Daughter of Destiny

by HC Playa

  Though, his back was to her, she didn't need to see his face to sense the distaste and hesitance to follow through on those orders. The ships in orbit were disabled, completely inoperable, and offering their surrender. Yet, the UN Council and the President just ordered him to fire ground-to-orbit missiles to finish the job.

  The ripple of energy as she dropped her cloak of magic alerted the general. He spun around, weapon in hand. She clutched her blue striped hospital gown to keep it from gaping open and realized maybe she should have conjured clothing first, but the pain meds in her system made her thoughts a bit loopy.

  "You can't destroy those ships."

  He lowered his weapon, but didn't holster it. "Excuse me?" General Westing arched a brow at her demand.

  "You have no comprehension of the events you'll trigger if you destroy those ships. Humanity will start down a path of self-destruction from which it won't be able to escape. For the sake of all humanity, you must disobey your orders and above all don't insult the IGC fleet by pointing our weapons at them, unless of course you want another far more powerful invasion fleet to fight off."

  "I may agree that the threat has passed, but I can't blatantly disobey orders."

  "Let me restate your options, General. Disobey those orders or I'll do it for you. Those missiles are not leaving this base."

  "I will have you arrested for acts of terrorism if you attempt to disable this base."

  "We are on the same side, you and I, but if you send those missiles, you assure Earth's destruction."

  Decades of Army training and adherence to following orders outweighed her words and his own gut feeling. She could see it in the hard set of his eyes and mouth. She allowed only a second of anger and then she focused on the weapon in the general's hand. With a moment's concentration, it vanished even as the general raised his hand to once again take aim.

  General Westing tensed for what she sensed would be a roundhouse kick to her kidney, followed by an uppercut, a back fist to her temple, followed by a less defined series of possible attacks if she failed to go down. He never got the chance to move. Panic emanated from him when not a single muscle obeyed his command. It beat at her, shards of glass that fractured the protective mental barrier her father had erected. She ignored the pain in her head and the adrenaline that pumped through her veins in answer to the general's emotions.

  "I warned you. I'd rather not do things this way, but you just have to play the obedient little soldier." She shook her head once in regret. "This is how it's going down. You will first contact the incoming IGC fleet. They are to cease their advance until they hear from you again. You will inform them that the Goloth fleet is disarmed and the ships will either need to be repaired and escorted out of our system or evacuated and destroyed. Under no circumstances are you to agree to any IGC ships remaining in system, but you will thank them for their aid. You will accept the Goloth's unconditional surrender and coordinate the handing over of Karglock. Finally, thank IGCF for their assistance and wish them a safe journey home." She paused to make sure he understood and would not fight any of her orders. She took a breath and lowered her voice to a soft melodious whisper, "You will not remember that I came to you. You chose honor over duty. When questioned, you will argue that it is wrong to kill an enemy that has surrendered and goes against every global law recognized." She released him from her thrall, returning his weapon to his holster and shifting space back to her room all at the same time. A frission went down her spine at the ease with which she imposed her will. I guess there's more Fae in me than I care to admit.

  ***

  Tense minutes passed. Every second ratcheted Rotvraoq's nerves to a higher level of chaotic adrenaline. The ensign finally reported, "IGCF has halted on the outskirts of the system, but they aren't responding to our hail. The humans are answering however. They have a translator program already active."

  "Activate the comm." When the ensign nodded, he said, "This is Rotvraoq of the Goloth people. I wish to cease hostilities and offer my sincere apologies for this attack. The former Emperor Karglock is no longer in command." He waited for Earth’s reply.

  The response echoed through the bridge, "This is General Westing of the United States Armed Forces. By the authority of The United Nations and the government of the United States of America, I hereby accept your unconditional surrender."

  Rotvraoq's mouth went dry and his gut tightened. Assured slow death at the hands of Karglock, a quick death at the hands of IGC, or the mercy of strangers, none of his options appealed, but he could only pray that the human tendency for compassion was something galactic and Earth humans still shared.

