D'mok Revival 4: New Eden

by Michael Zummo

  Vaslen stood, and with a raspy voice said, “Thank you Captain Wayrena for the warm introduction. I echo her sentiment on a job well done, and her belief our need is far from over. The Syndicate of Extraterrestrial Intervention needs leaders with vision. And in my many talks with one man, I’ve learned vision is something he has in abundance. It is my distinct honor and privilege to officially extend an invitation to D’abar Arenji to become a junior senator in SETI, beginning with his assignment to the World Forge Project.”

  D’abar’s ancient jaw nearly unhinged. If Eyani didn’t know him better, she’d take his expression for genuine surprise. But even in the short time they’d worked together, she knew the mind behind the face, the one that knew when to play his cards, and when to hide them. Today was an act, an appearance of being humble.

  “I am honored by your kind words and confidence in me. I accept your gracious offer. Thank you,” D’abar said, with a slight bow.

  Vaslen continued. “Finally, strategic defense is key to maintaining strength and security. One battle-tested warrior has risen above the rest, demonstrating a unique talent for understanding enemies, and creating efficient and effective strategies. On behalf of SETI, I would like to extend the newly created position of Strategic Defense Secretary to Commander Kiyanna Kyoda.”

  Kiyanna’s wide eyes told everything there was to say. Despite her hardened exterior and rigid discipline, her genuine look of surprise was a delight to behold. For one instant she let her guard down.

  “I … yes, thank you. I, of course, accept.”

  Cheers rose from the group. Eyani even clapped.

  “I look forward to seeing your contributions to SETI, and to our very way of life,” Senator Vaslen said, before sitting.

  “Thank you again, Senator,” Eyani said. “And congratulations to SETI’s newest members: D’abar and Kiyanna. Now, let’s begin our updates.”

  * * * * * *

  Toriko stood and traded positions with Eyani at the podium. With the flick of her wrist, projections of the asteroid base along with a star chart marked with ship indicators appeared over the conference table. “The last of the equipment from the asteroid base is due within the hour,” she said. “Minea and Bob will continue to tend the base with minimal operation. But for all practical purposes, the station will be shut down. All staff has been reassigned quarters within the New Eden barracks.”

  Allia waved her hand. After being called upon she said, “Can’t we ever go back?”

  “We could, it’s just a matter of how much repair work we want to do. The communication grid is still fried, the main reactor is compromised and unstable, and there’s so much structural damage.”

  “But New Eden has everything we need to fix it,” Allia said, confused.

  “New Eden has everything we need—period,” D’abar said. “There’s no reason to waste our time, when we’re needed here. This should remain our permanent base of operations.”

  That seemed totes harsh, Toriko thought. She noticed the way Allia looked down, embarrassed. He had a way with words all right, one that had a habit for making people feel awful. It was just one more thing to add to her growing list of traits she disliked in him. But Mencari would want me to play nice, so here goes! “I think what D’abar is trying to say is, we can use our resources more efficiently by staying here at New Eden. Maybe it’s time for us to feel more integrated into the galactic community too, you know?”

  Allia looked over with a half-grin and bobbed her head.

  “That’s all I have,” Toriko said.

  “Cerna is up next,” Eyani said.

  Cerna headed to the podium as Toriko sat.

  “As headmaster of Weun Academy, I’m pleased to report that construction of the initial school spaces is complete, and our first class of students has officially begun.”

  Allia whistled, as others clapped.

  “Thanks to the direction of both D’abar and Raitr, our D’mok basics program has clearly defined goals and teaching strategies. While our full curriculum is evolving, we have enough material to safely begin training the next generation of D’mok Warriors. With our mission-based curriculum, we’re projecting students to be capable resources with the first few months of training. To assist in this effort, new teaching staff has been acquired. Raitr will be joining the faculty, along with Lady Weun herself.”

  “Seigie’s great-something granddaughter?” Allia called out.

  “The one and only.”

  “That’s so cool!” she squealed.

