“So when do you think she’ll come back in?” Charli asked as she sat down beside me with her coffee.
“She left with a full reserve. The rim’s the limit, Dad. I just hope she doesn’t get into any trouble, or Hello Kitty develops a problem.” I answered frankly.
“May I take this seat beside you, Lady Chance?” What had been my daughter, Savanna, asked holding a steaming cup of herbal tea.
“So, how long will Oracle be visiting?” I asked as I motioned the young woman that looked like my sister, to have a seat.
“I AM Savanna, Lady Chance. It just seems awkward to call you Mother or Momma when we appear like sisters.” She replied. “As for when my limited time as an adult will wane…I have yet to see.”
“I’m still not going to commission a Broom for you, Savanna. Not till you log some simulator time.” I reminded.
“That is acceptable. As you already know, I do not require a Broom to travel.”
“You proved that eight years ago, sweetie. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the looks those news anchors…or that production crew gave me when I showed up to claim your car seat.” I laughed.
“It was humorous. Lynxins can be sooo…excitable.” She replied with a teasing smile.
“Now, what did I tell you about respecting your fellow species, Savanna? Remember, you chose me as your mother. That means you relinquished certain rights and certain ‘god-like’ attitudes to my discretion. We treat all subspecies equally.”
“I understand, Momma.”
“Good. So why now? Why change forms during Lyra’s teen initiation?” I inquired, taking a sip of my coffee.
“My adolescent form could no longer contain the amount of Current it stored, momma. I had to ‘grow’ in order to increase my reserve capacity.”
“So what have you been doing? Sucking Current out of the conduits?” Chantell asked as she walked into the galley, grabbed a cup, and poured herself some coffee.
“Momma tends to over issue Current when she conjures. I absorb the excess.”
“And there I just thought you were prone to indigestion.” Chantell wisecracked.
“Leave the girl alone, Shan. At least she hasn’t popped into your lavatory since she took this form.” Charli warned.
“No, Thank the Gods. Say, what is it with you popping into the head like that? You only seem to do that to me.”
Savanna giggled pleasantly and her eyes sparkled as she said, “The challenge, Aunt Chantell- just the challenge.”
Our aunt sat very still and seemed to regard my grown-up, eight-year-old for a while.
“Yep. I guess I deserved that. Why do you Summers women have to be sooo…so similar?”
“Just to vex you, ‘Motor City’.” Mom answered with a laugh as she entered the galley.
“Attention: Incoming Broom! Broom Closet decompression will begin in thirty seconds. Please clear the flight line.” Our A.I. announced unexpectedly.
“I was wondering how long she was going to stay out.” Charli said as we all decided to go greet Lyra.
“Momma, it’s not Lyra. Lady Demeter is on approach.” Savanna announced to our surprise.
 
 
“So, what brings you back to Mare, sister?” I asked as we approached ‘California Dreamin’.
“I’m like, here for the party?” The blonde Goddess said as she floated up and out of her cockpit.
We exchanged hugs and air kisses once she settled gently to the deck.
“The parties were two days ago, you ditz.” Chantell growled in annoyance.
“Par-tees? Like in multiples? Awwwwwww! Darn.” Demi moaned in her high shrill voice.
“Like, I lost all track of time.” She added dejectedly.
“So who was he, girlfriend? Was he worth it? And…does he have a brother or twin?” Chantell giggled.
Demeter’s expression changed.
“I was transferred to the Anatoly and had about a month’s worth of work rebuilding that junk pile…ship’s Current network. When will the species ever get it together enough to build things that last? Mt. Olympus has stood for almost a million standard millennia!”
“You didn’t answer my question, girlfriend. Who was he?” Chantell demanded playfully.
Demi’s eyes took on a ‘dreamy’ look as she smiled impishly.
“Lt. Cmdr. Graaf.” She stated while giggling. “I don’t remember ever having a Sumulturian before. He was like having my own, life-sized…well,” her eyes sparkled with a thought; “some parts were a little larger than life,” Demi’s smile grew. “Teddy bear!”
“I think I can relate to that, sister.” Savanna replied sympathetically.
All eyes went to her. To say I was gob smacked was an understatement!
“I didn’t know like, you had a sister, Chance? Hi, I’m like, Demeter? You can call me Demi though?” The ditzy blonde Goddess introduced.
“On this plane I am called ‘Savanna’. But you can refer to me as Oracle, Demeter of Zeus.” My daughter replied regally, with a scornful smirk.
“Lord in Heaven, she really is a Summers!” Chantell deadpanned.
Again Demi’s expression changed.
“So it seems young one. And what is the occasion of your growth spurt, may I inquire?”
“She claims Chance uses a wee bit more Current than she needs when she conjures.” Charli revealed.
“So you, young Oracle, took it upon yourself to absorb the excess ‘life-force’?” Demi asked, but didn’t wait for a reply.
“How very unselfish of you, young one. Might I inquire as to how long this form might linger?”
“Until my reserve has diminished accordingly, Senior Chief, Demeter Freyja.” Savanna replied in a very snippy tone.
“Wow! And I thought the Lynxins had the market cornered on ‘Catty’!” Chantell continued to deadpan.
“Young lady!” I glared at Savanna intently. “You may currently inhabit an adult body, but you are still only eight standard years old! You will stand down from such offensive posture with another member of this Coven! Do I make myself clear?”
Savanna and Demi both instantly turned their attention to me- Savanna’s expression one of embarrassment and treason.
“Yes, Momma. Please forgive me, High Priestess.” She said despondently before looking shyly to Demeter.
“I am very sorry for my rude behavior, Lady Demi.”
Savanna quickly turned with a disheartened bow and hurried over to then up the stairs into our base’s living area.
“Was that really necessary, Chance?” Demi questioned.
“May I remind you, she was the one that chose me, not the other way around?”
“She is but a child, flexing her wings, sister.”
“And she has been ‘flexing’ those ‘wings’ consistently for eight years, sister.” I retorted.
“So…you and the Oracle…not BFF’s?” Mom quipped, humorously.
“Sadly, not this one, Hope.” Demi paused.
“Then again, we can’t all get along like, famously?” She giggled.
“You are one strange bird, Demeter Freyja!” Charli giggled, shaking her head in disbelief.
 
 

 
 
“So, aren’t Kimbou and Sonya going to be worried that you’re gone so long, cousin?”
“I’m fourteen. Officially, I am of age and plus, they know I can take care of myself.” I told my cousin, Queen Kitty Sinae of FeLane.
“I’m not arguing that fact, Lyra. I just think it would be polite to at least let them know you are here.” She suggested.
“By the way, where IS here?” I asked with a playful grin.
“We were heading back to FeLane…unless you can think of anywhere else we should go.” Kitty grinned deviously. She waggled an eyebrow to elicit my feedback.
“And no, we are not heading an expedition to flush out Bovidovich. Witch Corps has been tasked with that lofty pursuit; not the Confederation Military.” She added.
“But we are part of the Corps, cousin.” I responded.
“That we are, but I’m of the belief that the entirety of Witch Corps must be brought to bear on that demon. Should we pursue it, we may end up just like Grandmother Libra. Though, I can think of no better way to go out.” Kitty said as she punctuated her statement with an excited growl.
“Majesty, FeLane territory in four standard days.” A male’s voice sounded out from Kitty’s desk; which was on the other side of her cabin.
“Acknowledged. Alert me if anything out of the ordinary comes up.”
“Understood, My Queen…Majesty! We have just picked up an anomaly of some kind, and it is centered in your quarters!”
“I am glad to see the new equipment working so well, your majesty.” A women’s voice praised from across the cabin.
“Stand down, all security. I have been expecting this ‘anomaly’. I am in no duress.” Kitty alerted her crew as we looked to the young Terran of about seventeen standard years. She had her mother’s trademark black hair and a similar build and height.
“Welcome, Savanna Summers.” I greeted with controlled annoyance.
“You came all this way? We’re what, eighty thousand and twenty LY’s from Mare?
“I have, majesty.” She answered. “Momma and I have exchanged words. May I?”
With a roll of her eyes, my cousin nodded and held her arms out in invitation. Savanna quickly closed the gap and wrapped her arms around my queen. She began crying.
“What is it this time, little one?” My cousin asked softly.
“Demeter returned to Mare De Tempest.”
“And?”
“And I may have been rude to her…according to momma.”
“Were you?”
“I was, but I don’t know why, Aunt Kitty.” The adult version of Savanna answered, sounding hurt and saddened.
Savanna pushed away from her.
“Why is this not working? Every other time I have taken comfort from you, Aunt Kitty. Why is it not working this time?”
“Could it be your sudden physical maturity, Lady Savanna?” I proposed. “Might you have suddenly outgrown your warm, cuddly Lynxin?”
Savanna looked at me- her mouth slightly open and eyes blinking in surprise.
“Being mature, takes more than just an adult body, little one. I understand that you had no alternative than to change form, but inside,” Kitty pointed to Savanna’s head, “you are still eight standard years of age. You are experiencing conflict between your eight-year-old interior, and you’re apparent seventeen year-old exterior. One would say you lack experience with your maturity and ‘time’ is the only real teacher.”
“Being an adult is more complicated than I thought, Aunt Kitty.” Savanna admitted.
“It is…very much so, little one.” My cousin agreed. “Sometimes, we adults even have a tough time handling it…maturity, that is.”
“I can try to help little sister, cousin. I still remember those years and may be able to answer her questions and insecurities.” I offered as I gently took Savanna’s hand in mine.
“Why does that feel sooo much more comforting than having my Aunt Kitty to cuddle?” She pondered to herself.
I laughed lightly. “It is one of the many grown-up ways to console each other, sister.”
“Show me more ways, my lady! I am eager to learn the ways of adults.”
“You have your challenge, Lady Lyra.” My cousin laughed as she walked over to her desk.
“Kitty to Communications. Patch me through to EFMC Witch Corps headquarters. Level thirty priority encryption.”
 
 
A chime sounded at my door… ‘My door’! It made me feel very special knowing Queen Kitty- my cousin- had assigned ME, my very own cabin on her flagship, ‘Earth’s Horizon’.
Earth’s Horizon was a very special ship. It took four years to assemble and incorporated some of the older Witch Corps propulsion technology into her. She was still no match for Pegasus, though! Not by a long stretch.
But, given that Mare De Tempest would take a month to travel what had taken Earth’s Horizon ten days, that wasn’t too bad. Guess I was spoiled. Still, I was happy to see my home planet once again.
“Enter.”
“Princess. We have entered orbit around FeLane. I am officially welcoming you home, my lady.” My personal steward advised me as he bowed formally.
I had a personal steward, too!!!!
“Thank you, but haven’t I told you I’m not in for that stuff, Greer? And I would appreciate it if you knock off the ‘Princess’ crap.”
“Look, Lyra…I’m obliged to uphold the formalities, so cut me a break! Welcome home, Serangetti Lyra. How’s that? Informal enough?”
I began to giggle uncontrollably at the young man’s abrupt change of character and protocol.
“Better.” I continued to giggle at the eighteen-year-old male.
As had been the case for the last six days, I felt a slight nervousness when he called on me for my choice of meals or drink…or even material comforts such as laundry, turndown service, or fresh bed linens.
I found my personal steward very…handsome. There! I thought it!
“…anything special you wish… before you transfer… to the Royal Residence, Lyra?”
“Sorry? What?” I asked finding he was talking to me.
“I asked if there was anything special you want me to bring you before you transfer from Earth’s Horizon to the Royal Residence, Lyra.” He repeated.
‘Four more like you.’ Came to my mind.
“Not that I can think of, Greer. Thank you for asking though.” I answered instead.
“Hey, are you heading down to Capital with us?” I asked quickly, before he excused himself and left.
“Is that what you would desire, Lyra?” He asked, catching me off-guard.
“Only if our queen wishes it.” I said, feeling my face blush.
“We shall see, my lady. Safe transfer.”
My personal steward exited my cabin and I felt a tinge of panic that I might not see him again raise within me.

“Hello Kitty. Status, please?” I requested as I ran my fingers along her smooth, shiny fuselage.
“All systems are nominal, Kitten. I’m ready when you are.”
“I still can’t get over how amazing this craft is, Princess Lyra.” My ‘personal’ flight line tech (Yes! Cuz even assigned me a personal Flight line Tech!!!) said excitedly as she accompanied me around Hello Kitty while I conducted my preflight inspection.
“I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the High Priestess actually giving her to me, Danielle. I’ve dreamed of her for eight years.”
“So, what’s she like?”
“She flies like a dream, Danielle.” I swooned.
“No, no. What’s Lady Chance like? I’ve never met her. I’ve heard she’s a real badass in an altercation.”
“I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side, but otherwise, I love her like my own mother, Danielle! She’s the best CO anyone could possibly have.”
The twenty-year-old Lynxin female smiled tenderly at my descriptive review of Chance.
“Lyra! Hey, wait up!”
“I was wondering if you would make it, sister! I told you what time I expected to leave today. Remember what I told you about responsibility?”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to sleep in!”
“Savanna? Chief Serba Danielle. Danielle? Savanna ‘Princess’ Summers.” I introduced the two.
“Summers? One of the High Preistess’ sisters? Oh! Oh! I-I-I’m…it’s nice to meet you, my lady!”
“Very nice to make your acquaintance, Lady Danielle, and I am her daughter, not her sister.” Savanna answered politely.
Danielle’s mouth dropped open at Savanna’s admission.
“Don’t think too hard on that, Danielle! The High Priestess and her immediate family are very….complicated.” I giggled.
My flight line tech nodded silently, but in confusion.
“Why aren’t you in uniform, Ensign?” I asked as Savanna began to reach for Hello Kitty’s ladder.
“Sorry, LT, I was in a hurry.” Savanna apologized as her civilian clothing suddenly changed to her adult Witch Corps uniform. How she was able to conjure that, only Chance knew.
Danielle’s eyes bulged at the feat!
“Like I said, don’t think too hard on it, Danielle. We’re Current Mages, after all.” I giggled again.
Savanna began to hover off the deck then gracefully lowered herself into my second seat…
While Danielle watched in awe!
“It must be so amazing to have the power…um…to use magic…er, Current like that.”
“Don’t give her a dare, chief, or you’ll really be impressed.” I warned half-heartedly in a quiet voice.
Not to be out done, I hovered off the deck and gracefully seated myself in Hello Kitty.
I began my checklist and when completed, I contacted the hangar master for my departure vector.
“Kitten, sending departure to you now. Captain Serangetti wishes you a safe transfer to the surface and hopes you visit Earth’s Horizon again.”
“Copy. Vector received. Tell my uncle I already miss him.”
“Will do, Kitten. You are clear for departure and the airspace above Capital has been cleared.”
“Copy, and see ya later!” I said calmly as I ‘bumped’ my throttle.
“So…you never said how I look.” Savanna said as we started down through the atmosphere.
“You look good in the uniform, sister, but you still need to earn it the way the rest of us did. Sometimes being able to manifest something others have…without the work, or because you are the High Priestess’ daughter doesn’t mean as much and isn’t the honorable way to gain respect.”
“Well, you kinda put me on the spot back there. What was I supposed to do?” She complained.
“I don’t know? Why not go by ‘Flue Powder’ as Lady Chantell calls it.
“What does an early twenty-first century, cinematic production reference have to do with my practiced method of transport?”
I had no idea what she was talking about.
“Early twenty-first century, cinematic production?” I asked innocently as I turned my head slightly to look back at my passenger.
“Now I know how momma feels.” She sighed. “Never mind.”
“You know? I don’t think I’ll ever figure you Summers’ women out.” I sighed now as I began our final approach.
“Capital Tower. Kitten is on final, but I’m camo’d so will not squawk.” I alerted the control tower.
“Identify and affiliate, Kitten.”
“Lt. Serangetti Lyra, ‘Kitten’, EFMC Witch Corps, Capital Tower.”
There was a noticeable pause in our communication.
“Roger, Kitten. Proceed to the Royal Residence hangar and follow local landing instruction. Capital Control, out.”
With that, I swung us wide over the large city to give Savanna an overhead tour.
 
 
“So, what’s that guy doin’?” Savanna asked as a hangar tech waved his illuminated batons in front of him to indicate where I should stop.
“That’s where they want us to park.” I told her as I looked to my near-field display. It and my interactive cockpit canopy indicated I was being guided in next to Re-tailed- Kitty’s Broom. It was still camo’d, though too.
“Oh.” My passenger acknowledged.
The confused look on the hangar tech’s face and the strange looks from his two assistants that were marking my control surface extents reminded me that Hello Kitty was still in stealth mode.
Placing my ship’s nose mere inches away from his nose and whiskers, I landed and began powering down.
“Disable Camo, please.” I asked, and the hangar tech’s eyes bulged as Hello Kitty suddenly appeared.
He suddenly dropped his batons and ran from the flight line with a strange gait.
Savanna began laughing hysterically!
“Oh! Oh, Goddess! You made him piss himself!” She cackled between gasping breaths.
‘No’, I thought to myself. ‘She’s never heard her aunt use ANY foul language.’
“This time, we’ll use the ladder to exit Hello Kitty, ok?” I strongly suggested as I looked back to my passenger.
“Okaaay already, sheesh!” Savanna capitulated by rolling her eyes.
Re-tailed appeared next to us and my cousin floated out of her cockpit as soon as the canopy opened.
So much for Savanna performing a ‘normal’ egress.
“The uniform looks good on you, Lady Savanna.” Kitty grinned as she appraised her.
“I…felt…I needed to appear to fit in.” Savanna replied as she glared at me.
“Being in that form, the Junior Corps uniform would look strange on you, sweetie. Still, you’ll have to earn the right to wear this. By the way, don’t let your mother see that point at two o’clock. She may just take offense.”
“What’s wrong with the point?”
“The point indicates ranking, sis.” I informed her. “Lady Chance is our two o’clock- our leader. High Priestess. Unfortunately, you have not been ranked yet. Ranking is determined by what talents you carry.”
“Well? I can do pretty much anything I put my mind to. What ranking would that imply?” Savanna asked innocently.
“That would rank you as arrogant and sounds like something a high born Olympian would claim, Lady Savanna.” My cousin answered.
“But, I am…never mind. I promise I’ll only wear this when it’s absolutely necessary, okay?”
Savanna’s clothing changed to what she was wearing before we left Earth’s Horizon.
“Much better, Lady Savanna. Allow me to show you where you will be staying for the next ten days.”
“Aaaaaww, maaaaaan!”
 
 

 
 
“Princess Lyra? Have you a moment, please?” Greer asked as he caught up to me just outside my suite.
“Of course. What’s on your mind?” I asked.
“Lady Savanna. I fear I would be rude in asking if she has some type of learning impediment. Forgive me if I have overstepped my freedoms.”
“Summers Savanna has the mind of an eight-year-old, Greer.” I told him quietly. “And will you speak in a normal fashion? Please?
“Such a shame. Isn’t there anything the High Priestess can do for her sister? And need I remind you, we are in a semi-public area of the Residence.”
I groaned. “Understood.” I then answered his question. “Lady Savanna is the High Priestess’ daughter, Greer. She IS only eight standard years old.”
“How in the worlds can that be possible? She appears almost my age- eighteen.”
“You could say a pure-blood Current Mage develops at a different rate than the rest of us. But I wouldn’t allow myself to be caught mentioning such topics around her presence.” I warned with a wink. My personal steward swallowed loudly as his eyes widened.
“No, I shall keep that in mind, Princess Lyra. We shall forget this inquiry ever happened.”
“That would be a good thing. Please step into my suite and I will bring you up to date on my young sister in arms.” I said motioning him into the social area of my suite.
“So, it’s like this. Savanna was in her original eight-year-old body two weeks ago- at my adult initiation.”
“Okaaaaaay?” Greer responded. He seemed to just be humoring me though and my heart began to ache.
“I’m serious, Greer!” I said as my uniform manifested and my wand appeared in my hand.
“Woah! How’d you do that, Lyra?”
“I told you…I’m in Witch Corps, Greer. Didn’t you believe me?”
My steward looked at me with a slight spark of fear in his eyes.
“I…I didn’t think you were a-a-a a Current Mage.”
“What do you think Witch Corps is? You think we’re just another military unit?”
Greer gulped audibly.
“And is Lady Savanna…”
“Lady Savanna is, at best, part of the ‘junior’ Corps. Because of some ‘quirk’ she had to physically grow in order to contain her increasing Current reserve. She IS only eight years old, but her Current needed more space. My cousin and I have spent the last fourteen days helping her to adjust to her new ‘physical’ age. There is only so much we can teach her about being a ‘grown-up’, Greer.” I told him.
“Which brings us back to your original question. Why would you ask if she had some learning shortcoming?”
My door alert sounded at that moment.
“Lady Lyra? May I enter?” Kitty asked when I answered the alert.
“Please, cousin.”
“My queen!” Greer cried in exasperation while falling to his knee and bowing reverently.
“Get up, Greer! We’re behind closed doors.”
“Thank you, my Queen!”
Kitty sneered at my steward a moment.
“Lyra? I’m worried about Savanna. She seems more prone to her tantrums of late and I foresee bad things happening to unsuspecting citizens.”
“Greer and I were just discussing the same topic, cousin. He was just starting to give his report when you arrived.” I told her.
“Aaah. So, by all means, continue.” Kitty motioned suspiciously.
“You were saying something about ‘tantrums’?” I hinted.
“While walking down a hallway earlier today, several male Terran academic students tried to initiate a conversation with Lady Savanna. They seemed intent to become…friendly…or at least tried to.” He told us. “The Lady became very agitated and seemed on the verge of emotion then suddenly vanished. I’m afraid she lost those two admirers, and I am afraid she will lose more if she continues to respond in that way. Now that you have told me the reason, I fear someone will suffer from her tantrums adversely.”
“I knew this would become a problem, Lyra. We should’ve never agreed to coach her on being an adult.”
“It was my fault, cousin. I thought I…thought we could help her in that matter. She cannot help her situation and I thought…if taught to be an adult…”
“And I said at the time that ONLY time can teach her maturity, didn’t I? Still, I am just as guilty. We need to find her before she can do harm to herself or others. I promised Chance I would watch over her until she desired to go back to base.”
“Cuz, you forget that I too promised to protect and instruct Savanna while visiting us. Now, I think I know where to find her.” I reminded.
“Where do you think she has ‘popped’ off to?” Kitty questioned.
“Savanna has shown particular interest in piloting a Broom, cousin. I suggest we head to the simulators.”
“That would make sense. Greer, you’re coming too, right?” my cousin ‘suggested’.
“It would be my honor, majesty.”
 
 
“Your intuition serves you well, cousin.”
“It was the obvious place to start, my queen.” I answered.
We were among the population and I didn’t feel it was proper to be informal.
How has the pupil done so far?” Kitty asked the sim moderator.
“My queen! Lady Savanna has an extraordinary grasp of the flight controls and concepts. I do, however, see inexperience with situational drills. She barely survived a minor fault scenario and I was just going to simulate something a little more serious.”
“Would you mind us attending her training?”
“Not at all, majesty! Your abilities behind the control stock are legendary.”
Savanna’s moderator relinquished his seat and motioned for Kitty to be seated.
“What shall I throw at her, Lyra?” My cousin asked with a very devious smile.
“Can you recreate Witch Corps’ campaign at Elcano?” I asked.
“But she would require a broom to accomplish a satisfactory resolution.”
“I happen to have my sim files from the Corps’ simulator. Allow me a moment to augment a broom for her. Recall her from this mission, please.” I said as I seated myself at the system computer to upload my broom files and the specified scenario.
Kitty nodded to our moderator and relinquished the seat at the control console.
“Starfighter LT-15, return to base. You have been requested for another mission.”
“Okay, I’m on my way back.”
“Copy that Princess. Hangar control has been notified.”
“See what I mean, majesty? Her piloting skills are impressive, but she lacks proper communications etiquette, and as I said, situational experience.”
Kitty smiled then took a deep breath.
“What you are about to see goes no farther than this room. Am I clear?” Kitty said with deadly seriousness.
“My security clearance is nineteen, majesty, so you are crystal.”
Greer just looked on from off to my left.
“Good. Let’s make this an official mission simulation, Lady Lyra.” My cousin smiled, her canines showing.
We both donned our uniforms.
To say the simulator moderator and my steward were startled was a gross understatement.
“Let me know when she lands.” Kitty ordered.
“Aye, my queen.” Our moderator acknowledged.
 
 
“Majesty, the trainee has just landed and is performing her post-flight.”
Lady Lyra? Is her Broom and the scenario uploaded?”
“Aye, Lady Kitty. Uploaded and queued to begin.”
“Thank you, my lady. Lord Moderator, care to make the announcement?” Kitty asked formally as she prepared for her part of the simulation.
“Princess. Please stand by for an incoming message from her Royal Majesty, Queen Kitty Sinae.” He announced and pointed to Kitty with a three count of his fingers after sending an alert to Savanna’s simulated DataTab.
“Lady Savanna. We have received an urgent distress call from the Magellan System. Somehow the Hoblins have re-initiated their assault on Elcano and Magellan Defense Command requests our assistance. Rendezvous with Witch Corps Flight 1 at the coordinates you will receive upon departure. The High Priestess has authorized your use of Pegasus20, Oracle. Acknowledge.”
Savanna screeched in excitement from our display of the simulated hangar. So loud in fact, we easily heard her outside of the well-insulated simulator cabin!
“Thank you, Queen Kitty! I shall not let you down, majesty!” She vowed with a wide smile.
The virtual scene changed to that of Witch Corps Broom Closet.
Another ear-splitting screech assaulted our ears as the virtual Pegasus20’s hangar door opened and the gleaming chrome craft appeared to her and on our monitors.
Our moderator’s mouth opened, but no words were heard as his hand came up to the display and reverently let his fingers skim over the simulated craft on it. Greer looked stunned.
“Princess. Time is of the essence. You are to preflight Oracle and prepare for departure.” Kitty commanded.
“Kitty, Re-tailed. Prepare to link to simulator,” Kitty leaned over to get the ID number, “RR23. We’re going on a simulated mission with Princess.”
“Linking in now, Kitty. Ready when you are.”
“Kitten, Hello Kitty. Hey girl, want to do a simulation with Princess?”
“Thought you’d never ask, Kitten! Link established to Re-Tailed and Simulator RR23. Call the ball.” My Broom answered excitedly.
“Linking simulation modules RR24 and RR25 to RR 23 confirmed, majesty.” Our moderator acknowledged.
“We’ll wait until she’s ready to rendezvous with us to go in.” Kitty told him.
 
 
“Princess, Broom Closet Control. Pre-flight has concluded and I’m ready for departure.” Savanna announced after a few minutes.
My cousin looked to our moderator for confirmation.
“She’s successfully completed the supplied pre-flight list, majesty. Zero mistakes or overlooks.”
Kitty nodded. “Send the rendezvous coordinates, Lady Lyra.”
“Aye, Lady Kitty. Princess, you will meet Kitty and Kitten at the transmitted coordinates. Confirm receipt.” My voice sounded like our Broom Closet Control AI as we continued to watch the simulation.
“Copy, Broom Closet Control. Coordinates received and course has been plotted to intercept. Requesting departure vector.”
Kitty nodded to me and I sent the standard vector then initiated the simulated, automatic departure routine for our base.
“Time to get in the saddle, cuz. Ready to see what she’s really got?”
I smiled and walked over to my assigned simulator module.
 
 
“Pegasus20, Witch Corps Flight 1. I’m on approach to rendezvous coordinates. Copy?”
“Good to see you, Princess. Kitten and I were worried you got lost.”
“Hey, Princess! Welcome to the festivities!” I greeted as I watched Savanna’s Broom skew in and tighten herself into our small formation.
“Pegasus12: Demeter, Witch Corps Flight 1. Permission to join the festivities? California Dreamin’ and I have been hoping for some fun.” Demi’s voice broke over our comms.
The moderator’s face appeared on my display.
“I’m sorry, ladies! RR26 just came online by itself! I have no idea what is happening.” He apologized.
“What’s SHE doing here?” Savanna’s voice demanded, a little surprised.
“Welcome to the party, Demeter! Form-up on my three.” Kitty welcomed.
“It’s okay, Lord Moderator, she’s one of us. Lady Demi Freyja, callsign: ‘Demeter’.”
“Understood…wait! Now RR27 just came online!”
“Greetings, Witch Corps Flight 1. Pegasus11, Olympic Huntress and Zeus’ Pride also wish to engage in the mission.”
“Hey, long time no see, Artie!” Kitty greeted excitedly.
“Also a member of the Coven, Lady Lyra?” Our moderator asked in extreme surprise.
“Yep!” I giggled before switching back to our simulated comms.
“My lady, it is good to see you again! Welcome to Witch Corps Flight 1.”
“Hey, Kitten! Congrats on the party! Sorry I couldn’t make it. I had prior ‘engagements’.”
“No offense taken, Olympic Huntress. Enjoy the mission.”
“Formal welcome to you, my lady. It is good to see you again.” Savanna welcomed.
“Formal welcome to you also, little one. May our mission be fruitful and faultless?”
“Here, here, my lady! Let’s send them all to Tartarus!” Savanna replied in a very different tone. It was almost guttural in pitch and animalistic in intent.
“Keep the chatter down, Flight 1!” Kitty ordered. “Magellan in ten LY’s. Prepare to slow to sublight, but stay in deep space camo until we engage. Flight 1, acknowledge.”
“Pegasus20, acknowledge.”
“Pegasus11, acknowledge.”
“Pegasus12, acknowledge.”
“Pegasus13, acknowledge.” I responded.
“Pegasus3, acknowledge. Let’s go get’em, girls!” Kitty ordered.
 
 
“What in uncle’s name is that thing?” Demeter cried out as Elcano came into view on the second part of the simulated mission.
“A Deathstar? Really? Some simulation!” Savanna cried foul.
“Cut the chatter, Princess! Elcano is Magellan’s fortified moon and my sensors indicate it’s lining up to fire on the planet. Our job is to stop it at all cost.” Kitty growled. “And for your information, this was an actual mission. Form up!”
While I remembered the mission, I had not witnessed the immensity of Elcano from this perspective. Nor had I noticed the huge dish-like depression in its surface! I had only run the first half- purifying the escaping shuttles- and selected the ground assault option for part two.
“Any ideas on how we can disable this thing?” Olympic Huntress asked in an impressed tone.
“Like, ‘GULP’?” Demeter added. I stifled my giggle and shook my head.
“I suggest finding a way to disable its gravitational drive somehow.” Kitty hinted.
I remembered hearing about this and what Lady Chance did to do just that. It didn’t work, but…
“I’ll take a shot at it! I just happen to have a hot IPBM in my arsenal, Kitty. Permission to try an attack run on one of the exhaust ports. I’ll shove it right up its ass!” Savanna announced.
“I don’t think it’ll work, but go ahead and try, Princess. You are clear to engage.” Kitty granted.
“Blue leader; starting my attack run.” Savanna announced confidently.
I watched as Savanna expertly peeled off from our formation and lined Oracle up for her attack. I had to admit, she definitely had the piloting skills.
“I’m lining up with the exhaust vent.” She announced and pointed her broom directly at the moon-sized weapon.
“Okay, I’m lined up. Keep them off my tail, ladies.” She announced, but I could hear Oracle alerting our sister of impending avoidance actions if she chose to get closer to the moon.
“A little farther…WHAT? NO!” She screamed in anger as we saw Oracle re-immerge from the moon’s horizon.
“RR23 HAS LEFT THE SIMULATION. SIMULATION TERMINATED.”
Shaking my head, I shut down my simulator and opened its hatch.
Savanna looked furious!
“What the hell was that all about?” She demanded, her face bright red with anger as she glared at my cousin.
“That, MY LADY, was an actual sortie that took place eight years ago in the Magellan system!” Kitty growled calmly. “Your mother, Lady Chance, successfully redeployed that missile, which detonated in the moon’s center, but failed to disable Elcano, or its main weapon!”
“So I couldn’t win?” Savanna huffed childishly.
“No, we had to enter one of the hangars and manually disable the moon’s power source. What made you think you could make a successful run on that port without first mapping the moon’s many defensive emplacements? It was foolish and dangerous!”
“I could’ve done it if my broom didn’t take evasive action! Why were Oracle’s limits narrowed?!”
“There were no such modifications, Princess. Oracle’s parameters matched those of our prototypes of the time.” I explained.
I noticed our moderator’s head pop up from his monitoring console. Greer also had a strange, unreadable expression on what I could see of his face over a secondary console.
“You- you mean they can actually reach 45LY’s/sec?” Our moderator gulped.
I caught myself grinning from whisker to whisker!
“You relate none of this to anyone- under penalty of something worse than death! Both of you! Understand?” Kitty commanded angrily. She had slowly extended her deadly pointer claw at him. “Lyra, delete all evidence of our simulation from the system.”
“Aye, Lady Kitty.”
“Oracle? A word, if you please?” Lady Artemis requested as she exited her module.
“Is that like, all? I didn’t get to like, fire too many shots?” Lady Demi proclaimed sadly as she approached.
“Not now, Demeter. This training mission needs debriefed.” Artemis warned.
“Fine. But next mission I want something like, to really fire at?”
“Lyra’s suite in ten minutes.” Kitty ordered as she stormed out of the simulator complex.
 
 
“First order of business. Is there any way to prevent Princess from disappearing from this debrief?” Kitty directed her question to our two Olympian sisters.
“Highly unlikely, My Lady. This Oracle is the strongest either of us has encountered.” Artemis admitted. Lady Demi nodded in agreement.
“Strongest…you’ve encountered?” I asked curiously. “I don’t understand.”
“Savanna is an atypical oracle, Lady Lyra.” I suddenly found the two of us on a huge, grassy field; in the distance, an ancient looking building sitting atop a tall, steeply sloped mountain.
“She has characteristics of Terran, Olympian, and Titan in her array.” Artemis continued as she motioned me to follow her.
“I can understand Terran and Olympian, but how or why Titan? What is a Titan? I’ve never heard of that subspecies before.” I asked. We were heading toward the base of the mountain.
“That’s because they ceased to exist over a million standard eons ago, my lady. As to how, do you remember our mission to Kane, eight years ago?”
I nodded. “Lady Chance completely destroyed one of the primary Hoblins.”
“Do you remember how our High Priestess accomplished that feat all by herself?” She asked as she motioned me to follow her into a cave-like opening. I followed her down into the heart of the mountain along a narrow, confining tunnel.
“I remember she said something about ‘absorbing’ his Current.”
“Actually, my lady, Nike absorbed the monster’s lifeblood, and its very soul.” A male, baritone voice informed us.
I knew that voice.
“Lord Hephestus? Is that you?” I asked.
“It is, my lady Lyra. How nice to see you again. I bid you welcome.”
“Hey, Hephus! Is it done yet?”
“Almost, Artie. By the time Lady Lyra understands the ‘oddities’ of our little oracle, it should be complete.”
“Care to ‘enlighten’ me on what is going on here, Lady Artemis? Lord Hephestus?” I asked angrily.
“Simply, my lady, I’m making a ‘leash’ for Lady Savanna. Hopefully, she will not defeat it for several weeks.” Hephestus explained.
That caught my attention and I think my expression betrayed me.
“Savanna shares many characteristics with her mother. Chance is amazingly intuitive with puzzles. It won’t take Savanna long to figure out my latest device. So, for instructional purposes, Savanna possesses some of Chance’s array- as any daughter would, but... Nike is unique in that she also has portions of her Great-Grandfather, Chronos, in her array. You see, M’lady, in order to win the battle for Olympus it took a ‘Titan’ to beat a Titan. Nike defeated and vanquished the Titan, Chronos. Her Great-grandfather.” He explained as he handed me a beautifully stained wooden box.
It was starting to make a small amount of sense as I opened the box’s lid.
“These are earrings.”
“They are, but with a special feature that will retain her to your plane of reality. Make sure she wears them at all times. There is a subtle compulsion similar to one I applied to your jewelry.” He motioned to my earrings.
“I was drawn…” I gasped in realization.
“So you see; the jewelry will not hurt you…or her, my lady.”
“Thanks, Hephus. We should be going now.” Artemis said as she placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Wait!” I interrupted. “You didn’t explain about Lady Chance… and these ‘Titans’.”
“So I have. Well, Nike absorbed the essence of Evans back on Kane just as she did a million eons ago in our dire campaign against the Titans.”
At my uncomprehending look, he explained further.
“Lady Nike won that day, long ago, by ‘absorbing’ the Titans’ leader….Chronos. By absorbing his ‘soul’ she integrated it into her own ‘essence’. Chance, being the reincarnation of our sister, Nike, shared part of her essence with her progeny. Hence, Savanna may be even more powerful than her mother, but since she has little or no formal training in using her talents, she needs… ‘limited’- restrained if you will, until her maturity equals her physical form.”
I was overwhelmed!
“Ah. You see the caveat.” Hephestus nodded, seeing my change of expression.
“Time to go, my lady.” Artemis nudged my shoulder gently.
“Many thanks to you, Lord Hephestus.” I bowed gently to the big, Terran-like male.
“And to you, Lady Serangetti Lyra. Stop back when you can. You will always be welcome here on Olympus.”
Nodding, I again followed Artemis back out of the mountain and into the huge grassy field.
My private suite appeared around us again.
“Have a good visit, my lady?” Lady Demi asked with a big, brilliant, knowing smile.
“I have, but it was short. Lord Hephestus wishes me to give you this, Lady Savanna.” I told my ‘little’ sister as I noticed her come into my suite.
“Oooooooooh, pretty.” She swooned upon laying sight of them.
“Allow me to install them, Lady Savanna?” Artemis offered.
“Is it gonna hurt?” She whined.
“I helped your mother with her very first two pairs, and she didn’t even flinch.” Artemis revealed.
With little complaint, Savanna agreed to the piercings, afterwards conjuring a mirror to inspect the result.
“Very pretty, my Lady.” I offered compliment.
“Now, let’s start the debrief!” Kitty demanded.
“Lady Savanna. According to our simulation moderator, your flight skills are excellent, as is your attention to landing and launch procedures. However, he thinks your communication proficiency is lacking by Galactic Service standards. I’m sure that after moderating one of our mission simulations though, he has changed that opinion slightly.”
“Thank you, My Lady.” Savanna bowed in appreciation.
“Now, as to what happened and didn’t happen on this simulated mission.”
“What happened is that you followed proper Witch Corps protocol while in formation. What didn’t happen is the completion of the mission. Several deficiencies became blatantly visible as the mission advanced. First, you failed to think through the course of attack you decided to follow. In that, you failed to survey our objective to collect important data about its surface dimensions and topography. I believe you merely ‘copied’ your mother’s chosen plan of attack of eight standard years ago. Your fault was abbreviating the requisite reconnaissance portion of her plan. Second, you showed little concern for your equipment and its safety features! Those safety features are there to keep you safe, Savanna! And before you restate your original complaint, the Broom parameters of all three… all five of our Brooms matched the parameters we flew with that day. We did not intentionally limit your Broom’s specifications! Thirdly, your lack of concern revealed a sizable gap in your physical age versus actual age ratio. In short, you lacked the maturity to successfully complete the mission. Your overconfidence made you arrogant. So much so, that you decided to show-off.”
“But you changed the parameters on the simulation!” Savanna attacked.
“No parameters were changed, my lady! I participated in that mission! I watched Hope and a Pair’s archive of your mother’s approach; her conversation and spoken thoughts as she dove at the moon and rematerialized the missile inside the moon’s core from one thousand-fifty meters above that exhaust port.
“One thousand and fifty meters?”
“Yes, 1050m. My remote display of your altitude indicated you were already much lower- nine hundred and eighty-six meters! As I said, you were showing off, Savanna! With little original thought! Plain and simple!”
“Your display was wrong!” She huffed in anger.
“I was monitoring your vitals also, sister. Lady Kitty is not in error.” I informed her.
“Liars! You’re both wrong! You just don’t want me to have a Broom! I don’t have to listen to this bullshit!” She screamed.
Suddenly her eyes opened wide and she glared at our two Olympian sisters!
“What did you do to me, Artemis? Or was it you, Demeter?” Savanna demanded.
“What do you like, mean, my lady?” Demi asked in confusion.
“These earrings! You cursed the earrings, didn’t you, Artemis?” Savanna accused bitterly.
“I did not. And you should watch who you accuse, young Oracle! Your actual age is showing through that apparently grown-up body. It is very…unprofessional…very…immature.” Artemis aggressively pointed her finger at our sister. “You would do well not to anger me.” She warned.
Savanna broke into tears as she fell to the floor and curled up into a fetal position!
“I wanna go home! I want my momma!” She wailed repeatedly.
“Part of ‘really’ growing up is learning this very lesson, child.” My cousin said softly. “That lesson being; things don’t always go your way. And, you must be accountable for your own actions.”
“You can’t always get your way, ‘Vanna.” Lady Demi simplified as she leaned down and placed a gentle hand on the girl. “Not even Olympians like us. Some things we just can’t control- some things we just can’t foresee.”
Savanna quieted instantly and looked up to Lady Demi with such hate…
“Get it out of your system, young Oracle.” Lady Demi suggested. “The sooner you do, the sooner we can re-establish cordial relations.” She continued to dare.
The illumination of the room decreased significantly for several seconds then returned to normal. Savanna again broke into hysterical sobbing.
“I WANT MY MOMMA!” She cried out as the illumination dimmed again.
Lady Demi’s hand contacted Savanna’s face with a loud, impressive, and totally unexpected ‘SLAP’!
Demeter seemed to glow in some unknown, unnatural aura.
“You will not be seeing you ‘momma’ until you learn to behave yourself, Savanna Summers! And…if you insist on throwing such childish temper-tantrums, you will be corrected in a similar manner each time. Have I made myself clear, young Oracle?” Demeter hissed as her ‘aura’ pulsed ominously.
“I was wondering how long you would hold out, sister.” Artemis applauded. “May I remind you that Savanna IS only eight standard years of age and IS still of that mindset. I do feel though, that some form of ‘reinforcement’ was quickly becoming necessary.”
I couldn’t believe my eyes! One of our two Olympian sisters had just struck little Savanna!
“Forgive my brutality, Majesties.” Lady Demi looked up to both of us in apology. “The child was attempting to banish me to some unknown dimension. I was successful in repelling that attempt. That…angered me, and I momentarily forgot myself, and whom I was addressing. I beg your forgiveness.”
My cousin looked at the sobbing woman still curled up on the floor. “Have you learned anything from this incident, Savanna?”
My ‘little’ sister said nothing. Kitty repeated her inquiry.
“You are being spoken to, young Oracle! Answer your elder!” Artemis growled angrily as Savanna began to rise off the floor, reposition vertically, and hover stationary.
Savanna refused to answer.
“Demeter may not want to re-engage, but I have no qualms about ‘readjusting’ a spoiled child’s attitude until I see improvement.” Artemis hissed malevolently.
“Di? The girl’s only eight.” Demeter interrupted.
“And that excuses her from sending you Zeus-knows-where? No Demi, the girl wants to act like an adult; she needs to suffer the consequences that any ‘grown-up’ would experience!”
Savanna suddenly became very quiet, straightened her body out, and stared out past Artemis with a cold, far-away gaze.
“What did you do to her, Di?” Demi asked in confusion.
Kitty and I knew that look quite well, but from Lady Chance.
“She has seen something.” I revealed. “That is the same look Chance has when her Current tells her something.”
“I’m not sure that is the case, my ladies!” Artemis said in doubt. “I think it just another way to manipulate her circumstances. We have not shown her pity therefore, she tries something different. Our Oracle is not unintelligent in the least, sisters!”
“Pegasus, from the closet has slipped dimensions.” Savanna interrupted in a strange, echoing monotone. “The mission to fail.”
“What mission?” Kitty asked in surprise.
“Only juniors to heed absence.” Savanna continued. “The champions disappear.”
“What mission?” Kitty asked again.
Savanna’s eyes closed slowly, and her head slumped over.
“Has she done this previously?” Artemis asked in concern as she regarded the now unconscious oracle.
“I’ve never seen anything like that before, my lady!” I answered.
“Demeter? What thinks you?” Artemis asked.
“Not sure, Di. It sounded like one of the Oracles to me, though. Maybe a call to Witch Corps Base is in order for confirmation?”
“You think that was a prophecy? It made little to no sense.” I exclaimed. “Though, it sounded ominous.
“They rarely make sense. Because of that, they sound very foreboding, Lady Lyra. Sometimes the facts are hidden, obscurely described, out of order, all, or a combination. It is up to us, the recipients, to puzzle through the true meaning.”
“So what do we do now?’ I asked.
Lady Demi giggled- a twinkle in her eyes. “Now we like, puzzle?”

 
 
I quickly conjured an ancient chalkboard and also a piece of chalk. Chance did this for a mission about three years ago when we had to be at four separate ends of the Way- Ladies Chance, Artemis Dell, Kitty, and Hope designated mission commanders. I had never seen such crude writing materials before that briefing. Of course, Ladies Chantell, Charli, and Hope had been awestruck and once again demanded to know how she knew about such techniques. We still didn’t know, but this situation seemed to once more warrant the use.
“Okay. What do we know so far?” I asked.
“That someone like, has been paying attention to our High Priestess?” Lady Demi offered with a giggle.
I rolled my eyes and began to write down the separate aspects of Savanna’s prophecy.
“Pegasus, from the closet, has slipped dimensions.”
“The mission to fail.”
“Only juniors to heed absence.”
“The champions, disappear.”
I spoke aloud each segment as I wrote it up on the ancient slab of slate.
“Now, any idea of an order?” I asked.
“Well. We know that at the start of every mission we most likely leave the base.” My cousin said and I placed a ‘one’ in front of the segment. “And, ‘slipped dimensions’ might mean they went to ‘warp’.”
“If like, the mission failed, the Champions would disappear most likely?” Lady Demi added dismally.
“Maybe, but they would still be able to contact us via our comms. If they ‘disappear’ that might mean something disabled the relay in Pega…By Libra! Pegasus must be going to crash! Or worse! That would effectively cut communications!” Kitty cried, as her eyes grew wide.
Savanna groaned from the sofa.
“My Ladies! She’s coming around.” Greer called. I had forgotten he was even in the room with us!
“Hey! Little sister! You okay?” I asked quickly, excitedly.
“What…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be mean. I’m sorry, Lyra. I’m very sorry, majesty! I’m sorry, Ladies Demeter and Artemis.” Savanna began crying in remorse.
“Be sorry later. Do you retain anything of what you prophesize, child?” Artemis bulldozed ahead.
“Prophesize? Oh, you mean when I see things in my dreams?” Savanna answered and looked confused.
“Do you remember speaking these phrases, Lady Savanna?” Greer asked as he tried to help by pointing to the large blackboard.
“I-I-I don’t know.”
“Does she even…” Greer began to ask, but Savanna cut him off.
“Of course I know how to read and write!”
“At a third year level.” I added.
“Well, yeah, but…”
I began to read the segments to her and looked for any recognition.
Savanna was just as appalled as we were.
“We have to save momma! I need to get to Oracle to save her!” She declared adamantly.
“Little sister, Oracle is only a simulation.” I reminded her.
“Oh yeah…right.” She deflated.
“Her sentiment is true though, sisters. We must contact Witch Corp Base to ascertain the Coven’s destination.” Lady Demi said as she looked around at us.
What sounded like thunder filled the room and the illumination pulsed several times.
“Seriously, Father ? Must we sit out yet another adventure to wait its outcome? Why?” Artemis cried as she looked to the ceiling.
Another rumble of the strange thunder reverberated throughout the suite.
Both Lady Demi and Lady Artemis sighed in disappointment.
“I am afraid we are to remain neutral of this quest, sisters. Zeus prohibits us from ‘assisting’. We have been called back to Olympus. I am truly sorry we cannot help, sisters.”
“Hey, Di? I like, can’t get there from here? Remember?”
Lady Artemis rolled her eyes at her sister.
“You also didn’t notice that Nike’s holding spell wore away three years ago, Demeter. And where precisely did you pop into the Simulator from?”
“It did? Ummm. I like, didn’t realize?”
Another rumble of thunder resonated through the room.
Lady Demi blushed profusely as she timidly looked around the ceiling.
“Take caution, young Olympians.” Artemis said then winked at me. “We can be of no more assistance. We bid you farewell.”
My suite decreased occupancy by two.
“Yeah…we’re strapped for bodies, so thanks for that, Zeus!” Kitty glared to the ceiling, holding up her middle digit.
I could see Lady Chantell’s influence on my cousin immediately.
 
