Before he could delay me with a search of the records, I hit the door at a dead run. Besides, I already knew Druid wood carvers were on the ship.
Chapter 52
I wasn’t sure if the beads of moisture on my forehead were due to the run or to the ideas forming in my brain. My arm smeared dirt and sweat across my brow as I wiped at the moisture and pushed through the airlock.
‘What became of our sister?’ hit me in a swirling mass of aromas.
They must have been pumping out the question in their essences since I left. I had to assume the Heart plants weren’t used to waiting for answers. If I were bonded with one color, I’d have been overwhelmed, and answering as soon as the cloud engulfed me. But, I was able to pick and choose. I chose to disregarded the question.
At the center of the dome, I dropped to a knee.
‘What became of your sister?’ I exhaled, ‘Why was she exiled.’
‘Exiled, sent forth, separated,’ the aromas replied,
‘she was different, disruptive, unique.’
‘Was she aberrant, deranged, deviant?’ I inquired.
‘Diseased, rotten, blighted, No,’ came back the answer.
‘If she was a good specimen, why destroy her?’ I asked.
‘Not uprooted, not pruned,’ they replied, ‘sent forth to seed another home.’
‘Was she sent to Planet Tres?’ I asked. Sending a Heart plant to a new planet didn’t make sense or fit with colonization. It also didn’t fit with the lost ship, crew, Druids and White Heart scenario but, I had to ask.
‘Our forest is broad here,’ they replied, ‘Our sister was cast beyond.’
‘ What became of our sister?’
I breathed in shallowly giving my mind a little space from the aromas. I pictured the woodwork at Dilshad’s. A memory of the fevered dreams when I’d been infected by the White’s spores suddenly made sense. And, my conversation with Stone Angel about the Jalal family on planet Tres explained part of it. Some of the story was presumption however, the facts fit together into a narrative.
“The Druid Elders selected a crew and diverse Druid families with young people and people of breeding age,” I stated, “They were loaded onto a ship with your sister, the White Heart. Their destination wasn’t a sun and the destruction of the plant. Their destination was a distant Galaxy.”
“I imagine very few knew the actual mission. Four hundred souls were loaded onto a modified Clipper ship. They couldn’t have had enough room to move about freely and there certainly wasn’t room for enough food to fed them on a Galactic voyage. People wouldn’t have volunteered so the Druid Elders cooked up a story about the destruction of a plant. In short, it was a journey without an end. Generation after generation of the four hundred would be born and die on that ship with no chance of ever reaching a destination.”
‘Transportation. Sustenance. There are many caretakers,’ the Heart plants sent back, ‘but few Plants as hardy as our sister.’
“Someone on the ship didn’t agree with sacrificing himself for your adventure. Probably a crewmember. He uncovered the true nature of the mission and sabotaged the ship’s drive,” I said, “A mutiny broke out and during the fighting, the crew was killed, as well as many of the older Druids. Among the dead were the few who knew the true reason for the expedition. The damaged ship drifted until it was discovered by a trading family. The Jalal’s used the valuables from the treasury on the original ship to buy new ships and to build a hydroponic farm for your sister on Planet Tres. But your sister didn’t need the environment, did she?”
‘Our species are adaptable,’ they replied, ‘We provide air because you require air. We absorb water and nutrients because your species enjoys administering minerals.’
“Your sister, instead of furthering your species in another galaxy, ended up trapped on a faraway world with the same caretakers as your Realm forest,” I said guessing at the conclusion based on their reply, “What became of your sister? She went mad and she imparted the madness to her Druids, the Jalals, and anyone else who came near her.”
‘We wilt at the idea of our free sister planted in a pot,’ they replied.
“You can wilt later,” I stated, “What your sister set in motion has brought the Empress back and with her a new species, the Troops.”
‘New caretakers. Joy, elation,’ they spewed around the dome, ‘Our sister did complete her mission.’
“Well, there’s one problem,” I warned, “The Empress and her followers hate the Heart plants. Seems they crossed from love and caring to hate and destruction somewhere along the way. In short, they see you as evil.”
‘We are benign, benevolent and nonaggressive,’ they pleaded, ‘Umber. You must protect us.’
“What does Umber mean?” I asked.
‘You, among few, can communicate with all colors of Heart plants,’ they responded, ‘Go, find peace.’
‘Peace for me, or for the Realm, or for you?’ I asked.
