* * *
There was an air of static excitement aboard the Admiral Lonche’s’ departure deck. Work crews hustled to finish last minute duties, delivering final supplies or concluding other needed tasks. Darla stood near a loading tube, running down a checklist, comparing it to the items on the four dollies waiting delivery to the Shikkeron. She was nearly finished with inspecting the third cart when a cheerful voice called out her name. Looking up, she saw Jebbson’s smiling face. “There you are, my dear…er…Colonel Adaya.” He grinned at his pretend attempt to correct some minor impropriety.
Darla paid little attention, caring even less for needless formalities than Jebbson. She set her checklist down and opened her arms, collecting her friend in a warmhearted embrace, finishing with a tender kiss on his lips. Stepping back, she asked, “So is my charge ready for departure and has he found his accommodations acceptable?”
Jebbson was unusually debonair in his reply. “Colonel, your charming presence fills my heart with such joy. If there had been any complaints, they are forgotten.”
Darla studied Mihai’s staff officer. The gentlemanly suit in which he was customarily attired had been replaced with a light gray military uniform trimmed in black. He wore no kepi or jacket, but he did have those complements in his tiny cabin, along with an officer’s rapier. Still he was not unarmed. Holstered high on his side was a weapon he claimed was copied from one worn by Marine officers from his old world. It was a rather stubby, large bore hand gun that used bullets made of similar materials as those found in the shotgun he carried at the Prisoner Exchange.
In earlier conversation with Darla, he had described this side arm as a ‘clip-fed semiautomatic’, meaning that the weapon would discharge as rapidly as one could pull on the trigger located at the bottom base of the breach. When asked about it, Jebbson had said, ‘Its design came from the Colt 1911, used very effectively against suicide attacks in the last big war back home.’ He then added, grinning, ‘It’s been told, ‘God created all men, but Colonel Colt made ‘em equal’.’ laughing as he patted the weapon.
Darla looked up from the Colt, remembering all too well just how effective such a weapon could be, exclaiming, “It looks like you’ve come loaded for bear!”
Jebbson laughed, responding, “You do remember little sayings quite well…quite well.” He changed the subject to matters pertinent to his current assignment. When satisfied that all was in order, he mentioned, “By the by, your admiral fellow, what’s his name…” he winked, “wants to see you ‘fore we leave. Sounded important to me. He’s in the captain’s lounge, going over some business. Said to tell you to come right in and interrupt. Acted serious about it...”
Darla’s face clouded in curiosity and concern. She had been with Euroaquilo ever since the Shikkeron rejoined the task force and had only departed his company this morning after the two had lingered, stealing for each other whatever last fleeting moments existed before departure. He was planning to see her off, but now he wished for her to meet with him in a more private place, secure from other ears and eyes. Her head sank in thought as she pondered such implications.
Observing, Jebbson offered, “Look, you go see what’s up and I’ll finish this stuff here.”
Darla thanked him, showing what needed to be checked and how she was doing the inventory. Giving Jebbson a kiss on the cheek, she darted off to find answers to now troubling questions.
The elevators were slow and the crowds exceptionally heavy. At least that’s how it felt to Darla. Eventually she reached the opened door to the captain’s lounge. Somewhat apprehensive, the woman entered. Instantly, she was greeted by Euroaquilo’s hearty, warm salutation. He motioned for her to follow as he turned and picked up a package on the table. The two disappeared into the captain’s inner office and Euroaquilo closed the panel behind them.
Euroaquilo sat and asked Darla to take a chair beside him. His demeanor took on a gravity the girl had seldom seen in this man. He wasted little time getting to the point. “You and I are coming to a parting of the ways. I fear that it may be many long days before we shall again sing to each other our gentle love songs. The winds of change cause the clouds to gather in front of my eyes, and I cannot see where the journey goes beyond them.”
Darla reached out, stroking the side of Euroaquilo’s bearded face, unable to understand the melancholy reflected in his eyes. “My Lord, do not fear my loss. I shall keep myself safe from harm. Trust me, I will be cautious.”
