A Blue Star Rising

by Cecilia Randell

  That wasn’t what caught her attention. There was a ring there—a silver ring with a small blue stone set in the wide band, faint curves forming a graceful zig-zag pattern all along it.

  She looked back to the finger Forrest had been tapping.

  There was a matching ring.

  She raised her gaze to catch him grinning at her. Then she twisted, seeing Mo’ata and Levi both holding up their hands.

  Then, like nothing had happened, they all went back to what they had been doing.

  Okay then.

  She twisted her own ring, a small diamond flanked by two sapphires—the same stones she assumed were in the bands they all now wore.

  She sent Forrest an answering grin. Idly she wondered if Felix knew what the ring actually meant on Earth. Maybe she’d ask him on the next night that was his. They were still taking things slow, per his insistence.

  They had time now, didn’t they?

  She went back to watching Forrest work. His pencil skritched across the paper. Beside her, Felix’s knife bit into the wood in soft tcks. Bowls and pans knocked against the counter in the kitchen as Levi’s and Mo’ata’s voices blended. Garfield leapt to her lap and purred, his weight heavy and reassuring.

  It was a moment of peace, a slice of calm. It wouldn’t last long, but it was long enough. Soon enough she’d have to go back to tackling all the things. School, portals, quantum physics, and actually getting the box in the correct circle. Then there was family: the Fausts, Trevon, Sirisa shipping, and all the political maneuvering that entailed. Trevon came around for movie nights, but that was all she saw of him these days. He hadn’t stopped his courting, a fact that was blatantly clear when a package of jewelry appeared on her bed one day, but he also wasn’t pushing it.

  Forrest said he was playing the long game.

  And again, she mused, they had time.

  Garfield’s purring increased in intensity, the vibrations settling into her, and her lids drooped.

  Her too-stupid-to-live moment had ended with her as the heroine of her own story. It wasn’t something she wanted to test the odds against again. No, next time she rode to the rescue, she was going to know what she was doing.

  Hopefully, there was also time for that.

  Epilogue

  Three months later…

  DEMIL

  He tapped a finger against the report he’d just received. They had a name, finally.

  That matter with Miyari had been dragging on. He didn’t like unfinished business, but the fire had destroyed not only all of the data on the compound Miyari had manufactured, but also any traces of who his patron was.

  But now they had a name.

  Demil thought about what he was about to do and grimaced. The girl was making very good progress in her studies and was in the top percentile in ranged weapons for her class. But her scores in hand-to-hand and groundwork badly needed to improve.

  She’d done well at the facility on Falass. But she’d also had those animals with her. Based on the wound patterns on the bodies Niall had examined before the fire, they had played a very large part in keeping her alive.

  This particular team was the best to assign, though, and not just because he trusted Mo’ata above many of his agents. No, he needed Felix on this one. Or more accurately, he needed Felix’s connections on this one. Demil had his own connections within the guild, but his cover didn’t allow him to socialize with the higher echelons and it certainly didn’t put him on the good side of the Martikan families.

  No, he needed Felix Audal and Trevon Zeynar, and he needed them cooperating.

  Which meant he needed the girl, and Mo’ata.

  His friend would not be pleased.

  Glossary

  WORLDS

  Cularna – An open world of the Alliance. Also has space travel capabilities, traveling to Martika separately from portal travel. It is the home world of the Order of Terril and is where their headquarters are maintained, though this is known only to a few. Most think the Order is stationed on Karran, and it is to a certain extent—at the least the overt agents are. Cularna has a philosophical and ethical overlap with the peoples of Martika. Cularna is known as a world of mercenaries, and they have a very strict code of honor. Like any society, they have different classes of citizens: farmers, artists, lawyers, and healers. All are afforded their own respect and honor for the roles they play in the society and what they contribute. Though mercenaries and soldiers are the world’s main “export,” all are respected. Cularna is ruled by not only a monarchy but also a parliament consisting of the heads of each guild as well as representatives of each city-state, allowing for an even representation.

  Earth – Currently considered a closed world—limited travel, restricted to agencies only for the purpose of monitoring.

  Falass – A closed world. Known for its exotic plants and scents.

  Karran – Main world, where all portals lead to and from. Capitol: Tremmir. Governed by a Council of representatives from each region: Tremmir, Filiri, Seradnes, Semina, and the Clan Territories. The head of the Council is appointed on a ten-year rotation and is selected from each region in turn. Karran serves as the hub of trade for the Alliance; the Ministry holds a tight monopoly on trade between the worlds, and though not technically part of the government, has much influence.

  Martika – An open world governed by the Families, many of whom dabble in smuggling. The Families are structured like large clans, with smaller clans pledging allegiance to larger ones. Although the Families’ version of morality isn’t what most people would consider “moral,” they still have a strong sense of honor. Generally, the Families are left to their own devices unless their activities spill into other worlds. Additionally, Martika has space travel, and through this is able to trade directly with Cularna, another open world of the Alliance. Because of this, there is a cultural and philosophical overlap that doesn’t exist with other worlds.

