Daughter of Ethos

by L M Lacee

  ‘Thank you dearle.’ Whispered Brenda.

  ‘If you are a Sene and castque and it was not for the babe that you are here, explain to me why you are in my presence!’ The Star Daughter asked as she stalked toward the patio and as they all watched, an amazing occurrence was happening. Her hair which was normally sandy blonde and of shoulder length was growing and becoming ice-white, the color of the stars.

  The others moved away a distance from the Sene who stood still as her knees trembled from the violence directed at her by the Star Daughter. ‘Sene, why did you not see this?’

  With her voice trembling only a little, Avana kicked up her chin and bravely stared into the black flaming eyes and stated. ‘Who said I did not?’

  The Star Daughter laughed a harsh sound that made the ones near her cringe, it was so unlike Peyton’s normal happy tones. ‘Tell me Sene Avana Hananva, what did you hope to gain by allowing yourself to be abducted?’

  Avana sucked in her cheeks before she replied.

  ‘Star Daughter, allowing may be an action that does not apply here.’

  At the look directed at her from the flame filled eyes she hurriedly said. ‘I wished to settle on Maikonia with my brothers. We need a safe home and all the signs pointed to you. I had a vision of the Star Daughter searching for Jenersar Warriors. Fortunately, I was captured and brought here, where I saw your arrival.’

  She murmured. ‘Also, I needed to rescue the baby.’

  ‘How many and where are your brothers?’

  ‘Three brothers, I should tell you Star Daughter. They are mind walkers or what is normally termed Masters. I am hoping they are still where I arranged to meet them.’

  ‘They do not know you were captured?’

  ‘No, they do not.’

  ‘We would not have anyone to question if they did?’ Hawk told her. ‘Star Daughter, we may have a problem. They may be her brothers but Masters do not always ask before they kill!’

  ‘Oh, I have no doubt Commander Roeah, no doubt at all!’

  She stared at Avana for a minute, then as though she came to a decision she said. ‘Residency is granted for you and all your family. Talk to Commander Roeah about transport and guards after we leave this world. Then contact your brothers to arrange a meeting. You must give them the choice to take up the residency I have granted you.’

  ‘Thank you, Star Daughter.’

  ‘Remember Sene Avana, you are mine now, as are my Warriors. I will not be pleased if any of you are hurt or killed, am I clear?’

  Avana swallowed hard. ‘Definitely Star Daughter. Very clear.’

  Peyton stepped away, backing on to the grass lifting her face to the sky and closing her eyes. Netta took Avana’s shaking hand in hers and said. ‘She likes you.’

  Avana asked. ‘How do you know?’

  Melody answered. ‘You are alive, are you not?’

  ‘Oh good point.’ Avana faintly replied as she snuggled her baby closer to her.

  Darby admonished Melody by saying. ‘Do not scare her like that?’

  ‘Is there another way?’ Esther asked with a twinkle in her eyes, causing several to smother relieved laughter as Darby smiled and shook her head at the outrageous female.

  Peyton turned her head toward the house, her eyes were only the deep black of space now, the flames having disappeared. Suddenly the two Turqualls walked from the house, she told them. You look better!

  Thank you, we go to the spring. We will return.

  You have three days.

  We heard Star Daughter.

  Well take care, do not overdo it, we have someone on the ships to see you, if you need treatment.

  Thank you Star Daughter. We will think on it.

  She opened her eyes, unaware she had closed them again, they had reset back to her normal green color. She addressed the waiting people her voice once more her own. ‘Alright, we need a meeting, everyone to Darby’s base. Sene Avana, please make use of the facilities, you two girls as well. Then go up to the Warship.’

  Brenda said. ‘I will have someone stay with them Madam Peyton.’

  ‘Thank you, Brenda.’

  Peyton looked up toward the windows at the watching faces, and said with a strained smile. ‘Back to work, we only have three days to accomplish everything. The Star Child is unhappy.’

