The Skipper's Wife: Achala's Story

By Andrew Kerr

A hero stumbles through recovery, self-discovery, love, and life. As a child, she dreamed of healing the universe of its war wounds, but as an adult she mastered the art of causing them. This story is one of redemption for a young woman as she faces the demons from her past while continuing to make costly mistakes in the present. This story is centered around a young aspiring military officer and a highly-decorated veteran whose being forced into retirement at a young age. Tilan, though from a wealthy family, serves The Republic by using his advanced knowledge and skills in engineering while studying to one day serve with a full commission. Achala, spent her formative years hiding from the bombs of war and the grips of human traffickers. Eventually, Achala brings a blood-filled peace and justice to a place she once called home. It is also an odd love story between two very different people set in an advanced society in a universe that is struggling with technology, race relations, gender relations, generational relations, religion, political corruption and war. A stand-alone story from a future space opera.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Kerr
• Release date: Feb 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370887125

Andrew Kerr

Looking at many author’s profiles’, I realize how boring of a person I am. There isn’t much to tell. I’m an America veteran, patriot, husband and father. I have traveled the world and have enjoyed learning about so many diverse cultures. The culture that captivated me the most is the Romanian / Moldovan culture of Eastern Europe. They’re wonderful people with a rich history that have placed their mark on the entire world and I like to put hints of them in my writing. When I am not writing, I am either working my regular job or spending time with my family, woodworking or making beer and wine. I do not consider myself to be a professional writer, but I do strive to put that level of quality in my work. Constructive criticism is always welcomed ... good or bad. If you have taken your personal time and money to read one of my works, please know, that deep down in my heart - I am truly grateful. Thank you.

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The Skipper’s Wife - Achala’s Story

By P.A. Kerr

Copyright © 2012, 2017 P.A. Kerr

All Rights Reserved.

Smashwords 2nd Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

For Christy, Caroline, Dai, Jennifer, Jessica, Laela, Marty, Michelle, Mikini, Sandy, Susan, Tracey and all the other women who have sacrificed in service to our great nation.

FOREWORD

Chapter 1 - Last Stand Protocol

Chapter 1 - Scene 2

Chapter 1 - Scene 3

Chapter 2 - Why Are We Here?

Chapter 3 - The Colonel’s Report

Chapter 4 - Better Times

Chapter 4 - Scene 2

Chapter 4 - Scene 3

Chapter 4 - Scene 4

Chapter 4 - Scene 5

Chapter 5 - One Lonely Soul

Chapter 6 - Two Lonely Souls

Chapter 7 - Daughter of the First Prophet

Chapter 8 - This Isn’t Over!

Chapter 8 - Scene 2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

FOREWORD

Even though this is an ebook edition, I am still including this very brief foreword to provide perspective of this story.

First and foremost, it is a story of redemption. It is a story that’s told from a perspective of a hardened combat veteran and from the perspective of a common love story.

This story involves an advanced society that is not of our planet, Earth. Their military is organized differently than many here on Earth. They have an all-volunteer professional force that is supported by mandatory conscription. The rank structure is like our own; however, don’t let the rank of Lance Corporal confuse you. To them, a Lance Corporal is a low level non-commissioned officer with combat experience. Without the combat experience, they are simply a Corporal. The full space opera will delve much more deeply into their structure and culture. Finally, if you are a Warrant Officer - I am sorry - Please feel free to blame your nearest Senior NCO.

Chapter 1 - Last Stand Protocol

27 January 2057

Princess Noor Veteran’s Care Hospital

Prince Mysore Military City

Planet Nilayis

Lieutenant Junior Grade Madara Ozkan is a twenty-five-year-old rehabilitative and reintegration specialist assigned to the Princess Noor Veteran’s Care Hospital. The facility is named after an ancient Tr’Najan princess who was known for merciful care of soldiers wounded in battle, regardless if they were of her kingdom or her enemies’. Madara is a native of the mountainous Danu region on the Taraclia continent of the planet Nilayis and she comes from a family of school teachers.

Growing up, Madara had a schoolgirl crush on the young man that lived next door. When she was twelve years old, he was selected to join a newly formed elite fighting force in the fleet known as the Integrated Mounted Infantry. It was based on an entirely new technology in which man and machine were separate, but operated as one. The Mechanized Infantry, an older technology, had always been an advantage and a force multiplier on the battlefield, but this new technology created a new fighting machine that operated at the speed of the human brain. This new integration technology turned the war against the Nisatura from one in which they were slowly winning, to one in which it was a blood bath for the enemy. However, this new technology came at a price to the human soul. When Madara’s crush returned from the war only three years later, he wasn’t the same. He was wounded in battle, and the integration technology that he was permanently harnessed to, made those wounds sink deep. Eventually he sank into drug and alcohol abuse, and on Madara’s sixteenth birthday, he had taken his own life. Madara dedicated her life to helping others like him.

