by R. L. Ullman
Gemini crosses her legs. “You’re the mighty Orb Master, shouldn’t you know?”
I rub my face. “Some mighty Orb Master I am. I don’t even have an orb.”
“So, we’re basically screwed,” she says.
“Yeah,” I say. “That pretty much sums it up.”
“Great,” she says. “Glad you’re on board.”
So now this is my fault? Like I knew that I’m supposed to be the savior of the universe. Me, the guy who can’t control his own powers. Me, the guy who gets sent to his room after dinner? Well, sorry, but that’s utterly ridiculous.
We sit in silence for a few minutes.
“You said you’ve seen that orange energy before,” she says. “The one that swallowed the Overlord.”
“Yeah, it happened back on Earth,” I say, happy to change the subject. “To this really powerful villain named Siphon. And you said it happened to your teammate?”
“Yeah, a few days ago,” Gemini says. “His name was Aries—also powerful. We were in the middle of a battle with a group of Baltian soldiers. The orange energy came, and then suddenly, he vanished. We haven’t heard from him since.”
My mind starts spinning. I mean, Siphon and the Overlord are major villains. If Aries is equally as strong, then whoever’s doing this must be even stronger. But who could that be? I have no idea.
“So, who’s this madman that has all the answers?”
“The Watcher,” she says. “He’s spends all of eternity observing the evolution of the universe.”
Eternity? “So, he’s like, millions of years old?”
“Billions,” Gemini says. “Legends say that in exchange for his immortality, he’s sworn not to interfere in the affairs of the universe.”
“What kind of tooth fairy is out there handing out immortality?” I ask. “And where do I get in line?”
“Supposedly, it’s a one-of-a-kind gift of the universe. But, his gift is also his curse. While he’s seen everything that’s ever happened since the dawn of time, legends also say he’s lost his mind.”
“Wonderful,” I say. “Can’t wait to meet him.”
“If he allows it,” Gemini says. “No one’s safely reached his world in centuries. We’ll see him, but only if he wants to see us.”
“Strap in!” Pisces orders from the helm. “Watcher World is approaching. Prepare for descent.”
I strap myself in, and lean over to look out the front window, but all I see is a giant asteroid belt. There must be hundreds of rocks out there, in all shapes and sizes, smashed together to form an impenetrable wall.
Now I get what Gemini was saying. No one’s reaching Watcher World unless the Watcher allows it.
We get closer, but the asteroids aren’t budging.
“300 meters,” Pisces says.
“Hold steady,” Scorpio says coolly.
“200 meters,” Pisces says.
Taurus looks at me nervously.
“Hold,” Scorpio says, shifting in his chair.
“100 meters,” Pisces says, her voice rising sharply.
Those rocks are huge!
“We should turn back,” Sagittarius says.
“Hold course!” Scorpio commands.
“50 meters,” Pisces says quickly. “Shouldn’t we—”
“Hold steady!” Scorpio commands.
“Scorpio!” Gemini shouts. “Are you crazy!”
“10 meters!” Pisces shouts.
A giant asteroid—irregularly shaped and pock-marked—fills the entire windshield. It’s not moving!
“Hold!” Scorpio yells.
We’re gonna smash into it!
Gemini screams.
I shut my eyes and clutch the arm rests.
But, instead of being obliterated, nothing happens.
I open my eyes to find a ringed, red planet floating in space.
“W-what happened?” I ask. “Why aren’t we space-kill?”
“Because it was an illusion,” Scorpio says. “Let’s call it a test. We passed.”
“Well, thank goodness for that,” I say, sliding down in my chair. “But if there’s a follow-up exam, I’m calling in sick.”
Gemini shakes her head. “It’s not that kind of a test. Scorpio, do you know where we’ll find him? I mean, that’s a whole planet down there.”
“Yes,” Scorpio says. “According to legend he prefers to be west of the giant crater. I suggest we start there.”
“Will do,” Pisces says. “Prepare for landing.”
We touch down minutes later. Despite the planet appearing red from outer space, the surface seems more purplish in color.
