Chapter One
“Why do they keep staring at us?” Sweet, fruity perfumes contrasted with stale sweat from gyrating bodies afflicting Davi’s nose.
Farien nodded toward the dance floor and Davi realized all eyes in the Bar Electric were focused on them.
“I told you we looked good in our uniforms,” he joked as his eyes turned back to his friends. After twenty-one years, he’d never gotten used to it.
Farien stood shorter by almost a foot than his two friends, but made up for it in a bulk that filled out his gray uniform. The shiny gold buttons and shoulder insignia appeared ready to pop loose at any moment. Yao was the tallest, thinner than the others. A humanoid from the planet Tertullis, he would pass for human if it weren’t for his dark-orange-tinted skin and purple eyes.
“I think they’re staring at you, Prince Rhii,” Yao said.
Like an old habit, Davi forced a grin and waved casually, the crowd watching his every move. “And to think I felt like just another cadet at the Academy.” He looked around. “Serve-bot!”
Metal feet pounding on the floor mixed with flashing lights and the electronic tones of a recent pop hit blasting through speakers overhead. The robot waiter waded through the crowd toward their table. Other cadets, a few officers, and regular citizens filled the dance floor and tables as identical serve-bots worked the room with drinks and food.
The serve-bot stopped at their table on one corner of the dance floor. “How may I serve you, sir?”
“A round of drinks for everyone, on me,” Davi instructed.
“On you, sir?”
Davi chuckled. Bots’ vocabularies were simple, practical, and devoid of any colloquialisms or idioms. “Bill it to the Royal Palace, please.”
“I’d need authorization—”
Davi sighed, holding up his ID. The serve-bot scanned it, its facial LEDs lighting up with recognition. “Right away, Prince Rhii.”
Yao and Farien chuckled as the serve-bot hurried off.
“Come on, Davi, when are you going to drop the childhood nickname and use your real name, like a man. Xander sounds much more mature than Davi.” Farien’s face was serious, yet Davi couldn’t help but laugh.
“It may be a nickname, but it’s one I like.”
Farien rolled his eyes. “Haven’t you been teased enough over it? Do you want to be taken seriously as an officer? We’re not kids anymore. We’re going into the world as adults.”
“Let the man choose his own name, Farien,” Yao scolded. “No one’s asking you to change yours even though it sounds a little feminine.” Yao and Davi exchanged a look and laughed.
Farien scowled. “It’s not feminine! It’s a family name!”
Davi and Yao just laughed harder as Farien took a huge gulp of his beer.
After a moment, Yao turned serious again. “Now that you’ve made the public happy, how are you going to deal with the other crisis?”
“What other?” Farien asked.
Davi and his friends had come to the bar to celebrate graduating from the Military Academy. After receiving congratulations and hugs from their friends and family, the three headed off to Bar Electric to discuss their assignments and dream about the future awaiting them—which meant Davi had skipped out on the celebratory dinner planned in his honor at the Palace by his mother and uncle, the High Lord Councilor.
“They’ll get over it.” Davi dismissed it with a wave.
“When have they ever gotten over it?” Yao asked with a knowing look.
Davi sighed. “Yeah, they’ll make me pay, won’t they?” They both laughed. “Let’s make it worth it then!”
“Vertullis,” Farien muttered as he took another sip of his favorite off-world beer. “Babysitting slaves, great.”
Davi chuckled and sipped his own beer. “What did you expect—some grand adventure?”
“No, but maybe at least an assignment on one of the distant planets with breathing apparatuses, aliens to encounter …”
“We can make our own excitement, as usual.” Davi grinned at Farien. Farien rolled his eyes and laughed as they gave each other a high five.
“You’ll be there supervising work crew guards. I get to be supervised by some newbie fresh out of the Academy like you,” Farien complained, a glint in his eye. “Funny how your Uncle couldn’t pull strings to get you a cushier assignment.”
“You’re a newbie fresh out of the Academy,” Yao reminded him, shaking his head as Farien grinned.
“You can shut up, mister star-student-professor,” Farien answered. Yao had received the most prestigious assignment of all.
Uncle Xalivar’s explanation was that Davi needed to earn the people’s respect, not just count on it because of his uncle’s favor or position. But Davi did sometimes wish his uncle would relax a bit and use his influence on his nephew’s behalf. He was High Lord Councilor after all.
Seeing his friends staring, he brushed it off and reached over to squeeze Yao’s shoulder. “Yes, congratulations, Yao, it’s well deserved. The Presimion Academy is a fantastic school,” Davi said, proud of his friend. The ceremony had consisted of the usual speeches, and faculty aggrandizing, but Yao had won recognition for his skills with math and sciences, and Davi had received the leadership medal.
“Instead of serving alongside newbies fresh out of the Academy, he gets to prepare pre-Academy newbies.” Farien downed the last of his beer in one long sip, wiped his mouth on his sleeve, and stood. “Anyone else want another round?”
Davi and Yao shook their heads as Farien ambled toward the bar.
