by Jaime Mera
A quick response came from Admiral Expeerior in an effort to salvage any lives on his short list of survivors.
Quatris moved close to Cyer as numerous superhumans came on scene. “Why did you help me?”
Cyer looked at the new energy signatures around Earth. Susan and John were very strong and resembled Alexmarks and Cassandra’s energy matrix, but he knew they would not survive against him in the right circumstances. But Sedric and Hellfire’s energy output was very close to his and Quatris. “I understand why you guardians are legendary. And you have met my expectations. So I wish to join you for a time if you let me.” Cyer humbly replied.
Quatris thought for a second, and then looked at Earth finding Starfire slowly flying keeping her distance from the Pylaxian ships, making sure they didn’t change their minds and go for a suicide run. “As long as you don’t go murdering innocent people, I have no problem with that.” Quatris flew in front of Cyer, offering a hand. “Friends?”
“Friends.” Cyer replied fully knowing the concept from his three hundreds of existence in the Andromeda galaxy.
Medroc sat in the pilot’s seat as Ship reported. “Medroc, there’s a Pylaxian scout ship leaving the Earth’s surface. Shall I intercept?” The computerized young male voice said as Sedric and Medroc heard it through their ear pieces; Sedric floating outside in open space.
Medroc had blonde hair, was tall, blue eyed movie star type superhuman. He wore his dark blue and black Galactic Guardian uniform as if it were a sweat suit. “Are they acting hostile?”
“No, they’re flight path is headed away from everyone, towards the edge of the Sun as if escaping.”
Medroc looked at Ship’s scan data. “Let them go and clear them.”
“Well, I guess no more fighting for me.” Sedric said as he too could see the Pylaxian scout ship make orbit and warp out of the area.
Sedric’s golden aura extended out several feet as he surveyed the damaged ships. In a flash he warped toward people and Pylaxians requiring rescue. “I’m going to save people in the dying ships. Let me know if you can isolate the most critical.”
Medroc relayed the info to the Argonian ships now in search and rescue operations.
Three mile sublevel, center of the force field generator
Lee and Ghost watched the room shake, ceiling panels falling and cracks along surfaces spread open.
“I’m too weak to get us out of here.” Ghost gasped.
Lee quickly looked around, finding only one opening to escape. “Okay, grab a hold of me around my waist. I’ll get us out of here.”
Ghost locked his hands around Lee’s waist from behind. “Now…”
“Hold on.” Lee interrupted him as he flew back out into the main beam. His energy suit engulfed both men as Lee soared straight up, simultaneously lasing beneath him towards the core.
“What are you doing?” Ghost asked forgetting he could read Lee’s surface thoughts.
“I’m trying to break this machine, before my suit burns away.” Lee grunted as he climbed up and stopped two stories from the surface. His helmet optics blared with warnings, with his shielding quickly being eaten away. He lased around the shaft trying to widen the opening or collapse sections of structure into the beam with help from the angle of his position.
Ghost looked down where the beam came from. The brightness of the green light would have probably blinded him, but Lee’s suit was a black tint that filtered any harmful or debilitating effects.
Lee’s laser came within centimeters of Ghost feet before Ghost used his flight power to move them out of the way. “Watch it.”
“I know where I’m firing, but thanks for making it easier for me.” Lee casually said as he focused on reinforcing his shielding.
“It’s not going to work; you’re not changing anything… you’re not doing enough damage.” Ghost objected knowing Lee was managing too many things at the same time.
Lee said nothing, putting the shielding strength and laser output center of his optics. A timer also appeared next to the shielding as he fired to the last possible second before flying up and out of the beam. The two men landed sideways on the metallic concrete, many meters away from the beam’s edge. The energy suit disappeared from around Lee while Ghost let go of him, both men lay facing the green sky.
Tremors under them made them raise their heads towards the beam, only to see it stop shooting energy towards the atmosphere. The sky opened up with stars, something Ghost thought he was tired of seeing for the past several months.
