Chapter 2 – Un-Royal Welcome
"Everyone ready?" Sabre asked as he entered the living quarters.
"Yeah, let's get this show on the road!" Fireball exclaimed walking out of the kitchen. April stepped out from behind him.
"Finally. Let's go check out this gal. I heard she's a cute one."
Sabre chuckled, "Easy Colt."
"Yeah cowboy. She's way out of your league."
"You don't think I can get a princess?" Colt asked as the four starsherrifs left their living quarters.
"I know you can't get a princess." Fireball smirked.
"Wanna bet on that partner?" Colt challenged as they walked out into the open.
"Any time. Dishes for a week?"
"Make it two. I hate dishes."
"All right, here we are." Sabre said as they came into view of the landing area. Hundreds of Cavalry Cadets, personnel, soldiers, commanders and generals stood in position waiting for their guest.
"Starsherrifs. You're just in time. She's about to arrive." General WhiteHawk informed them.
"Yes sir." They all replied as they got into formation right behind their commanders.
"Here she comes." Commander Eagle informed everyone.
The starsherrifs stood at attention as a ship appeared in the distance with several escourts.
"Beauty…" Colt whispered.
A slight smile appeared at the corner of Sabre Rider's lips. It was a beautiful ship, but then again of course it would be. The royal Family would have the best ships. He glanced around the Cavalry as all eyes followed the landing of the ship. He found the awe and excitement in their faces fascinating.
"Attention on Deck!" A voice commanded as the ship's engines were turned off.
Sabre Rider's eyes darted back onto the ship. It's hatch lowered and two guards followed by a young woman in a white pant suit descended.
His eyes narrowed.
Her walk was smooth, confident.
Her eyes met his a split second before she turned her blue eyes onto the commanding officers.
"Welcome to Cavalry Command Princess Elena." Commander Eagle said bowing politely.
"Thank you commander. It's a pleasure to be able to be here. Thank you for giving me this opportunity." She smiled.
Behind her Sabre watched as two other guards carried her bags and handed them over to two other Cavalry guards who stepped forward to take them. He turned back to the main attraction.
"Commander Eagle, we now trust her highness into your hands." One of the princess' guards said as they both saluted.
"You can trust us." Commander Eagle said saluting back.
The two guards nodded and turned to their princess, "Your highness."
She turned to them and smiled, "I will see you in a two weeks." She bowed her head slightly.
"Yes your highness. Take care." They bowed again and turned to head back to the ship.
The young woman turned and watched as her guards went back to the ship.
"It's a beautiful ship."
The Princess smiled, "Thank you."
They watched as the ship's thrusters started.
Sabre Rider glanced towards the Princess. She stood proudly, staring up slightly at her ship. The turbulance of the ship's thrusters blowing her strawberry blond hair back. He looked away.
When her highness's ship was safely in the air and on it's way back to Ireland, she turned to the commander again.
"Your highness, let me introduce you to the starsherrifs." He turned around and looked at four shining examples of Cavalry commands best, "Princess, this is the StarSherrifs." He motioned to his daughter first, "This is April, designer of the Ramrod unit."
"Nice to meet you Princess Elena." April bowed politely.
"It's nice to meet you too April."
"This is Fireball. The youngest Frontier Grand Prix winner and the pilot for Ramrod."
"Please to meet you Princess."
"The pleasure is mine." She smiled politely.
"This is Colt. He's the quick draw of the team."
"Howdy Princess. Welcome to Yuma."
"Thank you, Colt."
"And this, is Sabre Rider, the youngest person to ever pass Cavalry exams, and leader of the StarSherrifs."
"Your highness." Sabre bowed his head politely.
"The legendary Sabre Rider. It's nice to meet you." She nodded her head in acknowledgement. She studied him a split second longer before turning to the commander with a smile, "You must be very proud."
"I am. We'll show you to your quarters. We've placed you with the StarSherrifs. I hope that's ok?"
"Of course! It will be great to have company!"
The commander was pleased to hear her response, "This way then." He motioned towards one of the east side buildings, "Starsherrifs."
"Sir!" They fell into bodyguard formation. April and Fireball took the rear, Colt positioned himself a short distance in front of them and Sabre a short distance on the side of the Princess the commander was not on.
"Everything is accessible to you your highness. Everyone knows that, so please feel free to visit around. There are places as you certainly must know that we will ask you not to go into for your own safety."
"Oh of course commander. I fully understand and will cooperate with the cavalry in every way."
Sabre Rider glanced at her. His gaze met hers and she smiled politely. He looked away. He had enough experience with those smiles to know better than to let it make him believe it was ok to lower his guard.
"Here we are." The commander turned to Sabre Rider.
The young leader moved towards the door and swiped the key card. When the door was unlocked and opened he held out the card, "Your Highness."
The princess smiled and accepted the key card, "Thank you."
"Starsherrifs I will leave her Highness in your capable hands. Please remember the celebration tonight starting at 6:00pm."
"Yes Commander." Sabre replied.
The man smiled and nodded before turning and quickly making his way down the hall.
"Come on in Princess Elena. You can freshen up then we can go and show you around if you wish." April said smiling.
"That sounds great." She smiled, "You may call me Elena, April."
"I-" She glanced at Sabre Rider to gage his reaction. He made brief eye contact with her then turned to the Princess and bowed his head before moving into the living quarters.
April turned to the Princess to explain her captain's actions.
"What's with him?" Fireball exclaimed.
"De-stressing?" Colt offered as he shrugged then bowed his head politely to the Princess before also disappearing into the living quarters.
"Ignore the boys." April shook her head, "Sabre's not a man of many words, Colt's a joker and Fireball is a hot head."
"I object to that." Fireball retorted as he slid pass them into the room.
"See what I mean." She motioned for the Princess to enter, "Nor do they know how to treat a princess." She winked.
"I'm sure you're exaggerating." The princess laughed as she entered the dormitory and proceeded to look around, "Are all the officer's dormitories similar?"
