Red Angel (6 page)

"What do
you think, Red?" I asked and waited for some sign. He mimicked signs of
intelligence, like when he lay on my forehead while I was reading as if he too
were interested, and I always felt I learned faster and understood more when he
did take an interest. And then there was my increasing ability to feel other people’s
emotions, which I attributed somehow to him. But he never gave a sign that I
could interpret as communicating. "This decision affects you as well as
me," I mumbled in frustration. As I did, he appeared out of my blouse,
wound himself around my neck, and his tongue lightly touched my cheek several
times—almost like a kiss. "Thank you, Red." That kiss made my
decision easy and I walked downstairs. Alexa was sipping her coffee and reading
one of the cases before her that day.

"Good
morning, Mother. Do you have a minute? It can wait if you don't."

"I
always have time for you, Anna," she said, looking up and putting aside
her tablet. It was true that she always had time for me. I could feel her
commitment. She would sit there all day and cancel her court appearances if
necessary.

"I've
reached a decision and would like your opinion." I paused, and when she
nodded, I continued. "I'm going to ask to be taught how to use the spooks’
equipment, but I’ll refuse to take any money, because that would give them
priority over my time. I’ll agree to accept work, but I won’t guarantee when I can
get to it or how much time I can spend on it."

"That's
sounds very wise. It must have been a very difficult decision. What made you
decide not to accept money?" She leaned forward as she asked.

"School
is important and will be especially challenging this year. That combined with
working for the spooks ... would take away from my time with you, and our time
together is more important." I said, my eyes tearing. When I wiped them
clear, Alexa was crying too. She came around the table, and we stood hugging
for a long time. Red seemed unconcerned about Alexa, although he did wind his
way into my hair and lie with his head dangling next to our faces. Family.

*
* *

My fourth
year proved as challenging as I had predicted. The subject matter was new and
tended to concentrate on an assignment to a cruiser, which most officers would
experience sometime during their career. I loved navigational theory and the
mathematics that permitted us to calculate the time between stars as the
cruiser slid down currents of energy like a boat down a river. I doubted I
would ever be on a cruiser, but the math was interesting and the concept
intriguing. Other fourth-year subjects dealt with a cruiser's environmental,
weapons, electronic counter measures, propulsion, and communications systems.

Commander
Stauffer arranged several tours of his division, each time with the individual
who was an expert with the equipment I would be learning about that day. For me
it was like touring paradise.

"How do
you like our spook world?" He quipped when he joined me at the end of my
fifth and last tour.

"Amazing.
Like ... finding a ship of alien wonders," I said, excited at the thought
of using the equipment to prevent crime and people getting hurt and killed. He
didn't laugh, just nodded.

"I was
disappointed when you decided not to accept my offer. I made it intentionally
seductive, and that was wrong of me. After talking with Alexa, I think you made
the right decision. Ironically, it's made me more comfortable working with you.
You are very young, age-wise, but you have good judgment. Welcome to Spook Heaven,"
he said, looking like a mischievous kid.

Several
months passed without hearing from him, which was disappointing, but I was
enjoying my classes, maintaining a five grade-point average, and had hours of
mother-daughter time with Alexa. Life was good. A week later, Lieutenant Nollad
hailed me just as I was about to enter the car.

"Anna,
wait a moment," he said as he approached, waving. Lowering his voice, he
said, "Commander Stauffer asked me to deliver this to you." He handed
me a plain white twenty-by-twenty-five-centimeter envelope. "Have
fun."

"Thanks.
Good timing. I thought he’d forgotten me."

"No.
You’re the talk of his group. There is always some competition when new ...
material is discovered. But I think you've intensified the pressure to be
first."

"Or at
least not second to a teenager," I said, grinning.

"Exactly,
although they would rather you find the solution if no one else can. We are
professionals, and stopping the bad guys is everyone's goal." He looked
and felt sincere. In the car, I tore open the package and found three sets of
messages. They were all current, judging by the time stamps, but they were
different like three different individuals had written them. I wondered if they
might not all be coded messages or three separate cases or ... In any event,
the timing was good because I felt my classes were under control so I could
afford to spend some time examining Stauffer's material, and Alexa would
understand. She new I loved puzzles.

