Lightstar Secrets:
Confrontation

By
Charra Loon


Concentrate, form, release. The simple exercise was repeated as a small black object formed and hit the wall. Each time the dent became deeper and deeper, which confirmed her suspicions; they were growing. Every single day that passed, her gift grew in strength. She hated it, with a passion. And God forbid anyone should discover the source of that gift...especially one certain person. She tried to hide it, but circumstance wouldn't allow it. Not in here, anyway.

"How much longer can I keep the origins of my powers a secret?" she thought. "How much longer before they learn the truth?"

" Hermana. Yo, hermana !" Chatts shouted to his comrade. "Are you listening to me?" Seska Terani, also known as Sapphire, stirred at the bellow of her old friend.

"Wha--" she started. "Oh, sorry, Chatts. I wasn't listening."

"I'll say. What's up?"

"Nothing."

"Oh, come on! You can tell me."

"I just have a lot on my mind, okay?"

"Is it about...them?"

"Yeah. They're getting stronger and I'm not sure if I could hide the truth from the others any longer?"

"Seska, I told you. They don't need to know the origins; just the powers."

"But the other 'Hawks would never accept me if they knew--"

"Hey, guys!" Sapphire rolled her eyes at the voice of Kyle Dalister, aka Moonstryker. In her opinion, 'Stryker was too much of a flirt. A lot of times she threatened to break his arm (or some other sensitive body part) just to keep him from chasing her.

"What do you want?" she snapped. Chatts shot an angry glare towards Moonstryker, too.

"Nice to see you, too." 'Stryker replied. "Uh, Seska, are you busy tonight?"

"Let me think. Um, yes!"

"Is there anytime you're not busy?"

"For you, no." She then stormed off, leaving the marksman alone with Chatterbox.

"What's her problem?" 'Stryker asked Chatts.

"I don't know." Chatts replied. "Maybe she isn't interested in those who jeopardize destiny!"

"Gods, Chatts! You're still pissed at me about that? I didn't even know Cris had a crush on Brightlight!"

"You've been stationed at this galaxy for years and you didn't know!? I knew she wanted him since I got here!"

"Well, I didn't know she'd be angry at Cami for dating him?"

"Angry? She pushed her off the balcony and called all female Mimians natural sluts and you call that angry?!"

"Well, I wasn't the one who called Cris a harlot!"

"She deserved it! Besides, it was about time Brightlight told her off! And boy, did he tell her off good! She got what was coming to her. Speaking of which, I'm going to be late."

"Now there's something new."

"Eh, shut up!" Chatts flew off for his duty shift on Bedlama.

Sapphire had made her way to the hangar without further conflict; things were crazy enough as it is without someone discovering her secret. Boarding the Road Nova, she began her patrol. A few sectors near the Lightyear Limit and an asteroid belt. Nothing much; besides, the belt would let her meet up with Sundance and compare notes. The patrol was only a few hours, especially when using the metaphysical realm combined with a viewing spell. The spell allowed the metaphysical realm to match the physical plane. It was convenient to spot Mob activity undetected, but when Sapphire reached the asteroid belt, she felt a dark and familiar presence.

"Mon*Star." she realized. She started scanning for Sundance's aura. Nothing. Fearing the worst, Sapphire followed Mon*Star's aura until she saw the dreaded Planet Master facing Sundance. Sapphire saw her comrade had a light shield around her, but something was wrong. There were traces of an alien power inside the light shield. Bringing down her visor, Sapphire shadow 'ported to the metaphysical plane and used her own gift to neutralize the light shield. Sundance collapsed in a heap as Sapphire placed a dark shield around them to stop an upcoming attack from Mon*Star.

"Blast you, Sapphire!" the Planet Master cried. "No one crosses the Planet Master!"

"Remind me to start a club one day." Sapphire snapped as she got herself and Sundance out of the asteroid field, but not before sending a few meteors Mon*Star's way. They were no match for his strength, but provided a distraction while Sapphire got her comrade to safety at Hawk Haven. She went straight to the medical bay, where she found Will.

"What in the--Sapphire, what happened?" he asked as Sapphire laid Sundance on a gurney.

"She had a run-in with Mon*Star." Sapphire explained as she brought up her visor. "From the looks of things, I could tell I got there in the nick of time."

"Can you describe what happened?"

