Arnica

by I. Christie

  "Doing better than you look. But that doesn't mean you're not a sight for sore eyes." She leaned into JG and kissed her gently. They could hear someone unlocking the hatch. Both moved to the side but stopped when Malchi and some of her team rushed in and took over the controls.

  "Let's get the hades out of here. Those guys are going to be soooo, pissed."

  "What's going to happen to them? They're not in sleep pods."

  "Not to worry Commander…long time no see. How you doing? The ship will be giving out directions that they are in danger and need to get in the life pods or they will die. Catching Butterflies will pick them up and find a planet for them, with the exception 398

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  of one stray MS. Astronomics found a lot of potential places for unhappy inhabitants of Arnica. They just volunteered for the first wave."

  The ship broke away and under a more experienced hand, they dropped away quickly and without the dips that gave Alexandra stomach aches.

  "Calo, get a medic here for the Colonel." She turned to the two women, "So, where to?"

  "Ilo. It's an island…" JG started.

  "I know exactly where it is. What's there?" Captain Malchi asked teasing.

  "I have a dance date with my trueheart." She smiled at Alexandra who was holding her hand, neither wanting to let it go least one of them disappear.

  "Uh huh. Well, I heard someone was planning a big party bash. I wonder just what type a place like Arnica can give."

  "Not the kind a soldier would find on most planets, I would image," Alexandra said, looking into Gari's eyes and reading not just her thoughts but her eyes a profound yearning. This was the most powerful she had ever felt the Shunja's influence.

  Both woman wondered if they could endure the compellation until the ceremony started.

  Chapter 23

  Lt. Vanstar was sitting under a tree away from the monastery business and the warrior trainee compound. For two days, while she waited for her CO, Commander Montran, she was barracked with the Kiuzi warrior trainees. She thought it would be a place she could shine but she had been bested by their best. She was comforted knowing that they used their magic tricks on her to win. However, she felt miffed that young people that had never been in battle were more skilled than her. Lt. Vanstar smiled at herself. There were some benefits to the contests. She learned some tricks and fighting techniques similar to some sisters she always wondered about. Hekate's Inner Circle had many unknown levels of warriors though they were only rumored about. Now that she had been around the Kiuzi warriors she knew the rumors were true. She guessed that in the years she was away doing covert work in the Spartan's Black Rose troop, she missed that training.

  She rubbed her sore forearms and glanced back at the ocean. What would she do with that training anyway? It was like working with the Commander. Empaths! She chuckled to herself. That was Black Rose bravado talking. All brawn and noise. And, she was not a Black Rose soldier in reality. She was an officer…not a noncom. Definitely, she needed more debriefing and downtime to get back to the reality of who she was. And that really was the crux of her dilemma. Who in helgas moon was she? Her first response was…she was a soldier…a soldier's soldier. Turning her eyes back to the forest where she knew the warrior barracks were she shook her head ruefully. But what kind of soldier? She knew JG, once a close friend, was part of that elite warrior group of 400

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  Hekate's. Yet, JG had spent more time in covert operations with the same harsh group, so, how did she advance and not her? But then, even as a cadet, Zohra was outstanding.

  So, she was back to the same question she had been pondering when she was busted down to the lowest grade of officer for her conduct unbecoming. What was she going to do with her career now? Using magic tricks as part of her soldier's repertoire of skills did not seem likely.

  She sighed. Still not coming up with a decision she decided it could wait until they got back to their part of the galaxy. She turned her thoughts to the event she was dressed up for.

  The Colonel and Commander were going to be joined. It was considered as important as if it were a royal marriage, she thought dejectedly. Even though she had not spoken with her since Merker's Outpost, JG had asked Vanstar to stand with her. It was difficult for her to not feel guilty and think the request was done out of politeness or because there was only limited amounts of friends JG had here.

  To keep her mind busy she went over the guest list. There was Brigadier General Mack Mcarn who would be representing the Montran clan; Rear Admiral Mora was representing…probably just himself; Captain Malchi was representing JG's clan house, House of Athena and Hecate's' Inner Circle; Cpl. Wetfoot somehow got an invitation, but then maybe the Commander wanted someone to stand for her and the Corporal was the only one she had to draw from, just like the Colonel only had her. Vanstar shook her head. She was getting depressed and this was supposed to be a joyous occasion. Why they could not wait until they got back to their side of the galaxy she was not privy to.

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  A vessel moving faster than other ships was approaching the harbor. Vanstar leapt to her feet excited. It had to be them. Brushing off her uniform, she slipped her coat on and adjusted the braid and badge of her sister house. She pulled her beret from the epaulet and set it on her head. Pride for her friend and sister filled her and happiness for the Commander brought tears to her eyes. In a better frame of mood, she walked to the open area for the ceremony.

  As Vanstar stepped into the area her heart was filled with an incredible warmth.

  "It is Queen M'Lu presence that you feel," a Caladia informed her. His eyes were sparkling as he watched a young zanzar move among the guests.

  Vanstar had not seen a zanzar in ages. An older version of her was working the other side of the area. "Who is that on the other side?"

