Daughter of Ethos Read online

  And she just knew the three of them would mount an argument to be in the room while the call took place, just in case! She snorted as she asked herself, in case of what, damn it?

  Much later after dinner which Heather had prepared, and while Melody was loading the dishwasher because it was her night and Peyton wiped the table down.

  Darby placed her hand on Peyton’s arm, holding her in place. ‘Peyton, you were right there was more than just the contact details on that drive.’

  Peyton blinked several times as she stared at Darby. Melody sighed as she took her seat at the table saying. ‘Peyton seriously, the flash-drive you gave Darby.’

  At her continued lack of understanding, Melody just stopped herself from yelling but did not erase the growl from her voice when she told her. ‘For the transmission you are making tonight.’

  Peyton smiled. ‘Oh… oh yeah, right!’

  Melody turned to Heather. ‘You have checked her for head damage, right?’

  It was Peyton’s turn to growl. ‘Haha, so not funny!’

  Heather grinned as she gave Melody’s hand a pat. ‘She is fine, just you know…’

  Peyton said with a haughty tone. ‘My mind is busy all the time.’

  Darby piped up from behind her computer. ‘As is mine but I do not forget as much as you.’ She thought for a moment. ‘I do not think I forget at all.’

  Peyton snapped. ‘Meaning?’

  ‘Nothing, just adding to the conversation.’

  ‘So what you are saying then, is my mind is busier than yours?’

  Melody asked. ‘Is that a word?’

  Peyton nodded. ‘Of course it is.’

  ‘Because we talked about that.’

  ‘Supterra is a great word.’

  ‘No, Peyton it is not… it is just not.’

  Laughed Heather as Darby with a glint of humor in her eyes told Peyton. ‘Anyway, I have disabled the tracker, so when you are ready to make your transmission we are a go.’

  ‘I thought we had to wait until ten tonight?’

  Darby clucked. ‘We did, but now we don’t.’

  Peyton asked her. ‘Why are you pissed at me? I didn’t put the tracker there.’

  Melody answered for her. ‘You just got through telling us, that three people you did not know very well, used you to breech a fortified compound. You were a young nineteen-year-old, and they knew you were alone in the world. They could have got you killed. That was wrong Peyton… just wrong.’

  Darby nodded in agreement. ‘What she said.’

  Heather told her. ‘Forgive us for being a little overprotective, to imagine our lives without you in it, is hard. So we are less than happy with these people who could have taken you from us.’

  Peyton felt a small glow in her heart at her friend’s words, but felt maybe she had given them the wrong impression of the Powers family. ‘But their reasons were sound, and I was young.’

  With anger making her voice harsh, Darby stated. ‘No, they were selfish because they could not think of another way to accomplish their mission, so they lied and used you, which placed you in danger. If things had gone wrong, you would have died and we would not be here right now planning our escape. They could have taken that from us all and yes, I know how selfish that sounds but I don’t care, it’s the truth.’

  Peyton smoothed a hand down Darby’s back. ‘Hush now, you are working yourself up for something that happened in my past. I am sorry you think I don’t understand how you feel, I do. I suppose, I have had longer to deal with it and I learned some valuable lessons back then. Like people are not tools to be used and discarded, and sometimes you have to be harsh to make a point? Justice must be for all, not just a few and most importantly. Your honor is your own, and you should never allow others to tarnish it.’

  ‘Hey!’ Melody reminded her. ‘I told you that!’

  ‘Oh, yeah, you did. Good lesson and another thing you should remember, they did offer me a home.’

  Melody grunted in disdain. ‘With people like that, a home means, join the group, so we can own you. You didn’t mean spit to them, remember that.’ She looked at Peyton. ‘Your instincts were right about not going with them.’

  Peyton grinned as she told them. ‘You know, you guys have to get over this spitting thing you have going on, it is just not healthy.’ They laughed as she hoped they would. ‘Come on, let’s get this over with. I need a beer.’

  Heather asked her. ‘So, you are still calling them?’

