Galileo (Battle of the Species)

by Meaghan Sinclair

  “Where did you get all of this information?” Adam demanded.

  The android behind the desk maintained a fixed plastic smile. “Information is kept by Cybernex to identify travelers who have registered.”

  “But he didn't register!” Adam yelled, watching all of the information flash by.

  Renn watched every detail of his life displayed on the Cybernex screen. Pictures of him growing up, the doctor’s report of him breaking his arm when he fell out of a tree when he was seven, his first kiss when he was ten… “Dad, why would they have that? We were in a field…there was no one there!”

  “I don’t know! What the hell is this?” Adam asked.

  The port’s security alarms blared when one of Earth’s cargo ships, cleared for docking, was surrounded by a layer of green light and imploded. A multilevel Eminite ship accelerated into its place as the port’s bay doors began closing, attempting to block the intruder’s entrance.

  An enormous destroyer-bot pushed itself up from the top layer of the Eminite’s ship and jumped towards the port junction, slamming into the entrance with energy blasts guiding its way. It lifted its arms, crunching the doors, above and below it, creating a gap large enough for the Eminite ship to pass through. The massive bot took a step forward, releasing the doors, and ran down the landing bay towards the next set of doors before they too closed.

  Security-bots ran into the landing dock, pointing their guns towards the third and final door that remained closed. The thunderous moan of metal filled the port, as the doors were ripped open under the destroyer-bot’s force.

  The Eminite ship flew in, unloading dozens of Aranea and Eminites that hid behind energy shields, deflecting the enemies’ blasts. They scattered around the corridors, dropping the shields long enough to kill, destroying anything that stood in their way.

  “Is Renn Andreas clear for passage?” the I.A. asked, urgently.

  “Yes,” the android replied.

  “Let's go!” he said, looking at Adam. “That’s all we need.”

  Adam closed his hand firmly on Renn’s and they all ran down the port hall.

  “It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Renn,” the android said, staring at him as he ran.

  The android's words sent shivers up Renn's spine. What did it mean by “finally?” Renn thought, as if it had been anticipating his arrival.

  Renn looked behind him and saw an Aranea turn down the corridor behind them and screech when they made eye contact. A dozen Eminites and Aranea followed, closing in on them. Some of the android guards stopped to fire, while the others followed Renn, Adam, and the agent down to their portal.

  There were travelers all over, scattering and jumping into portals, whether they were prepared or not. Screaming, screeching, and roars resonated through the port junction while blaster shots ricocheted off metal walls and portals liquefied and solidified down the halls.

  Renn looked ahead and saw a tall blue Olerian waiting at a portal fifteen feet ahead of them. The Olerian put an arm out, motioning them towards him. Renn looked back and saw the security-bots holding the Aranea back, but more kept coming.

  When the agent arrived at the portal, he nodded to the Olerian and looked back at Adam. “This is Principal Lockrin, he’ll take Renn the rest of the way.” He looked at Renn. “Good luck, Kid.”

  Adam touched the agent’s arm and squeezed, sputtering, “Thanks for everything,” before the agent ran back to join the ship androids that were having a hard time keeping the Eminites back.

  Adam picked Renn up and held him close. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too, Dad,” Renn said, trying not to cry.

  “Go!” the agent shouted, glancing back.

  The Eminites lowered their energy shields, firing laser blasts that turned the security-bots into smoking mounds of wires and sparks. The security-bots, remaining by Adam and Renn, ran to join the others as the last robot said, “Please, hurry!” to Adam as it left.

  Adam released Renn. “Go,” he said.

  The Olerian took Renn’s wrist and pressed his hand on the identification scanner, dragging him through the cold liquid silver. Renn looked back and saw the Aranea had terminated the agent and the last of the bots, and were now charging his father.

  The deafening sound of battle abruptly turned into delicate classical music when Renn exited his portal into a small white room. He caught his breath and looked around, seeing that the room contained only two portals, otherwise furnished with nothing but pristine white walls. The wall before him was engraved with one word, Galileo.