“Stream suits on,” Scorpio advises. “As far as I know, no one has reached the surface for centuries. So let’s be ready for anything. And remember, when we find the Watcher, let me do all the talking. Is that clear?” For some reason, he’s looking at me.
Why do aliens think I always cause the problems?
We exit the Ghost Ship and hit the ground.
The sky is blood red and dotted with black clouds. Stringy, white lightning flashes overhead, occasionally striking the ground with violent results. The terrain is rough and challenging—ranging from tall, jagged rocks to deep, bottomless crevices. We carefully make our way, passing clusters of orange plant-like things swaying gently in the soft breeze.
After what seems like hours, Taurus has had it. She plops down on a rock, rubbing her feet. “We need to stop. I’m getting blisters.”
I take a seat next to her, my own feet throbbing. It seems hopeless, like we’ve been walking in circles.
Suddenly, Sagittarius rears up on his hind legs and points towards the sky. “There,” he says.
We look up to see a white object sitting high atop a mountain. Bingo! But how are we going to get way up there?
“Stand together,” Pisces says. “And stay close.”
From what I can tell, Pisces is an energy manipulator who can control the density of air molecules. We form a tight circle around her, joining hands. Pisces concentrates, creating a platform of air that lifts us off the ground and all the way to the top of the mountain.
We step off onto the summit to find a large, white structure that looks like a Greek temple—square in shape with wide marble columns. At its center is a giant chair with a large, robed figure sitting in it.
The Watcher!
“Remember,” Scorpio says. “I’ll do the talking.”
As we approach, I try calculating how old this guy is. Gemini said he’s been around since the beginning of time, so if the known universe is something like ten or twelve billion years old, then this dude has had loads of birthdays. I mean, what do you get for a guy who’s seen everything?
We climb the marble steps, Scorpio in the lead.
The Watcher’s head is down, like he’s sleeping. In his right hand is a thin, golden staff. I study his bald head, expecting to see tons of liver spots or something, but it’s totally smooth.
As we reach the top step, we look at one another, unsure of what to do next. We’re here because Scorpio thinks the Watcher may have the answer to what’s happening with these vanishing people, including Aries. I guess if you’ve seen everything you can solve lots of mysteries. Hopefully, this guy never misses a trick.
Scorpio clears his throat, about to speak, when—
“Bring me the Orb Master,” comes a deep voice.
Oh, geez.
Suddenly, The Watcher lifts his head—revealing a surprisingly young-looking face.
But that’s not what really gets my attention.
His eyes—they’re completely white.
The Watcher is … blind?
I WANT TO HURL MYSELF OFF A CLIFF
“Bring forth the Orb Master!” the Watcher commands.
You ever have a weird dream where you’re called to the Principal’s office, but have no clue what for?
Well, that’s exactly how I’m feeling—except magnified a gazillion times.
Even though he can’
t see me, the Watcher turns his head in my direction—like he senses me standing behind the Zodiac.
“Bring him to me,” the Watcher demands.
The alien teens part nervously, giving me a clear path straight to the Watcher. So much for Scorpio doing all the talking! Other than jumping off the cliff to my death, I have no choice but to step to the front of the class.
It’s not until I’m standing in front of the Watcher that I realize how enormous he is. Maybe it’s because he’s sitting down, but I’m guessing he’s at least ten feet tall standing at full height. There’s a faint, white glow radiating from his body, making him seem almost heavenly. I’m still shocked that for a dude who’s billions of years old, there’s not a single wrinkle anywhere on his face. If I could bottle that formula I’d be the richest guy on earth.
I stand awkwardly for what seems like an eternity. I don’t know if I should start talking or wait for him. And then—
“Why did you destroy the Orb of Oblivion?” he bellows.
I refrain from wetting myself.
Honestly, I’m not sure what to say. “I, um, thought it was the best idea at the time?” I squeak out.
“Then you are a fool,” he responds. “You have destroyed the one agent capable of saving the universe.”
