by Craig Gaydas
“What the…?” he stuttered. “Hey, wait a minute. Where are you going?”
Grillick stopped and turned. “Oh yeah right, I almost forgot.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of golden hoop earrings. He shoved them into Sam's hand.
“What are these for?” Sam asked with a puzzled look.
“You will need these as you travel through the time holes,” Grillick replied. “They will make sure you get to where you want to go.” He turned to walk through the doorway but stopped again and slapped his palm against his forehead. “Oh how stupid of me. I almost forgot this.” He reached into his jacket and retrieved a circular object which resembled a compass but was slightly smaller than a Frisbee. Instead of directional markings, it had a clear screen, which lit up with icons when touched, sort of like an iPad. Many of the icon markings were unrecognizable to Sam.
“What's this?” he asked.
Grillick scratched his chin and cocked his head and examined Sam's ears. He pointed to the earrings. “You will need to eventually get your ears pierced to wear those. A clip-on set had been created but kept falling off the wearer during travel, which resulted in undesired consequences.” He scrunched his face with distaste. “Explanations of their use are located within the journal but basically they are to help with guidance through the worm holes. This on the other hand,” he tittered and shoved the Frisbee-looking thing in Sam's hand, “is your navigational system. It really is quite simple. All you need to do is plug in your receiving point, month, and year and step through the nearest worm hole.”
Sam looked at the items like they were venomous snakes. “Worm holes? Time holes? Are you seriously telling me that I can travel through time with these?”
Grillick stopped scratching his chin and narrowed his eyes. “If necessary,” he replied curtly. He turned and passed through the doorway.
“Wait!” Sam called. “How do I use these things?”
Grillick walked out of sight, but his voice echoed off of the cave walls. “It's all in the journal. Trust me.”
“Oh yeah?” Sam Grumbled at the empty cave. “Trust goes both ways.”
The Frisbee
Sam removed his backpack and laid it on the table. He unzipped it and produced the Frisbee-sized disc and laid it next to the pack.
“Is that it?” I asked. Sam nodded and slid it across the table toward me. I picked it up and turned it over in my hands. When he described it to me, I expected it to look like a Frisbee, but as I studied it, I thought it looked more like a metal pancake with a television screen in the center. The object had no bent edges one would expect from a Frisbee. I traced a finger across the glass, and the screen sprang to life. A picture of a planet filled the screen. It looked like Earth with the exception of a yellow ring around it, similar to Saturn. The planet also seemed to be mostly water with one large continent filling about a quarter of the surface. “What the heck is this?” I asked, pointing at the planet.
Sam stood and craned his neck to see what I was looking at. “That was the last planet I traveled to. The Oculus stores information from prior use and bookmarks it, kind of like a web browser,” Sam said with a smile.
“The Oculus?” I repeated with a raised eyebrow.
“That's what Grillick calls it: 'The eye of the universe' he said.” Sam smiled and spread his arms wide for dramatic emphasis. He reached over and took it from me. “Anyway, to answer your question, that is the planet Gliese.” His smile faded.
“What's wrong?” I asked.
“It's located in the same galaxy as Shai's home planet of Drith.”
I winced at the name. It was hard to believe his name still inspired strong feelings of anger and hate. But when I remembered the corpse of Deena, it was no longer so hard to believe. “But what's special about this planet?” I asked, nodding my head toward the Oculus.
Sam shrugged. “Maybe something, probably nothing,” he responded mysteriously.
“That answer was about as useful as a fart in a blizzard,” I replied sourly.
He shoved the Oculus in the backpack and an uncomfortable look came over him. It was like he had suddenly been stricken with a bad case of gas. He stood up and threw the pack over his shoulder. “As the current Cartographer these objects were meant to be passed to you, but Grillick and I agreed it would be best if I held onto these just a little while longer.”
“Oh?” I responded with a hint of irritation. “Why's that?”
Sam tossed me an anger-deflecting smile. “Don't worry, it's nothing negative. Circumstances created unforeseeable changes. Stuff happens. In the meantime, I will continue working the time holes, stabilizing them as best as I can. Don't worry though: I will make sure all of the journals are updated so when your time comes, you will have all the information needed.”
“Why does it suspiciously sound like you have just been nominated as the new Cartographer?” I asked.
Sam hesitated and his eyes drifted to the floor. “Because it's true.”
My eyes widened with surprise. “So where does that leave me?”
Sam's eyes drifted slowly from the floor and a dry smile crossed his lips. “Your role is much bigger than you think.”
Sam's eyes twinkled and he tugged at one of his earrings. Suddenly, I realized the meaning behind his mysterious statement. “You have seen my future,” I gasped.
Sam frowned. “I can't discuss it so I will neither confirm nor deny your statement.”
Frustration settled in and I was ready to explode on Sam before I realized the truth in his words. He couldn't risk me changing my decisions based on the information. The time line had been getting screwed with enough lately. It didn't need my help in making it worse. I decided to drop the subject. Sam wasn't going to tell and I wasn't completely convinced I wanted to know.
“So what am I supposed to do in the meantime? Am I like the equivalent of the school janitor now?” I asked with a hint of irritation.
