A PIRATE'S LIFE FOR ME
"Yahoo! Spring break at last!" Suni exclaimed.
She jumped up and down in excitement, dancing circles around her other friends. Atreus looked at her quizzically while Tethys ignored her joyous dance. Alyna, however, was confused.
"What is spring?" Alyna asked.
"It's a season on Earth," Tethys replied, still turning a blind eye to Suni's whoops of pleasure. "Centuries ago, students who went to school on Earth were given a week off from class during the spring. Nowadays, our break is more to let us catch up on work than to celebrate spring."
"I don't think the break was in celebration of spring," Atreus disagreed with a frown.
"Excellent," Alyna said. "I am in need of a break."
"You guys got plans yet?" Suni asked breathlessly, plopping herself next to Atreus and giving him a sideways hug. "I'm going home to visit my parents."
"Me, too," Atreus replied. "Mom's been on my case since Uncle Radu's wedding. Apparently my joining an Andromedan rebellion hit a little too close to home."
Tethys smiled. "And you, Alyna?"
"I must patrol," she replied. "I have not been fulfilling my duties as a Guardian."
"You going back to Neptune, Tethys?" Suni asked.
"Back to playing princess?" Atreus added with a smile.
Tethys shook her head. "No, Mother decided that it was too dangerous for me to return home. That fanatic, Nylph, was not the only one who wished the kingdoms to split, and Father thinks the rebels will try to have me murdered."
Suni gasped and Atreus's eyes hardened. Alyna appeared without emotion, although facial expressions were hardly common among the Guardians.
"So, you are remaining at Starcademy?" the Guardian asked.
"No," Tethys said with a breathless sigh. "Mother is sending me to the Spung court to practice being a princess with Elmira. It will be horribly boring."
"You want us to come with you?" Suni asked quietly, torn between her loyalty to her friend and her desire to visit her home.
"I would love it," Tethys said, "but you've been ranting about going home for weeks, and Arista would have my head if I kept Atreus away."
Suni smiled brightly. "I'll phone you every night, and we can talk during the day through our compupads. Will they reach from Starbase 7 all the way to the Spung Homeworld?"
"I doubt it," Atreus replied. "Not unless you tap into a few satellites along the way."
"That can be arranged," Alyna said with a half smile.
Suni feigned shock. "Why, Alyna! If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were trying to make a joke!"
"Planet-dweller humour is not without its moments," Alyna replied. "I fear seven months has been far too long to be among you, an it has rubbed off on me."
Tethys laughed and rose to her feet in a graceful, fluid motion.
"Come on," she said. "Spring break doesn't start until tomorrow. Let's go see a holo-film before we have to pack."
"You haven't packed yet?" Atreus gasped. "First Alyna cracks a joke, then Tethys admits she hasn't filled her hundreds of suitcases with clothes. The school is going topsy turvey!"
Tethys playfully hit the Andromedan on the arm. "Enough wise cracks. Let's go see the show!"
*******
Radu, Warlord of the Spung Empire, finished adjusting the final ribbon on the large gift wrapped box. In two days, it would be his one year anniversary of marriage to Elmira. One glorious year! Radu could still hardly believe it had happened. He absently traced the scar that ran down the right side of his face as he looked at his gift. The whole Homeworld was in a celebratory mood, and he hoped Elmira would like his present as much as the gifts the people were showering her with.
He heard her footsteps coming down the hallway and he effortlessly picked up the large package. Glancing this way and that, he desperately searched for a hiding place. As the footsteps drew closer, he spied an old wardrobe that Elmira hardly ever used. In three quick steps, he was across the room. Quickly, he shoved the present in, his eyes barely registering what else lay in the wardrobe. As the door to the bedroom creaked open, Radu eased the wardrobe doors closed, jumped into a nearby chair, and picked up a compupad, trying to look relaxed.
"There you are," Elmira said with a smile.
"Where else would I be?" Radu replied, rising to kiss his wife.
Elmira held him in her embrace longer than usual, and Radu immediately began to wonder if something was wrong. When his wife broke free, he looked down at her, but was immediately put at ease by her smile.
"Where else would you be?" Elmira repeated his question. "In the city, according to my spies."
"You're spying on me?" Radu gasped, more hurt than angry.
"Of course not," Elmira replied. "I have spies, but not for you specifically. They just tell me anything out of the ordinary that's happening in the city. Like you going out unescorted after court."
Radu frowned. He had caught the spy who had been trailing him easily, and had made the young Spung swear that he would not tell Elmira what he'd seen. Apparently, the spy had only kept half his word. Elmira knew Radu had been in town, but still had no idea why.
"I can't go out on my own?" Radu asked.
Elmira frowned prettily, the face designed to lower Radu's defenses. It almost worked, but Radu thought ahead to Elmira's delight at the surprise gift and held firm.
"Fine," Elmira huffed. "Don't tell me what you were doing. Just promise me that I won't be disappointed."
Radu drew his bride into a hug and kissed her tenderly.
"You won't be disappointed," he whispered. "I promise."
*******
Later that evening, the shuttle transporting Tethys arrived. Radu and Elmira were there to greet her, and Radu watched in amused shock as half a dozen porters carried Tethys' luggage from the shuttle. Tethys shrugged as Radu looked at her with surprise in his eyes.
"A princess must be prepared for every occasion," Tethys replied simply, with a serious face.
Elmira laughed. "I agree, although I have a hard time talking my darling husband into coming with me to be fitted for a new gown."
Tethys' eyes lit up. "You want to have a fitting?"
Radu rolled his eyes. "I can see where this is going."
"First thing in the morning, dear," Elmira promised. "In two days, we're having a small gathering to celebrate your arrival and we must look our best."
"Tethys has been here dozens of times," Radu objected. "Why are we having a party?"