Okay, I don’t care who this is. I’m getting sick and tired of being called a fool over this Orb thing.
“Look, I may have been a bit rash,” I say, “but, the Orb didn’t exactly come with a return address.”
“You are flippant,” the Watcher says. “I sense that you have no remorse for what you have done. The Orb was a tool to be used for good, not a piece of trash to be so recklessly discarded.”
Wait, what?
The Orb is a tool for good?
That doesn’t jive with anything I know.
I mean, K’ami died to keep the Orb out the hands of her own Skelton people.
I distinctly remember her describing the Orb as a parasite that preyed on its host’s most selfish desires. She said it was a living entity of great power that would only be used for death and destruction. I mean, it was purposely placed on a remote planet at the far end of the galaxy so no one would ever find it. How can that possibly be a tool for good?
Something’s not adding up.
I look into the Watcher’s white eyes and wonder how much he really can see. I mean, Gemini did call him a madman. So, is he really this great observer of life, or is he just a big fraud?
I decide to test the waters.
“With all due respect, Mr. Watcher,” I say. “But that’s a complete load of crock.”
I hear gasps from behind me.
“Elliott,” Gemini whispers. “What are you doing?”
“Don’t worry,” I whisper back. “I’ve got this.”
Her jaw goes slack.
“First of all,” I say, “if you really can see everything, as my good friends here believe, then you’d know that before the Orb got into my hands, it was stolen by the Skelton Emperor who wanted to take over the entire universe. And second, if it wasn’t for me and my friends, we’d all be toast by now. So, for somebody named the Watcher, I’m a little surprised by your lack of clarity on this one.”
The Watcher’s face turns dark.
“Oh, no he didn’t,” Gemini whispers behind me.
I feel someone pulling my shoulder from behind.
But I press on. “In fact, I’m guessing you can’t see more than a few feet in front of your face. Can you?”
Scorpio grabs my arm. “Time to go, hot shot!”
I shrug free, and stand my ground.
The Watcher smiles.
“You have proven your foolishness once again, Orb Master,” he says. “One does not need sight to have vision. Just as one does not need great insight to understand we are all pawns in a game in which we have no control.”
Game? What nonsense is he talking about? “Sure, big guy,” I say, turning to the Zodiac. “Let’s get out of here. This guy is nuts.”
“You may leave if you wish,” the Watcher says. “But if you do, you will not gain the knowledge you so desperately seek. As I have been so painfully reminded, I am not to interfere in the affairs of the universe. But, seeing how you have come such a long way, I will risk making an exception. You may ask me one question.”
Scorpio raises a hand, stopping us. “Hold on.” He turns to the Watcher. “What happened to Aries?”
The Watcher raises an eyebrow. “Is this the question you most wish for me to answer? How about you, Orb Master? Is this your one burning question?”
I know the Zodiac wants to find out what happened to Aries, but I have something else I need to know.
Something all this ‘Orb Master’ talk is making me think about.
Something I’ve been suspecting for a long time.
I approach the Watcher and swallow hard. “Is the Orb of Oblivion still out there?” I ask. “Did it survive?”
The Watcher smirks. “As you have said yourself, the Orb of Oblivion is an entity—a cosmic entity, but an entity nonetheless.”
Wait, I didn’t say that out loud. I thought it, but I didn’t say it.
“And as all creatures are born with an innate biological tendency towards self-preservation, the Orb took whatever steps were necessary to ensure its own survival. Therefore, I am certain that if you are searching for the Orb of Oblivion, you will not have to travel far.”
What does that mean? I won’t have to travel—
And then it hits me.
The Orb of Oblivion is … inside of me!
Suddenly, I feel sick to my stomach.
I hear the Watcher’s deep laughter echoing in my brain.
Then, everything gets blurry, and my knees buckle. Suddenly, I’m floating. I look up to find Taurus glancing down at me, my arms and legs bouncing up and down. Is she carrying me? Stars drift past overhead, and then fade to darkness.
