BORN OF HEROES

— by Jeff Karamales

Chapter 36
 

The Guiding Angel came roaring in over the Cascade Mountain Range to the east of the city of Seattle, appearing to the humans that looked up at the huge freighter to be one of the mountains themselves flying over with its green and silver winged color scheme. Still shedding speed from reentry, the ship dropped below Mach speed as Elias adjusted course so that they were pointed slightly south to the huge metropolis, heading to the starport that was nestled in a wide valley.

  “Welcome to Seattle, Guiding Angel, we hope you enjoy your time down,” the voice from the comm said cheerfully.

  “Thank you, Seattle Control,” Treena said from her new position as the sensors and communications officer. ”Guiding Angel out.” The ocelot had already transferred the coordinates to Elias and Saul and watched as her commanding officer brought the ship in and set her down with a flaring of thrusters.

  As seemed to be the case whenever Elias flew, there was hardly a bump as the huge freighter settled on its caterpillar landing jacks.

  “I don’t know what your friend was talking about, Treena,” Elias said as he shut down the various systems of his console. “It looks like a right beautiful day out there to me.”

  The ocelot shrugged. “Ellie said that I should be ready for rain. To hear her tell it, it seems to pour four and a half out of seven days.”

  Elias and Saul both craned their heads as they looked out of the forward viewports. The jaguar turned to his Captain. “There isn’t another Seattle on this planet, is there?”

  “This is the only one,” the fox said. He unfastened his straps and stood. “When did Alistair say he’d meet us?”

  “Twenty hundred hours, local time. Some place called the Space Needle,” Treena said. “It’s a local landmark that apparently has a really good restaurant in it.”

  Elias looked at his wrist watch, one of the many gifts that Cerise had given him over almost a year of knowing each other. “It’s ten thirty five hours now. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I plan on doing some sightseeing while I’m here,” the fox said.

  “And shop for some goodies for Cerise and your kids,” Lena said as she entered the bridge.

  “You bet I am,” Elias said with a half-smile.

  The crew had discovered that the quickest way to get Elias to smile was to remind him that he was going to be a father. The fox had been rather melancholy with having to leave his petite mate behind, and the crew had all done what they could to keep his spirits up. Most of them had already planned various excursions while they were down to shop for the coming children and parents-to-be, feeling that they had something of a vested interest in the growing family.

  “Would you like to come with Sonja, Melise, Randy and me?” the rabbit asked. “He found a place called Westlake that is supposed to have some great stores and there’s a restaurant on the way that Randy wants to stop by. Apparently they make a hamburger that is so large, if you can eat the whole thing it’s free.”

  “You know, that sounds like a good plan,” Elias said with a nod. “I’m still running on the Joplin clock and it is way past dinner time.”

  Lena perked up. “I’ll let the others know,” she said and disappeared into the corridor.

  “Glad to see she’s feeling better,” Saul said, satisfied with the display readouts on his console. “I’ll go ahead and set up security for the ship. It’ll give the parasites something to do besides irritate us.”

  The jaguar was referring to the three new flobots that Okami had equipped the Guiding Angel with after a time in dry dock following damage during the battle that had gained them the company of Pala Lon. Stram Molson, their chief engineer had named the three automatons Flea, Tick and Mite, though the rest of the crew admitted that the protocols the little ‘bots followed was a big help in maintaining ship’s security. The favorite general term for the disk shaped devices had quickly become ‘the parasites’.

  “Treena and I will also stay on board for the first few hours. I really need to get a little more rack time.”

  “If you feel you’re up to it. Security at this starport is pretty serious. Setting the lockdown codes should be enough. We’ll have to show identification as we leave and enter, though,” Elias said.

  “Can do. I’ll issue that order right now. And I assume that we’re following standard procedure about sidearms?” the jaguar inquired.

  “You better believe it. And the smallest group will be pairs,” the fox said. “Now then, if you will excuse me, I want to go get my wife something extremely nice.”

  “I’d like something extremely nice,” Treena said, batting her eyes at the fox.

  Elias laughed and pointed at his First Officer. “You aren’t married to me. That’s his job!”

  “I’ll marry you if it gets me something extremely nice!” the ocelot said with a grin. “Then you could have a harem!”

