The Secret of Mars

“Uncles,” Amber shouted, as she exited the starship and ran to Jeanip and Earon. “What are you doing here?” She gave each one a hug the best she could. Since the starship was too large to fit inside the hangar, it was necessary for the arriving party to exit outside the hangar, forcing everyone to wear protective gear. And Amber discovered it is not easy to hug someone when in a spacesuit.

“Looking for you and your sister,” Jeanip greeted, carefully wrapping his arms around her cumbersome suit. “Thank goodness you are safe, Child. You had us so worried.”

“Had myself worried too,” Amber smiled, stepping over to hug Earon. “Hello, Uncle Earon. Is Aunt EeRee here with you?”

“No, she stayed at home to care for the infants,” Earon replied.

“Jeanip, is that you? You old patoot,” Lord Clute stated.

“That’s Monarch Jeanip to you, you kanish,” Jeanip roared.

“So I heard,” Lord Clute said, grasping Jeanip’s hand.

“Critchee, don’t tell me you’re still with this patoot,” Jeanip shouted, walking toward the other Oonock. “You should have left him eons ago and joined with me.”

“I hear you have your own beautiful mate and two wonderful sons,” Lady Critchee answered.

“That she is,” Jeanip beamed. “Wait till you meet her. You won’t believe that someone like her can love someone like me. I still can’t believe it.”

“Is she as lovely as your Princess Amber?” came an unfamiliar voice as a being in a strange spacesuit emerged. It appeared that his suit was too small. His motions were stiff, like a small child in a thick snowsuit. His helmet was elongated in front giving it a very odd shape. Jeanip wondered what kind of creature existed inside.

“Jeanip, meet Supreme Leader Gart of the Caberan,” Lord Clute introduced.

“I am sorry, Your Highness, but I can barely move in this contraption,” Gart said, squirming inside in an attempt to reach some level of comfort. As soon as Flight Command gave the signal the hangar was repressurized, the alien removed his helmet, showing Jeanip his reason for the oddly shaped helmet. “Our suits were not suitable for Mars’ environment, so your Commander threw this together.”

Jeanip hid his smile, as did Earon. Neither wanted to disrespect the creature who had saved their niece, but neither had met a talking lizard before. “Let’s all go inside where we can shed these suits and be more comfortable. Please follow us.”

Jeanip and Earon led the way down a small, enclosed, canvas walkway. At the end was a small disinfectant room, then a second room where they could shed their spacesuits. One more place for scanning for contaminants and the group was inside the Settlement.

“Now I can thank you properly,” Jeanip announced, extending his hand to the Supreme Leader. While he waited for Gart’s hand, Jeanip quickly examined the creature before him. As Kliinew had reported, it appeared to be similar to a human, but with longer legs and arms, and its face extended into a snout. A reptilian-like crest adorned the top of its head, which extended down onto the forehead. And part of its body seemed to be covered in scales, while other visible parts appeared to be smooth skin. Looking down momentarily, Jeanip noticed the creature possessed no tail. An odd arrangement of parts, indeed. For once, Jeanip wished he could send an impulse through the creature to ascertain his intention as Medaron and Europa could. He would need to investigate this creature further.

“It is an Earth greeting,” Amber explained, seeing Gart’s hesitation and bewilderment on his face. “You extend your hand to Jeanip, bending your arm at the elbow as he is. Then clasp his hand and move it up and down. It’s called a shake.”

Gart did as Amber stated, grasping Jeanip’s hand firmly and vigorously shaking it up and down. “A little slower,” Jeanip said politely, slowing the handshake down. “Don’t want to wear your greeter’s hand off.”

When Jeanip finished, Earon stepped in and shook the Caberan’s hand. This time Gart was much gentler. “You have the thanks of the entire Waters’ Clan for saving our princess.”

“I was just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time,” Gart replied, averting his glance over to the blushing Amber. An action Jeanip, nor Klonc, missed.