***
I wake up strapped in a chair. There’s a low humming noise, and I’m being gently bounced around. I open my eyes and take in my surroundings. We’re back on the Ghost Ship. Members of the Zodiac are walking back and forth, checking controls and pushing buttons. I lean over and look out the window. We’re deep in space. There’s no sign of Watcher World.
I slide back in my chair, the realization of what the Watcher said still sinking in. This can’t be happening. I thought I was done with the Orb. I mean, I watched the High Commander take it aboard his ship. I sensed it blowing up somewhere in the universe. But instead of being destroyed, the Orb somehow stuck to me.
It just doesn’t make any sense.
I close my eyes, and breathe deep. Then, I reach into my mind to connect with the Orb, to talk to it like I was able to do before, but there’s nothing.
Nothing at all.
My mind drifts back to my family. I wonder what they’re thinking? My parents are probably panicked. I can just see TechnocRat working all night in his lab figuring out a way to track me down. I’ve been gone so long I’m sure even Grace is missing me. And Dog-Gone—well, hopefully that fur ball is okay. Boy, it’d be great to see him again.
But, I’m stuck here. All on my own.
Some hero I am.
First, I’m kicked off the Freedom Force because I can’t control my powers. Now, I’m stuck in outer space with no shot of getting home.
I feel a tear slide down my cheek, and wipe it away quickly. Never show weakness.
I watch Leo swing over to Scorpio. They both look my way, and start whispering back and forth.
I’m sure they’re talking about where to dump me.
Just then, Gemini slides into the seat next to me. “So, how are you feeling?”
“You mean, after learning I’ve got an alien parasite wedged in my body, or realizing I may never see my family again?”
Gemini’s antennas droop, and she looks down. Ugh! I totally forgot about her situation. That was a really insensitive thing to say.
“Sorry,” I s
ay embarrassed. “I forgot your whole world is gone.”
“It’s okay,” she says, rubbing her eyes. “I mean, I’m just getting used to the idea. Truthfully, I’m still in shock. Thankfully, I found the Zodiac—they’re like my new family. A dysfunctional family, but a family nonetheless.”
“Yeah, they seem like a good group. Except for Leo. He gives me the creeps.”
“He’s a little strange, but he means well,” she says. “I have to say, you impressed me on Watcher World, I didn’t expect you to take it to him like that.” She flips a strand of hair off her face, and smiles at me kind of funny.
“Thanks,” I say, feeling myself turning red. “Honestly, neither did I. But, he just got my goat. I mean, what’s his deal anyway? I didn’t expect him to be blind. I thought he was supposed to see everything?”
“I know,” Gemini says. “The legends never said anything about that. And what did he mean when he said he was ‘painfully reminded’ about interfering in the affairs of the—”
“Scorpio!” Pisces yells from the helm. “We’ve got company!”
I lean over and look out the windshield. To my surprise there are several large ships surrounding us—ships I’ve seen before—Skelton warships!
“But how did they find us?” Scorpio says.
“We’re being hailed!” Pisces says.
Suddenly, the image of a square-jawed, yellow skinned man appears on the screen. He wiggles his pointy ears as he scans our faces with his neon-green eyes. Then I realize he’s wearing a crown on his head.
It’s the freaking Skelton Emperor!
This is not good.
“I am not patient,” he begins. “So, I will be direct. You are harboring a known intergalactic criminal and enemy of the Skelton Empire. This miscreant is responsible for aiding a known traitor in the unprovoked murder of a Blood Bringer platoon, as well as the destruction of an imperial Skelton warship. For your own freedom, I advise you to turn the offender over immediately or be implicated as an accomplice in his nefarious acts.”
What? That’s not what happened!
“Pardon me, just stating the obvious,” Leo says to the team, “but that’s the Skelton Emperor. We should really think this through.”
What? I thought he was on my side?
But he’s right, if the Zodiac have any chance of making it out alive, I’ll need to give myself up. Otherwise, the Emperor will kill every last one of them. I look at Gemini. They’ve suffered too much. I can’t let that happen.