Jodiah

Jodiah made it through his morning classes without too much trouble, mainly the Apprentices congratulating him. Then it was time for lunch. Jodiah did as Kryst suggested and took his tray over to the tables where the First Classes were sitting and hoped for a friendly face. Finally, he settled for an empty space. Let them get used to you, Kryst had told him. He could do that, but he was sure it was going to take more than one day. Unlike the previous day with the Thirds, he received no rude remarks when he sat down, no questioning glances; no one even spoke to him for a full ten minutes. Then a petite young woman sat down beside him. “I feel glad now that Kryst feels happy again,” she whispered in Degonish.

Jodiah smiled at her, “I feel glad Kryst feels happy also. My heart leaps for joy at his happiness.”

She giggled and blushed.

“Did I say something wrong?” he inquired.

“Not wrong, exactly,” she looked around, “we do not want to see him hurt. Kryst is special to us.”

“I honor his life with my own,” he stated in Degonish.

Her eyes widened. “Do you mean that?”

Jodiah nodded.

“But you are a… linguist.”

Jodiah smiled, “Interpreter actually, I never did much like sitting and translating documents. I liked the active communication between people, often hostile people.”

“Well you should get a lot of practice with that over the next while. Some people are going to be very hostile.”

“So I understand.” About that time, an older young man sat down on Jodiah’s other side.

“So Junior, how do you intend to lead us if you haven’t even been where we have been yet?”

Jodiah turned to him, “I’ve trod paths you’ve never walked; if you are willing, I can take you places you’ve never been.”

He harrumphed, “Figures the Senior would have coached you well.”

Jodiah just smiled. Let them think what they would; they were starting to come around–some of them, at least. Then he felt a familiar hand on his shoulder followed by a more familiar voice. “Little brother, we need to talk.” Ian’s voice held an edge of steel to it.

The First Classes watched with interest at the brothers’ exchange. They wanted to know how their new Junior was going handle this first test of his authority.

“You will address me as Junior First Dalton, Second Class Dalton,” he said without moving. “As I’m sure this has nothing to do with family business.”

“Pulling rank, are we?” Ian said as he spun Jodiah around and leaned down to stare his brother in the eye, “You are still nothing more than a snotty nosed Third Class, Jodiah.”

“That may be true, Second Class Dalton, but while my rank is Third Class, my position is Junior First. If you have a problem with that, you should take it up with the Senior First or file a complaint with the Provost. Otherwise, get out of my face.” Jodiah gritted out the last words.

“Make me,” Ian spat out; he and Jodiah had never physically fought before because their mother would not allow it, but he was sure he could take his little brother. Ian figured he was a good three inches taller and nearly fifty pounds heavier and that should work to his advantage.

“I won’t fight you.” Jodiah said gently.

Ian grabbed his brother by the arms and lifted him up from the chair.

“Father wants to talk to you, little brother.”

Jodiah did not struggle. He spoke in soothing tones. “I’m sure he does. I’ll speak to him at dinner.”

“He will not let you do this.”

“He can’t stop me; I’ve already agreed.”

“It’s shameful what you do.”

“There is no shame in taking the position of Junior.” Jodiah said calmly. “I have no shame in taking it. It is an honor, and I am honored that Senior First Tavyl chose me from among all that were eligible.”

“He chose you so he could seduce you.”

“If he wanted to seduce me, all he had to do was try, but he hasn’t even done that,” Jodiah said openly. “Maybe you should read the percentage boards more often as well, because I didn’t even know they existed.”

“You won’t give it up?”

“No, I won’t.”

Ian dropped Jodiah down on the chair and stood there. “Then you are no brother of mine.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Second Class Dalton, thank you for this conversation, you are dismissed.” Jodiah then turned back to his lunch and tried to hide his shaking hands as he forced food into his churning stomach. Eventually he heard his brother stalk off and another pair of footsteps walk up behind him. This time the hand that caressed his shoulder was gentle.

“You handled that well, Junior First.” Kryst said softly, his voice caressing as well as his hand. “Come, walk with me.”

Jodiah could not eat any more if he tried, so he picked up his books and his tray, and followed Kryst out, disposing of his tray as he went. When they were sufficiently alone, Kryst turned to him, “So all I had to do was try?”

Jodiah blushed. “Something like that.”

“You know if I try now they will all be watching.”

“I know.”

“Do you still want me to try?”

Jodiah looked up at Kryst and smiled. “I thought you were trying yesterday.”

“Is that why you didn’t want to come to dinner?”

Jodiah nodded.

“I can’t say the thought hasn’t crossed my mind.” Kryst said with a chuckle, “but like you said, I have not yet begun to try. I’m glad you came after though.

“I’m glad I did too,” Jodiah said softly.

“Come on, we have to get you to class.”

