Thumar

Derak got up at 0430 to get ready for the day. With hesitation, he pulled out his military dress uniform. Dread filled his soul as he laid his dress coat on the bed. The memories that it brought back still haunted him. He stared long at the coat before putting it on. Standing in front of the mirror, he gazed with distaste at the gold braid with platinum inserts on his left shoulder. The Zertha Braid, awarded to him by the Voeleron prime minister, was one of the highest galactic military honors that can be received. Most recipients got it posthumously. It was a stark reminder of the violent past he was trying to put behind him.

He shuddered, inwardly, at the reflection, recalling the carnage at the Chambar Valley Offensive. The memories flooded his mind like a replay of a vid-cast that couldn’t be turned off. He moaned as the images filled his mind with the horrors of that day, his friends and comrades lying on the battlefield, dead or dying, crying for help from wounds that would not heal. The memories were surreal, all encompassing.

The vision of the innocent, pregnant Kek bride who was forced to witness her husband’s death haunted him the most. He relived how he quickly dissected the Kek warrior in his battle rage. How could he have been so coarse?

How could I have slaughtered so many Keks and walked away without a scratch? Why did my wounds heal instantaneously? Why did I survive?

He found himself sitting on the edge of his bed cradling his head in his hands, trying to drive out the memories from his mind. The image of his friend’s decapitated head lying three feet away from his lifeless body filled his thoughts.

“Derak, Derak, get a hold of yourself! This always happens when you wear your dress uniform. Why don’t you wear something else?”

“I have to: military regulations and an order from the admiralty require it. Why me, Terga? Why did I live when I should have perished on that killing field? Sometimes I feel like an unwanted freak of nature!”

“Maybe you should start seeing a doctor again.”

“They’re no help; all they do is prescribe drugs.”

“You can not meet the ambassador in this state.”

“I know, give me time to collect myself.”

A cold breakfast was waiting. He pushed it away and inwardly tried to put this morning’s recall back into its mental lock box.

“I don’t have time for this.”

“It’s a long air car ride, and you‘ll get hungry if you don’t eat.”

“Air car? Who told you that?”

“Shesain sent me instructions last night.”

Damn it! I’m going to have to find out how she does that. He thought as he robotically ate his chilled breakfast.

“I really like her Derak. I think she could be good for you.” Terga thought.

“You do, huh?”

He left the dishes in the sink and performed a final check on his uniform. “What’s the weather like today?”

“It’s sunny and mild, and I would suggest that you wear your white ascot instead of a tie.” Terga’s cheerful tone was meant to lighten Derak’s dark mood.

“Thanks” He grabbed his beret, ascot, and credit chit, and left for the lobby. Shesain was waiting and smiled warmly when he turned the corner.

“You’re on time. I like that,” she said approvingly.

She looked beautiful in a deep purple dress with a multi-colored belt wrapped around her slender waist, tied off and dropping to her left side. Her modestly plunging blouse left just enough to the imagination, and her long legs were accentuated by a length of material that flowed down to each side of her ankles, revealing her shapely calves. Her short heels nearly brought her to Derak’s height.

“You look absolutely stunning,” said Derak.

“You look handsome,” she said as she reached up with both hands to adjust his ascot.

He stood stiffly as she looked over his uniform.

“Is something bothering you this morning?”

“No, not much, just a few lingering memories.”

She looked into his eyes before she responded, “Captain, I can read people like a book. Your predatory body language gives you away, and your eyes confirm my suspicions. What did you remember this morning?”

He shifted uncomfortably as he noticed Karn’s adjustment to his perceived threat. He stood down and relaxed his posture, somewhat.

“That’s better. You do not want to meet the president with that attitude. He will pick up on it immediately, and his bodyguards might react differently than Karn. So, that’s what a Zertha Braid looks like. What did you do to earn it?”

“Participation in the Voeleron war,” he curtly remarked.

“So, that’s the source of your foul mood. Is it that bad?”

Derak’s eyes hardened and his body stiffened.

