by Cheree Alsop
Liora pushed from the inside, but it was getting harder to stand. Her thoughts were thick and spots danced in her vision. Between the heat and the fumes, Liora couldn’t concentrate. She fell to her knees gasping. She hoped that those outside would lift the machine just enough that she could get one more breath of the clean air beyond. Her oxygen-starved mind flashed between reality and a memory.
Hands were around her throat and she struggled to draw in a breath. Her fingers were small and she was weaker than the one who choked her. She couldn’t get free.
“Let her go, Vogun.”
The voice sent a rush of fear down Liora’s spine far greater than the threat of passing out. Vogun’s hands opened and she drew in a ragged breath. Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes when she looked up at Obruo, the Damaclan whose whole life purpose felt like it was to destroy her in the most painful ways possible.
“Are you crying?” he asked. The disgust in his voice was palpable.
Vogun and the other Damaclan boys snickered.
Liora tried to rise. Obruo put a foot on her chest to hold her down. She squirmed, but he wouldn’t release the weight.
“Tears are weakness,” Obruo said, glaring down at her. “Humans cry. Babies cry. But in any Damaclan old enough to walk, tears are cowardly, weak, and pathetic.”
He bent over her, increasing the weight on her chest and making it even harder to breathe. Tears from the pain clouded her vision.
“Until you learn to deny your human emotions, you will never be Damaclan enough to lead.”
“Y-yes, Chief Obruo,” she said, her voice small and much younger than Liora remembered being.
“Why are you still crying, then?” he demanded.
“I-I can’t breathe,” she said.
Obruo grimaced at the way her voice wavered.
“You’ll never be a true Damaclan,” he told her.
The pressure let up when Obruo stepped back. Liora took a deep breath of air.
“Continue, Vogun.”
Liora stared up at Obruo. The boy who stood at his side even appeared surprised.
Obruo met his shocked expression with a flat look.
“Do I need to tell you again?”
Vogun shook his head quickly. He knelt beside Liora and, after glancing back up at Obruo, put his hands on her throat once more.
“Gain control of your emotions, Liora, or they will be the end of you,” Obruo said. He motioned to Vogun.
The boy’s hands tightened around Liora’s throat. She struggled, but his hands were too strong. Black closed in from the edges of her vision and her head pounded as she fought to take a breath, but Vogun was relentless.
The last thing Liora saw before she passed out was Obruo standing above her with his arms crossed and the closest thing to a pleased expression on his face Liora had ever seen.
“Liora!”
A hand touched her shoulder.
Liora jerked away as her thoughts warred between the memory and reality. The familiar weight of a knife was in her hand. She brought it up to defend herself.
A hand caught her wrist.
“Easy,” Tariq said, his words gentle. His voice was louder when he said, “Give her some space.”
Liora’s eyes stung from the chemical smoke. She blinked, trying to make sense of what had happened.
“It’s alright,” Tariq continued in his easy cadence. “You were trapped under the machine. We had some difficulty getting it off.”
“That thing weighed more than two banta ox strapped onto a haffot.”
“Quiet, Creed. Give them some room,” Liora heard Kray say.
She sat up slowly. Tariq’s hand was a steady pressure against her back. She took a calming breath. The fresh air rushed painfully down her raw throat.
“Next time, we come up with a better plan,” she forced out.
Tariq cracked a smile.
“See, I told you we should have made this place Ketulan-proof,” Creeden said.
“Shut up,” Tanlia replied. “Until today, we didn’t know they still existed.”
“Apparently, they do,” Zanden said. “And now they know where the home base of the Day merchant fleet is.”
“That’s a problem,” Creeden said.
“That’s a big problem,” Kray echoed.
Liora pushed up from the floor. Tariq caught her arm and helped her rise to her feet. Everyone fell silent.
“Have they all been stopped?” Liora asked. Standing made her feel a bit more grounded, but her head still swam. She looked around, expecting to see Ketulans dismantling ships and slicing through limbs.
