Beyond: Two Suns

PROLOGUE

Less than two days after her high school graduation, Aimee Patterson walked her Cocker Spaniel by the pond on her parent’s farm. When Ziggy charged into the woods on the other side, Aimee was paralyzed with indecision. The forest was scary–a dark lair she had avoided since childhood. But she was not a child anymore, and something had caught the dog’s attention. Trailing after him into that bleak stockade... Aimee disappeared from this planet.

She woke up on a spaceship so grand and so far from Earth, never imagining that her adventure in space would last five years. In that time she learned new technology, visited a foreign planet, battled aliens, encountered disease—and cured it. Most importantly, though, she fell in love.

When the adventure was over, Aimee was twenty-two years old and confronted with a monumental decision. Should she remain in the stars with Zak and start their life together, or should she return to Earth to lead a normal existence and comfort the parents who never knew the fate of their missing daughter?

Aimee’s heart yearned for one future, but the burden of responsibility argued for another. The truth was that in order for her and Zak to spend a life together without regrets, they both needed to evolve—to mature.

For half a decade, Aimee walked the routine journey of life—always waiting—always looking to the stars—knowing, hoping, that one day he would return for her.

Today was that day…

Five years.

Five long years.

Aimee stared through her hands at the pine needles blanketing the ground below. Beneath her loafers the packed earth altered, transitioning from brown, to gray, to obsidian−until finally the turf was gone and her leather shoes reformed atop a marble floor.

For a moment she was afraid to look up.

Five years.

Five years ago today she stood in this exact same spot, saying goodbye to the man she loved. It was a moment filled with anguish barely diminished over time. In that period, doubt grew into a behemoth monster that warned daily that she would never see him again. To protect her heart, she had tried to move on, but no man could connect with her as he did. And, every night the pendant around her neck burned his memory into her dreams…

Five years.

Only moments ago, she stood in the woods behind her pond as her heart drilled with the fear that he would not come back for her—and yet, the beam had appeared from above. A sign of faith. A sign of love. He was back. He wanted her. She bled happiness at the thought of being with him.

Zak.

Yes, time had passed, but in space the hands of the clock grew fuzzy. Here she was, once again aboard the Guardianship HORUS, about to be reunited with the man of her dreams.

At last, Aimee lifted her head.

With a spontaneous burst of delight at the sight of Vodu’s creased face, she leapt off the pedestal and enveloped him in a fierce hug.

Welcome back, Aimee Patterson. His embrace was strong. His voice deep. Still with a face grooved like a road map, the man was nonetheless ageless.

Aimee stepped back to accept the next set of arms that wrapped around her. Raja.

Drawn tight into this embrace, Aimee’s fingers lodged into the golden hair spilling down Raja's slim back. She could smell a sweet hint of something botanic, and heard emotion deep in the declaration, Aimee. I'm so glad you're here.

Aimee, I'm so glad you're here.

Not, Aimee, I missed you. Not, Aimee, I'm so glad you're back.

Aimee withdrew and detected a flash of trepidation in Raja's green eyes, but the wide smile did its best to conceal that bantam shadow.

As delighted as she was to see Raja, Aimee was already looking over the woman’s shoulder. Save for these two individuals, the transport room was empty. Maybe he was waiting elsewhere. Maybe he was planning a surprise.

Her anxiety could not be masked, particularly when the faces staring at her began to lose their mirth.

Aimee retreated so that she could see them both simultaneously.

Where is he? her voice cracked.

Raja clasped her hands together and pressed her lips tight, turning towards Vodu. Maybe age moved at a snail's pace aboard the HORUS, but youth was external. The eyes revealed all–and right now the years tallied up inside Vodu's blue gaze.

Aimee, let's go somewhere where we can sit down.

On cue, her legs weakened. She reached out and Raja was there, sustaining her with a strong grip.

"Where is he?" Aimee repeated, desperation lassoing around her throat.

Vodu winced and cast his glance towards the stars outside. Aimee, Zak−

Zak what? Oh my God. She could feel panic inching up the back of her neck—red hot fingers worming their way up her scalp.

