Victoria's Challenge

  The joy in her eyes nearly staggers him. William takes the hand she extends, letting her pull him closer. “Peter… this is my husband, William.” The two men say nothing as they assess each.

  “It is an honor to finally meet you, Captain Chamberlain.” William speaks first.

  Peter assesses the large man that has protected not only his daughter but also sister for all these years…. cycles.

  “I believe the honor is mine. I owe you more than I can ever repay.”

  The two men continue to stare at each other.

  “You owe me nothing. They are my life.”

  “Peter?” All three turn at the soft voice.

  “Cyndy…” Cassandra whispers, seeing her sister-in-law standing next to Victoria, she slips out of the men’s hold. “Oh my God…. Cyndy!” In seconds, the women embrace and the crying begins again. William grimaces at the sound and sees Peter do the same.

  “I would like to move you and your family into the Palace.” Peter looks from William to the guards.

  “You have a concern.” His eyes knowing as they return to William.

  “Always where my family is concerned.”

  Peter finds the simple statement telling and nods. “Cassie… Cyndy and Brett need to rest.” Peter touches his wife’s shoulder.

  “Brett?” Cassandra’s eyes fly to the boy quietly standing next to Victoria, his eyes rapidly trying to take in everything.

  “Tori?” Brett whispers up to Tori, his eyes staying on Cassandra.

  “That’s your Aunt Cassie, Brett.” Tori whispers, kneeling down to pull him close.

  “Why’s everyone crying?” His little voice trembles.

  “Because we’re happy to be together again.”

  “Brett…” Cassandra carefully walks over to the small boy. Several steps away, she drops to her knees, causing William to take a concerned step, until he realizes she’s fine.”

  “Hello Brett.” She speaks quietly to him. “I’m your Aunt Cassie. Your dad’s sister, I am so glad to see you.” She opens her arms and waits.

  Brett just looks into the brilliant blue eyes of the woman kneeling before him.

  Victoria watches as her brother assesses their aunt, wondering if he’ll be able to accept all the changes that have happened in his young life. Before she can guide him, he steps into Cassie’s arms, wrapping his thin arms around her neck and cries.

  Cassandra carefully wraps her arms around the fragile trembling body in her arms. “Welcome home, Brett.” She whispers.

  “Cassandra….” William puts a gentle hand on her shoulder.

  “I know, we need to move them inside.” Giving Brett a reassuring smile, she lets William help her stand.

  Victoria smiles her thanks as she takes the glass of wine from William. Leaning back on the couch, she takes a sip watches as he sits down next to Aunt Cassie.

  “Mmmm… this if very good.” She looks at the clear amber liquid. It’d been a long day even though it was still early. Her family had been shocked at the luxury of the palace, especially when they’d been shown their private ‘family’ suite on the first floor consisting of six rooms and an entrance into the Queen’s garden.

  Hutu had personally delivered third meal, which included not only chocolate chip cookies but also fudge torta. With tears in her eyes, Victoria hugged him then introduced him to her family, explaining the deserts. The boys had immediately hit it off, Victoria had been worried at first, but chocolate chip cookies took care of that. After the meal, Victoria could tell the day was taking its toll on them, so after many hugs, kisses, and tears the Royal family left.

  Victoria stayed to make sure they were settled. That they knew how to operate the communications system. She also informed them that if there were any problems, that there would be a guard posted outside the suite to assist them.

  “It’s from Hutu’s family farm.” Cassandra says, bringing her back to the present. “Now tell me.” Victoria looks into her aunt’s eyes and lets it all out. The dreams. Lucas. Jager. Cade. Reymont. Earth. The Regulians, it all comes pouring out. No one speaks when she finishes until Cassandra turns to William.

  “I’d say she can handle the stress of working in deep space.” William chuckles as he leans down to kiss his wife.

  “Yes, she can.”

