Three Square Meals Ch. 103

The older officer gave him a rueful frown. "The Kintark bombardment did quite a bit of damage to the drydocks. I would've given you your pick of the bays there, but it'll take us a few days to clear all the debris from the ones that aren't already in use."

Alyssa looked up at John and shrugged. "We're okay where we are. Irillith can lock this place down easily enough. We won't really need much in the way of equipment, just some space to work in while we remove, repair, then replace the Invictus' armour."

"I guess we stay put then," John said amiably, smiling at Charles. "How about you? What are your plans for upgrading the next fleet of Federation ships?"

"Well... our fleets sustained huge amounts of damage defending Terra," Charles replied, running a hand through his salt and pepper hair. "We'll aim to get all the light and moderately damaged vessels back into service as quickly as possible. After that, we can focus on the really badly damaged ships. I think repairs should take priority over new ship construction, but we'll start refitting a second fleet with new components, probably doing something similar to Dacres' fleet."

Calara cleared her throat and said, "You might want to prioritise his fleet for any of the Brimorian Shield Generators you can salvage from the Kintark forces in the Sol System. They're the fastest ships in the Terran Federation navy, so they'll be our most effective reserves. It would be sensible to install the best defensive systems we can on those ships before we commit them to battle."

John nodded, lost in thought. "I asked the Maliri to do the same. They stripped all the components they needed from the Praetorian fleet that Sakura wrecked."

"I've seen some of the battle footage of the Maliri in action," Charles murmured, sounding awed. "The amount of firepower they have on those ships..."

"It's lucky they're on our side, right?" John said with a smile.

"I suspect luck had very little to do with it," Charles replied with a look of admiration in his eyes. "I remember laughing when you told me you were going to trade with the Maliri... I'm glad you didn't pay any attention."

John looked away into the distance, lost in the memories. "That seems so long ago... I never would've suspected everything would play out the way it has, not in a million years."

Charles finished his drink and put down the glass. "Well me and billions of others are damn fortunate you managed to bring the Maliri onside." Rising from his chair, he continued, "I'd like to stay longer and make a night of it, but I need to get back to work."

"It's 8:30, you can't still be on duty," Alyssa said with a smile. "Why don't you stay for another drink?"

"I'd love to, but I'm still dealing with the aftermath of the Kintark assault," he replied with a grimace. "The drydocks are in a hell of a mess and we'll be receiving damaged fleets from Terra in a few hours."

Alyssa and Calara gave him a hug goodbye, then John escorted Charles to the airlock.

"Thanks for sticking around for the chat, it was great to catch up," John said with a warm smile, offering his friend a handshake.

Charles looked down at his hand for a moment, then ignored it and hugged his friend, patting him awkwardly on the back. "Thank you... I know you asked Rachel to heal me," the admiral said, choked up with emotion. "You've no idea how much difference that's going to make to my life; I've been dealing with those damn headaches for years."

"You're welcome, Charles," John replied gruffly, swallowing around the lump in his throat.

They pulled apart and Charles gave him a grateful nod. "I'll see you tomorrow afternoon for the meeting with High Command."

"Until tomorrow," John said, then watched as Charles put his peaked hat back on his head, then walked away from the Invictus.

*Come on, you old softie,* Alyssa said affectionately. *We've got a fun evening of psychic shaping ahead of us. If you think I'm doing all these armour plates on my own, you're dead wrong!*

John smiled and turned towards the Cargo Bay. *Be right there, beautiful.*

***

Henry Voss sat behind his desk, studying the dozen holographic screens laid out before him. They showed detailed reports on the current state of his operations at Olympus, as well as a series of executive summaries on the status of the Voss Corporation. He allowed himself a smug smile as he read the grovelling reports from his board, particularly relishing those from the executives who'd most stridently opposed his recent venture into military ship-building.

No one had seen the Kintark invasion coming. Everyone had assumed that hostilities with the Kintark would cease for at least the next decade, the Empire desperately suing for peace after the crushing defeat at Regulus. Henry had believed the exact same thing, expecting a period of peace and stability in the immediate future; that was until his daughter had set him straight, opening his eyes to the massive threat the Terran Federation was actually facing. Admittedly, the refit work he'd fully committed the Voss Corporation to had actually been directed towards preparing for a war with the Progenitor, but he was hardly going to reveal that bit of information to his board or the markets.

