Supernova on Twine

by Mark Alders

  Love in all its naked glory.

  In the next thrilling episode of the Diary of the Eternal War, Zane and company find themselves heading for Supernova on Twine, humanity’s future defensive space station. The eternals, or time vampires, have taken their homeworld, Parenthesis, into the future to capture the station. The result will send ripples back in time to expedite humanity’s capture and ensure the eternals have food throughout all of history. Zane is determined to stop them at all costs, but this time he’s not alone…literally. Motac, a coalition eternal and on the side of good, resides within him. Together they discover that not only can two beings live symbiotically for both their mutual benefit, but there can be love too—love that can defeat evil, no matter how great. Trouble is, the eternal threat is extremely great. Will Zane and Motac’s new found alliance be enough? Or will Tink, Mirko and all of Zane’s friends perish as Parenthesis prepares for its first deadly strike?

  Author’s note: the stories that make up The Diary of the Eternal War are the Pembroke Eve Chronicles spin-off. This series is presented episodic style.

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  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Supernova on Twine

  Copyright © 2012 Mark Alders

  ISBN: 978-1-77111-224-6

  Cover art by Carmen Waters

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Published by eXtasy Books

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  www.eXtasybooks.com

  Smashwords Edition

  Supernova on Twine

  Diary of the Eternal War Two

  By

  Mark Alders

  Chapter One

  Emergency entry, Zane’s implanted data storage device in his frontal cerebral cortex, ship time, unknown. Location, unknown. Date, unknown. Outside input.

  Zane, can you hear me? The voice in his mind was loud and dominating.

  From a cold, dark corner of his thoughts, Zane replied, Who are you? He couldn’t see anyone in front of him other than the Banshan warrior who was escorting him to see Erkla. The voice had been coming from within him. But how was that possible? He was possessed, a host to an eternal. Since when did they communicate with their victims?

  I am Motac, the eternal within you, and have activated your recording implant so I can talk to you without anyone getting suspicious.

  Zane then realised he wasn’t moving his lips to speak, but talking in his mind. It was true, the eternal within him was talking to him. That alone was just as scary as seeing Mirko and Tink being taken away. Anger welled up to consume the only place in his mind where he resided.

  Listen and listen very carefully, Motac continued. We don’t have much time before we are presented to Erkla, so you must understand this when I say, I am a coalition eternal and I am here to try and help you.

  Zane, without hesitation, thought, Prove it, you bastard.

  I can’t do that yet, but soon I will show you all you need to convince you I am speaking the truth and my intentions are to keep you safe.

  I don’t believe you.

  If I were lying, why would I need to have this conversation with you? If I was a shadow eternal, I would simply take you over and drain the energy of your friends, sending you backwards and forwards in time to accomplish that goal.

  Zane remained silent. His thoughts were his own, he’d give Motac that much. From what he knew of eternals, when they took over they didn’t leave a trace of the one they occupied. He thought of poor Thomas…how he’d committed suicide in the end to get rid of the fucker. That gave him an idea. Fine. But if you do make me do anything to either Tink or Mirko that’ll hurt them in any way…or any of my friends, I’ll kill myself…with you inside me.

  Zane was taken through numerous crystalline corridors, caverns and ante-chambers, deep into the heart of Parenthesis itself. He had to admit if the alien reptiles were nasty looking from a distance, they were even more so up close. They stank, too, like a combination of sweaty socks and stale vomit.

  Many times Zane tried not to dry heave, resulting in watery eyes and a lump in his throat. Motac had to remind him that if he did anything to raise any suspicion, all of their lives could be at risk, including Tink’s and Mirko’s and two members of the coalition, if not many more.

  He breathed through his mouth.

  Not long after they entered the inner sanctum of Parenthesis crystalline control—the area Mirko and Zoltan were trying to lead them to in the first place—they came across Erkla. Zane could see why they wouldn’t have made the journey to the heart of the eternal homeworld in a blue fit. The place was heavily guarded with more stinking Banshan warriors than he’d ever seen in one place.

  The throne room—for want of a better word—where Erkla sat was impressive. It was also exclusive, and the leader of the shadow eternals sat alone, overlooking his empire. There were many control stations around him, but unlike on Tink’s realm-shifting spacecraft, the eternals used living crystalline technology to do their bidding.

  Do exactly what I tell you, Motac said. Any delay in your response will be considered abnormal, and as such could put us all in danger.

  Yeah, yeah, I got it.

  “Greetings, Motac,” the Banshan leader said. He got up from his study, coming to greet Zane and the spy within him. “How is your new body treating you?”

  Zane bowed. He didn’t know why, but he did. Perhaps it was Motac’s influence within him. Perhaps it was his deep, desperate desire to make sure nothing happened to Tink or Mirko. “My new body is goin’ okay.”

