by Tigertalez
Juno was relieved to see their apartment building still intact as they approached. She was even happier when they were safe inside, behind locked doors.
Kaycee started to let out a string of curses at their appearance, until she saw the kid. She quickly adjusted her vocabulary. “I mean, gosh darn it, those sons of motherless goats messed you up.”
Juno nearly laughed, but she was in too much pain. She watched as Kaycee tried to get up, but Benny stopped her. “You stay right there. You’re not in any better shape. I need to get the first aid kit.”
Juno could hear the television going as she was led over to the couch and sat down. She saw Kaycee favoring her left arm, with an ice pack draped over it. During introductions, she learned the woman and her daughter were Paige and Amanda.
Jeri rushed back in and attempted to clean her up. Her face was tight. “Damn it, Juno, you’re a mess.”
“Here, Juno, take these.” Benny held out a glass of water and a pair of red pills. “It’s ibuprofen.”
Juno lifted an arm but winced, and froze. Pain had shot through her entire body. Every muscle felt bruised, and in some places, worse. Her shoulders didn’t want to move properly, and the aches were becoming more dominant.
“Breathe, Juno.” Kaycee nudged her with an elbow.
“I’m trying.” Juno panted. She started to feel like she was starting to suffocate.
“Benny, run down the hall and see if Rodger is home.” Jeri grabbed the glass and pills.
“On it.” Benny answered as she rushed out the door.
“Relax, Juno. Lean back and relax. Here, take these.” Jeri held the pills up to Juno’s lips.
Juno let her put them into her mouth, and swallowed them down with water that Jeri held up to her lips and carefully poured. Juno closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. She focused on the sounds around her.
“Paige, Juno’s room is the first door on the right, just down that hall. Would you please get her a pillow and a blanket?”
“Come on, Manda Panda, you can help me,” Paige said sweetly to her daughter. Juno heard their footsteps head down the hall. She could also hear the newscaster reporting on the rioting.
Jeri lifted both of Juno’s legs. “Maggie, can you pull that coffee table over here?”
Juno grunted in pain, which caused her to groan, producing more aches from grunting. This is an endless circle of agony, she groused to herself.
Footsteps hurried back into the room. “Here’s the blanket, and Amanda has the pillows.”
“Good job, sweetheart,” Jeri said, praising the little girl with a smile.
Juno wanted to, too, but she was afraid it would come out more like a snarl, or growl. Not so praising.
Her legs were lowered to rest on soft fluff. Juno’s pain eased just a little bit, but she still had other parts of her body eagerly vying for her tortured attention. A blanket was draped over her.
“Thank you,” Juno told them.
“Damn, Juno, I hate not being able to help. What happened?” Kaycee’s words were watery.
“It’s my fault.” Maggie’s voice was shaky. Juno heard her sniff before she continued. “I was pushed, and my foot automatically flew forward to try to stop from falling. I didn’t see her. I swear I didn’t mean it.”
“Maggie, we talked about this.” Juno’s smile felt strained. “It was an accident. Stop blaming yourself.”
“Blaming yourself isn’t going to make anything better,” Jeri told her. “It’s chaos out there. You were hurt, too. Benny and I are the only two who aren’t. All of you take it easy, and rest for now.”
Jeri continued to attempt cleaning off the blood from her face. Juno hissed. “That hurts, Jeri, and I have more than enough hurt right now. Can’t that wait?”
“No, it can’t. We don’t know how bad things will get. I don’t want you to chance getting an infection when we don’t know how available the medical facilities will be.”
“She’s right, Juno,” Kaycee said. “This isn’t just happening here. It’s not even only in the States—the riots are global. There are already reports of tens of thousands killed. People believe it’s Armageddon. With no one going to work to power the electricity or make the medicines and everything else, we will run out of resources like medicines really quick. Pharmacies are already ransacked. What hospitals got, is what they got.”
