Daughter Of Ethos: 0.5 - 1 - 2

by L M Lacee

  Melody looked at the Governor. ‘Why did your world not have these shields?’

  Governor Swent shook his head. ‘We should have, there was nothing to stop the meteors. We had not prepared as our scientists warned us too. They had pleaded to install the network of shields that other worlds in this region used. The Governors refused to believe the technology was sound. In truth, they would not spend the credits, they reasoned it had been many yentas since the meteors had passed this way.’ His voice became belligerent as he felt the animosity and condemnation from the Warriors. ‘Why would we spend the credits when we believed they would not return? The Coalition did not say they would return, they should have given us warning.’

  Peyton stated coldly. ‘Why should they, it was your responsibility to protect your citizens, not theirs?’

  ‘How was I to know… how were we?’ He pleaded for their understanding, when he saw their looks of disbelief.

  ‘Because your own scientists had warned you.’ Sarn rumbled out, disgust filling his voice. ‘The ones you paid credits to for their advice, the same ones who knew this would happen again.’

  ‘Wait… wait.’ Melody held her hand up. ‘For credits, millions of your people died because of credits.’

  ‘Yes.’ Peyton told her. ‘They did, for the unwillingness to spend the credits.’

  Melody shook her head as she groaned silently in sympathy for all those lost to selfishness and greed.

  ‘Yes... yes.’ Said the Governor heavily. ‘We have suffered... suffered terribly... for that mistake. When it rained meteors, there was nowhere to go. We hid in our homes and waited… waited for the storm to leave and finally after five days it passed. We left our homes and those of us that survived, rejoiced that we were spared, but sadly our beautiful world was ruined, destroyed beyond what any could imagine. Our scientists, or the few that remained, believed the world had been punctured far too severely to remain whole and would break apart. We sent for help, but it was too late. Before anyone could arrive to assist us, our world collapsed and broke into pieces, some smaller than Lowertt, some bigger. Unfortunately, without a tether, most of the other splinters collided with our suns and millions more of our people were killed in the aftermath. When the Coalition finally arrived, they helped us gather of our remaining people and salvage everything we could. We now number just over one hundred thousand citizens and together we have built Lowertt from the remnants of our great nation.’

  Melody asked, trying to keep the horror she felt from her voice. ‘The meteors drilled the holes into your planet, they were not manufactured for the sand?’

  ‘Yes, they punctured the world.’

  Avana said without expression. ‘You of course have the sand.’

  He looked at her and nodded. ‘Yes Sene, we do. The meteors turned the soil to sand. We are fortunate, it has sustained our people and daily we strive to regain our place among the great worlds of our Universe.’

  ‘Interesting.’ Peyton said unmoved. ‘But that does not tell me about the deal you made with Thanikis.’

  Swent looked at her and was sure he saw flames in the depths of her eyes. He shook his head as he said. ‘He came with the Coalition, they offered to take people from here to relocate elsewhere. Many left, but many were like my spouses and myself and wished to remain. This is our home or what was left of it. When the Coalition left, Thanikis remained. He offered us a deal, we would hide the Warriors, and he would give us credits and workers to mine the sand. We cannot do so any more we are intensely allergic to it.’

  ‘You have not always been?’ Melody asked, knowing he was lying or at least only telling part of the truth.

  ‘Originally, we were able to mine the sand, then we could no longer continue.’

  She asked to clarify. ‘Now your people, all your people are allergic to it?’

  ‘Yes Commander, we develop a rash and will eventually die if exposed for too long.’

  Avana’s expression was set as she snapped. ‘As do your workers.’

  Before he could work up a reply or the older female could as she stared at Avana with her lips pulled into a straight line. The link chirped and Melody answered it.

  ‘Commander James, speak.’

  Peyton grinned as she wondered who had taught who to answer a comm in that way, she bet Hawk.

  ‘Engineer Londor for the Star Daughter.’

  Peyton said. ‘Yes Engineer Londor.’

  ‘Star Daughter. We will take the sleepers from the side wall as Commander Kolin did before.’

  ‘Alright, do we have to move?’

