My feet backpedal away from him. Vizen’s eyes widen before settling.
“My apologies, Finn. You seem startled.”
“No.” My voice catches. “I’m the one who should be sorry. Funnily enough, Socrates told me something similar today. It shocked me, is all.”
“Oh?”
“He questioned my meaning for being an Altair member…”
“Did you have the answer?”
“I- I didn’t.”
“It’s ok, Finn. You are young in Earth years and still have a lot of self-discovery ahead. For now, go to class and focus on your studies. We’ll see each other tomorrow.”
Nuyen Takes A Tumble
Loreer passes me a study-tablet held firmly between her beak. Taking the flat object, my eyes scan the series of technological terms and ship parts.
“Ok students, listen up.”
Her head jerks and her beak snaps between each syllable.
“Today we will be reviewing ship functions and terminology.”
My teacher pit-patters away. She opts to peer over Naki’s shoulder as the Tra’vaneer raises a brow.
“I didn’t know Comet Series battleships were equipped with plasma turrets?”
Naki’s words push my head towards Luna, my Moon Series 200. Glancing down at my tablet, a sigh ripples through me.
Of course, Luna doesn’t have cool-turrets. Instead, I get two front facing blasters that fire five rounds a second. Significantly lamer than my fellow-student's.
On the bright side, I've learnt how to read Citadelus, making my learning curve as an uneducated-human significantly flatter. My hand rests on Luna’s exterior plating. Eagerly I read the sections of text until a squeaky voice breaks my focus.
“What are you looking at?!”
My head whips round. Nuyen is crouched below her ship on her haunches, with her fur raised so that she appears twice her normal size. Kiwok is resting against his ship. His two Mecek friends snicker at my cat-like companion.
“We’re looking at a Purrinin who can’t get into her own ship without a step-stool!”
One of the Meceks flaps his jaw pointing with a clawed finger. Beyond his lips are two fangs that hide deadly acid glands.
Naki and I make eye-contact; we seem to share similar motives. We move as one crossing the bay ignoring other students.
“We just went over this in Combat Basic’s, Kiwok. Leave her alone please.”
Unaware of his friends' names, I shoot them a glare. Naki crosses her arms as Loreer approaches.
“No fighting” Loreer orders, stepping between us like a peace-maker. “We are all on the same team, hm?”
“Sure…”
Her eyes slide in my direction, causing a sour look to cross my face. Why are you looking at me like I’m to blame? Don’t tell me you are gunna’ lecture me after class as well.
“We aren’t fighting, chit.”
The six of us look down at Nuyen. Her fur is flattening against the curve of her spine. She stands on her hind legs. Her fists form into cotton-balls.
“Nuyen, do you need the ladder?”
I roll my eyes. Loreer is so dense.
Another grin crosses Kiwok’s face, but he and his friends remain silent under the watchful gaze of our teacher. Nuyen flattens her ears. Her bright blue eyes glimmering with pride.
“No! I told you I don’t need help!”
Before we can react, Nuyen pounces on the wing of her plane. Her unsheathed claws drag across the metal. The screech causes me to flinch. Her hind legs kick through open air before her arms betray her and she catapults to the floor. Slamming her head and bouncing onto her back.
“Ow…”
Naki leaps to the rescue.
“Nuyen...”
She scoops the fur-ball into her open arms. Riddled with concern and agitation, I shove past Loreer, causing the feathered alien to gawk in my direction.
“Are you ok?”
Naki looks highly concerned as Nuyen shakes off the lingering pain. The trio of bullies turn their backs returning to examine their ships. My glare bores deep into their backs.
Nuyen perks up, her left paw moving to massage behind her ear. She looks up at Naki. Her pupils widen.
“I- I’m fine, thank you, Naki.”
Before the Tra’vaneer can respond, Nuyen kicks out of her gentle embrace, bolting towards the hangar door and exiting into the hall.
“Oh well,” Loreer ruffles her feathers. “Back to work everybody.”
