“It's no trick Ogun, we are really here,” Ember whispered soothingly.
“You will find I am not so easily fooled. I can’t fathom how you created this illusion, but I will tell you no more!” he bellowed as he tried to pull his hands free of the restraints. “If this were real and not some mirage, why tie me up like a wild animal?” he snapped.
“To be honest, Ogun, it was a precaution. We didn’t know how you would be, if you’d take a dicky radge. I mean, you’ve been through so much and were a bit of a mess. It was hard to know if you’d still be yourself. You did just go fucking loco a minute ago, and you’d be trying to beat me like a drum if you were free to. Promise not to go apeshit and we can remove the restraints.”
He gave me a long look, then I felt him enter my head. I entered my Mindscape too. “Hey, dude, you have to know it's me now, right?”
He turned, tears in his eyes. “How? In all my long years I’ve nothing to explain this; how I could have woken up here surrounded by friends that should be dead. This does not make any sense after passing out in a room full of tormentors. I don't even know how to process this.”
“Try to stay relaxed, dude. It’ll all make sense when we go over it. You’ve been through a hell of a lot, Ogun, but you’re out of harm’s way now. You wanna come back out?”
“I am broken, Shaun,” he said before phasing out from my mind. I followed, not knowing how to feel either.
Ogun was speaking as I entered normal-state. “First and foremost, I would like to apologize for leaving you both. Though it may be of little comfort to you now, I felt real guilt afterwards. I came to find you, or at least what happened to you both. In the end I never made it to Xonico.”
“You don't owe us an apology, dude. It was a lose-lose situation. You did the right thing by leaving,” I admitted honestly. Then ruined it by adding, “That said, I was fucking livid for a fair while afterwards.”
He let out a tired laugh. “I’ve missed your straightforwardness, Shaun.”
“The truth is, a lot has happened since we parted, and now I can only sympathize with the impossible choices you’ve had to make. You didn’t have to free us from the lives we had, but you did,” I reassured him.
Ogun smiled, looking to Ember. “Okay, what have you done with Shaun?”
“He's definitely grown up since we last met. But don't worry, his core values are still there, like being an unpredictable gobshite and a lucky bastard.”
“That’s a relief. Don’t hold anything back, please, tell me how you survived Xonico?”
“Oh, that's an easy one.” She nodded at me. “Shaun annihilated most of their fighting men to the point where the cost was too high to keep standing against him. They released me to get him to stop. I suppose once you had left, and the Fystr had followed you, they had no reason to fight us anymore. I think in the end they had sympathy with our situation and kindly gave us a decrepit ship, before sending us on our merry way. Their leader entered coordinates into the ship's navigation system for a mercenary planet called Ipsis, where we might find a pilot.”
Ogun didn't really respond; he just smiled sadly and shook his head in disbelief. Ember continued her tale. “From there we’ve grown into something you couldn’t have dreamed, Ogun. On Ipsis we had a chance meeting with a Torax mechanic and pilot, kind of. Anyway, he was a lot better than us with the ship and became the first of what is now our crew. Through a turn of events, we took on a job transporting a Veilitian prisoner as a way to make some money. Turns out they’d been imprisoned purely to be sold as a slave.”
“Just another victim of corrupt assholes, throwing their weight around and getting away with it,” I interrupted.
“Long story short, we gained a second crew member with exceptional skills and experience.”
“And a metric fuck ton of money,” I added. “Still, that's not why we took them on. Their abilities are beyond awesome.”
Ogun raised an eyebrow at me.
“What Shaun is trying to say is that we ended up with two extremely useful crewmates with incredibly unique skillsets, and yes, an unimaginable amount of money. We also found another thing we all had in common: both their races experience problems at the hands of the Galactic Empire. With the newfound wealth, we had the opportunity to upgrade to a new ship and set about recruiting a crew to fill it. Starting with the Torax homeworld, where we were able to find 30 willing members.”
“Sorry, have I misheard? Did you say Torax?” Ogun asked.
“That’s right,” Ember replied with a grin.
“I’ve heard of them even in our part of the galaxy, a notorious bunch known for causing quite the ruckus over here,” he chuckled. “Don’t they explode?” he asked with a wide smile on his face. It warmed my heart to see after the horror of his initial waking.
“They make awesome crewmates, and their abilities are quite special,” I answered. “We went on to recruit a number of Veiletians too.”
“They’re a race I am not familiar with, I'm afraid.”
“There are very few of them scattered across the galaxy, and those still free are very secretive. It certainly helps that they can go invisible, but that’s also why they’re highly coveted as slaves,” Ember offered.
“It is hard not be amazed and impressed. To go from the troubled position I left you both in, to building your own very specialist crew. I suspected there was something special about you both, even without your Potential score, Shaun.”
I noticed Jezai and Ialos cast quizzical looks at each other, but ignored them for now.
“There’s more. We added bounty hunters to our ever growing list of enemies. They were looking for Elyek, the Veilitian and you’d be surprised who picks up bounty hunting work these days. It turned out we just so happened to know these particular bounty hunters, the Thoth and Seshat no less. They are now part of our army, or company, call it what you like, known as the Uprising.”
