Skyport Virgo 1 - Refuge (7 page)

As Laleh fingered a loose brown wave, she noticed Pike rounding the corner. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his determined stride. Not surprisingly, Pike wore his uniform, this one the dress uniform she'd only glimpsed on Spacefleet recruiting brochures and digital posters. The pleats of the gunmetal grey fabric were crisp, the medals decorating his chest highly polished. The snap of his boots echoed in the narrow hall.

Stomach aflutter, Laleh turned to face him. She smiled warmly. "Hi."

"Good morning." Pike stopped in front of her. His gaze moved over her outfit. "You look very nice."

"Thank you. You too," she added rather lamely. "How was your night?"

Pike shrugged. "Not bad at all. Yours?"

"Wonderful."

"Glad to hear it."

Laleh teethed her lower lip nervously at the succinct small talk. It seemed odd to feel so suddenly awkward in front of Pike. Nothing had really changed between them.

Pike tilted her chin and captured her gaze. "Are you ready?"

Nodding, she smiled. "Absolutely."

Laleh slipped her arm through the crook of his elbow and allowed him to escort her into the office. Melanya and Pilar's grinning faces welcomed them. The Justice of the Peace, a lanky elderly gentleman garbed in the red uniform of the Federation's judicial arm, greeted them with firm handshakes.

"So you're Admiral Grayson," Judge Hawkins said as he sized up Pike. "Heard good things about you from my girl, Clarie. She served on the
Icarus
during the Faltador Campaign. Believe you were just a captain then."

Laleh noticed a fleeting micro-expression twist Pike's face for the shortest of a second. Whatever had happened during that campaign still troubled him greatly.

"I remember Specialist First Class Hawkins," Pike said. "One of the best weapon's specialists I've ever had the pleasure to serve with," he added.

Like any proud papa, Judge Hawkins swelled a bit. "She's aboard the
Foucalt
now as a Chief Petty Officer."

"Good ship," Pike replied. "Important to the fleet." He paused as if uncertain whether to continue. "And her eyes?"

Rather grim, Judge Hawkins shook his head. "Couldn't be saved, but the implants are just as well. It took me a while to get used to the orange irises though."

Laleh had seen artificial eyes before and was always struck by the vivid tangerine color of the irises. She hadn't the foggiest idea why the lab-grown organs looked so frighteningly orange though. Laleh wondered how the judge's daughter had lost her eyes.

Maybe later she'd press Pike for details. Chief Petty Officer Hawkins might be just the segue Laleh needed to learn a little more about Pike.

"Well," Judge Hawkins clapped his hands together, "are we ready to proceed?"

"Yes." Laleh's voice echoed with Pike's.

Judge Hawkins gestured to the window overlooking a manicured park. He picked up his tablet and tapped the screen.

"Just a few quick questions to ask," he explained before launching into a series of queries regarding their marital, criminal, and familial status. Their answers satisfactory, Judge Hawkins crossed his arms, tucking his small PC under his arm, and cleared his throat. Smiling, he began a spiel he'd repeated who knew how many times.

"Friends," he eyed Milanya and Pilar, "we've come here today to witness the marriage of Laleh and Pike…"

Laleh felt rough fingers closing over hers. A buzzing sensation zipped up her arm and straight into her belly. Cheeks flaming, she listened intently to the judge's words. He belonged to the traditionalist camp when it came to their marriage vows, reciting phrases Laleh had only read in her historical romance novels. All the talk of love felt a little odd considering they'd known each other less than forty-eight hours. Still, Laleh took her vows seriously as she pledged herself to Pike. The intensity in his gaze and the steadiness of Pike's voice conveyed his sincerity.

"Rings?" Judge Hawkins asked.

Laleh uncurled the fingers of her left hand and lifted her palm. His ring on display, she turned to see what Pike had chosen. The stricken look on his face sent a ripple of anxiety through her. Embarrassment darkened his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, Laleh," Pike said contritely. "I forgot to pick one up yesterday."

Excitement deflated within her but she fought not to allow it to show on her face.

She squeezed his hand. "That's okay, Pike. This was something of a rush, and I know how busy you were yesterday."

"That's no excuse."

