by Adair Hart
Dr. Snowden figured the other Helians in the seating area were council members as well.
“Thank you for coming to our aid,” said Cyrus. “I’m not sure we would’ve made it without your help.”
Evaran nodded. “I am sorry for the devastation wrought by the sentinels. We came as quickly as we could.”
“I’m … ,” said Cyrus, looking at the other Helians. “We’re … a little confused on how you knew to come.”
“Understandable,” said Evaran. He gestured at Dr. Snowden and Lord Vygon. “We had just left Special Agent Joktan’s office. Our intent was to show evidence of this threat in the hopes that you might be able to help.”
“Well, I’m afraid we won’t be of much use to anyone for the immediate future.”
“Of course.” Evaran gestured at Lord Noskov and Delia. “However … they did not provide help without certain concessions should the city be saved.”
Ira snorted. “Why am I not surprised they wouldn’t do it to help another nonhuman.”
Lord Noskov smirked. “I helped you even after you placed a bounty on me …”
“You broke the rules,” said Ira.
Evaran extended a hand, palm down. “I think it is fair for the Helians to make concessions. Your city was spared by the efforts of both Lord Noskov and Delia. They did not have to help you, but they did. The Purifiers are not a threat that one group alone can handle. It requires cooperation. Yes, there are some details that need worked out, but at a high level, there are several immediate points that need to be addressed in the coming days.”
Ira exhaled from his mouth.
Evaran raised a finger. “One. The bounty on Lord Noskov is to be dropped. He risked his life along with those of his men. There were heavy casualties.”
Ira shook his head. “Not so sure about that …”
Evaran cast a sidelong glance at Lord Noskov. “I know his character to be good, even if he does not know it himself. Lord Vygon will vouch for that as well. Also, from what I understand, the bounty was placed without all the information being considered.”
Cyrus extended a hand toward Ira, palm down. He raised his head. “Acceptable. Your second point?”
Evaran raised two fingers. “Two. A new assembly will be formed. It will contain representatives of all nonhuman groups. Policies, protocols, and proceedings will need to be defined.” He glanced at Delia. “A new senior council will be the initial drafters. It should comprise Delia, Lord Vygon, Cyrus, and Lord Noskov.” He looked at Cyrus. “If you wish for other Helians to help, that would be acceptable. The goal of this senior council is to forge what will be the operating framework going forward for a unified front against all threats to Earth.”
Cyrus swallowed hard. “That’s … quite ambitious. We already protect Earth from most alien threats. These … Purifiers are different, though.” He glanced at Delia.
Delia nodded. “Lord Noskov and I are committed to this, as is Lord Vygon.”
Dr. Snowden noticed that Delia garnered an unspoken respect from even the Helians. He saw why Lord Vygon chose her. If anyone would be able to keep things calm while discussing controversial topics and policies, it would be her.
“Very well,” said Cyrus with a sigh. “Next?”
Evaran raised three fingers. “Three. The Purifiers have a base near Memphis. We suspect it is their main one here on Earth. We have enough information to assault it. Delia and Lord Noskov have volunteered a portion of their force. The Helians, as part of the newly formed assembly from point two, should send aid as well.”
“We just had our city ransacked!” said Ira.
“Yes, but I suspect there are those within your military that would like a bit of revenge.”
Cyrus chuckled. “You speak like a diplomat. It’s a language I know, and it is appreciated. We can spare an elite unit. They aren’t large, around twenty or so, but I assure you, they are battle-worthy.”
“Excellent,” said Evaran. “That is all I have to say for now. We leave for the Purifiers’ base in the morning at six. I will stay here to help coordinate the groups until we have to leave.”
Cyrus nodded.
The seated members came forward to talk with their respective leadership. Dr. Snowden and V approached Evaran and Lord Vygon.
“That went well,” said Dr. Snowden.
“It did. However, nothing will be done until the Purifier threat is eliminated.”
Dr. Snowden half smiled. “Yeah … I figured.” He gestured toward the door. “I’m gonna wait at the Torvatta. Could really use some food and maybe get some rest.”
