by Adair Hart
“I’m looking forward to seeing it,” said Robert. “My first alien planet. Jells’s station doesn’t count.”
“It becomes routine after a while, but yeah, I still get a hint of excitement when visiting one.”
Everyone’s attention was drawn to the Torvatta landing nearby on one of the pads.
Dr. Snowden stood and gestured forward. “Our ride has arrived.”
Everyone followed him to the Torvatta.
Once inside, Dr. Snowden took in everyone he was seeing. The Torvatta was full, and it hit him that this was the first time he would have to stand. Erik, Lady Hassrik, Zed, Guan Yu, and Odin sat on the left U-shaped seating area. Thor, Hermes, Darius, Mary, and Tim sat on the right side. “Wow, packed house.”
Everyone grinned and nodded.
“V, take us to Kreagus and to the coordinates I have entered,” said Evaran.
“Acknowledged.”
The Torvatta lifted off and flew into low Earth orbit. Once there, it opened a portal and flew through, exiting above Kreagus.
“Sending authentication credentials,” said V. After a moment, he said, “Authentication verified. Receiving authorization.”
“Excellent. Take us down,” said Evaran.
“That portal … where did it come from? Is that a dimensional rift?” asked Odin.
“It is, and the Torvatta created it. It is a unique ability,” said Evaran.
“One of many, apparently,” said Erik. “Earth to Kreagus in a few seconds. Impressive.”
Dr. Snowden enjoyed listening to the light discussion as they landed on Kreagus. It hit him that as powerful as this group may have been on Earth, they were new to galactic affairs. Odin was a turret of questions that Evaran answered as best he could. When everyone exited the Torvatta, Dr. Snowden got a kick out of seeing their reactions to the Kreagan guards.
They were escorted to a round building and into a room with a large circular table. Once seated, the Kreagan representative for Earth arrived.
Evaran tossed out a translation orb that hovered above the center of the table.
Compared to the Kreagans that Dr. Snowden had seen, this one was a bit smaller. The smaller cone on the back of his head and paler-than-average purple skin meant this one was older. He watched the others stare.
Evaran gestured forward. “Representative Kyre Gi Drel. It is an honor to meet you.”
Kyre bowed before sitting. “The honor is mine. It’s not every day a Kreagan gets to meet you.” Once seated he looked around, then back at Evaran. “Before we begin, Emperor Ryven has requested your audience in regard to the Arkaron. He … has some questions about the great selectors. Only if you have time of course.”
Dr. Snowden felt the goose bumps on his arms rise. For the Kreagan emperor to ask for someone to stop by only if they had time spoke volumes about the level of respect shown to Evaran from the highest levels. Dr. Snowden could see that sink in to the others sitting around the table.
“I see we have some new faces, well, all new faces,” said Kyre.
Evaran nodded as he pointed to and named everyone in sequence. “Indeed we do. This is the Earth Ward, and they represent a coalition of groups on Earth. We have Odin, Guan Yu, Thor, and Hermes. They represent the Imperium, a collection of Outsiders on Earth that were once known as gods and legendary figures.”
Kyre acknowledged each of them.
“Next to them is Mary and Tim. They lead the Ollikrin Nation, the largest Outsider group on Earth.”
They bowed slightly toward Kyre.
“To their left are Erik and Lady Hassrik. They represent the Daedrould Council, a group made up of Daedroulds, mainly vampires. Mikhail is next. He is representing the ancient vampires, another Daedrould group of significant power,” said Evaran, raising his finger, “one that I am close to. Although Mikhail is here now, the representative will vary depending on their sleeping schedules. I am sure they will rearrange that after they awaken this time.”
“We understand that the representatives can change, but the groups are what’s important,” said Kyre.
“Indeed,” said Evaran. “Darius and Zed are Helian council members. I know you dealt with the Helians mainly, but as of today, they are joined by the other groups I have introduced.”
“Where is Ardorin?”
Darius cleared his throat. “He was killed by a member of Caltorus’s group.”
