Pretty Fin- Raging Seas

by Smokey Moment

  “Okay then Mr. Reed then I’ll get right to the point. Your wife and daughters exhibited animal like characteristics that were picked up by an instrument I was using that day to detail and chart sound waves emitted by certain sea life. It is an advanced technology powerful enough to pick up the most delicate of these waves. I was going through my data when it started picking up sound waves. The problem was, I wasn’t in water. This machine is designed specifically for use in water. I followed the waves. They got strongest when I entered the domed aquarium room. And specifically, when I pointed at your children and your wife. I picked up nothing from you. And nothing from the other guest. The strongest waves came from your youngest child. Do you know why that is?” she said. Lance stared at her for what seemed like a lifetime. The woman looked at her colleagues. Lance burst into a rant. He was furious. Scared. This was not supposed to be happening.

  “Are you kidding me! What the fuck are you saying. That my wife and kids are fish! What…Like sharks! Do you know how ridiculous you sound? You people work too hard. You are around fish so much that now, people seem like fish. Get the fuck away from my house and don’t come back. Google me before you consider fucking around with my family. I can buy the fucking NOAA or whatever facility you say you are from. I will mount a media attack that would rival a press conference. Leave…Now!” he shouted.

  Sophia and her colleagues turned to leave. But not before she added to her concerns about what was behind the doors of his home off the water. “Did you see the news? California had a very rare hurricane off the waters here. Not too far from your home actually. It was caught on satellite,” she said. Lance refused to speak. He stared angrily at her. The intrusion was too much for him to handle.

  “Leave!” he said. Sophia turned and walked off the porch. Her colleagues followed. Dr. Lastra turned around. “If you have any information please call my office,” he said. Lance looked at the card then glared at Dr. Lastra. He tucked the card back in his wallet and walked away.

  “Damn government! Always sticking their noses,” he mumbled, as he watched them. Lance looked around. He felt trapped. He couldn’t flee or move to a new location. Fin wouldn’t know how to find him. She would panic. He figured they knew about his home in Olivenhain. And the property he owned back in Boston. He shook his head in disbelief.

  He glanced back at his girls. Nimah appeared calm. Isla was smiling. As though he was her hero once more. He smiled back, then looked out at the SUV in his driveway. His mind raced. He had money and connections. He wondered who he could call to get them to leave his family alone. The government had resources. They had people. They would impose. Lance kept up a brave face even as he trembled with fear. He was really no match for the United States government. Their agencies were deeply rooted in every city. He had reason to worry. His money, although vast, would not stop them.

  “He knows something,” Sophia said to her colleagues, as they walked back to their SUV with dark tinted windows. “We’ll put someone on him. And his children,” Dr. Lastra said, as he shut the car door. He looked back at Sophia. She removed her glasses then looked back at Lance’s home. She stared at him as he stood on the porch. Sophia was good at reading body language. She was married to an FBI profiler. Lance was no criminal. But the techniques were still helpful. His posture, lack of questions, anger and aggression when he didn’t have all the facts suggested a man with something to hide.

  “The skipper on a vessel out to sea gave a statement years ago of a woman who was in the ocean. Many men saw her. She dipped in the water. Some said she had a tail like a fish. We thought their story was plausible. I thought there was a chance that they were just a bunch of drunken good ole boys who thought they saw something. But now I’m not so sure. Over fifty men saw her that day. The description matches what I saw on the video from the aquarium. And I had some of the men come in and view the footage. They identified her as the woman they saw,” he said.

  Sophia looked back at Lance. He was angry when he should have been perplexed. Sophia stared at Lance through the dark windows. His behavior, confirming her suspicion.

  “He is upset. I find that odd. He did not ask the questions one would ask when given such strange information. He knows. He is in protect mode now. Just as he was that day. He seemed agitated at me. He knew the moment he looked into my eyes. It’s his wife. The children are the product of them but she is the one. And she is the one who gave off sound waves, that I have never seen before. The babies sound waved were stronger but once the mother zeroed in on that fish, the attack commenced. The youngest daughter has the capability as well. The other little girl, not so much. Although she looked at me strangely. It was as if she knew what I was thinking. She emitted some waves but nothing like her mother or sister. What should we do?” Sophia asked, looking back at Lastra. “We wait. Gather more data. If we can prove they are not from here, we can take them into custody.”

