by TM Toombs
“There is no one else,” she closed her eyes as if it was settled.
"No. I mean, no thank you. But no. I barely know what's going on at all. Plus, who would listen to me? I'm here as punishment because I nearly killed someone and—"
"And you killed Emissary. “Bax glared up at him, coppery glints in his eyes.
"Bax, no," the Emissary looked up at her Protector. "He only acted to protect himself. We should have anticipated the reaction." She looked back at Eshan and sat up with a pained grunt. She held up both hands, closed her fingers into small fists and pressed her knuckles together, tapping twice. "I pass the mantle of Emissary, empowered by the Annunak Final Wish Statement, to Eshan."
Eshan's eyes widened and he stepped back, as if he'd just been hit by a baseball bat. "But I—"
“You do not argue with Emissary,” threatened the large Protector.
Eshan held up his hands, instantly afraid of this oversized alien. Was this how the drunk in the car felt when Eshan approached him? The man hadn't meant to crush the life from his Anna. Eshan hadn't meant to kill the peaceful alien. Yet the love of his life died and the woman Bax cared for and protected was dying because of Eshan. He'd tried to kill the drunk; all Bax wanted was for Eshan to accept the role of Emissary. But that could be a death sentence in itself. “I-I wouldn’t even know what to do.”
“They will help you,” she gestured towards her entourage. They nodded together while looking up at him, watching.
“Ok.” Eshan sighed. “I suppose the worst that could happen is I get us thrown into a war that totally annihilates the human and Annunak races. Right?” He shrugged, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yes," she answered. "Your goal as Emissary will be to avoid that."
Eshan swallowed. Nothing like the weight of all humanity on your shoulders when all you want to do is go home and try to pick up the pieces of your broken life.
Emissary allowed her Protector to gently easy her back into the cushions. “I won’t keep you any longer. I know you all have work to do on the ship.” She flashed them a quick smile before she closed her eyes. Eshan felt an echo of panic.
“She is resting,” Kolass assured him as Bax stood up and the assistant took his place next to the Emissary.
“Let us get this finished,” Bax towered over him, “Emissary.”
Eshan ignored the indignant tone thrown at him. “I was thinking, on our way here. We could easily take the panel or panels from the spare bedroom without compromising the integrity of the rest of the HAB by closing and sealing the hatch to that room. We wouldn’t disturb anyone while we dismantled the walls.”
“I will trust your judgment. On this.” The two looked at each other, neither speaking for a moment.
Eshan flinched at Bax’s biting statement as he headed off to collect Princess’ litter box and placed it in the Comm room. He found her nestling on a pad in his room and swept up the sleeping kitten, then deposited her in the Comm room. Gathering his helmet, he secured it to his suit and went out to the rover and retrieved the tool box. He re-entered the HAB and returned to the spare room with Bax in tow. Eshan secured the hatch to the room and opened the tool box.
Pointing at the wall behind the bed, “This should be our best bet. It doesn’t have any windows or plumbing conduits in it that I can tell.”
“Let us hope it meets our needs.”
They worked together to move the bed out of the way, then Eshan examined the hardware securing the wall in place. Walking back to the tool box, he pulled out a handful of wrenches and handed half of them to Bax.
“These should do the trick.”
Once the wall was free from its supports, Eshan stepped outside, jogged around the outside of the HAB and returned with the rover. He and Bax hoisted the heavy wall onto the roof of the rover. Even in the lighter than Earth gravity, the rover sagged under the weight.
“I’ll be back in a sec, I’m going to find some straps to secure it to the roof.” Eshan trotted off to the garage. He was back a few minutes later with an arm full of ratchet straps. They quickly secured their load and headed off to the ship.
As they made their way back to the ship, Eshan wrestled with his thoughts before he finally had to get it out. “I’m afraid that I’m going to let you all down being the Emissary.”
“If you fail, your people will be enslaved or die. You cannot fail.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“Enough. The Emissary deemed you worthy, therefore, you are worthy. No more talk of self-doubt. As your culture says, ‘Man up.’”