  “In addition, Commander Kiyanna Kyoda, Naijen Odoli, Decreta, and Tal Kanin have all offered to be adjunct instructors as needed. I’m very excited about these developments, and look forward to the opportunities they’ll afford our students. Finally, just before being called to assist in our last mission against the Nukari, I had identified a number of new potential students. I will continue my recruitment efforts for the next school session. That’s all I have.”

  Eyani retook the podium and called out, “Are there any other issues to present today?”

  Osuto stood to speak, but choked before going into a coughing fit. He looked bad. Ever since that trap Jask sprang on Osuto, D’abar, and the girls, it seemed all the progress Osuto made in getting better had been erased. His decline seemed even faster now.

  He struggled to find the strength to move much beyond his chair. Forgoing the podium, he turned his attention back to those on hand. “Before we adjourn, I wanted to express how proud I am of all of you.”

  His eyes wandered as if searching for a thought.

  “When I came upon Rhysus, our mission seemed impossible, the odds stacked far against us. As each of you was brought into the fold, it seemed, at times, our differences made our success an even greater farcical challenge. But what we found was a family brought together by misfortune, bound by our shared D’mok lineage, and galvanized through kinship. I am so proud of each of you. Our trials were not easy, and some of us bear deep scars, but we pushed through—together. We had our differences. We still have differences—some far more than we started with, but our strength is our bond—our family. Never forget that. Together, there is nothing we cannot endure, nothing we must fear, even if we were to lose. And one last thing … defeating the Nukari has brought justice to my people, and for that my ancient heart will be eternally grateful. You are the beacons of D’mar, and have more than earned the title of D’mok Warriors. You have my gratitude, and my eternal thanks.” With a final wheeze, he sat, exhausted.

  “Thank you, Osuto. I echo his sentiments. I’ve never seen a force like yours before. It’s special, and something to be modeled from.” Eyani looked across the group. “If there’s nothing further, I wanted to remind everyone about the going-away dinner for the Mencaris tonight. Rhysus has officially turned in his commission. I believe a strong showing of support for him would be appropriate. Thereafter, he and his family will be departing New Eden, beginning a new journey together.”

  Of the expressions in the group, only one stuck out to Toriko as odd. D’abar appeared to scowl ever since Eyani mentioned Mencari’s name. She still couldn’t believe he was leaving, but she understood. Things weren’t going to be the same without him around. But maybe there was a way to make sure she always had a connection to him.

  * * * * * *

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Eyani looked for any sign of doubt in Mencari’s expression, but found none. Behind him, two members of the medical staff helped Anaka out of her hoverchair and strapped her into the specially cushioned recliner on the ship.

  He nodded. “I’m sure, Eyani, but thanks.”

  “Athos is more than a frontier colony,” she said to reassure herself more than him. “Some of the best medical minds are there—especially for issues like hers. No one else knows where you’re headed, and no one there knows your true identity. You’ll be able to contribute to the community without any of the … baggage from here.”

  “Thank you, Eyani. You’ve been an incre
dible friend.”

  “And I plan on staying one,” she said, with a laugh. “You’re not dying, Rhysus, you’re just taking the leave you and your family deserve. We all understand.”

  “Now my family will have a chance to put all this behind us—to be us again.”

  Allia and Ichini entered through the airlock along with Mencari’s son—Rhyiel.

  “Everything’s checked and ready to go,” Allia said, with a forced smile.

  “You should see how much Ichini can carry when he’s that Renzor beast thing!” Rhyiel said with equal parts awe and amusement. “Though, I think a few guards soiled themselves.”

  Eyani still found it hard to see a smile on the boy’s face. After so many horrific stories, not only about what he did, but everything they’d collectively been through, giving Rhyiel a free pass on what he did seemed a bitter pill to swallow. Though, that wasn’t fair. While Jask was a murderous puppet, Rhyiel was just as much a victim in this as they were, swept into the plottings of the Nukari and Kajlit’ga. “You’ll like it on Athos, lots of wilderness and unexplored land,” she said focusing back on Mencari.