Kyre bowed slightly. “I … read the summary report that Evaran sent ahead of time. I did not see that, but it is obvious that Caltorus was dangerous. I’m sorry to hear of Ardorin’s passing. He was a great person. You have my condolences.”
“It’s appreciated,” said Darius.
“He was not the only one to perish due to Caltorus. There were others, including Zed’s father,” said Evaran.
Zed raised his head a bit.
“I see,” said Kyre, glancing at Zed. “As with any conflict, it seems there is always tragedy. Hopefully it is behind us as we move forward.”
Zed nodded.
Evaran gestured at Jake and Robert. “They live with one of the ancient vampires. They are not part of the council, but are here per my personal request.”
Kyre smiled. “And the last three I know well. The great Dr. Snowden, heroic Emily, and V. Your deeds are enshrined in Kreagan history, although only a select few know of it.”
Dr. Snowden and Emily bowed while V’s lights pulsed. The stares of the others caught his attention. He wondered what they were thinking.
“This is a historic meeting. Any that involves Evaran is,” said Kyre.
“We are glad to be here,” said Evaran. “As my report specified, Earth underwent a split in the Helian administration. One faction was headed down a dark path, but due to the efforts of the groups you see before you, that faction was stopped. The being known as Caltorus led this rogue faction and would have used Earth as a stepping-stone to the galaxy, and he had the power to do it, just not the time.”
“It’s … unbelievable that someone so powerful would target Earth. Hopefully, in the future, with this new council, we will be notified and can provide assistance.”
“It would be appreciated.” Evaran looked down. “Those of a certain power level quickly recognize the value of Earth. Caltorus was no exception. He played it slow, thankfully for Earth, and made the wrong decision by involving me.”
Kyre looked around. “And … I bet the reason all these groups worked together was because you got them together.”
“That is correct.”
“You could have contacted us for help,” said Kyre.
“I understand the process to do that, and it would have been too time-consuming,” said Evaran.
Kyre nodded. “Well, there’s a lot to cover.” He pointed around the table. “You can access the documents we need to go over via the console in front of you. A means of communication will be provided for you so you can contact us for any concerns or issues you might have. Let’s begin.”
Dr. Snowden sat enthralled for the next five hours as he listened to the varying concerns, conversations, and points that were discussed. He found it interesting that some of the issues he knew well, like human slavery, were usually glossed over by the previous Helian group. The unity shown by all parties made his heart glow. People coming together for the common good of Earth. It bothered him somewhat that that there were no human representatives, but he knew in the future, the United Planets would rise as a human powerhouse in the thirty-second century.
After the meeting, everyone attended a social event hosted by the Kreagans.
Dr. Snowden enjoyed the festive atmosphere, and his stomach was happy that lunch was finally served. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits. He joined Erik and Lady Hassrik. “So, what do you think of all this?”
“I had no idea how much was going on without our knowledge, but now … there are many opportunities available to explore,” said Erik.
“Likewise,” said Lady Hassrik. “We’re on the right track now, thou
gh. There’ll be some changes, but that is something we’re used to.”
Dr. Snowden talked with them a bit more before heading over to the Imperium group.
“This has been a great day,” said Thor.
“One that history will never forget!” said Guan Yu.
“I agree,” said Odin. “I was not expecting the meeting to be so … forthcoming, but the knowledge is appreciated. We have a lot of work to do on Earth.”
“To Earth!” said Hermes, raising a glass in toast.
The rest of the Imperium cheered as they raised their glasses and took a drink.
Dr. Snowden enjoyed talking with the Imperium. He had gotten to know Hermes, Guan Yu, and Thor better, and even met some of the gods he had only read about in textbooks or seen in movies. He wondered how they would fare, and what the result would be. Maybe he could drop in sometime in the future and find out. He hung out with them a bit and then headed over to Mary and Tim.
“This world is beautiful from the little I’ve seen so far,” said Mary.
“I like the weapons the guards are carrying,” said Tim with a smile.
