Miranda's Destiny - the unexpurgated edition

by Candace Smith

  “Then, I suggest we get the filing done quickly,” Zulien laughed as he rubbed his own bulging breeches.

  The warriors commandeered a shuttle to Zulien’s home where their parents were waiting outside. Zulien’s mother’s hands were on her hips. “By the stars, what have you two been up to? Word has reached us from Latisqua that two Magistrates are panicked beyond the suns, and packing treasures from their apartments and secreting them away. Your names are in every transmission. We even heard you,” she pointed at Zulien, “dismissed the Magistrates during an audition.”

  “A fine welcome home, mother, considering we arrive in one piece with mates,” Zulien chuckled. “Can you manage to feed these warriors while we discuss it?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Zulien, you did not really dismiss them, did you?”

  “What did your visions tell you?”

  “As if I could calm myself to have a vision with all that has been happening. Come, your feast awaits.”

  The warriors embraced their parents and turned as another shuttle glided to a stop. Ethram climbed out, untangling his cloak from the seat. “You would think they could design these contraptions better,” he muttered.

  “You could have just ‘cloaked’ here,” Taliquant suggested.

  “I am on vacation. I like to see the surroundings.”

  Zulien’s mother stepped forward and offered her hand. “We were just preparing to feast, Ethram. Please join us.”

  “Thank you, Zalana.”

  “How are the mates this morning?” she asked.

  “Sleeping peacefully.” He nodded to the warriors. “I take it the immediate crisis has passed?”

  “We will discuss it over feasting. There are a few things we need to take care of before our joining,” Zulien explained.

  Ethram studied the warriors a moment. They should be tearing through the village to get to their mates, by now. “You are tranqued?”

  “To a zelang’s gills,” Zulien admitted. “We each took our last two. We have to settle a few matters so we can join uninterrupted.”

  “You have drugged yourselves?” Terena, Taliquant’s mother, looked at her son disapprovingly.

  “Mother, I would have been decayed in a shariver’s suit by now, three quadrants away in space trying to get to my mate if not for Ethram’s magic.”

  Ethram had told Terena about Taliquant’s meeting with Tempest, and how he had cried as he laid his head on her pillow. She quickly embraced him. “I am sorry, Tali. This must have been unbearable, son.”

  Half way through feast, Zibula called the Draft Commissioner to draw up the breach of protocol papers and the Magistrate of Battle chambers for Letang’s commission request. The Magistrate of Battle was already headed to Shallistar for a meeting with the Quillant officers, and he was hoping to arrive before their mourning rites began.

  Obviously, he saw this as an opportunity to raise his place in the hierarchy, as the Old Ways and Commerce royalty would be questioned and presumably demoted after the protocol papers were filed. Zulien could not care less what shuffling the royals did, but he knew it would be in his best interest to keep the Magistrate of Battle on his side. Even with his lower ranking in the hierarchy, no one pushed the Magistrate controlling the battleships too far.

  The Magistrate said he would be arriving within the hour and appreciated the warriors’ sacrifice. Ethram fished in his pocket and handed the warriors another pill. “Just in case he is as long-winded as the rest of those pompous dremonts.”

  When the Magistrate of Battle arrived, he reluctantly agreed it would be best not to push the issue over the attack by the Debayluths after listening to the tape. They all knew the Magistrates were responsible, but the proof was thin. He settled the boons with the Quillant and Isotant without consulting the Magistrate of Commerce. “He would not dare deny the request. Ethram, we will discuss your promotions when things have settled down.”

  Ethram seemed appeased, and was very pleased with the amount offered for the boon. It was much larger than he had prepared to request. Ballion would preen.

  The group had a good laugh when the Magistrate of Battle confirmed the apartments were being cleared of treasures. “Fortunately, they commissioned a battleship to move their wealth. They wanted it protected. I assure you, everything is in a secure location. Of my choosing, of course,” he added.

  “What is on your mind, Commander Zulien? I can see you want to ask me something.” The Magistrate sat back in his chair.

  Zulien was uneasy, still deciding who to trust within the hierarchy. His father, former Commander Zibula, assured him, “Zule, I am honored to be friends with the Magistrate. We fought together for centuries when he was known as Commander Vesario. I believe he can be trusted, son.”

  The Magistrate smiled at Zibula and sighed, “Aah, Zib. They do not have battles like that anymore. Zulien, I am not without the flaw of ambition. My ambition is perhaps misplaced, as I believe all Magistrates design to be of the highest importance, but I was not that far removed from the Battles of Chaos. I know what can happen if the hierarchy is manipulated for personal gain, and I desire the Battle Chambers risen for our citizens’ protection.”

  Zulien glanced at his mother. She nodded, an indication she sensed no deception. He turned to his friend. “Tali? This concerns you as well.”

  The Magistrate realized something important had not been revealed. He was curious. “I cannot imagine you have done anything worse than dismiss the Magistrates, Zulien.”

