Heaven Saga 3: Sojourn Into Despair

by Marcus Johnson

  Brian smiled. “It’s complicated.”

  “Nice answer.”

  Chapter 19 - Solving the Mystery

  “How are we going to get past this?” Zae asked.

  Celi turned to Seli. “Can we contact the Avoni from here?”

  “The hull of the colony is blocking any signal to the exterior,” Seli answered. “But if we line ourselves up we might be able to get a live feed.”

  “Give it a try,” Celi ordered. Seli took a position down the hall from Celi and Zae, while the other three took positions leading to the exit hatch they used to enter.

  “It’s working now,” Seli reported from her position.

  “Brian, can you hear me?” Celi asked over the com. She activated her helmet’s camera it would feed the video to the Avoni.

  “Loud and clear,” Brian answered. “What can I help you with?”

  “I want you to look at some of the hieroglyphs on this door,” Celi said. “It’s magnetically sealed. There appears to be a number pad but we can’t decipher the text.” Zae backed away to let Celi get a clear picture of the panel. Brian stared at the hieroglyphs for a moment.

  “Press the top two buttons back and forth twice, then hit the middle, bottom middle, and the right and left corners on the bottom twice in sequence,” Brian instructed.

  Celi pressed the buttons in the sequence and the door unlocked.

  “How did you know that?” Zae asked.

  “When I was first taken by the Greys I remember seeing a similar pattern their ship. I figured the sequence must be something close to what it was on the ship,” Brian answered. “So before you go down further, what have you found?”

  “As far as we can tell this colony was used for research purposes,” Celi reported. “Throughout the areas we’ve search we discovered corpses of many of the races of the Confederation, along with numerous species we haven’t identified. The other thing we can tell you is this place was abandoned in haste. The non-Grey creatures were killed quickly.”

  “Thank you,” he said. “Continue with the mission.”

  “Acknowledged,” Zae answered. She signaled Seli to gather the ensigns once more. “It’s time we see what lies at the heart of this place.” Zae shined her light ahead as the group started down the small hallway. “This looks like a bottle neck.”

  “That’s exactly what it is,” ensign Trina said as she shined a light at the ceiling. Above them were a number of nodes for shields and kill holes.

  “Why would they need a hall like this?” Hela asked.

  Zae stopped at the far end of the hall after finding another door. She pulled out the rakna blade and activated its power.

  “There’s something in here that’s dangerous,” Zae said. “At least, that’s what it looks like to me.”

  She cut the door open. Once the smoke cleared they came into a room much like the first laboratory, but on a much larger scale. The tanks weren’t shattered like the first batch, but nothing floating inside the tubes appeared alive. In the murky liquid inside each tube was something the size of a corpse. Celi started scanning the room and began picking up some strange readings. Zae shined her light on a tube nearby. She saw the corpse was floating close to the glass of the tube. She instinctively jumped back while holding back a scream.

  “What is it?” Celi asked. She shined a light on the tube. She cringed after seeing why Zae reacted the way she did. Although it was murky she made out the head of a Shandi with Grey like eyes and color. “This explains the readings I’m getting,” Celi said as she walked from each tube to scan them.

  Zae turned to the four ensigns. “I think you can wait outside,” she said. Each nodded gladly and left the room. Zae shined her light on another tube and found a mixture of Grey and Reiki. “Celi, just what in Kali’s name was going on here?”

  “Genetic research,” Celi said. She glanced and noticed Zae was unnerved by what surrounded her. “Each of these tubes has different stages of mixture of Grey genetic material with another species.”

  Zae groaned and turned her eyes away. “I think I found our race.”

  Celi shined a light on the tube. Inside the liquid floated a Kalaidian with a Grey’s face and eyes. “There are things one prepares for in their life Zae, but this isn’t one of them,” Celi shuddered, “I know I’ve been trying to do the same thing with Brian’s human DNA and ours, but this is creepy.”

