At his side loped the large Grey Wolf Bell. She quietly moved, but her sharp claws tapped on the rustic, hard wooden floorboards. Like all neo animals, or neurologically enhanced animals who had been spliced, she was bound telepathically to Deegen and could talk, but was normally quiet as she couldn’t properly pronounce words due to her lupine ancestry.
Moments after the doors shut, they opened and out came the tool carrying Jacob Wrench.
Deegen turned and said “Just who I was looking for. Mr. Wrench, can you take a look at my suit? The processor is still malfunctioning a bit.”
“Uh, sure, D. Let’s go to the shuttle so I can put my things down and have a look.” The rest spoke idly, mainly Jessica wanting details about what new tricks her niece’s suit could do now. Deegen took a seat on the long bench in the open cargo hold as Jacob brought a diagnostic crystal over to get close proximity and quickly said “There’s your problem. The relay circuit is clogged with a dust mote. Now how did you get in there, Little Guy? Sorry, but you have to go.” Jacob grabbed a special pen that pulls clean air inside, compresses it and he plugged it into a pinhead size hole under the armpit of Deegen’s left arm and pressed the button. A ‘ffft’ sound was barely made and the red light on Deegen’s left arm that controls and monitors the suit’s internals turned soft blue. “That should do it.”
“Much better. Thank you, Mr. Wrench.”
“No problem, Big Guy.” Jacob put his tools back as the Hunter got up and put them in a bag.
“We ready?” Renee asked, grateful for a chance to divert the current topic. Deegen nodded. “Alright, get to your places and follow my ass out.” She walked in through the airlock than the cargo door Sparky and Rose headed for. Jessica was right behind and shut the outer and inner door at the press of a button.
Oliver though hopped into the Flare and activated automatic startup procedures as the docking door began to rise. Rather than be sucked right out into the cold vacuum of space, a thin barrier of a few photons thickness was placed. It allowed solid objects through, but held atmosphere in and vacuum out. He closed the cockpit lid and checked all was fully operational as Renee’s shuttle unfurled it’s solar sail mast and a stream of bluish white plasma came out of the back end to propel the winged boat out. With it gone he saw the three Seeker’s sitting. Stone’s would stay behind as his task was to ensure the safety of the captain, crew and treasures going to the press conference.
Steven’s Seeker went next and Deegen wasn’t far behind. Oliver lifted the Flare silently off the ground to press down with the lightest touches to fly straight. Passing through the barrier he pressed a button and the deck hatch dropped back down to make the Dorgenox hull whole. The private dock wouldn’t be known if not known about beforehand or seen opening in action.
Vast space opened up and it calmed Oliver as they flew swiftly through it. Momentum from the Dorgenox carried over with them, but a quick turn stopped sideways flying and ahead showed a large white star, but it was filtered through the screen to prevent blindness. They separated hours before the Dorgenox would make a sea landing on Havannah.
It would be smooth sailing till then so Oliver turned on some music and pulled the indigo shield from his back and laid it between the seat and wall.
Havannah, second planet from its home brown star, grew quickly in approach. It was an earthlike planet, but had three small moons that doubled as weapons platforms as Havannah had been attacked by Keptl and repelled by excellent firepower twice before. Its oceans were blue, but lacked excessive salt and only made up about thirty percent of the overall surface. Great mountains and volcanoes created great and powerful windstorms that could last seconds or months. Only winter was best to not worry about deadly storms. Summer was chaotic and nighttime was the only time to work. Right now Havannah was coming out of its wintery orbit and was gradually getting closer to the central star. Havannah, though with dangerous winds, was a beautiful place and sported one two point one gees of gravity. Mild temperatures. Human population numbered about fifteen million scattered between ten major cities and many outlying towns. Right now it was dark, but aside from the orange glow of active volcanoes there showed light of technology.
Space authority from a moon called out to them. “This is Havanna’s moon platform three. I have you on screen. State your name and business.”