  Peyton shrugged. ‘Yeah.’

  ‘Alright but we are not leaving!’ Heather told her as she sat back down.

  ‘Of course you won’t.’

  ‘Tone!’ Snapped Melody, before Peyton could retaliate, Darby said. ‘It is going through now.’

  She sat opposite the other three so they would be off screen, and seconds later an older version of Naya appeared. ‘Good evening.’

  ‘Naya hello.’

  Naya’s eyes widened as she smiled, recognizing who was speaking to her. ‘Peyton, how are you?’

  ‘I am well, how are you?’

  ‘I am very good. I see age improved what was blossoming, you are delightful Peyton.’

  ‘Thank you. Although age seems not to have left its mark on you Naya, you have hardly changed.’

  ‘That is very sweet of you to say. It has been a long time Peyton, I have often thought of you.’

  Peyton smiled as she heard Melody mutter. ‘I bet she did.’

  ‘Naya, are you still fighting the good fight?’

  ‘Of course, but wait…’ She laughed then said. ‘I was going to ask if this transmission was secure, but I see it is. How long have you lived in Australia?’

  ‘Naya, let’s cut the games.’

  She shrugged as she said. ‘As you wish Peyton, although nothing about you is a game.’

  ‘True!’

  ‘Why have you contacted me?’

  ‘Are Adam and Tim alive?’

  ‘Yes and safe, we fight the fight for Earth now. Are you calling to join us?’

  ‘No, why are you fighting for Earth?’

  Naya stared at Peyton. ‘I feel you already know and maybe more than us. We may lose this war if you do not join us.’

  ‘War, Naya… really!’

  ‘Peyton, you know it is, we fight for our world.’

  ‘And yet you have not reached out to me.’

  ‘I thought of it, Adam wished too. Tim begged me too.’

  ‘Why did you not?’

  ‘Trust is a tricky friend and we… well, we did not leave on friendly terms, now did we?’

  ‘No, not really.’

  ‘Even after all this time and distance between us. I still feel your distrust.’

  ‘Maybe, but I never stopped liking you. I always considered you good people. I am sorry you thought otherwise.’

  ‘Which makes this call interesting, why have you contacted us now Peyton, after all this time?’

  ‘I am leaving.’

  ‘What… Earth?’

  ‘Yes, I…’

  ‘Peyton, we will come for you. Tell me where you are dear one!’

  ‘Naya, it is not like that, I am leaving on my own determinism. I called to ask if you want to come with me!’

  Adam appeared on the screen next to Naya. ‘Hello Peyton.’

  ‘Hello Adam, how are you?’

  ‘I am fine. Tim is unfortunately not here.’

  ‘Please say hello to him for me.’

  ‘I will, Peyton leaving Earth may be a mistake. You cannot trust that this ship will arrive where you expect it to. These people who arrange these trips do not always keep their word.’ He smiled softly at her. ‘Peyton, not every ship goes to a good planet.’

  ‘I know but this is on me. I have arranged this voyage. I will be safe.’

  ‘I see, you know all those years ago. I told Naya you would reach the stars. I see I was right.’

  Softly she pleaded. ‘Come with me.’

  He shook his head. ‘
We cannot, too many rely on us here. Too many will die without us here to guide the way.’

  ‘Adam, bring them… bring them all.’

  Naya told her. ‘We cannot, our fight is here on Earth. Stay and fight with us.’

  Peyton looked up into the concerned eyes of Darby, Melody and Heather and gave them a small smile, then looked at the screen again. ‘I too am bound to people I have made promises to. I must leave, it is my destiny and the destiny of those I take with me.’ She smiled at their worried frowns. ‘I am not alone, I take with me my new sisters.’

  Tears entered Naya’s eyes as she said. ‘You have found a family. Peyton, I am happy to know you are no longer alone.’

  ‘Thank you Naya.’

  Adam asked. ‘How are you leaving?’

  ‘The plans are not finalized yet.’

  ‘Peyton, what can we do to help?’