A sad smile grew on Euroaquilo’s face. ‘What a wondrous person,’ he thought. Looking into her eyes, he observed an innocence so childlike and carefree. Could he tell her of his recent dream? Would she even understand?
Euroaquilo closed his eyes but a moment, yet it was sufficient to recall the vision of the night. There, in the shadow of blackness, Darla was tumbling, ever tumbling into a fathomless void. Suddenly, the bony talons of some giant, winged beast appeared, rising up from the darkness below, spreading wide as they neared the girl, seeking to entrap her in their grasp. Out of the gloom, like some monster from the foaming depths, a hideous, horned dragon with a gaping mouth filled with dagger-like teeth rose to devour the naked child. Just as its talons began to close around her, the vision ended. Euroaquilo had bolted upright in bed, his heart pounding. He shook himself awake and reached over with his hand, letting out a quiet sigh when he felt Darla’s arm. She still rested peacefully beside him, her rhythmic breathing chasing the nightmare away.
He pondered the moment, wondering if any meaning lay hidden in the things he had seen. As he did, the memory of this woman’s presence on the bridge of the DusmeAstron the day they departed for the Prisoner Exchange filled his mind. Suddenly, silent words spoken then came back to him. ‘It rests in your hands...’ No, it would be better to leave the dream hidden in the mist of his night visions, at least for now, until he came to grasp its full meaning. Euroaquilo cupped his hand over Darla’s and gave a nod. “Yes, I’m sure you will be most careful.” He bent forward and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Clearing his mind of the previous visions, Euroaquilo introduced other needed business. “It’s good that you have Ardon traveling with you. Use him in whatever way serves your needs best. I believe he can be trusted with your darkest thoughts and dreams. The man will not betray you, even to yourself.”
Darla’s frown produced deep furrows between her eyebrows. Euroaquilo understood and explained, “Ardon is an honest enough man to reveal the tricks your mind might play on itself, tricks that could delude you into making wrong choices. You need to carefully listen to the things he tells you.” His voice became grave. “Continue to share your dreams, your secret ones, with him. He does love you, you know. He really is very fond of you. That is something you must never forget. Your future may well depend on your trust of him.”
Darla did not argue. Love her? She had trouble believing that. Love him? Never! Not at least the way she did others like Euroaquilo or Jebbson. But she would try to be more polite and kind. After all, she did really care for his well-being. And he had carried himself as a good officer on his recent tour of duty. In fact, it was for these very reasons she had requested his elevation in rank. Or was it more?
The girl thought about it a moment. He had changed. No, they both had changed. Not only had their dream-shares protected her those many nights before returning to the fleet, but also part of each other’s soul – spirit - had been exchanged. Darla was beginning to see into Ardon’s heart and he into hers. She wouldn’t call what she now felt ‘love’, but there was a warm feeling growing within her and, for some obscure reason, she actually had a desire to be with him again.
Euroaquilo broke into her deep thoughts. “I am very pleased with Mihai’s choice of that Jebbson fellow. He’s an outstanding man, hasn’t lived much more than the lifespan of those in the Second Realm, but possesses wisdom greater than many of our brothers. You can trust
him to not cut and run in a fight. Seems he likes a good one almost as much as you...” He took a finger and pushed Darla’s nose. “Almost as much as you!”
Darla couldn’t help but giggle. The first day Euroaquilo was introduced to her, she was little more than a babe. While playing on his lap, he had teased her about the ‘beauty of her button nose’ and then he pushed it, like he had just done. In all her years growing up, far into her late twenties, he would do the same, especially when leaving for a journey. The girl frowned, “You’re not going away, are you?”
Euroaquilo cupped Darla’s face in his giant hands and looked deep into her eyes. “Going away? My DusmeAstron, not if I have any say in the matter. But you and I must depart and take separate roads for awhile. I don’t know when those roads will deliver us together again. May they eventually lead us to the peaceful fields of the Crescent Moons.”
“Please!” Darla’s worry erupted. “Don’t speak to me of such sadness!” The song, ‘Enchantress’ Parting’ echoed its ominous, haunting refrains in her mind. She became lost in the moment with its words.
