Jeanip helped Sunam lift a box into the water for Graybin and Runbee to take to the boat docked a few hundred feet away. With their help the past few days, Jeanip had been stocking the vessel with supplies and some of the more valuable objects from Medaron’s attic in case a hasty retreat became necessary. Sunam and Tinderoon had been busy upgrading the weapons system and installing a new security screen. Both still needed several more days to be completed.
“Chancee has sent a message that a large group of possible Terrians is moving down from the mountains and up the canyon. He estimates they will be here within two days. He wants us under his protection by noon tomorrow, which means we have to leave tonight under night’s cloak for Saint’s Isle,” Jeanip explained. ”So we need to get everything possible out to the boat.”
“Jeanip, I can’t get the new screen up by then,” Sunam stated, worried about trying to move the monarchs without its completion.
“We’ll have to chance it, Sunam. Right now it’s more important to get Europa and Earon off of Minnos and to somewhere protected. Plus, I don’t believe there will be an attempt to attack us by sea,” Jeanip surmised.
“I agree. They know we’d be waiting for them and our troops would cut them down,” Runbee stated.
“And since we know they can’t transform into any flying creature, we should be okay without the screen. Once we get to the Hunting Lodge, you can try to get it up and running.” Jeanip addressed Sunam.
Turning to Runbee, Jeanip said, “Once it gets dark I need you to move the boat to the cave’s entrance. I don’t think it’s safe to try to move it until dark. Hopefully, no one will see it has been moved and try to investigate the reason for its new location.”
“I will get my troops to help me pull it over here. A silent move would be less noticeable than a noisy one.” Runbee said.
“Make it so,” Jeanip said. Turing to Graybin he said, “I need you to find Enok and let him know we will need help. Tell him I believe the time has come to deploy those who are left and engage the enemy.” Graybin looked at him in surprise. “Tell Enok that is my commanding suggestion. The decision, as always, is his.”
“So you think war has returned after all these centuries?” Graybin asked.
“That is Enok’s decision,” Jeanip stated without hesitation. “Tell Enok if we have to evacuate Minnos I will implement security order EW1. Every Waters must be clear. Minnos will be destroyed fifteen minutes after the front or side door is breached by Terrians.”
“Yes, Jeanip,” Graybin said, transforming once again into a bottle noised dolphin.
“Graybin, wait just a moment.” Graybin stopped and turned to look at Jeanip. “Once we have the monarchs aboard the boat I want you and Runbee to take Misso down to the Complex. I will need Sunam to stay with me until we reach the Hunting Lodge and he can finish the modifications to the new security screen. Once he has completed that, I will send him down to join you.”
“Thank you, Jeanip,” he heard her say. Then she quickly swam out to the ocean to inform Enok.
“Jeanip, last time we engaged the Terrians the humans were few and scattered across this world. If war begins once again between us, what will happen to the humans?” Sunam asked.
Jeanip stopped and looked at Sunam. He couldn’t decide if Sunam had grown fond of these two-legged creatures after all these years or if he was simply curious. “If we can contain the fighting to these lands I believe the threat to the humans will be minimal. But if it goes beyond these lands then many humans may die. And if the humans are ignorant enough to try to engage JeffRa in an attempt to protect themselves and their planet, then I fear they will meet the same fate as other worlds have, such as the planet they call Mars. Their race will exist no more and the majority of their planet will be devoid of life.”
“Then I guess for everyone’s sake we can’t let it go beyond these lands,” Sunam stated, as he lowered a box of ammunition down to Runbee.
____________
After running down the stairs, Terrance went directly into the kitchen. He placed the paintings side by side, painted side up on the kitchen table above where Misso laid and Europa’s backpack on the chair in front of them. Keeping his backpack hanging over his shoulder for safe keeping, he then walked over to the coffee pot and poured Europa and himself a cup of coffee. He smiled as he thought of Misso – she never let the coffee pot get empty.
“How is she doing?” he asked, as he handed Europa her coffee.
“She’s still sleeping. Did you get my book?” Europa asked, taking a sip of her coffee, savoring the familiar flavor.
“All the important things are in my pack here,” Terrance said, laying his pack at Europa’s feet. “There are a couple of things from my father’s room in there too. I was hoping we’d have a chance to look them over together today, but looks like it’s going to have to wait. I put your paintings on the table along with your backpack that I put some clothes in.”
“Thanks, Terrance. I am grateful you remembered to add clothes to the list,” Europa said, a little embarrassed by the omission of such a necessity. “I was so worried about the book that I did not think of anything else.” Europa looked at Terrance, trying to determine if the scene upstairs was as bad as she imagined it would be. Not able to contain her curiosity, she asked, “Was it really bad up there, in my room, with Birea’s body still up there and all that blood?”
Terrance looked around the kitchen. It was so quiet. He had never known it to be this silent. Seeing the males had not returned yet, nor had Jeanip, he leaned toward Europa and said, “Europa, Birea’s body was gone. All that was left where her body had fallen was an empty blanket and her clothes. And all the purple blood was gone too. The only blood up there now is Anna’s.”
Europa’s eyes widen in disbelief. “What do you mean her body was gone?” she whispered. “No one has been up there.”
