Smart boy. “Grandma used to say that all the time. Funny that you remember. Well, you can see things in a way that no one else can. Plus, no matter where in the galaxy we go, we could always talk to each other.”
“Wow! Like a radio super power.”
“Yes. The downside is that you can’t turn it off. You can hide from it but it’s always there. You’ll know it’s there even when you don’t want it to be,” Marco admitted.
Nikko looked to the trail. There was a feeling down in the pit of his stomach. “Right now I look in the trees, I can feel something out there. What do you see?”
Marco followed his gaze. “There are birds flying overhead, taking roost in the branches. A chidomaka is digging up the ground around the bend looking for grubs. Fish in the lake are swimming and trying to figure out what happened to others that were there before. They fell over the falls into the pool here. Some will swim down into the stream that rolls off the mountain. Then there are the lions.”
“The lions are here, Papa?”
“That’s probably what you sense in the forest. They want to see what happens next.” Marco looked to the empty spot where Nikko had kicked the stone. One simple action had changed things, even if just a little. Could he be that for the boy? Should he be?
“You can see them? Wow. Can I use the Crucible to protect them, like you do? Can I use it to protect mom?” There was hope in Nikko's eyes. It was the hope of a boy longing to be like the men he'd looked up to.
“Only if you want to. Your first big decision as a man, Nikko. Only you can make it.”
“Do it.”
Marco hugged the Nikko again. This was the part where the boy he was would be put away in favor of the man he’d become. He’d reached out to him in the Crucible, this morning. He left spiritual breadcrumbs for him to follow back to this place. There was a part of him that was hesitant because he knew Nayoree wouldn’t approve. This wasn’t her choice to make.
Marco held him at arm's length, staring straight into Nikko’s eyes. He removed his eye patch, revealing a while pupil more akin to a cat's eye than a human one. In revealing it, his other eye changed shape to match, drawing in Nikko’s gaze like a cobra focusing in for a strike. There, in the center of all the boy was and could be, was a series of pegs holding a dam in place. One by one, Marco knocked out the pegs. The levy broke, releasing a torrent of raw energy. The boy's pupils dilated, drawing in all that the awakened power had to show him.
Beyond the cut were the lions. The totality of the pride hid in the trees. They were using the Crucible to watch what transpired between the father lion and his adopted cub. They were so connected to it that when Nikko awoke to its power, they all immediately focused their attention to him. They shifted their focus across the pond. Nikko followed their line of sight to a shining beacon somewhere under the falls. It was brilliant, almost blinding, although he couldn’t tell what it was. That’s when he turned to look back to his Papa. The Crucible framed Marco in a glorious halo of magnificent golden fire. His visage in the power almost looked like a lion of flame and smoke standing upright. He had always seen his Papa as a funny old man that was too stubborn to realize he was old. The energy pouring off of him was that of some mythical creature age couldn’t bend and being forgotten couldn't break.
“Hold my hand.” Marco replaced the patch over his eye, returning his other to normal. He stretched his free hand toward the pool. Nikko watched the cosmic forces wash over his Papa, funneling through his body toward his outstretched limb. The pool erupted, sending a geyser skyward. At the point where the water should have tumbled back to earth, it just hovered there, forming two liquid walls on either side of the relief. Set into the pool's bed were raised stones that formed a path toward the waterfall. The lake still spilled over the ridge above, but instead of gathering in the pool, it floated to join either side of the waterfall walls.
“How are you doing that?” Nikko whispered through the wonder of the scene.
“You’ll be able to do it, one day. Come on.”
The two walked across the path toward a cave previously hidden by the rushing cascade. A red laser flashed out from the mouth of the entrance, scanning them both.
“Identity, Marco Sorrin, Marshals Templar, Lion of Athalon. Identify second source.”
“Nikko Lesuuda. Scan and confer all privileges,” Marco ordered the disembodied voice.
“Complied.”