Before Sam could reply, a knock came from the door. Sergeant Cantrell popped his head in the door with a sour look on his face. “Grillick wants to see you, Nathan.”
“For what?” I asked.
Cantrell's face soured more, if that was even possible. “Do I look like a messenger boy?”
“Yeah, you kinda do since you came down here to deliver a message,” Sam quipped.
Cantrell's face turned a bright red and for a brief moment, I thought he would burst into the room and throttle Sam. He managed to maintain his cool, however, and the scarlet flush faded. “The meeting is in the lab,” he growled and slammed the door.
“It seems the always pleasant Cantrell demands your presence in the laboratory,” Sam chuckled. “I suppose we can pick up where we left off another time.”
I stood up and approached the door. My hand was on the handle when Sam called out.
“Nathan, wait a minute.”
When I turned, Sam stood and placed his palms on the table. “Going forward, no matter what happens, always follow your heart.”
I walked out the door and hesitated before heading to the lab. The door closed behind me and I realized Sam was attempting to convey a message about my future without actually telling me.
Follow your heart.
Reunion
When the announcement came over the loudspeaker I rushed to the observation room. In the distance, the Stellar Horizon approached us carefully, preparing to dock. I recognized the angular design of the vessel and realized the ship had been one of the Defense Fleet vessels that Embeth confiscated during his defection. I felt a little safer knowing I would be travelling inside a fully armed battleship.
I accompanied Grillick to Docking Bay 7. Grillick insisted on greeting his guests personally. “My projects have been backing up on me,” he explained on the way. “However, I always strive to greet one of the Timeless. To do otherwise would be considered rude, especially when it comes to Vigil. He is the cantankerous sort, ya know.”
The door to the docking bay lifted, and w
e stepped inside where Kedge and Lianne were waiting. Kedge dropped a hand on my shoulder and smiled. Lianne grabbed me and hugged me tightly. After the initial shock wore off, I returned the hug.
“It's good to see you again,” Lianne beamed.
“You look like you gained some weight. What have they been feeding you in this place?” Kedge quipped. “And the second question is: where can I get some? I'm starving.”
“It's nice to see you with your own ship again.” I smiled at Lianne.
“I can't say I enjoyed the company,” She tossed a sour glance toward Kedge. “But yes, it's nice to have my own command again.”
It appeared Lianne still did not forgive Kedge for her father's murder. I believed her anger was misplaced, but it wasn't my place to argue the point. I hoped that over time she would find it in her heart to forgive him.
“Vigil is aboard conducting diagnostics on Gard,” Kedge said. “He is infuriatingly impatient.” He glanced at Grillick. “I'm sorry we have to cut this reunion short.”
Grillick held up a single hand in understanding. You forget I have had to put up with Vigil for centuries.” He turned and handed me the voltaic chain gloves. “I'm sure you won't need these, but it never hurts to be safe.”
I slipped the glove on and tightened the bracelet. “Thanks. The best defense is a good offense I suppose.” I already had two mini-turrets attached to my belt and a hand cannon strapped to my waist, but I recalled the power of the chains from the battle on Vaire, and I had to admit I felt a tad relieved to have it by my side again.
Grillick was staring at me through wide eyes, like a puppy longing for its master. “I guess this is goodbye for now,” he said. “I'd be remiss if I didn't let you know how much I have enjoyed your company. For far too long, I have had to deal with grumpy mercenaries, cantankerous sundry clerks, and emotionless robots. You are welcome back any time.”
“Thanks, that means a lot. I have enjoyed my time here.” There were solemn times as well, such as Deena's funeral, but I kept those to myself. That was a personal pain I stored for future use against my enemies. There was no sense in rehashing them here. I turned to Kedge and Lianne. “Okay, I'm ready.”
We boarded the ship and Lianne made her way to the bridge. Kedge accompanied me to the guest rooms that were located in the barracks wing. Kedge explained that the ship came equipped with a crew of fifty. Only a handful of them were science officers and engineers while the rest were soldiers. The Stellar Horizon was a ship designed for one purpose—battle.
Once we entered my room, I parked myself at a desk situated in the corner. I dropped my weapons in the drawer. I removed a thin book, no bigger than a spiral notebook, from my backpack, as well as a stylus, and set them on the table. Kedge seated himself across from me and focused his bionic eye on the items.
“What's that?” he inquired.
I cracked a smile. “It's a digital journal Grillick gave me. He had it lying around his lab and he had no use for it,” I explained. “He assumed I would get more use out of it.”
Kedge let out a dry chuckle. With the mechanical cover across his throat, the sound reminded me of marbles rolling around inside a tin can. “Journalizing your exploits, young adventurer?”
I shrugged coolly. “I guess you could say that.” I tapped the book lightly with my index finger. “But I believe it's more than that. I feel this is an important point in the history of the universe, and I wanted to capture as much as I can. My hope is that one day my journal would be added to the Archives.”
Kedge frowned. “Since the Archives are located on Caelum, I guess the realization of your dream would depend on whoever emerges on the winning side.”
“I know,” I said softly. My voice barely carried across the table and Kedge had to crane his head forward to hear me. “Meta will never voluntarily add anything of mine to the Archives.”
