Annihilation 08: Searching for a Hero

by Saxon Andrew

  “The leaders discussed what to do and going back was not an option. The savages were already at the colony. We couldn’t continue to move down the coast, so it was decided to move inland and look for a place that could be used to defend against the coming attack. We started moving into the forest and our pace was greatly slowed. One of the ten men we left behind us came running to us and said we were going to be found by the next day. We could hear the muskets going off and it wasn’t very far away. One of the teenage lads came running to us and said he had found a very large cave in the side of a hill ahead. He thought all of the colony could fit inside it. We had no choice; we ran as fast as possible and found the cave really was big. We ran inside and the men turned the wagons over in the entrance and loaded all the muskets. Less than six hours later, the savages arrived and began their attack.

  “The savages could have overrun us if they had charged with all of their warriors. However, the musket blasts appear to scare them and they tried to sneak in on us instead. I was with the women and children trying to comfort them but the screams of the savages scared them. The young lad who had found the cave came running out of a corridor and told me that there was an exit at the end of a long corridor. I got the women moving and went forward and told the soldier commanding our defense that there was a way out. He asked me if I was sure and I told him the young boy had found it. He looked at the ten men who had been killed by arrows and saw the savages were massing at the edge of the forest. He ordered the men to grab their guns and follow me. I asked him what he was going to do and he said he was going to set off a keg of gunpowder and close the entrance. I followed the men out of the entrance and waited at the end of a long corridor for the captain. I heard a huge blast and saw him coming down the corridor carrying another keg of gunpowder. He screamed for me to leave and he dropped the keg and pulled his small flint lock. He pointed it at the keg as ten of the savages rounded the corner. I ducked around the corner as the captain fired into the keg and I heard the screams of the savages and rocks falling. I looked around the corner and saw the corridor was blocked. I ran as fast as I could toward the end of the route out of the cave. I just knew it was going to collapse around me. I saw light ahead of me and ran out into the open and gave thanks to God for saving me. I saw all the members of the colony were standing in front of me looking over my head. Their faces were all masks of fear. I stopped, turned around, and looked up at the sky…and saw three moons shining instead of the one we all knew. I fell to my knees. God had sent us somewhere to pay for our sins. I know Queen Lizzie would have never wished this fate on her people.”

  Tess stopped reading and Sprigly looked at Ping, “This is highly confusing. They go to another planet and are using ancient weapons called muskets. We’ve never had a queen called Lizzie in the Realm.”

  Ping activated his communicator, “Computer.”

  “Yes Searcher.”

  I need you to look in our history archives for the following items that all happened around the same time.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “A voyage of six months; a leader named John; a queen named Lizzy; a place called Crotoan; and a man named George William Potts.”

  Tess stared at Ping, “Do you really expect anything?”

  Ping shrugged and Dean said, “The Priest wrote a date in the manuscript.”

  “What was it?”

  “September, 1588.”

  “Computer, add the date of September, 1588.”

  “What you are looking for is the Lost Colony of Roanoke. It is also known as the Lost American Colony.”

  Everyone in the room was shocked. Ping said, “Please tell me what you used to make that determination?”

  • • • • •

  “On Earth, Queen Elizabeth commissioned Sir Walter Raleigh to build a colony in the newly discovered Americas in 1585. A hundred soldiers were sent to scout the area and when their supplies ran low they returned to England. The colonists arrived in 1587 at the location of the soldier’s camp. Walter Raleigh had ordered that the colony be taken to an area near the Chesapeake Bay but the Captain of the ship insisted that his orders were to take them to the old location and he forced the colonists to disembark. They quickly discovered that the site was not a good place to find the materials needed to sustain a colony and in August of that year they sent John White back to England to gather supplies for the colony. One of the colonists on the trip had the last name of Potts. When John White arrived in England, the Spanish Armada attacked and it was three years before he could return to the colony.

  “When John White left, the colony was surviving against harsh conditions and children were being born. When he returned three years later, none of the colonists were found at the site. The disappearance of the colony was an unsolved mystery and archeologists worked for more than four hundred years attempting to find out what happened to it. There was no sign of a struggle and they vanished without a trace. The site of the colony did not appear to be disturbed and the only clues found was the letters, CRO carved into the trunk of a tree and a sign with the word, Crotoan, on it. The first European child born in the Americas, Virginia Dare, was John White’s grandchild and she was born there. The mystery of what happened to them was never solved.”

  Ping looked at Tess and tilted his head, “It appears your ancestors came here from my species’ home world. We only had a single moon that revolved around it.”

  Tess shook her head, “Your computer could have fabricated a story to deceive us.”

  Ping smiled, “Tess, I didn’t tell the computer about the letters carved in the tree.”

  Tess’ expression showed her realization of that detail and right behind it was shock. Dean also shook his head and said, “Our last name is Dare.”

  Ping smiled, “You and I are of the same species. We’ve come a long way since you disappeared.”

  Dean said, “I notice that you said your home world had a single moon.”