“Who runs upon the heathered hills,
Hidden by the shadowed moon so daunting?
'Tis the fleeting glimpse of the one I love,
For whose touch so long my heart has wanted.
Though I reach out to hold and soft caress,
And kiss with my lips in sweet tenderness,
The fleeting shadow runs ever on,
And leaves me hearing its haunting song.
Be off! Be off! For from the day I flee.
I go where you shall not follow me.
For I ride upon the crystal night,
Into the darkness, far from the blazing light,
Into a world cold and gray,
So very, very far away.
Do not fear me gone, nor mourn my loss.
I rest for now in cool, damp moss.
But my heart still will linger near…
Close to the lover I hold so dear,
So close, my love, its beat you’ll hear.
So close, dear lover, its beat you’ll hear.
My heart will journey again in peace,
For now it has heard the song once more,
Of the heart it so dearly loves.
The days may be many and the hours long,
But, when together again, we’ll sing love’s song.
May the hour come soon,
When we shall not depart,
The golden fields of the Crescent Moon.”
Darla shivered. “A chill wind ever blows upon my heart. Do not speak of such an evil day, for my heart cannot - should never bide such sorrow.”
Euroaquilo apologized for disturbing Darla, then cautioned. “My Dusme, we are but the dust driven about by the winds of the storm. Where we settle down is not often our choice to make, but we decide our own fate once placed there. For myself, I choose never to leave your side. I am jealous over you and wish for you to be forever mine and mine alone.”
He smiled while reaching down to take her hands, shaking his head. “But you and I know that is not the way it is to be. Me? I am but one of your mentors who has come into your life. There will be many more. Each of them you will eventually come to love with the same or even greater passion than you have for me. We shall one day part, not by my desire, but it is the way it must be. Something will find its way between us. Then you will have to move on to another who will lead you further along your road of destiny.” Euroaquilo squeezed Darla’s hands.
She let go and clutched Euroaquilo’s arms, desperation welling up in her heart. “No! No! I cannot live without you! To be parted is one thing, for I can still seek you out. Mother knows I will die if you should leave for unreachable places. Promise me you will not murder your child, the one entrusted to you!”
Euroaquilo frowned, asking, “How can I promise you what is not mine to offer? We cannot add one cubit to our life span. Should the hourglass fall from the hook, will it not shatter? Who will save it in that moment? I cannot give life to you or myself.”
In growing panic, the girl cried, “Then kill me now! Take my heart from its home and consume it into yourself. Allow me to dwell with your spirit, for there I will rest in comfort and peace.”
Euroaquilo was gentle, but his words were opaque and scolding. “That’s enough of such folly! You’re a child of the evening, knowing not good or bad. Listen and learn! You have been given to me, a father over you, to raise you up and teach you to become who you are destined to be. Have my efforts been wasted on a stupid girl, or have you learned from my wisdom? We stand on the edge of all matters. The Fates may swing life either way. Do you not understand the purpose of the One who has gathered us to this place? We obey the song of another, you and me. Our souls we gave away long ago. Do you wish to take yours back and recant your sacrifice?”
His words struck the girl like a lightning bolt on a clear day. Shamed, Darla turned her head away. Feeling as she had that day the two stood aboard the DusmeAstron, the child begged, “Forgive me, Mother, for dumb and blind I entered into this world, and dumb and blind I remain.”
Euroaquilo’s huge arms encircled the woman, pressing her close so that she rested her ear on his chest. For several moments, she listened to the quiet rhythm of his heart. Finally, the girl muttered, “Oh, my darling, why does love hurt so? I feel so empty when you’re absent. How will I survive should tragedy consume the one I love?”
After allowing some time for Darla to calm her heart, Euroaquilo began to explain. Still holding her tight, he revealed, “You are but a child of this New Age. What is that, maybe six millennia? I have seen star systems come and go and have come to love many people almost as much as I do you. In this war, I have watched some of them leave for the Field of the Minds, and their broken bodies I have buried in the sands of Time. To survive, I must not think them gone, but only sleeping until I make a new home for them - a place where they will not be at risk from harm again. It keeps me sane to think that way, when I consign others to the fires of Hell.”
