Stellar fusion, p.28
Stellar Fusion, page 28
part #1 of Infinite Spark Series
You’ll survive, she said without hesitation. Awesome is hardly the right word for it.
How do you know?
Her hands ground the pestle harder and faster. “Because, Azure has three of them.” He got them protecting me the night of the rescue.
You two were together then?
Yes. Our holding cells were across from one another, in testing. Atana finished folding the paste in the mortar.
No wonder he doesn’t like me.
Why would he not like you? Azure is like us.
He doesn’t. Trust me. He laid his shirt across his knees and tore it into several strips.
Is that why you punched him in the face? Because you’re fighting?
Bennett grimaced. Maybe.
Inspecting the mix for consistency she asked, Over what?
One of his cheeks tensed. You.
Jameson, her voice condescended, until she saw the pained look in his eyes. Resting the pestle, her shoulders dropped. Fighting over me, that’s…it’s…futile. Ridiculous. Against Rule One. I’m probably not a shepherd after tonight anyway, so I’ll never see you again.
He shook his head lethargically. His muscles had stiffened in an attempt to protect the injured area.
We both fight for you, Bennett clarified. Not over you. And Command won’t retire or dismiss you. You’re their most valued asset. My only mission was…
She listened in shock. To protect me? Not to save the people?
“Yeah, well you first, then the people.”
“Those priorities are no issue now.” Her lips pursed. Everything is different. Command’s going to need to rework our mission, codes, lots of things.
A wave of relief swept over him. She was so perfect: strong but gentle, hardheaded but compassionate. He couldn’t understand how she kept it all straight.
Scooping with two fingers, she gingerly packed the paste into the severely blistered surface of his wound. Atana whispered the prayer she had heard Saema say over Azure in her vision, while she finished applying the last of the medicine.
Bennett strained his neck, holding in a cry that begged at him, the stinging and burning sensations shooting up his shoulder. His arms tensed, controlling the urge to pull away.
Shh, just breathe. “It must disinfect first before you can begin to heal.” Her voice was comforting amidst the thunderstorm in his mind.
Nakio, why are you doing this for me?
She took the strips of his shirt and wrapped up his arm, tying a few small knots at the ends. Because you’re hurt and because I… She stopped herself. A pair of dog tags lay between the packed muscles of his chest, reflecting the pale starlight. You’ve always had my back, despite how hard I’ve been on you.
With the pain gradually subsiding, breath filled his lungs again. Why’d you hesitate? That’s not like you.
He tracked the movements of her darkening waves in the breeze when she turned away. Atana refocused on the jar she had set on the flat rock, searching for a subject change.
“You know only a handful of Command are human?” She heard him scoff but didn’t look. “Yeah, six are Xahu’ré. A couple are Mirramor, like Saema Chamarel, and Primvera, like Rimsan. A few others I don’t know about yet.”
“You’re serious.” He stared wide-eyed at her. No shit. Our planet is run by aliens. “Jesus, I had no idea. I thought they seemed too calm about us working together.” It’s an honor, the pilot had said to Azure. Bet he’s Xahu’ré.
“He is.”
Bennett jumped. Damn, can’t think without you getting in my head, can I?
Nope.
They laughed for the first time together, and the sounds intertwined so pleasantly, they both grew awkwardly still.
A deep-rooted envy swept over him, for the breeze playing in her waves, the starlight caressing her bare skin, and the frayed edge of the dress resting over the long, strong legs she had to keep crossed.
Bennett cleared his throat. “So, uh, why are you telling me this?”
“We all have our secrets.” She shrugged.
He bared his teeth nervously. “Speaking of, I uh, heard you mumbling in your sleep about Lavrion again. You think he’s up here somewhere?
“I don’t know. He was picked up on Earth in my district.”
Bennett bobbed his head. “Most of the collectors have yet to return, or so the perimeter guards are reporting. Maybe we can look for…”
My brother.
