Shadows of Olympus (Universe in Flames Book 6)

by Christian Kallias

  “She found some symbols in an old Nordic mythology book from Earth and found a match in our star-charts database. Scanning the resulting area for power signatures she got from Yanis, they found a match. It’s either a stroke of genius or it could just be a fluke, really. There’s only one way to know.”

  “Yeah, and that is to investigate the area. Are you alright with that assignment?”

  “I’m fine. I’ll watch over Sarah and Chris, I promise.”

  Chase grimaced. “Thanks, I know you will, my friend. However, I think Chris is most likely to watch over the both of you if trouble arises. And, well, Sarah is in charge. But I’m really glad you’re going with them. To be honest I wish I could come too.”

  “Then why don’t you? I understand that you need to go to Olympus, but perhaps we shouldn’t try to do too many things at once. You’ve got Saroudis and most of the fleet going to Alpha Prime, we’re going to Asgard hopefully and you’re going to try to convince Zeus to help us; and yet, both Aphroditis and Ares told you he won’t lift a finger to help us.”

  Chase frowned. “My head is spinning here, bro. I understand why you’re telling me all this. And I know it’s a gamble. But honestly, if at least one of these three missions doesn’t yield a good outcome, we could be done for. And while I’d rather we took the time to do these missions one after the other, we simply can’t afford the time. If we don’t find a way to retake Earth soon, all could be lost.”

  “If you really believe that, then why try to re-establish a power base on Alpha Prime? Why not regroup the fleet here on Droxia until it’s time to reclaim Earth?”

  “I’m actually doing that to protect Earth in the long run. I don’t want the planet to stay the center of Fury attention. If we can make the Furies understand we’re rebuilding our old world, maybe they’ll be more interested in Alpha Prime than Earth. Earth would be more of a secondary base for our forces. And we need that. If there’s a lesson to be learned here it’s that we can’t count on just one world or system to host our forces anymore. We have to think and build more globally from now on.

  “And we need to start churning ships out fast and Alpha Prime is our best bet for achieving that. There are tons of resources on the planet and in the system. It’s far enough from Erevos that we should see the Furies coming and, right now, it’s the one place where we can quickly salvage the remains of the destroyed fleet and cities to make ships faster using recycled materials rather than starting from scratch.”

  Daniel went to the viewport and looked at Droxia. It was covered in scorch marks from where the Furies had destroyed one large city after another.

  “What are the Droxians saying?”

  “They’re giving us as much quadrinium as we need right now, as a thank you for saving what’s left of their world when I battled against Harkoolis and Miseo.”

  “That was a close call.”

  “Doesn’t get any closer than that, really. When you’re sent to the underworld and talk with Hades himself, you know something went terribly wrong. But at least this venture taught me that I need to delegate responsibility and learn to trust my friends with my life; that you are all here to help me share the load and that I don’t have to carry the entire weight of this war on my shoulders alone.”

  “About fucking time,” said Daniel with a chuckle.

  Chase smiled widely, but his next question brought a frown to his face. “How are you feeling, Daniel?”

  “I’m alright, I guess. Thanks for asking. Sure, there isn’t a moment I’m not thinking about Fillio and what could have been. But since I’ve met Rae I’ve been feeling better. She has a very positive outlook on life, she’s full of energy and, truth be told, it’s a nice change of pace.”

  “Careful, that could just be a rebound thing.”

  “I know, and I’m not really looking at another romantic relationship here. But after feeling like nothing mattered anymore, I’ll take anything over how I felt after Fillio’s death. I’m still grieving and, well, it still hurts.”

  “It’s supposed to hurt. I would be worried about you if it didn’t. I . . . I’m sorry I couldn’t save her.”

  “It’s not your fault, Chase. You did all you could. Thank you for trying.”

