A New Time

by Donna Steele

  Without warning the pitch of sound changed on the monitor and Dusty glanced back at it.

  Erica also roused at the sound.

  The picture morphed and became grainy, like old television he’d seen before the change, the image just clear enough to see.

  He stared, mesmerized, frozen in place.

  Dee’s gasp told him the sounds had woken her as well and she too recognized the being now in front of them. She reached for Erica and he surrendered her to her mother’s arms.

  The alligator man of their nightmares stood in front of them, right there on the monitor.

  Dusty reeled from the implications. We’re not crazy, we’re clairvoyant.

  Guess a lot of people were.

  Sound came through, containing only a series of growls and clicks, no communication he could understand.

  Had someone really not invented a universal translator?

  Such a thought was only to help him cope, of course. He’d dreamed of this creature after returning from 1891. Many people had done the same and been overwhelmed by the dreams. Including Dee.

  A widespread premonition?

  He checked on Dee and noticed Erica’s eyes were also on the monitor.

  “Should she be seeing this?” A dumb question. Erica was only a couple of months old and had no clue what was happening, but she was something he could focus on to try to remain sane.

  “No, but I can’t let go of her. She can’t follow any of it anyway.”

  He certainly agreed. “You’re holding her, and she doesn’t seem upset. It’s not like she understands what she’s seeing. Let’s keep her close.” He pulled them against him.

  He stared at the image as it pixilated and reformed. He gasped and leaned closer. “Not an alligator. I know why we all thought that, but . . . shit, he’s a fuc-damn dinosaur.”

  “What?”

  “Look at him, it, he’s a sentient dinosaur. Did you ever watch the Jurassic Park movies before the change? This guy looks like a cross between the T-Rex and that little one with the neck ruffles that spit poison. It’s not the kind of thing I studied. Sometimes I miss IMDB and Wikipedia.” Dusty knew he was rambling, but he was shaken to the core. “He doesn’t look as big as the T-Rex but there’s nothing to scale him against, and his arms are longer, with . . . are those claws? He’s got snake eyes. I would not want to meet him a dark alley.”

  Dusty leaned even closer to get a better look. “Dee, meteors didn’t bombard wherever he came from. Crap, no wonder they’ve reached the stars. He could have evolved for millions of years. We’ve been at it for less than ten thousand.”

  That much was true. If these creatures evolved in the same time frame as the dinosaurs of Earth . . . hell, they could have a history more than sixty million years old. Hadn’t dinosaurs gone extinct here sixty-five million years ago? And how long had they lived on the planet prior to that?

  The news anchor reappeared on the screen as the image vanished. He’d gone silent as he too tried to take in the hitch in the broadcast. Dusty watched his scramble for composure. “Th-the two ships appear to have assumed a geosynchronous orbit slightly south of the nation’s Capital.”

  Dusty and Dee’s eyes locked. “Braddock’s Crossing,” she breathed.

  Chapter 30

  Erica chose to ignore the insult from her parents. They didn’t know her capabilities. Why had the Malveks traveled here? She’d thought she had taken care of their interest in this planet. She had been distracted lately. It wasn’t an invasion fleet, not that it mattered. She might not be as mobile or communicative as she wanted, but she would allow no harm to come here from elsewhere. This planet was now her home.

  If only the humans who lived here would calm down.

  She needed Cael.

  ~ ~ ~

  Guardian Enclave

  Cael stopped in midstride in the corridor. “Essence?” She questioned mentally as others stepped around her, curious but silent.

  “I am now called Erica. Are you aware of the incursion of the Malveks?”

  “I have not monitored them since you created the shield, Es-Erica. How may I help?”

  “Two Malvek ships have arrived at Earth.”

  “An invasion?”

  “No, and they would not be successful in any case. I need you to confront them. Can you do that for me?”

  “Of course. I will come to you first to ensure I have your questions with me.” Once again hiking up her robes, Cael raced down the corridor to her Elder’s quarters.

  Stares followed her again, though less surprise this time. If anyone paid attention it was only to think, “Cael again.”

  “Cael? What?” Her mentor rose as she careened into the room.

  “Erica contacted me. Sorry, the Essence. Malvek ships have appeared in orbit around Earth. She wants me to confront them. I told her I would meet with her first.” Cael’s words spilled over each other.

  “Then do it, my child.”

  “Am I capable?”

  “Certainly, you are. The Essence would not have chosen you if you were unworthy.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Washington, D.C.

  Dusty stared at Dee. “Braddock’s friggin’ Crossing.”

  Was it the center of the fucking universe? Was this why they had time traveled? What were they supposed to do now?

  There were no damn dinosaurs in 1891.

  Before the question settled in his head, something caught Dusty’s peripheral vision and he turned.

  She stood there. The woman in the flesh colored robe. He’d never seen her so clearly before. Dee’s fast indrawn breath told him his wife saw her as well.

  The woman didn’t face Dee or him. Her eyes were focused on Erica. She bowed to the baby and seemed to be listening intently to something, though he heard no sound.