His chest warmed, realizing she had interest in family after all. “I will be certain to help look for him as the ships dock.”
“Thank you, Jameson.” Picking up the jar, she spun it mindlessly in her palm with her fingers. Her lips pursed.
Nakio, what’s on your mind? Be straight with me. Please.
Placing the lid on the jar, she wiped her hands on her dress and sighed. In one week I’ve seen in you what it takes years to see in others. You’re resilient. You break rules, for the right reasons. And…
Her eyes drifted out across the fields. She thought back to pounding on the glass between them, the desperation when she realized he was crumpled on the interrogation floor beside her. She’d screamed his name, not wanting him to give up. Her world was upside down. She hadn’t even thought of Azure. She’d felt only the fear in her rise with the Warruk’s glaive.
The growl, she’d prayed to the stars it was his. And when all hope and light were lost to the darkness of the twilight that followed, the dimension between life and death, it was the heat from his hand giving her something to anchor her soul to—a golden tether to life.
Bennett blinked, confused at the moving images flashing in his mind—her hands against the wrong side of the glass, her voice screeching in his ears, the sparking yellow nebula of yarn wrapped around her fingers.
It wasn’t the right angle. He didn’t see it himself. His eyes widened when he finally put it all together.
You’re an honorable shepherd who sees beyond Command’s mission, to our true purpose. Everything about you…I just…I love— “Thank you for saving me from myself,” she blurted and hopped up from the bench to leave.
His good hand snatched her wrist.
Wait, I don’t understand. Bennett was astounded. His heart fluttered clumsily in his chest. Love?
She cringed.
“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?” He released his grip.
“No.” She sighed. Reluctantly, she slumped back on the bench, gently palpating the bandages once more on his arm to ensure they were sufficient, knowing she’d failed to escape the consequences of her impulsive thought. “Azure and I have just been together since we were kids. I can’t change that.”
He caught a glimmer of water in her luminous eyes. It squeezed his heart, with its tiny hopeful fingers.
Nakio, it’s okay. You two are something together no human could ever become with you. Taking her hand in his, his thumb rubbed across her marred knuckles. Long as you know I care, in ways I can’t quite explain.
You deserve better, Jameson. A good man like you deserves much better. She caught a sparkle of light from the shiny, metal pieces around his neck. Leaning toward him, she reached out, grasping the dog tags, her fingers brushing his bare skin. Spreading the two apart, her insides knotted.
Gold
Chapter 63
POINT OF INFLECTION.
Azure opened his eyes to find his arms empty. He sprang up searching the hut. Sahara! Glancing out the front door, he saw them in the distance. His heartbeat subdued, leaving only his stomach sick.
Atana covered her mouth so Bennett wouldn’t see the tremble in her lips.
They were my father’s. He forced out a momentary smile. Please, don’t tell anyone.
His father’s? Her eyes squeezed shut, trying to sort her confusion inside for a moment before the words came out. He was on the rescue mission that saved us and took us back to Earth, brought me back. Gave his life defending—
That’s not what they told me. Bennett interjected with a frown.
Her fingers wiped the moisture from her cheeks. Who?
Command, when I joined UP. They said he got drunk one night after a failed mission and got in a fatal bar fight when someone found out who he worked for.
No. Her eyes narrowed. He fought beside Sensei. I saw him, Jameson. I’m the one that grabbed these tags. I remember this number. She pointed to the code stamped at the top.
“What’s going on?” Azure surveyed Bennett’s shirtless form.
Atana looked up, gesturing toward the bandages. “He’s injured. I was caring for his burn.”
Bennett was lost, deceived by the organization he had fought so hard for. He stood, grabbing his jacket and receiver from the rock behind him. “I’ll leave you two alone. Sorry to bother you, Nakio.”
Atana sensed his distress and hopped up from the bench, grasping his forearms. “Jameson, you will make it through this.”
Her head tilted, plagued with frustration, seeing another undeserving soul in distress.
