Star Chaser- The Traveler

by Reiter

  “There are a number of things that can be said at this moment,” Nugar began as they entered the cargo hold of the gunship. Nugar walked in and gestured toward the soldiers who had been gathered, presumably at the request of the old Traveler. “I think the most significant statement might be along the lines of, ‘well, at least we know there is a capable physician in the infirmary’… or something to that effect.”

  Dungias took inventory of the people that had been assembled for his test. They all appeared to be in peak physical conditioning, but it was the color of their skin which surprised Dungias. Tones of yellow, ranging from canary to gold, with spots and streaks of brown were stretched over trained muscle and experienced bone. Their eyes were steady and the conversation they were engaged in did not end when Dungias walked into the compartment. The subject matter might have changed, as most of them turned to look at the gunship’s newest passenger.

  “Vinthur?” he said softly, looking at seven of the nine that had been summoned.

  “Something of a surprise, isn’t it?” Nugar said as he joined Laejem and Saru. They had set up a small crate to serve as a chair for the Master Traveler. He nodded his appreciation as he took his seat. “As one who is simply enthralled with facts, you of course know that most of the Malgovi Militia is made up of shay-spawn. That is a fact, widely reported and fairly well known. It is also something of a technicality. You see, the Malgovi Militia is responsible for keeping the peace within the Deku System. What they don’t tell you is that the true military arm for the Deku and K’Dalkian Systems, the Mal-Vin as they are called, is nearly ninety percent Vinthur. Perhaps if you had been conscious when you boarded this gunship, you would have gleaned that for yourself. Your condition, however, kept that little secret in the cold until now.”

  “I see,” Dungias said, looking around the room.

  “He looks like I did the first time I star-walked,” Onkorro remarked with a slight smile. A flick of his head and his brown-spotted blonde hair was moved out of his face. To the Vinthur, any hair length shorter than middle of one’s back was a sign of weakness. Onkorro, who always kept his length to the neck and no lower, used that assumption as a lure. He was among the lighter colored Vinthur, his yellow often mistaken for white and never getting any darker than burnt beige.

  “Let us hope then that the similarities stop at appearance,” Kynsada added as she pulled a binder from its place on her shoulder. Running her hands through her long brown hair, she applied the binder to keep the tight backtail in place. “You nearly ruined an entire class with your antics!”

  “Easy, my T’Surran-Saytrah,” Onkorro returned, stretching his back. “You were in that class.” While a couple of their cohorts chuckled, Kynsada looked at Onkorro and laughed as she nodded.

  “Calling me your Star-Family sister does not ease the pain of that memory, Onk,” she replied. “I still have the scar on my back, after all.” Kynsada was more munsell than yellow; it seemed to suit her disposition.

  “Be steady, be ready,” Voko said as he walked through the group. Per usual, none of them had felt his approach, and his strides could only be heard as he walked away from the grouping. His long red hair trailed behind him and only at the end of a stride could the streak of black be seen in the middle of his backtail. As he walked past the small gathering, they responded with a powerful, “ROH!”

  The Team Leader did not have a shadow so much as he had a Guyn who could not be heard coming or going. To the Vinthur, Voko was gigantic, standing at exactly two trams. His silent shadow was even taller and covered in both scar and muscle. He was the Exemplar of the team, and though he was Malgovi, he was more respected than the Team Lead.

  “Master,” Voko said as he approached Nugar. He bowed first to the Traveler and then to his attendants. “We are the Starfire Team and we are at your service. This is Guyn, cherished warrior and shared soul.”

  “Master Traveler,” the massive Malgovi said, lowering to one knee and both fists. Nugar’s eyes flared wide and he looked up at Voko for confirmation. The Team Lead merely smiled and nodded ‘yes’.

  “It is not often one outside our blood is embraced as deeply,” Nugar said, rising up from his seat and stepping forward to put his hand on Guyn’s shoulder.

  “I see that as a choice of others and not the Vinthur, Master Traveler,” Guyn replied, standing up. “But I appreciate your acceptance of me.”

  “Given how I fare at the form these star-terms, it would seem prudent for me to do so. My, but you are intimidating!”

