by Celeste Raye
The council laughed at her joke, and it broke the tension that had filled the room. The king motioned for her to be seated and said, "We have been told that your leg is not completely healed. Usually, we would ask you to remain standing. We are making an exception for your injury. We ask you only that you tell the truth, answer only the questions asked, and show us respect as the leaders of Milisaria. It is our understanding that you seek asylum here in the capital. You do not wish to return to your homeworld of Earth. The questions we ask today will aid us in assessing your true intentions and whether you will bring a benefit to our community. So, to begin, I will ask for your full name and occupation on Earth."
"My name is Josephine Landers. I am a nurse."
The council asked, "How long have you been a nurse? Why did you leave Earth?"
Josephine replied, "I have been a nurse for seven years. I left Earth to seek redemption for a mistake I made six years ago. I was a nurse in the alien experimental labs, where Ohber and others were taken after they had been kidnapped. It was my job to care for them after the scientists did their experiments. I have carried the guilt for my part in it for all these years. When I learned that aliens were seeking a medical professional to care for their sick as they readied a planet for their species, I volunteered. I felt it would be penance for what I had done."
King Siefer confronted her, "What did you do? Did you torture our knights?"
Before Josephine could answer, Valeri surprised everyone by speaking up. "I know it's not my place to answer that, but I can vouch for Josephine. She tortured no one. The nurses gave pain medication, cleaned and dressed wounds, and provided food for the captives. They had no knowledge of the kidnappings. Ohber will tell you the same if you ask. On Earth, they were exonerated of wrongdoing. It is Josephine's kind heart that punishes her. She felt she should have seen what I did, but she wasn't aware of some of the paperwork I had access to."
"Thank you for speaking up in my defense," Josephine replied. "I still should have listened to the aliens and not seen them as lesser beings. For that, I am truly ashamed."
The king stated, "It is a mistake that can easily be forgiven. We all have looked upon other species and thought them less intelligent. It is a downfall we all must rectify. How did you come to know the Pura? Had you been involved with their kind before?"
"No, I overheard some doctors talking about their request for medical aid. I asked them where to get more information. They sent me to a computer website that is set up for interplanetary cooperation. I found the request and applied. I never spoke with or saw a Pura until the day I landed on the planet."
The council inquired, "Did you swear loyalty to them or in any way aid them in fighting our knights?"
Josephine answered, "I swore loyalty to no one at first. I didn't know that the planet belonged to Milisaria until I spoke with Urim. I went to him to negotiate for peace after he accidentally cut some of the Pura. At that time, I had no idea of the viciousness Ixia would later display. Once I discovered the truth, I gave my loyalty to Urim and Milisaria. It was to them that I gave information and aid, not the Pura."
The king spoke once more. "Urim said that you went with the Pura willingly to save the wounded knights. Is that correct, and did you ask them to send Urim to rescue you?"
"That is correct. When Ixia found me in the infirmary, some of the wounded knights tried to protect me. The android killed them. Ixia made it clear he would kill the rest if I didn't go with him quietly. Too many were already dead. My life meant little when weighed against theirs." She took a deep breath and continued, "No, I didn't ask them to send Urim for me. In fact, I wanted him to take the survivors and leave. Ixia was setting a trap. He believed the knights would try to rescue me. He even tied me up and had an android use a laser to slash my back, so I would scream and draw Urim to the camp. I tried to hold back, but it was impossible."
"Alexis has reported those injuries to us. Some of the knights have cuts as well. The dead were sliced into pieces by these lasers. Urim had some of them on the ship. We have studied them and will make some of our own. We cannot be caught in a situation where the enemy has weapons we have no match for. It is our duty to gain more technology and not be left behind. Otherwise, this species will perish. The days of using only a mighty Milisarian sword are over. We will still carry them proudly as a part of our heritage, but add more deadly weapons to our arsenals,” King Siefer stated.
The council added, "Thank you for your frank honesty. We will discuss your request. In the meantime, you are to work here in the capital. You may aid in the lab, the school, or the communications center. You can eat and socialize in the main room outside these doors. However, you cannot speak to Urim. If you see him in the common area, do not approach him. It would be detrimental to you both if you disobey. You may join the Milisarians for today's meal. Go in peace."
