Destiny Reckoning

by Trevor Gregg

  “Yeah, but I’m sure all of you are going to dislike him when you meet him. I dislike him, immensely in fact,” Geri admitted.

  “So we’re not supposed to watch any more messages? What’s in the “Giant Robot” directory? Gah! Why would you do that to us, Alis?!” Kyren lamented.

  “If you tell someone not to do something, that is what they will wish to do,” Elarra interjected.

  “Okay, so we’re not supposed to look at any more of the core until after we’ve met Joraq. Let’s follow our own instructions, okay? Let’s get this over with and find this Joraq. You think your contact will get us the coordinates?” Kyren asked, turning to Geri.

  “Yeah, or he’ll know someone who can,” she responded. “Kyren, let’s go do a gear check, okay?”

  They made their way to the ship’s small cargo hold and began to go through their gear. They still had the various utility belts they had recovered from the lost Consortium battlestation.

  “We’ve got the belts: stealth, shield, and warp. You’ve got armor and a rifle. We’ve got several small-caliber pistols as well,” Alis rattled off.

  “And grappling hooks too,” Kyren said, digging them of them out of a crate.

  “Right, and hooks too,” she remarked, smiling at him.

  They spent some time sorting through the various mundane gear they had with them, as well as what was part of the Ashari’s stores.

  “We’ve got plenty of outdoors gear, ropes, climbing harnesses, camping gear, emergency supplies, et cetera, et cetera,” Geri said, sifting through bags of gear and crates of goods.

  “Here’s a case of communicators, mom,” Alis offered Geri the toaster sized box.

  Geri flipped it open, revealing several sleek communicator pods.

  “Each one has a detachable ear piece that can be used in place of the handset,” Alis explained, removing one from the box, detaching a small piece from the tip, and inserting it into her ear.

  She used the handset to tune the frequency, then tossed a second one to Kyren.

  “Testing, testing, toast, toast, toast,” Alis said, her voice echoing over the communicator Kyren held.

  He chuckled and she grinned, pulling the comm unit from her ear and reconnecting it to the base unit before replacing it in the box.

  “So Kyren, what do you think I was talking about… forgive Elarra? What has she done?” Alis asked.

  Kyren and Geri both froze, but Kyren broke free and reacted first.

  “Alis, I don’t think you’ll like what I’m going to tell you. Elarra saw what she believed to be your death in a vision. And she did nothing to stop it, told no one. Alis, she left you to die,” he finished ominously.

  “Oh hell,” was all Alis seemed to be able to come up with.

  She rounded on Elarra and stared her in the face.

  “It is true, Alis. I saw no other way to save Kyren, and he is needed to stop the Kirugi. He must make it to the end,” Elarra explained.

  Kyren watched a look of fury begin to pass across Alis’ face. Then a mild alarm sounded over the ship’s speakers, and the look disappeared like wispy clouds disintegrating on a windy day.

  “Time to get back to it,” Geri said flatly, her face a mask.

  She gave Kyren a slight nod as she made her way to the bridge.

  13

  The Den

  “We’re entering Vartan’s atmosphere now. Everyone get your stuff together, we’ll be down in less than thirty,” Geri informed them. “Isa, stay in orbit, we’ll call you if we need you, but for now sit tight.”

  “Roger that, Geri. Tharox and I have plenty of talking we can do. We’ll be waiting for you if needed,” Isa replied over the comm.

  Alis caught the innuendo and felt a moment of revulsion, like thinking about her parents… ew! Oh well, this was probably the closest either had been to each other in a very long time. It didn’t matter that they were, for all intents and purposes, both copies of the original.

  But they were together still, and that had to mean something. Or she wouldn’t have done it. Or rather, she wouldn’t be setting out to do this if she didn’t care, seeing as how she hadn’t actually done it yet, even though future-her had. If only that bitch could have provided more info, she thought sarcastically. So damned cagey, future her was.

  As if the shadow cast by future her were not dark enough, she still had the present situation to deal with. Elarra had betrayed her. Instead of using her considerable power to save her, she instead was willing to let her die.

