The time when the Obsidian Empire didn’t fear anything was long gone. The Star Alliance had held the balance of power in the galaxy for almost ten generations, making sure the Empire couldn’t rule the known universe. That is, until today. But the victory was not Obsidian’s alone. The Emperor knew that without the Zarlacks’ advanced ships and technology, they would not have been able to strike such a deadly blow to the Alliance. It should have been a victorious time, but the Emperor knew that Obsidian’s alliance with the Zarlacks was an act of desperation, eerily akin to slavery. It was by no means the true partnership he had hoped for at first.
The steps grew closer and, a moment later, the hulking silhouette of Ambassador Zorak appeared. The Emperor straightened his spine and tried to appear confident.
The ambassador was colossal, as Zarlacks were taller than humanoids. They were a powerful and proud reptilian race, with strong, almost metal-like purple scales. The lights of the torches illuminating the throne reflected against every single one of these scales, casting an almost ethereal light on the ambassador. He stopped a few feet from the throne, bowed slightly but respectfully, and then fixed his piercing green stare on the Emperor.
“Is it done?”
“Not entirely.” The Emperor was having difficulty hiding the emotions that accompanied that statement.
“Explain.”
The ambassador’s voice was ice cold and the room itself seemed to catch the chill. To be honest, the Emperor wasn’t sure what was more intimidating: the Zarlacks’ brute force, or the piercing glow in their eyes that seemed to turn whatever it touched to stone. Deciding to ponder this at a later time, the Emperor took a deep breath and started to speak.
“Apparently, a small group of ships escaped during one of the engagements.”
He received no reply except a thunderous growl so strong he could feel trembling in the very framework of his throne.
“I’m sorry,” he continued. “I will fix this situation.”
“Yes,” the Ambassador replied, staring straight into the Emperor’s eyes. “You will.”
“May I ask why it’s so important that every member of the Alliance is either taken prisoner or killed?”
The Zarlack sneered. “You may ask, but I’m reserving the right to not inform you of our intentions until I decide the moment is right.”
“And when would that be?” Immediately after speaking the words, the Emperor cursed himself for pushing the issue.
“Emperor, we’ve helped you build your new armada. We’ve armed you with our advanced technologies and the addition of our own battleships has more than quadrupled your fleet’s numbers. We’ve given you all the advantage you needed to prevent this war you’ve been fighting so long, so poorly, from escalating into another century. I believe you could learn to be patient, unless you’d rather we dealt with someone else in these matters.”
The Emperor was a warrior with a fiery temper himself, but he reined it in as the ambassador’s words hit home. He knew the Zarlacks had no qualms with terminating him and nominating someone else to the throne. So he swallowed his pride.
“That won’t be necessary. I will let you decide when you need to share anything with me. I’m sure you have your reasons.”
“Very good. We Zarlacks like when the chain of command is understood and respected unconditionally. So tell me, Emperor, what is your plan to find the last ships that eluded you?”
“I’ve asked Admiral Zan to find and eliminate the Alliance survivors once and for all.”
“Am I correct in assuming that this Admiral Zan is the one who let them escape in the first place?”
“…You are.”
“Then once the admiral has succeeded in his new mission, I would like that his head be brought to me. Unlike you, we do not tolerate failure. May that serve as a lesson to you as well…yes?”
The hiss in the last word sent shivers down the Emperor’s spine. “Yes, Ambassador.”
Without another word, the ambassador bowed again and went back the way he came, disappearing into the shadows.
The second he’d disappeared from sight, the Emperor gritted his teeth together and clenched his hands into fists. He was not accustomed to being told what to do, and he didn’t plan on acclimating. That being said, he knew the Zarlacks could obliterate the Obsidian Empire with the snap of a finger if they so desired. So for now, he would be their puppet.
But it wasn’t something he intended to accept forever. The Obsidian Empire had been waging too long a war, with too many territories lost. But one day…one day they would rise again. Even if that meant destroying their so called “allies” in the process.
Chase spent the next twenty-four hours in the medical bay, watching the medical staff and bots do their best to bring Daniel out of his coma. While they had stabilized his condition and he was technically no longer in “mortal danger” the staff was still not optimistic that he would make a full recovery.
“He could wake up any moment or never again; we simply don’t know,” Medical Chief Avlar cautioned Chase when he came upon him still sitting in the waiting room. “That being said, his body is already taking care of its vital functions by itself and that’s a very good sign, Lieutenant. The rest is up to him now.”
“I understand, Chief. Thank you.”
The chief smiled kindly. “If I may suggest, you should go get some shut-eye; you’re no good to anyone like this. How long has it been since you last slept?”
Chase ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “I honestly can’t remember; it feels like an eternity since this all happened. Like we’ve been to hell and back in a split second.”
“I think that’s exactly what we did, Lieutenant. But from the looks of it, things aren’t about to get any easier, so it is my medical opinion that you should not keep pushing the limits of your own body. You are the Destiny’s new wing commander, after all. Now get some rest. Doctor’s orders.”
