Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1) by Brian Dorsey Page A
Authors: Brian Dorsey
his glare. “You have several admirable qualities,” he continued, “and I am on the whole honored to make you my wife. But you think me less a man because of my aversion to silly parlor games and political intrigues. The importance of these political games is not lost on me, nor is their importance to your family’s honor. And do not think I fail to understand how important this is to my family’s status. But, unlike you, I do not live in the vacuum of the ballrooms and dining halls of Alpha Humana. I am a warrior of the Elite Guard. This colonel’s uniform doesn’t change that, just as it does not remove the markings placed upon my chest when I took my oath to serve my people so many years ago. I will do what I have to when it comes to politics, but this is not about politics.” He pointed back toward the direction of the dining hall. “That man is not fit to command and I say that not as a member of a damn First Family, but as a soldier who has seen battle and knows the true measure of honor, and it is not in a name, Astra Varus.”
For once, Astra said nothing.
“Don’t challenge me again in matters you know nothing about,” he warned. Stone released his grip and Astra quickly stepped away from him. He could tell he had truly frightened her.
“I meant no disrespect, Ty,” she retreated. “I know little of military matters as you say. Of these things I know only what a woman is told by men who know better. I was only trying to ensure we adhere to social dogma. Openly challenging a First Family patriarch without irrefutable evidence would be political suicide. I only mean to protect you in the manner in which I am well versed. Please forgive me.” Astra placed her hands on Stone’s chest. We can learn of each other’s worlds, Ty, and better complement one another. I am sure after we are wed and get to know each other in more social settings we shall not have problems such as these,” she added, embracing him, not unlike a scolded dog returning to its master.
Stone slowly began to regain his composure. He realized he had actually frightened Astra, an emotion Stone was sure she had rarely, if ever, felt. He also knew that Astra thought herself to be of better blood than him and when angered she was not afraid to at least imply that point. It was a price that Stone was willing to pay, however, for the sake of his family—just another duty he had to perform for his family and his people.
He also knew that Astra was right, politically speaking. Cataline would stay his commander and there was little anyone, even the Varus family, could do about it. But maybe he had shown her enough of a glimpse of the monster that he kept dormant when in the company of normal people to make her think twice about unleashing her social superiority on him again—at least for a while.
“Perhaps we should let the matter go and I will attempt to handle my issues with the general on my own.”
Astra gave a quick glance up toward Stone. He saw a hint of trepidation in her eyes.
“On your own?”
“I mean I will not make my problems with him public fodder.”
“You see, Ty, we are already beginning to understand each other,” said Astra with a sigh of relief as she took his hand. “Let us put this nasty event behind us.”
As they walked down the passageway to his quarters, Stone began to wonder just who had won their little argument. He couldn’t ponder the question too long; he had to meet his new regiment tomorrow and figure out how to work with his new commander without killing him.
***
The next evening Stone sat at the desk in his quarters waiting for his key subordinates to arrive. The 25th had just returned from training maneuvers and had been granted two days’ liberty, so Stone had delayed officially assuming command until after the break to allow the men some time to wind down. While his men were enjoying a well-earned break, Stone had called his senior officers in to get a gauge on what he had to work
For once, Astra said nothing.
“Don’t challenge me again in matters you know nothing about,” he warned. Stone released his grip and Astra quickly stepped away from him. He could tell he had truly frightened her.
“I meant no disrespect, Ty,” she retreated. “I know little of military matters as you say. Of these things I know only what a woman is told by men who know better. I was only trying to ensure we adhere to social dogma. Openly challenging a First Family patriarch without irrefutable evidence would be political suicide. I only mean to protect you in the manner in which I am well versed. Please forgive me.” Astra placed her hands on Stone’s chest. We can learn of each other’s worlds, Ty, and better complement one another. I am sure after we are wed and get to know each other in more social settings we shall not have problems such as these,” she added, embracing him, not unlike a scolded dog returning to its master.
Stone slowly began to regain his composure. He realized he had actually frightened Astra, an emotion Stone was sure she had rarely, if ever, felt. He also knew that Astra thought herself to be of better blood than him and when angered she was not afraid to at least imply that point. It was a price that Stone was willing to pay, however, for the sake of his family—just another duty he had to perform for his family and his people.
He also knew that Astra was right, politically speaking. Cataline would stay his commander and there was little anyone, even the Varus family, could do about it. But maybe he had shown her enough of a glimpse of the monster that he kept dormant when in the company of normal people to make her think twice about unleashing her social superiority on him again—at least for a while.
“Perhaps we should let the matter go and I will attempt to handle my issues with the general on my own.”
Astra gave a quick glance up toward Stone. He saw a hint of trepidation in her eyes.
“On your own?”
“I mean I will not make my problems with him public fodder.”
“You see, Ty, we are already beginning to understand each other,” said Astra with a sigh of relief as she took his hand. “Let us put this nasty event behind us.”
As they walked down the passageway to his quarters, Stone began to wonder just who had won their little argument. He couldn’t ponder the question too long; he had to meet his new regiment tomorrow and figure out how to work with his new commander without killing him.
***
The next evening Stone sat at the desk in his quarters waiting for his key subordinates to arrive. The 25th had just returned from training maneuvers and had been granted two days’ liberty, so Stone had delayed officially assuming command until after the break to allow the men some time to wind down. While his men were enjoying a well-earned break, Stone had called his senior officers in to get a gauge on what he had to work