Cassandra's Challenge Read online

  “Who would that be Senior Chief?” Tibullus questions.

  “That Earth Bitch.” Falco looks at the window.

  “I need a name.”

  “Cassandra Chamberlain!” She spews.

  “Why would she be to blame for the charges against you?”

  “Because she’s jealous of me, she thinks she can take my place with the Admiral. She can’t!” While Tibullus had been prepared for this, Bayard is not. His shock is evident.

  “What place is that?” Tibullus continues. Falco gets this very maniacal look on her face.

  “As his lover of course. We’ve been lovers for over eight cycles, ever since Diomede…he’s a very....inventive....lover.” Falco says with a sly look at the window.

  Feeling William stiffen behind her, Cassandra leans against him just slightly, hoping he understands. Quinn catches the slight movement and is amazed to realize that she’s trying to comfort Will, not find comfort from him.

  “Where did you first meet the Admiral?” Tibullus brings her eyes back to him.

  “I just told you when, on Diomede when we were both on leave.”

  “You were serving under the Admiral then?”

  “No, and he was a Captain.”

  “So that would be,” Tibullus pauses as he looks at his screen. “13 Marta 5245?”

  “5246.” Falco corrects.

  “Where did you meet the next time?”

  “What?”

  “You just stated that you’ve been having a long term relationship with Admiral Zafar. Where did you meet the second time?”

  “We met on the Callao space station two months later.”

  “When?”

  “30 Bealtaine.” Tibullus consults his screen again.

  “Official records show that Captain Zafar was commanding the Battleship Babirusa on the Regulian border at that date.”

  “That’s just what he put in the records.”

  “The Battle of Fayal took place during that time. Three Regulian battleships were destroyed, one captured. Captain Zafar was promoted to Vice-Admiral because of it. Your saying he wasn’t there?” Falco is silent.

  “When was the next time?”

  “There were too many over the cycles to remember exact times and places.”

  “What about your relationship with Captain San?”

  “What relationship?”

  “The one that you threatened his wife with, you were removed from the ship, committed for treatment and prescribed Xyphrine.”

  “That’s a lie!” Falco exclaims. “That bitch changed my records.”

  “And that would be…”

  “The Earth Bitch.”

  “You’re stating that someone who’s been on the ship less than,” Tibullus references his notes. “thirty days, would be able to alter secured Coalition files. Is that what you’re claiming?”

  “Yes.”

  “Empty Xyphrine bottles were found in your quarters. Xyphrine was used to poison Victoria Lynn Chamberlain.”

  “Bitch did that herself, to get rid of the little bitch, than planted the bottles in my quarters.”

  “Quarters that you secure with a remote detection system, how’d she get in without you knowing?”

  “She just did, she’s tricky, look how she’s got the Admiral’s private chef cooking her and the little bitch’s meals, sending them to their quarters. Well they don’t have any quarters now, do they.” Falco giggles.

  Bayard and Tibullus look at each other both knowing Falco has lost her mind. In the observation room William puts a hand on Cassandra’s waist as he feels her stiffen.

  “Missing DC-48 and a detonator were also found in your quarters.”

  “Lucas planted them there.” Falco tells them.

  “Why would the Admiral’s son do that?”

  “Because the two of them are lovers, have been since Earth, he’s always sniffing around her.” Tibullus decides this need’s to end.

  “You know, whoever blew up those quarters is an idiot.” Falco’s eyes flash at him. “I mean first the bomb barely touches the target, all its shrapnel ends up in the wall. The timer didn’t work, and it was pure luck that it didn’t just blow a hole in the floor.”

  “Luck my ass!” Tibullus can easily see the hatred Cassandra saw in Falco’s eyes. “That bomb was perfect! The timer was set so it wouldn’t go off until the hatch opened sixty degrees, the shrapnel arranged in a kill pattern, and the DC-48 was formed into a perfect front only blast for greatest impact. Hole in the floor my ass! I have an E-1 ranking! I know how the hell to make a fucking directional bomb. Why that Bitch moved away I don’t know! She should be dead!”