 
“FeLane High Command to EFMC Pegasus.” Our simulation moderator, Col. Garrett called for maybe the tenth time. “I’m not even picking up a subspace carrier, majesty. There should at least be a subspace carrier for us to lock onto.”
“Fuel Re-Tailed and Hello Kitty for immediate departure.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Col. Garrett acknowledged.
“Begging your pardon, majesty, but you are scheduled to negotiate trade agreements with the Sagwa this evening. It is a twenty-six day, mandatory, attendance for you, Queen Kitty. You know they will only deal with your Royal Highness on such sensitive matters.” FeLane’s Prime Minister reminded. Wa’tua Su had knocked and entered several minutes ago to check on us after hearing rumbles of thunder throughout the Royal Residence.
“Dammit, Tua! Can’t you lead in my place? Witch Corps is in danger!”
“Wish as I may, Kitty, the Sagwa will only parley with you. They have been adamant on that point from the start of trade negotiations four standard years ago.
My cousin roared out in a very unlady-like display of temper.
“Why did I even take this damn job?!” She demanded.
“Because it is your birthright, Kitty Sinae! You are the legal heir to the throne.” Our PM replied calmly. Apparently, they had had this conversation before.
“I feel your need to go help your Coven, Kitty, but right now, with the impending trade talks, that simply is not possible. Doesn’t Witch Corps have a reserve unit?”
Kitty glared at him.
“We have a ‘junior’ Corps, but they are just kids, Tua! They have little to no real training and even less experience in the field. Lyra here is the only one of them to see actual action.” Kitty argued.
“But, cousin, I have been commissioned so am not technically in the juniors anymore.” I offered.
“That is true, Lyra, but…what can you do solo?”
“I wish not to rank my abilities, but guarantee that I will do everything in my power to rescue the Corps, My Queen.” I said as I bowed my head.
“I volunteer!” Greer shouted out from across the room. “I have military training and have seen several conflicts- though none requiring decisive actions, but if it is permissible, I’d like to help.”
“You don’t know what you are accepting, you foolhardy kit! The Witch Corps is a highly trained and ruthless fighting unit that employs Current in ways only they can control! And, there is a reason the unit is comprised solely of females.” PM Tua- as everyone called him- countered angrily.
“I’m sorry, Greer, but I have no authority to even ‘activate’ you. Only our High Priestess can do such a thing.” I apologized sadly.
“I don’t need… ‘activated’. Whatever that means. I can use weapons as well as any other member of the Royal Guard!”
“Again, you have no idea what you are submitting yourself t…!”
“Let him go, Tua. He is to keep Princess Lyra as safe as possible. Savanna, you will stay here with me since Hello Kitty is in two seat mode, but more so, because I promised your mother I would look after you.”
Savanna began to pout.
“Pout all you want, Princess. I’m responsible for you and you’ll stay with me.”
“But I can fly Re-Tailed…”
“The hell you will!” Kitty snarled ferociously. “She’s mine and keyed to me exclusively. Touch her and I’ll have to explain to your momma why you’re in little pieces!”
“Fine! I’ll stay here then!” Savanna grumped.
“Lady Lyra, allow me a few minutes to get my flight suit.” Greer stated, but I grabbed his hand and began pulling him out the door.
“You don’t need a flight suit!” I told him in a growl.
 
 
“Capital Control, Pegasus13. Re-designate as Witch Corps Flight 2. All preflights are green. We’re ready for an alpha-alpha corridor departure vector.” I announced to Capital Control.
“Copy Witch Corps Flight 2. Sending vector now. Local airspace is clear and you are cleared for immediate departure. Safe flight.”
“Copy that, Capital Control. Oh, sorry in advance for the broken windows.” I replied as I hit my throttle.
We were immediately in space.
“I think I’m gonna be sick.” My companion groaned from my second seat.
That declaration made me giggle.
“Hello Kitty, locate Ident from Mare De Tempest and please plot a course.” I requested.
“Mare De Tempest located and is three hundred and seventy-five thousand LY’s from Felane Outer Border. ETA: Two standard hours and twenty-one minutes at full throttle. Course plotted and ready, Kitten.”
“Let’s go, Hello Kitty!” I said as I advanced the throttle. The stars around my canopy began to ‘blue-streak’ past us.
“H-h-h-h-h-h-how fast, how fasssssst are we going?” Greer gasped from my second seat.
“Forty-eight per standard second.” I answered without thinking. I had so much simulator time that it was an easy answer.
I just completely forgot that my passenger wasn’t in the Corps.
It became very quiet back there for a time.
 
 
“Wha-what happened? W-where are we?” My passenger weakly asked from behind me.
“Ten LY’s out from Mare De Tempest. Welcome back, by the way.” I giggled.
“B-b-but didn’t your fffflight c-c-computer ssssay that Mare wassss- was three hundred and seventy-five THOUSAND LY’s from FeLane?”
“What about it?” I continued giggling. “And Hello Kitty is my Broom, Greer, not a ‘flight computer’.
“I can eject him if he is getting too annoying, Kitten.” Hello Kitty offered.
“Thanks, girl, but he’s here to help. Dropping to sublight.” I laughed before activating my comm.
“Broom Closet Control, Kitten in Pegasus13: Hello Kitty. I need an approach vector and Broom Closet door activation, confirm.”
“Welcome back, Lady Lyra. Sending vector now. Broom Closet Decom initiating.”
“That’s Mare De Tempest, but where is the Base?” Greer inquired, even more confused.
“Broom Closet door activation. Flight line is short. Repeat, flight line is short, Kitten.”
“Copy, Control. Kitten out.”
 
 
“Welcome, home, Lady Lyra. Introduction is pending.” The AI greeted, but also reminded me that I needed to vouch for Greer.
“Lt. Greer Niger is my personal steward, slash, bodyguard assigned by Queen Kitty, Control. I personally vouch for his character and allegiance.
Broom Closet Control began reciting Greer’s service history including any encrypted information.
My companion was completely flabbergasted!
“Thank you, Control. This way.” I said while motioning to the metal stairway. “Control? Could you remove Cali and Zeus’ Pride from the flight line and back to their storage hangars, please? Artie and Demi have been recalled back to Olympus unexpectedly.”
“Should I also remove Hello Kitty, Lady Lyra?”
“Yes, thank you. Follow me, Greer.”
 
 
“Hello? Anybody home?” I called out once in the living quarters.
“Lady Sandra is currently off base in the Daycare facility. She will be teaching there until three o’clock.”
“And the family Anderson?” I asked.
“Also attending instructions.”
“What of our High Priestess?”
“Currently away on a mission.”
“To where, exactly?”
“To wherever the mission takes them, Lady Lyra. Our High Priestess did not say.”
Well, that didn’t work. I guessed I would have to wait for Sandra to get back.
 
 

 
 
“They left early two mornings ago when one of Pegasus’ probes reported a hit on all its programmed requisite search parameters.” Lady Sandra informed me when we met in the galley after her duty shift. Her pride- though well behaved at the moment- threatened conflict at the slightest hint of opportunity.
Glaring at Rowan, Garith, Aquia, Lithia, Derrick, Seth, Link, and Lilith, I produced my wand in warning. I also shook my left hand to unsheathe my ‘activated’ claws with an audible ‘sha-shing’. Greer noticed, but remained silent- though I noticed his eyes become larger.
“Now is not the time for ‘war games’, my sisters and brothers! I suggest you remain my allies and not my opponents.” I warned.
“So speaks the royal fourteen-year-old kitten.” Aquia slandered in a conceited voice.
Since she was almost two years my senior, I had been buffering my patience since we met eight years ago. Now, however, I needed to get this potentially critical rescue mission planned and started. Plus, I wasn’t going to stand for her priggish attitude a moment longer.
I growled a warning then stepped into action.
Before the older girl knew what happened, I had shredded every last stitch of clothing on her body, though not leaving a single mark, scratch, or drop of blood anywhere to be seen on her now naked form. My ending move was to stand face to face with her and glare intensely at her.
The room went eerily silent.
“Has Lady Sandra never taught you that Lynxins mature much faster than Terrans and should never, ever, be trifled with, Lady Aquia?” I asked calmly- not even breathing heavily. I also employed one of my cousin’s moves, slowly unsheathing my right pointer claw to within millimeters of her neck. “Or did you just choose not to listen?”
“Do you require further demonstration, Lady Aquia?” I added with a confident grin that revealed my longer canines when there came no response.
“Sis? In Lady Chantell’s vernacular, I’d recommend not ‘pissing’ her off more than you have. Maybe you two could be friends instead of adversaries?” Garith suggested as he tried to place himself between us.
“I’ll let you off this time, Lyra! Next time, I won’t be so understanding.” Aquia dared to counter.
“Sis? Leave it go. She has your wand in her belt, behind her back! According to the rules of peaceful dueling, Lyra has disarmed you, fair and square.” Garith pleaded while seeming to hold his laughter.
“Besides, you should go put some clothes on. She also completely disrobed you.” He continued before breaking out in haughty laughter.
“What?” Aquia exclaimed as she looked down and immediately began to blush before turning quickly and running out of the galley- her siblings all laughing loudly.
“I fear you have just thrown an accelerant onto your incendiary relationship, Lady Lyra- though I am very proud of you finally sticking up for yourself.” Lady Sandra told me. “I have been expecting this confrontation for the last five years, truth be told.”
“Lady Sandra. Though I am related to Serangetti Sonya, I have learned to hold my inherited temper and overpass as many altercations as possible. That patience, I received from my Poppy… I mean, Capt. Serrangetti.”
I felt myself blushing at my slip up.
“Did I hear my name used in compliment?” Poppy’s voice asked from the doorway.
“Poppy!” I shouted, unable to stop myself. I was instantly in his arms, my throat vibrating in happiness.
“I’ve missed you too, Serangetti Lyra! How are things back home?”
“Sometimes I think cousin is going to declare war on the Parliament, but she has been well accepted and the public seems satisfied with her management…so far.” I reported.
Poppy laughed softly.
“That certainly sounds like a Sinae all right. So…the young Alpha…” He hinted.
I had most certainly forgotten my traveling companion.
“Capt. Serangetti, my assigned steward- slash- bodyguard, Lt. Niger Greer. Greer, my father, Capt. Serangetti Kimbou.
“SIR!” Greer exclaimed, him having stood and snapped to attention the instant Poppy entered the room.
“Be at ease, lieutenant.” Poppy laughed.
“Sir!” Greer acknowledged as he moved to ‘Parade Rest’.
“You were assigned to Earth’s Horizon, were you not?” Poppy asked.
“Sir, yes, sir!”
“Son? How old are you?”
“Eighteen standard and three months, Sir.”
“And why are you not still on Earth’s Horizon?”
“Her Royal Highness, Queen Kitty, reassigned me, Sir.”
“At who’s request?” Poppy smiled deviously.
“My own, Sir. I personally requested this assignment as Princess Serangetti Lyra’s personal bodyguard.”
“I see.” Poppy thought a minute. “And what brings you to Witch Corps Base, lieutenant?”
“Ummmmm…Hello Kitty, Sir?” Greer blushed.
Poppy began laughing!
“Allow me to rephrase the question. Why has my daughter brought you along with her, son?”
“Queen Kitty thought it a good idea, Sir.”
“Again, at who’s request?”
“I volunteered, Sir. I am the Princess’ bodyguard after all. It is my duty to protect her, Sir.”
“Somehow, I think Lyra can protect herself and then some, lieutenant- if what just ran past me is any indication or example. Wouldn’t you agree?” Poppy smiled deviously.
“I’ve never seen anyone move that fast, Sir. Never seen anything like it in my entire life!”
Poppy kept smiling for a moment longer then looked directly at me.
“1st Lt. Serangetti Lyra, make sure Lt. Niger Greer is briefed on Witch Corps protocols and regulations.” He ordered and offered his hand. Greer gladly shook it.
“Welcome to the Corps, Lord Greer, and may the Gods have mercy on your soul.” Poppy declared as his smile became tense. “Now, let’s talk about this rumor about the Coven being in trouble.”
“Lady Savanna prophesized the disappearance of Pegasus and Lady Chance’s away team, sir.” I informed him. “According to her, only the Junior Witch Corps will answer the call for rescue.”
“Has there been any such call?” He asked.
“No sir. The Oracle stated no communication would come.”
“That is very troubling.” Poppy answered sadly.
“She may just be right on that, sir.” Lady Sandra spoke up. “I, personally, have qualifying tests coming up for my secondary finishing students, and primary elementary students all this week and next. Sad to say, I won’t be attending any rescue mission because of them. Simone, Janet, Samuel, and Cora are back on Norge for some kind of official commerce negotiations.”
“Queen Kitty is likewise occupied in trade negotiations.” I added.
“So even if I gave my okay on this, how could JWC remotely complete any rescue mission- especially when we know nothing about where Pegasus is?” Poppy asked in a dour tone.
“Hey, Base? Could you have Lady Aquia report to the simulator for flight training?” I asked our A.I.
“At once, Lady Lyra. What scenarios should be on the syllabus?”
“Tactical Broom training. Um…status on Broom Closet inventory?”
“As of this moment, Hello Kitty, Teacher’s Pet, California Dreamin’, Zeus’ Pride, Mini-Van, and Oracle are in inventory. Several other Brooms have been halted in various stages of manufacture.”
“Oracle!?” I gasped in surprise; repeating the name I had just recently heard for the first time. “Wait, several other Brooms? Halted in manufacture?”
“Insufficient raw material exists to complete the commissioned crafts and other projects, Lady Lyra.”
“And why has Oracle been commissioned?” I inquired in curiosity.
“Pegasus20 was commissioned three standard years ago by the High Priestess Lady Chance Summers. Any and all access to Pegasus20 has been disabled and prohibited until Lady Savanna Summers’ sixteenth birthday.”
“Base? How much raw material would it take to complete the commissioned brooms?” Lady Sandra asked.
“Forty thousand metric tons for all awaiting projects.”
I was astounded!
“Wow! That’s a lot of raw! Sorry I asked!” Lady Sandra groaned. “How are we going to get that much stuff? Trap an asteriod?”
Sandra quickly glared at me.
“Oh no! No, no, no, no! That much tonnage won’t likely play nice with Hello Kitty’s tractor beam, Lyra, even if we could find that much matter way out here.” Lady Sandra declared as she cut off my thoughts.
“I’ll have Mare’s sensors start scanning for any asteroid fields in our vicinity. Maybe if we can find enough smaller fragments…”
“That might work, Captain.” Sandra agreed.
“I’ll get right on it then. Lyra? Will you be staying with us, or are you going to stay on base?” Poppy asked.
“I think I’ll stay in our quarters here, sir. I’m going to intensify the JWC’s training regime just to be sure they’re ready.”
“Then you and Lord Greer have your work cut out for you. Carry on, Lady Lyra.” Poppy said as he placed a chaste kiss on my forehead, turned, and left.
 
 

 
 
“Agaaaaaain!” I shouted from the near wall of the huge training deck.
“I can’t do this.” Lilith Anderson cried as she flopped down onto the simulated dirt. The ten-year-old gray-haired, Delvian was nearing her limit and I feared she would just become inert for the rest of this training session.
“Let’s take a break then.” I suggested. “Galantry? Show me what you’ve learned.”
“What I have learned. Hmmmm. I can do this.”
The fourteen-year-old female Orion produced and dispatched her wand several times in rapid succession.
I had been hoping for more.
“You seem unimpressed, Instructor.”
“How many weeks have you been practicing, Lady Galantry?”
“Two-point-five, Lady Lyra.”
I nodded. “Then I think it time to start ‘broadening’ your horizons.”
With that I stepped up to her, produced my wand, bowed to her, and took several steps back.
“Prepare yourself.” I said as I took a dueling stance I knew she had seen demonstrated many times by the Anderson Clan.
“To do what?” She questioned, her eyes blinking several times in quick succession.
A blue bolt from my wand struck at her feet. She shrieked as she jumped back from it in terror.
“Why did you do that?”
“We have turned a new chapter in your development as a witch, my lady.” I answered as I shot another bolt at her feet.
Her reaction was the same.
“I suggest you try defending yourself, Lady Galantry.”
“From what?”
“From me!” I said as I landed a warning shot to her stomach.
“Ow! That hurt!”
“The next one will hurt even more if you do not assume a defensive posture.”
I tossed another shot at her stomach. This time she quite easily batted it away with her wand.
“A good first reaction, but it will only protect you from very weak attacks. You need something more substantial.” I lectured as I shot a slightly more intense bolt at her.
This time she barely deflected it. A cry escaped her mouth as she ‘glared’ at me.
Orions seemed custom designed to do that: glare, that is.
“Why are you doing this, Lyra?”
“Because! The Hoblins will not go lightly on us just because we are young and very inexperienced.”
“The Hoblins? Why would we need to fight the Hoblins?”
“They are why Witch Corps was formed over a thousand years ago. Hoblins are the very definition of Current being twisted, maligned…abused, Lady Galantry! They are what formed when individuals demanded from, forced, and enslaved a known sentient society. Similar to the enslavement of some sub-species we studied in history class. Only Current, in this case, reacted unexpectedly.” I preached as I attacked with another ‘soft’ blast.
Galantry successfully countered my shot with a shot of her own.
Good, she was learning.
“You do know that Orions are a peaceful subspecies, don’t you?” She was quick to remind me as I ‘tossed’ another shot at her. This time she anticipated and countered it.
Time to up the ante, as Lady Chance would say.
“So all that nonsense about Orions traveling to Terra and ‘probing’ the Terrans is just that? Lady Chantell would beg to differ.” I said as I strengthened my attack. This time I aimed for her shoulder.
“OOOWWWW! Everyone knows that was the Terran governments and one ‘playful’ Orion exploratory crew trying to dissuade any ‘first contact’ until Terra refined their inter-planetary equipment!” Galantry said as she fired back for the first time.
It hit hard!
“Very good! Now we’re getting somewhere!” I praised with a wince.
I fired several consecutive blasts at her.
Unexpectedly, Galantry waved her wand in front of her and a bluish force shield formed that deflected all ten of my shots.
I decided to advance us to the next level.
“That was very impressive, my lady, but can you defend against this?” I questioned as I manifested my broom, mounted it, and hovered three meters off the deck. I quickly fired several shots at her before flying to the opposite end of the training area.
I started my attack run, firing off randomly aimed shots.
Galantry screamed and hit the deck, rolling into a fetal ball.
I was disappointed and approached her to console her.
Two meters out, I suddenly- and quite unintentionally- stopped, feeling my whole body stiffen. I couldn’t even speak!
After a full minute, Galantry unfolded herself and looked around. Her attention centered on me.
“What do you delay for? To rub your superiority in my face? Why not finish me?” The Orion paused, her glare deepening. “Why won’t you answer me?!”
“Galantry?” Sandra hurried over to me and began examining me. “What did you do to her?”
“I didn’t do anything, my lady.”
“Witches just don’t stop in midair and remain stationary on their own, my lady! Especially not a Lynxin witch! Now, think back and tell me how you are doing this.”
“I don’t know!” She replied, her voice shaking in fear.
I hoped she figured things out soon; I was starting to get scared! Something like this had never happened to me before.
“Something had to have happened, Galantry. Try to remember what you were thinking.” Sandra pressed.
“I just wanted her to stop! I don’t want to fight! Why can’t we all just get along?”
“Life isn’t pick and choose. We can’t tell the galaxy what we want it to do, Galantry.” Sandra advised. “Just because you want something to stop doesn’t…” Sandra stared at the Orion, stunned.
“Oh! That is brilliant! Simply brilliant, my lady!” Sandra praised.
“Huh?” The Orion replied, dumbstruck.
“Such an ingenious defense- yet, so simple! Galantry? Search your feelings and try to focus on the newest, strangest of them. It might feel similar to when you produce your wand. Can you feel it, honey?” Sandra said excitedly.
“I can feel something…weird. I’m not sure it feels anything like when I conjure my wand though.”
“That’s the feeling, Galantry. Remember that feeling. Now, with that feeling in mind, ask your Current to repeal that feeling…um…disable it.” Sandra instructed as she gently pulled the girl out of my flight path. Anticipating what might happen, I willed myself to pull up.
The ceiling of the training hall came at me almost too quickly to react, though I managed to get myself under control and swung around to land gently beside Sandra and a very surprised Galantry.
“How in Queen Kitty’s name did you do that?” I asked, my voice shaking from adrenaline.
“I’m sorry, Lyra! I didn’t know I could do that.” Galantry said with remorse.
“No need to apologize, sister! That is a useful defensive tool. Remember it and don’t be afraid to use it if necessary.” I advised.
“I didn’t want to hurt you, Lyra. I was just afraid when you started to attack…”
“I was not hurt, sister! I just couldn’t move. I heard everything being said though.”
“Still, I’m sorry, Lyra. I was not instructed in offensive tactics while in my larval stage.”
“The fact that you are learning now is my only concern. Now, let’s see what other tricks you have up your sleeve.” I grinned. Try to conjure your personal broom and I’ll give you some flying lessons.”
“My maternal unit is a cargo pilot, Lyra! I think I already know how to fly!”
“Show me!” I dared as I rematerialized my personal broom, mounted it, hovered off the deck a meter, and waited.
 
 
“Not as easy as it looks, is it, sister?” I giggled as I watched Galantry try to mount her newly conjured broom.
Once successful, she still looked very uncomfortable on it- hovering mere centimeters off the deck.
“Maybe riding sidesaddle is not the beginner’s way to learn to ride a broom, sister. Try straddling it Terran-style.
Cautiously, and ever so slowly, my Orion sister changed her riding technique.
A rosy blush colored her grayish pallor as her hips sought balance on the narrow, rounded broom handle.
“Unfortunately that is the major problem with Terran-style riding.” I admitted, blushing myself. “Try not to think about it. If it becomes too distracting, you can always go back to sidesaddle.”
Once she had the basics of mounting and riding a broom down, we took several flights around the large training area. Galantry indeed seemed a natural to flying- her altitude and attitude changes being executed confidently and gracefully.
“Lady Sandra, might we ask your pride’s help for some more in-depth flight training?” I asked as I hovered over the nine Andersons, Aquia having recently returned after redressing in new- undamaged- clothes.
“Are you sure about that, Lyra?”Sandra looked to her pride then back at me in worry.
“I’d like you all to shoot practice ‘anti-broom’ shots up at us. I’d like Galantry to learn to evade things like that when flying.”
Eight of the Andersons suddenly displayed devious grins, and Sandra looked at her pride in very real worry!
Eight Andersons instantly had their wands at the ready!
Lilith Anderson took aim at me, but I was no longer stationary and successfully dodged her opening shots.
Galantry wasn’t so lucky, and took a relatively light shot to her left ankle from Rowan. She quickly caught on though, and within seconds we both were zooming through the air at breathtaking speeds and harrowing turns!
 
 
Ten minutes into our flight training, I had had enough of Aquia’s ever-intensifying attempts to down me. Her ‘practice’ shots were becoming ever stronger and intentional. Flying quickly to the opposite end of the training area, I quickly turned and decided on a slow-speed approach. Taking a page from Galantry’s defensive tricks, I produced a bluish shield in front of me. It successfully diverted the Andersons’ shots.
Now it was time for me to use one of my oldest tricks!
Hopping up to standing, I balanced my high-heel booted feet on the forward end of my broom handle (Lady Demi called it ‘hanging ten’), and keeping my shield at full strength, I asked my Current to help me ‘re-attire’ my opponents.
All eight of Sandra Anderson’s pride suddenly wore very bulky, blue, teddy bear costumes. Because of the oversized mittens that simulated bear paws, they all had dropped their wands AND their attention from Galantry and I.
I called upon my wand to enable ‘fully automatic’ mode and peppered the lot of them!
Lady Sandra began laughing hysterically as her encumbered pride began to lose group cohesion and waddle for any cover available!
Even Galantry took the advantage I had given and started picking off Rowan, Aquia, and Garith. She seemed truly content with shooting multiple bursts at Lilith though!
 
 
Soon our fun had run its course and I called a stop to our training.
“Base?” I called to our A.I. “I’d like to schedule Lady Galantry for some simulator training time. Start her out with a standard shuttle then advance her to broom qualifying simulations when she passes the required milestones. She shall DataTab you her schedule of free time within several hours.” I looked to the Orion and saw her nod.
“Understood, Lady Lyra. The requested training simulations have been queued and will be ready as per her reply.”
“Any word from the High Priestess yet, Base?” I asked.
“All secure comm. channels remain quiet, Lady Lyra.”
“Let Lady Sandra and I know the moment you pick up the tiniest chatter, Base.”
“I will do that, my lady.”
 
 
“Base? Please display the flight simulation statistics for Lady Galantry.” I ordered the next afternoon. I had not seen the Orion except entering base this morning.
My requested information appeared on my DataTab instantly.
I was amazed by what I saw!
Had she really almost completed her qualifying?
“Base? Where is Lady Galantry now?”
“Lady Fenile Galantry is currently taking a break in the galley, Lady Lyra. She is scheduled for module one-thirty-eight: ‘Advanced Formational Flight Protocols.’”
“Warm-up Simulator Two then interface with Hello Kitty’s ‘sim’ profile mode and prepare mission simulation twenty-one.” I ordered then paused.
“Lady Lyra, Lady Aquia. I need you in Simulator Two in fifteen standard minutes for a flight drill.”
I didn’t wait for any reply.
“Greer? How would you like to tag along?” I asked my Protector/steward.
 
 
“Witch Corps Flight One, form up on me and stay close. This minefield is a little on the ‘tight’ side and we need to be exceptionally vigilant traversing it. Remember, that convoy of relief ships carry minimum defenses and are relying on us to keep those pirates off their backs.” I said just after Hello Kitty’s canopy darkened and she went into ‘sim’ mode. Greer gasped as we found ourselves out in deep space.
“Copy, Kitten. Lil’ Gray has you on display and will be forming up in twelve seconds.” Galantry’s voice responded.
“Copy. Take my three, Lil’ Gray.”
“Where you want me, Kitten?” Aquia’s strained voice asked. She didn’t sound thrilled to have been included in this training mission.
“On my nine, Water Lily.” I replied neutrally.
Galantry appeared off my port side on intercept, pulled a one-eighty, and gracefully ‘rolled’ her way over to my starboard. Her maneuver was a bit flashy, but nothing like Aquia’s bold entrance!
‘Water Lily’ came in hot on my tail and abruptly pulled hard to port as she almost ran up my emitter! Her Broom then veered steeply to starboard, rolled several times and ‘see-sawed’ into position.
“I’ve never seen a spaceframe take so much abuse and still remain intact!” Greer gasped from behind me.
“What’s her structural integrity, my Lord?”
“Forty-five, Lady Lyra, and her forward weapons have gone offline for repair.” He reported a moment later.
“Witch Corps Flight One, weapons status.”
“Lil’ Gray, I’m fully functional, Kitten.”
“Water Lily. I’m…I’m good to go.” Aquia reported sickly after a moment.
“I’m surprised! After that bold entrance I’d expected your structure to be around forty-five percent with your forward weapons going completely offline! Who taught you to form up like that, Water Lily?”
“This is my first Broom sortie, Kitten. I’m not used to the enhanced handling yet.”
“No excuses, Water Lily! You’ve had extensive simulator time. We have a mission to complete and I want all of us to be able to talk about this over beverages afterwards.”
“Kitten, I show the mine field in two LY’s. Might I suggest forward defenses to full strength?” Lil’ Gray announced.
“Polarized mines, Lil’ Gray. Defensive shielding will only draw them into us. Line of sight detonation using our forward weapons will prove more effective.
“Now she tells me.”
“What was that, Water Lily? I didn’t copy you.”
“I….um…need you to cover for me for abooooouuuut…five more minutes, Kitten. Somehow, my forward weapons…um…just went off line.” Aquia meandered embarrassingly as she tried to save face.
“Slow to sublight until your weapons are back on line, Water Lilly. Stay behind us. Lil’ Gray? Let’s clear the road for our relief ships.”
“Copy, Kitten.”
 
 
I was very impressed by the rapid development of our Orion sister. Not only was she a very good shot, but also her flying was spot on and rivaled my own skill.
That in no way guaranteed how she would perform under actual combat situations however.
Aquia, though quite the show-off, finally contributed to the simulated mission, but only after her ‘Broom’ performed a major ‘self-repair’ on its forward weapons.
If an actual mission, she would have been diverted back to Witch Corps Base for major weapons and structural repairs!
I let her know this in our debriefing.
“Why must you always be picking on me, Lyra? What did I ever do to you?” Aquia went on the defensive after I had graded her performance.
“Look! I’m not zeroing in on you specifically, Aquia! You and Galantry were the selected participants of the simulated mission. I need to know I can trust my team if we ever do get out there on a real-life mission. What Witch Corps DOESN’T need is a flamboyant pilot that abuses the equipment beyond its limits. In real life, our Brooms can only auto-repair so much. What you put the ‘sim’ through was over and above normally accepted parameters. At forty-five percent of full structural integrity, you wouldn’t have been able to go trans-dimensional and instead be stuck out there until we came back for you. How would that have helped us complete the mission?”
“It was just a simulation!” Aquia shouted angrily and moved to get up.
“Sit down!” Sandra spat in anger as she entered the briefing room. “You will not embarrass me any further than you have, young lady!”
Aquia glared in red-faced rage but complied with her guardian’s order.
“Lyra is only trying to teach you how Witch Corps does its job! Yes, we have some fun when we can, but we do not beat down on our equipment! Can’t you understand that if your equipment fails out there, so do you?” Sandra scolded.
“Look, honey, I understand that you want- more than anything- to be a part of this,” Sandra continued, motioning around us, “but you must learn how to be responsible and present yourself as the mature individual you appear to be. Showboating on the simulator just proves how irresponsible you really are. Always use your knowledge, talent, and experience to achieve success. Moderation is the key most of the time.”
“But Lady Chance…”
“Lady Chance, as well as the rest of our Coven, has years more experience than you do, honey. You also forget that Lady Chance designed our Brooms and knows exactly what they can and cannot do. With experience you will learn that too, but it takes time.”
“And patience. Lots of patience.” I added.
“Horndogging in Sim doesn’t prepare you for what’s actually out there, Water Lily. Now, care to try the mission again? Only this time, treat it as real?” Lady Sandra suggested.
Through all the drama, Galantry and Greer remained quiet and seemed to absorb every bit of our debrief.
“I think I have a way to make the Sim a little bit more realistic, Lady Sandra.” I offered.
“Galantry. Aquia. Could you please follow Lady Sandra, Lt. Greer, and I to the Broom Closet?”
“Base? Could you cue mission 333402 into the simulator and enable remote linking, please?” I asked as we left the simulator debriefing room and headed down to Level one.
“Mission loaded and awaiting remote link, Lady Lyra.”
 
 
“Broom Closet Control, please open storage bay doors for Hello Kitty and Teacher’s Pet.”
The hangar doors for Pegasus10 and Pegasus13 actuated immediately.
Sandra hurried along the near wall to where Teacher’s Pet had been revealed. I calmly walked two doors farther to Hello Kitty.
“Hey, sweetie, miss me?” Sandra addressed her Broom.
“Yes, Miss Anderson.” The Broom’s childish voice replied.
“Note to self. Talk to Chance about graduating Teacher’s Pet to University Level.” Sandra deadpanned. “Sweetie, we’re going to play a simulation with Hello Kitty, Okay?”
“Oh goodie!”
Galantry seemed taken by the Broom’s A.I. and giggled?
“I think I understand your intended concept, Lady Lyra, but these Brooms appear to be both two-seaters. Should I have just stayed behind?” Greer asked in concern.
I saw his point and my error.
I smiled to my guardian.
“Broom Closet Control, please open Pegasus II hangar door.”
A larger door closer to the metal stairs began to lower revealing our secondary command ship: Mini-Van.”
Mini-Van was intended to serve as the Junior Witch Corps. Command Center when deemed necessary. One-third the scale of Pegasus, Mini-Van was capable of carrying four Brooms and berthing twelve Junior Members comfortably. Accommodations where Spartan with just a bridge, galley/meeting room and up to six bed compartments for personal privacy- as currently configured: four with bunks for Junior members and two with single beds for command officers. She still carried two forward and two rear cannons and, like Pegasus, utilized Broom armaments for added defense.
Lady Chance had intended Lady Sandra to command and pilot her, and having flown her several times in the last four years, I knew she was every bit as reliable, fast, and deadly as Pegasus.
“Control, Enable Mini-Van and link her with the simulator command console. Also enable environmental systems. Lt. Greer will be monitoring the mission from there.” I said as I motioned him toward the large, chromed craft.
He paused to look at her bow.
Mini-Van’s nose art was a ‘comically’ drawn, boxy, four-tired, dark blue land vehicle having several Terran arms and legs partially protruding from its side viewports or ‘windows’. There were also several ancient ‘soccer balls’ bouncing off the smooth black tarmac that ran under it.
Greer looked quizzically at the whimsical nose art then looked back to me for explanation.
“Lady Hope’s idea.”
“Ah.” He responded. “Why enable the environmental system?”
“A teaching aid.” I answered cryptically.
 
 
Once Greer was aboard the Mini-Van, I stepped out onto the flight line. Aquia and Galantry followed. I looked to the ceiling structure.
“Ladies Artemis and Demeter? I know you can see and hear me. I’d like permission to utilize your brooms for a training simulation. I certify neither will leave the Broom Closet. Would that be allowable?” I said loudly. “If so, could you verify by allowing access to…”
The hangar doors for Pegasus11 and Pegasus12 actuated!
Gasps escaped Aquia and Galantry’s mouths as they looked between the specific hangars and me.
“My thanks, My Ladies.” I replied to the ceiling with a smile.
“Water Lily, you go introduce yourself to California Dreamin’ and Galantry… make introduction to Zeus’ Pride.
I thought it humorous how Aquia suddenly seemed very shy as she approached Lady Demi’s Broom.
“H-h-h-hi. I’m…I’m Aquia Anderson…ummmmm…Water Lily?”
“Hey, girl! Nice ta meet ya! Wanna hit the surf? I hear the Galatic waves are bitchin’ today!”
“Ummm…we were just hoping to run a mission simulation? Ummm…please?”
“Aw, like, bummer, girlfriend! But, hey, bogus waves are almost as awesome as the real curls, so climb aboard and let’s start making for the ‘Simmie’ breakers, ‘K’?”
“Ummm…”
“She’s welcoming you to preflight and get aboard, Aquia. You have her permission to take the controls.” I translated.
Galantry was next and she approached Zeus’ Pride like it would suddenly reach out and assault her!
“Zeus’ Pride? Fenile Galantry- ‘Lil’ Gray’? Permission to approach and employ you for a simulated mission.”
“But of course, Lil’ Gray! I’ve reviewed your qualifications and deemed you suitable for taking my controls. You may proceed.”
“Th-thank you, My Lady.” Galantry replied as Zeus’ Pride’s external ladder appeared.
 
 
Lady Lyra, Witch Corps Sim Flight 1. Ladies, please enable your environmental systems and engage your Broom’s remote link to Simulator Command. Acknowledge when complete.” I ordered into my comm.
“Pegasus10, environment online and linked.” Lady Sandra responded professionally.
“Pegasus11, environment…enabled and link…established.” Aquia answered, sounding very unsure of herself and what was going to happen.
“Pegasus12, Environment is go and we’re linked into SimCom.” Galantry responded in a very professional, confident voice.
“Pegasus13, Evironment and SimCom link- go.” I responded.
“Pegasus II, online and linked as Sim Command. We are ready, Lady Lyra.” Greer responded from Mini-Van.
“Broom Closet Command, Lady Lyra. Sound alerts and commense Flightline Decom. Disable illumination when space normal.”
“Lyra, why are you doing this?! We’ll be trapped in here if something goes wrong!” Aquia shouted hysterically over the comms.
“Simulator Command. Set simulation limiters to actual Broom parameters. Water Lily, you complained about the simulation and it not being real, now I’ve made it as real as it can get. To all Brooms linked into this simulation: decrease interior atmosphere by one percent for each virtual over limit infraction to your spaceframes. Do not exceed fifty percent though.
“Kitten? Is that wise? We don’t want to put too much pressure on the students.” Lady Sandra questioned as the flight line went dark.
“Soccer Mom, both Water Lily and Lil’ Gray are up to the challenge. Hopefully this will give them firsthand knowledge of what is actually involved in any real mission Witch Corps experiences. Sim Command, start the mission at one hundred-forty LY’s out. Everyone form up on me. Lil’ Gray on my eight; Water Lily on my five with Soccer Mom on her five.”
Hello Kitty’s canopy filled with blue streaks as the simulation commenced. Water Lily appeared off to my right and Lil’ Gray, on my left.
“Trinity system outer defensive border in one hundred-thirty-seven LY’s, Kitten.” Hello Kitty announced.
“Thanks”, I said as I looked off to my right and noticed Water Lily’s course wavering erratically.
“Problems, Water Lily?” I asked.
There was no response.
“Water Lily, do you copy? Soccer Mom? Can you see what’s wrong with Water Lily?” I asked in worry.
“I’m…I’m alright, Kitten. I-I-I-I started to…ummm…a bad case of nerves, M’lady. I’m okay now…I copy.”
Aquia’s Broom stabilized.
“Soccer Mom, Kitten. It sounds like she started to panic. Are you sure this was the best approach?”
“She’ll be alright, Soccer Mom. It’s her first time in anything close to an actual Broom or actual space.”
“Kitten and Soccer Mom, Moderator. Water Lily’s HR and RR ramped up to caution, but are normalizing as we speak. She seems to be alright.” Greer informed us.
“Thanks, Moderator. Hello Kitty, reconnect Flight 1 comms.”
 
 
“Flight 1. At two LY’s out we drop our deep space camo and slow to sublight. I’ll contact Trinity Defense to alert them we’re here. Trinity System is very skittish of outsiders because of numerous privateer raids on supply ships. Hence, the reason we’re here. Our mission is to help clear the trade routes to and from Trinity 3 so needed food and medical supplies can get through. We will not arm our weapons until certified to do so. Is that clear?”
“Soccer Mom, roger.”
“Lil’ Gray, acknowledged.”
“Umm…what if we get attacked right away, Kitten?” Water Lily wondered.
“Then we dazzle them with our piloting skills until we receive permission, Water Lily. Copy?”
“Copy…Water Lily, roger.”
 
 
“Two LY’s out, Kitten.”
Flight, Camo to default. Slow to point seven-five sublight. Trinity Defense, this is EFMC Witch Corps Flight 1 requesting clearance to enter your outer defensive boundary.” I said to officially start our sim mission.
“Unknown formation entering outer defensive border. Identify.”
“I repeat. Trinity Defense, this is EFMC Witch Corps Flight 1 requesting clearance to enter your outer defensive boundary.”
“Unknown formation entering outer defensive border. Identify.”
“Apparently they can’t hear us, Kitten. Orders?” Galantry asked.
“Without permission, we cannot legally enter their system, so we hold out here until we can contact Trinity Defense.” I responded. “Soccer Mom. See if you can raise Witch Corps Base. See if they can punch communications through.”
“On it, Kitten.”
“Kitten, my short-range just went wild. We have company bearing two-seven-three by two-zero-zero, nine hundred fifty thousand kilometers and closing.” Water Lily sounded worried.
“Hold at six hundred thousand kilometers outside their outer defense border. Let’s see what their intentions are, ladies.” I said as I wondered which one of the girls would bite first…”
“Zeus’s Pride is reading no lifesigns from the incoming ships, Kitten. What should we do?”
“Kitten, Moderator. Teacher’s Pet has just armed her weapons.”
That was definitely a surprise! Though, someone was bound to do it. This simulation wagered on that fact. I just didn’t expect Lady Sandra to react first and take the bait- especially since she’d done this specific Sim several dozen times in the past.
“Incoming ships are arming their weapons, Kitten. Orders?” Galantry inquired calmly.
“Shields.” I responded. “Raise our shields, Hello Kitty.”
“Shield enabled, Kitten. I’m very surprised that Soccer Mom took the bait.”
“Not surprising, considering how much stress she’s under trying to raise a pride of eight. I’ll bet we’ll see a good bit of ‘stress relief’ during this simulation.” I told my A.I.
“Flight. On my mark, we break and arm weapons. Take out their main propulsion and weapons if possible. Water Lily, be nice with Cali.”
“I show one hundred and eighty ships in the first wave, Kitten.” Galantry announced- her voice slightly stressed.
“Hold until my mark.” I restated evenly. “We do not follow any retreating ship across the border, is that understood?”
Teacher’s Pet suddenly veered off, up and over my canopy and vectored away from the oncoming forces.
“Umm…Soccer Mom?” I asked with a giggle. “Did you forget to go before we left?”
Giggling filled our comms.
“Just thought I’d draw them further away from the border, Kitten. You’re welcome.”
“Much appreciated. We break when they’re about a thousand kilometers away, ladies.”
“But we’ll be well within weapons range by then, Kitten!” Water Lily cried out.
“Our Brooms are more manueverable, Water Lily. And faster?” I reminded. “We stay sublight, ladies. Don’t wanna give too much away.”
“One thousand-eighty kilometers and closing, Kitten.”
Thank you, Hello Kitty. Everyone…break!” I ordered.
Water Lily vectored off to the right and Lil’ Gray pulled up and performed half a barrel roll, seamlessly inverting her arc then rolled several times to the left. She had scored ten ‘kills’ in that short measure of time and had now rolled under the rear of the attack force, slowed, and quickly pulled another ancient ‘Emilman’- half a loop and half a barrel roll- to end up right on their emitters.
“Damn that girl’s got some moves, Kitten!” Soccer Mom commented enthusiastically.
Lil’ Gray scored twenty more ‘kills’ as we spoke.
On my display, I watched as California Dreamin’ vectored around and behind the attacking forces. She was running a left to right angle from behind. She scored thirty ‘kills’ at the end of her first run.
“And the competition is heating up!” Lady Sandra called out over comms. I watched as she came in from the far right center and perped our enemy.
With forward guns blazing she took out their port weapons. Teacher’s Pet’s aft defenses blasted the enemy’s starboard weapons after she passed!
“Burning off some tension and stress, Soccer Mom?” I asked with a giggle.
“What gave you that idea, Kitten?” She replied as she banked hard to repeat her attack- this time from right to left.
The first wave had been successfully neutralized.
“Trinity Defense, this is EFMC Witch Corps Flight 1 asking for clearance to enter your outer defensive boundary.” I tried contacting Trinity Defense again.
“Witch Corps. Flight 1, Trinity Defense. We’ve detected heavy fire in your sector. Are you alright? We have been attempting to contact you since you appeared on our sensor displays. Please appraise your situation.” A man’s voice answered sounding very concerned.
“We’re fine, Trinity. We scrapped about one hundred and eighty unaffiliated starfighters. They aren’t going anywhere any time soon so you can pick them up at your leisure.” I responded.
“Witch Corps. Flight 1, we show you have more company inbound to your sector. Do you require assistance?”
“Negative. We only require permission to cross your defensive border to finish the job, Trinity Defense.”
“Permission granted. We’ve been expecting you, Witch Corps.”
“You heard the man. Let’s finish the job, ladies. Safeties are off. Repeat, safeties are off.”
“YES!!!!!!” Soccer Mom shouted over our comms. “Going to warp! I’ll save ya some, girls.”
Pegasus11 and12 remained stationary on my display.
“What are you waiting for, ladies?” I asked.
“Our ‘safeties are already off, Kitten. What did you mean by that?” Lil’ Gray asked, sounding confused.
“That means that we can take the bad guys out as we see fit. Be it at sublight or…”
“Oh, I get it!” Water Lily replied as she hit her throttle and disappeared.
“Kitten? I am not up on the more specific lingo…”
“Hit them at warp, sister. Show me what you got, but don’t stress the spaceframe. Lady Artemis would kill me if you hurt her baby.” I giggled.
Galantry was off in a shot.
 
 

 
 
“So, did everyone have fun?” I asked as we all walked into the galley, poured refreshments, and took seats.
Lady Sandra rubbed her palms together with a devious, but contented smile.
“It’ll suffice.” She replied impartially. “For now.”
Galantry and especially Aquia stared at their teacher/ guardian.
“By the way, Lyra. How did you get Hello Kitty to spin around on all axes like that? I’ve never seen anyone do that before.” Galantry inquired, her eyes blinking repeatedly.
“Once, when I was in our simulator on a longer mission, I began to wonder if a preprogrammed attack I dubbed ‘Coronaburst’ would prove useful or just tear my sim-broom apart. In implementation, the Broom’s A.I. accounts for all the friendly’s and creates a ‘mask’ that disables the weapons in specific areas- namely our friends. The ‘3D’ coronal burst pattern- with the ‘mask’- is then activated along with all weapons and all maneuvering emitters. It took quite a few trials varying the rotational speed before I found the ‘magic’ number- the speed at which a broom AND its pilot can survive the centripetal forces that temporarily overload the inertial dampeners.” I answered.
“Still, I wouldn’t recommend eating anything before that one. I performed many clean-ups in my simulator cockpit!”
“So, Aquia, what happened? It’s okay to say you were overwhelmed by the equipment. It happened to me the first time I took Hello Kitty out. I was halfway to Earth’s Horizon before she would let me take the stock.” I admitted.
“For me it was the fact I was ‘trans-dimensional’- or ‘at warp’ as Lady Chance calls it- and completely alone…well, Hello Kitty and I, that is. It can be very overwhelming…terrifying, actually. It’s funny how it didn’t bother me in Pegasus or Mini Van, though.” I continued.
We were all quiet for several standard minutes- me, I was contemplating the differences I had just spoken of; the others…I had no idea what Galantry or Aquia were thinking.
“I think we’ve trained enough for today, sisters. Lt. Greer has agreed to process all the data gathered from today’s simulation. We’ll all meet back here tomorrow for his report and to discuss his suggestions then we’ll discuss our next training objectives.” Lady Sandra announced, breaking the silence.

 
 
“Aunt Kitty? Have you heard anything from Mother?” Savanna Summers questioned as she burst into the unoccupied residence of the FeLane queen.
An armed squad of Royal Guards silently appeared behind her almost instantly. Upon seeing this particular young woman standing just inside the doorway, the guards became very uneasy.
The young Terran female seemed to sense she was not alone and slowly turned around.
“Sorry. I thought my aunt had returned from her negotiations.” Savanna explained.
“Young Lady Savanna! One does not breach the Royal Suite in such a manner!” PM Wa’tua Su corrected sternly as he hurriedly appeared from behind the steadfast guards.
The tall, black-haired, young woman lowered her gaze to the floor in submission.
“Understood, you’re Excellency.” She replied sadly.
Tua sighed heavily.
“Stop calling me that, Lady Savanna! I’ve told you numerous times to refer to me as Tua or Mr. Tua if you must. Now, what was the justification for your rude incursion?”
“I…I just wanted to know if… If Aunt Kitty had heard anything about my mother.” Savanna answered quietly- still not making eye contact with the Prime Minister or the guards.
“You know as well as I that you would be alerted instantly if any information had been received, Lady Savanna.” Tua reminded just before looking over his shoulder to the guards.
“Stand down, gentlemen. I’ll take it from here. Please delete this incident from your report. No need to worry our queen.”
The squad of four stood to attention then continued their prescribed security patrol, expressing huge sighs of relief as they did.
“Savanna? I must ask that you limit your curiosity and think over your actions before actually implementing them. I’m afraid you frighten the Royal Guard.” Tua said as he seemed to relax a bit.
“Why do they fear me, Mr. Tua?” Savanna asked quietly. Though appearing fully matured, her voice sounded adolescent in tone.
“Maybe it had something to do with you just ‘suddenly’ appearing at the queen’s door, Lady Savanna?” Tua insinuated with slight sarcasm. “Or it could be the fact that you are High Priestess Chance Summer’s daughter, and are capable of a great many seemingly ‘impossible’ things?”
“And you have demonstrated your abilities many times over in the past eight years.” Tua added nodding his head comically in agreement.
Despite the situation, Mr. Tua always succeeded in making her laugh.
“I’m sorry for putting the guards on alert, Mr. Tua. I try to be mature, but I’m just worried about mother. They’ve been gone a long time.”
“I understand, kitten, but I recommend not being in such a hurry to mature. Enjoy your youth while you can; and I wouldn’t worry so much about Lady Chance. She has a knack for successfully completing Witch Corp missions.”
“But my vision has me worried, Mr. Tua. I saw me and the Junior Corp rescuing mom and dad, my grandmas, and my aunts.”
“Well, if you saw that, you have no worries, Savanna. Your predictions are usually quite accurate.”
“I-I-I-I-I know, but without a Broom, I can’t get home. And if I can’t get home, how can we rescue Witch Corp?”
“Hmmmm, that does present a problem, doesn’t it, my lady? Have you considered using your talent?”
“My talent?’ Savanna asked as her eyes widened.
“Have you not transported from the Mare De Tempest to Earth’s Horizon?” Tua asked calmly. He still found this kitten’s powers unimaginable.
“Weeeelllll, yeah?” The tall, raven-hair beauty answered sheepishly. “But they were a lot closer together then.”
“If I may, my lady? ‘Distance’ does not seem to be a problem for you, despite your beliefs otherwise. If I recall correctly, as an infant, you transported from Pegasus, which was hovering four miles above Capital, to the roof of this residence and suffered no adverse health; though I on the other hand, almost caused myself heath issues from rushing plausible information to the media streamers. Now, from Queen Kitty’s own accounting, Earth’s Horizon was eighty thousand- ninety-six LY’s from Mare De Tempest. You suffered no ill effects from that transport either. So, I’m not going to try understanding the how or why, but I suggest you continue to develop that talent as it seems to increase range every time you do so.”
“Do you really think I can do it, Mr. Tua?” Savanna asked, hoping he was right.
“Since meeting your mother and the other members of Witch Corps, kitten, I am completely certain of your abilities.”
The young woman thought about it for all of twenty standard seconds.
“Okay. Thanks, Mr. Tua! I love you!”
Savanna Summers was instantly nowhere to be found. She had just vanished into thin air.
“May the Gods and Goddesses of old keep smiling on you, My Lady, Savanna Summers,” Tua offered as he glanced toward the hallway’s ceiling.
 
 

 
 
“According to Lt. Greer’s analysis, yesterday’s sim flight showed moderate improvement. Galantry. Your handling of your Broom is impeccable and precise, but your targeting in close, tense situations could still use polishing. Aquia? You’re showing satisfactory improvement on equipment handling, but you’re still too demanding of your Broom’s spaceframe…”
“Hi, everybody!” A young, raven-haired girl greeted as she suddenly appeared in the briefing room of the Witch Corps base.
Of course, almost everyone already in attendance jumped in surprise!
Lady Lyra Serangetti reacted differently.
The eight-year-old version of Savanna Summers found herself staring up the length of her Lynxin sister’s precisely aimed wand- the tip of which was already glowing blue!
She gulped loudly as she looked up at her friend in fear.
“Ummmmm. Is this the wrong time?” Savanna asked just above a whisper, tears starting to show at the corners of her eyes. Confusion instantly flashed to her face and she slowly looked down.
“Awwwwwwww! I’m back to my ‘little’ self!” She whined, completely forgetting about the tense situation she had just ‘popped’ into.
“I swear, Savanna, if you don’t stop ‘popping’ in on people…” Lyra began to threaten, but stopped short as she looked down into the girl’s big emerald eyes.
Is this what Lady Chance called ‘karma’? She thought to herself.
“URRRWL!” Lyra snarled as she angrily dismissed her wand.
“And just where did you transport in from?” Lyra demanded.
“I…I…I just left the Royal Residence, big sister?” Savanna answered hesitantly.
 
