The Terran Cycle Boxset

by Philip C. Quaintrell

  “It’s complicated. The jump was a particularly taxing one - not all of him agreed with it. It’s nothing a medder can't fix, though.”

  Uthor interjected, “You stated earlier that you used a Starforge.”

  “We did, but it was old…”

  Kalian was lying. Li’ara could see it, even if nobody else did.

  “It’s good to see you, kid.” Roland hadn't quite found the smile on his face.

  Li’ara was aware of the last time both men had been face to face. Kalian had come close to killing the bounty hunter, believing that Roland’s gung-ho attitude was responsible for her supposed death.

  Kalian stepped forward and offered his hand with a genuine smile to match. “It’s good to see you too. Thank you…” Kalian glanced at Li’ara. “You didn't give up and I should have believed you. I’m sorry about…” He gestured to his throat, but Roland waved it away and the two embraced arms.

  “It looks like you brought some toys back with you.” Roland was happy to move on.

  Uthor’s wide frame interrupted them. “A reunion is in order, but I am afraid we do not have the luxury of chatting. The Vanguard was not defeated.”

  Li’ara looked to Kalian for some explanation, except he was fixed on the Gomar. At first glance, he appeared to be measuring them up, but Li’ara could see what was really happening. They were talking to each other. It annoyed her that she had been excluded from the silent conversation, but there was also the chance that they were swapping information on a level and at a speed she couldn't comprehend. A similar exchange had taken place between Kalian and Esabelle shortly after the incident with the starrillium, aboard the Nova.

  Kalian blinked, which apparently ended the silent conversation. Many of the Gomar looked at each other with varying expressions of confusion and revelation. Either way, collectively they didn't appear happy.

  “Before we docked,” Kalian said, “our scanners detected the Vanguard emerging from sub-space in orbit above the sun. It’s engines are damaged, for now. If we don't act soon it will repair and disappear to plan its next attack.”

  “Where did you even get that ship?” Roland asked, referring to the cube.

  “It’s not exactly a ship…” Kalian looked from the Gomar to Li’ara. “Much like the smaller cubes, it’s a housing unit for sentient nanocelium. In this case, it’s ALF’s housing unit.”

  “What?” There was a lot more Li’ara wanted to say and ask, but that was all she could do to fit them all into a single question.

  “ALF’s one of them?” Roland already appeared relaxed, leaning against one of the bridge consoles.

  Kalian replied with a tired smile. As always there was an air of mystery that clung to him. She had missed that when they first met, on Earth. Now he was perhaps the most interesting person who had ever lived. It wasn't this intrigue or his incredible power that made her want to kiss him again, but everything else about him. It was obvious he felt the same way about her, but there was another look on his face - the burden of responsibility and duty. Whatever had happened on the other side of the galaxy, it seemed Kalian still felt the weight of humanity on his shoulders.

  How could she not love him?

  “I have a lot to tell you and I promise I will - all of it. But right now we need to destroy the Vanguard while it's weak. We might not get another chance.”

  “You have a plan…” Li’ara could see it in his eyes. Hope…

  Kalian just wanted to stay with Li’ara and hold her in his arms. Walking away from her, even just a few metres, was an effort. There was so much he wanted to say and ask, but they didn't have the time - the Vanguard drew stronger every second. Fighting the urge to abandon everything and be with Li’ara, Kalian approached the Gomar and stood before Malekk’s floating body.

  The Gomar closed in, concealing Malekk while presenting Kalian with a solid wall of nanocelium armour and aggressive expressions. They didn't trust him. He had parted with most of his memories, allowing all twelve of the Gomar to see and feel what he had during his time in the Terran Empire, but his time with ALF had them on edge. Kalian had felt their collective derision at the thought of being operated on by the AI or voluntarily stepping inside the super subconducer. They considered him tainted, as well as inexperienced. They were all veterans of war, not to mention a couple of hundred thousand years older.

