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Orbiting Planet Etteria
Etterian Battleship Kushin
Bouncing around the common with unharnessed energy, tiny humans giggled, screamed, and, in general, shared their joy.
“They...are exquisite,” Xeus whispered to Kanzo, snapping his gaze from female to male damu while excitement and warmth engulfed his chest. Finding Dar Eths among the humans was a gift from the Maker, but these damu and the hope they summoned within him, were the future of Etteria.
“It is hard to believe someone would abandon or abuse them,” Kanzo muttered.
“Abuse?” Xeus scowled.
“Yes. Ava mentioned a little of what they have endured. But there is hope, my king. Many of our females have reached out, asking to meet them,” Kanzo said, unknowingly validating Xeus’s dreams for a human and Etterian world. “And Ambassador Brenin has voiced his concern on the dilution of our race again. Something about the impact this will have on our culture.”
Xeus growled, “If we do not embrace change, there will be no Etterian race remaining.”
Kanzo chuckled. “As I so delightedly informed him. I must forewarn you, I had an extensive discussion on what Olivia foresees for the...children. When I explained how our damu are trained, to control emotions and learn self-discipline, she stated that both were admirable qualities. She did insist that the girls, should receive the same training as boys.”
Boys? Xeus’s O.D.I. updated him. He grinned. Boys and girls? So simple. He laughed, not only at Lady Olivia’s audacity but at her strength of opinion. “The...girls as well?”
“Yes, my king. She said they were weaker physically and combat training was wise.”
A damu broke away from the group and barreled toward Kanzo, who caught the boy and tossed him into the air amid squeals and pleas for more. A dark-haired woman approached them, her form petite, her smile wide.
“Lady Olivia, allow me to introduce my liege, King Xeus,” Kanzo lowered the boy to the floor to usher Olivia closer, her shyness conveyed in a downcast gaze.
“Good day, King Xeus,” she said before dipping into a curtsey.
Xeus stared at the woman then offered her his hand. She accepted it but didn’t shake it.
Instead, she covered the top of his hand with hers. “Thank you for this sanctuary. I will never forget your kindness.”
Her black hair was dark, striking against her pale skin, yet it was her eyes that had him riveted. They were the color of the junix flowers on Lysara. She was a beautiful woman, not that he paid her nose, lips, and angular chin as much attention as her eyes. Maker, he prayed she passed on such a trait to her offspring.
“You and your...children are welcome on Etteria. I do not know if Advisor Cales has mentioned this, but we would prefer to build you a home as per your requirements.”
“He has, Your Majesty, and I don’t know how to thank you for such an offer. We don’t wish to impose or be a nuisance.”
“Lady Olivia, your children’s well-being matters to us.” Using their clasped hands, Xeus drew her closer to whisper, “Etterians struggle to conceive. We will cherish yours. I hope my people will offer to care for a damu or two.”
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise while her eyes twinkled with delight. “That would be wonderful. They are adorable. Would you like to meet them, Your Majesty?”
Xeus agreed, only due to the excitement in her eyes, though he would need to rely on her for guidance.
“Ruby, Saira, gather the children to meet the king,” she said.
A tall, dark-red-haired female rushed around the common, gathering the damu. They calmed, for the most part, enough to form a line.
“This is Ruby, age seventeen.” Lady Olivia introduced the tall, dark-red-haired female with Ferusi-colored eyes, just as vibrant as Oriana’s. Her hair was a darker red, like the color of their oceans after the magnus sun had set. It was stunning against her pale, unblemished skin. “This is Saira. She’s fifteen.” This female had yellow-gold hair and eyes so dark a gray that they glimmered like Maloidian steel. Beautiful. “Then we have Neve, who’s twelve.” The grumpy expression on the young female’s face was one he respected. Once she’d trained alongside Etterian damu, her channeled passion would be an asset to Etteria. She was brown-haired and brown-eyed like Macera. He scowled at that thought.
“Neve? It is a good name,” he said. The youngin smothered a giggle. He nodded. She had courage and strength, this one.
“This is Mikey. He’s eight.” The young male had light brown hair and pale blue eyes, almost the shade of an Eth’s.
“Still young enough to begin warrior training,” Xeus said, and the male responded with a punch to Xeus’s thigh. He chuckled and dropped to a knee, offering his palms as punching mitts. The...boy responded, his small fists striking Xeus’s palms with accuracy. An eager warrior.
“This is Tommy, age seven.” The pale-haired male with brown eyes looked at him with caution behind his gaze and posture.
