“Some good and some bad,” Chandrajuski responded. “The good news is very good. The bad is about what we figured. Did you bring my ships back with you?”
“Yes, and no,” Serge replied. “After a lot of bickering, I caved in and brought the ships to Parsons’ World. Shipyard is, and must remain, a closely guarded secret. I brought Jeffers all the way.”
“Hmm. You may have to put up with more bickering from me.”
“I know. But once the location of Shipyard is out, it cannot be undone. I’m not as worried about the damage to my business as you might think, it’s just that Shipyard is a diamond in the rough, especially right now. Is it necessary for you to have your headquarters here? Seems to me that Parsons’ World, or even somewhere else, might work just as well.”
“We’ll give it some thought, Serge. Thanks for what you’ve done. You’ve made good decisions, and I know they weren’t easy.”
“You’re welcome, and they weren’t. My men will exact a price, but I’m with you all the way on this.”
“Does that mean you’ll give us fast ships?”
Serge rolled his eyes. “I knew that one was coming. I will not make that choice by myself.”
“Understood,” Chandrajuski agreed, nodding his head. To Ellie, he said, “I’m convening a staff meeting. Are you up to it, Your Majesty?”
“It’s all set up. We’re just waiting on you.”
Reba, clearly disappointed that Val had not returned with them, remained quiet during the meeting. When it ended, Ellie ushered Mike into her quarters. She was accompanied by Jessie and another Great Cat unfamiliar to Mike.
“Michael, let me introduce Ralph, Otis’ replacement,” Ellie said.
Mike’s eyebrows lifted. “His replacement?”
“He has removed himself from the roll of my Protector. The damage to his body is not completely healed, and it might never be. He is ‘slowed,’ which might be to our advantage. He has more important duties as a Knight. He waited until you entered Shipyard’s system, then left immediately for Brodor. You’ll have your Guardians.”
“How many?”
“As many as you need. All of them, if that’s what you want. Brodor will terminate as many contracts as it takes. It will take time, but it’s his problem.”
“Won’t that leave them undefended?”
Ellie turned to Ralph, who answered. “Our commitment to the Queen is strong, Sire. We will not hesitate to risk all, if that is what it takes, but Brodor will not be undefended. Everyone there is a survivor, not just the Guardians and Protectors.”
He bowed to Mike. “A pleasure to finally meet you, Sire.”
“Welcome aboard, Ralph. The Queen’s Protectors do not bow to anyone, least of all me.”
“We don’t have to bow, Sire, but you’ve earned it. Jessie briefed me on your activities. My people thank you.”
Mike bowed to Ralph. “I would know your full name.”
“My true name is Rllapllptshsdt, Sire. Don’t even try. It doesn’t work in Galactic High Standard, nor can your body produce the proper sounds. Ralph is my working name, and it works fine.”
“I guess it will have to. Are you a Protector?”
“I am.”
“Otis called me a cub. You’re welcome to do the same. All of the Brotherhood has earned the right,” Mike said with a smile.
“I thank you on their behalf, Sire. Jessie is also a Protector now.”
Mike’s eyebrows rose as he turned to her. “Congratulations, Jessie. I saw you try to take the knife into your own body. You’ve earned the promotion and my gratitude.”
“Thank you, Sire. Can I call you cub, as well?” she asked, showing all her fangs in a smile. Mike, smiling in return, just nodded his head.
“She was not elevated because of the knife, Sire,” Ralph added. “It was because of her performance against the gleasons. She and Otis are the only two of the Brotherhood who have stood against gleasons and lived. I hope there is no recurrence.”
“So do I, Ralph, but there might be. You were both in the meeting and you know the stakes. I believe quite strongly that every possible effort will be made by the Rebels to find and kill the Queen, and that could include sending gleasons if they find us. I won’t complain if you go overboard in protecting her, even if she complains.”
He turned to Ellie. “I mean that. There’s no single thing of greater importance to Struthers than ending the line of Chosen. I saw with my own eyes what’s happening out there under the mistaken impression that the Chosen are no more. For the sake of your Empire, you can no longer take risks like you took on Gamma VI and Centauri
III.”
“I know. Like you, I’m learning. I was still thinking as Daughter then, not Queen. As Queen, my life is no longer my own to risk.”
“There is some question that, because of accepting a Rider, you might have lost the Touch. Have you?”
Her eyes took on a hooded look. “I haven’t tried. It might be better not to know just yet.”
Mike took her head in both of his hands and looked deep into her eyes. “Your realm must know, Your Majesty. Test your First Knight.” He released her.
She put her arms around him, mumbling into his shoulder, “I’m afraid.”
He held her for a time, then pushed her out to arms length. His gaze insisted. She took his head in her hands and looked into his eyes. Nothing happened. She let go, frightened and confused.
“You’re looking at me as me, Ellie,” he said gruffly. “Try again, but look at me like I’m someone you’ve determined must be Tested. And it’s time to Test me anyway. I’ve been away. Maybe I’ve had a change of heart. Maybe I’ve found someone else to love.”
This time her eyes swelled, and he willingly became her subject. He was no longer afraid of her knowing everything there was to know about him, not that he had any say in the matter. As before, she was totally in command. When she released him, she stood back, her smile filling him with relief.
“Ralph, Jessie, we’d like some privacy,” she said.
“We’ll be just outside the door, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Ralph.” She stood back from Mike, studying him. “Thank you, First Knight. That was a thorough Testing. Sorry, there are few secrets in your life now.” Smiling again, she said, “And I sensed the strong need uppermost in your mind, but something else comes first. I have a present for you.”
He blushed, knowing what she had sensed from him. “Uh, oh. I didn’t stop to shop.”
“I would hope not. Come here.”
She took him in her arms and ran her hands along his waist, pulling the back of his shirt up until her hands caressed his back.
“Uh, Ellie…?”
“Hush, this will only take a moment.”
Suddenly, Jake was there.›Hi, Man! I’m back!‹
“Jake!” he yelled aloud. Ellie still held tight to him.
›Don’t move, you idiot. I’m not all the way in yet.‹
›Are you back to stay?‹
›If you’ll have me.‹
›I’ll have you. Welcome home. It didn’t work out with Ellie?‹
›Does she look unhappy?‹
›No. I’m surprised you’d leave, though.‹
›She wants to be the one to tell you.‹
“Tell me what?” he spoke aloud, leaning back to get a better look at Ellie.
“Jake had another child,” she offered softly. “Her name is Cassandra.”
Mike’s mouth dropped open. “Is it working?”
“Hmm,” Ellie murmured. “She’s wonderful. And intelligent. And my second best friend.”
“She hasn’t taken my place, then?”
Ellie just leaned into him, squeezing harder. “And now you’re leaving me again.”
“Sorry. I’d rather stay. Should I send Reba by herself?”
“No. The two of you have to go. Your mission is critical. I am not inclined to die twice at the hands of the Chessori. By the way, Celine also fissioned. She is back with Reba, and Otis has a Rider of his own.”
›Okay, Mike. I’m in.‹
Mike suddenly felt whole again. He stepped away from Ellie and closed his eyes.›Welcome home, my friend.‹