Daughter of Ethos: Price of Power Book 3

by L M Lacee

  Dinas hypo sprayed him and he slumped in Melody’s arms. Peyton with a concerned look at the boy said. ‘Melody we are almost done, stay with them all please, and make sure they are okay.’

  ‘I will. You stay with Netta.’

  ‘I will.’

  ‘We will see you top side.’ She told Peyton, who nodded as she stepped back from the door with her heart hurting. Rubbing her chest, she moved away, and into Netta’s waiting arms. ‘Ahh, Netta how do you always know?’

  ‘I am your Commander of course.’ Netta narrowed her eyes at Marlo as he came up behind them with Rose and said. ‘I am not coddling.’ Peyton giggled against her shoulder.

  ‘It looks like coddling.’ He stated in his gruff voice as he sharply looked at her and Netta, missing nothing. ‘What did we miss?’

  Peyton lifted her head and replied. ‘We have the children or some of them. There were others who did not survive.’

  The five nodded, saddened at the news. Just then Rave mind-sent to say there were no children left anywhere on the small planet. Peyton told him and his Prowlers to return, then she asked Rose. ‘What substance are they mining here?’

  ‘Star Daughter, we have just on the surface a mineral called Amaera, it is something that is used in medicine, it is what all the hypo sprays are filled with it…’

  ‘Please stop, all I wish to know, is it valuable?’

  ‘Star Daughter, it is almost as valuable as the Salistred and constantly in short supply.’

  ‘Wow and the Luntsene, what is that mined for?’

  ‘It is an additive for drugs. Like the Amaera, it is just as valuable but not in short supply.’

  ‘Alright. Wait please Rose, I am going to summon the planet.’

  ‘What?’

  Peyton did not wait, she called. ‘Pantarr.’

  He instantly appeared in front of her, causing Rose to cry out a little as she jumped into Larson’s arms. Peyton ignored her fright, knowing this was the best way for Rose to deal with her fear. If this failed, she would demand she visits Jarrod. Rose wanted to travel with them, to do that, she needed to handle this phobia.

  ‘Pantarr?’

  ‘Yes, Star Daughter.’

  ‘Pantarr dearle, is the itch underground or on top?’

  ‘It is none of those. It comes from the uphill.’ He showed her a pic of a small volcano that spewed Luntsene. ‘Does it always itch?’

  ‘No, it stops for a long time when the big ones take it away.’

  ‘I see.’ Curious, she asked. ‘Why did they drill holes in you?’

  ‘They look for more up hills, there are none I tell them, they say, they look. This what little ones for, to look down holes. Mean big ones.’

  ‘Yes they are. Would you like for us to stop the itch?’

  ‘You not use little ones?’

  ‘Oh no, never.’

  ‘Yes stop itch please.’

  ‘Good. Rose can you load up Luntsene from a small volcano?’

  She had already slid from Larson’s arms but still stood partially behind Marlo and asked, her voice tight, but there was only a little trace of fear in it. Peyton smiled, proud of her. ‘I will need to comm Frand?’

  ‘Of course.’ While she did that, Peyton looked at Pantarr and asked. ‘So what am I to do with you?’

  Pantarr replied. ‘I want to come with you. You are bright and nice, I like you and Prowlers. I want them to make home.’

  We like that. Rage came over. He is right, we would like this planet to call home. We like the idea of the tunnels. There are good nesting places for litters and a good place for kits to grow and learn. As Pantarr grows, we can teach him to be part of Maikonia.

  ‘So all the Prowlers would leave Prime and the worlds?’ Peyton asked sadly, her heart hurting again.

  No, we would nest on Pantarr and grow our young, then live on Prime or the other worlds, if Prowlers want to. I will live on Prime with Fanharr and Rave until Pantarr arrives. We have to remember there are bonding’s happening now. I like you know that will grow so those Prowlers will remain with their bonded. The worlds will not be without Prowlers, you will not be without Prowlers.

  Peyton sighed and rubbed his ears as she said, ‘You know that will not happen? You and Fanharr will need to live and guide the others here, and you will need to guide and train the kits.’

  This is not true. But his voice held doubt.