A hush fell over the room!
 
“You-you ported all the way from FeLane?” Lyra was aghast.
“Yes? But I used too much Current and now I’m back in my little girl’s body again.” Savanna whined in despair.
“Lady Lyra? Capt. Serangetti wishes to talk to you.” The base A.I. announced.
“Capt. Serangetti, Lady Lyra. What’s wrong, Poppy?”
“Lady Lyra, Mare’s sensors just detected a small asteroid that has suddenly appeared matching velocity to starboard- about ninety thousand metric tons. You wouldn’t know anything about that now, would you?”
“Lady Savanna just arrived from FeLane, Captain. Allow me a moment to check with…”
“SHE WHAT? I mean; is that even possible?”
Serangetti’s voice could be heard clearly from Lyra’s comm by everyone gathered. Savanna’s small head drooped sadly in shame.
“Apparently it is and she did, Captain. Now, allow me to check with her. Lady Savanna? Did you happen to find something on your journey back to Mare and leave it just outside?”
“Ummm… I felt…something…ummm…latch on? Along the way? It felt like something usable and I felt Current in it too, sooooo…” Savanna answered hesitantly.
“Capt. Serangetti? We’ll take care of the item in question. Lady Lyra, out.”
Lyra stared at her younger Coven sister a minute.
“An asteroid? Ninety thousand metric tons? Savanna, what were you thinking?”
“I felt we needed it for something?” She answered innocently with a shrug.
“Base? Could you do a component analysis on that asteroid to our starboard and elaborate on its utilization by Witch Corps Fabrication?” Lyra requested.
“Requested analysis confirms celestial material to starboard of Mare de Tempest contains enough fundamental materials to complete all delayed and pending Witch Corps projects. Suggested action: retrieve cosmic material to Witch Corps Material Storage Bunker for processing at earliest convenience.”
“We have a storage bunker?” Lyra gasped in surprise.
“Well, things just don’t pop in from the ether, Lady Lyra- Despite what our High Priestess alleges!” The A.I. opined haughtily.
“Shall I enable a tractor beam and see to the material’s proper storage, Lady Lyra?”
“That would be acceptable, yes. Thank you.” Lyra answered, amazed by the A.I.’s suddenly acerbic response.
“Lady Lyra? The mission debriefing?” Galantry reminded quietly to return to the previous topic.
Aquia, unfortunately, was still staring- mouth agog- at the eight-year-old standing next to Lyra.
 
 
“You wanted to see me, Poppy?” I asked as I walked into my father’s Witch Corps office.
“So…Savanna…all the way from FeLane.” He stated in disbelief.
“It seems so, Poppy. I contacted Capital and PM Tau confirmed her departure, asking if she had arrived unharmed. He suggested the transport after Savanna showed extreme concern for Lady Chance’s team’s tardiness. He said she just disappeared from in front of him. I have to admit, after her prophecy I’m a little concerned too.” I answered.
“Hmmm. Maybe you should start preparations in case the unthinkable does happen, My Lady.” Poppy suggested, as he seemed deep in thought.
“Preparations are already well underway, sir.” I reported.
“Celestial material has been retrieved, stored, and has entered processing. Project continuance has been enabled and all vital assignments will be completed in thirty-eight standard hours, Lady Lyra.” The A.I. interrupted.
“Thank you, Base.”
“What projects, My Lady?”
“Poppy! Stop that this instant! My name is ‘Lyra’! Not ‘My Lady’!” I groused.
Poppy just quietly laughed to himself.
“So… What projects are still awaiting completion, Lyra?” He restated.
“Basically, more Brooms. I haven’t seen the complete list. Only our High Priestess has access to that.” I informed. “Apparently the base ran out of material to carry out all of Lady Chance’s commissions three or four months ago.”
“And do we have any idea how such a large asteroid just happened to come alongside?”
I exhaled heavily.
“Savanna.”
Poppy snorted with closed eyes and a slight smile in response.
“And I thought Chance Summers would be the death of me.” Poppy whispered.
I giggled despite his morbid declaration.
“She is very precocious.” I answered with a roll of my eyes.
“Like mother like daughter as the Terrans claim.” Poppy chuckled. “Status on Aquia and Galantry?”
“Progressing. Aquia still insists on Alpha-handling her broom in the simulations. Galantry is a great pilot, but still lacks confidence against opponents in very close quarters.” I answered.
Poppy maintained silence for at least a standard minute, eyes closed and deep in thought. I had seen him like this many times- both on Mare and at home.
“Let’s just say Witch Corps requires assistance. What assets can the Junior Corps offer?”
“I recommend only the most senior rank of the Junior Corps be asked to participate. Currently five members are qualified and ready… if they are needed: Galanty, Aquia, Rowan, Garith, and Lithia. Link Anderson has proven very adept at navigation, so I would feel safe with him behind the glass. Equipment-wise, we have Hello Kitty, Teacher’s Pet, Californa Dreamin’, Zeus’ Pride, and Mini-Van. Oracle has finished construction but is off-limits until Savanna is of age.” I reported.
“Oracle! You mean it exists, Lyra?” Savanna shouted ecstatically as she was just…here… popped in right next to me!
Poppy and I hissed in surprise before looking to each other and laughing about the other’s fur standing poker straight.
“Kitten! What have I told you about announcing yourself?” Poppy growled, his canines showing menacingly.
“Is it true? Is it true? Is it true?” Savanna bubbled with excitement.
“Yes, but its parental lock will not clear until you have reached Terran maturity, Savanna.” I restated for the umpteenth time since she found out about her future Broom a few weeks ago on FeLane.
“Awwwww.” Savanna moaned and vanished!
I growled in annoyance once more.
“Has mother been informed of the possibility of a mission?” I asked, changing the subject after calming myself.
“She has been informed, Lyra. You know your mother though. She and Chairman Englert are very busy these days.” Poppy replied.
“Why did she have to take his offer of Assistant Chairman, Poppy? I thought she liked Mare de Tempest and us being a family here?”
“Sonya is very ‘career oriented’, Lyra. She always has been. If she is able to get away, she will join the mission. You can count on that.”
I nodded with a smile at that piece of welcome information.
“Ninety-two standard hours will reveal if Junior Corps’ mission is a go, Poppy. That was Lady Chance’s estimated outside limit on mission completion. I’m hopeful they won’t be needed, but we’ll be ready if the prophecy comes to pass. I’ll keep you updated.”
“I appreciate that, sweetie. Now. How are you doing? Your mother is constantly asking about you. I think she misses you. Either that or she is mining for information on Lt. Greer.” Poppy laughed.
 
 

 
 
Galantry Fenile and I accessed the Broom Closet entrance, in our senior JWC uniforms and our ‘two-day go bags’ as instructed, and stepped out onto the metal stairway platform. Mini-Van, Hello Kitty, Zeus’ Pride and California Dreamin’ sat staged on the flight line as if this were a real mission. Lyra and Lt. Greer were already performing their preflight inspections on Mini-Van and Hello Kitty.
“Just great! Another semi-virtual training flight!” I groaned.
This made five in three days!
“Is Lyra ever going to let up?” I moaned.
“Oh, come on, Water Lily! Kitten just wants to make sure that we’re ready if we’re needed. If you wouldn’t be so hard on the controls, maybe we wouldn’t need this Sim-Mish.” Galantry…Lil’ Gray replied neutrally.
“It’s easy for you, Lil’ Gray! You’re like her star pupil. I can’t seem to do anything right at the controls!”
We started down the stairs after seeing Lyra motion for us.
“I mean…I try my hardest and it never seems to be good enough.” I continued.
“Then maybe…” She paused. “Maybe you should NOT try so hard? You are a very good pilot, Aquia Anderson. Just let flying your Broom ‘flow’ naturally from you to the stick and try not to push as hard?” My Junior Coven sister suggested.
Was that it? Could I be trying too hard? Could I be too focused on proving myself?
“Today’s mission will be a little different, but fun. Today, our flight will be a complete mission from start to finish- hence packing our ‘go bags’- so we’ll be starting the mission right here from base.” Lyra announced with a devious smile. “Ladies, preflights, if you please.”
I immediately, nervously, looked to Californa Dreamin’ then around the Broom Closet’s ceiling.
“Lady Demi? Is it okay to fly California Dreamin’?” I inquired in a quivering voice.
“Already taken care of, Water Lily.” Lyra informed me with that same devious Lynxin smile.
I had learned that expression meant we weren’t going to like this simulation. Yet, I nodded with forced confidence.
“Californa Dreamin’? Starting preflight external inspection.” I announced as I stopped beside my designated Broom.
“Hey, girlfriend! I hear the curls are bitchin’ today. You ready to catch some waves?”
“If you are.” I giggled nervously despite feeling split between excitement of actually sitting in her cockpit and a dismal simulation.
As with the last two times Lyra had run this type of simulation, Californa Dreamin’ passed my careful inspection.
“Ready, Ladies?” Lyra inquired as she hovered up into Hello Kitty’s cockpit. Her devious smile had only grown bigger.
“As I’ll ever be.” I groaned in despair.
“Hey now, girlfriend! Ease up! I thought you got off on flyin’ me?”
“Just once I’d like to actually fly you, ‘Cali’. Not just sit at your controls through another simulation.” I lamented.
“Baby steps, girlfriend! Let’s just chill for now. The time will come to hit the ink, though; I promise. Let’s mount up.”
I politely asked my Current to lift me up into my Broom’s cockpit, strapped in, and began my instrument checks.
“Pegasus13, Pegasus12 is go for launch.” I announced over our comms when I finished my preflight.
“Pegasus13, Pegasus11. Preflight complete and standing by.” Lil’ Gray reported.
“Pegasus13, Pegasus II is go for launch.” Lt. Greer, or ‘Moderator’ announced.
“Broom Closet Control, Pegasus13 is go for launch. Start Witch Corps Flight 2 launch sequence.” Lyra announced as the flight line lights started dimming to black.
“Broom Closet decom initiation.”
“As usual we alert Mare Tower, circle her once, engage the course I’ve already distributed, enable deep space camo, and go Transdimensional.” Kitten said, laying out the parameters of this training simulation.
“Broom Closet decom complete.”
Stars appeared at the far end of the simulated flight line.
“Broom Closet doors open. Witch Corps Flight 2 Launch sequence initialized. Sequence will be Pegasus12, Pegasus11, Pegasus13, Pegasus II.”
“You heard her ladies. Let’s light ‘em up.” Kitten proclaimed excitedly and I began my propulsion initiation. I noted Zeus’ Pride’s emitters come online as Galantry started her propulsion system.
“Broom Closet Control, Kitten. Please alert Mare Tower and Capt. Serangetti of our Flight’s departure.”
“Witch Corps Flight 2 flight plan has been forwarded and Mare Tower confirms, Kitten.”
“Thanks, Control. Continue launch sequence.”
That was something different from past training sims. Was Lyra trying to make this one as real as possible?
“Ready, Girlfriend! My emitters are ‘purrin’ an’ I’m gettin’ horny just thinkin’ about that surf.” California Dreamin’- Cali… as she preferred I call her…confirmed.
Everything seemed just a little different about this training mission simulation so far.
There was a weird, but slightly familiar, barely noticeable vibration in the seat and control stock. Had Lyra or Lt. Greer modified the simulation effects?
“Broom Closet Control, Pegasus12, Water Lily. Ready for launch.” I declared as I disabled my gravity moorings.
“Copy, Pegasus12, you are cleared for launch.”
“Ok, Cali, let’s hit the ink.” I said to my Broom’s AI.
I had quickly familiarized myself with her strange speech patterns over the last few days. Not that I really understood her. Still, I slowly advanced the throttle, pulled slightly on my control stock, and my canopy filled with stars.
This was some detailed simulation! Lyra and Lt. Greer had gone way over on the detail!
“Pegasus11 ready for launch, Control.”
“Copy, Pegasus11. You are cleared for launch.”
“Pegasus13. Ready for launch.”
“Copy…oh, never mind. You are clear to launch, Pegasus II.”
“Copy, Broom Closet Control. Pegasus II is clear of Broom Closet.”
“Good hunting, Witch Corps Flight 2. Broom Closet Control, out.”
This was amazing! Such detail! It felt like I was really out here.
“Witch Corps Flight 2 form up on Hello Kitty.” Lyra ordered as I pulled California Dreamin’ smoothly into formation.
“So, whacha think, Girlfriend? The real thing’s pretty bitchin’, yeah?” Cali chirped happily.
Everything finally clicked! This wasn’t just another simulation! This really was real!
“The real thing?” I gasped in surprise!
“Water Lily! Settle down and smooth out.” Kitty ordered.
“Yo! Don’t freak on me, girlfriend. Just chill and ease the death-grip on my stick, hun. I’m like, totally not some rude horn-dog that likes it rough. Savy?” California Dreamin’ calmly advised.
This was the first time in the five training Sims where she actually protested my handling.
I quickly took several cleansing breaths and readjusted my grip on Cali’s stock and throttle.
“Sorry. Kitten didn’t tell us we were actually flying today. I just panicked for a second. I’m chill with it now, girlfriend.” I apologized.
“It’s like, totes cool. Big sis said you might freak, but that you’d find your groove before we go plaid. Ready chica?”
“Go plaid?” I asked.
“As briefed, we go once around Mare then go to ‘warp’ on the preset course.” Kitten reminded, interrupting my AI’s explanation of ‘plaid’. “Try to keep up, Ladies.”
Kitten started to come about towards Mare de Tempest and I tried not to break formation as we got closer and closer to the huge ship.
“Full throttle and camo in three; two; one!” Kitten counted down and I pushed my throttle forward.
The stars around me instantly became long streaks of vivid blue!
My breath stuck!
“It’s O.K. to scream ‘O!M!G!’ girlfriend. Goin’ plaid is like riding the perfect wave. Wait til we go ‘ludicrous’! Now that’s totes hitin’ the Primo pipes at North Shore!” Cali bubbled in her strange, comical dialect.
“Ludicrous?” I asked completely confused.
“Afterboost, girlfriend. That’s when things really get knarly.” Cali explained, as bubbly as ever.
“Oh.”
“Witch Corps Flight 2, Serangetti. Kitten? How many times have I told you and your ladies not to buzz my Bridge?!” Capt. Serangetti growled over our comm.
“Lil’ Gray and Water Lily needed the experience, Captain. They can’t get that in our simulators.” Lyra replied calmly.
“Fine. Have fun, ladies.” Capt. Serangetti replied after a few seconds pause. He didn’t sound very happy though.
A giggle escaped my throat then the giggle multiplied and I started laughing- tears flowing from my eyes!
I was flying!
I was flying a Broom- California Dreamin’- for real!
This was SOOOO fun!
“Kane system in three hours; so chill, girlfriend.” Cali advised as she took control to allow me to calm myself
 
 

 
 
“Alright, Ladies. Slow to sublight and revert to default camo. We’re almost there. Whitecliffe Tower, Witch Corps Flight 2, Kitten. Request permission to enter your system.” Lyra broke my boredom.
Not really boredom, but I had run out of questions to ask Cali almost an hour ago. I now had- more or less- a complete understanding of ‘20th and 21st century Californian’.
“So…what’s the four-one-one on Kane, girlfriend?” I asked.
“This is like, THE place, Lily! The High Priestess? She and Artie’s baby sis like totes kicked Hoblin ass! It was epic!” Cali bubbled.
“Witch Corps Flight 2, Kitten. We have permission to enter the Kane system and have been routed to Hopewell Field. I’ve sent each of you the course. Follow me in.” Kitten informed us.
“Course has been received, girlfriend. Displaying it now.” Cali informed me.
“Thanks, Cali. I can take it from here.” I said, thanking her for getting me to this point in our training mission.
 
 
Once arriving at the planet, we formed up and followed Lyra to a very old looking ‘airfield’- I mean one with real runways and hangars and taxiways. Hopewell Field.
Taxiing off the runway, we were directed to an old hangar and guided inside by some old guy.
He had to be almost thirty years old!
Mini-Van barely fit inside this old place, and once it was in, the old guy quickly closed the big aircraft doors even before our emitters were cooled.
 
 
“Lady Lyra!” The old guy shouted happily as Kitten hovered out of her broom. “How big you’ve grown! How’s ol’ mom and dad?”
“Keats! Nice to see you too! We missed you at my initiation party. You doin’ okay?” Kitten answered as Galantry and I touched the floor also. Lt. Greer was just opening Mini-Van’s hatch.
‘Of course she knows this geezer! She seems to know people everywhere we go.’ I thought to myself.
“Keats? This is Lady Fenile Galantry and Lady Aquia Anderson. Ladies this is Keaton Yates. Lady Hope calls him the ‘best damn mechanic in the Way’.”
“A real pleasure, Ladies. Just call me ‘Keats’ though. With the exception of Janet Redman, we don’t stand on those formalities much around here.” ‘Keats’ said as he gently offered to shake our hands.
Galantry gasped as Keats took and genteelly shook her hand.
“You’re…bi-spirited?” She blinked both inner and outer eyelids a few times in surprise.
“Wrench here also goes by Lady Kaitlyn when activated, Ladies.” Lyra informed us.
“Activated?” Galantry questioned in curiosity.
Keats chuckled.
“What you already are and what I wasn’t until I first met Hope Summers, Lady Galantry. Then again when I met our High Priestess eight years ago.”
“So what brings you ladies way out here? The Hoblins go on the defensive?” Keats asked.
“Training mission.” Lyra answered. “Aquia and Galantry have been running simulations for about two standard weeks now and I thought it was time to broaden their horizons. Hey. Lt. Niger Greer, Keaton Yates. Or just Keats.”
“Lieutenant.” Keats nodded in typical ‘alpha guy’ fashion.
“Keats.” Lt. Greer returned the greeting nod.
“I hope you two asked permission to fly these two beauties. I happen to know they’re owners can be very…um…picky about who pilots them.” The old man returned his attention to us and nodded to both our Brooms then looked around the ceiling in worry.
“I cleared them with Olympus, Keats, so relax.” Lyra giggled.
“Oh…okay. So how long you ladies…and gent gonna be in town? I just cleaned and vacuumed the guest quarters this morning. Sorry to say, things are really slow around here while our local Antarran contingent is still ‘partying’ it up across the galaxy attending a trade summit. So, things will be very…VERY boring around here until they- >Janet<- return.” Keats answered with a bit of humorous attitude.
“We should be leaving mid-morning tomorrow. This mission was just to get some real flight time.” Lyra told him.
“Fair enough! Let me show you guys around. To begin with, Welcome to the small city of Vermillion Station. I’m sure you got a grand view from overhead. It’s not that remarkable a place- mostly rural and outer urban compared to Whitecliffe. Anyway, I like it and call it home. As you already know, this is Hopewell Field. And this,” Keats raised his arms to the ceiling and slowly turned around, “is EFMC Witch Corps’ Kane system sub-base. We’re mostly a repair and resupply base for the Coven.” Keats dropped his hands. “Well, that’s the tour. Now…let me show you to the living quarters.”
“So how many people are assigned here, Keats?” I asked in curiosity.
Keats smiled deviously.
“Just me…well, sometimes Lady Simone when she’s here visiting her folks.”
 
 

 
 
Taking my mug of fresh-brewed herbal tea, I walked over to where Keats was sitting on an old, yet comfortable, couch.
“So how’d they do, honey?” He asked bluntly.
“That remains to be seen.” I said quickly as my gaze dropped to the floor in front of me.
Keats regarded me for about a minute.
“Okay. I’ve known you entirely too long not to notice. What’s going on Lyra? Why the training mission? Why two Junior Cadets? They can’t be much older than you, and I already know Lynxin’s mature faster than Terrans or Orions. So what’s going on that you aren’t telling me?”
“…”
“Come on, kid! It’s Kate talkin’ to ya now. What’s goin’ on?” Kaitlyn Yates insisted. Keats had just activated and his signature overalls had changed to fit her female body.
“Witch Corps hasn’t returned from their latest mission yet.”
“So? Maybe they had more to do than expected. Where’s the munchkin?”
“Savanna is still back on the Mare, Kate.”
“She spout one of those predictions that usually sends shivers up my spine?” She asked.
I nodded.
“And?”
“And she prophesied JWC would have to rescue them, Kate.” I said, wiping my tears away. They had just suddenly formed.
“Well, the munchkin’s predictions have always been mostly correct if not bone-chillingly accurate.” Kate smiled tensely and her body seemed to shake with the thought.
“I don’t know if JWC is up to it. I don’t know if I’m ready to give the orders!” I suddenly spit out. “I’m not Chance, or Kitty, or Hope…or any of them, Kate! I’m not confident I can lead these young people to what might be their ends!” I cried turning and planting my head on her near shoulder.
“Hey! Ease up there, kid! First off. What type of mission they go on?” She asked while gently rubbing my mane from between my ears on back.
“That’s just it, Kate! Chance left no information about where and what! We have nothing except Savanna’s vision. For all I know they flew right into a trap.” I admitted my ultimate fear. “They all could be deceased.”
“Wasn’t the Base AI following them?”
“If she was, she won’t reveal anything that might help, I’m afraid.”
“That is strange…almost like Chance somehow knew something would happen.” Kate thought to herself though loud enough we both heard her. She paused to look to me.
“Maybe I could check my back-ups.” Kate manifested her DataTab. “So. You got a departure date, honey?”
 
 
“Sorry, Lyra. There’s nothing in the ghost. All I found is some coordinates from two weeks ago. Looks like Pegasus’ last check-in. Um…” Kate frowned as her finger moved quickly over the DataTab’s surface. “Oh, okay. Her last check-in was from smack-dab between Hygherlon and Vega systems. I’ll transfer the previous check points to Hello Kitty.”
Kate touched a few more places on the device. “There. Now you know about as much as I know, honey.”
“So where do you think they were headed?” I asked as I tried to dry my face.
“Hmmmm. Let’s see.” She said working her DataTab’s screen once more. “Barring any unknown course corrections looks like they were headed for The Badlands.” Kate paused.
“That ain’t good.” She quickly added.
“The Badlands?” I asked. I had heard only small bits of information on that group of systems that refused offer after offer from the Galactic Alliance.
“Three very close, neighboring systems that refuse to have anything to do with any kind of civilized government. Hope, Charli, and Chantell referred to it as the ‘Wild West’ of the Way, they claimed it was something similar to what they called ‘Firefly’?” Kate shrugged, telling me she had no idea what that meant.
“How would we know for certain if they actually went there, Kaitlyn?” I asked. I hoped she had some sensitive equipment we could use to locate Pegasus- or at least a Broom.
“The Mini-Van should have the right equipment to do the job, but it would be very short-range.”
“How ‘short-range’?” I asked as my eyes narrowed.
“You’d have to be almost in the system to scan all its planets; so system by system.”
I snarled despite wanting not to!
“I hear ya, sweetie! The Badlands sound like no place I’d take kids.”
“Would it be too much if I asked if you would consider coming along, Kaitlyn?” I asked…I pleaded while making my eyes as big as I could.
“Ease up, kid! Jeez-Louise! Let me check my schedule.” Kate groaned as she dismissed her DataTab.
“Hey Base? Is there anything on my schedule that would prevent me from helping Lady Lyra? Cleaning? Cooking? Repairing a Spaceframe or two?” She asked.
“Who are you trying to kid? Aside from restoring that four-wheeled junk heap out back and playing cards, you don’t have a schedule!”
“Oh, yeah. Thanks, Base.” Kate grimaced.
“I take it you want me to top her off, Lady Kaitlyn?” The AI inquired sarcastically.
“If you would? Thanks. We’ll be leaving tomorrow, mid-morning.”
“Finally! I’ll get some needed peace and quiet!” The AI commented happily.
Kaitlyn rolled her eyes as she pulled me close and continued to stroke my long mane.
 
 
“So? How was your night in town, Lt. Greer?” I asked as the slightly older, good-looking Lynxin male groaned and wobbled across the hangar floor to Mini-Van.
“Oh…hey, Lady Aquia. Yeah…it was…it was okay.” He responded, though he didn’t look too good- health-wise at the moment.
“You and Lady Galantry get enough rest last night?” He asked.
“Meh. Not really. I think we were too excited from the trip. I still can’t imagine I flew a Broom here…all the way to Kane!” I couldn’t help squealing in excitement.
Lt. Greer cringed and reached both hands to his head with a groan of pain. I had seen mom do this many times over the years since she adopted all eight of us- usually after one of our larger intra-family skirmishes.
The Lynxin Alpha silently turned and continued on his course to our base ship.
“What’s his problem, Aquia?” Galantry asked as she stopped beside me and watched Lt. Greer stumble up the boarding ramp into Mini-Van.
“He, Lyra, and Keats went into town last night. I think he had a little too much beverage.” I answered with a devious giggle.
Lyra and a young woman neither of us recognized entered the Hangar- both in full Witch Corps uniforms.
Galantry and I immediately followed their lead and called up our senior JWC uniforms.
“Hello. I am Lady Aquia Anderson. Who may you be, My Lady?” I inquired of the unknown Coven sister.
“Aquia? Galantry? I’d like you to meet Lady Kaitlyn Yates. Kaitlyn has graciously agreed to assist the JWC.” Lyra introduced and announced.
“It will be an honor serving with you all, my ladies.” She replied pleasantly.
I couldn’t believe that this was the old guy we met yesterday! Still, I bowed in greeting.
“Now, shall we get the ball rolling?” Kaitlyn suggested as she motioned toward our Brooms.
“You shall be welcomed as my second, Lady Kaitlyn.” Galantry offered.
“Oh. Thanks sweetie, but I have my own ride. Icarus, honey? We’re ready to go. Come out, come out, wherever you are?” Lady Kaitlyn called melodically.
Another Broom materialized in the far left corner of the hangar. On its nose was a picture of a Terran male with what looked like a strange pair of feathered wings strapped to his arms. Just ahead and above the strange, winged man was a small, brightly painted, yellow sun. The tip of the man’s wing closest to the bright orb showed signs of melting?
“Hey! What took so damned long? I’ve been waiting an eternity! Let’s go, ya old broad!” Icarus’s male voice complained.
Lady Kaitlyn turned to us, blushing.
“Our High Priestess’ idea. We ready, sisters?” She explained almost sardonically.
 
 

 
 
“Recovered from last evening yet, Lieutenant?” Kate asked as Greer appeared on Mini-Van’s ramp.
Greer stopped immediately and stared at the Witch Corps uniform and the unfamiliar woman wearing it. He then looked around the flight line.
“Ummm. How? How did I get here? Are we back on Mare? Have we met before, my lady?”
“Kaitlyn Yates- ‘Wrench’, but you can call me Kate, hun.” Kate giggled.
She was as bad as Chance, Charli, Hope, or Chantell when it came to teasing!
“You’re… ‘Wrench’?” Greer gulped in surprise.
“All my life, hun.” Kate giggled again.
“Lady Kaitlyn! How nice to see you again!” Poppy welcomed brightly as he appeared at the top of the metal stairs to our base living quarters and approached.
“Likewise, Capt. Serangetti. Glad to be able to help our JWC if needed.”
Poppy’s attention shifted to my bodyguard.
“Looks like 45LY/sec doesn’t agree with you, Lt. Niger Greer.” Poppy stated formally though looked slightly amused.
“A late night, I’m afraid, Skipper. Keats showed our LT around Vermillion Station last night. Annnnd, well, we might have toasted our ancestors a bit too much.” Kate reported humorously.
Poppy looked back to me.
“You drank another one under the table again, didn’t you?”
“We both did, Skipper.” Kate giggled “I mean…Keats did…um…Skipper.”
Poppy just shook his head and turned his attention to Galantry and Aquia.
“And I see you two made it back in one piece?” He asked of my cadets. “Like flying these birds, my ladies?”
Both young women smiled and nodded excitedly.
Poppy’s smile widened.
“Think you’d like to do it again?”
The shrill screeching of two teenage girls echoed throughout the massive Broom Closet!
 
 
“So what came up, My Lord Kimbou?” I asked Poppy officially as he motioned me into his on-base office.
“I was just making sure Ladies Galantry and Aquia were comfortable with their Brooms, Lady Lyra.” He admitted with a wink. “How do you think they performed?”
“I believe they are ready, My Lord. Both performed admirably and maintained a very high level of professional attitude while visiting the Kane system.” I reported professionally.
“They will make a wonderful addition to Witch Corps. In fact, I have already submitted their applications for commission to the High Priestess.” I continued then sighed to myself. “If she ever sees it, that is.”
Poppy nodded in acknowledgement.
“And the others? Will they also perform in accordance to Witch Corps standards?”
“I believe so, though I’d much rather have their activated forms in case we are overrun by Hoblins.” I answered truthfully.
“Unfortunately, Lady Chance is unavailable. And lest we forget, Terran males- especially young, pubescent, Terran males do not take favorably to being ‘activated’.” Poppy reminded.
My memories of Jaime ‘Chairman’ Quincy eight years ago presented themselves. I could only imagine the disturbance Rowan, Garith, Derrick, or Link, could create if ‘activated’. I don’t think the base could handle it for long. Those four Andersons were all within a year of each other and unfortunately, made up most of the senior echelon of the JWC.
If any mission were needed, they were the JWC. Though, they would be even more effective if in their activated form.
That was out of the realm of possibilities for the foreseeable future.
“My Lady?” Poppy asked as he got my attention.
“Just concerns. Small concerns…worries at best, Lord Kimbou.”
“Lyra. They will do their job. You will do your job, my wonderful kitten. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities… and in their abilities. Trust me. Command is stressful enough without adding second –guessing to the mix. Mind you, it will always be there in the back of your mind, but trust your instincts as you have in the past.”
“Excuse me. Permission to enter, Captain Serangetti?” Lt. Greer asked from the office’s slightly ajar doorway.
“Granted. What’s on your mind, Greer?” Poppy greeted.
“I…I have concerns, sir. About any upcoming mission this unit may undertake.”
“Oh? What concerns, Lieutenant?”
“Sir. After bearing witness to what this unit…even it’s junior detachment, is capable of, I am concerned that I will only slow any possible mission down…impede it from a successful resolution.”
Poppy began chuckling then flat-out laughing.
“Ooooh!” He started as he took his ever-present monogrammed linen from his uniform pants pocket and began wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes. “I couldn’t possibly tell you all the times I’ve felt that way in the presence of these remarkable ladies, son! Rest assured you are far from alone in those thoughts. I once thought my Royal Guard training and status had prepared me for anything the galaxy could produce…” Poppy began to laugh again, but quickly calmed himself.
“Then I met Lady Chance Summers and her Coven. Oh, how very naive I was! This unit- Witch Corps- demonstrated how very different our perception of reality truly is. And because of my association with them, I find myself humbled and…and embarrassed that I thought myself prepared for my life in any way.”
“Poppy!” I gasped then blushed at my outburst. “I-I mean Lord Kimbou. You should not devalue your contributions to the Corps!” I argued.
“Your leadership, counseling, and wisdom have added to the effectiveness of this unit since the Mare incident. I can say without doubt that Lady Chance- the Coven on whole- values your participation and sponsorship.” I vouched staunchly.
“See, son? Because of Witch Corps even my just matured kitten has a better resolve to duty and honor than most of my command staff. So…if Lady Lyra here has chosen you and brought you into this unit…no…this family, she sees something special in you. Something she thinks will bolster the Corps.” Poppy said then paused.
“Face the facts, son, they’ve chosen us to be a part of all this and we’d only be damning ourselves for fighting it!”
“CC, Capt. Serangetti.”
Poppy held up his finger to silence our conversation.
“Serangetti, go ahead?”
“Captain, Environment and Resources just detected a negative point one percent deviation in our Current reserve reservoir.”
“Probable explanations, CC?” Poppy requested.
“None that you’d believe, sir.”
“Humor me, Lt. Commander.”
“Sir… the OD, CPO Chambers, claims a young, Terran female just appeared and- in his words- ‘sucked’ a massive amount of Current from the reservoir as if it were a water faucet! I’m almost hesitant to believe him, sir.”
“I see,” Poppy looked directly at me- his eyes asking our shared question. “That report is more believable than I can substantiate at this time. I’ll see to the matter personally, seeing as I have the necessary clearance level. Serangetti out.”
The office was silent for a moment.
Poppy calmly activated his Witch Corps comm.
“Lady Savanna, Serangetti. My Base office. Now.”
“You wanted to speak with me, Lord Kimbou?” The adult version of my eight-year-old Coven sister asked as she just appeared to the left of Poppy’s desk.
Well, that answered the question of who and what. Now we just needed to find out the ‘why’.
I had a sneaking suspicion I knew that answer.
Poppy groaned as our eyes beheld the black-haired, seventeen-year-old, Terran female form of Lady Chance’s eight-year-old daughter.
“Lady Savanna, do I need to ask the question of ‘why’?” Poppy asked calmly.
“In order for the upcoming mission to be successful, certain criteria must be met, Lord Kimbou.” Savanna’s voice sounded too mature, almost like…
“Welcome, Oracle. To what do we owe this visit?” I asked with a courteous bow to point out that this wasn’t exactly Savanna Summers.
“Concerns have arisen as to the proper staffing of Witch Corps’ JWC’s latest endeavor. I will now take the necessary preparations to assist those requirements.
Savanna…Oracle pointed to Greer and a blue sphere engulfed him!
From experience, I knew what was happening.
Lasting only a few seconds, the blue sphere dissipated and the ‘activated’ form of Lt. Niger Greer stood before us.
The tall, long tawny-maned, Lynxin female wearing a Witch Corps uniform quickly started to panic.
“What? What? What? Wh…?” Greer gasped out before she collapsed to the floor- unconscious.
“Lady Lyra, Lady Sandra!”
“Lady Sandra? What’s wrong?” I answered the harrowed voice on my comm.
“Um…Um…is…um…something…something…um… just happened in our quarters and…um…do we know where Lady Savanna is?”
“Our seventeen-year-old Coven sister is standing right next to me, my lady. Care to elaborate?” I answered, hinting that I might have some clue as to what might have happened.
“I now have eight daughters, Lyra! Seven of them dressed in Corps uniforms! What the hell is going on?!”
“If you can, have the Coven report to the briefing room in fifteen minutes, Lady Sandra. I’ll have an explanation by then. Hopefully.”
“Marvelous! Anderson, out!” She replied sarcastically.
“Any explanation, Oracle?” I asked, my eyes narrowed and focused intently on her.
“I shall save that for our briefing, my lady.” Savanna answered with a slight bow then vanished.
 
 
“Lyra! What the HELL?” Lady Sandra Anderson verbally attacked, hysterical, as soon as I entered the large briefing room. Following me in were Poppy and a still manic, but partially functioning Lt. Greer.
“Kitty? When did you get here?” Sandra demanded, looking past Poppy and I to the paranoid Lynxin female.
“She is not our highness, Kitty Sinae, Lady Sandra. May I re-introduce Lt. Niger Greer?” I said with a cringe. I had immediately seen the similarities between my cousin and the ‘activated’ lieutenant. Could we possibly share some maternal genetic code?
“Greer? How? Why?” Lady Sandra asked in a not-so-understanding way as she looked around all three of us for someone else. “Where is she! Where’s Oracle?”
Behind Lady Sandra sat all eight of the Anderson siblings in varying forms of mental duress- seven of them looking very nice- though four seeming very uncomfortable- in their official uniforms.
“Oracle needs to explain herself! Now!” Sandra demanded, pointing her right index finger down hard into her left palm.
“Look, honey, I have no idea why Sandy called us all to a meeting. She sounded on the verge of losing it though.” Lady Kaitlyn’s voice could be heard out in the hallway. She and Galantry entered not a moment sooner…
And stopped dead in their tracks.
“Ooooohhhhhhh Shit!” Kate exclaimed as she observed way too many females in attendance.
“Shall we call this briefing to order, my fellow Coven sisters?”
Everyone jumped in fright as Savanna had suddenly appeared ahead of us.
“What have you done to my children?” Sandra shouted heatedly to the black-haired, young lady.
Lt. Greer fell to her knees and began weeping loudly through her hands.
Kate quickly grabbed Greer by her scruff and pulled her to standing.
“Don’t show her any weakness, honey. The Gods thrive on that shit.” She whispered to our newest Lynxin sister.
“I will not take profit from my actions, Lady Kaitlyn Yates. I am merely providing a necessary service- one that will allow Witch Corps to provide rescue and recovery services to our own.”
“What gives you the right…?” Sandra attacked verbally- her instantly appearing wand beginning to glow blue before Savanna cut her off.
“In lieu of mother and grandmother’s absence, I am the only other Coven member capable of activating additional members, Lady Sandra,” Savanna…Oracle, I realized… reached over and simply snuffed out the tip of Sandra’s primed wand with her finger and thumb.
Sandra’s eyes bulged at the action.
“Therefore I took the sage advice humorously proposed earlier and ‘sucked’ on the Current conduits’. Replenishing my Current reserve not only again modified my body, but also provided me with the Current to perform multiple activations as required by our looming mission.
Galantry suddenly gasped as a similar blue sphere instantly engulfed her then slowly dissipated. The now uniformed Orion staggered in place a few times before shaking the unseen changes off.
“There. Now we’re all ready to proceed.” Savanna nodded in satisfaction.
“So, you really are a Current Vampire.” Kate stated needlessly.
Savanna smiled deviously.
“Could everyone please take their seats and I’ll explain my motives?”
“Let it rip, toots, but if I so much as even start to think about liking men, we’re havin' it out!” Kate threatened.
“First off.” Oracle said, completely ignoring Kate’s threat. “I have activated those Coven members that will be called into service on our rescue mission. Second. My activations can be reversed once our High Priestess is back among us. At the very least, I will be more than happy to reverse what I have done if the mission should not succeed.” Oracle advised, though her focus drifted to the deck with her last statement.
“Lastly. I have been stricken from the mission roster by higher powers…”
Oracle quickly wiped her face dry and stoically continued.
“I have the highest confidence that you, my senior Coven sisters will successfully complete this sensitive and stressful mission, and return our loved ones back to us. Thank you, my sisters.”
Savanna collapsed to the deck, unconscious.
Of all of us, only little Lilith hurried around the table to attend to her fallen sister.
“Is Savanna gonna be okay? Why was she talkin’ so strangely, Lady Sandra? Lady Lyra? Anybody?” The ten-year-old, gray-haired, Delvian asked in worry.
“She needs to rest, honey. When Savanna channels her ‘Patron’- Oracle- it takes a toll on her and she needs to rest a few hours. She’ll be better after she sleeps, Lilith.” Sandra told her youngest.
Still unconscious, Savanna vanished.
“What about us?” Almost fifteen-year-old Rowan Anderson demanded. “I don’t want to be a girl! I’m a guy.”
Derrick and Garith nodded their agreement. Of the four Anderson boys, only Link seemed accepting of her change.
“Well I think my new sisters look very pretty!” Lithia praised with a huge satisfied smile pasted to her face.
“I think we should keep them like this.” Seth added as she reached down to fix Rowan’s skirt hem. “Bro! Sit with your legs together.” She reminded in a loud whisper.
“Lady Lyra. I want our new sisters’ abilities evaluated and ranks assigned promptly. Then I need them brought back into condition for the mission.” Poppy ordered.
“Yes, my lord Kimbou.” I answered, straightening to attention.
“You five.” Poppy pointed to Garith, Rowan, Derrick, Link, and Greer. “I expect you to live up to the Witch Corps code of conduct! There is to be no more internal conflicts or feudal campaigns from here on out. My Ladies,” Poppy looked to Aquia, Lithia, Seth, Lilith, and Galantry. “It is my recommendation that you help your new Coven sisters adapt to their new forms until such a time as they can be returned to their inactivated forms. Is that understood?”
Everyone nodded acknowledgement.
“Good! I’ll leave retraining to Ladies Kaitlyn and Lyra. Lady Sandra? May I have a word back in my office, please?”
“Yes, of course, Lord Kimbou.” Sandra answered uneasily as she and Poppy exited the briefing room. She looked back in concern at the rest of us several times before disappearing down the passage.
“Coven! Third level now for evaluations.” I ordered and walked out.
 
 
“Alright, ladies! Let’s see what you’ve got!” I shouted to the group of complaining, griping, and moaning young women in front of me.
The intolerable noise didn’t stop.
“Base. I need Class C Hoblin targets in quadrant four of the training hall- five hundred- for qualifying.” I shouted above the din.
Immediately, down at the opposite end of our huge training hall, hundreds of low-grade Hoblins appeared- with Current blasters in hand.
Kaitlyn was the first struck by a blaster beam.
“Wait. Huh?” She said as she turned and noticed the advancing hoard.
Without another word she called her wand and shotgun then opened up on the ‘pawn-class’ opponents.
The first wave disappeared in roughly three minutes, but her shotgun was loud enough to call attention and silence the multiple voices nearer me.
“That was a dirty trick, kid. Good distraction though.” She grinned at me while dispatching her gun and blowing away the imaginary smoke from the tip of her wand.
“Base, display Lady Kate’s score.” I requested.
A perfect score: five hundred shots for five hundred kills in two-point-seven-one minutes. A ranking of S-12 in the lower right corner of the huge holographic display appeared.
“Not bad for an older witch.” Aquia sniped. “My turn. Base, please reset and start.”
Another hoard appeared at the other end of our training hall and Aquia let her wand fly!
“Base, display Lady Aquia’s score.” I requested as Aquia frowned and muttered quietly to herself.
‘672/500; 2.02 minutes. An overall ranking of J-14.’
“Nice try, kid.” Kate gloated. “Accuracy wins over speed every time.”
“I don’t understand! I’m usually much better than this.” Aquia said to herself, trying to make sense of her poor performance.
“Rowan! You’re next.” I ordered.
“I’m not sure I can do this, Lyra.” The young woman standing unsteadily in her high-heeled uniform boots, in standard Witch Corps dress informed me without making eye contact.
“You have been activated, Rowan. That more than guarantees your success in this simulation. You’ve done this training hundreds of times. Just let yourself go and don’t think about it.” I recommended as I reached out and gently took her hand then pulled her into position.
“Base, reset simulation and start.” I ordered once again.
After a slightly delayed start, Rowan’s female body flew into action.
 
 
‘500/500; 2.001 minutes. Rank J-10.’
Rowan- as well as Aquia- looked stunned!
“How’d she do that? Rowan was never as good as me! Ever!” Aquia cried foul.
“Maybe you are still trying too hard, Lady Aquia.” Galantry suggested as Link Anderson took her position on the firing line.
 
 
‘500/500;1.501 minutes. Rank J-9.’
“Well done, my lady.” I congratulated, proudly.
Link smiled broadly as she stepped back to her sisters.
“You cheated by using both hands!” Aquia and Rowan accused.
“By whatever method or technique you feel comfortable with is acceptable, ladies.” I reminded. “This is a general training simulation to familiarize each of you with your new, enhanced abilities. Lady Derrick, you’re next.”
“Lady Derrick.” I said again.
“Derrick!” I shouted, staring right at her. “You’re up!”
 
 
‘550/500; 2.003 minutes. Rank J-13.’
“Not bad, Lady Derrick. Being activated agrees with you.” I praised. “Lady Garith?”
 
 
‘502/500; 1.98 minutes. Rank J-11’
“Also well done, my lady.” I congratulated, proudly.
Garith smiled as she stepped back.
“Lithia? Give it your best.”
 
 
‘499/500; 2.00 minutes. J-4.’
“Nice shootin’ Tex!” Kate whistled. Lithia was lucky enough to hit two Hoblins with one shot.
“Lady Galantry?”
Galantry nodded to me and took her position.
“Base, reset simulation and start.” I ordered.
Galantry set her footing then produced her wand and pointed it at the center of the advancing crowd.
A low tone began to build from somewhere near her wand and it quickly increased in frequency to a whistle before- suddenly- a massive blue beam burst forth from its tip.
 
 
‘1/500; 0.0666667 minutes. Rank J-1.’
The training hall remained uncomfortably quiet as we all stared, unblinking, at the holographic display’s score.
Kaitlyn Yates said it all as her mouth dropped open.
“Fuhhhhh…”
Aquia stood staring at her Coven sister for several minutes, her mouth hanging open in complete disbelief.
 
 
“Excellent, my lady! Very good improvisation.” I praised after a minute of trying to acclimate myself to what I had just seen. “Unbelievable.” I whispered.
“Wow! Simone got some serious competition!” Kate laughed nervously. “Seeing Galantry’s performance, I can only imagine how Greer performs.”
“Niger Greer. Let’s see what you got.” I looked to my bodyguard. Greer was looking ready to faint and very uncomfortable in her Witch Corps uniform.
“I’m…I’m not ready.”
My eyes narrowed as I focused on her.
“I thought the Royal Guard conditioned its members to accept anything they could possibly face in the line of duty, Lieutenant? Are you admitting to substandard training? That being the probable case, are you saying that your commitment to protecting our queen, FeLane, and her Princesses is not genuine or foremost?”
“No, Lyra! I’m completely dedicated to protecting Sinae Kitty! And you especially!” Greer shot back angrily.
“Then show me!” I growled menacingly. “Show me that no matter what form or situation you find yourself in, you will still honor your pledge to our Monarchy!” I shouted directly in her face. “Base! Reset simulation and start!”
Without pause, Greer rushed the simulated mob like a demon possessed!
 
 
‘0/500; 1.0003 minutes. Rank S-2c.’
Greer was standing alone, in the center of what had been five hundred simulated Hoblins!
“Um…” I looked back to my Coven sisters. “I think I forgot to show her how to manifest her wand.”
“Good close quarter and hand to hand drill, Lady Greer. Excellent form and technique!” I complimented.
Greer was looking at the holo-display in absolute horror. Apparently, she was completely unprepared for her enhanced fighting ability and began staring at her hands- enhanced claws still fully extended.
Kate quickly looked around at everyone and, taking my hand, led us over to the shocked, Lynxin female- still incredulously staring at her extended battle claws.
“That was absolutely fantastic, honey! Never saw anything quite like it these last eight years- and a three-way tie for second no less.” She congratulated while rubbing Greer’s shoulders.
“I’m…I-I-I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to destroy all those… What were they again?” Greer asked in almost a whisper.
“They’re called Hoblins and are the things that invaded and took over Mare eight years ago, my lady. Sinae Kitty, Kate, and I had a hand in severely curtailing their expansion through the galaxy at the time.” I explained.
Manifesting my wand, I slowly raised it to Greer’s hat and using the technique Chance Summers had shown me, flicked it to change the slouched point’s position to ten o’clock.
“Congratulations, Lady Greer. Welcome to Witch Corps. You will be my second.” I announced officially.
Kaitlyn Yates sighed in relief.
“For a minute there, I was thinking you’d bestow that dubious honor on me, kid. Congrats, Greer, you more than earned it.”
“How-how-how does destroying a few hundred sims qualify me to be your second in command, Princess Lyra?” Greer inquired shyly.
“Because you fight just like she does, Lieutenant.”
“I fight like who, Lady Kaitlyn?”
“You fight like my cousin, Queen Sinae Kitty, Lady Niger Greer.” I answered sincerely. “You have just proven that by tying a score that Queen Kitty and I share- second place overall in the Witch Corps skill rankings!” I added.

