Worlds Apart (Warriors of Risnar)

by Tracy St. John

* * *

  Anneliese forced her attention from thoughts of Nex and stared in fascination at the dark square Irnla and Trez removed from her body. It wasn’t even the size of her smallest toenail. “A war’s worth of trouble from something so tiny,” she marveled.

  “Indeed. The scientists say the miniaturized Monsudan technology is some of the most advanced they’ve studied,” Irnla commented. Her tone lacked excitement, as if it was only of passing interest rather than a major breakthrough.

  “But it’s older technology,” Nex supplied. “From what we’ve seen, they haven’t advanced in engineering for quite a while.”

  “As to these injuries to your leg and back...your medicine cannot help you?” Trez gazed at the full-body readings and scans she’d taken at the outset of the examination.

  Anneliese tried not to be too hopeful that their advanced knowledge could fix her physical problems. “The joints could be replaced, but I’m not willing to deal with that. It would mean months of rehabilitation.” Weeks of having to rely on the assistance of others. Of being dependent. Weak.

  Irnla’s mouth tightened. Anneliese debated warning her that she was dangerously close to a frown.

  The doctor said, “The damage is extensive. I’m afraid it will only worsen over time. You’ve aggravated it with your activities today. At the rate of swelling, you will not be able to walk within a few hours unless there is treatment.”

  Trez agreed. “It is a pity Earth’s abilities are so primitive at this point in your people’s development. We would be able to repair these injuries if it wouldn’t raise questions on your world.”

  Anneliese tamped down her disappointment. She’d figured as much. A sudden cure would look suspicious to her doctors. “Don’t worry about it. I’m grateful you got that tracker off me. That’s more than enough.”

  Irnla said, “We can at least give you temporary relief from the swelling and pain. It is no large matter to erase the irritation suffered as a result of the crash. We should treat that in any case, to allay questions when you return home.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  Minutes later, all the bumps and bruises she’d received in the crash were gone...and yes, she could walk normally again, with no more than the usual twinges and spasms. Anneliese thanked the two doctors and left at Nex’s side. She was happy to hold on to his arm at that point. She could indulge in the contact now that she didn’t need physical support.

  “How would you like to tour the temple gardens?” Nex asked as they headed outside. “They are their most beautiful at nighttime under the light of Cadi.”

  Something in his smile told Anneliese it might be a romantic setting “I’d love to see them,” she said, snuggling close.

  * * *

  Anneliese couldn’t believe Nex had referred to the gardens as “beautiful.” Magical would have been a more appropriate description.

  The plot he led her through was a riot of blooming flowers. They glowed in a multitude of watercolors beneath the blue light of Cadi, the gas giant that dominated Risnar’s night sky. The leaves of the shrubs and trees shimmered as well and chimed musical sounds as they swayed in the breeze.

  Anneliese shushed Nex when he launched into an explanation of the lights and sounds attracting insects in order to pollinate. She wasn’t having science wreck the mystical atmosphere.

  “Stop right there,” she laughed at him. “I want this to be magic. I want fantasy and illusion. Indulge me, okay?”

  With a chuckle, Nex left off the intricacies of botany. He settled for identifying the plants: lurill, asinaysh, telyde, shaurm, and others. His recitation of the exotic alien names wove a spell, adding to the perfume of their divine bouquet.

  Inviting the alchemy of idyllic surroundings and charming, if long-term unavailable man, Anneliese pulled close to Nex as they wandered the paths between luminous petals. Forsaking flowers and heavens, Anneliese looked into the smiling, striped face of her companion and found him every bit as enthralling.

  He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “There is so much I’ve dreamed of telling you, and here I am wasting our time by naming flowers.”

  “If I heard you say nothing else, I’d be happy.” Anneliese meant it. In this realm of enchantment, it seemed insane that danger for the Risnarish lurked so near. Yet that fit in its way too. Every heroic tale needed a dragon to threaten the kingdom, didn’t it? It made her want to pull on her armor and do something to protect Nex and his people. “This is amazing, Nex. It can’t end with anything besides happily-ever-after. The Monsuda can’t win.”

