Issue 22: To Slip the Bonds of Earth
Like before, the void walkers wanted my
sister. Her child. I am glad I brought Thomas in as a cover. They think he’s
just my tie to Earth protocol and my military cohort for this sector of the
galaxy. Even our concerned Science Division wasn’t able to find my sister. For
a whole week. I wisely didn’t ask. I will inform the usual protectors of this
development. –From the Private Observations of Sol, by J’dax Ayeer.
Scans indicate that this odd figurine is
the Markav God of Justice. The 3rd Arm is supposed to represent a
mirror. The other two arms: Truth and Lies. I will keep this stored on the
Jupiter Rising. One day I hope to inform the captain what this represents. –Horus,
Datafile 20332.
Ritark was always there. He found my
situation just as frustrating. Being able to see everything from the shadowed
corners of the ship. What I didn’t know, he usually hid in the shadow of my
cape when I went away from the ship. As long as it wasn’t near Earth. Even Admiral
Y’lansa covered for him. I think she wanted someone else to be able to help me
put the pieces together. -Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd
century.
Utasa Sector 208, Earth Observation
Barrier
Edge of Terran Alliance Space
(Allowable)
July 17th, 2096
Q’vera walked upon the barrier.
Feeling for the vibrations. Its clear surface shifted, shimmering with a golden
radiance for a moment. The council had decided to let humanity expand to some
other systems, rich in resources via the Scholar Gate network. Her crimson and
silver belt twisted suddenly, sensing a very familiar pattern. The Jupiter Rising barreled through the gap.
Its blazing red and white armored plates reflecting the fire of the cosmos. Her
niece was quite the magician. As the earth phrase went.
The information nets inquired once
more: //How in the name of the Rulers
does she keep escaping? Someone sync with that ship, gently, follow it to
whatever destination is calling this time. Admiral Y’lansa’s decree stresses
handling this with great discretion.//
She had a toothy grin as her sister’s
reply also hit the network. //J’ino to
all Utasa sectors: Well it would appear that humanity is much more interesting
then certain Houses give it credit for.//
******
The
distress call echoed through my mind. Rising in pitch as I flew through the
cosmic sea. It didn’t matter. Had to find them. Someone was in trouble. Space
shifted again and Jupiter sent out a greeting, in a coded language I didn’t understand.
No matter. The gargantuan vessel before me was being pulled into the influence
of a black hole. It was a mottled green color. Maybe even construction
transport in nature.
In
a split second, I was outside Jupiter, my usual demi attire and cape waving
behind me as I circled the beleaguered vessel. Some sort of shielding was
wavering, trying to power through the gravity well. I turned my eyes to it,
finding the main power source, using my plasma to kick start the engine. Two
entities were tethered to the hull. Their suits were much bulkier than the human
standard. Six red eyes stared out at me as I got closer. A tan bony exterior in
the place of a mouth. A simple message ping’d my coms.
//Much thanking, fire source into
secondary module here.//
I
redirected my plasma to the second position. The pull of the black hole faded
as the ship moved alongside the Jupiter Rising.
One
of them sent out a series of words that I couldn’t parse. He seemed rather
confused. I just waved at them as more ships jumped in. Space bending around
them as they arrived. They were sleek and made for the chase. As I knew it. But
nothing was better than my Jupiter. An individual in a rather fancy set of black,
grey, and red armor coasted in next to me. Over the coms, “We meet again
wayward Flag Bearer. Follow me back to Jupiter. I have some questions.” The
aura around her beat against my senses. Somehow I had met this person before. “Alright,
we are inbound Jupiter, put on a pot of coffee.”
The
AI interjected, “As you wish captain. Although I already have our guest’s
preferences in mind.” I cocked my head to the side. “Alright. Oh boy, it's
going to be one of those days, isn’t it? Mom is gonna kill me.”
My
guest reached the airlock, cycling it: “If I am lucky all your mother will do
is yell for about 30 minutes. I give her this leeway because we have already
asked much of you. Plus she is my bond daughter. After you Captain Murphy.” She
waved a gloved hand to the main access panel.
*****
She
was about mom’s height, solid 5ft 10, with piercing blue eyes and black hair.
Unlike my grandparents, the weight of centuries peered out from that gaze. She
drank. The concoction filing the galley cabin with cinnamon and vanilla. “Not
bad. How many teas does Earth have again?” She directed this to Jupiter. The AI
paused, “By my calculations, including recent combinations, six main categories
with 2 more produced within the last 20 years. Imbued with pre-Uplift level
stage 3 prolong additives.”
