The Entean Saga - The Complete Saga

by C B Williams

  “Interesting,” he said.

  “Are you new to your powers?” she asked. “You sounded unsure.”

  “I am,” he said. “I have been made and remade. I’m still trying to define what I have become so I can feel comfortable about it.”

  Perin felt moved to reach out and touch his hand. “Do not be afraid of what you are becoming,” she told him. “You are perfect in your design.”

  “How can you be so sure?” he asked warily.

  She couldn’t hide her smile, in fact she didn’t want to. “I am a Seer. I just...know. And,” she paused. “it appears I am your Seer.”

  “How so?”

  She laughed. “You are very curious. You enjoy knowing things.”

  “I do,” he agreed. She heard the smile in his voice.

  “Then I will answer you,” she said with a little nod. “I am your Seer because this knowing does not come to me for all people, only those I See for.”

  “I don’t quite understand.”

  “A Seer dreams dreams. We call them True Dreams. They are foretellings. But a Seer also has knowings. As the Seer for the people of Talamh, I would share my True Dreams and my knowings with the High Priest Rayne.” She paused. “I believe you would call Rayne The Lady’s Champion. Together, our combined wisdoms care for The Lady’s people.

  “But I stopped having True Dreams for the people. When I had a True Dream, it was the same one over and over again. I don’t understand it because it doesn’t take place on Talamh. I have no idea where it takes place. It is all very foreign to me, so foreign I don’t even have the words to describe what I’m seeing. But you are in it.

  “And now that we have met face-to-face, I know things about you. Helpful, supportive things. I am definitely your Seer.” The laugh bubbled out of her. “I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. I truly thought I was going mad. Dreaming one dream over and over, a dream that served no one, that was terrifying.”

  “What is the dream about?”

  She waved her hand dismissively. “I tried to describe it to Rayne, and it made no sense to either of us. I just don’t have the words for the things I saw. But you were in it, and it will serve us as a warning to pay attention.”

  “A warning?”

  She nodded. “In the dream, you were injured.”

  “How?”

  “You were…struck down.” She paused. “I am sorry. I can’t explain, because I don’t know what it was I was Seeing.” She paused again. “I can understand your frustration, and I am sorry for it, Eloch. When I understand, I will tell you, I promise. It is how a Seer serves.”

  “You are coming with us.”

  It was not a question. “Yes. I must.”

  “You are willing to leave all you know, to fly off-planet without the promise of ever returning?”

  Sitting in the warm sun beneath her tree, which smelled so good in springtime, Perin shivered. “In truth, I am terrified and filled with great sadness. But, yes, I am willing, Eloch.”

  She felt his warm hand cover her own, engulfing it.

  “Thank you. I admire your courage and do not take your sacrifice lightly. We are good people, Perin, and we have all made the same choice you are making today, so we understand. Wren, my beloved, is kind. She will make sure you feel welcome and will do all she can to help you get comfortable and adjust to what I am sure will seem very strange. We all will.”

  Perin bowed her head. “Thank you.” She felt more at ease, yet still could not hide the tremble in her voice. “I sense your urgency and will make myself ready within the week.”

  Chapter 3

  Leave-taking

  Five days later, Eloch and Wren were in the galley having their morning coffee, as was their habit. He handed Wren a cup and took a sip from his own. Knowing she had something on her mind, he remained silent and waited as he followed her to a seat in the galley.

  She savored the aroma before she took a taste, then looked up at him. “Eloch, I think it’s time to take Little Sister to Mouse, don’t you?” Wren asked.

  He felt her sorrow. He felt his own.

  Eloch nodded, setting his cup on the table and turning around and around. “Yes. It’s time,” he said finally. “Prolonging the inevitable is only making it harder for all three of us. Little Sister will be happier on Talamh. We’re making the right decision.”

  “Knowing she will be happier is the only reason I can let her go.”

  “Do we have a departure date?” Aiko asked Eloch when she saw them sitting together. She had been asking so often it had become a joke among the crew, a way of greeting each other.

