They came as close as they dared get to the planet and Rindar. From what they could see, it looked like the moon's EM blast had hit the northwestern wall of Torna-Blas and scorched everything outward northeast from there for probably 20-30 miles. The Rindarians already had a barrier shield up to keep intruders out of that section where the wall was damaged. It was the 'working man's' quarter of the city, Alba said. "Praise be it came no closer and they were able to get the barrier up." She was visibly relieved that it had not hit her city directly, but Shea could see the terror of what had just happened written in the knot of her brow and her eyes. "Why don't you go up and lay down, sweetheart. Just a few more hours and we'll be landing at Pyra-Blas." "I'll be alright," she protested, not really wanting to be alone. "I insist, Alba," Shea gave her a stern look and a raised brow. "If you don't wanta go upstairs, then go sit in one of the passenger seats...kick back and we'll be here." He suspected deep inside she was terrified of Dunmar visiting again. "Will you do that? Please? Chuck!" "Yessir?" "Set a course for Pyra-Blas. Bellana, get a comm-link going with the PA there." "Will do!" They both snapped. Alba knew she wasn't going to win the argument. She still felt weak from her previous encounter and the shattering of the Orb. Shea was right. She need some rest. She walked back toward the passenger take-off seats and sat down, but she didn't recline in it. She sat with her head in her hands feeling terrible. This was all because of her...all her fault. Her city had nearly been destroyed...her friends, her family...the good people. It was too much to bear. Just too much. She burst into a sobbing wail - a sight and sound none of them, not even Shea, had ever heard or seen. Bellana turned as she headed back toward her station at the piteous wail. Her first impulse was to run to Alba to comfort her, but she had to get a link up. Xara came across the bridge from Chuck's station, where she'd been watching him. "I'll get 'er. Alba...honey...? I'm coming." Xara dropped to her knees beside Alba, taking her in her arms and trying to soothe her. Alba kept saying it was her fault. "No...no, it's not. You can't think like that. That Lord Dumbs**t is an evil, evil...whatever he is. You shouldn't have stayed, and you shouldn't have surrendered to him. You hear me, girl? Quit that. I don't wanta hear that any more!" Xara smoothed Alba's hair and hugged her. "C'mon now, lay back. Quit crying and blaming yourself. This isn't like you. Be strong, Alba. Be strong." She finally got Alba calmed down, and to lay back in the seat. "We'll be landing soon. We'll get help. I know we will. Everything's gonna be alright. You'll see." Shea felt Alba's pain like a knife cutting through his heart because of their bond. He let out a sigh of relief as Xara got her calmed down, and busied himself with landing preparations. "You got that link yet, Bell?" "Almost." Wulf came up beside Xara. He saw Alba was shivering. "You want a blanket Alba? Some brandy? Tea? I'll get you anything you want." "A blanket. Nothing else," Alba murmured. "Thank you, Wulf." As he waited for Bellana to get through he watched them, remembering the day Alba said goodbye to her servants. Remembering how they'd been so devoted to her and she to them, but there was no mistaking who was in charge. She'd managed that with them too - all of them. Even him, though their relationship was more properly a two-way street. She'd give in if she knew he was right, like just now. He sincerely hoped that getting her back home - at least on her world with terra-firma under her feet would heal her of the damage Dunmar had caused. She needed support and he knew Maeryth would gladly give it. Maeryth and Alba always did get along, the times they'd met. Maeryth had known of Alba, being the daughter of a diplomat, but they'd never met until he'd introduced them. ***** I know this isn't the hair Bellana was wearing in the first image of her, but she (Ms. Amethyst) insisted I change it because she really likes this hair. And, I got a bridge! A real bridge! :) It was from the Freebies here. It's a Star Trek bridge, if you look. I made the image in the monitor in PShop w Flaming Pear's 'Lunarcell' filter. So another chapter tomorrow, coming up. Thanks to those who leave comments and special thanks to those who read the story. Much appreciated! Guess I should 'schmooze' more than I do o.O Don't take that the wrong way guys. It has a lot to do with how I was raised and it's taken most all my life to be as 'social' as I am. My father made me scared to death of strangers and my mother was about as sociable as a tree - if that. Credits: Bellana's Outfit 'Archer' by Bobbie 25 (DAZ) Shea/Clay's shirt from 'Steampunk Cowboy' (DAZ) (retextured) Xara's Outfit 'Tres Chic' (DAZ) SRG_Clay (YURDigital) SRG_Amethyst (WIP) SRG_Xara (WIP) SRG_JustNails (YURDigital) The rest below.