by Trevor Gregg
“Right, our findings,” he acceded.
“Let’s go to the table and set this stuff down, then we can hear your report, okay?” Kyren suggested.
They dropped the goods off on the table and went to a large viewscreen. Isa displayed some graphs and a three dimensional image of a heavy sphere deforming a grid lined surface.
“Time is considered the fifth fundamental force, its energy forever drawing reality forward,” he pointed to several graphs.
“I have studied how time flows, and how to manipulate it on a small scale. I predicted the existence of time “sinks” where time was concentrated into an infinite sphere. This effect warped space as well. I believe Kyren saw through time and space when he looked into the time sink, when we were fighting Th… uh, yeah, um okay.”
Continuing, Benjam began to squiggle back and forth, curling his tentacles proudly. “So when I created the time bomb, I didn’t consider its possible effects. One of which was its unusual interaction with the Epsilon Computer’s time core. It seems that the time core absorbed the energy from the bomb when it detonated.”
“So why did Epsilon Base just disappear?” Alis questioned. “Where did it go?”
“The energy absorption was so great the time core overloaded. It destroyed the Computer, but instead of physical destruction, it was timeline destruction.”
“Ooh, can I deliver the punchline?” Isa asked excitedly.
Benjam grudgingly acquiesced. It was her computing power that made this all possible. Plus her analysis of the data had been quite sophisticated.
“So the removal of the Computer from the timeline undid anything that the Computer, and its subsequent users, had accomplished,” Isa explained.
“So perhaps that Computer was responsible for stopping the extermination that is coming,” Elarra mused. “That might explain some things.”
“Great… So by destroying the Computer to stop Tharox, to stop the destruction of the galaxy, we unleashed another destruction of the galaxy?!” Kyren said, a shocked look settling on his face.
“Stop Tharox? Destruction?” Tharox asked, looking puzzled. “And what is all this talk about the Computer?”
Stunned silence greeted him for a short moment.
“Do you want to tell him, or shall I?” Kyren finally asked Elarra.
“Go ahead,” she told him.
“Okay, so you had gone mad with rage against the Consortium and Crevak, right? You discovered a power so potent you could unleash that rage. You used the forces of the Computer to deal out complete and utter destruction, all but destroying the Crevak. The Consortium was nearly gone by the time we stopped you. It seems that destroying the Computer with the time bomb didn’t just destroy it. It seems that we altered the past and affected the present. You never found the Computer because it never existed.”
Benjam quailed, not knowing how Tharox would react. Tharox just stared for a moment, face placid.
Then his gaze narrowed and his face scrunched up as he spoke, “Yes, I would have done such a thing had I found great power. This is truly fascinating. I assume you have a high confidence level in your models?”
“Sigma two-point-one-seven to be precise,” he replied proudly.
“I see. Well, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility, I guess,” he said shrugging, thankfully seeming to take the news in stride. “I guess I’m just surprised you’d still want to travel with me.”
“While it was difficult in the beginning, you have proven yourself an honorable man,” Elarra spoke.
“Why don’t we check out our goodies now?” Alis asked, obviously trying to change the subject.
“Yes,” Benjam agreed enthusiastically, backing Alis up.
Tharox opened the crate and began withdrawing items, placing them on the table. He laid out a suit of dark gray and black combat armor. It was light armor but looked to be very flexible, it probably wouldn’t impede movement much. And it was about the right size for Kyren.
Next followed an elegant looking heavy energy rifle, smooth metal sides a deep gray, a small control panel on one face. Then he extracted several belts with large round buckles. Ooh, were those the katerwans? A small module the size of Tharox’s large bionic pinky finger was placed next to the other items. Four metallic cylinders with handles, ending in a large claw went on the table too.
Alis extracted a small box from her jumpsuit. Setting the box down, she pointed, “there’s the katerwans.”
Benjam extended his tentacles and flipped open the case. Three stick-pins with extra large, pearlescent white pinheads lay in the box.