Chapter 18
Urim
Urim swung his sword one last time, knocking Nabvan's to the ground. Both knights were covered in sweat, their shirtless, muscular torsos glistening in the sunlight. They were evenly matched in size, though Nabvan was older and more experienced. He encouraged Urim with the words, "You have made progress during our sessions. A week ago, you could not have bested me at swordplay. Today, you knocked my sword away three out of six matches. You should be proud."
Urim replied, "You are a great teacher and opponent. Today though, I think it is anger and frustration that guide my strokes. They feed my strength as well. I cannot go on much longer without seeing Josephine. I know that Alexis gives reports on her progress to you, and in turn, you tell me, but I want to see her for myself. I have done everything that I was told to do. When will it be enough? The council has put off her questioning for too long. It is wrong to keep us apart. She is not in league with the Pura. Her loyalty is with Milisaria."
Nabvan explained, "The council is not trying to torment either of you. I doubt that they believe she is in league with the Pura, but it is a process every person who wants to live in the capital must go through. You never questioned it before. The only reason you do so now is because it involves someone you care for. Waiting is difficult. However, it is better than the alternative. Stay busy, do your penance, and it will be over soon. Have a little faith in your king. That is enough practice for today. Get cleaned up, and we can get some food. I am starving."
It appeared that half the city had decided to eat at the same time. Urim searched the tables for an empty seat. The ones he saw were not to his liking. He did not wish to sit at a table with young couples. It would only serve to make him jealous and add to his frustration. He would rather eat alone. Spying a single seat in the corner, he headed in that direction. He bumped into several citizens in his hurry to claim the empty seat. The sound of a very familiar giggle stopped him in his tracks. Urim's head swiveled in the direction of the sound. Josephine sat at a table with Valeri and Rixi. She was laughing and having a good time. For a brief second, he felt the urge to run and sweep her into his arms. He realized it was not a possibility. They were not allowed to acknowledge each others presence. He thought it unfair and cruel to be able to catch a glimpse of her, yet not speak or touch. It took all of his training and willpower to continue to his solitary seat.
King Siefer saw the lonely knight hesitate and then turn his back on Josephine. He was proud of Urim's restraint. The man deserved something in return. The king made a point of stopping at Urim's table and giving him a report. He began, "I believe you will be interested to know that Josephine's questioning is over. She did very well. Now she must prove her usefulness. You will see her working around the capital. She will be given a chamber of her own when she has finished her meal. I applaud your obedience to our commands. Continue to stay away from her and finish your new training."
The king's report did not appease Urim. He did not like this new process for refugees at all. His determination to see Josephine grew stronger. If he could hide his visits to Josephine from the Pura, then he could do
the same here. He knew every hallway and room in the capital. He would find a way to see her and not get caught.
Children entered the open area. School was out, and they were joining their families for a meal. Urim found a piece of his plan come into focus. Scyon, the king's son, and Nexxa, Nabvan's daughter would be the perfect spies. They could go anywhere in the capital without suspicion, and at nine, they were old enough to keep a secret. He also had the best bribe to gain their support. He passed by them as they stood in line for their food and whispered to Scyon, “Remember the kite I built from the instructions in that old Earth book? It is yours for a favor. I need you and Nexxa to meet me by the round rock in an hour." Scyon silently nodded. He had been dreaming of that kite since he had seen Urim flying it almost six months ago.
Urim was at the rock when the children arrived. They were bouncing with excitement. He explained what he needed them to do. "The new human female is to be given a chamber room today. Follow Valeri and the human. Find out which room she is given and watch for the code to enter. Report both to me, and the kite is yours."
Nexxa, always the inquisitive one, asked, "Why do you not ask her yourself? You are not going to harm her, are you?"
Scyon said, "If that is your plan, I do not want the kite. It is wrong to hurt a woman. My father told me so."
Urim replied, "I would never harm Josephine. She is special to me. I want to surprise her with a visit. You cannot tell anyone about this. We might get into trouble. We are not supposed to see each other for a while."