“Yes, can’t be missing classes now can I?”

Kryst walked silently beside Jodiah to his first class of the afternoon, programming, and left him by the door just as the squads were coming up the hall. Jodiah knocked on the door, “Junior First Dalton requesting permission to enter.”

“Permission granted, and congratulations, Junior First,” his instructor said. “How is your project coming?”

“I finished it, last night.”

“Finished it?”

“Yes, sir.” Jodiah handed over a hard copy of the written assignment and a data dot with the executable copy.

“Well, let’s take a look, shall we?” and he put the data dot on the reader, the program self executed and worked as it was supposed to. “Excellent work, Junior First, now, while the others are working on this assignment I want you to look over this one.” He pulled out a written assignment from a folder on his desk at the same time the first squad rapped on the door and requested permission to enter.

“Yes Sir.” Jodiah went to his seat and began looking over the problem. Time passed quickly and soon Jodiah was headed to physics, which was followed by lab, both of which were unremarkable. Directly after lab, Jodiah headed back to his quarters to put away his books and make himself presentable for dinner, which he did in record time. He was not looking forward to this dinner and wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.

As he arrived in the galley, he did not stop to get food. He really did not see the sense in it as he probably wouldn’t get the chance to eat any of it if the conversation was going to go like he thought it might. Instead, he sought out his family and found Jessica, Erin, Micah and Liam.

“Where is Father?”

“Waiting for you in his quarters,” Jessica said, and then looked at her sister and brothers. “Is it true what they’re saying?”

“What are they saying?”

“That you and Kryst bed together.”

“We share quarters, but have our own separate bedrooms. Why don’t all of you come by tomorrow night and look? I would say tonight, but I don’t know how long this thing with Father will take.”

Jessica nodded. “I’ll come at least, I can’t speak for the others.”

“I’ll come too,” Erin said.

The twins looked at each other and grinned. “If we can slip out we will be there.”

Jodiah laughed. His brothers were famous for their disappearing acts.

“Good. I’ll let Kryst know, now let me go deal with Father.”

“Good luck Jody.”

Jodiah grinned at his younger siblings and hoped they understood what he was doing would help them one day. It did not take him long to get to his Father’s quarters, although he had only been there a few times before this time. When he arrived, he pressed the visitor button and his Father opened the door immediately.

“Took you long enough to get here,” he said gruffly.

“I didn’t realize I was supposed to come here instead of the galley, Jessica informed me.”

Benedict nodded and closed the door behind Jodiah, who noticed his father’s quarters were set up differently than his own. They stepped directly into the living space. “I heard a rumor this morning,” Benedict said as he put food on the table between two place servings.

“Lots of rumors going around today,” Jodiah replied cautiously.

“Well this one concerns you and that young man I told you to stay away from.”

“Oh? What rumor is that? Maybe I’ve not heard it yet.”

“Well, it started with you spending the night in his quarters. Then they say that young boys who sleep over don’t just sleep…” Benedict watched Jodiah for a reaction.

“Well, so far this rumor is true. I stayed in my new quarters last night, which happens to be the same quarters as Kryst is assigned, and I did not just sleep. I did my homework, watched a vid, took a shower, and ate breakfast.”

“Jodiah, I’m referring to sex.”

“I know the rumor, Father, but Kryst did not try to seduce me. I am his Junior, that is all.”

“What will you do if he does try to seduce you?”

“I don’t know; I might let him.” Jodiah grinned wickedly. “Or I might not. I’ll know more when I get to know him better.”

“Ian says you will not give up the position.”

“I will not.”

“Even if I order you to?”

“No Sir.”

“Why?”

Jodiah looked at his father, not sure how to explain why. “It’s something Mother taught me. I gave my word in a binding contract. I must abide by it or no one will believe me or trust me to translate their words for them properly.”

“This has nothing to do with being a Linguist.”

“But is has everything to do with my honor.”

“You really believe that.”

“Yes Sir.”

“And how long is this contract between you and the First?”

“Until he makes Journeyman, then we renegotiate.”

“And if I forbid you to do so.”

“I may have to disobey you.”

“Why? Your honor wouldn’t be at stake then.”

“The ties of family can only hold for so long Father. One day I will have to make my own decisions as my own man. You have taught me well, and I thank you for that, but if it comes down to a choice between following my instincts and following your orders, my instincts will be followed.”

“And if they are wrong?”

“Then it will be a lesson learned, will it not?”

“Some lessons come with stiff penalties.”

“Am I not paying one now?”

Benedict did not answer, instead he began eating, chewing thoughtfully, considering his second eldest son. Jodiah followed suit, eating quietly, wondering what Kryst was up to.

Kryst

Once it had been decided that Jodiah would be having dinner with his family, Kryst accepted an invitation to dine with the Provost. When he arrived, he noticed the Quartermaster was present and so was Alod.

