BORN OF HEROES

— by Jeff Karamales

Chapter 60
 

Lieutenant Nathan Champ was the Spatial Police Force officer that made contact with the Ascendant Angel to take custody of Candace Learner, the interstellar law enforcement group having jurisdiction as the crime perpetrated against Sabine Lansing was in transit. The human spoke with the senior officers on the freighter as three of his subordinates escorted the wolf to a windowless van, restraint cuffs on her wrists, Candace’s head lowered submissively.

  “We’ve received your Doctor’s recommendations, and I think we agree,” Champ said. “Um, we do have a counselor that we use on a regular basis not far from the barracks if you’d like me to set up a quick session for your crew member.”

  “That might not be a bad idea,” Elias agreed. “We’ve got three days before we head to Hestra for a package going to Joplin.”

  “I know Doctor Surtz helped me out after I went through some stuff,” the human said. “I used to think that seeing a shrink was a sign of weakness. I know better, now.”

  “I’ve seen a couple myself,” the white fox agreed. “I don’t think one can ignore help for dealing with things when you’re out on the sharp end for any amount of time.”

  The Lieutenant agreed and let Elias know that there were apartments available if the crew wanted time off their ship before joining the rest of the SPO’s to escort Candace Learner to the secure hospital facility she’d be admitted to.

  A contingent from Binfurr was also at the starport to take possession of their cargo and waited for the business with the SPF to conclude before coming forward. The fur in the lead of the group that approached Elias and his crew was dressed smartly in a dark blue business suit with a stark white, low collar formal shirt, a gold and opal brooch at her throat. She was surrounded by an entourage and stopped a respectful distance from the white fox, Lena and Randal as the rest of the crew brought the secured crates from the depths of the cargo bay of the Ascendant Angel.

  “Captain Elias Tivnan?” the cheetah inquired, removing the lavender tinted glasses she wore.

  “Yes?” the fox replied stepping forward, his eyebrow raised slightly.

  “Teia Binfurr, Captain. I would like to apologize on behalf of my brother, Tisane, for the incident that happened on board your ship and would like to know if you crew member is alright. Needless to say this is a most embarrassing and deplorable occurrence and we would like to know if there is anything that I…that we can do to help remedy the situation?” The cheetah had a regretful expression and seemed sincere in her apology.

  “To be honest, ma’am, I’m not sure if there’s anything save time and treatment that will help. Our crew member is being taken care of as best we can and we’re looking into counseling.” Elias ran his hand through the fur on top of his head. “I just wish we’d been aware of Ms. Learner’s condition beforehand and all of this could have been avoided.”

  “Rest assured we will also be taking measures regarding this-” Teia Binfurr began before Elias held up a hand.

  “While she’s hurt by what happened, my crew member isn’t pressing charges,” Elias informed the cheetah. “The disorder that Candace suffers from isn’t something that she chose, unlike some individuals that I’ve encountered. It’s a medical condition, and while what happened was regrettable, I’ve been instructed by Sabine Lansing, the female involved, that she doesn’t want to press charges.”

  Teia tilted her head quizzically. “That’s a rather magnanimous gesture,” she said softly. “Is she expecting some kind of…incentive?”

  “No,” a soft voice said from the bottom of the ramp. “I’m not looking for a payoff.”

  Sabine stepped forward and stood next to her Captain, her arms wrapped tight around her upper body.

  “Are you the…ah, victim, ma’am?” Teia asked, watching the squirrel nod.

  “Candace is sick,” Sabine said quietly. “She needed her medication, but it ran out. It’s not her fault and I don’t want to see her suffer more than she has…or will be when she realizes what she did. I’d be happier knowing that she’s getting the help she needs.” The squirrel shivered a little despite the warm sunlight that bathed the area around the freighter. Lena moved closer and put her arm around the other female for support. “I know if she was on her proper medication that she’d be sorry about what she did and couldn’t help herself and I just want all of this to be over.”