“Another warrior. I will have Kanzo schedule their training.” He twisted and offered his hand for a shake. The boy didn’t hesitate, sliding his hand into Xeus’s before shaking twice. “You have the heart of a warrior, Tommy.”
The boy gasped, “I do?”
“I do not lie. It is dishonorable. You and Mikey will make excellent warriors, of this I have no doubt.” Xeus rose to his feet and faced the next damu, a girl. She was tiny with black riotous curls and bright blue eyes. The scars on her arms and legs caught his breath. He glanced at Kanzo and muttered, “why have her scars not been attended to?”
Lady Olivia spoke before Kanzo could respond. “This is Lily, age six.” She brushed the girl’s hair off her temple.
“Nerx’s Lily?” Xeus studied the small face that had won over his grumpiest warrior.
“I am.” The girl thumped her chest.
Xeus couldn’t resist lowering to a knee again to shake the little hand she thrust at him. “I am pleased to meet you, Lady Lily.” He smiled. This one has the heart of a warrior, as well.
“Then we have the twins, Davian and Dagon, age four.”
Xeus rose to his feet only to blink at two boys, matching in appearance. “They are identical,” he whispered, switching his attention between them.
“Yes.” Lady Olivia chuckled. “Born at the same time.”
“This happens naturally among humans?” Awe softened Xeus’s voice.
“Yes.” Lady Olivia clasped her hands in front of her. “These two are in their own world.”
They were whispering to each other, unaware of their surroundings.
“This is Maddie, she’s two.” Lady Olivia picked up the girl. “She doesn’t speak. We don’t know why.”
“For medical reasons?” He gestured to a nearby medic to join them.
“She is healthy, my king,” Medic Der said. “I have scanned and documented each child and teenager. In Maddie’s case, I believe she will speak when she is ready to.”
Xeus’s eyelids fluttered, the O.D.I. confirming that a single damu meant child and youngin meant teenager.
“And baby Jessie is asleep. She’s seven months old now.” Olivia gestured to Saira who passed to Xeus a sweet-smelling wrapped bundle.
He gaped at the beautiful baby blinking at him, her little mouth pouting. She waved a hand and smiled. His heart swelled, the precious gift she was so fragile in his large hands.
“Nerx.” Lily breaking away and scrambling over to the tall male, drew Xeus’s attention briefly. Before he gazed upon the baby again, he noted when Nerx caught Lily into his arms and cuddled her.
“She has taken to him.” Olivia beamed. “Nerx has requested to adopt Lily.”
Xeus froze while stroking aside a whisp of the baby’s hair. He scanned through the images and information his O.D.I. shared. “Adopt? As in permanently care?”
“Yes, I’m considering it. He’s good with her and adores her. She’s blossomed under his care.” Lady Olivia made to take the baby from Xeus, but he hesitated before relinquishing the bundle. He clasped his hands behind his back, his fingers twitching.
What she said, sunk in. Torn between disbelief and laughing with sheer joy, Xeus blinked at her. The irritable son of Tarx? “My Sub-Commander Nerx?”
What Xeus hoped for, what Kanzo had alluded to with their females, had come to pass. The backs of Xeus’s eyes stung with a breath lodging in his throat. For a moment, peace saturated his senses to his toes.
Lady Oliva frowned. “Do you have reasons why I shouldn’t approve his request?”
“No,” Xeus grinned, “he is a valued male, but I knew him to be irritable.”
Her laughter tinkled off the walls. “He still is, but I believe they bring out the best in each other.”
“I agree.” Xeus watched as Lily pressed her cheek to Nerx’s. “We have various options regarding temporary housing while your home is under construction, Lady Olivia. Please discuss these with Kanzo. I wish to have you settled and content as soon as possible.”
“Thank you again for your assistance, Your Majesty.” She dropped into a brief curtsey before hurrying away, taking the gurgling baby Jessie with her.
Had Cales been beside Xeus, he would have admitted to longing for another damu. His battle-bond knew him too well.
~*~
Planet Etteria
Issneen, the Royal City
The Royal Courts
“She is exquisite. Her coloring is almost Etterian,” Cales said to Xeus as they watched Lady Ava slide onto Warrior Kanzo’s lap. What a strange thing to do.
“Except for her softness, her passionate expressions?” Xeus teased, even though no humor creased his eyes or twitched at his lips. He’d just announced that she was the Enforcer of the Foot of Honor since her skillset was one they didn’t have on Etteria. Each Etterian attended to their own hair when it was too long and brushed the floor. They would hack at the tips with a sharp blade.
