FISH OUT OF WATER
Suni woke and yawned. Her alarm was buzzing and she rolled over to hit it. As the room once again fell into quiet darkness, Suni heard Tethys stirring in her bed across the room. Suni moaned and buried her face in her pillow, wishing for just ten more minutes of sleep. They had returned from Yensid only three days ago, and Suni was still excited about what they had accomplished. She had stayed up late talking to her mother and father, and even after they had said goodbye, it had taken her a long time for fall asleep. Now she was feeling the full effects of her decision.
"Morning," Tethys said, yawning elegantly.
Suni put her face deeper into her pillow and muttered something. Tethys got up and turned on the lights in their room. She slipped into the bathroom as Suni sat up in bed. The Mercurian-Uranusian scratched her pink head and yawned again. She felt like she had never fallen asleep. Tethys was singing in the shower and Suni dragged herself to her feet and started arranging her work for class.
"I had the strangest dream," Tethys remarked as she and Suni swapped placed in the bathroom. As Suni showered, Tethys dressed herself in her gray Starcademy uniform. "It was about Alyna. I was on a boat in the middle of Amphitrae, Neptune's largest ocean, and Alyna was swimming around me in the water.
"That's not so strange," Suni answered, finally waking up as she emerged from the shower. "Atreus was telling us the other day about the Earth mermaids that he learned about in his Alien Cultures class.
"That's not the strange part," Tethys said. "I was holding a harpoon gun, like from that old holofilm we watched a few weeks ago.
"Moby Dick?" Suni said through a mouthful of toothpaste.
"Yes, that one," Tethys agreed. "Anyway, Alyna was swimming around and I shot her with the harpoon gun. She sank like a stone into the water, and I was happy!
"You're right," Suni said, pulling on her Starcademy uniform. "That is strange. Why would you want to shoot Alyna?
"I don't want to shoot her!" Tethys protested.
Suni held up a hand in mock surrender as the other hand shoveled her notes into her bag. "Hey! Calm down. It was only a dream, right? Completely meaningless.
Tethys shrugged and picked up her school bag. "Are you ready?
"When have I ever not been ready for breakfast?" Suni joked as Tethys opened the door.
Atreus and Xen were already waiting in the cafeteria when Tethys and Suni arrived for breakfast. The Vyrillian wore his gray Starcademy jacket over his black jumpsuit and he seemed very self conscious about his clear dragonfly wings. His eyes were moving back and forth as he stood in line for food, his shoulder almost touching Atreus.
The Andromedan waved and Suni ran over to join him in line, with Tethys a step behind her. They chatted about nothing as they held out their trays to receive their food. The server, a short Plutonian man, took a long look at Xen.
"I don't recognize you. Where are you from?" he asked gruffly.
Xen appeared surprised. "The dimension of Vyrill.
The Plutonian frowned. "The new kid. Sorry, kid, but your home dimension hasn't told us any dietary restrictions for your species yet. What do you eat?
"Fruit, mostly" Xen said shyly, "although the Mercurian spiced pear I had yesterday was not very appetizing.
The Plutonian nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. He came back a moment later with a plate filled with different sliced fruits, which he handed to Xen.
"Make sure you get your species information sheet filled out, kid," the server told him. "Next!
The group slowly weaved their way through the crowd of cadets to their usual table. They sat down, Suni and Tethys across from Atreus and Xen, and began to eat. The Vyrillian nibbled at his fruit, but soon began to eat with a voracious appetite.
"So," Suni said, "how do you find Starcademy so far?
"Different," Xen replied. "On Vyrill, the Nightsong usually lulls me to sleep. Here, there was only the sound of my roommate snoring.
Suni laughed. "Who did you get stuck with?
"A human named John," Xen said. "He seems nice. He was curious about my dimension and we spoke about it for quite some time on my first night here.
"What's the Nightsong?" Atreus asked.
Xen swallowed another fruit. "The wind in my dimension. Once the light has faded, the sephra trees spread their leaves. The wind blowing through them makes the Nightsong.
Atreus nodded, and the group continued eating, occasionally interrupted by chatter. Toward the end of their meal, Tethys glanced up at the clock and began to count down.
"What is she doing?" Xen asked.
"Alyna always arrives at exactly 0825 to walk with Atreus to class," Suni explained. "She just pops in and the two of them go.
