“It’s okay. I was raised by my grandparents in Siladas; it’s a location on Kiljor where the jungle meets the ocean. They were amazing people, patient and kind. They taught me how to be responsible, how to hunt, and how to love with my whole heart. They’ve both gone to the other side to be with the Goddess, but I still feel them here.” He placed his hand over his heart
She threaded her fingers through his, and they sat there in comfortable silence. He had never felt closer to anyone before, and it was hard to break the connection when it was time to go. They kissed again and it almost took him over. It had been difficult to pull back, but he knew it was the right then to do. When he had to leave, he kissed her with all the longing he felt inside. Leaving her was the hardest thing he had ever had to do. He prayed to the Goddess that she would be waiting for him when he returned—if he returned.
*****
“Sir, we’re approaching the first island,” Warrior RusEN told him.
He looked out the viewing screen. It was still dark, but he could make out the shape of the small island. There were no lights except from the Luna, partially covered by clouds. There could be people there, hidden by the large trees, shrubs, and rocky cliffs.
“Land on the far eastern point, there’s fewer trees there,” CristOF ordered.
The pilot lowered the shuttle, and then scanned the area. “There are no signs of life, other than some small animals.”
CristOF unbuckled his seat harness and stood up. “We’ll spread out to cover the island just in case there’s cloaking, or an underground base. If you see anything, contact me. Do not approach on your own.”
They took their weapons out of the compartment in the wall, as well as their survival packs. Each had medical supplies and essentials that would help a warrior survive for days in the remotest of locations. Of course, he could survive with just his blade, but he needed to set an example for his team so that they took things seriously.
“Be safe,” he told them before heading out in one direction.
Three hours later, the group returned to the shuttle with no results. It had taken much longer than he expected for such a small island. They had another four hours before the suns rose, which was just enough time to take the shuttle out and check another island of a similar size. The shuttle would be visible during the daylight hours if they tried to fly so they needed to take full advantage of the cover of night.
“One more island, and then we’ll have to wait until the sun sets again,” he told his team as they gathered at their landing site.
“Should we be scanning all the islands instead of going one by one?” the younger warrior, SimON, asked.
CristOF shook his head. “No. The more we use our scanners or the shuttle, the more we risk being exposed. The rebels may be scanning for any activity.”
“Perhaps after the next island, we should consider splitting up the remaining islands,” his old trainer Warrior RusEN said.
“Good idea. We’ll make arrangements before sunrise. Let’s get the next island cleared first.” He started to walk to the shuttle but turned back and added, “Good work. Stay safe.”
It took another four hours before they were finished clearing the second smallest island. The two suns were rising clearing some of the fog that had left the islands with an ominous atmosphere. He gathered with his team as they began to set up a campsite.
“We will camp during the daylight. We cannot use any of our communication devices. We will not build a fire or do anything to draw attention to us. Once the suns set, we will divide up and take the inflatable boats. There will be no communication for ten hours unless it’s an emergency.”
He put the youngest warrior with the most experienced. “Warrior RusEN and Warrior SimON will take the island to the west,” he said, putting the youngest warrior with the most experienced. “Warrior TorIS and Warrior FinlEY will take the largest island, to the east. I’ll take the island in the center. Its terrain appears to be more of a jungle, which I’m familiar with. Now, go look for a place to get some sleep. You may use the inside of the shuttle if you want. I’ll sleep outside.”
Warrior RusEN did not look pleased with the plans, but he didn’t say anything in front of the others. He waited until the two of them were left alone. “Do you think it’s wise to go by yourself?”
“You know I can track much better on my own. The jungle terrain is difficult to maneuver in if a person isn’t used to it, and if I took someone inexperienced with me they would only slow me down. I won’t take unnecessary risks.”
RusEN placed a hand on his shoulder, rare emotion showing on his weathered face. “Just remember, you are important not only to our people but to me. You’re like my own son.”
CristOF nodded, not sure how to handle the sudden emotion rising inside of him. RusEN had always been there for him, and when his grandfather had died, he was the only person CristOF had invited to come to the private burial ceremony.
He smiled, remembering his first day of warrior training. RusEN had been a much younger warrior; barking out orders and making them do drill after drill. There were times he’d hated the male, but that training had saved him time and again. Their friendship had solidified when his grandmother died. RusEN had come to spend time with him and his grandfather. He didn’t speak much, just was there for them, went fishing with them and prayed with them. The big, rough warrior was deeply devoted to the Goddess KatieRI and often performed services for warriors killed in battle. He was a second father to CristOF and would hate it if anything happened to him.
“Make sure that the young one doesn’t get overly excited and do something foolish and dangerous,” CristOF warned him.
RusEN growled low. “You would have to stick him with me. I ought to kick your ass for that alone.”
CristOF laughed. “You can try, but I’m faster.”
“Luckily, I’ve had plenty of experience handling wet-behind-the-ears warriors,” RusEN told him.
The two of them continued talking as they set up their bedding outside. The others had decided to sleep inside the shuttle.Lightweights, all of them.He lay down, throwing his arm over his eyes to block the sunlight, and tried to rest. He wouldn’t sleep, but he could at least conserve his energy.