The court had murmured their shock at his announcement, but Xeus didn’t care. The fact that he cared less and less every day didn’t matter to him either. Lady Ava’s new title meant the task no longer fell to Cales. Cales activated his O.D.I. and scowled as he read a message. His body stiffened. His gaze flickered to Xeus, his mouth parted then he pinched his lips into a grim line.
“What is it?” Xeus asked. Had war begun? Were more humans imprisoned? Had someone died?
“Warrior Kanzo insists he speak with us in your office, Xeus.”
Xeus shot a glance to where Kanzo sat, studying the expressions on the male’s face—rage, disbelief, horror. Without a word, Xeus strode to his office, activating his bulkhead to reflect his court without them able to see into the room. Cales held the door open for Lady Ava and Kanzo to enter.
“Thank you for agreeing to see us, my king. My Dar Eth believes there is a mistreated Etterian female, Lady Erox.”
“What do you mean you suspect mistreatment?” Xeus faced Lady Ava, glaring at her. She didn’t cower under his angry visage, and he admired her for it. His males paled under his stern gaze.
“I’ve seen the same body language in abused children.”
When Xeus thought of each child of Olivia’s, a rush of protectiveness swept through him. He hated that he couldn’t eradicate their soul-deep scars. If all the culprits could be gathered onto a moon or planet, he’d decimate it. Yet here Lady Ava stood, determined, stubborn, and with absolute conviction that there was such an ill-treated female under his care. She demonstrated this body language—the tilt of a head, furtive glances, jumpiness, and fearful expressions. “I promise you, Your Majesty, she has suffered.”
Kanzo gathered Lady Ava’s hand in his. “I’ve seen the same mannerisms in Lily. She speaks the truth, my king.”
“Lily?” Xeus gaped, then shut his mouth, realizing he was a king and needed to remain stoic. She hadn’t acted as Lady Ava described. Far from it. “How do we ascertain this?” He strode to the bulkhead and scanned the court for the female in question. “She is Ambassador Murox’s daughter.” How can I demand Aldur examine Erox? Would not this treatment of her further damage a broken soul? And as he studied Lady Erox, she mimicked the mannerisms Lady Ava had demonstrated. It is the truth. Pure rage raced through his veins, snatching his breath at its intensity. He wanted to rip Murox’s head from his shoulders for this violation of their lore and the abuse of a precious female.
“Lily was fearful of my size, of my booming laughter. If any male approached her, she’d cower and search for an escape,” Kanzo said to the room.
Xeus gritted his jaw, then whispered to Cales frozen beside him. Cales unfurled his fists and strode from the office. Xeus gestured to Ava and Kanzo to be comfortable while they waited. Medic Aldur burst in, and Xeus explained the situation to the horrified medic, as well as his plan. Minutes later, Cales led Murox and his daughter into the office.
“My king?” the ambassador said, marching into the office as if he owned it. His arrogance irritated him. Xeus clenched his fingers to stop himself from charging this male and killing him. Yet he needed to be certain. Perhaps it is another blood-bond and not her father?
“Murox, brought to my attention is an unusual and dishonorable situation with which I require your assistance.” Xeus gestured to Kanzo and said, “How should we ascertain whether this male has mishandled his Dar Eth?” Xeus was grateful when Lady Ava performed the mannerisms he required of her. She darted her gaze at Kanzo in fear before glancing at the floor while trying to make her body as small as possible. “What does our law state in such matters?”
“A medic must examine her to verify such claims,” Murox said while admiring Ava’s curves.
Xeus scowled at the male’s lustful expression. To make matters worse he dares to admire a Dar Eth? And in the company of her Eth? “And should the male have the right to contest such an examination?” Xeus persevered, to save Lady Erox, not to appease his anger. Though, if justice was served, that would come.
“No, he has no opinion under such suspicions.”
At least, the male had stated the truth.
“Thank you, Murox. I request that your daughter escorts Lady Ava for an examination. She might be wary of other males.”
“This is acceptable to me, my king. Erox, go with Lady Ava and Medic Aldur.”
“As you command, Father,” she whispered and followed them into the next room.
As they waited, Xeus paced the confines of his office, trying his best to avoid glancing at a contented ambassador. One look and he might kill him where he sat.
A few minutes later, the solid door burst open with a medic storming into the office. It was as Xeus had feared, now confirmed. His shoulders stiffened. He settled his gaze on his greatsword mounted on the wall. It would take but a leap to reach it.
“It is as we suspected, my king, and confirmed by the female herself. Extensive bruising with evidence of poorly healed broken bones.” The rumble that went through the room was alarming, like thunder reverberating in the distance. Kanzo and Cales flanked Xeus, their postures battle-ready, their expressions thunderous.
