“What does the second champion do?” asked Wayne.
“In the event the first champion is unable to compete, the second champion assumes the responsibility,” replied Ute. “Two are required when a government official or edict is challenged. It is a safeguard against the power of the government, and the possibility that disreputable officials might try to “disappear” a champion.”
“What happens to them?” asked Amelia, “the missing champions.”
“They always turn up,” replied So, “but rarely could they remember where they were and why they didn’t compete. Listirna leaves have a powerful narcotic and people drugged with them reportedly have experienced those exact effects, and some wild, if not frightening hallucinations.”
“Lovely, those are the kind of people you want running your government. They sound like Shumbrans,” declared Joules. “I’m in.”
“Wait a minute Joules, don’t you think we should discuss this before we plunge in?” asked Wayne.
“Okay, let’s discuss it. Who’s in favor of not doing anything, and letting the Blues get slaughtered.” It wasn’t like Joules to be so harsh and when she realized how she sounded she apologized immediately.
“I’m sorry Wayne, that wasn’t fair. I’m just angry about this. This is wickedness in its most vile and ugly form.”
“I believe you didn’t mean it that way, you don’t wander around the universes with someone and not get to know them pretty well.” replied Wayne.
“They ARE the Wanderers,” said Ute to So.
Kar was smiling broadly, like he had received the only present he ever desired. Wayne ignored Ute, but in the back of their minds they all thought there was an uncanny similarity between Elo’s poem and their present circumstances.
“I think we need more information before we decide who volunteers to fight,” said Wayne.
“I agree we should discuss it,” said Blackie, “but the prophecy seems straight forward.”
“How so?” asked Amelia.
Before Blackie could answer Joules cut in, “The wicked turn from their desire, when scourged with all-consuming fire. I think I know where we can get some of that.”
“So, who do you suppose will be the Chancellor’s champion?” asked Blackie.
“The Chancellor will represent himself,” replied So somberly. Ute and Kar nodded in agreement with downcast looks.
“Why the long faces?” asked Wayne, who could tell by their body language something was bothering them.
“The Chancellor is big,” replied Kar.
“I don’t think that will be a problem,” offered Blackie, “but I think a bait and switch might be in order.”
“Explain,” said Amelia before the others could respond.
“I’m betting the law requiring two champions wasn’t codified because there was a slim chance one would go missing. It was written because at some point in their history, it was the order of the day. I’m right aren’t I?”
Soe listened to Blackie and nodded, but didn’t say a word.
“This is what I propose. Clearly the prophecy best fits a scenario where Joules ends up in the competition – The wicked turn from their desire, when scourged with all-consuming fire – that has Joules written all over it. There could be a powerful social impact from the fulfillment of that prophecy; maybe enough to stop this genocidal nonsense. But if Joules disappears before the competition, her gift won’t do us any good, will it? She has to be in that competition! So, we put out that I’m the first champion and Joules is number two. If I go missing, and that seems highly probable based on what we’ve been told, Joules enters the ring.”
“What if you don’t go missing?” asked Wayne.
“Then the Chancellor is going to wish I had. And, when it’s painfully evident he is not going to win, I’m sure some government lap dogs will be waiting to intervene. When they do, the three of you join the fray. Either way, we win.”
“I like it,” said Amelia. “We need to make sure you’re abducted Blackie, and I think I have an idea to make sure that happens.”
“What’s that?”
“Starting tomorrow, in a public place where anyone can see what we’re doing, we begin three-against-one drills. I’m sure someone will report it to the Chancellor, which is exactly what we want. When he hears you’re fighting three people at once, I’m sure he’ll arrange for you to be missing on tournament day.”
“Oh, I like that, I like that idea a lot,” said Wayne. “You’re good at pulling punches, right Blackie?”
That evening they checked into a hotel on the outskirts of town Ute recommended, and first thing the next morning they asked the concierge where they might find a workout facility. By noon they had secured memberships in a nearby facility, and went looking for the necessary equipment for sparring. Blackie insisted they purchase a complete set of body pads and a helmet for each of them.