  The cheetah’s expression softened a couple of degrees. “That’s very compassionate and understanding of you, ma’am. We’re very appreciative for your…understanding.” The cheetah turned back to Elias. “And despite what has happened, we’re also pleased with the timely delivery of our cargo. Binfurr Arms, Limited would like to apologize and compensate you for what you’ve had to endure and have credited your account accordingly.” Teia Binfurr assumed a chagrined expression. “I know that many businesses prefer to keep instances like this quiet, but my brother and I feel that this is something that could have been avoided had we been more thorough in our screening of Ms. Learner and take full responsibility.

  “We…,” the cheetah shook her head, “I can’t tell you how sorry I am.” She lowered her gaze. “I can’t even imagine this being done to someone. That it was done by someone that works for my brother’s company…” She looked up at Sabine and shook her head slowly. “I’m so very sorry…”

  Sabine shrugged into herself. “If you are as sorry as you say,” the squirrel began, “then make sure Ms. Learner gets the help she needs so that she doesn’t do what she did to me to another.”  With that the young female turned and headed back into the ship, Lena supporting and going with her.

***

   “This is Holly Harkin with the ‘Alignment in a Minute’ and a quick rundown of breaking events.

  “In a special session of the Planetary Alignment Legislature the events of the Spatial Police Force’s task force that engaged the remnants of the outlaw mercenary group known as Ganlin’s Legion in Operation Hammer Stroke have been commended for exemplary bravery in facing the renegade regiment. Ganlin’s Legion, which had been outlawed after the slaughter of the Trumball’s Downing colony personnel, has been on the Priority Threat list of the Spatial Police Force and the law enforcement departments and militaries of nearly every planet of the Alignment for over a decade.

  “Operation Hammer Stroke has been declared one of the foremost examples of interplanetary cooperation in protecting the citizenry of the Alignment. Commander Breth Janes is to be presented with a special citation along with the top officers that were involved in the mission. Be sure to tune in for our live coverage of the ceremony tomorrow night.

  “On a separate note, Teia Binfurr, sister to Tisane Binfurr of Binfurr Arms, Limited has initiated a personal program of establishing refuge shelters for abused individuals and the victims of sexual predation on six of the fifteen worlds of the Planetary Alignment with more facilities scheduled to open in the following months. Miss Binfurr had this to say from Binfurr corporate headquarters on Fyn:

  “Because of recent actions committed by one of our very own employees, I was forced to realize the problem that this threat poses. It can strike anywhere at any time and anybody. Too often there is nowhere for the victims of these crimes to turn to or where they can go to for help, safety and protection and to get the treatment and counseling needed. I know that this doesn’t excuse the actions of our employee that attacked and forced her attentions on another, but hopefully this will help others that have found themselves in similar situations.”

  “Other services that are offered are free legal representation for victims of a variety of crimes, self defense courses for the public and assistance in counseling and recovery programs from all forms of sexual predation, completely free of charge. Further information can be found at both the INN and Binfurr information sites.

  “Coming up next we continue our recent segment on the different cultures and cuisine of the Planetary Alignment with our next stop the world of Sillon, the holiday destination that has no equal! The head chef of the infamous Dragon’s Loft will even show us her favorite quick dinner for the family on the go!”

***

   “We’re clear for docking bay seven,” Cerise said from the communications console as she adjusted her headset and scratched gently at her ear. “You know, I can’t say that Joplin is one of my favorite places after seeing some of the other worlds of the Alignment. I just hope we get a job to head to Sillon someday. I’ve always wanted to go there. Olin’s even going to do that dish that we saw on the news.”

  “What’s not to love?” Lena asked with a wide grin from the copilot/navigator’s seat. “No air, uniform grey color…it’s an absolute vacation spot!”

  “This is SPF headquarters?” Sabine asked from the left side of the bridge where she sat in one of the redundant consoles used for engineering. “It doesn’t look like much,” she said dubiously.

