Southern Cross by Windstar

wouldn't be supported the way they needed to be. Her father's answer did nothing to encourage
her.
"I spoke with Lorin earlier, she says that they are expediting, but don't get your hopes up, Emie.
They had to divert a lot of resources to getting the planetary shield up. You missed the test run
by the way, it was quite a show, as you can imagine."
Indeed she could, when the shield had come up, it would have disintegrated everything in low
Earth orbit. It would have been a global fireworks display the likes of which would have put any
meteor shower to shame. Her father went on, a decidedly amused glint in his eyes now.
"Good thing Ms. McGrath came up with her suggestion or we might not have the shield tested
even now."
To her embarrassment, Emie could feel her cheeks heating as she fought a blush. Memories from
last night didn't help at all. Slick skin sliding against skin, fingers plunging into… the warm
sweet taste…
Clearing her throat and doing her best to keep her voice level, Emily tried to reign in her
thoughts.
"She's quite smart."
"You keep a hold of that one, you got me, Daughter? She's good for you, and I'm darn glad to
hear you're over this Bak'ra stuff with her."
Black eyebrows raised in surprise at that. How had her father known about that? Even better,
how had he known she'd mostly made peace with her doubts and fears last night while holding a
naked Julie.
The Emperor laughed, a sound that was far too rare these days.
"I talked to your Provost, Emie. Angwar's a good man. I'm glad he's watching your back for you.
Take care, Daughter, and I'll look forward to that report."
"I'll send it tomorrow, Father, and I'll send another after we finish our first serious war game. Be
well, Father. Honor, Wisdom, and Strength."
"Honor, Wisdom, and Strength."
With that, the screen blanked, showing only the Guardian symbol. A sword posed point down
before a shield.
Emily hoped that shield would be up to what was coming toward it.
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