Hypernova Series: Worlds At war

by Paris Cavanah

“Why don’t you get Kiwok to run five laps? Even he can’t beat the course in two minutes.”

  Kiwok snorts in amusement from the front of the line. Socrates cuts him off before he can say anything clever.

  “Don’t you dare talk back to me, Bates. I've heard all about your rebellious attitude and will have none of it in my class.”

  Arguing back isn't worth it. Besides, I like challenges. Now that I am comfortable at Altair HQ, I've gained the confidence to show off what I’m truly capable of.

  When I get to the front of the line. I glance at Socrates and tap my Jericho Watch.

  “Make sure to set your timer, sir.”

  “Oh, I won’t forget, Finn Bates.”

  I crouch in a starting position as I eye up the course in full detail. First is the climbing wall. Traversing it with my D.P.E will be easy enough. After that are the ropes. I’ll have to swing off of those onto a large metal square with limited space and nothing to grab onto. I’ll have to leap from one floating plate to another, ending up at a drop off zone. I’ll vault over the last set of neon-bars and cross the finish line.

  A series of calculations flow into my mind. I take into consideration the best times of my fellow students, adding in their general weight and size.

  I can finish this course in three minutes. Tops. Even if my run is flawless...Socrates will still make me run those darn laps. A grin crosses my face as a light below my feet flashes orange.

  That just means I need to cut some time off!

  The green light illuminates my feet.

  Go time!

  I charge off the starting line. Without stopping, I angle my hips and fire the hook on my Dynamic Polymer Equipment. It hits the top of the climbing wall with a satisfying- crack! I reel myself in and land with both feet square on the wall. Using the momentum of my ascent, I leap over the top before my D.P.E is finished unhooking.

  My body is pumping with adrenaline and fueling my muscles. My hands grip the rope. My hair is tossed through the air.

  But instead of landing on the metal base in the center of the floor. I hold onto the rope and swing back-and-forth. In the reflection of my glasses I spot Socrates’s spider eyes widen with surprise. I leap from the rope, soaring over the balance-plates like a bird in flight. My feet hit the corner of the drop off zone. I jump letting my body naturally take the impact of the fall by barrel rolling.

  Next is pole-dodging, but I don’t have time for that.

  I angle my D.P.E and watch as the pole moves up and down on a vertical angle.

  Now!

  The hook lands right into the wall. Students gasp in unison. Some even stifle a laugh. I reel myself in, expertly dodging all the poles without moving a muscle. Like a baseball player skidding over the base-pad, I cross the finish line ending up on my hands and knees.

  Throwing my arms in the air I shout,

  “One minute and fifteen seconds!”

  The room is silent. Socrates turns towards my fellow students.

  “Class is dismissed.”

  My hands fall onto my lap.

  What? No victory speech?

  “Not you Finn Bates. Stay where you are.”

  My fellow Asters form a single-file line and exit the gymnasium in a respectful manner. Socrates lifts his top-right arm and flicks his Jericho Watch. The obstacle course descends into the floor and is swallowed up.

  Socrates approaches me. I stand firm. My face is stern and hopefully showing my pride.

  To my surprise Socrates’s expression is...unreadable.

  “Do you know the history of Altair’s inception, Finn Bates?”

  Here I was expecting an argument. Guess I’m lucky and I’ll just get a lecture? Either way I shake my head.

  “No sir. I know nothing about Altair’s history.”

  “Allow me to tell you. I was there, after all. All those years ago, Altair was created as an Outpost meant to directly counteract Raider fleets. Our soldiers were improperly trained. Often, sent into battles that ended in blood and death.”

  My jaw falls slack. I’m feeling uncomfortable. I shove my hands into my pockets and glance at the wall.

  “What does that have to do with me?”

  “Everything.”

  His voice takes on an edge of impatience.

  “Hundreds of Asters died on the front lines of combat, without the training you are so blessed to receive. They did so because The Citadel ordered it. They died because their Godonsion bade it be done.”

  Socrates takes a bold step towards me. I stare up at him unflinching.

  “So let me ask you something, Finn Bates from planet Earth...if Godsonion Ulmu ordered you to enter a battle even though it would mean certain death, would you do it?”