She could tell he was mentally berating himself. Desperate to reassure him, Laleh released his hand and touched his cheek. "Pike, it's fine."

Melanya stepped forward and pried her wedding band from her finger. She nudged Pike and dropped the gold band onto his palm. With a quick wink, she stepped back. Pike mouthed a grateful thank you and then turned his attention to Judge Hawkins, an amused smile playing on the elderly judge's face. Their little hiccup dealt with, Pike and Laleh exchanged rings.

Judge Hawkins beamed. "By the power vested in me by the supreme authority of the Federation of Coalition Planets, I pronounce you husband and wife." He stared expectantly at Pike before rolling his eyes. "Well go on! Give her a kiss!"

With the twittering giggles of Melanya and Pilar in the background, Pike stepped forward, his expression serious. Laleh licked her lips in anticipation and moved to meet his descending mouth. That first contact of their lips sent shockwaves through her. His fingertips brushed her cheeks as he held her face in his big, strong hands and claimed her lips in a kiss that curled her toes. When Pike broke contact, he pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. The corners of his lips quirked with a boyish grin. Her tummy flip-flopped at the realization she now belonged to this man.

Melanya and Pilar rushed forward and embraced them in congratulatory hugs. Even the judge seemed infected with their enthusiasm as he gave Laleh's shoulders a fatherly squeeze and clapped Pike on the back. Judge Hawkins wished them well before ushering them into a side office to make room for his next appointment.

They spent the next twenty minutes or so filling out the required digital forms and pressing their thumbprints to all of the necessary spots. Pike slipped his hand into the metal box to have his implanted chip updated first. Laleh followed and experienced her first real sensation of relief in months at the knowledge she was yet again a legal resident of Earth. Seeing the passport stamp on the screen of her transmitter filled her with such a sense of calm she had to blink back tears.

Safe. I'm finally safe.

As if sensing her overwhelmed state, Pike placed a steadying hand against the small of her back and led her out of the offices. She gravitated closer to him, her side bumping against his as they discussed dinner plans with their friends. There was something so comforting about his presence.

"I know the chef at Hikaru's," Pilar said, her fingers moving over the screen of her transmitter. "He'll make sure we get a great table."

As Pilar and Pike hashed out the details, Laleh slipped Milanya's ring off of her finger and returned it. "Thank you."

Melanya shrugged and slid the ring back onto her finger. She leaned over and whispered conspiratorially. "He always forgets the tiny details."

"Some best man you were," Pike interjected jokingly. "You're supposed to save me from myself."

"I'm no miracle worker, Pike." Melanya's watch chirped. She frowned. "However, I am late for a meeting." She glanced at Pilar. "All the plans for tonight worked out?"

Pilar nodded. "Eight at Hikaru's."

"Good deal." She grinned at Pike and Laleh. "We'll see you two later then."

The women headed off in one direction while Pike guided Laleh in another. His arm curled around her waist as he led her down a flight of stairs and out into the beautifully landscaped courtyard. Morning dew still glistened on the brightly colored blossoms and green leaves. People enjoying their morning cups of coffee sat on the benches, their transmitters held at eye level as they watched the morning news or read through their newest messages.

Pike steered her toward an empty bench. She sat and crossed her knees, carefully arranging the fabric of her skirt. Pike perched next to her and toyed with his wedding band.

"If you don't like the ring, you're more than welcome to exchange it for something else," Laleh offered.

"What?" He seemed surprised, then realized he was touching the ring. "Oh. No! I like it. It's simple. Very me," he added thoughtfully. Discomfort tugged at his features.

He looked terribly uncomfortable. "I really am sorry, Laleh, about forgetting the ring. I don't know how it slipped my mind."

"Pike," she interrupted with a light laugh. "You're preparing to launch a new ship halfway across the universe for a new post as a skyport commander. It's completely understandable. I'm not upset. Really."

He studied her face as if judging her sincerity. "I'll make it up to you. I promise."

Warmth blossomed in her chest. "I'm sure you will."

"I know it's rather boorish of me, but I have to get back to fleet headquarters. I have a million things to do before we ship out tomorrow morning. You're more than welcome to come with me and hang out in my temporary office."