“Have a seat Kryst,” the Provost said indicating the empty chair. Kryst sat and looked at each man in turn. Finally, he was informed, “The Second Classes have filed a formal complaint.”

“It was expected.”

“The lead petitioner is Ian Dalton.”

Kryst blinked.

“It seems he figured out your little scheme to place his brother as your Junior to keep him from taking Alod’s spot.”

“I’m allowed to pick my own Junior.”

“They have quite a list of citations they want you to address and they’ve called for your resignation if this isn’t rectified.”

“How ridiculous are they?”

“Some of them are legitimate, some of them are not. You are going to have to answer some of the charges.”

Kryst nodded. “Tell me.”

“Well the first few deal with the Pieter incident, which is a matter of public record. If they want the answers, they can look them up. After that, they ask your intentions toward treating this Junior the same way.”

“I think Jodiah cleared that one up today at lunch,” Kryst said.

Alod grinned and nodded. “Yes, and he handled it quite well.”

“Then they go on to inquire as to why you chose Jodiah, what his specific qualifications are.”

Kryst looked thoughtful for a moment. “It’s the percentages. I know he is not on the boards for anything but the classes he has taken here, but his record speaks for him. He’s sixteen and a second class, his paperwork came today by the way.” Kryst handed it to the Provost. “I’ve never seen percentages so high and so consistent.”

The Provost took the paperwork and looked it over. “Been hacking my system again, Kryst? There is no way you could have known his percentages other than what I showed you until this came.”

Kryst blushed. “Sir, I can not answer that question.”

The Quartermaster harrumphed, “Of course the boy has, they all try, but few succeed, and it’s generally the Senior First. At least this one knows to keep private information private, don’t you Kryst?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Well, there is one solution,” the Quartermaster offered, “award him his next bar. He has earned it by right. Then he will be a Second Class and that will take care of most of that list.”

The Provost shook his head, “He was chosen as a Third Class, that is the accusation, there is no way Kryst could have known about the test results.”

“Um, yes there is,” Kryst said and they looked at him.

“How is that, legally?”

“Jodiah told me he took the test, and he has a track record for not failing his tests. I assumed he passed and was just waiting on the results.” Kryst said as he fiddled with his napkin.

Everyone laughed. “That is bullshit, Kryst.” Alod said finally.

“It’s true, but looking on the Provost’s computer helped put my mind at ease,” he finally admitted.

“You wanted him as your Junior when you first laid your eyes on him,” Alod said.

Kryst blushed and looked down at his plate.

“Is this true?” the Provost asked.

“Yes Sir,” Kryst whispered.

“I thought you said you had no more feelings for him than Alod or Taban.”

“I don’t,” Kryst said truthfully.

The Provost looked at Alod who blushed and looked at his plate. “I see. Well, this makes a fine mess, Kryst. How long did you intend to wait to seduce the boy?”

“I don’t know; when he was ready,” Kryst finally said.

“And if he resists you?” the Quartermaster asked.

“I can control myself.”

“Like you did with Pieter,” snapped the Provost.

“He’s not like Pieter.”

“But you are still the same, Kryst. Maybe I should let the Second Classes demand your resignation.”

“Then you will be accepting more than one, Sir.” Alod said softly but firmly. “We were not playing when we said we were a team.”

“Are you speaking for everyone, Alod?” the Quartermaster asked.

“Enough that it will not be a smooth transition. Magalina will end up as Senior First. Ian Dalton will probably end up as Junior First if they go by percentages, if not he will be Senior Second if Jodiah does not accept the position. Taban would be eligible for Senior Third, but he would turn it down. That would leave Koven who I think is ranked third right now. It is very likely that Ral and Melchia would resign as well. This would put many people in leadership positions that have never held one before, and cause some major headaches to someone. I think I would just as well transfer out to somewhere else.”

“Yes, it would not be pretty,” Kryst agreed, “and I may just join you on that transfer.”

“So you would resign and run away?” the Provost asked.

“We would not be running away, Sir. We would just be doing the same thing that Pieter did–transferring out for a fresh start somewhere else.” Alod replied.

“And if I accept your explanation for why you wanted him, will you not seduce him?”

Kryst looked at the Provost and sighed, “I cannot promise that.”

“Why not?”

“I think he may be agreeable to seduction.”

“Then let him seduce you,” the Provost said bluntly. “You will not chase this boy, but if he comes to you then you may return his affections.”

“I can live with that,” Kryst agreed with reluctance.

“Now as for the rest of this list…” the Provost sighed, and they discussed it for the rest of dinner. When they were done, Kryst headed back to his quarters. His head pounded and he was exhausted. All he wanted to do was find Jodiah and hold him tightly, but he was not even allowed to do that according to the rules the Provost set down.

