Just doing this to please her. She is worth pleasing. He traveled between the physical plane and the etheric, thinking of Triena. How she was soft to touch, her curves. Her scent of flowers that was always sweet and fecund. How she smiled at him, and her eyes held him in an embrace like no one else could.
He hovered in the blackness of the Energy Field. I made it. The path was clearer now and he wondered how he could’ve missed it in the past.
Braklen smelled sweet flowers and turned to see Triena’s etheric form coming towards him, naked. It made it hard for him to concentrate. Well I did it. I came here by my own skill.
Yes, you did. And you can even talk to me.
She stood in front of him. He found it hard to concentrate with her naked. He glanced down at her breasts. His eyes wandered down her curvaceous belly, and then between her legs.
Braklen drank in her essence. He went to reach out for her, expecting to meet her, join with her. Why not here? All thought of learning about the Energy was gone as he looked on her naked skin, glowing with life from the darkness that surrounded them.
Triena also reached for him, but instead of joy and love, a searing pain throbbed through him. Before he could process what had happened, he fell backwards. Tumbling downwards. What did you do to me?
There was nothing to grab. His arms moved aimlessly. Fear welled inside of him as he felt the familiar pull of his essence unraveling. It was how it’d felt when he’d taken Queen Arkina’s energy. A pain seared through his essence as his life thread dissipated.
I should’ve known that she’d try to kill me again. He used his awareness to work against the unwinding thread. Where he held onto the unspooling energy, it burned, but he forced himself to keep gripping the cord.
No. He pulled back in the opposite direction, increasing the tension. It was like he had a tug-of-war with himself, one he could end up losing. He strained against the weight in the Energy that seemed intent on destroying him.
Gradually the motion slowed. The tension gave way and he reeled in his thread of energy, looping it over his hand as if winding up a long length of rope. Exhaustion worked against him, but he wasn’t about to give up. When he finally had the last of the thread in his hand he instinctively pressed it to his chest. The energy reabsorbed within him. He immediately felt stronger.
Bravo.
Braklen looked up to see Triena moving towards him. She was dressed in a rich red robe that flowed out from her. Not that it mattered now, not after she’d tried to kill him again. He wasn’t going to be distracted this time. Bitch, I knew I couldn’t trust you.
Her face changed, hurt by his response. You idiot. This was a lesson.
What? I passed, didn’t I? His energy increased with vibration as she came close, his anger as hot as the color of her dress.
Triena paused. You really need me to tell you?
All I know is that you tried to kill me.
No. I didn’t. Remember you have to learn how to hold on to yourself here in the Energy Field. You did that.
I could’ve been lost forever.
I was with you, ready to intervene if you needed my help. But, you didn’t.
Thanks. You could’ve warned me.
I did before you entered the Field.
Yeah, so why did you come here naked?
You need to focus in here. Things aren’t always what they seem, or what you think they should be.
So, what, you were really wearing clothes? And why the fuck couldn’t you have just told me?
I showed you. You won’t forget now.
I sure as hell won’t.
And now that you can hold a conversation we should try and see if you can continue this when you’re back in your body. Her form began to fade.
How? He was confused. Where are you going? Her form was barely there. She didn’t try to kill me. And that was what he wanted to believe, but this entire process unnerved him. He didn’t even feel like he’d passed the test, or was successful. He felt more like he’d failed.
She was gone. Not wanting to stay any longer in the Field he turned looking for the path that brought him here. It took him a little while to find it. He hurried back. Relief shuddered through his body as he returned. This is better. More natural. He didn’t like being in the Field.
What took you so long?
Wasn’t like you told me how to get back, answered Braklen with his mind.
I didn’t need to since you’re here. She smiled. And talking to me.
“What?”
Triena sighed. “That didn’t last long.” Disappointment thickened her voice.
“You really didn’t try to kill me?”
“Do you think if someone attacked you in the Energy Field, you’d be able to defend yourself?”
