by Greg Ballan
"I don't wish to leave your side, Warrior." She clung to his arm.
Erik gave her a reassuring smile. "Okay." He looked at Diplomat. "To be honest, I'm a bit hungry as well."
"I will have sustenance brought to the ship's main observation room. We can talk there over food and she can be tended to in your presence."
◆◆◆
Several hours passed as Erik relayed the tale of the past month to Diplomat. The alien's dark almond eyes focused intently on every word. Medics had busily scanned the female Esper, feeding her healing fluids and medicines.
"So now I'm alone, the timeline of Earth rewritten, and my wife remarried and my son gone to the Ethereal Realm."
Sergeant Phelps sniffed and wiped away a tear. "I'm so sorry, Agent Knight. We'd heard rumblings on other worlds that the war on Earth was coming to a head and I've read several files on Molec in the central databank. I'm glad the Earth is rid of his influence and all is back to normal." He reached out and laid a gentle hand in Erik's shoulder. "However I'm not happy that you alone paid the price for peace."
Diplomat nodded slightly. "Now you know the burden all advance races carry, the ultimate knowledge of the eternal Great War, the struggle that never ends. Your species is not ready for this kind of awakening and awareness. The grief you carry is too much for one man. I hope you find solace in the vengeance taken against the dark enemy."
Erik flashed a wicked smile. "I don't enjoy taking life, any life. But cleansing the universe of that filth and rubbing Lucifer's nose in it does ease the burden a bit."
The medics finished their ministrations and the female Esper walked to the large window and gazed at the sparkling starscape.
Diplomat's tiny hand rubbed the corner of his mouth, a human gesture of contemplation. "The Ethereal beings are very active in the cosmos. I fear battles will take place on other worlds with other champions fighting the same cause. We can only hope with Molec back in Lucifer's custody, things will resume their normal course and both sides will follow the rules laid out in the beginning. The archdemon did his best to, as you say, tip the apple cart."
Erik sighed. "I'll never understand these rules, but Michael seemed hell bent on killing Lucifer. I know battle lust when I see it. My large blond angelic friend wanted blood and had his leash yanked by my son." Erik paused and considered that. "Or the being that was my son." He took another forkful of a something that resembled mashed potatoes but had a very pleasant fruity taste. "For now, Earth is safe. The price is paid and I gave Lucifer a kick in the crotch he won't forget as a thank you." He stared over at the Esper female gazing at the stars. "I don't know what to do with her now. I don't even know if she knows where her home is." Erik dropped his fork, wide eyed, "Holy crap!! I don't even know her name."
Diplomat laughed. "She is a gift to you, a soul mate. Life abhors a vacuum, what was taken has been returned. You just don't see it yet because you're still focused on the loss." Erik was about to respond when Diplomat cut him short. "You freed a being that's only known slavery and hardship for a millennium. You broke those shackles and gave her freedom. She saw what you were and she is bonded to you now. You are an Esper. She is Esper." Diplomat smiled. "She is a Cleric and a Companion. Just what you need right now."
"I'm married, Diplomat. Plus, she's been alive for over a thousand years and she'll be alive probably a thousand more. In less than forty years or so, I'll be dust."
The alien smiled and shook his head. "No. You are not married anymore. You said Lucifer wanted you to wallow in self-pity and loneliness but your son forbids it. He knew what we know. Life and love abhor a vacuum." Diplomat leaned forward. "Also, let me enlighten you regarding your longevity. Your genetics are not fully human. Your lifespan is far longer than you believe. Lucifer knew this, which is why he chose such a unique way to torture you. You age like an Esper Warrior. You will be around for many, many years and I look forward to a long, prosperous friendship. The space in your heart needs to be filled. You cannot go for centuries tormented by the loss of a timeline that can never be recovered. In time, you will realize she is the perfect soul mate for you. Your human bride is no longer yours. She has happiness in a new life and a new family. You need to move forward as well." Diplomat smiled. "You were compelled to free her and risk your very life to save a stranger. You were drawn to her even then as she is drawn to you." Diplomat raised his glass, "To new beginnings. Take the time to explore some of God's universe with us and explore her. You will find all that you're missing is over there looking out a portal at the stars." Diplomat pointed toward her. "Earth is not the center of the universe. We can go there if you like, though it's quite dull. You said Mr. Denton wanted you to take a vacation. I invite you to spend time here, on this ship. Explore new worlds, meet new people…" Diplomat pointed again to the shapely Esper female. "And perhaps find love again with one of your own." Diplomat smiled. "Join her, ask her name and talk. Learn about your other half and open yourself to new possibilities. When the creator allows a door to be closed he opens another one for a very good reason. You need but walk through. Embrace the future. Don't dwell upon a past you can't ever recover."
