Reckoning Read online

  “I got images of weird little yellow creatures in the water,” StrykER said. “What are those?”

  “Oh, ducks. I always found watching ducks on a lake very calming and peaceful. I think of those things in tense situations.”

  “I think you’ll do just fine for this mission.”

  Well, she had received StrykER’s approval even if Lieutenant Commander LazAR barely spoke to her. TanAR told her not to worry about it but she had doubts of the success of her team if all the team members were not on the same page.

  Sighing, she turned away from the view of dark empty space. It was beautiful when they were near a star system and planets. But being out this deep in space felt a bit isolated and lonely. Her longest trip was from Earth to Katiera and that took a month. She couldn’t see how anyone would be able to serve on a transport longer than a month. She had been ready for solid ground and swore she wouldn’t leave the planet surface for a while. A couple of years had gone by before she was asked to go to Kiljor so she had time to forget how much she hated being out in space.

  “Sharon, are you okay?” TanAR came up to her. She swore that the man either had a nose for tracking or had put a tracker on her so that he would find her no matter where she was. As big as this ship was, she couldn’t seem to find a really private place except in the quarters she was given.

  “I’m fine, just ready to get off this ship.”

  “You don’t like to travel?”

  “I don’t like being out in deep space. It can feel claustrophobic.”

  “We try to make sure that crews spend time on the surface of a planet if they’ve been in space for several months. Space sickness is a real thing and can be deadly. Some have been known to lose their minds and become dangerous.”

  As they walked down the corridor, she noticed they were attracting attention. She was the only female on board and now she was grateful that TanAR suggested that they act like a couple for her safety. She took his hand when he offered it.

  “I guess I prefer solid land.”

  “Can I ask you why you would take on this mission?”

  “I guess it gives me a purpose, a way to help and to use my skills. I have been restless on Katiera after the past few years and with no mate and no baby, I was ready to return to Earth. Lucy came to me with this mission and I thought this might be what I was looking for.”

  “You’re a beautiful female, exotic with that short hair style. It enhances your delicate features, and your gorgeous eyes appear large and entrancing. I don’t see how any male wouldn’t want to mate you.”

  She felt heat rise to her cheeks. “I was asked but I refused. I wasn’t in love and that’s a factor I require in a mating. I want to be in love.”

  “What kind of male are you looking for?”

  “I don’t know and right now, I don’t have time to spend on a relationship. This mission is important. Even if you guys don’t tell me the real purpose of coming here, I want to do my part — even if my part is the distraction.”

  “You’re a brave female, Sharon.”

  “I answered your questions. Now for mine. Why did you take this mission?”

  “I have unique abilities that might aid in the success of the mission.”

  “Like StrykER’s abilities?”

  “Not quite like his but my abilities come from my mutation.”

  “May I ask what your abilities are?”

  “I can influence a person’s actions. Sometimes I can calm tensions and other times I can raise anger. I can convince someone to do something that they had not originally intended.”

  “Wow, that’s impressive. You could go into this meeting and convince OrIN to agree to your terms.”

  “Not quite. There are those who can withstand my influence. Those with strong emotions to do the opposite of what I want. It also makes it hard to have a relationship because if the female I’m with does not have a strong will…”

  “You could manipulate her without meaning to.”

  “Exactly. A relationship where one person imposes their will on another is not what I want. I’m looking for someone who could withstand my influence and see me for who I am — just a male seeking love.”

  She put her hand on his shoulder and stopped them from walking. “You will find her. She’s out there. You’re a good man and deserve love.” She bit her lip before asking, “Have you used your influence on me?”

  He hesitated before answering. “I apologize, but yes, I have. When I first brought up the idea for us to act as a couple, you were hesitant about the idea. I pushed a little to make it seem logical for you to agree. Then when we came on board the Intrepid, I pushed you just a little to get you to hold hands as a show of our affection for the crew.”

  Sharon glared at him. “Don’t do that to me again.”

  He sighed. “You see why I have no mate.”

  Her anger easily deflated. He hadn’t done anything except ease her into what she would have agreed to anyway. “I’m sorry, TanAR.”

  He shrugged and motioned for them to continue. “Let’s go for Midday Meal. This afternoon we’ll be passing a new solar system which will be more exciting for you to see.”

  “Oh yeah, anything besides all this blackness.”

  “Has anyone bothered you since coming on board?”

  “No, your idea to appear as if we’re dating has worked. I appreciate that. I know these guys here are all good ones and would make any girl happy but...I’m not one of them.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Most of the Katierans and Kiljorns I’ve met are looking for a female to take care of. I’m strong and independent. I think for myself and can hold my own in a fight. I don’t necessarily need someone to protect me. I want a partner in life, someone to stand beside me, not in front of me. I need someone who will listen to me, really listen, and take my concerns into consideration.”

  “You haven’t met anyone in these past few years who came close?”

  “Not really. They all want to take care of me like I’m a porcelain doll that could break. I’m a fighter, I come from fighters, and I hate it when people look at me as if I’m weak.”