  Alis wasn’t okay with that fact, and felt revulsion in her gut each time she considered it. She had thought Elarra was her friend. But maybe that was just it. With destiny, there were no friends. No, there were only outcomes. And some were worth any sacrifice, she knew.

  What would she give up for her mom, for her family? Would she let Elarra die? The answer chilled her. But it also gave clarity, helped her understand. She might have made a similar decision, had she been in Elarra’s place. Had she known what was at stake.

  Was that forgiveness for Elarra she had just found? Perhaps it was. She continued to mull it over as they approached the planet’s capital city, Shargosh. The viewscreen began to jounce and shake as the Ashari entered a strong storm system.

  “You okay with this, mom?” Alis asked.

  “Yes, fine. Just fine,” Geri said, brow scrunched in concentration, ears pointing different directions.

  They broke through the weather system and saw the coastal city sprawled out before them. Dingy huts and derelict looking multi-storied tenements were the common denominator here, she could see right away. This place was a real gem alright, she thought.

  Geri brought the ship around and located a suitable landing site, about a mile outside of the city. Seconds after touching down she began killing systems. But not all.

  “Benjam, you and Elarra are going to stay here and keep an eye on the ship. Don’t trust anyone and don’t let anyone in for any reason. Not until we get back. Okay?” Geri looked serious.

  “Daryl, do you read? This is Geri, do you copy?” she said into the comm.

  “Hey there kitty-lady, I copy,” a baritone voice responded after almost a minute.

  “You said contact you when I arrived. I’ve arrived,” she said flatly.

  “Fifty seven Mangles Way, that’s my address,” the voice drawled back, then the comm link went dead.

  “Okay, now listen everyone,” Geri began.

  Alis interrupted “yeah, dangerous, got it mom.”

  “Yes, dangerous,” Geri affirmed. “But that’s not all. Daryl’s an… unseemly sort, real rough around the edges. Okay fine, he’s a prick.”

  Kyren chuckled.

  “Mom!” Alis exclaimed.

  “Hey, I don’t like him, and I don’t trust him either. So be on your guard.”

  Squinting against the light, she waited for her eyes to adjust before stepping from the shadow of the ship. They made their way to a wide thoroughfare running between the makeshift landing pads. A large dump truck was rumbling down the road heading toward the city. It slowed as they approached the roadway. Geri gave a friendly wave, and the truck ground to a halt. It was a large industrial model, with a small one-person cab.

  A mole-faced humanoid leaned out the window and spoke in a shrill voice, “ho there, would you like a lift into town?”

  “Sure thing. We riding in back?” Geri responded to the mole-man.

  “Yes ma’am, sorry for the accommodations.”

  “No bother, thanks for the ride, friend,” Geri replied “Can you get us to Mangles Way?”

  “Sorry, no idea where that is, but I can drop you at the marketplace, I’m sure someone there would know,” he replied apologetically.

  “Fair enough. Take us to the marketplace, sir.”

  Kyren scrambled up into the empty bed and helped Alis and Geri board. Every time the truck hit a bump or pothole Alis’ teeth chattered. It was uneventful, but the ride was distinctly uncomfortable.

 
; Rubbing her back and neck after disembarking, she said, “well that was rough.”

  “Yeah,” Kyren replied, rolling his head around his shoulders.

  “C’mon you two whiners. At least we didn’t have to hoof it for miles,” Geri reprimanded. “Let’s see if someone can provide directions.”

  Alis watched as her mom strode confidently up to a vendor’s stall. She sure was happy to have her mom along. She was so competent. Hell, competent? Her mom was a bad-ass.

  Geri approached the vendor, a strange humanoid creature with tentacles where its ears should have been. The face was nearly human except the jaw jutted out awkwardly. Alis watched as Geri exchanged words.

  “So we’re not supposed to hurt this Daryl character? What the heck is he supposed to do to piss us off so bad? Who is he, anyway?” Kyren groused.

  “Just because he’s one of her contacts doesn’t make him a good guy. She seems reluctant to take us but I guess we really have no other way,” Alis remarked as Geri returned.

  “Okay, I’ve got directions, let’s go.”