“Yes, but you could’ve warned me.”
“Do you think if someone attacked me in the Energy Field, you’d be able to help me?”
Her words felt like a punch in the guts. He wouldn’t have thought that possible without the recent experience. “Oh.”
“That’s why I couldn’t tell you. You had to have about half a dozen lessons all at once. You had to connect to your intuition. You have to think differently in the Energy Field.”
He let out a deep breath. “Right.” The way the Energy worked was starting to make more sense.
She got up and moved towards him. “I mean it when I say I love you, and I want to go on this path together. We end up where we end up, as long as you are by my side.” She kissed him on his forehead.
He couldn’t resist anymore. He reached up and kissed her back. “I’m with you.” He wanted this too.
“Good.”
The ship suddenly lurched forward, knocking them both on the ground.
“Fuck the Queens,” said Triena. Braklen landed on top of her and she pushed at his chest. “Get off.”
He managed to slide his body from hers, but their legs were still entangled. The ship shuddered.
“What was that?” asked Braklen.
“They must have found us,” said Triena. “I’m not sure, but considering how close the Queens are to us in the Energy, it was only a matter of time. No more lessons.”
“At least I can thank the Queens for that.”
“Quick.” Triena got up and rushed out the room.
“Wait up,” said Braklen.
Of course, she didn’t listen. She ran along the corridor, and burst into the bridge, two steps ahead of him. “What the fuck has happened?”
Rangit sat with his back to them, hands flying over the console as he moved levers up and down, and pressed buttons. “Fuck the Queens.”
Triena moved to stand next to him. Lights flashed, and a warning buzzed in the room. “What is that noise?”
Rangit hit the console. Sparks flew up and he jumped back. “Us getting caught.” Smoke rose from the controls. “Unless we can manage to lose them.”
“Then lose them,” said Braklen.
“Like that’s not what I’m doing,” said Rangit.
“We can’t get caught, not now. We’re so close to Earth, so close to getting to them.”
“Is it the Queens or the Priests?” asked Braklen.
“Queens.” Rangit flicked another lever. “Not that it really matters. Both are just as dangerous to us now.”
“It will make a huge difference for us if it’s the Queens.” Braklen leaned over Rangit’s shoulder.
“Hey, I thought you said you can’t fly.” Rangit pushed Braklen out of his way.
“I can help. I know some tactical moves.”
“Fuck the Queens,” said Rangit. “You might well be useful to us after all.”
Chapter 10
Braklen reached over Rangit’s shoulder and looked at the screen. The Peacekeepers were closing in on them. “You should’ve called us earlier.”
“Com system doesn’t work,” answered Rangit matter-of-factly.
“Still you could’ve come and got me, or yelled for me, or someth
ing.” The light from the screen reflected green on Braklen’s face. “I would’ve been more help with more warning.”
“I’m sure you can help out, Braklen,” Triena stood back from the men. Her floral scent filled the room helping Braklen to remain calm.
Braklen sighed heavily. He stared at the green light that showed where the other ship was. The figures on the top left of the screen didn’t raise his hopes. The bottom line was that he could’ve used his experience with the Peacekeepers to their advantage if Rangit had come to him as soon as he had spotted the other ship. Now, the Peacekeepers were about to close in on them.
“You going full throttle?”
“Of course.” Rangit kept his hands on the edge of the console, ready to press a button, or lever. Smoke in the room dissipated.
Braklen still worried. His mind worked furiously trying to come up with a counter movement, rather than just going faster, which was the only thing Rangit had managed.
Better than nothing.
Not necessarily. Braklen rubbed his head. He hated the voices popping into his mind. He wasn’t always sure who spoke. That was the other problem. When he did answer, he wasn’t sure who heard and using the Energy to communicate tired him.
Stupid Energy. He preferred the real world and an actual weapon he could hold. He had the training. He had the strength, even after the beating. His body had healed enough.