"Her light shield had some alien power within it. I had to neutralize it with an energy orb, then she became unconscious." Sapphire looked on as Will examined her. "Is she okay?"

"I don't see any physical wounds. She looks okay..." Sundance started coming to. She looked terrified at first, but visibly relaxed when she realized where she was.

"What happened?" she asked Sapphire.

"I was hoping you could tell us. I found you facing Mon*Star."

"I remember. I was on patrol and Mon*Star attacked. I surrounded myself with a light shield to protect myself from his attacks, but then he launched the Lightstar...oh Vasah!"

"Sundance, what is it?" No response. "Cami, talk to me. What happened when the Lightstar was launched."

"It hit the shield, but something was wrong. My mind was free, but Mon*Star was able to control my body. As soon as he realized that, he was about to..."

"To what?"

"To....play with me, he said. Then you came, Sapphire and neutralized the shield. That released me from his control, but the energy was too much and I collapsed."

"He said he was going to play..with..you. Oh, gods!"

"Sapphire, could you stay here while I get SteelHeart?" Will asked. "I'm going to have to inform the Commander what happened."

"Tell whoever you need to tell." Cami said. "I...would appreciate it if this were as private as possible." Will nodded and left the two 'Hawks alone.

"It's best that you rest." Sapphire said. "After what just happened, you'll need it."

"Seska," Sundance whispered. "I know I was trained to handle creeps like Mon*Star, but when he got close to raping me...I'm just so scared."

"You nearly got violated; why wouldn't you be scared?"

"I just can't understand why anyone would do something like that to another person."

"Camiel, Mon*Star is about the biggest yungar in the entire universe. Rumor has it that he's worse than Dragor. Some people say that Mon*Star wants an heir that can carry on his legacy."

"I guess he never heard of adoption."

"He wants one of his own blood; someone who will genetically inherit his power to control the Moonstar."

"How do you know this?"

"Word on the street. It's just talk, nothing else. But whatever it takes, Mon*Star's going to pay for this." Sapphire stayed there, not knowing that some of the beakers were rumbling on the countertop.

As soon as SteelHeart came in, Sapphire left. She couldn't control her rage any longer, so she shadow 'ported to the training room and did major damage. "That lousy Mon*Star!" she shouted. "How dare he try to hurt her like that! I knew he was desperate for an heir, but I never thought he'd try to get one of my fellow 'Hawks. Well, we'll just see about that. It's time that Planet Master got exactly what's coming to him." She then shadow 'ported into the metaphysical realm.

Bored, bored, bored. That's what had been bugging Astrala for the past few days. There seemed to be nothing to do anymore. Mon*Star was usually out trying to bag a SilverHawk or two and the rest of the Mob weren't much fun, either. Suddenly, she heard a noise. Astrala poked her head out of her chambers to investigate. She saw a blue-armored female exploring the halls. "A SilverHawk?" she wondered. "What's that old chrome dome up to this time? Oh, well; least it's something to do." She ducked back in and drew a laser pistol. But when she came back out, no one was there. "I know I saw a SilverHawk here." she said to herself. "Or was it my imagination? No way! It had to be that strange one I heard so much about."

Sapphire looked on from the metaphysical plane. Brim Star was the first place she went to, but she couldn't sense Mon*Star anywhere. She ducked into the shadows the instant she sensed Astrala. "Seems like Planet Master isn't home today." Sapphire thought. "I wonder where he went." She returned to the physical plane just behind the curious Astrala. Unfortunately, the assassin managed to notice. Sapphire barely dodged the laser shot.

"Nice try, SilverHawk." she laughed. "But no one sneaks up on Astrala."

"Is that a fact?" Sapphire asked. The two femmes engaged in combat.

Astrala fired a few shots from her pistol, but Sapphire managed to dodge them. One shot came a little too close for comfort, distracting Sapphire long enough for Astrala to tackle her. Astrala pointed her pistol at the downed SilverHawk, confident in the victory. Sapphire fired her laser, causing Astrala's weapon to fly out of her hand. Before the assassin could go after her gun, Sapphire made the pistol float in mid-air, and pointing right at Astrala's head.

"How...how are you doing this?" Astrala asked.

Sapphire could only smirk. "What's wrong, Astrala?" she asked. "Never saw telekinesis in action before? Why don't you make it easier on yourself and tell me where Mon*Star is?"

