Shatter by Lora E. Rasmussen

Author:Lora E. Rasmussen [Rasmussen, Lora E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FF, Fiction, GLBT, Lesbian, Science Fiction, War & Military
ISBN: 9781539882510
Google: NKg8MQAACAAJ
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2017-01-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Thick, long rich brown hair lovingly combed loose. Youthful golden skin unblemished, almost glowing in apparent health. Small, full mouth closed, relaxed; brow smooth; short, slightly broad nose pert as always. She was, of course, dressed in her full dress blues and blacks. Her uniform was perfectly tailored and pressed, with the three platinum threaded cuff rings shining in compliment to the trio of solid, small triangular pips affixed to her right upper chest denoting a Lieutenant’s rank in the Paxen Ministry Navy. Two medals signifying exemplary service glittered at her left breast: the Mark of Prometheus and the Mark of Distinguished Service. Small, sturdy hands were interlaced resting atop her lower abdomen. Lying quiescent, the slight framed woman was quite simply beautiful.

A perfect vision, like an Old–Terran fairy tale filled with magic and wonder, where the heroine awakens to perform great deeds and to love, laugh, and above all, live.

Yet this was no whimsical myth, no brief interlude of indulgent fancy. No, as vital as she appeared, Marel Kieu Ngai would never again perform great deeds, neither laugh nor love. As that bedamned truth once more hit Lieutenant Commander Diana Adeline, hot tears threatened to rattle loose from her hard won, carefully preserved Senior Officer’s composure. Never again would Diana hear the cheerful bubble of Marel’s rich chuckle, see the dimpled smile dawn like an unclouded morning sunrise. Especially given her own penchant for almost pseudo–pessimistic detachment and workaholic tendencies, how Diana had treasured the pure joy her dear friend could elicit! Marel’s brightness had been a reliable quantity, quotidian to the cycles of life and duty aboard the QS Excalibur for the last five and a half years. Starting off as a Major Second Class at the post of Junior Comm Officer, Diana had watched her friend grow as they worked shoulder to shoulder in both Operations and Intelligence duties. Each had served as wingman to the other, first in carrying out responsibilities and then in an ever deepening and maturing friendship. Aside from Avara and Marcus, Marel Ngai was… no ; Marel Ngai had been … the single closest person to Diana Adeline outside of her family.

It was the quiet and constant support of Marel, and of course Marcus, who had helped Diana contend with the emotional turbulence of this last year in regards to her own personal life, and even whether or not to continue aboard the Excalibur in constant proximity to the source of her pain. It was a favor Diana had long extended to Marel, especially with the death of Marel’s younger and closest brother Huy four years back. Adeline was also there the day the acquaintance between Marel and Mira Zibai had transformed into something far deeper, just as Adeline had joyfully stood with her dear friend the day Marel and Mira married. More than once Diana had taken furloughs with Marel back to her home on Pax and the city of New Haiphong. During those visits Adeline had always stayed at

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