“We’d better slow him down or there’ll be trouble,” Yao commented.
Davi motioned to the door as three girls they’d seen in the front row at the graduation ceremony entered. “I think the diversion we need just walked in.”
Yao turned toward the doorway as Davi stood, making his way toward the three beauties. He approached their table and smiled. “You all look even better than you looked at the graduation.”
“You remember us?” the dark-skinned one asked as the girls exchanged shy looks.
Davi laughed. “Of course. Who wouldn’t notice you three?”
The dance music swelled forcing Davi to yell as he asked their names and chatted with them a moment. Then he offered them his arms. They giggled as they stood, two of them looping their arms under his as he led them back toward the table.
“You know who I am, right?” he asked as they neared his table.
The girls all nodded. “Of course, Prince,” the dark-skinned girl said.
Davi preferred the rare woman who didn’t, but he nodded and bent to kiss her hand as they stopped at the table where Yao waited.
“Yao, these beautiful ladies are Bela, Jaqi, and Vivi,” Davi said, helping the girls with their chairs. They smiled at Yao, ogling his uniform as Bela and Jaqi sat on either side of him. What was it about Tertullians that seemed so irresistible to women? Davi took the seat next to Jaqi. The sweet scents of the girls’ perfumes found his nose and made him smile. Vivi sat down on his left, being sure to keep from touching him without permission as was custom with Royals.
“We saw you at the graduation,” Yao said, smiling awkwardly as Jaqi slid her arm into his.
“Congratulations on your awards,” Jaqi said. “You must be very smart.”
Yao blushed. Despite the fact they seemed drawn to him, he’d never been as comfortable around females as his two friends. “Well, I studied hard.”
“Yao’s being modest. He’s been appointed a professor at Presimion Academy,” Davi interjected.
The girls exchanged a look, then Jaqi scooted closer to Yao, resting her head on his shoulder. They’d worn beautiful gowns at the ceremony, but now their form-fitting pants and low cut blouses flattered their impressive figures. Vivi’s dark skin hinted at mixed racial blood, but Davi couldn’t guess which.
Farien returned with another beer and smiled at Davi. “I see you two didn’t waste any time.”
“Meet Bela, Jaqi, and Vivi,” Davi said as Farien took a seat between Bela and Jaqi.
“So pleased to make your acquaintance,” Farien said, as he put his arm around Bela. She smiled, snuggling up to him.
“Are you going to be a professor, too?” Bela asked.
Farien grimaced as Davi and Yao stifled laughs. “I’ll be serving on Vertullis, making sure our worker population continues to produce at proper capacity.”
It came out with such bravado that Davi and Yao couldn’t hold back and exploded with laughter.
“Oh, Vertullis. I always wanted to visit another planet,” Bela said, looking impressed as Farien shot his guffawing friends an annoyed look.
“What about you, Prince Rhii?” Vivi smiled at Davi. Her accent was Southern with slow and precise words, a pattern he found both intriguing and attractive.
“Call him ‘Davi.’ He doesn’t like formality.” Ignoring sharp looks from Yao and Davi, he pressed on: “Our fearless leader will be leading the workers as well,” Farien said, ignoring the fact that Davi would be his supervisor.
“Oh,” Vivi said, her eyes sparkling. “I always wondered what the workers are like. I’ve never met one.”
“Me neither,” Davi chuckled. “We failed to offer you ladies libations. What can we get for you?”
As Davi turned to search for the nearest serve-bot, a group appeared in the doorway—Bordox and three of his cronies. A huge, hulking cadet with light yellow skin and a dark beard, he sneered as he spotted them, then led the way to a corner table across the dance floor. Davi frowned. He hadn’t seen Bordox at Bar Electric in months. Why today?
His mind flashed back to an incident at the Academy after he’d beaten Bordox on the flight simulators. Bordox had let slip about a rumor claiming the “royal prince’s blood wasn’t so royal”—an attempt to rile Davi up and create a distraction.
Davi and his friends had demanded to know what Bordox meant.
“Who’d have known you’re so fond of folk stories, Bordox.”
“If it’s a folk tale, I guess you’re the folklore prince,” Bordox had cracked. “A starport rumor about a baby who arrived in a courier craft from the stars and landed near the palace, adopted by a lonely princess with no offspring.” Then he and his friends laughed loudly.
Farien had wanted to tackle him, but Yao and Davi managed to hold him off. It took their professor threatening to charge Bordox with impugning the reputation of another cadet without cause to end the incident, but Bordox had never really let it go. From that day forward, he and Davi became fierce rivals at everything. Bordox was not as smart or coordinated, and far less likable than Davi, but they each had their crowd and were very competitive. Since the incident, each set his goals of achievement at a level designed to ensure he could better himself over the other.
Davi sipped his beer and reached down to finger the necklace he’d worn around his neck since childhood. His mother had given it to him, insisting he never take it off, even though the symbolism of it was lost on him. He’d never gotten around to asking her about it, but he’d never seen another like it, and he knew many regarded it as a symbol of his Royal heritage.