  “If these creatures are fully grown they must have lived over a period of years,” Zae said. “I can’t imagine living as one of them.”

  “These samples must have been kept for baseline experiments,” Celi said. “Since each one has a different percentage of Grey in DNA they probably served as benchmarks in development.”

  “Why would the Greys want to do this anyway?” Zae asked.

  “It’s most likely genetic augmentation,” Celi answered. “From what I’ve seen the individual Grey is not a threatening creature. If you can reduce them to physical power alone even a Kalaidian child could take one down. Brian killed an entire crew with his fists and a stun pole alone.”

  “Can you tell how long ago this place has been without power?” Zae asked.

  “Looks like almost ten years,” Celi scanned around carefully, “I’m not picking up any Terran DNA. I would’ve thought Brian’s race would be amongst these.”

  “Perhaps Terrans are kept in a different place,” Zae offered.

  “That’s what I’m thinking,” Celi said. “If they’re abducting Terrans then it would stand they’re experimenting on them as well.”

  “We’re recording this so we can look it over later,” Zae said. “I have a feeling Brian will want us check this place in more detail.”

  “Let’s continue on,” Celi said. She pointed to the door at the other end of the chamber. “I’m sure there’s more to see.”

  “Easy for you to say,” Zae said.

  She used the rakna blade to slice the door’s lock. She opened it and found another open area. All around them floated plants and dirt. Above them they could make out more bodies floating high in the air. Celi handed a zip cord to Zae.

  “I’m going to get closer and check what they are,” Celi said.

  Zae nodded and secured the line to her and the door behind them. Ceil tied the line around herself and pushed off the ground towards the mass of dead in the air. Shining her light as she got closer her suspicion was confirmed.

  “What do you see?” Zae asked.

  “These ones are a lot like the late stage experimental corpses in the lab room,” Celi said. The creatures looked much more like their non-Grey species than the Greys. Mixed in with the mass though were a number of beaten Grey corpses. After a few minutes Celi signaled for Zae to pull her down. She landed on the ground before putting her scanner away. “I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out what happened.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “From the condition the bodies are in it appears the full blooded Greys were beaten by the hybrid beings,” Celi explained as the two headed to the Mjolnir.

  “Are you saying it was a rebellion?” Zae asked.

  “That’s what it looks like to me,” Celi said. “The hybrids managed to take control of the lower levels. But before they could get to the control rooms the Greys purged the colony of air and killed every one of them.”

  “Let’s see what Brian has to say,” Zae said as they and the four ensigns made their way inside the Mjolnir.

  * * *

  Brian watched the video with the other senior officers in the meeting room. Grigon watched from the bridge of his ship with them. After the video ended he stood at the far end of the room and stared at the stars outside.

  “I believe we need to take a few samples with us,” Celi suggested.

  “Agreed,” Zae said. “Brian, what are your feelings on this?”

  “Disturbed is the right word, isn’t it?” he asked. “Make sure we take only genetic samples. They found the Avoni when you saved me because you were hauling a piece of their
technology.” Brian turned and faced the group. “That goes for bodies as well. Take samples only, not the whole corpse.”

  “Of course,” Celi said. “I’ll be on my way back tomorrow.” She saluted before taking her leave.

  “I’ll get back to the Raknas,” Jesela said. “I want to check their systems over a few more times.”

  “Go ahead,” Brian said. Jesela smiled and left without another word.

  “I’m going to take a break,” Baed said before leaving behind Jesela. Brian and Zae stood alone in the room with Grigon on the monitor.

  “I may go over myself and take a look at the freak show,” Grigon said. “Those images were very disturbing.”

  “Yes,” Brian said. “Let’s talk about this tomorrow. I should go and get some sleep.”

  “Sure,” the old Malcovin said. “Call me anytime and I’ll be sure to give you some of my time.”

  “Thanks,” Brian said as the Malcovin’s image disappeared.

  “What’s wrong?” Zae asked.