"You
look happy. Like the cat that caught the mouse," Alexa said as I bounced
into her office.

"I
am," I said, waving the envelope. "From Commander Stauffer, and I
think it's real, not a test."

"A test
and practice and real," she said, taking a sip of wine as she leaned back
in her chair.

"A test?
Why?"

"A test
in the sense that he probably has several teams working on it. So it's an
opportunity to see how you do—a test. And practice because it provides an
opportunity to gain experience."

"Oh, I
see what you mean. That makes sense. Well, I'm off to wash and get ready for
dinner." I gave her a kiss and ran up the stairs. I curbed my desire to
begin analyzing the messages and put the envelope aside for later. As Alexa had
said, Stauffer had others working on it, so I could consider this practice and
experience.

As usual,
dinner was a recap of our day. I found I was learning a lot about the law
listening to Alexa talk about her cases and the law that applied to them. She
already knew everything I was studying but enjoyed listening to me talk about
the classes, instructors, and people.

Afterward we
retired to the couch, where I decided to spend an hour on the message before
doing my homework, which was mostly reading. I took out the message and Red
settled on my head. I would have loved to know what Red was thinking or seeing
or feeling. Whatever, his lying on my head with his nose pointing at the
material was a deliberate act.

One message
concerned crates being returned to Eastar, the United Alliance of Stars
capital. The second talked about a children's party, decorations, food, etc.,
and the third was recipes for several entrees and desserts. Red seemed more
interested in the crates being returned to Eastar than the other messages. Or
at least, he seemed to be more restless when I was reading that message.
Normally he lay quiet as I read. I laughed, which caused Alexa to look up.

"Red's
like a baby who can't talk. When it cries, you know something is wrong but not
what," I said, feeling frustrated. In a way, Red was like an itch I
couldn’t scratch.

"You're
convinced Red is more than just a krait that likes the Coaca Virus," she
said. I didn't get the feeling she was making fun of me but rather trying to
understand.

"Yes,
too many instances of intelligent-like or non-krait-like behavior."

"Like
lying on your forehead when you are reading, and killing that man who stole him
when he also had the Coaca Virus?"

"And I
feel I learn better when he
reads
along with me. I can't prove it, but I'd wager it happens." I wanted to
mention my growing ability to feel others’ emotions but decided not to. I hated
keeping secrets, but I was afraid it would make her nervous around me.

"And
your ability to read people," she said as if she had heard my thoughts. I
closed my mouth when I realized it was hanging open in shock. I felt only
curiosity and amusement. "Anna, it doesn't bother me. I love you and will
always be honest with you. No pretenses, ever."

"Yes,
and that. Too many strange things to discount."

"I
agree. It's easy to assume it's your imagination because of your symbiotic
relationship and the years you've been together, but I don't blame you for
wondering if there isn't something more going on. Like why hasn't he bitten me?
It's easy to say he ignores me, but I don't get the feeling I'm being ignored
so much as being accepted."

"Thank
you, Mother. Anyone else would think me crazy or delusional or impressionable, insisting
that Red is nothing but a krait—" Krait ... crate. I grabbed my
tablet and began typing. As I did, I felt Alexa slide closer. After twenty
minutes of research using access Stauffer had given me, I sent an urgent
message to him:

Red-headed kraits are being smuggled out on
the Wheeler tomorrow.

"That
was clever," Alexa said, as she leaned back. She had been following my
search of the space-station's records.

"Red
knew. I know that sounds insane, but he knew hours ago."

"I don't
doubt you, but I would warn you to keep it a secret."

*
* *

"How did
you know it was the Wheeler?" Stauffer asked as I sat in his office with
several others of his staff.

"The
message gave the time of delivery in Eastar, so I computed the time to Eastar
from Oxax and then used the access you gave me to check the merchant ships
scheduled for departure over the next week. Only the Wheeler met the
criteria."

