by Saxon Andrew
“Oh, I’m still an insectoid inside, Gregor. My DNA is human, but I was Insectoid Royalty and that’s something you can never really remove.”
Gregor’s eyes narrowed as he looked out of the forward viewport.
• • •
Gregor sat at the edge of the fire and felt at home. It reminded him of the fire that was kept burning at night beside the clearing on Bellingham. He looked to his left and saw Leonidas and Desiree laughing with Sam. Desiree was near term to having her baby and she looked radiant. Leonidas kept her close to him and he appeared happy for the first time Gregor could remember. Gem sat on the other side of Sam and listened in to what they were saying. He laughed with them, but he was the serious one in the group. Sam looked across at Gregor and shouted, “Gregor! Found any good wars to fight?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I don’t think that peace is a time you enjoy.”
“Speak for yourself, Sam. You miss it as much as I do.”
Sam took a swallow of ale and shook his head, “No, that’s not true. I have my family and Heaven has been avenged. I have no need to go warring again.”
“What about you, Leo?” Gregor asked.
Leo glanced at Desiree and she smiled, “He’s content…for the moment. That will probably change after the baby is born.”
Gem quickly asked, “Do you know if it’s going to be a boy or girl.”
Desiree smiled, “We just found out with the last sonogram.” Everyone was silent and leaned forward to hear her answer. “It’s going to be a girl and we’re naming her Gem.”
Gregor had to admit that Gem pulled off a shocked expression like a master. “What? Are you serious?”
“You trained Ana and me and it saved our lives. Her name will be Gem, and she’ll be a real jewel.”
“Desiree, Leonidas, I’m honored.”
Leo smiled, “You deserve it and much more, Gem. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, no, I’m really honored.”
Leo looked at Gregor, “You’ve surprised me, Gregor.”
“Why is that?”
“I would have thought you would have gone searching for those Filament Makers Gem talked about last time we were together.” Gregor rolled his eyes and Leo continued, “I’m serious. You’re not one to ignore a danger.”
Gem interrupted Leonidas, “That would be a foolish thing to do. We don’t have anywhere near the level of technology to go looking for them.” He looked at Gregor, “Right?”
“We don’t at this moment. I hope we’re still working on advancing our warships against the day they might show up.”
Everyone turned to Gem, and he shrugged, “We’ve been at war for so many years that Romania is swamped with keeping up with the demands for commercial goods from other civilizations.”
“But you are going to start working on building a better warship, right?” Sam asked.
“We’ll get around to it once things slow down.”
“I don’t know if I like hearing that.”
“Why, Desiree. They’ve never shown up in the past.”
“I’m going to have a family soon and not knowing what’s out there bothers me.”
Leonidas laughed, “Hey! We’re here to smile and relive old times. We’ll worry about the future in the future.”
Gem raised his cup, “Hear, hear.”
Gregor raised his cup and drank. Leonidas noticed that he didn’t respond to Gem’s comment. Gregor saw him staring at him and nodded slightly. Leo nodded back and turned to Desiree with a smile, “You’re going to be a mommy.”
Everyone went back to talking to each other and Leonidas looked up at the stars, as he kept his arm around Desiree. Nothing remained the same but the stars overhead and his love for his wife. He looked at the firepit and saw that it was a good clue as to what had happened to Fellowship. He liked living on the former pirate planet because it was unrefined and pretty undisciplined. This fire pit had always been here next to the large lake and had been used for hundreds of years by pirates that told their tales of flying the stars. When he first arrived on Fellowship pretending to be a pirate, he found this place and spent hours sitting around the fire listening to the tall tales being told.
The pit was little more than a brick-lined hole in the ground for centuries. It was large enough for large gatherings and kept the ones around it warm during the cold season. It became a large grill during the warm months and always had pirates around it.