Eshan’s cheeks reddened as if he’d been slapped. Hoping to reignite his budding friendship with the big alien, he asked, “So, how are we going to use this wall to repair that huge hole in your ship?”
“Bailing wire and shit.”
Eshan looked sidelong at Bax through his helmet’s visor and swallowed his laughter. Bax scowled at him. “I think you mean spit and bailing wire. And where the hell did you hear that expression?”
“I am fully versed in American slang.”
“What aren’t you fully versed in?” Eshan asked. I should shut up, he’s probably worried about Ne-Paw.
“Your music and mating habits. I found them both to be painfully boring, not worth studying in depth.”
“Well,” Eshan started but couldn’t think of a response. “OK then.
He was saved from any further conversation as the ship came into site in the distance.
“Once we unload the wall, I will need your assistance in the supply room to bring up with items we will need to secure the wall over the breech.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Neither spoke again as they arrived at the ship and quickly unloaded the wall and leaned it against the side of the ship near the large hole.
“Looks like we’re going to need more than spit and bailing wire to make our patch work, Bax.” Eshan eyeballed the opening and then looked at the dismantled HAB wall.
Bax grumbled as he motioned for Eshan to follow him into the ship. They retrieved the needed supplies from the store room and piled them next to the hole. Eshan watched Bax as he sorted through the assembled supplies. Finding what he needed, he handed a tool to Eshan.
“Is this to weld the wall in place?” Eshan turned it over in his hands.
“It will fuse the two materials together, yes. But it is limited as it can only meld them where they touch. If there is a gap, it cannot fill the void. We will need to compensate with other materials. Our main task is to place the wall to cover as much as possible and then build upon that to fill in the remaining holes.”
“Ah. OK. Which one of us is going to hold the wall and who is going to do the melding?”
Bax turned to him, looked Eshan up and down, “Can you lift the wall and hold it in place by yourself?”
“You have a point. So, how do I turn this thing on?”
* * * *
Yawning, Eshan shut off the melding tool. “I guess that’s as good as it’s gonna get. What’s next?”
Bax inspected the last weld, running his gloved hand over it. “We test the integrity of the hull again to see if it’ll hold.”
“Back to the engine room to run tests, then?”
“Back to the engine room. I’ll stay here. The communications puck should still be on the console.”
“I’ll let you know when I get there and we can begin.” Eshan turned to enter the ship. “How do I get back in now that we’ve fixed the hole?”
"The hatch." When Eshan didn't respond, Bax sighed, turned and walked a few paces to their right. He waved his hand near the surface of the ship. A passageway opened. Bax turned to look at Eshan and pointed at the doorway. “Here.”
Eshan shuffled his feet over to the doorway, snapped a salute at the hulking alien and stepped into the ship. Smartass, like I’d know that.
Chapter 10
Eshan tossed the communication puck up in the air and caught it again for the hundredth time. Anytime now, Bax.
&nb
sp; “Eshan, have the monitors indicated a fluctuation in the hull integrity?” Bax’s voice echoed inside of Eshan’s helmet.
Eshan snatched the puck from its last toss and held it to his helmet, “How do I turn the volume down in this helmet? I know this thing amplifies the signal, but I’m going to go deaf soon. And no, there’s been no change. Are you taking a nap out there?”
A hand clamped down on his shoulder. Eshan fell forward and banged his shin on the console leg. Turning around, he found Bax standing there with a smoldering look on his face.
“Easy, big guy. I was just kidding about the napping.” Eshan relaxed and reached down to massage his shin.
“The repair appears to be adequate, but it won’t hold under pressurization. We will only be able to re-pressurize individual compartments.”
“And that means?” Eshan sat on the console and tilted his head back to look up at Bax.
“It means we won’t be able to move about freely in the ship. Once everyone is aboard, they will be forced to stay within a single compartment until we reach Earth.”
Relief washed through Eshan—he hadn't been certain if Bax would try to take Emissary back to their home first or just what. “Earth. Right-o” Eshan stood up and headed towards the door. “Let’s go get everyone and get outta here.”
