Page 48 of The Space Traveller's Lover
“The Rom-Ghenshars have returned to their ancient frontiers to make it right this time, as it should have always been, from the beginning—ten thousand years ago.
“And our message to you is this: We come in peace. Let hatred, treason, and war be bygones.”
She pauses for a brief moment as everyone is standing still, all eyes on her, in complete awe and astonishment.
“Right! I see you understand very well. So, my friends, we must hold our first meeting. We are sure you will accept our invitation. We want to meet you tomorrow at midday, at the ARA headquarters. We want to tell you more about us and reveal our plans for the future.”
Shaillah broadly smiles at the startled crowd. “I see you accept our invitation … perfect!” She concludes before running back into the farmhouse as the barrier’s light show changes into a wispy wall of smoke.
No sooner than she reappears, holding her dog close to her chest, all the aerial and ground spotlights converge once again on her as she runs towards Sam.
“Please look after him,” Shaillah softly asks while putting Blazer into his hands.
“Don’t go,” he pleads with her while holding the unusually quiet terrier.
Shaillah slowly backs away, her eyes begging him to forgive and forget her, before turning around and disappearing into the farmhouse.
Everyone is in total disarray as they struggle to understand what has happened, but no one tries to move even an inch forward.
A few minutes later, a radiant parabolic path burns brightly into the night sky as the scouting-craft jets off from the farm’s backyard, veering off in the direction of Diablo’s cave.
CHAPTER 20
THE SPACE WARRIOR
Anything that takes me closer to you, I will do.
The scouting-craft darts through the rolling waves like a sharp needle through a silky shawl. Its sensitive antennae rapidly pinpoint the darkened entrance of Diablo’s cave before retracting its side wings and jetting in. As it makes its way through the rocky maze in rapidly anticipated twists and turns, Shaillah instinctively ducks and then laughs at herself as she realises she has nothing to fear.
The last time she passed here with Sam, she was so worried she couldn’t appreciate the striking cave interior. But now, she has time to explore the intricate rock formations at her will. She can slow down and stop the craft in mid-flight, hovering around her favourite areas. She’s completely fascinated by the spectacular basalt columns and jigsaw-like ledges patiently summoned up by nature through millennia.
As the scouting-craft flies through the waterfall’s passage, the dark wall where the fast-flowing stream irredeemably plunges comes into full view. The craft gradually slows down and then starts hovering over the swirling torrent.
The transparent cockpit gives Shaillah a clear all-around view of the rugged enclosure. As the craft goes down, she admires the rapid downward currents cascading all around her while the waterfall’s mighty roar stirs all her memories.The end of an old world and the start of a new one begins here, and my whole life goes with it, she thinks.
She checks the flickering light sensors on the cockpit’s automated sequence as the engines faultlessly keep a steady balance on the unstoppable descent.Seya en Shaillah, yei kejah(Welcome back, my brave Shaillah). As she hears Rothwen’s welcoming words inside her mind, her heart impatiently beats faster.
The scouting-craft touches down in the brightly lit hangar while the ion engines hiss and charge the surrounding air, building up a dense mist of floating water droplets. The top cover slides open, and as she breathes in the moist air, she sees Rothwen waiting for her, his head tilted forward, his scowling stare burning through his frowned eyebrows, exuding a troubled mood.
“Rothwen, Rothwen, Rothwen!” she excitedly calls him as she jumps into the air and flies towards him.
Rothwen’s hardened expression briefly softens into a smile as her body clashes against his. He holds her by her waist as she wraps her arms around his neck. Completely ignoring his glaring eyes and clenched jaws, Shaillah covers his face with avid kisses. He clutches her long hair into his hands while rubbing her face against his and letting out an exasperated groan.
“What’s wrong?” she asks him, trying to soothe his temper with an appeasing gaze.
“They obviously have no idea what they’re up against—pointing their puny guns at you, trying to catch you. It is pitiful!” he sneers.
“Well, they don’t know, do they?”
Rothwen proudly smiles at her and then turns her around, her back against his chest while his powerful arms encircle her shoulders. He kisses her on top of her head while taking out the Quark-Star diamond from inside her bodysuit’s collar.
“I followed your every move from here. You were fearless, my brave Shaillah,” he whispers. “Your heart beats with the boundless energy of this diamond. Do you know? Kuzhma-Or gave it to Zula while she recovered from her injuries. She would’ve never given it to you had she not seen something truly extraordinary. I’d go as far as saying that she sees herself in you.”
“I feel so honoured. I’ll never disappoint her!” she pledges, tilting her head back and intensely gazing at him.
“I do not doubt it,” he says, stressing every word.
Shaillah’s eyes sparkle, and her face beams with a graceful smile as she feels Rothwen’s vibrant energy stirring every pore on her skin.
