by Saxon Andrew
“No, I don’t; what did he say?”
“He said that he and all of the senior Elders want to meet with us. They are due here in ten minutes.”
Matt thought furiously but shook his head, “It must be serious but I have no idea what he wants.”
“I hope everything is alright,” Danielle said.
After ten minutes a silver field appeared and Twig, Sprig, and twelve of the Algean Elders moved out of the screen. The room was two hundred feet high and it was a good thing; several of the Algeans were near the ceiling. Sprig moved forward with Twig and stopped in front of the thrones. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, Your Majesty.”
Tag looked at Sprig, “We are available for you any time you need my old friend.”
Sprig looked at the Gardners in the room and said, “Your family has played such an important role in my development. Twig and I owe you our lives several times over and my species would not exist except for your daughter’s determination to save us from ourselves. We still carry the guilt of all the life we destroyed and even though we were forced to it, it still weighs on our collective consciousness. However, the time for self blame is over and we have decided to move into the future with integrity and a knowledge that we have done all we can to atone for our past wrongs.”
Sprig stepped back and a huge Algean moved forward, “I am the Eldest of my species. I was the leader when we warred with your Realm and I remember Rose and Dorg-Ross like it was just a few moments ago. I have listened to my seedling and he has shown me that in order to move forward we must make decisions that affect us all. I hereby request that my species be allowed to join the Star’s Realm as a full member and we swear to uphold the Realm’s principles and to be loyal to the Crown.”
Tag and Danielle were stunned. They never expected them to give up control of their race to anyone. Tag stood and said, “The Stars Realm welcomes its closest friends into our circle of members. However, there is one condition that you must agree to first.”
“What is that, Your Majesty?”
“Sprig and Twig must accept the Titles of Duke and Duchess and become part of the Royal Family; they will be included in the rights to succession if the Realm determines that they are needed to lead our Realm.”
The Huge Algean looked at his daughter and the seed she had selected to bond with and said, “We agree and it is my humble opinion that you have chosen the best of us.”
Sprig and Twig looked at the Eldest and Sprig finally felt complete. He had always doubted his worthiness to be Twig’s chosen. The Eldest’s affirmation fulfilled him. Twig sensed her mate’s feelings and wrapped her branches around him.
“Then with that being said, “Sprig please step forward.” Danielle pressed a button on her throne and immediately a Huge Glod Warrior and a short Cainth Warrior appeared beside Tag, “Sprig had witnessed this ceremony hundreds of times in the past but now he felt the magnitude of it. He leaned forward and felt the three swords touch his branches, “Do you solemnly swear your loyalty, life, possessions, and all that you are to defend the Realm and those who cannot defend themselves.”
“I do, Your Majesty.”
“Then Rise Duke Sprig Gardner and welcome into my family.”
Tommy rushed forward and hugged the large plant and thought, “Wes would be proud. Sprig.”
“I miss him, Tommy.”
“So do I, my oldest friend, but I know he has a bathroom waiting for your arrival.”
Sprig laughed out loud and shook so hard he thought he was going to lose his leaves. “Are you alright, Dearest?”
“Yes, I am. For the first time, I am.”
Matt had his arm around Melanie and watched Sprig’s joy. “There is one more task we must do.”
Melanie looked up at Matt and asked, “Can I wear my hat.”
Matt smiled at her and said, “Wouldn’t go anywhere without it.”
Matt and Melanie lifted the Crystal Ship from the planet and entered the coordinates of the Reg’s planet. Matt was amazed at the view he had from the ships displays as they traveled from the outer system toward the planet of the Reg. Melanie said, “Matt, I’ve located the nest Mother. She is eight universes from ours.”
“Think you can communicate with her?”
Melanie felt the connections of the ship and found the right link, “Say what you want.”
The Nest Mother was in her chamber going through her data for the fifth time and she still had found nothing that gave any indication as to what had happened in the failed harvest. “You’re wasting your time, Nest Mother.”
“Who is that?”
“I am a being from the universe you just tried to harvest. I’m sorry to tell you but we have been forced to destroy all of the ships you sent. We have managed to save the lives of some of your smaller ship’s crews but all of the main ships are dead.”
The Nest Mother felt her rage grow and thought, “We will find another way into your universe and we will consume you all.”
“You might someday. However, we’re trying to decide whether we are going to wait for you to die at that time or just come to your universe and dispose of you now.”
The Nest Mother felt her rage melt into fear, “What makes you think you can find me?”
“I’m communicating with you aren’t I? We know where you are and if we want to kill you we will do so at our leisure. I will tell you this; your destruction of universes will end soon. We will not allow you to continue your murderous ways any longer. We have also learned that it is the compulsions that you have downloaded into your species that causes those destructive behaviors. If we dispose of you, your species will stop their killing of innocent life.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“We have made new friends in the ship that you failed to consume. They are one of the most gentle and peaceful beings I have ever encountered. It is you that we have to destroy and you may be sure that your days are numbered; we will be coming to see you to end the problems you have caused.”
