The Uplift Protocol Twin Rulers of the Sky: Issue 17

Issue 17: Past Imperfect

    Eliza doesn't talk about her first adventure in the Lost Lands of Ahpaktu. Whatever happened did sharpen her relationship to Lorain however. One day I hope to understand why. For now all we can do is figure out how or why this whole landmass was shielded from us. -- Conclave Level 5 Update

    I hope the Banner can re-establish herself sooner rather than later. I count the days when I can mingle with friends on the Jupiter properly. Keeping everything professional and polite is taxing. But the enemy will be watching me. No wonder my memory was shrouded the longest.--Lorain Lanis

    Nola gave me a bit of news. We will get to see this Lost Island. Excellent! Doc did give me a solid picture. Spears. Dinosaurs and three giant volcanos.--Jonas “Eddie” Olsten

    The Lost Lands. At first my body had to acclimate. I still had all my normal Banner abilities. For the time. It was rather early within my Eden cycle adventures. No Thronebearer grafting to recharge Black and White just yet. No, it holds a special place in my heart because for once? Lorain didn’t have to worry about her powers. That amazing outerwear blocked most of her abilities. Expect for the accelerated self healing. Good thing. The whole altar ceremony had been a trial and a half. Even with Yak-tish’s assistance. –Sleeping In Starlight: Post Convergence Files (Conclave Access Required)

Ahpaktu

llaros Territory

Earth

    Yak-tish thumped his spear against the obsidian rocks. The signs did not lie.

    The Lady of Light’s blessing was fading. The new Earth would know of his people.

    Convergence had carried them forward across the Coiled Rings.

    A squad of Eleth Riders burst forth from the treeline. The great beasts hissed. Their calls filled the cliff side as another massive shape, bristling with white and gray fur exploded from splintered trunks. Its 8 limbs gyrated as its claws dug into the obsidian shale. Mammalian body with a serpent’s head. Yak-tish held his spear high. He would not go down without a fight. His skin itched. Strange white markings rose to spread across his arms and legs.

    His chest tightened as a singular white pearl rose from his breast bone. The fires of the cosmos entered his eyes. This was power. As promised by the Lady of Light. His combat hides stretched. No longer just covering his waist. A thick set of black furred pauldrons settled over his shoulders. A metallic crown shifted. A segmented T section covered his forehead and nose.

    He howled at the greater Terratek as it charged.

    He feinted to the left.

    His spear dug into the massive creature’s side. Opening it to the bone. Its purple blood splattered on his face as he rolled out of the way. He would win. Protect his people. Just as he had promised. He would see the Captain once more. The one dubbed Murphy. The Lady of Light was never wrong. The Ilaros would rise. Spears against the Dark of the Fallen. Its black scrawl no longer controlled this land.

    No longer demanded the blood sacrifices. Murphy and the Lady had put a stop to such atrocities. A few dissidents resisted. Calling to the old ways. Yak-tish would have their left hands in payment. So they could no longer complete the summoning spells of the Dark Ones. He grunted as another Eleth beast snapped its jaws at him. He reversed his spear and slammed the butt of it into the lizard’s face. Its teeth shattered in a hot mess. He landed a spin kick to the sly one attempting an ambush.

    He gathered himself and sprang skyward. It wasn’t as advanced as the Captain’s ability but he nearly brushed against the upper layer of the barrier.

    He could jump good.

    His laughter filled the sky.

∞

    Mordred summoned more of the raptor creatures dubbed Eleth to these primitives. His wraith-like limbs moving in time with the necromancer that had summoned him to this place of existence. It was better than surviving the Ninth Circle. It was a small humanoid. Its rough features nearly frog-like. Gaping mouth. Its tongue a splash of purple and green.

    His “master” pointed one arthritic finger skyward, “NOT POSSIBLE!”

    Demi energy flowed from the high hopping barbarian.

    Morded considered the situation. A majority of the Black Scrawl practitioners here could only do basic summoning from the lower end of the Ninth Circle. He had tricked the threads that had bound him to the innermost regions. Allowing a lower level Fallen to take his place. Just before that old fool Aether had initiated the lockdown. His patience had been rewarded. Ironic that Eliza Murphy had been the one to mistrust his late repentance the most. He would have figured her brother to lead that charge. The Eden 42^nd century linchpin had been a boon to many of them. Giving up Lucifer hadn’t been an option.

    He had distracted J’anu and Ta’rammon long enough to guarantee escape. Such as it was.