There was no reply. I sat and inhaled deeply enjoying the flow of fragrances. Still no additional ideas arrived with the pleasing smells.
After waiting for more messages and receiving none, I decided it was time to leave the Dome. My flight suit was dirty and sweat stained. And, I was famished. I’d had breakfast before recovery on the Tres el Fuerte, so I couldn’t figure why.
Chapter 53
I pushed open the door and was greeted by a beautiful sunset. The shuttle had landed in the morning so I must have been in the dome about ten hours. A stooped Druid stood smiling at me.
“I am called Pirkko,” the old Druids said in greeting, “Are you hungry? We can talk while you eat.”
“No singing,” he promised, “and we can do better than Candidate porridge for an Umber.”
“What is an Umber?” I asked.
“You and me are,” he said taking my elbow and guiding me towards the mess hall, “We can communicate with all four of the colors.”
It was a huge bowl of stew with freshly baked bread and ale served at the proper temperature. I noticed the other Druids in the dining hall sat far away from Pirkko and me. The Druid anticipated my question.
“Oh, if you’d only bonded with one or two Heart Plants, the Elders for those colors would be sitting here,” he said, “As it is, you are rare. You were selected by all four Heart Plant families.”
“What about the errant spores?” I asked.
“The White purged them from your system,” he advised, “It only took two days.”
“Two days,” I asked between mouthfuls of stew, “How long was I in the dome?”
“Four and a half days,” he replied watching as I almost dropped my spoon.
“So what happens now?” I asked, “am I a Druid?”
“Not yet. You have a decision to make,” he said, “You can stay, join our order and study to become a Druid. Your bonding with all four colors, will elevate you to an Elder, soon after graduation.”
It was my dream as a young boy to be a Druid. Now, I was being handed not only the means, but the promise of a vaulted title.
“What’s my other choice?” I asked.
“Knight Protector of the Clan, free Umber, and a Senior Lieutenant in the Navy,” he said, “You can rejoin your comrades and continue your life among the Folks.”
I had the opportunity to be a Druid Elder. But, the Galactic Council Realm was at war with a determined and vicious enemy.
“Can I finish the strew before deciding?” I asked.
“Asthore’ Phelan Oscar Piran, you have until morning to decide,” the old Druid replied.
I wasn’t sure which to choose. So for now, I concentrated on the stew.
The End
On Guard
Thank you for reading my books.
If you enjoyed the adventures of Phelan Oscar Piran,
please leave a review on Amazon.
Sin
cerely,
J. Clifton Slater
Galactic Council Realm Series
On Station
On Duty
On Guard
Appendix
Characters / Reference for meanings of Clan names: http://www.babynames.ch/
Ali Dilshad, General Manager of the historic restaurant. Businessman and care taker. Clan Persian: Lofty and Of Happy Heart
Ander El Aitor, Galactic Council Navy BattleShip assigned to the Western Region of the Galactic Council Realm in the Tres sector. Clan Basque: The Brave Father
Arna Thorsten, G.C.M.C. Corporal assigned to Special Navy Operations, SNO, position Left Side Sky. Call sign Thunder Eagle. Clan Icelandic: Eagle and Thunder
Asthore’, Term of endearment. Used when addressing Druids or Clan Elders. Clan Celtic: My Dear
Belana, Druid Elder on the Blue Heart Plant equipped G.C. Navy Frigate. Assigned to the Reina de la Adosinda. Clan Celtic: Light Mother
Berit, Administrator of the Druid training facility. Historian. Clan Celtic: The Exalted One
Brenda, Constabulary Designation for Troop Prisoners. Clan Irish: Sword
Brigitte, Ambassador from the Empress Empire to planet Tres with a name from Piran's Clan. Commanding General of the Constabulary units on planet Tres. Clan Celtic: The Exalted One
Carina, Merchant Fleet ship lost in space before the Great Schism. Brass plate from the ship found in Dilshad's Gambling Hall. Clan Italian: Cute
