Star Rider and Bonds of Love: A Sci-Fi Space Opera with a Touch of Fantasy

by Heidi Skarie

  “I’ll wake you in a few hours; then we need to keep traveling.”

  “I don’t think we can travel in the dark. It’s too hard to see. How can you not be dead tired? You haven’t slept more than a few hours in the last two days.”

  “I haven’t recently been wounded like you.”

  “I need to sleep even when I’m in the best of health.” Jake curled up in one of the furs.

  Fully attentive, Michio listened to the night sounds. He hadn’t heard or seen signs of soldiers all day. After determining they were safe for the moment, he focused within, filling his body with Light and Sound. Soon warm energy radiated through him and the cold, weariness, and emotional stress fell away.

  He felt a ripple in the air, then Master Jadock appeared before him, smiling warmly. The Master was dressed in a pure white robe with gold trim. He touched his thumb to his forehead and bowed to Michio. “You’re doing much better at keeping your balance, no matter what happens in the outer world.”

  Michio returned the greeting and said, “This was a test?”

  “You are always being tested to gauge your worthiness of carrying the mantle of power.” Master Jadock faded away.

  After a few hours, Michio stood and walked around to stay awake and stretch his legs. The moon had risen and small patches of soft light shone through the trees.

  He heard a branch crack and froze, his heart pumping. It could be an animal, but instinct told him it wasn’t. Probably a scout hunting for them. He crept silently back to Jake and touched the man’s shoulder. “Jake,” he whispered.

  Jake jerked awake. “What is it?” he asked, groggily.

  “We have to go.”

  As they mounted the axterdon, a soldier burst forward through the trees and fired upon them. The axterdon roared, staggered and then started running on its two hind legs.

  “The axterdon’s been hit!” Jake said. “What’ll we do?”

  “Just hang on. It doesn’t seem to be slowing him down.”

  The panicked animal raced through the woods, weaving through the trees so quickly it soon became apparent that it could see in the dark. Michio held onto the rope and used the GPS on his watch to figure out which direction the axterdon was headed. Meanwhile, the axterdon raced on, paying no attention to Michio’s attempts to steer it.

  “It’s going to kill itself if it keeps running!” Michio said, feeling every jolt through his weary body.

  “It’s in pain and frightened. I don’t see how we can slow it down,” Jake replied.

  After a few miles, the axterdon began to slacken its pace. By then its body was covered with sweat, its breathing labored, and blood poured from its wound. The animal stumbled to a stop and Michio dismounted.

  “I’ll check its wound.”

  Jake slid off the axterdon’s back and, in the process, bumped the creature’s bloody wound. The axterdon roared and swung toward him with horns lowered.

  “Look out!” Michio shouted.

  Jake jumped away as the axterdon charged him. Michio grabbed the rope, but the axterdon barely slowed its attack. “Stop! Stop!” Michio shouted, trying to dig his feet into the ground. Jake raced for a tree as Michio was dragged behind the enormous creature.

  Upon reaching the tree, Jake started climbing. The axterdon whipped out its tail and sent Michio flying, then charged into the tree Jake was scaling, nearly throwing him off. The axterdon began shredding the bark with its horns, bellowing as it continued to attack the tree.

  Michio lay on the ground with the breath knocked out of him.

  “Can you move?” Jake yelled.

  Michio groaned. “I think so.”

  “Then get up a tree while I keep him distracted.” Jake broke off a thin branch and smacked it on the axterdon’s head.

  The beast roared and butted its horns against the tree trunk.

  Michio stood slowly, afraid any abrupt movement would catch the beast’s attention. He backed way until he reached a tall tree, then started climbing. Once he was safely away from the deadly horns, he gazed down upon the bleeding animal.

  The creature finally gave up its attack and lumbered off into the woods. “There goes our transportation,” Jake grumbled, climbing down the tree.

  “We’re alive. That’s worth something.”

  “True. I thought my life was over when it charged me.”

