Vall's Will by Linda Mooney Page A

stepped inside.
Motioning for them to follow her, Will led them out into the narrow corridor.
    Translate
off.
    She flashed a
smile as she ordered them to kill their interpreting ability. “I don’t
know how well Vall might take the news that we’re having to leave him here, but
we’ve been ordered off the station, effective immediately.”
    Gayt’s eyes
widened as Killjorn whispered, “For what reason?”
    “That
Objurian ship that exploded contained the queen mother, their holiest of
holies. The Ben Objure have declared total war on me and all crew members of
the Trinity of Hope , and threaten to destroy all Regency-held bases and
bases hosting Regency agents until I’m turned over to them. Commander Oglet
believes they’ll carry out that threat, which is why he doesn’t want us on Precorut.”
    “What do
you need us to do?” Killjorn asked.
    “Both of
you go back to the ship. Inform them we have to leave within the hour, if not
sooner.”
    “What
about―”
    “I’ll take
care of him myself.” Will looked up to see Vall intently watching her.
Somehow, she could tell from his worried expression that he knew something was
about to happen. “Go. I’ll join you shortly.”
    The two women
hurried away, leaving Will alone with the young man. Taking his hand, she
started in the direction of the tubes as her mind raced. She already had a
vague idea how Vall would take her desertion, but would he understand why she
had to leave him?
    At the thought
of finally being separated, Will felt a hard tug at her heart, and tears
threatened to fill her eyes once more. A sudden pressure around her fingers
told her he was aware of her distress. Glancing up at him, she smiled again and
tried to remain calm. But the simple truth was, for some reason she couldn’t
fathom, this was going to be the most difficult thing she had ever done in her
life.
    I hope you
don’t come to hate me, Vall, for what I’m about to do. Please be aware this is
for your own good, and for the good of everyone here on Precorut. Please
forgive me, but I have no other choice.
    There was
another squeeze of her hand. Keeping her smile pasted on her face, Will led him
to the nearest observation deck to say her good-byes.
     

Chapter Seven
    Attack
     
     
    Unlike being on
board the Trinity, people stared openly at her and Vall as they made
their way, hand in hand, through the corridors. Many recognized her. A few knew
her by name. Everyone identified the uniform and neck tattoo of a Nion Warrior.
    Will ignored
them all as she and Vall made their way to the observation deck. Unlike the one
on her ship, this deck was huge and multi-tiered. At any given time, a large
number of people were present. When they entered via the second level, Will
quickly estimated at least two dozen observers were on that level alone.
    She turned and
headed for a secluded alcove, or some place that would provide them with a bit
of privacy. She finally found a couple of seats in a far corner, out of the direct
line of sight from the doorway. Taking one of the seats, she released his hand
and waited for him to sit. Vall gave the chair a brief glance, then perched on
the edge of the seat. His actions gave her the impression he wouldn’t hesitate
to lunge for her if she tried to leave.
    Translate.
    There wasn’t
time to be gentle. She had to be blunt. If it hurt his feelings, maybe that
would be a good thing. Maybe if she made him angry enough, he wouldn’t mind
seeing her go, although the thought of parting on such terms didn’t sit well
with her.
    She turned to
face him and put on her sternest expression. “Vall, this is where we part
company. You will stay here, but I must go.”
    She watched his
eyes widen, but he never moved or gestured.
    “I am a
Nion warrior. I have to leave. My mission is to protect this part of the
galaxy. That’s how we ran across the Objurian ship, and found you.” She
tried to smile, but failed. His face had gone paler than usual.
    “Vall,
while