  He stopped and turned her toward him. His eyes glittered bluish in Cadi’s light. “They won’t.”

  Anneliese felt another kiss coming on. Brash desire cheered her on. YOLO, babe. That was the lesson in Afghanistan. Live life while you’ve still got it—full steam ahead.

  She moved toward Nex at the same moment he drifted closer to her. Reaching for him as he reached for her. Giving in to the impulse fed by six months of fantasy and intrigue. Ready to find out if it was everything she’d dreamed it could be.

  Thudding steps woke her from the moment, alerting her. At the sound of marching feet striking the path, she and Nex broke apart.

  A group moved around the curve a few feet away, walking from behind a cluster of golden-leafed trees. Anneliese counted seven unfamiliar Risnarish men and women, as well as Jape, whose massive form lurked in the rear of the party.

  Nex inhaled sharply and moved to the side, making room for the newcomers. His hand went to his chest. “From my spirit to yours, may you know peace always. Good evening, Elders Council.”

  They stopped and echoed the greeting as a single voice. Anneliese searched her memory for the bit she knew of Risnarish society, mostly gleaned from oblique mentions here and there. The Assembly was a group of Risnarish that ruled all the various villages. Elders councils were the local form of government, directing each village.

  And therein lies all my knowledge about Risnarish politics.

  The council of Cas consisted of four women and three men. The imposing woman leading the group had a gold circlet resting on her brow, and she repeated the greeting to Anneliese. “From my spirit to yours, welcome among us, Anneliese of Earth. I am Ehar, head of this council.”

  Anneliese stood at attention before the elders, riveted by the gray-striped leader. “It is a privilege to meet you, Ehar. I’m sorry, but I’m not aware if it’s appropriate for an alien to return your kind greeting. I do not wish to offer offense.”

  Ehar gave no clue to what she felt as she spoke. “In whatever manner the All-Spirit guides you to speak is appropriate. You cannot offend us through innocent ignorance.”

  Anneliese relaxed her stiff posture. “I’m glad. I have a bad habit of offending others, even when I don’t mean to.”

  As she expected, the women didn’t respond to her warning delivered with humor. A couple of the men chuckled, along with Jape. With the exception of the head enforcer, the elders looked at Anneliese as if she might be some kind of fantastical creature. She wasn’t sure if she should be affronted by their overt stares.

  Down, soldier. Save the fight for real enemies. This wasn’t Earth with its racism.

  Ehar’s voice had a delightful musical quality that Anneliese envied, though her statements evinced nothing but clinical interest. “I have never met any of your like. I have viewed the suspended specimens and read the reports of the Earthling living in Hahz Village, however. You are a most fascinating species.”

  “I find the Risnarish interesting too.” Especially the man standing next to her.

  “I was told you were injured when a squad of drones attacked you and Nex.”

  “Not really. Old existing injuries were aggravated. Your doctors gave me something for the pain.” Anneliese shrugged the matter off.

  Another female in the group spoke up. “I spoke with the doct
ors who treated her. The wounds were of an older origin, and to heal them would have caused suspicion upon Anneliese’s return to Earth.”

  Ehar nodded her understanding. “It was not advisable we repair the damage, then. I am sorry we could not do more for you.”

  “I understand. It’s not a problem,” Anneliese insisted. She was strong. Iron. Only damaged, not broken.

  One of the men broke in. “If I may ask her a question, Head Elder?”

  Ehar’s gaze on Anneliese never wavered. “Of course, Timnor.”

  Though the stripes made it difficult for Anneliese to be sure, Timnor appeared to be much older than the rest. A true elder, demanding her immediate respect. “I’ll be glad to answer anything I’m able to, sir.”

  He rewarded her deference with a smile. “It’s my understanding you took up a weapon during the attack, Anneliese? That you fought the drones rather than rely on Nex to protect you?”

