by Donna Steele
“It’s okay to say ‘warrior’ around us.”
“Of course, you would know. I have had to be careful. Warrior Braxal is the leader of our clan and also our father, though that is not mentioned. All spawns come from him.”
“Let me get this straight. Braxal reproduces with his daughters?”
“Or his sisters when he was very young. Only the sons who are warriors can continue the clan or create their own. It is my understanding all Earthlings can reproduce.”
“Yes.”
“And your status is not determined at birth?”
“No. Theoretically anyone can become anything with education in our society. Your partner?” Dusty responded.
“Offspring is not an issue, so there has been no censure for us from our Warriors, though they may not be aware. We plan to speak of this to them when I return to Malvek. Sark, Warrior Gsark’s head mind talker, became close with me when we first began this endeavor. He was injured when the shield came down.”
“Shield?”
“Yes. To prevent the ‘nightmares’ we were creating among your people. That was not our intention.”
Erica’s birth, Dee realized. “How was he harmed?” she asked.
“The link with the inhabitants of Earth severed abruptly. His mind was traumatized and as such retreated. I knew him well already, so I explored his mind and convinced him to return.”
“That’s amazing.”
“He is important to me.”
“Could there be, what did you call it, censure? Because you are both male?”
“Since no reproduction is possible regardless, no. The censure would come from the fact we are from two different clans. Fortunately, Braxal and Gsark have become allies and friends. We plan to petition to have Sark join the Braxal clan when I return home. Would such a relationship cause a problem here?”
“No, not now. Before the time changes there was some reluctance in certain areas for the same sex to mate. That was an inadvertent change we’re happy about.” Dusty paused to pour Dee more water.
“You have no clans here.”
“We have families, but they are much smaller, I think, than what you’re describing. Our daughter has grandparents she has met, so that’s three generations. There is no warrior to head up the family. Other families have cousins, children of siblings. Dee and I are only children, so Erica won’t have that connection, but that’s about it,” Dusty explained.
“And none of you are born into your position. Your society is very different from Malvek. Within days of my hatching it was deemed I ranked as a mind talker. It is the same with warriors, techs, and workers. The non-stratification of your society caused my partner and me much consternation. In the beginning of the project, prior to understanding you were unfamiliar with the Guardians, we searched for warriors or other mind talkers to attempt communication. There were none.”
Axal paused for a moment as though deciding whether or not to continue. “We were also startled women have an equal role on this planet.”
“That isn’t true on Malvek?”
“Females are kept in private enclaves within the clan. They work within the clan compound but never interact with other clans.”
“Mates are never seen in public?”
“There are no mates as you would determine it. The Warrior chooses a female and spawns. There is no other interaction between them. Until . . .”
Dee jerked at the word spawn. That had been part of the alligator dreams. She refocused on Axal. “Yes?”
“Gsark does have a mate. Ledda is the mother of his five warrior sons. She is also a counselor for him. Her perspective has been received and acted upon with this visit to your planet. That is unprecedented. Her presence has caused Braxal to begin a mating with Vion, who accompanied us to Earth.”
“This was the female you mentioned earlier? Were they not . . . together before the trip?” The information surprised Dee, given the previous data.
“That was by accident. Braxal found her foraging for food near his ship as he readied for launch. He pulled her into his ship for questioning and forgot about her until after launch. It was a . . . happy accident. Prior to meeting Ledda, Braxal was unaware females could reason or had the capacity for thought. Sark tells me he is much changed with her presence in his life.”
“Forgive me, but I want to get back to the reproduction for a moment,” Dee said. “You mentioned the warriors mate with their daughters. Are there malformations in the offspring?”
“Yes, occasionally, and the birth rate is falling, especially for warriors.”
“Our, uh, species has a taboo regarding reproduction among close relatives. With us, the practice leads to such problems.”
Axal’s eyes blinked in several directions. Dee hadn’t seen that phenomena before. Did that mean he was startled?
“What happens if a Warrior has no warrior sons?” Dusty asked.
“The clan is absorbed by other Warriors.”
“Does Braxal have warrior sons?”
“He does. Two, though he has spawned many times.”
“Is two a normal number?”
“In recent history, yes. Warrior Gsark, Sark’s sire, has birthed five warrior sons. This is unprecedented in my short lifetime. What you have spoken of gives me pause. I was unfamiliar with Gsark prior to this linking of resources, though I had heard of him. He is younger than Braxal.”
Axal appeared uncomfortable for a moment. “Is the information we speak of, what is your word, confidential?”
“It can be,” Dusty assured him. “If the press doesn’t know we’re here, there’s no reason for anyone to know.”