    Using the Urradan King as leverage had been a gamble but it had paid off.

    A weakness even to the former Eternal Empire despots.

    Mordred hoped the Jailbirds enjoyed their endless vigil.

    He murmured sweet commands into the meat puppet. These primitives had no idea.

    He would escape this island. Find Camelot.

    Raze it to the ground.

∞

    Yak-tish landed with a thud.

    His feet skittering along the sands of the western beach side. He had jumped many leagues. This was Fi’an territory. The bird people. Said to be able to hypnotize any man. He pressed one palm over his mouth and nose. It wasn't enough. Light blue pollen clung to his armor. He made it a few more steps then collapsed. Two webbed feet the color of corral approached cautiously.

    Green feathered fingers stretched out. Hovering a mere inches from the Ilaran.

    Power radiated from his left shoulder. Images flowed.

    This one would help save the island. Help save everyone from the Devourer. A sphere of honeyglow surrounded the barbarian. Moments later he disappeared.

∞

    I could hear the screaming.

    I dashed towards the central square. Wishing I could use my proper speed. My HeroNet profile indicated Flight but that would have given me away. At least by running I could hide the fact longer. Crossguard went flying as a massive bear of a man decked out in battle furs, black at the shoulders, backhanded another member of the Protectorate.

    They were attempting to hold him down. He bellowed, “Where is your Banner? I must find her!” I knew that voice.

    His form was changed. He had been quite tall. 6Ft 5 inches when I had met him on the Island. Mystic and the Void Maiden dropped down into the square. White Lily, known as the Lotus this time around, advanced. Her vines held me in place. She was doing that to most of the Orbital division of the Protectorate. She was considered 2^nd Tier.

    Ludicrous Speed’s quizzical expression blanked for a moment.

    He caught me looking, “No idea what that cave man is going on about. What banner? A flag?”

    Crossguard held his head. Groaned and unsteady got to his feet.

    “He hits hard enough. That is for certain.”

    His crusader knight’s helm hid the upper portion of his face. His heart rate was elevated. Breathing evened out. This would have been easier had I still maintained access to a sliver of Thronebearer affinity. I had become accustomed to a veritable buffet of powers. I realized with a start just how much I had relied on my House empathy ability. Discovering Nyx had been a lucky break. But she would not give up Lucifer or any other escapee willingly.

    Her devotion to Chronos was unwavering. Unlike most of the beings trapped within the Ninth. I gathered the magical threads around the area. The vines fell away as I teleported next to Yak-tish. It wouldnt do well to have him spill more Conclave level information. As my arms locked around him I made it seem like I was barely hanging onto his armor.

    I jumped through the Weave. Homing in on a signal I recognized.

    Emris noted, <<Welcome back.>>

    Yak-tish leveled his spear at me. I spoke the words of friendship.

    “Spear Brother. I require your fists against the Devourer.”

    His bright golden eyes peered up into my maroon hood as I floated 2 feet off the ground.

    The power flowed through him. Another Tear shard. I removed my hood and the extra ID sleeve. His fingers tightened about the shaft. “It is true then. The face of shrouds.”

    He could see my real face. Not even as Eliza Murphy but my first face. That of the shield demi. My brother and I never took names. But we were known by many. Ingrained into myths, legions and iconography. Because that’s how the Oversoul wanted it. From the start. Yak marvelled at my uniform.

    “Not just the captain who freed us. Does the Devourer still bear the blow of the Spearwielder?”

    I nodded. “The Banner is going to need your help.”

    Yak replied, “Is that the final form you shall choose then?”

    “Yes. Of my many lifetimes? That one holds the most ties to the Mortal realm.”

    Yak-tish grinned. “Oh! Is that all?”

    I winked, “Not even close!”

    The burly Ilaran noted, “What will replace your emerald?”

    He was talking about my Union piece with Doc.

    “I’ve got a few ideas.”

    He tapped the deck with his spear. Held out his other hand. “I renew my pledge! How can I help you?

    Emris trilled, <<Simple! We disguise his form to that of a Markav. Many Soul Templars are known to be as energetic as your friend!>>

    Sul’s holo flickered to life, “Ill create the background. Emris will handle the logistics. At’lan also wishes to contribute. Expect company soon!”

∞

    Yak was known as Y’aktan.