“This is Renee Void, daughter of Pirate King Jake Dorgen of the Dorgenox. My shuttle is called the River Skipper. The three fighter’s are my escort.” Renee had taken Oliver’s last name after her captain and father wanted to marry them. She was comfortable taking Void as her last name, not wearing a ring.
“Voice analysis and ship number confirmed, River Skipper. Two Seekers as well, but I do not have the other fighter in my records. What is it? A handmade custom craft?”
“No, it’s a Galicom product called a Flare, but it never left prototype phase as few pilots can control her.” Renee said.
“Understood. You are cleared to enter Havannah space. The Dorgenox has already landed twenty minutes ago. Have a nice day.”
“Thank you.”
Soon four bright fireballs streaked through the night sky as the ships entered the atmosphere to cause enough friction to ignite the very air against a psionic shield each ship activates in reentry. Windows darken so the bright flames don’t blind. Less than a minute later the fires went out when they slowed down to supersonic speeds and still continued slowing.
Ahead lay the city of Loke, named after Andrea Loke who found what is now known as a Solarian nursery pyramid, commonly called the Tower of Loke. She still lives here even after five centuries since its discovery. Air traffic wasn’t bad enough to be coordinated like Verard or Earth and they flew single file behind the shuttle piloted by Renee herself. They flew down between snowcapped mountain peaks and into a wide valley. Much of the city was located near the large lake that supplied fresh, crystal clear water. Following the travel plans they headed to a personal ship parking area and before landing Oliver got a full view of the grand nursery.
The pyramid had all open sides, but were reflecting lights shone from angled lamps. The walls were made of clear crystal so compact it has withstood eons. The floors numbered just a simple ten, but was more than thirty stories tall. Four sides. The base width was four kilometers wide so it was no small structure. Each floor was made of metal and had lasted well. It was a scientific marvel as well as a historic sight, but right now there were no tours being made.
After the single pass Renee led them to land at an empty lot, but standing waiting was an average height woman, hair as midnight dark as the night itself and wearing a lab coat over black jeans and a blue shirt. Judging by her expression she had been waiting for some time, but was barely containing an abundance of overexcitement.
Renee touched down and as soon as she opened the hatch to exit the black haired woman of caramel skin asked “You must be Renee!” to grab her arm.
Hating being grabbed, she punched the woman in the abdomen which knocked the wind out of her. “Don’t grab me again. Who the hell are you?”
Sparky walked up to her side to stare down at the gasping woman out of curiosity before slipping into the woman’s mind to tell everyone with a great deal of surprise “Renee, you just punched Andrea Loke herself.”
“Well I’m not apologizing. What do you want, Professor and why are you here? Papa told me to expect someone, but I never would imagine it would be you.”
Andrea swallowed, but recovered enough until she noticed the Flare land and out stepped Oliver putting the shield back under his cape and sniffed the air which was a bit thinner than normal. “By the Stars!”
Forgetting all pain, Andrea nearly ran over to look over him with wonder. Oliver held still after stepping out as this little woman poked his firm middle, covered in armor, but then grabbed his cape and went to grab his sword till Renee grabbed the woman’s arm and glared. “What the hell is wrong with you woman? You just can’t go doing shit like this.” Renee let go.
“My apologies.” She stared up at Renee and had to really lean back to stare at Oliver. “I knew Solarian men were much taller than their women, but you are a magnificent specimen. Is that armor for intimidation purposes or are you really that muscular underneath?”
“Red, I don’t know what to do.” Oliver said.
“What a voice! You must make panties of every woman drop if you sang.”
“Take it down a notch, Girl.” Jessica put a hand on Andrea’s shoulder. “Looks like my brother is up to his tricks again. How much did he tell you? You obviously know Oliver and my niece’s heritage.”
“Oh, Jake and I go back a long time when I was mated to him and Isabelle. We were a trio for about two decades, three centuries back. He gave me full disclosure as he knows I can keep my research quiet as he tells the Empire what he discovered. But to see a live Solarian has been a dream of mine most of my life.” Her gaze laid on Oliver. “I still cannot believe it, but he is large, even for a male. So? Are you really that big or not?”
