A Rising Tide

by Ross Buzzell

  Konner asks, breaking the silence. This catches everyone off guard and they rapidly flood his bed. Disa’ani smiles and raises his arm a bit.

  “We did. The one that bit me had previously bitten something else, so fortunately its venom was weakened. Meaning, I get to keep my arm.”

  Konner smiles weakly as every inch of his body throbs with agonizing pain.

  “What was that thing?”

  Konner’s mother gently takes his hand.

  “We don’t know. Intelligence scoured through the data you brought back from the ship and no one has a name for it. They’ve been analyzing the power source you brought back as well; they say it can help us advance our technology by hundreds of years.”

  Man’Sanfur interjects.

  “The doctors say that they were able to completely repair your spine, something about ‘reverse engineering the regenerative properties of that thing from the DNA on Disa’anis spears’ it reacting to your genes in a unique manner, your cells seemed to absorb and take on the creatures healing properties.”

  Jil gently takes Konner’s other hand.

  “You may have some of that monsters DNA in you but it’s healing your body much faster than even our doctors could.”

  Konner attempts to sit up as he feels around for the egg. Bara’Helor approaches Konner’s bedside with a small winged lizard no larger than a cat and gently places it on Konner’s lap.

  “He hatched not long after you lost consciousness. He wouldn’t leave your side. He is growing fast too, almost doubled in size since we have gotten back.”

  Konner smiles widely as he gently pets the grey dragon, not having come into its colors yet.

  “The soul of the dragons; I will call you Drakesjäl.”

  The small dragon yawns, letting out a small squeak before curling up in Konner’s lap and falling asleep. Konner looks up at his father who gently places a hand on his shoulder.

  “You completed your mission and retrieved more useful data than all the other initiates combined. Congratulations son, you are bestowed the title of Cryptea. I am proud of you.”

  Konner smiles and reaches up, taking his father’s hand.

  “Thank you.”

  Ti’Zellor quickly enters the hospital room. The High King takes a step back as Ti’Zellor whispers to him. There is a brief moment of silence as both men look over at Konner for a moment, then back at each other. Konner turns his attention back to his squad as he feels a sharp pain in his side. He could feel the crackling of his bones as they pulled themselves back into place. After the initial pain spike the ache in his side, is completely gone and he is able to sit up, no problem.

  “So how did my armor hold up?”

  Man’Sanfur can’t help but laugh at the question. So many things to be curious about the mission and the first real question is about the armor.

  “It saved your life. It got beat up pretty bad but it has finished its repairs. So it should be good as new. You will, however, need a new cape.”

  Man’Sanfur holds up Konner’s cape. There are three massive slashes through it and a blood stain around the holes. Konner lets off a light chuckle as his body becomes less sore by the second.

  “I want that hung in the Sol’lor institute; it’ll be a good reminder that there is always someone better.”

  Konner glances over to see Ti’Zellor handing another azure cape to his father, undoubtedly meant for him. He walks back over to his son, placing the cape beside him on the bed.

  “I am sorry to have to ask this of you son, especially after everything that you just went through, but all Cryptea and OWS are being called into active duty on a top priority rescue mission.”

  Konner sits up completely as the news falls on his ears.

  “Yes sir. When do we leave?”

  “The other Cryptea and OWS teams have already departed; you are to report to the briefing room the moment you can stand to take point on the mission.”

  Konner nods in agreement with his father’s commands. He rotates and sits on the edge of the bed, picking his new pet up and setting him to the side of the bed. Konner could swear he was a bit heavier than just moments before. Everyone takes a step back to give him room; anticipating a body full of pain, Konner braces himself as he pushes off the bed. To his surprise not even an achy joint caused him discomfort. Turning to his father he salutes his High King.

  “Cryptea Commander Konner Lorian reporting for duty. Who is our target?”

  The High King pauses for a moment. He looks around the room. Ti’Zellor leaves and closes the door behind him.

  “The target is Na’era. The one you are betrothed to. I know nothing more than that; Ti’Zellor will brief you while your team gets ready.”

  Konner nods. Grabbing the cape he leans over and kisses his mother’s cheek.

  “Take care of Drakesjäl for me?”

  With a smile she nods. Konner gives his new, rapidly growing, pet a light pat.

  “I’ll be back soon buddy.”

  Now the size of a small dog, the baby dragon yawns some.

  “Gear up and report to hanger bay twenty-one; I will rendezvous with you the second I get up to speed.”

  Konner and his team leave the Healing Center room and break off. The OWS head toward the armory and landing platform as Konner makes his way to the briefing room. As Konner walks with profound purpose and renewed vigor, he throws his cape out around his shoulders. His armor begins to form around him allowing for the cape to drape commandingly over his shoulders and down his back.

