Generation Jumpers

All Rights Reserved © 2002 by J A Edwards

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

Writers Club Press

an imprint of iUniverse, Inc.

For information address:

iUniverse, Inc.

5220 S. 16th St., Suite 200

Lincoln, NE 68512

www.iuniverse.com

Any resemblance to actual people and events is purely coincidental.

This is a work of fiction.

ISBN: 0-595-24775-X

ISBN: 978-1-4697-1727-2 (ebook)

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

C H A P T E R 1

C H A P T E R 2

C H A P T E R 3

C H A P T E R 4

C H A P T E R 5

C H A P T E R 6

C H A P T E R 7

C H A P T E R 8

C H A P T E R 9

C H A P T E R 1 0

C H A P T E R 11

C H A P T E R 1 2

C H A P T E R 13

C H A P T E R 1 4

C H A P T E R 1 5

C H A P T E R 1 6

C H A P T E R 1 7

C H A P T E R 1 8

C H A P T E R 1 9

C H A P T E R 2 0

C H A P T E R 2 1

C H A P T E R 2 2

C H A P T E R 23

About the Author

To my sister Maria (dbc 2001)

You have proven there are holes in the floors of

heaven. Now I am waiting for the ultimate Ping.

I miss you.

C H A P T E R 1

It was early in the morning when Dio’s eyelids began to flutter.-* The daylight hadn’t even had a chance to creep it’s way through the crack in the curtain. He glanced down at the woman who was sleeping so peacefully on his chest, making sure he didn’t move a muscle to disturb her. The look of innocence embraced her face, while scars on her naked body showed another look of a tired, half-beaten warrior. He wanted to stroke her long hair as it laid across her shoulder, but he continued to hesitate. It had been so long since she had slept through the night without waking up from a nightmare.

He closed his eyes to remember everything that had happen to them over the last year. All the secrets that he had learned about the woman he had loved for over ten years. He wondered how she could deceive him, how she could hide the fact that she was a Seeker. Or why she didn’t trust him enough to tell him that her daughter, Marri, was also Prince Sada’s daughter. But the one secret that disturbed him the most was that she was really Gessa, the Daughter of Gady, their King’s greatest enemy. He thought about how every secret that came out into the open was more dangerous then the one before, he wondered if their relationship was worth giving up his life. Should he stay by her side and hope that no one found out that she was Gessa, or should he escape now to save himself from sharing her fate with the executioner.

He decided it was too much to think about in the wee hours of the morning. As he let out a deep sigh he again glanced at the sleeping woman resting on his chest, but this time she was staring back. Her deep blue eyes caught his stare. His bad thoughts quickly disappeared once he saw her smile. He couldn’t live forever and why shouldn’t he be happy until the time comes. He kissed her on top of the head, then without saying a word he closed his eyes and drifted back off to sleep. She felt his tense body relax, she wondered if he even knew he was flexing all of his muscles and that is why she woke up. She decided not to question him on his early morning thoughts, so she kissed the chest of the man she was using for a pillow then followed him into a deep sleep.

Jessie had chosen to take the day off from her now boring job. Although she still worked with the Carderone, she was now considered to be just one of the soldiers, she no longer had a say in what they did except if Dio asked her. But she also thought about how she now had time to spend time with the other Section Commanders. She knew that they didn’t like the idea, especially Dillion, for they had basically controlled their sections without her interference, except when the King was involved. She decided to leave Dillion alone for a while. He was a dangerous person who knew too much about her. He knew she was a Seeker and she had used her powers to throw him out of his office window for threatening Marri. Unfortunately, since that incident he now knew a Seeker’s power is more than the common knowledge ofbeing able to find a person, a feeling or an object.

She decided to check out the morning market before she made the decision on which Commander was going to be her first project, or victim, depending on how they saw it. As she was walking through the market, looking for the perfect ingredients for the evening supper, she felt herself being watched. It was not unusual for her to walk around the city without an escort. Although she was not the Captain of the Carderone anymore, she did manage to keep the respect that she had from the people of the planet intact. But along with the respect she also kept the fear they had for her. No one wanted to approach her unless they had to.

Today she really didn’t mind. She was feeling pretty good knowing that some of her darkest secrets were no longer hidden from Dio. She didn’t want the people’s fears to ruin her attitude. She liked shopping in peace, no pesky shopkeepers to bother her.

Excuse me? Jessie felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see who was disturbing her peaceful day. Could you tell me where I could find the Rec Center? The stranger asked.