“We got them all, for now at least,” Gunsa told her. “But there’s no telling if there’s more on the way.”
Several members of her father’s flight crews walked toward Liora, their expressions expectant as if they awaited her orders. With her father and Devren out helping to bring the damaged Hyperion back to Corian, and Brandis further away than she wanted to think about, the workers looked to her for direction. Liora thought quickly.
“We need to send out a squadron to alert us if there are sightings,” Liora told them. “We can’t be caught unaware again. I need Senior Commandant Day to be contacted. Notify me as soon as he is available. Also, we need to get these ships repaired, refueled, and resupplied. We’re heading out after Brandis as soon as they’re ready.”
“Yes, Warden Day,” Gunsa said with a fist to his heart in salute.
Liora shook her head. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Attention, Warden Day’s Warriors,” Creeden called out.
Zanden, Kray, Creeden and the others snapped to attention and held their hands to their hearts in salute. The other workers from the hangar gave hesitant salutes as well.
“You guys are ridiculous,” Liora told her crew.
Zanden cracked a smile and the others laughed. They broke off to carry out Liora’s orders.
“Following in your father’s footsteps,” Tariq said.
Liora shook her head. “With him and Brandis gone, somebody has to step in before this planet falls apart. It’s not really my place—”
“Of course it’s your place,” Tariq said, cutting her off. “This is your home, Liora. Truly.” He gave a sweep of his hand to indicate Corian. “This is where you belong.”
His words didn’t ring true to her the way she felt like they should.
“Corian is my father’s planet. As kind as they’ve been, I don’t belong to any of this.” She picked up a Ketulan claw from the scraps on the ground and studied it. “But after all they’ve done, the best I can do is defend it and bring Brandis home.”
Liora gripped the claw so hard the metal bit into her hand. If they hurt him or worse, she didn’t know what she would do. He had traveled the Macrocosm to find her and bring her home. She had to make sure he was safe and she wouldn’t rest until he was back at Corian.
Tariq opened her fingers and removed the claw from her hand.
“We’ll find him,” he told her. “We won’t give up until he’s here where he’s supposed to be.”
Liora made herself ask the question that burned in her thoughts.
“What if they’ve killed him?”
Tariq’s gaze was calm and steadying as he watched her.
“We won’t stop until we know for sure. I promise you that.”
Liora nodded. She stooped to pick up several more pieces of the Ketulan. A man with a hovering waste crate rushed over.
“Warden Day, you don’t need to do that,” he said. He quickly scooped up the pieces and dumped them into the crate, then zoomed to the next pile.
Tariq cracked a smile. “They are efficient.”
The sound of TDV Nines flying down the tunnel caught their attention. Relief filled Liora at the sight of Devren and Hyrin. Their ships were beat up, but the pilots appeared unscathed. She and Tariq jogged over to where the ships landed.
“About time you got here,” Tariq said when the hatch opened on Obsidian’
s Wrath.
“Tariq!” Devren shouted. He jumped from the hatch opening to the ground and caught his friend up in a tight hug. “It’s good to see you.”
Tariq chuckled and hugged him back. “Same to you. I thought you were having too much fun killing Ketulans to come back here, though we had our fair share of metal death machines.”
Devren stepped back and looked around the hangar. “You did, didn’t you?”
Liora nodded. “They must have followed us. I have a crew on watch in case more show up.”
“I’m sure they will,” Devren replied. “We’ve been fighting them off the Hyperion long after the pirates ran.”
“Pirates?” Tariq said. He looked at Liora. “You didn’t mention pirates.”
“There hasn’t been time to talk about it,” Liora told him. “But that’s where Brandis was. The Hyperion got attacked by pirates and Ketulans, and the Ketulans took him so I would follow.”
“So you would follow?” Devren asked. “What makes you say that?”
