Taming an Angel

by Kathleen Lash

  “Can’t.”

  “You can now. Nothing bad will happen. Like you said, we’re alike and I’m not hiding.”

  “Monsters in the sky.”

  “Not anymore.”

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  Shane walked over and squatted down. “Aye, little one, she’s telling you true. Jess and the other special gals from Blue made it so no more monsters could come gobble you up.” His deep voice and accent immediately enchanted the girl. Jessica felt it.

  “What’s your name, Miss?”

  “Jannah.”

  “Well, Miss Jannah, may I have a look at you? See what’s under such a big, dark cloak?”

  She swiped the hood away and gasps from surrounding beings filled the silence.

  Shane said, “Aye, that’s what I thought. A right fine wee gal was hiding under there.”

  She giggled and showed a smile lacking a few front baby teeth. General Ryker squatted at her other side and studied her. His hand came out slowly before he opened it. Jannah looked at the treat lying on his palm. Hesitantly, she reached out.

  The sight of a Governance officer giving a treat to a throwback child made Jessica’s stomach clench. If she had such a reaction and trusted General Ryker, she could only imagine what the beings of Blue felt.

  “You may take it, Miss. The Governance rewards bravery and you’ve been most courageous coming forward as you did.”

  Jannah carefully took the treat. Without hesitation she placed it in her mouth. Her eyes widened and the sun reflected in the golden irises. “Oh my,” she said, before smiling, “such a lovely thing!”

  “There’s a ship coming to bring supplies, Miss,” General Ryker said. “I’d forgotten how children love sweet things. Because of you, I’ll make certain to have a great deal of them brought.”

  “And what of payment? I’ve nothing to trade.”

  “You do, but I won’t ask it of you, Miss. I find your fear of me quite detestable.”

  “I’m not afraid, at least not now. What can I pay so all can have the sweet?”

  “They’ll have it whether you pay or not, Miss. I’d just hoped…”

  Jessica gazed at him, wondering what his intention could be. She couldn’t begin to imagine what he hoped to gain from the child.

  “Sir, please say what you’d like. I want to give something.” She swallowed and chewed some more before saying, “This is really quite lovely.”

  Jessica glanced at Shane and the General. They both appeared mesmerized by the beautiful girl. Jessica knew she couldn’t have been anything like the small, perfect child when she’d been as young. She couldn’t recall anyone ever looking at her with anything but disdain.

  The General finally said, “It’s a simple request, Miss. A song.”

  “But I’m never to sing. It’s forbidden,” she said quickly.

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  “And it’s good to obey your parents, Miss. Very bad men made it unwise to sing.

  They’ve been dealt with and no longer hover over Blue. The people watching over you now will protect all that’s precious here. You, Miss, are one of those commodities. I understand your reluctance though. The treats will be brought on the morrow regardless. Your smile’s been payment enough.”

  When the General stood, Jannah glanced back at a woman who’d walked to edge of the crowd. The woman closed her eyes and quickly nodded. The girl swallowed the rest of the candy and took a step toward the General. Jessica’s fists clenched and her toes curled in her boots when Jannah took a deep breath and released it with sound. The shaking in Jessica’s limbs slowed as the notes and melody sank into her. The Governance was already present. Nothing bad would happen. No harm would come.

  Another voice seasoned with age blended in absolute harmony. She recognized Zoe immediately and sat in stunned silence as Zoe walked forward and knelt beside the girl.

  The women surrounding them wept and Jessica fought a similar urge. The blending of voices relayed more than perfection. For the first time in years, the people of Blue heard freedom.

  The crisscross of intricate soprano notes rose higher and grew stronger. Jessica sang with them, silently. She’d forever heard the music in her heart and only once since her abduction had she allowed freedom to her voice. Zoe struggled continuously to keep the sound in. Jessica could only make it come out when she’d thought about Shane.

  When the song ended, General Ryker cleared his throat. She felt the high emotions surrounding him and the entire landing party. He said to Jannah’s mother, “Missus, thank you for allowing your child to grace us.”