I
winced, “Oh no. I’m gonna get scrambled again.” The shorter woman nodded after
a rather dejected pause. The guilt coming off of her in spades. “Yes, you have
a knack for getting out of containment. Not that it’s a bad thing. Under normal
situations. Even now, every bit you do does help Earth’s position for Uplift.
You’re not allowed to know that yet. But like every meeting we have had, I
rather tell you point-blank.”
Her
eyes took on a critical cast, “I have taken the liberty of updating your
military profile. Your battlefield commission into the Survey Corp has been
accepted. Such as it is. The King insisted I keep it concealed for now. Can’t
have people outside certain circles knowing who you are related to.” Her grin
turned hard. “Not that I’d let that happen.” She gave me a package.
“Store
that in Jupiter’s observation dome. I’ll have another relay some things to your
mother.” The sharp bite of command sent me flying off to place said package. I
had the oddest darned feeling. A dark black hat floated next to my outstretched
hand. Mr. Apple greeted me.
One day you will know. I promise you
this.
The
world turned into a white blanket of snow.
*****
Admiral
Y’lansa Odessen whistled sharply. Ritark chattered, <<It’s good to see you again. I don’t like doing this to Eliza
but she seems to know when someone needs help. A special compulsion. I stay
hidden. I don’t want to upset J’ino.>> His dark form coalesced before
the Typherian. His golden eyes shimmered with excitement.
<<Do you have more orders for
me?>>
She
finished the tea. “Indeed. The King sends his thanks and gratitude. I do as
well. I know everyone involved finds this very frustrating.”
Jupiter
called out, ((Captain Murphy is currently
secured within her main crew quarters. Ready to jump back to Terran Space at
any time. Memory shrouder currently attached to facilitate concealment.))
She
resealed her helmet. “Just another incident in a long list of Earthly mystery.”
She felt a tug on her mind, Q’vera was requesting permission for an audience.
The Utasa sector CO took a moment to procure more tea bags. It was a wonderful
concoction. She winked at Ritark, “You will find updated orders relayed to
Jupiter. I know you feel cooped up but there’s a good reason for it.” He
swirled around her. “Of course! I owe Eliza my life, this is but a small
repayment. I wish I could play some VR games with her but Taleer is a pretty good
gaming friend. He gets lonely too.”
The
summons gained strength. Her ship’s coms adding pressure to the mental buzzing.
She saluted the Litari Dreamweaver.
“Take
good care of our friends from Earth.”
T.A.S I’tah (Capital Ship of Utasa
Sector)
Relay Outpost Alpha
July 17th, 2096
Q’vera
saluted as Y’lansa entered the CIC. The Admiral motioned for the Red Defender
to enter the main officer hall within the adjacent ready room. Without missing
a beat, “So what does a daughter of Ayeer need from me?” As an extra precaution,
she activated an environmental inhibitor. One couldn’t be too careful of
wayward ears.
Her
guest’s red within black eyes twitched, “Oh come off it! You know I hate
standing on ceremony.” The old warhorse just grinned, “Indeed. Let an old woman
have her fun dear child. I had to order Jupiter to initiate another scramble.”
Q’vera frowned at that. “My sister will be even more on edge for a while. My
niece already causes enough trouble. She sets my belt off something fierce.” Y’lansa
lifted her hand, “Say no more. Bury that observation deep. So deep that even a
Child of Chains can’t reach it.” At the mention of the lost Litari, Q’vera
shuddered, her belt swishing around in agitation.
Both
women shared a moment of dread. Like a certain ambassador, they had suspicions
on Eliza’s tricks for jumping the sector fence. “Your father even threw his
weight behind this. Say nothing. It is painful. I know you wish to visit but this
memory restructure cannot mask emotional profiles from her memory. We dare not
try to purge those. It will damage Eliza’s mind. Since she barely has a sliver
of Typherian mental capacity I do not wish to tempt fate.”
Q’vera
nodded glumly. She inhaled sharply, “Understood. I mainly wanted to meet you to
discuss the issues of piracy within the southern frontier.” Y’lansa leaned
back, wrapping her hands around her new cup of tea, “Yes, the Dark Matter
harvesters.” Her eyes turned flinty. “The Outcast Urraden is supplying the worst
dregs of the Utasa sector.” The history of the fallen Typherian house was still
a sore subject. Y’lansa continued, “Somehow they are using something from Earth
to ferry the required items over. So either someone out there has some of Eliza’s
quirks or there’s a demi reason why. That planet has developed rather
interesting avenues of power.”
