Storm of Arranon

by R. E. Sheahan

  “You didn’t deny Zander is your father. I guess you’re aware of that much,” Athru said.

  Erynn glared at a glowing beoir sign pulsing green, blue, and yellow on the wall behind Athru and Tiar. “I’m aware, General, that Zander abandoned us. If Damon hadn’t married my mother and kept my secret about Zander, who knows where I would have ended up after my mother died.”

  “I understand you must be hurt.” Athru’s face tensed. “But Zander didn’t abandon you. There’s more to his actions, or lack of them, than appears on the surface.” Athru’s gaze slid to Jaer. “Go get Erynn a drink.” He looked back at her and tipped his head. “Kree, extra ice?”

  She narrowed her eyes. “No. Thank you. Sir.”

  Athru glanced at Jaer and nodded toward the bar.

  Jaer pushed out of his seat and stood up. “I will be right back.” He tapped her shoulder. “Stay put. Please.” He smiled and his eyes softened.

  Erynn’s cheeks warmed, and she ducked her head to hide the blush.

  Jaer chuckled and turned toward the bar. His amusement traced over her irritation, reducing her displeasure at their presence.

  Cale’s voice intruded. “Tiar, go tell Erynn’s friends where she is. Have a drink with your brother, Sean. You haven’t visited with him for a while.”

  Erynn’s jaw dropped. She bit her lip and stared at Tiar. Her head spun with the implications.

  Sean and Tiar are brothers?

  “You aren’t the only one with a mixed heritage, Erynn. That is what you believed, isn’t it?” Athru sighed. “I’m sorry to have to do this to you this way. I don’t have a choice. Our worlds are in danger.”

  “Danger?” Erynn’s pulse jumped, now outpacing the current tune. She was sure the temperature in the bar dropped several levels. She scrutinized Athru, her forehead creased. “What kind of danger? From what, sir?” The warning vision from earlier, in the classroom, jumped to the forefront of her thoughts.

  “Let me back up a little and start at the beginning. There’s more to tell you about Zander than his being your father. He, and your mother, passed on some extraordinary powers to you. I… our worlds, need your help.”

  “Me?” Her voice was barely a whisper. She shook her head. “What can I do?”

  Jaer returned with Erynn’s drink and two beoirs. He slid in next to Erynn, his arm across the seat behind her again. His warmth wrapped her in the protection of his concern. She opened herself to the comfort he offered.

  Athru continued. “Relationships between our people are forbidden. The reasoning behind this insensitive law is the alleged deformed and stillborn children born to the combination of Arranon and Korin parents. This lie was invented by our mutual governments in an attempt to stop further births.” Pausing, he watched her. The hard edge of his voice softened. “The truth is far more miraculous. Children born with a mixed parentage have heightened abilities. Like you, Erynn.”

  “I don’t understand, General Athru,” Erynn said, her hands clenched in her lap. “Why would our governments want to hide these facts about the children?”

  General Athru leaned forward, his arms crossed on the table between them. “What could these remarkable children become? What would happen when their abilities far surpassed those of the average population?” His posture tensed and he gazed out over the room.

  Erynn glanced around. Nothing and everything caught her attention.

  Athru lowered his voice. “Would these mixed-blood people use their strengths to make slaves of those not born like them? This possibility frightened our two worlds into a deep and bitter rift that remains to this day.”

  Erynn frowned. “Our governments feared those children would grow up and take over?”

  “Yes,” General Athru said with emphasis. His words pushed out between clenched teeth, his voice shaking. “Hired assassins hunted down and killed children of mixed parentage, along with their families, to preserve the government’s control.”

  His grief touched her and she shivered. She narrowed her exposure.

  Jaer leaned closer. His masculine scent was powerful, magnetic.

  Erynn mentally shook off Jaer’s mesmerizing effect. “Children, murdered because…” She stopped, about to say because they, like her, had a mixed parentage.

  “Yes, Erynn,” Athru said quietly. He’d made his point.

  Erynn glanced around the room, expecting everyone to be staring at her, aware of what she was. Only Jaer watched her. She wanted to disappear into the depths of his dark, smoldering eyes. They promised a strange mix of exhilaration and comfort. But there were secrets there too, and pain.

