The Protector
Chapter 38
Possibilities
Somewhere in the darkness of space, a ship speeds silently towards the third planet of a small solar system.
Located on the outer rim of a large spiral arm, the system is part of a relatively insignificant galaxy; barely distinguishable in a greater cluster of galaxies that, even when taken altogether, occupy only a minute corner of a universe. A universe of unimaginable expanse, of unmeasurable timelessness.
The relic of a nearly forgotten, technologically advanced civilization, the ship is a lumbering, ungraceful conglomerate of mechanical patches, repairs, and renovations. It exists and functions due only to the dedicated efforts of the descendants of that civilization, and their desperate need to survive.
It travels through a universe of immense beauty, splayed in stuttered patterns born of utter chaos.
A billion, trillion glittering stars prick the weighty darkness… while planets of untold number, size, and color dance to the siren call of their mother suns. Comets streak through the eternal cold – leaving a trail of sparkling, evanescent dust to mark their demise. Asteroids, moons, and meteors; black holes, galaxies, and star clusters; solar systems, and vast nebulas of glowing gaseous dust clouds; all struggle to fill a cosmos of black voids and enormous distance. While everywhere around them – engulfing those physical objects, permeating the black voids, and spanning that enormous distance – is the distinct hum of the universe; a song it sings… of itself, to itself.
The music that connects the star dust in all of us… in everything.
Yet as small and ugly and unremarkable as the ship is – especially when viewed against the backdrop of unfathomable vastness, or compared to the elegance of the spirals and patterns in space that surround it – the ship is, nevertheless, extremely important because of the cargo it contains. For deep in its hold, the ship carries the most precious thing to be found in that vast, unending universe.
It carries life… in all its limitless possibilities.
Life… that yearns for love and safety – yet struggles to overcome its natural propensity towards violence and destruction. Life… with its innate ability to produce and appreciate beauty in all its varied forms – yet carelessly annihilate that which it holds most dear. Life… with an amazing capacity to change, to evolve, to learn from mistakes – yet so easily and so blindly forget its own histories.
Life. Unique and marvelous. Monstrous and mundane.
The ship carries all these possibilities and more as it travels to that third planet, in that small solar system, in that small, insignificant galaxy.
An impenetrable shield wraps the ship in its embrace, protecting the precious life. From time to time, a small piece of space dust, some fragment of cosmic debris, glances off the shield; diverted by its strength, but never threatening the ship or its cargo.
Secure in the safety it provides, the people of a dying planet lie suspended in time… waiting for their arrival to a living planet, that may hold the hopeful prospect of a new beginning. A chance to rectify the mistakes of their past; to build a society where male and female are equal. A time to respect their mother the land, and live in harmony with the plants and the animals. An opportunity to overcome the shackles of prejudice and the tyranny of discord; to finally accept that there is no Thaay or us. That there is only we.
The possibility to finally live in peace.
In a small room in that speeding ship, a young man sleeps with his arms wrapped around the young woman he loves. It is his shield that envelops the ship and its people; it is her strength that can sustain it. Together, they dream of a future filled with love, with happiness, with all those unlimited possibilities.
The task she willingly accepted, to ensure the survival of her people, has changed her forever. She uses her gift to grow their food; shares her life-strength to maintain their protection; and courageously braves the stigma of 'traitor' to protect the ones she loves. Asked to put aside and postpone her own personal wants and desires, she places the needs of her society before her own. She is loyal and steadfast. She was – and is, and will always be – the nourisher, the life-giver; she is the backbone of her people, and the mettle of the man she loves.
She is a hero.
The words of the oath he swore in his blood, on that dying planet, have become part of his bones and flesh; part of his very being. He serves freely, without reservation; forgoing all selfishness, and placing the needs of his society before his own. He is loyal and steadfast; as willing to brave the unknowns before them as he is to study and redress the transgressions of their past. He is the fighter of his own fears, and the refuge of support for the woman he loves. He was – and is, and will always be – their guardian, their defender, their shield and champion.
He is a hero.
He is The Protector.
.
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The End
AN: There are so many things I need to say now, so many people I need to thank; but I really hate long author notes. So to everyone who has read and left a review… thank you. There are not enough words for me to express just how much your support for me and for my story has affected me.
When I took a giant leap of faith and posted that first chapter so many months ago, I never expected the warm encouragement I received. When Totteacher left my first review, and 2muchtrouble became my first follower, I understood what it felt like to be an author with an audience.
Thank you to Rita01TX for my amazing banner and for promoting The Protector on her blog, Rob Attack. Thank you to A Different Forest and TehLemonadeStand for also recommending my story. And thank you to STARS Library for selecting it as a "Featured Story of the Week."
Thank you to my dear hubby, whose patience has been unending.
And, finally, thank you to my beta, editor, cheerleader, hand-holder and ass-kicker – Bellebiter. Throughout this collaboration you have 'gently nudged' me into becoming a better writer and have helped me fulfill a life-long dream. But even more importantly, you have become my friend, and I am so thankful for that opportunity. I look forward to the amazing stories we will write together in the future!
Hugs and much love,
Janet (hikingurl)