Starlight And Splendor, page 2
“We both know how love can take control of our thoughts and feelings.”
“And our actions. We’ve done some wild things since we were twelve. We’re lucky to have such wonderful husbands and children.”
“And to still be together and as close as sisters.”
Amaya chatted with her brother and his other best friend. “You two behave while I’m gone. Don’t let anything exciting happen until I return.”
“Get out of orbit, we can’t make that promise,” Thaine Sanger jested. “It’s in our blood to stir up mischief wherever we go.”
“How true,” Amaya retorted, then laughed.
“It’s time to leave, Avi, Amaya,” Nigel called to the women.
Hugs and goodbyes and final cautions were shared before the group transported to the ship.
As she settled herself and the vessel’s crew prepared to leave orbit around the capital planet of Rigel, Amaya grinned as Galen used their twin connection to send her a telepathic message:
Don’t get attached to any humanoid pets you can’t bring home.
Don’t you get attached to any female pets while I’m gone and can’t check them out for you in Security.
Not to worry, Sis. I’m too young and swift for female tractor beams..
One day, you’ll run out of sectors to plunder with those charms.
When the right woman comes along, I’ll know it, just as Father did.
But he had to travel all the way to Earth to outrun his reputation, you handsome reacher.
Is that what women think about me?
Every day, Brother. We’re losing range. Goodbye, Galen. I love you. Keep the peace and stay out of trouble while I’m gone.
Goodbye, Amaya. I love you, too. Stay safe or I’ll hold you captive for Mohr to lock a bonding band on that lovely wrist of yours.
You wouldn’t dare.
Never, so I’d have to cut that beautiful hair again.
Amaya almost laughed aloud as she recalled the incident when they were six and Galen cut off her locks for helping a girl chase him down to steal a kiss. They possessed a mysterious mental link for communication when they were within a certain distance of each other. Yet, farther away, they still could sense each other’s needs and pains. That ability had helped her track and rescue him years ago when a nefariant had overpowered and wounded him.
“What’s so funny?” Avi Sanger asked.
“Galen. He sent me a warning not to get involved with the aliens.”
“It’s weird how you two can communicate that way. I wish Sebok and I had that power. I miss him already.”
“Love him that much?” Amaya teased in affection.
“Pralu, he steals my thoughts and breath when I’m near him or when he kisses me. We’re so compatible, Amaya. I want to become his mate, and soon. I can hardly endure being parted from him.”
“Even if you put on his bonding bracelet, he’ll beaway on duty for long periods, unless he resigns when his commission ends.”
“He would never do that; Star Fleet runs in his veins, just as it does with Galen. But if we were locked together by choice and law, I wouldn’t have to worry about another woman stealing him. You know those ships have as many female crew members as males. There’s no telling what could happen on one during a long and lonely voyage.”
“Not with Sebok; he loves you too much to betray you. If he tried, Galen and Thaine would drop him on a deserted planet to suffer and die.”
“You’re right, Amaya; I’m being foolish.”
“Perhaps Sebok is hesitant to commit for the same reason Galen is: marriage is for life in our world; there is no dissolving it unless a crime is committed and the Supreme Council grants freedom.” Amaya smiled at the brunette. “But I’m sure he loves you, Avi, so don’t worry. Remember, his two best friends are single and on the same ship. Perhaps a desire for a little more fun and adventure holds him back from docking.”
“But he can have me and them.”
“As soon as he realizes that’s true, he’ll be signing the document. Perhaps you should coax him along by letting him fear losing you. Men are such strange and stubborn creatures. Little snares them faster than something they think they can’t have. Give him a scare.”
“If you met someone you wanted and needed as much as I do Sebok, would you pursue him?”
“With all my skills and energy. And no games; I was teasing. Just give Sebok time and I know he’ll commit to you.”
“When you fall in love, you’ll understand why I’m so edgy. But you’d never do anything crazy or impulsive; you’re so smart and levelheaded. Any male you select will speed to your side and sign the document as soon as you motion for him to join you.”
