Star People Legacy

by Smith, T. L.

  My eyes went further, to a string of bodies. Bodies… how were we going to explain this? The doctor followed my gaze and as if reading my mind, glanced at me, then at Yazzie. “The commander is going to have some serious questions.”

  I blinked again as a helicopters rotors started kicking up dust. The doctor pulled a mask over her face, turning to the other medics. “We need to get everyone out of here now and into detox.” I could see the radioactive biohazard emblem on the face of the mask. She raised a hypo gun. “It’s going to be a bumpy ride, so you’re sleeping through it. See you on the other side.”

  CHAPTER

  37

  There were thousands of questions, taking days to answer, but not until I’d recovered enough to tolerate the long sessions. My ‘medicine women’ were Ci’in, with me twenty-four hours a day. Via tribal song, they couched me on the constructed story of what happened in the mountains.

  They also brought me witness testimony and updates. Members of our party were being unofficially held on the reservation, at the resort. Not a bad imprisonment. The military had argued against it, but the Cocopah guaranteed they’d not let us disappear. Not wanting to get into a pissing match and lose their indefinite land leases, the government capitulated.

  I knew about every interrogation and every answer the ‘witnesses’ gave, including the illegals’ testimony. Most of the hostages refused to speak at all. The few who did repeated what they’d been taught by my father. Not that it took a lot of convincing. They knew no one would believe that a giant snake and his army of mercenaries kidnapped them and was using them as incubators. They blamed the deaths of their people on ‘Coyotes’.

  In his turn, Casey gave testimony. Our ‘outing’ was supposed to be a dual event, our marriage by ancient tribal customs, before I ascended to the lofty position of “The Ci’in”, a secretly elevated Spirit Woman to all the indigenous peoples of the Americas. We’d completed the marriage ceremony the night before ascending the mountain for the second ceremony, where we were attacked.

  Individually the stories were believable, but adding in the retaliatory, ritualistic nature of our enemies’ deaths, I wasn’t surprised they found the collective story incredulous. The investigators argued about the ‘eye for an eye’ justice and escalated the case. By the time I was fit to testify, it was to an NCIS Inquest.

  Since it involved Lutz’ death, attacks on citizens of Mexico and the Nation of tribes, I faced my base commander and two generals from Washington D.C.

  My scarred hands were folded in front of me as I sat before them. Over the last two days I’d told them the same story from beginning to end, twice already and they picked at it a third time. Now they conferred in tones that white noise prevented me from hearing. But I still knew what they said. Lutz leaned on their table, narrating for me.

  All the victims’ testimony sided with the actions of my people. We’d rescued them from the murderous hands of Coyotes. To terrify them into compliance, the Coyotes randomly killed someone, in the most horrendous ways possible. Including cutting their throats and ripping them out with their bare hands.

  The men asked ‘why’ over and over again, getting the same answers. They were running an illegal mining operation inside the mountains, but no one could prove it. Before the Marines arrived to ‘save us’, the tunnel was blown by a small nuclear bomb. Sealing it forever.

  Everyone swore it was the last desperate, vengeful act of the Coyotes.

  Lutz popped out of existence, reappearing on the edge of my table. “They’re at a deadlock.” He really liked to carry on conversations when he knew I couldn’t answer. His idea of being annoying.

  It worked well, but he was useful.

  “The general on the left, Gen. Hardass, is on your side. He saw some freaky stuff over in Syria and gets the ‘do unto others’ angle. And when we came in he was putting on his jacket. He’s got the Raider Cross on his right arm.”

  I gave Hardass a passing glance. I’d worked with his kind. He’d seen lots of battle before he got to the top and understood the truth could be stranger than fiction.

  Lutz pointed to the other general. “Gen Marshmallow hasn’t seen the front line of anything, but the buffet. He’s all ‘by the book’ and thinks you violated the terms of the oath you swore with all this Ci’in stuff. We need to figure out what he wants to hear to make this go away. So I can say goodbye.”

  I lowered my head, turning slightly to Lutz. “I’m doing my best.”

