Into the Fire Part II: To End All Wars (Universe in Flames Book 10)

by Christian Kallias

  “I’m sorry, but that, too, calls for a celebration! I won’t take no for an answer, pints, ale, now!”

  “Alright, very well, my friend, but just a couple of them.”

  “We’ll see about that.”

  Admiral Neeva was standing in front of the viewport of his destroyer looking at the abyss, his hands behind his back. Today had seen the fall of everything that constituted his world. Furies died by the millions, Erevos had been destroyed, and almost everyone he knew and held dear had been slain.

  Neeva still couldn’t believe the reality of his life at this point in time. Gazing at the stars and the nebula in front of him, he felt utterly alone, disconnected from everything he had ever known. The visceral pain of it all scarring his heart for eternity. While flames of revenge would fuel that same heart until its last beat.

  He turned and faced his crew. The last remaining Furies, a race without a planet, without roots. He looked at every one of them before speaking.

  “We are the last of our kind. I’ve considered trying to mount an attack on the Earth Alliance, but we can’t afford to die needlessly here today. There’s nothing one ship, no matter how advanced this prototype ship is, can do against the Earth Alliance. Today has been the worst day of our lives. We’ve lost our world, our leader, but we will never lose our resolve. We shall survive, and whether it takes us a decade, a century, or millennia, we will rise again.”

  Chase was holding one of Sarah’s sweaters in his hands. Her scent still caressing his nostrils and bringing back happier memories. The kind Chase couldn’t deal with right now. At least Gaia had managed to stabilize the energy buildup the Victory was experiencing before the end, and so Chase could go over Sarah’s possessions and keep them safe, until one day, hopefully, she would return. The upgrades that allowed the Victory to shred the enemy fleets to pieces were gone. Still, Chase was thankful they didn’t have to abandon everything to flee the ship. And even though the ship was quite new, there were memories here, mementos and in this room, especially, he could still sense her presence.

  Athena burst into his quarters without even ringing first.

  “Where’s your father? I have a bone to pick with him!”

  Chase was surprised that Athena didn’t yet know what had happened.

  “You’d better sit down for this.”

  Athena noticed the solemn expression on his face.

  “What?” said Athena, her voice trembling. “You’re scaring me, Son, what happened?”

  “I’m sorry. We’ve lost Menelas.”

  Chase explained everything that she had missed. After many tears and a warm embrace, Athena delicately passed her hand through her son’s hair.

  “I can’t believe he’s gone. And I’m so sorry about Sarah.”

  Chase could sense she was feeling guilty about something.

  “What is it, Mom? What’s on your mind?”

  Athena got up and walked to the viewport window.

  “Never mind, Chase, why rehash the past, it wouldn’t make any difference now. I just wish I had been there, you know. It’s the second time your father has disappeared and left me hanging.”

  “About that. I seriously doubt he survived the attack. I had never seen anything like it. I don’t want you to hold onto a false hope.”

  “That’s ironic you would say that, as you are in a similar position. But I know you, and I know your father. The two of you never know when to quit. As for hope, well, I choose to believe your father isn’t dead. Just as it’s clear you choose to believe you can still save Sarah.”

  The doorbell chimed.

  “Come in,” said Chase.

  Argos stepped inside.

  “See, Mother,” said Chase, “that’s how it’s done, just put your thumb on the control and then wait to be invited inside.”

  “Very funny!” said Athena.

  “Am I disturbing you? I can come back at another time,” proposed Argos.

  Athena walked to Argos and kissed him on the forehead. “No, Son, we were done talking for now. I have to prepare and get my things in order; I’m going with Poseidon in search of a new Olympus. But I’d like to see the both of you and my grandson before I go. Bye, for now.”

  “Bye, Mother, and thanks for the visit,” said Chase.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Bye,” added Argos.

  Athena left Chase’s quarters.

  “How are you holding up?” asked Argos.

  “I’ve been better. How’s Chris doing?”

  “He barely leaves Sarah’s side in med-bay. He’s pretty sad, and pissed, too.”

