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Energize (From the Logs of Daniel Quinn Book 1)

Page 15

by Thomas R. Manning


  We had been dating for a couple of years at that point, but almost broke off the relationship after graduation. We were worried that we’d be serving aboard starships on opposite ends of the galaxy. Imagine our shock when the announcement came we would be serving onboard the same ship. As we held each other closely in celebration, I knew I wanted to marry her. I bought the ring just before we left Earth.

  At this point in the story I managed to sit up and realized my foot didn’t hurt like it was broken. I moved it around a bit and though it was tender, the pain was minimal. They must have mended it while I slept. Idza moved beside me and I almost felt a small smile as I continued telling her about my first few days onboard the ship, getting together with Ashley, Benjamin and Jason, both of whom had also been awarded positions on the Echelon. But the smile quickly dissolved into nothing, my breath felt short, and my eyes watered.

  “Ashley and I agreed to get together for dinner and a walk on the ship during our first night off. I went back to my room to change into something nice, something formal for her. I kept the ring with me the whole time, waiting for the right moment.”

  I started to cry. I had trouble continuing my story, but Idza hummed softly at me, caressing my back. It didn’t affect me like her previous music did, but knowing she was there and listening helped relieve some of the stress.

  “When I got back to my room, Ashley was already there. She was dead, stabbed multiple times.”

  Idza made a quick sound that sounded like a gasp. She put her other hand on my arm and squeezed gently.

  “Daniel . . . many apologies . . . terrible, so terrible,” She whispered.

  Idza sat there with me as I allowed myself for the first time in years to break down. I hunched over and let my voice cry out, let my tears fall to the floor. I felt the emotions pour out of me like the fusion exhaust of a starship’s engines. Eventually I ran out of tears and had to catch my breath. Idza spoke to me softly again when she was convinced I was ready.

  “Do you know? Who killed Ashley?” She asked me.

  “Yes,” I said. “It was meant to look like I killed her. I was framed for her death and I was supposed to be framed for one other. The Captain of the Echelon, Greg Smithson was supposed to die. Once he was dead and I was secured in jail, a sleeper agent would then take command of the ship, controlling one of humanity’s most powerful starships. Luckily, Benjamin and Jason knew me well. They knew I would never kill Ashley, so they helped me escape. Together, the three of us saved the Captain from being murdered.”

  “That is good news,” Idza said to me. I only shrugged.

  “Yes . . . and no. I saved Captain Smithson, but in the end they still took control of the ship. Benjamin was killed during our attempted escape. The last time I saw Jason was from a shuttle window as he was fighting off security officers loyal to the new Captain of the Echelon. Her name is Sarah King.”

  I still remembered that moment just as well as anything. Captain Smithson and I were on the shuttle and I was screaming for Jason to get on, but instead he turned to face a dozen officers running at us. He smashed his hand against the control panel, securing the airlock and launching the shuttle into space.

  “Surprised that they did not give chase,” Idza said when I told her this. At that comment I allowed myself a small smile.

  “They couldn’t. They were having a little computer trouble at the time. The Captain uninstalled the mainframe of the central computer core. Navigation, weapons, everything except life support and gravity were inactive.”

  What I didn’t tell Idza was that mainframe was now onboard my cruiser. That mainframe was Al. He was designed by my father. I did give her a vague version of the story.

  “My father was in charge of designing many technological systems for the new starships. That’s why they intended on framing me for two murders. If they succeeded they would not only have the Echelon, but could lure my father into their trap as well.”

  “Your . . . father . . . safe?”

  I nodded to her. He was safe in hiding even from me. I thought about his face and voice, which I had last seen and heard around four years ago.

  The room was completely silent for a long time. Idza seemed to ponder over everything I said. I couldn’t be sure if she completely understood it all. I told the story without thinking about it too much. I never shared all of those memories before. Al knew some of the story since he was a part of it, but he was just a machine. Talking to him helped me stay sane from being alone in space, but he technically wasn’t a sentient body who could feel and react to what I told him.

