“True, but can we manufacture enough? Do they have a sufficient range?”
“We could, I suppose, and they could reproduce themselves.”
“You do realize we’re taking risks we shouldn’t as scientists. The same types of risks that got us here in the first place. What if the nanites become self-aware when we let them replicate?”
“I know, but what else can we do? Live under the tyranny of an entity that can decide to wipe us out by the billions at any time? We’re sitting on the biggest ticking time bomb of all time.”
“It’s ironic it came into being while we tried to diffuse bombs that would have destroyed this world in the first place.”
“It is, isn’t it? That’s it!”
“What is?”
“That’s what we do: we reverse the process. We prepare nanite bombs on this ship, and then we beam them down and let them explode all at once. The entity won’t have time to react to it. The nanites will wipe every system and then immediately install the new basic OS. Then we can restore pre-infection backups.”
“Still a gigantic task, but that could work.”
“If we do our job well it would only take a few days, I think.”
“Let’s just hope we don’t get attacked, then.”
“Even so, our ships are operational. The Droxians and Obsidian both agreed to send reinforcements. So if Argos comes back, he’ll find a committee waiting, and this time we’ll anticipate their suicidal tactics. Hopefully we can have a semi-functional shield made with the satellites as well.”
“You seem pretty confident.”
“Well, I think this could work.”
“You did say beam, though.”
“What about it?”
“Well, last time Cedric did that it created the entity.”
“I’ve analyzed the entire logs of what he did. I think I can replicate it safely.”
“If that’s so, we could use the technology for other things too.”
“Yes, transportation on Earth of living beings; on ships to deliver payloads within the enemy ships.”
“What about plan A, though? Clearly this is plan B?”
“It is, yes. Well, plan A is the reason we’re not sleeping currently.”
“Let’s keep at it then.”
18
On board the Valken, Daniel woke from his nap.
“Hello, sleepyhead.”
“Hey, Keera, what’s our status?”
“We still have a few hours before we arrive at our destination. You do realize that if the Iron Fire made a stop there and re-entered hyperspace we won’t be able to track them?”
“Not necessarily. I’ve got the Iron Fire’s signature, and if we don’t arrive too late after they jumped, we should be able to calculate a hyperspace vector at least from the residue its engines leave.”
“That seems approximate at best.”
“It is, but it’s better than nothing. How’s everyone back there?”
“Last I checked they were also resting. You may want to check on them.”
“That’s okay. If they can get some rest that’s good. We might be in for a difficult time ahead.”
“About that. I have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“It seems Chase and Argos are in a league of their own, powerwise. What is it you wish us to accomplish exactly?”
“I don’t know. Perhaps he may still need our help one way or another.”
“That’s a big assumption.”
“I know. I just don’t like the idea of letting my friend run into the lion’s den on his own, that’s all.”
“I understand that totally. I just hope we don’t end up being a liability for him.”
“How so?”
“Well, we are frail compared to the Furies. Heck, even Ares was killed by Argos.”
“What? Ares died?”
“Yeah. I thought you knew, but how could you.”
“That’s the thing, and that’s what I hate about being kept in the dark. So Argos killed Ares. Can’t believe an Olympian as strong as the god of war got killed. How did Chase take it?”
“Not very well. He was his mentor after all.”
“I know. He told me about him. I sense he had a deep respect for him.”
“It hit him hard, but it did seem to fuel his hatred for Argos.”
“Yet he left with him willingly.”
“Don’t be an ass, Daniel. You know as well as I do that you’d be doing the same thing in his shoes.”
“Would I? I guess I never really felt what Chase feels for Sarah. I suppose if it was the case . . . Perhaps.”
She looked a little surprised at the confession. “Such a handsome guy as you? Really? I kinda thought you and what’s-her-name back there were a thing.”
“Her name is Fillio, and no we’re not. Though I must admit we’ve been closer since Chase resigned and left the Alliance.”
“Alright, I’m not judging. Sorry if I’m a little nosy. I just felt a vibe, that’s all. Call it female intuition.”
“You’re the second person who’s told me they feel something between us.”
“There you go. You may want to look into that eventually. I think she likes you.”
Daniel blushed but couldn’t help smiling a little.
“You’d make a nice couple, I think.”
Suddenly Daniel’s expression changed.
“What did I say? Why the long face?”
“It just hit me. Perhaps on a subconscious level I never really let myself be close to anyone to avoid being hurt or heartbroken. We are at war; there’re casualties. What if I open my heart to her and one of us bites the dust?”
“That’s the risk we all take when we care about someone. But is it really living if we prefer shielding ourselves from pain rather than take a risk to be happy? No, really, it’s an intrinsic part of living. There’s nothing we can do to control what’s going to happen; and honestly, even if it was possible, I think life would be boring.”
“I suppose so.”
