The Gauntlet of Possession (The Teracian Chronicles Book 1)

by Christopher Lambert

  She closed them and saw a blinding flash of light. Then her body started to feel strange as she was pulled away and teleported to her side. The gauntlet on Kaczmari’s hand held a blade tipped with a purple fire. With all her strength, she drove it through the doctor’s thick armor and kicked him to the ground. Using the opportunity, they ran back out to the console room, listening as the hallway behind them rattled with anger. It grabbed onto Kaczmari and threw her across the room. She flipped and landed on her feet.

  Stevson swiped at her head, but she met it with the blade. Slicing clean through his skin and bone, she watched as his arm hit the floor. The purple Teracian conjured a glowing orb in her hand and punched the monster in the face. It landed on its knees.

  “Girl, get to the ship. I will stay behind to keep him busy.”

  “No, I can’t leave you behind. I can’t handle any more death.”

  “Listen to me. This man will not quit until we’re all dead. He will find a way to follow. Now, do as I say and flee. May the One Mind guide your path, child.”

  Without hesitation, Anya turned and ran for the ship. She climbed inside and slammed the door shut.

  “Kaczmari is staying behind to help us escape. We have to leave, now.”

  “She refused to come with you?” thought Azek’zander.

  “She said it would follow us no matter where we went. I couldn’t get to Brenda.”

  “All of that doesn’t matter now. What is important is that she’s in peace,” said Allen.

  “Alright, get this thing going, Bernard,” said Sorehn.

  Below them, the fight continued, and it appeared that the Teracian was defeating it. Bloodied and beaten, the creature became desperate. He ripped at its chest and tore its claws deeper into his heart, making its eyes go red again. Blood started pouring from the cavity. With a monstrous yell, it jumped into the air and landed on top of the ship. Pounding on the glass, it went into a rage.

  “Damnit, bastard, not my ship. The Crimsath is not your punching bag,” Strotsky said as they hovered off the ground. Following behind him, Kaczmari jumped onto the ship and blasted Stevson off. Anya watched in horror as they both flew off the vessel. With a single burst of energy, they both disappeared. Inside the medical center, a shockwave recoiled and shook the building to its core. Taiyah held Allen’s hand, and Azek bowed his head; the color on their chests grew black.

  “Shit, what was that thing, Sorehn?” said Trevor, wiping off the dried blood on his stomach.

  “That was Dr. Elliot Stevson, or Charles, as he called himself. The military kept him in hiding for hundreds of years. He was part of the Meridian mining ship crew of 2166 and was mutated from an experiment gone horribly wrong. His files are restricted at the highest level. Just can’t believe he was here this whole time.”

  The cabin went silent as the clouds rolled on through the sky.

  “Thank you, Kaczmari. May you be at peace with the One Mind,” thought Taiyah as the ship rocketed towards the station.

  Anya, trying not to interrupt their mourning, waited until they opened their eyes. She was a little shaken and took some time to relax. The machinery inside lowered her heart rate. “I’m sorry for your loss. She will be missed. Kaczmari could generate weapons like we could. Is her gauntlet the same as ours?”

  “She was granted access to the sacred crystals by the One Mind when Dazshra first came into being. Without her, this world would be in ruin,” thought Taiyah.

  The Crimsath increased speed and took off towards the assaulted station. Fire from both sides rained in the sky as explosion and screams filled her eardrums. Pilot Strotsky activated the ships manual defenses and awaited an attack. Taiyah sat watching from her window; a look of hatred and disgust. She knew just by looking that vengeance would be had for her fallen people. Tens of thousands of enslaved villagers used every ounce of energy, either to meditate or to rot in the many steel cells.

  Like a firework in the morning sky, the Crimsath stood out as much as every other ship soaring around the station. A beautiful sun rises, gracing their presence as it did every morning. A broadcast popped up on the screen, and Sorehn answered it. Septune Commander Harvey Gilbert stood in one of the many supply centers in the Venus sphere. The gleaming sweat on his forehead meshed with the dried blood.

