Prelude to Retribution

Chapter Seventeen: Burning Passions

Star System: Renda Noth

Moon: Paragonis IV

Location: House Marisala Guest House Workshop

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"I sense loneliness in you, Lieutenant Colonel Veriss," Phantom Two stated. "Is everything going well between you and Captain Marisala?"

Veriss looked up from the reports he was composing and glanced at the computer containing Phantom Two's memory banks.

"Yes, everything is fine between us," Veriss replied. "I'm curious as to why you would ask."

"When she informed you that she was going to be reporting for duty as Captain of the Queen's Guards in the morning, I sensed a substantial amount of trepidation within you," Phantom Two replied. "I'm afraid that I do not understand that emotion, especially after both of you have entered what is known to human lovers as an engagement period."

Veriss chuckled and looked back down at the reports. "I wouldn't expect you to know Phantom Two. And yes, I am apprehensive of her having to leave for duty in the morning. It will limit our time together from now on just as much as resuming my work here on the development of the software programs for Phantom Squadron has presented similar limitations."

"May I ask a question concerning my brothers in the squadron," Phantom Two enquired. "That is if you do not mind, Lieutenant Colonel."

Veriss rolled his eyes and sighed. "You may ask, Phantom Two."

"Will we experience the same anxiety when sent to our respective ships?" Phantom Two asked. "And when separated, will we show the same trepidations you display towards Captain Marisala's pending deployment?"

"I don't know," Veriss replied, typing in data to complete a paragraph in the report. "It depends on how much you communicate with one another. You can speak to each other through subspace channels."

"The reason I enquire about this is because I recall you informing me that Phantom Leader and I will be residing with you and Admiral Prolov at your respective homes," Phantom Two said in its monotone voice. "However, our brothers, Phantom Three and Four, will remain aboard the Amaranth until we receive orders for a mission deployment. Will they not be as anxious for us as you are for Captain Marisala?"

Veriss paused for a moment to mentally search for the proper words.

These are deep ponderings by Phantom Two. He thought before responding, "I would guess they will have each other's company on the ship. But you can still communicate with them while they are aboard the Amaranth."

"Interesting response," Phantom Two said. "But I still cannot comprehend why you would have trepidations for a seasoned officer and soldier such as Captain Marisala, who is more than capable of handling herself if a situation arises."

Veriss nodded and smiled. "Perhaps you are right, Phantom Two, in your latter assessment. Maybe my trepidations are unnecessary. I saw her take charge on the battlefield when caring for me. She gave fierce orders to her subordinate while taking the time to talk to me gently."

"If you do not mind me saying so, Lieutenant Colonel, I will be forever grateful for her efforts in saving your life," Phantom Two stated. "I would not want to exist if I lost you, as I consider you and Admiral Prolov my friends. Phantom Leader feels the same way towards you and Admiral Prolov."

The AI's response almost brought a tear to Veriss's eyes. "We would be devastated if we lost either one of you. As of now, you are the closest thing I have regarding fathering a child. And Phantom Leader is Admiral Prolov's only opportunity to experience such pleasure in life as he and Annalisa are barren."