The Last Holidays

by Grover Young

  “Hate them all you want.” Sighing, I looked at them seated in front of their saucers in the boat bay, “Just remember, this is not the end. There are more, lots more of, if not them, other races still out there and we have no idea of who else those SOB's sold Voyager's information to. Massacring every alien you see isn't going to get us anything, but a bad reputation and probably nuked from orbit as dangerous to the 'neighborhood.'”

  “But it would be so personally satisfying,” Bes grunted and gave me a very hard look, “That's why I'm happy that's someone else's problem. It's above both of our pay grades.”

  “Someone has got to look to the future,” I shrugged, ignoring his pointed insinuation that it wasn't my problem either. It was too bad I didn't feel that way. I was raised the old fashioned way. If you weren't part of the solution, you were a part of the problem. In other words, things weren't going to fix themselves, so go out and do something about it. That was easier said than done, and I was only human, but it just wasn't in me to 'just' follow orders. There was a good reason why I'd only spent one tour in the Army all those years ago. It took an alien invasion to make me re-up after all.

  “I'd rather look to how to save our three mates out on the hull.” His glower at me didn't let up.

  “If someone will help me, I can open the locks,” Talos volunteered, “I can't move very fast, but with assistance I can use my power to override the computer.”

  He did not look good. With his metal hide, our leader had taken a hell of beating from those tasers. His insides were still flesh and blood which does not like being fried with electricity.

  Bes looked at me and Artemis. Here in the boat bay, I, Halcyon, could actually stand. It didn't take a genius to see I would be more effective if left here. There was also the fact I had a rapport with several of our enemies at a time when we were trying to negotiate.

  However, I could also be useful helping Talos being large enough to fly while carrying him wherever we needed to go. That would leave him watching the boat bay, since Artemis was our only other cross-trained medic. Like it or not, size does matter because, as Archimedes stated, proper leverage could move the world. He would have a harder time covering the bay, and as much as he might hate to admit it, he was more vulnerable to their weapons.

  Maybe they didn't slow him up much, but he didn't get a 'power up' like I did either. It was also true that I was just more intimidating than him. That was balanced by his distrust of me. I suspected that, like nearly everyone on the whole damn planet, he'd lost too many loved ones, comrades and friends to the Sha'leians. He had just one use for them and that didn't involve them continuing to breathe.

  Still, he had only one real choice.

  “Artemis you're with me and Talos to rescue our Thebes mates,” our acting team leader ordered, “Nott, if it goes balls up, protect the wounded.

  “Halcyon you're on guard here,” he grinned fiercely, “If they try anything at all, paste their feathered arses.”

  Watching the hatch close behind them, I sighed. The Hammer and I had actually discussed this. He was a professional soldier who had a very firm understanding of history. We both could see the possibilities if the boarding teams actually got this far.

  However, there was also this thing about obeying civilian authority. It was a check and balance that was meant to keep us from falling into the military coup and problems that plagued so many other nations.

  For me to do as I contemplated, there were words for it, and none of them were complimentary. Turning from the hatch, I sighed. There really wasn't any choice. Well, at least Sheila would know where to find me.

  Stepping towards my enemies, I waited till one came forward. I wasn't surprised to recognize Ralt. More correctly, it was four of them which included Tash and Kzon. They never said so, but I saw now that they were family as Sha'leians counted them.

  “Quantum Warrior,” Ralt greeted me with his open palm salute as did the others.

  “Ralt, Tash and Kzon,” I returned the gesture and gave them a short bow, “I apologize, but I don't know your titles or your companion's name.

  “It is Potal,” he replied, “I wish we could've met under different circumstances.”

  The other Sha'leians were outright staring, and I'm pretty sure my team mates were, too. Let 'em look. The prosecution would need witnesses for my Court Martial.

  “As do I,” Taking a moment to compose myself, I continued, “in exchange for promising not to self-destruct this vessel or take any more military or any kind of actions against Earth, can you, will you, take your people and go?”

  “You mean to leave us nothing more than the boats, so far from our home?” He asked.

  “Am I right in saying they would be enough for you to reach your other vessels we know that must be close?” I riposted.

  “You would be correct,” he gave a sigh of his own. “It now makes sense why you undertook such desperate measures. How did you know?”

  “Guesstimates,” Shrugging, I knew we didn't have that much time, “We knew approximately when our probe had been found and when you arrived. Your own actions spoke of urgency as you pushed up your timetable.

  “But my question is, will you abandon this ship and leave?” I added my urgency to my words, “Make your decision quickly. Our window of opportunity is not very large.”

  “And our base on your moon?” Tash asked.

  “You of course, would be allowed to pickup any of your people there,” I replied, “but activity there must stop as well. Too many things that are truly unforgivable have passed between your people and mine. The best any of us can hope for is that, if we meet again in the future, enough time has passed to heal some of those wounds.”

  They turned to face the rest of their crew who'd been raptly watching us. Their own tongue was rather bird like, but not completely. By groups they began making this kinda open armed gesture.

  “We agree,” Ralt spoke for them all.

  “Then get them moving,” I tried not to shout, “We don't have much time.”

