“I can answer it now that I have had time to study White Blossom’s memory she shared with Renee.” Oliver spoke in his ever soothing baritone voice. “When I was Mantiv, let there be no doubt now that two separate races without contact called me such, I called it a fourth dimensional entity. White Blossom cannot possibly understand such complex implications. It is too technical for her to comprehend. Her strengths lie elsewhere.
“This creature is from hyperspace like we are from this space.” Oliver pointed at the table as a reference. “We have proven there are different levels of space. We use three quite regularly. Sub and hyperspace. I have already published sixteen other higher and lower spaces I’ve tapped into as everyone knows. It is the same with particles.
“Think of it this way. Put us as we are in hyperspace and another creature as subatomic particles and this space-time. I’ve already proven hyperspace is pure psionic electricity. And I mean pure. Imagine we feed on that energy, but come to the subatomic realm and find we cannot go back. But then there are lesser creatures chalk full of our food.” His explanation began to make sense as more and more got where he was heading. “If the creatures from hyperspace were hungry, the best place to eat would be those with the highest concentration of energy. They eat our chemical electricity. Our power. What you saw of Reten’s death was one hundred percent as I would expect to happen if we met a creature from the higher realms.
“It consumed Reten’s power as it passed her barrier and dove inside to start consuming, feasting on her abundant power. Yet I do not think it could tap into her Valek for some reason.
“And the worst issue to consider is it is a fourth dimensional entity. We in this universe are a mere three. It would be like a newborn Solarian child facing me. A child Renee our my daughters’ birth. That premature compared to Human births. That concentration of power cannot be contested with despite the invader’s odd appearance. If indeed it came from hyperspace and is a fourth dimensional creature, nothing I could make can do much more than stun it. I would need to be fourth dimensional or fifth to stand a chance, but if I did, I couldn’t live here. I would become just like them. A parasite that can’t be killed, but would just grow stronger with every kill.”
“But what about you saying… I mean Mantiv saying… about ruining their universe which I’m assuming is hyperspace as we know it?” The emperor spoke this time. “How could they do it and come down here to our space?”
“One of two options concerning how they got here and could survive that is. One is they made or use some unique ability to slip through space like we do in traveling. Hyperspace is chaotic and is why we can only survive for a few nanoseconds to instantly travel across space. Why we use a barrier when crossing subspace in FTL. We personally can’t survive long term in those spaces, but we tap into them all the time. Either the invaders came down to our space or some idiot left an open hyperspace window somewhere and didn’t close it right away before a flock came down and caused havoc that doomed my people.
“The Creelin who wanted me to open in ignorance are fools.” He looked up, knowing full well an Observer was relaying his words far and wide. “We cannot contend with higher entities, had I known from the start I would never have gone so far in recovering the artifacts. I’m thoroughly disappointed in the Creelin leadership. Once your people figure out how to deal with the fools, we will discuss how to mend the trust you have broken to not only me, but the humans who look up to you for guidance as Elders. Wanting to use a weapon to harm a fourth dimensional creature from the third is folly. The only weapon is to become our enemies and become worse. Repeating a mistake is stupid in the most extreme word possible.”
No one spoke, some fearing Creelin retaliation, but eventually the emperor asked “Oliver, if there was a way to return these creatures back home, could you do it and hold hope for your people?”
“Let me ask if you could drink all of Earth’s water to the very last drop without killing yourself?”
“Eh, point taken.” Makeese held up his hands. “Then if you believe it is that dangerous I say leave well enough alone. And as Emperor of the entire Empire I at this moment outlaw any research into opening dimensional rifts and must unfortunately enact that all rescue of the Solarian people be called off. They are lost until the day someone comes up with a foolproof plan to send these creatures back to where they belong. Any attempt to open a portal is punishably by death. All technical documents must be destroyed, but not the idea. We must not repeat or endanger the future of our universe for the sake of one race why is most likely gone forever. But we shall never forget what they did. Their sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love as I have ever seen. I ask for a moment of silence for everyone to remember them for the memory they leave behind and the future they saved being so selfless and hope that we too can one day show such honor if we too face such odds.”
