Sunstar: Amina's story a YA scifi romance (Peacekeepers Book 1)

by Annalise Whelan

  Katlin cleared her throat. “Well, I’m looking forward to meeting our captain! We’re sure honored to have Captain Kindel Withes.”

  “Why’re we honored?” Gem asked.

  Mara and Katlin grinned at each other.

  “Because we are privileged to have the newest ship and the cutest, youngest Captain in all GIPS.”

  Mara giggled. “I’m sure you’ve seen him.”

  Gem’s eyes flashed. “No. Maybe he’s cute, but is he a good captain?”

  Mara physically cringed. “You have such strong negativity, Gem. You don’t know him to judge him. Maybe you’re wrong.”

  Mara’s empathetic Ability was now Amina’s favorite. “Mara’s right. He must be excellent if he’s a captain already. Besides, as our captain, we must respect him.”

  Gem shook her head, but her eyes calmed. “We’ll see. Hopefully, you’re right.”

  Sari said, “I know Kindel. He’s wonderful.”

  “Kindel? Don’t you mean Captain Withes?” Amina asked.

  “Please, call me Kindel. Captain Withes is so formal, and we’ll be working and training closely together as long as our squad remains intact.”

  Chapter 3

  They all pivoted toward their new captain, and Amina caught a yelp in her throat. It was the jogger, the captain in the corner, the man who didn’t make her nervous! He had a habit of sneaking apparently.

  “Hello, Kindel,” Sari said as she slipped up close to his side.

  Gem rolled her eyes.

  “Sari.” He acknowledged her with a nod and a casual wink. A wink? “Now, since we’ve made all the introductions, it’s time for you to get your uniforms and head over to training. You’ll be learning how to use your defensive tech, exercising each of your Abilities, and you will be starting your mental training classes. We’ll arrange for any extra one-on-one training as needed.”

  “Yes, Captain,” they chorused.

  They crowded together and struck silly poses in the wall-to-wall dressing room mirror.

  “How do we look?” Amina asked, smoothing her hands over her hips. “I love our ship suits.”

  Katlin crowed, “wait till all the peacemen see us!”

  She sighed, “it’s so real now, isn’t it? Every step forward I think this is it, it feels real now.”

  Gem’s reflection beamed a smile at Amina’s. “Green does suit you.”

  Katlin laughed, stuck out a hip and batted her eyes. “It brings out your lovely eyes.”

  Their giggling dissolved as Sari stepped up and sneered. “You’re so immature!”

  “We’re having fun,” Gem snapped back. “You should try it sometime.”

  Sari laughed and flipped her hair. “You’re like little children playing dress-up. Men want a real woman with sophistication. And you,” Sari pointed at gentle Mara. “You’re a little girl. How do you expect to win a man’s attention?”

  Mara’s face twisted, and her eyes filled with tears.

  “What’s wrong with you,” Amina said. She put an arm around Mara’s shoulders. “She’s only a year younger than me.”

  Gem joined her at Mara’s side. “A woman with class doesn’t put other women down.”

  “We’re supposed to be a team!” Mara trembled.

  Sari shuddered. “I’ll do what I have to do. But just watch, by the time we’re through with training, I’ll win Captain Withes.”

  “No way,” Katlin said. “He’ll see right through you. That fine man could have any woman he wants, and you think he’s going to be impressed with how you flip your hair?”

  “Please,” Mara said. “We shouldn’t be speaking this way. Sari, we’re not trying to compete with you. Let’s make peace.”

  “We’ve got more important stuff to focus on, anyway,” Gem said.

  “Our training starts today,” Amina said. She turned and faced Sari. This is the type of girl who always made Amina feel like less. Sari probably could turn any man’s head, but that had nothing to do with her dreams. She wasn’t about to let a snooty girl sabotage her chances. “How can we be a good Peace Squad with this pettiness between us?”

  Sari lifted her chin. “I’ve got three generations of family in GIPS. I don’t need a recruit from some hick planet lecturing me.”

  “Fine,” Amina said, throwing up her hands. “I’m going to training.”