Madara holds Achala’s hands and uses herself as a counter balance as Achala lowers herself into the chair. The past couple of hours of physical therapy have left Achala winded and exhausted. Once Achala is all the way in the chair, Madara asks, How are you feeling? Any dizziness?

Achala takes a few breaths before answering, I think I’m Okay.

Alright then, I’m going to let you go slowly. Ready? Madara asks

Achala takes a couple more breaths and nods her head yes.

Here we go. Remember to keep your eyes on me. Madara slowly lowers Achala’s hands into her lap. How do you feel now; any dizziness?

Achala says, Nope, none yet.

Good, because believe it or not, you are supporting your entire torso on your own. You’ve come a long way this week.

Huh, Achala looks almost disappointed I used to do two hours of hand-to-hand combat training and sparring every day. Now look at me. Achala replies.

Madara bends over so that the two ladies are at equal eye level, Sweetie, before you know it, you will be the pretty girl that beats up all the boys again. For now, look straight into my eyes. Achala does as she is instructed. Now, without moving your head, look at MY LEFT ear. Achala has difficulty performing that task, but once she has it completed, Madara says, Now, without moving your head, look at my RIGHT EAR. Achala complies easily with this request. Good, now eye’s front again. After Achala is staring directly into Madara’s eyes again, Madara says, Good, do you feel any dizziness now?

Achala responds, No ma’am, all clear.

Madara stands up straight and says, So far, so good. I must say that you have unique eyes. I have never seen that shade of amethyst before.

Achala, without skipping a beat, Thank you, I’ll trade you my eyes for your boobs.

Madara laughs and holds out her hands and says, Okay girlie, give me your hands, I need to inspect your cyber-junctions now.

Achala sighs, Can we start calling them something other than that?

Hmm, sounds fun; what do you like calling them? asks Madara.

I don’t know. I just call them my jewels. Achala says.

Madara gives her a smile and says, Then that’s what we’ll call them. Achala puts one of her hands in each of Madara’s. Madara massages the area around the cyber-junctions, feeling for anything unusual. She applies pressure directly on the cyber-junction of the left hand, and she starts to apply pressure directly on the one on Achala’s right hand, which is the arm that was amputated and reattached.

Achala pulls her right hand away quickly and requests, Please, not that one.

Still painful? Madara asks sympathetically.

Like a fucking toothache. Achala replies. I hit it on the bedrail last night and it literally felt like all of my teeth where being pulled out, all at once. The pain is simply indescribable!

Madara says, Okay then, we’ll just keep an eye on that one. Madara squats down to do the same testing to the cyber-junctions that are located on the top of her feet and on the back side of each calf muscle. Achala responds that they feel normal to her without any unusual sensations when they are touched. Madara finishes up this procedure by moving behind Achala to inspect the cyber-junctions located at the base of her skull, neck and lower back.

Okay sister, I need you to lean forward in the chair and support your weight on your knees by using your elbows. Let me know if you feel dizzy. Madara says, I need to inspect the jewel on your bottom.

Achala smirks, Don’t you think you should wine and dine me first?

Madara laughs, shakes her head and continues her examination. She pulls down Achala’s pajama bottoms, just far enough to inspect the cyber-junction. Madara has Achala sit up straight in the chair, and moves Achala’s hair out of the way so she can do the same inspection of the cyber-junction at the base of the skull.

Madara begins unbuttoning the back of her surgical gown to inspect the final cyber-junction located at the base of her neck. I have a confession to make. Madara says.

Achala’s quick wit returns, Well, space boat sailor, you better buy me a bottle of wine first.

Madara laughs hard at that comment, Not that, you tin-head! Madara continues, It’s these tattoos you have on your back. They look really expensive.

I’m glad you like ‘em, they were about three months’ salary each. Achala replies.

Madara exposes her back, Well, business first. And Madara firmly runs her hands up and down Achala spine and asks, Does that cause any radiating pain or tingling in your arms, legs or head?

No ma’am, all clear, Achala replies.

On the center of Achala’s back is a large tattoo of a horse galloping away from an ancient style horse driven plow. The horse is a lighter shade of brown than Achala’s natural complexion. The rider of the horse is holding an ancient black powder rifle thrusted as to inspire a charge forward. The rider’s round, large brim hat has the front of the brim curled up from the imaginary breeze of a charge. Madara is truly mesmerized by the details of this tattoo. It looks more like a three-dimensional painting than it does a tattoo. On the horse’s shoulder is a number seven in bright orange. Madara rubs her thumb over the number seven and says, What does the number seven mean? She asks just to determine if Achala can recall what cavalry unit she was assigned to.