  “Yeah, he has every reason to be. I’m a terrible father.”

  “Don’t you dare say that, that’s not true.”

  “I know what you’re trying to do, Argos, and I’m thankful for it. But we both know I screwed up.”

  “Boy, looks like this is one lesson you’ll never learn. That’s a shame too because it looks like you need to.”

  Chase turned away and walked to the viewport, looking at Earth.

  “And what’s that?”

  “This was never your mission and yours alone. It was all of ours. I don’t like including myself in that group, I still think I don’t deserve the forgiveness and love I’ve received from both you and Chris. But that’s beside the point. We were a team, all of us, including every single soldier from the Alliance. Many lost their lives in the attack.”

  “I am aware,” said Chase coldly.

  “You say the words, but it feels like you’re not in alignment with them. You didn’t fail Sarah, and you didn’t fail your son.”

  “Is that why he’s in med-bay while you’re here?”

  “That’s not fair. I understand that you think that right now it’s best to give Chris some space, and I’m sure he’ll come around, eventually. But don’t give him too much space, Chase, remind him his father is around and loves him.”

  “I do love him, and I do love you too. I just…”

  Chase put both hands on the cold glass and saw his own tears flow down a face he couldn’t stand to look at. Argos came behind him and gently placed his hand on his shoulder.

  “You’re not alone, Chase. I’m here for you, today, and always. No matter how hard things get, I’ll always be there for you. I hope you know that.”

  Chase put his hand on Argos’.

  “Thank you, I appreciate it. I’m sorry I’m not exactly fun to talk to right now.”

  “Don’t fret, Brother, it’s understandable. Would you like to talk about it now, or as I suspect, would you like me to leave you alone?”

  “I’m looking forward to talking more with you, but you’re right, for the time being, I think I’d prefer the solitude.”

  Argos affectionately clapped Chase’s back twice. “Okay, Brother, I’ll see you later.”

  Chase stood there, looking at the planet below and the distant stars without answering, without even realizing the passing of time.

  Epilogue

  One Year Later

  Earth Alliance Headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand.

  Keera laughed. “Good one, Tar’Lock. See, you do have a sense of humor.”

  Tar’Lock clicked joyfully. “Well, the Earth Alliance sure knows how to throw a party.”

  “It’s not every day that we celebrate the anniversary of the defeat of the Furies. It does call for a celebration.”

  “If you ask me,” said Daniel, before taking a sip of wine, ”I can’t wait to go back to my ship. I don’t know what it is, but I guess my heart belongs to the stars.”

  Keera raised her glass, “I’ll drink to that.”

  “You’ll drink to anything,” said Tar’Lock.

  “Oh? Are we being a grumpy Gorgar today?” said Keera. “He’s not wrong, though.”

  It looked like Tar’Lock was about to answer when his gaze caught someone coming their way. Tar’Lock saw Ryonna holding hands with Altair. When their gaze met, she discreetly let go of the Emperor’s hand. Tar’
Lock’s eyes watered, and he quickly excused himself.

  “What’s with him?” said Daniel.

  “He’s having a hard time with all the changes.”

  “Aren’t we all?”

  “He’ll be fine. I’ll check on him later.”

  Ryonna and Altair approached them.

  “Hello, you two, it’s good to see you,” said Altair.

  “Hello, my friends,” said Ryonna. “It’s been too long.”

  Keera raised her glass. “I’ll drink to that, too.”

  “Shocker,” said Daniel with a chuckle. “It’s good to see the both of you. I must commend you on your tastes, Altair. This party is great. But I thought you were giving the speech?”

  “I am, but I still have a few minutes before that happens. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say hi to my old friends.”

  Daniel looked from side to side as if he were looking for someone in particular.

  “Where are they?” he said with a smirk.

  Ryonna laughed.

  “Now that!” said Daniel pointing at Keera, “is worth a drink.”

  Keera finished her glass and burped. “Excuse me, it’s all these tiny bubbles. I love champagne. Anybody wants me to brink them back a drink? No? Well, your loss, I’ll be right back.”

