Warriors' Providence (Cadi Warriors Book 2)

by Stephanie West

  Zer wrapped his long arms around his agitated mate.

  "I agree. I'm sure we could learn a lot from each other. What keeps you from starting a new family?"

  "I was altered." Zer stated grimly.

  Providence shook her head. An hour ago she had been debating the merits of fighting tooth and nail to get free of this spaceship. Now she wanted to hug the alien missionaries that were as much a victim of circumstance as she was.

  "Don't do this. Let me go. You have a choice in this." Providence entreated.

  "I am sorry but we are being monitored by the council. If we went against protocol, it would bring shame and dishonor to our offspring back home." Zer shook his head while Cila stared sadly at Providence. "We will be heading into orbit while it's still dark if you'd like to watch."

  Providence nodded mutely, her eyes misting as she turned to the screen.

  The moon grew larger and larger as they rose in the atmosphere leaving Earth behind. Providence watched as Cila monitored the instrument panel while Zer tapped at it occasionally to adjust their course. Providence didn't understand any of the indicators though she was certain if given time she could figure them out. The problem was she didn't really have time. They were already in orbit. Earth was a blue and green orb hovering in the darkness of space.

  The scene made Providence feel incredibly small and insignificant. It was like the first time she'd been on a boat miles out in the ocean, surrounded by nothing but water on all four sides. She wasn't afraid. Death and danger never really bothered her, not that she welcomed it either. It was just a surreal emotion that overwhelmed her in these oh so rare instances. Every part of her, from her head to her toes amounted to nothing more than a handful of atoms in the vastness of creation. If she floated off into nothing, life would go on without her.

  Providence sat staring at her blue planet as it grew ever smaller, wondering if she'd had an effect on those around her back home. She'd been driven her entire life by the desperate desire to make the world a better place to be. But had her efforts been enough?

  Providence awoke with a start. She quickly looked around to find herself sitting in the same chair on the spaceship bridge. Providence did her best to not panic as her new bizarre reality set in again. It hadn't been just a nightmare after all. She sucked in a deep breath and blew it out slowly as she willed her heart to ease back from the frantic cadence it was pounding out in her chest.

  "Are you hungry?" Cila trilled looking concerned.

  "No thank you."

  "I am sorry if I frightened you with my outburst earlier." Cila's hairless brow creased as she made her apology.

  "Cila don't apologize. If anything you made me feel less alone in all this craziness." Providence attempted to smile.

  Zer walked in carrying a platter with three steaming bowls.

  "Ah, you are awake." Zer commented as he handed Cila a bowl.

  "Thank you, Providence is not hungry."

  "You should try to eat. I am sorry that the fare is not what you are accustomed to, but it is nothing that will harm you." Zer handed Providence a warm bowl.

  Providence looked down to see what looked like pink spaghetti. She watched as Cila used a small pair of tongs to scoop the spaghetti into her mouth. Providence wasn't really hungry, but she needed to eat. She sniffed the contents in the bowl. It didn't smell unappealing. Thank god the mass didn't wriggle like some sort of alien worms. She certainly wasn't about to ask what it was.

  Providence gripped the little tongs and snared several slippery strings. She poked a mouthful in then paused as the unusual flavor burst on her tongue. The dish reminded Providence of spaghetti squash with a slightly lemony herb sauce. Encouraged she chewed and swallowed, then spooned in another mouthful. Cila nodded at her looking pleased.

  "How is it I can understand you so well?" Providence asked between bites.

  "We have language implants. Your language is one of the primary dialects that many humans seem to speak." Zer explained.

  Providence nodded. That made sense since the Miran Sona would be helping her people adjust to a new planet. She turned to the display screen. There were thousands if not millions of stars twinkling before her eyes. Off to the left was a hazy swirl with a bright spot at the center.

  "Is that my galaxy?" Providence exclaimed.

  "No I believe you call that the Andromeda galaxy."

  "Oh."

  Providence stared at the spiral cluster in amazement. She didn't know much about space but what little she did know was screaming that she was already impossibly far from Earth. How would she manage to get home now?

  One tear fell onto her cheek followed by another, then another, as Providence's imagined her father barking orders at the search and rescue squads, tirelessly hunting the Atlantic Ocean for her. Her father and crew would wear themselves out needlessly. She pictured her mother's face, broken and in tears for her baby girl. Flop's wedding would be overshadowed by this wild nonsense. Providence hoped her silly sweet friend didn't postpone the event to hunt for a body they would never find.

  Providence nearly broke out in hysterical laughter as she realized she'd gone missing in the Bermuda Triangle. So there was merit in those crazy superstitions after all.

  "There is a portal at the edge of this galaxy that will carry us across the universe to the quadrant where a planet very similar to Earth is located. The atmosphere is mild, and the plants and animals are similarly evolved to what you are used to. Nothing like the giant reptiles of your ancient history." Cila spoke excitedly capturing Providence's attention.

  The woman may have been upset by being ripped from her home, but from the way she described the new world, it was obvious Cila had an adventuresome side too.

