Chapter 207: Chapter 207

Like I figured, Rebecca and I didn't get back to the Demeter until morning. It was a couple hours after sunrise in Ganvis when the two of us emerged from the shuttle and found the rest of the crew waiting outside the airlock to greet us.

"So how'd it go?" Sarah asked as she held out a couple mugs of coffee for us.

Jenna added, "What's the plan? I take it Lady Magniveen opted to remain on the Tullrohane?"

The boss and I thanked our girlfriend for the hot drinks, then as we all headed for the ship's mess Rebecca responded, "It was more or less like I expected. The first half was a waste of time, rehashing stuff everyone already knew. After that it got better, and we managed to come up with a decent plan of action. And yeah, Gwen's staying on the cruiser for now."

"Why don't I fix us all some breakfast while we fill you in on the details?" I suggested.

Sarah quickly set the table while I got started preparing our meal. Then both Rebecca and I spent the next thirty or forty minutes getting the rest of the crew up to speed on everything that happened in our meeting on the Tullrohane. Including all the details of our plans for the attack on Moorefield Station. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn NoveI-Fire.ɴet

Our little briefing came to an end around the same time we all finished breakfast. Sarah and Cammie offered to take care of the dishes, while Rebecca and I headed for the captain's cabin to get some sleep. We'd been up for almost twenty-four hours by that point, and we both wanted to be well rested before taking part in the coming mission.

We didn't spend the entire day in bed, since there was more to be done in preparation for the night's action, but we managed to get some quality sleep. We also got some quality girlfriend time too, after Sarah joined us later in the afternoon. All three of us were up and dressed again by early evening though. Then as I started preparing a nice dinner Jenny informed us that both Nyssa and Jaycee were on their way over to join us.

Sure enough my sister and Mx. Wheeler arrived in the Demeter's mess a few moments later, and I did a bit of a double-take when I saw the two of them. I still wasn't used to Nyssa's new form, or Jaycee's either for that matter. What really caught my attention though was the way the pair of them were dressed.

It was clear at a glance they'd swapped wardrobes. My tall athletic foxgirl sister was wearing a pair of rugged work pants and matching boots that I was positive belonged to her new best friend. The trousers had been hastily modified to accommodate her tail, but there wasn't much she could do about the way her new t-shirt strained to contain her ample chest. Jaycee was dressed in some sneakers, tight pants, and a cute top that I knew for a fact belonged to Nyssa since I was with her when she bought them on Rolandan-2.

Meanwhile there was something about my sister's outfit that caught Rebecca's eye. That big heavy handgun was now in a holster by Nyssa's right hip, hanging from her new belt. The boss frowned as she gestured towards the weapon, and in an almost accusing tone she asked, "Where'd you get that gun?"

My sister's ears folded back and her tail tucked down as she replied defensively, "Mrs. Wheeler gave it to me."

"It was during the attack," Jaycee elaborated. "Before me and mom left to try and draw the raiders away from the house, mom dug that old gun out of her desk drawer and gave it to Nyssa. So she'd be able to defend herself."

"Ella said it was lucky," my sister added as her tail started swishing back and forth behind her. "And I think she's right. Even though I got shot I still managed to get one of those guys. And I held the other two off until Amanda came and saved me and Preston."

Jenny asked the captain, "I gather that pistol means something to you?"

Rebecca nodded slowly, "Yeah. It was my lucky gun back when El and I were in the marines."

"It's a T'kona Arms model five-one-oh heavy," she added as she continued to stare at the weapon hanging by my sister's hip, "With the hardened frame, improved action, and extended compensated barrel. And it's lucky because of how I got it. A smuggler got the drop on us, shoved that in my face and pulled the trigger three times. Three harmless clicks, because he forgot the safety was on."

Her voice got quieter as she added, "I haven't seen it in over thirty years. Not since the guy who double-crossed us took it from me and left me for dead. Ella told me she recovered it after she took revenge on the guy she thought killed me."

For the next few seconds we were all quiet as that sank in. Then Nyssa started undoing her belt as she offered, "You should have it back then. I didn't realize it was yours, and if it was that important to her then Mrs. Wheeler probably didn't mean for me to keep it. I'm sure she'd want you to have it."

After a brief hesitation the boss shook her head, "You hang on to it Nyssa. It's your lucky gun now, just make sure to keep it clean. Look after it, and it'll look after you."

My sister's ears perked up, but she glanced at me like she wanted to check that it was ok to keep it. I responded with a subtle nodd, and her tail started wagging.

She smiled at Rebecca, "Thank you! And don't worry, I'll take good care of it. Jaycee taught me how to shoot when we were at the capital, and she also told me about the importance of maintenance and all that stuff."

