Perplexity is the beginning of knowledge. – Kahlil Gibran
Perplexing Knowledge
"Captain, there appears to be smoke in my docking bay. My sensors are not picking up any heat. I recommend extreme caution while landing," said Andormeda.
"Will do," replied Dylan.
Beka landed the Maru carefully and she and Dylan walked off. She was the first one to see a strange looking man standing over Ilandere. He appeared to be gloating and was holding a large, glowing red orb in one of his hands. Beka tapped Dylan on the shoulder and pointed to the man. Both of them raised their weapons.
"Is there something I can help you with?" asked Dylan.
The man turned and saw the pair. His face fell and the orb disappeared along with the man. Beka and Dylan raced over to Ilandere to see if she was okay. Beka felt a faint pulse, and heard Ilandres' strenuous breathing.
"She's got a pulse, and still is breathing even though it's shallow. Let's get her to the med bay."
The pair gently picked up Ilandere and carried her to the med bay. They laid her gently on a bed being careful of her tail.
"I wondered where Trance is?" asked Dylan.
"Command," said Ilandere. "She is in command and is very scared. Dylan go find her before Kek can harm her."
Dylan hesitated but felt it was best to follow Ilandere request. As soon as he entered the command deck he heard sobs. He saw Trance huddled against a counter, and she continued to cry.
"Trance," said Dylan. "Could you please come with me?"
Trance looked up and Dylan could see she had been crying heavily. She got up from her spot and rushed over to Dylan.
"I...I don't know where Ilandere is," she sobbed. "And...and there was an explosion."
"How about we go to the med bay," said Dylan.
Trance nodded her head in agreement.
Beka looked at Ilandere and saw that her body was badly scratched and bruised but no burns or life-threatening wounds.
"What were those two fighting about?" she thought.
"Beka," asked Ilandere "Could I please have some water?"
"Sure."
Beka filled a glass full of water and brought it to Ilandere. Ilandere tired to raise her arm, but couldn't.
"Here let me help you," said Beka. Beka brought the glass to Ilandere lips. She took several sips before emptying the glass.
"Thank you, Beka. You must remember to listen to your heart as often as you do your brain." Said Ilandere before she closed her eyes. Beka looked at the woman now sleeping on the med bay bed. She saw the gems interwoven into her short blonde hair appeared to be reflecting the different phases of a moon. It was then she noticed behind one of Ilandere ears was a strange looking symbol. She peered closer and saw that it was a star inside a circle. She peered behind the other ear and saw the same tattoo.
"I wonder what that symbol means?" she thought.
Beka heard the door open. She turned around to see Trance crying and clinging to Dylan. When Trance saw Ilandere laying on the bed she broke away from Dylan, and ran to Ilandere. She took one of Ilandere hands and sat down in chair. Beka walked over to Dylan and whispered "Is she alright?"
"I don't know. She was huddled up and crying. She seems not to have a clue on what happened except that there was an explosion."
"Explosion?"
"Trance said Andromeda reported an explosion in the docking bay. What I would like to know who that guy was and what he was doing aboard the Andromeda."
A maid walked in and whispered something into Aradestea ear. Aradestea spat out the water and shouted "What? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Is everything all right, Aradestea?" asked Herb.
"It appears there is a slight problem that I must take care of. I shall return soon, Herb." Said Aradestea as she rose from the chair. She followed the maid out of the room. Pacing in the hallway was her head of technology, Antiope.
"Well, what is the problem, Antiope?" asked Aradestea in a frustrated tone.
"It appears the nanobots are attacking more quickly than we thought, Ma'am. I don't know what happened. We need someone who's familiar with this technology."
"Then why don't you find someone!" said Aradestea harshly.
"We don't know of any one, Ma'am."
"Do not give me an excuse for your own failings. I do not want to see your face unless you have good news. Understand."
Antiope nodded her head and dashed down the hallway in a matter of seconds. Aradestea composed herself and walked back into the room.
Antiope walked into the room holding Rhade. He was cleaned up but it did nothing for his complexion. She sighed and rubbed her forehead to relieve some stress.
"Anitope?" asked a younger technician.
"What is it?" she snapped.
The younger technician stepped back in fright.
"I'm sorry, but I'm worried about the patient."
"Um, he has gone unconscious. His heart rate is slowing and his breathing is labored. We don't know what else to do."
Antiope clenched her fist in frustration, and tried to focus on the task at hand.
"Can you tell me where we got this technology?"
"Marika," replied a curly, brown haired man named Zephaniah.
"Damn," Antiope thought "well there goes that idea."
"Antiope, I know where one of her workers is now living." Said Zephaniah.
"You come with and the rest of you keep working," said Antiope. The man followed Antiope out into the hallway.
"What do you know?" demanded Antiope.