"Why do you want to know that? I thought you SilverHawks worked with the law."

"Oh, this has nothing to do with law; it's all personal. Now, I am going to ask again; where's Mon*Star?"

"I don't know." Sapphire made the pistol shoot, barely missing Astrala.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Where's Mon*Star?"

"You're crazy."

"Think this is crazy? You ain't seen nothin' yet." Sapphire concentrated until her flesh hand bore a black four-pointed star which was launched at Astrala. "Where is Mon*Star?" she asked again. "And I want the truth."

"I don't know." Astrala answered in a monotone voice.

"Did he say where he was going?"

"To catch a pretty bird for his chambers."

"Why? Because he wants an heir and he thought Sundance would be a good candidate to conceive one!?"

"No. To settle a score."

"What score?"

"A personal score. His eye was taken out three hundred years ago and replaced with a cybernetic implant. Mon*Star wants revenge in the sickest way possible."

"But Sundance wasn't born three hundred years ago!"

"No, but the guy she's seeing is, and he was the one who crippled Mon*Star."

"How do you know she's seeing someone?"

"Dragor spied on them during the Military Ball the other year and told Molecu-Lar. Mo told the Planet Master and the word spread like wildfire."

"Wonderful...once I depart, you will awaken, and forget all that has happened within my presence." Sapphire jumped back into the shadows, and Astrala came to her senses, curious as to how she got into the corridors.

"What was I doing?" she asked herself. "Oh, well." She went to satisfy her boredom.

Sapphire roamed through the metaphysical realm, hoping that she could still sense Mon*Star. "Now, if I were a perverted psycho mob master with a mind control ability and sensitive pride, where would I be after failing to rape an innocent girl for something her man did?" Sapphire wondered. She suddenly felt the presence she sought for. "Bingo!" She followed the aura. It got stronger the closer she got. As she returned to the physical plane, she found herself on the outskirts of Bedlama City.

"So good of you to join us, SilverHawk." At the sound of the voice, Sapphire lowered her visor and turned to face Mon*Star and Skyrunner.

"If you think for one minute I'm afraid of you," Sapphire growled. "I can assure you you're dead wrong."

"Oh, really?"

"I've seen your work, Planet Master. Trust me, I'm not exactly one of your biggest fans."

"What are you going to do about it, birdie?"

"What am I going to do about it? What I should've done a long time ago."

Meanwhile, it seemed like another day at the office for Stargazer when a visual report came in from TallyHawk. He saw Sapphire actually taking on Mon*Star on Bedlama! "What in Limbo is she thinking?!" he thought. "I know she's powerful, but this is crazy!" He proceeded to contact any available troops.

The Mirage was on patrol when it received word that Sapphire was in a scuffle with Mon*Star himself. With no time to waste, Bluegrass started headed towards Bedlama. Suddenly, as they were passing an asteroid field, Hotwing sensed something in the asteroids. On his advice, Bluegrass headed towards the asteroids.

Sapphire had managed to drive off Skyrunner, but barely. After losing his steed, Mon*Star became tackled by the powerful SilverHawk. There was something about her...something he couldn't put his finger on. "Every time she faces me, her face is covered." he recalls. "What sort of secret is she hiding?"

"Well, Planet Master." Sapphire taunted. "No steed, middle of nowhere, and just you and me. How does it feel to be defeated?"

"I'll let you know when I'm done with you!" He then launched the infamous Lightstar.

"Big mistake." Sapphire scoffed as the Lightstar hit her. She didn't even move out of the way.

"Who is your master now, birdie?" Mon*Star asked.

"It certainly ain't you, yungar!" Sapphire cried as she launched her own star, which caused some damage to the Planet Master. "Your Lightstar won't work on me, as you have observed."

"What...what are you?"

"Limbo's dream come true, here to put an end to the nightmare that's you."

Mon*Star could only stare at the mystic SilverHawk. "What are you hiding under there, SilverHawk?" he thought. "I take it this is a personal fight, Sapphire?" he half asked, half mocked.

"Let's just say that you've ruined enough lives for one eon." Sapphire replied. "And it ends now."

"Oh, really? Is this about your little sunny friend?"

"You are so going to pay for what you tried to do to her."

"Sorry, birdie, but anything considering Sundance is not exactly your concern. I have bigger fish to fry."