Both men lay their heads back down. “I hope they don’t attack me now. I’m tired.” Lee said, regenerating his radar first.
“Uh huh.” Ghost sighed more out of relief than exhaustion.
The nuclear explosion to the northeast drew their attention with Ghost using his little bit of recovered strength to phase both of them until the second wave passed. No sooner did Ghost materialize them back to normal, when a small flash and electrical sound of air suddenly shifting announced an android’s arrival. Lee tried to stand but his muscles ached from over extending himself.
“Relax Lee, it’s Io.” Ghost let out a soothing exhale.
Lee rolled to his side and worked to get into a sitting position. “So, Io… What you been up to?”
Io strode up to Lee and Ghost. “I persuaded three androids to turn off the force field generator.”
Lee looked up at Io, then back at the ground with fatigue. “Oh, well so much for thinking Ghost and I turned that damn thing off.”
“If it makes you feel any better, you helped to destabilize the weapon, making it possible for me to talk them into the shutdown.”
“So does this mean the war is over?” Ghost asked not wanting to go through the effort of reading minds.
“Yes, my brothers and sisters have ceased all hostilities and are prone to agree to a peace between the humans and the aliens.”
Lee stood up, feeling much stronger now that he focused on regenerating his overall bodily needs instead of his weapon battery and other offensive abilities. “What about the rest of the group?”
“As far as I know there are numerous casualties on all sides. I believe a battle is still raging in space.”
Lee focused his breathing and concentrated on his comms. “Diana, talk to me.”
“Lee, it’s me.” Diana weakly replied.
“Where are you?”
“We’re at the palace.” Diana’s short replies were unusual.
“What happened? Is everyone okay?” Lee’s tone rose as his helmet appeared on his head. He scanned towards the transmission of the Diana’s comlink. He found the group, and accounted for all but three people.
“Lee, it’s over. Come to us and bring everyone with you.” Mathew broke into the conversation.
Lee turned to Ghost, now standing next to Io. “Let’s go.” Lee extended his hands for both men to grab before he flew off towards the palace. A minute later, the three landed in front of the palace grounds. Everyone was waiting outside, but Lee wasn’t sure for whom.
The faces of victory were overshadowed with some level of grief, Cindy crying in Creator’s arms. Lee flew in front of Diana hugging her in a state of confusion and joy. “What happened?”
“Night took a nuke on top of the roof away from us and saved us.” Diana looked into his eyes.
Lee turned to Cindy knowing Night was like a brother to her. Instead of comforting her sister, Lee walked out to open ground and looked up. “Joshua, is this how everything is suppose to end!”
Everyone watched Lee walk in a circle as if talking to the heavens, dressed in jeans and a ‘Call to Duty’ T-shirt. “Is it our destiny to live in your created timeline?”
Cindy picked up her head from Creator’s shoulder. “I tried, he won’t answer.”
Lee looked at the two with a complacent nerve nagging at his heart. “Joshua, take my life, for his.”
Diana almost jumped towards him, but stopped short of grabbing him. Lee’s eyes bore on hers as she stood noddi
ng her head in support of his statement. “Take me as well.” She whispered wanting to be with Lee, even in death.
The unanswered request kept everyone waiting or wondering if there was another way to change destiny.
Chapter 25
---
Now What
AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas
Cheers and tears took hold of the audience as the death of Larcis and many thousands of people came to the realization of the near destruction of Earth. Jenny squeezed Joshua’s hand with a furious sting. “Why don’t you answer them?”
Joshua’s face shone with angelic peace as Jenny’s stream of tears instantly evaporated. His blue eyes were kind, and penetrated into her teenage soul. “Jenny, do you really believe I would leave the heroes and people to die for the sake of drama?”
Jenny’s anger and sorrow left her, being replaced with calmness and confidence. “The show’s not over yet, is it?” Her fingers eased the pressure from Joshua’s hand.
Joshua smiled and looked up towards the clear blue sky. “I told you all beings on the planet will see what many have died for. Their own lives will mean more when they accept responsibility for their actions and in action. They will I hope, pursue a selfless existence, and not a self-fulfilling chaotic life of hatred and self-righteousness.