Steven chuckled. “If you want big, Beautiful, better you stick with me.”
“I’m already sexually satisfied with my current boyfriend and girlfriend, but thank you for the compliment.” Andrea said to the handsome Hunter. Then back to the Solarian couple. “Please, may I see your physique?”
“How about introductions?” Oliver cleared his throat an stepped forward, extending a hand. “Hello. I’m Oliver Void.”
“Apologies.” She took a deep, steadying breath and lost her hand in his. He was rather gentle despite his size. “Hello as well. My name is Andrea Loke. I’m chief scientist and figurehead of the city. It is a genuine pleasure to at last meet one of your peoples. A real honor.”
“Please, treat me like anyone else.”
“Not likely.” She laughed. “My whole life has been dedicated to learning about your society. And you are rather handsome. Now may I see?”
“Show her to make her shut up.” Renee grumbled, already jealous this woman is so obviously interested in him. “Only the top.” She amended. His dick was for her pleasure only, not for the eyes of this woman.
Understanding the context, Oliver willed his armor back and grabbed the shield before it fell. Andrea’s eyes went wide as she took in the mountain of lean and sculpted muscle. She went to touch till green eyes literally flashed with warning and power. After getting her desire taken care of Andrea turned and said “I’d know those lips anywhere. You got them from Isabelle, but you got your father’s green eyes, cheekbones and bright red hair from him.”
Renee blinked as the woman shifted topics and got a headache. “Uh, thanks, I think.”
Andrea took a step closer to Renee and Oliver put his armor and cape back on along with the shield. “But your physical frame is clearly Solarian. Your solid skeletal structure is spot on from the skeletons I uncovered five centuries ago by my tower. You also have Isabelle’s beauty. I really miss her, but she’s still in you. That much was certain in that punch. She greeted me the same way after I asked to join hers and Jake’s bed. I’m a bit eccentric, but she and your father knew I mean no harm to anyone. That hasn’t changed. Sorry we got off on the wrong foot, but I’m here to observe and it is by my authority we closed the tower to the public. I’d do anything for Jake, but I basically had to pull off his left testicle to understand why he wanted the lot of you a private and open area to work. He gave me over much of what happened recently and I made sure we won’t be disturbed. Since we have only eight hours till sunrise we should get moving.” She told the others.
Jacob grabbed his bag as Renee asked “And what did Papa offer should we find anything in the tower?”
“The arrangement is between me and him. Sorry, but until I’m satisfied, I’ll say nothing.” Andrea grew serious, but took the lead to the stairwell that descended three stories to the foot of the large pyramid.
They all walked back up a wide set of stairs up to the open entrance where a pedestal of greeting told of the rules of the nursery. Before crossing the threshold Jessica removed her crystal and activated a jamming signal over the nearby cameras, but those designated as an exception continued working without static interference. Long wire lights illuminated the tower to easily navigate a mostly empty floor. There were many metallic benches made in a circular pattern for individuals to speak. A set of stairs led up to the upper levels every half kilometer. Each had a safety handrail added so no accidents occurred. But they headed for the center where a circular stairwell screwed its way up to the pyramid’s highest tip. It acted as stars as well as a weight bearing pillar.
Two kilometers of walking and listening to Andrea Loke act as tour guide at last came to an end. She said “If there is any chance for something to be under my tower, here would be the place to look. Every centimeter has been scanned and deeply penetrated and I’ve never discovered even a crack. The rest of the floor is seamless. I never would have guessed this place was a nursery. I had assumed for five centuries it was like a meeting place to trade goods, like a Galicom mall.”
“Renee, do you see that?” Oliver asked as he pointed to the stairwell.
“Just about to ask you the same thing.”
“What do you see?” Andrea asked eagerly. “The pillar is smooth except where the stairs were made.”