“Would you like to dance?” Vivi’s question broke him out of his reverie. He spotted Farien and Bela out on the dance floor, and Yao had taken Jaqi’s hand and was leading her there.
Davi stood and extended his hand to Vivi. “Absolutely. I thought you’d never ask!” Vivi laughed and took his hand as he led her to an open spot on the floor.
They hadn’t danced long when Bordox and his friends came onto the dance floor. Not finding immediate partners of their own, they began tapping the shoulders of other men, looking menacing if they showed any reluctance. Then, paired with the former partners of the frightened men, they maneuvered themselves over to the area surrounding Davi, Farien, and Yao.
Davi and his friends danced as if nothing mattered until the song ended, then Bordox smiled and leaned close to Davi. “So, folkloric prince, what assignment did you draw?”
“It’s nothing as glamorous as yours,” Davi replied, doing his best to ignore him. The music started again and Davi and Vivi resumed dancing.
“Lieutenant of the Lord’s Special Police,” Bordox responded with pride. The LSP was indeed a respectable assignment. Only the cadets deemed most loyal and sure to serve with lifelong honor at the High Lord’s beck and call would ever be chosen. It didn’t hurt that Bordox’s father, Lord Obed, ran the LSP.
“We’re going to Vertullis to keep the workers in line,” Farien said, breaking the lull.
“Glorified babysitters. I wondered if they’d let you three do any real work,” Bordox replied as he swung his reluctant partner around them. The girl seemed too afraid to do anything but try and keep up.
“Yao will be teaching math and sciences at Presimion Academy,” Davi responded.
Bordox’s smugness faded a moment, before he recovered. “Presimion, well, at least one of you was smart enough to draw a real assignment.”
Davi wanted to reply but Yao and Farien maneuvered their dates between him and Bordox. He did his best to maintain his composure, but Bordox had gotten him fired up.
“Are you hungry?” Vivi asked as the song ended.
Davi smiled. Not many girls would be so direct knowing who he was. He liked this girl. “Yes, I am, as a matter of fact. Would you like to order something?” She smiled, then nodded and he led her back to their table. Farien and Yao followed with the others.
As he helped Jaqi into her chair, Yao leaned toward him. “Don’t let him get to you. It’s all petty jealousy. You’ve always bested him at every challenge.”
Yao’s eyes met Davi’s as Yao slid into the opposite seat. Davi smiled, calming the raging storm within. It was true. Despite the constant challenges, Davi had always come out ahead. Bordox was still looking for an opportunity to prove himself better. Davi sighed, as he glanced over the menu. Perhaps Bordox’s LSP assignment would keep him off their backs. At least Bordox could feel superior for the moment, if he wanted. He didn’t have to know that Davi would have turned down the LSP if he’d been asked. It held little interest for him.
Davi saw Bordox motion for a serve-bot, as he and his companions requisitioned a nearby table. They threatened the occupants, who stood and hurried for the door, while Bordox and his friends helped themselves to the food and drinks the party left behind.
Davi glanced over to where the bar manager and bouncer-bot stood watching the events unfold. “Aren’t they going to do anything about it?”
“His father’s head of the LSP, remember?” Yao said. “They can pull bar licenses whenever they want.”
Davi started to stand but Farien reached over and pulled him back down into his seat. Both of his friends shot him warning looks.
“Maybe you ladies would like to find somewhere more romantic to dine?” Davi suggested.
Their dates smiled. “That would be nice,” Vivi said.
Davi and his friends stood, taking the ladies by the elbows and leading them toward the exit.
As they waited beside the air taxi post outside, Davi glanced through the Bar Electric’s window and realized that Bordox and his friends had abandoned the requisitioned table. The blue air taxi arrived and Davi’s group climbed onto the two benches behind the cab-bot driver. As the door shut, Bordox and his friends appeared at the taxi stand, waiting impatiently for another taxi.
“He never gives up, does he?” Farien asked.
“Let’s make ourselves hard to follow,” Davi replied. “Taxi, take us to the starport please.”
“Of course, sir,” the cab-bot’s humanoid head whirled around to face front again and steered the auto taxi into the flow of traffic.
Their dates’ faces lit up. “The starport, really?” Jaqi said.
“We’re gonna take a little tour before we head to the restaurant,” Yao said.
The cab-bot consisted of a torso with two arms and a head, on which LEDs lit up when it talked, attached to a seat facing the control panel at the front of the air taxi. Created to take over simple tasks like answering phones or loading cargo, newer bots now performed even more complicated tasks, including some trusted with the safety of humans.
Davi relaxed as the air taxi turned between a row of buildings and rose up onto the main artery running through Legon, the capital city. While Davi and the others enjoyed the ride, chatting with their dates, the auto taxi executed a few more twists and turns on the transportation corridor before turning onto an off ramp marked with signs for the starport.