  They filed into the gymnasium and found Captain Withes and another peace officer waiting for them.

  “This is Liz,” Captain Withes said. “She’s my partner in your training exercises. Today we’re starting with target practice.”

  Liz nodded and stepped forward. “It’s important to remember our primary objective is to maintain peace and order, support citizens, and uphold Gwana’s interplanetary law.”

  “In case you need to protect yourself, you will know how to properly handle and maintain your shooters.” He clapped his hands together. “Amina, let’s start with you.”

  Anticipation hummed through her. She leaned in as Captain Withes showed her all the laser shooter’s functions. He demonstrated the stunner’s different strengths. She admired his ease and confidence when handling the shooters. When she asked questions, he paused patiently and reviewed the setting. For the first time in this whole adventure, no nervousness fluttered in her belly.

  She smiled up at him. “You’re such a good teacher. I’m so glad we’re starting with this exercise. I’ve had some practice on my family’s farm, but I’m not used to this tech.”

  “So, step up to the target, and let’s see what you’ve got.”

  She’d done this for years. She firmed her stance, leveled her site, and took aim at the center of the target. She fired. “Bullseye! Woohoo!” She swung around, lifted her arms, and victory pumped.

  “Good Dirt!” Katlin yelled. “How’d you do that?”

  “Way to go!” Gem cried.

  She turned to Captain Withes who was shaking his head. A grin slowly spread over his face. “That was the best first shot I’ve ever seen! You should be proud.” He gave her a pat on the shoulder.

  “Thank you. My brother Derick taught me. Of course, we didn’t have lasers just simple hunting shooters.”

  “I’m thankful you’ll have my back.” He scanned the rest of the team. Turning to Liz he said, “will you take over here? I’m going to go ahead and evaluate Amina’s Ability.”

  “Sure. She obviously doesn’t need to waste time target shooting.”

  Captain Withes led her into the room next door and pointed out several stacked shipping containers and boxes. “I want you to move each box to the other side of the room.”

  She chewed her bottom lip. “I’ve never moved anything this large.”

  He stepped closer to put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t be nervous. I need to see what you can do, so I know how best to train your Ability.”

  “I understand. Ok, but you better step back in case I fling something.” She focused on one of the top boxes and concentrated. It wobbled. It inched toward the edge. Throbbing pulsed through her skull, sweat broke out. She groaned. “I’m sorry, Captain Withes. I can’t do it. It’s too heavy.”

  He took her by the shoulders then and leaned down to look her in the eyes. His cocoa-brown gaze was gentle, steady, calming her. “You can move anything no matter the weight or the size. It’s all about your energy. Watch me.” He stepped forward, braced his stance, and focused on the box. The boxes began to shift and lift and floated to the other side of the room. Effortlessly.

  Her head swiveled from the boxes to Captain Withes. “You can levitate!”

  “Yes. I can teach you how to hone your Ability, strengthen it.”

  “Yes, please!”

  He chuckled. “Come closer to me, settle here in front of my chest.” She stood directly in front of him. “Lean back against my chest, that’s it. Now, I want you to focus on the top box. I want you to focus as if there is nothing else in the room, just you and the box. Don’t think about the size of the box or the weigh
t. For you, it weighs nothing. Let everything else fade away.”

  Her eyes drifted closed, listening to the rhythm of his voice nearly a whisper, relaxing into his body’s warmth, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the rumble of his voice. She felt herself release, tensions dissolve, worry gone, totally safe.

  “Amina.”

  “Hmm?”

  “Are you focusing on the box?”

  “Oh! Right.” She refocused on the box, and the feeling was different. It was lighter, no pressure, no throbbing, no effort. She felt a gentle shift as the box lifted and began to float.

  “I’m doing it!”

  She felt him chuckle more than heard it. “Excellent. That’s right. Nice and easy.”

  The boxes, one by one, floated to the other side of the room and landed gracefully.

  “That was amazing! Can we do it again?” She hopped a bit and whirled.