"I get it. You both got in trouble, and your punishment is to stay away. Our parents did that to us once, when we tried to hide in a spaceship so we could visit Earth," Nexxa burst out. "We had to stay apart for a whole month. It was terrible! We will keep the secret." They skipped away to find Josephine and Valeri.
Two hours later, Urim knew which chamber belonged to Josephine and the code to get in. Scyon and Nexxa already had the colorful kite in the air. They were the envy of all their friends as they ran along the seaside.
The second half of Urim's plan was to sneak into the chamber while everyone was busy with their duties, Josephine included. He would wait for her there. If they were caught, he believed she would not be punished. She had not partaken in his duplicitous plan.
It was a long wait. Josephine finally returned as evening set in. She was humming a happy tune when she was startled by his movement. He covered her surprised gasp with a kiss. She shoved him back and demanded, "Why are you here? How did you get in? Never mind, I don't want to know. You've got to leave right now. I don't want us to be exiled before I'm even granted asylum! What were you thinking?"
Her chatter made Urim smile. "I was thinking how badly I wished to see you and hold you in my arms." He pulled Josephine against his chest and held her tight. "Does not this feel good? Have you not missed me as I missed you?"
Josephine sighed and relaxed. "It feels heavenly to be in your arms. Of course, I've missed you, but you still have to leave. Did anyone see you come here?"
"I was careful. The hall was empty. Just let me hold you for a while," he begged. "The last time I held you, I was not sure if you would live. When I saw you eating with Valeri and my sister, I wanted to whisk you away.”
"I saw you the instant you entered the room. It was so hard to pretend you weren't there. But, my questioning is over. We can be together freely, soon. I don't want to mess it up.
Urim replied, "I will take you on walks by the sea and share picnics by the light of the four moons. All our worries will be over. No wars, no wounds, and no rules will haunt us."
She stood on the tips of her toes and kissed his cheek. "It sounds delightful and so normal after all we have been through. I was happy to hear you wouldn't get any terrible punishment. I know it probably hurts to be held back from assignments for a year, but it could have been so much worse. By the way, thanks for rescuing me. I had given up all hope and decided to die. I need to say, 'thank you' to the knights that helped you, also. I was told you didn't ask them to join you; they volunteered."
"That is the truth," he answered. "I told them to take the ship and leave. They refused. The knights are honorable men, and they felt you were owed their loyalty. We used the Pura's own technology against them. Ixia ran and hid behind his androids. He was not as brave as he pretended."
"What will happen to the Pura and the planet?" Josephine inquired.
"I do not know or care. The king and council have not decided what they wish to do. I will gladly leave it in their hands. I have discovered that I do not like making decisions of such importance alone." He bent down and touched his lips to hers. As Josephine allowed his tongue to sweep over her own, there was a knock on the door. The pair jumped apart in panic.
Josephine called out, "Who is it?"
"It's Alexis. I brought you some more clothes. One outfit isn't enough. Some of these are loose and comfortable for your free time. Come on. Let me in. This stack is getting heavy."
There was only one spot to hide Urim in her small chamber. Josephine motioned for him to enter the bathroom. Urim rolled his eyes and indicated his large size. She shrugged and pushed him into the tiny space. "I'll be right there, Alexis," she shouted.
Opening the door, Josephine proclaimed, "Sorry it took me so long. I was in the bathroom." It was at least partially true, she thought.
Alexis stepped inside and instantly wrinkled her nose. She tossed the armload of clothing on the bed and turned to Josephine. Crossing her arms over her chest, she asked, "Is he still here? If so, where?"
Josephine's eyes widened in shock. She stuttered, "What are you talking about? Who is he?"
"Don't play coy with me,” Alexis stated. "I know what a knight smells like. They all use the same soap after practice. It reeks of sea salt and moss." She yanked open the bathroom door, and Urim sheepishly stepped out. "Are you both stupid or just pig-headed?"
"Do not blame Josephine,” Urim replied. "She had no idea I was here until after she came home. She has been trying to get rid of me ever since."
