Part 4

Iya walked in the middle Nego but nothing was there… Everything had been flattened and burned by the bombs. Countless of bodies laid smoking on the black charcoaled ground. There was nothing left alive, no humans, no creatures or animals. She stood there alone as thick smoke surrounded her. The sunlight was distorted which made it harder to see through the smoke. She looked at the bodies sadden and upset there were so many lost. Slowly the burnt bodies began to move.

Iya looked around her surprised and scared to what she was seeing. The burnt bodies stood up hobbling towards Iya as they moaned and groaned. They all stared at Iya as they walked slowly in her direction. She didn’t know what to do but to be terrified. She had no weapons and she was dressed in regular cloths. The dead started whispering, “You killed us… You weren’t there for us. You were too distracted.” Others came around chanting and repeating the same words.

The frightened commander backed up trying to avoid the walking dead from grabbing her. “No… I didn’t know about the explosives! I didn’t know…” Iya broke down in tears as her falling brothers and sisters and the Lotucian people reached out to touch her.

“You care more about your captain than us… your forbidden love is our consequence. You brought death to us.”

All at once the dead stopped together. They slowly started to split down the middle making room. Marcus stood at the end of the split looking down at the sword. He looked up at Iya and walked down the center of the aisle. The sword was still sticking out of his chest. He was covered in blood from head to toe when he approached his commander. “You should have been there to save me…”

Iya screamed, “I tried!” She backed up, bumping into another dead body. They surrounded her, getting closer and closer. “I’m sorry! I wish I could bring you all back…” As the dead closed the gap on her, she suddenly woke up of her nightmare. Iya was covered in sweat as she tried to catch her breath. She looked around and remembered that she spent the night in Surra’s room. Surra was very upset about what happened to Jayce so Iya stayed to comfort her. They stayed up all night talking and sipping wine until two bottles were emptied. Surra practically drank the whole bottle before crying herself to sleep.

Iya got up slowly from her bed while Surra still slept. She laid on top of the covers with her legs hanging off the side. She didn’t want to leave Surra alone by herself. She really would have drunk herself to death. Iya walked up to the elevator a little hung over. On the way up she rested her head on the wall, trying not to remember her nightmare. She’s been having the same nightmare ever since the explosions happened in Nego. Night after night the dead burned as they tried to get her and blame for her for their deaths.

When the elevator downs opened Kal was standing at the window looking out. He turned around to see his love stumble inside. Iya looked up surprised, she wasn’t expecting Kal to be in her room. She put her head back down and walked towards her bathroom without saying a word. Kal knew something was wrong… He took a few steps towards to try to get her to slow down, “Iya… what’s wrong?”

She stopped in her tracks but didn’t turn around, “I can’t do this anymore Kal…”

He walked up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder gently turning her around to face him, “What do you mean?”

“Us sneaking around… it’s irresponsible and people are dying because we aren’t on our shit. We should have seen all these attacks coming, instead we’re getting ambushed left and right. Maybe some of those people would still be alive.” Iya pulled her shoulder away and tried to continuing walking to her bathroom.

Kal ran in front of her stopping her again, “Wait… don’t this to yourself Iya. We all didn’t see it coming…”

“I’m not just anyone Kal! Every chance we get we go sneak off to do it somewhere.”

“What’s wrong with that? It hasn’t been that many places…” Kal cut his eyes at the statement.

“Are you serious? We’ve done it practically every planet we’ve been to. At home at the Warrior’s Solstice, Lover’s Tavern in Bova Country, behind the market in Silva Country and twice in Tre Country…” Iya counted on her fingers, “The Forge next to the steam room downstairs where we both almost got burned.”

Kal smirked as he reminisced, “Now that was fun.”

Iya snapped back, “We almost got caught! On top of that, you spending every night with me. I’m starting to see why we aren’t allowed to be together. I need time to think, to focus. We can’t allow Gerok and his Barbarians take us by surprise again.” Iya walked around Kal leaving him standing confused. “I just need some space, please…”

Kal exhaled deeply. Iya’s comment hurt him a little, “Whatever you want… but I'm not give up on us.” He whispered softly, “I’ll wait for an eternity if that’s what you want, I'll give you your space.” He started walking towards the elevator, upset and confused.