  ‘No, Star Daughter, you are safe.’

  ‘What of the sand and wind?’

  ‘We are sheltered here.’

  ‘How long until you are finished?’

  ‘Four hours will be required.’

  ‘Proceed Engineer Londor.’

  ‘As you wish, Star Daughter.’

  Melody disconnected, then the link sounded again.

  ‘Commander James, speak.’

  ‘Star Daughter.’

  ‘Yes Commander Roeah.’

  ‘We have recovered three hundred females.’

  ‘Terran?’

  ‘Yes Star Daughter.’

  ‘Are they well?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Do they wish to leave?’

  ‘Very much so.’

  ‘Make it so, please.’

  ‘I have notified Lady Darby who has the healers on standby. I will be with you in mins.’

  ‘Alright Commander, when you come can you bring a female who would be willing to speak to me. If there is one who is not too badly hurt, please.’

  ‘I will find one Star Daughter, in mins.’

  Peyton looked at the decidedly lime colored adults who now stared at her fearfully. ‘That was my First Commander, it seems you told another lie, Governor Swent. You are not doing too well today.’

  ‘I was unaware you meant the slaves.’

  ‘Oh, so not the right answer.’ Melody stated.

  Peyton glowed and her voice was cold enough to form ice on the windows as she said. ‘My Commander is correct, that was not the right answer. Seriously Governor Swent, it is unbelievable how foolish you have been. From the time we entered your orbit until now. Well, I suppose we will await my First Commander and find out exactly how foolish you actually are.’

  SIXTY-FOUR:

  A little later, no more the ten tense filled minutes at least for the Swent family. Hawk and a tall female dressed in filthy white overalls entered. The female's hands and arms were red raw and covered in green sand, her face appeared to have been wiped clean but it too was red and looked painful. Wherever there were rips and holes in her clothing, her skin was abraded. She was obviously undernourished and exhausted. Avana thought she needed the med unit more than she needed to talk to Peyton.

  Peyton asked Hawk. ‘She speaks Coalition?’

  ‘Yes, Star Daughter.’

  Peyton looked at the female and felt pity well in her heart, and a spurt of anger surged forward to be clamped down hard. ‘Greetings, your name, please.’

  The female swallowed several times trying to produce some liquid to help her speak, Avana passed her water tube to her. Which she gratefully accepted and drank all of in one long swallow and then sighed loudly.

  Kent handed her another tube, but as she tried to flip the lid with obviously sore fingers, he reached over and quickly lifted the tab for her. She looked at him without a smile, as tears entered her eyes for the little courtesy. With a nod in thanks, she drank half the water, then finally was able to answer Peyton, who had waited patiently.

  Her voice, when it came, was hoarse but clear as she spoke. ‘Sabrina Johnston. My name is Sabrina Johnston, people mostly call me Rina.’

  Peyton smiled as Melody stood and asked Hawk, ‘Does Rina need a healer?’

  ‘Yes, her fingers and face could do with a med scanner immediately. She assures me she is well enough to answer your questions, although I think sh
e would do well on board the Warbird. Failing that, she could do with food and to be clean.’

  Peyton thanked Hawk, then turned to the female. ‘You heard my Commander, so we can accomplish three of those needs right now and if you can bear up a little longer. We will get you the rest and medical attention you require.’

  Rina nodded. ‘Thank you.’

  Peyton said as she nodded to Melody. ‘This is Commander Melody. She will take you to shower and get you some clean clothes as well as something to eat.’ She turned and pointed to the younger female, whose face was screwed up in a horrified look as she looked at the newcomer. ‘You.’

  The female jerked and squeaked. ‘Yes Star Daughter.’

  ‘Get up and show my Commander where Lady Sabrina can shower and change clothes.’ When she did not move, Peyton released a little of the anger she was feeling and sent a tongue of starlight along the table, scorching a deep furrow into it. ‘NOW!’

