Warriors of Mari-Ur_The Reaping Read online

  Ellen reached behind her and handed Amelia another glass of water.

  "That's a helluva lot to process," Amelia admitted, turning up the water and wishing it was something stronger.

  "Yes, I know," Ellen agreed.

  "And you are…a…an alien?" The word tumbled clumsily out before she could stop it.

  "Ellen is the Earth name I adopted during my training," she explained.

  "But you look human," Amelia questioned.

  "Yes, well, I thought it best that you continue to see me like this until you have had a moment to consider what I have told you. My people are very advanced and this is all controlled by a holographic projection." Ellen touched her fingers lightly to her crystal broach.

  "So you do look different?"

  Ellen nodded. "But don't worry," she continued, "We don't have tentacles or three heads or anything too alarming as that. We look generally like you, just a few differences. Most of the Universe is similar, despite what your Science Fiction would have you believe."

  "May I see? The real you, I mean?" Amelia was surprisingly calm, even to herself. Perhaps it was her natural scientific curiosity, maybe it was shock, it was hard to tell.

  "Are you sure you are ready for that," Ellen asked.

  "I think it's like ripping off a bandage, better to get it all out of the way," Amelia reasoned, taking another gulp of water for good measure.

  "Very well," Ellen agreed after considering it for a moment. Taking three steps back, she touched her broach and Ellen's true form emerged from a thin horizontal line of blue light as it traveled the length of her body from her feet to her head. Amelia gasped. It was true; Ellen did not look that much different from before. Her skin was a bright magenta, and her hair was blue black and shimmering all over. Even though Ellen had always seemed tall and athletic, she seemed even taller now, and a bit more muscular. Down the length of her arm was a glowing light iridescent design. "Is that a tattoo," Amelia exclaimed in disbelief.

  "Really? That's your first question," Ellen chuckled, "No, it's not a tattoo. This is called Nacresscence. All Mari-Ursians...that's what my people are called develop these designs over time as a sign of what humans would refer to as puberty. When we reach sexual maturity, we have a rite of passage known as 'The Walk of 100,000 steps' in the wilderness of the Anu desert. When we emerge, our Nacresscence glows as a sign of strong emotion, sexual attraction, adrenaline, et cetera. No two are alike, much like your fingerprints. Women have a light colored Nacresscence, and men have a dark colored Nacresscence."

  "Mari-Ursians…Nacresscence…" Amelia whispered. She let the words roll around in her head.

  "My planet is called Mari-Ur," Ellen added.

  "Where is it?"

  "Beyond anywhere Earth Astronomers have calculated," Ellen added proudly.

  "Is that where we are? Are we on a spaceship? How long does it take to get to your planet?" Amelia's voice was high and excited as her head swam with thousands of questions.

  "We are on a ship," Ellen mused.

  "This has got to be a dream," Amelia surmised after a long minute.

  "It is no dream. But for now, you should rest."

  "But I have so many questions," Amelia pleaded. Ellen urged her to lie back on the table.

  "There will be plenty of time for all the questions later," she soothed.

  "But Mari-Ur, and Anu, those are Sumerian names, right?"

  Ellen smiled and touched Amelia's forehead and the room went black again.

  Chapter 3

  The shuttle docked seamlessly at the base and unloaded it's cargo of 100 new warriors, fresh from their training cycle at The Academy and their Walk of 100,000 steps. At the base of the ramp stood a Councilor and several of his Entourage surveying the newest Warriors for their assignments. Their fine glistening robes stood in sharp contrast to the simple leather aprons and tunics of the warriors. As the Councilor stepped forward the Warriors parted in deference of his position. Walking slowly down the middle of the Warriors, he nodded and spoke friendly greetings in approval. When he reached the end of the formation, he stopped and embraced one of the warriors warmly. "Mattaki," he whispered before pushing the warrior out at arm's length to admire him. "It is good to see you again, it has been too long."

  "Thank you, Uncle, it is good to see you again as well," Mattaki replied warmly, returning his uncles embrace. He had grown up in awe of his Uncle Mashda the Councilor. He admired the way his uncle had broken the centuries old tradition of his family and chose a life of Politics instead of joining the ranks of the Warrior class. As he grew, his admiration had not waned for all of his Uncle's great accomplishments. The Councilor waved his hand, dismissing the other Warriors and lead Mattaki by the elbow off to the side where they could speak privately.

