Kiera's Moon

He hadn't set foot on the planet since being made the dhjan upon his father's death. The feel of the planet's life force through his body was staggering, the sensation similar to what he felt the first time he'd met his nishani. He'd dreaded his first steps on his planet, fearing it, too, would've lost faith in him.

The planet welcomed him home, reminded him that his own life-- and those of his people-- was tied to it. The initial sensations passed, and he breathed deeply, finally able to focus as his body adjusted to the feel of the energy flowing through him.

He'd wondered what his initial greeting as dhjan would feel like. It stunned him to feel the planet breathing, struggling back to life after hovering so long on the edge of death. The sensations humbled him, and he thought again of Mansr's words, that he needed to be more than an exiled war planner. His planet needed him. His people needed him. He'd waited too long for the Council to support him instead of returning to the planet that needed him.

A'Ran sat at the battle planner and watched the scenes before him. Qatwali was as ruthless in battle as he was. That they'd ally with the dishonorable Yirkin was his fault; his affront at taking Kiera from them was enough for them to overcome their distaste at dealing with the Yirkin, whom they viewed as even less civilized than the Anshan. His reinforcements would come too late; he had one choice to save his planet.

He touched the communications device to activate it.

"Mansr."

There was a pause, then his uncle's familiar, strained voice.

"Here, A'Ran."

"I'm at the battle planner. My communications capability is limited. I want you to issue the evacuation order for the planet."

"Evacuate?" Mansr asked. "The space battle won't allow anyone off-planet."

"Qatwali is distracted with the land battle and the Yirkin won't be looking where we launch."

"I'll issue the warning. We'll need half a day to evacuate the planet."

"You'll have it," A'Ran said. "I'll activate the emergency facilities on the moon."

"Very well. Is nishani well?"

"Yes, uncle, she's safe."

There was a click as Mansr closed the connection. A'Ran returned his attention to the battles twirling before him on the planner. He watched, confirming the far side of the planet wasn't the focus of either Yirkin or Qatwali forces.

He sat back for a moment, heart pounding at the prospect of what he was about to do. Nishani had proven she could bring the planet back to life. She had looked less than happy about staying, but she would do her duty, as would he. He would decimate all life on the planet using the very ore that had brought his family wealth and power. The dust emitted from mining the ore was poisonous in its raw state. Long ago, his ancestors had rigged the planet to blow the mines and turn the atmosphere into a toxic mix no one would survive.