"Pretty much."
"It's very home-like."
April smiled, "It has to be. A lot of families live on the base. I grew up here, and so did Sabre for most of his life."
"Really?" She looked around again.
"Mm Hmm. Since none of us have families of our own yet, Cavalry keeps us together." April informed her, "I'll show you the room Sabre picked for you."
The Princess glanced at April curiously.
"Here it is." She pushed open the door.
Princess Elena stepped into the room and looked around.
"It's a little drab, that's because Sabre wanted to make sure you got the room that was not accessible from the outside and that was flanked by our own rooms."
Her well manicured brows arched slightly but she nodded in understanding, "It's a nice room."
April smiled. She could tell the Princess was being honest, "Do you want something to drink?"
"Sure." She turned and followed April back to the kitchen.
April pulled open the fridge, "We have juice, some cola, tea, water…"
"I'll just have some water please."
April grabbed two bottles of water and passed one to the Princess.
"Thank you."
Sabre Rider stepped out of his room, a laptop bag over his shoulder. He stopped briefly by the two ladies and bowed his head politely to the princess.
"Library?" April asked.
"I'll be back before six."
April nodded.
"Your highness." He bowed his head again.
"It's ok, you don't have to be so formal Sabre." The Princess said with a warm smile.
Sabre bowed his head in acknowledgement, "Excuse me." He turned and walked out of their quarters.
"He goes to the library a lot when we're home."
"Or he goes for a run or trains." Fireball added walking into the kitchen and to the fridge.
"Hard work equals success." The princess stated.
Both April and Fireball turned to her and she gave them a smile and shrugged.
"Talent helps too."
April laughed, "Do you want to go take a look around the Cavalry?"
"Sure. That would be great." She turned to fireball who had pulled an apple from the fridge and was munching on it, "Will you and Colt be joining us?"
"I don't mind." Fireball lowered his apple, "HEY COLT!" He yelled.
The princess cringed.
"Fireball…" April sighed and looked towards the princess apologetically.
"What?" Colt appeared around the corner.
"You want to come with us and show the Princess around?" Fireball asked in a much more normal tone.
Colt glanced back towards his room, "Ahh, sure why not." He adjusted his hat, "Where's Sabre?"
"Library." Fireball and April answered.
"Figures. So? Let's get movin'" He stepped towards the Princess and offered his arm, "May I?"
The Princess smiled, "Thank you." She smiled and took his offered elbow.
Fireball rolled his eyes.
"At least he offered." April said as she passed by him and followed Colt and the Princess out the door.
Fireball scratched his head confused, "What's with her?"
Sabre sat at a large table by the window. On either side of the laptop he was using, books lay open at various pages detailing planetary charts. He glanced up briefly at his surroundings then back to his laptop screen.
He pulled his EBU identification card from his wallet and slipped it into the slot to the left of the laptop. He swiftly entered his user ID and password and the Cavalry Database became accessible.
Sabre hesitated a moment before typing: Elena Princess of Ireland.
Seconds later, his screen overflowed with information.
Leaning forward in his chair, he began to read.
Later in the evening…
Elena listened to the two young men who were explaining a wild outrider chase. She forced her features to look completely interested, not that she wasn't, but she was really starting to get tired. A long day, followed by a delicious meal, and she was now ready to just settle down and relax for the night. She inwardly sighed, knowing that her appearance and interests in the Cavalry affairs was important in showing her country's support of their goals.
Suddenly music started in the back ground and the lights in the hall were dimmed enough to be soothing, but not enough that one couldn't get a clear view of everything that was happening.
"Princess, would you like to dance?" One of the young men quickly asked as he held out his hand.
She politely obliged and took his hand. He led her towards other couples that had started dancing.
Elena had no idea how long she had been dancing, and she no longer even knew how many different partners she had had, but it felt like she had danced with just about the whole Cavalry.
Her current partner was chatting about something, she wasn't too sure what. Instead she wondered what time it was and what time the evening was scheduled to end. At least she hoped there was a scheduled ending to the night…
"Excuse me." A somewhat familiar voice broke her train of thought as her partner released her.
"Sabre Rider. Sir." Her partner saluted.
Sabre Rider saluted back, "At ease." He then turned his blue eyes onto her and held out his hand, "Your highness."
She instinctively slipped her hand into his, expecting him to draw her into another dance. Warmth suddenly filled her starting from where her hand lay in his. She became completely alert when he didn't and started leading her towards the perimeter of the hall where April and Fireball stood watching their approach.
"April, bring the Princess back to quarters with you." He released the Princess' hand.
"Oh no. You don't have to do that." Elena said looking in between April and Sabre.
"April."
"Got it." The young lady responded.
"Really, I can find my way back." She re-enforced, but Sabre had already turned away and walked back into the crowd. She watched his retreating form a moment. The crowd seemed to part slightly to let him pass among them.
She quickly turned to Fireball and April, "You really do not have to end your night on my account. Please continue to enjoy the night."
"Oh no it's alright. I was going to head home now." April said smiling. She turned to Fireball, "Coming?"
"Maybe I should wait for Colt and Sa-" He froze briefly, "Or maybe not."
Elena glanced between the two star-sherrifs curiously.
"So let's go." Fireball said and motioned for April and the Princess to go ahead of him.
Sabre Rider watched as two of his team members escorted the Princess out of the busy hall.
Although, the Princess looked outwardly fine, he had noticed her slight dis-attention to her surroundings and everyone in it. She was tiring. It was understandable considering she had also been dancing for just under three hours without a break. He had to give her credit though. She still walked with that smooth confident gait, when he didn't doubt her feet must have been sore from wearing heals.
"I thought you were going to take a turn and dance with her."
Sabre turned to see Colt join him.
"Almost everyone else has."
"I noticed."
Colt smirked, "So you had your eyes on her."
"We're guarding her."