  My heart hammers in my chest. I open my mouth to respond- “yes, of course!’ but my response is lost in my chest. Socrates is looking at me the same way father does when he knows I'm lying…

  “It’s fine. I know the answer. This is why I’ve been pushing you harder during training. The reasoning behind my actions, should you truly need to understand them, is that I want to make you a real soldier.”

  My counter argument is lightning fast,

  “The kind that will needlessly die for people I’ve never met?”

  It makes me want to laugh. While also making me feel sick to my stomach.

  “I've read through you, Finn Bates.”

  Socrates stabs one of his long furry fingers at my chest. I stumble backwards in alarm.

  “You only care about bringing Ron Bates home. That is why you are here. But...one day, I hope I can make you understand what an honor it is to be a member of Altair and serve The Citadel. So, keep in mind why you are here, and what you want to become.”

  He turns his back to me.

  “Because I know full well, Bates, that if you returned to Earth with Ron right now, you would not return to Altair. You would retreat back to your simple human life...and that is not what those Asters died for.”

  Finally my voice rips from my chest. It’s like a flood gate has been opened.

  “You don’t know that, Socrates! You don’t know me! You’re making me sound like I’m...I’m some kind of...coward.”

  Unfortunately for Socrates, he’s pushed all the right buttons.

  “I would die to protect Ron. Or Nuyen, Naki, Kisoi and Miv. Don’t you doubt that. I love my friends with all my heart.”

  When Socrates turns to look at me his gaze is soft and understanding. The emotion in his eyes is like pouring water onto my flames of rage. He nods.

  “I know Finn. You are loyal to family. Not to us.”

  With that he disappears into the nearby corridor leaving me alone in an empty gymnasium.

  Bully Vs Nerd. It’s A School Yard Brawl!

  Combat Basics is my least favorite class. But has my favorite teacher.

  Aver Vizen looks terrifying but has a heart of gold. Vizen is a Kheva. He’s an alien from a dark planet whose inhabitants use their sharp head tails to skewer enemies. Many-a-time I've watched in awe as Vizen takes down students twice his size with just his head tail, which moves with a mind of its own.

  Overtime, we’ve graduated from sparring matches with our teacher to one-on-one bouts with fellow students.

  “As of right now, I do not believe in pairing students together who are not of similar body shape and ability.”

  Naki is standing next to me with Nuyen curled up in her arms. Nuyen meows.

  “Come on Finn! It’ll be fun. You always win when you fight against me.”

  Yep. That’s right. The only other student in the class who is of similar body weight and skill to me is Nuyen. She’s the equivalent of a walking, talking, Cat. Bummer!

  As per-usual, we separate into groups and spar. Nuyen attacks me with a flurry of kicks and punches. It’s easy to protect my body due to the fact I'm three times her height. She leaps between my legs and jumps on my back. Her claws dig into my uniform and she bites me on the shoulder. It’s nothing but a pinch
and I burst out in laughter.

  “Did you just bite me?”

  Her laughter is contagious. Nuyen falls into my arms holding her stomach. She flashes her teeth.

  “Yep! Grrrr!”

  We sit down on the mat together. Vizen walks towards us with a smile on his face.

  “Oh? Have you two come to a truce?”

  “Yes sir.”

  I pet Nuyen between the ears and she purrs.

  “We’ve decided peace is the better option.”

  “A wise one. Sometimes fighting is not always the answer. Enjoy your break you two.”

  Vizen leaves us to chat together for a few minutes. As I am seated, I take a moment to look at Naki and Kiwok. I already stored most of their abilities into my Move Memorizor, (a device that uses electromagnetic pulses to make my muscles move in specific patterns) At this point I should be well equipped for my next mission.

  Whenever that will be. I already feel like Ulmu has had us on the sidelines for too long.

  That’s when a thunderous- crash! Catches the class's attention.

  Kiwok has thrown his opponent to the floor. They look near unconscious and winded. Kiwok beats his chest like a gorilla.

  “Yes! I am the victor!”

  Vizen pushes between Kiwok and the defeated opponent.