  ‘It is and you know it. Rage, it is one of those changes we were talking about earlier. You will have a planet to call your own and that is good, it does not mean we will not see each other, it means you get to train a Prowler armee for me.’

  Rage sighed deeply. I do not like this change.

  ‘Yeah, I know the feeling.’

  I will not leave you without protectors, Beloved.

  ‘I know but they will not be you.’

  No, they will not and maybe that is a good thing. I think I am starting to see the big pic, like you do.

  ‘Yes, I think you are, as you should Pride Leader.’

  Rage told her. I still do not care for this change.

  ‘I know I’m not liking it either, but it will not be today, we have time to adjust to this change.’ She closed her eyes for a min then said. ‘So Pantarr, can you move yourself?’

  ‘Give me coordinates now, so I can move.’

  You will ask politely, young planet or you will feel our wrath.

  Pantarr hung his head. ‘I am sorry Star Child, I am excited. I will have my own peoples and I will not be alone anymore.’

  That is a true destiny. You will be privileged to host the Prowlers for our Daughter.

  ‘I am Pantarr of the Maikonia Prowlers. It is good, yes?’

  Very good watch now and I will show you how to get to Maikonia. And how to protect yourself from any others who try accessing your surface, unless you wish it. Also do not cover in the tunnels, the Prowlers need and like them.

  ‘Oh, I will not. I did not know that, should I make more?’

  Chosen Pride Leader Rage will tell you if that is desired and also what they want on the surface and you will grow it for them. We like the idea of special plants that my Daughter spoke of.

  Instantly several tall beautiful colored trees appeared in a grove behind the huts, where Pantarr had buried the bodies of the females, then in another larger area further back from the huts, appeared the trees of Porquiel like the ones given to Rage, Rave and Fanharr. The Star Child told them. These are for the Prowlers, you Pantarr can decide what you wish to plant for the small ones taken from us.

  ‘I will Star Child, I am happy.’

  That is very good. We grow when we are happy, now remember, you must travel slowly. So you do not hurt others. We will tell all our children of your passage and they will help you.

  Thank you, Star Child.

  The Star Child told Rage. Pantarr will grow only as big as Terra. This will take many yentas, many of your life times. He will need guidance, until then you are the perfect one to ensure his safety. We are proud of you, Pride Leader.

  Rage bowed as he said. Thank you.

  Thirty mins later, Pantarr faded and Peyton slowly returned to herself. It took several mins for her to reorient herself to where she was now. Netta took her hand helping to ground her, with a squeeze of her fingers Peyton let her know she was well. Netta was not so sure about that, Peyton seemed thinner and paler but she said nothing, sensing an argument now would drain what strength remained to her.

  Peyton cleared her throat, then said. ‘Okay, so that is taken care of, it looks like we will have a new planet and a few suns and moons in about two yentas. Rose, how did it go?’

  ‘Frand said he can take on as much as you want to take, he has a thing it will work just...’ She was drowned out by the engines of two cargo ships gliding over the planet. When it was quieter, she told her. ‘He has the location and is going to pump the Luntsene straight into the containers and scoop the Amaera. It will take some time.’

  ‘That is fine, go
back up Rose, I will see you shortly. Marlo we are finished here, take your brothers and go with her please?’

  ‘Thank you Star Daughter.’

  Netta called out. ‘Do not forget to check in at medical.’

  She and Peyton walked back to the hut which held the prisoners. Peyton tiredly called out. ‘Commander Kerol, and Warriors come out please.’ They all filed out, and she asked Kerol. ‘Is Specialist Jarrod still in there?’

  ‘He is Star Daughter.’

  ‘Warriors you are relieved and thank you, a shuttle is waiting for you.’

  Kerol asked. ‘What are we doing?’

  Sadly, she said. ‘Delivering on a promise.’

  As they watched Prowlers came from everywhere, led by Rage, Rave and Fanharr. She, Netta and Kerol stood in the doorway of the hut blocking their entry. Peyton bowed her head to the Prowlers. As promised, are you sure this is what you want to do?

  Jarrod came out from the hut. ‘Star Daughter, I have everything we need.’

