Heretic

by Philip C. Quaintrell

  “There’s a lot of people giving orders on my ship that’s not me.” Roland moved the Rackham out in order to get a better view of both the Marillion and the cube.

  After a dialogue was opened between the Highclave’s ship and the Rackham, Telarrek’s calming voice eventually filled the bridge. “...The crew of the Sentinel has been evacuated onto the Marillion. We have lost many lives today.”

  “You sound a little banged up yourself. What about the Highclave?” Li’ara asked.

  “They are safe on the capital,” Telarrek replied. “High Charge Uthor has agreed to use the Marillion to house the occupants aboard the Paladin - for transportation means.”

  “I'm sure the Highclave will love that…” Li’ara wondered if the Novaarian could hear the smile in her tone. “Does the High Charge have anything in mind for our new friend?”

  There was a pause on Telarrek’s end. “Contact has been made.”

  Li’ara could tell from the surrounding expressions that she was not the only one surprised by this. “What’s going on, Telarrek?”

  “Docking coordinates are being provided,” the Novaarian replied mysteriously. “Both you and the Paladin are to land inside the Marillion. Docking procedures are being readied for the cube.”

  The frequency went dead before anyone could ask more questions. Li’ara didn't like Telarrek’s tone. There was a sadness to it that spoke of something worse than any injuries sustained aboard the Sentinel. She looked to Roland who was shaking his head dramatically.

  “There’s no way I’m landing the Rackham inside the most secure, roided-out ship in the entire Conclave fleet!”

  “Roland…” Li’ara didn't have the energy.

  “I might never get back out!” he continued to protest.

  The cube glided by the viewport, wiping away the horizon of stars, and moved ever closer to the Marillion.

  Li’ara had to know what was going on. “We need answers. We didn't come this far to run away and hide. We need to build-”

  “Not another speech! Please!” Roland held up his hands. “Future, trust blah blah blah.” The bounty hunter rotated the Rackham to face the golden ship. “I miss the days when I could just shoot stuff…”

  Chapter 26

  Li’ara had no idea where the Paladin or the cube were going to dock within the golden orb, but she was happy to get out of Roland’s smelly ship. On the other end of the spectrum, the Marillion was larger than life in almost every way. The corridors they were escorted through were just as tall as any inside a Novaarian ship, with walkways ascending the sleek surfaces. There was evidence of damage in several areas, with technical engineers seeing to repairs and medical personnel tending to the injured.

  One of the most terrifyingly armed vessels in the fleet had been savagely beaten in a single encounter. For all the Conclave’s advancements, the enemy was simply stronger.

  The Gomar followed behind Roland and herself, Malekk floating in the middle, unconscious. Ch’len waddled at the back, visibly sweating inside his miniature forcefield. The wide open spaces of the Marillion was his worst nightmare, but the ship’s security force had denied his request to stay aboard the Rackham.

  Roland glanced back at Malekk. “He’s definitely out, right? Because you guys kind of dropped the ball earlier…”

  Li’ara hit him in the arm. “They saved everyone aboard the Sentinel, you moron.”

  The bounty hunter shrugged in that really annoying way that got under Li’ara’s skin.

  After several Translifts and even a trip inside a small transport, the group finally found themselves outside the main bridge. Li’ara had a feeling they had only seen a fraction of the ship’s interior and their particular path had been deliberately long, avoiding the more sensitive areas.

  The bridge was surprisingly modest, but there was a good chance the Highclave never visited this section of the Marillion. High Charge Uthor and Charge Ilo turned to greet them, though Ilo was limping with a medical brace wrapped around her thigh. Both of the aliens looked to have taken a knock, with Uthor sporting a nasty gash, above his right eye, stained golden with his unique Raalakian blood. Ilo’s blue face was bruised and marred with smaller cuts.

  “What’s going on?” Li’ara didn't have time for the pleasantries. “Where’s Telarrek? Whats happening with that ship?” She looked around as if the answers would suddenly become apparent.

  Vox stepped forward. “Where’s the Vanguard?”

