Radiating out from the white Quarzin, was a wave of red. As it swept through and over the larger Quarzin, Mykal watched as it turned into a translucent crimson. It was no longer dark and dying, but vibrant with a renewed glimmer.
The energy that had been building up within now flowed into the receptacle. The lights flickered and came back on. The station was saved!
Orion turned to face La’th. “Well that was something, wasn’t it?”
The Anthonion nodded in agreement.
“So with Dr. Larso, uh, gone, do you have any place to go?”
La’th shook his head and looked down at his feet.
“Well, I could really use a first mate, whenever I get a ship that is.”
La’th looked at Mykal out of the corner of his eye.
“It’s an important job and Ralon always told me that it takes a special kind of person to fill it. So if you want it, I’ll be glad to have you.”
The Anthonion didn’t waste a second before throwing his arms around Mykal and squeezing while chittering happily.
“Okay. Okay, that’s enough.”
Mykal managed to wiggle loose and then extended his hand.
“Now let’s shake on it.”
La’th almost ripped Orion’s arm off with the furiousness of his side of the handshake. Mykal rubbed his shoulder and helped La’th back into the maintenance tunnel. As he looked around the Resonance room one last time, he noticed a small white spire had grown where the smaller Quarzin had been.
“Good work, and thanks,” he whispered as he crawled into the tunnel himself.
Chapter X
We went through that for what?
Mykal walked through the door to Hanger 27, La’th at his side. He saw Nuri and Rebekka standing by a ship with La’th’s case in front of them. The ship was low-key, but Orion’s knowledge from spending his early years as Ralon’s engineer let him take notice of a few key items.
There were Earth-type quad engines designed for speed while allowing for some maneuverability. Thrusters were dotting the hull in the right places to make quick course adjustments, while also being powerful enough to shunt in another direction.
Its hull was an alloy mined from Tofar, just sturdy enough to withstand a broadside of a small battlecruiser. Of course, the shield emitters would help with that as well. Visibly there were only the armaments expected to fend off pirate attacks, but there could be more hidden.
He also noticed a prior generation space threader, that while not able to make the multitude of long distance leaps that the current generation could, was more reliable and durable. There seemed to be a freighter sized cargo bay and enough living space for a crew complement of thirty to a cramped fifty.
All in all, it was perfect for transporting around the Accord hub worlds. Just the kind of ship Mykal would want. Well, maybe after giving it a better paint job.
“Orion, get over here.”
The commander called out, snapping Mykal out of his reverie.
La’th and Mykal walked over to them.
“Not really the kind of ship I would expect for the Accord’s Spec Ops team. “
Rebekka smiled. “If you ever see our ship, it means you’re our target.”
“So don’t end up on any wanted lists, got it.” Mykal winked at her, eliciting a groan from the Spec Ops commander. “I’ll guess we’ll be taking La’th’s case and leaving.”
“And who said he is going with you?” She said while crossing her arms.
Mykal couldn’t let them do this.
“What would you do with him? Put him in some lab to try to preserve his race? That sounds awful similar to what Larso had been doing to him. So if you think I’m going…”
“Then it’s settled. They’re going with you.” She cut him off, while Nuri grinned.
“Wait, what?” That was too easy. Mykal thought and then he noticed something. “Who’s ‘they’?”
She gestured to the case.
“The future of the Anthonion race. Twenty-four eggs in stasis.” Then she pointed at La’th. “And one adult drone. They are now entrusted to your care, Mykal Orion.”
Mykal gazed at La’th, and let out a trembling.
“Why me?”
“Because you have shown the spark that I love so much.” Nuri said. “You helped him without a thought of yourself, putting him before your ambitions and dreams. You were even getting ready to defend him with the odds stacked against you. Tell me, who would do that for a stranger? Who would do that for someone who had nothing to give? That is why you, Ad’me Mykal.”
Mykal regained his composure.
“So, I guess we’ll take the case and go. La’th and I have some work to do, if we’re going to provide for the little ones.”
As he turned to go, Rebekka stopped him.
“Hold on, this is yours.” She laid a keycard in his hand.
“What’s this go to?” He asked.
“Your ship,” the Spec Ops duo said in unison.
“Wait, you mean this,” he gestured at the freighter. “is my ship?” They nodded. “How did you even know I was looking for one?”
Nuri responded. “When you told me your name, I remembered my father having mentioned meeting a Ralon Orion, some twenty years ago. I contacted her to get Rebekka to give you the chance to prove your intentions, and she told us why you were on Tofar Station.”
Mykal tried to find the right words.
“Thank you, I don’t really have anything to say. Wow.” He turned to them resolute. “I’ll pay you back.”