Iya stopped at her bathroom door as she listened to the elevator doors open. Before she could turn around Kal was already gone. She put her head back down looking at the floor as she walked into her bathroom and closed the door. She honestly didn’t know how to feel. Iya tried so hard not to break but she couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. The weight of the pain was too much as Iya slowly kneeled down to the ground. Large tears streamed from her eyes as she released her feeling of being a failure.

A full week went by and Iya hadn’t seen nor spoke with Kal. They both tried really hard to avoid each other by distracting themselves with work. Kal didn’t even want Iya to feel like their relationship was a mistake, so he respected her wishes. When they did see each-other they kept it pleasant and greeted peacefully in passing but it caused them pain. A feeling they thought they could manage. Deep down they really missed one another and realized how much they needed the other. Without the company, touch and love it left a gaping whole inside, neither of them could ignore.

Kal distracted himself by checking on Jayce and other wounded soldiers often. He would relieve Surra so she could get some rest. She still had her daily duties to do as well. Although Iya never appointed Surra to maintain the war carrier she took that role on herself. At the moment that was her distraction. Kal sat down in the chair next to Jayce as he sat up to eat his lunch. He was still in the Medic Quarters healing from his burn wounds. The medics and surgeons placed silver metal plates over Jayce’s burns. Majority of the silver was on his face and chest. The right side over his eye to his ear and half of his cheek was covered. The hair above his right ear was shaven bald so the plates on fit perfectly. Jayce decided to cut his locks short down to his head. A lot of his hair burned off so evening out his locks and cutting the dead pieces made it look better.

Kal admired Jayce’s new look, under the circumstances. He snuck in a bottle of ale and took out two small mugs. He poured the ale and handled a glass to his friend. “How are you feeling? I like the finishing touches; the medics did a good job with the plates.” Kal noticed Jayce didn’t look all too excited as he was. “You don’t like it, do you?”

Jayce looked up at Kal with his good eye and gave him a look, “They cyborg my face and half of my body but at least I’m alive right?”

“It looks good on you man. Don’t be mad and yes at least you’re alive. That’s all that matters to all of us.” Kal raised his mug and knocked it against Jayce’s. Kal looked around his recovery room wondering what the jars full of flowers were about. Some jars were filled with water while the rest with dried plants. “What’s the jars of flowers for? I didn’t noticed them last time I was here.”

Jayce huffed, throwing his hands in the air. “Man… they had me covered in them damn flowers. Talking about I can’t move. Different plants that have different healing properties.” He exhaled deeply as he continued to explain. “I swear they experimented on me Kal… Some of little shits made my burns grow in the dark, I kid you not.”

Kal started laughing which made Jayce crack a smile with him. “Seriously? Well look at you! You’re not growing now but you do look like money!” He laughed even harder at his own joke. Jayce stopped laughing and cut his eye at his friend.

“Ha ha… not funny.” Jayce rolled his eye as he downed the last sip of his ale. He reached out to Kal for a refill. When Kal grabbed his cup, Iya walked into the room. She stopped when she saw Kal, she didn’t know he was visiting at the same time. Kal stopped and slowly let go of Jayce’s mug. He didn’t take his eyes off of her and she couldn’t look away either. Jayce quickly felt the awkward energy between his sister and best friend. With his good eye he kept looking at them both, switching between the two. The moment lasted only for a few seconds but felt like much longer.

Kal was the first to say something to break the tension, “Iya…”

“Captain…” Iya replied slowly, “I didn’t know you were down here.” She walked over to Jayce and kissed him softly on his forehead. “I just came to check on you, nothing serious.” Iya pulled the covers up over Jayce, making it snug for him. “Did you need any more food? I can call the medics to bring you some.”