I wish I could’ve done more for him. I will check on your arm in the morning, okay? She gave his forearms a squeeze, releasing temporary endorphins into his system, momentarily calming the sting. Get some rest.
Acknowledging her words, Bennett returned her kindness but not the warmth in her gaze. It’s good to see you healthy and to have you still here, with us. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
His dispirited steps moved him around the other side of the hut, to the bunk room assigned to the team for the night. One more glance at her curves, now shadowed by Azure’s massive structure, and Bennett shuffled through the doorway. He did a double take at one of the beds, finding Josie snuggled up to a shirtless Panton, his arm, with a bicep bigger than her neck, wrapped around her, their boots paired up beneath. Bennett slumped down on an empty cot.
Tanner was awake, his bed head-to-head with Bennett’s. “They’ve been like that all night.”
Bennett buried his face in his hands. “Yeah, don’t worry about it. Everything’s crazy up here. We’ve all been a little impulsive.”
“Boss, can I…” Tanner paused, considering the effects of saying what he wanted. It seemed like an injustice to his leader, something he was trained to resist. “I think Nakio, I… I mean Sergeant Atana, cares about you more than she lets on. I mean, I know we’re shepherds and rules are ru…rules, but all of this changes everything.”
“Remmi, why are you stuttering? You never do that. You get hit in the head?”
“What? No, sir. Just a…a couple of slices, some singed hair. Cutter dislocated his shoulder. Snapped it back in himself.”
“Okay, so come on, team rule, buddy. What are you—”
“I met a butterfly.” Tanner’s face scrunched. “A girl.”
Bennett sighed and flumped back on his cot. A butterfly? Must be Primvera.
“I didn’t want to say anything, B.”
“It’s okay. I’m happy for you, Remmi.”
“She’s got me all tongue-tied.” Tanner fidgeted, replaying the moment he’d clumsily handed her the flower. She’d literally shocked him before breaking out in giggles. He felt his face flush. “I know you care about Nakio. So why—”
“What am I supposed to do?” The bandages shifted when Bennett stretched his arms over his head. His bare skin itched from the rough texture of the fibrous blanket beneath. He was too tired and distraught to care. “I’m a shepherd. And she and Azure are together, have been for ages.” He took a deep breath and let it out through his nose, trying to control his frustration. “I’m not right for her anyway.”
“What? Of course you are, B. Don’t talk like that.”
Bennett mumbled, rolling over to face the wall. “She isn’t human. No matter what I want, she will always be better off with someone who can relate.”
Tanner spoke low, staring at the ceiling. “You deserve to be happy too.” He glanced over at Bennett’s outline in the dark and sighed. “The only reason I’m here to say that is because of you.”
. . .
Atana watched his silhouette enter the hut, his aching and defeated soul letting his strong shoulders slump forward. Bennett’s father was on the rescue mission. He and Sensei were partners. He was the one killed by the three Suanoa at the end. Do you remember him?
Vaguely, why? Azure asked, unsure of the premise for her question.
Do you think he was human? she asked, picking up her supplies and walking back into the hut.
Azure followed beside her. Why are you asking this? Ma said Bennett was human.
Then why has he been talking to us, like us? Atana set the bowl down wearily and placed the mortar, pestle, and jar on the shelf with shaking hands.
You need to rest. Wrapping an arm around her waist and one under her legs, he picked her up and carried her to the bed. He smiled, setting her delicately on the blankets. You must let everyone else take care of themselves for a change.
Through the cracks in the woven twig wall, Bennett could see Azure climb over Atana and cradle her body from behind, illuminated by the pale light streaming in from the doorway. Hopelessness welled inside as he saw what he wanted held close by another, just out of his grasp.
Propping himself up on one elbow, Azure drew away the darkened waves of her hair, exposing her soft skin, and nuzzled her neck. She leaned back, into him, with a smile. Their lips connected, the tip of her nose pressing against his cheek.
