by Trevor Gregg
Alis remained as Kyren and Elarra left to meet with Saeli. She chatted idly with Tharox, but looked distinctly uncomfortable. He couldn’t blame her. No matter how good to them he was, Benjam just couldn’t get over the fact that he was Tharox.
Which gave him an idea. He quickly began coding the algorithm he had been contemplating. His tentacles were a blur as he put the finishing touches on the soon-to-be-running simulation.
“It’s ready to run,” he cried, nearly cheering.
“Just give me the word, my squiggly friend, and I’ll execute,” Isa said.
“Execute!”
“How long is this going to take?” Alis asked.
“That I don’t know, could be days, could be weeks.”
“I’m afraid he’s correct,” Isa admitted.
Benjam knew it was going to be a long wait.
24
The Rho’kar
Kyren walked down the ramp ahead of Elarra, his hand resting on the grip of the pistol tucked into his belt. Thankfully, he saw no reason to draw. Saeli stood alone in the meadow with his arms held wide. He slowly turned in a circle, revealing no obvious weapons, completing the turn as Kyren and Elarra approached.
Lowering his arms, he spoke. “Elarra, I am sorry about what I had to do, but I had no choice. It was the only way I could make sure you escaped. The only way I could make sure you lived.”
“I understand, Saeli,” Elarra said, surprising Kyren.
Kyren hadn’t expected Elarra to let Saeli off the hook so easily.
“I’ve brought you something to make up for it, I hope. Come aboard my ship and I’ll show you.”
Kyren stopped abruptly and drew his pistol, pointing it at the liadi, “No, we’re not getting on your ship, you’ll give us what you’ve got right here, right now.”
Saeli’s hands slowly raised into the air as he replied, “easy, Kyren. Easy. There’s no need for that.”
“Kyren,” Elarra said, placing her hand on his forearm. “We can trust him, for now anyway.”
He lowered the gun but didn’t return it to his belt.
“It’s the rho’kar, Elarra,” Saeli explained, hands still raised. “I’ve brought one. Rather, a pair of them.”
Kyren saw a flicker of recognition pass across Elarra’s face, followed by a dark shadow. Saeli turned and began walking toward his ship’s access ramp.
“You can put away the weapon Kyren, we are safe for the moment. Saeli has brought one of the great tools of our race. We have access to the rho’kar. I think it’s important, very important, that you see what I’ve seen,” Elarra urged.
Kyren tucked the pistol back into his belt and followed Saeli, hand still resting on the butt. They entered his ship and he led them aft, to a cargo bay. Sitting in the center were two sturdy reclining chairs, each topped with a basket connected to hundreds of tiny wires.
A thick black cable connected the two chairs.
“Go ahead, take your seats,” Saeli urged.
Kyren resisted, unable to shake the suspicion. Elarra put her hand on his arm, steering him toward the chairs.
“Don’t worry Kyren, I’ve done this many times. You will be okay but it will be an intense experience, especially your first time. But this is important for you to witness,” she soothed.
“Okay, but what is it?”
“It is called the rho’kar by my people. It allows for thoughts and memories to be read. They can then be recorded for later playback, or transmitted to another,” Saeli explained.
“He is correct. I wish to share my visions with you, Kyren. In case…” Elarra trailed off.
Kyren felt a twinge of sadness at what she was implying. He followed Elarra and sat down, placing the basket over his head as she had done. Saeli went to a control panel and fiddled with some controls first on Kyren’s chair then on Elarra’s.
“Ready?” Saeli asked.
“Um…” Kyren said.
“Yes,” Elarra acknowledged.
It felt similar to when the evgalian had touched his mind back on Junoval, transferring the directions to the pickup into his memory. Except it was Elarra’s mind touching his, not the oily slithery presence, so he relaxed and gave in to the incoming flood of images, sound, and meaning.