  “Let’s get going. That axterdon was making enough noise to announce our presence to all of Commander Rochambeau’s soldiers.” Anxious to leave, Michio started off at a fast walk and Jake kept pace, alert to the forest around them and any lurking dangers.

  Michio realized Jake was a good man to have at your side in tight situations..

  28

  Farmhouse

  Zac continued telling his stories each day. By the fourth day, he knew they couldn’t stay hidden much longer. They needed food and his stories weren’t enough to make their confinement bearable.

  He moved over to Benray. The large man’s foul-stench was especially offensive in the sinkhole’s confined space. He resisted holding his noise. “We should send out a few scouts to ascertain the location of Samrat soldiers and determine if it’s safe to leave the cave. Everyone is tired of being cooped up and Najetta’s well enough to travel. She’s stopped coughing so much and her fever had gone down.”

  “Are you volunteering to go on a reconnaissance mission?”

  “Yes, I’ll take a small team and search the area.”

  “Pick your team and leave after dark.”

  Late morning, Zac shared the last of his rations with Onolyn. Both of them had lost weight on this trip and neither of them had much weight to spare with Onolyn’s tall, willowy build and Zac’s lean, lanky height.

  “I want you to stay here while I go scouting tonight,” he said.

  “I want to come with you.”

  “I need you to protect Erling’s family. They’re our first priority.”

  “Where do think Erling and the others are?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know. They could’ve gone the mountain route.”

  “I don’t think Erling would desert his family or Jake his men.”

  “Maybe they didn’t have a choice.”

  Her worried eyes gazed into his. “Let me search the area with you tonight. You’re the only one left of our group and I don’t want to be separated from you.”

  They sat cross-legged, facing each other. He leaned forward, about to kiss her, when he heard a sound above them. He cocked his head, listening. The noise became a distinct rustling of sticks overhead. His hand went to his gun. A light shone into the cave and his heart began to pound. Was this it—had they been found?

  A voice called down. “It’s Kynail. Our ruse worked. The Samrat soldiers gave up and left the forest.”

  A happy cheer rose up from those inside the cave. Onolyn hugged Zac, then scrambled to her feet. He rose more slowly, disappointed that he hadn’t kissed her, but eager to escape the confines of the cave.

  ***

  Toemeka and Erling traveled through the trees all morning. At noon, they stopped for a rest and Toemeka found rainwater pooled in the curved center of a large leaf. She tilted the leaf toward her mouth and the cool water poured into her parched throat. “This works pretty good,” she said.

  Erling found another leaf and did the same.

  “Now if we could only find some food,” she said.

  “There isn’t time to search for food. We need to stay ahead of the soldiers. We’d better keep going.”

  Toward dusk, Toemeka spotted the stone arch. “The farm must be close.”

  Erling scanned the area. “We’re at the edge of the forest.” He pointed out a field of tall golden-colored mana glowing in the fading sunlight. Beyond it was the barn and farmhouse.

  “Do you think we’ve lost the soldiers?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “We could wait until dark to climb down,” she said.

  “Too perilous in the dark.” He started d
own and she followed, lowering herself from one branch to another. As they got closer to the ground, there were fewer and fewer branches. When the branches ran out, they used the rough bark to continue their descent.

  Toemeka heard a noise above her and looked up. Soldiers were climbing down the tree after them. “Erling, hurry! Soldiers!”

  Erling started descending faster and she scrambled to keep up with him. He reached the ground first and she dropped beside him moments later. They took off running toward the mana field. Together they pushed their way through the tall plants that rose above their heads and began weaving their way through the thick, leafy stalks.

  Toemeka soon lost sight of Erling, but could still hear him just ahead of her. In places, the plants grew so close together she had to squeeze her way between them. When she was deep in the field, she caught up with Erling who’d waited for her . He put his index finger to his lips, indicating to be quiet. Sweat gathered on Toemeka’s brow as she listened for the soldiers. A chill of dread swept over her when she finally heard them smashing their way through the field. She clenched her hands into fists, suppressing a desire to run.