  Don’t use any inflections. You’ll have to speak like me. Try and pronounce everything as succinctly as you can, Motac said.

  All right, keep your pants on, Zane chastised him in his mind, finding the experience quite disorientating. Talking to three people, one of whom was inside his mind, could get kind of tricky. This wasn’t going to be easy.

  There was a moment of pause from Erkla, but to Zane it looked like the leader was more preoccupied checking him out. After all, Zane’s cock was there for all to see, him being naked. A Banshan’s genitals were on the inside until required. He guessed the leader liked the look of Zane’s appendage, by the amount of time he spent staring at it.

  When Erkla had done a complete circuit of Zane, and with Motac telling him to keep as still as possible while under scrutiny, the alien lizard finally said, “I really don’t see why eternals would bother with such a weak species like humans. Banshan are more than capable of ensuring the eternals’ rule is complete.”

  Motac said, Tell him it’s because humans are resourceful, curious and survivors.

  Zane did so, adding, “Imagination” to the list.

  “Bah! Humans are pathetic. They cannot last more than a few days without water, a couple of weeks without food, and if naked, no more than a few hours in an extreme environment. What good are they, really?”

  Say that the Banshan are the warriors while the humans
are the cattle. After all, the greatest colonies in the universe require diversity, even if they are enslaved.

  I’m not sayin’ that. Us humans have kicked eternal arse, and we’ll do it again if we have to.

  I admire your spirit, Zane, but remember, you’re me…so act like it. The truth of the matter is that humans are easy to enter and therefore easy to control. There are also plenty of you. Don’t forget that.

  Zane, without anymore argument, replied, “Humans are a more compatible vessel.” He left it at that.

  Good. Good.

  The Banshan snorted. “No matter what I think of them, the eternals will rule no matter the species they inhabit. We are about to set course for the first human defence space-station, Supernova on Twine. Prepare yourself, Motac. You will be the new voice of the eternals. The reason this human was chosen was because he is strong and knows of our ways. His occupation will let others know that they cannot resist. They will also know of our intent and our interests. Hopefully, humans will resist less if they are more aware of the consequences if they don’t comply.”

  Zane bowed again. “We will destroy them if they resist.” Pigs arse we will. You Banshan fuckers will get what’s coming to you, no damn doubt.

  That’s the spirit, Zane.

  Erkla gestured for them to leave his presence, but added, “Your first task is to fetch me the spirit folk beings, Tink and Mirko. We have a similar use for them as well.”

  “Yes, Erkla.” Zane left the throne room. Straight away the guard who had escorted them to the heart of the empire was at their side again. Zane remembered to breathe though his mouth. At least now he knew Tink and Mirko were safe. He just hoped Zoltan was reinserted into him…but he doubted it. After all, they would know the cat being would need an eternal to keep Mirko alive…the matter of which eternal probably wasn’t a concern for them.

  In that moment, Zane missed Zoltan.

  Zoltan will be all right. He’s a survivor.

  I hope so. I kind of got used to him.

  You liked him? Motac asked.

  If you have to know, I kind of love the dude. What he did for Mirko was amazin’ and I have nothin’ but respect for him.

  Just like you’ll come to love me, I’m sure.

  Don’t count your chickens, buddy. You’ve got a long way to go before I relax in my own mind with you around.

  We’ll see.

  Yeah, we’ll see alright.

  Chapter Two

  Emergency entry, Zane’s implanted data storage device. Ship time, unknown. Location, the heart of Parenthesis. Date, unknown. Internal input.

  “Fuck, what a day I’ve been having,” Zane whispered. He thought and felt it would be a better idea to verbalise his diary entries because there was already way too much action going on in his mind with Motac crammed in there.

  You can’t start a diary entry like that, Zane, Motac said.

  I can start it however the hell I like, so butt the fuck out. It’s my entry and my mind. You eternal bastards have to learn, us humans like our own space.

  Would you like it if I pleasured you within your own space? Motac offered, rather cheekily.

  What?

  When we’ve got Tink and Mirko, I’ll show you what I mean. Then maybe you won’t be so negative that I’m here on this journey with you.

  You’re here inside me for the long haul, aren’t you?

  I sure am. Where else am I going to go? We’ve got to ensure Zoltan and any other coalition eternals are safe before we make our move. When we get to Supernova on Twine, that’s when we act. Until then, we’ve got to behave like we’re a fully possessed being with a shadow eternal inside him. Got it?

  Zane thought about Motac’s words. He also thought about how he’d never heard of this Supernova place. From that he could only imagine they were heading into the future. The far future, because humanity hadn’t done anything in space when he was on Earth except launch a few probes into the solar system and land on the Moon.

  He had to admit, things had been better and it was kind of reassuring having Motac inside him, especially while they wandered through the inner workings of Parenthesis. The guard had left them long ago. It seemed their ruse had worked so far, because Motac had told Zane a few choice words to say to convince the Banshan he wasn’t needed as their chaperone. The alien reptile seemed to accept that—probably because it was feeding time or whatever the hell it was reptiles did on their off time.

