Page 57 of Clan and Command

Kila saw Lokmi frown at the enhancements they worked to install deep in the shadows of the other mechanisms. They were hiding their newest tool among the fleet-approved shields, out of the sightline of those involved in regular duty.

He shared the Imdiko’s worries about their clandestine acquisition, but the time for avoiding unlawful enterprise had come to an end. The alterations being made to their vessel, if discovered by the fleet, would land them in military prison for years. As damning was the portable version Kila had gotten the specs for and would assemble once this work was done. The technology was not of Kalquorian origin, and as recent tests on adaptations had only recently confirmed positive results with their vessels, it had not yet been implemented by the Empire.

It was also top secret technology. Kila had discovered its existence by nosing into the Research and Development Department records. He’d done so to find any new developments that might benefit his ship and crew in the dangerous months ahead. As a double agent, he felt justified in attacking his own side’s restricted access. Especially with so much on the line. However, it would still be his ass if the fleet discovered his activities. Hobato would disavow all knowledge of Kila’s spy status, exactly as he would Piras’s. Maf could not know the Empire was making attempts to infiltrate his organization.

Lokmi connected a component and consulted his handheld to get a reading. He spoke in low tones, letting the drone of the nearby engines mask his words from all but Kila. “I hope we get a chance to test this out before we have to hang our lives on it.”

“With luck, we will.”

Lokmi shot him a glance. “Do you believe in luck?”

“Fuck no. I’m just trying to make you feel better, sunshine.” Kila smirked with humor he didn’t feel.

“Don’t sugarcoat shit for me. I like facts and knowing what’s going on.”

Kila snorted. Lokmi was on duty, which meant he was in full Dramok mode. Anything to do with the ship’s performance seemed to trigger that side of his personality.

At least he knew his job well. For the first time since he’d become a captain, Kila didn’t feel he had to struggle against his chief engineer. Lokmi felt like his teammate, not antagonist. Even though they were likely to lock horns again sooner rather than later, Kila respected Lokmi and was sure Lokmi respected him too.

Thinking about the Imdiko engineer with Dramok tendencies made Kila contemplate another Dramok. Last night and that morning, Piras had seemed to make peace with a great many things. His attitude towards Laro Station being their target was regretful, but he appreciated the necessity of its sacrifice. He viewed it with a healthy mindset, Kila thought.

Piras had admitted his continuing concerns about the effect of his mission on his mother. With her severe anxiety, she would be overwhelmed to think her son had turned traitor. Yet there was no help for that if he was to continue his assignment. In the end, he’d decided the good of the Empire surpassed his mother’s nervousness. All he could hope for was to return alive and cleared of charges at war’s end so he could explain himself to her.

Likewise, he had seemed to come to terms with his past love affair. Kila had hopes Piras was in the process of laying his relationship with Lidon to rest. If he was, would he look to find a new start with Kila?

He kept his gaze on the command board he was installing as he mumbled to Lokmi, “I owe you thanks for helping me with Piras.”

“Don’t choke on it, Captain.” Lokmi grinned at Kila’s growl before turning thoughtful. “I can see how he came to mean so much to you. For all that temper he’s so well known for, he’s got a good head on his shoulders. I like that he’s principled and doesn’t take his responsibilities lightly.”

“Does anything in particular makes you say that?”

“I can tell the idea of turning on Laro Station is weighing on his conscience.”

“And yours,” Kila observed. Lokmi had been visibly shaken to learn Laro was to come under attack.

He kept his tone noncommittal. “Spying is a bloody business. I thank the ancestors that all I have to worry about is keeping the ship going. Deciding on whether people live or die would be far more than I could handle.”

As even as he made his voice, the Imdiko’s eyes betrayed how troubled he felt. His hands shook minutely as he worked.

“Your Imdiko is showing, Chief.” Kila’s voice was soft with understanding. He remained pragmatic about sacrificing the lives of soldiers for the greater good, but it tore at him too. He and Lokmi may have signed on to be spies, but never with the idea they’d have to turn on so many of their own. They would be actively involved in fighting against the Empire.

As a natural caregiver, Lokmi would feel the pain more acutely than a Nobek. His guilt might even rival Piras’s. Harming others went against an Imdiko’s natural instincts.

Lokmi’s gaze met Kila’s. In typical nurturer fashion, his thoughts were not for his own concerns. “Is Piras going to be okay? Are we all going to be okay?”

His roundabout way of asking if Kila would also be able to cope with what was to come warmed the Nobek’s heart. It was too bad Lokmi was so determined to avoid relationships with Nobeks for fear his controlling instincts would be stomped on. In his way, he was as compelling as Piras.

Maybe once I’ve brought down Piras’s barriers, I can get to work on this man’s.

Without thinking twice, Kila reached over and stroked Lokmi’s cheek. The Imdiko’s eyes widened and his breath caught…but he didn’t move away.

Not wanting to push his luck, Kila indulged in the intimate contact for a bare moment. He told Lokmi, “Everyone will do what we have to. And then we will learn to live with it, because we must. For honor and Empire.”

Lokmi nodded. His expression said he knew the trepidation Kila felt at the coming storm. The Nobek didn’t try to hide those feelings. He had the idea that it might be all right for Lokmi to have a glimpse into his soul and know the pain the mission caused him too.

After all, Imdikos didn’t have the market cornered on hurt.

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