“I’ll go with you,” said Lord Vygon, glancing at Evaran, “unless you need me here right now. I can come back after getting some food.”
Evaran tilted his head. “No … that will be fine. V and I can handle things here until you get back.”
Dr. Snowden exited the building with Lord Vygon at his side. Dr. Snowden found the meeting fascinating. He knew little of the Helians in the time period he was from, other than their human slavery issues. Maybe with such a diverse council and parts of this new organization, the left hand did not know what the right hand did. And it all started just an hour ago, right in front of him. It could also be gone in the future that he knew. Although elation would be his normal reaction, it was tempered as thoughts of Emily flashed in his mind. He knew these steps needed to be done to get to her, it just seemed so painfully slow to him.
As he walked through the streets, the stench of death hung in the air. Helians and other nonhumans were clearing the streets of the dead. Although he had been able to see a real-time view of the battle as it progressed, most of his visual perspective had been on the Torvatta’s right screen, which had a map and grid system. Seeing it up close like this made him catch his breath. Emily appeared in his mind again. What would she think of all this, he wondered.
As Lord Vygon walked alongside Dr. Snowden, he tilted his head at him. “Emily’s on your mind.”
“That … and all this,” said Dr. Snowden, gesturing around him. “At least we’re one step closer now.”
“Definitely.”
Dr. Snowden cocked his head at Lord Vygon. “I know you won’t talk about Emily’s future … but … does this anger thing I have ever go away?”
Lord Vygon looked away as they continued walking. After a moment, he said, “You’re much stronger than you know. Your anger’s in your head. When you realize that, things will change. I’m curious, however. I’ve never known you to have this. When did it start?”
“I’ve had it all my life,” said Dr. Snowden with a chuckle. He gestured outward. “Of course, traveling with Evaran seems to have the tendency of putting me on edge. I guess that’s expected.”
“Ahh … was it the reason you moved from Florida to Ohio when Emily was in college?”
Dr. Snowden snapped his head toward Lord Vygon. “You … know of that?”
Lord Vygon half smiled.
Dr. Snowden ran a hand over his cheek. It was not something he spoke of, or wanted to remember. The day he had lost control on a fellow professor and was subsequently let go was forever etched in his mind. Finding work was hard, and he took the first offer he got from a major college willing to give him a second chance. Leaving Dan and Emily was one of the hardest things he had to do. He had no one to blame but himself, though. Being a burden and asking for help was not in his nature, and he was not going to ask his brother to bail him out on that one. It was not the first time his anger got him in trouble, but it was definitely the most memorable.
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” said Lord Vygon.
Dr. Snowden sighed. “I’m … trying to figure out how you know about that.” He narrowed his eyes. “Did Evaran tell you?”
Lord Vygon shook his head.
Dr. Snowden harrumphed. Lord Vygon was an enigma to him, just like Evaran was. It was evident, however, that Lord Vygon would probably turn out to be a close friend. Dr. Snowden had not told Evaran about the cause
of his move back to Ohio. Yet here was Lord Vygon with that insight. Dr. Snowden chuckled. “No wonder you and Evaran are friends. You’re both mysterious as hell.”
They shared a laugh as they arrived at the Torvatta. Once inside, they headed to the conference room.
Dr. Snowden got a burger and some fries from the food replicator and sat at the table. He watched Lord Vygon order a drink, then take a seat opposite him. The drink was bloodred and looked like it had chunks floating in it. He pointed at the drink. “So … is there blood in there …”
Lord Vygon nodded. “Of course. I always take advantage of the Torvatta’s ability to make my special drink.”
“Surprised the replicator knows how to make it,” said Dr. Snowden.
Lord Vygon smiled. “From your perspective, it doesn’t yet.”
Dr. Snowden stopped mid bite as he tilted his head. “Come again?”
“Interesting … I see Evaran hasn’t explained that aspect of the Torvatta to you,” said Lord Vygon. “Or maybe … Evaran doesn’t know yet.”
Dr. Snowden eyed Lord Vygon. “And I suspect you’re not going to tell me, are you?”
