"From the Void"
Part Two
Jerron gratefully took the mug of hot coffee Nara offered.
"So what are you doing roaming the countryside?" she asked, sitting down across from him.
"Just that. Roaming. There's nothing left for me to go home to." he replied solemnly. "During the war my family was forced into the factories and died there while I was off gallivanting around with the ExoFleet. Now I'm just looking to start a new life."
Silence stretched between them for a long minute. Nara leaned over and surprised herself by placing her hand over his and squeezing gently in sympathy. Jerron cleared his throat uncomfortably and looked around. "You've done some good work here."
Nara leaned back and smiled. "I like to think so but there is still so much to be done."
"Like what?" he asked politely.
Nara was so happy to have someone who was interested in her dreams that she didn't realize how long she talked. Jerron never showed if he was tired. He gave her tips and advice on how to go about some projects. Nara yawned and looked at the time. "Oh! I'm sorry. You must be exhausted." she apologized.
Jerron stood and shook his head. "No. But I've probably stayed too long. I should be going. Thanks for your hospitality Ms. Burns and good luck."
Nara also stood. "Are you sure? You know, you need something to do and I need some help. Why don't you stay? I could pay you." she added as an afterthought.
Jerron stared at her thoughtfully for a moment before smiling and extending his hand. "You have a deal for a while, Nara Burns."
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Colleen finished tying a bandage around a young pirate's head and sat back.
"It's a good thing you pirates have such hard heads or your's would have cracked." she joked.
The young man scowled at her then smiled weakly when he realized she was kidding to ease the tension. "You're right. You need us pirates. You Exos couldn't lead a crashing frame into the ground."
Colleen grinned and stood. "I never back down from a challenge. I'll have to prove you wrong when we get out of this." she tossed back over her shoulder as she walked away.
As soon as she was away her face fell. If they got out of this. She rubbed her hand over her eyes and sighed. Out of the twenty some people they had found, more than half of them needed some kind of medical attention. At least Hollis had found a first aid kit while they'd been searching. Actually he'd tripped over it. She circled the small fire they'd started and sat down next to Vince Pelligrino. Of her remaining people, Longfeather had a broken leg and Pelligrino had a severe concussion. Most of the others were scrapes and bruises. Pelligrino was pale but his breathing was steady so Colleen hoped she didn't need to worry.
The mood around the fire was somber. No one knew where they were or what had happened. And at last count the death toll was at 13. But where was everyone else? Chaos had a population of at least 300,000 people. One person worried her the most. Where was J.T.?
"Lieutenant?" Longfeather asked from where he leaned against a sheet of metal the pirates had identified as part of the ExoCruiser Secura, "What are we going to do now?"
"First of all, we need to get everyone taken care of. Then, we need to get out of here." she answered. "Hollis and I will find a way out while you guys stay here."
"Is that wise, Colleen?" he questioned, concerned.
"Do we really have a choice?" she demanded. "From my calculations we've been here for couple of days. I don't think we're getting any help from the outside, if they even know where we are. So we have to help ourselves." Colleen took a deep, calming breath before continuing. "We'll take two canteens and flashlights and leave the rest for you. We'll try to find a way out or contact the ExoFleet and return. We shouldn't be gone more than a couple of hours."
"What happens if you don't make it back?"
"We will." she said with more confidence then she felt. "I promise."
"Okay." Longfeather agreed grudgingly.
Colleen looped a canteen strap over her shoulder and unhooked her light before walking away.
"O'Reilly? Good luck." he called after her.
She forced herself to smile and wave before joining Hollis on the edge of the small camp.
"You don't have to go, Hollis."
"I would rather seek out my death then let it find me." he told her cockily, slinging on his own canteen.
Colleen flicked on her flashlight and moved into the darkness.
Longfeather watched them until they disappeared around a pile of rocks. "Who wants to hear a story?"
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J.T. Marsh paced the length of the small room. The council had been in session for four hours now, debating what to do about the alien ships. He stopped at the window and looked out. People rushed back and forth across the courtyard like a swarm of ants now that the Homeworld Senate was once again in session. The stars and stripes proudly rippled in the breeze where the Neosapien flag had flown days before. The people of the newly rechristened Chicago had lowered the flag to half-staff in mute testimony of the lives lost in the war. J.T. said his own silent prayer for the dead and bowed his head in rememberence.
He turned as the door opened and Sergeant Rita Torres entered.
"Have they decided yet?" she asked.
