by Sarah Noffke
“But leaving Earth…is that safe?” Sophia asked and instantly felt silly.
“Well, you’ve left before when you went to Oriceran and other dimensions,” Mae Ling replied. “There are no doubt risks, but like I said, if you leave Lunis with me, I can tap into his magic and use it to protect you. Not completely, but to a certain extent.”
Sophia nodded slowly, trying to wrap her mind around this new information. “Am I going to a different planet? Will I be okay there? Who am I looking for? What do I ask them? Will they speak my language? Will I be able to breathe? Should I wear a suit?”
Mae Ling actually laughed. “Don’t worry. It’s mostly safe, but no, it’s not a different planet. It’s a spaceship that’s soaring in a galaxy far, far away in a different point in time.”
“How am I to get there then?” Sophia’s heart was beating fast.
“I’ve created a special portal on Roya Lane,” Mae Ling explained. “You have some time to get there, so you’ll be okay. There will be a way back for you. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be an outsider and they will be leery of you.”
“They?” Sophia asked. “Do you mean aliens?”
Mae Ling nodded. “There will be aliens. There will also be humans. There will be those you can later call friends. It all depends on how you are perceived, and that depends on how you react, which is unclear since it’s too far for me to see clearly. It is no doubt a risk. I think it’s one that is worth the advantages. The final decision on whether you go is completely up to you. I can’t make that decision for you. Only you can.”
This was way more than Sophia had expected. She thought it would be much simpler, but she was intrigued. Although the fear was present, she also knew exactly what she had to do.
“I’ll go,” Sophia declared with confidence. “Tell me how to get to this space ship. Please take care of Lunis, although I get he does well, taking care of himself.”
Mae Ling nodded, a small smile on her peaceful face. “We all take care of each other, no matter how competent we are. Lunis will be in good hands.”
Sophia glanced at her dragon in the distance, being lavished with the attention he deserved. She looked forward to returning and hearing about his adventures. She wondered what stories she’d have to tell him.
“So, where am I going?” Sophia asked, pulling in a tight breath.
“Go to Roya Lane,” Mae Ling began. “Next to the Silk Armor, you’ll see an unmarked door. It will take you through a portal to a battlecruiser crossing through frontier space off Federation territory. The ship is known as the Ricky Bobby, and its crew is good, but they won’t take kindly to an outsider unless she proves herself to be true of heart and spirit.”
Chapter One Hundred Eight
It seemed like a no brainer to Sophia that she should stop by the Silk Armor before setting off on her next adventure, especially since the portal was right beside the seamstress’s shop. However, a part of her knew she was stalling. How could she not, she reasoned.
Sophia had gone to other dimensions and technically other planets but going into space onto a mysterious ship was a different story. Especially with Mae Ling’s ominous warning about how the crew would be defensive to an outsider on their ship. Sophia would challenge some stranger if she found them randomly in the Gullington. That was her territory, and they’d be an outsider and have the responsibility of explaining how and why they were trespassing.
She gulped, realizing she was about to be that lone trespasser. Sophia was going to this strange place by herself, without Lunis, without Wilder, without anyone but Mae Ling knowing what was happening.
Sophia did have a brief moment where she was granted an opportunity to say goodbye to Lunis. He was so happy, being lavished with attention, she didn’t want to worry him by telling him all the details about what she was off to do. Instead, she covered her feelings of fear the best she could and explained he was going to stay there while she secured what they needed to defeat Nevin Gooseman’s army.
Lunis was so distracted with attention that if he picked up on any of her nervousness, it didn’t show. Instead, he gave her a fond expression and told her to hurry back as the students hurried over with platters of desserts to hand feed him.
Sophia wasn’t worried about her dragon as she stepped onto Roya Lane and stood in front of two doors. One was marked, “Silk Armor” and the other wasn’t labeled, but didn’t appear like a portal to a battlecruiser soaring through outer space.
Chapter One Hundred Nine
Sophia was assaulted with a bolt of silk fabric upon entering the shop. She pushed it off her as Juergen dashed back the other way, heading for the back.
“You ungraceful simpleton,” Jeremy Bearimy bellowed to his assistant, holding up one of his eight legs like a fist and shaking it in the air. “One of these days, I’m going to teach you how to think first and move afterward.”
“Yes, sir,” Juergen called from the back, followed by a series of crashing sounds. “I look forward to that.”
Sophia had to stop herself from laughing. The pair were perfect for each other. The scary tarantula bossing the grown magician around was unexpected and yet seemed right. She sensed a great competency in Juergen waiting to be discovered. There had to be a reason the great Jeremy Bearimy kept him around when he had his choice of assistants lining up for the chance to work with him.
“Oh, good, you got my message,” Jeremy Bearimy said, catching sight of Sophia as he swiveled his eyes in her direction, although this body was facing the other way.
“I didn’t actually,” she admitted, realizing her phone was still at the Castle. She’d left it behind, still in a fog of sleep when she awoke from her much needed nap.
He waved her off. “Well, you’re here now, and that’s what counts. Get over here and stand still.”
