CHAPTER 23
Escalante
was a small outpost of small huts and tents, a store, electronics gizmo repair
shop, and a saloon that buzzed with activity and celebration at the return of
the missing friends and family members.
October was being treated like a
returning hero, which in a way he was, being related by marriage to Elana’s
mother to half the villagers. He lay
sprawled in a hammock stretched out between two small buildings. Children hovered around him in awe and he sipped
a cool yellow liquid from a tall glass.
“Uncle October, what is it like,”
said an excited boy of about eight as he pointed to the stars, “out there?”
“You mean to tell me you’ve never
been off Ceres?” October asked amazed at the thought.
“No uncle, none of us have,” chimed
in another boy about the same age.
“Well, in that case, children,
listen up,” October began, “while I tell you a story about the time I saved
Captain Alexis Xernuroff during the great raid on Victor’s Glen.”
“You knew Captain Xernuroff!” asked
a girl of ten amazed at the possibility.
“Know him! If I hadn’t been with him in the early days,
why he’d never grown to be the hero he is today. Course that was way before he went on to head
the campaign against the Warlights.”
“Yes, father, tell us how you saved
the great Captain Xernuroff from a fate worse than death,” Elana said from the
sidelines.
October looked up and saw the
disproving, yet loving, look on Elana’s face.
“Children, I’ll have to tell you
that story a little later,” he said.
The children gave a collective moan
of disappointment.
He held up his hands to quiet the
protest. “I promise. Now, off you go.”
As the children scurried away he got up and walked with Elana along the
street.
She was frightened and it showed
despite her attempt to hide it.
“What’s wrong?” he asked concerned.
“Scouts have reported in that
Amasunto has more men and he’s coming,” she said.
October was stunned. “Where in the
galaxy does he continue to find such men?”
“It would seem there is no shortage
of evil men, even here on this small rock in space.”
“What does he want with this place?”
“Revenge, I would think.”
“For what?”
“Christopher was the one who led
authorities to him.”
“I don’t understand. You said Amasunto killed Christopher.”
He did, afterward. And even though
he did kill Christopher, it would seem that Amasunto’s blood thirst has no
limit. He has sworn to wipe our clan
from existence.”
October held her shoulders and
looked down at her. “What do the elders plan to do?”
“Some want to flee,” Elana said.
“Ceres is too small a place to hide
for long. He will find you no matter
where you run. They must know that.”
“What choice do we have? We’re tinkerers and traders, not warriors.”
“We in time for dinner?” Jake’s
voice came from behind Elana.
October and Elana turned to see
Jake and Tibbs leading three mules as they entered the outpost. October grinned broadly and turned to Elana.
“I just happen to know a warrior,” he said as he waved to
Jake.
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