by Dana Kelly
Effulgent and prismatic at first, soil and stone began to appear on the Venusian land masses. Winds whipped along as oxygen-rich air rolled across the planet’s surface, and oceans welled up from the depths of the rift. Clouds gathered in the sky, and green sprouted from the soil.
Orin smiled to himself and fell back into his body on Earth.
“Nyx has been sated,” he said, and he lowered his arms to his sides. His body reverted to normal. “Ellylle, you should know that Venus has been remade according to your vision. She’s beautiful now, overflowing with life. Thank you for your gift.” He glanced at Nimbus. “And thanks for the suggestion.”
“No,” whispered Ellylle. Her trunk smoldered. Most of her branches lay scattered about the ground, scorched and lifeless. “That’s impossible!”
“You poor little thing,” said Casey. “All that hard work for nothing. A week from now, no one will even remember who you are.”
“Don’t you pity me,” said Ellylle. Looking to the stars, she used her powers to broadcast to the captains of her fleet. [Starships of the Forest of Worlds, heed the call of your Eternal Vanam! Destroy the starships of our enemies! Destroy them all!]
Orin quickly dialed Eridani.
“Hey Orin,” she said, her voice a little hoarse. “Nimbus said you were—”
“The Forest of Worlds is about to attack!” said Orin. “You have to warn the others!”
Eridani leaned over the conn. “Judging from the chatter, the rest of the fleet is already aware. The beocranns might pack a punch, but they refrained from engaging the spheres. It’ll be at least a minute before any of their weapons are primed.” She scanned the tactical data. “Multiple friendlies are ready to engage. If you have any sway with her, tell her to call off her armada before it gets wiped out.”
“Ellylle, stop!” said Orin. “Call off your ships! They won’t last two minutes up there.”
“Our technology is unsurpassed!” said Ellylle. “Cower before my armada! Rue the day you crossed paths with me!”
“And… they’ve been neutralized,” said Eridani. “Yikes. It’s like a forest fire up here!”
Ellylle shrieked. “I’ll never stop! You’ll have to kill me first!” In a flash, she submerged, burrowing through the ground. She crossed the East River and continued her subterranean charge until she reached the municipal starport where Big Huey awaited her. Water cascaded from her limbs as she stomped across the tarmac toward the boarding ramp.
She paused. Within the shuttle, light flared, and she watched as Zella torched one of her world seeds. When it was white hot, she grabbed it with tongs and dropped it into a crate, where it met a thin layer of liquid oxygen. The diamond coating burned away, and they all listened to the quiet death throes of the entity that had been suspended within.
“That was the last one,” said Zella. “Say goodbye, ye daft weed!” Reggie and Lomomu stood protectively on either side of her.
“No,” said Ellylle. “How could you?” Taking on a furious visage, she howled. “Traitors! I’ll kill you. I’ll kill all of you!” Briars and lashing vines erupted from her dwindling body as she advanced, but her limbs moved slower, and slower, and… slower…
From all around her flowed a howling chorus of machinery and dissonant tones. Sliced through the air itself, blinding white light spilled forth. Time stopped as Persephone appeared from within the rift. “Ellylle,” she said. “You look lost.”
“Persephone! I’m so glad you’re here. I need your help!”
“Indeed, you do,” said Persephone. “It may seem unfortunate from your point of view, but I’m not here to help you escape or to face your foes.”
Ellylle scowled. “You’re being cryptic.”
Persephone smiled cordially. “I’m here to offer you the chance to start anew, away from all the hate and fury that has consumed you.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Ellylle. “You know what? Forget it! If you won’t help me, then just leave!”
“I can’t do that,” said Persephone.
“Yes, you can,” said Ellylle. “It’s easy. Just go back through the door you made.”
“True, but that would upset my employers. You see, I now represent another party.” Hands upturned, Persephone reached out and extracted a tiny, glowing sapling from deep within Ellylle. “They’re looking forward to meeting you, and I’d hate to keep them waiting.” She beckoned the ghostly sprout to follow, and they both vanished into the light.