“It is a gift.” Nuri said. “If it makes you feel better, a large amount of the payment came from my winnings on your behalf.”
“My behalf?”
“Yes, I said that not only would we see you again, but you would be of great assistance to us. I won four to one.” Nuri answered.
“So, I guess you really don’t bet against a Dragof.” Mykal said.
“That was actually the signal that you had been encountered,” Rebekka said. “The rest of our team’s faces, when Avyiel said that, were things of beauty.”
They all laughed.
“So, thank you again. And if there is anything I can do for you guys, just ask.” Mykal offered.
“Thank you for the offer, Ad’me Mykal.” Nuri said. “I believe I will take you up on that, as long you keep to above the deck dealings, otherwise you may not want me to collect.”
The Dragof trotted off, leaving Rebekka behind.
“So do Dragofs believe in blackmail? Because that’s what that sounded like.” Mykal asked.
“Dragofs firmly believe in reaping what is sown, so I’m pretty sure you’ll hear from him,” the commander replied.
She began to follow Nuri, when she turned back.
“What are you going to call her?” she asked, nodding towards the ship.
Mykal thought about it for a moment.
“I think the Star Treader has a nice sound to it.”
“The Star Treader. I like it.” Rebekka said. “May the stars be your guideposts and your crew, your family.”
Mykal smiled at the old spacefarers’ blessing. “May you be found in safe harbor when the stars go out.” He replied.
She gave a slight bow and left the hanger.
Orion turned to La’th, “So what do you think of your new home?”
The Anthonion chittered happily as he and Mykal carried the case up the cargo ramp. Mykal Orion thought about the blessing, again. Ralon’s crew had been his family for as long as he could remember, and now he and La’th were a crew. So, as cliché as it sounds, they were now family.
Epilogue
Rebekka walked to where Nuri stood in front of a window in an empty observation room. They watched as the Star Treader flew out of the hanger and activated its space threader.
“That was very generous what you did for him,” She said. “I know that most of it came out of your pocket, if you pardon the expression.”
“For my people, one of the gr
eat joys of wealth is giving it to whom we wish. Plus you could consider it payment for his efforts and an investment in the Anthonions’ future,” the Dragof replied.
“Do you think we did the right thing letting them go with him?” she asked.
He sighed and then replied. “What we have is a planet that has been terraformed beyond habitability. Whoever did that could strike again or have a vendetta against the Anthonions themselves.”
“They are safer where no one would expect them to be, rather than in a place where in protecting them, everyone would know where they are. Our advisors would agree with us.”
“You’re right.”
She smiled at her friend and then frowned as a thought occurred to her.
“But who would have the power to terraform a planet that quickly? All of our current tech takes years, if not generations to make a planet habitable. The Anthonions’ home world was ravaged in a matter of hours.”
Nuri closed his eyes for a moment and then answered.
“I do not know who could have done such a thing.” He turned his head towards her. “What I know is that you and I, even Mykal and La’th have parts yet to play in this unfolding mystery. All we must do is that which is laid before us.”
“Thanks, Nuri. How about we go get something before we leave?” Rebekka asked.
“I have some Tarinth Root tea in my room.” He said with a grin.
“I’ll join you, but I’ll pick up a coffee instead.”
Their laughs echoed as they exited the room.
Ralon’s Glossary
Accord of Worlds: The Accord of Worlds was formed to be a way to keep the peace among the sentient races. Of course, not everyone who is a member has the other members’ best interests in mind. The senators of the Alliance, Dracof, and Bolron seem to be the ones that are actually willing to listen to all sides of an argument. Suffice it to say, there’s a reason the humans’ colonies were established, and it ain’t because they all get along.
Ad’me: Ad’me is title used by the Dragof to address human males.
Alliance of Free Nations: The A.F.N. is the current dominating force on Earth. It was established as a somewhat loose delegation in order to protect the interests of its members. Under the Alliance’s supervision, humanity experienced a boom in space exploration. This allowed them to found colonies and to discover other races.
Anthonion: The Anthonions are a non-Accord, insectoid species that function as a hive. They have greater strength and durability than most races. They have queens that lead various sections of the hive. There are rumors that their homeworld has been devastated, although the Accords are not saying anything about it.
Arith: Arith is a human colony world. A group of scientists founded it with one rule: the pursuit of knowledge above all else. The planet’s low gravity has made its mark on the people there, and its barren landscape means that trade is very important to the survival of their way of life. The abundance of ore and minerals has helped, while the people’s scientific advancements have often gained grants from the Accords.