Seventh Cavalry. Achala replies, It’s my platoon; or rather the squadron I was assigned to. She tries very hard to remember, Fourth Expeditionary Fleet, Tenth Mechanized Infantry Corps, second regiment, Seventh Platoon – or Cavalry Achala thinks for a moment, but can’t remember anything more than that. That’s all I can remember right now.

Madara can hear the sadness in Achala’s voice, That’s Okay honey, your memory will return over time.

The other tattoo on Achala’s back is a pair of crossed swords that the blades are made of metal the resembles a crystal blue colored flame. This symbol is known as the Crossed Swords of Yarhem. This tattoo compliments the tattoo on Achala’s left arm a mythical eight-legged flying crocodile from Ayisjan folklore known as Kymbul. The cross swords meet between the shoulder blades, and Madara uses them as landmarks and finger guides for the therapeutic massage that Achala receives every three days. The Kymbul and cross-swords tattoos identify Achala as a ‘Reaver.’

Now, what do these cross swords represent?, Madara asks.

Those are from scripture. The Prophet Yarhem. Achala responds.

Madara says, Oh, I’m not familiar with his teachings; they are just a little dark for me.

Well, Achala begins, It represents the Creed of the Reaver which is to bring peace at home by …. Achala begins to rapidly gasp for air without exhaling. Her body rigidly stiffens in the chair with her arms curling up against her chest and violently vibrating.

The multi-computer attached to Madara’s left arm simultaneously begins to alarm of dangerously high vital signs from Achala. Madara quickly moves to be in front of Achala to prevent her from falling from the chair. Madara fears that Achala is going into a tonic-clonic seizure and reaches for a sedative pack she carries in the pocket of her nursing smock.

Madara prepares the injectors to administer the prescribed sedative when Achala makes a noise that sounds more like a strained word than just a gargle. She looks Achala in the eyes and realizes she may be trying to make eye contact and communicate.

Achala, if you understand me, exhale. You need to exhale.

Achala tries to exhale but quickly overfills her lungs again. Madara sees that her multi-computer is reporting that Achala has a heart rate of 312 and rising. Madara knows her protocol is to administer the injector but Achala appears to be trying to stop her.

Achala, your heart rate …. You need this medicine right now! Madara demands.

NO! …. Gasps Achala SECOND.... and she forces out more air. She is actively trying to regain control of her senses.

Madara sees that Achala’s heart rate has reversed and is down to 290. Still not good enough.

Okay honey, try relaxing, give me control of your arms and let me move them. Madara has herself positioned right in front of Achala and is gently trying to move her arms around in circles. She also helps Achala by guiding her in a deep and slow breathing exercise.

Achala’s heart rate drops to 265.

Madara interrupts her breath coaching and asks, Is this a panic attack? then continues her coaching.

Achala shakes her head no.

Madara notices Achala’s body begin to relax and Achala’s breathing coming more in sync with hers. After a few more moments Achala’s heart rate drops to 165 and the critical alarm discontinues on Madara’s multi-computer.

Madara stops moving Achala’s arms when she realizes that Achala has stopped resisting her movements. She makes eye contact, and softly says, Can you tell me what that was?

Achala simply responds, I want to cry.

The sincerity in Achala’s voice makes Madara choke back her own tears. Madara repositions herself to be on one knee and leans forward and brings Achala in for a hug. The women are resting their heads on the other’s shoulders and Madara says, Oh, honey, you go ahead and cry all you want to. Because I’m going to be right here with you and I’m going to cry right along too. You are not alone.

Achala sighs just a little and relaxes her upper body against Madara’s. I don’t think you understand. I want to cry, but I can’t.

Madara doesn’t understand, Was it me touching your jewels or something I said? Do you know what triggered that panic attack?

Achala knows she wants to understand but simply isn’t getting it. That wasn’t a panic attack. That was like a night terror. I have them all the time, but this is the first time I had one while I was awake.

Madara rubs Achala’s back and says, I’m listening. Help me understand.

We started talking about the swords on my back, and I got a memory back. It was what my Master Sergeant looked like. She laughs a little and continues, I can’t remember his name, but I can now see his face as if the last time he was chewing my ass for doing something stupid was just yesterday. Achala takes a second to group her thoughts, I had a pair of swords just like those. They’re a symbol of honor, but I think I lost them back on that damn planet. There are so few of us who graduate from the Reaver program, that we have a ceremony and the Platoon Master Sergeant gives us a pair of those swords. They’re not really that big, more like daggers. But it represents who we have become, ‘Those who bring peace to our homelands and the harbingers of destruction to our enemies.’

