Tau's Miracle: Alien Destination: Scifi FantasyRomance

by Serena Simpson

  “Well, they say it’s a knowing. That being around the right person gives you a sense of peace, but it’s more than that. It’s a connection as if they are the part of you that has been missing. Also, I have been told that there is an aura that flows around two halves of one whole. Couples say they can see it binding them together after they become whole. It is said to be thick and strong at times, but at other times it is strained and thin. Although, it never breaks. Many couples say that it has its own unique color. All say when you find that one, there is no question that they are the one.” Tau answered Talia’s question, being careful not to look at either Jana or Tarek.

  “Then I don’t understand. I clearly see the reddish hue that envelopes both Jana and Tarek. Why are they unsure they belong together?”

  “That’s impossible. You can’t see that.”

  “Why? You see it, Tau. I saw you watching the aura as it thinned to see if it would break as they walked in different directions. I saw you pay close attention as it built itself up. So why would you say it is impossible?”

  Tarek stood in the doorway listening, as Jana sat on the couch her eyes wide in shock. All eyes slid to Tau to see how he would answer this question/accusation.

  “No one knew before now that I could see the auras of our people. But now all three of you know. That is how I always know if someone has met their one. Why don’t I tell everyone? I have many reasons for keeping the ability to myself. All of you know I was captured by the enemy. What you don’t know is that they targeted me. My ability is something they wanted. Talia, you may or may not know this, but Mians can only reproduce with the other half of their soul. This is why it is important for us to find that one person. The enemy thought if they could target those couples that they could either destroy them or capture them and make their offspring slaves.” The look of pain on Tau’s face made Talia want to reach out to him.

  “They used my ability to help their cause, to help destroy our people. I watched couples slaughtered because they could not be controlled. I watched others broken and beaten into submission. Young were born into captivity, all because of me. When I escaped, I knew I couldn’t tell anyone. If our people knew, they would whisper about it and soon the Kriers would hear and hunt me down. You must not tell anyone.”

  Tau lifted his eyes to meet Tarek’s. The silent communication that went between them was clear for him to read. Tarek had his scans that proclaimed him more than Mian. Ancient.

  Standing, Tau crossed to him. “Tarek, I told you Jana was your soul mate. The reason she is here is because I told you and then I told you again. You have known for a long time.”

  Lifting his eyes to meet Tau’s, he acknowledged that he had been told. He actually knew without being told. He had just seen too much war and death that it made him afraid to reach for what he wanted. How would he live if he lost her? Nodding his head to let Tau know he was both acknowledging and accepting his words, he moved to Jana’s side.

  Kneeling before her, “Jana I …”

  “Stop.” She said, placing her fingers over his lips. “It was not you, Tarek, it was us. We were both scared and in hiding. We both knew and this is not really a big revelation. The question is, are we ready? There is no going back. If we merge, it will be forever. However long forever is, of course.”

  Giving him a small smile, she waited. As far as she was concerned, forever was the three solar years she had waited through before this moment had finally happened.

  Taking the hand covering his lips, he kissed the center of her palm. Taking her other hand, he kissed the center of that palm in a ritual that was ancient. It stated to all who were present that he had found his soul mate. Standing to his feet he pulled her up and waited. Jana took his right hand and kissed it. Then she placed her palm against his. He could feel a tingling pulse between their hands. She reached for his left hand with hers and brought it up to her lips to kiss the palm. Then she raised her hand up into the air and waited. He placed his palm against hers and stepped closer, keeping their hands together as he kissed her.

  Talia watched as that spark of red swirled around them until it consumed them in a whirlwind. Then it burst out of the dwelling, lighting everything up until it looked like the noon sky. Looking out a window, she could see the Mians stop and look towards the dwelling. She watched as a song broke out. Each Mian wishing the newest couple long life filled with young and joy. She moved closer to the window, trying to listen for the enemy. Maybe they had also seen the sign of a new whole being formed.

  “Talia, they cannot see the auras. They have never been able to see them. That’s why they desire to capture those of us who can.”

  She turned around to face Tau with a sense of relief. “The song everyone is singing is so beautiful. Do they sing it when everyone finds their other half? She swayed softly, letting the melody and soft words pour through her. It felt as if she could hear every song from every Mian, no matter where they were in the village.

  “Yes and no. The village will sing for every new whole that is formed. It feels like a compulsion, something in you that has to come out. But the words and the melody are always different. They are for the joining of that one couple.

  Talia frowned, trying to pay attention, as she felt another unique sensation wash over her. Before she could comprehend what was happening, she began to sing. Although she had not been present, she sang of their first meeting. Then she sang of a future that she knew she could not foretell, but she sang of it anyway. When at last she thought she was done, Tau walked to her side and sang in perfect union with her about the wonders their young would do.

  As the song finished, the aura was drawn back into the two that had just become one. The sky once again darkened and the knocks sounded on the door. Mians began coming by to offer their blessing on the new union. What was to be a small get together of four, became a celebration for the whole village.