“It’s a long story,” Liora replied. “We need to get going. The Nines are being repaired and as soon as they’re done, I’m heading after Brandis.”
“I’m going, too,” Tariq said.
“Count me in,” Hyrin told them.
“Me, too,” Devren echoed, “But first, we need to contact Senior Commandant Day. Your father asked us to reach him as soon as we made it to Corian.”
“I have people trying to contact him. We should go to my father’s office,” Liora said. “I know the fastest way.”
She crossed to a wall and put her hand on the reader. Within minutes, the bald, cheerful human who had been assigned to Liora as her personal escort in Corian rode down the winding tunnel on a hovercraft.
“At your service, Liora Day,” Maldin said with a bow of respect. If he looked surprised at the state of the battle-damaged hangar, he didn’t show it.
“Thank you, Maldin,” she replied. “Can you take us to my father’s office?”
“Right away,” Maldin answered.
“I’ll stay and see to the repairs,” Hyrin said.
The others climbed onto the hovercraft and Maldin took them at speeds far above what Liora was used to traveling on an open craft back to the main level of the capitol building. They stopped in front of the senior commandant’s office and everyone climbed down.
“Is there anything else you require?” Maldin asked with a warm smile.
“Nothing right now, thank you,” Liora replied.
He bowed again and the hovercraft sped away.
“That was impressive,” Devren said. “You really are getting the hang of being a commandant.”
Liora led the way through the doors the guards immediately opened. “I’m not a commandant,” she said over her shoulder. “I didn’t do anything to help build Corian or the merchant fleet.” She glanced back at both men. “But I’ll admit it’s nice to have anything available when I ask for it.”
She put her hand to the door panel and the door to her father’s office opened.
“Wow,” Tariq said as if he couldn’t help himself.
“This is the nicest office I’ve ever seen,” Devren noted with his gaze on the huge fireplace that took up one entire wall.
“The carpet’s, well, cushy.” Tariq bounced up and down on the balls of his feet to emphasize the point.
Liora had to hold in a laugh. She had felt the same awe when she first stepped into the grand room. Hearing it spoken aloud made her feel less out of place.
She looked around at a loss as to how to contact her father.
“Put your hand on the grid,” Devren directed when he caught her searching gaze. “Say your father’s name. Since the door panel was already programmed to open for you, I’m assuming he did the same for the communicator.
She put her hand to the panel he indicated. “Senior Commandant Day,” she said.
A moment later, her father’s face appeared.
“Oh, good,” he said when he saw them. “I’m glad you made it back safely. I’ve heard reports of Ketulans there.”
Liora nodded. “They tore the hangar apart, but your staff is already working on repairs. As soon as they get the Nines restocked, we’re heading after Brandis.”
Her father’s brow creased with worry. “I don’t know how I feel about you going after him. We have many others who can do it. I’d prefer not sending you to face another threat.”
“He brought me back here,” Liora replied. “He never gave up on me. I need to find him and bring him home. He did the same for me.”
It was obvious by her father’s expression that he didn’t like the idea. Liora debated whether he would try to forbid her to go. She wasn’t anxious to pit the stubbornness of a Damaclan against the man who had built the entire Corian Day fleet, but her brother was in danger. She wouldn’t back down without a fight.
As if he knew her thoughts, her father finally let out a breath of defeat.
“Please be careful,” the senior commandant said. “And please come home with him. I can’t bear the thought of either of you in trouble.”
“I will, Dad,” Liora replied. “I promise.”
Her father nodded and turned his attention to Devren.
“Captain Metis, you have proven to be a valuable asset on the first line of defense. I expected as much from an officer of the Coalition.”
“Thank you,” Devren replied. He glanced at Liora and Tariq. “But I’m no longer with the Coalition, and so am also no longer an officer.”
Senior Commandant Day nodded. “So I’ve heard. Given your stalwart dedication toward protecting the SS Hyperion, and also considering the fact that Corian and my fleet are under threat from Ketulans along with the inevitable pirates, scavengers, and mercenaries, I am in need of a captain for my new line of defense. The Coalition can no longer be depended upon for protection, and so I need someone used to combat who can be counted on in tight situations.”