  P

  iratchu, although close to Eulachon, looked nothing like it. It was breathtaking. More beautiful than Fin had imagined. The city had what appeared to be floating mountains, covered in glowing blue moss. Large rocks that came to a small tip. It seemed impossible that the rocks were suspended that way. Fin was in awe. The weight of the top portion seemed enough to make the structures collapse yet they stood firm. There were many, spread throughout the land.

  “Wow!” she exclaimed, as she admired the land. Fin sat back. Darr and his men carried her through the land. She had forced Lillia to stay back. She couldn’t risk her being there. “Are we almost there?” she shouted. “Yes. Just a bit more,” a soldier replied. Fin looked around. They were nearing the castle. Fin could see the grand home in the distance. It appeared to be covered in leaves and glowing yellow moss. “This is an oasis. It is as beautiful as Mojarro,” she said, in a low voice. Fin sat straight. She gathered her thoughts. She was not there to revere the land. She was there on business.

  “Your Highness,” Darr said, as he opened her door and sat a foot step down. Fin looked at him. He smiled then bowed. “You knew it was me all this time?” she asked. “Yes, Your Highness. We all do. Everyone knows who you are. Your eyes. Your hair. No one looks like you. You are unforgettable,” he said. Fin smiled at him. Then quickly gave a warning.

  “No one can know I am traveling. My life depends on secrecy,” she said. Darr’s smile faded. The thought of her being betrayed by any one of them would be an outrage. “No one knows. And no one will know. My soldiers and I are here for you. We will protect you. Fear nothing. Pangians are indebted to King Zander. And now to you,” he said. Fin reached for his hand. Darr was confused. It was unheard of to touch a queen. Or to shake her hand. He reached out and took her hand. Fin gripped his hand firmly and shook it.

  “You are the most loyal of men. Your wife and mother must be so proud,” she exclaimed. “Mother, Your Majesty. I have not wed yet,” he replied. “Not yet. You will. Open your heart. Our hearts have been awakened. This is your time. This is why we fight. In order to be free to live and love. You won’t be able to love with your whole heart if you can’t live free,” Fin said. She turned from him and walked up to the palace. “Can you announce my arrival,” she requested, Darr bowed, then walked to the huge double doors of the castle. Piratchuian soldiers ran from the rear.

  “Stop! Who goes there,” one soldier shouted. “It is Darr. I come from Panga with news for the Queen. News of Mojarro,” he said. The men in dark heavy uniform decorated in gold trim looked at Darr and his men. They glanced at Fin. The leader narrowed his eyes. “And who is she?” he asked. “She is a messenger from Mojarro,” he replied. The guard scoffed at the answer. It wasn’t normally the way a message was sent. “They sent a woman…And at night,” the guard said, his eyes darting between Darr and Fin. Darr looked at Fin. She quickly interjected.

  “Yes! The guards are fearful of the men. They only allow the women to move about. It was the only way to get the message to her,” she said. The guard opened the door. “Wait here,” he said.
Fin was nervous. She had no clue what she was up against. It was possible that the queen was now an enemy. Pressured by Andreus to be on his side. They were neighboring cities. It would be easy to get to her. Make her fold. He still had the largest and most powerful army. It was more than a possibility. And Fin braced herself to run back to the river that could get her back to Panga. And back home.

  “You may enter,” the guard said, as he held the door open. “The queen will see just the woman,” he said. Fin stepped in. She could see Rasbora in an elegant gown and crown, waiting at the end of a long hall. She walked in slowly, looking back at Darr and the Piratchu soldiers. Her stomach was turning in knots. If they were ambushed, she would be responsible for the deaths of great men. Fin swallowed hard, then picked up the pace. She straightened her back. Each step showcased her power. Her strength. She was a queen as well. And she refused to be intimidated by the royal highness. She had come to far. Many had suffered. It was up to her. She brought them together once. Panga declined. They could not fight. King Nephrus had said he wouldn’t send his men. But she hoped Queen Rasbora would. Her army outnumbered Panga. With her men, there was hope. Fin just needed to convince her that it would be in everyone’s best interest to take a stand.