  Jana leaned into Tarek. “I think we are about to feast.” Walking to the door she opened it wide as Mians poured in with food. “This is the perfect chance to introduce Talia to everyone.”

  The villagers made their way to the newly bonded couple with food, drinks and bright smiles. They filled the house until it over flowed, laughing and talking with joy. Each one took the time to congratulate the newest couple personally and to wish them well. Then they would wander over to Talia and take the time to talk with her and welcome her into the village, offering for her to become a part of their day to day society.

  “Do you remember everyone’s name?” She really did love the sound of his voice.

  “No.” She said laughing. “Everyone has been so nice to me. This day has been amazing, one of the best I can remember. Yet, there is a war going on. Shouldn’t we be fighting?”

  “This war did not just start. We fight and we do what is needed, but in the midst of all this, we still have to live. It’s what makes life worth fighting for.”

  It became apparent, it was time to leave. The Mians began to clean up. They made sure the dwelling was nicer than they found it before leaving. Tarek and Jana were forbidden to do a thing.

  “Talia, it is time to say goodnight to Tarek and Jana. Then we will find you a place to sleep for the night.”

  She followed Tau back over to the new couple. Talia watched as Jana leaned into Tarek and they linked hands. She could see the desire plainly covering their faces. She smiled as she saw their obvious connection once again.

  “I have waited a long time to see you two become one. May the life you live be filled with joy and many young to sustain you as one day you age.” Reaching out, Tau hugged them both, silently blessing them in a way only he could. Talia reached out and strengthened the blessing, not understanding what she did, only knowing she could do it.

  Turning silently, they walked out the door as Talia wondered what the new day would bring. Lights out.

  Chapter Three

  This time she did not have to come to, it was simply a matter of opening her eyes to see he
r new location. First thing she noted was that she was still in her new body. That must mean wherever she had ended up was still on Aylon. The next thing she realized was that she was alone. Immediately an ache invaded her making her long for Tau’s presence.

  She already felt as though she had been with him forever and then forcibly removed from his side. She decided this could be considered force. It was not like she volunteered to leave. Taking a look around, she realized she was close to an encampment. She was standing in a thick copse of trees, but the thickness of them suggested they were providing cover for an encampment. It felt different from the covering for the village she was in just moments before.

  The trees were tall blocking out any light the moon threw, but to her surprise she was able to see clearly. With the sun down, her sensitive eyes were being put to use. Walking in the direction she sensed the camp, she began to wonder what had happened and why she was here. Automatically she slowed down as she neared, knowing that someone would be standing watch.

  “Identify yourself.” A voice came out of the darkness. It was loud enough to be heard, but soft enough to make it hard for her to find the exact location of the speaker.

  “I am Talia.” Standing still, she waited to find out if she would be accepted.

  “Talia? Just Talia without a village affiliation?”

  “I am Talia from the village Azure.”

  “How is the tribe’s healer? Is she well?”

  “I would not know. I only met Tarek and he is well. He just joined with his other half.”

  “Who is his other half?” The voice was friendlier as if Talia had passed the first test.

  “Jana, they joined tonight.”

  “How could that be? Azure is a two day journey from here.”

  “I do not know how I got here so fast, but I do know what happened tonight.” Deciding it was time to get closer, she started moving forward. “Either accept me or reject me, but do not keep me in the trees waiting.”

  “You are not waiting,” replied the woman. “You are walking towards me as if you know where I am.” Coming out of the trees, the woman revealed herself directly in front of Talia.

  “I have never met another who could do what you just did.” After saying that, she gave a soft cry sounding like a bird. It was a signal, Talia realized, that would give her safe passage. “Stay on this path and present yourself to Zymar. He is the one in charge.” Then she melted back into the darkness as if she had never been there.

  Talia followed the path, deciding she needed answers fast. This was becoming intense and someone would demand to know where she came from. Then there would be more problems than she was ready for. As she walked, she concentrated on her body, knowing she had gotten the hang of maneuvering it way too fast. There had to be a reason she was here. She simply needed to figure it out. Seeing the encampment come into view, she slowed her pace, knowing this was not like the village she had previously been in.

  “Hello,” she called, making sure everyone could hear her approach. To her right a form stepped out of the darkness, motioning her to approach. She felt herself being examined closely by other watchful eyes, but no one revealed themselves. She followed the form of the male to a tent that was on the outside of the encampment.

  “You may go in. Zymar is waiting for you.”

  Ducking slightly, she entered the tent. The furniture seemed sparse, although the tent was very large. To one side she saw a cot. The opposite side of the tent was full of numerous pieces of equipment. In the middle of the tent stood the largest Mian she had yet to see. He was over eight feet tall and carried more mass than the others she had met. His size seemed to add strength to him and the way he stood and looked at her said that he had determination in triplicate.

