Blue solace complete ser.., p.61
Blue Solace: Complete Series Boxset, page 61
“I have a restaurant to run,” Juniper said, then sighed. “I’ll come out when my shift ends.” He ended the call, then collapsed against Alois, his head landing on Alois’s shoulder. “Why is life so hard?”
“You need to take a break, Juniper,” Alois said. The poor man had bags under his eyes. “Is the new guy bothering you too much?”
“Every single day,” Juniper said. They walked back to the table. “He knows his stuff but has zero experience.”
“Do you know what’s wrong?”
“I think so, but I’ll need to see it.” Juniper plopped into the chair next to Morgan. He held his arms out. “Give me a baby.”
Morgan handed him Pela. “There you go.”
Alois grinned as his friend started cooing, stress melting away. He took Sebastian’s hand and sipped his drink. His mate was talking quietly with Death. “I’ve taught you everything I can,” Death said. “I wish I was more helpful, but everything else I know is half-remembered.”
“I can’t believe all I have learned,” Sebastian said. “Leti and I are searching for more guides. Thank you, Dr. Morrick. I really think we can save Fire.”
“Me too,” Death said. “If he ever gets here.”
“It has been a while,” Wyatt said. “I hate having this attack hanging over our shoulders.”
“The whole station is on edge,” Juniper said. “Grellweir and Fallow already sent some ships to add to our fleet. Cardinal Hold, Haven, and Siren’s Lament are patrolling the system.” He smiled. “I can’t believe how much our system has pulled together. We’ve always had good relationships but not like this.”
“I think it’s Fasi and the council,” Alois said. “Fasi is well liked and the council has connections to each planet. Together, they’re a hell of a team.”
“They are,” Juniper agreed. His comm chimed again and he groaned. “Fucking corn.”
“What’s wrong?” Sebastian asked. “That sounds like a Leti curse.”
“The new manager for the gardens in Blue Sector keeps bugging Juny about the corn,” Alois said. He stretched his arm around Sebastian’s seat and smiled when his mate leaned into him.
“Hmm,” Sebastian said and closed his eyes. Alois watched him carefully, knowing he was looking through the spirit world. His friends kept talking around him but quieted when a soft, green light surrounded Sebastian.
“What is he doing?” Alois looked to Morrick.
“I think he’s looking at the gardens,” Death said, eyeing Sebastian. “I can feel him using the life element.”
The glow around Sebastian grew brighter when Mustachio flew by the window and landed on the fence. Hector crowed, establishing his dominance, and Miss Speckles eyed Mustachio suspiciously before returning to people watching.
Sebastian’s eyes popped open and he grinned. “I think I’ve fixed what was wrong with the corn. The threads were all goopy.”
“Is that your professional opinion?” Juniper said. “They were goopy?”
Sebastian rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue.
“Children, really,” Remy said, delivering their food.
Juniper’s comm chimed, and he answered it. A young Grell popped up, wringing his hands. “Holy shit, Juniper. You’ll never believe what just happened.”
“Tell me, Astus,” Juniper said. He shot a look to Sebastian. Alois’s mate smiled serenely.
“Right after we talked, this green light just appeared around all the crops. It just stayed there a second, then it disappeared,” Astus said. “The corn is just fine now. All the other crops look ten times better too.”
“Well,” Juniper said and tossed a biscuit at Sebastian. “To think a few minutes of our local shaman’s time has saved you and me a shit load of worry.”
“Shaman? That’s real?” Astus asked. “I heard rumors about a guy, but I thought that was bullshit.”
Juniper turned his comm around. “Meet Sebastian the Phenomenal, Charybdis Station’s only shaman.”
Sebastian looked thoughtful as he bit into the biscuit Juniper had thrown at him. “‘The Phenomenal,’ huh? I like it.”
“Thank you,” Astus said, stuttering.
“No problem,” Sebastian said. “I’ll check in on the crops once a week and see if they need a boost. You guys are doing really well. The plants are happy.”
“Happy?” The young man looked horrified. “We’re going to eat them.”
“Everything has a cycle, Astus,” Juniper said, grinning. “Bye, buddy.” He closed the comm. “That was interesting.”