  “Nonsense, I see the Stride within you,” Guyn replied.

  “And I can see nothing around you,” Nugar fired back, bringing a smile from Guyn and laughter from everyone else. “When I made my request to the Commander, I had no idea this is how he would respond. I feel unworthy of the gesture.”

  “Commander H’Dalvi is not the common Battle Group Leader,” Guyn offered.

  “And the Dwanstar Battle Group is not the common Patrol Force,” Voko added with an air of great pride and accomplishment. As the Vinthur were seldom a boastful people, Nugar was able to better approximate the experience level of those gathered in the chamber.

  “Now, please realize we are simply trying to fathom where the boy is in his capacities,” Nugar warned. “I want a teachable student at the end of this measure.”

  “Perhaps we should thin the ranks,” Voko suggested.

  “Whatever you feel is best,” Nugar replied.

  “Exemplar Guyn,” Voko said, taking steps to stand behind Nugar and outside of Laejem. Guyn moved to take the opposite place just outside of Saru.

  “Onkorro,” he barked, startling Saru and Dungias. “You and Kynsada, stand ready!”

  As the others understood the meaning of the order and withdrew, Voko turned to look at his Exemplar.

  “Have you already decided you don’t like the boy?!” he whispered and Laejem chuckled.

  “A point of curiosity,” Guyn returned, gaining a look from Nugar who appeared to approve of the exploratory sentiment.

  “We wait for you, Dungias,” Nugar said, gesturing toward the remaining two soldiers. “Let us keep the blows from being fatal if we can.”

  Dungias approached and Onkorro looked at Kynsada who would not look away from her approaching opponent. He was young, but something about his stride aged him in her eyes. Her gray eyes squinted as she waved her hand at Onkorro. Understanding the signal, the Point Man for the Starfire Team turned to approach Dungias.

  “All right, my youth, let us see what you can do.” Taking a fighting stance with his hands at his sides, Onkorro kept his smile as he flashed his teal eyes at Dungias. “Oh, there should be music.” Dungias’ head snapped back from the jab Onkorro landed. His head leaned to his left and the Vinthur’s follow-up punch passed over his right shoulder. Dungias stumbled away from his opponent who took a step back himself.

  Dungias jumped toward the man, and surprised many with the distance he covered, but Onkorro gave no ground. The Vinthur’s fist swung in a hook punch as Dungias laid out flat, hooking the fold of his opponent’s knee with one foot and stomping his pelvis with the other. Both fell to their backs, but Dungias’ was a controlled fall and he back-rolled up to his feet. Onkorro moaned as he rolled over on his hands and knees.

  Kynsada bolted forward and jumped off of Onkorro’s back. She was in perfect form to deliver a kick, but she never came close enough as Dungias jumped back, flipped three times in the air and landed on his feet. Kynsada pressed and her over-hand hook missed as Dungias dove under it, landed on his hands and rolled. Kynsada turned and gave chase, but slid to a stop as Dungias reached his feet only to jump up and over her head.

  “Pax’Dulah,” Guyn whispered. “It’s not clean, but it’s not bad.”

  “It’s self-taught,” Nugar added, and he noticed Guyn’s light brown eyes squinting.

  “You’re going to tire out,” Kynsada said as she readied herself for another attack.

  “Eventually,” Dungias replied
as he took to the air again, bounding over her head.

  “Too low,” she said, jumping up and wrapping her arms around his waist.

  “No, Kynsada!” Guyn whispered through gritted teeth.

  Dungias grabbed Kynsada’s arms and spun as he began his descent back to the floor. He managed to push their bodies through five spins and it appeared he was about to start a sixth when he released his hold and folded himself up into a ball. All of his bodyweight came down on Kynsada’s chest as her back slammed down on the floor panel. The air was forced out of her lungs and she was heavily stunned as Dungias rolled, taking another hold of her, but keeping his legs in-between their bodies. With a loud grunt, he pushed off, sending Kynsada’s body toward Onkorro who was hardly prepared to deal with a flying colleague. He stretched and twisted, catching her body on his left shoulder and both of Dungias’ feet in his abdomen. He fell to the floor with Kynsada landing on top of him. Onkorro was unconscious and as Guyn stepped forward to call an end to the engagement, Kynsada cried out, kicking up from the floor and landing a powerful punch to Dungias’ jaw.