 
 
“So now that we’ve debated our options regarding Savanna’s intervention, let’s look in on JWC’s qualifying trials.” Capt. Serangetti suggested thereby changing the subject he and Sandra Anderson had been discussing.
“Can we discuss my so…daughter, Link, briefly, Lord Kimbou?” Sandra asked quickly, and with some obvious frustration.
“Ah yes. Lady Link. I noticed. How old is she, my lady?”
“Link just turned fifteen, sir.”
“Had you researched or known of his/her origins before the adoption, my lady?”
“No, sir, I hadn’t. As you recall sh…he was slated to be returned to an uncle on Eden Three. Very little was known about her lineage- just that the uncle had been previously incarcerated there then paroled just before the uprising eight years ago- at which time the uncle was killed in said uprising. So, this is completely unexpected. I thought Cora might be able to help. Should I contact her for confirmation?”
“Link is still somewhat young, my lady. From what I know of that Subspecies, the hair does not completely change until the physical alterations of maturity have almost concluded- usually around seventeen.”
“That’s more than anyone’s told me to this point, sir; since Simone’s change was instant, according to Chance. Still, the blue streaks she does have are very pretty… and very revealing. What do I tell her if her siblings bring it up?”
“Warn them that she has been activated. That should be enough. Then we contact Lady Cora. Agreed?”
“Agreed, sir.”
“Base? Please display a live feed from level three’s training hall.”
A holo-display appeared showing a live look at Lyra and Kaitlyn, along with Lt. Greer and all the Anderson siblings. At the moment Lyra had called Fenile Galantry into position and launched the simulation.
There was a very slight delay then a very strange humming that quickly increased to a high-pitched whistle then a brilliant flash.
“Damn! What the hell was that?” Sandra Anderson gasped in surprise.
“I’ve never seen anything like it either, my lady.” Serangetti agreed, his eyes never leaving the live feed.
“By the Gods! One shot took out all five hundred. And in four seconds!” The Captain gasped again as his gaze caught the score and ranking in amazement.
“Where have we seen that ability before?” Sandra Anderson asked while smiling and shaking her head.
In the background they could clearly make out Kaitlyn Yates’ one-word, drawn-out commentary.
After several minutes, Lyra called upon Lt. Greer. Greer quickly and shyly tried to beg off the test.
Captain Serangetti nodded silently, but smiled proudly as Lyra challenged Greer to demonstrate her commitment to the queen and her Royal Court.
What happened next in the training hall had Serangetti sucking in a huge amount of air and wondering if what he had just witnessed was truly live!
“Impossible!” He exhaled in complete astonishment. “How can she attack that fast and take out every last one of them- bare-handed no less?”
“I’ve seen those moves before, Captain. In fact, I’m quite familiar with them.” Sandra admitted. “Kitty.”
“Base, please replay that last match, but slow it by fifty percent.” Serangetti requested.
Both Sandra and Serangetti watched in amazement as Greer seemingly held nothing back. Even in slowed motion the Lynxin was impossibly fast, accurate, and extremely lethal.
“I actually witnessed Lyra do something similar when Aquia decided to bully her just after she arrived back on base, sir. Not a speck of clothing left on her body, but not one scratch or drop of blood. She even disarmed Aquia in the process. At the time I thought that completely insane. Now, though, I think I’ve seen it all.” Lady Sandra Anderson declared as she picked up her DataTab and began typing. “Let me just… Oh shit! Just as I thought! Greer just tied for second in the Corps’ ranking!”
“Dare I ask who the other is?” Serangetti asked cautiously.
“Kitty and Lyra, sir.”
Serangetti was silent for some time before he spoke.
“I’d like her to volunteer a sample of her ‘activated’ genetic code, my lady. What we have seen is too coincidental not to verify.” Serangetti requested.
“You think ‘female’ Greer might be related, sir?”
“I believe it blatantly obvious.”
“I can’t argue that, sir.”
Both continued watching the live feed.
“A very good decision, my lady.” Serangetti said to the display as on it, his daughter choose Lady Greer as her first officer by resetting her hat’s limp point to the ten o’clock position.
“You know that they have feelings for each other, right? “ Sandra interjected as Lyra announced the group would begin training level two.
“I saw it immediately upon their arrival. Plus Kitty contacted me just before they transferred down to Capital from Earth’s Horizon.
“Serangetti Kimbou. May I offer greeting from your mate, Serangetti Sonya?” The Lynxin female requested with a sigh as she appeared at the office’s antique wooden door.
“Serangetti Sonya, I bid you welcome and hospitality. You know Lady Sandra Anderson.” The captain offered in response.
“Sister, it is indeed good to see you again. How goes education of the futures?”
“Ooh, you know…the little ‘darlings’ just keep trying my patience.” Sandra laughed sarcastically. “We’re right in the middle of elementary qualifiers for next semester. Are you here to lend assistance to JWC’s upcoming mission?”
“So, it will come to pass then? It was communicated as just precautionary when last my mate and I spoke.”
“Your ‘mate’ is still here, in his office, with you, Serangetti Sonya.”
“But for how long and for what reason are we watching the JWC at practice? And just when were they issued adult uniforms?”
“Since Lady Savanna took it upon herself to activate the senior rank of the JWC, my mate- just this morning. Lt. Niger Greer has also been included in her ‘mass activation’.”
“Greer? Isn’t he the young alpha you suggested might have attracted Lyra’s interest?” Serangetti Sonya asked before her attention shot to the holo-display.
“When and why is our queen here, Kimbou? I heard she was detained by commerce negotiations.”
“Not Her Highness Sinae Kitty, but Niger Greer, my mate; though she bears a striking resemblance, does she not?”
“You will request a voluntary sample?”
“If she will consent, yes.” Capt. Serangetti nodded.
“Well, I’ll let you two love-birds get reacquainted. With your permission, Lord Kimbou?” Sandra requested dismissal. She had been trying to ignore the Serangetti’s conversation, but she was growing more uncomfortable by the minute.
“Carry on, Lady Sandra.”
“Thank you, sir.” Sandra bowed slightly, turned, and exited.
“So the mission is a green, Kimbou?” Sonya asked as soon as she felt the immediate area was clear.
“Alas, it seems so. Lady Savanna would not have risked angering Lady Sandra or her pride if she didn’t see or feel it necessary. As it is, ‘Oracle’ spent an extended amount of time in the Kitten’s matured body before releasing it today.”
“And she performed a ‘mass activation’? Even activating Lt. Greer?” Sonya Serangetti asked in amazement to confirm.
“The Anderson pride was all quartered at the time. Oracle was standing one step to your left” Kimbou nodded.
“And where is Oracle now?”
“I would guess she has retreated to her quarters, my mate. She collapsed after she made her reason for the activation known and promptly vanished.”
“Then do we have time- as Lady Sandra recommended- to reacquaint our selves, Kimbou?”
“Once we return to my regular quarters, Sonya. Might you make time allowances for that?”
“If we leave now, I might allow that, yes.”
 
 
“Welcome, Lady Sonya. It was my hope you could help us on this mission.” I said to my mother- in her activated ten-year-old form and motioned for her to have a seat next to me.
In attendance with us were Greer Niger, Kaitlyn Yates, Galantry Fenile, Aquia, Derrick, Seth, Lithia, Link, Garith, and Rowan Anderson.
“Still cute as a button!” Kaitlyn Yates giggled as mother hovered up and onto the seat I’d pulled out for her.
Lady Sonya gave our new sister a low menacing growl.
“Lady Sonya, Lady Greer. “ I introduced. “Greer this is my mother- in her activated form- and yes, she is still very sensitive about it.” I warned.
Sonya stood on the seat and leaned out over the table using her left arm to hold herself up to get closer to my new first officer. The glare she gave Greer was very unsettling and carried severe intent.
“You even smell similar to her.” Lady Sonya snarled menacingly.
Greer cowered instantly and sat back in her seat as far as she could to distance herself from the threatening, ‘adolescent’ Lynxin.
“Hey! What’d I tell you about backin’ down, sweetie. From what I seen yesterday, you can take this little spit without yer wand. So don’t take her shit; give it right back to her!” Lady Kate coached.
“I assure you, I can hold my own against this want-to-be.” Sonya growled.
“Base. Replay yesterday’s match: number one-dash- nine, please.” Lady Kate requested.
 
 
Seeing Greer in action once more still shocked me; and mother was rendered speechless for a minute or two while Greer blushed heavily.
“You volunteered a code sample, as requested?” Lady Sonya confirmed quietly after recovering her composure and dropping the attitude.
“I-i-i-it issss being sent to Capital to be decoded as we speak, my lady.” Greer answered nervously.
Lady Sonya nodded her approval and flashed the tiniest bit of a smile.
“As of 0700hrs today, Witch Corps Flight 1 has been marked overdue and possibly missing. Having received no communications since leaving three weeks ago, it is assumed their mission has been compromised. JWC, our junior detachment, therefore has no choice but to mount a mission of search and rescue/recovery. We will begin preparations immediately. Our estimated mission duration remains open and will only be scheduled to complete if evidence of Flight 1 can be validated either by survivors or…or by wreckage.” I briefed my attending sisters as I bravely kept my emotions in check.
“So, this is really happening? Gods, I hoped they’d show so we didn’t have to go looking for them.” Garith Anderson sighed.
“I’m sorry it has come down to this, sisters.” I apologized.
“We aren’t all your sisters, Lyra!” Rowan sniped.
“Unfortunately, you are for the foreseeable future, Rowan Anderson. Deal with it.” Aquia attacked, having heard enough whining from her sibling.
“Yeah, Rowan, man up!” Link Anderson- who was almost a year older- advised angrily.
The pretty, five-four, brown-haired Terran female blushed…or was it anger showing on her face?
“Broom Closet Control? Ready Mini-Van for a month-long mission. We’ll be taking four Brooms: Hello Kitty, Zeus’ Pride, California Dreamin’, and Icarus. All Brooms are to be configured as two-seaters. Mini-Van will be configured as follows: two bunkrooms- each with two bunk sets; Two Officer quarters- each with two singles. Designated pilots will be: Greer Niger, Sonya Serangetti, Galantry Fenile, and Aquia Anderson. Navigation Officers: Link Anderson, Galantry Fenile, Garith Anderson, Aquia Anderson. Engineering officers: Kaitlyn Yates, Rowan Anderson, Derrick Anderson, and Lithia Anderson. Weapons Officers: Sonya Serangetti, Aquia Anderson, Seth Anderson, Galantry Fenile. Other assignments will follow when necessary. Initial crew assignments complete.”
“All reconfiguration and provisioning will complete in six hours and twenty-five minutes. Mini-Van and all Broom Current reserves will also be optimized in estimated time allotment.” The Broom Closet AI acknowledged.
“This completes this briefing, ladies.” I announced.
 
 
“Lady Lyra? May I speak with you?” Kaitlyn Yates asked as I left the briefing.
Stopping, I turned to face her.
“I take it you have noticed?”
“Noticed what, Kaitlyn?” I asked.
“The blue-streaked hair and the developing bust of the fifteen-year-old? Lady Link?” She specified.
“I have, but she doesn’t need to be embarrassed further by her siblings, Kaitlyn. When we get back, I intend to advise Caroline Norge. Maybe she can search her royal lineage database.”
Kaitlyn nodded then started to walk past me, but turned back to me a second later.
“Your uniform, sister…it isn’t quite regulation.” She said as she produced her wand and touched its point to my hat.
“There. A proper captain should display her correct rank… if even temporarily. Isn’t that right, skipper?” She said with a satisfied nod and walked past me with a devious smile.
What had she done? I asked myself as I conjured a hand mirror.
My hat’s tip was now at two o’clock.
“But I can’t be in command! I’m only a Lieutenant!” I called out to my fleeing coven sister.
“Tough shit now, honey!” She shouted back while laughing crazily. “Better you than me!”
Kate hurried into the reception area- still laughing maniacally, and disappeared.
Damn her!
 
 
“Well done, Lady Lyra.” Mother’s ten-year-old voice complimented not a minute later. “A very robust, informational, and detailed mission briefing. You seem to handle yourself admirably, Lady Serangetti Lyra.”
“Thank you, mother, but I’m not so certain I’m ready to lead this mission.”
Lady Sonya hovered up so that our eyes met. She called her scepter and motioned it to my hat, but stopped short.
“Alas, I have been outflanked again. The necessary promotion has already been conveyed.” She said in disappointment.
“Yeah, you just missed our raving mad, lunatic Lady Kate. I’m afraid she’s already made her demented escape from our secured asylum.” I told her sarcastically. “If you run, you might catch her in Section 12’s Officer’s Cantina.”
“I thought she preferred to avoid males at all costs while activated?” Mother asked curiously.
“She really loosens up after she has a few. After that, she doesn’t seem to mind.” I shrugged.
“I suggest we follow her so that she does not regret things in the morning then, My Lady.” Mother suggested.
I laughed.
“Not in uniform and certainly not with my ‘big sister’ Sonya!”
 
 

 
 
As a noisy, disorderly group, we entered the Broom Closet. There before us, on the flight line, sat Mini-Van with our four Brooms mounted around its docking ring, ready for departure.
At one-third the size of Pegasus, Mini-Van was just as impressive looking with its same sleek design.
And just as dangerous.
One by one we made our way up Mini-Van’s ramp and inside to stow our gear and begin our preflight for launch.
 
 
“Hey! I wanted the top bunk,” someone shrieked in anger not a minute later!
I rolled my eyes as I figured something like this was bound to happen.
Rowan and Aquia were at it again.
“Care to do your thing, Lady Galantry?” I asked, just loud enough for her to hear me.
She nodded.
Aquia and Rowan were suddenly still as stone.
“I thought you two had buried the hatchets. Instead, you both seemed to have sharpened them!” I growled, displaying my canines as I walked into the portside bunkroom.
Link and Lithia were staring on in confusion. They had quietly and peacefully claimed their choice of upper or lower bunk quickly, so why couldn’t their sisters?
“Look! The beds are all the same, just at differing heights. If it pleases the egos, just switch every couple of days or once a week! We’re likely to be away for a month so call a truce, you two!” I ordered as I nodded to Galantry.
“But I wanted the top bunk! I’m the Broom Pilot not her!” Aquia complained after being released from Galantry’s weird paralyzing ability.
“Yes you are, and I’m sure California Dreamin’ would like a roomie for the entire mission. If you catch my drift?” I hinted as I pointed to my hat and its indicated rank.
“Aye, my lady. Point made.” Aquia yielded.
I nodded then crossed the passage to the starboard bunkroom.
“You gotta teach me that one, sweetie.” I heard Kate whisper to Galantry.
“Any problems or slights over here?” I snarled once through that bunkroom's doorframe.
Garith, Seth, and Derrick shook their heads in the negative as they alternated looking nervously at me then Galantry as she gently claimed the open lower bunk.
I nodded then walked up to the next starboard cabin.
“Kate and Greer, this is your quarters. It’s not as posh as Pegasus, but it should be adequate.” I said it mostly for Greer, who had only just piloted Mini-Van on our training sims and single, round trip, flight to Kane.
“How is it I didn’t notice all this before, my lady?” Greer asked as she looked around the nicely furnished cabin in confusion.
“All Witch Corps vessels are configurable…to certain extents. That way we can optimize the space we have for the needs of the mission.” I explained. “Fluid Ergonomics, Lady Chance calls it.”
“Oh. Interesting…and quite convenient; genius, actually.” She responded with a slight, satisfied nod.
“Set your kit on whichever bed you want, sweetie. I’ll take the other.” Kate told our newest Lynxin sister. “We gotta start our checklists, so we’ll settle in after departure.”
Lady Sonya and I crossed the passage and entered our quarters.
“I had thought you would assign me to one of the bunk rooms, my lady.” Mother stated calmly, though somewhat surprised of her room assignment.
“I can add a cot if you feel slighted, Lady Sonya.” I cautioned. “Although, this is an adult bed; maybe I should have specified an adolescent bed for you instead?”
Mother growled- eyes ablaze- as she looked up at me!
“I thought we could share quarters as mother and daughter on this mission.” I went on. “It is still honorable to do that after obtaining my maturity, is it not?”
Mother changed to her adult form and pulled me into a tight embrace.
“Indeed! I am honored you would do this for me, my lady.”
“Give it a rest, Sonya! We’re all one big, happy Coven here. Knock off the formalities.”
Mother smiled at me and winked; a devious smile that exposed her canines.
“Come on, we need to get going.” I said, returning her playful smile.
 
 
“Departure vector has been issued. Good hunting, Witch Corps Flight 2.”
“Copy, Control. Mare Tower, Witch Corps Flight 2 alerting you to our departure.” I said having just completed our propulsion checks.
“Departure vector received, my lady.” Galantry reported from Navigation.
“Vector entered into helm, Lyra.” Greer acknowledged.
“Safe Flight, Witch Corps Flight 2. Here’s hoping for a successful resolution to your mission.” Poppy responded with too serious a voice.
“Take us out, Lady Greer.” I ordered with a nod.
Stars appeared around us as we exited the Broom Closet.
“Course calculated and sent to helm.” Galantry informed us.
“Deep Space Camo. Let’s go, ladies.” I ordered.
“Course set for the Nebuehla Anarchy: Stillwater system. ETA: twenty-eight standard hours and twelve minutes.” Greer announced.
“Forty-five LY’s per second, Greer.” I ordered.
“Aye, forty-five LY’s.”
“Status, Kaitlyn?” I asked.
“Smooth as silk, Lyra. Structural integrity is optimal. Environmental is optimal.
“Weapons, Sonya?”
“All Mini-Van and Broom weapons have integrated successfully and are online, Lyra.”
“Thank you and well done, sisters.
 
 
Now all we had to do was find our missing sisters.
 
 
“Hey, Lyra? You okay?” Kate’s concerned voice startled me.
“I’m fine. What’s the matter?”
“Nothing. It’s just that you’ve been zoning out for about an hour. What’s up?”
After I didn’t reply, Kate continued.
“Look. We’re all concerned about them, skipper. We’ll find them, listen skeptically to their lame-ass excuses, and then we’ll laugh over some cold ones. It’ll be fine. Stop worrying.”
“Lady Kaitlyn Yates. You are not taking this mission seriously, and it is your recurring character trait. Lives are on the line- both ours and our missing Coven sisters!” My activated mother commented heatedly from her station.
Here we go.
“Listen here, kitten! You knock it off with the negative waves or I’m gonna turn you over my knee! Got that, Sparkles?” Kate threatened.
 
 
This was going to be a loooong mission.
 
 
“We’re on autopilot with twelve hours, thirteen minutes until we reach the Stillwater system border, skipper.” Kaitlyn reported as she sat down at the table in our multipurpose compartment.
“So. For those of you that don’t know, Kaitlyn, using Kane’s relay/backup equipment, has analyzed and predicted Witch Corps Flight 1’s course towards the Badlands. As you all know our course is set for the farthest system in the Nebuehla Anarchy - Stillwater. Yucca is the most inhabited planet in that system.” I began our briefing.
“These ‘Badlands’,” Garith posited as she fidgeted with her shoulder-length red hair, “do we know anything about it other than the name and the dangerous image it conveys?”
“According to Galactic Alliance intelligence reports, the ‘Nebuehla Anarchy’ was loosely formed between three and four hundred years ago by rebels and defiant colonists that opposed any government or any governmental controls. Each settlement acts by itself and no two settlements’ ‘rules’- using the term very loosely- can be considered ‘standard’. Our most recent data show the Badlands as being extremely profitable for black marketeers, weapons dealers, drug dealers, and all forms of prostitution. Basically the whole Anarchy is chaos personified. We must be extremely careful and be on our guard at all times.” Sonya briefed, paraphrasing from her DataTab.
“So these places are stereotypes of those old films that Ladies Hope, Charli, and Chantell went on about? The ‘Wild West’ um… movies?” Link asked to clarify.
“And we’re all girls! This is drecking marvelous!” Rowan exclaimed as she angered. “Thanks, Savanna! Thank you very much for the assist!” She continued, shouting to the ceiling.
“Hopefully, we’ll stay out of trouble while planet-side.” I said directing the statement straight at the brunette.
“But what if we can’t? Then what?” Rowan persisted.
“Then we protect ourselves as necessary.” I told her flatly- seriously.
“Won’t that just stir up the natives, skipper?” Kate asked as she looked between Rowan and I.
“So be it.” I shrugged.
“Rumors exist that indicate The Badlands may be limited on Current reserves. So it would be advisable to limit its usage while there.” Sonya added.
“Oh. So we won’t be able to protect ourselves from the high-class ‘gentlemen’ we find there?” Rowan continued to grouse.
“If.” I paused. “If we find sensor evidence of Pegasus or our sisters on the planet, only Kaitlyn, Greer, Sonya, and I will go down, Rowan. The four of us are more skilled at hand-to-hand and close order fighting- plus, we don’t really need to use our Current reserves for that. Aquia and Galantry will provide air cover. The rest of JWC will keep us informed and supported with and from Mini-Van’s sensor information.”
“Two-and-a-half Lynxins and a mechanic? That’ll work out well!” Rowan gaffawed.
The business end of Kaitlyn’s double-barreled shotgun was instantly an inch from the young brunette’s face, and so was Sonya’s index claw!
“You got a prob, sweetcheeks?” Kaitlyn dared as she waggled an eyebrow. Mother growled menacingly.
“No?” Rowan squeaked, verbally retreating.
“Good, cause you may be activated, but I’ve been totin’ this here pea-shooter for a few hundred years. Remember that the next time you say somethin’ stupid, girlie!” Kaitlyn nodded once, crisply.
 
 
“Lyra. We’re coming up on Stillwater system in one hundred-twenty LY’s.” Greer announced.
“On my way.” I said as I dropped my DataTab on my bed and stood to walk out of my quarters.
 
 
“Drop to sublight. Maintain Deep Space Camo. I don’t want them to know we are here.” I ordered after taking my seat. “Weapons status.”
“I’m good to go, Lyra.” Rowan smirked excitedly as she rubbed her hands together several times.
“Finger off the button, my lady.” I warned.
“Long range sensors indicate three ships in relatively close proximity, Lyra. Three LY’s out and on opposing, perpendicular courses from Mini-Van.” Link reported from Navigation. “We should be able to slip right past them.”
“Adjust our course to Yucca accordingly.” I replied.
“Aye, skipper. Configuring new course and heading.” Link repeated.
“Making the correction now, Lyra.” Greer confirmed. “Point eight LY’s. We’re at sublight.”
“Link? Start scanning the planets for Pegasus’ comm. channel subcarriers, hull-specific materials, or personnel life-signs.” I ordered, but felt remorseful for sounding so cold.
“Already on it, Lyra. Nothing so far.” Link responded professionally.
“Yucca in twenty minutes, Lyra.” Greer reported.
“Skipper? I’m picking up more ships- small ones- maybe scout types, one or two life signs on each. They could be starfighters.”
“Where and how many, Link.” I asked.
“I count two dozen. They appear to be moving toward each other. We’ll pass right between them in two minutes. Also, we’re picking up low-band comm. traffic.”
“Alter course to go above or below them, Greer.” I ordered. “Let’s hear the chatter. We might learn something about our missing sisters.”
“Aye, on overhead, skipper.”
 
 
“Ortz! You got a lotta nerve comin’ here! I told you my claim was off limits. Now turn your men around and hustle back to Deadwood! Don’t do as I say an’ yer gonna meet the colda’ space firsthand.”
 
 

 
 
“Now why in heaven would we wanna do a stupid thing like that? This here’s our sector an’ we aim to protect it.”
 
 

”
 
 
“A shoot-out, skipper?” Kate proposed in disbelief. “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but in outer space?”
“I’m detecting a missile launch, skipper! A crude, chemical propulsion missile. Wow! Now everybody’s shooting at everybody! All chemical missiles.” Link alerted excitedly.
“Enable our deflectors just in case one of those things goes off course.”
“Deflectors enabled and buffered, skip...er…Lyra.” Rowan acknowledged.
“Gods! Now she has me doing it.” Rowan whispered to herself, shaking her head a few times then glancing back to the Navigation station where her sister sat shrouded within its glowing, blue cylindrical walls.
“I’ve got one stray heading directly towards us, skipper!” Link alerted.
“Are we out of its range?” I asked calmly.
“I’m not sure of the propellant composition or reserve, skipper. But sensors indicate it’s carrying a substantial payload.”
“Rowan? I take it you have a target lock on it?”
“I most certainly do, skip…Lyra.” Rowan grinned mischievously.
“Time to impact on our deflector shield?” I asked.
“If still under propulsion, thirty seconds, Lyra.”
“One particle burst, Lady Rowan. Just one though! We don’t want to give away our existence.” I cautioned and nodded.
The resulting explosion was brighter than I had expected.
 
 

 
 
Everyone on the bridge looked to each other, hearing that little factoid.
 
 

 
 
“Think Chance came across these yahoos as well, skipper?” Kaitlyn asked with a slight bit of humor.
“Skipper, not one missile scored a hit! Either these guys were just doing it for show, or…or they couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn- as Lady Chantell would say.” Link reported in an amazed tone.
“Who uses chemical rockets these days anyway?” Rowan questioned in confusion.
“Apparently, they do.” I answered needlessly.
“Lady Greer, get us into a parking orbit over Yucca, and start our in-depth surface scans, Lady Link.” I ordered.
I didn’t want to run into more of these modern-day ‘gunslingers’ if we could help it.
 
 

 
 
 
Chance Summers- High Priestess of Witch Corps. Terran Subspecies. Daughter of Hope Summers and Charles ‘Charli’ Armstrong. High Priestess for eight standard years. Alias: Senior Current Specialist, Chance Summers, Ship: Mare de Tempest. Pilot of ‘Hope and a Pair’ Pegasus1. Callsign: ‘Chance’
 
 
Grunfuller Lokust- Executive Officer of Witch Corps. Terran Subspecies. Activated name: Lokust Grunfuller. Significant Other of Chance Summers. Alias: Senior Current Specialist, Grunfuller Lokust. Ship: Mare de Tempest. Pilot of ‘On the Four Winds’ Pegasus2. Callsign: Lokust
 
 
Kitty Sinae- Queen of FeLane and all her Territories for eight standard years. Lynxin Subspecies. Previous Employment: Senior Section Chief, Mare de Tempest. Pilot of “Re-Tailed’ Pegasus3. Callsign: “Kitty”
 
 
Delphi ‘Artemis Dell’ Kananacreatas- Greek Goddess. Terran Subspecies. Alias: Senior Section Chief, Mare de Tempest. Younger sister of Artemis. Pilot of ‘Olympus Found’ Pegasus4. Callsign: Huntress
 
 
Simone Redman- Niece and Lady-in-Wait to Coraline Norge of the Norge Trade Federation. Antarran Subspecies. Alias: Ret. Senior Sanitary Specialist, Simone Redman, Mare de Tempest. Pilot of ‘Clean-Up’ Pegasus5. Callsign: Laidy-in-Wait
 
 
Hope Summers- Mother of Chance Summers. Terran Subspecies. Significant Other of Charles Armstrong. One of three oldest Witches in Witch Corps. Ret. Maj. USMC. Commander and Pilot of NASA Orion series Deep Space Probe ‘Pegasus’ 2107AD. Pilot of ‘Semper Fi’ Pegasus6. Callsign: Major
 
 
Charles ‘Charli’ Armstrong- Father of Chance Summers. Terran Subspecies. Significant Other of Hope Summers. One of three oldest Witches in Witch Corps. Ret. Colonel USAF. Executive Officer and Sciences Specialist of NASA Orion series Deep Space Probe ‘Pegasus’ 2107AD. Pilot of ‘Eight I Smart’ Pegasus7 Callsign: Seeker
 
 
Chantell Denison- Recognized as aunt of Chance Summers. Terran Subspecies. One of three oldest Witches in Witch Corps. Ret. Lt. Commander USN. Sciences Specialist of NASA Orion series Deep Space Probe ‘Pegasus’ 2107AD. Pilot of ‘Holy Shit?’ Pegasus8. Callsign: Fairy Godmother
 
 
Caroline Norge- Queen of Norge Trade Federation. Antarran Subspecies. Friend and acquaintance of Hope Summers, Charles Armstrong, and Chantell Denison. Inducted into Witch Corps.: date redacted. Pilot of ‘Pin-Up’ Pegasus9. Callsign: Porno
 
 
Sandra Anderson- Senior Educational Specialist, Mare de Tempest. Terran Subspecies. Adopted eight children (2yrs-8yrs) after Edin 3 uprising eight years ago. Pilot of ‘Teacher’s Pet’ Pegasus10. Callsign: Soccer Mom
 
 
Artemis (of Zeus)- Greek Goddess. Semi-inactive. Member of Witch Corps. for: date redacted. Pilot of ‘Zeus’s Pride’ Pegasus11. Callsign: Olympic Huntress
 
 
Demeter ‘Demi’ (of Zeus)- Greek Goddess. Semi-inactive. Member of Witch Corps. for: date redacted. Pilot of ‘California Dreamin’’ Pegasus12. Callsign: Demeter
 
 
Lyra Serangetti- Daughter of Capt. Kimbou and Sonya Serangetti. Lynxin Subspecies. Second Princess of FeLane. High Honors Student. Rank: 1st. Lieutenant- Witch Corps. Pilot of ‘Hello Kitty’ Pegasus13. Callsign: Kitten
 
 
Galantry Fenile- Daughter of Destiny and Gretch Fenile. Age: 14~15. Orion Subspecies. High Honors Student. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion. (EFMC-WC note: Ensign in Junior Witch Corps) Authorized pilot of ‘Zeus’ Pride’Pegasus 11. Callsign: Lil’ Grey
 
 
Aquia Anderson- Adopted daughter of Sandra Anderson. Age: 15~16. Terran Subspecies. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion. (EFMC-WC note: Ensign in Junior Witch Corps) Authorized pilot of ‘California Dreamin’’ Pegasus12. Callsign: Water Lily
 
 
Keaton ‘Keats’ Yates- Commander. Terran/Regulon Subspecies. (EFMC-WC note: Proprietor of Witch Corps’ Kane System Maintenance Base- Hopewell Field, Vermillion Station, Kane. Became member of Witch Corps: date redacted. Activated form: Kaitlyn Yates) Pilot of ‘Icarus’ Pegasus14. Callsign: Wrench
 
 
Savanna Summers- Daughter of Chance Summers. Terran Subspecies. Age: 8,17,19. Rescued eight years ago by Lyra Serangetti in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion. Recovered from Lyra Serangetti by Chance Summers just after Mare incident. (EFMC-WC note: possibly an Oracle. Long distance teleporter and very precocious) Callsign: Princess. Pilot of virtual Broom ‘Oracle’ Pegasus20
 
 
Niger Greer- Lieutenant, FeLane Royal Guard, Voluntary cabin steward and bodyguard of Princess Lyra Serangetti. Lynxin Subspecies. Honorary member of Witch Corps. Callsign: Moderator (Ret.). Recently activated by Savanna Summers. New Callsign: Alley Cat. Third Princess of FeLane and twin of Queen Kitty Sinae since activation.
 
 
Kimbou Serangetti- Captain- Mare de Tempest. Lynxin Subspecies. Commander in FeLane Royal Guard Reserve. (EFMC-WC note: Honorary member of Witch Corps and WC liaison for Galactic Military) Father of Second Princess of FeLane Lyra Serangetti. Mate of First Princess of FeLane Sonya Serangetti.
 
 
Sonya Serangetti- Assistant Galactic Defense Chairman under Defense Chairman Jameson Quincy Englert (EFMC-WC note: Jameson, aka Jamie ‘Chairman’ Quincy when activated). Lynxin Subspecies. Mate of Capt. Kimbou Serangetti. Mother of Lyra Serangetti. First Princess of FeLane. First cousin to Queen Kitty Sinae. Leader/Sponsor of Junior Witch Corps. (EFMC-WC note: Activated form is ten-year-old Lynxin, Sonya- Lyra Serangetti’s ‘big sister’) Callsign: Sparkles.
 
 
Wa’tua Su- Prime Minister of FeLane Confederation. Lynxin Subspecies. Elected to position six years prior. Previously served as Parliamentary Information liaison to Media Streams. (EFMC-WC note: Honorary member of Witch Corps in the capacity of liaison to FeLane Parliament)
 
 
Garith Anderson- Oldest adopted son of Sandra Anderson. Terran Subspecies. Age: 16~17. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion.
 
 
Lithia Anderson- Adopted daughter of Sandra Anderson. Terran Subspecies. Age: 16. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion.
 
 
Derrick Anderson- Adopted son of Sandra Anderson. Terran Subspecies. Age: 16. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion.
 
 
Rowan Anderson- Adopted son of Sandra Anderson. Terran Subspecies. Age 14~15. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion.
 
 
Link Anderson- Adopted son of Sandra Anderson. Terran Subspecies. Age 15. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion. Started displaying Antarran traits after activation, specifically Norge ‘core’ family traits.
 
 
Seth Anderson- Adopted daughter of Sandra Anderson. Terran Subspecies. Age: 13~14. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion.
 
 
Lilith Anderson- Adopted daughter of Sandra Anderson. Age: 10. Delvian subspecies. Recovered eight years ago in Mare de Tempest Hoblin invasion. **Delvian Subspecies is extremely telepathic after reaching maturity at fifty standard years, but become dangerously telepathic at twenty standard years.*

 
 
“We’re in high orbit around Yucca, Lady Lyra.” Greer announced a few minutes later.
“Thank you, my lady.” I nodded.
“A complete, detailed planetary scan should take twelve hours, skipper.” Link informed me.
“So, what do we do til then?” Seth wondered aloud.
“We learn as much as we can about this section of space. There has to be some reason why our sisters came here. Is it a Hoblin stronghold? Did they come here to do something about the sale of illegal weapons and contraband equipment?” I proposed.
“Or is it the ‘rents needed a vacation and decided this was the closest place that reminded them of the old days?” Kaitlyn teased. “The galaxy wasn’t so civilized when they first ventured out from Earth fourteen centuries ago you know.”
“What are these ‘’rents’ you are talking about, Lady Kaitlyn?” Greer asked, apparently having never heard that term before.
“’Rents’, as in pair-RENTS? Our High Priestess’ parents: Ladies Hope and Charli?” Kaitlyn questioned, confused by her not knowing.
“I didn’t have enough time to fully brief her on the Coven’s ‘eccentricities’, my lady.” I apologized.
“Well.” Kaitlyn began. “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…” She began laughing, thinking it funny to quote lines from a very ancient ‘movie’.
“No. Seriously, Lady Greer. Chance Summer’s parents and her Aunt Chantell Denison are the original ‘Witch Corps’. A covert group of Current Mages that Queen Libra sponsored and co-founded over fourteen hundred years ago.”
Greer’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“It seems that we Current Mages live a very long time, sweetie. Hell, I’m somewhere around three-forty myself.” Kaitlyn rolled her eyes and looked annoyed that she actually admitted her age.
“But you look no older than I, my lady! How is it possible?” Greer gasped.
“Not sure.” Kaitlyn replied. “But whether born a Mage or just activated- like I…like we were, its all the same, sweetie. We’re Current Mages. We live a helluva lot longer than normal folks.”
Greer looked like she could be getting ill. All the typical Lynxin signs were there: Bulging eyes, whiskers ramrod straight, tongue aggressively licking her upper lip and nose, ears pinned back tight to her skull, long tail straight and vibrating with the fur all ‘poofed’ out along it’s three foot length…
“Please excuse me. I’m…I need to…”
Greer ran from the bridge. She had done it so fast and so quietly that a normal set of eyes would have barely caught it!
“She is the skittish one.” Kaitlyn snickered as she shook her head in amazement.
“Wonder what she’s gonna do when she starts her bi-quarterly?” She added, now laughing quietly.
It dawned on me that I might also have left that information out as well.
Reading my expression, Kaitlyn began snorting and wiping her eyes, she was laughing so hard!
Rowan- on the other hand- looked to the two of us in complete horror.
“Did you say: when she starts her bi-quarterly?” She gulped nervously.
“Yeah, hun. We Terrans call it a period?” Kaitlyn composed herself long enough to give a reply, but began snorting uncontrollably as Rowan Anderson’s face lost all color. I guess Aquia, Seth, or Lithia had neglected to fully brief their newly activated sisters.
 
 
Yes. This was going to be such an entertaining mission!
 
 
“Skipper? I found something interesting on the planet.” Link announced after only an hour into her scan.
“Let’s hear it, My Lady.” I responded.
“Sensors are having a difficult time processing any data from the planet.” Link answered. “Almost all signal we send down disappears. Only ten percent makes it back to us. It’s almost like the planet is absorbing the Current.”
Kaitlyn met my look with a frown- one that equaled my confused expression.
“Go to passive Current sensors, Link. See what, if any, Current exists down there.” I suggested.
 
 
“Current levels around the planet show lower than normal levels than any other systems in the mapped galaxy, skipper. It would be a good assumption that- should we land on the planet- we will experience a constant drain of Current from ourselves and our equipment.”
“Shall we test that theory, Skipper?” Kaitlyn proposed.
I nodded and motioned that she should proceed.
“Lady Link, I’m outfitting a probe with a small reserve of Current and a simple telemetric transmitter. I’d like you to monitor the sample Current reserve level and also the transmitter’s power output. Once I reset the configuration, I want you to sense and sync with it before we launch it. Rowan, honey? I’m enabling adaptive camo for this probe. I want you to set it down nice and easy just outside of their space port.” Kaitlyn briefed them on her plan as her fingers flew over her control station.
“Aye, Lady Kate.”
“You got it, Kate.”
“Okay. The probe is ready and active. Let me know when you’re receiving telemetry, sweetie.”
“Receiving a strong signal, my lady. Everything looks good.”
“Rowan? Your turn. Launch the probe when you find a good parking spot.” Kaitlyn advised.
“Found the perfect spot, Kate! Just outside what looks like some ancient spaceport. Launching probe now. ETA to planet surface is five minutes.”
 
 
“Lyra? Kate? The probe just soft-landed.” Rowan reported as she turned and smiled proudly.
“Probe signal is nominal. I’m already reading a decrease in the sample reservoir. Ninety percent and dropping. Eighty percent. Seventy percent. Sixty percent…”
“Wow! Didn’t expect it to drop that fast! That sample should have lasted for two weeks.” Kaitlyn responded in amazement.
“Down to thirty percent, my lady.” Link announced.
“Hungry planet.” Kate mumbled.
I just shook my head a few times. How were we going to rescue our sisters if we couldn’t get off this planet? I wondered.
“We just lost all data from our probe, Skipper, and I just picked up a small EM pulse from the probe’s location.” Link informed us.
“That would be the probe’s self destruct protocol.” Kate replied. “Well, that certainly didn’t take long. Lady Link. Continue passive scans on the probe’s final location and record the debris decay rate. That might help us understand what happened to Witch Corps Flight 1, and also help us find any survivors.”
“Aye, My Lady.”
 
 
A much ‘fresher’ looking Greer re-entered the bridge.
“Please forgive me, Princess Lyra. I’m afraid I am still not accustomed to this ‘activated body’. Princess Sonya has informed and tutored me on all intricacies and functioning’s I shall experience.”
“In other words she told you that you were a bonified, real girl, right, sweetie?” Kate summed it up.
“She informed me that I am indeed a Lynxin female for the foreseeable future, yes.” Greer reported while staring at the deck.
“It ain’t all bad, sweetie.” Kate smiled deviously. “If you get kicked between the legs it don’t hurt near as bad in this form. And let’s not forget the free drinks!”
“I will try to remember that, my lady.” Greer groaned in reply.
 
 

 
 
Several hours later, Link informed us that no evidence of our sisters, or their ships could be found on the planet’s surface.
“How about the probe’s decay rate, hun?” Kate asked.
“The detectible debris has not been absorbed or otherwise recycled, my lady. Also, there has been no disturbance of probe debris.”
“Interesting.” Sonya commented as she turned from the weapons console. “Debris from our probes should have decayed into their base elements within five minutes. I have no theory as to why that process has been nullified.”
“It tells me that our Current-based weapons will be useless down there, my lady.” I replied with dread. Kate looked to me curiously.
“So what’re we gonna do if we find them, Skipper?”
I pondered that question for a few minutes.
“Your weapon…your ‘pea-shooter’. How true is it to its ancient prototype, Kate?” I asked.
My sister thought about that for several seconds.
“You know? I’m not real sure. I’ve never thought about thoroughly inspecting my ammunition. Huh. Let’s find out.” Kate mused as her double-barreled shotgun materialized in her outstretched hand. She quickly split the breach and extracted a single shell.
So simple, yet so deadly. I thought as she closed the breach and dismissed the weapon.
“Ancient weapons used a very volatile compound called ‘gun powder’. Hope described it in terms of ‘grains’. Each ‘shell’ or ‘cartridge’ was loaded with a certain number of grains, not to exceed a certain count that was considered destructive to the weapon itself.” Kate instructed as she handed me the ‘round’.
I noted the name ‘Remington’ and ‘4ga.’ stamped on the brass bottom as I inspected the cylindrical, brass and polymer ‘shell’.
“4-g-a?” I asked.
“That’s an ancient measurement- ‘gauge’. The smaller the number the bigger the bore… the barrel’s inside diameter. As you can see, a 4 gauge has a diameter of about 33 millimeters. No normal person I know of can tote or even safely fire one of these babies.” Kate added with a sinister, but calm, smile. “It’d blow their shoulder clean off.”
“So how many grains are contained below the crude projectile?” Sonya asked.
Mother’s fascination with the ancient weapon had me concerned.
“Come here, ‘Sparkles’.” Kate invited.
Sonya’s reply was to deploy her claws as she climbed down from her seat and stomped heatedly to our engineer.
“Good! That’s what I was hoping you’d do.” Kate smiled brightly. “You know you’re too predictable, Sonya.”
Kate repositioned the shell in her hands and held it out to my mother’s ten-year –old form.
“Now. I’d like you to score the circumference about here.” Kate pointed out. “That should be just below the projectile’s wadding. Be gentle, Sonya. As I stated, ‘Gun powder is highly volatile- as is this shell’s projectile.”
Kaitlyn Yates conjured a small saucer and levitated it directly under the shell as mother slowly- carefully- cut into the polymer portion of the shell.
 
 
“Huh. Four hundred and eighty grains.” Kate seemed unimpressed as she finished counting the small blackish ‘crumbs’.
“And the point of this is?” Sonya questioned as Kate dematerialized the shell and it’s revealed contents.
“The point is that if we need to go down to one of these Current-impoverished planets…” Kate rematerialized her gun. “These forms of devices might be our only recourse. As our probe indicated, our Current will continuously bleed away while down there- leaving us vulnerable and unarmed. But; if we arrive ‘packing heat’ as Hope referred to it then we stand a chance of protecting ourselves and getting out alive. Get it?”
“I don’t need a weapon!” Sonya declared fiercely.
“And what happens if the Current drain disables your activation, Sparkles?” Kate countered bluntly. “You’ll be stuck as a ten-year-old kitten with regular Lynxin defensive assets! Dangerous as that might be, the inhabitants probably have their own guns, sweetie. Chantell said on many occasions that her grandpappy always warned about bringing a knife to a gunfight.”
“I got a ping!” Link shouted exuberantly.
“Where?” I demanded excitedly.
“Deadwood system, skipper! It was very weak, but it was definitely a Witch Corps emergency beacon pulse!”
“Plot a…”
“I’ve plotted a course to that system and have sent it to helm, skipper!” Link interrupted with bubbling enthusiasm.
“Lyra? Course received, what are your orders?” Aquia reported. Her voice sounding very hopeful.
“Do we know which planet that beacon originated from?” I asked calmly.
“Taos, skipper. Fourth planet out from their star.” Link answered quickly and with just as much exhilaration.
“Aquia. Break orbit, point-seven- five of light-speed until we clear the system boundary then go transdimensional.” I ordered.
“Breaking orbit, Lyra. ETA to Taos: one half standard hour.
 
 
“Skipper? You are not going to believe this! Those same disagreeing parties are back at it. Sensors show twelve ‘Hatfields’ and twelve ‘McCoys’. We’ll pass directly between them on our way through their connecting debris field.” Link reported- her voice brimming with amazement.
This time she automatically put the audio to my console.
 
 
“Ortz! You and yer
people just can’t seem to
understand that these parts is
neutral! No one’s allowed to own
or even claim any of these
rocks.”

 
 
“The Anarchy agreed to
it over two centuries ago, you
dimwit! Now, move along before
we have opportunity to test out
these new torpedoes.”
 
 
I rolled my eyes in frustration. These people were worse than some of my Coven sisters!
“Weapons. Track any and all missiles launched from these yahoos. On my mark, one multi-target burst. They want a sign? I’ll give them a sign! Target one of the asteroids also. Sonya? Make sure it’s uninhabited before you do?” I ordered.
“Yep! There they go again! So sad.” Link commented.
“Missiles targeted, my lady.” Sonya reported.
“Fire.”
 
 
“You just ain’t gonna
learn, are ya, boy?”
 
 

 
 
The multiple explosions were much brighter than the previous on our entrance into this sector.
 
 

 
 
“I think that was yer sign,
Ortz!”
 
 
“Smithe! The
rock…its…its gone!”
 
 
“Say what, Janks?”
 
 
“The asteroid! Its gone!
It blew-up the same time all our
torpedoes exploded! What the
hell is goin’ on out here this
month?”
 
 
“That so? Well Ortz
looks like yer so-called claim
don’t exist no more! Skeedaddle
on home, boy!”
 
 

 
 
“Locate the origin of that last transmission and put Mini-Van nose to nose with that fighter. Sonya target another barren asteroid. On my order, decloak us. Prepare a channel on their frequency.” I ordered.
“My lady? Should we really waste our time to reveal ourselves?” Sonya questioned with narrowed eyes.
“I have two pair of sisters that are constantly at each other’s throats! I just can’t stand the fighting anymore! Carry-out my orders, my ladies.”
Aquia and Sonya looked back to me- their eyes wide open in disbelief.
“Do it!” I commanded.
“Aye, Skipper.”
 
 
“ …no such thing! This
sector is neutral, Ortz! Get it
through yer skull!”
 
 

 
 
“We’re in position, Skipper.”
“Now, Lady Aquia.”
 
 

 
 
“Leave this sector while you still breathe, gentlemen! I will not give warning again!” I warned before muting the open channel.
“Fire on the asteroid.” I ordered.
One burst was all it took to make the space rock disintegrate. I unmuted the channel.
“Do I make myself clear, Gentlemen?” I added before closing the channel.
“Deep space Camo. Get us out of here and resume our course to Taos.”
“Aye, skipper.” Aquia acknowledged with a giggle.
Mother turned around and regarded me carefully.
“What is it, Lady Sonya?” I challenged.
“Were you trying to make a point, captain?” She returned my challenge.
I noted the title she used.
“Why? Did I make one, Sonya?” I returned.
“A very loud and visible one, my lady.”
“Good! Now if we can all take it to heart?” I suggested with a glare to three of the women involved.
“Taos in fifteen minutes, skipper.” Aquia alerted professionally right before she handed off to Galantry.
 
 

 
 
“Lady Lyra. We have entered orbit around Taos.” Galantry announced professionally.
“Commencing sensor sweep of the planet, captain.” Garith announced from Navigation.
“Thanks, my ladies. Wonderful job, everyone.” I praised my crew. “Rowan? Prepare one, low yield, multi-warhead, plasma cannon projectile. I want the individual explosions to be visible from anywhere on the planet- day or night.”
“Aye, skipper. It’ll take a minute.” She replied.
“A calling card, my lady?” Derrick Anderson asked.
“An announcement to any of our missing sisters.” I clarified.
Derrick nodded in approval.
“Starboard cannon is ready, skipper.” Rowan reported.
“Fire.”
As on Pegasus, the very recognizable sound of a Witch Corps Plasma Cannon firing filled our bridge.
Within a minute, all warheads had been distributed and simultaneously detonated above the planet.
“Now, I guess we wait?” Galantry surmised.
“Now we pay attention to the sensors.” I corrected my pilot.
 
 
“Skipper! I just received a very weak message on our emergency comm. channel!” Garith announced in a very shrill voice.
“Put it through!” I said excitedly.
“It’s very weak, skipper. Give me a minute to boost and decrypt.”
“Do we know who’s comm. sent it, at least?” I asked.
“Lady Charli’s.”
“Tell me we found them!” Kaitlyn Yates demanded as she burst through the Bridge door almost faster than it could open. Seth Anderson followed.
“I think I’ve got the message rebuilt from the noise, skipper. Playing now.” Garith alerted.
 
 

 
 
“That was Charli! She’s alive!” Kate declared excitedly.
“I’m not so sure. She sounded too happy and…and carefree?” I replied.
Something about the message AND her tone made my fur stiffen.
“Kate? Can you help Garith clean that message up more? Something about it doesn’t sit well with me.”
“Sure, Skipper. What about it made your fur straighten- literally?”
“Lady Charli sounded too…too perky. I can’t help feeling she was trying to give us clues or a warning, or something.” I revealed.
“Now that you mention it, she did sound too…not like herself, didn’t she?” Kate admitted.
“Garith, honey? Send the received raw packet to our engineering console. I’ll see if I can work some magic on it.”
“You got it, Kate.”
Derrick happily gave up her seat at the engineering console.
 
 
“Skipper? Found something.” Kate called out about twenty minutes later. “It was buried way down in the noise at the end of the message.”
“Let’s hear it.” I said.
“Sorry, but it’s encrypted with a password. Knowing Charli, it’ll delete if I use the wrong one.”
“What did she name the media file?” I asked without a second thought.
Kate looked at me through narrowed eyes.
“How’d you know?” Kate seemed surprised. “Never mind. She named it: ‘Kittens_Trick’, honey.”
“Furry Blue Teddy Bears.” I answered quickly with a giggle.
“I’ll try…I’ll be damned! It worked!” Kate gasped happily. “Playing it now.”
 
 
Charli Armstrong’s haggard face appeared on my console.
“Hey, Kitten. If you are watching this it means that we’ve failed to get off this planet and things went FUBAR. Current has a way of draining off at an astounding rate here so don’t come down after us unless you want to be stuck here too. The locals here have no laws or rules and pretty much do whatever they please. We’re taking turns sending distress beacons up in the hopes that you guys will get it before you make the same mistake we did. This was only going to be a two-week vacation, but we inadvertently fell into the real-life Wild West! Well, I’m running low on space and mojo so…just forget about us and keep Witch Corps going. Maybe one day we can get off this rock again. Take care, Kitten.”
“That’s it, skipper. What do you think?”
“I think that sounds more like Lady Charli, Kate.” I replied as I thought a moment. “What was that click we heard earlier in her main message?”
“Hang on, I’ll try to analyze it. Wait!”
“Skipper? That ‘click’ we noticed? I’d recognize it anywhere! That was the hammer of one of their Witch Corps revolver’s being cocked. I think they’re being held hostage…with their own weapons!” Kate gasped in realization.
“But Lady Hope and Lady Chantell’s weapons are heavier and more deadly than the ancient weapons they mimic.” Seth, argued. “And anyone other than the owner shouldn’t be able to use them.”
Kate sighed.
“Unfortunately, those pistols were conjured well before the need for such security, hun. Those three materialized those weapons fourteen hundred years ago- right after Witch Corps was formed, as a matter of fact. And, they’re only ‘hot’ fifty caliber pieces. As such any normal Terran could be able to wield it- though they might suffer a broken wrist- at least a terribly sore arm from the ‘kick’ when fired.” Kate sighed again.
“I kept telling those hard-headed…” She paused to take a breath. “I kept telling them to add DNA coding to them.” Kate raised her hands into the air. “Hey, what do I know though?”
“So if you’re theory is valid, those guns are just as deadly as the day they were conceived?” I asked.
“I propose another experiment.” Kate changed the subject slightly. She conjured a small crate- maybe a hundred centimeters long by fifty wide and twenty-five tall. On the pale, honey colored wooden box was stenciled: ‘U.S. Cavalry’ with a ‘crossed swords’ emblem directly above it. Lifting the wooden lid revealed boxes and boxes of ammunition.
“I propose we send this crate down to the planet. Well away from the town where our sisters are being held hostage.”
“Skipper! I found Pegasus! She’s intact in what looks like a dormant volcanic crater! I have a visual!” Garith squealed excitedly.
An overhead image of our primary mobile command ship with three Brooms mounted to her aft docking ring and three to her forward ring appeared on my console. Pegasus was surrounded on all sides by steep, craggy, lava rock walls.
“Load these munitions into a probe and soft-land it near Pegasus.” I ordered.
The wooden crate of ammunition vanished.
“Payload is ready, skipper.” Kate smiled brightly.
“Probe is ready for launch, skipper.” Seth confirmed as she relieved Sonya at Weapons.
“Don’t kick up any dust that some guards could see, my lady.” I advised, nodding to Seth.
“Probe is away, skipper. ETA five minutes.” She reported.
 