  “It was destroyed during a war with intelligent ships that were more than three thousand miles wide.”

  Tess pointed at Sprigly, “You also fought his species.”

  Ping sighed, “We have been fighting to survive since you left. Some of those enemies we’ve faced would amaze you that we were able to survive. Out of those wars, we’ve built a union that loves peace and will fight to keep it. We’re here fighting those five aggressive civilizations because of our principles.”

  Tess slowly lowered her head, “I thought you came here to find my sister.”

  “It is your sister’s destiny to lead our fight against them. We can’t win without her.”

  Dean leaned forward, “What makes her so special?”

  Ping turned to Dean and shook his head, “I really don’t know. I just know what role she’s supposed to play.”

  Tess sighed, “This is a lot to take in.”

  Ping pressed his wrist unit, “Computer, send a copy of Earth’s historical records to this location.”

  “Should I send it on the frequency they gave you earlier?” Ping looked at Dean and he nodded as he turned around and pressed a button. “Yes, send it now.”

  Dean watched his panel, “It’s coming in.”

  Ping turned to Tess, “I need to speak with your sister.”

  “I don’t think she shares that desire.”

  “Will you ask her; I won’t force her to do anything against her will.”

  “You said you were going to take your ships out of the fight if she didn’t agree.”

  “That was before I knew you are my family. I won’t do that now.”

  Tess looked at Dean and he nodded. Tess pressed her locket, “Dolly.”

  “Not now, Tess.”

  “You should talk to him.”

  “No!”

  “We came from his home world. He shares a common history with our people and he is not going to remove his ships no matter what you decide. He promises not to make you do anything against your wishes.”

  They waited for f
ive minutes and then they heard, “You know where I am.”

  Tess turned to Ping, “There is a small stream that flows about five hundred yards from the trunk of the tree you entered to come here. She’s sitting beside that stream.”

  Ping nodded and looked at the ceiling. He smiled and disappeared. Tess’ brow furrowed and she looked at Sprigly, “I thought he had to use that device on his wrist to move around.”

  Sprigly leaned left, “Ping has the ability to teleport without the use of any device.” Tess stared at the plant and Sprigly turned light brown, “He has endured tremendous sorrow to find your sister. I hope he doesn’t give up hope now that he’s found her.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I sense he wants to die.”

  Tess felt her tears and said, “He needs to get in line and do what’s needed.”

  Sprigly’s leaves turned green, “I do hope you’ll tell him that.”

  “Count on it.”

  • • • • •

  Ping arrived twenty yards from the stream and walked forward making as much noise as possible. He didn’t want to startle the woman and he started to feel excited at finally meeting the being he had been chosen to find. He walked by the last bushes and saw her sitting with her back to him with her feet dangling in the water from a rock she was sitting on beside the flowing stream. He was surprised by her long auburn hair that hung to the middle of her back and her slight frame. He judged her to be about five feet four inches and probably only weighed a hundred and ten pounds. She turned around and looked at him, “You make more noise than a Black Armored Troop Carrier.”

  “I didn’t want to startle you.”

  She looked at him and he was amazed at her green eyes that seemed to look into his soul. He could only stare at her and she slowly shook her head, “I thought you came here to talk.”

  “I’m sorry; your appearance surprised me.”

  “In what way?”

  “I don’t know what I was expecting but you just…surprised me.”

  “Say what you have to say and leave.”

  Ping walked over and sat down on the ground beside her. He took a deep breath and shook his head. He slowly stood and started walking away. “I thought you had to talk to me.”

  Ping turned, “It wouldn’t do any good.”

  “And what made you realize that piece of information?”

  “Because you’re just like I was when they came to me to get me to follow my destiny. Nothing they said mattered and I could have told them at the start that they were wasting their time. They didn’t listen. I can see you’ve already made up your mind and I don’t want to make this worse than it is.”

  “Thank you for understanding.”

  “Don’t thank me. You’re going to hate me later on.”

  “Why would I ever do that?”

  Ping looked in her eyes, “When everyone you love is killed, you’re going to hate yourself for not doing what you should. You’ll blame me for not making it clear what was going to happen. After they’re gone, you’ll realize that you should have followed your calling and they would still be alive.”

  Ping turned and started walking away and she yelled, “Tell me what happened to you to make you so bitter.”

  Ping stopped and lowered his head. He slowly shook his head and Dahlia could sense his immense sorrow. “They died because I was unwilling to do the things that would have saved them. Even when I decided to do what was asked of me, I only did it in half measures and I lost the woman I loved.” Ping turned and looked at Dahlia, “You will also eat from that plate.”

  “Why do you want me?”

  “You are the chosen one to lead us in this fight. Without you, we will lose.”

  “But I’m nothing special.”

  Ping could only stare at Dahlia and realized she wasn’t much older than Victoria. Dahlia said, “I’m twenty years old.”

  “Did you see my thoughts?”

  “No, I saw your expression; you think I’m too young.”

  “You’re only three years younger than I am.”