Xen's silvery skin turned a shade of lavender, his species' form of blushing. "I had not noticed earlier.
"That's understandable," Suni told him. "The first day you were so scared I'm surprised you remembered you were here, and yesterday they gave you some bad fruit.
As Tethys' countdown reached five, Atreus began to shovel his food into his mouth faster.
"Three É two É one," Tethys said.
Nothing happened. Suni exchanged worried glanced with her friends. Alyna was the most punctual person they had ever met. It was very unlike her to not appear. The other cadets began to file out of the cafeteria, heading to class and still Alyna had not appeared.
"What do you have now?" Suni asked Xen.
He glanced down at his compupad. "Spatial Botany.
Tethys smiled. "You're in my class, then. Come on or we'll be late.
As the group stood to leave, Alyna suddenly materialized beside their table. Her face was as expressionless as always, but there seemed to be something wrong. She walked towards Atreus and didn't even stop as she passed him.
"We will be late," she said over her shoulder.
The Andromedan ran to catch up. Suni waved goodbye to her friends and headed off to Diplomatic Relations, where she knew her teacher would expect her to make a full report on the negotiations in Yensid.
"What happened?" Atreus asked as he followed Alyna down the corridor.
"I had some unexpected news reach me from the Council," Alyna replied shortly. "I was not able to leave earlier, nor was I able to contact you. I am sorry.
The Guardian didn't slow her pace as she spoke, and Atreus found it difficult to concentrate on her as he dodged the heavy cadet traffic. As they reached the door of their class, Atreus reached out and grabbed Alyna's arm before she could disappear into the classroom. She turned to face him, her golden eyes staring deeply into his.
"Something is bothering you," Atreus said. "As your friend, I would like to know. Maybe I can help.
Alyna regarded him expressionlessly. "As a friend, I ask you not to help. It is a matter concerning Guardians, and no others. Excuse me, we must not be late.
She pulled herself free of his gentle grip and walked into the room. Atreus blinked in surprise. He could not understand, after all they had been through, why Alyna would not ask for help. The question plagued him all through class, and when he and Alyna parted company, all they said were quick good byes.
Suni waited patiently under the tall tree in the biosphere, where she met with Atreus and Alyna, and now Xen, every spare period. She was quite proud of her report in Diplomatic Relations class, and her teacher had been pleased as well. Her teacher had even given her the greatest compliment she could ever have heard Ð that one day, Suni would be a greater diplomat and ambassador than Catalina.
"Ambassador Suni," Suni mumbled to herself as she lay on her back, staring at the synthetic clouds above her. "Diplomat Suni. Commander Suni, Special Envoy to the Kaesar. Admiral Suni, Saviour of the UPP.
"Cadet Suni, Fail-er of Basic Shuttle Repair.
Suni sat up quickly to see Atreus standing at her feet, smiling broadly. Suni blushed, her temperature increasing slightly as part of her Mercurian heritage. Atreus came to sit next to her.
"How was your morning?" Suni asked.
"Great," Atreus said enthusiastically. "We got to take apart and re-assemble the engine of a transport. The taking apart was really easy, but it will probably take us the rest of the week to put it back together.
Suni made a face. "Great. Something to look forward to this afternoon.
"Yeah," Atreus agreed. "You make it sound like me delivering a report to Diplomatic Relations is the greatest thing in the world.
Suni laughed, and glanced around. "Where's Alyna?
Atreus' face darkened. "There's something going on with her, Suni. She won't talk about it, but I don't think it's anything good.
"What is it?" Suni asked.
"All she would tell me was that the Guardian Council sent her some unexpected news, and that it's an issue for the Guardians and no one else," Atreus said. He exhaled slowly. "She's hiding something.
"You're not getting suspicious again, are you?" Suni asked.
Atreus smiled. "Of course not. I'm just worried.
"About what?" a new voice asked.
Suni and Atreus looked up from their conversation to see Xen standing in front of them. He smiled timidly.
"There you are," Suni exclaimed. "I was looking for you after Universal Communications, but you vanished.
Xen blushed lavender again as he sat down next to Suni. "I'm sorry. I needed to speak to the teacher, then fill out my species information sheet so I would not have to worry about breakfast tomorrow.
Atreus smiled at him. "I didn't know you had a spare now, Xen. Where were you yesterday?
