Haven 4 AVOW - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,96

opportunity to explain my actions face to face,” Lo'San said.

“It’s not necessary, Lo'San. He fully understands. He has returned to his quarters. He said if he is needed to contact him, otherwise he is not to be disturbed. He is not available at the moment, unless it is an emergency,” Ba Re’ said.

“I will wait until he is on duty once more,” Lo'San said.

“See to your mate, he’ll certainly seek you out when he is ready to talk about the incident,” Ba Re’ suggested.

“There was no incident,” Rokai defended.

“No, but there could have been. Believe it or not, you actually gave us the way to explain your actions, and save face for those on the satellite station,” Ba Re’ said.

“I did?” Rokai asked.

“Yes. We’re giving them commendations and thanking them for protecting Lo’San’s female until he could get there to rescue her. We’re charging Lo’San’s family with kidnapping and they will serve their time incarcerated,” Ba Re’ said, watching Lo'San for any objection.

“I have no problem with it. If they are locked away, it will tame the temptation to kill them myself,” Lo'San said.

“And no one gives me credit for my diplomacy,” Rokai commented, puffing his chest out.

“Diplomacy… no. But the ability to lie while looking anyone in the eye, and thinking fast enough to manipulate most… yes. You’re very good at that,” Ba Re’ said on a laugh.

“What is diplomacy if not playing to the crowd you’re facing,” Rokai said.

Ba Re’ nodded. “You’re more accurate than you think, my friend.”

“Wait, did you just call me friend?” Rokai asked.

“No, I did not,” Ba Re’ denied.

“You did! I heard you. You said, ‘My friend’,” Rokai insisted.

“I have business to tend to,” Ba Re’ said. “Be sure you do not speak of anything that happened until you meet with Quin. There is a certain picture that must be painted,” Ba Re’ said.

“Of course,” Lo'San agreed.

“Rokai?” Ba Re’ asked.

“I understand. I’ll speak to my team as well. But, for now, admit that you called me friend,” Rokai insisted.

Ba Re’ shook his head. “I will speak to you later. I have responsibilities to see to,” he said as he turned to walk away.

Rokai fell into step right behind Ba Re’. “What responsibilities? Do you need my assistance, my friend?”

“Go away, Rokai,” Ba Re’ grumbled.

“You see how I did that? I said friend. It is not difficult. Just say it… Fff..rrr… iiiend,” Rokai said pronouncing it dramatically as they disappeared through the doors of the flight deck and into the ship.

Lo'San looked down at Synclare who slept peacefully in his arms. She’d been asleep for most of their trip back and even disembarking the battle cruiser had not awakened her. He wasn’t sure that she’d not been affected by the additional medications that his mother had given her before Ko'San took her away. “We will go to medical, my mate. I wish to be sure you are well,” Lo'San said quietly, and set his path toward medical.

“Missy?” he asked quietly as he stepped into the corridor.

“Yes, General Lo'San,” Missy answered. “Welcome back,” she added.

“Thank you. Is the Master Healer on duty?” he asked.

“He is,” Missy responded. “Shall I tell him to expect you?” Missy asked.

“Yes. And my mate.”

Chapter 25

The doors to medical swooshed open and Lo'San stepped through with Synclare in his arms. She’d begun to stir a little, and opened her eyes at the sound of an unexpected voice.

“General! Welcome and congratulations!” Doc said as he walked toward Lo'San and Synclare, smiling widely, clearly happy over something.

Lo'San’s brow furrowed just enough to show his confusion. “Thank you,” he said, deciding that perhaps news of his return with Synclare had already made the rounds of the ship’s inhabitants. “I wished to be sure Sink Lar is well. I thought surely the effects of the medication my mother gave her would have worn off, but still she sleeps.”

“Of course, General. What medication did your mother give her? She should not be taking any medication at all at this point. I’ll be happy to examine her, but let me just say, additional rest is important for females like yours. She will know to listen to what her body needs. But come, I had planned to request additional examinations so that we could monitor her progress,” Doc explained.

Synclare shifted in Lo'San’s arms, and while still leaning her head against Lo'San’s chest, gave Doc a sleepy smile. “Progress? We won’t be having any more treatments, Doc. We’ve decided it’s just not worth the trauma it puts me through,” Synclare