Universe in Flames 3: Destination Oblivion

by Christian Kallias

  “This is a nightmare.”

  “It gets worse.”

  “What?”

  “We’ve been visited by many different vessels from other races since its inception: the Droxians, the Obsidian Empire; heck, even Argos’ forces, though they were all destroyed this time around.”

  “Or so we think. They also possess cloaking abilities. Perhaps a smaller craft survived.”

  “If the entity infected any of these, wiping it out here won’t stop it growing somewhere else, and coming back with a vengeance.”

  “Can we try to see if the Droxian systems and perhaps the Obsidian, now that they are here, have been infected?”

  “And how would you go about announcing that? Won’t we risk making a crack in this fresh Alliance of ours?”

  “There’s that, but can we afford to lie to them? Any chance you can scan their vessels from one of our ships without their knowing?”

  “And if I’m discovered?”

  “Is there any viable and less dangerous option at this point?”

  “Well, besides convincing the entity that we mean no harm . . .”

  “Even if that’s so, I don’t like the idea of being under its scrutiny and reign from now on. I mean, what if we do something we can’t avoid to survive and it perceives it as one threat too many and decides to wipe us out? What if does that when we’re actually in a battle for our lives?”

  “Believe me, I’m thinking about all of this too. Not only are we talking a potential end of humanity, but we could very well create the most resilient and dangerous life form in the universe.”

  “This can’t be happening. We need to find a way to get ourselves out of this mess!”

  “I agree, Admiral. I’m proposing to try to buy some time by talking with it, while we think of a way to either disable or reprogram it.”

  “Reprogram?”

  “Yes, if we managed to infect it with some sort of virus that would change it from the inside, undetected, inserting new parameters into its sentient matrix, reprogramming its morals to make humans the most valuable beings it needs to protect, then it could become a powerful ally.”

  “Do you realize what the implications are? On an ethical level I mean? That we would enslave it to do our bidding. To trick it and deprive it of its own sense of right or wrong.”

  Spiros exhaled deeply. “I know that very well, Admiral, but I’m not sure we have a choice. I just hope we’re not too late and that there is still something to be done. And enough time to do it.”

  The admiral took her head between her hands. “Just when we thought things couldn’t get any worse.”

  “Oh, I’m not done yet. I have more potential bad news.”

  She frowned and clearly showed her discontent. “You’ve got to be shitting me! What now?”

  “We may have a problem with Chase.”

  “Lieutenant Commander Athanatos? How? He’s not even a member of the Earth Alliance anymore.”

  “Surely you’ve heard of the mess in Tokyo?”

  “No, not yet. Mind you, I just came back from Droxia.”

  “Well, long story short, Argos and Chase fought there and destroyed a lot of buildings—half the harbor—and there’ve been casualties.”

  “Like we needed that so soon after the suicide crash of the Zarlack fleet. But what’s the problem exactly?”

  “As you know, Argos forced Chase into an impossible position when he made him kill his beloved Sarah back when they came to Damocles-3 to get me and secure my research.”

  “Yeah, I understand why he left us, and I also understand why he had to destroy part of Tokyo to kill his brother. I mean, killing Argos would spare life in the long run, even if I don’t condone the loss of innocent lives in the process. And I sure would reprimand him and lock him away if I thought that was even possible. No matter how he feels, Earth is not a battlefield on which he should wage his revenge. But if he got Argos, then this is good news.”

  “Right. Except he didn’t kill his brother.”

  “What? How do you know?”

  “The entity showed me the footage. He had him dead to rights, about to deliver the fatal blow, when Argos told him something, and he stopped.”

  “Do we know what he said?”

  “That Sarah was alive and he needed him to do something for him now, which includes taking Aphroditis with them.”

  “I have no love for the Olympians. Don’t misunderstand me, I don’t mind them; but I’ve always questioned their intentions and motives. But if Argos needs her, we need to make sure he doesn’t get her. Where is she now?”

  “In DC, inside that fortified bunker, and Chase is there too.”

  “WHAT? You should have started with that!”

  The admiral stormed from her ready room at once.

  * * *

  Chase visited Aphroditis in her room but she was still sleeping. He sat next to her. She was as beautiful as when she had first appeared in his visions. His heart skipped a beat when he considered what could happen to her next. Unfortunately, Chase had no choice. He would do everything in his power to make sure Argos didn’t hurt her, but if his endgame was to have her killed, could he choose between her and Sarah? That was not a choice he wanted to make, even though he knew full well that right now, this was no choice at all. Not anymore. He simply couldn’t sacrifice Sarah and their unborn child a second time.

  She turned in her bunk bed and moaned.

  “Aphroditis,” murmured Chase.

  She turned again and blinked her eyes many times. What happened next took him by surprise. She launched herself into his arms and started sobbing. “Thank you for saving my life, Chase. I’m so happy to see you. I . . . I’m so scared.”

  He passed his hand through her hair. She sat back on her bed, wiping her tears.

  “I know, and Ares helped me do it.”

  “What? He’s still alive?”

  “I’m sorry no, but he’s still with us somehow.”

  “He decided not to traverse the Styx towards Elysium. I’m not surprised.”

