by Craig Gaydas
“What did you mean by 'the time lines have split'?” Sam asked.
The image of Draeger and Simone faded and Calypso rubbed his eyes. “The universe is a living entity. Traveling through time is risky, both to the traveler and to the universe. One small change in the past could disrupt the future. The Explorer's League was very careful when it came to documenting time holes and even more so when traveling through them.” The control panel beeped to advise them of an oncoming asteroid. Calypso made the necessary course correction and continued. “When Meta attacked Earth, he altered the future. Many were killed. You were there…well your young alter ego was there, yet here you are. That can mean only one of two things. You either survived or were killed. If you were killed then the universe healed the rip in its fabric by its only means available.”
Sam's eyes widened when the realization struck. “By splitting the time line.”
“You cannot simply vanish as if you never existed,” Calypso continued. “That would be against the natural order of the universe, yet you can't die in the past but be alive in the future.”
“It's possible I survived,” Sam argued. “Why do you seem sold on the timeline split?”
Calypso recalled the ease with which the many-eyed stranger cut through his crew. He practically unscrewed Natronix's head with his bare hands. Fortunately for him all the years spent in the Explorer's League taught him the art of stealth, which allowed him to barely escape the man's rampage. Sam had the good fortune to be working on the escape shuttle at the time otherwise he would be making this journey solo. A man who could tear through an entire crew with such ease was no man at all.
“Calypso?” Sam's eyes were fixed on him, filled with concern. It was only then that Calypso realized he had been so deep in thought that he bit his lip bloody.
“I'm not completely sure about the timeline split,” he admitted. “I worry more about the person who attacked our ship. He wasn't a part of the Consortium.”
“You mean 'people', don't you?”
Calypso bit his lip and withheld the truth from Sam. The information received from his sources was unreliable so he had decided he would wait until it could be verified. He had too much to worry about now. Sam was Corvus' soldier and trusted confidant, Calypso reminded himself. It was for the best to keep some things unsaid until the right moment.
“Yeah, right,” Calypso replied, turning his head to hide his face. Some people had the ability to observe a lie before it even left the lips. “I meant people, of course.”
Because if Calypso's hunch was correct, the alternative would turn out to be much worse.
Meta
He sat, cross-legged, at the end of the jetty. The sun settled upon the horizon of the Obsidian Sea like a top hat. During the summer solstice, the Caelum sun shone for two days before ceding to darkness. It was only now beginning to rise. A crisp breeze tickled his cheeks while the roar of the surf provided the background music. He always came to this spot to meditate, and reflect on the hard decisions which had to be made. His fingers formed a steeple underneath his chin while he contemplated the consequences of the hardest decision he ever had to make. The decision to attack Earth was not made lightly nor was it easy. His precognitive abilities allowed him glimpses into who Corvus was and what his plans were for the Consortium. Once those plans were revealed, he felt better about his decision. Breathing deeply of the salt air he closed his eyes and became one with his ancestral spirit. By the time the footsteps approached he had been so deeply entranced that he didn't even hear them.
“Sir,” the voice called out uneasily. “I bring news.”
Meta opened his eyes. “I hope it is good news finally.”
Varooq sighed. “We have stabilized the unrest, however we have lost more of the Defense Fleet than originally estimated.”
Good news seemed to travel with the bad lately. Meta stood and pulled his hood back, revealing fine strands of gray hair intermixed with auburn which clung to his shoulders. He folded his arms across his barrel-like chest. “Damn Embeth for having soldiers so loyal,” he muttered. “Have any captains remained loyal, or are they all traitors?”
Meta glanced somberly at Varooq. Even though Meta was large by Caelumite standards, Varooq towered over him. He stood over seven and a half feet tall and twice as wide as Meta. He was naked with the exception of orange hair that covered every inch of his body, making him the Consortium's version of Sasquatch. He stood upon legs like tree trunks with arms to match. The native of Sirus Minor had the strength to rip Meta in half without barely breaking a sweat. It was a relief to learn that Varooq had remained loyal to the Consortium.
