The Gauntlet of Possession (The Teracian Chronicles Book 1)

by Christopher Lambert

  “Damn, I missed. This one won't.”

  Trevor’s hand erupted once more, and a larger spear with a winged tip appeared. The weight didn’t seem to hamper his ability to hold it as he tossed it up and down. Allen prepared for the attack, calling a shield to his aid. With a solid throw, Trevor vaulted the spear only to have Allen smack it away. With short breaths, his chest rose and fell. The shield disappeared as he put his hands on his knees. The two friends laughed, and Trevor patted Allen on his back.

  “Good show, mate. That was fun.”

  “This is incredible. You’re both doing great, but don’t let your confidence get the best of you. You all remember the power Dazshra commanded a year ago? Well, he’s probably stronger by now. I just received a transmission that William’s attacked the station. Dr. Geier isn’t responding to her commlink. Wait, hold on.”

  Sorehn flipped a switch on his ear, and a familiar voice replied.

  “Jace, this is Commander Gilbert. The target has been subdued, but we don’t know how long we can hold him. Find the girls and report to Theta immediately. I repeat. Brenda and Anya are in danger. Slaughman center. Do not approach the station. Dr. Geier is- “

  The transmission cut off suddenly, and they all waited for the worst.

  “Sorehn to Gilbert. Do you copy? Harvey!”

  “William…all of you retreat…No, he can’t…”

  “Harvey, do you read? What’s happening? Harvey? Shit.”

  “So, he’s surfaced again? This needs to end right here, right now before more death follows. Let me go up there and knock that asshole out of him,” said Trevor with a determined look. Allen saw him look to him for agreement. Anger and apprehension flooded his system; a battle would soon alter the very face of this planet. His best friend would be in the middle of it all.

  “No, as strong as you are, that you both are, you’re no match for Dazshra at his full strength. It’s gonna take all of you to stop him. Everyone get on the ship. We’re gonna visit an old friend of mine.”

  Strapping himself in, Allen slammed the door shut and took a deep breath. Habitually, he pushed his hair back and closed his eyes. Flexing the muscles in his entire body became a game to him as his newfound strength boosted his confidence. Problems that had held him back in the past were slowly dissolving as if they never existed at all. The light snow outside the window blew across his face, cooling him and relaxing his nerves. He could sense someone staring at him and opened his weary eyes to find Taiyah reaching out to feel his arm. He smiled and let her rest her head next to his. Looks of utter confusion and amusement painted across Sorehn’s face, and Trevor smirked.

  “Well, way to go, Allen. Got yourself someone even on this alien planet?” said Jace. He smiled with admiration as the ship continued to travel east.

  “We found each other at the right time, that’s all. You’re a handsome man, Sorehn. Do you have someone special at the station?”

  His expression drooped. “Unfortunately not. You could probably figure out what I’m talking about here, but advanced aging, even with the help of our technology and medicine, does have side effects. Our women, and most men, no longer feel the urge to engage sexually. Me, being one of the only ones born on this planet makes it challenging to find a suitable partner.”

  “How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” said Trevor with a curious look.

  “I was born on 3007, making me 80 years old. This may seem odd to you guys, but that is extremely young. The average lifespan is around 450. There are very few older than that. You’re gonna meet someone over 600 who’s been around almost since the very beginning. Not even Actavian was that old.”

  Changing the subject, Trevor said, “Where are we headed to?”

  “We’re going to rendezvous with one of the first good men to join our cause. We could use 100 more of him.”

  Slight turbulence shook Taiyah from her meditation, causing her to rise and straighten her back. “When did this rebellion start? Was it soon after the Actavian incident?”

  “Affirmative. Myself, Dr. Geier, and Septune Commander Gilbert, three individuals whom most of you have met, were not convinced this war was worth the bloodshed. The whole of Teracia should not be blamed for the results of a mistake. We’ve been under the radar ever since and were supplied with a large underground cavern near the Temple of the One to the south. Your people gave it to us as a means to stop this from getting out of hand. What good that’s done us so far.”