  He threw his head back and laughed. “Not today. Tomorrow. I’ll meet with you one-on-one for your training. You did well.” He reached out and ruffled her hair a bit. His grin was open and proud. Like Derick. Her strong, gentle brother.

  He pointed at his wrist communicator. “I need to check the status of your team, and you all have your World View class next.”

  World View turned out to be the fun course.

  “The objective,” Officer Sheralyn explained, “is to give you a broader sense of the cultures and languages of the many planets in the Gwana Star System. My personal favorite is the Old Earth culture. We’ll be listening to music compositions, watching films, and dancing like our ancestors did.”

  She wore a long burgundy gown that dragged the floor and hair piled on top her head like a tower held in place by one tiny pin. Each time her head turned, her hairdo swayed. Turn right, sway left. Turn left, sway right. Amina had to fight laughter with each sway, and she didn’t dare meet Gem’s eyes.

  “Why do we need to learn stuff we’ll never use?” asked Katlin.

  “It’s fun. You will be working hard, and this course gives you a break from all that serious stuff. It’s good for your health. You will learn to waltz, among other dances, and you will test those skills before you graduate. We celebrate each graduation season with a Ball. Yours will be the Winter Ball.”

  “A Ball sounds lovely,” said Sari. Wait, did Sari just say something positive?

  “I agree with Sari,” Amina said, as a peace offering. “I have one question: what is a ball? I mean, I know what a ball is. But what is a Ball ball?” Oh, idiot.

  Sari gaped at her. “It’s a formal dance. We’ll wear gowns and do our hair and make up our faces. It will be divine!”

  “Today,” Sheralyn continued, “we’ll begin with poetry. This collection would stir even a heart of stone. Each of you take a book for this week’s reading assignment. Guard these with your lives. Books are so rare, GIPS can’t afford to replace lost ones each season.”

  “I’m surprised you let us use them,” Mara said.

  “The experience isn’t the same unless you can feel the pages in your hands. Enjoy it! But do not under any circumstances, damage or lose your books!”

  She was nearly through the book in just a couple days, reading it every chance she got between courses, through meals, on breaks. The ancient words fed her and moved her and opened her eyes to a whole new world of emotion and love and heartache. Amina discovered her first love in poetry.

  One break she and her friends were gathered in the garden, Amina’s face buried in her book, when she heard Katlin rattle off a string of colorful words. “Look at Sari, now.”

  Looking, she saw Sari sitting next to the captain at a picnic bench, laughing up into his face and fluttering her lashes. Every few seconds she would finger her hair. As for the captain, he was smiling pleasantly, talking with her. It wasn’t clear how “into” Sari he was emotionally. He treated them each respectfully, like a big brother. Sometimes he would tease, but he was always calm and gentle and patient.

  “He’s so good looking,” Mara sighed.

  “He’s a flirt,” said Gem.

  “He reminds me of my brother,” said Amina.

  Her friends slowly turned their heads in unison and stared at her with wide eyes. She laughed.

  “You look at Kindel and think of your brother?” asked Katlin. “I don’t believe it!”

  “You shouldn’t,” said Gem. “She thinks he’s hot.”

  “Of course, he’s attractive, but he doesn’t make me nervous. Oh, I don’t know, he treats me like Derick does. He’ll ruffle my hair or pat my shoulder. It’s not like he’s flirting with me! I admit, at first, I was a little awed, but I’ve gotten used to his good looks. Now, he’s just the captain.”

  “Uh huh,” Gem murmured.

  “He winks at Sari,” said Mara.

  “He winks at everyone,” said Gem.

  “Which means we shouldn’t read too much into him sitting with her. He doesn’t really treat her any different than anyone else,” observed Amina.

  “You pick up any romantic thoughts, Gem?” asked Katlin.

  “He shields very well. I don’t get much out of Kindel. Probably because he’s also telepathic.”

  “Seriously,” said Amina. “That means he’s got two Abilities! How is that possible?”

  Everyone was silent a beat, thinking.

  “That reminds me, Amina,” said Gem. “He’s supposed to train you to mask soon. I asked him to.”

  “He shields his emotions well,” Mara said. “I don’t sense anything when he’s with Sari. Rarely, I get a sense of annoyance.”