“You’re not gonna fly us to some remote star restaurant, are you?” Bela asked.
“Not really. We’re just trying to lose our friends,” Davi answered as the air taxi threw him forward hard against the safety bar and he grunted as their dates cried out in surprise. Then there was another bump as something hit them from behind.
They all whirled around to see another air taxi with the cab-bot disabled and Bordox at the wheel.
Farien cursed.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Yao muttered.
Davi turned to the cab-bot. “Please outrun that taxi and take us to the north shore.”
The cab-bot’s facial LEDs lit up in the shape of a smile. “I am attempting to adjust our velocity, sir.”
The taxi jerked as Bordox rammed them again. Davi leapt over the safety bar and pulled the manual override lever, pushing the cab-bot to one side and placing himself at the controls.
“Do you know how to drive this?” Vivi said, her face pale. Neither of her friends looked much better, tensed, and holding onto hand rests like their lives depended on it.
“Davi’s the top pilot in our class,” Farien said and smiled.
“Let’s see how I do on the ground.” Davi began pushing buttons, bringing the air taxi to a much faster speed.
Bordox launched another run at them, but Davi braked, and then slid in behind him, taking an onramp back up onto the air highway overhead. As he turned onto the onramp, Bordox’s frustrated face appeared in the rearview mirror. His bulky body looked ridiculous behind the wheel of the air taxi. His dark beard couldn’t hide his aggravation as he struggled to turn the air taxi around.
As they merged into traffic, Davi couldn’t see Bordox behind them.
“Maybe we lost him,” Bela said, hopefully.
“I doubt it,” Yao said as he and Davi exchanged looks.
In a moment, Davi saw another taxi racing up from behind. “Here he comes.”
Davi weaved their taxi in and out of traffic, trying to keep Bordox at a distance, but the other air taxi continued to close on them.
“What’s his problem anyway? Why won’t he leave us alone?” Vivi said, her voice shaking.
“It’s a long story,” Davi replied, braking and bringing their taxi in behind the other. “Who’d have thought he’d fall for that twice?”
Yao and Farien laughed as Bordox hit the brakes, forcing Davi to dodge and bringing them side by side.
Bordox looked over—his face a mask of bitter resentment. His friends stared at them with sneers of contempt. Bordox and Davi wove their air taxis through traffic, each trying to keep the other at bay.
“We’ve gotta get away from this traffic before someone gets hurt—” Davi was silenced by a jolt as Bordox slid his air taxi in behind theirs and slammed into them again. The windows around them cracked loudly as veins creeped out in all directions covering the panes.
“Better get us down to the lower airways,” Yao suggested, “before the windows disintegrate.”
Davi nodded and dove onto the nearest off ramp. Bordox followed. Now, buildings surrounded them, but the traffic had thinned. A group of barges plodded along ahead of them. He aimed the air taxi straight at the rear of one of them and accelerated.
“Do you know what you’re doing?” Yao inquired as he leaned over the safety bar close to Davi’s ear.
“Just secure everybody back there, okay? I have an idea.” Davi said.
“May the gods help us,” Yao answered, shaking his head. “You ladies might want to get into those safety harnesses now,” he said, motioning to the girls, as he and Farien began strapping themselves in. As the girls grabbed for their harnesses, and Yao and Farien turned to help secure and adjust them, Bordox rammed them again from behind.
The windows in both vehicles shattered, glass exploding around them with a deafening crash. The girls screamed. The wind blew against their faces, strengthened by their airspeed and pressing them back against the seats.
“Hold on,” Davi shouted. Slowing a bit as they approached the rear barge, he suddenly accelerated and pulled the air taxi up over the top of the barge. His lips pursed with concentration, his movements were in perfect synch with the machine, just as if he were in his fighter’s familiar cockpit.
Alarms blared from the speakers overhead. “Warning. Violation!” a computer voice screamed.
“Is this even safe?” Jaqi screeched.
“He knows what he’s doing,” Farien assured her. Both he and Yao showed no signs of fear or tension.
Bordox’s air taxi cut across the incoming traffic lanes, zipping around the barge as Davi slipped between the two barges. In seconds, Bordox had squeezed in behind them again.
“I thought Bordox sucked at flying?”
“I guess he’s been practicing,” Farien said with a shrug.
Davi saw the first barge enter an intersection as Bordox accelerated toward them, and smiled. He had a plan. When the air taxi’s front passed the corner, Davi made a sharp turn, whipping everyone to one side and landed safely on a corridor to the side as the girls cried out in surprised protest.
Bordox’s air taxi accelerated straight into the back of the second barge. Bordox and his friends looked shaken and confused, covered with blue Daken feathers from the barge’s shipment of the frightened, squawking birds.
Davi and his friends exchanged high fives, laughing. “That ought to hold him for a while.”
They watched as Bordox struggled to stand despite the slippery feathers all around him. His eyes met Davi’s, his hateful stare barely visible amidst the feathers dangling from the sweat on his face.