For a long time he studied me in silence. Unease filled his good eye and he squirmed in his seat. Either he had to use the bathroom or something bothered him. I hoped for my sake it was the latter because from what I could see, the room didn't come equipped with a bathroom.
“What's the matter?”
“I'm afraid I come bearing some bits of bad news. I know you have been through much lately. I also understand you have been busy and may have missed the news regarding some recent events,” he replied. “Meta is dead.”
“What?” I matched Kedge's frown with one of my own. “How?”
The news should have shocked me, but it only piqued my curiosity. I looked at it as a situation which required a potential change in strategic decision. In battle, unexpected news is soon followed by defeat. Expect the unexpected, Vanth's voice whispered from the shadows.
“He was assassinated by Hark-Kalech in a bid for power. If you believe the rumors, that is,” Kedge replied.
“But you don't?” The sentence was more of a statement than a question.
“I've been around a long time. The Consortium had been an enemy of mine for centuries. Despite our…shall I say…disagreements, they always conducted themselves in an honorable manner. Backstabbing is extremely unlike them. In all the years of our animosity towards each other, there has never been an assassination among their ranks. Some of them died on the battlefield, others passed of old age, but not once has one been murdered for something as trivial as a 'power grab'.”
“So what do you think happened?”
“I'm not sure,” he admitted. “But we may find out soon enough. Varooq and Hark-Kalech took over leadership duties in the interim. This is the first time since the early days of the Consortium that one who is not of Meta's bloodline has ruled the Consortium.”
“Is there another to take over?” I inquired. “In the bloodline, I mean.” During my days among the Consortium, Satou spoke of the bloodlines and ranks of ascension. Only those who descended from the Civet bloodline could reign over the Consortium.
“Meta did not have children,” he admitted. “Rumors swirled that his wife was barren. Others stated he impregnated a Caelumite chamber girl.”
“What do you think the Council will do?”
“Good question,” he responded with a thoughtful rub of his chin. “Perhaps golden eagles will descend from the sky and deliver an heir from the heavens, where he will be crowned by one of the gods.”
“I take it from your snarky comment that you have no idea.” I grumbled.
“I believe in being pragmatic.” He winced and rubbed his chest, as if he had a sudden onset of indigestion. “Whoever was behind the assassination had a great deal to gain, which means I'm sure an answer will present itself soon.”
It was my turn to rub my chin. “Well a lot of people have a lot to gain with the destabilization of the Consortium. Come to think of it, everybody involved in this conflict stands to gain from Meta's death.”
“True—” Kedge clutched his chest suddenly and fell out of his chair.
Alarmed, I burst out of my chair and rushed to his side. By the time I reached him, he was already propped up on one knee. I didn't know what to do so I just stood by his side with my arms outstretched, ready to catch him if he fell again. He stood and waved me off.
“What the hell was that?” I exclaimed.
He let out a couple dry, hacking coughs before easing himself in the chair. “I said earlier that I had come with some bits of bad news. Meta's death was only part of it.”
“So what's the other part?”
Kedge smacked his lips together as if he had just eaten something sour. He looked at the floor and rubbed his hands together briskly. Even though I couldn't see it, I heard the bionic whirring of his false eye focusing on the ground while he hesitated.
“What is it?” I prodded.
After picking at the metal plate in his throat for a few minutes, he looked up slowly. “I'm afraid the cybernetic implant surrounding my heart is nearing the end of its life cycle.”
“So replace it,” I responded, as if the answer had been so simple. T
he sullen look on Kedge's face caused me to rethink my statement.
“I can't. If I remove the implant, what's left of my organic heart will die which means it wouldn't take long for the rest of me to follow.”
“You have been around so long you are practically a god,” I stated, as if just saying it certified him as a deity.
Kedge grunted and shook his head. “I'm no god, Nathan. I'm just an old man with a grudge.” Despite being centuries old, he didn't appear older than fifty Earth years. However, the more he spoke about the subject, the more he seemed to age right before my eyes. Wrinkles filled his face and his hair grew lighter, going from a pewter gray to polished silver. “I'm afraid to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm not the immortal you believe me to be.”
I waved my hand dismissively, thinking he was messing with me. That was until I realized he wasn't smiling. His lips formed a tight, straight line and he focused his serious look on me. I didn't even realize I had been sweating until I ran my hand through my hair. I winced at my damp palm. “What are you trying to say?”
He drew in a deep breath and his chest rattled. It sounded like an angry rattlesnake ready to strike at prey. He let it out slowly before answering.
“Nathan, I'm dying.”
I opened my mouth several times, but the words wouldn't come, so I simply sat there stunned. The man who I viewed as ancient, one of the few survivors of Mars was dying. What do you say to that? With all the cybernetic implanted technology, I thought he would live forever.
“Isn't there anything we can do?” I surprised myself with the level of concern in my voice. There used to be a time when I considered this man an enemy. I blamed him for the deaths of Madoc and Crag'Dughai on Xajax, but eventually, I realized my anger had been misguided. His impending death shouldn't have concerned me as much as it did.