Jodiah

Jodiah left his father’s apartment after an extended post-dinner discussion. They had never come completely eye-to-eye, but he felt his father’s mind was more at ease over him taking the position of Junior First. He even felt better about taking the position. In explaining his feelings to his father, he was able to voice his own concerns and worries, and receive advice. His father also agreed to talk to Ian, which was a major plus as far as Jodiah was concerned. He felt as if a weight had been lifted from him; his father did not exactly support him, but he did not oppose him. It was a victory of sorts, and he could not wait to tell Kryst. It was quiet in the passageway, quieter than it should have been, but Jodiah didn’t notice because he was so jubilant. Nor did he notice when he passed a passageway and two young men turned in behind him. He was two passageways from home. One passageway from home and two more boys stepped out in front of him, trapping him in his current location. He tried to keep walking, but one of them pushed him back.

“What do you want?” he asked nervously.

“We want you to resign. No reason for a Third Class to be Junior First,” the one who pushed him said.

“I can think of one reason,” Jodiah said softly.

“What’s that pipsqueak?”

“Senior First picked me.”

“Well, we think he only picked you for one reason,” the biggest one sneered, “do you like it when he fucks you, Junior?”

“Wouldn’t know,” Jodiah shrugged, “all this talk of getting some, and I’m the one not getting any at all.”

One person behind him suddenly grabbed Jodiah and spun him around. “Don’t lie to us Junior, we know Kryst and his reputation. He wouldn’t take one of us because we wouldn’t fuck him.”

“Then why are you worried if I might?”

“He hurt Pieter.”

“Public record says he did not,” Jodiah said firmly.

“You weren’t here. You don’t know.”

“There is a lot about our Senior First you don’t know.”

“So tell me,” Jodiah suggested.

“He’s not human,” one said in a whisper.

Jodiah shrugged. “Not my problem.”

“He rules the other Seniors, telling them what to do.”

“Again, not my problem.”

“He sleeps with the Provost.”

“Why are you bothering me with these things? None of them concern me,” Jodiah said bluntly. “It’s all gossip. When you have proof of any of it, the come to see me.”

“Oh you don’t believe, do you?” the first one got very close to Jodiah.

“No I don’t,” Jodiah said defiantly.

“Well, believe this,” he said and took a swing at Jodiah. “We heard you wouldn’t fight back.”

Jodiah ducked the blow as he had been trained, but did not follow through with an attack. “I said I would not fight Second Class Dalton, who happens to be my brother.” He looked at the one who threw the punch, “I never said I would not defend myself if forced.”

“Scrawny kid like you?” he laughed and lunged again.

Jodiah sidestepped the lunge, but he was not sure if they were going attack one by one or as a group. It wasn’t until he felt hands on him that his training took over and he thought no more.

When it was over Jodiah crawled to the nearest emergency panel and pressed it. His vision was blurry and he could not see out of one eye, nor could he feel his left hand at all, but he was moving and they were not. He sat under the emergency panel and waited for help. They would come soon, they had to; it was their job.

Kryst

“Come on Jodiah, wake up now. It’s safe,” a familiar voice whispered from the darkness.

“Kryst?”

“That’s right, now open your eyes so the docs can take a look at them.”

“Can’t. Hurts.”

“Try, Jodiah. Your face is pretty swollen; they just want to make sure everything works.”

Jodiah opened one eye a sliver and saw a double image of Kryst. “Don’t work so well. There’s two of you.”

Kryst looked at the doc who examined Jodiah’s open eye quickly then nodded, “You need to sleep now, Jodiah. The docs are going to give you something to help you sleep. When you wake up you’ll feel better.”

“Sure Kryst.” Jodiah closed his eye and the strong painkiller the docs gave him flowed through his system.

Kryst looked over Jodiah and let out a deep sigh. “What’s wrong with his eyes?”

“He took several hard blows to the head, from the facial bruising I would say they pounded him. His nose is broken. He is lucky his jaw is not. I’m more worried about internal injuries at this time.”

“His family was alerted immediately. I’ll see if they’ve arrived.” Kryst said as he stroked Jodiah’s brow. “But first, how are the others?”

“Alive. Two are in surgery. One will be going to surgery as soon as he stabilizes, and the fourth has a pretty bad concussion. Looks as if he went down early and stayed down during the ruckus.”

“They thought they caught a mouse and they cornered a wolverine,” Kryst smiled at Jodiah, “who would have known?” Then he turned back to the doctor, “I’ll be back as soon as I’ve spoken to his family.”

“Senior First, his family has priority in situations like this, they can keep you from seeing him,” the doctor said gently.

“He’s my Junior. His injury relates directly to his duty to me. This is not family business.”

“They may not see it that way.”