“No. I’m going to check on her.”
My response looks to get on her last nerve. Loreer stomps her hind leg and flaps her wings.
“How dare you?” Loreer demands. “I am an Aver Gold. I demand you return to your lesson.”
Without hesitation, I shake my head, ignoring her and following Nuyen out the door. Loreer shouts at my departing back.
“This will be reported to Godsonion Ulmu young man.”
Whatever. Been there, done that…
“Nuyen, wait!”
She skids to a halt in the middle of the hallway. Her tail flicks, head dipping and ears falling flat. Her chest rises and falls, turning to face me with tears in her eyes.
“I’m ok Finn, I promise.”
“Are you sure?”
Crouching, I watch as a single tear stains her muddy white fur.
“Oh, I don’t know anymore, chit.”
Raising my hand, I gesture for us to talk closer to the wall away from prying eyes. She nods, padding over, sits and curls into a self-conscious lump. I sit beside her.
“It’s frustrating.”
Nuyen bats her eyelashes, contemplating her next words. Crossing my legs, I nod, urging her to continue.
“I’m always one step behind the other Asters.”
“Don’t listen to Kiwok and his friends. You're strong, in your own way.”
I recollect the times Chad shoved me into lockers or made fun of my looks. It leaves a stabbing sensation in my heart and a fiery anger that’s not easy to wash away.
“I know it’s...difficult.”
“You do?”
Nuyen’s left ear twitches.
“Ya, to always feel like you’re several steps behind other people. To feel like a weak link. It sucks.”
I rub my arms self-consciously.
“I've had my fair share of bullies.”
“How did you deal with them?”
“Honestly, I haven’t yet. I’m still learning day-by-day.”
She shrinks back to the floor, a groan of defeat on her pink-lips.
“Hey,”
My hand moves to smooth down the rough fur between her ears.
“Remember why you're here! You want to save people, right? You’re an Altair soldier.”
“Yes...I guess. It’s just strange.”
She makes a slight chirping sound in the back of her throat and scratches behind her ear with her hind foot.
“I’ve spent my entire life trying to prove I can be a soldier even though I’m teeny-tiny. Now that I’m here, it’s not everything I imagined. On my home planet I would daydream about glorious battle and butt-kicking action! Yet here I am. Struggling to jump into my plane...”
Nuyen pauses once more, falling onto her haunches and staring into the distance. She mumbles between half-shut lips.
“Maybe...I’m not cut out to be an Aster?”
“What?” I ask, despite hearing her clear as day.
“N- nothing, chitter!”
Nuyen shakes out her body giving her paws a tentative lick.
“Thanks for talking to me, Finn. I feel much better now.”
With that she leaps over my shoulder and we turn back towards the classroom door.
I really hope with all my heart that Nuyen doesn’t give up on being an Aster...
I Take A Trip To Aronevia
Just as Nuyen’s tail slips into the classroom a shadowy hand grips my shoulder giving an abrasive tug.
“Woah!”
I stu
mble around the corner as the mysterious individual tucks me against a wall. I become aware of a familiar warmth, so no warning-bells are raised as I spin to face Ron.
“What are you out of class, dude? We don’t need another complaint sent to Ulmu. Loreer and Socrates already have a few sent his way and I don’t wanna’ get expelled.”
I’m about to protest again but Ron lays a forefinger across his lips silencing me. There is an urgency in his voice.
“We need to find out what this crystal is…”
My eyes widen as Ron lifts his opposite hand. Clenched beneath a white fabric cover is the dark crystal.
“...f i n n…"
Hearing the male disembodied voice again I hold back the immediate reaction of rolling my eyes.
Is this thing on repeat or what?
“I agree…”
I prick my ears ready for more ominous words from the darkened object, but when Ron shoves it in his pocket, everything falls silent. Steadying my nerves, I shake my head.
“So, how are we going to do that?”