“Now, let me get a proper look at you, Clute,” Jeanip shouted, as he twirled the male Oonock around and grabbed him by the shoulders, giving him a once over from head to toe. “Not as young as Jillian, but not at full age either. But still as ugly as always.”

“And you, Dear Friend, have gotten VERY old,” Lord Clute laughed. He lifted the amulet from the former Supreme Commander’s chest. “I certainly don’t hope you expect me to refer to you as ‘Your Highness’ or anything close to that.” Without a word, Jeanip pulled the Commander into his arms, hugging him warmly. “Well, this is new,” a slightly uneasy Clute commented.

“Teachings of our new queen,” Jeanip reported. After releasing Clute, he walked over and took Lady Critchee into his embrace, softly kissing her on the cheek. “Once more, welcome.”

“I think I’m going to like this new queen,’ Critchee smiled.

“Come,” Jeanip said. “We have a room waiting for us with drink and food. We have much to discuss, and we need to hear all about your adventures. King Kiijon and Queen Europa are anxiously awaiting our reports.”

“Has there been any word on Mary?” a worried Amber asked.

“No word,” Earon answered. “But your mother and grandmother were both able to sense her, just like they did you.”

“Are you able to sense anything, Amber?” Jeanip asked.

Amber took in a deep breath, closing her eyes, trying to feel her sister. “No, I cannot feel anything tangible. But I do sense she is here, yet not here at the same time. Like in a mist or cloaked in a veil.”

“Or in another dimension?” Earon silently questioned.

Amber opened her eyes and looked at her uncle. “Why, yes. That is exactly what it is like. How did you know?”

“As Jeanip said, we have much to discuss,” Earon replied, turning his eyes toward Gart. “Things that are not for other ears to hear.” Although she did not agree with her uncle’s statement, as a monarch, Amber understood the necessity for secrecy.

They walked through the Settlement toward the meeting room. Unable to withstand his excitement, Lord Clute silently asked, “Is it true, Jeanip? Is there a way to go back to Europa?”

Jeanip smiled. “Yes, it’s true. Queen Europa found a way through the portal into FarCore and on to Europa. In fact, that’s where my mate and sons are, on Europa.”

“Princess Amber told us your mate is VeeRay?” Lady Critchee silently asked.

Again Jeanip chuckled. “That too is true. And my sons will be the next clan leaders of the VeeRay Oonocks.”

Both leaders stopped dead in their tracks, staring at Jeanip. “Surely you jest.” Clute looked at Earon. “He’s pulling our tails right?”

“Afraid not,” Earon said, slapping Jeanip on the back. “Two fine sons and united to VeeRay royalty. Not bad for an old patoot his age. He’s even died a couple of times on us and came back.” Earon laughed when he saw the look of disbelief on the new Oonocks’ faces, as well as the irritated look on Jeanip’s. Oh yes, it was time for a few paybacks and Clute and Critchee were going to provide lots of opportunities. He only hoped they’d stay on Mars for a few days.

Over an early Evening Meal, Supreme Leader Gart explained in detail how he learned of the plot to kidnap the princess and his gallant effort to rescue her. Throughout the telling, he often gazed upon her face as if mesmerized by her beauty. Jeanip could see why Klonc was a little apprehensive about the Caberan, but he witnessed nothing that made him think that his intentions were not honorable. More than likely it was just Klonc’s instinctual rivalry over another male. He thought it prudent to have Jazee assign a new protector, a female, to replace the slain Cainbow as soon as possible. Even though he knew Klonc had no romantic interest in the princess, male guards sometimes became overzealous in their role to protect female monarchs. It was almost as if they went through a male phase of The Hunger, demonstrating extreme protectiveness, uncontrolled jealousy, and bouts of physical confrontation. He, himself, had fallen into that predicament several times when Europa was young, especially with Terrance. Now that he thought about it, he realized how lucky Terrance was to be alive. Yes, better to put some distance between the young princess and her protector. He would reassign PiePie to the role of Amber’s protector until a new one was sent. Klonc would escort Lord Clute and Lady Critchee to Earth. A few months away from Amber should do the trick and restore the male’s surging hormones to normal.

