Chapter Nine #2
She munched the pastry. It was a little stale but still good. The coffee was just as strong and sweet as it had been the day before.
So, when do you have to head back?
I don t. I was declared legally dead; my wealth was dispersed among my family, and my home sold. They are offering to return them, but I like the idea of a clean start. Aksalla seems nice. His fingers stroked her arm.
Well, I have a bit of money, and if you wanted to retire in style, I know an island with a lot of friendly people who wouldn t mind some extra firepower.
You really do?
I really do. It s where Nelith s offspring live. They are outside the reach of the Sethir-Nin and able to back each other up.
Why are they a concern?
Oh, well, all of the clones are omegas. Even Kiska.
Whoa. Right. What about staying here and starting a dance school? From what I remember, Aksallan dancers lacked soul.
A school?
A school, an Erradian restaurant, something that helps your roots grow.
Why?
Because you have friends here. A day job here, and your daughter is here.
I didn t raise her. She was freed after the invasion, and we met then.
She s an active?
Oh, yeah.
I didn t feel anything from her. He was curious.
No, you wouldn t. When you have a moment and no one but myself is around, ask her. She will show you.
What is the secret?
She sighed. The Uraddans tried to coax either my fire or Nileth s blades out of her using every means at their disposal. First, they had to cut out her wings.
You mean cut off.
No, cut out. Severed muscle and bone. Took them and ripped them apart to copy the material that her feathers were made of. They couldn t duplicate it, but they tried to see if her hair or nails would produce the mineral. They did not. By the time Uradda was pried open, there was little left of her. She is recovering slowly and looks to regenerate fully in a few years, but she s scarred.
I really want to rip Uradda apart right now.
It is already shattered. They are begging for their actives back. They can t do the work of their bound army and are beginning to seek other more affluent countries. She chuckled. They are finding out that very few places want non-actives who are known for their discrimination against actives. Most countries value us. Even if the capitol tries to restrict and regulate the means by which we use our activations, they still don t want us in chains, yet.
He sighed. Erradia has always fought to maintain independence from our hostile neighbours. I am regretting being stuck in a box while they were here throwing a fit.
She smiled. Don t worry. While I was technically at work all day, I may have been seen taking fire from Uraddan heavy guns and destroying military vehicles.
He glanced at her, and she smiled back at him. If I was there, and I wasn t, it was a very exciting day. After we got the actives and their families free, I flew escort on vehicles that got them to the waiting stations to record them as refugees, and when they were surrounded by others, I flew back to work.
You took on Uraddian heavy guns?
Sure. They tickle. They are just energy weapons. I eat that sort of thing.
He chuckled. My omas would have loved you. They were tough women.
She smiled. My parents would have been telling you that my attitude would temper over time.
I like your attitude. It is no-nonsense. Sometimes, I need someone to get my attention. He chuckled. But since I became a general, it is difficult to find people to hold me in line.
Aw. I think I can take you.
I am guessing yes. He chuckled. Since you can consume my energy manipulation, I would have to say yes.
Yeah. You are close to my energy class, but astral to nova is a bit of a stretch.
He grinned. It is. You were born to be you, and I was born to be me. And we both look far younger than our ages.
She laughed. Yeah, when your mom shared that one, I had to blink for a while.
Good thing Lid was sitting with more ice cream on standby. She uses our great oma s recipes, and they are an excellent distraction.
Litha said, How long can we stay in bed before we have to start things?
I think we should get started and take a break midmorning.
That s calculated.
Isn t it just. Sergei squeezed her. It is also when my mother, sister, and possibly an auntie might arrive.
Auntie?
Dmitri s mother. My half-sister.
Ah. Oh. I hadn t thought of that. Does Dmitri cook?
No idea. That is between him and Nelith. I found refuge and peace in cooking. I don t know if he was given that opportunity.
She finished her breakfast and stretched. She smiled. Right. Fast shower or solar shower?
What?
We can clean up without wasting time. I just don t like to do it in bed because too much light radiation messes up the fabric.
He grinned. This I would like to see.
She set her cup down and got to her feet. She looked at him, and he looked her over. Oh, little star. You are stunning.
Uh-huh. I can stun you another time. Up on your feet.
He got up, and she looked him over. Well, part of you was already up.
He chuckled and removed his clothing for the flash shower.
There. I even bleached your teeth.
He laughed. That is handy.