"The man is called Harper; he works at a bar. He's guarded by a blonde woman with extraordinary strength. That's all I know."
Anntiope waved her hand to dismiss Zephaniah. The man walked back into the room.
"I must find Lilith; she'll be able to help me get this Harper." Thought Antiope as she ran down the hallway.
Harper looked up from the bar and saw a beautiful woman with blonde hair pulled back in a French braid. He let out a low whistle as she got closer. He was so focused on the woman that he didn't notice a group of heavily armed people come in. The woman sat down at the bar and smiled at Harper.
"Hi, umm...what can I do for you?" he asked.
"Oh, I don't know. Why don't you give something of your choice." Replied the woman with a smile.
Harper poured the drink clumsily, missing the glass quite a few times. The woman continued to smile at him.
"Here ya go," Harper said with a flourish.
"You are the most competent bartender I've met. What is your name?"
"Seamus Zelazny Harper, at your services, Miss....?"
"My name is Lilith Medea," she replied as she causally moved a leg.
"Well, Miss Medea is..." Harper was interrupted by the group of people jumping up and running toward Lilith.
"Well, if it isn't Arachne or what is your name this time?" asked a tall brunette woman.
"I don't know what you're talking about. My name is Lilith Medea and not Arachne," she exclaimed in an astonished tone.
"Sure, Arachne. We ain't falling for that one. You're coming with us."
"I think you have the wrong person. I have not done a thing wrong in my life. Why can't you believe me?" she pleaded with tears in her eyes. One of the people moved to grab Lilith but was stopped by Doyle.
"Go with Harper!"' Doyle ordered.
Harper took Liliths' hand and took her out of the bar. They ran into an alleyway and stopped to catch their breath.
"I think we're safe here," said Harper.
"I don't think so Seamus," replied Lilith. "You really should stop being so trusting of a pair of pretty eyes."
Harper looked at Lilith, and felt something hit the back of his head.
"You," ordered Lilith "bring him to the vehicle, and make sure you set him down gently. Mistress F'ynn doesn't want any bruises on this one. He's too special for that."
Kek landed with a soft thud not far from Aradestea compound. He got up and closed his eyes scanning the area for help. He sensed the evil coming from the compound and smiled.
"I have found some help in this saga of woe, but I wonder how shall I enter?" Kek mused. He opened his eyes and looked skyward for the answer.
"A trade of sorts will do nicely," thought Kek as he started off to the compound.
Harper awoke to a pounding headache. All that he could recall was a fight and then everything went blank. He tired to roll out of bed but found himself strapped to the bed.
"Hey," he shouted "Hey is anyone there?"
When no one appeared he tried wiggle his way out of the straps.
"Why did I help her!? I need stop doing that?!" he reprimanded himself.
"I should be glad you vowed to stop doing that after meeting me," said a familiar voice.
A woman appeared standing over him with a smile playing on her face. She appeared to be holding down laughter. It was then he noticed she had rather pretty green eyes and that freaky looking snake tattoo. He then saw blonde hair was French braided and realized that it was Lilith.
"It is good to see you awake, Seamus Harper. I was afraid that one of guards had hit you to hard, but it's good to see you have such a thick skull. Mistress F'ynn requires your help with one of your inventions."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think looking at it will help you remember, hmm? Or you can stay here strapped to a bed?"
"I think I'll go with you."
Lilith nodded her head in agreement and untied the straps. She pulled Harper up and said "Don't try anything funny, Seamus Harper. You are being watched by the best assassins in this system. They will kill you without hesitation."
Lilith put her arm around Harpers shoulder and guided him out of the room and down the maze of corridors.
"Go right in, Antiope is waiting for you," said Lilith giving Harper a push toward the door. Harper walked in the room and saw a person laying on a bed in the middle of the room. Surrounding the bed were arrays of machines and people buzzing about. A man looked up from one of the machines and whispered something to a woman standing nearby.
"What are you doing in here?" asked the woman with short blue black hair. Her face was much tanned and slightly scarred.
"Umm, Lilith sent me here. She said you had one of my inventions." Replied Harper nervously.
"Oh, you're the one who's going to help us or die trying to, anyways," said the woman. She walked over to Harper and eyed him over.
"My name is Antiope; I am Head of Technology for the Erinyes Corporation which is owned by Mistress Aradestea Macha F'ynn." She said bowing her head.
"My name is Seamus Harper, and I'd like to know what invention you are talking about?"
Antiope gestured for Harper to follow her. She led him to a microscope and indicated that he should sit down.
"You remember your fear phernom contained nanobots, correct? Well, Mistress F'ynn got a hold of some and discovered the nanobots. She gave me the task of understanding them. I was able to cerate nanobots that can destroy cells. We tested it on animals and we were able to reverse the process. But when we injected them into your friend everything went haywire. They are slowly killing him. We have tried everything we can think of to save him, but nothing is working. You are to fix this problem, understand?"