After the meal, the group adjourned to the Observation Lounge where a glass wall allowed one to see the wonders of Mars. The sun was just setting, so the sky was filled with hues of golds, reds, pinks and ambers. As far as one could see were the red sands of Mars and its mountains and valleys of red rock. Everywhere was the color of red, so different from the blue and green the travelers had just left.

“Although the scene before us is breathtaking, it makes me miss my gardens of green and my seas of blue,” Gart said, standing beside Amber.

“The beauty of your world seems almost like a dream now,” Amber replied.

“Don’t let her beauty fool you,” came a tiny voice as Tong came up behind the two, accompanied by her ever companion Glock and PiePie. “Mars shows no mercy. Without the proper equipment and training, you’ll be dead in minutes. Princess Amber, it is an honor to meet you finally. Your sister has told me so much about you.”

“As she has told me about you,” Amber smiled, watching the small capsule of light. “You are Tong, Mary’s friend.”

Glock voiced several grunts and whistles. “No, Glock. She is not Mary. She is her twin sister, Princess Amber. Remember, I explained to you that there was another Oonock that looked like Mary?” Glock grunted. “Your Majesty, I’d like you to meet. . . “

“Oh, I know who this is,” Amber said, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around the hairy giant. “This is Glock.” Glock just stood there, a huge grin on his face.

“Good evening, Your Majesty,” PiePie greeted, raising her hand to her forehead and bowing. “It ’s nice to see you again. I will be filling in as your protector until a new one arrives.” Amber knew PiePie well. She and Cainbow had been Mary’s and her protectors since the twins were six years old. PiePie was just as much a part of Amber’s family as Mary was. “I am sorry for Cainbow’s loss. She died a protector’s death, fulfilling her duty. No protector could ask for more.”

“So I have been told,” a sad Amber replied. “But somehow that does not make it easier to bear.”

“Your Grandmother always had trouble with that concept,” Earon stated. “Still is not able to.”

“A sign of a great future monarch,” Jeanip added. “We soldiers accept the death of a fellow soldier, especially when their life is sacrificed to save the one they protect. But monarchs do not see it that way. Each Oonock is a precious gift, something to be cherished. To lose one is heartbreaking.”

“Might we change the subject?” Amber said.

“Of course,” Jeanip replied.

“PiePie, can we see from here where Mary disappeared?” Amber asked.

“Not the exact location,” PiePie replied. “It’s located down in a depression that is not visible from here. But you can see the general area. See that rather odd-shaped hill just west of the valley split? Immediately below the odd-shaped mountain is the obelisk with the Oonock sign. If you look carefully, you can see just the tip of it poking above the horizon.”

Gart stared at the location PiePie had pointed out. He took several steps forward, then tilted his head to one side, then the other. He began to search around the room, an odd look on his face. Suddenly, he ran over and brought back a high backed bar stool and sat it six feet back from the window. He then grabbed Glock and brought him to the chair. “Can he understand me?” Gart asked.

“Yes, he can understand you,” Tong replied.

“Glock, I need you to hold the chair steady and on the floor,” Gart stated. “Don’t let me fall.” Having said that, to everyone’s amazement Gart straddled the chair with his back to the window. Locking his feet inside the stool legs, he bent backward until his head faced upside down. “That’s no hill. It’s a structure. No. It’s a starship. The hill’s a buried starship.”

“Here, let me see,” Earon stated, urging Gart out of the chair. Following the Caberan’s example, Earon bent backward. “Damn, he is right. It is a starship. It almost looks like one of ours. An Oonock starship.”

“Staybo, quick, get me some images of that mountain,” Jeanip yelled. Staybo took off running to the Communications Room.

“Do you think Mary could be in there?” Amber asked, a ray of hope in her eyes.

“I don’t know, but it’s the best lead we’ve had so far,” Jeanip replied.

It was just a matter of minutes before Staybo returned with a portable screen, punching in codes as he ran toward the window. Soon, the screen came to life with a picture of the questionable mountain.

