by P. R. Garcia
Jeanip stood there, his legs shaking as they struggled to support his grief. Tears flowed from his eyes as he stared at the new grave dug earlier that day - her grave. Even though there was no body inside the coffin, it did not lesson his sorrow. Oonocks did not leave bodies behind when they died. They flowed out and became one with the oceans of this planet. With the realization that she was now part of the Waters of Life and he would never see her beautiful face again, Jeanip’s legs faltered, dropping him onto the grass. He sat there, just staring at the pile of newly dug dirt.
How could this have happened? How could he have missed the clues that their enemy was still alive, still hunting his monarchs? Had he become so complaisant, so sure his security protocols would always protect her that he dared believe they were invincible? How did he allow himself to believe the Terrians were all gone, that no threat still existed? Her death proved the error in his thinking, that some still lived. JeffRa still lived, and he had kept his oath of vengeance. Medaron had sensed him coming. Why didn’t he pay closer attention to her uneasiness, to her fears? WHY DID HE FAIL HER?
Sitting there, his shirt soaked from the many tears he cried, his body shaking with grief, Jeanip ran over the events in his mind for the hundredth time in hope of finding what went wrong. Everything had been meticulously planned, every component checked and rechecked. Once more, he could find no flaw in his plans to protect her except for one – himself. He was the Head Commander of Security, and, as such, her safety had been his main responsibility. He was the one who always had to be on guard, thinking of the impossible, acting against any possible threat, imaginary or real. But the thought that JeffRa still lived after all these centuries had never occurred to him. And that was the mistake that took her life. He should have lived each day as if JeffRa still pursued her. Why didn’t he? Enok, his king, had trusted him to do just that, but he had allowed himself to exist in a false sense of security, to fail at his duty. His only redemption now was the hope his king would end his life for his failure, as their law decreed.
A small Red Rock sparrow flew down from the nearby tree and landed on her grave, hopping about as it looked for one of the juicy worms that squiggled through the displaced portions of fresh dirt. Using its beak, it poked around until it located a worm, then quickly grabbed it in its mouth. With dinner in hand, it flew off to deliver the tasty morsel to its newly hatched chicks. Through tear-blurred eyes, Jeanip watched the sparrow fly across the meadow towards one of the rookeries.
His vision scanned the area, envisioning the four hundred acre estate that housed the small cemetery. Enok and he had designed and settled Minnos almost four centuries earlier as a refuge for Medaron. It had been determined the Terrian threat had been eliminated and it was safe once again to live on land. A section of land in northern California was secured from a local Native American nation and was governed by tribal law, therefore making any happenings on the land immune to local jurisdiction, a technicality that had often served Jeanip well. As agreed upon when the land was acquired, the grounds were mostly feral, a sanctuary for wildlife. A small section on the cliff above the ocean had been cleared for the inhabitants. A warm, two-story country cottage, with a sitting porch encircling the house, sat in the middle of the clearing. It was a present from King Enok to his beloved mate, Queen Medaron. A porch swing hung from the rafters on the cliff side overlooking the ocean, a place that had given Medaron much solitude after she was told of Enok’s death. The second floor consisted of four bedrooms, two large ones with ocean views, two smaller bedrooms, a sitting room and three bathrooms. The downstairs contained two servant’s quarters off the kitchen; one, containing the security and operations room along with a secret entrance to a cave below. A small sitting room and formal living room graced the front of the house, while an extra-large kitchen with a casual sitting room, equipped with a large stone fireplace, adorned the back. Several barns were on the property as well and a bunk house for the male helpers. Under the barn was a second security room and secret storage area for weapons, food, medicines and numerous other items which might be needed. An advanced security system encompassed the area five miles in each direction around the cottage, monitoring anything and everything that walked, hopped, slithered, crawled or flew across the area. The remaining four hundred acres were fortified with motion detectors tied into an elaborate security system to alert them of any intruders, human or non.
Jeanip watched as another Red Rock sparrow flew towards him, this time landing on the headstone on the grave beside hers. For eighteen years the other grave had resided there alone, empty and false. It was King Enok’s grave, another fabrication in the web of lies created to hide the monarchs’ past from their daughter. Jeanip wondered how many more fake graves would be dug to hide the truth of who they were. He prayed one would be his.