"Because this is the first time she's come as Her Royal Highness, Princess Tethys, Heir to the Double Throne of Neptune," Elmira told him. "That's why."
Radu mouthed a silent "oh" and watched as his wife and unofficial niece began to plan their gala event. They walked off without a backwards glance, deep in conversation about patterns and styles, so Radu took the opportunity to check on his present. He wondered if it was more than a coincidence that Tethys' party was on the same night as their anniversary.
*******
The box was still safely stowed away in the wardrobe, and it appeared as if no one had touched it since Radu had shoved it away. Now that he had more time, he inspected his wrapping job again, wanting it to be absolutely perfect.
For the first time, a smaller box underneath the present caught his eye. It was small and black but fairly deep, and Radu gasped in spite of himself when he saw it. He knew this box; it was his storage trunk from his time as the rogue pirate DogStar.
Hesitantly, the gift forgotten, Radu picked up the black box and brought it out of storage. He opened the lid, wincing as the hinges creaked, and peered inside. Dozens of treasures stared up at him.
Radu reached in and pulled out a rolled up poster. Carefully unrolling it, he saw his own scowling face appear with the word 'WANTED' printed around it in several languages. Putting the poster aside, Radu drew out a gold necklace with a large blue gem on it. He remembered how he had stolen the necklace from a damaged merchant vessel while his partner at the time, a bird-like fellow who called himself Nemesis, slaughtered the crew. They had planned to sell the necklace and its twin and split the money, but DogStar had taken off with the loot and left Nemesis to die on an isolated moon.
Shuddering, Radu put the necklace back and lifted out another old paper. On it was half of a star map, the other half hidden somewhere by Nemesis along with the other necklace. The merchant had offered the map to the two pirates while pleading for his life, saying that it showed the location of a fabulous treasure. Nemesis had ripped it in two after killing the merchant and gave half to DogStar as an insurance policy. Nemesis had thought that as long as he had the other half of the map, DogStar would stay obedient. Radu couldn't help but smile at the thought of Nemesis cursing him as he abandoned his partner on the moon.
There was a knock at the door and Radu was snapped out of his reverie. Quickly, he shoved all his former treasures back into the box and put it back in the wardrobe. As an afterthought, he re-hid Elmira's present over top of it. The knock sounded again as Radu stood to answer it.
A page bowed sharply as Radu opened the door and held out an envelope. The page was a boy of about ten; not a Spung, but a Plutonian who had undoubtedly moved to the Spung Homeworld.
"What is this?" Radu asked, turning the envelope over. It was unmarked.
"Highness, the man at the gate bade me bring this to you," the page said.
"What man?" Radu demanded.
"Sir, I had never seen him before," the Plutonian squeaked. "He was tall and spoke our language with an odd accent. He wore a large cloak that covered his features."
"Thank you," Radu said, regarding the envelope more closely. "You've done your duty well."
The page smiled, bowed once more, and scampered down the hallway. Radu closed the door, his eyes never leaving the sealed envelope. He sat down on his bed and ripped it open. As he scanned the letter inside, his eyes went wide with shock.
"DogStar," Radu read aloud, although he was the only one in the room. "I see fate has smiled on you, old friend, but unfortunately the past has returned to haunt you. You know what I want and you better bring it to me. We have one last adventure to complete before you retire for good. You have three hours to meet me at these coordinates before I destroy all fate has brought you. Come alone and unarmed."
Radu let the letter drop from numb hands. He looked from the letter on the floor to the wardrobe which concealed his black box. Three hours! That was hardly enough time to prepare. How could he convince Elmira? He couldn't just leave her again, could he? Radu shook his head. Of course not. Radu moved mechanically to his desk and picked up a compupad. He quickly typed a message for Elmira, then reached into the wardrobe, drew out the black box, grabbed the letter, and left his room.
As the door slammed shut behind him, the compupad teetered on the corner of Radu's desk and fell. It hit the ground, jumped once in the air, and landed with a clatter half hidden underneath the desk.
*******
Alyna prowled the space around the Spung Homeworld. She had deduced from Tethys' hesitation about coming that the Neptunian required a friend for spring break, and Alyna had decided to 'drop by' and see if her presence was, indeed, required.
She circled the floating city a few times, marveling at how it was designed. Not a planet, but not quite a space station, the Spung Homeworld was truly unique. Of course, several of the floating cities existed in the empire, but the Homeworld itself was a beautiful sight both from space and from within.
Alyna reached into her many-pocketed cloak to contact the Spung Homeworld when a shuttle abruptly shot from the city. Curiousity overcoming her, Alyna glided closer to make out any markings on the ship. It was unmarked, but was a very old model of UPP shuttle - Alyna guessed twenty to twenty five years old. Gliding up beside the craft and easily matching its speed, she hailed the pilot.
"Vessel, you are unfit for space travel," Alyna told the pilot. "Please return to the Homeworld."
"You must be Alyna," a male voice said.
The Guardian was taken aback. "I am. Who are you?"
"Radu," the pilot replied.
Alyna smiled. "I have heard much about you, Warlord Radu of the Spung Empire. Where are you going in such an old ship?"
"I can't tell you," Radu said. "But I'll be fine. Please go to the city and tell my wife I love her. I'm worried my note won't explain everything."
"I cannot," Alyna said. "You may need me."
"Please, Alyna," Radu said. "I'm going somewhere very dangerous."
"All the more reason to bring an ally."
Radu sighed over the comlink. "Alyna, Elmira and Tethys will need you here. Trust me, something will happen and I would like you to be prepared."
Alyna bit her lower lip in thought - a planet-dweller's habit she picked up at Starcademy.
"Very well," Alyna said. "I will inform the Empress of your mission."
"Thank you," Radu said, obviously relieved.
He cut the transmission and Alyna drifted away. She knew that wherever Radu was going, he would need her more than Elmira. The Empress could handle herself, and so Alyna took off after Radu's departing ship, making sure she was well out of sensor range.