  After a few seconds, she bowed again and winked out.

  Dusty and Dee both stared at their daughter in silence.

  What the . . .

  ~ ~ ~

  Aboard Braxal’s ship

  Braxal rose to his full height abruptly at the sight of the willowy creature who appeared on his bridge. There was a faint resemblance to the Earthers below but only because of the skin. Smooth skin, with no scales. No fur either, like most Earthers. Was she actually here? He could see through her to the console she stood before.

  According to what Axal and Sark relayed, no one from the planet below would have the ability to appear before him in this manner. He knew the Earthers were aware of the presence of the ships. Every broadcast on the planet displayed them.

  His ship monitored the repositioning of satellites now trained on him, but they were not weaponized. Nothing the Earthers possessed in the way of weapons could reach this orbit. Was this retaliation for his appearance on their monitors? There had been no response to his queries. Or was this the response?

  Am I losing my mind?

  Sandarc leapt to his feet, Rissul only an instant later. So, others could see her as well.

  There was only one entity this could possibly be. Braxal bowed his head. “Guardian?”

  She didn’t smile, though she seemed pleased. He didn’t know how he knew that.

  Returning his bow, she faced him without apparent fear. “Why have you come to this planet?” There was no sound, but Braxal heard her in his head, his language spoken in a softer voice than ever before. No accusation colored her words, merely curiosity.

  “We have no plans to harm the inhabitants here.” Braxal hurried to reassure her. He spoke verbally as the others in the command center glanced at him, then back at the apparition. Had they not heard her question? “The Malveks only wish to meet with you, Guardian.”

  “I am here.”

  She appeared younger than he woul
d have thought, younger than Vion. What could her true age be?

  “We are aware you changed the history of this planet. It is no longer of value to my species.”

  The Guardian inclined her head.

  “Was the action to punish us?”

  “No. We were unaware of your intent. This species is of great interest to us and we wish to see them flourish.”

  Braxal nodded. “We would like to request a collaboration with you.”

  “Collaboration?”

  This was not what he expected. Gsark should be in attendance here, something that needed to be remedied. “Would it be possible to meet with a small conclave here on my ship to hear our offer?”

  “I am intrigued.”

  “We can be assembled in a short span of time. Is that acceptable?”

  “It is. I will return when you are ready.” She winked out of existence.

  From the corner of his eye, Braxal saw Rissul crouch. Sandarc remained upright but Braxal was unsure if it was strength or shock which kept him on his feet. Axal was the only one who appeared to have kept his balance during the encounter.

  Communication with Axal might be what he needed. He and Sark should most definitely attend this conclave.

  Turning to Axal, he took in the mind talker’s demeanor. Axal did not cringe, but Braxal took no offense. “Could you hear her?”

  “Yes, Warrior.”

  “Good. Sandarc, contact Gsark. Have him and the other warriors assemble here as soon as possible. Axal, attend me.”

  Rissul made no comment, remaining in his crouch.

  Axal followed three steps behind Braxal as he left the bridge. Impatient, Braxal motioned him forward.

  “You heard her?”

  “I did, Warrior.”

  “She speaks our language?”

  “She spoke to our minds, Warrior, in a way with which I am unfamiliar. I believe she ‘speaks’ every language, insomuch that whoever’s mind she is in could interpret her.”

  “They are very powerful in ways I have not contemplated.”

  “Yes, Warrior.”

  There was much to consider, and time was short.

  ~ ~ ~

  Guardian Enclave

  Cael looked up at her mentor. “The Malveks wish to confer with me. They have a proposition to discuss.”

  “A proposition?” The Elder appeared amused. “What does the Essence think of this?”

  “I will go to her next. I needed a moment. She does not wish the Malveks to become aware of her existence. They think we are the . . . apex of the evolutionary scale and we created the shield which now surrounds the planet.”

  “That is wise on her part. There is no reason for them to attempt to contact her. You will make a good intermediary.”

  “Their mind talkers were beside them. They are more evolved than the warrior class and I believe will be the best conduit to communication.”

  “Are you ready?”

  Cael allowed herself a calming breath. “Yes, I must confer with Erica. Thank you, Elder.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Washington, D.C.

  Cael shimmered into existence in the living room. “What’s going on?” Dusty sprang to his feet, demanding information before she could approach Erica. He moved to shield Dee and Erica instinctively, but could he do anything to protect them against whatever this being was?

  “There is no need for you to fear me.” The voice sounded in his head, nothing audible. “The Malveks journeyed here to draw the Guardians out. They only wish to meet with us and have no plans to harm any of the population of your planet.”

  “Malveks? Guardians? I don’t understand. Are you real?”

  “My time is short. I must confer with Erica.”

  The communication in his mind halted and the figure turned her focus to the baby.

  Confer with Erica?

  Was he having some sort of stroke? Dee seemed equally dumbfounded and her arms tightened around the baby.

  Erica returned the woman’s gaze, and all grew silent for several minutes.