“You think all this stuff is necessary?” asked Wayne who was pushing a shopping cart full of equipment.
Blackie’s face broke into a grin, “I do. After our first workout you can decide if you agree with me.”
That afternoon they started three-against-one sparring in a public workout room at the gym. Blackie suggested they do quick two-minute drills with a thirty second break between each one. After five drills Wayne, Amelia and Joules needed a longer break.
“Man, was I wrong about not needing all this padding. How do you punch so stinking hard?” said Wayne, rubbing his upper right chest where Blackie had landed a solid punch.
“I think you’re holding back,” said Amelia.
“No, not really,” said Blackie.
“You are,” said Joules. “You’re not kicking at all. I know you can kick, and sweep, and jump kick, and you haven’t tried any of those!”
“We need to sell it Blackie,” whispered Wayne. “We need for someone to believe you shouldn’t be around for that competition.”
“I’m doing as much as I’m comfortable with. Punches are easier to pull. If I don’t pull a kick correctly, I could break someone’s leg or knock them out. If Joules ends up with a concussion because I don’t pull a kick in time our plan is toast.”
“I’m okay with punches,” replied Wayne, who noticed several Bantorians had gathered in the corner of the room behind Blackie to watch while they sparred. “I think we have company.”
The three Bantorians approached them, and one of them spoke when they reached the edge of the mats. “They aren’t much of a workout, are they?” said the biggest one.
“I wouldn’t be too sure of that if I were you,” replied Blackie, locking the Bantorian’s eyes firmly in his gaze. “We agreed to go easy.”
“Maybe we could show you how someone is supposed to be pummeled when sparring three-on-one.”
“That’s not necessary,” said Blackie.
Behind them, a group of Bantorians had gathered to see what was going to happen.
“Maybe we should go, we’re causing a scene,” said Amelia, nodding to the crowd that was now fifteen bystanders.”
Blackie glanced around at them as the biggest Bantorian stepped onto the mat.
“What’s it going to be? Are you ready for a lesson?” he said.
This is the gym bully, thought Blackie. This is the guy that makes everyone’s trip to the gym uncomfortable.
The Bantorian motioned for the other two to join him on the mat.
“Sorry, we’re not finished yet, you can have the mat when we finish.”
“You want to keep the mat, take it,” replied the Bantorian.
“Come on Blackie, we don’t need this,” said Amelia.
“You guys step off the mat, this will only take a second,” replied Blackie, who walked to the edge of the mat and took off all his pads and helmet. “You’re good with threats, let’s see if you can fight.”
The words were barely out of his mouth when one of the Bantorians rushed him with no warning. Using a Jiu Jitsu hip throw Blackie effortlessly sent him careen
ing to the mat and off the other side. The second Bantorian advanced and threw a wicked punch that caught Blackie on the shoulder, then he seized the front of Blackie’ shirt. In an instant, Blackie grabbed his wrist with his left hand, rolled it away and down, bringing the Bantorian’s head and shoulder toward the floor.
Not wanting to break his elbow, Blackie grabbed his shirt with his left hand and tossed him off the mat. As he did so the other Bantorian threw a punch. Blocking it with his right arm, Blackie shoved him backwards, and using a roundhouse kick, sent him crumbling backwards.
The three of them then tried to rush him all at once, but Blackie sidestepped and took one of them down, then, spinning on his left hand he swept the second one’s legs, bringing him crashing to the floor. As Blackie stood the third Bantorian stepped in and grazed his face with a punch and grabbed his wrist. But before he could press his advantage, Blackie broke free and used the Kani Basami to take the guy down. Then, he stunned him with a punch as he laid on the floor. Using a kip-up, he got to his feet effortlessly, but the Bantorian didn’t move.
