Emerald Flight: “Star Wing” (continued)

Hope stared up at the winged Aerian, suddenly aware of just how much taller than her the being was. The Star Bloods had also loomed over her, but that had seemed fitting, given their greater overall mass. Hope knew, that the slight build of this being contained a strength and power perhaps even more devastating than belonging to a Star Blood.

“Why have you returned?” She spoke aloud, chiefly for the benefit of the Tactical Officer, but also echoed the question in her mind.

The winged Aerian's head remained lowered. For a moment, Hope thought for a moment that it might once again drop to its knees in supplication. To her surprise, it did not.

<I no longer wish to be apart from you. I cannot fulfill my duty . . . apart.>

Hope sensed that the being's last word carried a far deeper meaning, but its nuances had been lost in time. Her mind provided the best translation that it could, but she saved the original sounds for later research. Once again, she was frustrated by her lack of access to her home world's data sources—particularly the historical records. She could request them, of course, but at this distance it would take several days before they might arrive.

Assuming the Hierarchy approves, of course, she thought with wry annoyance.

Still, she intended to make the effort. Already, she could imagine the upset that the discovery of this ancient being would cause among the Administrators.

“She may remain.”

Hope stared at the Tactical Officer, waiting for his reply, expecting him to protest. He was often reasonable, but his priorities did not always match her own.

The Tactical Officer regarded her in return, saying nothing at first. Finally, he nodded, once. He turned toward the Security Officer at his left.

“Two guards are to remain posted at all times,” he told her. “One at the isolation chamber, and at the other at the main hatch.” His eyes fixed on those of the Security Officer. “Your priority is containment. Is that clear?”

The Security Officer held the Tactical Officer's gaze for a moment and then nodded sharply. “Yes, sir.” She gestured toward the other Security Officer, who silently took up position at the main hatch leading into the infirmary.

“The bridge will continue to monitor all activity,” the Tactical Officer said, turning back to Hope.

She returned his gaze, understanding the implied warning.

“Understood.”

The Tactical Officer maintained eye contact with her for a long moment, and then turned sharply on his heel. With a few measured strides, he left the infirmary.

<He would defend you.>

Hope's eyes turned from the now-closed hatch, looking at the winged Aerian in surprise.

<He would defend you.>

The being repeated it, as if Hope had not understood.

<And die.>

Hope stared at the winged being. Shock rippled through her even as she realized that what it had spoken was true. Although it was not programmed into their genes, as it was with the Star Bloods of her race, Humans would do this for each other.

“How do you know this?”

<Can you not see it? In his heart?>

The ancient Aerian used a different word, one that almost translated into current Aerian as “soul”, but with different nuances than Humans would use.

Hope looked toward the closed hatch, staring at it in silence for several moments. She turned backed to the winged being. It gazed back at her patiently, its fire-red hair forming a flame-like nimbus around its head.

“You must go to the isolation chamber now.”

The winged Aerian bowed its head.

<I will obey.>

It turned, and without waiting for the Security Officer to accompany it, headed in the direction that Hope had indicated.

Hope watched it go, wondering what else it understood.