“They will.” Kryst walked out of the small room where Jodiah was sleeping and down the passageway to where he hoped Specialist Dalton and kin waited for news of Jodiah. Benedict was there with Apprentice Dalton. They looked up when Kryst entered the room.

“Senior First, do you have news of my brother?” Jessica asked.

“He’s alive,” Kryst told her, then turned to Benedict. “Sir, I am well aware of your opposition to Third Class Dalton’s appointment as my Junior, but know this, Sir; he is the best qualified candidate for the position as his survival of tonight’s attack has proven.”

“So he has led me to believe, Kryst,” Benedict said, “but that does not change the fact my son is laying in there and you are out here talking to us.”

“They will be punished.”

“Yes, they will, but will that stop the next attack?”

“I don’t know.” Kryst sat down with a sigh. “I just don’t know, Sir. What I don’t understand is where did he learn to fight like that? To look at him, he’s so…”

“Unassuming?” Benedict finished for Kryst.

“That will work.”

“All who enter the discipline of Linguist are taught from Plebe up the art of self defense. Other defenses are added as they gain rank and maturity, if Jodiah wanted to, he could carry a sidearm; he has qualified for it. Most, like Jodiah, knew they wanted to be Linguists from an early age, and began their physical training early. I know he has not been sparring, but I am sure he has been finding time to do the exercises.”

“I didn’t realize there was so much involved with being a Linguist.”

“Most people don’t. It’s a physically, mentally, and often emotionally draining discipline.” Benedict looked away. “My wife loved it, but I saw what it did to her, and I didn’t want that for Jodiah.”

“So you brought him here where there is no program for his discipline on purpose?” Kryst asked.

Benedict nodded, still looking away. “I just want him happy. He seems to be happy being your Junior. I don’t like him hurt.”

“I don’t like him hurt either.”

“Do you love him?”

Kryst was shocked by the question. He hadn’t even considered it. Did he love Jodiah? “I don’t know, Sir.”

“Before you make the rumors truth, know.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Now that we understand each other; tell me of my son’s condition.”

Kryst told him everything.

---

Kryst could not be convinced to go back to his room, although he convinced Benedict and Jessica they should go. Eventually he fell asleep in the chair at Jodiah’s bedside. One of the medics put a blanket over him and let him sleep; Jodiah was being remotely monitored so all was well.

They had accelerated Jodiah’s healing, and Kryst had been told it would take a toll on his body. However, seeing Jodiah’s gaunt body brought tears to his eyes. “You’ll be all right, Jodiah, I promise,” Kryst whispered as he brushed Jodiah’s hair off his forehead.

Jodiah’s eyes fluttered open and he focused on Kryst. “Hey you.”

“Hey to you too.”

“Only one of you today.”

“That’s good, I don’t know if I could handle more than one of me.”

“Me either,” Jodiah tried to smile but it hurt too badly. “I hurt something awful,” he complained.

“You should, you fought well. Your father was here for a while last night, and your sister Jessica. I do believe the younger three were at his quarters awaiting word.”

“Ian?”

“I’ve not seen him, Jodiah; I’m sorry.”

Jodiah closed his eyes and tried not to cry, but he could not stop the tears. He and his brother had always been competitive, but that was all, competitive. Now Ian was acting stupid — jealous.

About that time, the doctor walked in. “Ah, the patient is awake, that’s always a good sign.” He checked over some notes on his pad and some readouts on the machinery, then he turned to Jodiah. “Well, let’s take a look at you.”

Jodiah cracked his eyes open and looked at the doctor; his nose was running a little so he tried to wipe it, but found he could not move his hands. “What’s going on?” he asked, panicked.

“Well, the left one is broken and the right is being used to supply your IV, both are on splints,” the doctor explained.

Kryst took a tissue and wiped Jodiah’s nose. “Don’t worry, Jodiah, you will be taken care of.”

The doctor smiled at the two young men, remembering the scandal that surrounded the young Senior First not too long back. He was glad this relationship was much different. “But for now I need you to sleep some more. Let the medicine do its job and you will feel better soon.”

“Sleep, I can do that.” Jodiah looked at the doctor with half glazed eyes as he felt the heat of the medicine climb his veins.

Jodiah

It was two days before Jodiah could leave the hospital ward. His left hand was still wrapped and he had been given a warning to use it gently. The bones were mending well but not fully healed. During that time, he had been kept isolated from everyone except his immediate family and Kryst. Now, though, he was expected to make a statement concerning the incident. Kryst told him he needed to decide if he wanted to file a complaint or not, and Jodiah had thought about it long and hard during his more lucid moments. Jodiah was pleased that both his father and Kryst accompanied him to the office of the Paradine. There was a Third Class standing duty.

“Junior First Dalton coming to report,” Jodiah said tiredly.

“You are expected, Sir. If your companions would have a seat, I’ll escort you in to see the Paradine.”