“I figured you would,” said Dr. Snowden. “What did you think of the meeting?”
“Impressive, to say the least,” said Mary. “The Kreagans got their act down, and now we will need to have ours as well. It’s a new beginning, one filled with trials and tribulations that we will face together, as one.”
Dr. Snowden snorted. “You sound just like your mother.”
“Evaran still owes me the videos he promised to show me.”
“Wait until you see them in three-hundred-sixty degrees in the holo room.”
Tim grinned. “I’m looking forward to that.”
After a little more conversation, Dr. Snowden went to Zed and Darius.
Zed cleared his throat. “My father would have loved to see this. Our species at the same table as the ruling council of Earth.”
“He would have,” said Dr. Snowden. “I think you’ll be great.”
“I still think Evaran and Emily are disappointed in me, but … I have learned from this experience. Evaran said I owed him, and by his recommendation, I’m now a council member. I’m not sure why he made that choice, but I respect it. I value Evaran’s judgment and hope in time that he and Emily can forgive me.”
“That’s all you can do,” said Dr. Snowden. He looked at Darius. “Both council members now. How are you liking it?”
“It’ll take some getting used to. All I’ve ever had to manage is a base. Managing Earth is a bit of a step up from that.”
“You’re an effective leader. Regardless of the situation, those skills still apply.”
Darius raised a glass to Dr. Snowden. “I’ll do my best, and thank you for the vote of confidence. It means a lot coming from you.”
“Maybe from Evaran.”
“No, I mean it. Both you and Emily are highly regarded in the nonhuman world, even before this incident. If anything, it’s even higher after this.”
Dr. Snowden licked his lips. “Let me guess … I’m great, and Emily’s heroic.”
“Yep.”
Dr. Snowden wagged a finger. “You know, I keep hearing that, all through history, yet I have no idea where it got started. Where did you hear it?”
“It was recorded in the version of events from the Purification.”
“Huh. Then it was given at that time by someone, or something, prior to that. I remember Lord Vygon saying they had recorded it that way, but figured it was told to him from somewhere else.”
“I don’t know, it could be,” said Darius.
Dr. Snowden enjoyed the small amount of time he spent with Zed and Darius before moving to Jake, Robert, Emily, and V.
Robert waved a hand around. “This is incredible. An alien planet. It’s … just … vast.”
“Yeah, it’s cool,” said Jake. “Not my first alien planet, but I’ve heard about this as long as I can remember, growing up with Jells.”
“There’s a whole other set of worlds, civilizations, and … I … I can’t even fathom all that is possible. I wish I could study all this in person,” said Robert.
Dr. Snowden laid a hand on Robert’s arm. “Careful. You’re thinking like me now.”
“I guess I am. I was already intrigued by the Seceltor data banks at Lord Noskov’s base. Most of this was described, but it’s something else to see it in person. Evaran said we can stay the night. I’m … I’m going to see a sunrise on another planet.” His eyes misted.
Dr. Snowden understood the feeling of awe at seeing something new. He remembered seeing Earth for the first time from low Earth orbit. “And we’ll do it together.”
“Analysis. Do we say ‘on it’ or ‘let’s do this’?” asked V.
Emily and Jake shook their heads.
Dr. Snowden smiled as he swept his gaze around the room, soaking in the experience. “We can do both.”
Emily bounced around her seat in the command area of the Torvatta as it approached Fredoria. Evaran was going to meet with the emperor but wanted to stop by Fredoria first. He had promised a week on Fredoria as a vacation from the chaos on Earth. It had been a week since the meeting of the Kreagans and the Earth Ward. Trying to fit back into the routine they had before all this started was difficult. This was just the break she wanted.
Dr. Snowden eyed her. “Do we need seat belts?”
V hovered near Emily. “Analysis. I do not think they are required.”
Dr. Snowden shook his head. “I meant, she’s been excited all morning.”
“Well … yeah. We get to see Andia and Rakar!” said Emily.