  “She seems in a very good mood,” said Ryonna.

  “I guess it’s good just letting go and not worrying about whether or not we’ll still be alive the next day,” commented Daniel.

  “I remember those days, and I’m also glad they’re behind us. I should probably prepare for the speech. Daniel, it’s been great seeing you again, I’ll give you a call in the morning. There’s a position I might need your help with.”

  “Now I’m going to spend all night wondering what that is. Does it at least come with a promotion?”

  Altair smiled. “It might.” He walked away to prepare for his speech.

  “How have you been, Ryonna? Or should I say, Ambassador?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Daniel. I’ve been fine, there’s been a lot of work to rebuild Droxia, but the worst is over and getting the Ambassador position allows me to spend more time on Earth too, so, all in all, can’t complain. How have you been?”

  “I’m doing fine, thanks for asking. So how long have the two of you been together?”

  Ryonna was drinking from her glass and almost spilled it on the ground.

  “I— I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Daniel raised an eyebrow. “I see. Then by all means, never mind my question,” he said with a playful smile.

  “Any news from Chase? I haven’t seen him around.”

  “I wouldn’t count on it either if I were you,” said Daniel, frowning. “Not many people have seen him this past— well, year, really.”

  “I was so sad to learn what happened to Sarah and his father.”

  “Yeah, the price of victory is sometimes high. But in Chase’s case, I don’t think he sees the end of the war as a victory. This party would probably be a painful reminder of what he’s lost.”

  “I take it that he hasn’t had any leads on a treatment for Sarah?”

  “There’s been a couple of them, but they didn’t pan out. What he needs to do is grieve and try to move on, but who am I that he should listen to me?”

  “I thought you were his best friend.”

  “I was being sarcastic. But if you see him, maybe you can remind him of that.”

  “I’m sorry, Daniel. Put yourself in his shoes, though.”

  “I have, and if he needs time, then time I will give him. I’m just worried, with his obsessive-compulsive nature that I may be long dead before he decides enough time has passed. Not everyone is immortal, some of us have a finite amount of time at our disposal.”

  Ryonna nodded. “Sorry, I’m a little distracted. Have you seen Tar’Lock around anywhere?”

  “Yeah, he was with us until just before you showed up, in fact. He went that way,” said Daniel pointing to her left. “God knows why. Besides a small balcony, there’s not much out there.”

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go see if I can find him. It was great seeing you again, Daniel. I’m sure Chase thinks of you every day.”

  “Sure,” said Daniel with a forced smile. “It was great seeing you too, Ryonna.”

  Tar’Lock was looking at the full moon when he heard footsteps behind him.

  “Tar’Lock?” she asked tentatively.

  “Ryonna,” answered Tar’Lock coldly.

  “Would you have a minute for us to talk? I won’t take much of your time.”

  He turned around and looked at her for the longest time before answering.

  “I’m sorry, Ryonna. Perhaps one day, but not tonight.”

  He walked past her and returned inside.

  Ryonna exhaled deeply. Fair enough.

  “Why is it that every time there’s a party, we four end up together, stay in a corner like a bunch of geeks, and don’t talk to anyone?” asked Yanis.

  “We are geeks,” said Cedric, “for one. And I would be less worried about who we talk or don’t talk to, but whether or not we’ll get some recognition for our efforts in the war.”

  Kvasir’s tattoos stayed stoically at medium brightness. “Why would we care if they mention us? We did what we had to do, that should be enough. I, for one, am very happy to spend the evening with my friends. That’s all the recognition I require.”

  “Why did I ask an Asgardian?” said Yanis. “I should have known better.”

  “What are your thoughts on the subject,” Cedric turned to Spiros.

  But he was distracted, looking at the main ballroom.

  “Spiros?”

  Eventually, upon hearing his name, he turned his head. “What? What was the question?”

  “Somebody was deep in thought,” said Yanis.

  “Or checking out a broad, more likely,” said Cedric with a wink.

  “Alright, you caught me. A little of both. I was just looking at that woman over there. Her hair reminds me of Gaia, and well, that sent me somewhere else.”

