Daughter Of Ethos: Divine Justice Book 4

by L M Lacee

  Peyton heard the loneliness in his voice and in what he did not say. She knew he craved touch in his own way as much as they did in theirs. ‘Okay, Jax you are one of us now, so wake the rest of yourselves up, it seems silly to keep them in stasis. Please try not to frighten our people.’

  I will endeavor to be gentle.

  ‘I will explain you to Darby and Jean, expect lots and lots of questions.’

  She was positive he sighed before saying. I will.

  Peyton returned to her work while Rayvan slept, she always tried to get as much done as possible before the day started. She and Jax chattered about who and what he was and what she hoped for the future of the Universe and her people. She knew he could probably access any file in the data stream and on most planets and she suspected he already knew just about everything there was to know about Earth and Maikonia. Peyton thought it was the vibration from her voice that was a form of touch which he liked and gave him comfort. He told her, he especially enjoyed humor, it was something that had been sadly lacking in his life until he woke and discovered Terrans. But surpassing humor was his passion for learning and he assured her, she and her people gave him plenty to learn about. She knew it was the fact he could talk and interact finally, but still she wasn’t sure if that was a compliment.

  When Rayvan woke, she bathed him and gave him his required morning protein shake, then she introduced him to Jax. They chattered for a few mins while Peyton got ready to leave. Rayvan decided he would walk to Esther’s diner where they were to have their first-meal and the morn meeting. It was, after all, their daily routine whether on land or in space.

  The walk entailed many stops to say hello to all his friends and Prowlers, whether he knew them or not. They had just stopped so Rayvan could hug and talk to yet another Prowler, thankfully this juvenile seemed happy with the contact. When Peyton remembered that Jean needed to be at the morn meeting.

  ‘Jax please ask Jean to come to Esther’s diner for the morn meeting and please keep track of Commander Hawk. I think that situation should be resolved soon.’

  As you wish Madam.

  After only a few more stops, Peyton arrived in the diner with a very pleased Rayvan who had talked to as many people and Prowlers as possible. She told him as they entered. ‘Little warrior, you are well-loved.’

  He beamed up at her and let her hand go, racing as fast as his legs would take him to Draykin.

  ‘Draykin… Draykin me walk and saw people and Prowlers.’

  Draykin squealed, ‘avn avn’

  They collided in a tangle of arms and legs, Knife, Scout and Bacon ended up in the mix. Peyton laughed, as did Darby, when they met and walked toward their table. ‘Is my boy under there?’

  Peyton smiled. ‘Yep.’

  ‘Is it my imagination or is Rayvan talking better?’

  ‘I think he mastered the art of speech overnight.’

  ‘Probably because the block has gone.’

  Peyton frowned. ‘Block?’

  ‘You know, with being a secret alien from another Universe and all.’

  They had reached the table by now, where a sleepy Melody sat with Netta and Lukkas. Kate and Sedeen, Harm’s brother arrived at the same time.

  Jean said, ‘Greetings.’ As she placed her plate on the table and slid into her seat. ‘What did I miss?’

  Netta grinned as she moved over a little. ‘Darby just pointed out Rayvan was a blocked secret alien.’

  ‘Ohh, I see.’ She took a bite of something orange and stared at the two females, who were squaring off against each other.

  Darby grinned with loads of mischief shimmering in her eyes, as Peyton ran her tongue around her teeth then with a nod she accepted the challenge. ‘Is that right sister, you given this a lot of thought then?’

  Darby tried not to laugh as she casually shrugged, ‘Well, you know, adorable as he is. I may have battered it around a little.’ She shrugged again. ‘You know?’

  ‘No, I really don’t?’ She eyed her small sister, the fact she was just a little taller than Darby made all the difference as she told her often. ‘You know Jax is not an A.I?’

  Darby and Jean burst out laughing as Peyton walked to the food station. Oh goody, bacon and eggs. She watched their laughter fade, and speculation enter both female’s eyes as they looked at her then at each other.

  Huh! Secret Aliens and Universes. That will teach her. Peyton smirked as she filled plates for her and Darby and the boys. By the time she got back to the table Esther had wrangled both boys into their floating high chairs. Rayvan kissed Esther’s cheek. ‘I love you, Grammie.’

  ‘Oh darling boy, I love you too. So you can talk?’