“Not if he’s as reluctant and choosy as I am. Somewhere a perfect match for me exists; I only have to locate and capture him. But I have plenty of time; I’m only twenty-five and I have plenty to see and do before I’m a mate and mother.”
“What if he lives in another galaxy such as Androas or Pyropea or even the Milky Way? What then, Amaya Saar?”
“I can’t imagine falling in love with an alien and marrying one, and surely not moving with one to another world.”
“Our mothers did. And you’ve found no one in Maffei to suit you.”
“I haven’t seen every available Maffeian male. There must be at least one somewhere as wonderful as our fathers and brothers, and your Sebok. Our mothers were lucky our fathers were so like them in appearance. I couldn’t endure for some aliens I’ve met to touch me. Do all Earthlings look like our mothers or do they vary like the Tuleons?”
“All possess the same humanoid appearance; but their races vary in skin, hair, and eye colors and in facial features and body sizes. During my past visits, I’ve seen many males who are pleasing to the eye and senses. But we are far advanced over the Earthlings. To mate with one would be like mating with a child under three years. Or mating with a greeb.”
“Kahala save me from such a fate,” Amaya murmured as she envisioned a primitive and usually barbaric creature.
The ship changed from sublight to starlight speed. The U-shaped vessel rushed across the vast expanse of space between Rigel and Earth and hurled Amaya toward a perilous unknown.
Galen Saar returned to his elite position on the Galactic Wind. His best friends—Thaine Sanger and Sebok Suran—were with him; he was glad they were serving together on the lead ship of the Alliance Star Fleet. He was also happy they had been in port to see off their loved ones. As he entered the off-limits area of Security Control, a lovely female rose from a seat, approached him, and introduced herself.
“Third Lieutenant Renah Dhobi reporting for duty, Chief Saar. My file is loaded into the computer and awaiting your scrutiny, sir.”
Galen’s multi-shaded gaze swept over the blonde who wore a saffron uniform with silver stripes on each wrist and a thirteen-pointed sunburst emblem above her left breast. The expression in her silver-gray eyes was unreadable.
“What are you doing in a secure area before confirmation of orders?” Galen demanded. “How did you gain entrance?” He glanced at the man at the monitors.
“Commander Vaux cleared her and told her to wait here for you, sir,” he responded. “He wanted to be ready to leave orbit immediately following your arrival.”
Security and Weapons Chief Galen Saar dismissed the man so he could question and judge his new female crew member. He saw that she didn’t blush, flinch, or stare as most women did around him. She had to be aware that he—not their ship’s commander—held the power to accept or refuse her assignment. Yet she didn’t appear worried about his impending decision. “At ease, Lieutenant Dhobi, while I scan your record and qualifications.”
“Yes, sir.”
Galen sat down at the acquisition-input system and read her data. He was impressed by her record and amazed that a woman so beautiful and seemingly delicate could be a Spacer pilot, skilled in communications, knowledgeable in science, and an expert with hand and ship weapons. He noted her physical stats. She was twenty-four years, five feet eight inches tall, and weighed one hundred twenty pounds. There were no scars or marks listed. According to her file, she was one of the most intelligent officers assigned to him. She was certainly one of the most ravishing and composed he had ever met.
Galen glanced at Renah to find her standing with feet apart and hands crossed behind her, straight and tall and formal. “Why do you want to be a crew member on the Galactic Wind?”
“To serve on our fleet’s lead ship and under Commander Vaux. Also, sir, they decommissioned my last vessel. I was told to list three choices of preference for a transfer and was fortunate enough to receive my first.”
“Are you as smart and skilled as your record claims?”
“The report is accurate, sir.”
Galen grinned and chuckled as he leaned back in the chair and eyed her. “That’s a clever way to keep from boasting, Lieutenant Dhobi. Most women with a file like this would be stressing every entry to me.”
