by J. A. Marlow
"I don't fear it." Kate studied the trees and the shuttle. "I'm not alive yet, though. I might not survive this."
"But you have," the Ancient's voice said.
The crash site shimmered and changed. The forest in the middle of the mesa appeared, alive and vibrant. The second sun warmed the air, casting its light from a different angle. Intoxicating fragrances filled the air.
Fewer shadows. The Shadow creatures must hate that.
Some of the trees formed elaborate multi-story homes, buildings and vertical farms. Ancients moved among the buildings and through the forest floor. Forest creatures joined them, some of which she'd never seen before. The city bustled with energy and activity.
The Ancient stood next to her, one of its branches on her shoulder. Grandma stood on her other side.
"Your Grandmother is right. It is fitting he died with Captain Straos. He had no right to his life-force after killing so many with the red mark."
Kate looked up at him, "Those are the trees your kind hibernate in?"
"That is correct."
She watched an Ancient climb a long winding staircase up into one of the tree buildings. "What now? What happens to the rest of us?"
The Ancient continued to gaze out at the view, silent. Kate didn't like the silence. She knew what she wanted him to say, but deep in her heart she doubted it would be said.
"This can never be a human world," it finally said.
Kate's heart sunk so low she felt physically sick.
Grandma would hate to leave her little cottage with all her experiments. The company would be dead which would mean that not only would Kate and her mother not have a planet to call home but it would also mean no income.
Where could all the humans on Oburos go? She hadn't heard of any planet with open emigration in several years.
And none with the massive forest this planet had. She admitted it, she liked the forests. She liked the organic lines and colors more than the sprawling cities that her father had dragged them to. The air tasted better. She felt more alive.
Maybe a peace between Ancients and the humans would be possible? Uncle Travis didn't represent them all.
A rumbling came from the Ancient. The branch squeezed her upper arm. "There is already a peace, thanks to those like your Grandmother and yourself. You were willing to give up your lives to do what was right. To help our forests and planet."
Kate flinched. She'd forgotten she was still mentally linked. He'd probably heard everything she'd thought.
"Does that mean we can stay?" Kate asked tentatively.
The Ancient didn't answer. The scene around them dimmed, growing blurry as the light faded. The sounds and smells disappeared.
Kate closed her eyes, trying not to feel depressed, but she couldn't help it. She didn't know what to do. How could she help Mom and Grandma? Or any of the humans on the planet?
She felt movement against her body. Familiar air touched her face. She opened her eyes, finding herself emerging from the Ancient back into the war torn edge of the Ancient city.
She was back. Still alive and herself.
And yet different. She could feel that. The forest held a new sensation to her. It smelled and looked different. Her eyes caught details she'd never seen before and understood what they meant.
She stepped to the side of the Ancient, a hand going to her side.
No wound.
Kate saw Grandma helping her mother get up from the ground. She couldn't help it, she ran towards her. Her mother saw her just as she passed the barely breathing form of Diasis.
Her mother enveloped her with a tight hug that threatened to squeeze all the breath out of her. Kate hugged her right back. Ayden hugged her quick from behind, just enough to let her know he was there.
"I meant to say I love you before the shuttle door closed. Promise!" Kate whispered into her mother's ear.
"I know. So did I." Her mother pushed her away just a little bit, "And from now on no one interferes with that."
"A certain someone won't be able to do that anymore," Kate said sadly. She dropped her head to stare at the dead-spore covered ground. She hadn't liked Uncle Travis, but she'd known her mother did in at least some fashion. "He didn't make it."
"He refused the help," Grandma added. "Kate did try. She was very brave."
Kate couldn't make herself look her mother in the eye, "I know you loved him."
Her mother grabbed her in a tight hug. "I do not love him. In fact, when I returned to the city I was going to fire him."
Kate studied her mother's face, finding it clear. And then her mother frowned, turning to study Grandma's face, and then Kate's. An expression of resignation fell over her features. "You're different. Just like Mom after the shuttle went down. Oh, Kate."
Kate shook her head, "It's not a bad thing. Come on, Mom, I've always been different. Don't look so sad about it. I'm alive!"
Her mother gave a curious hiccup, pulling her into a tight hug.
A dark shape landed on the lower brach of a nearby tree. Kate spotted the Watcher folding its skin wings. It announced towards the Ancient, "Ancient, I assure you I did not allow the human interlopers into our most sacred city. Please accept my humble apologies for this breach. The humans are new to this world. We have awaited your decision of what to do with them."
"Ease yourself, Watcher," the Ancient said. "We have known of the humans since the one known as Olivia Blackstone became associated with us many solar cycles ago."
"I can understand the Ancient and the creatures around us," her mother said with wonder.
Kate hunched her shoulders, "I think I had something to do with that when the spores were pulled out. Sorry."
"There is a traitor to the forest among us," the Ancient said. The gathering went quiet. "Not only has the betrayal involved all of us, but it extended to the guests on our world, the humans."
A wave of disagreement rippled through the crowd. Kate found the response hurtful.
