The Lost Sword

by Huw Powell

  Jake. I’m glad you arrived safely. Meet me at the Chamber of Parliament tomorrow morning before nine o’clock.

  —Hector

  Jake turned off the device and crept into the bathroom to change into his Altian uniform. He took care not to rattle the various buttons and buckles as he dressed. It was still hours until the gathering, but he wanted to be ready for the day ahead. When he finished, he transferred JD’s note to his jacket pocket and spent the next hour rehearsing his speech in front of the mirror.

  Jake was hungry by the time Kella and Nanoo stirred. The three of them ate leftover takeout for breakfast before packing their bags and leaving to catch the hover-train. As expected, the space docks swarmed with planetary guards, who wore sharp orange armor and carried long laser rifles. There were also a number of checkpoints, where people were forced to walk through security scanners.

  Jake covered his purple eyes with Maaka’s sunglasses and hid the sword of Altus inside his laserproof vest. If the little blue squares could deflect lasers, perhaps they would stop the security scanners as well. Kella and Nanoo wore space helmets with tinted visors so their faces could not be seen clearly. Nanoo also wore a scarf and gloves to conceal his lilac skin.

  After passing through several checkpoints unchallenged, the three of them reached the hover-train platform. It was heavily crowded, which made it easier to hide from the planetary guards. Jake checked that the fake crown was still tucked safely in his bag. The red morning sky was full of spacecraft waiting to land, but there was no sign of the Dark Horse or the Divine Wind.

  “Here come train,” said Nanoo, pointing to a hole in the space dock walls.

  Jake heard a powerful engine and felt a rush of hot air. A large silver hover-train slid into view and pulled up alongside the platform. Its brakes hissed and emitted great plumes of steam. The crowd surged forward as people rushed to find their seats. Jake, Kella, and Nanoo fought their way to the rear of the train, where they had reserved a private compartment. It meant that Kella and Nanoo could take off their helmets, while Jake could remove his sunglasses without fear of being spotted.

  “Not bad,” said Kella, as she closed the door. “I could get used to Santanova.”

  Nanoo’s wide turquoise eyes explored the modern compartment interior. “It like the trains on Taan-Centaur.”

  The hover-train left the platform and accelerated out of the space docks. It glided smoothly across the Santanovan landscape like a long silver snake, weaving between farms and factories. Jake watched through the window as they approached Lugar a short distance away. He knew it was the largest of the independent colony cities, but nothing had prepared him for the mass of towering skyscrapers, which stretched into the air like a wall of concrete and glass. It made him realize that he was trying to save a galaxy he hardly knew. He hoped he would get the chance to explore it thoroughly one day.

  The hover-train reached the edge of the city and disappeared into a dark underground tunnel. It rumbled noisily beneath the surface for several minutes before emerging inside Lugar Central Station. Jake spotted planetary guards lining the platform and signaled for Kella and Nanoo to put on their helmets. If they were lucky, they could blend in with the crowd and slip by unnoticed.

  When the hover-train doors opened, the three of them stepped out onto the platform behind a family of four. Jake risked a glance at the planetary guards, who stood watching the passengers. In front of him, two guards had stopped the family and were asking for their identification. Jake kept on walking while the guards were distracted.

  “Hey, look, that boy has purple eyes,” said a young girl.

  Jake turned in surprise to see her pointing at him. His fingers reached for his face and he realized he wasn’t wearing Maaka’s sunglasses. He shielded his eyes with his hand and hurried toward the exit, but it was too late.

  “Halt!” ordered one of the guards.

  “Stop him!” shouted another.

  Several planetary guards blocked the exit while others pushed their way through the crowd.

  “What do we do?” whispered Kella.

  Jake twisted on the spot, trying to locate another way out, but they were surrounded. He placed a hand on his sword as the crowd parted and an officer stepped forward.

  “Are you Jake Cutler?”

  “That’s right.” It seemed pointless to pretend otherwise.

  “Good, we’ve been expecting you.”

