20. Epilogue Hazel

20

Epilogue: Hazel

I checked the long-range scanner in my new command center nestled near the top of Caverncall. Scans showed our sector was clear of anything that might threaten the Kavian colony.

I migrated farther down the wall to the early warning system. An array of fifty satellites in the planet's atmosphere would set off an alarm the instant any vessel entered our atmosphere.

While I stood there checking all the intelligence, four IPA freighters entered the planet's atmosphere right on schedule, but they didn't come near our stronghold. They drifted to the northern continent and took up a holding pattern on the site of the new human colony.

A chirp attracted me to the high-powered communications array in the corner. I switched on the display and my captain's face appeared. "Good morning, Emissary Simmons. I just received notification that our colonization convoy arrived at your location."

"That's right, captain. They just entered orbit. They're unloading now."

He checked something on his desk. "The long-range scans are all clear. Command is tracking down the remaining Ranxi. We'll shoot them down on sight, after the proof you've sent us about their genocidal history. I trust your new equipment is working correctly?"

"It's working perfectly, captain. If we have any further difficulties, you'll be the first to know."

"Thank you, Emissary Simmons." A hint of a smile twitched his lips. "You might like to tell Xavier Ruger and Merrit Ryder that we found the lab where the Ranxi held them as prisoners. The surviving lab subjects have been taken into IPA custody for medical treatment and psychological evaluation."

I gasped. "Wow. That's huge. I'll be sure to tell them."

"That is all I have to report. I'll contact you again if I receive any further information."

We both signed off. I almost turned away when another communications signal came through. I was beginning to enjoy this new emissary role. It certainly had its benefits in terms of resources.

I turned on the display and a different face appeared. A grizzled old man with a white beard and sparkling blue eyes burst into a rough smile. "Well, Emissary Simmons? What do you have to report?"

I blushed and laughed. "Everything's good. How are you, Daddy?"

His eyes widened in mock surprise. "What—am I still your old daddy? I never thought I'd hear you say that after being elevated to my rank."

I giggled. "You'll always be my daddy. You know that."

"Maybe, but I'm still your superior on the High Court. So give me a full report. What's the situation on XVC3?"

"The planet is peaceful since we eliminated the Ranxi threat. The human colony is growing, but I don't think they've set up communications equipment yet because we haven't heard from them."

"Maybe they just want to give you plenty of privacy. They're under orders to maintain strict diplomatic relations with the Kavian refugees."

"I know. Thank you."

"Don't thank me. That report you filed would have convinced the sternest heart. The High Court takes the Kavian recovery very seriously. "

I sighed with relief. "Thanks. I really appreciate it."

"The Kavians got exactly the emissary they needed to protect their interests." His eyes sparkled even brighter. "I am so proud of you, sweetheart. I've never been more proud."

"That means so much to me, Dad. Give my love to Mom."

"I will. I'll tell her to call you soon."

"Bye, Daddy."

I hung up and took one last look around my command center. I built this place with hard work and constant vigilance. I went to bat for the Kavian community—my community. This colony was my home, and no one was going to mess with it as long as I had anything to do with it.

I meandered out of the building and took my time walking through the serene village. I ventured into the tunnel and hiked farther into the jungle toward the observation platform.

I couldn't see the colonization convoy from here, but I wasn't looking for that. I followed the mountain's contour until I located a patrol of ten Kavian warriors. They trained their field glasses on something far below them.

I wondered if I should tell Xavier about the IPA raiding the Ranxi lab. How would he and Merrit react? Their prison ordeal drifted deeper into the past, but something like this could trigger a flood of memories. I decided to wait until they seemed ready to hear it. Besides, I had a more pressing matter to focus on.

I scanned the forest floor until I spotted a flash of red down in the undergrowth. I headed in that direction, eventually finding Valmore lying flat on his stomach next to the stream. A gigantic nichi lumbered through the trees, approaching the stream to drink. The beast was like a buffalo crossed with a rhino, and could feed a family for a month.

Valmore gripped his spear and coiled his legs under him to spring. I tiptoed closer. I didn't think I made any noise, but the nichi tensed and looked up. It narrowed its eyes at me, then turned tail and blundered off into the shrubbery.

Valmore jerked his head around and glared at me, but his eyes softened upon seeing it was his mate. "I hope whatever you're here for is worth losing out on a feast tonight."

"Can't I just come see you when I want to?"

He got to his feet and jabbed his spear handle into the soft dirt beside him. "So that's it? You came out here just to see me? You see me every day."

"I know. I just… missed you."

He laughed. "I missed you too. But we've only been separated since this morning. "

"Anyway, I just got off the phone with my father."

"What did he have to say?"

"Not much. The High Court is taking our case seriously, and the IPA is hunting down the remaining Ranxi. They liberated the lab where Xavier and Merrit were held prisoner."

"Well, that's good. But it seems like there's something more you want to tell me."

I took a deep breath and closed the distance between us. It was like he had read my mind. I slipped my arm around his waist and said, "You're going to be a father, Valmore. I had a suspicion, so earlier this morning, I went to see the healer, and… Well."

His eyebrows lifted. "And what?"

A laugh escaped my lips. Did I really have to spell it out? "I'm pregnant, you big oaf. We're going to have a child."

He blinked… then he swept me up in his arms and spun me around. He buried his face in my neck and whooped loud enough for the warriors up the mountain to hear.

He set me down and threw back his head to laugh. I'd never seen such joy in his eyes. He kept lifting me up, hugging me, and roaring in happiness. I laughed too. I knew he'd be happy, but I didn't expect such a reaction .

At last, he put me down and took my hand. "Come on. Let's go celebrate."

He led me up the mountain toward the tunnel entrance. The nichi was all but forgotten as we spent the rest of the day celebrating. Not only had we found a place to call home, but we had secured peace for all Kavians. Now we just had to grow our colony beyond this mountain, and maybe even one day beyond this planet.

With Valmore at my side, it all felt possible.