  The faces disappeared, except for Trina’s, she smiled and waved to her before she moved from view. Peyton inclined her head and with that one small gesture, she felt her chest release a little of the tightness that gripped her. Everyone but Melody, Heather, Netta and Darby moved back into the house. Heather whispered to the little girls. ‘Go with the Sene. I will come when I can.’

  ‘That is the Star Daughter.’ One of them said, awe coating her voice. Heather was unsure which of the twins it was that had spoken, she was still unable to tell them apart. ‘I know, she is my sister, now go!’

  She watched as they ran after the Sene and straight into Brenda’s opened arms. Peyton eyed her sisters as they approached her. ‘What?’

  Melody said. ‘Peyton, your hair grew and has turned white.’

  ‘I know, the anger started the change and the Star Child likes it like this.’ She refrained from mentioning the changes that were happening within her mind.

  Darby asked. ‘Are you hurting Peyton?’

  She nodded her head and said on a sob. ‘I am, so much.’

  ‘Come on hon.’ Heather said as she walked to her. ‘We have you.’ She was enfolded in her arms and just as quickly the others placed their arms around them both.

  Darby whispered. ‘You are glowing Peyton.’

  Peyton placed her head on Heather’s shoulder.

  ‘They did nothing, not once, all those people and all those Turqualls. They just left them, how could they do that?’

  ‘I don’t know?’ Heather answered. ‘With their immense power they must have been able to do something.’

  Melody said regretfully. ‘It seems they did not care and not caring is as bad as doing nothing. I wish I could explain their reasoning, but I cannot.’

  ‘Maybe, it is because they think they are the only ones with value and everyone else are expendable.’ Netta whispered sadly.

  Peyton nodded. ‘Maybe so, they are wrong.’

  Heather stated. ‘Of course they are, but they are stars and who can know their minds. What angers me are these royals who think they are above justice. Now that is just wrong.’

  Darby whispered. ‘I just do not see why people have to be so cruel toward each other.’

  Melody sighed. ‘These people did this because simply put, they could. They knew there would never be any repercussions.’

  Peyton nodded, her head was still on Heather’s shoulder. ‘Yeah, that sounds about right.’

  Netta murmured. ‘To hunt is a gift that should be conducted with honor and respect. What these creatures did here was neither. This was murder and slaughter for pleasure. There is nothing honorable about that.’

  ‘No… no, there is not.’ Peyton agreed with a sigh as she removed her head from Heather’s shoulder.

  Darby softly stated. ‘Thank goodness we have you and you have us and we have everyone else. We will never let ourselves get like them up there, or them inside. Esther is right, we need to harden up and face our responsibilities.’

  Netta placed a hand on Peyton’s shoulder and looked into her sorrowful green eyes. ‘We are more than just military. We are an armee for justice and that means we need to do what is right. We did not just come out here to find a new home or hopefully have families. We also came out here for people like these who are left alive, and the ones who have died. Because if we do not remedy behavior like this. Who will?’

  Darby pulled away looking at the other four and said. ‘So all of us need to decide are we in this or not, because I have to tell you. I want to kick assbutt so bad.’

  They laughed at her vehement bad cursing which broke the tension that clung to them like a cloak.

  Melody grinn
ed. ‘Right, we are agreed, we will kick ass and we do it for everyone who cannot do it for themselves!’

  Netta put her fist out. ‘All for one… One for all!’

  ‘That is nice, I like it, where did that come from?’ Melody asked as she placed her own hand on Netta’s fisted hand. ‘Old vid about Warriors.’

  ‘Alright, we like it.’ Heather said as she placed her hand over Melody’s as the others all followed suit. Esther came back out as they broke apart and stated.

  ‘Of course the real ones at fault are the ones who perpetuated this horrendous practice.’

  Peyton walked to her and hugged her. ‘Yes, little mother. I will make sure they understand how wrong they have been.’ She looked at her and then her sisters and told them. ‘They will not survive.’

  ‘We know and accept our place in this.’ Melody stated for them all.

  ‘It is what we stand for, justice Star Daughter style.’ Netta told her as she started moving toward the house.

  ‘I like that!’ Peyton smiled with relief then said. ‘Let’s go have us a meeting.’