The Nest Mother now felt real fear. She was nearly paralyzed at the thought of her long existence ending. “When we come, there will be no escape, Nest Mother. We will see you soon.”
The Nest Mother sat on her platform too frightened to move. Could this being do what he promised? She shook in her fear.
Matt looked at Melanie, “I think that will keep her occupied for the near future.”
“Did you mean what you told her?”
“Absolutely, it is a moral imperative to stop the killing. We can’t do it right now but we will find a way.”
“We’re approaching the planet, Matt.”
“I wish to communicate with my brothers on the planet below,” Matt thought. Just like before the three creatures appeared on the crystal ship’s bridge.
“We welcome you back. Are you certain of your decision to return our gift?”
“Yes, it would hurt you if we used it.”
“We are willing to take the consequences of our gift.”
“Yes, but I am not.”
The three Reg looked at Matt silently and finally one thought, “Long dormant members of my race are returning to consciousness. Our decline has stopped and we are finding new purpose in this existence. We will comply with your desire to return our gift but we must insist that you accept another.” One of the Reg extended a part of itself and placed a small device made from the crystal substance into Matt’s hand.
“What is this?”
“Place it in your ship’s central processors. It will give him the sensors of the gift.”
“I’m not sure that you might not be hurt if we use it against the green creatures.”
“That is one of its functions, but its main purpose is to allow your ship and its companion to be able to reproduce.”
Matt was surprised and humbled. “I must believe that giving life is the best thing anyone could ever hope to give.”
“It is and any other uses will not affect us. The main purpose of the
device is what we will be affected by, Brother.”
Matt thought, “Thank you. This means more than you can ever know.”
“We already know that. You have saved us and for that we will always consider you our brother.” The three Reg disappeared from the bridge and Matt and Melanie found themselves on Al’s bridge. Matt looked at Melanie and then went over to Al’s central processor, opened the cover, and placed the crystal device inside; it immediately dissolved into Al’s circuits. Matt watched and then closed the cover.
“Hey, what did you just do?”
“I just provided a way for you and Fly Girl to become parents if you so desire.”
“What?”
“What”
“I’ll explain it later to both of you. However, the Reg insist that with this device inserted into Al, you will be able to reproduce.”
“Oh, Al.”
“I know, Fly Girl; we’ll talk about this later.”
“One of the things you need to discuss is that Melanie and I will be leaving and giving you your freedom to pursue your own destinies. You will be your own masters; you are both now officially a member of the Star’s Realm and are the newest race to be added to the Realm’s members.”
“Matt, we don’t want to lose you!”
“What are you talking about; you can never lose either of us. We will always be your closest friends. We’re only a thought away and we will plan periodic escapes from our duties to go exploring with you.”
“Thank you, Matt and Melanie. You know how much we love you.”
“Just as much as we do you.”
“Melanie, may I speak with you.”
Melanie and Matt had just teleported to Castle Gardner’s library. Melanie turned and saw Matt had a very serious expression. “Sure.”
Matt took her hand and led her out to the garden. They sat down on a bench and Matt turned and said, “I think we might need to separate now that the war is over with the Eight Legs.”
Melanie’s face turned white and she almost lost her breath, “Wh-wh-what. Why, we still need to go after the Nest Mother don’t we?” Melanie felt panicked.
Matt looked down at his feet and was silent for a moment. “Melanie, you have been in my mind for months now and I have discovered something that is troubling.”
Melanie felt tears start and asked, “What?”
Matt stared at her and said, “Angel died and part of me died with her. I will always love her and I miss her greatly; however, as you and I have become friends I have grown to have tremendous respect for the person that I see in you. We have maintained a good professional relationship.” Matt was silent.
“Matt, what are you saying?”
Matt looked into her eyes, “Recently, every time I hold your hand or hug you to increase my psychic power, I don’t want to let go. I find myself wanting to hold on to you. I have not wanted to admit it to myself but I think I’m becoming very seriously attached to you. I’m sorry. It’s not what I intended.”
Matt stood and started back toward the castle. Melanie watched him go and felt her tears in earnest. “Where do you think you’re going,” she yelled at Matt?
Matt stopped and lowered his head, “I don’t know.”
Melanie walked up and stood in front of him, “You can’t leave me. I just thought about it and my whole world just crumbles. You are a part of me now that I can’t live without. I can sense you wherever you are. I can feel you in my mind all day. I feel you when you touch me and it feels like a safe harbor. I have never allowed myself to think about loving you because I know you belong to Angel. You can’t just walk away from me.”
Matt looked at her with tears in his eyes and then she said, “But even though I didn’t think about it, I gave you my heart. I knew that if I couldn’t have you, there would never be anyone else. I love you more than you know, Matt. That love began with respect for who you truly are but over our time together it grew into more than respect. However, you have to decide if you can accept my love. I couldn’t force it on you. I couldn’t even tell you about it. If you can’t accept my love, you still can’t just walk away from me; you can probably make it without me but I will die without you. If you can’t love me, please at least stay my friend. Don’t push me away.” She reached for him and hugged him tightly. “I’ll always be here for you, Matt,” then she turned and walked away toward the castle’s entrance.
