by L M Lacee
‘I am and yes I do but let us keep that between us.’ He asked. ‘May I know why?’
‘To be honest, it will make no difference to what I have to do and when I have to do it. Look at Darby, it is a burden to be that intelligent, yet she handles it with grace and annoyance which balances her. People mostly accept her for whom she is and forgive her, her eccentric ways. I am not that fortunate, I have and will have many other things that will place barriers between people and me. I do not need that one as well. Also, who would believe it? I get so distracted at times it seems like I do not have a brain in my head!’
Again he nodded, he saw her point then he returned to the previous subject. ‘What became of your mother?’
‘She died, not as it happens from the Virus. Someone killed her in prison. I always believed my grandfather orchestrated that and I choose to still.’
Hawk looked out the window as a star raced by. ‘We have lived and endured the worse.’
Peyton acknowledged that, then said. ‘We will have a better life with love, laughter and freedom in it from now on, which is my goal.’
He smiled and sighed. ‘I hope so, it is a worthy goal. May I share it?’
‘Please do and know this Hawk. I believe we will find your brothers alive and well.’
‘I hope you are right on that as well.’ He said with doubt in his voice.
She grinned. ‘It is okay, I will believe for you until you believe it as well. That was something my grandfather told me, belief is half the battle.’
He nodded as he stood. ‘I find, I like that expression as well. Now I will leave you to your stars.’
He left as silently as he had arrived. Peyton felt a tear on her cheek as she watched the stars race across space. It had been many years since she had thought of that small lost girl, who had killed so easily that night and many other nights since then. She knew as she wiped the tear from her face, she would do so again for those she loved. It was after all who she was!
THIRTY-SIX:
Life proceeded along as life does on a Warship, there were safety drills, training and meetings. Hawk, Melody, Kerol and Netta set about integrating the female and the males Warriors. They were surprisingly pleased to see the Warriors were willing to train and work alongside the females. And the females showed they were willing to learn a weapon they had no experience with. A weapon that was prevalent in the universe they were going to call home. At least that was what Hawk informed them at one of their morning meetings.
The Sword!
Every morning all the female Warriors found themselves in classes with a dummy sword which is what all students were issued with when starting training. Of course the Coalition’s name was longer for the practice sword and missed the point completely. Melody told her that all trainees were dumb, hence the name dummy sword. Within a few days Peyton heard more than one Warrior calling it that, much to Melody’s satisfaction. Which confused Peyton until Netta told her Melody was in the advance sword classes with her. They apparently were very good with the sword.
Afternoons found all the Warriors in classes, some went to blaster training which was mandatory for all the females. The blasters were not that different to guns except instead of bullets they used a quantum photon blast, which could and would drill a hole through organic matter. All blasters had different settings which could be set to stun and render someone unconscious. They could also be set to punch holes in people and buildings and as with the guns from Earth, the bigger the blaster the more damage they caused.
Most of the males went to afternoon classes for training in martial arts, something they had no idea about but were very impressed with. At first it was hard for the Warriors to allow themselves to spar with the females and potentially harm them. That was until they realized the females would give no quarter and schooled the Warriors in equality, especially in combat.
Training was hard and unforgiving, many a female ended up in the medical unit but they were happy to be back in uniform. Most of them had taken one look at the huge well-muscled Warriors and believed they would be placed in the capacity of support staff. Not so in Peyton’s army she valued each Warrior, be they male or female. Which she told them on her visits to the training levels. Especially when she was in defense class and usually lying on her back looking up at the ceiling.
Late afternoon and early evenings found everyone in classes for language and writing lessons. After the eve-meal was free time for families, friendships and star gazing, which the females could not seem to get enough of.
The ships fabricators worked tirelessly on a form fitting two piece black uniform with blue piping for the Warriors. The Captains had silver piping and the Commanders piping was in gold. A long trench coat could be added with the same color piping on the seams, denoting rank. That was Peyton’s idea, she thought colored piping would enable the non-military females to identify who was who. Darby and her team had installed nanites into the fabrics making the material able to withstand blaster shots, as well as being able to deflect a sword cut or stab from a knife. The uniform came with reinforced front panels over the chest area, which helped hide who was female and who was male. Sheathes and holsters where added for swords, knives and blasters.
The Warriors, male and female looked like lethal weapons, when in uniform. It was inspiring and frightening all at once, especially when they wore their black trench coats. Once the designers got the idea of uniforms, every Warrior found themselves with several as well as dress uniforms. These were similar to their everyday uniform, except they were always worn with long lightweight dress coat.
The Warriors admired the judogi that some females used for training and as the days passed. Peyton saw more and more of the Warriors wearing the training uniform. Melody told her they loved the freedom of movement the judogi provided, especially when they were doing the martial arts training.
From one of the container ships, someone retrieved denim and with several patterns programmed into the fabricators, jeans and shirts were produced in quantities. The Warriors loved them, so it was not uncommon to see the males walking around off duty in jeans and shirts. Along with lightweight jackets or in training pants with tee-shirts. Something Hawk told Peyton they had never done before, she explained it made it easier to see who was on duty and who was not, for the humans.