  Uthor looked from Li’ara to Vox and hesitated. His black eyes finally looked beyond all of them and settled on something in the entrance to the bridge.

  “Naydaalan was injured in the jump…”

  Li’ara knew that voice as if it were her own. No words reached her lips and a small gasp prevented her from taking another breath. She turned around and watched the group of Gomar part in the middle, revealing the figure in the doorway.

  Kalian stood, adorned in his Terran armour, with that boyish grin pushing at his cheeks. “He’ll survive, but he can't leave the Medder right now. Telarrek is with him.”

  Li’ara heard everything he said, but she couldn't entirely process it all. It didn't matter anyway, as Kalian strode across the bridge and almost picked her up in his tight embrace. No words passed between them, nor could they, with their lips so firmly locked together. They shared a single kiss that conveyed everything they had wanted to say to each other. Kalian was thankful more than anything that she was alive, while Li’ara was just happy to let go and finally give in to the feelings she had buried under so many layers of duty and obligation.

  Their embrace lasted longer than it should and Li’ara became aware of the many eyes watching them. She had Kalian’s face fixed between her hands, as he pulled her in, refusing to let go.

  I love you…

  Li’ara opened her eyes, sure that Kalian had just spoken directly into her mind. It was a form of communication she wasn't used to with him. Somehow it felt more intimate than when Sef spoke to her as if Kalian’s voice was almost her own. Li’ara pulled away and kissed him one last time with a tender touch, savoring the sensation.

  Uthor cleared his throat, which was not so subtle when his voice box was that of two rocks grinding together. The pair separated but remained at each other's side with an intimate proximity.

  “What happened to Naydaalan?” There was so much Li’ara wanted to talk about, but the thought of Naydaalan being injured was distracting.

  “It’s complicated. The jump was a particularly taxing one - not all of him agreed with it. It’s nothing a medder can't fix, though.”

  Uthor interjected, “You stated earlier that you used a Starforge.”

  “We did, but it was old…”

  Kalian was lying. Li’ara could see it, even if nobody else did.

  “It’s good to see you, kid.” Roland hadn't quite found the smile on his face.

  Li’ara was aware of the last time both men had been face to face. Kalian had come close to killing the bounty hunter, believing that Roland’s gung-ho attitude was responsible for her supposed death.

  Kalian stepped forward and offered his hand with a genuine smile to match. “It’s good to see you too. Thank you…” Kalian glanced at Li’ara. “You didn't give up and I should have believed you. I’m sorry about…” He gestured to his throat, but Roland waved it away and the two embraced arms.

  “It looks like you brought some toys back with you.” Roland was happy to move on.

  Uthor’s wide frame interrupted them. “A reunion is in order, but I am afraid we do not have the luxury of chatting. The Vanguard was not defeated.”

  Li’ara looked to Kalian for some explanation, except he was fixed on the Gomar. At first glance, he appeared to be measuring them up, but Li’ara could see what was really happening. They were talking to each other. It annoyed her that she had been excluded from the silent conversation, but there was also the chance that they were swapping information on a level and at a speed she couldn't comprehend. A similar ex
change had taken place between Kalian and Esabelle shortly after the incident with the starrillium, aboard the Nova.

  Kalian blinked, which apparently ended the silent conversation. Many of the Gomar looked at each other with varying expressions of confusion and revelation. Either way, collectively they didn't appear happy.

  “Before we docked,” Kalian said, “our scanners detected the Vanguard emerging from sub-space in orbit above the sun. It’s engines are damaged, for now. If we don't act soon it will repair and disappear to plan its next attack.”

  “Where did you even get that ship?” Roland asked, referring to the cube.

  “It’s not exactly a ship…” Kalian looked from the Gomar to Li’ara. “Much like the smaller cubes, it’s a housing unit for sentient nanocelium. In this case, it’s ALF’s housing unit.”

  “What?” There was a lot more Li’ara wanted to say and ask, but that was all she could do to fit them all into a single question.

  “ALF’s one of them?” Roland already appeared relaxed, leaning against one of the bridge consoles.

