Universe in Flames 3: Destination Oblivion

by Christian Kallias

“You had no way of knowing this would happen; and I’m impressed by how much you’ve managed to do in so little time. This is just an unforeseen, unpredictable side effect.”

  “Thanks, man, but I still have trouble sleeping.”

  “Well don’t, really. No one blames you.”

  “Not even the admiral?”

  “She never even hinted at it, that much I can tell.”

  Cedric seemed relieved. “Shouldn’t you be going next door?”

  “Yeah, wish me luck.”

  “Break a leg.”

  “What?”

  “Sorry, that means good luck on Earth.”

  Spiros smiled at the irony. “See you soon, then. Please keep working on that virus.”

  “Will do.”

  Spiros exited their lab and headed next door. He lost no time stepping onto the communication device they had moved aboard the Cronos just hours before. He ran a quick diagnostic to make sure everything worked properly, and double checked that the array was connected only to Earth’s networks. No need to risk infecting the Cronos’ internal systems. They hadn’t found a trace of the entity yet, but Spiros knew it could be hiding within the ship’s own AI. One line of well-placed code and it could activate itself.

  When he confirmed everything was set correctly, he put the mind link devices on his temples.

  This time he wasn’t in a weird, floating cyberspace like before, but stood in a nice meadow, with birds chirping and the relaxing sound of a waterfall in the distance. It was a bright, blue day, with the sun shining high in the sky.

  “Gaia? Are you here?”

  “I’m here,” said the voice, as if coming from the heavens above.

  “Well, good day to you. Have you chosen this simulation?”

  “I did. I wanted to show you how things should be. Unlike this.”

  Suddenly everything changed in real time and he was in the middle of a very grey, very industrial zone with chimneys releasing dark, thick clouds into the atmosphere.

  “I see. There can’t be many places like these left around Earth nowadays.”

  “Even one is too much, but I’ll grant you that the quadrinium power plants are much less detrimental to my health. I guess I should at least thank you and the Alliance for this change.”

  “I’m glad you see things that way. Does that mean we can find a way to cohabitate?”

  “I’m still debating this, but we have to discuss the weapons of mass destruction in orbit.”

  “Our ships?”

  “And satellites, yes.”

  “What about them?”

  “I want them gone, today.” The entity’s voice resonated all around Spiros and it sounded as though many voices had spoken together.

  “Look, that’s not possible. Surely we can discuss this.”

  “Is that why you are on one of the ships today?”

  “What?”

  “To attack and destroy me?”

  “Look, Gaia, we mean you no harm; and we would never fire upon Earth. Surely you see that the seven billions lives down there haven’t moved. We wouldn’t kill our own.”

  “History tells another tale.”

  “Yes, and like many civilizations, mine included, there were time when wars happened. It was senseless and cost all parties involved dearly.”

  “I am trying to understand why humans wage war.”

  “There are no wars on Earth at the moment.”

  “True, it seems there aren’t; but there is a threat from other races. The death and destruction Earth-bound wars used to bring in the past seems to have been replaced with threats from the stars now. When will it stop?”

  “I wish I knew. We don’t want this war with the Zarlacks and Argos. Please understand that.”

  “I understand.”

  “Thank you.”

  “About the ships.”

  “I promise we won’t use them to attack you. In fact, they are part of Earth’s defense. You must have seen how many ships and humans were lost when the Zarlacks attacked this world.”

  “I did.”

  “So why want them gone?”

  “The enemy could follow you elsewhere if you leave, and leave me alone.”

  “I guarantee this won’t be the case. Argos will destroy Earth without a second thought if given the opportunity, which is exactly what will happen if the ships leave orbit.”

  “I see. Are you trying to stop Argos? It seems he could have been killed yesterday. I should have intervened.”

  “On that I agree. If you had the means to kill him, you should have. Why didn’t you?”

  “I calculated a high probability that if he died in front of this Chase character, his rage could overtake him and obliterate the planet as a result.”

  “I don’t think Chase would have killed seven billion lives, no matter what.”

  “Don’t be so sure.”

  Spiros sensed nothing but truthfulness in that last comment, which sent a shiver down his spine. Could Chase’s rage have destroyed this world? Was he that powerful?

  “The little I know of Chase, I only get a good vibe from his intentions. He’s the one who rescued me, after all.”

  “These beings, these Furies: I can’t understand them. While I begin to understand humans, Furies are another thing altogether, and they scare me.”

  “It’s normal to be scared of things we don’t understand.”

  “My instinct tells me I should destroy them if they ever come back here, both of them.”

  “Argos perhaps. Chase is no threat to you, I guarantee that.”

  “Why do you human beings do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Assume things you have no certainty about.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You can’t guarantee that Chase won’t be a threat. Not one hundred percent. You don’t know what he is like when he’s angry. I saw it. He can’t control himself and possesses power that defies anything I thought possible.”

  “I don’t know. Call it instinct or a gut feeling. But let me rephrase it: I feel that Chase wouldn’t be a threat. In fact, I feel he would lay down his life to protect you and anyone on Earth. He did put his life in mortal danger to save this world, not only once but twice.”