  “You have?” asked Jake.

  “Yes, we have a hover-car waiting outside,” said the officer. “The mayor of Remota will meet you at the Chamber of Parliament.”

  “Ah, there you are,” said Hector Rumpole jovially. “I was starting to worry that you weren’t coming.”

  The ruddy-cheeked mayor had been waiting for them on a set of steps outside the huge parliament building. He wore a warm smile beneath his bushy mustache, which did not match his tired eyes. The streets were full of people, and the air buzzed with camera drones. Images of the inside chamber were broadcast on outdoor display screens.

  “It’s good to see you again, Mayor Rumpole,” said Jake. “These are my friends, Kella and Nanoo. Kella is a crystal healer, and Nanoo is a Novu alien from a distant planet.”

  “Great galaxies!” Hector Rumpole caught sight of Nanoo’s lilac skin. “You do keep interesting company. It’s a pleasure to meet you both, but we must hurry. The leaders have started to gather in the grand chamber. You can wait in another room while I introduce you.”

  Jake’s maroon uniform was attracting attention from the crowd, even if they didn’t recognize the emblem on his chest. It was funny to think that within a few hours, everyone in the galaxy would know it was the symbol of Altus. Hector Rumpole waved to the cameras and escorted the three of them into the building. Inside the huge entrance doors, old portraits lined the walls and four words decorated the floor: United in our independence.

  “What that mean?” asked Nanoo.

  “It means that we have a chance,” said Jake.

  The mayor led them down a busy corridor to a small black door. He stopped outside and checked that the coast was clear.

  “Do you have your speech?” he asked.

  “Yes,” said Jake, pulling the scribbled notes from his pocket. “I’ve memorized every word.”

  “Good, very good.” Hector Rumpole opened the small door. “Wait in here until you’re summoned. We start in ten minutes. Best of luck, Jake.”

  The three of them entered a small room with no windows. A few chairs surrounded a narrow glass table, on which rested bottles of water. At the opposite end of the room were two huge mahogany doors. Jake could hear voices on the other side and assumed it was the grand chamber. He pulled the fake crown from his bag and waited for the gathering to start. When he had imagined this moment, he had been relaxed and confident, but now it suddenly felt real and daunting.

  The minutes crept by, and before Jake knew it, the chamber echoed with ceremonial music. When it faded, Hector Rumpole started talking, but Jake was only half listening. All he could think about was how soon he would have to deliver his own speech. Was he ready? He had practiced the words a hundred times, but somehow it didn’t seem enough. Jake closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Nerves were a luxury that he could no longer afford.

  Hector Rumpole’s voice grew louder, and some of his words caught Jake’s attention. “A special young man . . . an incredible adventure . . . an important message . . .”

  The huge mahogany doors cracked open and an elderly steward entered the room. “Are you ready, my lord?”

  It was time. The entire galaxy was waiting for the ruler of Altus. No more worrying about the speech or if he was ready to deliver it: the moment had arrived. Jake straightened his uniform and checked his reflection in the handheld computer screen. With trembling hands, he placed the fake crown on his head and drew the sword of Altus.

  “My lord?” insisted the steward, holding open the door.

  “I’m ready,” said Jake, his heart pound
ing.

  With a final glance at Kella and Nanoo, he stepped through the door. The bright lights and scattered applause reminded Jake of the Reus roulette arena in Papa Don’s. He recalled how confident Kodan had appeared at that moment. It made him realize the importance of a strong first impression. Jake lifted his head and entered the grand chamber.

  The doorway led into a vast circular room with dark wooden beams and a muraled ceiling. There were more people than he had expected crammed into the rows of seats. It seemed that each of the leaders had brought a number of advisers with them. A flock of camera drones flitted around the chamber, recording the historic event. Jake glanced at their twitching lenses and tried not to think how many people were watching.

  Hector Rumpole stood at the front of the room, next to the seat reserved for the ruler of Altus. Jake checked his pocket as he walked over to the mayor. He had memorized his speech, but it was reassuring to know that his notes were there if needed. His hand touched something else—the message from JD—and for a moment he was distracted.

