no knowledge of the Guardian?”

  “Yes, Gad wouldn’t see him as deserving of the honor to know. To him, he’s just a tool.”

  “Agreed. Tibullus.”

  “Yes, Admiral.”

  “Break them. I want to know everything they know about Gad, his father and Oschofield. Make sure they understand that we’ll protect them and their families from these traitors only as long as they cooperate and are honest.”

  “You believe the High Admiral will support that?”

  “Yes. Also, make them aware that there will not be a place for them in the Coalition. They’ll have to decide what’s more important to them.”

  “Understood, Admiral.”

  “You did well Lucas.” With that, Tar leaves them.

  “You did,” Barek agrees, leaning against the wall, he waits.

  “Fuck Barek, I wanted to slam my fist down that little foabhor's throat!”

  “But you didn’t. You kept your head and focused on what you could change, not what you couldn’t and in doing so you uncovered that we have traitors in the Coalition.” Barek sighs heavily and Lucas knows he’s remembering Dadrian.

  “It wasn’t your fault, Barek.”

  “No, not my fault but it happened because of me.”

  “No," Lucas argues. "It was because Dadrian wanted what wasn't his, the crown, the same as Gad and his father. What Dadrian did to try and get it was no more your fault then it was Cassie’s and Victoria’s.”

  Nodding stiffly, Barek gathers his papers.

  “Nail them to the wall Barek.”

  “I will.” Barek's eyes are sharp when they look at Lucas. "For Tori, for Vagi and all those that Stannic and Oschofield think they’re better than.”

  Chapter Twenty

  “How’d he do?” Lucas leans against the Blade as Lorre rolls out from under it, Vagi standing at attention a few feet away. Standing slowly, Lorre looks at her hands as she rubs the grim off them then stares into Lucas’ eyes. He can see her excitement.

  “Kid did okay.” High praise from Lorre for a newbie.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, all his connections are tight, all lines secured, all fluids at the proper pressure. He even managed to correct the vibration this bird has always had.”

  “Really…” Lucas turns to look at him. “You willing to take him on?”

  Lorre walks over to Vagi, eyeballing him from top to bottom.

  “Where’d you learn to fix the vibration?”

  “On Nuga, if it’s vibrating, it means its rubbing against something. That means it will wear out faster. Parts are hard to come by on Nuga.”

  “And the connections?”

  “Same place. If they’re not tight, you lose fluid. If that happens people die.”

  “Yeah I’ll take him on. I’m going to make your life hell, kid.” Smiling at the prospect Lorre nods to Lucas and walks away.

  “My ready room, Private.” With the hatch closed, Lucas motions to a chair. “Sit Vagi. Tell me about the Guardian.”

  “The what, sir?”

  “The Guardian.” He can tell Vagi is scouring his mind.

  “It’s going to be the new flagship of the House of Protection. Rumor has it, she’s going to be really special and every member of the Coalition wants to serve on her.”

  “What else?”

  “Else sir?”

  “What has Stannic told you?”

  “Nothing! Gad doesn’t tell me what he tells Kee and Laiza. I’m not invited to the ‘family’ meals. I’m just a tool.”

  “Are you lying to me Vagi? Trying to save your ass?” Lucas’ eyes are hard.

  “No sir. Why? What’s Gad trying to say I’ve done?” Lucas sees the anger in Vagi’s eyes.

  “He’s saying your dispersing classified Intel. Intel about the Guardian.” Lucas plays a hunch.

  “That’s a lie!” Vagi surges to his feet, fists clenched. “I’m not a fucking traitor! Yeah, I’ve made some mistakes, probably should have been dismissed from the Academy but I couldn’t do that to my father. He sacrificed so much, worked so hard so I wouldn’t have to go into the mines. I couldn’t let him down.”

  “And his finding out about what you’re doing with Gad?” The boy’s shoulders slump.

  “He’s going to be really disappointed in me.” Honest eyes meet Lucas. “But I’ve never given Intel to anyone about any ship in the Coalition. That’s treason and if I’d heard Gad saying anything I would have reported him, no matter who his father is!”

  “And your career?”

  “Something’s are more important than a career. I can always work the mines.”

  “There’s no shame it that.”

  “No, but it’s a hard life.”

  “Is that where you want to work, in the mines?”

  “No. I want to be in the Coalition, always have. I want to make a difference, a real difference like….” Gad looks away.

  “Go on Private. Like who?”

  “Like the High Admiral, your father. What he did… to reveal Audric as a traitor… he’s the hero of the Battle of Fayal, he didn’t have to do it, he had nothing to prove and still, he risked everything to protect us from the Regulians. He stood for those of us who aren’t Royals, who aren’t military, who do the jobs no one wants but still need done. He made a difference in every life in the Coalition. I want to be able to do that, to make a difference.” Vagi’s face turns bright red as he realizes what he’s said.