  “Daniel,” Idza said compassionately. She sounded so human. “The weight on your life force is great. The cruelty . . . others bestow upon us . . . not a fault of ours, but theirs. Ashley died . . . terrible . . . unfortunate, but you had no control over it. Your friends . . . my people . . . the actions of Cessa. You can only control your actions. I watch you . . . you always look for the good in people . . . however people do not always show it. Sarah King . . . Cessa . . . these people only reveal the darkness. That is what makes them dangerous.”

  Idza was right about one thing, I always looked for the good in people, but no matter how much good Cessa let slip to the surface her cold attitude froze it underneath. She was still out there somewhere and I had to find her before she could continue causing chaos. That’s when I remembered . . . the communication station! She sent out a signal! I quickly straightened up from my hunched form and my entire body warped and coiled itself into one giant spasm of pain. I cursed and grunted, but wouldn’t allow myself to fall back onto the bed. I placed my hands on the surface of the bed and pushed hard, straining my body into a standing position.

  “How long have I been here?” I asked. My head felt clearer thanks to Idza. Her listening and counseling me helped to alleviate the strain and pressure that plagued me. Now I was ready to get back to work, to repair whatever damage Cessa had done. The only problem was my limbs felt like jelly as if they hadn’t moved in a long time.

  “You were unconscious for three cycles,” She told me. I’m pretty sure cycles were their word for days. So I was out for three days. This was bad. I recounted the time it took the Belle to travel to Dawn . . . over a week. I had no idea how long it would take Cessa’s transmission to reach Erebos, but my first priority would be to find out. Erebos and his minions could be days away.

  “I need to analyze your communication console. Cessa sent out a message. Her people will be coming.”

  Idza tried to ease me back onto the bed, but I refused taking a deep breath and trying to ignore the pain. She looked down to the ground, unsure of what to say with a frown across her mouth. There was something else she wasn’t telling me.

  “What’s going on Idza? What aren’t you telling me?”

  “You are not solely blamed for what happened, yet many feel you are dangerous like your companion. You must stand in front of the Authority . . . answer a blood price.”

  “What the hell is that?” It certainly didn’t sound pleasant.

  I sat there and listened intently as Idza explained. In Chorta’s rage, he failed hunting Cessa down. When he returned to the village, he demanded permission to kill me in her place. Laraar spoke for me, claimed I protected their people and fought beside them against the machine animals. The two of them stood before the Authority of their race in a battle for my fate. When the Authority could not decide, Chorta demanded something no one could refuse.

  “He claimed a blood price on you. What is word . . . brother. Grent is brother . . . he was killed. Chorta will now fight you to the death.”

  I dropped back onto the bed, not even caring about the pain and irritation that followed.

  Oh Flux, I thought. I wish I could say I was shocked or surprised that he took this course of action, but I wasn’t. Despite facing death by the hand of Chorta, I could only imagine how he was feeling. He didn’t like me from the beginning and now he had reason and even more motive to kill me. As much as I wanted t
o flee for my life, I felt I deserved it.

  “I won’t kill him,” I said to her. As if, I have a slim chance in hell, I thought to myself.

  “He will kill you, Daniel.” She almost had a remorseful look on her face.

  Idza explained how it worked. The entire village or what was left of it would stand in audience as Chorta and I battled in a ring of sand, just like I did before with Grent. Only this time it wasn’t a test of honor or strength, but a fight to the death. The match didn’t have to be one on one. Chorta could choose to have up to four companions fight with him. The catch was if he chose four I also received four fighters, but I had a bad feeling I was sorely lacking for friends on this planet.

  "So what do we do now?" I asked.

  "You will be cleaned, then rest until fit for battle."

  Well at least I had time to prepare for death. I ran my hand through my hair.

  "What about Cessa? Her message? She will have reinforcements on the way."

  Idza stood up and shrugged.

  "I will do what I can . . . for now rest."

