The Awakening: Book 1 of Warner's World

by Dave O'Connor

  She rocked backwards lifting his shoulders off the mattress. They rocked together bonded physically with eyes locked. They were in perfect union, physically, emotionally and spiritually. She let out a sigh and they came together. She let out a chuckle and he laughed. They both laughed together revelling in the ecstasy of the moment.

  She could see the heaving in his chest subsiding, his eye lids getting heavy. He was fading fast into his little death. She leaned forward dropping his shoulders back down and she pivoted her legs back under her sitting bones and she came forward as his head lay back on the pillow, his hands releasing hers and his eyes closing. She leaned forward on top of him.

  He felt the touch of her breasts on his chest and the tenderness of her lips on his eyelids. He was in heaven. She rolled off him and cuddled into him with her hand across his chest. ‘Sheer bliss’ she said to herself. The tears flowed. ‘Perfect…perfect.’

  A few minutes later she saw his eyelid open. He smiled at her and she smiled back. She rolled onto her back and he rubbed her stomach.

  “Careful, you might disturb him…or her” and she smiled.

  He raised his head to look into her eyes. “Really?”

  “I think so. I’ve missed my period. It could be because of stress but I’d lay money on it being a little Warner-Kabel. Are you OK with that?”

  “What do you think!” he said and kissed her cheek. Then he kissed her neck and planted kisses all the way down her body till his cheek was resting on her belly.

  Ten minutes later they both sat for meditation. After five minutes Dave was deep in the void, the play of blue lights reflecting like light on water. He felt blissed out.

  Part of him reflected on how easy it was to change from one feeling to the other from despondency to ecstasy. He was the witness and he saw his physical form riding the roller coaster of emotions and dramas up and over then down and around. But as the witness he was traversing a steady, constant course – just a gentle wave rather than the torrent of the roller coaster.

  He knew he had to be the witness more often. He had to even out the wave and avoid the large swings and the pull of his emotions. The witness was always serene, a picture of equipoise. It was not attached. Yes that was the key wasn’t it, he told himself, one hundred per cent commitment, zero per cent attachment.

  Easier said than done he thought and in that moment he dropped out of the witness state. He was floating on a gentle wave of energy. Slowly coming out, slowly becoming aware of his physical surroundings.

  Rihan was beside him. She had come out a few moments earlier. She looked so beautiful. He cried with joy. She was looking at him so lovingly. She leaned towards him and kissed him on the forehead. His tears ran down his cheek. She wiped them away gently. They remained embraced, just the three of them.

  Chapter 10. Pulton 1 1100, 27 May.

  They were formed up in ranks in the main entrance dock. The engineers had patched the breech during the night. They had also prepared two mass graves, one for the enemy and one for their own. A simple service was held. There was no audible crying during the service but many a tear was still shed.

  At the end the Commodore came to the small podium on the platform. He cast an eye over the three hundred or so people paraded in front. He took a deep breath and then began to speak.

  “I know you have all been through a great challenge. No man or woman here remains untouched by loss for we have lost many. One hundred and twenty two of our comrades lie before us. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

  “I know it’s easy to feel that it was a waste of good lives. But that would not be right. Their sacrifice was not for nothing, far from it. This was no small skirmish but a decisive moment in our history. You may not appreciate that now as you focus on your loss, but later you will reflect and see the magnitude of your endeavour here.”

  “We must remember what was done here and the sacrifices made. There will be a proper memorial erected here in due course, but for now we will mark this spot with a piece of the old blast doors. Let it be a reminder to all who see it that here the very best of humanity was displayed.”

  “I salute you all, those that lie here and those that still stand. I am so very proud of you all.” Pious had to take a moment to hold back his own emotions. Finally he said “Parade dismissed.”

  There was no applause but plenty of sombre reflection. People just hung around, mingled and talked. Some broke down now and were comforted by others. A few preferred to be on their own and walked to the edges and sat down. Ivan was one of these.

  Warner found him and sat beside him. He put his arm around the young man and pulled his head into his shoulder. Ivan cried for some time. Warner said nothing but did not relax his hold on his shoulder.

  “We were going to marry” Ivan finally said without turning to face Warner. His eyes were still fixed on the mass grave ahead. “I wish we had had time to marry before all this happened” he added.

  Rihan could see Warner and Ivan across the dock. She didn’t want to interrupt. A hand was placed on her shoulder and she turned around to see Art. They hugged each other. She could see a measure of peace in Art’s face. Something had changed from yesterday.

  “I’m sorry for saying those things to you about Sue” he said. “I know it wasn’t your fault. I was just angry and you were the closest person to blame.”

  “It’s all right Art. I understand” said Rihan.

  “I was out of line. I really am sorry. You’ve been such a good friend to me. I don’t want to lose your friendship.”

  “Art, I’m still your friend and you mine.”

  Art gave her a kiss on the cheek. He felt relieved to have got that off his chest. “Dave’s got a lot of people to console hasn’t he?” asked Art.

  Rihan nodded. “He lost 16 of his marines yesterday. Poor Ivan lost Sherri… You know Art, there’s still a chance that Sue’s alive. She could have been taken prisoner. The Admiral has his linguist expert trying to communicate with the enemy prisoners. Don’t give up hope just yet.”