"Exploring," Xen replied. "This is a very large school, much larger than any building in my dimension.
"We were just discussing Alyna," Suni told him.
Xen nodded thoughtfully. "She has been very distressed, hasn't she? Her mind is full of turmoil.
Suni blinked. "Were you reading her mind this morning?
Xen blushed again. "I'm trying to control myself. On Vyrill, the thoughts of everyone flow freely. There are so many minds in this school that unless I consciously tune them out, they start to hurt my head.
"Tell me about it," Atreus muttered.
"What did you get from her mind?" Suni asked almost eagerly.
Atreus held up his hand. "Hang on. Xen, don't tell her. Suni, we can't make Xen spy for us. Alyna is our friend and if she wants our help, she'll ask for it.
Suni opened her mouth to object, but knew Atreus was right. Instead, she sat back and pouted. Atreus and Xen began to discuss their upcoming Diplomatic Relations class, where Atreus and Alyna would have to present their report. A few minutes later, Alyna appeared.
"Hi," Suni said. "Where have you been?
Alyna was not her usual expressionless self. Her eyes were wide and moved around, taking in everything around her. She had her cloak wrapped tightly around her body and all her muscles were tense. She sat down across from her friends.
"I have just received further news from the Council," Alyna said quietly, forcing Xen and Suni to lean forward. "Something is wrong in space.
"What is it?" Suni asked.
Alyna shook her head. "I do not know. I am sorry, Atreus, but I must leave now. The Council is meeting and I cannot be absent. I will see you tomorrow at breakfast.
She vanished before anyone else could speak. Suni turned to Xen.
"She is scared," Xen said softly. "More scared than she has ever been. Her mind was racing and full of confusion, but I thought I heard something about deaths.
Suni's eyes widened. "Is someone hunting the Guardians?
Atreus shook his head. "Don't jump to conclusions, Suni. Alyna will tell us tomorrow morning. Until then, we should just let her sort things out.
Suni nodded, hating to be helpless. The bell rang, and the cadets began to move out of the biosphere. Suni, Atreus, and Xen headed for the library where Tethys would join them for Study Hall. Suni found her mind racing. She could think of nothing but Alyna, and worry about what was going on.
Alyna soared through space faster than she had ever moved before. She teleported great distances, then swam to conserve her strength. The Guardian Council met far from any inhabited planet or moon, and the trip from the centre of UPP space was long.
As she moved, she saw another Guardian moving toward her from her right side. Alyna turned her head to see who it was, knowing that her people rarely traveled together. She recognized the black and white cloak streaming out from behind the Guardian, and slowed her pace. In no time, Gyana caught up to her daughter.
Mother, Alyna said with some surprise, why are you attending the Council?
I may be an exile, Gyana replied with a slight smile, but I am no traitor. If I can do something to help, I will.
Alyna smiled. As much as she enjoyed the solitude of space, she was comfortable with another body close by. The two Guardians traveled in silence for quite some time until Gyana suddenly stopped. Alyna slowed and turned to see where her mother pointed.
A ship sat in the middle of an asteroid field. Its shield glowed weakly as it was pelted with small stones. Alyna switched on her communication's system and scanned for distress calls. She quickly found the one emanating from the ship before her.
We must help, Gyana said, moving toward the ship.
The Council will not wait, Alyna objected.
Our first duty is always to those who travel through space, Gyana reminded her.
With a mental sigh, Alyna followed her mother to the ship. She waited as Gyana hailed the vessel, and promised help. The two Guardians gently moved the ship out of the asteroid field, keeping the stones away from it as they did. Next, Alyna began to fix the engine while Gyana repaired the shields.
Alyna removed the first panel and blinked in surprise. The engine damage was not extensive, and it appeared to have been done by someone, not something. Alyna could see no reason why the ship was dead in the water.
Mother, she said hesitantly. This does not feel right to me.
Gyana looked up from her work on the shield generator. Nor me, my daughter, but we must do what we can.
The damage was not made by the nature of space, or by laser fire, Alyna said more urgently. It looks intentional. The ship can still fly.
Gyana closed the hatch and motioned with her head for Alyna to take off. The younger Guardian nodded and began to move off into space. Suddenly, she felt as if she had hit something. Cautiously, she stretched out an arm and felt the shield in front of her. Turning full circle, she saw that she was trapped in some sort of shield bubble. She tried to teleport, but found she could not. Frantically, she looked for her mother and saw that Gyana, too, was caught.