    His Markav cover in place due to Emris’ old Eden cycle technology. This chess game was entering its final form. We materialized back on Earth. Void Maiden gave me a proper dressing down in public. Since I was supposed to be a mere newbie. A demi with more enthusiasm than brains. No limits. As the Banner I always came off enthusiastic but I had also been perceived as fairly controlled. Because the world was fragile. Still was in many ways but since the Ethereal Titan was listed as a magical channeler? I’d have to play it headstrong. Mom was relishing this.

    “You are an Orbital. Newly minted at that. What possessed you to think you could fill in for Mystic?”

    Her voice was modulated on purpose. So it was like a robot giving me a pep talk.

    I made sure to hunch my shoulders.

    Mom continued on for a solid 10 minutes.

    Yak-tish thumped his “Markav Trident.” It was done in the style of my brother’s old weapon of the Eden cycle. Nice touch.

    “Orbital should behave! Magic not safe!”

    Emris gave him an outer colonial accent. Whatever amused Yak was fine by me.

    I think he thought it was the Texan equivalent of the Markav dialect.

    Mom linked in afterward, <<Get back to your ship when you can.>>

    I used Horus as a go-between, <<Had a whole lot to get off your chest huh?>>

    Mom replied, <<You have no idea.>>

    I took a running leap and half floated to the main Protectorate HQ situated within the Golden City. I made sure to smack into the reinforced shutters on the way down. Crossguard was smiling from ear to ear while Ludicrous Speed was holding his gut. His laughter hitting a high pitched frenzy.

    Another orbital by the code name Fire Cracker muttered, “That’s who they let in? Don’t they usually train a bit more before admittance into the Protectorate. It will make us laughing stocks.”

    I added him to the growing database. Lucifer could be any of the Orbitals or support staff.

    My HeroNet Profile updated:

    ///Report to Icherson FOB for Flight Training. 0900.///

    Success. I really did hate to have dad control my boots. He was having far too much fun.

    But it was the only way. My training would have betrayed me otherwise.

    Mystic sent a flow of energy into my frame. Forcing me to zigzag through the Protectorate training complex. I reached out to grip the wall. Another group wandered in.

    One demi called out, “Make sure you never drink anything more than coffee! My goodness!”

    I settled my cape over my shoulders. Stepped into the transport array.

    I waved back at them before the beam took me away, “Quite!”

∞

    Lucifer mused.

    Could this Titan be connected to the Banner at all? Sure, Nyx got a hit on old cycle blood sympathy but that didn’t guarantee this trainee was Eliza Murphy. For one? She flew beyond clumsy. Preferring to run. A reborn Star Spangled Banner would have taken to flying like a troublesome duck to water. Old memory and muscle reflexes would kick in. Just as it did for Nyx and the rest.

    It was why Striker Nix was on the Protectorate’s radar. He didn’t hide his old vices too well. It was a useful distraction but time was running short. He would wait for her to gather the Tear shards. Oh yes. With them he would draw the Nothing into himself. All of death and creation would bow to him. He just had to get the other players off the board first.

    No, this Etheral Titan wasn’t what he was looking for.

    A clear indicator was the fact that Doctor Impossible and her civilian form hadn't attached to any potential mate. She had no memory of the Banner. If she did? The reaction would have been instant. That one loved too deeply. She would cling to her beloved until the end of all things. He double checked her latest movements.

    In this life her military job was a glorified stamp card called Cargo Imports Officer.

    Even though her mother was directly attatched to demi deployments.

    Mary Herbert-Lanis was the Director of the Protectorate. US Space Operations Division.

    Her daughter lead a lonely existence. While so many meat suits glorified their social exploits on I.Net she was the odd man out. Only listed in family updates. He’d even overheard other officers in her division plotting a birthday celebration. In order to facilitate drunken heights within the woman. She was devoid of joy.

    The clearest sign that Eliza Murphy had never arrived after the Ark of the Covenant cleansing. He fed this information to Striker Nix. One had to ensure once Hilary arrived she’d have all the proper reactions.

    Everything was going according to plan.

∞

    I entered my quarters with a sigh.

    I shouted over the coms, “I get it. Who’s gonna help me fly next?”

    No one responded. My doorway sealed and the sound dampeners came on.

    My nose twitched. I knew that fragrance.

    Doc had twin trays on a floating server. With a flick of her wrist she tuned into another favorite from this cycle. “Cosmic Countdown: Moments Beyond the Hour Glass.”

    She always did love her soap operas. I handed her a bowl of grapes.

    Lorain rested her head on my shoulder.

    We’d make whatever time we could.

∞

    Hilary glared at Earth.

    It was all sickening.