Now, it had changed, just like Fellowship. The fire wove shadows and flickers among the trees surrounding it and the embers looked like fireflies escaping into the night sky. He glanced at the lake and remembered all the old sailing vessels that were tied up at the docks. The pirates insisted that to be a real pirate, you had to learn how to sail a ship. Now, he saw multi-million credit yachts tied up in a modern marina. The pirates had become rich escorting commercial freighters and it had changed them.
Just like this firepit. It was once a large hole in the ground but now it was surrounded by marble and automatically lit by a self-starting gas flame. Robots fed wood to the fire and the marble surrounding the fire was heated or cooled depending on the outside temperature. He looked and saw the high skyscrapers in the center of the city and shook his head slightly. Desiree felt him and looked up at him. He sighed, “This reminds me of Romania but on a smaller scale.” Desiree looked out at the city and nodded. “Perhaps we need to find a new home.”
“Where?”
“I think Bellingham is calling to me, Love. It’s firepit is at least still in the ground.” Desiree nodded and leaned in closer to him. Leonidas knew Gregor was up to something but now wasn’t the time to find out what it was. He’d ask later.
Suddenly they heard a loud booming voice, “YOU BUMS! NO ONE INVITED ME!”
Everyone jumped to their feet and welcomed John and Freddie Blakely to the fire, “We were told you were out pirating, I mean escorting ships!” Sam shouted.
“I was. But I heard you bunch of sissies were here, so I decided I’d come and teach you how real men drink Ale.”
Gregor relaxed. The Filament Maker discussion was forgotten, and he smiled as he gave Freddie a welcome hug. He needed to keep everyone on Fellowship for more time? He thought about it how to make it happen and sent a message to Kaylee. Two-days later, Ana, Heather, Angel, Elena, and Kaylee showed up and were received with joy and merriment.
“WE’VE COME TO BE WITH DESIREE WHEN SHE HAS HER BABY!!” Ana announced as they walked up on the fire. Everyone jumped up and rushed to greet the women and their children. Gregor snuck a glance at Gem and saw him frowning for a moment, until Ana looked toward him. He jumped up and rushed over to hug her. Kaylee hugged Gregor and whispered, “When is she due?”
“Within two or three-weeks.”
“Good.”
“Do you think Angel can keep it from Sam?”
“She’s not going to try. She’s telling him tonight and Elena will be there to help her convince him.”
“Maybe we should be there as well.”
“I’ve told her we’ll stay up to come if she needs us.”
“If he hits the roof on this and blows the whistle, Gem could stop the construction of the ship.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“How do you know, Kaylee.”
“Because you and Elena were seen in a vision on that ship. He won’t do anything to stop it.”
“I really hope you’re right.”
“Sam is just as worried as Gamgel but not about the Filament Makers.”
“What then?”
“Angel told me he sees the Insectoids as a real threat, Gregor. He won’t reveal that advanced technology exists to Gem. He might have some things to say to you, though.”
Gregor nodded and saw Sam hugging Angel and Elena. He forced a smile and said, “Let’s join the party.”
Chapter Four
Desiree delivered a healthy, beautiful, daughter three and a half weeks later. Everyone w
as gathered in their home and Gregor saw Gem go over and say something to Ana. Ana’s expression showed disappointment and Gregor walked over. “Gem, will you take me back to Romania?”
Gem turned and shook his head, “I’m sorry, Gregor. The Insectoid King has asked me to come and help him resolve an issue. I apologize.”
Gregor smiled, “I enjoyed the voyage here and was looking forward to going back. I can hitch a ride with Kaylee.”
“Sorry, Gregor. I’ll get back with you next time we get together.” Gregor nodded and Gem hugged Ana, before leaving for the spaceport.
Ana was shaking her head slightly, as she watched Gem walk away, “He’s spending too much time with the insects. It’s changing him.”
“He’s the same old Gem I remember, Ana.”
Ana turned to Gregor, “I agree. He’s the same old Gem from before his crew was killed during the war; all brain and no emotions.”
“Ana, it’s not that bad.”
“You don’t live with him Gregor. Something is changing him.”