For a reason, it was flimsy but after watching the joy in his Warriors eyes as they strolled the passageways out of uniform. He could do nothing but agree, especially after he had tried on the jeans and the shirt Peyton gifted him with and found he had never worn anything so comfortable. Even his tailored uniform was not like wearing the jeans. He finally understood his Warriors reverence and why they wore them constantly while not on duty.
THIRTY-SEVEN:
It was again another morning meeting and Peyton was feeling sore and bruised from her training the previous day. She had fallen repeatedly or one could say that her body had been thrown about by a vengeful sister if one felt inclined. She was still undecided if she was just a poor lander or Melody threw her harder than she did Darby. All she knew was she felt each and every spot that ached from coming in contact with the mat.
‘You need to go to medical.’ Darby informed her as she took the seat opposite her.
‘Why don’t you?’
‘I went already, you should have too.’
‘I assumed, I could heal myself.’
‘How did that work out for you?’
‘Yeah… yeah, did you look at my link?’
‘Yes, how are you burning them out?’
‘I have no idea… it is a puzzle.’
Darby handed her another link with a red strap this time. ‘Try this one, Jean and I boosted it.’
‘Okay, thanks. Greetings Netta.’
‘Greetings, you look like crap Peyton.’
‘I know, training yesterday.’
‘You are meant to go to medical afterwards, if you are hurt.’
‘I forgot, I got busy.’
Netta frowned as she asked Darby. ‘Is that my job as well?’
Melody answered before Darby could, as she sat across from Peyton. ‘Yes, it is part of the ass kicking.’
‘Okay, so… oh here is Heather.’
‘Greetings everyone.’ Heather smiled as she looked around at her sisters, then she frowned. ‘Peyton, really!’
She sat beside her and pulled out her scanner. ‘Why must you make me give you some horrible tasting tonic?’
Peyton looked panicked as she said. ‘How do I?’
Heather read the scanner as she told her. ‘By not coming to medical, now I have to give you some.’
Darby told her. ‘She said she thought she could heal herself!’
Heather snorted as she asked. ‘How did that work out for you?’
‘It didn’t.’ Darby told her helpfully.
Heather and Melody grinned as Peyton said between clenched teeth. ‘Thank you Darby.’
‘Anything to help.’ Darby said with a twinkle in her eyes.
Heather mumbled. ‘So red or blue tonic.’
Desperately Peyton moaned. ‘Or dearle Heather. We could skip that and say I did go to medical.’
Heather shook her head as she stared thoughtfully at Peyton. ‘Well I suppose I could, if you promise to not delay next time.’
Peyton hurriedly agreed. ‘Done deal!’
‘Okay then.’ Heather switched the scanner to healing, and a warmth invaded Peyton’s body, finding every bruised and aching muscle. She sighed in relief as the pain left her. ‘Thank you Heather. That scanner is great.’
‘Yes, it is one of the new boosted one's Darby, and Jean have played with. You are welcomed, Star girl.’
Once everyone arrived, the meeting progressed for an hour, when all talk halted as Peyton began to glow softly. Then the Star Daughter told her companions.
‘We have a location, the Stars have found a trace of some sleepers.’
‘Greetings, everyone, now who has been found?’ Kerol asked as he joined the table. Peyton smiled at him as everyone replied. ‘Greetings.’
Then she answered his question. ‘Sleepers, which is what we are calling the Warriors in stasis. It is so much nicer than Warriors in tubes.’
Kerol looked at Hawk and said. ‘I do not see the difference?’
Hawk shrugged, neither did he, but he at least did not voice his thoughts. Melody and Netta grinned broadly at the male as Kerol busied himself with his tea.
Peyton eyed the male. ‘Really!’
Kerol remained silent, he knew that tone. It was the one she used when she was annoyed or just before she got in an argument with one of her sisters. Netta kicked his shin under the table, letting him know not to answer. As if he would fall into that trap more than twice. Did she think he was a nutoro?
When Peyton knew he was not going to say anything else. She turned to Darby and gave her a long string of numbers that were the coordinates for the planet. Darby put them into her tablet, which she then sent to the Commander of the ship. A few minutes later a navigator comm’d Hawk. ‘Commander we have located the planet.’
‘How long until we arrive?’
‘Three hours.’
Peyton asked. ‘Excuse me Warrior, will it be day or night there?’
‘Projections say 0400 in the morn, Madam Peyton.’
‘Oh, that is so good a dawn raid is always better. Well Commanders shall we see what your people can do, kit and fully load them. Darby you will need to blind the planet. Can you do that?’
‘Yes, of course, once we are in range.’
‘Good, I will need you and Heather after the planet has been secured. Commanders this is not a play date, these people have our Warriors. They have purposely hidden them away and withheld them from us. I want everyone on that planet subdued and restrained. We need to scout the place out first…’
‘Madam that is what we are for.’ Hawk remarked with a raised eyebrow, daring her to say something.
‘We will do recon and assess the situation. Only then will we subdue and restrain.’
Melody said. ‘Madam Peyton, we have this!’
Peyton winced at Melody’s tone and choice of address, she nodded once. ‘Sorry, got carried away, this is my first time.’