What he saw was terrifying, indeed. The Kirugi, at least a hundred stories tall, battled with a giant robot equally as large, while its’ spawn spewed out from its underbelly. The smaller creatures decimated the human city, leaving gore in their wake. And then there were the rockets, organic vehicles carrying the Kirugi’s eggs back into space. Kyren now understood, as Elarra did, that the Kirugi’s spawn would overrun every inhabited planet in the galaxy.
The vision began to dim and Kyren felt it was drawing to a close. Grateful, he relaxed his concentration. He was wholly unprepared for the rush of images that slammed into his mind.
He saw a strange space station shimmer into view, a large red sphere resting between pylons. The scene changed again and he saw the massive Crevak battleship they had witnessed in the battle with the Consortium’s forty-seventh fleet back at Regalis, armed with the same strange red sphere.
The visions flashed to the Ashari, where they were gathered in the small compartment at the front of the vessel. Alis, Kyren, and Tharox were standing before the entrance to the four small escape pods. They were all clad in black, form-fitting spacesuits. He realized he saw through Elarra’s eyes. Looking at himself in the third person was unnerving. He watched himself load a rifle and some gear into the pod and then climb in.
Then a scene with Elarra in a cell flashed through, Darius on the opposite side of the bars. Next he saw himself and Elarra in their respective chairs, slumped and glassy eyed. Then he was floating in empty space, the background of stars brilliant behind him. What he could only describe as a giant space egg shimmered into view before him. It began to move, heading toward a distant star.
Then the realization hit him. The space egg, that was the Kirugi. It came from interstellar space. But this one had just popped into existence. He wondered how that could be possible.
Kyren knew even now it was headed toward the planet from Elarra’s vision. How long did they have? How long would it take to reach the planet? And what planet?
Abruptly the visions ceased and he heard a frustrated growl emanate from Elarra as he snapped back to his senses.
“Saeli, you didn’t calibrate properly,” Elarra said with exasperation.
“I’m certain I did,” he replied evenly.
“I’m guessing I saw more than you wanted me too?” Kyren asked, holding his head in his hands.
“Yes, I only wished to share the vision of Kirugi. The rest is irrelevant.”
“But what about that space station? And the Crevak battleship? Isn’t any of that important? We saw that battleship at Regalis, it was decimating the Consortium.”
“Irrelevant to the vision of the Kirugi, I meant. Just as important, though, is what is missing. Before we met, I had visions of the galaxy burning at Tharox’s hand. But I also had visions of you defeating him. I knew if I followed my destiny you would stop him. And you did. But I’ve seen no hope against the Kirugi.”
Kyren grasped the gravity of the situation, understanding Elarra’s fear and uncertainty. He also understood what she was doing, transferring this knowledge to him. She was afraid she wouldn’t survive.
As Kyren stood, Saeli pressed a small controller into his hand and spoke, “This will help you find what you seek.”
“What is it?” Kyren wondered, glancing from Saeli to the device.
Saeli looked pointedly at Elarra, then leaned close and whispered into Kyren’s ear. Kyren nodded, understanding the implication almost immediately.
25
Refueling
“Kyren, are you okay?” Alis asked him as he entered the bridge.
“What? Why? I mean, I’m fine,” he said, hoping to avoid more questioning. But he knew she wouldn’t let it go. And he knew Elarra wouldn’t be forthcoming.
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“Really? You don’t look fine,” Benjam observed.
“Okay, so it wasn’t a pleasant experience, let me say that much,” he replied irritably.
“I shared my visions with him by way of the rho’kar, one of the tools of my people,” Elarra offered.
“Yeah, so I’ve seen what she saw, the end of civilized life in this galaxy. And it was not pretty. But it isn’t entirely lost, I believe. There was a giant robot fighting the giant creature. I say we find that robot and try to figure out how to defeat this thing.”
“I’m afraid I can’t help with that, Kyren. Aside from the vision, I know nothing of such a robot,” Elarra grumbled, a rare note of frustration seeping into her voice.
“Couldn’t we use that knowledge archive of yours on Darlos?” Alis asked Benjam.