  Kalian could feel the truth in all of them, however. They were still in shock, trying to decide whether he was telling them the truth regarding Evalan and the real origins of them all. The idea that they had all been created by an infected alter-ego of ALF was painful for most of them. They had been created to spark unrest and war, and they had done just that. They felt used and Savrick had only ever taught them to lash out and fight. Right now, Kalian could sense their need to destroy, as if they were no more than children who didn't know how to control their emotions.

  Sef was different to the rest, stood in the centre, blocking any view of Malekk. The mute was still a blunt force to be reckoned with, but his time with Esabelle, aboard the Gommarian, had taught him patience. Like Kalian, Sef had compartmentalised what he needed in order to focus on the now, and right now, they all had a common enemy.

  “Release him,” Kalian said, softly.

  A woman with half a head of red hair stepped in his way. “That wouldn't be wise. It’s taking all of us just to keep him sedated. You don't want to see what he can do when he’s awake.”

  Kalian knew her name to be Vox, that much had been clear during their brief link. “I’m more than aware of his capabilities.” The last time he had faced Malekk, the infected Terran had beaten him almost to death after killing Esabelle. “But you must release him.” Kalian directed his words at Sef, aware of the big man’s leadership among the Gomar.

  Sef remained telepathically silent for a moment, weighing Kalian up. Finally, the blond giant stepped aside, taking the rest of the Gomar with him. They visibly protested but didn't deny their leader.

  “Be ready…” Vox said to the others.

  Kalian noticed Roland’s hands fall to his Tri-rollers and several security personnel level their weapons. Uthor and Ilo stepped back, gesturing for the bridge staff to follow suit. Only Li’ara remained where she was, calm and relaxed.

  The Gomar released their hold on Malekk and Kalian took control, lowering him to his knees and telekinetically keeping him upright. Within seconds of gaining his freedom, the infected Terran began to rouse. Eyes, as black as oil, opened against a pale face of dark veins and piercing strands of nanocelium. His twisted expression of anger and hate consumed his features, until Kalian placed a single hand to the side of his head, resting his thumb on Malekk’s forehead.

  “Hello, Malekk…” Kalian whispered.

  His face of rage melted away, along with the dark veins and black eyes - even some of his colour returned to his cheeks. A sense of calm fell across Malekk’s face as if he were emerging from a pool and taking his first breath. The Terran’s current state only lasted a few seconds before the nanocelium crept back and the whites of his eyes disappeared behind a black veil. Frustration and anger returned just as quickly as it disappeared, but Kalian had seen all he needed. A single thought shut Malekk down, returning him to a comatose state. If only he had been in command of such power when they last met, maybe then Esabelle would be alive.

  Kalian stood back and let Malekk collapse to the floor. The Gomar couldn't stop looking from him to Malekk, curiosity and awe filling their minds. They were powerful - Kalian could feel this - but their abilities were unrefined. They were weapons, nothing more. This would have to change.

  “How did you do that?” Vox spoke for the group.

  “It isn't beyond you, any of you,” Kalian replied, honestly.

  “What are you going to do?” Li’ara asked.

  “I need to take him back to ALF’s ship.” Kalian raised his hand and Malekk’s body lifted off the ground. “I just had to be sure there was still something of the old Malekk in there.”<
br />
  “What can we do?” Uthor rested a hand on the closest chair, masking the pain in one of his four legs.

  “Follow the cube and be ready to fire everything you have.” Kalian made for the door with Malekk floating in tow.

  “It seems pretty immune to explosions,” Roland offered, halting Kalian’s stride.

  “I hate agreeing with him,” Li’ara said, “but he’s right, Kalian. We hit the Vanguard with everything we have…”

  Kalian tilted Malekk to better look at him. “We haven't used everything.” He wanted to tell them that ALF had the idea, but that wouldn't sit well with everyone, especially the Gomar, so he continued to pretend as if it was his plan. “I’m going to plug Malekk into the Vanguard. The integration will infect its nanocelium and create chaos - that’s when you strike.”