The flow of time returned. Where she had been standing, Ellylle’s body cracked and splintered, littering the ground with her desiccated remains.
“Whit just happened?” asked Zella.
“Looks like she up and died,” said Reggie.
Lomomu hurried down the ramp and gathered dried pieces of wood. He cast a beaming smile toward Zella and Reggie. “I think you’re right!”
“Campfire, anyone?” asked Zella. “S’mores?”
Chapter 39
Where the Rivers Flow
Working with Earth’s governments, Eridani guided the spheres to land in dozens of vast wilderness expanses located across the globe. As the vessels touched down, their lower hemispheres reconfigured to form concentric rings radiating out from their upper halves. As soon as each sphere had settled completely, its numerical identifier turned gray on the Porrima menu, marked as delivered.
After the last vessel landed, bright white fissures opened at the spheres’ equators. From inside each, cheerful tones slowly reached their crescendo, mixed with the sounds of rain and waterfalls, carried upon the air across the entire planet. News airships circled the landing zones, and the world watched as the first of the occupants emerged.
Somewhere in southern Egypt, Hector set foot on the Saharan sands. Squinting, covering his eyes, he took stock of the first responders that surrounded the site. “What the hell happened?” he muttered, and he glanced down at his lower body. “I really do have my legs back. It wasn’t a dream.”
“I’m exactly the same,” said Rusty, and he approached Hector from behind.
Hector raised his brow. “I should hope so. You’re one of the few I never worked on.”
Directly ahead of them, cool mist flowed from the eaves of the rings. Pitch black doorways offered shady rooms, furnished with simple chairs and bedrolls. On the far side of each abode, a door offered passage into a covered walkway.
“What’s all this?” asked Apple.
“Something good,” said Hector.
“Somebody call the skyman,” said Rusty.
Apple, Hector, and Rusty crossed the short distance to the first ring and cautiously explored the residence. Hundreds more gathered near the sphere’s doorway amidst cries of astonishment as they marveled at the healing they had received. They made room for the skyman as he crossed the deck and paused at the threshold. Breathing deeply, he shielded his eyes and approached the team of medics headed their way.
◆◆◆
“It’s been a few days, and there’s no sign of Ellylle,” said Edison. “Is she really gone?” Aboard Imperium’s command deck, he sat before the scanning station, intently studying the battle reports. “Need I remind everyone that she can burrow. It’s possible she found a way to escape detection.”
“No, she’s gone,” said Orin. “I can feel it.”
Edison gave him a relieved look. “Thank God.”
“Is she deceased?” asked Katsinki. He maintained his human form.
“Not exactly.” Orin shook his head. “It’s hard to explain.”
Katsinki nodded. “I am patient.”
Casey watched the viewscreen as it displayed dozens of news feeds. “I don’t envy those poor saps from Old Siberian. I can’t even imagine the hell Ellylle put them through. Imagine reliving those moments over and over for every major network in the galaxy.”
“I hope they’re getting paid for it,” said Grostonk.
“They’ll be fine,” said Gretchen. “Studios are already bidding for exclusive right to
their story.”
◆◆◆
On Imperium’s main mess deck, Torsha sat down across from Eleski. Engrossed in her datapad, Eleski remained in her true form, wearing a look of wonder. “What are you watching?” asked Torsha.
“It is amazing,” said Eleski, and she rose from the bench. Unhurried, she rounded the table and sat next to Torsha. “Behold!”
“Yuck,” said Torsha. “The Science Channel? That stuff’s all sensationalized, you know. It’s the only way they can get people to watch all those boring shows.”
“Their shows are not boring,” said Eleski. “I hereby challenge you to watch just one episode of Gearworx Gladiators. If you are not hooked, I will consume my headwear.”
“You don’t have any headwear.” Torsha narrowed her eyes. “Anyway, what am I looking at?”
“These are the refugees from the spheres,” said Eleski.
“Why are they being featured on the Science Channel?”