“Thank you. I overheard Braxal speaking with Gsark’s eldest Warrior son, Sandarc. He told Braxal his mother, Ledda, is from a clan which was absorbed by Gsark’s sire. Because Gsark was not sent from his home for training, which is the normal practice for Warriors, he formed a friendship with a female and when it was time, he chose her to spawn. Sandarc was the result of a first spawning. Again, unheard of in my lifetime. That said, could the difference in sires lead to a strengthening of Gsark’s line?”
“It is possible,” Dee mused.
“Perhaps that was what Cael meant when she spoke of Vion.”
“Excuse me?”
“My apologies. Vion is from another clan. Her warrior, Velotor, died with no warrior sons and his clan had fallen in status. Braxal discovered she could read and had thoughts, which he allowed regarding this mission. Sark and I were unaware of Vion’s presence, until Cael asked that she attend our interactions.” Axal seemed to chuckle to himself, the sound a short series of clicks. “I should not be surprised at anything a Guardian knows.”
“I have a question,” Dusty said, and Axal nodded. “Why Earth?”
“The official story states we became aware of you through transmissions. That needs to remain what everyone believes. Since you are the true reason, I will be honest with you alone. This planet was being viewed for the expansion of Malvek. Prior to your time travel, Earth was on track to become a perfect home for our species. The warmer, wetter climate is what we desire for expansion. Following the changes you made, the planet is no longer viable for us. Warrior Braxal was strongly displeased and ventured to discover how the changes were made. With the Guardians as the only beings in the universe, to our knowledge, who can manipulate time, we sought to communicate with them.”
Axal rose and paced a few steps. “We attempted to draw the Guardians out by invading your minds.” He turned and faced Dee. “Again, my sincere apologies. We did not take into account the beings we harmed had lives of their own. We have been an aggressive species for all our span of lives. That will continue for a time. I do believe Gsark’s sons saw and learned from our encounter. I see them as the leaders for our future.”
“I do not know if they can be taught the new ways.” Axal again seemed amused. “I would not be surprised if Braxal’s sons by Vion grow as strong as Gsark’s.”
“You have no plans to invade Earth,” Dusty urged.
“None. The planet is no longer an asset for us.”
“How will you expand?”
“That was why we wished to meet with the Guardians. We have no desire to antagonize such an advanced life form. We requested information on planets they are not . . . cultivating. Cael gave us coordinates of several possibilities, planets which have not evolved a primary species or where the original inhabitants have died out. The ‘conquering’ will come from besting a hostile atmosphere and virgin lands. That can lead to strong warriors as well as war itself.”
Axal stopped his pacing and resumed his seat. “This planet is under the protection of the Guardians. Both Sark and I believe you need never worry about an outside predator.”
Chapter 41
Dee kept an eye on Dusty during the drive home. He’d been quiet since leaving Axal’s room. “Are you okay?”
“I could ask you the same.”
Dee took a deep breath. “I am. I don’t know what I expected, and I admit I was scared going over there. Now I feel better.”
“Why?”
She twisted in the seat to face him. “Earth is safe from their invasion. And we helped make that happen.”
“I don’t think it was the Guardians.”
“Then who?”
“Erica.”
Those words took her breath away. “What do you mean?”
His hand moved to clasp hers. “Let’s talk about it when we get home. We can send Leonard and Sherry away and have that postponed glass of wine.”
She nodded, but her thoughts had turned chaotic.
Sherry met them at the door. “Did you have a good time? Erica was a dream as always. She’s asleep.”
Dee formed a smile. “It was lovely and the food excellent.” After describing the menu, Leonard joined them, placing his arm around Sherry. Dee hadn’t seen such a blatant display of affection before and her smile grew more genuine.
“Don’t be asking me for a raise anytime soon, if you can afford that meal.”
“She’s kidding, we went to Mac’s and got fries.”
“Too late. I’d believe her over you anyway. It was quiet here and Erica was great. We’ll get out of your way. See you Monday.” Leonard gave Dee a quick buss on her cheek and they left. Dee allowed herself a moment to wonder where they were headed but didn’t ask.
Dusty made for the kitchen while she peeked into the nursery. Their daughter, not asleep, reached for her.
Gathering Erica into her arms, she returned to Dusty in the great room and accepted the glass of wine, settling onto the couch.
Dusty raised his arms for Erica and Dee surrendered her to him. “It’s you, isn’t it?”
Erica held his eyes for a long moment. “Yes. I am the one keeping this planet and Axal safe. It is my home now. No outsider can inflict harm upon it.”
“What about insiders?”
“Humans are human. I admit I prefer the culture now to what it was prior to your assistance.”
“We didn’t know what we were doing, or if we’d ever return to the present.”