  Rotvraoq took a deep breath and announced, "Our surrender is unconditional." Silence reigned supreme on the bridge as his words hung heavy in the air. Static crackled, grating on nerves already strung tight.

  "You will turn Karglock over to us. We've spoken with IGCF. They will escort your fleet to your home planet where they will oversee the disarmament of your military. Until otherwise negotiated, no Goloth vessel or citizen may enter our system without prior authorization. Doing so will be seen as an act of war and dealt with accordingly. Is this understood?"

  Rotvraoq replied, "Yes. Those terms are acceptable. How do you wish for us to deliver Karglock into your custody?"

  "One moment," General Westing requested. The next instant a tall blond man materialized on the ship's bridge, but without the telltale whine and lights of a teleporter. At first glance he appeared human, but his luminescent eyes betrayed his true identity. Several men reached for their weapons, but Rotvraoq held up a hand.

  "Hold."

  The being in front of him was no human. Those were ancient eyes, Danua eyes, and they held no quarter for the beings who invaded this world. Rotvraoq swallowed the lump of fear that rose as the Danua moved toward him with menace in his glowing eyes.

  "Let your men in the brig know I am retrieving Karglock from their custody." Then as suddenly as the being had appeared, he was gone. Only after Karglock was handed over and the discussion of terms complete did Rotvraoq sink into the command chair and let out a quiet sigh of relief.

  ***

  Kieran flashed into form less than fifty yards from where Zane’s crumpled ship lay. Acrid smoke filled the air and the hiss and groans of torn, cooling metal met his ears. His father had slowed the ship, so he said, but there had been little he could do that wouldn't risk harming the alien human. Katarina's threat rang in his head. He sorely hoped she wouldn't blame him. It was their father after all who summoned Torin to babysit, much to his relief, although Katarina might see it merely as one more desertion. Finn may have tasked him to retrieve her consort, but if his father's efforts had failed, he was not sticking around for his sister's wrath. Up until now he only ever feared his father, but that one moment when Katarina's eyes settled on him with her demand, he saw his sister anew. She had their father's titanium will and power at least as equal in measure, even if her skills were a bit rough. No sane man, human, Fae, or alien, would dare cross her when that look was on her face and the power of the Fae burned bright in her eyes.

  He squinted in the clearing smoke and strode toward the ship, but Zane was already climbing out of its battered remains. Zane shook his head and blinked several times before focusing on him.

  Kieran gave him a wry grin. "So, how many magical faeries do you see?"

  Zane smirked even as he raised a hand to his temple where a small cut dripped blood. "Only one, thank Omeha," he replied with a wince as he touched the cut.

  "Come on. Let’s get you out of here." They climbed gingerly over wreckage, and as soon as Zane was able to stand without weaving about, Kieran flashed them back to the base’s infirmary.

  They appeared amidst bustling activity. Soldiers and civilian associates brought in wounded in a steady stream. Kieran stared in shock as his father moved from one injured man to the next, telling the nurse what was wrong with each, and healing the ones that didn’t have time to wait for treatment. Fi
nn’s actions were so un-Fae like that Kieran just stood there in stunned silence.

  ***

  "Zane!"

  At Katarina’s relieved exclamation, Zane left the support of Kieran’s arm, leaving the boy to gape at his father. Zane rushed across the main room of the infirmary to the small private room off to the side where a tsking nurse was replacing Katarina's I.V. line. Zane waited only until the nurse was finished before perching on the bed and kissing Katarina as if his life depended on never releasing her lips. When he finally lifted his lips from hers, Katarina sent a not so gentle fist into his stomach. The air left his lungs, but the punch didn't have enough force to hurt.

  "Damn it, Zane. Can’t you do anything without nearly getting yourself killed? If you EVER scare me like that again, I swear I’ll…I’ll…" she trailed off, unable to come up with a fitting threat.

  "Never let me leave your side again," Zane supplied with a teasing grin. "I think I’ll risk it."

