by R. Brown
During the brief moments that Solon had been speaking, Ashlyn had slid down beneath the sheet. Her lips had found him, and her tongue had begun teasing him, coaxing him.
Gritting his teeth to stifle a gasp as Ashlyn slid down on him, “Thank you, Solon. Tell them we’ll launch in one hour.”
As the comm went silent, Steven’s hands fell atop her bobbing head.
***
“It’s been an hour, Ash. I have to go. I really do.”
“I know. I just wish—” Ash wasn’t ready for him to leave. She never would be.
“Me too, but the sooner I leave, the sooner I get back,” said Steven rising from the bed. “Wow, my legs feel so weak,”
“And to think, I did all the work,” said Ash, teasing him.
“Not all of it,” jested Steven. “Though, I think I now understand why there is more happiness in giving than receiving.”
Ash laughed and smacked her lips. “Thanks for breakfast.”
“Anytime.” He began to dress. “Ash, do you really believe you’ll be okay? Reassurances aside, I’m not feeling good about it. The things Ninmah alluded to seem near impossible. Enki and his whole fleet—with orders directly from the Council couldn’t bring the Lords under control.”
Ash rose from the bed and went to his side. “Do remember the day when I told you that I’d dropped the vile of Liberator 166?”
“I’ll never forget.” Steven’s voice was soft, reflective. He remembered the moment Renee had told him of the accident, and how the world around him had collapsed. And yet, it had opened a door, enabling the three of them to evolve into a new reality. Only Renee had known what was to become of them all. And though she now resided within Ashlyn, there were still moments of sadness, when he missed her smile and the individual person she had been. There would forever be a place in his heart where only she resided.
Ash took Steven’s hand in hers and held it tightly. “Well, today is a lot like that day. It was both the saddest day of my life and one of the happiest. I knew that in losing you, I would also find you. We will be together again. I’m sure of it. I can sense it. I can feel it.”
Steven pulled Ashlyn to him and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. After a long moment, he lifted her chin in his hand and leaned into her, giving her a tender kiss. Taking a step back, his eyes locked upon Ashlyn’s. “Keeper, beam me to the bridge of Destiny 2.”
Chapter 8
Steven’s return to Destiny 2 was marred by their separation—the bridge felt empty and sterile without Ashlyn by his side.
“Keeper, who is the commander of the Arkane?”
“Lord Atrahasis.”
Steven gave a small grin. He recognized the commander’s name as one of the earliest given names to Noah. It was one more piece of history falling into place.
“Keeper, tell Lord Atrahasis that I need to speak with him in person. Have him come alone. We have a lot to discuss before we make the jump.”
Steven had kept silent in his discussion with Ashlyn and Ninmah. Their words had inspired an idea that would put his life at great risk. The reward however, if successful, was worth it.
***
Ashlyn, having taken a quick shower, exited her quarters and headed for the bridge. In traditional Anunnaki fashion, like Ninmah had told her, she stepped onto the bridge, unclothed.
She found Solon, Tara and the crew waiting for her. She looked at those who were sworn to protect her. Tirion, the second in command beneath Solon, was busy at the navigational controls. The others were Jakarta, Ramses, Tibolt, and P’kur. Though she had never met them, she felt as though she had. The Keeper had given her everything in the download of information. They were five of the finest men that Lady Ninmah knew.
Only Solon and Tara knew her true identity, and they would keep it unto death. The other four of the crew, after a quick bow to Lady Ninmah, returned to their duties—taking no note of her newly chosen form. The sword, pendant, and familiar jewelry were all that was required.
“Lady Ninmah, what are your instructions?” asked Solon.
Ashlyn unslung the sword from back of her shoulder and took a seat in the command chair. “Take us to Eridu. Our first priority is to repair Destiny.” Ashlyn had never told Steven what the Keeper had revealed to her—which was a near overwhelming amount of information.