“I suppose we could, although I don’t think we’ll have a warm welcome, considering the trouble we brought with us last time,” Benjam replied morosely, but then perked up noticeably. “Unless that was undone by the time bomb, as well. That will be an excellent test of my timeline alteration theory. Tharox, may I transmit a sub-space message?”
“Isa, prepare to relay Benjam’s communication,” he instructed.
Benjam began recording a message for Lorekeeper Milos. He finished and said, “I’ll know more when he responds.”
“What is the device Saeli gave you, Kyren? What did he say to you?” Elarra questioned.
“He told me it will lead us to what we seek,” he said as mysteriously as he could manage, finishing with a smirk.
Elarra looked at him impassively, but he spotted the corners of her mouth twitch.
“Okay, so it’s just a sub-space tracking device. One that he planted aboard Darius’ vessel. He said before we can confront him we need to find a way to change our skins, though. If we are to succeed, we need to become Crevak,” Kyren explained.
“The only thing I hate more than the Consortium is the Crevak. Why would you want to become one?” Tharox said harshly.
“I believe he is talking about a disguise,” Benjam interpreted.
“Oh, yeah, right,” Tharox slapped his metallic thigh in agreement.
“If Darius is with the Crevak, then it is likely that he has sold out my people. He is colluding with the enemy,” Elarra said.
“And it looks like we get to deal with Darius, at least according to Saeli’s vision. Can we trust him? I mean, so far he has been helpful, but what if he is playing us into Darius’ hands. Or working toward some other nefarious purpose? How much do you know about him, Elarra?” Kyren queried, looking Elarra pointedly in the eyes.
“I wouldn’t trust him, nor distrust him. I suggest caution. But if we have the opportunity to face off against Darius, I also suggest we take it. He believes me to be a great enough threat to kill. Let’s threaten him back,” Elarra said with an uncharacteristic growl, a fierce look in her eye.
“So first we need a disguise, then we go deal with Darius, eh? Saeli didn’t happen to predict what disguise we needed, did he?” Tharox questioned.
“No, he didn’t explain himself,” Kyren turned to Elarra and said with mock anger, “you liadi are always so cryptic.”
Elarra just looked on, betraying no emotion on her placid face, but she said, “it is not us who are cryptic, but others who lack understanding. But yes, Saeli is more enigmatic than most.”
“Benjam, any idea how long it’ll take for your friend to respond?” Kyren asked.
“I do not know, he may be off planet. If I get no response, I’ll send a formal request.”
“Isa, let’s lift off and go get some fuel now,” Tharox suggested.
Isa acknowledged and the ship lifted off, bearing toward the coastline and tiny sliver of ocean barely visible on the horizon. The ocean rapidly grew larger and more expansive as they approached. Isa landed the craft on a sandy beach.
“This process will take many hours,” Tharox informed them.
“Thirty-two, to be precise,” Isa offered.
Kyren decided to get some air, and ponder the implications of the experience while connected to the rho’kar.
“Isa, can you open up?” he asked, approaching the port side airlock.
“There you go, dear,” she replied as the airlock whooshed open and the ramp extended.
He strode out into the fading sunlight, his shadow long across the sandy strip of shoreline. He glanced at the Radiant Star and saw that Isa had extended a boom and a large hose ran into the water. He sat down and faced the sunset, his mind a whirl.
What Elarra saw was terrifying indeed, but he could only focus on the giant robot. That had to be the key. Elarra must be too overwhelmed by the vision to recognize the hope, he thought. But how to find the robot? He figured the Knowledge Archive might have a reference, so he planned to start there. Too bad Geri wasn’t around. She would know if the Consortium possessed such a weapon.
He knew Alis was concerned about her mom, but if anyone could have survived the battle at Regalis, it was Jeri. Kyren acknowledged the steel nerves and extensive training she had demonstrated. Still, without knowing the outcome of the battle, it would be difficult to reassure her.
Interrupting his thoughts, Alis touched his shoulder. “Kyren,” was all she said.