  Anneliese shot Jape a look. He must have shared the information. “I thought you said women can’t fight? Though you apparently saw me do so.”

  He grimaced, though Anneliese wasn’t sure if it was because he’d been caught in a falsehood or because he found the idea distasteful. “I discounted what my eyes saw until another of my men spoke of it. It’s unfathomable that a woman would fight. I feared the stress of the situation had taken my senses momentarily.”

  Ehar offered a slow blink. It was her only overt reaction. “This is true?”

  Nex sounded proud. “Not only did Anneliese fight, but she did better than most when it came to destroying drones. Her aim on narrow focus is amazing.”

  “I have some sharpshooting skills.” Anneliese stayed modest, though she’d won championships in the North Country region.

  Nex and Jape recognized her abilities. It gave her the impetus to suggest what she suspected the elders would find outlandish. “I’m a trained soldier on Earth. A warrior. That’s how I got the wounds your doctors told you about.”

  Another of the male elders chuffed a short bark of a laugh. “A woman warrior? Your society is far different from ours, but you’ll forgive me if I have trouble imagining such a thing.”

  Anneliese drew a deep breath in the wake of his disbelief. “You don’t have to imagine. I’m willing to show you.”

  Ehar tilted her head. “You are proposing something?”

  “Let me fight the Monsuda with you.”

  Jape snorted in disbelief. The other men looked downright scandalized. Anneliese didn’t dare look at Nex, afraid he would react in a way that might set off her temper.

  She concentrated on the women instead, who barely reacted to her apparently outrageous proposal. Ehar didn’t react at all, though Anneliese sensed her focus sharpening.

  It was Nex who spoke first. His voice was hesitant but evinced no disrespect. “Anneliese, the coming war between the Risnarish and Monsuda is not your fight.”

  She regarded him with surprise. “Isn’t it? Six months ago, Jeannie told me there was evidence that the Monsuda plan to colonize Earth. To enslave my people. Is that true?”

  He nodded.

  She had hoped it was a mistake, that Jeannie had been wrong. Now she knew better. The idea of the Monsuda and their drones crawling over her planet sickened Anneliese. Her tone biting, she said, “I have just as much right to defend my world as you do yours.”

  Jape spluttered. “But...but...this is madness for you to stay here and fight.”

  Anneliese gave him a withering look. “Why? I’ve been in war. Not just battle, understand? The big stuff, the kind of fighting that makes today’s little sortie look like children playing.”

  The golden Risnarish scowled. He looked insulted.

  Sorry the facts bother you, big boy.

  Nex spoke, his words coming slowly as if he was musing out loud. “It’s not our experience on Risnar that women would actually want to fight. This is the mindset we come from. Yet you are every bit the warrior I am. And you’re right—you do have a stake in this. A valid reason to fight, and the ability to do so.”

  “It is unacceptable,” one of the male elders insisted. “Women are to be protected.”

  Anneliese squared her shoulders, ready to battle for what she wanted. “I’ve fought in an actual war against an armed and deadly enemy. I’ve lived in fear, knowing each day I wake might be my last. I’ve watched my companions die screaming around me. Not just fellow soldiers, but friends. I’ve survived being shot and having my vehicle blown out from under me. Worst of all, I’ve looked into another person’s eyes and killed them. Not a drone, not a giant inhuman insect like those hideous Monsuda, but another person who wanted me dead. Have you done that?” She looked to Nex, who’d offered support, albeit reluctantly. “Have you?”

  He stared at her, his expression shocked. He slowly shook his head.

  Her point made, Anneliese eased up. She gave them all a weary smile. “I get the idea most of you haven’t fought in actual combat. You’re capable warriors. I’ve observed the damage you can do, both today and during my last trip here. But this is the major leagues, not some minor skirmish in a series of occasional skirmishes. You need at least one person who’s been through this. That’s me.”

  They were silent and still as they digested her impassioned speech. Anneliese could tell she’d affected them. For good or ill, she wasn’t sure, but it was clear they weren’t dismissing her abilities any longer.

