by SJ McGarry
The Red Brume could destroy whatever was in its path, and changed living entities' minds and actions from good into bad, causing them to deteriorate or go insane. It could reduce the immortals to those of blubbering psychopaths. Jarvis' creation was evil personified and lived and thrived on the destruction of the body, mind, and spirit.
Discovering the rampage and havoc, Grizel learned through the wizard's research papers there was one way to contain the Red Brume, even though it was indestructible.
She evoked her powers and created a small box made of a robust and hard mineral called Goethite taken from limpets, a snail-like creature with sharp, conical shells.
Setting a trap, she was able to lure the Red Brume into the container. Casting a magical circle of protection around the box housing it, she buried the Red Brume on a distant, uninhabited planet on the furthest edge of the Milky Way galaxy where the deranged entity could do no further harm. She set up magical safety wards around the area to alert her should it be disturbed in any way.
One morning, warning vibrations spiraled into Grizel's scrying pools and GIS system, alerting her to the security breach of the Red Brume. Looking into the swirling water, the face of the wizard Zennibar shimmered in and out among the magical water. He was the direct descendant and great-grandson of the wizard Jarvis, the original creator of the Red Brume. Grizel learned Zennibar discovered his creation through the previous wizard's notes he had found in the Akashic Record's archives.
Zennibar knew Grizel had entombed the Red Brume and sent it to a distant, satellite planet on a neighboring galaxy. Through the spirals of time, he researched and traveled the universe, obsessed in searching for its location.
While Zennibar was out on one of his seek-and-destroy missions, by mere luck, he stumbled upon the Red Brume on one of the planets hidden within the UGC 1382 or The Frankenstein Galaxy. Using his sorcery powers, he broke through the magic circles of safety spells and undid the protection spells Grizel had placed on the container and brought his great grandfather's monstrosity back to Centaurius. He believed he could control the Red Brume. But such was not the case. Zennibar would not listen to Grizel or the Grand Council's warnings. He had become obsessed and defiant, whirling him into a state and degree of madness.
King Montrobius discovered Zennibar's breach an act of defiance and commanded him to return the container to the planet where Grizel originally sent it keeping it imprisoned. Zennibar defied Montrobius and hid the Red Brume, refusing to disclose its location. Montrobius exiled Zennibar in shame and dishonor from the Andromeda Galaxy.
Zennibar left and threatened to bring war and mayhem to not only the Andromeda Galaxy but to the whole Universe. His travels took him through the vastness of space to colonize, and establish his kingdom and power on the planet Naphix within the Whirlpool Galaxy. As his skills grew, Zennibar became a fearsome enemy of the Andromeda Galaxy, and known as the 'dark and wicked wizard.’
The screen went blank.
Montrobius turned to Johan and said, "This situation causes a serious problem for Centaurius and our mirrored planet Earth. Since Zennibar broke the magical protection, the original container used to house the Red Brume will soon no longer be able to contain it. We have heard through the spiral rings he plans to release the Red Brume to wreak mayhem on all his enemies and take over the control and power to reign as the King and Wizard of the Universe."
King Johan reacted to this news like someone had sucker-punched him in the stomach. He berated himself for not studying up on this fact about his planet's history in more depth; he had been unaware of Zennibar's part in this new development. He could feel all eyes upon him, which caused his face to turn a crimson blush of shame.
Montrobius, seeing Johan's stressed state of mind, continued to give more facts. "King Johan, because of Zennibar's interference with our communication systems, this was an unknown until a few rings past until Keno repaired our OMNIS III system. As an extra precaution, Grizel cast an additional spell which would alert her to any disruption or potential movement of the Red Brume, none of us would have had any prior knowledge until it was too late. We still have enough time in rings to capture and contain the Red Brume before it destroys us all."
Still feeling like a complete failure, Johan turned and looked at his daughter and Megan. Both smiled at him showing their understanding and support. He turned to Montrobius and asked, "So what do we have to do to remedy this issue?"
