“Hey big guy.”
Kon’dor smiled. “Yes, Scowl?”
“What would happen if the lens broke?”
“It’s as close to indestructible as it can be . . . and that’s due to the magnetic field it creates. Any more questions?”
The kids looked from one to another, but they each shook their heads no.
“Okay then. Follow me,” and he leapt skyward once again.
*****
HQ, Space Command, Tactical Division
“Captain L’elle reporting as ordered, Sub-Kommander.”
The woman smiled. “I believe your rank is Tertiary Kommander.”
L’elle blushed slightly. “Begging your pardon, Ma’am. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet.”
“Understandable . . . but the promotion is both overdue and well deserved. Let’s join the others in the situation room and you can bring everyone up to speed.” They walked out of the office, down the hall and entered a large conference room. In the middle was a holographic display of Splendora and the surrounding space. Perhaps fifty military personnel of varying rank stood around it.
After L’elle told her story, and answered what questions she could, the Sub-Kommander asked her to suggest a course of action. “As I see it, first and foremost, we need to find a way to communicate with these aliens to determine their intent. We can try hailing them or if that is unsuccessful, boarding them. However, if that fails, we can try forcing them to deviate from their course until they have passed Splendora and are no longer a potential threat.
Until we determine their intentions, we cannot blast them to oblivion – even if we had the firepower (the Splendora fleet was for exploration and scientific discovery with only modest defensive weapons). If they show no hostility, then we have no moral right to open fire.
“Finally, I ask you to remember that our ships are significantly faster than theirs. It is our best chance at a last stand.”
“Explain,” demanded her superior officer.
“If we can’t determine their intent or if our weapons are inadequate to destroy them, then to save the population, we would have to break off from the swarm and return to orbit above the planet. We would then create an impenetrable wall of ships that would block the swarm from invading Splendora.”
“Our ships would never survive a collision with these space rocks.”
“No, ma’am. Nor would theirs with ours.”
*****
The Sanctum of Reverie was located at the base of the volcano. The entrance was only accessible over a naturally occurring span of rocks crossing a gulley cut by a fast moving river named the Dream Chaser. It was created by the ever-melting snows of the surrounding mountains.
Since the winds were funneled and compressed by the sheer rock cliffs, they could be fierce and unpredictable. For safety sake, the Sky’lords would land on the far side of the bridge and walk across.
Then again, there was always someone stupid enough to risk flying directly to the entrance to the Sanctum.
Kon’dor landed where he should and waited for his wards to do the same. They all did . . . except for Crash who decided to challenge the winds and land on the wrong side of the span. Everyone gasped when a strong gust knocked him into the side of the mountain and he slid maybe twenty feet to the surface of the bridge. A moment later, he jumped up and waved to the others.
“I can’t even imagine what the Glass can find that would scare him,” said Feather. “He’s as fearless as they come.” She would never admit that she was attracted to the crazy daredevil.
“There’s a fine line between fearless and foolish,” said Kon’dor. “Anyway, now you all know why we land here and not there. Come on; let’s join him before he does something even more stupid.” They jogged across the bridge and met up with the other boy. “You okay?”
“Nothing broken.”
“If you do that again, I’ll break something. Understand?”
“Yes sir.”
Kon’dor ruffled the boy’s hair, bent his head close and whispered, “Next time flatten your wings to reduce lift.” The boy was about to respond but the older man winked then shook his head no. To the group he said, “Welcome to the Sanctum of Reverie.” He stepped aside and the eight young Sky’lords entered into a well-lit, massively large, crystal encrusted, domed cavern. Even more impressive were the enormous stalactites and stalagmites, which towered over them like silent sentinels. And to a person, they were awed.
They continued to stare with eyes wide all the while whispering excitedly. It was one thing to see this wonder in pictures . . . it was entirely different to experience it firsthand (much like the Grand Canyon or the Great Wall of China back on Earth).
After a few minutes, TK, being the youngest, became bored and impatient. “So where is the Glass?”
“Down this path and through that opening over there. Come on, let’s go see.”
They followed the man and entered the dark, yawning mouth of the smaller cave. Once inside, the only thing visible, illuminated by its own eerie green light, was the arch holding the Reverie Glass . . .
. . . And the kids fell reverentially silent.
*****
HQ, Space Command
L’elle addressed the Prime Kommander and his staff. It had been obvious to the Sub Kommander at Tactical that this young woman had a superior grasp of the situation and should be given the opportunity to discuss her thoughts with the powers that be. “We need to intercept the swarm as soon as possible. Should we be unable to ascertain that their intentions are peaceful or to stop them if they are hostile, we will need at least three days to evacuate the populace to the Reverie Glass.”
That was a course of action that no one had ever considered. “Make your case, Tertiary Kommander.”
“We have no standing army to defend the population. Our ships are lightly armed with defensive weapons, which will most likely prove incapable of stopping the swarm. We would then have two choices for our fleet. We could fall back around Splendora and use the ships as a passive defense by allowing them to intercept the enemy and hope for mutual destruction. Or we could allow the enemy to land and disembark from their ships. Then we might be able to destroy them on the ground. However, failure in either case seems very high, leaving the population exposed to harm.”