  ‘Because I want to know things Grammie?’

  ‘Well listening.’ She tugged his ear, making him giggle. ‘Learns you more.’

  He nodded his head. ‘Yep, me knows.’

  Esther said to Peyton. ‘Well I never.’

  ‘It is new.’ Peyton placed a plate in front of each of the boys and then Darby as she said. ‘Darby says it is because the blocks are gone and he is a secret alien.’

  Esther frowned. ‘Darby Kline really, my grandson?’

  Darby swallowed the food she had just taken a bite of and blushed at Esther’s scolding and hurriedly said. ‘Well Peyton said the A.I. is not an A.I.’

  Esther said in the voice that said I am disappointed. ‘Peyton…’

  Jax interrupted. In fact Lady Esther, Madam is correct, I am not an A.I.

  ‘Huh!’ Peyton fist punched the air.

  Perking up Melody said. ‘Don’t do that, it is so wrong.’

  Lukkas looked at her. ‘It is Commander?’

  ‘Yes, I will teach you how to do it proper, after our meeting.’

  He grinned as Sedeen said. ‘What is it?’

  Lukkas said, ‘It is an expression…’

  Sedeen said. ‘No… no... If it is not an A.I. what is it?’

  Lukkas nodded. ‘I see, I would like to know as well.’

  Darby and Jean sat with their food going cold as Peyton satisfied with her bombshell said to a bemused Kate. ‘Kate you came?’

  She yawned. ‘Draygons really, did you think I would not, what is going on here?’

  ‘Payback.’

  ‘Alright then.’ She started eating the food on her plate as Peyton looked around, ‘Oh look, Malchol and Rose. Greetings you two’

  ‘Greetings.’ They both said, as they went to collect their food. Peyton started to eat as did everyone else, but Darby and Jean who kept eyeing her suspiciously. When Jorge and Amelia arrived with a very sleepy Karen, who declined food and asked for coffee instead, which was delivered along with Peyton’s cup.

  She said. ‘I call this meeting open.’

  Rave, Tipper and Honor walked up and sat with the kits. Salmah arrived and sat by Rave. Then Patty, Heather, Dinas and Harm arrived. ‘Sorry we are late’ Heather apologized, and they rushed to get food.

  A loud and ferocious roar had Salmah flinching and everyone stilling for a few seconds, then continuing as though they had not heard the sound. There were plenty of seats as the designers had made this table longer and wider than all the others in the diner. Now it would seat over forty people, more if needed. When everyone was seated and either eating or helping the boys.

  Peyton said. ‘I now call this meeting open.’

  Kate asked. ‘Isn’t it to order?’

  ‘Hush new girl; it is open because anyone can say whatever whenever. It is our family command meeting.’ Netta told her.

  Kate grinned. ‘I like that.’

  ‘Well good for you.’ Darby said. ‘Now what the freaking hayda, and do not repeat that Rayvan.’ She admonished.

  ‘Yes Ma’am.’ He said as he nodded his head.

  Heather and Patty and their mate’s heads whipped around as he spoke, Heather said. ‘Oh isn’t that wonderful?’

  Rayvan giggled. ‘Greetings Auntie Heather, Uncle Harm, Auntie Patty, Uncle Dinas, me can talk.’

&n
bsp; ‘Oh my stars, aren’t you adorable?’ Patty cooed to him.

  Heather praised him as she said. ‘Look at you naming all of us.’

  ‘Clever warrior boy.’ The males ruffled his hair as the aunts kissed him.

  Draykin giggled and said. ‘kisskiss aunnee.’

  They both dutifully bestowed kisses on him causing him to giggle more, while the males ruffled his hair as well. Patty grinned at them. ‘Sweet boys.’

  ‘Well?’ Demanded Darby. ‘What the hayda is going on, speak female?’

  Peyton dabbed at her mouth and said, ‘Jax was asked to come and inhabit Maikonia; he is a living sentient life form. His kind love to explore and find new and exciting worlds to learn from and in the process he will exchange technology with us.’

  Darby gasped. ‘Oh my stars, the ships.’

  ‘The water system!’ Jean exclaimed.

  Darby asked. ‘Jax, are you responsible for them?’

  I am Specialist Darby. I was bored and waiting for Maikonia to wake again, it gave me plenty of time to design.