“Jeanip, the headstone should be ready within the hour,” Sunam, Jeanip’s Second-in-Command, stated as he softly walked up beside his commander. “Do you want me to place it upon her grave or wait until you return from the Complex?”
Jeanip wiped the tears from his face and stood, instantly transforming into the Head Commander and soldier he was. “I will be gone for several days, so place it upon the grave as soon as it is finished. You’re in charge until I return.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Without another word, Jeanip turned and headed towards the house. After several steps he stopped. Keeping his back to Sunam, he added, “Sunam, if I don’t return for some reason, make sure they get to Saint’s Isle right away. JeffRa can’t reach them there.”
“Why wouldn’t you return, Sir?” Sunam asked.
Jeanip did not answer, but continued toward the house. But Sunam didn’t need an answer, for he knew the truth. Jeanip had failed in his duty. Punishment for his failure was the death sentence, as decreed in their security protocols. He said a silent prayer that his king would forgive his commander and allow him to live. Without Jeanip there was no hope in stopping JeffRa from killing them all. “May the Waters of Life protect you and bring you back to us.”
Nearing the house, Jeanip’s thoughts drifted back to the day when their life above began. It seemed like only yesterday that he brought Prince Earon and the pregnant Queen Medaron to the surface, all anxiously awaiting the birth of their new princess. He clearly remembered that day, for it was a day of both sorrow and joy. Back then, he had no idea the Fates had placed their feet on a path of such sorrow and loss. He remembered waiting in the Exit Chamber for his queen and prince to arrive . . . . . .
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(Twenty years earlier)
Medaron stood in her doorway of her dwelling, surveying the contents, taking in its design and colors as a remembrance for days to come. She was leaving the underwater Complex and the abode Enok and she had shared for the past six thousand years. Reaching to close the door, her eyes drifted toward the cage where her two pet Dumbo Octopus normally resided. Enok had moved her pets to his temporary quarters when their residence was converted to an air-breathing, lower air pressure environment to accommodate her pregnancy. She would miss them. Placing her hands lightly on her belly, she once more wished there had been a way their child could have been born at the Complex. But that was not a possibility. She had to be born as a human. Medaron closed her eyes and concentrated on the new life growing inside her. Although the unborn was only a few weeks old, she could sense her daughter growing, developing lungs, becoming human. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes, took one last look and stepped through the doorway, closing the door. Thus began her journey to the world above, the world of air, the world of humans.
A young human male with short, curly, dark brown hair and emerald green eyes waited outside to escort her. He was her son, Earon. She knew he too was committing the sights, smells and sounds of the Complex to memory, for he was accompanying her to the world above. It would be many years before either would return to this world below.
Giving his mother a warm smile, Earon slipped his arm through hers and began guiding her down the path toward the Exit Chamber. Neither spoke a word, afraid to release the sorrow inside their hearts. Suddenly, Earon felt his mother’s pace quicken as she saw up ahead, behind the glass wall, a warm glowing light. Instantly he knew it would be his father waiting to say his goodbyes, waiting for his and his mother’s happiness to be torn apart. Because of a war injury inflicted by JeffRa centuries ago, Enok could not exist in the world of humans and was forced to remain behind.
Medaron’s human heart began to beat faster as she rushed toward the light, watching it grow brighter and larger with each step, until she stood before her mate. Forcing a smile onto her face, she stepped forward and placed her hands upon the glass wall, a wall that divided the two worlds of water and air. In response, Enok gracefully swam through the lilac water on the other side and placed his hands on the glass opposite hers. In silence, each looked into the other’s eyes, not wanting this moment to end.
“I guess the time has come for you to go above so our daughter can live,” Medaron heard Enok say inside her mind as he looked at her, noting her long, wavy, light brown hair encircling her oval face, her long slender neck, her strong shoulders and petite body. “I am so very, very sorry, My Love, that I cannot accompany you above.”
“The fault is not yours,” Medaron replied. “After all the years without children being born, who would have imagined we would become parents of the next queen of our people. We have discussed this many times, Enok. This is the only way to ensure she survives. You cannot survive above. I can. This is the only choice we can make.”
“I know,” Enok stated, hanging his head in guilt. “But it does not take away from my guilt or sorrow.”