The recently upgraded Terran ships had played a pivotal role in the battle against the Kintark, proving just how valuable the services of his newest subsidiary were to the military. With all the recent press focused on his dramatic acquisition of nearly a dozen shipbuilding companies, Dacres' fleet might as well have had Voss Corporation logos emblazoned across their hulls. Helping to defend Terra from destruction at the hands of hostile aliens was certainly one of the most effective and eloquent advertising campaigns he'd ever run, albeit completely by accident.

Henry Voss' reputation as the Oracle of the financial markets had received an unprecedented boost since the battle that morning. Stocks in the Voss Corporation had soared 219% in the last twelve hours, effectively wiping out all the debts he'd accrued over the last few weeks in pursuing his new goals. He couldn't help chuckling to himself, knowing that his recent outstanding success was in reality based on blind-luck and what amounted to a bit of insider trading.

The most amusing thing about the whole business, was that the Federation Securities and Exchanges Commission was hardly going to start harassing him about his contacts with the Lion and one special Lioness. Those bastards at FSEC had been a thorn in his side for decades and he found it delightful knowing they couldn't touch him on this. Funnily enough though, making more money hadn't been his motivation behind all the recent acquisitions; in fact, the real reason had nothing to do with monetary gain at all...

A chime from his desk intercom drew his attention from his reverie. "Yes, what is it?" he grumbled.

"Sir, I attempted to contact your wife as you requested," his assistant, Abigail, replied. "Meredith said that she was too busy to talk; she was getting ready to go out on a girls' night..."

Henry ground his teeth in irritation, then sagged back in his chair. "Alright, thanks for trying, Abi," he said gratefully.

"You're welcome, Sir," the young woman replied, her dulcet tones tinged with sympathy.

He ended the call, then stared despondently out the window at the sprawl of stars. Somewhere out there was his home planet of New Eden, where his wife was preparing herself for another night of debauchery. Henry knew exactly what Meredith was really up to, the private investigators he'd hired had provided graphic proof of just how much fun she was having on her girls' nights out. Ironically, for what was supposed to be a girls' night, Meredith seemed to be the only girl attending those hedonistic parties...

Glancing at a holo-picture of the gorgeous stacked blonde, he let out a heavy sigh. Henry had guessed that Meredith was a gold-digger when he first met her, but he'd been lonely and wanted some female companionship he didn't have to pay for. He hadn't realised what an incredible actress Meredith was though, the stunning 22-year-old seducing him into falling for her, while artfully concealing the fact that she was a cold-hearted bitch. The pre-nup had been quite specific in its terms and now that Meredith had put in the required ten years for a decent payday, she was through pretending to be the loyal trophy wife.

Rachel had taken an instant dislike to Meredith, seeing her appearance at the Voss mansion as yet another betrayal of her dead mother. Marrying Meredith had driven Henry and his daughter even further apart, with Rachel eventually leaving home and filing for emancipation. He could only imagine how heartbroken Catherine would have been to see what transpired after her death.

Henry felt a sharp pang of loss when his thoughts turned to Catherine. He'd loved her in his own way, even if he had been a neglectful husband, too wrapped up with his business empire to pay that lovely woman the attention she so richly deserved. When she had needed him the most, he'd let her down in the worst possible way, ultimately costing Catherine her life at the hands of her kidnappers.

Feeling overwhelmed with sadness, he realised he deserved his miserable home life, it was Karma's way of paying him back for being such a failure as a husband and father. He might be one of the wealthiest men in the Terran Federation, but his life was ample proof that money couldn't buy you happiness. Billions of credits did nothing to stave away the bitter loneliness and regrets that kept him awake at night...

The desk intercom chimed again and Henry considered ignoring it, loathing the thought of speaking to Meredith if she had decided to call back. After a moment of indecision, he glanced at the optical sensor to accept the call.

"Sir, Doctor Voss is here to speak with you," Abigail informed him, making no attempt to disguise her happiness.

He frowned in confusion for a moment, then his eyes widened with understanding. "Send her in, Abi!" he blurted out, his composure shattered.

