by Donna Steele
As Rissul nodded, Sandarc spoke. “I could hear her in my mind as well. I felt as though I shared the talent of a mind talker.” He gave a slight obeisance to Axal and Sark.
“She agreed to meet with us?” Gsark paced, obviously agitated. “Did she appear angry?”
“No. She—”
Cael shimmered into sight.
Thoruus leapt to his feet as though to do battle. Gsark and Braxal bowed to her. At a motion from Gsark, all three of his warrior sons rose and bowed as well. Rissul was last to rise. The two mind talkers had assumed the ritual cringe.
“You wish to speak with the Guardians?” Cael’s lips didn’t move, but they heard her words in their own language.
“Guardian.” Gsark bowed again. “We are honored at your presence. Can you sit?”
Her eyes seemed to show pleasure. “Yes, thank you.”
Though her physical body was not there, she appeared to seat herself near Braxal. At a formal nod from Gsark, Braxal assumed the lead.
“I am called Braxal, Warrior of the Malveks and head of the clan which bears my name.” He bowed slightly to her. “Present here is Warrior Gsark and three of his warrior sons.” Braxal proceeded to introduce everyone in the room. He saw Thoruus’s neck frill undulate when the mind talkers were also introduced.
“I am Cael, representative of the Guardians. What is it you wish to discuss?”
Silently, Braxal deferred to Gsark, who began, “We are curious as to the manipulation of time regarding this planet.”
“Warrior Gsark.” Cael turned to face him. “The Guardians found a species of life on this planet that intrigued us. We were unaware of any of your species’ plans for invasion of this world.”
“This is the reason we wish to confer with you, Guardian Cael. In order to remain non-hostile, we would appreciate your assistance in locating planets for expansion not of interest to you.”
“All planets and species are of interest to us. It is not our normal way to interfere, though on occasion it becomes necessary. Your wish to expand is understood. There are many planets which have lost their original inhabitants or are too young to have evolved a unique population. These planets would be a challenge to tame. Would they be of interest to you?”
“Yes, Guardian.” Braxal leaned forward. “The Malveks are a strong race. We do not fear the work it would take to make a planet our own. Our sons and their sons would learn to endure many trials and add to their strength in such a venture.”
Again, what appeared to be pleasure shone in the female’s eyes.
“The locations of three planets have been given to your mind talkers. These are harsh worlds the original inhabitants could not conquer, though their atmospheres are suited to you. I think your species has a much better chance than those preceding.”
“We are honored. Is there any deed the Malveks could do for the Guardians as a show of good faith?” Braxal surprised himself with the question but saw Gsark’s nod of agreement.
“There is a female of your species on board. She is important to this endeavor, Braxal. She and Gsark’s mate, Ledda, can help lead you to new heights in your journey. She should remain close to you.”
“Vion? Remain close . . . to me? As a mate?”
“Yes, Braxal. Continue with your search for new ideas. That is the direction of the future.”
He bowed.
“Should you need to confer with the Guardians again,” Cael said, turning to Axal and Sark, “please contact me.”
Respectful silence filled the chamber for a moment, then Axal and slowly, Sark, rose from their cringe.
“I will leave you now. The Guardians would be pleased to continue a communication. I wish you success in your endeavors.”
Chapter 32
Washington, D.C.
“I can’t get through.” Dusty set his phone on the table. “The lines are jammed. Everyone has panicked and I can’t blame them.”
“No,” Dee replied. “I hope Dad and Evan know we’re okay. I’m glad Leonard sent you home when he did.”
Dusty heard her, but his attention remained on Erica. She reclined in the corner of the couch, wide awake and watching them.
“Erica? Can you hear me?”
The baby cooed and reached for him. Well, that proved nothing, except she watched him. Hell, she wasn’t three months old. What kind of assurance could he put into a random wave?
“Not random.”
He went dead still. Had he heard that? No, it was his own mind working overtime.
“No, Cael helped you to hear me.”
“Who’s Cael?” Dusty said aloud and Dee turned to him.
“What?” she asked, puzzled.
“Can you speak to your mother like this?”
“I can.”
Dusty saw Dee’s eyes widen. “What’s happening?” Her voice wasn’t steady as she ventured closer.
“I’m not sure. I think the . . . the Guardian who just visited us was named Cael.”
Erica smiled and waved both hands. “You are learning.”
Dusty sank onto the couch beside Erica. He felt Dee clutch his shoulder. “Who are you?”
“I am your daughter, Erica. I am also the Essence that the Guardians follow.”
“Back up. Essence?” Dusty glanced over at Dee to make sure she followed the conversation.
“There is too much information for a single conversation. It will take years for you to assimilate what I am. I can tell you I am the only one of my kind in existence. For now, I require sustenance and rest.”
“I think she needs to nurse,” Dee said quietly, taking their baby in her arms. “That I understand.”
Dusty remained seated, watching mother and daughter together. His mind whirled.