"Like hell it isn't! It's bad enough you try to rape women to find your perfect heir without hurting innocent people!"

"How do you know this?"

"I know you, Mon*Star. I know every dirty secret you have and then some."

"Oh, now I see; you were a previous acquaintance, weren't you?"

"You could say that." Sapphire then proceeded to tackle Mon*Star, but the Planet Master managed to hold her off, if barely. After a brief struggle, Mon*Star managed to throw Sapphire off of him, but not before ripping off her visor. Soon enough, the Mirage flew in and launched Hotwing, Quicksilver and the Steel Twins. They went to check on their comrade.

"Sapphire, are you all right?" SteelHeart asked. Sapphire slowly got up and felt her face. Then she looked towards Mon*Star, who recognized her at once.

"Those eyes..." the Planet Master started. "This explains everything!"

"What's he talking about, Sapphire?" Quicksilver asked.

"Nothing of your concern." Sapphire replied coldly.

"Oh, so you didn't tell them, did you?" Mon*Star sneered. "All this time and you've managed to keep it hidden. I must admit, you do surprise me."

"They have nothing to do with this, Mon*Star; it's just you and me!"

"Is it? Why don't we enlighten your little friends a little?" His attention became focused on the other 'Hawks. "SilverHawks, I want you to meet Sara, my long-lost heir!" All of the 'Hawks were in deep shock, Sapphire was mortified and Mon*Star was smirking.

"You arrogant bastard!" she screamed as Mon*Star launched an attack which caused a chain reaction in the asteroid belt. That gave him time to flee. Sapphire ducked into the shadows while the other 'Hawks retreated into the Mirage. All managed to escape the explosion that later occurred.

As the Mirage docked in Hawk Haven, its occupants still couldn't believe what they had just heard. Sara, the supposed heir to the Mob, one of their own? It was too hard to believe. Quick even suggested that it was some sort of trick of Mon*Star's. At that moment, Sapphire came out of the shadows.

"I suppose you're all wondering something." she stated. "Like what Mon*Star said about me."

"Sapphire, you have to tell us." Quick said. "It can't be..."

"It is. I am what he said I am. At least, I am biologically."

"Why didn't you tell us?" SteelHeart asked.

"Why do you think? I knew you wouldn't accept me if you did."

"You don't know that."

"Yes, I do. It was like that in the foster homes. The instant they learn about my powers and my past, they think the worst. As soon as that's settled, I wipe their memories and run away. The Terani house was the only one who was willing to take me in without disgust."

"You wiped their memories..."

"Only of me and my powers. As far as they were concerned, I was never part of their lives. I knew from being with all of you, I couldn't do that; some of you have mental shields too strong even for me."

"Your powers..." Hotwing started. "They're like Mon*Star's, aren't they?"

"I told you I had reasons for keeping them secret in the first place; now you know what they are. Same powers before he got crippled, except they draw from a different polarity. Plus, I don't need the Moonstar to keep them fueled."

"Sapphire, did you know Mon*Star was here when you signed up?" Will asked.

"I did, but I didn't join because of some family reunion. I joined the same reason you all joined; to stop him. I merely had a personal reason to go with it."

"But he's your father." Bluegrass blurted. "At least now I know where you get that temper from." Sapphire scowled at him.

"Mon*Star is only my sire," she said coldly. "Nothing more. There's a difference between a sire and a father."

"But still...isn't there some sort of personal affection?"

"Why in the inferno would I have positive feelings for that bastard? He ruined my life the moment I was conceived."

"Then why were you searching for him?"

"To keep him from hurting someone the same way he hurt my dam!"

"You said you didn't need the Moonstar to keep your powers." Hotwing said. "What do you mean?"

"Thanks to the Lightstar and my human physiology, I was able to develop my powers on my own. Until now, he thought I was lost for good. Anything else, you can ask Chatterbox; he knows everything." With that, she shadow 'ported to her quarters, leaving her fellow 'Hawks to think about the situation and how to handle it.

"I don't know about the rest of you guys," Will started. "But I think we should stay out of this."

"I don't know..." Quick pondered.

"It's obvious this is very personal." 'Heart said, agreeing with her brother. "If we interfere now, things will only get worse."

"But--" Bluegrass began to protest but was stopped with a glare.