Q’vera
entered a code into the terminal on Y’lansa’s desk. A face very much like J’ino’s
appeared, “Mother! I have a special request!” The Queen Consort grinned into
the pickup. “Of course you do my dear. What kind of trip are you planning this
time?” Y’lansa groaned silently. Whatever they were planning was sure to
involve an entire regional fleet. She took another welcoming sip. Its soothing
aroma nearly making her forget about the last two cycles.
*****
A
warm weight settled on my chest. My eyes snapped open. Zach was cooing, his
chubby little hands smacking me in the nose. That meant one thing, “Heya mama!
One adorable brother up for sale already?” She struck me on the shoulder with a
playful shove. Zach had my father’s complexion and black hair with our mother’s
gray-green eyes. I know I was biased but he was the most lovable baby. I called
out, “Jupiter! Any updates?” The AI formed by my main console. When had I passed out within the captain’s quarters
anyway? Mom took advantage of the mattress, flopping down next to me,
tugging on my ear. Bringing back early childhood memories. She usually did that
when she wanted a favor. “Jupiter summoned me when you docked back in the
neighborhood.” Her eyes darkened for a moment. I prompted her, “Mom. Earth to
Mrs. Murphy!” She gave me the ultimate mom look. The one that said I was in
trouble. Zach gurgled with delight as I did the happy baby shuffle.
Which
meant I held him above me, making him fly in small circles, while his giggles
turned to full-on belly laughs. Each hand was placed so he’d have the most
support possible. I made two more passes and let him rest on my chest again. My
eyes shifted to mom. She was fast asleep. Now that was quite the trick. The
only other person I knew who could do that was Doc. I activated the holo
screen, shifting it to play audio to my uplink. Mom shifted in her sleep,
reaching for me and Zach. I pulled the pillows down, making a nest, settled in
to watch a holo-vid. The door hissed open. Doc kept looking back and forth. I
put a finger to my lips. Patted the space next to me. Hand on her hips, she
just rolled her eyes at me with exasperation. Pointing at her watch.
Right,
we had a delivery. Dad’s face appeared as I pitched my voice into the pickup.
//Mom’s dead asleep, want us to deliver
those parts to Alpha Centauri? I promise to strap Zach into the Zero-G carrier.//
He
grinned.
//Why not? Hurry back. Mother wants more
pictures for her wall.//
//Of course she does. On it Marshmellow
Man!//
I
secured Zach to the special carrier. Then hooked that to mother. She always
seemed to know if he was feeling distressed. Pulled the covers over her. At
least some of us were going to get some well-deserved rest. Lorain gripped the
back of my neck. Each vertebra in my back snapped back into proper alignment.
No need for a chiropractor around with her. I stretched as we walked to the
main piloting chamber. Lorain sent the manifest over. A whole lot of basic
terraforming materials. Medical supplies. The usual. She laughed at me. Her eyes
were bright within her heart-shaped face. “This is what you signed up for.” I
grinned.
“Sure!
Its always good to have a slow day for once. Smell the cosmic flowers! Get some
rays in!” She wrapped her arm around my waist. Shaking her head, “Stop that!
Every time you say something mundane Fate decides to kick you in the butt, Captain!”
I
stuck my tongue out at my apprehensive medic. “Well, we are part of NASA's
exploration division. Strange new worlds! Making more little green friends! The
works! Cooper fits the bill. So there’s that!”
She
glanced up at me with a mixed expression. Worry laced with a hint of humor, “Right.”
Her nose twitched as she sneezed. I fished for some tissues. I always kept some
in my jacket. She poked me on the nose. Her giggles at odds with her serious
tone, “It’s a good thing you don’t get colds. Ice breath everywhere!” A flash
of emotion washed over me. Warmth and a feeling of kinship. It wasn’t Lorain
either. I pivoted towards it but Jupiter chimed in, ((Now relaying to Dweller Gate Sol System, destination input command?))
Lorain
patted me on the chest.
“Gen. Whitehouse will have my head. Let’s go
get this done.”
The
burst faded. With a blink I established a neural comlink with my ship:
“Alright,
Jupiter! Prep for Jump. Command Code: Orange Juice is Summertime Madness.”
Just
another day in the sea of stars.