  Cedric looked at the woman. “You’re right, she does look like her a little. Maybe you should introduce yourself?”

  Spiros shook his head. “No. I’m not done grieving. I miss her every day. Today more than most.”

  Kvasir rested his hand on his friend’s back.

  “I’m sorry, Spiros, it must be difficult for you to enjoy a party that happens to be the anniversary of your loss.”

  Spiros quickly wiped a forming tear.

  “It is what it is, but like Kvasir, I’m really happy to see all my friends. Let’s not reminisce about old wounds, but instead tell me about what you’ve all been doing.”

  “I’m glad you asked,” said Yanis before speaking of his new position at headquarters.

  “Booooring,” said Cedric. “I’ll see you guys later.”

  “Where are you going?” asked Kvasir.

  “I’m gonna see if I can get laid, I’ll catch you guys later,” said Cedric pointing finger gun hands at his mates. “Wish me luck.”

  “Good luck, old dog,” said Yanis. “Once you’ve crashed and burned enough, you know where to find us.”

  They all laughed.

  “I can’t believe he’s not here, of all days,” said Chris with no small quantity of bitterness in his voice.

  “I understand you’re disappointed, Chris, but give your dad some time.”

  “We’re way past disappointed, Uncle, and you know it. She is my mother. Why does he think he’s the only one suffering?”

  “He’s had a hard time dealing with it.”

  “How would you know? You haven’t seen him that much in the last few months.”

  “I think because we’re twins, I can feel your father no matter where he is.”

  “Some father. He’s never around. I wish you were my father. Chase and I have nothing in common.”

  “Don’t you ever say that, Chris. He deserves bet
ter than that. He’s just suffering, and perhaps you should try and mend that fence. I think he needs you more than you’re willing to admit to yourself.”

  “You say that as if I haven’t tried. Why can’t he be the one trying to get in touch? Why am I the one that had to try every time?”

  “You know that’s not what I mean, but it’s been over six months since you called him.”

  Chris raised his soda. “Here’s to six more.”

  “I’ll tell you this, you’re more like him than you’re willing to admit.”

  “Whatever.”

  Altair advanced to the podium.

  “Thank you all for coming here tonight. To the first Remembrance Anniversary. I’ve been told everyone is enjoying the food and drinks.”

  The crowd cheered.

  “One year ago to the day most of us were aboard ships, fighting a terrible war. We’ve lost friends, families, entire civilizations. I thought we should acknowledge and remember those we’ve lost. So, let’s take a moment and honor them in silence.”

  After a minute, Altair continued.

  “Thank you. Tonight isn’t about old wounds, sad stories, what we’ve lost. Tonight, we stand here, as a strong Alliance, people from all corners of the known galaxies, reunited to pay tribute to the end of the Fury War but also to look ahead, to make sure we learn from the past and don’t ever let ourselves be put in the same situation ever again.

  “The Earth Alliance has grown beyond my wildest dreams in the last few months. We now have forty members with the Gorgar finally accepting our invitation. I’m grateful for that, as it was a rocky start. With their help, in the last two months we’ve finished the jump gate network. Now every space-faring ship in the Earth Alliance can jump, no longer giving an unfair advantage to races able to build hyperspace engines. I think that alone will strengthen our Alliance and our hope for a well-deserved and, hopefully, long-lasting peace.”

  The crowd applauded for a few moments.

  “Many of you know that while Earth has always been good to us, we wanted to move the headquarters to a more central location. Earth is at the far end of the Earth Alliance territory. There have been discussions whether the new headquarters should be located on Droxia or even Alpha Prime. After months of deliberation, a simpler solution came to me, and the council has approved it unanimously. Our new headquarters won’t be located on any planet. To symbolize our union, and to centralize our efforts of peace, we’ve decided to build a space station that will serve as both our headquarters but also be a hub for commerce, as well as diplomacy. The construction of the yet to be named station will start in the next coming days. It is my hope that next year, we celebrate Remembrance Day there.”