  The long silence was suddenly interrupted with a holo-screen appearing on the wall of the ship. An alert for an incoming transmission flashed on the screen. Sorehn, in a rush, enabled the call with audio only. The face of Supreme Commander Miller appeared, and he took a long drag from a lit cigar; the smoke blocked the camera for a second or two.

  “Jace, I want a status report immediately. Why does your monitor only have audio?”

  “Commander Miller. It’s a pleasure to speak with you. The ship was damaged due to an android malfunction on the base. The repairs are taking more time than we’d like, sir.”

  There was a faint voice in the background. “Increased sightings of Therak’tow mobilizing in the remains of the Lokwa village.”

  Soon after, Miller raised his hand and the voices hushed.

  “Cut the bullshit, Sorehn. We have reports of blazing ash on your base of operations. Was this an act of retaliation from Inquisitor Etzel or something else?”

  Allen saw the demoted major look his way and shake his head. “No, sir. Etzel wasn’t seen near the premises. The androids malfunctioned and destroyed the base. Everyone is safe, and we’re heading to refuel.”

  Putting out the cigar, his eyes twitched. “That’s funny, Jace. Their programming was perfected with trillions of data points and battle scenarios. We’ve also seen numerous unauthorized resource transfers under your name; you do a bad job at hiding them. I’d like you to report to the station immediately for questioning.”

  “Sir, I received reports that Dazshra has attacked the station. Is it confirmed to be safe for a secured arrival?”

  “The intruder is subdued. Report to the Mars Sphere for debriefing. That is all.”

  The screen disappeared, and the transport was silent, waiting for Sorehn to respond.

  With severity in his white eyes. “Let’s go get your friends. A firestorm is about to touch down, and we’d better be ready.”

  Having traveled a long distance in little time, the small convoy ship landed near a towering lighthouse running on low fuel. The Brahm lighthouse, stationed on the high peak of the Purtarian Mountains, contained the Spectrum Wave Emitter and transport to the station. As Allen exited the ship, he saw a short, friendly looking gentleman approach them with hand held out to greet them. Trevor’s eyes widened as the familiar Russian pilot patted him on the back. With a grin on his face and a bottle in his hand, Bernard rushed in to greet them.

  “How long has it been? You all look like quite a team. Even have Teracians with you. Jace, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, commander. How are you?”

  Allen could smell the alcohol on the man’s breath and couldn’t shake the discomfort he was feeling. They walked into the sprawling lighthouse and sat down near a table. The interior made him feel like he had jumped back 1000 years. Wooden walls, glass windows with curtains, a strange looking monitor and Russian posters and fur coats lining the walls. A fireplace kept the room toasty and next to it was a stainless-steel fridge with a transparent door; foodstuffs, meat and lots of amber bottles. Nothing in the house looked particular new. Holographic technology was nowhere to be found.

  “Now don’t be getting the wrong idea. I only drink socially and with friends.”

  They both paused, and next thing he knew, Strotsky let out a loud laugh that made Taiyah jump out of her skin.

  “Any of you want some beer? I made it myself using spices and techniques straight from Russia; Culture isn’t really important to the Septunians anymore. Got it stockpiled in the basem
ent. Jace, you have yet to introduce me to your pals,” the drunk man said fiddling with the wires and plates on his face.

  “Sorry for my rudeness. This is Allen Schraider, one of the college students we brought here, Taiyah and Kaczmari, two allied Teracians, and I’ve heard you’ve met Trevor before. We all need safe passage to the Slaughman Medical Center to rescue the others, Anya and Brenda.”

  “Nice to meet you all. Excuse drinking. Little else to do up here. Those girls, and you two, are you here to stop Dazshra?” he said looking at Allen and Trevor, who stood by the door.

  Trevor shook his head and glanced at Allen, “That’s the plan. Saving our friend, William, is the first of many objectives.”

  “Admirable goal. Come, let’s make no wasted time and get to the ship. Follow me.”

  The short, stocky body of the lighthouse protector rose from the chair and wobbled over to a blank wall. As he approached it, a passage appeared, pushing the wall through a slot in the floor. The rest followed, leaving Allen staring at the ground; his chest rose and fell rapidly.