  “I haven’t given up hope. I’m trying to adopt the middle ground, neither giving up hope nor expecting too much either. I know that sounds a bit cold, but I have lost people dear to me before.” Then he added “Don’t get me wrong: I would do anything to get her back. You might not believe this but I actually proposed to her on the morning the enemy attacked.” Art even smiled.

  Rihan smiled back. “And did she accept you?”

  “Yes…you sound surprised?”

  “So where did you propose?”

  “In a broom closet” and Art laughed and Rihan joined him.

  “You old romantic you” teased Rihan.

  “It was pretty hilarious really. Well one thing led to another and in the process we created a bit of a noise and we were sprung by a marine investigating.”

  Rihan burst out laughing and just about everyone in the dock turned towards the source of mirth. Feeling rather self-conscious Rihan decided to make an announcement. “Listen up everyone. I think it appropriate that we uphold the Irish tradition of a wake. For those wishing to toast our comrades here the officer’s mess will provide the alcohol - Base Commander’s shout.”

  “Come on Ivan” said Warner “we had better hurry before there’s none left.” He stood up and gave Ivan a hand up. They made their way to the back of the lines heading down the tunnel to the temporary mess.

  Chapter 11. Shangri La 0800, 28 May.

  Warner was still languishing in bed when Rihan came in fully dressed. She came over to give him a goodbye peck. “I’m off honey” she said and leant over. But it was a trap and he wrapped his long arms around her neck and tried to wrestle her onto the bed. But she resisted and having the superior position prevailed.

  Warner had to let go his grip. “Come on, you know you want it” he tried to persuade her.

  “You’re just a greedy boy.”

  “I just want to have you now before you get big and fat” and he gave her a cheeky grin.r />
  “I see, already planning to put me out to pasture.”

  “Just for the season…just for the season” he taunted.

  She gave him a disapproving look. “I have to go. Perhaps tonight.”

  “Famous last words.”

  “You keep this up and it will be definitely a no!”

  “I’ll take my chances” he said “besides I recognise lust when I see it.”

  “Boy you are having yourself on” she responded “I know where the lust resides” and she made a grab for his groin. He intercepted her lunge and brought her hand up to his heart.

  “It’s love, Rihan, pure love!”

  She bent forward and gave him a warm kiss. She pulled herself away. “Got to go, lover. Make sure you’re ready for me tonight or there will be hell to pay” and she gave him a wink and left the room. Warner just lay back with a big smile of anticipation.

  Chapter 12. Pulton 1 0900, 28 May.

  “So what’s this all about Liz?” asked Rihan. “Your OC has put you in for a bravery award and you want to resign?”

  “There are a lot of other braver people that deserve an award before me Maam” replied Liz. “I just did my job.”

  “And a mighty fine job you did” interjected Chuck. “You were the standout platoon commander during this battle.”

  “You mean I’m the only one that survived.”

  “No that’s not what I meant” said Chuck. He was starting to get a little exasperated.

  “Alright” said Rihan “Let me just say this. I agree with Lt Cdr Yaeger that you performed above and beyond out there. That’s a given. The fact that there were many others that also demonstrated great heroism doesn’t diminish your own. If anything it testifies to the great leadership qualities you displayed. I will be supporting this commendation. It will then be up to Fleet HQ to decide on the matter.”

  “Alright Maam” said a resigned Liz.

  “Now please explain to me why you want to resign.”

  “I’ve been a senior lieutenant for five years now Maam. I’ve seen a gut full of death and destruction. I want to do something constructive for a change, something positive. I want to create something and I want to start a family before it’s too late.”

  Rihan paused to think. “OK I see where you are coming from. Can you step outside for a few minutes? I need to discuss things with your boss.”

  “Of course Maam” said Liz and she walked out closing the door behind her. Liz waited till Chuck opened the door and beckoned her back in.

  “Liz, if I understand you correctly, you want to advance and you want to create. Is that right?”

  “Well…yes Maam.”

  “Then I think I might be able to help on both those counts.” Liz looked surprised but let Rihan continue. “How would you like to be my Deputy Base Commander? It’s a LCmd position and there’s a whole new facility to create from scratch, well rubble actually!” and she gave Liz a smile.

  Liz smiled back. She hadn’t expected this. She was still thinking it over when Rihan added “I’m afraid I can’t help you on your third goal. What about you, Chuck?”

  A blushing Chuck taken by surprise made a fitful response “Sorry, no, I’m already spoken for, Maam.”

  “Oh well, Liz, there will be a virtual parade of Fleet and Alliance officers through this base. I can’t lay claims to being a match maker but I’m sure if you apply yourself to the task in your usual diligent fashion you should meet with success. I can throw in a suite at Shangri La. That may assist. What do you say?”

  Liz was laughing now. “Yes Maam. I accept.”

  Chapter 13. Wasp 1400, 28 May.

  “Well it’s settled then” said RAdm McDermot. “Both Councils have opted to give peace a chance in the first instance. But they also both agree that if such feelers cannot be made or are rejected then we are to launch a full scale attack on the enemy at Chelora.”