“Invert the image,” Jeanip ordered. As the picture turned, the unmistakable outline of a starship covered in millennia of dust and rocks emerged. Everyone stared at it in wonder.

“Is it one of ours?” a hopeful PiePie asked, unable to contain her excitement.

“Might be,” Jeanip stated. “If it is, that obelisk is no obelisk, but the Heart of the Settlement. The Oonock pillar around which all life centered around.”

“But why would they have a starship inside their settlement?” Earon asked.

“They wouldn’t,” Lord Clute answered. “In the event of an enemy attack, the priority is to save our people. Commander Handbuilt would have placed the ships above the settlement trying to shield it and the Oonocks from JeffRa’s revenge. Or it was used to give them time to escape into those mountains.”

“So, the obelisk is not a portal as we thought?” Tong asked.

“No way to know,” Jeanip stated.

“And if you are wrong?” Gart asked. “What then?”

“If we’re wrong, then it could be a doorway to anywhere.”

“But where?” a bewildered Gart asked.

“I don’t know,” Jeanip lied. Even without Klonc’s uneasiness over the Supreme Leader, Gart was of another race and had no knowledge of FarCore. Only the Oonocks, a few humans, and Tong knew about the mystical place existing in another realm, on another plain of existence. And that was the way it had to remain. If other civilizations learned of FarCore and that the Oonocks had a way inside and access to the secrets of the Ancients, war could break out across the universe. The Oonocks were not willing to take that chance. Its existence must remain secret.

“I believe we have a destination for tomorrow,” Earon said, staring at the image, then out to the actual hill. “To determine exactly what or whose starship that is. It seems you may have helped rescue our other missing princess also, Leader Gart.”

“Glad I could help,” Gart replied.

Jeanip saw the princess try to hide a yawn. “It is getting late, and you have had a long day, Your Majesty,” Jeanip stated. “Might I suggest you retire? Tong has graciously offered you a place in her room to stay. PiePie will watch over you from inside the room, while an armed guard will watch at the door.”

“Jeanip, I do not need an armed guard,” Amber objected.

“Your grandparents’ orders,” Jeanip replied. “We just got you back. They don’t want to take any chances of losing you again.”

Too tired to argue, Amber just nodded her head. Before anyone else could volunteer, Gart spoke up. “If you have no objections, Princess, I will escort you to your room.”

“Thank you.”

“This way,” PiePie said. Amber slipped her arm through Gart’s and leaned her head on his arm. Too tired to think of much, she followed her new protector down the hallway and up the stairs to her room. A male armed guard followed also. At the door, Gart leaned down and kissed her on the cheek and said goodnight.

“See you tomorrow,” Amber said, yawning. She then slipped through the door with PiePie. The male Oonock took a position in front of the door and began to stand guard. He neither looked at nor said a word to the Supreme Leader. Being a bit tired himself, Gart retired to his room several doors down. He wondered what they would find the next day under the mountain. He also hoped there was a more suitable spacesuit for him somewhere on the planet.

In her dreams, Amber heard Mary’s voice and woke up, sitting straight up in bed. She quickly looked around and remembered where she was. On Mars. She looked over to where PiePie was sleeping and was glad she had not awakened her. Next, she diverted her gaze to Tong’s little capsule. She had no way of knowing if the tiny creature inside slept or not, but her glow was diminished, so she assumed that meant she was also sleeping. She laid back down but was unable to fall back to sleep. Even though moisture was pumped through the Settlement, her throat was parched. She needed some water. Knowing there was a guard outside, she did not wake PiePie. Instead, she silently tipped toed across the floor and very carefully opened the door.

“Are you in need of something?” the guard asked silently upon seeing the princess and her finger across her mouth, signaling for him to remain quiet.

“I need a drink of water,” Amber quietly replied. “And to stretch my legs. Will you go with me downstairs to the kitchen?”

“I am sure PiePie will get you something to drink.”

“No, I want her to sleep.”

“Then since I cannot leave my post of guarding you, I will go with you,” the guard stated.