Jayce looked at Iya like he wanted to say something about the awkward moment but he didn’t. Instead he nodded his head and replied, “No, I’m good.” As he sipped more of his ale. Kal put his head down looking at his mug as he ran his thumb along the rim. They didn’t mean to intentional make their situation known, but it happened in front of the wrong person. Jayce was soaking it up like a brand new soap opera. His suspension of them having a secret relationship was confirmed.

“Ok, well I’m come by again later. I’ll let you boys talk and drink. Word of advise my dearest brother… I wouldn’t let the medics see you drinking. They will get mad at you…” Iya stood at the door with her back facing them. She turned her head winked at Jayce as she left out the door. Kal sat there staring at her, upset and a little irritated.

Jayce sat up cutting his only good eye at Kal. He waited until they made eye contact. “Trouble in paradise?”

Kal looked surprised at Jayce’s comment as he refilled in his own glass. “Don’t start with that again man…”

“Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me you aren’t secretly seeing my sister? Sleeping with your commander, breaking the law. I wouldn’t deny it any longer. I saw that look between you two. It was so tense in here you could cut it with a knife.”

Kal got more irritated as Jayce burst their secret bubble. “It’s not like that Jayce…”

“Oh really? Than what is it like captain?” Jayce’s face became serious as he waited to hear the response.

“No, it’s not. I…” Kal took a deep breath before replying. He didn’t want to tell Jayce the truth but lying would only make it worse. “I love her Jayce. I always have and now I may have lost her being selfish.” Kal got up and closed the door to the room for privacy. “Yes we’re breaking the law but it’s a stupid law anyway. I just want her back… She blames herself for what happened to you and Marcus and the others. Nothing has been the same since.”

“Are insane?! Don’t just casually move on like this affair isn’t happening! You can be exiled or worse if my father finds out.” Jayce observed his reaction. He was taking back by how much he could tell Kal was truly saddened from not being with Iya. “You really do love her, don’t you?”

“Yea… man. I’ve never felt like this before. Without her I feel dead inside, I guess she was right.”

“You two are the stupidest…” He stopped mid sentence because he loved Surra the same, he couldn’t imagine life without her. “It can’t be any worse than the head general finding out he has a child. You two need to get your people and shit together.” Jayce sighed as he felt his friend’s pain. “I can’t make any guarantees that I can protect you both. Go… go to her. I’ve never seen her this happy before. Both of you… Go before I change my mind and kick your ass.” He smiled surprising Kal with his response. It made a world of difference to get his approval. Kal knew Jayce would keep their secret. He stood up and walked towards the door. He stopped and looked back at Jayce silently thanking him. “Like I said go.”

Kal sped through the hallways looking for Iya. He knew she still had to be around the Medic Quarters somewhere. He found her assisting the Medics in delivering food to the soldiers who were still recovering. Kal grabbed Iya’s arm pulling her inside an empty room. She pulled her arm out of his hands as he pulled the curtains down for privacy. “We need to talk…”

Iya huffed at him and turned around back to the door, “I don’t have time for this.”

“You’re going to make time to listen.” Kal was a lot more aggressive this time then he’s ever been with Iya. He wanted her to know how serious he was. “You aren’t the only one in pain… Marcus gave his life for me. Before you got there, Gerok and Cain had got the upper hand. Gerok was going to finish me off when Marcus jumped in front of the attack. The sword that went into Marcus’s chest was meant for me.” He gave her an intense smoldering stare as he continued. He wanted to come clean and tell her everything, including his theory. The theory that Gerok confirmed, the attacks wasn’t about fixing the terminals. It was about separating him from Iya. When he looked into his love’s eyes all he wanted was her back. Something in him made Kal stop from telling her what Gerok had said. It wasn’t the right time for that story yet. It was only going make her worry and upset.

Iya tried reading Kal’s emotions. She couldn’t tell if he was mad at her or the situation. “I wish I had been there. I…”

“Let me finish… Marcus died in the most honorable way a Sagen soldier could go. He didn’t have to sacrifice his life for me but he felt like it was his duty. Don’t take that honor anyway from him by blaming yourself. Marcus was one of the best I ever fought with. We will get our revenge in his name as well as the others.” Kal grabbed Iya’s hands and looked down at them as he caressed them gently. “Like I said earlier, I will wait for an eternity if that’s what you need. I’m not going anywhere… A life without you in it, is a fate worse than death. I will wait for you come to find me, no matter how longs it takes.”