Somebody appears from within a training bay door several feet away.
Aver Vizen...his eel-like head doesn’t turn our way as he crosses the hall heading straight for the elevator.
Ron’s keeps his voice low…barely above a whisper.
“We have to board Eunoia...now, while everybody is in class.”
Not bothering to worry about the details, I push straight to my main concern.
“Ulmu and the other Avers will notice we’re missing.”
“We’ll be back before they know it. I’ll explain more on the ship. Just trust me.”
As If I haven’t been doing that already?
We sneak into the next empty elevator, riding down into the loading bay on the thirtieth floor. One or two engineers cast casual glances in our direction. Their eye-catching orange uniforms are a stark contrast to our dark blue attire.
Beyond the energy shields is the vastness of the Oprea galaxy. A dark grey planet lays far in the distance, the only native planet of the system, Montai.
“Ron, please tell me where we’re going."
“Bro, you're so impatient. Chill.”
Ron lowers Eunoia’s loading ramp. A smile creeps up my face.
“Why should I relax when you’re making me skip class? If we get in trouble, it’s on you, you know.”
Ron nods his head clambering onto the metal platform. I take my place beside him as the entrance closes.
“Ya, don’t remind me. An Aster Bronze going out on a mission without consent is a big no-no.”
The flickering over-hanging lights cast heavy shadows down our faces as the blue hues from the loading bay are cut-off.
“Will this be worth the trouble?”
Ron pivots heading towards the air lock.
“It’ll be worth it...I think.”
My response is a mumbled concern.
“Whatever you say, bro...”
I’ve trusted him this far and, right at this moment, I don’t have a choice anyway.
Heading up to the crew's quarters, I flop onto the closest couch staring over at the holographic strategy table. Eunoia’s blue AI display glimmers a brilliant indigo.
“Hey EON, good evening.”
Our transport ship’s AI chimes back.
“Bates brothers, good evening, and welcome back. As instructed, all ship functions are go.”
“In that case,” Ron says, “we can head straight up to the flight-deck.”
Once there, I take my place in the uncomfortable leather padding of the co-pilot’s seat and we strap in for launch.
Then it occurs to me.
“Ron, aren’t we going to have to clear our departure with Traffic Control?”
“Yep,” Ron says, “but I filed a Mission Plan earlier this afternoon with Earth as the destination. Just be patient for a sec’”
He turns to instruct EON.
“EON-” he orders, “set a course for Earth but, once clear of the Perimeter Control area, reset course for Aronevia. Coordinates, W-14-7351. Once launched, maintain radio silence until otherwise instructed.”
“Understood. Will comply.”
I spin in alarm. “Wait...we’re traveling out of Altair jurisdiction? Are you insane!?”
Ron shrugs. “I mean...duh.”
He selects the channel for Traffic Control.
“Traffic Control, Mission Tango Mike ready for departure.”
“Tango Mike clear to launch in 30 seconds.”
Thirty seconds feel like an eternity but, right on time, the bay door opens and EON launches us on our way and out into the vastness of space.
“Okay, now can you fill me in?
At that moment EON announces “Perimeter Control cleared. Resetting course. Entering hyperdrive.”
Ron’s eyes are gleaming as a smile explodes on his face.
“You remember how Gamirah is working in Altair’s Records Department and Archives? I contacted her and we worked together to search The Citadels’ database. We compiled a short list of planets with a history of dark magic.”
“So, why narrow the search down to Aronevia?”
“It’s the only planet that mentions the use of crystals in their history archives and I figured it was the best place to check out.”
“Ron…”
My eyes swivel back to his pocket. Despite his cheery disposition I’m weary.
“...are you sure you want to be doing this behind The Citadel’s back? I know I've only been an Aster for a little bit, but it feels wrong.”
“I’m sorry.”
His sentiment feels genuine. His smile fades.
“Trust me, this is the only way. The Citadel won’t upgrade Earth to a Known Planet for many years...possibly never with the state of the galaxies.”