"Grizel, the Warrior of Old, whipped up her magic and designed a stronger and safer container made of titanium to entomb the Red Brume. However, to contain it forever, according to the prophecy and fulfillment, it must escape from the current box holding it in bondage, then recaptured, and imprisoned in a specially prepared box. Only the Princess of Centaurius holds all the power to accomplish this part of the mission. As predicted, when Nella unites with her mirrored Earth Warrior, she will possess the powers needed to achieve the evil entity's ultimate entombment."
To further explain, Montrobius added, "This box was sent to the Earth Warrior at his birth, and holds the missing key to Nella's crown. They must reactivate the key which will combine their powers to entomb the Red Brume. Grizel holds the ultimate power to enhance Princess Nella's warriors' skills, increase her magical powers, and give her the spell to capture and imprison the Red Brume within the container containing a magic spell."
Montrobius paused to take a sip of water to his parched throat. "There is a strong possibility the princess will not be able to accomplish the task, and the Red Brume will continue its devastation of our planets. After destroying every living being, In the end, the Red Brume will have its way, and everyone loses.
"If Zennibar releases it, or if the container opens on its own from its weakened state, the Red Brume will destroy its current container. It will also avoid anything made of goethite in the future, if possible. The Red Brume will not start to grow until he escapes his confinement. So, the window to its capture within the new titanium container is minuscule. Nella must be precise in her timing, or she will fail."
King Johan leaned over, his elbows resting on the top of his thighs. His hands grasped each side of his head as his fingers attempted to massage his temples and take away the pounding headache threatening to explode his skull into a thousand pieces. Tormented to his core, Johan cringed, knowing the dangers his daughter faced and frustrated because he felt helpless.
Seeing Johan's distress and the tears running down Queen Megan's cheeks, Montrobius tried to soften the rest of his additional information by interjecting some of the weaknesses of the Red Brune to instill direction, hope, and encouragement in seeing a way to end its rampage and destruction.
"The fact remains, even though the Red Brume began as a thinking entity, its one thought process revolves around its need to survive, feed, and to destroy. It cannot think beyond the basic survival mode. The princess will need to trick, coax, and outmaneuver the Red Brume to capture it within the custom-made titanium container. Once completed, Grizel will cast a strong, magical spell to impede all intruders. No one will ever be able to rerelease this diabolical entity."
Montrobius glanced at Nella, who sat stiff as a ramrod, white-faced, and with eyes as round as a Centaurian coin. Taking her hand in his, he continued, "If the princess doubts, she is the chosen one, the container will not open for anyone other than the Princess Warrior as foretold in the Prophecy. The command words will come as needed to accomplish this part of the mission. If the princess should fail, all living, intelligent beings on Centaurius who have time to escape should do so. We will expedite our team of scientist and Centaurnauts to scout for additional and temporary, habitable living accommodations in neighboring galaxies. The establishment of the Centaurian Assigned Safelight Colonies was created many Centaurian rings past for this purpose. These colonies, developed and settled by the Interplanetary Space Patrol, emerged so in the event this type of emergency or exodus became expedient, we could provide temporary safety and transport for most-if not all-Centa
urians. Since Centaurius and Earth are mirrored reflections of each other, if Zennibar is successful with his master plan of destruction, chaos will creep into the Andromeda Galaxy and overtake Centaurius."
Montrobius concluded, "With this in mind, at the time our two galaxies collide forming the new elliptical Milkomedia Galaxy, within the predicted four billion cycles of the twentieth ring and now expected much earlier, Zennibar will have complete control as the ruler of this new formed mega galaxy."
It took a moment for King Johan to digest all the data. His mind stilled as if frozen in time. "You've got to be kidding King Montrobius. With all due respect, Your Majesty, Zennibar is nothing more than a coward who sends others to do his bidding. He isn't bright enough to pull off a coup like this."