“He doesn’t look much different than he did before,” Farien joked.
Yao and Davi laughed.
“Can we please get out now?” Vivi asked, trembling.
“Just a few more minutes. We know a great place on the north shore you ladies will love,” Davi said casually, inwardly relieved as he accelerated again and turned onto another corridor.
O O O
The High Lord Councilor’s Palace stood atop a rise at the center of Legon. An imposing landmark composed of white buildings of various shapes and sizes; it offered an unobstructed view of the entire city. When Davi arrived, he headed straight for his suite.
“Your uncle is not very happy with you for skipping your celebratory dinner.” His mother’s voice stopped him outside the lift. He turned as Miri approached him. She wore a beautiful evening gown, with light skin and light blue eyes which radiated warmth. Davi saw the disappointment in her frown.
Raised by his Uncle Xalivar to act like an officer, Davi had been told time and again he’d command great armies. Like all sons of High Lords, he’d followed the prescribed course of schooling and training, excelling in almost all of it. He’d risen to and stayed at the top of his class in every subject and every training regimen, such that any failure in discipline had become unacceptable to his mother and uncle.
“I’m sorry, mother. Yao, Farien, and I wanted to celebrate in our own way.” Davi wondered what it was like to be an ordinary citizen of the Borali Alliance. Did they have more fun than he did? It’s not that Davi didn’t appreciate all the advantages his life had brought him, but always having to meet others’ constant demands wearied him.
“The Vertullian ambassador was anxious to meet you. She might be very helpful to you in your new assignment,” Miri responded, her voice softening from its previous scolding tone. He knew she adored him too much to stay mad at him for long, and the adoration was mutual.
“Is she staying at the palace? Perhaps I could meet her over breakfast,” Davi said, as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.
“If you survive your uncle’s wrath,” she said, smiling.
Davi shot her a sheepish grin. “Maybe that can wait until morning, too.”
“I hardly think so,” said Xalivar’s top aide, Manaen, from behind them. “Your uncle is requesting your presence in the throne room.”
Davi and Miri turned to see Manaen standing in a nearby doorway. A member of Idolis’ second most popular race, the Andorians, Manaen was tall and thin with blue skin and red eyes.
“How did he know I’m here?” Davi muttered, but he already knew the answer.
As always though, Manaen faithfully offered an explanation. “Little goes on at the Palace without your uncle’s knowledge.”
Or permission, Davi thought, but he kept it to himself.
“Of course,” Miri said, motioning to Davi to go with Manaen. Davi turned with a sigh and followed Manaen back through the door. Miri followed close behind.
They stopped in a corridor. Each wall bore the shield of the Borali Alliance in embossed gold; a large door rose before them. They stepped inside the ornate throne room. The bejeweled throne stood centered on a raised dais set a few feet out from the far wall. A series of support pillars lined the sides of the long room with space in between for seating guests. The throne and the floor featured the same seal they’d seen in the corridor outside. As many times as he’d been here, Davi still found it impressive.
The High Lord Councilor waited beside a large window, staring out at the city, dressed in a gold robe with a white collar and cuffs. In the center by his neck lay the jewel known as the Lord’s eye that matched a similar but larger jewel embedded in the center arch at the back of the throne. Shorter than Davi but taller than Miri, he had a dark beard.
Manaen stopped in the doorway, awaiting instructions as Miri and Davi moved into the room, a long, red carpet cushioning their steps. The carpet ran in a rectangular line to each corner then continued around pillars lining each side and ended behind the throne—creating a complete square frame around the room.
Xalivar turned to face them. Instead of angry, he looked tired. He motioned to Manaen. “That will be all, Manaen.”
Manaen offered the expected salute with crossed fingers over a fist, then turned and exited, the door sliding shut behind him.
“The Vertullian ambassador was most disappointed she didn’t get to meet you,” his uncle said immediately.
“So mother explained. I’m sorry uncle. Perhaps over breakfast—”
“I decide the agenda in my palace, Xander. Not your mother, or you,” Xalivar responded. The anger in his tone surprised Davi.
Davi’s given name was Xander Rhii, son of Princess Miri Rhii, sister to Lord Xalivar, the High Lord Councilor of the Borali Alliance, but, for some reason, his mother had always called him Davi. He’d grown quite fond of the nickname himself. All the men in the line had names beginning with X—Xander, Xalivar, Xerses, Xonas—but Davi stood apart, making him unique. Davi had never been one to follow the crowd. In the court of the High Lords, it was hard to be unique.
While Lord Xalivar was a revered figure, both loved and feared by many throughout the Alliance, to Davi he had always been his kind, but sometimes stern uncle. It wasn’t often their conversations reached the present intensity.
“You would do well to show proper respect to those who can help your advancement,” Xalivar continued.
“Why is he being sent to oversee workers anyway?” Miri interjected. “It’s a waste of his skills.” She surprised Davi with the anger on her face. He hadn’t realized she was against his assignment.
