Page 28 of Fire Forged

He strode into the comm, debating with himself whether he should eavesdrop on the viewing deck.Settling into a comfy, he tugged the tablet across the table and stared at it.No, he had to trust to be trusted.

A bright light, tiny, in the distance,

Creates more hope than a shooting star.

For the light is constant,

A beacon promising everlasting reprieve.

As awe-inspiring the fleeting star,

As portent and mystical,

It cannot compare to a life without darkness.

That is what you are to me, blossoming hope in a pointless existence.

His last poem was meant for Lily, but it applied to Britta as well.

He drew in a long inhale then focused on his tasks.On a scimitar, communication and requests weren’t endless.Usually it was to note a defect in an engine part or the low reserves he himself had checked last night.If any of his males onboard needed to discuss something, they spoke to him, face-to-face.He had to admit, he preferred that to sifting through mails.

“Comm Advisor Kanzo,” he said to Edon.

“Yes, Supreme Commander.Linking you through.”

Nerx leaped to his feet and assumed position in front of a smaller display vid mounted above the console.“Advisor Kanzo,” he greeted when Kanzo answered.“Just an update for the queen.We have her doctor on board and are en route to Etteria.Expected arrival is thirteen days.”

“Excellent news.Well done.The king is informed.”Kanzo shoved his face into the vid, his eyes widened and so did his grin.“You found your Dar Eth?Is it the doctor?”

Nerx chuckled, accepting the joy as his due.“No, Lady Dahlia is Aldur’s.”

“Aldur?My king, Supreme Commander brings good news.”Kanzo disappeared off vid, but still his voice carried.“Aldur is saved, Nerx too.”

“Both?”King Xeus stepped into the vid, stared into Nerx’s eyes, then laughed.“What a remarkable species humans are.”A frown faded his smile.“If not the doctor, then who?”

“Her daughter,” Nerx said.“Lady Britta.”

“Wonderful.I am sure to meet them both soon.All of Etteria is with you.”The king ended the comm from his side, as expected from a warrior with a higher rank.

“Foresee any obstacles?”Nerx asked Edon.

A quick tap of his fingers zoomed the vids from all angles around the scimitar and along the comm stations on their trajectory.“Nothing, Supreme Commander.”

“Good.”Nerx sat and grabbed his tablet.

“The problem with these tactical missions is how to fill one’s time,” Edon offered, sliding a glance at Nerx.

“Indeed.Up for a sparring session?”Nerx smirked.“Summon Ziot to the comm room.”

A grinning Edon did so, then jumped up.“Swords, staves, daggers?”

“Grappling,” Nerx said, for it would exhaust him the most.

“Mm, challenge accepted, Supreme Commander.”

Ziot strode in, also wearing a smile.“If I did not have to man the comm, I would enjoy the sport.”

“Watch,” Edon said, gesturing to the display vids.“When Sub-Commander Matir or Sena start their shift, perhaps they would spar with you.”

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