  “It’s really over, Sir?” the woman asked.

  “Yes, Missus, most assuredly. The Governance will provide needed help so the beings here may recover.”

  “Mrs. Tiernan?” Shane asked.

  “Yes, Mr. Tiernan?” she replied, smiling.

  “You ready to come home with me now?”

  The smile left her face. “I am.”

  * * * * *

  “Major Tiernan,” General Ryker said, drawing her from thought as she, her crew and the Braughmen stood at attention.

  Jessica walked forward twenty feet. At least three hundred Governance soldiers stood straight and still at his back. The General had spoken privately to Shane earlier and she thought all that remained was to board the smaller ship. Colonel LeRoy smartly stepped up to the General, planted his feet and extended a hand containing a moderately sized box. The General took the box, opened it and brought out a two-inch round, shining silver medal attached to an intricate red chain.

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  He said, “Majors Drew and Cross?”

  Her crew stepped forward on either side of her. The General applied a medal to each of them and they stepped back. As he brought a third medal toward Jessica, she tightened her jaw and stared at the space where Bragg’s life ended. A crazy wave of emotion rolled through her and she couldn’t decipher either its origin or exactly what she felt. Relief, disappointment, justice?

  “Majors Tiernan, Cross and Drew,” he said, his voice loud and commanding. “On behalf of those present, I’m proud to award you these medals of Honor. It serves to denote your inner fortitude, your ability to serve under the most grievous of circumstances and your ability to move beyond trespasses to attain the greater good of all beings.”

  After he placed the medal on her uniform, he remained close and spoke only loud enough for her to hear. “Missus?”

  “Yes, General,” she said, her eyes teary. She’d likely never see him again.

  Crystalline blue, intelligent eyes gazed at her. He could be most intense but it didn’t bother her. It’s simply who he was. “Are you well?”

  “Of course, Sir.”

  “You may call on me should you require aid, Missus.”

  “I’ll remember. And, Sir?”

  “Yes, Missus?”

  “I’d like to impart the same courtesy to you. Please, call on us anytime.”

  His eyes wandered to the medal adorning her before looking beyond at the Braughmen at her back. “Perhaps in time, Jessica,” he said, stepping back.

  She glanced over her shoulder to summon Angela and Zoe. Both came forward again. When the ten drums rolled and echoed through the massive area, the entire body of assembled soldiers saluted them farewell. Emotions in her swelled and overcame thought. She couldn’t stop the sound that broke free and didn’t try. The Governance Anthem burst from her as Zoe and Angela quickly joined in.

  United in a common bond, to serve the space we know. Through parley, power and control, protection we bestow. Advancement from the knowledge gained, to further move beyond—the limits, hurdles and the like. Our Governance responds.

  The voices of those present came together for the refrain. One people, one power, of one mind, for all time.

  The echo of silence following the song nearly deafened her. Or perhaps it was the pounding of her heartbeat in her ears. The Genera
l stared at her intently and she mouthed the words, I’ll miss you.

  She and her crew turned sharply and marched to the vessel that would take them to their new home. When she reached the ship, Shane turned and silently walked on board beside her.

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  * * * * *

  Men strode down the ramp to greet the hoard of beings amassed on Braugh. Dear God! Did the whole planet turn out for their homecoming? The noise from the beings outside had Jessica’s stomach turning over with anxiety. She smiled at Shane and excused herself, pretending to forget something on board. She promised she’d join him presently. She guessed Zoe and Angela made similar excuses because she found them lingering in the departure area as the scent of sweet greeneries washed into the ship.

  Shane and Finn kept looking back as they greeted men, women and children. The women were dressed in long, flowing, brilliantly colored skirts, sleeveless blouses and most had long, free flowing, dark hair. She felt colorless, bland and plain. All of his people expressed their emotion so openly, she knew she’d never fit in. Once put at ease, Zoe could be more than exuberant. She imagined Angela could learn. She, however, lacked the obvious spark inherent in every other being present.