So, you had a happy memory, and it made you want to cry?, Madara asks.

Yep, it’s that simple. I wanted to cry, but my brain kind of has forgotten how. Achala replies.

Madara pulls Achala in for a firm hug and pulls away, Have you told anyone else? Have you told any of the doctors?

Moda and his henchmen just look at me like I’m fucking stupid, and try to convince me that I am feeling something that I am not. Achala replies.

The marine guard at the front door of the therapy room snaps to attention and is approached by Doctor Weersin. I have four forms of identification marine, which one do you want to see - for the umpteen hundredth time?

The marine looks down at his duty roster, and flips through the pages until he finds the page containing the photograph of Doctor Weersin, then makes an entry in the log as of the date and time of his arrival. Without saying a word, the guard looks back up and waves the doctor in.

Doctor Weersin puts his four identification cards and digital identifiers back into the pocket of his lab coat. He gazes into the room and sees Achala sitting in the chair with Lieutenant Ozkan kneeling in front of her. He approaches the two women, Good afternoon ladies.

Good afternoon, Sir they both reply.

The doctor stops and gives them both a serious look, Both of you look like you need a nap.

Madara responds with a laugh, Yes sir. We’ve had a long day, but with some break through.

Well, good work, both of you. He awkwardly replies. Doctor Weersin isn’t accustomed to niceties.

Weersin holds out his fist to Achala, Mount and ride, rider!

Achala, knowing this long cavalry tradition responds by placing her fist on top of his, For the trod must continue.

He gives Achala a genuine smile, That’s my little bird.

Well ladies, Doctor Weersin addresses the two of them, It wasn’t my intention to interrupt you. I was simply passing through on my way to see the dictator.

Achala and Madara both give him a puzzled look. Achala smiles knowing he is about to say something to be a smart ass.

Oh, did I say ‘dictator’, I meant to say director. However, since I am here, I might as well admire my work.

Doctor Weersin moves to be in front of Achala and says, Rider, up.

Achala lifts her face and the doctor feels along the bridge of her nose, forehead and along the side of her skull. Then he goes back to Achala’s Prominent Metopic Suture, more commonly referred to as ‘Devil Horns.’ Devil Horns are formed during puberty in young women who are nested naturally by their mothers during the first two years of life. Families that chose to use osteoblastic steroids can forgo the natural nesting process, but these women generally do not form the prominent horn feature on the forehead during puberty. The pros and cons of which have been debated passionately by women’s issues groups, pediatric, orthopedic, anthropologic, religious, legal, political and social science professionals for decades and will likely be debated for centuries to come. Devil Horns are a small prominence formed by the fusing of the Metopic Suture that runs from the base of the nose, up the forehead until it meets the frontal sinus fontanelle in the center of the forehead, there the prominence follows both lower lateral rims of the fontanelle giving the prominence a Y shape. The prominence is usually three to five millimeters in height and can easily be either accentuated or hidden with the use of cosmetic products.

Did the two of you get that? asks Doctor Weersin. The only response he gets to his question are blank stares.

Doctor Weersin turns to Madara, Here, give me your hand. She cautiously gives him her hand and he places her middle finger in the Y joint of Achala’s Devil Horns and he says, Now press gently and rub.

Madara complies and says Okay, what am I feeling for?

Do you feel something like a small bump where the legs of the ‘Y’ separate? he asks her.

Yes sir, I think that’s normal? She replies.

Now take your hand and do the same to your horns. When Madara does that, he asks her, Do you feel the same bump?

Yes sir. she replies.

That’s a testament to just how damn good I really am. He turns to Achala and puts his fist in front of her again, May we build the walls of peace.

Achala, knowing this tradition among Reavers, she crosses her arm against his and replies, with mortar made from the blood of our enemies.

Doctor Weersin bows his head to both ladies and says, Thank you for your company, I found it very charming. And he turns and walks through the room and out the back door.

Achala looks at Madara and asks, Do you know if Commander Weersin was assigned to the cavalry in his younger days?

I don’t know. Madara says, He is known for being a very experienced orthopedic and combat surgeon. I have seen him in his formals, and he has several combat medals including the Injured Falcon.

REALLY! Achala says being very surprised, for injuries sustained by the actions of enemy forces?

I guess so. Says Madara, You can always ask your boyfriend.

Boyfriend?! Achala is surprised by that comment, I don’t have a boyfriend.

