Ultimate Warrior (The Fight for Creation (Book Three)) (19 page)

“Are you saying I should go back?”

“Do you want to participate in the day-to-day activities of the Royal Family here on Ross?”

“Oh heck no.”

“Where else can you go and keep your mind active and off your misery?”

“I’ll have to report to Russell.”

Jixie put her hand on Pixie’s chin and turned her head to her, “Do you still think he’s the same person you knew in training?” Pixie stared at her mother and after a moment shook her head. “Russell is not the Officer Mitch was and he knows it. He needs all the support he can get and you can help him protect his Warriors. Do you remember that he had me take those in the most danger away from the cliff?” Pixie nodded. “The old Russell would have kept them there to increase his odds of survival.”

“What does Dad think about this?”

“He thinks you’ve done enough and should stay here and rule Ross.”

Pixie moved her head back and said, “And what will he be doing while I do that?”

“He has decided to get back in the fight and I’m going with him.”

“Why!? Aren’t you a little, uhh…”

“Too old?”

“Something like that?”

Jixie shook her head and smiled, “We’re going to live thousands of years. We’re not even in the beginning of our lives yet.”

Pixie stared at Jixie and said, “So am I.”

“That means you could hang out here for a couple of centuries and mope around.”

Pixie thought about that idea and said, “I’m reporting back tomorrow.”

“One more thing before you do that, Pixie.”

“What?”

“This is supposed to be play time. I think you have been so worried about Mitch during your combat that you couldn’t have fun. Now you can explore your abilities and have a good time.”

“Did you enjoy playing?”

“I loved it and still do.”

Pixie managed a small smile and said, “Thanks, Mom. You’ve helped.”

“See what staying active can do.”

Pixie hugged her and left to pack.

Jixie sighed and knew that Pixie’s crush on Mitch would not have lasted. Mitch was a great tactician but he was not what Pixie needed. This was perhaps the best way for her to avoid that discovery. She was still too young to really know what she needed. Mitch met her emotional needs but she was not close to what she was going to become mentally. It wasn’t his fault but he couldn’t hear the music and he would have found himself overwhelmed by Pixie as time passed. Even though he didn’t have a big ego; he would have suffered in comparison.

• • •

“Clarke.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Pixie is coming back.”

“That’s great news.”

“I’m assigning her to your Company.”

“Why!?”

“Who provides us with information on our targets?”

“Pixie.”

“And who takes that information and processes it into assigned targets?”

“Uhh, that would be me.”

“I’m removing the middle man. This should speed up the process. I’m going to slave the command circuit to your helmet and I’ll see everything you do at the same moment. Do you have any other suggestions?”

“Yes Sir.”

What is that?”

“You don’t need to assign her to my company. If I’m slaved to your command circuit you’ll have removed the middle man simply by doing that. You’ll get what you need without having her report to me. It also begs the question as to who designates the places she is to scout.”

“Clarke, are you always trying to avoid responsibility?”

“If you mean do I want any more; I don’t. However, if logic demands that I am the best to perform the function you are wanting done, I will necessarily have to take it on. However, this doesn’t meet that test. Besides, we’re the same rank and she has seniority. She needs to report to you. One commander is enough for my tastes.”

Russell sighed, “Alright, you win this one.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“How’s Captain Rizzo’s Company coming along?”

“He actually beat Captain Mosby’s Company today.”

“Really?”

“Yes and Mosby has vowed revenge.”

“Where does Skylar’s Company stand in the exercises?”

“He’s doing pretty well.”

“Just how well is he doing?”

“Alright, I know you know the answer and are going to beat it out of me. His company beat mine yesterday as well. We had a bad day.”

“You’re going to need to pick which one you’re going to team with shortly.”

“I don’t believe any of them would be a bad choice. I’m leaning toward Mosby.”

“Why?”

“He’s all gung ho and will take on most of the things I want to avoid.”

Russell started laughing and said, “Let me know when you decide.”

“Yes Sir.”

Russell paused and looked at Clarke. He lowered his chin and said, “You didn’t let Skylar win so he would get all cocky and more gung ho than he already is, did you?”