Planet Trinity (Alpha Centauri )
New Horizons, GroundWorks Hanger
July 17th, 2096
J’ino
yawned as she walked down the service ramp. Zach was still asleep in his ZG
carrier. She made sure to triple secure it to her body. Nothing was going to
get her little boy. Not this time. Eliza had already unloaded the cargo. Cooper
sprinted to every end of the hanger he could reach. His Defender belt inert for
the moment. He yelped, the sound drawing Eliza over, nearly barreling over the
cargo boxes in the process. Her voice was laced with concern. “What is it Coop?”
She picked him up. One of his paws hanging over her shoulder. He didn’t answer.
Instead, he turned those chocolate brown eyes to J’ino. Over a private mental
link, <<LADY! I smell restricted
races within the human habitat.>> His nose quivered, testing the air
with quiet intensity, canvassing for the right scents. <<It is no mistake! Artock!>>
*****
Mom’s
back stiffened with outrage. I glanced around the area. Scanning across all
available spectrums but came up empty. Her voice was distracted, anger making
her face go cold. “Eliza. Finish handing over the materials. I need to talk to
Lorain for a moment. If that’s alright.” My face twisted from the melancholy emanating
off them both. Her emotional shield was back in place. That could only mean one
thing. I wasn’t allowed to know. Doc shot me an apologetic glance. Cooper
whined and poked me with his nose. Indicating I should leave him here. So I
went about finishing the paperwork side of the delivery.
In
the furthest corner of my mind, a small kernel of doubt formed: Would I be shut
out forever?
*****
J’ino
watched her daughter leave. The mother part of her heart was breaking with
every step. The ambassador part had a job to do. Lorain muttered, “So who or
what is out of jurisdiction here? That way I don’t have to leave my captain
behind any more than necessary. Fucking committees. She’d be an asset and they
know it. ”
J’ino
replied, “If she wasn’t my daughter, the process would be much easier. My
sister and others have to hide things. Follow me, it would appear an agent is
waiting for us.”
Planet Trinity
New Horizons, Mt. Venus Bar
July 17th, 2096
J’ino
growled with low pitched intensity, “So how is a member of that gang here?”
The
man, even with his common clothing wore a mask of a military command, every movement
precise and calculated. “We have suspicions that the Hidden House may have helped
smuggle some in. Perhaps even Earther's magic.” His eyes darted to Lorain. She
shrugged, “Even I don’t know the full limits of demi magics.” Her tone was
tight-lipped. She didn’t know this guy from any other Tom, Dick, or Harry. Even
if he was also Typherian she was very protective of her captain and J’ino. His
face took on a sour cast. The ivory ring vibrated at multiple frequencies.
Nearly causing Lanis to tear it off.
This
motion caught J’ino’s attention.
Lorain deepened her glare. That’s right. The stupid human. With all
your high and mighty Uplift protocol you still couldn't stop these things from
coming in?
J’ino
frowned, “Lorain. Now isn’t the time. These pirates will do anything for dark
matter. If that is here, without proper containment, it could eat this colony
wholesale.”
His
eyes widened as another woman interjected, her voice as cold as space itself, “Well
well well. Spacer First Class U’lvek. Or should I say-----“ She reached out
before he could react. His whole body spasming as darkness took him.
When
he next awakened he was in a barren room. Locked to a seat. All 4 of his very
hefty arms immobile. Shit.
His
green eyestalks swiveled around. No one else in the room.
Double
Shit.
Striker
Nix was about to have a very bad day.
*****
J’ino
glared at the Artock pirate through the plexiglass two-way mirror. The woman who
snagged the interloper was fiddling with her coms array. Lanis could see the
reflection of various data screens but what was listed was encrypted with tech
she had only seen on Mrs. Murphy’s ship. At one point she exclaimed, “Find U’lvek.
His locator is still giving off the required signals. Based on the heart rate,
someone has him in stasis.” Her voice crackled with the authority of command.
Reminded Lanis of General Murphy.
The
woman shut down her link, “I sent the Bardaxian out on patrol. If he smells
anything else amiss, he’ll call it in.” She sharp eyes locked onto Lanis, “As
for you Doctor, go grab Eliza. We are going to need her.” Lorain felt her
eyebrows rise. “Hasn’t her brain been scrambled enough?” The words flew out
before she could think of something more diplomatic to say. The mystery woman
had the decency to look sheepish. She linked Lanis into her overarching
network. Giving the human temporary access to particular files. The medical
demi stared in astonishment at the feed.
Doc
exploded, “SO she’s in your military scout branch but doesn’t fucking know it.