UFS Tarsus bridge, a hundred thousand miles from Earth
Stargazer quickly left the bridge wanting to help in saving lives in damaged areas of the ship. The rest of the bridge crew efficiently coordinated rescue operations and kept the ship from degrading into a state of added crisis.
Eduardo ran through the incoming summaries and updates. The reported confirmed, estimated dead and injured bled over slightly as updates came every few seconds. His heart sank, as well as Estabon’s going over the billions upon billions of deaths they witnessed first and second hand over their lifetime, this war adding more to it.
Eduardo placed a hand over the console covering the data. He raised his stare, looking around and blocking out the telepaths. Taking a visual snapshot of the people in action focused on doing their best to make the future a better place; he took a deep breath and turned to the main screen.
“Joshua, I know you exist because Quatris and Hellfire have told me about you. I’m not going to ask you to rewind time, but I will ask you give me an audience for everyone in the Solar System.” Eduardo sat patiently.
“I have waited for decades to hear you ask me this request, and so I will gladly grant it to you. Speak and all beings will hear, see and feel your thoughts.” Joshua replied audibly and mentally.
“Thank you.” Eduardo relaxed for a moment, as the bridge crew stopped their duties and looked towards Eduardo.
“People of Earth, all beings from other worlds. I’m Eduardo Ramirez, if you don’t already know me. I spent most of life seeking justice for the victimized, equality for all, and much more for our future generations to live in happiness and peace. The Australian government allied with the Pylaxian race to purge all those opposed to them. Superhumans, aliens from across the galaxy, humans and even super AIs have fought against evil and now I can say we have won.” Estabon paused to think about his next words.
All beings great and small in the Solar System heard and saw Eduardo’s message with interest and mixed feelings.
“We won at a great cost. Seven thousand forty three South Americans died here in space, over forty−thousand people on the ground in Egypt and Australia. Many more Australians, Pylaxians and Tantalized androids are dead. One death was one too many for the cost of freedom to live in peace with your neighbor. As I stated five days ago, there will be no more border disputes, no more crimes going under the radar with lies and corruption. There will be a quality existence for all and our future will be managed by one government in a righteous and loving way. I didn’t come to conquer you to dictate your lives forever. I have established a system for you, you; a people of Earthlings and aliens to live together for a better future; a future which will expand into space. So I will govern and lead the council for a short time, and my family and I will leave Earth; to let you, lead yourselves.” Eduardo paused again, the pain of the lost and achievement of what so many people helped him accomplish.
“The Argonian Empire under King Etron and Queen Neeva will help Earth flourish beyond what we have already achieved. All people will recognize this day for the sacrifice many brave and selfless people have given so you may live in peace. How long will it last, is up to you.” Eduardo stood up and walked out of the bridge. “Rick, please send all reports to me in my quarters.”
Joshua smiled as many people sat in awe or deep thought not considering to leave the stadium and return home. He closed his eyes and mediated as Jenny watched him, embracing his arm, fearing he would disappear like a ghost or a fading dream.
A warm soft light covered every being in the system. “Your compassion and courage will not be in vain. Take heart and believe in the wonderful.” Joshua spoke with everyone hearing him as a person they trusted.
Mathew was the first to sense a presence and looked on as Larcis materialized into existence. All eyes turned, seeing Larcis without his head covering, but the rest of his costume was intact, standing a few paces away on the palace grass. Larcis looked around confused. “Hey what just happened?”
Cindy and Creator both ran up to him with a hug. Larcis stared at Cindy crying, while everyone else moved towards them with wide grins or wide eyes.
“Larcis, you’re back.” Cindy cried as she grinned.
“Did someone die?”
Cindy burst into mixed laughter as everyone gathered in a huddle touching Larcis to see if he was real. Even Io stood by, seeing a miracle, but logic told him Larcis was assumed dead and not physically confirmed as dead. But an additional four hundred androids coming to life on his network confirmed Joshua brought many people back from the cold dark grave.
