Swift Fox and the Pirates of the Jackai, Part Three
Vulpine Interplanetary Protectorate
Admiral Tor Clarendale kept his pace even with Chairwoman Aberdeen as he listened to her. There were many in the Lupine System who held little respect for Aberdeen outside the fact she had two Critainian bodyguards. In truth, she liked it that way. It made it much more interesting when those she didn’t often deal with directly tried to treat her like some doddering old fool. After many years of service in the Royal Vulpine Fleet, as a science officer first, then as a diplomatic negotiator, she was offered the position of Chair of the Council Protectorate. At first, she declined, but after Til’Ik and Had’Row talked it over with her, she finally agreed. On one condition. That Til’Ik and Had’Row serve as her charges. She’d worked with them on many a science mission and later on diplomatic missions, and knew they both had an eye for what might be deception and the truth.
“Tell me what you’re thinking, Admiral,” Aberdeen said in a quiet and calm voice as they walked along the promenade. “I always know when you have some small item you are trying to figure out, Tor. I’ve known you for years.”
Tor Clarendale sighed and clasped his hands in front of his waistcoat. “I have no proof, so I am loathe to voice this out in the open.”
“Off the record, Tor,” she said with a nod, then motioned to her two Critainian charges. They both nodded in reply.
“Off the record,” Tor began with a hushed voice. “I feel that the Pantherans have something to do with this. If not the entire fleet, then someone within the fleet who is power hungry. I would just like to find the evidence to back that up.” He looked up to face Aberdeen. “So, in a way, having the Revenge called in to assist might be worth while. Someone might get careless. An official Vulpine investigation would mean any evidence would be swept away. But with the Revenge and her crew, there’s a chance someone will get sloppy. And if my suspicions are incorrect, maybe we’ll stop a roving horde of Jackai pirates.”
“Agreed, Tor. Make sure that you inform Captain Clarendale of that matter.” Aberdeen chuckled at the mention of the Revenge’s captain. “It’ll be good to see the Revenge once again,” Aberdeen said with a soft smile, the small group coming to a stop at the Chambers’ observation deck. The Protectorate Chambers orbited Vulpine, giving all who came for meetings or to simply trade merchant goods an incredible view of the blue planet below. “Remember what it was like to sail in a ship with solar sails, Tilly?” she asked of one of her charges.
“Indeed, Abby,” Til’Ik replied with a smile, thinking back to her time on board one of her first commissions. “I never quite understood why ship builders stopped using them”
“Oh, some fool Vulpine who was too big for his tail dreamed up some system for propulsion that would gather solar particles like a big scoop,” Aberdeen scoffed as she tossed a hand in the air. She was very much one for tradition. “It will be good to see your niece again, Tor,” she said with a smile and leaned on her walking staff.
“Yes indeed, Madam Chairwoman,” he replied with a smile and a nod, hands clasped lightly behind his back as he tried to keep all manner of decorum.
“Tor,” Aberdeen stated as she took her glasses from her snout. “We aren’t in the middle of some chamber gathering, and as such, you will call me by my given name. By the Great Mother, I hear that title enough. After a while you get sick of it, especially when it’s spoken with such saccharin tones.”
“I could look more menacing, Abby,” Had’Row said with a small grin, reaching over to nudge Til’Ik. “Might make one ‘r two speak a little more respectfully.”
“Goodness no!” Aberdeen replied with a small chuckle. “You’d scare off the diplomats and we’d never get anything done.” She thought for a moment, then leaned over toward Had’Row. “But don’t dismiss that idea completely, we might need to use it from time to time.” The four shared a laugh at Aberdeen’s comments. For her age, she showed a good deal of wit that went well with her diplomatic skills. “Tor,” she said as the laughter died down. “There will need to be an escort to bring the Revenge to port.”
Tor nodded in reply to Aberdeen’s statement. “Of course, Abby. I’ll arrange a vessel to meet her.”
“I believe you should be the one to greet them,” she remarked as she slide her glasses back onto her snout. “And it isn’t because you happen to be her uncle, Tor. You command the flagship of the Royal Vulpine Fleet. The Tritan is recognized throughout the system. It will shed light on the importance of this endeavor.”
Tor Clarendale thought on this for a moment. It was the proper thing to do. Plus, it would give him a chance to shuttle to the Revenge and meet his niece personally, even debrief her before hand in less official capacity. “For the best, Abby. I can see your point, and I agree, after all.”
“Excellent,” Aberdeen replied with a clap of her hands. “And, in your unofficial capacity, when you meet Crena, do tell her a hello from me, hmm?”
