Starcrossed - Bianca D'Arc Page 0,57
anything that would be embarrassing. But Tigh was right. The jit’suku needed truth more than anything. Only in her conversations with Tigh and the other men on board did she find out that most warriors had no idea Elius planned to release a bioweapon until after it was done. At that moment, Elius had lost the respect of most of his army, but he was still emperor, with enough loyalists who were as crazy as he was to support him. Elius had hidden most of his crimes—perpetrated by the select few who had the same bloodlust he did—from the majority of the jit’suku galaxy.
When she’d discussed this with Tigh, he’d told her that he planned to do things differently. He wanted honesty to be his byword, and she agreed. Still, letting the news air every moment of her life was something she wasn’t looking forward to, but in this particular case, she understood. The jits probably had no idea what to expect with her and the rest of her crew. They needed to understand her, and this was perhaps the best way to accomplish that quickly. There was no truth like a person’s behavior when under fire. Soldiers bonded fast under those conditions, and a large portion of jit society was based on warrior ways, so showing them how she captained in a crisis was a good way for them to take her measure.
She’d still have those who hated humans and distrusted her, she was certain, but any fair-minded man would at least give her a chance after seeing how well she and the crew worked together in such a difficult situation. At least that’s what she hoped for. It was the best possible outcome as far as she could see—a lessening of hostility toward her presence and perhaps even the beginnings of acceptance.
Tigh was still speaking, moving on to more personal matters.
“We will celebrate our mating one week hence with a galaxy-wide holiday. We’ll dispatch credits from the imperial treasury to each and every citizen of the empire to commemorate our happiness.” Again, that deep, organized cheer sounded from the assembled guests. “And I will confirm what the high priest alluded to earlier. My lady is already with child. Most likely, twins, in fact.” The cheer was longer, this time, as Ginny blushed and smiled, her eyes only for Tigh as he gazed back at her. She couldn’t resist the urge to put one hand over her stomach, where her babies rested content for the moment.
Tigh finished his remarks and headed back to her. They’d discussed whether she’d want to speak before they landed, and she demurred. She’d wanted to get the lay of the land here before she got up in front of everyone and made a fool of herself. Tigh had assured her they’d all love her no matter what she said, but she rather thought that was an overly-optimistic opinion.
Tigh headed for the line of vehicles that waited. He held back a moment to invite Hansa and Henny to ride with them, and Ginny was glad. She wanted to ask Henny about that weird moment back there.
The cars were designed to allow people to see the imperial party as they made their way to the palace. The landing site was inside palace grounds, but far enough away from the palace proper to limit noise and assure security. The cars were transparent on top, but secure.
Tigh let Ginny precede him into the car then sat beside her. Henny and Hansa followed, sitting opposite them.
As soon as the hatch shut, Ginny turned to Tigh. “Can we talk in here? I mean, can anyone hear us?”
“We’re secure, my love. Everyone can see us,” he gestured to the fleet of newsbots flying alongside and over the car, “but nobody can listen in.”
“Good. Then, can anyone tell me exactly what just happened back there? Henny, were you actually… uh… possessed for a minute there?”
Henny’s laughter rang out, putting Ginny more at ease with the strange happenings. Regardless of what had happened, this was still Henny, her long-time friend.
“I guess that’s as good a word for it as any, but I was definitely feeling something there when the jit Goddess spoke through me. Weird, huh?”
“You can say that again.” Ginny sat back in the plush seat. “I can’t believe you’re so calm about it, Hen. That was some strange stuff.”
“It was, but it felt… right somehow, Gin. I don’t pretend to understand it, but the Goddess is amazing. She’s pure and good,