“Hopefully our medical assistants will find a cure for your lung infliction and you will be able to join me, Earon and our daughter at Minnos.”
“And be a real family and forget this time of sorrow and separation,” Enok replied, raising his head to look at his mate.
“On that day I will sing a song of joy,” Medaron said. Tears tried to form in her eyes, but she would not allow them to. As the Supreme Monarch of their people, she would not disgrace herself, or her husband, with such a show of emotion. She would fulfill her duty with all the dignity and responsibility required of a sovereign.
Seeing Medaron was having trouble fighting back the tears, Enok asked, “What name did you decide on for our daughter?”
“I chose your first suggestion – Europa. You were right. It is the perfect name for her. She will be the last female leader and, therefore, should bear the name of her homeland.”
“I hoped you would choose that name. She may never know the truth of who she really is, but at least she will have the name.” Enok moved his hand on the glass over to Medaron’s womb. “Europa, it is I, your father. I cannot make this trip with you today, but I will hopefully join you soon. Know this, My Child, I love your mother more than life itself and it was by that love you were created. You are a rare and precious jewel loved by your people, cherished by all.” Enok raised his eyes to look into Medaron’s. “Please tell our daughter I love her very much.”
“Every day,” Medaron replied.
Earon had stood back from his parents to allow them some privacy. When he saw Enok turn his eyes toward him, he stepped forward and placed his hand on the glass near his father’s. “May the Waters keep you safe and bring you to us soon, Father,” he said. “Our life will not be complete until you are with us again.”
“May the Waters keep you safe also, Son.” Enok responded back. “Know that no father has ever been prouder of his son than I am of you, Earon. As the second leader of our people, you could have remained here. But you have honored me by going with your mother to watch over her and your sister in my absence. The sacrifice you make to live above as your sister’s canine protector, knowing she will never know of your dedication to her, is noted. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”
“No thanks is needed, Father. I promise to keep both of them safe for you.” Earon said.
“Remember to listen to Jeanip, to adhere to his and your mother’s rules. They are in place to protect not only your sister, but you also. I love you, My Son.” Enok could say no more, for he too was having trouble fighting back the tears in his eyes. The three people he loved most in this world were leaving to begin a life outside his world and apart from him.
“I love you too, Father. I will now take my leave.” Earon walked away and entered the Exit Chamber. From the look on Commander Jeanip’s face, time was short and Earon wanted his parents to have what time remained to say their last goodbyes. He walked over to the transportation capsule and transformed into a Rottweiler, the shape he would assume to protect his sister. He jumped into the capsule and curled up at the borrom. He hoped his presence in the capsule would bring his mother some comfort.
Knowing they could delay their departure no longer, Jeanip walked over to where Medaron and Enok stood. “I’m sorry, Your Majesties, but if we plan on using the cloak of the new moon to hide our arrival, we must leave now.”
“Very well,” Medaron whispered. She looked into Enok’s eyes one last time. “You are my only love and my life. Stay well.” Unable to wait for a reply, she turned and walked through the entrance. The tears she had fought so hard to deny now ran freely down her cheeks. She was thankful she had been able to contain them until she entered the Exit Chamber, thankful Enok had not seen them.
“Take care of them, Jeanip,” Enok said, as he watched Medaron lie down above Earon in the transportation capsule. He now turned his attention to the male human in front of him, a weathered soldier who lived by the strictest code of honor and dignity. “You are my Captain, my First in Command and my truest friend. You fought by my side in the Terrian war and have saved me and Medaron many times. Now, I add to your duties the role of Chief Protector of Medaron and my family. Their well-being and lives I place in your hands.”
“It is an honor I accept willingly, Sire. I will forfeit my life, if need be, to keep them safe,” Jeanip replied.
“Are the paintings with her?”
“Yes, Sire, they are hidden in the capsule. I will make sure they are set out so she will see them when she awakens in the morning.”
“Thank you.”
“I will send word when we have arrived at Minnos. May the Waters keep you safe and give you long life, My Leader and My Liege.” Jeanip bowed his head slightly forward and placed his right hand upon his forehead. “With your permission I will now take my leave of you.”
“May the Waters give you the wisdom and strength you will need to fulfill your duty,” Enok stated, quickly glancing at the capsule containing his life’s mate. “Permission granted.” He watched Jeanip turn and entered the Exit Chamber, closing the door behind him.