Lord Vygon stroked his chin as he studied Dr. Snowden. “Well … let’s just say the Torvatta is contextually time stream aware at some levels. I suspect Evaran probably knows this and has not told you. Something for you two to talk about.”
Dr. Snowden took a bite of his burger as his mind chewed on what Lord Vygon had just said. It sounded like the Torvatta knew who had visited it, including those from the futures of him and Evaran, and showed or allowed certain functionality based on that. The concept was intriguing and was probably something that would keep him up thinking at night.
After some light discussion, Dr. Snowden retired for the evening. He performed his breathing exercises and then went to bed. V tapping his arm caused him to wake up. Looking at his PSD, he saw it was 6:00 a.m. He must have been more exhausted than he thought. After performing his morning routine, he went to the command area. Lord Noskov and Delia sat in the left seating area. On the right were Lord Vygon and a Helian in heavy armor. He reminded him of a paladin.
Dr. Snowden took a seat next to Lord Vygon and extended a hand toward the Helian. “I’m Dr. Albert Snowden.”
The Helian took off his helmet, revealing fair skin, golden hair, blue eyes, and a well-trimmed beard. He shook Dr. Snowden’s hand. “I’m Captain Laban of the Fourth Helian Guard. Your skill as a tactician was appreciated, and you command great respect in the eyes of my fellow Helians.”
Dr. Snowden jerked his head back. A chill ran up his spine as he recalled being called “the great Dr. Snowden” in a previous adventure. Was this where he got that name? He nodded at Captain Laban and then sat back and watched as the Torvatta took off toward Egypt.
After a short while, the Torvatta hovered just out of range of the Purifier base.
Captain Laban faced Dr. Snowden. “Looking forward to hearing your plan on this one.”
“Umm … I’ll defer to Evaran,” said Dr. Snowden.
Evaran nodded. “I will fly the Torvatta up to the entranceway and push a part of it inside, effectively sealing the entrance. It will be able to hold the shield open while it is blocking. That will allow everyone to exit the ship and go into the area between the shield and the pyramid. The sentinels’ arrival and departure appear to be random, but there is a sentinel nearby that is returning.”
“So who we killing?” asked Lord Noskov with a smirk.
Delia eyed Lord Noskov.
Evaran interacted with his chair console. The front right screen showed a layout of the interior of the pyramid shield. Four buildings were shown a bit away from each point at the base of the pyramid. Evaran pointed at the buildings. “These are bunkers with a slit to allow ranged fire. The shield prevents those on the outside from seeing them, but you will see them once we are inside the shield. The bunkers have an underground component which I suspect are barracks.”
“Underground … I like it,” said Lord Noskov.
Evaran raised an eyebrow at Lord Noskov, then swiped his hand in the air. The layout moved to the left front screen, and an image of a new type of Purifier appeared on the front right screen. The Purifier had a black mask with eye, nose, and mouth holes. Unlike the sentinels, they were not robed and instead wore a suit of light metal armor over the chest, arms, and legs. They carried large shields with curved swords. A crossbow-like weapon was slung over their backs. “These are the guards. Based on V’s scan, they are physically stronger than the sentinels.”
Delia shook her head. “This will be a tough fight. How many are we expecting?”
“There were about eighty or so life signs detected. However, from what we have seen at Atlantis, we should not underestimate them.”
Captain Laban shook a fist in front of him. “They will taste Helian steel.”
Evaran nodded and faced Captain Laban. “The shields you carry are capable of blocking their ranged weaponry. Your guard will need to be the front line when approaching the bunkers. Delia and Lord Noskov’s group will follow and attack once the bunkers are reached. The bunkers must be secured first. Once that is done, there is a ramp at the base of the pyramid that leads underground. That will be our next target once the perimeter is secured.”
“We will do our part,” said Captain Laban, standing. He glanced at Lord Noskov and Delia. “You can trust in our ability. We will hit them like a hammer.”
Delia stood and nodded. “We are ready.”
“Finally,” said Lord Noskov as he rose from his seat.