“According to their polls, more than fifty percent of the refugees had been amputees of one kind or another,” said Eleski. “During their time within the spheres, they have been completely healed! The medical experts they have interviewed are confounded.”
“Doctors grow and graft replacement limbs all the time,” said Torsha. “It’s expensive, not miraculous. What’s the big deal?”
Eleski beamed. “You do not understand. Their bodies spontaneously regenerated!”
Torsha shrugged. “Caretaker science is so advanced it looks like magic to us.”
“Clearly, but it is the first time in recorded history that they have healed any member of an outside race! We could learn so much from this one act, alone. Think of the possibilities!” She studied Torsha’s expression. “That does not excite you?”
“Tell me how we’re supposed to reverse engineer spontaneous regeneration, and I’ll hire a DJ,” said Torsha. “I appreciate your optimism, though. It’s refreshing.”
Eleski’s smile persisted. “I retain hope. We must wait and see.”
At that moment, Eridani stepped through the far doorway, carrying a weighty, paper-wrapped parcel against her chest. She scanned the tables and spotted Eleski as she waved to her. Taking a deep breath, Eridani hurried across the deck, nodding amiably toward the crewmembers who greeted her along the way.
“Thanks for hanging out,” said Eridani, and she set down the parcel. “The delivery ran a little late. I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I?”
Torsha studied the package. “I’m good. What’s in there?”
“It’s a surprise,” said Eridani, and she looked at Eleski. “For you.”
“I am intensely curious,” said Eleski. “Is there a special occasion I have forgotten?”
“Not as such, no,” said Eridani. “Sorry I didn’t have time to wrap it properly. In truth, I’m not sure they have wrapping paper aboard anyway.”
Eleski smiled brightly. “The copious amounts of packing tape present a sufficient challenge. It need not be colorful.” The tips of her fingers turned to blades, and with surgical precision, she sliced through the wrapping and extracted the contents.
She gazed, wonderstruck at the box before her. On its top, an artist’s rendition of a silvered forearm gleamed in the overhead light. The illustration hinted at each of the dozens of tools contained within, positioned next to the Spyri logo. In the bottom right corner of the side panel, it bore a holographic seal of authenticity. Tears welled in Eleski’s eyes, and her nostrils flared as she glanced at Eridani. “You bought this for me?”
Eridani removed the plastic wrap and opened the box. “It’s custom, made especially for you.” She carefully removed the device from a cushion of foam rubber. “Here.”
“I know how expensive this is,” said Eleski, and she pressed the tears from her eyes. “I cannot accept this.”
“May I change them out?” asked Eridani. “I mean, I was up all night watching how-to videos, so clearly I’m an expert now.”
Eleski laughed as she cried. With a tearful smile, she nodded.
Gently, Eridani traced her hands along Eleski’s forearm, stopping as she reached the elbow of her basic prosthetic. The contact sent shivers throughout Eleski’s body as Eridani deftly disengaged each node. She removed the old forearm and set it down on the table. With a loving smile, she seated the Spyri arm against Eleski’s stump, and every wire flowed into place on its own.
Light glowed from within, coursing through her from head to toe, and Eleski flexed her new fingers. “It’s perfect,” she whispered.
“I’m glad you like it,” said Eridani, and she gazed into Eleski’s eyes. They drifted into a loving kiss.
“Oh brother,” muttered Torsha. “All right, I’m gone.”
“What?” asked Eridani. “You disapprove. It’s because of Thuraya, isn’t it?”
Torsha scoffed. “No, I think Thuraya would want you to be happy too. I’m just not much of a voyeur, is all, so… You two do your thing. Make each other happy. You both deserve it.” She nodded, and she took her leave.
◆◆◆
Upon the observation deck, Shona stood behind Mike, her arms wrapped around his chest. April, Nimbus and Malmoradan sat nearby.
“Does anyone know if Cajun ever found Hector?” asked Shona.
“He did,” said April, and she walked over to offer Shona her phone. “They sent pictures.”