The idea of Ron never coming home makes my stomach twist.
“If I want to get their attention, I need to do something daring, drastic, maybe even super-stupid.”
“So…we need to do something super-stupid!”
We grin in unison.
“Ya, that’s right.”
Ron punches my left shoulder. EON’s gentle voice announces over the speakers.
“Leaving hyperspace. Arriving at Aronevia in seventeen minutes”
∆∆∆
Aronevia looms before us, circled by triple comet-strung rings. The planet is covered in dark-orange, mountainous terrain almost totally obscured by thick white clouds. Several planets are far off in the distance, glimmering like powdered snow.
“Ron...maybe I should have asked what this planet is like?”
He scratches his chin in thought,
“Hm- from what Gamirah and I read, it’s inhabited by a technologically advanced monarchy. The inhabitant species are known as Greks.”
“And…”
“…and that’s all the research we did.”
My jaw turns slack.
“Seriously dude? Even I could have planned better than that!” A quick memory of Gamirah flashes in my mind, “Even more-so, Gamirah should have known better than to let you go on a mission ill-informed.”
I’m doing my best to hide the fact I’m jealous Ron got to talk to Gamirah and not me...
“You’re also a perfectionist, Finn.” He rolls his eyes, “Just stop worrying. Jeez- you’re just like mom sometimes.”
His teasing sends a ripple of agitation down my spine. EON pings, drawing our attention to the command center.
“Incoming message from Aronevia, outpost 448278. Instruction filed under General Xar.”
My brother waves his hand dismissively.
“Confirm. Patch em’ through.”
General Xar’s voice makes him sound bland and old.
“State your business!” General Xar demands.
“My name is Ron Bates. I’m an Aver Bronze from The Citadel’s Altair outpost.”
“What does an Altair member want with Aronevia? We received no word from your Diplomatic Branc
h.”
I have the feeling this will back-fire quickly. Hastily I shoot back my most well-thought-out response.
“Hello, General Xar. We apologize that you received no notification, but the matter is both important and urgent, so normal diplomatic channels were bypassed to avoid unwarranted delay.”
“Really?” He grunts over the loudspeaker. “Who are you?”
Ron tries to interject but I stop him by shoving my hand in his face. He lets out a small- “hey!-”
“My name is Finn Bates, sir. I’m an Aster Bronze. Our purpose is to consult with you on matters that concern both our worlds.”
General Xar groans, as if we are disobedient children and he is obligated to cater to us.
“Fine, you can land. What is your I.D number?”
Ron slaps my hand out of the way, my lips tighten holding back a chuckle. He answers,
“Eunoia k98, ID 492846.”
“Confirmed. Enter coordinates Z-0678. The landing area in our Capital, Zara, will be open to you.”
With that he signs off. Ron types in the coordinates.
EON leads us downwards through rings of house sized asteroids. Dark shadows pass the glass windshields. Several minutes go-by and the whooshing of air indicates that EON is adjusting our pressure for Aronevia’s atmosphere. Below, past the knifed mountain peaks, are massive sparkling silver towers. Unlike Creyenia’s primitive, bleak environment, Aronevia looks fresh and pristine.
“This must be Zara…wow!”
Each building pierces the clouds. Their original design produces symmetrical lines overlooking the maze-like roads below. Silver, oval-shaped crafts zip around several feet off the ground, criss-crossing others without colliding. Clearly, there is a very sophisticated control system in operation.
Everything glows silverish-purple, casting magnificent shades of dull-hues across the infrastructures. One building in particular stands out. It is the only building formed with a spiral base. It is taller than the nearest mountain. A black inset in the vast facia depicts a black crystal with four points.
“Ron, that must be the symbol of their people.” I say, pointing.
“I had no idea findin’ answers would be this easy.”
If the Aronevian people really do know what this crystal is...does that mean they are friend, or foe?!
Hypernova Series: Worlds At war Page 4