by Eden Blue
Nova Sky
Titan Rising
Eden Blue
Nova Sky: Titan Rising © copyright 2019 Eden Blue
All Rights Reserved
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“I have seen things you people wouldn’t believe.”
-Roy Batty, Blade Runner
Editing
Lucid Dream Editing
Please Note*- Nova Sky: Titan Rising was written previously under another pen name. It has been re-edited and placed under the Eden Blue umbrella. Thank you for reading!
One
The soft glow of screens and holographic images caressed Evan’s eyes as he lay back in his chair, dog tags swinging a foot above him from their hook. The pilot and navigation AI plotted the course correction. A glowing line appeared on the screen, showing the course path. In the distance, Azure Station hovered in the black sky, the tan colored planet Nok behind it and taking up some of the breathtaking view.
Evan let out a small sigh as his ship, the Needle Express, moved in closer. Several ships were queued up to get into the landing dock and he was fifth in line. Despite relaxing, his heart beat like a drum. His thoughts whirled at seeing most of the guild, and a smile crept onto his face. He had been gone for so long, exploring several far off sectors that it would be nice to see his friends, and Ryan. Thinking of his brother, Evan could hardly wait. Since he moved from home a few months ago, he hadn’t seen him at all. It would be nice to see him in Nova Sky where they could catch up. Life wasn’t the same since he moved and he knew deep down he needed to make sure the family stayed close, one way or another.
Ships floated in, the gravity fields taking hold of each ship and drawing it into an available landing pad. Evan looked up as the yawning mouth of the loading dock passed around him. The Engineers’ did an efficient job of creating a seamless experience as his ship floated, turned, and landed on a pad. Evan was proud to be one of them, even if he was only a level 22 Engineer. With the ship down, Evan unbuckled himself, stood up and turned for the doors.
The ship shut down the drive and opened the doors. A ramp slid down as Evan took hold of his Engineering pack from a hook and slung it over his shoulder. With a happy grin, he stepped down the ramp to the ship bay and took in a deep breath. The entire dock was alive with activity. Fellow guild members disembarked from their ships. Smiles and hand waves greeted each other. Some even ran across the ship bay to pounce on fellow guild members, as laughter and chatter filled the giant dock.
“Shall I have Bruiser accompany you?” said a feminine voice from Evan’s control implant only he could hear.
“I don’t think we need too, Pris. This is home. You worry too much,” Evan said out loud.
“Your safety is my highest priority. I have acquired reports the Azure Guild is being targeted by several guild factions. Even with the guild together, there is a 22% chance the station could be attacked. Calculations show an increase in aggression to...,” the ship AI was cut off.
“Pris, we’re fine! Power down to minimum requirements and if you really feel that concerned, have Bruiser on standby. It will only be for tonight and then we can be on our way to Vega.”
“Understood, Bruiser is on standby,” Pris said with no emotion.
Evan looked up at the ship, “Don’t be like that.”
Pris was silent for a few moments, “I am following your command.”
Evan shook his head and patted the side of the ship, “I wanted to save it for later, but I’ve been thinking about building you a body so we can adventure together, if you’re interested?”
“I would like that very much,” Pris said with an almost warm edge.
Evan smiled, “When we take off, let’s see what we can come up with, okay?”
“Okay,” Pris said simply.
Evan could almost feel the electric smile as he turned to the small groups making their way to the dock entrance. The ramp slid back into his ship and the door closed. Evan picked up the pace and merged with the groups as they walked down the center of the ship bay. His eyes darted around, trying to find anyone he knew. As he approached the entrance, someone moved through the mob with their gaze focused on the lone player.
Evan turned to see a young woman making her way to him. Their gaze connecting, he didn’t recognize her as she approached with a smile. Long red hair streamed from a widow’s peak, over her head and down her shoulders. She wore a skin tight red suit with accompanying ports along her arms and legs. Fierce brown eyes glowed as she stepped closer, her smile growing.
“Evan Ward!” the young woman nearly squealed.