  “This is a message to all members of the Septunian military forces and its fleet. All available units, please return to the station at once. All available ships prepare to defend and quell the Therak’tow assault. This is an urgent message from Supreme Commander Miller. All available forces return to the station and prepare to fight. May your strength carry you into battle.”

  With that, a second incoming transition appeared, and a more recent image of the Septune commander flipped onto the screen. The sick and wounded moaned all around him and troops ran past armed with heavy weaponry and even heavier armor.

  “Jace, I have to speak with you. The Therak’tow are gaining ground and pushing towards the Mars sphere where William broke through. They’re disabling our androids faster than anticipated and they have monsters with them. Powerful and heinous creatures they’re calling the Lorak’tow. Are Allen and the rest with you?”

  “Affirmative sir. There was an unfortunate incident, and only three are left. Heading to docking port 12 on Jupiter. Will you clear us an opening?”

  “I’ll do what I can. Keep them safe, Sorehn and don’t do anything reckless.”

  With a smile on his face and a beer at the console, “Hah, Gilbert thinks we are reckless. I show him what reckless piloting is about. Strap yourselves in, my friends and may the best fighters win.”

  With that, the Crimsath’s thrusters went into overdrive, and the red and blue ship soared faster towards the station. Anya struggled to get her restrains fastened and looked at all her friends with hesitation.

  “This is it, guys. What happens now is anyone’s guess. I hope we’re ready.”

  “We have no other choice. Are you alright to fight on your own after what happened to you?” said Trevor.

  “All my life, I’ve felt powerless to make my own decisions and choose my own destiny. Now is the opportunity for all of us to prove our worth. Worry about yourself, you big lug. I’m still me on the inside,” she said with a grin.

  “Brenda would want us to be strong. It’s time to kick these fuckers down and bring our friend back. Allen, you with me, Mister quiet?”

  With a small grin on his face, Allen bumped his metallic fist against Trevor’s and looked around the ship. “A lot depends on William and on us. This isn’t just about returning home like you said, Allen. For better or for worse, this is where we need to be.?”

  “Valiant speeches for such courageous students. You will always have a home here. Now, enough of this sentimental bullshit. Let’s show Dazshra why he should have stayed in that cell underground.”

  Turbulence and stray laser fire battered the ship as they entered the battlefield. The glass on the back window shattered as an energy blast rocketed through the air. The aircraft carrier below them swarmed with androids and Therak’tow alike. Every second that went by, more and more bodies fell. They appeared out of nowhere and disappeared just as fast. It was as if the battle were taking place in an invisible plane of existence. Wave after wave of corrupted Teracians filled the skies while the black clouds rolled in from the east, bringing rain and snow. The crawling death of the frost covered the window and chilled them to the bone. With excellent piloting skills, Strotsky got them safely to the docking bay. The shield surrounding the station was still standing and protected them from harm. He opened the hatch, and they promptly exited the ship.

  “Keep the engine running just in case. Stay safe my friend,” said Jace and he shook his hand.

  “I’ll await your return, Captain,” Strotsky said with a nod.

  They regrouped and discussed their plans. She felt a sense of nostalgia being back in the station. For so many months, she lived here and felt safe. Anya followed along the best she co
uld. The trials and hardships they had all endured over the past year would finally come to an end.

  “William was last sighted in the Mars sphere. There’s a teleportation chamber 10 minutes from here in the officer’s wing. I’ll meet you all there in due time. There’s something I have to see to first.”

  They all shook their heads and watched as he ran off and exited the room. All around them were hallways with locked doors and guards patrolling the area. Allen turned to Taiyah and Azek, who before entering the station, hadn’t said a word.

  “I think it’s best if you both stay on the ship. You’re unarmed, and this place isn’t safe for you right now.”

  “But Allen, I can help you. I just need something to fight with,” thought Taiyah.

  “Schraider is right. We will be considered open targets in here. I think it’s best if we stay behind.”

