Kerish: Earthal:Book Two

By Anita Moran

Kerish was saved by a boy she never knew and placed in the loving home of the two most powerful people on Lakar. She is so different from any human born before her for she can receive the thoughts of others. Her Breeder mother, Desel, calms her burning mind until she can teach this special child how to control her gift before any other Surkires discover her abilities. She is also different than the female humans; she loves the young of all species, being Desel's adopted daughter gives her access to.

For her protection and training, Kerish is sent to the moon Apaar to learn from Desel's sister, but it is a newer species who teaches Kerish the control she needs. Soon it will be time for the choice council, and she needs that control. On her return from Apaar, Kerish forgets about the volatile weather and endangers herself, but she thinks more about facing the choice council.

Not only is Kerish chosen to stay on Lakar but she is chosen to be among those who would be returned to earth. Not even the advice of the human warrior her mother sent to her can ease the fears as she finally agrees to join those who are to go. Because of the freedom she received, Kerish teaches the other human women how to take care for their children and how to remain healthy. When those from Trile arrive, she teaches all how to swim, for it might mean the difference between life and death. The danger they are facing comes to the forefront when one of their number dies in training.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662478338

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Kerish

Earthal:Book Two

Anita Moran

Copyright © 2022 Anita Moran

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-6624-7822-2 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-7833-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

About the Author

To my sisters, Ginny, Liz, Margaret, and Mary, who kept me grounded when I would have reverted into my fantasy world of make-believe characters.

Prologue

Being low tide, the pale orange of the small sun's sunrise was seen clearly between the waves washing over the sides at the top of the dome. The calm season was upon Lakar's southern freshwater seas. The majority of the community domes were located less than a kilometer from the single landmass encircling the planet. The strip of land that, except for a few small islands in the northern saltwater sea near the pole and the southern sea near its pole, was the sole continent of the planet besides the frozen poles. Ranging from three kilometers to newly widened six thousand kilometers in width, it spanned the planet except for a narrow three-kilometer crevice that allows a violent mixing between the salted northern seas and freshwater southern seas. The land was filled with many different environments, from deep lush jungles to sandy deserts and grassy valleys. The land is protected by limiting the visits to specific locations so that nothing in the environment could be permanently damaged. Only the beaches near the dome's exits were free to visit at will.

This was the world of Lakar, the home of the Surkires. The Surkires, an aquatic species, were the first species rescued by the Tremin. At two and a half meters in height, they were the premier species of their current planet. Once solely aquatic with eight limbs, each ending in various projections that could perform the most delicate procedures. They evolved at the oceans dried as two of their limbs allowed them to walk on the land being exposed by the evaporation of their seas. Soon skin tone changed so that those born with brown skin lost their telepathic abilities but were able to breathe air for longer periods of time until they no longer needed to return to the seas at all. Empathetic abilities made their life harder as they felt the fear of their fellow Surkires as their home world changed turning deadly for all species on its land masses. Their research led to the development of misting respirators that allowed those who remained green and maintained their mental abilities to move inland and underground to where the sun could not evaporate the subterranean seas.

Those who were brown in color created mud houses to protect their loved ones who wanted to maintain a connection to the dying seas, also allowing the protection of as many as possible of the other species perishing on their dying planet. Those with broad telepathic abilities were reduced to less than one thousand individuals, on the planet getting closer to the sun at a faster and faster rate. Each time one of their number was lost, all who remained felt that loss deeply. Their longevity was now more of a curse now that their world was dying. The Tremin arrived in the darkest time of the night, thinking of performing a rescue without the knowledge of the residents. They did not count on the mental abilities of the primary inhabitants as they were met at the shoreline when their shuttle doors opened.

Trus, the leader of the Tremin at the time, only smiled at Dakaro, the leader of the Surkires, as they greeted each other. Dakaro was pleased to take the task of helping other species rescued after the Tremin settled them and the other species rescued with them on Lakar.

The fourth generation of Surkires was now born and becoming adults with the fifth generation born and either adults or nearing adulthood. Thousands of species brought to the Surkires to care for were either planted on other worlds or trained to change the reason their planet was endangered. Some were trained to protect, heal, while still, others were used for breeding to maintain the species so that one day they could be returned to their planet or placed on a new planet for colonization.

Surkires' administrative domes were those closest to the land and half exposed by the low water that occurred only during the calm season. The three seasons of the planet were divided by the storms that occurred on the planet. The seas were reversed in the severity of the storms except when only the evening and overnight hours were controlled by storms from mild to severe. The other two seasons were when storms in one hemisphere was battered with constant storms or when no storms at all occurred. Midlevel domes were for general housing of the inhabitants of the Lakar communities and those on Lakar to reproduce for their species. Deeper still were domes dedicated to learning and scientific endeavors.