Yeah, once we get you clothing made from UV-resistant fabrics, I can do it while you are dressed. She cocked her head. But I might still flash fry your bits before they get inside me. Safety first.
Fair enough. He laughed. Can we dress now?
Yeah. Today is going to have more people who know what I am than ever before.
Will you dance with me later?
Of course.
He leaned down and said, I am going to get dressed properly for a day of socializing.
She nodded. And I am going to be comfy but stylish.
Meet you downstairs in a few minutes. I have already enlisted assistance via Zera.
What kind of help?
I don t know, but Drin is pulling up to the house.
Shit!
Litha was dressed, pulling her hair back in its accustomed tail and stepping into shoes she used in the yard. She came out and looked at Drin as she was coordinating a large truck to settle near the grass.
Morning, Litha. Zera gave me the day off to help organize your party. This is fun. Drin grinned and then looked at her. Oh, wow. You look so different at home.
Litha chuckled. Yeah, I do. When everyone around me isn t scared shitless that I will sneeze and irradiate them, it helps me kick back a little.
Well, Khytten s Baola called and told me what was needed, so I am all for it.
Litha sighed. Seers.
Sergei came out looking sharp in a button-down shirt and black trousers. Hey, Litha. I am going to get my mom and auntie. They are going to take over your kitchen.
Acceptable.
He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her. Back in ten minutes.
No more samovars.
He laughed. Yours is warming up.
She wrinkled her nose. Go. I get the feeling she spent the night or morning making buns.
I am not going to take that bet. He kissed her quickly and disappeared in a flash of midnight sky.
Litha chuckled, and Drin was staring at her. What?
Litha, you look... you are stunning.
I always was. I was just surrounded by people who wouldn t touch me. It causes a hit to the ego. Litha smiled. Wow, this looks very formal for a barbeque.
Drin looked innocent. Does it? Go make a list of food that needs to be made, boss.
Tables were being set out on the gravel yard near the barn, and chairs were being brought. The chairs were fairly hefty as they were going to be supporting some pretty sizable actives.
Litha went inside, gathered her valuables, and took them upstairs, including her cookbook. It was all books, but she wanted to make sure that she kept them safe. Family albums meant a lot.
Sergei entered her room and said, Keeping things from curious fingers?
Yeah. My parents kept track of every part of my life until the moment they passed. It feels wrong to leave that out where people can see them.
He smiled. Baby pictures?
A few. That pink book over there.
He laughed and snagged it, making awestruck sounds at her extreme cuteness. One day, you need to show my mother these. She has always said I was the prettiest baby in the country, and I think you are far more adorable than myself.
Litha smiled. If we ever have kids, they are probably going to be little spuds. Not that I am shopping for offspring, I just wouldn t object.
He looked over and smiled. If we are blessed, we will be blessed. Spuds or no.
She laughed.
On that vein of thought. He knelt and took her hand. Litha, will you marry me?
Um, why?
He smiled. Because as much as it does not matter to me, as long as I have you, my mother pointed out that there is a legal pension you could apply for if we were married and anything happened to me. She also wants you to be a wife and not a mistress. She has issues.
Litha laughed. Not like we don t have our own baggage. She paused. Wait. Did you just propose?
He grinned and brought out a wide band studded with different gems. I did. Will you marry me?
Um, yes?
He slid the ring onto the middle finger of her left hand. He kissed her knuckle and got to his feet, hugging her tight.
You are definitely going to be going to therapy.
He nodded. Accepted. I was able to sleep through the night with no nightmares.
You didn t sleep.
Yes, thank you. He kissed the tip of her nose.
She wrinkled her nose. You got me a ring. What do you get for the engagement?
If you dance with me, I will consider that your public pledge.
Oh, you mean dance . Okay. I think I have an outfit that will get the idea across.
Accepted.
She hugged him back and went to her closet, pulling out the white dress studded with clear gems. It was spectacular and would be easy to dance in.
He looked at it and nodded. I can get something to compliment it. It will be an excellent celebration.
Are you going to hop back to Erradia and swipe something?
He wagged his eyebrows. Yes.
She snorted. I may have to remake this ring into something less melty.
Acceptable.
Fine. Go and commit petty crime. She swatted his butt lightly, and he barked a laugh, disappearing in stars and darkness.
She walked down to the main floor, and Calina and her sibling were working with the command of battlefield generals. There were folks in white uniforms moving around her kitchen and hauling things outside. Morning, Calina.