  Anya saw a change in the Teracian’s face. “Can you guys promise me you’ll save Will? Bring him back safe, okay? And be careful.”

  “We’ll try out best, Cody. Don’t you worry,” said Anya, hugging him. She hoped she wouldn’t have to come back empty-handed.

  Taiyah looked at him with regret in her eyes. “Just return safely, okay. I need you to come back in one piece.”

  She stood up and hugged Allen tightly. Lowering the armor on her mouth, she kissed him deeply. The embrace didn’t last long as a siren blasted across the hallway.

  A platoon of heavily armored guards ran past them and proceeded out into the open chamber.

  ATTENTION ALL SEPTUNE CITIZENS AND PERSONEL. LEVEL FOUR BREACH IN THE SECTOR 7S OUTER SUPPORTIVE SHELL. DEFENSIVE ACTIONS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.

  “They’ve breached the station. We have to hurry,” said Allen as they ran ahead down the docking bay hallway. Anya looked behind her and saw the two Teracian siblings boarding the ship. As they entered the Jupiter Sphere, helpless scientists and technicians crowded at the edge away from the windows. The sound of gunfire and explosions rocked the walls around them. Forcefields and turrets protected the main entry but didn’t look like a lasting defense. One of the doors burst open and in came Commander Gilbert, escorted by three soldiers.

  “You three, come with me now. The teleporter’s this way.”

  Before Anya could blink, he was running in the opposite direction. Computer terminals were all on lockdown, and the red screens were pulsing with emergency messages. Two more explosions assaulted the outer walls of the station as a ship crashed into the shield. They exited the central command center and entered the public access floor. Civilians and androids scurried like wildfire as panic erupted. People, young and old, tripped over each other, and many started to break down emotionally. Armed soldiers attempted to quell the chaos, but none would listen.

  “It’s through this door, and it’s already set to take you to the Mars sphere. I’ve sent a platoon of military androids to secure the area, but you’re all better equipped than them. That armor should be good enough for you two, but what about you, Anya?”

  She took a second to consider her options. The images flood back of her expedition to the mountains. With a deep breath, she replied, “Do you have a Phantom Suit I can link with?”

  Allen and Trevor looked puzzled at her, and she looked back. “They had me train in a cybernetic suit while I was here. It’s like a second skin to me.”

  “We keep them in every sphere for emergencies like this. There’s one in the connecting room near the teleporter. The code is KX92. I can remain in touch with you through your suit. We’re counting on you. All of you,” he said, saluting them.

  Anya entered the room next to the teleporter and closed it behind her. A row of blue and black suits were behind laser proof cases. She opened one and walked into it; turning around, she enabled the armor. It closed around her and the spinal interface connected. She winced as the needles entered her back. Her own cybernetics activated and the suit synced with her previous battle data. She hit a button on her neck, and it molded around her body. With soaring confidence, she opened the door.

  Trevor stood back with his mouth gaping open. “Holy shit, Anya. You look like the inquisitor in that armor.”

  “That’s because it was modeled on his original design. Speaking of which, Allen, when was the last you saw of him?”

  “It was when a squadron of android soldiers tried to destroy a Teracian village north of the ocean. He saved my life and said he had defected.”

  “Probably because they were going to threaten his wife if he didn’t step down after Actavian’s assassination. Apparently, the Septunians are holding her hostage. She was brainwashed after the first Dazshra conflict and is now a high-ranking official. No one would tell me who she is.”

  “I’m sure he’s here trying to find her. We have other people to worry about.”

  “Anya, do you need more time with the suit?”

  “I’ve been ready since this whole thing began,” she said as they walked through the glowing teleporter.

  Lurking behind them, a silent entity followed.

