Condition Evolution 3: A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure

by Kevin Sinclair

  “Very well. I shall return when everything is in order.” With an unexpected bow, Acclo left.

  I sat deep in thought about our losses. I didn’t know any of those who had died personally other than Janet who I’d met briefly.

  Hwista walked in seeming almost nonchalant; any lingering traces of the slaughter I had asked them to carry out were nowhere to be seen.

  “Good day, Captain,” They said as they entered.

  They were about to engage with Miraek when I called over. “Hwista! Can I talk with you in my office, please?” I said, getting up from my seat. Thankfully, Ember stayed where she was.

  “Of course, Captain. Right away.”

  They closed the door behind them as they entered after me. I took a seat, then gestured for them to do the same.

  “Is everything okay, Captain?” Hwista said, a concerned look on their face.

  “I honestly don’t know. I am genuinely sorry to have given you those orders yesterday, but I thank you for carrying them out in the swift and efficient manner you did.”

  “You really don't need to thank me. Serving the Uprising is not just a job, it is like a new family. One I hope will help to balance out the power distortions in the galaxy. I have researched the Fystr: what they did, and what they continue to do. They are a supremely powerful race without remorse or compassion. You absolutely made the right decision, and I remain honored to have carried out your orders.” They stopped, and I was about to give out various platitudes, but then they started talking again. “In fact Captain, if you did not remove them, I admit I would have been disappointed in you. In our circumstances one should never leave an enemy at their backs. We have too few people and too many enemies to be so forgiving or naive. That said, you gave them an opportunity to repent and toe the line with the Uprising. If I feel any emotion over the whole affair, it is sadness for those lost and concern that you are hurt by the deaths of our enemies.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not hurt by their deaths. There were no other options. Although just because a job is necessary, it doesn’t mean it's a good job. And it doesn't mean it won't leave psychological scars.”

  “I think I understand what you are saying, although a lot of it is lost in translation between our species. You are an emotional race, which seems to lend you great strength and resolve. The Veiletians are naturally a very fact-based race; we tend to follow a rational course, rather than be governed by emotions.”

  “Yeah, I get that about you guys. Thanks for your understanding about where I’m coming from, and I’ll try my best to acknowledge your culture as much as I can within the Uprising. Only, if we recycle Veiletian bodies in the future, I’ll have to find a way to divert you from the FSU. I’ve a bad history with that kinda shit, and I’m not going back to it.”

  Hwista laughed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Captain Shaun, but I do trust you. If there’s anything that needs doing that your human emotions make difficult, please let me know. If it is the right course of action, I will carry out whichever task you see fit.”

  “Wow. This isn’t how I saw this conversation going, but thanks Hwista. Now go on and take over from Miraek. I get the feeling they could do with a break.”

  “I will, but I doubt it. They would have taken rest as they needed it. Veiletians do not have sleep cycles. We can rest for seconds and minutes at a time. As long as we hit a certain time scale, over 40 or so hours, we are fine.”

  “Really? That’s fucking brilliant. Wish I could do that. Once my head hits the pillow I’m basically dead for eight hours, and if I don't get those hours I’m unbearable.”

  “You have my sympathy, yet you seem to navigate your shortcomings very well.”

  “I try. Oh, and thanks again Hwista.”

  With that, they turned and left. I had to admit the conversation both eased my conscience and made me nervous as hell about the Veiletians. Those fuckers were cold as ice. Still, they balanced the crew out nicely, along with the Torax, who had none of that coldness. They were fiery and emotional, but when you’re laser-proof and can shoot fire, you can do as you damn well please.

  I sat in my extremely comfy chair mulling over our people, what we were trying to do and how well it was working. As well as the fact that last year I was a fat-ass on a couch who’d almost given up on life. Ogun had royally screwed me at the same time as he had elevated me into an existence that was like living an amazing book or movie. I knew how bad life could be, and that I'd been given an unbelievable second chance. Those Fystr could go fuck themselves. Gus was right; only one person had brought this on and it sure as shit wasn’t me. But I was going to end it, someday, somehow.