Iya was taking away by Kal’s words. She knew it was coming from his heart, “Kal…” He placed his index finger on her lips, stopping her once more.

“I will let not you blame yourself. None of us had any way of knowing that was going to happen. You are one of the best commanders the universe as ever seen. There is no one like you, my love. No one…” Kal left Iya speechless as he wiped the tear that fell down her cheek. He leaned in and gently kissed her on the same cheek. He stepped back and walked towards the door. “I’m going to the market to re-up on our rations. I know we’re leaving as soon as the Medics give the okay. We need more supplies so if you need me that’s where I’ll be.”

Kal walked out the door and left Iya in the room by herself. She stood there processing everything Kal said and he was right. Blaming herself was not respecting and honoring the fallen who lost their lives in battle. Iya wanted to be stubborn about the situation and keep it on her shoulders. She had to admit it wasn’t going to do anything for her but bring about more misery. It was a relief to hear how Marcus died and to know it wasn’t in vain.

Kal and a few of his men walked down the main market in Azul. He made a long list of certain items the Sagens needed before leaving to the next planet. Kal divided his men and gave them items to shop for. He looked down at his small list and started walking around looking for specific medicines. After he purchased a set of yellow medicinal flowers he looked up and saw Iya standing a few stands away. She was staring, waiting for him to look at her. At first, she made him double look. He recognized the look she was giving him. The same look when she wants him to follow her for their secret rendezvous. As she slowly turned around, she never broke eye contact with Kal until her back was turned.

Kal looked up and around to make sure the coast was clear to follow her. Iya paced herself as she walked down a small alley in between some buildings. It looked storage units that housed more materials for the market stands. Iya always knew where the good spots were. Kal also paced himself walking a few feet behind her unnoticeably. When he turned the corner to walk inside the unit Iya was in, she grabbed him pulling Kal inside.

Iya pulled him in for a kiss then slammed him against the wall. Kal noticed she had already taken off majority of her armor gear. Standing there half naked, Iya began to unhook pieces to Kal’s armor. He helped unclip the lower half as she pulled down the upper half. They remained intertwined as they kissed and undressed each other. Once they were both naked, he grabbed Iya by her thighs and lifted her in the air. He leaned her up against the wall then softly started kissing her chest and neck. Iya moaned softly as she wrapped her legs around his torso.

They tried to stay away from one another. They tried to do the right thing but they couldn’t resist. He couldn’t wait any longer… Kal ripped her cloth under garments off and threw it to the side then he began making passionate love to her. He didn’t hold back as he gave it to Iya strong, good and rough. She bit her lower lip hard as she bounced up and down in his arms. One hand gripped the wall and other around Kal’s neck. He swung Iya around and laid her on the floor climbing on top. Kal kept the same energy and pace in the missionary position. They were knocking over boxes and other supplies started to fall from the shelves surrounding them.

As they finished, both of them started to laugh at the mess they made. Iya laid on Kal’s chest with her leg wrapped around his. She gently kissed on the neck and whispered, “You know we’re going to have to clean this up right?

Kal laid back with his arm under his head with the other draped around Iya shoulder. “We will…”

“I’m sorry I took out my frustrations out on you. You’re right we will get Gerok and make him pay. I don’t know what I’ll do without you. I love you so much...” She continued to kiss Kal on his neck, slowly all the way down to his chest.

Kal paused for a second before saying anything. He wanted to enjoy the last few good moments before telling her the truth. He took a deep breath and said, “Well… you’re not mad at me just yet.”

Iya stopped kissing Kal then looked up. She sat up on her elbows looking down, “What does that mean?”

Again, Kal took a pause before answering. He slowly turned her way with a small smirk on his face, “Jayce knows… he’s kinda been on to us for a while. You know how he is…”

“What?! Kal!” Iya tried not to scream although she desperately wanted to. “You got to be kidding me!”