That is complete BS…” The elder woman maintained a neutral countenance. She
retorted, “Who do you think is leading the charge on my end?” Lanis opened some
addendums highlighted to Eliza’s Typherian service. The pounding in her temples
increased. J’ino came over, interlinked her display, her frown at odds with the
sense of pride bubbling under the surface. She gave the raven-haired doctor a
knowing glance. “With dark matter, I’d rather have the Banner on deck if
possible.”
Lorain
sighed, “ Right, I'll go.”
J’ino
opened a mental link to her “guest.” >>I’m
shocked you didn’t tear into Lanis.<<
Admiral
Y’lansa grinned. Her human overlay phasing for a moment, showing the piercing
blue within black eyes, >>I am ecstatic
you have someone that combative with you. She doesn’t trust easily.<<
J’ino
glared once more at the 4-armed pirate. “Just get the job done. Preferably
without locking away more memories.” The older Typherian reached out and placed
a hand on Zach’s carrier. “Of course. By the Twins, I swear.”
It
rested there for another minute. “Things will not always be this way. Your
mother and father are in constant talks with the Council. Eliza’s contributions
have accelerated this. Since they think she’s human. With a possible Atlantian
ancestry. Nuul and the Lady are backing up this claim. Only a quiet handful
know the truth.”
Admiral
Y’lansa guided J’ino back to Jupiter Rising.
As
she boarded, the other woman called out, “By Blood and Bone, we Rise Forever.”
It was the Odessen House pledge. J’ino placed her hands over her heart, “Ever
Skyward, never Bound!”
Once inside, Jupiter stated, ((Ritark will also join. He is already in
the most optimum spot. Your daughter will never walk alone.))
*****
I
finished signing off on the supplies. The foreman was ecstatic when I got to
the foodstuffs. Vodka, sweets, the old favorites of home. Along with some of
the newest holo-vids of the season. I grinned as the familiar sound of credits
hitting the ship’s accounts cleared. It was a good way to make sure we stayed
supplied and some extra funds came in handy. I was saving for the future. My
coms flared to life, “Hey Captain, meet me here at these coordinates. Come
ready to Party.” It was signed with Doc’s unique codes.
So
she wanted me in Banner mode. I boarded Jupiter.
Mom
was settling Zachary down for a nap. She came over and gave me a once over. “Watch
your six.” She always said that. I always replied, “ And stay frosty.” It was
something my dad and grandpa would always say before a mission.
I
activated the com arrays. Relaying the required updates to my NASA field
office. Jupiter scanned my form. In case someone came calling. I exited the
ship, using one of our ground vehicles to drive out to the spot provided by
Doc. The landscape was only partially terraformed. The rocky terrain jostled
the land rover. I could have gone hover mode but most times I used that in an
emergency. I changed into my other suit, storing the rest in the rear containment
tank, activating the camouflage interface which caused the transport to fade
into the landscape around it.
I
gave a few leaps then shot into the air. Flying the rest of the way. From 20
miles away I could hear Cooper barking. He was on the hunt. Wonder what gave
him that idea. I linked with him, <<Find
anything Emerald?>>
His
black-furred face filled my vision, <<YES!
I have found something important. I will update you later!>>
I
spotted Doc and one other. Another dark-haired woman. As I landed, Lorain
stated, “Get ready for more first-class deliveries.” So whatever this situation
entailed, it was fairly dangerous. That would explain the cloud of apprehension
I felt coming off both of them. I replied, “Of course.” I turned my gaze to the
other woman. I nearly did a double-take. “Tea Lady?”
*****
Y’lansa
bowed gracefully. “At your service. Yes, we have met.” She winked and held up
her left hand. Star quirked an eyebrow, “Someone from the Office?” Lorain bit
her lip, pointing out, “We have a pirate problem.”
“Ah,
so that’s why Emerald is hunting. What do we have to find?”
The
older woman interjected, “Dark Matter. These pirates might be working with
other factions either connected to Earth or in my sphere of jurisdiction.” Doc
agreed but with a heavy dose of reluctance. I rested a hand on her shoulder. “Hey,
its something we gotta do. I know you and mom hate it when I get brain freeze
but if it will save more lives? I’d rather take that chance.” Tea Lady peered
into the horizon. Tapping the side of her neck. She subvocalized. I very
deliberately didn’t translate it. She cocked her head to the left, a burst of
what felt like gallows humor, then: “He’s somewhere near the edge, about 25
miles to the north, your Emerald K-9 will meet us there.”