“Veteran Battle Recall, I’ve seen this in our vets returning from war. We have good doctors who can help. I can recommend a good one.”

“We call it PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder. I’ve seen far too many shrinks. All they do is listen to the horror stories and prescribe strong enough drugs to cloud the mind.”

“Thumarian medicine is eighty five percent herbal based, and our doctors concentrate on healing the mind. You should try our methods while you’re based here.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“We have to leave now. You don’t keep the president of Thumar waiting.”

Karn shot Derak a warning glance as he led both of them to the open air car door.

“Thank you, Karn,” Shesain said, before he closed the gull wing door.

The back seat was wide; form fitting and concave with a matching backrest. There was a single headrest that stretched across the back of the seat.

“Karn takes his job seriously, since my safety is of utmost importance. He doesn’t like strangers in my company.”

The ground car’s motor hummed. It hovered and started moving forward. It had a smooth ride. Derak barely felt the car turning towards Shenmar. “I imagine he’s as good at driving as he is protecting you.”

“There’s no one better on the planet, and he comes from the founder’s bloodline. Now, let’s get back to you.”

“There’s nothing more to discuss.”

“On the contrary, Captain, you represent The Alliance. Do you want to present yourself in your current state of mind?”

“She’s right, Derak, you should listen to her.” Terga chimed in.

Derak turned his head and rolled his eyes; he was outnumbered.

“Captain, look at me.”

He turned to her beautiful serene face. “What do you want to know?”

“Is it the Voeleron war?”

“The Chambar Valley Offensive.”

“Your file says very little about that, except that it dramatically slowed down the Kek ground offensive.”

“I have a photographic memory. I remember every last bloody detail of that engagement except for a few hours. I can recall the death of the village woman, and then me standing over dead dismembered Keks with my light swords still glowing blue in each hand. Our side was in mop-up action and every surviving soldier was staring at me. Everything in between is a loss.”

“That’s strange. Did you see the replays of the battle?”

“Yes, and it was eye opening, and that’s all I can tell you.”

“Is it the lost hours or the total recall that bothers you the most?”

“The recall, I can play back my entire life, except those missing hours. The level of detail from that day is what starts the PTSD episodes. This braid always evokes the strongest reaction.”

Shesain changed the subject. “Let’s move on to something else.” The window tinting lightened up to show grass fields. “We call the grass, ‘Threshes.’ We used to have wild grazing giants called ‘Thrakure’ that kept them down.”

“What happened to them?”

“Our earlier ancestors, who had not learned the lessons of balance, hunted the giants to extinction, or so we thought. Some of our biologists believe that they have found some on the Anean continent."

They passed through what seemed like endless fields of threshes swaying softly in the breezes. No roads were visible; the land was pristine, untouched by Thumarian hands or technology.

Derak watched Shesains graceful movements: She’s as beautiful as the Orion Nebula.

She smiled as she picked up his thought.

Derak became aware that they entered the outskirts of Shenmar. Shesain asked Karn to take the car up to give Derak an aerial view of the city. Karn flew up to one thousand feet before hovering the air car for a stable view. Shenmar ascended in a gentle upward curve, rising up to the peak of Shenmar’s main temple. The extraordinary building had a twenty story spire clad in muted silver that glowed with a gold luminescence from the sun’s reflection. The peak had a large multi-faceted optical quality crystal that spread the light throughout the city. Karn descended toward the temple.

The outer city started with one story structures that gradually reached ten, ending in a ring that surrounded the Orlan Temple complex and a large expansive circular park. The city was laid out in a circular pattern. The Orlan Temple was surrounded by a broad ring of grass with wide walkways on the perimeter, with a giant white tree in the center that had luminescent bright green leaves reflecting the sunlight. An observer could see the colorful tents and pavilions set up for the festival. Thumarians were clothed in colorful outfits that differentiated them from the different townships and regions beyond Shenmar proper.

“What festive clothing! There must be every color in the spectrum represented today.” Derak remarked.

“That is one of the signature aspects that makes today’s festival the most anticipated of the year. Thumarians spend all year in preparation for this festival, and the music is just as colorful

as their outfits,” explained Shesain.