Heather came walking up and Ana turned to her. Gregor wondered what Gem was doing on the Insectoid planets. He saw Leonidas approaching and he stepped out of the room. Leo followed him out and smiled, “So, what are you up to now?”
“What makes you think I’m up to something?”
“Other than the nod you gave me at the firepit, knowing you. You are planning something, and I have to believe it has to do with the Filament Makers.”
“And if I am planning something?”
Leo stared at Gregor and, then asked, “Is it going to happen soon?” Gregor was silent, and the corner of Leo’s mouth went up, “It is. Damn it!”
“What?”
“I want to be a part of whatever you’re planning but I can’t leave Desiree now. I see you kept us here on Fellowship.”
“Oh?”
“Ana told me Kaylee suggested they come here to be with Desiree. That had to be your doing. You were stalling.”
“Why would I do that?”
Leo chuckled, “You want to keep Gem out of what’s happening. I have to assume you’re using the scientists on Romania to build you a ship to go out looking for them. Gem would stop that if he found out.”
“He might not be able to do that if I had enough support for what I’m planning; that is if I’m planning anything.”
“Oh! He rules Romania.”
“No, he doesn’t. Ana rules Romania.”
“Do you even think she would go against him on this?”
“She’ll do the right thing, even if he won’t.”
“Now that will be interesting to see. You know Gem will insist that we aren’t ready, and it could cause extreme danger to our section of the Universe,” Leo pointed out. He paused and asked, “How long will you be gone, if you were possibly going to do this?”
Gregor started laughing, “I’ve never been able to fool you about anything.”
“Developing that new warship to use against the Tronan was a shocker…but…we’re warriors and we think alike. Having a family with Desiree has distracted me but I want in on what’s going on. How long?”
Gregor sighed, “I have no way of knowing. Gamgel is secretly building me a warship and I don’t know anything about its capabilities. It’s speed will determine how much we can do.”
“We?”
“Leo, I can’t tell you about that.”
“Someone is going with you?”
“Yes, and it’s not Kaylee. We have our own family to worry about.”
Leonidas looked up a moment and said, “It has to be Elena.” Gregor’s head went back, and his eyes flew wide-open. “Come on Gregor, I’m smarter than the average pirate. Sam has looked like he’s swallowed a toad since that night at the firepit. I know it’s not him because he’s so bothered. Angel has their son to worry about and that only leaves Elena, who, by-the-way, is probably more of a warrior than both of us combined.”
“She can be aggressive,” Gregor replied.
“You have my filament frequency. I want you to keep me in the loop on this.”
Gregor smiled and nodded, “I’ll make sure Kaylee contacts you if I get too caught up in events.”
Leonidas stuck out his hand, “Fair enough. I’m going to demand Gamgel start building me a ship to join you.”
Gregor shook his hand, as he replied, “You might have to wait for me to come back. It would be a waste of time to go chasing after me, if I’m too far way for you to make it before I start back.”
“That’s why I want you to stay in touch.”
“I will, my friend.”
Kaylee came out of the room and said, “Gregor, my ship has arrived, and we need to get back.”
Leo hugged Kaylee and said, “Stay in touch.”
Kaylee returned his hug and looked at Gregor with squinted eyes over Leo’s shoulder. Gregor shook his head and took Deuce out of her arms. Kaylee smiled as Leo released her, “I will.” Leo walked back into the room to hold his baby and Kaylee added, “Sam, Angel, and Elena will be going with us.”
Gregor immediately took a deep breath, rolled his eyes, and exhaled slowly. “He’s not said anything to me about Elena.”
“I suspect that will no longer be the case once we leave,” Kaylee said with her head slightly tilted.
“I think you’re right about that.”
• • •
The ship lifted from Fellowship and moved out into the filament leading to the intersection. Kaylee, Angel, and Elena were talking about Desiree’s new baby, but Sam sat in the chair next to Gregor and remained silent. They made it to the filament intersection and turned on the filament leading toward Bellingham. Finally, Gregor turned to Sam, “Will you say something?!”