Colt chuckled, "Alright. Cute girl. Not what I thought a Princess would be like."
"Oh?"
"You know, expectin' we all do her bidding and stuff."
Sabre smiled, "Yes, she's not like that is she."
"No partner she ain't." he looked about the room, "What are you still doing here?"
"Nothing." He turned to his friend, "I'm going to spend the night in Ramrod. There's some things I want to research."
"Alright. I'll join you later tonight."
Sabre nodded then started off towards the exit.
Colt only watched him a moment before his attention got snapped by a girl who had just passed by him. He went after her.
Elena quietly stepped out of her room and went to the living room. She carefully turned on the corner standing lamp and went to sit on the couch with her book.
It was a little past midnight when Fireball, April and herself arrived back at their quarters. They had each prepared for bed and began settling in for the night. Elena had climbed into bed, expecting to fall asleep right away but instead bits and pieces of her encounters with Sabre Rider kept replaying in her mind. Unlike the rest of the star-sherrifs, Sabre Rider had not said much to her nor had he been around her for more than a total of 5 to 10 minutes.
Did he have something against her?
She frowned. She was pretty sure she had never met him before. She would not have forgotten meeting Sabre Rider!
And how dare he assume she needed to retire for the night!
It was then that she had resolved to confront him when he returned.
She opened her book and began reading.
**** 6:09 am
Sabre entered the quarters and was crossing the main area towards his room when he caught sight of the Princess on the couch. He came to an abrupt stop and stared at her.
She had her feet curled on the couch beside her, a book resting in her lap and her head tilted forward slightly. Her strawberry blond hair was pulled back in a loose knot behind her head with several strands falling free and shielding part of her face.
This was the most un-composed state he had seen her both in person and from all the media clips and articles he had read about her.
He walked towards her and kneeled. Before he knew it, he had called out her name. He watched as her eyes slowly opened. He suddenly became acutely aware that his heart rate seemed to have gotten irregular.
She had bluish-green eyes he noticed when they focused on him.
"You're back." She stated softly.
Those simple little words struck something in him. He nodded.
The Princess glanced at her watch. Her eyes widened at the time, "You just got back?"
Sabre suddenly became guarded.
"I would like to speak with you." She straightened and slid her legs off the couch.
Sabre got to his feet. Stepping backwards he settled into the armchair behind him. He waited for what she had to say.
"Have I offended you Sabre Rider?"
The question took the young leader off guard, "Excuse me?"
"Well," Elena laced her fingers together and placed them in her lap, "You and I haven't really had the chance to converse or get to know each other. It seems like you are trying to avoid me? Even last night, when you came to get me from the dance, you left me with your teammates without even a word. Have I wronged you?"
Sabre got to his feet, "Excuse me your Highness, unfortunately I do not have the time nor do I have any intention of devoting any more time than necessary to you just because of your position and title." He bowed and made to move out of the living room. He didn't have time to sooth an attention deprived Princess who was trying to gain his sympathy or play on his trust.
"My position and title?" Elena repeated getting to her feet, "I would never expect anything more than how you would treat any normal person."
Sabre turned to her. She was standing almost toe to toe with him, glaring up at him with fiery bluish-green eyes.
His heart thumped.
"You're not any 'normal' person." He emphasized.
"You're not making any sense. First you tell me you're not going to treat me differently, then you tell me I'm not 'normal'?"
"You're not 'Princess'. However, I will not be waiting on you, outside my duties to you as a starsherrif."
"I don't expect anything more."
"Good."
"Good. Oh and don't you dare assume you know what I need!"
"When have I ever assumed anything about you?"
"Last night! You just assumed I had to leave the dance!"
"I don't assume anything. You needed to leave."
"You are such an arrogant-"
"Arrogant? You are in denial."
"What's going on?"
Sabre stepped back and away from the Princess as he turned to the sleep laden voice.
"Good Morning April." Elena smiled calming considerably.
"Morning." She glanced between the Princess and her Leader, "Is everything ok?"
"Ask her Highness." Sabre replied and walked pass April and to his room.
"Sabre?" April called after him. She turned to the princess, "What happened?"
"We were just making our expectations clear."
"And is everything ok? You know Sabre Rider is not usually like this."
"Yes, please don't worry April." Elena gave her a smile.
"Are you sure? I can go talk to him."
"Oh no! We're fine. Don't worry." She decided to change the subject, "I'm sorry! Did we wake you?"
April smiled, "It's ok. Would you like some coffee or tea?"
"Sure. I'll have some tea."
The two ladies walked into the kitchen. April opened one of the cupboards and pulled out a tin of coffee and one with tea bags.
"April?"
"Yes?" She put some water to boil.
The Princess hesitated a moment as she touched the table surface, "Does Sabre Rider stay out late frequently?"
"Sabre?" She laughed a little, " I wouldn't say that Sabre stays out late, it's more that he stays up researching or reading up on something." She turned to the Princess, "Did he come in late last night?"
"You could say that."
"I'm sorry if he woke you. He's usually super quiet."
"Oh no! He didn't wake me like you thi-"
"Yes I did." Sabre Rider entered the kitchen.
"Why did you wake her so early Sabre?" April asked placing her hands on her hips.
"I wasn't finished." Elena said meeting Sabre Rider's gaze.
"You are now your Highness."
"Sabre!" April gasped.
"Thank you for making that clear."
"You're welcome."
April looked back and forth between the two, too shocked to intervene.
"Your water is boiling April." Sabre said snapping her out of her stupor.
The starsherrif quickly turned from her leader and the Princess to unplug the kettle. When she turned about again, with full intention to voice her disapproval to the way Sabre was treating the Princess, she found him just leaving their quarters.
"I'm sorry your highness. I don't know what came over him."
"It's ok April."
April began pouring the tea, "I just don't get it. This isn't like him… He's never, I mean since he came to live with my dad and me, he never once was rude." She held out a mug of tea to the Princess.