  It took them nearly a half hour to reach Mangles Way, but the walk was mostly pleasant, the temperate climate and mild sun warming her skin but not uncomfortably. The only downside was the intermittent clouds of exhaust from a multitude of wheeled and tracked vehicles that occupied the street.

  The streets were also full of pedestrians, mostly strange alien creatures with bizarre physiology. Humans were definitely the minority around here, and there were no rillians to be seen. Hmmm, we must be sticking out, she thought.

  “There, fifty seven,” Geri pointed. “Just wait a sec, let’s scope it out first.”

  Alis waited and watched. Several people came and went from the inconspicuous low ceilinged baked-mud building, swinging the heavy door wide, releasing a puff of smoke.

  “Damn, a canadol den. What the hell is Daryl up to now?” Geri considered.

  “What’s that?” Kyren asked innocently.

  “Canadol, a Vrrkashian herb, gets you high in a non-addictive way. Perfect recreational drug, no side effects, no after effects. Completely non-toxic. But totally mind-bending.”

  “And your contact is in there?” Alis asked incredulously.

  “Yeah, so you two wait out here, I’ll take care of this,” Geri ordered.

  “Like hell you are, mom! We’re going with you. You need back-up,” Alis retorted, her ears perking up.

  “Yeah, we’re your back-up, Geri,” Kyren said, grinning.

  Alis felt a swell of affection for him, he was always so willing to throw himself in harm’s way for them.

  “Fine, I can see from the looks on your faces you won’t have it any other way. Just try to keep your shit together, okay kids?” Geri said and headed for the door.

  Alis followed Kyren, who shadowed her mom. She noticed his hand never strayed too far from his belt, where his gun was tucked. They strode up the dirt street and stood before the large wooden door set into the baked-mud wall. Geri pushed the door in and stepped inside, disappearing into a cloud of smoke. Kyren followed.

  She stepped through the doorway after them and blinked as her eyes struggled to adjust to the shadowy interior. They had entered a large foyer, adorned with cushions and low couches around the walls. Beyond she could see a wide hallway lined with curtained booths. Puffs of smoke billowed over and under the curtains, and a thick haze hung in the air.

  The cloying scent of the herb was not unpleasant, but also not quite right. She looked around as her eyes had finally dilated enough. There were all manner of beings, strange humanoids, creatures with oddly shaped bodies, even what appeared to be a ghostly jellyfish floating in the air.

  Huddled around hookahs or smoking pipes, aliens chatted, some chittering incoherently. Others sat silently, motionless and staring. What the hell was going on? At least she wasn’t affected by the smoke.

  A curtain at the opposite end of the hallway parted and a bot carrying a tray of food items wobbled out to the foyer. Her stomach rumbled when she spotted the food the bot was carrying. Hadn’t she eaten recently? She shouldn’t be hungry, should she?

  The door slammed behind her and she heard a loud clunk. Shouldn’t that have surprised her? Why didn’t she jump? Wait, why couldn’t she turn around? Alis exerted every bit of control over her muscles she could manage and slowly, ever so slowly, turned around. A burly Grendle in rough leathers had just barred the door.

  14

  Smoked

  “Can I help you?” a deep voice rumbled behind Kyren.

  He whirled, or at least tried to. Instead, he spun slowly, feeling as if he were pushing through molasses. Was he already being affected by the smoke? Turning revealed a burly grendle dressed in rough cut leathers. It had just barred the door behind them. He snapped his hand to the pistol tucked into his belt. Only his hand didn’t snap. It lazily drifted.

  He tried to grab the pistol but could not make his hand grasp quite right. The grendle reached out grabbed his wrist like an iron vise, shaking his head.

  “I’d usually pulp your face for doing that, but boss’d hate the mess. Right through there, boss’ll see you lot now,” the grendle rumbled, pointing at the first curtained off booth.

  “Let’s go,” Geri ordered.

  It took Kyren a moment to realize he was no longer gripped by the grendle. Another moment before he realized Geri and Alis were already crossing the room. He sauntered after them, frustration filling him. This damn smoke was crippling him, if they needed to fight he’d be useless. He wondered how Alis and Geri were keeping it together.