  Renn turned around to the portal that had solidified into a wall of cold, hard metal. He placed his hands on it and rested his forehead against it, fighting back tears, hoping his dad had made it to another portal safely. He felt like he hadn’t taken a breath since it had all started, only hours before.

  The Olerian waited, while Renn got his bearings. “You will be able to check his travel log when you get to your dorm room. I’m sure he made out safely,” Principle Lockrin said, whether he believed it or not.

  Renn’s heart was still racing and his veins pulsed with adrenaline. The calm environment made him feel disoriented.

  “First time through the portal?” the Olerian asked.

  “Wh…yeah,” Renn sniffled.

  Lockrin nodded. “The advantage of using portals is that they’re instantaneous; traveling requires only a step,” the Principal said. “The disadvantage is one doesn’t have the luxury of adjusting to a new location, like one would if slowly arriving by ship or by foot. It can be confusing in the beginning, but I assure you, you will get used to it.” Lockrin gave Renn a warm smile. “Are you all right, or would you like to take another moment?” he asked gently.

  Renn had never met an Olerian before, but understood why they were often used as mediators. The Olerian’s voice was very soothing, giving a sense of security, regardless of how superficial the reality of it might have been. Renn forced a smile and a nod as he looked up at Lockrin for the first time. His face curved up from a pointy chin into a broad forehead. He had no nose, just nostrils, and yellow eyes, surrounded by a black circle, separating the yellow from the white.

  “I’m fine, thank you,” Renn said, straightening up.

  “Come then, I’ll show you your new home,” Principal Lockrin said, beckoning.

  Renn felt like he was going to be sick when Lockrin said “your new home.” There had been no time to let it sink in that he wouldn’t be sleeping in his own bed that night. He wondered if he’d ever sleep in the bed again and he fought back more tears.

  Renn’s eyes scanned his surroundings as he followed the Olerian down a narrow white hall. They walked into a large concourse and he looked up in the great hall, seeing that it was at least eight stories high. Students walked around, giggling and talking, as if peace was all they knew. There were dozens of species, dressed in one of four colored uniforms.

  “Welcome to the Galileo,” Principal Lockrin said. “Classes for First Years won’t begin until the day after tomorrow, but the students have all been here for the past week, settling in. As you can see, all students are required to wear their class color. White is for First Years, blue for Second, red for Third, and gold for Fourth. You may wear what you like in your dorm room, but outside of the room you must wear your uniform, unless you’re in your battle suit, of course. Understand?” he asked, looking down at Renn for acknowledgement.

  “Yes, I understand,” Renn replied in a faint voice. “Where do I get a uniform?”

  “Most students arrive with them, but this is a rather unusual circumstance. I will notify your parents of the required school materials you will need for the rest of the year so they can send them to you. In the meantime, I will have a ship-bot bring you something that will do. Do you need to stop by the medical bay first?” Lockrin asked, glancing at Renn’s clothes.

  Renn followed his gaze and saw that he had drops of green and red blood splattered here and there. “Oh, no. This is
n’t mine,” Renn said, hoping he didn’t look too psychotic, covered in blood. “Why would I wear a battle suit?” he asked, trying to change the subject.

  Principal Lockrin smiled. “For students wishing to participate in Battle of the Species,” he said, pointing to a hologram poster on the wall.

  Renn walked up to it and saw an animation of a human boy impaling a large fire-breathing animal. Looks brutal, Renn thought. They didn’t have anything like that on Earth, but Earth was now so far away.

  Renn heard Principal Lockrin’s name called, but gave a start when he heard it. It wasn’t said out loud, rather sent through telepathy. Since Renn had never met another Mindeerian, he had never encountered anyone else with the ability. He was still able to converse with humans through telepathy, but Renn would have to do all the work, listening to their thoughts and pushing his own thoughts into theirs.

  Renn turned to see an old Mindeerian with silver hair and a short beard, walking towards them. Principal Lockrin smiled. “Professor Paro. I'd like you to meet our newest pupil, Renn Andreas.”