"Under normal circumstances, I would agree with you, but according to one of our top Inter Planetary Galaxy Operatives and the visual activity coming to us from our IGIS satellites, I'm afraid he's been working in secret on his plan by blocking our memory and communication banks for quite some time now. Through the cunning wisdom of Abigor-who I'm sure is the real initiator of this zealous coupe-it's a substantial probability, and not a matter of if, but when. Zennibar's empire and military legions are now about equal to our own within Andromeda, and his will soon double as other rogue planets ruled by enemy wizards join his evil forces."
Johan stared at Montrobius. It appeared like the Centaurian rings froze in motion.
"What can I do in the meantime to keep Centaurius safe from Zennibar and his armies while Nella is preparing for the mission?" he whispered.
Montrobius studied Johan, understanding the anguish he was suffering, not only for the planet and his country but also as a father. The personal sacrifice was more than anyone should have to endure. Sending his only daughter into the unknown and a war of the worlds which might end in the loss of lives or the destruction of both planets was insurmountable. The safety and future of the Universe were in his daughter's hands.
King Johan reached over and took Nella's hand in his and gave it a soft squeeze. Nella squeezed back returning his smile, wishing she could ease the stress and pain her father felt.
Giving father and daughter a moment of silent communication, Montrobius replied.
"I think it best, for now, to have you work in close collaboration with Captain Norhann of Titan 1. It is not too hard to realize by now, Zennibar with his combined armies and demon warriors will continue ongoing attempts to sabotage the mission any way they can before Titan 1 is launched and off the ground. Centaurius' security needs to go to a red-alert stage, restricting anyone from entering from other planets or galaxies or crossing our borders. Secure perimeters will be set up to keep everyone getting anywhere near the Phoenix."
CHAPTER 21
Captain Norhann
The massive portals to the room shimmered, announcing the arrival of Norhann, the Captain of Titan 1. With a big smile on his face, his giant strides filled the gap between him and the Royal Family as he walked towards them in greeting.
To Nella, he appeared huge, with his long brown hair adorned with colored beads; they denoted his rank and years of service within the Andromeda Fleet. A long beard shimmered and swayed with each step, also laden with beads. His broad forehead did a mammoth job of holding up his bushy eyebrows, she noted. However, as Nella studied his kind, soft eyes, his intimidating size and appearance diminished.
"Sorry I'm late, Your Majesty. We've been having more trouble with the blocked spiral rings in our communication system," Captain Norhann said as he bowed.
"Ah perfect timing," Montrobius acknowledged. "Come join us. I believe you know King Johan and his lovely wife, Queen Megan, and their daughter, Princess Nella."
"Good to see you again, Johan," Norhann replied with an outstretched hand.
"Likewise, it is great to meet again, Johan saluted and did the usual handshake routine military men used to greet one another.
"How are things on Titan 1?"
"Could be better, but of course we always wish for what we don't have, do we not?" Norhann winked at Nella and Queen Megan.
"So, you're having trouble with OMNIS III-besides losing satellites?" Johan inquired since he had the gift of reading others thoughts if the circumstance presented itself in dire situations.
"Ah, yes, I remember now. There is nothing hidden from you, including classified information!" Norhann’s response ended in a hardy laugh and shook his head. Johan smiled in return.
Norhann turned and bowed and kissed Megan's hand as he raised it to his lips. "Queen Megan, it's indeed a pleasure to gaze upon your beautiful face once again. A vision I will keep with me in my memory bank for a long time."
"Likewise, Captain," Megan's warm smile greeted his kind eyes.
Norhann turned and looked at Nella, his eyes scanning into the depths of her soul. Reaching out to take her hand in his, he planted a gentle kiss, his eyes never leaving hers. As he released her hand, he stretched to his full frame of eight feet and measured Nella's height to be almost to his chest and could only remember her as a toddler. "Princess, my, how you've grown. How many rings are you?"
"Sixteen hundred rings, Captain," Nella stood straighter to appear taller.
"Ah, to be Sixteen hundred rings again," he mused.