  “We have to trust someone, Zule. As for protection, who better than the Magistrate of Battle?” Taliquant was nervous, but he knew they needed aid.

  Zulien altered course. “Magistrate, why did they want my mate destroyed? What effect or damage could an Ancient raised in the outer worlds present to them?”

  The Magistrate smiled a little. “They live, don’t they?” He sat back again and slapped his knee. “Of course they do. There is no possible way the gods would have let them be discovered only to be taken. How have you managed this subterfuge? The separation while all this nonsense has been going on must have been excruciating.”

  Zulien’s shoulders sagged. “Yes, Magistrate, they live. Miranda is the Celestial Ancient, and Taliquant’s mate is her bonded friend, a primitive from the outer world planet they were procured from.”

  The Magistrate’s smile broadened. “By the stars, warriors, congratulations.” He was rather pleased with himself for figuring out what the Magistrate of the Old Ways and Magistrate of Commerce did not. “Do we know the Ancient’s lineage?”

  “Mother says she is Atlantian,” Zulien replied.

  “I have never known Zalana’s visions to be wrong. Atlantian? This is unbelievably good news. Oh, I must plan. We must keep her protected at all costs.”

  Zulien was relieved that he was getting at least that much. He persisted, “Why is she a threat?”

  “Your mate holds the secrets of the Old Religion, the true Old Ways, within her genes. With guidance, all the knowledge destroyed during the Battles of Chaos can be revealed again. The hierarchy would crumble. It has been based on a foundation of lies, and they know it. The Magistrates have been worried for centuries that an Ancient would be found.”

  Zulien looked at him suspiciously. “Then it would affect you as well?”

  “Rubbish. It does not matter if I am the Magistrate of Battle or what title is decided. The inner worlds will always need peacekeepers and a leader. I should think my protection and encouragement of the Ancient would set me in good standing for the position. What the inner worlds do not need are these pompous self-serving Magistrates.”

  “We have a wealthy Magistrate of the Old Ways preaching false doctrine, a Magistrate of Commerce taxing the citizens into destitution, a Magistrate of Law creating policies and punishments according to his beliefs and not for the good of the citizenry, and a Magistrate of Building who tears down centuries old structures on a whim to build his newest designs. We have Twelve Magistrates, obscenely wealthy
on the backs of the citizens, and each clawing for top position. I know what I speak is treason, Zulien, but I am not the only Magistrate who feels this way and has managed to position himself to help when the opportunity presented itself.”

  “You think the discovery of my Ancient will be that opportunity?” Zulien had a queasy feeling.

  “She is precisely what we have been waiting for. Zalana, when the mating ceremonies have ended, you can aid her in remembering. She has the information locked inside her and you can be the key.”

  “Magistrate, of course I want to help, but I remember very little of the Old Religion,” Zalana worried.

  “You remember enough to have visions. Very few have accomplished that. What knowledge you have will build within in her. New secrets will come to light that you can help her decipher. It may take a long time, but I believe it will happen. It must.”

  “How will I be able to protect her against the other Magistrates?” Zulien was beginning to panic. The thought of his little Celestial against all that power and greed was frightening.

  “I am going to speak with those that believe as I do. I am afraid you will not like what I have to say next.” The Magistrate glanced at Taliquant. “You will be grounded, effective immediately. There is no way these mates can be on a battleship.”

  Zulien and Taliquant were stunned. They had not considered this, and Zulien whispered in shock, “You’re resigning my commission, sir?”

  “By the stars, no. You will be promoted to Admiral. You are getting a desk job, and you as well, Taliquant. If you would have taken that ship I offered you, you would have been a Commander for a century by now.”

  Zulien looked at Taliquant in confusion. The Magistrate continued, “He would not let you know he had turned the commission down. I believe the reason he gave was that you could not command without his help,” the Magistrate chuckled.

  “I never knew,” Zulien admitted, overwhelmed at the sacrifice his friend had made so they could fight together.

  “As far as being grounded, well, as you young warriors say, it sucks. There is no alternative. I am suggesting to our group that we find a lesser planet to place you on. We will regulate the people who can transfer according to requirements your mate designs, when she is ready. Of course, we will arrange the finances so you have what you need, and I will rotate a schedule of battleships to guard the planet and the quadrant until you and Taliquant are settled enough to take over.”

  Zulien shook his head, clearing it. “We are getting our own planet?”

  Taliquant smiled. “That is way better than a royalty apartment. I so want the Magistrates of the Old Ways and Commerce to hear about it... and Berslan, if the dremont is still alive.”

  “Taliquant, we are getting a planet,” Zulien repeated. This was too much with all that was happening.

  “I take it we will be moving as well, Magistrate?” Zalana was already planning.

  “Yes, you will need to be with the Ancient. Communicate any visions you have concerning this, and if you see a suitable location then let me know that as well. I have a few in mind.” The Magistrate turned his attention back to Zulien. “Now, the matter of Lieutenant Letang’s commission. I have read the logs, and after hearing how he reacted throughout this situation, I take it you have confidence in this young man.”