Evan raised an eyebrow and kept his smile, “Yes?”
The woman in red stepped closer and hugged him. The tight embrace caused air to leave his lungs as he struggled slightly in her grip. A long second passed before the woman let go and stepped back, her eyes practically shimmering. Evan kept his gaze neutral, unsure what to say.
The woman seemed to notice, but kept her bright smile, “It’s me, cousin Lydia!”
Realization flowed over Evan’s mind. Unable to control himself, he reached out and hugged her back. Lydia giggled as she returned the embrace, a little lighter this time. After another moment, Evan pulled away and took her hand. The two walked off to the edge of a nearby ship and stood in its shadow.
“I…still can’t believe it. Did you just turn sixteen? How long have you been with the guild? I didn’t recognize you.”
Lydia nodded, “I had my face altered slightly with my occupation. It was a bonus perk. I turned sixteen a month ago and signed up as soon as I could, but I’ve only been with the guild for a week. I ran into a bad encounter and reached out to Ryan. Since he’s an officer in the guild, he pushed through my application.”
Evan continued to marvel at his cousin. He hadn’t seen her since the last family gathering over a year ago. She had followed him around, excited that she’d soon be able to join the adult Nova Sky and talking endlessly about it. Evan remembered doing a lot of head nodding, but her enthusiasm was infectious. He knew when people joined the game, there was a steep learning curve and he figured it would be awhile before he saw her. Now she stood before him, ready to be a true player in the game.
“I take it you took a cybernetic occupation, and from the looks of it, you took the Booster class,” Evan said as he looked her over.
Lydia smiled and spread out her arms while looking down, “I tested high on a support class. I read up on Boosters and felt it was the right choice. Do you like it?”
Evan nodded, “The guild needs more support classes. What are your levels?”
“Level 11 Terran Cyborg and level 14 Booster. I hit the newbie wall so there will be a slight grind to gain levels. Are you still a Level 18 Engineer?”
Evan smiled. Nova Sky’s entire character, skill, and class system were based on levels. They ranged from one to 99. Memories floated back to when Evan started the game. The first 10 levels were extremely easy, allowing the player to have a better understanding of the game mechanics. After 10, the experience points needed to reach the next level doubled. They continued to double with each level until you reached the 40’s. From there it tripled. It was a lifetime goal to reach the higher levels, and most never come close. All players know that only a handful have reached the early 60’ss, and they often never stayed there, with PvP combat always knocking them back down. Skill and occupation points are earned differently than levels. You could level up your skills and occupation points by using them or finding special upgrades. There were a million ways to up your abilities, classes, and skills, but your character levels could only be earned by experience. Performing missions, good or bad, is when you earn and they often changed depending on the situation.
“Level 19 Terran and level 22 Engineer. I’m getting close to officer material,” Evan smiled.
Lydia’s eyes widened a little, “I didn’t you know you wanted to be an officer?”
Evan smirked, “I don’t.”
The two looked at one another and burst into laughter. Evan wasn’t sure if it was his good mood or if he was simply happy to see his cousin, but he felt like he was floating on air. Groups of guild members walked by, some looking over and smiling as Evan and Lydia talked a little more, catching up on family.
“The Guild meeting will start in thirty minutes,” Pris said through his communication implant.
Evan’s eyes widened. He had lost track of time and looking around, he saw the dock was nearly empty.
“Let’s get to the meeting. I’m sure we can talk afterwards,” Evan said as he began walking to the dock entrance.
“I can’t wait! I only spoke to Ryan through com channels, not in person. It will be so good to see him too,” Lydia smiled as she kept up, staying close to Evan’s side.
The pair made their way in, following the few stragglers as they all continued on to the Grand Meeting Hall. Evan saw a few players he knew and gave them high fives. The mood floated like a blissful cloud as the groups merged and marched on, deeper into the station.