  ‘Thank you, we will only be a min, if you would like to ride with us?’ He looked surprised at the offer.

  ‘You are extraordinary.’

  ‘I am taking that as a compliment.’ Before he had a chance to explain his comment, she asked the Prowlers. Are you sure you still want to do this, they are venomous, you know you could die?

  Rage answered for the pride. We will not die. It is our right to exact justice for our family. Is that not what you said?

  I did, and yes, it is your right to avenge your pride members. There will be a shuttle for you. Return when justice is done.

  Thank you, Beloved.

  Peyton, Netta, Kerol and Jarrod swiftly left and as they lifted off the planet, she told Nikolas. ‘We need one more shuttle to return for the Prowlers.’

  ‘I will return for them.’

  ‘Thank you, Nikolas. Please do not hurry back, give them some time.’

  ‘Would three hours suffice?’

  ‘I will ask?’ Rage is three hours long enough?

  Five would be better.

  I want to know why you need five hours, but I find I don’t want to ask the question.

  Five hours Beloved.

  Nikolas will return for you.

  Thank you, Beloved.

  ‘Five hours, please Nikolas.’

  ‘As you wish, Madam.’

  She refused to think of why he and his Prowlers would require five hours and was pleased she had not asked the question. She had the suspicion Rage, as angry as he was, would have explained in detail. Upon returning to the ship, they were met by Hawk. ‘You are all required in medical.’

  It only took seconds to get there, Peyton was weary as she looked around. Paolo was holding two children, a boy and a girl on her lap, obviously hers. Her sisters held a child each, both girls and definitely from Oraintarre. Julope and her sister looked like they had their wish of a child granted.

  Darby sat next to a bed with the sleeping boy, her expressions ranged between fear and bewilderment and what Peyton thought was despair. She quietly asked. ‘Darby hon, you alright?’

  ‘I don’t think I will ever be okay again. Peyton I have a child. Me… I can’t remember to eat, to go to bed, or to tie my shoes. How can I look after a baby?’ Her voice started to skyrocket toward hysteria.

  Heather rushed over and demanded of Peyton. ‘What did you say?’

  ‘Nothing. I asked how she was.’

  ‘Really, is that all?’

  ‘Yes, just that.’

  ‘I see.’ For some reason Heather’s voice sounded wrong and Peyton felt her temper flare as her body started to shake. ‘Peyton!’ Heather sharply said her name as she watched her body start to go from trembling to shaking and suddenly go deathly pale. She softly asked her. ‘What the hayda happened down there, Peyton hon, answer me?’

  ‘Don’t yell at me!’ Peyton yelled and hiccupped a sob as the ship rocked from side to side. Her chest hurt, her throat hurt, her body shook, and she felt sad and angry all at once. No one moved or spoke, the med unit went silent as all eyes fell on the trembling Peyton.

  Heather slowly moved closer and asked quietly. ‘Peyton, what’s the matter sweetie. It is me Heather, you are in medical, talk to me sister.’

  Peyton stood there, her face devoid of expression, her eyes tormented, hurting so much the room pulsed with it and still no one moved or even breathed heavily. Scared for her sister and the ship carrying them all. Heather narrowed her eyes and demanded. ‘Star Child, I wish to speak to you.’

  Yes, Sister Heather.

  ‘I am angry with you.’

  Why?

  ‘Look at what you are doing to your Daughter, she has a human body. I realize you have no knowledge of her anatomy, but even you can see something is wrong. What have you been doing, you are meant to be looking after her?’

  ‘Heather.’ Melody snapped sharply. ‘Stop, she is flaming.’

  Heather snapped her lips together in a hard line when she saw the flames in Peyton’s eyes and muttered. ‘I am very angry.’

  ‘I think they got that.’ Darby murmured just as the Star Child asked of Heather. What is it you wish us to do, Sister Heather? Our Daughter is depleted.

  They sounded quite horrified, Heather relented enough to say. ‘That sounds about right, what you have to do is make her sleep and then I will administer the nutrients and other minerals she seems to be in need of. So firstly can you put her to sleep?’

  We can.

