by Andi J Feron
“Thank you for taking care of her all this time. I don’t know how to repay you,” I said.
“Having her around has given me new life, that’s payment enough.”
“How has she been?”
“Growing like a weed. I wasn’t sure when you’d be back, so I planned a party for her twelfth birthday next week. If it’s okay with you, I’m fine with throwing it still.”
“Yeah, that’d be great.” It stung that she was turning twelve. She turned eleven a couple months after I left. I had missed a whole year of Allie’s life.
“Wonderful!” Ms. Lilly handed me an invitation.
“Where is she?” I looked around the store and guessed she must be elsewhere since she hadn’t run out to greet me.
“She’s at her little friend’s house. She goes there a lot after school and on weekends.”
“John?”
“Yes, that’s the one. Nice boy.”
I thanked Ms. Lilly again and headed out the door. I used my ability to make sure Allie was at John’s and found she was in her tree house back home. When I arrived home, I found things much as I had left them. I saw my dad passed out in his recliner, whiskey bottle in hand, as I walked through the living room and out the back door.
“Allie!” I called up to the treehouse but received no answer.
John popped his head out of the treehouse. “She’s not talking to you.”
“Isn’t she glad I’m home?”
John climbed down the rope ladder to talk to me face-to-face. “No, she’s mad at you.”
“Why?”
“Because you didn’t come back.”
“I’m back now.”
“Not soon enough. I’ll see you later, my mom is on her way to get me.”
“Bye John. Nice seeing you.”
“Yeah, hope you stay this time. Allie is sad when you’re gone. This was a long time for her to be sad.”
His words cut deep as I climbed the ladder to talk to her.
“Hey kiddo. I’m back.” I tried to make the idea sound exciting. She kept her eyes pinned to the book she was reading. I tried to get her attention. “Why don’t you come in and I’ll make you a grilled cheese?”
Allie loved grilled cheese, and it usually mended any issue she had with me. I knew it probably wouldn’t fix me stepping out of her life for over a year, but I hoped it would be a start. When she didn’t respond, I walked inside to give her space. I made the grilled cheese and left it on the counter for her. I went upstairs to bed, feeling wiped and still pretty sore.
The next morning I found the empty plate on the counter, indicating that Allie had probably eaten the sandwich. I glanced at the clock and realized it was only six in the morning. I went to check on Allie, and I saw that she was sleeping. Maybe I could get her to go to breakfast with me, that was one of her favorite things. She woke up an hour later and began pouring herself some cereal.
“You want to go to breakfast instead?” I asked enthusiastically.
She shook her head and took another bite of her cereal. She studied the maze game on the back of the box intently.
“Come on Allie. I’m sorry. What can I do to make it right?”
She glanced up to send me a glare. “Not leave me.”
“You got the money I sent every week, right?”
“I don’t need money Talon. I need you. You left like Mom and Malcom and Dad. You were all the family I still had, and you left me too.”
Not even giving me a chance to respond, she stormed out the front door. I watched from the kitchen window as she climbed on her pink bike and pedaled toward town town. I hoped if I gave her time, she would eventually forgive me. She ignored me for the next two weeks.
I got desperate and bought her an American Akita puppy. His fur was a mix of black, white, and tawny. Allie was reading a book on her bed when I sent the puppy in to find her. The puppy whined, which caused her to look down and smile. I stood in the doorway watching as she got up and pet him.
“Do I get to keep him?” Those were the first words she spoke to me since she stormed off on her bike two weeks earlier.
“Yeah, he’s yours. Look, Allie, I know I left for a really long time, and that wasn’t fair to you. But I came back. I’ll always come back, and in between the times I’m gone this guy can keep you company.”
“I really did miss you Talon.”
“I know sis.”
She jumped at me and gave me a giant hug. I squeezed her back. I had missed her too, and I couldn’t do this to her again. I would tell Jacobson I needed to go back to closer assignments. I decided we should go on a trip since I had another couple of weeks of leave left. Allie named the puppy Achilles.