  “Lieutenant Bayard, I am ending this interview due to Senior Chief Falco’s confession. Do you agree?”

  “Yes I do.”

  “Confession?!? What confession?” Falco demands.

  “Let the log show that this interview has ended. Senior Chief you will be returned to you cube.” As Tibullus leaves the room, the Colonel shuts off the speaker.

  With Tibullus’ departure Falco seems to have calmed. Bayard says some to her but gets no response. She stands and walks to the door waiting for it to open.

  Cassandra turns to face the Admiral the rage in her eyes banked. “He’s good.” She says of Tibullus.

  “He’s one of the best.” The Admiral agrees.

  “It’ll hold?” She asks as the door opens.

  “It’ll hold.” Tibullus answers for the Admiral.

  “Then maybe you’re not a complete jerk Tibullus.” Cassandra says before remembering she’s with the ‘Admiral’. Glancing up she sees William is amused though he’s trying to frown.

  “Thank you, I think.” Tibullus replies, not sure what a jerk is.

  “What else do you need?” The Admiral asks.

  “Just a couple things about the search of Falco’s quarters and the deactivation of the remote sensor and we should be done.”

  “Admiral, if you or Tibullus don’t need me here I’d like to head back to quarters.” William turns concerned eyes to her seeing she’s starting to fade.

  “Tibullus?”

  “No, sir I have no questions for her.” Even he can see the fatigue around Cassandra’s eyes. Shit this time two days ago she was in medical, but still she came here and went toe to toe with him, answering every question she was asked. Standing by the Admiral. That alone earned his respect. The Admiral gives her a slight nod and she leaves.

  Turning down the hallway all she’s thinking is how good that bed is going to feel. When the corridor widens Cassandra hears a commotion behind her. Curious she turns to see Falco escaping her guards and barreling towards her.

  Hearing the commotion the Admiral opens the door of the observation room. Finding guards rushing by and hears….

  “You Bitch!” And he enters the fray.

  As Falco takes a swing, Cassandra ducks, her hands raised arms close to her sides. Falco spins around ready to attack again.

  “I’ve had enough of you bitch.” Not realizing she’s spoken out loud she ducks under Falco’s next swing. Sinking her left into Falco’s stomach has she doubles over. Cassandra comes in with an upper cut that would make her brother proud. The Admiral reaches her just as Falco’s eyes roll back in her head and she slumps to the floor.

  “Shit!” Cassandra exclaims shaking out her hand.

  “Guards!” The Admiral orders. “Get this piece of crap off my deck!” Coming to as the guards drag her up by her arms Falco glares at Cassandra.

  “This isn’t over, you understand me bitch? You and that little bitch are dead!” Cassandra goes very still her blue eyes deadly. Slowly she advances on Falco, the guards freeze, uncertain of what to do.

  “You ever come near me and mine again,” Cassandra’s tone has the blood draining from Falco’s face. “And you won’t be going to a nice little cube with a sore chin. You understand me bitch.”

  Turning she sees the look in William’s eye and realizes she has the attention of th
e entire room. As her neck starts to turn red the Admiral steps in.

  “Get her out of here!” The guards holding Falco drag her out. “The rest of you get back to work!” The guards scatter leaving the Admiral, Cassandra, Tar, and Tibullus.

  “Let me see your hand.” Inspecting it he finds the knuckles scrapped and bruised but nothing broken.

  “Sorry about that.” She quietly says so only he can hear. He raises his eyes to hers.

  “Where did you learn to fight like that?” Falco is a well-trained member of the Coalition, Cassandra had schooled her like a child.

  “Big brother.” At William’s look she elaborates. “Peter, my brother…Peter, Victoria’s father. He is…” William sees the quick flash of pain cross her face. “Was a member of the Special Forces. He felt his baby sister should know how to protect herself.”

  “He did a good job.” William tells her.