He had given her the faces and life stories of thousands of people, including the tiny subtleties that only a best friend might know. She knew the names of every city and village; the games that children liked to play and what shapeshifting forms made them laugh—and what forms scared them, even if only in fun. Their music and songs were now part of her. It was as if she had lived a hundred human lifetimes amongst the people—as if she had lived the life of Ninmah herself. Ashlyn believed she’d learned enough to convince anyone that she truly was Lady Ninmah, be it friend or foe.
Tara stepped up to her. “Is there anything you need, Lady Ninmah?”
“Thank you. You can keep watch over the sword for me,” said Ashlyn handing it to her. Ashlyn nodded, giving Tara permission to take a seat. As was custom, she could only do so with permission. Tara’s smile was infectious, beaming at the invitation. Ashlyn could not help but return the smile.
Solon moved forward, staring out the forward window at Tiamat as Destiny began to enter the upper atmosphere. He hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d warned her about Destiny’s damage. The ship shook, jostling as its broken and misshapen hull caught air. “Increasing dampeners to maximum,” said Tirion. Though standing, Solon stood like a stalwart statue against the shaking of the ship.
Through the forward window, Ashlyn began to see visible signs of the war that had taken place on the surface. Small portions of the continents were hidden beneath dark blankets of ash and dust. They would be areas of death, where not even an Anunnaki could survive for long. Tens of thousands of innocent humans had died as well, caught in the middle of a war between the Lords. As they were watching—a large explosion erupted; a bright flash of light emanated from beneath the veil of clouds.
“What was that? Where was that?” asked Ashlyn.
The look on Solon’s face told her that it was not good news. “It was Lord Oman’s territory. Enlil’s forces have again used one of the forbidden fusion weapons. That now makes it five.”
Ashlyn angrily rose from the command chair. “Do you know the locations of the Lords which used them?”
“We do not know the location of the Lords, but we do know the locations from which the weapons were launched.”
“And are all those locations under the control of Enlil’s Lords?”
“Yes, Lady Ninmah. They are.” A distraught look passed over Solon’s face at what she seemed to be suggesting.
“Does Destiny possess the same type of weapon?”
Solon looked over to Tirion and then back at Ashlyn.
“Yes, Lady Ninmah. We have the fusion missiles aboard, but it is forbidden to use them on a planet’s surface.”
“Enough. Fire one fusion missile at each of the five locations,” ordered Ashlyn.
“Lady Ninmah, it is forbidden. There are thousands of humans in each of the territories,” reiterated Solon.
Ashlyn turned and pulled the sword from the sheath that Tara was holding in her lap. She grasped the handle tightly, bringing it to life. The sword’s glow filled the room as did its vibrant hum. The eyes of the crew were wide with disbelief. Ashlyn pointed the sword at Solon.
“I gave you an order, Solon. Do as I say, or you will not live to hear me repeat it.” Solon swallowed. He looked at Tirion and nodded. He and the crew stared at Ashlyn. They had never seen such anger from Lady Ninmah before. Ashlyn’s gaze hardened, the hum of the sword grew.
Tirion’s eyes fell to the sword pointed at Solon. Just as Ashlyn began to sense hesitation, he announced. “Missiles launched.”
Solon stood steadfast, never flinching. He was not afraid to die, but he was afraid of displeasing his commander. “I am sorry. I
beg your forgiv—”
“If you ever hesitate to obey me again, Solon—you will die. I am here to enforce the decree of the Council. I am the law. What I say becomes law. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Lady Ninmah,” agreed Solon, giving a solemn nod of his head.
Ashlyn had learned that Lord Oman was a powerful leader and one of the few loyal supporters of Lord Enki. His death was going to make it near impossible for her to gain control over the remaining lords. A lesson needed to be taught, teaching them that disobedience would not be tolerated. “Send a message to all the Lords. Tell them that they must obey the decree of the Council or they will die. Tell them to lay down their weapons or they will not live to see another day. Tell them to pray that they are not one of those for whom it is already too late.”
“Sending message,” said Tirion.