“Vanity is dangerous, sir. It makes one impudent and reckless.”
“But honesty and pride are safe attributes?”
“Yes, sir, if they do not endanger one’s rank and mission.”
“Have you ever made a perilous mistake, Lieutenant Dhobi?”
“Not to my knowledge, sir. I try to remain alert and cautious.”
Renah didn’t vacillate or fidget; nor did her expression change. Yet Galen was aware she focused on his forehead and avoided his gaze. “Excellent attitude. Excuse me while I finish this task.”
As the Chief of Security and Weapons studied her alleged record, Renah scrutinized her new superior officer. His hair was ash blond with lighter steaks running through it. His eyes were like a rainbow prism of blue, green, and violet. His sixfoot frame carried the perfect weight for his muscular physique. He was handsome, charming, and desirable, but, according to gossip and video observation, he used those predatory traits too well on women. Yet she was anything but helplessly attracted to him. Since birth, she had trained and prepared to help extract revenge from the Saars and Maffeians. All she had to do was get close enough to this self-indulgent sybarite to win his trust and she could use him to obtain victory and justice, as ordered. But, Renah warned herself, she must go slow and easy, as Galen was alleged to be an impossible catch. The best way to seize his interest, she reasoned, was to show none in him. He was captivating and virile, rich and famous, and had a tantalizing smile; but he was the enemy, son of enemies, citizen of the enemies of those she loved, those the Saars and Maffeians had—
“Tell me about yourself and your experiences on the Space Rover.”
Renah didn’t worry about that question, as she was well versed on her assumed identity, one that could not be disproven. Yet she wondered why he wanted her to relate what he had just read on the screen. “My parents were scientists on that exploratory ship. I was born and raised during their final deep-space mission. We were gone for twenty years; it was supposed to be twenty-five, but problems arose with the vessel and equipment so we were forced to return five years early. That’s where I was trained in science, weapons, Spacers, and communications. That last day, I was testing an emergency escape unit when something went wrong. My pod was automatically jettisoned. A boundary patrol saw the ship’s explosion on their monitors and came to investigate. They rescued me and took me to Rigel for debriefing, but I couldn’t tell them what happened. They couldn’t explain it, either, because communications were out and no final message was sent. Nor was anything ever recovered in the debris to expose the cause. Star Fleet concluded something went wrong with our fuel and power system, something too fast for the others aboard to be alerted to the danger. Since I was in a pod, they think the control panel detected my presence and jettisoned me. That was fortunate because my unit wasn’t stocked with survival supplies and had only one air tank. I finally gave up hoping others had escaped so someone could explain the tragedy. Afterwards, I was allowed to further my training and join Star Fleet.”
Galen hated to press the painful topic, but he had to become familiar with anyone who was joining his team and who would be involved in ship and galactic security and protection. He had to make certain there were no flaws in her character or exaggerations of her skills. “What was the purpose of that deep-space mission?”
“The Space Rover was to gather data, do tests and experiments, and explore the outer reaches. We mostly found planets and aliens in the early stages of development. From what my parents said and I overheard, no mining or medical possibilities were discovered. None of the worlds we found warranted further study within the next hundred years.” At least that’s what the ship’s computer banks revealed when they were scanned before destruction so I could give an accurate report. I just wish its crew didn’t have to be held captive until this matter is settled.
Galen witnessed a reaction of sadness. “I’m sorry you lost your family and friends in such a tragedy.”
“Thank you, sir, but they understood and accepted the risks.”
He watched her formal demeanor and unreadable expression return. “And they taught you to think and feel that identical way?”
“Yes, sir. Isn’t it the same with you and most Star Fleet members?”
Galen nodded. “You served on two other ships and rose fast in rank. That’s quite an accomplishment for a woman so young.”
“Determination to succeed, to do one’s duty, and to do one’s best should be all that matters to me or anyone, not my age or sex.”
Galen heightened his alert. “Did I offend you with that statement?”
“Only if you meant it in a wrong light.”
