Michael knelt at the settee. He faced a grand window of the floating city’s tallest tower. Outside, diffuse sunbeams lit nebula clouds behind the blue marble of Haven. “Creator, what names shall I give the ships of this fleet that will inspire us to end this rebellion?”
Michael’s wings flared at the chiming from behind. “Come.”
As the pyramid door opened, an ornate, golden six-petalled flower whose central circle contained a celestial rune etched into it parted. Beyond, a gray-blue woman stood next to a young human of the Galatian naval forces. Next to them, a bronze-colored mechanical man with cerulean gemstone eyes bowed. “Sir. An urgent message.”
“Thank you, Logos.” Michael greeted the visitors as silver-rimmed flames in his gaze rested on the commanding woman.
“Ming of the Leng’gui consulate and Adar Thelema, the chief designer of his namesake’s freighter.” Logos presented.
Michael nodded. Ming was a demure, hairless beauty with pearlescent skin and a perfect figure denoting the strength and grace of her aquatic species. She wore a delicate robe of organic materials. Intricate, shimmering jewelry adorned her finned ears. Ming was proof of Galatian tales of Leng’gui’s potent presence. He read her thoughts, an ability she quickly returned before bowing her head respectfully and speaking aloud. Her voice, like the Seraphim, was filled with multiphonic layers. “For our allies’ sake, let us speak aloud.”
Ming, like Michael, spoke the heavenly tongue. She possessed seven vocal cords. Her thoughts were not the singular delicate thread of a human but a weave of many simultaneous messages. She had an answer from the Creator, a plan to deal with Halel and painful news. Michael motioned to the window, “Certainly.”
Adar stepped around the settee and looked down at the largest ship outside – an immense island of metal and marvel. “We will pass through Huan’hai on our way to deliver our cargo. Ming can explain.”
Michael examined the distant vessel. Shaped like a long plank flanked by six circular platforms, each able to accommodate a celestial battleship. At the vessel’s rear, a mountainous navigation castle was large enough to distinguish its U-shaped arc bridge. This storied vessel was a proven, powerful freighter able to operate deep within enemy territory.
“I bring painful news.” Ming stepped behind Michael’s wings on her way to his side, then looked into his eyes. Her violet irises glowed from the radiant silvery rim of light around them. They were filled with a poignant expression that moved him. “I assure you that my son will be dealt with.”
“What’s this about, Ming?”
“Ghaust’s mate joined the Fell Ones after her capture and torture. We believe this is why he betrayed us.” Ming began.
“I’m—” Michael started.
“Thank you, but there is more.” Ming interrupted.
“Go on,” Michael’s wings twitched.
“Ghaust is detained aboard the SS Thelema, but I’m afraid it is too late.”
“Ming.“
Ming raised her hand. “Michael, Ariel was on Biblos.”
Michael’s countenance darkened. An aura of fire outlined his form. Ming tilted her head. A painful tear trickled down her cheek as Michael waged war within. Orange flames in his eyes slowly tempered as her violet gaze of grief persisted. “I will carry out Ka Funir myself.”
Michael muttered. “You lose a son. I, a daughter. All for Halel’s madness!”
“In our losses, the Creator shows us a powerful weapon,” Ming replied.
Michael raised an eyebrow. “Let’s hear it.”
“In Leng’gui, seven words come from one seed – love. Unite your fleet by naming these ships after them.”
Michael glanced at Adar. “What do you say?”
“Ming tells me the SS Thelema is already so,” Adar replied.
Micheal returned his gaze to Ming. “The others?”
“Name this city Agape for our Creator’s love. Call one ship, the Storge, to remind us of family. Call another sibling, Phileo, and another friend, Philos. Name the utility vessel Pragma and have it serve the passion of the SS Thelema. Last, let the garden ship be Eros after the Creator’s design.”
Whoa! 🤯 Definitely has me wanting to read more. The fires are stoked