I had the food ready by that point, but as I started serving it up I gave Nyssa a hard look and stated, "Just don't forget it isn't a toy, ok sis? Please be extremely careful with it."

"You shouldn't even be wearing it around like that," I added with a frown. "The town's safe now, thanks to all the VDF soldiers. And after tonight they won't need to worry about any more bandit attacks."

My sister's ears perked up at that, "Speaking of tonight, I want to -"

"You are not coming with us!" I insisted. My ears folded down while my tail flicked back and forth in irritation as I continued, "You're not a soldier. You're not trained for combat. You got lucky and survived one fight Nyssa. Please sis, just stay here where it's safe."

"Aww," she pouted as her ears drooped again. Then she gave Jaycee a hopeful look, "I wanted to stick with you tonight. I want to help you."

Fortunately Mx. Wheeler was on my side, "Amanda's right. I'll be a lot happier knowing you're safe here, with the Demeter and the Artemis."

"Does that mean you're taking part in the attack tonight Miss Jaycee?" Cammie asked.

"Yeah," they nodded. "I have to do what I can. For my mom, and for Finn, and all the other good people those bastards hurt. I suppose that includes me too, considering I wouldn't be here myself if not for your girlfriend's healing pod."

Jenny responded, "My ReGen capsule is here for all of you, but I sincerely hope none of you are going to need it again any time soon. So please do be careful Jaycee. That goes for you as well Amanda, and Rebecca, and Jenna."

Rebecca nodded, "That's the plan."

We continued discussing the coming evening as we ate, although we didn't come up with any new ideas or strategies. Mostly it was about the details and execution of the plan, with an emphasis on all of us staying safe. Rebecca and Jenna would be careful in the fighter, and I'd be avoiding combat as a medic.

In fact of everyone present, only Jaycee had any intention on getting directly into harm's way. They wanted some vengeance on the man responsible for their mother's death. Rebecca did too, but both Sarah and I were glad our girlfriend agreed to play it safe.

After dinner we had a few hours to try and take it easy, Jaycee and Nyssa returned to the Artemis for a bit while the rest of us enjoyed some quiet time in the Demeter's lounge. As usual my girlfriends and I cuddled together on the sofa, with Rebecca in the middle and my long floofy tail across both her and Sarah's laps. Cammie Jenna and Jenny were there too, in the large comfy chairs around the small table to our right.

That came to an end about two hours before midnight, when it was finally time to get ourselves ready for the coming fight. Rebecca left Jenna to prep the fighter while the tall redhead and I headed out to meet with the local VDF troops one more time. I took my medkit with me when we left the ship, along with one of our little commlinks set to the Demeter's encrypted private channel.

We met Jaycee and Nyssa just outside the ship, then the four of us found Lt. Maguine who was overseeing the local preparations. The lieutenant had about two dozen VDF troops gearing up alongside one of the Tullrohane's troop carriers. Although as soon as one of them realized their princess was approaching they all stopped what they were doing so they could bow to her. That was followed by a couple double-takes, when they noticed the second foxgirl in her highness' entourage.

"As you were," Rebecca told them. Then she addressed the lieutenant, "I'm sure you've been informed that Amanda here's going to be accompanying your group as a medic?"

The boss gestured towards Jaycee as she continued, "And we've got another volunteer who wants in on the action."

Lt. Maguine turned and motioned for a couple others to join us as she replied, "Yes ma'am. You've already met Corporal Sheehan, she'll be our lead medic for tonight's mission."

I recognized the corporal as the one I spoke to earlier in the hospital tent. Accompanying her was a soldier I didn't recognize. I knew he wasn't another medic though, based on the automatic carbine slung over his shoulder. Like all the other VDF troops he had short hair and a clean-shaved face. He was tall and seemed fit under all his combat gear, and he had a handsome face with a firm jawline, blue eyes, and blond hair.

"This is Sergeant Sean Magniveen," the lieutenant continued as she indicated the other soldier. She looked to me as she explained, "He'll be your bodyguard tonight ma'am. His only job will be to keep you safe."

Rebecca and I exchanged a surprised glance, then the princess asked the sergeant "Any relation to Gwen Magniveen?"

"Yes ma'am," Sean replied with a wry grin. "She's my baby sister. It was a real coup for our family when Gwen got the job as Secretary to the Regent. None of us ever imagined she'd end up bringing back the royal family though. And I never thought I'd get the chance to meet you. It's a real honour, your highness."

I asked, "Does Gwen know you've volunteered for this mission?"

The sergeant shook his head, "No ma'am. I'm not sure she even knows I'm in this sector, I haven't had a chance to see her yet."

"We'll make sure you and your sister get some family time after this is over," Rebecca stated.