Evaran gestured toward the Torvatta entrance. “Get your groups ready. You all have communicators, and Dr. Snowden will be watching from above with the view that V will provide, along with real-time information, like he did in the city. The ultimate goal is to pierce into the underground base. We can then shut off the shield and determine where the nonhumans who were sent there are or went.”
Dr. Snowden sighed. He wanted to get out there and unleash his aggression on the Purifiers, but helping coordinate seemed to be more important. Whatever was needed to get Emily back, he would do it.
Captain Laban, Lord Noskov, and Delia all nodded and then headed to their groups.
Evaran faced Lord Vygon. “We will handle any guards that come out of the pyramid.”
“Ready as always,” said Lord Vygon.
Evaran faced Dr. Snowden. “V will provide an aerial view like the Torvatta did in the city.”
With a nod, Dr. Snowden said, “I don’t think I will need to do much here, the plan you have sounds solid.”
“Perhaps. However, in combat, things can change quickly. Having you able to detect and inform will be a big help.”
“Sounds good.”
After a short while, the screen showed the entranceway shielding dissipate as a sentinel approached it.
“V, take us in,” said Evaran.
The Torvatta surged forward. It slammed into the sentinel, knocking him through the entranceway. A portion of the Torvatta was stuck inside the shielding, preventing it from closing. A horn blared out.
Evaran motioned toward the screen. “V, go.”
“Acknowledged,” said V as he strode toward the back of the ship.
After a moment, his stealthed orb appeared on the front left screen as a green outline. It did not take long for V to reach the top of the pyramid near the shield generator. When he got there, the front right screen changed to an overhead view with a grid. The colored dots popped up, showing the Purifiers.
The left screen showed arrows and bolts trying to breach the Torvatta’s shielding, but they had no impact.
With a nod at Lord Vygon, Evaran said, “It is time for us to go.”
Lord Vygon followed Evaran to the back of the ship.
Dr. Snowden watched as everyone disembarked and joined the battle. He did not have V’s physical presence to help, but he understood the front console interface enough now to work it. The guards were a lot tougher than they looke
d. The Helians went into two groups initially, one for each of the front two bunkers, followed by a supporting group from both Lord Noskov and Delia. Evaran and Lord Vygon took the area outside the ramp in front of the pyramid, fighting those that came from the base and those who strayed away from the bunkers. Everything seemed to be going well.
Once the first and second bunkers were secured, the mixed groups moved to the third and fourth bunkers.
Dr. Snowden noticed that there was Purifier movement underground between the bunkers. They were moving a group from the rear bunkers to the front bunkers in order to flank. He reorganized the groups so that Lord Noskov’s group rushed back to the front bunkers while the Helians and Delia’s group pressed on to the rear bunkers. He figured that Lord Noskov’s group would do better handling the smaller Purifier group headed to the front bunkers. He kept the Ollikrin with the Helian guard as the main assault group. The Ollikrin had raw power, and Dr. Snowden noted that if one of them got into an enclosed space, they would dominate.
It took an hour, but the plan worked. All the guards were either dead or dying or had fled underground. The bunkers had been secured.
Dr. Snowden sighed as he slumped down in Evaran’s chair. Coordinating these battles was grueling. He welcomed the focus needed as it distracted him from Emily, but the thought of now finding out where she went danced in his mind.
Evaran appeared on the front right screen. “Excellent job. There were heavy casualties, but you kept it to a minimum. We are going to proceed into the underground structure.”
Dr. Snowden stood up. “I’m coming.”
Evaran studied Dr. Snowden. “Very well. Meet us at the underground ramp door.”
Dr. Snowden nodded and hustled out of the Torvatta. As he ran toward the meeting spot, he scanned the surroundings. Dead or dying guards lay around. Surrounding them were wounded and dead Ollikrin, Helians, and vampires. The fight took its toll. His nose recoiled as the smell of death caressed it. Maybe it was a good thing he stayed in the Torvatta. On his way there, he noticed two posts with the Purifier banner in front of the ramp. On the pyramid itself was a larger banner. It reminded him of the Purifier Saturn space station. These Purifiers wanted to make sure their presence was felt. He reached the ramp and proceeded down it to the large rectangular door at the end.