Daughter of Ethos

by L M Lacee

  A pale, tearful Heather stated. ‘To reduce the number of the inhabitants on her surface. So she murdered our people by creating the Virus.’

  Sunshoona hurried to explain further. ‘Please realize, this is Gaea. Mother Earth, an almost sentient planet, she does not always think in a logical way.’

  The ground rumbled in response to her words, Sunshoona stamped her foot and the ground moved slightly. ‘You see she is stubborn.’

  She sighed. ‘It probably has something to do with always thinking of the future or maybe it could be as simple as carrying the immense weight of her world. I did not understand her reasoning. She decided that if she reduced the number of males born, then the number of females would also reduce but at a far slower rate. Therefore, she would not have to be so direct with the ones who bring forth the next generation of her people. She felt it was the lesser of two evils. When I fully understood what she had decided. I argued against what she planned as I am sure you would have and obviously do. Unfortunately, I was proved right; she didn’t take into account the mutation factor of the Virus or the heart of the beings that make up her people. So it did not work out as she hoped. Which I might add, I tried to explain to her, but who can argue with a planet!’

  Melody’s anger exploded as she surged from her seat and demanded in tones bordering on disrespectful.

  ‘I am sorry, how are we to be anything other than angry. We lost our families, my forces, and I were drafted to burn millions of bodies. Whole cities and towns disappeared and were demolished. There are countries still uninhabited, just empty where once millions lived. What we knew as our world is no more and now we are at the mercy of a Government who has become beholden to aliens that are selling women. We...’ She flicked her hand toward Heather and Darby, then to indicate the women outside the house. ‘Have been in hiding for months, living in fear and all of this. We must just accept and understand because she is the planet!’

  Heather reached over and gently took Melody’s hand, encouraging her to sit back down. This was not a time for her famous anger. What was staring out at them from Peyton’s eyes was not someone they knew? This was something vast and scary, something that was far outside their scope of understanding.

  Sunshoona looked at the three angry and grieving females and said simply. ‘Take care daughters of Gaea, not all is as it seems!’

  ‘What… what is not as it seems?’ Heather asked in a voice that was devoid of her usual calm tones. The feelings of grief she usually kept at bay rose up from her soul and swamped her, removing the fear she had felt when Melody had challenged Sunshoona. The anger and pain she carried in her heart resonated in her voice as she asked bitterly. ‘Tell us Sunshoona, what more can Gaea do to us? We lost our world and our families for some of us we are the only members left, so how much more can she hurt us? Maybe she will kill us or make it, so we have to leave our home world.’

  Scornfully Melody snarled. ‘Oh look, she is doing that!’

  Sunshoona agreed and her voice held sadness as she said soothingly. ‘Your anger and bitterness is justified and righteous but unhelpful. Nothing she does now or we do will turn time back, you must go forward. If I could, I would give you back your families and the world as you knew it but I cannot. We can only help you to choose your new family as you have done. Gaea has realized what she has wrought on her surface and she has taken steps to call on ones that can and will make it so you may leave with protection.’ She indicted the Warriors with a graceful hand.

  The three women looked to where the Warriors sat with shuttered expressions. Darby cleared the emotion from her throat then said. ‘So, you have placed the Warriors in our path to facilitate our exodus from Earth. We hope that is what happens, but what you are asking of us is almost impossible.’

  She looked at the anguished expressions of her sisters and knew her face held the same expression of anger and sadness. Shaking her curly head, her voice gained strength as she said. ‘To forgive and accept death on the scale that happened to our people is beyond us at the moment and maybe forever. Gaea may have had her reasons but her execution of billions of people defied that reasoning. She killed something in us who remain alive, that may never be restored and for that I am grateful to be leaving.’

  Melody quietly second Darby’s words. ‘I too am glad to be leaving.’

  Heather just shook her head as tears clogged her throat. Melody defiantly stared at Sunshoona as she stated. ‘A mother’s job is to protect and cherish her children. Gaea did neither, she extinguished her people like we meant nothing. She broke trust, just as any Commanding officer does when he or she orders his soldiers into a situation they know is suicidal.’