"Greetings, my little fish," the voice of the ship's captain said over her communications device. "There's quite a reward out for you space fish, did you know that? You two will make me a rich man.
He began to laugh as his engines roared to life. With Alyna and Gyana begin pulled behind, the ship launched itself into space.
"ThreeÉ twoÉ one," Tethys counted.
Suni frowned in worry. Once again, Alyna had missed her 0825 arrival time, and Atreus had inhaled his breakfast for no reason. This time, however, Suni did not expect Alyna to arrive late. Something was horribly wrong.
"Suni, we have to go to class," Atreus was saying.
Suni shook her head. "Sorry. I'm worried about Alyna. She wasn't herself yesterday. What if something went wrong at the Council?
"She did say she would be at breakfast," Xen added. "Wouldn't she contact us if she was going to miss it?
Tethys' eyes started to fill with worry as she looked at Atreus. He sighed. "We'll send out a signal at Study Hall," he promised.
Suni nodded and joined the flow of students heading for class, the others following close behind. Atreus took a long, lingering look at the table where they had just eaten, wishing Alyna would show up late as she did yesterday. He waited as long as he could before running from the cafeteria to his first class of the day.
Atreus and Xen met Suni and Tethys at their dorm room instead of at their usual table in the library. It had been difficult for them to sneak out of Study Hall, but it turned out that Xen was a very good actor and convinced the supervisor that he had eaten more bad fruit. After that, it had been easy for Atreus to volunteer to bring his ill friend to the med lab. The girl's dorm room was not far from there.
Atreus knocked gently and could hear the heart beats as well as the movements of his friends inside. A second later, the door opened and the two boys slipped inside. Tethys closed the door behind them and they gathered around Suni's desk. The Mercurian-Uranusian was sending a repeated message on Alyna's usual communications frequency. She sat with headphones over her ears, scanning the numerous signals for her friend. The others sat down in the room and waited in silence. Minutes later, Suni put down her headphones and sighed.
"Nothing," she said. "Not a single beep. It's like she turned her communicator off or something.
"She'd never do that," Tethys objected. She turned to Atreus. "What else could block the signal?
Atreus shrugged. "A bunch of things. Radiation, meteor storm, force fields, broken satellite, black hole
"Wait, what did you say before?" Suni interrupted.
"Broken satellite?" Atreus repeated. "Meteor storm?
"Yeah, that one," Suni said. "Maybe she got stuck in a meteor storm. What if she's hurt?
"Should we go after her?" Xen asked, his wings quivering.
Suni nodded. "But not now. We have something more important to deal with first.
"Stealing a ship?" Tethys asked.
"Escaping Starcademy undetected?" Atreus guessed.
"No," Suni replied. "Class.
At 2000 hours, after dinner had been finished and the cadets of Starcademy were free to pursue their own interests, four shadows descended into the bowels of the school where the training ships were stored. Suni had obtained a two hour pass to practice her flying, which gave them very little time to track down their missing friend. All four cadets knew that if they were not in bed by lights out, they would not be able to return until the next morning. If that happened, there was no way they could avoid being discovered.
Suni slid into the pilot's chair of the small ship and rubbed her hands eagerly. Xen and Atreus crammed into the passenger chair behind her, normally designed for one person, while Tethys stayed behind to open and close the air lock. They had had to draw straws to see who would stay behind, and the Neptunian had been pouting since dinner.
"All clear," Tethys reported over the radio. "Is everyone buckled in?
"Powering up engines now," Suni said, flicking some switches. She glanced over her shoulder at her friends. "Comfy?
"Just hurry up," Atreus grumbled as he gently pushed Xen's wing out of his face.
"Decompressing airlock," Tethys said. "Make sure you stay in communications range and avoid the UPP patrol ships.
"No problem," Suni replied. "Wish us luck.
Tethys did and the small two-person ship gently rolled out of the airlock and into open space. Suni eased her around the school, circling the facility once before heading deeper into space. Xen had his eyes locked on the window, his wings shimmering in anticipation. He had never been in a ship like this one before; his only spatial journal had been in a windowless transport ship from Earth to Starcademy. Suni did a few barrel rolls for his benefit before soaring away from the school.
