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Rear Admiral Hobato was similarly welcoming. “I’m sorry I wasn’t available to greet you on the planet at the formal ceremony, Governor. The marauder squadron had only just arrived, so our timing wasn’t the best. I had planned to visit Earth in a couple of days, Please don’t think you were being ignored.”
“It never crossed my mind, Admiral. We’re all under the tyranny of a schedule. Thank you.” She smiled at an aide who placed a glass of water on the table in front of her.
“It’s fortunate you were on the station this evening. If I may bring her up to speed before we get to tonight’s incident?” Piras asked Hobato.
“Please do, but—” Hobato turned on a sound blocking device as the door shut behind his departing aide. “Governor, what you’ll hear tonight is top secret information. Admiral Piras will omit several key details, such as locations and activities we’re restricted from divulging, but you’ll still be privy to matters not meant for the many.”
“You have my word I won’t divulge anything you tell me. Shall I formally record an agreement that to do so will result in being prosecuted?”
“It’s an unfortunate necessity.”
“Which I have no problem with.”
After the formality was performed, Piras told her about having spied on a world believed to be harboring secret weapons labs. The planet was considered to be a threat to member planets of the Galactic Council membership. He described the appearance of a strange shadow vessel, as well as the low blood sugar and memory issues suffered by members of the crew’s away team soon afterward. Then he related the encounter with Admiral Tranis and his suffering a similar episode of low blood sugar.
“You and Captain Kila were exposed to your away team but didn’t show any ill effects?” Kuran asked.
“None. In fact, the only reports of it happening were to the team alone, if you discount Admiral Tranis.”
“His lightheadedness is most likely unrelated to Kila’s crew, then,” Hobato said. “It sounds as if the team encountered something environmental during their work, which they shook off once they were clear of it.”
“I agree.” Piras seemed relieved.
“Nonetheless, I’d prefer to err on the side of caution. Let’s have the entire crew do the medical workup as you’d planned, then proceed from there. We’ll have tests done on everyone they’ve come in contact with. Eventually, we’ll have the entire station’s personnel checked.”
“Medical will hate it.” Kuran smirked.
“They’ll get over it.” Hobato regarded Stacy. “Do you have any problem with us doing a lab analysis on you, since you’ve been exposed to Piras? We can put you at the head of the line and rush your results. We’ll provide overnight quarters, and you’ll return to the planet first thing in the morning.”
Stacy’s night out with Clan Rihep had been interrupted by the summons. She was delighted to have an excuse to stick around, at least once she’d given the Kalquorians whatever samples they required. “I’m happy to assist you in any way possible.”
“Thank you, Governor. Let’s get you taken care of.” Piras smiled warmly.
The Terror of the Fleet. Right.
* * * *
Earth II, next morning
In her office, Stacy sucked down her second cup of coffee and contemplated whether having the jitters was worth a third. From the way Ken Bryant was looking at her, a shot of whiskey would be of more help.
“I heard you went to the Kalquorian station last night. You didn’t return until this morning.” His gaze flicked to Kuran, who’d shown up to go over the latest security protocols.
“I met with a couple of fleet admirals. When the meeting went late, they offered me overnight quarters. I was too tired to pilot my shuttle safely, so I accepted the room.”
She was fudging the truth on who had been involved in the “late meeting.” Once she’d visited the medical department and given them their samples, she and Kuran had rejoined his clan for a stroll around the recreation deck. It had still been fairly early when she got her results from the lab: no sign of infection, alien or otherwise. She really should have turned in at that point, but she’d enjoyed the company. Clan Rihep was a diversion worth losing sleep for.
She had a lot of affection and a healthy amount of lust for the threesome. Damned if she’d let Bryant keep her from enjoying herself.
“Do you have a report to share concerning your meeting? If they’re nosing into Earth business, I should be informed of the details, as should the General Assembly.”
“There actually isn’t much to report. It started off as a first meeting with Hobato, the head muckety-muck of the fleet.”
“Rear admiral,” Kuran supplied when she looked at him.
“Thank you. Rear Admiral Hobato hadn’t been able to break away as he’d planned in order to welcome us to the planet. I decided it was high time I went up and shook his hand. A second admiral had arrived the day before. He’ll be in long-term residence and in charge of the station, so I spoke to him too. He had some fascinating tales from their civil war. Time got away from us, so I stayed over.”
“Is it wise to be seen as so chummy with them? Some might get the wrong idea. What’s the commanding admiral’s name?”