  Twenty

  Hope in the Next Life

  “I’ve finally found you, my sweet Isabella,” said the man as he cradled her in his arms. In the Mars chamber, away from the violent invasion outside the station, he knelt over her, trying desperately to coax her awake. Near him lay the body of a soldier fitted with an optical visor over his eyes. Beating with an unusual rhythm, his heart continued to pulse. In the center of the vast room was a highly fortified vessel with the words “Krysanthe” and “Omega” written in bold, black writing. To his right was a smaller room, visible with clear glass walls, a pristine brown desk, and the body of an elderly man next to it. His blood was already dried, and his body had started rotting from its advanced age. Several bottles of brandy and electrical burns were scattered all around the carpeted floor; the room had also become a graveyard for all android kind.

  The woman stirred and opened her eyes. Scattered around her face, was her light-brown hair, matted with sweat. She stood still with wide eyes, barely making a sound as she saw who was looking back.

  “Wil-William, where am I? What are you doing?”

  With kind eyes, he brushed her hair back and rubbed her cheek. “It’s me, Isabella. It’s your father. I can’t believe you were here so close this whole time.”

  Confused and afraid, she tried to flee, but he held her tight. It pained him to see her oblivious to who he was but knew he couldn’t give up. An idea struck him as he peered around the room and saw the large cylindrical computer console on the wall.

  “Krysanthe, open all files related to Dr. Janice Geier.”

  “Access denied. Voice recognition not authorized. Please state your name and rank.”

  “Dr. Connor Alabaster. Head of Engineering.”

  “Access granted,” said the golden woman as she materialized out from the floor. She approached him, awaiting his commands.

  Dr. Geier continued to struggle, and he was becoming impatient. His grip on her hadn’t changed. “Krysanthe, please relay to me all files related to the following query: Isabella Alabaster and Janice Geier.”

  “One file found under classified restriction per Actavian. Please present either a verbal acknowledgment or optical scan.”

  Connor let out an audible sigh and released Janice. She fled to a corner of the circular room and tried to access the main consoles. To her dismay, they were all locked down. Her chest rose and fell with anxiety as she searched for an escape. On the other side, he opened the oak door and dragged out the old man’s body. An invisible scanner ran over the gray eyes.

  “Optical scan complete. Recipient: Actavian. You are free to view the associated data.”

  Satisfied with the results, he chucked the body across the room and listened as several bones snapped on impact. Actavian’s right arm was bloody and bruised from the missing gauntlet. It now rested on William’s free arm and was a mirror image of the one gained in the temple. He quickly read the file, and a sigh of relief came
over him. There it is.

  “Krysanthe, please shut down wavelength 082717 from the Spectrum Wave Emitter and power down.”

  As the A.I was shutting down, he glanced over at the frantic woman and saw that she was swaying back and forth. Running to her, he broke her fall and waited for the results. For the first time since the androids had attacked, the sounds of laser beams, alarms, and incoming ships were audible through the thick titanium walls. Time was of the essence as the teleportation room activated and William’s friends walked out. Right as they entered, Janice awoke, and an old life was brought back into the world. She stared up at him with confusion. Connor closed his eyes in pain as the two separate beings inside him were trying to push back.

  “Don’t worry, Isabella, it’s alright. No one’s going to hurt you.”

  “Who, who are you? Where’s Akira?”

  The three intruders stopped and looked at him with caution.

  “It’s me, dear. Your father has returned to you.”

  Stuck in a state of confusion, “Father. You’re still alive. What’s happened? What did they do to you?”

  “They ruined me, Isabella, and they locked you away in an artificial mind they created so you wouldn’t try to find me. That is all over now.”

  He inspected his new guests and was surprised at their appearance. Three young adults with Teracian armor and a phantom suit. Each one of them appeared inexperienced and exhausted due to their stances. They were heavily armed, each with a gauntlet strapped to their wrists. One spoke out with authority and courage.

  “Haven’t you caused enough damage? You’re gonna give back our friend, or we’ll rip you out by force,” said Trevor.

  “Dazshra is not here. Shut your mouths and listen to me. We need to get my daughter to safety immediately.”

  Trevor backed away and narrowed his eyes. Anya and Allen stood with apprehension.

  “Jace mentioned that Connor had a daughter. It was Dr. Geier this whole time?” Allen said with a whisper.