“I know. Do you think Jeanip could have a secret passageway and snuck up there?” Terrance asked.
“I suppose anything is possible in this house,” Europa answered. “But I don’t think so. Are you sure it . . .” Europa did not finish her sentence. Triton had risen from where he laid at her feet. He turned and faced the side door, his hair beginning to rise on his back, a deep menacing growl starting to grow in his throat. As Europa uneasiness rose in response to Triton’s growls, the amulet around her neck began to hum and emit a soft red light. At the same time, a red light began to turn off and on throughout the house.
Realizing Jeanip’s new silent alarm had been activated, and considering the gravity of the situation, Earon transformed from Triton the canine into Earon the human before Europa and Terrance. “Sorry, Sis, but I do not have time to hide the transformation or run and grab some clothes,” Earon said to an astonished Europa and Terrance. “You are going to have to deal with a naked brother until I get you down to safety.”
“Something really bad is coming,” Europa announced, rising to a standing position, staring at her brother and the glowing amulet also around his neck.
Europa screamed as the side door suddenly flew open and reclosed. To her relief she realized it was Tinderoon, but that relief left when he turned around and she saw he was covered in blood, purple blood.
“Tinderoon, what happened? Where are Evonic, Mintoo and Ebar?” Terrance asked, fear mounting inside him also.
Tinderoon looked at the three, shaking his head negatively. “They didn’t make it,” he said. “They were waiting for us in the barn. They got Mintoo as soon as he took the horses back to their stalls after the ride here. They killed the horses too. They must have been waiting for some of us to come out to the barn. As soon as we had our arms full of boards they struck. We didn’t have a chance.”
Earon ran to Misso and scooped her up in his arms. Looking directly at Europa and Terrance, he began to give orders. “You two follow me. Stay as close as you can. I will get you to safety.”
; Europa reached down and picked up Terrance’s backpack, then followed Earon. As they passed the kitchen table, Terrance quickly grabbed the two paintings and Europa’s backpack while not missing a step in following Europa and Earon toward Jeanip’s room.
Looking at Tinderoon, Earon directed, “Tinderoon, I need you to protect our back and keep them from trying to follow as long as possible.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Tinderoon answered, as he opened a side wall panel to reveal numerous weapons. He removed as many weapons and ammunition as he could carry and took them over by the kitchen table. Tinderoon turned to face the three. “Hurry, Your Majesties, get to safety. They will be here shortly. May the Waters protect you and get you to Saint’s Isle safely.”
Fearing this might be her last time to see Tinderoon, Europa quickly replied, “Thank you, Tinderoon, for always watching over me.” Tinderoon smiled at her and winked, then turned his attention back to his arsenal, forming a plan of defense.
“Remember, Tinderoon, you have fifteen minutes after the alarm sounds,” was the last thing he heard Earon say as he disappeared with Misso, Europa and Terrance into Jeanip’s room. Grabbing the table, Tinderoon flipped it on its side, positioning it in front of the weapons, thus creating a barricade for himself. He loaded the weapons, and then stacked them against the table for easy access. He reached under the kitchen table lip and flipped a switch. A secret panel opened revealing a blaster that turned his army of one into an army of twenty. Weapons in hand, he braced himself for the assault to come, determined their enemy would never reach his monarchs or the others below.
____________
Graybin returned to the cave to offer any assistance Jeanip might need and deliver Enok’s reply. She had found Enok still patrolling the ocean, thus making her trip a short one. When Jeanip asked if Enok had a response, she looked at her life’s mate, Runbee, then back to Jeanip. “Enok says war has begun,” Graybin said softly, a tear emerging from her eye. Jeanip pretended he did not see her tear. He knew Graybin did not fear war, or even death. But all of them, including Jeanip himself, had believed the Terrians to be destroyed and the possibility of war nonexistent. Now, here they were again, after so many centuries, fighting an enemy whose sole purpose in life was to eradicate their race. Graybin had already lost her two sons in the war. The possibility of losing her daughter along with this new world she now called home was too devastating a thought to even contemplate.
“Help me carry this box out to the vessel,” Runbee said to Graybin. “I’ll fill you in on what you missed on the way.” As Graybin took ahold of the box, a red blinking light began to flicker on and off, filling the cavern with its flickering light. Jeanip and Sunam knew it was the new silent alarm they had installed, an alarm that would warn them of a Terrian attack without the Terrians knowing they had been detected.
“Runbee, get that vessel over here NOW,” Jeanip yelled, as he raced down the tunnel toward the stairs and Europa. Feared gripped him as it never had before. His charges, his sovereigns were up there without him there to protect them. Were they safe? More importantly, were they alive? Had he failed in his duty again? The only thing that gave him hope was the fact the sound alarm had not yet sounded, meaning the structure of the cottage had not been breached. His heart pounding so loud he could barely hear any sounds outside his head, his lungs burning with the need for more air, Jeanip pushed himself to run up the stairs leading to his room. Keeping his eyes on the steps to avoid tripping, he did not see the figures descending the stairs above him.
“Jeanip, stop,” Earon called out, turning around in an attempt to shield Misso from a possible collision with Jeanip.