  No trace of the sleepy Melody was in evidence when she asked. ‘Did you design the Hexes?’

  No, not my design, the bots and other tech systems are mine. As are the airlifts and transfer circles. The buildings you call Hexes were there when I arrived.

  Netta asked. ‘When was that?’

  ‘A long time ago, from a land far, far away.’ Answered Peyton for him.

  Darby raised her eyebrows, but did not pursue that line of questions, when Peyton used that tone it was her back off voice.

  Melody asked. ‘Jax if you designed this ship, why the hayda don’t the transfer circles work?’

  Madam does not like them.

  Everyone frowned or scowled at her. ‘Oh harsh, like I knew. Jax, do you operate the transfer circles here and at home?’

  I control all the systems, including the transfer circles.

  Just then they heard another loud roar from Hawk. Salmah ducked her head as her whole body quivered. Dinas’s face wore a pinched look, it was easy to see the worry in his eyes. Patty took his hand as Peyton suggested. ‘Jax maybe, you should get the transfer circles up and running.’

  ‘Probably a good idea.’ Kate mumbled just loud enough for all to hear.

  As you wish, Madam, they are operational now.

  ‘Thank you, that was quick.’

  Jean grunted as her face wore the habitual crease between her eyes, either of concern or she was thinking. Peyton never knew which one it was, around her it was usually annoyance.

  ‘So.’ Darby barked, as her eyes flashed with concern and Peyton bet devious ways to turn Jax off. ‘Is he here to take over the Universe?’

  I am not.

  ‘Huh! You aren’t? That’s good, so what can we get him to do for us, we could…’

  I am sorry if you are under the misunderstanding Specialist Darby, that I function like an A.I. I am a life form. Not a bite of programming, therefore I am as you are, alive.

  Startled, Darby said. ‘Well what and who are you here for?’

  The Star Daughter, she is my primary contact.

  ‘Oh I see.’ Darby grimaced as she said. ‘I apologize Jax, it is just going to take us a while to get our heads around that concept.’

  Understandable Specialist.

  ‘Slammed.’ Peyton said. ‘Points to me.’

  ‘Shut it, Star Girl.’

  ‘Girls!’ Esther reprimanded.

  ‘Ma’am.’ They said together.

  Peyton said. ‘So let’s see, an A.I. who is not an A.I. Check. Darby annoyed, check.’ Peyton looked down at Salmah as Darby growled. ‘Salmah hon, he is alright. I know it does not seem that way. He is going through a change, morphing into something beyond his control, because he has not dealt with some things. Please be patient, it will not be long now, maybe even today.’

  He is no longer with me. I do not feel my bonded anymore.

  ‘I am sorry Salmah, trust me it will not be long.’

  I will trust you, Beloved.

  ‘That is all I ask.’ Peyton looked at the people around the table. ‘In saying that, do not approach Hawk. Tell your people to bypass him if they see him, he is not to be engaged with. Commanders, Captains, Harm, Sedeen, arm yourselves with stunners and swords. If you have to defend yourselves or loved ones, do so. Do not kill him or get yourselves killed, call for me. Jax is monitoring him and if he needs you, he will comm you and me. Understood?’

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  ‘Okay Hawk, check.’

  Amelia asked. ‘Checklist?’

  ‘It is new.’ Melody answered.

  ‘I am trying to be efficient; Penny is not here to yell... I mean remind me.’ Snarled Peyton to amused laughter.

  THIRTY-SEVEN:

  ‘So that brings us to the next item.’ She gave a narrowed eyed glare at Melody and sniffed. ‘We are three days from Draygann and we know next to nothing about the Draygonissia. Except their Empress or Darganissa wishes to eradicate the Bronze Draygons from her world.’

  Melody said, ‘Maybe Jax knows more, do you Jax?’

  I do not understand the question? You have a Draygonissia here.

  ‘We do, who is it?’ Darby asked, as surprised as the others.

  The child Draykin.

  They all turned to Draykin, who shoved a handful of food into his grinning mouth.

  Netta disagreed. ‘Nah, he doesn’t have wings?’

  ‘We know they have wings?’ Kate agreed with Netta.

  Only after they turn twenty-five, their… what you would call their coming of age yenta.