  Cale’s voice broke Jaer’s spell on her. “I made a promise to your father, Zander. I would try to educate and empower both Arranon and Korin to the astonishing possibilities of children born of mixed parentage, a unifying basis for our two worlds.”

  Erynn returned her attention to General Athru. “Why didn’t Zander come tell me this, General? Why did he send you?”

  Athru lowered his head and stared at his clasped hands. “Zander died before you were born.” He glanced up, sorrow etched in the lines around his eyes.

  She stirred in her seat at General Athru’s discomfort but experienced no emotion at the news of Zander’s death.

  How can I grieve for a man I never met? A man I will never meet.

  “So you’re here because I’m different, sir.”

  “I prefer special, or gifted.” General Athru nodded. “And, yes, I’m here partially due to your abilities. I’m also here to promote a stronger alliance between our two worlds. The need to come together is vital.” He leaned over the table. “I believe you can unite Korin and Arranon.”

  Erynn shook her head. “You’re not serious, are you? I’m nobody. What can I do?” She paused, waiting for him to respond. He only stared at her, his features blurring under the blue static that wound around him. She inhaled sharply and glanced at Jaer. His face was clear. No wispy filaments of chaotic electricity snapped around him.

  Jaer bent forward, closing the gap between them. “You are the commanding general’s daughter and a future Interceptor pilot. That combined with your Arranon heritage will show the people of both worlds we can stand as one.” His warm breath blew over her, scented by the spicy beoir he drank.

  General Athru examined the activity in the room again. “I’ve always experienced premonitions, but recently, they’ve become disturbing.” He frowned. “Have you had any premonitions or alarming dreams, Erynn?”

  “I-I.” Erynn shook her head.

  Athru whispered, “It’s okay. You can talk to me.”

  “They’re not clear.” She pressed back against her seat.

  Because I ignored them and pushed them aside.

  General Athru stiffened. “I understand,” he said, his words clipped. “This is not something you’re used to talking about.”

  Tiar returned and sat down. Long dark hair slid over his shoulder, his movements defined and graceful.

  Sean followed and pulled a chair over to sit at the end of the table. He nodded to Athru and Jaer but didn’t look at Erynn. Instead, he stared at his hands and picked at a nail. His eyebrows drew together and his jaw tightened. “I’m sorry, Erynn. I was going to tell you. Things started to happen, fast.”

  Did he know about me, keeping his heritage a secret?

  Erynn glared at Sean. Her teeth tugged the inside of her cheek until she tasted the slight coppery, salty hint of blood. “You knew,” she whispered. “Everything. I mean… about…” There was no air left around her. She pushed at Jaer. His muscles were solid under her fingers. “Let me out. Now!”

  “Calm down. Slow your breathing.” Jaer took her hand and laid her palm over his heart. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. “Like this.” He inhaled and exhaled with an even rhythm.

  Jaer was so close, so warm. She felt herself falling into his enigmatic energy. Lines between Jaer’s shape and hers blurred. The scene around her became vague, all soft shadows and
motionless forms inside a gray mist. She watched her hand rise and fall under his. Her respirations became a measured tide, united with the surge of his slow, steady breaths. Her ears filled with the sound, blocking out the noise of the bar.

  Blue tendrils of static swirled from the center of her chest and down her arm, circling Jaer’s hand. An electric buzz stirred every nerve ending in her body. Fire exploded under her skin. A wild rush of heat flooded her face. Her response to Jaer’s powerful influence surprised her. She hadn’t seen him coming. There had been no glimpse of him in her future.

  The sights and sounds of the bar rushed back in, surrounding her.

  Jaer smiled, chuckling. “Hmmm. That is stimulating.”

  His response to her display of energy tied a knot in her stomach. “I’m sorry.” She didn’t think her face could hold more heat. She must be pulsing, visible to infrared scanners in deep space.

  “Never apologize for who you are.” Jaer tightened his grip and glanced down at his hand.

  The blue charge lingered, lightly caressing his fingers. She pulled her hand from under his but couldn’t draw away. His arm remained locked around her. Erynn brushed curls from her eyes and turned her face to General Athru.