“I know so. I’m glad to live in a world where I can meet someone and that person sweeps me off my feet; then, all of a sudden everything changes; life has more texture, more taste.”
“You’re an interesting bounty hunter, Keera, to say the least.”
“Well thank you.” She beamed at him an almost childlike smile.
The Iron Fire exited hyperspace near a brownish-grey planet with three moons orbiting it.
“We’re here,” said Argos.
“What are those?” asked Chase
“Planetary defense systems. They will scan us as soon as we’re in range and start firing.”
“Shouldn’t I be in a fighter taking them down?”
“Wait for it.”
“What? Why?”
“Let’s call it a hunch, okay?”
“And if you’re wrong?”
“If I’m wrong we’ll double back and land on the planet using the Dark Star.”
The onboard computer beeped. “Target lock!”
Chase jumped to the nearest console.
“Take it easy. They’ll scan us first.”
Multiple rays of bright, white light illuminated the bridge, emerging through one wall and disappearing through another.
Argos rose. “Five . . . four . . .” After a few seconds, he sat back in the captain’s chair.
“They’re not firing,” observed Chase.
“Thanks for telling me. I hadn’t noticed.”
“Sarcasm aside, why do you think that is?”
“Want me to spell it out for you? Isn’t it obvious?”
“Aphroditis?”
“There you go. I suspected this planet was under their protection. In fact, everything we will face from now on is probably thanks to the Olympians.”
“That’s why you needed her?”
“No, I need her for something else later.”
“What if she doesn’t want to comply?”
“Then
both her and your precious Sarah die; so better work on your convincing speech for when that time comes.”
“She won’t refuse, but I might.”
“Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. I know you won’t sacrifice Sarah.”
Chase wanted to argue that perhaps under the right set of circumstances he could convince himself that, for the greater good, he would indeed make that decision. But he would be lying to himself. There was nothing more important to him right this moment than saving her. Even though the nightmare, Aphroditis’ latest vision and his growing sense of dread, all seemed to point in the same direction. Whatever Chase was helping Argos achieve, it would have dire consequences. Of that Chase had very little doubt.
“Let’s take my ship and land. We need to get going. The fun hasn’t begun yet.”
“Fun?”
“That depends on how you look at it, I suppose. But if you like fighting, you won’t regret what comes next.”
“I don’t like fighting per se, except when your face is on the receiving end.” Chase smiled lopsidedly.
“Well, this time it won’t be; and remember, if my heart stops for thirty seconds, so does Sarah’s. Well, technically it’s not really her heart that would be the problem, but I’d rather spare you the mental image.”
Chase cringed. “So generous of you. So not only do we have to fight someone together, but I have to make sure you don’t die in the process, is that it?”
“Told you the fun hadn’t started yet.” Argos wore a defiant smirk.
He rose from the captain’s chair and cracked his neck and fingers.
“Ready, brother?”
“Ready, but don’t call me that.”
“Let’s go then.”
“Is she coming with us?”
“No, if Aphroditis leaves the ship it will be destroyed, obviously.”
“Won’t we need her help on the surface?”
“We’ll transmit video. She might be able to help us decipher some of the runes in the arena.”
“What arena? What is this? What do we do down there?”
“We fight, what else? And this is a fight to the death. I barely escaped with my hide last time. I don’t have to remind you what happens if I perish this time.”
“No you don’t, even though you seem obsessed with repeating that part.”
“Let’s go. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can stop pretending that we’re tolerating each other’s company.”
“I’m looking forward to that.”
“As am I, brother.”
Aphroditis emerged from the captain’s ready room.
“Where are you go—” She stopped short. “No, if you two go down there you’ll die. You can’t defeat the beast. It’s too powerful.”
“We’re Furies. We can defeat anything and anyone,” said Argos before looking straight at Chase. “If we work together.”
“Aphroditis, you know this place?”
“I’ve heard of it. This is Tartarus, isn’t it?”
“Correct,” muttered Argos.
“No one ever came back alive from this place.”
“I did, once.”
Her eyes grew wide.
“Did you really escape it?”
“Barely, but yes. I’m not entirely sure how. One minute I was defeated, losing consciousness, about to get crushed. The next I was outside the arena. That’s all I recall.”
“Chase, I don’t like this.”
“Neither do I, but we don’t have a choice.”
“I’m coming with you, then.”
“No you can’t. The defense platforms around this planet will destroy the Iron Fire if you do. We may need you to come get us in case things go wrong.”
“I don’t know how to pilot this ship, Chase.”
“See these?” Chase showed her two small, round devices. “Put them on your temples and the ship will do what you think.”
“What if it doesn’t work with Olympian physiology?”
Chase tossed them at her and used his mind to place them gently on her temples.
“You should close your eyes now.”
She did. She saw a HUD with commands of all sorts, but when she thought about turning the ship around the Iron Fire responded immediately.
“Seems to work fine. Don’t you dare leave us stranded here, though. If you do I will kill Sarah.”