“How do they work?” he said, his curiosity taking hold.
“Let’s get to that in a minute,” Tharox replied, taking the box, closing it, and setting it down.
He picked up the small module and handed it to Alis. She took out her wrench and located a module port, slotting the unit in. She keyed in the command on the wrench and the module lit up. Another combination, and it began to transform. It became a small parabolic dish with a vertical handle behind.
“Sonic emitter conversion for my wrench, should pack quite a wallop,” Alis explained.
“Kitty has claws,” Isa said playfully.
Alis aimed the dish at the ceiling and said, “hands up, Isa!”
“I surrender!” she replied, mirth in her voice.
“What’re those?” Benjam asked while pointing at the belts.
“Those are utility belts. One creates a shield like a ship has, just around the wearer. Another belt is for stealth, partial invisibility it would seem. The last is what Hubbell called the “jackalope’s antlers.” I think she just meant it was a great find,” Alis explained.
“But what does it do?” Benjam said anxiously.
“It is a warp belt. It generates a small warp portal large enough to walk through. The range is really limited though. And yes, you’ll still experience warp sickness.”
“And those are grappling hooks,” Tharox said, pointing at the claw-like apparatuses.
“Okay, okay, now the katerwans. How do they work?” Benjam asked, unable to hold back his curiosity.
“Well, they rewrite your genetic code temporarily, transforming you into whatever race they were designed for. It seems the effect is temporary, on the order of hours but entirely unpredictable,” Tharox explained.
Fascinated, he asked, “how do you use them?”
“You stab them into the back of your neck. Grisly, I know!” Kyren exclaimed.
48
Only Three
Elarra listened, but her mind was elsewhere. She knew where they were going next, what they were going to encounter. Perhaps she should tell them. They had a right to know about her vision, she decided.
She hoped the vision would both come true and it would not. If it came true then she would better understand how her gift had changed. But that would mean the Kirugi was going to arrive and unleash its’ plague across the galaxy.
“We’ve only got three, so what are we gonna do?” Alis asked, drawing Elarra’s attention back.
“Well Benjam said that it likely won’t work on his brontian biology. And Tharox’s bionic limbs will still be bionic, so he’s out,” Kyren concluded.
“Actually, we will need Tharox, if we are to succeed. I have seen this in my vision. And I believe I may know where we are going, and what we are to do,” Elarra finally spoke up.
“Which vision, Elarra? One of those I’ve seen?” Kyren asked pointedly.
“Yes, I believe you saw this one. A strange space station, composed of four sleek pyramids joined in a square pattern, shimmered into existence in the darkness of deep space. Nestled within this station was a huge red orb, dozens of stories tall,” she responded.
“But what does it mean? What are we supposed to do?” Kyren demanded.
“That orb that is now part of the Crevak flagship, and powers the energy beam we saw killing entire ships back at Regalis. This is where the Crevak obtained their weapon. We must invest
igate if we are to discover a way to beat the enemy,” Elarra tried to sound as reassuring as possible, but felt doubt gnawing at her insides.
How much should she reveal? Would it prevent Alis’ loss if she did? Or would she lose grip on the tenuous future she had now?
“Wait, how are we supposed to find this station? There wasn’t anything in the vision that revealed where it was,” Kyren countered.
“Yes, well, that is our ace in the hole. Saeli gave us the tracking beacon to Darius’ ship. Darius is aboard the station. Or at least he will be by the time we get there,” Elarra revealed.
“Shit, raxi! We’re gonna be in for a fight,” Kyren exclaimed.
“Unfortunately, raxi will not be the only threat. The station is held by the Crevak. Hence the need for the katerwans.”
“So what’s this plan to get Tharox in? What’s the risk involved? There’s always a catch, isn’t there?” Alis asked, ears perked.
“There is risk, indeed. But if we follow my plan, we’ll get what we came for. Tharox, you will play the part of our Consortium prisoner, while Kyren, Alis, and I appear as the Crevak captors.”