  ‘Good, then your job is to find out what you do when you take over her body and reduce that or reduce the amount of time you are in her body and together we can get her healthy and balanced and stop this happening again.’

  As you say Sister Heather, we will depart now and will study the anatomy of our Daughter, care for her well.

  Heather gave a nod to Hawk as Peyton dropped into his arms. ‘Wha…’

  ‘On the bed with her, please Commander. Patty I need your help.’ She looked around at the people in the unit. ‘All of you get back to healing and being healed or leave, you two.’ She said to Kerol and Netta. ‘See Dinas he will do your check up, then I want you to eat and sleep.’

  ‘Yes Healer Heather.’ Neither thought to argue with her when she used that tone. Heather went to Peyton and administered a range of hypo sprays, replacing the nutrients and minerals her body had lost.

  ‘Seriously it was too soon, whatever she did down there, she has not completely recovered from last time. We and they have to do better. She has regained only some of her strength and she is still underweight.’

  Patty placed her hand on Heather’s wrist. ‘Hush, Heather, she is going to be fine, we will make it so. I know you are scared for her.’

  ‘She was hurt so badly Patty and now this.’

  ‘I know... I know, but that is why we are here. Although yelling at the Star Child, probably not a good move.’

  Heather straightened up and grinned. ‘Probably not. Patty, can you and Dinas manage here? I want to take her back to her cabin.’

  ‘Of course. What about the boy?’

  ‘We’ll take him too. Hawk, if you can take her. I will get him. Melody, do you want to come with us?’

  ‘No, I have reports to write and to make sure our Warriors are all seen to, as well as Bacon.’

  Hawk took a look at her and leaned over and softly said. ‘Melody don’t be too angered, it is what their nature demands. Retribution and justice are tied together sometimes even the most intelligent of us, cross that line.’

  She nodded, then looked him in the eye and said. ‘I understand, I just don’t condone the action and yet there is a part of me that is furious I am not down there with them. What does that make me?’

  Hawk grinned as he said. ‘One of us.’

  They left the med unit as Melody dropped her head into her hands and groaned.

  Darby carried her small boy next to Hawk who carried Peyton with Heather following, the child in her arms. They made a strange group as they traversed the
passageways. People moved out of their way and hurriedly emptied the lift when they saw them coming. Eventually they made her cabin where Helen was waiting for them. ‘I thought you’d bring her here, let’s get her and the boy into bed.’

  Darby overrode the palm scanner and got them entry to her cabin. They placed the boy and Peyton in her bed and did not bother changing her clothes. Helen looked at them critically and said. ‘They both need baths.’

  Heather smiled. ‘Yes, but they need sleep more.’

  They left them sleeping snuggled together as though they had slept that way forever. A perfect pic, Helen thought. Heather used her ident band to snap one.

  ‘She will want it.’ She explained as she opened the door. ‘To remember why it’s good to be Terran.’

  ‘I see.’

  Heather grinned as she heard Helen taking a pic. When they walked out Darby said. ‘Settled?’

  ‘Yes and now your turn.’ Announced Helen.

  Heather said. ‘Thank you, Hawk.’

  ‘It was my pleasure, we leave orbit in approximately six hours and will arrive home in four days.’ He saluted as he said. ‘I take my leave, for I have duties to attend to.’

  They said goodbye and then they were alone. Darby yawned, Heather said. ‘Come on Darby, you and the little one, need your bed.’

  ‘I don’t know why but I am exhausted, it is what just after second-meal?’

  ‘No, try eve- meal.’

  ‘Wow that was an intensely long day.’

  Darby was still puzzling over the significance of the time difference while Heather and Helen walked with her to her cabin and into bed. Where she yawned once, hugged her boy to her and fell asleep. Heather and Helen repeated the pic taking, then left to go finish their own duties.

  FORTY:

  Some hours later, Peyton walked the silent passageways with her boy held in her arms. His head on her shoulder, they ended up in the star lounge, a room with long couches and comfy chairs, and a dispenser that was filled with her favorite coffee. It had the largest viewing area on the ship other than the bridge and was Peyton’s favorite go to place when they were actually moving. If she was missing, she could always be found there.