  “Captain!” I jerked my head up as Marshmallow used the microphone to make his voice boom in the hearing room. As if it was necessary. It was a small room “Are we boring you?”

  I clenched my teeth, shifting in my seat as I leaned forward. My last pain pill was wearing off. My lips brushed the microphone they’d provided me. “Sir, yes sir.”

  His mouth popped open. Hardass raised an eyebrow slightly. My commander scrunched up his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything.

  “I have repeated everything I know. I don’t have anything else to add, except that I am… offended. Particularly with your prejudice, sir. My oath to the United States Marine Corps does not negate my religion, any more than it does yours, sir. Nor does it negate the obligation I have to the true native population of this country. Sir.”

  I turned my arm enough to display the tattoo I shared with Hardass. “I am not a consciousness objector. I have killed to defend our country, our constitution and our people, including the native population you refuse to acknowledge as legitimate. Sir.”

  “Ewww, go for the jugular by calling him a bigot. Great tactic.” Lutz snickered.

  There was a stunned moment of recovery as Marshmallow’s shock turned to anger. “I am not prejudice, Captain. I am reacting with doubt.” He glared at me. “We’re supposed to believe that the entire Indian…”

  Gen. Hardass cleared his throat, loudly, getting a secondary glare from Marshmallow.

  “That the entire Native American…”

  “Sir, Earth People.” I corrected him, for the tenth time in these hearings. “The National Council of Tribal Affairs has worked for decades to change the derogatory designations to our many tribes. As this is a legal tribunal, please use the correct term. I am of the Earth People. Sir.”

  He stared at me, looking even more annoyed that I continued to speak back to him. “Captain. You want us to believe that the entire population of… Earth People, picked you as their next great Chin.”

  I leaned into the microphone again, dropping my voice and speaking slowly, implying in the sheer tone that he was stupid enough I needed to speak slowly. “The Ci’in, sir! As in, The Bishop. The Pope.” I got a smirk from Hardass. “I am The Ci’in. And no, it was not the entire population of Earth People, but all the tribal leaders elected to the council. A unanimous vote. Sir.” I was maintaining protocol with each statement.

  “And they just showed up at your door and dragged you away for this… promotion.”

  “Yes, sir. They did. The Spirits spoke to the tribal religious leaders, Shaman, as you prefer to call them. The Great Mother told them it was time for a new Ci’in to be appointed. We do not question our Spirits when they speak to us. Sir.”

  “And these Spirits speak to you now.” He said it with such venom, he sounded like the Maxa’xak.

  I couldn’t help but roll my eyes towards Lutz, who had raised his hand as if volunteering to answer. A part of me wished he could.

  I blinked slow and stared back at the general. “Yes, sir. Just as I’m sure your God speaks to you. Unless… he doesn’t, sir.” I leaned away from the microphone. “If that isn’t the case, then I feel sorry for you, sir.”

  Lutz laughed so hard he lost concentration and fell through the table. Casey snorted and I was trying hard to keep a straight face.

  “Captain, I’ve had just about enough of this.” Marshmallow was starting to look like the real thing when you hold it just far enough out of the flames it doesn’t burn, but puffs up really big.

  Hardass
wasn’t even looking at me, or at Marshmallow. He leaned on his arm with the tattoo, his mouth buried in his palm.

  My commander’s face was the darkest red I’d ever seen. Having gone this far, I glared at Marshmallow. “So have I, sir. If you continue to disparage my religion, I will be forced to file a complaint to the Pentagon, sir.”

  “Stop, stop, please…” Lutz was trying to get off the floor. “You’re killing me!”

  Casey snorted even louder. “You’re already dead.” He tried to whisper, but not too effectively in the small room.”

  “If you’re referring to the Captain’s career, Mr. Delgado, you’re right!”

  Gen. Hardass dropped his hand and turned to face Marshmallow. “That’s Commander Delgado.” He said it even slower than I had spoken. “He is the Southwestern Regional Commander of Border Patrol. Address him with the respect due one of our other branch officers.”