Jodiah nodded and passed beyond the gate. Benedict and Kryst both took chairs in the waiting area. The office of the Paradine was at the end of a short, branched passageway. The duty officer knocked once and the door opened. A Master ranked female looked Jodiah up and down, “Do come in and have a seat, Junior First Dalton.”

“Yes Ma’am.” Jodiah did just that.

“Having read the reports and getting a good look at you, I have difficulty believing you took out those four young men alone. Who helped you?”

“No one helped me. My father and I filed the appropriate disclosure notices with our transfer paperwork, Ma’am.”

“Disclosure notices?” she tapped the screen in front of her several times.

“Yes Ma’am. They are required when I transfer. I was in the linguist discipline, diplomatic interpreter field.”

“I see. You didn’t put in a request to carry a sidearm when you arrived.”

“I didn’t really feel the need for one. I was going to ask to use the training range to keep up practice after I had settled in some though.”

“I suggest you do that immediately. Would you feel comfortable wearing a side arm?”

“No Ma’am. It would just make me stand out more. I think they are learning I can take care of myself,” he gave a slight smile.

“I bet they are,” she laughed. “Now, I’ve already taken statements from Specialist Dalton and Senior First Tavyl. He was first on the scene you know.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“The medics saw him arrive, but he was first. Would not leave your side, I was told. You must be pretty special to him.”

Jodiah blushed. “That’s the rumor that’s causing all this mess.”

“Rumor, huh?”

“Yes Ma’am. We have an excellent working relationship, but that is all. He is my Senior; I am his Junior.”

She smiled and tapped some things on her screen. “So, Junior First Dalton, what do you remember?”

“The family dinner turned out to be just me and my father. When it was over, I headed straight back to my quarters, but was stopped by these four Second Classes. They wanted to tell me all these rumors about Senior First Tavyl. I told them to bring me proof and I would listen. They got a little hands-on, pushing me around, calling names, that sort of thing. Then one of them hit me and we fought. I don’t recall too much after that.”

“Who threw the first punch?”

“The first that connected?” Jodiah clarified.

She nodded.

“He was blond, taller than the others, broad shouldered. Most the others tended to be more dark, I think.”

The Paradine nodded, “Yes there is one that fits that description.” She made some notes on the screen. “Now, do you wish to file a complaint?”

“What purpose will it serve?” Jodiah asked. “They are injured, I am injured. They got their message across; I got mine across. If I file a complaint then they file a counter-complaint and this turns into a total mess.”

“All four have already filed complaints, Junior First. They say you attacked them.”

Jodiah blinked in shock. “Why would I attack? That is against the trust this office has placed in me for allowing me to be here.”

“They could not have known about the disclosure notice. I was not even aware of it until you mentioned it, although it was properly filed as you said. It was marked for my eyes only by the Provost’s office. Usually a duty officer makes a list of all the new arrivals and brings them in for a talking to. You slipped the cracks, but it appears you know the rules.”

“Yes Ma’am. My instructors made sure we knew the rules. Our lives depend on following them.”

“And none of my staff would expect a Third Class Linguist to be weapons qualified, we deal so infrequently with Linguists. Some advice?”

“Please.”

“File the complaint.”

“Yes Ma’am.” Jodiah said, “What do I need to do?”

She guided Jodiah through the process, taking his testimony herself; then made him several appointments with the Range Master. He may not want to wear a sidearm, but he needed to keep in practice to keep his qualifications. When it was over, Jodiah thanked her.

“A question Junior First, why did you decide to take up the tech discipline?”

“My father decided for me. It was why he brought us here, the limited choices in disciplines.”

“Paradine is a choice.”

“My father would never agree to that Ma’am. It was one of the reasons I had to leave the Linguist Discipline.”

She nodded. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Me too,” Jodiah sighed and stood, “but he is my father.”

“Yes, he is,” she smiled and walked him out.

Kryst

Benedict walked with them all the way back to their quarters. Jodiah was glad his father and Kryst were getting along so well.

“Will you allow the others to come by later?” Jodiah asked his father.

“They do want to see you.”

“I can fix dinner, if that would be acceptable,” Kryst offered. “Then Apprentice Dalton can stay for the study session if she chooses.”

“I think she might like that,” Benedict agreed. “Now, lets get you settled in, Jodiah.”

They entered through Jodiah’s side and gathered his mail, of which there was quite a bit.

“Seems you need some furniture in here,” Benedict said.

“I haven’t had the chance to go get it.”

“Well, when you feel a little better we can get it that problem fixed, you just point and I’m sure Kryst and I can handle moving it around for you.” Jodiah smiled. “Thank you,” he said as he led his father into his quarters.

“Well this is where I live now.”

“This is nice,” Benedict commented. “Which bedroom is yours?”