*******
"Radu?" Elmira called.
Their bedroom lay deserted. Elmira stepped in hesitantly, wearing her new gown, wanting to get her husband's opinion. He was normally in their room at this time, going over dispatches and reports from all over the empire. Elmira turned a corner to face the study part of their room, expecting to see her husband hunched over a compupad deep in thought.
All she saw was an empty desk.
Heading back to the door, she signaled for the guard at the end of the hall to join her. After a quick salute, the guard stood ready for her questions.
"Have you seen Lord Radu lately?" Elmira asked.
"Majesty, he left his room a few hours ago, when I first came on duty," the Spung guard replied. "I haven't seen him since."
"Do you know where he was going?" Elmira pressed.
The guard shook his head. "Sorry, Majesty. He didn't tell me and I didn't think to ask. He was carrying a letter and a black box, if that helps."
Elmira's eyes widened. A black box? she thought. It couldn't be He wouldn't, not again!
"Thank you," Elmira said to the guard, turning back to her room.
She closed the door quietly behind her and marched over to the old, unused wardrobe. Flinging the doors open, she barely registered the large, wrapped present at the bottom, but looked instead for the black box that had once belonged to DogStar. Sure enough, it was missing.
No longer able to fight back her tears, Elmira threw herself on her bed and sobbed.
*******
Radu eased his ships to the coordinates specified on his letter and sat back to wait. He was a good five minute early, having avoided all the Spung patrol ships he himself had sent out. With nothing else to do, Radu sat back in his chair and began to think.
By now Elmira would have found his note. Will she send ships out to find him? Will Alyna be there to talk sense into her? Radu pictured his wife's beautiful face tear-streaked and it felt as if a knife had stabbed through his heart. He glanced over his shoulder at the black box which sat next to him and sighed. There was no other way. He had to end this part of his life now.
Another ship glided into sensor range and Radu's alarms went crazy. Looking out through his view screen, Radu saw the sleek, black hull of the Coronian light freighter. Not exactly the ship Radu had expected to see, but Nemesis was always one for making entrances.
The freighter hailed him, and Radu scowled. He knew he had to look threatening or else Nemesis would destroy him. With a shaky hand, Radu turned on his communications device.
"Well, well, your Majesty," a parrot-like voice squawked. "I'm glad you could work me into you busy schedule."
"Cut the crap, Nemesis," Radu snapped. "What do you want?"
"Now, is that any way to greet an old friend?" Nemesis cawed. "Why don't you come on board and we can discuss things face to face?"
"Not a chance," Radu replied, powering up his weapons and raising his shields.
"A bit trigger happy, DogStar?" Nemesis asked. "Too much time as the diplomat and not enough target practice?"
"What do you want?" Radu repeated.
"You know what I want," Nemesis replied. "One last adventure for old times sake. Me and you go to find that treasure we should have stolen a long time ago."
"Why not just take my half of the map and go on your own?" Radu demanded. "I've given up this part of my life."
"And risk having the Spung Warlord set his dogs on me?" Nemesis said. "Not a chance. You're my insurance that no Spung will attack me."
"And if I refuse?" Radu dared.
Nemesis paused and Radu felt his heart leap into his throat. "If you refuse, your pretty wife and her pretty palace will be destroyed."
Radu bit his lip and sighed. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
As Radu's ship flew off after the freighter, Alyna switched off her communications monitor. She stared wide eyed after the retreating ships and pondered what to do. If this strange bird creature had put a bomb in the palace, Elmira should be warned. At the same time, it was her duty as a Guardian to protect space travelers like Radu. Hesitating only a second longer, Alyna sped off after Radu, knowing that Elmira would do well enough on her own.
*******
"Elmira?" Tethys said, pausing in the doorway.
Elmira sniffed and sat up on her bed, reaching over for a tissue. Tethys stood uncertainly at the door, fingering the lace of her new gown. Elmira wiped her eyes and smiled sadly at her guest. Tethys hesitantly walked toward the Spung Empress.
"What's wrong?" Tethys asked.
"Radu," Elmira snuffled. "He's gone."
"Gone?" Tethys repeated, sitting next to Elmira. "Where did he go?"
Elmira shrugged. "I have no idea. He took his box and left. He's probably out roaming the galaxy somewhere. I thought he had changed."
"He did change," Tethys said soothingly. "He'll be back. It must have been something very important for him to take off without telling you."
Elmira bit her lip and nodded. She took a deep breath and rose to her feet, her gown billowing out behind her.
"I'm the Empress," Elmira said. "I'll just send out a few ships to bring him back. I'll contact Harlan and get him to send out — "
"Isn't that going a bit too far?" Tethys interrupted.
Elmira turned to face the Neptunian. "I'll do anything to get him back again."
Tethys bit her lip in thought. "Weren't you in the Air Strikers back at Starcademy?"
Elmira blinked in surprise, then a sly smile crept across her face.
*******
Radu finally met Nemesis face to face in a seedy bar at the edge of the Laxian system. Radu had changed from his Warlord uniform into the black, scruffy clothing he had worn as DogStar. His hair was tied loosely behind his head and he wore a blaster at his side. As he entered the bar, a part of his mind felt like he was coming home. Shaking his head in disgust at the thought, Radu made his way through the drunks to a small table at the back.
Nemesis looked up as Radu approached. He was a bird-like creature from the planet Coronis — like a giant, muscular, bad tempered chicken. His feathers were a dark blue and green and he had various weapons on his wings. Over the centuries, the Coronians had evolved to have an opposable digit at the end of their wings, like a thumb, which Nemesis used to pick up his beer. His face was scarred and misshapen, and he clicked his beak in greeting as Radu sat down.
"So," Nemesis said conversationally, "how did the little lady take your departure?"