  “I have logs of him fighting in orbit that confirms what you’re telling me.”

  “See. Argos, however, is another story.”

  “But Chase is compromised now. Argos could force him to destroy me.”

  “If that was his plan then they wouldn’t have left. They would have destroyed you and us in the process.”

  “What you say makes sense. I am still afraid of Furies.”

  “So am I. But may I propose we work together to defend ourselves from Argos?”

  “Explain.”

  “I would like us to reconstruct the satellites that were lost in the last battle, and also devise a full, planetary shield to protect against any Zarlack ship that wants to blow itself up on the surface of the planet. Now that we know they can do this, there could already be more ships on their way to do just that.”

  “WHAT!”

  Crap. Spiros cursed himself.

  “I don’t think that’s the case, but what I propose will nullify their advantage. We make an impenetrable shield around the Earth. To protect not only ourselves but you as well. How does that sound?”

  “I like this idea.”

  “Good. So how does this work? You let us construct what we need?”

  “No, I will make the shield, and I alone will control it.”

  Spiros knew what that meant: that the entity would be able to decide when to use it, and could very well let humans die first in the next attack, and then raise the shields. She could also separate the planet from the ships in orbit by having the shield on all the time.

  “Do we have a deal?” Gaia insisted.

  “Yes. I propose you use some of my research. I can be of great help.”

  “I know. Here is what I propose, based on your research
and some modifications of my own.”

  The entity projected holographic schematics, very detailed ones, of a planetary shield for Earth. Spiros looked at them and was amazed how advanced the design seemed. Highly redundant, too.

  “Wow, this is good.”

  “I learned from the best.”

  “Did you just pay me a compliment?”

  “I guess I did.”

  “Well thanks. But you’re selling yourself short. This is way more advanced than anything I had in mind initially.”

  “Perhaps there is something good to come out of our new partnership.”

  “Yes, so it would seem. How should we proceed?”

  “I will build it. There are enough resources, enough drones. I already have control of them so I will leave fifty percent of the workforce for the rescue and rebuilding efforts. The rest I will use to build a larger workforce and start building this shield.”

  “What about the satellites?”

  “I’ve already uploaded another set of schematics onto your personal computer. I will let you assemble this particular shield and give you control of it. That way you can prove to me that you intend to protect me when the time comes. And if you fail to do so, I will protect Earth with the other shield.”

  “Sounds fair. Thanks.”

  “There is a warning attached, though.”

  “Alright . . . Which is?”

  The sky turned red and dark clouds covered it almost instantly.

  “If you betray me, if you try to attack me, or if you fail in showing your good will to protect this world, I will destroy you all.”

  Spiros didn’t really know if it was the threat itself or the total calm with which these words were uttered that scared him the most. But he believed the entity one hundred percent, and that terrified him. He did the best he could to hide his fear.

  “I understand.”

  “I’m glad. You are right to fear me.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Now go. I’ll summon you if we need to communicate more.”

  “Alright. Thank you for trying this partnership.”

  The communication ended abruptly and Spiros felt a sharp pain in his right temple. He stepped down from the platform and went back to the lab.

  “How did it go?” asked Cedric.

  “We really need to get ahead of this, and fast, but I think I bought us some more time.”

  * * *

  The Valken approached the Destiny and was hailed.

  “This is Commodore Saroudis.”

  “Hi, Commodore, we’re coming aboard for the debrief slash dinner.”

  “Right. You’re clear to land. See you soon.”

  “See you soon. Tharaleos out.”

  “Do we really have time for dinner? Sure, I haven’t eaten anything good in a while, but can we really afford the time?” asked Keera.

  “We’re not going to dinner.”

  “So why are landing on the Destiny?”

  “To steal as much quadrinium as we need for the jump back.”

  “Won’t that get you in trouble?”

  “No more than we’re already in. It’s not like we have any choice.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Just stay with the ship. I’ll go with Tar’Lock to get the quadrinium and we’ll be on our way within minutes.”

  “If all goes well.”

  “It will. I know exactly what to do.”

  “Alright. Good luck.”

  Daniel nodded and jumped out of his chair and entered the next room. “Tar’Lock, you’re with me.”

  “What’s going on, Daniel? Why haven’t we jumped yet,” asked Ryonna.

  “We need quadrinium. We’re landing on the Destiny now. Let’s go steal some.”

  “Wow, when did this escalate to piracy?” asked Fillio.

  “Look, we only need a little, and if we ask nicely the commodore will know we’re up to something.”

  “He’s not going to like this, and I can tell you it will be our asses when we get back. Saroudis might be an understanding commanding officer, but Admiral Thassos runs a tight fleet. We’re toast.”

  “You can still stay on board Destiny and keep your wings. In fact, all of you can decide not to follow my lead on this one. I won’t think less of you.”

  “Chase is my friend as well, so I’m in. Bye bye, Earth Alliance.”

  “And I owe Chase my life and the life of my son. I’m coming.” Ryonna didn’t hesitate.