  He said a word and they all rushed to grab their wounded and take them inside their boats.

  “Halcyon,” Nott called, “What are you doing?”

  “I'm stopping this war,” replying, I still kept my eyes on the Sha'leians, “You heard the politicians. They're looking for bodies to feed to the mob. Every one of these aliens is guilty, but killing them will only bring more death upon us.”

  “And if they lied and mean to destroy this ship and Earth anyway?” She asked.

  “I don't think they think that way.” That was my hope, “Their minds don't work that way, I think. The hell of it is, if not for their desperation in finding a world like theirs, I think we could've been great friends. I very much doubt that will ever happen now.”

  “You think?” She answered coldly. Nott, like us all, had lost someone, “They'll court-martial you and throw away the key.”

  “More than likely,” I agreed, “but that is better than to have Earth tear this crew apart limb from limb and then have several thousand more Sha'lenians show up with blood in their eyes. Thank you, but no. Just these few damn near conquered our asses.

  “More,” I breathed, disgusted with being human for the moment, “if any of them were truly interested in ending the bloodshed, they could've offered exactly what I did. Instead, they were more concerned about having their names attached to 'our' victory and bringing our invaders to justice. Have to ensure next years' election, don't you know.” My sarcasm knew no bounds.

  “Do you think that is fair?” Nott asked, “Many of them have lost those they care about, too.”

  “Perhaps not,” I breathed out, “but this isn't the time for revenge either. I lost my entire family with the exception of my brother, who is Gawd only knows where. Someone has to stop this and stop it now.

  “They wouldn't be here at all unless they were desperate.” Most of them were in their 'boats' now, but Ralt and his group were approaching, “So are we. Things are bad
enough that it'll take everything we've got to just to survive. Our poor planet is going to need time and a lot of care to recover. Dragging this out would only distract from that and help no one.”

  “We are ready,” Ralt stated, but he then hesitated, asking, “Why are you doing this? Your people won't be pleased by your actions.”

  “No, they won't,” I sighed, “but it is the right thing to do.”

  He bowed his head as if in deep thought.

  “Computer,” he ordered, “do you acknowledge my authority to transfer command?”

  “Affirmative,” a voice answered, seemingly out of the air right beside us.

  “Then, on my authority, Halcyon is the commander of this vessel,” Ralt commanded. “Additionally, the 'deed' to Earth is hereby transferred back to its inhabitants, with her named as the principle agent responsible. Please provide a hard copy with all the pertinent details in each of the planet's major languages.”

  I didn't have to look at Nott to know she was gaping just like I was.

  “Because it's the right thing to do,” my friend said. Then, he and his family boarded the saucer waiting for them.

  “Computer, please assist in helping Bes and his team in helping the wounded aboard.” I sorta kinda found my voice, as I watched the saucer hover outside, picking up the 'bridge' personnel as they left the ship to us humans.

  Then, it turned and headed off into the dark between worlds. I watched till it was gone, just another point of light among many.

  “Second Star to the right and straight on 'til morning,” I softly quoted, J.M. Barrie's Peter, “Goodbye, my friends.”

  New discoveries have given evidence that 'inflation', the Big Bang theory, is correct. Signs of Gravitational waves predicted by Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity have, for the first time, been seen.

  Being able to have proof of these theories suggests that the multi-universe is also real, since many of the 'inflation' models support the creations of the 'many worlds.' If true, then the universe really is a more marvelous place than we could ever imagine. After all, who is to say what is real or not, when all possibilities are possible somewhere.

  Arkham Containment Zone Spring Equinox

  Grey turned the van, his 'war wagon', to the right, slowly onto College Street. He didn't know what he was expecting. For all he knew, there might still be left over zombies, demons or worse. His inner wolf was spooked growling softly that Arkham, Massachusetts was not a good place to be.

  He was made acutely uncomfortable by the 'bad' vibes as well. Years before, the college town had been first evacuated due to the plague of undead and then again later to a rampage of demons. Wisely, very few returned before the last and final invasion by unspeakable eldritch horrors. Many who weren't killed were driven insane in the end. No one returned after that, turning the small city into a ghost town. According to his wolf, that phrase applied in more ways than one. However, if he was correct, it was here that the Golem Master had his lair.

  It couldn't be denied that the place was creepy as hell. Despite decades of unfriendly Massachusetts’ weather, the place looked as if everyone simply left yesterday. Okay, perhaps way, way yesterday, given the all vintage vehicles scattered about, but he would've expected them to be rusted wrecks rather than appear freshly abandoned. Instead, it was as if the whole town was some kind of enormous time capsule. He almost expected to see the old theater marquee advertizing Fred MacMurray in 'The Absent Minded Professor' to light up to attract customers.

  Given the terrifying events that not only happened, but kept recurring, it was no wonder his wolf sensed something was horribly 'wrong' about this place. Even with that warning, he felt the unease that had kept people from returning to this place for over a half century.

  Consulting his map, he carefully kept track of possible obstacles if he had to leave in a hurry. Normally, he wouldn't be taking his van, which was his mobile headquarters, this close to the action. He preferred to leave it parked further out of the way and to make his approach on foot. This time that just wasn't practical. Besides, he had a feeling if he had to leave, speed would be of the essence.