Outside, Ashlyn was calm, collected and decisive. Inside, her heart was breaking for the innocent victims she had condemned to death. Faces of children filled her mind. She pictured them looking up at the sky, their finger pointing at the streak of light that was coming toward them. It was the last thing they would ever see. They were paying the ultimate price so that others might live.
Silently, the crew rose from their seats—staring at Tiamat through the forward window. A moment later, in quick succession, five bright flashes erupted. Some were nearer than others, spread across a vast section of the two continents in front of them. Lady Ninmah’s message had been received.
“Increase speed. Initiate evasive protocols,” ordered Solon. He turned to Lady Ninmah. “Not to worry, Lady Ninmah. I am just being cautious as we pass over the territories of the Lords that are loyal to Enlil. A higher speed decreases their time to target us.”
It wasn’t long before Destiny began to descend. Minutes later, the sea beneath them disappeared. On the land ahead, a pinnacle of light caught Ashlyn’s attention. She knew from the information provided to her that it was the gleaming capstone of the Alulim pyramid, the tallest structure within Eridu.
“Passing through outer perimeter. We’re safe now,” said Solon as they flew through the defensive perimeter of small hovering ships that had been placed around the city.
In the distance, stood a large harbor with hundreds of small boats, some with sails unfurled heading out to sea. Twelve massive stone statues lined the ring of the harbor, each representing one of the twelve members of the ruling Council. The ancient city held an intrinsic beauty, a majestic naturalness.
Ashlyn reflected back to Ninmah’s words, which had confirmed what the Keeper had shown her. Though the Anunnaki possessed advanced technology, they were still a barbaric race, capable of unspeakable cruelty. Enlil’s actions alone had shown her that. Many Anunnaki lived by the sword, and more often than not, they were going to die by the sword.
And when it came right down to it, Ash realized that mankind was no different. Her own conduct was proof enough. Steven had only been gone a couple of hours, and she had already taken thousands of human lives. Mankind truly had been made in the image of their creators.
Ashlyn hoped this wasn’t to become her legacy. The woman who destroyed cities. The woman who killed her own kind. The woman who killed children.
Solon interrupted her thoughts. “Lady Ninmah—we have arrived at the Alulim pyramid.” The large pyramid was passing beneath them, Destiny coming to a stop above it.
“Establishing dimensional energy link,” announced Tirion. Beneath Destiny a beam of light sprung from the capstone of the pyramid, supplying Destiny with the power she needed to begin molecular reconstruction.
“Repairs have begun, Lady Ninmah. Do you have further instructions or is there anything else you need at this time?”
Ashlyn could see that everyone was tired. They hadn’t slept in days. Though they had never complained, some had wounds that needed tending. Ashlyn rose. “Have the crew get some rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”
Solon’s gaze questioned her meaning.
“I need you to broadcast one more message to all the Lords. They must come to Eridu tomorrow at noon, alone. They are to arrive unarmed. Tell them that I personally guarantee their safety while in Eridu, be it friend or foe. Let them know, that regardless of where their allegiance falls at the conclusion of the meeting tomorrow, they will be allowed to leave.”
“Lady Ninmah, Enlil’s Lords will not come,” said Solon.
“They have the right to make that choice, but make it clear to them, that they will come or they will die. All Lords that do not appear before me tomorrow—will die before the sun sets.”
Ashlyn turned and took the sheath from Tara. Sliding the sword into it, she headed for her stateroom.
She was the sword, and she was wielding it with a heavy hand.
The eyes of the crew were upon her as she exited. To himself, Solon gave a small grin. To the crew around him he said, “She is the leader we have needed.”
***
Ashlyn moved slowly through her stateroom, lost in thought. Holding the sword in front of her, she looked at it with sadness. She’d only possessed the sword for a few hours, and she already hated it. It represented death. Ashlyn knew she could never look at it again without remembering the lives she had taken. She set the sword down, leaning it on the wall beside the bed.