  "Queen Mother. She had been out of the public eye for six ers. The Guardian, C'Lea, she is the Queen's sister. She is the one sitting next to JG." He turned to regard Vanstar. "I see you are wearing the same type of clothing. Is it a uniform of some sort?"

  "Yes. How do you know Colonel Zohra?" she asked surprised.

  "We saved each other's lives on a journey," he smiled up at her.

  Vanstar would have asked more, but the Queen Mother moved toward them.

  She took the hand of the young Caladia warmly and smiled as a mother would at her favorite child. "My dear Jac. I have heard that you are sponsored by the Queen with my old master craftsman. He claimed he wanted to retire to meditation." She shook her head in merriment. "However, I heard he was driving everyone crazy. You both shall do each other a world of good."

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  Jac nodded his head vigorously. "Yes, Queen Mother. He is amazing." He knew he could not describe the feeling of being where he belonged when he arrived at the retired master craftsman's home. But the Queen Mother knew and smiled.

  "I will have to visit and see if he is willing to part with some of his works to an old admirer," the Queen Mother told him.

  Jac hesitated, knowing that Sea would rather break an art work that sell it. He was the consummate hoarder with his work since he retired. The Queen Mother's laugh told him she was well aware of that.

  The Queen Mother moved to stand in front of Vanstar. Megan Vanstar gulped.

  Never had she been before royalty this high. She had always distained the practice and for a long time did not feel comfortable with any titled people…including Lady Montran.

  It was embarrassing that the moment her hand was in the Queen Mother's the woman probably understood more about herself than she did. For a moment, she wanted to ask her just what she should do with her life.

  "You are an adventurer, and very comfortable with that life. It suits you," she told her. "Welcome to Arnica. I hope you have a chance to visit our planet before you leave."
>
  And then she was gone.

  Vanstar was left standing blinking at this information. An adventurer! Yes. That iswhat I am. Suddenly Vanstar found herself looking down into the violet eyes of Queen M'Lu. The second time in her life that she met royalty and it was changing her whole belief system.

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  "We queens are all different," Queen M'Lu said. "If you go to one of the other continents like Chirion, the 2nd continent, you will find the type of royalty you have in mind…"

  Vanstar cringed inside. The sisters had a motto similar to that and she knew what the Queen was implying. "I meant no disrespect."

  "It is your issue," she agreed smiling. "You are being called for."

  Vanstar looked up startled and found Captain Malchi looking for her. The Queen was gone.

  Malchi moved to her side. "You're looking dressed up, smart, and well cut, Leut."

  Vanstar took her hand and shook it. "Captain, nice to see you again."

  She laughed. "Ehh. You stick with the Colonel and Commander and you'll always be in trouble. We added a third sleep chamber to the Rouster so you all can chug home in comfort; however, from what the two are saying, they have no intention of sleeping their way back. I tell you, you are going to be getting into trouble on your way back." She laughed at Vanstar's relieved look.

  "I can tell you didn't like the sleep over either," Vanstar told her defensively.

  "We also plan on taking our time back. There are some planets to investigate and we'll be keeping an eye out on those SEC vessels just to be sure they don't get lost."

  The Captain suddenly braced up. A group of officers were walking toward them.

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  "Captain Onry, Lady Malu, Lady Dell, this is Lt. Megan Vanstar. Leut, this is Captain Onry of Catching Butterflies, Lady Malu second in command, and Lady Dell cousin to Colonel Zohra."

  Vanstar nodded and shook the gloved hands of the senior members. Everyone was wearing their dress uniforms and looking parade smart.

  "Shall we find our places?" Lady Dell told the group and gestured to where she wanted them.

  Vanstar was grateful when the captain remained near her. Looking around her she was feeling uncomfortable with the atmosphere.

  "Bloody moon," she muttered. "What a time to feel uncomfortable with this place."

  "It will be over soon, leut. And you won't be reduced to ashes. The monks have erected a protective barrier around those that would normally not be able to sustain the high energy around here."

  Vanstar didn't dare look around her to guess just who that may be, but she was relived that she was not the only one.

  Chapter 24

  Tuluki felt the smooth new stones. He could actually feel the power in the stone.

  He touched his forehead to the stone as he tracked the source of the power, his concentration focused on its journey. Down it went, deep into Arnica it dove, fed by ley 405

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  lines that crossed and recrossed. It branched out. Tuluki was excited as he traveled the life line, energized from its connection that it shared with him. He felt more alive than he had weaving his baskets. Life was so exciting.

  "Tukie, are you alright?" Diami asked concerned.

  Tuluki lifted his head reluctantly from the repaired stone wall, blinking back tears.

  Before him was the scarred face of a Dwarf. He could not tell his age, but his voice made him sound younger than his teen ers.

  Tuluki lifted his hand and gently touched the Dwarf's face. "Diami?"

  "Tukie?"

  "I…I can see," he whispered.

  The crest fallen face told him more than he realized an expression could show.

  "Hey, why are you sad? It means, we can travel and see our world without being challenged as vagrants."

  Diami looked unsure.