  By the time Vagi’s finished, Lucas is sitting straight up. Who’d have thought the kid had so much passion, commitment? Shit, the Coalition could use more like him. He impressed Lorre with his skills and he impressed Lucas. They’d have to make certain the kid got his chance.

  “I lied Vagi.” He immediately sees the confusion on Vagi’s face.

  “Sir?”

  “Stannic never accused you of revealing classified information. Kee and Laiza
stated that he never told you anything that he told them, that he just used you to look good.”

  “Then why?”

  “Because I needed to know if they were right, needed to know if I could believe you, trust you. When this shit hits the fan, Stannic’s going to try to blame it all on you. You know that right?”

  Vagi thinks for a minute.

  “Yes, yes he will and his father will help him.”

  “Oh I doubt that, Assemblyman Stannic is going to have his own problems to deal with. He’ll cut his son free to save himself.”

  “But….”

  “Not all fathers are like yours and mine Vagi.”

  “They should be.”

  “Yes they should, now do you want a position with my crew on the Retribution?”

  “Sir! Yes sir!”

  “Those birds out there, they’re Lorre’s, she’s in charge of making sure that they’re up and running at all times so the rest of us can look good. She’ll be in charge of you, if she says you can’t cut it, you’re out of here. Understood?”

  “Sir, yes sir!”

  Lucas can see he’s trying to keep from smiling.

  “Good. Report to Lorre and she’ll give you your assignments and get you relocated to the proper quarters.”

  “Sir?”

  “Mechanics bunk together, Private. Dismissed.”

  “Sir, yes sir.”

  “Oh one more thing Private.”

  “Sir?” Vagi turns back to him.

  “If you have any problems because of your association with Stannic and the others, any problem at all, you go to Dodge, Lorre, or me, do you understand Private? You’re not alone in this. We’ve got your back.”

  “Sir…” Clearing his throat Vagi tries again. “Sir, yes sir, thank you, sir.” Nodding Lucas waves him out of his office.

  “There you are!” Victoria walks across the room wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. She can feel the tension and fatigue in him and frowns.

  “Hi.” He pulls her closer for a second kiss. “Hmmm I needed that.” Looking over her head, he sees her family watching.

  “Have you eaten?” Cyndy asks.

  “Not yet.” Brett jumps up heading to the comm.

  “Busy day?” Victoria asks.

  “Yeah. How’d things go here?”

  “Good. Magnes stopped in for checkups. Everyone’s doing well and cleared to head to Carina as soon as the Arrow arrives.”

  “It should be here the day after tomorrow then we can get all of you to Carina and Cassie.”

  “She called earlier on the comm, talked to everyone, she’s cleared her schedule, cancelled all engagements indefinitely,” Victoria informs him.

  “I’m not surprised.” Lucas leads her to a chair. “She has time to make up with her family and will want them to meet the boys and dad, but once all that is done, watch out.” He grins at Peter and Cyndy.

  “What do you mean?” Peter asks.

  “Cassie is going to want to introduce you to all of Carina. I can see the Ball now. No, it’ll be multiple balls,” Lucas informs them.

  “What?” Cyndy’s confused.

  “A Royal Ball, mom,” Victoria explains. “Dancing, drinking, socializing.”

  “But….” Cyndy raises a hand to her head.

  “Don’t worry, mom, it’ll be moon cycles from now. Aunt Cassie isn’t going to rush you into anything you’re not ready for.”

  “I’m sorry, Cyndy. I didn’t mean to upset you. I was teasing.”

  “It’s fine, Lucas. I just never thought...”

  “That all of Carina is going to want to see you and your family.” Lucas smiles at her. "They will, not only because of Cassie, but because you were able to survive on a dead planet for over nine cycles. It will only add to the Chamberlain legend.”

  “Christ!” Peter shakes his head.

  “What’s got you so tense?” Back in their quarters, Victoria slides behind his comm chair to massage the tight muscles of his neck and shoulders. Lucas lets his head fall forward.

  “Praise the ancestors that feels good.”

  “Glad to be of service. Can you tell me?” She knows there will be times he can’t. Sighing, he turns in his chair, wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his head between the swell of her breasts. He doesn’t want to tell her but he also won’t let her to be blindsided either.

  “Gad Stannic.” He feels her instantly stiffen.

  “What about him?”

  Lucas looks up at her.

  “He’s here, on the Retribution.”

  “What? How?”

  He tightens his grip as she starts to pull away.

  “He transferred over from the Conviction yesterday.” Pulling her into his lap, he leans back. “He was on the flight deck when I got there today, him and three others.”

