The Uplift Protocol: Mars Issue 28

Issue 28: Courtship of the Stars

 

            My people find the threads of fate to be ever-changing. But there is one constant thread: The soul. It binds everyone together. Earth, Land, Sea, Sky, and Space. We are children of the Weave. No matter what you decide to call it.—Nola, Tarvel Sorceress

            Sparta often said I had the best yet worst kinda luck. I’ve decided that the Weave is having fun at my expense. You’d think I’d get to have a nice double date but no, that’s not in the cards today.—Jonas “Eddie” Olsten

            We caught a majority of the Artock fleet. Since we couldn’t find the Nix family, we assumed they escaped. Dad was right, unless you find a body, it's likely your enemy is still out there. But even then there can be doubts because modern medicine can mimic casualties as well. Other discoveries would pop up later. For us? That day was a distraction. Lorain wanted to take her mind off things. She never said how things went in the operation theater. I didn’t ask. I just offered what I could: My love and support.—Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22^nd century

New Ashbury (Texas)

Mrs. Highwind’s Theater

June 28^th, 2104

 

            Mondays.

            I should have known something would happen besides the double date on this type of day. We had decided on taking some time out from cleanup, demi duties, more mutated dinosaurs to send first-class into orbit. An enterprising would-be villain had decided to resurrect some more Jurrasic period travelers via Dark Shaman rites and a rather confused bookseller. Having mystic relics and spells right under your nose is never a good thing. Sir Avalon had assisted. With many additions to the Murphy Jar.

            It even shocked dad.

            Then again he’s more in tune with magical matters nowadays. That 5-year trip was at the forefront of my thoughts. Today I was wearing a very well-cut navy blue pants suit. According to Lorain, it was quite form-fitting. Just the way she liked it. She was in a slim green cocktail dress. A pretty diamond necklace with a blue gem in the middle. Eddie had a tux. Complete with walking cane and beard styling gel. Nola was decked out in a purple number that turned just as many heads as Lorain’s outfit. Instead of purple skin her’s was a nice tan color. With her orange eyes hidden behind a warm hazel. She always had fun changing eye color. That was fairly commonplace for the general population.

            Eddie offered Nola an arm. I hooked my right arm around Doc. Her left arm went around my waist as we walked towards the theater. Tonight’s play was a musical. I didn’t mind what it was. I was just glad to have a quiet moment in between all the giant revelations about life, the universe, and everything. As we entered the main hall, voices rose excitedly. I glanced at the information streaking across my vision.

            The Exodus: Cosmic Journey

            A Markav production.

            Doc ordered some Long Island Ice Teas.

            She was usually a lightweight when it came to alcohol.

*****

            Jonas sat with Nola. Eliza and Doc on the right. His hidden sense highlighting various engagement rings stuffed in pockets. Above them. In the rafters of the theater were cloaked Bardaxians. If he had to guess it was added security. Most of their forms were of Sparta’s size. Two Green Defenders were monitoring entries and exits. He could tell by the turn of their heads.

            Bright purple exploded from his eyes as he spotted two squads of C.A.P personnel in attendance. Not just the standard either. This was the elite branch. What Micheal Brookes was a part of.

            He leaned over, “Hey Captain! We got C.A.P SF and Bardaxians in here.” He tapped the side of his temple. Eliza took a quick scan of the area.

            “Lot’s of Amarche as well. Huh, maybe there’s a VIP here.”

            Nola glanced at her mirror. It was the size of a compact for now.

            “You are right Captain Murphy. X’mil’s sour-faced cousin is here.”

            Jonas saw Lorain roll her eyes. “That will be fun.” While Eliza planted a light kiss on the Doctor’s cheek, “Who knows! Maybe it will be therapeutic for her!” Olsten and Nola doubted that but all eyes turned to the stage as the curtains drew back. Jonas rested his arm on the back of Nola’s chair. The knot in his chest loosened. He would make the best of today.