“Temporary wing commander. That job belongs to my friend lying there. But okay, Doc, and…thank you. Thank you for saving Daniel’s life.”
“From what I heard, I believe you’re the one who did that.”
Chase attempted a smile then turned his back and left the med-bay without adding a word. How had the day changed so quickly? This morning in the simulator, everything was how it had always been. And now…? His best friend was unconscious and might never wake up, and what was left of his beloved Alliance was jumping blindly into the complete unknown. Countless people had lost their lives and for those who survived, their world had changed forever in just a matter of hours.
But how could so many worlds be wiped out so quickly and so brutally? The Obsidian Empire was never that powerful; they must have made an alliance with some outsiders from one of the unknown regions. Or maybe the computer was right and the Zarlacks, the enemy of old, had returned. This thought sent shivers down his spine. But it was useless to try to find an explanation; it had already happened. It was done. Virtually the entire Star Alliance had been wiped out in a matter of hours; there was no going back.
While Chase knew he was standing on solid ground, he could no longer feel it. He couldn’t feel anything. It was as if everything in the universe had gone away and he was left floating in the middle of the void, with no points of reference.
Chase was walking in a beautiful meadow on a sunny day. While he didn’t recognize the landscape, the place had a mystical quality to it. It was teeming with lush, rich vegetation. Streaming waters and scores of animals were all living in perfect symbiosis, as a chorus of birds wove an intricate melody overhead. As if he’d been given a sedative, Chase felt his entire body relax all at once. If there was a paradise, then he was in it, right then and there.
A lovely, almost chant-like voice asked, “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
He turned to see where the voice came from and saw an ethereal-looking woman. She seemed to be made out of blue energy and appeared translucent. Her very skin glowed with a light that haloed ou
t around her.
“Who are you?”
“Does it really matter?”
“Where am I?”
“On Earth,” she replied, “at least, the way Earth is supposed to be.”
“What is this Earth?”
“Earth is the planet where your ancestors were born. But a few millennia ago, they decided to leave in thirst for travel and knowledge. They settled in a faraway place in the universe, and later created the alliance of planets you know today.”
Chase looked around in amazement. “Where is this Earth?”
“It’s far, far away from the Alliance, but it’s not so far from you now. Soon you will get there.”
“I don’t understand.”
She smiled kindly. “You will, very soon.”
A sudden warmth seemed to wash over him and Chase felt completely reassured with every word the woman spoke.
“Can you tell me your name?” he asked.
“My name is Aphroditis.”
“That’s a beautiful name.”
Aphroditis laughed in an almost childlike fashion. Her face was absolutely perfect, harmonious in a way that seemed almost impossible. She was far and away the most beautiful woman Chase had ever seen. She had a stunning figure and long, flame-colored hair that flowed almost to the ground. But despite how intimidating she should have been, he felt calm and confident in her presence, as if he was under a spell.
“Am I dreaming?” he asked her.
“Yes, but it’s no ordinary dream.”
“How so?”
“I am here to help you in your journey.”
Chase was puzzled. “What journey?”
“You do not know who you are, my young Chase, and you will need guidance in order to fulfill your destiny.”
“My destiny?” he frowned. “I don’t believe in such things…”
She smiled again. “Oh, but you will. Yes, your destiny. You have powers you are unaware of, and these powers are the thin line that stands between order and chaos, good and evil.”
“…I don’t understand.”
“I know, but worry not. We will guide you along the way.”
“How do I know this isn’t some sort of deception?”
“Listen to your heart; it will tell you all you need to know.”
And for whatever reason, it did. Chase knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he could trust Aphroditis. He didn’t understand how this was possible, but every fiber of his being was telling him that he should listen without questioning.
“I believe you.”
“Good.” She nodded. “Now let me explain to you what’s to come. Your battlegroup will soon drop out of your jump near Earth, and your captain will have to make a choice regarding your next destination. If you don’t go to Earth, the consequences will be dire. The entire galaxy will be doomed to fall into its darkest time for eons to come. It is essential that you reunite with your old ancestors and do whatever is necessary to protect Earth. Humanity is the key to everything.”
“Protect?”
“Yes. Your jump to this part of space has attracted the eye of an ancient evil and, unless you stop them, Earth will be conquered and the humans will be annihilated.”
“That sounds terrible, but what can we do?”
“Earth is about to be attacked by an evil coward race, the Zarlacks. You must protect Earth and help them win this war.”
Chase’s mouth fell open. “So they are Zarlacks after all? I refused to believe it… I thought they went extinct a long time ago. But why would they attack us or this Earth?”