In an instant, Radu had knocked the beer from his hands and pinned him by the throat against the wall. The other associates of the bar watched with interest, wondering if there would be another body to dispose of that night.
"Never talk about my wife," Radu snarled. "You keep this between you and me."
"Right, right," Nemesis chirped. Radu released him and he sunk back into his seat. The bar flies returned to their drinks. "A little touchy, aren't we, DogStar?"
Radu scowled at him as a young, pale barmaid brought him a drink. Radu took a gulp and swallowed hard, trying to ignore the horrible taste.
"What do you want?" Radu demanded.
"Remember when we killed that merchant and his crew?" Nemesis reminisced. "Those were some good times."
"The point," Radu said.
"That map and those necklaces we got," Nemesis said, leaning forward, "they lead to a treasure I want. We should have got it years ago, before you left me to die on that moon."
Radu shrugged and took another drink. "So, go get the treasure. What do you need me for?"
"We were a good team," Nemesis continued. "Me the brains and you the brawn. Your name still strikes fear in the hearts of most merchants. I need you to get me the treasure."
Radu eyed him suspiciously. "You need me to get the treasure? Why don't I just give you my map and necklace and be done with it?"
"You can't!" Nemesis squawked. "The necklace is yours, the stone bonded with you. Don't you think I've tried with others? There are hundreds of copies of this map floating around, but only two necklaces who bond with their owners."
Radu took another drink, drawing out the wait. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and stared into Nemesis' beady eyes.
"Fine. One last time. You get the treasure, I get peace. Got it?"
Nemesis clacked his beak. "Got it."
From the shadows of the bar, cloaked in invisibility, Alyna shook her head in dismay.
*******
Radu and Nemesis left in Radu's twenty-five year old ship, the most famous pirate ship in the galaxy. They had placed both halves of the ripped map together and Nemesis was studying it while Radu flew. Neither spoke for hours, until Radu broke the silence.
"What planet does that map lead to?" Radu asked.
"It's not actually a planet," Nemesis said. "It was a planet at one point, but now it's just a mass of asteroids floating around a big rock."
"So the treasure is a rock?" Radu frowned. "If you're trying to tell me you dragged me away from my home for an asteroid, I'll kill you right now."
"Keep your pants on," Nemesis cawed. "It's not a rock, it's what's on the rock that this map is for. When the planet was a planet, it had a temple on it. The temple stayed intact when the planet fell to pieces. Our treasure is in there."
Radu's frown deepened. How could a building stay together when an entire planet crumbled? He knew there was something more Nemesis was not sharing.
*******
Alyna soared after Radu's ship, frantically trying to stay out of sensor range but keeping the ship in sight. She had placed a homing device on the ship when they had docked at the bar, but it had a very limited range. At the speed Radu was flying, she could barely keep up.
Teleporting short distances, Alyna found herself making fairly good time. She was so caught up in the chase that she didn't even notice when the ship left UPP space.
Halt and identify yourself, a voice sounded in her head.
Alyna slowed but did not stop. She cursed herself for not following the proper protocol when entering another Guardian's space. From the corner of her eye, Alyna could make out a young male with a green tail, long red hair, and blue skin gliding parallel with her.
Forgive me for intruding, Alyna said without stopping, but I must follow this ship.
Why? the young Guardian asked. He turned his head and got a good look at Alyna. You! You are the planet-dweller!
Not entirely, Alyna replied, somewhat angered at his comment. I am learning about planet-dwellers so we might better understand them. Anyway, the pilot of this ship is in danger and will require my assistance.
How can you be certain? Are there not others in your sector which will require your assistance? the Guardian asked. Why is this one so special?
His is an important person to my friends, Alyna replied, knowing the Guardian would not understand. Please allow me to continue my pursuit and notify the other sectors that I may pass through unannounced.
The male frowned. Very well, but what is so important to these planet-dwellers that they would risk their lives in such an unworthy craft?
They seek the planet which is no more, Alyna replied. They possess two necklaces which will guide them to a treasure in a temple.
The planet which is no more? the male gasped. You cannot go to this place! It is sacred!
Sacred? Alyna asked.
When the planet was destroyed, the Guardians built the temple there. We were given the Star of the Galaxy to protect, and we placed it in the temple. No planet-dweller may enter it and live! he said.
What of the necklaces? Alyna asked.
The necklaces are the keys to the Two Gates, he replied. The Gate of Fire and the Gate of Ice. The Star of the Galaxy lies after them. You must prevent these planet-dwellers from reaching the Star!
Why? What's so special about the Star?
The male narrowed his eyes at her. I have said too much already. If you truly value these planet-dwellers, you will heed my warning. I will notify the others of your foolishness.
Without another word, the green tailed male vanished from view. Alyna hurried to catch up with Radu, her mind spinning over all the male had told her. She had never head of the Star of the Galaxy, nor had her grandfather told her about it. What was it that the Guardians were sworn to protect, yet knew nothing about?
*******
Elmira turned and looked at her reflection in the three-way mirror. She wore a tight fitting black cat suit, with various weapons strapped to her waist and legs. Her long red hair was tied behind her head in a tight braid that trailed down her back. She looked every inch the space pirate, and was quite pleased with her transformation.
The door to her room slid open and Tethys' reflection appeared next to her own. The Neptunian was wearing a similar outfit, although she kept her long green hair flowing loosely. She had a single blaster at her belt and wore black gloves on her hands. She smiled at Elmira.
"Ready?" Tethys asked with a grin.
Elmira smiled back. "Definitely. If Radu can do this, so can I. The Lesser Lords will be able to handle the government for a while."
"How will we find him?" Tethys asked.
"Reputation," Elmira answered. "The most feared space pirate couldn't fly across the galaxy without someone seeing him. Don't worry, this shouldn't take too long."