Sergei s mother came over, kissed her cheek, and shrieked in happiness over the ring. Calina s sister came over and grinned, introducing herself as Nadia and then called out, Irina, come here. They are engaged.
Irina grinned and wiped her hands. She looked to be in her early forties. Thank goodness. This day would be strange if they weren t.
Litha suddenly put it together. We are getting married.
Irina chuckled. He didn t tell you.
He did not. Wait. You are Dmitri s mother. Sergei s aunt.
Yes, now back to the wedding.
They bustled her out to her gazebo, where a small table with lemonade and small sandwiches had been set up.
The rank of five industrial grills made her eyes widen. Klauz was there in his whites, ordering his team around.
When she looked at him and waved, he smiled and walked over. So, you have figured out that you are having a wedding?
I have. Um, thank you for coming.
This is fun. You had all the materials here, so my team just had to make the salads and sides. This is a lovely place, by the way. You must find it very calming.
I did. She laughed. I will again. Oh, there is the troublemaker that stirred this up.
Sergei came toward them, and Klauz muttered, Damn. You two side by side will be blinding. His eye flickered, and he chuckled. Kritz is urgently trying to finish his paperwork. He wants to speak to both of you.
Feral walked in behind Sergei, and her new bodysuit with the flippy skirt looked like semi-formalwear. Sergei came up to the gazebo and took a seat. I put the costume in my room.
Good. We are having a wedding.
Yes. I decided that since all of your people were here, it was a good idea to do it, and then, we can sort out everything else.
She smiled. You are correct. She got up and walked to Feral. Hello, little girl. How are you doing?
Good. My heat is over, and the charges have been dropped once the list from the Uraddan refugee centre was brought forward. All of my targets were on it.
Litha hugged her, and Feral chuckled. Glad that you and Sergei are getting along.
The barbeque has turned into a wedding since everyone we love was coming anyway.
They got another chair and sat together in the gazebo while the souz vide tanks were prepped and steaks were vacuum sealed. Klauz spent a lot of time making out with Drin, which lasted until Vikor showed up. Ekron arrived in his golden glory. Techor and Remark were all around her shortly, and Drin put her foot down and set them all to work.
It was just before the official start of the party when someone slowly walked down the drive. Litha got up and ran toward her, the woman held her arms out, and they hugged, holding on.
Litha leaned back. Amber. You... you re here.
Yeah. I got an invitation from Zera, and she paid a transporter to get me here. I would like to play something in celebration if you don t mind.
Litha nodded. Please. Absolutely. I love listening to you. Can you still display?
I can, and I will. May I take what I need from you and your fianc ?
Please. Litha bent forward and felt the cool wave on her mind.
Thank you. Amber smiled. Now, to your fianc . He looks worried.
He frequently looks worried when I just take off toward strange actives. She linked arms with Amber and walked toward Sergei.
He was standing, and he smiled. Another daughter?
Amber shook her head. No. I am her sister. I don t have the same activation, but I would like to perform at the reception, if I may.
Certainly. Do you dance?
Oh. No. I play, but I would like to perform something about each of you, and to do so, I would like to see the memories of you and Litha. Nothing intimate. I don t show that.
Sergei nodded. Certainly.
Litha muttered, Touch her forehead with yours.
He did, and then Amber said, Thank you.
Sergei looked at her. Sister? How old are you? You look very young.
I have a legal adult classification.
She s forty-six. She was an early activation, and everyone was freaked out at the UV radiation she emitted when she was four, so she was put into stasis and held there until our parents deaths caused a probate search that identified that she was still four years old and in stasis. She was put into care in the capitol, and we got in touch when she was declared an adult two years ago.
Amber nodded. What they don t tell you about stasis is that your mind ages even if your thought process is slowed.
Sergei nodded. I know.
Litha watched her older sister nod. Amber had been forgotten. Her radiation had been considered dangerous the moment that it appeared. Amber was the reason that her parents had a plan in place when Litha went off.
Amber whispered, Is this Grandma s house?
Litha nodded. I have the album with your baby pictures and the crayon drawings that you made.
Amber smiled. May I see them?
Litha felt eager. Come on.
Sergei mentioned a daughter?
Cipher. Kiska.
Oh, right. Amber nodded.
They went up and sat on the bed, looking through all the memories left in Amber s room. Her first steps, her first picture, and her mother holding her with Litha in her belly.
I am sorry for the way things happened.
Amber smiled softly. You had nothing to do with it. I was frozen long before you had taken your first steps. I was so worried about you that they said they would document everything about you so that when I could come out, I could know everything and be the best big sister.