“How many are attending today?” Derak asked.

“We usually have over five hundred thousand, sometimes more. It all depends on the abundance of the years crops. Even though many of us live in cities and towns, our agrarian roots are still highly revered. This year was a prosperous one, so we should have more than one million over the three-day celebration.”

“Karn, take us to the park before the crowds get too large.”

“Yes, Ambassador.”

The limousine sped towards the VIP landing pad at the foot of the central walkway leading out of the temple. While Karn hovered in a holding pattern, Shesain instructed Derak on protocol.

“After the door opens, you proceed out of the vehicle and step to the left of the door, attentive to my presence. At my approach, you will hold your right hand up and wait for my touch. When you feel my hand on yours, don’t move. I will step down, set myself, and remove my hand. When I am ready, you will receive a signal to begin walking slowly up to the waiting line. It is important not to walk too fast, the crowds will want to see you, and I’ll set the pace. Please remember, first impressions are paramount to establishing a good foundation for future state relationships.

“I should have read up more on your customs.”

“You’ll do fine. Follow my lead. How are you feeling?”

“Better. Thank you for listening.”

“Try to be nicer if you’re questioned about the braid.”

Karn skillfully maneuvered onto the landing pad. The air car came to a full stop. As the gull wing door opened, she gave him a quick reassuring smile to precede her. He stepped to the left of the door. As she approached the opening, Derak held up his right hand; she placed her left hand on top of his before stepping down to the walkway. Once set, she removed her hand indicating with a slight turn of her head that it was time to start the formalities.

“Terga, what did I get myself into?”

“A new adventure, don’t worry; you’ll have a good time. She enjoys your company.”

“Is there news from Jack?”

“Commander Morgan and his crew will be in attendance at the celebration today.”

“Great! I hope I get to see him. The crowds are enormous.”

“I gave him your personal beacon frequency. He’ll find you.”

They followed the line of VIPs that preceded them on the long wide walkway, together to get better looks at the dignitaries making their way to the reception line. All manner of color and distinctive regional styles greeted Derak’s eyes as he accompanied Shesain up to the formal reception area. The walkway was smooth, rising at a comfortable angle. Greetings were boisterous and happy as Thumarians recorded video memories of today’s events.

Shesain noticed lieutenant commander Tark standing in line; he gave Derak a dirty look as they passed him and proceeded to the front of the line. Derak gave him a “what do you think of this?” smirk.

Shesain didn’t miss a thing. “Was that lieutenant commander Tark? Why did he scowl at you?”

“Tark comes from a minor Austrian noble family. I’m from New York City, and in his estimation, nothing good comes from there.”

“It makes that much of a difference?”

“To an Austrian nobleman, it does.”

Shesain continued her lessons. “You’ll be introduced to the Thumarian president first. Use “Mr. President” in your replies, and keep them short and to the point. Do not make any sudden move as his security detail will be watching you intently. Shake his hand only if he initiates the action. You will be introduced to his wife, refer to her as “Madame.” The mayor of Shenmar and his wife will be next. Use proper titles in all of your replies. Then the president’s cabinet will follow and our leading generals will finish the procession before we enter the pavilion.”

There was a joyful quality in her voice, Derak thought.

They stopped at the top of the stairs to wait their turn in the receiving line. Karn was standing with the president’s security detail as they were signaled to start the introductions.

“Mr. President: Ambassador Shesain Andehar and Captain Derak Jamar III, representing the Alliance of Planets.” The Chamberlain announced.

“Ambassador, how is your father?” The president asked Shesain as he warmly grasped her right hand. “I hope his grapes are as sweet as last years.”

“Thank you for asking, Mr. President. His grapes are sweeter this season. It should be a fabulous year.”

“Captain Jamar, It is a pleasure to have The Alliance at our festival today.”

“Thank you, Mr. President,” he respectfully responded, shaking his extended hand.

“Is your crew attending today? This celebration is a most joyous occasion.”