  Sunshoona quietly replied. ‘I am so very sorry you feel this way but again, I say I cannot change what has happened, no one will ever be able to. Just like there is no one who wishes you to forget or accept what has happened. All I am asking, is for you to try to understand; some things in life are far greater than the lives of transitory beings.’ She held her hand up as all three women’s heads snapped up as their eyes zeroed in on her. ‘Please, before you become angered again. In the scope of beings long lived, such as myself, your lives are fleeting. So all we can do is move forward and offer you hope.’

  As Melody went to speak again, Sunshoona’s voice hardened. ‘This was enough for the one you call Peyton. Will it not be enough for you, even though she assured us it would be?’ Her words were enough to make Melody’s shoulders slump in resignation, and Heather and Darby nod slowly.

  Sunshoona softly stated. ‘I understand more than you know, that this is not ideal or just, but it is where we are now. Believe me, Peyton made it quite clear for many hours how she felt about Gaea’s decisions and like you, she scolded Gaea for breaking trust with her people. In fact, she has stated she will no long speak to Gaea and cannot see a time in the near future where she will change her mind on this. Gaea is very upset but again that is of no concern of yours. I am sure you will want to discuss this with Peyton.’

  The three women relaxed a little more at the thought of Peyton explaining to the star and planet why she was so angry.

  TWELVE:

  Sunshoona seemed to take a deep breath in and let it out slowly before she said. ‘So, let us fix what we can and move on, do you agree?’

  The three women reluctantly nodded, Sunshoona nodded as well. ‘Good, obviously when I realized what was happening. Gaea and I sent a message out to others of my kind and they looked for a suitable environment to place the people of Earth on. Before that could happen the humans, you very clever beings contacted the Coalition of Planets and here we are today.’

  She sighed again, sadly this time. ‘Unfortunately, it has not gone well for you. I hope you believe me when I tell you Gaea is distraught at what has happened and her part in it.’

  Everyone in the room could feel the anger and concern coming from her as she told them. ‘I knew I could not help everyone left on Earth’s surface, for not everyone needed my help, and they still do not. In time that may come to pass but for now, Peyton has advised us to wait and see what they want in the future. I am very happy I decided to involve myself with what was happening, because if I had not. I would never have met this wonderful woman.’

  She smiled benevolently as she told them. ‘Peyton St. Hill, is a true Daughter of the Stars.’ She laughed with amazement as she said. ‘I was stunned to have found a Star Daughter on Gaea’s surface. All this time I did not know a child of Gaea could be a Daughter to the Stars. I sent out a message to the Star Child as soon as I realized. They have told Peyton of a solar system ready to welcome you. This system has been shielded for just over two megaannus!’

  Sunshoona waited while they all turned to Darby, even the Warriors, without looking up from her tablet she stated. ‘Over two million years.’

  Melody and Heather accepted Darby would know the answer. The Warriors had other concerns as expressed by Commander Roeah. ‘Excuse me Sunshoona. We have never heard of a closed sola
r system, is it in our universe?’

  She smiled gently at him. ‘Of course you have not heard of it, did I not just say it was shielded? Yes it is in your universe, our Star Daughter has the coordinates. Now as I was saying!’ A gentle rebuke at being interrupted in her voice.

  ‘Wait! Who is this Star Child?’ Melody asked Sunshoona, who looked at her pointedly and said in a voice that held displeasure. ‘I am sure Peyton or the Warriors will explain who that is later as I stated my time is limited!’

  Melody nodded and mumbled. ‘Sorry.’

  Sunshoona continued. ‘The solar system has nine liveable planets and is known as Maikonia. In the language of the Stars, it means. Home! It is and always has been home for our Star Daughter or Son, and anyone they deem in need of sanctuary and the safety of Maikonia.’