  He needs a fuckin’ shower. That guard dude, I mean, Zane said.

  Try living with them long term.

  You get used to the smell?

  Nope.

  Zane laughed, catching himself before he did it too loud. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself, not after they had come so far. They were within the prison block. Many more guards loomed, looking sinister.

  Time to put on his act.

  Zane approached the guards and they looked him up and down with the same disdain for his species Erkla had done. I take it Banshan don’t like dick.

  Now it was Motac’s turn to laugh, and Zane’s mind reverberated with that laughter. I like the look of your dick, even from within your own eyes.

  Gee, thanks. Zane then said out loud, “We’re here to escort the prisoners to Erkla, as instructed.”

  The Banshan grunted. “They are sedated enough for you to move without bother. But be quick about it.”

  Zane nodded. “Yes, of course.”

  Ooh, that was good, Zane. You sounded just like me then.

  You kind of pick things up when someone’s in your mind, you know.

  Don’t you want me here? Because if you really don’t want me, I will leave at the first opportunity.

  Zane pondered Motac’s words for a moment while he walked behind the Banshan who were escorting him to Tink and Mirko’s cell. You’ve got a promise to keep. After you’ve done that, I’ll make up my mind then. For now, yeah, you’re useful, I suppose.

  Gee, thanks, Motac said, emulating Zane.

  Hey, don’t take it personal. Us gay guys always try before we buy. If you’re no good in the sack, I’m afraid you’re ditched. Saves time that way.

  Then I’ll have to make sure I’m good, won’t I?

  Zane smiled, but added no more to their internal conversation. The Banshan had opened a cell door. The sight of Tink and Mirko brought him great joy, and his heart skipped a beat. He wanted to rush in there and embrace them both, but knew if he did that, his cover—their cover—would be blown. Instead he said, “Bring them to me.”

  The guard did as instructed. Yes, Mirko and Tink were sedated, walking like zombies as they were grabbed around their arms and forced to move toward the door. Whether Zoltan was still inside Mirko was anyone’s guess. All Zane knew was, the cat being had to have an eternal within him if he was to remain alive. What eternal—shadow or coalition—he couldn’t be sure yet.

  “They are yours to take to Erkla.” The guard handed Zane a chain. In that moment he realised their hands were bound. He licked his lips, anger building up inside him. He fucking hoped they had been treated well, otherwise there’d be hell to pay.

  Calm down, Zane.

  Yeah, yeah, I know. But if Tink has so much as a scratch on him, Erkla will be one fucked up reptile, and not in a good way, either.

  That’s the spirit. But we’ve still got to be careful. There was a pause. I have a plan, but it will require some timing.

  What’cha mean?

  I can sense there is an eternal inside Mirko, but I can’t sense its allegiance. Then again, if it were a shadow eternal, why would they need to keep it here in prison and drugged?

  Zoltan?

  Perhaps.

  Zane didn’t waste any more time. He understood if he hesitated, that could be a sign that something wasn’t quite right. He grabbed the chains tight and pulled. Tink and Mirko had no choice but to be taken wherever Zane wanted them to go.

  So what’s the plan? Zane asked. They’d left the prison block and were travelling
in a turbo lift back into the heart of Parenthesis.

  Motac replied, We’ve got to get to the control room so we can stop this planet reaching anywhere inhabited.

  Tell me somethin’ I don’t know.

  All right…well, now that Tink and Mirko are out of the prison area they will no longer be affected by the sedative drug that’s pumped into their cell—

  Zane had a feeling the good news Motac delivered was going to be a double-edged sword, and instinctively asked, How long does it take to wear off?

  That’s the problem. If my plan is to be enacted, Tink and Mirko must be fully cognitive. They will have to wake up so they can overpower us and therefore let the guards monitoring the close-circuit holocameras that cover the main areas be fully aware that we have been captured. Sure, it will cause a general alert, but we should be able to avoid capture if we stick to access tunnels and unmonitored rooms.

  Ah, I see. So then we can sneak around and do our thing while all along the eternals will think Tink and Mirko have kidnapped us. I am guessin’ from all this, you pretty much know where to hide from sight around here.

  Sure do, Motac said, his voice gloating. The trick will come when we have to enter the control room itself. That’s guarded well and monitored.

  Zane didn’t want to think about things too far into the future. He liked to work in the here and now. He pressed the emergency stop panel on the turbo lift. All he knew was he had to buy them some time so that the drug could wear off and they could then enact Motac’s plan. Sure, it was going to be a close call, but as far as Zane could see, the idea of being captured by Tink and Mirko was the best chance they had of turning this situation around.

  Straight away, a Banshan voice boomed through the intercom. “What is the problem there?”