J.T. shook his head. "They jumped at the chance to make an alliance with the pirates when it helped them to defeat Phaeton, but now the shoe's on the other foot and their reluctant to maintain ties." he replied vehemently then smiled slightly. "Simbacca is ready to pull his ships and support to go after the creatures himself and damn the Senate. I'm tempted to go with him. Winfield had convinced him to stay until the verdict is in."
The door opened again and Sean Napier poked his head in. "J.T., they're ready."
J.T. and Rita followed him across the hall. Sean held the door open for them and went back to his seat and Rita took up a place near the back wall where she could see everything. Old habits died hard, J.T. thought as he proceeded to the front of the room and stood before the Senate.
He caught Marsala's eyes from where the huge Neo sat but his face was as unreadable as always.
"Commander Marsh," the foreman began, "it is the belief of the representatives of the Homeworlds on this day that on the basis of only your account of these 'aliens' that there is not enough evidence to make any conclusions about the nature of these beings without further investigation."
"Further investigation!?!" J.T. exploded. "Isn't the disappearance of an entire planet just cause for action!?"
"COMMANDER MARSH!" the foreman slammed the gravel down. "If you interrupt this meeting again you will be imprisoned! Furthermore, your squad is hereby dissolved. Do you understand?"
"No, sir, I don't." J.T. answered coldly. "Lives are at stake and you refuse to do anything about it."
Angry murmurs rippled through the chamber.
"Commander Marsh, our decision is quite clear. Any attempts by you to go against our orders will label you a traitor and you will be treated as such."
J.T. saluted stiffly, turned on his heel, and stalked from the room. Sean and Rita followed him out the door. He didn't stop until he was outside and the cool night air hit him in the face, cooling some of his anger.
"J.T.?" Rita called, coming up behind him.
"I'd forgotten how much I hated democracy."
"We're not going to take this are we?" she demanded.
"I won't. I'm going to talk to Simbacca." J.T. responded.
He heard Rita give a small cry of triumph. "I'm with you." she assured him.
"Go gather up any of the squad who wants to go. Make sure they know the consequences."
Torres saluted before running off into the darkness as Napier approached.
"Don't try to stop me, Sean." J.T. warned.
"Wouldn't dare." Sean laughed, "If I could I'd be going with you. I need some excitement."
"Thanks." J.T. climbed into his E-Frame and took off.
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Like Alec had predicted, it was nearly dark by the time they finally reached Alec's grandfather's house. There were no lights or movement coming from the house.
"I don't think anyone's there." Maggie said quietly.
"Let's check it out anyway." Alec answered, barely keeping his disappointment from showing.
He'd barely taken two steps when a shot whizzed past his ear. They both drew their blasters and dropped to the ground. A couple more shots kicked up dirt as they hit the ground in front of them.
"I guess someone must be there after all." Maggie said wryly, "Those are coming from inside."
Alec flashed her a funny frown and stood slowly, throwing his gun away from him. Maggie knew it was a pointless gesture. He had plenty of other weapons on him.
"Stop!" he shouted.
Surprisingly the gunman did.
"Go away, you vultures! You're not welcome here!" a girlish voice yelled at them.
Maggie watched Alec's eyes widen in shock. "Lis!?"
"Alec?" A shadow moved inside the house and a light turned on as the front door opened, spilling light out like a beacon. A slight figure stood silhouetted in the door. "ALEC!!!" she shouted and was suddenly running toward them.
Alec caught the girl as she jumped into his arms. Maggie lost whatever was said over the girl's squealing and Alec's laughing. Alec finally released her.
"We thought you'd been killed." the girl told him somberly.
Alec flinched slightly. "Well, you heard wrong."
Maggie stood slowly, eyeing the petite 14 year old blond.
"Maggie, this is my little sister Lisette." Alec told her.
Lisette stuck her hand out. "Hi, Maggie. Please call me Lis. I hate, hate, hate Lisette." She smiled impishly, "Why are you hanging out with a loser like my brother?"
Maggie smiled and Alec rolled his eyes. "Where's everyone else, Lis?" he asked.
"Mom went into the basement when I saw you coming."
Alec turned to look at the house and walked in that direction quickly. Lis ran ahead of him and darted inside. Maggie entered last, almost awed. In spite of the circumstances, the house was spotless. All the furniture was covered against dust, the rugs rolled up against the wall, the floor swept, and she could see outlines on the walls where pictures had hung.
Alec stood in the middle of the room. He was finally home. He could hear Lisette throw open the door to the basement. "Momma! Alec's home!" she yelled down the stairs.