“So, what do you suggest?” Rangit’s question interrupted.
There weren’t many options. Flat out was probably the best choice, but since that wasn’t working, he had to think of something else. Sharp turns were only going to help the Peacekeeper ship chasing them.
There weren’t any planets to hide behind. If they’d been traveling through an asteroid belt, at least that would be an option. It wasn’t. And there was nowhere to land, not so close to Earth since the planets and moons here were populated heavily with supporters of the Queens.
Braklen frowned at the control panel. “Can you do a reverse thrust?”
Rangit looked at Braklen. “Yeah, but do you think that will really work?”
“It’s all we’ve got.” Braklen turned to look at Triena. “Hold on to something. Better still, strap yourself in.” He pointed to the chair near the door. He hoped it had a seatbelt. This ship seemed to be falling apart.
It was worse than the ship he’d just been on as a crewmember. At least that one worked well. It would easily have outrun the Peacekeepers. All traders knew that was a basic function for any ship.
“How did the previous captain keep out of their way?” asked Braklen.
“He used the Energy.” Triena sank into a chair.
Braklen heard the click of the belt. “So, is that what you are doing?” He cringed. He hadn’t meant to sound sarcastic. Looking at the closing space between them and the Peacekeepers caused his stress levels to skyrocket.
“You just needed to ask.” Triena sounded a little hurt. “Though it’s a bit late now.”
She’ll get over it.
He looked down at the rabbit. Other people’s thoughts in his head weren’t natural, let alone an animal’s. “Can you help us at all in the Energy?”
“Maybe.”
“Then try it. Things aren’t looking good for us.” Braklen gripped the back of the captain’s chair, steadying himself while he looked at the flight specs over Rangit’s shoulder. “Can we go any faster?”
Rangit shook his head.
Braklen took a deep breath. “I hope this works, then.”
“It will,” answered Rangit.
Braklen heard the doubt in his voice. “Get ready to send us in reverse.” His eyes focused on the screen, waiting for the perfect moment. Timing was everything. They had to be close before he gave the signal. Too close. Close enough to be able to damage them by crashing into them.
Now. Now. Now!
Braklen ignored the voice in his head. It was from the rabbit, and he wasn’t about to listen to an animal. A little longer. Just a little longer. He wanted to be certain that the Peacekeeper’s ship overshot them so much that they’d have a chance to get away.
“Now.”
Rangit pulled the lever. The engines of the ship groaned and whirled in shock at being forced to go in reverse while at full speed.
“Hold it there. Hold it there!”
Rangit put both hands on the lever, keeping it in place.
The ship shook violently. The vibrations came up Braklen’s legs, through his body and down his arms, making it difficult for him to keep hold of Rangit’s chair.
We’re going to die. The rabbit squeezed under the panels near Triena’s feet. She sat with her eyes closed, deep in meditation.
Braklen braced himself the best he could. He’d given the only other spare seat in the bridge to her. The movement of the ship pushed him forward, momentarily holding him before he was thrown backwards. His back hit the wall and he slid down, gasping for air.
“Nearly there. Just a bit longer.” Rangit released his grip, turned around and looked at Braklen. “It worked.”
Braklen sighed with relief, still struggling to get his breath. Rangit wiped his forehead.
The ship cruised for a moment, then began rocking violently, as if it was having some sort of a fit. The noise caused Braklen to cover his ears. It’s going to explode. Metal groaned and strained. Sparks popped under the console.
“No, no, no, no,” Rangit turned and looked at the controls. Suddenly, everything went still. The lights flickered, then died. They were left in silence and darkness. A chill crept over Braklen. They will be here soon.
~
Triena faced the blue ship in the Energy Field. Her essence shivered as the large ship came toward her. There wasn’t a plan. She had no idea what to do, but she was sure as hell going to try and stop it and the only way she could think to do that was to stand in its way.