“To the left.” Jodiah sat down on the couch and started to untie his boots. A short time later, his father came back and sat down opposite of him.

“It’s neat enough in there. I didn’t realize you kept so few personal items.”

“Just some books, they are in my workroom.”

“Must have been quite a few books, Jodiah, you were at the max weight limit for the trip.”

“I gave some of my weight to the girls and the twins.”

“Why?”

“I was starting over. I thought it best to really start over. I gave away or sold off all my stuff. What I need here I can get, I’ve gotten a few things already.”

“Ian’s quarters is cram packed.”

“I travel light.”

“Your mother always did too. They must train that into you.”

Jodiah nodded.

“Do you hate me, son?”

“No, Sir. You were afraid. I understand. I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same in similar circumstances.”

“It’s good to know,” he looked around again, “I’ll bring everyone by later, you get some rest.”

“Yes, Sir,” Jodiah swung his feet up on the couch and lay down flipping on the vid. He didn’t care what was on, he just wanted something on. Kryst walked Benedict out, taking him through his office to do so. “Thank you, Sir.”

“Keep him safe Kryst.”

“By my blood, if it’s in my power, I’ve sworn.”

“That sounds awfully official.”

Kryst just smiled. There was no way Benedict could know how binding that oath was to him.

As Benedict was leaving Alod walked up the hall carrying a box, “Quartermaster had this sent up for Junior First. How is he by the way?”

“Healing,” Kryst took the box, “would you like to come in?”

“Are you sure he wants me around?”

“Did you send the others against him?” Kryst asked with a straight face.

“You know me better than that.”

“Then there is no reason for him not to want you around, is there?”

Alod shrugged and pulled the door closed behind him. “Everyone was worried when you didn’t show up for your job, and then you weren’t home either. We didn’t know what to think.”

“I’m sorry for worrying you.” Kryst said as they stepped into the living quarters. “Jodiah, you have a package and a visitor.” He put the box on the floor near Jodiah. Alod sat on the chair.

“Open it for me.”

Kryst grinned and opened it. Inside were brand new uniforms, Second Class all the way, however, the yellow patch on the pocket remained. “I think they’ve decided to announce your promotion.” Kryst said as he pulled one out.

“What do these red epaulettes mean?”

Jodiah blanched when he saw them. “They don’t really mean for me to wear those do they?”

“What’s the matter?” Kryst looked at Jodiah, then at the uniform. “What does it mean? I’ve only ever seen them on the Paradine troops uniforms.”

“Send them back, tell them I refuse.” Jodiah got up and walked shakily into his bedroom.

---

Alod looked at Kryst, “What was that all about?”

“I have no idea, but I think I know a way to find out.” He went to the phone and called the Quartermaster. “Hello, Sir, Senior First Tavyl here… Jodiah is mending well, came home today… Well, Sir, that’s why I called you. Alod brought the uniforms over and Jodiah acted very weird when he saw the red epaulettes on the shoulders. What exactly do they mean, Sir?” Kryst listened to the explanation with interest. “Well, that explains his refusal to wear them… Yes, Sir, I did say refusal… No, Sir, I am not joking. He wants me to send them back. I get the feeling that is a part of his past he would prefer to keep in the past… Thank you, Sir, I look forward to your call.” Kryst hung up the phone.

“Well, what does it mean?” Alod asked.

“What I tell you does not leave this room,” Kryst said.

“On my honor.”

“Jodiah is combat trained to a level that he is considered dangerous, even when not wearing a weapon.”

“Oh my…”

“From what I understand, this incident is the first non-training combat he has been involved in, thus he earned his epaulettes. It’s supposed to be some kind of honor.”

“He didn’t sound honored to me.”

“Me either.”

“So, what do we do?”

“The Quartermaster is contacting some people about protocol. They are an honor, not a requirement.” Kryst looked at the closed door, “I’m going to go check on him, then we can talk.” Kryst headed to Jodiah’s bedroom and entered without knocking.

“I won’t wear them.”

“I told the Quartermaster how you felt. Now why don’t you tell me why you feel that way? He seemed to think it was an honor.”

“It is.” Jodiah rolled over in the bed. “I’m supposed to earn them in combat, not fist-fighting in the passageway.”

“You were fighting for your life.”

“They wouldn’t have killed me.”

“Then why did you fight back?”

“Pride,” Jodiah sighed, “It’s such a stupid thing.”

“Not really, tell me about it.”

“They were telling me all these rumors about you – that you are not human, that you sleep with the Provost, that you rule the other Seniors. I know the other Seniors are your friends, and I know enough about your culture to understand where the non-human comment might have come from. As to whom you sleep with, that is your business and no one else’s, but then they said I would not fight back. I’ve made quite a few promises concerning my fighting in my life, most of them governing it’s use – how, when, under what circumstance.” Jodiah sighed. “but when I first entered training I made myself one promise, that if I was ever cornered, with no options left, I would fight with everything in me.”