Marco walked a few meters into the cave. Overhead lighting winked on, steadily increasing in brightness, producing a well lit space. A box rose from the floor, folding out into a set of holo screens and interface modules. On the other side, armor and racks of weapons filled ceramaclear display cases.. “Go sit there. Stay still, okay?”
He stepped another few meters to a waiting platform that rose from the floor. Clamps locked onto his feet, forming the shell of a set of hard-soled boots. Myriad robotic arms descended from the ceiling, holding an assortment of strange looking plates beneath a host of tools. Shin plates locked into place to form the basis of a hard carapace. Plate after plate found its home, enveloping him in a set of ancient looking armor given a modern face lift. A last set of arms dangled a cloak. He wrapped one portion over his left shoulder with the trail end finding purchase near the right side under his arm.
“Whoah,” Nikko whispered.
Marco moved forward to the shimmering beacon that was radiating through the floor. The stone cracked open, raising a dais covered in a collection of artifacts. Marco removed the spear first, waiting for it to collapse to a quarter of its length. The weapon found a home over his left shoulder, magna-locked to his armor. He took hold of a golden shield. Flipping it over, he tested the scabbard for a short sword set between the straps. Confident in whatever criteria had met his approval, he slung the shield over his back atop of the spear. A pistol found its way to a leg holster, completing the uniform.
“You look like warriors Mom told me about.”
“Who would that be?” Marco asked.
“They were generals during the Exodus Wars that fought to keep people safe.”
“What was their names?”
Mikko thought about it for a moment. After several false starts of memory, he said, “I don’t remember.”
Marco smiled. He reached behind him. The last piece of gear sitting on the altar rattled. It flew across the intervening space to rest in his hand. He deposited the helmet on his head, waiting for the startup routine to bring the HUD to life. It was armored, with a crimson brush-thick crest cutting the crown in half. Screens came to life, showing him the status of various parts of his upcoming plan.
“Aleksander Liau and Marco Sorrin. That was their names,” Nikko said through his raspy breath. “My gods, Papa. That was you?”
“Does that change what you think of me?”
“No. You’ll always be my Papa.”
“Damn right I will. Hera, are you there?”
The holographic image of the helmet came into view. It was similar to Marco’s except for having a complete face plate, where his ended just above his top lip. “I’m here, Father Lion.”
“Status on our preparations.”
Next to the helmet, five symbols appeared in the hologram's misty confines. “The Gauntlet is en route. We will arrive just after you. The fringe elements you wanted me to place are staging as we speak.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
The image faded. He pulled his helmet from his face, tossing it to Nikko. He chin checked the boy into motion, the two of them leaving the cave. On the other side of the pond they looked up to the roof of the lake. Hovering above them were tricks of the sun off the water, appearing as people.
“Who are they?” Nikko asked.
“Ghosts in the Crucible come to see us onto our next adventure. Recognize any of them?”
“That one. She’s the woman who came to visit all those years ago.” There was a break in the boy's concentration. He stared at one specter in particular. “Is that grandma?”
&
nbsp; “One last goodbye to the man I was and the one you’ll become. Now, take those new eyes, focus on the strand of power holding the water up. Pull it.”
Nikko looked around, trying to see what his Papa was talking about. After a moment, he could see something. It was hazy, like a key sticking out of a lock, waiting to turn. He reached for it, gasping in surprise when he could feel something on his fingertips. He twisted his open hand, nearly jumping out of his skin when the water tumbled back into the pool.
“Amazing!” Marco complimented. “Your first big test. You ready for the next one.”
Before Nikko could nod, another voice broke through the grove. “What in the Twin Hells is going on here?” Nayoree stormed around the path, the entire troupe of rangers armed to the teeth fanning out across the grove. Saddled into the rear, Reese came around the corner.
Marco nodded, “Just some family business. Man stuff.”
“Yeah, Mom. Man stuff.”
“Oh really?” Nayoree snorted. “Do you know how dangerous this side of the mountain is? The entire pride is hiding in the forest not some fifty meters from here. Not a couple of lions. The whole pride. And what are you wearing, Papa?”