“Captain Daranan remains aboard the Swallowtail with a crew of seventy five, loyal to us,” he growled. “Captain Markus has a crew of fifty aboard the Lunar Breeze. Hark-Kalech is aboard the Astral Spirit taking inventory of our remaining strength.”
Meta turned back to the sea. A great fin broke the surface of the murky depths briefly before returning to the gloom below. A giant daggerfish most likely, thought Meta. Most of the creatures who called the Obsidian Sea home were beautiful yet deadly. As deadly as the waters themselves.
“Did you know my father died upon these waters,” Meta said without removing his eyes from the horizon.
Varooq let out a dry cough. “Yes, I believe I heard the tale. He was traveling to Black Isle, was he not?”
The Black Isle, a small island no bigger than a half mile across, mysterious and unreachable by air. The only mode of transportation viable enough to travel to the island was by boat, and across the treacherous expanse of the Obsidian Sea. His father was more adventurous than Meta and lived his life on the edge. Meta preferred study and quests for knowledge, choosing the halls of the Archivist Library over the jungle of the Black Isle. Even to this day, Meta approached problems with caution, preferring to weigh the risks first. Except for the attack on Earth. He pushed the argument away as fast as it came.
“He was,” Meta acknowledged. “He loved risk and drank in adventure like it was a fine wine.”
“He was a great man,” Varooq offered weakly.
Meta chuckled humorlessly. “He was a wise leader, but risk led him to death. When I donned the mantle of High Prince I vowed that I would never make decisions without weighing all the risk.”
“That is a wise course, sir.”
“Don't pander, Varooq. It is very unbecoming.” Meta glanced over and caught him shuffling his feet uneasily. “I have a point I am trying to make. I have been High Prince for almost a century now and have never made a decision without calculating the consequences.” Meta picked up a stone and tossed it into the sea. It skipped several times before vanishing into the gloom. “Until Earth, that is. I acted rashly based on a precognitive fear.”
Varooq looked puzzled. “I'm afraid I don't understand. You did what you had to do to preserve the Consortium. You said so yourself.”
“I know what I said,” he replied with minor irritation. “Our bloodline had been blessed with the gift of precognition for generations, ever since the first High Prince emerged from the depths of the Emerald Quarry to lead the Caelumites to glory. But I fear the ability has grown weak over the centuries. These visions are harder to come by and provide less information for me to dissect. My vision of Corvus and the dissolution of the Consortium may have been misinterpreted.”
Varooq remained silent and Meta was thankful. He needed to air his concerns and remove the block of guilt that slowly crushed his conscience. “I'm afraid there are dark times ahead, Varooq. We need to remain vigilant and stand united.” He knew worlds formerly loyal to the Consortium had changed sides, vowing support for the Insurgents. He had even heard rumblings of some pledging assistance to the Ascended. “I need you to be my envoy.”
“I would be honored,” he responded. “What do you need me to do?”
He had to stop the bleeding of his forces. For every world that joins their strength with either the rebels or the Ascended, the Consortium be
comes weaker. He vowed the Consortium would not fall while he drew breath. The oldest cosmic organization in the universe would not fall due to some insignificant planet located in a remote galaxy. It was time to end this war before it truly began.
Meta reached into the pocket hidden within the folds of his robe. He shoved the paper into Varooq's hand. “I need you to rendezvous with Daranan and travel to the planets on this list. Affirm our strength and verify their loyalty to our cause. I will need their strength in the upcoming skirmish.”
Varooq raised his head and cocked an eye. “Skirmish?”
“I had another vision,” Meta replied. “Despite my reservations regarding the others, I must believe what I have seen and take the necessary precautions.”
“What did you see?”
“I would rather not discuss it at this time. Please do as I request and all will be explained in time.” Meta sat upon the rocks once again and returned his attention to the sea.
“It will be done,” Varooq grunted. The resignation was obvious in his voice.”