The women instantly grew silent and Sam exhaled sharply before turning to Gregor, “I don’t blame you for this Gregor. I knew you’d be going out to search for the Filament Makers eventually. I don’t blame you for Elena having to go out with you; you had no idea she would have a vision about your search. Those things are out of your control.”
“Then what has you so grumpy?” Elena asked.
Sam shook his head and turned back to Gregor, “I’m royally ticked off at creation for allowing this to happen.”
Gregor’s head went back, “I’m not following you, Sam.”
“It would have been better for me to go; or for Kaylee to go; or for Angel to go, although I’d really hate for that to happen. Anyone but the two-of-you would be better.”
Gregor looked at Elena and saw her raise her shoulders. Gregor turned back to Sam, “Uhhh…why?”
“Because neither of you are level headed and will rush in when you should stay out. The two-of-you are first, and foremost warriors and I hate to even say that you are more level-headed than my daughter, but you are…slightly.”
“DAD!”
“Did you refuse to follow my orders not to lead the charge into the Tronan blasters on the planets we freed? And did you not rush in alone ahead of your company, risking your life ahead of everyone else? You’ve shown you have no fear and no idea of doing what’s right. You live for the fight and that will get you killed.” Sam whipped around to Gregor, “And you’re not much better.”
“Hey! I stayed on the ship and led the fight from the transport.”
“But you rushed in and intended to kill Leonidas and Desiree at the Dragon Queen’s chamber. You would have done it, too, if I hadn’t stepped between you and them. Both of you go off half-cocked without thinking things through and I hate that I am going to have to depend on you to keep my daughter safe. That’s frightening to me. I know holding Elena back is wasted effort and you will probably be right behind her rushing into a dangerous situation. Why did it have to be the two-of-you going to do this?”
Gregor stared at Sam, then said, “Other than that, do you have any more issues?”
Sam glared at Gregor and then chuckled. After a moment, he started laughing. Gregor stared at him and then began chuckling. Even
Kaylee started laughing and the others joined in. Sam finally said, “I don’t like that Elena is leaving when about every single warrior on Bellingham has requested the privilege to court her.”
“DAD! I’m not interested in being courted by anyone!”
Sam turned to her, “Rather go out firing blasters and arrows at an enemy, huh?” Elena deflated. “You are more important to Bellingham than you know, Elena, and Angel and I do want to hold grandchildren someday.”
Elena lowered her head and said, “But…”
Sam interrupted her, “Elena, you’ve never lost everything. You don’t know what it means to see everything you love burning in a nuclear fire and realize there was nothing you could do to stop it. You have a responsibility to Bellingham to use your talents to protect it and keep it safe. Part of that responsibility is having children that will carry on after you’re gone! You only live for the fight! Nothing else matters to you. That is the only thing about you that brings me sorrow.”
“SAM!”
“Angel, I don’t usually disagree with you, but you know my daughter better than I do. Tell me where I’m wrong and I’ll apologize!”
Angel looked at Elena and sighed, “You aren’t wrong.”
“But Mom.”
“Elena, Sam is right. You totally ignored your orders not to lead the fight against the Tronan ground forces. You can’t be trusted to do the right thing.”
“But the men under my command would have died if I didn’t take the lead.”
Angel shook her head, “You and your talents are more important than ten-thousand times the number of warriors under your command. You refused to recognize it.” Angel turned to Gregor, “And Sam’s right about you, too. You also live for the fight.”
Gregor glanced at Kaylee and saw sorrow in her expression. He looked at Elena and then said softly, “I will promise to do all I can to insure our safety. I will not willingly attack or get involved in a fight unless it’s unavoidable. Even if that happens, my foremost plan will be to escape, not win.”
“Can you do that, Gregor?” Sam asked.
“I have no choice, Sam. I’ll treat her like I would Deuce if he were with me on this mission.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”