Clouds of Tyranny Page 9

  Locke’s hair was wet from the bath he had just finished and was in his underwear sitting on his own bed organizing, cleaning, and sharpening his blades with his sharpening stone. He was finishing up his Damascus when he heard water movement from inside the washroom. “Damn, she takes forever at everything…except killing apparently,” whispered Locke to himself. He gave the length of his sword a final wipe and laid it on the floor with the rest. He reached over to the table that sat between the heads of their beds and grabbed the bottle of whiskey that stood next to seven cigarettes that Alex had rolled while he was in the bath; she took one in with her along with a bottle of white wine she obtained at the general store; the clerk couldn’t stop staring at her breasts, then couldn’t stop staring at her boots. Locke took a quick swig and placed it back on the table. Locke was ready for bed, just waiting for Alex so he could shut off the lantern and go to sleep. The door creaked open loudly and Alex walked to see Locke turned with his back to her. “We should probably get some sleep“ said Locke as he turned; his speech cut off mid sentence by the image of Alex. He could see in the washroom her dress was hung up and she was wearing something she obviously grabbed at the last minute from the shop. It was a lavender colored silk nightgown that came down to her upper thigh (she couldn’t bend over without showcasing herself), it had thin straps going up her shoulders and criss-crossed in the back. It was paper-thin; it displayed every curve she had to offer including her breasts that had reacted to the cold air against her flesh. Alex smiled a smile that was easy to read, “Hi,” said Alex seductively. “Good bath?” asked Locke nervously. “Mmhmm.” “So, uh,” Locke cleared his throat, “How do you like to sleep? Dim or all the way dark?” “With someone.” “I’m serious.” Alex laid on her bed stomach down and breasts pressed against her blanket with her legs bent draping over her own behind; her skin glistened from the water. “So am I.” Locke swallowed hard, “No, we cant.” “Come on,” Alex begged as she held up her index finger and her thumb a half an inch apart, “just a little?” “How do you have just a little sex?” “If you don’t know I’m not gonna tell you…but I can show you,” said Alex as she bit her bottom lip. “I know that having the job we have, it sometimes gets lonely and frustrating.” “My eyes are up here,” smirked Alex. Locke’s head jerked up to look at her face; he didn’t even realize he had drifted elsewhere. “You just remind me of someone.” “Your girlfriend?” “No, I don’t have a girlfriend. Having a girlfriend just complicates an already complicated profession.” “I completely agree,” said Alex as she pressed her clean firm breasts closer together. “Good, that’s why we cant-“ “What? I’m just talking about tonight, baby,” she said as she sat up on the bed resting her butt on her feet. Locke looked at her incredible body and searched for the power to resist her, “No.” “Geez,” complained Alex as she push one of her straps over her shoulder so it draped across her strong bicep, “How many hints do you need?” Locke took his feet from the floor and slid them onto his bed and Alex perked up and smiled as she licked her lips devilishly. Then, Locke tucked his butt on his pillow, raised his legs and lowered the blanket so he could lay it over him. “Goodnight Alex,” he said as he turned his broad shouldered back towards her. “Nite,” sighed Alex as she picked up a cigarette and struck a match to light it. Locke was frowning, but Alex could not see. His brain was telling him he did the right things but every other part of his body disagreed. His pelvis was throbbing inside his underwear, “Oh, shut up!” “What?” asked Alex. “Nothing.”

  CHAPTER 9: TIME FOR A CHANGE

  “Terra!” yelled Rina from inside the cottage. Terra dropped the gardening spade and ran toward the front door. “Mom?” “Look at this, Terra!” A twelve-year-old Terra ran through the front door in her pink polka dot dress with her pigtails flapping through the breeze. She burst through the door to see her mother hold up the first kitten of the litter. “Awe, how cute,” yelled out Terra as she took it from her mother. “That one, we keep. The rest I will sell in town when they’re old enough to leave their mother’s teat.” “What should we name it,” asked Terra without looking up from the newborn kitten. “It’s a she, Terra. And the name is up to you, but don’t go changing your mind everyday.” “I wont,” squeaked Terra. Terra cuddled the newborn kitten in her arms staring at his little face with still shut eyes while Rina assisted with the birth of seven more kittens; two of which that didn’t live. Terra put the orange tiger-striped kitten back with its mother to feed, then went back outside to tend to the vegetable garden.