Clarke kept a straight face and said, “It’s always good to have multiple options, Sir.” Russell laughed and ended the call.

• • •

Gregory stood on the spire and looked out at the massive crowd. The announcers had been broadcasting that the Duke had an announcement and the crowds began gathering the night before. He sighed and knew his life was going to change. He had tried to change Sam’s mind, but knew he would not yield again. He thought about that new Captain in Pixie’s unit. Karma, the time had finally arrived and there was no avoiding it. He looked at Sandra under his arm and she said, “They will come to love you.”

Greg nodded toward Sam and Jixie, “Not like they love them.”

Sandra nodded.

• • •

Sam faced the giant gathering and said, “I’ve called you together to tell you that the Duchess and I are abdicating our thrones.” The roar from the crowd was instant and loud. It almost had an angry tone to it and Sam allowed them to vent their feelings. After thirty minutes he raised his arms. “I ask that you listen to our reasons and if you cannot accept them, we’ll stay.”

Greg’s expression changed. There was hope he’d be saved by the Citizens of Ross.

The massive crowd grew silent and Sam said, “The Realm had encountered some advanced civilizations that are more powerful than any we’ve ever faced. The ancient Demons pale in comparison and the fight is going to be bloody. I don’t tell you this to frighten you but it’s true.” Sam looked at Jixie and said, “My Wife and I are two of the Realms best warriors and we are staying here on Ross and out of the fight because of our commitment to you. My family loves you. It is because of that love that we feel we must get in the fight to protect you. We can make a difference and to not do it would demonstrate that our feelings for you aren’t real. If the Realm loses this war, all of you would be in danger and we can’t live in peace knowing that we did nothing to prevent it. We are being called to fight and the war is going to take a long time to win.”

Sam looked out at the crowd and there was silence. Sam waited a moment and said, “What most of you don’t know is that Baron Gregory Robbins and his wife Sandra ruled Ross in our previous absences and continues to direct most of the Castle’s activities with you. He refused to allow me to abdicate years ago when I was in a state of depression and he made it clear to me that my responsibility to you overrode my personal desires. He does not desire to rule but he is the only one in the Realm I would trust with your welfare. He threatened to abdicate and the only thing that prevented him from doing it was me telling him that we were going to join the Warriors no matter what he did. He couldn’t bear the thought of a stranger coming in and ruling Ross who did not know the needs of the planet.” Sam paused and said, “I knew he wouldn’t allow that to happen. He loves this world too much. He is the one that had made all the decisions in how our cities would grow and work together. He has ruled the Castle during my long absences and none of you ever noticed any difference. He is the most honest and honorable man I have ever known. He will be the New Duke unless you stop us from doing what we know we should do.” Sam looked out at the crowd and they saw his expression on the giant monitors scattered around them. He said, “Citizens of Ross. What is your decision?”

Silence ruled the moment until one loud voice rang out, “Gregory!” The members of the huge gathering looked at each other and then knew what had to be done. The chant started small but grew in volume quickly. Soon the vast grounds around the castle rocked with, “Gregory, Gregory, Gregory.”

Sam walked over to Gregory and pulled him and Sandra to the edge of the wall. Gregory looked out at the giant crowd as it exploded and smiled. He raised his arm and waved to them. The cheering continued for forty minutes until Gregory raised both arms and brought them down. The noise slowly abated and he went to the Microphone. “I know how all of you feel. I’m losing my best friends but I know what they are being called to do. No one can ever replace Duke and Duchess Robbins. They are unique in the history of the Realm and it is not my intention to do that. My intention is to make sure that you are protected and defended, and do everything in my power to make your lives the best they can possibly be. You have always had my love and there is no place in the Universe that is a better place to live than right here on Ross. I intend to continue that tradition. With your help, we can do that together.”

The crowd went crazy and Sandra joined Gregory and waved at the gathering. Later that day when Sam had the news agencies release all the things that Greg had done in running the planet the citizens stopped worrying. Their Duke had chosen well and they were going to support his choice.

• • •

Sam looked at Greg and Sandra, “Jon has approved your new position and your elevation in title. Take care of them, Gregory.”