He placed both hands on her shoulders, kissing her on the forehead. His smile was warm, like a proud father. “Look up.”
Nayoree almost lost her footing seeing the array of ghosts standing on the lip of the lake overhang. They were shimmering and majestic, with her mother standing proudly among them.
“How?”
He released his hold of her, taking the Crucible-based sight with him. “I have to go.”
“When will you come back?” Although Nayoree's voice was riddled with confusion, her question was demanding.
“This is not like those other trips,” Marco said. Looking toward the ghosts at the top of the lake he felt the weight of his guilt holding back his answers. “I’ll be away a while.”
“You look like you’re ready for war. You look like...”
Several of the rangers took the notice, finally recognizing the cut of the jaw with a ruined eye from the history vids. They knelt, bowing their heads in reverence to a hero responsible for keeping their home worlds from burning.
“All of you stand,” Marco commanded his men. “Khadian rangers kneel to no one. We hunt to protect. We hunt for the pride. You can’t stalk from one knee.”
Nayoree interjected. “Did Mom know?”
“She did. Your mom helped me build something. Doing this without her feels like walking into the woods without a map.” Marco shut his eye, letting the words that followed blaze his path now, as they had so long ago. “This is my path. I have to walk it, but I couldn’t leave until there was a cub to replace me.”
Nikko nodded, the grim resolve of a boy who’d just learned he’d inherited the crown was etched all over his face.
“Is he like you. Can he...”
“He is your mother’s blood, Nayoree. It was always a possibility. Here. This is for him and for you. This ICOM contains all the lessons he’ll need for him to grow into his ability. There are some for you, too. My precious daughter, I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become.” He gestured to a bag resting on the rocks before calling to his friend. “Reese.”
The stately servant walked his way to the top of the relief. He looked out of place wearing finely tailored pants with a white button-up shirt, his sleeves rolled up past the elbows. He appeared more ready for a board meeting than he was traipsing around a mountain looking for a lost boy. “So, today’s the day.”
“It is. I need you to transfer all protocols for the house to Nayoree and Nikko. Set it in order to their liking.”
Reese nodded in obedience before asking, “Does this mean I am to remain here?” There was a quiver in his tone. Sadness tinged his uncertainty as he spoke.
Marco raised his voice. “There were so many times on those grim worlds that I prayed for a lasting peace. All I wanted was to provide a home for my brothers where they could spend their days without the shadow of war hanging over their heads. You’ve pulled the trigger more than any two men I know and have earned your share of whatever rest I could provide. I can’t ask you to follow me to war again. I won’t, even if some selfish part of me prays for my brothers to come with me.”
Reese set his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You needn't pray. There isn’t a god on any world brave enough to keep us apart. Execute Reese protocol Charlie-Sierra-one.”
The hologram of Reese stepped forward, leaving a robot frame in its place. He looked back long enough to flash a smile to Nikko and Nayoree, who sat meters away with their mouths wide. The image split in two, twin versions of the AI staring at each other like a rancher appraising his prize bull.
“Take care of them, Reese.”
The copy walked back to the robot frame, absorbing it under the cloak of the hologram. He faced his doppelganger, floating a soft salute. “I will. Good hunting… Ares.”
The hologram changed. Its features became hard, the pleasant softness of his face pulled tight against angular features. His eyes went from welcoming to penetrating as his uniform morphed to the dress blues of a naval officer. Light plate armor with a winged lion crest on the shoulder formed above the clothing, giving him the fit of a warrior professional.
A soft golden glow lit the faces of the assembly, drawing their attention back to the waterfall. They starred past the once shaggy conservationist standing with the former artificial butler. A sharp hissing popped above them, like the venting of steam from an ingot plucked from the forge and thrust into a bucket to quench it. Another pop and hiss preceded a splash in the pool. The light intensified until a warhorse of metal, covering myo-fiber wrapped cyber-strands, crested from under the waterfall to the edge of the pool. The seams in the armor shone akin to molten metal, disgorging smoke like a forge’s billow. If the mountain had a voice, it would be every bit the tone thundering from its mouth.“You didn’t have to yell. Ares was broadcasting every word. There isn’t a battle in the galaxy you could fight without me. Let the ravages of time turn the stars to ash. I would still rise to fight beside you in the Twin Hells.”