"And the
Red kraits?"

"The
reference to
crates
started me thinking,
and then it all became clear."

"Excellent
work. They had three red-headed kraits on board. Our medical folks are
delighted. They only had two. The trouble is everyone is looking for them, but
they are not being turned over to the medical department when they’re found.
I've been told they bring thousands of credits on the black market here and can
be sold for a hundred thousand and more on other planets, like Eastar."

"I would
prefer to remain anonymous, sir."

"That's
one of the negatives working for Intelligence. We don't advertise who works in
the group. So when someone does something noteworthy he or she gets
congratulated among his peers but gets no public recognition."

"Good,
since I have one of those hundred-thousand-credit kraits," I said with relief
and received nods of agreement.

Alexa, Stauffer,
and I sat on the balcony watching the cadets receiving their diplomas, which
officially made them junior lieutenants. They were currently calling names
beginning with the letter K. I felt a bit nostalgic as cadets I knew from my
classes walked onto the stage to receive their diploma and letter of promotion.
These past four years had been the best years of my life. But now what? I
cringed at the thought. Where would I go and what would I do? I had begun to
panic when Stauffer thankfully distracted me.

"Seems
like you should be receiving your diploma down there," he said, knowing I
had received mine in the academy president's office in a private ceremony with
several of my instructors and Alexa.

"No.
They had to endure drills, daily exercises, lectures on supervising, extra
duties like cleaning latrines, and only got to see their family for short
periods of time. I had all the fun classes and got to go home each night. No,
it wouldn't be right for me to be receiving my diploma with them," I said,
satisfied with having a diploma from the academy and more importantly, a good
education … to do what? I was mentally being pulled into that dark tunnel of
self-pity and depression.

"I
offered you a job last year, which you turned down for good reasons. But you've
helped me several times this year for free. I can't in good conscience expect
you to continue with that arrangement. Besides, I want you full time. You are
too young to be commissioned as an officer, and offering you an enlisted slot
wouldn't be right with your education and experience with my department.
Therefore, I'm offering you a civilian consultant's position at a position
equivalent to the rank of a junior lieutenant." He smiled.

I sat with my
mouth open in disbelief.

"It
doesn't even require your mother’s approval, although I'm sure you will want to
discuss it with her, and you should. I've talked with my team, and they all
want you in the group. Age isn't as important to them as catching the bad guys,
and you've proven you can contribute. Take whatever time you need to
decide."

"Thank
you, Commander Stauffer. The offer sounds too good to be true, but you're
right. I do want to discuss it with my mother," I said looking to Alexa,
who smiled but said nothing. I was sure there were a million things I needed to
consider, and she would know what they were. Regardless of how much I wanted to
accept, I wouldn't if it endangered my relationship with her. She was my
lighthouse, guiding me to safety past treacherous rocks in stormy seas. There
was nothing in my life more important than her.

I continued
taping the ceremony, but my mind raced with excitement: a job I liked, a salary
to support myself, a future ... After the ceremony ended and Stauffer left,
Alexa took me to an expensive restaurant in Eteos City, which was close to the
academy and the Naval Intelligence offices but more than an hour from our
house.

The
restaurant looked and felt old. Not old and decrepit but old money and steeped
in tradition. The wooden tables were covered in maroon satin tablecloths and
set with china plates, crystal glasses, and heavy silverware. The chairs were padded
and covered in a maroon material with a crest I didn't recognize. The walls
were covered with oil paintings: portraits, various landscapes, and scenes from
old Earth. And the lighting and background music subdued to make for a relaxing
and intimate atmosphere.

"Wow!"
I whispered.

"This is
the Aughoes, one of the oldest restaurants on Oxax. It attracts the rich and
famous. You will never be rushed or interrupted here. You could sit here all
night with just a cup of coffee."

"It seems
very inefficient. How do they stay in business?" I had studied economics
and understood the basics of running a business.

"Both
the membership fees and the coffee are very expensive." She laughed but
looked pensive until we were seated and given menus. "Well, my daughter,
what do you think of Stauffer's offer?"

