Of Families I

I. When blood calls

Rain poured down across the well-manicured field, drenching everything; which included Alysianna, as she stood outside the equipment room. She stood with her arms slightly raised, palms turned upward to catch the rain as it fell. Her head tilted upward and eyes closed. The rain soaked through her clothing, but she stood in place, letting the water run down her face.

“What in the world are you doing out here?” asked a familiar voice behind her.

“Remembering,” she replied without changing her posture.

Silence was the only response, which she let stretch for a long minute. “The rain has always calmed me. Even as a little girl I would go out to the gardens to stand in the grass, barefoot.”

“I was going to ask about your boots.”

“Sometimes, I think I remember my sisters and I all standing together in the rain. But then I always wonder if it might just be a memory built on wishes.” She let the rain flow across her face for another moment. “Do you still talk with your family?”

“I do.”

“It's been years since I have spoken to any member of my family.” Silence fell again. “I received a message yesterday...... from Akikho.”

“Your sister?”

“Yes.”

Silence fell once again.

“She's in Trouble.” Alysianna turned to face her visitor. “I've told you about Akikho. How a man charmed her, wooed her, and then locked her away.” Alysianna's eyes hardened as she spoke. “She was hurt Ani. Bruises on her face, not quite covered by makeup. But more than that I saw her eyes. She's living in fear.” Alysianna let the silence hang for a moment. “I'm going to her. I'm saving my sister.”

“Into State space?” Damith's face showed open concern.

Alysianna nodded.

“On the ground?”

Another nod.

Damith stood, just under the equipment rooms’ awning, a look of concern in her eyes. “The entire nation will want you dead, not to mention the detain or terminate order from your parents.”

Alysianna nodded again, the rain running down her face. “Let them try and stop me.”