  It was obvious that his explanation wasn't satisfactory. Multiple questions presented themselves across the variety of human and alien faces. Divulging the true extent to some of his new powers wasn't something Kalian wanted to get into right now; some things were better kept a secret.

  “We’re their weakness,” he explained. “I don't know why yet, but we’re like a disease to them. The nanocelium is…” There was too much to say with the time he had. “That’s why they want to wipe us out before coming here. The nanocelium binds them all together, it enslaves them, but when they integrate with us it sets them free, like ALF. They’re a race that hasn't known freedom since longer than we can know; they don't know what to do with it, it makes them... crazy. This confusion is the opportunity we will exploit to destroy the Vanguard.”

  He could tell it wasn't enough, that everyone wanted more, especially Uthor, who would have to report all this to the Highclave, but there just wasn't time.

  “Have all your ships ready,” Li’ara reiterated Kalian’s request to Uthor. “We’re coming with you,” she said, gesturing to Roland.

  “We are?” The bounty hunter stood up.

  “Yes.” Li’ara wasn't to be questioned. “You’re going to need to get in and out after plugging him in. The Rackham is the best option.”

  “You can follow the cube, but I’m going alone.” Kalian could see the instant concern spread across Li’ara’s beautiful face. “ALF has the technology to get me inside the Vanguard, as well as the machine I’ll need to connect Malekk to its insides.”

  “He has the technology to get you out as well, right?” Li’ara had come to stand in front of him now.

  “Don't worry, I’ve gotten out of worse. Remember when the Helion was dropped on my head?”

  Li’ara was quick to reply, “I remember ALF dropping it on your head…”

  Kalian smiled in hopes of comforting her. “Then stay close, but not too close,” he looked to Uthor, “I’m expecting some pretty big fireworks.”

  Uthor puffed out his thick chest. “If you can provide us with the opening, Mr. Gaines, then we will make certain this Vanguard falls into the sun.”

  Kalian squeezed Li’ara’s hand before turning to leave. He would see her again, he was sure of it.

  27

  It was only minutes before Uthor had the remains of the fleet organised and ready to follow the cube into the heart of the Arakesh solar system. Kalian could feel them all, beyond the cube’s walls, trailing them at a safe distance. The Rackham was the closest, though Kalian wasn't too happy about it. If everything went to plan, there was going to be a very big bang or worse; the Vanguard would prove immune to their machinations and retaliate, killing them all. Still, Li’ara’s proximity bolstered him, giving him the confidence he desperately desired. Only he and ALF knew the details of this particular jump - and neither was sure it was possible.

  Kalian set Malekk down at the base of the super subconducer, while ALF’s ship attached a new device to the infected Terran’s chest. The tendrils whipped around, fusing the machine to his very flesh, or what was left of it. Kalian was careful to make certain that he kept Malekk subdued at all times. Suppressing the nanocelium throughout the Terran’s body was easier than he imagined; it just required a finer level of control.

  “As soon as you’re inside, activate the connector and it will immediately tether itself to the Vanguard’s own nanocelium, forming a bridge between Malekk and it.” ALF was busy physically working on the helmet piece of the super subconducer as he gave his explanation.

  “Understood.”

  ALF stopped and looked down at him. “How is Naydaalan?”

  “There were a few questions as to where the bones in his right leg had gone…” Kalian noted ALF’s raised eyebrow and shrugged. “He survived; we’ll deal with it later.”

  Kalian still felt bad for failing to transport Naydaalan in his entirety, but the Novaarian hadn't complained for a second. He was a warrior through and through, whose only desire was to help the humans and destroy the Vanguard; he would always have Kalian’s respect.

  “Are you sure you can do this?” ALF came out from behind the great machine.

  “Don't worry, I'll be fine.” Kalian nestled into position, under the encompassing helmet.

  “It’s not you I'm worried about!” ALF exclaimed. “If you get this wrong my entire housing unit, me included, will end up fused inside the Vanguard. That kind of mess will kill us both.”

  “Now there’s an idea…” Kalian muttered under his breath, though apparently, ALF’s hearing was superior to that of a normal being.