Maggie felt out of place as Alec met his mother at the door and she stood to the side awkwardly.
Alec hugged his mother tightly, guilt rushing through him when he could feel her ribs. At least she was alive.
"Is the war over?" she whispered against his shoulder.
"It's over."
"Thank God." she breathed, straightening and brushing tears from her eyes. "Who's this?" she asked, seeing Maggie for the first time.
"Momma, this is Maggie Weston."
Maggie stepped forward. "It's a pleasure, Mrs. DeLeon."
"Oh, call me Jean, dear." Jean looked her up and down then turned back to Alec, "You sure pick the good ones, sweetie."
Maggie felt herself flush and, if she wasn't mistaken, Alec had also turned a little red.
Alec cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Where are Dad and Mac?"
The light went out of Jean's eyes and she pressed her lips together tightly in grief. "Mac's okay. He went into town yesterday to see if the rumors were true. Your father..." she broke off, turning away and putting her hand over her mouth.
Alec put his arms around her tenderly and led her to a chair. Maggie could see unshed tears shining in his eyes and felt her throat close in response to his pain.
Jean sniffed and smiled bravely. "We have a lot to talk about young man."
An hour later Maggie was laughing so hard she almost couldn't breathe.
"So here come Alec and Mac, dripping wet, but they had their fish." Jean smiled.
Alec scowled at Maggie's bent over form and stood. "Alright." he said good naturedly. "I'm going to bed before she says anything else." He kissed Jean's cheek and disappeared up the stairs.
Jean looked fondly after her son before turning back to Maggie. "Well, now that he's gone..."
She looked so sly that Maggie couldn't help herself and began to laugh again. It felt good after so long of having nothing to laugh at.
Jean smiled at the young woman sitting across from her. She was exactly the kind of woman her son needed.
Maggie wiped tears from her eyes and stood. "I should be turning in, too." She started for the stairs.
"Do you love my son?" Jean asked.
Maggie's foot missed the first step and she froze, gripping the handrail.
Jean could see she was fumbling for a suitable answer and allowed a small smile. "I'm sorry. It's none of my business."
Maggie opened her mouth and shut it again before practically running up the stairs.
Jean watched her go. "Love him Maggie, as much as he loves you." she whispered.
Jerron gratefully took the mug of hot coffee Nara offered.
"So what are you doing roaming the countryside?" she asked, sitting down across from him.
"Just that. Roaming. There's nothing left for me to go home to." he replied solemnly. "During the war my family was forced into the factories and died there while I was off gallivanting around with the ExoFleet. Now I'm just looking to start a new life."
Silence stretched between them for a long minute. Nara leaned over and surprised herself by placing her hand over his and squeezing gently in sympathy. Jerron cleared his throat uncomfortably and looked around. "You've done some good work here."
Nara leaned back and smiled. "I like to think so but there is still so much to be done."
"Like what?" he asked politely.
Nara was so happy to have someone who was interested in her dreams that she didn't realize how long she talked. Jerron never showed if he was tired. He gave her tips and advice on how to go about some projects. Nara yawned and looked at the time. "Oh! I'm sorry. You must be exhausted." she apologized.
Jerron stood and shook his head. "No. But I've probably stayed too long. I should be going. Thanks for your hospitality Ms. Burns and good luck."
Nara also stood. "Are you sure? You know, you need something to do and I need some help. Why don't you stay? I could pay you." she added as an afterthought.
Jerron stared at her thoughtfully for a moment before smiling and extending his hand. "You have a deal for a while, Nara Burns."
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Colleen finished tying a bandage around a young pirate's head and sat back.
"It's a good thing you pirates have such hard heads or your's would have cracked." she joked.
The young man scowled at her then smiled weakly when he realized she was kidding to ease the tension. "You're right. You need us pirates. You Exos couldn't lead a crashing frame into the ground."
Colleen grinned and stood. "I never back down from a challenge. I'll have to prove you wrong when we get out of this." she tossed back over her shoulder as she walked away.
As soon as she was away her face fell. If they got out of this. She rubbed her hand over her eyes and sighed. Out of the twenty some people they had found, more than half of them needed some kind of medical attention. At least Hollis had found a first aid kit while they'd been searching. Actually he'd tripped over it. She circled the small fire they'd started and sat down next to Vince Pelligrino. Of her remaining people, Longfeather had a broken leg and Pelligrino had a severe concussion. Most of the others were scrapes and bruises. Pelligrino was pale but his breathing was steady so Colleen hoped she didn't need to worry.