  Her glow had receded although her hair was now below her knees in length. The Star Crystal glowed a soft blue as it twisted and twirled though her now snow white tresses.

  FORTY-TWO:

  They walked slowly through the patio doors. Peyton led them along the dim hallway meeting no one on their way. Five sisters, not of the same blood but definitely united by their desire for justice.

  Finally, they entered the dining room only to be greeted by some of her people who were seated around the table. They all stood as she arrived and bowed.

  ‘Well, this will have to stop, no bowing. I am not that type of deity. Dearle stars in truth, I am no deity at all. So no bowing, you did not do it before, do not do it now. I am me the same person I was this morn the same one I will be tomorrow.’

  When she had finished explaining her position on bowing, there were smiles and sighs of either relief or exasperation; she was unsure and decided not to ask.

  The prisoners had been moved to the far end of the room, Peyton could see the Sene was not in the room nor were the little girls. Peyton asked. ‘Are the Sene and girls alright?’

  Helen answered. ‘Karen has taken her and the little girls to the ship, to shower and be seen in medical.’ Brenda told her. ‘We decided that would be for the best as everyone is in and out of the rooms, plus the baby needs to see a healer.’

  ‘She is alright?’

  ‘Oh yes, but she is only just born.’

  ‘Okay, well, that is probably for the best.’

  Helen could not hold it back any longer and she burst out. ‘Wow! I am so sorry, but that is just so startling different.’

  Peyton using English replied. ‘Yes, Helen, thank you, I know. It sure is going to take time to get used to.’

  Brenda looking at her with wide eyes nodded her agreement. ‘You are never going to be able to wash it by yourself!’

  Esther’s comment had them all smiling. ‘I don’t think we have enough shampoo and conditioner in storage, you will use loads of the stuff.’

  ‘Are we done here?’ Peyton inquired very politely. The three ladies all closed their mouths, although they had grins on their faces.

  Still in English, Peyton said to everyone else. ‘As you can see a few changes.’ She smiled to let them know she was okay with what had happened. ‘Apparently the Star Child likes hair that is long and reminds them of the heart of the stars, who knew.’

  They laughed as she hoped they would, relaxing the tension in the room. ‘I am speaking English because it annoys our prisoners as they cannot understand what we are saying.’

  That was proved by the disgruntled looks on all their faces. Peyton smirked. ‘Surprisingly, I am alright with that. So this is what is happening, we have found four thousand Warriors beneath the house, in what passes for a basement in this mausoleum. They will be transported to the ships as soon as we can make that happen. We also discovered two Turqualls who I assume are still running around outside, and we found a Seer otherwise known as a Sene with a baby. Also, twin girls around ten who belong to a family of Assassins, otherwise known as Assaens. They will be coming with us as well as the six Raparthen children we found earlier. The remaining villages also wish to come with us.’

  She took a breath and looked around at the people present, hoping she would not receive any opposition to her plan. ‘We also are emptying the house and vaults. We may as well use the valuables for trade and at least it will put some credits in everyone’s accounts.’

  The Warriors all looked puzzled. Peyton finally found something to smile about as she told them.

  ‘Yes, for you, who do not realize you get paid for being Warriors of Maikonia.’

  ‘For another day, Madam.’ Melody murmured as Hawk said slyly. ‘Maybe another speech?’

  ‘Fine, we can look at that later, anyway Lady Darby and her team will contact the Raparthen and the Assassins families once we are on board. We have a problem in that the Star Child is angry with the suns above us and has given us only three days to leave the planet. We have to have all the sleepers on board as well as everyone else, also everything we want and the sooner the better. Today would be great, but I know that is not possible. Do the best you can, but get our Warriors off this rock first, they are our only true concern.’

  A startled Brenda asked. ‘What do you mean Assassins?’

  Hawk said. ‘I will explain it once we are on board Lady Brenda. It is not I think what you believe an Assassin to be.’

  ‘I bet it is!’ Muttered Melody to Netta who grinned.

  Peyton grinned as well as she asked. ‘Helen can you close out the kitchen and how long do you need?’

