by Greg Ballan
"No, that's all right, I'd really like to be alone with him, just hold onto his hand until it's over."
Jeff bent over and gently embraced her. "You brought him such happiness, there was a special spring in his step and a sparkle in his eye whenever the two of you were together. Always remember that."
"I will," she whispered as she took Erik's hand.
* * *
Shanda had been with him for nearly half an hour, holding his hand and staring at the digital displays and readouts of medical instruments that she really didn't understand. She only knew that the lines were getting flatter, and the beeps less frequent as the minutes passed. She felt such emptiness, sitting alone with him in the darkness wishing that there was some way to help him. She was so focused on Erik that she didn't respond to the tingling in her scalp until it was a constant eerie buzzing. She looked up into the darkness, toward the corner of the large room. She knew something was there.
"Who's there?" she whispered.
Silence answered.
"I know you're there. You can't hide from me. Come out."
She saw, deep in the darkness, a slim outline moving within the blackness. Shanda flipped the lamp on again, and switched the three-way bulb to its highest setting. There, sitting in the far corner, on a small chair, was the waitress from Madame's Restaurant.
"What the hell are you doing here?" she challenged.
"I'm watching over my brother, waiting for you to leave," she answered simply.
"You're lying! Erik has no sister," she challenged the young girl.
"None that he knows of. Erik has a small family, the human part of him just doesn't remember them," Alissa answered mysteriously.
"You'd better explain yourself, or I'll have security escort you out of here," Shanda replied angrily. How dare this girl torment her like this.
"Do that, and he dies, tonight, without fulfilling his purpose. Do that, and hundreds, possibly thousands, will die in the days to come, my sister," Alissa countered in a whisper, which Shanda could just barely hear.
"Now I know you're lying, I have no sister. What are you on, anyway?" Shanda asked bitterly.
"You have the gift, as your mother had, as her mother had, passed down from generations, over ten thousand years ago. I have the gift, only from a different source. Erik has the gift, one of many for a warrior, only far more powerful and potentially destructive than ours. His source was from a soldier, the most powerful soldier. The gifts were genetically enhanced in our soldiers. Do you want to learn the truth about Erik, the truth about you, me, and the things that are roaming throughout the town of Hopedale? Are you strong enough to handle the truth? If you're not, then you best leave because I have a job to do and I can't let you interfere," the young girl responded forcefully as she moved toward Erik's bedside.
Shanda responded to her advance by withdrawing a thirty-two auto from her purse. "I know how to use this, one of the benefits from knowing Erik Knight, so just stay where you are," Shanda warned in a lethal tone as she locked the weapon on the strange waitress.
Alissa paused, retreating three steps, never taking her eyes off the gun barrel pointed at her head. "This won't help him. If you really care about him, as you claim to, you'll step aside and let me do what I have to."
"And just what do you have to do?"
"Stabilize his condition, repair his body to the point where he will survive the mutation. As he is now, undergoing the change will kill him," Alissa answered. "I don't want to harm him, he's been through enough. I only want to help. Bring about what must be!" she added in an urgent tone.
"Can you really help him?" Shanda asked hopefully.
"Yes, but there are risks. If I don't give him this to stabilize him, he'll die before I can do anything." She held up a vile of blue liquid. "I can save him. He mustn't be allowed to die with his purpose unfulfilled."
Shanda focused her abilities on the young waitress. Their eyes locked briefly. She felt the desperation of the young woman, the overwhelming need to get to him, to heal him. She also felt a bond with her, a kinship that shouldn't be. It was a presence she had only felt with members of her immediate family. She broke her link with the waitress and looked back over at her dying lover. Deep down, something told Shanda that the girl could help him. Erik had no chance without some outside aid. Shanda figured she might as well let her try.
"Go ahead, what has he got to lose?" Shanda decided as she placed the pistol back in her purse.
Alissa uncapped the vial and gently poured the liquid onto a patch of exposed skin. The mysterious blue fluid was absorbed like a sponge drinking water.
"This will repair much of the damage done to his heart and lungs, accelerate the mending of his broken bones from weeks to hours, and repair the facial cartilage that's been ruptured. The elixir of life is one of many passed down to me and my kind over the centuries, and one of the few that I can make with ingredients found here," the mysterious waitress explained. "I only hope that I'm in time."
"What's in that stuff you just gave him?" Shanda stared at the dry patch of skin where the fluid passed into his body.
"Later," Alissa whispered. "Now, we watch and wait, and hope that the elixir is potent enough."
After fifty-five minutes of silence, the monitors registered a stronger heartbeat. His wavering pulse seemed to steady, but at a lower-than-normal rate.
"He should be strong enough to talk in another day or so. The mixture will continue to regenerate his essential life functions until he is strong enough to maintain them on his own. Then, it is up to the staff to complete what must be done." Alissa pointed toward her large duffel bag. "In the meantime, I believe I owe you an explanation. My part of the bargain." The young waitress sat down and folded her arms. "Where to begin, probably with the closing of the Esper/Seelak War. That seems like the best place to start." Alissa took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.