  Chase wondered if he should tell his best friend about the encounter he’d had with her in the underworld, but what good would it do? Their conversation had been more personal, and a continuation of the one they’d had when Fillio wouldn’t let Chase heal her. No, Daniel was processing his grief the right way. Better not screw with that.

  “You’re welcome, my friend. You’d better go prepare; you’re leaving soon.”

  “Yes, Captain,” said Daniel with a smirk and a comical salute that brought a smile on Chase’s face.

  * * *

  When Keera arrived on the bridge in the elevator, Daniel was waiting on the other side of the doors.

  “Hey,” she said.

  “Hi, Keera, nice to see you again.”

  “Likewise. I wish I could stay, but Chase . . .”

  “That’s okay, he’s all yours. See you when I see you.” Daniel entered the turbolift as she exited.

  She turned towards him just before the doors closed. “Good luck with your mission,” she said with a smile.

  “Likewise.”

  When the doors closed she darted through the bridge and entered Chase’s ready room.

  Chase rose from his chair. “Please come in, Keera.”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  “None of that, Keera. You’re not officially a member of my crew and I’ve had it up to here,” said Chase, swiping his hand overhead, “with people calling me captain.”

  “Alright, Chase. What can I do for you? Is there a reason you haven’t asked Ryonna to come instead? I thought she was in charge of this mission.”

  “She is. I . . . I need you to keep an eye on things and report anything out of the ordinary.”

  “About Ryonna?”

  “No, neither Ryonna nor Tar’Lock. I trust the three of you with my life. But I’m not sure what Argos is playing at proposing the mission to Ryonna directly.”

  “The way she described it he seemed sincere in his repentance about his past actions.”

  “I don’t have to remind you that sincerity isn’t exactly Argos’ strong suit. So he could just be taking all of us for a ride. Right now I’m willing to let this play out and see where it leads; but I get the feeling he’s hiding something. So just be careful. Don’t take everything he says at face value.”

  “I’d never do that. Plus he’s going with you, so . . .”

  “I know. Just be careful, okay?”

  “Will do, Chase. Oh, and thanks for getting me a new ship.”

  “It’s a rental. When we’re back on track and hopefully churning out new destroyers, then I’ll get you a proper ship with more firepower.”

  “That one seems fine,” said Keera with a wink.

  “Or this one. Alright, then, if you want it to be yours one day, you may want to take good care of it on this mission.”

  “I’ll remember that,” said Keera with a grin.

  “Now about your mission. Can you tell me what Argos said? I didn’t have time to come to your briefing.”

  “He’s given us a set of coordinates for one of his bases. We’re to recover both a Kyrian snake clone, as well as key personnel from that base and all of Argos’ research on cloning. He mentioned that some of them would be able to help Chris as well, especially his lead bio-scientist.”

  “That part is your main priority. Acquire this man and the research as your primary objective. Get the snake as well if you can, but make sure you bring back the scientist he requires to do the job. Unharmed. My son’s life depends on it.”

  “Understood.”

  “What about his people? I suppose they’re Zarlacks?”

  “They are. Argos gave us an encrypted data chip to deliver to their leaders. He says that once they see the message they should comply.”

/>   “Watch your six, if they don’t. Zarlacks can be very dangerous. I’m glad Ryonna and Tar’Lock are going as well. You might need her muscles and his speed.”

  “I can fight as well, you know.”

  “I’m well aware of that. And in case you’re put in a position to bring any of them down, go for the back of their neck.”

  “Thanks for the tip. We’ll manage, Chase.”

  Chase realized he was being patronizing. “I didn’t mean you can’t. I just don’t like sending my friends on a mission without more backup.”

  “You got us two full platoons of soldiers and those awesome battle bots. We’ll be fine.”

  “They’ll do well against Zarlacks, but . . .”

  “Not against a Fury. I know. Ryonna will take one of the super-suits we got from that Brin madman who tortured her brother.”

  “How is Ryonna’s brother doing? I didn’t even have time to go see him.”