Chase growled and the Iron Fire shook. Aphroditis removed the devices from her temples and stored them in a pocket.
“Keep your energy for the next fight, brother. We’ll need it. Use that hatred you harbor towards me; but may I suggest you focus it on the right target.”
Chase’s eyes blinked purple and his fists tightened.
He’d had just about enough of being ordered around by Argos. He could feel the will to strike him down grow stronger inside him. But Sarah and Chris’ mental image calmed him down quickly.
Argos smiled. “We should get going; and you,” he said, looking at the Olympian. “We’ll transmit video signals to you. We may need some translation done, as well as tips for defeating the beast.”
“I don’t know how to help you, and even if I did, I’m not sure I want to.”
“You don’t want to incur the wrath of my brother. Believe me, I know firsthand what Chase is capable of when he loses someone he loves.”
“Enough, you two! Aphroditis, please help me get Sarah back. I will do whatever you want me to after that; and Argos, stop antagonizing us all the time. We get it. You’re in control now, so we’ll do as you say. Enough with the threats.”
Argos grimaced but then smiled. “Sounds good to me. Now let’s go down there at once. We’ve lost enough time as it is.”
Aphroditis took a step forward. “Can I please have a moment alone with Chase?”
“Sure. Meet me on board the Dark Star when you’re done. Don’t be long.”
Chase shot a look of disdain at Argos but nodded nonetheless.
When Argos left the bridge, Aphroditis came near Chase and took him in her arms.
“What’s that for?”
“This might be the last time I see you.”
“No, no way. Nothing will stop me from seeing and holding Sarah in my arms. This alone will keep me alive.”
“You don’t know what awaits you down there. I . . . I wish there was another way, with all my heart.”
“Whatever it is I’ll prevail.”
“I wish I could say I hope so, but I’m no longer sure the trajectory we’re on is the right one . . .”
“I understand. Thank you for helping me do this, Aphroditis. I’ll never forget it.”
A tear ran down her face. She wiped it away and nodded.
“I should go.”
“Wait!”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Take this.” She took a hidden amulet from under her beautiful, white, silky clothing and hung it around Chase’s neck. “You will need this.”
“What is it?” Chase looked at the pendant. It was a beautiful pearly white, light as a feather, and in its center shone a glowing green stone.
“It’s for luck. Don’t lose it. It will also help me see everything you see and feel what you feel.”
“Is that wise? Don’t you already hold these powers?”
“No. I see possible futures. That is my power. But I don’t see everything. We can also communicate with this. All you need to do is talk to me in your mind, and I will answer you.”
“Handy. Is this what you used to first contact me?”
“No, that’s an entirely different technology. Be wary of some side effects, though.”
“What do you mean?”
“The amulet tends to have a mind of its own. While it is very powerful, it can sometimes show you things when you least expect it.”
“Is this what allows you to see the future?”
“It’s only part of it, Chase. It allows me to channel my visions with more control. When I wear it I am more focused than without
, but my visions happen nonetheless.”
“Isn’t it dangerous for me to take this into battle?” Chase grabbed it and was about to remove it from his neck.
She put her hands on his and lowered them gently.
“Keep it. I have a feeling it’s very important for you to have it for your trial down there.” She hid the pendant under his dark and dusty clothes.
“Alright, thank you. I promise to get it back to you,” said Chase with a smile.
“Go now, and please be careful.”
“I will. See you soon.”
Chase left the bridge without another word and Aphroditis sat in his chair, pensive.
Father, forgive me.
“He’s not going to be happy about this, that’s for sure.” That was Ares’ voice.
“Ares, you’re here?”
“I’m pretty much everywhere I want to be at once, now. I seem to be able to travel great distances almost instantly.”
“I’m so sorry you had to give your life.”
“There was no other way. As for Zeus, he will never forgive us for our actions. You know that, right?”
“I know, but we have to trust that Chase will prevail.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I like Chase. He means well. What awaits him down there?”
“The worst, most vile and powerful creature of all time.”
“A Titan then?”
Aphroditis didn’t need to answer and simply closed her eyes in response.
19
On board the Cronos, Saroudis entered the admiral’s ready room. She keyed a few commands into her console and every system in the room shut down.
“What’s that all about?”
“What we need to discuss is for us and us alone.”
“I’m not sure I like where this is going.”
“I don’t either. We simply have to take every precaution. The entity could be listening in. We can’t afford that.”
“What’s the status on that?”
“Spiros is making progress on multiple fronts, but for now we have to play along with Gaia’s wishes.”
“I see. I still think we should shut it down. God knows when it will decide to act. It could happen at any moment when we can’t afford it.”
“I know that very well, Adonis, believe me.”
“Where are we on the reconstruction of Earth’s cities?”
Universe in Flames – Ultimate 10 Book Box Set: An Epic Space Opera Adventure Page 110