“Not until I have checked the medical bay. It must be fully operational for Ne-Paw.” Bax passed him, leaving Eshan standing alone in the engine room.
“Do you need any help?” Eshan called after him and started towards the door again.
“No. Wait for me in the rover. I won’t be long.” Bax’s voice boomed in Eshan’s ears.
“Sounds good.” And loud. Eshan returned to the console, dropped the communication puck on the table and jogged out of the room and down the hall to the exit. Humming to himself, he climbed into the rover and drummed on the steering wheel.
“Eshan.” Bax’s voice was now nowhere near as loud as earlier.
“Yes, Bax?” Eshan continued to tap on the steering wheel to American Pie.
“Your music reduces me to violent thoughts.” Bax emerged from the ship.
“Wait until I break out my ukulele and play you my rendition of ‘Tiny Bubbles.’”
Bax climbed into the passenger seat, turned to look at Eshan. “Over your dead body.”
“I think you mean, ‘Over my dead body.’” Eshan grinned at him.
“No. I clearly mean your dead body.” Bax faced forward and waited.
Eshan's grin faded as he started the rover and began the drive back to the HAB. “I bet you are real fun at parties.”
* * * *
“Why is the outer hatch opened? And who is that?” Eshan pointed at the figure pacing back and forth in front of the hatchway.
“Kolass. Go faster, Eshan.”
Eshan pushed the pedal to the floorboard. His heart kicked up a beat. She can't be dead. She can't be. I didn't mean to kill her. I was just scared, just like she said.
Kolass stopped his pacing and stood waiting, wringing his gloved hands. As the rover slowed before him, Kolass moved to the passenger side and raised his arms to block Bax from exiting the vehicle.
“Protector. Bax. Friend. She has gone to join her ancestors.” His voice trembled. Eshan’s mouth fell open. I thought they were the enemy. I didn't know, I didn't mean ...
Bax shoved Kolass out of his way and flung himself out of the rover. Kolass recovered and jumped in front of his hulking frame. “Bax, she asked me to give you her final words. Do not disobey.”
Bax stopped in his tracks and looked down at Kolass, his voice cracking, “What…what were her final words to me?”
Kolass straightened his slim frame, squaring his shoulders, he began, “Bax, I wait for you. But do not rush to join me. Your duty is to Eshan now. Protect him as you would me. Until then," Kolass closed his eyes before finishing softly, "carry my love in your heart.”
Bax looked long at the HAB, his face betraying nothing. He slowly turned and walked towards the garage. Eshan and Kolass stood in front of the rover, watching his deliberate and slow steps as he passed the garage towards the horizon.
“Where is he going?”
“I do not know. But it would be best to let him walk.” Kolass turned to Eshan and touched him gently on the arm. “Will you assist me with preparing her body? She did not want him to see her.”
“Um,” Eshan turned away from watching Bax and kicked at the dirt with his boot. Visions of Anna's bloody body, her death white face, her glazed eyes flooded his mind. “I…um. What do you need me to do?”
“Help me wrap her in blankets.” Kolass headed for the open hatch. Eshan gave Bax one final look and then followed Kolass into the HAB. He owed them that. He owed them more than that.
Once inside the HAB, Eshan hovered near the closed hatchway, fidgeting with his gloves. He looked everywhere except in the direction of the sofa. His stomach cramped, making him feel nauseous.
“Eshan,” Kolass’ muffled voice caused him to turn. Kolass pointed to his head. “Please remove your helmet.”
Eshan let out a deep breath and nodded. He removed his suit and pushed it over, out of the way of the hatch with his foot then dropped his gloves and helmet on top of it. Staring down at it, he cleared his throat. He put his hand up against the wall, steadying himself.
“Kolass,” his voice sounded weak to his ears. “I don’t know that I can. She reminds me too much of Anna.”
Kolass was standing next to him, his sea green eyes now the color of a turbulent sea, dark and murky. He raised his hand and placed it on Eshan’s shoulder. Eshan met his eyes and nodded. Kolass let his hand drop then led Eshan over to Ne-Paw. Standing at her feet, Eshan stared at her. Her previously translucent skin now appeared milky, her expression softened with the pain gone. She looks so peaceful and happy.