  "Oooh!" Katarina said as she pulled his head down to hers for another searing kiss.

  A small sound of infant displeasure made them reluctantly end the kiss. The bassinet was beside Katarina’s bed opposite Zane, and a little fist waved spasmodically in the air.

  "They’re okay?" Zane asked.

  "Colleen and Adrian are fine. They’re small, but they’ll grow."

  He studied Katarina, trying to feel his way through her body with his new powers, but his clumsy attempt told him little. Katarina clasped his hand. "I'm fine. A little banged up and more exhausted than I've been in my entire life, but fine." He gathered her in his arms and held her close until he could push down the fear of losing her. Her quiet steady presence in his mind comforted him and brought him peace. He feared what might happen were he ever to lose her. He took a deep breath and released her so he could get up and walk to the bassinet. Zane stared down at the tiny infants.

  "They’re ours," he whispered in awe. When he carefully lifted Colleen into his arms and cradled her to his chest, he looked up and saw tears slide down Katarina's face. This was what they both yearned for and never thought to have.

  Alone in the bassinet, Adrian started fussing. Katarina laughed and wiped away the tears. She reached over and rescued him. Zane sat down on the bed beside her. The bond shared among them was the most powerful feeling of love he could ever imagine.

  Zane wrapped his left arm around Katarina. "They’re beautiful rahmali o mi." He pressed a kiss to her temple and then claimed her lips again. He took exception to having to end the kiss when someone coughed discreetly. Zane leaned his forehead against hers and turned just enough to see Kieran standing in the doorway.

  "I'm refraining from threats of impending death only because you're her brother."

  Kieran frowned, and Zane decided to be generous and not take offense when the boy ignored him and spoke to Katarina. "Father's putting me to work. I'll be aiding in search and rescue. Call me if you need me."

  "You didn't stay," Katarina said as she turned to look at her brother.

  "Father superseded you and besides, Torin knows more of what to do with babies than I do."

  Katarina pursed her lips a moment and Zane was glad her displeasure was aimed elsewhere. "There was no need for Da to chase after me, or to summon Torin, but I'm glad he had the presence of mind to make sure they were guarded by a family member. Until we are home and wards put into place they cannot be left unguarded."

  The frown on Kieran's face deepened, as if such a thought had not occurred to him, but Zane sensed Katarina's fears. He didn't dismiss them either. The hostility from some of the Fae was fresh in his mind. Katarina was wise to take precautions. It wasn't a surprise that Kieran did not yet fathom the consequences of his sister's arrival and the weakness the twins presented. His pampered life gave him no reference for betrayal.

  The frown disappeared and he shrugged. "If you insist. I'm glad your consort lived and you are well. I best get to work before Father complains I'm not working." Kieran shifted space, leaving them alone.

  Zane pulled Katarina into the space beside him as he leaned back in the bed and propped his feet up. "Will you punch me if I say good riddance?"

  Katarina laughed and leaned against him. "Nah, I'm too tired. My brother is a bit more Fae than I expected. I know that sounds silly, but I suppose we'll get used to each other in time."

  "He was raised by the Danua. They think they are masters of time. I can see how that leads to some massive egos."

  "And that's where they are wrong," she said with a quiet sigh.

  He frowned, regretting he'd opened up this path of conversation. He sought for something to say to lighten the mood, but when he glanced down, Katarina's eyes were closed in sleep.

  Chapter 22

  Zane lounged beside Katarina, an arm holding her snug to his side. In the two days since they arrived back on Earth, Zane allowed few moments to pass without touching or holding her. Katarina didn't mind, as she felt the same need. Their near brushes with death were still fresh, and Zane wasn't the only one who woke in the middle of the night from nightmares.

  She reveled in his strength, in his ability to keep the demanding cries of the diplomats and Fae from reaching her. They needed time together. Others possessed the skills needed to police the world. That was not her job, as Zane often reminded her.

