Tavaar - 56th Edition

“Are you going to go in or not?”

Tavaar turned. It was Sashwa. Sashwa took hold of her and led her the remaining steps to their hut. Tavaar went quietly and obediently, not even voicing complaint as Sashwa pushed her bottom to get her in more quickly.

Even as Sashwa let the door flap drop, shutting them off from the world outside, Tavaar fell back and lay in an emotional exhaustion. She wasn’t crying, but part of her felt like it. Part of her also felt like laughing and screaming for joy. Where was Wheylin? Oh, yes. She had assigned him to cooking duty. She turned her head and saw Sashwa looking down at her, her face frozen in a beautiful smile.

“Congratulations, Lieutenant.”

Suddenly, Tavaar felt guilty.

“Oh, no! Sashwa. I’m so sorry.”

“No, don’t be sorry. You’ve earned this.”

“But so have you. You’ve been with the company two years.”

“My time will come, Darling. For now, let me rejoice in your glory. I am so happy for you.”

Tavaar hesitated, considering the full and honest smile Sashwa wore. Then she let herself smile and get to her knees. The two friends embraced and kissed.

“It has worked out well,” said Sashwa, playing absently with Tavaar’s hair.

“Thus far. But I have concerns.”

She dropped back down and lay on her side. Sashwa did the same, laying so they faced each other.

“You think they will split up the company then?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. I hope not. General Sampka talked like it had already been decided.”
“Maybe it had. Only something happened to put that decision into question.”

“Something? Like Kelenbah and the others officers all resigning at once?”

“That. And us capturing Khaiu and Shello.”

Tavaar made a face. “They gave themselves up.”

“To save your butt!” said Sashwa. Then she laughed and reached over and caressed Tavaar’s behind. “And I’m so glad they did. You have such a nice butt.”

“Oh, stop it!” said Tavaar, coyly pushing Sashwa’s hand away.

Sashwa continued to laugh, but then became serious.

“You would have done it, too. Seratahn was right. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before. You were going to sacrifice yourself for the company. You would have lost command, but Khaiu figured it out and surrendered before you acted.”

“That’s what you think?”

“That’s what everyone thinks, Darling. Why do you think Alobahr and the others gave you the big honor salute?”

“You saw that, did you?”

“I’m glad I did. It was quite moving. But, by taking Khaiu and Shello, we have put the High Command in a bit of a fix. They came intending to disband us. Had you not seen through Khaiu’s plan, they would have reached West Stop so fast everyone would have to agree we’re incompetent. Disbanding us would be easy. They could rid themselves of the rumors very quickly and quietly. But unbeknownst to them, you had already done that.”

“But they still have doubts about us. Actually, I think they have doubts about me.”