  “Don’t feel sorry, Chase. You have so much on your plate right now. I’m sure Ryonna understands.”

  “Right . . .” Chase let the word hang.

  He had a fleeting thought about how different his life was before. When he was a simple, hot-headed fighter pilot. Before all of this started. Things were simpler back then. Pilot a space fighter, shoot the enemy, rinse and repeat. He had never imagined how much more complex and draining his life would become.

  “I’m sure you’ll be fine. I have complete confidence in all of you.”

  “That’s the spirit,” said Keera with a wink.

  * * *

  Chris had grown to nearly an adult now. He was about eighteen years old. Fortunately, Argos had managed to drastically slow his rapid aging, even though he hadn’t managed to find a permanent solution just yet.

  Chase, Argos and Ares were waiting by the shuttle to take them to their ship for this mission. The Euphoreon. Chase took Chris in his arms.

  “Take good care of your mother while I’m away, okay?”

  Chris smiled. “Will do, Dad. You be careful too, right? I wish I was coming to Olympus with you. I hope you won’t miss my powers in case you have to fight Zeus.”

  Chase gazed at Sarah.

  “He asks a lot of questions. He may look eighteen, but technically he’s only weeks old,” said Sarah with a crooked smile.

  Chase smiled back and turned his attention back to Chris. “I know, son, and I wish you were with us as well. Your mission with your mom is just as important.”

  Chris nodded.

  Chase took Sarah in his arms and squeezed her tightly. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “Me too. Be careful on Olympus. I love you.”

  “Be careful as well. I love you too. When this is over we really need to plan a family trip, just the three of us.”

  “That would be nice, but we both know it’s not happening any day soon.”

  Chase grimaced. As much as he wanted to run in the fields with his family as he had dreamt while under the influence of synthetic Kyrian snake venom, Sarah was right. It would be a long time before they could just be a family, without a care in the world. That was something to look forward to, though, no matter how far in the future it might be.

  “Right, we have a war to win first.”

  Sarah kissed Chase passionately for a long time, even though it didn’t feel long enough for either of them. When they were done, Sarah turned to Ares.

  “Ares, you make sure Chase comes home in one piece this time. Or there’ll be hell to pay.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” answered Ares.

  Chris had done a great job powering him up a couple of times when he was not feeling well over the last few hours. That allowed Ares to recuperate and have most of his energy back for what would await them in Olympus.

  Argos stood a few yards behind, nearest to the shuttle, his arms crossed against his chest, a look of annoyance on his face.

  While Chase gave Sarah her latest instructions, Chris came by and looked Argos in the eyes.

  “Anything I can do for you, boy? I’ll soon have all I need to stop your rapid aging.”

  “I know. I sense a conflict in you.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “You’re still wondering for which side you should be fighting. You’re not really our ally yet.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said Argos, snorting.

  “Look, my dad wants nothing more than to trust you can change. But you’d be wise not to do anything stupid. If my father gets hurt on Olympus, you’ll have to answer to me directly. Are we clear?”

  Argos looked pissed. “I have no intention of betraying your father, nor any of you for that matter. As for the empty threats, it’s all I’m hearing lately, so get in line.”

  Chris’ look was cold as ice when he let his aura burn all around him. It was the same orange color as when Chase was reaching maximum power. Argos’ eyes widened.

  “Who said anything about my threats being empty?” added Chris with a smirk. “I’ve been training every chance I get lately. Father told me about your own training sessions. Make sure my father comes back in one piece and we can train together, if you like. Oh, and lighten up will you,” said Chris before punching Argos in the shoulder. “You’re quite the mood killer.”

  Argos attempted to smile, though it could have gone better. He was clearly not yet at ease in his new surroundings.

  Chase heard the exchange between his son and brother and had to force himself not to grin from ear to ear. Chris was already a badass fighter, and it must have been incredibly frustrating for Argos to be told what to do and what would happen by someone as young as Chris. Chase and Argos held each other’s gaze for a brief moment.