"Thank you." She took a quick sip of tea as April poured herself some coffee. The two ladies sat down at the table.
"Sometimes people just don't get along."
April met her gaze, "I've never met anyone that Sabre didn't seem to get along with."
"Oh, I'm sorry." She stared down at her tea.
"No your Highness, it's just as you said. It happens. I've just never seen it until now."
"I would change that if I could." She whispered to herself.
April looked up at her with surprise. The Princess sipped her tea once more then carried it over to the sink.
"I should be going, I am due to shadow the cadets this morning." She glanced at April quickly.
"Wait, let me escourt you."
"It's alright April. Please stay and enjoy your coffee. I remember how to get there." She smiled and walked out of the kitchen and to her room to change.
"I smell coffee." Fireball entered the kitchen yawning. He went over to the coffee pot.
"Sleep well?" April asked still contemplating the interaction between Sabre Rider and The princess.
"MmmHmm." He poured himself some coffee and came to sit at the table, "You're up early."
"I heard the Princess and Sabre arguing this morning."
Fireball lowered his mug, "Arguing?"
April nodded, "Strangest thing I've ever seen."
They turned as the Princess' bedroom door opened and she appeared, "Good morning Fireball." She said with a smile.
"Good morning Princess." He moved to stand up.
"No. Please. I will be leaving now. See you later this evening?"
"Of course." April replied smiling, "Just ask for me if you need anything!"
"I will. Thank you."
They watched as the Princess left their quarters.
"She seems ok."
"Of course she's going to appear that way." April frowned, "I've never seen Sabre like he was this morning. He was openly rude to the Princess."
"Sabre? Rude?" Fireball stared at her, "That guy doesn't know the meaning of rude."
"I assure you Fireball, he was rude to her this morning."
"Where is he now?"
"Took off."
"Any idea where?"
"Nope." She sipped her coffee, "He might just have gone for his ride."
"You're probably right."
She was standing amidst the cadets as they took a short break from their training. Despite the grueling physical training they had just been through, they radiated youthfulness and energy.
"Hey, there goes Sabre Rider again."
Elena looked over at three young men who had turned to look in the direction of the Cavalry's main entrance.
Sabre Rider was astride his mechanical horse speaking to the guard at the entrance.
As the gates were being opened for him, the pounding of hoofs announced the arrival of another man.
Colt.
The Princess watched as Colt spoke to Sabre a moment and then the two of them walked through the gates and out of Cavalry command.
"Ok, enough staring. Time to get back to work if you guys ever want to be like them."
Elena turned at the Captain's statements. She watched as the cadets all fell in line without a complaint.
"Having the starsherrifs here is a good motivator." The Captain informed her smiling.
"It seems so." She turned to the Captain, "They mentioned that Sabre Rider was going again. They really seem to know his schedule."
"It's not that they know his schedule. It's just a known fact here that whenever Sabre Rider is at Cavalry Command, he takes several rides outside these gates."
"Where does he go?"
The Captain shrugged, "No one knows. I assume Colt would be the only person to know what they actually do and where they go, on their rides."
Elena looked over at the gate curiously as she imagined what the two starsherrifs could be doing beyond it.
She watched the remainder of the days training sessions, absorbing everything they did, absorbing the unspoken codes they lived by.
Elena was walking back to quarters when she saw Sabre coming from the other direction. She offered a smile but stopped when she realized that Sabre Rider wasn't going to return the favour. He reached the door first and scanned his key card. He pushed the door open, "Your Highness." He bowed his head slightly.
Elena nodded and walked through the door, "Hello." She called as three heads popped up in their direction.
"Hi! Great you're both back. Dinner's almost ready!" April stated turning back to whatever she had on the stove.
Sabre closed the door behind him and locked it before joining the team in the kitchen.
"There's time if you want to shower Elena." April stated.
"That's ok. I'll just rinse my face and shower afterwards." She walked out of sight.
"So what's on the agenda tomorrow Sabre?"
"We have a meeting with Commander Eagle regarding a new mission. 7am."
"Seven?" Colt groaned.
"Any hint as to what it is?"
Sabre shook his head and went to the fridge to retrieve a bottle of water.
"The Princess isn't due to leave until next Sunday. Do you think they are re-assigning us?" Fireball asked.
Sabre shrugged again as he leaned against the counter to drink his water.
"That can't be it. No other starsherrifs are scheduled to return tomorrow." April shook her head as she turned off the stove.
"How can I help?" Elena entered the kitchen.
"Everything's done. Have a seat little lady." Colt stated as he pulled out a chair for her.
Fireball rolled his eyes and took a seat.
April carried the last dish to the table as she and Sabre Rider also took their seats.
"It smells wonderful April."
"Hey! I cooked dinner." Colt exclaimed.
Elena turned to the cowboy surprised and glanced at April who nodded, "I'm afraid he's telling the truth. Colt is the better cook out of all of us."
"Really?" Elena turned to Colt, "Impressive." She bowed her head to him.
"Shukss. It wasn't a big deal."
Elena laughed.
"Colt's blushing!" Fireball laughed.
"Am not! Let's just eat before it gets cold!" Colt took hold of the Princess' plate to serve her.
After eating and cleaning everything, Sabre excused himself and went to his room. When he appeared again he had changed into a track suit.
Elena only glanced at him briefly before turning to the book in her hands. The other starsherrifs didn't seem concerned that he was going out again, so why should she?
"I'll be back in a couple hours." Sabre informed April who nodded.
"Be careful."
Sabre nodded routinely and left.
Elena looked up at the team.
"He goes on runs after dinner sometimes." Fireball explained.
"Doesn't that go against exercise common sense?"
"Yup." Colt replied as he turned on the tv, "That's why he does it." He turned to Elena and winked.
"Sabre exercises after eating so that his body is used to it. He wants to be prepared for any time we come under attack." April explained.
"Isn't it painful?"