Alois hugged his mate. “Good work, beautiful.”
Sebastian grinned. “I helped Charybdis Station.”
“Yes, you did,” Wyatt said, eyes soft as he watched Sebastian. “We told you that you were wonderful.”
“I’m phenomenal,” Sebastian corrected. “Sebastian the Phenomenal.”
Alois started laughing and couldn’t stop. “Oh fuck. At least that’s better than Yusuf the Terrible.”
Juniper and Morgan started laughing too. “Leti and he are best friends, Alois. You had to know this was coming,” Morgan said.
Morgan, Wyatt, and Death just watched Alois and his friends laugh.
Sebastian sniffed. “Ignore them. They can’t handle the fact that Leti and I have well-known, fantastic names and they don’t.” He typed out a message to Leti, then worked on finishing his breakfast.
“You are too cute,” Juniper said, wiping his eyes. “Okay, back to work. Enjoy breakfast, guys.” He left them to it, and they polished off their plates.
Alois and Sebastian held hands as they walked toward the tram with Hack. They had just finished dropping Nina and Peri off with Shae and were headed to the weekly strategy meeting. Fire’s fleet may have been moving slowly, but they were on the way, and Fasi believed in being as prepared as possible.
“Now, Leti thinks he needs to go with us to meet Fire,” Hack grumbled. “He said Yusuf and Sebastian can’t be parted.”
Alois laughed. “You know we’re not letting him go, right?” He eyed Hack. “You know that you’re not going either, right? Hack, right?” Hack avoided his eyes. “You need to stay to lead the fleet in case it doesn’t work.”
Hack huffed. “Fine. It’s just that Selene insists on going, and I always fight beside her. It’s just weird not to go.”
“Dru will take care of things,” Alois said. “Morgan and I will be there too.”
“It still doesn’t feel right,” Hack said. “Anyway, has Cordelia called yet?”
Alois grinned. “Nope. I heard Liam Doney was seen having dinner with his friends instead of out with a date.” Hack and Alois shared amused looks.
They entered Fasi’s favorite conference room together and found seats. Sheiria was already there. Cas and Audre were on vid-screens, and the other five people planning on accompanying Death to meet Fire spread out around the table. It was decided to keep the group small, so the Concords might actually buy the whole diplomatic ploy. It would just be Death, Sebastian, Alois, Dru, Morgan, and Selene. Alois hoped that would be enough to protect Sebastian. It didn’t hurt that one of Beol’s assassins was still on board too. Hopefully.
Haroon dropped into the seat next to Sebastian.
“Haroon, what are you doing here?” Sebastian leaned across Alois to frown at his friend.
“I talked with the Lord Admiral, and he said I could go too,” Haroon said. He sent Sebastian a small smile. “You’re my friend now, Sebastian, and I’ve got your back. My sole purpose will be guarding you while the others do their thing. My lieutenant is stepping up to captain my ship during the battle.”
“You’d better not do anything crazy,” Morgan said, eyes narrowed. “I know you lost Elin not too long ago, but no one dies on this mission. Got it?”
Haroon saluted. “Yes, sir.”
Alois smiled half-heartedly but couldn’t help but remember Pela and Kiki. He didn’t blame Morgan for being suspicious. Their friends had sure as shit saved the day, but they’d died doing it. Fasi came into the room looking grim, followed by a cold-faced Renee. Something big had happened.
“Alright, everyone,” Fasi said. “Fire and his fleet will enter the system in two days.”
“So soon?” Sebastian’s hands fidgeted.
“Yes,” Fasi said, sending him a sympathetic look. “Cas, Audre, and the Half-Moon Assassins slowed them down and picked off a number of their ships. Mysterious engine malfunctions also ruined quite a few. They lost about a third of their fleet on the way here.”
“That’s still too many ships left,” Hack said.
“It is,” Renee said. “Our best hope is that Death and Sebastian are able to free Fire. Otherwise, we don’t stand much of a chance against them.”
“We’ll fight,” Sheiria said. “No matter what.”
“We’ll be there too,” Cas said. “Audre’s coming into the system near Siren’s Lament, and I’ll be coming in near Grellweir.”