Tethys nodded. "At least my spring break isn't boring."
Elmira grabbed a black bag from her bed and double-checked the charge on her blaster. With a tight-lipped nod, she and Tethys left the bedroom for the docking bay. In no time, they were sailing through space in hot pursuit of Radu.
*******
"Are you sure you're reading that thing right?" Radu snarled.
Meteors bombarded the small ship, causing consoles to spit sparks at the two pirates. Nemesis cawed loudly in surprise as his feathers ignited, but he managed to put them out. Radu gave a short laugh as his partner' flapped around the small cabin with his wing on fire, then returned to the task of piloting the ship.
"Of course this is right," Nemesis squawked. "This meteor field just isn't on the map, that's all."
"Couldn't we go around it?" Radu yelled, swerving wildly to avoid a large rock.
"That would take too long," Nemesis replied. "According to your sensors, this field is long, but narrow. Keep flying."
Radu grumbled under his breath and narrowly missed some more meteors. Their shields were failing and it was only a matter of time before they would be space dust.
From a nearby asteroid, Alyna watched the small ship struggle. She longed to go to their aid, but if Radu saw her with them, he would know that she had not warned Elmira about his disappearance. She bit her lip again and flicked a few rocks out of the ship's path. Anything more and Radu would become suspicious. The next few minutes were nerve wracking for the young Guardian until the aged ship finally broke free of the meteors and sailed back into open space. Pausing only for a few moments, Alyna left the field in hot pursuit.
*******
Elmira walked calmly into the bar at the edge of the Laxian system. She waited for a split second at the doorway, her eyes taking in the assorted characters. Tethys stood behind her, trying to look cool and collected as the dozens of space pirates and smugglers eyed her and the empress up and down. With a jerk of her head, Elmira motioned for Tethys to follow her to a table.
"What'll it be, gorgeous?" the unshaved — and unwashed — barkeep asked.
"Beer," Elmira replied sharply, "and information."
"That'll cost you, doll," a tall and bulky Laxian told her, rising to his feet from a nearby table. "How are you gonna pay?"
He walked toward her suggestively, the multicoloured fibers on his head vibrating eagerly. Elmira smiled and waited until he was within reach before drawing her blaster and sticking it in his stomach.
"I'm not familiar with your species," Elmira said quietly to him, "but I assume a blaster bolt in this area would do damage."
The Laxian's colleagues at the table laughed as he backed off. Tethys sat nervously at the table, impressed with the empress. The barkeep placed a dirty mug of watered down beer in front of her, and she held back the disgusted face as she sipped it.
"We're looking for a pirate," Elmira announced. "Perhaps you've heard of him. Goes by the name of DogStar."
The bar quieted down considerably at the mention of that name. Tethys leaned back in her chair, trying to relax but keeping an eye on the weapons of those around them.
"What do you want with DogStar?" the Laxian asked from his seat.
"We're bounty hunters," Elmira replied, motioning with her head to Tethys. "Heard there's a pretty good price for his head in several systems."
"I thought I knew every hunter in the business," an elderly semi-humanoid creature said from the back corner. "I don't know you, sweet cheeks."
"The name is Mira," the empress said. "My partner, Aqua. We're recently from the Fallorian system, but heard the money is better down here. Now, have you seen DogStar or do I have to get ugly?"
"He was here," the barkeep said. "A few hours ago, maybe. Had a Coronian with him, a particularly nasty one, too. Heard they was partners years ago."
"Where were they heading?" Tethys spoke up, putting an edge in her voice to sound tough.
The barkeep shrugged. "They headed out of UPP space, talked about a map and necklaces of some sort. DogStar looked near ready to kill the bird."
Elmira nodded and tossed a coin at the barkeep to pay for the drinks. Without looking back, she headed out of the bar. Tethys hurried to her feet and walked quickly to catch up, eager to be free of the foul smelling place.
Back in Elmira's ship, Tethys washed her hands and face furiously. Elmira smiled at the princess and began to lay in a course.
"Where are we going?" Tethys asked.
"After him," Elmira replied. "They're in Radu's ship and it's so old, it's leaking ions all over the place. As long as they don't fly too close to any stars, we should be able to follow it."
Tethys grinned and sat next to Elmira at the helm. Soon, the two royal pirates were heading out of UPP territory and into the unknown.
*******
"You were right," Tethys remarked after several hours of flying through foreign space. "It's like Radu left us footprints to follow."
Elmira nodded and returned to her scans. The ion trail of the old UPP shuttle made infamous by DogStar was as clear as the stars in space. Elmira had left the piloting to Tethys, who had insisted on practicing, and now monitored the space around them. A ship had been following them for some time, but had made no aggressive motions. Elmira frowned as her most recent scans showed the ship was still there.
"Do you think he did it on purpose?" Tethys asked. "Maybe he knew you would follow, so he —"
The princess was cut off as the ship rocked. Lights began to flash and alarms screamed. Elmira raised the limited shields of the shuttle and searched for what hit them. Her stomach sank when she realized what it was.
"There's a ship behind us," the empress reported. "It's closing in fast and firing."
"Our shields can't hold against it," Tethys said frantically. "What do we do?"
"Return fire," Elmira said coolly.
"We'll destroy them!" Tethys protested.
"Better them than us," Elmira replied. "Fire!"
Tethys did as she was told. They waited for impact. "No damage," the Neptunian reported.
The enemy ship fired back at them. Elmira was flung forward, but caught herself on the edge of her console and pulled herself back into her seat.
"Weapons down," Tethys reported. "Shields failing."
The enemy vessel charged blasters and prepared to end the battle. Elmira and Tethys exchanged worried looks and calmed themselves, ready for the end.
"They've fired," Elmira reported.
The impact never came. Both Elmira and Tethys turned to the viewscreen. The enemy ship was there, and so was something else. The ship fired again, but the other object moved the laser fire clear.