Between two galaxies and outlying colonies the whole Empire came to a silent stop. Never in all of the Empire’s history could there be such silence. Even young children seemed to understand the importance and didn’t make a peep.
After five minutes of this passed Markeese ended the tie of quiet “Thank you all for watching. Very soon you will watch the first aired feast with a Keptl Queen and hopefully our new ally against the scourge.” Amanda Lockwell turned off her floating cameras. “Shall we go?”
“Why not, but I’ve got to go grab something first. I’ve got a gift for her.” Said Oliver a he used the chip to open the nano-wall to the room and stepped outside.
“Gift? What kind of gift? Wondered the regal empress.” A glance to Renee had the redhead shrug, but the smirk ruined the notion she was oblivious to her man’s plan. “Well then I guess we should all be surprised. Queens from the Milky Way, what are your plans?”
Queen Hellen of Fire pursed her lips before saying “We’ll return to our homes to observe. No doubt these Feral Keptl will be amassing soon due to the increase of Psionic emanations of the Solarians of Andromeda. Since they control that space so densely you need to move fast. No doubt they are preparing or are already on their way to see what is going on and why your new discovery just gut a massive increase in power. I believe they cull White Blossom every decade to keep her prisoner so she can be controlled. With so many powers such as Andromeda has at its disposal, it won’t go unnoticed even if they wrap their power tightly. So we will observe and prepare for war. It will certainly happen when the Feral find out we’re intending to move White Blossom. We’ll have need of our new ships we were amassing for the portal. Now they’ll be used for something we know how to do battle.”
“Smart.” Isabella nodded as they all proceeded outside. “I hadn’t considered that yet. I’ll ready my fleet. Papa told me he wants to use the volcanic world where I and my sisters grew up before reshaping the shell of this city into a massive battleship for Her new home. It’s deep inside our space and easily defensible. I better start getting my boys and girls ready for some fun.” Bloodlust filled Isabella’s eyes and everyone could tell she loved to do battle. It was natural for a Terra Queen to love fighting.
Soifon bumped her sister’s hip. “Just don’t go overboard like you did on PXY-767. My people are still trying to fix that system and put those planets back together. Your people tend to go more overboard than mine. And that is saying something.”
“Yeah.” Isabella sighed dreamily. “It was such a great battle. Twenty Goliaths and eight Queens to face against my one ship. They never expected me to grab every planet in the system to knock them around before I let my boys finish the job.
The nostalgia in her tone had them all chuckling.
Oliver came running down the stairs with a package under an arm, his Pride having fun running with the master as they caught up to those staying in the throne room where Renee sat comfortably stroking one of Rose’s new children. A sapphire baby Drake that slept curled up in her lap, covering it entirely. Rose and Sparky now has six new youngsters to deal with and were very happy to do it. O
liver didn’t bother with asking where his children went. All other queens were no longer aboard.
Approaching the throne he found Renee staring at the screen scanning nearby space when suddenly the imperial flagship and a fleet of two hundred plus enormous battleships jumped into their space instantly. Renee’s voice carried. “See you boys finally made it. Are you ready to go? I’m sending coordinates now.”
Emperor Markeese appeared on the holographic display. “Got it, Queen Renee. All ships teleport on my mark.” He held up an antique Rolex wristwatch. Six seconds passed as everyone had time to prepare. “Mark.”
Renee’s Valek merely had to touch the indent in the armrest to control the massive city-ship and immediately the stars changed to also reveal a blue jewel of a planet. The emperor commanded the battleships form a blockade around the planet which they did after finding the goliaths moved over to give them space. White Blossom mentally touched many distant minds and soon as she was satisfied she was in no danger she allowed passage.