He released his hold and gently pushed Darla back to arm’s length, his misty eyes peering into hers as he smiled caringly. “You are a colonel now. Your mouth will consign many to those same fires. No longer will you only kill the enemy, you will also slaughter your friend and lover. That’s your job. You accepted it. They now call you ‘Adaya, Queen of the Darkness and of the Blood’. Do you think Commodore General Planetee’s vision regarding you was given her for entertainment? No, no, my dear one. Destiny rings it bells clear for you. Your journey’s end is still far in the distance.”
“And what of your destiny?” Darla anxiously quizzed. “What song do the bells give you?”
Euroaquilo laughed. “Depend on me! Should I have to go, it will not be quietly!” Grinning and waving his arms about, he continued, “I will light up the heavens in my wrath and set it ablaze in flaming glory! Friend and foe will be consumed in my rage and I will ignite storm’s fury!” Then nodding, he mused, “They will write songs about me. ‘Euroaquilo, the Stormwind!’ I think that very fitting for a man of my name and stature.”
“‘And the mountains did shake and oceans rolled,
As the rage of Stormwind in fury did blow!’”
He laughed again. “Well, I guess I’ll leave such song writing to those with some talent.”
Darla couldn’t help but laugh with Euroaquilo. This giant of a man had such power over her heart. He could bring joy to it on the gloomiest occasions. She reached out and hugged him with all her strength. It felt good, so good. The woman wished this moment would never end. It was not to be.
Euroaquilo interrupted her dreamy desires. “We have other business to discuss, and time is ever fleeting.” He politely backed away and reached over to pick up the package that had been placed on a nearby desk. Extending it toward Darla, his eyes began to twinkle. “This is from Mother. She says you
inadvertently left it aboard your ship after the Prisoner Exchange. She also adds that it needed some mending, so she fixed it up a bit.”
Darla’s face filled with a curiosity that only grew while she opened the package. After unwrapping many layers of silken paper covered with artfully styled runes and colored pictures, she pulled out a sheathed blade of most astounding beauty. There is little need to describe this weapon in detail, for many can attest to its workmanship and grandeur. Its name is ‘Phulakee’, the ‘Watcher’, and it sits encased in a column of solid crystal that separates the two entrance doors to the War Museum at Poorhs, in the southern district of Oros, across from the Muushange River Landing. It is said the dagger’s Cherub guards the treasures found there so that no one without authority may touch the relics resting within the museum.
(Author’s note: For those who have not seen it, let these few words suffice: Its general appearance is closest to that of a falcata. The blade has a single, sharp edge with a crescent-shaped back that curves down toward a sharp point. The blade grows bulbous for a third of its way back from its point, narrowing in breadth in a reverse radius sweep until meeting the handle. There is no noticeable quillon, the blade being full tang with a gold, jewel-inlaid hilt. The flat handle is made of two primary parts riveted together through the tang that is sandwiched between them. The blade length is that of a long cubit, the combined length with the handle being slightly longer than that of a man’s forearm, from elbow to the end of the middle finger.
The scabbard’s appearance is plain and ordinary - black leather encasing acacia wood, modestly trimmed in chrysolite and gold. Yet it always feels warm to the touch, even in the coldest weather. Adaya has described it as ‘comforting, like a companion giving solace on a bitter eve’. I trust her word, for no other soul save Lowenah, its Creator, has had the power to possess or wield the weapon.)
Darla’s eyes were bedazzled by the dagger’s beauty. It drew her hand toward the hilt, begging her to release the blade from its prison. She wrapped her fingers around the grip and instinctively pulled the short sword free.
At first, she saw the distinctive blue-green flame of a derker blade, except the fire pulsated with a more intense energy. Suddenly, a white-hot flame within the metal itself roared to life, its ghostly energy moving excitedly up and down the length of the weapon. Darla stared in disbelief. She spoke, aghast, “It’s the angel of God in it!” Her eyes became transfixed upon the fire. The smoldering light pulsated up and down in a harmonic rhythm that was almost hypnotic. The girl gasped, “It sings to me a lullaby, soothing to my soul! It comforts my spirit.”