  “What’s the Special Forces.” Tibullus asks, avidly listening. As the Admiral turns to him realizes he should have kept his question to himself.

  “It’s a branch of the military.” Cassandra answers not seeing the look Tibullus receives. “Most men in my family served. Not all but most. The Special Forces is…” She looks to William for help. “It’s made up of small groups of highly trained men. Usually no more than six, they get sent in to solve specific problems. Then disappear.”

  “Shock Troops.” Tar says quietly. Who the hell is this person? The Admiral’s nod tells Cassandra he agrees.

  “So anyway he taught me how to defend myself.” She shrugs her shoulders. “It’s not a big deal.” But the Admiral thinks it is. Still holding her hand he feels the slight tremor in it. Recognizing the sign he turns to Tibullus.

  “The rest of the interview will have to wait. You have the tapes of this incident to review for your report.”

  “Wait! This,” Cassandra circles her finger, “isn’t going to mess up the investigation is it?”

  “No.” The Admiral tells her as he looks at Tibullus.

  “No, it’s not.” Tibullus agrees. “It will show how out of control Falco is, that she instigating the attacks. Admiral. Colonel.” Tibullus nods to both men. “Tomorrow?”

  “Ten o’clock, my ready room.” Nodding Tibullus turns to Cassandra.

  “Mam, it’s been a real honor meeting you.” Putting two fingers to the side of his head he walks off, leaving Cassandra confused.

  William puts a hand on the small of her back looking at Quinn who falls in to flank her. Together the three leave the Brig.

  Across the Retribution word has quickly spreading that the Admiral’s life mate knocked out Falco with a single punch. Nearing the Admiral’s quarters Lucas joins them.

  “I hear I missed all the fun.” He starts to joke, stopping short at the look his father gives him. Entering the ready room Cassandra sinks into a chair. William opens a drawer and pulls out a chemical cold pack. Squatting down next to her he lifts her right hand.

  “Here this will help with the swelling.” He gently applies the pack.

  “Wow! You really did knock her out.” Lucas exclaims as he sees her knuckles. Cassandra gives him a tired grin.

  “Thanks,” She says looking into William’s concerned eyes.

  “You need to go lie down.”

  “I think I will.” Helping her up, he follows her out of the ready room, closing the connecting door.

  Lucas turns to Quinn. “What the fuck happened!” Quinn isn’t sure where to start.

  “Falco demanded an interview.” Quinn walks around the Admiral’s desk pulling out a bottle and three glasses. He knows his friend. Will’s going to need a drink.

  “Questions were raised about the Admiral’s involvement with Falco.” Pouring the Carinian ale he carries two around the desk handing one to Lucas.

  “Cassandra’s involvement with you.” Lucas chocks on the sip he’s just taken.

  “With me! What the fuck!”

  “Tibullus was covering all his bases with what Falco might bring up.”

  “That’s just crap!” Lucas shoots out of his chair to pace.

  “Oh trust me Cassandra set him straight, she had Tibullus stuttering by the time she was done with him.” Quinn smiles remembering.

  “Cassandra…” Lucas turns to Quinn.

  “Tibullus questioned her.” Lucas is silent. “She stood Lucas, stood strong. She left no doubt in her belief in William.” Quinn looks down into his glass. “You should have told me everything about Falco and your father.”

  “Wasn’t mine to tell.” The two men’s eyes meet.

  “Anyway, Cassandra’s leaving when Falco sees her and breaks away from her guards, going after her. Cassandra puts her down, hard. I can’t wait to see the record of it.” He looks at Lucas. “Did you know Victoria’s father was a member of a Shock Troop?”

  “No.” Lucas gives him a confused look. “I only saw him for a few minutes in the cabin. Cassie said something about him having a hurt shoulder, but that’s all I remember.”

  “He taught her how to ‘defend’ herself. She’s damn good.” They two men turn as the connecting door opens.

  As William closes the door, Cassandra makes it as far as the couch before needing to sit. With a deep sigh she leans back closing her eyes. Feeling William sit she turns her head to look at him.