  “Not for me,” Elias said backing through the bridge hatch with his hands raised. “One is plenty for me, though I do appreciate the offer.”

  As he turned to head into his cabin for a few items before leaving the ship, Elias heard Saul mutter, “Traitorous wench!” That was quickly followed by the jaguar yelping and adding, “I give up! Stopstopstop!”

  It never did pay to let one’s lover know that one had very ticklish ears.

***

  The citizens of Seattle were accustomed to seeing nonhumans in their midst, especially with such a busy starport so close by, though the quintet that stood around a small coffee kiosk would make almost anyone take a second look. The first individual that stood out was the large wolf with the rabbit hanging off his arm. Elias, however, was the one that drew the most stares. The first point that people noticed was his white fur that seemed to glow of its own accord. Then they noticed the panda and cocker spaniel females that had hold of each of his arms.

  The group didn’t mind the scrutiny, though, and seemed to be having such a good time that those that passed by couldn’t help but smile at the groups exuberance.

  As the five made their way to the Westlake shopping area having eaten and watching the wolf with them consume the largest burger any of them had ever seen, Elias happened to glance to the right and stopped dead. “Sorry. We are making a slight course change right here,” the fox said and entered the establishment. He was wearing the leather long coat that Cerise had given him as a wedding present, and it must have looked suitably impressive to the staff of the jewelry store he’d entered. No sooner had Elias stepped over the threshold than he had the manager fawning on him and those he believed to be his entourage.

  “Good morning, Sir,” a tall, thin human with graying hair and pencil thin mustache said with a polite incline of his head. “How may we serve you today? Something to adorn one of these fine young ladies, perhaps? Hmm?”

  It was too good an opportunity to pass up, and Elias turned to Randal and gave him a wink as he spoke. “This man seems to be willing to help you, Highness. Should I go ahead and bring the car around for your purchases?”

  The wolf only paused for a second. “Not yet. Let’s see if he actually has any baubles that would be worthy of the Heir of the Throne of Tanthe.”

  Elias turned and shrugged, watching the other man pale noticeably. “Good luck pleasing his Highness. He tends to be very particular about what he buys and from whom.”

  The human stepped closer. “He’s Tanthean royalty?” the man whispered to Elias. “I would have expected…better…clothes.”

  “You’ll have to forgive the Heir’s appearance. It gives him the illusion of fitting in with…normal citizenry. But we both know that’s impossible for one of royal upbringing. All I ask is that you don’t point this out. He does so love his little charade.”

  “Oh. Of course! We shall be very discreet. Though, if I may ask, who are all of these females?”

  “Ah, they’re his preferred concubines. The first one that bears royal offspring will be elevated above the others,” Elias said trying not to snicker. “And he will most likely wish to find something suitable for them, not to mention the Queen mother.”

  “I see,” the human said. “I will take care of his needs immediately.” The man turned and snapped his fingers at two other sales associates and motioned them over with a curt wave of his hand. Elias had to stifle a laugh. The human had no idea that the different fur species of the PA, unless their base genetics were the same, couldn’t interbreed, and wouldn’t know Tanthean Royalty if they bit him.

  Blissfully left in peace, Elias was able to browse the selections of jewelry without having a salesman breathing down his neck the entire time, though when he glanced at the others, he saw Randal’s glare and had to again fight from laughing out loud. He would pay for this later, but it was worth it at the moment.

  In the second case, Elias saw a curious necklace that comprised three silver rings with two diamonds surrounding a star emerald. He’d heard of the rare stones, though he’d never seen one before. The smooth surface of the gem had a many pointed star of silvery grey that appeared to be floating in it. There was a slight young woman behind the counter, and Elias motioned her over. He pointed at the necklace.

  “I would like that one, please. And a set of matching earrings, or the closest you can find to it.”

  “Oh,” the human said. “I’d love to help, but I’m just a junior sales associate. Mister Winnifried would have to help you with that,” she said looking at the floor.

  Elias smiled. She reminded him of Sandy’s ward, Jenna. “But Mister Winnifried is busy. And you just said you are a sales associate.”

  “I can sell jewelry as long as it’s below the three hundred credit mark,” she explained with a slightly frustrated look.