  Mencari turned to Anaka and said, “Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?”

  Empty eyes looked in his general direction, but she didn’t make a sound. Her expression was eerie—haunting. If she would ever recover, it would take a long time. Despite her state, Mencari seemed happy just to be with his wife and son again. Eyani felt a moment of pride in knowing she could help give the Mencari family exactly the haven they needed.

  “When can we come visit?” Allia asked.

  Mencari hesitated. Eyani knew the answer was never, yet he gave a convincing smile and said, “Soon, I hope. We need to get settled, and then I’ll send word.”

  Allia nodded happily.

  This was going to be a big change for his team, Eyani mused. Osuto would have to rely on other members to galvanize them. Who among them would be a suitable substitute for Mencari? While each had their own talents, none had the spark of true leadership. Hopefully D’abar wouldn’t be the one to fill the void. Osuto’s account of how D’abar’s directives threw Mencari into a rampage seemed cold and calculated. Perhaps his duties with SETI would keep him too busy for it to become an issue. Maybe she needed to consider stepping into the fray?

  “Thank you again, Eyani.” His words were saddled with great weight. “I won’t forget what you’re doing for us.”

  “We won’t forget what you’ve done, Rhysus,” she said, deflecting the gratitude. “If you ever need anything, we’ll always be here for you.” She reached out and hugged him.

  “Thank you,” Mencari said.

  “Good luck, and travel safely.”

  * * * * * *

  The doors to the conference room opened, drawing Eyani’s focus to the brightly lit room beyond.

  “Osuto, Tal,” she greeted, entering. Sitting in the far corner Narrik and Nikko were talking, while Kiyanna conferred with D’abar.

  “Well?” Narrik said, breaking the conversation with Nikko. Eyani looked on, unsure of what he wanted to know. “Are they gone?”

  By “they” he really meant Mencari. His hatred for Mencari was well known.

  “They’re heading out now,” she reassured him. Osuto looked down, his face belying great sorrow.

  “So much has happened … I’ll miss him,” Osuto said.

  “Yeah, well, good riddance.” Narrik nearly spat the words.

  Something in how he said that struck her the wrong way. She couldn’t tolerate one more second of that man’s vitriol. “You have no idea what he’s done for everyone.” She surprised herself with the fire in her voice.

  “I know how many he’s killed,” Narrik snarled in return.

  “That man you so clearly, and so irrationally hate, saved us all. He’s sacrificed his freedoms, his body, his very life—and was willing to kill his own child for everyone’s sake.”

  Years of fighting side by side with Mencari stormed her mind. She relived the countless times of terror, the friends and loved ones lost, the moments everything nearly came to an end, and finally their ultimate triumphs together. Narrik’s obstinacy jarred her to the core.

  “He’s one of the most amazing men I’ve ever had the honor of knowing—of saving the galaxy with. So whatever you’re afraid of—your phobia—your bias—I’m not interested in hearing about it!”

  The room fell into an awkward silence, one she didn’t have any regrets in causing.

  “So,” D’abar said, drawing away the focus from Narrik, “where are they headed exactly?”

  “Somewhere safely away,” she said sternly.

  “And if they need anything?” Osuto asked with genuine concern.

  “I’ll make sure they get it,” she said, still working to cool down.

  It wasn’t like her to act like this. Maybe Mencari’s departure was hitting her harder than she expected. That, and the fact she didn’t care for D’abar or Narrik.

  “Your assurance is all I’ll ask for,” Osuto said, and seemed to relax.

  “Let’s talk about our next mission,” Kiyanna said.

  Eyani, appreciative of the change in topic, called up an ice world. “I have something for you, Commander. It just might involve a new hoverbike too.”

  “Yeah? I’m all ears,” Kiyanna said with a gleam in her eye.

  * * * * * *

  Out the port window Mencari saw the ship pulling from its landing bay. Toriko’s projection waved her arms. “Don’t worry about us, we’ll hold down the fort!”