Euroaquilo reached out to examine the dagger more closely. With a crackling hiss, the fire jumped to life, static flame shooting out from the blade in his direction. “It bit me!” He cried, quickly withdrawing his hand, examining his fingers.
Darla was at first shocked and then a smile grew on her face. She stood as if listening to some song or soft cooing. Finally, she requested, “Do be good and let the kind man have a look at you.” Again she listened and then handed the weapon, hilt first, toward Euroaquilo, offering, “Go ahead. It won’t hurt you now.”
Cautiously, Euroaquilo, the admiral of the Third Fleet and protector of the territories, reached out and accepted the blade. Instantly, the fire departed and the blue-green flame died. Still he could feel the presence of someone or something not taking kindly to his touch. He quickly studied the engravings and examined the bejeweled handle, then handed it back to Darla. “It was meant for you.” He remarked, somewhat humbled and still smarting from the experience. “You’re its master. Whatever it is, it’s not really too fond of me.”
The blue-green flame jumped back to life and the pulsing, static fire returned to its merry dance. Darla again concentrated on the blade as if in conversation. After some time, she looked up at Euroaquilo and exclaimed, “Its name is ‘Phulakee’. It is my Cherub, sent to protect me until I stand in the ‘light of God’…whatever that means.” She reached out with her left hand to touch the blade.
Euroaquilo started, “Do be care…” He was shocked at how she fondled it, running her fingers along the sharp edge, lovingly stroking it as though it was alive.
Darla grinned mischievously. “Watch this...” With that, she turned the blade, point first, and drove it into her heart. Euroaquilo let out a cry. But Darla did not fall in death. She laughed and slowly pulled the blade away.
When Euroaquilo finally caught his breath, Darla told him to watch, again. With that, she took the weapon and slowly pressed it into her hand. As she pushed, the blade appeared to be sinking in her flesh, but the point did not exit. “See!” She exclaimed. “It melts into itself, clear to the hilt.”
“What good is it then?” Euroaquilo puzzled.
Darla looked up at Euroaquilo and said, “Its spirit is not allowed to harm me, but it will do all that it must to protect me.” With that, she tapped the chair with the flat of the blade, grinning. “Trust me. It is dangerously real.”
Euroaquilo was filled with curiosity. Still, he rubbed his tingling fingertips. “I trust Mother did well with you. It should serve you in your hour of need. But watching your antics with that weapon makes me realize that you would not have been successful taking your life the night of the Prisoner Exchange. Isn’t Phulakee the same blade you possessed that night?"
Darla thought a moment, then her eyes lit up. “Why, yes! I believe you’re right. That explains why Mother said I left it behind. She crafted it into a different shape, but it is still the same one. More importantly, it’s the same Cherub within it.”
Euroaquilo went on to give Darla some added information about the creation of the Cherubs. “When I was a child living in the Palace, Mother told me that long before she gave life to any of her children, she had made the Cherubs. She said they were intelligent, more so than ourselves, and they could think and reason. She said that some had certain likes and dislikes. I asked to see one and she only laughed, telling me that we could only see them when they took on some shape, using the elements and harmonics of our world.”
Darla slid Phulakee back into its sheath. It locked with a ‘snap!’ She handed it to Euroaquilo, who cautiously accepted it. After a moment of scrutiny, he tried to pull it from its sheath. “I see it will not allow another person to remove it.” nodding in reflection, “It is your companion and yours alone. Keep it close, for I believe it has been given you for your protection.”
Darla agreed. “I saw words in my mind. They said I can call it and it will come to me. It’s like the crown Mother gave my sister, Mihai. My touching it has transferred its reality into my mind, where it now resides. What you see in your hand is only the tool that is made from the harmonics and elements you mentioned. The life, if that’s what one can really call it - for I perceive something other than a Cherub giving it breath - its life resides in me.”
