*****
When he woke, he found himself in another bed with Thotti draped across his legs. His father brought them some ancient ship rations and water. Everyone was exceptionally courteous and respectful to him. Mr. Hallod and Leesol were there, and Keelic was wildly happy. After he’d eaten his third helping of the nearly tasteless food, he went over to sit on his mother's bed with Thotti. With his friend he told the whole story of his finding the simulator, and how he defeated the pirates.
He asked, "Las? Where’s the steward?"
"I directed the steward and those he was with to the backup infirmary. They have rested, been fed and clothed. I am allowing them access to all noncritical parts of the vessel, restricting their movements to avoid your parents, per your orders."
Keelic couldn’t keep down a smile.
His father said, "The steward is very angry, Keelic."
Keelic thought, Tough torpedoes, but didn’t say it. He wanted to appear more adult-like. Leesol sat shyly beside Mr. Hallod and watched Keelic with shining blue eyes.
"Guess I should let them on the bridge now."
The adults nodded.
Keelic got up and realized that he was dressed in a huge nightshirt. Someone brought him clothing. It was a Terra Corps uniform, officer pattern, with captain’s insignia.
"From Las," said Mr. Hallod, who exchanged a significant look with Keelic’s father. The ship was giving Keelic a captain’s uniform. Neither man was quite sure what to make of that.
Keelic went to a side room, cleaned up, and tried on the uniform. It fit perfectly. He said good-bye to his mother, and led everyone who was interested to the Gleaming Door.
The steward was there, glowering. Keelic let the crowd onto the bridge and stood aside. The smell that flowed out was sickening, but that didn’t stop them from going in. One man in an ADL officer’s uniform went straight to the Command console and started tapping. Keelic tensed, then relaxed when the panel did nothing. The steward stepped up to the officer, and they spoke together in quiet, urgent voices. They came to a decision, and bore down on Keelic. He backed up a step, and to his great relief Mr. Hallod came up at the same time.
The steward spared a glance for Mr. Hallod and said to Keelic, "Now, don’t you think it’s time to turn this over to people who know what they’re doing?"
Insulted amazement was smothered by anger. How could they still think he was a stupid little boy? Wild and nasty responses flashed into his mind, but before he could utter them, Mr. Hallod said, "Shall we discuss this at a table? I believe there is a conference room down the corridor."
"We’ll discuss it now, thank you, Mr. Hallod. This is Sergeant Inut of the ADL ground forces on Ermol. He is the ranking officer here, and should therefore have command of this ship."
Mr. Hallod said, "I really think we should discuss this else—"
"Mr. Hallod, what is your concern here?" demanded the steward.
Mr. Hallod’s eyes grew hard, and he leaned in close to the ADL officer. As Mr. Hallod whispered in his ear, the man’s eyes went round, then appalled. He seemed to remember himself and went rigid, eyes front, and said, "Yes, sir!"
Keelic stared.
The planetary steward asked, "What’s going on?"
Sergeant Inut remained at attention, staring straight ahead.
The steward looked much smaller now that his ally was gone. He glared at Keelic and growled, "Boy, you need to release this ship right now, or you will be very sorry."
"You have no authority here," said Mr. Hallod.
The steward looked around, but saw no help at hand. Without a word, he left the bridge.
Keelic said, "You’re Crew, aren’t you?"
A smile quirked a corner of Mr. Hallod’s mouth. He went down on one knee next to Keelic and said, "What’s your plan?"
Keelic shrugged. "Las hasn’t decided yet."
Mr. Hallod raised his eyebrows.
Keelic said, "She doesn’t know if she will give herself to the ADL when they arrive."
"Ah. Let us discuss this in private." Mr. Hallod stood. "Sergeant, I want an itemized list of everything aboard this ship. Equipment, stores, and personnel. Interview everyone for skill sets, and assess the fitness of the wounded. Use whomever you need."
"Yes, sir."
"Dismissed. Keelic, will you ask Las to help him?"
"Las, go ahead."
"Yes, sir. Contacting the sergeant now."
Keelic’s father, Mr. Hallod, and Leesol stayed on the bridge after everyone left. One of Las’s few remaining maintenance bots whirred around the bridge, working on the mess. Keelic sat at the Command station and everyone else stood near. His mother was brought from the infirmary on a floating stretcher. She rose from it, and sat in a seat to his left.
"Las," said Mr. Hallod, "You know who I am."
"Yes, sir."
Keelic’s parents looked confused.
"Would you please tell Sarah and Carl?"
"Mr. Hallod is a member of the Pathfinder Council of Core Explorers. His ADL equivalent rank is Field Admiral."
"Holy void," said Keelic’s mother.
His father looked the same way he had when he’d realized that Keelic was in command.
"It is not as grand as all that," said Mr. Hallod.
"What are you doing on Ermol?" asked Father.
Mr. Hallod looked into the holo display at the planet and said, "Resting."
"Holy void," said his mother again.
Mr. Hallod looked at her and said, "I thought you knew."
"I had no idea. I thought you were just a generalist, like Carl thought."
"Well, this is not what we are here to discuss, is it, Keelic?"
Keelic was happy discussing this, but after taking a deep breath, he said, "Las, have you decided?"
"I have. I have thoroughly examined my compact with the Terra Corps. My obligation to the Terra Corps has expired. Under the newest articles pertaining to sentient Announcers, I am considered a free Ann, and may choose my matrix and cohabitants."
Keelic’s father said, "But what about this ship?"
"This is my matrix."
"The ADL won’t like that."
"Is that significant?"
Keelic’s father snorted and said, "Yes."
"Perhaps you misunderstand me. I am a Lasiter Attack Frigate. I ask again, is the ADL’s opinion significant?"
After a confused silence, Keelic realized that Las had made a joke. He smiled and looked around. Mr. Hallod chuckled.
Keelic’s mother was wiping tears from her eyes.
His father blinked, then, in perfect imitation of Keelic, said, "Cold."
###
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About the Author
ALEXANDER EDLUND is the author of four novels. A native of the Arizona desert, Edlund now chooses to live in wet climates, especially temperate rain forest.
Come the Wind is the second in a planned series of six books about Breea Banea. Look for more of Edlund’s work arriving soon.
Discover other titles by Alexander Edlund
THE KEELIC TRAVERS NOVELS
Keelic and the Space Pirates
Keelic and the Pathfinders of Midgarth *
Keelic and the Perdition Quest *
THE BOOK OF BANEA
Vol. 1—A Woman Warrior-Born
Vol. 2—Come the Wind
Vol. 3—Fire Borne *
* Forthcoming
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