The Distance Between

by Blair Cousins

  “You smoldering twill!” The blur of a voice mixed in with the sound of an engine whisked by her.

  The force was enough to send them both spiraling out of control and Angel could not balance Ester’s weight and wound up being pulled from his hover jetter. Now the two of them were falling together. When Ester finally got a look at who was trying to save her, she panicked. A red-faced ball of blond curly hair was falling alongside her. It was Angel and now they both were going to die. Yet, then a mess of rope and nets scooped them up into a tangled ball. Buzzing through the air, with Angel’s big fat butt in her face, Ester looked up and saw Wildgrass hanging over the bay door.

  “You idiots! Are ya’ll trying to get yourselves killed?” His green hair blew through the wind as Angel whined about being afraid of heights.

  Ester blinked several times as her brain tried to register what had just happened. The state was a blaze, but the sky was tented in purple, the color of surrender. They must have won, she thought as she leaned back and her vision faded.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  The enemies from Labadora surrendered, and the accused paid heavily for their crimes. It was revealed that a rouge under General Tozork’s command spearheaded the assassination on Kees. So, the Grand Council on Rean saw to it that the conspirators were handed over to them to avoid intergalactic war. Captain Jordain of the United Reformers swore on and signed a new peace treaty as the new leader of Labadora. He knew there would be much work to do on his home world, but by signing this treaty he would begin to mend the tattered relationship between his world and the neighboring planets. As a sign of good faith, the Grand Council of Rean allowed Jordain and his Reformers to return to their home world under the condition they leave Tozork’s main ship on Rean for further inspection. Jordain agreed and returned home with the hope that one day he could transform the way the galaxy perceived Labadora and its people.

  Back at the ranger’s base, Ester was still recovering from the battle. She wasn’t too badly injured, seeing that most of the damage came from minor burns on her hands and cuts on her body. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen to her or Angel or even Wildgrass. She wasn’t a ranger and she was apprehended impersonating one. She sat in the hall, waiting to be called to stand before the Grand Commanders of the Rean Coalition of Rangers. She would be standing at the hearing alongside Wildgrass and Odie, but her mind was elsewhere. Pisces didn’t make it, she later found out. Wildgrass managed to get a message from Jordain, thanking Ester and the rest of them personally for helping Pisces complete her mission, but to Ester it didn’t feel like a win. She wanted to see Pisces one last time to at least kick her in the head for sacrificing herself like that. She died so that her people could be saved, and Ester would never forget that.

  Wildgrass and Odie walked in, escorted by rangers. Ester looked up and stood as Wildgrass smiled at her. He looked a little nervous, but otherwise confident. After all, he did just help save to the planet. But even with that fact and the fact that he was the son of one of the highest ranking retired Grand Commanders, he knew that would not excuse his reckless behavior. Wildgrass, Ester, and Odie walked through the doors and stood before Grand Commander J’Chives, Grand Commander Sanders, and Grand Commander Xills, the highest-ranking commanders of the Rean Coalition of Rangers. They stood in silence as the commanders read the briefing. Ester had her head down; her nerves were a wreck. This was the second time in her short ranger career that she had landed in major trouble. She was already banned from ranger academy. She hoped she wouldn’t be kicked out of Ans-on either.

  Grand Commander Xills cleared his throat. He looked down at Wildgrass with displeasure. “Captain Inspread.”

  “Please, it’s Wildgrass,” Wildgrass interrupted and glanced up at the all too displeased face of the graying Grand Commander.

  “Captain Inspread,” Grand Commander Xills repeated again. “This mission report is absolute blasphemy; your executed plan could have cost thousands of lives.”

  “It was the only way, sir.” Wildgrass looked up with a fake pleading look in his eyes, the Grand Commander’s frown only deepened.

  “Your plan could have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives—”

  “Okay,” Wildgrass cut him off. “I get it, thousands of lives. With all due respect, Calvin, we all know my life has been utilized on a number of occasions to save Rean and its precious people. Was this a plan on the fly? Yes. Did it endanger thousands of lives? Debatable. Was it our only option?” Wildgrass looked at the Grand Commanders, none of them said a word. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure it was.”