"We're all products of a long-gone race of beings that inhabited this world for almost a thousand years. They lived alongside mankind, keeping themselves isolated, but still interested in us as an evolving species. You might say we're the reason for the continuing of the Great War; Humankind that is. You see, back then, there was a good chance that neither species would survive, theirs or ours. They were advanced, millennia ahead of where mankind is today. But for all their advancement, they were still plagued by war. Erik's lineage, your lineage, and my own are byproducts of that war, created to serve a purpose, created to right a hideous mistake, an error in judgment committed over 10,000 years ago." Alissa paused and sighed heavily. "I'm talking in circles, I apologize. But why bother talking when I can let you live it, are you willing?"
"Yes," Shanda answered, knowing exactly what her proposal meant.
Alissa walked over to her, and both placed their hands on each other's temples. There was a brief wave of discomfort as the two minds joined, and Shanda saw a part of human history contained in no history book anywhere on earth.
Chapter 12
The Esper/Seelak War
The large Esper walked into the settlement, nodding and acknowledging others as he passed. He stood easily head and shoulders above his peers in the council. His body, and the bodies of those in his sect, had been altered centuries ago. He and his kind were the culmination of thousands of years of genetic research on their home world. He was bred to be a soldier, his instincts, senses, and aggressiveness enhanced many times. His strength and martial skill was beyond the means even for his own people to measure. But for all his strength, he had the wisdom and compassion inherent in his species.
Those who made him realized that to make a compassionless soldier was to simply create a killing automaton, uncontrolled by a sense of right and wrong. He was intelligent, but not nearly as gifted as those of the Scholar sect. He knew of the healing arts, but not nearly as much as those of the Cleric sect. He admired those skills in the others who differed so much from him, and respected them for their unique abilities as they, in turn, respected him.
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He approached the opening of a large cavern and entered, saluting the two soldiers who stood guard. As he made his way toward a large room, he was stopped by a telepathic thought.
"Jakor," the voice inside his head began, "you return from negotiations with the Seelak, I trust the news you bring the council is favorable."
Jakor smiled, something that looked peculiar on his chiseled silvery face. "Sennek, my old friend, I have come to address the council. Come join me, and hear what I have to say."
A smaller Esper materialized from seemingly nowhere to stand beside Jakor. The two exchanged a ritual greeting of friendship and respect and made their way to the Council Room.
"How goes your study of the species?" Jakor asked.
"As I feared, I, too, have news for the Council. I pray to our Gods that your news is better than what we have discovered."
Jakor nodded. His news was not good, but out of discipline, he would make his proclamation to the full council. He placed a hand on his smaller friend's shoulder as they both headed into the Council for session.
* * *
Jakor sat patiently, hearing the reports from each sect as they addressed the council. He understood most of what was being said, but some of the scientific data was beyond him. Sennek, who knew his friend's limitations, whispered telepathic explanations for his massive friend.
It was Sennek's turn to speak. He left his seat and approached the podium. The amplification light shone on him, and he began thinking to the representatives of their community of eight thousand, and the council of sects.
"My brothers and sisters, I have grave news. As we are all aware, over the past thousand years, we have been inundated by several new strains of virus that were hitherto unknown on this world. Over this time, diseases of all types have decimated our population. Every time we cure one ailment, a new virus or bacteria appears, and we must struggle anew to find cures. We have lost eighty per cent of our population to disease, and before this war, we knew the Seelak were experiencing similar medical problems within their population. Our medical resources are taxed beyond our ability to cope. This planet is producing bacteria and viruses specifically engineered to harm us. We now understand why. As in any body, this planet is fighting off an infection: Us."
Sennek paused as there were telepathic whispers amongst the council members and observers. "We are an infection to this planet, a virus or bacteria that it is trying to rid itself. We now know why. We are, ourselves, infecting this planet with micro viruses, we are killing the species that this world has mothered and nurtured for hundreds of thousands of years. We are interfering with the natural evolution of this planet, as we suspected. We have examined some remains discovered from the last tribe of bodies we encountered. Their blood was contaminated with a virus inherent in our species and the Seelak species. We are killing this world, not just one species, but all species of this planet. We have seen evidence of depopulated forests around our settlement, no native wild life anywhere.
"My friends, my peers, this world is at war with us as we are at war with the Seelak. This is a war we cannot win. We cannot defeat a planet. We can only find a small secluded place in the middle of nowhere, where our contamination will be kept to a minimum. We must let this world and its species evolve and develop. It is the way of things. We came here as guests thousands of years ago when, in ignorance, we destroyed our world. Now, we war again with the Seelak and we take another world to a course of doom. This cannot happen twice," Seenek remarked as there were now audible vocal and telepathic voices of amazement and panic.