She pondered a moment in thought, adding, “Phulakee dwells within and that blade is the vehicle that it uses to express itself without. Somehow, though, on the inside, I feel like I am not alone. I now have a silent companion - a willing servant, you might say - someone who waits to assist me in my needs. It seeks to please, not control.” She looked with curiosity at Euroaquilo. “Is that really the way with Cherubs? Can they reside within us?”
Euroaquilo smiled and nodded. “That’s what I was going to explain. Do you recall a little girl who came to play when you were a child, and she was always your age?”
Darla thought a moment. Suddenly, long-forgotten memories came to her mind. Her eyes lit up with delight. “Yes! Yes, I do.”
“I believe…” replied Euroaquilo, “That was really your ‘angel’, as the Cherubs were often called. You see, at least as Mother explained it to me, at birth each of her children was given a Cherub for protection and guidance.” He spread his arms. “Oh, she has lots and lots of these ‘cherub machines’, as you call them - all di
fferent kinds, with all different powers. My older siblings called all of Mother’s invisible creations ‘cherubs’.”
“I don’t know if this Phulakee is an ordinary cherub, or one of the race of ancient people that are often called ‘Cherubs’, and I don’t know which kind of cherub resides in us, but I believe the kind she put in her children is instructed to work in very specific ways, so as to not take away any of our freedoms.”
“For most of us, after leaving the Palace, the Cherubs faded from our memories. I have never noticed mine since the sunny day I threw the little ball into the woods and my companion ran after it, shouting ‘good bye’ as he did.”
He looked at the sheathed blade he was still holding. “It has been said that every living person has had – or, at least at one time had - one of these angels within them. Even those in the Second Realm possess them…something about the Web of the Mind and all. I have been told that when a child rebels, the Cherub leaves, making them feel a certain emptiness inside.” He hefted the blade. “I feel that what you perceive as being a second presence is that there now resides more than one Cherub within your soul. Maybe Phulakee is newly arrived.”
Euroaquilo sadly shook his head. “Our brother, Asotos, had greater powers than any other child. In some way, he learned how to manipulate his cherub. Maybe it was a gift from mother. I don’t know. When he became evil, he altered the cherub’s composition. A part of that warped machine is what he injected into Mihai, and that is what also now resides in you.”
Darla shuddered at the thought. Euroaquilo placed a hand on her shoulder. “I think this Phulakee has been delivered to provide help for you with all this. Should that be the case, you need to learn how to trust it and use it.” He set the sheathed sword on his palms and extended his arms. “Allow me to return to you, Queen Adaya, your sword, Phulakee.” He bowed his head in honor.
The girl’s face flushed and she mumbled something about Euroaquilo acting silly. He leaned forward and again kissed her on the forehead. They talked about some private matters for a few moments, then Euroaquilo returned to the business at hand.
He requested Darla to sit. Reaching into an inner pocket, Euroaquilo pulled out a folded map and spread it out on his lap. Pointing to a distant colony in the Trizentine, he cautioned, “We can only give you cover as far as QuinStinre. Beyond that, our forces become stretched too thin. The fleet is going to start to drift its patrol into the Outer Corridor, following you. Outriders will shadow the Shikkeron, and I have ordered the Third Fleet’s left wing to push the newly commissioned imperial barquentine, Divulsion, and three cutters out ahead of you. Now be careful and mention this to no one.”
He lowered his voice. “I believe you are a target. From the information I’ve gathered, it appears a large enemy fleet hides somewhere near the Outer Corridor, waiting for something. And I believe Godenn is there.” He sighed. “And he’s there for one reason only…that’s to get you.”
Darla lowered her head, folding her hands in her lap. “I know...” She whispered. “I can feel it. The monster in my head keeps calling out to something…someone.” Looking at Euroaquilo with concern, she suggested, “I should leave this place, return home, maybe to the Palace. I risk all the people I’m near…all the people I love.”