April nodded, "I don't do it."
"Me neither. I figure if something comes up my adrenalin will kick in and I won't be able to feel any cramps." Fireball added as Colt agreed with a nod.
Elena nodded. Their explanation made sense. She turned back to her book but found it hard to concentrate on what were contained on the pages. What made Sabre Rider so dedicated? What drove him to want to put himself through such discomfort in order to better himself?
Elena closed her book, "I think I'm going to go get some fresh air."
"Would you like some company?" Colt asked as he got to his feet and offered her a hand up.
The Princess smiled and took his hand, "Sure I'd like to talk to you anyway."
Colt beamed and led her to the door. He glanced back to his teammates and gave the a thumbs up.
"In your dreams Cowboy! Two weeks dish free. I can't wait!" Fireball exclaimed dreamily.
Elena raised a well manicured brow curiously but didn't question the men's meaning. She followed Colt out of the living quarters.
"You wanted to talk to me?"
"It isn't anything serious. More of a curiousity."
"Please let it be about me..." Colt teased smiling.
Elena laughed, "Well sort of." They walked out into the night, "When I was watching the third year cadets today, we saw you and Sabre Rider leave Cavalry Command. They all talked about how you guys go out each time you're here."
She saw Colt smile as he looked ahead and listened.
"What do you guys do out there? Isn't it all desert?"
Colt remained silent with that same slight smile.
"You're not going to tell me are you?"
The cowboy turned to her and chuckled, "It's hard for me to resist a pretty lady's request let alone a Princess, but a guy's got to protect his buddy's privacy."
"You are very close to him."
Colt chuckled again, "No one is really close to Sabre."
"You are more than the others."
He shrugged, "I just know him differently than the others. That's all." He turned to her, "April told us you and him had a fight this morning."
The Princess blushed and sighed, "I feel so bad for waking April so early this morning."
Colt nudged her, "I'm sure she was going to get up soon anyway. That's why I spent the night in Ramrod. Otherwise her or Fireball would be knocking down my door in the morning!"
"You spent the night in Ramrod?"
"Sabre and I sometimes do. After a while away, it starts to becomes home."
Elena nodded. So Sabre Rider had not been up all night. She shook that train of thought out of her head. Why was she even thinking about this? About him?
They stopped at the railing of the deck they had walked onto. Colt looked up at the sky, "There's one thing you should know about Sabre Rider."
Elena turned to him, "Oh?"
The starsherrif turned to her with a serious gaze, "Sabre Rider will ALWAYS do the right thing. It doesn't matter what the circumstance, what people might say about him, or what position he's in or how he feels. He will do what is right."
"That's his job Colt." Elena turned away, "And it's not like you or Fireball or April wouldn't do the right thing."
Colt chuckled, "I see you have it in for him."
"I do not. It really is his job to do the right thing as it is the Starsherrifs and the Cavalry. I've learned that it's a code that everyone here lives by."
Colt nodded and turned to look at the sky again, "What happened between you two this morning?"
Elena glanced up at the sky, "It's nothing."
They were silent several minutes.
"You know I hate it when people make assumptions about someone. That they think they know someone when they don't. And I really dislike being made a burden to other people."
Colt tilted his hat back and turned to her, "Sabre?"
Elena made no move to acknowledge his guess.
"He's very perceptive you know." He laughed, "It gets annoying sometimes, but like I said he only does things because he knows its right."
"He should mind his own business."
When Elena glanced at Sabre Rider's friend she had not expected to still see him looking at her with a friendly smile. Yet there he was. Still smiling at her.
"What?"
"You've been good for him."
"Pardon?"
Colt turned to lean on the rail again and look up at the sky, "When the war is over and we finally have peace, you know what I'll worry about?"
Elena shook her head unsure where he was going with the conversation.
"Sabre Rider."
Surprise filled her.
Colt turned to see the expected reaction, "He's been so well trained, so polished, so what happens to the 'perfect soldier' when we have peace?"
"I'm sure that he'll find something-" She stopped when Colt shook his head. Any hint of a smile was gone now.
"If you watch him, it's always about becoming a better starsherrif, always researching, preparing. He doesn't spend much time for himself. What Cavalry sees is an amazing starsherrif. But who is Sabre Rider as a person? Nobody knows and people forget to wonder." He turned to her, "Your fight with him this morning, is the first sign of true emotions I've seen in a long time." His smile returned when the Princess looked skeptical, "But that's enough about Sabre. Do you want to go have a drink with me?"
Elena nodded, "Sure." She slipped her hand in his offered arm and followed him away. She listened as Colt began telling her a story from before the Outriders arrived. She smiled and tried to pay attention, but underneath her mind was still reacting to the question that he had posed: what happens to the 'perfect soldier' when we have peace?
She was still thinking about Colt's question twenty minutes later as she walked through the deserted Cavalry Hallways. Twenty minutes before, Colt and her were sitting with their drinks when someone yelled that all the horses had been set loose. Colt had turned to her.
"Go!" She stated laughing. She hadn't known him long, but he wasn't nicknamed 'The Cowboy" without reason!
She stopped at a sign that read "Fitness Facility." She peaked through the glass window. The room seemed empty. Of people and equipment for that matter. She tried the handle and found it still open. What good is a fitness facility without any fitness equipment?
Walking in, she entered a large rectangular room with wood flooring and plain white walls. Further in there were other rooms. Since no one was around she decided to see if there was anything else.
"Ah! Princess!"
Elena spun around caught off guard just as she was opening a second door. A young man in his cadet uniform came towards her. She smiled despite the strange feeling in the pit of her stomach, "Good evening."
The Cadet made a clumsy bow as he reached her, "Cadet Winston at your service ma'am. Let me show you around!" He grabbed her elbow and pulled open the door she was just about to open herself.
Elena stiffened as he gripped her elbow. The smell of alcohol very evident now. He released her as they had both entered the room. It was a storage room. The door closed with a clang behind her. She spun around.