Juno nearly rolled her eyes. “Damn, that’s not good. Why are people so stupid? We need to stick together. This ‘everyone for themselves’ crap is only going to make us vulnerable, not only to ourselves, but to the aliens.”
“Don’t need to tell me, girl,” Jeri said. “You’re preaching to the choir. I agree, we need to stick together.”
“There’s strength in numbers,” Maggie said in a stronger voice than before.
Benny ran through the door followed by a young Hispanic man carrying a large first aid kit, who looked like he was just dragged out of bed. He nearly skidded to a stop as he took in the look of all the girls. He mumbled a list of expletives in Spanish as Benny quickly introduced him to Maggie and Paige. “Girls, this is Rodger. He’s a registered nurse at one of the local hospitals.”
Rodger ran to Juno first. “What happened?” he asked, as he dropped the bag at her feet and knelt down in front of her.
“Hi, Rodger. Sorry to disturb your sleep, but I got trampled by a mob.” Juno tried to be humorous about it, but she could hear it fail miserably in her own ears.
Rodger dug into the bag and pulled out a blood pressure cup and stethoscope. “A mob? I’ve only been asleep for six hours. What the hell happened in six hours to cause a riot?”
“Aliens,” several girls said in unison.
Rodger gave them an irritated look. “Seriously, girls, what happened?”
“Seriously, Rodger. Listen,” Kaycee said, and then turned up the television.
“Since the president’s announcement earlier this morning, urging everyone to stay calm, riots have razed homes and businesses all over the entire U.S., killing thousands. The numbers are exponential as the death and destruction reaches around the globe. Government leaders are scrambling to bring order to their peoples, but several have found themselves short-handed, as many in their ranks have abandoned their posts, going AWOL, presumably fleeing into hiding with their families.
“Reports have come in informing that the alien ship has passed Jupiter, and still has to pass through our asteroid belt. Sci—”
Kaycee hit the mute button, and the room went silent.
Rodger stared at the TV in disbelief. Jeri gave him a hard nudge. “Focus, Rodger. These girls are in pretty bad shape.”
“Yes, you’re right.” Rodger began pumping the pressure cup. He took her vitals and gave a quick check over, then moved to the other girls. After he was done, he stood up.
“Juno, Paige, and Kaycee, you three need to head to the ER. Juno, you’re the worst, and I am concerned you may have some fractures and a concussion. Paige, you should take seriously the possibility of damage to your eye. And, Kaycee, your wrist may be broken. You will need an x-ray to tell for sure, though.”
“But how do we get there?” Juno asked. “We got like this just getting here just from the bus stop.”
“Hmm.” Rodger thought for a moment. “Hold on. Let me go make a call.”
Rodger grabbed his bag and hurried out of the apartment. Benny closed the door behind him but didn’t lock it, and Kaycee turned the channel to the Disney channel, for little Amanda. It was Doc McStuffins, and the song “Time for Your Check-up” filled the room.
“Pff, that’s irony for you.” Kaycee laughed.
Chapter Five
Contact with the humans was ended when they reached the asteroid field. Tasid now sat on the edge of his seat and stared at the screens that wrapped around the entire deck, giving them a wide, full view of the space around them. They were passing over a second asteroid belt, the one that still separated them from Little Blue. Even though they now knew the name of th
e planet, everyone still referred to it as Little Blue, as a term of endearment.
“Careful of that one over on the right, Skane,” he said to his navigator, pointing to a rolling asteroid on one of the viewing screens. Traveling anywhere near an asteroid belt wasn’t something to take lightly.
“Yes, sir. I’m more worried about that one.” Skane pointed to another asteroid. Though it was smaller, it was spinning in a faster motion.
Qurriq caught Tasid’s attention. “Sir, these asteroids are rich in different materials. We would do well in mining them.”
“Good. Record all of the information. As soon as the diplomatic fleet arrives, negotiations will be made that may allow us to mine them.” Tasid sat back and brought up some pictures of the asteroids Qurriq was recording. “Hmm, those are really good readings.”