“Are you suggesting I order our ships into a suicide mission?”
“I am simply offering alternatives.”
“Tell me about the Glass?”
“Once the population is inside, we can create a landslide to bury the entrance. The enemy will not be able to reach them.”
“There are two emergency entrances,” he reminded her.
“They are so hidden and so hard to navigate that I am confident the enemy would never be able to access the Glass that way.”
“And the lens? If it’s destroyed, everyone in the Glass would be expelled.”
“May I remind you, Sir, that the lens is for all intent and purpose indestructible. We only need to jam the iris in the open position to insure continuous power.”
“In this scenario someone would have to volunteer to stay behind to ensure that the entrance and the iris have been rendered inoperable.”
“Yes, sir”. She unwittingly licked her lips that had gone dry. “I volunteer.”
“You would not survive.”
“There’s a chance I could make it to an emergency tunnel and join the rest of you.”
That chance was one in a million – if that good.”
“I will consider your recommendations. Let’s hope we can make contact with these aliens so none of this comes to pass. In the meantime, ready the fleet. Be prepared to leave at midnight.”
“Sir, we shouldn’t wait that long.”
“Perhaps. But every pilot deserves the opportunity to spend a few hours with their family.” What he didn’t say was that the chance of them surviving a battle was not great.
“Yes, Sir. As to the population?”
“There is only
one individual I trust with that assignment.” He didn’t say who.
But she knew very well who he meant.
*****
The Reverie Glass
“Okay, I will double check to ensure that the intensity control is set to one,” and Kon’dor took the device off and did just that. “Now it gets placed in this receptacle,” and he set it in its niche on the right side of the arch. “We’re ready. When you step through, you’ll feel disoriented, as everything will go completely black for a moment. Then, you’ll be in a reality created by one of your own fears. Face it, conquer it and I’ll send you back out. You’re free to fly home at that point. And . . . I do mean home. Understand?”
They mumbled in the affirmative.
“Okay. TK since you’re always last, you get to go first. Here, put on the Bracelet,” and he handed the device to the young boy.
“Awesome,” and he fumbled trying to put it on. Feather reached over and helped. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Do well.”
He rolled his eyes but said nothing. “Ready.”
“Let’s go,” and Kon’dor and his young student stepped through the Glass and disappeared.
*****
The blackness was shockingly sudden, all-encompassing and as suffocating as being submerged in thick tar. TK would have panicked but it was over just as quickly as it had begun. Replacing it was a weird scene – something out of a teenager’s comic book . . .
Kon’dor always found these fascinating. It was a glimpse inside the mind of another person. As he took in the scene, he tried to make a sense of what TK was fearful about. There was a bizarre looking monster approaching a young girl. Obviously – at least he thought – TK must be afraid the girl would be hurt if he didn’t save her. All in all, not much stranger than most of the other dreamscapes he had observed. However, at a setting of one, coming face to face with such a large foe was not typical. He glanced at the boy to see how he was reacting.
TK blushed . . . then groaned. Since he seemed frozen in place, Kon’dor gently encouraged him, “Go. Stop the monster and save the girl.”
“I . . . um, I don’t know how.”
“To what?”
“Um . . . you know . . . to kiss her.”
“What?”
“If I save her, she’ll want to kiss me. I don’t know how. I’ve never kissed a girl before.”
Kon’dor put his hand over his mouth to cover a smile and to stifle a laugh that was threatening to come out. “It’s actually very easy. Just press your lips against hers.”
“That’s all?”
“For now. Any advanced techniques will come with practice. Now I suggest you go before that monster gets any closer.”
TK exhaled then nodded.
*****
They both exited the Glass a few minutes later. TK was smiling so the rest of the kids knew it had gone well. “What happened?” asked his sister.
“Oh, just stuff,” replied her brother.
The others turned to Kon’dor – waiting for more details. Since there was an ethical, if unwritten, rule that what went on inside the Glass stayed inside the Glass, the man had to get TK’s permission. “Can I give them a taste?” He winked at the boy.
“I guess.”
“TK had to save a damsel in distress from a monster that stood about two hundred feet tall. Ugly thing. I am happy to report that the girl is well but the colossus is not. And that’s all I can say.”
The others turned as one to look at the youngster with a new appreciation. “Nice going, runt,” said his sister approvingly. The boy beamed with pride.
“TK, stay here and wait for your sister. Feather, put on the bracelet.”
*****
Kon’dor finished with his students and was about to leave the Sanctum when his communicator buzzed. It was L’elle. “Hi. You’re back early.” He wasn’t expecting her for another couple of days.
“Did you finish with your class?”
“Just now. I was headed home. Do you want to join me for dinner?”
“Actually, I want to meet you there.”
“There as in here – at the Glass?”
“Yes.”
“What’s wrong?”
“What makes you think somethings wrong?”
“L’elle.”