  The glaring match shifted from me to the two generals. Marshmallow caved first. “I apologize, Commander Delgado. Returning to the matter at hand. This hearing has gotten out of hand and the sarcasm will be noted in your file, Captain Castle.”

  Casey stood up and leaned over my shoulder to the microphone. No smirk on his face. “That’s Captain Delgado, sir. You disrespect my rank and her religion. Our marriage is one thing I will not allow you to contest. Captain Del…gado.”

  Lutz took up Casey’s snorting.

  I took a deep breath, focusing on Hardass. “Sir, I have nothing else to say. Do as you will. I am tired and wish to go home for a few hours, before I must preside over the spiritual release of those who died.” I looked to Lutz. “Their souls have lingered here long enough.”

  “Captain Delgado.” Hardass ignored the microphone. “We have heard enough. You are dismissed. See to your family and friends.”

  I slowly stood up as he did, thankful to be released, though Marshmallow looked like he wanted to go a few more rounds. Hardass didn’t let him, walking around the table. My commander took a moment to snap out of his ‘what the hell is going on’ coma and jumped to his feet.

  “Officers Delgado.” He addressed us both.

  “General Marquez.” Casey squinted at him slightly as he extended his hand. “Is this over yet, or are you taking it to a full tribunal.”

  Leave it to Casey to cut to the quick. Hardass gave him the same squint back, giving a firm handshake. “Based on what we’ve heard and without evidence to the contrary, it would be difficult to proceed to that extreme.”

  “But I will be discharged, no matter what the decision, sir.” I didn’t hold out hope otherwise.

  “That remains to be seen. It will take some deliberation. Not trying to be prejudiced, but you have to respect what it would be like if your base priest was suddenly promoted to the U.S. Cardinal position. The Marines would find it difficult to decide where he fits.”

  “Understood, sir.”

  Casey took my arm in his. “If I can take my wife home to rest, sir.”

  “Of course.” He stepped out of my way. “Until you hear from us, you are released to medical leave. And your tribal duties. The U.S. Marines offer condolences to those your… the Earth People, lost in this unfortunate incident. I do not envy the task, as the Ci’in, you must face. Go, knowing we won’t interfere in your religious services.”

  CHAPTER

  38

  As much as I wanted to go home and sleep, there was someone else who needed my attention. The Marines brought Sabrina out for Lutz’ military funeral. She’d been told the official story and helped to clear his affairs, all while we were still in the hospital.

  It was quick, formal and cold. With papers signed, they expected her to go away. My mother intervened and took Sabrina to the last place Lutz had slept. Our apartment. Sabrina could feel him there, smell him on the pillow. In the clothes he’d left behind. It gave her more time to accept what had happened.

  I had no doubt Lutz visited her there, when he wasn’t heckling my proceedings. But time was up. Chucky carried me up the stairs, since Casey couldn’t. I half-expected him to slam my head into the wall, but he didn’t. He put me down rather gently, backing off with no snide comment about needing to lose weight.

  Casey took his place, wrapping his good arm around me. It was the first time I’d been back here. It felt weird knocking on my own door.

  My mother answered, letting us in. Sabrina stood up from the sofa to greet me.

  “I’m Beth, Brandon’s partner.”

  Sabrina looked me up and down for a second. “I recognize you from the pictures Brandon sent.” Her arms gently wrapped around my shoulders. “Thank you.” Her voice cracked slightly. “I appreciate the time you’ve given me here.” She let me go, taking my hand and leading me to the sofa. She didn’t let go, helping as I eased myself down. “Are you sure you should be out of the hospital?”

  “The infection is gone, the wounds closed. I just have to rebuild my strength.” I let out a breath and leaned back as Casey added a pillow behind me and sat on the sofa arm. “I’m more concerned about you, Sabrina. I’m so sorry this happened.”

  She dropped her eyes. “He was a soldier. We talked about this a million times. Planned for the worst...”

  “But never quite believed it would happen.”

  She nodded. “I should have wrapped things up and moved out here sooner.” She plucked at some little piece of fuzz on her shirt, rolling it in her fingers. “It might have been that pebble in the ocean and he’d still be here.”