“You are done with the dress?” she asked, striding in front of the huge spider, suddenly aware of how hairy and strange he was with him breathing down on her, his fangs inches from her face as he worked around her.
“No, not even close, but it’s fine,” Jeremy Bearimy replied. “I need you to pretend to be Ainsley for a fitting.”
“But my measurements…”
“I’ll adjust,” he told her, using a measuring tape to check her inseam and other parts of her body. Sophia stood frozen. It was a new experience, having a spider measure her. This was almost as weird as going to a different galaxy to invade a battlecruiser to ask them for technology to defeat a magitech army. Almost. She’d have to report back on the differences later.
“So how much longer on the dress?” Sophia asked.
“Not much,” Jeremy Bearimy answered. “Although there’s much work to be done, I’ve moved it to the front of the line, so it has my full attention.”
The tarantula’s legs made a series of clicking sounds as it rotated to the side, calling to the back. “Any time today, Juerg! Did you fall asleep back there!”
“Not at all, sir,” the bumbling assistant said, flying into the room carrying a beautiful silk gown and nearly tripping over it. It flew from his arms as he ran into a stack of boxes. He jumped around, grabbing his shins.
Jeremy Bearimy lifted one of his hairy legs and caught the dress as it flew through the air, pulling it down nimbly.
“Here we are,” the spider said, handing the garment to Sophia. “Slip this on over your clothes, and I can check a few things. You’re smaller than Ainsley and shorter, so you don’t need to change. I just need a model to ensure I’m on the right track.”
Sophia nodded and slipped the gorgeous dress over her head. She couldn’t believe how soft it was. Sophia had felt silk before, but this was of a whole different quality and felt like something made in heaven. It was hard to believe that the softest silk she’d ever felt was also so strong it made the toughest armor. The irony of it was beautiful.
When Sophia had the blue dress on, she instantly felt like a princess—the kind that carried swords and didn’t need to be saved. Still, she
felt like royalty in the pristine blue dress. Looking into the mirror, she was surprised by her appearance, and the way the silk fabric seemed to make her glow. She actually gasped.
“There we are,” Jeremy Bearimy stated proudly. “That’s the reaction I’m going for. If it works on you, not being made for you, then it will be perfect for Ainsley.”
“It’s gorgeous,” Sophia told him, feeling breathless.
“It is,” Juergen agreed, diving onto the ground and using pins to take up the hem as Jeremy Bearimy eyed the dress.
“Yes, bring up the hem, and then we will cinch in the waist, but only slightly,” the spider instructed.
Sophia was surprised by the expert grace the assistant used as he took up the bottom. She would have expected it to take much longer, but Juergen was done quickly, and then Jeremy Bearimy was asking her to take off the dress much too soon. Sophia didn’t want to part with it. The dress was of the perfect shade of blue and felt like butter. It wasn’t made for her, though, and it would be gifted to Ainsley, as it should be. Sophia thought she could wear that dress every day for the rest of her life and be happy.
“The dress for the great elf will be done very soon,” Jeremy Bearimy informed her before she even had a chance to speak. “Stop by here the next time you’re on Roya Lane, and I’m sure I’ll be done. It won’t take me long.”
Impressed by how fast and expertly the tarantula worked, Sophia offered him a smile. “Thank you. I’m sure she’s going to treasure it always.”
He returned the smile and bowed slightly. “I do hope so. It’s not every day that I make a dress for someone who is as respected as the shapeshifter.”
Chapter One Hundred Ten
I know you’re off on a dangerous mission, Lunis said in Sophia’s head as she exited the Silk Armor.
She tensed, not having expected to hear from him until she returned and definitely not expecting him to say this.
It’s nothing, Lun, she said, trying to downplay the events. She couldn’t lie to her dragon, but if she was lying to herself, then she could lie to them both.
Outer space is sort of a big deal, he argued.
I have to do it, she said firmly.
I could go with you.
Sophia shook her head, leaning against the same lamp pole Lee had once tried to hide behind. That felt like a million years ago.
You can’t, she stated firmly. Mae Ling said she has to use your energy to keep me safe.
So you’re still going with the reasoning that you’re safe on this mission, then, he countered.
I have to do it, she told him, deciding it was better to change her approach.
You know how much I’ve always wanted to be a space dragon, he sulked.
Sophia actually laughed in response, making a group of gnomes passing by give her strange expressions. She did look like a loon, randomly laughing by herself.
One day, we’ll go to space, and you can satisfy that dream of being a space dragon in this weird fantasy world you’ve constructed.
Promise? he asked, sounding almost like a teenager bartering for privileges.
I totally promise, Sophia replied. Right now, I need you here safe, lending your magical energy. I’ve got to go to this battlecruiser to get something that will help us win the battle against Nevin Gooseman and his magitech army.
Fine, but I don’t like it, Lunis fussed.
I get it, and I’m not saying it’s fair, Sophia agreed. But it’s what’s got to be done. Besides, I don’t think you would fit very easily on a space ship. From what I’ve seen, the passageways are pretty narrow. If they are going to react to me as an intruder on their ship, imagine the fright you’d give the crew.