  “You should be in bed.” He tells her, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

  “I’ll be fine here until you’re done. I’m sorry William.”

  “What could you possibly be sorry for?”

  “Causing the scene with Falco, in front of your crew.”

  “Falco caused the scene,” William kisses her abused knuckles. “You just finished it, and quite well I might add. I believe every guard is going to be reviewing that recording and practicing that move.”

  “You’re not upset?” Concerned eyes look into his.

  “At you? No.”

  “Not at yourself either. Right?” She questions him.

  “No, at the guards. It should never have happened.”

  “I agree, but William…” She hesitates.

  “What?” He encourages her.

  “It felt damn good taking her out.” William looks at her then starts to laugh.

  “I happened to have liked it myself.” Cassandra grins laying her head on his shoulder.

  “You need some sleep.” Easing her down he gets a pillow and blanket from the bed making sure she’s comfortable he leans down to kiss her and finds she’s already asleep.

  “I love you, Cassandra Chamberlain.” He whispers in her ear. Lowering the lights he returns to his ready room.

  Approaching his son and friend William sees they’ve helped themselves to his ale. Sitting he finds one ready for him. Taking a sip he leans back and sees Lucas raise a questioning eyebrow.

  “Sleeping, before her head even hit the pillow.” William takes another sip.

  “Dad, what Tibullus said, about Cassandra and me…” Lucas starts. William looks at his son knowing Quinn’s told him.

  “Lucas it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” Seeing his son’s still concerned he continues. “There was never any doubt, for either of us.” Relieved Lucas nods and leans back.

  “So things should settle down now.” Lucas starts.

  “Oh sure, now all we have to do is deal with the Regulians.” Quinn jokes. But looking at William he can tell he isn’t amused.

  “Anything new there?” He asks.

  “No, long range sensors aren’t picking them up. It looks like the misdirection worked. They still think we’re heading to the Rodham space station.”

  “Rodham’s been informed?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tomorrow after we finish with Tibullus I’m going to need a secure line to Valerian. I’m going to ask that he send the Dioscuri to replace us on this tour.”

  “What!” Lucas asks stunned, “What’s going on?”

  “You’ve figured it out.” Quinn says quietly.

 
“Enough to know we need to put some space between us and the Regulians.”

  “Is this about Victoria?” Lucas demands. “Where is she!”

  “She’s staying at Amina’s. She’s fine. Lucas there’s things you don’t know, things I can’t tell you right now, but Tori isn’t the target.”

  “He said she wasn’t the Light. The Glitter Man.” Lucas says aloud. “So who is he looking for?”

  “What are you talking about?” Quinn asks.

  William brings Quinn up to speed on Tori learning Regulian, what she’d learned in her dream and Messene.

  “Messene.” Quinn says quietly. William looks at him. They all know this goes deep.

  Waking to William caressing her birthmark, Cassandra finds she’s naked in bed. The time is coming when they will need to discuss it again, but not now. Running a gentle hand down his back she draws his attention to her. Turning to partially cover her he presses her into the bed framing her face with his hands he gives her a passionate kiss that he quickly breaks off. It’d been like this since the explosion, him pulling back. That would be ending soon too. But right now she needs to tell him what she wants so he could decide.

  “William.” She looks up into the eyes she loves. He sees she has something on her mind.

  “Hmmm.” His thumb caresses her cheek.

  “I want to conceive your child.” His utter stillness tells her she’s surprised him. “Soon.” She presses.

  William’s eyes bore into hers. The thought of her conceiving his child touches a very basic place deep inside him. But she’s more important to him.

  “Cassandra, with everything that’s happening, now might not be the best time.”

  “I want your child William, a part of you, a part of me. The best time doesn’t matter because it will be our time. I know you have concerns.” She puts gentle hand to his mouth so she can finish. “I know you have a lot going on right now with Falco, the Regulians, and the Carinian traitor. But you need to know what I want, decide if it’s what you want. That’s your decision, mine is to have your child.”