Shatterer of Worlds: A Novel

“Boentu Atten is returning triumphant.” I have never heard more beautiful words than that one sentence. It’s still too soon for any actual communications, blast the electrical storms that surround that rock! But we know that someone made it back and is piloting the Boentu Atten. It is too soon for me to feel relieved. What if something happened to one of them? Or both of them? Just because the Boentu Atten isn’t on automatic pilot, doesn’t mean they are both in one piece. And yet, at least one of my boys is alive. I should be grateful for that much. I wish I knew more. I loathe feeling so helpless. If I could just know that everything was okay. But I don’t. All I can do is trust.

Personal Journal: 1274.0601.0940

They’re home. Doctor Onan hasn’t let us in to see them yet, he’s still patching them up, but they’re both alive and they’re both safe. It’s the most I can ask for at this point.

The doctor did take a moment to speak with us as they wheeled my boys to the hospital wing. Katha is blind. “He will never see again,” is what Doctor Onan says. Never. I want so badly for him to take back those words, but I must be strong for my family. Which means I cannot allow myself the luxury of denial.

They both looked so dirty and bloody when they were taken off the ship. Chran’s clothes were shredded. Clearly Isaur was wrong and he didn’t stay aboard the ship, but at least he seems in better shape than Katha.

I wish they would let us in to see them. Isaur looked more relieved than angry when he saw them step off the craft, but it won’t last. As soon as Chran’s patched up he’ll be in for it. And well he should. In the entire history of our people, I don’t think anyone has ever actually sneaked on to Hadad before.

I always knew Chran would be legendary in his own way. In fact, from now on Chran must be Katha’s right-hand man. It is difficult for a Boentu warrior to rely on others, but I suppose that is what Katha must learn to do from now on, so that he can be the best leader possible.