The Chronicles of Heaven's War: Burning Phoenix (104 page)

The officer accompanying Darla suddenly
excused himself, saying he would return momentarily. Darla smiled,
tears filling her eyes. “We will be together again, and in not so
long a time. Our romance we will share again under summer’s moon.
My breath, our breath will mix in love’s embrace one again, I
promise.”

Resting a hand upon Darla’s uniformed
blouse, softly pressing her breast while fingers played rhapsodic
with a hardening nipple, the woman’s milk beginning to stain the
cloth, Ishtar looked in Darla’s eyes with yearning. “Do we not have
time for just one more sweet interlude before you leave? Must I
remember this parting moment with only a kiss? Oh, for another
taste of your honey upon my palate...”

Darla was preparing to reply when the
officer returned. “Major...” He politely, saluted to get Darla’s
attention. “Our driver has informed me that we have a minor
mechanical problem and there will be a slight delay before we can
leave. She says that it should be fixed in an hour or so. With your
approval, I have offered my assistance in making the repair.”

Darla thanked the officer for the
information and his willingness to assist with needed repairs.
After his departure, she turned her attention to other matters.
“Well…” She paused, her eyes shouting out her own wistful longing.
“We have an hour to while away. Would you wish to share it with me
in more secluded places?”

Ishtar wrapped her arms about Darla, kissing
her hard on the lips. Her passions rising, the girl cooed
sensually, “Come with me and let me taste your love.”

Hand in hand, the two hurried away into the
shadows, bolting the doors to their private world behind them.

* * *

The hustle and bustle of ships preparing for
departure was quieting in the early evening haze. The Shikkeron was
mustered in with a flotilla of freightliners, transports, howkers
and sloops, the main body slated to rendezvous the Third Fleet
while others would eventually break away for some of the distant
eastern colonies. Supporting them were the imperial brigantine,
Shikkeron, cruiser, DusmeAstron, and an assortment of converted
colliers, ore freighters, and whatnots that the Navy had equipped
and called ‘armed escorts’. After reaching the Third Fleet, the
Shikkeron was assigned escort duty, accompanying a small covey of
transports on to more distant colonies in the Trizentine. From
there, it was to take up a three month patrol before returning to
the Crontiriny Navy Depot for its long needed refit.

Captain Bedan quietly fussed the lateness of
the hour as Euroaquilo silently paced the captain’s bridge waiting
Darla’s arrival. He looked over at Bedan, musing, “There is plenty
of time before the window closes upon our opportunity for
departure. Some of the ships are still at the loading docks and are
awaiting the remainder of their officers and crews. The major will
be here soon enough.”

Bedan politely grumped that an officer in
charge should already be at station at such a late hour, not off
wandering about aimlessly, leaving junior officers to be saddled
with those weighty responsibilities.

Euroaquilo raised an eyebrow, staring into
Bedan’s face, pondering. Bedan was little older than he, was loyal
enough to cause, he guessed, but lacked the natural leadership
abilities necessary to command in the Empire’s Navy… at least as
far as Euroaquilo was concerned. He had not been pleased when Mihai
had approved Anna’s suggestion that Darla make the Shikkeron her
command ship for this tour of duty, and was pleased even less when
he realized the animosity Bedan displayed toward Darla.

Something was amiss with Bedan regarding
Darla - more than just the fear of
usurpation
of his office
should difficulties arise. Possibly it was the rumors being bandied
about concerning the woman’s mental constitution, or possibly
Ardon’s unrestrained blathering regarding her during the long trip
to Chrusion and back aboard the Starlight. Still, Euroaquilo did
not like it. Darla, though, had rejected his suggestion that she
request transfer to another ship, replying that one does with what
one has and that there stood a good chance Bedan’s feelings about
her might well be that of any other Navy commander.

It was about this time that Darla arrived at
the spaceport. Though things were quieting, many of the crew
already aboard their ships, there was still a merry circus of
well-wishers and others basking in long goodbyes. Several ships’
bands still played happy marshaling tunes as the new major opened
the door of her carriage, stepping down on the tarmac near the
Shikkeron. The breeze carried the sweetness of summer freshness and
an early evening glow lit up the graying sky in its dazzling red
brilliance.

