HE WHO CROSSES DEATH: Star Warrior Quadrilogy Book 3

by Hooke, Isaac

  Tane beckoned toward Lyra. “There is another who must be saved. A sister, who died many years ago.”

  The vine woman turned to gaze at Lyra. “How long ago?”

  “Over twenty years.” Lyra said.

  “Ah,” the vine woman said. “We do not freely give the gift of Revive. You must pay a price.”

  “I will pay whatever price is needed of me,” Lyra said.

  The vine woman held out a hand, and Lyra took it. The archaeoceti walked Lyra toward the gateway, and the trailing vines retreated in front of her, into the brightness.

  Tane took a step forward.

  The vine woman paused to glance over her shoulder at Tane. “You cannot go with her.”

  “I have to,” Tane said.

  “This journey she must do on her own,” the archaeoceti said. “I will help her, as I can, but your time is done here.”

  “So then we’ll wait for her,” Tane said.

  “Her chosen path will be long and difficult,” the vine woman said. “She will not return quickly. She could be gone weeks. Maybe months.”

  “Ah.”

  “The galaxy is in dire need,” the archaeoceti said. “The Gravity Heathens are accelerating their pace, swallowing suns faster than ever. You cannot delay. Unite the humans and the dwellers. Face the Heathens before they become too powerful for any of you. The fact that a member of the creodenti was able to attack you speaks volumes. The boundaries between this universe and the others is already beginning to weaken, thanks to the Heathens. They are accelerating the destruction of this place. You cannot hide away and hope to escape your destiny. It isn’t possible. Eventually, the Heathens will come for you, if you don’t go to them first.”

  “How did you know about the attack by the creodenti?” Tane said.

  “I felt the disturbance even in the Khaeota, thanks to my ties to this universe,” the vine woman said. “You will have to face the creodenti before this is done. Seek the Paramount Leader of your TSN. He will take you to them.”

  “Uh, it’s not like I can just knock on the front doors of the TSN,” Tane said.

  “You will find a way,” the archaeoceti said. “You must unite the humans and dwellers, after all. It is your destiny.”

  Though he had no intention of doing what the woman asked, he decided to humor her.

  “Okay, so let’s say I go,” Tane told her. “And somehow convince the Paramount Leader to take me to the creodenti. When I reach them, I’ll have to face the rock creature again?”

  “Not that particular creature,” the woman said. “I believe it belongs to a different faction. The other creodenti may or may not be more receptive to you. Probably the latter. But go now, and complete your destiny. This human woman will in turn complete hers.”

  The archaeoceti led Lyra to the portal, and together the two stepped inside and vanished.

  The rift remained, shrinking at the same slow pace as the previous gateway before it.

  Jed turned toward Tane. “I’m sure you always knew this day would come.”

  “What day?” Tane said, fearing the answer.

  “The day we part,” the Volur said. “I have to go, too.”

  “But you can’t…” Tane said. “You heard what the archaeoceti woman said. Lyra has to complete her destiny.”

  “But the archaeoceti never told you Lyra could’t have help,” Jed said. “The alien plant implied that only you could not come. Me, on the other hand...”

  “No,” Tane said. “I need you.”

  "I’m sorry,” Jed said. “I have to go with her. I owe her too much… our bond, it’s too deep. I can’t simply leave her. Listen to me. You don’t need me. I have done all I can for you in terms of guidance, and the shaping of your character. I’m sad to say this, but I’m not sure there’s much more you can really learn from me at this point. Sure, I can teach you more of the White Essence, but I believe you’re on the road to much more powerful works than anything I can ever offer you. You are the World Bender, after all. I’m afraid we part here, my friend."

  Tane balled his hands into fists. “I can’t do this alone. I just can’t.”

  “You’re not alone,” Jed said. “You have Sinive with you, and the others. And remember, Lyra and I will always be with you, no matter what happens.”

  “But what if I need Healing again?” Tane said. “Lyra is the only one who can help me. And you.”