  "Didn't you tell me that you wanted to see the world? Well, I can make baskets and you can sell them. I'm certainly don't have the patience to sell. When we don't have funds we can stay in the way houses. We will become travelers!"

  "Travelers? I can be a traveler?"

  "Sure. All you need is an adult to travel with you. That's me."

  "Can we stop at the monastery on Almen? That's where my friends have been taken."

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  "Yes. We can stop wherever you want to explore, and since I don't know the languages, you can teach me as we go. Well?"

  "Yes, Tukie. I would love that. Let me go tell the monk Germaine." He leaned forward and whispered. "I think he was going to make me go to the orphan's home. He is replacing my friend Laufla."

  "Then tell him. We shall leave when I have completed five baskets."

  "I will gather up supplies. You wait here! I will return." And the boy excitedly ran down the stairs and over the dirt fence into the garden where a monk was bent over repairing the temple garden.

  Tukuli laughed happily. He breathed in deeply, feeling the energy about him and separating the various life forms in each bundle of energy. He looked down at his hands and noted that they were filthy from his work. Stepping down from the porch, he sauntered to the outside cistern.

  To himself he was humming a blessing prayer his mother had taught him as a child. It brought back memories of a pampered life that he realized separated him from what his cousins had experienced. He could now begin preparation to return back to Allint, but he did not want to. He wanted to journey and discover. He wanted to experience the various life forms as they evolved.

  A warmth in his heart radiated out through his chakras, cleansing them from the last remnants of the veil of self-deception.

  He turned to face his cousin. As he stood before the apparition, he knew she was protecting him from her energy. He still had work to do.

  "My Queen, Cousin."

  "Your wish for the boy is within your power, Cousin. Your companion and you shall be given traveler status. Blessings upon you both and great adventures."

  He smiled. His eyes teared as he understood her meaning. Through living Drosu he would possess the power to heal his friend's scars.

  "Thank you. Blessings upon you and all under your care," he whispered.

  Chapter 25

  Alexandra looked in the mirror again, trying to will her insides to stop shaking.

  Her reflection belied her nervousness. Taking another deep breath she turned from the mirror and concentrated on the Dance.

  Helgas moon but I wish Gedaliaha were here. What if I forget a step…Oh stop it!

  You know once the Dance is begun…it moves to the energy of the participants. Okay.

  I'm okay. I… then she felt JG. She was as nervous as her and yet…

  Their touch was of longing to move to their final state of bonding in their commitment to each other. The Dance of Joining, Hai Shunja.

  Calmer, JG fastened her sash around her waist and took the bowl she would enter the joining area with.

  A monk walked before her and one behind. Their peacefulness gave her the needed quiet. As her bare feet felt the grass she stepped onto, she spotted Alexandra, also 408

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  dressed similarly but holding two flowers in the palms of her hands. They appeared to be soft white stars.

  Their eyes held each others until they moved up the aisle, side by side to stand before Queen M'Lu.

  Previous, they performed the verbal part of their bonding. It was long and the two women went through it automatically. Both were more focused on the private ceremony of the dance that would take place in seclusion with only a few present not only as witnesses but as guardians.

  Unlike the dreams they both had, where JG started the dance, Alexandra went first. She danced a short dance of acceptance to JG's first dance, A Shunja, the Dance of Invitation. It had been danced when JG had her first menses. Alexandra
had told JG she wanted to take what was done in spirit and put it into the physical, solidifying their stages. Smoothly she flowed into the reply to the Hiri Shunja, the Dance of Attraction that called for her to make her presence known to her pledged. The drum beat in the background at first was not noticeable in the first dance, but now it was meant to be felt.

  Alexandra's body moved around JG and the sweet smell of her essence told Alexandra, she had her rapt attention. She finished her dance, close to JG, but never touching.

  JG stepped forward, giving a backward seductive look at Alexandra who was glistening from the physical exertion. JG's dance was about her stamina, her strength and the promise of sensuous nights. Her moves were fast or well measured, depending on what she was telling her bondmate. She stopped in front of Alexandra, holding her hands out. Alexandra smoothly stepped into her arms, and like the old tango, they danced 409

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  around the grassed area, finally coming to a halt in the middle of the circle. Then they shared a kiss that seared more than one level of awareness.

  "I declare this a joining," the Guardian intoned as an unseen bell chimed.

  Alexandra stepped back and looked around at those that composed the circle.

  "Gedaliaha! Sharon! Carol-Maa!" If they were apparitions, they did not feel it as Alexandra hugged each of them. She turned to her brother, Hadrian. She could feel his presence. He had been standing out of sight behind General Aglauros.

  "Hello, Hadrian," she whispered. He enveloped her in his arms and held her closely for a long moment.

  "Mother," JG choked as she held her foster mother tightly.

  "It was beautiful, my daughter. I am glad you have finally settled down," she teased. "Young ones would be nice too. Before I get too old to enjoy them."

  "I don't know about that mother. She gets into a lot of trouble to be bringing any additional mischief into our lives."

  Chuckles were shared by those around the two.

  "Two peas in a pod," Gedaliaha told everyone. Gedaliaha bowed to the Queens as they joined the group. "Your planet has made it a lovely experience."