  Eloch smiled and shook his head. “Soon. Just a couple more days, in fact. The Lady has a gift for us, and we’ll leave shortly after we receive it.”

  Aiko nodded with a sigh.

  “Waiting is always hard,” Wren said. “Why don’t you take a shuttle to the surface? Buy Manabu that drink you keep promising your mentor. I’m heading down in about an hour to see Mouse. Why don’t you come with me?”

  “I don’t want to leave the ship,” Aiko said. “Thanks anyway.”

  “The ship will be fine,” Grale chimed in from behind her. “I’ll be here.”

  “That’s supposed to make me feel better?” Aiko asked, turning to face him.

  Grale barked out a laugh.

  “Come with me, Aiko,” Wren said. “I’m leaving Little Sister with Mouse today, and I could use the company on the way back.”

  Aiko shot Wren a glance. That was the closest she’d ever heard Wren come to asking for help. “Sure, Wren,” she said, watching Eloch drape a comforting arm around his mate. He gave her a nod of thanks. “Let me call Manabu and get my ident.”

  Wren smiled. She leaned into Eloch, surprising Aiko with how small and fragile she appeared next to Eloch. “Thank you, Aiko. Little Sister and I will meet you at the gangway.”

  Grale nudged Aiko as she moved past him. “I saw the look Eloch gave you. You really wanted to stay on board. How come you never challenge the Big Guy over there?”

  She scowled up at him. “Because that Big Guy is so full of knack, I don’t want to bust him open. Besides, this is Eloch’s quest. He and Wren are the bosses. I’m just the pilot.” Her scowl deepened. “So are you, for that matter. Best not forget that.”

  He grinned. “With you reminding me every chance you get? Not likely. And Kitten,” he added, as she turned to leave, “if you keep looking at me that way, I may start to think you’re developing a hankering for me.”

  “Dream on, Cowboy,” she huffed.

  “Oh, I plan to,” he said, grin firmly in place. “This trip’s just getting started.”

  Aiko snorted as she left, ignoring the little thrill that raced through her. Instead she decided she was glad she was going dirtside.

  It was a good day to hook up with Manabu one final time. She had something she wanted to give him, and today felt like the right moment. She walked to her cabin, snatched up a jacket, shoved her ident in her back pocket, and pinged Manabu, who was more than happy to meet her.

  “Better yet,” he said, “Why don’t I pick you and Wren up? You caught me just wrapping up a short flight with Max. I can be there in twenty.”

  “Make it in sixty and you’ve got a deal,” Aiko said. She disconnected and pinged Wren. “Manabu will pick us up in an hour,” she told her when Wren answered her ping.

  “That saves me the trouble finding someone willing to carry a sniffer. Thanks, Aiko.”

  “You bet. See you shortly.”

  “Sounds good. Gives Eloch and me time for one final romp with our Little Sister.”

  Feeling restless, Aiko exited her cabin and headed back to the galley, the crew’s usual meeting place. Grale had left, as had Eloch and Wren, but Spider was there, and she visited with him until it was time to go.

  She found Wren and Little Sister waiting for her at the Valiant’s gangway. Wren looked sad as she stroked the soft hair behind the sniffer’s ears. Aiko reached out and f
ondled Little Sister’s other ear.

  The huge beast closed her eyes and rumbled her pleasure.

  “I’m going to miss this beastie,” Aiko said.

  Wren sighed. “It’s going to be bad for a while, but I just couldn’t bear to keep her cooped up on a spacecraft for who knows how many light-years. It’s just not fair. I want her to live out her days on the ground.”

  Aiko nodded and smiled softly. “You’ve done the right thing, Wren.”

  Wren ran a hand over her coilmats. “Yeah,” she sighed. “I know. And Mouse says Little Brother is arriving any day now, too.” She glanced at Aiko and flashed a smile, “Mouse told me Ingot was rather upset. Asked Max if he could get his replacement sniffer pronto,” She giggled. “Pronto. That was the word he used.”

  Aiko laughed, envisioning Ingot, Max’s perfectionist aide. She’d met him once or twice back on Spur, and he didn’t seem the type to develop an attachment to a huge, drooling sniffer. “You don’t say?”

