by Saxon Andrew
Everyone turned to the wall monitor and saw a Hermit warship, surrounded by a black-colored force field come roaring in on a Blue-colored Greng Warship. They passed each other and fired tremendous broadsides at each other. The force fields on the two-giant warships flared brightly as the blaster beams and Greng missiles struck. Nothing appeared to be happening as the two-giants hammered away at each other. Then a Greng missile penetrated the Hermit’s force field and a large section of the Hermit’s hull exploded. At the same moment, two-invisible probes punched through the Greng’s force field and exploded the front-half of the Greng ship. Both veered off from each other and were immediately destroyed by other ships.
The space around the filament was filled with warring ships and it was impossible to see what was happening through the brilliant blasts from the flashing force fields.
• • •
They watched the battle for an hour and the carnage was incredible. “Gregor.”
“Yes, Computer.”
“I’ve located the ship of that Greng Commander that came to Toren’s community. He’s commanding a fleet of twenty-thousand-warships. He’s easy to spot; his ship is so much larger than the others.”
“Illuminate him on the monitor.” Gregor saw a white circle appear on the monitor.
“That’s the one that ordered Mackle’s unit killed.”
“How do you know that, Jek?’
“I heard his thoughts at the community. He’s the one that issued the order.”
“Are we in range of that ship?”
“No, Gregor. A missile would never make it through from this far out.”
“Let me have a go at him.”
“Leo, there’s no need to take that risk?’
“Who do we want to win this fight, Gregor?”
“The Hermits get my vote,” Solo shouted.
“That commander ordered my community attacked,” Toren snarled.
“Gregor, we have sixteen-invisible missiles between Leonidas’ and my ship. We might as well give the Hermits some assistance,” Sam suggested.
“How do you see us doing that?”
“Computer, lock in the locations of fifteen of the Greng Fleet Commanders on our panels. I’ll take seven, Leo will take seven, and we’ll both launch a missile at that SOB that ordered Mackle killed.”
“Do you think they’ll get through?”
The computer instantly replied, “Gregor, the missiles software is programmed to avoid anything in its path to the target it’s assigned to hit. All of them might not make it, but some will.”
Gregor looked at Elena and she nodded, “Move into range and launch,” Gregor ordered. “Don’t move inside the battle taking place!”
Gregor looked back up at the tactical monitor and saw fifteen-white circles on it. “Computer, I want a recording on those ships.”
“You’re not asking much! I’ll have to stop the wide-recording to do it.”
“Learning how our missiles do against them is more important than a general view. Make the change!” Fifteen-images of Greng Command Warships appeared on the monitor in side-by-side squares. Gregor leaned back and watched.
• • •
“Sam, how do you think we should do this?” Leonidas asked.
“We’ll send our missiles through the filament and have them exit it close to their targets. They won’t have to fly through the densest concentration of warships to get to their targets.”
“Count it down, Sam.”
“Ready?”
“I am.”
“Three…two…one…Launch! Now get out of here!”
• • •
Gregor stared at the monitor with Elena, Toren, and Solo. Suddenly, two-squares on the monitor blazed in a huge blast. Then others began going white. Toren kept his eyes on the Greng Ship that ordered the attack on his people. Nothing happened to it and he started shaking his head. Then the square turned brilliant white and when it cleared, the giant ship was listing in space with huge fires burning in the bow and stern. Hermit warships flew in and exploded it into a vapor cloud of debris. Toren smiled.
• • •
“It appears four-Greng-Command-Ships weren’t hit,” Solo commented.
“The areas of the Command Ships that were hit are losing organization and the Hermits are using it to roll them up.”
“Gregor, I have more Greng Fleets arriving and I’m also detecting another wave of Hermit Warships moving in from deep space.”
“Thank you, Computer; keep recording.”
• • •
Four-days later, the battle was still raging but had become one giant dogfight. Both attackers and defenders had lost organized control of their fleets and it was clear the fight was going to take a very long time to for either side to win. Gregor pressed his communicator, “We should start back.”
Toren looked at Gregor, “Would you mind stopping by my new community.”
“No, I’ll send Sam and Leonidas on their way and we’ll make a stop.”
Elena looked at Toren and started to speak…but then closed her mouth.
Gregor contacted the other two-warships and they insisted that they should go back together. “Ok, we won’t be long, Gregor replied.
• • •
They arrived at the community and Toren turned to Gregor, “Please don’t leave until I can talk with my leaders.”
“We’ll wait, Toren.”
“Thank you, Gregor.”
“TOREN!” He turned to Elena. Elena stared at him and then lowered her head, “Thank you for all you’ve done.” Toren nodded and disappeared.
Elena lowered her head and then raised it slowly. She saw Solo staring at her and she sighed and shook her head. Solo shook his huge head slowly and looked away.
“Get Toren on the monitor, computer.” They saw Toren meeting with a small-group of Energy Beings for about twenty-minutes. Then another Energy Being came up to him.
“Who is that with Toren?” Elena asked.
“That’s the female he is supposed to link with.”
“What are they saying?”
“I don’t know?”
“I thought you could understand their speech?!”