  He looked at her name tag and smiled. “Phoebe. That’s a nice name. Let me explain this, Phoebe. My wife is expecting our first litter, and I really want to get her that necklace and a pair of earrings to go with it. If Mister Winnifried were here, would he sell me that piece, or would he try to get me interested in another, more expensive piece?”

  “Umm...he…he would try to get you interested in another item that was more expensive,” she admitted.

  “There you go,” Elias said smiling. “You’re very honest. I like that. This means a lot to me because she and I have to be apart right now and I want to get her something as lovely as she is. Are you sure you can’t help me?”

  “That…that has to be one of the sweetest things I’ve ever heard,” the girl said, smiling dreamily. “I wish more human men were like you.” She slid the necklace out and set it in front of the fox. “It’s pure silver, and the emerald came from the private mines of the Pruitt family in North Carolina. They’re the only ones really pulling good quality emeralds out of the ground anymore. The diamonds were recently discovered in the Three Sisters mine on Mars. They have incredible color and clarity.” She looked in the display case for a moment. “As for earrings, I think these go well with the necklace.”

  Phoebe pulled out a small box that had a series of interlocked silver rings with brilliant cut emeralds mounted at the ends. Elias smiled again. “Perfect,” he told her and watched the girl beam with the praise. “If you can find a tasteful bracelet and anklet, you will have made my day.”

  The girl was able to comply and all but bounced on her feet when Elias nodded. “Wrap them up and I’ll take them all.”

  “Sir, that’s over…let’s see…at the present exchange rate…” her voice trailed off as she typed in the figures on a small calculator. Her eyes grew wide. “That’s going to be three thousand eight hundred thirty three credits.”

  The fox slid his credicard across the counter without blinking and eye. “I hope you get a decent commission from this,” Elias said.

  “Oh, yes, Sir,” she said nodding vigorously. “This will pay for my rent for six months!”

  “Then I’m even happier that you are the one helping me.”

  The credicard was approved, and she handed it back to Elias before packaging the items. “Your wife is very lucky to have met someone like you, Sir,” Phoebe said as Elias put the package in his inside coat pocket and sealed it.

  “I’ve heard others say that,” he told her with a nod. Elias then leaned close to the girl. “I’ll tell you the truth, though. I’m the lucky one.”

  “If there is ever anything I can do to help you again, Sir, please let me know,” she said.

  At that point, the man named Winnifried, frustrated by Randal’s waffling on what he wanted saw his junior associate talking to Elias. He walked over, failing to keep the irritation off of his face. “Phoebe, are you bothering this gentleman?” he asked in a snide tone.

  “Actually, Mister Winnifried, she was assisting me with my purchase. If not for her assistance I would have left this junk shop long ago.”

  “Junk shop?” the human said in a tone of shock. “How dare-“

  Elias clapped his hands cutting the man off. “That will be all, Randal. Take the girls and wait outside,” he said, making a vague dismissive gesture. He then turned back to the human. “As if my bodyguard could actually pass as even Gentry, much less Royalty,” Elias said with a huff. “This is the only observant person you have in this entire shop. Why, if I owned it, I would make Phoebe the manager and send you back to cleaning floors and wiping down the glass.” Elias turned to the girl, giving her a wink, much as he’d done his friend upon entering the shop. Without hesitating, Elias took her hand and pressed his lips against her knuckles as flamboyantly as possible. “You have been far too kind, my dear. If you ever want to leave this dreary city, just contact the embassy and we shall arrange for your move back to my home. I will always have need of knowledgeable jewelers.”

  Elias turned to leave, cast one more disdainful look at the human that managed the store, snorted, turned his nose up in the air and exited. He joined the others and waited until they were around the corner before he burst out laughing.

  “Just what the hell was that about?” Melise asked.

  “Sorry,” Elias said as he regained control of himself, though he still grinned widely. “I never could stand people that took themselves too seriously, plus I just served that pompous twit a healthy dose of humility. I couldn’t help it. The girl was helpful, and if what I heard on the way out was any indication, she just got a well-deserved and long overdue promotion.”

  He told the others all of the details, and they were all laughing by the time they arrived at the Westlake district. Everyone found the story amusing until Lena let out a high pitched squeal and bolted from the rest of the group, leaving her companions in stunned confusion.

