Shizuka blinked. Yes, that was probably true, but how did Lan know about— “Wait, all that time I was talking about the contract—you were actually listening?”
The instrument panel beeped.
“We’re getting a transmission—don’t worry, it’s an encrypted channel.”
“What language is it this time?”
“Klingon,” Lan joked as Shirley appeared onscreen.
“Mother, are you well?”
Lan nodded. “A little shaken, but fine. Shirley, did the signal jamming work? And the memory sweep?”
“Yes, Mother. Everything went as we planned. How is the runabout?”
“She’s in wonderful shape. You did a fine job.”
“Thank you, Mother.” The hologram seemed to blush before continuing. “As you directed, I have placed Markus’s matrix in the ship’s infirmary.”
“Good. We’ll return him when we can do so safely. By the way, Shirley, I made you a present. It’s in my quarters.”
“Mother?”
“A hologram nanoprojector. It’s completely self-contained; you can wear it like a pendant. Now Katrina won’t need to lug that awful heavy backpack around whenever you go outside.”
“But Mother, how? The power requirements alone—”
“It uses antimatter.”
“Antimatter?”
“Don’t question it. Just say thank you. And try not to drop it.”
“Yes, Mother! Thank you, Mother!”
“M-Miss Satomi, are you okay? Can you hear me? This is Katrina!”
“I know, dear. I can see you. Yes, I’m fine,” Shizuka said. “The stargate was a little bright, and tingly … but, to be honest, it was kind of fun.”
“I’m glad. I was so worried that shooting through a giant donut would be disorienting, even for you.”
“So you knew about this?”
Katrina nodded. “I’m sorry, Miss Satomi, but we were afraid that if we told you or Miss Astrid the plan, Tremon Philippe would have sensed it.”
Shizuka was flabbergasted. How could her student have fooled her so thoroughly? Then she smiled. Of course. Katrina’s life had depended upon keeping secrets, too.
“I stowed Martha and your other favorite violins and bows in the cargo hold. Your laptop is there, too. And, um, Miss Satomi, I also packed you an escape bag. Clothes, emergency money, spare glasses, ID.”
“Thank you, Katrina.”
“Mommmm!” The twins pushed themselves into view.
“Windee, Edwin. You remember the talk that we had, right? I know it’s sudden, but Mom has work to do.”
“Yes, but—” Windee looked as if she were about to cry.
“Windee Tran. Your tectonic calculations were brilliant. I could not have done any better. Your work saved the stargate and your captain, as well. Therefore, I hereby promote you to second lieutenant and appoint you assistant technical officer of Starrgate Donut. Please continue to study hard, so one day I can recommend you to Star Patrol.”
“Yes, Captain!”
“And, Edwin Tran. Thank you for helping us finally perfect our donut recipes. Aunty Floresta says that she could not have completed the kitchen without you. Therefore, I hereby promote you to second lieutenant and appoint you assistant chef of Starrgate Donut. Please continue to make Starrgate the finest donut shop in the galaxy.”
“Yes, Captain!”
“And now, to the both of you, I give my final orders. Lieutenant Windee! Lieutenant Edwin! No more running through the halls!”
“Yes, Mom…”
“Now, is Aunty there?” Lan asked.
Aunty Floresta peeked onscreen and gave a thumbs-up.
“Right here, Lanny,” Floresta said.
“Thank you, Aunty, for everything.”
“Of course, Lanny. Be careful out there, okay?”
Lan cleared her throat and saluted. “Commander Floresta Lam, I hereby promote you to captain and turn command of Starrgate Donut over to you.”
Captain Lam straightened her back and returned the salute. “I shall take good care of her, Captain Tran.”
“Thank you, Captain Lam. And, although it’s the new captain’s prerogative to select her first officer, might I recommend Shirley Tran? She is an exemplary scientist, a brilliant tactician, with impeccable character.”
Aunty Floresta laughed. “Of course she is. She’s your daughter, after all. Safe travels, Lanny. And please allow Starrgate Donut to be the first to wish you good luck on your mission to heal the Endplague.”