Both combatants came in and bowed to the leader then took a stance against each other. Moving like lightning they each advanced upon each other starting with thrown weapons. Both failing that, they pulled short swords as they again advanced slashing and thrusting. It was half a toton later when the slimmer of the two caught the other on the arm ripping a gash in it.
Undaunted the heavier combatant moved to counter attack only to be rebuffed and drove to the wall. A short sword at the throat and a dagger across the midsection finally put the heavier of the two down. Falling, the heavier combatant opened their arms to await death that never came. Instead the one still standing cuffed the one on the floor with the hilt of the sword effectively knocking them unconsciousness.
Bowing to the leader the male nodded as the victor removed their head and face covering. “You are the victor; you therefore are awarded the mission.” As the cover came off it revealed a fiery headed female that was smiling.
“Thank you father. I will not fail you or the clan. If I do I shall accept the consequences of that failure.” The female told the leader.
“I realize this daughter though with the shortness of the clan, all will be accepted back, failure or not.” Sighing the leader went on to explain at the questioning look on her face. “We have lost many in the last four quants. You are the last of the leader children. If the clan loses you, then the clan will be lost. I have therefore accepted that if there is a failure, the clan member will not be killed but teach the others of their failure so that it will not happen again.”
“Father? What of the honor of the clan?” The female asked.
“The honor of the clan is a very fine thing indeed. Though I have to ask, if all are dead then what of the honor would survive?” The leader asked the wide eyed female.
Bowing the female replied, “I understand father, I do not intend to fail. I will kill the one that is the assignment and return. Soon we shall have all our land returned to us.”
The leader watched as his daughter left for her mission. You are so naïve my daughter, even if we kill this king elect I fear that we will never be free of the one that held their land.
________________________________________________________
Bill watched as Mikos and at least fifty others left the palace. In all they had found well over forty thousand devices. Bill could only shake his head the amount of time all four of those that had planted them had to be staggering!
Mikos walked up a moment later a tired, wide smile on his face. “We ran two separate sweeps with two crews. We got at least ninety nine percent of them. It will take a concentrated scan to get the rest but I think we made it a hell of a lot safer than it was.”
Bill nodded he’d expected no less from Mikos, the Chartreux clan were nothing if not thorough. “I know you have done an exceptional job.” Bill smiled as the young officer snapped off a salute.
Roth walked up a moment later as Mikos gave his report apologizing for not getting all of them. “The work you did Lieutenant Colonel has made the Palace and Central the safest places on the planet right now.”
Bill smiled as he looked on while Mikos finished giving his report. Turning toward Bill Mikos saluted, “I will return soon to extract the rest of them sir.”
“You made a supreme effort Colonel, I can’t ask for more than that.” Bill said as he watched first Roth’s then Mikos eyes grew wide in surprise.
“Sir?” Mikos asked a look of wonder in his eyes.
“I just wish I had more officers like the two of you.” Bill told both of them.
Mikos gulped as he saluted Bill again then stopped a moment. “Uh… sir?”
“Yes Colonel, is there a problem?” Bill asked Mikos wondering what was up.
“Well sir, uh… it’s about Sergeant First Class Theta.” Mikos started.
Bill turned more toward Mikos trying to figure out where this was going. “Yes? What about her?”
“Well sir, I am of rank now that I may take a second wife.” Mikos replied.
“Alright, so I take it you wish to take her as your second. Are you needing my permission,” Bill asked.
“No sir, though that would be fantastic it isn’t that simple.” Mikos said quietly.
Confused a moment Bill looked at Roth, “alright just what in the hell am I missing here?”
“I believe what Colonel Mikos is trying to express, is that since he is an officer, he can’t take her as a mate. Is that about it Mikos?” Roth asked.
“Yes sir,” Mikos answered. “She is enlisted; since I wish to take her as a mate I cannot promote her. I knew that the general doesn’t usually take care of these things. I was waiting ’til I could ask you sir.”
“What in the hell kind of shit are you two talking about?” Bill asked confused now.
“It is simple rules of the military sir. An enlisted cannot nor will not engage in becoming a mate with an officer.” Roth explained.
“That’s the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard.” Bill told both of them.
Roth sighed how could he explain it to a non military mind? “Sir it has always been this way. It has been said that at one time this was allowed a very, very long time ago. The distraction proved to be far too much pressure on the both of them. It even became so detrimental that huge numbers of officers were lost in a short time as were their mates. This rule was instated to deter that.”
“So what? You want me to make her an officer? Why didn’t you say that in the first damn place! God! This going around the long way is tiring.” Looking at both of the males before him Bill warned. “This had better be the last time. You got something to say or ask then just do it! I’ve not the time for games!”
A huge smile lit up Mikos face when Bill finished his last statement. Then he stood back when Roth gave him a look.
“Sir making her an officer is all fine and well but is she ready?” Roth asked a concerned look on his face. “You know sir you could make her the lowest officer ’til you felt she was ready for higher command responsibilities.”
Bill thought a moment then nodded toward Roth, “just what is the lowest rank of officer?” Bill asked unable to think of a rank lower than second lieutenant.
“That sir would be a Warrant Officer. It is usually reserved for higher ranking enlisted that are made officers not unlike you are making her one.” Roth said a look of relief coming to his face.
“Alright, make her this warrant officer, and then you can take her as a mate. That is if she accepts you. I know for a fact that her and your clan hasn’t mated in almost a gallant.” Bill said as he eyed Mikos for his reaction.
“Thank you sir, I am confident that she will. I have much to offer her and her clan. I don’t foresee a problem.” Mikos replied.
Both Roth and Bill shook their heads, god! They had both forgotten the confidence and stupidity of youth! “I really hope that she sees it your way Mikos I really do. Rejection is something I don’t think you have had very often.”
Mikos could only stare at both of the males as they all made their way to central. Snapping out his com Bill called ahead. Bill was even more surprised when he saw it was Theta that answered.
“Hello sir. We have been awaiting the all clear.” She stated, Bill could see that she looked tired almost as tired as Mikos did. They both had obviously been putting in a lot of totons to secure central.
“You have the all clear for now. We will be returning within a few moments. I am appreciative of all the work that you and the Colonel have been doing.” Bill told her trying to gauge her reaction through her tired expression.
“Oh good! Finally he can do far more than he was able to. Thank you sir, with him as a Colonel now things should get only better here.” Theta told him.
“I’m glad that you feel that way I also feel that he and you are both doing all that needs to be done to secure command. I am glad that I have personnel such as you two, warrant officer Theta. Keep up the good work!” Bill finished as they had entered command and was now in the room with her.
Turning, her mouth hanging open what happened next caught her even more off guard. Mikos walked up to her and took her paw, “Theta Panadon, I claim you as my second mate, to bond our clans together.”
Theta tried to speak but nothing was coming out. She was an officer? Mikos was claiming her? It was too much! Turning to Bill she started to thank him but only managed to get out, “Sir I than…” The strain of working as long as she had, and the lack of sleep and now all of this hit her at once. Then the world was spinning as she felt Mikos arms go around her as everything went black.