"We're passing the boundary markers," Suni reported to Tethys.
"No problem," Tethys replied. "I'm jamming the satellite now. No one will notice you've gone.
The trio in the ship held their breath for a moment, waiting for the call to come ordering them to return to Starcademy space. When none came, Suni turned to flash a smile at her passengers.
"Hang on, boys," she said. "We're going to have to make this quick.
She pushed the throttle as far as it would go, and the small ship shot through space following Alyna's last know direction.
They searched for quite some time without luck. Space seemed eerily empty, even for space. There weren't the usual cargo vessels or large war ships to avoid, and the one space station they passed seemed abandoned except for a large, unmarked frigate. Suni slowed her ship down almost to a stand still.
"This is giving me the creeps," Suni remarked.
"What's wrong?" Tethys questioned over the radio.
"No one is out here," Suni said. "It's like space shut down for the evening.
"Maybe there's a convention," Atreus joked.
"You're almost out of time," Tethys reminded her friends. "Maybe you should head back now.
"Okay," Suni replied. "I just want to circle around that asteroid over there, then we'll head home.
She eased the ship into motion again, heading straight for a large asteroid that had been caught in the orbit of a dying star. The rock was almost as large as a small moon, and Suni thought if a Guardian were injured or in trouble, this would be the place where they would hide.
"Keep your eyes peeled," Suni told her passengers. "Tethys, I'm going to turn off the radio for a minute to scan for Alyna's frequency.
"Okay," Tethys agreed, "but hurry back.
Suni fiddled with the controls as her ship rounded the edge of the asteroid. Behind her, Xen gasped and Suni raised her eyes. A huge fleet of ships were hiding behind the asteroid. They looked like a junk yard since every ship was different, but Suni quickly saw they all had one thing in common Ð each was painted with a space pirate symbol.
"Suni," Atreus said. "Get us out of here!
As Suni attempted to turn the ship, a few of the pirate ships broke away from the fleet to intercept them. They cut off Suni's retreat and soon the small Starcademy ship was surrounded by six pirate ships.
The communicator began to beep.
"Ignore it," Atreus advised. "Maybe they'll leave us alone.
A laser shot exploded past their ship so close that all three cadets ducked instinctively.
"Then again," Atreus gulped. "Maybe not.
"Hang on," Suni said, gripping the controls, "I'm going to try to get around them.
"Shields up," Atreus reported, "but I don't think they'll do a lot of good. This is a pretty old ship.
Another laser shot headed toward them and Suni expertly rolled the ship out of its path. The pirate vessel on her other side, however, was not as fortunate. The laser shot struck one of the ships on the wing and it was forced to retreat.
"That one is leaving," Xen exclaimed. "One down, five to go.
The remaining ships began to inch closer. Suni angled the ship and dove straight down, turning sharply to disappear beneath the ships. A few of the pirate were too quick for that trick and Suni was pushed further away from escape. She retreated into the dying star.
"Where are you going?" Atreus demanded. "We can't survive in a star with these shields!
"No back seat driving," Suni snapped. "I'm trying to shake these pirates.
Xen's wings fluttered nervously, slapping Atreus in the face. The Andromedan pushed them aside irritably, ignoring Xen's apologetic looks.
Suni continued her bee line for the star, the five pirate ships hot on her heels. Atreus monitored the shields nervously as Xen watched the pirates get closer and closer. At one point, it seemed as if Suni were slowing down to let the pirates catch up. Suddenly, Suni angled the ship again and shot straight upwards. The first of the pirate pursuers was not quick enough to follow her lead and headed straight into the star. Another pirate ship was caught in the explosion of the first.
"Three left," Xen reported, "and they're gaining on us.
"I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve," Suni assured her friends. "I didn't win the Starbase 7 Free Fly for no reason!
"Free Fly?" Xen asked curiously.
"Tricks with a ship," Atreus explained. "But if I'm not mistaken, the ship you were piloting was small and designed for that kind of flying.
"Technicalities, my friend," Suni replied, cutting him short. "Here we go!
Suni dropped her ship into a barrel roll, heading for the asteroid. The three pirate ship were still behind her, firing often at the dodging ship. Suni let out a whoop as she pulled her ship up short from crashing onto the asteroid's surface. She zigzagged around craters and mountains, and wove in and out of caves.