 
“I eased it in right under her belly, skipper.” Seth reported with a smile five minutes later.
“Excellent job, my lady.” I praised.
“Hey! The probe! It just took off again and is on an intercept course back to us! Kate? What did you program that thing to do?” Seth screeched in surprise.
“I wanted to test our chances of escape. I wanted to see if a drop and jump scenario might work.
“I’m reading the probe’s Current reserve is significantly lower; twenty percent, but holding now that it has cleared the troposphere.
“Yesssss!” Kate hissed as she rubbed her hands together- a devious smile filled her face.
Deducing the source of my sister’s jubilance, I called a coven meeting.
“All hands, Coven meeting now. Seth, I need you to stay here at your station. Keep Mini-Van cloaked. If anything comes too close, alert me. If they get very close and show too much interest before I can get here, well…I leave that to you, my lady.” I grinned, though grimly. I had just given one of the Anderson pride carte-blanche to the weapons console. I hoped she would remain responsible and professional.
 
 
“Okay. For those off-duty, We’ve gotten a forced response from Lady Charli. We believe all six of our sisters have somehow been captured and forced into a brothel…”
“A Brothel!? How do you figure, Lady Lyra?” Greer gasped.
“Lady Charli is our encryption and information officer, my lady. She has a way of working more information into a short conversation.”
“Oh.”
“Now, on to the good news. Garith has found Pegasus, but she seems deficit power to even communicate. Kaitlyn and Seth have successfully landed ammunition for some antique gunpowder weapons at Pegasus’ landing site.” I continued.
“All well and good, my lady, but what use is ammunition if we cannot risk landing and losing all of our current?” Mother asked.
“That is where my plan comes in.” I said confidently. “Our designated away team: Kaitlyn, Greer, Sonya, and I will parachute in from Brooms piloted by Aquia and Galantry. They will need to make two trips, obviously. The first two of us down will provide security for the other two, or alert them of adverse conditions requiring termination of the operation. Once back together, we’ll make our way into the town nearest Charli’s transmission point. From there we will attempt extraction of Ladies Hope, Chance, Lokust, Artemis Dell, Chantell, and Charli.”
“I will not allow you to venture anywhere near a brothel, Serangetti Lyra!” Mother declared staunchly. “I will attempt rescue of our sisters from that foul place!”
“So…let me get this straight…Lyra’s ten-year-old sister is going to be the cavalry? Ride on in and save the day? Sparkles, ain’t no way to Olympus you’ll make it through the doors or windows of that place without someone grabbin’ yer scruff, sweetheart!” Kaitlyn giggled.
“I will not be in my activated form, Kaitlyn!” Mother hissed angrily.
“Oh, okay. So let’s see what assets you will bring to bear on our possible enemies, Lady Sonya!” Kate challenged.
Mother shifted forms and ‘Loganed’ her substantial claws.
I was surprised to see her activated claws appear at the ends of her fingers!
“Any further questions as to my readiness, Lady Kaitlyn?” Mother returned the challenge.
“I have several, Lady Sonya. Show me!” I said as I shot from my seat and attacked with a challenge of my own.
Mother was very good, but her speed lacked. Anger quickly overtook control and she began to lose concentration in her attacks and effectiveness of her defensive moves.
Somewhere in the midst of our sparing, I heard someone shout ‘Cat Fight!’- Probably Kaitlyn Yates.
“Enough!” I shouted as mother began to roar in frustration and engage in cheap countermoves.
Mother did not heed me and I was forced to really take action toward her to make her stop. It ended with her back facing me- my right pointer claw across her neck, and with both her arms securely held behind her with my left hand.
“Yield, Serangetti Sonya! I wish not to harm my own mother, but will if you do not desist in this reckless tantrum!”
Sonya snarled in anger, but finally did relax her posture.
Upon my release of her, she silently ran from the compartment!
“Not good, skipper.” Kate advised. At my look of confusion, she continued.
“You just effectively deposed your alpha, Lyra. I think you just became the new head of the Serangetti family.”
I was horrified! That was not my intent at all! I just wanted to see how she performed in her normal form, not take over as female Alpha!
“Meeting adjourned.” I shouted over my shoulder as I sprinted away.
 
 

 
 
“Mother? I’m sorry! I just wanted to assess your fighting ability in your un-activated form. It was not my intention to challenge you for Alpha status. Please, you must understand my motives and accept my apology, Serangetti Sonya!” I cried as I entered our shared quarters and saw my mother folded tightly on her bed- knees to her face and arms holding them tightly to her body; her tail limply curled around in front of her over her feet. She was still in her ‘adult’ form.
And she was visibly crying.
My heart broke instantly! I rushed over and sat next to her- my arm extending toward her- my hand rubbing her back tenderly.
Alternately rubbing her back and combing her beautiful mane, we sat in silence for several minutes- until her almost silent sobbing ebbed.
“I’m sorry, mother. I’m sorry. Had I realiz… Mother? I abdicate my new alpha status as I had absolutely no intentions toward your deposition. Please. I ask for your forgiveness as my inexperience blinded me to the true meaning of our competition. Please, mother? Please?” I pleaded just above a whisper while continuing to stroke her long, flowing, tawny mane.
I always loved playing with her soft, warm fur.
“Mother?” I asked quietly after no response came.
“You-you are just like her.” My mother whispered.
“What? I’m like who, Mother?” I responded.
I felt mother giggle?
“Like your great-grandmother Sonya, Lyra. The Sinae ‘maternal alpha’ for whom I am named.” She said as she gently pulled away from me so that our eyes met.
“You met her highness, Princess Sonya, mother?” I choked in disbelief.
“Once or twice, yes.” She smiled as she regarded my shocked face. “I was just a young kitten at the time, but I can remember one thing about her. You have her same character flaws, Lyra.”
“Same character… flaws, mother? A bit cold aren’t we?” I argued.
“Good flaws, my dear kitten. Good flaws.”
“Define ‘good flaws’, mother.” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“You have her heart and kind nature, Lyra. In my chosen profession, I consider them ‘flaws’- characteristics that would impede my effectiveness. You, however, employ those very characteristics plus the needed assertiveness to motivate people and take command of whatever situation you find yourself facing- all favorable traits of a natural born leader. A noble leader, my daughter- second princess to the FeLane Confederation!”
“Mother? You are also kind and soft of heart t…”
“Cut the crap, Lyra! We both know that I am usually cold, calculating, and very competitive.” Mother interrupted, through a nervous, but pasted type of smile.
“When you need to be, bu…” I argued, but got cut off again.
“Again, Serangetti Lyra, dispense with the charitable blather. I know my own character and have accustomed myself to it decades ago. Even before the Regent came to full power, I knew what kind of person I was, Lyra, so spare me any faux compliments.”
“Mother! I meant no disrespec…” I again argued.
Again I was interrupted.
“Don’t you have a mission and a ship to run, my lady?”
“Family comes first, Serangetti Sonya!” I growled. “That is the first Witch Corps rule in our code of conduct! Isn’t it about time you abide by that code?”
Mother smiled as I continued to glare at her in anger. Then it suddenly dawned on me. I was her game!
She left me no choice.
“Mother? I reject the change in status that was a result of our sparring earlier! I refuse to accept maternal alpha status in the Serangetti Pride. Because of my unwillingness to accept, that status hereby defaults back to its previous holder- that being you, mother! Good luck with that, by the way. Be ready for planet drop in one half hour!” I hissed in anger before stomping out of our shared quarters and heading to the bridge.
 
 
“Sonya okay?” Kate asked as I silently took my command station.
“I tried to apologize…told her I didn’t intend to challenge her statu…” I felt my clothing change; my wand appeared in my hand.
“Arrrawwwh! She pisses me off so bad!” I shouted in frustration.
“Chill, girlfriend. Coulda’ told you your ‘mommy’s’ a real piece of work. I know how ‘rents’ can be though. I didn’t climb out from under a cabbage yesterday ya know.” Kate sympathized. “In fact, I still don’t know if they’ve accepted me like this.” She added as she motioned down her body.
“Your parents are still alive?” Aquia gasped from our helm.
“What? No… no! My parents passed on about ten years after I was first activated. I meant they probably still haven’t accepted my decision to join Witch Corps- let alone accepted me as they’re part-time daughter. If… if they’re watching… from… well… you know… up there?” She tried to explain, but started stammering instead.
“I’m sure their religious beliefs allow them privilege to observe loved ones left on this plane, Lady Kaitlyn.” Galantry comforted from Navigation. “And that they recognize your sacrifices and achievements.”
“You’re so sweet. Thanks, hun.” Kate said as she dabbed a tear from her eye.
“So, I told Sonya that we start our rescue mission in a half hour. Greer? I need you to try a few things while we still have time.” I said after reigning in my temper.
“You want me to conjure my wand, right? Aquia and Galantry were just talking about their experiences doing just that, skipper. I think I might have it figured out. Here.” She said as she held out her left hand. A very ornate, very familiar looking wand appeared almost instantly.
“Woah! Nicely done, sweetie!” Kate praised while I smiled brightly.
“Great job, Lady Greer. Now I’d like you to think about one of those ancient gunpowder weapons I know you’ve seen in the Royal Guard Armory Museum in Capital. Think about nicely asking your Current to help you conjure what you think you need.” I suggested.
“It might help if I knew the selection of archaic ammunition we sent planetside.” She offered.
“Four gauge 00 buckshot and explosive lead slugs for my little ‘pea-shooter’; fifty cal. Armor-piercing, explosive rounds for Hope, Chantell, and Charli’s Witch Corps Peacemakers; Fifty cal. Super High Velocity explosive rounds for Lokust’s antique McMillan Tak-50 sniper rifle; and a few cases of very old 7.62 x 51 NATO rounds I had laying around.” Kate rattled off comfortably, assuming our lieutenant understood it. “Oh, and I threw in a dozen chemical flash-bangs just in case.”
“Very well. Since we will surely be in an urban area with possibility of interior confrontations, I think a fifty caliber revolver will suffice, but I’d also like a medium and long range weapon along to cover our entrance and exit.” Greer thought out loud.
“Whatever you feel comfortable needing and using, my lady.” I acknowledged.
Greer nodded, closed her eyes, and began to concentrate with her left hand held palm up. A big bore, revolver type pistol manifested. It’s blued metal reflected the light of our bridge subtly, but I was most impressed with its richly stained wooden grip.
“I’ve only ever seen one of those in my life and it was behind twelve inches of kinetic-proof, plasma-resistant polymer! Where have you ever seen a real six-round revolver, my lady?” Kate asked after a sharp intake of breath.
“It’s a little heavier than I expected.” She admitted upon opening her eyes. “We have one in the Royal Guard Armory’s Private Collection. I hope I have replicated it faithfully.”
Kate gestured to the weapon and receiving approval she gently, reverently, lifted it from Greer’s hand.
“Colt; model 1873 .45 cal.; U.S. Marshal W.Earp.” Kate mumbled as she inspected the prized, ancient weapon and read the stamping and engraving.
“This barrel is too big for a .45, sweetie.”
“I had to modify it to work with the ammunition we have available, Lady Kaitlyn.” Greer replied matter-of-factly.
“Good thinkin’.” Kate complimented but paused a second in thought while handing it back.
“Ladies Hope, Chantell, and Charli use a gun belt to carry their weapons when not needed.”
“Understood. I have seen them in the museum as well.” Greer replied as her revolver suddenly appeared in its own thick, processed hide, gun belt.
She seemed pleased with her work thus far. Placing belt and gun carefully on the deck, she held both hands out in front of her with palms up again.
Two long-barreled weapons that looked somewhat similar to Kate’s shotgun, materialized. The smaller of the two ‘rifles’ had some kind of cylindrical extension device on its muzzle while the larger rifle had what I recognized as camouflage. Both weapons had seriously large optical devices attached to the top of their barrels and both had folded, bipedal legs attached near their muzzles.
“There. That wasn’t as hard as I thought it might be.” She admitted with a prideful smile.
“As you see, conjuring gets easier the more you practice it.” I stated the obvious in praise.
She nodded.
“Now, as for proper attire?” She seemed to shy a bit. “I’ll… um… defer to you, Lady Kate.”
“Looks like a jeans an ‘T’-shirt kinda mission. We know what the weather is like down there, Lil’ Gray?”
“Sensors indicate thirty-two degrees Celsius; scattered, high level cirrus strata; fourteen percent relative humidity. The area around Pegasus is rocky and semi-arrid in topography with sparse, semi-desert flora.”
“Yep. Sounds like the Wild West to me. I suggest ‘Boonie Hats’, some good hiking boots, a backpack with desert rations, medical kit, change of clothes, and a large canteen of water for each of us.” Kate rattled off, but again paused.
“I’d also suggest something nice for when we get to town; something comfortable yet feminine.” She winked with a tight smile toward our suddenly bashful Lt Greer. “Naw, I’m just kidding about the formal dress, LT.”
“The planetary delimiter has just passed the proposed LZ, skipper.” Galantry alerted. “Suitable nocturnal conditions will optimize in twenty minutes.”
“Thank you, my lady. Now I think you should allow Lady Link to relieve you at navigation.”
Link nodded as she waited for our Orion sister to disconnect and egress the navigation station.
“Lithia? You have the bridge. Garith? Please take the helm. Keep us in a geo-sync orbit above the LZ and remain camo’ed. Rowan? Your orders remain the same. Shoot anything that gets too close. Target weapons and main propulsion only!”
“Aye!” The Andersons acknowledged as another shift change took place on our bridge.
“Lady Sonya! Report to the galley for last minute mission briefing and kitting!” I ordered into my comm.
 
 
“May I suggest the ancient ‘para-sails’ instead of the ancient ‘parachutes’, skipper?” Kate recommended.
“For what purpose?” Sonya attacked.
As I thought she would.
“For extraction. The surrounding topography consists of several high peaks- buttes- that we could possibly utilize as a take-off/glide-down point to egress the planet without taxing our Current.” Wrench outlined.
“Lil’ Gray and Water Lily’s brooms could match velocity with us and ‘pick us up’, one at a time, without landing. Ingenious.” Moderator commented, recognizing the simplicity.
I had to do something about her call sign! ‘Moderator’ sounded so… boring.
“It seems dangerous. And how can these two pull off such a low-speed maneuver? They haven’t that much simulator time.” Sonya grumbled, pointing to our designated Broom pilots.
“Don’t get yer panties all in a bunch, Sparkles! I’ve seen how these gals handle their brooms. You got nothin’ to worry about.” Kate defended. “By the way, what did you choose as a primitive weapon?”
Sonya reached behind her back and produced a moderate sized slide action pistol.
“I believe it to be a fair replica of a twentieth century Glock 19, 9mm, semi-automatic pistol.” She sassed.
“Hope you conjured enough ammo for that dart gun, Sparkles.” Kate shot back. “I didn’t include any of that in our care package earlier.
“Twenty full, ten round magazines enough, sister?”
“Enough! Suit up and let’s get going!” I ordered before my two coven sisters could initiate full hostilities.
 
 

 
 
“Approaching LZ drop zone, skipper. Altitude: two thousand-forty-eight meters. Slowing to one hundred-twenty kph.” Water Lily alerted. I began releasing my seat harness.
“Good luck, Girlsfriend! Watch the rip currents!” California Dreamin’ wished as her canopy began sliding back to allow my jump.
Holding up my thumb to indicate I was ready, Water Lily rolled Cali upside down.
I was flying through the air on my own! This was quite the rush of adrenaline! Soon though, I had to pull my cord to release the ancient invention that would arrest my fall and allow me to maneuver to our designated landing area by Pegasus.
The wing-like, rectangular parachute opened properly and I quickly got the gist of changing my direction of glide by pulling or easing one or both of the two cords.
As I neared the ground, I scanned the area for any heat signatures using my natural Lynxin night vision. Seeing it clear, I gently pulled on both control cords equally and silently touch down on the hard, rocky soil on Pegasus’ port side.
I gave two ‘clicks’ from my comm to report a successful landing.
Looking back up into the clear, starry sky, I spotted Greer making her final approach and watched as she landed without as much as a puff of dust!
My comm ‘clicked’ twice, indicating she had landed safely.
I estimated we had fifteen minutes before our two remaining team members appeared overhead.
“Collect, repack, and conceal the chutes.” I ordered via hand signals I knew we both could see. Greer signaled back that she would take up a sniper position on the crater’s rim facing into town when finished repacking her chute.
I was just refastening my chute bag’s flap when my sensitive ears picked up the slightest sound of a breeze. Looking skyward, I scanned until I saw Kaitlyn slowly circling our position. I gave my comm one click.
Kaitlyn touched down softly a minute or two later, clicking twice. Sonya followed last by only a minute.
Twenty minutes later we had our chutes hidden and were ready to head into town
 
 
“How’s it look?” I asked as we arrived high atop the volcanic crater Pegasus had landed in.
“Nothing but small nocturnals in the vicinity, skipper. As you can plainly see, the town is pretty active at the moment. As the night drags on, it should quiet substantially. Does anybody else feel like they’ve been physically active for two days straight?” Greer reported.
“Yeah, I feel like I’m mensing too, sweetie.” Kate confirmed.
“I think it’s the result of our Current draining.” I agreed. “Everybody try to resist using your Current as much as possible. According to my estimates, we have about ten kilometers to the outskirts of town.”
“I’ll scout ahead about one or two clicks, captain.” Sonya volunteered and walked ahead at a faster pace when we reached the outside base of the volcanic cone.
“Be careful, Sonya!” I acknowledged.
 
 
One hundred meters ahead, I saw Sonya signaling that we had company off to our left. Three armed men on small, noisy, four-wheeled vehicles, three kilometers farther left. Our progress slowed slightly as we made sure we weren’t detected.
We caught up to Sonya twenty minutes later as she had stopped to take a break.
“So, where are we going to hide when the sun rises, captain?” Sonya asked. “Or do you intend we go in shooting?”
“From the crater’s ridge there appeared to be several small, abandon buildings just a click outside of the main thoroughfare.” Greer reported. “If we are careful, one of those could prove useful as shelter.”
“Why would you think we’d go in shooting, Sonya?” I asked in curiosity.
“That would be the way Chance and friends would approach this rescue mission.”
“I’m not Chance, mother! I may have grown up within Witch Corps, but I do think for myself!”
The sound of the small, four-wheeled vehicles far off to our right told me that we wouldn’t be safe if we sat here much longer.
“They’re circling back. We better get moving.” I suggested as I stood and began walking again. Sonya walked past me at a brisk pace to continue scouting.
 
 
The buildings Greer had told us about had definitely seen better days! One was a completely burned out shell only standing by the grace of Queen Libra herself. One had had its roof fail and collapse, but the third, much larger building seemed sound, though extremely weather abused. Several windows had been shattered and small holes peppered and splintered the outer wooden walls.
“Shootout.” Kate whispered as we checked the perimeter for inhabitants.
Deeming it safe, we entered the building and secured the first floor.
A quite ‘creak’ from the ceiling made us all ‘freeze’ instantly.
I motioned to everyone that I was going to try ascending the steps to investigate and quietly made my way over. Another ‘creak’ stopped me dead in my tracks.
Someone or something was on the second floor.
Greer signaled that she was willing to ascend before me, but I waved her off as I cautiously took the stair treads one at a time.
The heavily worn, aged, wooden stairs led to a very dark hallway running the depth of the building. I would have to carefully top the stairs and cautiously investigate what looked like ten, second floor rooms individually.
Greer appeared in my periphery quietly ascending the stairs. I’d take her help clearing these potential traps.
After signaling our search parameters, we each took a side of the long hallway.
My first room cleared successfully, as did the second. My third room though surprised me within a fraction of my life!
A body, barely giving off heat lay in a fetal position across the room from the doorway. It made no attempt to move or evade me.
Pausing in the doorway, I waited for Greer to re-appear from the room she was clearing and signaled that I had found someone, but for her to continue clearing the other rooms. I then entered and cautiously approached the prone body.
Kneeling down quietly, I reached out to examine my find. Just as I was about to touch its shoulder a hand shot up and grabbed my wrist in an iron-like grasp!
“You shall pay for your curiosity, stranger!” A woman’s voice croaked painfully.
“I do not wish to harm you, my lady. I am merely checking you for a pulse and consciousness. I have medical supplies if required.” I whispered to the woman who’s voice sounded strained, but familiar.
“Unless you know how to remove a bullet from my shoulder, you can’t help me.” She croaked breathily.
She sounded on the verge of unconsciousness.
“Fortunately for you, I can. Allow me to retrieve my medical kit.” I whispered calmly. “Here, drink some water.” I helped her with my canteen.
“Who are you, stranger? You sound like a chick, but you’re hairy like a guy.” The voice asked sounding a touch better.
“Serangetti Lyra at your service, my lady.” I introduced myself.
“Kitten? What’re you doin’ here?”
“Saving your stupid ass, Chantell! What did you think we would do when you guys became a week overdue?”
“You’re the stupid one for risking a rescue from this God-forsaken planet. You’ll never get away from here. Welcome to Hotel California, sister! You can check in any time you like, but you can never leave.” She croaked.
“Hold still while I get set to work a little magic on your wound.
“NO!” She coughed quietly in panic. “Save what Current you can. This place swallows it whole and won’t give it back, Lyra.”
“I know! Okay. Time to pull on your big girl panties, Shan. This is going to hurt.” I warned as I found my phosphorescent light and a small pair of forceps.
In the limited light, I could see my sister’s eyes suddenly bulging.
“OH SHIT!” she hissed quietly and quickly pulled a piece of floorboard loose to clamp her teeth around.

 
 
“She going to be okay, Lyra?” Sonya asked as I did my best to bandage the wound.
“As long as infection doesn’t set in, yes.” I answered optimistically.
“Good because it will be dawn in a few hours. We may need to leave her here or be discovered.”
“Nice of you to show so much concern, Sonya. I’ll be ready to move as soon as the room stops spinning and the three of you become one again.” Chantell croaked out as she regained consciousness.
“Here. Drink some more water, my lady.” I urged, pushing my canteen at her face.
“Yeah, thanks, honey.” She accepted, taking a gulp.
“Better. But why did you guys come after us?”
“How about you tell us what happened that the stubborn and bad-assed Chantell Denison took one in the shoulder?” Kate countered.
“Hey, Wrench. Nice to see you, too.”
“Answer the damn question, Shan.” Kate prompted rudely.
“Racism has spanned the eons here, Katie.” Chantell said flatly. “Fourteen hundred years and sadly the bigots still exist… Hey. You did a pretty good job on my shoulder, Kitten.”
“Racism? Is that some sort of discrimination?” Greer asked.
“It was a distinctly ‘Earth’ form, Kitty. I thought I shared that a few years back.”
“Lt. Niger Greer? Chantell Denison. Shan? This is Greer.”
“Yer shittin’ me! There’s two of ‘em? Lord, help us!” Chantell groaned.
“My lady. I am not worthy to be included in any mention which refers to Her Royal Highness, Kitty Sinae.” Greer replied humbly.
“That tail claims otherwise, LT. You got more royal blood in you than you think!”
“We hadn’t received the test results before we left base.” Sonya offered.
“Still straight and to the blunt point, eh Serangetti? Why did you bring her along, Lyra?”
“Because she’s a member of JWC.”
“Wait! You didn’t bring the kids with you…did you?” Chantell gaped.
“Just the senior echelon. Any other adult members were unavailable for one reason or another.”
“So we have two more brooms stuck on this God-forsaken planet. That’s just peachy!”
“Think we’re that foolish, Motor-City? Aquia and Galantry flew us in close enough to parachute.” Kate explained.
“Aquia? You let that crazy Anderson fly a broom?” Chantell again gasped, wincing in pain. “Which one?”
“She’s flying Cali, Shan.” Kate replied.
“What?!” She gasped, but quickly composed herself.
“Well, it does make a scary sort of sense when you really think about it.” She reasoned, though sounding unconvinced.
“The two seem to get along.” I giggled.
“Galantry? She that Orion we inducted at your commissioning ceremony?”
“One hellava pilot, Shan! On par with Chance or Hope!” Kate crowed Galantry’s talent. “Kid’s got some sweet moves, girlfriend! Has Simone’s BFG in her wand, too!”
“In her wand? Shit.” Chantell repeated, impressed.
“Chantell? We received a transmission from Charli inviting us to come down- that there were plenty of rich needy ‘gentlemen’ here for us. What’s up with that?” I asked. “Kate recognized one of your WC Peacemaker hammers being cocked in the background.”
“That was me. The assholes that jumped us the day after we got here confiscated our weapons when we found out our Current had been drained. No ‘magic’ no super powers. They forced us all into a brothel and expected us to turn tricks for them. That didn’t work out so well though. After all, we still know how to fight hand to hand.”
“Artie and Chance held out the longest- those two having the largest Current reserves. I guess you’ve all noticed the general ‘I feel like shit’ feeling by now?”
“Yeah, even the headaches.” Kate interrupted.
“It only gets worse the longer you’re here. It gets to be so bad you can’t think straight. I started feelin’ like some brainless bimbo about two weeks in. Pain caused by trauma seems to cut through it though. Once shot, I got my head back into the game. The Current drain, it doesn’t seem to affect the men around here though. They’re just as rude…just as unforgiving, and just as cruel as the damn Hobgoblins.” Chantell continued, but she began rubbing at her temples at an increased rate.
“You called them ‘racist’ before?” I asked.
“Any ‘non-Terrans’ seem to qualify as lesser beings here.”
“But you are Terran.” Greer stated factually.
“A 'half-breed' like me isn’t considered ‘Terran’ in this town, sister. Around these parts my ‘two continent’ mix means I’m level with the cacti and other succulents. You three…you three might be considered an oddity. Not many Lynxins come to visit- if any. They might cut you some slack for a while- until they grow tired of your novelty.” Chantell said as she continued to apply more pressure to the sides of her head.
“I can feel myself starting to slip, girls. The pressure in my head is beginning to twist my focus?” Chantell giggled.
“I’m beginning to like, lose it again, girls?”
Sonya flicked her hand and quickly slashed the back of our sister’s arm- not deep, but just enough to hurt. The action quickly drew blood though.
“Dammit! What’d you do that for, Serangetti?” Chantell whined before shaking her head a few times. “Thanks, Sonya. That brought me back for a little bit. Now, you three might not have to worry about discrimination until your novelty wears off.”
“Been there, done that, Shan. Next paragraph, please.” Kate told her while rolling her hand motioning her to keep going.
“I tried to bide my time- to fight whatever the brain-numbing force is down here. Chance and Dell even took turns buffering my Current to keep me from becoming too flighty. Finally, we all saw the lights in the sky. Pretty fireworks so high up that it had to be you guys- Witch Corp…”
Sonya slashed her arm again.
“Awwwww, dammit! Hey, I wasn’t starting to slip yet, Serangetti!” Chantell cursed again.
“Just making sure.” Mother said with a devious smile.
“Any-who, I decided to make my move when Charli began to activate her comm., I rushed ol’ green teeth and snagged one of our peacemakers, cocked the hammer and held him at gunpoint for a change! His fifteen-year-old kid tried to sneak up behind me, though. I ducked and ran- contrary to my training- instead of completing my intended task; killing that sonofabitch! The little turd tried to shoot me in the back! Thank God I twisted and he hit me in the shoulder.”
“So how many of you are still coherent enough to understand we’re here to rescue you?” I asked.
“Chance and Dell seem to be holding on; Lokust and Charli slide in and out at odd times. Hope is the badass of us! If this place is affecting her, she doesn’t show it. At least not through the bruises they give her for fighting their orders.” Chantell paused. “That bitch! She knew the pain would dull the effects! Awwwww! Serangetti!”
“Just making sure.” Mother giggled with a sinister smile.
“How are you guys feeling?” Chantell asked as she glared at my mother.
“Just a little lethargic, but no headaches like you described.” I answered.
“Same for me.” Sonya agreed.
“Being new to this whole female thing, I’m not sure how I feel… tired mostly, I guess.” Greer admitted.
“Aside from feeling like I’m due to start bleeding tomorrow, peachy, Shan.” Kaitlyn complained.
“You don’t feel your mind slipping?” Chantell asked, a bit curious.
Sonya started to move her hand.
“Don’t you frelling dare, Princess!” Chantell ordered brusquely, pointing at Sonya contemptuously.
I looked to my three Coven sisters. We each shook our heads ‘no’.
“Huh! Maybe you Lynxins aren’t as receptive or something. Why aren’t you being affected like me, Katie?” Chantell theorized.
Sonya’s hand shot out at our injured sister.
“OUCH! Dammit, Serangetti! Stop being so eager to re-injure me or I will hurt you! Got it?”
“To answer your question, Shan, I’m a Regulon. We seem to be better able to shake off crazy shit like this.
“Wow, we’ve known each other for what? Two… three hundred years? I never knew you were from Regulus!”
“There are other things I’d rather not let get out too, Shan. Why don’t you get some shut-eye now that you’re patched up?” Kaitlyn remarked coldly, promptly changing the subject.
 
 
So, what’s the plan?” Greer asked about an hour later. We had stopped talking when we saw Chantell’s eyelids closing. Now she was awake and seemed strong enough to stand and eat some rations.
“Thanks, Sonya. That one snuck up on me.” Chantell said as she rubbed the new laceration she had just received.
“You said earlier that we might avoid confrontation for awhile by being a novelty? Is that right?” I asked as I touched Chantell’s arm and asked some of my Current to defuse into her.
“The hell you doin’ girl?! Don’t waste your Current on me! You’ll need every scrap of it to get us out of here.”
“I’ll use my Current as I deem necessary, Lady Chantell! So just shut it. We need your intel on this place- these people.” I scolded.
“These animals, you mean! This really is like the old west, sweetie. No law, no rules, no consideration for anyone but themselves- the male individual. It’s total chaos here. Nothing seems to matter to these guys except where their next BJ or piece of ass is coming from.”
“So just a bunch of horny teen-aged boys, Shan? That’s what this place is? A big frat house?”
“It’s more than that, Wrench. Only a select group of men- yeah, ‘boys’- have all the power. It’s like there’s some kinda spell over the whole place; something here that makes females fully compliant and submissive. I really am surprised you four haven’t felt the urge to screw like rabbits.” Chantell explained.
“Hey, how long have you been down here, anyway?” She inquired.
“About eight hours.” I answered.
“Huh. I was already thinking the ugliest bastard in this town was looking good by that time. Maybe you guys have a natural resistance to this place.”
Sonya flinched, but Chantell produced her wand and pointed it at her.
“Don’t, unless you wanna be in diapers, Princess.” Chantell warned flatly.
“So you would waste that which has been given to smite a friend?” Sonya questioned with an eyebrow raised.
“Lyra gave me a good charge of Current, Sonya.” She held her pendant out for us to see. It indicated half her reserve. “We can still accumulate some Current, but it’s slow to build. I’ll be good with this for a few hours.”
“We covered our theorized resistance before you took a nap, Shan.” I informed her, getting back on topic.
“Oh. Okay, so what’s the plan?”
“How did you first approach the situation, my lady?” I asked.
“Well…we walked into town and four guys surrounded us on the main street. It’s a two-horse, shit-hole so it has one main street and eight or ten short side streets. Two or three story buildings on each side. Mostly flat or slightly angled roofs. Turns out it was a great place for snipers. We tried to hold our own with our wands, but they started to fizzle about five minutes into the ambush. They knew we would run out of Current, girls. I have no idea how they knew, but all they had to do was wait us out.”
“What about firearms?” Kate asked.
“We tried to make use of our pieces, but they started to get too heavy and our aim suffered dramatically. We were just running out of juice!”
“Look, these assholes just want us as whores! Me, they wanted as a house slave! I want to see them get their asses handed to them! Period!” Chantell hissed in anger.
“So, if they see us, they’ll want to ‘repurpose’ us.” I repeated.
“What part of that didn’t I make clear, Lyra?”
“And we know they have at least four of those antique four-wheeled vehicles they use to scout the area.”
“Four ATVs that I saw, yes. They have a small refinery on the other side of town about a mile out that processes shale oil into gasoline. If we take out their resources…”
“No.” I interrupted. “If we take out the ATVs they would waste that resource.”
“Skipper, if we take out those ATVs that means we take out the drivers and passengers as well.” Kate pointed out. “What’s bubbling in your head, Kitten?”
“According to Chantell, we Lynxins are probably a ‘novelty’. I’m thinking of demonstrating what a real novelty we Lynxins are. Chantell, how is your South Capital?”
“Spec-on. Sim urb Dee-troit! (I speak it fluently. It’s not unlike what we spoke back in suburban Detroit.)” Chantell giggled. Her diction and accent was spot on.
“Cat! Props? (What do you think, Girls? I sound okay?)” Kate asked to demonstrate her proficiency of the efficient, layman’s vernacular used in the highly populated neighborhoods south of the royal residence. The area was known for its proud, hard-working, but tough, no-nonsense residents.
“Redlight theory fab. Hail low hemi, Kitten! (Prostitute/Working Girl thinks she’s pretty cool for knowin’ the slang. The accent makes her sound like she’s from the Southern Continent, Kitten!)” Sonya said with a laugh.
Kate’s wand was pointed directly at the back of my mother’s head and she didn’t look too happy!
“Translate that very carefully or you may get them diapers, Princess!” Kate threatened.
“She said your accent sounds like you’re from FeLane’s lower hemisphere, Kaitlyn.” I translated.
“Yeah, I got that part, but ‘Redlight’?” Kate questioned as she wobbled her wand at mom.
Speaking of mom, I wished she would wipe that evil grin from her face.
“I think it’s just slang for ‘silly female’, Wrench.” Chantell smiled as she tried to defuse the situation. “Kinda like: G’day mate! Lookie that plastered ‘Sheila’ at the bar?” Chantell smiled brightly.
“Back on Earth we called it ‘Austrailian’ or ‘Aussie’. It’d work perfect for you, Wrench.”
“I’ve heard the accent before, Shan. Yeah, might be fun. Okay.”
“I say we go in like a gang of cut-throat, kick-ass, no-nonsense mercenaries. We shoot at anything that moves- especially from up in the roof-lines. Kate, you think ‘ol’ betsy’ can take care of those ATV things?
Kaitlyn Yates nodded with a big smile. “Now yer talkin’!”
“Greer? You object to taking out a few of the opposition’s snipers?”
“I’m good, skipper.”
“Good. Sonya, around dawn I’m going to need you to be ‘almost’ seen. Nothing but scant peeks from dark corners. You’re our ‘phantom’ to just create some paranoia and interest. Let them know something’s up.”
“Aye, skipper. I’ll give them a good spooking.”
“Good, next we’re going to need you to reprise your previous role, Chantell. Hopefully, they’ll think we’re going to return their ‘property’.”
I keyed my comm.
“Kitten, Mini-Van.”
“Go ahead Kitten, Smurf here. How’s it going down there?”
Obviously, her siblings had given Link her codename.
“We found Fairy Godmother warm and in one piece. Have a lead on the others.”
“Fantastic news, Kitten! How can we help?” Link Anderson sounded elated.
“I need you to monitor the town just due east of us later today- just before local, planetary noon. The moment you pick up antique, small arms fire I want Galantry and Aquia to scramble for air support. Under no circumstances are they to get lower than twelve meters off the deck. Repeat. No lower than one-two meters. Copy?”
“One-two meters. Copy, Kitten.” Link repeated for confirmation.
“Good. With any luck we’ll have Flight One back with us by tomorrow evening. Kitten, out.” I said before disabling my comm again.
“Time for our resident poltergeist to get moving, Sonya. Remember, don’t push it and don’t get caught!”
“Aye, skipper.” Sonya smiled as she vanished from sight into the dark hallway.
“And don’t use too much Current, mom!” I reminded before she got too far.
 
 

 
 
We quietly lined up at the edge of town- four across, with Chantell ahead of us by two paces, her arm still in the makeshift sling. It was nearly planetary ‘high noon’.
 
With a nudge to Chantell’s good shoulder, we stepped onto, and started walking slowly down the middle of the town’s main street. Each of us, except Chantell, of course, wore our sidearms loosely in their holsters. Greer kept one of her rifles strapped to her back; the other, she held pointed at Chantell with her finger on the weapon’s trigger.
To all residents ‘watching’ through the windows facing the street, it was hoped we appeared to be ‘escorting’ our prisoner back to her owner.
Kaitlyn commented that we looked like four ‘badass’ chicas’ doing our ‘civic’ duty.
Just to keep the locals guessing, we had decided to use ‘layman’ Lynxin or ‘South Capital’ as our language of choice. Chantell had told us she suspected no one here would understand it.
“Kitten. End? Legaci-crip, EOL? (Kitten. You think this will work? We wouldn’t want the injured old woman to get killed, would we?)” Sonya asked- the same sinister smile from earlier.
“Ya’know I can understand and speak Lynxin fluently, Princess. And for chrissakes knock off that damn S&M grin you’ve got goin’ on across yer maw.” Chantell complained without turning back to us.
“Off Cats! Funct! Alt ‘B’. (Relax girls! This’ll work! If it don’t there’s always plan ‘B’.)” Kate stated optimistically.
“Oh? Did we agree to a ‘plan ‘B’?” Chantell wondered out loud.
“Alt ‘B’: Debug-Pb. Pray. (Plan ‘B’. Where we shoot any ass that tries to shoot us. Give this God-forsaken town a severe case of ‘lead poisoning’.)” Kate outlined.
“Oh. Good plan ‘B’. I like it. And just when were you gonna tell me about it?”
“ITRW, Step-run, F.G. (Right now, so keep moving and keep quiet, Fairy Godmother.)” Kate deadpanned.
That reminded me of something I had forgotten to visit once we left Mini-Van yesterday.
“Id Mnem, Greer? (You think of a cool handle yet, Greer?)” I asked.
“Mnem, Kitten? Moderator. (Why do I need a new call sign, Kitten? Moderator’s okay.)” She replied.
“Null, 2. Re-Mnem! (That’s so lame, LT! Try to be more imaginative!)” Chantell exclaimed- actually turning around to stare at her. “Modus? (What’s her fightin’ technique?)”
“Copy Paste: Kitten, Kitty! (She tied me and Kitty on the stats.)” I answered.
Chantell stopped walking, turned around and her wide eyes stared at us.
“Checksum? (Is that right? You really scored the same on the Training Simulator?)”
“Header only- 5C-1min. (She took all five hundred in a standard minute- scrapping ‘em off bare-handed- no shots spent!)” Kate boasted.
“Yer a real ‘Alley Cat’, LT!” Chantell gushed, impressed.
“Save! File 2? (Check it! What you think, LT?)” I announced excitedly.
“Alley Cat! File. Archive! (Sounds good. I’m ‘Alley Cat’. Here to kick ass an take ‘sir’s’!)” Greer announced pointedly.
“ (Now we’re good, Let’s get back to the ass-whoopin’!)” I ordered noticing some locals starting to take notice of us.
 
 
“Well, well. What we got here? Hey boys? Looks like we got some ‘Pumas’ that found our stray. We’ll take it right off yer hands and show it who’s boss ‘round these parts.
“Phal’ss (Dick! I don’t like you already!)” I answered loudly.
“Huh? What’d you say now?” The tall, mustached, scraggly-haired bigot asked in confusion. He looked around to the sides of the street where some observers had collected, for any offered translation.
“Oh, well.” The cocky local reached out to try and grab Chantell’s arm.
A shot rang out!
The local suddenly grabbed his hand with his other and screamed out in pain!
“ Toy. (Touch her again and you’ll lose it entirely! Leave our pet furless Terran alone!)” Sonya warned. She had pulled her Glock and placed a round into his reaching hand. She now had the weapon’s muzzle aimed right at his forehead.
“Ay, mate? Princess says don’t touch ‘er prize. Comprende?” Kaitlyn warned. “An’ we all killed fer less. Jes cause it’s fun; yeah?”
“Re-num GoSubs! (Get those snipers off the roof!)” I said angrily, noticing snipers on a few rooftops on either side of the street.
The guy just stood in front of us and puzzled with what I said.
Pulling one peacemaker, I took out the shooter on my left then dispatched the one on my right. Didn’t these guys know to hide or just stay low?
“She hates ‘surprises’ mate!” Kate translated after both dead men had rolled off their respective roofs and made independent, dusty ‘thuds’ on the barren ground.
The assembled onlookers let out a collective gasp. Several women- I was surprised they were allowed out of their rooms- began pointing and crying. At the moment, I…we couldn’t care less whether they had just lost their man or were just frightened.
“Variables! (Show all your muscle, old man!)” I growled in anger.
Again the guy just looked at us.
I growled again and took aim with my un-holstered pistol.
Our ‘local’ subtly glanced to either side as he gulped. I didn’t miss his mistake.
“Clear codes! (Call off your dogs, asshole!)” I growled as I made a point of showing I caught his error.
“What did she say?” He asked nervously.
“I told ya about her an’ surprises mate. We knows ‘bout the rats in the wings. Lose ‘em or you lose ‘em!” Kate nodded to each side of the street.
“I don’t know what yer talkin’ ‘bout!”
In one smooth, fluent move Greer traded rifles and placed a quick round into the corner of a building on the left then placed another through the corner of the building on our right.
The report from the big caliber rounds echoed in the stagnant, silent air for only a second. Two ‘grunts’- one from each side of the street followed instantly.
Just as quickly, Greer re-sheathed that weapon to her back and pulled the other into her possession.
“Over-spec, Alley Cat! (Bitchin’ move, Alley Cat!)” Kate applauded then spoke in ‘their’ language. “Like I said, mate, we don’t like no surprises! Now…If you’d bring out them other Sheilas, this one says she come with, we’ll think about not destroyin’ yer shithole. Comprende?”
“I have no idea who you skanks is talkin’ ‘bout.” The guy reiterated.
Sonya’s pistol barked and our local guy jumped, but quickly screamed out in more pain and grabbed at his right foot.
“Sorry, mate. Neglected to tell ya we all knows the language. Now…them Sheilas what we want as pets?
We heard internal combustion engines coming up behind us- still pretty far off.
“Throwaways, 6! (Hey! We got us some heroes on our six.)” I announced. I doubted the Terrans could even hear them yet.
“I still have no idea what yer talkin’ ‘bout.”
“Solo.” Kate stated calmly as the four, four-wheelers quickly drew nearer.
It seemed like Kate was waiting longer than I would have, but she finally, quickly spun around and opened up with one shot from her shotgun.
There was a loud, double explosion from behind us and our local guy’s eyes widened.
People ran back into the buildings they had appeared from in a panic!
Only a few people- mostly men were left on the antique wooden sidewalks.
Kate fired another shot and a similar, single explosion rang in our ears. She turned back to our local.
One more engine could be heard- its exhaust noise grew higher in tone as its driver gunned his engine.
Now our local guy’s mouth dropped completely open in horror.
“Sorry ‘bout that, mate, but the flies…really bad today. Best call an exterminator.” Kate paused a moment. “Hold the thought.”
Smiling devilishly, Kate slowly turned around again and pointed her WC Peacemaker at the fourth and last four-wheeler. The explosive round did not discriminate and the vehicle exploded in a similar, impressive fireball. Pieces of vehicle and rider could be heard hitting the buildings on either side of the street.
“Jog yer memory any, mate?” Kate asked after turning back to our ‘forgetful’ local with a satisfied, lustful sneer as she holstered her pistol and casually reloaded both barrels of her ‘pea-shooter’.
The dumbfounded man simply and cautiously raised his arm to point behind him.
“Follow me.” He said in a completely defeated voice.
As we walked further into the town, I happened to look down each direction of the cross street. Two men- one on each side of the main street- lay dead in puddles of their own blood- huge holes in their chests.
“Point, Alley Cat! (Nice shooting, Alley Cat!)” I complimented.
“Misused, Kitten. (Not exactly what I signed on for, Kitten. Let’s get the others and leave.)” Greer answered sadly.
“My posse, they want me to remind ya, no more surprises, mate.” Kate adlibbed.
“So where you girls from? Haven’t seen your kind around here before.” Our ‘guy’ asked calmly even though he was limping badly while holding his shattered hand.
So calm in fact, that I knew he had something else planned.
“Bugs. (Eyes wide, girls.)” I warned.
“What’d she say?” he dared ask.
“Kitten says she ain’t above shootin’ yer ass in the back, mate. Takin’ two snipers out at fifty yards is nothin’; so try something else. She dares ya.” Kaitlyn threatened.
Our local chuckled quietly.
Yeah, he wasn’t too smart to think he had the upper hand.
“Hey, mate? Them twenty chumps you got waitin’ for us forty paces ahead? You really think we don’t expect ‘em? Tell ‘em stand down or more local Sheilas’ll go without tonight.” Kate suddenly warned as she let us know what waited.
I silently topped off my pistols and holstered them again then winked to Kate, Sonya, and Greer.
“EndLoop, F.G. (Fairy Godmother, play dead when told.)” I ordered.
Her head nodded ever so slightly in understanding.
“Next, toy. (Keep goin’, pet.)” Sonya shouted as she grazed Chantell with a shot from her Glock. The shot wasn’t unexpected though, as I had seen Chantell signal that she needed help focusing. Our local guy again cried out in pain as he reached for his left forearm.
“Recycled, Princess! (Bonus, Princess!)” Greer giggled.
“Doesn’t seem to be yer day, mate.” Kate laughed evilly.
“I’ll be the one laughing in a minute, you furry slags.” Our local guy whispered.
The joke was on him though as we all heard him plain as day.
Kate swept the rooftops on her right then on her left with her shotgun.
“10+Seeker; 2+Locust, cats! (Seeker and Locust were hiding on the roofs at ten and two, girls.)” Kate reported.
“Redefine, Cats. (Refocus only, girls.)” I commanded then thought of a less violent option.
“Jump! Alley Cat+10, Kitten+2. (Redirect! Alley Cat take Seeker; I’ll take Locust.)” I growled. “2>6 or 5. Return! (Rank two beats a rank six and five. Break!)”
On that command Greer holstered her rifle then shot up the left building’s exterior and I instantly cleared the side of the right building. Lokust was completely overwhelmed and I soon had her neutralized- the pain from the cut on her shoulder would quickly bring her back into focus- when she woke up.
Greer did not reappear in our little lineup. I suspected she was ‘scoping’ out our opposition and would provide cover fire.
 
A shot rang out from somewhere ahead. An unknown man dropped from a roof peak onto the main street with a dead-weighted, dusty ‘thud’, fifteen meters ahead. Our guide stuttered a step but kept slowly limping forward.
Artemis Dell dropped down in front of Chantell from concealment behind a second floor porch wall. Sonya quickly wounded her in the shoulder.
As we hoped, once the pain focused her thoughts, she fell to the street and curled into a fetal position.
The local guy looked disgusted and kicked our fallen sister with his good foot. I was amazed Sonya didn’t end him on the spot!
With Dell out, that left Chance and Hope Summers.
Three shots rang out in rapid succession.
“Alley Cat, Kitten. Rollleft 3. Incrementing. Cut. (Alley Cat, Kitten. Scratch three more badies. Skipping on. Out.)” Greer reported on comms.
Our local escort suddenly stopped and turned around slowly. He seemed surprised that one of us was missing, but his expression quickly changed to a slimy smirk. A shit-eatin’ grin as Chantell would say.
“You really think you’ll make it any farther?” He asked, his smirk going wider. “We’re holding your remaining ‘pets’. If we can’t have ‘em, we’ll kill ‘em both.”
“Compat. (Okay by me.)” I said as I pulled my pistol. “Deck.”
Our local guy’s head exploded!
Chantell was now down on the street, also in a fetal position as she had been told.
“He was such an arrogant asshole, anyway!” I justified.
Mom turned and looked at me in absolute horror!
Several shots hitting the ground behind us refocused our attention forward.
I drew my other pistol.
We started moving along the street again, leaving Chantell and Dell lying silent and unmoving on the street.
Another shot rang out.
“Got another one, Kitten.” Greer confirmed.
Four more shots rang out- this time in a two second burst!
“Yes, me again. Add four more.” Greer alerted after the fact.
“Hey. We gonna let her have all the fun, Kitten?” Kate asked as she ran forward, shotgun in one hand and pistol in her other. She quickly fired both, in opposite directions.
Blood and loose flesh exploded from the guy on her left and what was left of someone’s head hit the street on her right.
Sonya and I looked to each other and shrugged our shoulders.
 
Chance Summers walked- stiffly- out into the middle of the street about fifty meters ahead of Kate, her staff held straight and perpendicular to the street ahead of her. Toward us! It’s blue gem glowing softly in the bright daylight sun.
Shit! This wasn’t good! If whoever was able to control Nike, there might be a problem.
Chance’s…no…Nike’s eyes were glowing brighter than her staff’s gem. That, I remembered, indicated that Nike was in control and, without knowing what side she thought us on, could spell our failure.
And our immediate demise!
Another arrogant S.O.B. walked calmly out from a street on the left. He stopped right next to Chan…Nike and placed a hand on her shoulder.
I instantly felt nauseated!
“Now do what I have commanded you to do, bitch.” He ordered in a calm, level, accented voice.
Did he really think that would work on our High Priestess? Nike, the Goddess of Victory?
Just in case, I prepared myself for the apocalyptic agony I had heard her last victim had suffered.
 