"Hush your words," Vistus shouted out to the crowd. "Just as there are those of us who have turned to the dark ways, so it is with them. Do not judge all because of a few."
"Indeed, Vistus. The human responsible for the unspeakable acts has been punished with his life." The Ancient swiveled from the crowd to face Kate. "Also among us is the human responsible for bringing us the cure to the spores which infected both forest and creature. A designated helper to the Watcher who died in his duty to protect the forest. Kate, what should the punishment be for those who hunted you?"
The shock of being asked was mixed with flashes of inspiration of the possible fates for Diasis and those with him. Oh, there were so many ways they could be punished.
She caught the waiting expression of Vistus and the Shadow Creatures around him. Vistus, the only one of the shadows who had been actively helpful. Who's reputations in the forest were sullied by Diasis's actions.
"I've had the privilege of meeting a Shadow Creature who not only saved my life, but also that of a Watcher. Who willingly fought to do what was right." Kate turned towards the Ancient.
She couldn't believe she was going to do this. For the second time in the day she would be giving up the chance for personal revenge. She wasn't sure how she felt about that.
"The actions of Diasis and those with him damaged all Shadow Creatures. If the Ancient would agree, I believe the Shadow Creatures who stayed true should decide the fate." Kate stepped back before she could change her mind.
Vistus's ears went up. The Ancient swiveled away to Kate to regard him. "Agreed. Shadow Creatures, what should be the punishment?"
Vistus looked back at those behind him. With a flick of his tail he turned back to the Ancient. "The forest of Shadows and Memories."
The animals behind him erupted in agreement. Kate grinned. A very fitting punishment, and one worthy of her imagination. The spider would be eating really well for the next while.
The Ancient's top leaves shook. "So be it. Those who have been a traitor to our w
orld will have the mark of the yellow sun. They are now doomed to wander the forests of Shadows and Memories for the remainder of their days until their death."
Yellow dust puffed out from the bulbed trees. The dust coalesced around Diasis and his Shadow Creatures. A bright yellow mark appeared on their backs.
The other creatures turned on them, subduing them. The trees helped encircle them, knocking some down from out of the branches.
"What do you wish done with the humans," the Watcher asked.
Kate sent a withering glare at the creature. She'd just helped save the city and the Ancient's life, and he talked as if they were about to be forcibly evicted.
Although, that could be closer to the truth than she wanted to believe.
"The humans cannot continue on Oburos the way they have in the past," the Ancient said.
Her mother's hand on her shoulder tighten. Kate took a deep breath and waited for their fate to fall down.
"The humans who remain on this world must become a part of this world, not remain separate from it," the Ancient said.
A few of the creatures around them murmured. Kate waited with bated breath for more. Maybe, just maybe?
The Ancient continued, "We are in the midst of winter. Many in our forests rest peacefully, but we now have multiple contacts with those not of our world. We cannot ignore the potential for disaster and death this may bring, for it has already brought us death."
"Some caused by the humans!" a creature from deeper in the forest cried.
"The human responsible has been dealt with. The crime will no longer be held against the species. Remember it is because of the humans that all of you are alive and free of the threat of the spores," the Ancient said out over the voices.
The creatures fell silent.
"We propose a permanent partnership between Ancient and Humans. For other winters and summers, for the humans do not sleep. To take the lead in dealings with other species that may wish us harm. A partnership with a new kind of human, who wish to live in peace with the forest."
Kate allowed her heart to lighten at change in direction. Maybe?
Colorful orbs filled the air in front of the Ancient, turning into worlds of blue and green. "In our travels we have seeded many worlds in hopes we might create a secondary world for our kind. Most have failed. But, perhaps, one might be found compatible with the new humans. With it, the connection between our species will become permanent."
Kate had a feeling that meant other people becoming like her and Grandma, but she didn't say so to her mother. Her mother would most likely find the idea upsetting.
She heard her mother suck in her breath. Never mind, Mom figured it out.
The globes disappeared. "First must come a new government over the humans who will remain on the world. A new Watcher must arise from the humans to work with a Watcher of our appointment to accomplish this."
It would be Grandma, Kate just knew it. It made sense. And yet, Grandma looked at her, as if expecting it to be her. Kate didn't think that would happen. The Ancient thought of her as a child.
The Ancient looked past Kate. "We choose the mother of our young Kate. Speak your name."
Kate felt her mother start behind her.
She cleared her voice and said, "My name is Mary O'Hanson, but I am not a good choice for this."
"We see in you the bravery and skills needed to accomplish this complicated task. Your species have an interplanetary government most belong to. You will no longer be apart of them, and yet you must still bring peace with them. For the new humans here and the Ancients who still sleep here."
"You're a good organizer, Mom," Kate said.
"You know law from your time with the company," Grandma said. "You would do well."
Shock lingered on her face, but there was also pleasure. She bowed her head. "I worry about my capabilities, but I will try."
"From this point forward, you will wear the red mark of those associated with us. It will be a sign of the respect you are to be afforded. Wear it with honor. Wear it with humility."