  “Just wait, sweetie,” Lena tossed over her shoulder.

  The Ascendant Angel passed over the surface of the planetoid before Elias rotated their ship and pulled back on the throttles. “Look there. It’s the sister ship of the Righteous. I think they named her Vindication.”

  “Wow!” Sabine said looking out the forward viewports with wide-eyed wonder before bringing up an enhanced image on her engineering console. “She’s beautiful!” Her furry finger traced the lines of the image on her screen. “And you commanded the Righteous? Was she really as fast as I’ve heard?”

  “Oh, yeah,” Elias said with a smile. “But just like the Angel here, it was all about the crew.”

  The fox guided the freighter past a few of the ships that were just now having the last of the damage received in the Van Connor Hammer Stroke Campaign tended to by space suited work crews and technicians in exo-suits. Elias dropped the ship to a fraction of its full speed, not wanting to exceed port regulations and guided the ship gracefully into the assigned hangar, shutting down the systems as soon as the H model freighter set down on the rock floor.

  No sooner did Elias take the engines offline than a vibration ran through the vessel as the bay doors closed, the heavy armored panels shaking the whole of the bay. “We’ll give them a few minutes to get pressure up before we crack the seal on the hatch.” He listened as Cerise called for the crew to assist in getting their cargo ready for offload and informed their passengers that they could debark shortly before standing up from his chair and stretching, causing his back to pop with a sigh of relief. “Pity that Saul and Treena are away in the Lia-Noa system. It would’ve been nice to see them.”

  “Heh! I think that might be for the best,” Lena said with a flash of irritation. “I’m a little put out that they didn’t invite us to the formal bonding ceremony they did for their families.”

  “I think I’m okay with having missed it,” Odette said with a chuckle. “Why they chose a ceremony where everyone’s nude is beyond me. I have no problem with revealing outfits, but I’m not too big into exhibitionism!”

  “I think it’s one of the obscure traditions from Treena’s home area on Fyn,” Elias said as he perched on the back of Cerise’s seat, his hands on her shoulders as he gave her a gentle massage. “I’m kind of glad we missed it as well. At least they got our gifts.”

  “We’re ready down here, Elias,” Randal’s voice said over the intercom.

  “Copy that. We’ll be down in a few minutes, Randy,” the fox said using the intercom on his wife’s console. “Well, let’s go.”

  As soon as the cargo hatch was opened, the crates that they had transported for the SPF and the three individuals that had accompanied them departed with barely a word and disappeared into the depths of the labyrinthine tunnels. Which was just as well as Sander Brees was eager to greet his friends and extended family. What was surprising was the additional presence of Breth Janes.

  The lion accepted hugs from Cerise and Keena with a laugh and handshakes from the others, of course, no longer constrained by protocol Lena, Sonja and even Odette joined in on mobbing the lion. “You know, you shouldn’t do things like that when I’m on duty!” Sandy said with an embarrassed laugh.

  “We aren’t SPF anymore, so nyaaah!” Lena declared with a wide grin and made a face. “Although I can see why Cerise and Keena like hugging you, Colonel. You’re kinda cuddly.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of one of my senior officers, and especially not Sandy, ever referred to as ‘cuddly’. Far less savory terms certainly, but never that,” Breth Janes told the group with a grin.

  It was all Elias could do to refrain from snapping to attention, and a glance at the others told him he wasn’t the only one. He held out his hand to the woman as she approached him. “Good to see you again, Ma’am.”

  “That’ll be enough of that, Elias,” Janes replied with a chuckle and head shake. “You’re a civilian now. Just call me B.J.” She looked at the freighter appreciatively. “I like the name. She treating you all right?”

  “Oh, yeah. Like I told the others, it’s good to have our home back.”