Which made them all grin, she told Hawk. ‘I will go with the first shuttles.’ She held her hand up as Melody started to speak. ‘I know that does not suit you both and I realize it will add to your burdens but also I know I need to be there.’
No one argued, it was definitely a Star Daughter decision.
THIRTY-EIGHT:
Five hours after Peyton’s announcement, they were touching down on the small world of XYRE 567. The planet was a soft pink color and the skies a light orange; it was a shocking reminder for the humans that they were not on Earth anymore.
Before they had shuttled down, Hawk had advised them that not every planet had a name, some like this one were so small. Less than a quarter of Earth’s size, or of such poor importance, it did not qualify for a designation. So it was merely known on star charts as XYRE 567.
Darby explained she had searched the data stream for information on XYRE 567. Discovering the small planet was inhabited. She could not find where the people had originally come from or when. Pictures showed them as small, pink skinned, dark eyed and dark hair, biped people with their own unique language. Darby also said there was documentation to say they could speak and understand Coalition. Their main form of income was from farming a vegetable that looked similar to a pumpkin, used extensively apparently throughout the universe. It tasted, Hawk said like the melons of Earth.
Unfortunately, when they finally landed on the surface of the planet, it was to be confronted by a quiet world. They could see no workers tending crops. The land lay as empty as the villages; it was as though no one had worked the soil for yentas.
Netta asked. ‘Do you think they got a virus too?’
Hawk replied. ‘It is a possibility, which would explain the emptiness.’
When Peyton stepped down from the shuttle, she was gripped by a sense of despair that almost drove her to her knees. ‘Madam, you are unwell?’ Hawk asked worry in his voice as Peyton sucked in a sharp breath. She shook her head saying. ‘Something bad has taken this planet and slowly killed it.’
Netta moved to her. ‘What killed it?’
‘I don’t know Netta, a sickness but not like on Earth. This is something else.’
Netta removed her glove and took Peyton’s hand in hers. ‘It’s okay Peyton. We are here.’
At her touch Peyton’s heart settled and her breathing became normal once more, the heaviness was still wrapped around her but at least she was not doubled over. ‘Thank you Netta.’ Netta squeezed her hand in reply and slipped her glove back on.
Their scouting party led by Kerol had waited for them to disembark, then reported they had discovered a large residence one kilto over a small rise. Peyton knew a kilto was Coalition for a kilometer, she was fairly sure she could walk a kilometer.
Netta grinned at her. ‘Come on Peyton. You can do this.’
‘Sure I can… I train.’ She muttered as Netta started out at a jog, thereby forcing Peyton to jog. She just knew Netta was doing it on purpose, which was proved when she laughed as Melody said snidely while jogging pass her with Hawk and Kerol at her side. ‘You wanted to come on the first shuttle remember?’
‘Shut it, armee girl!’ Peyton panted out in reply, it left much to be desired she felt as a slap down, especially when Melody laughed.
Although she moaned silently to herself, Peyton moved if not quite as fast as the others just as soundlessly and was only a few seconds behind Melody, Netta and the Warriors when they came to a small rise.
Unlike everyone else she was breathing heavily, but she was pleased with her performance. She looked down to where Kerol pointed and sure enough they could see a house, if anyone could call a mansion just a house. Netta passed her a tube of water as Melody whistled between her teeth. ‘My
... my, that is some place!’
Finishing her water, Peyton agreed. ‘It really is!’
‘Built for royalty.’ Hawk said as he pointed out the security.
The property took their breaths away, firstly, it was so enormous and secondly, the beauty of the white stone it was constructed from added to its elegance. The yards were exquisite. Flower beds and plants of all types decorated the stone walkways. Peyton could not see the end of the walls facing them. They seemed to go on for kiltos. A Warrior signaled from the house that they had gained entry, with an almost silent groan Peyton made her way unhurriedly down the hill to the beautiful building.
The feeling she had since learning of the planet hardened into certainty, what was going to happen on this small nondescript world. Would be a turning point in the way her family and people viewed her from now on. Part of her cried for what she would lose this day, another part hungered for her to explore the possibilities of who she was becoming. Overshadowing all of that, was the fear of what would emerge when she did.
THIRTY-NINE:
An hour after their entry into the mansion which occurred without incident. Peyton sat in what was the most palatial dining room she had ever seen. Darby had set up her computer equipment when she and Jean had arrived and declared the room her base of operations. Which suited Melody and Hawk as they did not have to have additional guards.
The table Peyton was using was a grand affair made from some kind of solid black material. It reached from one end of the room to the other, at least one hundred and twenty feet. Ornate tiles made up the ceilings and floors, they were so beautiful, it was almost sacrilegious to walk on them, and the stone walls were adorned with large murals, some depicting scenes of hunters or animals in the throes of death. Hawk told her most of those scenes were of the Emperor and Empress of Jenersar.
The house was three stories with a basement and had to measure forty thousand square feet at least. Peyton like Melody thought it was bigger, but they had learned to never argue with Darby over measurements. The whole house was beautifully decorated and had expensive technology installed or so Jean assured Melody. Some of it made Darby whimper, it was apparently so magnificent!