  “Jake?” whispered Hector Rumpole, holding out a microphone. “The galaxy is waiting.”

  Jake turned to look at the wall of curious faces, many of which were obscured behind the bright lights. He could sense their skepticism, but he had expected nothing less.

  Jake took the microphone from Hector Rumpole, but he did not sit down. If he was going to make a stand, it seemed appropriate to do it on his feet.

  “My fellow leaders, my name is Jake Cutler, and I am the ruler of Altus.”

  It was strange to hear his own voice amplified through powerful speakers. He paused while people muttered and laughed.

  “I bring you grave news and tidings of war,” he said, and the laughter stopped. “Altus does exist. I know this will be hard for you to accept, but I have proof. This uniform, this pendant around my neck, this golden cutlass . . .”

  Jake hesitated at the crown. If he wanted people to trust him, he was not going to lie. His hand slipped away from his head.

  “These are unique items from my home planet. Altus has remained hidden for centuries, and I am betraying its people by speaking here today, but what I have to say is important. If nothing else, Altus is a symbol of independence, the idea that a planet can survive in isolation, cut off from the wider universe.”

  Jake glanced at Hector Rumpole, who smiled encouragingly.

  “There have always been independent colonies in the seven solar systems, long before the United Worlds were formed. For hundreds of years, we have retained our independence, even in the most challenging of times. We’re proud to be our own masters, but we also respect and celebrate our differences. This is something that we have in common. It has defined who we are and what we stand for. In many ways, it unites us.”

  To Jake’s surprise, a few people clapped.

  “I cannot reveal to you the location of Altus today, not while the Galactic Trade Corporation is hunting its three crystal moons. However, I look forward to the day when the Altian people can come out of hiding and stand proudly alongside the other colonies. But we cannot take our independence for granted. My space pirate friends and I have learned of a plot to wipe out our colonies forever.”

  This statement was greeted with a ripple of angry murmurs. Jake refused to pause and pushed on, talking louder into the microphone.

  “The Interstellar Navy is using the Gorks to strengthen its fleet. Admiral Vantard has dispatched naval warships to the seventh solar system to start a galactic war. This threat is real. The freedom of our planets and the lives of our people are at stake. If we do not act now, Vantos will be attacked within hours, followed by Abbere and Torbana. The independent colonies will fall, one solar system at a time, until there are not enough of us left to fight back.”

  Several people stood up and shook their fists, but their rage was not directed at Jake. He read their signs and realized they were the leaders of Vantos, Abbere, and Torbana, who had left their planets to seek help.

  “But we can stop them,” said Jake. “There is still time to resist. If we unite our colonies and combine our strength now, the Interstellar Navy will not dare to attack us. We must stand up to them and show that we are united, not by a government or a navy, but by our independence.”

  More leaders stood and clapped.

  “I am here today to ask you to sign a treaty between our colonies, so we can send a message to Admiral Vantard and the United Worlds: if they attack one of us, they attack all of us. We stand together.”

  Fierce applause broke out, which lasted for several minutes. Jake remained still, his head held high as the sound filled the grand chamber. His expression was strong and resolute, but inside, his heart was doing cartwheels.

  Chapter 23

  The Altian Mechanic

  Hector Rumpole took the microphone from Jake and the applause softened.

  “Thank you, Jake Cutler,” said the mayor. “These are grave times and your message is clear. We must act now to protect our colonies from the United Worlds and their naval warships.”

  There were several nods in the crowd.

  “Are you proposing that we create a fleet of ships from our planetary guard?” asked the chief of Ganton. “If we do that, who will protect our colonies?”

  “What about us?” exclaimed the premier of Travir. “There are only two independent colonies in the second solar system. We’re surrounded by the United Worlds.”

  “It’s the same in the third solar system,” said the sheriff of Meltia.