"It's a Guardian," Tethys said.
The enemy vessel was struck by its own fire and retreated. The Guardian moved itself closer to Elmira's ship. As it appeared on the view screen, Tethys could see it was a male of the species, with a green tail, red hair, and blue fur covered skin. It hailed them.
"Your vessel is damaged," the Guardian said. "Return to UPP space for repairs."
"We can't," Elmira replied. "We're searching for someone. Thank you for your assistance, but we must keep moving."
"That is not advisable," the Guardian said.
"Have you seen an old UPP craft come through here?" Tethys spoke up.
The Guardian seemed taken aback. "I have. You need not concern yourself. It was being pursued by another like myself. The vessel is in good hands."
"Another Guardian?" Elmira repeated.
"Alyna?" Tethys said at the same time.
"You must not follow," the Guardian said. "They are heading for the planet which is no more. Planet-dwellers are forbidden from going there."
"Then we'll have to catch up with them before they reach there," Elmira decided. "Any chance of us getting some help with repairs? Our weapons and shields are down."
The Guardian dipped his head. "I will assist, as is my duty."
*******
Radu and Nemesis stopped at an asteroid-side space bar for supplies and information. Scowling, Radu assumed his DogStar persona and was surprised at how many people remembered him. Apparently, the news of his ascension to the Spung throne had not reached this far into space.
"Get the supplies," Nemesis cawed. "I'll see to the ship."
"She's my ship," Radu growled.
"But I can't lift the supplies," Nemesis replied. "Remember? My brains, your brawn."
Radu gave his partner a long, withering look before turning to the bar. Nemesis waited until he was inside before returning to the ship. It didn't take long for him to find Alyna's tracking device.
"This isn't Spung technology," Nemesis remarked to himself. "I wonder what tricks old DogStar is up to."
He tossed the tracking device aside and continued to inspect the ship. Far above him, cloaked in invisibility, Alyna watched with interest.
*******
Radu loaded the supplies onto the ship and wiped his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt. He turned around and jumped in surprise. Standing behind him was a young girl with golden eyes and blue hair, wrapped in a gold and blue cloak.
"You must be Alyna," Radu said quietly.
The girl dipped her head. "Your partner is not to be trusted."
"I know that," Radu replied. "I thought I asked you to stay with Elmira and Tethys."
"I believed that yours would be the greater need for my talents," Alyna replied. "Empress Elmira and Tethys are resourceful."
Radu sighed. "If you're going to follow me, stay out of sight. I don't want Nemesis to know about you."
"I must warn you about — " Alyna began.
Her eyes suddenly widened and she teleported away into space. A split second later, Nemesis walked from around the ship.
"She's ready to go," the Coronian said, slapping the hull.
"Great," Radu said roughly. "Let's get this over with."
*******
Radu piloted the ship, keeping one eye on space for signs of Alyna and the other eye on Nemesis. The bird creature was being strangely silent, his eyes focused on the sensor readings instead of on Radu. He wasn't even fawning over the map, or staring affectionately at his necklace. Something was amiss.
"I've read some Earth folklore," Nemesis said, cutting through the silence. "Fascinating stuff."
"Enough with the small talk," Radu snapped.
"They have this strange obsession with things that are half human and half something else," Nemesis continued, ignoring his partner. "A mermaid, for example, is half human and half fish."
Radu had an unsettling feeling in his stomach, but kept his features hard. "Are you giving me a literature lesson or something?"
"These mermaids guided ships on the Earth seas," Nemesis continued.
Suddenly, Radu lost control of the ship. He looked back at Nemesis as the Coronian altered the ships course, heading for a small star. He increased the speed so they would be incinerated in moments.
"Are you insane?" Radu yelled.
Nemesis didn't reply. Abruptly, the ship began to slow and alter course away from the star. Nemesis stared greedily out the view screen.
"Bingo," he said, pushing a button on his console.
A shield bubble appeared off of the ship, a small fluctuation originally designed to protect other vessels from attack. This time, however, it functioned like a net. Alyna was too busy pulling the ship away from the star to notice the shield until it was too late.
"Half fish," Nemesis repeated, settling back into his seat. "Just as easily caught."
"Release her," Radu insisted. "Our deal was for the treasure, not hostages."
"Deals change, DogStar," Nemesis said coldly. "Remember our old deal? I know it didn't include leaving me on that moon."
Radu watched helplessly as Alyna tried to escape the shield bubble. Nemesis cawed a laugh.
"Now I have some insurance," the bird said. "No more double crosses, DogStar. I learned my lesson once."
*******
The time it took to repair the ship was all the time Elmira needed to befriend the male Guardian. As he worked to fix their ship, he told them about the planet which is no more, and how to reach it before Radu.
"You are kind planet-dwellers," he told them as they prepared to leave. "Stop your friends from reaching that place and then destroy all knowledge of it. It is a sacred place."
Without another word, he sped off. Elmira looked to Tethys and smiled.
"Ready for a hyper jump?" she asked.
The princess nodded and the small ship leapt ahead.
*******
"There it is," Nemesis said quietly.
The ship slowed and he activated the viewscreen. It showed a dying star with debris from what may have been a planet at one point floating in orbit around it. The rocks were all sizes, but one seemed larger than the others. Nemesis carefully guided the ship toward it and, as they drew closer, Radu could make out a structure.
The building was as large as the rock on which it stood. There was no room around it for vegetation or even for the ship to land. It was the strangest and most beautiful thing Radu had ever seen. On the seat beside him, his necklace began to glow.
Leave! Now! a voice in his head spoke urgently.
Alyna? Radu thought back.
I know this place now. It is from Guardian lore. No planet-dweller may walk though its gates and survive, Alyna warned.
"Shall we?" Nemesis asked.
