Read Choice of the Gallant - Paradox Equation I Page 42

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  Lane was delighted. The little ship was an absolute jewel. She had been the king's personal ship. She was sleek, clean and tastefully appointed. She was also faster than anything else her size. She was set up for a crew of three, perfect for his needs. He wasn't sure how he felt about her extensive armament, but knew it would be needed. Her shields were good, but he would make major improvements in them. He would also make her capable of things no other ship in the universe could do, but for that he would need his brothers. He smiled widely when his comm to the fleet ship was answered. Clete's 'range' kept getting longer.

  "Hi, Clete. I need you. I'm sorry to give you such short notice."

  "It'll take me a few hours. My captain won't be happy. I'll give him my resignation and say my farewells. I knew this would come someday. Do you want me to message Dutch?"

  "Yes. Tell him to kiss the ladies farewell. We'll pick him up in three days."

  "That's some ship. Not many could get there that fast."

  "She's a gem, Clete, but as soon as we get Dutch, we need to do some modifications. We'll be doing most of them ourselves. Say hello to Godfather for me."

  "I will. Ride our shadow. We've been running nervous. See you soon."

  Lane tucked under the big starship and took a nap. He'd been running nervous too. Things were very tense close to neutral space. He was awakened by the comm call.

  "Nelson calling Lissa. Come in, please."

  "Lissa here. Hello, Telas. It's good to see you."

  "I'm pleased to see you too. Clete's preparing to beam over. May I inquire why you've chosen to resign?"

  "It's time to carry on the family tradition."

  "Understood. I've prepared something that should be of assistance. Clete's bringing it. It's coded. I don't believe you'll have difficulty in finding the key. If you see Alice, give her my regards."

  Lane smiled. He knew what the key was. Telas had made sure he 'realized' it, rather than 'remembered' it. He knew he'd enjoy it.

  "I shall. Good journeys, Telas."

  "Safe journeys to you. Say hello to Dutch for me. Clete is transporting now."

  "Hi, Lane. What a mix. I get the pleasure, but what's got you so worried?"

  "I'll explain my emotional state once we're underway, Clete. We've got some changes to make and not a lot of time. Get on ops. I'll take con."

  "Done."

  Clete grinned widely when Dutch transported aboard and pulled both his brothers into a hug. He'd felt Lane's tightly controlled impatience and hunger to be near him growing. His own wasn't quite as strong, but it was close. He'd actually felt it when Dutch got the message they were coming.

  "I've missed you guys. Clete knows how much of an understatement that is. Guess this means we've got work to do. Captain said hello. Didn't even act surprised when I resigned. Said he knew it would come eventually."

  "What's the relief I feel?"

  "Well, Clete, there are two lovely ladies who think I should make a choice... "

  Lane and Clete burst into laughter. Dutch hadn't changed. Neither had his pleasure in their laughter. Clete pulled them into another hug. It was what they both really wanted.

  "Clete, pull that info up. Let's see what he gave us. The key is Wabbit."

  Clete and Dutch smiled widely. It was a story Gallant had told while Telas was with them and it did seem rather appropriate. Lane returned their smiles. It felt so very good to be together again. The Gallant boys were on the loose and the universe was about to change.