  “I thought you were much older.”

  “It’s not the time; it’s the distance.”

  “You’ve been through a lot.” Ping nodded. “Tell me about your civilization. Tell me why you came here looking for me.”

  Ping smiled, “You might be here a long time.”

  Dahlia laughed and said, “Humor me.”

  Ping told her about how her ancestors had been transported from his universe. He answered her questions and then he told her about the founding of the Stars Realm and the first psychic couple that made it all happen. She asked questions as he continued the story and he told her about all the wars and struggles the Realm faced in its history.

  He told her about Scotty Robbins and the forming of the Bristone Empire. She was fascinated by the Zord and thought they must be magical creatures. He told her about the demons and the two wars fought against them. She stopped asking questions and he told her about how his Creation was being destroyed by powerful, evil civilizations that were far more advanced than the Realm. Every time the Realm faced destruction, someone arose that led them through the fight to salvation. The forces that made the universe function would seek to balance good against evil and the savior would arrive to do what had to be done.

  He told her about the destruction of the final evil civilizations and the peace that followed. He said that the peace was broken by the Slegan but they were just a pawn to assist in meeting the coming invasion from her universe. He then told her what had happened to him since he realized the giant Northern Mountain Cats started looking for him. He told her about his refusal to do what was necessary and as a result, Jodie and Mios were killed by the Black Ships. He told her he refused to send the Realm’s ships to her universe until he had found her and as a result of that delay, Nicole had died.

  She listened and both of them lost track of time. Finally he finished and said, “That is what led me here. I learned that there are no accidents. Once I saw that, finding where you’re located was easy.”

  Dahlia stared at Ping and after a long moment she said, “You decided that once you found me and I took over, you could go and get yourself killed.” Ping’s eyes narrowed and he felt a flash of anger. Dahlia said, “What were you planning to do when you leave here?” Ping remained silent. “You were going to drop your friend off and go take on the Black Ships single handed. Your duty complete, you could join your friends in death.”

  Ping took a breath and blew it out forcefully. “I’m going to make them pay for what they did.”

  “That’s a very short sighted way to do it. However, I don’t think I’m the one you’re looking for anyway.”

  “Oh, why not?”

  “All of these heroes you’ve described had rather remarkable psychic abilities, unless you’ve not been honest about them.”

  “No, everything I’ve said is true.”

  “Well, I am able to sense danger and move out of its way and I do have a limited ability to levitate small objects. But that’s it. I don’t have any other psychic abilities and quite frankly, I’m not all that.”

  Ping extended his hand; Dahlia smiled, “You think you might release me if we touch.” Ping shrugged and she reached forward and took his hand. She suddenly yelled, “Boom!” and Ping jumped a foot in the air. Dahlia laughed and said, “Nothing happened. Like I said, I’m not much.”

  Ping sat down and shook his head. How could he have been so wrong? Suddenly, a blonde woman appeared who looked like she was in her mid-thirties. Dahlia jumped and Ping said, “I guess I wasn’t wrong.”

  Danielle looked at him and smiled, “No, you’re not wrong.”

  Dahlia looked at Danielle, “Who are you?”

  Ping smiled, “She is Danielle Gardner, the first Queen of the Stars Realm.”

  Dahlia shook her head, “You would have to be older than fifteen thousand years!”

  “Actually, it’s closer to twenty thousand years. M
y husband and I had our life extended. However, I can see that I need to clear up an issue before you make a huge mistake.”

  Dahlia shook her head, “Hey, I don’t possess any psychic skills. I’m not who you think I am.”

  “And what psychic skills did I have?”

  Dahlia looked at Ping and raised her eyebrows. Ping said, “You were able to see the truth in any situation; you were telepathic; you had the ability to move objects…”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “What!?!”

  “When I became Queen of the Stars Realm, I could only see the truth. That’s it, nothing else. When Atlas gave me the ability to hear Tag’s thoughts, that was the only other psychic skill I had and it was done through technology. I’m still not telepathic with anyone but him.”

  Ping shook his head, “But I’ve always been taught that you and he were the most powerful psychics ever born.”

  Danielle waved her hand in the air, “That’s all hog wash.”

  “But your husband has never been defeated. He’s the Realm’s ultimate warrior.”

  “Well, I have to admit that no one can defeat my husband in one-on-one combat. He does have some superior skills in that area. But most of my children and most of the psychics that came later had much stronger psychic talents than either of us.” Dahlia stared at the pretty woman and shook her head. Danielle smiled, “What made us so dominant during our reign were two skills that the two of us possessed. Tag could see trouble coming and I could see the truth. It was those two things that allowed us to guide the Realm through its most difficult times in history. Danielle turned to Dahlia, “You can see danger coming.”

  Dahlia shook her head, “Yeah, but that’s all I can do.”

  “You also see the truth.”

  “What!!”

  “Ping, is what she said about you true?”

  Ping looked at Danielle and then at Dahlia. He nodded and said, “I must confess that it is.”