  “I do say,” Wren responded. “Who knew Ingot would become so devoted to a huge beasty like a sniffer?” She tapped on the animated that had replaced her organic leg. “Who thought I would, after what Little Sister did to me?”

  Aiko grinned. “Love’s a funny thing.”

  The intercom pinged. “Ladies,” Grale announced, “your shuttle awaits.”

  “Yeah,” Wren agreed while she thoughtfully studied Aiko as she exited the ship. “Love’s a funny thing.”

  “That’s good,” Manabu said, smacking his lips. “Thanks, Aiko.” He hoisted his glass to her.

  “Hey, don’t thank me yet. You’re buying the next round,” she said as she clinked her stein against his.

  “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He took another swig. “So, still no departure date?”

  Aiko shook her head. “No, all I get is some variation of ‘any day now.’ It’s killing me. We’re waiting on some gift from The Lady. That’s all I know.”

  “So different from being a captain on a colonizer ship, isn’t it?”

  “There was still a wait,” Aiko reminded him. “Big difference is, when you got your assignment, you’d be taking off within two or three days. Not like us with our two to three months of planning, purchasing, and organizing. Delays, delays, delays.”

  “You may be frustrated, Aiko, but I welcome the delay. Because of my age, I doubt I’ll ever see you again.”

  Aiko tilted her head back as the rush of feelings swamped her. “That sobered me up quick.”

  “It’s the truth, Aiko.”

  She sighed and looked at him, feeling tears threatening to spill over if she blinked. “And who’s to say we’re going to ever make it back here? Gods, Manabu, a whole other galaxy.” She took a long pull from her glass.

  “You okay with the crew?”

  Her thoughts flashed to Grale. “Most of them. Not many of us to be not-okay with.”

  “That upstart rock pounder still giving you fits? Seems like he loves to push your buttons.”

  She smiled, “He does. But that’s the good thing about this ship. It’s so huge, there’s lots of room and plenty of privacy. I don’t have to interact with him that much.”

  “Is he as good a pilot as the rumors say?”

  She made a face. “Unfortunately, the rumors are true.”

  “Unfortunately?”

  “Means I have to respect his skills. He’s near as good as I am. Better, when it comes to handling the Valiant. I haven’t logged in as much flight time with the modulars.”

  “You’ll catch on quick enough.”

  Aiko grinned wickedly. “I plan to.”

  Manabu set down his glass. “One smooth beer. Ready for the next round?”

  Aiko nodded. “And some food to go with it. I’ll buy the food.”

  Manabu signaled the waiter, and they placed their orders. “How are you planning the cross to Vela Kentaurus?” he asked while they waited.

  “We haven’t discussed it yet. If I’m asked, I’ll recommend we hit the Cryo beds with a rotation plan. Going to be a long journey.”

  “I wonder how long it’s going to take.”

  “No idea. Uncharted quadrant.” She leaned forward eagerly. “My knack’s going to be tested to its limits, for sure.”

  “And you’re excited about that.”

  Aiko felt the grin tug at her mouth. “More than excited. You know how I love a good challenge. This one is the chance of a lifetime.”

  “Yeah. In a way, I wish I was going with you. But then I think of all that vastness...” Manabu’s voice trailed off.

  “And the space sickness grabs your gut,” Aiko finished for him.

  “And the sickness grabs my gut,” Manabu agreed. “And I grab an intoxicant, so I doubt this here liver would last the journey. Not for me anymore. I’m just happy I can fly Max around and about this planet.” He glanced heavenward. “And the occasional hop up to the space stations so I can feel a little weightlessness. I’m good.”

  Aiko returned his smile. “I’m glad. You ever going back to Spur?”

  Manabu shrugged. “Depends on the boss man, but I doubt it. His mate has the space sickness worse than me. Besides, Ingot’s managing my property. Making a nice sum off it, too.” He paused. “Sold the shuttle I had stored and now have two places to rent out.”

  “You sold the shuttle?”

  “I did. That sweet ride of mine is now someone else’s.”

