Victoria's Challenge by M. K. Eidem Page A

was there maybe two hours. I left, alone. I was expecting a transmission from my Aunt at 2100, check the logs. A week later, Ensign Jager was in the corridor as I was locking up the classroom. He asked if I was going to Emans. I informed him I wasn’t sure. We talked as we walked to my quarters. Outside my quarter’s, he made a comment about there being an explosion on the flight deck. I entered my quarters alone , changed clothes and went to medical to see if I could be of assistance.”
    “This is when you started treating Major Zafar?”
    “Yes. He had a concussion, which involved waking him every two hours for the first twelve. His pain medication needed to be monitored closely. Thirty-six hours later, manual manipulation treatments were started to rehab his hands and fingers. I was there until 0600 the third morning, when Dr Magnes relieved me so I could get ready for class.”
    “ That was the procedure for the next four nights. On the fifth, Dodge spent the night so I could get a solid ten. After waking, I went for first meal on G Deck. Ensign Jager sat down across from me. He informed me there was a group going to Emans that night. He offered to pick me up. I told him I wasn’t sure if I would be available. Asked the time, he said 2000.”
    “Luc...Major Zafar’s recovery has been proceeding so well that I didn’t feel he needed observed 24/7 . Therefore, I left his quarters. After catching up student reports, I decided I wanted a drink. I went to Emans, approximately 1900. You can check the recordings. Dodge showed up shortly after. We shared a couple drinks.”
    “You never saw Jager?”
    “I did. He stopped at the bar, saying he was getting a table and I could join him. I said maybe later.”
    “And did you ? Join him?”
    “No . I noticed the time, 2100 I needed to board Major Zafar’s hands for the night. Dodge walked with me. I boarded the Major’s hands and left to return to my quarters. That’s when Ensign Jager attacked me.”
    “ Did you and Dodge go directly to Major Zafar’s?"
    “What?”
    “Are you and Dodge involved, intimately?” Barek demands.
    “No !”
    “What were you discussing?”
    “That’s privileged information.”
    “Excuse me? ” Barek asks arrogantly.
    “Privileged . You do understand what that means, don’t you, Colonel Tibullus?”
    “It was about my brother Tanner . Victoria treated him three cycles ago,” Dodge speaks up.
    “That’s none of his business , Dodge!” she spits out angrily.
    “But it’s not a secret either ,” he tells her softly.
    “Just so we’re clear . You’re saying you have never been intimate with Dodge, Ensign Jager or any other member of this crew.”
    Victoria has had enough.
    “I’ll go you one better, Colonel Tibullus . I’ve never been intimate with anyone in my life. And if you’d like proof of that, I’ll submit to an examination by Dr Magnes.” The silence that greets her statement is thunderous. For the second time in his life, Barek finds himself stuttering because of a Chamberlain.
    “I … I don’t think that will be necessary. Thank you Ms. Chamberlain. Record off.”
    “Are we done here? ” Victoria demands.
    “Yes, we are . Victoria…”
    “Good . Nail the son of a bitch Barek, before he kills someone.” Standing she rounds on Lucas. “You need food, rehab and treatment. I’ll meet you in your quarters in ninety.” The quiet closing of the door sounds like a bomb to the three men.

Chapter Six
    “Fuck ! Was that necessary, Barek?” Lucas demands, he wanted to rip his friend’s head off.
    “Yes. ” Barek stands. He needs to move. “It’s like fucking Falco all over again. Victoria’s right, he needs handled or he will kill someone and right now, that someone is Victoria. I need you to watch something.” Barek plays back the recording of the attack.
    “What the fuck? ” Lucas swears. “She pulled her punch.”
    “Yes she did, Jager can claim it’s because she didn’t want to hurt