“I have always done so, Your Highness. I always will.”

Sam and Jixie hugged Greg and Sandra and the four turned at the wall and waved to the gathered millions. Jixie leaned in and said, “How did you know they’d allow us to go?”

Sam continued to wave at the crowd and said, “This planet is where the Realm began. These citizens know the importance of doing their duty and they would never prevent me from doing mine.” Jixie nodded and knew that by allowing the citizens to make the decision, the transition would go smoothly. Sam’s wisdom always fascinated her. She knew she would miss Ross but was excited to get back in the fight.

• • •

Sam was packing a bag and suddenly felt a cramp hit him in the stomach and double him over. He fell to the floor and wondered if he was having a heart attack. The pain was incredible and he couldn’t even call for help. His mind was consumed by the agony as he tried to breathe. After a minute the pain began going away and he was able to struggle to his feet. He pulled himself up by the table and took a deep breath. He wondered what had happened. Jixie had not appeared so he knew she had not seen what was going on. He stumbled over to the closet and looked around the huge row of hanging clothes. “I wonder where Pixie put my old uniforms.”

“They’re in the staff’s main closet, Dad.”

Sam stopped dead in his tracks and thought, “Pixie, how did you hear me?”

Pixie paused and said, “I heard your thought.”

“But you’re not here.” Sam thought, “Jixie, will you come here a moment.”

Jixie materialized and said, “How are you broadcasting your thoughts?”

“Look at my thoughts.” Sam showed her his sudden spasm and immense pain.

“Why didn’t you call me!?!”

“I couldn’t. I couldn’t even think.” Sam thought a moment and said, “Do you remember when Queen Victoria suddenly acquired psychic abilities?”

“It was just before the Dremor invaded Bristone.”

“That must be what just happened to me. I don’t know what I did to trigger it.”

Pixie said, “Are you alright?”

“I think I am.”

Pixie said, “Dad, all of the Royalty used to be psychic. They lost those talents after the old Stars Realm fell. I suspect that the abilities are still dormant in most of the Royalty and yours just became active.”

“But why now?”

“I suspect the Creator has a use for you. I wondered why Mitch and Russell made us put a sword under our armor but we discovered they were needed against the blue ships. You are going back into the fight and perhaps this is another gift. I can’t see any other reason.”

Jixie said, “Pixie knows the Realm’s history far better than anyone I know. She might be right.”

“That comes from having so much time while you were carrying me, Mom. There wasn’t much else to do but look at the history.”

“Where are you Pixie?”

“I stopped by Mitch’s grave to tell him goodbye. I’m leaving here tonight. I want to visit his family before I go.”

“Be careful, I love you.”

“I love both of you as well. I’ll keep you updated.”

Jixie said, “I can hear your thoughts now.”

Sam smiled, “So you see what I’m thinking.”

Jixie smiled and followed Sam out of the closet.

• • •

Pixie arrived back at base and just managed to bring her sorrow under control. Her visit with Mitch’s family was almost more than she could bear. She knew that Mitch’s younger sister was going to join the Warriors when she came of age and it was going to break her father’s heart. She had a few years to get him ready, but it was not going to go well.

She jumped to the headquarters’ building and walked in. Sgt. Major Caldwell nodded her toward Russell’s door and said, “I’m so sorry, Captain.”

Pixie smiled and said, “We all miss him.” She knocked on the door and heard, “Enter.” She walked in and saluted but saw Russell stand and bow to her, “Welcome back, Your Highness.”

Pixie was startled by his response and said, “Sir, I am a Scout Warrior Captain and as such I am junior to you, withstanding any title I hold. You are my Commanding Officer and are not required to do anything to respect my title. Nor are any of the other members of this unit.”

Russell straightened and returned her salute. “At ease, Captain; sit down.”

Pixie sat down in the chair in front of his desk and said, “It was unfortunate that you learned about my title but nothing has changed from that discovery.”

“Then you don’t know the high regard that the citizens of the Realm hold for the members of Royalty. I know who your parents are and I’m aware of just how much esteem your family has in the Military. You are right, though. I was concerned about how we were going to resolve the rank and title in order to work together.”