  ‘You know, I think you already did but maybe in the not too distant future, we can help each other.’

  He nodded noncommittally then said. ‘You should know, we work for our family now.’

  ‘Doing what?’

  Adam grinned as he told her. ‘We are called Honor Warriors.’

  ‘Why do I think that is appropriate?’

  ‘Because you are a wise woman.’

  ‘Yeah… yeah!’ Peyton grinned at him. ‘If I need to reach out again, can I?’

  Adam nodded. ‘Anytime, and if we can do anything for you, let us know.’

  ‘Thank you. I will send you a secure contact in case you need me.’

  He smiled. ‘Enjoy your stay in… Alaska!’ This was accompanied by raised eyebrows and a smirk. ‘You really do get around.’

  Naya blew her a kiss, then their screen went dark as Darby shut her screen down. Peyton sat back in her chair. ‘Can you send them that Darby?’

  ‘Already done.’

  ‘Thanks. Okay, that went as I expected, kind of.’

  Heather said. ‘I think they were nicer than I thought they would be. They seemed genuinely concerned about you.’

  Peyton nodded as Darby who was tapping away at her computer growled out. ‘Nice… smice. They are trying to hack me, fools, they do not know who they play with!’

  Peyton shook her head. ‘Darby, I did warn you, shut it down.’

  ‘What… don’t be crazy, this is fun… Huh! Try that you gangster!’

  Melody looked at Peyton with a strange expression on her face, causing her to frown in return and ask. ‘What?’

  ‘Peyton, do you know who they are?’

  ‘Yeah, the Power family.’

  ‘Peyton, Adam and Tim Power’s mother was our president until about seven years ago.’

  Peyton blinked several times then smiled. ‘Really!’

  Heather looked perplexed as she said. ‘But they are resistance fighters?’

  Melody agreed. ‘Yes they are, and he said it was a family business. I do not think he meant his brother and wife.’

  Darby exclaimed. ‘Yeeha! Gotcha you dirty rotten scumbags!’

  Heather admonished Peyton. ‘Do not let her watch anymore of your vids.’

  ‘Why is this my fault?’

  Melody snorted. ‘Because scary girl, it just is.’

  ‘So not fair!’

  TEN:

  The night of the meeting with the Commander arrived without fanfare or any outward appearance to warn the world that lives were going to be changed forever.

  The four women had prepared and talked over every scenario from the Commander not coming, to the four of them being arrested for treason or as Melody pointed out repeatedly, killed by a firing squad.

  Each woman dealt with the knowledge in their own way. That in one way or another, they were committed to a decision that would have far-reaching consequences. Not only for themselves but for all the woman they were responsible for.

  Now they stood ready in the lounge of Peyton’s home. Each of them so different yet united, in their determinism to succeed and save as many people as they were able to from a life of servitude.

  All four were dressed in loose trousers and long tunic tops, which boasted openings from knee to hip on either side. Making movement easier and in Melody case a less cumbersome way to reach her weapons. Not that they were sure they would get the chance to use them, but nothing made Melody feel better, than a set of guns strapped to each thigh. For Peyton a gun holstered at her ankle and one tucked into her waistband of her trousers just felt right.

  Taking a deep breath in as a ship appeared and seemed to hover over the lawn at the back of their house. Peyton let it out saying. ‘Okay, ladies, we can do this! Just remember we have something that they need, want and don’t know they need or want. We, on the other hand, know what we need and want!’

  ‘That is a lot of needing and wanting.’ Melody drawled to Heather, whose eyes filled with laughter replacing the look of fear that had stared out at everyone for the last hour. She nodded and said. ‘I have noticed she gets in the way of talking sometimes.’

  ‘It is the excitement I think!’ Darby stated. ‘I have seen it before in subjects…’

  Peyton glared at them and snarled cutting Darby off. ‘Are you quite finished?’

  Melody looked at the other two. ‘Yep, I would say we are.’

  Peyton shook her head. ‘So bad, all of you.’

