Chapter 16

THE LAST STORY

"I suppose the most important question is did Aerrow die a Storm Hawk?"

Stork looked up at Starling, who was resting over a notebook, writing down everything Stork had said, "Why is that so important?" Stork sighed.

Starling rested the pen down. Stork's refusal to write anything would seem odd if it weren't for his intense paranoia. Apparently, even a paper cut could be lethal, "Because the council on Terra Atmosia will want to know if Aerrow was a Storm Hawk when he died, everyone will."

Stork smiled, a small smile, but a smile nonetheless. It had been months since Starling had seen any glimpse of happiness in the former Storm Hawk. "I'd like to think he did. He… he…"

"Stork, if you want to stop for now, it's okay."

Stork took a moment to compose himself, "No, this has to be done, I promised Piper I would. Someone has to know before I succumb to mind worms."

"Are you at risk?"

Stork shrugged, "You're particularly vulnerable to infection after a major trauma."

Starling nodded, "I see."

"So anyway, I'd like to think Aerrow died a Storm Hawk, even if they didn't all know it. He was with Piper when the Storm Engine exploded," He paused while Starling began to write down what he said. She nodded, indicating for him to continue, "I think she forgave him, she was the most affected when he left. She blamed herself a lot. I mean, we told her that she wasn't to blame, but you know how Piper is," Stork sighed, thinking back to what he had heard over the intercom "Actually, no there is no thought about it, Aerrow died a Storm Hawk."

Starling looked up from the paper, "You're sure about that?"

"I'm sure."

"I suppose that brings us up to the end, doesn't it?"

Stork gave a brief glance at the reams of paper filled with Starling's neat cursive, "I think so."

Starling smiled and began massaging on her wrist. Writing an exact account of everything that had happened over the last year had taken the toll on her hand, she was sure she had strained a ligament or two. Perhaps Stork had a point when he said extended writing was dangerous.

Starling and Stork stood before the council on Terra Atmosia, Stork visibly shaking. "This is your testimony?"

Stork let out a nervous laugh, "More of an account of the last year than a testimony."

Starling looked at the councilmen, "You've found her haven't you?"

The councillor Stork recognised as the man who had refused to acknowledge his old squadron as official Storm Hawks sighed, "Yes, we have, somehow she managed to survive the wreckage."

An alien surge of rage exploded through Stork. This was… this was all wrong. Cyclonis shouldn't have survived. No she should have burned like his friends had. She should have been silenced by the bravery of Piper. But no. The no good dirty coward had only saved herself and left Aerrow to die. He had never had a particularly high opinion of Master Cyclonis, that was no secret, but there had always been a level of begrudging respect for the young wannabe dictator. But now, now there was nothing but pure hatred towards her. She could at least have saved Aerrow. And now his thoughts were going around in circles.

"I'm not talking."

The council looked at Stork as if he had just grown another head, which was completely insane, Stork realised, since there was a vaccine against that kind of thing on Terra Merba and Stork made a point of being up to date with his immunisations, "I'm sorry?"

Stork inhaled deeply, "I'm not talking at the trial, by all means use the book as evidence, but I'm not talking. As far as I'm concerned, we're done here." He turned on heel and left the council room.

Starling looked at the council apologetically, "I'm sorry, but you know how he gets. He's probably afraid he'll catch mind worms from Master Cyclonis." She bowed, walking backwards from the room. Once she was clear of the doors she ran to catch up with Stork. "What in the name of Atmos was that all about? I thought you wanted to see her brought to justice."

Stork shrugged, "I thought I did too but I guess not. Nope, now I'm gonna find some far off Terra and retire for a while. Let me know how things pan out."

"I will Stork, you know I will, but how will I find you?"

Stork shrugged, "I'll find you."

A year had eclipsed when the letter floated down from the letterbox. Stork mumbled and padded over, gingerly picking up the letter. He stared at the address on the front of the envelope, almost instantly recognising the neat cursive. Hopefully this letter would actually contain news and not just be Starling checking up on him.

'Since you will not write to me, I have no idea how you are, but I hope you are well Stork. The trial ended a few days ago, perhaps even longer depending on when you get this. Of course she was found guilty of countless charges, it's Master Cyclonis, was it ever going to be anything other than guilty? She's been sentenced to life, with a minimum of thirty years. I know it's not perfect, but with our system it's the best we could get. The judge doesn't think she will ever be released, so I suppose we should take some comfort in that. She has also been bound, she can't use crystals anymore, which I suppose for her is a worse punishment than life imprisonment. I know it doesn't change much, but I can't help but feel she was genuinely distraught when she heard Aerrow had been killed in the blast.

And yes, yours was the last testimony they read. Anyway, I'm babbling now. Get in touch soon Stork, please, we miss you.

Starling.'