  Governor Swent and his family jumped back from the scorching river of starfire that ran the full length of the beautiful table. The female squealed in fear along with the young girls, but one look at Peyton. And the female with a small cry ran around the smoldering table and pass Melody, who shepherded Sabrina from the room. Just before she left, Peyton, her eyes on the Governor told Melody. ‘Make sure she gets our food and one of Darby’s drinks, plus heal her face and hands.’

  Melody nodded, knowing she meant Darby’s download, Lukkas said. ‘Chef Helen has sent some food down already, Star Daughter.’

  Melody gave his shoulder a slap as she praised him. ‘You are very efficient Warrior Lukkas.’

  ‘Thank you Commander.’ He said as he ducked his head at her praise.

  She grinned as he and Sarn led her and the female from the room. Peyton and Hawk could all hear Rina asking Melody. ‘How did she do that? Who are you people?’

  Melody replied. ‘I will explain everything in a min, let’s just get you clean first.’

  The last they heard was Rina saying. ‘Okay, do you honestly have proper food?’

  Hawk looked at the family and then back at Peyton, who told him. ‘Engineer Karl told me everything is working well. They will need four hours.’

  ‘He also informed me of the same. I will have to return to direct the remaining searchers and the other matter we spoke about.’

  Peyton asked. ‘Where did you find the females?’

  ‘Beneath the surface. Willian found them in his search of the planet. They were mining the sand.’

  ‘I see, were there any others?’

  He looked at the eyes that had turned black and said. ‘Unfortunately, not alive Star Daughter and not all Terran females. We have taken their idents and will notify their planets.’

  ‘Alright, I suppose that is good. So you are not joining us?’

  ‘No, I came to deliver the female and to assure myself you and Sene Avana were well. Also to find out who it was that thought shooting you was a good decision.’

  ‘Well, they may not have been shooting at me.’

  He grunted and asked. ‘Who was the one that shot at you?’

  Kent answered before she could. ‘That would be the male, Commander Elite Roeah.’

  The effect on the people at the end of the room was immediate, fear mixed with desperation poured from them, even the young girls cringed at the name.

  Not for a second did Peyton think Kent had not realized the result of saying Hawk’s title and name. He knew these people would know and understand who it was that stood in their dining room. She was however a little nonplussed to see that having the Elite Commander here was more frightening for the family than being in the presence of the Star Daughter. At any other time, she would have been amused.

  Hawk said to the male, his face as hard as his voice, and as the Rie rose within him, turning his eyes purple. No one was left in any doubt that he was an Elite. ‘Your death order is assured, do not think otherwise.’

  The male dropped into his seat and his head onto the table as his spouse cried out. The youths snarled and Hawk snarled back, a sound that sent dread along the nerves of everyone there. ‘Do not think your youth will save you. I will kill you were you stand.’

  The three of them quickly sat down and dropped their eyes to the table. He slowly took his eyes from the three males and looked at Peyton. He searched her face as she mind-sent.

  I swear, I am alright.

  His eyes returned to his normal black as he replied. Yes, I see that. I forget we can converse this way. I worried, even though I knew Melody and the Warriors were with you.

  Peyton sighed as she told him. Hawk, you know I can look after myself.

  He inclined his head then said. I know you can, but that is why we are here. So you do not have to, it is our pleasure and our need.

  Peyton heard the emotion under his words. She knew there was nothing she could do to change his mind about the male’s death, and she would not try. She knew all the Warriors would know the order Hawk had issued within minutes of him issuing it. What Hawk knew, and Peyton may have only guessed, was there was not a Warrior who expected him to do any less than take the male’s life. It was his duty and need to protect her. He was an Elite; it was what he and the other Elites were ultimately designed for.

  Hoping to cajole him into a better mood, Peyton grinned as she asked. So, I am not the only one that forgets things.

  He replied with a wicked look in his eyes, and she knew he was smirking on the inside. So it would seem, dearle stars it is not contagious is it?

  Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. He raised an eyebrow in reply to that look as he told her. ‘The Specialists are standing by to help the females.’

  She could not stop herself from asking. ‘Was it their idea?’

  ‘Yes.’ He then focused on the silent Avana. ‘Your brothers are most displeased with you.’