“I know. You attempted to make things better where you were. You saved lives.” Erica shifted to look at Dee. “I did not know what you would attempt when you were first transported back. I observed only, as the Guardians are trained to do. You pleased me greatly and I was not sure why. That is one of the reasons I chose to become one of you. There are many unlike you on this world, but many have flourished with the new climate, both physically and mentally. I will watch this along with my siblings and enjoy what is to come.”
“Wait, siblings?” Dusty sputtered out.
“Not yet, Daddy. I admit I enjoy being an only child for now.”
~ ~ ~
Guardian Enclave
“Miri? May I attend you?”
“Of course.” The Elder indicated the bench in her quarters. “You have been busy.”
Cael dipped her head. “I have much to learn. At this time, I wished to bring you news from Malvek.”
“Something pleasant, I hope.”
“It is a development that will mark many changes, I have no doubt . . .”
~ ~ ~
Home World of the Malveks
“I have news, Braxal.” Vion had entered the room silently.
He stared at her for a long moment. “Is it foul?” Her demeanor puzzled him.
“Part of it is very pleasant.”
“Begin with that.” He settled and watched his mate.
“We have two warrior sons from our spawning.”
Braxal’s eyelids blinked rapidly. “You are certain?”
“I am.”
“This is the most pleasing news I have ever received. Are they healthy?”
“Very healthy. They will be brought to your compound later today.”
He rose and approached his mate, allowing his large claw to gently touch her face. “My mating with you has changed myself and this clan. I would wish to impart this news to Gsark and Ledda.”
“I agree.”
“There is more. Something is distressing you.”
“Distress might not be the correct term. But I am wary of this other news.”
“Proceed.” Braxal shifted closer, allowing their claws to intertwine.
“We have a very powerful mind talker from our spawn as well.”
“I see that as a positive.”
“She is female.”
Epilogue
Washington, D.C.
Dusty was distracted. He was also behind in his work, which didn’t help. He returned to the conversation he and Dee held remotely with Axal the evening before.
Axal now visited Africa and appeared to be much more comfortable physically with the warmth near the equator.
~ ~ ~
“How is your visit going? Have there been other incidences?” Dee asked.
“There have. Some areas have more fear of me than others. I am grateful for the type of security the Guardians supply.”
“Explain ‘type.’”
“No one is injured in these attacks. All methods of harm are neutralized prior to becoming active. I became aware recently of someone using their own hands to attempt harm, and while the blow landed, it was the perpetrator who received the wound rather than the victim who was of my security team. This brought great joy to the humans who surround me.”
“I bet it did.” Dusty chuckled.
“I do not wish to take much of your time, but I wish to remain in contact with you as . . . friends.”
“We are honored to be considered your friend, Axal,” Dee assured him.
“Sark tells me that females are beginning to be seen in public following our foray to Earth. They are garbed in the skin of a—” What sounded like a gargle emerged. “This is a creature of our waters, the closest thing on Earth would be the oyster.”
“They wear mother of pearl fabric?” Dee asked.
“Yes, with part of it around their . . . throat.”
Angie! The blue green necklace. Had her dreams influenced that?
“I also received news from Malvek and wished to share it with you.”
“Good news, I hope.”
“The news will cause many changes. Braxal and Vion spawned two warrior sons in their first spawning. That has not happened within memory and
they are the ‘talk’ of my planet.”
“Congratulations.”
“The other news is being met with some trepidation. A strong mind talker was also part of the new litter.”
“A new ambassador class?” Dee asked.
“Quite possibly, but this mind talker is female.”
“What?” Dusty sat forward. “Is that a first?”
“It is. No female has ever been classified into one of the work strata prior to this birth. It is an evolutionary step forward. As you can imagine, she has been tested many times. Sark has taken her under his protection for training.”
“Does she need protection?”
There was a long pause before Axal answered. “It appears not. She seems to be receiving the same protection I receive. Cael is omnipresent.”
“What will they call her?” Dee asked.
“Females have never had a naming day. This young mind talker is being referred to by Braxal and Vion as D’cael in honor of the two females that have led to her existence. Very few on Malvek are aware of the Guardians or Cael and even fewer of you, Dee, and that will remain true, but my sire and Warrior Gsark have learned your name and wished to incorporate it into the clans.”
“I . . . I don’t know what to say.”
Dusty glanced over at Erica who beamed at him.
“That’s wonderful.”
“I feel the same. There is hope the older warriors will either accept her or their warrior sons will, when they assume the clan. It is my understanding that is beginning to happen at an accelerated rate.”
~ ~ ~
“All settled?” Dusty was jolted back from his musing as Leonard entered the office.
“No, but maybe in a few years.” Dusty huffed. “Moving is hard work.”
Leonard laughed as he took the seat in front of Dusty’s desk. “Dee and Erica okay?”