  Chapter 10

  Darkness drapes the Prince’s face. Two narrow slits allow his azure eyes to peer from behind a stifling helmet. A soft red light illuminates the room around him. In front of the young soldier stands his best friend and the soldier he had trained with for his Off World Squad over the past four years. His eyes were hard to see through the narrow slits of both young men’s helmets but a queasy glaze has unmistakably taken over Disa’ani’s eyes. A hard jolt rocks Konner, Disa’ani and the remainder of Konner’s hand selected and personally trained Off World Squad. Jil’Thorin stands behind Disa’ani. A holographic map projected before her as she studies the mission at hand. Beside her is her closest and most trust worthy friend, Bara’Helor. They are so loyal to one another; neither would accept a posting without the other.

  “Are you nervous?”

  A deep voice echoes through a helmet on Konner’s right side; unable to see, the soldier turns and looks up at Man’Sanfur. Four years of training had turned the imposing teen into a formidable behemoth. Each of Konner’s teammates are plated head to toe in black armor accented with their family colors, their family crests aglow on their chests. Each appears just as formidable as the other, Man’Sanfur is a different story. Konner himself found he was more nervous in the presence of the living tank rather than his first command mission off planet. The prince shakes his head as his eyes make contact with the giant beside him.

  “I was trained well. I trained you well. For that I am not nervous.”

  “Good, one of us shouldn’t be.”

  Man’Sanfur jests. The entire room rocks once again violently. From in front of Konner the unmistakable sound of a stomach spasm echoes throughout the cabin followed by an unmistakable splash. Konner looks forward to see Disa’ani keeled over. Vomit spews from behind his helmet before splashing onto the floor and amongst the team’s feet. Disa’ani looks up at Man’Sanfur.

  “It’s not the mission; it’s the rocking that’s got me sick.”

  The putrid smell begins to fill the cabin. Jil and Bara both groan in disgust and cover their faces. Bara’Helor looks from Disa’ani’s mess to Konner. Inquisition covers her face.

  “Now that we are planet bound, can you tell us our mission?”

  Konner nods and takes a step forward, past Disa’ani, so he can stand in the middle of his four squad mates. Konner puts his hand out. The holographic map shifts from Jil’Thorin to Konner; the soldier opens his palm, the map grows larger. In t
he center of the map is a green dot, surrounding that dot are smaller yellow dots.

  “This is a rescue mission plain and simple. Na’era, the only daughter of the Fas’era, leader of the fifth Kingdom, has been taken for ransom by unknown assailants. Our scanners have not been able to pinpoint what species we are up against which is why they sent us, the Cryptea and the ‘Off Worlders’. We are not taking any chances. Two more Cryptea squadrons have been deployed northwest and southwest of village; we are to come in from the east. There are estimated to be eight hostiles but they have taken over a small town, so expect civilians in area which means check your fire. Jil, Bara, you will be on the right flank, Man’Sanfur, you will be on the left, make sure no one gets around us.”

  Konner looks over at Disa’ani who, by now, has risen to his feet and wiped his face on his sleeve.

  “What about me?”

  The sound of concern in Disa’ani’s voice is unmistakable. It was one Konner had heard hundreds of times when his friend was worried he would miss out on something fun.

  “You are with me. I need you front and center to relay communications between us and the other divisions.”

  Disa’ani nods in approval. Konner was cautious, while on the battle field. Jil and Bara are precision instruments that could carve their way through any force and Man’Sanfur is a tank that mows down anything in his path. Disa’ani has a better gift for support than actual action. In fear that his friend would fall if left to his own devices on the battle field, Konner thought it best to keep his friend close to ‘watch his back.’ The fact that he could hold a communications circuit longer and for a wider range than anyone else on the team greatly helped with Konner’s decision as well.

  “We were ordered to retrieve her through any means necessary but the hostiles have taken up refuge among the locals which means civilians. So, again, watch your fire. No collateral damage will be committed by Paladin Squadron today. Hoo-Ah?”

  The four nod and in a booming united voice grunt in response to Konner.

  “Hoo-Ah!”

  The transport lurches again. Disa’ani groans once more. A voice echoes in over the P.A. system.

  “Lock and load. One minute till drop zone!”

  With that a hiss fills the darkly lit cabin. A shelf slides from the wall holding long rifles with black glossy panels that run the length of the weapon. The panels are designed to absorb energy from the wielder and weaponized it into a projectile. Konner takes a step back as each one of his team members grabs the meter long rifles. As each falls back into position one weapon remains on the rack, Konner notices Disa’ani’s look of curiosity.

  “Why aren’t you arming up Konner?”

  The soldier looks over at the rifle meant for him. Slowly he reaches down and allows his fingers to grasp his hilted weapon and pull it from his side.

  “This is the only weapon I need.”

  His words were no lie. The Energynium hilt vastly out classed the rifles of his squad. He truth is, the feel of a weapon of such caliber in his hands never sat right with Konner. Something felt wrong, dirty about using such a weapon.

  “OWS activate structural coloration.”