“No! No!” Euroaquilo warned her against doing that. “Your destiny...no, the destiny of all of us lies out there. We are being drawn into a vortex of time and space that demands each of us to play whatever part we have been assigned. Many times I have dreamed dreams. A wall of darkness blocks my path, but I must still take it. No! You must also stick to your path and seek out whatever destiny awaits you. I have seen that your life hangs in the balance.”
Darla closed her eyes and bowed her head as a tear rolled down her cheek. She answered in a hush, “Yes, but I dread that it is such a cruel destiny...” For some time she just sat, eyes closed, her breathing soft and steady. Finally, the girl looked up, her eyes begging, “Please hold me.”
What do two souls share in moments so tender, so intense? Are those feelings so sacred that even these many ages since will not allow such secrets to be revealed? It is said that Time is a great healer and that the pain of parting is soon forgotten. That may well be the case. Yet, down to this day, the secrets of that hour remain locked in two hearts that beat as one.
The quiet solitude lasted far into the morning, the inevitable separation of hearts being delayed as long as possible. Eventually, the two emerged from their cherished seclusion onto the hustle and bustle of the departure deck.
As they walked hand in hand toward the Shikkeron’s entrance tubes, Darla heard Leftenant Ilanit call out to her. “Colonel Adaya, I was becoming concerned.” As Darla approached, she added in a more subdued voice, “The captain’s not in a pleasant mood…having to wait, you know. He’s complaining that if we don’t leave soon, we’ll miss our window into the jump portal. It’ll be eleven hours until the next one.”
Darla expressed her appreciation. “Thank you, Leftenant Ilanit. Please see to it that the captain is informed I have arrived and shall be aboard momentarily.”
Ilanit acknowledged the request and hurried off to deliver the news. Darla turned to Euroaquilo, who had remained politely silent, motioning over her shoulder. “That’s Ilanit. Do you know her?”
As Euroaquilo’s eyes followed the woman, he replied, ‘No...”
Darla smiled. “Ilanit was on Mihai’s staff. She and Anna offered the leftenant’s expertise in assisting me after I was given a major’s commission. Ilanit was with me when we confronted the intruder on the Shikkeron our first day here.”
Euroaquilo smiled back. “It sounds like you have a lot of friends watching out for you.”
Darla grinned, agreeing. “They are all so kind. Look!” She started pointing. “Mihai gave me this jade pendant, Anna this necklace, and Terey this chrysolite eyebrow pin and these black-diamond ear pins.”
Euroaquilo just shook his head. “My, my, just a walkin’ gift shop.” He suddenly raised his hand to his forehead and exclaimed. “I almost forgot!” He dug into his shirt pocket. “Mother sent this along to give you as congratulations for your promotion to colonel. Here, give me your hand.”
Darla looked puzzled but still extended her hand, saying nothing. Euroaquilo grasped it with his giant fingers and pulled off the black onyx ring she wore, replacing it with a multicolored one. “There!” He grinned. “Mother said to care for it well and learn its worth. You are aware of the powers such a ring like this possesses, right?”
Darla cried, “This is a gift of greater value than a hundred blades! What have I done to deserve such treasures?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily say that. But it’s true there are few of Lowenah’s children who have ever received one as glorious.” Euroaquilo’s face grew grave. “Power beyond normal has been given you. It is not out of idle pleasantries that such has been bestowed. Mother is quite judicious in handing out such wonderful presents. I’m afraid you will need every tool offered you to successfully pass through the coming storm. And there is a storm coming. You have wisdom, my child of the evening, my DusmeAstron. Use it to its full measure…”
At that moment, a disgruntled Captain Bedan appeared. “Are we going, Colonel?” Bedan asked in polite exasperation. “Or should I cool the boilers, stand down the crew, and wait for our next window?”
Bedan’s impatient tone and curt questions startled but did not surprise Darla, like it did Euroaquilo. She had noticed a definite irritation growing between her and the captain ever since the MoonDust incident. Her promotion to colonel only increased the tension. Her duties aboard the Shikkeron would last another two, maybe three months, and Bedan’s primary responsibility would be to chauffeur his guests from one colony to another, with Darla giving the real orders.