Removing her bracelets and setting them atop the dresser, Ashlyn peeled back the blanket on the bed, and climbed between the sheets. The bed felt too large—too empty. Her head turned to the side, looking at Steven’s pillow. Taking it, she wrapped her arms around it, holding it tight. An ache spread across her chest.
“Keeper, dim the lights to level 1.”
In the dim light of the room, Ashlyn saw that the sword was radiating a soft white glow from within. Stretching to reach it, she grabbed it and slid it beneath the bed where she couldn’t see it.
Falling back into the bed, her eyes stared up at the ceiling as she thought of Steven. She reached out, letting her mind search for him. Her aura wandered aimlessly, unable to sense him. “Steven? Can you hear me?” The ensuing silence was crushing. Her heart felt the void of the fugue’s absence. His absence told her that he was inside the wormhole and on his way to Hadaesia.
As her eyes closed and she began to yield to sleep she whispered, “Can you forgive me, Steven—because I can’t forgive myself.”
Chapter 9
The night passed slowly, nightmares of screaming children haunted her dreams. She was ever thankful for the alarm that awakened her.
“Lady Ninmah, I am sorry to disturb you, but we are nearing the time when we are to meet the Lords. They are beginning to arrive.”
“Thank you, Solon.”
Ashlyn rose and within minutes, she was back on the bridge.
Solon and the others were waiting—all of them armed and ready to accompany her groundside. “The meeting room within the D’kush ziggurat has been secured by Lord Enki’s guards. As you requested, all of the Lords are in attendance. They came alone—and without weapons. They are awaiting your arrival.”
“Let’s do this,” said Ashlyn taking a deep breath.
“Keeper, initiate the Spatial Transporter. Send all of us to the meeting room within the D’kush ziggurat,” ordered Solon. “Initiate security procedures after we leave.”
Ash heard the small initiating hum of the transporter, and her own body lightening as the air molecules evacuated around her. Their bodies faded, then reappeared in the meeting room.
“About time.” Was the first words Ashlyn and her guards heard spoken upon their arrival. Ashlyn’s team spread out, protectively forming a semi-circle around her.
The eyes of the thirteen men at the table instantly locked upon Ashlyn. They had never seen her in this form, and they were drawn to the fullness of her breasts and sensual curves. Her perfection was the most pleasing form they had ever seen in an Anunnaki woman. Her appearance alone had made it worth their time.
“The room is secure,” said the four guards.
; “You have lied to us. You say no weapons, and yet you arrive with an armed escort. And where is Lord Enki?” said one of the Lords at the far end of the conference table.
Ashlyn moved past Solon and his team, walking to the head of the table. “Lord Malor, as promised, I have guaranteed your safety. My guards are needed to assure no harm comes to you. The promise will be honored.”
“Enki has no honor,” said Lord Malor in return. “He expects us to give up all that we have built.”
Ashlyn’s jaw tensed, her gaze hardening as she stared at him. “I have missed the sound of your voice, Lord Malor. I once owned an Allurian pig that whined like you.”
All of the Lords in the room chuckled, even those loyal to Enlil.
“I will not exchange words with his inferior woman,” said Malor, his voice displaying disgust.
“If your wife looked so inferior, perhaps you’d stay home more and stop visiting the human brothels,” said Hram, a Lord loyal to Enki.
“But who would satisfy your wife then?” said Malor in return.
Hram jumped up glaring at Malor, his hands knotting into fists.
“Silence, Lord Malor. It is not Enki whom you have disobeyed, but the Council. The decree ordered you to leave this world because of your abuse of power against the people. We created them. They deserve respect and nurturing, not torture and enslavement.”
“They are an abomination. They deserve no respect. We made them, we can destroy them.”
Giving a heavy sigh, Ash began walking, strolling slowly behind the backs of the seated men—dragging her index finger across the top of each chair.
The Lords were impressed by her casual, uninhibited boldness. When she reached the other end of the table and was behind Lord Malor, she came to a stop. The room went silent, intently watching her as she squared her stance behind him. Lord Malor’s eyes were facing forward, not daring to turn around and look at her.