  There was a sigh of longing and contentment but whether from the Warriors or women it was hard to determine.

  ‘I see the name and idea pleases you. I am glad, my sibling stars, tell me the system is empty and the planets and moons desperately need inhabitants as they are dying from lack of occupation. I will tell you a little known truth!’ She leaned closer to them as though she was imparting a secret. ‘If planets are abandoned for too long, they will cease to be. Their suns and moons will fade to nothing; loneliness destroys unconditionally!’

  ‘Are you saying?’ Darby interrupted her, missing the frown that swiftly passed over Sunshoona’s face.

  ‘That the planets are becoming sentient, are we going to have the same problem there, as we have here, in a few lifetimes?’

  Sunshoona smiled kindly at Darby. ‘No, gentle and clever Darby, the planets are not sentient. They are just lonely… very lonely. It has been many of your lifetimes since a sentient being tread on the surface of their worlds and they weep with despair.’

  Sadness invaded the room as the women felt the loneliness she spoke of and the Warriors once again felt the soul destroying effect, being alone had on someone.

  Peyton cried out, promising Sunshoona she would make sure each planet received attention and vowed not to forget the suns and moons.

  Sunshoona soothed her gently. I know, this is one of the reasons you are the Star Daughter.

  Sunshoona turned her attention again to the people in the room dispelling the feeling of sadness from the air.

  ‘The planets are of a similar type to Gaea, with only a few minor differences. The Stars assure me that you all will be welcomed and there would be little to no acclimatization necessary for either of your species. In other words, you can breathe the air and drink of the waters on all the planets and several of the moons. What they look like is up to you to find out. As you can imagine once I knew of this, I made myself known to our daughter, Peyton. Which I should tell you, it took some convincing, as a race you are very skeptical beings. I had to be quite determined with her, eventually she had no choice but to believe me. When the Star Child met with Peyton, they reminded us that there were more than just the females of Earth that needed help. After many hours of discussion, the Star Child and Star Daughter came to an agreement. I will not elaborate on what that entailed, as it was between Peyton and our Star Child. I am aware of the plan they agreed on to rescue not only the females of Earth but the Warriors of Jenersar, which brings us here tonight.

  My time is nearly gone and I think I have given you as much explanation as I can, just know that the plan is sound and can be accomplished, if you all work together. Do not forget you have the Star Daughter to guide you and she has the ability to speak to stars, moons and planets who will help lead you to a new life, if you are willing to trust in her. Now, I must go, I know I leave you ladies, in good hands. Trust in the Warriors and the first Star Daughter in over two Megaannus.’

  Each of the Warrior’s eyes filled with wonder as the Entity known as Sunshoona smiled and told the women. ‘The Warriors will explain what this means or our Daughter will. For now, just remember to help each other, there is a wonderful adventure waiting for you. Your future awaits you. Our Star Daughter has all the information that is required for you to reach the solar system. The answers you all seek are waiting to be found. I wish you all good luck.’

  With that she faded away, no one was left in any doubt that what they had seen and heard was true or that she was gone. Especially when Peyton slid into a chair and let her head thump onto the table. Heather rushed to examine her as Darby sat staring into her tablet and Melody sat staring at the wall.

  Finally, Melody took in a calming breath, then clapped her hands together, startling everyone in the room, grinning she said. ‘Well, I think this deserves coffee and cake, what do you guys say. Are up for some Earth tea and the best damn chocolate cake you have ever had?’

  Hesitantly, they all nodded, and with a firm hand under Darby’s elbow and a nod to Heather, she made them help her. No one spoke as the women made the tea and placed plates and cups on the table, the males just sat and watched Peyton, who kept her eyes closed, thinking hard about the explanation she would be making to her friends.

  Five minutes later, when all the men were munching on chocolate cake and they seemed to be relaxing their guard. Darby finally asked. ‘Why didn't you tell us, Peyton?’