“I can, but they are touching and communicating directly. I can’t hear when they communicate that way.”
Elena sighed and looked away from the monitor. She stared out of the viewport and saw nothing but distant stars. The huge community was constructed of energy and could only be seen by scanners. She looked out and knew far across the universe was her home. It was time to go back.
Suddenly, Toren appeared on the bridge and assumed his human form, “We can go now.”
“I thought you were staying?”
“Elena, I told you that I was going back with you. You promised to bring me back later.”
Elena’s smile was huge, and she nodded. Gregor chuckled, “Are you sure about this, Toren. It could be a long time before we send a scout back?”
Elena jerked her head around, “OF COURSE, HE’S SURE, GREGOR! LET’S GET MOVING!!”
Gregor smiled, “Sam, Leo, I’ll lead the way.”
“Right behind you,” Sam replied.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“We’ll be arriving in another three-days, love.”
“I’ve missed you so much, Gregor. It will be good to have you home. When are you going back out?”
“Not for quite a while, Kaylee.”
“Oh, I neglected to tell you!”
“What is that?”
“You know that company you started with Bart.”
“Yes.”
“He’s deposited the first profits into an account on Romania.”
“We actually made a profit? I thought it would take years before that happened.”
“Well, you were wrong.”
“How much?”
“A little over three-billion-credits.” Gregor’s mouth fell open. “It appears the civilizations in this neck of the woods have fallen in love with
those ancient videos. Bart says he’s been approached by numerous production companies wanting to make new movies based on some they’ve seen. Bart refused until he could discuss it with you.”
Gregor shook his head, “Tell him to use his best judgment!”
“I did.”
“Kaylee, we’re wealthy.”
“So, what are we going to do with it? I don’t intend to leave Bellingham to live in a big house anywhere else. Besides, I wouldn’t want to clean it.”
“We could build an engineering school on Bellingham,” Gregor suggested.
“Now that is a good idea. We’ve had thousands of engineers and scientists apply to move here and Gamgel is choosing the best. We won’t lack for instructors.”
“I’ll discuss it with you when I get back.”
“I have other plans for us when you get back, Gregor. We’ll discuss it later.”
Gregor smiled, “By all means; we’ll do it your way.”
• • •
Angel was on Elena’s monitor and Elena said forcefully, “I WILL NOT DO IT!”
Angel sighed, “You have no choice, Elena. The Clan Leaders have received numerous requests from the clans for you to allow their best warriors to come and woo you for marriage. You are required to give them the opportunity.”
“I won’t accept any of them!”
“That’s your choice, but you will allow them the opportunity. You are at the age where you are expected to start a family.”
Toren listened to the exchange and contacted the computer directly. They spoke for a few minutes and Toren asked, “Can you do it?”
“I’ll come up with a reason. You just need to be sure of this.”
“I am. But let’s see if it’s possible.”
The three-warships finally landed on Bellingham and they were greeted by their families and the rest of the community. The celebrations started and members of every clan on Bellingham flew in to join them. After three-days, the Computer contacted Gregor, “I’m making a short trip to Romania.”
“Why, computer?”
“Gamgel isn’t set up to give my systems a once over. He’s contacted Romania and they are expecting me to see if everything is still working properly.”
“I’ve told Gamgel that I want you moved into one of the new warships.”
“Then we need to make sure whoever gets this one is getting a ship that’s in excellent condition.”
“Ok.”
“Toren is going with me.”
“Why?”
“I thought he’d like seeing the most advanced planet in our universe and he’s looking forward to it.”
“Ok, I’ll let him know.”
“I’ve just contacted him. He’s going to meet me in the clearing.”
“See you when you get back.”
• • •
Toren was with Elena during the celebrations and watched a tall, handsome warrior walk up to her, “Hello, Elena. I’ve been given permission by my clan to court you. I hope you’ll give me an opportunity to get to know you better.”
Elena glared at the handsome warrior and forced a smile, “I am not really interested in courtship at this time.”
The warrior smiled, “Perhaps I can change your mind.”
Toren suddenly heard, “Alright, meet me in the clearing.”
Toren turned to Elena, “I have to go.”
“WHERE?”
“I’m going with the computer to Romania.”
“I thought you would stay here with me.”
Toren looked at the warrior as he walked away, “I think you are going to be busy for a while. I’ll be back after the ship is checked out.”
“I don’t want you to go!”
“Elena, it’s like your mother told you; you are required to give your suitors an opportunity to win your affection. I don’t think my presence would be good while that’s happening.” Toren turned and walked toward the clearing. Elena started to go after him but was confronted by three-warriors telling her they were also chosen to woo her. She sighed and forced another smile.
• • •
Gregor finally managed to escape the celebrations and get home alone with Kaylee. “It’s good to have some alone time, Kaylee; I’m exhausted from the voyage and all the hugging here.”
Kaylee smiled, “I hope you’re not too tired.” Gregor looked around, “Where’s deuce?”
“Angel is taking care of him tonight.”
Gregor smiled, “I don’t feel so tired anymore.” Kaylee went into his arms and Gregor held her close.