"The job
is wonderful, but ..." In truth I wasn't smart enough to know what
questions I should be asking. "You've provided me everything I’ve ever
needed. That's been wonderful, but it means I don't know how to take care of
myself or what this new job would require or what you expect of me. Can I still
live at home ... your house?" Tears clouded my vision as emotions and
fears I hadn't had in years surfaced. She reached out and took my hand in hers.

"Anna,
you are my daughter. Everything I have is yours to share while I'm alive and
yours when I die. It's not my house; it's our home. But you are right; there
are lots of things to consider with this job or any job. For example, would you
prefer to live on your own or stay home for now—?"

"Home!"
I blurted, squeezing her hand. The thought of living on my own terrified me as
much as not having Alexa's companionship each day.

"I'd
like that. But we must consider how you are going to get to work and back.
Jason won't work, for two reasons. First, the hours. You and I will have far
different schedules, and I believe yours will be less predictable. You will
need transportation of your own—"

"I can't
drive!" I interrupted, feeling desperate. I was starting to feel like a
child and wanted to run home to my bedroom and throw the covers over my head.

"I hired
Jason to drive a ground vehicle. Although it is much slower, it provides me an
opportunity to relax and read if I want. You will not want to spend nearly
three hours driving back and forth. I suggest we buy a small two-person
skimmer—"

"I can't
fly ... sorry, I keep interrupting."

"It's all
right. Having graduated the academy, you’ll only need driving practice. You
already know the theory. I'll set up the classes. You'll also need work
clothes. And ..." Alexa stared at me for a long time without talking, her
eyes growing misty. "I've gotten a magistrate to sign an order authorizing
you to carry a weapon, concealed if you wish. He agrees with me that Red is an
asset valuable enough to justify you being armed to defend against theft, and
your cadet training qualifies you to carry one." She studied me carefully.
I understood her concern and fear. Before, I was either home, going or coming
with Jason, or on a military base. Now I would be out and about on my own and
the threat exponentially higher. "So, daughter mine, you are going to take
the week off and go shopping with your mother for clothes, a skimmer, and a
laser, and eat out and have fun."

* * *

The next day,
I told Stauffer I accepted but explained I had a bunch of things to take care
of before I'd be ready to start work. He told me to take as much time as I
needed.

I had dressed
work-appropriately for my classes at the academy, as the cadets were always in
uniform, but Alexa had me buy a couple of extra outfits and a small suitcase to
keep a day or two of clothes, as she knew there would be times when I'd have to
stay overnight or possibly even travel.

Next, we
found a shop that sold civilian weapons and purchased a small laser with enough
power to burn through most materials along with a belt, holster, and charger.

The following
day we went to a skimmer mall. For two days, we were shown a variety of models
and given demo rides.

"Well, which
one did you like?" Alexa asked that night back at the hotel. My head spun
with the cost of the twenty or so skimmers we had seen or ridden in.

"Something
inexpensive. You've spent so much money on me. How can I ever repay you?"
This shopping trip had been a revelation, because I had little idea of the cost
of things. It made my head ache.

"We needn’t
be conscious of cost. I'm well off because I never spent any money while I was
in service, have a retirement, and get a good salary as a magistrate. And you
working will help. Nevertheless, I can't think of a better way to spend my
money than on you. You never ask for anything. Consider this your graduation
gift." She gave me a tight hug.

I didn't know
what to say and couldn't with the lump in my throat. I vowed to learn the cost
of running the house, skimmer, and everything else
—
and
to help now that I was earning a salary. A good start would be learning how
much I'd earn. I couldn't help laughing.

"You
have a clueless daughter. I promise to get smarter."

"All
right. Which one?" she asked, smiling. We spent the next hour going over
each one: design, functions, and I insisted—cost. Late that night we
reached a compromise: a middle of the price range, four-seat Air Stream sports
model with all the latest navigation and communications devices and a few nice-to-have
features like especially comfortable seats.