Desel, the most powerful telepath on Lakar, denoted by her near-black green coloring, moved smoothly and with purpose along one of the connecting corridors leading to the nursery. The day of the Choice Council, which concluded the night before, and the fate of the first human twins to survive to face the council was finally decided. Needing to see the child that captured the male twin's heart enough so Mar would risk the pain he and his sister endured. It was unusual for humans who proved over and over to be self-centered, especially those women who remained on Lakar for procreation. Desel could wait until early the following morning to see the child she would receive because of Mar's sacrifice, but she needed to see the child now. They were currently waiting for the disciplinary board's decision, and since they did not need her or Breem's statements, it gave her this opportunity. The board would convene immediately after the conclusion of the morning meals, and when concluded, they would then report to the Ruling Council. The recording from the Choice Council where Ipar's very actions, and Hempta's report on the health of the twins would be enough to condemn Ipar. She would be regulated to the lowest position in the logistics department of the planet. Never in all their history was there ever a report of a Surkires purposely injuring a young in their care. Ipar's action horrified all who witnessed it and would hopefully be enough to keep her from ever receiving a young of any species to raise again.

Looking about her, Desel was pleased that those in the nursery were all brown-skinned, to assure no mental images inadvertently reached the very young. The infants would be tested and placed in their Surkires' homes three to six days after their birth, depending on the health and species. The small face of the female human child was tight as if she was ready to cry, but she made no sound. Thinking only of soothing the child, Desel touched the pink cheek gently, shocked at the flood of images from all those near the nursery. Even Breem's anger was felt and seen as Tu talked with him about the twin humans. Looking down the hallway, the infant received images twice the distance of what a newborn pale-green Surkires' infant would perceive after birth.

Shaken to the core, Desel immediately placed a block and watched as the child's features eased as she fell into a peaceful sleep. With a head of thick silver-blond hair, the infant was thinner than she should be at this stage of life, and Desel knew if she picked the child up, she would be able to feel her fragile bones. Never having broken the rules put in place as a result of years of work between the Tremin and the Surkires, Desel knew she would break one now. Picking the child up, she told the attendant that she was taking the child to the infirmary for an exam. Being on the Ruling Council and the leader's mate gave her advantages. Seldom was Desel questioned for any action she wanted to perform. What happened in the Choice Council was widely known, leading most in the unit to speculate the cause of Ipar's actions but also Desel's protection of the boy.

Leaving the sterile environment of the nursery into the halls of the various council chambers, Desel moved swiftly, ignoring the play of the different water species that flashed by the walls. Instead, she concentrated on keeping the block not only on the baby's mind but also blocking those with mental abilities who might intrude, curious to find out what Desel was planning. Desel's entry into the nursery would have been forbidden because of her nearly black coloring, which identified her as the strongest telepath in Lakar. Only her known control and her love of all species proved the infant's safety was assured in her presence, but there could be leakages from others.

Entering the infirmary into what was in organized chaos, Hempta, who was the finest of the healers on Lakar, no matter the species, ordered those working for him to the tasks that were required after the completion of the Choice Council. Those going to other planets were already examined and parted Lakar. Those remaining on the planet would complete their exams this morning. With all Hempta's knowledge, even he would not break the band of medical personnel entering the nursery if they were born with telepathic abilities. Even these trusted workers were not to be trusted with the knowledge that of all those who faced the council, none of the humans would be altered during this cycle or those to come. The light-green coloring of the healer was enough to let those know that although his telepathic abilities were not strong as some, it was enough to know if he was being lied to. Seldom did anyone refrain from giving him the information he wanted and, more than likely, needed. If he had any inkling of the child's ability, then the child's life would be vastly different than what Desel wanted for her.

Desel? This child looks too young to have been placed. Could you not wait? he said, smiling, knowing she would only break the taboo of entering the nursery if there was a need.

Hempta, it is good to see you as well, my friend, and no, this child is not old enough for a human, but with what happened at the Choice Council, I needed to see the infant myself. I was appalled as soon as I saw her. Look at her, Hempta, she is skin and bones. I picked her up and rushed her here knowing if anyone knew what was wrong with the child, you would. Desel knew that by praising the healer and bringing up the Choice Council ruckus, he was less likely to delve too deeply into the reason Desel carried the child from the nursery to the healing arena.

