Ambassador.”
Jared’s face clouded even further. “This isn’t a casual trip through the park, Ambassador Vega. It has the potential to be very dangerous. I cannot be responsible for a member of the Imperial Family under these conditions, no matter how they choose to style themselves.”
A mulish expression settled across her face, although she tried to fight it. “I apologize for the surprise, but this matter is settled. I’m staying.”
“The devil it is. I cannot be responsible for your safety in this environment, Your Highness. You’re leaving, even if I have to strap you into that cutter myself.” Jared assured her. He looked like he’d do it, too. She’d never seen him so angry.
Vega’s bland expression didn’t flicker at their exchange. “I’m afraid this assignment isn’t open to debate, Captain. These orders come directly from his Imperial Majesty. All four expeditions are receiving experienced diplomats and young people with extensive negotiating experience to train in this role for future missions.”
As two crewmen wheeled a cart full of luggage from the cutter and began unloading it on the deck as, Jared swore creatively. Kelsey made note of some of the catchier phrases for personal use later.
“This is madness,” her half-brother finally managed. “What if she’s injured or killed? She’s second in line to the Imperial Throne!”
Vega smiled. “And I believe her father was a Fleet officer when he was Heir to that very throne. He understands the dangers inherent to her making this voyage. No fault will attach to you or Fleet if such a tragedy were to happen.”
“I am well aware of the risks as well,” Kelsey said. “I’m fulfilling my duty to the Empire just like you are, Jared.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, possibly counting to ten. “Fine. I’ll see that we assign appropriate quarters to you. But I want to make a few things very clear.”
He stepped into Kelsey’s personal space and stared down at her. It took a great deal of willpower not to step back. “This is my ship. I am the commander of this mission. You may be an Imperial Princess, but on my ship you will obey my orders. I will not tolerate disobedience or disrespect of any kind. You are subject to the same rules and expectations as the rest of my crew. Do you understand me, Deputy Ambassador Bandar?”
She opened her mouth to say something, but Vega cut her off. “Yes, Captain. We understand completely. I accept full responsibility for educating Deputy Ambassador Bandar on the behavior required of her.”
Not bothering to hide the doubt on his face, Jared stepped back. “See that you do, Ambassador. How many guards has she brought with her?”
“None. When I said she wasn’t acting as an Imperial Princess, I wasn’t kidding. And before you offer, she will not need any marines to act in that capacity. We trust this environment to be free of that kind of threat.”
Jared shook his head. “More madness. Very well then, I’ll send some crewmembers to get you settled in. Report to the Executive Officer once you’ve stowed your belongings.”
He turned on his heel and stormed to the lift without any parting pleasantries. That was probably for the best.
Kelsey had never seen that side of her half-brother before. Gone was the polite officer that came to visit a few times a year. Missing was the man who’d accepted her cold anger and indignant distain without a word in his own defense. The intimidating man she’d just seen was no less a ruler than her father inside this, his domain.
Vega turned to her as the crewmembers from the cutter brought out the last of their luggage. “I trust you see how serious Captain Mertz is. He’ll be looking for any reason to drop you off in a life pod and let someone else pick you up, so you’d best keep that sharp tongue of yours under firm control, Kelsey.”
“I have no intention of getting crossways with my half-brother, Carlo. I’ll behave.”
“And
Jared’s face clouded even further. “This isn’t a casual trip through the park, Ambassador Vega. It has the potential to be very dangerous. I cannot be responsible for a member of the Imperial Family under these conditions, no matter how they choose to style themselves.”
A mulish expression settled across her face, although she tried to fight it. “I apologize for the surprise, but this matter is settled. I’m staying.”
“The devil it is. I cannot be responsible for your safety in this environment, Your Highness. You’re leaving, even if I have to strap you into that cutter myself.” Jared assured her. He looked like he’d do it, too. She’d never seen him so angry.
Vega’s bland expression didn’t flicker at their exchange. “I’m afraid this assignment isn’t open to debate, Captain. These orders come directly from his Imperial Majesty. All four expeditions are receiving experienced diplomats and young people with extensive negotiating experience to train in this role for future missions.”
As two crewmen wheeled a cart full of luggage from the cutter and began unloading it on the deck as, Jared swore creatively. Kelsey made note of some of the catchier phrases for personal use later.
“This is madness,” her half-brother finally managed. “What if she’s injured or killed? She’s second in line to the Imperial Throne!”
Vega smiled. “And I believe her father was a Fleet officer when he was Heir to that very throne. He understands the dangers inherent to her making this voyage. No fault will attach to you or Fleet if such a tragedy were to happen.”
“I am well aware of the risks as well,” Kelsey said. “I’m fulfilling my duty to the Empire just like you are, Jared.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, possibly counting to ten. “Fine. I’ll see that we assign appropriate quarters to you. But I want to make a few things very clear.”
He stepped into Kelsey’s personal space and stared down at her. It took a great deal of willpower not to step back. “This is my ship. I am the commander of this mission. You may be an Imperial Princess, but on my ship you will obey my orders. I will not tolerate disobedience or disrespect of any kind. You are subject to the same rules and expectations as the rest of my crew. Do you understand me, Deputy Ambassador Bandar?”
She opened her mouth to say something, but Vega cut her off. “Yes, Captain. We understand completely. I accept full responsibility for educating Deputy Ambassador Bandar on the behavior required of her.”
Not bothering to hide the doubt on his face, Jared stepped back. “See that you do, Ambassador. How many guards has she brought with her?”
“None. When I said she wasn’t acting as an Imperial Princess, I wasn’t kidding. And before you offer, she will not need any marines to act in that capacity. We trust this environment to be free of that kind of threat.”
Jared shook his head. “More madness. Very well then, I’ll send some crewmembers to get you settled in. Report to the Executive Officer once you’ve stowed your belongings.”
He turned on his heel and stormed to the lift without any parting pleasantries. That was probably for the best.
Kelsey had never seen that side of her half-brother before. Gone was the polite officer that came to visit a few times a year. Missing was the man who’d accepted her cold anger and indignant distain without a word in his own defense. The intimidating man she’d just seen was no less a ruler than her father inside this, his domain.
Vega turned to her as the crewmembers from the cutter brought out the last of their luggage. “I trust you see how serious Captain Mertz is. He’ll be looking for any reason to drop you off in a life pod and let someone else pick you up, so you’d best keep that sharp tongue of yours under firm control, Kelsey.”
“I have no intention of getting crossways with my half-brother, Carlo. I’ll behave.”
“And
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