Chapter 21: Arrival

Chapter 21: Arrival

It was 10 o’clock in the morning and Jacek was just waking up. He rolled over in bed to check his phone immediately. He picked it up to see no new messages from Erika. He threw his phone aside and continued to lay there.

A few moments later, there was a knock at the door. Jacek called out, “Please do not disturb me unless I am needed for action regarding the protection of the province.”

Vega called out from behind the door, “Come on man. If Xenia is to visit, it will be today. You need to be ready.”

Jacek called out again to Vega, “I don’t care about that.”

Vega opened the door and entered against Jacek’s wishes. Vega looked around the room and said, “This has gone on long enough. Your room is a total mess. Your demeanor is dragging down morale for the entire encampment. And you have not been your usual self. Now I know you are taking Erika’s break with you hard, but you need to fight your way through this for everyone’s benefit. And especially your own benefit.”

Jacek rolled out of bed and put on a pair of military pants and a white shirt before fastening his combat boots. He looked up at Vega and said, “She hasn’t returned my calls or texts for a week. I miss her. And once our families find out how foolish I was when I upset her, I will be reprimanded by my father.”

Vega began to offer his words of inspiration; however, just at that moment, the emergency radio sprang to life, “Lord Heraklinos. Unidentified aircraft on radar traveling at hypersonic speeds, Mach 20 and slowing. Direct line of flight to our fortress. ETA 3 minutes!”

Jacek grabbed the radio and reported back, “Prepare the artillery! I am coming down right now!”

Jacek and Vega rushed to the command center located on the floor below and took a hard look at the radar as he said, “Any successful communication with the pilot?”

The captain on sight reported, “None. The jet has a barrier surrounding it preventing radio transmission.”

Vega asked, “Any markings to suggest it is our own plane or an ally’s?”

The captain reported, “None. The jet is solid black underneath the outer layer. No country on record has a plane with such specifications. The configuration is a fighter jet.”

Jacek yelled, “Anti-aircraft missiles. Fire!”

The captain nodded for the private at the controls to fire the missiles. With a few clicks on the panel, ten anti-aircraft missiles launched.

Jacek and Vega turned to watch the visual camera on the missiles. They rushed over the tree tops and soon made visual contact with the jet. Moments later, the missiles made direct contact.”

Xenia held her hand up to cut him off as she said, “Think nothing of it. I find aggressive, powerful men to be much more interesting than their calm counterparts. Plus, isn’t this why I’m here? To spar with you?”

Jacek couldn’t believe his ears, and he was speechless again as he thought to himself, “Is she flirting with me after I just tried to kill her?”

Vega stepped in and said, “I am General Vega Magnus.”

Xenia shook his hand and said, “What a pleasure to meet another General. I am titled as General BloodStar in my empire. I am head of the empire’s armed forces.”

Vega turned to the still speechless Jacek and said, “Lord Heraklinos, might our men show General BloodStar to a private suite on base while we prepare for the sparring match?”

Jacek nodded, “Great idea Vega. General BloodStar-“

Xenia cut him off again, “Just Xenia, please.”

“Right. Xenia.” Jacek continued, “Forgive us once again for the attack on your life. Please take your time to settle in your private suite. My men will carry your luggage and show you the way. I will prepare for the sparring match as well. What do you say to 2 o’clock? After we have had time for lunch?”

Xenia smiled and said, “Perfect. Be ready! Because I won’t go easy on you!”

Xenia then followed the captain as he led her to her private suite. The captain opened the door to a surprisingly ornate suite provided that they were within a fortress in the infamous Saber Province.

The captain said, “This suite should be outfitted with everything a lady of your stature requires. But please let me know if you need anything. Lunch will be-“

Xenia once again raised her hand to stop the captain, “I will not be needing lunch. I will be meditating in preparation for the sparring match. Do not bother me until then.”

The captain nodded and motioned to leave; however, Xenia stopped him and said, “If there is a betting pool, I advise you to bet on me.”

The captain nodded and said, “There is one, and maybe I will after seeing how you landed without a scratch from our attacks!”

Xenia smiled and silently shut the door. She didn’t begin to meditate immediately and instead took a shower and perused her room. After settling in, she assumed the lotus position and meditated until shortly before 2 o’clock.