“Okay, so enough with the mystery, what are we supposed to do when we get there?” Kyren asked incredulously.
Elarra paused dramatically, considering the implications of her next statement. Did Darius know she was coming? Would he be waiting? Would she be able to take him? All questions she couldn’t answer.
“You are going to find answers about the weapon the Crevak took from the station. I am going to kill Darius,” Elarra snarled.
49
Katerwans
Kyren reclined, closing his eyes. This was going to be a long, boring trip. Isa had explained that while the tracking beacon indicated the galactic coordinates of Darius’ ship, they couldn’t just warp directly to it. The station’s gravity signal was too weak for their navigational computer to lock on. They would have to find the nearest star, jump there, then attempt to pick up the station on scanners.
Isa said it would be difficult though she thought she could do it. To get to the star it required many jumps. Great, just great, more freakin’ jump sickness, Kyren thought. He found that he did enjoy being a spacer, but warping and the accompanying disorientation were starting to wear on him.
He felt a tap on his shoulder and sat up, startled. He hadn’t heard her approach. Elarra stood before him, an odd look on her face.
It took her several moments to speak, “Kyren, I have a request.”
“Okay Elarra, what’s up?” he replied after several more moments of silence passed.
“I need you to teach me to fight.”
“Um, okay. I guess I know a little,” he admitted, a twinge of grief at the thought that entered his mind.
He had learned to fight from his brother. Athar had taught him how to throw a punch, and an elbow or knee, or if it got really dirty, a head butt. He had taught him some basic grappling, and he figured that would be of most use to Elarra. She didn’t have the muscle mass to do much damage kicking and punching, but perhaps she could use leverage to her advantage.
Kyren knew why she was doing this. She must believe she has to fight Darius one on one. Regardless, Kyren would do his best to help her. They went to the rear of the craft and found a less narrow hallway. Kyren began showing her first how to break out of holds, and how to roll with a blow.
Then he moved on to the more aggressive tactics. Wrist locks, arm bars, and hip throws were all practiced. At the end of several hours, Kyren could tell Elarra was exhausted. He knew it was her sheer determination that had kept her on her feet.
She rested for the remainder of the trip, but Kyren could not. Anticipation had grabbed hold and he was wide awake.
“We’ve reached our penultimate destination, everyone,” Isa crooned with finality. “One more hop and we’re at this mysterious station. I’ve already located its energy signature and locked on to its gravitational signal. I’ll wait for you to give the go ahead, dear.”
Kyren donned the black body armor and flexed experimentally. The suit barely restricted his movement. He had no idea how much ordnance it would stop, but he knew it was better than nothing. He just hoped it would be enough.
Elarra strode up and selected the stealth belt, cinching it around her waist. Activating it, she faded from view, only a slight shimmering belying her position. The shield belt then lifted itself off the table and hovered over to Alis. She took the belt from thin air as Elarra deactivated the cloak and shimmered into view. Next she handed the warp belt to Kyren.
“You’ll need those to succeed, so don’t lose them, okay?” Elarra said, raising an eyebrow.
“We should wait on the katerwans, right? Since they’ve got a limited duration, let’s use them as late as possible,” Kyren suggested, looking expectantly at Elarra.
She nodded in approval, Kyren felt a dash of pride. Gathering up his weapons, he slid the sling over his shoulder. Alis tucked her wrench in her belt and hefted Kyren’s stolen Crevak rifle.
“Isa, let’s jump,” Kyren said, feeling numb.
Which was good, he couldn’t afford fear to take hold. Then Isa jumped. Kyren held on until the vertigo passed and he could think again.
“We’ve arrived at the coordinates. We are being hailed. What shall I do?” Isa asked casually.
“Isa, you need to stay quiet, don’t let them know you’re there. You need to stay safe,” Tharox instructed.
“Yes dear,” she replied calmly.