The warning in Radu's mind faded as he stared at the building. Something inside it seemed to call to him and he longed with all his being to join it.
"Yeah," he said, picking up his necklace. "Let's go." He paused for a second. "What about the girl?"
"We'll bring her with us," Nemesis replied. "Just to make sure there's no funny business."
*******
Elmira and Tethys slid easily out of hyperspace and beheld the same sight as Radu. They stared breathlessly at the temple, admiring its architecture as well as the light inside. It took them several minutes before Tethys realized another ship was in the area.
"It's Radu," she said. "He's already in the building."
"I guess we'll have to go after him," Elmira said, her eyes never leaving the temple. "Bring us as close as you can and extend a docking bridge."
Tethys nodded and did as she was told. She was as eager as Elmira to see what the light was.
*******
Alyna followed behind Radu glumly. The bird creature Nemesis walked behind her with a blaster pointed at her back. He had already made it clear that if she teleported, Radu would be shot in her place. Alyna didn't understand why he was so cautious. She was not about to abandon her friends' uncle to the temple.
Radu moved trance-like down the narrow hallway. The floors and walls were brown and were polished until they shone. On the ceiling were thousands of dangling crystals, catching the light of the object within and refracting it through the temple. They moved silently for some time until the hallway opened into a small chamber. It was empty, save for a single door covered in designs. Radu pushed it, but it refused to move. He shoved harder without luck.
"Well, what now, brains?" he asked, calling back to Nemesis.
The Coronian moved forward to inspect the door. He searched for hinges or a trigger of some sort that would open it, but found none. He sighed and instead turned his attention to the strange pictographic writings that covered the door from ceiling to floor.
Alyna was also studying the writings, her eyes wide and moving rapidly, absorbing the information written in her language. The Guardians rarely wrote, but the knowledge of reading it was inherent in all of them. There was no Guardian alive who would not be able to read the warnings on the door.
Radu noticed her and tapped Nemesis on the back. "She knows how to read it."
Alyna blinked in surprise. Why had Radu told Nemesis what she was doing?
"Open the door," Nemesis ordered.
"I cannot," Alyna replied. "It would not be in my nature to lead you to your deaths."
"How can something that calls to us so sweetly be the cause of our deaths?" Radu demanded.
Alyna was taken aback once more. "Calls? You can hear it?"
Radu nodded and licked his lips. His eyes were wide and seemed to be tinted with madness. "It's asking for me by name. It wants me to go in there."
Alyna turned back to the door, reading more of the story which was presented there. Nemesis noticed her stalling and leveled his blaster at her head.
"Open it!" he shouted.
"You don't understand," Alyna replied. "You are not thinking clearly."
Nemesis narrowed his eyes and squeezed the trigger. Alyna faced her death calmly, knowing that without her they would never open the door and reach their treasure.
"Stop it!" a voice shouted from the entrance to the room.
Another blaster bolt shot through the air and hit Nemesis in the wing. With an angry squawk, his own shot went off balance and struck the wall behind Alyna's head. All three people turned to see the newcomers.
"Tethys!" Alyna exclaimed.
"Elmira?" Radu questioned.
The empress flew into her husband's arms and kissed him. Radu returned the affection half-heartedly, his mind still focused on the object calling to him from behind the closed door.
"Wonderful reunion," Nemesis said, pointing his retrieved blaster at Tethys. "Now, girlie, open the door."
Alyna bit her lip. "Very well."
She walked up to the door and pressed a sequence of pictographs. As she stepped back, the door slid open to reveal another hallway. All four planet-dwellers stared down the hallway. Tethys shivered.
"Is it colder in here?" she asked.
"Pass the Ice, pass the Fire," Alyna intoned. "You will soon see what you desire. People of planets near and far cannot resist the galaxy's Star."
Elmira looked at the Guardian as her husband broke free from her embrace and began to walk down the hall. "What does that mean?" the empress asked.
Alyna shook her head sadly. "You are all in great peril."
Nemesis grabbed Alyna by the arm and pulled her down the hallway. The necklace around his neck glowed faintly.
"Come on, girlie," he cawed. "You're my ticket out of here."
Elmira and Tethys had no choice but to follow. From the other end of the hallway, a sweet voice reached their ears.
*******
They moved in silence. Alyna watched the faces of the planet-dwellers carefully. It was not long before both Elmira and Tethys were under the Star's spell. Nothing Alyna said could break the Star's hold.
Soon, the five of them arrived at a sheet of solid ice. It was clear and the hallway could be seen continuing past it, but the ice itself was impenetrable.
"She says pass the ice' like it was an ice cube," Nemesis groaned.
Radu walked up to the wall of ice and knocked. It echoed through the hallway but did no damage to the ice itself. He shrugged. Nemesis turned to Alyna, pointing his blaster at her chest.
"Okay, how do we pass it?" he demanded.
"Please," Alyna begged, "for your own safety, turn back."
"Don't make me shoot you," Nemesis warned.
Alyna lowered her head. "Use the gems. In the necklaces."
"That's better," Nemesis said.
He walked up to the sheet of ice and held up his gem. The blue stone began to glow intensely and heat radiated from it. In no time, a hole large enough to step through was formed in the ice.
"Get through," Nemesis cawed.
Radu ushered Elmira and Tethys through first, then he followed. Alyna passed through reluctantly and Nemesis dove through the hole as it slowly closed behind him. The wall of ice was rebuilt, but they were on the other side.
Tethys fanned herself with one hand. "Now it's warm."
"Wait," Nemesis said, "let me guess. Gate of Fire?"
Alyna nodded and the Coronian brushed past her to take the lead.
*******
The Gate of Fire was similar to the Gate of Ice, only this time it was an impenetrable wall of fire. Confidently, Nemesis approached it and held out his necklace. He waited, but nothing happened.
