by Adair Hart
The last projections were six representatives from the Imperium: Odin, Zeus, Amun, Raweno, Quetzalcoatl, and Dagda.
“We are here,” said Odin, raising his head a bit.
“It is good to see you all,” said Evaran. He cleared his throat. “It appears those that will help are here. We can begin.” He interacted with his ARI. “V, show the analyzed data from the reconnaissance of Caltorus’s bases.”
“Acknowledged,” said V. He flew into the middle of the room and shot down a projection that showed a grid of twenty-seven bases. Each grid cell had an overhead view of the base, with description labels underneath that presented information and statistics.
Dr. Snowden was impressed at the number of bases. They were sprawled out all over the globe. The design for each was unique to the environment it was in.
Evaran gestured at a specific cell. “This is where the coordinates of the second rift door are. It is no coincidence it is on a heavily defended island.” He tapped at his ARI, causing the cell to fill the projection. The shielding over the island lit up. “This shielding prevents viewing from above. It provides satellites with a false image. I will be leading a small team to take it while the other bases are taken by everyone else.”
Dr. Snowden watched as everyone listened in rapture to Evaran. It always amazed Dr. Snowden to see such historical and legendary beings defer to Evaran. Given what Dr. Snowden knew now about Evaran’s true form, it was understandable.
“Tim and I are going with you,” said Mary.
Evaran tilted his head. “You are more than welcome to. However, I assumed you would watch from afar.”
“Mary miss a chance to fight alongside you in a big battle? Are you nuts?” asked Tim with a wry smile.
She swatted his arm.
Odin raised a finger. “Thor, Guan Yu, and Hermes have also expressed an interest in joining you. Hercules would be joining you as well, but as mentioned previously, he is off world in another dimension at the moment.”
“Very well,” said Evaran.
“Lady Hassrik and I will be joining you in your assault. We will be valuable assets,” said Erik.
Evaran rubbed his chin. “The decision is up to you. We should make sure that all the global bases are accounted for first.”
“Of course,” said Erik. “The Daedrould Council will be taking the nine bases you listed for us. Our soldiers will help with the other bases, but Lady Hassrik and I will not pass up an opportunity to be in your group.”
Evaran nodded.
“The Ollikrin Nation has nine as well,” said Mary.
“And the Imperium has the remaining eight, while you have the last one,” said Odin, glancing at Evaran.
Evaran motioned at the projection. The north entrance was now lit up in yellow. “I will lead my group here. It is lightly defended, and the goal is to secure the rift door room. There will be fighting, and I am expecting heavy resistance.”
Tim smirked. “I won’t even break a sweat.”
“It’ll be a hostile takeover,” said Erik.
“Excellent,” said Evaran.
“We’ll have a secondary group coming on the other side,” said Mary. “They will help provide distraction and, once landed, help secure the island.”
“Very good. With both groups hitting the island, we should have sufficient numbers to disable it,” said Evaran. He raised a finger. “So I am clear … those we capture or subdue are not to be fed on.”
Erik smiled, baring his fangs. “Of course. They’re your prisoners, your assets.” He eyed Zed. “We wouldn’t disrespect you like that.”
Zed sighed and look down.
Dr. Snowden felt bad for Zed. One moment of weakness, and now it was open season on him. Dr. Snowden wondered what would have happened if Evaran had not stepped in: Zed being hunted by Count Razero and the Daedrould Council would most likely have been that outcome, perpetuating a cycle of violence as other groups got involved. Count Razero’s absence was understandable. It was now clear that the Daedrould Council knew of Zed’s actions.
“This is an excellent plan,” said Odin. “Our mercenaries are highly skilled. In addition to that, while this action is in place, we will have a media blackout on any activity being reported.”
Darius raised a hand out. “On that aspect, the Helians will work with the Imperium in blacking out activity across the globe. That’s not going to be easy, and we have to deal with multiple governments.”
