by Andrew Gates
Don’t worry, you’re not dreaming. It’s there, Yuri said, trying to comfort her.
The crew of Steel Victory called this island Brown Sanctum. Its name came from the brown-leaved plants that covered the land from top to bottom. Studying it from the boat, Ellen had to admit, the title was appropriate. The island overflowed with plant life of all sorts: towering trees, bustling bushes, vines twisting this way and that. Sure enough, the leaves were all brown, a product of photosynthesis beneath the light of a red sun.
Brown Sanctum was more than just a jungle. This island, the largest in Taspansa, was also home to the Governor. His castle-like manor stood atop a tall hill, surrounded by a sea of cascading brown leaves.
“We’re heading all the way up there?” Dave asked, pointing to the Governor’s manor.
“Looks like it,” Ellen replied. “Why? Not up for the walk?”
“No, I’m good. I’m dying to get out of this ship.”
“Me too,” she agreed.
A man approached the boat from the docks outside. Unlike the others on this world, this man was clean-shaven, well-groomed and did not reek of sweat and seawater. He was garbed in an ornate uniform of blues and reds. He stopped before the open door and bowed.
“Greetings. You must be the visitors the captain has spoken of,” the man said, standing straight again.
The captain of Steel Victory had gone out early to speak with the Governor. Strangely, he had not returned since. Ellen wondered if he and the Governor were still together.
“I am Corporal Ellen Milsen,” she introduced.
“David Cutter,” Dave added.
The man tried to stay composed, but Ellen could not help but notice how he subtly eyed them up from top to bottom. It seemed he was just as curious about them as anyone else on this world.
“You may call me Igred,” the man said. “I will escort you to the Governor.”
Four more men arrived on the docks, each armed with a holstered pistol on one hip and a scabbard on the other. They stopped behind Igred and stood still.
“What about them?” Dave asked.
“Do not mind these men,” Igred answered. “They are simply part of the Governor’s guard. They are here to make sure you don’t try anything you may regret. You can understand the need for security on Brown Sanctum, I am sure.”
“Do you treat all visitors like this?” Ellen inquired.
“We do not get many visitors here, Corporal Ellen Milsen. You two are a rare sort. Please, if you would exit the boat and follow me.” Igred held out his hand.
Ellen nodded and stepped onto the wooden dock. It felt strange to stand on something stationary again. She had grown used to the back and forth rocking of ship decks beneath her feet.
A light rain filled the air. It was not powerful, but enough to make everything just a little slippery.
Igred turned and walked toward the island. Ellen and Dave followed behind him, while the four guards took the rear. The presence of these guards made Ellen feel slightly uncomfortable, though she supposed she should have expected some sort of security provisions of this nature.
“How long has the Governor lived on this island?” Dave asked as they walked along.
“The Governor has made Brown Sanctum his home for generations, starting long before any of us were born,” Igred explained.
“How is that possible?”
“The Governor is a man of magic, David Cutter. No one can tell his age with certainty, for he has already lived many lifetimes.”
“Do you think he is immortal?”
“There are those who say otherwise, but I believe he is, yes. Through magic, anything is possible.”
They approached the end of the dock now and stepped onto a muddy path. Two more guards nodded to them as they passed by.
“Lots of security,” Dave noted.
“You can understand the need. The Governor is a valuable man. He has built up security on the island over the years. Do you recall those rocks you passed on the way in?”
“I do,” Dave replied.
“Those were no mere rocks. The structures you saw have been hollowed out. Cannons are mounted inside and stand at the ready. Any unwanted ship that comes in range is blown apart before they have a chance to turn around.”
Ellen recalled seeing several large rock formations as Steel Victory approached the dock. She had to admit, the disguise was good. She would never have guessed there were cannons inside.
“You are fortunate to be seeing these grounds alive,” Igred continued. “We were not expecting visitors, though we are familiar with your ship, Steel Victory. It is one of the Navy’s newest, most advanced warships. When we saw it come in, we dared not fire upon it.”
“Well thank you for not shooting us on the way in,” Ellen replied with a hint of sarcasm.
“You are welcome. Your captain made a compelling case. The Governor is eager to meet you both.”
“And we are eager to meet him as well, but let’s not get confused. Steel Victory is not our ship and its captain is not our captain,” Ellen explained.
“Yes, I suppose I should choose more appropriate words. He did mention that you were his prisoners. The Governor knows this too.”
“Just as long as no one is confused,” Dave replied with a smirk.
Ellen was not sure what he meant by that remark, but she did not question it. She simply continued along in silence.
The walk up to the manor was slow, but beautiful. The world around Ellen was different from her isolated home on Mateo. Gnarled tree branches extended like outstretched arms above them, twisting and tangling with other branches nearby. Patches of wild grass surrounded the trees at their bases. Flowers poked up here and there, adding a bit of color to this otherwise dull, brown palate. Animals resembling tall squirrels climbed across the forest canopy and lept from one tree to the next like circus performers.
Sure beats Horron Fields, Yuri noted.
In some ways yes, some ways no. There’s something strangely calming about long, flat land.