“Seems to me that is what you did.”

“I could have run.” Jodiah looked at Kryst, “I wasn’t very far from our quarters. I could have made it, pressed the visitor button, and had help.”

“Then there would have been two of us fighting.”

“I could have slipped inside and closed the door, Kryst, there were other options.”

“What if I weren’t home?”

“Other Seniors live on this hall, someone had to be home. I could have run to the emergency call and punched it. They have to respond. They would have seen us fighting.”

“What are you saying, Jodiah?”

“I wanted to hurt them.”

“Why?”

“They were saying such mean things about you,” he said.

“You were protecting me.”

Jodiah turned his head away.

“Why Jodiah? Do you think I need protection?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“I have protectors,” Kryst said firmly, “I thought we were friends.”

“We are.”

“Then why were you protecting me?” Kryst’s voice sounded strained.

“Isn’t that what friends do?”

Kryst looked at him strangely. He had never met someone like Jodiah.

“Yes, it’s something friends do.”

“Do you think me dangerous for doing it?”

“No.”

“Do you think others will think me dangerous if I wear those epaulettes?”

“I doubt they will know what they mean. I had to ask.”

“Someone will find out, then there will be more rumors. Then they will learn that I could have only earned them in combat, and there will be speculation.” Jodiah sighed, “Add to that, there will be those who think they are tougher than I, and will want to prove it. Bound by rules of honor, I would not fight them. That would lead to further speculation and more rumors and then I would become a laughing stock. I refuse to do that to myself.”

“Will you at least accept them, even if you don’t wear them?”

“I would rather earn them in true combat.”

“I think before this is over, you will,” Kryst sighed.

“Then I will accept them on the condition I do not have to wear them.”

“Good, now Alod has come to visit with you, would you like for me to ask him to come back later?”

“I was rude.” Jodiah sighed. “No, I will talk with him.” He got up and accompanied Kryst back out to the living space, taking his place back on the couch. Kryst started dinner while Jodiah and Alod talked. After most pleasantries were over, and Alod had been satisfied that Jodiah was mending, Jodiah asked him about Ian.

“His Squad Leader hasn’t reported anything unusual, I can inquire if you would like.”

“No, that’s not necessary. We just had a fight is all.”

“In the galley the other day, right?”

Jodiah nodded.

“Do you think he put the others up to attacking you?”

“No, I think they saw our public disagreement and took it upon themselves to do what they did. The only thing I can’t figure out is how they knew what time I would be coming home.”

“It was after dinner, right?”

“Yes.”

“Most people know you eat dinner with your family.”

“But I usually eat with them at the galley, which would have made me coming home from the other direction. This time I ate with my father in his quarters.”

“Could they have overheard you in the galley?”

“It’s possible. It just seems… I don’t know, strange.”

“Did you discuss this with the Paradine?”

“Some of it.”

“Don’t let it bother you. Most likely the investigators will get to the bottom of it.”

“I’m sure they will,” Jodiah tried to smile.

The phone rang and Kryst picked it up, after a brief conversation, he hung it back up. “They have agreed you do not have to wear them, but only because some paperwork was properly filed or something.”

“The rules work every time,” Jodiah said with a hint of relief in his voice.

“What paperwork?”

“Disclosure notices. When I travel I’m required to file them with any friendly Paradine office. I requested to keep my status undisclosed with range visitation allowed. Someone accepted the conditions before I arrived, or I would not have left the transport.”

“So are you as dangerous as they are saying?” Alod asked.

“As who is saying?”

“Mostly the friends of the guys you took down. No one was allowed in to see any of the injured but family, and Kryst, but all of your conditions were given out when asked.”

Jodiah looked at Kryst. “Only family? How did you get to come see me?”

“I just didn’t leave,” Kryst said. “I wanted to make sure you were going to be all right.”

“My family was there.”

“Are you saying you would have preferred that I stay away?”

“No, just trying to understand why you stayed.”

“It’s something friends do,” Kryst said defiantly.

Alod smiled. “He might have done the same for me, Jodiah.”

“Might have?” Jodiah asked, “You are friends, are you not?”

“Sometimes we are friends. Sometimes we are more than friends.” Alod said simply. “Like I think you and Kryst are, or will be. I’m just glad you were not hurt worse than you were.”

Jodiah blushed. “Thank you, Alod.”

“I think I should go now. It looks as if Kryst is preparing enough food for an army and you need to rest. I’ll let everyone know I’ve seen you and they can see you later.”

“My family is coming for dinner.”

“Ah, that explains the sudden domestication of our Senior First,” Alod grinned.

“Shut up, Alod,” Kryst snapped.

Alod laughed all the way to the door.