Even before he looked up, Jeanip knew it was Earon by the sweet sound of his voice. At that moment he believed nothing had ever sounded sweeter than the two words he spoke. Stopping abruptly, he was able to avoid colliding with Earon by hitting the stone wall and falling to the steps. Sunam, who had been running close behind Jeanip, threw out his hands and braced them against the stone wall to stop, breaking his left hand in several places. As Jeanip picked himself up from the steps, Earon noticed a long cut along his cheek bone and another above his right eye, blood flowing from each wound.
“Earon, thank God,” Jeanip said, as he hugged Earon around Misso, being very careful not to injure her. “I feared the worst.” Seeing Europa behind him, Jeanip stepped over to her and pulled her into his arms. “Forgive me, Your Highness, for not being there to protect you. Until we arrive at Saint’s Isle, I will not leave your side again.”
“It is okay, Jeanip,” Europa said, as she took a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped away the blood on Jeanip’s face. “You had no way of knowing they would attack again so soon.”
“That is irrelevant, Your Highness. Once an attempt was made on your life I should not have left you for any reason. That error will NOT be made again.” Jeanip looked around to see who else was with them. When he saw only Terrance he wondered where his soldiers were. “Earon, where are my men? Why didn’t they accompany you down here?”
Continuing to walk down the stairs, Earon said, “Evonic, Tinderoon and Ebar went out to the barn to get some wood to board up the hole in Europa’s room. The Terrians were waiting for them. Somehow Tinderoon managed to make it back inside, but he looked badly wounded. He has barricaded himself in the kitchen with a stockpile of weapons to cover our escape.”
“And Mintoo?”
“The Terrians ambushed him when he took the horses to the barn. None of them had a chance.”
“Sunam, go help Tinderoon.” Jeanip stopped as the alarms began to sound throughout the estate, followed by weapon firing from above. “Never mind, Sunam. They’ve breached the walls. May the Waters give Tinderoon a warrior’s death.” Turning around to face Terrance, Jeanip added, “Terrance, I’m afraid you’ll have to go with us.”
“Where Europa goes, I go, Sir,” Terrance said with conviction, determined to keep her safe from whomever was trying to end her life and Earon’s.
Jeanip led the small group down the tunnel to the ocean entrance. Runbee had moved the vessel to thirty feet from the entrance, unable to bring it closer due to the rocky shelf that had been built to prevent boats from entering the cave.
“Everyone in the water. We’ll have to swim out to the boat. Time is short, so hurry.” Jeanip announced. “Sunam, carry Misso out. Earon, you help Europa.”
“Jeanip, I don’t think I can carry Misso,” Sunam said. “I broke my hand when I hit that wall on the stairs and I wouldn’t be able to hold her plus swim.”
“Earon, you take Misso. Sunam, you help Europa if she needs it.” Jeanip knew that, like all Waters, Europa was an excellent swimmer and probably wouldn’t need much assistance. He then turned and disappeared into the treasure room Europa had seen.
As Sunam stepped into the water, he looked up at Terrance and Europa. “You’ll need to leave those backpacks and paintings here.”
“We can’t leave the backpack,” Terrance said, knowing he could not leave the items it contained behind.
“Then you’ll have to swim with it,” Sunam announced.
“There are valuable, irreplaceable items in here. They can’t get wet. Isn’t there another way to get to the boat?”
“No, the vessel cannot come any closer. If you want your things you’ll have to swim with them,” Sunam said again, getting annoyed as the time ticked by.
“The valuables he speaks of are mine, Sunam. I need them to go with me, along with the two paintings. They cannot get wet,” Europa interjected.
“Sunam, put the backpacks containing her majesty’s and Terrance’s items in a waterproof container along with the two paintings and this,” Jeanip ordered, throwing Sunam the missing Orb.
“And I would appreciate it if someone would throw some clothes in there for me too,” Earon said, as he swam with Misso toward the vessel.
Without speaking a word, Sunam jumped up ou
t of the water, grabbed a nearby container and placed the backpacks, paintings and Orb inside. He quickly ran to a nearby trunk and grabbed some clothes, throwing them also in the container. Holding on to the container with his uninjured hand, he jumped into the water and began to swim alongside Europa as she followed Earon to the vessel.
“Terrance, if you’re coming I need for you to get into the water,” Jeanip said, as he jumped in. “We are running out of time. If we don’t leave within the next few minutes we won’t have to worry about the Terrians ending our lives. We will blow ourselves up.”
A look of horror covered Terrance’s face. “I can’t swim,” he said.
“What did you say?” Jeanip asked in astonishment.
“I said I can’t swim. I don’t like the water. In fact, I avoid it. I don’t even like being on a boat,” Terrance admitted. “Leave me here. Maybe I’ll be okay down here.”
“You’ll be dead down here,” Jeanip said. “Now get in the water now or I’ll drag you in myself.”
Graybin swam up alongside Jeanip, “It’s okay Jeanip, we’ll take him. You go ahead.” As Jeanip began to swim toward the vessel, Graybin looked up at Terrance. “Young man, Runbee and I will swim you out to the vessel. You just have to hold on to us. We promise we will not let you drown. Now get into the water and grab our dorsal fins. Europa needs you.”
