The Protectors; Book 3

The General's Condolences

Ru's POV:

    I leave my bed for the first time in days. There's no point. The crew has been worried for me, but I just don't want to talk to anyone. I first I was angry. Now I just don't want to see anyone. Nobody can help me. I was abandoned by my mom once. I lost her the second time. I doubt she's dead. Freddy would be gloating. Foxy still hasn't woken up. I look at myself in the mirror. I've gotten taller. Almost 5 foot. I'm tall for my age. My green eyes have bags underneath them, my cheekbones are also more noticeable. I look more like my mom. For a moment I can see how she looked after we got our new ship, exhausted. Sometimes I forget that she isn't much older than I am. I put her jacket on. It almost fits. I know it was big on her, so I don't mind. I comb my hair back for the first time in forever. I look almost like I did before, just older.
"Everyone come to the loading bay, we have landed on Enolva." Dex's voice announces over the speakers.
Let's meet Dex's General.

Dex's POV:

"Dex!" The General grasps my hand in a firm handshake.
"General. It's good to see you!" I nod.
Josie appears behind me with Kean in her arms.
"Josie! And is that Kean? Gods he's big!" The General laughs, "Why are you back?" He asks.
The crew shifts uncomfortably.
"Where's..." he freezes, "Ah. She isn't here is she?"
"If you're referring to my mother, use her name." Ru snaps, "She isn't dead."
"Yes, Captain Foxete. I wasn't aware she had any children especially as old as you young man." The General nods.
"She adopted me." He states.
"Ah." The General looks at me uncomfortably. "I suppose that makes you the captain then?" He asks.
"Yeah." I nod. The way Ru was staring at the General reminded of Fox. He had the determination of 1000 soldiers.
"Would you want a funeral?" He asks.
"Yes." Illoha nods.
"It's not your decision." Ru snaps at her. "She's not dead." He glares at the General.
The General glances at me for confirmation. I can read his face; Was there a body?
"No, General. No body." I sigh.
"So she could technically be alive." Ru sniffs back his tears, trying to hide them from us.
"Absolutely, but I feel it's proper to give her a funeral in honor in case she didn't make it, Ru." The General nods.
"She isn't dead!" He screams, "She survived and will prove you all wrong! I've known her for the least time and I know that!"
We all stay silent.
"Ru, darling, let's go for a walk and cool off?" Josie hands me Kean and puts her hand on Ru's back.
"Fine." He sighs.
The two walk off.
"He certainly has her anger." The General laughs.
Nobody laughs with him. If we have a mini-Fox we all know how hellish her grieving process is.

We're so screwed.

(510 words)