  “It’s good knowing that she went to a deserving Captain and crew,” the commandant informed the fox. “And I’m certainly glad that she’s flying again. I might have to ask if you ever decide to decommission her if we can have her. Or buy her back from you. I think I’d like to have the first pirate hunter put in our museum.” Janes seemed like she was going to say more but caught Pala coming down the ramp with the kits.

  The fox smiled as one of the most powerful human women in the entire PA picked up his children with a musical laugh.

  “I have missed these little scamps, though!” Janes exclaimed with Van in one arm and Renee in the other. Both kits babbled and yipped happily at the human and giggled when she stuck her nose into the fur of their necks and hummed, tickling both children.

  Sandy raised an eyebrow giving Lena a curious look when the doe looked at the Commander doting on the kits with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “What are you thinking?”

  “Just wondering what kind of payoff I could get not to take a picture of this and circulate it on the Net,” Lena told the Colonel with a wicked grin.

  “It might be a tidy sum,” the lion said. “Then again, do you really want to take the chance on getting thrown in the brig for a year?”

  The human chuckled. “Lena, I’m just as susceptible to ooing and ahing over babies as anyone else. Besides, I changed more than a few diapers on these two while you were all out taking care of business. It was nice having children around for a little bit.” Janes’ nose wrinkled a little. “Speaking of diapers…”

  “And here I just changed them,” Cerise said with an exasperated shake of her head and a laugh taking the children with Pala helping and heading back into the ship.

  “Well, when they come back we’ll head to the Officers’ Lounge,” Janes said. “Before that, would you mind if I asked if you have any other appointments to make? I’d like to contract you for a…special delivery.”

  “We don’t have anything on the schedule at the moment,” Elias informed her. “I’m a little curious as to why us? Wouldn’t it be cheaper to use SPF assets already on station?”

  “Cheaper? Marginally so, yes,” Janes said with a sly look. “But not nearly as low key. Especially not on Brandt. I’d rather this little delivery stayed relatively quiet.”

  “Understandable,” Elias said with a grin. “Seeing the SPF is prohibited on that world.” The fox slid his hands into the pockets of his leather coat. “Just give us the contact’s information and don’t tell me what the cargo is. I don’t think I really want to know.”

  “Nothing that could be considered illegal,” the woman said with a laugh. “Routine supplies for a…friend.”

  “Forty five thousand, half up front, the rest credited to our account upon confirmation of delivery,” Elias said without batting an eye or hint of hesitation. “Should be a reasonable fee for secure package transfer,” the fox pulled out a dedicated DataPak. “If you could sign here?”

  Janes looked at her former subordinate with surprise, the expression becoming one of burgeoning respect. “No haggling, Elias?”

  The fox shook his head. “Delivery fee and prices are non-negotiable, though you are getting a substantial discount.” He grinned openly. “A discount I didn’t even give Rovi, I might add.” Elias watched as Breth took the DataPak and looked over the shipping contract before signing and adding her thumbprint. “But I can guarantee delivery. The only way your package won’t get to its recipient is because we’re dead.”

  “And as we’re pretty hard to kill…” Cerise added as she rejoined the group, a much happier and far less aromatic pair of kits in her and Pala’s arms.

***

   Sabine exited the office of the psychiatric counselor looking far more at ease and relaxed than she had been going in and Lena stood from where she and Randal had patiently waited in the lounge area of the medical offices. “Feeling better?” the doe asked as the red squirrel stepped up to both and hugged them in turn before taking their arms in hers in a gesture that seemed fairly natural after the past few weeks of being around the couple.

  Her smile grew wider and Sabine nodded. “I guess what happened is fairly common,” the squirrel told her companions. “We talked about the ‘why’ of what happened, and how it wasn’t my fault.”

  The three headed back towards the commerce section, the entire area being little more than a few shops for the SPF personnel to get away from the tedium of duty routines, though there wasn’t a lot that any of the small shops had that any of them needed, though they did pick up a few new videos and small items for the ship. The section was also used as a reward out of the barracks for cadets that had earned it.