“Well then maybe only Olly and I can see it. It is like a soft glow shaped like a square, but rounded by the curve of the wall. Everyone had best back away. The AI did say there were traps to kill unauthorized personnel. Since we can see a glow, however faint it is, means there is still power running.”
“Be careful, Sweetheart.” Jessica voiced as everyone stepped what would be assumed as a safe distance, but be close enough to react if something happens.
Renee steeled herself before making the wall light up brightly with her green eyes as she placed her strongest shield around herself. Doubt it will be enough, but is better than nothing. She thought, took a steadying breath and placed her palm over the underlying light just large enough for a hand.
Nothing happened for five seconds before her palm was read and a light traced around. A dainty feminine voice said “Telleleo, Matuw Reten.” And it was followed by the stairs at the floor began sinking into more stairs traveling down through what was once thought to be solid metal flooring.
Andrea’s jaw figuratively kissed the floor and kept going.
Renee turned to say “It thinks I’m this Reten after all. I’m going to head down first and see if I can deactivate security.”
“Be careful.” This time Oliver said.
Renee responded by making the mouth and nose mask slide up as a thin film covered her head. Her eyes still glowing bright. She lifted her left hand and out shone a light from the topside of the hand, also now part of her suit. Her own cape fluttered a bit as she moved forward and lit up the completely dark passageway.
What felt like careful and heart pounding hours was actually only ten minutes till she found the claustrophobic stairwell open up into a small chamber. Her chip, through the suit, told the air was safe, but musty and stale. The room had a small bench for no more than four to sit directly in front of a perfect sphere roughly the size of a person’s head covered in dust. The room was painted a dark azure and as she moved she noticed a pair of floating orbs with a barrel attached to it, trained on her. She paused and so did they.
She tapped her com to warn “Weapons confirmed.”
Oliver said through it “Copy. If they haven’t fired, keep going.”
And she did. She continued another thirty or so steps to land and carefully moved to the bench, to sit down. On the arm of the bench she noticed a familiar ring depression placed in the metal surface. She contacted her bracelet and willed understanding. A sucker attached to a string stuck to her forehead and her life flashed in her mind too fast to comprehend. The sucker then shot into the recess. Lightheadedness was a result of the term brain-hacker which can transfer mind and information instantly. But she made sure that only langu
age was willed, she couldn’t chance her identity with the still aiming weapons trained on killing her, which she hoped to resist, but wasn’t confident of the possibility she’s survive a shot from them.
The dusty sphere began to vibrate so fast most the debris fell off revealing a shiny and clear object, like glass. She shone her hand mounted flashlight through it and was confirmed. Through the fatigue she heard the same soft feminine voice emanate directly from the sphere as tall as herself. “Language update complete, General Reten, how may I serve you?” The sphere asked.
“Deactivate weapon systems.”
“Timeframe to reactivation?”
She didn’t expect it and said carefully “Reactivate when I command it. Shut down the weapons until I give the command.”
“Order confirmed. Powering down weapons.” The levitating weapons gently lowered into a recess in the floor to either side. As soon as they dropped she said “It’s safe to come down, but only two more can fit. It isn’t very roomy.”
Up above, Jessica had her holo-screen showing all Renee did and Andrea was almost salivating for the store of information. She decided “You boys stay out here and keep an eye out. Andrea, come with me.” The two women hurried down.
The sphere then said “Unauthorized intruders detected. General, I await your command.”
“Stand down. They are friends.”
“Confirmed.” The weapon systems didn’t budge.
Andrea was spellbound before taking off her lab coat and went about wiping down the sphere and the guns till they were clean enough. Jessica gave Renee a pointed look and had nearly forgot. “All queries can be answered by my companions as well.”
“Confirmed. Access shall be granted by the unknown species.”
“Then tell us where there are other nurseries. Are any active?” Jessica queried.
“Negative. I was powered down like all birthing centers roughly twenty five thousand years ago.” The clear orb didn’t create any light as it spoke. “Network lost. Have stored genealogy and archived. Most information has been deleted after transfer to the five ruling Queens of this galaxy prior to my shut down.”
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