~ ~ ~
Roger stared at the vid of the UFO. His hand throbbed, the medicine he’d just swallowed making no difference. He had dreamed of this being but had dismissed it as a side effect of his injury.
“I can’t reach Dee. I hope she and the baby are okay, and Dusty.” Meredith prattled on as he tried to ignore her.
His mind was on Dee for some reason. He hadn’t thought of her after that day Meredith had insisted they visit.
He had never harmed the girl. Why was this on his mind now? It had been more than a decade ago, and his plan had come to nothing. The pain in his hand flared again and he grimaced. There was no reason for guilt; his mind should be on the danger to the planet.
There was no connection. But he couldn’t shake the feeling of pursuit. The sight of his step-granddaughter in her mother’s arms overlaid the scene displayed on the vid.
“Do you think we should try to drive to D.C.? I know Dee’s independent, but with an infant—”
Without thought he struck out with his left hand to shut her up. She fell back against the wall, her eyes wide. He hadn’t struck her since his injury. Maybe he’d been too slack.
The pain in his right hand was suddenly agony and he cried out, cradling it against his body.
“You will strike no woman.”
His eyes darted around the room. Who had spoken? What the hell was happening?
Fear engulfed him.
~ ~ ~
Aboard Braxal’s ship
“Before we leave this sector, I would like to know if there is any way to communicate with the Earthers.” Braxal took a seat. Only Gsark, Axal, and Sark remained in the room they used for the conclave. Their warrior sons were not invited to this meeting.
Axal responded, “I apologize, Warrior. The shield is still in place. Sark and I are unable to communicate with any of the Earthers. They prefer the term Earthlings.”
Braxal waved the comment away. “I do not wish to leave without assuring them they are safe from the Malveks. T
heir panic at our appearance has not subsided. Only two ships,” he mused.
“I believe they are safe from any predatory species,” Gsark offered, his tone bordering on irony.
“I agree. There could come a day when we would need them as allies, or at least not as enemies.” Braxal stated.
“That is a valid point. With the Guardians to protect them, it would be wise to let them know we would not be a danger in the future.” Gsark rose to pace around the room. “Others will come. We cannot be the only species who can discern the time distortions. When others note it, this planet could well become a focal point of the universe. We would not be rivals. This species, Earthlings, are not in competition for the planets we need. To form an alliance might be a strategic advantage for generations to come.” Gsark stopped and faced the mind talkers. “Do you believe such a thing is possible?”
Both mind talkers gawked at him for an instant. Braxal knew such a question had never been asked of someone of their rank.
Braxal leaned forward. “I would be interested in your answer as well.”
“W-Warriors,” Axal stuttered as if unnerved. “I, we think that is a very prudent thought.” He glanced over at Sark for a quick communication. “The problem is language. They cannot translate our words and have no mind talkers among the Earthlings to assist.”
“No mind talkers of any kind?”
“They are a young species. They will most likely evolve some in the future, but currently . . .” Axal sank into the cringe, Sark beside him.
“That is a barrier. We have seen the panic our presence caused. Without mind talkers or translators of some type, they will continue to fear and eventually to hate us.” Gsark paused in his pacing.
He and Braxal looked at one another. “The Guardians.”
“Is it too soon to ask for their assistance again?” Braxal wondered aloud.
“If we do not leave this sector soon, the Guardians will question our delay,” Gsark replied.
“It is not easy to change so much in so short a time. The Malveks have no allies and have never needed them. We are a warrior species. Our ships, even our appearance could have only frightened a weaker species.”
“Weaker in physical and technological terms, but their protector is mighty and determined no harm should come to them,” Gsark reminded him.
“So many considerations.” Braxal rose. “Let us continue this discussion later, after our thoughts have settled.”
~ ~ ~
Axal and Sark stayed after the warriors vacated the room. Gsark would remain aboard Braxal’s ship for the time being, along with all of their scions.
Sark moved closer to Axal. “I never expected to be asked such a question.”
“Agreed. At least in these two clans, the rank of mind talker has risen beyond my imagination.”
“Were you aware of the female the Guardian referred to?”
“No. I can feel her presence now. She is confused as to her place here. Braxal has protected her so far and kept her from all others except Rissul. I now understand the anger he attempted to suppress when he entered the conclave.”
“Yes, I sensed him through you.”
“Through me?” Those words brought Axal to a halt.
“Since you brought me back to life, I have been always aware of you on some level. You ventured deeper into my mind than anyone ever, and before I grew brave enough to acknowledge you, you became a familiar and comforting presence. That has not abated.”
“It is the same with me, Sark. I would welcome you deep into my mind as well.”
Sark’s eyes widened and after a long moment he bowed his appreciation.
And extended his dominant claw to Axal.
Chapter 33
Vion heard someone approach and retreated to her corner. There had been no time to speak when Braxal was here before. His harsh words had been for the younger warrior who invaded his space.
Was his anger still as raw? Did he punish everyone in his sight, as Warrior Velotor had done? Her life could end now, yet she would perish well fed and with good memories of her last days.