  "I must say, I have much respect for your willingness to take on such an unworthy assignment, right out of the Academy. Not to make light of your great accomplishments in Training, you know our family, and my connections of course, could have gotten you a much more honorable post," Mashda whispered leaning in to increase the intimacy of his words.

  Mattaki smiled to himself recognizing the trademark vanity with which his uncle spoke. It was true his family was ancient and honorable, and his Uncle was now more powerful than ever, having won election in the district tasked with the Reaping, but Mattaki knew The Hive was where he was meant to be. He knew his destiny was there because he had seen it on his Walk. Even now his Nacresscence glowed brighter as he thought of his Walk, his Vision, and Her, the human woman that now haunted his every waking thought and his dreams at night. He had seen her in his vision, though he would not tell any of the elders of it. Not now at least. Many still resisted the Reaping, and the thought of a warrior from an ancient family destined to a human woman would be scandalous. But he had seen her as clear as he had seen anything else. He did not yet know what to think of the Reaping himself, yet he could not deny his destiny was tied to this place, this undertaking, and her.

  "What could be more honorable than saving an entire species, Uncle," Mattaki asked with a smile. Mashda stood straighter and faced his nephew. For a brief moment their eyes searched each other's faces. As a Councilor, he was elected, and honor bound to perform a duty for the people. It had been their way for thousands of millennia, and, now more than ever, he pushed down his personal feelings and concerns for the greater good of his people.

  "Plenty," Mashda added simply. An understanding passed between them and Mattaki knew nothing more would, or should, be said regarding the matter. They both turned and continued to walk slowly down the corridor.

  "How is my brother," Mashda asked at last.

  "He is well. He has decided to scale back his duties at the Academy and prepare for retirement."

  Mashda laughed heartily, "I will believe that when I see it."

  "Mother has said the same. She says she fully expects him to die at his field desk planning the next battle strategy."

  "As do I. It was always his way. He was a warrior from birth. He could not dress himself without battling his belt. I always preferred to fight my battles with my mind," Mashda mused, touching a finger to his temple. "That is why I was Mother's favorite, and my brother Joshur, was Father's."

  "You have both brought honor to our family, Uncle."

  "Oh, I stopped apologizing for being a Politician a long time ago" Mashda said dismissively. "We need warriors on both fields of battle, though, it seems there are more battles on my field than his these days," Mashda acknowledged another Council member before turning back to his nephew. "I must go now, but once you are settled in, you must come by and sup with us. Your cousins would be honored to see you again; it has been far too long."

  "The honor would be mine, Uncle, thank you. A home cooked meal would be most welcomed."

  Mattaki watched his Uncle disappear down the corridor before turning to walk on. Standing in his way was another Warrior from The Academy, Susuda.

  "You have powerful connections," Susuda sn
eered flicking his chin at Mashda.

  "My uncle. But do not pretend you do not know my family. You seem to think of them more than I do." It was true; the family name Urak was an ancient name. It was an honored name, and though Mattaki was proud of it, it often preceded him into any room. For some, they were obsequious, for others, resentful. Susuda fell into the latter category. From the first day at the Academy, Susuda had watched Mattaki with a sneer and undisguised resentment.

  "Do not flatter yourself," Susuda spat, throwing his shoulder into Mattaki's chest as he pushed past him. Mattaki snarled but held his temper. He would not be goaded into a confrontation today.

  "Warriors, report," the Commander's voice sliced through the tension and each warrior fell into formation at once. "The timetable for the Reaping has been accelerated. Select Humans have already been brought aboard a transport vessel making its way here as we speak. These Humans will be tasked with the diplomatic and scientific study and education of their species."

  "Scientific, as if they were capable," Susuda scoffed.

  "Silence! No matter your personal opinions of the Reaping, you each have been tasked with the protection of this base and all who are within it. If you do not feel you may carry out your duties in an honorable way, you are compelled to speak with me privately. The honor of your family and your brethren depend upon it." The Commander never broke eye contact with Susuda. "As I was saying," he continued, "The Reaping has been accelerated. We expect humans to arrive within the next 5 leps so there is not a moment to spare. You will be assisting the Constructors for the next 2 to 3 leps as needed, and then you will be put to your security assignments. The Administrators will take over from here and place you in quarters."