I nodded, then finally greeted the other medic. "Hello again corporal."

"Hello ma'am," Lisa Sheehan replied. She'd been staring at my little sister but turned her attention on to me as she half-joked, "So there's a second foxgirl here after all?"

It was obvious from her expression she was very curious about that, and of course my sister was happy to answer the unasked question.

With her tail wagging and her ears standing up tall she greeted the VDF medic, "Hi there! I'm Nyssa Voss, Amanda's big sister!"

"You don't have to worry about getting us confused though," she added as her smile got wider and her tail wagged even faster. "Just remember I'm the full-sized foxgirl, Amanda's the tiny one."

Sheehan nodded slowly as she looked back to me again, and I could see in her expression she had even more questions. Fortunately she seemed to push those away for now and got back on topic, "It's an honour to work with you tonight. I understand you've got a bit of Navy medical training?"

"That's right," I replied. "I have a few years' experience as a ship's medic."

Rebecca interjected, "You're selling yourself short -"

The princess was interrupted by a loud 'snrk' sound from my sister, but she pressed on. "Amanda's actually a fully qualified and experienced combat-rated medic as well as being a ship's doctor."

Sheehan looked surprised again, and I was positive she was trying to reconcile those claims against my apparent youth.

Meanwhile my girlfriend gestured towards the fourth member of our group as she addressed Lt. Maguine, "This is Jaycee, she's our other volunteer. I don't think she has any military training, but I can vouch for her combat experience. I've seen her in action and I know she can handle herself."

The lieutenant looked the brunette teen up and down as she spoke, "Sorry miss but I have to ask, are you sure you want to be a part of this? We're going into combat. There's going to be injuries, and lives may be lost."

"Yes ma'am I need to be there," Jaycee stated firmly. "Mayor Wheeler was my mom. I need to be part of the team that takes down the man responsible for her death."

Corporal Sheehan's eyes widened in surprise and confusion yet again as she asked, "Hold on, the mayor was your mother? You said your name is Jaycee, as in Jace Wheeler? That's impossible!"

"I worked on Jace Wheeler less than forty-eight hours ago," she added as she looked at Rebecca. "He wasn't going to make it, even if we'd got him to the Tullrohane's infirmary. You told me to take him to the Demeter, you and the mayor both claimed you had someone on your ship that could help him."

Sheehan looked back at Jaycee again then shook her head, "This can't be the same person. Even if you ignore the injuries and everything else, this girl's too small. Not to mention five or six years too young."

Jaycee and Nyssa both grimaced, while Rebecca and I shared an uneasy look. I was sure it just dawned on her as it had for me, we'd been way too casual about Jenny's services lately. Now we had a VDF officer and two NCOs asking some very awkward questions, and potentially starting to figure things out.

It only took another second or so before the boss figured out how to respond. She took a breath then stated, "Corporal Sheehan, Sergeant Magniveen, and Lieutenant Maguine, you've all just been privy to some details which are Royal secrets. As such I have to ask you to keep any information, speculation, or theories to yourselves. If necessary you can take that as an order, or even a royal decree. Do you understand?"

All three of them responded with a chorus of "Yes ma'am!"

I couldn't help being a little worried about the situation regardless, since I knew this stuff wasn't the sort of thing people would easily forget. Just from a medical point of view, if I was in Sheehan's place I'd have a million questions about how a dying patient was back fully healed and in a completely different younger body just two days later.

Fortunately the three of them seemed to take their princess's words to heart, and for now at least they all let the topic drop. In fact that was the end of the conversation, since it was time for us to get ready. Which included getting Jaycee some gear, while Rebecca had to join Jenna on the Demeter's fighter.

Nyssa insisted on sharing a long tight hug with Jaycee first, and for that matter Rebecca and I did the same. Then the princess and my sister headed back towards the Demeter while Sean Magniveen got me outfitted with some body armour and a helmet that wasn't very comfortable over my fox ears. Meanwhile Lt. Maguine paired Jaycee with another soldier, a Private Sam Duffy. The private got the young brunette set up with their own set of body armour, along with an automatic carbine and some ammunition.

Then about an hour before midnight all the volunteers boarded the troop carrier so we could get under way. I was seated towards the back, with Sean Magniveen on my left and Lisa Sheehan to my right. Jaycee was across from me, with Private Duffy next to them.

As we lifted off I heard the carrier pilot's voice through a comm speaker integrated into my helmet, "Welcome aboard folks. This is Ensign Mike Murphy, I'll be your pilot this evening. I'm afraid I can't offer you any in-flight entertainment or meal service. Best I can do is let you all know our ETA. We'll be touching down at Moorefield Station in about forty-five minutes."