  As much as Providence wanted to wallow in misery she was finding it hard not to smile at the alien female. Cila was making the best of this situation, granted she had longer to cope with all the changes her own people had forced on her. But if she could do it so could Providence.

  "So wormholes are real?"

  "Oh yes." Zer replied. "Your people have already discovered a simple version of these portals in your own orbit. Although those portals only lead to the sun at the center of your galaxy. I think if your people were to concentrate on more than just their differences they might be more advanced than they are."

  "See this is why our people should be more involved." Cila said to her mate.

  "Cila we must allow a species to figure out some things on their own." Zer reasoned.

  "Well then why get involved in the first place?" Providence interjected.

  Cila tilted her head at her mate as if to say 'Yeah answer that one.' Providence almost laughed. She couldn't help but like the alien female.

  "Your human mythology tells the tale of a boat built by a man, to rescue his people and animals from a worldwide flood." Zer said.

  "Are you saying this is Noah's Ark?" Providence asked incredulously.

  "That is the best I can offer you." Zer shrugged. "I'm going to go check on our other passengers." Zer said then left the bridge.

  Providence had a feeling the male was exhausted by her.

  "It is nice to talk to another female." Cila smiled. "I think it will make things easier once we arrive at the colony."

  "How long till we get there?"

  "Another day based on your time."

  "That is fast." Providence was amazed at how short the voyage was since they were obviously travelling a vast distance.

  "Yes it is fast, but we are using up a great amount of a very rare energy source. That is one reason I will never see my home."

  "Oh. Will we be passing near your galaxy?"

  "No, my home galaxy is even further away from the colony than yours is."

  "I'm sorry."

  "I keep telling myself that in the distant future what I have helped to do will matter."

  "I'm sure it will." Providence smiled wanly. She decided to change the subject to something less depressing. "I used to fly planes.
How does this ship work?"

  "It is really very simple. I know it looks complex compared to your technology, but from what I've studied of your craft I think this would be easier to handle. Before this mission I was only familiar with atmospheric vessels." Cila explained.

  "I imagine it's all in knowing what the different readouts mean."

  "Yes. This display here shows the proximity of any object or approaching vessel. This vessel, like most I've seen, is programmed to avoid collision. It practically flies itself."

  "What is that?" Providence pointed at the panel.

  "That shows engine power. Anything above this level is good at this point in our voyage. This here projects how much energy we will expend to reach our destination. See how it is above this level. If it were any lower, it would mean we would need to find a closer planet that could support us till we can call for assistance."

  An hour later when Zer walked back in, Providence was sitting in the pilot's seat running the alien ship.

  "What is going on?" Zer exclaimed.

  "Flying a spaceship." Providence grinned.

  "Cila this is outside of protocol."

  "It's not like I was going to let Providence maneuver the portal." Cila insisted.

  "Yes but if she wanted to cause us harm."

  "Relax Zer. I'm not going to risk all the people I know you have aboard and I know there's not enough fuel to turn this thing around and go back home. I'm not that selfish and I'm not a fool."

  Zer grimaced at her rebuke.

  "I am sorry. We were taught to expect irrational behavior."

  "I get it. Believe me if I thought there was any possible way to go home, I would. If anything Cila showing me how to fly your ship has kept me from doing anything stupid. So don't be mad at her."

  "I think I'll take over from here." Zer insisted so Providence got up reluctantly.

  "You want a tour of the ship?"

  "I'd like that, but I'd also like to see what a wormhole looks like."

  "Zer can you let us know when we get to the portal?"

  Zer's expression softened as he nodded to his mate.

  Providence was in awe of the ship and a bit jealous of such advanced technology. The vessel was carrying mostly cargo for the new colony in the domed storage bay. The other areas of the spaceship extended off the central dome like spokes on a wheel. The ship was so massive she'd only seen a fraction of it when Cila's communicator beeped.

  "We are at the portal if you want to witness our passage. It’s not really much to look at." Zer announced.

  The two females rushed back to the bridge despite Zer's less than exciting description. The man unlike his mate was kind of a wet blanket.

  When Providence stepped onto the bridge, she stopped and stared. Zer was right, the portal wasn't much to look at, and yet it was still amazing. It looked like a rippling fold in space. Providence could clearly see the stars from this galaxy behind the odd rift, but it was like she was looking at them through a sliver of water. The ship steadily approached the wormhole and before she knew it they were passing the cusp. Lights on the display console started blinking frantically.

  "Is that normal?"

  "Yes the ship is processing as fast as it can since we are already travelling further than we have since coming from your planet." Cila reassured her.

  Starlight whipped past the screen at a dizzying speed as the ship barreled through the portal. Providence was amazed at the implication. Had any human ever witnessed such a sight? They broke through the wormhole in a matter of minutes and everyone in the room sighed in relief.

  No sooner had they cleared the portal than an alarm started blaring. Providence glanced at the console to see a blip rapidly approaching on the proximity display.

  "What is that?" Providence asked.

  "It's another ship." Zer replied looking serious.

  Providence imagined meeting any new species would be a concern.

  "Zer it appears to be more than one vessel." Cila said as she looked at the display.

  They looked at the screen to see three small vessels approaching them.

  Ping, ping, ping.