Ilandere felt like she was flying through space until she heard someone whispering her name over and over, again. She felt a tug and then she opened her eyes. She turned her head and saw Trance sitting there repeating her name. She squeezed Trances' hand, and Trance looked up. She saw Ilandere smiling at her.
"Oh, Ilandere, I was afraid that you were hurt badly or worse. I followed your orders but I am afraid that I cried when I was told of an explosion."
"Trance, it is okay to cry at times of fright. The tears can give you strength when you don't know it. I am sorry if I gave you fright. We must be grateful to Beka and Dylan. If it was not for them I would not be here," said Ilandere in a comforting tone. Trance smiled and nodded her head in agreement.
"Can you please help me up?" asked Ilandere. Trance stood up and helped Ilandere off the bed. She helped her walk the maze of corridors to the command deck. Ilandere breathing was labored by the time they reached the command deck.
"Are you alright?" asked a concerned Trance.
Ilandere waved her hand to dismiss the question. They entered the command deck, where Beka and Dylan where talking. The opening of the doors made them turn their heads and see Trance helping Ilandere.
"Trance? Ilandere what are you doing out of bed?" asked Dylan.
"She wanted to come here," replied Trance almost losing her grip on Ilandere. Beka raced over and helped Trance bring Ilandere in.
"I would like to sit on the floor, if that is alright with your?" requested Ilandere.
The two women eased Ilandere down on the floor. Ilandere crossed her legs and took a moment to catch her breath. She closed her eyes and focused on the words coming form her mouth.
"I feel Beka that I have kept you out of loop. I regret if this has hurt you, but I had to be sure that you could be trusted. I knew you could be trusted by what I have seen in Trances' memories. As you have been able to see I am indeed related to Trance. Just as she is an Avatar so am I, but I am an Avatar of the Moon."
"Who was that creepy looking guy standing over you?" asked Beka.
"That was Kek, and he is a Turned Avatar. He is one of most ruthless Turned Avatars these Universes have seen. At one time he was called Cyrus and he had promise as a Sun Avatar. No one knows what made him Turn but he did. Many Avatars have gone up against him and lost. It appears that the Opposing Council wants to interfere here to keep me from helping Trance."
"Could you please explain what a Turned Avatar is and the Opposing Council?" asked Dylan.
"A Turned Avatar is an Avatar that no longer has the ability to Create or Preserve. All they know how to do is Destroy."
Ilandere took a deep breath before continuing.
"The Opposing Council refers to the collection of Turned Avatars. They are consistently seeking to cause a great amount of chaos wherever they can."
"Could you explain what he was holding in his hand?" asked Beka.
"That would be an energy orb. They are orbs of highly contained energy that can do quite a lot of damage. Do you have any other questions?"
Beka hesitated for a second but asked "What does the tattoo behind your ears mean?"
Ilandere laughed and said "Oh you mean my pentagram tattoos. They represent a balance between earth, air, water, fire and spirit. As I recall the symbol was sacred to many people on Earth."
A trembling maid entered the dining chamber unseen by Herb and Runa. She walked softly over to Aradestea and whispered "There is a strange man who would like to discuss a deal with you, Mistress F'ynn."
Aradestea set her glass down quietly.
"Did he say anything else?" she asked softly.
"Only that he knows how to get the strange creature back, and that he can throw something else in as a surprise."
"I shall see him," she replied in a whisper. She followed the maid to the greeting chamber. She saw sitting there in the light was a tall, muscular man with short red hair and wearing blood red baggy shirt and pants.
"My maid tells me you wish to make a deal of sorts?" asked Aradestea.
"Ahh, yes I do Miss....."
"Mistress F'ynn, head of the Erinyes Corporation. And you are?"
"My name is Kek, and I am willing to help you in your search."
"Could you explain please?"
"I know you are searching for a mystery creature and I happen to know where it is. I also know that there is a twin of sorts that I think your employer would like."
"What do you want in return?"
"The imprisonment of these two creatures will do fine, Mistress F'ynn. But I fear Dylan Hunt will get in the way."
"Do not worry about Dylan Hunt for we have several of his friends, and this is a heavily guarded place."
"That is good to know."
"Is there anything else you which to discuss or should we formalize our agreement."
"I can't think of anything else."
Aradestea snapped her fingers and whispered something to the maid. The maid returned carrying a piece of paper, which Aradestea had already stamped.
"This is a simply contract form to validate our agreement."
The maid handed Kek a pen, and he signed the paper with a flourish.
"It was wonderful to do business with you, Kek. And I hope to see you soon."