  “Yes, I just received word,” the Mindeerian said, looking down at Renn with an anxious look.

  “Hey, classic. You're Mindeerian,” Renn said before he could stop himself.

  “Classic?” the Mindeerian repeated.

  “That means ‘great’,” Renn said.

  “Ah…slang. I suppose the word ‘cool’ doesn’t always refer to temperature, and ‘defunct’ is used as an insult?” the old Mindeerian asked.

  “Sometimes…” Renn admitted.

  “Renn,” Lockrin said, “Professor Paro will be your self-defense professor for the first year.” The Olerian looked at Paro. “Professor, I was hoping you would be so kind as to help educate Renn here on his Mindeerian studies. I have received word that his studies may not be up to the level they should be.”

  Renn wondered if the Olerian had really received word at all, or if he had decided that just that moment. He tried to listen to the Olerian’s thoughts, but the thoughts were in the Olerian’s. Either way, he had chosen a very polite way to put it, Renn thought.

  “Of course,” Professor Paro said, not taking his eyes off Renn.

  “Very good,” Lockrin replied. He then turned to Renn and bowed his head. “I'll send your house father down to show you to your dorm. Good day.”

  “Good day,” Renn said, feeling a little awkward. “Uh...I mean, bye.” Yeah, that felt better, he thought. Renn watched the Olerian walk away and then realized the old man was still staring at him.

  “Child, are you not telepathic?” Paro asked out loud.

  “Oh, um…yeah,” Renn said. “I can hear people’s thoughts.”

  “That's mind reading,” he corrected. “Telepathy is an exchange of images or words in order to communicate. Did your human father not at least teach you the principle of this?”

  “No. I wasn't allowed to use telepathy or anything else on Earth, but he was pretty cool about accidents.”

  “I’m sorry, what do you mean by ‘anything else’?” Paro asked.

  “You know, that energy stuff.”

  “’Energy…stuff?’ Do you mean to tell me you don't know how to use your telekinesis?” he asked looking shocked.

  “Uh…sorry?” 　Renn asked.

  Paro shook his head. “Hollen will be very disappointed to learn how far behind you are.”

  “Hollen?” Renn said, surprised to hear her name, coming from a Mindeerian or not. “You know my mother?”

  “Of course I know your mother. Your mother is one of the greatest warriors Mindeere has ever had. Besides that, she's my niece.”

  “Niece?” Renn said, even more surprised. “So you're my great uncle?”

  “Yes,” Paro said, furrowing his brows while he looked at Renn’s mouth. “Open your mouth, boy.”

  Renn obeyed, opening it wide enough to enable Paro to stick his fingers inside and feel his teeth with his abrasive fingers.

  “No fangs I see,” Paro grumbled in disapproval. “You have teeth like a human.”

  Renn looked up and noticed the prominent fangs on the Mindeerian as Paro curled his lip in disgust. Renn had seen pictures of Mindeerians, but never with their mouths open. He just assumed they would be the same as him.

  “Peculiar,” the professor continued, “but I’m sure Hollen had her reasons for mating with your father.”

  Renn froze at hearing Paro say, “Your father.” It came out with such disdain, it almost sounded like a hiss. He wondered whether it was Adam he objected to or that he was human. Either way, Renn wanted to change the subject, but didn’t feel like talking anymore.

  “You can’t hide your thoughts either, can you?” Paro said.

  Renn looked up at his great uncle and said, “Yeah, all right, I get it. You’re disappointed I was raised as a human, but I am half human and I’m not ashamed of it. I love my father very much and I would appreciate it if you didn’t hiss when you talked about him. Now, I would definitely like to learn about Mindeerians, but could we please…” Renn stopped, feeling overwhelmed and defensive, exhausted by the last few hours. “I’ve just been through…” Renn stopped again, clamping his mouth shut, unable to explain all that had happened.

  Paro put his wrinkled hand beneath Renn’s chin and pulled it up so he could see his eyes. “Show me,” he said.

  “What?” Renn asked, thoroughly confused.