Jeanip walked over to the transportation capsule and gazed at the two sleeping monarchs. “Are they ready?” he asked Evonic, the medical attendant who would be accompanying them. It was necessary to bring their own medical personage, not only to help with Medaron’s pregnancy, but for any medical matters that might arise in the future. Since the members of Jeanip’s team were human only in appearance, they would not be able to seek medical assistance from a human doctor if they were ever injured or ill.
“Yes, they are ready,” Evonic replied. “I have the unit set and ready for your inspection.”
Jeanip knelt down and closed the lid. He checked the pressurization gauges and saw all were operating in the green. Due to the enormous water pressure at such a deep depth, it was necessary for Medaron and Earon to be transported in a special capsule designed to depressurize them as they ascended to the surface to prevent decompression disease. Jeanip knew any containment leak or slight variance in the water pressure could prove fatal to the sleeping monarchs. For that reason he had insisted on an extensive diagnostic swe
ep of the capsule before it would lock; if anything, no matter how miniscule, was out of alignment the lock would not engage. Finally, after several minutes, the display panel light glowed purple, signaling the capsule was operating perfectly and completely sealed.
Jeanip surveyed the room to ensure everyone was ready. In addition to Evonic and himself, the Minnos team consisted of Medaron’s female helper, Europa’s female second guardian and four male helpers. Jeanip had handpicked his team himself, aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Except for Evonic, all had fought under his command centuries before in the Terrian war. All were familiar with human customs, languages, breathing with lungs in an air environment and walking upright on two legs. Jeanip was confident his team would fulfill his or her sole responsibility of protecting the royal family and keeping their identities secret from the soon-to-be born monarch.
Jeanip stood and addressed his team, going over the operation one more time. Assured everyone knew their assignment, he signaled for the eight travelers to transform into their true selves, and leave the Exit Chamber. Once in the open ocean, they transformed into sperm whales and began their ascent to the world above. Jeanip carried the capsule with the two sleeping monarchs securely in his mouth.
Enok watched as the doors closed. The sound of the outer doors opening confirmed their departure, forcing Enok to close his eyes tightly to prevent his tears from escaping. Unable, and unwilling, to move from his location, he leaned his head against the glass, overcome with the realization his family was now gone and it could be many years before he beheld them again. He had lied to Medaron when he said the medical assistants were close to curing him and he would soon join her. The truth was they were years away from correcting his breathing problem and some feared he could never be cured. He had sent his queen above, knowing he probably would never be able to share her life with their daughter. Raising his hand, he clenched his fingers into a tight fist and hit the glass wall repeatedly, cursing JeffRa for the war injury he had inflicted upon him, cursing the human race for their weak bodies, cursing himself for letting her go. He continued to take his despair and anger out by pounding on the glass wall until it finally cracked, sending shards of glass into his hand, spilling Enok’s purple blood into the lilac waters. Not caring if he bled or not, he drifted down to the Complex’s floor, staring into the empty Exit Chamber
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The eight sperm whales navigated up the side of the canyon wall toward air. After thirty-eight minutes, each broke the water’s surface, expelling the air in their lungs before breathing in fresh sea air, breathing in life itself. No light welcomed them to the world above, no moon shined upon them, only the tiny dots of stars.
Dolphins were a common sight along the shoreline, but a group of eight whales might draw unwanted attention. To help hide their arrival, everyone, except Jeanip, transformed into dolphins, positioning themselves around Jeanip as he continued toward the hidden cave entrance to Minnos. When they reached the forty-yard marker, Jeanip signaled for his troop to transform into human form and for Sunam and Evonic to slide the capsule out of his mouth. He then transform into a human himself, reaching the hidden entrance within minutes. With Sunam and Evonic’s help, Jeanip lifted the capsule on to the cave’s floor. Evonic checked the gauges, then turned off the pressurization, signaling to Jeanip it was safe to open the lid. Jeanip turned the lock and heard the magnetic hinges release, causing a hissing sound as the air inside escaped through the newly formed small openings. He raised the lid and saw his monarchs sleeping peacefully in the same position he had last seen them in. Bending down, he scooped Medaron into his arms ever so softly, then waited as Misso slipped a blanket around her. Misso did the same for Earon after Sunam lifted him into his arms. With guards in the front and rear, the group ascended the stairs to the world above and their new home, Minnos. They had arrived safely and together they would await the birth of their newest female monarch, Europa.