Kek bowed to Aradestea and was guided out of the door by the maid. Aradestea rose from her chair and walked down a secret passage to the dining hall. She entered and saw Herb was sitting there playing with his now cold food. She saw Runa flick her eyes in her direction, and then return to looking at Herb.
"I have some good news Herb. It seems that there is another mystery creature like the one you own. I have made a deal with a man who promises to hand them over to me, and then I shall give the pair to you. Is that alright with you?"
"Aradestea, that is most certainly fine with me. Is there anything else you require of me?"
"You may go, Herb."
Herb bowed in the direction of the voice and was shown out by a maid. Aradestea waited until Herb left before turning to Runa.
"Runa, I want you to follow Herb and make sure he does not contact this Dylan Hunt." "As you wish, Mistress F'ynn," replied Runa as she rose from her chair and bowed. The woman left her employer sitting in a darkened dining hall.
"What to do about Rhade? I wonder if Antiope ever got that worker?" Aradestea mused.
She rose from her chair and walked to the lab through a maze of secret passages. She pulled her hood over her face and walked into the lab. She saw all a buzzing of activity surrounding the bed Rhade was on. She noticed a strange looking blonde man who seemed to be focused on something. She spied Antiope watching the every move of the man.
"He seems like such a strange character. He seems very self assured of what he is doing." She thought. She leaned up against a wall and continued to watch the man.
Harper couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced up occasionally trying to find the person staring at him, but he found no one. He felt someone smack on the back of the head.
"Pay attention to what you're doing," said Antiope.
"Sorry," Harper said.
Aradestea pulled her hood up and walked into the lab. The workers ignored Aradestea as she walked through the lab. For they knew better than to encroach on her without her permission. Aradestea tapped Antiope on the shoulder. The woman inclined her head in respect.
"How is it going?" Aradestea whispered.
"He has been working nonstop, Mistress F'ynn."
"You do not mind if I talk with him?"
Antiope nodded her head no. Aradestea tapped Harper on the shoulder. He waved his hand and said "I'm almost done."
"Good, now I might be able to talk to that murderer."
Harper turned his head toward the voice and saw a cloaked woman standing beside him.
Doyle paced and wondered what happened to Harper. She heard a tap on the door and went over to open it. Standing there was Beka, Dylan and two figures with brown hoods on.
"Can we come in?" asked Dylan.
"Sure," Doyle replied.
"Where's Harper?" asked Beka looking around.
"Some people tried wrongfully arrest a woman. I fought them and Harper took her someplace. I haven't seen him since. I had thought maybe he had contacted you, but I guess not."
Doyle noticed one of the cloaked figures was playing around with some of Harpers' tools.
"Hey, don't touch those things. They aren't your property."
"Nothing every really belongs to you, it is simply on loan." Replied the figure.
Doyle face turned into a look of confusion. She heard the figure laugh.
"I am sorry, Doyle. I keep forgetting you have never really met an Avatar."
"How do you know my name?" Doyle demanded.
The figure pulled the hood off revealing a pointy eared, short silvery-blonde hair, silvery-white skin and gray eyed woman. The woman nudged the person next to her who also removed her hood. Doyle saw the woman had red hair, blue eyes, pointy ears and orange hued skin.
"I am sorry; I forgot that we have not met in this Universe yet. My name is Ilandere, and I am a friend of Synnove Trance, Captain Dylan Hunt and Beka. I am very happy to meet you," said the woman.
Doyle then notice that something was twitching behind the woman's' leg. It was then she realized that woman had a tail. Doyle gasped and started to back away.
"Its okay, Doyle. It is nothing more than my tail," replied Ilandere calmly. Ilandere removed her cloak revealing a tight silvery-gray shirt and pants. She picked her tail up and walked over to Doyle.
"Here," she said holding the tail out. "touch my tail and you will see I'm nothing to be afraid of."
Doyle tentatively reached out and touched the tail. She was amazed at how soft it was. Doyle looked at Trance and then at Ilandere trying to comprehend why one had a tail and the other appeared not to.
"No, she does not have one. It is very rare for an Avatar to have a tail for this long. Usually they are the first thing to be damaged in battle," said Ilandere with a smile as she set her tail down.
"I hate to break this up but I think we should know about this woman." Said Beka.
"Well, she caught Harpers' eye and he acted like an idiot. She had blonde hair in a braid."
"Did she have any sort of distinguishing marks on her or her clothes?" asked Dylan.
Doyle paused for a moment trying to remember the woman.
"There was that funky looking snake tattoo on her pinkie that was kinda small. Oh goodness, that woman was working for the same person who has Rhade."
"According to some sources the snake is the symbol of the Erinyes Corporation. This business is owned by a Mistress Aradestea F'ynn. It's also said that she has a spy and assassin ring that is well known."
"I just wonder how Harper fits into this puzzle," Beka said.