Planet Trinity
Outpost Beacon X-Ray, Edge of Terraformed
Fields
July 17th, 2096
U’lvek
kept the Bardaxian at arm’s length. His vision shifted. One moment it was
clear, the next, everything shifted. Blurring with aching intensity. He grasped
the Terran manufactured wall. His hands finding purchase on its layered
surface. His basic kit would allow him to survive the toxicity of the unconverted
areas but right now, judging by the cocktail of poisons in his system, that wouldn’t
be the brightest idea. At one point, the green defender insisted on nipping at
his heels. He snarled in response, “Stop hounding me.” He bent over, puking
whatever else was left in his stomach onto the surface of the building, while
the Bardaxian continued its incessant assault on his eardrums.
For
his part, Cooper thought the Typherian servicemen was far too sickly. Normally
with their tech, they fought off many diseases, basic poison shouldn’t’ do
this. He hoped everyone would get here soon. Perhaps Doctor Impossible would be
able to figure it out. All his belt would say, ((Subject: Threads deteriorating.))
In
all his time as a Defender, he had never gotten such a response. He scooped the
poisoned man into a construct, flying off in the direction of The Star-Spangled
Banner. The man coughed, specks of blood dripping across his mouth. He felt the
quiet whip of command hit his mind, >>This
way Defender.<< He changed direction, by the time he arrived, the
mountain range before him housed a small complex. He could make out 4 shapes
below.
*****
Striker
Nix had nearly pried one of his upper arms loose when the door swished open. A giant
woman in some sort of red, white, and blue getup was behind two smaller women,
her eyes were encircled with a Typerian device. He let out a few choice words
in Artock. The one with green eyes smiled at him. Placed a hand on his cheek. “Do
you kiss your mother with that mouth?” He squealed as her power slammed into
his nervous system. Not Typherian in the slightest. He found he could still
blink but couldn’t move. Not even a wiggle. The other woman threw a changing
net on him. His arms became two, a rather nondescript human shell formed around
all his features. They didn’t even give him the decency of keeping his various
tattoos in this form. He tried to snarl at the other woman, the one with those
freaky blue eyes, but nothing happened. The big one removed the device. Her
gaze was masked with a golden glow.
Great,
more freaks. He hated Earth and its ass-backward colonies. Not even a good
place to harvest. It’s why he agreed to smuggle the dark matter containment
through this dustball. No one would miss it.
*****
Tea
Lady squeezed my bicep. The world came back into focus. Whatever this room was
made of it wasn’t of local manufacture. I clamped down on my curiosity and hauled
the prisoner forward. I had one arm and leg gripped in a fireman’s carry. “What
next?” She pointed northward. “I have our other party meeting us there.” A jolt
cascaded up my arm from my ivory ring,
//Say nothing revealing. He is still very
much aware but cannot move.//
Doc
took my left arm, while Tea Lady was on my right, I made sure both were
secured. Both had specialized breathing masks on. I checked the O2 levels. All
were in the green. The wind was howling around us as I flew to our destination.
The blue-eyed lady touched my arm once more, pointing at the mountains in the
distance. She linked to my nanoarray. //Down
there. This is one of the last major terraformers within this colony. Be a good
little flyer and pour the juice on, not much time now.//
Another
message passed along the ring. //Let me
do the talking. Pretend you are under my influence through pheromones. We must
make him think we are allies with someone else.//
I
nodded.
I
deduced that Earth coms were compromised. So she wanted him to know the first
part. Perhaps whoever helped the pirates were Earth-based as well. She smiled
at me and winked. Mom had the oddest office co-workers. This made the other
woman’s head swerve back towards me. She found herself gulping in air as
wheezes wracked her body.
*****
Striker
Nix cursed silently. Now a Defender was here. A green Bardaxian no less. He
hated those nosey do-gooders the most. Always getting into other people’s
business. The blue-eyed devil motioned to the brick, “Place him over there.
Wait over by the main walkway. I will join you in a minute.” She turned to the
others. “Daughter, take a look at that waste of skin. He looks far too peaked
for my interests.” She patted the Bardaxian. A weird pink mist surrounded him.
He trotted off to join the Brick.
She
sauntered in front of Nix. He found his voice. Each word came out in a huff, “Took
you long enough. Began to think Madame Mayhem didn’t have the steel for this
mission anymore.” He waited for the counter phrase. She grinned. Snapped her
fingers. “We were delayed. Had a flyby mishap over Neptune.”