  Everyone listening could hear the hurt under her words as Peyton lowered her cup and reached over and hugged her. ‘I wanted to and was going to last night and then again tonight before the Warriors arrived. Except every time I tried, she would hold my words and not let me, which I have to say was exceedingly annoying.

  Look, when she first approached me, I was so worried I had made her up and that I had finally crossed the line into crazy town. For heaven’s sake, who would believe that I had been not only visited by the freaking sun but had spoken to her? Then an Entity, known as the Star Child and we had talked for hours, truthfully I didn't, not really, I kept hoping I had not imagined it all.’

  She sighed deeply and pleaded softly. ‘How could I ask you to believe me, when until tonight, I held only a small hope that I was not delusional? Then, of course, Commander Roeah and his squad showed up.’ She shrugged and shook her head, then scrubbed her hands through her hair, messing it up as she did. She lifted her face and turned slightly to the sisters of her heart as Sunshoona had called them and knew she had made a mistake. Not one of the women noticed or even remembered they had an audience.

  Peyton whispered. ‘The worse thing about this, is I realize none of you would have thought I was nuts or any more nuts than usual. You would have believed me because we chose each other and are a family. That is stronger than anything, even our anger and sorrow, and for that I am sorry I didn’t trust in our family enough.’

  Letting out a breath, she pleaded with them. ‘Please forgive me I know I have failed you, I didn’t return the faith you have always shown me, and I should have. I swear for however long we have each other, I will never do that again!’

  Darby looked from her to the other two who nodded and then at Peyton again. ‘Done!’

  Heather sighed as she said. ‘Agreed!’

  Melody said. ‘Warriors!’

  All of them looked at the waiting males, and Peyton gave them a small smile. ‘Oh, we are sorry, we did not intend to ignore you.’

  A little shocked and not at being ignored, the Warriors realized the females meant their apology. Hawk Roeah said. ‘It is of no import, Star Daughter.’

  Peyton frowned as she said. ‘I beg to differ, it was rude, and we will endeavor not to let it happen again. This is going to be difficult; there will be mistakes made on both sides, cultural differences and how we talk and act toward each other is important. However, the biggest problem we will have is conversing, if you and we cannot talk to each other honestly and openly. It will make our partnership harder, not impossible just harder. I feel this is not something you are familiar with, which is okay, we will do the majority of it for you until you guys figure it out.’

  THIRTEEN:

  Hawk looked at each female across the table from him a
nd knew his faith and patience was finally being rewarded. Even before Sunshoona’s appearance he was half, if not completely ready, to agree to whatever plan these females had devised. Now he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, he was about to free his Warriors from under the yoke of their oppression. These four incredibly brave females were going to help him do so, they were so very sincere in everything they said, almost too honest and naïve. To think of them out in his universe alone made his heart shudder in fear. Because he had no doubt with or without his help, these wonderful females would be leaving this world.

  The Star Daughter was nothing like he had read about in the histories of their universe, which he had studied almost to the point, it was becoming an obsession. He had scoured the pages of records and ancient tomes from so many worlds, as well as researching long forgotten data. Trying to find any treaty or law that would allow his Warriors their freedom. Now sitting here opposite him was the one person who could accomplish what he could not, save his Warriors.

  Still harsh experiences over his lifetime had taught him wisdom, so he knew it would be prudent to be cautious, they were only at the beginning of a possible relationship with these females. The one called Peyton had not completely embraced what it was to be the Star Daughter yet. Although he could feel a spurt of something in his needar or soul as the humans called it, something he had never felt before. He thought it may be hope.

  ‘We are Warriors; we were created to endure, to kill, to guard and protect, nothing more, there is no more!’ Hawk uttered the words and felt the same anger and shame he always did when he stated them. This time the reaction he received was not what he or his males were used to.

  ‘Created?’ Heather asked as Darby snorted loudly.

  Melody glared at him and said. ‘Bullshit!’

  Peyton grinned. ‘Well, aren’t you all in for a surprise, time to wake the hell up Warriors? We have a solar system to secure and a universe to kick ass in.’