    One thought infused her with energy.

    Eliza Murphy was dead.

    This new world would burn with her.

Issue 16: Here

Issue 18: Here

The Uplift Protocol Twin Rulers of the Sky: Issue 16

 

Issue 16: Heavy is the Crown

    We conspired to make sure a few notable territories made it through to this new Earth. I have to admit: I have a fondness for those Yanks. –Elias Payne: Private Journals

    I watched as Eliza studied the new maps of Earth. The greatest shock to her was the fact that many former Floridians had created their own corner of our dear blue dot. It is known as Alturia. –Black

    We have kept the Ninth Circle in check since the beginning of this Universe. We shall do so until our lights ascend to the Heavens—The Conclave

    It only took me a moment to recognize Black and White in their human covers. White had made a necklace out of my last feather. How I had missed the both of them. The command to reset the Multiverse had come from my Throne Matrix. Dexter’s and Captain Overwatch. It was why we could only use full Throne Sight at a certain moment. It was the direct power to turn the key of the Oversoul’s tapestry. – Sleeping In Starlight: Post Convergence Files (Conclave Access Required)

New Ashbury

NANN Studios

Present Day

    I poured over the world map.

    The Earth didn’t have as many nations this time around. Elias told me that from the start King Arthur and the others wanted to recreate America. Alongside our formerly northern neighbors. Without the advent of Void Walker interference and lack of Mordred? Camelot had grown. Each territory had coordinated with the Round Table to hold back the Ninth Array influence. Unlike before where the enemy had the resources? This time around they had to be beyond subtle.

    I felt the currents of the 4^th aspect fill my body.

    This universe had the protections of Eden. Alongside all past boons from Heaven.

    Elysium was a vital point within what people called the Golden Sector. A place within the Weave that could channel additional forces or aid to a planet under siege. Shifting from one fixed point to the next. Using the Triad as its anchor. Earth.

    The fact that all of Florida was a nation onto itself was incredible. I pointed at the landmass between Canada and Ta’mathon’s Golden Kingdom. “What about this place?” King Arthur and the two news announcers examined the map. Then me.

    Arthur noted carefully, “What landmass?”

    Queen Guinevere placed her hands on my head. I took out a pen and began scribbling.

    It had a purple outline. Silver and gold specks.

    The twin news reporters watched as I finished off the remaining details.

    Mr. Douglas Oldswald. His sister? Christine Oldswald.

    Douglas noted dryly, “Are you sure you are just a Channeler?”

    My eyes flickered to the corners of the room. Christine put her hands on her hips.

    “We have other material to use for the show.” She inclined her head to Arthur.

    I waved Doctor Impossible over. “This look a bit familiar?”

    She leaned in. “Oh no.”

    It was the very same land we had gotten trapped in within the Eden Cycle.

    The Lost Realm of the Ahpaktu: Ilaros.

    Doc whispered, “I hope Yak-tish and the others are ok.”

    Christine twitched. She circled me. Much like she would have in that tiger form of hers. Her gray eyes flashed. There was that speck of gold I remembered all too well. Elias Payne whistled sharply. His corgis dashed in. A merry band 2.0. They circled me in a frantic figure 8. Christine practically tackled me.

    “What took you so long?!”

    I pressed my forehead to hers. Giving her a piece of the puzzle. My brother had already done the same for Black. In the end? He knew what drove me. Yes, I had wanted a piece of a normal life. But my duty compelled me to protect.

    Always.

The In-Between

Remnants of Z’ahramdus

Arc of the Covenant Activated

    I dragged myself across the stone scaled surface.

    Thoth’s clawed weapons had tore into my flesh but it had given Dexter enough time to immobilize our enemy. Just long enough for me to pluck the prize from the despot’s grasp.

    This dragon had killed me once before. This time the Dreamweaver had summoned it. I gripped the Tear in my palm. It sizzled against my flesh as I gripped it tighter. Letting the White Scrawl combat the wards. The last remnants of my Eden shell faded away. My first form reconstituted itself as I reached the hollowed portion of what remained of the Unity Dragon’s eye. My brother plunged his spear into the rocky out cropping. He pulled me the rest of the way in.

    “Not done yet.”

    I added my strength to his. Using his spear as a staff we hobbled foreward. Our original bodies still marred with open wounds. Dexter wrapped one arm about my shoulders. “What do you think...get reincarnated as….”