  Jed gazed sadly into his eyes. “Let her go. Let me go. I swear to you, I will return when this is done. I swear I will someday rejoin your side, if I can.”

  Tane found himself tearing up. He didn't know why. He quickly looked away, feeling like an idiot.

  He felt strong arms squeezing into the chest assembly of his spacesuit and realized Jed was hugging him in his battle armor. Tane had never seen the Volur cry before, but behind that faceplate, the big man shed tears.

  Jed patted Tane on the back and then pulled away. He turned around, quickly, likely feeling just as awkward as Tane for having cried.

  Jed took Gia aside to talk privately. They spoke on an unshared band, their conversation for their ears alone.

  The former corrector seemed to be pleading, perhaps begging to come with him, but it was obvious from Jed’s standoffish body language that he denied her. Finally she hugged him. Tane could see the tears streaking her cheeks behind her faceplate. When she released him, Jed walked toward the gateway.

  Gia remained in place, watching him.

  A hand wrapped around Tane’s. He glanced to the side, and saw Sinive standing there, gripping his glove.

  Jed stepped through the bright gateway, and when he was gone Gia straightened, and then walked zombie-like toward the Mosaic.

  “I’m going to miss them,” Sinive said.

  “We all will,” Tane said.

  “Not me,” G’allanthamas said. “Er, did I just speak that thought aloud?”

  19

  Tane decided not to heed the archaeoceti woman’s advice. Instead, after Nebb and Chase had entered the nearby Red Grizzly, and the others the Mosaic, Tane chose to wait for Lyra and Jed to return.

  He told Gia to have Muse monitor the receding gateway, and to tell him if the pair arrived. Throughout the day he kept asking if there were any signs of the two, but Muse always responded in the negative. As the gate became smaller and smaller, Tane began to abandon any hope that they would return before it closed entirely.

  It took all day, but finally the gate sealed.

  Jed and Lyra were gone.

  But that didn’t mean the two of them wouldn’t suddenly arrive in this universe. In fact, Tane was convinced they might appear at any time, sent back by the archaeoceti. He decided his retirement could wait a little longer. What were a few days in the overall scheme of things, after all?

  That night, Tane found himself sitting alone with Sinive in her cramped quarters aboard the Mosaic.

  She sat beside him on the bunk, staring into his eyes with obvious yearning, but before he could kiss her, she shyly looked away.

  Tane turned her face toward his and planted his lips upon hers. It felt wonderful, at least at first. But in truth, the joy he felt, and the pleasure that would come with making love to her, paled in comparison to the sheer bliss that waited for him inside his storage pouch. Nothing could compare to the joy of the Emerald Essence. Nothing.

  And so his mind wandered. Everything that had happened flashed through his mind. Sinive’s death at the hands of S’Wraathar. The journey to the Khaeota and the struggle to find the archaeoceti. And then the terrible battle to revive Sinive.

  “I want to feel what it’s like again,” Sinive said between each kiss. “I want you so badly.”

  Tane tried to match her kisses, but his timing was hopelessly off, and his mouth movements were always a second or two behind hers.

  Mercifully Sinive pulled away. She didn’t say anything, didn’t look at him. She seemed to feel embarrassed more than anything else. Unwanted.

  “I’m sorry, I
’m just not feeling it tonight,” Tane told her. Will I ever feel it again?

  “Neither am I,” Sinive said. “I can’t get myself into it.”

  He thought she was lying about that for his sake, especially considering her previous outburst. What an amazing girl.

  “Let’s just hold each other,” Tane said.

  “Okay.”

  He hugged her close, just hugged her. And that was good enough.

  They remained in that pose for at least five minutes.

  And then Sinive broke the silence.

  “You’re not going to the TSN, are you?” Sinive said, still holding him.

  “Nope,” Tane said.

  “Even after what that vine lady told you?” Sinive asked.

  “I’m never going back,” Tane replied. “As I told you, me and civilization, we don’t mesh. Not anymore.”