Damned
muthra.
That
was also a problem with this area. Two different levels of civilization within
one system. One of which had a council seat. He snarled, “Wasn’t my screw up.
One of the Typherians, a mole from A51 got some of the details wrong. J’dax
Ayeer isn’t someone to mess with.” She nodded, adding in enough disdain to sell
it. “That family is a plague upon legitimate business.”
Internally,
the Admiral sent prayers to the Rulers. She fought down the urge to arrest him
on the spot. They needed more information. To know that Area 51 was compromised
on the Uplift end worried her greatly. If she managed to squeeze more out of
this pirate, they might be able to use it to accelerate Earth’s prospects. The
King and Queen were right to have requested her in person for this little
venture. Still, she had Q’vera and Thomas on standby in case this whole thing
went south.
He
continued, “Tell me about it. Even the Children of Chains aren’t stupid enough
to come here. Even with the All-Father’s blessing. Some sort of energy prevents
them. Not the Typherian Sector net. Something on Earth itself.”
This
information distressed Y’lansa. If they couldn’t bring in Eliza fully, she
would make sure that more Bardaxian Defenders were on hand, to know that the
Fallen House was involved made her realize this place, these people, needed
more backup. Now J’ino’s complaints rang direly in her mind. She would need to
do a full assessment of those living in Area 51 and the Council Lands. Perhaps
even those in the very Houses themselves. It wasn’t a pleasant thought. No
wonder the Queen was so tight-lipped about her granddaughter.
*****
I
scratched Cooper’s chin as he floated about. Tea Lady didn’t mention anything
about not scanning the area. An anomaly hit my senses: a subarctic burst ran up
my spine. My hair stood on end. Something very dangerous lurked in the heart of
this cavern system. He could feel it too. The scruff on his neck was raised, a
low rumbling growl escaped, <<Star!
The Dark Matter! The timer is almost up.>> I focused on the ring,
alerting her.
*****
Nix
motioned to the deeper regions of the cavern. “It's over here. Why’d you have
your kid save that Typherian?”
Her
smile turned sour, “Less mess. Think Nix! If he turned up missing, they would
send more in. We have our ways. He won't remember a thing. Annoying demi magic
you understand.”
Nix,
even confined to a human meat suit, swiveled an eyestalk to gauge the reactions
of his “comrade.” His nose was twitching something fierce. His gut agreed,
there was something off about this whole thing. The mole hadn’t mentioned
someone with her face. Granted even this pisspoor civilization could produce things
to alter physical appearance but he hadn’t remained alive this long without
trusting his instincts. He sent out a burst com along the back door built into
his suit. It wasn’t Typherian in nature. It was something that would horrify
the civilized realm if they knew. He used the Golem’s Heart. In very short
bursts it could bypass even the most alert Typherian.
His
other stalk twitched as she failed the proper callback. All of Madame Mayhem’s
true operatives had one like his. His heart twisted. Pulse racing. She was
crazy enough that if she knew who let things slip he would pray for death. Yes,
it was for the best. Get the hell out of this system and don’t look back. There
were softer targets to destroy and plunder in this galaxy or any other. The pungent
aroma of the surrounding rock-work covered the explosion of his sweat as he
reached the main room.
All
he had to do was turn the key, warp out to the fallback and assume another
identity altogether. He didn’t want any of those people anywhere near when he
was done. This bounty wasn’t worth the wrath of Void Walkers, disgraced houses,
or any other noble types. Crazy King Thoth included. In the darkest corners of
his blackened soul, he sincerely hoped they would all destroy each other. That
way he could pick everything clean later.
*****
I winced as sharp eerie wailing assaulted
my eardrums.
//Striker:
Use the Dark Matter. Egress. Escape. Compromised.//
The language was haunting and familiar.
Void Walker speak.
I scooped up Cooper, no time to be elegant.
Had to reach Tea Lady before he pulled the pin that would destroy Trinity, New
Horizons, and the Habitat Ring, maybe even the whole system itself.
I shielded Cooper as I burst through the
various layers of rock. The pirate was before me. A look of complete astonishment
on his face. He moved fast. But not fast enough. I blocked his kick to Tea Lady’s
midsection. His face turned feral, “Might want to stop that timer Brick Face.”
His coat phased through my fingers as he disappeared. Blood ran down my face.