"Lost another one," Xen reported happily. "He clipped his wing on a cliff.
"Ever wanted to see the centre of an asteroid?" Suni asked.
"Why do you ask?" Atreus said suspiciously.
Suni smiled at him and dove the ship into an underground tunnel. She wove her way expertly through the cavern, avoiding stalactites and stalagmites as she flew.
"How do you know this isn't a dead end?" Atreus asked.
"Pilot's intuition," Suni replied. "It's never steered me wrong.
"Like the time you borrowed your dad's ship and nearly vaporized us in that nebula?" Atreus shot back.
"Another one gone," Xen cried, clapping his hands. "He hit one of those rocks growing from the ground.
"Stalagmite," Suni corrected absently. "We're not out of the woods yet.
She dipped and dove again until just ahead of them they saw the glitter of starlight. Atreus smiled as Suni steered the ship toward the exit. Behind them, more laser fire threatened to destroy their escape.
"If that exit collapses," Suni said, "we're going to crash.
"Leave it to me," Xen said. He disappeared through a dimensional portal. Atreus tried to stop him, but was too late. A few seconds later, Xen returned with a smug look on his face.
"What did you do?" Atreus asked.
"I took this from his ship," Xen replied, holding up some wires and circuitry. "Do you think he needed it?
The ship behind them sputtered and fell like a stone, exploding on impact. The small Starcademy ship rode the shock wave out of the asteroid and back into open space. Suni didn't bother to slow down as she rocketed straight to Starcademy. As an afterthought, she turned the radio back on.
"..
kill you! Suni! Answer me!" Tethys was yelling.
"Calm down,"
Suni said. "We're here. We just had to shake half a dozen space pirates when we
accidentally stumbled on their secret fleet.
"Space pirates?" Tethys exclaimed.
"Yeah," Atreus added. "You might want to get Uncle Harlan on the phone. He's probably going to want to know about this.
Alyna glided back and forth across her cage. The ship that had caught them had been towing them for days across space. Alyna knew they were heading back toward the fringes of UPP space and she constantly scanned the stars for signs of UPP ships. Her communicator, she discovered early on, didn't work while inside the force field. Frustrated, she had no choice but to allow herself to be pulled along like a fish in a net.
The pirate took them to a large space station. The ship didn't dock at the actual station, however, but maneuvered his ship around to dock against a large frigate. Alyna scanned the ship for familiar markings but found none. Turning her attention away from the ship, she looked around for landmarks.
The station was close to a dying star with a large asteroid caught in its orbit. Alyna's expert eye judged the star not too far from going super nova. She would have to remember to remind the UPP government in a century or so to evacuate this area. There was nothing around which would make Alyna think they were close to help. She sank to the bottom of her cage and sat, her tail stretched out in front of her, swishing impatiently.
Across from her, Gyana watched her hatchling's growing despair. She moved to the edge of her own force field bubble and smiled at the younger Guardian.
Fear not, Gyana said. The Council is in session and our absence will be noted. The others will carry on.
Alyna looked up in surprise. That is not what I am worried about. These pirate pose a threat to my planet-dwelling friends. I must help them!
Gyana sighed. I had hoped to spare you those unnecessary emotions, daughter. You have spent too much time in their company already.
Alyna shook her head. I may be losing the old ways, but I am learning to much, mother. It was not a mistake to send me among them.
Gyana's response was cut off as the pirate ship began to move again. They headed for the asteroid and, as they rounded it, Alyna gasped. There was a large pirate fleet hidden in the radiation of the dying star. The pirate ship moved through the assembled fleet, closer to the star. There, the two Guardians saw several portable force field generators set up, all pointing at an area of space where dozens of Guardians were being held. The pirate ship roughly past Alyna and Gyana into the prison, and they were able once more to join their fellow Guardians.
I am frightened, Alyna admitted, looking around their new environment.
All will be well, Gyana assured her. They cannot capture us all.
But they have already caught many of us, Alyna argued, looking around the prison. The Guardians soared about as separately as they possibly could. The small space made it almost impossible for any of the lone Guardians to keep their distance.
We must escape, Gyana said with determination. We must warn Harlan and the others.
I must contact my friends, Alyna added. They will be worried if I do not return.