They were right – Europa did need him. He stepped into the water as Graybin and Runbee transformed into bottlenose dolphins. Positioning themselves on each sign of Terrance, they carefully swam with him to the boat as he tightly held on to their dorsal fins. He saw Sunam and Earon waiting for him on the swim deck to help him on board, Europa standing behind them. Terrance focused his attention on her face while remembering his promise to Jeanip to help protect her. He could do this; if he just concentrated on Europa he could reach the boat. Finally, he heard Earon’s voice telling him to give him his hand. He looked away from Europa and discovered he was within arms’ length of the boat and both men were reaching for him to help him up. Taking a deep breathe, he let go of Runbee’s dorsal fin first and grabbed Earon’s hand. Once he was sure Earon had him, he let go of Graybin and reached for Sunam’s good arm. He scrambled aboard the swim deck and stepped on to the vessel. Not knowing if he was shaking from the cold water or fear, Europa quickly brought him a towel she found on deck and threw it around his shoulders. As she escorted Terrance away from the bow, Europa heard a familiar clicking sound and glanced over the side to see the two dolphins who had helped Terrance. In amazement, she noticed lilac stars on their side and instantaneously realized the two unfamiliar humans inside the cave were actually her play pals, Jack and Jill. They too were shape-shifters.
“Is no one who or what they seem?” she asked, looking at a shivering bewildered Terrance. “Do you not see, Terrance? The two humans from the cave who shifted into dolphins; they are Jack and Jill, the two dolphins I have been playing with all my life.” As they entered the wheel house, she turned and yelled back, “And Brother, I would appreciate you putting those clothes on. I am delighted to know I have a brother, but meeting him for the first time as he walks around naked is a bit disturbing.”
“Okay, Sis,” Earon laughed, giving her a big smile. “I am glad we finally get to meet,” he said. He opened the container Sunam had brought aboard and pulled out the clothes, slipping them on.
“Sunam, man the guns,” Jeanip ordered, cradling Misso in his arms. Sunam reached down and tore off the bottom of his shirt. Holding on to the rag, he pulled his hunting knife from his boot and laid it across the palm of his broken hand, being sure the blade pointed outward, the edge of the torn cloth secured under the knife. Using his good hand, Sunam wrapped the strip of cloth around his hand, binding the knife to it. The knife would act as a splint as well as a weapon. Although unlikely, he knew the Terrians might try to disable their vessel and board it. If that happened, he was now equipped to protect his royals, ready to defend them in hand-to-hand combat.
“Europa and Terrance, I need you to have a seat in here,” Jeanip yelled, as he entered the wheel house and laid Misso on the bench. “Sit here next to Misso. Europa, if you would be so kind as to keep an eye on her for me. If she wakes or seems in pain, let me know. Earon, I need you to drive the boat so I can help Sunam.”
Now dressed, Earon entered the wheel house. “I can help Sunam. You know these waters better than I. You should pilot the ship.”
“Just keep her on this heading,” Jeanip answered, placing his hand on Earon’s shoulder. “Earon, I need you to be safe. I need Europa, Misso and Terrance to be safe. That means you need to stay here inside the wheel house, the safest place on the ship. And you need to make sure they stay here. My place, Sire, is out there defending you alongside Sunam.” He removed his hand from Earon’s shoulder and exited the wheel house.
“Are we not going a bit slow?” Earon yelled after Jeanip. “Can I give it some more gas?”
“No, keep it at this speed. A speeding boat racing away from Minnos may draw attention. We want to look like a normal vessel out for a tour on the ocean. Once you pass the lighthouse give her all she’s got and get us the hell out of the area. Head out into the open ocean as fast as you can,” Jeanip ordered.
“Is that not cutting it pretty close, Jeanip?” Earon asked, remembering the blast range of the upcoming explosion.
“With about five seconds to spare,” Jeanip answered, giving Earon a wink.
As soon as they reached the lighthouse, Earon pushed the throttle forward. Within seconds of the vessel picking up speed, the sound of several huge explosions filled the air. The five comrades turned toward the sound and watched as debris rained down from the sky, debris that had been the cottage. Europa raised her hand to her mouth to stop herself from crying out. Her home, everything she loved, everything she owned was gone. Ten seconds later, three more explosions sounded. Rock and water burst from the cave as the blasts destroyed the stairway and the secret tunnel to the cottage, destroyed all the treasures held in its chambers, wiped away any existence of their secret world. The complete destruction of the cottage and the cave gave assurance nothing would be left for the Terrians or the humans to find. As Earon, Terrance and Europa watched the destruction of Minnos, they knew Tinderoon had sacrificed his life to keep the advancing Terrians occupied during the fifteen minute countdown.
Jeanip looked over and saw the look on Europa’s face. He wished he had had time to prepare her for what just happened, but everything had happened so swiftly there had not been time to warn her. He saw Terrance take her in his arms as she began to cry for all she had just lost. He was glad Terrance was there to comfort her, for he had a job to do. “Earon, keep this course,” Jeanip ordered. He opened the weapons locker and removed several assault rifles. He walked to the opposite side of the deck from Sunam and knelt, placing the weapons next to himself. He then began to load each and stack them against the ship’s side in preparation.