A familiar voice called out to the woman as
she started for the Shikkeron’s belly ramp. Looking up, Darla saw
Mihai’s smiling face as she waved her salutations. Beside and
behind her were several of Mihai’s officers of the court, including
Terey and Anna. General Planetee stood off to the side with Darla’s
three staff officers, a certain Leftenant IlanitAnthos, Master
Sergeant SaraiTeknion, and also Leftenant ArdonKenath.

Mihai eagerly stepped forward, arms spread
wide. Hugging Darla, she extolled her love for the woman, wishing
her a safe journey and quick return. Though acting kingly, Mihai
could little help but reveal her private trepidation over sending
her little sister into the distant wilds, knowing that Asotos would
surely be searching for the woman.

Holding Darla’s upper arms, Mihai
admonished, “Now… now you take care of yourself, promise? Don’t be
taking any unnecessary chances, or going off to chase down those
evil miscreants on your own! Remember that your duties are to
reconnoiter with your Marine units stationed about the colonies and
to do a little patrolling. No heroics! Hear?! Just out and back in
a month or so, promise?”

Darla grinned like a child being lectured by
an overly protective mother, making a hushed reply. “As you wish…
no heroics.” She kissed Mihai. “I’ll be home as soon as may be.
Besides, with all these eyes watching me, how can your little girl
get into too much trouble, anyway?” She shot an anxious glance
toward Ardon.

Mihai squinted, staring into an impish face
attempting to appear so innocent. “Don’t toy with me! You have a
way of making things happen even when eyes are watching.” She
pleaded, “Listen please,
do be careful
… for me...”

Darla stared silently into Mihai’s eyes.
Both women knew the real dangers existing out there in deep space.
Even without the possible direct threat to Darla, there were the
Stasis Pirates and other possible enemy agents haunting those
distant worlds. Then there was the chance of mechanical failure, a
growing problem faced by an aging, under-maintained fleet. The
Shikkeron was old, and even with its upgrade from brigantine to
imperial brigantine, it was still well overdue for a serious refit.
Danger always lurked out there in the blackness of space.

Darla finally broke her silence. “I promise
to do my very, very, best to stay safe. I don’t want to be made
into some laboratory specimen for the Evil Worm! I’ll keep my wits
about me, and I have
Ardon
to protect me, if need be.” She
grimaced.

Terey interrupted the two, stepping up
beside Mihai, reaching out, taking Darla’s hand, congratulating
Darla on her promotion. Darla pulled Terey up close in an
affectionate hug, crooning, “Back from the grave you are, back from
the grave! They had told me you were arrived at Palace City, but I
could not believe the good news, wishing so much to see you before
leaving on this cruise!”

Terey thanked Darla for her kindness,
explaining, “The surgeons say that I’ll be up and about as fit as a
fiddle in a week or so.” She cast a long glance down at a still
bandaged hand. I feel it may be the ‘or so’ before I’m mended
completely.” Then breaking into a grin, shared, “I have been
informed that my 17 was discovered undamaged. It will soon be
delivered here, to Palace City, until I can find another ship’s bay
to harbor it in.”

Mihai began to politely fuss, declaring
Terey’s need to remain in Palace City to assist her on the council,
and to take a little more time mending up. Terey laughed, pointing
at Mihai while speaking to Darla. “
Fussy mother
here takes
all the fun out it… you know… the danger and excitement of it
all.”

Darla smiled, silently nodding her
agreement. Mihai was little pleased, seeing no humor in the thought
of her dear companions being injured or worse, still… Terey stepped
up to Darla, holding two jade ear pins. She replacing Darla’s with
hers. When finished, she kissed the woman softly on the lips.

Looking into Darla’s eyes, she cooed, “My
soul will journey on in peace now that it has listened one more
time to the beating heart of the one it loves. May the hour soon
arrive when we shall not have to part the golden fields of the
Crescent Moon...”

Crescent Moon were flowers that chose no
special season to blossom, even braving the winter snows to cast
their radiant glory toward the sky. They had become symbolic of the
hope held in the children’s hearts that soon the world would be at
peace again and all things would be as they had been before.

Darla leaned forward, thanking Terey for her
gift and returning her kiss, though with more than a little
suggestive desire carried upon it. Terey nearly blushed, the flirt
unexpected, but teasingly accepted.