"That must be why her lips are swollen from kissing you, and her face is covered in red splotches from your scruffy cheeks,” Alexis declared. "You both know the consequences of this. One word from me and the council would toss your butts out of Milisaria."
Josephine nervously asked, "Are you going to turn us in?"
Alexis plopped down on the bed and replied, "I haven't decided yet. Probably not though. It's the same kind of thing Nabvan and I would have done. I do suggest that Urim leave immediately. I expect you might have other visitors that won't share my sentiments."
Urim declared, "I will go. Thank you for your understanding and kindness." He opened the door and ran into the hard chest of King Siefer.
The king's eyes hardened with anger. "I guess I praised you too soon. You have broken the commands of the council. Destiney had sent me here to invite Josephine to supper. She will be disappointed. Both of you are to report to the council chambers right now!"
Chapter 19
A guard was summoned to transport the pair to the council chambers. Neither Urim nor Josephine said a word as they made the long walk. Their hearts were filled with anxiety and fear. Alexis followed behind at a slower pace.
The councilmen had left for the day, so the group had to wait while they reconvened. Urim whispered to Josephine, "Having to return for this will make them angry. I hope they will not let it influence their decision." She turned tear-filled eyes to him but remained mute. He took her hand in his and held it tight.
King Siefer called the meeting to order and spoke directly to the accused. "You were given a command to stay apart until Josephine was fully cleared as a refugee. The punishment for disobedience was to be exiled. Both of you were aware of the consequences of your actions, yet you chose to defy our command. Do you deny the charges?"
Urim replied, "We cannot deny them. You are the one who found us together. It would be useless to pretend otherwise. I would like to point out t
hat Josephine is not guilty. She did not invite me to her chamber or seek me out at any time. I snuck into her room and surprised her. She told me to leave immediately. I refused to do as she asked."
The confused councilmen asked, "How were you aware of which chamber she was given and the code to get in? The room was just assigned today. Josephine must have supplied you with the information."
"No, she did not,” Urim began. "I bribed some children to follow her and seek out which chamber she was given. They were also to watch the code being put in and report back to me."
Alexis's eyebrows rose. She was willing to bet the culprits were her daughter, Nexxa, and the queen's son, Scyon. She had seen them playing with the kite and wondered where it had come from. She would deal with the little spies later.
The king asked, "Why did you go against the command? Was there an emergency situation or some message that could not be relayed?" King Siefer was doing his best to give them a way out of the mess without his needing to exile them. He was tenderhearted under his gruff exterior.
Urim rubbed his big hands over his chiseled face and admitted, "The only emergency was my desire to see Josephine for myself. She was gravely wounded while in my care. I saw to her needs on the way to Milisaria, but she was still in danger when we arrived. I had to follow through and make sure she had recovered."
"That is not an excuse,” the council replied. "You have been given daily reports on her health. We did not hold back anything from you. Are you ready to be her sole caretaker on one of the colonies? That is what you are now facing for your lack of patience."
To everyone's shock, Alexis came forward asked, "May I speak in their defense before a sentence is passed?"
The king frowned at her and asked, "What do you know of this matter? Did you help them?"
Alexis smiled and replied, "It is a matter of love on which I would like to speak. I know how difficult it is to stay away from someone who means everything to you. You do as well, King Siefer. Nabvan and I once defied a king. Our transgressions were far greater than Urim's. He was my guard, and I was the king's future wife. We fell in love but fought our feelings for a long time. There came a point when we could no longer hold our love in check. The king himself caught us together and had Nabvan beaten. He was to be executed for treason. There was an uprising on the ship by the captured human females that King Shene had been so cruel to. Nabvan killed the king and claimed me for his own. King Siefer, you were there. All was forgiven by the council at that time. You even wanted Nabvan as king. If you can forgive all of that, then you could surely forgive one moment of weakness brought about by love. Josephine and Urim were not plotting against the council or the king. Josephine has always shown her loyalty toward Milisaria. Urim just needed to be with the woman he loved. They have both followed your command until today. I ask that you be lenient with them. Give Josephine refugee status and allow them to be together."