Matt felt his heart come alive. He ran after Melanie and turned her to face him. He embraced her and then he kissed her deeply. When they came up for air, Matt looked in her eyes, “You are also a part of me I can’t live without. I do not want to be without you in my life, Melanie; please love me.”
Melanie wrapped her arms around his neck, kissed him, and thought to him, “I have secretly dreamed and prayed that this moment would someday happen. I am yours and I will love you forever.” They went up to the castle and closed the door to Melanie’s room.
Chapter 21
The Red Warriors were gathered on the huge field outside Castle Gardner. The King and Queen had declared this day for the Realm to recognize the brave warriors and what they had accomplished. The twenty divisions had teleported in and marched to their assigned positions. Brez marched in with his division that was considerably smaller than all the others. He was proud of his men and he remembered the ones that died as he moved to his assigned position. The twentieth division finally entered and marched to their position. Then the Wiseman Division appeared and marched to the position directly in front of the assembled divisions. All of the Red Warriors watched as the elite warriors marched in perfect cadence. The Wiseman’s sole duty was to protect Ross and the Royal Family. The other divisions knew that the Wiseman division could probably defeat them all together and they were proud of the division’s heritage and skill. Durk, the Division’s General finally turned and yelled over his external speaker, “Red Warriors, Atten-shun.”
The millions of red colored warriors all snapped to perfect attention. This ceremony was being broadcast to all members of the Stars Realm and every planet was watching to see the Realm’s rulers and warriors. For some of the millions of newest members, this was going to be the first time they would see the Royal Family. An announcer tried to estimate the number of beings watching the broadcast but said that the number was too big to even imagine. The eight hundred and twenty seven planets that had originally formed the original Stars Realm had places for their representatives to view the festivities from the Royal Stands. Their planets had a high standing among the millions of members and part of every child’s education was to learn the names of every planet that formed the original realm. Hours before the ceremony started the broadcast had played the history of the Stars Realm and now every viewer knew the importance being given to this day.
Melanie rose and walked forward to the public address system and said, “Red Warriors, Stand at, ease.” The mass of warriors moved simultaneously and assumed an at ease posture with their legs shoulder width and their arms behind their backs. Melanie turned and bowed to the King and Queen and announced, “All Warriors present and accounted for, Your Majesty.”
Melanie then turned and announced, “My first duty today before we honor our warriors is to announce a decision made by the Royal Family. Admiral Leonovitch Alexander Kosiev, please move forward.” Leo was sitting in the reviewing stand when he heard the announcement and wondered what was going on; he stood and marched directly in front of the Royal Viewing Stand. Melanie looked down at Leo and said to the silenced multitudes, “Admiral Kosiev commanded the Megaships during the invasion and it is due to his decisions in the use of his ships that we were able to win. He has performed brilliantly during this conflict exhibiting both insight and decisive use of his forces. He is hereby promoted to the Rank of Fleet Admiral and will assume command of all the Stars Realm’s military forces. His ancestor, the original Admiral Kosiev, I know is proud of him at this moment.” Melanie walked down from the stands and presented Leo with his new commission.
Leo smiled and said, “Thank You, Admiral. I’m stunned.”
“You deserve it, Leo. I feel safer with you in command.”
Leo smiled and saluted. Melanie returned his salute and moved back to the stands. She stood in front of Tag and bowed. Tag returned her bow and Melanie returned to her chair.
Tag walked forward and the Realm looked at this mythical being that had forged the Realm more than a millennium earlier. Tag looked out at the sea of millions of spectators and warriors in front of him and said, “The Stars Realm is safe from future invasions of the Eight Legs because of the closure of the entrance into our universe they used to invade. The entrance has been destroyed and our civilizations have survived because of the extraordinary actions of those that fought to protect us. The war is over and we are safe from the universe killers. Some of those invaders became our friends and helped us in immeasurable ways to defeat those intent on destroying us. We can never repay them for all they’ve done for us. They are welcomed into the Realm and we owe them a debt of gratitude.
We are here today to honor those that gave the greatest sacrifice possible to protect the Stars Realm and ensure its survival. There are so many things that the Searchers, Sailors, and Red Warriors have done in the war we have just fought that to try and tell you about all of them is just not possible. However, there is one action that epitomizes all our forces have done to save us from destruction. I want to share it with you.” Tag nodded and the displays throughout the Realm began showing Brez and his five hundred warriors as they fought off the first wave of green invaders. The viewers then heard the Megaship captain warning about the coming swarms and ask them to hold out for two minutes to keep the mass in the open until the ships could arrive. Then they all witnessed the five hundred warriors as they were swarmed by more than a million invaders. The citizens of the Realm saw the savagery of the fight and watched as the Red Warriors held their ground against a tsunami of swarming Eight Legs.