Fasi looked at each one of them. “Charybdis Station will fight to the death if need be. Grellweir and Fallow have agreed to have ships ready to evacuate the station if it comes to it.”
“It won’t,” Sebastian said, voice strong and steady. “I will free Fire, and Death will take out the Concord fleet. Believe it and plan accordingly.” He looked around the room at the shocked faces. “Let’s talk about how we’re going to get on that flagship.”
Sebastian the Phenomenal, Alois thought.
Chapter 12
Two days later, Sebastian stood with Leti and his two shadows at the docks watching Dru and Lerais kiss each other goodbye. “Do you think they’ll ever stop?” Sebastian really thought they would have had to come up for air by now.
Leti tilted his head and stared at them. “At least they’re just kissing.”
The place was bustling since Fire’s fleet entered the system an hour ago. Sebastian and Alois had said goodbye to Nina and left her, Peri, and Mustachio with Shae at the daycare. The Siren’s job was to make sure Blue Sector’s kids and pets survived. Shae and his workers would get them to a ship if they needed to evacuate. Leti and his guards would be with them, guarding them with their lives.
Sebastian was so damn nervous. If he failed, the station would be destroyed, and his friends would probably die. Nina would probably die.
“Sebastian,” Leti said, turning around and grabbing his hand. It was weird to see Leti without one of the kids. He looked half-dressed. His friend smiled at him, green eyes sparkling. “You can do this. I know it.”
“I have to,” Sebastian said. “There’s no other option.”
Leti leaned in and hugged him. “Princess Buttercup wants to go with you.”
Sebastian felt Princess crawl to his shoulder. “Leti, I can’t take Princess.”
“It’s not your choice,” Leti said. “It’s not my choice. It’s Princess’s choice.”
Princess shrunk on his shoulder until he was only six inches long and about half an inch around. He crawled down Sebastian’s neck, under his shirt, and onto his back. Sebastian shuddered. “Eww, that’s so creepy.”
“He’s well-known now,” Leti said. “He’ll hide until the fight. Make sure you give him a couple of shields, alright?” He handed Sebastian a handful of shield buttons.
“I’ll take care of him,” Sebastian said and hugged his friend again. “I know how much you love him.”
Leti sniffled. “I love you too, Sebastian. Besides, he’s a Charybdis soldier and wants to protect our home and family.”
Alois and Morgan jogged up. “It’s time, beautiful. Fasi just finished speaking with Admiral Sharp. They think we’re returning Death and sending a diplomatic group to talk.”
“Leti, will you take Stardust?” Morgan kissed the baby dragon and handed him to Leti. “I can’t find Princess, and someone needs to keep an eye on my boy. Wyatt and Luna are already on one of the medical ships.”
“Of course,” Leti said and put the dragon on his shoulder. “You all be careful, alright? When this is over, we’re having a big meal at my house, and I’m hugging each and every one of you.” He nodded sharply, then turned and headed toward Hack.
“I love him so much,” Sebastian said. “I love them all – Wyatt, Shae, and all the others.”
Alois cuddled him close. “I know, beautiful. We’ll do our best to keep everyone safe, so we can see them again.” They walked into the shuttle and sat. Everyone strapped in, and Sebastian did his best not to squash Princess.
Fasi stood at the door. “I’m so damn proud of each and every one of you,” he said. “Charybdis was blessed the day each of you came to us, and there is no one I trust more with this mission.” He looked over Alois, Morgan, and the others before focusing on the two civilians. “Dr. Morrick, thank you for taking this chance. I know you don’t want to go back to her, and this is a risk for you. Sebastian, I love you, son. You had best come back, understand?”
“Yes, sir,” Sebastian said, nodding. That was definitely Plan A. Mustachio flew into the shuttle door, startling Fasi. The Lord Admiral yelped and spun around when the bird soared over his head. “Mustachio, no.” The bird ignored him and settled on the back of Alois’s seat.
“He’s here for a reason, Sebastian,” Death said. “Remember, it’s his tail feathers decorating your stomach.”
“Fine,” Sebastian said. “You better not get hurt, sweetheart.”
“Don’t worry, beautiful,” Alois said. “I’ll be fine.” Mustachio started pecking through Alois’s hair. “Stupid bird.” Sebastian giggled.