  My body was worn down enough to warrant more sleep, but my mind was racing. How long did we have before Raymond Erebos showed up? If Cessa's orders were to exterminate all these people, then there was little doubt he would finish the job when he got here.

  What felt like a couple of hours later, two Dawnians came in and helped me out of bed. They took me into another room with a large bowl to bathe in, almost the same as the one I found in the house during the fight. After I undressed they sat me in the bowl and unlatched an opening in the bottom. They pointed to the empyreus flowing throughout and then left me alone.

  “Wow. That was ridiculously easy for you,” I said to them, recalling that I had to smash my way through the floor to reach it.

  For minutes I just sat there staring at it. They used this energy source for literally everything, from cooking to computer consoles, bathing, and even healing. I slowly dipped my hand in it, feeling the warmth. Bringing my hand up to my face, I watched as the gel-like substance was absorbed by my hand. Cuts and scrapes on my knuckles and palm disappeared. I could almost feel it traveling through my veins and repairing damage along the way. No wonder my foot felt a lot less broken when I woke up. They must have used empyreus to mend it. I cupped more of the solution and like soap I lathered it across my chest, legs, and arms. Slowly I felt better and watched as my bruises turned back to my natural skin color. My fatigue disappeared and eventually I sat there with more energy than I had ever felt in my life. A realization came to me in that moment. I felt incredible, like I could take on Erebos myself. I was so sure of myself that I could have gotten up and hunted for Cessa now, but there was more to the empyreus than just the energy. While I felt powerful, I was also compelled to relax, to stop moving forward through life and live in the moment.

  Something inside me kept saying, yes you can do anything you want, but you have all the time in the world. This wasn’t the first time I felt like that. The previous time was after Laraar had fused my bionic eye using the empyreus.

  Things I noticed around the village started to make more sense. I called out to the Dawnians. I figured they would stay in close proximity since they were tasked with guarding me. One of them stepped into the room with my tactical suit. It looked brand new. After I finished dressing myself they walked off, motioning for me to follow. That was interesting. They didn’t cuff me or drag me, but seemed to know that I would follow them.

  The building I stayed in was massive with multiple resting and bathing rooms. This place was their version of a hospital, but I didn't see any doctors. I suppose with the empyreus to depend on they didn't need doctors. The three of us exited the hospital and what I saw was tragic. Multiple smoke clouds rose from the homes, some of which were smashed in completely. Cots like the one in my cell had been placed at multiple points around the village for those who were too badly injured to make it to the hospital. I received multiple glares from people as I passed by them. Every time I stopped to assess the damage of one home or building, my guards would stop, get my attention, and wave me forward.

  A wide wooden platform was in our path as we continued through the village. Every Dawnian who had been killed during the battle was placed on top of it with their eyes looking toward the sky. Unlike humans who tended to close the eyes of the deceased, these dead had their eyes opened for them.

  At this point, I hadn’t even taken notice of the Dawnians who followed behind me and my guards. They were so quiet that their steps could have been simple shifts in the wind. As they caught up to us and stood in front of the platform, a soft and gentle hum began. The dirge was beautiful, clearly a tribute to their dead. I didn't know the notes, but found myself humming along with them. At the very least these people deserved my respect.

  "I'm so sorry," I whispered to them. I counted somewhere close to a dozen dead bodies, maybe a couple more. I was so sad for their families and hoped they would find comfort. Maybe my death at the hands of Chorta would be their solace. Time would tell.

  Our group departed from the dead. After walking for what I guessed to be ten minutes I saw the ring in the distance. Four Dawnians waited for us there and unfortunately none of them were Laraar or Idza. Instead I saw Chorta standing in the middle of the ring exactly like he did before my last battle. Behind him and grouped together were the three I knew to be the Authority of their race.

  The next few minutes played out like a replay of my first visit to the ring. A number of Dawnians arrived and surrounded us in a circle and Chorta gazed at me with a hatred I had never seen before. I imagined that when I looked at Sarah King, I gave her a similar expression. The songs and voices of the many were silenced instantly when the Authority held up their hands. When all was quiet the three of them sang to their people.