Cináed, Retired C.G.M.C. Staff Sergeant. Flight controller on the Orbital Station, Dos sector. Clan Scottish: Born of Fire
Cusped Falchions, A one-handed, single-edged sword with a cusped or flare-clipped tip of its 95.25 length 80 are blade. A weapon intended for close in hacking, chopping and killing. Clan French: One Handed Weapon
Cionaodh 5th Daire, The Constabulary prisoner taken by Lt. Piran from the Escort ship. The fifth Grower of his sire’s line. Clan Irish: Born of Fire and Fruitful
Danesh Jalal, Major in the Empress Royal Constabulary. Twin brother of Umar. Clan Arabic: Knowledge and Greatness
Denzilee, Druid candidate raised on Nafaka. Rescued by Knight Piran. Clan Celtic: Fort
Dilshad, Galactic Council Navy Master Chief and master baker on the BattleShip Glynis Gavin. Family was pirates and thieves. Cousins run historic restaurant on Tres. Clan Persian: Of Happy Heart
Dilshad, Historic restaurant and gambling hall on level 5, Planet Tres. Centuries old wood carvings resembling Druid craftsmanship. Clan Persian: Of Happy Heart
Diosa Alberich, G.C.M.C. Master Sergeant assigned to Special Navy Operations, position Team Leader. Call sign Warlock. Clan Spanish: Goddess and Elf
Erwan, Sur name of some Constabulary prisoners. Clan Breton: The Archer
Folkert, Galactic Council Navy Admiral in charge of Special Navy Operations, SNO. Created the organization to fight pirates. Clan Dutch: War Band
Gitta Shea, Asthore’ Mother Shea or Dear Mother Shea. The first modern Druid. Clan Celtic: The Exalted One and Dauntless
Glynis Gavin, Galactic Council Navy BattleShip assigned to the Eastern Region of the Galactic Council Realm in the Uno Sectors. Clan Welsh: Holy White Dove
Haitham, Galactic Council Navy Captain, assistant Chief of Flight Operations on the BattleShip Ander El Aitor. Call sign Eaglet. Clan Arabic: Young Eagle
Hervé, Constabulary Designation for Troop Prisoners. Clan Celtic: Battle Worthy
Hilal Jalal, Governor of planet Tres. Aligned with the Empress Empire. Clan Arabic: New Moon and Greatness
Hui Peng, Grandson of Councilor Shi Peng from planet Tres. Smuggler and almost killer. Clan Mandarin: Brightness and Giant Bird
Iesha Dilshad, Becomes friend of young Arna Thorsten. Greeter at the restaurant. Clan Persian: Alive and Of Happy Heart
Ilaria, G.C.M.C. Gunnery Sergeant. Assigned to the Reina de la Adosinda. Clan Finnish: Happy
Iñaki Uxue, G.C.M.C. Sergeant assigned to Special Navy Operations, SNO, position Right Side Sky. Also the Striker's team medic. Call sign Fire Dove. Clan Basque: Fire and Dove
Ingar Rigmor, Galactic Council Navy Admiral assigned as Protocol Officer for the BattleShip Ander El Aitor. Social Climber. Clan Scandinavian: Famous and Rich
Itzel, Merchant Fleet ship lost in space post the Great Schism. Brass plate from the ship found in Dilshad's Gambling Hall. Clan Maya: She of the Rainbow
Jasmin Oriane, Geologist on the first expedition to planet Dos. She was Saved by a Heart Plant in a cave. Clan French: Jasmin and Gold
Jaya Perwira, Galactic Council Navy Ensign tasked to be the assistant chief of flight operations on the BattleShip Ander el Aitor. Call sign Wind Chime. Clan Sanskrit: Victorious and Hero
Katana, Curved, slender, single-edged, tapered sword between 60 and 73 cm. Preferred by Striker team leaders. Clan Japanese: Two Handed Sword
Khalida Jalal, Member of the Galactic Council from the planet Tres. Traitor. Clan Arabic: Eternal and Greatness
Kiril, Galactic Council Admiral. In charge of all military assets in the Dos sector. Clan Bulgarian: Lord
Lieke Steyn, G.C.M.C. Corporal assigned to Special Navy Operations, SNO, position Right Side Earth. Also Master Gunner and intellectual. Call sign Stone Angel. Clan Dutch: Angelic and Stone
Loana, Space Cat at the Druid Compound on planet Tres. Helps Piran leave undetected. Clan Breton: Light
Lorcan, 5-Year-Old son of Druids from the Andre El Aitor. Helps Piran. Clan Irish: Little Fierce One
Madoc, Sur name of some Constabulary prisoners. Clan Welsh: Fortunate