  “But she said the Paramount Leader could take you to the creodenti,” Sinive pressed. “And that you’d have to unite the humans and dwellers before this was done…”

  “If I did everything plants told me to do,” Tane quipped. “I’d probably be in a whole lot of trouble.”

  Sinive pulled away and folded her arms across her breasts. “I’m being serious.”

  “As am I,” Tane said. When she continued frowning at him, he added: “Look, I don’t see the point. Getting captured by the TSN isn’t really all that high on my to-do list.”

  “But what about your destiny?” Sinive said.

  “Destiny,” Tane spat. “This coming from the woman who once told me I shouldn’t be a passive observer in life. That she had fought hard against the hand fate had dealt her. That I should, too, and that if I did, I could make my own destiny. Well I’m doing that, Sinive. I’m making my own destiny. I’m not tied into some fate forced upon me by the universe, or others.”

  “But what if you are tied?” Sinive said. “What if you can’t escape the hand fate has dealt, because it’s simply too strong. What if the universe made you for a reason? Gave you these abilities so you could save us all?”

  Tane regarded her uncertainly. “Don’t tell me you, too, have been infected by this World Bender nonsense.”

  “But think about it for a second,” Sinive said. “If the universe gave you these powers for a reason, you can’t turn your back on your abilities. You just can’t.”

  Tane shook his head. He didn’t want to hear this right now.

  She wrapped an arm around his waist. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. And you’re completely right: your fate is yours to mold.”

  He planted a gentle peck on her neck, under her ear. “It’s fine. I just... I guess I have a lot on my mind.”

  “I’m sure you do,” Sinive said. “So that vine lady back there... I’m assuming that was one of the archaeoceti?”

  “Good guess,” Tane said dryly.

  “Thanks,” Sinive said. “One more alien crossed off my bucket list.”

  “You have aliens on your bucket list?” Tane asked.

  “I do,” Sinive replied. “I want to see them all.”

  “What else do you have on your bucket list that I should know about?” Tane said.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know,” Sinive told him, pulling away to give him a mischievous look.

  “Yeah I would,” Tane said.

  “Why do you think I’m not telling you?” Sinive said.

  Tane shrugged. “Fine, then I won’t tell you mine.”

  “All right, I’ll give you one,” Sinive said. “I’ve always wanted to try gravity surfing.”

  “You mean like in gas giants?” Tane said.

  “Yup!”

  “Okay, definitely count me out of that one,” Tane said.

  “It’d be fun...” Sinive said.

  “We’re obviously not going to be working on our bucket lists together,” Tane said.

  “Okay, are you going to tell me one on your list, or what?” Sinive said. “Fair is fair. I already know you wanted to come into space, and you’ve done that. So what else is there?”

  “Hmm,” Tane said. “Well, as you know, I’m a bit of a pianist on the side. Though probably extremely rusty by now, given I haven’t practiced in what seems an eternity. Then again, with my chip, maybe I’m still golden.”

  “Okay...” Sinive said. “So what does that have to do with your bucket list? You want to master a certain song or something?”

  “Not at all,” Tane said. “Truth is, I’ve always wanted to have a hit. I mean on the streaming networks. I’ve recorded a few songs, but they never really caught on. It’s always been my dream to pull up the main streaming channels and find one of my recordings listed in the top five.”

  “Do you sing, too?” Sinive asked.

  “Oh no,” Tane said. “I just play piano.”

  “Well, that’s a nice dream,” Sinive said. “Definitely something to aspire to.”

  “Yes,” Tane said. “But probably not something I’ll ever achieve. Not now.” Given my notoriety.

  “You don’t know that,” Sinive said.

  Tane didn’t answer. He did offer her a smile, though. He hoped it didn’t look too forced.

  “You still want to own your own ship someday?” Tane asked.

  “Of course I do,” Sinive said.

  “Maybe I could help you with that,” Tane said.

  “I’d love that.” Sinive kissed him on the cheek.

  There wasn’t really anything more to say on that subject, so he kept quiet.

  Sinive stared for a moment at the bulkhead beside her. “So how long are we going to wait here for Jed and Lyra?”