  “I fell unconscious on the bridge,” Brian said. “The disease is eating away at me. I don’t know if I can hold out much longer.”

  She took his hand first before embracing him tightly. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to have to suffer like you are,” she said.

  Brian held up her chin and looked into her eyes. “I want you to get things right with Baed. She needs you.”

  “Alright,” Zae said.

  Chapter 20 - Don’t Stress, So Says the Wiseman

  Valis, Kivi, Seles, and Mira were gathered at the Kein estate. Outside in the courtyard the four watched as the sun set on Dega Jul.

  “It’s been over a month Valis,” Seles said. “The Avoni should have returned by now.”

  “I know Seles, I’m worried too,” Valis said. “I hope they return soon.”

  “How close is the Raulno to being finished?” Mira asked. She looked to Kivi.

  “One month,” Kivi answered. “I’ve ordered them to step up construction.”

  “I had a feeling you’d feel this way Seles,” Valis said. “I understand the frustration so I’ve added a little bonus to the Zero.”

  “You equipped it with a light class drive?” Seles asked with an edge of excitement in her voice.

  “Thank Dreka next time you see him,” Kivi said.

  “I will,” Seles said.

  “Where do you plan on going?” Mira asked.

  “I want to go to Kalaidia and visit my mother,” Seles said. “I’m also going to check up on the government’s shift of power. We’re half way to the nobility officially stepping down. There’s also someone there I need to see about the current situation.”

  “Is it Myden?” Valis asked. “I’m sure a Grey like him could help us find the Avoni.”

  “Just tell me they’re still alive,” Kivi said. “That’s all I need to know. Once we know we can head out on the Raulno.”

  “Well, I’m going to set out now,” Seles said before leaving the other three behind.

  “She’s worried about him,” Kivi said.

  “We’re all worried about him,” Valis said before taking a sip of wine. “But at the moment there’s nothing we can do but ask the goddess to watch over them.”

  * * *

  After a week of travel Seles awoke in her Phase Zero near the orbit of Kalaidia Prime. She turned on her monitors and saw numerous space colonies on the approach before stopping in orbit high above the solar power generation ring encircling the planet. Scanning about to see the orbital stations the numbers appeared staggering to Seles. They’ve doubled the amount of workers in just five years. It looks like Brian’s plan for a prosperous future for my people is working. She thought when a light flashed on the console next to her. She was being hailed by the nearest orbital station. Seles turned it on to see the face of a young ensign.

  “This is Lieutenant Seles Daevon of the independent attack vessel Avoni seeking permission to land,” Seles stated.

  “I hear you loud and clear Princess,” the ensign answered with a smile. “Your request has been received and you have permission to land. Will you require an escort?”

  “Thanks, but my vessel can land on its own,” Seles answered.

  “As you wish,” the ensign said. “Enjoy your time on Kalaidia.” The message ended.

  Seles shifted the mobile suit to ship mode and started landing procedures. Before leaving orbit she looked around once more. The mobile suit flew into the atmosphere towards the northern continent and then to the capital city, Vaelis. Once in the sky she shifted the mobile suit back to its bipedal form and flew in a long circle around the capital city. She saw from the sky that many of the noble estates had been given back to the people of Kalaidia and changed into other buildings, mostly for the purpose of birthing children and education. Once she reached the northern part of the city she noticed that the main three buildings of the Queen’s Palace, the Chamber of Nobles, and the Temple of Kali were for the most part unchanged. As she went to land at the courtyard of the palace, Seles noticed much of the estate had been torn down. She landed her mobile suit in the kneeling position and grabbed a small bag full of clothes. She opened the hatch and saw her mother standing outside with a smile on her face.

  “It’s good to see you again Seles,” Celestia said. She met her daughter once she reached the ground.

  “I’ve been rather busy lately,” Seles said while embracing her mother tightly. “You’re looking well.” She stepped back after a long hug with her mother. “By the way, where are the servants?”