  “What’s the Styx?”

  “It’s the pathway to another plane of existence; if you wish, the afterworld. At least for us Olympians. When our physical bodies are killed, we’re transformed into pure energy beings; our souls, if you like. Only in this form are we allowed to travel the Styx and emerge at Elysium. But it’s a one way trip. Once we take this road, there’s no turning back.”

  “Ares explained some of this. Then yes, he is still with us. He wants to make sure I protect you.”

  “I’m not surprised.”

  “I thought you two were not really pals.”

  “Nowadays we have our fair share of disagreements, but in the past there weren’t any two Olympians closer than us.”

  “I see. Makes sense that he would want to make sure you are safe, then. Also it explains why he sacrificed himself the way he did.”

  She nodded and more tears threatened to flow.

  “There’s no easy way for me to say this, but I need you to come with me. You’re not safe here on Earth. Argos has proven that today yet again.”

  “Did you find him?”

  “I almost had him today. He . . . he escaped.”

  “Why are you lying to me?”

  Chase’s heart felt as though it stopped. “What do you mean?”

  “I believe your words, but I sense you’re not telling me the whole truth.”

  Damn! Chase should have known better than trying to lie to an Olympian.

  “What is it you’re not telling me, Chase?”

  Chase exhaled deeply. The situation he hoped to avoid was about to happen now. No turning back.

  “Sarah is alive.”

  “What? You said you killed her!”

  “I killed a clone.”

  “And you know that how? Wait, Argos sent you to get me, didn’t he?”

  Chase looked down and nodded.

  Tears flowed down her soft skin. “Are you here to kill me, Chase?�
�

  “What? No, of course not! But he asked me to bring you along. Apparently he needs both of us for something.”

  “Nothing good can come of this, Chase. You understand that?”

  “I know, and I will do all I can to protect you. I promised that much to Ares.”

  “We both know that if it comes to a choice between Sarah’s life and mine, you’ll choose Sarah this time.”

  He looked away.

  She put her hand on his shoulder. “Look, Chase, I understand how you must feel. I’m happy to learn that Sarah and your unborn child can still be saved. But you must ask yourself at what price? What is it that Argos wants with us?”

  “I know. I hate this! But I can’t let her die a second time.”

  “Then let’s not.”

  Chase’s eyes grew wide. “You’re actually agreeing to come with me, even though it might mean your death?”

  “If it brings you back to the side of light, if you fight for this universe as a result, then yes, I’ll gladly sacrifice my life, as my brother did.”

  “I . . . I don’t know what to say.”

  “But you must promise me one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “If whatever Argos wants you for puts this universe at even greater risk, you must be willing to sacrifice Sarah and do the right thing.”

  “I’m not sure I can promise this.”

  “Okay, let me rephrase it. If helping him results in this universe being in jeopardy, promise me you’ll do whatever it takes to make things right.”

  “You know I would do that anyway.”

  “Now, perhaps. At least, that’s what I feel from you at the moment. Losing Sarah, well, the way you felt these past months . . . We both know that you didn’t care about this universe anymore.”

  “Right, but if Sarah is in it, I’ll fight for it.”

  “Not good enough. You need to promise me you’ll fight for it even if she gets killed, which could happen after we help Argos. She will die one day, and perhaps in that future, be it near or far, life in this universe might still need your help.”

  “I understand. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make things right. I can’t promise more than that.”

  “That’s more than enough. I can sense you mean these words with every fiber of my being. Welcome back, Chase, I’ve missed you.”

  He smiled but felt as if the weight he once had on his shoulders had returned with a vengeance; and quite a few tons heavier to boot.

  “Chase, before we go, I had a new vision. In it I saw Sarah. At the time I thought it might have been the past, but it’s now clear that it wasn’t.”

  “What else did you see?”

  “Darkness, a new enemy, a new world from which evil will grow stronger.”

  “Is that the enemy you told me about? You said the Zarlacks were just pawns. But who are the masters?”

  “I’m unsure. All I saw was a planet and impressive ships in orbit, but I have no idea if this will happen soon or in years or decades to come. I did feel as though some time had passed from the moment I first saw the planet to the moment I saw the fleet gathering around it.”

  “What could this mean?”

  “I wish I knew more. Perhaps I’ll get more details later.”

  “What if what Argos needs us for will bring about this future?”

  “We have no way of knowing for now.”

  “Ok, should we get going then?”

  “Where’s Argos?”

  “He’s waiting for us on the Iron Fire.”

  “What about your friends?”

  “I don’t know what to do. The last thing I want is to put them in any kind of unnecessary danger. Argos is too powerful. At least I know I can beat him now. Unfortunately, if he dies, so does Sarah.”

  “Then let’s just go and don’t tell your friends anything.”

  * * *

  Chase and Aphroditis left the room and Daniel immediately rose from the table.

  “All good, Chase?”

  “Yes, but I need to take Aphroditis to safety now.”

  “What? You just arrived. Are you leaving us already?”

  “I must. I’m really sorry, but I promise to come back soon.”

  “Can’t you at least stay a little while?”

