Chapter Sixteen — Part 6

I thought for a moment. “Why not go to Earth?”

“What? Are you kidding? Earth society as it stands now won’t make it into space for another century. We’ll be slaughtered by the superstitious locals, long before the Scandivats’ colony gets us.”

Genesis flew through a window, settling down next to me. He put a hand on my shoulder, squeezing me. “There’s another alternative I think both of you are overlooking.”

“And what alternative is that?” I said.

“We could put enough supplies just outside the solar system to get them to Earth. Then they would move on and leave us alone.”

“It’s a selfish option, Genesis. What of Earth’s safety?” King Lotus said.

“Let’s solve the problems as they rise.”

“I think Genesis has a good idea.” I said.

“The Elves and all the fallen angels are going to defend Earth. We’ll protect our world by setting the appointed supplies at the edge of the solar system, and defend Earth with our war forces.”

King Lotus left me with Genesis, issuing orders and making preparations.

“So how goes the pirate biz?” He said.

“The slave runners are getting smart. But I’ll figure out a way to put them down, just as soon as I get done with this little Scandivat problem.”

Genesis laughed. “You’re ready to try to infiltrate the colony aren’t you?”

“Yes. I’ve learned the language. I just don’t know enough about the colony, and none of the probes mother has sent out have gotten close enough to the main cluster to determine a safe way in. Captain Reed is worried that his presence might endanger us.”

“Like a nest of bees adrift in space, there are countless stings for every exit and entrance.” Genesis said. “If Earth falls to the Scandivat, so do we all. It may take a few centuries, but we human beings will all be extinct. Every Elf, every fairy, every human, and every angel is ultimately bound to Earth. When the Scandivats’ colony settles on Earth, it’ll destroy the ecology, and Earth will become the Scandivat’s domain.”

“And when that happens, Humanity will die.” I inhaled deeply, not knowing what to say.

Before we could say any more, the temple shook from an exterior attack. I stood up and looked angrily at Genesis. “They shouldn’t be here yet,” I said.

Genesis flew out the window, and then flew back in. “The Colony isn’t, but two assault cruisers are. I wonder what they’re after?”

Our question was answered as we watched an Alpha Hunter Force leave their ships and descend into the castle prison, batting the Elves aside in their rush.

“They must be after Prince Wastik,” I said angrily, rushing to stop the Hunters. By the time I got to the prison entrance, the Hunters had already gotten Wastik and were heading to their ships. They broke into Otherspace without even bothering to leave atmosphere. “He knew this was going to happen all along, didn’t he?”

Genesis dropped to his knees, pounding his tiny fists against the pavement. “It’s not fair. If he gets inside the colony, we’ll never get you in.”

I laughed. “I’ll get in, if it takes every last bit of cunning I’ve learned as a pirate.” I pulled Genesis up by his hands and drew him close, letting him put his head on my shoulder. My cotton blouse swallowed his hot tears.

“Hush child. I’ve some Elves to protect, and your tears aren’t helping any.”

“And how do you intend to do that?” He said. “With Prince Wastik free, the Scandivats might return to their psychotic attacks.”

I looked at Genesis, my eyes serious. “Wastik’s obviously allied to the Scandivats. When I find out how, I’ll crush his alliance and set things right. You have to keep King Lotus focused on protecting his people. I’m going into space and asking that anybody who owes anything to the Persimmon call on their resources and defend Mother Earth.” I said. “I know that it’s a weak objective, but it’s the best I can think of.”

I returned to the Persimmon, and sent out a long-range transmission, using Isastan’s main transmitter as a power base. Every planet in the galaxy with an Otherspace transmitter would resonate my message. I could only hope that people would listen.

“This is Captain Bit of the Persimmon. Anybody who cares anything for their lives must think of Earth. For centuries we have been away from the planet that spawned us, but we must remember that she is our mother. The Scandivats’ colony ships have left their home world because of a terrible misunderstanding — one I am working to correct even as we speak. To save the Earth will take a united alliance of the entire human galactic community. We must show the Scandivats that we can unite as one against an outside force, and that we’re willing to act as one when our future as a race is on the line.

“I know I’ve made enemies in this galaxy, and I’ll not lie and say I’m sorry for my actions. I only hope we can stop the Scandivats before they destroy our ancestral home.” I broke my communications link, then turned to my mother and father. “I’m going to the Scandivats’ colony now. I can’t ask either of you to go with me. I’d rather you stay here and work with King Lotus, where you’ll be safe.”

“How would you and Captain Reed fly the ship alone? You need us dear.” Tiffany said. She didn’t have to answer for both of them, I could see in Kotian’s eyes that I’d have to fight him to get them off my ship.

I looked up at the screens. “Persimmon, take us to the colony.”

“How come nobody ever asks me if I want to go on these crazy missions?” Persimmon complained.

“Well, do you? I could arrange another ship for this mission.”

“Nonsense, my duty is with my Captain. I just wanted to be asked.” Persimmon’s voice sounded contented, almost like a cat’s purr.

I smiled as we slipped into Otherspace, heading straight for the colony. With my earrings, necklace, flute, and my knowledge, I felt ready to face anything. Anything, that is, except an army of Captain Reeds.

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