Bennett’s brows narrowed, the golden colors of his hazel-brown eyes glistening despite the shadows. Seeing Azure’s head lift, he forced his eyes shut.
When Azure looked down at the woman in his arms, he found she had fallen asleep and smiled.
“Susse lianar im mora viiar. Sweet dreams and moon beams,” he whispered.
Chapter 64
A GOLDEN HAZE invaded Atana’s dreamland. A burnt-orange and black feather appeared through the mist, floating down from the cloudy skies. She followed it, not used to this type of peaceful vision. The feather drifted out and onto the railing of a balcony, despite the wind blowing her charcoal waves around. Picking it up gently, she spun it in circles, admiring its elegant structure.
“This is not a dream, Nakio,” a deep voice demurred.
Looking past the feather, she discerned a man standing beside her. He appeared and sounded familiar. “Jameson?”
“It was my name.” He nodded. “The man you speak of is my son.”
“Oh, sir, I…” she stammered in realization of who she stood beside. “I never had a chance to thank you.”
An explosion from the rocks below made her cast her gaze over the side to find burning pieces of a wooden structure sinking into the cold, white-crested waves pounding the cliffs. “What am I doing here?”
“This is one view of what could be,” he replied, morose. His aureate eyes fixated on her. “It is my duty to guide the universe in its quest for balance. I am its prospector. To the universe, the powerful life forms—those with the most energy inside their hearts—are its gold. I am here with a message for you.”
“For me?” Atana’s brows lifted.
“Yes. You understand the complexities of the mind, of communicating with others and sharing visions. You also possess the ability to sort scattered thoughts and memories. It is imperative you take care of my son. He does not yet know he is no longer human, not after today. You must be his guide.”
“If he isn’t human, then what is he?”
“He is a prospector-in-training. My father was a prospector and his father before him. My son will replace me, eventually. He is not ready yet. He must be ready when the time comes.”
Atana’s eyes jumped around, attempting to rationalize what was happening.
The prospector smiled. “You must have faith in yourself and in him. He needs both of you.”
“Both?” She raked her bangs back and rubbed her eyes with a groan. “But they fight.”
“I know.” The man laughed. She frowned. “He doesn’t think so, but you two are his true family. His team members will not understand his strength of heart the way you will. Your attention, however, he will need the most.”
Atana hesitated. His tone implied something she was unwilling to give. “I can’t do that. I won’t.”
“Why not? It is what the universe requires.”
“Sure, you’re his father. No one wants to see their family unhappy.”
The vibrant mandarin and red-black wings on his back twitched, like a human’s shoulders when flustered and guilty. With feet firmly planted, he tilted his head. “You do not want to see my son unhappy either.”
“I…” He’s figured you out.
“I am aware of your relationship with Azure,” he admitted. Sensing her inner conflict, he released a subtle breath through his nose. “You are not expected to love my son the way you do Azure. But the universe knows there is a fire in you for him.”
She huffed. “Love is a bond. Lust is a…a human weakness, a symptom.”
“He doesn’t deserve to be alone. Inside, I think you know this. The universe has given you a mission, of which he is a crucial part. You have won this single battle, but are now part of a war that was only a dream to the survivors. The Suanoa must be brought to justice. Without my son, you will fail.”
“Why not someone like Imara? She is strong, telepathic, and a beautiful Xahu’ré miia.”
The prospector shook his head.
“There must be another better suited for such a task,” Atana stated defiantly.
Catching the pained scrunch of eyebrows on the man’s face, she realized what a spitting image Sergeant Bennett was of his father: the angle of his dark brows when he frowned or focused, the full lips that could set the world on fire with just a twitch of a smile, and the tuft of bangs in the center that seemed to defy gravity no matter their length.
Her voice softened. “Why does it have to be me?”
“You were chosen because of your heart,” he replied. “In time you will understand.”
“What about Azure?”
The prospector opened his mouth to respond but was cut short. Hearing a door slide open, she spun, feeling for her knife, expecting something else and someone else.