  “What happened isn’t your fault,” Randy said, shifting position so that he had the females on either arm and couldn’t help but puff his chest out a little at some of the envious looks he was receiving from veteran SPO’s and cadets alike with two girls for company. “I hate to bring this up, but now you can see why I wanted you to learn how to defend yourself.”

  “I know,” Sabine said, moving a little closer to the wolf and resting her head on the male’s arm. “At least I do now.” The squirrel looked up and also glanced at Lena. “And thank you. Both of you.”

  As the trio made their way silently through the commercial section, then to the ship, Lena gave Randy a quizzical look in regards to an earlier conversation and had used the time that Sabine had been with the therapist to really talk. The wolf shrugged letting the doe make the final decision on the topic that had occupied them.

  “I’m going to take Sab to the cabin for a little talk,” Lena told her lover. “Why don’t you come up in a little while,” she suggested.

  “Sure. I have a few things I need to take care of anyway.” He gave the doe a quick kiss before stopping and letting the females continue to the lift as he entered his cubicle and sat down at the terminal.

  As Sabine stepped into the lift with Lena, the doors closing with a hiss of pneumatic actuators, she seemed to shrink in on herself, sensing that the slightly older female was going to be bringing up a very serious topic that would directly involve her. Before she could bolt, the squirrel was all but dragged to the cabin by the hand and firmly sat down on the edge of the large bed in the cabin.

  “Randy and I have been talking quite a bit about what to do with you,” Lena began without preamble, facing the other female before sitting down on the bed and fidgeting for several moments. “Wow. This is more difficult than I thought,” she said with a sigh that bordered exasperation before looking at the squirrel. “We both know how you feel about Randy, and while I was a little irritated at first, I can understand why you’re attracted to him.”

  Sabine started to speak until Lena shook her head, closing her eyes to compose herself and relax before continuing.

  “I know it won’t be the first time something like this has happened, and there are all types of different…arrangements across the Alignment.” The doe took the younger female’s hand. “What I’m trying to say is that I’m okay with you being part of what Randy and I have.”

  “What?” Sabine asked, her dark eyes wide, a look of hope replacing the previous expression of dread.

  “I’m willing to share,” Lena said quietly, her eyes turning to the carpeted deck.

  Sabine fidgeted, pulling her tail across her lap and began to nervously brush the fur out with her fingers. “Does he mind sharing you as well?”

  The doe’s head snapped up and her eyes were wide enough to show white around the edges. “I…I don’t…what?”

  Sabine smiled mischievously and gave a little giggle and shrug, the insides of her ears flaring a deep, blushing pink. “I grew up in a family with three mothers. It’s sort of the norm on where I was raised. When you’re in a place where there the female to male ratio is six to one…well, it happens. Nothing like I think you’re thinking, but there will be times when I want to cuddle with both of you, or sometimes just you. It won’t be more than that. I like guys way too much.”

  Lena was speechless, and while she wasn’t against any form of relationship, so long as it was between consenting adults, this was something that hadn’t entered her thoughts at all, though looking back on the events of the past few weeks, she shouldn’t be so surprised. It was Lena’s turn to be embarrassed.

  Randal gave the females over an hour to talk, having gotten involved in setting up his duty schedules for the coming week, before returning to the cabin he shared with Lena. When the hatch slid open he was perplexed by the dim lighting, not really sure what he’d been expecting to find. While prepared for either the two females to be conversing quietly or the suite to be in shambles from a fight, he wasn’t prepared for the sight of both reclining on the large bed in rather seductive poses and looking slightly amused. Both regarded him with fairly anticipatory, and slightly aggressive, expressions that caused the wolf to consider fleeing.

  As it was, Randy didn’t know that both rabbits and squirrels could pounce and he never really stood a chance.

— NEXT CHAPTER —

Unless otherwise noted, all material © Ted R. Blasingame. All rights reserved.