“I cannot afford to play favorites. He has to work his way up like everyone else, if we want to take him seriously and accord him the proper respect,” Xalivar replied, softening somewhat.
“He is not like everyone else,” Miri said.
“He is not yet a Lord, sister. Don’t forget it.”
“He will be,” Miri held firm.
Xalivar looked at her as if trying to understand her concern. “You’ve never been to Vertullis. Service there is a respected part of officer training. Most graduates spend some of their career there,” he said. “Why are you so fearful of it?”
Davi chuckled as he watched them. No matter what, they would always be brother and sister. His mother had always been gentle and soft with him, while Xalivar had been tougher and more serious, although he’d never lived up to his reputation among the other cadets as ruthless and cold. At least not with Davi. Many rumors continued to float around about his uncle, but Davi had always found them hard to believe.
“I welcome the assignment, mother,” he said, hoping to put her at ease.
“You see? The boy knows something about honor and responsibility,” Xalivar said with pride.
“He is no longer a boy,” Miri said.
“All the more reason to not treat him as such,” Xalivar chastised her.
Miri wilted. They all knew it was an argument she could not win.
“I will do my best to serve with distinction befitting our family,” Davi said, hoping he could meet their expectations.
“We have no doubt you will. Perhaps you will also remember that gallivanting with your young friends—and using auto taxis for playthings—is not the proper behavior of an officer, especially a prince.”
Davi looked down, embarrassed. Somehow his uncle always seemed to know everything.
“You are quite lucky no citizens were hurt.”
“Bordox was provoking us,” Davi said.
“There are better ways to deal with your petty rivalries,” Xalivar said, shooting Davi a stern look which stopped him from responding further.
“What happened?” Miri asked.
“Nothing to concern yourself with. Two auto taxis needing repair. A few soiled uniforms,” Xalivar explained.
“None of them ours,” Davi added with a smile.
Xalivar’s eyes narrowed as he frowned at Davi. “You’ll be having breakfast with the ambassador at nine sharp. Don’t be late,” he said.
It was more a warning than a request, Davi noted. Still, Davi suppressed a smile at the concession. “Yes, High Lord Councilor.” He formed a fist and placed his other hand with crossed fingers on top.
Xalivar gave a slight nod at the salute as Davi turned and marched toward the door. “Congratulations on your awards today, Xander. We are very pleased,” his uncle said as Davi waited for the door to open.
“Thank you,” he responded as the door slid into the ceiling. Davi turned back to the corridor, his face beaming with pride, and marched out of the room.
O O O
Xalivar watched his nephew go, pride swelling within. His sister’s son was the closest thing he had to a son of his own, his only heir. Up until today’s events, everything had been proceeding according to his plans. Xalivar had long known he would train Davi as his successor, but the rebellious streak Davi had demonstrated today concerned him. He would have to keep a closer eye on things to ensure that kind of behavior didn’t continue.
Miri kept watching him as the door slid shut behind Davi. “I need him near me,” she said.
“I can arrange accommodations for you on Vertullis if you wish,” Xalivar said.
Miri frowned.
Xalivar ignored her and pressed on. “It’s the planet nearest to us. He will be well protected by my officers. If he is to be my heir, he must know about all aspects of the Alliance. And he must be able to gain respect on his own, not by relying on my power.”
“He has a kind spirit,” Miri said.
“Kindness is not a luxury rulers can easily afford,” Xalivar said. Miri was too soft. “Perhaps this experience will disavow him of his fantasies. He could use a dose of reality.”
Miri blanched, turning defensive. “He’s not like you,” Miri said. “He will never delight in their oppression.”
Xalivar shrugged with disinterest. His failure to mold Davi into his own image was something she treasured rubbing in Xalivar’s face. Miri was one of the few he would ever allow to be so direct with him. “Delight is not required, only recognition of the way things need to be.”
Miri sighed and walked toward the door. Xalivar suspected his sister hoped her son would never be the kind of emperor he was. There had been many conquerors in the line preceding him, but Xalivar took special pride in his reputation as ruthless and arrogant. Except for Miri and Davi, no one dared question him on even the most routine of matters, and Xalivar liked it that way.
There would be no place for weakness in running an Alliance. One had to be firm and decisive, and given time, it would come as easily to Davi as it had to him. With the endorsement of the Council of Lords, Xalivar’s family had led the Borali Alliance for generations. It ran in their blood.
Xalivar turned back toward his private suite, ready for some rest after a trying day. Davi would have to get used to that, too. The days of a ruler were full and demanding. Perhaps the assignment he was about to undertake would serve Davi well. He’d never understood his sister’s insistence on using the nickname which even Davi himself seemed to prefer. The men in his line all had honorable names and Xander was quite respectable. He sighed, shaking his head. That too would have to change.