  “Magistrate, we would not have succeeded without him. He has incredible control and wisdom for one so young, and we have named him second in our mating ceremonies,” Zulien said.

  “Both of you? You have that much confidence in this young man that he would second for both of these valuable mates?” The Magistrate was astounded.

  “Absolutely, Magistrate. Much of the planning of this ruse was his,” Zulien admitted.

  The Magistrate sat back, stroking his beard in thought. “I have seen old fools and young wizards. Age is truly in the mind, experience and beliefs and how you choose to use them. If you are that confident in this man’s abilities, I trust you. I am promoting him to Commander of the Quillant. It needs a commander now anyway, and it can be the first ship on rotation to protect your planet.”

  Zulien’s jaw dropped. “Can you do that? He would be skipping four commission grades.”

  “I am the Magistrate of Battle. I can do whatever the dremont I please with my ships,” he chuckled. “Any thoughts on a second? Taliquant’s position needs to be filled.”

  Zulien answered immediately, “Captain Seartock, Magistrate. The two men work well together. Seartock’s strength is with weapons, and Letang will not hesitate to refer to him.”

  “Will this cause discourse among the crew?” The Magistrate had seen it before.

  “No, sir. Three junior officers will have to join the ship, so the rest will move up a commission. They all know how Letang risked charges of treason to help us. A few of them might have faltered if put in that situation. It should be a respected and commendable solution.” Zulien pictured Letang’s face when he told him. He was sure Vasilla would faint.

  The Magistrate stood. “Well, I have planning to do, a planet to find, and you men have a claiming that has waited far too long. I will be forwarding gifts for the ceremonies.”

  “What, a couple moons and suns? You are already giving us a planet,” Taliquant laughed.

  “The planet is an honorary gift from the inner worlds for the Ancient, Taliquant. She will be our salvation.” The Magistrate gathered his cloak and staff, tapped the floor lightly three times signifying the end of the audition, and walked to his shuttle.

  “Was it this hectic when you met your mate, father?” Zulien watched the Magistrate’s shuttle shoot towards the docking portal.

  “Your mother had a vision when you were born that you were destined to be a great protector. At the time, I thought she meant you would be a warrior, like me.” He put an arm around his son’s shoulders. “I wish the dremonia she would be more damned specific about things.”

  Ethram cleared his throat. “Can we get this joining underway so Ballion and I can begin a proper vacation?”

  “Can I see her first?” Zalana’s eyes were begging to Zulien.

  The mates had been on planet for days. “You have not seen her?”

  “No, Ethram has not let anyone near them. We do not even know where he has secured them,” Taliquant’s mother complained.

  “I have had the foresight to sequester them in a place they will not have to be moved for the joining. The last thing I need is a mishap during a joining transport.” Ethram picked up his cloak.

  As the group moved towards their shuttles, two new vehicles approached, and as they pulled closer, Zulien saw they were filled with warriors. A Major stepped out of the nearest shuttle and walked up to him.

  “Commander, the Magistrate of Battle has commissioned us to protect you and your mates during joining and ceremony. There are three battleships already in quadrant to circle Shallistar. We would like to congratulate you and Major Taliquant.” He offered his hand.

  “Thank you, Major. How much is known?”

  “We do not think the news has left Shallistar yet, but we feel fairly certain that someone on planet will know of your joining and communicate with Laquista before the day is out. It will probably start as mere gossip, but it will reach the hierarchy by nightfall. The Magistrate of Battle is already communicating with his allies, and he is deciding if he wants to issue the news of the Ancient’s discovery himself. Fear not, warriors. You and your mates will be well protected.”

  Zulien’s father chuckled. “No, son, it was not quite this hectic when I joined with your mother.”

  The group followed Ethram’s shuttle to an abandoned temple in a valley of the Shalliton Mountains. Three small buildings were arranged around a decaying stone altar, and Zalana stared in wonderment. “It is a temple of the Old Religion. How in the goddess’ name did you find it?”

  Ethram smiled. “I could tell you it was a vision, Zalana, but in truth, my father told me of its existence when I communicated news of the Celesti
al. The locations of a few remaining temples have been passed down through our family for centuries.”

  “I forget you inherited the Isotant from your grandfather. Why did your father not follow the path of procurement?” she asked curiously.

  Ethram looked at the mountains, weighing the decision to tell them. “There is so much that is not known about the Old Religion. Our power to cloak and to feel the mate beacons skips a generation. My father did not have the abilities, and felt he could not bear the responsibility of commanding a vessel and relying solely on a scanner.

  “For the most part, the independent procurers not commissioned by the hierarchy are forgotten once they find the mate. We purposely appear to be a greedy lot. The hierarchy prefers to ignore us that way, and it has enabled us to keep our own secrets. We follow the teachings of the Old Religion, as best we can remember. Those in the generations without the abilities have made it their life’s vocation to search for information on the rituals and places such as these, the old temples, since the Battles of Chaos.”