He looked up at her and patted the sand next to him. She sat down next to him, closer than expected, her leg brushing his. Turning to him, she looked like she was about to say something, but changed her mind.
“I’m sure she is okay, your mom,” he said as affirmatively as possible.
“Yeah, I know she’s tough, but that weapon the Crevak had… it took out entire warships with one blast. Even the Consortium can’t cope with something of that power. They’re going to be losing ships faster than they can replace them. And faster than the Crevak lose them, too. If the Consortium can’t stop them, the Crevak will overrun the galaxy. Countless peaceful worlds will be enslaved or destroyed. We’ve got to do something!”
“I agree. And I think we will,” Kyren affirmed.
“Huh?”
“Elarra’s visions,” he answered, pausing for a moment. “I saw more than she had intended to share. I think we will do something about that warship. I just don’t know why she didn’t want to let me see.”
“You can bet I’m going to ask her about it,” Alis said with resolve, standing up.
“Alis, I’m sure she has her reasons,” he cajoled.
“I’m going to find out,” Alis growled, stalking off.
26
Elarra
Elarra was glad that Kyren hadn’t seen more of her visions than he had. She knew Saeli hadn’t calibrated properly, it was the only explanation. He must have done so intentionally, then. Which begged the question why? What was he playing at? What had he seen that had convinced him to help her, against the will of the council?
No matter, she was still resolved to confront Darius. While the council had supported his views, Elarra knew that Darius was the true threat to her. If she didn’t deal with him now, he might thwart her efforts to stop galactic destruction. Or maybe he’d succeed in killing her.
She knew there was the chance that she wouldn’t survive the encounter, he certainly seemed quite determined to kill her. Which is why she had allowed Saeli to present the rho’kar to Kyren. Even though her visions had been from her own point of view, it didn’t necessarily mean she would be there, that she would survive.
She had no idea, post-visikaji, how her visions really worked anymore, and that terrified her. In her previous incarnation, pre-time-bomb, she had known with certainty her visions would come true. She had known that as long as she followed her path, it would happen as witnessed in her torpor.
Elarra had dedicated her life to preparing for the final confrontation with Tharox. She had nudged and guided her companions, and they had, in the end, fulfilled their destinies. But then she had come back from oblivion, and now her world was turned upside down.
Getting up from the table in the ti
ny dining area, she decided to get some fresh ocean air. She could feel the breeze wafting in from the open airlock, enticing her. She reached the airlock just as Alis was striding in.
She did not look happy. In fact, she look ready to boil. Better handle this one carefully, she thought. Too much revealed and it may change her actions, and maybe the future. But she knew Alis was looking for answers. Maybe it was time to reveal more.
“There you are, Oracle,” she spat out.
“Yes, Alis, I can see you’re here for answers,” Elarra replied.
“Damn right I want answers. Kyren says you have visions of us dealing with that Crevak battleship. Why haven’t we done anything about it yet? We should be back with the Consortium, with my family, figuring out how to stop the Crevak.”
“Alis, I’m sorry you feel as you do. I will tell you what I have surmised, from my visions. Please understand that my visions are wholly different now. I don’t have the clarity I once did. To be honest, I am frightened by them more than I am reassured.”
“Okay then, I’m listening,” Alis responded, her glare softening almost imperceptibly.
Elarra relaxed slightly, and began, “I’ve seen us aboard that battleship. But to be truthful, I don’t think everyone returns.”
“What!? You mean someone dies? Who? If you can see it, can’t we stop it?”
“I don’t know Alis, that is the most difficult part. Once, I was confident in my knowledge of the future. I knew my path, and what it would cost to follow it.”
“You mean the death vision? But you survived it, in the end.”
“And now my abilities are as if newfound. So I’m afraid I can’t explain further, because I don’t know.”
“Hmpf,” Alis grunted. “So what now?”
“First, we find a way to disguise ourselves as Crevak, then we deal with Darius.”
“So it sounds like the knowledge archive would be as good a place to start as any,” Alis finished, her anger still obvious.