We left Achilles with John’s family during our trip, which John seemed pretty happy about. He had always wanted a puppy. He said he would rather have Allie stay and have the best summer ever, but he would take the puppy in her absence for a couple weeks.
We went down the East Coast and played each day by ear. I let Allie stay up as late as she wanted every night, and she swam in the ocean nearly every day. I would occasionally chase after her, but I stayed in the shallow end. I was careful not to get my wounds wet and made sure that Allie never saw them. Allie snapped silly pictures of us everywhere we went. After making it down the coast, we ended up in Orlando and hit up several amusement parks over a five-day period.
Allie was growing up fast, and each year brought her closer to losing her protection from the recruitment program. I was scared about what the future would bring her. I wanted this trip to be her future, I wanted her to have normality her entire life. Many people dream of exotic lives. I wanted her to have a wonderful life, but one that did not involve the bitterness of war. A war that could take away everything she loved. A war that could kill her long before she should leave this world.
Jerap’s words still played in my mind. Perhaps, in the end, there was no way for me to stop her destiny. I held onto hope that whatever that destiny was it would mean only good for her. She deserved so much more than I could ever give her.
When I had time for her, I struggled to provide. When I no longer struggled to provide, I didn’t have time for her. Everyone always told me she was lucky to have me. The truth was I was fortunate to have this little girl who loved me unconditionally and wanted nothing more than my attention and love.
“Look Talon. This shell is orange. I think I’m going to take it back for John. It’s his favorite color.”
“Sounds good. I’m sure he’ll love it.”
I smiled watching her find seashells. I was glad we took this trip. The two weeks were nearing an end, and with reluctance, we returned to Maine. Allie couldn’t stop talking about all the amazing things we had seen, and how happy she was we took this trip.
She said it was even better than our last beach trip. I thought that was a good thing, seeing as the previous trip was a planted memory. Allie told me I gave her the best summer ever, repeatedly thanking me for the trip. It made things easier when I told her it was time for me to return to work.
“Allie, my vacation from work is over. I have to go back tomorrow,” I said.
Allie stopped reading her book and looked up at me from the living room chair she was lounging in. Achilles was asleep on her lap.
Her face fell. “No! I don’t want you to.”
“I might still have to travel, but it won’t be for a super long time. Maybe a few days at a time.”
“If you’re gone longer than six months, I expect another puppy.” She grinned.
“No promises, but maybe another trip.”
“Okay, deal. But please don’t be gone that long Talon.”
“I’ll do my best Al. I promise.”
She sighed. “I guess that’s all I can ask then,”
The next morning I left for the medical base, and the doctor checked to see how my wounds were healing. I was the proud owner of four deep scars, each about five to eight inches long. They had been deep enough that I nearly b
led to death. I owed Seraphine my life. I wasn’t sure if I would ever see her again or be able to thank her.
The doctor looked over my chart. “They are looking great. Any pain?”
“A little sore but nothing too terrible.”
“I think you’re going to have some pretty impressive scars, but other than that you should make a complete recovery. I’m going to clear you for active duty.”
I nodded and left the room in hopes I could find out what became of Seraphine. I didn’t feel I should track her, as it might be an invasion of privacy. I went to where we used to recruit and found another team was assigned. I walked up to one of the boys who was setting up for the next show and saw him glance up.
“Fayard Mason.” When he spoke, I caught his heavy Jamaican accent.
I shook the hand he extended. “Talon Cooper.”
“Aw, I’ve heard about you. Great things, all great things.” He laughed.
A young boy—probably about Allie’s age—walked around the corner carrying a heavy speaker. He wore a mess of brown curls on his head and had dark green eyes.
“Need some help?” I asked him.
“Naw, I got it,” he grunted, setting it down where Fayard directed.