Errim tilted his head sideways towards him but kept his sights on the screens. “We could use another ship to mine those gas giants we passed.”
Tasid continued his watch on the view of the dangerous field of mineral debris. “We are not likely going to be allowed to touch any of those, at least for a while. This solar system belongs to them, so every planet, comet, and asteroid will be under their rule. We will have a much greater chance with convincing them to allow us to mine a few of the asteroids, until they choose their political place in the galaxy. Some races are not interested in space travel, and are willing to give up many of their interplanetary rights. I do not believe that will be the case with these people. They are curious and adventurous.”
Errim glanced his way. “But they do not have the technology for space travel.”
“Nothing reasonable, no, but they may give up some of their rights for the tech. In that case, the asteroids are more negotiable than the planets. Even if they do allow us to harvest and mine them, a large portion of the earnings will be given to them. I am more interested in the asteroids. They may give us a smaller income, but because of the quantity of asteroids, it will be over a longer period of time, and we would be paying less in royalties. You know that I am not one for riches and fame, just stability and purpose.”
“Sir,” Burren interrupted, “Ambassador Jurresh is hailing.”
Tasid groaned. As if the deadly asteroid belt isn’t enough stress. Schooling his features, Tasid pressed the controls to accept his father’s call. “Ambassador, what can I do for you?”
“The diplomatic delegates and I have reviewed the recording of the first encounter with the humans. We decided to give you some pointers and topics for your next meet.”
“Send them to me, and I’ll look them over at a more appropriate time.”
Anger flashed across his father’s face. “You need to take this seriously! You have been given a great honor. You need to treat it, and the people who gave it to you, with more respect.”
Before his father could continue his rant, Tasid interrupted him. “We are currently traveling past an asteroid field, Ambassador. As you should know, it is highly dangerous, and requires all of our attention.”
Jurresh paused for a moment, clearly embarrassed, even if only to Tasid’s eyes. “Very well. Contact me as soon as you are clear of it.”
The floating holographic screen disappeared as the link was severed. Tasid growled on his exhale, but continued to watch the monitors around the room of the asteroid field they were immersed in.
Errim looked over at him. “How did you turn out so…”
“Sane?” Tasid finished.
“I was going to say something more like normal, decent, nice even.”
“I take after my mother,” Tasid said, playfully.
“Ah, that makes sense. How does she manage being mated to him?”
“Though my mother likes to tease Jurresh that if our females had wings, males like my father wouldn’t have won her in The Catch ceremonies, it’s all in jest. He’s a totally different male around her, and has won her heart. As much as I disagree with him, if I ever take part in The Catch ceremonies and catch a mate, I would want a relationship just like theirs. In that, he is a great male to emulate.”
“You are an honorable male, and a formidable one. When you enter into The Catch, you will undoubtedly succeed in catching a mate, and will easily earn her affections.”
“Thank you, Errim. I can say the same thing about you.”
With so much going on, the crew hadn’t eaten since the first meal, meaning they hadn’t left the bridge in hours, so Tasid arranged food to be brought to the bridge. Their meal was light, just something they could hold in their hands, and easily put down if something occurred, but it was enough. Tasid and the crew knew never to let their guard down near asteroids.
The day lasted well into their resting time, but before they turned in, they had cleared the field without any incidents. As he and his crew were replaced on deck for their rest cycle, they made their way to their quarters. Standing in front of his, Tasid was stopped by Errim.
“Don’t forget to call your father. At least let him know you are clear of the field, or he’s likely to have your wings clipped for not obeying his orders by calling him as soon as you were through.”
Tasid grunted his agreement. He watched Errim disappear into his quarters, which were right across the hall, before turning and entering his own. He felt another headache throb through his tired mind.
After cleansing, Tasid steadied himself as he sat in front of a panel that was in a corner. He opened up a holographic screen and sent a connection to his father. It took a little bit, but when Jurresh answered, it was clear Tasid had woken him. He bit back a smile at the sour look that crossed over Jurresh’s face.