“I didn’t, but I’ll alter it. You’ve accomplished a great deal for anyone so young.”
“The same applies to you.” Her gaze moved to his first lieutenant stripes before she said, “To have those and Chief of Security and Weapons on our lead ship for a man so young. Your parents must be proud of you.”
“They are. Have you met any members of my family?”
“No, sir, but everyone knows who and what they are.”
“I earned every promotion without unfairly using the Saar’s status.”
“Did I offend you, sir?”
Galen replied with her words, “Only if you meant it in a wrong light.”
“It was a compliment in return, sir, nothing more. I’m sure it will be interesting and an honor to serve with and under Chief Galen Saar.”
Honesty or only a smooth extrication? “I hope so, Lieutenant Dhobi, and thank you. Do you have any other family?”
“None, sir.”
“I’m surprised our paths have never crossed or I haven’t heard of you.”
“Star Fleet is large and we’ve served in different sectors.” But I’ve kept up with the Saars … “And since I’ve done nothing outstanding to date, there is no reason my name should have entered your ears.”
“Do you have a special relationship with anyone?”
“Sir?”
Galen knew she understood the question, so she was stalling for time to decide if his motivation was personal or professional. “Is there or was there a relationship with a male left behind that might affect your job performance?”
“No, sir.”
“None?” he asked in a skeptical tone.
“No, sir. I’ve had neither the time nor the inclination for one. I’ve concentrated on my training and duty at Star Base and on my last two ships.”
After satisfactory answers to other questions, Galen said, “Excellent responses and attitude, Lieutenant Dhobi.” He faced a different screen and called up another file, then copied the information onto a disk and passed it to her for use in her quarters. “Your schedule and duties are listed there and in this monitor under your name. The officer you’re replacing had a fatal accident. We’re fortunate someone of your quality is available.”
“Accident"? “Fortunate"? Neither is true, Galen Saar, but you’ll wish they were before we finish with you and your family. “Thank you, sir. I’ll do my best to prove Star Fleet’s faith in me is justified.”
“I’m sure you will, Lieutenant Dhobi.”
“Thank you, sir. Will that be all?”
“Check your schedule and duties listed on the screen to see if you have any questions, then get settled in and review the necessary tapes. If the introductory program in your quarter’s computer doesn’t fill your needs, I can assist you with a tour of the ship this afternoon or evening.”
“Thank you, sir, but it’s unnecessary. Am I accepted and dismissed?”
“Yes to both, Lieutenant Dhobi, unless your impending tests alter my preliminary decision. We’ll begin them tomorrow.” I’ll judge for myself if your talents match the claims on your file. If not … “See you at the evening meal.” He watched her check the monitor, nod understanding, then depart, without smiling or lowering her guard a single time.
Galen stared at the sealed door. You’re a strange and cool one, Renah Dhobi. Seems as if you haven’t learned social skills since your return from deep space. I wonder what you’d be like if you learned to mellow. For a moment, he wished his sister wasn’t speeding out of their galaxy so Amaya could collect every detail there was to know about this stirring creature who had seized his interest in a flick.
As the three friends dined in the officers’ mess hall, Galen couldn’t keep his furtive gaze and wandering thoughts off of Renah, who sat at the far end of the oblong room. Thaine and Sebok noticed his interest in the lovely newcomer, and exchanged knowing looks.
“She’s a loner, Galen,” Sebok warned, “quiet and reserved and serious. When Commander Vaux guided her around this afternoon, she was as distant with me and others as Star Base is to this ship. She couldn’t have been more formal than if the Kadim were present. If she continues to behave in that curious way, the crew isn’t going to take to her at all.”
“I noticed it, too,” Thaine added, “when they visited engineering. Why didn’t you give her the welcome-aboard tour since she’s part of your staff?”
Galen winked at Thaine and murmured, “I tried earlier, but she gave me a shoulder of ice and rejected my offer. Now I know why; she had a better one—our unattached commander.”