  “I can sense you’re worried about your friends. Kaczmari will know how to help if they’re hurt. Look at me,” she thought, placing her hands on both of his cheeks, “you can do this.”

  Several feet underground, Allen and his team packed up the last supplies crate in the hanger. Five advanced ships shaped like fighter jets with efficient propulsion systems and stealth weapons lay scattered. Helper robots fueled the ship and safety checked the one in the center. Trevor leaned his back against the metal walls and tested the gauntlet. Swords, spears, knives, and axes materialized and vanished in an orange glow.

  “That crystal might run out if you keep playing with it,” he said with a chuckle as his friend continued to experiment.

  “Think there’s any limit to the type of weapon? Think we might produce that Quantum Infinity you supposedly saw?”

  Allen became lost deep in thought, remembering the pull it had on him. Whatever was in that realm of existence was more power than anyone could handle. The dark purple blemish on the gauntlet showed no signs of fading. Curious, he closed his eyes and pictured the faceless mass of energy, surrounded by the unknown. Going deeper and deeper into the meditation, a flash of purple flooded his mind; a chaotic force crying out for release. Reaching out to embrace it, it grabbed back, and a set of bright eyes came out of the abyss. Allen was suddenly pulled back as Taiyah touched his shoulder.

  “Mr. Strotsky is ready to take off. Kaczmari didn’t speak of this, but the crystals bestowed upon you can run out of power. Be mindful of how you use it.”

  “Okay, we’ll be right there,” Allen said in a monotone voice.

  Taiyah left them and joined the others by the ship. Trevor stood still and made sure no one could hear them, “Holy shit man, I felt something just now. What did you find?”

  Exhaling deeply, “I don’t know, but it wasn’t the same feeling I got last quarter when we put these pieces of armor on. Let’s get on the ship before we tear apart reality.”

  “This fine beauty is one of a kind. The first ship ever built by famous Dravan Morales, The Crimsath Mark 1. Gilbert wanted to decommission this, but I told him no. I will take it and keep her flying. Come, we have little time,” said Strotsky as he entered the cockpit.

  Walking together, Allen and Trevor boarded the ship, watching as the door closed automatically. The forcefield barrier in front of them disappeared just as the ship made its way outside. The pitch-black sky gave off a sinister atmosphere, battering the ship with a cold wind. He could start to see ice form on the wings and frame. An unfamiliar music suddenly turned on and filled his ears. He listened to it and felt at ease. Pilot Stotsky came out and let them know to make themselves at home. The cheerful Russian offered them food and beverage; grilled steak with various vegetables and 4 vitamin capsules, which they inhaled quickly. Kaczmari and Taiyah were both still and silent, tired from the journey. They rarely ate, as Teracians derived their energy from meditation.

  The gauntlet on the village chieftain’s arm was white as snow and held a pink crystal inside. As if she knew he was thinking of her, the scar on her eye fidgeted as she opened them for a second. Allen patted his stomach and leaned back, letting his eyes rest as the Crimsath blasted through the sky. The music, as Stotsky explained, emitted waves that could calm and relax anyone. Soft notes and melodies, with a bit of humming.

  “We are coming up to research center. Grim place. I don’t think most of what goes on there is public. Jace, don’t forget your rifle. Don’t need to worry about you guys while you’re gone, Therak’tow and all.”

  Peering around the ship, Jace said, “Is anyone staying here?”

  “I have no use for this place. I will watch the ship with the pilot,” thought Kaczmari as she continued to meditate. “Be careful everyone.”

  “Alright, that means Allen, Trevor, Taiyah, and myself. Keep your wits and let’s not be here too long.”

  Allen adjusted the metallic armor covering his body and brushed his hair back. He held out his hand for Taiyah as she was the last to exit the ship. Feeling the heat from the gauntlet brush his arm, he felt safer knowing he could now defend himself. Hopefully, things didn’t come to that, he thought, as they approached the hospital. Sorehn turned on the flashlight on his visor and looked around for signs of life. The campus was not well-lit, and where there was light, nothing interesting stood out. Polished walkways, dead trees, and benches. Two of the tallest wind towers Allen had ever seen spun hundreds of miles an hour on each side of the main building, producing clean energy and noiseless power.