 

 
 
“Honorable Nike! It is good to see you well. We were expecting your safe return to us for over three weeks. I know young Savanna eagerly awaits your return.” I said as I fell to one knee.
Looking to either side, I wasn’t the only one. Kate and Sonya had taken a knee also.
“So, you know to bow down to your superior!” The unknown man chuckled in a satanic manner.
Nike’s eyes flared for just an instant.
“You’re absolutely right. What were we thinking?” I said standing back up and glaring at this unknown, highly assumptive man. “Nike is our sister and we should not bow to her or anyone. We are the Valkyrie! Here to protect those that need protection! Even if it is our sister, Nike, that now needs that protection. Not that she can’t protect herself, that is. State your name, he who thinks himself master of all the species!”
I noticed Nike’s eyes pulse brighter again.
“Yes, I think I like that title.” The man chuckled haughtily. “Thank you for providing it. It will be the first of everything you give to me, as I will take even more from you… and everything!”
He laughed. It was a sinister laugh.
“I’d guess you would even take time and bend it to your whims, ay Chronos?” I assumed as I worked to set my trap. Though I had not witnessed it firsthand, I knew that I had to exceed the threshold of Nike’s anger. A threshold that was sure to rain Valhalla down on this planet.
At my casual mention of that long-hated name, Nike’s eyes really flared ‘orange’!
“Nice try, subhuman, but this self-titled ‘demi-goddess’ is firmly in my exclusive control!”
 
A shot rang out and Nike’s eyes dimmed for only an instant. A small, trickle of blood appeared on Chance’s left side.
“Summers! Chance! Alias Nike, Goddess of Victory! I am your mother and I tell you to stand down this instant, young lady! Think of Savanna and what would happen if you do not fight this bombastic loser!” Hope Summers shouted as she appeared from the near side street, behind our bewitched High Priestess.
“There is nothing you can say to take back your daughter from my control, Hopewell Summers, abomination of all humans and traitor to all Earth! It has taken time to finally gain enough power to control everything around me, but I have finally succeeded and now I will become the most powerful being in this galaxy!” He monologued, as one of his ‘friends’ quickly appeared behind Hope and struck her over the head with a piece of lumber.
Another shot echoed around us and both Hope and her assailant hit the ground at the same time- Hope just unconscious; her attacker missing the lower back quadrant of his skull.
 
Chalk up another one for Greer.
 
I began laughing. Instantly several more voices added to the laughter from behind me.
“You are seriously frelled up, Uri Chekov Bovidovich- megalomaniac extraordinaire!” Chantell stated in a voice that told me she was very pissed off. “So this is all to take revenge on the three of us for warning you to be careful with the Current?”
“No, you African-American half-breed! This is to prove I am master of this universe! This reality! I told you then that we would become Gods if we controlled the Current! If we held tight reign and enslaved it to do our bidding. See now what this power can do? I am the ultimate God! All powerful! I command everything! And with this repugnant, fully obedient, Summers mongrel offspring, I am invincible! This thing, not a him, not a her, will do what I tell it and obediently serve only me. As you all shall! Explain it to them, MY pet!”
 
A controlled, bemused, but malevolently feral sounding female laugh echoed all around us.
 
“Foolish, self-important, insignificant mortal.” Artemis Dell declared then continued her disturbing, bone-chilling laughter again as she slowly, confidently, walked through us and advanced on this ‘Bovidovich guy’. As she did, her dazzling Olympian vestments manifested, complete with her golden bow and full quiver of arrows.
“You are nothing close to a god. You are only a small, small man that has greedily seized sentient, peaceful lifeforms from their natural environment to command, bend, and abuse their potent energies to your demands and whims. You are a dictator… an insignificant despot… a slaver… you are a stereotypical ‘Titan’! But know this tyrant. The Titans were defeated by not the gods of old, but by the enlightened and enraged spirits that in their own right, value and seek to protect all sentient life!”
Nike’s eyes pulsed brightly again at the mention of ‘Titan’.
“Foolish words from something that isn’t close to a real god, Greek whore! Just the same, why not just run back to Daddy Zeus and bring back the whole family to prostrate themselves before their master?”
“Because it will only take one of us to destroy you; he who calls himself Master of the Universe!” Artie countered. “And my sister Nike will never willingly accept orders from such superciliousness. Many have tried, but they ultimately failed.”
Nike’s staff discharged a bright blue bolt of plasma energy. Dell, as well as Kate, Sonya, and I easily avoided it.
“So you still fight me, cyKa? Must I reign in my control tighter to show my superiority?” This ‘Bovidovich’ challenged, glancing toward Chance.
Nike screamed out in pain and another burst of energy shot from her staff.
It caught Artemis Dell squarely in the chest!
“Well, sister. You surprise me. I had not thought this mortal to have sufficient influence over you. Fear not, you who saved us many millennia ago will now be rescued by those saved, from this… this Titan!” Artemis Dell said, brushing something from her pure-white toga with beautiful golden trim. “Dear niece. Remember who fought next to you that day long, long ago. Remember the anguish and trials we shared that day at Vermilion Station.
“Lady Artemis? May we, the other Valkyrie, assist in the rescuing of our beloved sister- our mentor in all things honorable?” I politely inquired.
“Prepare and align thee with me, my fearless sisters.” Artie invited.
That was our cue to manifest our uniforms, though that is about all I felt we could do since our Current reserves were not recovering.
 
Bovidovich began laughing again.
 
“Such a show of useless camaraderie! Have you not noticed that every expenditure of your precious Current brings you closer to my controlling will?”
“Actually, we’ve felt no influence at all, dickhead.” Sonya sassed back. “Apparently, Lynxins and those born under blue dwarf stars seem to be mostly immune to your parlor tricks.”
Sonya boldly stepped a few paces closer to stand between Artemis Dell and I.
“Stay in league with this ass-wipe and I will be forced to assume full control of Pegasus and the Corps, Lady Chance Summers, High Priestess of Witch Corps!” Mom challenged.
Artemis Dell looked to our sister- my mother- with an orange blaze burning in her eyes. Memories flooded my mind with scenes from Pegasus’ bridge eight years ago. Mother had declared herself captain of Pegasus by order of the Galactic Council. Chance’s eyes burned with the very same bright orange light then. Now Artie’s eyes reacted in the same way, too?
She truly was an Olympian- coded identical to her older sister, Artemis.
 
My mother’s bold words had the desired effect as Nike’s eyes blazed!
A bolt of plasma shot from Nike’s staff and struck Sonya hard enough to throw her back a meter!
“That is what I was looking for!” Mother gloated. “Are you so jealous that I would assume command of your precious Corps, Chance? I dare thee, strike me down again! I shall survive and dare thee over and over again, my bewitched sister!”
Footfalls from behind alerted me that Charli and Lokust had recovered and had joined us.
“Sit-rep, LT?” Lokust requested politely.
“None of your damned business, XO, this is my operation, but thanks for the inquiry!” I hissed.
A hand- Charli’s hand- gently touched my shoulder.
“Spoken like a true princess of the Lynxin throne, Kitten. Thanks for the rescue.”
“An honor, my ladies.” I responded.
“So, Chance Summers! Is this lack of retaliation indication that I am indeed taking full control of the Corps then?” Sonya further challenged.
Another, much more intensified blue bolt shot from the staff!
The concussive report of the impact and resulting explosion echoed in our ears, but Mother was still standing! Slightly off to her left, by about a meter or so, another Lynxin female, in her Witch Corps uniform, lay crumpled on the street, unmoving.
“Where the hell did Sinae come from?” Lokust cried out in shock and surprise as she hurried over to the motionless figure.
“Kitty!” Charli shouted hysterically as she, too, hurried to our fallen sister’s side.
I looked up in time to see Nike’s eyes dim considerably. Her mouth dropped open ever so slightly and her head turned slightly to Bovidovich for just a fraction of a standard second.
 
“She’s still with us.” Charli informed, loudly, finger to our casualty’s neck.
Lokust nodded then stood upright.
“You almost killed her, Chance! You attacked our sister; the queen of FeLane! How could you even think about hurting Kitty!? Stop this right now, Chance! Stop the madness before we actually lose one of our sisters! Our family!” She shouted out in emotion filled anger.
“Kitty? Wake up, girlfriend! Please be alright!” Lokust cried as she looked back to me. I just stood there looking down in horror.
 
Of course, Greer mightn’t be my cousin, but she was related by our genetics. As such, she had royal blood…and she had just proven that fact by courageously throwing herself into the line of fire, effectively protecting the first princess of FeLane- my mother!
She was a Sinae- without a doubt- and we would graciously welcome her into our family. But not right now- not here.
But, the reaction I saw in Nike- in Chance- the moment she realized she had attacked and presumably critically injured her friend and family... It weakened the puppet master’s hold for a brief instant.
 
“Cousin? Please wake up! Cousin!” I shouted as I forced myself forward and played into the accidental rouse that might further loosen the strings binding Chance Summers to her captor.
“Why did you do that, Chance!?” I glared at our ensnared High Priestess with as angry eyes as I could manage. “Kitty is only trying to rescue you from this madman! From this God-forsaken planet! She doesn’t want a repeat of the Kane incident and lose you entirely!”
“And what of Savanna?” I continued as my expression changed to my ‘spiteful’, ‘accusatory’ eyes. “Would you forfeit her too, to this self-righteous ass who thinks himself creator and master over all life- including those you helped seeking liberation from like tyranny on Olympus Prime? I wonder if you would have been able to stomach losing your daughter, had you one then, Nike?” I dared to challenge.
Nike’s eyes blazed anew at my accusation.
“Of course! Shoot me down! Just like my cousin!” I dared furiously as I stood and raised my hands in surrender. “Destroy me too, for I am here on your behalf and for young Savanna’s benefit! Dispatch those that would see you freed from this…this ‘abomination’!” I motioned with both hands to her captor. “This power-corrupted, malevolent demon in the form of a weak, spoiled Earther that disgusts the species as a whole. Why not show us your supposed omnipotent power, Bovidovich, reputed master of nothing! Controller of nothing!” I continued my challenge as I courageously walked forward, past my now quietly moaning sister.
There was a mere five meters between my bewitched sister and I now, and I prepared myself for anything and everything I could possibly imagine. Yet, I set my jaw, remained stoic of expression, and proud of my lineage.
“You will be consumed in agonizing pain and eternal torment, Lynxin bitch!” He exclaimed confidently- arrogantly.
“Then let’s see what you’ve got, boastful, pathetic Earther! Show me how the one who thinks himself all-powerful can strike me down to oblivion, with just a thought! You can do that without my sister’s talents, right, asshole?” I forced a fanatical, demented smile. “If not, be resigned to being cut into small pieces as recompense for assaulting my cousin, Queen Sinae Kitty of the FeLane Confederation!”
Nike’s slight hint of motion from her staff was enough to telegraph what was to come, but I was determined to bravely stand my ground!
I could see the gem of the staff increase its intensity.
This was my end, I thought, as things began to slow down, time-wise. I barely heard or recognized the street erupting in small, explosive geysers in an angled vector toward Bovidovich and Nike.
Nike’s gem dimmed considerably and normal time instantly re-asserted itself for me.
One of our brooms streaked overhead at a low altitude, went vertical then supersonic as more gunfire exploded in a similar pattern, further destroying the town’s main thoroughfare.
Another Broom streaked past at an even lower altitude, performed a four-point roll then shot skyward following its predecessor.
A third Broom materialized directly over us and hovered for a moment- its forward guns trained and aglow on our enemy before backing off and landing smoothly at an angle behind us on the street.
It was close enough to make out the much-skewed image of its distinctive nose art. I could just make out the image of a young, black-haired woman wearing what I thought might be a purple ‘turban’ on her head, cupping and staring into a moderate-sized, white-frosted, glass sphere of some kind. I could not make out the craft’s name, however, as my attention instantly snapped to the canopy opening and revealing its pilot.
“Hi, everybody! I got here as soon as I could.” Savanna- in her adult form- greeted brightly as she hovered out of her cockpit and touched the ground.
 
“Oh! How disgusting!” She added with a grimace toward the street and began to hover several centimeters above it.
“Oracle. Plus ten centimeters and hold until further notice. Much better. Now would someone care to explain why my mother, father and aunts are hashing it out with each other on this backwater shithole of a planet?” Savanna said with a confidence that filled me with hope.
Nike suddenly cried out in tremendous agony and I turned around just in time to see a bright blue plasma bolt heading toward me!
 
I felt…nothing! No pain, no burning…nothing! I opened my eyes- not even remembering I closed them- to see Savanna standing in front of and facing me. She was smiling and her eyes twinkled in amusement before me.
“As fearless as ever, big sister.” She winked. “But this is something I think I need to handle. I am honored by yours- and everyone’s- courage and fortitude. Please step back now, for I see this getting a bit ‘messy’.”
“I thought you were barred from participation by Zeus, little sister? Why are you here, and won’t you be disowned and banned from Olympus?” I asked in amazement at the powerful aura I felt emanating from this woman.
“The all-father and I argued at length, but in the end, sanity and logic prevailed, and we came upon an accord.” Savanna declared regally then began to lightly giggle.
“Actually it was much simpler than that. I told Zeus that I was coming here to rescue Nike and that was that. Here I am. Now take two steps back, please.”
“Oracle?” I gasped as I went to one knee instantly.
“Oh give it a rest, Kitten! We are one in the same, though now, fully integrated. I am here to ‘earn’ this uniform and the respect it commands.”
Savanna turned to face Bovidovich and Nike.
“Fear not, mother, for I have arrived to secure your healthy return. Has this ‘blood tick’ been vexing you?” Savan…Oracle asked politely.
A bright bolt of blue plasma struck Savan…Oracle directly in the chest!
She didn’t budge or flinch a millimeter- even though still floating mere centimeters off the street!
“Oh, you’ll have to do much better than that, Lady Nike. Remember that I am from you and as a result am resistant to your attacks- as misguided as they are. Also remember too, that I have been absorbing your excesses since my mortal incarnation as your daughter. Now,” Savanna shifted her attention, “why don’t you try to enslave me, Mister Bovidovich? You claim the power to defeat mother’s perseverance. You, who crave ultimate power, should be drooling over something more powerful than the honorable Lady Nike. So, I challenge you, evil one. Bring it on, you pathetic asshole!” Savanna dared as she extended her right arm and flexed her fingers in a ‘come at me’ gesture.
 
When nothing happened after a few seconds, our young sister dropped her stance and began laughing amiably.
“I though not. How very predictable. You, who claim ultimate power and control, cower to this young, inexperienced girl of nineteen! I declare you a coward, Uri Chekov Bovidovich! So afraid are you of equal competition, you have just failed to impress even the inhabitants of these lawless systems. Those inhabitants that have the capacity and now watch a live feed of these proceedings cannot be so impressed by your ‘lack’ of commitment.” Savanna gestured up to point out a before now, unseen drone silently hovering overhead.
“I thought you a decorated soldier in your ancient Russian Republic of the twenty-first and second century, Mr. Bovidovich. It also appears to be a lie- though a well fabricated one.” Savanna took several more steps forward and was now within two meters of our adversaries- one willing and one unwilling.
“Well, Uri- the great and powerful… the all-mighty?” She snickered. “Strike me down and smite my very existence! I am, as you called my mother, an abomination of your subspecies so therefore must surrender and be subservient to you as penitent sentence. Since that will not come to pass; again, arrogant swine…bring it on!” She challenged.
 
Nike’s staff flared brighter than any time before and a concussive explosion knocked us all back several meters!
 
When the dust and falling debris finally cleared, Savanna stood unmoved and unharmed, though Nike had been thrown several meters back and was only just pushing herself up on her hands from the completely obliterated street. Around us, not a building stood of its own accord and I could only imagine the collateral casualties. The one calling himself ‘Bovidovich’ had also been thrown several meters away, though at a slightly different angle away from Nike.
“Sorry, mother, but you had to be shown that I do indeed love you and that I intend to risk everything to assure your long and honorable reign as our High Priestess. I ask you now; have you seen the slightest beginnings of self…of reason… returning, Lady Nike, Goddess of Victory- Mother?”
 
Thunder echoed across the surface of the planet.
 
Savanna pointed both her middle fingers to the heavens in defiance.
“And you can go visit Uncle Hades in the underworld for a while, All-father!” She screamed angrily. “Never! Ever! Place a barrier between my family and me again! Good day, Great-grandfather Zeus!”
My young sister took a moment to compose herself then walked back over to us and scanned us, making sure we were all alive and conscious.
“Damn, kiddo.” Chantell cursed as she found her footing. “I’ll never bitch at you for popping into my quarter’s head while I’m using it ever again.”
“That will be un-necessary, Aunt Chantell. This is my default form now, as I have absorbed much more of mother’s Current than I could possibly hold at any younger capacity.”
“So, you experienced your threshold.” Artemis Dell stated succinctly, shaking her head to clear it.
“I believe that is the term, yes, Aunt Artie. I have reached and exceeded my ‘threshold’. Now, I must see to mother and Grandmother Hope. Please excuse me, my ladies.” Savanna replied before she bowed politely and walked- still centimeters above the ground- the short distance back to a still-staggering Chance Summers.
“I hate to be the party-pooper here, but someone needs to guard his ‘royal asshole’ over there.” Kate pointed to a still unmoving Bovidovich. She then broke the breach of her shotgun, changed both rounds, closed the breach, and walked over to the unmoving figure, nonchalantly waving her weapon’s twin muzzles several times over the length of the body.
Artie and Chantell joined in her watchful vigil.
Greer sat up carefully and rubbed the disheveled mane on her forehead.
“What in the queen’s name hit me?” She asked in confusion.
“You caught an attack from the Goddess Nike, and lived to tell about it, Niger Greer.” Sonya answered as she checked for broken bones, deep lacerations, or a concussion. “Believe me when I say that is a major achievement. The last person to face her was nothing shy of unstable, badly degraded bio-mush.”
Greer swallowed very loudly.
“Mother, you shall sit your ass down or I will hex it to the street!” Savanna ordered loudly from fifteen meters away. “Am I clear on that?”
“Grandma! That goes double for you! Now sit down, both of you!” She continued to shout.
“Yup. She’s a Summers alright!” Charli Armstrong nervously giggled as she stood and wiped the dirt and grime from the seat of her lace-trimmed, orange panties.
“Like mother, like daughter, like Grandmother, eh?” Lokust Grunfuller laughed as she looked up at me.
“What you did, Lyra…it was either very brave or very, very crazy! Chance could have disintegrated you without a second thought!”
“I had to take the chance, my lady. Our mission was your rescue or recovery. Regardless, Witch Corps had to come home; one way or the other. End of story.
“Yeah, okay. So how did you get Artie and Demi to fly air support? Usually Zeus recalls them to Olympus to remain neutral.
“Fenile Galantry pilots Zeus’ Pride, and Aquia Anderson flies Cali.”
Lokust got a stunned look on her face.
“Cali let Aquia pilot her? Our Aquia Anderson?” She asked in confirmation, her voice breaking into the next higher octave.
“The two of them have become almost inseparable, my lady.”
“Hey, guys?” Kate shouted!
“Bovidovich just vanished! We were standing right over him and he vanished!”
“By Zeus, I will find him!” Savanna shouted angrily before disappearing herself.
She reappeared about eight meters away.
“He’s heading for Pegasus! We have to beat him there!” She proclaimed in a controlled anger I had never seen her use before.
I found myself standing, looking directly at our majestic, mobile base ship, Pegasus! Looking around, I observed that everyone else was looking confounded, at our sleek, chrome-hulled ship.
Chantell though, was bent over regurgitating and complaining about how she hated travelling via ‘flue powder’.
Still hovering centimeters off the ground, Savanna hurried over to Pegasus’ chrome hull.
“I request manual release of external Current fueling port!” She commanded, placing the palm of her hand on the non-existent port panel. It appeared and popped open.
Savanna began - what looked like- injecting her Current into the fueling port under extreme pressure.
“Pegasus! Emergency emitter start! Hover at plus thirty centimeters and hold for further commands. Emergency phrase: Summers Savanna, Oracle, Alpha Daughter, enable!”
To my amazement, the spacecraft instantly came to life and, as ordered, hovered thirty centimeters off the rocky, barren, hardened lava floor of the dormant volcano’s caldera.
“Current sight and watch for his tainted aura in the organic pathways under our feet.” Savanna commanded further. “Pegasus. Enable Malicious Current Rejection Protocols. Extreme Isolation until further commands.
“Confirmed. Monitoring. Waiting.”
“Lyra. You may want your sniper to take up position on the ridge overlooking the town. Several remaining ‘bad guys’ are forming a ‘posse’ at this very moment and will arrive within the half hour.” She suggested while motioning with her eyes to the general ridge location.
“Those men cannot reach us.” She added flatly.
“Greer? I need you back up on the ridge- same location as on our arrival. Nothing gets past. Understand?”
“Aye, skipper. Right away.” Greer answered, grabbed more ammunition from the wooden munitions box, and rushed off.
 
“At this time she is third in line for the throne, big sister.” Savanna confided. “The test results that await us back at base will confirm that unequivocally.” My ‘little’ sister giggled pleasantly. “Queen Kitty has already been informed and at this very moment she and Mr. Tua are getting ‘shit-faced’ drunk because of it.”
At my blank stare, she went into details.
“Kitty now must balance making an official written request for inclusion of ‘female’ Greer into the royal family’s line of succession to a full assemblage of Parliament before actually asking Niger Greer’s decision on his or her gender preference, or request that Greer remain activated and risk complete refusal by her- a request which would signal the hounds to blood and annoy both her and her majesty. The lesser and more pleasant of these options would be for you to sit down and have a long, candid discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of life within the royal court. You must also understand that you could possibly lose your boyfriend and tenative soulmate, Lyra.”
Dammit all!
“Of course. I understand the ramifications for her remaining activated. I care for both ‘him’ Greer and ‘her’ Greer, Savanna. What I’m most worried about is whether Greer can handle the stress ‘their’ psyche is to or will endure. I love Greer too much to see either one lose touch with sanity.”
“I understand, big sister, and you are wise to consider her feelings through what will come, but never forget to think about your feelings also. You…both of you are important to us.” She said as she waved around our rag-tag group.
Skipper! I’ve got one, big, bad, red blotch heading this way! Arrogantly slow, too! Must be Boogervich.” Kaitlyn announced loudly to garner my attention.
“Everybody please stand back.” Chance’s tired voice requested as she hobbled- unsteadily toward the slow moving deep red mass of Current that was just meters away from the steep inner crater walls and closing.
“And just what do you intend to do, mother?” Savanna demanded. “Succomb to his control a second time?”
“No, Oracle!” Chance’s voice echoed ominously about the caldera with a strength she hadn’t had a second ago. “I intend on devouring him- his Current- his bio-chemical energy- his very twisted and monstrous soul!” Our High Priestess hissed in ever increasing anger! About half way through, her staff suddenly reappeared, its gem outshining the star that baked this arid planet.
Chance’s eyes shone like the brightest orange space beacons imaginable.
“Shit. We better give her plenty of space, girls! I’ve only seen her wind up like this once before. Eight years ago.” Artemis Dell warned, her voice shaking in terror.
“Mother Nike. You know as well as I that will not be enough this time. This mortal has five times more power than Chronos, and we both know you almost didn’t defeat him eons ago. What makes you think you will win this day?” Savanna asked as she walked right up to her mother in confrontation.
“Because I know that you will be helping, young oracle. We will all be helping this time. Come! Everyone! I humbly ask you to join hands with me so we may eliminate this scourge from the Species… from the Universe!” Chanc…Nike’s voice echoed off the steep caldera walls again.
“You really didn’t need to ask, mother.” Savanna giggled. “I was all ready…we all were ready to contribute.
“Regulon. I shall not harm you. Please, you must offer yourself freely to have effect.” Nike looked to Kaitlyn who seemed to be nervously hanging back.
“Pardon, my lady, but I was there that day…I witnessed your wrath…or…the results of your wrath, first-hand. I am hesitant to participate as you can understand.”
“This time there shall be nothing like that remaining, Lady Kaitlyn Yates. There is no mortal, no human left to this one, only anger, greed, hate, jealousy, and ravenous revenge. The body that was once Uri Bovidovich has long since been devoured. Please… please reconsider?” Savanna said calmly as she held out her hand in welcome.
“Fine, but if he explodes, someone else does the damn cleanup this time!” Kate growled as she firmly grasped Savanna’s hand.
“Let us prepare.” Nike announced and I felt an enormous rush of power… no, not power…not Current…something way more powerful, flow into and out of me.
The world- this world erupted into the most vivid colors one could imagine! All around us: on the ground, the sheer cliffs surrounding us, the air itself, the very landscape in total seemed to reverberate with energy!
This felt like nothing I had ever experienced in my short, young life!
The planet as a whole felt stunningly alive and sentient! I could feel and understand it- everything!
It seemed to understand me at the same time. It understood what we were doing here and for what reason. I could feel the planet’s hope; yes, hope! We were its hope- its savior! Its redemption for all this twisted individual had brought and what it had stolen from this planet’s very core.
The planet… it was offering to help us purge the evil currently snaking its way toward us, and our Pegasus!
A loud gunshot echoed throughout the caldera!
“Alley Cat, Witch Corps. One down, about twenty more to go. What’s the prize for knocking them all down?”
“Maximum stress relief and the sheer joy of a job well done, Alley Cat!” Chantell’s voice boomed loud.
“What. No stuffed animal?” Greer giggled back as we heard a second shot echoing around us.
“You can stuff one of them if you’d like, Alley Cat. It might not be trophy-worthy though. In fact, I’ll almost guarantee that!” Chantell laughed.
Another shot echoed in our ears.
“That wouldn’t work anyway, Fairy Godmother. Their heads won’t stay intact. Oh well, at least the meat might be alright.” She replied as two more shots echoed out in rapid succession.
“Naw, Alley Cat, too gamey. And mostly dense grissle!” Chantell replied.
Three rapid shots rang out around us.
“So. You’re saying leave them to the vegetation then? What? Yes! What’s the point spread for three with one projectile?”
“Major has the record, Alley Cat. Ten with one pistol shot. I’m second with nine.”
“Three consecutive triple-kill shots?” Greer asked light-heartedly.
“Damn, girlfriend, yo-”
Another shot rang out.
“-u’re in the zone!”
“Make that four consecutives. Skipper, we’re clear. I’m heading back.” Greer said then cleared her comm.
“Damn impressive, Lyra! She’s a good choice for your second.” Savanna congratulated and nodded to me. “Now, back to mother’s impending fun?”
Again the planet reached out to me. I felt the hate, the frustration, the defeat it had been suffering for so long…
‘I will need to synchronize with all of you. You will find your physical bodies will move on their own. It will be I controlling them, so fear naught.” Nike’s voice was suddenly talking to me…me and the planet!
We understood.
“Hey, everyone! I thought I’d miss out on all the festivities.”
‘Welcome back, Alley Cat. Please take my hand.’ Nike’s voice invited.
“Then what will happen?” My second asked innocently.
“Something…wonderful!”
‘Damn! All the pretty colors…’
‘Please focus, Lady Greer. We must finish our preparations. Our target is almost within grasp.’ Savanna’s voice instructed.
My vision shifted and the scenery I saw began moving. Things didn’t look quite right though- as if my eyes had remapped the color spectrum of the things they saw. I could now easily see the thing called Bovidovich cautiously nearing me. He wasn’t Terran-looking any more, but a huge, though feeble-looking, Hoblin. The image I beheld made my stomach want to wretch!
My eyes panned to see my sisters had all joined hands and we now surrounded the foul thing between us.
Savanna appeared in the very center of our gathering and dug her ten-centimeter heel into the coarse, dry, broken, lava rock ground just ahead of the disgusting Hobgoblin.
‘That is far enough, foul demon! You shall now be tried and sentenced for your extensive crimes.’ She announced blandly.
I felt the planet’s joy grow in intensity! It seemed happy that it would soon be free of this blight to its surface.
My mouth began chanting the Witch Corps mantra- ‘Corps veneficae una specie galaxia tueri!’- as did my sisters at the exact same time. Savanna seemed to burst into a bright blue aura that easily overloaded my vision for a brief moment.
‘I will not! I am all-powerful!’ A deep, inhumane growl shouted.
‘You are but a blight- a speck of irritant about this land and its inhabitants.’ Savanna countered.
‘I will never submit to such inferior beings!’
‘Oh, but you already have, demon, for I alone bind you to this specific location- I alone have the quintessential power needed.” Savanna continued confidently.
“You shall perish as all the others have before you against my power!’
‘In what specific realm of the continuous multi-verse might that happen, foul demon?’ Savanna replied with a smirk.
“I will kill you all!’
“You know…I see your mouth moving, but all I hear is: blah-blah, blah-blah-blah.” Savanna giggled. “Time for judgment, Uri.”
“You cannot judge me! I have no equals!”
“True, but you have multitudes of superiors. Now, how do you plead?” Savanna quipped, but quickly turned serious.
“I do not answer to the likes of you!”
“Everybody answers to somebody, honey. Let’s see what the residing Goddesses have to say on the matter? Goddess of Victory? Your opinion on this issue?” Savanna asked as if suddenly a debate moderator.
“For fourteen hundred years you have robbed, stolen, sabotaged, and raped both sentient life and non-sentient life out of greed, personal profit, and attainment of power. Many innocent souls have been tormented and then disposed of for your personal entertainment or gain. There is no reason you should even exist outside fiction or nightmare. You are a blight to the Species- a virus that must be eradicated before it spreads further.” Nike weighed in.
“Goddess of the Hunt? Any thoughts from you?” Savanna prompted.
“They call ending the life of a critically wounded animal: mercy killing or euthanasia. For convicted felons: corporal punishment. I do not see why mercy of any sort should be given to this entity for it has no conscious, no moral values, and definitely no thought for anything but itself. Why, even this planet has more character and concern for the living organisms in and on its surface. The base code and specific designators of this entity must be swept from all genial archives- from every system in this galaxy, neigh, from the universe. I remind you that our people, the Olympians, have sterilized entire galaxies for far lesser infractions, Lady Oracle.”
“I see. Lady Greer? Being the newest member of our little ensemble, what thoughts would you express?” Savanna nodded then pressed my second for input.
“I concur with the facts Lady Nike and Lady Artemis have conveyed, but aside from forfeiting its existence, some compensation to its victims should be considered and duly administrated. Take for instance, this planet…or possibly the other planets in these three troubled systems. Shouldn’t they receive some sort of restitution, some restoration of indigenous Current or other resources possibly? I am lost to see the value of just its punishment without retribution.”
“Spoken like a true Sinae, my lady. Lady Kaitlyn? What words might our Regulon sister contribute?”
“’Ang ‘im!”
“Yes. Um…thank you, Lady Kate.” Savanna said, rolling her eyes.
“Such children! Run along and play, simple vertebrates. Your menial intelligence is bothersome and insignificant to my vast knowledge.”
“You are right on one count, demon! Playtime is over and it is now time for the adults to do something about the blight being tried before us.
Nike raised her staff and thrust it down hard, stabbing the ground with its golden tip.
The entity- Bovidovich- shrieked in tormented pain! I suddenly felt my stomach twist.
“How do you like that small taste of what awaits you, Demon?” Savanna asked.
“You cannot hurt me!”
Nike struck down with her staff point again. This time I could see the Current- bright orange in color- shoot out from the detained entity in all directions.
Bovidovich shrieked in agony again!
“Sounds like it hurts to me, demon!” Savanna laughed. “What pain you feel is the result of Nike removing all that bad, nasty, twisted Current you’ve been hording; purifying it, and returning it to the planet as recompense for the crimes you have committed toward it and its inhabitants.
Nike slammed her staff point deeper into the ground and the entity.
The noise! It was horrendous! Still we all seemed to keep repeating our mantra.
More purified Current flowed out from the monster.
“You cannot kill me!”
“I do not wish to simply kill you! My wish is to disseminate you to the elements that first combined to form you, evil one!” Nike’s answer echoed from all around us.
Is this slow, agonizing, torturous death how the evil one called ‘Evans’ met his doom? I wondered.
Savanna’s serious face suddenly appeared in my mind’s eye; though, there was still a pleasant smile, too.
‘No, big sister. The ‘Evans’ was driven on by pure hate, contempt, arrogance, and lust. He wanted nothing more than to punish Hopewell Summers for what she had done to him. Although present, and witness to the accident that transfigured Hopewell to Hope, Evans allowed the era’s ‘hang-ups’ toward gender and gender identity to blind him to the actual ‘miracle’ his fellow astronaut experienced. He saw only the bigotry… the peer pressure for discrimination, instead of the dawning new era’s beautiful prelude. According to those ‘commonly held’ beliefs, Hope had become inferior and a ‘freak’ of nature- she was not something even evolution could make and was therefore a ‘mistake’ that did not deserve to exist. He chose a path of eradication of all who aligned and teamed with what he termed the ‘unholy alien witch’.”
“So, after so many failed attempts to ‘cleanse’ this galaxy- Gia 4 being one such attempt, he learned of Chance Summers. A new ‘plan’ developed.”
“What better revenge than to conscript her daughter and daughter’s best friend? There was something about that punishment of the ‘freak off-spring of two freaks’ that eluded him, though- Nike’s reincarnation. Evans enraged Chance so much that his attempted corruption forced the peacefully sleeping Nike to surface- awoke her from her eons-long slumber. And, with any slumbering member of any of the subspecies, status quo is paramount.” Savanna’s smile ebbed slightly.
“Evans brought the full and unrestrained wrath of Nike upon himself. After all, no one likes to be awakened from a warm, comfortable sleep!” Savanna’s face flashed a quick smile before going serious again.
“This creature…” She paused and motioned with her eyes to the thing, “it needs to be handled very carefully, and therefore its torture must be drawn out for us to emancipate its long imprisoned Current so that it can be cleansed of corruption and released back into this planet; where it can do the most good- instead of the most evil.’
Her image smiled.
‘However, your’s and our sisters’ shared concern fills me with joy that, though ‘monsters’ ourselves- figuratively, that is- your morals remain intact and ‘human’- in stark contrast to ‘it’.’ She continued as I felt instead of saw her thumb back to the ‘creature’ impaled on Nike’s staff.
‘How much longer do we have to endure all this? How much longer until this ‘Bovidovich’ might find eternal peace, Oracle?’ I asked via thought.
Her eyes sparkled with anticipated, impish excitement. Had she been expecting my concerned, ‘human’ response?
‘That remains to be seen, big sister. The cleansing and separation spell is nearing completion though, so hopefully soon.’ She replied.
It couldn’t be over soon enough in my opinion! First off, the creature was hideous- more so than I had ever seen before, but combined with the sickening, head-splitting noise… Secondly, it felt really strange to be ‘disconnected’ from myself- to only be capable of ‘watching’ …being an observer in my own body could elicit psychological problems, or at the very least, nightmares.
But I trusted Chance with my life! We all did. Nike? Well, I wasn’t sure what her agenda might ultimately be, but I had faith in her; in my sisters; and in Savanna.
‘Big sister? We need you back now.’ Savanna’s voice called to me.
I opened my eyes to see Nike- staff held proudly in both hands- retract it from the ground, hold it over her head at arm’s length, and with such unbelievable strength, plunge it more deeply than ever before into the desolate, dry, volcanic ground.
My wand was instantly grasped firmly in my hand, held high above my own head. My sisters were all similarly posed.
Savanna withdrew her heel from the ground and walked with Nike hand –in-hand to insert themselves into our Coven circle. Once in place and sealing the circle again, Nike gave her final instructions.
“The incantation is complete. Thank you everyone for your assistance. We will now invoke the spell.
Suddenly my vision split and I could now see our sisters who remained with Mini-Van also formed to a circle with wands held straight up at arm’s length.
Savanna started the final sequence by declaring: “Corps veneficae una specie galaxia tueri!” She lowered her wand-still at arm’s length to target Nike’s staff at the center of the circle.
In my split vision, Lithia Anderson mimicked Savanna.
“Corps veneficae una specie galaxia tueri!” Artemis Dell proclaimed as she lowered her wand to target the staff.
Lokust made her proclamation and targeted the staff. I watched curiously as Galantry Fenile did likewise on Mini-Van.
Around our circle, my sisters proclaimed our mantra. Every other one of us here on the planet mimicked by one of our orbit-borne sisters.
It came my turn, and without hesitation, I proclaimed: “Corps veneficae una specie galaxia tueri!” My wand lowered and targeted Nike’s staff. In my vision, Aquia Anderson leveled her wand also.
A thread of orange Current shot out from my wand and struck the staff directly in the gem’s center. From out of the sky, another thin orange beam struck the staff.
A power like nothing else I had ever felt or imagined before flowed through me in that instant. There were absolutely no words to describe this! Ecstasy, love, partnership, companionship, motherhood(??), friendship, family, friends, happiness, joy…nothing even come close, yet if combined still didn’t define what I felt! What each of us felt, I presumed.
Now I could see the individual ‘strings’ of pure, orange Current focusing on the staff’s gem.
My mother’s ‘scepter’ lowering to the side of my ‘local’ vision told me Sonya- in her activated, but adult form- was beside me. As soon as I heard her proclaim our Corps mantra another Current string focused on the gem.
“Corps veneficae una specie galaxia tueri!”
The way Greer recited it brought back so many memories- age-old memories- of my cousin, Kitty, Queen of FeLane and all her Confederates!
In my remote sight, Link Anderson’s wand leveled. She seemed to have more blue in her hair suddenly.
Two more ‘threads’ of current joined the others on the gem.
Hope Summers recited the Witch Corps mantra and her Current string joined ours.
The blue gem in Nike’s Staff of Victory burst into the brightest light source I had ever seen!
Only Nike…Chance Summers’ wand was still raised to the sky. She began her proclamation as she slowly leveled her wand to her staff.
“Corps veneficae una specie galaxia tueri! Una sumus vicit!” She shouted forcefully
Nike’s staff exploded into the brightest, boldest, hottest, but quietest explosion ever!
As my vision returned, I found that I could control my body again. My hands immediately began to explore my uniform and my body for damage- for burns from the intense heat.
Nothing! I was completely unscathed!
“WAHOOO! Now THAT was a RUSH!” Chantell screamed excitedly to break the silence.
“Chance!” “Mom!” Hope and Savanna shouted at once.
Chance was lying on the ground unconscious- Hope beside her, holding her daughter in her arms. Savanna gently holding her mother’s limp arm.
“She just passed out. She’ll be okay.” Savanna reported to our relief.
“Kitten, JWC. Status?” I said enabling my comm.
“We’re okay up here, skipper- equipment, too! Hell if I know what just happened though!” Garith, the oldest of the Anderson siblings, answered. She sounded very confused, maybe even conflicted by what I knew she had seen and experienced.
“By chance are you all in the galley, in a Coven circle?” I inquired.
“How the hell did you know that, skipper?” She answered, her voice shocked.
“What you all saw? It actually happened.” I explained before she could say anything else. “Thanks for helping us destroy our number one nemesis. Good job everyone.”
I cancelled my comm.
I turned to Lokust. She had just stood back up beside Chance.
“My lady. Junior Witch Corps reports no casualties or damage. Mini-Van and her four Broom compliment report no damage. All are standing by for further orders.” I reported.
Lokust looked to me sadly and nodded.
I understood the sadness her face relayed. This was the second time in eight years that she had almost lost her soulmate because of a galactic evil hell-bent on complete domination and subjugation!
“Gods this sucks!” Hope Summers exclaimed as she continued to hold her daughter’s head in her arms.
A tiny, almost audible giggle reached my ears…our ears.
“Are we there yet?” Chance Summers whispered in between giggles as her eyes began to flutter open.
“Sorry, kiddo, you missed it and we’re not going back! Not a snowball’s chance in hell!” Kate answered gruffly as she began laughing and wiping at her tears.
Chance began laughing as she gently pushed out of Hope’s arms and sat up.
Her wand suddenly appeared in her hand and it zeroed in on Greer!
“You aren’t Kitty! Who are you?” Chance demanded.
Greer fell to one knee and placed her right fist above her left primary breast.
“High Priestess. Forgive me for neglecting introductions-”
“High Priestess! This is my second, my lady! Lt. Niger Greer, Alley Cat.” I interrupted, stepping between the two.
“Oh. Hey.” Chance smiled and dismissed her wand instantly.
“Rats!” Savanna exclaimed suddenly as she stomped her high-heeled boot to the ground in frustration.
“I forgot Witch Corps Equipment rule number one! Don’t leave anything behind.”
Pegasus 20- ‘Oracle’ was suddenly parked behind us, still hovering centimeters off the ground.
“Oracle, honey? You can land now and rest awhile; it’s safe.” Savanna told her Broom.
“I was beginning to wonder if you’d forgotten about me, you brat!”
Landing, its emitters shut down and Oracle began her automated post flight.
“Young lady!” Chance groused, glaring at her daughter. “You were not to access your broom until you turned sixteen!”
Savanna began laughing!
“I wasn’t kidding, Savanna!”
“That’s right mother, but since I’m nineteen now, I easily defeated your protective spells, commissioned her as ‘Oracle’, and came to your rescue as soon as I was able. Yay, me.”
“You aren’t nineteen, young lady! Not unless we’ve been gone for eleven years…”
“Lady Nike, please inform our sister that Olympians view time differently since you, yourself defeated Chronos.”
“THEHELLYOUSAY?” Chantell exclaimed bluntly as she looked straight at her niece.
Chance suddenly looked pale. Artemis Dell also looked on the verge of unconsciousness.
Both Demi-Goddesses looked to each other in shock.
Both shrugged nonchalantly after remaining completely still for several seconds.
I wondered if they had both traveled to Olympus Prime to consult our brothers and sisters on the topic. Somehow…I knew they had. I could almost…almost… I wanted to say ‘feel’ them or Olympus itself. Somehow the idea of travelling there didn’t seem so far out of the realm of possibilities now.
 
Artemis- the elder Artemis- was suddenly standing beside me. I was someplace familiar, I knew, as I scanned the beautiful meadow and majestic, steep, mountain with the huge building atop it.
“My Lady.” I stated and went to one knee.
“Lyra. You need not be so formal. We are sisters of Olympus after all. Stand, sister, and walk with me.” Artemis said- an amused smile danced on her face.
I made the mistake of looking down. I was dressed in an Olympian, pure white, toga-style gown with an intricate gold border trim.
“Am I really here again, Artemis?” I asked.
“Define ‘really’, sister.”
“Then this is but a dream?” I asked assuming her teasing.
“What? No. No!” She looked at me strangely. “This is certainly Olympus Prime, young lady. And I wanted to welcome the first of our newly enlightened sisters: Lyra, Goddess of Music and Song.”
I stopped dead in my footsteps!
“Gulp!” I said aloud. Artemis began laughing.
“That isn’t the reaction I expected, Lyra. You have learned your lessons well, apparently.”
“I-I-I I don’t understand. Am I- Am I dead? Did we all die back on the planet? Was our attempt to dispatch Bovidovich a failure?” I asked fearfully.
Artemis began laughing again as she took my hand gently in hers. She pulled gently and I began walking again.
I noticed a Terran male and female walking toward us.
“Di? Hey, Di! Look who I found! After how many eons, I finally found her!” The male shouted in exhilaration.
“I have someone to show you also, Ari. Meet Lyra, Granddaughter of Apollo.” Artemis introduced.
“One of his many.” She whispered to me with a wry smile and amused tone.
Despite my confusion, I laughed. That is until they got closer and I recognized ‘Ari’s’ guest.
“Lyra?” The female Terran shouted and broke from ‘Ari’ to run towards me. “Lyra!”
“Hey, Aquia.” I downplayed my excitement. That wasn’t too hard considering my level of confusion at the moment.
“Are you one too?” She asked, giddy with enthusiasm.
“Am I one what?” I asked.
“A Demi-Goddess, of course!” Aquia specified.
“What I am for certain is a Princess of the FeLane Confederation. What else I am is not quite clear at the moment. I just appeared here only moments ago…I think.” I answered.
Artemis momentarily squeezed my hand- not tight, but just enough to acknowledge her approval of my answer.
“Me too!” Aquia squealed. “Though, I’m really not sure how I got here either. Ari? How long have I been here already?”
“Not long enough and certainly not for a long time, my dear Nike.”
Artemis- my guide- groaned loudly.
“You imbucile! Nike is back in the mortal realm and, with the help of the rest of Witch Corps, vanquished the last demon Hobgoblin to the underworld. Aquia here is your great-great granddaughter. Get with the program, Ari!” Artemis scolded.
I had no recourse but to laugh at their interaction.
“Dammit, Di! I know my own kids and this is Nike!” Ari protested.
“Do you even know how many children you’ve spawned, Ari? I know for a fact there aren’t enough letters in the Roman’s numeral system.” Artemis challenged.
I could see how Artie’s interaction with the Summers had colored her language.
“Aquia? I think we should be heading home…back to Taos, I mean. We still need to debrief our sisters.” I suggested. It was more to avoid what I suspected would be escalating hostilities between two major gods.
“Lyra, you worry too much. Ari and I always have ‘interesting’ conversations, but you are correct in your belief that you will be required to attend the debriefing.” Artemis replied as if reading my thoughts.
“I watched you grow up, honey.” She answered my unspoken thought.
“Welcome back, sweetie.” Lady Hope smiled as I blinked my eyes several times. It was hard to believe I had just been to Olympus Prime.
“How long was I gone?” I asked curiously.
“Long enough to obviously become confused. How long do you think you were there?” She answered with another question.
“It seemed like twenty or twenty-five minutes, but I’m really not sure.” I answered honestly.
Hope held up four fingers.
“Four seconds, sweetie. Four whole seconds.” She said with a knowing smile.
Chance turned her head to me.
“How’d you like it, Lyra?” She asked with interest.
“Confusing, my lady. Very, very confusing.”
Chance smiled. “I thought so too, Lyra. Olympus is one…different- I guess- place. Ready to go home?”
“After the debriefing, High Priestess.” I replied.
“Your place or mine, Captain Serangetti?”
“Captain, my lady?” I asked in confusion. Had she just granted a field commission?
“Your crew refers to you as ‘skipper’, Lyra. That is a nickname for ‘captain’ of a ship.
“Pegasus is your flagship, High Priestess. It is also bigger and more comfortable.” I motioned up to our impressive ship.
“Fine with me. Kate? You and Sonya want a ride into orbit? Lyra, we’ll join up there.”
“Understood, High Priestess. Kitten, Mini-Van. Send Water Lily and Lil Gray down to pick Alley Cat and I up. Follow Oracle’s beacon to us. There should be enough room to park.”
“Copy, Kitten. Water Lilly and Lil Gray say they’ll be down in twelve, Mini-Van out.” Garith acknowledged.

 
 
“Pegasus, Mini-Van. You are cleared to dock at Ring Port 1-1. Docking beacon has been activated.” Chantell’s voice announced.
“I have it in sight, skipper.” Greer reported from our helm.
“Mini-Van? Initiate auto-docking sequence. Pegasus, I’m calling the ball.” I ordered.
“Copy, Mini-Van.”
“I’ll take it from here, Alley Cat.” Mini-Van acknowledged.
 
 
“Tower moorings 1-1 and 2-1 umbilical’s secured, Mini-Van. Welcome aboard Pegasus.” Chantell greeted.
“Oh! Chance wants to see you up in the lounge immediately- before our debrief, Kitten.” Chantell hastily added.
“Confirmed; I’m on my way. Everyone finish your post-flights, but remember, we have a debriefing to attend and our High Priestess isn’t to be kept waiting.” I ordered. “Mini-Van? Please keep the lights on. I don’t expect this to last more than a day. Oh, and offer Current to Pegasus, sweetie. She might be feeling a little dry.”
“Aye, and I’ll be ready, skipper.” Our A.I. replied.
 
 
“Captain Serangetti. Nice to see you again!” Chance greeted me formally as I exited the elevator to the observation lounge.
“High Priestess, it is an honor to see you recuperated. Why the lounge?” I asked.
“It’s more relaxing.” She replied, gingerly taking a seat.
“Oh.”
“Look, Lyra, I’m not as recovered as you might think. Bovidovich had a lot tighter hold on me than I anticipated. Even mom was surprised by his power. I’m…I’m sorry I hurt your X-O. I am pleasantly surprised by her appearance though. Have you received her test results?” Chance apologized before asking.
“Actually, Savanna gave me a little heads-up. It seems Niger Greer- in her activated form- is third in line. Oracle also advised that Kitty and PM Tua are being hard-pressed on what to do about her. I wouldn’t try to reach either of them for at least a day though, my lady.” I told her.
“Why’s that?”
“Oracle…um…suggested…that both were commiserating over beverages. I’m thinking hangovers of galactic proportions are the order of the next two or three days.”
Chance closed her eyes and gently shook her head to the sides with a giggle.
“Can’t say I didn’t see that one coming. Why…’Alley Cat’, Lyra?”
“We’re in a three-way tie for 2nd ranking on the Witch Corps roster, my lady.”
“Really?”
“After Savanna activated some of the Andersons-”
“Wait! Savanna activated the Andersons!?” Chance screeched.
Chance quickly looked to the ceiling.
“Young lady! Get your ass in here at once!” She demanded angrily.
“You bellowed, mother?” Savanna asked as she was just suddenly next to me.
“Oh, that is still just so cute, big sister! One day you should show me how you make your mane stand straight like that.” Savanna giggled deviously.
“What possessed you to activate the Andersons, honey?” Chance demanded.
“Because, without the majority of JWC being activated, this mission would’ve failed, mother. I also activated Fenile Galantry and Niger Greer for like reason.”
Chance glared at her daughter for a moment.
“Had I not, the relational similarities of Lt. Greer to the Sinae family would never have been revealed.”
“And Kitty wouldn’t be nursing a four-hundred-thousand megaton hangover right now, either.” Chance challenged.
“It wasn’t that bad, mother! I just checked on her and they are peacefully sleeping in each other’s arms. In fact, I pulled the blanket up over them so they wouldn’t get cold.”
“OH! MY! GODS!” I exclaimed as I felt my eyes widen in shock!
“Is that bad?” Savanna asked with an impish little smile. “I thought all Lynxins’ slept without night clothing?”
“Thank you, Savanna. I’ve heard enough. I’ll call you when our debrief officially starts.” Chance professionally dismissed her daughter.
“I think she’s as bad as you, my lady! If not more so!” I confessed, shaking my head. “And she- without a doubt- knows far more than she should for an eight-year-old.”
I thought about that statement. “If that is truly how old she is now. I’d say she’s more like her physical body’s age of nineteen. As she claimed earlier.”
Chance started laughing. At first quietly, then louder.
“I’m afraid she is nineteen, Lyra. Savanna was correct in her statement that Olympians view time differently. It’s why we live so long.
“Artemis told me I was a goddess, Chance.” I admitted. “I’m not sure how to react to that at the moment.”
“I wouldn’t dwell on it, Lyra. When I first met the Gods I was terrified! Artie hit me with the ‘Nike’ thing as soon as we got there. She tried to convince Aries, but he wouldn’t accept it. She did tell me that he sired a whole bunch of children, and that he couldn’t possibly remember them all.”
“Well he certainly remembers Aquia.” I told her.
“Who remembers Aquia? Ari?” She looked stunned.
“Yes, Aries came up to Artemis and I and introduced Aquia as Nike!” I answered.
“That senile, old idiot.” Chance laughed. “He wouldn’t know one of his kids if they planted a shovel into his face! Did Artie tell you who Aquia’s code is?”
“No, but she told me I was one of Apollo’s granddaughters- Lyra, Goddess of Music and Song.” I told her.
“That’s wonderful, Lyra!”
“One problem.”
“What’s that?”
“I can’t sing, play an instrument, or read music.”
“Oh. Welllll.” Chance grimaced. “That…that might not be an issue, you see, the gods? They were more the sponsors of the talents they are associated with. So they may or may not practice what they sponsor. Aries, for example. He wouldn’t hurt a fly- even though he is known as the ‘God of War’- Athena, the Goddess of War. You’ve met Demi, right?”
“So I just support music and song? I don’t have to be fluent? I can be off-key and unable to carry a tune?” I asked, my eyes wide in shock and amazement.
“Could be worse, sweetie! You could suddenly burst out in an aria at the most inopportune time, and for no reason!” Chance giggled.
A serious, solemn expression suddenly filled her face.
“Come here, sweetie.” She suggested as she stood and opened her arms toward me.
Chance embraced me tightly as I heard her sniff back tears.
“Thank you for coming to my…to our rescue, 1st Lt. Serangetti Lyra. Witch Corps owes you so much for your loyalty and determination.”
“It was our duty, High Priestess. No one left behind, right?” I responded.
Chance pushed back a little and smiled at me brightly.
“That’s right, Lyra. Family never leaves family in a lurch. We protect our own. Now, how do you feel after reaching your threshold?” She asked as her eyes sparkled with an orange twinkle.
 