Madara equally surprised, So you’re not in a relationship with the Warrant Officer that visits you all the time? I know a lot of girls that would want to hear this.

Achala laughs, You mean my scrubby squire? I mean, he’s my friend. But I barely know him. He’s supposed to stop by soon. He is going to let me know some information about how my mount is doing.

Well, if he is stopping by soon, let me brush out your hair so you can dazzle him with your beauty like you do everyone else. Madara crosses the room to retrieve a hair brush from one of the patient comfort kits.

As Madara walks back towards Achala, Achala asks, How does my scrubby know Doctor Weersin?

Madara starts brushing Achala’s hair from behind her and laughs, Warrant Officer Weersin …

Oh really? It just never clicked before; is Doctor Weersin his father? ask Achala.

No, I believe he is his uncle.

Achala thinks for a moment while Madara is slowly brushing out her hair, and she gets a suspicious thought, Why did you think scrubby was my boyfriend?

Needless-to-say, all the girls have debated what your relationship is with him. There was a time when you were still in a coma that he visited nearly every day. Madara said nonchalantly, So we didn’t know if he was like a half-brother, cousin, fiancé, or what-ever.

Achala sits quietly thinking. Had she known him from before and is he just a lost memory? Achala asks, Do you know why he would visit me?

Madara says, It was really sweet. He would come in your room and just hold your hand and read to you. He would read scripture, and fiction novels, and …. Madara laughs a little, He would read you his academy textbooks, technical manuals and science books. It was hilarious sometimes to hide around the corner and just listen to him. He would have entire conversations with you.

And none of you thought that was weird? Achala asks.

Madara laughs, We did at first. But not like you would think. Your Warrant Officer has a security clearance that is higher than any of ours. Even for me to be in here today with you, I must have an access form signed by Doctor Gyunyev. Whereas, he can come and go as he pleases.

Really? Achala asks.

Madara sets down the brush and begins to braid Achala’s short hair, He really was a great relief to your mother. He would come in here and sit with you so she could take care of herself.

Achala sits quietly as Madara brushes her hair. She’s questioning herself. Did she feel jealousy that the girls were wondering about her relationship status with the scrubby? Madara says, Almost done. This reminds me when I was a little girl and I had a ‘Dress Me Doll’. I’m only a little older than you, did you have one growing up?

Achala feels an instant burst of irritation. She is not sure why she felt so irritated, but she is disciplined enough to not show it. She doesn’t even know what a ‘Dress Me Doll’ is. Achala responds with a simple, I don’t recall ever having one.

I think you should really reconsider Doctor Moda’s suggestion about seeing the cosmetic dermatologist about removing the scars on your face. Madara says.

Achala, without warning, starts to experience another uncontrollable emotional response. Achala’s right hand forms into a fist and she strikes herself in the eye. Her fist stays there and her entire body vibrates as she tries to take control of her breathing again. Madara moves quickly to the front of her again and kneels to see if Achala can make eye contact with her.

Achala does make eye contact with her and she can take control of herself again with just a few more breaths. Achala forces a smile and says Your breathing exercises do really help.

I’m going to contact Doctor Moda. Madara says as she brings up her left arm to activate the communication features on her multi-computer.

Stop! Achala says quickly and takes a couple more controlled breathes. Madara, I really like you. But if you contact Doctor Moda right now, I swear I will kill him and bathe you in his blood.

Madara remains very still. Rehabilitating members of the cavalry is the most dangerous job in the medical professions. Madara knew that the case with Achala was not going to be any different when she accepted Doctor Gyunyev’s offer to take it on. She knows that Doctor Gyunyev watches and records every session, and there is an Elite Marine Guard only meters away, but this doesn’t stop the absolute fear she is feeling right now.

Achala, sensing Madara’s fear, very softly takes Madara’s hands and says, Lieutenant, you need to sit down here in front of me. I want to tell you the story of my life, Okay?

Madara sits down in front of Achala and crosses her legs. Achala leans forward in her chair and offers Madara her hands again to hold.

I want to start by saying that you really are a …. Achala thinks of the right words, an inspiration to me. I really mean that. I always look forward to my days where you and I can just laugh and be stupid. You’ve been the only member of the medical staff that has really done any good for me, and you showed me, and more importantly, proved to me that I have a future to look forward to. You will always be one of my heroes for as long as I live.

Madara says, Thank you, that’s so sweet.

"However, I don’t think you truly understand me. When I was a little girl, in the refugee camps on the old Ts’Unson Mining Colony; I would watch as transports brought in our wounded warriors. They would have body parts missing, and burns and just about any other wound you could imagine.