"She has a point." Hotwing said. "There's been enough damage in Sapphire's life; no need to add to it." And so they agreed. The life of their comrade was not to be pried into, no matter what the circumstance.

Sapphire couldn't believe how much trouble had been caused. Now the 'Hawks knew what she was and there was no way to make them forget. It didn't look good; the illegitimate daughter of Mon*Star a SilverHawk. It was only a matter of time before word spread throughout the station. She was not going to let herself be humiliated and tortured. This was bound to happen at some point, and she had a plan just in case that did happen. Placing a shadow barrier on the door, she proceeded with her plan.

Sundance's day, so far, had been stressful thanks to Mon*Star's little attack. "What is he up to that he needs to violate me?" she thought. "It can't be for an heir like Sapphire suggested; that would jeopardize the Mob-MATI alliance." She decided that she needed to talk a little more with Sapphire. But when Sundance got to her partner's quarters, she sensed the barrier around it. "Sapphire!" she called. "Sapphire, are you in there?" No response. "Seska, if you're in there, please answer me!" She couldn't have left the station; this was one of the few days in which Sapphire had no patrols. Fearing the worst, Sundance launched a small energy orb at the door. It wasn't very powerful, but the Light power was enough to dissipate the black barrier surrounding it. She proceeded to open the door and found Sapphire unconscious. She was still breathing, but what scared Sundance were the objects in Sapphire's hand, an empty vial and a note.

There's no need to worry about what to do with me. it read. I wasn't meant to live anyway.

"Sapphire..." Sundance quickly got out of her regime and contacted for help. "Sundance to all available 'Hawks. We got a major medical emergency here!" She then proceeded to teleport her and Sapphire to the infirmary.

When Stargazer and most of the other 'Hawks arrived at the infirmary, Sapphire had been stabilized. Sundance told them what had happened and showed them the note and vial. Hotwing recognized what was left of the vial's contents.

"Keira root," he explained. "An illegal substance on the homeworld. It's a known narcotic."

"A narcotic?" Quicksilver pondered.

"Among the Mykari, yes. But keira root's lethal to humans."

SteelHeart was examining the note. "I think that's what Sapphire intended." she concluded.

"Will...will she be okay?" Sundance asked. "Why would she do something like this?"

"It's complicated, Camiel." Stargazer explained. "Going into more detail would require a violation of Seska's privacy."

"But--"

"I'll take care of this. You go get some rest; you've had a hard day." Sundance reluctantly left, leaving Stargazer alone with Quick, Hotwing, Bluegrass and the Twins. Moeba had gone off to inform Chatterbox.

"Sir," Quicksilver started. "I think I know why Corporal Sapphire tried to kill herself."

"You found out, didn't you?" Stargazer said. The other 'Hawks just stared at him.

"You..."

"Yes, Lieutenant. I know about Sapphire."

"But-but how?"

"It was after she told me of her powers. Earth had just sent me her file, an orphan who was moved from foster home to foster home. When Sapphire explained her powers to me, I recalled what Jade told me. I managed to make the connection right then and there. But I wasn't sure, until now."

"I still can't believe it."

"Believe it. I was going to confront her about it today when I learned she had left the station. Any reason why she did that?"

"She told us that she was going to stop Mon*Star for good." Will explained. "I guess she got upset about what almost happened to Camiel. You don't think she's lying, do you?"

"No, of course not. Knowing she was conceived like she was must've been difficult for her, even as a child. But just because Sapphire has a colorful background does not make her less of a human being. Now, I don't want any of this getting out, especially to Earth. They learn she's Mon*Star's heir, they'll do anything to get rid of her. But Sapphire's one of us; she's proven herself loyal and dedicated. Now, if I could learn the rest of her story, maybe we could figure out what to do before any action was taken."

"Seska said Chatts knew." Hotwing recalled. "If he does, then he sure did a hell of a job keeping it quiet."

"Great. The one thing that bird keeps his beak shut on, and it had to be this. I'll talk to him the minute he gets back, which shouldn't be long once Moeba tells him what happened." They knew Chatterbox was protective of his creator. They also hoped that he could provide the answers they were seeking, in the hope they could help their comrade cope with the long-term pain she's had all her life, if she ever woke up.

To be continued in "Lightstar Secrets: Confession"


Back to the Guest Author Section
Back to the SilverHawks Fanfiction Homepage
Back to the Shadowspace