Meta watched the water crash upon the rocks and contemplated recent events. A large bird flew above and circled the water, waiting for prey to surface. It eventually locked on a target and it dipped low, hoping to catch it by surprise. The bird touched the water surface briefly before an oversized mouth breached the surface, filled with rows of razor sharp teeth. It swallowed the bird whole. The fish vanished beneath the surface as quickly as it appeared.
How easily a predator becomes the prey. Meta closed his eyes and returned to his meditation.
The Voyage Home
Vayne stood with his hands on his hips and licked his lips. He stared at us through the smallest goggles on his helmet. Kedge glanced at me and I wasn't sure whether we should have been insulted. “You can't be serious,” he clucked.
“I have completed the calculations and the danger level is low,” Gard responded. “Hostile forces have moved from that galaxy.”
“I have to go back,” I pleaded.
“Why?” he asked.
One word, uttered so effortlessly. It was just a simple question, but I found it difficult to answer. Everyone told me Earth was lost. Why should I go back? A part of me just had to see the destruction for myself but that was the only reason. My family. My parents weren't always there for me, but they were still my family. If I gave him that answer he most likely wouldn't budge. He doesn't care about them any more than he would care about a gnat buzzing around his face. If I were going to win him to my side, I had to appeal to his more practical side.
“My reasons are my own,” I replied. “But wouldn't you be interested in the treasures?”
He cocked his head inquisitively. “What treasures?”
I had him. “The Earth is a dying planet, surely there are some items you can collect from the planet's surface that would prove priceless. Items from an extinct race perhaps?”
He looked at me for a long time before bursting in laughter. “Oh you are a clever one, Nathan Chambers. You hope to woo me with promises of priceless treasure.” He tightened his gun belt and acted indifferent, but his words betrayed him. “If truth be told, I am somewhat attracted to the concept.”
“So take us there!” I demanded.
His smile faded. “Alas, I am needed here, take your folly elsewhere.” He turned to leave.
“He's right, Nathan,” Kedge interjected. I fixed him with an icy stare but he held up his hand. “Vigil warned us he would be of no use. We should heed his advice. Maybe Vigil will be willing to help us.”
Vayne stopped. His back faced us but I could hear his rapid breathing. “Vigil warned you,” he growled without turning around. “Perhaps you should listen to him.” Slowly, he turned toward us. His face darkened before adding, “Or maybe we should depart as soon as possible.”
“Well, if I didn't know better, I would say you people were plotting something devious,” a voice called from the doorway. We turned to find Wraith in the doorway, looking smug.
“It's about time you showed up,” Kedge grumbled.
Wraith held up his hands in feigned innocence. “Hey when you told me what you were planning, I thought you were lying…or at the very least crazy. Sheer morbid curiosity led me here.”
Kedge shrugged. “It doesn't matter what brought you here, so long as you are here.”
I turned to Vayne. “How long until we reach Earth?”
Vayne stroked his chin. “So you intend to go through with this?”
I nodded.
“About five days,” he sighed. “In the meantime, I suggest you get some rest.” He glanced at an extravagant watch strapped to his wrist. The golden band shined bright but it was nothing compared to the luminescent gems that encrusted the face. “We will take off shortly, in the meantime I will direct you to your quarters.”
“I suppose I will head to the lab and rummage through the collection of junk you have stashed there. Hopefully there will be something of use,” Wraith griped.
“I'm not tired,” Kedge grumbled. “Perhaps I will head to the weapons locker and see what toys you have.”
Vayne waved them off. “Come, Nathan. Let's stuff you in an uncomfortable corner of the ship.” A smile played at the corner of his lips but I wasn't sure if he was serious.
I followed him along the cavernous halls, passing various pictures and trophies. Some were familiar from our last voyage, but as we turned down different halls I noticed new treasures. Platinum goblets sat behind thick glass cases and exotic paintings adorned the walls. At the end of the hall a door slid aside revealing a lavishly decorated room. A u-shaped couch, lined with fur sat in the center of the room along. An oversized cherry wood desk stood in the corner with a computer connected to two monitors. The room was as lavishly decorated as the halls with a panoramic window which offered a view of the outside. An empty trophy case sat in the corner of the room, however the walls were decorated with paintings similar to those in the halls.