Before she could make reply, Anna had
stepped up close, whispering her endearing hellos. She, too, kissed
Darla on the lips, sliding her tongue in between the woman’s teeth
and teasing an unexpected mouth in such sensuous ways. Darla’s eyes
popped open wide with surprise, as her heart began to race with
hopeful longing and her head spun with lustful desire.

Opening her eyes to see Darla’s stare, Anna
paused. She could feel the woman’s passionate desires growing in
shaking limbs. Releasing her witching spell, she smiled sensually,
whispering in Darla’s ear, “Oh, the shame we have not shared our
hearts before this day. Please, my darling sister, make your return
swift so that my soul may not languish in desires
unfulfilled...”

Anna pulled from her blouse a necklace of
chrysolite and priceless gems, securing it about Darla’s neck.
“There.” She crooned. “Wear this token of my love until we can
consummate it properly after your return.”

Catching her breath, Darla reached up,
clasping the giant diamond hanging upon the necklace. Anna tenderly
placed a hand over hers. “My love, the swallow must fly so far away
to seek its home beside the foaming sea. One day our hearts must
bind together in the refuge both so longingly seek. You and I must
draw upon each other’s strengths in such dark hours as this.”

Darla dumbly nodded, unable to speak. Softly
patting Darla’s pounding heart, Anna blushed poetic. “Should my
love send sweet letters of endearment to me, then I shall not pine
in the evening darkness. Oh, lovely one, so will my heart sing
joyous songs, knowing your passion still burns bright for me.”

Darla stammered, breathless, the ache for
passion unfulfilled tearing through her body, “I… I will… I
promise… I promise.”

Anna grinned. “Remember me by this token
I’ve given my lovely one. May it be the guiding light that will
deliver you home.” She turned, extending a hand. “By approval of
our new king, I have made arrangements to have my personal attaché,
Leftenant IlanitAnthos, accompany you as one of your staff
officers.” She leaned close, whispering in Darla’s ear. “Her dreams
shared will remind you of the one awaiting your arms. Good she is,
so gentle and caring.”

She kissed Darla again, this time less
amorously. Then staring into Darla’s face, mused, “You are, oh, so
beautiful! Who among men would not find you most desirable… most
desirable?”

Stepping back, Anna offered her parting
salutations. “Keep safe, and may your journey bring you to the one
who desires you so.”

Mihai came forward, taking Darla’s hands
just as the Shikkeron’s band struck up ‘
Farewell to All My
Heart’
the Navy’s versions of Taps. “Well, I guess this means
you must be going.” Mihai shrugged, resigned.

Darla kissed Mihai, reassuring her. “Only
for a moment…only for a moment, and then we shall be together
again.”

Everyone said their parting goodbyes,
Planetee finally directing Darla over to her staff officers. As the
others boarded their coaches, Darla made acquaintance with her
officers. Ardon was filled with trepidation, fearing the reception
he was soon to receive, but no! Darla acted the fine commander,
greeting each person with equal cordiality and respect.

After proper introductions, Darla stepped
back, addressing her staff. “This tour should be a rather mundane
affair such as peacetime escort and patrol duty offers. Never the
less, my expectations are high. We are the Watchers, the guardians
protecting those aboard this ship and the Trizentine’s many
colonies. It is your duty to keep this vessel safe and its
passengers secure. You are to familiarize yourselves with every
part of the Shikkeron. Find out whatever you can about its
mechanics and defense systems, come to know its crew… their
strengths and weaknesses, the ship’s strengths and weaknesses. A
good officer is a knowledgeable officer. Stick to the books if need
be, to learn all that you may.”

She lifted a hand, shaking a finger.
“Remember, should I send you on an assignment, it is as if I went,
myself. My voice becomes your voice, my authority becomes your
authority. So gain an understanding of your commander, how I think,
how I execute my decisions. When you carry out my orders, act as
though I was there with you.”

Shaking hands with each of the staff
officers, she issued her final commands before dismissing them.
“Make time this evening to acquaint yourselves with your fellow
officers and enlistees. You are joining a family, a cadre. We are
officers when need be, companions the remainder of the time.
Leftenant IlanitAnthos and Master Sergeant SaraiTeknion shall share
Cabin 4, C deck, and Leftenant Ardon is to room with Captain
KristinaDulamay, the Shikkeron’s senior Marine officer, Cabin 12, B
deck.”