  “Identify yourself.” The voice that emerged was not as big and booming as she thought it might be, but it was strong and filled with authority and the determination she sensed in him. Swallowing hard and standing up straight, she replied.

  “I am Talia.”

  He looked her over, starting at her feet and raising his eyes with slow deliberation, acting as if he could see into her soul. Standing completely still, she wondered if he knew she was a fraud. Could he see that the body she inhabited wasn’t hers? That she was clueless to how she had come to be on this planet, in this body, standing on this spot.

  “Talia.”

  Again with the silence she thought, after he said her name and nothing more.

  “Have a seat, please.” He gestured to a small sitting area off to one side that she had not really paid any attention to. Walking over, she sat and watched as he seated himself.

  “Talia, tell me why you’re here?”

  ‘Why am I here?’ she asked herself. How did I get here? Where is here? Whose body is this and did I steal it? Maybe it was created for me. How do I answer his questions, when I can’t answer my own?

  Looking back at him with a sense of confusion, she stayed quiet.

  “Let’s try an easier question, Talia,” The sigh in his voice communicated his frustration. “How did you get to my camp?”

  “Maybe I walked. I must have. How else would I have gotten here?”

  “That’s the question I want you to answer, Talia. How else indeed?”

  Why does he insist on saying my name? He acts like he knows something, something I should know or possibly something I knew and have now forgotten.

  “Talia, do you have any special talents that may help us fight this war?”

  Shaking her head, she looked him directly in the eyes. “No, I have no special talents.”

  “Not even the ability to pop up in unexpected places?” She felt her mouth gape as he continued. “How is it that you just appeared out of nowhere before my sentry?”

  “She may have just missed my approach.”

  “Not this sentry. Another maybe, but not her. You simply popped in. One minute the space was empty, the next you were there. Care to explain that? Most Mians cannot simply appear anywhere.”

  No, she thought. I do not care to explain it. I don’t even know what it is. Taking her time she looked around the large tent wondering how she was going to get out of there when he realized she had no answers for him.

  His voice replayed in her head. She could hear him saying ‘most Mians.’

  Smiling, she turned to look at him. “Some Mians pop up in different places. Who are they? Where can I find one? Do you know any of them?” Taking a deep breath she waited for the answer. They might be able to tell her what was going on.

  “Talia, even if there were others like you, I would not be at liberty to disclose their location or even talk to you about them. You are the Mian in question.”

  “I would like to answer your questions, but I have no answers for you. Why am I here or even how did I get here? I have no idea. All I know is I am here. What can I do that may be different from the normal Mian? I don’t know and I will only know if someone points out the uniqueness of what I have done. There are precious few things that I really know.”

  She took her time to think about what she had been through in the last day. Was it only a day? She woke in an alien body and was almost abducted by other aliens. She met both Tau and Tarek, seen a binding ritual and took part in a celebration. All of that she would gladly forget to be with Tau.

  “I met Tau today and I miss him like a part of me is gone. I would gladly leave your encampment for a chance to simply see his smile again.”

  He was the one thing she was sure of. She felt a peace in his presence that quickly dissipated when she found herself here. She allowed them to stuff her body in that small scanner, because the sound of his voice had grounded her. It had reassured her that all was ok without him ever telling her those very words. Did this Mian have to be worried about her? No. She would leave and search for the one person her heart was urging her to find again.

  “Talia.”

  The sound of his voice pulled her out of her thoughts. Once again he said her name, as
if it was the clue to what was happening or as if it would jar loose a memory she had forgotten.

  “There are many things I am not at liberty to tell you just yet. I can tell you this. Tau is fine at this moment and as long as we win the skirmish coming our way tomorrow, he will continue to be fine.”

  “How do you know there will be a skirmish tomorrow?”

  “The enemy has been coming in this direction for days. They have tried to make it look like they have no actual direction in mind, but our scouts have been on their tails. They are definitely planning to fight and they are coming for us. They are testing our shields and finding that we have none. At least, that is what I am allowing them to think.

  They want the land I occupy as well as Azure. If I stop them too easily they will get a feel for how big my army is. If I allow them to get closer, then I can defeat them with a smaller group. This way when they come the second time, they will not be prepared for what I have in mind for them.”

  Talia took her time studying Zymar. He had golden skin that looked like it may light up in the noon day sun. He kept his brown hair close to his skull. His height and mass were intimidating, but it was the look in his eyes that promised death to anyone who messed with his people that caught and held her attention.

  “The real question is, Talia, are you for or against us?”

  Chapter Four

  Did she want to fight? That sounded more like the real question to her. She could still remember how it felt to hear that noise, trying to disable her body, causing her so much pain. She had instinctively known that whatever it was had only one mission to cause pain and destruction. If left unhindered, it would destroy everything. Now something she had never heard of was threatening to take away the new life she had found. She wasn’t sure if she would be allowed to keep this new life, this enormous body that she was already growing fond of. None of that mattered in the end. She would not see the new people she met hurt if she could help it.