  "They speak of the blood price," Idza said to me. I startled, having no idea she was standing right behind me. "They speak of the challenge that is sought by Chorta. They will allow him to make his claim himself then you will be allowed to speak."

  "Me? Who in this crowd will even understand me? What do I say?" I whispered back to her.

  "Speak the truth . . . friend."

  The Authority finished their song and held their hands out to Chorta. He bowed before them then faced the crowd. His song held a mixed pace and rhythm. He sang loud and quick, then slow and soft. He pointed at me a lot and I was the center of attention for many of the Dawnians in attendance. When Chorta finished, the crowd cried out together and I had the feeling they were cheering at Chorta's promise to avenge the dead.

  The Authority held their hands out to me and I had no idea what I should say. I walked forward and my stomach turned in knots as I stood right next to Chorta. For all I knew he would snap my neck right here and now. I tried to ignore my gut and lowered myself to one knee. I bowed my head to them for a moment then stood up and faced the crowd.

  Speak the truth.

  "I know many of you can't understand what I'm saying, but I admit a fault in this tragedy. The woman who attacked your village along with her mechanical beasts, were brought here by me and my ship. I can't express how truly sorry I am for the damage that was done and the lives that were taken. Although I am of the same race as the woman, I do not share her beliefs. This woman has wronged me as well and I want to find her and bring her to justice. The people she works for . . . they are coming here. I do not want to waste time by fighting today, but instead I want to help you prepare for their arrival. We have very little time left and I hope you will trust me when I say that I will do whatever it takes to protect you."

  As I spoke I heard a single voice sing out in unison with me. Idza was translating my words. I don't know how much would be lost or gained in the translation, but I felt a renewed hope that some of them no matter how few might believe what I said. When she finished her song, there was silence. Then the Authority sang out again.

  "They hear your words and believe in your confidence, but the blood price has b
een claimed," she said to me.

  Chorta sang out again and two Dawnians moved to stand beside him. One of them was Horku who looked just as angry as Chorta. The third Dawnian I didn’t recognize, but he didn’t look at all interested in this contest. I would later learn his name was Janta.

  Chorta chose to make this a team battle. I looked around at the surrounding people, hundreds of them watching us and I couldn’t imagine a single one of them would step up to help me. Did that mean I would be forced to fight Chorta and his men one on three?

  Game over, Daniel, I thought.

  A low bass hum sounded behind me and I turned around to find Laraar entering the ring. I was happy just to see him alive and well. He walked up and stood behind me.

  "Laraar will fight for you, Daniel," Idza said to me, happiness in her voice.

  "I'm honored, but will the two of us stand any chance against those three?"

  "Not two Daniel," she said as she stepped to my side and placed one of her hands on my shoulder. "Three . . . three will face three. I will be honored to fight for you."

  FIFTEEN

  The Authority raised their hands into the air crying out the beginning of the blood price contest. I understood the hatred that Chorta held for me, but I didn’t want to die no matter how much I might have deserved it. Six of us stood there, his group mere feet across from ours. We had no weapons but our fists. I was certain Chorta was the most skilled warrior of his people, twice as skilled as Grent, but I had empyreus running through my veins now. I hoped that would even the odds during the fight.

  Chorta must have met with his partners prior to the match. When they began their assault all three of them lunged straight for me. In that instant I froze and would have been torn into three pieces, but Laraar and Idza jumped in front of me and blocked the ambush. The two of them held all three at bay for an instant, but that’s all I needed to get my head in the game. As if they knew what I was planning they pushed Horku and Janta to each side, opening a path from Chorta to me. He failed to notice and instead of waiting for him to make his move, I made mine. I bent down low to the ground and pushed off with my hands outstretched like a superhero. My fists connected with his midsection and he flew backwards, but with the elegant grace he possessed he landed on his feet.

 

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