  Kalian replied with a tired smile. As always there was an air of mystery that clung to him. She had missed that when they first met, on Earth. Now he was perhaps the most interesting person who had ever lived. It wasn't this intrigue or his incredible power that made her want to kiss him again, but everything else about him. It was obvious he felt the same way about her, but there was another look on his face - the burden of responsibility and duty. Whatever had happened on the other side of the galaxy, it seemed Kalian still felt the weight of humanity on his shoulders.

  How could she not love him?

  “I have a lot to tell you and I promise I will - all of it. But right now we need to destroy the Vanguard while it's weak. We might not get another chance.”

  “You have a plan…” Li’ara could see it in his eyes. Hope…

  Kalian just wanted to stay with Li’ara and hold her in his arms. Walking away from her, even just a few metres, was an effort. There was so much he wanted to say and ask, but they didn't have the time - the Vanguard drew stronger every second. Fighting the urge to abandon everything and be with Li’ara, Kalian approached the Gomar and stood before Malekk’s floating body.

  The Gomar closed in, concealing Malekk while presenting Kalian with a solid wall of nanocelium armour and aggressive expressions. They didn't trust him. He had parted with most of his memories, allowing all twelve of the Gomar to see and feel what he had during his time in the Terran Empire, but his time with ALF had them on edge. Kalian had felt their collective derision at the thought of being operated on by the AI or voluntarily stepping inside the super subconducer. They considered him tainted, as well as inexperienced. They were all veterans of war, not to mention a couple of hundred thousand years older.

  Kalian could feel the truth in all of them, however. They were still in shock, trying to decide whether he was telling them the truth regarding Evalan and the real origins of them all. The idea that they had all been created by an infected alter-ego of ALF was painful for most of them. They had been created to spark unrest and war, and they had done just that. They felt used and Savrick had only ever taught them to lash out and fight. Right now, Kalian could sense their need to destroy, as if they were no more than children who didn't know how to control their emotions.

  Sef was different to the rest, stood in the centre, blocking any view of Malekk. The mute was still a blunt force to be reckoned with, but his time with Esabelle, aboard the Gommarian, had taught him patience. Like Kalian, Sef had compartmentalised what he needed in order to focus on the now, and right now, they all had a common enemy.

  “Release him,” Kalian said, softly.

  A woman with half a head of red hair stepped in his way. “That wouldn't be wise. It’s taking all of us just to keep him sedated. You don't want to see what he can do when he’s awake.”

  Kalian knew her name to be Vox, that much had been clear during their brief link. “I’m more than aware of his capabilities.” The last time he had faced Malekk, the infected Terran had beaten him almost to death after killing Esabelle. “But you must release him.” Kalian directed his words at Sef, aware of the big man’s leadership among the Gomar.

  Sef remained telepathically silent for a moment, weighing Kalian up. Finally, the blond giant stepped aside, taking the rest of the Gomar with him. They visibly protested but didn't deny their leader.

  “Be ready…” Vox said to the others.

  Kalian noticed Roland’s hands fall to his Tri-rollers and several security personnel level their weapons. Uthor and Ilo stepped back, gesturing for the bridge staff to follow suit. Only Li’ara remained where she was, calm and relaxed.

  The Gomar released their hold on Malekk and Kalian took control, lowering him to his knees and telekinetically keeping him upright. Within seconds of gaining his freedom, the infected Terran began to rouse. Eyes, as black as oil, opened against a pale face of dark veins and piercing strands of nanocelium. His twisted expression of anger and hate consumed his features, until Kalian placed a single hand to the side of his head, resting his thumb on Malekk’s forehead.

  “Hello, Malekk…” Kalian whispered.

  His face of rage melted away, along with the dark veins and black eyes - even some of his colour returned to his cheeks. A sense of calm fell across Malekk’s face as if he were emerging from a pool and taking his first breath. The Terran’s current state only lasted a few seconds before the nanocelium crept back and the whites of his eyes disappeared behind a black veil. Frustration and anger returned just as quickly as it disappeared, but Kalian had seen all he needed. A single thought shut Malekk down, returning him to a comatose state. If only he had been in command of such power when they last met, maybe then Esabelle would be alive.