The mood around the fire was somber. No one knew where they were or what had happened. And at last count the death toll was at 13. But where was everyone else? Chaos had a population of at least 300,000 people. One person worried her the most. Where was J.T.?
"Lieutenant?" Longfeather asked from where he leaned against a sheet of metal the pirates had identified as part of the ExoCruiser Secura, "What are we going to do now?"
"First of all, we need to get everyone taken care of. Then, we need to get out of here." she answered. "Hollis and I will find a way out while you guys stay here."
"Is that wise, Colleen?" he questioned, concerned.
"Do we really have a choice?" she demanded. "From my calculations we've been here for couple of days. I don't think we're getting any help from the outside, if they even know where we are. So we have to help ourselves." Colleen took a deep, calming breath before continuing. "We'll take two canteens and flashlights and leave the rest for you. We'll try to find a way out or contact the ExoFleet and return. We shouldn't be gone more than a couple of hours."
"What happens if you don't make it back?"
"We will." she said with more confidence then she felt. "I promise."
"Okay." Longfeather agreed grudgingly.
Colleen looped a canteen strap over her shoulder and unhooked her light before walking away.
"O'Reilly? Good luck." he called after her.
She forced herself to smile and wave before joining Hollis on the edge of the small camp.
"You don't have to go, Hollis."
"I would rather seek out my death then let it find me." he told her cockily, slinging on his own canteen.
Colleen flicked on her flashlight and moved into the darkness.
Longfeather watched them until they disappeared around a pile of rocks. "Who wants to hear a story?"
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J.T. Marsh paced the length of the small room. The council had been in session for four hours now, debating what to do about the alien ships. He stopped at the window and looked out. People rushed back and forth across the courtyard like a swarm of ants now that the Homeworld Senate was once again in session. The stars and stripes proudly rippled in the breeze where the Neosapien flag had flown days before. The people of the newly rechristened Chicago had lowered the flag to half-staff in mute testimony of the lives lost in the war. J.T. said his own silent prayer for the dead and bowed his head in rememberence.
He turned as the door opened and Sergeant Rita Torres entered.
"Have they decided yet?" she asked.
J.T. shook his head. "They jumped at the chance to make an alliance with the pirates when it helped them to defeat Phaeton, but now the shoe's on the other foot and their reluctant to maintain ties." he replied vehemently then smiled slightly. "Simbacca is ready to pull his ships and support to go after the creatures himself and damn the Senate. I'm tempted to go with him. Winfield had convinced him to stay until the verdict is in."
The door opened again and Sean Napier poked his head in. "J.T., they're ready."
J.T. and Rita followed him across the hall. Sean held the door open for them and went back to his seat and Rita took up a place near the back wall where she could see everything. Old habits died hard, J.T. thought as he proceeded to the front of the room and stood before the Senate.
He caught Marsala's eyes from where the huge Neo sat but his face was as unreadable as always.
"Commander Marsh," the foreman began, "it is the belief of the representatives of the Homeworlds on this day that on the basis of only your account of these 'aliens' that there is not enough evidence to make any conclusions about the nature of these beings without further investigation."
"Further investigation!?!" J.T. exploded. "Isn't the disappearance of an entire planet just cause for action!?"
"COMMANDER MARSH!" the foreman slammed the gravel down. "If you interrupt this meeting again you will be imprisoned! Furthermore, your squad is hereby dissolved. Do you understand?"
"No, sir, I don't." J.T. answered coldly. "Lives are at stake and you refuse to do anything about it."
Angry murmurs rippled through the chamber.
"Commander Marsh, our decision is quite clear. Any attempts by you to go against our orders will label you a traitor and you will be treated as such."
J.T. saluted stiffly, turned on his heel, and stalked from the room. Sean and Rita followed him out the door. He didn't stop until he was outside and the cool night air hit him in the face, cooling some of his anger.
"J.T.?" Rita called, coming up behind him.
"I'd forgotten how much I hated democracy."
"We're not going to take this are we?" she demanded.
"I won't. I'm going to talk to Simbacca." J.T. responded.
He heard Rita give a small cry of triumph. "I'm with you." she assured him.
"Go gather up any of the squad who wants to go. Make sure they know the consequences."
Torres saluted before running off into the darkness as Napier approached.
"Don't try to stop me, Sean." J.T. warned.
"Wouldn't dare." Sean laughed, "If I could I'd be going with you. I need some excitement."