  “Oh my!” Nugar said softly as Dungias spun around from the force of the blow. He lifted his foot as he continued his spin and slammed the side of his boot against the female’s head. Dungias fell, but Kynsada only staggered back a few steps.

  “I think I have seen enough,” Nugar said, standing up again. Again Guyn moved to speak, but Kynsada was already in the air, performing her own flips. Her movements were not at clean as Dungias’, but she was not intending on looking good or pressing her agility. She just wanted momentum for her knees that landed in Dungias’ chest. He screamed in pain as she screamed in a rage that seemed to give her focus. She drew back her fist to pound into her opponent’s face, but it was caught by Guyn’s hand.

  “And there it is,” Nugar thought, seeing Guyn take to the Stride to cover the distance in time.

  “Hold, Kynsada,” Guyn said softly and he could immediately feel her muscles begin to give. He could also tell the young one had hit her hard enough to rob her of vision. She could not see, but she had hit the mark nonetheless. Helping her to her feet, Guyn smiled, feeling as if his soldiers had performed well. “Get Onkorro and go see Prymba,” he ordered.

  “Roh, Exemplar!” Kynsada snapped before turning to retrieve her friend and team Point Man.

  Guyn looked down at the stunned Malgovi and offered the youth his hand. The grip was strong and the mass he pulled up from the floor was by no means light. The Team Exemplar had even more reason to be proud of his soldiers, but his focus was on Dungias who thanked him for his assistance.

  “I fear I have failed you, Teacher,” Dungias said, shaking his head in hopes that it would clear his vision. “I will do better next time.”

  “That was never in doubt, Dungi,” Nugar replied, patting Dungias on the back as he walked by. “And one cannot fail a measure used to gauge one’s ability. Are you in need of medical attention?”

  “Not as much as I am in need of what you have to say,” Dungias answered.

  “Then walk with me,” Nugar said, continuing for the door.

  “I can see why my people feel so safe,” Dungias said, bowing to Voko. “If this is the stuff of the militia, we are surely more than protected.” Dungias stood up and turned to follow behind the Traveler. Voko smiled as he walked up beside Guyn who was brushing back his wide and thick black strip of hair. There was plenty to be said, but the Team Lead was not going to be the one to initiate it.

  “He bowed to you,” Guyn said.

  “That he did.”

  “And without hesitation,” Guyn added.

  “As if he had done so countless times before.” Voko shook his head as he looked down at the floor paneling. “Shall I begin the process for you to take leave?”

  “My place is with Dwanstar,” Guyn quickly said, turning to face his Team Lead.

  “Do you think I was lying when I called you cherished and family, my Malgovi kommis?” Voko asked.

  “I know happily wedded couples who do not know our love,” Guyn quickly answered. His eyes never moved from Voko’s who simply nodded.

  “Indeed. I would add my own parents to that list, and they have eleven children.” Voko stepped to the side of Guyn and put his hand on the shoulder of his Exemplar. “The Dwanstar will not shine as bright, nor will its light burn away as many shadows that come to claim our homes. But you have an opportunity to serve the Stars, a trusted Traveler, and one who entices your sense of wonder.

  “That boy moves well and he is only self-taught!” Voko stressed. “I shudder to think what you can do with him! Or must I remind you that the Starfire Team has only come to its ranking since you were assigned as our Exemplar?”

  “Accolades are for those who can afford to take the time to count, my kommis,” Guyn returned. “What if the Battle Group is called to service?”

  “We shall do our best to make you proud,” Voko replied. “So I must ask myself which Light is served better: the Dwanstar or the Light the Traveler follows?”

  “You must ask yourself?” Guyn repeated. “… or have you already asked and found the answer?”