Jessie stared at him for a moment, it was hard for her to believe that out of everyone in the market that morning he came up to her to ask for directions. She just smiled and pointed to a three-story building within the palace walls. Then she turned back around and continued to pick at the vegetables.

You gave up that information easily. You don’t know who I am and I could be a terrorist or something. He continued to talk to Jessie while her back was turned, as if he was trying to flirt with her.

She started to laugh out loud. This made a few of the city dwellers nervous and they slowly started to move away from the two people. Jessie didn’t notice, but the stranger did.

There are three Carderone Soldiers at the gate.

I am not afraid of the Carderone. He said as he stood up tall and proud.

Again Jessie laughed. Who are you?

My name is Neilo. I am from East Bay. I am the newest Border Patrol Pilot. He reached over, took hold of her hand and gently kissed the back of it. I will be protecting beautiful women, like yourself, from the dangers of space. Jessie smiled at his compliment. May I please have the pleasure of your name?

Jessie bowed her head and turned away as if she was embarrassed by flirtation, then she turned back and looked directly at him. You can call me Captain.

She walked by him before he could have a chance to react. But when she glanced back to sneak a peek at his reaction she found him standing there waiting for her to look. He bowed his head to show her the proper respect as a superior officer, and then he winked at her to let her know that his pursuit of her was not over. With a turn of his foot he started to walk toward the building that she had pointed at in their earlier conversation. Jessie was taken aback by what he did, she wasn’t sure how to react herself. She wasn’t sure if she should mention it to anyone; although she was flattered by the pass he made. She decided to continue with her shopping and just add the experience to the file in her mind.

Once Jessie got home, the day seemed to drag on. She had things she needed to do but ever since she was relieved of duty as the Captain of the Carderone, she had become a procrastinator. Relief finally arrived when Marri came home. Jessie always enjoyed the time she got to spend alone with her daughter. But their time was cut short when Dio came home early.

He slammed the front door closed and the redness in his face matched his anger. He stood by the door without saying a word. The two women were in the front room when he came in. They didn’t know if they should ask him what the problem was or run for cover before he exploded. Jessie didn’t think he was this upset when he found out that she was Gessa. He was staring into space as if he didn’t know anyone was in the room. Jessie cleared her throat to get his attention.

He made eye contact with her, but refused to change his strange manner. I am going to take a shower. He walked toward the bedroom. Jessie followed.

What happened? She cautiously questioned.

Dio took off his shirt and wadded it up in a ball before he threw it across the room. He wasn’t aiming for anything in particular, but he ended up knocking over the lamp that was on the table next to the bed. Jessie jumped as it hit the ground. Dio again made eye contact her, but his anger refused to let him talk. He turned away and walked into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. He locked the door so no one could follow him. Jessie stared at the closed door and sighed, there was nothing she could do until he came out, so she went back to the front room.

Marri was standing in the middle of the room, afraid to move. She’d seen Dio mad before, but she always knew what it was about. What did you do this time? She confronted her mother as she walked back into the room. Jessie shrugged her shoulder; she wasn’t sure what happened. She thought of what could have happened that day to her and all she could think of was the encounter with Neilo. She wondered if someone saw her and told Dio.

Well, I think this would be a good time for me to take my exit. Marri inched toward the door.

Where are you going? Jessie wasn’t sure she wanted to be left alone with the mad man in the shower.

I just remembered I am suppose to meet Sutter for lunch. Marri made it to the door and opened it.

Excuse me, your Carderone boyfriend is busy guarding the north tower. I still do the schedule for the guards. Jessie tried to stop her from leaving.

He has to eat sometime doesn’t he? Marri ran out the door.

Fine, desert the person who gave you life. Jessie had to have the last word, if she was going to face him alone.

Jessie fixed something hot to drink for herself and waited patiently in her favorite chair. Slowly sipping the hot liquid. She knew Dio would emerge from his hiding place soon, the hot water was going to run out soon. Once the water finally was shut off, Jessie began to cringe. Although Dio had never hurt her physically he had a temper and she didn’t like being the one on the other end of it. Another fifteen minutes went by before the bathroom door opened. His shoulder length hair hung down like a rag mop. He was wearing an old pair of pants and no shirt. He sat down in a chair across from Jessie.

She had finished the contents of her cup earlier and felt that he would never come out of the room, so she wrapped herself up in a blanket and tried to take a little nap before the confrontation. She woke up when she felt someone staring at her. Are you mad at me? She quietly asked. He said nothing and looked away. Jessie sat up in the chair and sighed. Will you at least talk to me?

