Obedience


© 2018 by Walter Reimer



The palomino mare remained standing as the words seemed to linger.

“Zvodoskā Tī, ēn, tar gar mevik, uljasā farzhzān.”

(Understand-I, [honorific], but, with great/high respect, not-wish-I to go/depart.)

The corners of the Captain’s mouth quirked upward. “Excuse me, Sublieutenant? ‘With great respect,’ you do not wish to leave?” He placed his hands flat on the desk in front of him, fingers splayed. The tips of his fingerclaws peeked out of their sheathes. “I do not admit to being fully conversant in the Confederate Fleet’s regulations, but I am fairly certain that disobeying orders is a punishable offense.”

His expression and his statement caused Meredith’s ears to lay back. “You are correct, Sir.”

There was a slight whisper of sound as the kam’s tail snaked across the deck. “What punishment, then?”

“Declination of rank, loss of pay and privileges,” she replied promptly, “and possibly a fiver.”

“What?”

“A whipping that leaves five clear scars, Sir. For a first offense.” She swallowed. “That would be at Captain Kodai’s discretion.”

The kam’s muzzle twisted in distaste. “I was unaware of that. Be at ease, Sublieutenant, and sit down,” and after the palomino mare had complied he asked, “Is that what you want? Physical punishment, loss of rank?” He wasn’t a perfect student of Terran facial expressions, but she seemed distressed and shook her head negatively.

“Would you prefer it if I disobeyed my orders?”

She met his gaze, her ears erect and swiveling. “Of course not, Sir.”

“So you see the problem. I am not blind, Sublieutenant, and you and Lieutenant g’Raf have become very close during your time aboard the Kith. But you and I have orders. I will obey mine, and I will not allow you to disobey yours.

“Aka, your choice is a simple one, as I see it. Obey your orders, and walk off this ship on your – hooves,” he hesitated before saying the Terran word, “or be carried off in restraints.”

He sat impassively as she seemed to crumple slightly in the chair. Her eyes closed tightly and she breathed a harsh, shuddering breath through her mouth. After several fractions, she sat up straighter, sniffed, and said, “I will obey my orders, Gartabin.”

Captain k’Jen’s fingerclaws withdrew into his fingertips. “I am pleased, Sublieutenant. Junior officers such as yourself can be passionate, and senior officers like myself understand that. I do not anticipate that the current emergency will last very long, and once it is over I will be honored to have you on my command staff again.” He smiled as she looked at him. “Cherish what time you have with Gorwan g’Raf, and arrange for you two to correspond.”

Meredith stood. “Thank you, Captain.”

“You are welcome. Dismissed, Sublieutenant.” She left the room and as the door closed, he sat back and his tail slid along the arm of his chair. After several fractions, he touched the desk intercom.

“Yes, Sir?” the Communications Officer on duty asked.

“I’ll be sending a message shortly,” and after the officer acknowledged he switched off the intercom and went back to his reports.