  “Shall we?” she asked her friends.

  She certainly didn’t feel like moving from where she’d taken root. Her husband looked more and more impatient. Before he came to get her, she straightened her spine, threw her shoulders back, brought up her chin and preceded her crew down the ramp.

  As beings noticed them, conversations stopped. Halfway to Shane, she did too.

  A woman standing at his side questioned him. Jessica couldn’t understand because they spoke in their native tongue. The question came out urgent, demanding. Shane responded and Jessica heard her name. She also recognized the words Ma and Da. His parents. He spoke to his parents!

  His words were deliberate and sounded placating when he glanced over his shoulder at her. The color drained from the woman’s face as she said something quietly.

  Fear made her unable to reach out to scan the true emotions of those in attendance.

  Her heart sank and her knees grew week because she believed she already knew what they felt. Having been rejected one too many times forced her to draw certain conclusions. She could practically hear the accusation from his mother. What have you done, Shane! Jessica’s gaze drifted over the crowd and she saw similar expressions on the faces of other mature women.

  “Jessica?” Angela asked. She should answer because her friend sounded concerned.

  The only nightmare left in her mind came to fruition as she watched faces swirl against the overly green grass in the bright valley. She hadn’t expected a particularly warm welcome. She hadn’t been braced either for a repeat performance of what happened on Blue.

  They’d force Shane to abandon her. The open-mouthed staring was more than she could cope with. She took a step back. Zoe and Angela came to her sides. They should retreat, not come forward.

  Shane placed a boot on the ramp and his mother grabbed his arm. She wanted to keep her eldest away. Uncontrolled fluttering erupted inside Jessica as the warm breeze 151

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  became chilly. Moisture flooded her mouth as her vision narrowed. Darkness crept from the edges as the beings standing in the grass tilted alarmingly. The last thought drifting through her mind was battle stations!

  Shane jumped to the ramp and gained three long strides before Zoe and Angela drew weapons. They quickly brought them up to power. They meant to do him harm.

  He stopped where he stood because the gals looked panicked. With Jess lying on the ramp behind them, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind they’d protect her, even from him.

  “Zoe, Angela, let me get to her,” he said in a calm, almost casual manner.

  “Hold, Tiernan!” Zoe said. Her voice didn’t shake and neither did she.

  Zoe held the gun on him while Angela bent at the knees and reached back to lay a hand on Jess. “She’s breathing. Strong pulse.”

  Finn jumped up beside him. “Zoe, stow your weapon.”

  “No. Stay back.”

  Braughmen who’d been with them aboard Efface spread out through the crowd to get a vantage point to disarm them. The gals noticed and their guns targeted movement.

  “Nay,” Shane said to his men. “Stand down. And get a medic to treat me wife.”

  Needing to touch Jess and having to wait made another word come out overly loud.

  “Soonest!”

  “Zoe,” Shane said, regaining his calm, “you know I won’t hurt her. I need to see if she’s all right. You’ll let me pass?”

  Hesitantly, Zoe shook her head. Jess usually told them how to respond in a tense situation. She wasn’t awake to do it. With the gals left on their own, he needed to stay composed and reason it out. His instincts told him to get to his wife. He took a few more steps and both guns followed his movement. He stopped again and spoke quietly to settle their unease.

  “She ever black out like this before?” he asked.

  “On board, when they confined her,” Angela replied. He couldn’t believe she’d been the one to have hands that trembled and a voice that shook.

  “Aye, she did. You remember she came through it fine. I’ll have a medic give her something to set her straight.”

  “No. No one touches her.”

  “You know what to do for her?”

  “No. We’ll take her back to Efface.”

  “Nay, you won’t.” He wouldn’t lie to them. They’d not get back inside that ship.

  They’d take his wife nowhere. “I’ll go to her now. Shoot if you don’t trust me. Think on it though. Think hard.”

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  He gave them ten seconds and began walking. Although the guns stayed trained on him, he got to Jess. After gathering her up, he sat down and arranged her in his lap.

