“Sh-she does?” He said, almost whimpering.
“You haven’t seen her in a while.”
“Not since that day…”
“Well you should try and visit her. She misses you the most.”
“That’s not true.”
“It is, and you know it—”
The ship’s AI faded the music briefly, “Pardon me sir,” the digital voice spoke, “but you have a visitor, identity Legion Commander Jo, emissary to the Federation, shall I allow her in?”
“Yes, please.” Sheppard said shutting the music off.
He walked up to his desk to grab a tissue and wipe the tear welling in his eye. He took a moment to sit back in his chair.
“I have visitors.” He looked up but his brother was already gone.
The chess board in front remained as his brother left it. He glared at the pieces, wondering if his brother would ever visit him again. He had grown distant from his family.
Sheppard’s office door slid close and opened again. This time Morgane rushed toward Sheppard.
“Uncle Sheppard!” She screamed.
“Oh goodness, Morgane you scared the hell out of me,” he said kneeling to her level, “you’ve been staying out of trouble right?” He lowered his voice, “That your mom knows about.”
Morgane winked and turned to her mother. “Yes sir!”
Sheppard gazed at Jo, the nostalgia of his return set in, “You’ve taught her well, how are the rest of the little Sarah’s doing?”
“Unfortunately her brothers and sisters have been stationed elsewhere across the galaxy,” Jo faked a frown, “But she visits often. She’s become quite an avid adventurer, just like you Sheppard.”
“Is that so! Well young lady if you start now you’ll have seen much more than I have! When I was as your age the most interesting thing I saw was snow falling, imagine that… and you get your own spaceship to travel.”
“Speaking of the universe, quite a lot of things have happened since your last departure Sheppard. Merck-Holtz has been under relentless attack in the past century. Not to mention the attacks on our border worlds…”
Sheppard was no stranger to what was happening. Things had not changed.
“At the moment the Legions need a stronger leadership.” With that she motioned for her attendant bearing the flowers.
“These are for you,” she said handing the bouquet to him, “I was elated when they said they found you on Earth, we have not had our moon side conversations since we last spoke ages ago.”
Sheppard nodded his head.
Morgane rushed to the flowers and smelled them all deeply, absorbing the quality and texture of the plants with it. Sheppard eyed one specific flower and held it by the stem in one hand while the white petals lay across his other palm softly.
“Mortals call these flowers Agapanthus or the Lilies of the Nile, they symbolize secret love.”
Morgane smelled it and adored it at first sight.
“They don’t grow these on any immortal planets!” She said.
“Sadly they don’t,” Sheppard said with a frown, “But maybe you can take these back and grow them?”
Morgane nodded vehemently. He handed her the flower with a sly grin, “Keep it, but next time we meet you must promise to tell me of your travels.”
With a smile Morgane walked back and sat with her mother who smelled it as well. A look came on her face with unadorned affection toward Sheppard.
This was her flower wasn’t it?
He understood the expression and smiled back.
Yes, it was.
Chapter 8
Origins
Aboard the Eternity
Sheppard stood on the ship’s command deck beside Arnael. The entire room was abuzz in his presence. It was nostalgic, being as ancient as he was a few years away from this life was still innervating.
The view outside the reinforced windows that bordered the command center was astonishing. The moon above his head and the dark side of the earth ahead of him made him feel insignificant. To them space was still as mysterious and unrelenting as Earth’s oceans with limitless opportunities for mankind.
He yearned to discover other sentient life.
“Sheppard,” Jo caught his attention before she left, “please come visit us on Denosc Dene, everyone is elated at your return including Lee. By the way where is Daria? I have not seen her since arriving.”
“You were never keen about looking behind you.” Jo about faced, startled.
“Aunt Daria!” Morgane was ecstatic.
“Aw, Morgane, why are you so awesome?”
“Why are you always unnecessarily complicated?” Jo asked.
They both smiled and welcomed each other with a long hug. Daria stood on her toes and whispered into Jo’s ear.
“It is good to see you again.”
They embraced one another like sisters and conversed with what little time each of them had to spare. As time waned they said their last goodbyes.
“Take care of him, will you Daria?” Jo said as she departed.
“That, I must.” She smirked as she looked at Sheppard.
Arnael removed his helmet in respect to his departing comrade and wished her farewell.
Arnael had been a faithful friend of Sheppard’s since the very beginning. Yet through their travels they always knew they were not alone in the universe.
Sheppard as Arnael knew it was an orphan, a stranger to the village just like himself but different. Now, nearly tens of thousands of years later he stands beside Sheppard on the precipice of inter-stellar war.
“How is your family?” Sheppard asked Arnael.
“Well, my children contact me often of their travels. Personally it makes me feel like an old man.”
“I know right!” Both Sheppard and Daria yelled simultaneously.
The three looked at each other and laughed, immortals born today would never understand what life was like before the advent of inter-stellar travel.
“Any sign of your daughter, Sheppard?” Daria asked.