  Grand Commander J’Chives shuffled his paperwork. “We let you fight recklessly for many years Inspread, but this—”

  “Let?” A glare formed behind Wildgrass’ eyes. “As I recall, you found out I was super strong at birth and tested on me and groomed me to be the perfect solider. I’m not sure how much letting was done. Letting implies options, options imply I asked for this…”

  Grand Commander J’Chives shifted in his seat and sighed, but Grand Commander Sanders raised her hand, silencing the group. She was the senior commander, and she sat in her chair looming over the group stoically.

  “I have heard enough. My locale is currently a heaping pile of rubble and our neighbors aren’t fairing any better. Captain Wildgrass Inspread, Captain Odie Noxx, and Ester DuTain, you conspired with an illegal immigrant to stop a plot against our planet. As reckless as that was, you did end up saving all of us from certain destruction. I will excuse your behavior, this one time, but from here on out, I do not care about the sensitivity of the circumstances, you will report to us first if you find yourself in this situation again. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Wildgrass said a little too enthusiastically.

  “With that being said, you are all assigned to one year of restorative duties.” She adjusted her thick lensed glasses.

  “Crap,” Wildgrass groaned as Ester breathed a sigh of relief.

  “You are lucky, Inspread.” Grand Commander Xills interrupted with a disapproving look.

  Wildgrass wanted to stick his tongue out like a child but settled on a grin.

  Grand Commander J’Chives cleared his throat. “Well, we have much work to do, you are all dismissed.”

  “Before you go,” Wildgrass interrupted as Odie and Ester looked at him, “you think you can do something for my friend here? I mean, after all, she did help save the planet.”

  Ester looked at Wildgrass and he smiled. Her breath hitched.

  What was Wildgrass doing? Ester’s heart started to race. They were nearly in the clear.

  “The answer is no,” Grand Commander Xills grunted, “and I don’t need to read minds to know what you are about to ask. We do not need another you in our ranks.”

  “Aww, is that your final answer, Cal?” Wildgrass whined as Grand Commander Xills glared.

  “Okay.” Wildgrass was about to turn and walk away, but stopped. “But, hypothetically?” The Grand Commander was about to blow a blood vessel. “I mean she not only saved us, but she also risked her life—just like any other ranger would do.”

  “Inspread,” Grand Commander Xills growled.

  So much for Wildgrass’ big plan. He didn’t like the idea of Ester becoming a ranger, but it was clear this was where she belonged. She stepped up when the time came and put herself in danger to save the lives of her people. That’s what it really meant to be a ranger, not a flashy title or a powerful weapon. A ranger was someone who stood their ground in the face of danger and even if it took years, Wildgrass would fight to see that Ester walked among them. As he was about to turn around and leave, he heard a ruckus coming from outside the door. Voices raised, building up to shouts, to grunts, then yells. The Grand Commanders looked up as the door started to open.

  “Hey, you can’t—” A guard tried to reach for the intruder but was too slow.

  A head of blond slipped through and threw themselves on the floor before the commanders. Ester gasped as Ang
el bowed then looked up.

  “Please forgive my intrusion, Grand Commanders. I am Ranger Cadet Angel Johnson and I am petitioning you to re-consider Ester DuTain’s expulsion.”

  “What? What order?” Grand Commander Xills barked.

  Grand Commander Sander’s eyes sharpened, but she did not raise her hand to stop Angel, surprising everyone, even Grand Commander J’Chives.

  “By order of the Civil Council,” Angel’s chin stuck out as he spoke loudly. “I have procured all fifty-two signatures, along with forty-five Captain signatures and one-hundred and fifty ranger signatures recommending a special waive of punishment.”

  Wildgrass looked between Odie and Ester. He was impressed. This was a risk, a big risk.

  Angel swallowed hard, but he could not bear to see his friend cast from the very academy she helped save. If there was one thing he learned from his parents, it was there was great power in connections. He knew the minute he got back that he wanted help get Ester back in the academy, and with his parents’ help, he was able to gather over two hundred signatures.