  Hector Rumpole held up his hands. “My friends, I appreciate your concerns, but it will be far worse if we stand by and do nothing. It’s a simple choice that we have to make today. Do we stand united, or do we fall divided? All those in favor of signing a treaty, raise your hands.”

  Jake’s eyes scanned the crowd. He spotted several hands shoot into the air without hesitation, followed by more as people made up their minds, until at least half the people in the room were in favor. Hector Rumpole raised his hand and Jake did the same. He knew that there would be some who were undecided.

  “All those against?” asked Hector Rumpole.

  Not a single hand lifted.

  “In that case,” he said, “we’ve just made history.”

  There was a deafening cheer that shook the grand chamber. The prime minister of Santanova walked forward and grasped Jake’s hand before taking the microphone from Hector Rumpole.

  “What an incredible speech,” she said. “Let this send a clear message to the United Worlds that we are here to stay. I have a treaty prepared, so we can put pressure on the Interstellar Navy to withdraw from Vantos. Jake, will you be the first to sign it?”

  Jake stepped forward and accepted the document. He read it and signed his name at the end while the camera drones circled overhead. When he finished, he passed the treaty back to the prime minister of Santanova and returned to the small room, where Kella and Nanoo were waiting. Jake closed the huge mahogany doors and howled with happiness. He had done it—he had convinced the leaders to unite against the Interstellar Navy. It was more than he had dared to hope for.

  “That was incredible,” said Kella. “You were magnifty.”

  “Yes, how it feel to be famous leader?” asked Nanoo.

  “I don’t know,” said Jake, shaking with adrenaline. “Kind of weird. It was strange enough being a wanted space pirate, but now everyone knows that I’m the ruler of—”

  Jake checked the clock on the wall.

  “What is it?” asked Kella.

  “There’s still time,” he said, stuffing his crown back inside his bag and rushing to the small black door.

  Nanoo looked confused. “Time for what?”

  “To meet JD in the space docks.” Jake opened the door and paused. “Are you coming?”

  Were they doing the right thing by leaving the gathering before it had finished? Jake told himself that there would be plenty of time for handshakes and photos later. He had done his duty and united the
independent colonies. Now he was doing something for himself. He just hoped that JD would be waiting for him when they reached the space docks.

  The hover-car was still parked outside the Chamber of Parliament. Jake, Kella, and Nanoo charged down the steps and wrenched open the back door. This time the crowd recognized Jake from the outdoor display screens. A group of reporters hurled questions, while their camera drones took pictures. Jake climbed into the backseat and instructed the driver.

  “We need to get to Lugar Central Station, fast.”

  The hover-car raced across town and stopped outside the train station. Jake, Kella, and Nanoo hurried to the platform, where the silver hover-train was waiting. Within minutes, they were hurtling back to the space docks.

  “It nearly ten o’clock,” said Nanoo, as the Santanovan landscape smeared past the window.

  “I know.” Jake glanced at his handheld computer and watched the seconds pass far too quickly.

  Would they make it in time?

  The hover-train arrived at the space docks and its doors slid open. Jake leaped onto the platform and sprinted into the main terminal, closely followed by Kella and Nanoo. The corridors were empty, as most people were in Lugar for the gathering. With seconds to spare, they arrived outside the main restaurant, fighting for breath and ready to collapse.

  “We . . . made . . . it,” panted Jake.

  “Is . . . he . . . there?” wheezed Kella.

  Jake felt a rush of nerves at the thought of meeting JD. His curiosity burned as he peered through the restaurant door and located table six, but a house robot stood in the way, blocking his view. He caught sight of an arm, a human arm. There was definitely someone waiting for him.

  “This is it,” he said. “Wish me luck.”

  “You want us go with you?” asked Nanoo.

  “No,” said Jake. “The message said to come alone.”

  “Are you sure?” Kella looked concerned.

  “Yes, positive.” Jake didn’t want to scare off JD before they could speak. “Listen, see if you can find a display screen with the Interstellar News. I want to know what the galaxy thinks of the treaty.”