  “Your Highness,” Fin said, as she bowed. Queen Rasbora nodded then gave a half-hearted smile. “Why are we meeting at a time when I should be resting. I rose from bed. And I don’t recall you sending me word that you would come to speak with me. Nor do I recall inviting you,” she said. Fin could feel the tension. Her presence was not welcomed. “I know, Your Majesty. But please hear me out,” she said. Rasbora paused. Fin looked desperate. The Queen suspected it was about supplies and men. The things needed if she were to stand any chance at winning the war. “I will meet with you this one time. But please…next time send notice of your desire to meet and please come during daylight,” she said. “Yes, Your Highness,” Fin replied.

  Rasbora sat at her throne. She motioned for Fin to take the throne next to her. Fin sat down in the large and stately green and gold chair. Emeralds lined the trim, and a large emerald shaped in a sphere was placed at the end of each armrest. The air smelled of winters blossom. Hemini plants lined in neat rows across a table, lit the room well. Fin took a deep breath. She couldn’t stall. It was now or never. But something deep in her spirit told her she had wasted her time.

  “Your castle is breathtaking,” she said, hoping to break the tension. It was. But Fin was smart. Rasbora loved compliments, as did most women. It was a way to disarm any suspicion. A way to soften her for the favor she would ask. Rasbora grinned. She took pride in her home. It was filled with art and furnishings made by her father and her great grandfathers. Heirlooms passed down from generations. Rasbora came from a long line of royalty that was steeped in the knowledge of their past. While many others had no knowledge of their grandfathers, Rasbora was told as a child, all about hers. Stories of her royal bloodline for as far back as the creation of Piratchu. Fin did not possess the facts of her past. Something Rasbora believed was crippling her future.

  “You came here seeking something. If it is news on Andreus…I know nothing. Piratchu is not part of this war nor do we want to be. We are still friends of Mojarro, but we are greater friends of Eulachon,” she said. Fin tried to control her reaction. But the words were troubling. “Greater friends? Since when, Your Highness. Are you willing to give him your land? And all that I see… Because that is what is going to happen. He will take over Piratchu after he takes Panga. Being his friend only buys you time. It only ensures he will take you last,” Fin warned.

  Rasbora snickered. “No, my dear. You are wrong. I am not his enemy. Anything he wants from me he gets in fair trade. There is no reason to take anything. And he has no adversary here. Nothing to protect,” she said. Fin furrowed her brow. “What do you mean? Mojarro was not an adversary. Only that I refused him,” she said. The Queen took a deep breath. “I don’t want to get in the middle. Besides…I have no proof. Only hearsay. Speculation,” she hinted. Fin looked off. “If you are trying to tell me something, just say it. Why torture me. I am here trying to save Madaka. Whether you like it or not, that includes you too,” Fin said, her voice firm. The queen shook her head slowly. She feared saying too much. But Fin waited patiently. Her stomach, twisting in knots. Queen Rasbora was trying to say something and she was desperate to know what it was.

  Suddenly Fin lost control as her emotions got the best of her. It was the wrong time to give her half stories and words that seemed meant to confuse. She quickly got up from the chair. Her tear-filled eyes not showing the depths of her anger. The queen’s eyes widened. Fin stood before her shaking her head in disbelief. Rasbora could see Fin was upset. But she was caught between doing what was right according to her ancestors and fearing the wrath of Andreus.

  “How can you keep a secret when my very life is in danger. My father fought for you or have you forgotten that. I need your help. And you offer nothing but the revelation of a secret that you won’t tell me. Why say anything at all. Do you want me to lose this war,” she said, as tears filled her eyes.

  Queen Rasbora stood up. She approached Fin slowly. Fins pain was difficult for her. She had her own battles. Her own pain. Piratchu was vulnerable. And she would rather stay back. The queen decided to say more. She hoped it would be enough for Fin to forge ahead. She knew it was in her best interest if Fin won.