  "They are hailing us." Cila took a seat beside Zer and tapped on the console. "This identifies them as the Jurou Biljana. They are merchants in this sector."

  The screen flickered and suddenly a giant iguana appeared. The reptilian creature was tall like Cila and Zer, with green scaly skin and yellow slitted eyes. He perused the three of them.

  Providence could hardly believe it. She'd just met one alien now here was a whole nother species.

  "Did you open the frequency?" Cila asked.

  "No." Zer replied uncomfortably.

  That wasn't encouraging.

  "Translate." Zer instructed the ship.

  "Greetings. We noted your ship exiting the portal. We have traded with your people before and propose to trade again." The overgrown reptile's words came through the computer.

  It was bizarre to hear the translation layered over the creature's hissing voice. Cila leaned over to Zer.

  "The ship log says that these people are also flesh merchants." Providence heard Cila whisper.

  Providence's eyes widened as she looked at the slavers. If she thought the Miran Sona were despicable, she was wrong.

  "We have nothing to trade at this time." Zer replied to the Jurou Biljana.

  "Ah but we can see that you do." The overgrown reptile hissed as his creepy eyes zeroed in on Providence.

  "We are not interested in selling our companion." Cila stated sternly.

  "As you wish, but keep us in mind for the future." The creature replied.

  The screen flickered off and Providence shoulders relaxed. She watched the three blips pass by on the ship's monitor.

  Suddenly there was rapid movement on the display and an alarm blared. Providence heard a thunderous sound echo through the ship and she felt a jarring motion shudder beneath her feet.

  They reptiles weren't just slavers, they were pirates too.

  "We have damage to the hull in the main cargo dome." Cila screamed.

  Providence suspected the Jurou Biljana had given up too easily. The fact they were slavers along with the way they eyed her, had her instincts riled. She wanted to close her ears to the shrill alarm.

  "Can we out run them?" Providence asked.

  "We aren't built for speed like a smaller vessel of that design." Zer stated in frustration.

  "Shit!"

  Another crash sounded somewhere in the dome, making Providence jump and cringe.

  "We have a breach." Zer practically squawked.

  "I'm locking down all the hibernation bays." Cila cried out.

  "I hope they've got more than glass to keep those bastards out." Providence bellowed over the screeching sound of the siren and the ominous sounds coming from outside the control room.

  "They are reinforced to survive a crash landing." Cila replied grimly.

  "Well that's good for the sleeping passengers but that leaves the three of us fucked!" Providence cursed as she stared at the frosted glass that separated them from the Jurou Biljana breaking into the ship. "Do you have any weapons?" Providence demanded.

  "Yes!" Zer stated as he stood with determination and quickly retrieved a hand-held device from a panel in the wall.

  "Give me one. How does it work?" Providence insisted.

  Zer looked at her in shock.

  "You and Cila will stay in here and I will defend the control room." Zer insisted.

  Providence looked from Zer to Cila. The Jurou Biljana knew she was here, and they clearly wanted her for some crazy reason. The look they'd given her said that loud and clear. If the reptiles were also armed, which she was betting they were, they'd slaughter Zer and break into the bridge to get her. If Cila was injured too, there'd be no one to get all her fellow humans safely to the colony, not to mention what damage might occur to the ship's controls under the best outcome to this crazy situation.

  Providence closed her eyes
as she realized what she had to do. She'd never been raised to ascribe to a particular religion, and yet her father instilled her with a faith that could move mountains. It was funny how her name, Providence, and even her nickname, Angel, described the core of what she strove for in life. Providence believed whole heartedly that divine intervention often came at the hands of those who were brave enough to sacrifice themselves for those in need.

  Providence said a small prayer then rushed Zer and grabbed the weapon he'd armed, taking note of the trigger.

  "Don't be foolish Zer." Providence said to the shocked male as she held the weapon on him and backed towards the door. "If something happens to you two everyone is lost. If the Jurou Biljana break in here, who knows what will happen. We all know that I'm expendable in this equation. So I'm going out there to defend the ship and you two are going to hole up here. Now open the door!"

  Another crash sounded making everyone jump. Zer hit a button releasing the door.

  "Zer!" Cila cried.

  "She is right." Zer said looking pained. "All you need to do is aim and press the trigger. It will only damage organic matter."

  Providence nodded and slipped through the glass door. As it closed behind her Providence heard Cila crying and Zer's parting gratitude.

  Providence hugged the wall as she moved around the edge of the massive, domed holding bay. There was a hole in the floor where one of the Jurou Biljana was currently climbing through. She saw another reptile standing guard but couldn't tell if any others had already entered the ship. Providence took a deep breath and stepped forward aiming her weapon.

  "Take your scaly ass and climb back into the bag of bolts you slithered out of."

  Providence fired picking off the creature standing guard. A giant sizzling hole opened up in the reptile's gut before he dropped to the floor deader than a door nail. Providence had targeted the male between his eyes, but this result was just as effective. Now that she had a feel for the weapon she would correct her aim on the next shot. Providence was impressed with how smooth the weapon fired, there was no kick-back at all. Unfortunately now was not the time to admire the sweet piece.