After a few minutes, they reached the Meeting Hall. It was the biggest room in the entire station, able to fit about a thousand players. The guild numbered at a little over that at around 1200. Evan remembered some of the discussions about expansion and purchasing a larger station. It required the majority to agree and Evan was all for it. He did remember there were a number of those who’d rather spend the credits on improving the Azure fleet. The player shrugged it off. He wasn’t about going to war, but there were many in the guild who wanted nothing more than to battle the guild factions and empires.
Banners hung from the ceilings and walls with a blue diamond shape imprinted on them. The ventilation systems caused them to billow and move in the indoor breeze as players clustered into the hall. A raised platform stood at the opposite end with a podium and little else. The chatter bounced off the metal walls, filling the room with a white noise of conversations.
Evan and Lydia moved in just as some of his fellow guild mates parted ways. Peeking through the crowd, the engineer grinned as a woman with the lower body of snake slithered through. She kept herself upright, her upper half in an officer’s uniform and her rank of “Captain” showing with five blue bars on her arm. Scales shifted along her skin as she moved with liquid grace and guild mates parted to let her through. Dark eyes drank in the crowd as she slithered along, and a lone Terran stood before her. Looking down at Evan, she regarded his black jump suit with orange lines along the arms, legs, and chest. He had short hair and smiled, showing his teeth.
“Engineer Ward,” the Captain said with a nod.
“Captain Syrus,” Evan said as he continued to look up with a grin.
Evan stared at the Shri-Ka Captain. Her skin was smooth and appeared wet as she stood at nearly twelve feet tall, not including the tail behind her. Her head was elongated from front to back, but her face was almost human like. Her skin was an emerald green in color with visible, long scales running down her neck and the back of her hands. The two stood while others watched in amusement. Lydia shifted on her feet, unsure what was happening. Her smile joined the crowds as Evan opened his arms and hugged the Shri-Ka around the waist. The snake woman let her hands drift to his shoulders and gave him a light pressure with her hands. Evan hugged her harder and the Shri-Ka’s lips wrinkled into a half smile, bending over slightly and giving him a better hug.
Evan pulled away and looked up, “It’s been too long.”
The Captain nodded, “It has. Your brother gives me updates from time to time.”
Lydia looked over as the warmth between the Engineer and the Captain glowed. Evan glanced over and his eyebrows went up. Reaching over, he took Lydia by the wrist and pulled her closer.
“Captain Syrus, this is Lydia Ward, Cyborg Booster and my cousin,” Evan grinned.
The Shri-Ka lowered her upper body down a foot or two and reached out a scaly hand. “Pleased to meet you, Lydia. I received the new recruit reports and am glad you’re a part of the guild. But please, among the guild, you can call me by my first name, Venna.”
“Pleased to meet you, Venna,” Lydia took her hand and shook it.
“Venna has pulled me from the fire too many times to count. She is the best Defense Captain in the fleet.”
Venna continued to smirk, “If you didn’t mine on the Krekken border, maybe I wouldn’t have to save you as much.”
“Defense Captain?” Lydia asked while smiling politely.
Evan put his hand to the back of his head, “Sorry, you probably haven’t gone through the guild training seminars. Venna is among several captains’ who come to your rescue if you’re in trouble.”
The Shri-Ka nodded, “We are the guardian angels of the guild. We pilot Paladin Class defense ships for rescue and act as shields during conflicts.”
Venna looked down at Evan, “Our Engineer here has had to make a few quick escapes whenever the Krekken send their Dumon drop ships.”
Lydia remained silent as she looked to Evan and Venna.
Evan put his hand down to his side, “There is a lot to take in, but don’t worry. Everyone in the guild will help get you up and running.”
Evan turned his attention back to Venna, “Can you share anything about the meeting? The leaders made it sound like it was an emergency.”
Venna shook her head and closed her eyes, “I'm just as much in the dark as you are. There was a mandatory recall of the fleet to a nearby system. We shuttled over, but most of the guild was required to be here.”