I would like to ask you a question and I want you to give me an honest answer. He calmly said.

Of course. Jessie continued to wonder what could have gotten him so angry.

Am I a good soldier? He asked.

She stared at him with wonderment. She couldn’t understand why he would have this line of questioning. Of course you are.

Dio was frustrated by her answer. No, what I mean is when you chose me for your Commander was it for my abilities or for how you felt about me?

Jessie slightly smiled. I hate to tell you, but it was strictly on your abilities. I didn’t even know you when I chose you as my Commander.

I hunted seekers, I wasn’t even an officer, and you are telling me I was the most qualified on the planet to be your Section Commander? Dio tried to continue to control his anger.

Jessie sighed, she had never explained how she actually chose him for the position, but since he knew she was a Seeker, she decided she could tell him. When I was chosen to be Captain of the Carderone, the King’s personal guards, he was very skeptical that I was the right person for the job, so he gave me 60 days to prove myself by putting together the best Carderone he ever had. So I pulled together all the files of the current Soldiers, plus the top five people from all the other sections, then let my powers go to work. I can’t explain how my powers work, but let me tell you, I wasn’t happy when it chose you to be my Commander.

So you are telling me you didn’t want me? His anger feelings started to change to depression.

Jessie closed her eyes, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but she knew she had. She figured a better way to explain it. Think about it Dio. You were one of the best hunters this planet had ever seen. To this day people still talk about your assignments. Now I was a Seeker, using my abilities to pick a Commander. You were the last person I wanted near me.

What made you change your mind?

Well, I had a long talk with the Healer, she is the oldest living Seeker. She told me if the Power of Talla had chosen you, I would not be in danger."

Dio laughed out loud. If I knew you were a Seeker back then, I would have killed you. So your Healer was wrong.

Jessie smiled. She was glad to hear him laugh instead of growl. She stood up from her chair and walked over to him. She pushed him backward so his back was resting on the chair. She straddled his lap and kissed him on the forehead. The Healer is never wrong. She said.

Dio smiled but didn’t comment. He pulled her close and kissed her on the lips, then rested his head on her chest. The sigh slowly released signaled to Jessie that his anger had weakened but it was not entirely gone. She thought it would be the best time to find out what brought on his line of questioning.

Why does this subject bother you so much now? It was almost eleven years ago. She asked as she gently stroked his hair. He turned away from her. She placed her hand on his chin and turned his head back around so she could stare deep into her eyes. Please tell me what happened.

He looked straight into her eyes for the longest time. I was approached by a few of the Section Commanders, they have suggested that I resign my position as Captain of the Carderone. They said that the only reason I was your Commander was because of our relationship and as long as I remain in my current position I am putting the Royal Family in danger. It was Jessie’s turn to stare. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. They plan on calling a vote tomorrow at the meeting.

They can’t do that. They have no right to say who is the Captain of the Carderone. Jessie’s anger flared.

He pulled her close. Don’t worry, I will not resign without a fight. As she held him, she agreed there would be a fight if they tried to make him resign.

The Section Commanders’ meeting was scheduled for the first thing in the morning. This was going to be the first time Jacob was attending as the Commander of the Carderone and maybe the last time for Dio as the Captain. The two men arrived together while Jessie had sent a message that she was going to be late, she refused to tell anyone why. All the other Commanders privately welcomed Jacob to their private circle of officers. All the joking and laughter ended when the King’s Advisor walked into the room.

Once everyone was in his seat the Advisor prepared to begin, then he noticed that Jessie was not present. Captain Jamison, where is your Advisor? He had always addressed Jessie by that title. He felt it was a higher ranking than Captain.

Dio smiled, it was strange to hear Jessie being addressed as Advisor. The last time I saw Captain Mati, she was heading off to terrorizing a Section Commander. His comment drew laughter from everyone in the room, mainly because it was true. Even the Advisor joined into the spirit of the joke.

Seriously Captain, where is she? The Advisor asked.

I’m here. A woman’s voice rang out from the doorway as she walked in. I am sorry for being late.

Take your seat so we can begin. The Advisor ordered, as the room became quiet again.

As Jessie took her seat next to Dio, he leaned over and whispered in her ear. Where did you go?

You will see. She whispered back.

The Advisor cleared his throat to signal that all side conversation was to end so they could begin. First I would like to congratulate three of our officers in their promotions. Captain Mati, for reaching Advisor status. Dio Jamison for becoming Captain. And Jacob Ryan for becoming the commander of the Carderone. The commanders joined with the Advisor with