"Its been a rough day. You have no idea how hard the days can be. Let me tell you!" He stepped towards her, "And at the end of it all, a man just wants to go home and be held by a woman -"
"This is inappropriate behavior Cadet Winston."
"On the contrary, this is normal between a man and a woman."
Elena raised her chin and tried to push pass him.
"I haven't showed you anything yet. You can't leave yet." He pushed her into the room.
Elena fell back against the rack of basketballs. She struggled to straighten herself, "I'll show you what we can do here..." He smiled and approached her.
Sabre splashed water on his face rinsing the sweat. He closed the tap and reached for the towel he had grabbed before and wiped his face and neck. He looked at his reflection in the mirror than lowered his gaze and sighed.
He needed to get a hold of himself. He shook his head. Letting her get the better of him. Causing an outburst like this morning was not acceptable. He straightened.
"Nothing." He stared at his reflection, "Nothing is going to affect me. Nothing." He turned away a few seconds later with new resolve. Tossing the towel in the hamper before leaving the men's change-room. He started across the gym towards the exit.
"Stop!"
Sabre froze. He turned back. Everything seemed quiet. He turned to leave but hesitated. It wouldn't hurt to check things out anyway. He doubled back and went through the men's changeroom again.
Empty.
Back out in the gym he knocked on the women's changeroom door. There was no answer. He pushed open the door and peeked inside, "Hello? I'm coming in."
Still no response. Sabre stepped inside and made a quick sweep of the area before exiting. He glanced at the two doors frowning.
He turned to leave when he saw a third door on the adjacent side of the gym.
The equipment room.
Sabre strode towards the final room and as he approached he could hear movement from within.
"Stop!"
Sabre stiffened and pulled open the door.
Anger flared within him at the sight in front of him.
"Get off of her Cadet!" He ordered as he grabbed the young man's shoulder and pushed him to the opposite side of the wall, "Stay there." He pointed.
"Sabre Rider! Sir!"
"Quiet." He ordered and finally turning to the young woman he froze.
Scrambling to get up while at the same time trying to pull the two torn sides of her blouse together was Princess Elena. She reached a shaking hand to the wall to steady herself to stand and stumbled to her knees.
Sabre got down on his knees as he immediately started taking off his track jacket.
"Your Highness..." He reached to place the jacket around her shoulders.
She flinch backwards and hit the rack of basketballs.
"Shh... Your Highness... I won't hurt you..." He held the jacket in front of her so she could see it.
Her eyes met his.
"Here put this on." He stated calmly. He slowly moved towards her, reaching behind her to drape the jacket around her shoulders.
Sabre watched as she slowly slid her arms in his jacket. He saw her glance nervously at the Cadet opposite her, "Your Highness."
The calm confident tone drew her gaze from her aggressor.
"I'll take care of him. Do you need a physician?"
"No!" She sprung up.
Sabre stood as well. Surprised by her sudden responsiveness, "Can you find your way back to quarters?"
She nodded and glanced back at the Cadet.
Sabre raised a hand to ward off her gaze. When they met his he shook his head, "I'll take care of it." He motioned for her to exit the small equipment room.
Elena hesitated as she drew the jacket closed about her body. Wrapping her arms around herself she then turned and walked out of the room.
Sabre only watched her a split second before turning to the Cadet. The Princess he noticed, no matter how vulnerable she had just looked, still had that graceful and proud posture and stride as she walked.
"Get up."
"Sabre Rider sir, I-"
"I don't want to hear it. Your actions are un-excuseable. Get up." Sabre watched the Cadet struggle to his feet. He was fighting to control the anger he felt.
For someone to cause that look of fear in someone so proud...
A couple hours later, a tired Sabre Rider swiped his key card in the lock and pushed open the door to their assigned quarters.
"That was a long work out!" Colt exclaimed as he came into view.
"He probably wasn't working out the whole time Colt. Elena came back almost two hours ago with his jacket." April reminded him as she looked curiously at the man she had grown up with.
Sabre looked into the room. His jacket.
"I need a shower." He stated simply and walked pass them and to his room. The Princess was sitting quietly amongst his team. She had showered and changed into her night gown and robe already. He quickly grabbed the worn sweat pants he used for bed and a white shirt before rushing to the washroom.
He turned the water on hot and quickly stripped so he could immerse himself under the cleansing spray.
The image of the Princess struggling to her feet, blouse torn open kept leaping to the forefront of his mind since the moment she had left the scene.
Sabre shook his head in frustration. What was wrong with him? Why was he losing his composure now? He groaned. What the heck was happening to him?
Calm. Calm. Calm. He needed to calm down and think clearly. Eight minutes. He had already been in the shower for eight minutes. He had a few more left. The last thing he needed was for the team to sense something was wrong. He took a deep breath and shook his head one last time before getting down to the business of washing up.
"Elena, how did you meet up with Sabre again?" April asked suddenly.
"Oh, we passed each other by the fitness room." Elena replied glancing away from the television.
"Was he going in to work out?"
"I"m not sure. We just had a quick exchange." She turned to glance at each of the starsherrifs, "Are you always suspicious of your fearless leader's whereabouts?"
"No just April." Fireball replied turning back to the tv.
Everyone looked at him.
Elena glanced at April to see her reaction.
The young woman was glaring at Fireball. Was something going on between them?
"Everything ok?"
All eyes turned onto Sabre Rider, standing in his sweat pants and white shirt, a navy blue towel draped around his neck, his hair wet and ruffled. His stance was tall; confident.
"Everything's fine Partner. Just the usual." Colt informed him.
Sabre nodded and continued to his room.
"Excuse me." Elena got to her feet and went to her room to grab Sabre Rider's jacket. She went to his door and knocked lightly.
"Come."
She inhaled slowly so that the other watching starsherrifs wouldn't notice her nervousness, pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Sabre Rider looked up from his laptop which was just booting up. He got to his feet politely, "Your Highness."