Good point, Lunis said but didn’t sound satisfied. Just promise me one thing, Soph.
Anything.
Come back in one piece, he ordered.
She nodded, holding her hand to her heart. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Promise.
Chapter One Hundred Eleven
It was actually becoming increasingly difficult for Sophia to leave her heart in one place so she could protect the parts of her world that owned the other parts of her heart. She didn’t like having to constantly choose and yet, that’s how her life went. Resisting it would do her no good.
More overwhelming than the fear of venturing to a new galaxy was the gratitude that she had a fairy godmother who could help her find resources to defeat Nevin Gooseman’s army. The thankfulness she felt for Lunis, and his concern warmed her heart fully. The idea of returning to the Gullington to her friends and a world healed from distortion was enough to carry her through uncharted territory.
Sophia needed all the good emotion she could muster as she was about to step into a world unlike anything she’d ever experienced, and that was saying a lot.
She’d faced multi-headed dragons and magitech dragons and ghosts, and this was her first time to be in space facing…well, she didn’t know what she’d find.
Swallowing down the tension building in her throat, Sophia placed her hand on the hilt of her sword and started for the unmarked door next to Silk Armor, preparing to portal farther than she ever had before.
Chapter One Hundred Twelve
The battlecruiser was cold. Much colder than Roya Lane.
It was also darker, making Sophia’s eyes have to work to adjust.
There were strange noises all around her. Engine sounds. Pumping noises. Beeping.
The metal under her feet had holes in it, and air rushed up from below, creating a draft.
Sophia felt the ship vibrating around her like she had been swallowed by a beast and was living in its belly.
Wires snaked overhead and on the floor below. There were many sights to take in, but thankfully, Sophia was alone on the narrow passageway on the ship known as Ricky Bobby. She had a moment to adjust before she had to meet strangers and explain to them she wasn’t an enemy they needed to chuck into outer space through the trash chute, or however they did things on space ships.
“Hello intruder,” a voice echoed overhead from a speaker.
Sophia startled, jerking her head up and looking at the ceiling, which was just like the floor with a grated metal surface and wires. It was like she was in a tunnel, with glowing red and blue lights providing the only illumination.
“Who is there?” Sophia asked, looking from side to side, but not seeing anyone in the open passageway.
“I will ask the same of you,” the bodiless voice said, sounding somewhat robotic.
“I’m Sophia,” she replied, thinking it was best to be direct. Friendly, without coming off like a pushover. She needed these people’s help but didn’t want to appear weak. However, she was trespassing. Sophia was going to have to play this one carefully.
“Hello Sophia, who trespassed,” the voice said, sounding welcoming and reluctant at the same time.
“Who are you?” she dared to ask.
“I am Ricky Bobby,” the voice replied.
Sophia felt a crease form between her eyes. “The ship I portaled onto is Ricky Bobby.”
“Portaled, you say,” the male voice said, musing on the idea. “That’s interesting. I didn’t know that was possible.”
“Magic makes all sorts of things possible,” she replied, looking around and trying to decide what to do next. The question was which way to go. To the right down mysterious hallway number one, or to the left down a similarly mysterious hallway number two? It was a complete toss-up.
“Magic, you say,” the voice repeated. “You don’t belong in this timeline.”
She shook her head. “I’m a visitor seeking help. Maybe you can assist me. I need some technology to help my planet.”
“Your planet?” the voice asked.
“Earth,” Sophia stated.
“Ohh…” the man said. “I’m sorry…”
“What do you mean you’re sorry?” Sophia said, nearly yelling.
“You could stay here if you want.”
Now Sophia was angr
y. “I’m not staying here. Earth is my home. My dragon is there, and my friends and, what do you mean you’re sorry?”
“Earth,” the voice said and paused. “According to my records, experienced many hardships during your timeline.”
“How do you know of my timeline? Or when I’m from?”
“Simple. I conducted a full-body scan,” the voice said. “You are a human magician from the year twenty-twenty.” His voice trailed away. “Again, I’m sorry…”
“What!” Sophia was yelling now. “What the hell? You’re sorry! Why? How do you know anything?”
“I’m from the future,” he replied.
“Who are you?” she asked, about to throw a fit.
“I’m Ricky Bobby,” he replied again.
“I get that, but will you elaborate since that’s not making sense,” she demanded, trying to keep her cool.
“I’m the AI for this ship, also known as Ricky Bobby,” he explained. “I run the controls and take care of much of the maintenance. I have access to all of the systems and observe all the day to day operations of the ship.”
“You apparently have a database that gives you access to the past history,” Sophia muttered.
“Twenty-twenty didn’t go so well,” Ricky Bobby said, sounding regretful.
“According to your history books, which have already been written, but can be rewritten,” she argued. “I’m here now, and I’m going to change all that. That’s why I need your help or the help of your crew. I need something that stops the war that’s coming. I need the Dragon Elite to win and save the planet.”
“I’d like to help, Sophia,” the AI said. “I really would.”
She nodded, feeling like they were finally making progress. “Good, then direct me to your leader so I can get what I came for.”
“About that…” Ricky Bobby started, tension in his voice. “They aren’t here right now.”