  “I want you to recall the memory. Watch it in your head as it happened, so I can see it. This is your first lesson in telepathy,” Paro said, in a calm voice.

  Renn closed his eyes and thought about that morning. He remembered Frank running up, the dogfight, the police craft crash-landing, the Eminites, the Aranea, and so badly, not wanting to leave his father. Renn opened his eyes, unable to stop the tears from streaming down his cheeks when he looked up into his great uncle’s face.

  “It’s over, child. You’re safe now,” Paro reassured him.

  Renn nodded and wiped his nose with his sleeve.

  “Excuse me, Professor,” a voice said next to them.

  Renn looked over to see a human male in his forties standing near them, shifting awkwardly as if embarrassed at interrupting the moment.

  “Principal Lockrin instructed me to take young Renn to his dorm,” the man said.

  “Yes, thank you, Tom,” Professor Paro.

  Paro said “goodbye” to Renn telepathically and Renn couldn’t help but be grateful to Tom for the interruption. Too many wrinkles between his brows and around his lips showed that the scowls were frequent, and Renn was in no shape to defend himself at that moment.

  “So, Champ,” Tom said, as they turned down a corridor. “This is the Galileo. Do you know much about the Galileo?”

  Renn shook his head. “Nope,” he replied. Just add it to the list, he thought.

  “Well, then you’re in for a bit of a treat,” the human continued, not having been privy to Renn’s thoughts. “The Galileo runs full time. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, and three hundred and sixty five days a year, that is, if you were measuring time by Earth's clocks. The Galileo, however, is an intergalactic vessel and with so many species aboard, we follow Federation time, since the Federation does its best to account for as many species as possible.”

  Renn followed Tom down corridors, up elevators, and through more doorways than he could count. It was such a large ship, it was easy to imagine getting lost. Tom pointed out classrooms and study rooms, students’ restrooms, and professors’ lounges, but Renn didn’t think he was going to be able to remember any of them, and stopped trying. He was able to catch glimpses into rooms as students and professors passed through sliding doors, every once in awhile seeing a window looking out into space.

  There were ship-bots walking around, though less decorated and more basic than the Federation’s security-bots he had seen at the port junction. Ship-bots were considered “cheap robots,” given that no time or money went into their appearance. They were all metal, with p
ractical arms leading to a chest, and legs connected to leg joints. They walked with a slow gait, working on their assigned tasks, and weren’t programmed to think of anything but completing said task.

  “The male dorms are at the end of this hall,” Tom explained, pointing ahead of them. “If you were to then make a left, you would find the staircase leading up to the classrooms. Here we are,” Tom said, and pressed his hand against the ID scanner beside a set of double doors.

  The doors slid open and they walked into a large common area with tables and couches. Renn looked up to see rows and rows of dorm rooms, requiring four flights to house them. Staircases were located at both ends, spiraling around the room to each level, with rafters criss-crossing up the main hall.

  The Federation News aired on a large flat screen at the end of the room, where a female Lucian spoke about an explorer ship vanishing on a recently discovered planet called Ignotus. Renn looked around at students sitting at tables, studying.

  “I thought school hadn't started,” Renn said in a whisper.

  Tom looked over, following Renn's gaze to the study groups scattered around the room. “First Years start the day after tomorrow, Second Years start next week, Third Years go on school break in two weeks and Fourth Years will graduate in three,” Tom replied with a nod as if that had cleared everything up.

  Renn wondered how contorted his class schedule was going to be, but said nothing, continuing to follow Tom up flights of stairs.

  “Now, each year has their own floor, and then students are separated by sleep patterns, so you don't have to worry about waking your roommates up or vice versa. Sleeping might be a bit difficult to get used to, so all students are required to wear sleep regulators. It will notify you when to head to your dorm room, when you should go to bed, and when it's releasing a sleep-aid into your bloodstream.”

  “I’m sorry, a sleep-aid?” Renn asked surprised. He wasn't sure how he felt about wearing a device that would decide when to drug him, especially after what he had just been through.