  They probably thought she was crazy. The Risnarish were obviously a peaceful and spiritual society, particularly their women. And maybe she was demented to volunteer for a combat mission after barely surviving her latest one.

  Life on the rez had become an exercise in marking time. The occasional protests she took part in broke up the monotony but were mostly pointless for all the benefit they offered.

  Anneliese missed not having a real purpose—a real fight. She also missed the camaraderie she’d had with her squad. She wasn’t sure she could forge friendships with most Risnarish men, with their disbelief in the fighting prowess of a woman. Certainly she didn’t have a lot in common with the detached women of the planet.

  But Nex...well, that was a relationship that demanded exploration, no matter what common sense said to the contrary. Her attraction to him had unraveled all her defenses. Something in her insisted she keep moving forward with him, and there was only one way to do that.

  There’s a connection there. I need to know if it’s valid. If it’s solid or just lust or some pathetic issue of loneliness.

  Besides, blasting the hell out of the Monsuda would be another perk.

  Ehar’s melodic voice was as noncommittal as ever. “We will take your offer under advisement, Anneliese. I cannot say it’s likely we will approve such a request...it is inconceivable to us for women to fight.”

  “If it helps, I’m not Risnarish. All you have to do is change that statement to ‘It’s inconceivable for Risnarish women to fight.’”

  Ehar gazed at her for a second, her inscrutable face hinting at nothing she might be thinking. Instead of responding, she said, “For now, you may let the temple administrator know you need overnight lodging. The elders council will discuss the matter and give you our answer.”

  That was apparently the end of the discussion, at least in Anneliese’s presence. The seven elders touched their palms to their chests again, turned, and went back up the path without another word. Jape followed, shaking his head at Anneliese as if he couldn’t believe the events that had unfolded before him.

  They’d said the answer would probably be no, but they hadn’t refused her outright. Anneliese had gotten herself a few extra hours with Nex, at any rate. That in itself felt like winning a major battle. She gave Nex a bright grin. “That wasn’t so bad, huh? Maybe we’ll have long enough for you to name all the flowers of Risnar.”

  He looked at her, his expression still disbelie
ving. His shock didn’t stop him from laughing as he took her hand. She was glad when he led her in the opposite direction the council had taken.

  Chapter Seven

  Nex’s stomachs churned with an onslaught of mixed emotions as he guided Anneliese through the garden. He wasn’t sure how to feel in light of the encounter with Cas’s elders.

  Anneliese had been tried in merciless combat that left people injured and dead. She had witnessed horrors. He’d felt the pain in her voice when she’d spoken of it. The injuries she lived with were the least of the evidence that she’d faced deadly conflict. It hurt Nex that she’d been in the midst of such terrors.

  “You’re too quiet. You think I should go home.” Her tone was impossible to read. Nex wasn’t sure if she was resigned, angry, or felt nothing at all.

  He sighed, unsure with how to proceed. When all else fails, go with honesty. “I don’t want you in danger. Everything I’ve been taught tells me you have no business fighting with us. But I understand you’re not used to being shielded from battle.”

  “No. I suppose it makes me less attractive to you.”

  He stopped to give her a shocked look. “Your strength delights me, Anneliese. Your spirit and energy are why I’ve been eager to see you again. I’m not accustomed to a woman who would fight on her own behalf, but I should have expected it from you.”

  Tension eased from her shoulders. Her voice became hopeful. “So now where do we stand? Are we all right?”

  “I am if you are.”

  “You still want me around?”

  His grip tightened on hers. “Are you kidding? You’ll be here all night. It’s the best news possible.” That was true, and he spoke with enthusiasm.

  Anneliese smiled, making his hearts skip several beats. Maybe her readiness for combat was simply a part of her amazing vitality, her quality of unabashed aliveness. He pulled her closer to his side.

  She told him, “I’ve thought about you since I went home to Earth. I wondered if I’d see you again.”

  Nex considered what he knew of Earthlings and their ways. “You have no attachments on your planet? A man who means much to you?”