The Lighthouse
FitzSimmons had basically figured out that the jump drive could transport someone through space as well as time and the most prevalent theory was that Deke was not in their galaxy, let alone their time. This gave rise to a whole new set of problems on how to locate him without even thinking about how they were going to bring him home. It had already been two weeks and Fitz seemed to get more and more frustrated. Daisy was wary of this as she knew first-hand what a stressed out, lack-of-sleep Fitz could do. Thankfully, Simmons was there to keep him in check as he wrote equation after equation on the board. Coulson had tried to help, giving them new suggestions with his new Chronicom hardware helping him understand the problem. Unfortunately, they were at a stalemate.
For now, Fitz was just tinkering on the jump drive while Simmons stared at the equations she'd written on the board. Coulson was accounting for everything that could go wrong with the new theories they had come up with. It was really not promising. Daisy tried to help as much as she could on the coding front, running simulations as well as giving them moral support, but there was not much else that could be done. Simmons gave up staring at the equations and walked over to Daisy.
"It's not even been a month after we defeated Izel with resonance frequencies and now we're working on another impossible problem. But this is something I don't think we can solve. I wish we could just have a break," Simmons said sadly. Daisy silently put an arm around her shoulders, agreeing with her. Suddenly, she noticed Fitz stiffening and staring straight at Simmons. Daisy could practically see the wheels turn in his head.
"That's it! Ugh! I can't believe we didn't think of this before! The solution was staring us right in the bloody face!" Fitz exclaimed, hitting his forehead repeatedly with his palm. Simmons rushed to him to calm him down.
"Fitz what do you mean?"
"Resonance frequencies!" He exclaimed excitedly. At that moment, Simmons seemed to have got it as well and laughed, equally excited as Fitz. Coulson walked over to them.
"Ah! Of course. I see what you mean, guys. That's ingenious Fitz, good job!" Coulson complimented him, smiling. He seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion as Simmons. Daisy didn't understand what the hell was going on.
"But we can't get overconfident though. We've got to run simulations and see if it works," Simmons told Fitz. He nodded at her.
"Yeah we've gotta change the calibrations – "
"– lock on to his frequency – "
"– find a way to track him as well – "
"– that shouldn't exactly be a problem – "
"Hey guys! Time out!" Daisy exclaimed. "I don't have a super brain, so please explain what you guys are so happy about," she continued, confused as ever.
"Remember those Sonic Barrier Cuffs we developed that worked almost the same way as the Shrike knives?" Fitz asked Daisy.
"Yeah of course. If Deke hadn't developed those, we'd all be Shrike fodder right now," Daisy said.
"Well, it works on resonance frequencies, right? If we could somehow modify it and upgrade the jump drive to detect specific frequencies as well, we wouldn't need it with us to jump anywhere through time and space. We could just activate it remotely and it will lock on to our frequencies and transport us," Fitz explained.
"Right but how are we going to lock on to Deke's frequency?" Daisy asked.
"Remember Sarge's Shrike detection device? He was after Deke because he had unique readings and thought he was a Shrike. Those readings were different because Deke belongs to an alternate universe, so he's got a different resonant frequency. We could modify Sarge's device and use its data to detect Deke's unique readings when we activate the jump drive. It will lock on to his frequency and pull him back right here," Simmons said, beaming. Coulson was silent for a moment before smiling as well.
"I've calculated the probability of success for this – isn't it cool that I can do that now, by the way – this could work guys. It's the most probable solution," Coulson said. Daisy couldn't pretend to fully understand what was going on but if Fitz and Simmons believed this could work, then she was glad as well. Fitz, Simmons and Coulson immediately started formulating ideas and working on Fitz's theory. They'd have Deke back in no time.
It had been a couple of days – at least Deke assumed it was a couple of days – since the Republic Star Cruiser had rescued him. He was greeted by Commander Mira Syndulla. She was young and tough, with green hair and green eyes. There was also a tinge of green on her elfish-like pointy ears. She recognized that Deke was in shock and commanded some of the Republic troopers to find him empty quarters to rest in. She saw him clutching Finn's lightsaber and he knew she recognized it, but she didn't ask about it. He was grateful for this. However, Deke knew he wouldn't be left alone for long. They would definitely want to know what had happened to Finn and he would have to brief the General – whoever he was – on what had happened. Unfortunately, that time was now.
He made his way to the command centre, escorted by two Republic troopers. Even though it didn't look like it, Deke felt he was a prisoner on this ship, and he just about had enough of it. He wanted to clear up any confusion and try finding his way back to Earth. He couldn't take any more of this crazy, messed up galaxy. Deke finally reached command and was greeted by Commander Syndulla.
"How are you doing Deke?" She asked.
"Okay…I guess?" Deke said. Commander Syndulla nodded. Deke just felt emotionally drained. He figured he might as well just tell her where he's from and what he's doing here. He was just so tired of being used, of second guessing everyone or finding someone he could trust, but then loosing them immediately after. She was going to ask him about it anyway. He didn't know if he was supposed to wait for the General to join them before speaking, but honestly, he just didn't care.
He opened his mouth and everything that had happened came gushing out. He just wanted this to be over and he wanted to go home. He couldn't stop himself even if he wanted to. Commander Syndulla didn't interrupt him, so Deke continued, telling her how he'd got here and where he'd come from as well as his first meeting with Amenia. Commander Syndulla just listened quietly, staring at him with those green eyes. He caught a glimpse of sympathy in them when he talked about his feelings for Lady Amenia and how she had used him. He told her everything that Finn had told him, including his story about Han, the Force, the Skywalker family and even about Ahch-To. Deke then told her how Finn had given him the secret transmission to get the Republic Fleet there to save Deke before Amenia murdered him. Retelling that part to Commander Syndulla almost caused Deke to have a breakdown but he managed to compose himself and took a deep breath, calming his tumultuous emotions…for now.
Deke finally finished his story and reached for Finn's lightsaber that he had fastened to his belt and made to pass it to Commander Syndulla, but she didn't take it. Instead, she turned to look at someone behind her. How could he have not noticed someone standing there this whole time? The man walked forward, and Deke's blood went cold. He'd recognize these creatures anywhere, no matter which galaxy he was trapped in.
"That's an insightful story, Deke Shaw," the man said. Deke didn't reply. Commander Syndulla decided to break the silence.
"Deke, this is Raulk Kasius, General of the 605th New Republic Legion," she introduced him. Deke was still silent, staring up at him. The General was Kree.