Lurching from his seat, he strode over to the door, reaching it just as it started to open.

His raven-haired assistant stepped aside and smiled warmly at the tawny-haired brunette standing in the reception area. "It was lovely to finally meet you, Rachel."

"Likewise, Abigail," Rachel replied, returning her smile.

Rachel glanced back at him and her happy expression wavered for an instant, just enough to remind him of all the pain he'd inflicted on his little girl. He flashed back to that awful night in his study twelve years ago, when he'd broken the news of his wife's death to her. It was the first time he'd seen the damning look of hatred that had consumed Rachel's pretty face... an expression he'd grown all too familiar with over the following years.

"Father," she greeted him politely. "It's good to see you."

"Please come in, Rachel," he said, gesturing into the office.

Henry was about to follow her, when he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise and a shiver ran down his spine. He instinctively knew that unfriendly eyes were watching him and he glanced back into the reception area, where a white-armoured Lioness was leaning against the wall. She had her arms crossed, her fingers only inches away from the grips of her long pistols. Even though the faceplate of her body armour was opaque, he knew she was watching him carefully.

Quickly stepping into the office, he closed the door behind him. "The bodyguard wasn't necessary, Rachel," he said reproachfully, disquieted by the silent sentry.

Rachel bristled at his tone as she glided across the room. There was a sharp edge to her voice as she said, "John insisted. He knows how important it is to protect a woman he loves..."

Henry could hear the hurt and anger behind his daughter's words. "If I could go back, I swear I would do everything differently," he said quietly, his shoulders slumping. "I'm so sorry."

She paused, a look of regret flashing across her breathtakingly beautiful face. "No, I should be the one apologising. That was uncalled for and I didn't come here to fight, I promise."

He walked across to the sofa and sat heavily. "I deserved it... and so much more for what I did to you." Henry let out a remorseful sigh. "And for what I did to your mother..."

Rachel hadn't moved from where she stood, her grey eyes studying him intently. "Is that why you're letting Meredith do what she's doing? Are you trying to punish yourself?"

Henry felt a thick lump in his throat and he looked away, unable to look at his daughter any more. There was a painfully long silence between them, then he was suddenly aware that Rachel was sitting on the sofa close beside him, her hand on his shoulder.

"I arrived ten minutes ago. I overheard your conversation with Abigail," Rachel said softly. "I've spoken to her before... she told me what's been happening." Her eyes narrowed in anger. "I knew Meredith was a stone-cold bitch the first time I saw her, but this is low, even for her!"

"As I say... I deserve far worse," Henry muttered, finally turning back to look in shame at his daughter. "Please believe me that there's not a day goes by that I don't wish I could turn back time and save Catherine from those monsters. I was so stubborn and arrogant, but it was you and your mother that paid the price for my hubris."

There was a flicker of pain in Rachel's eyes, which began to well up as she was overcome by horrible memories. "Hold me, please..." she begged him, a tear rolling down her cheek.

He put his arms around his daughter, letting her cry into his chest, his own heart breaking to see Rachel so overcome with grief. Henry let her cry herself out, rubbing her back and murmuring supportive words.

When Rachel's outpouring of emotion had run its course, he said quietly, "I lost you both that day... the two most important people in my life and I just threw you both away. I understand why you hate me... and I'm sorry I failed you so badly. You and your mother deserved so much more."

Rachel brushed the tears from her eyes and gave him a sad smile. "I don't hate you, Daddy." Holding his hand, she stroked it with her thumb. "You've changed... especially since I saw you last on New Eden."

Henry nodded, placing his other hand on top of hers. "You finally made me realise... my whole life was just an empty shell. I've made a lot of money, but the Voss Legacy that I was so proud of was hollow and worthless. I'm trying to actually make a difference before it's too late."

"Charles said you were helping with the refit... that if it wasn't for you, they never would have finished in time." She looked into his eyes and he could see the sympathy and understanding there. "You're doing a good thing... Mummy would be proud of you."

"You're so like her, Rachel," he murmured, trying to memorise every detail of her beautiful face. "Not just the way you look, but you're also kind and compassionate, just like she was." He glanced away, his voice filled with remorse as he continued, "I used to think that was a sign of weakness... I was such a deluded fool."