  Lucas leans back in his chair, rubbing his eyes as he waits for Victoria to answer her comm. Looking at the time, he realizes it’s later then he’d planned on calling but there’d been a problem with one of the Blades that he, Lorre and Vagi had argued about for over an hour before they’d come up with a solution.

  Now all he wanted was to hear his life mate’s voice. God, he missed her. He thought he’d been prepared, that after nine cycles, he’d be okay, but he wasn’t. He now knows he'll do whatever it takes not being separated from her again.

  “Lucas…” Closing his eyes, he lets her voice soothe his soul.

  “Hi baby.”

  “Hi. How are you? You sound tired.” Lucas can’t help but smile.

  “I’m fine, just missing you. Tell me how everything went. Is your family handling everything okay?” For the next hour, they fill the other in about their day until Lucas hears her yawn.

  “I need to let you go, so you can rest. You’ll family will need you tomorrow.”

  “I know, but I don’t want to let you go.”

  “It won’t be for much longer, baby. I love you.”

  “I love you too. Be safe.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Over the next few weeks, Victoria watches her family slowly grow stronger. Brett is inseparable from Aunt Cassie’s boys, and a special educator had been brought in so he can catch up. Her mom, Aunt Cassie and Javiera have become thick as thieves. Kia’s been called in to design gowns for Cyndy who protested at first, mostly because of how thin she still is but the three of them had quickly overruled her. She was now the proud owner of a full wardrobe and beautiful eadai.

  Peter had stayed close to her side until they shooed him away, sending him with William to be shown the training room and other ‘manly’ things.

  Lucas called every night, sometimes from his office if things were busy, always checking to see how everyone was. During one of those calls, she’d had to tell him there was no baby. Silence had greeted her announcement, when he finally answered her his voice was hoarse, she wished she’d been with him.

  After that call, Victoria decided that it was time to put her plan in motion so she and Lucas would never be separated again.

  “Excuse me, High Admiral.” Hamlin, the High Admiral’s personal aid enters the office.

  “What is it Hamlin?”

  “Sir, I know you said no meetings after 1500, but Victoria is in the outer office requesting to speak to you.”

  William looks at him, both men know the last time she’d done this, was to petition him to teach on the Retribution.

  “Send her in.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Uncle William always looks so imposing sitting behind that desk in his private office. Victoria remembers Aunt Cassie insisting on the desk, she said it made a statement about the man behind it and she was right. While it showed all the power of being High Admiral, it also showed what was important to him. Visuals of every member of his family along with little things given to him, like the misshapen sculpture Kayden had made him.

  “Victoria, what can I do for you?” Silently she hands him the file containing her proposal for the first burn treatment unit on a Coalition ship. A raised eyebrow is his only response as he takes the file. “Sit.” He gestures to a chair and opens the file. What is she up to now?

  He can’t hide the shock, several minutes later, as he reads her proposal. It’s concise, detailed, and full of excellent points. He can tell she’s put a lot of time, effort and thought into it.

  “What made you consider this?” He sits back.

  “Several things. I’m good at treating burns, better than good and I know it’s what I need to be doing. The am
azing results achieved with Lucas’ treatments made me realize just how critical in field treatment is. It can reduce the healing time considerably. Dr Magnes initially brought it up to me after seeing Lucas’ results. His wife….”

  “I knew Krinsten, what happened to her was tragic.”

  “Then you can understand his interest.”

  “Yes and the other reason?”

  “Lucas. I won’t be separated from him.” Victoria’s eyes are fierce. “This way, we can both pursue careers we excel in and still be together.”

  “You’ve talked to him about this?” William raises an eyebrow.

  “No. I wanted to see if you were receptive to the idea first.”

  “And if I wasn’t?”

  “Then the members of the Coalition will suffer because of your wrong decision.” She tells him looking directly into his eyes.

  “Excuse me?!” His voice is hard but Victoria doesn’t flinch.