She had investigated Braxal’s quarters she now shared. Utilitarian, no comforts or trophies to display, only the heated sleeping platform for his ease. It was enough for a warrior. She would like to make it more comfortable for him, in exchange for what he had offered her. She held no rank. She wasn’t of his clan. These were the musings of a youngling.
The door unsealed and Braxal entered. No anger showed on his face as she sank into the cringe.
“Rise, Vion. I need to speak with you.”
Stunned, Vion rose but did not dare face the Warrior.
“Are you injured?”
“No, Warrior.”
“Rissul caused you no harm?” Braxal pressed.
“He frightened me. You arrived before he could physically harm me.”
“That is fortunate for his sake. He will not disturb you again on this voyage. Are you at ease?” Braxal made himself comfortable before his console.
Vion allowed her lids to change rapidly in confusion. At ease? A mere female, she now abided in the presence of a renowned Warrior with many scars.
“I . . . I am most comfortable, Warrior Braxal. I did not entice the young warrior to come to me.”
“I know. He has much to learn and I have failed to teach him the qualities of a Warrior. I hope to remedy that. I would like to discuss what is happening on this journey with you and wish to hear your thoughts.”
She nearly fell back into the cringe. “M-My thoughts? I am only a female.”
“I have come to discover recently that is not a negative in some cases. You have the ability to think, to read. I have neglected to discover these talents in females until recently. I would know your thoughts on what has been proposed.”
“Warrior.” Vion bowed and settled where he indicated.
She sat quietly, in the pose of listening, as Braxal talked. This was the pose she learned as a youngling, but never had she been spoken to in such a manner. This fierce Warrior told her things females did not hear. To her shock, he wanted her thoughts on the issues of which he spoke.
When he paused, she lowered her head for an instant. “You flatter me beyond belief, Warrior Braxal.”
“It is not meant as flattery alone, Vion. I have only spoken to Warrior Gsark’s mate, the female, Ledda, on such matters prior to this. I have seen you have education outside of what I have ever authorized. I do not know if Ledda can read, but I have seen you do it. I would appreciate your thoughts.”
She drew a deep breath. “I believe this plan to discuss the future—with a group as powerful as the Guardians you described—is a good one. To be able to expand without the loss of valuable lives of soldiers and workers is a worthy goal. I am proud that, though I had no part in the mission, I was present in some form.”
She raised her head as she finished. “I do believe giving the inhabitants of this planet some reassurance we mean them no harm would be the correct action. You say they are a favorite of these Guardian beings. To me, that means they will be nurtured and assisted in evolving to assume an important role in the universe. If that is true, we would not want them to perceive us as enemies. If an alliance could be forged, it could ensure against future hostilities from what could become a formidable foe.”
As Braxal’s eyes widened in reaction, she immediately fell into the ritual cringe. “Forgive me.”
“No.” He reached down and drew her up to her feet. “I am not angry. Your words give me new insight. I had not thought of a long, future history of fear, which could morph into aggression from these Earthlings if they do become powerful.”
Braxal strode around the room as Vion watched. She could see he was unsettled by her words, but she remained upright, struggling no
t to fold into a subservient position.
He turned abruptly. “Would you be willing to speak with Warrior Gsark?”
She instinctively began to crouch but stopped herself. “If you wish it, Warrior Braxal.”
“Thank you.”
A quick call to Warrior Gsark’s quarters was answered and shortly, Gsark stood at the entrance to Warrior Braxal’s private chambers.
“You honor me,” he said formally as he hesitated at the opening, then entered.
“This is the female the Guardian spoke of, Vion.”
Vion jerked at those words. The Guardian spoke of her? Braxal had not mentioned that. How and when had such a being become aware of her presence?
Warrior Gsark bowed to her. “Vion, I am pleased to meet you.”
She dropped into the cringe but rose at Braxal’s bidding. “May I offer you meat?”
“Thank you, no. I sense Braxal has information he wishes to share.”
“I have followed you once more, Gsark, into new ways. Vion and I have discussed what to do regarding the Earthlings.”
Vion was unfamiliar with Gsark, but she was certain a lightening of his demeanor grew at those words. “There is little such as I could teach you, Braxal, but I am pleased our ideas have merged so well.”
Braxal made a growl which did not sound menacing; more . . . amused. He quickly brought Gsark up to date on their discussion.
Gsark now regarded her with appreciative eyes. “As I told you, Braxal, the females of our species see things from a different point of view. I believe Ledda would agree with Vion. A long-term hostility with the beings these Earthlings might become would do the Malveks only harm. Females gaze into the future, possibly to guard their children, while males are in the present. I believe we should summon Axal and Sark.” Gsark rose. “Their insight could also be of aid.”
“I am reminded of a story my mentor told me of long ago, when Warriors used advisors of all ranks. We have lost that in our society and I now believe our species is diminished by the lack.” Braxal rose as well.