The two newest prisoners began to swim through the prison, looking at the other Guardians who had the misfortune of helping a pirate on their way to the Council. It was not long before Alyna found someone she recognized. He recognized her as well.
The planet-dweller! he said somewhat mockingly, moving over to where she waited.
It was the same young male with the green tail, long red hair, and blue skin who had tried to stop her as she followed Radu and the pirate Nemesis to the Star of the Galaxy.
Did the pirates go to your planet to catch you? he asked.
Alyna crossed her arms angrily. No, they did not. I was summoned to the Council the same as you. I am a Guardian as well!
The red haired young man held his hand in mock surrender, his green tail swishing playfully. I apologize. I am called Avar.
I am Alyna, Alyna said. I apologize as well for being angry.
Avar smiled. I should have been more courteous to you. It is rare that another enters my space, especially a female as lovely as you.
Alyna was flattered, but pushed the sensation firmly away. This was not the time or place to think such thoughts.
We must escape this place and warn the planet-dwellers, Alyna said.
Have you not heard? Avar asked. The Council was called to inform all Guardians to leave their sectors. We are leaving those who have betrayed us.
You meanÉ Alyna gasped.
Avar nodded. The Great Move to another Galaxy where we are unknown. The elders realized the mistake of letting the planet-dwellers know too much. Now we are all in danger from them. It is time to start again.
Suni, Atreus, Xen, and Tethys stood in front of Principal Wharncliffe's desk, each doing their best to look apologetic. They had tried to explain the situation to the head of Starcademy, and Principal Wharncliffe had taken their warning seriously. Admiral Band and the UPP had been warned about the gathering of space pirates, but that did not excuse the cadets from breaking the rules.
"What were you thinking?" Wharncliffe asked for the hundredth time.
Suni shuffled her feet and licked her lips. "Alyna
"Is a student at this school and her absence should have been reported," Wharncliffe finished. She sighed. "Really, Suni, I expected better from you. From all of you.
Xen's wings drooped and Tethys frowned prettily. Atreus was staring at his hands which were folded in front of him. Principal Wharncliffe handed each of them a compupad.
"What's this?" Suni asked.
"We're grounded?" Atreus exclaimed.
"You're lucky you're not expelled," Wharncliffe said. "Each of you are to report to your rooms after dinner and are confined to the study hall during free periods. None of you will leave this school without my permission. Is this understood?
The four cadets muttered "yeah".
Principal Wharncliffe nodded. "Good. You are all dismissed.
Suni kicked a pine cone across the biosphere and spun around on her heel. She didn't even bother to see how far it went, or who it hit, as it arched through the air. Xen watched the pinecone fly, his wings quivering in anticipation of once again being airborne, as he sat on a low branch of the tree. Atreus and Tethys sat beneath him. Tethys watched her friend pace, Atreus stared at the compupad.
"I can't believe it," he said. "What about Alyna?
"Uncle Harlan is looking into it," Suni said bitterly. "We're not to get involved.
"But she is our friend!" Xen objected. "I miss our conversations.
Tethys rose to her feet in a fluid, graceful motion. "Perhaps this is for the best. The UPP is much better equipped than we are, and we have been on a lot of adventures lately. Someone else will find her.
"Not someone else," Suni said, halting her pacing to look up at Xen. "We're going to find her. Xen, come down here!
"How?" Tethys asked. "We're trapped at school.
"We're not going anywhere," Suni smiled. She put her hand on Xen's shoulder. The Vyrillian looked nervous.
"You said you speak to her with your mind, right?" Suni asked her newest friend. Xen nodded somewhat reluctantly. "Well, can't you use your mind to find her? Send your consciousness out for a stroll?
"If you're referring to my mother's ability," Xen said, "I'm afraid I can't do that.
Suni seemed to deflate. "We tried, anyway.
"But I am able to extend my thoughts a long distance, as is the custom with my people when they're traveling through dimensions," Xen added.
Suni brightened again. "What are we waiting for?
Xen smiled somewhat nervously and sat down on the ground. Suni sat beside him, eagerly awaiting news. Xen closed his eyes and took a deep breath, sending his thoughts soaring. Being unfamiliar with space, he found himself following roughly the same path they had taken in the ship the night before. At the edge of his abilities, he reached the asteroid. Exhausted, he pulled his thoughts back and fell forward, only to find that Atreus had caught him before he hit the ground. He opened his eyes.