  In theory, the Mystics Guild had official sanction to ward and watch over this little piece of Hell on Earth, specifically to ensure that 'undesirables' didn't set up shop here. On the other hand, despite those wards, every few years some group of young idiots would dare each other to enter the 'town' limits and somehow find a way in.

  And just about every time, the local mage had to go looking for the bodies. Sometimes the fools were even found alive if needing therapy for the rest of their lives. The internet had been full of not just cautionary tales, but outright dire warnings.

  The problem was that this was where his leads were pointing. He'd spent the last three months tracking down the clues. Even on Valentines, he spent the whole day in a place nearly as unnerving as Arkham.

  Boston Township, Ohio was known as Helltown. Although he didn't find anything but a group of insane Satanists looking for the portal to Hell, it was one heck of a way to spend a day meant for lovers.

  Not that it mattered, since the only 'woman' on his mind was a living golden statue who wasn't what she seemed. To say it was complicated would be an enormous understatement, but she had saved his life even if she had kicked his ass. Even with his accelerated healing from his wolf, his arm still ached from time to time. Broken bones sucked.

  So, here he was, searching a town where so many supernatural disasters had occurred that its name was synonymous with asylums and mental health facilities. However, he felt as if time was running out. Today was the Spring Equinox which had, according to his Mystic Guild contacts, considerable magical significance. Unfortunately, they were of the opinion that if it was a serious threat, the Golem Master would wait till the Fall or more likely the Winter Solstice, when the darker magics were more potent.

  Grey knew he wasn't a master of the mystical arts. The wolf spirit that chose him turned his life topsy turvy, but it also gave him entry into a world invisible to the common man. However, his metamorphosis gave him the chance to make a difference as well.

  Perhaps that was why he was committed to helping 'her'. Grey understood some of what Craig Elder had to have gone through. Just crossing the gender divide alone would've been enough, but the rest of what she endured was beyond the pale. If only a fraction of what he'd read about the process used to 'create' those golems was true, he couldn't imagine how anyone could've stayed sane.

  Crossing Garrison Street, Miskatonic University was visible on the right. The snow covered ground hid whatever plant life had overgrown the abandoned campus. He damn near expected to see students strolling about, despite knowing it been many years since any had dared walk those grounds.

  Finding a place to hide his van, Grey ventured out onto the campus. He knew the Mystic's Guild had vetted that no one was here, but it was also very true that Misktonic University at one time had a very extensive library on the supernatural. It made far too much sense for a researcher like the Golem Master to take up residence nearby, particularly since Grey could find no indications just what had happened to that collection of materials. The Guild would neither confirm nor deny anything.

  However, he had come across a vital clue, although it might be a long shot. It explained not only what happened to that collection, but where the man known as the Golem Master had been hiding all these years.

  Benjamin Rava had attended this school as well as teaching as a professor here in back in the thirties before World War Two, but had not returned after his enlistment was up. As part of the Monuments Men Program assigned to identify and protect archeological treasures from vindictive acts by Nazi Germany, he'd unfortunately had seen firsthand the horrors of ‘Holocaust’. The final nail in the coffin of his sanity had been finding so many of his own family among the victims of the Holocaust.

  The relevant facts were that he'd spent many years here, and if he regarded any place as home, this was it. The topping on the cake
was a mention that the Dean's residence was particularly well appointed, including a very spacious library. The Guild would know to watch Miskatonic U's library like a hawk, but would they do the same to a residence merely near the campus?

  He settled his gear more comfortably on his shoulders. If he had to make a guess, he would also say that keeping an eye on this place was far down the Guild's to-do list. Probably only lower skilled or even apprentices did the surveillance sweeps. Certainly the one mage he met, who was supposed to be keeping watch here, didn't impress him very much. It seemed to him that they trusted their wards far too much. It was important to remember that Golem Master had more than a passing familiarity with enchantments. If anyone could bypass such protections it was his quarry.

  Using all of his skills, he weaved in and out of the maze of buildings without leaving a sign of his passing. Grey hadn't expected to find any indications of trespassing on the university's grounds, but he believed in being thorough.

  Fairly confident that nothing recent had happened at the University proper, he began working his way west. The Dean's residence was listed as being on the corner of Crane and West Street across from the campus.

  However, he did take the precaution of assembling his crossbow. The much modified Barnett compound crossbow had plenty of stopping power and was quick to re-cock. With a four quarrel revolving drum, he could make four shots a minute. That might seem slow in relation to historical Saracen archers who could shoot fast enough to have three arrows in the air simultaneously while English long-bowmen were expected to 'loose' ten aimed shots a minute.

  The difference was his 'bolts' could be loaded with all kinds of very wicked stuff just for 'creatures of the night'. The central penetrator of silver plated steel had a 'collar' of spikes in the thick hollow shaft made of cold iron, ash and other materials with mystic properties, as well as even a crystal ampoule of holy water. If the bolt failed to pierce the target, a piston slammed forward by the impact would drive the spikes home. Grey wasn't certain what effect, if any, they would have on the Golem Master's creations, but they weren't going to be his target.