  The soldiers drew closer and Toemeka eyes met Erling’s. He mouthed, “Stay put.”

  The soldiers passed by within several feet of Toemeka and Erling and kept going. Gradually the field became quiet again.

  Toemeka started to move and Erling shook his head and mouthed, “Wait.”

  Every muscle tense, Toemeka stood still, listening to the wind blowing through the stalks. She wondered if Michio and Jake made it to the farmhouse.

  “I think we’ve waited long enough,” Erling said. He started forward, breaking a trail for her through the mana field. When they reached the edge of the field, they looked across the fifty feet that separated them from the house.

  “I don’t see any soldiers,” Toemeka said.

  “That doesn’t mean they aren’t waiting for us.”

  “Do you want to wait until dark?”

  “No, we need to meet up with my family and get off this planet. I’ll go first. If they don’t fire, then you follow.”

  “That doesn’t make sense. I’ll go first. They’re trying to capture me alive.” Before he could object, she stepped out of the shelter of the mana field and ran toward the farmhouse. She felt as if soldiers might jump out and grab her at any moment.

  She reached the porch and crossed to the unusually tall front door, then hit the doorbell. Erling joined her by the time the door opened to reveal an enormous male Urled. He had greenish-brown scaly skin and a hairless head and body.

  She kept her eyes on his face as Urleds didn’t wear any clothes—their bodies self-regulated to deal with different temperatures.

  “It’ll be a full moon tonight,” Erling said to the farmer, giving the password.

  “Come quickly. Two soldiers were just here and searched the house.” He stepped back to let them in.

  “Will they come back?” Toemeka asked, once she was inside.

  “They might. We have an underground passage. Follow me.” He led them across the central room, adding, “I’m Horan. You must be Toemeka and Erling. Jake and Michio have already arrived.”

  Relief filled Toemeka. Michio and Jake were safe.

  The central room was spacious with oversized furniture suited to Urled large bodies. She smelled something cooking. A female Urled, with even greener scales than Horan, stepped into the room. “I’m Yawon. Are either of you hungry?”

  Toemeka’s stomach flipped, remembering the disgusting food she’d once seen an Urled eat.

  Erling didn’t seem to share her concern and said, “We’re starving.”

  “I have food on the stove. I’ll bring you some as soon as you’re safely hidden.” She left the room.

  Horan led down them down a flight of stairs and into the basement. He stopped at a concealed door in the floor and opened it. “Below is a cellar room where Jake and Michio are waiting for you.”

  Toemeka lowered herself onto the top rung of the ladder and started climbing down. Before long, she reached a small room with dirt walls supported by beams.

  “Toemeka!” Michio said upon seeing her. He crossed over and kissed her. She kissed him back, breathing in his scent. He smelled clean as if freshly showered and his chin and cheeks were soft for he’d shaved off his beard and cut his hair short.

  She was a little breathless when he released her.

  Jake and Erling embraced and pounded each other on the back. “We were worried about you and Toemeka,” Jake said. “We wanted to search for you, but Yawon insisted we hide instead. And no one argues with a determined female Urled.”

  “Cadmus’ men followed us,” Erling said. “But we lost them in the mana field.”

  “We’ll sleep here tonight,” Jake said. “In the morning, we’ll split up. I’ll take Erling to his family, so he can bring them to the rendezvous point. His family and my men are still in the forest, but they called in and are traveling all night to make it here tomorrow. They’ve been hiding from the soldiers in a sinkhole.”

  “Any news about how my mother is doing?” Erling asked.

  “She’s much better,” Michio said. “A few days of rest was just what she needed.”

  “Have you secured a ship for us to fly home?” Toemeka asked.

  “No, you and Michio are going to have to steal one,” Jake said.

  “Toemeka’s not coming with me,” Michio said. “It’s too dangerous.”

  Exhausted, Toemeka sat on a chair, waiting to hear Jake’s answer.

  “You have to have a partner,” Jake replied. “Do you want to team up with Erling instead?”

  “I’ll go alone.”