"Thanks." J.T. climbed into his E-Frame and took off.
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Like Alec had predicted, it was nearly dark by the time they finally reached Alec's grandfather's house. There were no lights or movement coming from the house.
"I don't think anyone's there." Maggie said quietly.
"Let's check it out anyway." Alec answered, barely keeping his disappointment from showing.
He'd barely taken two steps when a shot whizzed past his ear. They both drew their blasters and dropped to the ground. A couple more shots kicked up dirt as they hit the ground in front of them.
"I guess someone must be there after all." Maggie said wryly, "Those are coming from inside."
Alec flashed her a funny frown and stood slowly, throwing his gun away from him. Maggie knew it was a pointless gesture. He had plenty of other weapons on him.
"Stop!" he shouted.
Surprisingly the gunman did.
"Go away, you vultures! You're not welcome here!" a girlish voice yelled at them.
Maggie watched Alec's eyes widen in shock. "Lis!?"
"Alec?" A shadow moved inside the house and a light turned on as the front door opened, spilling light out like a beacon. A slight figure stood silhouetted in the door. "ALEC!!!" she shouted and was suddenly running toward them.
Alec caught the girl as she jumped into his arms. Maggie lost whatever was said over the girl's squealing and Alec's laughing. Alec finally released her.
"We thought you'd been killed." the girl told him somberly.
Alec flinched slightly. "Well, you heard wrong."
Maggie stood slowly, eyeing the petite 14 year old blond.
"Maggie, this is my little sister Lisette." Alec told her.
Lisette stuck her hand out. "Hi, Maggie. Please call me Lis. I hate, hate, hate Lisette." She smiled impishly, "Why are you hanging out with a loser like my brother?"
Maggie smiled and Alec rolled his eyes. "Where's everyone else, Lis?" he asked.
"Mom went into the basement when I saw you coming."
Alec turned to look at the house and walked in that direction quickly. Lis ran ahead of him and darted inside. Maggie entered last, almost awed. In spite of the circumstances, the house was spotless. All the furniture was covered against dust, the rugs rolled up against the wall, the floor swept, and she could see outlines on the walls where pictures had hung.
Alec stood in the middle of the room. He was finally home. He could hear Lisette throw open the door to the basement. "Momma! Alec's home!" she yelled down the stairs.
Maggie felt out of place as Alec met his mother at the door and she stood to the side awkwardly.
Alec hugged his mother tightly, guilt rushing through him when he could feel her ribs. At least she was alive.
"Is the war over?" she whispered against his shoulder.
"It's over."
"Thank God." she breathed, straightening and brushing tears from her eyes. "Who's this?" she asked, seeing Maggie for the first time.
"Momma, this is Maggie Weston."
Maggie stepped forward. "It's a pleasure, Mrs. DeLeon."
"Oh, call me Jean, dear." Jean looked her up and down then turned back to Alec, "You sure pick the good ones, sweetie."
Maggie felt herself flush and, if she wasn't mistaken, Alec had also turned a little red.
Alec cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Where are Dad and Mac?"
The light went out of Jean's eyes and she pressed her lips together tightly in grief. "Mac's okay. He went into town yesterday to see if the rumors were true. Your father..." she broke off, turning away and putting her hand over her mouth.
Alec put his arms around her tenderly and led her to a chair. Maggie could see unshed tears shining in his eyes and felt her throat close in response to his pain.
Jean sniffed and smiled bravely. "We have a lot to talk about young man."
An hour later Maggie was laughing so hard she almost couldn't breathe.
"So here come Alec and Mac, dripping wet, but they had their fish." Jean smiled.
Alec scowled at Maggie's bent over form and stood. "Alright." he said good naturedly. "I'm going to bed before she says anything else." He kissed Jean's cheek and disappeared up the stairs.
Jean looked fondly after her son before turning back to Maggie. "Well, now that he's gone..."
She looked so sly that Maggie couldn't help herself and began to laugh again. It felt good after so long of having nothing to laugh at.
Jean smiled at the young woman sitting across from her. She was exactly the kind of woman her son needed.
Maggie wiped tears from her eyes and stood. "I should be turning in, too." She started for the stairs.
"Do you love my son?" Jean asked.
Maggie's foot missed the first step and she froze, gripping the handrail.
Jean could see she was fumbling for a suitable answer and allowed a small smile. "I'm sorry. It's none of my business."
Maggie opened her mouth and shut it again before practically running up the stairs.
Jean watched her go. "Love him Maggie, as much as he loves you." she whispered.