Euroaquilo was about to offer mild chastisement, but Darla gave him a quick glance that asked him not to. She t
urned to Bedan, put a hand on his forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Forgive me, Captain. I am out of line. There was some personal business I got caught up in and I lost track of time. I will be on the bridge with you in five minutes, if that is acceptable to you.”
Bedan’s irritation eased in his voice and his reply was less icy. “Thank you, Colonel. I will prepare for cast off.” He saluted. “See you on the bridge.” He turned and hurried away.
“I can replace him, you know.” Euroaquilo suggested, his hackles still up.
“No. Please, let it go.” Darla took Euroaquilo’s hand. “We’re all under stress these days. Not everyone’s pleased I’ve been promoted…maybe with good reason. I think Bedan’s tired - tired of being overlooked. I know the feeling.”
Euroaquilo frowned. “He’s not lived up to a promotion, not yet, at least. Sometimes I don’t trust his abilities even with that old hulk.”
Darla countered, “Many have been the people who felt...still feel the same about me. Were they right? Maybe... Did it change how I saw things? Not at all.” She then made a request. “Let it go and tell no one about this, please, for me. For good or bad, life or death, he and I ride together into whatever destiny awaits us. Should we live, it shall be together. Should we die, it will be as one.”
Euroaquilo slowly shook his head in dismay. “If that’s how you want it. What can I say?” He looked into Darla’s eyes. “Do be careful, my Love. Danger awaits you and surrounds you. Who is your friend or enemy, I do not know. Ardon and Jebbson were both at the last council meeting. Trust them. They will not betray you.”
The two kissed and Darla stepped back to leave. “I nearly forgot!” she exclaimed. Pulling some letters from her inner shirt, she asked, “Would you send these for me, please? I’ve been so long out of touch with my friends.” Darla handed the letters to Euroaquilo. “I promised to write. Here’s one for Mihai and another for Anna.” She sorted through a few others, reading off names. “Ishtar…please don’t forget her. And here’s one for Terey.”
Euroaquilo took the little bundle of letters. Shuffling through them, he made some comments. When he got to Terey’s, he paused. “Don’t know when she will get this one.”
Darla appeared puzzled.
Euroaquilo explained, “Terey got in a big huff with Mihai and took off. Heard she’s leading some squadron in the First Fleet. Not sure, though. Hear she’s got a chip on her shoulder big as a barn. Hasn’t talked to Mihai since she walked out of her council meeting. Some people are wonderin’ what’s up? Still…hell of a good pilot. Wish she’d come here.” He nodded. “I’ll make sure she gets it. Promise…”
Red lights started flashing and buzzers began to bleat, warning stragglers to clear the boarding tubes. Darla hugged Euroaquilo one last time. “I love you!” She shouted above the din, hurried off and disappeared down the nearby exit.
Euroaquilo raised his hand and gave a half wave as the girl vanished from sight. “I love you, too.” He sighed in a subdued voice.
Darla watched out a porthole on the bridge as the Shikkeron slowly parted company from the other ships. The majestic Admiral Lonche, largest carrier in the Third Fleet, was silhouetted against the starry sky. Stretching out and beyond it was the fleet’s main body, some ninety ships strong, with the Oruomai, the Admiral’s flagship, off in the distance. The serenity of the moment and the image of their peaceful departure became burned into the woman’s mind. A page in history was about to turn, changing her world forever. Never again would Darla see such sights without remembering this day of departure.
(Author’s note: War is no romantic. It cares not for love or life. Because war is so fickle, most heroes go unsung and their stories untold. It is left up to the ones who survive to declare the valor of such ones. So it was with the Third Fleet. Its part in the war was short-lived, but filled with sacrifice and bravery not gone unnoticed or forgotten. Still, those stories must be saved for another book and another day, for time does not permit such revelations now, other than save the things pertinent to this ongoing account. Until that time, you will have to satisfy your minds with the ‘Euroaquilo Chronicles’, written by Queen Adaya. She provides added insight into the history of this stalwart fleet and its fearless crews.)