Barthu Beast: The Barthu Beast is furry quadrupedal creature known for its strength and temper.
Bliz: The Bliz are from a very cold world. They generally prefer the logic of machines to even the company of their own people.
Bogmoor: The Bogmoor are a people that dwell around the swamps and lakes of their world. More than a few are known to be rowdy, but most are content to stay home, warts and all.
Bolron: Bolron is an industrialized, human colony world. It has a long standing trade agreement with the A.F.N. and other Accord members.
Bolter: Bolters are a weapon that utilize Resonance in order to project a burst of energy.
Callica: Callica is the metropolitan planet where the Accord is held. Known as a center for cultural exchange and trade, it is considered a shining jewel among the planets. Well, except for all the politicians.
Database for Evaluation and Communication: A DEC is a piece of equipment that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Dracof: Dracof is the homeworld of the Dragof. There are satellites that orbit it for other species to stay, but the Dragof seem to keep the surface for themselves.
Dragof: The Dragof are a mysterious, reptilian species that has been a long time member and supporter of the Accord. Their seven winged limbs allow for unparalleled flight ability. The Dragof have shown a surprising fondness for humans, while maintaining their own morals.
Hizelback: The Hizelbacks are quadrupedal species known for their thick hide.
Jorf: The Jorf are short, yet hardy race. By experience, I can say that they try to turn anything into a joke.
Keycard: A keycard is used to unlock whatever object it is associated with.
La’th: La’th is a Zervion word meaning treasure, treasured one. Often used to address orphans and widows.
Mag-lock: Mag-locking is used to attach equipment for easy and quick access. It is also used in boots to allow for safe maintenance in space.
Musk Bat: The musk bat is a large flying mammal known to secrete a stinky and sticky musk. It can cover an unfortunately large area with said musk.
Riveter: A riveter is used to shoot rivets. Yes, that is all it does.
Sentient: Sentient is used to refer to any race capable of emotion, logic, and learning.
Shock Rod: A shock rod is a device that is primarily used to incapacitate, although increasing its power can be very dangerous.
Space Threader: A space threader is used to generate wormholes through space for faster travel. I believe it was named for the human phrase ‘threading the needle’.
Supfor Cartel: The Supfor Cartel is a large and powerful drug dealing organization.
Tarinth Root: The Tarinth plant is native to Dracof, but has been transplanted to the planet’s satellites. The tea brewed from its roots has been known to improve memory.
Terraforming: Terraforming is the process of changing an environment to make it more habitable. Many human colonies have attempted to use this, some with more success than others.
Tofar Station: Tofar Station orbits a mining planet and is known for its infamous Hull Market and its nickname as the Station of Thieves.
Portable Adjunct Database: A PAD is essentially a small, portable DEC
Quarzin: Quarzin are crystalline structure which is used for Resonance. They seem to sometimes react to their environment.
Resonance: Resonance is the way most of the civilized worlds process solar energy. When Quarzin was made widely available, most technology was adapted to utilize it. By channeling solar energy into Quarzin, we are able to multiply its potency. I hear the scientists of Arith are still trying to figure out how it works.
Shepherd: The Shepherds are a faith based organization. Their twelve orders are based on major giftings and talents. There are those who despise them for their devotion to the Shepherd, but I have found their teachings to be… Well, I agree with many of them.
Spec Ops: Spec Ops is the Accord’s sanctioned task force. Their goal is to ensure the safety of the Accord and its law abiding citizens.
Wolven: The Wolven are a canine race that has become known for their warring traits. They have become scattered after they ravaged their homeworld in wars. One thing is true about all Wolven, they are extremely devoted to their task, only absolute devotion to something else can change their course once set.
Wiblua: The wiblua of the Zervions is an extension to their brain that lengthens over time. Thus, we don’t age, we ‘wisen’.
Zervion: Zervions are known for being incredible hosts and leaders, because of our amazing ability to retain the smallest details about everyone we meet. We even come in a variety of colors.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me and helping to finish this project. To Mary Ann Musciano for helping edit the story. To all those who gave reviews and support. To Jim and Jackie Morey and their class to help me push this book to completion.
T
o all the authors who have inspired me with their work, and to everyone who never tried to discourage me from writing.
And to the Father of all creativity, whatever is good in this book comes from You.
Cover art by acharyapolina from fiverr.com.
Formatting by sarahellestudio from fiverr.com.
Note:
If you were planning to give me a negative review, instead please send me a personal email at [email protected] as I’m always seeking to improve. Thank you for reading my book.
Mykal Orion and the Station of Thieves: An interesting blend of sci-fi and moral characters (The Mykal Orion Series Book 1) Page 4