  “As long as it takes,” Tane answered.

  “What about the dwellers?” Sinive said. “What if they return before then and take their ships into orbit? They’ll hunt for us, you know.”

  “Well, we’ll leave if it comes to that,” Tane said.

  “And remember, it could take weeks or months before Lyra and Jed return…” Sinive said.

  “Yeah, but that archaeoceti lady doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” Tane said.

  “Doesn’t she?” Sinive said. “Uh, I think if your people invented Revive, you’d know what it took to bring back someone who was dead for more than twenty years.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” Tane admitted. “Even so, I’m sure they’ll be back within the week. And then we can go.”

  “But not to the TSN,” Sinive said.

  “Yeah, no,” Tane said. “I’m thinking of some remote system, far from the reaches of the TSN, or anyone else for that matter. You’re welcome to join me. Along with the others.”

  “But you just said you wanted to help me get my own ship?” Sinive said.

  “Sure,” Tane said. “And I will. I just won’t be on it.”

  Sinive shook her head. “You used to want to travel into space so badly. To see the stars, as you put it, and explore all the different planets and systems this galaxy had to offer. But now you just want to settle on some far-flung planet and trap yourself there for the rest of your days... what happened to the old Tane I used to know?”

  “He died when you did,” Tane said softly.

  She immediately lowered her gaze.

  “What was it like?” Tane asked into the void of silence that followed.

  “What? Being dead?” Sinive answered.

  “Yeah,” Tane said.

  “Darkness,” Sinive said. “Death is darkness. I don’t know why people want to die in their sleep. Now that I know what death is, I’d rather die in the light, so I can see it one last time.”

  “So there was nothing after death?” Tane said. “Nothing at all?”

  “Not at first,” Sinive said. “I didn’t feel. Didn’t see. Didn’t think. I just existed. Imagine yourself in a sensory deprivation chamber, but without emotions of any kind or thoughts running through your head: no memories, images, music. No words. Just the darkness.

  “I was alone, and yet I wasn’t. I was everyone, and no one. I know that do
esn’t make sense, I know it’s cryptic, but it’s what I experienced. I was the universe. As you are, and all of us who claim sentience. As are those objects and things that we don’t otherwise associate with life. They are as much the universe as we are. For you see, the universe is alive, and we’re simply extensions of it, part of the same being. We just don’t know it. I believe now that the purpose of life is for the universe to experience form. To experience the greatness that is itself. Without life, the universe wouldn’t even know it existed.”

  “Geez,” Tane said.

  “My thoughts exactly.” Sinive paused. “So I told you there was nothing at first, save that darkness, but before I came back, finally a spark emerged in the infinite night. I didn’t so much as see it, or even feel it. I just knew it was there. And that spark grew bigger and bigger until it consumed me. That spark was you.”

  Tane pursed his lips. “I suppose it was, at that. So I wonder... if we’re all the same, then that means aliens are just as much a part of this universe as we are.”

  “Not all of them, I think,” Sinive said. “Only certain aliens are part of it: those that were born in this universe. Others hailing from different universes, like the dwellers, are part of separate universe entities. Though all the universes are intrinsically linked, they’re all different beings. At least that’s what I believe now. Maybe they’re really all different facets of the same being, I don’t know for sure.”

  “So that’s why you were hitting me with that ‘the universe made me for a reason’ crap before,” Tane said. “If it was alive, and in danger, instinctively it would want to save itself from any perceived threats.”

  “You got it,” Sinive said.

  “But you just said the universe only knows it exists thanks to us,” Tane told her. “So how would it even know if there were any threats to its existence?”

  “I suppose it wouldn’t,” Sinive said. “Unless somehow our collective consciousness can interpret external threats.”

  Tane pondered her words. “Okay, so if each universe is a separate entity, like you say, that could mean they’re in competition with one another. And maybe not even realize it, unless of course we bring up that collective consciousness concept of yours again. Which makes me wonder: if what you’re saying is true, it’s probably possible that an entire universe could die. And with it, all life from that universe.”