“Ambassador Murox, what does the law state regarding such abuse?” King Xeus vibrated with barely contained rage. His body was strung tight as if on the verge of pouncing on a prey.
“Etteria should strip him of all he owns, remove his hair, and deny him the right to house a female.” Murox smirked at Kanzo.
“Like this?” Cales lunged, and with a flick of his blade, Murox’s braid fell to the floor.
The male stared at it aghast.
“You have no honor, Murox, for what you have done to your daughter,” Xeus boomed, then glowered when the ambassador opened his mouth to defend himself. “No words you speak shall ever justify such behavior. I could kill you for this, and believe me, I fight the temptation. Get him out of my sight, Cales.”
As soon as the door closed, Xeus faced Ava who had brought Erox into the office. “I must confess, Lady Ava, I know not how to address such a situation. How should we proceed from here?”
Ava glanced at Kanzo.
“Proceed as you would if Lady Erox was your daughter, my king,” Kanzo advised, gazing at Ava to ensure he’d answered as she might have.
Wise guidance. Xeus stood in front of Erox. He dropped to a knee and bowed his head. I’m ashamed I didn’t see the signs, that I didn’t protect a precious female, that I haven’t upheld what is honorable.
“Please forgive me for not protecting you, Lady Erox. I vow to not fail you again.”
She placed her small hand on his shoulder. He stilled. The light weight of it somehow calmed him, as nothing else had for a long while.
“It is not for you to ask forgiveness, my king. You cannot know what my father hid from you.” Erox scanned the room while Xeus rose to his feet. “Thank you for freeing me. I am grateful to you all.” She glanced at her clasped hands. “What is to become of me now?”
“How old are you?” Cales asked, having returned sans Murox.
“I’ve seen seventeen years.”
“Did you attend the pairing?” Xeus frowned. How many females missed such an event for whatever reason? He would task Cales to investigate their census status.
“No, that would have been a mercy,” Lady Erox said. “I am fearful of males, my king, yet an Eth would have been preferable.”
“You shall fall under my care.” Xeus offered what he hoped was a kind smile, even as it pained him to do so. Only joy shared with Macera lingered in the darkness of his soul.
Ava hugged the girl. “Feel free to comm or visit me. King Xeus has trusted me with a great task, and I may need your help.”
“I am pleased to assist, milady.”
“It’s Ava, just Ava, Lady Erox,” Kanzo said, receiving another huge smile from his Dar Eth.
“Lady Ava, Cales, would you please see to Lady Erox’s comfort,” Xeus said and gestured to Kanzo to remain. As soon as the door closed behind the party which included Aldur, Xeus addressed Kanzo, “Would you recognize such signs in other females?”
“Of course, my king,” he said, assuming a relaxed military stance—hands clasped behind his back.
“To even consider that such occurs under our lore, with our honor, it is unthinkable, Kanzo.” Xeus sank into his chair behind his white Fuyra desk and rubbed his temple, too exhausted to care that he revealed his inner turmoil. Not even a trip to their northern base Aluna had helped fight this restlessness, only comms with Macera did, but he couldn’t spend all his waking hours talking to her. “In the last two years, we have found Dar Eths, are on the verge of war with Yithia, have allied with Gika, and have now adopted offspring from another planet.”
“The war with Yithia is a concern, though we have prepared for it, my king.”
“True. How fares the children?” Xeus offered a small smile.
“Very well. Some of our males have offered to train the damu. I’ve advised Olivia accordingly. They commence with short sessions tomorrow.”
“And Nerx? Has Lady Olivia approved his request?” Xeus held his breath, eager to hear good news.
“She has and believes it is in Lily’s best interests. I have notified him.”
“Excellent!” Xeus slapped his desk. “This bodes well for all Etterians.” He rose to circle his desk, approaching Kanzo. “I need you to continue in this role, Kanzo. It cannot fall onto Cales’s shoulders as I have tasked him to deal with Earth. We will think of a title for your position at a later stage. I also require that you attend all court proceedings. It is not something Lady Ava should have to endure. You may escort offenders to her for enforcement.” He fell silent as it dawned on him. “I now have two daughters.” He sighed, wondering how he was able to stand under all of this responsibility. Endless exhaustion, responsibility, and existence.
“My king, are you unwell?” Kanzo’s concern brought Xeus back to the present.
“Many changes are occurring, Kanzo. Cales will issue a task list for you to attend to in his absence, one in specific is the human missiles and submarines he has assigned to the lima kuu. The construction of Olivia’s home is also your responsibility. See to it that the children are content here.”
“I am honored to serve Etteria as required.” Kanzo stood tall then pressed a fist to his chest in a formal bow.
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