I found myself not wanting to go, despite the intriguing change to my usual duty routine. I shoved my feelings of longing aside, promising myself that I would use any spare moments I had finding out about this Morris the Cat and cruises to Hawaii that included wedding packages. Perhaps Klora would be willing to help. He was the one who’d pointed out this wedding stuff to begin with, which suggested he knew a lot more about human society than just about sensational crimes.
Yes! I can message him when I get a chance.
I made my way to Shuttle Bay Five as the message instructed, feeling much lighter now that I had a vague plan on how to move things forward. I’d have a clearer idea as to whether or not a cat would be our ideal pet, making both Neal and Mitch’s dreams come true at once plus have some options to discuss with Mitch about our wedding.
By the time I reached the shuttle bay entrance, I was positively giddy. Upon entering, I could barely contain myself. Klora was also here! This would make discussing matters much easier, hopefully.
“Isn’t this great!” Klora greeted me, bouncing over to me. “We’re going down to observe the cadaver dogs!” He cackled. “Takahashi wasn’t looking so smug when I stopped by on the way here. I reckon she definitely has a body hidden on that property somewhere, and she’s terrified they’ll find it.”
Lieutenant Commander Sachuu strode over to us. “Our pilot is ready for us to board,” he said, tilting his head towards the now open shuttle hatch. He smiled. “Let us hope you are correct, Klora. It would allow us to keep her locked up even longer. “ His lips twisted. “Her lawyer is making a lot of noise about bail and demands for a speedy trial based solely on what we have thus far.”
I blinked before following him into the shuttle, Klora beside me.
“Bail!” Klora hissed angrily. “They want us to let her promise to appear for trial and roam free!”
“That would be most foolish,” I agreed. “Today’s findings should help quiet such stupidity, surely.”
“If they find anything,” the lieutenant commander said, taking a seat.
My blood ran cold. Linda Takahashi on the loose, able to do more harm, was not a pleasant thought.
The lieutenant commander smirked. “But that’s one of the reasons we will be there. Xeranos will be running a deep scan of an area we define using these as beacons.” He reached into the satchel he carried, pulling out three human communication devices. “They will not be surprised by us having cell phones as everyone, including small young, carry them. These are yours to keep, as you will need them to speak to officers and officials as part of your new duties.”
Klora looked up from where he was working on his seat’s restraints. “We get to keep working on this case with you until the trial is over, sir?” His excitement was evident in the way his eyes shone despite the attempt at keeping his voice and expression neutral.
Sachuu smiled warmly. “Yes, but I meant you’ve been reassigned from guard duty permanently unless you wish otherwise. Commander Gundar and I decided that I could use two assistants who would work alongside me and report directly to me on the high profile cases. I chose you two as you appear to work well together and have both expressed interest in advancement.”
I fumbled with the restraints to the seat I’d chosen, next to Klora. This sounded like a promotion! I couldn’t wait to tell Mitch!
Wait, Mitch? When had I started shortening his name? Would he like it? It seemed to fit him, unlike when humans shortened my name to Joe. I decided to try it. If he hated it, I would stop.
“Yes, sir,” Klora replied for us both.
I nodded my agreement. “It is an honor, sir.” We both reached out to accept a phone.
“Excellent,” Lieutenant Commander Sachuu replied. “I’ll have Xeranos send officer training modules over to you and enroll you in the officers’ hula class.”
Klora and I stared at each other in amazement. We weren’t only getting a higher position but were becoming commissioned officers. This was rare, and I could hardly believe our luck.
“Xeranos,” the lieutenant commander called out.
“Yes, Sachuu?” came the AI’s voice over the shuttle’s comm system.
“Please send the requested training modules to both Acting Ensigns Jolar and Klora. You’ll need to let the quartermaster know to move them, as well.”
This was really happening. The shuttle took off, almost as if it were a symbol of the changes in my life.
CHAPTER20
MITCHELL
“Mitchell, you have a call,”the ship’s AI informed me as I loaded the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher type thing in the kitchen. Well, I guess it wasn’t a type of thing, but an actual dishwasher since that’s what it did, just differently than I was used to. They didn’t use any water, for one thing.
I wondered if it was someone from the education office letting me know who my tutor would be and what times I was to meet them.
“Okay, thanks, Zehr…” Damn it, one of these days I’ll manage to say his name without stumbling!
“Just call me Zero, but spell it with an ‘x’,” the AI helpfully said. “Most of my friends do.”