Addressing King Johan, he asked, "Has Montrobius told you about the mission?"
"Well, actually, no. We started watching your past SMC downloads from Earth to Titan 1. The historical data was disturbing and difficult to watch let alone absorb."
"I'm so sorry I’ve interrupted your viewing.” He turned to King Montrobius and with a nod of his head said, “Please continue."
"All is well. Please take a seat Captain Norhann, and we will address the issues so the Council can vote on a plan of action."
Sensing the worry and anticipation circling the room, Montrobius continued, "King Johan, Queen Megan, and Princess Nella, we've summoned you here today to ask each of you to assist the Council in deciding the future of planet Earth.
There are several possible plans to consider. Because of the unique powers and wisdom each of you holds-and the practical capability of the Princess to successfully implement her future abilities-, it is prudent also to include your thoughts and input. First, we'll share a couple of plans the Council agreed upon for a possible solution. Any additional ideas you might think are pertinent to consider for their success we would like to hear any other thoughts or opinions on how best to address the delicate position we are now facing.”
"The first and most radical plan requires to ultimately destroy planet Earth before Zennibar can take the world hostage. A protective barrier or shield around Centaurius would shield us so the destruction would not filter through to our planet. Through the rings in time, the creation of a new mirrored planet would form, of which the Council members would have complete control in its early development stages."
A white face from Nella and a gasp from Queen Megan reflected their horror.
Seeing their strong reaction to a plan he also thought radical at best, he cleared his throat and went on to explain. We understand it's an outrageous idea, but it is better to lose one mirrored planet-rather than the whole Universe-to the hands of Zennibar or Abigor.”
A twin pair of squinted, recessed eyes scrunching on top of deep frowns claimed the faces of both mother and daughter.
Clearing his throat, he continued, "The second plan," Montrobius proceeded with caution, which reflected in his voice, "requires a massive undertaking. Search parties would go out to find the worthiest of humans on Earth. The same would apply to the plant and animal kingdom."
Montrobius paused to look at his guests. Seeing no distorted facial responses, he went on to explain. "A selection from each species, male and female, will be chosen so they can reproduce. An evacuation from Earth and would send all the selected species to a Centenarian-assigned Safe-light Colonies-which is in the construction phase -for habitation to start a new Earth. This plan is similar to the bibl
ical Noah's Ark told in history books of Earth's past." Montrobius stated with discomfort. He observed Utropia's finest squirming in their seats.
Going forward the next option suggested by the council appeared on the screen. "The third proposed plan suggests the healing of planet Earth but eliminating all those living entities who are dead of heart, or soulless. Simply stated, those who continue to abuse the Earth and its life forms within in such a manner to cause destruction, would meet a quick demise or face imprisonment on a distant rogue planet The Council would select and oversee a new governing body to supervise the repair of Earth. After all the threats are eliminated, the restoration strategy of planet Earth will begin.”
King Johan, Queen Megan, and Nella heard two additional plans - both were also excessively radical. They all cleared their throats and looked at each other.
Taking his cue, King Johan stepped forward saying, "King Montrobius, with the utmost respect for you, the Council members and Captain Norhann, on behalf of myself and my family, we have a request."
"Please proceed," King Montrobius replied.
"You have summoned us here to give our input on potential solutions to the grim situation we are presently facing. Since all the responsibility will fall on Nella, as the commander of the mission, respectfully we ask you to grant us multiple rings of time for us to discuss the matter between ourselves. We have a lot of information to sort through."
"We understand the weight of responsibility this issue requires. Of course, I grant you your request,” Montrobius nodded in agreement. "A spiral time within twenty-four rotations of the Inner Ring-or longer if needed is given. We’ve prepared rooms for your stay, and this meeting will now adjourn until we meet again."
Several palace guards entered the command center.
"Please escort our guests to their rooms," Montrobius said as he walked with them to the portal. "I shall wait for your reply," he reaffirmed, placing his hand on King Johan's shoulder confirming his support.