“I am glad it will be handled,” said Evaran. “The last thing we want is for humanity to be exposed to multiple truths in a short amount of time. History has shown that to not go well.”
“No argument from us,” said Odin.
“Once the base is secured, I will lock out all coordinates in the rift door, except for the one where I suspect my Torvatta is. At that point, phase one ends. Caltorus and his faction will have been removed from power. Phase two will be the retrieval of my Torvatta, which means going through the rift door. I do not expect anyone outside of my small group to participate.”
Mary snorted. “We’re going to help you get it back. I mean … we’re already there with you.”
“That is your call,” said Evaran. “Anyone is welcome to join in the second phase, but I do not want to place an expectation. There is the possibility that the coordinates lead to a shadow-matter world, so fair warning.” He pointed at Gozerul. “Per Darius, anything coming in from the air would be detected given the current status of stealth technology on Earth. With that in mind, the Daedrould Council is providing a small boat that can get in undetected to the island. We will meet up with it at the Helian port in New Zealand and launch from there approximately one hundred fifty miles out in the Pacific. Any questions?”
Gozerul shook his head. “Nothing new that we haven’t discussed over the last week. Just good to hear it all in front of everyone.” He looked at Mary and Odin, who both nodded slightly.
“It will take approximately three days to get everything in place, based on our discussions. I look forward to seeing this through.”
“You had mentioned that Caltorus was the god of these … Druuz. Worshippers are not a new concept for us. What do we know of them?” asked Odin.
Evaran gestured at the large screen. “The Druuz are a draconian race. I have seen several of these races in faraway parts of the universe. I do not know of the Druuz origin, other than to say they contain trace amounts of shadow matter. From the data gathered on the shadow world we visited, I suspect most of the ones we encounter will be the regular guards.”
The screen showed a seven-foot-tall Druuz guard in black armor with a staff weapon.
“We saw a lot of those at the first coordinates,” said Jake.
Evaran nodded. “The next one has few details. They are called brutes.”
The screen changed to show a nine-foot-tall Druuz with heavy armor, a big shotgun-like weapon, and a mace.
“They are more primal than the other Druuz and are used mainly as shock troopers,” said Evaran.
Dr. Snowden noticed the group was entranced. He wished he could read minds to know what everyone was thinking.
The screen changed to show an eight-foot Druuz with elaborate armor, shield, and staff weapon.
“These are the elite guardsman. I do not know how many there are, but I suspect they are bodyguards of some type,” said Evaran.
Dr. Snowden was thankful they did not have to deal with them at the first set of coordinates. If they had been involved, there may have been more casualties.
The screen changed to show a quadruped with scales and a crocodile-like snout.
“These have been seen as well. I do not know what they are, but they seem to be pack animals of some type,” said Evaran.
“A formidable group,” said Odin.
“We will deal with them as we run across them,” said Evaran. “I look forward to seeing everyone in three days.”
Odin stood and glanced around. “If it isn’t obvious, I believe I speak for all o
f us when I say … we’re honored you reached out to us for help, and we give it willingly.”
Each holo presence nodded at Evaran.
Evaran performed a slight bow.
The holo presences shimmered out of view.
Dr. Snowden exhaled. “That went smooth. I’m not looking forward to another long flight.”
“The Torvatta has spoiled you,” said Evaran.
“Yeah. I miss it,” said Dr. Snowden with a smile. “It sounds like we’re getting much closer. You think when we go through the rift door in phase two, it will be a shadow-matter world too?”
“I do. We will be prepared this time.”
Evaran gestured toward the exit. “Come, we have a long flight ahead of us.”
Jake took in the salty smell of the ocean. Looking out into the vast blue that was the Pacific Ocean never got old for him. He rubbed his arms as a cool breeze blew past him. It took the full three days to get where he was now, and according to his watch, it was 9:00 a.m. The slick medium-sized boat that came to take them to Caltorus’s base surprised him. Jake had been expecting a regular-looking boat, based on the pictures he had seen when studying Earth culture and politics. Instead, the boat looked more like a sleek spacecraft floating on the water. It could probably go underwater if needed. Jake wondered if the sun reflecting off it was due to shielding or the boat material.