  The Grand Commanders looked at each other as Grand Commander J’Chives waved to a court guard to take the list from Angel.

  Grand Commander Xills was near boiling. “I do not care—”

  “Hold on.” Grand Commandeer J’Chives waved his hand to calm his colleague. He had known Angel since he was a child. He was proud to see him now as a cadet, but even this was out of his hands. “Angel, I’m sorry. I commend your efforts, but we cannot go back on a permanent ban.”

  Angel was shaking, but a hand on his shoulder calmed him. It was Ester, and she was overwhelmed with gratitude. Angel had stood up for her and so did Wildgrass, but it was okay. Even if she couldn’t have the life she dreamed of, she knew she would be happy carving out her own path.

  “Aw, come on,” Wildgrass whined. “that was a lot of signatures. I mean—”

  “I overturn the ban,” Grand Commander Sanders said, bringing the room to silence.

  “Wait, what…” Wildgrass paused mid-sentence and stared at senior Grand Commander Sanders.

  Everyone froze in shock, waiting for someone to make a comment. Grand Commander Sanders took off her glasses and used a soft cloth to clean them and put them back on.

  “Our rangers are comprised of ordinary people who have the courage to stand up and fight against injustice wherever it grows. It is not easy to answer the call when danger is knocking at your door, but to take up arms even at the cost of your life in order to protect the lives of others is the core fundamental in which our military was founded on. This is not something that can be taught. It is instinct, and you, child, have it.” Grand Commander Sanders stood and flattened out the wrinkles in her rode. “Grand Commander J’Chives, Grand Commander Xills, I will be writing in my request to President Le later. Given the circumstances, I believe we can overlook the ban just this once. Now are there any more topics that need to be addressed? I have a lot of paperwork to do and a nation state to help rebuild?”

  No one said a word.

  “Good. Now, if you will excuse us.” Grand Commander Sanders got up and started to leave.

  Ester was frozen in place as the others whispered congratulations and cheers in her ear. Grand Commander Sanders stopped before exiting and turned around.

  “I hope you will make better choices this time around, DuTain. This is a rare exception, and it would be wise of you not to take it for granted.”

  Ester stood up straight, chin pointed out, hands clasped behind her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Grand Commander J’Chives smiled and stood as well. “You can count on my recommendation. I think you’ll make a fine ranger.” He smiled at Ester then turned to Angel. The commander scrolled through Angel’s impressive number of signatures. “And are you sure you don’t want to become a civil councilor?”

  “No, sir. My place is on the battlefield with my comrades.” Angel stood proud.

  Grand Commander J’Chive chuckled. “Okay, very well, you take care now.”

  Angel bowed. “You do the same, Grand Commander.”

  Grand Commander Xills stood and cast a glare at the group.

  “Oh, and thanks, Cal,” Wildgrass shouted. The Commander growled and ignored him.

  The group watched the Grand Commander’s exit, and the doors were opened for them to leave.

  “Holy cow, that was close!” Wildgrass grabbed Angel by the shoulders. “You got some balls on you for that one, kid!”

  Angel blushed.

  Odie chuckled and turned to Wildgrass. “Look who’s talking. Calvin is going to have you killed one day.”

  “Aww, he loves me, and he knows it.” Wildgrass laughed.

  Ester hung back as the voices of her friends started to fade. Was this real? Was this actually real? Her heart wouldn’t take it if she were to wake up in her bed right now and this all be a dream. Odie and Wildgrass’ laughter stirred her back to reality. She rushed to catch up with everyone.

  “Angel, I…” Ester could barely form the words.

  “Don’t mention it,” Angel said, “I just did what any cute boy would do for his best friend.” He smiled brightly.

  Ester looked him in the eyes, tears threatening to break loose. She sniffled then burst out into laughter. “Does your cuteness have any limits?”

  Wildgrass smirked in amusement and watched the two friends enjoy their moment. He knew they would face many tough trials ahead, but at least they had each other.

  “Okay, okay,” Wildgrass said as he broke up their little moment. “I have an angry husband to get home to, so I’m going to need ya’ll to wrap this up.”