  Terra sat on her knees as she loosened the soil around the vegetables and herbs with an iron spade. “How are they?” asked Rina standing behind Terra. “The rosemary is wilting momma,” whined Terra. “Well, fix it then. Just like I showed you honey.” “Kay,” answered Terra. Terra loosely pinched the stem of the herb and closed her eyes tight. “Come on honey. Wish. Wish,” chanted her mother. “I’m a wishing momma.” Before their very eyes the base of the stem got greener and the entire plant flourished with life and looked ready to pull. “Good Terra.”

  It was nearly sundown and Terra was finishing up the hauling of the wood from outside to bring inside for the fireplace while Rina made dinner on her coal stove. Terra could smell the plentiful flavors of her mother’s chicken dumpling chowder. “Mom?” called out Terra. “Yes, Terra?” “I put the wood in the fireplace.” “How many pieces?” “Three.” Rina gave her chowder a quick stir so it wouldn’t stick to the side of the pot and went into the living room where the fireplace was. The fireplace was on the opposite side of the room from the kitchen doorway where Rina was standing. “Stand away Terra,” ordered her mother sternfully. Terra walked away and sat in a pink padded chair several feet away and watched the fireplace in excitement as if something were going to happen. Rina raised a palm and a small ball of fire shot from her hand igniting the fireplace. “Wow,” exclaimed Terra. Rina chuckled and smiled at Terra, who despite seeing this trick countless times, was still amazed by it. “Wish I could do that,” complained Terra. “No, it’s dangerous and people are scared of it. Or worse, they want it for their own.” “Why? It’s just an easier way to start the fireplace.” “Yes Terra,” said Rina as she nodded her head from side-to-side at Terra’s ignorance of the evildoers of the world.

  After eating dinner and washing up, Rina put Terra into bed and tucked her in. “I love you momma,” giggled Terra. “I love you too, honey.” She thought hard for a moment as she looked at her in the light of the candle that sat across the room, several feet from the foot of Terra’s bed. “Terra, I’m not going to be here forever and I want to make sure your protected.” Rina got up and retrieved the candle from across the room and brought it back to the side of Terra’s bed. “Now, before I show you this I want you to promise me something,” pleaded Rina. “Huh?” “Never use your gift for bad things, okay?” “Okay momma.” “Here, place your hand over the candle with your palm pointed down,” she said as she took Terra’s hand and positioned it a few inches above the flickering flame barely feeling its heat. “Now, wish it to grow.” Terra closed her eyes tight and ‘wished’. The flame grew bigger and bigger until it was big enough for Terra to feel its heat get hotter. Terra opened her eyes in amazement, “Wow.” Rina got up and placed the candle back across the room away from the bed and returned to Terra and kissed her on the forehead. “Goodnight Terra.” “Nite mom.”