Marco adjusted his eye patch. Either his face had changed since the last time he wore it or it wasn’t fitted to cheeks that smiled rather than those that glowered. “You could have just said you were good to go.”
“You have no flare for the dramatic,” The horse admonished. “Look at them. Every one trying to figure out whether to run screaming or come forward to join us.”
Nikko rose to move forward, his motion arrested by his mother’s hand on his shoulder. “Ajax,” he said in an astonished whisper.
Marco turned back to the crowd. “Nikko, this preserve is now yours to protect. Your mother will teach you what it means to be a ranger. The lessons on that ICOM will teach you what it means to work the Crucible. I’ve looked deep into the Way and seen so many futures for you. I love you, son.”
“Take me with you!”
Marco stared into the falling water, his lone eye searching for meaning in the shower. A deep breath exhaled in time with a puff of smoke coming from the robotic horse. “In another life I would’ve scooped you up in a second. Stay here. Guard the pride. Trust me, there is more than enough adventure here for you to find.”
“Papa.” Nayoree ran forward.
“I know. There is no place under the stars where I won’t be with you.” He gently kissed her forehead, giving her just long enough to see her mother’s spirit in the Crucible doing the same. “Ares.”
“Very good, sir. I give to you, the Promise of Dawn,” he said with a flourish.
A geyser blew huge spouts of water over the lake to spill hard into the pool. The deep thrum of heavy repulsors trumpeted a medium assault shuttle rising over the crest. It floated down to the pond, raining off lake water and bits of plant matter from the hull. The boarding ramp lowered, barely touching the ground. Two of the brothers walked inside without looking back at the stunned faces watching the
spectacle unfold.
“We walk the Path because we know the Way.” Ares bowed, vanishing from sight like a ghost fulfilling his purpose. The ramp closed as the Promise of Dawn whirled about. Drive engines ignited, echoing an order of some forgotten god to stoke destiny’s forge. The ship catapulted forward, leaving thunder and awe in its wake.
Five
“I can’t thank you enough for coming to help us,” Captain Morreau said.
Brand dodged the flurry of activity going on in the tactical operations center. He found a nook between a set of tables that was wide enough to keep out of everyone's way before acknowledging the officer. “My only regret is that I couldn’t coax out more forces from the Athalon. I tried reaching out to friends in the Elysian military but that’s going to take some time.”
“As far as force multipliers go, two Marshals Templars is a gift from the stars!”
“One and a half Templars, ma’am. I’m still in training,” Betheyell added.
The command staff chuckled a bit, eventually turning back to their stations. Captain Morreau worked the hologram projecting from her battle board. She zoomed down to street level. Corporal Corvin’s embattled squad was holding the corner despite the warlord’s best effort to take it. If the enemy managed to take her position, it would be like opening a flood gate to drown her forces. The tactical position of that street combined with the sheer cliffs and the beach head set against her were the only things keeping them from being overrun.
“Corvin?” Brand asked. “In my old unit I worked with a Robert Corvin.”
Morreau dragged over Corvin's holo for the marshal. “Lancer, right? Yes, that’s her cousin.”
“Why is a corporal leading a squad?” Brand asked.
“All the other NCOs were hit. I got three back there being treated and one in a bag.”
Brand instantly regretted his question. “I’m sorry, ma’am.”
A technician came away from a workstation to address the officer.
“What is it Sam?”
The burly woman flicked an image from her smart board to the commander’s. “Just got word from the Fleet. CENTCOM’s dispatched a light armored company from the Mad Cats to drop in on us, but we have to do something about that ADA first. The folks at the big table don’t want to have to dispatch Para-Rescue to recover them if they get shot down.”
The Sentinel: A Military Sci-Fi Series (Hunter's Moon Book 3) Page 6