  On cue, Administrators began fluttering about, leading warriors down a maze of corridors. Mattaki looked up through the center of the Hive at the activity on each level. Lights flickered, welding sparks rained down from many places, and strange noises of machinery sang along with the voices of the Constructors. The acceleration of the Reaping had surely thrown everything into overdrive, but the Constructors were amazingly efficient by nature. The Hive had been rumored to be a wonder to behold, and seeing it now, Mattaki knew it to be true.

  Most Warriors had been assigned to the Hive, but Mattaki had volunteered. Though he had been prepared to use his family's name as leverage to get the assignment, he encountered no resistance when he asked. His own father, Joshur had cautioned him against it, suggesting he may have wanted a more highly regarded assignment, befitting his name and performance at the Academy, but when Mattaki insisted, Joshur gave his consent. But then, what choice did he have? Had Joshur not assured many low born Warriors that honor was found in the commitment and soul of a Warrior, not the assignment? Too many of his Brethren felt the Reaping was an abomination of the ancient Edict preventing Mari-Ur from interfering with other, less advanced, species. Still others were convinced the Humans were nothing more than vermin and deserved to be exterminated. For others, they viewed The Hive as little more than a holding cell, unlikely to result in battle. Mattaki, however, could not shake his foreboding that he and his Warrior brothers were now at what would be the front line of a great battle.

  At last the Administrators rounded a hallway and began calling out names of Warriors for their dwelling assignments. In an unlucky twist of fate, Susuda was assigned to the dwelling adjacent to Mattaki. Each Warrior snarled at the other as he stepped inside his respective room. Though it was a bit larger, it was still as sparsely furnished as his dwelling at the Academy. There was only a desk, an information station, a small lavatory and a bed.

  Mattaki collapsed at once on his bed with a heavy sigh. It had been many hours since he had slept. Each time he closed his eyes he would see her face and his body would ache with longing for her. Despite it all he still struggled with the thought of him and a human woman. It seemed too impossible to fathom. It brought him great sadness to think how disappointed his family would be, but he hoped they would understand when he explained he saw her on his Walk of 100,000 steps. His father, after all, had a vision of his mother on his own Walk, and his Grandfather before him. Though it did not happen that often anymore, Fated Mates were sacred. Surely his family would understand and respect he had no control over what Fate had chosen for him. He could not yet bring himself to mention it considering all the controversy surrounding the Reaping. Even he tried to deny it at first, but the way his body responded to the thought of her, his ability to deny it was fading.

  Even now his Nacresscence seared into his arm and chest in the most delicious agony. No matter how much his body needed sleep, he knew it would not surrender until he satisfied a more pressing need first. Closing his eyes he gritted his teeth and took his cock in hand. He pictured her hair, the color of the god Anzu's fire, and her lips, full like they were swollen with desire for him as he stroked himself. He wanted her in the most primal of ways and his desire was growing more urgent with each moment that passed without her. He wanted her hands, her body, her mouth stroking the length of shaft, not his hand. His muscles ached each morning with the agony of his pent up need for his fated mate. His release was quick but barely satisfying anymore. He cursed to himself when he considered how long he would have to keep this up before he could find her. His aggression was growing each day, and now, with Susuda right next door, he wondered if he would be able to control his temper much longer. He had considered finding a woman of requirement like the early days at the academy and as had some of the other warriors to celebrate their completion of training, but he could not will himself to do so. She was all he wanted and as his desire for her grew, no other woman would be able to satisfy him.