Not too long after you returned to Earth, Zak left for his planet, Ziratak, as planned.

Aimee wasn't even aware that Raja's arm had slipped behind her back for additional support.

He− Vodu hesitated, −he missed his rendezvous with the HORUS. We lost communication with him.

The old commander read her despairing expression, but continued. "We sent reconnaissance missions for as long as we could before the HORUS pulled out of range. The terra angels no longer had the capacity to make it back to us. It would have been a one-way mission if any more took off."

And no one volunteered? she cried. For a man that was your best Warrior? A man this entire ship idolized only second to you! No one volunteered for a one-way mission?

Vodu’s face pinched in pain. Aimee−

Now it looked like he was the one who required a chair. The reports that came back from those last recon missions were dismal at best. The Korons, who we believed were leaving Ziratak, in fact returned ten-fold. The rebels that Zak was intending to unite with, did not even exist, or had been wiped out quite some time ago.

Blood drained from Aimee’s face. She began to feel dizzy, but blinked back the assault. Zak? She could manage no more than that single plea.

They found his ship. Vodu swiped a gnarled hand across his face. It had been gutted to the point of inoperable. There were tracks around the craft− he closed his eyes, −not human.

There was nothing to send that one-way mission to, he defended. "Nothing encouraging enough to warrant it. Zak was like my own. I would have flown to him if I could, but our window to reach Ziratak had closed. We have to wait another ren until we can return. And we will return."

So, if Zak left the HORUS shortly after me, a spark of hope ignited, "then we are getting close. I’ve been gone a full ren."

A ren, she recalled, was a span of five Earth years.

Vodu nodded, but he possessed no spark. Aimee. We have to be honest with ourselves. We have to accept the fact that Zak has most likely been−

He couldn’t say the words, and she sure didn’t want to hear them.

Vodu’s lips thinned with strain. "You have a choice now. Our terra angels have made some upgrades. We are close enough to Earth that we can take you home and still afford your pilot enough time to make it back to the HORUS. He paused. I think it is wise for you to go back."

Aimee flinched. You brought me up here. I didn’t beam myself up. Why would you do that? Just so you could tell me this horrendous news and then dispatch me back to my world—left to always wonder?

I did not bring you up here, Vodu declared, his condemning eyes cast over her shoulder. "She hit the button."

Aimee recoiled from the embrace around her back and pivoted to capture the wide glance that eluded hers.

Raja?

CHAPTER ONE

A lump worked its way down Raja’s pale throat. She closed her eyes. It was an impulsive gesture, she admitted in a husky tone.

Vodu shook his head in disapproval.

So you see, he inserted. As much as we are happy to have you back with us, we also think it’s in your best interest to return home. This ship may hold too much grief for you.

Aimee glanced at Vodu whose expression was grave and remorseful. She switched her attention back to Raja, whose countenance was evasive. The woman was hiding something.

How long do I have to make this decision?

The rustle of silver fabric sounded as Vodu crossed his arms. Not long, but there is definitely time for a welcome feast.

A welcome feast.

How festive.

Her world was in bedlam. All she wanted was to be reunited with the man whose touch lingered with her for the past five years. She did not want to eat.

She would go to their feast. After all, they were extended family. At this moment, her own family had read her letter and was coming to terms with her decision to leave. In an epic note, she had tried her best to assure her parents that she would be safe and happy, and would one day return to them. But not this day. Not this year.

For now, she would attend their feast, if only to be courteous.

And, then she would find Zak.

For such a gap in time, little had changed aboard the HORUS. One fact was glaringly apparent, though. There were far fewer personnel on board.

You went back to Anthum? she asked Raja who nodded in response.

Aimee recalled sitting in her college dorm room at night, staring out the small window as she thought about the residents of the HORUS, hoping that they had been able to return to their planet and start anew after the virus that nearly destroyed them.

Vodu extended his arm, inviting her into the next chamber. For a moment, she stared at the stark white wall, angry that she was unable to see behind the pearly mask. Had she lost her skills over the five-year hiatus? Was she unable to discern the images woven into this enigmatic fabric? Or was it that Zak was not here to calm her?