            Even if a Kaiju riding on a clown entered the premises.

*****

            The Artock strike team cased the Theater.

Based on their intel E’ratha of House Cyphuskara was currently within the building.

On a supposed mission of Cultural Sharing.

The lead hitman smirked at that. That lady wasn’t interested in any affairs but her clan. Even the Commons held no promise to that woman. E’ratha was the most hated of House envoys. But she had connections. Knowledge that his employer wanted to be erased. He set the timer within his guts. He would be the sacrifice but it would be done. His soul would be saved. That was all that mattered. Draken Nix was a fool. Unity was the true faith!

“Glory to the Gray Herald.”

His cohorts set more bombs around the various blocks. Knowing that the sensors would respond in less than a minute. It would give their leader time to kill E’ratha.

*****

            The putrid stench hit my nostrils. It was pure decay.

I pinged Uncle Paxton, <<We got trouble!>>

            I was out of my seat and striding towards the VIP section. I alerted Cooper as well. To warn the Greens patrolling above. There was an Artock in here. Eddie already knew what to look for, <<He’s already inside the parameter! How’d he get past the Bardaxians?! Hell, how did he not ping on my radar either!>>

            The Amarche intoned, “The Gray Herald.”

            Only I could hear them. I jumped over the barrier. The C.A.P team and Green Defenders diving in. E’ratha’s frown deepened. “What you do want?!” I reached out and threw the Artock to the ground. Dived on top of him as the explosive went off. Green protective fields going up as a dull thud echoed under me. The Artock was dead. His eyestalks and mishappen head appearing as his stealth field sputtered out. The Markav stage performers crowded in. Offering to pull me up. One exclaimed, “No wounds!” The others pointed upward.

            “Ahh! Protected by the Green.”

            I didn’t appreciate the cold intensity of E’ratha’s ice-white gaze.

            A small ugly smile formed. When she thought no one was looking.

*****

            Lorain hooked into a private channel, <<The Green Defender explanation won't work. We have to prepare for a possible leak. Notify central.>>

            She raced to Eliza’s side. Double-checking for any wounds. There were none. Her nice suit was quite ruined by yellowish-brown fluids. Bits of Artock heart muscle lingered. One of the Markav went to the back of the stage. Bringing out a rather retro-style Victorian suit. Eliza grinned and said, “Thanks! I'll put that to good use.”

            When she re-emerged she was making the most of it by propping her tophat rather gaily about. “Where’s a pipe when you need it!”

*****

            J’ino, alongside her brother, strode into the Theater. She breathed a small sigh of relief when she saw Eliza was unharmed. Even grinning a bit at the overall surreal factor of Victorian fashion sense. Her daughter made a polite bow, complete with tophat in her hands, “Alms for the Posh!”

            J’ino would laugh later. She didn’t like that oily hunger plain on Cyphuskara’s face.

            E’ratha opened with, >>That human is a demi. I wish to study it for genetic variance. Now.<<

            J’ino snapped, >>No. Humanity’s demis are not our property. We are not on Typha.<<

            The other responded, >>This place has changed you little Ayeer. Your House is a blight!<<

*****

            Mom’s face was granite. Her eyes burned through.

Made me glad I couldn’t hear things.

The only one I didn’t have to concentrate to mind speak with was Dexter.

E’ratha moved in on me. Her gait was measured. Then Doc was there. Bristling.

Lorain snapped, “Off Limits.” The Typherian laughed.

“How quaint.” She exited without a backward glance.

Flesh slapping flesh echoed throughout the Theater.

Anna had entered the fray and gave E’ratha a piece of her hand in the process.

*****

            Anna smiled sweetly, “That was for me.” She stuck again.

            “That was for the Commons.”

            The third left a blazing red mark.

            “That was for Earth. Have a nice stay in New Ashbury!”

            Teddy observed the catfight. Recording it for prosperity.

            There would be a need for it later. His wife had indicated as much.