  He reached the booth as Geri ripped open the curtain and yelled “Dammit Daryl, what are trying to put me through?”

  Daryl was a strange looking being, sort of like a giant caterpillar, but with a human-looking head. Several tentacles extended from the creature’s chin and were engaged in popping morsels of some sticky cake into it’s mouth. The creature let out a small gurgle, choking on its food.

  “You’re not Daryl? Where is he? I’m gonna smack him!” Geri ranted.

  Shit, this is bad, he thought. Even Geri seemed shaken, which made him incredibly nervous. The creature cleared its throat and took a large gulp from a silver mug, one tentacle setting the mug down while another wiped its mouth.

  “Welcome to my establishment, the Moke. I am Gryar. Unfortunately, this is a private club, and trespass is rewarded by death,” the creature spoke in a strange accent.

  Kyren took a moment to process the creature’s words. Then his brain registered “death” and he sprang into action. Only he wasn’t springing, he was fumbling. Attempting to swing his rifle off his shoulder and bring his rifle to bear, he had become tangled in the sling.

  “Kidding! Kidding! It was a joke!” Gryar squeaked, many arms and face-tentacles waving.

  Geri placed her hand on Kyren’s arm and said “Just relax, just wait, I’ll figure this out.”

  Kyren looked to Alis. Her face was scrunched up and she was nearly shaking.

  “Alis, are you okay?” he asked, concerned.

  She broke out into a giggle fit, speaking through fits of laughter, “You… got tangled…”

  “Alis, get it together!” Geri snapped, eliciting silence from Alis.

  “So, can you tell me where the hell Daryl is?” Geri demanded.

  “Information? It is information you seek? I’ll gladly speak with you, my new friends, but we still need to address the matter of you entering my private club. Perhaps if you were to become introductory members, I would feel it necessary to serve you graciously as patrons of my establishment.”

  “Okay, how do we do that?” Geri asked, her voice colored with mild frustration.

  “Well, without a sponsor, the fees are quite steep,” Gryar began, but before he could continue, Kyren felt an inky black touch in his mind.

  “Gryar, I will sponsor them,” a strange voice spoke in Kyren’s head.

  He noted the look of surprise on the others’ faces. They must’ve heard it
too. Kyren knew the sensation, though. He had experienced it once before, on Junoval. They were being spoken to by the evgalian he had seen in the foyer.

  “I see you have dealt with my kind before. I see our mark upon your mind. I will answer a single question, and will expect nothing in return,” the evgalian rasped in his mind.

  “Okay,” he thought back. What would be the best question? Well, it would need to be something the evgalian could know. Would he know Utien? Not likely. But maybe he knew something else. Maybe Kyren could bring this whole situation to a close in one simple moment.

  “Can you provide coordinates for the Kilgore system?” he thought to the creature.

  “Alas, I cannot,” it replied wheezily. “Do you wish to ask another question? I will take only a small payment in exchange.”

  “What kind of payment?” he asked as his heart sank.

  “A small memory, one of no consequence,” it responded, a note of eagerness coloring the voice in his head.

  “Sorry, but no,” Kyren thought back.

  “So now that you have a sponsor, let’s discuss your membership dues,” Gryar continued.

  Geri’s eyes widened as he spoke his price.

  “Yes, well that is the discounted rate, since you have a sponsor,” Gryar added quickly when he saw Geri’s expression change.

  “Fine,” she said angrily, handing over her chipscan after thumbing it to unlocked.

  The creature extracted a chipscan from bag next to him and swiped them together, the holographic numbers changing to indicate the transfer.

  He handed the card back and spoke, “So what is it you wish to know? Speak and I shall answer as best as I can.”

  “All I want to know, where in the hell is Daryl,” Geri growled.

  “Alas, I know no Daryl,” Gryar squeaked dejectedly.

  “Dammit, don’t play with me,” she snapped back.

  “Boskor, do we know a Daryl?” Gryar squeaked loudly.

  The grendle from the front responded immediately, “No boss, don’t know no Daryl.”