Chapter 7
Old Ways
Lunch was over quickly and it was time to go to the briefing/debriefing room to meet Razar. When they arrived, of course he waited for them. Excitement was evident in his look and the way his body seemed to vibrate. He motioned for them to sit and Flicker waited for her to sit first. Once they were seated, Razar said nothing for a moment, his attention on her.
“There are many stories of the old days. When our people lived in more primitive times. Female warriors rose from the ranks to lead. In some of our greatest times, a female rose to rank of General. In those times there was only one and no other leaders were needed. The females I’ve met from Earth starting with my own mate have reminded me of those times.”
“You honor us, Razar.” She nodded to him as she spoke. “I’d not heard of these stories you speak of. Where might I learn more?”
“The priest are always willing to answer questions and tell the old legends.” Razar admitted.
“The Earth females are pretty amazing, but didn’t your mate step down from fighting when you mated?” Flicker asked.
Razar chuckled. “Warriors never truly quit. They step back sometimes and wait for when they are needed.”
She watched as Flicker slowly nodded. “Truth.” He simply said. Perhaps he would begin to accept who and what she was.
“So where do you want to begin?” She asked.
“At the beginning.” Razar said with a smirk.
That was where she began and she explained all their actions and admitted the presence, or the possible presence of her mother had determined her choice of target. Once she was completely done, she sat back waiting to hear Razar’s opinion.
“It was as good a reason to pick it as any and turned out to be a perfect choice. I could not be more pleased with the results. You have my understanding that most targets will not be this good. I still have high hopes that most will net some information and prisoners of worth. Amerson sings like a bird.”
“Many of their number are cowards. The more they enjoy hurting others, the more they fear being hurt themselves.” She observed.
“I think you’re right. It’s a shame we can’t punish him as he deserves.” Flicker said.
“A shame, but the truth. We need his information to win this skirmish.” She observed. There was not much more to say and they finished their meeting quickly. “I suppose I should tell you Flicker is taking me to see his parents tomorrow. When we get back, we’ll get to work settling my mother in and working with the other refugees.”
“Have a good trip. His parents are good folk.” Razar observed.
The next morning, they set out on a shuttle landing on the moon near where Flicker’s family lived. She felt nervous as they walked in the direction of the home he’d been raised in. Except for shuttle services, his people walked most of the time, ride beasts, or rode things resembling motorcycles.
There were some exceptions like those working for the Moon Hunters and some of the ambassadors. They approached a house at the end of a street. It was large and well maintained.
“Flicker!” there was a scream and the sound of pounding feet. “You’re here.” A female jumped on him and he spun her around. She looked young, the same age she was.
“Mother, this is my mate, Teresa.” Flicker introduced.
“Mother? She can’t be your mother.”
“Phoenix age slower than humans just like Mazlan do.” Flicker explained.
“I’m so happy to finally meet you.” His mother said as she hugged her hard. It was hard to breathe and she finally loosened her hold.
“I’m happy to meet you too.” She still had a hard time accepting this tall, beautiful, and young looking female was his mother.
His mother sniffed loudly and long. “When will you complete your mating?” She asked.
“We’re just waiting to get to know each other better.” She replied as Flicker shrugged.
Hopefully they wouldn’t get angry at her. He’d explained how their matings worked and she appreciated him giving her the extra time to adjust. His family might not understand. It wasn’t done that way among their kind. His mother led them into the kitchen which he had explained to her was the center the family gathered at.
His father entered and Flicker introduced them. He looked like a slightly older version of her mate. She didn’t really know what to say so she just nodded. The room smelled of cooking food. “I’m glad lunch was already cooking so I’ll be able to feed you soon.” His mother commented.
“I can’t wait. I miss your cooking when I’m away.” He admitted.
“Tell me about your mission, if you can.” His father requested.
“All I can say is we captured some enemies and freed some slaves.” His mother gasped.
“Slavery? How did they get by with that when it’s been illegal for so long?” His father asked.
“They carry on in the new colonies and in isolated areas. Had they not captured my mate, we might still not know what was happening.” He explained.
“Razar will ruthlessly pursue this. He has no tolerance for slavery.” His mother insisted.
“It may not be that easy. He is in the beginnings of a war to hold the new planets. They talked him into the deal to acquire new worlds and now that he’s spent a fortune on them, they want to break free.” Flicker explained.
“Maybe he should let them go?” His mother asked.
“There are more people that want him there than those that do not. The ones that want him gone are greedy and want to own everyone.” She observed. “Razar can’t let that evil win. Once they are done there, they’ll head our way.”
She saw his parents were considering what she’d said and she saw resignation on their faces. They realized what she had said would happen if it was left unchecked. Sighing heavily, his father looked at her. “We will have to give him more warriors, won’t we?”
“Yes, because his troops protect all of us.” She noted.