  Konner barks as he feels the drop-ship begin a vertical descent. Each one of his squad members reaches to the back of their helmets and one by one presses a small glowing glyph. Instantly a wave pulsates from their helmets over their bodies. Their armor immediately shifts to compensate for the light. As the ‘structural coloration’ activates each soldier’s armor shifts from their matted grey to the dark red of the light being projected inside the drop-ship.

  The sounds of the engines increasing in power whines throughout the ship, as Konner can feel the drop-ship decelerate. The ship shudders as its base comes in contact with the ground; a hiss fills the compartment holding Konner. The side wall slides away revealing a black forest; a dark sky strewn with stars outstretches above them with a bright white full moon, suspended in the silent night sky. Konner leads his team out of the ship and into the darkness. The soft dirt beneath his feet tells him they are indeed in the forest. Konner turns as the cold crisp night air fills his lungs. It is a cold night; one Konner has not felt the likes of since his first week in Cryptea training. As his squad leaps from the ship, Konner notes their armor changes from the darkened red to a moon-lit black, same as the rest of the forest. As Man’Sanfur, the last of the team, leaps out of the drop-ship the door closes. Konner watches its silhouette as the rounded triangle of a vessel turns and shoots off into the night sky. A voice echoes over the coms in his helmet.

  “Meet you at the rendezvous in one hour.”

  “Roger that, commencing radio silence.”

  Konner taps the side of his helmet; he hears the distinct static of the ear piece shutting off. The soldier turns to Disa’ani.

  “Disa, establish a closed circuit communications channel.”

  Konner hardly sees him, not in the darkness, as he takes a few steps forward.

  “Ok everyone huddle up.”

  Jil’Thorin, Man’Sanfur and Bara’Helor all move in around Disa before Konner steps into the circle as well. Disa’s bracer begins to glow with glyphs in their native tongue. Konner notes that he touches the glyph for ‘speak’ before Disa’s family crest begins to glow. Disa’ani gently presses his thumb into his family crest; a soft light exits his bracer, it dances over him, through his spears and enters each one of the OWS members through their chest. Konner feels a warm fuzzy sensation that pulses from his chest to his mind before it gradually subsides.

  “We good? Can everyone read me?”

  Konner hears Disa’ani’s voice in his ear as if he were standing right beside him. No more muffled speeches through the helmet, Konner nods.

  “Loud and clear. Jil, you take point with me. Disa’ani, Bara’Helor, you will take up the side positions. Make sure we don’t have any company. Man’Sanfur, you take up the rear, if we get flanked you can head them off a lot better than the others.”

  Konner sees each helmet nod followed by all four speaking in unison.

  “Yes sir.”

  “OWS move out.”

  Konner turns. He begins to walk into the darkness. Jil’Thorin takes her position next to Konner and opens up the map as they walk through the woods.

  “Sir, forgive my forwardness but should you be a ’glow like that?”

  Konner looks down, his family crest glowing brightly on his chest. Konner stops for a moment. He closes his eyes as he envisions the crest being pulled back into his chest. As he opens his eyes the azure blue glow is gone.

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t worry about it; I just don’t want a repeat of Maleon 4.”

  “Nobody does.”

  Konner responds with a chuckle as he recalls that horribly misguided day. A soft beep brings Konner back to the mission at hand. He stops and crouches while he throws up a fist and each team member behind him halts as well. Konner looks at the map on Jil’s forearm; the map shows they are standing on the edge of the village where Na’era is being held. The other two squads are holding their positions on the far sides of the town as well. Konner looks forward but sees only more dark forest. The readings make no sense to the Prince. He quickly rips his helmet from his head, “Stupid helmet, can’t hardly see with these narrow eye slits. I can’t afford to miss anything.” Konner thinks to himself as he puts the helmet on the ground.

  Konner peers into the darkness. He strains his eye, nothing. He then decides to take a different approach. Over the past four years Konner has been training himself for this. While the pain has never truly gone away it has decreased significantly. Konner leans forward; once more he peers into the darkness. He peers past it and everything changes. The visibly dark, cold night gives way to thousands of thermal life forms from the smallest of insects to the unseen creatures wandering in the darkness. The dark forest is much more alive than initially thought. Konner turns his attention to Na’era’s direction on the map. He sees an entire village with civil
ians lined up in a circle around heavily armored beings that glow brighter than the others. In the center Konner notes the heat from a fire dances not upward but to the side of the flame and toward the center of the circle. The waves of orange heat dance across a cold blue backdrop and into a slender white ‘negative’ zone whose hands are bound. Konner brings his vision back to its normal state. A mild throbbing beats behind his eyes for a few moments. Konner holds the bridge of his nose for a moment as he closes his eyes tightly. As the pain slowly dissipates, Konner looks up at Jil. He speaks softly, knowing the rest of the team can hear him through Bara’s connection.

  “Target is dead ahead. It appears a cloaking field is active. I did not see its point of origin but I believe we are on the edge of the field. Hostages are involved, so only take a shot if you can ensure their safety. OWS move out!”