Immortal War

undeniable satisfaction the envious eyes now turned toward her as Lorcan stood before her and gave the Alliance salute.

Flushed with pleasure, she returned the salute and dared to look once more into his unnervingly blue eyes. “Commander Furey, I’m so glad you were able to join us here tonight.”

Lorcan smiled. “I mustn’t stay long, Commodore Li, but I was keen to congratulate you all on the victorious return of The Diablo.”

“As usual, you are much too modest,” Cheng Li said, feeling the warm glow she always seemed to in his presence. “You know full well that the victory was, in a very considerable way, due to your inspired strategy.” She noted that he received praise a little awkwardly. His momentary unease only made him more charming. She reached out for his uniformed arm, deliciously aware of the daggers of envy being launched in her direction. “Come with me,” she said. “There’s a VIP booth waiting for us.”

Smiling again, Lorcan removed his cap. “Lead on, Commodore Li,” he said. “As you know, I’m something of a stranger in these parts.”

As they made their way through the crowd toward the roped-off booth, a familiar figure suddenly appeared before them.

“Cate!” Lorcan said, apparently catching her by surprise. She looked lost in her own thoughts but stopped and smiled to see her comrades.

“Lorcan,” Cate said. “You’re about the last person I expected to see here at Ma’s.”

“I invited him,” Cheng Li said with a smile. “We’re on the same side now.”

“Yes,” Cate nodded. “Absolutely.”

“Congratulations, Cate,” Lorcan said, clasping her hands. “It was a textbook victory.”

Cheng Li was momentarily perturbed by the display of easy affection between her two subordinates, but she recovered well. “Too modest by far,” she said, shaking her head. “You two have rewritten the rules on maritime warfare. Your names—our names—are now assured of their place in pirate history.”

“This war isn’t over yet,” Lorcan reminded her.

“Indeed not,” Cheng Li said. “We must now turn our attention to the next phase in this combat. I believe we are reaching a decisive moment. I thought we could talk further about this tonight.”

Cate smiled at Lorcan. “You see, my friend, there’s no such thing as a free drink.”

They had reached the VIP booth. As the velvet rope was moved aside for them to step forward, Cheng Li lost no time in advancing her cause. “Tell me, Commander, has Obsidian Darke thought any more about strategic alliances with other Nocturnals?”

Lorcan’s face was clouded as he replied. “Obsidian and I have talked many times of this, but I’m afraid I have no firm progress to report to you.”

Cheng Li shook her head. “I don’t understand why he remains so resistant,” she said, claiming the prime position at the table. “Surely he must see that we pirates cannot continue to bear the brunt of this war alone? Not when there are potential allies among the Nocturnal realm. He must bring them into play—and fast.”

“I agree,” Lorcan said, sitting down across from her. “But when it comes to persuading Obsidian, he is as obdurate as his name suggests.”

Cheng Li frowned. “He must yield on this point.” She laid her hand on Lorcan’s arm again. “Would it help if I talked to him directly?”

“I’m not sure,” Lorcan replied. “I’m not doubting your considerable powers of persuasion, but, on this matter, his mind appears to be firmly set.”

Cheng Li shook her head. “It’s up to you and me to find a way to stir him.” She glanced up, expecting to see Cate, but instead found herself looking at Bo Yin.

“Where did Cate get to?” Cheng Li asked her.

“She has a headache,” Bo Yin said. “She’s gone back to the ship.” Over Bo Yin’s shoulder, Cheng Li could see Cate’s familiar shock of red hair moving through the barroom like a flaming torch. “She might at least have said a proper good-bye—to our guest,” Cheng Li said, frowning.

“It’s all right,” Lorcan said. “I don’t think Cate has the taste for social gatherings just now. What with her grief for Bart and all.”

Cheng Li watched Cate disappear into the crowd, then returned her full attention to her companion. “You’re very understanding,” she said. “Perhaps even a little too understanding.”

“I don’t think so,” Lorcan said softly, but with steel in his voice. “Give her some time.”

“Is that an order?” Cheng Li’s eyes met his.

“No,” he said, his expression becoming more yielding. “Just a tip from one good friend to another.”

Basking in his choice of words and the honeyed brogue that never failed to delight her, Cheng Li sat back in her seat, at last beginning to relax.

Cate had almost reached Pieces 08 and the exit when a hand reached out and caught her arm. Surprised and somewhat irritated, she turned to find Moonshine Wrathe standing before her.

“Tut-tut, Catie,” he said. “You’ve got into this terrible habit of leaving parties early. Don’t you believe in the healing power of human company?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m tired,” Cate said. “And I’ve got a splitting headache.”

Moonshine reached out his hand. On his palm nestled two oval pills. “Pop these and you’ll feel a whole lot better.”

Cate arched an eyebrow warily. “What exactly are those?” she asked.

Moonshine laughed. “Paracetamol,” he replied. “Though I can understand your suspicion. I have a well- earned reputation as a walking pharmacy.”

“Thanks, but no thanks,” Cate said, folding her arms. “I’m going to leave now. You stay and enjoy yourself with the others.” Fearing she had come across more severely than intended, she added, “You deserve it. You claimed a masterly victory.”

“Praise indeed,” Moonshine said, shrugging and popping the two pills himself. “Now what’s that look for?”

Cate shook her head but said nothing.

“I know.” Moonshine grinned. “I’m a danger to myself. That’s why I need someone at my side to teach me right from wrong and be a good influence on me.” He winked. “Though I guess we could just start with teaching me right from left.”

Cate stared at him, coolly. “You’re no fool,” she said. “And nor are you the loose cannon you pretend to be. Oh, you certainly were. I haven’t forgotten the Sunset Fort debacle. I don’t think any of us will in a hurry. But you’ve changed, Moonshine Wrathe. I can see that. The way you acquitted yourself in Operation Scrimshaw was exemplary—worthy of a pirate of many more years’ experience.”

Moonshine was uncharacteristically rendered speechless by her praise. Taking advantage of this rare scenario, Cate pressed on. “So the answer to your question is yes.”

Moonshine’s face moved through a series of contortions as he struggled to find the right words. After a great deal of effort, he managed, “The answer is… yes?”

Cate nodded, quietly amused. “Yes,” she repeated. “I’ve worked it all out with Commodore Li. I will retain my role as chief strategist for the Alliance but I’ll be based on The Diablo for now. I’ve already packed my things, so, after you’ve had your fun and made some interesting shapes on the dance floor, perhaps you can see to it that my old corner cabin is made ready for me?”

“Is that an order?” Moonshine inquired, back to his default cheek. “Because in a conventional captain-deputy relationship, isn’t it the captain who gives the orders?”

Cate smiled as her slate-gray eyes locked onto his. “Rest assured, my friend, this isn’t going to be a conventional captain-deputy relationship.”

“I’ll drink to that!” Moonshine said, raising his glass.

“Three drinks at the very most,” Cate said. “You’ll certainly want to keep a clear head for our strategy meeting in the morning. I’ll come over at seven-thirty sharp. Unless that’s too early for you?”