Their tech. Had to be. A silver case was counting down. The green symbols retracting
as each sequence activated. Tea Lady was terrified. Attempting to deactivate
the countdown. I pried her away from the box. I examined it with my sight,
there was an edge along the side where the Dark Matter would explode outward.
It would take too long to fly out of here. Even at best speeds. It was about
the size of my palm.
I gulped and swallowed it whole. Weird
metal and all. Cooper whined and laid down. Putting his paws over his eyes. Tea
Lady’s legs went all rubbery as she joined him. Her face locked onto mine. One
last thought: It tasted like chicken. My Bardaxian friend tilted his head at me
from behind his paws. His ears flickering in a comforting pattern.
3.
2.
1.
A warping sensation filled my stomach. I
clamped my hands over my mouth. No molecule must escape. Cooper peeked out,
forming a seal around this cavern. While Tea Lady was cross-legged. Her eyes
were glassy. I counted the seconds. I focused on my heart. It was as steady as
ever.
Thump
Thump Thump.
I
peered within. Locked my hands around tighter. Nearly gasped with relief.
I hiccuped. The sound muffled behind my fingers.
No
boom today!
The
box was nearly dissolved. The dark matter flowed through my body, heading for
my hands, a feeling of weightlessness came over me. I still didn’t understand
it but maybe Doc could help. Frantic banging reached my ears. She was at the
barrier. A rather confused blonde-haired man with her. Cooper let the shield
down.
The
first thing out of her mouth, “That was your best idea? SWALLOW IT?” Her tone
at odds with her actual emotional state. The absolute horror in her voice made
me flush with guilt. That’s how she dealt with stress. Yelling with various
levels of concern. I could understand that: What if it had been Void Walker
tech? I still remembered the bite of those disks that Snake Charmer had chucked
at Arthon. She ran her hands all over me. To see if the dark matter was
anywhere else. She sighed, “I’ll tell you later. Ok?” I nodded. Tea Lady made a
polite bow, “I have to discuss sensitive matters with my companion. I leave the
Banner in your custody doctor.”
T.A.S I’tah (Captial Ship of Utasa
Sector)
Relay Outpost Charlie
July 20th, 2096
U’lvek
remained stock still as the Admiral read his reports. It covered how the Dark
Matter pirates had made some inroads with the Human Sect: Cabal. His back
twitched as she glanced hard at him. “Trainee U’lvek,” He covered his shock at
such a severe demotion by clasping his fingers even harder behind his back. “Yes,
Admiral?” His voice was flat, devoid of emotion, as her head tilted down at the
report. When she finally spoke, her voice was like a lash, “You know, based on
our general reports that the Cabal is directly influenced by Keepers. So why in
the nine realms of Eternity didn’t you file this as paramount?”
His
eyes glazed over. “I don’t know.”
She
narrowed her gaze. Testing the air like a Litari Dreamweaver.
“Latrine
duty, for the next 25 cycles. Dismissed.”
He
saluted and exited the room. A look of confusion plastered on his face.
Why hadn’t he sent the reports?
*****
Q’vera
entered the room, making sure to wait until the Trainee boarded the service
hatch. Without preamble, “That man is compromised.”
Y’lansa
agreed, “Indeed. I'll have some in Recon watch him. We already placed a medical
tracker on him. Of a different manufacturer.” She sent a prayer of thanks to Lorain
Lanis. Even their most advanced tech couldn’t breach whatever she had. It hadn’t
taken much for her to agree to the surveillance. After she had flushed the poison
from his body, she had let the Admiral know one very important aspect: He had
administered the foreign substance himself. From the most unlikely of places. A
potent mix of Atlantian and Keeper hybridization.
She
would also send thanks to Thomas Murphy. While they wouldn’t use the tech being
developed for Project Osiris directly, their way of tracking the Void Walkers
was invaluable. The cover of Earth being more primitive would keep the secret
longer. Her heart sank as the evidence of rot within the Uplift Council reared
its head. In the end, a small pale blue dot might save them all.
She
leaned back in her chair. Her hands clasped under her chin.
Q’vera
brought more H’itah over. Its sweet
aroma reminding her of peaceful days.
“Contact
your friends within the Bardaxian Sector Defender Corps. I have an additional
mission in mind for them.”
*****
The
All-Father reached out.
U’lvek’s
mind was an open doorway. He saw everything. His smile filled the void, “All
good things come to those who wait.” This puppet still had its uses. Chronos and
Thoth. They meant nothing to him. His prize would be the destruction of Typha
itself. Across all Universes.
All
was going according to plan.