  “Are you alright?” He whispers, “Shall I escort you to the nearest med-bay that accommodates your species?”

  The Aster shakes his head and jumps to his feet. He points at Kiwok and hisses. This Aster is a Mecek, another lizard-ish alien like Kiwok, but armed with acid glands and a long tail.

  “You cheated! You can’t attack my throat during a friendly sparring match!”

  Kiwok chuckles, “Hah! Silly Mecek. You shoot acid. Burn my face. How else I win?”

  The Mecek’s face scrunches,

  “I wasn’t going to shoot acid on you!” He retorts, “What kind of animal do you think I am?!”

  “A stupid one!”

  Kiwok beats his chest again. Vizen’s haunches lift and he separates his jaw revealing rows of sharp teeth.

  “Enough! Both of you! Sparring is meant to be a friendly match against teammates, not an opportunity to boost egos. Now, lineup against the wall everybody. Now.”

  We do as Vizen says. I end up at the end of the line with Naki and Nuyen.

  Usually, now is a chance for students to request matches out of their weight range or skill level under the watchful gaze of Vizen. Many students choose to fight him instead. Afterall, if you can beat the teacher you are forced to be reckoned with.

  But I always challenge Kiwok. Today he beats me to the punch.

  “I want fight Finn!”

  Vizen rolls his eyes. I repeat Kiwok’s sentiment.

  “And I want to fight Kiwok. Please, sir. Let us.”

  “You two always do this…”

  Vizen’s head drops.

  “...you are always at each other's throats. This is why I will never permit this sparring match.”

  Kiwok grins at me.

  “It cause you know little Finn would get butt kicked.”

  Before our teacher can lend us some wise words, I clench my fists and spin at Kiwok.

  “As if, Kiwok! I’m surprised you even have a brain your-”

  “Ok. I’ll let you fight.”

  The room falls silent. We stare at Vizen in awe. His words are cold as ice.

  “Although I am disappointed in the two of you for this childish behavior, it’s clear that the only way to sort out your foolish agressions is by fighting. Typical, I must say. Boorish, and unappealing. But so be it.”

  The class erupts in excitable chatter. Meanwhile shame tightens my chest.

  I've always wanted to impress Vizen...maybe I should be the bigger man and back down?

  “What you zoning out for? Human. Let’s fight!”

  Nevermind.

  Shoving away my insecurities I approach the mat. I get in a defensive position. Both fists clenched. My eyes narrow. Kiwok takes up his stance. He slams both feet into the mat and lowers his head like a bull ready to charge.

  Naki and Nuyen are near my side of the arena. Nuyen cheers,

  “Go get em’ Finn! Beat up that big lug!”

  Yet Naki remains silent. I risk a glance in her direction. Bad idea. Her expression is unreadable which makes me nervous. She wraps her arms around her body and gives a weary smile.

  Vizen circles the ring and the class grows silent. You can hear the pounding of their hearts fill the empty air.

  “You two know the rules. No throat hits. No groin hits. Win by throwing your opponent to the mat or out of the ring….begin!”

  ∆∆∆

  “Move memorizor. Access file: Nuyen.”

  Kiwok charges. He reaches for my middle but my Move Memorizor is faster. Before I can process it, my body is sliding between Kiwok’s legs. I twist around firing a leg kick into his ankle. It doesn’t faze him. He kicks like a mule and I’m forced to backflip out of harm's way.

  “Move memorizer. Access file: Naki Belle.”

  The new series of electromagnetic pulses process just as Kiwok is throwing a punch at my face. Using a palm strike I redirect his attack and twist around to his shoulder. I elbow him in the ribs. This time Kiwok grimaces. He swears something incoherent under his breath and tries to grab me.

  My reflexes aren’t as fast as they are when I'm using Nuyens’ move pool. So Kiwok manages to grab my arm and lift me two feet up in the air. As I'm suspended, I manage to angle my foot and kick him in the jaw on the way down.

  “Move memorizor! Access file: Nuyen!”

  I catch my balance as he’s toppling to the floor. The entire crowd gasps as I barely manage to land on both feet.

  “Access file: Miv!”