  When the time for the memorial ceremony came, we all moved to the Uprising’s loading bay, which was the only place that could hold the whole crew comfortably. There was a big screen showing each other ship’s loading bay, too, so when I spoke, everyone would hear me. Astrid and Rufus would also be speaking.

  I said a fuck-ton of words, but honestly, I don’t want to bore you with them. It was morose, and I didn’t really know any of the fallen that well, which means you didn't know them either because I’ve never spoken about any of them before. Let’s just say it was really sad and the dead got a dignified send off. Although the thought that I was now breathing in our recycled warriors was strange.

  C20

  It was a Stupid Idea Anyway!

  Beler 3103 lay near the outer limit of the Perseus system. I think we all took a collective gasp when we saw it. I could barely get my head around the fact that an artificial structure could be so vast; it was essentially a planet, with arm-like projections reaching into space both horizontally and vertically, giving it a feeling of further enormity. And to top it all off, there must have been a thousand ships in orbit.

  We had the Seshat lead us in, as it was Rufus who had negotiated the deal for the contract and who knew most about the situation we were entering. I was really fucking nervous about it now. I hadn’t spoken to Rufus about what had happened at the supply station, but I wasn't exactly pleased about it. As horrible as it was, I just didn’t trust him anymore. He was either an incompetent idiot, or he wasn’t working with the Uprising’s best intentions at heart. I hadn’t brought it up with anyone yet, I just wanted to keep watching him for now.

  Thankfully, nothing went awry; we weren’t attacked out of hand, which was a relief. We called up a joint meeting between the ships to hear what Rufus had found out from his contact with the fleet.

  “I’ve spoken with Fleet Admiral Mollissan. Beler 3103 has been retaken from enemy aliens. They attacked from what is known as the Dark Sector, whatever that is, sir,” he said, overly respectfully, probably because of our altercation over Fystr amnesty. He needed to do a seamless job here, or I would be putting someone else in charge of the Seshat.

  I pushed that from my mind for the moment to ask: “What exactly is the Dark Sector, then?”

  “I didn’t ask because it was spoken as if I should know. I didn’t want to appear ignorant. I intend to ask some of our alien crew members. Perhaps you could do the same?”

  “Yeah, I will. I thought the Galactic Empire covered everything that wasn’t controlled by the Fystr?”

  “As did I. It seems we don’t know everything this galaxy has to offer. What I have learnt is that we are on the border of the Dark Sector. Beler 3103 has always laid in Galactic Empire territory, until a recent attack by the Dark Sector aliens. The Empire retaliated quickly and reclaimed it.”

  “So do they even need us now?” I was confused. This was a seriously odd scenario.

  “Yes, they’re expecting a fleet from the Dark Sector to retake the station. So they’re building their current fleet up, making it large enough to prevent any surprises. We’ll be part of that fight. Our current orders are to wait and be ready. I’ve been led to believe they’ve got a lot more ships coming. We just need to hang around, waiting and hoping that the Dark Sector fleet doesn't arrive first.”

&n
bsp; “Sounds like they’re concerned by whatever’s coming, doesn’t it?” But I didn’t wait for a response. “Everyone, stay in touch, and any info on what Dark Sector is would be greatly appreciated. We’ll try to find out more ourselves. For now, I’m gonna move us away from the main fleet. I trust these fuckers about as far as I would trust myself with a packet of cookies a couple of years ago!”

  Silence greeted my statement. Miserable bastards! I continued, “We could also do with carrying out training drills. We haven’t fought in a battle like this before, so if we can devise anything that will bolster our chances, that’d be excellent.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Astrid said, quickly. “I’ll see what the Thoth has in its data banks for that.”

  “I will too!” Rufus said, more hopefully.

  “Okay. Time to go. Speak later,” I said, and our connection ended. I immediately sent an order to Hwista to move us slowly away from the cluster of ships around the station.

  “Shaun,” Ember said, quietly. “I thought we were trying to big you up a bit?”

  “We are. What's your problem?” I replied, baffled.