She is extremely thin, even thinner than when they brought her to me two days ago. Why wasn't this young brought to me sooner if she still was not thriving? Hempta yelled at one of the assistants who was assigned to often check the nursery. Seeing the nod to a second healer, the healer and the aid left to gather the information Hempta required. Desel knew the aid would find out why the child was not referred to the healers for care when the prescribed treatments did not result in an improvement.

Taking the infant from Desel, he examined her carefully. Drawing blood to analyze and running other tests, still looking confused when he handed the baby back to Desel. Her blood is fine, and her lungs are also clear. It could be she is not taking to the formula that we developed for humans. We have seen it in the past, but just not this extreme. It has done well for most human young, but you remember the Plattyi infant you cared for that we needed to change how it was fed. I believe it is the same thing with some human children. Some respond poorly, and we need to change the diet. That is all, so that is what we will do for this little one. I am going to recommend that the child goes to its Surkires parents sooner than later. I'm assuming you will receive this one?

It was the twin human boy's request, but I think I will have to since I seem to have become attached.

The laughter was mental, and Desel returned it quickly. Desel, there is not an infant born, no matter the species, that you do not become enthusiastic about, and I am sure it is the same with this little one. I am frankly surprised that Ipar is not a blithering idiot after that stunt she displayed. Putting away his instruments, Hempta smiled again at Desel. Well, now at least everyone knows about her hatred of humans. I requested several times that the twins be pulled from her care when I caught the male alone on the beach with a storm coming in. The hate in that child was a shield, of course. Still, he should not have required to develop such a mechanism.

No, he should not. I do not remember seeing any request brought before the council that you thought the children should be removed.

Now, Desel, you know I have to go through the proper channels and not jump straight to the Ruling Council.

I know, but it at least should have been brought to our attention immediately since it resulted in such trauma for two young who are so important for an extended number of cycles, Hempta.

After this council, I do not believe those who protected Ipar before will do so again. Now take the child back to the nursery, and I will send the new feeding formula for her.

I will make sure you are not kept from the council should there be a recurrence of this type again, Hempta. I want you or any other medical personnel to be able to come to anyone on the council for any such concerns. Turning from the healer to do as Hempta recommended, Desel returned the child but maintained the block. Finding any reason, Desel spent the next two days as close to the nursery as possible. Since Hempta wanted to care for the child for a few days, Desel and Breem were finally called to the nursery to retrieve the child. Desel was pleased to see Hempta's note telling her that the child belonged with her and that the new formula caused an increase in her weight.

With the new formula and Desel's protection, the child gained weight rapidly once she was removed from the nursery, pleasing all the healers. The child appeared to be happy, except for those short periods between sleep and waking when the thoughts of others flooded her little mind, causing her pain. Desel woke instantly to protect her, promising herself that it was important Kerish, as Breem named her, have as normal a life as possible.

Chapter 1

In a low bed, located in the moist sleeping room where her Surkires parents slept, was where the first child not born to them also slept. Her mind was filled with dreams of the warm crystal waters caressing her body as she moved through the freshwater sea. Chasing her adopted brothers and sister through rock formations and seaweed forest was a favorite pastime for the human child who took the swimming lesson from her siblings with abandon. With the help of trident dolphins, her pursuit slowed only when they both required air and her siblings did not. The three-tailed porpoises jumped above the waves, allowing her to gulp air before diving below the surface and taking up the chase again. The sun shone when she broke through the water's surface to take the air she required a final time when all images changed.

Thoughts of food, of what would be her first meal, flashed in her mind, along with the simultaneous terror of the council she would have to face later that day. Pain from an injury received while playing caused her arms to ache, forcing her to lose her hold of the dolphin. Thoughts began to come so fast that she could no longer control them or the pain that increased as she fought to block the overload of images. Her original dream was lost as the pain grew. Controlling the influx of new thoughts was no longer possible. The speed at which thoughts pulsated into her mind deepened the pain more even as she struggled to regain her dream. Feeling the calm of the warm ocean waters was lost in the agony. No longer could she see the seaweed that grew from the seafloor to the surface or the animals that helped to keep her close to her Surkires siblings. Shaking her head served only to increase the burning in her brain, bringing sweat to her brows.

Suddenly her mind emptied as all thoughts stopped, and a cool sensation filled her body, relaxing her tight muscles. Smooth, moist fingers touched her face, and the pain faded completely. Images of the chase once again filled her mind until her thoughts faded to darkness.