“Jeanip, I think Misso is coming around. She is starting to moan,” Europa called to Jeanip, her tears stopped for the moment.
“Damn, I hoped she’d stay asleep until we made it to the Hunting Lodge,” Jeanip said under his breath. Turning to face Sunam, he said, “All I can do is give her a shot for the pain. I’ll be right back.”
Jeanip returned to the wheel room and injected Misso with pain medication. “This should take away her pain,” Jeanip said to Europa. “Unfortunately, without Evonic, that’s all we can do for now.”
“What is the plan?” Earon asked.
“I had hoped once you and your sister were aboard I could allow Runbee and Graybin to take Misso below for treatment.”
“No, Jeanip, I will not leave as long as my sovereigns are in danger,” they heard a faint voice say before Jeanip could complete his statement. “My place is here with them.”
“So it is, Misso,” Jeanip softly said, as he gently placed his hand
on her head. Turning back to the three youths he stated, “We’ll have to remain out in the ocean until night falls to assure no one can follow us to our next destination. It will be tricky. We’ll have to travel without the aid of lights.”
“We have to navigate back to land without using lights?” Terrance asked, concerned about the vessel running aground. “Isn’t that going to be impossible?”
“Don’t worry, novice sailor,” Jeanip said. “The jumpers will be our eyes. They will lead us up the coast through the fog and into Medaron’s Cove.
“Jumpers?” Terrance asked.
“Dolphins, Terrance,” Europa said. “Jack and Jill will lead us to where we have to go.”
“Oh,” Terrance said, acting as if this was a normal occurrence. “But what’s to keep them from coming after us out here in the ocean?” Terrance asked.
“They could, but Terrians are like you Terrance,” Earon stated, smiling down at Terrance. “They don’t like the water. They avoid it whenever possible. Plus, they know the ocean will be guarded by the jumpers, our Shooniffs, a special elite Oonocks’ army sworn to protect their monarchs. They will never allow a Terrian to get within several miles of us.”
“What about an attack from the sky?” Terrance asked, scouring the blue sky above, trying to imagine every angle an attack could come from.
“True Terrians do not have the capability of transforming. Only Oonocks who have become Terrians do. Plus, there’s the law of physics. We cannot transform into creatures much smaller than ourselves and then we need the animal’s DNA to transform into them. So you see, we can’t transform into birds, or insects, or into mythical creatures such as fire-breathing dragons,” Jeanip replied. “So, unless they’ve figured out how to fly as ostriches, we should be safe.”
Terrance dropped his head onto his chest. “This is just too weird.”
“Welcome to my world,” Earon teased.
Europa reached over and took his hand in hers. “I am so sorry, Terrance, I got you involved in all of this. If I had had any idea about whom, or should I say what I was, I never would have allowed us to become friends.”
Terrance raised his head and looked at Europa. “Don’t ever say that, Europa. Please, don’t ever regret meeting me. I don’t. If my being here means you will live for years to come, then I welcome all that has happened and is yet to happen. Besides, I said it was weird, not that I was sorry I was here.”
“Weird is an understatement,” Europa replied in a low voice, smiling back. “And to tell you the truth, I cannot imagine making this journey without you being with me.”
Jeanip looked up at the sun. From its position he estimated it was about four hours before night fall. He turned to scan the ocean’s surface. No other vessels were in sight. Just as he was beginning to feel they were going to make it, he heard Sunam cry out. “Jeanip, Sir, you need to come out here right away. I believe we may have a problem.”
Jeanip ran outside after ordering the three to remain inside the wheel house. “What’s the problem?” Jeanip asked, dropping down beside Sunam. He resurveyed the ocean for ships thinking perhaps he had missed one, but again he saw nothing.
“I believe THAT is going to be,” Sunam said, pointing toward the sky. Jeanip lifted his vision upward. There, in the distance, was a dark speck against the blue sky which was growing larger. As he continued to watch, Jeanip recognized the dot as a sea plane and it was flying straight toward them.
“Terrance, I stand corrected,” Jeanip shouted. “They might not be able to turn into flying creatures, but evidently the Terrians have learned how to fly machines.” He turned to face Sunam. “I don’t suppose you and Tinderoon were able to install that blaster?”
“No, Sir. That was on our list for this evening. We have some good weapons, but nothing that can knock that out of the sky unless they get really close to us.”
“Well, then, Sunam, without that blaster that plane could definitely be a major problem.” Jeanip surveyed the horizon in hope the nightly fog bank would be moving in early tonight. As he strained his eyes to search, he thought he saw a darkening on the horizon. Could they be that lucky? Could the fog be coming in early? He continued to watch, but could not be sure if it was the fog.
“Sunam, look north-west. Tell me what you see,” Jeanip ordered, knowing Sunam’s eyesight was much sharper than his.
Sunam placed his good palm over his eyes to cut down on the sun’s glare and stared in the north-west direction. A hint of hope flittered in his eyes as he said, “Sir, I believe that is the fog coming to our defense, but it’s a long ways out there. I’m not sure we can make it there before that plane reaches us.”
“Maybe we can combine a couple of these assault rifles and create something we can use to slow them down. We only need to buy ourselves about twenty minutes,” Jeanip replied.