  Terra’s eyes shuddered open, and felt the coldness of the women’s dorm. I forgot about the candle trick. Terra turned away from the wall to face Ruthie, but her bed was vacant and still made. She said she was coming to bed when I left the infirmary. Terra threw the covers from her body and emerged wearing her nightclothes; white hooded sweater and elastic blue-plaid pajama pants. She tiptoed past all the sleeping girls and left the dorm to go find Ruthie. She walked down the hall to find Ruthie in the infirmary curled up on the doc’s small couch shivering; she hadn’t left Clyde’s side. Terra’s mouth curled and she looked around and found a generic blanket o
n one of the shelves and unfolded it and placed it over Ruthie’s cold body. “It’s always colder after you fall asleep,” whispered Clyde. “You should be resting,” retorted Terra sincerely. “I hate sleeping, it gives me nightmares,” smiled Clyde. “Funny,” said Terra without laughing. “That’s Ruthie’s favorite too. I know what you’re thinking,” frowned Clyde. “No, you don’t.” “Well, maybe not this second, but I know what you’re thinking about me and Ruthie.” “It’s really non of my-“ “It’s not romantic at all, trust me.” “I wasn’t assuming-“ “It’s okay. She like a little sister to me; we met when her and Locke joined.” “The Returners you mean?” “Yeah, we were instant friends and I kinda saw myself as her protector in Locke’s absence. She is so energetic and gung-ho it takes both, me and Locke to protect her. I was actually banished from HQ for a month because I beat up a kid that had relations with her, cuz I thought he tricked her. When I got back, Ruthie slapped me, yelled at me, and said it was her idea.” “She’s…experienced?” “Yeah, surprising isn’t it?” “Very…well I better get back to bed. Nite Clyde.” Clyde turned his head to face the ceiling as he closed his eyes, “Seeya, gonna have me a nightmare.” Terra smiled and left the room quietly. She stood in the hall and began to walk back to the room. “Psst.” Terra stopped and turned around, in the dark dining room there was a figure sitting at a table holding an orange glowing dot. A cigarette? Ray? She walked over to the person, “Oh, Pearl. You can’t sleep either?” She took a puff from her cigarette and blew out the smoke, “I get up every two hours for a puff, can’t sleep without it.” “Oh, I’m sorry.” “Why? It’s a blessing, not a curse.” “Hmm.” Pearl motioned to a chair, “Sit down.” “Okay,” said Terra as she sat down. “That was a lie wasn’t it?” “What? That I was sorry for you?” Pearl laughed, “No, the whole ‘I’ve been with someone before’ thing.” “How did you know?” inquired Terra with squinting eyes trying to see Pearl through the darkness of the room. “I’m a women. Woman that have ‘been there’ know that when you haven’t, you walk a little differently, talk a little differently, and are just a little more shy.” “I hope men don’t notice that about me,” blushed Terra. Pearl took a deep puff and exhaled, “Sweety, men don’t notice shit!” They both laughed at Pearls little joke for a good minute. “Tell me, “ said Pearl, “Have you kissed a boy?” “Umm, yeah, once.” “How was it? Was he sloppy or sensual?” “Hmm, I really don’t have anything to compare it to…I guess I’d call it ‘quick’” “Quick?” “Yeah, it was a romantic scenario. The lake at sundown, you know?” “Oh yes, the best time to share each other’s body.” “Our lips touched and within one second his tongue was in my throat, I almost threw up.” “Hahaha,” laughed Pearl as she slammed her palm down on the table. Terra chuckled, “After that I kinda didn’t want him to touch me anymore.” “Good move on your part. He’s probably quick at other things too, how old were you?” “Seventeen, I think.” “Wow, two years since your last kiss. I thought I was bad.” Terra scoffed, “Um, what do you mean quick at other stuff by the way? Is that bad? I always thought that the whole point was to finish and that is what felt good.” “No no no sweety. The entire experience is good…with the right person, that is. How long do you envision sex lasting?” “Ummm…I don’t know…five, ten minutes.” “Sweaty, if it’s only that long. The man needs to die for the sake of all other women. My last time was a little under an hour.” “Really? Wow.” “Yup, about average.” “Hmm, have you ‘you know’ with Locke?” “No…but I know you’d like to,” teased Pearl at Terra nudging her in the stomach with her fingertips. “Anyway, I should probably get to bed,” said Terra as she got up. “Goodnight, thanks for the company Terra. Oh! Can you do me a favor?” “I wont tell anyone your fun to hang around. You’re a tough soldier chick, right?” “Thanks,” said Pearl smiling at Terra as she walked back to the women’s dormitory.

  Locke got up first, the sun wouldn’t be up for another hour but he wanted to get moving; his brain always woke him up when it was almost time to go, no matter what the time, his body was very in tune with its needs; a killers instinct. He crawled out of bed and rose to his feet looking over at Alex as he yawned. So beautiful, he thought as she laid there breathing calmly with her hands cradled under her cheek, I’m sorry Alex, I like you too much to bed you. He put on the clothes he obtained the night before; a sleeveless black shirt, faded jeans with his daggers attached and a brand new pair of black military boots. He tied his Returner’s bandana to his head and walked over to Alex’s bed and sat down near her and began rubbing her arm, “Alex,” he whispered, “Time to get up.” She rolled onto her back and stretched her arms and let out a big yawn, “Change your mind?” “Nope, we’re out the door in thirty. Get dressed, I’ll grab some food.” Locke got up and left the room stealthily.

  After retrieving some scrambled egg sandwiches and a big cup of coffee, Locke returned to the room to find Alex ready to go and smoking a cigarette, “Ya know, this dress makes it impossible to fight three guys at once.” He handed her a sandwich and the cup, “Don’t be ridiculous, they’ll be frozen in awe.” Alex chuckled as she chewed her sandwich. She took a drink of the coffee and handed it to Locke. “No thanks, I had mine while they made the eggs,” said Locke as he ate his sandwich. “No, I mean get rid of it. It’s intolerable.” “Yeah, the coffee here’s pretty bad. But the eggs are good.” They both chewed as Alex nodded her head in agreement, “Here here.” Locke took the last bite of his and went to the side of the bed to retrieve his Damascus. Alex took her last bite and closed her eyes before taking another drink of the sewage tasting coffee. “So,” said Locke, “What is that thing we rode in on?” “My ride? It’s called a ‘ground rocket’, the S250.” “Interesting.” “Yeah, I’m the only one that can operate it, kinda cool huh?” “Yeah, ready?” “Yup, man the rockets gonna feel good in this dress.” “Oh my, that’s gross Alex.” “Wouldn’t be thinking that way if you-“ “Lets go,” said Locke as he walked through the door, “Hey,” he said, “ Aren’t you gonna take that night gown?” She looked at it and shrugged, “Doesn’t seem to work very well.” Alex smiled devilishly and grabbed her dragon blade and followed Locke’s lead.