  “Tell me you didn’t do anything stupid.”

  “Stupid? Me?” he asks innocently.

  “Lucas, it was four cycles ago, he’s a little foabhor, not worth your time. Let it go.”

  “I planned too and would have if he hadn’t tried to order me around on my own flight deck.”

  “He didn’t!” She gives him a shocked look. “Is he fucking crazy? You’re a Major, he can’t be more than a…”

  “Private First Class Gad Stannic.” Lucas mimicked him perfectly, pulling a chuckle out of her.

  “Really, a promotion already?”

  “I’m sure his daddy pulled strings.”

  “He would. So what happened?” Relaxing in his arms, she listens.

  “So this Vagi, he sounds like a good one.” Lucas isn’t surprised Victoria zeroed in on that.

  “I think he is. He impressed Lorre and I have to admit he impressed me too.”

  “Hard thing to do.”

  “Sometimes. Anyway, it may get nasty for him because of his association with Stannic but I think he’ll come through okay.”

  “Do you really believe Stannic and Oschofield are traitors? That they’d sell out the Coalition to the Regulians?”

  “I don’t know if they have the connections to do that. It’s on Carina I’m concerned about. They’re trying to undermine Cassie and the House of Knowledge. I can see them trying to overthrow her.”

  “That’d never be possible. The Carinian people love her.”

  “They do but if she were to die before the heir is born, we’re back to either a permanent Trustee or a new family named as ruler. That’s a lot of power.” He feels her stiffen at the possible threat to her family.

  “You’ve informed Uncle William.”

  “Quinn did earlier.”

  “And he hasn’t contacted you? Aunt Cassie didn’t say anything.” When Lucas says nothing, she sits up, looking at him. “You don’t think he’s told her.”

  “He may have by now but he may not have. There’s no proof of it yet, and with the birth of the heir only months away, he may not want to worry her.”

  “I suppose and really, what is she supposed to do?” Settling back into his arms, she thinks about everything that he’s told her. “Dad seems to be having a problem with the thought of people wanting to meet him.”

  “He doesn’t understand why they would. He doesn’t see what he’s done as anything special, just necessary. He took care of his family he doesn’t need anyone thanking him for that.”

  “I suppose. He’s a lot like Uncle William… and you.”

  “Me?” Lucas had already thought Peter was like his father, but he’d never considered himself that way.

  “You.” She slips a hand under his shirt. “You do what needs done, you take care of your people, you take care of me.”

  “That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

  “My point exactly.” Smiling she kisses him.

  High Admiral William Zafar steps out of his transport and lets the Carinian suns warm him, fuck what a long trip. He’s gotten spoiled with the Phoenix and then the Arrow with their shorter flight time and comforts. It has all be
en worth it though, not only to have recovered the Chamberlains, but also to have Lucas and Victoria safe and soon they’d be on Carina. Maybe then, his wife would slow down… as if that’s going to happen.

  He’d informed his second in command, Carnot, that he was in charge of the space base. William would be working from home until further notice. He needs to be here not only to help Cassandra handle everything but to protect her. News of her pregnancy is starting to leak and he wants to stay close, especially with what Quinn told him earlier about Stannic and Oschofield.

  “Daddy!!!!” He smiles as his sons run towards him. Three more sons, the ancestors have truly blessed him. Kneeling down he catches Kayden and Jacob they never walk anywhere. Bringing up the rear is Willie, charging after his older brothers. William encloses them all in a big hug as he looks up to see their security. He increased it earlier in the day.

  “How are my boys?”

  “Good!” They chorus.

  “How much trouble have you gotten into today?” He asks, because not a day goes by that they don’t.

  “None.” Kayden tells him. His innocent violet eyes, the color his father passed on to them all, sparkle at him.

  “Really….”

  “Really, daddy.” Jacob reassures him. “We never got caught.”

  “Jacob!” Kayden slugs his younger brother, hard.

  “Ouch! What?”

  William works on not smiling.

  “What didn’t you get caught at?” He looks to Kayden, who now knows he has to ‘fess up.

  “Well… we… sort of… broke a vase.”

  “Sort of?”

  “Broke it good, daddy.” Willie helpfully supplies, eager to be included.

  “Did you now.” Then William frowns. “Which vase?” He hopes he’s wrong.

  “One of the really ugly ones.” Jacob tells him.

  “In the formal living room?”

  “Yeah.” Kayden looks down.

  A thousand cycle vase. William closes his eyes. “How?”

  “We were playing catch daddy.” Willie innocently smiles at him.

  “In the formal living room Kayden?”

  “Yes, sir.” He kicks at the ground.

  “What’d you do with the evidence?”