"Don't talk like that," she said gently, reaching up to get him to look at her again. "We can't change the past, so let's start afresh. A loving daughter with her doting father..."

"That sounds wonderful," he said with a grateful smile.

Rachel leaned her head against his shoulder and they sat in comfortable silence, both feeling emotionally wrung out.

Henry eventually put his arm around her and rubbed her back. "Will you be staying at Olympus for long?"

She shook her head, then sat up, turning around so she could look at him again. "We're only here for a couple of days... just long enough to repair all the damage the Invictus took in the battle."

He watched her for a moment, then said, "I've seen the video. I watched you fighting the Kintark and saw what you did for those soldiers after the battle." Shaking his head in wonder, he marvelled, "It was incredible... I've never seen anything like it."

"I healed you last time we met," she said with a shy smile.

Henry laughed and patted her arm. "I was a bit distracted at the time."

"Would you like to watch me again?" Rachel asked self-consciously, an odd note to her voice, as if she was seeking his approval.

It was over twelve years since he'd last heard it, reminding him of the little girl that was always so desperate for attention from her father. Those had been happy years, the happiest of his life in fact, although he'd not realised it at the time. Suddenly he longed to see that look of delight in her eyes, his daughter revelling in her father's undivided attention once more.

"I'd love to, sweetheart," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Rachel rose to her feet then blushed, wiping at her eyes. "I must look a terrible mess. Let me just use the bathroom, then we can head to the Medical Facility."

"That door over there," he said, gesturing to the ensuite in the corner of the room.

He watched her leave, then headed over to the door leading to the reception area.

Abigail looked up at him and gave him a sunny smile. "Can I do anything for you, Sir?"

"I'll be leaving with my daughter in a minute, you can call it a night," he said, giving his capable assistant a look of gratitude. He hesitated for a few seconds, then added, "Rachel mentioned that the two of you have spoken before..."

She froze as she was picking up her bag, then looked up at him through her long dark hair. "I hope I didn't do or say anything out of turn. Rachel was concerned about you, so I just-"

Henry waved away her explanation and smiled. "Don't worry, I'm not upset. Thank you for talking with her."

"Oh, it was no trouble at all," Abigail gushed, slipping on her jacket. "She's so lovely! You must be incredibly proud of everything she's accomplished with the Lion."

Mention of the Lion suddenly reminded him of Rachel's silent bodyguard and when he turned back to look for her, he saw the armoured woman in the exact same position she was before. He could tell she was still watching his every move.

"Well, goodnight, Sir," Abigail said, before turning and leaving the office.

"Goodnight, Abi," he mumbled distractedly over his shoulder, not taking his eyes off the Paragon-suited figure. Glancing back to check that his assistant had departed, he turned to face the imposing woman. "You're one of the two Lionesses that didn't remove their armour during the award ceremony."

"Yes," she replied brusquely.

"Can I ask your name?" he asked, studying the mysterious woman.

"It's Tashana," came the equally curt reply.

Henry hesitated, then stood up straighter, determined not to be intimidated. "Have I done something to offend you?"

Tashana stepped away from the wall, the sudden movement fluid and graceful, reminding him of a panther stalking its prey. She prowled towards him, the heel on her boots bringing her up to his height.

"I've seen men like you before... corrupted by their money, power, and influence. People like you run roughshod over those you think are beneath you." She glanced through the door into the office, checking to see if Rachel had left the bathroom yet. Stepping closer, Tashana continued in a hushed whisper, "Rachel's a wonderful girl... one of the best of us. You've hurt her before, but you better not do it again."

"Or what?" he couldn't help asking. "I don't appreciate being threatened."

Tashana slowly raised her hand, holding her palm up, and a trio of tiny flames burst into life. Henry jumped back in surprise, then looked closer in fascination when he realised he wasn't in any immediate danger. The dancing fires grew in size, then took form into three distinctive figures, which were clearly a man and two women. One of the women dropped to her knees, holding her tiny face in her hands as she started sobbing. The male figure stood there dispassionately, until the second woman immolated him in a wicked torrent of fire, the man convulsing in agony as he was slowly incinerated.