{Ishkur | Bridge}
What smelled so good?
Frost and untamed wilderness.
“I’ll follow you anywhere, your majesty. Where Cinder goes, I go.”
Sagan opened her eyes and smiled. In a world without Rayne, Echo lying between Sagan and Korac was enough. The certainty in his eyes while swearing his fealty to Xelan was enough.
This future was enough.
Korac looked at Sagan like she’d said it aloud. He was lying on his side, face propped in his hand, and he looked secure and comfortable with…
Wow, there were a lot of people in here.
Sagan’s throat was still sore from crying. Her voice sounded worn as she asked, “How did I sleep through this?”
In answer, Xelan nudged her with his boot. “Being a superhero is tiring.” He grinned—oh, the haunted shadow of his signature expression—before saying, “Glad to have you back, General Sterling. Just in time for my address. If you’ll excuse me.”
Xelan’s face transformed. Opening his eyes wide and lolling his tongue out, he gave a silly wave to baby Echo. Sagan giggled, and the infant smiled. Beaming with success, the Prince—no—the King of Cinder headed over to Tameka and Tumu, who waited at the main terminal.
Korac watched Sagan through the entire exchange, focusing on her face. Her smile for him was weaker than she wanted, but the day had been long, with much left to do. This little bubble with him and Echo—Sagan could stay here forever. Safe and happy.
Careful not to squish her, Korac leaned over Echo and kissed Sagan on her nacre. “Amos.”
A blush crept onto her cheeks, and he smirked in response. Flustered now, she said his line, “I love the way you look at me.”
He vowed, “Then I’ll never look away.”
Sagan closed her hand and allowed herself to feel the ring on her finger. It was already feeling like home. Korac stared at it, quiet. Almost at peace.
Xelan’s voice popped the bubble as he spoke over the mass comms. “The Vast Collective.” He said it with so much authority and so much promise. After a pause, he continued, “A galaxy free of Imminent. Free of Remorse. And as of today, a galaxy free of slavery in all its forms. The mines, the mills, the vice—All of it changes today. With Ishkur’s technology and resources, we are free.”
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With a smile for Tameka, Xelan stepped back and let her speak over the mic. “Lacceirus-Capra, Lukemore, Pil, Reipon, Yu, Monarch 3, Earth, and Cinder, your home is here, if you wish it. We welcome and honor you. Your sacrifice and promise will forge Iona Pax, the Concerted Empire. We invite your elected leadership to design a home here in Ishkur. One which is most suitable for the needs of your people. While you occupy a habitable space here, we can restore your worlds damaged by this war. Repair our people and our planets.”
They switched places again, and Xelan said, “F8, Legir, X, 2Lip, and Kombuchi—I expect to hear from you soon. Welcome to the tomorrow we promised you. Welcome to Ishkur.”
The crowded bridge thundered with applause and rejoicing.
Sagan grinned at Korac, who was still rubbing his temple at Xelan’s name for the empire.
Iuo shouted, “Reipon is ready, your imperial majesties. Welcome to tomorrow!”
Tumu called, “It’d better be tall people friendly. Everything Aegis so far is short.”
Lamassau slapped his ass. “Bend over more often.”
“Oooo,” Twenty-One and Bones harmonized.
Tameka covered Pax’s ears and glared at the Chef.
“Sorry, Empress Fury.”
Xelan tried to flag him over her head, mouthing, “No. Don’t.”
Too late.
Tameka put a hand on her hip and sassed it out. “That’s Emperor Fury.”
Sagan watched Korac’s brows go high at the announcement to which he shouted, “Here, here!” The rest echoed him. He gave Sagan a ‘what’ shrug before admitting, “She’s too bad ass not to celebrate.”
Going native looked cute on Sagan’s man.
Even Echo waved a little arm in jubilation.
Miy and Pehton shared their first agreeable look, and it was all female empowerment.
Caedes beamed at Fury.
It warmed Sagan’s heart to be surrounded by so many incredible men and women willing to fight together and die together…
Rayne.
As if overhearing her thoughts, Jack raised a drink ration into the air. Everyone went quiet. Rayne’s brother said, “For those we lost.” He gestured at Silence. “And those we won.” He met the stares of the people on the bridge. Xelan and Tameka with Pax. Korac and Sagan with Echo. Pehton and Caedes. Pablo and Lynn with Dr. Qas and the new Tritan allies. The power group of Kyle, Silence, Smith, Lucas, and Andrew. The ‘get it done’ squad, with Matt in the lead. Twenty-One, Iuo, and Miy. Bones and Para snuggled where they thought no one could see. Chris and Karter leaned on each other. Gait’s children smiled with a bright future filled with hope. And Ross gazed at Jack with pride and affection.
“We will always remain.”
No one cheered.
No.
Everyone put a fist to their nacre and lowered their heads in deference.
The Shadow, the Twelve Worlds—They’d lost so much to make it here. Billions of lives and entire worlds ruined by Imminent. Now with Tameka, Xelan, and the Concerted Council leading the way, tomorrow never looked so bright.
Would it be easy?
No.
But what worth fighting for was easy?
Now more than ever, the Shadow faced monumental challenges and weighty decisions. They would build new homes for the people and honor the lost forever. Everyone would know the names of the fallen.
Sagan gazed at Echo and the lives which led to her making.
Razor.
Triss.
Nox.
And Rayne most of all.