  I didn’t try to suggest fate finding us, regardless. Lutz’ priorities might have changed all sorts of things we did. Our schedule might have shifted. I might not have noticed the second trail. We might not have run into the zombies. Not for a while yet.

  “We can’t live our lives asking ‘what if’. He doesn’t want that. His Spirit wants you to find the peace to go on without regret.”

  “I know.” She raised her head, looking around the apartment. “He said that to me before the last tour. No regrets. I just need time to reach that point.” She reached out for my hand again. “Letting me stay here, instead of rushing me off like everyone on the base did, means a lot. Thank you.”

  “You can stay as long as you need to.” I squeezed her hand. “But tonight…”

  “The ceremony. Your mother explained your ways. Earth people and spirits. You’ll call him and the others who died and do a ritual to release their souls out into the universe so they can be reborn.” She smiled. “He wasn’t big on religion, but I think he’d get a kick seeing if it’s real.”

  “He will. I learned that much about him in the few months we worked together. Like you, I wish there was more time.” I looked up at Casey and back to my brothers. “Can you guys leave us alone for a while?”

  They nodded and Casey gave me a kiss on the forehead. My mother went into the kitchen as they left. I waited a moment and with just a silent thought Lutz appeared for me. My mother came back into the room, setting down two cups of tea. I picked up one, handing it to Sabrina.

  She took it. “Thank you, but I’m not a tea person.”

  “It’s not really tea.” I gave her a raised eyebrow. “Brandon wants to speak to you before I release his Spirit. This softens the psychological barriers your culture builds up. It also might make you a bit sleepy, but won’t hurt you otherwise.”

  Sabrina looked into the cup, then at me. I expected refusal, at the very least a few questions, but she downed the cup in four slurps. “Now what?”

  “Let’s go to your room.”

  She got up quickly, helping me walk her into the guest bedroom. I sat down in the chair next to the bed. “Get comfortable. Lean back and close your eyes.” She stacked pillows up and did exactly what I asked. “Visualize Brandon here. Take slow easy breaths. Visualize, and in your mind, call him to you.”

  I spoke softer and softer, watching her body relax. Ninety percent of the effect was her willingness to believe in the lavender scented herbal tea, opening herself to hypno
tic suggestion. It worked and Lutz saw the moment when she drifted beyond the inhibitions controlling her.

  He sat down next to her. “Sabi, I’m here.”

  Her mouth opened as she gasped. “Brand… Brandon?”

  “Yes, baby. I’m here.” He stroked her leg.

  I leaned forward, injecting a whisper. “Slowly open your eyes. Remember, this is his Spirit.”

  Sabrina didn’t open her eyes. Instead she put her hand down to where he touched her. “I’m a little afraid to look. Afraid this is a dream.”

  “It isn’t. Open your eyes, baby.”

  The muscles around her eyes flinched. Fear and desperation battled each other, but her need to see Lutz won out. She opened her eyes and teared up immediately. “It’s really you.” She looked down to where her hand had tried to touch his, but instead saw that she was rubbing her own leg. His hand not real. “I can’t touch you?”

  “No, I don’t have a body anymore.” He reached up and stroked her cheek. Sabrina tried to touch his hand again, failing. “Some would say I’m only residual energy, which I guess is what you feel. I’m only my Spirit now.”

  “So, there is something after we die.” Sabrina tried to laugh.

  “Apparently, though we still have to wait to see what comes next. I just know a part of me is always going to be here, with you. And I guess I have to be glad things happened the way they did, so I’d be able to say goodbye.” Lutz glanced over at me. “Thank you. For being a friend when I was alive, and now.”

  “Your strong Spirit let you do this. Strong enough to wait for this moment and strong enough to let go when the time comes.”

  “Do you have to, let go that is? I mean, you hear stories.” Sabrina sounded a little scared and hopeful.

  “Haunting? That wouldn’t be good for his Spirit. Those who can’t find their way to the next… life, they get lost in this one. In time he would stop being the man we knew. Kind of like Alzheimer’s. Neither of you want that.”