  “Dear…You do not need my help. Do you not know who you are? You come to me for metal when you have something that is mightier than the sword. You just haven’t tapped into your true power. You do not need me. You do not need metal. That is not how you will win this war. Think! Only you know what it is. I do not know what gifts your ancestors have blessed you with. The powers you possess being the great, granddaughter of the most powerful goddess of them all,” Rasbora said. She continued as Fin listened carefully.

  “Look into your history. Ask the elders of your city. Many of them are steeped in history but they don’t speak of it. Probably because they believe you possess the knowledge. But someone knows. Find them. They hold the answers. They just aren’t aware that they have the key. There is something for you when you prevail. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know what any of it means. I’m not keeping secrets. Just a suspicion. It is for you to seek. You must defeat Andreus then go to his castle. Something is there that holds the answers. It is your salvation. That is all I know. My ancestors forbid me from saying any more. Defeat him! Take what is yours. Then go to his castle," she said.

  Fin walked closer. “What is at the castle? Tell me?” she begged. “I don’t know. I just know you will find salvation there,” she replied. Fin grew frustrated. She held her face. She took a deep breath then gathered herself. “What do you mean take what is mine? I don’t understand. I don’t….understand,” she said, her eyes searching for more. She appeared weak and fatigued. Rasbora looked up to the ceiling. As if looking for confirmation that she could speak on her visions. She looked at Fin and smiled. Fin could see wisdom in her eyes. There was more. Much more.

  “Madaka belongs to you. The entire world is yours. Your ancestors created it then allowed my ancestors to escape persecution and seek refuge here. As with Panga and Eulachon. It is all yours. Now take it back! I stand with you. My ancestors have prepared me for this day.”

  Fin’s mouth dropped slightly open. Her knees started to give. She felt she would faint. Rasbora grabbed her by the arms. “Guards!” she shouted, hoping Fin would not collapse on her. Several men rushed in. Darr ran in behind them. “Your Highness,” he said, as he grabbed Fin. “Are you alright?” Darr asked, as he held her up by her arms. “Yes. I’m fine. I just need to rest. I am tired. I feel weak. I must rest,” she said. Darr looked at the queen. “I have a room. She can rest here. You and your men are welcomed to stay in the guard’s quarters. Let her rest before she passes out from exhaustion,” she commanded. Darr agreed.

  “Is this your wish? To rest? It will be morning soon. We can
head back to Panga once you are okay,” he said. “Yes,” Fin replied. Her voice weak and weary. She was already too tired to go on. She needed to close her eyes. Replenish her strength. “Follow my men. They will escort you to the spare room,” the queen said. Fin followed the men with Darr close at her side. The guards stopped a few feet from the door and pointed. “This will be the queen’s room for the night,” one soldier stated.

  Fin entered the room with Darr’s help and walked over to the bed. She plopped down and crawled under the plush covers. He covered her then paused, looking closely at her for signs of illness. Fin closed her eyes then made a light moan sound. She seemed fine. It was the confirmation he needed. She was nothing more than tired. Darr left out and shut the door behind him. “She is asleep. Who will guard her door? She must be protected,” he said. The queen agreed. I will have my best guards watch over her. She will be okay. Don’t worry,” she replied.

  Fin wrestled with the covers then kicked them off. The plushness of the bed was irresistible. She blinked several times as her eyes became heavy. The words of Rasbora played over in her head. She was the blood of the creator of Madaka. It was a massive undertaking. She couldn’t handle the whole of it. She would always want kings and queens in position as head over their own cities. Unless there was a greater purpose and a need to combine all the lands, she saw no reason. “All of Madaka. All of Madaka. All…of…it,” she chanted, as she closed her eyes. She chanted the words over and over until she fell into a deep sleep.

  No Peace

  T

  he atmosphere at Bandz Innovative Solutions was strained. Employees of the once vibrant and energetic office were on alert and walking on eggshells. It seemed everything was falling apart and at the center of it, was their stressed and combative CEO.