“What do you want me to do?” Eshan whispered.
Kolass handed him a sheet and a thick blanket. “I will lift her. Spread out the blanket and then the sheet on top of it.”
Eshan nodded and watched at Kolass gently cradled Ne-Paw in his arms, then lifted her up and stepped back, giving Eshan plenty of room to work. He spread out the blanket and sheet as instructed then stepped back out of the way. Kolass carefully laid Ne-Paw on top of the covers. He began to fold the sheet over her, leaving her face exposed, each fold gentle and precise. Next, he repeated the same with the blanket. Turning, he picked up several lengths of rope.
“Please lift her feet,” he instructed Eshan. Eshan stepped over and calmly lifted her feet for Kolass to pass the rope under. Kolass nodded and Eshan lowered her feet. As Eshan watched, Kolass tied the rope, securing the blanket in place. They repeated the steps until they reached her face. Kolass stepped back and stared at Ne-Paw. Eshan stood next to him, rubbing his right thumb in his left palm, waiting.
After a long silence, Kolass turned to Eshan, “Perhaps you should go find Bax and bring him back. Tell him we will depart when he and the ship are ready.”
“OK,” Eshan croaked and headed to the door to suit up. Moments later, he was climbing into the rover and starting off in the direction he’d last seen Bax heading.
“Bax?” Eshan called out over the radio in his helmet. “Can you hear me?”
Static. Eshan continued to follow Bax’s footprints in the dusty ground. After ten minutes, he saw a figure up ahead of the rover. Another couple of minutes and he brought the rover up next to Bax. Keeping pace next to the determined alien, Eshan tried, “Hey, Bax.”
Bax continued to stomp along, ignoring Eshan.
“Kolass said we’re ready to go when you are. But I don’t think he means we have time for you to walk all the way around Charon. But if that's what you want, let me know and I’ll head back to the HAB and wait for you there.”
Bax stopped in his tracks but continued to look off towards the distant horizon. Eshan stopped the rover and got out, cautiously approaching the massive alien whose beloved Eshan had killed.
�
��You might not believe me,” Eshan swallowed hard, “but I know what you’re going through.”
Bax glared at him, causing Eshan to take a step back.
“I lost my Anna just before I was sent to this place. A guy killed her with his truck.”
“What did you do to this man?” Bax growled.
“I,” Eshan swallowed hard again. “I tried to beat him to death.”
“And why should I not do the same to you?”
Eshan stood still. He was right—why shouldn't Bax kill him right now, right here on this God forsaken moon? Only weeks ago, Eshan would have welcomed dying. Without his Anna, what was the point of living? And Bax ... he had to feel the same right now. Ready to kill him, willing to die for that revenge. “You have every reason to kill me.” A pain in the back of his throat made it hard to swallow. He closed his eyes as he sunk to his knees. “Oh, God. I'm sorry. Really, I'm so sorry.” Eshan wrapped his arms around himself and fought back the queasy feeling in his stomach.
"Sorry does not return the dead. Does not avenge."
"I know that I—"
Bax cut him off with, “But the danger of your civilization is of greater importance than my revenge.”
Eshan swallowed, stole a look at the violet-eyed alien. His face offered no expression. “You have greater control than I did.”
“Get up. I will kill you later. After we save your world. And mine.”
Eshan struggled to his feet and shakily got back into the rover. Bax silently slid into the passenger seat. Neither spoke on the short ride back to the HAB.
When they arrived, all appeared quiet outside. The hatch was closed as Eshan had left it. They climbed out of the rover and went through the first hatch. As the outside hatch closed and the pressurization process began, Bax tapped Eshan on the shoulder. Eshan turned his back on the inside hatch and faced Bax.
“I have been contemplating our situation and I will not kill you. My heart and soul crave it, but my mind says it would only bring me lifelong pain. If I forgive you, I can be at peace with myself. But there will be times that my heart will rage against my mind and lust for your death.”
Eshan licked his lips. “Does that mean I’ll have to watch my back while we’re working together?”