“Kais here tries to be as helpful as possible since his father won’t let him join our team,” Fayard said.
“He says I’m too young for capsulization and maybe in a few years.”
“Sorry, buddy. Probably wants to keep you safe,” I said.
“I’m twelve, I could handle it.”
“He’s bound to let you at some point. He wouldn’t have told you about any of this if he never wanted you to be a part of it. You need patience young sprite,” Fayard chided.
“Two years is going to take forever.”
“He may not let you in two years. Once you finish high school would be my guess. But hey, my friend, guess who has taken the time to grace our presence.” Fayard nodded toward me and continued speaking, “This is the great Talon Cooper.”
“What? You’re the Khalbytian slayer! You killed him without any weapons and set him on fire, so all his tarry scales melted to ooze. That’s so awesome!” Kais enthusiastically told me what Seraphine must have reported.
I shrugged. “You do what you have to.”
Fayard continued arranging equipment. “You’re a bit of a legend among the young recruits. They use your mission as a case study example in training.”
Admiral Jacobson waltzed in. “Talon, I see you met my son. I have a mission for you. I want you to escort my son to a small planet located a few systems over from Saturn base. I’m being stationed there to be closer to the front lines. My wife and daughters are already there. I know with your tracker sense you can navigate around any Khalbytian ships. Fayard here will go with you. He has a couple tricks that might hide you from prying eyes. You will stop at Saturn base. You’ll be taking one more soldier to help. You leave in the morning. Plan a couple weeks for this assignment.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Dad, can we stop at the moon park on the way?” Kais asked.
“Maybe for a few hours, but you listen to Talon. Talon, I’ll add the coordinates to your mission plan. Also, I need you to watch Kais this afternoon. I’m going to be busy, and I don’t want him sneaking onboard a shuttle to try to get into capsulization again.”
“Sir, I need to go make arrangements for my sister for two weeks.” I was annoyed he wanted me to babysit.
“Isn’t your sister twelve?”
“Yes.”
“Take him with you then. Make a play date. Kais, if he takes you to see his sister, you cannot mention anything of space or aliens or anything. You know what is confidential. If you don’t keep your mouth shut no moon fun.”
“Dad, we don’t have play dates at twelve. But yeah, I got it, sir. I can keep a secret.”
Jacobson shot Kais a firm look. “I’m counting on it Kais.”
“Come on, kid. You ever ridden on a motorcycle?” I asked.
“No! That’s awesome! You’re the coolest, Talon.”
I put my helmet on Kais, and we drove to my town. I focused to make sure Allie was home, and I saw that she was. We got to my house, and Kais followed me to the backyard.
“Allie!” I called to the treehouse. She popped her head out.
She scrunched her nose. “You’re back already?”
“Yeah, but only for the day. Then I’m gone for a couple weeks.”
Allie descended the ladder followed by John.
Allie looked at Kais. “Who’s this?”
“I’m Kais.” He stuck out his hand and smiled at my sister with a dopey grin.
She shook his hand. “Allie.”
“He’s my boss’ son, I thought he could hang with you guys for the afternoon while I see who you can stay with.”
“Sure. Come on Kais. I’ll show you our treehouse.” Allie started to climb the ladder again.
“Allie, I thought it was top secret,” John hurried behind Kais.
I went in to make some phone calls. Mrs. Trammel told me Allie staying with her for a couple weeks would be no big deal, and she could stay any time. She wondered if Allie could go to summer camp with John and I told her that would be great.
The camp was for two weeks, which was what the mission was assigned for as well. This would help keep her mind off of me leaving her again. I arranged a few more things and made some pizza for dinner. When it was ready, I went out to call the kids in and heard yelling from the treehouse.
“You don’t go near her, or I’ll knock you on your butt again!” John’s voice sounded outraged.
“Hey, guys what’s going on? Get down here!” I called up to them.