    We caught each other as we stumbled onward. Golden sparks danced around us. Leading us deeper into the central hollow formerly called a skull. My old shield clanked against my back. Its metal providing warmth for the both of us. Our white combat suits where made of cotton. Twin silk golden belts lined with white scrawl. Basic sandals that came up to my calves. Unlike metallic armor every fabric had been bathed in the first waters of creation.

    Two figures formed from the golden sparks floating around us.

    The Void Man and the Silver Lady.

    They were the first Thronebearers. Their images crackled. They were being pulled into the reborn multiverse. Water filled the chamber. My wounds faded. Dexter gulped in as much as he could bear. He had taken a few hits so I could remove the Tear. The Void Man passed through my body. While the Silver Lady did the same for my brother. Equal yet opposite. They were shielding us as we passed through the rejuvenated barrier. The Oversoul spoke through them.

    “Do you wish to remember?”

∞

    I broke away.

    Some questions should remain private. At least for the time being.

    Christine Oldswald prepared to scan me. Not with conventional means. I put out a hand to stop her. “Not yet. You know what will happen if you use Thronebearer sight now.” It would alert Lucifer.

    Douglas reached out, “We have our verification. She knows the words.”

    My parents and Uncle Paxton entered.

    They placed a few choice monitors around.

    Dad explained, “For the regular audiences.”

    Holos of myself and the Oldswalds came into being. We started talking.

    Dad motioned to the golden triangle that manifested towards the rear of the room.

    He gathered up the map I had altered.

    Doc remained behind. To augment the holo’s biofeedback signal.

    My skin tingled as we passed through.

    A verdant green valley rose before us. The cliff was steep. Allowing for the rays of the sun to send a jolt of warmth through me. Sol yelled cheerfully, <<Welcome Friends! To the Golden Realm of Ta’mathon!>>

    Typha’s Twin suns sent out their greeting as well. <<Excellent! No incursions of the Ninth to report.>> Their accent reminded me of the lost colony of the Eden Cycle. I hoped O’rioh and the others fared well.

    Aunt Q’vera landed. But she didn’t speak to me. The Bardaxian to her left did.

    His collar lit up as he spoke, <<Welcome Ethereal Titan! First note of business. Get you situated with the magics flowing from this delightful planet called Earth.>>

    I got it. My parents were in their civilian gear. All a part of the show to get on Lucifer and the Orbital member’s radars.

    Bardax One added , <<Only you and Dexter can hear us on this bandwidth for now. That was also a flag to the others within the proper Conclave. We will help you track Lucifer once he is discovered.>>

    Magic thrummed at my feet. I could fly yet…..

    Dad clicked a few notifications on his holo tablet. I should travel a bit differently. Since I had to separate myself from my usual MO as the Banner. I snapped my fingers in time with the magical pulses. I rose from the earth. Sliding along the rivers of magic within the Golden Kingdom. I materialized on the highest Pyramid within the reborn City. I was channeling the 4^th aspect. To mimic the powers of a magical demi. It was a source many couldn’t access just yet. So much to learn about our new world. My place in it.

    Ludicrous Speed zipped up next to me. His uniform emblazoned with a Silver Flame. The colors of his suit contrasted with a gold and red combination. A silver V bisected the bottom and top portion of his suit. I noted that others within the Orbital ring of the Protectorate had gathered at the base of the pyramid.

    He observed, “You got the attention of the Triad Sector Defender Corp. Not bad for a newbie!”

    His eyes flickered to my chest. To see the patterns of magic shifting around the breastplate. “….its almost akin to Mystic’s runic forms….”

    I smiled.

    “Makes sense. He said I was a channeler.”

    Ludicrous nodded, “Based on the domain...” He clapped me on the shoulder.

    “Crossguard and I want to show you about town!”

    In the back of my mind I wondered: Which of the Orbitals was Lucifer? He would appear as a demi to my senses. Just as the Void Man had warned. All the escapes had shifted to a mortal form this go around. Maybe not all human either. I floated downward. Taking care to examine the Pyramid’s wards on the way down. A flash of blue flickered within the Weave.

    That wily sphinx. A weave shrouded paw swat at me playfully.

    As I landed dozens of Protectorate Orbitals called out.

    “Hey! NEW FACE!”

    “ROOKIE!”

    “One of us! One of us!”

    “Can you get me Void Maiden's autograph!”

    I let my suit imprint all of it for examination later. Faces. Names. Questions.

    That was one of the primary functions of my suit. Record everything. Not only physical but other patterns. Ones within the Soul Layer and the Weave. It would help but we had to locate Lucifer ASAP. The rest of the escapees wouldn't be far behind.