“I guess now is a good time to use the katerwans,” Kyren suggested.
Turning, he scooped the box off the table and opened it up.
Handing one to Tharox, Kyren said, “here, do me first, in case anything goes wrong.”
He turned around and exposed the back of his neck. Tharox neglected to warn him first. A burning pain exploded into his neck. He fell to the deck and began to writhe around, pain wracking every fiber of his being. Kyren tried to scream but all that came out was a choked gurgle.
And then it passed in a cool wave, pain dissipating. He stood shakily and saw the looks of horror on his companion’s faces. Shock and disbelief struck him as he saw the tiny lizard scales covering his arms and hands.
Dashing over to the mirror, he cried triumphantly, “they work!”
“What’d you say?” Alis said, eying him skeptically.
“I said we’re in business, you guys suit up too,” he replied.
“Now that was just gibberish, are you okay Kyren?”
“Yeah, I’m fine, what’s wrong with you?”
“Hmmm, I think he is speaking Crevak,” Benjam cut in. Rubbing his tentacles together in anticipation, he began, “it would seem the katerwans come with more tricks than just one.”
Elarra stepped up and hesitantly offered Tharox the back of her neck. She quickly fell into the agonizing non-screaming torment that Kyren had experienced. After some time her body had changed, limbs fattening, face widening, hair disappearing. She opened her eyes and the pupils were now red. She sat up and touched her face.
“Can anyone understand me?” she asked tentatively.
“I can,” Kyren replied.
“See, as I expected!” Benjam exclaimed proudly. “She is speaking Crevak too.”
“Somebody better respond to these guys, they seem to be getting anxious. I’m picking up drive signatures spinning up,” Isa informed them.
Kyren dashed over to the comm station and pulled up the channel. He leaned close to the console and replied, “yes, we’re here, sorry about that, trouble with our comms.”
“What is your business in our space? Speak now or be destroyed.”
“We have a gift, a Consortium slave for your science lab,” Elarra whatever-the-hell-she-had-become burbled through great flappy jowls, approaching behind Kyren on short, stumpy legs.
“Welcome, brothers in arms,” the voice responded. “To the glory of the tribe!”
Kyren guessed, hoping his response would be appropriate, �
�To the glory!” he replied enthusiastically.
“They have uploaded the docking coordinates. Shall we get this party started?” Isa prompted, as soon as the connection was severed.
“Yes Isa, let’s proceed,” Tharox replied, helping the demonic looking dimak that Alis had become stand to her feet.
Alis shrugged and flexed her arms, wiggling the vestigial demon-wings attached to her back. Kyren returned his attention to the viewscreen as the station became visible. It was indeed four great pyramid structures linked together in a square fashion. Parked above it was a massive Crevak battleship. Tiny shuttles flitted between it and the base, their marker lights blinking in time.
“Okay Tharox, here are your cuffs,” Benjam said. “I put in a voice recognition module. All you have to do is say “platypus” and they will unlock.”
Tharox put out his wrists and Benjam bound him. Isa maneuvered the ship into position and the airlocks clunked together. Kyren took a deep breath, willing his nerves to calm, then walked over to the airlock door. Kyren and Alis took up position on either side of Tharox, Elarra trailed behind. He had to consciously work not to hold his breath. The door slid open and they were faced with a hideous urnak, flanked by two wicked looking thevars.
50
Feeding Time
Kyren stepped from the Radiant Star’s airlock and into the alien space station, trepidation flooding him. He glanced at Tharox and saw a look of fierce determination underlying the mask of rage he bore. Hopefully he would stick to Elarra’s plan. As they entered the strange station Kyren noted the same blue walls with gold circuitry tracing through it as he had seen in Elarra’s vision.
It was a crazy plan, he thought. They were depending on Elarra’s vision to guide them. But she seemed confident, and he didn’t think she would lead them into the belly of the beast without the belief they would make it.
“Wherrre did you acquire thisss prize?” the urnak asked.