  “Well, I’m no expert on confidence building, but discussing your weakness for cookies with the two people you need to respect you the most, doesn’t seem like a winning strategy,” she grinned as she spoke.

  “Maybe, but it was funny to me at least. And I'll take those wins where I can get them.”

  She spoke into my mind next. “Stop being a fucking idiot! We all know you're better than that, and I think it's gonna be more important than ever in the coming days.”

  “Thanks for the advice, and thanks for not undermining me at every turn anymore. I know it’s hard for you, and it’s appreciated. However, we’re doing okay at the moment, and though I don't buy into all this Onnekus, jammy-bastard shit, I don’t want to try and change who I am, unless it happens naturally over time. You never know, it could be my general attitude to life that’s helping us.”

  “In a fucked-up, typical Shaun kinda way, that possibly makes sense. But try to keep the self-degradation to a minimum, whether you think it's funny or not. Otherwise, what's the point in all this effort I’m putting in?”

  “Fair enough. I’ll remember not to put myself down. The big question now though is, what in the actual fuck is the Dark Sector?”

  “That does seem like it would be important information.” Ember smiled. “Elyek and Calegg should be on the bridge. Let’s go and see them,” she said, offering her hand to me to get off the couch. It was comical because of the size difference, and actually made it harder to get up from my seated position. But it was the gesture that counted.

  “Elyek, we need to pick your brains. Do you have a minute?” I said as we entered the bridge.

  “Certainly, Captain,” they replied. “Hwista, are you okay to hold the fort?”

  “Yes. Take all the time you need.”

  “Oh, it won’t take long,” Ember said.

  “Calegg! You too, man. The enemy we’re about to face is from the Dark Sector.”

  Elyek’s face dropped.

  “That bad huh?” I asked.

  “I’m really not sure, Captain. What I do know is that the Empire would love to possess that part of the galaxy but have never been able to get a foothold there. Whoever lives there must be very capable at defending themselves. In fact…,” Elyek turned to the terminal and began checking something intently. A second later they spun back around, “As I suspected. This station is actually in Dark Sector territory. We have most certainly been lied to.”

  “I don’t know anything about it,” Calegg said with a shrug. “Although I’d love to know what we’re flying into.”

  “I believe this is actually a land grab by the Empire,” Elyek answered, “and now they are waiting for the inevitable retaliation to come.”

  “Oh, shit. That’s not good. I mean, we don’t really want to be part of a conquering force. It’s kind of the opposite of what we’re supposed to stand for,” I said.

  “I don’t think they’ll get any further into the Dark Sector if past engagements are anything to go by,” Elyek replied, concern etched on their face.

  “So, these Dark Sector aliens, whoever the fuck they are, are very capable of smoking Empire attacks. What are we gonna do?” Ember asked.

  “Get the hell out of here?” Calegg offered.

  “That will hurt our mercenary credentials a great deal,” Elyek replied.

  “How about, just stay near the back, as far from the action as possible?” Ember said with a smirk.

  “So we’re staying, but we’re not risking ourselves in this shit-show?” I said.

  “I don’t know if we have a lot of choice at the minute. We need to increase our reputation if we want to grow and be taken seriously,” Elyek answered.

  “We’re all agreed on this?” I asked.

  Three heads nodded.

  “Let’s keep training in those maneuvers then. Looks like we’re gonna need them.”

  I took my seat on the bridge, watching the training exercises unfold with Ember by my side. I’d pretty much phased out, staring into the darkness outside, when Ember broke me out of it. “Wonder if there’s been any progress with getting Ogun out of the chamber?”

  “Oh, man. I’d almost forgotten about Ogun. We should really check in with the Hunter ship he’s on.”

  “We should, and we should also give both of those ships names,” she said.

  “Ha! Yeah, though that can wait.”

  “I thought it was unlucky to not name a ship.”

  “I don’t even know who’s on the damn ships. I never asked Acclo.”