Elena shut the door, "I brought back your jacket." She started towards him and held it out for him to take, "Thank you."
Sabre took the jacket, "Your welcome your highness." He slowly stepped around her and went to his closet to hang it up. When he turned around, the Princess was still standing where he had left her. He came back around and offered his chair, "Would you like to have a seat?"
"Oh." She smiled unsurely and bowed her head, "Thank you, I actually just wanted to thank you for," She had been watching him until that moment. Now her gaze lowered.
"You don't have to thank me you Highness."
Elena nodded again, "Thank you again anyways." she was still staring at the floor. Her hand clenched tightly in front of her.
"Did he hurt you?" Sabre asked softly.
The Princess shook her head.
"Are you sure?" He could see her trembling now. He took a step towards her and noticed her stiffen. He stopped.
"Did he strike you?" He watched as the Princess suddenly started rubbing one arm and at the same time, shake her head.
"Your Highness, do you want to press charges against him? The Cavalry is already in the process of also charging him."
"No." The answer was firm. She raised her eyes to meet his briefly, "The people's confidence in Cavalry Command and what is being done here can not be tainted. I won't let it."
Her response hit him full force. Amidst her own trauma she was thinking about the welfare of the New Frontier.
"This-" She hesitated and her gaze waved, "it can't be known to anyone else."
Sabre stared at her and then he nodded, "I understand."
Her eyes lowered again and she began rubbing her arm again.
Sabre stepped towards her again, this time he held out his hand palm up, "Let me see." He continued to approach her until he touched the arm she was rubbing.
Elena trembled but let him take hold of her arm. He slowly pushed up the sleeve with his other hand and immediately saw the bruise forming.
It was long and wide.
"He hit you with something?"
The Princess shook her head, "I fell."
Sabre looked away from her arm to her face but her eyes were still lowered, "You mean he pushed you." It wasn't a question just a statement. He released her arm and went to his night table where he pulled a small tube of cream from the drawer. Unscrewing the cap he squeezed some onto his finger tips and went back to the Princess.
Elena was prepared this time when he touched her. She watched quietly as he gently applied the cream to the long bruise. His long fingers methodically massaging the analgesic cream into her skin. The slow almost rhythmic movement was soothing.
"Thank you." She said as he lowered her sleeve.
Sabre Rider only nodded and handed her the cream, "Keep it. Its a good kind."
Elena accepted the cram and slipped it in her pocket, "Thank you." She met his gaze again, "I should go." She bowed her head quickly and turned for the door. She glanced back before pulling it open, "Good night Sabre Rider."
"Your Highness." Sabre nodded back and watched as the Princess pulled open the door and left his room. He continued to stare at the door for another couple minutes after she left.
He felt... Strange...
Sabre turned to his laptop and closed it before leaving his room to go wash his hands of the cream. He then decided to join the starsherrifs in the living room. The princess was not with them.
"Everything ok Sabre?" April asked curiously. Elena had been in his room for quite a while.
"Yes." He took a seat next to Colt and yawned, "I heard there was a disturbance in the stables tonight." He stated turning to Colt.
"Got that right! Some idiot opened all the stables and let all the horses loose." He turned to Fireball, "I had to cut my 'date' with Elena short to go help round'em up."
"In your dreams cowboy." Fireball smirked.
"Hey I've got a better chance getting a date than you partner."
"I wasn't looking for a date."
Sabre Rider tuned out their banter. So Colt had been with the Princess. When the horses had been turned loose, he had left her, and that was probably when she was accosted by the drunk Cadet. His mind started playing out scenarios as to what may have happened.
"Earth to Sabre..."
The young leader looked up, "What is it April?"
"We're going to start a movie. Are you going to stay and watch?"
Sabre noticed Fireball inserting a DVD into the player.
"For a while." He answered.
"That's a first." Fireball stated, "I was sure you would turn in considering the early meeting we have." He straightened and went back to sit beside April, "Ok here we go!" He pressed a button on the remote.
"I can't believe he's still sleeping." Fireball stated sipping his coffee.
"He's gonna be sore." Colt chuckled, "We should have just woken him up last night." He glanced at April.
"He was sleeping so well. I didn't want to wake him." April explained again. She looked over at Sabre Rider who was still sleeping in a somewhat upright sitting position, "I'll go wake him."
"Is the Princess awake?" Fireball asked as April got to her feet and started towards the living room.
"She left this morning to go to the first year Cadet's training session." Colt explained as he poured some hot water in a mug and dropped a tea bag in it.
April kneeled down by her leader and touched his shoulder, "Sabre. Time to get up."
Sabre Rider's eyes opened, "April." He glanced down at the blanket that covered him. April's doing no doubt. He started to fold the blanket, "What time is it?"
"6:45." April stood up and back away.
"What?" He got to his feet, "You should have woken me earlier."
"You were sleeping well for once."
"You should have woken me." He got to his feet.
April followed him around the couch.
"Morning Top sword." Fireball stated as Colt waved, his back towards them as he did something at the kitchen counter.
"Ready?"
"Yup."
Sabre nodded and went to his room. He quickly changed and dumped his blanket on his bed. He rushed to the bathroom to wash up and was back in the kitchen within minutes.
"Here." Colt handed him a mug of tea.
Sabre looked down into the mug, "Thank you." He took a big sip, "The Princess?"
"She left already." Colt informed him as he watched Sabre quickly drink his tea.
"Let's go." He placed the mug into the sink.
The starsherrifs piled into the corridor and made their way towards to command tower.
As they walked into the office area, a young woman smiled at them, "Go on in. The Commander is waiting for you."
"Thank you." Sabre Rider responded and pulled open the door beside her desk to allow his team to enter the office. Once everyone was inside he shut the door.
They lined up and stood at attention.
"Starsherrifs. Good morning."