The surrounding crowd moved in as the hall continued to fill with guild mates. Evan turned his head to take in the chattering crowd as everyone waited patiently. Venna opened her eyes and gazed at the podium. Lydia stayed close to Evan and the Shri-Ka Captain. Evan pulled on his shoulder strap, adjusting it to a comfortable feel, when a hand touched his shoulder. The Engineer turned to see a taller version of himself in a black bodysuit with blue lines running along the arms, chest, and legs.
“Hi little brother,” Ryan said with a faint smile.
Evan looked up to his brother and they quickly embraced. Lydia watched, her heart glowing as Ryan’s hand cupped the back of Evan’s head and held him close. Evan took in the moment, happy to see his older sibling. When they parted, Ryan looked over to Lydia and smiled.
“I was hoping to see both of you,” Ryan said with a calm demeanor.
“Thank you so much for letting me join the guild. I will do my best to make you proud,” Lydia said with conviction.
“I’m already proud of you,” Ryan said with half closed eyes.
“What’s so important that the entire guild had to show up? I heard there was an uptick of Titan’s appearing and a rumor we might be doing our biggest operation ever to take them down,” Evan said with an excited tone.
Ryan reached up and mussed up the engineer’s hair, “How do you hear all these rumors while you’re out on the rim, mining?”
Evan gave his brother a cocky smile, “I’m building my reputation, plus you hear things at stations and cities.”
Ryan nodded, “I’m sure you do.”
Evan’s smile faded, “But what’s really happening here? Is it a big operation? Can I help in any way?”
Ryan curled an arm around Evan’s neck and pulled him away from Lydia and Venna. Moving further into the crowd, the older brother held onto the younger for a little bit before moving his lips close to his Evan’s ear.
“I’m going to give a speech to the guild. All I can tell you is, it will change everything about how we operate. What I need from you is to remember one thing. Can you do that?”
Evan nodded, “You know I can.”
Ryan gave his brother a small, warm smile, “Remember the Gre
en Cave.”
Evan’s eyes shifted, staring at his brother for a long second before Ryan pulled his arm back and stepped into the crowd. The Engineer looked on as his brother moved through the crowd, toward the platform. Ryan never looked back as he reached the small set of stairs and took each step in turn.
Evan stared as his brother moved across the stage to the podium. Confusion clouded his thoughts as he wondered what Ryan meant. A faint memory of the nearby planet Nok, swam through his cloudy thoughts. The player was desperate and reached for the faint memory, painting his mind’s eye of a cave he and his brother found on the surface over a year ago. The planet Nok was a mostly barren, desert planet. The Azure station floated over it in the Sirius system. The air contained traces of oxygen, but not enough to breathe without assistance. Evan remembered exploring with Ryan. They found a cave with green moss growing inside and dubbed it the Green Cave. They often went down to visit when Evan was a brand-new Engineer and to test out his module building skills. Evan knew the spot well because he would visit every time he came back. It was some of the best bonding moments they had as he built shield generators and plasma auto cannons while Ryan tested out his marksmanship skills.
Evan continued to stare as Ryan moved to the podium and looked out at the massive crowd. Heart sinking, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Excitement fluttered away, replaced with an ebbing tide of doubt. A terrible feeling crawled along Evan’s nerves as Ryan adjusted his black collar and put his hands to the top sides of the podium.
“Welcome back Azure Guild!” Ryan nearly shouted.
The guild pumped their fists in the air as many shouted and hollered back with glee.
When the crowd calmed down, Ryan smiled as he looked on, “It’s so rare that we all can get together for the important stuff. I’m in awe of how many wonderful guild mates are present. I’m sure you’re wondering about the big reason why we’re all here?”
The crowd cheered as Evan glanced around, fear leaking into his eyes. A banner along the wall moved aside and a black outline came into view for a split second before the giant banner moved back into place. Evan took a step back, bumping into his fellow guild mates, his eyes searching. Thoughts flowed back to Lydia and his heart began to beat like a drum. Pushing at the crowd, he elbowed his way past, frantically looking for the cyborg.