  “That’s interesting,” Katlin said.

  “That settles it then. We don’t need to worry about her and the captain,” said Amina.

  Gem shot her a knowing look. What did she think she knew, anyway?

  “I knew he was too smart for her,” Katlin said.

  “Are you going to The Shuttle Club tonight?” Mara asked. “I wish I were old enough. They’re supposed to have a great band, and Sheralyn says you get socialization credit. Isn’t that nice?”

  “I can’t wait!” said Gem. “I’ve got my outfit planned.”

  “Mingling with the locals, count me in!” hooted Katlin.

  Amina planned to stay home and finish her poetry book.

  Gem elbowed her and said in her head, “I heard that! Don’t you dare! You are way too obsessed.”

  Too shy to dance in front of strangers, the singing voice of a bully-frog, what was she going to do in a club? Men weren’t exactly falling over themselves to meet her. It would be excruciating to be left at the table alone. She’d be able to lose herself in her book.

  Chapter 4

  Amina pulled on her skirt.

  “Stop that, silly,” Gem scolded.

  “This is crazy short. It’s not me! What were you thinking? And the material is all itchy.”

  “It’s worth it. You are stunning. Except for that ragbag of yours. I should’ve forced you to borrow a clutch.”

  “That man over there is checking us out,” Katlin hissed loud enough for the table next door to hear. “Here he comes!”

  A man swaggered toward their table, and Amina felt her jaw go slack. He looked like he’d just stepped out of a rocket rider advertisement. He wore a black leather jacket, jeans that fit his slim build just right, and black rocket boots. His slick, straight hair gleamed golden blond, fashionably combed back from his face except for a few single strands falling over his forehead. The structure of his face was exquisite. Strong jaw, high cheekbones, smooth thin nose. He was beautiful. It wasn’t a word she’d ever used for a man, but it suited him. He was a master sculptor’s statue come to life. As he slowly came near, she saw he had clear, cool blue eyes.

  “Hey,” he drawled with a deep, deep voice. “My name is Reece. Can I get you lovely ladies your first round of drinks?”

  “Yes!” Katlin said.

  Gem laughed. “I’m Gem, she is Katlin and Amina.”

  “You must be some of t
he new recruits over at GIPS?”

  “Yes!” Katlin said.

  “Let me welcome you to the city. What can I get you? The Orion is good. Or if you want something fruity the Twist.”

  “Do you work here?” Amina asked.

  Gem dropped her forehead into her hand and shook her head back and forth.

  His eyes twinkled when he smiled. “No, but I want to make sure you have a good time tonight, and I didn’t want any of the other guys to beat me to the punch.”

  “They serve punch?” Amina asked.

  Gem groaned. She turned to Reece with a smile. “She’s from Aldernon.”

  “I see.”

  “So, how about you get us each a Twist? That sounds refreshing.”

  “I’ll be right back.” He smiled at Amina. “Don’t go anywhere.”

  “Good Dirt, you two are hopeless,” Gem said, but she laughed. “I’m going to dance. Who’s coming with me?”

  “I am,” said Katlin, and off they went.

  “He said to stay here!” Amina called after them. She’d never figure out this social game.

  Reece didn’t seem too bothered when he returned with the drinks. He settled into the chair next to Amina as if he did own the place.

  She took a sip of her drink. Nice! “This is refreshing!” She took a bigger sip.

  “Amina is a pretty name, but it doesn’t do you justice,” he said and looked deep into her eyes.

  “Oh.” Her hands fluttered, so she clutched them together in her lap. “Thank you. That’s a nice thing to say.”

  “Honey, I’m just getting started.”

  “Oh. Well. Um.” She took a swallow. The drink did taste fruity.

  He seemed to sense her nervousness, and he eased off a bit. “I noticed your bag. Must be a story there. Tell me?”

  “I made it. I know it’s not fashionable, but I thought I might need my book.”

  “Must be some book,” and he waggled his eyebrows.

  She laughed and took a swallow of her drink. “It’s poetry. Do you like poetry?”