“Tasid, what’s so important that you had to call at this late hour?”
He was careful to keep his voice matter-of-fact. “You ordered me to call as soon as we were clear of the fields.”
Tasid waited patiently as his father let off a string of curses. He perked up, however, when he heard his mother’s voice.
“Jurresh! You better clean up that mouth because I won’t allow that filth to get anywhere near me.”
“I’m sorry, Adonna, my love. Please forgive me.” His father’s voice sounded contrite. Tasid had to bite his tongue to refrain from bursting out laughing.
His mother appeared next to his father, smiling. “Oh Tasid! I saw the vid of your introductions with the new race. It was broadcasted to all of the allied worlds. It’s all anyone is talking about now. I also saw how you shared your moment with others. Your father and I are so proud of you, even though I am sure he doesn’t tell you he is.”
Tasid silently grunted in amusement as he continued to listen to her. His father sat silent, hiding his irritation with him, in front of Tasid’s mother.
“The whole family wants to throw a huge celebration for you once you return home, after the alliance is completed of course. Every eligible female wants you to fly in The Catch ceremony. With so many to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you are willing to fly and fight for. I can finally have grandchildren.”
Tasid forced himself to smile at his mother, who looked so hopeful. He didn’t know what to tell her. Every female would want him to live planet-side. They may be allowed to travel as a couple once in a while, but he just knew he’d get stuck living in one of those “safe haven” colonies so many of the new mates insisted their males move them to. They were set up as safe living zones away from those affected by the plague, but their laws and regulations were strict. Just the thought of living there made him feel stifled. And with their alliance being so shorthanded because of the numbers lost to war and the plague, he didn’t want to stop what he was doing. Tasid loved being in charge of his own ship. He loved his crew and his work.
His mother gave him a concerned look. “You look tired, sweetheart. Whatever you two need to talk about, make it quick.” She blew him a kiss, then leaned over and gave his father a quick kiss and walked away.
Jurresh watched her leave before he turned an angry glare back at him. His voice was
angry, but he lowered it so it wouldn’t carry. “Every time you reject the idea of mating, you hurt her. She had high hopes that you would change your mind. Most of your brothers are following you in your ridiculous and selfish ideas, and the ones who aren’t, are not strong enough yet.”
Tasid tensed. “A female deserves a mate who will love and cherish her. I am not going to mate with a female just to sire babes to carry on our line. That would be unfair to her. I know you don’t respect my choices, but they are the derivative of who I am. I would be an unfit mate if I have to give up who I am, to become some drone for you, or my would-be mate.”
Jurresh sighed and relaxed a bit. “Look, son, I get it. I know what it’s like to have a fire burning within you, and you’re afraid a mating will clip your wings, but I’m telling you it gives you a new set of wings. The love for your mate will be a new adventure with a different kind of flight, by making your heart soar.” Jurresh paused a moment to rub his face. “We have a new sort of epidemic happening on Gorvo.”
Tasid knitted his brows. “Another one? Is it like the one that has killed so many people across the galaxy?”
Jurresh tilted his head to the side and winced. “Related to it, but not a disease. More and more of our strongest males are too reluctant to take a mate for the same reason as you. Before the plague, it wouldn’t have been a problem, but with our numbers dwindling so rapidly it’s leaving the males who aren’t as strong, or as deserving, to take mates. Because of this, they are siring infants who are prone to illnesses and birth defects. They haven’t figured out what’s causing it yet. One theory is it has something to do with the plague because other races are starting to see the same thing, but it hasn’t been determined how. We need more strong and healthy, deserving males to take mates. None of this has been formally announced yet, but it soon will be. The medical council reported the numbers. If things don’t improve, our race will die out within two generations.”
Tasid’s fatigue started making itself more noticeable. “All right. I’ll think about it. That’s all I can promise at this moment. I need to keep my mission here in focus until you and the fleet arrive.”