Sunam immediately began to dissemble some of his weaponry, as did Jeanip. Brainstorming together, they began building a new weapon that would hopefully stop the advancement of the aircraft. With a lot of luck, it would bring the craft down.
“Earon, head north-north west. There’s a fog bank out there,” Jeanip yelled, pointing toward the fog. “And see if you can get some more speed out of her by changing the mixture flow to a minus two.”
“How do I tell where north-north west is? And what the hell is a minus two mixture?” Earon yelled back, staring down at the numerous dials and switches in front of him.
Needing to stay working with Sunam, but not wanting Earon to do anything that might jeopardize their mission, such as changing the flow wrong and stalling the engines, Jeanip stood up to return to the wheel house. Before he could take a step he saw Europa jump up and immediately go to the controls and Earon. “I will show him, Jeanip,” she shouted. Knowing she was an experienced sailor, Jeanip returned to building the new weapon with Sunam, leaving the corrections in Europa’s capable hands. “Here, let me do it,” Europa said, as she lovingly nudged Earon aside. ”After all the years you have lived up here, I cannot believe you do not know the first thing about navigating a ship.”
“Hey, it is not my fault they never taught the canine the mechanics of ocean vessels,” Earon answered, nudging his sister aside in return. He was disappointed his funny remark did not bring a smile to his sister’s face, but he realized things were probably too serious for her to appreciate his humor.
“Give me the wheel for a minute!” Europa said. She placed one hand on the wheel and pointed to the direction dial with the other. “See this dial? It tells you your direction. Turn the wheel until the needle is lined up with the direction you want to go.” She turned the wheel until the needle read NNW. She then pointed to a black knob with a white arrow on it. Under the knob, printed in an Orbital array, were numbers descending from “nine” to “minus nine”, each number having a white notch line to indicate its position. Europa turned the knob until the white arrow rested on the notch marked minus two. “Now listen for the engine valves to open.” Within seconds Earon could hear the clicking of valves opening. “Flip the switch and count to ten: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. Now push the throttle forward.” Earon pushed the throttle forward and was surprised to feel the vessel pick up speed. Changing the mixture had worked.
Jeanip and Sunam completed the new weapon. It looked like a piece of junk with different weapon pieces tied or taped together, but they both felt it had a chance. They only had to slow the sea plane down to give them the time they needed to reach the fog bank.
“Terrance, you and Europa go lay on the floor between the Captain’s chair and the side now. Earon, if firing starts, tie off the wheel and lie down next to your sister. There is a rope hanging on each side of the wheel for tying it off. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT try to remain at the wheel to steer the vessel. Do you understand?” Jeanip handed Sunam the new weapon, then returned to his original spot with his remaining stockpile o
f weapons. Even with a broken hand Jeanip knew Sunam was the better shot, and therefore the one to fire the new weapon.
“What about Misso?” Europa asked. “Should we put her on the floor also?”
“No, there is no time and I don’t believe she should be moved. Plus, they shouldn’t fire into the wheel house for fear of hitting you or Earon. If I’m wrong, we just have to hope she’ll be safe laying on the bench.”
Earon scanned the horizon, searching for the fog bank Jeanip said was out there. While wondering if the fog was just a dream, it suddenly came into Earon’s view. As he watched, the bank grew in size. It was huge, the kind they could easily get lost in if they could just reach it. He kept the vessel on course straight toward the fog.
Jeanip and Sunam watched the image of the sea plane grow larger as it came nearer. There was always the possibility it was not Terrian, but the probability was slim. The plane’s purpose was confirmed when it altered its course to intercept their ship before it could reach the fog bank. They could hear the engine’s sputter as the pilot pushed the throttle forward to go faster, perhaps fearing they would reach the fog bank before they reached them. As the plane continued to advance toward them, Sunam could make out the weaponry mounted on its wings.
“They’re carrying some heavy artillery,” Sunam announced.
“Definitely an aggressor,” Jeanip stated, as the now familiar sound of a “ping” was heard as a bullet hit the boat. “Earon, get down,” Jeanip yelled, as a barrage of bullets hit the boat. Jeanip and Sunam both opened fired, but their weapons did not have the capability of reaching the plane. Sunam knew he would probably only have one, possibly two shots with the new weapon to either stop or bring the plane down. He had to wait until the plan came closer. Another round of bullets hit the vessel, shattering the windshield, punching holes through the sides. Jeanip winced in pain as a bullet ricocheted and entered his leg.
“Sir, fall back to the wheel house,” Sunam said.
“No, I’m okay.” Jeanip yelled, firing at the untouchable target.
“Sir, our weapons are not inflicting any damage. The only hope we have is this new weapon we built, but I have to wait until they’re closer before firing it. Our monarchs need you with them,” Sunam said, looking directly at Jeanip. “The Terrians will try to kill you and me and disable our engine. That will leave them with only Earon for protection. Sir, the Terrians will not hesitate to kill Earon. It’s Europa JeffRa wants. If it looks like you’ll be boarded you can put the three in the water while I keep them pinned down. Once in the water, you and Earon can transform into jumpers and take Europa away from the boat to the pod’s protection. If Enok is in the area he might even be able to take her underwater for a short period of time.” Sunam paused and stared at Jeanip. “Sir, you know I’m right.”