 

 
 
Shortly after Chance and I concluded our private meeting, our sisters arrived in the lounge and found seats. Pegasus’ observation lounge easily accommodated all eighteen of us.
Chance, as well as Charli, Chantell, Hope, Lokust, and Artemis Dell, in turn shared a longer than acceptable glance towards Link Anderson when she arrived. Her hair had gained even more blue while we were on the planet. Nothing was said about it though as we all waited, respectfully, for our High Priestess to start things off.
“Welcome to you all. Before we kick off this debrief, I notice that our ranks are a bit shy. Savanna? Could you come in here, please?” Chance requested politely.
Savanna was suddenly seated beside me on one of the comfortable sofas.
“Present, High Priestess.” She announced then looked at me with a whimsical smile.
I thought about how she would look with her hair standing poker straight and stiff instead of me!
Savanna’s meter long black mane suddenly defied our artificial gravity and straightened like the quills of a Terran porcupine!
I was amazed- as was everyone else in the large room.
“Touché, big sister. I see you have taken the first steps to embracing your threshold.”
“Lyra? Could you release her hair? I’d like to get this debriefing underway?” Chance grinned while shaking her head sideways.
“Hey. How’d you do that?” Katelyn Yates asked curiously from the armchair next to us.
I shrugged my shoulders. I had no idea how I did it. I think I just thought…about…it?
I raised an eyebrow.
 
Savanna was smiling brightly when I turned back to our High Priestess. She winked mischievously.
“First off.” Chance started to say as she stood and was quickly joined by Lokust, Artemis Dell, Chantell, Hope, and Charli. “We would like to show our appreciation to our sisters of JWC for their dedication and courage in affecting our rescue from Taos.”
All six senior members began applauding us.
Out of respect, I stood and applauded them. My JWC sisters- including Kate, Greer and Sonya also stood and added to my applause.
After a minute, we all stopped and found our seats again. Chance remained standing though.
“My ladies. You all did a fantastic job in bringing this mission to a successful conclusion. We thank you all for a well-orchestrated, professional operation. Ladies Lyra, Sonya, Greer, and Katelyn- if you will?” Chance motioned for us to stand and approach.
“You ladies have our deepest gratitude for such a well planned and,” She laughed as a huge smile erupted, “low-key, transparent planetary operation. Its execution is surely one for the books!”
“Thank you, High Priestess. We based our plan of action on the intel provided by Lady Chantell, My Lady.” I acknowledged.
“So I’ve been informed, Lady Lyra.” Chance glanced over to where a crimson-faced Chantell was seated.
“Lady Sonya. I’ve also been informed that you were responsible for keeping Lady Chantell’s mind in the game?” Chance continued.
“It was my pleasure, High Priestess.” Mom responded with an evil grin.
“Satanic little twerp.” Chantell whispered to herself.
Chance giggled. “Well done, Lady Sonya. Lady Katelyn?”
“Yeah? What.” Kate answered rudely.
Chance reached in and hugged her. “Thanks, and well done, Wrench.”
“Anything for the Corps, ma’am.”
It sounded a bit sarcastic and awkward to me.
“Lt. Greer?” Chance said as a serious expression washed over her.
“Sir!” Greer answered and jumped to attention. Her long tail swept around, straightened to her left side, and also looked to be at attention- similar to a cobra facing its charmer.
I giggled despite my training! Chance laughed and shook her head a few times as she burst into an amused smile.
“You scared the hell out of me, sister! I think that was just what I needed to loosen the demon’s grip, though. I hope there are no lingering injuries?” She admitted.
“Surprisingly, I have fully recovered, High Priestess. If not for Lady Savanna’s unsolicited activation, I likely would not have survived. I thank you for lowering your attack output to spare me, High Priestess.” Greer bowed respectfully.
“I don’t recall dialing back the power on that attack, my lady.” Chance said as she lunged- arms opened wide- toward my second!
“Thank you, Niger Greer! Thank you for returning my focus.” She cried- her arms wrapped tightly around our Lynxin sister.
Greer’s tail remained at ‘attention’, but its tip gracefully shifted between Chance and Greer as if intrigued by the interaction of the two women. I could almost imagine its big, nonexistent eyes blinking in curiosity.
“Oh!” Chance exclaimed as if forgetting something. She loosened her hold and leaned back slightly, “I have dispatched a full report of your courageous conduct and heroism to your older sister, Kitty, my lady. I’m sure she must be extremely proud of you.” Chance added with a devious smile and an impish twinkle in her eyes.
Greer gasped in shock! Her tail- still actively ‘observing’ the interaction between the two- gave a staccato jerk and suddenly dropped limply to the deck as if passing out!
“Lynxins are so much fun, don’t you think, big sister?” Savanna giggled as she looked to me.
I just glared at her a moment.
“Also, I have this to present to you, my lady. Congratulations,” Chance continued as she materialized a small medal on a black and orange ribbon, “you’ve bested the all time Witch Corps sharpshooter accuracy record with not one triple-kill shot, but four consecutive, triple-kill shots all from five kilometers distant! It topped our previous record holders’ ten kills with one shot- Lady Hope, and nine kills with one shot- Lady Chantell. An incredible achievement, well done, Lady Greer!” Chance congratulated, stepped back, and began applauding her.
We all applauded her!
“Now. Fenile Galantry and Aquia Anderson front and center, please?” Chance smiled as she nodded to the four of us. We took the hint and stepped away to take our seats.
 
“FYI, big sister, Olympus is about to call.” Savanna whispered warning, as I again sat down next to her.
 
Both Aquia and Galantry looked quite concerned as they rose slowly and stepped before our High Priestess.
 
“It has come to my attention that you both have done an extraordinary job of accelerating your flight and general Witch Corps training in preparation of this mission. I have also learned that both of you have completed your Broom qualifying exams in record time, and actively took part in air support and cover for this mission. Saying that, I have been informed that there are two guests that asked to say a few words.
Artemis and Demeter were suddenly standing behind the two young women- smiles on their faces.
“We do indeed, High Priestess.” Artemis said as she gently placed her hands on Galantry’s shoulders. Demi nodded as she followed suit with Aquia.
“We like, just concluded our review of their sorties?” Demi added.
“According to Cali, your attack vectoring and targeting were dope and like, I’m so proud of you, girlfriend?”
“Demi is correct in her analysis. You both followed Witch Corps protocols and established attack patterns that resulted in distraction of your opponent’s concentration, which therein ultimately contributed to the rescue of our High Priestess and her away team.” Artemis winked.
“High Priestess, it is with careful thought, debate, and unanimous agreement that we hereby recommend reassignment of Zeus’ Pride and California Dreamin’ to Ladies Galantry and Aquia, with the understanding that both Demi and I still get visiting privileges and flight time when requested.”
Both Galantry and Aquia gasped in shock!
Galantry spun around on her way to one knee. “I cannot thank you enough, Lady Artemis, but I cannot accept such reward. Zeus’ Pride is your Broom- your pride and joy, and I thank you for the honor of piloting him. I cannot, in all honesty, take him away from you.”
“I can’t like, ‘Bogart’ Cali, either, girlfriend!” Aquia said quietly as she turned cautiously to look Demi in the eyes.
“I see.” Artemis paused as she regarded Aquia and Galantry intensely then nodded to Demi. She turned her attention back to Chance.
“High Priestess. In lieu of such honorable decline of our offer, we would like to petition for two new Brooms to be fabricated. One for Water Lily and one for Lil’ Gray.” Artemis proclaimed proudly. “Assuming sufficient material available, of course.”
Aquia and Galantry gasped!
“We’d also like, request invites to the commissioning?” Demi giggled. “Sponsors should always like, be in attendance?”
Both young women gasped again.
“The spacecraft just verbally sanctioned have already been constructed and wait commissioning when we return to base, sisters. I do agree that these two young ladies are extraordinary broom pilots and therefore should fly proudly in fully personalized brooms complimenting their characters.”
Aquia gulped and, looking slightly ill, interrupted. Galantry just gasped a third time.
“Um…High Priestess? If it’s not too much trouble, can we request similar A.I. personas to Zeus’ Pride and California Dreamin’? Please?”
Galantry nodded her agreement.
Pegasus’ observation lounge erupted in loud boisterous laughter!
“I don’t see that as a problem.” Chance smiled playfully. “1st Lt. Serangetti? Would you have opposition to the request from our Olympian sisters?”
“I have no negative input or concerns, High Priestess. Ladies Galantry and Aquia have proven themselves valuable members of the Corps- as has everyone assembled here. All deserve proper commendation and considerations.”
Artemis once again nodded her support of my statement, as she had on my short trip to Olympus Prime a while ago.
“Good! I was hoping for a positive completion to this debrief. Captain Serangetti Lyra, make your course for Witch Corps base and depart when ready. Once again, thank you all for such a successful rescue mission. Dismissed, everyone.” Chance announced and quickly disappeared.
At my confused expression, Savanna looked to me sadly.
“Mom was just barely holding it together, big sister. We’ll be down in her quarters. I’ll be helping her with her demons. Don’t wait for us.”
Savanna disappeared from my side.
 
 
“Ready to release from docking pylons and umbilical’s, skipper.” Kate reported as she awaited my command. “Pegasus has cleared us for departure.”
“Mini-Van, Pegasus. See you back home. Have a smooth trip. Mini-Van, out.” I said. “Let’s go, Lady Greer.”
“See you back there, Kitten! Safe trip. Pegasus out.” Chantell’s voice replied happily.
A slight shudder indicated Mini-Van was free and Greer slowly increased our distance from Pegasus until we were clear to go to warp.
“Mare De Tempest transponder has been located and our course has been sent to the helm, skipper.” Link Anderson reported without prompt.
“Course received and ready, skipper.” Greer confirmed.
“Take us home, Lady Greer.” I ordered.
“Aye, home it is, skipper! ETA: twenty-six hours-“
“Skipper! I’ve got that same bunch of yahoos blocking our plotted course through the debris field! What do you think we should do?” Link interrupted.
“I think it’s time we had some fun with these locals, ladies.” I said as I stood and activated my comm.
“Kitten, Witch Corps. We are advancing on a group of hardheaded locals hell-bent on destroying each other for some stupid mineral-barren asteroids. Kitten, Wrench, Lil’ Gray, and Water Lilly are going to have some fun. Care to join? It’ll be a ‘scare the britches off ‘em’ affair’ and nothing more, copy?”
“Copy. Give us ten, Kitten. Lokust out.”
“Water Lily and Lil’ Gray, report to the docking ring.” I ordered before disabling my comm. “Wrench? Let’s go have some fun.”
“I hear that, skipper.” Kate smiled eagerly.
“Link? Coordinate with Seeker. I propose to surround them with all Pegasus’ resources. Maybe that will convince them to give up their insignificant feuding. Lithia- weapons; Rowan- Engineering; Greer- stay at the Helm. Seth, you have the Bridge.”
“Aye, skipper.”
Aye, skipper.”
Yes, ma’am.
 
 
“All Brooms, you are cleared for departure on assigned vectors. Form up on Kitten in the designated attack configuration at the forwarded coordinates.” Link announced with all Witch Corps comms open.
“Copy. Pegasus13 away.” I responded as Hello Kitty cleared Mini-Van and I advanced her throttle.
“Pegasus11 away.” Lil’ Gray reported.
“Pegasus14 away.” Wrench responded.
“Pegasus12 away.” Aquia alerted.
“Witch Corps Flights 3 and 4. We’ll stay in Deep Space Camo after we reach the intercept, and decloak on my mark.” I announced as Hello Kitty went to Trans -Dimensional.
“You sure this is just an underroos wettin’ affair, Kitten?” Chantell sounded underwhelmed.
“Sorry to disappoint, Fairy Godmother.” I apologized.
“S’ okay, Kitten. Needed some together time with Oh Shit any way. ‘sall good.”
I laughed at her calm and laid back tone.
 
 
“Hello Kitty. Let’s listen to the local chatter shall we?”
“RF band selected, Kitten.”
 
 
“…gin, Ortz! Thought I
told ya I didn’t wanna see
yer face out here again?”
 
 

 
 
“That weren’t very nice,
Ortz! Yer pappy know’d you
talk like that?”
 
 

 
 
“Heh! We got some new
‘munitions of our own, Ortz!
Happy ta give ya a taste.
Whacha say?”
 
 

 
 
“Last chance, Ortz! I got an
itchy trigger finger. So’s my
boys.”
 
 
“Here we go…again!” I grumbled. “Enable TX/RX, Hello Kitty.”
“You’re on, Kitten.”
“Boys, boys, boys. Why do you constantly waste your time out here? These asteroids are useless rocks with no mineral value whatsoever.” I growled.
 
 

 
 
“Actually, boys, I can be anywhere I want…I can do anything I want. And right now, I want you all off my property.” I stated condescendingly.
 
 
“This ain’t nobody’s
property, darlin’. The
Anarchy agreed to
designate this debris belt
as off limits to all. Not
that you’d understand
that deep thinkin’ much.
Why not go back home an
wait for your husband ta
come home?”
 
 
“Hate to say it, boys, but I’m not foolhardy enough to marry the likes of you! I’m looking for some guy that honors and respects a woman’s mind over her body- somebody that treats everyone as an equal and not with some lopsided, prehistoric caste system. Personally, you boys fall way short of my standards. I’ll bet physically too!” I said and had to laugh.
 
 

 
 
“I’ve ‘survived’ way longer than you can imagine, boys, and you assume I’m from one of these celestial bodies. Also, nobody asked me if they could do anything with my property!”
 
 
“What’s a ‘celestial
body’, boss?”
 
 
“Them’s our planets,
moron!”
 
 
I let my low, sinister laughter radiate out into space.
 
 
“I gots a bad feelin’ ‘bout
this, boss. We cain’t see
nobody else out here, an
her signal’s way too
strong. We best git.”
 
 
“I’m with Gerard, boss!”
 
 
“What’s the matter, boys? You afraid of a woman?”
 
 
“I’m suspicious of
anythin’ I cain’t see.
Show yerself, woman!”
 
 
“No.” I giggled.
 
 
“You just tell me ‘no’,
woman?”
 
 
“I don’t stutter, so yeah. No.” I couldn’t keep the mirth from my voice forever.
 
 
“I find ya, an’ I’m gonna
down ya an’ turn ya over
my knee, ya disrespectin’
bitch!”
 
 
“You and what army, little boy?” I giggled as Hello Kitty’s display signaled that everyone was in position.
 
 
“Show yerself an’ you’ll
see, little girl! I got six’a
my boys an we’re fully
functioned. We control
these here parts!”
 
 
I again filled the open comm. channel with low sinister laughter!
“From where I am, I see twelve little boys eager to prove who has more testosterone- twelve little boys apparently overcompensating for their physical deficiencies. Maybe it would serve you all better if you just went into the privy and pleasured yourself to orgasm?” I suggested finishing with another long, low, evil laugh.
 
 
“Why, you…”
 
 
“Hey, boss? She just dis
us with them big words? I
ain’t got a clue what she
was ramblin’ ‘bout.”
 
 
“Yeah! What she mean
‘overcompensating’? An
what physical
deficiencies?”
 
 

 
 
“Them’s my orders too,
boys! Fer once me an
Ortz agrees on somethin’.
Fire at anythin’ what
moves.”
 
 
Savanna’s immensely huge face materialized in space between the opposing factions! It smiled as it looked at the twelve small fighters on either side.
“Go ahead, boys. Show this ‘renegade bitch-toy’ how you aim to tame me.” Savanna’s huge mouth said and smiled as her voice…my voice came over the comm.
 
 

 
 
“What we do, boss?!”
 
 
“It’s a trick! The bitch
got some way of pro-
jectin’ her face into this
nothin-ness!”
 
 

 
 
Three fighters- two on one side, one on the other began firing their thruster quads in an effort to leave.
They remained stationary.
 
 
“Ummmm…boss?”
 
 
“Stand yer ground, boys!
She ain’t real!”
 
 

 
 
Savanna’s huge image smiled even brighter.
“You boys aren’t as dumb as I thought. Okay, you caught me, but you still have to ‘tame’ me.” ‘My’ voice admitted.
 
 
“So show yerself since
you think you hold all the
cards!”
 
 
“Don’t mind if I do. Ladies?” Savanna’s giant head- in my voice- agreed.
“That’s our cue, Ladies.” I said over our secure comms.
Thirteen ‘mysterious’ ships dropped out of Deep Space Camo: one large, chrome, sleek-bodied ship; one medium, chrome, sleek-bodied ship; and eleven small, chrome, sleek-bodied star fighters.
All thirteen bore the Witch Corps or Junior Witch Corps insignia, though the locals caught off guard had no knowledge of the insignias’ significance.
All had colorful, personalized, ‘nose art’.
All thirteen where encircling the twelve, smaller, ‘primitive’ fighters.
The two, opposing, local forces were completely surrounded.
“I’d say I have a royal flush, boys.” Savanna’s huge face smiled evilly in my voice.
 
Missiles from both sides suddenly erupted from all twelve tiny fighters!
“Typical boys! Couldn’t last much longer than the foreplay!” Savanna’s image said with a wicked smirk.
Pegasus 20- Oracle- appeared and fired one shot.
All twelve archaic, chemical missiles exploded simultaneously!
“Now.” My voice said as Savanna’s image regarded our twelve locals. “I think you to be out-gunned. That was just one shot from my smallest gun, boys. Think of what you are facing with all eleven of us- not to mention my two bigger ‘toys’.” Savanna paused to let what she said sink in.
 
 
“I suggest you boys run along home and leave this sector to the adults.”
 
 
“Do.” Her image glared at what I thought was Ortz’ group.
 
 
“I.” Her image glared at the other group.
 
 
“Make myself.” She returned her glare to the opposite faction.
 
 
“Clear?” Savanna glared once more at ‘Smithe’s’ line. She then motioned with her huge eyes at some of the nearer asteroids.
They exploded in a bright blue burst of light!
Once dimmed, there was absolutely no sign of any asteroids, their debris or any visual sign they had even been there! Nor was there any evidence that ‘Savanna’s head’ was anywhere to be seen!
Just to satisfy my curiosity, I imagined just my head appearing between the two warring groups.
A huge, full-color, image of my head appeared in the same location Savanna’s had disappeared from just seconds ago.
“BOO!” I shouted into the open comm. channel.
 
 
“Warp to the designated rendezvous points, now. Deep Space Camo.” I ordered over our secure comms after all the laughter from my coven sisters died down.
 
 

 
 
“Witch Corps Flight 2, Broom Closet Control. Request approach vector, Broom Closet decom, and door activation. Authenticate, Serangetti Lyra, copy.” I requested as we dropped to sublight, two LY’s out.
“Welcome home, Lady Lyra. Was you mission successful?” The A.I. greeted happily.
“Witch Corps Flight 1 is one standard hour out, so yes it was.” I reported.
“Good to hear, my lady. Lord Serangetti has asked to be alerted on your return. Shall I, or would you like to?”
“I’ll contact him. Thanks.”
“Broom Closet Decom commensing. Approach vector issued.”
“Copy, Broom Closet Control. Witch Corps Flight 2, Mare Tower.”
“Copy, Witch Corps Flight 2. We have you on sensors. Welcome home. Capt. Serangetti has been intently expecting your return.”
“Thanks, Mare. I’ll contact him personally. As usual, we’ll be pulling alongside then disappearing, copy.”
“Copy. We’ve gotten use to that. Mare Tower out.”
“Lady Lyra, Lord Kimbou.”
“Lyra! How’d it go? I’ve missed you and Lady Sonya!”
“Mission complete, my lord. Lady Sonya passes on her desire to reacquaint. Pegasus is one standard hour out, my lord, and she has all hands safely aboard.”
There was a pause and Poppy whispered something positive that I couldn’t quite make out.
“Skipper? Broom Closet Control confirms five minutes to full decom and door activation.” Link alerted from Navigation.
“Copy, my lady. I’ll see you all soon. Serangetti out.” Poppy suddenly signed off.
 
 
“Broom Closet Door closed and secured. Beginning repress. Welcome home, Witch Corps Flight 2.” Control greeted pleasantly.
“As soon as possible, we’ll need Mini-Van unequipped. Witch Corps Flight 1 should be forty-five standard from requesting an approach vector. We’ll need the flight line clear by then.” I requested from the Control A.I.
“Broom dismounting has already been brought online. Caution! Please pay close attention while utilizing the active flight line.”
We felt the gentle ‘thump’ of the first broom being dismounted.
Within a minute, Zeus’ Pride slowly moved past our bridge windows on its way to its hangar.
“Broom Closet repress complete. You may egress Pegasus II. Caution! Please pay close attention to automated dismounting equipment while utilizing the active flight line.”
“Let’s grab our go bags and get inside, ladies.” I ordered.
 
 
Poppy hurried down the metal stairs as we came around Mini-Van’s bow, being careful of the moving machinery that was now attaching to and offloading Icarus.
“Lady Lyra! I am delighted you and your crew made it home safely!” He welcomed enthusiastically as my sisters continued past us and into our base. Mom stopped beside me.
“Lady Greer, hold please.” Poppy told Greer as she tried to ‘sneak’ past to avoid what she probably considered a personal moment. “I am also very happy to see you made it back, Serangetti Sonya. Welcome home, my mate.”
“Why would I not, Serangetti Kimbou? The odds of a successful mission conclusion increased dramatically after finding Pegasus and the members of Witch Corps Flight 1 on Taos, Stillwater System.” Mom replied stiffly.
“Will you two give it a rest? Poppy, mom performed brilliantly and efficiently! I’m proud of her; so should you be!” I said irritably.
Poppy and Mom began laughing quietly- both smiling at me before taking and holding each other’s hand. Greer looked very uncomfortable.
“Lady Lyra, it is a traditional greeting we have shared since before you were born. Do not read in any ill intentions. May I, my lady?” Poppy said holding out his arms to me.
“I’ve been so worried about you and the others, kitten!” He said as he engulfed me in his arms. He suddenly stopped, eased up his embrace, and pushed back from me.
“You’ve changed, Serangetti Lyra. You now have the feel of a warrior…” He looked into my face with a serious expression. “A warrior that…”
Poppy quickly looked to mom for an explanation. She nodded ever so slightly- almost reverently.
“I see.” He sighed. “I had hoped you might not experience that so soon. My wish was that you never know that particular action, my kitten, but I guess it was destined to happen in our line of service to the crown.”
Poppy again wrapped his arms around and tightened them around me.
“I am truly sorry you had to experience that, Serangetti Lyra. I truly-.”
“KEEP THAT BATSHIT CRAZY WITCH AWAY FROM ME!” Someone shrieked!
Link Anderson shot from the Broom Closet entry door, vaulted over the metal stairs and railing, landed fifteen meters into the flight line, swerved right to avoid one of the automated cargo cranes, and sprinted around and into Mini-Van!
Looking back to the base entrance, Aunt Cora slowly staggered out, gently rubbing her chest and looking around the huge Broom Closet for someone.
Aunt Cora quickly composed herself and graciously descended the stairs to approach us.
“Lady Lyra. Lady Sonya, Lord Kimbou. How nice to see you all again.” Queen Caroline Norge greeted. I…we politely showed no notice of the scorch mark on the material ‘straining’ to contain her ‘Ladies-in-Waiting’.
“Lady Cora.” I greeted back with a courtly bow of my head. “Is something wrong?” I asked as I quickly glanced momentarily to Mini-Van and back.
“I had been intending to convey a warm, noble, ‘Norge’ type greeting of welcome to my new niece. I may have been a bit…overzealous… possibly?” She answered with a very worried look. “I have to hand it to the girl! She’s got me beat in the reactions and the defensive actions departments!”
“Your majesty!” Poppy finally got around to greeting the monarch officially.
“Majesty, may I present-” He continued but Lady Cora cut him off.
“Kitty? What in the name of the Norges are you doing here? I thought you were overseeing trade negotiations with the Sagwa?”
Greer blushed profusely!
“My first officer for this mission, Lady Niger Greer, Lady Cora. Greer? Lady Cora Norge from the Antarran System.” I quickly introduced.
“Have you seen a doctor about this?” Cora asked bluntly as she looked up into Greer’s eyes while motioning to the tall Lynxin’s body.
“As a matter of fact, my lady, we had received the test result just after Witch Corps Flight 2 here left on their mission.” Poppy informed. “I have been asked to hold those results until Lady Kitty can attend.”
Greer audibly swallowed and appeared very nauseous suddenly.
“Norges be merciful! I’d pay to see both their faces at that presentation!” Aunt Cora laughed voraciously.
“As would I, majesty. As would I.” Mother offered with a devious smile and a stacatto giggle.
Two more blue-haired women appeared at the top of the stairs and made their way over to us.
“Welcome home, Lady Lyra.” Lady Simone said as she offered her arms in greetings. “How bad was it this time, sister?”
“Lady Nike was in attendance, but it was unknown for some time whether she was in control or Bovidovich was calling the shots.” I related.
“Bovidovich?! They found Bovidovich?!” Lady Cora gasped. She now looked ill.
“The entity known as Bovidovich is no more, my ladies. Witch Corps, as a team, dealt with and finally dissolved what made that disgusting, vulgar… ‘thing’ exist.” I spat in revulsion.
Aunt Cora looked like the weight of the Galaxy had been lifted from her shoulders.
I was sure there was quite the humorous opportunity presented in that statement. If verbalized.
“I’m afraid many innocents under its control paid for our mission’s success though.” I sighed.
“Almost the whole of the male population of the town controlled by it.” Mom added callously.
“Sonya. You of all people should know that the taking of life- deserved or not- shouldn’t be treated as some ‘average’ activity!” Lord Samuel Redman scolded.
I looked back to Mini-Van to see if Link had maybe reappeared.
“If you all would excuse me? I think I need to comfort our sister.” I said as I nodded back to our ship. Aunt Cora began to move, but I motioned for her to stay with my parents, the Redmans, and Greer.
 
 
“Permission to come aboard?” I called out to the deserted passageway once inside.
There was no answer, but I did hear a faint sniffling from the starboard bunkroom. Entering, I found it empty, yet the quiet crying was in here- strangely coming from deck level.
“Lady Link?” I called quietly. “Lady Cora didn’t mean to frighten you. She only meant to welcome you with a customary, traditional Antarran greeting. Please come out so we can talk about it?”
“She-she-she came running at me, like-like-like she wanted to cap-capture me!” Link sobbed.
“She just wanted to welcome you. Antarrans can get a little…um…over emotional? I’ve known Lady Cora for eight years now and I can assure you she wouldn’t hurt a moderate aphid.”
“Why would she come at me like that? I didn’t do anything to her. And-and…and I’m not an Antarran! I was born on Eden 3!”
“Could you please come out here where we can talk like two of the species instead of a Lynxin and a… a Terran mole rat?” I asked gently.
It was quiet for at least a minute.
“Link? Could you come out so we can talk?” I tried again.
“I’m-I’m…working on it, skipper! I think…I think I had another growth spurt.”
I watched quietly as Link slowly, but surely worked her way free from under the lower bunk- there was much grunting and groaning as she did so. I could see why when she finally stood up.
The young woman facing me was about one hundred-sixty-five centimeters. Almost half of her hair was now blue. Her Terran mammaries seemed larger than they did when I saw her reporting to navigation five hours earlier. Link’s face had also changed a little more. It looked different, yet somewhat familiar.
“I’m sorry, skipper, but she scared the crap outta me! I never expected such an emotional greeting from Queen Norge. I suppose I should go apologize to her- explain what happened... Just allow me a moment to pull myself together.” She sighed. “One should always be dressed properly and presentable when meeting royalty.” Link sighed heavily again.
“Only if said royalty were a stickler for those vain details, Lady Link Anderson. Which I’m not…well, not at the moment anyway.” Aunt Cora grinned nervously from the bunkroom doorway. “May I have a look at you, m’lady? I will not make any overly abrupt or suggestive moves… promise.”
“I’m sorry for blasting you, majesty. I just sort of reacted defensively when you came at me. Please! Forgive me. I-I-I-I’m sorry.” Link began to cry again.
Aunt Cora looked at me with a sad expression then took Link into her arms and held her tight.
Until this moment I hadn’t realized my two Coven sisters were the same height!
“It’s okay, Puddin’ Plum, Antarran puberty can be very overwhelming for some of us- overly so for those of the ‘core’ Norge family.
Link pushed away from Aunt Cora.
“Huh? The ‘core’ Norge family? But I’m not Antarran, majesty!” Link protested sadly.
“Really?” Aunt Cora questioned impishly as she conjured a full-length mirror and centered Link in front of it. “Then who is this?”
“It’s me, majesty. Link Anderson… only… only, I’m in my activated form?” She answered in an uncertain voice. Her fingers slowly went to her blue locks and held them out so she could really see them.
Aunt Cora stepped up beside her and observed their reflections.
“It is first and foremost to know who you are, m’lady. Confidence in self is extremely important. Now, look closer and tell me what you see. Really see, m’lady.” She prompted.
“I see two women that look very similar. Both have blue hair- one, less by half. Both are roughly the same height; and both look similar in face and physical build.”
“Very, very good, m’lady. And we both have fabulous racks too, if I do say so!” Aunt Cora giggled. “If you had to guess- theoretically, of course- what relational level might these women share?” Aunt Cora asked amiably.
Link turned her head slowly from side to side several times and her fingers softly explored her face several more times.
“Honestly? If I didn’t know better, I would think they might be sisters, majesty.” Link replied as her face suddenly paled and her mouth dropped open.
“That can’t be, majesty! I was born on Eden 3! My maternal parent had no affiliation to Antarra as far as I knew. I don’t recall her ever showing any images of my fraternal parent though.” Link protested.
“Puddin’ Plum? With a head of hair like that… those assets… and at your age? There is definitely ‘Norge’ in there.” Aunt Cora giggled. “A whole lot of it! Come on, let’s get into the base before B.C. Control starts decomp-ing for Flight 1.”
Link nodded tentatively and Cora motioned for us to precede her out of Mini-Van.
 
 
“Wow!” Lord Samuel gasped in shock as his eyes basically exploded from their sockets. “Shit, Cora!”
“I know, right?” She answered.
“Cora? Am I seeing this correctly?” Lady Janet questioned, blinking several times, not believing her eyes.
“I believe you are, Jan. I find it absolutely amazing myself- very bizarre!” Aunt Cora replied as we entered our base and the door closed behind us- its seams vanishing to remove any hint that a door even existed there.
“Base? Alert Coven personnel that there will be a post mission meeting in the galley in three hours. Also alert Flight 1 they are invited, please?” I asked of our Base A.I.

 
 
“We’re five LY’s out, Chance.” Mom alerted from Helm.
“Hmmm? Oh. Okay, thanks.” I said having been paying only partial attention.
Most of my consciousness was still in debate over how we got caught with our proverbial panties down! How could I have let that happen? How could I have led my sisters straight into a giant flytrap?
Or was it really a ‘roach trap’?
Either way, I felt extremely embarrassed for nearly succumbing to Bovidovich’s control. And… I-I nearly killed one of my sisters!
Even more embarrassing? Our junior corps had to come and rescue us! Granted Lyra, Kate, Sonya and the new girl, Greer, were brutal in their ‘showdown’ on the town’s main street. I had never before seen such vicious gunplay or stunning marksmanship!
Greer… as I found out after the fact was a dead ringer for Kitty! In fact, I think that was the defining moment when Bovidovich’s spell had been weakened enough for me to again fight him… it broke my heart to see ‘Kitty’ laying there…
“Chance? We’re ten minutes out from Eden 3. Shall I contact Sri Lanka Control for permission to land?” Mom alerted.
“What? How’d we get to Eden 3? Why would we go to Eden 3?” I exclaimed.
“We wouldn’t. We’re almost two LY’s from Mare, Chance. Slowing to sublight and going to default camo.” Mom laughed evilly. “I thought I’d see how well you were paying attention. You seemed pretty absorbed in your own thoughts. Reliving or second-guessing the mission, honey?”
“Both, I guess? I can’t figure out how that…thing…got through my defenses far enough to take control of Nike. I thought I had shielded her from all that. In the end, I couldn’t protect her like I promised all those years ago. I failed her, mom! I failed everyone!”
“You failed nobody, Chance Summers! If anything, we failed you. Charli and I let our desire to revisit- maybe act out- a dream from our past, blind us.”
“Oh! So now you admit you frelled things up!” Chantell contested angrily. “I told you going to that two-horse, shithole system was a bad idea! Especially when Pegasus started bleeding Current like she broke a major conduit!”
“I’m sorry I didn’t do the necessary research, Aunt Chantell!” I groused.
“Were you in Navigation, Chance? Cause if you were, then we could definitely place all blame on you. Otherwise, knock it the hell off, High Priestess!” My aunt fought back.
“I was the Nav officer at the time, Shan!” Charli snarled. “Yes, I didn’t catch the strange lack of returns from our sensors! Yes, I failed to find a reason why our Current reserve was diminishing! Yes, the kids made me look like a first day rookie, Shan! Happy now?!”
“No! I got shot! I was the one trying to keep the rest of you coherent enough not to get gang-banged, and I was the one that got shot!” Chantell ranted. “So why did you withhold information, Hopewell? Why didn’t you tell me…tell us that ‘cutting’ would dull the effects?”
“It happened by accident.” Mom defended. “Some hunk bought and paid for me for a whole night. But, there’s only one man I’d ever share my ‘bed’ with, Shan. That man is Charlie Armstrong! Some feelings run way deeper than mental influences or desire enhancement spells! The hunk got pissed that I wouldn’t put out and pulled his idea of a pig sticker on me. All it took was one slash to my right arm and I was back in my head. I wrassled that pen-knife off him and had just enough wammy to give him a much better recollection of the night’s events.”
“Then, when Charli came down the stairs with a wide, shit-eatin’ smile…holdin’ that gross bastard’s hand, I-”
“You decided we were all a lost cause? Is that it, Hopwell? You didn’t pass valuable intel to your partially compromised team members?” Chantell challenged heatedly!
“I’ll have you know that I had no control over what I was doing!” Charli defended. “If you must know, I’m still freaking about being-! Dammit, Hope! Why couldn’t you have cut me once and explained what needed done to keep us coherent! You think I wanted masochistic sex with some filthy, aint-had-a-bath-in-god-knows-when, wanna-be ranch hand?” She screamed as tears streamed down her face.
“ENOUGH!” I shouted as I stood and turned from my chair.
I was suddenly holding my staff and its gem was shining brightly!
“Chance!” Lokust shouted as she tried to get my attention. “Stand down, Nike! There is no need for such drastic measures! STAND! DOWN!”
“Nike? Please let Chance have possession of her body? This is just another squabble between longtime friends. There is no intent for bodily harm, sister.” Dell reasoned calmly.
I looked at my staff with wonder and awe. I even feared this thing!
Deep within me, I felt Nike apologize. I felt she was even more embarrassed than I was.
I again sent my apologies to her for not protecting her…
“Chance? What the hell ya doin’?” Chantell asked in fear. I noticed the gem brighten and I felt something stirring within me.
A figure began to materialize just in front of me and all conversation on the bridge ceased!
A women- exactly my equal- with flowing brown hair instead of black; white, gold-trimmed Greek toga, and a sad look on her beautiful face, solidified.
“Chance Summers.” My doppelganger stated despondently- looking me eye to eye.
“How many times must I intervene before you finally accept that you and you alone are not responsible for my protection? Though somewhat naive, I am quite capable of defending myself.” She smiled and slowly turned to face my speechless sisters.
“Since I am here though, I would like to thank all of you for actions and diversions taken to insulate me from our latest monstrosity. It was very powerful and I actually did succumb to its control. I have never defended against something even remotely more powerful than my great-grandfather, Chronos.”
It warms our heart and reassures me that the organization known as ‘Witch Corps’, is as accomplished and well motivated as its predecessor- Grandfather Zeus’ Furies. If not for the whole team’s help, things could have been much worse.”
“How can you be doing this?” I asked in awe.
She turned and again smiled brightly.
“Chance, I am only capable of doing this because of the lifeblood that flows within us. Our shared physical form holds several times more ‘Current’ as you call it than my first existence. Had you the confidence to truly embrace that lifeblood, you would not have required our sisters’ help. But... your heart… it has shown me that there is another facet to life other than a warrior and the brute force associated with that life. I understand the use of ‘heart’ over ‘force’ thanks to you, Chance.”
Nike glanced to the deck and sighed.
“My time grows short in this manifestation as I am not back to nominal, so I will rejoin with you. Do not make me corporealize again, Chance Summers! I will be forced to kick your butt!” Nike smiled and giggled softly as she vanished and the staff’s gem luminescence extinguished.
“And I didn’t even get an answer from her.” Chantell grumped childishly.
I felt Nike giggle from where her essence resided. I also felt she wanted to say something more, and so, offered her a conduit.
“I did nothing that any of you couldn’t do yourselves, Lady Chantell. All of Witch Corps, including those you refer to as ‘junior’ have now experienced what you call ‘threshold’. Several have even been welcomed into Olympus Prime society by direct relatives. The ‘demi-goddesses’ will need further instruction as to what they may expect, and shown temperance where egos are concerned. I will now complete my integration with Chance, but feel free to ask for enlightenment any time, Chantell Denison.” I listened and heard a pleasant ‘giggle’ come from my mouth.
“Gods! Will you ever stop raising the bar, Chance Summers?” Mom smiled as she complained.
I smiled smugly.
“Um…you think it was wise?” Lokust asked with worry written all over her face.
“Thresholding the kids, I mean. And what about the Anderson boys? Do they even know?” She continued, voicing her concerns.
“Know what, dear?” I asked my mate’s activated form.
“Do they know that they can’t return to their original form?” She clarified.
“Nike said we’ve all thresholded, hun.” Chantell reminded my XO.
“Can you still switch forms, dear?” I wondered.
Grunfuller instantly replaced Lokust at her…his station.
“Well that answers that question.” I smiled as I felt the urge to wrap my le…arms around him grow more intense.
Must have been residual from Taos, I thought.
“So…if I can still switch sides, the Andersons will be able?” Lokust was back. She had a questioning expression and looked so darling contemplating such particulars.
“The bigger question is: would they? I can think of two in particular.” Dell alluded calmly.
“The young Antarran and Kitty’s dopple.” Charli nodded in agreement.
“Greer’s got to be pretty high up on the list now, Chance.” Lokust stated as she tilted her head slightly to one side and raised her brows to punctuate the statement.
“We’ll see what happens once we get home.” I suggested. “Care to announce us, Dell?”
“Witch Corps Flight 1, Broom Closet Control. Request approach vector and Flight line decom. Artemis Dell, niner-niner-alpha; authenticate.” Dell announced over our comm.
“Welcome home, Flight 1! Glad to see you found your way back!” Closet Control responded. It was Katelyn Yates.
“Witch Corps Flight 1, Mare Tower. Just letting you know we finally got around to returning. We’ll be using S.O.P.” Dell announced as she contacted Mare’s flight control tower.
“Copy, Witch Corps 1. Welcome home. Flight 2 arrived one standard prior.” Applause could be heard in the background.
“Copy, Mare. Pegasus out.”
 
 
“Broom Closet Control, Pegasus. Flight line decom complete and Closet doors open. Come ooooon in.” Katelyn invited.
 
 
“Hey!” Kate greeted us as we proceeded through the closet door into base.
“Hey.” I responded in a lackluster tone as I brushed past her and headed for my quarters.
Savanna instantly appeared before me- blocking my path.
“Mother? That was certainly rude of you. Lady Kate only wished to greet you, not proposition you.”
I didn’t say a word. Instead, I ported past her and straight into my quarters.
She was waiting for me though.
“Now you are being rude to me, mother! What gives?” She demanded.
“Does it matter? Not that you don’t know already, sweetie.” I said desolately.
My now nineteen –year-old daughter narrowed her eyes at me.
“Well… I do… But that doesn’t matter at the moment! Right now, you need to talk…get whatever is bothering you out before your Current starts to feel your torment and begins to twist.”
“We both know that isn’t going to happen, Savanna.” I said quietly.
“But it could, mother. Stranger things have happened… and only just recently.”
“What. Like my eight-year-old daughter suddenly growing up?” I looked at her intently. “Like JWC having to come and rescue our butts from some two-horse shithole of a planet?”
I glared at her intensely.
“Or , that you went against my wishes and jimmied Oracle’s locks so you could fly her?”
Savanna smiled pleasantly at me.
“Jealous much, mother? You knew it was a simple matter for me to crack those puzzles. Why get so pissed?”
“That wasn’t the point, munchkin. The whole point of the exercise was to teach you respect for people’s wishes… and privacy.”
Savanna regarded me for several tense seconds. Her anger seemed to intensify.
“Well, I happen to think that my mother and father’s lives… that my family’s lives were more important than honoring some obtuse morality lesson, Chance Summers! I hope you understand that you are not only important to me, but the whole of the universe! Your life…the life of Witch Corps in particular, is quintessential to the whole of the universe! Moreso even than the Gods and Goddesses themselves!” She lectured while glaring heatedly at me. As fast as she had angered, her face softened.
“Now…freshen yourself up. Lord Kimbou is on base and wishes to see you at your earliest convenience. Chop, chop!”
Savanna was gone. Vanished.
A smile crossed my face. She certainly was my daughter!
 
 
“How dare she?” I questioned to not only myself, but to the heavens in which I existed!
 
“You cannot question her motives, little one, for her actions have existed since the dawn of time itself. A good mother will always watch, teach, and protect her child. No matter the cost to herself. It is the way of things.” A female voice said in a sage tone, though a bit amused.
 
“And”. A second female voice giggled. “It is the child’s place to question her mother’s motives and teachings.”
 
“That has also been the way of things since time in memorial, Savanna. Correct us should you feel us wrong, but-.”
 
“She probably will, sister.” A third female voice interrupted. “The Summers’ legacy runs strongly through our little sister.”
 
“Yes, of that fact I have little doubt, sister!” The first voice agreed. “Still, correct us if you feel you have been treated unfairly? But before you reply, consider what you have learned from her so far. What you have learned from all those you have interacted with since your physical manifestation into the mortal reality. Consider how you pushed those around you to near exhaustion when newly manifested. Consider how you are treated now- now that you have synchronized or ‘reached threshold’ as our High Priestess calls it. Consider all that and then consider that which has yet to happen. Consider everything you are capable of considering, young Oracle, before you pass judgment or profess falsely.”
 
“But it’s very hard to consider so much, sisters. And Chance Summers can be so…so…so difficult at times! Her Nike persona more so by itself! How can any considerations be evaluated with such variables undefined?” I asked, completely stumped and dazed by the enormity of what they tasked me with.
 
“Not ‘undefined’ little one; simply unfactorable. ‘Human nature’ is confusing at best, but ‘human-style love’ cannot be rationalized or even quantified. It simply ‘is’. To consider those factors, you must understand and listen to what your heart, young one, is saying.” A fourth sister advised.
 
“But all I hear is my latent Current- the goings on of that society deep within me! I have not heard a peep out of my ‘heart’, sisters.” I told the disembodied voices.
 
“Ah, but you have, little one! Did you not just reveal to our High Priestess that ‘family’ is more important than anything? How did you not hear that loud declaration of your heart, yet be so close in proximity to it?” Sister three said.
 
“Maybe, because she is so close to it, she neglects to notice, sister. Something so pure as ‘love’ can be very elusive when fully immersed within it.” Sister two suggested.
 
“Maybe she is still too inexperienced to know how to listen, sisters?” Sister one proposed.
 
“Maybe so. I suggest you ‘listen’ a little harder, little sister.” Sister two agreed.
 
“I suggest she not ‘try’ at all, sisters! Allow the heart to speak and interrupt when it feels necessary- learn to feel its call and allure…its wisdom, little one.” Sister three declared sagely.
 
“Aren’t we getting a little melodramatic here, sisters?” I asked the heavens. I know and can feel love ‘exuding’ from those close to me already. I also know right from wrong and what is acceptable in between. What else is there?” I asked impatiently.
 
“Ah! What else is there, she asks? Why ‘everything’! That is the answer, little one! There is everything!” Sister four stated passionately.
 
“And yet there is nothing if you do not understand and pay the attention required. Enlist ‘patience’ to allow for all considerations to manifest.” Sister two added.
 
“Back to considerations? How have we circled back to that so quickly?” I asked, annoyed that the original subject had been revisited so quickly.
 
“Consider the path taken to return here, little one. Was it not you that set the course in the first place?” Sister one giggled.
 
“She grows angry, sisters. She has yet to fully understand her place and contributions to the universes. As with her mother, our High Priestess, she has yet to comprehend her connection to everything.” Sister four reported.
 
“She will soon understand, sisters. We are called ‘Oracle” for a reason. In time, she will come to understand. You should return to the mortal realm now, little one. Your mother requires you for some consultation. Until another time, Savanna.” Sister one summorized.
 
“Adieu.”
 
“Later.”
 
“Bub-bye!”
 
 
I had to agree with Aunt Chantell. The Oracles were a crazy lot and were very hard to understand at times. They did make good points on several things though. Maybe I did need to ‘listen’ to my heart more. Maybe there was more to ‘love’. Maybe I need to be more observant. Maybe I was a little impatient. Maybe I was a lot impatient!
“Maybe I need to stop talking like them, recover my sanity, and return to base as the Oracles recommended!” I said aloud to myself.
“What was that sweetie?” Mom asked as she stared directly at me in a calm, collected manner.
“Nothing. I was just thinking out loud, mom. I do that sometimes.” I told her as I felt myself blush, noticing I was back in our quarters.
“Huh. Okay. Let me just say one thing, munchkin. ‘42’.” She said then giggled lightly.
“42?” I asked, tilting my head to one side.
“It’s the answer to life, the world, the universe- everything.” She smiled brightly while she began to laugh. “That’s what you were looking for, right? The answer to everything?”
“That is not the answer to ‘everything’, mother! It’s a fifteen hundred year-old character code for the asterisk; later used as a variable in search engines of the time to represent ‘anything’!” I growled in annoyance.
“Well, it worked in the movie.” She admitted raising her hands and shrugged indifferently.
“Truth is, munchkin…there is no simple answer for ‘everything’. There’s only one thing that even comes close to a universal answer, Savanna. Love.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Ah, so you’ve heard the term before, have you?” Mom laughed.
“I was just consulting with the other oracles and they mentioned how ‘love’ could not be defined- that it was all encompassing and ‘human’.”
“That’s pretty much it, sweetie. They must have the wisdom of the ages behind them.” Mom giggled. “That or they’re very smart.”
“Sometimes they aggravate me as much as you do, mother!” I groused.
“Karma, munchkin. What goes around comes around. So how did you enjoy the reactions and expressions of that multimedia team at Kitty’s coronation, sweetie?” Mom asked as I sighed in resignation.
“You really had to bring that up, mother? That was eight years ago. I was an infant!”
“Um…you might want to adjust your accounting of time, munchkin. As you stated right after we left Taos, you are stuck in that nineteen-year-old body now. So add eleven years to your declaration.” Mom winked with an impish smile.
“So. You coming to our briefing? Or am I going to make apologies to Lord Kimbou?” She quickly changed subjects.
 