  Moments later, Chase, Ares and Argos boarded the shuttle and left the Hope’s hangar.

  * * *

  When Ryonna joined Keera aboard the heavy transport Chase had graciously offered her, Keera was finishing her pre-flight checks. Tar’Lock came in the cockpit as well and sat behind Keera.

  “I really want to thank you both for trying to help my people. I can’t believe I’m going home after all this time.”

  Keera flashed him a thumbs up. “No worries, Tar’Lock, that’s what friends are for.”

  Ryonna smiled and installed herself in the co-pilot seat. “How long a jump to Argos’ base?”

  “It’s a long one. Plenty of time to get some rest on the way. Are the troops and battle bots on board?” asked Keera.

  “Yes, the platoons and bots are secured in the back of the craft.”

  “I wish we could have taken both super-suits with us, though.”

  Ryonna nodded. “Yeah, me too, but it’s important that Yanis keeps one for reverse-engineering. It may hold vital clues to protecting us better against Fury weaponry.”

  “I still don’t understand how this thing contains Fury tech. But yeah, any advantage we can get would be good. I just wish we had more of these. I don’t know about you, but the more time passes the more it feels our enemies get powerful. It’s frustrating knowing we can’t do anything if we meet a Fury inside that base. At least with this armor we can do something.”

  “As powerful as they are,” said Ryonna, “the super-suits are nothing compared to Chase’s and other Furies’ powers. I know how you feel, though. My people are a proud race. We are bred to be warriors from a young age and I share your frustration. As much as I enjoy the extra power the suits provide, we could never hope to bring an elite Fury down with it.”

  “Well, elite fighters like Miseo or Argos are one thing, but the Furies also have low-level fighters. Surely we can defeat these with the super-suits.”

  When Ryonna didn’t answer, Keera added, “Are you alright, Ryonna? Something on your mind?”

  “I’m just thinking about the mess we’re in. I’m also worried about the people of Earth. This other Gaia is bad news.”

  “Yeah, it seems we can’t catch a break lately. Hopefully we can defeat her and regain control of the planet soon.”
>
  “I have a bad feeling about this.”

  “Join the club,” said Keera with a smile, in an attempt to diffuse the gloomy mood.

  More than just a feeling, in fact. More like a premonition that things will go from bad to worse from now on.

  * * *

  On board the Hope, Sarah had finished making her rounds as acting captain. She wanted only one thing and that was to get some sleep. Chris was training with a couple of battle droids in one of the cargo bays. It offered him very little challenge but he needed the distraction. Patience was not his greatest virtue. Sarah hoped his overzealous attitude would be fixed once he aged at a normal pace again.

  When she passed by engineering on her way to her quarters, she decided to check on Yanis’ progress.

  “Hey, Captain, what are you doing up so late?” asked Yanis.

  “I could ask you the same thing.”

  “I’m not sleeping very well since . . .” He let his words hang.

  “Since Fillio passed away. I understand, Yanis, but lack of sleep might play tricks on you. We need you in top shape, so you’d better get some.”

  “I do. Doc gave me some sleeping aids. It only works for a handful of hours, but at least I get some rest. I just don’t like the way they make me feel when I wake up.”

  “I understand. Anything to report?”

  “Well, it’s a little too soon, but I might have discovered something very interesting inside the sphere Ryonna and Keera brought back. And if it’s what I think it is, this could be the advantage we’ve been waiting for.”

  Sarah’s tiredness was washed away at the prospect of good news. “Tell me more.”

  “Right now it’s just a hypothesis. I’d rather you wait until I have more solid results.”

  Sarah playfully punched him on the shoulder. “Come on, man, you’ve got me all curious now. You can’t tease me like this. At least tell me what your hypothesis is.”

  “Alright, but if I’m wrong about this, you can’t be pissed at me.”