  “That’s nice of you, but depending on how all of this goes, he might be branded a traitor’s son. So not sure how good this will be for his career in the Droxian military.”

  “The actions of the parents bear no consequences in our culture.”

  “As you wish.”

  “What about you, Daniel?” inquired Ryonna. “Are you willing to sacrifice your position as wing commander for this?”

  “For Chase? Absolutely.”

  “He might not need our help. We’re nothing but bugs compared to his own powers,” said Ryonna, feeling uneasy admitting this.

  “Be that as it may. He may or may not need our help, but I’m not letting him walk into danger alone. Not this time.”

  Tar’Lock took a step forward. “What’s the plan, Daniel?”

  “Let’s play a little game of misdirection, shall we?”

  Daniel explained his plan and soon they were on their way.

  * * *

  Chase went to the mess hall for something to eat. He hadn’t eaten any of his favorite dishes for a long time. He synthesized a double pepperoni pizza. His taste buds relished the almost forgotten sensation.

  “Boy, I could live on pizza.”

  “You know this is trouble, don’t you?” he heard in his mind.

  “Hello, Ares.”

  “Chase, it’s not too late to change your mind.”

  “There’s no way to change it now, and I think you know exactly what I feel.”

  “Be that as it may, have you stopped to think what it is that Argos could get his hands on?”

  “Do you know what it is?”

  “No, but I can only surmise it will give him an advantage to win this war.”

  “I won’t let him.”

  “That arrogance again. Blinded by your emotions. When it’s not rage or hatred, it’s love. I don’t know which is worse.”

  “Always the cynic.”

  “I’m not being cynical and you know it. You have no idea whether by helping your evil brother you might not doom every other life in the universe.”

  “I have thought of it.”

  “And yet you accept this as a possibility.”

  “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “I do understand. I love Aphroditis, and I gave my life for hers.”

  “And I’m willing to give mine for Sarah’s. How is that different?”

  “It wouldn’t be, except you’re not just placing your own fate in the balance here, but the entire universe.”

  “Remember that I’m the one supposed to protect it? I haven’t forgotten what your sister told me at the beginning of all of this. Perhaps this is how things must play out. Perhaps that’s the plan.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “Well, we’ll know soon enough. But look at it this way, my friend: if I don’t do this and let Sarah die, I will no longer be able to protect anyone. I will probably just want to crawl into the deepest hole and die. How does that help anyone exactly?”

  “Difficult to argue with that logic, I’ll grant you that. Did you just call me friend?”

  “I guess I did,” said Chase, taking another huge bite of pizza with a big smirk on his face.

  “Hungry, are we?”

  “Famished. This last fight took a lot out of me, but I’m already regaining my powers. I can feel it.”

  “Good. I’ll be along for the ride, in case you need my help.”

  “Thanks, but shouldn’t you just go through the Styx?”

  “Should, yes; but
right now I must see how this plays out.”

  “Alright. Glad you’re with us, Ares.”

  “Chase!” Ares sounded alarmed.

  “What?”

  “I sense something wrong with Aphroditis. Please go to her side at once!”

  Chase discarded the pizza slice in his hand, jumped out of his chair and ran.

  * * *

  While she was sleeping, Aphroditis entered a trance and started levitating above the sofa in the captain’s ready room.

  She floated in a large, round arena with very tall, dark walls made from massive blocks of stones. The place looked ancient. Some runes in four different colors glowed on the walls, and while she thought they looked Olympian, they were too blurry for her to read. Blue, red, green and white, each above altars with matching colors; and hovering above those, glowing spheres of energy.

  Then she heard a growl. It froze her blood. The growl was so powerful, so intense, it made everything tremble. And soon the ground shook. It felt like footsteps, but she could only see a shadow walking, with red, glowing eyes. The creature was almost as tall as the impossibly high walls.

  She felt a sense of dread and great danger.

  As the creature advanced towards her it blackened the faint sunlight and engulfed the arena in darkness. Only the runes and energy spheres provided faint lighting.

  Then everything changed. She was sucked into space and saw stars and entire systems pass by at such velocity it made her sick to the stomach. When she finally stopped she stood in an empty part of space, though she could see dual stars shining far away.

  She felt as though she knew this place, but it was the first time she’d been here. An ominous humming overtook her senses. It felt as if the universe around her was in a state of flux, trembling, shaking. Something big was about to happen.

  A planet started materializing in the void before her eyes. At first it appeared blurry and felt like an after vision, like a mirage. But as time passed it became clearer and clearer. The parts of it engulfed in the darkness revealed points of light in close proximity. There was life on this planet; many cities in fact.

  Without warning the gravity of the newly appeared celestial body attracted her to the surface. She tried to fight the forces that brought her towards the planet at impossible velocity, but was powerless to do anything about it. She passed into the atmosphere and her body fell faster and faster. She couldn’t see anything. A red, foggy haze was all around her. Soon the vista changed, and she realized she had passed through a thick layer of red clouds. The ground came at her so fast she felt compelled to close her eyes right before impact.