“Good luck, guys,” Fasi said and saluted them. He left and the door closed. The shuttle took off, and Sebastian swallowed hard. Looking out the window, he noticed they passed ship after ship. The fleet was headed toward the battle.
“Alright,” Dru said. “Remember, Death freezes and distracts Fire. Sebastian works on the binding, and we watch their backs.” Monty perched on her shoulder and looked ready for battle. Well, as much as a newt can be ready, Sebastian thought.
“Admiral Sharp is likely to be there,” Selene said, voice flat and face blank. “I have some presents for him.”
Dru grinned. “Me too. Damn, but I love this blade of Beol’s.”
“Beck gave us some goodies too,” Morgan said, pulling out a bag. He passed it around, and everyone took out a small, mechanical ball. “These little buggers should only be used in a group of bad guys though. He said to stay at least ten feet away from them when they go off.”
“Sebastian,” Elin said, appearing in front of him.
Sebastian jumped and squeaked. “Damn it, Elin.”
“I checked over there and the Concord leader just told his men to kill everyone but Death when you arrive. He doesn’t care that you’re supposed to be diplomats.”
“Fuck,” Sebastian said. “Guys, Elin did some recon, and she says they plan on killing us as soon as we’re off the shuttle.”
“No pretense then,” Selene said. “We go in fighting.”
“I will harvest everyone I can and go straight to Fire,” Death said. “I don’t know how many I can get before he requires my full attention.”
“We all follow Death to the bridge,” Dru said. “From there, we can hold off the Concords until Death and Sebastian do their thing. We need to stay together.”
“I’ll go scout ahead,” Elin said. “I’ll let you know if I find anything.”
Sebastian brought his and Alois’s linked hands up to kiss his mate’s knuckles. “I have a secret weapon riding on my back.”
“Huh?” Alois said.
“Princess decided he wanted to come,” Sebastian said.
“That improves our odds. If we had known our cover wouldn’t matter, we could have stuffed the shuttle with soldiers,” Dru said. “We’ll make it fast and get to the bridge as soon as we can.” Princess Buttercup crawled over his shoulder and hissed. Dru rolled her eyes. “I’m sure there will be plenty of Concords to kill along the way, Princess. Fuck, now I’m talking to him.”
“Approaching the flagship,” Morgan said from the pilot’s seat. “Look at that.” The man sounded pleased, so they looked out the windows. Charybdis’ generals were ready. The Blue and Yellow fleets lay front and center, ready to take on the Concords. Unfortunately, they looked tiny in comparison to the Concords’ masses. “To the left, guys. Look to the left.”
“That’s Cas,” Dru said. “Along with a fucking fleet of Grell.”
“General Shepard is coming up on the other side with the Yellow fleet and a bunch of Siren ships,” Haroon said.
“There’s the Fallon and the Cardinals,” Alois said, grinning as the two fleets came to a stop behind Sheiria and Hack’s ships. Sebastian didn’t blame him. Their numbers were starting to even out. “How much do you want to bet the Havenites are filling up our medical ships?”
“Who are those ships?” Sebastian pointed to another large fleet coming to join Hack and Sheiria’s ships. The newcomers were a mishmash of colors and ship types.
“Fuck me,” Morgan said. “That’s three different mercenary groups. I knew they had allied with us, but this is… This is fucking great.”
Dru grinned and pulled out her phaser and blade. “Everyone activate your shields. We have a job to do.”
“Come on, Princess,” Sebastian said. “No sense in hiding.” The dragon crawled to his shoulder, and Sebastian attached a shield to his back, activating it. “I’ll add more when you get bigger.”
They landed and everyone stood, pulling out their weapons. Death stood in front of the door and closed his eyes. Grey wisps poured through the walls of the ship, pulled straight to him, and he absorbed them all. The man’s eyes popped open when the inner wires within the shuttle door exploded. The door slid off, landing with a hard thump.
“Well, Fire knows we’re here,” Death said. “Move fast.” He darted out the door, and they followed him. They ran through the halls of the massive ship, and Death led them, mind already focused on Fire. “I have him frozen, but I must focus on him.”