“Are you offering me a job?” Devren asked in surprise.
Liora’s father nodded. “I’m offering you the position of captain of my defense fleet. I’ve seen what you can do in battle, and I feel you’re the right man for the job.”
“I-I’m honored,” Devren said.
“Do you accept?” Liora’s father pressed.
Devren nodded. “Yes, Senior Commandant. Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome,” Senior Commandant Day replied. “Your duties begin immediately. I’ve been notified of more Ketulans heading your way. Take the appropriate actions and see to the safety of Corian and my fleet.”
“I will, Senior Commandant,” Devren replied.
Liora glanced at Tariq. He stood watching the proceedings silently, his hands held behind his back and an unreadable expression on his face.
“Uh, Dad,” Liora said before her father could end the communication.
“Yes, Daughter?” he replied.
“Tariq will be joining my crew to rescue Brandis. He needs a Nine to make the jump.”
The senior commandant’s gaze lingered on Tariq. “Who are you, son?”
Tariq appeared caught off-guard. He glanced at Devren, then cleared his throat. “Tariq Donovan. My father was Edron Donovan of Verdan. I didn’t know my mother. Until recently, I was the Chief Medical Officer of the SS Kratos. Now, I am the man who cares very deeply for your daughter and I ask for a starship to accompany her on her quest to find your son.”
The senior commandant studied him. “I know your father. He’s a good man.”
Liora saw Tariq’s hands tighten behind his back, but his expression remained calm.
“You must be mistaking him for someone else.”
A sliver of humor touched Liora’s father’s gaze. “Are you calling your character into question?”
Tariq didn’t flinch. “Just my father’s.”
The senior commandant nodded. “Very well. Although I am not thrilled with your feelings for my daughter because you are a stranger to
me, I’m grateful to anyone who has Liora’s back. You may have a starship to accompany her.”
“Thank you, Senior Commandant,” Tariq replied.
The senior commandant turned his attention back to Liora. “Pilot Zanden has informed me of the crew you have put together.”
Liora felt suddenly guilty for not going to her father first. She had formed a team from his personnel without even speaking to him.
“Sorry about that. I should have—”
The senior commandant shook his head. “You did exactly what you needed to do. Zanden and his team are a good choice for a mission like this. They will have your back and you will never have to question their loyalty.” He paused, then said, “It’s a long journey you are undertaking. Rest up now. The repair crew will inform you when the Nines are ready to depart.”
“Thank you, Dad,” she said.
He smiled at her, his gaze touched with worry. “Thank you, Liora. Travel safely and return with Brandis as soon as possible.”
“I will,” she promised.
The screen went dark. She looked at Devren, then Tariq.
“I guess we’re parting ways.”
It felt strange to leave the captain who had rescued her from the Kirkos. She had experienced so much since that time, and the one constant factor was the presence of the two men. To leave one of them behind felt strange.
Devren surprised her by giving her a hug despite how much he knew she hated them.
“Take care of yourself, Liora. Be careful out there.” He tipped his head at Tariq. “Remember that you have this guy to come back with.”
“I will,” she promised.
Devren and Tariq hugged.
It made Liora feel sad to watch them. Though they weren’t brothers by blood, they had been raised together as such for most of their lives. Seeing them say goodbye gave her a pang of sorrow. If her father hadn’t asked Devren to stay and take charge of the new fleet, he would no doubt be flying out at their side. She told herself that they would return as soon as they found Brandis. She only hoped it would be that easy.
Chapter 3
Liora flew the Day’s End behind Zanden’s TDV Nine named the Black Arrow. To her left, Tariq flew the Night Wind. The other four ships ranged out behind them in a V formation. They cut through the Corian sky to the darkness of space beyond the atmosphere.