The next day
we signed the paperwork, and the salesman promised to have it delivered to the
training school where we arranged for lessons for Alexa and me. I had insisted
she learn to fly it too, as it was our skimmer. She agreed and would only need
familiarization training, as she knew how to fly one, although it had been a
long time. I didn't have a clue, although I knew the theory on how to fly a
cruiser.

*
* *

"That's
a nice skimmer, Miss Paulus," he said after walking around it and
explaining all the things I should look for on a visual inspection. I knew I'd
remember, as Red's head was on my shoulder the entire time—watching.
Timothy was nervous for the first twenty minutes but relaxed as the time went
by and Red didn't show signs of wanting to attack him or even move, and I
assured him it was harmless. I thought the lie easier than the truth, since the
end result was the same—except for the time to explain the truth.

"Magistrate
Bellona says you graduated from the Naval Academy, so mostly you need driver
lessons, but let me briefly go over the gauges." He spent some time
pointing out each gauge and the signs that would indicate trouble of some kind
or another. "All right Miss Paulus—"

"Anna,
please."

"All
right Anna, I'm going to take us for a ride, so you and your friend watch
carefully because next time it's your turn." He smiled and started the
engine. Three hours later, I couldn't wait until the next day.

"Mother,
it's ... magical." I didn't have the words to describe the feeling I had.

"Yes, it
is. I miss the feel of a cruiser under my feet ... at my command." Her
gaze was into the past, and she radiated a strong sense of loss. I hugged her, wanting
to make it go away, and slowly it did. "I've had a good life and much to
be thankful for," she said, returning the hug.

I had ten
days of lessons. Then Alexa decided we needed a vacation, which turned out to
be a tour of Oxax with me having to determine the route and fly us there.
Except for in the skimmer and in our room, Red stayed out of sight, which was a
good thing. No sense advertising I had a red-headed krait. And for three days
before I was scheduled to start work, Alexa accompanied me flying to and from my
workplace. By the day I was to report to work, I was nervous but confident I
could manage on my own.

*
* *

When I
arrived at the naval headquarters' building, they gave me a visitor’s pass and
directions to the Naval Intelligence Agency, NIA. There, a navy petty officer
led me to Stauffer's office, where three others waited.

"Welcome,
Anna, I've assembled the team you are going to be working with. The team is new
and tasked with finding and stopping a major smuggling ring we think is
operating out of the Free Peoples Union, FPU, which has some twenty plus
planets and two billion citizens. Mostly the smugglers deal in drugs or other illegal
items ... like Red," he said, and all eyes turned toward me. I assumed it
was my cue, and I reached inside my blouse, pulled out Red, and held him to my
chest where he wound himself around my neck with his head on my shoulder.
Everyone stood up to look closer but kept a safe distance.

"I'm
Kristyn Sinclair. You can call me Kris. I've heard it's poisonous and never
leaves you," she said like a fact, but it was really a question they all
had and which Stauffer had cleverly introduced. Kristyn’s sleeve had two
half-inch gold rings under a gold trident, indicating full lieutenant rank. She
looked to be only three or four centimeters taller than my current one hundred
sixty-five centimeters, but her figure was shapely, whereas mine was just
beginning to develop, and I didn't really need a bra. The doctors thought Red
was slowing my development. Her brown shoulder-length hair framed a pretty
heart-shaped face with blue eyes and an olive complexion.

"Hi,
Kris. Yes, the red-headed krait is very poisonous and currently the only known
antidote to the Coaca Virus. The only problem is that the poison is only
effective for a couple of days. So, Red is my automatic shot dispensary."
I noticed Kristyn wince in reaction. "So I'm glad he stays with me night
and day. I'd hate for him to get lost."

"I'm
Adrian Shrader, I go by Adrian. That sounds awkward, especially if you mean
twenty-four hours a day." He frowned in disbelief. Adrian's tan
complexion, narrow face, and sharp features made him look intense, and his one-hundred-seventy-centimeter
height made him a bit intimidating. He too was a full lieutenant.