  Finn and Reilly convinced Zoe and Angela to stow their weapons before walking them down the ramp.

  He brushed the hair from Jess’ face and she didn’t stir, not even a bit. Her arms and legs were slack and her face held little color. The ashen hue and cold dampness of her skin scared the hell out of him.

  He bellowed, “Get a fucking medic!”

  The man came quickly thereafter and tended her. Shane knew she’d gone unconscious from too much worry and instructed the medic on which drug to give.

  She’d be checked daily for a while to make sure she stayed in good health. Every precaution would be taken.

  Many milled about, afraid for the wife he’d brought home. His Ma walked up the ramp and stopped a few feet away. “Shane?”

  “Aye,” he said, stroking Jess’ cheek so when she woke she’d see him straightaway.

  “I was shocked, that’s all,” she said, stepping closer.

  “Aye.” He didn’t realize many of the gals his Ma’s age had seen a sallow messenger when they’d been young. One of Jess’ kind visited Braugh and made a lasting impression.

  His Ma sat beside him and began touching his wife. She gathered Jess’ hair and gently pulled it away from her face. “She’s broughen, Shane. She’s nice?”

  He wanted her to wake. “Aye, sometimes.”

  “They say their voices weep because they’re not able to feel all a normal being can.

  They know something’s missing and they mourn the loss.”

  “Jess is a whole gal. Zoe and Angela are too. They’re not lacking. In fact, they have more inside than most do.”

  His Da asked as he sat on the side of the ramp, “Do they know a gal’s not permitted to be armed on Braugh?”

  “Nay, and you’ll not tell them. Until they feel safe, they can keep their weapons.”

  “You sure about that, son? They almost put some holes in your hide.”

  “They’re shiny. They won’t blast things at random.”

  Finally! Her eyes came open and she squirmed in his lap.

  “Abo
ut time, hon. If you were tired, you only needed to say so.” Shane placed his cupped hand over her soft eyebrows as she adjusted to the light.

  “I had the worst dream.” She shivered and his Ma shook out a blanket someone handed over and covered her.

  “I bet.”

  Jess looked up, saw his Ma, moaned and closed her eyes. “Just shoot me.”

  It startled his Ma and she pulled her hands away.

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  He said while sitting Jess up a bit, “You need to greet me fam now. I’ll shoot you later.”

  “Shane!” his Ma said. She was aghast. “Don’t speak to her like that.”

  “Aye, Ma. But she knows it was a joke.”

  “You all right, sweet?” she asked Jess.

  Jess squirmed. “Yes, Missus, fine. Your son’s comment was my fault. I’ll be more mindful.”

  “Nay! He was raised better. I’m Catherine Tiernan and this,” she pulled his Da close, “is Richard Tiernan. To you, Jess, it be Ma and Da.”

  Tears gathered in Jess’ eyes and she leaned against Shane. His arms tightened. She sought strength and protection. He’d give it. He knew what hurt her. She expected a slap, not some kind words.

  “Shane?” his Ma asked.

  It’d be best for Jess to learn things in his fam were discussed, dealt with and laid to rest. Most beings on Braugh treated issues in the same manner. His Ma worried she’d offended Jess in some way. He explained, “A few morns back, Jess visited Blue. She’d been off world many years.”

  “Please, don’t,” Jess said.

  “Hush, sweet. Me Ma feels low about hurting you. Your pain isn’t her fault.”

  She closed her eyes. The strain left her body, which relayed she trusted his judgment.

  He stroked her cheek. “She and her crew went to reunite with fam. Because they were soldiers for Gov, no fam came forward to greet them.”

  His Ma looked at Jess with a sympathetic expression. When his Ma silently cried, his Da’s arm slipped across her shoulders. Shane would spare them most of the details for now. His Ma would be heart broke and his Da downright irate with everything his wife had suffered. Most on Braugh would be outraged.

  “So, we turned to leave,” Shane said, “dropped our pants and told Blue to kiss our asses. Bastards!”