“I am sure they are anxious to see you again as well,” said Evaran. “At least as far as I could tell from when I contacted them.”
“A lot has changed since then,” said Dr. Snowden. He glanced at Evaran. “You wanted us to immerse ourselves back into our routine. I think a trip to Fredoria is doing just that. It seems like every adventure from there has been hectic and chaotic, but helping the Fredorians achieve their destiny was the kicker.”
“An interesting perspective,” said Evaran.
“Analysis. They may not recognize my new form.”
“I think they’ll adjust,” said Dr. Snowden. “What may surprise them is how much you’ve changed in terms of personality since the last time they saw you.”
V’s lights glowed a bit brighter.
The Torvatta landed on a landing pad in a compound.
“We are here,” said Evaran. “Andia has sent me a note that they are on their way out.”
Emily jumped out of her seat and rushed to the exit. After everything that had happened since their adventure on Fredoria, she wanted some personal time with someone she knew on an intimate level. She turned her head as she heard Dr. Snowden laughing.
They caught up to her and exited the Torvatta together.
Emily’s eyes burst wide open as she saw Andia and Rakar. She ran up to Rakar and hugged him tight. He had on a light-armor suit like she remembered, and his purple skin, prominent cone on the back of his head, and familiar face comforted her.
“Someone’s glad to see us,” said Rakar.
She stepped back. “It’s great to see you.” Her eyes ravaged Andia. She had on an elegant, advanced-looking white two-piece suit. Her hair was put in in a bun behind her head, and her pale skin, brunette hair, and blue eyes were just as Emily remembered. Her heartbeat ramped up, and her palms began to sweat. She was not sure what to expect as she walked up to hug Andia.
Andia embraced Emily for a few moments, then separated from her while looking into her eyes. She turned and smiled at Dr. Snowden. “It’s good to see you all.” She hugged Dr. Snowden and then Evaran.
Rakar slapped hands with Dr. Snowden and then shook hands with Evaran.
V flew forward and raised a segmented arm.
Rakar wrinkled his eyebrows.
“High five.”
Dr. Snowden simulated two hands slapping together. “It
just means to pat each other’s hands.”
“An Earthborn custom. I’m familiar with it, but was not expecting it from V,” said Rakar. He high-fived V.
Andia smiled as she high-fived V. “It’s good to see you, V, and I like your new design.”
“I have been working out,” said V.
Andia wrinkled her eyebrows.
“V was making a joke,” said Emily.
“Analysis. I am still working on humor.”
“Oh. Well, I like it,” said Andia with a grin. “So … what brings you out here? And you want to stay for a week?”
“We do. Can we speak privately inside?” asked Evaran.
“Of course,” said Andia. She grabbed Emily’s hand and led the way inside.
Everyone except for Evaran took a seat on the various advanced-looking couches and chairs.
“The room is secure,” said Andia.
“Excellent,” said Evaran. He raised two fingers. “There are two issues that need to be dealt with. The first deals with Palisin-energy-based equipment that Seeros Industries is in possession of. I need every piece that was ever produced to be collected and then brought to me. It has been used three times now against me. Once by Krikus Det, another in 3014, and more recently during an event on Earth. I want to remove that threat.”
“Seeros Industries is currently being investigated,” said Rakar. “Andrax, an Ildoran, is now running things. I’ll see what I can do.”
“You may need to involve the information broker for this,” said Evaran.
Rakar and Andia nodded.
“What’s the second issue,” said Andia.
Evaran pointed at V, then interacted with his ARI.
V shot down a projection of Blake Brown.
Emily noted that the sides of Blake’s pale head were shaved and a crop of hair was spiked up top. His eyes glowed blue, and he wore a battle suit similar to what she had seen Lord Noskov wear before.
“This is Blake Brown,” said Evaran. “He is a Daedrould and was a loyal disciple of one of my close friends. He was exiled from Earth recently to avoid a war.” He glanced at Rakar. “You are forming the Fredorian Rangers. He would be an excellent candidate.”