  Padilra – An open world, but only in the last 100 years or so. Padilra is generally governed by an elected president, who serves a 7-year term, and a council, whose terms are for life. One of their main populations are the Prizzoli [see below for further information]. Their main exports are crystals of various kinds used in electronics and manufacturing. They also provide cloth and dyes of a hue found nowhere else. They have only very recently formally joined the Alliance.

  Sturi – A closed world.

  Turamm – Another open world; member of the Alliance. Little is known of them, as they keep mostly to themselves. There are rumors a small population possess mental abilities, such as telepathy. Their main export are metals and alloys used in some of the higher technologies.

  CULTURES

  Clans of Karran – Live in western Karran. They have a matriarchal and polyandrous society and seek to minimize technological use in day-to-day life, only allowing advanced healing and bathing facilities, recognizing these as important for the health of their society. Much of their culture still revolves around training for and practicing the art of war, though most clans now live in peace in their own territories under the central government of Karran. Most clansmen stay within their own clan, though some marry into another, but rarely does a clansman leave. When one does, they are usually accepted readily into any of the enforcement branches for their weapons and protection skills.

  Doaki – tribes that reside in the jungles of Falass.

  Prizzoli – Ethnic and cultural group on Padilra. They are governed by a council of Elders and are strongly religious. Though they will defer to the government of Padilra, they consider themselves separate. Generally nomadic, they control a large portion of the land on Padilra. They are the guardians of the Crystals of Shardon. The Council of Elders consists of those who have achieved a high level of skill in the use of the crystals and have proven a resistance to the corrupting influence of the power. The women are considered the “saviors” of the Prizzoli, and the men the protectors. However, unlike the clans of Karran, the women are not in posit
ions of power or authority, barring Elders. They consider any outside of their lands to be “unclean”, calling them Formangi and restricting contact.

  Mercenary Guild – A highly respected group on Cularna. Many of their members are also part of the Order of Terril. They have control of much of the military technology of Cularna, giving them a distinct advantage over other worlds. Though they are separate, they are considered to be the military branch of their government on a permanent retainer.

  TERMS

  The Academy – A sister organization to the Ministry, where those with potential in portals, as well as those who desire to become agents of the Ministry, are trained and educated. Different from the university.

  Aipin – a citrus fruit, similar to an orange, but pink.

  The Alliance of Cormant – An alliance of worlds connected by portals, made up of all those who have been opened to trade. Also includes some worlds not connected by portals but with close ties via space travel to those that do.

  Bota – the vote conducted by a prida to accept new members.

  Canob – A delicacy on Karran, similar to bacon

  Chuka – An insult in clan dialect. Means someone who is not to be trusted, with a side meaning of asshole.

  Closed World – Used to designate a world that has been discovered or has naturally occurring portals, but that has not yet been brought into the Alliance. These are usually worlds that are too primitive to understand the ramifications or who have been shown to be too warlike to play nice with others. Earth is considered both. The tipping point for inclusion in the Alliance is usually when a cohesive world government has evolved.

  Corin – In Alliance currency, equivalent to about $100 Earth U.S. dollars.

  Cruadium – an element found on Cularna and used in manufacture of spaceships, armor, weapons and a few other components of the infrastructure. It is extremely hard while still being lightweight. Most deposits are actually found on the moon or in an orbiting asteroid belt.

  Crystals of Shardon – A rare, naturally occurring crystal on Padilra that, when properly prepared, are able to store life-healing energies. Used exclusively in religious ceremonies or by those who are members of the Prizzoli, they are really a last resort because, in order to charge the crystal, someone must give up a portion of their life force. Traditionally, the life force is given by the elders once they have decided to leave this life. The years remaining to them are then stored in the crystals, where it remains until used. Similar to the Portals on Karran, the ability to manipulate the crystals requires an affinity for their energy that not all Prizzoli have.

  Culan’s Bones – an exclamation used on Cularna. Ties in with legends of Culan, the original founder of the Mercenary Guild.

  Dakash – a pastry food, stuffed with fruit and cream, or more savory ingredients.

  Draga – Title for the war chief of a clan of Karran

  Druada – Means “blue” in the clan dialect.

  Fela – a small animal similar to a goat, used for both its milk and meat, as well as clothing.

  Fogan silk – A silk only available from Falass. Highly sought after from collectors though it is from a closed world and therefor illegal.

  Foka – an alcoholic drink on Karran, similar to beer.

  Formangi – The portion of the population of Padilra who are not Prizzoli, considered to be the “Unclean” by the Prizzoli.

  Grimal – A bear-like creature found on Cularna. A cunning predator, it is considered at the top of its food chain.

  Ichi – Means “clever woman” but depending on the tone of voice can be admiring or derogatory.

  Ikpul – Cularnian slang for bastard. Basically, asshole

  Illi – a bird of prey on Padilra. Its coloring allows it to blend in with the sky and nearly disappear when it hunts.

  Kiki – a medium sized insect found in Semina. Their venom affects the nervous system, slowly halting basic functions until their prey falls unconscious. In a person the effect is reduced, but if left untreated can leave permanent damage.