“That’s great,” said Shona, and she took a moment to browse through the images. “Is that Krané and Lafuega with them?”
“Yeah, they hitched a ride down,” said Malmoradan. “They wanted to see Earth for themselves and lend a hand where they could. Ain’t too sure about how much good they’ll do with Lafuega still recovering from surgery, but I bet they’ll have stories. Turns out Rusty and Lafuega know each other from way back.”
“Small world,” said Mike. “I hope they’ll be okay.”
“Everyone that was on Arsenal Bay has been accounted for,” said Nimbus. “Taranis is presently arranging for their relocation.”
Mike hugged Nimbus sidelong. “That’s great news.”
Malmoradan sighed. “You realize this means it falls on me to do the cooking until Cajun gets back, right?”
“Imperium already has a galley crew, don’t they?” asked Mike.
“There’s a huge difference between having a cook, and having someone who can cook,” said Malmoradan.
Nimbus laughed. “In that case, you may call upon me if you ever require assistance. I expect I would be a capable participant, as it’s mostly chemistry.”
“Yeah, but it’s not entirely chemistry,” said Malmoradan.
“I suppose it might not be,” said Nimbus. “In which case, I look forward to sampling your evidence to the contrary.”
April regarded Malmoradan with a playfully defiant look. “If you can knock my socks off with an Olympus omelet, I’ll personally recommend you to Casey as interim Kitchen Commander.”
“Prepare to go without socks,” said Malmoradan. “That’s a Martian recipe, right?”
“Correct,” said April. “You’ll have to approximate Martian gravity to get it just right, too.”
“That sounds like my kind of challenge,” said Malmoradan. “Don’t worry, I’ll make enough for everyone.”
◆◆◆
The following evening, Orin paced within his quarters, dressed in his Watchtower-branded activewear. With a sigh, he moved to sit cross-legged upon his bed and stared fixedly at his phone. His doorbell clanked. “It’s open!”
April stepped through. “Hey, Orin. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay.” He shrugged dejectedly. “Well, maybe not that okay.”
“You’ve been through so much. I hope you’re giving yourself time to heal.”
“Thanks, April.” He rubbed his eyes. “I’m trying to. Can I share something strange with you?”
“Of course,” she said, and she sat beside him.
“I can’t shake this feeling that Ellylle might s
till be alive. I feel connected to her somehow, and… She was in my dreams, last night.”
“What do you remember?” asked April.
He shook his head. “Not that much, to be honest. It’s mostly colors and emotional impressions, but after I woke up, it took hours to fall back to sleep.”
“There’s still so much we don’t understand about the binary condition,” said April. “It’s possible the connection you share isn’t bound by distance or time. It’s possible you will always carry a part of her with you, just as she carries a part of you with her.”
He sighed heavily. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“I hope you know I’m here for you,” said April, and she kissed him sweetly.
“I do. Thank you.”
“Good,” she said. “We’ll get through this together.”
Affectionately, he squeezed her hand.
“I wanted to update you.” April leaned against Orin’s shoulder. “In other parts of the galaxy, piracy’s been on the rise.”
“That makes sense, with the fleets being down a few dozen ships, and so many of them still here for repairs,” said Orin. “I hope they can manage.”
“Well, actually, the Star Navy has asked us to help out during the interim,” said April.
“Imperium’s been tapped to battle pirates?” Melodramatically, he whispered, “I… I just don’t know how anyone can ask me to fight my own kind.”
“You’re an ex-pirate now,” said April, and she smiled playfully. “We’re only serving in a privateering capacity, anyway. As soon as military command has things under control, we’re free to be underway to wherever adventure calls us.” She glanced at his phone. “What’s got your attention?”
“Oh,” he said, and he turned the screen to face her. “This.” It displayed a single message consisting of two images: an illustration of a leprechaun, and a slightly blurry picture of a computer’s up-arrow key.
She took it and studied the images. “There must be more to this than I’m seeing,” said April, and she returned his phone.