It took twenty minutes for the invited to teleport and gather on the planet’s surface. Emperor Markeese kept a hand on the hilt of his blade at every moment. He was cautious, but friendly. He didn’t make it as emperor all this time for being a fool. Especially with his beloved wife near their Tracker and Lisk guide leading them down a trail through the dark woods as night had fallen. Oliver rode comfortably on the back of Nova who’s massive paws padded silently across the ground like all other Ligers. Renee flew on Sparky overhead with the Emperor’s Drake Rider bodyguards.
Standing excitedly outside the hive in a well lit clearing with strange Keptl with glowing abdomen that looked like overgrown lightning bugs was White Blossom. Stretched over a long tentacle pushed up from the ground laid the feast promised along with every Human who had called this place home for over a century with those who remained from earlier. Queen Vikki stood beside White Blossom with Steven and a perched Visor watching everything like… well… a hawk.
“You came back and with so many new friends!” White Blossom’s voice carried as it always side and her big, silver glowing eyes were open and honest. “Come! Come! I’ve food ready.”
“Greetings Lady White Blossom. I’m the Leader of the Empire. Emperor Markeese Coleson and I’d like to start by saying it is a pleasure to meet you.”
The Keptl Queen cocked her head almost like a dog would. “So you are like Mativ’s brother then. You speak on behalf of your kind?”
“I do.” He inclined his head.
“Okay. Then enjoy company and a filling meal. Let’s get to know each other. I would still prefer any dealings are done with my old friends returned to me as new people we can renew bonds all over again.” She pointed to Renee and Oliver as they dismounted.
“I hold no objection to that. They are good at representing the will of my people for the good of all. But since this is a momentous occasion I feel it prudent you meet me as I’m sure our races will one day have a correspondence.”
“No.” White Blossom crossed he long arms. “Correspondence isn’t enough. I cannot accept mere words. I want relationships and friends. I want my brood to merge with your people. I cannot return to being alone again. Words sway too easily. We merge or you leave me to the claws of the Feral.”
“What do you mean by merge?” The Empress said as her husband tried to decipher how to respond.
“Sit and I tell my conditions.” White Blossom offered a hand and the ground churned to break open as seats appeared. Everyone sat down and waited. “Eat.”
Raw and cooked meat was the main course and since all except the original Raptor Marquis crew had Solarian gene therapy, eating raw meat wasn’t an issue. A quick scan showed nothing dangerous lingered inside. The Emperor reacted out and filled a plate with clearly different meats and a few steamed tubers resembling a carrot shaped potato. Everyone else followed the example. A Lisk slithered up and hissed, but not threatening way. In its claws was a large seed with a plug in the top. A gentle Psionic mind indicated it was a fermented liquid. Liquor. The Emperor’s scan said it was an exotic type of rum and wasn’t harmful, but it was strong. He accepted and held out an empty mug on the table. The Lisk gently pulled the plug with vicious teeth and carefully poured.
Renee used her chip to the orbiting city and teleported some of her father’s finest ale to the surface and personally filled White Blossom’s large bowl warning “My father brews strong alcohol so be careful. I do not know how it’ll react to your body chemistry so if you feel any effects…”
“Not to worry, My Friend. I enjoy strong rum my humans taught me how to make. I even produce pure alcohol in glands under my tongue to make fire. My Lisks all have it too.”
“You spit fire?” Someone asked and turned out to be Steven. “So Awesome!” he laughed.
“Can you give a demonstration?” asked Visor who chirped.
“Of course.” White Blossom didn’t move from her plush seating arrangement as she lifted her head back and the illuminating Keptl buzzing around parted before she spewed a twenty meter stream of bright blue flame from her jaw.
“How long have you had the ability? And why do you have it?” Oliver was curious about such a skill.