Relax, Aimee. Try it again.

Composure was undermined by the denial roiling inside her. Zak could not be dead. He simply could not be dead. She would never accept that. He was a survivor. He was a Warrior.

Relax, Aimee. Try it again.

Listening to that memory, she took a deep breath, watching as the white wall blended with intricate designs and three-dimensional imageries to reveal the symbols that identified Vodu’s private quarters.

With little fanfare, he waved his arm at the door, allowing them to pass through into an opulent conference room. This was Vodu’s personal meeting space for visiting dignitaries. A long oval table made of a composite similar to black marble was surrounded by twelve spherical-based chairs.

Excuse me as I step out and collect the guests, he said. I also need to contact the food hall and alert the Warriors of the impending trip back to Earth.

After a pause, he looked at Aimee. You have hardly changed, Aimee, and yet you are more beautiful than ever.

Bowing slightly, Vodu waved his hand at the wall and stepped through it.

Aimee turned towards Raja who was lowering herself into a chair.

Who was that man? Aimee gaped.

A sad smile dusted across the woman’s lips. He has not been the same since Zak disappeared. He tries so hard to put on a positive front.

It was more than that, though. It was more than the feast, or Vodu’s oddly exuberant behavior. Vodu was not the type of man to suggest a feast. Vodu commanded the HORUS. He led. He charged. And, he did it all with an intellect that humbled Aimee. He did not plan feasts.

Wasting no time, Aimee slipped into the seat across from Raja. She splayed her palms atop the cool amalgam surface and leaned in. Tell me the truth. Why did you press that button against Vodu's wishes? Tell me that Zak is alive.

Raja's glance fell. Her shoulders trembled as if a chill coursed through her. She opened her mouth to speak, but her body deflated again.

"Raja, please."

Aimee, you have to accept that Zak is most likely gone, she pleaded.

No, Aimee sat back. No, I don't.

Raja's hand curled into a fist on the table and she shook her head to cast aside an inner conflict.

There were rumors from some of the returning recon Warriors, she started.

Aimee tensed.

They−they reported having seen Zak. They could not positively identify him, but they felt certain it was him by his stature, his hair, and yet−

And yet?

And yet, Raja hesitated. They could not be certain, because he had...changed.

Changed? Aimee's eyebrows furrowed. Changed how?

Aimee, Raja's elbows jutted out when she leaned in. If the man they saw was Zak−he−he opened fire on them. He used a Koron's solar ray. One of the Warriors came back injured and one came back blinded. If it was Zak, he would certainly not fire on his own.

I want to speak to these Warriors.

Raja frowned and sat up. You're going to completely discount what I just said, and you're going to extract from it the only piece of information you want to hear...that Zak is alive.

Aimee gauged Raja. They had both grown out of their youth. Raja was now an elegant woman with catwalk model looks. Shiny golden hair slid over her shoulders and nestled across her chest. Wide blue-green eyes with a veil of dark lashes studied Aimee, awaiting her retort. Instead, Aimee held her tongue for a moment.

Raja— she began softly, you never answered the question.

Raja's glance clashed with hers. What do you mean?

"Why did you push that button?" Aimee enunciated each word, because suddenly the answer was of the utmost importance.

Splicing fingers into her hair, Raja cupped the sides of her head. In this stark conference room this seemed like an inquisition.

Just before Zak left, he pulled me aside. An anxious eye peeked out from the silken hair. "He said, If I'm not here when the HORUS returns to Earth−and if by some miracle Aimee is waiting for me behind that pond− Raja hesitated, —bring her here. I will find a way back to her."

Aimee's throat clenched. It was so tight it brought tears to her eyes. She tried to clear her throat to remove the obstruction.

My dear Raja, she looked at the woman through a bleary veil, I do believe that you are a romantic.

Raja tugged at the collar of her shirt. The translator on these new garments is failing. What is a romantic?