“Yes, Mr. President, Kalidar base will be well represented. Commander Jack Morgan and his crew from the docked AS Armstrong will be attending as well.”

“I’m pleased to hear that. It’s not often we get off-world visitors to our festivals. I’m sure they will enjoy the experience. A Zertha Braid! Very few are seen on living recipients. You must have done something extraordinary.”

“The Voeleron War, Mr. President.” He politely answered before he could ask more questions.

The chamberlain cut in, “The First Lady, Tranoka Andehar.”

“Shesain, it’s been too long since I’ve seen you. You must join us for dinner soon.”

“It would be my pleasure, Madame. I will bring some chilled chaturah.”

Turning to Derak, the First Lady spoke. “Captain, how are you enjoying our hospitality?”

“Madame, Shenmar is a beautiful city to host the Festival of the Lights.”

“We love to show our best on these occasions.” She serenely replied.

The chamberlain continued, “The honorable mayor of Shenmar, Paulos Rhebold.”

“Ambassador, you grace our city with your presence.”

“Mayor Rhebold, the beauty of your city, is enhanced by your capable leadership.”

“Captain Jamar, you must give me your impression of our fair city at dinner.” The mayor addressed him.

“Your architecture alone, Mayor Rhebold, is astounding in its scale and splendor.”

The chamberlain pressed on, “The honorable mayor’s wife, Betrawn Rhebold.”

She moved forward, gently taking Shesain’s hands as the two women looked into each other’s eyes. “Shesain, we must tend to my flower garden in the spring.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Betrawn.”

“I have some new varieties this year, including Rainbow Roses. They are exquisite.” She turned to Derak. “Captain Jamar, you honor us with your attendance.”

“Thank you, Madame; I look forward to the full range of today’s events.”

After finishing with the reception line, Shesain and Derak walked the short distance to the VIP Pavilion. Once inside, the entire mood changed from formal to loose and congenial. She split off and found some old friends to catch up with.

A group of high-level officers introduced themselves to Derak after noticing the braid on his left shoulder. They swapped tales as they led him to the military contingent gathered in the corner. Tark was already there, regaling them with his stories. He went quiet as Derak approached, shooting him a quick scornful glance. Suddenly, Shesain was at his shoulder. “Gentlemen, may I have my escort back?”

“By all means, Ambassador,” a general conceded.

As they walked away, Shesain remarked. “You wasted no time.”

“The braid is its own introduction.” Derak responded.

Shesain caught his look. “Is it that unpleasant for you?”

He didn’t answer.

“You earned it,” she pointed out.

“It’s not wearing the braid that’s exhausting.”

“Then what is?”

“Explaining how I received it.”

Mayor Rhebold found them. “Captain Jamar, the president is about to announce the start of the festival. He would like you and Shesain to join him on the main stage.”

Derak welcomed the interruption as they crossed the room.

“I should warn you, Captain, my wife likes to test new blood on the dance floor, and, please, call me Paulos.”

“Thank you, Paulos, please call me Derak.”

The chamberlain arrived at the mayor’s side and spoke to him softly, gesturing toward the stage.

“Shesain, we are expected on the main stage now. Derak, my wife won’t take umbrage if you use her first name. It’s Betrawn. So, when she drags you out to dance, just go along with it,” the mayor said with a smile.

The conversation continued as they walked onto the stage, joining the president’s invited guests. The chamberlain led them to their seats to the right of the podium in the front row. Lieutenant commander Tark sat in the bleachers with an angry look on his face as he glared at Derak.

Derak smiled broadly and waved at him. Tark quickly turned in disgust.

Shesain elbowed Derak and gave him a stern look. “Don’t rub your status in. Or, at least, don’t be so obvious about it.”

He said nothing and smiled inside.

She shot him a look and then returned to her conversation. Admiral Rhombur Thetar was seated next to him. Shesain turned around to talk to someone in the row behind her. The seats were filling up fast as the chamberlain rushed to meet the 9:00 am start of the festival. The growing crowd reminded Derak of a field full of multi-colored flowers that spread out as far as the eye could see. There must have been ten thousand Thumarians packed into the park and more were arriving.