  My body twists and I land a karate kick against Kiwok’s ribs. He lands on his knees but that’s still not considered “throwing your opponent to the mat.” So I will try again. Hoping this time, my Drakkinion kick will send Kiwok flying.

  But to my dismay. Kiwok grabs my ankle and roars with delight.

  “Bye-bye, human!”

  He throws me off the mat and the world becomes a tumbling mess. My face slams into the hard floor, and the students gasp. Blood gushes from my nose. The frame of my glasses snap at the nose pads.

  As I push myself onto my hands and knees. Naki and Nuyen rush towards me. Nuyen brushes a furred-paw across my elbow,

  “Finn, are you ok? Chit-chit, that looked like it hurt!”

  Naki helps cover my still bleeding nose. I politely push her away.

  “I’m ok. It doesn’t hurt that bad.”

  Still, Naki and Nuyen help me to my feet. Kiwok stomps his right-foot and gloats.

  “See. I better at combat!”

  To my surprise Vizen remains quiet. He’s staring at me with his yellow eyes filled with curiosity- “what are you going to say now that you’ve lost? Bates?”

  “Fine. You’re stronger in combat. Big deal!”

  I’m using the sleeve of my uniform to plug my nose so my words sound wimpish.

  “At the end of the day I’m pissed cause you keep picking on people! That’s why I wanted to fight you!”

  Just like with Chad Brunestick. I always knew I was going to lose...but-

  “Alright…”

  Vizen finally intervenes.

  “I think I’ve seen enough. Class is dismissed.”

  We begin to file out of the gymnasium, but Vizen stops me with a gentle grab from his head-tail.

  “You stay here for a moment, Finn.”

  Another lecture? Aw man, I’m not turning out to be a model student at this school…

  “What do you need to talk to me about, sir?”

  Vizen gives a soft smile.

  “I had assumed that much was obvious. See, something must be done about this rivalry you have with Kiwok. It is disrupting the harmony within our unit.”

  “It’s not a rivalry,”

  My nose has finally stopped
bleeding. I pull my hand away and look at my bloody sleeve as I speak.

  “I- I just get so angry when he says mean things to my friends. Somebody needs to stand up to him.”

  Vizen nods. I’m still staring at my bloody sleeve. I shove that hand in my pocket and stare at the floor. Once again I’m feeling ashamed and childish.

  But if anybody will understand my position, it’s Aver Vizen.

  “I usually think so logically.” I begin, “Stuff like getting picked on or bullied is easy to brush off as somebody else being shallow. But when it involves my friends or family... I just can’t control myself.”

  Vizen turns off his Jericho Watch and sits back on his haunches listening intently. All-at-once what I’m feeling is impossible to keep quiet.

  “Lately, Kiwok and his friends have been pointing out Nuyens flaws for being a Purrinin and Naki’s for being a woman from Tra’ veneer. I just can’t stand it! And when I do stupid things like pick fights...it makes me feel like some sort of brat with a point to prove.”

  My eyes meet his.

  “I want to take the higher ground, sir, but I can’t! Punching Kiwok straight in his thick-jaw will make me feel so much better-”

  “It would be a temporary solution to the problem but in the long run will fix nothing.”

  “-but.”

  “Trust me, Finn. Beating Kiwok in combat will only encourage him to continue this behavior. In the end, the only one who can change Kiwok...is Kiwok. You have no direct influence over his choices or personality.”

  Vizen places his hand on my shoulder. He looks thoughtful. I take a deep breath in letting the last of my frustration wash away.

  “Don’t forget the same applies to you, Finn. Kiwok has no influence over you if you don’t let him.”

  “Right. But I can’t take that same approach when he insults the people I care about.”

  His hand falls, “As I said. Your friends and family can take care of themselves. I’m sure Nuyen, Naki, and Ron aren’t losing sleep over Kiwoks’ boasting. Neither should you...and remember why you are at Altair in the first place, Finn. You are a soldier first-and-foremost.”

  Socrates’s words echo in my brain. “You only care about bringing Ron Bates home. That is why you are here. But...one day, I hope I can make you understand what an honor it is to be a member of Altair and serve The Citadel. So, keep in mind why you are here, and what you want to become.”