“And what about Terrance? He can’t swim. And Misso can’t be put in the water.” Jeanip stated. “I can’t leave them behind.”
“I know, Sir. Hopefully a life preserver will help Terrance. And I’m sure Graybin and Runbee will be glad to assist him like before. As for Misso, she is a soldier, ready to give her life for her sovereigns,” Sunam answered, knowing it might not be possible to save Terrance and Misso. Jeanip saluted Sunam, saluted the best soldier he had ever known, saluted him with all the homage deserving of a king. He then turned and scurried across the deck to the wheel house. Sunam looked ahead at the fog bank. It was still too far off to offer assistance.
“Jeanip, you’re wounded,” Europa said, as she saw the purple blood stain on Jeanip’s leg.
“I’m fine, Europa,” he said, trying to reassure her. The seriousness of their situation on his face, he stated, “If the re-engineered weapon does not at least slow the plane down, we are going to have to go into the water. It’s our only chance.” He saw a look of terror come across Terrance’s face. “Europa and Terrance, grab one of those life jackets next to you and put it on. And I would suggest you all cover your ears. This new weapon is going to be pretty loud.”
Terrance quickly handed Europa her life jacket, then put his own on while praying they would not have to go into the water again. Then all placed their hands over their ears while Jeanip placed his hands over Misso’s. As the plane came closer, Sunam pulled the trigger. A large boom signaled the firing of the weapon as the barrel blew apart, sending fragments into Sunam’s chest.
“Did it work?” Earon yelled, unable to see through a cloud of black smoke.
Jeanip waved his hands trying to dissipate the smoke so he could see if the sea plane was still in the sky. As the smoke cleared Jeanip saw the plane was still air born, but definitely damaged. It retreated some and began to circle the ship, apparently afraid of being hit again.
“Damn, it didn’t go down. And it looks like we only get one shot at it,” Jeanip said, a note of defeat in his voice. “Get ready to get wet. Without a blaster I can’t stop that plane.”
“Wait,” Terrance yelled, terrified of having to go back into the water. He had suddenly remembered the strange weapon he had brought in his backpack. Perhaps Jeanip could use it. Frantically looking for the container it came aboard in, he spotted it behind the captain’s seat. Keeping as low to the floor as he could, he scrambled over to the container, yanked open its lid and retrieved his pack. Dragging it behind him, he crawled up next to Jeanip.
“Sir, I have something here. I don’t know if it will help or not,” Terrance said, as he removed the weapon from his backpack.
In disbelief, Jeanip stared at the weapon. “Where in the hell did you get a Terrian blaster?” he asked, as he took the weapon from Terrance’s hand. “It’s exactly what I need!” As Jeanip turned it over he saw the power source was missing. “Well, it almost was what we needed. The power source is missing.”
“What does it look like?” Terrance asked, hoping somehow he might have accidentally brought it with him.
“It’s an oval stone, purple in color, about the size of a half dollar. It usually has some form of etching on it. So, unless you have something like that in your pocket, you can use that weapon to float on.”
Terrance reached inside his pocket and brought out the leather pouch. As he removed the stone from inside, he looked at Jeanip and said, “Does it look something like this?”
“Kid, I don’t know if I should tear your heart out and feed it to the sharks or give you a big kiss,” Jeanip somberly said, grabbing the stone and placing it in the power chamber. “We’ll discuss which choice I choose after we stop this plane.”
Terrance watched as the weapon seemed to come to life when Jeanip put the stone in the power chamber. Lights, which had been dormant seconds before, now shined brightly, displaying an array of colors under foreign symbols. Dials began to twirl and rotate. On the side Terrance noticed a group of lights beginning to blink on one at a time, progressing up the panel. He hoped that meant the weapon was charging and would be ready to fire when all the lights were lit to the top. As the last light lit, Terrance detected a low hum emanating from the weapon as what appeared to be the barrel began to glow red.
“It’s charged,” Jeanip announced. “Now let’s hope I remember how this damn thing works. I haven’t had to read Terrian in” stopping himself from saying eight hundred years he quickly added “a very long time.”
“Soo Na-Je Ree,” came a voice from Misso. “Press the lightening large S, the n inside the j then the single l with a 3 attached on the lower right. When the humming stops, pull the trigger.”
Jeanip took aim and pressed the three buttons to correspond to Misso’s description - ₰₪ɮ. As the humming stopped, he pulled the trigger. A pulse of invisible energy erupted from the end of the weapon and soared toward the sea plane. Seconds ticked by as everyone waited and hoped the blaster would come to their rescue. As they watched, the sea plane was enveloped in a misty cloud that began as a pinkish light, then grew to a golden fog and finally to a blind
ing white light. The white light appeared to expand three fold, then, having reached its maximum expansion, began to quickly fade away. Bits and pieces of metal began to rain down from the now disseminating cloud. Terrance and Europa turned and looked at each other, each astonished the sea plane had been destroyed without a sound – no blast, no boom, and no explosion. Then, as they realized the plane had truly been destroyed, they all began to cheer.
“You have to love those Terrian weapons,” Jeanip said, limping over to Misso. Bending over her wounded body, Jeanip softly said, “Thank you, Misso. Today you saved the lives of everyone on this ship.”