It was the first time that Aimee noticed that the mandatory silver suit was gone. Raja wore actual pants and a short-sleeved blouse. Granted, the material was stellar—a synthetic that Earth could never produce. Yet, the style looked remarkably familiar. The pants were tight, made from a dark-blue fabric, and the blouse was white. Opalescent. The similarity finally registered and Aimee proclaimed, Your outfit. It looks like something from Earth. The blue material could pass for jeans, and you could almost get away with the white clingy blouse on Earth.

We needed a change. Raja blushed. I had some input in the design of these garments.

There is no need to light up organ failure on your suits anymore? Aimee asked, knowing that the plague that assaulted these lovely nomads had finally been eradicated.

We could never let go of that paranoia. The illumination of these garments is slightly more discreet. Raja's golden eyebrows hefted. Romantic! she exclaimed as the definition finally came to her. "Idealistic. Passionate. Lover." Her high cheekbones glowed with a flush that her outfit could never produce. She hesitated and regrouped.

He missed you so much, Aimee. He was a lost soul after you left. He poured himself into his goal and rarely spoke to anyone. When he pulled me aside to deliver that last message—well, it wasn't something I could dismiss. Zak never had a request in his life. I had to heed this one.

Raja slumped back in her chair. But, what if I've brought you up here and there is no hope that he is alive? I have taken you from your family. She glanced up imploringly. Please consider Vodu's offer to have the Warriors take you back to Earth.

Not likely.

But Aimee did feel bad for the position Raja had placed herself in. She knew the woman was conflicted. Above all else, though, she was grateful to Raja for heeding Zak's last command.

Thank you, Raja. Aimee's gratitude was so tremendous it squeezed her throat again when she tried to speak. Thank you so much for listening to him. She coughed into her curled fist. Exactly how long do we have until we reach Ziratak?

Raja cocked her head. "Half of a renna. Ummm, a little over one of your rotations."

A little over a year.

Quick to recall her formula for time in space, Aimee calculated that to be a few months. After a five-year sojourn, the pain of waiting several more months slapped her in the face. It would be an interminable delay, but she was already scheming. If Zak was in trouble, he did not need a weak, lovelorn woman from Earth to come save him.

He needed a Warrior.

Raja, I'm going to need your help.

Retaining composure during Vodu's feast, Aimee finally convinced the commander that she was prepared to stay on board the HORUS until its next pass to Earth.

Five years. A ren.

Time. What was time? Time could now only be measured by the seconds, the heartbeats—each breath until she reached Ziratak.

She had to find Zak.

Alive.

CHAPTER TWO

Ziratak

They were coming. It wasn't so much the sound that revealed them. It was the subtle vibration of the ground beneath his feet, like the percussion of a distant explosion. It was their march. The dead tread of stone against sand. A ghostly gait of menace.

Zak swiped his forearm across his brow. The sun showed no mercy, and this desert vista offered little refuge in which to hide.

Judging by the increased reverberation and the trickle of sand cascading down the closest dune, he guessed them to be on the other side of the knoll. Hefting the burdensome solar ray, he aimed it at the line where shadow met light, waiting for their grotesque silhouettes to appear. He would use their own weapon against them and depending on how many of the Korons there were, he would destroy each one until they claimed his life.

Perspiration trickled into his eyes, clashing with the glare of the suns. The deadly blend blinded him as thousands of diamonds cascaded across his field of vision. In that shower of gems he saw someone approach. It was a feminine silhouette. Lean. Tall. Beautiful. His body jerked in shock as the sun radiated off the flowing auburn hair.

"Aimee," he whispered with desperation.

She was exquisite, as if the suns had stirred the sand into over five feet of gold, and rendered this woman that he had missed so fiercely. He took a faltering step towards her.

Aimee could take his exhaustion away. She could take the pain away. Her touch would make him feel whole again. How desperately he wanted her touch.

Aimee, he called, his voice hoarse from thirst.

Zak blinked only to find that the phantom was a trick of the light, another bantam effect of the madness that wormed into his soul.

Aimee was gone, and in her place the shadows grew. They became tall, macabre caricatures of