“I evolved the glands within a Human year when Franky showed me how hot this purified liquid burns.” One of the men down the row waved to indicate it was he who taught her how to ferment sugars. “It has been invaluable in many fights. As you know, my kind has tough shells my Human friends cannot make. Their flesh is weak, but you invent many wondrous things. When I found out how to make flame, it cooks the Feral in their own shells. And when laced with my sparks it kills the Feral no matter how well they evolve. It is a great weapon.”
“I’ve found it to be true too. I can mold my currents to make a plasma flame when I’ve faced Keptl in a few skirmishes.”
White Blossom leveled a look at her old friend and bristled. “They are not Keptl. I and my brood are Keptl. They Feral.”
“I apologize. I meant no disrespect and won’t make the same mistake.” White Blossom softened again.
“Accepted.” She tore a chunk of meat between sharp teeth.
“So where did this meat come from? I hope it isn’t from your brood.” The Emperor idly wondered.
Melanie laughed. “It’s mostly from aquatic Beasts since this world’s surface is eighty percent water. The purple meat come from giant eels that live in the ocean’s great depths with White Blossom’s Goliaths.”
“Ah, the same kind that thrive in Mereddia. Lots of meat there.” Oliver nodded, remembering the first time seeing them when locating the aquatic city near the core. “Delicious.”
Soon as everyone had their fill Emperor Coleson asked “You never explained about merging, White Blossom. Can you please elaborate your desires.”
“Why certainly.” He eyes flicked to a floating object among others she knew to be recording and transmitting everything that happened here. “Merging requires two indisputable and abiding ideas upon the highest honor. To break this honor is to invoke my wrath. From one supreme leader to another, if you agree and go back on your word, I get to eat you.” Many gasped at her straightforward nature. “As would I become your meal if I do not fulfill my two obligations. Knowing this, will you still continue to listen.”
“Until I hear your ironclad demands I will say neither yes or no so long as you do not eat me if I decline.”
“If you do not accept, you can keep your life, but say ‘Yes’ and we are bound, Human Leader. For life and death. My Human friends taught me much on contracts.” Markeese indicated for her to continue. “When my brood becomes strong again on another world and my numbers are limitless, I want to fight to feast on the flesh of the Feral. I want them all dead. They are left unchecked and will only grow and consume till nothing is left. Too many millennia has passed and I fear it is already too late. Only together will my brood survive and your people. The Feral are already limitless and will never… to my aching hearts… return to what
they were. Once Feral, always Feral. You need my brood’s strength and I need your technology.
“Evolution will never stop progressing, but it is not as fast as your devices and adaptability. In return for your technology I give my brood to aid and slay my mindless kin.
“Secondly, I need new genetic material. For that I need a mate.”
“Mate? But aren’t you asexual?” This piqued Renee’s curiosity.
“Quite so, but I need genes not of my own to make a proper Queen like me. With the death of my daughters I’m alone. If I birth a Queen as I am now she will not be as strong as me. She will be as my friends call… a copy or a clone. My brood is one matter, a leader of a new brood is another. In other words I need a male to give me strong genes so I can receive his genes. If I make a male, he has my genes and will make an abomination for a true Queen. Had one of my daughter’s lived she could hatch a male, give him to me and we’d create a powerful new Queen. My child’s own evolution on another world would make her male perfect for me to lay another without corruption.”
“Do you eat the male after mating?” Renee wondered as her mind churned.
“If I was hungry, yes. If I already fed and didn’t need the meat for my new life, no.”
“It’s up to the emperor, but I can transform a Human into a male if you make a male for me to study. If you feed beforehand and then mate, he should have no fear. Wait… what if you became truly female like me and I make a male king?”
“Do not. Reten tried making me wholly female and the results of my brood were near uncontrollable and the male tried to eat me. A male king is unstable genetically. It must be a male below me with one purpose, to give me his genes for a proper new Queen. He cannot be a threat to me, nor should you change me into female as you consider yourself. I tried and things went terribly wrong.” White Blossom turned back to the Emperor. “If you agree, I will produce a male egg before light returns to this place and ask for a changed Human to give me his strength.”
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