Emily tapped Jake’s arm. “Coming?”
“Yeah,” said Jake. He saw that Dr. Snowden and Robert had already boarded and were headed downstairs, with Evaran and V right behind them. He smiled at her. “Let’s do it?”
“On it,” said Emily.
They chortled as they headed toward the ship.
Once aboard, the doors sealed and the ship took off.
Jake was impressed with the interior design. Luxury was an important detail, it seemed. The room he had entered was a large lounge. The sides had screens that showed the outside passing by. He saw that they had submerged and were on their way. According to the plan, it was a three-hour trip out to the drop point. At least he would ride in comfort. He hustled up to one of the chairs facing the side and then sat mesmerized as the water rushed by. Emily took a seat to his right and Mary Everoak to his left. He glanced at Mary. “Oh … hey.”
“Surprised to see me?” asked Mary.
“Uhh, no … I just … thought you would want to talk with Evaran,” said Jake.
“Tim’s talking to him about tactics and fighting. I’d prefer to watch the water rush by. It’s peaceful.”
“Yeah, it is,” said Jake. He had not even noticed that the room had filled up with others. It was the small strike team that would help Evaran. He understood their desire to fight alongside Evaran if given the chance, although a part of him thought it unusual for the leaders of the groups to come, as opposed to their minions. The one person he did not immediately recognize was the towering man with a long beard and green robe that was talking to Evaran. He realized the man was of Asian origin but could not place who he was. There was another large male humanoid talking with Evaran, but Jake figured he would meet them in a bit.
Emily smiled. “That island won’t know what hit them.”
Lady Hassrik took a seat to the right of Emily.
“This will be a day to remember. Three powerful groups, one cause, and led by Evaran,” said Lady Hassrik.
Jake nodded.
Hermes sauntered over toward Jake and then shadowboxed. “It’s times like these … that you need a Greek god in your life! The Druuz can’t handle this.”
Jake enjoyed Hermes’s light touch on the moment.
Mary smiled. “We’re ready to do our part. Lord Noskov will be upset he was not awakened for this.”
“I wanted to wake him,” said Jake. He gestured at Evaran. “He said not to.”
Hermes eyed Evaran. “Can you believe he was going to do this without me?” He shook his head. “I need a better way of communicating when he’s here and when he isn’t. Hercules is going to regret going back to Olympus for a visit.”
“We’re just glad you’re here,” said Emily.
Hermes tilted his head at her. “Right … from what I’ve heard, you met a future version of me.”
“Yep,” said Emily. “He was quite the gentleman, but it was from an aborted timeline.”
“Sounds like you got a bad one then,” said Hermes.
Jake admired Emily’s ease with others. Being around all these high-profile, powerful beings was nothing to her. He was absorbing the experience, and wondered if every adventure Evaran went on was like this.
“Anyways, I guess the ancient vampires can take up not being awake for this with Evaran. Although … it would have been nice to see Lord Vygon,” said Hermes.
“You’ve met him before?” asked Jake.
“Of course,” said Hermes. “We’ve gone on several adventures together, but that was long ago.”
Mary smiled. “I’ve met him too. He used to come by and visit my mother quite a bit. They were good friends. He was like … an uncle to me.”
“Lord Vygon is a close friend of ours as well,” said Emily. “He put his life in danger to help us and … I don’t think we’d be here if he hadn’t helped.”
“That’s him,” said Mary. Her eyes met Lady Hassrik’s venerable eyes. “I understand that ancient vampires and the Daedrould Council don’t get along … but it’s hard for me to fathom. The ancient vampires are a force for stability in the world.”
Lady Hassrik grinned. “Sure, if you allow them to dictate how things are to be run. Not everyone agrees with their methods. The Daedrould Council has invited them to join as equals, but they’ve refused. A bit pompous if you ask me.”