            E’ratha’s eyes were wide. The sheer incredulity reflecting there.

            “How dare you! I am the Scion of my House!”

            “I dare a whole lot. I’m American.”

            A crowd had formed.

*****

            Eddie linked everyone in. Jupiter’s crew and his social networks. From the Terran Alliance and beyond. This was virial. Even Typherian outlets were tuned in. The Commons had no love for most of the Houses. They actively ignored most of the “higher echelon antics.”

But this?

This was a prize fight that they wanted Anna to win. X’mil’s clan was the most loathed within the Typherian hierarchy. The Commons were a mix of hard-working and innovative. Often at the front of the spear in exploration and defense. With various levels of telepathy and matter manipulation. From what Nola indicated from her mirror observations, they were almost another culture within Typha, one that Eliza would appreciate more once she got the full lowdown on how things worked for someone like her mom vs the Commons rule.

            Eddie didn’t understand why they didn’t kick most of the Houses to the curb.

Nola kissed his cheek. “That is a quest for another day my dear.”

*****

            J’ino never thought she’d want to hug Anna. She was sorely tempted now. Within her House Line, her Uncle B’karis exclaimed, >>That will be on re-play for the whole homeworld to see for weeks. The Commons are going to have a parade in the streets for many cycles.<<

            Her father was holding his gut, she could tell by his breathless reply, >>I know Eliza wouldn’t do such a thing but all’s fair when women dominate our social circles. How did Mrs. Anna know to broadcast this?<<

            J’ino replied, >>Teddy.<<

            M’taris echoed, >>Oh my. Unexpected Silver Lining! I’ll go get my dancing shoes.<<

            J’dax was also recording this encounter. Having been clued in by Teddy beforehand.

*****

            One of the Markav gave me a walking cane to complete the retro suit. Eddie and I had a polite duel of canes in the background as Anna’s commentary vs House Sourdrops continued. We even played up each hit. “AGAST! I AM STRUCK!” I exclaimed as I fell to one knee. Craning my neck to stare straight at E’ratha.

            “Fair maiden of House Windmill! I offer you my gallant protection! Seeing how I got Artock all over me. The brave noble knights of the Green offered their utmost blessings! Thus I was saved from harm as well!”

            Eddie added, “Indeed! This humble Terran Alliance reporter has recorded the whole thing. Huzzah for us lowly moral humans. Cyphuskara could do with some tender loving care. I volunteer all unmarried men of Earth to your service Madame of the Most Shrewable!”

            Mom was on Cloud 9. Ascending to a height unseen to my eyes.

            I suspect it had something to do with Eddie’s generous proposal.

            Some of the human guests and Markav had grinned at my windmill remark.

            To me, X’mil was an evil Sancho and I imagined most of his House reflected that.

            I must have been on target because E’ratha pushed through the crowd and teleported to Y’lansa’s ship orbiting Earth. Mom held out her hand to help Eddie and me up. I took it. Her mind voice at peace.

            >>Thank you for that Space Cadet. Go enjoy your date.<<

            She glanced at Doc for a split second.

Saying something to Lorain’s ivory ring then departed.

The play continued. After an intermission.

Doc didn’t care. She sat in my lap. Drinking a fourth Long Island Ice tea.

*****

            Nola took a page from Lorain’s handbook and made herself quite comfortable. Enjoying the giddy expression on Jonas’s face. He winked, “Not all bad. Quite a few explosions too!” She giggled and replied, “But these ripples will go outwards. Once the duality of certain parties is revealed this will have more weight. Rest easy my love. Life is what you make it.”

            She paused. Her eyes searching his. “Every moment counts.”

            Eddie rumbled, “That’s the truth. I don’t doubt that now.”

*****

            E’ratha ignored the questioning glances of the crew. The other House representatives. Even the Commons workers and security that talked behind her back. She could feel it. Those worthless hungry eyes. Wanting her to fall. That human woman. She brought up the INet social network. Hating the human tech while begrudgingly using it.