How did you ever get so boring?
Call it the product of being shot at too many times.
After several minutes, they finally reached the crest of the hill. The castle-like manor stood at the top, watching over the ocean like an omnipotent observer. The walls were constructed of thick black stone, shimmering in the wet rainwater. In some ways, the sight reminded Ellen of Speartip Ridge.
Sentries stood at various points around the perimeter of this massive structure. They stared straight forward, never moving even an inch.
“If you will follow me, please,” Igred said.
Ellen walked through the deep red wooden doors of the manor. Once inside, each sound echoed like an eerie choir of noise. Candlelight lit up the walls, casting shadows this way and that. Even in the dim light, Ellen took note of the floor. The tiles beneath her feet were unique. No one tile looked like the other. Each intricate design was clearly chosen with a specific tale to tell.
It’s like we’ve stepped into yet another era, Yuri observed.
Where are the knights and dragons? Ellen joked.
Two women in long blue dresses and bonnets approached. They kept their heads down as they walked, but stopped in place just before Igred.
Ellen accidently let out a gasp of surprise. These were the first women she had seen in Taspansa. Part of her had started to doubt she would ever see another woman on this world.
“These are two of the Governor’s handmaidens, Claire and Brigette. They will lead you to his private quarters,” Igred explained, motioning for them to follow.
“Thanks,” Dave said.
Ellen simply nodded to Igred and passed by. Without saying a single word, the two women calmly turned and escorted Ellen and Dave to an open atrium. Igred and the four guards stayed behind.
Though the guards no longer followed them, Ellen doubted there was much need for them anymore. She could not help but feel as if there were still eyes on her. It was as
if the very walls were alive.
The women brought her and Dave to a set of double staircases, one on the left, another on the right. The handmaidens lifted the ends of their dresses and ascended the left stairs. Ellen followed closely behind, taking in the sight. The railings were exquisitely engraved with images of ocean waves and birds. No engraving looked the same. She imagined it must have taken a long time to complete this elegant work.
Wooden double doors awaited them at the top, surrounded by faded oil paintings on the left and right sides. The handmaidens each took a door and pulled it open.
Ellen instinctively gulped. This was it.
A man of their similar stature stood with the captain of Steel Victory before a long wooden desk. His clothes were like those worn by the others, though noticeably cleaner. A thick grey wig rested atop his head. He grinned as his eyes met the visitors.
“Well, well, well, this is quite a surprise,” he said, turning to face them. His tone was confident. His words were clear.
“Like I said, they are a curious sort,” added the captain.
“You may leave us,” the Governor replied, gesturing to the captain.
“Leave? But I thought I was to stay,” he challenged. “Would you be all alone with these strangers? Who will protect you?”
“I will not ask again.”
The captain did not say another word. He simply lowered his head and exited the room. The two handmaidens quickly closed the door behind him.
Now it was just the three of them.
Ellen studied the elaborate room. The ceiling was decorated in gleaming metal, though she was not sure what kind. The floor was made of the same styled tiles they encountered when they first entered. Red and brown wallpaper encased the room on all sides. Where the wallpaper wasn’t visible, paintings of old boats and marine life filled the space. Finally, a long window stood behind the Governor’s desk. Ellen could see the rain drip against the glass.
“Forgive the captain. He means well, but he does not understand. Now that we are alone, I suppose there is no need for formalities,” the Governor said, taking a few steps forward. He eyed them up as he approached. “It has been a long time since I have seen anyone from outside Taspansa. Tell me, since when did Vexa Corp uniforms look so old and ratted?”
“Blame over a thousand years of degradation,” Ellen replied.
“Ha!” the Governor laughed. He stopped in place and calmly nodded his head. “You know, when Captain Yasso told me about you two, my first thought was that either Vexa Corp or the Crosshair Pirates had finally found me. But you haven’t come here to find me, have you?”
“You’re right.”
“I suppose that’s a relief. So if you aren’t out to get me, why are you here?”
“We’re lost, sir,” Dave said, jumping in. “We came here on a terraforming mission, back before this rock was habitable. Our ship malfunctioned. We went into stasis for over a millennium.”
“Over a millennium in stasis? You’ve been stuck here this whole time? Really? That’s fascinating.”
“You believe us?” Dave asked.
“I do and I must say, hearing this story certainly puts my mind at ease. Here I was worried.” The man’s expression grew into a thick smile. Before long, he erupted in laughter again.
Ellen simply stared forward. She did not share his amusement.
“Forgive me,” the Governor said, apparently taking note of Ellen’s reaction. He quieted down and took a few deep breaths. “I have spent so long here, I forget the ways of the old world.”
“How long have you been here?” Dave inquired.
“Ah, a good question! I suppose I should start at the beginning. Where are my manners?” The Governor walked behind his wooden desk and sat down in a thick armchair. He leaned back into the soft cushion. “Before I tell you my story, I first want your word that you can keep this information private.”
“We can keep a secret, sir,” Ellen replied.
“Good. Secrecy is good. Secrecy means trust. I want there to be trust between us. In fact, I hope you can help me in return for this information.”