  Once they got back to the metal shop where the S250 was being stored, Locke said his goodbyes and Milton raised the gate and they were off. As they raced across the plains Locke did the math in his head; he figured they’d be there a little after sundown, maybe. Locke’s brain was hard at work trying to find a believable lie about Alex; she’s pretty and can fight better than almost anyone Locke has ever battled. Hmm, blacksmith? No. Uhh, waitress? No. Dammit! This iron horse sure is- Wait! Horse trainer! That would explain her agility. And…her father was a …knight for the Velxeer army. Aces!

  “Terra?” sung Ruthie to wake her up. “Oh, hey Ruthie,” yawned Terra as she rubber her eyes. “Thanks for the blanky.” “Sure, how is Clyde?” “He’s tough, wants to get up and walk today, but doc wont allow it.” “Oh. But how are you?” “I’m good.” “You seem a little more like yourself this morning. Thanks for not being naked when I woke up.” “No problemo, Ter. Come on, breakfast.” Terra laid in bed for a few more minutes before getting up and seeing that on the floor next to her bed was her green tank top and white flowing skirt, “Yesss! Girl clothes at last. All clean too,” she yelled out in excitement. She turned her head and a few of the young girls were staring at her. Terra cleared her throat, grabbed her clothes, and made her way to the bathroom to change.

  After getting dressed, Terra went down the hall towards the dining room; as she passed the infirmary door she heard acts of violence. “You son of a bitch! I want to eat with everyone else and eat what they’re eating!” screamed Clyde throwing objects across the room; most likely at the doc. “Listen to me! You need vitamins, rest and proper nourishment, that means four pills twice a day, stay in that bed for six more days, and eat fruit and vegetables four times a day. That adds up to-“ “Eighteen shithead!” “Wrong! Staying in this room and doing what I d
amn well tell you until I tell you not do what I tell you to do.” Clyde stopped screaming and tried desperately to dissect what the hell doc was saying. “Besides,” continued the doc, “There having chili for breakfast. That, my friend, is a step in the wrong direction for you.” “Shiiiiit! They’re having chili today? I loooove chili! You had to tell me didn’t you, you sick son of a bitch! Chili? Oh man!” “Yes I did. Should have been nice, Clarence.” “Hey! Stop that shit: it’s Clyde. You want nice? Come over here within arms length.” Terra couldn’t help but laugh; four bullets were pulled from the inside of his body and the lack of chili upsets him.

  Once again, Terra found her way over to her usual table with Ruthie, Pearl, and Ray where her chili awaited; red and chunky with beans, onions, and meat protruding out of it. Just the steam going into Terra’s nostrils was spicy; she knew it was going to be good; she always liked spicy food, even when she was little. She sat next to Ruthie, as usual, “Eating out here today?” asked Terra. “Couldn’t listen to all the yelling any longer,” replied Ruthie. Pearl smiled at Terra when their eyes met. “Any news on Locke?” asked Terra directed at Pearl. “No, nothing I’m afraid.” “Don’t worry,” said Ray, “He’ll be okay, he always is.” “Until he isn’t,” sulked Terra. Ray gave her a confused look, “Are you guys doing each other or something?” “That’s charming, Ray!” said Pearl sarcastically, “Doing? Why not just say ‘screw’?” asked Pearl angrily. “Cuz, we’re at the breakfast table and I have class.” “Really? Well, I think it fell out of your pocket when you were a teenager.” “Enough!” yelled Smith who was at the next table. “Criminy, why don’t you two get married already?” Pearl and Ray looked at each other and scoffed like Smith had lost his mind to imply something so hideous. “I only date women,” said Ray. “Look, I got a message this morning; Locke is on his way home with someone he rescued from the Empire and more importantly information on the Empire’s plans and statistics on how many soldiers are in Pan’dier, so we can take back the town and that will be one less piece of land the imperials occupy.” Terra let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, and Terra? More training today. Don’t worry, firearm training and Ruthie’s going to show you some hand to hand combat moves. Bullets don’t last forever, you know.” “Right,” answered Terra then went back to her chili and out of the corner of her eye she saw the black German shepherd eating a bowl of chili on the floor as well. “His name is Hans,” said Ruthie about the dog.