Admiral's Ghost

  * * * *

  Tyler enjoyed his breakfast while scanning the notes his staff created in preparation for the final day at the conference. Today was the day the Vice Admiral would unveil his plan to the Supreme Military Command. According to rumor, it would be presented as the next plan of attack, blessed by the Imperial Palace, and therefore, not expecting objections.

  The Admiral’s staff was diligently recruiting Military Command members to their side, but it was still in favor of the Vice Admiral. Consensus was the Admiral had lost face with the bitter defeat in his last battle. The losses had been high and the strategic advantage it bought was too low. Apparently, many held doubts the Admiral’s abilities were still capable of leading them. They revered and respected him, but many now felt new blood and new ideas were needed.

  There was little Tyler could do to prevent the vote of approval from the Supreme Military Command, so his only hope was to have his supporters change the tide with debates after the presentation. He had big guns on his side, and they could sway others who were still uncertain. However, the Vice Admiral was also heavily armed. The biggest being the Imperial Palace.

  Supreme Military Command posts were allocated through the Imperial Palace, and Marshall Sliss had mentioned more than once that many inside the command were going to use this as an opportunity to move up in rank.

  At what cost? Tyler thought.

  Fools, all of them, Adanni interjected, they’d sell their mothers for a buck. A phrase from your world, I believe. Very apt.

  Must I hear you so early in the morning? Tyler pleaded.

  So early? Why it is late! Fortunate for you the conference starts late today. After last night, I am surprised you woke at all.

  Tyler could almost hear a grin in Adanni’s words. He had to admit, last night had been wonderful. He had left Toosia sleeping soundly when he’d got up. He felt more alive than he ever had. He, or the Admiral, or both truly loved her.

  He finished his briefings and rose to leave. The Marshall had requested a short meeting before they entered the conference and had hand selected a private room for the occasion. Tyler figured he wanted to know about the meeting with Nayllen. After what Nayllen had shown him, he doubted the room the Marshall selected was as private as they wanted.

  Nonetheless, he felt refreshed and ready to do battle. As he passed the hallway leading to his quarters, he heard Toosia call to him.

  He stopped and waited for her to meet him. He smiled gently as her beauty brought back fresh memories of the night before.

  “Yes, Dear, what is it? I must be going.” He wanted to stay with her, but knew this day was too important.

  “I just wanted to say goodbye, and thank you.” She leaned casually against the wall.

  “Oh, yes, goodbye, Toosia. I’ll be home late tonight, we have the big presentation today.” He knew she understood.

  “Yes, I know, I hope all goes well.” She hesitated. “I wanted to tell you something else, but if you must leave, it can wait.”

  “No, please tell me.” He figured he could spare another minute for her. Perhaps she would share something from her father?

  “Oh, well, I …” she stopped as if in concentration, or confusion, and the look didn’t suit her. Tyler wasn’t used to seeing emotion on Toosia’s face and it concerned him.

  “Go on, dear, what did you want to tell me?” He tried not to sound impatient.

  “I just wanted to say how happy I am we are back together.” She said it with a strange finality, but Tyler accepted it at face value.

  “Me, too … me, too.”

  He kissed her gently on the cheek and said goodbye. He left her standing in the entryway, a gentle smile on her face, but a look of concern creasing her eyes.