“Help you with what?”
“We will get to that at the end. Have patience.”
Ellen glanced at Dave. A worrisome expression shown on his face, though he continued to look forward at the Governor.
“First of all,” the Governor continued, “you should know that my name is Ryan Lorde, not the Governor, as these pestering plebeians call me.”
“Why do they call you that?” Dave asked.
“They don’t know me by any other name. Sometimes I wonder if they even think I have a real name.”
“You don’t tell them?”
Ryan shook his head.
“Why not?”
“Power,” he replied. “The less they know about me, the more they think I’m something else. I’m sure by now you must’ve heard that I’m a sorcerer.”
“We have, several times,” Dave confirmed.
“When you show people something they don’t understand, they’ll believe any explanation.” Ryan stood up from his desk and leaned over it. “To them, I’m basically a god.”
Someone has a high opinion of himself, Yuri noted, privately.
As if this manor didn’t give it away already.
“Ah, that staring in the distance. Oh, how I’ve missed that. You’re talking to an AI right now, aren’t you?” Ryan said, pointing to Ellen.
“I am,” she admitted.
“I had an AI once, but that was long ago.” Ryan let out a deep sigh. “How times have changed.”
“They certainly have,” Ellen replied, looking around the room again.
“Well I have told you my name. Please, tell me yours.”
“I am Corporal Ellen Milsen.”
“David Cutter.”
“Pleased to meet you both,” Ryan replied. He sat back down again. “And your AI, whoever that may be.”
“Yuri,” Ellen replied.
“Gloria,” added Dave.
“Well, Ellen, Dave, Yuri, Gloria, to answer your earlier question, I have been here since the beginning. I have witnessed Taspansa grow from a simple rock, as you call it, to the glory it is today. I know Taspansa did not come out as intended, though it has become something far more beautiful in my opinion.”
“What happened here?” Ellen asked, getting right to it.
Ryan leaned forward in his chair. For some reason, Ellen felt her heart pound a little faster. Perhaps, deep down, a part of her was nervous to know the truth.
“Until you two came along, I was all that remained of that terraforming mission gone wrong. As you know, the Euripides was supposed to make the atmosphere habitable, but it produced far too much water and Vexa Corp decided to scrap the project.”
“How did that happen?” Ellen asked.
“The planet had a lot of ice on the poles and even more trapped underground,” Ryan explained. “The worldbuilders screwed up the greenhouse effect and melted all the poles. The water production was unstoppable. It would not stop raining for days at a time. The water level kept rising and rising. Massive waves wiped out or damaged most of the grounded equipment. Those who were still able to leave did, realizing that this mission was a failure.”
“But you stayed?” Ellen clarified.
“I did. I saw opportunity where others only saw failure. And as you can see, it paid off.”
“I don’t understand,” Dave added. “Why would Vexa Corp just leave like that? Why not fix the problem?”
“Ah, you’ve missed a lot of history while you were in stasis,” Ryan replied with a chuckle. “War broke out not long after you two went under. It changed a lot of things.”
“War?” Dave repeated in a curious tone.
“More accurately, wars, plural. They called them the Lightspeed Wars. You see, once people could travel faster than light, distance meant nothing. Expansion meant nothing. Everybody wanted a piece of everybody. And now, they could get it.”
“How did the wars affect Taspansa?” Ellen asked.
“This world was clear of the conflict. But with all that fighting going on everywhere else, Vexa Corp did not have the resources to fix the mess they’d created here. They scrapped the mission so they could focus on more relevant things, like not losing Mateo, for one.”
“Did they?”
“No. Mateo is still under Vexa Corp control. They managed to save it. That much is the same.”
“So if you were the only one who stayed behind, where did all these other people come from?” Dave asked.
“You’ll discover that Vexa Corp has a tendency to drop their problems and run. Not only did they leave this world behind at the first sign of trouble, but they brought most of Mateo’s orphaned children aboard the Euripides. Rather than find them a home on Mateo, someone thought it would be a clever idea to dump them here as colonist kids.”
“That’s horrible!” Ellen chimed.
“That’s business,” Ryan replied with a shrug. “I discovered the orphaned kids aboard the ship and took them in. They were still too young to receive any type of enhancements. I decided to keep it that way. Over the years, the kids grew up and, of course, made new kids. You know how that works. I never told them about the world they came from. To them, this is the only world they have ever known.”
“Why the secrecy?” Ellen wondered.
“It’s as I said: power. It’s the same reason they don’t know my name.”
“And all this technological development... are you stimulating it?” Dave asked.
“Time passes. People naturally discover things on their own. Sometimes I help speed things along, but most of it comes from the people. At times I’m surprised what they can figure out. The rate of technological development is strikingly similar to that of Earth’s history, though their starting point was not as far back, of course.”
“And those steel warships the Navy suddenly has access to?” Ellen said.
“An example of my intervening. I do help push things along from time to time, but I try to keep it to a minimum.”
That explains a lot, Yuri said to her.
I don’t know. Something doesn’t add up. I think there’s more to the story.