  ‘Yes, we can do it in a half day. They have things I want. If I could have someone from Darby’s people to gather all the tech available, that would be great. I will send for my ladies. We should be able to empty the food storage rooms in that time.’

  ‘There is that much?’ Melody voiced the shock they were all feeling. Tight lipped Helen nodded as Brenda said. ‘Yes that much.’

  Helen agreed. ‘It is disgusting, people starving while they had more than enough.’

  Brenda and Esther rubbed her back, and they all heard the muffled sob that escaped from her. Peyton reached out and touched her hand letting a pulse of calmness engulf her, as the Star Child reassured her.

  Calm, Chef Helen. Our Daughter will make this right.

  ‘How?’ Brenda asked. ‘How does she make it right? They poisoned and starved Turquall and a baby has no birth mother because people thought they had the right to do as they wanted. Because they believed they were more important than everyone else. They slaughtered so many, who makes that right?’

  The Star Daughter goes to war!

  They all gasped and Brenda moaned. ‘No... No!’

  While Helen and Esther looked on pale and shaky.

  Ahh! We see why you are distressed Lady Brenda, war is not as you think of it. For us war has many meanings. We will no longer move among our children and their dependents for extended periods of time. Therefore, we have charged our Daughter with bringing justice to this universe and beyond and to do that she must be more than she was. She must go to war, to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves, to fight for us!

  At times such as today she will not ask for your counsel and will act as she sees fit. She has told us she will however love you, value you and treat you with courtesy and fairness. Know this, there has never been a Star Daughter such as her. Our Daughter has a large needar. She admires and enjoys each and every one of you, as we are coming too!

  Peyton sat heavily in her chair. Heather raced to her. ‘Helen, she needs…’

  ‘Coffee.’ Peyton groaned before anyone else spoke, Heather smiled, worry in her eyes. ‘Yes coffee.’ She held her wrist as she asked softly. ‘You okay?’

  ‘Yeaah, or at least I will be.’ She sighed. ‘Sorry about that, they seem to be a little inten
se.’

  Heather raised an eyebrow at this statement. ‘That is one word for it. I suppose.’

  Peyton laughed up at her as Esther said. ‘Nice though, I like them.’

  ‘You would!’ Helen said, coming back in with coffee. ‘Peyton food?’

  Peyton shook her head. ‘No, not yet.’

  Amused Melody grinned as she asked Peyton. ‘So, are they really as confused by you as they sound?’

  ‘You have no idea. They told me there has not been a daughter for many years.’

  ‘And never one like you!’ Netta commented with a smile.

  ‘Well, there is that.’ Peyton acknowledged as she reached for her cup of coffee.

  ‘What about those prisoners in the kitchen, what do you want done with them?’ Helen softly asked Peyton.

  ‘They can come in here, Netta and Kerol can you see to that, please?’

  Kerol nodded. ‘Yes, Madam.’

  ‘Alright Melody, if you and the same Warriors could stay with me. Commander Hawk, please take your Warriors and continue evacuating the sleepers and anyone left. How long do you think you need?’

  Hawk thought about it. ‘Warriors are going over the planet making sure we have everyone. They will be finished very shortly, the sleepers are taking time because we can only place so many at a time in the lifts and shuttles. We are going to need at least today and tomorrow, maybe longer.’

  Peyton rubbed her forehead as she said. ‘I see, what about if we do a direct hole into the basement, then we could lift them straight out.’

  ‘I suppose that could work.’

  ‘Well, I will leave that in your hands.’

  A Warrior with a blue eye ring who had short brown hair and was aged somewhere between Kerol and Hawks age. Probably closer to Kerol’s, cleared his throat and said hesitantly. ‘Madam, Commander Hawk?’

  Peyton looked at the male and smiled, she had seen him earlier and thought he looked like he should be someone’s brother. He was not as handsome as some other Warriors, although he was worth a double look. Especially with that gentle expression of intelligence in his eyes. Hawk turned to him. ‘Yes, Warrior Matewe, you have something to say?’