The mayor turned to Derak as the president was walking up to the stage. “When he’s announced, stand up. When he gives us the signal, take your seat.”

He nodded, awaiting the cue to stand up. Admiral Thetar asked him what he thought of their orbiting space docks.

Derak did not look at him as he replied. “You have an impressive facility, Admiral.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to see it all.”

“Call me and I’ll set up a full tour. I would be happy to show you around myself.” The admiral replied as he handed Derak his contact information.

He took the card, still waiting for the announcement. “Thank you for the invitation, Admiral, I’ll take you up on the offer soon.”

Shesain nudged Derak to get his attention. “The president’s coming”

The president attained the top step, then the mayor rose to his feet and stepped up to the podium. Raising his right hand, the crowd quieted down and waited.

“Citizens of Thumar, Shenmar, and Alliance visitors in attendance today, welcome to the Festival of Lights! Today, we celebrate our ancestor’s discovery of the Cave of Lights. We are pleased you could join us in our festivities. My Fellow Thumarians and honored guests, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the president of Thumar, Remor Andehar!”

The crowd erupted in applause as those on stage rose to their feet. The president crossed the stage and approached the podium as the presidential theme was being played. The president turned to recognize his guests on the stage as he stood at the rostrum. After the music had stopped, he acknowledged the band, the honored guests, and the Thumarian citizens. The latter responded to his acknowledgment with rapturous cheers and loud whistling. The president indicated to those on the grandstand to be seated, and he raised his hand to silence the crowd.

“My friends,” he opened with a broad smile. The crowd went wild barely able to contain their excitement. “Welcome to our most revered holiday honoring our ancestors on this glorious day, when Tukar Andehar discovered the Light Caves on the continent of Anea.” The crowd roared again. “That eventful day ushered in the dawn of a new age of meteoric advancement that continues today and into our future.” They cheered again, as he paused for effect. “Our significant advancements started the moment we possessed ‘The Lights that Shine.’ These lights shine in each and every one of you, and your examples lead the way for all of our future generations. Let the celebrations begin!”

The throngs responded to the president’s speech with intense enthusiasm. On cue, the seven temple bells began to ring seven times and colorful confetti shot high into the air raining down on the central park. All rose, as president Andehar stood a few moments longer enjoying the adulation and joy of his people before exiting the grandstand.

After president Andehar left, escorted by his security detail, the dignitaries, standing on stage, started making their way back to the VIP Pavilion. The applause and cheering died down as the crowds dispersed into groups, some walking back to their booths and displays; while others gathered to discuss the day’s events and to make plans. Temple Park thinned out to civilians talking, laughing, and bartering with merchants. In the VIP Pavilion, the president signaled for Shesain to join him.

On their way over, army general Kamur intercepted them. “Captain Jamar, I would like to offer you a tour of our main base.”

“I would love to. I’ll contact you to set up a time.” After wishing each other a light-filled day, they crossed the room.

Upon their arrival, the president exclaimed with a smile, my dear.”

“Uncle Remor.” They shared a warm hug.

“How is my brother doing these days? And where did you find this heroic officer?”

“Dad’s doing fine. He should be here today. At least that’s what he told me last night,” she responded. “I have his private locator code, his code is 7541-3. As for the good captain, I found him wandering around the Kalidar base. He looked lost, and so I took pity on him.” Shesain’s voice shimmered with laughter, and there was a twinkle in her eyes.

The president addressed Derak warmly, “Captain, or should I call you Derak?”

“Derak is fine, Mr. President.”

“Please, call me Remor. How do you like our lovely home? I heard you took an orbital view yesterday.”

“Yes. Thumar is a beautiful Planet.”

“We are proud of our home.”

President Andehar’s security chief informed him that his detail was waiting.

“Thank you, Teymor. I’ll be there in a moment.”

Turning back to Shesain and Derak, Remor commented, “I’ll catch up with you two later.”

Shesain turned to Derak with a bright smile, “It’s time I showed you the sights.”