  “You have dozens of crew that suffer burns every cycle in the Coalition. If they are lucky, it only takes two weeks to transport them to Camotes. Lucas’ treatments were nearly completed before your average member even starts to receive treatment. It took Selfridge five days to reach Hot Dog. Lucas was on his third treatment then.” Victoria takes a breath. “I’ve done my research, High Admiral, only ten percent of your burn victims return to their original duties. That is unacceptable! Those serving risk their lives every day to protecting the rest of us. For them to receive sub-par treatment is an insult!”

  “And you think you have the ability to change that?” William raises an eyebrow.

  “Yes but not alone. If you completely read my proposal, you would see that I will need to recruit the best burn doctors. Something Selfridge is going to fight but there is a way to get those doctors.”

  “And what is that?” William can’t help but find he's intrigued.

  “First, they will need to be a separate unit, not subject to Coalition regulations, at least not the ranks. The people willing to take on burn patients don’t have the time or inclination to deal with politics.” William raises an eyebrow at that. “They will need flexibility in scheduling. I understand the stress your officers are under but that isn’t comparable to the individual stress these doctors will confront. At best, they know they’re healing strangers, at worst they are causing excruciating pain to someone they were sharing a drink with the night before. Burn out is high with strangers, but with friends and colleagues….” Looking into her eyes, he sees the toll it’s taken on her. “You’ll need to have them sign into a four cycle contract that for every cycle they serve, they will receive the same wage as at Camotes, but also a cycle of loans paid off on top of it.”

  “Excuse me?” Now William sits up straight in his chair.

  “It’s the only way to get the best and that’s what your people deserve.”

  William rises, walking over to look out the window, letting everything Victoria has said, filter through his mind. She’s right that his men deserve the best and that they aren’t getting it, at least not on the front line where it was most needed. It would cause some friction within the ranks if some were treated differently and the wages… but that could be handled. Walking back to his desk, he sits.

  “Victoria, I understand what you’re saying and appreciate the passion and commitment you have for the members of the Coalition, but I’m not sure the Retribution is the right place for this. Have you considered setting this burn unit up on another ship?”

  “No. Lucas is on the Retribution. I realize there will be times, like now, when we will be separated but it’s going to be the exception, not the norm. I remember you saying how hard it was, back in your early days, to spend only a few days with Lucas and Kyle, because traveling to them took so up much of your leave. I won’t live like that. You wouldn’t either, not now.”

  “No I wouldn’t, but the Retribution isn’t the proper ship for this.”

  “Then I’ll join the Civilian Medical Service setting broken bones. It’s not perfect, but I don’t need a perfect life, just one with Lucas.”

  “I’ll take this under consideration and let you know.”

  “That’s all I ask. Thank you.”

  When the door closes, William picks up Victoria’s proposal in one hand and Jotham’s recommendation for Captain of the Guardian in the other. Smiling, he hits is comm.

  “Hamlin, get me Jotham.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Vagi rolls over under the Blade looking for the tool he needs. His shift has been over for two hours but he just can’t let it go. He knows that vibration is coming from the laser system. He just has to find it. Finally seeing the tool he needs, he’s about to slide ba

  ck under when he hears footsteps. Nothing unusual there, but something about the cadence has him tensing. Looking out, he freezes.

  Degas. Assemblyman Stannic’s guard assigned to Gad. What the fuck is he doing on the Retribution? He isn’t dressed in his normal uniform and he’s carrying a bag. Vagi knows Gad is still on the Retribution along with Kee and Laiza, that his father is fighting to get him back on Carina but the High Admiral is having none of it. Degas being here only means one thing and Vagi needs to find the Major.

  Lucas is sitting across from Dodge and Lorre in Emans, sipping his ale, jealous as hell.

  “You okay Lucas?” Dodge asks when he’s quiet for so long.

  “Yeah, just wishing Victoria was here.”

  “Only one moon cycle left.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I keep telling myself, shit, this sucks Dodge.”

  “Do you want me to leave?” Lorre asks quietly.

  “Hell no!” Lucas looks shocked. “I’m sorry Lorre, I didn’t mean anything. Victoria will be thrilled I’m out with the two of you when I tell her tonight. She’s been on me to get out. She asks about you all the time.”

