Evening came all too soon in Jewels' opinion. She hated General Maussey even more for choosing 1800 as the time for the hearing. It meant that everyone on base would be privy to a broadcast of her meeting with the MDC, a fact she was sure Maussey had factored in. Everything seen during the hearing would reinforce his rule and would weigh heavy on the soldiers as they dined. They would be grateful that it wasn't them being held up as an example.
Jewels stared at her pinched reflection and tried to muster some semblance of calm and courage. She failed. She was scared. The regs gave the base commander final decision for the type of punishment meted out if the accused was found guilty. The MDC only heard evidence and voted for punishment or the dropping of charges. She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that the latter would not be her fate. Maussey wanted to hurt her for damaging his career. He would make sure she was disciplined.
She sighed when she recalled what Jeremy and Elenora were doing when she reached out, seeking the comfort of his mind. Embarrassed, she'd recoiled from the contact and had gotten angry at herself for feeling awkward. She knew what sex was. It was a normal healthy activity for adults. She hadn't liked feeling left out and she knew why. What Jeremy felt for Elenora was deep, even though the Doctor didn't know that. Jewels wanted someone to feel that way about her.
::What if someone does feel that way about you?:: The words were a faint whisper in her mind.
Jewels yelped, whirled around, looked for an intruder and found none. She tried to relax. "Great, now I'm hearing things," she grumped and glanced over at the clock. One hour until the hearing. Not able to take the waiting, she grabbed her jacket and fled her room for the cooler outside air.
She didn't really have a destination in mind. As long as she was away from the crew's quarters, she would be fine. The base was located on an isle and right now, the thought of seeing the ocean made her feel better. Location in mind, she teleported outside the security gates and jogged toward the shoreline.
The breeze felt good on her face. She took off her jacket and unbuttoned her shirt. Feeling rebellious, she kicked off her confining boots. Her toes sank into the wet sand and she sighed.
Jewels closed her eyes and sought the inner peace that still eluded her. She was going to need it. She had to get control of herself. Maussey didn't need any extra ammo at the hearing.
Jeremy, she knew, would try to defend her, but in this case, she didn't need rescuing. The only way to get the good Brigadier General off her back was for him to get some revenge for his loss of rank two years ago. Even if it meant a harsh punishment, she was willing to take it. Perhaps then Maussey's anger would cool and life could go on.
"Are all humans this interesting?"
Jewels stiffened and spun around. Her eyes narrowed. "Your Majesty, how did you get here?"
King Renten smiled. "I followed your scent." His tail swished back and forth. "But you have not answered my question. Are humans interesting?"
Jewels didn't know what to say. She wasn't a diplomat and she wasn't sure of the Gatoan's clearance level. Instinct told her the question was not benign.
"I suppose it depends on what you define as 'interesting,' your Majesty," she hedged. She scooped up her jacket and boots.
"In a hurry to leave my company?"
"I mean no disrespect. I have some place I must be."
The King studied her and frowned.
Jewels fidgeted under his stare. "Is something wrong, your Majesty?"
"You are different from the others I've met."
She twitched and glanced away. "Yeah, I get that a lot," she whispered. Even an alien could tell she was a freak. Her day just kept getting better and better.
"I mean that as a compliment, human female. Your mental energy is amazing and different from the color of ours."
"Colors? Wait, you see psionic energy as colors?" Jewels was surprised. "I mean, are you the only one who can?"
"No, I'm not the only one. All my people have that ability. Is it not the same for humans?"
She shook her head. "Some can see the energy, but as far as I know, I'm the only one who sees our energy in that manner."
"Fascinating. Tell me, then, what do you 'see' when you study my energy?"
Jewels caught herself before she answered the King. He was very sly with his questions. She'd almost said too much. She peeked at her watch. Twenty minutes until the hearing.
"I would love to look, but I have to go, your Majesty. Please, return to the base as well." Jewels figured that formality might get the Gatoan to follow her suggestion. She didn't need any more trouble.
Renten grinned. "I see. Maybe another time." He bowed slightly and teleported away.
Jewels sighed at his abrupt departure. "Well, I guess that's that." She cast one last longing gaze at the ocean before she too teleported back to the base.
* * *
Jeremy paced back and forth in his room, stopping periodically to glare at the clock. Twenty minutes until Jewels' MDC hearing and still no Jewels. She wasn't in the immediate vicinity and he was starting to worry.
A knock on his door brought his focus back to the present. He opened the door and stared at his visitor.
Prince Dex stood on the other side, flanked by his two guards and accompanied by Larry Mellen. Jeremy went on guard, suspicious of their arrival. He let nothing show as he politely bowed. "Can I help you, gentlemen?"
Dex twitched and Jeremy got the feeling that the big cat was amused for some reason. This annoyed him.
"Colonel Lingley, I'm sorry to intrude. I know you are busy and we are supposed to meet tomorrow, but the Prince would like to ask his questions now," Larry asked, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.
Jeremy raked his fingers through his hair. "With all due respect, I am in a hurry. However, I will answer any questions tomorrow as planned." He stepped out into the hall, forcing Larry to back up.
"I see, that will be fine, Colonel," Larry agreed and moved another step so that Jeremy could get by.
Jeremy saw Dex's eyes narrow. Oh, so the big boy didn't want to wait. Too bad. Jewels came first. "Good evening, gentlemen." He hurried away, swearing softly as he saw the time.