Though he couldn’t see it, the young woman smiled. “We’ll talk when I get there. Ten minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
*****
He was waiting at the entrance by the bridge when his love arrived. Like him, she had no problem in landing on the wrong side of the ravine. She touched down as gently – as gracefully – as a butterfly. Then she fell into his arms and they kissed.
Now he was even more worried. “What’s going on?”
“Not here. Let’s go inside the Glass.”
The hairs on the nape of his neck were now sticking out. But he said nothing. He just nodded and took her hand and led her deep into the cave.
At the Glass he said, “I’ll set it to a pleasure setting of eight.” Higher settings were dangerously addictive and were avoided unless the person was near death.
“No. Set it to one.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” She sounded so sad.
“Alright.” He pulled out the bracelet and put it on her wrist. “Ready?”
She forced a smile to her lips and nodded. Together they walked through the arch.
Chapter 7 - Aliens
Inside the Reverie Glass
It was a few minutes before sunset on a beautiful evening. The tops of the distant mountain range glowed a spectacular reddish orange as they reflected the last of the sun’s rays.
Kon’dor and L’elle sat on a rock outcropping, hand in hand, as they enjoyed one of Splendora’s most exhilarating sights. Of course, it wasn’t the real mountains. At a pleasure setting of one, a person could almost guarantee that the Glass would provide a dreamscape that was near and dear to their heart. Ever since they fell in love, this was one such place where the couple had spent many happy hours.
After a bit, Kon’dor asked, “What’s wrong? Something happen on the mission?”
She squeezed his hand – her way of thanking him for giving her a few minutes to enjoy the moment. “We encountered a swarm of meteors. Assuming no change in speed and trajectory, it’s on a collision course with Splendora.”
He stared at her for a moment. “What aren’t you telling me?” A meteor shower was hardly newsworthy.
“Hmmm,” she mewed provocatively as if she was giving the question serious consideration. “Oh, I know. I didn’t tell you how handsome you look tonight my precious pink Kon’dee (her very private nickname for him). Very, very manly. Did you do something special with your hair or your wings?” She was trying to make these last moments together as memorable as she could (all things considered).
“Just remember, you brought this on yourself.”
“What are you talking about?”
His answer was to grab her and squeeze her close to his body. His lips found hers and, except for an urgent need for air after about two minutes, it might have lasted till well past sunset.
“Okay, okay. You win,” and she gently pushed him away – but not too far. “They’re behaving unusually.”
“They who?”
“The swarm of meteors.”
“How so?”
“They made a course correction to avoid a small black hole. Once clear of its gravitational well, the swarm resumed its original heading.”
“Really? Obviously they can’t be meteors.”
“That’s the strange part. Spectrographic analysis is consistent with your common variety space rock . . . mostly iron. However, they’re hollow.”
“How is that possible?”
“Lots of theories to choose from . . . each more farfetched than the last.”
Kon’dor was as smart as he was brave. “You think they’re spacecraft?”
“Yes,” she conceded
.
“So Command wants you to go back and intercept them. Make contact and find out their intentions. If they’re hostile, try to destroy them. However, with only defensive weapons, that won’t go well.”
She bent over and kissed him again. “Brains and beauty – you’re the whole package.”
He would have laughed . . . but there were tears in L’elle’s eyes. “Just tell me the rest.”
“If it doesn’t go well, we’re to return to Splendora. The Prime Kommander wants you to organize the evacuation of our entire population into the Reverie Glass. The fleet will provide as much protection as we can. Then, we’ve been ordered to land and join the rest of you.”
He went quiet as he tried to digest what he had just heard. Obviously, such a threat – and such a response – was unprecedented in Sky’lord history. “So if we can’t defeat them, we’re to hide inside the Glass until the threat is gone. Makes sense – unless these aliens realize that cutting the power to the Glass would eject all of us. How is Command going to safeguard against that happening?”
“The mechanism that controls the iris will be destroyed. But we’ll wait as long as we can before we do that. The damage would take a long time to repair. Until we figure out what the aliens want, it may be a wasted effort. The same is true for the entrance into the Sanctum. We’ll destroy it at the last minute to keep the invaders out.”
“Okay. Seems pretty straightforward.”
“I had recommended that the fleet take up orbit around the planet as a last resort. We would collide with the meteors and try to destroy them that way.”
“Are you crazy? Those meteors would tear through our ships and never even slow down.”
She managed a small smile. “So I’ve been told. However, I’ve been given three unmanned ships that I can position in front of one. They’ll be programmed to fire their weapons as long as they can. If that does nothing, then we’ll see what happens when they collide with the thing.”
He again went silent because something she said seemed odd. She still wasn’t telling him something. Whatever it was; it wasn’t going to be good. Then it came to him. “NO,” he shouted. “I won’t allow you to do that. I’ll do it.” If she was controlling those ships, it meant that she would be the last Sky’lord in orbit. And that meant her primary job was to ensure that the entrance and iris were rendered inoperable.
The Reverie Glass [Book 5 of Ever After, an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 6