  “You did tell Acclo not to tell you every little thing, if you remember. Fortunately for you I know, so you don’t have to. Wulek is captaining the ship that holds Ogun’s body, and a human called William is flying the other. Apparently, he and his team are very capable. He was highly effective in the battle against the Fystr.”

  “Is he from the Thoth? Can’t say I recall the name.”

  “Nope, the Seshat, although he begged Acclo to have one of the ships. As far as I can gather, he doesn’t get on with Rufus at all.”

  “Hmm, I like him already. So, we need to talk to Wulek then?”

  “Yup,” she agreed, and brought Wulek up on the small screen between our chairs.

  “Hello, Captain and Ember. What can I do for you both?”

  “Hey, Wulek. Is everything okay over there?” Ember asked.

  “Yes. Certainly quieter. It will be good to get more crew members on board.”

  “Hopefully we can fill your ranks soon. Have you named your ship yet?” I asked.

  “Informally, as it’s bad luck to have an unnamed ship. We are calling it the Photia. Two of our Torax members wished to name the ship Fire, predictably. One of our human crew members, Felicity, offered the name Photia, which is fire in an ancient Earth language, apparently. We’ve gone with that. Obviously the choice is yours, Captain.”

  “Hell no! I don’t want that responsibility. Photia is fine by me.”

  “Then, the Photia we are,” Wulek smiled, and I think they were happier with that result than they let on.

  “Next question, Wulek. Has there been any progress with releasing Ogun?” I asked.

  “I think we are making progress. There is a plan to release him, but the general consensus is not to bring him out until we are somewhere safe and can transport him to one of the medical bays on the larger ships. None of his wounds have healed. The stasis pod is holding his body in the exact condition it was when they placed him inside.”

  “Shit, that’s an evil thing to do. The bastards! I see why you’ve left him. Hopefully we can get this stupid battle over with and get somewhere to free him in safety with the care he needs.”

  “Yes, Captain. A sound plan.”

  “Okay Wulek, thanks for taking on the Photia. Keep in touch,” I said, before ending the communication.

  Looking to Ember, I said, “I
can’t believe how much I’m looking forward to getting him outta there. I hope he’s okay, you know, up there,” I tapped my head.

  “There’s a good chance he won’t be, Shaun. We don’t know what the hell they’ve done to him, but you know it will be bad.”

  Thinking about that depressed the shit out of me; even if we managed to free him, he could be totally fucked. “Let’s just wait and see, shall we? Guessing the worst won’t help anyone,” I sighed.

  “Yeah,” replied Ember, “you’re right. Come on. Let’s give this William a call. Introduce ourselves and see if he has a name for his ship.” With a few jabs on the terminal, Ember brought up William’s face. His wild, bright-red hair and beard made him instantly recognizable as the extra-energetic fighter against the Fystr we battled on the last supply station. I had intended to seek him out at some point. Now I didn’t have to.

  “Ach, helloo there Cap’n,” he said in a strong Scottish accent, big grin stretching across his face, “A thought I’d never get te speak te the gaffer!”

  “Hey, William. It’s nice to meet you, too. I was impressed with your work in our last battle. How are you finding the Hunter ship?”

  “Och well, a do like killing Fystr. As for this,” he said, gesturing around him, “aye, it’s a canny wee ship. Got some good folks wi’ me, so it’s no so bad. The food synths are shite! There’s nae even an option for lager or whisky!”

  “I mean, should you be drinking when you’re in control of a spacecraft?” I questioned.

  “Christ alive! A man has te ‘ave a minute te hisel’, no? It’s no like I’m hammered at the wheel,” he brayed out a raucous laugh. I couldn’t help but grin back. It was hard not to be endeared by him.

  “Fucking hell, William. Have you been drinking already?” Ember asked.

  “No! Ye daft bugger. I’ve just bloody told ye there’s no drink over here. Anyways, a get all maudlin when ‘ave had a slurp, so ye’d know.”

  Ember started laughing her ass off. “Who the hell put you in charge of a ship?”

  “Well I’m fucked if ah know! But you’re nae gettin’ it back. This is ma baby now. Named it and everythin’!”