  “Much has changed Seles, much,” Celestia pointed at her head to show she wasn’t wearing her crown, “The extravagance of the old is fading quickly before the Parliament Jabril formed. Many of the other nobles insist on wearing their jewelry and spending vast amounts on appearance. I decided to go in the opposite direction.” She waved her hand. “Most of my servants left after the reformation. A few have stayed out of a sense of loyalty. That and I pay them handsomely for their work.”

  “It must feel strange to not have hordes doting on you all day long,” Seles said. “The thought of actually doing work must horrify you.”

  “On the contrary Seles, I’ve learned to enjoy it well enough,” Celestia said. “This courtyard is my work.” She smiled and pointed to the vines. “I’m pretty good at growing grapes and producing wine. That’s what I’ll be doing most of the time once my political career has concluded.” She and Seles took a seat at a white marble table nearby. Celestia poured each of them a glass of wine. Seles savored the flavor.

  “Is this yours?” Seles asked.

  “Do you like it?”

  “Yes, it’s quite good,” Seles said. “The texture is a bit thicker than the stuff Veda makes. I think it’s better, but that’s just my opinion of course.” Seles paused for a moment. “A lot’s changed, hasn’t it?”

  “It was bound to,” Celestia said. “The way things were our world was headed for revolution. What Brian brought was hope. Our economy is booming and the military has doubled in size in five years. Not only that, but there’s a major population boom by the younger generations. The only ones to lose in this era have been the nobles, who have accepted it for the most part. Personally, I like the slow and leisurely lifestyle, but that’s me. As the figurehead of the former regime it’s important I show the people we mean business when we said we’d change this world. With the old restrictions on education lifted our people have grown to levels I never could’ve dreamed.”

  “It’s wonderful to hear,” Seles said. “Has the military received the specs on the Phase Rakna?”

  “Yes,” her mother answered. “We’ll begin mass production in the next six months. Our military will be the strongest it ever has been and possess a technological edge. If this was the old days we’d be preparing to conquer quite a bit of territory back from the Shandi.” Celestia laughed. “Yet another change your Terran man has gifted us with.” Celestia let the moment shift before turning serious. “I recei
ved the report from Valis. I’ll continue praying he returns to you.”

  “I’m doing the same mother, I am.”

  “How long will you be staying?”

  “Two weeks,” Seles said. “I need some quiet time to relax and thought this was the best place. By the way, how can I contact Myden?”

  “You can’t,” Celestia said with a grin. “He contacts you Seles, that’s how it works. But I’m sure your mind has interested him enough to get him out of hiding.” She put her hand on Seles’s. “I’m glad we can to spend some time together.”

  “I feel the same way mother.”

  * * *

  She’s come back. Myden thought as he sensed Seles’s presence. He sat alone in a dark circular room deep below the palace of Celestia with a grey hood over his face. I heard the news from Celestia and have begun the search. Seles will be happy to know they’re still alive, but the journey they’ve been forced to endure may take everything from them. Myden meditated and focused all of his energy to find the others. He continued doing so for hours, until night finally fell. Seles and Celestia were now in the throne room having a conversation alone. Myden then stood before focusing his energy once more with his telepathic staff in hand. He appeared in the shadows of the throne room.

  “I’ve arrived,” he said to the two women telepathically as he stepped out of the shadows.

  “You look well Myden,” Seles said. “Someday you’re going to have to tell all of us how an old man like you stays so young.”

  Myden chuckled. “You’ve developed his sense of humor Lady Seles,” he said with his scratchy voice. “Long ago my people found the cure of age, yours are nearly there. Barring death by battle or accident Celestia will likely live much longer than her mother.” He bowed before standing next to Seles. “But that’s not why you came to see me.”

  “I wanted to ask you about Brian and the Avoni,” Seles said. “I didn’t know who else to turn to for this.”

  “They’re alive, at least, all but a few so far,” he explained. “Two pilots have died, but many more will be lost along the path they trek.”