"Order! There will be order in this chamber," a Senior Councilman shouted.
His cries were unheard. Jakor stood and faced the crowd. His hand fell toward the pouch that carried his Sentient Staff. He touched the liquid metal and it took its basic shape as a seven-foot staff according to its master's mental command. Jakor banged the staff against the floor and stared into the crowd with a war-like expression. The crowd was quickly silenced.
"Thank you, Jakor," the elder whispered as the massive soldier took his seat. "What you say, Sennek, is disturbing. Your sect has verified this?"
"Yes, Elder, all data and evidence have been provided to the Council through formal political channels, the data and conclusions are beyond reproach. It is regrettable, but what I say is truth," Sennek answered sadly.
"The Council will need time to review your data, Sennek. We do not doubt your words, we only wish to review all information."
"I understand, Elder," Sennek said with a bow.
"Jakor, you will address us," the Elder instructed.
Jakor took his place under the amplification light and spoke his news. "I have spent several suns under the banner of peace with our enemy, discussing much of what Sennek has brought to light, along with our territorial disputes. The Seelak care not for honoring the truce we made, which allowed us to construct our Worldship and bring us here so many years ago. They wish to go back to the ways of conquest. They believe we should eradicate the primate infection. They are angered over the death of their comrades from plague upon plague from diseases that are spread as the primates spread into other areas. They believe that by eradicating them, they will eliminate the diseases.
"This species covers the lands of this globe everywhere. The Seelak wish to commit genocide on an entire race of sentient beings – murder on an unprecedented scale. We must carry Sennek's research to them and hope that they can see for themselves the error in this course of action. With this new research to accompany what has already been presented, we have more than enough evidence to make our case. I will do this, Elder Council, upon your examination of data and with your permission."
"It shall be as you say, Jakor," the Elder replied. "We will send scientists to accompany you as well. No disrespect intended, but there may be technical questions above your level of understanding."
"Your words are wise, Elder. I see no disrespect. I will be guided by you," Jakor answered in the ceremonial form.
The elder nodded in approval. "It is you who honor us by your actions. We will reconvene in two suns."
A chime sounded, and the Esper population departed back to the day-to-day chores of their lives, each knowing that the next few cycles would bring about a drastic change to their small civilization.
* * *
Jakor spent the two days in the soldiers' compound, training and discussing battle strategy. The Seelak were a vicious enemy. They utilized the forbidden Netherspace technology, allowing them to traverse the inter-dimensional tunnels in this universe and seemingly pop out unexpectedly anywhere.
The tunnels between real space were, however, very narrow and hazardous. The dark matter that occupied that type of space readily spilled out into true space, disrupting the very physical nature of real space itself while the portal remained open. Small groups could traverse short distances at one time. If not for this fact, the entire Seelak military force could simply materialize inside their small city and eradicate everything in a single surprise attack. The only thing that announced their presence was the spillage of dark Nether matter into this universe while the porthole opened. It was as if the sun itself blinked out during Seelak sneak attacks.
Fortunately, Esper soldiers were trained to combat in these dark conditions, their eyes adapted to see in all spectra from the highest violet spectrum, to the lowest red spectrum. Netherspace portals served, usually, to allow the inferior Seelak army to ambush Esper soldiers and gain the advantage of a first strike. However, the Esper warriors were better trained than the enemy, and quickly turned the tables upon their attackers. Netherspace also served the Seelak as a quick, safe escape from combat.
* * *
Jakor reported back to the council after two days. There were several other reports given as he waited patiently for his turn. When his turn came, he approached the council floor and waited for instructions. The Council had selected three scientists to accompany Jakor. He was glad to hear that Sennek would accompany him.
Something told him that this upcoming meeting would be pivotal to the future of both races.
"We have consulted with our enemy, and they have agreed to hear our scientists' evidence regarding the plagues decimating both our populations. We hold great hope for these talks. They are the last hope for our kind. We must make preparations to evacuate these settlements and resettle on a remote island away from the native species of this world."
"We will not fail you, Elder," Jakor pledged.
"May our Gods go with you," the Elder replied.
* * *
The small party of Espers made their way toward the Seelak encampment. Jakor carried the large statue of peace that advertised that their party came with only peaceful intentions.
After a five-mile walk, they were met by several Seelak. The Seelak were midnight black in appearance, in direct contrast to the silvery Espers.
"We greet you in peace under the statue of tranquility." Sennek extended his hand toward the leader of the Seelak delegation.
"We receive you in peace," the Seelak leader replied. "I am told that you have scientific information that you wish to present to us regarding the plagues brought on by these accursed ape-like creatures."
"We have," Sennek answered. "I am Sennek, of the Scientific clan of Esper. With whom do I have the honor of addressing?"
"I am Kalaak, also of the Scientific clan. Please present your evidence," the Seelak instructed, cutting across any dialogue the Esper scientist tried to establish.
"As you wish," Sennek replied, handing over several data crystals.