Tears welled in his eyes. “You have the other humans? I can't tell you how happy it makes me to hear that.”
“It was a happy day for us too, I can tell you. We’re so much stronger with them on board, and we had the opportunity to tender for well-paying mercenary work. Raise our profile and fund our future. And importantly for you, allowed us to emerge victorious from another battle with the Fystr!” She laughed when she said it and Ogun’s eyes sparkled at this point of the conversation.
“You beat them? Unbelievable. They were a tremendously powerful squad.”
“Yup, as usual they underestimated what we can do. They believed they were so much better and died because of it. And of course the awesomeness of the Uprising. We took their ships with your body on board. Then we...”
“Hold on a moment!” Ogun said loudly. “You can't skip over a major battle against 40 Fystr like that. How did you achieve it?”
“It was a sight to behold. Everyone worked in unison. If it wasn't for the Torax and Veiletians, it would have been a hugely different story, but everyone played their part. As for Heiliun, Shaun obliterated him outright,” Ember recounted.
“That’s not technically true, is it? Whilst I would’ve killed him, it was Havok who did the deed, but that’s a story for another day. Suffice to say, Ogun, it was a great bloody battle,” I added.
“While it warms my heart to hear, I should warn you that it is only a matter of time before they catch up with us. When they do, we are all in serious trouble. The fleet is now being led by Samire, of all people. Second only to the Emperor, and if he is involved, it means they will stop at nothing to contain us,” Ogun said, his posture dropping noticeably as his mind went to whatever he knew was coming our way.
“We always knew that we’d face a ton of them at some point. We’ll deal with it as best as we can when it happens.” I shrugged as I spoke.
“I’m inspired by your nonchalance, Shaun. Thank you for that. I must say, finding you with a little army full of life and confidence has given me hope that I've not had since we were on Earth. The bur
ning question in my mind now is where exactly are we? I don't recognize these medics, and correct me if I’m wrong, but they appear to be human, possibly even Fystr. Have you offered amnesty to some Fystr? I confess to feeling disoriented with my mind reeling, trying to take it all in.”
“I'll finish my story then, shall I?” Ember said.
Ialos smirked at the exchange.
“So, back to the part where we rescued you. From there we joined the Empire's fleet to assist in the battle with the Dark Sector...”
“What is the Dark Sector? I am not familiar with that either,” Ogun interrupted, then had the good sense to look apologetic.
“This is where it gets ever more interesting. When Shaun managed to convince the entire Galactic Empire fleet to turn on us and attack, we had to move fast. Our beloved leader here,” she said, pointing at me over her shoulder with a smirk, “decided to fly us directly into the enemy lines. Honestly, if it had been anyone else who’d given that order, I would’ve knocked them out. But you know how he is. You learn to just ride the Shaun shit wave. So I sat back and enjoyed the ride. Turns out, not all Fystr agreed with suppressing their own people, and the ones who didn’t scarpered far from the Fystr occupation to the furthest part of the galaxy. Here.” She grinned as she delivered the news she knew would shock him.
Ogun’s jaw dropped. “That's not possible.” His head swung to Ialos. “Is this true?”
“What your friend says is true, although I was not around at the time we relocated. I am only four thousand years old.”
I let out an involuntary snort at the casual, I am only four-thousand-year-old statement, then checked out my feet when everyone looked in my direction.
“You would be better served asking Jezai.” She gestured at him. “He was there for the great departing.” All heads swiveled to Jezai, who looked no bloody older than anyone else in the room.
“Yes, Ogun. I was indeed there when we left the Empire, and I can promise you that not all Fystr at the time were power-crazed.”
Ogun had a look of good-natured surprise on his face. “Never could I imagine at my age that I could be surprised in so many times in the space of ten minutes,” he chuckled. “A peaceful Fystr community, hidden away. How many are here? Can you defend yourselves?”
“Approximately 200,000 of us are left. We abandoned the name Fystr when we settled in this area and are known only as the Apochros now.”
“Ah,” Ogun said, eyes wide with wonder, “the departed. So very poignant.”
“Indeed,” Jezai said, a hint of sadness in his expression. “As for our defense, we are highly confident in the systems we have in place, but please, enough of your questions for now. You are safe with us, as are your friends. We can speak in greater depth later. For now, you should concentrate on resting. The quality of your regeneration depends upon it.”
“Regeneration? Is that what this is?” Ogun exclaimed, raising his jelly capped stumps.
Ialos stepped in. “We have carried out several procedures including the regrowth of your lost limbs. It is good for you to have spoken with your friends but you should rest now, for optimum recovery,” she said seriously.
Ogun nodded. “I can live with that, and thank you for everything you are doing for me,” he said gratefully to Ialos. Turning to us, he smiled warmly. “It brings me great solace to see you both alive and well. I am forever in your debt.”
“We’ll have a party once you’re well,” I said before leaving Ogun in peace to absorb the enormity of what we had thrown at him.
Chapter 3
For God’s Sake
Outside the medical facility, we stopped to speak with Jezai.
“So you seem like you’re pretty much the most important person around here, how come you’re here checking on Ogun and us?”