 

 
 
Ladies Chance, Lokust, Hope, Chantell, Charli, and Artemis Dell walked into the base meeting room as a group and promptly stopped- their attention centered on the three, adult, female Antarrans, one, young, female Antarran, and one adult, male Terran in the male version of Witch Corps’ signature uniform, seated together quietly talking amongst themselves.
“About time you witches got here!” Janet Redman declared as she looked up, taking notice.
“Well, ya know; the airline lost our checked luggage and we had to wait for it to catch up with us. Sorry we’re late.” Chance stated confusingly. Most of us had no idea whether she was kidding or whether she was passing us some specially encoded message.
“I still wanna know how she does that, Hopewell!” Lady Chantell whispered to Lady Hope.
Lady Charli seemed amused by Chance’s strange declaration as she just shook her head.
“High Priestess? Lady Link claims Lady Savanna activated her without consultation or agreement. Will she also be here, at this meeting, to answer this allegation?” Lady Simone inquired.
“I will indeed, Lady Simone. In fact, I am already in attendance.” Savanna said from beside me.
Gods! I wished she would stop that!
Savanna stood and looked around the room before she spoke.
“I did knowingly activate the Anderson siblings.”
Lady Sandra Anderson gasped at her cold admission! I was certainly surprised! Before this point in time, Savanna would have heatedly declared herself innocent of all charges and vanished. She was acting like a mature adult here. I began to believe she actually- somehow- was nineteen instead of eight.
“It was imperative to the JWC’s mission parameters, my ladies” She justified and continued. “Those parameters being: four Broom pilots; four Mini-Van pilots; four navigators; four weapons’ officers; four flight engineers. It was also fortuitous that they are all cross-trained for multiple responsibilities.”
“Ladies Aquia, Galantry, Lyra, and Katelyn were shoe-ins for Broom pilots. Aquia and Galantry had tripled their training simulations in preparation of the mission and earned the opportunity. Lady Lyra handled planning, training, and leadership as mission commander. Niger Greer’s impeccable service record indicated she would surpass expectations as Lady Lyra’s XO, but only if activated.”
“Lady Link had demonstrated uncanny navigational, sensor, and intelligence gathering skills in all training simulations. She had also performed impressively in leadership courses designed and sponsored by Galactic Command and proctored by Lady Sandra Anderson. It was necessary though, to activate her to optimize her talents. Her activated form was a definite surprise- one I had not foreseen.”
“Ladies Rowan, Garith, Lithia, Seth, and Derrick also required activation to increase their natural talents. They were also detrimental to the mission’s success in their multi-disciplined capacities. Rowan showing incredible knowledge and unprecedented- for her age- proficiency with our flight systems”
“Lady Lilith was not originally considered for activation because of her compulsory participation in her education sector selection exams- though I did not want to show prejudice because of that.”
“You activated my youngest daughter, too? Just so she wouldn’t feel left out?” Lady Sandra screeched in disbelief. “She’s only ten!”
“But she is much more mature for her age than even Garith, my lady.” Savanna smiled tensely.
“But why didn’t you ask us first, Lady Savanna?” Lady Link Anderson questioned calmly. Lady Sandra seemed confused by her ‘daughter’s’ calm demeanor and went silent.
“I simply foresaw the needed modifications and took the required steps, my lady.” Savanna responded honestly, but impersonally.
“So you just assumed that because you ‘saw’ us activated, that we were okay with it?” Rowan demanded.
“Yes.” Savanna answered crisply and callously.
“Just ‘yes’? That’s all the explanation I get?” Rowan complained.
“Oracle? Remember?” Savanna answered in a ‘catty’ tone.
“Savanna? You’re being a bitch.” Chance interrupted. “Show some kind of respect and caring for our sisters. What Rowan wants to know is why the forced, unannounced change? Why not brief everyone involved as to what you foresaw and ask to activate them nicely?”
“As I said, Lady Chance. The mission’s successful completion depended on all participants being activated. Future events, of which I cannot reveal at this time, also forced my decision, I am sorry, sisters, but it had to be done in order for Witch Corps to remain the viable peace-keeping entity it was incorporated as.” Savanna justified without emotion.
“By the Norges! You make it sound like the Corps was ready to self-implode!” Aunt Cora gasped in shock.
“That was one of the foreseen possibilities, but now that we are all here, and in good health, that event sequence has been rendered obsolete. Now Witch Corps is seen to be a stable and unbiased peacekeeping unit well into this universe’s future. And past.”
Her last, very short sentence struck me as strange!
“And past?” I asked in confusion.
“Think about it, big sister.” Savanna smiled to me. “Lady Chance? She is not avatar to, but is Nike, Goddess of Victory- the only Olympian powerful enough to defeat Chronos?” Savanna stated factually then turned her attention to her mother.
“Surely, Lady Chance, you of all the sisters, should understand what I have just alluded to, so I will allow that topic time to coalesce. Moving on. Have we received the genetic coding results for Lt. Niger Greer?” She abruptly changed subjects as if she were running this meeting.
“Sorry I am late, my ladies.” Poppy announced as he appeared at the open doorway. “Several matters pertaining to Mare’s command demanded my personal attention. Ladies? It is good to see you all well! I have been worried to sickness you had met with devastating circumstances.” He bowed politely to our ‘senior’ sisters.
I noticed Savanna smiling for some reason.
“And yes, I have Lt. Greer’s test results.” Poppy said as he placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezed it gently, and sat down beside me, opposite Savanna. “I have recently been sequestered from revealing its contents however, so I cannot even hint-”
“Emergency Broom Closet decom in progress. Broom Closet door activation in thirty seconds.” Our Base A.I. interrupted.
“Would anyone like some coffee, tea… vodka, Saurian brandy?” Savanna casually asked as she stood and looked around us for replies with an impish smile.
“What are you up to, young lady?” Chance demanded through narrowed eyes and crossed arms as a hot cup of herbal tea appeared in front of me.
“Moi?” Savanna looked hurt by the question. “What makes you think I had anything to do with what is to happen?”
“Duh! Oracle?” Our High Priestess deadpanned with a strange but whimsically contorted face and voice. Oh, and her eyes were crossed, too!
“Norges! You really are just like your mother and grandmother, Sugar Plum!” Aunt Cora groaned. “I thought one was incorrigible! Now there’s three of ‘em!”
“It’ll probably get worse before it gets better, Cora.” Lord Samuel snickered as Ladies Simone, and Janet rolled their eyes in response.
The strangest thing suddenly happened!
Lady Cora and Lady Link turned in unison to glare at Lord Samuel! Their actions seemed completely unrehearsed and innocent, but the result was amazingly spine-chilling and very ‘creepy’!
The man gulped at the sudden attention.
“Now that is just so, so wrong!” He quipped in worry and visibly shuddered.
Two six-counts of Lord Samuel’s favorite beverage appeared on the table in front of him.
“Thanks kiddo! I’m going to need this- what with all the Antarran estrogen I’m suddenly drowning in.” He said, quickly separating one container, opening it, and downing it in one gulp!
“Why did I have to be the pilot for that damned diplomatic mission, anyway?” he groused to himself, though loud enough our sensitive hearing picked it up.
“Because you were destined to meet your soulmate, my sweet husband.” Lady Janet giggled.
“Yeah…ah huh…sure.” He said as he opened another container and drained it in one gulp again.
A large, brown-tan blur rushed down the hallway past our room’s open doorway. From what I could catch, it looked Lynxin and very much holding back a bout of nausea!
“Yeah. That’s the door. Just turn the knob and you’re good.” My cousin’s loud voice directed from out in the hallway.
Chairs groaned against the deck as every occupied seat moved in unison.
I rushed to my uniformed cousin- completely forgetting protocol- as soon as she appeared in the doorway.
“Hey, cuz. Looks like you missed me.” Kitty giggled as she returned my embrace.
I did. And to hell with protocol, I thought.
Poppy cleared his throat somewhere behind me.
“I appreciate the warm welcome, Cuz, but your Poppy’s requiring proper protocol. Unfortunately.” Kitty whispered.
I immediately broke our embrace.
“Please forgive me, my queen. I thought, since we were amongst recognized nobility, that casual court behavior was in effect.” I stated succinctly. “Apparently, I am negligent in that belief.”
Kitty smiled wryly and looked behind us at our gathered coven; I think mostly at Poppy though.
“Hey, y’all! Miss me?” She laughed.
“You! How are you still here?” Her expression instantly changed as she glared to the only other ‘known’ female Lynxin in the room.
“Greetings to you, my queen. I assume PM Tau will survive?” Lady Sonya responded calmly as she took a knee.
“Get up, Cuz! You’re making me look… argh… ‘royal’!” Kitty hissed in dismissal as she grabbed Sonya’s arms and physically lifted her to standing. Our queen then crushed my mother in a Terran bear hug until she started to gasp for air. Kitty released mom and smiled deviously. “Nice to see you, Serangetti Sonya.”
“Th-thank you, my queen.” Mom answered while trying to regain her breath.
“As for Tau… The Broom Closet’s Flight line is a wee bit short today. Apparently, someone doesn’t know how to park.” Kitty glanced to Lady Hope. “So, I had to get…creative.”
“Oh no you don’t, sister! I wasn’t the one drivin’ this time!” Lady Hope argued as she clandestinely pointed to Lady Chantell.
“Argh! Do I have tire tracks on my face, Charli?” Chantell questioned as she pointed to her left cheek- the one facing Lady Hope- with her middle finger.
“Oh, Gods! I’ve missed this place!” Kitty declared and began laughing all over again while several tears ran down her face. She stepped into the room further and everyone had a chance to welcome her.
Except Greer, who remained standing- frozen to her location as if glued to the deck? Her eyes were wide and fearful, and her facial fur looked very pale.
PM Tau awkwardly stumbled into the room practically unseen- his face almost as pale as Greer’s.
“My queen?” He asked while bracing himself against the doorframe. “May I suggest advanced warning next time you decide to attempt such brash maneuvers? It is not considered appropriate to access the comfort facilities of a hosts’ establishment within scant seconds of arrival.” FeLane’s Prime Minister scolded before wiping his mouth one final time.
“Oops. Did I forget to warn you, Tau?” My cousin giggled evilly.
Tau just glared at her silently.
“Bridge, Captain Serrangetti.” Poppy’s DataPad squawked.
“Serangetti here.”
“Just wanted to advise you that Earth’s Horizon is maneuvering to rendezvous and is asking permission to match speed and come alongside.”
“Copy, Bridge. Extend all pleasantries and comforts to her crew and diplomatic corps. Serangetti out.”
Seeing how pale Niger Greer was, I had no idea how she was still standing! Further observation showed her tail was extended- poker straight- to the chair behind her, acting as an additional support to keep her upright. She seemed as pale and stationary as an alabaster statue!
“What’s this?” Kitty inquired as she turned to Lady Chance, but motioned to Greer.
“High Priestess? When did you take interest in Lynxin art? This is as fine and lifelike a creation of my royal presence as any I have seen.” She complimented as she raised a finger to touch Greer’s pale, stiff cheek.
Gods! Was she even still breathing?
“A remarkable likeness, Lady Kitty.” Chance complimented. “And, I’ve been told, tied with you and Lady Lyra in the Witch Corps Comp stats.”
“Hmmm? Is this true, Lt. Niger Greer?” Kitty confronted the statue-like Lynxin.
The only response- only sign of life- was a single tear that escaped and rolled down my XO’s beautiful face.
“Is this how I reacted when I first found out I was required to ascend to the throne, High Priestess?” Kitty asked Chance.
“No. You ‘redecorated’ your quarters. Multiple times as I recall.” Chance giggled.
“Oh. That’s right. Thank you, High Priestess.” Kitty smiled back showing her canines. “Greer?” She moved in closer to my XO. Her tail came up and curled around Greer’s left forearm as she stared, eye to eye with her terrified twin.
“Sorry to disappoint, sister, but I will not be stepping down from the throne any time soon. As I am the older twin, it is still my right and obligation to preside over our Confederation.”
Although having three solid supports onto the deck, Greer folded instantly into a heap.
“Well, that went better than I expected.” Kitty giggled.
“She will recover in two minutes, sisters. Nothing to worry about. Please be reseated.” Savanna announced as she was suddenly kneeling at Greer’s side between us.
Gods! I wished she would stop that!
“Lady Kitty. Good to see you again. I trust your negotiations went well?” She said as she stood to embrace my cousin.
Savanna sighed with satisfaction from Kitty’s shoulder. “Now this is more like it.” She whispered happily.
“And I am glad to see you, Lady Savanna, but we must see to Lady Greer.”
“Of course, my lady.” Savanna giggled as she and Greer vanished only to instantly reappear seated at our table. Greer was just starting to regain consciousness.
Kitty and I walked back over- my cousin standing over and waiting for Greer to recover fully.
My XO was instantly on one knee!
“Forgive me, my queen! I had no beforehand knowledge of your arrival and I apologize for my insulting appearance!” She groveled, eyes locked to the deck.
“So you consider our physical appearance… insulting, Niger Greer? Third princess to the FeLane Confederation?”
Greer’s intuitive tail shot up to attention and its sentient tip seemed to stare at our queen in shock!
“Yes, Greer’s tail. You heard right. Third Princess to the FeLane Confederation.” Kitty spoke directly to the seemingly intelligent appendage in amusement.
It immediately ‘twitched’ violently, went limp, and fell to the floor behind its owner.
Everyone giggled or outright laughed at the shenanigans.
“Now that…that, I didn’t see coming.” Savanna laughed. “Lynxins can be very amusing.”
“Be nice, Munchkin. Try to put yourself in her place for a minute. Greer has known or been told, I assume, that she is identical to her queen, Kitty Sinae of FeLane- a person she has sworn soul allegiance and protection to as a member of the royal guard and extended military. Yet the two have not met since her activation. Now, factor in the assumed possible responses of that monarch suddenly seeing her equal before her” Lokust told her.
“Also, imagine how you would react if told you were not just a twin of, but very closely related to that sovereign. I suspect you would behave in a similar way? Minus the royal tail?”
“But we are all royalty here, Lady Lokust. We are all closely related to the Gods and Goddesses that originally mentored us.” Savanna argued.
“True, but for how long has Lt. Greer known of such inheritance? Of the Corps, or of her activated form?”
“Almost four weeks; your point, Mother Lokust?”
“You’ve grown up- literally- knowing of us and the Corps, and what we are all capable of, Savanna. Of what you, yourself, are capable of. Allow Greer to acclimate- to process her full importance- her relational particulars. Oh, and you can leave the Olympian mentality at the door, Oracle. I for one, will not stand for such inferred superiority!”
“Yes, Mother Lokust.” Savanna answered in defeat. She quietly sat down next to me again.
I brought my tail up and less than gently, ‘brushed’ the back of her head.
Savanna’s face lit up with a smile?
It was at this point that my cousin spotted then physically counted our four Antarran sisters.
“I know you Antarrans go at it like rabbits, but damn, Cora! Where’d the ‘mostly-me’ come from?”
“Lady Link Anderson, sister. Lady Savanna informed me of her existence just after we returned from our own trade deliberations. As you can see, I am still at a loss for words.”
“I find that very hard to believe, Cora, but I can relate.” Kitty smiled brightly as she visibly nodded to Greer. “Looks like our respective families got bigger.”
“Lady Link has yet to decide if she will remain in her activated form or if she desires her previous form, Kitty.” Aunt Cora indicated.
“I believe we should also offer the same options to Lady Greer, majesties?” I recommended.
“Lyra brings up an important point, Lady Kitty. Thorough contemplation and careful considerations must be the protocol for such an important decision.” Aunt Cora agreed and smiled at me.
“But, how- how am I related to you, majesty?” Link blinked in disbelief as she suddenly stood. Apparently this was the first she had thought about her royal lineage.
Aunt Cora remained silent, but placed her DataTab on the table and touched its screen.
A hologram of a young lady with mostly blue-streaked hair, smiling brightly, appeared next to Link. They were the same height and proportions.
“Woow! How’d you get a Holo of me, Majesty?” Link asked, thoroughly amazed…and confused by the full-scale image.
“This was recorded over three hundred and fifty standard years ago, Puddin’ Plum.” Aunt Cora answered with the exact smile.
“But I’m only fifteen standard, majesty. Who is that?”
“And I was about your age when that image was recorded, Puddin’ Plum.” Aunt Cora admitted. “About five years before I first met Hope, Charli, and Chantell here. I had just been elevated to Antarra’s throne following my mother’s unexpected passing due to the Hobgoblin plague.” Aunt Cora sniffed a few times as she remembered the mixed, emotional memory. “I vowed that day to rid my world of that scourge any way I could. Because of that pledge and trauma, I found out I was a Current Mage of limited talent. That is what drew Witch Corps’ attention to Norge.” Aunt Cora explained.
“Actually, Cora, we were the ‘mysterious’ reason the Hobgoblins suddenly vanished from Antarra altogether. Shan saw you practicing your spells one day as we cleared your residence. You apparently paid much more attention to the young man helping you ‘practice’.” Lady Hope giggled.
“I hear that you are a Mage of some ability. Far more powerful than I’d ever hoped to be.” Aunt Cora kept smiling and snorted once to Lady Hope in annoyance.
“And you obviously share my genetic coding if you hadn’t noticed. Once again the Norge Sisters will brighten the house of Norge.”
“Norge…sisters?” Link squeaked in confusion.
“My sister, Juliene’s, twin stands beside us, m’lady. Simone is her duplicate in every way…except temperament…but we’re working on that.” Aunt Cora laughed as Simone blushed brightly.
“Jumping the gun, aren’t we, Cora?” Kitty suggested. “That doesn’t sound like supplying information for her to consider her decision. Sounds more like Norge propaganda: ‘Come to the Antarran side. We have cookies.’” Lady Kitty laughed humorously.
“Well, we do have an awesome royal baker.” Aunt Cora admitted casually, closing one eye and looking to the ceiling with the other while her finger tapped her cheek. “And I suppose you’re ‘You may be my younger twin, but I won’t abdicate my throne anytime soon, so get over it’ statement provided any better insight for the LT’s decision, Kitty?” Aunt Cora challenged.
“She’s a Lynxin Royal, Cora. We can handle it.” Kitty countered proudly.
“Regardless of what I have said, Puddin’ Plum, talk with Janet and especially Simone for more insight on Antarra and specifically, Norge. I can be somewhat biased in my description of Antarran society, you see.” Aunt Cora continued, ignoring her counterpart, who was now rudely sticking her tongue out at the Antarran Queen.
“Some great entertainment you have on this old tub, Skipper!” Kate laughed as she turned to Poppy.
“Yes, I hear they are here through the end of the week with two shows daily.” Poppy deadpanned.
I was absolutely appalled! Poppy had just used humor! In all my short life, I had never- ever- heard such a thing from him!
“Mate!” Lady Sonya called crisply. “You are scaring Lyra! Cease the frivolity before she becomes damaged irreparably.”
“Forgive me, my mate, but when this circus is in town, addiction is guaranteed.” Poppy apologized.
As my parents continued to display individualistic, deeply troubling examples of humor, I noticed that Galantry had gotten up and joined Aquia in talking to her siblings. Rowan seemed to be becoming angrier as their conversation went on. Several times their attention shifted momentarily to Greer or Link. Especially Link.
“BUT WHAT ABOUT ME?!” Rowan finally shouted in frustration.
Young Lilith instantly produced her wand and took up a nearer position between Rowan and her more distant sister, Link. I was amazed by her reflexes and speed!
“What about you, Rowan Anderson?” Savanna questioned calmly as she was suddenly standing beside the jealous, female Terran. “Are you referring to the question of whether you may not want to return to your former, standard, male form? Or are you feeling left out of the important decisions your sister, Link, and our XO, Greer, are considering. Or, are you just protesting because you are deficit sufficient attention?”
“Yes…no! Wait, what?” The flustered girl answered, thoroughly confused from the question(s), but especially Savanna’s sudden appearance.
“It was a simple question, my lady. Do you feel left out or jealous of all private and personal decisions concerning your sister, Link, or our XO, Niger Greer or do you desire attention and wish to remain activated?” Savanna stated her question in a slightly different, slightly devious way.
“No…um…yes? I think?” Rowan groaned and sat down to decipher what she inadvertently might have agreed to. Lady Sandra rolled her eyes at Savanna as she made her way over to console and sort out her befuddled daughter.
Savanna winked to me before she actually walked over to Chance and Lokust to begin a private conversation with them.
“Ladies?” I asked broadly as I approached the remaining Anderson siblings and Fenile Galantry. They had remained gathered while Rowan and Sandra worked through Rowan’s apparent identity conflict. To me it was obvious that Sandra would gain two new daughters…well, maybe gain one daughter and lose one daughter, more likely. I had a very strong feeling Link had already made up her mind.
A few years back, when I had been curious about my own ‘development’, I had asked Simone about her strange puberty and related changes. She had clued me into what she thought might be a ‘Norge’ genetic peculiarity. She explained that after her activation, she felt ‘liberated’; free to be who she wanted to be. In short, she said, she felt strangely ‘complete’.
I had a feeling that ever since she had been activated, Link Anderson felt the same way or similar. Being much younger, it might have hit Link slower and more gradually, instead of all at once as with Simone.
“So, you think the XO will stay activated, skipper?” Derrick asked my opinion as our group turned their attentions to me.
I sighed in worry as I glanced to the deck for a second. “I’m not sure how I feel about that, my ladies.”
“Understandable, skipper.” Galantry nodded slightly. “I could sense the connection between you and Niger Greer when you both arrived on base. Recognition by your royal family will complicate or destroy any developing relationship. Apparently, you as well as Greer and Link have a very complicated and emotional decision to make. I offer my thoughts on that if you so wish, Lady Lyra.”
I pulled my coven sister to me and whispered my thanks to her before I released her and stood back straight.
“Skipper?” Mom asked to get my attention. “The newly communicated line of succession does not make sense if her code is equivalent. Greer should assume first princess status instead of third princess. I don’t understand the queen’s reasoning.”
“Serangetti Sonya. Kitty wishes not to demote you or I simply because of Greer’s activation. She desires our family to remain intact and not fall to ruin as it has in the past. And, what difference would it make to Serangetti anyway. I for one have no desire to ascend to the throne! Was that your concern, Serangetti Sonya, first princess of the FeLane Confederation?” I challenged as I narrowed my eyes at her.
Mother remained silent for a few seconds before exhaling loudly and glancing to the deck momentarily.
“Of course not, Serangetti Lyra! Before her rediscovery and coronation, I had hoped…never mind. Let me just say that I had hoped that you would sit on the throne and leave the rest unsaid, Lyra. I also have no desire for that much responsibility. I thought you might have the confidence to reform FeLane’s fractured ruling family from Uncle. I will not challenge this monarchy as I am confident Sinae Kitty has the Confederation in her best interests.”
“Well. That’s reassuring!” Kitty declared loudly from behind mother.
“Wow! That really does run in the family, Sonya!” She laughed as mother’s fur slowly relaxed.
“Yer majesty? How’s XO’s activation gonna affect Skipper’s… um…friendship with her if she’s a princess too?” Young Lilith questioned innocently.
“Honey, we don’t even know what Greer’s decision will be.” Kitty answered then glanced back at Savanna. “Well, most of us don’t know.” She added with an eye roll.
“Probably, Lyra and Greer would need to re-define their relationship if Greer becomes third princess to the throne.” Kitty looked sadly to me.
“However, I expect to officiate their joining in a few years if she doesn’t. Does that answer your question, my lady?”
Whatever Lilith answered, I didn’t hear because of the blood burning my face and pounding in my ears!
“But… what if Skipper and XO stay together after XO stays a princess? What happens then, majesty?”
“You are an inquisitive little Delvian, aren’t you?” Kitty giggled then her expression turned serious.
“The answer would be the same, my lady. I would expect to officiate their joining in a few years. Royal ranking should not eclipse a couple’s love for any reason, Lady Lilith. No reason at all.” Kitty answered as she looked to me with confident assurance.
“And not even a resolution from Parliament can stop me.” She added defiantly.
“See? According to her majesty, you don’t gotta worry either way, skipper!” The young, gray-haired Delvian grinned triumphantly.
“I thank you, my lady.” I smiled at Lilith. “Though, the decision on which way our relationship may go is still Greer’s.”
“So, kiss her and see if that helps. My first parents always said that kisses fix everything.”
Kitty broke into an enthusiastic laugh, bent down to the young female, and collected her into her arms.
“That is a brilliant medical discovery you’ve made there, my lady. I’ll be sure to implement that at FeLane’s Royal Medical University on my return. Thank you, Lady Lilith Anderson.”
“No problem, yer majesty.” Lilith grinned excitedly. “Glad I could lend a hand.”
I felt mom touch my arm.
“They seem so innocent at that age, don’t they, Lyra?” She said quietly. “Such a turn around after they mature at fifty standard years though. To think she could blast all of our minds into oblivion with just a thought- and in only another ten years.”
“Mother! Behave!” I warned quietly. “Lilith may not turn out that way. Remember she- like Galantry- are the first Witch Corps members of their subspecies. Only one of us at this meeting actually knows how both will work out.”
I was looking at Savanna when I said that. She quickly looked back toward me and winked. Just as quickly she turned back toward her own conversation.
“Is it me or is Savanna over playing the ‘creepy’ card, skipper?” Garith asked, looking over to our High Priestess’ daughter in concern. “I mean, I like her and all, but she plays the mysterious tease way too much. And I’m certain that, if I knew so much about the future, I’d be afraid to spill any of it.”
“She is a true ‘Summers’, Lady Garith! Teasing seems to be prerequisite to joining that family- at least that is what I have noticed over my eighteen years of knowing at least one of them.” Kitty informed the oldest Anderson sibling. “It can be bothersome at times, but I love them all the same.”
 
 

 
 
“Not to interrupt such cordial interaction, but is there not to be an official meeting or briefing here today? Or was this an excuse for a meet and greet, High Priestess.” Poppy, slightly irate, interrupted our individual cliques, loudly.
Chance turned to my Poppy and smiled- deviously.
“Indeed there will be, Lord Kimbou, but I felt a bit of ‘decompressing’ to be in order- especially after such a superbly executed operation by our junior staff.” She said as we all took the hint and found our seats. Only Chance and Poppy remained standing.
“Decompressing’, my lady?” Poppy asked in confusion. “But a proper decom party includes plenty of beverage and revelry. Most of the sisters of the Junior Corps are underage, so beverage is out of the question.”
“That is ‘technically’ true, my lord, but there are other ways to celebrate.” Our High Priestess said as beverage containers popped into existence in front of everyone. These containers looked different from the usual, recognized, alcoholic variety though.
“Alright, that’s it!” Lady Chantell shouted- slamming her fists onto the table in front of her while standing angrily. “How the hell you do it? I wanna know right now, Chance Summers!”
The room silenced and all eyes were set on our upset sister.
“How the hell you know about ‘near-beer’? Hell! I had only heard mention of it when I was a very young girl- and only from my grandfather!” Chantell angrily continued.
Except on Taos, I had never seen her this frustrated and furious.
Curious, I picked up the beverage and read the ‘old Terran’ script on the label. ‘Non Alcoholic’ it claimed.
 
“Really, Shan? That just proves you are older than me.” Lady Hope teased wryly.
 
I opened the beverage and, knowing the differences because I was already of age, sampled the unknown contents.
 
“You can kiss it- big time, Summers!” Chantell hissed in retaliation.
 
It tasted similar, but lacked the… um… punch of modern beverages.
 
“It’s certainly bigger than mine, Shan, but I’m not into kissing big-assed butts- especially one that big!” Lady Hope continued to tease relentlessly.
 
I think I preferred my herbal tea over this, though.
 
“You know what, Summers?” Chantell asked heatedly.
 
So as not to be wasteful, I finished the bubbly, but lacking, beverage.
 
“What, Denison?” Lady Hope answered threateningly.
 
Once empty, I took a sip of my tea to wash the strange aftertaste away and dismissed the empty container back to the ether.
 
“You can go straight to hell!” Chantell screamed. “All I want to know is how your damn daughter keeps pulling this ancient shit out her ass! First it was ancient TV and movie quotes; then it was recreating certain scenes from said movies and TV! Now she’s bringing back shit that’s well before our time. Near-Beer! What’s next? A freakin’ DeLorean, fer chrissakes?”
 
I stood up and quietly made my way over to the refreshments table near the galley and prepared another cup of herbal tea.
 
“How the hell am I supposed to know, Denison?! Not like she’s ever going to fill in the blanks.” Lady Hope screamed back. “Maybe she can break the fourth dimension! I don’t know! A good witch never reveals her secrets, remember?”
 
“I thought that was a good ‘Magician’. A good Magician never reveals his or her secrets!” Chantell argued.
 
Walking back to my seat, I casually sat back down after placing my full, steaming cup on the table in front of me. Those seated around me stared at me in curiosity instead of the heated conversation two tables over.
 
“How can you just ignore those two, Serangetti Lyra?” Mom asked from my right. Her ears were pinned back against her head in pain.
 
“I guess you get used to it after eight years, mom. It doesn’t bother me anymore.” I answered as I casually took a sip of tea.
 
“Does anybody know how Merlin did his tricks, Shan? Magician or Witch- same thing.” Lady Hope continued- an evil smile on her face.
 
“You know…Aunt Chantell will never get her answer. Not from mom, anyway. We’ll all learn the secret soon, though.” Savanna clued me in from my left.
 
“How the hell would I know? Hey! you inferrin’ I was there to ask, Summers? That was low, even for you!” Chantell charged.
 
“I would suspect that Lady Nike triumphing over Chronos might have something to do with it?” I answered as I turned to Savanna for her reaction.
 
“If your big ass fits, ya gotta admit!” Lady Hope retorted venomously.
 
Savanna winked with a big, wonderful smile.
 
“You are one to talk! Just tell your daughter to spill already, dammit!” Chantell demanded.
 
I nodded and concentrated on our two squabbling sisters.
 
Both women were now dressed in what the Royal Museum of FeLane titled: Traditional, 19th Century, Terran, Oktoberfest Celebratory ‘costumes’.
 
Quiet giggling could be heard all around the room.
 
“Chance is never gonna reveal a damn thing, Shan… Oh! That’s just sooo precious! You look good in red.” Lady Hope laughed suddenly.
 
“Really? I think you look darling in that shade of blue, Hope.” Lady Chantell giggled- her expression changing instantly.
 
“I think we’re kindly being told to ‘knock it off’, Shan.” Lady Hope surmised as both women looked directly at me.
 
“I believe Lord Kimbou wishes this meeting to conclude at some point?” I said flatly, callously.
“My sincere thanks, Lady Lyra.” Poppy smiled, nodding once to me.
“Oh, Libra, how I’ve missed this place!” Kitty declared with a huge sigh.
“Well, I’ve seen nothing but mass chaos and complete disorder so far, my queen.” PM Tau mumbled irritably.
“Yes, but that’s the beauty of this place, Tau! The Coven makes people feel at home- comfortable! No one here is afraid to argue or challenge one another. Everyone is equal and cordial.” Kitty explained.
“Two sisters almost resorting to fisticuffs is comforting, my queen?” PM Tau scrunched his face in pained disbelief.
“Oh, honey, Shan and I were just having a little tiff. It’s been going on since Chance here brought us both back from the ether… and there will be no ‘fisticuffs’. We prefer wands over fists.”
“But an occassional ‘bitch’ slap is sometimes called for. Remember that tart, Hope? What was her name?” Chantell asked as she snickered.
“Breeze. Breeze De Vane.” Lady Hope answered with a bright smile. “Yeah, that felt good.”
“Hey! Keep my great-grandmamaw out of it, you two!” Lokust objected fiercely.
“Look, there’s nothing to worry about, Prime Minister.” Lady Charli said as she came over and placed her hand on our PM’s shoulder. “These two have been going at it like this since we began mission training over fourteen hundred and sixty-five years ago at Cape Canaveral. It’s how they unwind and de-stress.”
That caused PM Tau to open his mouth in astonishment and simply stare at Ladies Hope and Chantell- Lady Charli now, too!
“Don’t try to over think it, Tau. It’ll make your head explode.” Kitty giggled. “Just remember that you are in Witch Corps Headquarters, and that stranger things have happened. It’s kinda the general rule around here.”
“I can attest to that, Your Lordship. Witch Corps may be the most unruly, undisciplined, chaotic unit ever to exist, but…but you can’t question their service record or their tenacity.” Poppy said proudly. “These beautiful ladies always- always get the job done, my lord!”
“I know that already, my dear man. I’ve read an assortment of- apparently recent- mission briefings. I still find actual interaction with members of Witch Corps… nerve-wracking- even knowing one of them quite personally.”
The room suddenly went silent and all eyes were now on PM Tau!
“He means we see each other every day.” Kitty explained uncomfortably.
Silence remained stagnant and heavy in the room.
“Libra! We work together?!” Kitty groaned.
That didn’t clarify their association. Well, maybe, but in the wrong direction.
“By the Gods and Goddesses! I’m the queen and he’s my Prime Minister! Get your heads out of the bedroom, kittens!” Kitty growled in embarrassment.
“Yeah, Sure honey, it’s good to be the queen.” Lady Hope tittered with an exaggerated wink.
“And the PM.” Chance laughed with an evil gleam in her eyes.
“Why? Why do I even bother?” Kitty pleaded to the heavens.
“Because you love us.” Hope said before breaking into laughter.
“And you miss us.” Artemis Dell added.
“And we’ve missed you too, Kitty.” Simone chimed in with Aunt Cora and Lady Janet smiling and nodding agreement.
“Yes, Mr. Tau, We are all that perceptive.” Savanna chirped enthusiastically.
“I didn’t think my…” PM Tau began to say, but realized Savanna had beaten him to it.
“Serangetti Kimbou? Might there be something in stores that would be stronger than Redman Samuel’s beverages? Between my queen’s piloting skills and this…meeting… I have found quite the cranial distress and wish to buffer my defenses.”
Young Lilith gently tugged on PM Tau’s sleeve.
“Here, Mister PM, sir. Try this. It’s conjured just for you.” She offered as a clear glass bottle containing an amber liquid appeared in her grasp.
The cylindrical bottle had a time ravaged, faded red label that was almost completely unreadable and seemed to have a heavy coating of dust on it. Only ‘an’, ‘ssee’ and ‘key’ were identifiable. To my surprise, the ancient metallic cap on its top began to unscrew on its own and hovered several centimeters away before vanishing.
PM Tau looked to our young Delvian sister cautiously, but accepted the offering with a tense smile.
“Thank you, my lady.” He said graciously before wiping off the bottle’s neck, raising it to his lips, and sampling the liquid.
PM Tau began coughing and pounding his chest! His eyes opened in astonishment.
“Smootttttttttttth…” He gasped between forced intakes of breath! “What is this commanding distillation?”
Everyone gathered around our PM in curiosity, hoping to get a glimpse of the time faded and torn label.
“May we try it, Tau?” Lady Hope asked as she stared at the bottle suspiciously.
PM Tau offered the bottle to her. Hope took a sip and handed it to Chantell, who took a sip and handed it to Charli in turn.
All three women opened their mouths slightly and each drew in a quick stream of fresh air.
“Yup. No doubt about it.” Charli stared at the bottle she still held.
“I concur, Charli. Hopewell?” Chantell smiled then looked to Lady Hope.
“Yep! It’s J.D. for sure! Well aged, I might add. Where did you conjure this from, Lady Lilith?” Hope confirmed. “This stuff has to be well over a thousand years old.”
“Oh! Lady Artemis gave it to me.” The youngster answered innocently.
“I did what now?” Lady Artemis Dell turned in shock.
“Not you, my lady; the other Lady Artemis. Your big sister.” Lilith corrected and pointed to the open doorway.
“Oh, hi, everybody!” Artemis greeted brightly- all too innocently.
“I hope I didn’t miss the festivities.” She continued, much happier and animated than her usual character.
Now I knew something was afoot!
“Hey, I hope you don’t mind? I’ve been saving that for just this occasion, girls. Save some for me though.”
Artie kept smiling.
“And just what occasion is that, Artie?” Hope asked suspiciously.
Artie’s smile broadened.
“Why, Sauron, of course. The trilogy has completed, my sisters.” Artie chirped excitedly.
“Um…come again?” Lokust asked, confused. “Who’s ‘Sauron’ and what trilogy, Artie?”
“J.R.R. Tolkin’s ‘The Hobbit’ and the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy from twentieth century Earth literature and cinema. When the great evil- the necromancer- Sauron- met his defeat, the people of ‘Middle Earth’ rejoiced and celebrated a new era of peace. Quite the Utopian ideal, though impractical in this reality as there must always be a balance of ‘good’ and ‘evil’. Life has no meaning without balance, after all. Isn’t that right, Samuel Redman?” Artie smiled slyly as she set her gaze to Simone’s father.
“Got that right, Goddess [belch]!. S’cuse me.” Lord Samuel answered, seeming slightly inebriated.
Artemis’ sly smile stayed on her face and with one eye partially closed, looked to the ceiling and shook her head several times.
“Lady Simone? I believe your father is… ummmm… oh…shut off.” She said lightly.
The supply of beverages in front of Samuel Redman vanished.
“Hey… I-I-I wasn’t… wasn’t done yet.” He protested drunkenly.
An altogether different looking beverage container appeared in front of him. One I didn’t recognize.
“Better. [burp] Haven’t had this in years. Thanks, whoever.” He slurred as he popped the top and guzzled down the contents broadcasting another rather large belch when done.
I think we were all looking to one another trying to figure out who had conjured the drink when Savanna giggled and pointed to Redman, himself.
Simone caught the action and looked to her Poppy, stunned. Lady Janet followed her daughter’s response, followed then by Ladies Cora and Link- in unison no less.
That was creepy.
“N-n-now… now [burp] now what did I do?” Lord Samuel demanded as the container vanished as soon as his hand placed it back on the table.
We all remained silent, but not looking away.
“Oh [belch] this?” He guessed and another container manifested on the table before him. “I started to- to [burp] to experiment after Chance… [hic] after our High Priestess told me [urp] I was the nulling force [burp] keeping Jan’s [urp] Jan’s Current in check. [Bbbbbburp] Excuse me.”
Lord Samuel hurried from the room upon unsteady legs.
“Did you know about this, Chance?” Lady Simone questioned our High Priestess.
“I had an idea that he might… you know, play around with the notion.” She grinned.
“Is…is he…will he… is he close? To threshold, Chance?” Simone questioned worriedly.
“Only if he wishes it, Aunt Simone. ‘Samantha’ is a very fitting name for a witch though, yeah?” Savanna answered- though I thought a bit too enthusiastically.
“He’ll be fine.” Lady Artemis comforted with a dismissive wave of her right hand. “Shouldn’t we be moving this meeting into the Broom Closet, Ladies?”
“Now why would we want to do that?” Lady Kate demanded gruffly.
Artemis pointed up to the ceiling with an amused smile.
“The Broom Closet has now entered ‘Presentation Mode’. Invitation is extended to all Witch Corps members.”
“Oh.” Kate rolled her eyes.
 
 

 
 
“Chance?” Lokust Grunfuller gasped as we entered our Broom Closet.
There, before us, were more Brooms than I had ever seen in my life!
Twenty in total! Five were under large tarps similar to my very own Hello Kitty on the day of her commissioning!
“We have more pilots than Brooms, dear. Got a better idea?” Chance answered- a twinkle in her eyes.
“You’re the High Priestess, High Priestess.” Lady Lokust replied with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Witch Corps! Fall in!” Chance shouted without further pause.
Everyone hurried into position and ‘guided right’ to line up. JWC, as usual, lined up to Witch Corps’ right.
So as not to have JWC feel isolated, I lined up front and center of them and went to attention. Greer followed and took up position on my left, also going to attention.
Chance looked to us, raised an eyebrow then smiled understandingly.
“As you can see, our manufacturing facility has completed several of the projects I initiated before our latest mission. Today, I have invited us all here to commission these marvelous craft and assign ownership.” Chance announced happily.
“What makes this occasion even more special is the fact that three of our Junior Corps members have exceeded all expectations and parameters. Ladies Galantry and Aquia? Please approach.” She continued looking at the two women named.
Aquia and Galantry broke rank and stiffly marched to our High Priestess, bowed courteously, and stood at attention.
“From 1st. Lt. Serangetti’s mission brief, I understand you two had tripled your simulator training and combat training. Is this correct or has Lady Lyra over-embellished an official document?” Chance asked.
“High Priestess. I…we believe Lady Lyra to be truthful in her reporting of our efforts, my lady.” Galantry answered while Aquia nodded almost motionlessly.
Chance nodded to me and winked her left eye. Her smile grew.
“Then I would be remiss if I didn’t reward such initiative in some way conducive to continued betterment, right?” She asked.
“Yes, High Priestess!” Both women answered enthusiastically.
“Follow me then, my ladies.” Chance said as she motioned both to follow her. They walked over to the nearest covered Broom and the tarp floated off to reveal it.
‘Pegasus 15’ was the only designation other than the Witch Corp hat and crossed brooms ensign on the upper control arc of the pristine, chrome fuselage.
Chance produced and pointed her wand to the cockpit and the words ‘Water Lily’ appeared in cursive script just under the canopy.
Aquia gasped out loudly and wobbled to either side a few times.
“My lady? If you would care to commission your Broom?” Chance smiled brightly at our stunned sister.
Aquia quickly brushed away tears and looked seriously at our High Priestess.
Lady Demi was suddenly standing behind her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
With a start, Aquia quickly turned to see who had arrived. She smiled brightly then re-applied her attention back to our High Priestess.
“My Ladies. In honor of my mentor, Demeter, and her gracious lending of her Broom, California Dreamin’, I’d like to dedicate Pegasus 15 as ‘Surf’s Up’.” Aquia announced as she glanced back to Lady Demi for approval.
“I consider that high praise and feel honored to have advanced one of my sisters in her noble career, Lady Aquia Anderson. Truly you have blossomed and found your rightful spot among our sisters and brethren. Congrats, girlfriend!” Demi praised as she wrapped her arms around Aquia lovingly.
“Then please take ownership, Lieutenant Aquia Anderson.” Chance requested with her patented, devious smile.
Aquia gasped again and I think she nearly went into a coma at being called ‘Lieutenant’ Aquia Anderson!
Galantry gently nudged her Coven sister to respond as the craft’s nose art faded into existence.
A large ‘wave’ of blue, white-capped water threatened to overtake a smiling, blonde, bikini-clad young woman on an ancient ‘Surfboard’. She was holding her wand at the ready. Ahead of the wave and board stood a horrified Hoblin on what appeared to be a sandy beach- its knees shaking violently. ‘Surf’s Up’ was written in graceful, feminine script just under the scene.
“I…I, Lt. Aquia Anderson- Water Lily- do hereby commission Pegasus 15, Surf’s Up as my very own.”
“Hey, Girlfriend. Bitchin’ name! Totes like it! After the carpet, how’s about we hit the ink?” Surf’s Up responded excitedly.
“Mayb’s a few clicks, Girlfriend. After the ‘rent hibernates, ‘K’?”
“Yeah, way cool!”
Lady Chance shook her head at the exchange and covered a giggle with her hand as she looked back to see Lady Sandra glaring at her daughter.
“That’s one down. Let’s keep going.” Chance said as the next Broom was uncovered. Its hull designation was ‘Pegasus 16’.
Immediately, ‘Lil’ Gray’ appeared just under the canopy.
“Lt. Fenile Galantry? Your turn, sweetie.” Chance coaxed the stunned, young Orion forward a step.
“High Priestess? If I might ask that I create my specific artistry for this marvelous craft?”
“Completely acceptable, my lady.” Chance nodded.
“I, Lt. Fenile Galantry- Lil’ Gray- commission you, Pegasus 16 ‘Lo^u fiafia’ or ‘My Happiness’ and declare you my friend and compatriot. May we have many successful missions together.” Galantry declared cheerfully and succinctly.
“An honor and my gratitude to you, my friend. I am ready to hit the skies when ready, Lil’ Gray.” Lo^u fiafia replied.
“She really did an outstanding job, sister.” Lady Artemis said from beside me. “I am also honored that she didn’t dedicate the Broom to me as I only acted as muse. I like the name though. Free thinking is a pilot’s best weapon.”
“I concur, Lady Artemis. I am proud of them both for advancing their talents and their maturity. They make fine additions to the Corps.”
“And so do you, Lady Lyra. Though, I am saddened by your loss of innocence. To lose that at such an early age…even for you Lynxin is a tragedy. Still, I applaud you, 1st LT. Serangetti Lyra! Well done on your first command.” Lady Artemis praised, hugged me then vanished.
“Serangetti Sonya! Front and center!” Lady Chance requested.
Mom broke rank and marched up to her.
“Lady Sonya, might it be possible that we see eye to eye today?”
Mom changed to her adult form.
“Lady Sonya, you have proven over and over again your dedication to this unit-.” Lady Chance began, but mom interrupted.
“My Lady! Before you continue, I must append your forthcoming speech. The reason? I must turn down your kind offer of a Broom as I feel I am not worthy of the honor. All of the Junior Witch Corps have performed admirably both in training, preparation, and mission implementation. For me to accept would mean denying those more deserving of such honors. Please forgive me, High Priestess.”
Mom bowed courteously, turned smartly, and marched back into the JWC rank.
I was completely taken aback that my mother would do such a thing. My respect for her grew a thousand-fold in that moment!
“Um…okay?” Lady Chance said then remained quiet for several seconds. She began applauding- her attention and proud smile on my mother.
We all joined in applauding my courageous mom.
“Well, that only leaves two other presentations. Unfortunately, Lord Samuel is currently indisposed at the moment and I will present him his Broom at a later opportunity. Lady Niger Greer? Front and center, sweetie.”
“What?” Greer gasped in shock. She looked at me for reason or rhyme.
“Better get up there, my lady.” I said while pushing the small of her back to get her moving.
“Lt. Niger Greer. First it is my distinct honor to welcome you to Witch Corps, my lady. I am doubly honored to have met and been witness to such talent and dedication, not only to the recent mission, but to your voluntary duty to protect the Second Princess to the FeLane Throne, Princess Serangetti Lyra. Lady Greer, I took the liberty to review your service and flight training records- both of which are stellar for your eighteen standard years.” Chance began applauding my second.
Again everyone followed her lead.
“However!” Chance shouted and the Flight line quieted. “However, this time I will not take ‘no’ for an answer!
Pegasus 17 was uncovered and Greer seemed to stiffen.
“But, High Priestess, I-.”
Chance held up her finger to stop any further argument. ‘Alley Cat’ magically scrolled out under the Broom’s canopy.
“Now, you were saying, Lady Greer?” Chance challenged. “Go on.”
Greer took a huge breath, paused a moment, and exhaled with a sigh.
“I, Lt. Niger Greer, hereby commission this Broom, ‘Faux Pas’.
“Thank you, my lady. It will be an honor to serve with you, Alley Cat.” Faux Pas accepted.
Two cartoon housecats, exactly like Kitty’s Re-Tailed appeared- wands drawn and white bow mid-tail. In between them, a trembling Hoblin nervously looking between the two, unsure of which cat might deal its deathblow.
Cousin walked up and placed her hand on her ‘twin sister’s’ shoulder. “Welcome to the family, sis. I think Chance hit this piece of nose art right on the head. Don’t you?”
“Well, that just about does it. See you all back inside for-.”
“High Priestess! There seems to be an unknown anomaly in the raw material storage compartment. Safety Protocols have been engaged.”
 
 

 
 
“Do we know the nature of the anomaly, Base?” I asked.
“The anomaly is severely encrusted and shielded with raw celestial material and has just been revealed to sensors after the last material requisition. According to my most recent sensor scans, it contains a small reserve of Current.”
“How is that an anomaly?”
“My sensors indicate that the Current reserve is shielded by a material similar to that used on the original Terran Orion series Deep Space Probe: Pegasus.”
“Yer shittin’ me!” Mom choked in surprise.
“Pressurize the storage bay, Base. We’re heading there now.” I ordered as I started walking toward Pegasus’ hangar bay.
“Um, so do we actually know where this ‘raw material storage compartment’ is, Chance?” Charli deadpanned.
“Of course! Its right behind the manufacturing bay.” I giggled.
“Naturally.” Dad replied sarcastically.
I led our entire Coven past Pegasus and through a single access hatch then down a long series of metal grate stairs and landings. Reaching the manufacturing bay deck, we continued through an area about half the size of our Broom Closet. As we walked, we passed several pieces of huge manufacturing apparatus, a partially completed Broom fuselage, and several huge, exotic looking, elevator platforms.
“So the manufacturing bay is directly under the flight line. Makes sense.” Dad said as we reached a huge, imposing, reinforced door. “I always wondered how our Brooms suddenly appeared in the Closet.”
“Yeah, dad, you found me out.” I grinned deviously. “Base. Status on raw material storage bay.” I asked.
“Compatible atmosphere has been established. Harmful radiation levels are well below limits.”
“Unlock and open storage bay, Base.”
The huge, airlock-style door began parting from the middle.
“Wow, I didn’t think I over commissioned that much!” I said as I saw what was left of the asteroid they said my daughter had captured and brought to Mare just a couple weeks ago.
“Mom?” Savanna pointed to the exact center of the ninety-meter wide, ‘space rock’.
“I can almost see the Current right in there. I might be able to get it out without disturbing it too much.”
Chantell, Mom, and Dad gasped as the unknown module appeared in front of Savanna.
“There. Still intact, as promised.” She smiled.
“Do you guys recognize this, Mom? Dad? Chantell?” I asked, observing their suddenly pale faces.
“Not this particular model, Chance. We had six of them on Pegasus, though. It looks like one of our emergency escape pods. Trained on one for about two weeks, but never had to use one, thank the Gods.” Chantell related.
“Charli? You don’t think… do you?” Mom’s face was beyond white- a single tear appearing and slowly rolling down her cheek- as she continued to stare at the battered and beaten escape module. It looked like it had seen much better days then been through hell itself.
“Mom? I’m detecting a protection spell. On the inside.” Savanna advised.
“What exactly are we looking at, girls?” Aunt Cora asked curiously.
“One of the original lifeboats incorporated into all Orion series manned, deep space probes. Circa: 2107AD. If this is the one I’m thinking of though, it left Earth 28, April, 2102AD.” Mom said, stoically trying to fight back more tears.