Chapter 12

I was reading over the reports that I had missed the last few risings while I was away when I smelled her coming. BeforeI realize I am even moving, I find myself at the top of the stairs that lead towards our quarters anxious to see her face.

Zllera'svoice is animated as she bounces around, talking with her hands excited. Tessa notices me and my heart hits my chest reacting to the instant smile that forms on her face.

"Oh, good Father, you're here. Tessa, I have to go. IfI am late for class, Raya will be furious. I'll see ya next rising."

Aftertheir goodbyes, Zllera runs back down the stairs, and I walk towards Tessa as she struggles to get up.

"Lord, who did they build these for … giants? No wonder you all use the vacuum thing, my legs won't even lift up this high."

Ireach down, pulling her up the last couple effortlessly. "Did you enjoy your time with Zllera?"

"The child is so full of energy, how could you not enjoy her? I think she went out of her way to introduce me to everyone and let me tell ya, this world of yours is something to see. Never in all my dreams would I have imagined forest and green fields underground, but seeing is believing."

"Did everyone treat you well?"

"I think show and tell went ok, considering they have never seen anything like me before. I was a little intimidated by all the XenaWarriorPrincesses roaming around the outer walls. Those girls are complete bad asses. ThenZllera took me through the main compound where all the Suzie homemakers were preparing clothing and everything you all need to run this place. Those girls need a raise.

"Now, let's not forget the little horde of wannabe Dream of Genies running around in their harem pants playing. I think I enjoyed watching them the most. Zllera took me to see Wynd again, and I was happy to see her in a room full of others her age. She squealed when she saw me, and I had to rock her to sleep before I could leave. They all seemed happy and well taken care of. There are some mixed emotions going through the crowd. Most were friendly, but I did get several dirty looks from some random females. I don't think your previous lovers are happy with me being in their territory."

"I have no lovers here. One of the first things my mother taught me was not to fraternize with ones you protect. I never wanted to be that male that took advantage of his position and having an empty relationship with one of my own. Would only lead to compromises and expectations I may not be able to offer."

"Ok, big guy. I don't believe for one minute you're … what would be the right way to say this? A virgin, untouched."

Ican't help but laugh as she stumbles through those words, with a light blush on her cheeks. "No, I am far from innocent, but when I could no longer satisfy the cravings of my body myself, I would simply take a rotation off and head towards the PleasurePlanet. There was a female there I preferred for a while. Her name was Vereena, and she was a Valerian. However, I have not been there in quite some time. She was killed several Orbital rotations ago by a Banhan assassin. OnceI was informed of this, I have not returned since."

"So, you just … ugh, take care of yourself?"

"Normally the urge isn't as intense as you may think. That is, until a mouthy little human crossed my path, and I have been hard ever since." Pulling her close I breathe her in. My entire body quivers as her scent soaks into my very core. "I hate that I didn't get to personally show you around this rising."

"You're needed, I understand that. You may have done better by letting Zllera show me around. I think they were a little more open to approach me with her. This place sure is bright and alive to be underground. I have no idea how you all manage this, but you should be proud."

"When the tunnels were originally located, they became an instant shelter, but the vast darkness was something many couldn't handle. After many trials and failures, they stumbled upon LavaCrystals accidentally when a piece of an asteroid hit one of the outer planes. Inside it was a glowing hot light. We have been mining or purchasing them ever since. It's a cheap, but effective way for us to continue the life we have carved out here."

"Why did your people stay? I mean on this planet. If there are so many out there habitable in this solar system, why not go somewhere else more hospitable?"

"I have asked myself that question many times, especially recently. I sent my son Onyx and several other warriors out looking. They found several planets suitable, but trying to relocate everyone would be such a daunting task. Even with the current threats, not all are willing to leave, most don't accept change well. I have tried my best to listen to my people's wants and needs, but we very well may be forced to go if things remain as they are."

"You are talking about those worm things, right?"

"Yes."

"Has no one else ever fought them?"

"From what I have learned, no planet lasts long after they invade. Once they destroy all the natural resources available, they move on. They are an unstoppable parasite that destroys any and all they touch. We have held them off longer than any other, but it's just a matter of time. It's either going to be them or us."

"I wish there was a way I could help without, you know, draining me dry. Maybe your scientist could look at my blood differently now that they know something is in it that might work."

"Absolutely not, I will never allow them to touch you again. My entire race be damned."

"Oh, you don't mean that. You just feel like you have been backed into a corner and don't know your way out. Have you asked for help?"

Unwrappingmy arms from her, I turn away, instantly so angry my voice comes out harshly. "No one cares what happens to us out here. TheElders know what the Waldrin have been doing, and they have done nothing to try to stop them. If it doesn't line their pockets or affect their way of life, they are unconcerned."

"Normal politicians, I see. You have every right to be angry, ZoD. Your people are depending on you and as of right now you have no real answers."

"We lost another this rising. It makes me sick every time I think about what is happening to them. No matter what we do, we can't seem to figure out where they are taking them now. Lord of Light knows we have spent many a rising searching. I don't know why I even have my people patrolling the walls. AllI am doing is sacrificing my guards one at a time. We reinforced the areas where they came through, but it didn't take long until they found another weakness in one of the walls. They are very determined and unfortunately undefeatable.

"Tessa, would it be alright if I order some sustenance to be delivered here instead of going to the common rooms? I am having a hard time facing my people and the hopelessness I see on their faces every rising."

"I don't envy your position, ZoD. SinceI've had enough of show and tell today, feel free to order to your heart's content. Honestly, my mind is still having a hard time comprehending all of this. One part is amazed, the other horrified. Don't get me wrong besides our original meeting. I am thankful for all that you have done for me so far, but if it's alright after we eat. It would be great to have some me time right now. I need time to come to terms with what's happening to me now and then."

Thesustenance arrives, and even though I try to pull her into a conversation, Tessa is unusually quiet. Several times she looks away, her body may be here, but her mind is not. I try to look at all of this from her point of view, and how I would handle this if things were turned around. Only to realize she is doing much better than I would. I wonder if her entire race adapts as well as she has. My comm unit goes off several times, but I keep ignoring it.

Shesighs wearily, "You need to answer that, ZoD. It might be important. You have kids out there and you should always be available. If you don't mind, I think I will go get cleaned up and lie down."

Ihave a million things I want to say to her, but I just nod as she walks past me into the refreshing chamber. When my comm goes off again, I snarl down at it. "What?"

"Commander, there has been a breach in one of the outer walls. No one was captured, but you may want to come look at this. It's like they are testing the walls out to see where the weakest ones are located. Several were attacked at once this darkness."

"Frack, I'm coming." I turn to tell Tessa what's going on only to find she is still in the refresher. WhenI start to raise my hand to knock on the door, I hear her sobs on the other side. With a heavy heart, I turn away and head towards the main control center.

Whydoes the thought of failing her bother me more than anything else?