  ‘Oh… Oh, my.’ Heather said as Darby grabbed Draykin from his highchair and clamped him to her chest. The suddenness of her actions caused Draykin to cry out in alarm, which made Rayvan cry.

  She screeched at Peyton, her eyes desperate. ‘Peyton no. They cannot have him back, I will not give him up. He is mine, do you hear?’

  ‘Darby.’ Esther calmly said. ‘Hush now, you are frightening Draykin. Sweet girl, no one is taking your boy. Ease up some dearle, you are scaring him.’

  Darby looked down into her son’s fear-filled eyes wet with tears and shook her head. ‘Oh my baby boy, Mama is so sorry, here go to Grammie.’ She passed him to Esther, who cuddled him as he cried. Rayvan was by now on Melody’s knee, being likewise cuddled.

  Darby knew fear intimately, but this fear stole her breath and made her needar quake. Peyton took her hands in hers. ‘Darby, sister of mine, do you think I would allow anyone, anywhere, to remove that sweet boy from you, from us?’ Darby shook her head from side to side as Peyton told her. ‘If by some miracle they could get by me to take him from you. Is there a thought in your head that they would be able to get pass his aunties and uncles?’ She nodded to the adults around the table. ‘And if by chance that happened, what moron would think they could take that sweet boy from Honor or any of the Warriors or Prowlers. Your fears are understandable but groundless dearle sister.’

  Darby took a breath and let her head drop onto Peyton’s shoulder as she said. ‘No, I am guessing not a chance in hayda.’

  ‘Good,’ Peyton hugged her. ‘Hold to that Darby, hold tight to that and don’t forget, we have our new defense guy named Jax.’

  ‘Peyton hon, he is just a life form in the shape of a comp.’ She whispered.

  Jax whispered back. I can still hear you and in that you are wrong I am a weapon when I am fully operational. I will be an attack and defensive system unparalleled in this Universe.

  ‘Only for this ship?’ Jean asked, fascinated despite herself.

  No.

  ‘For all the ships?’

  No.

  ‘Oh my stars. I don’t think I want to know any more.’

  That is probably wise, Specialist Jean.

  ‘Alright, I get it, he’s going nowhere.’ Darby said and took a much needed breath.

  ‘Jax, can you tell us what you know about the people of Draygann? We have very little information, it seems they are
a secluded society.’

  Madam, I will tell you what I know but my information will not be complete.

  ‘Whatever you have is more than what we know.’ Kate informed him.

  Very well Artar, the Draygonissia settled Draygann many eons ago, when they were still able to shape shift into what you refer to as Dragons. They are or were a very warlike people. They have six distinct colors all combinations stem from these. Blue, Green, Red, Silver, Gold and Bronze each color has a purpose. Bronze are tacticians and Warriors they are led by Warmasters, one or two every generation. Blue are peace makers and creative artists. Red are healers. Silver are architects, designers, builders. Green are agriculturists, farmers.

  Gold are scientists.

  Kate asked. ‘What of their growth cycle?’

  The hatching of eggs occurs between three and four luneras, the young develop as all young do. They sit at four luneras, crawl at eight luneras, and usually walk at twelve to sixteen luneras. Speech usually develops between two and three yentas of age. Of course all these are generalization, although what is not are their growth yentas. They have a growth yenta at five, fifteen and twenty-five yentas when their wings begin to grow. They mature at a normal rate but are unable to breed until their thirtieth yenta. Then unfortunately they are prolific, hence the storage of eggs. The Draygonissia can live for many hundreds of yentas.

  Heather asked. ‘How do they know what color the young are?’

  The color of the egg depicts the color of the Draygonissia, of course not all will have the same color wings. They can and often develop a softer lighter color for example a blue, may have green or teal wings.

  ‘Wow!’ Darby said, looking at a now happy Draykin.

  Kate asked as she watched Draykin play with a toy Peyton had produced from a pocket. ‘How can you know the gender when the baby is in the egg?’

  Two rings for a male, three for a female.

  ‘How can they stock pile eggs?’ Patty wanted to know, she scratched her head, it seemed impossible, would the baby not die. Eggs she thought had to stay at a constant temperature like chicken eggs.

  The shell of an egg is similar to a stasis tube, like your sleepers are placed in. They will stay dormant until they are placed in a consistent warm incubator. I have the temperature and pics of what they should look like to successfully hatch the eggs.