They each took a turn going down the ladder, and once they were safely on the ground, Kais shoved John to the ground. John jumped up, looking ready to slam Kais down. I noticed Kais had a nice shiner forming on his left eye.
“What is going on?” I asked.
“Kais kissed Allie! I’m going to knock his teeth out.” John gritted his teeth.
I looked at Allie, who grinned.
I shook my head and turned my attention back to the boys. “Kais, why did you kiss my sister?”
“She’s beautiful.” Kais winked at Allie, and I tried to relax.
I was having trouble with this one as well. He’s a kid. He’s a kid. I told myself a few times. He’s your boss’ kid. I reminded myself for further control. Allie smiled and blushed, and that didn’t make it any easier to maintain composure. John, however, could not contain himself, and he bolted for Kais.
I grabbed John as he continued to try and shoot out of my grasp. “John, slow it down buddy. Allie is fine.”
“Take him back Talon, or I’m going to give him a second black eye. He has no right kissing her. He literally just met her.” John continued to try and fight free.
“When you know you know.” Kais shrugged, not helping to cool John off at all.
“Look John, I’m going to let you go, but you can’t go after Kais. I’m taking him home now, and Allie is staying with you for two weeks, but you have to chill,” I spoke to John calmly, hoping it would settle him down.
“Fine. But don’t bring him back.” John relaxed, and I let him go. He grabbed Allie’s hand and spoke to her, “Come on Allie, let’s go pack.”
Allie looked back to smile at Kais as John led her away. I shook my head. She was way too young to think about boys already. Why couldn’t I have been given a less beautiful sister? I looked sternly at Kais, but he was too caught up returning Allie’s smile.
“Come on Kais. Let’s head back to base.” I motioned for Kais to follow and we strolled to my front yard.
Kais and I climbed on my motorcycle, and we rode back to base. It was going to be fun explaining Kais’ shiner to his dad. How could I be expected to take him across the galaxy if I couldn’t handle a play date?
As we walked into base, Kais said, “Talon, your sister really is the most beautiful girl I’v
e ever seen.”
I took a deep breath and nodded. I reminded myself Kais was moving light years away. We entered the building and walked back to my office to get orders. I told Kais he could play with the VR set in the closet. Commander Jacobson came in to brief me, and asked about Kais. I called Kais out and braced myself.
“What happened to your eye?” Jacobson looked his son over and shot me an angry look.
“Talon told me to stay put while he made phone calls for his sister. I didn’t listen and skateboarded down a hill at his house. He was mad but nice about it. He gave me an ice pack.”
“That’s what I’m talking about, Kais. You don’t listen. Was the eye worth it?” Jacobson glared.
“Every second.” He shot me an ornery smile and I scowled. I got his secret message loud and clear.
“I should scrap the moon amusement park.”
“Come on Dad. I’m sorry. I’ll listen to Talon, I promise.”
“Fine, but if you give Talon anymore trouble no capsulization until your eighteenth birthday. You’re showing you need some maturity first,” Jacobson said.
“Come on Dad. I can handle it at fourteen.”
“Then don’t push it.”
Jacobson apologized for Kais’ behavior and went over what I should expect on the mission. He also informed me if I successfully got his son where he needed to be, I could have a local recruitment position so I could stay close to Allie for at least a year. The next morning, Fayard and Kais boarded the craft. I saw someone sitting in the front of the ship. They stood up as we entered, and I saw it was Jerap.
“Glad to see you old friend,” Jerap greeted me.
“Same.”
Jerap set course for Saturn base to pick up our final member.
Chapter Eight
Seraphine - June 15, 2006
A day after leaving Talon behind on Earth, I made it back to Saturn base, still wondering if he was alive. I would need to make it a point to find out what happened to him. If he was dead, I would find Allie and make sure she was taken care of, as he asked me to in his final moments of consciousness. Even if he hadn’t asked, I still would have. She and I bonded after we rescued her. Even if she no longer remembered it, I did. I wanted to know she was safe too.
