Lawrence White - Knights of the Chosen

Mike and Chandrajuski would return to Shipyard, first gathering up any Protectors or Guardians they could find here on Aldebaran I to guard the Queen.

Mike would hasten his departure to Earth. While he was gone, Chandrajuski would organize a training regimen for the recruits from Earth in addition to his myriad other chores of organizing the Queen’s armed resistance to the Rebels.

“Thank you for not telling them about Serge’s fast ships,” Chandrajuski commented to Mike during their return to Shipyard. George had turned off his beacon a week after departure, and their signature had dropped from the screens at Seeton’s headquarters. Because of that, they were able to fast-ship the rest of the way.

“No sense getting their hopes up until Serge agrees to provide the science and engineering,” Mike answered. “We definitely need it. We’re in the hole when it comes to new discoveries to combat that communications ability of the Chessori. If they really have it, Struthers has access to it, and don’t for a moment think those kinds of things are insignificant. On Earth, major battles, even whole wars have been won or lost because one side suddenly gained a slight advantage. But bringing Earthmen to the front lines, if we can pull it off in time, provides us with a huge club against the Chessori. I just hope we can keep their knowledge of our source, Earth, a secret. It won’t be easy. As soon as my people show up in the fleet, everyone will know.”

“Then maybe we should lie about where they come from. Where would you like to be from?”

Mike smiled. “I couldn’t care less. Somewhere that won’t suffer when the Rebels find out. I can readily see them decimating some poor, innocent world out there.”

“We’ll have to do some homework on that one. Maybe we can have your men wear a special trinket or something that leads everyone to believe we’ve found a technological solution to the psi weapon.”

Mike brightened. “Great idea. Anyone with the trinket will be immune, no matter where they’re from.”

“We’ll have to claim it only works for humans at the moment,” Chandrajuski grumbled.

When they arrived on Shipyard, Ellie didn’t wait for Mike to find her. She boarded Resolve the moment the ramp touched the ground. With Jessie and Reba at her side, she threw her arms around him, clearly not caring who observed.

“Welcome back, my love,” she whispered into his ear.

“Welcome home, you mean,” Mike corrected. She pressed closer.

Serge came strolling up the ramp soon after with his hands in his pockets, acting as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “You’re back early. More bad news?”

“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

“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.