"What the heck?" he squawked. "Is it out of batteries or something?"
The song of the Star was so strong that even Alyna could hear it. The planet-dwellers nearly rushed through the fire itself to get at the star. As Alyna held Tethys back, she had no choice but to get them through.
"Radu," she called. "Your necklace."
The Andromedan nodded and held up his gem. The fire lowered until they were able to leap over it. Nemesis went first, followed by Alyna, Tethys, Elmira, and Radu. The final Gate having been passed, the five planet-dwellers and one Guardian stared at their prize.
"The Star of the Galaxy," Alyna said softly.
The Star hovered in the centre of a massive silver chamber with round walls. A narrow ledge worked its way around the chamber and a single bridge lead to the Star, but it floated above a black pit.
"That's no treasure," Radu said.
"It's the best treasure," Nemesis disagreed. "With this, I could buy anything! Who wouldn't want to own such beauty?"
The Coronian took a few steps toward the Star, then paused as if thinking something over. He turned and pointed his blaster at Radu.
"Sorry," he said. "This partnership is over."
He fired his blaster. Alyna made a sweeping motion with her arms and diverted the bolt away from Radu as he ducked to the other side.
"He can't take it!" Tethys protested. "I want it!"
"No!" Alyna exclaimed, placing herself at the foot of the bridge.
Tethys headed toward her and Alyna pushed her aside by manipulating the air currents. Behind her, Nemesis was almost at the Star.
"You can't let him take it," Elmira shouted. "He's a pirate! A Star like that belongs in an empire!"
"Stay back," Alyna warned, pushing Elmira as well. She forced the limited air in the room to keep her friends well back from the Star.
Nemesis ignored the small fight which occurred behind him. He was mesmerized by the star and was unable to see or think of anything else. He reached the edge of the bridge and stretched out one of his wings. The Star responded by growing bigger, expanding until it almost touched his outspread feathers.
Alyna turned her head to see the star's growth. "Get out! Back into the hall!" she shouted.
Using all her energy, she moved the air in a huge gust to blow her friends into the hall. Behind them, the Star continued to expand, growing until it engulfed Nemesis completely, incinerating him.
Radu, Elmira, and Tethys shook their head, as if awakening from a dream. They could remember everything that had happened since arriving at the Temple, but could not account for their actions. The Star had stopped trying to draw them to it, having consumed Nemesis.
"It's still growing," Radu exclaimed, holding Elmira close.
"Alyna!" Tethys shouted.
The Guardian was standing at the foot of the bridge, watching the Star grow. She held up her arms, palms forward, as if commanding the star to stop. Surprisingly, it did. She stared at it for a few moments and it began to shrink, cowed at being caught misbehaving. Alyna remained motionless until the Star was its natural size and then she turned to her friends.
"We must leave. Now," she said.
Taking Radu's hand and Tethys' and motioning for Elmira to hold onto her husband, she teleported all of them to Elmira's waiting ship.
*******
The flight home was full of questions, answers, and apologies. Tethys flew Elmira's ship after they decided to leave DogStar's infamous pirate ship at the planet which is no more. Elmira and Radu spent the majority of the trip in the back, privately making and accepting apologies.
"What was that?" Tethys asked.
Alyna's form appeared on the view screen. She flew beside the ship, easily matching its speed.
"That was the Star of the Galaxy," Alyna replied. "It was the first star ever created in the universe."
Tethys raised her eyebrows. "I'm impressed."
"From it, all other stars were born," Alyna continued, "so it has a natural desire to reproduce. It needs nourishment to do so, so it consumes anything that reaches it."
Tethys eyed the viewscreen suspiciously. "How do you know so much about it?"
"I did not, until I read it on the door," Alyna said. "The Guardians created the Temple to house the Star and kept the location secret and well guarded. As a result of eons of guarding, we are able to converse with it and control it somewhat."
"If the location is so secret," Tethys mused, "where did the map come from?"
"I do not know," Alyna replied. "But I have destroyed the necklaces which allowed people to pass the Gates. The Star will not be disturbed again."
*******
Spring break was nearly over when the ball finally took place. The one year anniversary of Radu and Elmira was a little late, but for a good cause. Jokes were made about the groom running away from the anniversary instead of the wedding, and a good time was had by all.
Alyna stood quietly in one corner, watching the festivities. She did not like crowds, but had agreed to attend the ball at Elmira's insistence. She needed to learn about alien cultures, after all. Tethys was the centre of attention in her sea green gown which accented her skin tone and hair beautifully. Elmira and Radu sat on their thrones for most of the evening, deep in conversation.
"One thing I haven't figured out yet," Radu said to his wife, "is how Nemesis got off that moon. It's not like someone would just swing by."
"One thing I haven't figured out yet," Elmira said, "is why you haven't given me my present yet!"
Radu blushed. "It's a private gift, dear."
"Then let's go to our room for a few minutes and you can give it to me there," Elmira said enthusiastically, taking her husband's hand.
Radu smiled and allowed himself to be led away. The party continued without them, although numerous people noticed their absence.
*******
In the bedroom, Radu took out the large present from the wardrobe. Elmira sat on the bed and clapped her hands excitedly as Radu walked across the room with the gift in his hands.
"I hope you like it," he said. "I had it specially ordered for you."
Elmira lifted the lid off the box and peered inside. Her face fell. "It's a rock."
"Not a rock," Radu insisted, taking the rock out of the box. "It's an egg. A gurkle egg."
"You got me a gurkle for our anniversary?" Elmira asked.
Radu blushed and looked upset. "I thought you might like a pet. Arista sent it from New Andromeda where they're breeding them as house pets. If you don't like it — "
Elmira silenced him with a kiss. "I love it. I've always wanted a pet. How long before it hatches?"
As if in response to her question, the egg began to shake. Radu smiled up at his wife.
"Not long, I think," he replied.