“As is my duty,” Misso said, trying to put a smile on her face. “I told you, Sir, I was needed here.” Jeanip reached down and brushed a piece of hair from Misso’s face, returning her smile. He wished Evonic was here to give her the medical attention she needed. He knew Chancee could help her once they reached the Hunting Lodge, but Jeanip doubted Misso would be able to hold on until then.
Jeanip stood up and looked over his charges. “Is everyone okay? Anyone hurt?” Europa, Terrance and Earon all answered they were fine. Not a sound came from the back of the ship. “Sunam, you okay back there?” Jeanip called, beginning to become concerned Sunam did not respond. “Soldier, are you okay?” he repeated, as he limped to where Sunam sat.
As Jeanip reached Sunam’s location, Sunam leaned back against the side of the vessel. Purple blood poured from the wounds the scrap metal had ripped into Sunam’s chest. “I’m sorry, Sir,” Sunam said. “I may have put a little too much power in that weapon. .”
“Don’t move, Sunam. I’ll get the medical kit and patch you up. As soon as we reach the fog I will have Runbee and Graybin take Misso and you down to the Complex. The fog’s not far off.”
“I think it’s too late to take me below, Sir,” Sunam said, grabbing Jeanip’s arm to keep him from leaving. “Please, Jeanip, take me to the water so I can return home.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, there is nothing that can save me now. I’m torn up pretty bad inside,” Sunam silently said so Europa could not hear. He closed his eyes until the pain ravaging his body passed. He opened his eyes and looked at Jeanip. “Sir, would you do me one favor first?”
“Anything, Sunam.”
“Take me to say goodbye to Misso.”
“Of course,” Jeanip answered. He bent down and picked Sunam up in his arms. As he stepped forward, pain shot through his wounded leg and he faltered, going down on one knee. Earon told Europa to take the wheel and ran to help. As he approached the two men, Earon could see the seriousness of Sunam’s injuries.
“Sorry, Your Highness,” Sunam whispered. “I am afraid I cannot continue with you on this journey. It is necessary for me to take my leave of you.”
“He wants to say farewell to Misso,” Jeanip stated, fighting to keep the emotion he was feeling out of his voice.
“I’ll take him,” Earon said. Earon reached down and gently took Sunam into his arms. Trying to walk as smoothly as possible so as not to cause him more pain, Earon walked directly to Misso. He positioned himself so Sunam was just above her, facing her. With difficulty, Jeanip stood and followed behind. As they entered the wheel house Jeanip saw they had at last reached the fog bank.
“Europa, back her up and stay just outside that fog bank. Put her in neutral and let the engine idle,” Jeanip said, seeing a bewildered look come across Europa’s face. “It will be okay. We’re out of danger. Before we do anything else, there is an important matter we need to take care of without delay.”
“Misso, it’s Sunam,” Sunam softly spoke. Misso opened her eyes and looked at Sunam. Seeing the bleeding holes in his chest, she knew immediately his time had come to go home. “Misso, my time here has come to an end. I wanted to tell you that it has been my honor to be your life’s mate and to fight by your side once again. I’ve loved no other but you and will continue to love you as I float upon the waters.”
“Sunam, my love I promise to you for all time. You have brought me nothing but happiness and fulfillment as your life’s mate. But know that my time here is also at an end. We will go together, forever one in the Waters of Life.” Misso looked up at Jeanip and said, “Grant me this, Sir.”
“As you wish,” Jeanip replied, a lilac tear escaping his eye.
Jeanip limped over to the side of the ship and knocked on its side. Runbee and Graybin appeared in the water. He leaned down and spoke to them, then returned. “Earon, would you please take Sunam to the swim deck. And, Terrance, would you carry Misso?”
Without saying a word, Terrance walked over and picked Misso up into his arms. He was amazed at how light she was, how fragile. He walked beside Earon to allow Misso and Sunam to keep eye contact as long as possible. Europa walked over to Jeanip and slipped her arm around his waist, helping him to the back of the ship. Graybin and Runbee were waiting on the swim deck with several other people Europa did not know but suspected were part of the dolphin pod she had often played with. They took Sunam and Misso from Earon and Terrance and lowered them to waiting hands in the water. Once Sunam and Misso were in the water, those on the swim deck dove back into the ocean. Holding onto Sunam and Misso, they swam a few feet from the ship. Europa watched as Graybin placed Misso’s hand in Sunam’s. Then, to her amazement, she watched as their arms and legs transform into delicate floating wings, their hair into droplets of lilac pearls cascading down from the top of their heads, their eyes into large circles of lilac. Sunam and Misso had transformed into their true selves, into the beautiful luminous beings of Europa’s dreams. Tears began to flow from her eyes as she witnessed two of the most beautiful creatures she had ever beheld. As their eyes closed, Sunam’s and Misso’s bodies began to glow in a lilac light. As the glow grew stronger, their skin become transparent until only the glow remained. Their brightness spread itself thinner and thinner upon the water until it too was gone.
“May the Waters welcome you home and honor you as the true soldiers you are,” Jeanip said, letting a salty, lilac tear for each drop into the ocean to accompany them on their journey.
CONFESSION