  “Getting Erling’s family off this planet hinges on stealing a ship. If something goes wrong, this whole mission fails.”

  “Nothing will go wrong.” Michio’s voice was sharp.

  Jake straightened and his eyes narrowed. “It’s not your call. I’m in charge of the Resistance.”

  “You’re not in charge of me.”

  Toemeka’s chest tightened. She had a strong sense that she’d be needed on the mission and was glad Jake was the one arguing with Michio, not her. Michio was stubborn when his mind was made up.

  “It’s a two-person operation,” Jake said with authority in his voice. “If you won’t follow orders, I’ll send Erling and Toemeka to steal a ship and you can go meet Erling’s family.”

  “Jake’s right,” Erling said. “It’s best if two go. Toemeka’s a trained Coalition operative. She’ll be an asset.”

  Michio brow furrowed. “I can get into the complex without being noticed if I’m alone.”

  “The idea isn’t to get in unnoticed,” Jake said. “You’ll pose as pilots and get clearance to fly a ship out.”

  Toemeka looked the map spread out on the table. “What’s the plan, Jake?” She felt Michio’s eyes on her.

  “When Erling’s family, Zac, and Onolyn make it out of the wilderness, they’ll be taken here.” He pointed to a spot on the map. “A member of the Resistance will hide them in her home. You and Michio will go to a Samrat military base, steal a spacecraft and meet them there.” He pointed to another spot on the map.

  He looked her directly in the eye. “Tiger, it’s a dangerous mission and Michio does have abilities that go beyond most. He probably can handle the mission on his own. A backup person is safest, but I’m not ordering you to go. It’s up to you to decide.”

  “It’s a bold plan,” she said. “Why do we need to steal a spaceship from the military? Doesn’t the Resistance have any?”

  Jake shook his head. “I’m afraid not. We’re in occupied territory. Condor has been thorough in his takeover of Kossel.”

  “You said Kossel wasn’t completely taken over!” Toemeka exclaimed. “We came all this way so the Resistance could get us a ship.”

  “That’s the intelligence I was given, but things have changed.”

  Her heart sank. “You mean we came all this wa
y for nothing?”

  “At the time, it was our best option.”

  “I’ll go with Michio.” She felt her husband stiffen beside her.

  “Good, that’s settled,” Jake said.

  Horan came down the ladder, carried a large bowl. Jake rolled up the map as Erling sat at the table and started eating from the bowl with his fingers.

  “Sit down, Toemeka,” Erling said. “Eat. You haven’t eaten in days.”

  “It looks like there’s enough for us all,” Toemeka said, sitting down. “Does anyone else want any?”

  “We’ve already eaten,” Michio said.

  Toemeka’s stomach growled and she decided she was hungry enough to try Urled food. Erling appeared to be enjoying it. She fished in the bowl for a piece of meat and gingerly took a bite. The meat was tough and chewy, but passable.

  While they ate, Horan took a head shot of Michio with his communicator. “You’ll need photo ID cards to get into the building,” Horan explained. “Toemeka, you’re next.”

  Toemeka got her photo taken then sat back down and ate rest of her meal.

  “I’ll make up your cards tonight,” Horan said. “See you in the morning.” He headed up the ladder.

  “Pick a bunk,” Jake said, putting to two sets of bunkbeds. “We could all use a good night’s sleep.”

  Erling and Jake took one set of bunk beds and Toemeka took the lower bunk of the other set. She expected Michio to take the top bunk, but instead he lay down beside her on the narrow mattress and put out the lights. As they were thrown in total darkness, Toemeka snuggled into Michio’s arms, glad to have him beside her. She always felt safest when he was close.

  ***

  In the morning, Horan woke them when he turned on the lights and started down the ladder. Toemeka opened her eyes to see Michio gazing down at her. She smiled and said, “Good morning.”

  “Sleep well?”

  “Like the dead. I was exhausted.. And you?”

  He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “With you in my arms, I finally slept.”

  Horan set a bowl down on the table. “More stew.”