Laleh wrinkled her nose. "I think I'll just head over to campus as I'd planned. I wanted to talk to some of my profs and catch up with some friends before the ceremony this afternoon."

"I'm hoping to make it to the ceremony grounds in time to see you cross the stage, but I can't promise anything," Pike said apologetically.

She shrugged. "If you're really interested, I'm sure you'll be able to find footage online."

Pike smiled. "We'll see."

"We should probably make plans to meet somewhere since the crowds are sure to be thick. How about the maglev stop by the west entrance of the university?"

"Works for me."

"Great."

"Laleh." Pike touched her shoulder, his voice suddenly serious. "Promise me you'll be very careful today. We've solved your immigration problems, but there's nothing stopping Jai from trying to hurt you again."

Touched by his concern, Laleh nodded. "I'll be safe. I promise."

"I'm holding you to that." He glanced at his watch. "I need to go. I'm expected at the Admiralty soon."

"Go," Laleh said, shooing him off. "I'm a big girl. I can watch out for myself."

Grinning, Pike rose and cupped her chin. "Enjoy yourself today. You won't see Earth for quite a while."

"I will."

Pike's hand lingered on her skin, his thumb caressing the soft spot just below her lip.

"Be safe."

Laleh nodded and watched him walk away. As he reached the stairs, Pike pivoted to face her again. A roguish smile curved his lips. "Welcome to Spacefleet, Mrs. Grayson."

Chuckling, Laleh shook her head.
Welcome to Spacefleet, indeed.

* * * *

Just the thought of losing her in the crowd made him antsy. All day, he'd worried about her traipsing about Houston without any sort of protection. Logically, Pike knew Laleh was fully capable of looking after herself yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he should be with her, protecting her. He'd already started thinking of her as
his
. If there was one thing Pike did exceptionally well, it was taking care of the things that belonged to him. He'd be damned if anyone harmed a single hair on Laleh's head.

Similarly, Pike had been struck by the oddest sensation of pride watching Laleh cross the stage to accept her doctorate. She'd practically glowed as she strode toward the dean. Judging by the shouts from the crowd of graduate students in her section, Pike had surmised she was quite popular. Laleh had flashed a sign of some kind to her friends and the section had erupted with raucous laughter. He couldn't help but wonder about the inside joke.

A flash of silver speckled with black caught his eye. Pike zeroed in and spotted Laleh moving the crowd, surrounded by people he assumed to be her friends. At the sight of her laughing, smiling face, guilt clawed his belly. In just a few short hours, he would be taking her away from everything she knew, from her friends, her support system. Even the knowledge she'd made the decision to marry and join him on Virgo of her own free will did little to lessen that gnawing sensation she might someday regret her choice or feel trapped.

Pushing aside those thoughts, Pike stepped into the light and into Laleh's path. Her face brightened at the sight of him. It had been a long time since any woman had looked at him like that. A quiver of anticipation pierced his belly as Laleh broke away from her friends and hurried over to meet him.

Knowing her friends would expect some kind public display of affection between newlyweds, Pike swept Laleh into his arms. Her blue eyes widened with surprise.

Amused, he planted a lingering kiss on her soft lips. She stiffened and then relaxed into his embrace, her hands settling on his arms. The realization he could push the boundaries of their relationship made his groin tighten. Only the bustling crowd kept him from cupping her face and sliding his tongue between her lips.

Pulling back, Pike swept an escaped lock of hair from her face. "Congratulations, Laleh."

A pleased grin curved her face. Before she could speak, her friends descended upon them. In a whirlwind of introductions, Pike met the group of eleven compatriots. They were a motley bunch, a few of them obviously well-to-do by the looks of their clothing, the others barely scraping by on the fringe by the looks of their second hand suits and dresses. Physicists, mathematicians, biochemists, and writers—they covered the spectrum of academia.

Two of them decked out in the navy blue uniforms of ensigns drew his attention. He learned they were Spacefleet ROTC members preparing to ship out on their first deployments after completing their engineering degrees. Secretly, Pike was glad to hear the pair had been assigned to ships far outside any hostile zones. Green officers always made him nervous, even more so when the crews they commanded were likely to encounter hostilities.