In the end, the couple found a middle ground. Noble held his injured foot slightly off the ground so that it did not come in contact with the earth, supporting the rest of his leg so he had enough purchase to walk with the other foot. It was an odd-looking hobble, but far better than floating like a bubble onto the platform.
And far far better than angering his wife.
Fort made his way through the crowded platform to a woman in a blue military trenchcoat. Her icy blue eyes tracked his progress with a bland smile.
"Deputy Director Fort," She greeted him as he neared.
Fort and the lady shook hands. "Ascended Jet. Or should I call you Colonel?"
Jet's mouth tipped up ever so slightly. "It makes no difference to me, but those here call me Colonel. It's been a long time."
"I am surprised you remember me." The Deputy Director tilted his head curiously.
"You never forget your first real government assignment." Jet's smile faded.
"I suppose not. This is my wife, Awakened Noble." Fort motioned to the lovely lady standing beside him.
"You married up, Deputy Director," Jet chuckled.
"In both brains and beauty," Fort agreed easily.
Noble wondered if her husband could feel the ominous aura coming off of the other Awakened. Jet's emotions felt fractured somehow. Like they were there and not there. The professor pushed the thoughts aside.
"It is nice to meet you, Colonel Jet. Did you say you met my husband on a government assignment?"
"I did. Though that was over a decade ago." The tired-looking officer glanced at Fort to see if he wanted to explain.
Fort nodded. "There was an attack at one of the government buildings by one of our Awakened agents. My coworker was a bit of a ticking time bomb...literally. Soul Reaper came in and dealt with him in one strike. She wasn't even a Master when she saved all of our lives. I am forever grateful."
"A lot of thanks I got from everyone else," Jet said wryly. "Everyone but your husband was scared stiff. They scattered like frightened bunnies. But Fort placed his hand on my shoulder and told me I had done well. Called me a hero."
"That sounds like him." Noble agreed. "Is that how you got the name Soul Reaper?"
Jet chuckled darkly. "One of the ways..."
Noble wondered why she had not heard this story before. Perhaps she had, and Fort had just downplayed the significance. Or, based on the timing, it might have happened around the time Seb died, and Fort had not wanted to burden her further. At least she was getting to hear the story now.
"Thank you for saving my husband." Noble dipped her head in gratitude.
Jet clapped her hands. "Where are my manners? Welcome to the port! If you will follow me, we can get down to business."
The platform had begun to clear, leaving the three an easy avenue to move along.
"I heard you had a bit of a bumpy ride." Jet didn't say how she got the information.
"Just a bit," Fort answered, not wanting to make his wife relive the harrowing ordeal.
"Did your leg get hurt in the process?" The colonel was not blind. She had seen him amble awkwardly toward her when he exited the train.
"I broke my toe getting on the train. We were in too much of a hurry, and the healer on our way here was mundane." The Deputy Director explained quickly.
"Then I will take you by the infirmary before our meeting. That can be fixed up in no time. Muaz!" Jet's gaze fell on a soldier as they exited the platform.
"At your service." The man saluted, awaiting orders.
Jet indicated the suitcases. "Take the bags to their quarters."
Reluctantly, Noble released her and her husband's things to the waiting hands. She had hoped to freshen up a little, but it seemed like it was not meant to be.
Accepting the bags, Muaz shrunk them to fit in his palm and smiled. He walked away casually with his miniaturized cargo.
"Don't worry. He will return them to normal," Jet saw the other woman's expression. "He can only do it to himself and inanimate objects."
They stepped off of the station platform and into the port. A PTV and driver were waiting for them.
"Change of plans. We are heading to the infirmary first," Jet told the driver as she leapt into the passenger seat. She motioned for the couple to climb in the back.
The military cruiser was quite different from city vehicles. Instead of being sleek and stylish, this one was utilitarian, angular, and armored.
About the only thing the two types of vehicles had in common was that they both rode on four wheels.
But then Noble found out that this, too, was a difference.
After taking his seat, the Deputy Director leaned forward toward the driver.
"I hate to be a bother, but with my foot hurting, could you activate hover mode? Any little bump will agitate it."
Noble shot her husband a questioning glance. 'Hover mode?'
"Understood." The blue-eyed driver pressed a button.
Suddenly, the seat below Noble buoyed up and pressed against her rear. But…it didn't hurt!
"This can float?" Her eyes went wide.
"Neat, isn't it?" Fort grinned. "Make yourself comfortable."
Noble relaxed into the seat. It wasn't luxurious, but after days on the train, it felt heavenly.
"Thank you," she mouthed to her husband.
While Fort would benefit, Noble knew the request was for her comfort more than his. He winked.
"You mentioned a meeting?" The Deputy Director asked Soul Reaper.
Jet nodded. "The big brass is having a meeting as we speak, and I was asked to bring you by so they could loop you in. Since you are here anyway, the Chancellor and Directors have a few requests. Above my pay grade, most likely. I'll get you there as soon as the healer gives you a clean bill of health."
"What about me?" The professor guessed that the 'big brass' had not invited her.
Jet straightened her collar. "A tour has been arranged to give you a feel for the area. Your driver should be able to help you with any tasks or will find someone who can. Isn't that right?"
The brown-haired man saluted. "Whatever you say, colonel!"
The PTV revved and took off.
Fortunately, the infirmary was not busy, and an Awakened healer was able to fix Fort's broken bone in less than a minute.
With everything settled, it was time for the group to part ways.
"I'll see you as soon as I can," the Deputy Director assured Noble.
"Go. Take care of business. I have a job to do too, you know. I love you."
"Love you too," Fort shut the door of the PTV with Noble inside.
He walked off beside Colonel Jet, his gait back to its normal manly stride.
'That healer did good work.'
"Uh, Awakened Noble?" The driver startled her from her longing gaze. "Where would you like to go first?"
The professor had studied the area while traveling. There was so much she wanted to see and assess. But she had no particular starting point.
"I want to see it all," she answered at last. "What do you recommend?"
The driver thought for a moment and smiled. "I know just the place to start!"