Starlight Gleaming Ch. 16

I shook my head. "They liked getting promoted."

"Tell me about them," he urged.

Taking a breath, I began talking about my people. Doyya Lovyanchiti, my Second. About her actions with the JAG officers, and at the firefight at the Dependent's Office. Sergeant Chita, my very competent Senior NCO. My Aide, Corporal Sowitwee. Sergeant Yalcamara and her team. That led to the talk about the bussing program, and the overwhelmingly positive response we'd had from the enlisted ranks.

Bilan asked more questions, and I answered. And it helped me. Soon I would be returning to High Guard War Base and taking command of my unit again.

Every time I thought of Captain Tonca, CO of Company B of the 602nd Air Security Battalion, I moved on to something else. I was going to do my best to feel his blood spilling over my hands. But I'd not rush headlong into it, either. I intended to survive Tonca's demise. Voyacherno's, too, if I could manage it.

My brother's hand on my shoulder startled me. "Relax, Ranji. Whatever it is you're thinking about, it'll wait. We're here."

As I looked through the nearby viewing port, I could see the front of my parents house. The Tortoise came to a halt.

"Mirketsi, you're in charge of getting everyone settled into the barracks. Taygatchu, find the farmers a room in the servants area before you go find your son, and get them a hot meal, too. I'll see you at the office in the morning." Standing up, Bilan moved to the back hatch, hand over the locking mechanism.

I was up and ready to go!

Bilan narrowed his eyes. "Lieutenant Kandikan. Your gear."

"That can wait! Open the door!"

When he didn't move to unlock the door, I glared at him in exasperation.

"No, you don't!" he frowned. "My men and I spent hours and hours traveling over bumpy roads, just so you could go back and get your luggage carrier. It's your gear. You carry it."

He was right. And he had the good grace not to point out that he'd also saved my life. Exhaling, I nodded. I retrieved both my duffle bag and my luggage carrier.

Grinning, Bilan unlocked the door and pushed it open.

My feet seemed to fly.

And came to a screeching halt as I rounded the corner outside the house, almost colliding with the pair of soldiers on duty in the breezeway leading to the double doors.

"Halt!" One barred the way with his rifle.

The other drew his Beltan 570 stunner. "He's armed! Freeze! And identify yourself!"

The one with the rifle took a step back, pointed it at me as he pulled back the charging bolt, flipping off the safety. "Any sudden moves and I'll shoot," he warned. "Now let the duffle bag down to the ground, nice and slow."

This was new, I thought.

I let go the handle on the luggage carrier. It toppled over, clattering on the cobblestones. Sloping my left shoulder, the duffle bag began sliding down my arm. "I am Senior Lieutenant Ranji Kandikan, Imperial Air Service."

The one with the stunner moved to my side, and removed my new Talon, stuffing it into his belt. My Caiman was stuffed in my duffle bag. Stepping back, the guard holstered his stunner and pulled out a tablet from a side pouch.

The straps reached my hand, so I held my arm out and let the duffle bag drop to the last foot to the ground.

"Arms up," ordered the one with the rifle.

"You don't look like the picture we have on file," said the one with the tablet.

"I told you, you should have shaved," came the voice behind me.

"So you did," I replied grimly, keeping my eyes on the soldier with the gun pointed at me.

Seeing Bilan, they stepped back, coming to attention. The rifle safety went on, and the barrel shifted upward.

"Can I put my hands down now?" I asked.

"Sir!" they answered.

I reached down and collected my duffle bag, slipping it back onto my left shoulder.

Bilan's next words were delivered more harshly. "Private Kreesaw, did you or your partner confirm his identify?"

"Uh, no, sir."

"Follow protocols. Draconian agents have made it into the house before. Even if you recognize the persons, you need to check ID and thumb print." Bilan came forward and stood next to me.

The private nervously held my lanyard, letting his tablet scan it. "Your left hand, sir."

I held it out. He rolled it on his tablet. "Identification confirmed as Ranji Kandikan," it intoned. "Military grade and status incorrect. Please update your identification card at the nearest Security facility as soon as possible."

The private repeated the steps with Bilan.

"Identification confirmed as Bilan Monaycote. Military grade incorrect. Please update your identification card at the nearest Security facility as soon as possible."

"We'll do that after breakfast tomorrow, Ranji. Private Kreeshaw, are we clear to pass?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Not quite," I said. "My pistol, please. Thank you." I checked to make sure the safety was still on. Holstered it and secured the restraining strap. Then picked up the handle on my carrier.

"Carry on," Bilan ordered. Then opened the doors for us to enter.

"How have my parents adjusted to this change?" I asked, following him inside.

"They aren't happy about it. But after your mother was hurt, they see the necessity. Even when we get a scanner that can identify draconians, we still need the protocol to prevent unauthorized people from gaining entry."

Just then, two boys with wooden swords charged by, yelling, "Die, Atlantean scum!"

Bilan dropped his duffle bag with a clatter, going to one knee at the same time his sons saw him.

"Dad!" they yelled, dropping their swords and throwing themselves into his embrace. "You're home!"

"Miss me, you hooligans?" he said, beaming happily, kissing them on their wild heads.

"Tons!" and "A real lot, Dad! Mama, too!"

He buried his face into first Mika's and then Powan's necks, growling at them. The boys burst into laughter as he nibbled.

I saw Sisi skid to a halt, her own sword dropping to her side. I dropped my things, too, going to my own knee.

"Sisi?" Then I spied her little shadow. "Mina?"

Their reactions couldn't have been more different. Sisi scrutinized me closely, then blinked in surprise. "'Tenant?"

Mina, however, yelled, "Mama! Mama!" and ran toward the drawing room.

Holding out my arms, I called her again. "Sisi? It's me. Your Tenant."

"They worked! The magic hugs worked!" she exclaimed in delight, closing the distance and throwing her arms around me. "We prayed for you every night, Tenant. Everyone sent you magic hugs. Did you get them?"

Squeezing her tight, I told her, "Every single one, baby. Every single one."

"Are you crying, Tenant?"

"Yes, Sisi. I missed you and everyone else so very much. I need another one of your magic hugs."

"Okay." Her little arms went around my neck and she hugged me. "You're home now, Tenant. The magic hugs brought you back home safe."

I buried my face in her hair, inhaling her mix of soap, sweat, and little girl, trying my best not to squeeze her small body too tightly. "I know, Sisi. I know."

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