“Well, to be fair … the Daedrould Council has accepted some … controversial groups and characters, namely the Raskarians,” said Mary. “To be associated with such would be troublesome.”
“Then they could join and provide balance if what they preach is true. Instead, they stand alone. The only reason they have the power they do is because of Ollikrin backing and the fact that Evaran is tied closely to them. Even the Helians decided to exile Blake Brown, Lord Noskov’s disciple, instead of killing him. An odd decision, don’t you think? In addition, where is the ancient vampire support? I don’t see it anywhere …”
Jake wrinkled his eyebrows. He could see why the Daedrould Council was not as accepting of the ancient vampires. They did seem to get preferential treatment.
Mary smiled. “They are here … in a way. When their masters sleep, the disciples not on protection duty usually come and stay with us. It was a practice my mother adopted after the formation of the UNGA. It was an olive branch meant to heal, and it’s been upheld to this day. The assembly selected for this has members from all the ancient vampire groups.”
Lady Hassrik grinned, baring her fangs. “I hope you don’t think I’m trying to cause a problem. I don’t get to talk to members of your group often.”
“Not a problem,” said Mary with a wink at Emily.
Jake stood and gestured over at Evaran. “I’m … gonna check in with the guys.”
“Oh, I’m not a guy?” asked Hermes with his hands on his chest.
“Umm … no … I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Hermes laughed. “Relax.”
“Go,” said Emily with a smile. “I’ll come with.”
“I’ll keep the ladies company,” said Hermes with a grin.
“All right. Let’s go,” said Jake. He hustled over with Emily to Evaran’s group. He noticed a large cloud appear, then disappear. The smell reminded him of watermelon and apple. His eye caught Tim vaping from an electronic cigarette, something that Jake had seen before. The tall fair-skinned male standing next to Tim grabbed Jake’s attention. The male had long, rough blond hair that fell over advanced-looking battle armor. Jake had seen him from afar but not given much thought to it. It was the hammer, known as Mjolnir, on his side that made Jake realize who he was. “Thor!”
“
It is I,” said Thor, raising an eyebrow.
“I’ve read so much about you on the nonhuman side.”
Thor smiled. “All good, I hope.” He slapped Tim’s arm. “This group needed power. Now they shall have it.”
Tim nodded.
Jake tilted his head at the towering man with the beard. “I’m not familiar with you …”
“Guan Yu,” said Emily, pointing forward. “Ancient Chinese god, right?”
“I get that a lot from the Western lands. I’m more recognizable in the eastern part of the world,” said Guan Yu.
“I need to brush up on my gods. There’s so many,” said Jake, shaking his head. He was a bit embarrassed that he did not know Guan Yu off the bat. He had heard the name before but did not have a visual he could recall. What he saw was someone fierce-looking.
“So … you’re the lone representative of the ancient vampires,” said Thor.
Jake gestured at Tim. “Most of the group that was able to come are with the Ollikrin.”
“I did not know that,” said Thor, stroking his stubble.
“Yep,” said Jake. “You said you had mercenaries?”
“We like to think of them as temporary security personnel.”
Tim drew his lips to the right. “I don’t think I would call Ex-Dark mercenaries security personnel. They’re trained killers. Ruthless.”
“So you’ve met them then,” said Thor.
“On occasion. They tend to avoid my clan when they can.”
“As would most sensible people. I heard you … tussled … with Bruno to a draw.”
“Yep. Bastard’s tough. He ain’t from Earth,” said Tim.
“I’d have liked to fight this Bruno,” said Guan Yu.
Evaran raised a finger. “He has cooperated, and therefore I will send him back to where he came from. As for the others, we may see Psyotica, Red Lightning, Ares, Decatron, and Caltorus, along with the Druuz.”
“Ares,” said Thor, shaking his head. “A lost brother who uses his talent for naught. He could use his genius for good instead of these paltry schemes.”