            ///Anna McQuire: Former Holo Host, Into the Fire, now Freelance Commentator for Earth Centric matters vs the Outer Cosmic Tapestry.///

            She entered her chambers. Throwing off her clothing as she entered the cleansing unit. Its vibrations scrubbed her skin clean. Humans still used water. Sentimental idiots. Her mind flashing back to that bomb. That demi was so much more than she appeared. Must be on the C.A.P payroll. So many of them had been present. Not to protect her. She could tell by their body language. The bursts of resentment from their minds glow. To protect all the innocents around her. Her icy white irises gained a stormy glint. She knew her House was hated. That was fine. In the end, her House was all that stood between the gates and the barbarians that wanted to take Typha for themselves.

            The All-Father.

            Chronos.

            Unity.

            It didn’t matter what face the enemy wore. Her sacrifices would save everyone.

            She was just one of the few to make the necessary choices. Unlike that weak-blooded idiot currently warming the Throne. She would take control. Lead them to victory against Unity. It was the only way. If she managed to crush J’ino and the rest of those Ummatosh eggs along the way. All the better.

Eliza’s Studio Apartment

Downtown Ashbury

 

                I stretched out on the bed.

It had been a while since we had been back here.

            It was the same as I remembered. The walls were soundproof. It allowed me to concentrate on the things that mattered. Not that I didn’t tune into the hustle and bustle of New Ashbury and beyond. It's just I needed some downtime. The Jupiter Rising had a few areas like that as well.

            “Lights. Low!”

            The sink was running. I peered through the wall. Just enough to see her outline. The Artock incident made me a bit jumpy. When I didn’t see any Amarche or strange blips on my senses I let my eyes wander back to the holovid display. Many headlines ran across the screen but foremost was Anna’s triple play. I’d probably get a mouthful in the morning during the “Relations” weekly meeting.

Doc had been quiet after we got back.

Her thoughts were focused. Intense. I could tell that much.

I found out why a few moments later.

Brainpower didn’t factor into the equation.

*****

            Lorain padded out of the bedroom.

Leaving a comatose yet satisfied Eliza behind. She threw on Murphy’s old NASA s hoodie. It was more than enough to cover everything. She climbed the two flights of stairs to the top-floor balcony. A few minutes later Q’vera joined her. “Here’s the update  from the birdcage.” Q’vera didn’t comment on Doc’s appearance. She was far too professional for that. Still, it gave her a small level of comfort that someone beyond family cared about Eliza. Not the Defender. Not the Banner. Not the Weight of Typherian Heritage. Just plain old Eliza.

She floated skyward. “See you around Doctor.”

Lorain nodded. Reading the message until it was firm in her memory. Then she burned it. She made herself some hot cocoa. Returning to bed to find Eliza exactly the way she left her.

A small smile plastered on her face.

Lorain shrugged off the hoodie. Burrowing under the covers.

Tomorrow would be another day.

She would be ready.

*****

            Eddie was having similar thoughts to Lorain. Nola had shown him images in her mirror. Typha would be a tougher nut to crack. The Commons would love the duel blood source. The Houses would be horrified. Even some allied with V’alkor. They would see it as an invasion of Typherian merits. The Houses were so insular it surprised Eddie that their mindset lasted that long. Nola rested her head on his chest, “It is because Set pulls at them. The Commons are safer because their powers aren’t as pronounced. It's in the Houses you will find demi levels of matter manipulation and telekinesis. Among other things.”

            He kissed the top of her head. “I know. It’s just it feels like when it all falls down to the wire, there won’t be much of a Typha to save.”

            Her orange eyes flashed in the dark.

            “Jonas Olsten, have faith!”

            He smiled, “I do. Promise!”

            She kissed his chest. Right over his heart. “Good. You are learning!”

            They drifted off to sleep.

The sounds of the Jupiter Rising a familiar background hum.

Issue 27: Here

Issue 29: Here