“I can do this all afternoon,” said Blackie to the other two Bantorians, as he moved sideways around the edge of the mat. Still, the third Bantorian lying on the floor hadn’t moved. “I can toss you around some more, or we can quit and you can help your friend. What will it be?” Then, looking at the second Bantorian, Blackie threatened, “The next time you insult my friends or disturb our workout, I’ll break that elbow backwards instead of throwing you.”
“We are finished,” said the second Bantorian, and they pulled their friend to his feet and carried him through the crowd of onlookers, opened the door, and left the gym. The crowd that had been watching dispersed, and some of them followed the three fighters outside.
“Could you snap his elbow?” asked Wayne.
“If he let himself get twisted up like that again – easily.”
“I have to admit, that’s scary, Blackie,” said Amelia.
“Would you? asked Joules. “Would you break his elbow?”
“No, but he doesn’t know that does he. Let’s get cleaned up and have something cool to drink. Then I think we should pay the Chancellor a visit.”
“Pay him a visit? I thought he was going to come looking for us,” said Wayne.
“Oh, I think his goons will find us alright, but I want to make sure they know who they’re looking for.”
“What do you have in mind Blackie. Not something crazy I hope,” said Joules, with a half-smile on her face.
“Just a tad this side of crazy I expect,” added Amelia.
The Chancellor’s office was in a building located in the government sector not far from their hotel. The room was laid out in an “L” shape, with his desk situated in front of the office door. A sitting area, tucked to the left of the desk and out of view from the door, was furnished with two cordovan leather wing-back chairs and an elegant black tufted sofa. Late in the afternoon, the Chancellor returned to his office, unlocked his door and took his seat behind his desk. It was then he realized he was not alone. Sitting to his left were four unexpected visitors.
“Who are you?” demanded the Chancellor as he jumped up from his chair, “and what are you doing in my chambers?”
“We are the Wanderers,” replied Blackie.
Amelia had a gigantic smile on her face. Making the Chancellor nervous was what she hoped for. She didn’t know a lot about him, but what she knew indicated he was a despicable person and she had no intention of making this easy on him. “We’ve come to fulfill Elo’s prophecy.”
“That is an ancient fable for children and fools,” replied the Chancellor tersely. “And there are only four of you. The legend speaks of six, not four. I’ll ask you again, who are you and why are you here?”
“We are six, but time and space decided only four were needed,” replied Blackie. “We’ve come to represent the Blues. Don’t act surprised, we know you’ve heard the rumors of our arrival. How we’ve traveled the universes and our guide retraced our journey to bring us here. You’ve heard the whispers of our ship; a ship like none you’ve ever seen or heard of before. We are the Wanderers, and I am the Blues’ champion.”
“Out of respect for your ancient traditions, and in the interest of courtesy, we thought it only right to introduce ourselves before the competition,” said Joules.
“And, who might you be?” asked the Chancellor.
“I’m the champion’s second. But, I doubt I’ll be needed,” finished Joules. “He can handle himself just fine.”
The Chancellor turned to Wayne and Amelia and in a surly tone asked, “And who are you two?”
“I’m the ship’s navigator,” said Amelia spritely, and taking Wayne’s arm in hers added, “and this strapping tall young man is our pilot.” She paused momentarily for effect, hoping it would make him nervous. “So far, we managed to find every planet we didn’t intend to visit, and we haven’t crashed once. Although that landing on Lindone must have been a six-inch drop,” she finished, looking at Wayne with the same smile.
Blackie could tell the Chancellor was nervous and probably a little confused. That’s what they wanted, and Blackie’s comment about time and space determining only four of them were needed seemed to add an element of mystery to their story and drive home the point they wanted to make. They are the Wanderers, and they intended to fulfill Elo’s prophecy.
“Well, I think we’ve taken enough of the Chancellor’s time,” said Wayne. “We should let him get back to his business, and we can get back to ours. Good day Chancellor.”