  “Well, it seems clear that I will not need to make this an order. I think I will go and see about that leave,” Voko said, making his way for the Commander’s quarters. Guyn said nothing, but it was clear he did not like leaving his Team Lead or Starfire. “You should be about the business of gathering your things,” Voko called out. “If I am not mistaken, you have a ship in storage at Gavis, do you not?” The questioned went unanswered as Guyn closed his eyes and steeled his resolve. He personally did not own a ship, but members of the Dwanstar Battle Group had long since been awarded use of any ship stored at the various military installations. If they had need and there was a ship available, it would be made ready for their personal use. This was a privilege granted to the top ten Battle Groups in the service of the Queen. While the Dwanstar did not currently hold the top position, they had never fallen lower than the third slot. Reaching to his side, Guyn powered up his PC and started what would be a fairly lengthy message for him.

  “Let us dispense with the needless driveling and all things cliché!” Nugar insisted. “Ah yes… you show true potential, my child… and I have promised myself to your deliverance and instruction. My pleasure, however, is not nearly as important as your own.

  “Let’s see, have I missed anything?” Nugar thought aloud.

  “Your death cannot serve as the means through which I become legendary,” Dungias stated, still feeling a little dizzy from the beating he had received.

  “Oh yes, that’s a good one,” Nugar remarked. “Hmmm… aahhh, you must empty yourself of what you believe to be true in order to receive what I will teach you.”

  “Now I am confused,” Dungias admitted. “Are you still being ironic?”

  “Of course I am,” the old Traveler proclaimed. “Dungias, if all I do is teach you my method, then the best you can ever be is me… and the Stars have seen that already! Nothing is more a waste of material than redundancy. I hate it and it bores the Stars!

  “But, I believe that about covers it,” Nugar said, tickled by the humor his stunned student was able to deliver. “Can we get on with it then?”

  “Please do.”

  Dungias followed Nugar until they reached the uppermost deck. The Observation Chamber doors opened and Nugar led Dungias in to gaze upon the stars. The gunship was moving at what was considered to be its nominal cruising speed, but the view was breathtaking. It was not his first time in the Void, but Dungias found the view to be simply incredible anyway. He walked to where he was directly under the glass dome and sighed looking up at the stars.

  “That is why we are here, you and I,” Nugar stated. “So many of us, your people and mine, look to them as points of light in the sky. Believe me, child, they are much, much more! Whether they are ages apart, or kept in clusters, their magnificence is not changed. The Stars are more than beacons to remind us where we’
ve been, or shine the light to where we’re going. They are the reason for the journey! Within each of the Stars lies the secrets of the ages… and their forefathers. The things the Stars have forgotten we will never rise to realize. Though they are timeless, no single star is immortal; they are a perfect balance between individual and community.

  “There is a reason why you stare in wonder, Z’Gunok Tel Dungias,” Nugar said in a lower voice, but the change in his voice and presence went unnoticed by his captivated student. “On some level, all living things acknowledge the Stars, be it the one that lights their star-term, the many that sparkle in the black skies or, for those blessed few, a combination of both.

  “Do you hear me?” Nugar asked, his voice beginning to echo.

  “Yes, Teacher, I do,” Dungias answered.

  “Indeed. But are you listening?” The echo of his teacher’s voice was not overlooked this time and Dungias turned around. He gasped as he stepped back, pressing his back against the glass of the chamber. “And now perhaps you see!”

  Nugar’s feet were not touching the floor, and that was the least remarkable thing occurring. He had drawn his Osamu and held it in both hands across his body as lights flashed all about the outside of the device. Minuscule points of light surrounded the outline of his body and clung to him, casting their feeble light onto the old Vinthur. Alone, it would have looked charming but dainty. But they numbered in the thousands, and collectively their light was an awesome spectacle which caused Nugar to glow blue as he hovered over the floor. Hundreds of the lights must have collected together in his eyes, for there was nothing of a pupil or retina to be seen. Solid portals of a blue-white light gazed down on Dungias, but the soft smile curled on the old one’s face kept the student from entertaining anything in the way of fear.

  Nugar focused, causing the lights to sparkle at random intervals. “Normally, this is how one is brought to the Stars: through a liaison. But as I speak, I must advise you and say that this path has been denied.”