He heaved a long sigh while his face grew heavy.
“She’s alive, I know it. But I feel she left the Earth centuries ago under my nose. I’m sure she bears a grudge against me til this day.”
“She cannot possibly be bitter this long,” She attempted to comfort him, “She is a strong, resolute woman but she cannot be so withdrawn from you, her only father, for all eternity.”
Sheppard smiled, Daria had always supported him through thick and thin. He had given her a purpose and she was eternally indebted to him.
It was she who caused the rift between Sheppard and his only daughter and she felt eternally obligated to bring them together again.
Sheppard excused himself from his companions and turned toward the door that led to the ship’s interior. He thought for a moment until an idea overcame him.
“Summon all the commanders, either by holo or in-person if they are near. And summon the Ghost commander.”
“General Ali is on a campaign in the Fringe with Lee, they will not return for at least a year.” Daria replied.
“Then summon them by holo, we have much to discuss.”
“And where will you go?” Arnael asked.
“Pardon me. I suppose I must find out what my guests are up to.”
Monica and Mekias continued their own tour through the ship’s engineering bays. They felt severely disoriented winding around corridors with large deviations in gravity.
An engineer led them through the command center to explain the inner workings of the ship. He was one of the few personnel who spoke English aboard the ship.
“So basically the conditions necessary to make most of the heavier elements in our alloys don’t exist in this part of the galaxy. Our only way to keep them in their in situ state is to mimic those conditions.”
“I know what in situ means!” Monica added.
“And the thing that powers this ship is essentially a non-native element with exoti
c electrochemical properties. And the ship has a fluid layer in its outer hull that’s primarily water. That solution acts as our primary coolant for the propulsion and Jump-drive system.”
“Jump-drive system?”
“The Jump-drive is the backbone of our inter-stellar travel. I mean sure we could propel the ship with the powerful thrusters, but it would be wholly inefficient and take centuries to reach our destinations. This device essentially pinches the plane of space-time…” He paused, “Do you guys really care?”
“I don’t.” Mekias replied.
“I do.” Monica added..
“Okay, well it basically creates a singularity, dilates time, collapses space around us and allows us to displace ourselves by vast distances across the universe. Sometimes in a series of smaller hops to our final destination, a much safer method to be honest. And that’s how we traverse light years easily, in a nutshell.”
“That sounds very,” She did not know what he was talking about, “complicated.”
“If you think that’s crazy then try doing a ‘Jump’ near a planet. It could destroy it or alter the orbit in the process, that’s why we travel out a distance before doing it.”
The talk was at least enlightening.
As the engineer was bothered by a colleague the two archaeologists decided to investigate the area further. They walked back to the blast door but were met with bright lights from the hallway ahead.
They peered into the distance as a familiar figure emerged, it was Sheppard. He walked toward them nonchalantly. Raising his head, he smiled at them as another smaller figure rushed into the room up to Monica.
“Aunt Monica!” The small figure said as it ran in, the violet hooded robe it wore was deathly familiar.
“Morgane?” Monica said as she squinted her eyes.
“Yes, silly. What are you doing in this place? It’s so boring!”
An attendant followed them into the hallway. Underneath her arm was a transparent plastic container that had a flower suspended in its center. An idea ran across Morgane’s mind.
“Monica, do you know what this flower is?” She wrested the flower from the attendant and handed it to Monica.
Monica looked at it intently for a moment, her years in Africa had given an innate sense to the flora and fauna present there.
“Ah, I’ve seen these in Egypt. They’re called Nile Lilies, they’re very lovely. But where did you get it?”
“Aw, it took Edric nearly twenty minutes to figure out, and I think he cheated too.”
The attendant received a communiqué over the radio and interjected immediately.
“Morgane your mother says she must depart immediately, she is summoning us back to our ship. She has matters to attend to at the Federation senate.”
“No!” She screamed, “Monica we won’t be able to see each other for a very long time! The Federation is deathly boring, would you please visit me sometime on Denosc Dene?”
“Of course, Morgane! If Commander Sheppard would allow it.”
Sheppard cocked his eyebrow and pointed to himself. “Me?” He jested, “By all means, travel anywhere you please, just don’t go crazy on our tab.”
“Then it’s settled,” Monica began, “I will see you as soon as I arrive there okay?” She pinched Morgane’s cheek before she ran toward the elevator.
Sheppard grabbed their shoulders.
“Come you two, follow me.”
He led them back through the winding and confusing corridors back to the ship’s residential quarter. The atmosphere was much more cordial since they were last there.
A cacophony of terrestrial and alien languages littered the halls as people bartered and conversed casually. As they got closer to the residential module many no longer donned their biomechanical combat armor and instead wore long flowing robes, both men and women.
Whole families sat and conversed over light meals while children played in the gardens. The scene was so peaceful she had a hard time believing it really existed.
Mekias pointed out the number of soldiers that patrolled the streets of this block, citing their calm and collective persona. They were treated with reverence.