  Then they fist bumped as one and all said together.

  ‘We. Can. Do. This!’

  Turning toward the large glass doors overlooking the backyard, Peyton watched the craft or shuttle, whatever it was called, settle on her lawn. She thought as she studied the ship she should really try to remember the names of the vehicles. The trouble was, there seemed to be so many kinds.

  Melody had told her this craft was used only for ground movements or she thought that was what she said, she did tend to zone out when she became bored but she was fairly sure this one was unable to go into space or maybe it was the other kind, the sharper looking one, she had seen that one flying around a lot. There was also another smaller shuttle she had seen, which was sleeker and prettier looking, it was white and black and only carried twenty people, if she remembered rightly the Ambassadors and dignitaries used them.

  Regardless, this one landing on her lawn was gunmetal gray and shaped like a large football. There were no discernible windows or doors that she could see. Logic told her they must have one unless they beamed in and out, she thought about how great that would be.

  Her expression morphed into a frowned when she saw the dents on her lawn from the large disks that appeared on the end of the ship's legs.

  ‘My lawn bots better be able to fix them.’

  ‘Like you care!’ Melody muttered back.

  ‘I care.’

  ‘Sure you do.’

  ‘Enough you two, really!’ Heather scolded them, her nerves making her voice sharp. Peyton went back to looking at the shuttle as she remembered what else Melody had told her. Apparently it had two pilots and could carry up to fifty people. She was not sure how many of the Warriors it could carry, it did not really seem large enough for fifty Warriors.

  The women had learned quite a lot about the aliens that were about to enter their home, if Peyton was honest and she always tried being honest with herself and others. Thanks to Darby and her merry band of cyber-hackers, they knew everything there was to know and things that nobody should have ever found out about the Warriors.

  She stood surrounded by the others who seemed like her to have taken a breath and forgotten to release it, while they watched one man after another, walk down steps that had magically appeared from the craft.

  She was not sure if it was her or one of the others that let a small whimper of appreciation escape, when the last of the Warriors stepped onto the grass.

  Suddenly a giggle filled the room, they all turned toward Heather, who had slapped a hand over her mouth. Unfortunately, the damage was done and before they could stop it, they were all giggling like teenagers.

  Nerves jumpe
d from one to the other like a bush fire turning in on itself and getting stronger by the second. Finally, after a minute that seemed like an hour.

  Melody held her hand up as she enlisted all her army training to get herself under control. ‘Okay… okay, ladies on a count of three, one… two… three. Deep breath in and hold it, now out and again.’

  Peyton could see as each of them took in the cleansing breaths the tension leaving their bodies and their expressions relaxing. When she felt the nervous energy ease from the room, she sighed in relief and knew they were ready. She waved her hand around as she said. ‘Right, now that’s out of the way. Melody you are on!’

  Bracing herself, Melody squared her shoulders and went to admit the men or aliens whose lives she and her friends were going to change for better or worse.

  She placed her hand on the door handle and bowed her head. Saying a prayer to whoever was listening that this was the right course of action for them all. She knew as did the others, that only time would truly tell whether following Peyton in this mad scheme was justified or not.

  Crossing her fingers, she hoped with every fiber of her body she was making the right choice. No Pressure then!

  Darby asked quietly. ‘What is she doing?’

  Heather answered just as quietly. ‘Praying.’

  Confused, Darby asked. ‘Why?’

  Heather replied as she said a quick prayer herself. ‘Because it helps.’

  Peyton said. ‘Praying won’t help now!’

  Darby snorted. ‘Did it ever?’

  Heather sighed. ‘For some of us.’

  Peyton grinned as she said innocently. ‘Some people get relief from prayer.’

  Darby breathed out through her nose and said. ‘Only if you believe in that sort of thing. I have found the belief in deities…’

  Melody cut her off. ‘No… no arguments, no discussions, just no!’

  The two friends eyed her to see if she was really serious and decided she was, and by mutual agreement decided to table the discussion for later.