  “I heard that you took Commander TylOR down. The news of that spread quickly on Kiljor.”

  She laughed. “It was skill and luck. If that man had gotten his hands on me, a good grip, I would have been a goner.”

  “He is known to put many males in the medic wing. His younger brother, Colonial Commander AshOR, is not as tall but just as dangerous.”

  “Oh my God, there’s another one like TylOR?”

  They both laughed as they entered the meal room. She felt eyes on them as they walked over to the counter to select their food before sitting down. Lieutenant Commander LazAR came over to sit down at the table with them.

  “We will be arriving tomorrow at the old trading post on the Sozin Luna.”

  “Trading post?” Sharon asked curiously. She had images of the American West settlements playing in her head but was sure it couldn’t be anything like that.

  TanAR explained the reason for the location to her. “We used to have trading posts set up on small planets or lunas. It allowed us to trade with other alien species traveling by and we would be able to see if our species was compatible with theirs. Most were not compatible and after a time, the trading posts on the far outskirts of Katieran solar system were eventually shut down.

  “So, we’re to go to this solar system and meet them at the trading post?”

  “Yes, we’ll get a shuttle to take our team down. The luna’s atmosphere is only partially habitable. We’ll have to wear a pressurized suit until we get inside the trading post. Hopefully the power for the atmosphere adjuster will still be working.”

  “What about…”

  “Miss Task, we’ll do a private briefing in the morning to discuss more. This is not exactly the time or place to do it.”

  She wanted to ask them about the Morins, but she wasn’t sure who all was listening. Part
of the problem with these purist rebels was that rebels could be anyone or the sympathizers could be anyone. The Prime leaders have had problems with rebels acting out on all three of the planets in the alliance: Katiera, Kiljor and the Colony.

  She hadn’t had a chance to travel to the Colonial planet but heard that it was a tropical place, with lush botanicals and jungles. It was also the place where those with the most extreme of mutations went to live in peace. Since she was traveling again, perhaps she would take a trip there next — if she survived this mission.

  Lieutenant Commander LazAR gave her a look she didn’t understand. “Maybe you should remain on board the transport. Our team will go down to start negotiations and if the situation is secure enough, you could be brought down then.”

  Commander BrAX, the commander of the transport they were on, nodded. “I agree, it may be too much for you to handle, Miss Task.”

  She hadn’t been around Commander BrAX much but the impression she got was that he was old school, meaning that only males could train as warriors and the females were best to stay at home. She didn’t care for his attitude at all and kept her distance from him.

  “I thought OrIN said he would refuse to meet unless a female was present. I’m here and ready to complete this mission. I know you don’t know me but I will follow your directions if that eases your mind. I know how to take orders...as long as I feel those orders are appropriate.”

  Commander BrAX rolled his eyes as he left the room.

  TanAR smiled but it was Lieutenant Commander LazAR laughed, “You are going to be a handful, aren’t you?”

  “That’s what my grandfather used to call me...a handful.”

  “Did you follow his orders?”

  “Only if I wanted to, which wasn’t often.”

  They enjoyed their meal with the tension eased somewhat. She was nervous about tomorrow, but at the same time, excited. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something of real importance was about to change her life forever. She prayed she was ready for it.

  Chapter 5

  MarIK stood next to OrIN on the lunar surface at the abandoned spaceport. They had their body suits on to obtain the oxygen necessary for survival. Once they entered the spaceport itself, the generators would provide the oxygen they needed. He had a very bad feeling about this. OrIN wasn’t telling him everything. He had hoped that the Katierans and Kiljorns would heed his warning and refuse, but he understood why they would take the chance to join the meeting. The opportunity to find out your enemy’s plans would be hard for him to resist.

  “They’re here, Leader OrIN,” one of their warriors called out.

  Looking up at the skyline, MarIK watched the two shuttles approaching. They landed a few hundred feet from them. He hit his comm link. “Are you in position?”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  He turned to look at OrIN, who raised his eyebrow at him. “Our warriors are in place surrounding the area and providing protection.”

  OrIN smiled smugly. “I knew you wouldn’t let me down, Commander. You are nothing if not a great and loyal warrior. Soon, you will have your vengeance on the Primes of Katiera and we will get justice for all of Katiera.”

  OrIN’s idea of justice no longer appealed to MarIK. He now knew the truth — he had placed his faith and loyalty in a male who was unhinged and would only bring chaos to Katiera. Worse, now he had aligned himself with the Morins who only want to destroy every last Katieran standing. It had to be stopped — at all costs to himself.

  “I wonder if the Katierans really brought the female,” OrIN mused.

  It was all a game to him. One sick and twisted game. MarIK had no idea what the true intent toward the female was. Maybe he would have his medics use her as an example like he had tried to do with Melody Song. Or he may kill her and send her back as an example to put fear in the Earth females. Any of that was unacceptable and without honor. OrIN was the real threat to the Katieran nation. He had to be stopped.