  Kalian stood back and let Malekk collapse to the floor. The Gomar couldn't stop looking from him to Malekk, curiosity and awe filling their minds. They were powerful - Kalian could feel this - but their abilities were unrefined. They were weapons, nothing more. This would have to change.

  “How did you do that?” Vox spoke for the group.

  “It isn't beyond you, any of you,” Kalian replied, honestly.

  “What are you going to do?” Li’ara asked.

  “I need to take him back to ALF’s ship.” Kalian raised his hand and Malekk’s body lifted off the ground. “I just had to be sure there was still something of the old Malekk in there.”

  “What can we do?” Uthor rested a hand on the closest chair, masking the pain in one of his four legs.

  “Follow the cube and be ready to fire everything you have.” Kalian made for the door with Malekk floating in tow.

  “It seems pretty immune to explosions,” Roland offered, halting Kalian’s stride.

  “I hate agreeing with him,” Li’ara said, “but he’s right, Kalian. We hit the Vanguard with everything we have…”

  Kalian tilted Malekk to better look at him. “We haven't used everything.” He wanted to tell them that ALF had the idea, but that wouldn't sit well with everyone, especially the Gomar, so he continued to pretend as if it was his plan. “I’m going to plug Malekk into the Vanguard. The integration will infect its nanocelium and create chaos - that’s when you strike.”

  It was obvious that his explanation wasn't satisfactory. Multiple questions presented themselves across the variety of human and alien faces. Divulging the true extent to some of his new powers wasn't something Kalian wanted to get into right now; some things were better kept a secret.

  “We’re their weakness,” he explained. “I don't know why yet, but we’re like a disease to them. The nanocelium is…” There was too much to say with the time he had. “That’s why they want to wipe us out before coming here. The nanocelium binds them all together, it enslaves them, but when they integrate with us it sets them free, like ALF. They’re a race that hasn't known freedom since longer than we can know; they don't know what to do with it, it makes them... crazy. This confusion is the opportu
nity we will exploit to destroy the Vanguard.”

  He could tell it wasn't enough, that everyone wanted more, especially Uthor, who would have to report all this to the Highclave, but there just wasn't time.

  “Have all your ships ready,” Li’ara reiterated Kalian’s request to Uthor. “We’re coming with you,” she said, gesturing to Roland.

  “We are?” The bounty hunter stood up.

  “Yes.” Li’ara wasn't to be questioned. “You’re going to need to get in and out after plugging him in. The Rackham is the best option.”

  “You can follow the cube, but I’m going alone.” Kalian could see the instant concern spread across Li’ara’s beautiful face. “ALF has the technology to get me inside the Vanguard, as well as the machine I’ll need to connect Malekk to its insides.”

  “He has the technology to get you out as well, right?” Li’ara had come to stand in front of him now.

  “Don't worry, I’ve gotten out of worse. Remember when the Helion was dropped on my head?”

  Li’ara was quick to reply, “I remember ALF dropping it on your head…”

  Kalian smiled in hopes of comforting her. “Then stay close, but not too close,” he looked to Uthor, “I’m expecting some pretty big fireworks.”

  Uthor puffed out his thick chest. “If you can provide us with the opening, Mr. Gaines, then we will make certain this Vanguard falls into the sun.”

  Kalian squeezed Li’ara’s hand before turning to leave. He would see her again, he was sure of it.

  Chapter 27

  It was only minutes before Uthor had the remains of the fleet organised and ready to follow the cube into the heart of the Arakesh solar system. Kalian could feel them all, beyond the cube’s walls, trailing them at a safe distance. The Rackham was the closest, though Kalian wasn't too happy about it. If everything went to plan, there was going to be a very big bang or worse; the Vanguard would prove immune to their machinations and retaliate, killing them all. Still, Li’ara’s proximity bolstered him, giving him the confidence he desperately desired. Only he and ALF knew the details of this particular jump - and neither was sure it was possible.