HeartCrystal

Chapter 2

The man walking toward him was a born leader and commander. He radiated strength and purpose, traits his son Master Hunter had inherited, among others. Taking his eyes away from the communications board in front of him, Deceiver waited to see what Vall Vosstien had to say, although he already had a good idea what it would be about.

“Deceiver, I came to tell you my family and I have had a wonderful visit, but it’s time we were heading home,” the man announced.

“I thought that was what you were wanting to see me about. When?”

“Cara’s checking into it, but there’s a four-fifty flight out tomorrow. With luck, they’ll approve us three seats.” The big man hesitated; something the Guardian leader suspected he wasn’t accustomed to doing, before continuing. “I also wanted to speak to you personally, and offer to you my apologies, and my thanks.”

Deceiver didn’t try to hide his surprise. “The thanks I can understand. But why do you need to apologize?”

“Because of what I used to believe about the Guardians. When Udo had told me he was joining your group, I have to admit I was leery. And suspicious. I know the good the Guardians do on a daily basis, but when your firstborn son takes up the shield, it hits a bit closer to home.” He stuck out a large hand, and Deceiver accepted his handshake.

“These past couple of days have done me a world of good, not to mention how they’ve bolstered my wife’s emotional health. I can see now why you all keep so close to the bone. It’s a protective measure. Plus the fact that there’s so much crap going on out there that the public doesn’t need to know about, or worry about. It’s a wonder you all manage to survive like you do.” Vosstien regarded the Guardian leader with a keen, observant eye. “I was proud to tell people my son is a Guardian. I still am. More so, after these past couple of days.”

“Like I told you yesterday, Commander Vosstien, we are highly indebted to you and your ships. Without you, I honestly doubt we could have defeated the Ombitra fleet.”

The board under his hands chirped softly. Deceiver glanced down to see why it had alerted him. It was an incoming call tying directly to the clinic. A call coming from off-planet. A tiny grin lifted one corner of his mouth. With the exception of Hunter and Star, everyone else was presently at Command. And since their wedding two days ago, no one knew where the couple had disappeared to. Deceiver was sorely tempted to listen in on the conversation.

“An emergency?” Vosstien questioned curiously. The remark drew Deceiver from the board.

“No. Incoming call to the clinic. I think it’s Hunter or Star.”

The man’s eyes widened. “How do you know? Where are they?”

Deceiver shrugged. “Don’t know unless I ask. But it’s an off-planet call going straight to the clinic. That’s all I can tell.”

The board chirped again, signaling the communication had been terminated. Deceiver punched the button to buzz the combination hospital and lab located at Command.

“Clinic,” Doctor Perlakian’s crisp voice answered.

“This is Deceiver. Was that last incoming call from Hunter and Star?”

“Why didn’t you just listen in?” the woman teased. “Yes, it was Hunter.”

“Did he happen to mention where they were?”

“Now, Deceiver, that’s none of our business. After all, it’s their honeymoon.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I suppose you’re also going to tell me it’s none of my business why he called,” Deceiver groused. “Can you at least tell me if Star’s doing any better?”

He heard her long sigh over the speaker. “I can confirm that Star’s strength and health is steadily improving. She’s getting plenty of strong sunlight. Anything else I can help you with, Deceiver?”

“No. You’ve been helpful. Later, Doc.” Closing the channel, Deceiver looked back up at the commander. Strangely, there was an odd, almost pensive expression on the man’s face. Odd enough to make him ask. “Something bothering you?”

“Just putting two and two together.” Vossien tossed a quick smile at the man. “Plenty of strong sunlight? Did I hear her right?”

“What are you thinking?” Deceiver grinned.

“I’m asking myself, now where can my son and his new wife go without taking anything with them? Some place where she can get ‘plenty of strong sunlight’, and still be within his reach to transport them both? If memory serves, Udo’s comfort range is about ten to twelve parsecs.”

This bit of news took the Guardian aback. “Ten to twelve?”

Until that moment, he’d surmised the man could go maybe five to six. But, he had to remind himself he had never directly asked Hunter what his limitations were. “Do you know where they could be— ” Deceiver started to ask, when the answer suddenly popped into his head. “Abernath.” It was a little less than seven parsecs distant.

“It’s the perfect place.” Vosstien smiled broadly. “Plo Corra is a b***h star. Terrin should be getting plenty of what she needs to get better.”

He turned to leave, when Deceiver inquired, “Think you should buzz ahead and let them know you’re on your way back?”

“No need to. If I know my son, he’s waiting for us to come home.”

The man walked out, leaving Deceiver to wonder what he meant by his last remark.