“I assure you I am not the most important person,” he laughed, “just one of 30 Council Elders spread across Accre. We strive to make sure that each member has equal sway in governing the Apochros. We also try not to attach social importance based on an individual’s function in society. As for why I am here, it is because I have an overwhelming sense of duty toward you.”
Ember screwed her face up at his explanation. “Sounds a bit like bullshit to me, but whatever you say.”
Jezai’s response was to laugh. “I can understand your uncertainty, regarding both our governing structure and my interest in you. But try to understand that your arrival is the most extraordinary thing to have happened here in millennia. What you represent to us, and the significant events you have set in motion, bring both intrigue and terror to us all.”
“Yup, that about sums it up. We’re always right in the middle of terrifying events,” Ember said with a sour expression. “So did anything Ogun said in there help with your decisions?”
“Nothing has really changed from the encounter. Though if I were to tell the council Samire is leading the Fleet heading in this direction, they would probably jump at the decision to send you back out in your ships and destroy you all beyond our border.”
“Fuck that!” I said, a hint of anger touching my voice. “I’ll warn you now, whether we would die or not, we’d not go peacefully.”
He smiled. “No, I wouldn’t expect you to. If it helps ease your mind, my proposal to the council is to extract a vow of secrecy from you all, leaving you free to go on your way. It means we would be taking a risk, but for me, any other option available would go against the foundation of the society we have built.”
“Well that sounds more like it!” I said with a touch of relief. “We were rather hoping not to find another enemy to add to our already fucking ridiculous list.”
“For me it is certainly the best option available for us all.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s the best option. You could call your entire sector to arms, build an enormous fleet, and go stop the Galactic Empire being dicks. Pick up the rest of the Veiletians and Torax and anyone else who wants to join with us, then go and retake the full Fystr Empire! Did no one mention that option? No?” I said with a shrug.
Jezai laughed. “What a brilliant and beautifully simple plan! However, our strength lies in the defense of what we have. While we could potentially be successful in a campaign against the Galactic Empire, we would not last long in open combat against the full might of the Fystr fleet. And while the other Alliance members have benefited greatly from our technology and play a large part in the safety of the region, a fight against the Fystr is not in their interests, nor with the Galactic Empire for that matter. We are safe and most people are content.”
“Damn, I wasn’t expecting you to agree, but that actually all made sense. I wouldn’t want to push innocent people into a war that’s not theirs,” I said, deflated. Jezai was about to respond, but I had to add one last thing that was playing on my mind. “But, as far as I can tell, aren’t you already at war with the Galactic Empire? They are continually trying to invade your territory. And the only reason you’re not at war with the Fystr is because you’re hiding from them.”
“I completely agree with you, Shaun. We have had a long period of peace, but that won’t last forever. You may have even hastened its end with your arrival and part of me is even glad. I still believe we have a duty to those we left behind.” He sighed. “But these are not my decisions to make alone. All I can do is voice my opinion.”
“So, apart from Shaun’s fantasy world solutions,” Ember said loudly, moving the conversation on. “What help could you offer, if you were to send us on our way?” Jezai laughed at Embers pragmatic interruption.
“You have an unusual natural harmony between you both. I can see how you have come so far, it clearly gives you great strength.”
“Well, I don't know about harmony, more Ember takes the piss out of me, but makes sure I’m not doing anything really stupid, and I’m grateful,” I chuckled, while Ember shrugged her agreement.
“I sense there is more to it. But, as for your question, Ember, I hope to provide you with t
raining. Much of what we focus on now are holistic, peaceful techniques that will hopefully enhance both your life and chances of survival. It will depend on how far you have developed. I really have no idea what a hindered one is capable of achieving.”
“What do you mean?” Ember asked.
“We do not know if the Fystr’s suppression of your planets would have led to a physical devolution of your minds. You may not be capable of our more advanced skills. May I request permission to delve inside your minds to assess you?”
“Uhm… sure?” I began to say, before Ember spoke abruptly over the top of me.
“I don’t think we're quite there in our relationship yet, Jezai. Perhaps one day though, depending on how all this plays out.”
“Very wise and I can understand your reticence. It was perhaps a little forward of me given the current circumstances,” he said with a small smile.
“On the other hand, we’re happy to answer all your questions and tell you everything we know,” Ember replied.
“A good compromise. Let us go and take refreshments in the tearooms down the way. You can tell me more about all of your current abilities,” Jezai suggested, beckoning us to follow him.
We walked down the tree-lined, soil-packed street past a number of buildings until Jezai came to a stop in front of a quaint open-fronted building filled with wooden tables and chairs. There were other Apochros chatting amiably. We made our way to a table that sat us all comfortably.
“What would you like to drink? I highly recommend the Falutilongg. You will find it to be both refreshing and energizing, it is my favorite.” He beamed.
“Cool, one Fartooti long for me, please,” I said. Ember smirked in my direction, then also agreed to the drink.
Maybe five minutes later, someone arrived at our table with a floating tray holding three steaming, red-hued drinks in transparent mugs. I raised a questioning eyebrow at Jezai. “Just to clarify, did you order with your mind?”
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