O O O
At breakfast the following morning, Davi joined Miri, Xalivar, and other distinguished guests. He sat next to Sinaia Quall, the Borali Alliance’s Ambassador to Vertullis—who was less of a diplomat and more of an overseer in this case. A short, dark woman with her black hair in a bun, she chatted with him about the situation there, filling him in on the background and details about the planet he didn’t already know. In the end, Davi found her charming and informative and appreciated the opportunity to get to know an important official on whom he could call if the need arose. Sinaia in turn assured him she would look after his well-being during his assignment there.
After he excused himself, Miri took him aside. His shuttle would depart in a few hours and he knew she wanted some mother-son time before he left. As they arrived in her chambers, she seemed overwhelmed with sadness.
“Mother, I’m worried about you,” he said, noticing for the first time new lines around her eyes, the distance in her stare.
“You’re worried about me? I think I’m the one who should be worried,” Miri said, refusing to meet his gaze. Her eyes reddened as if she were near tears.
“Why? I graduated near the top of my class. I have been through years of training preparing for this. Uncle has a lot of people looking out for me. I know I will make you proud.”
Miri smiled. “You’ve never done anything but make me proud, Davi. You know I adore you.”
Davi put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “And I you.”
She tousled his hair. “I wish your assignment wasn’t so far away. I like you close by.”
“It’s one planet away. Come and visit any time.”
“Of course, I will.” She smiled. “Do you have it?”
Davi gave her an inquisitive look. “What, mother? The necklace?”
She nodded as he pulled the chain over his collar and let it dangle on his chest. The necklace was round and silver colored with a blue-green crest at its center. The four sections of the crest bore distinct images: laborers, soldiers, farmers, and priests.
“Perhaps you could leave it with me for safe keeping—a remembrance of my son to comfort me in your absence,” she said, stroking it.
“You know how much it’s always meant to me. It’s one of the first gifts you ever gave me.”
“I know, son, but so many things can happen out in the field. If you lost it …”
“I won’t lose it, mother.” She’d always been very protective of the necklace, but she’d never before asked him to give it up. Davi was puzzled by the sudden change, increasing his worry.
“I would feel better if I had it with me,” she said, sniffling a bit.
“But you’ve always insisted I wear it. I don’t understand. Are you so worried I won’t come back?” Davi looked into her eyes, wishing he could find the words to ease her worry.
Miri rushed into his arms, embracing him. “Never say that! I can’t bear it!” She held him tight, her voice cracking.
“I’m sorry, mother. It was supposed to be a joke!” Davi held her, trying to reassure her.
“Never joke about such things,” she said with tenderness. “I love you, son.”
“I love you, too, mother.” He would miss these times with her when they were apart. Tears flowed from her eyes. Davi stood there and held her a while, the necklace pressed against his chest by her embrace.
O O O
The small temple attached to the Palace was empty, as expected, when Miri led Davi through the Royal family’s secret tunnels. As instructed, a priest had prepared libations and vestments and left them at the altar for the Royal family’s use. Davi couldn’t remember the last time he’d been here, and he knew his mother didn’t come often either. But today, she had insisted they offer prayers and tribute for his safety and success before his departure, and so they’d come.
The priests kept the temple clean, free of dust and other odors, though Davi’s nose did detect the few types of incense that had been burned recently in tribute. The altar consisted of a small, marble platform with a triple staircase leading up to it, all broad and wide with overarching ceilings as befit one coming into the presence of higher beings.
Miri led him straight to the altar and knelt, motioning for Davi to her side as she began putting on one of the two ornate robes in preparation for their offering.
Davi put on the other then knelt beside her and joined her in the traditional recitations that preceded any proper offering. “Nehes, nehes, nehes, Nehes em hotep, Nehes em neferu. Nebet hotepet. Weben em hotep …” Together, they recited the ancient words any Boralian learned from birth, and Davi gently lifted the carafe of red wine, holding it ready for when Miri wanted it.
Miri’s recitation sounded sincere and passionate, but Davi had enough trouble remembering the words that he couldn’t quite manage to muster even a semblance of emotion in support of his mother. But she didn’t look at him or offer comment.
After the opening indroit, Miri accepted the carafe and launched into specific prayers, asking the gods for wisdom, strength, courage, and protection for Davi. She poured the libations on a small dish she’d set centered on the altar cloths, her eyes closed and head bowed, and Davi bowed similarly, but kept his eyes open. He had long ago given up devotion to his people’s religion, which seemed far more like silly ritual to him than anything profoundly spiritual or connected to another realm. He just didn’t feel anything when he participated in it. It was all ritual motions, words, and actions, but he experienced no spiritual connection to go with it, no matter how hard he tried. Still, it comforted Miri, so he did his best to project a spirit of support and love to honor her as she prayed.
Would any of this matter? He asked himself and then heard Miri reciting the closing words and joined her in offering the traditional four-fingered salute to the pantheon.
Miri’s shoulders sank with her sigh as she finished and looked over at him, warmly. They embraced, holding each other for another moment, then slowly stood and headed back into the passages that would return them to the Palace.