Her mother snatched her hand from Kate's shoulder. Kate turned to find her mother holding her right hand, on top of which was imprinted the red mark like that on the back of the old Watcher.
Kate traced the pattern, finding her mother's skin as smooth as ever under the red color. She whispered, "I think you'll be a great Watcher."
"As do I," Grandma said, hugging her.
"Someone must determine a new home world of the new humans," the Ancient said. "Olivia Blackstone. You have been known to us for many years. You know both our forests and the needs of your kind. We ask you to take the task of explorer. To judge which world will be suitable."
"I would be honored to do so," Grandma said with a sparkle in her eyes.
Kate blinked. Grandma was going to go away? But what about her cottage, her lab and orchard? Kate hated the thought of the cottage empty. Ever since coming to the planet it had been the cozy refuge out in the forest. Always welcoming, always there no matter how bad life might get in the city.
"Then join me as I return to my awaken brethren on our craft. I cannot linger here, on my home world, or the winter of our homeworld will urge me to sleep, as well. You will not return to this world until a suitable home is found."
Grandma gave each of them one last hug before walking to the Ancient's side. Tears ran down Kate's face.
"And you, young Kate." Kate wiped her eyes quickly, giving her attention to the Ancient. "Your position is also that of a Watcher, but not assigned to any species or place. You are to find who is suitable to our world and forest. Who will become the new humans, who wish to live and work beside us. You will organize those who will be protectors of our worlds and the new human. "
A red mark appeared on her hand, as well. She rubbed it but couldn't detect any difference in the texture of the skin compared to areas not colored. Her mother grabbed her hand, running a light finger over the mark.
A ripple of light traveled up and down the bark of the Ancient. Out it flew, through the trees and touching each one of them.
With it came detailed instructions in Kate's head of what she should do. And so much more that it was hard for her to grasp what it all meant.
But she knew she would understand soon. Some of it she wasn't ready to know yet, and some would come as she needed. And more would surely become clear once she'd had a good rest.
"I understand," Kate heard her mother whisper. She thought she heard Ayden say something similar.
"Let the forest sleep again. With summer we will return." The twisted trees moved, the light dancing between them lighting up the forest again. The Ancient turned away and made his way towards it.
Grandma walked after him. At the last moment she turned and mouthed, "I love you."
Then she was through the light and gone. The trees untwisted, the light between them disappearing.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
With the Ancient gone the forest went silent. The animals looked at each other. A few started for the break in the barrier trees.
"Take the traitors to the forest!" The city Watcher cried.
The larger flying creatures swooped down and picked up those marked with yellow, sweeping out of the city.
Kate turned to her mother. "We can't stay here. The City is going back to sleep."
"The fog will descend and we no longer have a transport," Uncle Henry added. He retracted his staff and hung it on his belt. "We don't have many options of where to go."
"There are Trailing Willows about, but we'll need to take the remaining Newcomers with us," Kate said. The tree next to them shudder before relaxing. She stepped away from it so it could fall asleep, pulling her mother with her.
"Newcomers? Where?" Ayden demanded.
"In the ship. There were survivors," her mother said. She frowned, "How did I know that?"
Kate grinned, "You'll find you know lots of things thanks to Grandma's cure. It has that side-effect."
"Or it c
ould be that last thing the Ancient did," Henry said. "My head is still buzzing with it."
"Everyone out of the City!" A voice said from the trees. "Let the city sleep. You, humans, out!"
Kate found the Watcher on a different branch, poking his beak towards them. She scowled, wanting to say what he could do with his beak, but managed to say instead, "We're not the enemy. You can at least pretend to be polite."
The Watcher jabbed his beak towards them as he spoke, "I have no choice but to accept the Ancient's trust of you, but I do not have to be polite. All of you, be gone. I will protect this place and see all out."
"I can't leave yet. I need to find Bunbun," Ayden said, searching around the roots of the nearby trees.
"I think I can take care of that." Kate walked to the same tree the Watcher perched on, laying a hand on the smooth rust-colored bark.
She closed her eyes. Down below she could feel the bunt group mind still working, but with the spores gone it functioned much more efficiently. Her lips curved into a smile at the thought of a bunt computer. So much power from such little creatures.
She found Bunbun nearby, no longer the center of the processing. She urged him towards the surface, picturing Ayden's face.
By the time she walked back Bunbun poked his head up from a burrow. With a wiggling hop he headed straight for Ayden. Ayden picked him up, snuggling his fur before Bunbun insisted on climbing down into his coat.
"It appears our family is complete again," Uncle Henry said with a grin, reaching out to rub between Bunbun's ears.
"Almost." Her mom crossed her arms, asking Kate. "Any idea when Mom will be back?"
"Not until a world is found for us. Who knows how long that will take." Kate took her arm and led her towards the break in the barrier. She ignored the Watcher's attempt to get them to move faster. "We have plenty of things to get ready before then."
Her mother sighed. "Oh yes. The Directory needs to be disbanded and homes for most of the Oburos City inhabitants must be found. I'm not looking forward to the challenge of finding worlds for all those people."