Page 47 of Lhora
“None so far.”
“Good.”
“Vadris,” Deppil broke in. “They did manage to get off a message before we opened fire.”
“Did we manage to read it?”
“No. It was sent in a microburst. Not through regular communication channels.
Lon sighed. “If we’re lucky, it’ll be some time before they realize they’re missing a warship.”
Jorm chuckled. “One thing’s for certain. If the Tra’Mell did send off a message for help, their higher ups are going to find out they were accosted by three ships from the same people they’re supposed to be in league with.”
The Vadris chuckled. The next instant, his amusement vanished, and he grew serious. He turned to face Lhora. “You have a lot to explain.”
“What do you mean?”
He pointed to her weapon. “That’s a shurr sword, isn’t it?”
“Yes. What of it?”
His eyes narrowed. “Only the elite own and train with those. At least, those on Coltross do. What is your rating?”
She lifted her chin in defiance. “I told you I was the head of security for the Esstika. My position alone grants me access to this weapon.”
“As it should. But what I don’t understand is how you were able to obtain that position. You’re fairly young to have advanced up through the ranks in so short of time. People I know with your ranking usually have years of experience behind them.”
“You’re trying to apply Coltrosstian standards to Beinights. That’s where you’re making a mistake,” she countered. “You men have always regarded females to be less adept, less skillful, and less capable when it comes to warfare.”
The Vadris gave her a slight bow. “Then I amend my original statement.” He cast her a side eye. “You still haven’t told me your rating. Is it advanced?”
The man was honestly curious. Managing a wry smile, she pulled up her sleeve on her left arm to show him. Seeing the mark, Lon gasped softly but didn’t comment.
“Vadris! Two Beinight battlecruisers approaching from the west.” Yanka studied his screen. “Moving at six hundred knots on an intercept course.”
“Vadris?” Deppil looked up from his board. “We’re being hailed.”
“Vadris!” Yanka interrupted. “Three more Beinight warships approaching from the south! We’re being surrounded!”
Lon threw up a hand to Pullid as he also turned to Jorm. “Steady as she goes. Make no sudden moves.” His eyes locked on Lhora. “Now’s your chance to earn the trust we’ve given you,” he darkly remarked.
Deppil spoke again. “They’re demanding we identify ourselves!”
“Open the link!”
They waited as the transmission cleared to reveal a voice inquiring, “—by order of the Esstika! Identify yourselves, or you will be fired upon for encroaching upon Beinight airspace!”
Clearing her throat, Lhora stared directly at the Vadris. “Beinight vessel, this is your Esstiss, Lhora Bur Est Kai, piloting the Coltrosstian frigateBeccan!I order you to step down and provide an escort for me and my crew to Montismet.”
Lon’s face went white at the revelation, as did the countenances of the rest of the men.
There was a moment of stammering after hearing her announcement, when a different voice came over the comm. “This is Gur Ontis, of the warshipGildun.Do you expect us to accept your word that you are who you claim to be?”
“Notify the Esstika, Kai Vul Est Niram, of my return. Then contact your commander, Fallmin Fra Dreed. Tell my mother and father what has occurred and await their decree. Then after you deliver us to a safe harbor, I will accept your apology for disbelieving me.”
“W-we will respond shortly,” Ontis promised, and the feed went dark.
Lhora never broke visual contact with the Vadris. “I’m sorry, Lon, but I had my reasons for not saying anything sooner.”