  Chapter 4

  The beeping seemed to be getting louder. Was it an alarm clock? Her heartbeat? Something else? Amelia did not know. From behind her closed eyes, she had the sensation of a light growing brighter. The sunrise? She opened one eye and peeked at the light spilling in through the window beside her bed. Memories of waking up in an alien lab flooded back to her mind forcing her bolt upright, a decision she regretted instantly. She had a hangover feeling, heavy, achy and dehydrated. Looking around, she saw nothing unusual. Just her things. This was her bed. That was her painting of a red poppy on the opposite wall, and that was all her dirty laundry strewn around the floor. Had it all been a dream? It had to have been a dream. Maybe it was a fever dream and she was getting sick. She felt her forehead and chest. She didn't feel warm. Her thoughts were foggy. Maybe she was suffering from the mother of all hangovers, but she rarely had more than a glass of wine with dinner and the occasional cocktail with friends. She hadn't overindulged in years. But then, if there was ever a time to throw a bender, the end of the human race was it. A knock on the door startled her. "Who is it," she asked nervously. She pulled the covers close up to her chin. Who in the hell could that be? Did she go out, get drunk and bring someone home? Now that really would be ridiculous and completely unlike her.

  "It's Ellen," came the sing song answer. Ellen? Yes, Ellen was in her dream. Ellen told her things. Things that tested her ideas about everything she thought she knew as a person and a Scientist. She shook her head not wanting to break the moment where she was just waking up from a dream. Was it going to be Human Ellen on the other side of the door, or other Ellen?

  "Come in," Amelia whispered, not at all sure this is what she wanted. Ellen, human Ellen, swooped in all elegant and normal as ever and eyed Amelia with concern.

  "How are you feeling," she asked.

  "I feel. . . hung-over," Amelia offered. Amelia considered telling her she felt completely upended and more than just the slightest bit crazy because it was the complete truth. She considered for a moment telling her she felt completely upended and more than just the slightest bit crazy because it was the complete truth, but settled for the simple is best approach.

  Ellen smiled at her in an overly patient sort of way people usually regard children, waiting patiently for Amelia to get around to the realization
and inevitable barrage of questions.

  "I'm not hung-over am I," Amelia asked.

  "You have the symptoms of a hangover, but no, you are not recovering from alcohol," Ellen explained.

  "We aren't in my house are we?"

  Offering her a wastebasket, Ellen smiled and shook her head. Amelia's stomach heaved violently but she was empty and felt a bit like she would have to give up a lung to get the nausea to go away.

  "You are on a vessel en-route to my home planet, Mari-Ur." Ellen had waited patiently for Amelia to come around and take a few calming breaths.

  "But this is all my stuff," Amelia gestured to the room with a sweep of her arm.

  "We thought," Ellen began soothingly, "It would be easier for you if you were surrounded by your own things. A sense of normalcy in a very abnormal situation."

  "Is that why you look like Earth Ellen?" She didn't wait for an answer.

  Amelia swung her feet over the side of the rumpled bed and took several calming breaths. It wasn't working, but if there was anything she knew and believed, it was panicking would solve nothing. "OK, let’s assess: Aliens are real. You, my mentor and the closest thing to family I have, are an alien. You are really about six and a half feet tall and a lovely shade of Magenta. You have a broach that makes you look human. I am in my room, but I'm not really in my room because my room is on a spaceship going to another planet. Does that about cover it?"

  "Yes. Well, so far but there is a whole lot more to explain," Ellen soothed. "And my name is not really Ellen. It's Ellenaki. But you may continue to refer to me as Ellen as long as you need."

  Amelia nodded her head in agreement but even as she did she could feel the familiar burning sensation of unshed tears in the back of her throat. It was all too much and without shame, she allowed the sobs to rock through her body at last. There was no need to try and regain her composure; it just wasn't going to happen right away. She knew loss, but this was different. This was the ENTIRE Earth. She wasn't exactly sure what she was feeling. Maybe it was, despite her great comfort and love of Ellen, the fear of meeting an alien race. Maybe it was the fear of the unknown. What would happen to her? What would happen to Earth? This new species was obviously more advanced; maybe she and the rest of humanity would end up as slaves, or worse, cattle. Maybe they would just end up as space dust altogether. She felt the weight of responsibility. Maybe if she had done more research, faster research, she could have come up with a solution. It was ridiculous to think that of course, if an advanced race couldn't fix Earth, certainly she couldn't. But the weight of that responsibility rested heavily on her nonetheless. Understanding this, Ellen merely sat quietly and waited for Amelia to relax. She reached out and stroked Amelia's back as a sign of comfort. The need to express one's emotions was a quality Ellen had come to admire in humans. Her people also felt strong emotions, but, with a few exceptions, it was not nearly as socially acceptable to express them publicly as humans did.