  “You are Zander’s daughter,” General Athru said, pride in his tone. “And would you call me Cale, please? We are far less formal on Arranon. The use of my title is unnecessary.”

  Some of Jaer’s inimitable power seemed to have transferred to her. Her voice was strong and sure when she asked, “Cale, what is the danger our worlds face?”

  Chapter 4

  ERYNN STOOD IN THE HANGAR. From the pristine white hat to the tall, polished black boots, her appearance was an example of military excellence.

  Cale’s dreams and premonitions kept running through her mind. He’d revealed to her his conviction of an alien presence on Korin and Arranon, an enemy hidden in plain sight.

  Visions I refused and ignored.

  Warmth crept into her face. She rolled her neck and shoulders to ease the tension building in her muscles.

  Speakers echoed instructions and pertinent information through the large space. Pilots in tan flight suits ducked under short wings, their hands smoothing the sleek, long-bodied Interceptors. They talked with the support crew in pale-gray jumpsuits checking each ship. The din of activity comforted her.

  Sunlight streamed in the open bay doors, highlighting the white skin of the six Interceptor fighters occupying the forward position. The breeze was redolent with the myriad scents of trees lining the airstrip, electronics, and the warming tarmac. She gazed out at the wide, blue sky.

  I wish I was flying with them.

  Her com-phone vibrated in her pocket. She dug it out and placed the small clip around her ear. The smooth surface connected magnetically with the chip under her skin.

  “Incoming call from Commanding General Yager,” a woman’s voice droned.

  “Please put him through.” Erynn dropped her head and her shoulders relaxed.

  “How are classes going?” The sound of her father’s voice soothed her jangled nerves.

  “They’re good.” She injected cheer into her tone. “I’m in the main hangar now. I’ve been invited to an Interceptor demonstration.”

  “Yes, I was advised.” He paused. “How is Cale… General Athru?” His tone deepened. “I’m trying to remember the last time I spoke with him.” A tremor sounded in his voice. “I understood that Zander, Cale, or someone like them, would come one day. I didn’t believe the time would come this soon. You’re so young.”

  What does he mean? He knew Zander or Cale would come for me? Why?

  Tension rushed back into every muscle. She straightened her shoulders and her brow creased. “Are you all right, Dad?” She sensed Cale’s approach and surveyed the area.

  “I’m worried about you, about what this means.”

  “Don’t be. I’ll be fine. It’s just a demonstration. I love watching the Interceptors.” She glanced toward the rear of the hangar. General Brayton entered through a far door, an imitation of a smile on his lips. His dark-blue dress uniform stood out against Cale’s simple white flight suit, and Jaer’s and Tiar’s black tunic and pants. Brayton swept his arm, indicating the space to the three men.

  “I gotta go. I’ll talk to you later. Tell you all about my day.”

  “I love you, Erynn.”

  Hearing the affection in his voice accomplished what she couldn’t force. She dipped her head and smiled. Tight muscles in her neck eased their hold. “Love you, Dad.” The connection ended.

  Movement caught Erynn’s attention. A man in a tan flight suit shoved his way through the gathered crews. His tousled brown hair bounced with each determined step. The meaning of his presence collided against her.

  Mabrath. Death.

  The assassin smiled, pulled a staser from his pocket, and disappeared behind the queue of Interceptors.

  Erynn ran, dropping the com-phone. Her heartbeat doubled.

  Rounding the last fighter, the assassin stopped. Raising his arm, he aimed the staser.

  Cale turned. He’d sensed the coming danger too late.

  The assassin would succeed.

  Erynn was close enough to act. She raised her hands. Blue tendrils shot from her fingertips, creating a wave that sped toward Cale.

  The assassin’s hand clenched. A barely audible click sounded from the weapon. A bright flare erupted from the barrel of the staser.

  Time slowed. White heat from the weapon decelerated, pulsed in a calculated beat, and crept through the thick, still air. Everyone around her froze in the moment.

  Except Cale.

  He twisted, his body fluid motion. His hair fanned around him. The sun caught the copper color, making the orange-red stand out among the heavy strands of gray. The bolt slid past and sizzled against the wall. Cale glanced at her, giving her a quick smile full of pride, like her dad’s. He returned his attention to the assassin.