  Aiko shook her head. “Never thought you’d sell her. She was a beauty.”

  “Not to worry. I’ll get a new one someday. And,” he winked, “you know how sweet the ride is that I get to use whenever Max wants me to take him anyplace. Saves me all that maintenance expense.”

  “A win-win.”

  Manabu snagged the beer stein from the waiter just as he was setting it down. He raised his glass to Aiko. “A win-win,” he said and took a deep swig.

  Aiko waited for her food and glass to be served, then saluted Manabu with her glass. “To win-wins and long goodbyes.”

  Manabu’s eyes misted. “And to good friends we’ll never forget.”

  They drank.

  Aiko set down her stein and picked up her fork. “That ship in your future?” she stated.

  “Mmm?”

  “I’m giving you the Stardust,” she said and took a bite of her meal.

  Manabu gawked at her and slowly set down his stein. “No, Aiko,” he said with a shake of his head. “She’s your baby. I can’t.”

  Aiko swallowed and picked up her glass, gesturing with it. “It’s a done deal. I signed off on it a while back. Been waiting for the right moment to tell you.” She smiled. “This feels like the right moment.” She took a gulp. “Feels like I’m going to be having another one of these, too.”

  “But Aiko—”

  “You’re the closest thing to family I’ve got, Manabu. There’s nobody I’d rather give her to.” She took another long drink. “Please, just be gracious and let’s celebrate.”

  Manabu reached across the table and clasped her hand. “Gracious, I don’t know if I even know what that means,” he sniffed. “But drink with a comrade who’s like family? That I can do.” He released her hand and lifted his stein. “Thank you, my dear friend.”

  The rest of the lunch was spent laughing over shared experiences, accompanied by maybe too many glasses of lager, but Aiko didn’t mind. She knew it was the last memory she would ever create with her dear friend and mentor.

  She made sure it was a great one.

  After their meal, Manabu walked her to the shuttle station.

  Wren greeted them with hugs when they reeled over to join her.

  “I could have taken you two ladies back up,” Manabu said.

  Wren waved a hand. “Too much trouble. You’ve already parked your shuttle, would have had to get back in line, all that stuff. We can bus it one time.” She gave Manabu a hug. “Thanks anyway. Stay safe. Take care of Max and Mouse for me.”

  “I certainly will,” Manabu sa
id. He turned to Aiko. “Well, this is it, kiddo. Fly right.”

  Aiko hugged him hard. “You, too, Manabu. Fly right. And thank you for everything.”

  “Ready to line up?” Wren said, watching the queue forming for their scheduled shuttle back up to the space station where the Valiant was berthed.

  Aiko nodded to Wren. “Why don’t you save me a seat? I’ll be right behind you.” She waited for Wren to say another last goodbye to Manabu, then smiled at her old friend. “You be good to the Stardust, and she’ll be good to you.”

  Manabu gave her a thumbs-up. “I will. May have to rename her the Aiko, though. You know, after the best pilot this old teacher ever met.”

  The tears welled too fast for Aiko to hold them back. Speechless, she nodded, and sent him one final wave before she hurried to catch up with Wren.

  The pair remained silent the first part of their journey. With its scheduled route, the shuttle would take longer than the ride down since it stopped at two other stations orbiting Talamh before reaching theirs.

  After the first stop, Wren turned to Aiko with a sigh. “That was hard, huh?”

  Aiko nodded. “Pretty bad in a good sort of way.” She smiled. “Made a new memory to take with me.”

  “I like that,” Wren said.

  Aiko considered Wren. “And you? How are you feeling?”

  Wren shrugged. “A little empty, but I’ll get over it.”

  “I know that feeling. Had one too many lagers over lunch trying to get over the empty.”

  Wren snorted. “I’m going to be hitting the gym when I get back. Throw some knives or something to get rid of it.” She shot a glance at Aiko. “You feel like sparring with me, or are the lagers still too many?”

  Aiko pursed her lips. “No,” she said. “I think I’ll be able to go a couple of rounds with you. Should help me sweat some of the poison out. Spare the liver.” She chuckled.