Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11), стр. 85

The Emperor asked, “What do you plan to do next, Commodore?”

“We hope to go back home for a while, and let the rest of the fleet take care of whatever comes up. I’d like Nikki to be planetside, when the babies come.”

“Why is that?”

“I know I’m being silly, and she would be just as safe aboard ship, but it just seems to me that there are fewer variables to account for on a planet, making it easier to have everything go smoothly. Up until a few months ago, I’d been planetbound my whole life. It’s just what I’m used to.”

“That’s reasonable, wanting to be in a familiar environment, when unfamiliar things happen. One less thing to worry about.”

“Exactly.”

The Secretary asked, “How do you feel about going home to have your children, Mrs. Wilson?”

“I think that would be a spectacularly bad idea. My mother would want to take custody of the twins. Oh, I’m sorry, you meant Earth, didn’t you? I’m not from there. Earth is a wonderful place, and we have lots of friends there. It will be great to see them again.”

“I didn’t mean to confuse you. You don’t get along with your mother?”

“We get along, she just doesn’t appreciate all my decisions.”

“I think I understand.”

We got back to the ship about then, so Nikki didn’t have to go into any more detail about her relationship with her mother. I was relieved, since I wasn’t sure how the Squirrels would feel about a child born out of wedlock. Jackie and Bone were waiting for us, with a pretty package. Bone said, “Boss, here is the gift for the Emperor.”

The Emperor asked, “A gift, for me?”

I replied, “It’s traditional, where I come from, to celebrate a major agreement like this.”

“But I didn’t get you anything.”

“I beg to differ, Your Majesty. You got me a big box of peace of mind.”

“What should I do with it?”

“I think Jackie, here, would like you to open it, so she can see if you like her work.”

“Then I will.” He took off the wrapping paper carefully, with the dignity of an Emperor. Cold reading told me that the patience required was a struggle. When he got it open, he unhooked the catch, and opened the case. He said, “This decoration is beautifully done. Is it still functional?”

Jackie spoke up. “Your Majesty, it should be good for at least a million rounds, with proper cleaning. We used methods of decoration that should stand up to use. If it gives you any trouble, please let me know, and I’ll be more than happy to put it right.”

The Emperor said, “Thank you. It will have a place of honor.” He turned to me. “And thank you, Commodore. It has been an education getting to know you. I hope we see one another again soon.”

“I’ll look forward to it. Fly safe.”

“You, too, Commodore.”

They climbed aboard and headed back over to their ship. When they made it out of the bay, I said, “That didn’t go nearly as bad as it could have, I don’t think.”

Nikki replied, “He’s not back to his ship, yet. Do you really think the folks who want to sabotage this treaty are going to give up this easily?”

“Murphy is our shepherd. Should I have offered him a fighter escort?”

“I’m not sure he wouldn’t see that as a statement on his control of the fleet, and take it as disrespect.”

“You’re probably right. We better get to the bridge, in case something happens.” We jumped in the transit, and I asked Gene for priority. It didn’t take long to be walking onto the bridge. Saucy called out, “Double Trouble, on the bridge.”

I replied, “Asshole you were.”

Topper said, “Did I overstep, Boss?”

“No. What color puppy do you want?”

“I get one of Payback’s puppies? Thanks, Boss.”

I looked at Nikki. “He’s so easily amused.” I looked back at Topper. “Is the Emperor having a safe trip home?”

“So far, so good, Boss. What are you expecting?”

“I don’t know. Whatever those turkeys who don’t want the treaty have left up their sleeve.”

Sue called out, “Emperor’s vessel is venting, Boss.”

“Ruth, get that vessel aboard, yesterday.”

“On it, Boss.” I was there, I saw it happen, and I’m still not entirely sure how Ruth made it happen. I think she jumped in front of the Emperor’s ship, and let their velocity bring them aboard. All I’m sure about is that she called “Emperor aboard!” almost before I finished giving the order. Topper called out, “Medical team’s on the way. Scotti is breaching the door, to get them oxygen.” He put the view of the landing bay on the main screen. When the door came open, the Emperor’s secretary was standing shoulder to shoulder with a Squirrel I hadn’t seen. I assumed he was the pilot. The speed at which those two were stunned was truly amazing. My crew, on the job once again. A couple of Marines restrained them, while Bone ran aboard and brought the Emperor and Natti out. He laid them on the deck, and a medbot started checking them over. Dixie came running into the bay to assist. She checked on the patients, and commed me. “Boss, they’re both alive. It looks like we got them aboard before their ship vented all the way to vacuum. There will be some bruising, but I don’t think there is any eye damage, or lung problems.”

“Thank goodness. I better call their ship and let them know what happened.”

“Later, Boss.”

“Later.”

Saucy said, “You won’t have to call them, Boss. They’re already on the line.”

“Commodore Wilson.”

“Snappi here, Commodore. Would you be so kind as to tell me what happened over there?”

“My sensor operator saw the Emperor’s ship venting atmosphere. We maneuvered to get them back aboard