They all stood and walked toward the office door. Blackie was last in line and before stepping into the hallway, he turned and said, “I guess the next time we meet will be at the competition. I’m looking forward to it.”
As they walked down the hallway Joules put her hand on Blackie’s shoulder and said, “Nice touch. You’re a cinch to get abducted.”
“I’d love to see the look on his face when he steps into the ring and you become surrounded by gyrating bolts of lightning. What a dupe; he thinks he’s going to fight a pretty little blonde girl. Sheesh, I don’t think he’ll last long.”
When they exited the building, Amelia turned to Blackie and said, “I’ve been thinking about something Wayne mentioned to me. What if there is an antidote for the narcotic in Listirna. You could fake being drugged, and maybe make it back in time to watch Joules in the ring.”
“We need to find a library, and dinner,” said Wayne. “I’m starving. All this espionage stuff made me hungry.”
CHAPTER NINE
ENEMIES OR ALLIES
The Jantoids of Epsicron are most often referred to by their nickname - The Star Gazers. They are a busy species, and quite keen on perfecting virtually everything they endeavor, no matter how long it takes. But whether they are working at the Treehouse Restaurant, or taking a rare break from their jobs, you will often find them peering up into the skies.
They track the movements of planets and stars and all that goes on in the heavens. They can see storms blustering through space, and the particle streams emitted by Jump Starters as their owners flit around the universe from planet to planet. When asked how they know rain is falling on Gorda, or an electromagnetic storm is barreling through space toward Gavalkia, they simply reply, we see.
Jantoids have the brightest light green eyes you have ever seen; they are transparent, and multi-faceted like the backs of gigantic diamonds. And, if you have the stamina to peer deep inside them, you will see a tiny solar system suspended inside their lenses. Every Jantoid has an exact replica of the Epsicron Solar System in their eyes, and every image passes through it before it impacts opticon cells embedded on their eye’s inner lining.
They register whatever they are looking at as if it were imprinted on the Epsicron solar system, and that collective image is passed through their optic nerves to their brain. There, the image of what they are seeing, and its location and bearing, are all evaluated relative to the entire Eps
icron Solar System. Everything they see is triangulated multiple times using numerous fixed points in space. It is because of this they are never disoriented and never lost, and when they observe something, anything, they know precisely where it is located.
In the days that followed the Centorian Council meeting, Sly asked his Jantoid friend named Paxim to watch the skies more than usual. Conditions in Sote-kiliet were unsettling as more and more planets were showing signs of instability. One such planet was noted three days earlier, and the most recent report from Paxim indicated that planet had disappeared entirely sometime before noon.
Fortunately, it wasn’t populated. But rumors circulated of large, heavily populated planets reporting signs of instability, and of their panicked populations using every means available to get clear of the destruction. Paxim diligently watched the skies, and each day he sent a brief report to Centoria where scientists were scrambling to determine if affected solar systems in the Sote-kiliet would remain stable.
More worrisome were the calculations to determine at what point would they cease to be organized systems, incapable of holding their planets. Their previously balanced gravitational forces were becoming more and more distorted, and as planets disappeared those solar systems inched closer and closer to complete failure. Scientists throughout the galaxy admitted the problem they faced was beyond their technical capabilities. In the throes of such a fluid environment they could not predict what the outcomes would be.
This kind of disruptive force had previously been documented only in the proximity of a black hole, and yet, no black hole was located near the unstable planets. And, if disappearing planets wasn’t concern enough, scientists were keenly aware migrating planets from disrupted systems might someday cause havoc if a neighboring solar system “adopted” the straggler.
Planets that sustain life are rare, and a small nudge out of their orbit is all it would take to change a habitable planet into a barren wasteland. Consider Centoria, or Earth, slightly shifting their obit to make room for a new planet, only to become a desolate, barren rock, devoid of life. These considerations weighed heavily on the Centorians. It was unnatural for them to abstain from action when so many were being dispossessed and entire planets were disappearing.
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