The next morning, Gregor rolled over and hugged Kaylee tenderly. She rolled over and kissed him. Gregor stood up and stretched, “Where are you going?”
Gregor put on a shirt, “I need to see Gamgel about what we discovered on the voyage.”
“He left for Romania yesterday.”
Gregor’s eyes narrowed, “Why did he do that?”
“I have no idea, but you won’t be seeing him today. So, take that shirt off and get back over here!” Gregor didn’t have to be told twice.
• • •
Two-months later, the Clan Leaders called a meeting at sundown. Elena sat at the edge of the clearing on a log and looked up at the sky. Angel walked down from their house and sat down beside her. They were silent, as Elena stared out at the massive trees surrounding the community. They were so beautiful in the sunset. “I will not do this, Mother.”
“Elena, you have a duty to protect Bellingham.”
“I don’t care! I will not be forced into this!”
“I will support you, my darling. But you’re only putting off the inevitable.” Elena went into her arms and wept. “You didn’t have to do it!”
“No, I was saved by Sam. But I would have had to give in, if he hadn’t stepped forward. Is there not anyone you feel an attachment toward.”
Elena kept her face on Angels chest and hesitated before answering, “No.”
The sundown passed quickly on Bellingham and darkness fell on the clearing. The bagpipes began playing and Angel raised Elena’s face, “Let’s go and confront this.” Elena nodded, stood up, wiped her eyes, and walked with Angel to the Clan Assembly Building.
• • •
Sam, Angel, and Elena walked into the building and were directed to three-chairs directly in front of the Five Senior Clan Leaders. On the right side of the raised dais, ten-warriors were seated. All of them were focused on Elena. Elena had her head down and Sam reached over and took her hand, “I will not allow them to force you to do something against your will, Elena.”
Elena looked into Sam’s eyes and softly said, “I don’t know if you can prevent it, Daddy. But I love you so much for being willing to try.” Sam’s expression was stern, and he looked at Angel and shook his head. Angel put her hand on top of theirs and nodded.
Elena looked at the front row behind them and saw Kaylee holding deuce. Gregor’s chair was empty. Elena sighed, Gregor was her best hope of avoiding this. She saw Solo enter the huge building and sit down with the Insectoids that had been moved to Bellingham. She looked at Solo and saw him smile, in the funny way Insectoids showed a smile.
Wallace, the leader of the Senior Clan Leaders, stood up and the bagpipes instantly went silent. He looked around at the gathering and smiled, “We are here tonight to first welcome Bellingham’s newest clan to our rolls.” Wallace turned to Solo and asked, “Have you presented the roll of those that will be members of your clan?”
“I have, Clan Leader.” Wallace looked at the Clan Leader sitting to his left and he held up a scroll.
Wallace nodded and turned back to Solo, “Then by unanimous vote, you and your clan members are now citizens of Bellingham and have all the rights and protections of our laws. We welcome you to our gathering.” The huge gathering cheered and the two-hundred plus Insectoids stood and received their ovation. Finally, Wallace raised his arms and the gathering grew silent.
Wallace sat down and looked at Elena. “The second issue to
be handled tonight is to learn which of these fine warriors Elena has chosen to be her mate. Ten Warriors have met with her and they represent the finest warriors on Bellingham.” Wallace turned to Elena, “Which one have you chosen, Elena Oliver?”
Elena took a deep breath and stood up, “None of them, Clan Leader.”
Wallace’s face turned dark, “You will choose a mate tonight, Elena Piper.”
Sam stood up, “I will not allow my daughter to be forced into doing that, Clan Leader.”
Wallace turned to him and said with a stern expression, “Every clan has voted on this issue, Sam Oliver, and they have all voted unanimously that Elena will choose a mate tonight. She is too important to Bellingham’s welfare for her to avoid this responsibility. Are you going to stand there and ignore the clan’s vote on this?”
Elena suddenly realized that this was far more serious than she thought. This was unheard of and a vote by the clans was binding. Sam knew he could not stop what was happening. He sat down and whispered to Elena, “I’m sorry.” Elena nodded and took his hand.
Wallace turned back to Elena and said, “You will choose.”
Elena stood up and was shaking her head. Suddenly she heard, “I believe my clan was not allowed to send a warrior to court Elena Piper.”
Everyone turned and Saw Solo standing. Wallace’s expression showed his shock. “But you are not humans. You cannot provide a mate that would give Bellingham the children needed from Elena’s mating.”
Elena stared at Solo with her eyes narrow and he smiled at her, “I do agree that most of my clan could not do it, Clan Leader. But one of us can.” Elena titled her head and suddenly saw Toren step out from behind the Insectoids. “I do believe this member of my clan can do it.”
Everyone stared at Toren and Wallace shook his head, “He is also not human!”
“That will change if Elena is willing to accept him,” Solo replied.
“That’s not possible!”
“Clan Leader, did you not accept Gem as Ana’s mate. They have two-children and Gem is not human.”
Gem stepped out from behind the Insectoids with Ana. Gregor then stepped out and went to his chair at the front of the room. Wallace looked at Gregor, “Do you know what’s going on?”
Gregor turned around and smiled, “Gem, if you’ll do the honors.”