  She growled as she answered him, annoyance coloring her words. ‘They seem to have forgotten I am no longer their responsibility. I have not been for many yentas.’

  He suddenly grinned. ‘For a Sene you do not read your brothers well, you are always their responsibility.’ He pointed to Peyton, who grinned at him and for once said nothing when he told Avana. ‘Just as the Star Daughter is mine.’

  Disgruntled Avana said. ‘Fine, I will comm them.’ She left the room with a Warrior shadowing her.

  Hawk said unsmiling now to a smiling Peyton. ‘Stay safe.’ He turned his head to the Governor and stated. ‘I will be back before we leave.’

  With this pronouncement, he left with his squad of Warriors. Kent re-took his position by the wall, as Avana annoyance in every line of her body strode back in and threw herself into her chair.

  ‘All well?’ Peyton asked and tried to hide her laugh at the nettled Sene.

  ‘No, we are to have a family meeting and work this out.’

  Peyton this time could not hold back her laughter, as she said, ‘Oh, that sounds like Trina.’

  ‘Yes it does, you will speak to her and tell her I am all worked out.’

  Peyton sat as she asked bemusedly. ‘I will do this why?’

  ‘Koana.’

  Peyton gasped. ‘That is just wrong, so very wrong.’

  Avana shrugged one shoulder as she had seen Melody do. ‘It is what it is.’

  Peyton pouted and seeing Avana was not budging said. ‘Fine, I will try but bad Avana.’

  Avana smirked. ‘I know, I know. I just love Terrans.’

  Before Peyton could retaliate, the green female scuttled back in and quickly re-took her seat.

  SIXTY-FIVE:

  Six minutes later a very clean Sabrina walked in, wearing soft black pants with a blue sweater and soft shoes. Now she could see her, Peyton saw that Sabrina Johnston was a nice looking female with tired brown eyes and short ash blonde hair. Peyton felt sorry for her. She seemed unsure whether she was in the actual world or only dreaming.

  She gave Peyton a hesitant look, although she stood tall with her shou
lders back, and head held high. Whatever she had endured on this planet, Peyton was pleased to see it had not broken her. Melody followed behind her and nodded to Peyton tapping her head, letting her know she had administered the download.

  Sabrina sat in the chair next to Avana, Lukkas handed her a cup of coffee. She closed her eyes and just held the cup in both hands, smelling the aroma of fresh coffee. Two tears leaked past her lashes, Avana placed a hand on her shoulder and the tears stopped.

  Peyton mind-sent to Melody. Is she well?

  I suppose, she needs rest, and she only ate a little of the food. Mostly I think she needs off this horrible depressing rock. Also Peyton, you should probably know, she is sister to Agnes Johnston.

  Really? I haven’t thought of her for a while. Is she a doctor too?

  No, apparently she was the black sheep of the family. She was a pilot, small craft.

  That is different alright. So did you tell her?

  Why would I do that here, of all places?

  Oh yeah right, bad timing sorry. Anyway, we will get... how silly, I was going to say Heather.

  Melody nodded then said. I will talk to her on our way home.

  No, leave it to me, this is mine to deal with.

  If you are sure?

  Melody sat in her chair as Peyton nodded in answer to her question and then said. ‘Rina, I would like to ask you a few questions, if that is okay?’

  ‘Sure.’

  ‘Then Sene Avana here will take you to the Warship overhead.’

  ‘Yeah, she, Melody said we were leaving. Like the big guy that brought me here said.’

  ‘Oh you are, my word on it.’

  ‘Melody said that too, that your word was golden. So okay.’

  ‘Alright, well I will try to be quick. So Rina, how long have you been here, do you think?’

  ‘I would say around nine luneras, from what Melody said the lunera would be back on Earth. It is a guess, the book in the office could tell you accurately. They compulsively record everything.’

  She had still not looked at the people at the end of the table, her eyes remained steadfastly on her cup, Melody or Peyton. And when she looked at them, it was with desperation and a burning anger. Which Peyton knew nothing but time and maybe the healing touch of a mind-healer would erase. Until then she had information to pry gently from her.