  “I mean it, Kalian. You never tried anything like this on Hadrok. You’ll need to teleport both you and Malekk without taking everything with you.”

  “If I get this wrong, Li’ara dies… so I’ll be fine.” Kalian closed his eyes, as the helmet lowered over his face. “Just be ready to pick me up before the explosions start - there won't be much time once I give the signal.”

  “The emphasis will be on you punching your way out,” ALF added dryly.

  That I can do, Kalian thought.

  The ground opened up beneath him and Kalian fell into the depths of his mind once more. The white room awaited him, along with the vault door. There was no sign of Alai, though the exquisite and calming vista of Evalan lay in the distance, beyond the room. A wave of the hand sent the vault door into the wall, revealing the expanse of space and a burning ball of fire in the distance. The Raalakian sun…

  Kalian turned back to the white room and found Malekk lying at his feet. He could only hope that this meant he had tethered their physical bodies together. The idea was simple enough, he just had to hope it would all work as he imagined, no, not as he imagined; as he wanted it to.

  There was too much hope involved in this plan. For just a moment he considered the very real possibility that he would be dead in the next few minutes. It was times like this he wished he could think more like his subconscious, more like a machine.

  A mere thought had Malekk flying into his hand and he gripped him tight around the throat. With his other hand outstretched, the distant sun was dragged towards the vault door, expanding in an instant, pushing the stars aside, as it brought the Vanguard closer and closer until Kalian’s vision pierced its hull and he could see inside.

  Kalian imagined Roland in his place and wondered what he would do in his shoes. The bounty hunter never appeared flustered or nervous about any of the life-threatening things he did.

  The thought brought a smile to his face, however, when he considered Roland’s frequent expression.

  “Let’s skip to the good bit.”

  Li’ara paced the bridge of the Rackham. All twelve of the Gomar had joined them, though most were still exhausted from saving the Sentinel, leaving them to sit wherever they could fit. Roland had the ship ahead of the fleet, keeping the cube-shaped vessel dead centre of the viewport. The sun was growing larger and the bridge grew dimmer in response, saving their vision.

  Li’ara glanced back at Roland. “Magnify.”

  “Aye aye, Captain…” Roland altered the viewport’s perspective.

  The Vanguard sat just under a million
miles from the sun. Its hull was torn and ripped in several places, with entire chunks of the ship missing towards the aft.

  It is repairing itself… Sef came to stand by her side.

  Li’ara looked up at the big man and saw something more than concern. “What did Kalian tell you on the Marillion?”

  Sef stole a glance at her before returning to the Vanguard. You are very observant.

  “I spent three months hiding with you, remember? You don't say much, but your face speaks volumes. What did he say to you all?”

  We are not what we thought we are - the Gomar. Our purpose… I will let Kalian explain it to you, he saw it all.

  “Does ALF have something to do with this? With all of this?” Li’ara had always suspected the AI of being more than he stated. Lying and manipulation just came too easily to him.

  ALF is at the heart of it all, Sef said. He is the heretic they’ve been looking for.

  “OH SHIT!” Roland jumped forward in his chair and immediately dropped the Rackham into evasive manoeuvres.

  They all felt the artificial gravity loosen its grip on them for just a moment. Sef reached out and held Li’’ara in place as they witnessed the first of a barrage of missiles fly by their ship. The Vanguard had gone on the attack.

  “It has stealthware missiles!” Ch’len cried.

  “That’s not fair!” Roland weaved between the incoming nukes. “Don’t we have those?”

  Three Conclave vessels erupted in flame, scattering debris in every direction. The Marillion took hit after hit, as each missile punched through its shield as if they weren't there. In seconds the Rackham was rolling and ducking between ships and missiles.

  Roland’s hands were dancing across his console. “The Marillion is retaliating!”

  “We haven't received word from Kalian yet!” Li’ara pushed away from Sef and braced herself against Ch’len’s console.

  “Well whatever he’s doing, he needs to fucking do it already!” Roland swerved the ship, avoiding two more missiles.