“I am sorry, but I do not know your name,” Amber apologized.

“My name is Cavin,” the male Oonock replied. “I am one of King Jun’s cousins. You probably have not met me before because I only came to Earth about three years ago and have spent most of my time learning at the Complex.”

“Well it is nice to meet you, Cavin,” Amber replied. “So, how do you like Earth?”

“It is fascinating, but also very strange,” Cavin honestly confessed. “While I love the oceans of Earth and all the creatures that live there, I find the humans on land very hard to understand. Their thinking is so different from ours. And most of the time it is not logical.”

“That it is not,” Amber chuckled. “If you do not mind me asking, why did you come to Earth? And how did you end up on Mars?”

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” Cavin replied as they continued toward the kitchen. “I had plans to join the army on Europa, but King Jun told me that to be the best Commander I hoped to be someday, I should go to Earth and learn about it and other worlds. He said the day might come when the shield of Europa will open once more, and he will need Commanders who are familiar with other civilizations and ways of life. So I took his advice. When I learned of Princess Mary’s disappearance and a rescue party going to Mars, I immediately volunteered. If I could tolerate this climate, I could probably travel anywhere in the universe and become the Commander King Jun hopes I will be some day.”

“A noble reason,” Amber stated.

“Don’t tell your uncle, but I also very much wanted to serve under the Great Supreme Commander Jeanip,” Cavin whispered, fearing his secret might get out. “Everyone in my unit dreams of meeting Jeanip, and I, insignificant Cavin, actually get to serve under him. It’s a dream come true.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Amber smiled. To her, Jeanip was simply her uncle, just as Queen Europa was simply her grandmother. She didn’t see them as monarchs to be awed over or idolized. But she knew many did, especially over Jeanip. He was a legend amongst the soldiers and Commanders. One of the originals that had made the trip from Europa to Earth and was still alive. “Here we are, the kitchen.” She flicked on the light and was startled to see Leader Gart standing there, a large bowl of dessert in his hand and a spoon of it in his mouth.

“Explain yourself,” Cavin ordered, raising his firearm.

“It is okay, Cavin,” Amber said, resting her hand on the weapon and lowering it to the floor. “This is my friend, Leader Gart.”

“I remember who he is, Your Majesty,” Cavin stated. “That is the only reason he is still alive. I need to know why he is here, out of his room.”

“I got hungry,” a nervous Gart said. He was beginning to realize that being around the princess in a gathering of Oonocks was going to be a bit dangerous.

Once the soldier lowered his weapon, Amber walked over and retrieved a bottled water. “That looks good. Is that what we had earlier at Evening Meal?”

“Yes,” Gart said. “I have plenty here. Would you like some?”

“Yes, I would,” Amber answered, grabbing a spoon. “Why do we not go into the Observation Lounge and enjoy it together?”

“Is that permissible?” Gart asked, looking at the Oonock soldier.

“It will be fine,” Amber said. “Would you like anything, Cavin?”

“No, Your Majesty,” Cavin answered. “I will stand guard over here, out of the way. Just let me know when you’re ready to return to your room.”

The two walked over to the large window and stared out into the Expanse. There were no lights across the plains, so the landscape was dark and foreboding. But the night sky was filled with millions of twinkling stars. Phobos was just rising in the west, casting a small lunar light across the plains. The moon was unique in that it rose in the west and settled in the east. Mars’ second moon, Deimos, which rose in the east, was not visible.

“Just think how many different civilizations must live out there,” Amber said, dipping her spoon into the dessert. “And this is just a tiny, tiny piece of the universe.”

“It boggles the mind,” Gart replied. “So many different environments, so many unique lifeforms. Some millions of years more advanced than us, others just beginning to form reason.” He took several bites. “Do you think she’s out there, your sister?”

“I think so,” Amber said, directing her vision to the large dark object below. “I sense something, like an imprint of her. Nothing I can wrap my mind around yet. More like a whisper that passed through.” Suddenly a shiver ran through her body. It was much colder in the Observation Lounge than she imagined. She had not thought to grab a wrap.