Blue hues reflected off her etheric form and she fought against the natural desire to flee. The vessel didn’t slow, not that she really expected that to happen.
She breathed in, sharp and strong, pulling in the surrounding energy into a tight ball between her palms. She rolled the fiery energy in her hands shaping into a sphere. Then, she threw the ball of fire as hard as she could towards the ship. It left a tail like a comet against the black backdrop of the Field.
The ball hit the bow of the ship, to the right. A hole gaped in the blue as the red flames consumed the energy of the ship. Quickly Triena drew in more fiery energy from around her and threw another ball at the ship. Then a third. Heat radiated from the ship as its bow burned. The blue color of the ship faded, but it hadn’t even slowed. It maintained its momentum and continued towards her.
The ship was nearly on top of her. She was sure that if it hit her then it would break her essence into a thousand pieces and she would be absorbed in the Field before having a chance to put herself back together. I’m not moving. I will stop you. The Queens had caused enough problems in her life already, she wasn’t about to let them have the upper hand by destroying her in the Energy, or capturing her.
Determined not to give up, Triena pulled in more fire energy, but the element had been depleted around her and there wasn’t enough heat except for the tiny flame in her hand. She threw it at the ship. The ship was too close and the flame disappeared in the ship’s energy without destroying anything.
There was no time to do anything else. The ship descended down on her. She shielded her vision with her arm and wait for a shattering sensation to pull her apart.
At least I tried. She wished there had been more she could’ve done. Captain Ri had trained her, she had the skill. I could’ve done more. Manipulated the Energy, if only I’d taken time to do that instead of teaching Braklen. The thoughts rolled in waves in her mind, swirling around as she waited for her end. He didn’t manage to learn much. I’ll miss him.
Her heart ached for him. Sadness welled around her. The Queens had managed to keep them apart yet again. They
know we’re stronger together. This made her angry at them for keeping them apart, but also at herself for losing against them. I’m meant to have a great skill. Some great skill, she thought sarcastically.
A bump in the Field rippled over her and she instinctively looked around her. The ship moved out of her way. I did it! I stopped it.
Triena looked at the ship. Of course, they don’t want me to break into a thousand pieces. They want me for their reading.
She moved after the ship, then gasped as she realized what was happening. Another ship, the Petal, glowed orange in the Field. It was the skeleton of their ship, and she could see pulses of light inside the ship. Rangit, Braklen, the rabbit and her physical self. They know exactly where we are.
Disappointment pulsed in her essence. She moved towards the ship. I’ll stop them. Something tugged at her. No, leave me here. The familiar pull drew her back and she fought against it. I can do more work here. A jolt sent her tumbling back towards herself.
Triena’s essence slammed back into her body. Her eyes flicked open. “You should’ve left me there. I was helping.”
You weren’t doing jack shit, thought the rabbit at her feet.
“You little shit. You brought me back.”
Someone has to look out for you.
Triena looked around, Braklen lay on the floor, Rangit was slumped over the controls. Smoke rapidly filled the room. Damn.
She unbuckled herself, wincing from the bruises the seatbelt had left across her body. Stumbling to her feet, she rested her hand against the wall to steady herself.
Go to the reading room, thought the rabbit. Get some flowers. They’ll be here soon.
“Not without Braklen.”
I’ll rouse him.
Before Triena protested, the rabbit bounced over to Braklen and bit his ear. He jumped about a foot in the air and looked around bewildered for a moment before he saw the rabbit. He rubbed his ear. “Fuck the Queens.”
Oh, I will be soon.
It’s over, answered Triena. She didn’t know how the rabbit could have any optimism that they would survive now. She hadn’t been aware how easily they were seen in the Energy Field, even when surrounded by the tons of metal of their ship. Once the Peacekeepers boarded, they’d be able to go straight to wherever Triena and Braklen were on the ship. Regardless of whether or not they tried to hide or fight, they’d be captured very soon.
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