Erik narrowed his gaze. "How do you know about my lifespan?"
Diplomat tilted his head. Dark almond eyes squinted. "How do you not? When we scanned you years ago we realized your human pathology was not the dominant force in your genetic makeup. You really don't know what you are or the potential you possess. Do you?"
"No. I don't." Erik shrugged and held his hands out to the side. "How could I? I tried to bury that part of me and live as a human for my wife's sake and my daughter's."
"When you changed Erik, your whole life changed. Everything changed. You sacrificed what you were to save your daughter against the Seelak threat. You risked combat with us and the human military to save your wife, and you fought Ethereal powers to protect your son, all the while never knowing who or what you really are. At this point in time, don't you think you need to find about what you've become? I assure you, hybrid, you're far more alien than human. The dark forces have severed most of your Earthly ties. You need to discover yourself. Allow her to guide you along the journey of self-discovery." Diplomat sipped his drink while staring intently at Erik.
Erik squirmed under his scrutiny. "I dunno. I am curious and I should at least try to make her comfortable. I did free her after all and set her on this course."
Diplomat pointed. "Go."
Sergeant Phelps gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder. "The Universe is a great place, I found my wife on a distant world and I've never known such happiness." He pointed, his finger accompanying Diplomat's. "That, my friend, is your future. Embrace it."
Erik walked over to her and gazed out the large window. "I've never seen space up close like this before. It's beautiful, frightening, and mysterious at the same time."
She kept looking forward at the stars. "There is much pain and horror hidden within the beauty."
Erik smiled. "I don't know your name or anything about you."
She turned, looking up at him. "And yet you waged war against an entire realm to save me, risking your own freedom in the process. I have no words to express my gratitude or my amazement at the powers you have at your command."
"I heard your call the first time I was there," Erik's voice caught. "I wanted to free you then but I couldn't without risking..."
She touched his face. "I know. I sensed the conflict within you. I am humbled beyond words that you would return to rescue a mere slave." She took a step back studying him. "Like you, I'm not a natural born Esper. I'm a genetic construct trained in healing and in the art of companionship. I'm telepathic, like you, and designed to give my owner exactly what he or she desires in a mate or servant. I'm genetically programmed to fulfill the needs of an owner." She reached up and her silver finger brushed his temple. Erik felt a bioelectric surge of excitement course through his body. "I know of your loss and of your pain, your whole aura reeks of it. Your mate had Esper bloo
d. You were bonded. I sense the empty void."
Erik shook his head. "Yes, she did have a touch of Esper blood. As for you, you're free now. Free to make your own choices and answer to no one. You deserve a life and happiness like everyone else."
She smiled a sad smile. "I'm not free. I'm a genetically engineered servant. That is what I am. That is what I do. That is how I was able to survive captivity in the Soul Market for so long. I knew what my captors needed and how to act accordingly."
Erik frowned. "I don't understand. The Espers made you to be a slave?"
She laughed. "They are not the pure race you believe them to be. Overall they are good, but even some good beings can be jaded and twisted. I am the result of that twisting of technology as are you. Your purpose was nobler than mine. You were created to save a race. I was made to be the perfect concubine."
A wave of sympathy swept over him. He reached for her, placing a gentle hand on her cheek, a silver tear leaked from her blue, pupiless eyes. "I'm so sorry."
She reached up and touched his arm. "I know. I feel your compassion. For years, I have longed and desired to hear genuine words and thoughts of compassion focused toward me. Not something I created for the amusement or pleasure of another." She stepped into him. "If I am free to choose my path, I choose to be with you. Will you have me? I will walk behind you and do my best to serve you."
Erik shook his head. "I'm flattered and honored to have your company. But as an equal; you'll never walk behind me but always by my side. I don't want a slave, but I'd welcome a partner." Erik took her hand. "I don't even know your name. I should have asked you back at the spaceport as we walked together."
She squeezed his hand. Erik's heart beat faster. "In my entire life, no one has seen fit to ever ask." Burning Esper sapphire blue eyes found his deep aqua blue human gaze. Her blue light softened. "I was never given a name by those that made me." Her eyes burned brighter. "You may call me Cha'llara." Her voice rose. "My name is Cha'llara. I am a free Esper Cleric."