Sheppard glanced behind at them periodically with a smile, as if bringing them through here for a reason.
Crowds collected in the area ahead of them. Soldiers and technicians removed their helmets in respect for Sheppard, their mythic hero.
He saluted them with his right hand fisted over his heart.
“Come friends,” Sheppard began, “We must go further.”
The halls of the staging area were littered with writing.
“What does all this writing say?” Mekias asked.
“The wall has inscribed names of people and their families; those who have died in combat or peace, or for the sake of this vessel or their Legions. They gave their lives to learn, protect and teach future generations of our people…and that deed is eternal.”
Sheppard cocked his head to the side, “Now that I think of it, my name is somewhere up there also.”
“So you’re dead?” Mekias asked. Monica slapped him behind the head.
“I suppose so, I’ve died many times.” He smirked and said nothing more.
They entered a long hallway full of life. Technicians shoved them aside as they ran to other docking bays that lined the hallway. Each dock looked several stories tall.
He led them down the first hallway to the left, after a few dozen feet of darkness it opened into a large armory.
“What did you say your legion’s mascot was?” Monica asked as she noticed a number of weapons and armor emblazoned with something.
“Our legion embodies the spirit of the Phoenix, death and rebirth from ashes.”
“Why rebirth?”
He smirked at her question, “There have been times in history when there were literally less than a hundred of us against hordes. Our Legion is the first one into combat, and the last to leave. We accept missions knowing that we may never return from them.”
“Why choose a life like that…?”
“Tradition. Out of the ashes we formed this new order. And to this day we rise when it asks to be defended. We are the hardened veterans and orphans of every war.”
“You’re…an orphan?”
He smiled at her and said softly, “I am. Like many other Phoenix Legionnaires we have no purpose in life, no origin, no meaning... And we all share that burden. We are giving meaning to a universe that never gave us one.”
He grabbed two uniforms from a nearby rack and continued. “The highest echelons of my army are Ghosts. The most loyal, self-sacrificing… and the most unknown. They are called upon when the services of the dead are required.”
He handed the two archaeologists the tabards.
“When you wear these you are welcome to board any vessel from the Earth back to this station. It will allow you to see me in our barracks and they also double as your transit papers should you wish to visit any Federation or Legion home world.”
Activity began to pick up as a public announcement was heard throughout their deck.
“This is where we deploy troops for direct combat operations, ground or space.” He pointed to the end of the hallway. “And this is where I must respectfully ask that you leave.”
“What? Why?” Monica asked.
“I’m afraid it’s for your safety. We know it is not opportune but we trust you will keep our existence a secret until we meet again.”
“You can’t just do this.” Monica said as Mekias tried to restrain her.
“Come on Monica, these guys don’t mess around.”
“You will be protected and watched by my men on the Earth. You will not be alone.” Sheppard continued.
“We can’t just go back! We want to stay.”
He paused for a moment and took cold hard looks at them, “I’m afraid I can’t let just anyone stay here.”
“Then who can?” She asked.
“Only immortals in service to our
Legion.”
“Then make us immortal, why else would you bring us here?” She yelled.
“You’re beginning to vex me…” Sheppard raised his voice.
Monica stepped forward but Mekias grabbed her arm.
“Look…” Sheppard told them, “I know you seek answers, to everything about us, about history, about life… But now is not the time. War is upon us, and we must make proper arrangements immediately… until we resume normal operations we cannot allow you or any other mortals on-board.”
“You’re a coward.” Monica taunted. She was desperate to remain there and learn more about them.
“Do you think immortality is enjoyable? Do you enjoy being the fodder of the universe!” Sheppard shouted.
She stood on the tips of her toes to reach his height.
“I was orphaned just like everyone else in your legion…” She whispered. “Don’t I fit your recruitment profile?”
The weight that fell on his shoulders made him sympathize with her, but he remained firm. The room was silent.
“You may think that immortality is problem-free, but it’s not, believe me.” He looked around, “I will take your request into consideration but heed my words. Enjoy your mortal life while you have it, you don’t know how precious it is until you’ve given it up.”
Mekias’ eyes opened wide as he looked at Monica.
If that’s what she really wants…
Sheppard left them and stormed back through the hallway. By the time they left his field of vision he stopped temporarily and rested his back against the wall.
I’m sorry Monica…But unlike me at least you have family…
Chapter 9
History
Aboard the Eternity,
Loading Dock Ursa
The two archaeologists walked toward no specific direction, they had been left in the loading dock as per their guide and waited some time for direction.
A pilot approached them.
“Salam friends. I was told by the High Commander that you are joining us. Our vessel will be departing momentarily for the south Pacific.”
They gazed up and saw the enormous hangar around them. Several levels of maintenance decks lined the walls surrounding the spaceship that hung from the ceiling. Gas seeped down into the lower dock from liquid fuels and coolants that rushed through the ceiling pipes into the vessel.
Origin: Eternity's End Page 6