  Katarina traced her fingertips along the hand Zane rested on her thigh. Across from them Robert scanned the plasti sheet in his hand. He sat in a recliner with Naia perched on his lap. Off to the side, a good distance from them, Kieran straddled an old ladder-back chair and wore a cloudy expression.

  "I can’t believe you know that many Mages," Robert said.

  "It’s not like I really know them. I just know of them because of Mom’s research. Naia kept her old notes and contact lists," Katarina explained.

  "What good does that do? Nearly everyone on the list you gave me disconnected before I could say more than hello," Kieran groused. Katarina counted to ten in her head. Only two days and his sour attitude already grated on her nerves.

  "Next time block the video feed," Katarina said.

  "Why?"

  Everyone joined her at once in answering, "Your eyes."

  "What the hell is wrong with my eyes?"

  "Nothing," Katarina said. "They just announce loud and clear that you’re Fae. A lot of these people are paranoid about keeping their talents a secret. You spooked them." Not to mention they consider the Fae one step up from Satan.

  "That bad?" Zane asked in her head.

  "That bad."

  "Joy." His sarcastic reply eased the tension inside her because it reminded her she had a partner now. Good or bad, she and Zane would face it together.

  Kieran shook his head. "Okay, I suppose it can be alarming for a faerie to call you up, but why are they still worried? It’s not as if magic is a secret anymore."

  Given his disgust and total incomprehension of humanity, Katarina avoided mentioning the eons old hatred between Mages and the Fae. Instead, she hedged, "People need time to adjust."

  Zane chimed in. "I figured out the best way to get them to listen was to simply say Katarina’s name as soon as they came on-line. Saves time."

  "I always wanted to be a celebrity," Katarina rolled her eyes.

  Naia squealed and clutched her hands to her chest, "Ohmygod, it’s Katarina! Can I get your autograph?"

  The grandfather clock struck eleven o'clock as Katarina tossed a throw pillow at Naia. "Robert, you best take Naia home before I strangle her." Katarina said with a laugh.

  Robert grinned as he dislodged Naia from his lap, who stood up wearing a pout. "Fine. Don't give me your autograph."

  Katarina giggled as Naia acted the rejected fan-girl.

  "Work beckons bright and demanding tomorrow. Saving the world is fun and all, but my boring day job pays the bills." He winked at Katarina as he rounded the coffee table, leaned over, and kissed her cheek. "We don't all have loaded faerie fathers." He clapped Zane on the shoulder a
nd sent a wave in Kieran's direction. "See you guys next weekend."

  "Goodnight," Katarina said as she stood up to hug Naia goodbye.

  "I’ll miss you at work, Kat."

  "I know, but hey, now you’re in charge."

  Naia smiled a little. "Yeah, but it still won’t be the same." A small crease formed in her brow. "When are you going to start meeting with the Mages in person?"

  Katarina glanced back at Zane. The stern look on his face told her he wasn’t going to budge on their compromised date. "In a month. Zane wants me to rest before I go running around the globe. In the meantime the Mages and my father are managing damage control. It gives me time to convince General Westing and the others for the need of a separate detention facility. Given the current explosion of crime and escaped prisoners, I don’t think it will take them long to acquiesce."

  "A few weeks won't make that big of a difference. They owe you a little time," Zane said.

  Naia leaned down, hesitating only a moment before she kissed Zane on the cheek. "I'm glad I was wrong about you."

  Katarina swallowed the lump in her throat at Zane's flustered look. He lifted a hand to pat her on the head, changed his mind, and patted her back. Katarina smiled, unable to quell the brimming love and happiness inside her. She walked Naia and Robert to the door. Despite everything, she felt absurdly normal now being able to invite them over, to go out shopping if she wanted, to do things and not forever fear that she might turn into a human bomb. Zane made that possible.

  The scrape of a chair startled her out of her reverie. She turned as Kieran got up. "I’ll be in my room."

  Her heart twisted a little watching his retreating back disappear into Naia's old room. The door closed with a sharp retort, just under a slam. She held her breath a moment, but thankfully the twins didn't wake.