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Medaron began to stir, turning on her side to snuggle up next to Enok. The sound of meadow birds singing brought her back to the reality she was no longer at the Ocean Complex. There was no Enok to share her bed or wish her good morning. She now remembered the night before, saying goodbye to Enok and entering the transportation capsule to begin her life above. Evidently, her journey had been successful for she was lying on a human bed. She took a deep breath, breathing in the fragrance of the flowers from her gardens outside. As her mind cleared, she realized that mixed in with the sweetness of the flowers was the tantalizing aroma of fresh brewed coffee, a smell she had almost forgotten. “Minnos, I have returned,” she thought. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see a room lit by the morning sun shining in through a large bay window draped in white curtains. The walls of the room were still the color of light lilac she had painted them hundreds of years earlier, although she could tell they had been repainted recently. New pictures of wildflowers hung on the walls and there was also an unfamiliar large dresser with a mirror across from the window. Stretching, she felt the softness of the sheets upon her skin, another sensation she had missed. Then something caught her eye on the night stand, something that should not have been there. She was surprised and delighted to see two framed paintings of her pet Dumbo Octopus she had left behind. Medaron reached out to pick up one and, as she did, a note fell out from behind the frame and onto the floor. She reached down and picked it up, tenderly opened the note and read:
My Dearest Love,
Since neither I, nor your two friends, can be there to greet you each morning, I painted their pictures for you in hopes they will bring a smile to your beautiful face as you start each day. Let them be a reminder of how much I love and miss you. I am incomplete until we are together again.
Love,
Enok
P.S. Forgive the crude workmanship. You were always the artist.
She hugged the painting close to her body, wondering how Enok or she were going to endure seventy to ninety years of being apart. For over seven thousand years they had been joined together as life’s mates and had never been apart longer than a few weeks, let alone years. Although each was willing to make the sacrifice for their daughter, Medaron wondered what price would be paid in the end. She placed the painting back on the night stand, kissed two fingers on her right hand and placed the kissed fingers on the painting. Enok had been right – the paintings would put a smile on her face each morning.
No longer able to resist the tantalizing smell of coffee, Medaron stretched her legs once more in preparation of trying to walk on two legs As she did, she encountered something large on the bed near her feet. She looked down at the large brown and black creature that seemed to have shared her bed last night. Earon. She smiled upon seeing her son still asleep, lying there in his transformed canine form.
“Minnos, I have returned,” Medaron whispered to the cottage as she sat up in bed, stretching her arms toward the sky. “I have a surprise for you. I carry inside of me a human female child that will be born in the fall. Soon your halls will echo with the sounds of her laughter and her tiny feet as she runs through your rooms. Guard and protect her well, for she is the last Waters’ monarch. Shield your secrets; keep them hidden from her so she may not know who and what her parents and people are. Help her live a long and happy life. Her name is Europa.”
Swinging her feet over the side of the bed, Medaron carefully stood, placing her weight on her legs, trying to remember how to function on two feet. The floor was cold, another sensation she had forgotten. It was such a perplexing thing, to have one’s feet cold while the rest of the body was warm, she thought. Not wishing her son to miss any of these wonderful experiences, Medaron reached over and rubbed the dog’s head, jostling him awake. “Time to wake up, Earon, and enjoy this beautiful day of sunshine and wonderful smells.”
Earon stretched and transformed into his human form, a form he could remain in u
ntil Europa was born. “I assume, Mother, by the sounds I hear, that we are no longer at the Complex,” Earon said, stretching out his human arms. Stepping onto the floor, he too was amazed at the odd cold sensation in his feet.
“Yes, Earon, we have arrived. Welcome to Minnos.”
“What is that unusual smell?” he asked.
“That, My Darling Son, is one of mankind’s most delectable inventions. COFFEE!!” Medaron reached out and took her son’s hand. Together, they wobbled across the floor, gaining their balance. They walked down the stairs on unsteady legs, drawing closer to the delicious smell of coffee. Their lives on Minnos had begun.
A STRANGER ARRIVES