  “Excellent” said Pious. “So the next question is to see how we could communicate. Any progress with your Mr Hoyle?”

  “Yes I believe Lindsay can fill us in on that.”

  “Sir” said Lindsay “as you know our linguistics expert, Lt Dan Hoyle, has been trying to communicate with the enemy prisoners. He believes he has made some progress. It turns out that they speak a language that shares some common roots with the Gelk language.”

  He had their attention, so Lindsay continued. “He’s going to work up a translation protocol, but reckons it will take him months. However, he has been able to communicate at a rudimentary level. He says that in a few weeks he should have enough grasp for our undertaking.”

  “We should not wait that long” said Pious. “We need to undertake this overture as soon as possible or not do so at all, in my opinion of course Admiral.”

  “I agree Commodore” said McDermot.

  “Perhaps this Mr Hoyle” said Warner “and one or more of the prisoners should come along for the trip. It will take more than a week to get there. He can use that time profitably to develop his translation skills - concurrent activity and all that.”

  “A good suggestion Captain” said McDermot. “What do you think Lindsay?”

  “I agree Sir” said Lindsay. “It also has the merit that we could offer to release a prisoner, there and then, as a sign of good faith and perhaps even in exchange for Lt Chalker.”

  “What?” said Warner.

  “Oh I forgot” said Lindsay. “Hoyle was able to confirm that they did capture one of our soldiers. Since Chalker is the only one missing I’m presuming it to be her. I’m afraid we don’t know if she’s still alive or not. She could have perished on one of those enemy ships we destroyed. But there is a chance she’s alive.”

  “Commodore” said Warner “with your permission I would like to volunteer the 17th Flotilla for this mission. I also propose that Lt Cdr Simons would be ideal to handle the political aspects.”

  “I see where you’re coming from Captain” said Pious. “If the Admiral so wishes I have no objections but I think it best that in addition to Mr Simons we should have a suitable Alliance rep, such as Jade Moon. In fact I would think that negotiations should be held at a higher level again and to that end I would like to volunteer my services and recommend that Justine Packer of the Niku Council would be an appropriate Alliance representative. Both her and Ms Moon are only a day away on Beta Phi.”

  The Admiral pondered these suggestions. He knew what was motivating Warner but why had Pious volunteered? The proposal made a lot of sense, however. “Alright. How long will it take you to be ready Captain?”

  “I can be ready to go tomorrow morning Sir” replied Warner. “I will need to replace my Marine losses. I propose we press-gang these from the Sydney detachment if you have no objections.”

  “None” said the Admiral. “We can provide ground defence here till more replacements come from Polaris.” He looked to Pious, who nodded his agreement to the arrangement. “Right then, Captain you have your new mission. Good luck. You better go now and get things underway.”

  “Thank you Sir” and Warner turned.

  “Just remember Captain” said McDermot, “peace if you can. War if you must.”

  “Peace if we can. War if we must” repeated Warner out loud and to himself he said ‘one hundred percent commitment, zero percent attachment.’ He strode out the door on a new mission with resolve in his eyes and a smile on his face. He was a happy man.

  ~

  Before You Go

  Thank you for reading The Awakening. I’d really appreciate you taking the time to rate the book and share it with your friends. So please respond to the “Before You Go” prompt that will appear on your Kindle as you finish the book.

  Dave O’Connor

  Acknowledgements

  My biggest source of inspiration, encouragement and support has been my wife, Joy. She is my Rihan. Thank you so much.

  Thanks also to my grown up kids, Sean and Garry, who put up with their old man for the duration. They and the rest of my e
xtended family were always encouraging and that meant a lot.

  Chris Watson stepped out of her comfort zone and edited the book. Her attention to detail and her style guide made a big difference to the readability and consistency of the work.

  Peter Winship (author of the John Connor crime books) also provided valuable feedback and advice both in terms of writing style and getting published. He very generously shone a light for me and, coming from someone who has trodden the path already, this was very reassuring.

  John Hemry (author of the Jack Campbell The Lost Fleet series) gave generously of his time to advise on how I could get published. His ‘pay it forward’ attitude was most appreciated.

  The Australian Society of Authors (https://www.asauthors.org/) provided good advice on being an author and sponsored Steven Lewis’ E Publishing course (www.taleist.com), which I found of great value.

  Warner’s World Series

  Books in the Warner’s World series:

  The Awakening

  Redemption

  Insurrection

  Retribution

  Audacity

  Resilience

  Check out In the Works at Warp Drive Publishing (www.warpdrivepublishing.com) for the latest news on upcoming books.

  Book 2 of Warner’s World

  The adventure continues in Book 2 of Warner’s World: Redemption.

  Dave Warner is in pursuit of the Sleth. His mission is to seek peace if he can, war if he must. But his beloved Rihan Kabel is in harm’s way and his best friend, Art Simons, is on his own mission to rescue his fiancé, Sue Chalker, no matter what it takes. Love, loyalty and duty collide. Something's got to give. Someone must pay the price. When humanity faces new revelations and challenges is there time for love and personal redemption.