Neither option was good. She had to make sure neither came to pass.
Maybe I need to take your mind off of it, murmured Kell. Scratch another itch.
Later, flyboy. Weve got an organ donor to hunt down. But Mara sounded husky, definitely intrigued by Kells offer.
Some crewmen whispered to each other as Celene strode by.
Thats Lieutenant Jur.
Stainless Jur?
She walked on, avoiding the admiration in their gazes and the moniker she had been given. Shed be a fool to let such idolatry affect her. The moment she believed she was the goddess everyone thought she was, she might as well take a plasma blast to the head. An arrogant pilot was a dead pilot. And she couldnt die. She had too many battles to fight.
A clerical ensign hurried forward when Celene reached Commands offices and pointed her toward one of the briefing chambers. With Kell and Mara accompanying her, she strode on. If given clearance, shed leave base today.
Her code at the door of the chamber was accepted, and the door slid open to reveal Admiral Elora Gamlyn standing next to a holo display at the far end of the room. Celene, Kell and Mara all saluted.
Only your presence was requested, Lieutenant. The admiral eyed Mara and Kell.
Id like them to stay, maam, if possible. This intel concerns all of us.
Whats said cannot leave this chamber. The mission were proposing must be conducted under strictest security protocols.
We know the gravity of the situation, maam, Kell said.
So whos the sipkaswine were after? asked Mara.
Celene choked down a laugh.
Mara. Kell placed a hand on her shoulder.
Sorry. Whos the sipkaswine were after, maam?
At least the admiral smiled. Your enthusiasm is heartening, Ensign Skiren. Were waiting for someone to join us, and then the briefing can commence. The alert at the chamber door trilled. And hes here, now.
Everyone turned to face the newcomer as the door slid open. He stepped inside, then stopped abruptly when he saw everyone staring at him expectantly.
She had an indistinct impression of having met this man before, but she wasnt completely certain. 8 thWing was thousands strong, with hundreds on base at any given time. Black Wraith Squad usually kept to themselves. They were an elite group, and more than a little insane. Adrenaline junkies who lived to fly. No wonder everyone gave them a wide berth.
The man walking into the chamber gazed at her. Alarm and fascination combined in his eyes.
Not a surprise. She was given a wider berth than most. Few people made friends with a legend. And as for having a romantic relationshipby becoming one of the best pilots, shed inadvertently consigned herself to celibacy. She could never be the flawless paragon her lovers wanted. Stainless Jurthats who they desired. Tough experience had taught her that it was better to be alone than see the disappointment in her lovers eyes when they learned she wasnt a goddess, only a woman. A very skilled woman who could fly better than most sentient beings in the galaxy, but a woman, nonetheless.
The newcomer stared at her like she was a tigeren that had escaped its cage.
He wasnt an unpleasant specimen of maleness. He didnt have Kells height or impressive build. Instead he had a lean muscularity that nicely filled out his
uniform without being showy. Sandy hair, deep green eyes that gleamed with intellect, a face more rugged than handsome. His mouth surprised her, with its full lips better suited for a fashion vid model than a soldier.
That mouthseemed so familiar. As if she knew its taste, warm and masculine. Noshed remember lips like his.
I believe you all know Lieutenant Nils Calder, the admiral said.
It took Celene a few moments to place him. From Engineering. A vague recollection flitted through her mind of her consulting Lieutenant Calder about the navigational controls of her Black Wraith.
NerdWorks? blurted Mara.
Kell groaned, Celene choked and even the admiral reddened.
Calder only smiled. Ive also heard Dork Corps, Geek Brigade and Dweeb Patrol. His voice was deep, with a faint rasp. But NerdWorks is my favorite.
Much as Celene appreciated his sense of humor, she wanted intel right now, not jokes. She turned to Admiral Gamlyn. The briefing?
I have the intel here. Calder held up a digitablet. He walked to the holo display, and everyone shuffled to get out of his way. Their bodies brushed against each other as he moved to the display. His breath caught at the contact, and his cheeks darkened.
Guess NerdWorks doesnt usually mix with actual humans.
This close to him, she realized he was bigger than shed first thought, over half a foot taller than her. The only other man in the room was Kell, and he had a tendency to make other men seem smaller by comparison. But Lieutenant Nils Calder was long and lean as a swimmer, impressive in his own way.
He turned to address everyone in the chamber. Yet his gaze caught Celenes and held.
Astute, those eyes of his. And aware. Of her.
The intel, Lieutenant.
Admiral Gamlyns directive broke the odd spell that had fallen, and Calder looked away as he moved to the holo display.