“They were never extinct; they merely fled and regrouped, biding their time and growing strong once more. But they have enslaved your current enemy, and by joining their forces with them they almost managed to bring about the destruction of the Alliance and everything you held dear. Unfortunately they are not your only problem. The Zarlacks are merely the caretakers for a much darker force, a darkness that is advancing toward the destruction of all life, all love, and all that is good in the universe, Chase. The Zarlacks are simply their pawns. At their masters’ behest, they allied themselves with the Obsidian Empire, though they quickly took control. They are the scout force for the big guns; they delve and search unexplored and underdeveloped parts of the universe—for planets too weak to defend themselves—and they obliterate them, thinning the herd and making sure the forces of light are too few in numbers to face them in a coalition. That’s why they attacked the Alliance; they saw it as a real threat to their plans.
“Earth is such a world. But Earth stayed out of their radar for a long time. It was even erased from records in order to protect its existence, as prophecy tells us that it will be the last glimmering source of light against the darkness, the last stand, the last sanctuary for all that is good and pure.”
“Wait.” Chase tried to catch up. “Who erased the records, and why was Earth suddenly detected now?”
“All in good time, my dear,” she answered wisely. “What you need to know for the time being is that your jump so close to Earth has alerted the Zarlacks patrolling the area that there is life in this part of the universe. Their long-range scanners just picked up Earth and its seven billion souls. Their scans have also most likely determined that Earth has no real defenses, and they will send ships to wipe it out. You must not allow this to happen.”
“But we’re in no position to do this! Our ships suffered massive damage and the battlegroup is barely operational as it is. We need more time…”
“Time is the one commodity you don’t have. But I believe you can fend off the first wave of Zarlacks, Chase. It will cost you but, in return, you will win an ally in Earth, the new beginning you currently seek. I’m sorry to put this on your shoulders, but you and your comrades are the universe’s last hope...”
“What happens if we fail?”
Suddenly, the peaceful meadow transformed into a gray desert where all life was extinct. The sky was dark red and covered with a thick layer of black clouds, and the wind blew toxic ashes into the air. Chase shivered.
“That’s what will happen, Chase. And not only to Earth, but to countless other worlds. Unless you can stop it. Unless you save Earth.”
Chase’s mind raced as he struggled to formulate a plan. “Can you tell me more about the Zarlacks? I mean, it took an unprecedented amount of cooperation to defeat them a thousand years ago and that was with much more firepower than the Star Alliance currently had, until… until we got defeated. So how are we to defeat them now with only a handful of ships?”
“They are a cowardly and evil race. They’re reptilian and are physically very powerful. If you meet one face to face, you must be incredibly careful as they could crush your bones with their bare hands.”
Chase shook his head hopelessly. “How are we supposed to fight them then?”
“Well, a few millennia ago, they were defeated by your ancestors.”
“My ancestors from Earth?”
She paused. “Not exactly. While most of the people on your ship are descendants of humans, you are part human and part Fury.”
“Fury?” Chase couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Yes, a mighty, powerful race that went extinct around the same time the Zarlacks were defeated. But before they lost their world, Furya, they sent away ships from their planet to try and save whatever was left of their race. One Fury arrived on Earth and had offspring.”
“And I’m a descendant of this Fury then?”
“Yes. Your ancestors had incredible power, power that to you or the humans would seem supernatural or magical.”
Chase was baffled. “Tell me more about these powers, what can I do?”
She tossed back her long hair. “It varied. Some had the ability to move objects, the ability to create powerful energy discharges, mind projection. Some of them could even fly.”
“Fly? You can’t be serious!”
“Yes, Chase, some Fury could fly.”
“And you think I can d
o these things?”
“It’s too soon to determine if the remaining genes in you are strong enough to awaken the Fury inside. But for now, it’s important that you save Earth. Once you’re there, you’ll be able to advance your personal journey toward regaining your dormant powers.”
“How will I know how to do so?”
“We will guide you whenever you need it. Now you must go. I believe you’ll soon arrive to your destination, and it is imperative that you help, or if necessary, convince your captain to make the right choice.”
“I understand. Thank you, Aphroditis.”
“It is us who thank you. Now wake up, Chase, and accomplish your destiny.”
5
When Chase opened his eyes and looked at the clock, he couldn’t believe it. More than forty hours had passed. And what a dream! He wasn’t sure what to make of it.
They were only a few hours away from the end of their jump. So far, the ship seemed to be taking the rough treatment quite well, though Chase had no doubt the engineering crew had their hands full since the beginning of the jump.
He got up, took a long sonic shower, suited up, and went directly to the med-bay to check up on Daniel’s condition. When he arrived, he discovered the staff had moved him into a nice corner and made it look like a room with tall, wheeled dividers. There was also no life-support system attached to him anymore, which was a good sign. Medical Chief Avlar approached Chase as soon as he walked inside.
“Any changes, Doc?” he asked as he looked down at Daniel with concern.
“I’m afraid not. But he’s stable and his life isn’t in critical danger; we just need to feed him by injection every once in a while. It’s up to him to come back to us now. All we can do is hope he wins the battle.”
“It’s not the good news I was hoping for, but I’ll grab onto anything positive right now...” Chase’s voice trailed off as his face tightened in pain. “It’s all my fault.”
Universe in Flames – Ultimate 10 Book Box Set: An Epic Space Opera Adventure Page 11