“I hope you find your accommodations comfortable,” Vayne said. “In the next room you will find a bed, hopefully to your liking, as well as a washroom. Feel free to roam the ship if you get bored, just don't bother me.” He turned to leave.
“Thanks a lot.”
He waved me off and left the room. I strolled over to the window and looked outside. The window offered me a view of the main pavilion. Several Defense Fleet soldiers stood guard outside, their golden armor reflecting the bright Xajax sun. A few science officers entered the adjacent tent, followed shortly by Satou. He appeared to be in the process of setting up a mobile science lab. His home away from home, I mused. Turning from the window I glanced at the couch. Its comfort called to me and I obliged. I stretched out and laid my head on the armrest. It was even more comfortable than it looked. I started to nod off when there was a knock at the door.
“Of course,” I griped. I sat up and shambled over to the door. “Who is it?”
“Me,” Kedge responded flatly.
I opened the door and studied him with mild irritation. “Come to give me another inspirational speech?”
He wandered into the room and sat on the couch. With his head down, he laid his elbows across his knees and let his hands dangle between his legs. Suddenly I grew concerned. He looked like a man defeated.
“Sit down, Nathan.”
Kedge motioned to the seat next to him. His sour expression didn't exactly fill me with confidence. I sat and prepared for grim news.
“Since we have some time before we land on Earth, I figured I would explain some things.” He lifted his head slowly, his monocled eye focusing on me. “I am sure you have some questions to ask.”
“You could say that,” I chuckled but there was no humor in it. Lately it had been difficult to locate my funny bone.
“I guess I will start with our new allies. You know Vayne and Vigil, but there are twelve altogether.”
“Wow, a whole twelve. I'm sure our odds are a lot better now.” My sarcasm bone was much easie
r to locate.
Kedge narrowed his good eye. “These are no normal twelve. They are called the Twelve Timeless. They are older than the universe itself.”
I rested my elbows on my knees and rubbed my temples. Exhaustion had begun to settle in and I was becoming quite irritable. “Kedge, I'm tired and really don't want to play this game.”
“Game?” He looked genuinely confused.
“Yeah, I know you are messing with me.” I threw up my hands and rolled my eyes. “It was hard to believe that you were centuries old until I learned about the cybernetic devices, but those two don't look a day over forty. With the exception of Vayne's ridiculous goggle monstrosity I don't see anything that would make me believe your story.”
Kedge sighed. The cybernetic implant in his throat turned it into a growl. When his eye locked on me I recognized an iciness that sent shivers up my spine. “I guess I will start from the beginning.” He's not joking. “Meta attacked while we were still on the planet. New York wasn't the initial point of attack, thank the gods.” Kedge moved to the window and looked out. Folding his hands behind him, he continued. “Satou was furious, hell we all were. After we docked we confronted Meta. The pompous bastard had the audacity to throw it back in our faces. 'I did what was necessary to protect the rest of the universe'.” Kedge looked over his shoulder and chuckled dryly before returning his gaze outside. “Boasted! The guy actually boasted about it. Well to make a long story a little less long we managed to commandeer two shuttles before he had the chance to react.”
“Where does Vayne fit in?” I asked, my curiosity increasing.
“He doesn't,” Kedge replied. “At least not yet.” He turned with a smirk. “Are you going to let me finish or interrupt me every minute?”
I frowned and motioned for him to continue.
“We were passing Mars when Embeth radioed from the other shuttle. Wraith picked up a life form reading coming from the planet.” I opened my mouth to protest and he stopped me with a raised finger. “I know what you are about to say, so save it. We questioned the findings as well. According to Embeth something was not right. The scanners registered the life form as a sentient being but the energy readings received were insane.”
