Angolin by C. E. Taylor

Author:C. E. Taylor [Taylor, C. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CamCat Publishing

Dharmen walked the darkened, narrow loft corridor to the guest sleep-in. He could hear clanking synthware being arranged for deactivation downstairs. He shut the sound from his mind. The evening had ended awesomely, and he didn’t want his new, unwanted housekeeper interfering with that. He stopped at the door and knocked.

“Father?”

It slid open. “Oh, thank Krone, it’s you, m’boy. I thought it was that blasted synth woman. Never could get used to those things, even back at the First.”

“Right. Have everything you need?”

“Affirmative.”

“Father, I need to apologize for tonight.” Silent eyes met Dharmen, evincing understanding well beyond his notice. “That little shit got to me, but I shouldn’t have picked a fight to begin with. I went too far too fast. I dishonored the Guard, myself, and you.”

“Nonsense, son! People get angry. Give yourself some shred of credit. Krone has no rule of honor that says a soldier can’t lose his temper once in a while, especially at a silly kid intent on provoking it.”

“Maybe, but with me it’s all the time and beyond Rem-E’s help. I don’t know what to do about it,” Dharmen sighed. “It’s like a monster living inside me. I wish I had a cool head like you, and just about everybody else.”

“Well, there’s no rule that says a soldier can’t be himself either. You’re a good man, Dharmen, but one who tends toward hotheadedness is all.” Nüren leaned forward. “But save it for the enemy. I don’t think the Carmis or the traitors are much of a match for your kind of . . . spirit. I just wish we could harness it in some usable form and fix it to a gunship. That would be a weapon to contend with!”

“But, I . . .”

Eyes kind but sharp let Dharmen know the conversation was finished.

“Sleep well, Father. I’ll see you in the morning.”

The door shut. Dharmen went to the main sleep-in and found Willem already in bed. “Are you happy, love?”

“Infinitely! But I have a question.”

“A question.” Dharmen looked around as though to imaginary people in the room. “I propose, I get soaked for him, and he has a question.”

“Why tonight, Dharmen?” Willem asked with a marginal, placid smile. “Why now, in the midst of everything?”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s not a complaint. I was just wondering.”

“Look, I know you’re worried about Aremel. I’m worried about her too, but we’ll find her.”

“It’s not just that. I want to know why you chose this moment. You’re so careful about nearly everything, I’m surprised you picked tonight and didn’t want to wait.”

Dharmen thought about it. “I wanted to do it months ago, the night our dine-in was nearly blown up. Then I wanted to right after we shot down those stolen ships from Port, and then you were nearly kidnapped—odd time to ask your partner to marry you.” He sat beside Willem. “And Kleve Park would have been perfect, but we were too preoccupied with Gallin.”

“So you chose your father’s birthday celebration instead?”

“It was a good try at a cover, as much as Father let it be.

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