  His tone heavy, Mencari said, “Thank you, Toriko. It might be a while before we see each other again.”

  She hesitated, her exuberant smile held unnaturally. “I … I know, but as they say, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’ and such!”

  Apprehensive, Rhyiel said, “Miss Purg?”

  Mencari noticed her joyful expression melt. Thanks to Ishara, his own reconciliation with Rhyiel came easily. Would Toriko be able to forgive his son? Would any of them be able to? He watched carefully, wondering how she’d respond.

  With a stoic tone, she said, “Yes, Rhyiel?”

  “I know I’ve said this before, but I am very sorry about everything,” he said, looking down. Rhyiel couldn’t even look at Toriko’s projection. Despite Ishara’s gift, nothing erased the memories—the horrors—done by Nukari hands. Mencari knew what it was like to live with the burden of his own actions—something that could never be taken back.

  A calm grace radiated from Toriko, and a gentle smile crossed her face. “Thank you for that. But, Rhyiel, that wasn’t you. Jask was doing what he was trained to do. I know that—we all know that. And if you need to hear more, Rhyiel—I forgive you. Okay?”

  Mencari felt his eyes burning. He knew everyone didn’t feel that way, but he appreciated her kindness and mercy.

  “I want you to take care of your mom and dad. They really need you right now,” she added.

  He nodded. “I will.”

  “Don’t forget to tell them!” Maro yelled, from outside the view.

  “Tell us what?” Mencari asked.

  Toriko chuckled. “I wanted it to be a surprise, but I guess it won’t be.”

  “What’s the surprise?”

  “It’s a gift, from Maro, Ujaku, and myself … and Minea and Bob. All I’ll say is, we know you’ll need all the help you can get. This will help. And I wanted to make sure if you ever needed us, you had a way to reach out. Just trust me when I say you’ll like it.”

  “It?”

  “When you arrive, it will find you.”

  He wasn’t sure if he liked the sound of that. A new Toriko creation?

  “You will always be family, Rhysus. Remember that. Okay, gotta go! Talk again soon! Bye-bye!” She waved as her image exploded into countless balls of light.

  A sound escaped Anaka behind him. He looked back and saw Rhyiel already at his mother’s side. Nothing felt real yet. Even if this wasn’t what he envisioned, just being together li
ke this made everything okay.

  Life’s lessons taught him that truly loving meant embracing someone for who they are and as they are, even if it wasn’t what you expected or desired.

  A memory of Eisah invaded his thoughts—the youth with blond hair and angry green eyes. Allowing Evelyn to take his first son away was a heartache he knew he’d never get over. But at seventeen, he hadn’t been prepared to be a father. It would be years before he’d meet and marry Anaka. But maybe someday, he’d have a chance to do right by the boy.

  For now, he didn’t want to guess at the challenges or triumphs the future might or might not hold. He just wanted to enjoy the present, and not even the past was going to darken this moment.

  His family was together again, and he planned to make up for lost time. Whatever Anaka needed to heal he would provide, and he’d finally be the father to Rhyiel that he wanted to be. And in between, in the spare moments, he’d find a way to repair the holes in his soul.

  In the rear display, New Eden shrank into the horizon. Somehow he knew it wouldn’t be the last time he’d see it.

  The cabin speaker crackled to life. A jolly man said, “Rhysus, everyone safe and sound? We’re about to tunnel.”

  He looked over and took Anaka’s hand. Rhyiel smiled. His family was safe and sound. And whatever the future brought, they would face it together. “We’re good!”

  “Affirmative, engaging the tunnel drive. Next stop, Athos!”

  Our new home.

  Epilogue

  Toriko's Nightmare

  “No. No! You can’t! STOP!” Toriko screamed, her blankets flinging into the air. Spark yelped and dove off the end of the bed as Maro screamed and scampered to the opposite side of her own. Heavy footfalls pounded down the hall along with a call from Ujaku. “Are you okay?” In moments he was beside her bed.