  “Tell her I miss her, and I have the dirt on the Rodham.” She gives Dodge a mischievous look.

  “What!” Lucas can’t help but stare at Dodge. “How the hell did she get you to tell?” The darkening shades of red on Dodge’s face have Lucas stunned.

  “She a…” Dodge coughs. “Has her ways.” The wicked look he gives Lorre makes Lucas realize he really doesn’t want to know. Not without Victoria around. Laughing he takes another drink, letting his eyes scan Emans, stopping when he sees Vagi making a beeline for their table.

  “Major!” Vagi is out of breath when he finally reaches them.

  “Calm down, Vagi. Take a breath. What’s got you so riled up?”

  “Sir it’s Degas!” Vagi tries to breathe.

  “Degas? Who’s Degas?” Lucas looks to see Dodge and Lorre shaking their heads that they don’t know either.

  “He’s Gad’s assigned guard.”

  “Okay…” Lucas still doesn’t understand.

  “He’s here, sir! On the Retribution. I just saw him on the flight deck, in a Coalition uniform, carrying a bag.”

  “Here!” Lucas surges out of his seat. “You’re sure Vagi!”

  “Yes sir. I’ll never forget that man.”

  “Lorre, contact the High Admiral, inform him of what’s going on. Tell him we’re heading for the brig. Dodge, Vagi, with me.”

  “Courbet!” Lucas hollers for the Captain of the Guard as he enters the brig.

  “Yes Major?” Courbet looks up from the security desk.

  “Gad Stannic. Is he still in his cell?”

  “No Major. Orders were brought down that he was to be released into the custody of a...” He looks at his paperwork. “Degas Tines, Chief Council for the High Admiral. I personally released him ten minutes ago. The orders were signed by the High Admiral Major.”

  “Did you verify?”

  “No…what’s going on Lucas?”

  “What about Kee and Laiza.” Lucas demands moving to the comm.

  “Still in their cells.”

  “Admiral, this is Lucas. Has Lorre informed you of our situation?”

  “Yes.”
br />   “Gad’s been released. We need to make sure he doesn’t get off the Retribution.” Lucas hears the Admiral issuing orders to seal all launch ports and setting the Retribution to Alert Status Three, indicating unauthorized personal on the Retribution.

  “Major, proceed to Landing Bay C, it’s the only bay that’s had arrivals in the last hour. Take armed security with you, but I want these bastards alive.”

  “Understood, Admiral.”

  “Courbet.” Lucas looks to him.

  “These orders were forged.” Courbet can tell he’s right by the look on Lucas’ face. “Shit!” He presses a button. “Victor Unit report immediately, weapons hot!” he orders. Walking over to a cabinet, he pulls out weapons. Handing them to Lucas and Dodge, he pauses looking at Vagi. “Know how to use this?”

  “Sir, yes sir. I’m an excellent shot.” Nodding Courbet hands him a stunner as his men rush in.

  “We’re going to Landing Bay C to recover prisoner Stannic and Degas Tines, alive.”

  “Yes Captain.”

  “Get me out of here, Degas!” Gad demands frantically looking at the closing launch tube.

  “How do you expect me to do that with the launch tube closed?” Degas looks at the disgusting little foabhor he’s been forced to bail out all these cycles.

  “Blow it open!”

  “Are you insane?! Even if this ship was armed, which it isn’t, I wouldn’t. Everyone on this deck would die from decompression. The entire ship would be at risk until the shields reengaged.”

  “Do I look like I care?” Gad exclaims, his eyes wild. “Your job is to get me out of here! Do it! Or no one in your family will ever be allowed in the Academy again.”

  “Shuttle transport Trier, you are ordered to shut down your engines and open your hatch.”

  “They can’t order you to do that! You’re under my father’s command!” Gad yells at him.

  “Shuttle transport Trier, respond.” Degas picks up his headset watching Gad.