  The wave rebounded, whirled in a flash around Erynn, and disappeared. The scene reanimated. Time accelerated and caught up.

  Weapons materialized from both sides of the hangar. Two distinct groups advanced.

  Stasers were aimed toward each other, not at the assassin bearing down on Cale.

  The assassin took a step back and narrowed his odd, pale eyes.

  Brayton strode forward. “Lower your weapons.” His gaze swept from one side of the conflict to the other. “That’s an order. General Athru and his men are here as guests of Senator Drake. I said lower your weapons. Do what I say, now,” he demanded.

  The assassin nodded in Brayton’s direction. “I don’t take orders from you.”

  A large man with dark hair wearing a light-blue security uniform stepped up, aimed, and fired.

  Brayton skidded across the polished black floor.

  Erynn stood on the perimeter between the two groups. She leaned in to take a step forward. Sweat trickled from her hairline, down her neck to the hollow of her back. Her breath sounded harsh in her ears behind the pounding of her heart.

  Jaer held up his hand. “Erynn, stay back.”

  “Ah, there you are. Erynn Yager, the commanding general’s talented daughter. A helpful Colonel told me you’d be here.” The assassin sidestepped to Erynn, keeping the staser on Cale. “Marris, call the transport.”

  “Yes, Major Birk,” Marris said. His hand swept against the collar of his pale-blue uniform shirt.

  Jaer started toward Erynn. He shouted, “Move, Erynn. Run!”

  Birk lunged and grabbed Erynn, shoving her in front of him. He wrapped his arm around her throat and held the pistol staser to her head.

  Jaer stumbled forward, wrenching to a stop.

  A woman in a security uniform appeared around the tail fin of an Interceptor. One of Birk’s men spun and fired. The woman hit the floor in a convulsion of jerks and twitches.

  Fast, everything’s happening so fast. I’m making stupid mistakes. Pay attention.

  Cale held hi
s hands palms out in front of him. “Let’s calm down and consider our options. I’m sure we can work this out.” He watched Erynn, his intense blue eyes hooded. “Let her go and I’ll come with you.”

  Erynn dug her fingers into Birk’s arm. “Don’t, Cale! You’re intelligence on what’s happening is crucial.” Birk’s grip tightened. She coughed and choked, her legs kicking back at empty air.

  “No, Athru. Your interfering has gone on long enough. Today that ends.” Birk shook Erynn while tapping the end of the weapon against the side of her head. “She may prove useful.”

  Erynn winced at each tap of the barrel. Birk’s hot breath carried a minty-sweet scent mingled with an underlying greasy odor that brushed against her cheek when he spoke. Her stomach rolled. Icy fingers wrapped around her spine. Every muscle in her body tightened.

  He’s taking me? Where? Why?

  Jaer released a slow, ragged breath, and his eyes narrowed to dark, bottomless slits.

  Erynn continued to cough, pulling at Birk. He loosened his grip. Gasping for air, she stopped kicking, her hands still clutching at his arm.

  Calm, relax, think. They won’t get away with this. Dad will stop them.

  Birk swung the staser away from Erynn. He aimed the weapon at Cale.

  Cale raised his hands. A wave of blue static crashed over Erynn.

  Birk fired.

  The air thickened. Time slowed. Cale again avoided the shot by sidestepping and angling his body away. Drawn back, the wave receded, reabsorbed. Time caught up.

  With a jerky motion, Birk returned the weapon to aim at Erynn’s temple. He adjusted his hold. The low rumble of Birk’s frustration boiled up from deep in his chest. She pulled at his arm, but his elbow remained locked around her.

  Cale’s face tensed. His gaze darted from Erynn to glare at Birk.

  Jaer’s hands curled. He lowered his head, eyes blazing, teeth bared. His dark hair trembled over the tension building in the muscles of his powerful shoulders.

  Erynn saw every minute detail, every shift of movement in slow motion, even though what happened around her flashed by in a rapid sweep of action. The contradiction made her dizzy. She urged air into her lungs, then out, and then in again.