∞

    Sister Nyx watched as the demis fawned over the new Channeler proxy.

    That’s all they were. Meatsacks.

    She plastered a pleasant expression on her face. Cheering alongside those stuck in the Orbital tier. She was certain that Mystic was one of those who remembered the previous cycle before Convergence. How Void Maiden had managed to climb the ranks was still a mystery. All evidence pointed to her being a reconstituted android. This cycle was so open with information it was illuminating.

    Perfect for one such as her.

    Her green within green eyes narrowed as other Markav moved in to greet the newest member of the Protectorate. This would be a perfect time to taste. Humans and Typherian mixed mutts usually developed these “blessed” powers. Nyx had never needed powers. Everything could be broken down to its base DNA.

    She reached out to shake this Etheral Titan’s hand.

    She bit the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from crying out.

    She had marked this one in a past cycle.

    Excellent.

∞

    I knew who it was even as I shook her hand.

    She had held that syringe above my chest.

    The needle pricking the skin. The nosebleeds.

    Nyx. Given the form of a Markav this time around. Doctor E’lari Travos. Third Circle of Matos. One of the medics attached to the Protectorate to help injured demis. A perfect test bed. I did a full sweep of her profile. She controlled it well but I knew. The slight raise in heartbeat. That moment had bound us. One doesn’t forget it. I saw a spark enter her eyes. She knew I was one of the kids.

    Children that had been experimented on.

    That was all she knew.

    The reaction would have been absolute if she knew who I really was.

∞

    Nyx stated pleasantly, “I look forward to adding your profile into the databases.”

    The gold, black, silver and maroon demi inclined her head, her outer hood hid the top of her face. The lips pulled back in an absentminded greeting. “I’m sure you come highly recommended!”

    Nyx bowed.

    “You honor me.” It was akin to pulling teeth.

    She had to behave. That was what Chronos had commanded as she had devoured his flesh. His eyes. Be the upstanding doctor. Study them. Use their technology as intended. Wait and watch. This one she would watch intently. Maybe she’d even warn Lucifer.

    For a price.

    Children always aimed to misbehave.

∞

    J’ino blinked.

    Thomas gripped her hand tightly, “Not here. Just go about everything as planned.”

    She exhaled. Right. It would look downright outrageous to study a trusted Protectorate doctor. Had all the escapees managed to get to the Sol system already? It was ludicrous that they could all be on their best behavior.

    Unless they arrived later than intended.

    Like Striker Nix. He already had thrown his flag out into the open.

    Arthon was sure of it. Just as he was sure Lucifer was feeding the former Artock information that assisted in his escapes. The Muthra still existed but instead of being At’lan’s silent protectors? They were the Markav’s special forces. At’lan and his sister AI were at the heart of a multi-galactic network. Seeking out Ninth Array breaches.

    Eliza’s voice echoed on their private line, <<Nyx is a key point. I’ll see if she has any notable patterns. She’d be careful but no one is perfect. Now I get why Doc is staying as distant as she can. I’ll understand if you guys have to do it to! Ill mix things up with Mallet and some of the others.>>

    J’ino wanted nothing else but to hold her children again but Dexter and Eliza were right. Polite interest only. Nothing more. Nothing less. In public and private. It was why Lorain only went to the Jupiter once a month. As a daily report. She was expected to check over all ships landing for medical clearance. It wasn't a glamorous job but vital. With her memories back in play they hoped to catch other Escapees attempting to land within Triad Territory.

∞

    Lorain finished inspecting the rest of the Jupiter’s crew. They were all as she remembered. Ritark’s ungainly form overshadowed her console, “It will be alright. Once we can all fly out into the open!” Lorain leaned back into the chair. The back pads conformed to her spine. She crossed her hands. Thumbs against her lips.

    “I hope so. This part is harder.”

    It was still a wonder to see the Litari as they should be. Ritark was a teenager once more. Only just recently awakened to his old cycle memories after his age of majority. For his race that was 16. He would grow out to his full measure soon enough. “How are your parents doing?”

    Ritark’s solid yellow orbs lit up. He babbled excitedly, “My parents remember too! They will come to Sol to help. Even if my father is no longer Sir Avalon? He has other skills that can provide insight!”

    Doc paused to look at her hands. Even her powers weren’t the same as in Eden Cycle.

    She replied softly, “I hope so.”

Issue 15: Here

Issue 17: Here