“You’re cold,” Gart said, seeing her body shiver. He sat the dessert down on the table and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him, trying to warm her body with his body heat. “Oh, you’re freezing. Cavin needs to get you back to your room.”

“In a minute,” Amber softly replied. “I am warming up. Besides, it is such a beautiful night.”

“Nothing is as beautiful as you, Princess,” Gart said. He leaned down and brought his lips to hers, giving her the kiss he had wanted to when they had said goodnight at her door. Amber could not believe how soft his kiss was. They kissed for a long time until they heard Cavin clear his throat.

“Excuse me, Your Majesty, but it’s late, and you should be getting back in bed,” Calvin reported. “Besides, Monarchs Jeanip and Earon would be upset if they found you out of your room.”

“He’s right,” Gart stated. “I’ll walk you back to your room.”

“No. My uncles would be angry that Cavin allowed me downstairs. They would be even angrier if they knew I was with you. I do not want to get Cavin in trouble, especially since he was kind enough to give us this time together.”

“Then I will see you tomorrow,” Gart said. He released Amber from his embrace but held her hand as she walked away. When she reached the end of their grasp, Amber stopped and ran back into his arms, kissing him more passionately this time, allowing their love to start to bud.

“Your Majesty, I must insist,” a nervous Cavin stated. Amber broke the kiss and ran down the hall, barely touching the floor. Upon reaching her door, she stood on her toes and kissed the guard on the cheek.

“Thank you so much, Cavin.” She then quietly slipped inside, glad to see Tong and PiePie still asleep. No one knew of her little adventure. But she, on the other hand, would never forget his kiss.

Cavin returned to his post outside the door, confident that all was secured and their philandering unknown.

“You’re right, I would not be pleased that she was out of her room,” came Jeanip’s voice, as he stepped out of the shadows.

“How?”

“You will learn that nothing happens that I do not know about,” Jeanip stated. “If you hope to be a Head Commander, Young Cavin, you always need to keep on top of things, prepare for the unexpected, keep your eyes and ears open. Know those you protect better than they know themselves. And, on the subject of young princesses, remember they will always do what they are not supposed to do.”

“Sorry, Sir. It won’t happen again.”

“Oh, the foolishness of youth. You can be assured, Cavin, that it will happen again, and again, and again.” Jeanip laughed, remembering back to some of Europa’s antics. And her mother’s. “You cannot tell a Queen, or a future Queen, what she can and cannot do. All you can do is protect them from danger, and, sometimes, from themselves. Your actions were impeccable. You escorted her, protected her, let her have a few moments of happiness, and then brought her back to where she was safe. I could have done no better.” He could see the look of joy on the young soldier’s face. “Mars is a very dangerous place, Cavin. And Amber is going to be out there in that danger. How would you like to be her personal bodyguard, keep her safe from all that danger?”

“Oh, yes, Sire,” Cavin eagerly replied. “What about Leader Gart?”

“I will deal with Leader Gart,” Jeanip replied. “For now, he is a welcomed distraction to keep our princess’s mind off of her lost sister. Besides, Amber is an adult. It is her decision where she wants to take this flirtation.”

“We could always move his room to the other side of the Settlement,” Cavin suggested, thinking that would solve their problem.

Jeanip laughed again and grabbed the soldier’s shoulder. “Oh, My Foolish Young Male, you have so much to learn about females. Moving his room would probably be the worst idea. If she is determined to share his bed, she will find him no matter where we place him. Better to keep him here, close, so we can better protect her. I’d rather have her try to sneak down several doors than across the compound.”

“Do you think she’ll try to sneak out again?”

“I can guarantee it. Amber’s probably lying in bed right now thinking of how her next escape is going to work.”

A look of hopelessness flashed across the soldier’s face. “She’s not going to be an easy assignment, is she?”

“Probably the hardest you will ever be assigned,” Jeanip replied, as he turned and strolled back to his room. “Good night, Soldier.”

“Good night, Sir.”