“You died, but now you’re back.” Creator said, with a happy grin.
“I remember holding this really heavy nuke, but the next thing I know, I’m here? What happened?”
“We won, and believe it or not, you saved us.” Kyle said as he and Cynthia held each other by the waist.
“Well, I should have known.” Lee smiled and kissed Diana.
“Boss, does this mean my identity is blown?”
“Yes, it is. Maybe now you can get a steady girlfriend.” Creator laughed, with everyone else taking in the cheerful atmosphere.
Creator moved out of the huddle a moment later, drawing Mathew’s attention. He faced Mathew extending his hand. “It seems we all have been given a gift. My friends call me Richard.”
Mathew took off his head piece and goggles, showing off his Native American and slightly Asian characteristics. “My friends call me Matt.”
Valerie moved out of the huddle next to Mathew. “Richard, this is my wife Valerie, also known as Loren Malleson.”
Richard turned to her and then back at Mathew. “Malleson? I heard about you, the billionaires?”
Mathew smiled. “Well, it’s a long story.”
“We can talk at my farm. Elizabeth and the rest of the family will love to hear it.” Richard pulled out a business card, handing it to the couple.
“It’s a deal.” The men shook hands as the sound of South American vehicles rumbled in the distance.
UFS Tarsus, Captain’s quarters
Eduardo entered his room, sitting on the bunk with joyful tears as reports of ships once destroyed were alive and well. The Pylaxian presence disappearing along with the nuclear and conventional destruction in Africa and Middle East. Not all people were reconstituted, but he assumed Joshua was only resurrecting those not bent on continuing with evil intentions. It wasn’t perfect to him, but it was better than no one returning to life. His ship was fully operational, with zero casualties as if a war almost never occurred. “Thank you, Joshua.” He whispered with great relief.
“We still have a lot of work to do brother.” Estabon said with
joy.
Eduardo laid down. “I’m going to rest here for a little bit.” He dozed off in exhaustion.
Estabon didn’t reply, but quickly called up to the bridge, to make sure they left his brother alone, and personally accept all critical reports for ground and space forces to his people on the UFS Andromeda.
The ensuing hours saw Apex forces’ withdrawal from the city and the androids’ negotiations with Estabon. Quatris and Cyer visited the Argonian flagship, meeting the rest of the Galactic Guardians. It was a time of joy for Quatris to see his friends and introducing them to Cyer. The added assembly of Hellfire, Sedric, Medroc, Sinop and the royals impressed Cyer greatly. The loneliness he felt once Pananthra passed away, was now filled by the presence of beings as powerful and honorable as he.
The return of ships to a close orbit around Earth, allowed for better coordination for rebuilding and adjusting to the new government and social system. The time came as Estabon boarded the UFS Andromeda passing the antechamber into one of many pre-flight rooms. He entered with joy as the twenty-meter rectangular floor plan was at maximum capacity. A hundred plus thoughts came to him as people lined the adjacent rooms and hallways to see their beloved leader. A crowd of Soldiers were behind Captain Alejandro Javier as he stood next to Brenda.
Estabon managed two paces forward as he embraced Brenda in his arms. They kissed with passion as the rest of the crew cheered. “I don’t know what happened.” Brenda said.
“You’re as young as the day I met you.” Estabon’s cheeks were wet as he pulled away to see her rejuvenated face. “I love you.” He kissed her again as they wept with joy. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd as Javier moved in to hug his idol and friend. An hour of greetings and joyous exchanges kept the couple from getting to the bridge. Even Colonel Cornelius and Lieutenant Colonel Golubova from the destroyed International Space Station were there to meet them.
The Andromeda bridge was as active now as they were in combat. Massive phased coordination was being executed to establish military forces in areas needing their presence to destroy and settle historical racial and border disputes. The telepaths would re-educate people away from hateful teachings and ignorance. But, it would take time and the military was there to keep the peace while the telepaths spread to all reaches of the continents.