  The doors of the first shuttle opened and several warriors stepped out, wearing their own atmospheric bodysuits. The males then moved toward the second shuttle and stood in a protective stance as the shuttle door opened. Several more warriors came out and then a much shorter figure stood behind them — the female. His stomach sank at the thought of what might happen to her. Kitana!

  As the opposing groups came closer together, MarIK could sense OrIN’s growing excitement. He seemed thrilled, which meant bad news for everyone else with their sanity still intact. This was an impossible situation. The day would not end well for anyone here on this luna.

  The atmospheric suits were not connected with a comm link so they couldn’t communicate yet with the Katierans. MarIK stepped forward and motioned for the others to follow them to the entranceway to the trading post. The structure was still very sturdy. It had been well made and was meant to last for many decades. It stood three stories tall with an outer structure of solid steel and the inner walls a mixture of stone. MarIK and the rebel warriors arrived a week ago to get the generators working. The repairs only required a few minor maintenance steps and part replacements. The engineer for the trading post was very skillful and clever. MarIK, while exploring with his trusted core team, found something hidden in the trading post he felt might prove useful. He had ordered his team to keep what they found to themselves, for now.

  The facility had three sets of secure doors that closed and pressurized the air as the group passed through each one. Once inside the final set of doors, the interior opened up into a large round courtyard. Vendors had previously used the built-in tables to set up their merchandise to sell. Now it was bare and empty.

  MarIK was the first to remove his helmet. “We have ensured that all life support is fully active. You may remove your gear.”

  For the next few minutes, everyone was busy removing their outer gear. He hid his sneer when OrIN took a moment to look at himself in a reflective surface. That male loved himself more than anything or anyone. He was very vain.

  He turned his back on OrIN and faced the Katierans. His eyes focused on one small figure in particular. Her helmet remained on while she wiggled to pull the tight suit down her body. She was wearing a form-fitting shirt and tight pants. She had curves for someone so small. When she reached up to finally remove her helmet, he found himself almost hypnotized. She had short blonde hair. Never had he seen a female’s hair cut so short. It was outrageous but also...endearing. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Then she turned to face him and their eyes locked. It was like he was drawn to her by some invisible magnetic pull. Judging by her expression, she seemed to be caught off guard just as much as he was. What in Kitana was going on?

  OrIN walked past him, obviously not deterred by the female. He stopped a few feet from the leader of the Katieran team. “Welcome to the trading post. I’m Prime Leader OrIN. I assure you, we’ve made sure that the entire place is livable. We even prepared rooms for the night and will be providing a welcoming banquet for you.”

  “I’m Lieutenant Commander LazAR, sent by Prime Leader RendEL. We appreciate the attempt to make us comfortable, but we don’t plan on staying long.”

  “Now now, Lieutenant Commander, you can’t possibly expect us to have a real discussion if we’re not at ease. Look around. There is only this place. We have all the time in the world to get to the discussions. I want an opportunity to get to know you, to understand why you were chosen to come, and to properly meet your female traveling companion.”

  MarIK noted that the Katieran lieutenant commander did not look pleased, as he had to accept what OrIN was saying.

  “Very well.”

  OrIN smiled. “My commander will show you to the rooms that we prepared.” He looked at the female for the first time. “I took the liberty of bringing something that will be more...appropriate for you to wear.” The female stiffened as if insulted but OrIN turned his back to her and walked away followed by his personal security.

  “I’m Commander MarIK. If you will
follow me, I’ll take you to your rooms.” He motioned with his hand for them to move forward and follow one of his warriors. He wasn’t that thrilled about being assigned guest duty, but OrIN didn’t think anything of having his head of security act in that role as well. It just showed how his mind was slipping. This gave MarIK time to access the Katierans and if he wasn’t mistaken, Kiljorns, who had come to deal with OrIN.

  “I remember you, Lieutenant Commander LazAR. You were in warrior training three years ahead of me. From what I recall, you had the best aim with your phase ray.”

  LazAR seemed surprised that he was recognized. “That’s correct. I remember you as well, Commander MarIK. You were top of your training but then something happened. You withdrew your commission and just…disappeared.”

  “I lost my mate. I took time to deal with that.”

  “Yes, and in that time, you betrayed your people to follow the orders of a traitor.”

  Some of OrIN’s warriors stiffened, reaching for their phase rays. MarIK held up his hand, motioning them to stop what they were about to do. Just when he was about to respond, the female spoke up from behind them.

  “We are all capable of making bad decisions when we are under extreme duress, especially if we suffer such a devastating loss.”

  He turned to look down into her strangely beautiful delicate face. Her features were so unusual and her eyes were large, with black irises. It was her eyes that had his full attention. There was so much he could see in those eyes: intelligence, kindness, experience, and something else...interest. She was attracted to him. MarIK wasn’t sure what to feel about that.

  After motioning for them to enter the open doorway, he showed them to the first of two quarters. “It’s not anything lavish. Just the bare essentials have been brought down. The males can stay here and there is another room next door for the female.”