  The woman, the Guardian, bowed.

  “Wait. Please, tell me what is going on!” Dusty took a step toward her, but she wasn’t solid. He couldn’t grab her and hold her.

  “I will return. For now, I must meet with the Malveks.” She vanished.

  “What. The. Fuck.” Dusty didn’t apologize for his language or for saying it in front of Erica.

  “Was he what you dreamed of? The alligator man?” Dee asked.

  “Yes, exactly.”

  “How? How did we dream of them before they appeared? Tell me they aren’t here and hiding.”

  “No. I don’t believe that’s what’s going on.” His mind worked frantically. “I admit I’m searching for a positive spin here. Yet, look at the people affected. As far as we know, they all had mental issues, except for us.”

  Dee’s eyebrows went up.

  “Okay, we might have them too, but not to any extent. Strong-minded people didn’t have the dreams. Leonard, Sherry, Dusty G, your friends at the hospital. For the population, very few people had the dreams. Even less were harmed by them. Those that did have the dreams or visions, lived in this area of the country. Other countries, other hemispheres didn’t share the dreams.”

  “I was harmed.” Dee’s voice dropped low.

  “Affected, not harmed. You also time traveled, and you were carrying Erica, who apparently is mixed up in this whole thing.” He held up his hand. “Don’t ask me how.”

  “She’s an infant. She couldn’t—”

  “I think we’re going to have to wait to find out.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Dee sank onto the couch and turned Erica to face her. “Erica, what’s going on?”

  She didn’t expect an answer and received none, then a feeling of calm, of security came over her. What was it her mother had said? She felt stronger holding Erica? Dee did as well.

  “Who are you? I know you’re my daughter and Dusty’s, but you’re more, aren’t you? You were conceived in the past. The woman, the Guardian, knows you.”

  Erica swung her hand up, almost as though for a high five and chortled at her mother.

  Dee turned to Dusty. “She’s more special than we ever imagined.”

  Chapter 31

  Aboard Braxal’s ship

  Vion glanced over at the large warm shelf where Braxal slept when he allowed himself the time. There was no other sleeping shelf in here, so she’d made a nest on the far side of the chamber, but she hadn’t slept well. Braxal’s presence had distracted her and she’d grown cold.

  Vion gazed with longing at the sleep shelf. The warming prisms beneath it were too efficient to allow for warmth to penetrate the corner where she crouched.

  He wasn’t here now. Would he mind if she used the shelf? Boredom assailed her. His scrolls featured battles and plans, which did not hold her interest. The chamber was clean and tidy. She wasn’t even hungry, which came as a surprise after so long without sufficient sustenance.

  She would seize this opportunity for a short sleep. Her mind would be clearer if she were rested.

  ~ ~ ~

  Sound woke her and Vion turned to greet Braxal as a claw hoisted her into the air. What? Was Braxal so angry that she slept on his . . .

  This was not Braxal.

  His scent told her he came from Braxal’s line, but why was he in here?

  Rather than speak to her, he shook her violently. To wake her? Could he not see she was awake? Should she talk to him? She wasn’t able to cringe, dangling like this.

  He was a warrior. Braxal’s son?

  Where is Braxal?

  ~ ~ ~

  Braxal approached his chambers to prepare f
or the conclave after his short conversation with Axal and slowed, his eyes narrowing. The entrance was no longer sealed. Had Vion attempted an escape? She had appeared content. There was nowhere for her go on the ship. It would not be safe for her to wander around. Many soldiers were on board.

  He entered silently to see Vion struggling with Rissul.

  “Why are you here?” Braxal demanded.

  His voice caused Rissul to jerk though he had not roared his anger. Vion used Rissul’s distraction to pull free and hurry to the far side of the chamber.

  “I looked for you, Warrior Father. I found this stowaway.”

  “My chambers were sealed and Vion is not a stowaway.”

  “Vion?” Rissul glanced at the female now arranged in the ritual pose. “You have named a female? Gsark has had great influence over you.”

  Attempting to keep a short leash on his temper, Braxal snarled, “How did you enter my chambers?”

  “It was important I address you.”

  “Then speak.” Braxal ground out the words. This infraction would be dealt with harshly. For now, little time remained before they were to meet with the Guardian.

  He met Vion’s gaze for an instant. When he nodded briefly, her eyes widened in surprise and she lowered her head, most of the tension leaving her body.

  He would speak with her soon.

  ~ ~ ~

  All seven of the Warriors, along with Axal and Sark, assembled in the gathering room of Braxal’s ship.

  Braxal gave a short report. “The Guardian appeared at my helm. She was not there physically, though we could see her. Rissul, Sandarc, and Axal saw her as well.” Braxal forcefully put aside his ire at Rissul to concentrate on the true purpose of this voyage.

  “A female?” Thoruus sounded stunned.

  “Yes. She spoke to my mind. Did you hear her?” He addressed the question to Rissul and Sandarc. Axal had already admitted he heard her.