  Angel whined as Ester pulled him along. Ester was glad to see that this whole conflict was over. All she wanted to do was rest. There would be plenty time to fix things later.

  Chapter Thirty

  Ester sat in her room on her bed as guests flooded in and out of her apartment. It was a month after the attack, and she was lucky her apartment was still standing in one piece. Angel was throwing her a little party; it was a nice break from the clean-up taking place all of over the state. The city was in ruins and all cadet classes were postponed for reconstruction, but Ester had no doubt things would be up and running in no time. There were already hover screens floating in the sky, but this time advertising shelters and places to apply for aid.

  Ester fingered the tiny projector she had gotten from the game center. The device turned on, projecting the picture Ester and Pisces took in their outfits from the dress-up game. It was the only picture of Pisces she had. Ester smiled at the Reanian form Pisces wore. It was funny seeing her without her mid-night blue fur, but at least it showed her beautiful silver blue eyes and her soft smile. Ester heard a loud laugh, and she guessed it was time to head back to the party. Ester walked out of her room wearing a new lilac and lavender ride suit. She saw Sal in the back talking to InyOuty and Angel fussing over the food table. Ester scanned the room for Wildgrass, but she couldn’t find him. She walked into the den when a body slammed into her. Ester jumped and looked down to see Gar, his eyes brimming with tears.

  “Gah! You can’t be leaving! You can’t!” he whined.

  “Gar,” Ester wrapped her arms around him, but he turned away.

  “You moved here and just like that you’re going to move away. You’re gonna turn out to be just like those kids in my class and forget about us.”

  “Gar, I would never do that, and besides, I’m not leaving anytime soon. I meant what I said. I want to be the first in line to one of your new buildings. So you better do well in school and make your aunt and your parents proud,” Ester said. “Can you do that for me?”

  Gar’s lip quivered. “I-I’m going to do better than that. I’m going to be the greatest architect the world as ever seen.”

  Ester smiled and rubbed his head. “You better.”

  She hugged him tight and continued her search for Wildgrass. She hoped he hadn’t left. In the kitchen, her boss from the market bellowed a
s he lifted his drink to her. He had been kind enough to donate food to families in need. Ester was grateful for that. She smiled back at him and slipped out the front door into hall. She didn’t see him but was surprised the find Chargie lounging on the floor.

  “Hey, Chargie, you think you can do me a favor?” she asked, and the dog lifted up his head and wigged his tail. “Can you find Wildgrass for me?”

  The dog barked and stood up slowly. He turned his head down the hall then looked back at Ester. She knew what to do. Chargie led her to the stairs and pawed at the door.

  “Down here?”

  Chargie wagged his tail. Ester opened the door and Chargie took off down the three flights of stairs to the lobby.

  “Chargie, hold up,” Ester said as Chargie walked through the sliding doors. “Chargie?”

  She looked outside and found Chargie sniffing and bouncing around Wildgrass, who was sitting on a crate outside of her apartment.

  “Trying to ditch my party?” Ester folded her arms.

  Wildgrass looked up. “I would never.” he turned to Chargie. “Wait a minute. Did you do this?”

  Chargie tilted his head and panted then settled at Wildgrass’ feet.

  “I hope I’m not keeping you,” Ester said. “You can leave if you need to.”

  “Nah,” Wildgrass leaned back into the building. “Can’t anyways. I’m stuck on clean up duty, remember?”

  “Oh yeah,” Ester said. She was assigned to clean up duty too, but she didn’t mind.

  Ester watched Wildgrass stare at the street. He was still very much the hero she remembered him as, but there was something on her mind that she wanted to ask.

  “Hey, Wildgrass?”

  “Yeah?” He looked up at her.

  “Why did you decide to quit the Rean Coalition of Rangers?”

  Wildgrass paused, then stretched out his arms. “I left because it wasn’t the place for me.”

  “I don’t understand. You were the best ranger we ever had.”

  Wildgrass smirked. “In this world, there’s always going to be something that needs saving, be it a space station or planet, but even with all that going on, you can’t forget about yourself. You can’t be afraid to take charge of your life and make decisions that are best for you, even if others are hurt by it. I left because I found something greater.”