Whether any of it had been worth the effort for spiritual aid, Davi had doubts, but the confidence it gave his mother was more than worth the time. He hoped it would carry with her throughout the days ahead after they parted. He let his love for her flow back through the embrace. At least he could offer her that.
O O O
Davi and Farien arrived at the starport a few hours later, their gray uniforms neatly pressed, and shook hands with Yao. He’d shared so many fun times with his friends, and Davi knew he’d miss having them around. After a few moments, he pulled Yao aside. “I need you to look after mother for me.”
“Of course. Anything I can do? Is she upset because you’re leaving?”
Davi sighed, raising his hands in the air as he took a deep breath. “Yes. More than I expected. She seems more weak and frail than I’ve ever seen her. I’m not sure why.”
“She’s always adored you and kept you close. I’m sure this is hard for her,” Yao said.
“It’s hard for me as well, but she’s really broken up about it. She even asked me to leave the necklace with her for safe keeping.”
Yao’s eyes widened and he took an involuntary step back. “The one she’s always been after you to wear? Did she have a bad dream about something happening to you?”
“I don’t know. She wouldn’t say. Just check on her for me, will you?” Their eyes met and Davi saw recognition there of his depth of concern as his hand reached down to touch the crest where it rested beneath his uniform.
“Every day, if you want,” Yao replied, eyes locked on Davi’s.
Davi clapped him on the shoulder. “I don’t think it’s necessary, but I trust your judgment.”
Yao smiled and they embraced. “You take care out there, okay? I want to hear all about your adventures,” Yao teased.
“Oh yeah, and you make sure those future cadets are up to standards, all right?”
Yao laughed. “I’ll be as hard on them as I was on you two.” He twisted his face into a fierce expression.
“Do us a favor and be harder on them, okay?” Davi said with a grin. He glanced over at Farien, who frowned, pacing beside the shuttle ramp. They both laughed and shook hands one last time.
“Let’s get this show rolling,” Farien said, glancing at his watch. “Let the adventure begin!” He clapped them both on the back. Yao shook Farien’s hand before he and Davi boarded the shuttle.
As the shuttle pilots prepared for launch, the engines hummed and ignited. Contrasting with the shuttle’s white exterior, the interior was light gray. The cockpit held two black chairs facing a transparent blast shield, surrounded by controls. It was separated by a bulkhead from the passenger compartment which contained four rows of seats—two lining each exterior wall and two back to back down the center. Each had its own safety harness. The sole decoration was a large Borali Alliance emblem centered above the seats on the ceiling. The cabin smelled stale, used; not fresh and clean like the royal shuttles always did.
Davi strapped on his safety harness and began mentally reviewing what he knew about Vertullis and his new assignment. From what he’d been told the planet’s capital city, Iraja, was far from impressive when compared with Legon, but Iraja was also one of the Borali Alliance’s major starports and the key shipping and receiving point for agricultural products in the solar system. His heart raced in his chest. He’d never been off planet before.
The thirteen planets in the star system all varied in size and shape, the outermost and innermost planets being the smallest. Three of the larger planets had several moons. Vertullis had two. While Vertullis, Tertullis, and Legallis alone had atmospheres suitable for human life, due to Borali scientists’ determination and skill with terraforming, all but one of the system’s planets had been inhabited, though some with populations consisting only of a few workers and military personnel. The planets revolved around the two suns, Boralis and Charlis, in an unusual orbital pattern due to the effect of the twin gravities. Because of the limitations in terraforming science, the four planets nearest to the suns had been surrendered as viable habitats for humans. Of the thirteen planets, Vertullis was the sole planet which had a surface containing fifty percent forest, and it had one other distinction. It remained the only planet in the solar system whose native citizens weren’t free.
Slavery was a subject on which he’d never formed much of an opinion. He valued his own freedom, and human beings, to him, had always seemed deserving of such freedom. But he had never met a Vertullian. He had no idea what they would be like. Perhaps after spending time there, he would understand better. They might be great troublemakers, lazy, even subhuman as he’d been told. Throughout history, they’d been the enemies of his people, but beyond that, he decided it would be best to wait and see. Regardless of what he thought of them, Davi determined to treat them with fairness and dignity. He had read stories of abuse by past supervisors and guards, and he would not allow such things on his watch.
The shuttle accelerated, forcing him back against his seat as pressure closed around his head and chest. He took deliberate slow breaths as he’d been trained and looked straight ahead, trying to relax. He hadn’t been on a shuttle since his early days at the Academy, and even though he’d flown VS28 starfighters in training, he’d never been out of Legallis’ planetspace. Whatever else happened, he figured it would be an interesting challenge.
As twinkling stars filled the windows and the shuttle settled into its flight path, Farien snored beside him. Chuckling to himself, Davi leaned back and glanced out at the black void of space. The blue tinged globe he’d always consider home receded rapidly as the shuttle broke orbit and arced off away from its surface. He’d never seen the planet from space before. It was far more spectacular than any of the pictures he’d seen. A new phase of life was beginning. He’d been dreaming of this for a very long time.