The Uplift Protocol: Issue 22

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 3^rd 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 22^nd century.

Utasa Sector 208, Earth Observation Barrier

Edge of Terran Alliance Space (Allowable)

July 17^th, 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 17^th, 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 17^th, 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 17^th, 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 17^th, 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 20^th, 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.

Issue 21: Here

Issue 23: Here