  A faint whisper into the night caught Allen’s attention as he squinted past the harsh wind. A deer-like creature teleported off into the distance and reappeared next to the door. Sorehn aimed his rifle and increased the intensity of the light. Before anyone could act, Kaczmari quickly ran from the ship and called out.

  “Lower your weapons, Sorehn, that is a Poy. A guardian. He is Allen’s watcher.”

  He lowered his rifle and watched as Allen approached the creature. They established a link and all time seemed to stand still.

  “Allen Schraider. I am afraid I don’t have much time. The One Mind sees all and has given me visions of great tragedy and peril. Seek the ones whom you lost and prepare for the coming night.”

  “What are you? Can you tell me your name?”

  The creature remained quiet until it briefly spoke, “I have lived many lives, but have no memory of who I was. I only know that you are whom I should protect.”

  “Allen, look out. Move now!” Jace screamed as a Sentinel crashed down beside him. The squid-like machine sparked and beeped rapidly as if it were about to explode. Its movements were rash and unpredictable. Allen yelled for the Poy, but it was too late. With a crack, the machine toppled over and crushed the innocent deer just as it pushed him out of the way. A sudden pop in his ear left him dizzy and confused. Trevor dragged him away from the machine as Sorehn sprayed it with hot plasma rounds. Falling to pieces, the machine couldn’t stand and soon caught on fire, ending all attempts to retaliate. Allen came to his senses soon after and watched the machine stop moving.

  “No! Kaczmari, it might still be alive. It might…”

  Grabbing hold of him, “Allen, there is nothing we could have done. The Poy knew it had to get to you, but also knew it didn’t have long. They accept their fate and do not change it. I am sorry, but we have to keep moving.”

  In anger, Allen rose and sliced the machine in half, searching for his guardian, but could find no trace of a body.

  “He is with the One Mind now. Meditate on this moment later. You must not keep your friends waiting.”

  Allen felt Taiyah’s hand rub his shoulder and help him off the cold, dead grass. “She is right. You fulfilled its purpose and no pain was suffered.”

  With rifle in hand, Jace led them into the white, sterile lobby, closing the door and the destroyed Sentinel behind them. Silent and cold, the medical center gav
e off a haunting chill that went through the armor. Allen looked at everyone and could feel a sense of unease. Even Trevor, the man with courage and strength, seemed rather cautious, closing and opening his unarmored hand over and over. They heard a stir and froze.

  “Sorehn, over there in that room,” said Trevor.

  The young-looking commander investigated and motioned for them to regroup. Allen felt overwhelming nausea as he stepped on a pool of blood and human tissue. He tried to move away but ended up stepping in another sticky pool. Taiyah backed away from the door and stood still; her chest plate was a dark blue. Trevor cursed out as he rose his arm and produced a fireball.

  Holding the plasma rifle up and shining the light on a black mass, Sorehn examined the corpse.

  “He’s been dead for a while; several lacerations to the face and abdomen and three bullet holes in his face.” He went through the man’s pockets but came up empty-handed. “Let’s see if the computer knows who he this poor man was.”

  Allen let his guard down and went back through the door out into the hallway. Turning the corner, he was suddenly face to face with a Teracian with orange eyes. They both lunged back, and the Teracian raised a scalpel in defense.

  “Whoa, easy. I’m with your leader, Kaczmari. Identify yourself.”

  Allen saw Taiyah come running down the hall and hugging the unknown alien.

  “Azek’zander. I thought the worst. After we had been separated, I worried for your safety. Tell me, are you alone? Where are the others?”

  “I knew you would be safe with Kaczmari and Allen, so I did not risk trying to locate you. They are on the floor below. It is safe here for now.”

  “Can you take my friends and me to see them?” he said in a quiet voice.

  “Follow me.”

  Jace, watching them, nodded his head and returned to his work on the computer terminal.