At the first heart-twisting whimper, Desel woke to what was a morning ritual—extending an arm and placing the blocking protection of her own mind to the child lying beside her on a sleeping platform as sadness filled her. A human child never before displayed the mental attributes of the Surkires or any of the species with lesser mental capabilities. Mental attributes were identified in other species to a lesser extent and was one of the tests done as new species arrived on the Lakar's moon, Apaar. Surkires once relied totally on thought for communication, but over the generations, the species adapted to deal with the death of their planet. Some were born brown in color and without any telepathic abilities. Her mate Breem, a deep chocolate brown, denoted his complete lack of telepathy, but his empathy was as strong as her telepathic capability. Still, he was currently unaware of this aspect of the child's abilities she displayed from birth. The secrecy tore at Desel. If it were known, Desel was sure the child would be removed from their home and tested repeatedly on the research facility on the Lakar moon, Apaar.

This human child, of all those entrusted to her, became very important to her, surely more than any other child she received. This human child has showed an acceptance and intimacy to others no matter what species. More than once, an offspring given to another couple was brought to their home because the young looked lonely, sad, or afraid, according to Kerish. Thankfully, most Breeder parents were amused with the child's activities. Once Desel was sure her training of Kerish made the girl safe during waking hours, Kerish was allowed to join other Surkires parents to take her so Kerish saw that the young she took were not ignored or in danger. It was soon apparent to Kerish that she was to leave the children where she discovered them or she could stay with the child until the parent arrived.

Few Surkires were as blessed as she and Breem. They counted seven natural children of their own who readily accepted children of other species as part of their family, including this special human girl. Currently, only their youngest son, Impa, remained living with them, and he and Kerish were deep friends. Their eldest daughter, Ketryla, took care of those offspring who showed some defect resulting in an inability to eventually care for themselves. These children were transferred to a separate facility on Apaar. Their Surkires caretakers studied these particular offspring and their afflictions. They were given the best of care. Even with the best of care, most of these afflicted young perished either directly from their disorder or as a result of the secondary issues the illness or injury caused.

Their youngest daughter was in the northern ice pole, training various species in medical techniques and others in the biology of the various species. Three sons, two the color of Breem, the two eldest, were in various pursuits of the governing body of Lakar, and then their youngest, Impa, who was the only offspring still living with them, was also brown, but this cycle, he wanted to learn medicine. All except her oldest daughter and Impa, her remaining progenies, were mated with offspring of their own. Ketryla, her oldest, would not mate since she could not produce an offspring due to an injury of her youth. It was a shame since she, like Desel, was a strong telepath. The two middle daughters each delivered a daughter of their own with Desel's coloring, and as soon as they were able to swim without the protection of a parent or older sibling, Desel would have them to train. They would need to be more restrained than those of lighter-green coloring.

Feeling the small hand stroke one of her other appendages, Desel looked at the child who still looked to be asleep. The first time she heard the child scream at night after removing her protection, Desel was shocked to feel the influx of thoughts entering the child's mind so late at night. Only after caring for Kerish did Desel remember there were visitors with different time constraints other than Lakar. One so young was incapable of blocking others' thoughts, and children were so free with their imagining. Unlike adults of most species, the young were the cause of most of Kerish's early morning suffering. Desel worked with her daily to strengthen those abilities until she was capable of maintaining a block during her waking hours. Now only in sleep did she remain unprotected. It was not a problem until just before it was time to wake. Desel was usually awake to place the block for the child, but worry exhausted her, and the pain was affecting the child.

Breem gently touched the female who made his life so full and looked at the child she touched so softly as he untangled their limbs. The young human was too close to her heart. In truth, he was just as affected. A sickly child even before Desel brought her into their home, she showed an immediate improvement, which pleased all involved with her care. Knowing Desel's love and care was the only reason the child survived and did so well as displayed by her recent health exam proved she continued to improve under Desel's care. Now her sleep was constantly interrupted, and her eating habits were becoming meager once again. Breem was unsure what more Desel could do for this special child. Dark circles that shadowed the child's eyes told of her current ill-health, as did the pallor of her skin. Sure, the child survived only because Desel demanded she live, but Breem hoped Kerish would survive the long three storm seasons so she could face the Choice Council. Her seven seasons thus far continued to be a mixture of pain and pleasure. Her sudden painful headaches in the morning were a constant worry, and as little as she ate, she was in constant motion, trying to learn everything there was to know, and no knowledge was denied her. Since Desel managed to ease the hurt each morning the child woke in discomfort with little effort, Breem did not push that medical help be sought. He tried to be harsh with the child to protect himself, but she always seemed to smile when she was with him, wrapping her arms around a limb in affection each time she saw him after he was gone for the day. She captured his heart like none of