  “I wish I could, Dan,” said Chase, with genuine compassion in his voice.

  “What if the Zarlacks come back? We’re really in trouble now. We need you, Chase!”

  “And I will be back. I promise you that.”

  Keera took a step in front of Daniel.

  “I’m coming with you,” she said with determination in her voice.

  “No, I can’t allow it.”

  “What? With what ship will you take her then?”

  “I have a ship. Don’t worry for me.”

  “What ship?” inquired Ryonna, who also stood up. “What are you hiding from us, Chase? You know I’m very good at reading emotions. Yours are all over the place at the moment. Something is wrong, and we deserve to know what it is.”

  But then it all went to hell.

  The doors of the elevator opened and a dozen armed Earth Alliance security goons stormed the place and raised their weapons towards Chase.

  “Lieutenant Commander Athanatos, you’re under arrest! Do not resist or we will be forced to open fire!”

  Chase exhaled deeply.

  “What the hell is this? Lower your weapons at once!” commanded Daniel.

  “We have orders from Admiral Thassos to bring Chase aboard the Cronos.”

  “That’s not going happen, I’m afraid. Tell the admiral I’m sorry, but another time.”

  “This is your last warning. Don’t make us use deadly force!”

  Ryonna, Daniel and Tar’Lock all prepared themselves to interfere but they didn’t have time to do anything.

  Chase closed his eyes and the next instant every rifle was snatched from the security force and hovered back in front of them, the muzzles directed at their heads.

  “Like I said, it’s not going happen. Please stand down.”

  “I cannot give that order!” said the officer in charge.

  “I was afraid you were going to say this.”

  Before he could reach for his sidearm Chase launched himself at them with lightning speed. He delivered a single blow to every member of the security squad. They all looked shocked, and so were Chase’s friends, when their bodies hit the ground with a synchronized thud.

  “What the hell? What are you doing, Chase?”

  Before he could answer, Aphroditis, who had stayed quiet until now, took a few steps and held her hand in front of her.

  “We really have to go now. Please understand that we have a reason for not letting you know why and where we’re going. It’s for your own good, all of you.”

  “With all due respect,” said Daniel, “I don’t care what your reasons are. We need Chase and I don’t answer to you.”

  Ryonna put her hand on his shoulder.

  “Daniel, remember who you’re talking to.”

  “I know full well who . . . I mean no disrespect, but you could at least tell us why you’re doing this. We deserve that much.”

  When Chase couldn’t take it anymore, he spoke. “We’re going to save Sarah. She’s still alive, and no, you can’t come with us.”

  That seem to shock everyone in the room but Keera. She understood what it meant almost instantly.

  “Argos never escaped, did he?”

  “No. I let him live.”

  “What about the warrant?”

  “I’m sorry, Keera. Your warrant means nothing to me if Sarah is alive.”

  “That’s the first sincere thing you’ve said since you arrived here.”

  “I know.” He looked at the rest of his friends. “I’m sorry, everyone, but I’m going now. Do not follow us. It’s too dangerous.”

  “Why did you lie to us?” said Daniel, clearly pained by the discovery.

  “I . . . I wanted to pro
tect you. I knew you’d want to come along.”

  “And we’re coming,” said Ryonna, walking towards Chase.

  Chase held up his right palm. “Please, Ryonna, I don’t want to fight you, but I cannot let you come.”

  “You can’t stop us,” added Tar’Lock.

  “That’s not true and you know it.”

  “Would you really raise your hands at us?” said Daniel, with tears welling in his eyes.

  “I don’t have to, my brother,” said Chase before erecting a blue force field that effectively split the room in two.

  Ryonna hit it with a powerful right jab but all it did was create blue lightning upon impact.

  Chase turned to Aphroditis and she walked to the elevator without saying another word.

  “Thank you for your friendship, each and every one of you. I’m sorry I lied to you. I wish I hadn’t. I promise to come back when I get Sarah out of danger.”

  “Chase wait!” shouted Daniel.

  But Chase entered the elevator, never turning back to his friends. The elevator’s doors closed and they were gone.

  CHAPTER

  XIV

  When Chase arrived on the Iron Fire with Aphroditis, Argos was sitting in the captain’s chair. His smile conveyed a mix of satisfaction and pure malice.

  “Welcome aboard . . . Your Majesty,” said Argos, making sure the sarcasm was palpable.

  Aphroditis didn’t answer and simply went to the captain’s ready room.

  “How rude. Well, considering I killed her brother, I guess I should be understanding, shouldn’t I, Laiyos?”

  “I’m not in the mood for your games. Now what?”

  “I’ve already entered our destination into the jump-drive navigation systems.”

  “How did you manage that?”

  “We share DNA, remember? Your computer thinks I’m you.”

  “You’re lucky they didn’t revoke my security settings then.”

  “We both know that wouldn’t have stopped us.”

  “Right.” Chase knew he could control technology remotely, with or without the help of the Alliance neuro-link devices now.

  “What are we waiting for?”

  “I thought you’d like the honors,” said Argos, rising from the chair and gesturing Chase towards it.

  Chase simply closed his eyes and the Iron Fire entered hyperspace.