Admiral Zoran walked the corridors of the academy, grateful for the relative quiet of the evening. He had plenty to think about, matters he’d been turning over in his mind since returning from the Island and attending Sasha and Deklyn’s wedding.
The revelations about General Bowman’s treachery had reverberated throughout Earth and the Drexian Empire, sending shockwaves through the alliance and shaking many citizens. Once Bowman’s manipulation was revealed, the people of Earth had risen in protest. Not only had Morrison resigned in shame, but Bowman had been returned to Earth and court-martialed for his actions.
This had strengthened the admiral’s faith in the people of Earth, but it hadn’t made him any less weary of the politics of it all. He’d weathered an attack by the Kronock, purged the academy of traitors, and integrated humans into the school’s ranks. As hereleased a heavy breath, he thought to himself that he’d done enough.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
The soft voice snapped him from his reverie, and he smiled as his wife walked up to him, her long diaphanous gown flowing behind her.
“Isn’t a penny the smallest currency on Earth?”
She grinned at him as she slipped her smaller hand into his. “I might pay more.”
He chuckled at this, comforted by the warmth of her hand. “I doubt they’re worth much.”
“Have you decided?” She tipped her head to peer at him, the intricately braided bun at the top of her head unmoving.
Zoran knew there was no use hiding his intentions from Noora, nor did he want to. After all, she’d been the first one he’d told the moment he’d considered such a change.
He gave her a single nod. “It’s time.”
Her dark eyes glittered as a radiant smile took over her face. “I couldn’t agree more.”
They continued down the black stone corridor, shadows dancing across the weathered rock from the flickering sconces. Speaking his decision out loud made Zoran even more determined than ever.
He stopped and turned to face Noora, taking both of her hands in his. “You’ve been a wonderful Academy Master’s wife.”
She squeezed his hands. “And you’ve been a wonderful Academy Master.”
Before he could say anything else to his wife, quick footsteps drew his attention to the rapidly approaching Drexian.
“I got your message, Admiral,” Tivek said when he reached them. His shoulders were squared, and his gaze was alert.
We were only a few steps from my office, so I pressed a hand to the side panel and waved him inside. Noora and I followed him, but she dropped my hand as I moved toward my desk at the far end of the long room. Tivek followed me, but I paused before reaching the desk.
How many times had we talked across my desk? This time, I wanted to speak to him without a barrier.
“Much has changed since we returned from The Island,” I began, “and most of it for the good.”
Tivek grasped his hands behind his back. “The alliance with Earth is stronger than ever.”
“And your brother? Have you heard from him?”
A smile teased Tivek’s mouth. “He and Sasha finally ended their long honeymoon, and they have taken the positions offered to them.”
Zoran nodded. “Captain of his own Inferno Force ship with her as a pilot?”
“Gods help the crew,” Tivek muttered.
Zoran grinned at this, knowing that his adjunct was merely teasing. “Change is in the air. I wanted you to know first that I spoke to Commander Vyk.” Tivek’s pupils widened, but Zorancontinued. “He feels he is perfectly suited to his role as security chief, which means he has no objection to working under a new Academy Master.”
Tivek’s jaw dropped. “You are…”
“It’s time for me to take some time for myself.” He flicked a gaze to Noora. “Juggling running the academy is enough work without adding fatherhood to the workload.”
Tivek swung his head to Noora, his gaze questioning.
She beamed as she bobbed her head. “We’re expecting a baby.”