The team saluted, "Good Morning Commander Eagle." They chorused.
"At ease."
The team relaxed.
"Have a seat." As the 4 starsherrifs did so he glanced at Sabre Rider briefly, "So how is everything going?"
"Good." Fireball answered.
The commander nodded and leaned back, "We have a new mission for you. Princess Elena, has been at the Cavalry for several days now. We don't think there is much else for her to see. She doesn't often get to have a relaxing time, so as a gift you will escort her on a trip."
"A trip? Like a vacation?" Colt asked straightening in his chair.
The Commander chuckled, "Yes. Like a vacation although your priority will be to make sure she is safe at all times."
"Of course. So where are we going?" Fireball asked.
Commander Eagle reached for a leather folder and handed it over to Sabre Rider.
The young leader pulled open the folder. April leaned over to glance inside, "Vega?"
"Vega!" Colt exclaimed, "Woohoo! That planet has a lot of potential!"
Commander Eagle nodded, "You are free to make plans as you see fit and as the Princess would like." He met Sabre Rider's eyes, "With her safety in mind at all cost."
The young man nodded, "I understand."
Commander Eagle nodded, "You leave this afternoon after the Princess returns from her the first year Cadets training session this morning."
The Starsherrifs nodded.
"Dismiss." They all got to their feet, "Sabre Rider. Stay a moment."
"Sir." He turned to his team, "I will meet you all back at quarters."
"Alright Partner." Colt stated for all of them. He ushered April who was looking back at Sabre and her father, "Let's go little lady."
The door shut behind them.
Sabre sat back down in the chair.
"How is she?"
"She's a strong young woman. She does not want to press charges. Her Highness wishes to keep the incident confidential because she doesn't believe that the Cavalry should have any negative press that could shake the faith the people of the New Frontier have in us."
"I see. What do you propose."
"We should continue with the charges, and leave the victim as an un-disclosed woman. I don't believe the man wishes to announce to the world the gravity of his actions any more than we do."
Commander Eagle nodded, "Ok. That's all. Have a good trip."
"Yes sir." Sabre got to his feet and headed for the door.
"Oh Sabre."
"Sir?" Sabre turned to the commander.
"Try to get along with the Princess on this trip." He met the young man's eyes.
Sabre nodded, "Yes sir."
The commander nodded and waved him off.
Sabre pulled open the door and left the office. April had probably disclosed his disagreement with the Princess to her father. He wanted to sigh. He wanted to just go back to bed. He fought a yawn.
"Have a nice day Sabre Rider."
The young man turned back to see Commander Eagle's secretary smiling at him, "Thank you. You as well." He turned and walked out.
Four days with the Princess... Strong. Proud. Vulnerable. Soft. Feminine. He stopped in his tracks. The image of Princess Elena struggling to her feet, her blouse torn revealing the delicate skin.
Sabre shut his eyes and held in a groan, "This is not happening." He mumbled,"No. Not happening." His eyes opened and he continued with determined steps back to their quarters.
When he stepped through the door, three sets of eyes landed on him.
"More tea?" Colt asked.
"No thanks." He turned to April, "Have Ramrod prepped before noon. We leave at 2pm."
"Ok." She answered as she walked towards him. She followed him to his room.
Once they were in his room, April closed the door.
"What's on your mind April?" Sabre took a seat on his bed and started removing his shoes.
"Is everything ok?"
Sabre glanced at her, "Yes. Is there anything else?" He climbed into bed.
"Are you going back to bed?"
"Yes." Sabre replied. He froze when she rushed towards him and pressed her hand to his forehead.
"No fever."
Sabre pulled her hand away, "April. I'm fine. I just want to get some more sleep."
April stared him down, "What was with the meeting with dad?"
"It's nothing for you to be concerned about April."
"Nothing?" April placed her hands on her hips, "You're acting strange!"
"April. There is nothing wrong with me." He sighed, "I know you worry. I appreciate it." He hesitated a moment, "I'm not the one that needs your support right now. The Princess could use a friend."
"The Princess?"
Sabre nodded, "Don't ask me. It's not my place to tell you anything. And don't go interrogating her either."
"Ok so you are ok. And Elena needs our help?"
"Someone to talk should she need it. Her Highness is fine."
"I'm confused. She's fine but she needs someone to talk to?"
"Yes." Sabre laid down and pulled the covers over him, "Just be there for her in case she needs someone to talk to. I'll be up in an hour or so."
April sighed knowing Sabre Rider was dismissing her, "Ok I'll see you later." She left the room.
"And?"
"He says he's fine and to look after the Princess."
"Isn't that what we've been doing?" Fireball asked.
April shrugged, "He said to be there for her in case she needs someone to talk to."
"Do you think something happened to her?" Colt asked suddenly, "I mean Sabre and her were acting kind of funny around each other last night." They all knew that the "acting funny" Colt was referring to was that they were actually talking to each other.
"Or something happened between them!" Fireball suggested.
"Do you think so?" April asked her eyes widening.
Colt was silent. He knew Elena had a deep curiousity about Sabre that she tried to hide. As for Sabre... Well... He did seem to respond to the Princess...
"Earth to Colt!"
The cowboy shook his head, "What?"
"You ok?" Fireball asked concerned.
Colt laughed, "Yeah Partner. I'm good."
Fireball and April exchanged looks.
"Look you two. Just because Sabre's been sleeping and Elena and him are talking doesn't mean that something has happened. What does it matter anyway? They're both fine."
Fireball shrugged, "That's true," He looked at April who sighed.
"Fine. I'm going to get maintenance done on Ramrod." She walked out.
"Why does she worry about him so much?" Fireball grumbled.
"He's like her brother dude." Colt responded. He laughed, "Don't get jealous Partner." He left the racer and went to his room.
"I am not jealous!" Fireball exclaimed loudly after him. Fireball looked down at his mug of coffee, "I'm not jealous." he mumbled again to himself.
To be continued...
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