Litha s eyes widened. They did. They recorded everything, no matter how small. I was in ballet for a while before a ballerina whispered a rumour about me being toxic.
Oh, is she still around? I can drive her mad.
She s married with kids, just as normal and non-active as she pretended to be.
Amber sighed. Too bad.
Where are you working now?
Um, I flunked out of the program.
What? Why?
I don t know. I didn t even make it to the interview stage. I tried to get a work visa to Aksalla so I could contact you, but that didn t work either. When I got contacted today, I jumped at the chance.
You didn t have my contact info?
Um, no. The last time we were together, I didn t have my com yet. I was just able to get enough for a base unit this month. Amber shoved her wrist out, and it was a basic above-dermal unit. It crackles a bit, but it works.
Litha frowned. I can get you a subdermal unit and a new receiver.
I came here to celebrate, not mooch. Today is about you and Sergei and music and food and dancing.
It is also about family and friends and everyone being well.
I am well. I am family? Amber asked hesitantly.
Litha hugged her and warmed her sister. The hugging is new. I am trying it out.
It s good.
There was a knock, and Kiska was standing there. I was told you were inside.
Kiska, this is your aunt, my sister, Amber.
Your sister? Kiska walked in and smiled. I have a tiny auntie.
Amber laughed. I am not that small.
You are petite and frail.
I am the current longest applied stasis in recorded history.
Litha said softly, I am going to put that on your wall.
Amber looked at her and then burst into bright giggles.
Kiska gave Amber her contact info, and Litha did the same. Feral came in, and she was added to the mix.
Drin came up with an armload of garment bags. Ekron s mom sent these. They will fit everyone.
Amber stared at the glittering elf and said, Okay, ladies. I will leave you to change.
Drin smiled. This isn t for me; this one is for you. Big sisters should always attend weddings.
Amber swallowed. I am not nearly as close to her as you and Feral and Kiska are. I would far rather just play something.
Drin smiled. Ekron is going to sing something.
Amber looked at her. Then, he will have to save it for the flight home. She is my sister, and I have something prepared for her and Sergei. Are we clear?
Drin laughed. I am. The information is being relayed. I have two psychics hooked into me. After seeing him here, they will be expecting him to perform.
Tough. I am sure that it will be at the back of their minds when I have completed my contribution.
Litha looked at the sky-blue dress that would look wonderful on her little sister. Put this on.
Amber blinked.
Kiska will be my maid of honour, but you and Feral will be bridesmaids.
Amber took the dress. You are bossy.
I prefer assertive.
I prefer to wear my own clothes. I am going to be terrified of staining this.
Litha chuckled. We eat after the ceremony is over. No one will mind.
Drin nodded. These dresses were a gift. What happens, happens. Trust me, a little food won t destroy her designs. I have done way worse. She paused. Well, not me precisely.
Kiska snorted, Amber shook her head, and Feral rolled her eyes. They got dressed, Litha put on her white dress, and they all smiled.
Amber looked at her and touched her thumbs together before lifting them and setting the solid light crown on Litha s head. Now, you are ready.
Kiska stared and slowly smiled. Feral looked at Amber and then Litha. She nodded. Now she s ready.
Litha listened to the gloriously haunting notes of Amber s violin as her sister walked ahead of the others. It was a solid projection, just as Litha s crown was, but it sounded amazing. When she was facing Sergei, Nelith spoke. Some of you know Litha, others Sergei, but Litha s elder sister has prepared an introduction.
Amber lifted the violin again, wild classical music spilled out, and the entire area was filled with images of Sergei and Litha from childhood to now. Litha as a teen in the tank with the water boiling around her and more pouring in. Destroying particles from space that would take out cities. Catching solar storms. Litha saw it all, but she watched Sergei s time in the military against Uradda, his capture at the hands of an active wired for complete control. His projection of his stars inside the capsule that kept him sane until she cut light into his life again.
The music soared as their dancing together took over, the dancing, the lifts, the laughing, and the quiet moments, and that is where the music slowed and tapered off.
Nelith sighed. Dude, that was amazing.
Amber blushed, stepped back, and faded to a soft grey. Litha looked at her and mouthed, Thank you.
Then, it was turning to Sergei with her halo of light and stars, and she took his hands. Their vows were simple, and Litha hoped someone would tell her what they were at a later date.
She remembered the kiss, and that was the part she wanted to focus on.