  Kiti – translates to “way of moving” in Prizzoli. It is the basic exercise for increasing balance and grace of movement, and is used as a dynamic meditation in training guards and crystal users.

  Lama – throwing blades used by the Prizzoli

  Life-Debt – Used among the clansmen of Karran. If a clansman owes a life-debt to another, this means that he must take on the burdens of the one to whom his debt is owed until such time as the debt is discharged. The one owed determines when this is. It is not something given or stated lightly. Usually, a life-debt only occurs when the Heart of the prida is protected or defended by someone not of her prida, as it is a point of shame when the priden fail at her protection, no matter the circumstances.

  Malut – A stringed instrument from Cularna.

  Mamanna – The title for the matriarch of a clan of Karran.

  The Ministry – An organization appointed by the Karran government to train those who operate the portals, as well as monitor and regulate their use. Those who have a natural aptitude can be trained to recognize and manipulate the energies needed. The Ministry has their own agency to handle issues with portal abuse.

  Miriski – a colorful bird found on Falass, prized for its feathers.

  Noafa – a bloom, cousin to the plumar, found in the jungles of Falass. The natives consider it to be sacred.

  Opi – a root vegetable, sort of a cross between a carrot and a turnip, but with a slightly sweet flavor, similar to a sweet potato.

  The Order of Terril – An enforcement agency for the Alliance. It is an elite organization of enforcers. Each world and territory have their own police, those who handle the day to day monitoring of the laws. The Order of Terril is an interplanetary enforcement agency, only called in when the crimes have spread beyond one planet. In addition to their stated purpose, there is a branch made up of sleeper agents, those placed in various positions throughout the worlds and activated when necessary. The stated purpose of this branch is to monitor and maintain the freedom of individuals on the alliance worlds, no matter what. This is actually the true purpose of the order, and the more apparent enforcement agents are merely a cover.

  Orinan – a wild fowl common on Karran, similar to turkey.

  Pango – a light tea grown and sourced near the Kranka clan’s camp in the western foothills.

  Pilik – an aquatic bird on Cularna, similar to a duck or goose.

  Piquet – a large feline, similar to a cross between and tiger and a lion, striped but with a small mane. They tend to run in packs and have a very set social structure. Extremely territorial. Usually will leave you alone unless they feel you have trespassed in one of their breeding grounds.

  Plinar – a being formed when the Crystals of Shardon absorb enough energy to manifest.

  Plumar – A flower found in the jungles of Falass, used in many scents and for trade.

  Portals – A naturally occurring phenomenon on Karran where “thin spaces” create a kind of shortcut between areas, similar to worm holes. These portals form when the specific energy signature of an area on Karran matches that of an area on another world, or even another area of Karran. Most occur naturally around Karran, and form to the same or similar areas each time. Some people on Karran are born with an ability to manipulate these thin spaces, attuning the energies to create – and open and close – portals at will. Occasionally, especially if a person with untrained potential is in the vicinity, a natural portal will be activated.

  Pouma – a feline mount from Cularna, also imported to Karran for leisure riders.

  Prida – Among the clansmen of Karran, the term is used to denote the family unit, one woman and multiple men. The prida is made up of the Heart and her priden. All members are selected by the Heart and the First Priden, and all those in the prida must agree when a new member is proposed and selected.

  Pucho – a heard beast raised in the southern plains of Karran and one of the primary meat sources. It’s a red m
eat.

  Quorin – A type of mount similar to a horse with horns. They choose their own riders and sometimes will form a deeper bond with them.

  Ransyi – a term used by the clans to mean the balance of trust and equality for each member of a prida. It emphasizes the idea that each person has their duties and responsibilities equal to the others, and that each person’s thoughts, wishes, and wants are sought to be accommodated.

  Seyna – the banner that holds and proclaims a prida’s mark or sigil.

  Shopa – Means “heart” in the clan language. The heart is the center of the prida and is also used as a term of endearment from a priden to his Heart.

  Skidera – a feces eating beetle, known as a disease carrier. Usually used as an insult.

  Sladu – a insect like serpent from the jungles of Falass.

  Strontu – means bullshit basically.

  Tiri – Small pack-animals, like a cross between a cow and a deer.

  Toka – short blade used by the clans of Karran.

  Tormani – the language of the clansmen of Karran.

  Trial period – A term specific to Cularna. Very similar to a hand-fasting, this is the practice of specifying a period of time for a couple to live as a married unit before making the union official. Could also be thought of as an engagement, but with the legal benefits of an official union for the designated time. If at the end of this trial the couple decides they will not suit, the union is severed with no legal repercussions.

  Trilki Root – The root of a plant known to grow in the Filiri region of Karran. When pressed and processed the correct way, it produces a non-addictive drug that causes sleep. Usually used in low doses to assist those with chronic insomnia; in higher concentrations, it can keep someone under for hours, unable to be woken. If the dose is strong enough, it can cause a coma.

  Tripi – The equivalent of a penny in the clans’ monetary system.