Jeanne G'Fellers - No Sister of Mine by Jeanne G'Fellers (reading tree TXT) 📗

needed, flinching when LaRenna caught her broken finger on the cuff of her jumper though she hadn’t seen it happen.

“Look at them, Bel,” said Chandrey. “LaRenna’s never looked so happy and Krell, well, this is the first time I’ve seen her sit still for more than a few minutes.”

“I’m content.” Krell tweaked LaRenna’s healthy foot. “Your daughter keeps me on my toes plenty enough.”

“And she always will,” assured Belsas with a sly smile to Chandrey. “Her foot may slow her some, but I doubt it will stop her. Have either of you made plans for after she heals?”

“As a matter of fact, we have.” Krell cast an inquiring look that LaRenna returned with a nod to proceed freely. “We would like to become teacher qualified for the Training Grounds. I have the service time and LaRenna, well, her abilities will speak for themselves soon enough.”

Belsas seemed distressed by the idea. “Don’t know if that will work. Can’t have a third officer teaching at the Grounds. It wouldn’t sit well with the other faculty.” Then her sullen face lightened to a grin. “But if someone was willing to accept a disability discharge and a position as a civilian instructor—”

“If it means I can teach others with my talent, I’ll gladly take it!” LaRenna settled back in the comforting knowledge her future with Krell was secured. Happy, love? she broadcast on their open link.

Krell’s reply twinkled with satisfaction. Infinitely.

“I believe the soul phase has changed you both,” said Chandrey, observant of their unspoken exchange. “I’ve known one other souled couple. They were close, but you two seem more so.”

Belsas confirmed Chandrey’s notion. “I see it, too. That closeness is the very thing that saved your life, isn’t it, daughter?”

“Yes.” LaRenna offered Krell a fluttering mental caress. “Krell breathed for me when I couldn’t, risked everything, life itself, to save me. I live now because of and for her.”

“Rightly so.” Chandrey paused to clear her throat. “Thank you, Krell, for your unshakable belief when things were at their worst, and thank you again, Sentry Commander Laiman.” Trazar blushed at the continued attention. “If it hadn’t been for your keen family instincts, she never would have survived until she was found. This truly is a day of celebration.”

“I can think of one here who isn’t celebrating yet.” Belsas nodded toward the cave entrance.

“Oh no!” Chandrey’s hands flew to her mouth. “I completely forgot. LaRenna, Malley is here.”

“Malley!” exclaimed LaRenna, ecstatic at the prospect of seeing her dear friend again.

“Wait a minute, Renna,” said Chandrey. “Malley was crushed to learn Krell was in your life. There is true caring in her heart. Go lightly.”

Krell kissed LaRenna’s forehead and stood. “She’s right, wren bird. I sensed it when I first met Malley. I’d best make myself busy elsewhere while you speak with Malley. Is that okay with you?”

LaRenna’s reply bubbled pure gratitude. “Thank you, darling. I think it would be best at that. Why don’t you bundle some blankets for my journey home?”

“I’ll be as close as the next room. Call if you need me.”

Chandrey watched Krell retreat from the chamber. “She’s considerate of you, LaRenna. That’s an admirable trait I think we all should take as an example. Bel?”

“Commander Laiman?” inquired Belsas. “Would you relieve Third Engineer Whellen?”

“Gladly, Grandmaster Belsas.” Trazar disappeared through the archway.

Chandrey ushered the others from the room, leaving LaRenna to wait. A minute later, Malley appeared at the chamber entrance. Her eyes lit when LaRenna came into view and she rushed to LaRenna’s side, laying her head in her lap. LaRenna rubbed at her shorn head, soaking in the pent-up emotions an overwhelmed Malley unconsciously projected. “Sweet Malley, you worried for me, too, didn’t you?”

Malley reached up to caress her face. “I never heard from you after you posted. Then they told me you were dead. My heart broke when I thought you were gone.”

“I only got your note the evening before I had to go undercover. There wasn’t time for a reply. You were in my thoughts and prayers, same as always.”

Malley rose and stumbled back. “You mean you were too busy with your new lover to reply.” She rejected LaRenna’s extended hand to pace the room. “I thought we had a future. Then, then you take up with the first guardian who comes along. Your Kimshee teacher at that! How could you?”

“You’re a dear friend, Malley, my best friend. I never knew you felt more.”

“Never knew?” Malley’s voice trembled. “How could I have made my intentions plainer? We were lovers!”

“We were one-time phase lovers, Malley,” reminded LaRenna. “And then we were both wine-laced. You never mentioned or pursued it again after that so I assumed you weren’t interested. You even saw others socially.”

Malley’s eyes tinged with jealousy. “Only because you did!”

LaRenna laid her hands to her face. “Malley, you’re my closest friend and I love you very, very much, just—”

“Not in that way. I’m always late when it comes to you, aren’t I?” Malley shook and sobbed. “Damn you! Damn you! You never could do anything in a small way!”

“Malley, I—”

“Are you oathed?” Malley stopped pacing to stare at her, repeating the question when LaRenna didn’t answer immediately. “ARE—YOU—OATHED?”

“Yes, we are.” LaRenna wished nothing more than to wipe the tears from her friend’s eyes. She didn’t regret her choice, only the pain it caused Malley. “I never meant to hurt you.”

A low, smooth voice interrupted the dialogue. “Moving reunion but frankly, I am too tired to concern myself with the ins and outs of a Taelach love triangle.” Talmshone stood in the entrance, holding a blaster in his trembling hands. “Salutations, young mistress LaRenna, it appears you are on the path to recovery. If you desire to stay that way, you and your companion will remain silent. And keep your phase fired eyes tuned elsewhere. I guarantee I can land a blast in the time it takes you to accomplish a phase. Do you comprehend?”

LaRenna drew back. “NO! You—you died in the floods. Trazar said he saw the