"Cha'llara," Erik repeated the name. "You know more of the universe than I ever will." He pointed towards the stars. "Let's explore the wonders together for a while and see what the universe has in store."
She embraced him. Erik was reluctant at first but found comfort and solace in her warmth. He wrapped his arms around her, losing himself in her touch, surrendering to her bliss.
Diplomat looked on in approval and Sergreant Phelps wiped a stray tear form his eye. "Our family just got a bit bigger."
Diplomat smiled. "Ah my friend, one can never have too much family. Love is a bounty best grown and spread among many. Let us join our friends and celebrate our good fortune."
◆◆◆
Newton, MA. Townrise Suites
Martin Denton's jaw dropped as Michael appeared in his home. "Please don't do that! You're gonna give me a heart attack." The counselor gestured toward a large chair. "Have a seat. Don't tell me there's another war brewing."
Michael awkwardly sat, his powerful frame swallowed by the soft, overstuffed chair. The archangel leaned forward. "Nothing so dramatic, I have a message for you from your friend."
"Erik!" The old man's eyes widened. "He's dropped off the face of the Earth! Missing for over a month. Please tell me he's okay. He's been a hollow shell for almost three months now and not getting any better."
"The warrior is fine. He's been busy exacting vengeance upon Lucifer and destroying the Soul Market, permanently." The archangel actually laughed. "I heard my brother's wails of agony clear across the Multiverse and it warmed the cockles of my heart." He waved his hand and a stack of papers materialized on Denton's coffee table. "The hybrid has found some happiness with the Observers and the Esper slave girl. His return to Earth is questionable at this point. The one you call Diplomat is taking him to the far corners of this galaxy and beyond."
Denton shook his head. "Take a vacation I said, relax I said." He laughed. "I didn't mean start another freaking war or piss off the devil." He looked over at the divine entity. "I hope he finds happiness out there. I hope my friend comes back because I miss him, Michael. He's like a son to me."
"Read the letter."
Denton opened the large envelope.
Counselor,
Sorry I've been away. I had some business I needed to take care of and didn't think you'd want to revisit the Soul Market. I'm with some old friends and I've made some new ones too. But I miss my old friend and mentor. Diplomat has extended an invitation for you to see the universe and spend the rest of your days exploring the cosmos. All I can say, my friend, is that it's incredible.
Martin looked up. "I'm not going into space. I'm retiring and parking my butt in that chair and then spending three months a year in a beachfront home in the Bahamas."
"Keep reading."
I told Diplomat you'd refuse; I know you have that beach house in the Bahamas you've been waxing about nonstop for years. I just wanted to extend the invitation and let you know I'm okay and I should be home in a few months, or maybe a year, with a special friend. Please look after things until I get back. If, for some reason I don't return, there's a letter here for Brianna explaining things as much as I can and as much as she'd understand. You've been more than a friend, Martin and I hope to see you again and share my experiences.
Your friend always,
Erik
Denton looked over at the archangel. "Do you know if he'll be coming home? Or will he stay out in the cosmos."
Michael frowned as he considered the question. "Beings such as your friend are meant for conflict and war, as I am." The archangel stood up. "Let him enjoy the tranquility and companionship he's found. It will help him in the short term to accept his loss and face the challenges that lay ahead."
Denton nodded. "Yes, but then give him something else to grieve."
Michael shook his head. "You humans are pessimists." The angel vanished as quickly as he appeared.
Denton took a sip of his drink. "And you Ethereals are a pain in the ass." He stood up and walked over to the balcony, opened the glass door to stare up at the stars. "Enjoy your vacation, Erik. I'm glad you found some happiness, son. I look forward to seeing you again." He wiped a tear from his eye and headed back inside. He took one last look toward the stars before calling it a night.
About the Author
Greg Ballan is a graduate of Northeastern University holding bachelor's degrees in Marketing and Management. Greg enjoys several outdoor activities such as hiking, archery and shooting. Greg was an avid MMA fighter but realized after fifty, getting punched hurts … a lot! He discovered the safer hobby, learning the acoustic guitar. When he's not working his full-time job as a financial analyst or exploring some unknown woodlands, he's crunched over his laptop putting his warped imagination into words or penning a column about the outdoors or his latest misadventure avoiding house and yard work.