Maredudd, Druid Elder on the BattleShip Ander el Aitor. Newly elected at a Gathering. Clan Welsh: Lord of The Sea
Monserrat de la Astolfo, Galactic Council Navy Heavy Cruiser. Assigned to the Dos Sector. Clan Spanish: Jagged Mountain and Wolf
Naginata, long single-edged, lightly curved blade between 30 cm to 60 cm and about as long as its handle. A weapon intended for close in hacking, chopping and killing. Clan Japanese: Two Handed Weapon
Nasrin Dilshad, Financial manager of the historic restaurant. Gangster. Clan Persian: Wild Rose and Of Happy Heart
Nesta, Sur name of some Constabulary prisoners. Clan Welsh: The Pure
Nolwenn, Druid Elder at the Druid Compound on planet Tres. Had gone cosmopolitan. Clan Breton: The Holy One from Noyal
Nzai, Galactic Council Navy Commander, Prosecutor at the hearing for Tuulia and Haitham. JAG officer assigned to Planet Dos. Clan Kikongo: The River
Padrig, Space Cat on Planet Uno at the Clan Homeland. Piran's guide. Clan Welsh: Nobleman
Phelan Oscar Piran, Galactic Council Navy Senior Lieutenant assigned to Special Navy Operations, SNO, pilot of Deep Space GunShip 48. Also, Knight Protector of the Clan and an Umber. Call sign J-Pop. Clan Celtic: Wolf, Jumping Fighter and Saint of Miners
Pirkko, Druid Elder with the four color ability. An Umber Druid. Clan Celtic: The Exalted One
Qiang, Captain of the Galactic Council Navy Frigate. Assigned to the Reina de la Adosinda. Clan Mandarin: Strong, Strength
Reina de la Adosinda, Galactic Council Navy Frigate assigned to the Eastern Region of the Galactic Council Realm in the Uno Sectors. Clan Spanish: Queen of Battle
Remigio, Galactic Council Navy Rear Admiral. Captain of the Monserrat de la Astolfo. Clan Italian: Oarsman
Renan, Commander with JAG. Lawyer defending Tuulia and Haitham. Clan French: Little Seal
Shi Peng, Member of the Galactic Council from the planet Tres. Loyal to the Galactic Council Realm. Clan Mandarin: Generation and Giant Bird
Shigeko Amaya, G.C.M.C. Corporal assigned to Special Navy Operations, SNO, position Left Side Earth. Also a Scout Sniper. Call sign Heavy Rain. Clan Japanese: Heavy and Rain
Sho, Manager of Nasrin Dilshad's smuggling operation and Clan member of Shi Peng. Not a man to be trusted. Clan Mandarin: Fly
Silvius, Executive Officer of the Galactic Council Navy Frigate. Assigned to the Reina de la Adosinda. Clan Bulgarian: Forest Man
Sorcha, Sur name
for some Constabulary prisoners. Clan Irish: Bright, Radiant
Teodolinda, Fine Clothing and Tailoring for the Discerning Citizen on Planet Tres. Clan Spanish: Lime Wood
Tereza, Galactic Council Marine Corps Master Sergeant assigned to the BattleShip Ander el Aitor. Takes command of the armory and reaction forces. Clan Old Greek: The Huntress
Tevin, Sur name for some Constabulary prisoners. Clan Scottish: Twin
Tres el Fuerte, Galactic Council Navy Heavy Cruiser assigned to the Eastern Region of the Galactic Council Realm. Home to Striker Command at Uno Sector. Clan Spanish: Three and Strong
Tuulia, Galactic Council Navy Captain assigned as chief Navigator for the BattleShip Ander el Aitor. Promoted to Rear Admiral, call sign Eos. Clan Finnish: The Wind
Umar Jalal, Coronal in the Continental Government Marine Corps soon to be the Galactic Council M.C. Twin brother of Danesh. Clan Arabic: Long-Living and Greatness
Umber, Brown earth pigment: Combination of White, Yellow, Red and Blue. One who can communicate with all four Heart Plants. Clan English: Shade
Vojtech, Constabulary Designation for names of Prisoners. Clan Czech: Warrior
Wahid, GCMC Captain assigned to Special Navy Operations, SNO. Trainer for the Strikers. Clan Arabic: Peerless
Wakizashis, Smallish slightly bowed sword with a blade between 30 and 60 cm. Preferred by Striker Sky elements. Clan Japanese: One handed sword
Zia, Merchant Fleet ship lost in space ten years ago. Brass plate from the ship found in Dilshad's Gambling Hall. Clan Arabic: Splendor
Zikri, Captain sent to replace Haitham as commander of the BattleShip. Transit Officer for the Ander El Aitor. Clan Malay: Remembrance