  “Oh…no,” Randal said shaking his head as the doe slid to a stop in front of a large window that was filled with bright colors.

  It was several moments before the others realized that the rabbit was standing in front of the mother of all candy shops.

  “If I’d known this was here, I would have kept her at the ship,” the wolf said.

  “I didn’t know she was that addicted to sugar,” Sonja said with a smile.

  “She’ll be bouncing all over the ship for the next three days,” Randal said morosely. “And that’s not even the worse of it.”

  “What do you mean?” Melise asked, looking at her shipmate in confusion.

  “Aww, crud. She saw them.”

  “Saw what?” Elias asked, as perplexed as his other two crew members.

  “Jelly beans. She’s crazy for them. Especially the red and green ones. They could be any flavor, as long as they’re red and green. She likes those because they make her…” Randal paused and looked at the others, the insides of his ears turning red.

  “Make her what, Randal?” Elias asked sternly.

  “Umm…they make her...affectionate. I mean really affectionate. Last time she had some jelly beans I thought she was going to put me in the infirmary.”

  “Wow,” Elias said flatly. “Now there was something I really didn’t need to know. In fact, I could’ve gone the rest of my life without knowing that.”

  Melise began to chuckle in a very evil manner. “At least I know what to get her for her birthday next year.”

  Randal gave her a very pained look. “Please, if you have a shred of decency in you, don’t.”

  Melise laughed and went to join the doe.

  “Elias? Would you shoot me now?” the wolf asked staring in shock at the panda. “It really will be a mercy.”

  “Which ones have the greater effect?” Sonja asked. “The red or the green?”

  “You’re not helping,” the wolf growled.

  Like the panda, Sonja laughed and went to join the other females.

  Elias simply shook his head and walked away laughing as well.

***

  My Dearest Cerise,

    I can’t begin to tell you how much I miss you and wish that you were here. Too many times at night I reach for you and find that you aren’t next to me. The ship just isn’t the same without you. Lately I’ve been giving serious thought to resigning my commission so I can be with you and our children. I know that you will disagree, but I’m getting tired of all of this. I know you will try to talk me out of this, but it’s something I’ve been thinking very long and hard about. I also wish fervently that I could just see you via the Net, but every time I try to get a hold of you, you’re either out or resting, and I don’t want to disturb you. I know that you aren’t delicate, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t worry.

  We had word from Treena’s friend. She’s going to look into that business that we wanted to hire her for. It looks like all of our efforts were for nothing, though. Alistair has experienced similar problems so it looks like we’ll have to follow through with Uncle’s original thought of getting together with the others for a major housecleaning.

  Everyone here misses you. We all feel your absence.

  I wish I could write more, but things are picking up out here. I’ll send another message as soon as I can. Just know that I love you more with every passing day and we’ll hopefully see each other soon. 

  With all of my heart,

  Elias

***

  My Love,

   I wish I was there with you. Even though I’m surrounded by my family, my days seem lonely because you aren’t here with me. While I miss the others, it is you my heart aches for. One of the few things that has helped is seeing Merlin and Samantha frequently. Sam is over almost every day and has been a big help in getting things ready for our kits. We have a full nursery and the birthing den is almost ready as well. I’ve met her sister-in-law, Shannon. She and her husband, Bill, already have their own brood and they have been very helpful in making recommendations. Between them, Sam, Shannon and Bill have saved us quite a bit of trouble. I can’t wait for you to meet them.

  I know that we both made our feelings clear about your present job, but maybe it is time that we talked about a…change. I don’t want you to ever compromise your beliefs for me, but I will admit that I would be thrilled to have you home with me.

  The doctor that I’m seeing is pleased with my progress, though I have just started showing recently. I told her that I don’t want to know what we’re having until they are born. Doctor Briggs has assured me that everything is going quite well and has even agreed that Sam and Shannon would be good midwives when the time comes. She is also looking forward to meeting you.

  I know it must be hard for you, with so much distance between us. I just want to be held by you and miss feeling your arms around me. You have always made me feel safe and warm.

  Just know that you are in my thoughts and that I love you more and more every day.

  Come home soon.

Your loving wife,

  Cerise

— NEXT CHAPTER —

Unless otherwise noted, all material © Ted R. Blasingame. All rights reserved.