"Careful," Atreus murmured.
"Well?" Suni asked. "Did you find anything?
Xen shook his head. "Only the pirates behind the asteroid. I thought I heard conversation as well, but I can't be certain.
"Conversation in space?" Suni repeated, her eyes lighting up.
"I can't be certain," Xen said tiredly.
"Suni, remember we're grounded," Tethys reminded her friend.
Suni pouted. "Of course. As cadets, we're confined to Starcademy.
"I don't like where this is going," Atreus sighed.
"But if we're something other than cadets, like, for example, space pirates," Suni continued, ignoring her friend, "we can go wherever we like.
"Like to the asteroid!" Tethys remarked with a smile.
Atreus shook his head. "No way. I had a hard enough time convincing people I wasn't a traitor last time Suni decided to play make-believe. We should let the UPP handle this one. Alyna will be find.
"How do you know?" Suni asked.
Atreus flushed. "I just do. We're going to get expelled.
"But Ð " Suni began.
"No buts. Uncle Harlan won't let Alyna die. If the pirates have her, she'll be safe in no time once the UPP fleet goes to the asteroid.
Suni said nothing but the dark glare she gave the Andromedan was words enough. Atreus rose to his feet, trying to keep himself from apologizing. He knew he was right. Alyna would be fine. She'd survived for centuries without them.
"Come on," he said gruffly. "We'll be late for class.
"And we all know that school is much more important than our friend's life," Suni snapped as she walked past him.
Atreus halted in mid step and took a deep breath. Alyna would be fine.
Alyna was not fine. The space pirate had reduced the size of the force field that held the captive Guardians until it was so tight that she and Avar were practically on top of one another. The Guardians complained bitterly, each telling the other that they should have Moved years ago. Not only that, but they kept Gyana and Alyna as far away from themselves as possible, referring to them as traitors and blaming them for the planet-dwellers' knowledge.
What are they planning? Alyna asked her mother.
Gyana shook her head. A humanoid habit she had picked up during her time with the UPP. I do not know. They will want to dispose of us, I believe. We are in danger.
My friends will save us, Alyna said confidently.
Your friends are cadets, and limited by the UPP, Gyana said. They do not know where we are, only that we are missing. It is a large galaxy for the planet-dwellers.
Then we must escape without their aid, Alyna decided. We must break free of the force field that holds us and destroy the pirate fleet.
Gyana shook her head. We cannot get free, my daughter. We cannot destroy the fleet. Our race is doomed.
A large frigate suddenly rose before them. The force field that held the Guardians began to move as the frigate did. It was towing them somewhere else. Helpless, the Guardians were taken away from the space pirate fleet, towards the unknown.
They will dispose of us, Gyana repeated sadly.
Alyna watched UPP space disappear behind them as the frigate brought them to their demise.
It was five days later when the cadets at Starcademy finally received news about the space pirates. Admiral Band had sent out a small portion of the fleet to deal with the menace, heading to the asteroid where Suni had reported the space pirates to be hidden. There had been a brief battle and the pirate fleet had been mostly destroyed. The remaining ships either fled or surrendered. Admiral Band declared it a victory for the UPP, and no more was said on the subject.
"What about the Guardians?" Suni asked the holo-film that projected the news.
"Why don't we call home and ask?" Tethys suggested. "Maybe Uncle Harlan didn't want to announce the Guardians to the whole of the UPP.
"Why didn't Alyna come back?" Xen asked quietly. "If the UPP freed her, why hasn't she returned?
Atreus said nothing. He and Suni were still not on speaking terms, even though the pirates had been destroyed. This whole ordeal had the same stink as the other problems created by the mysterious Master. He had tried to turn Andromedans against the Spung, restart the Neptunian civil wars, cut Yensid off from the UPP, and now was turning the Guardians against the planet-dwellers they once protected. He shook his head.
"The Master has her," he said quietly.
Xen turned. "The Master?
Suni's eyes widened. "Then we have to go find her and the other Guardians.
"Unless we're too late," Tethys remarked. "No trace of them were found.
"She's got to still be alive," Suni said to herself. "She's got to be. They're all still alive and it's up to us. We're the only ones who know!
She looked at Atreus imploringly. Tethys and Xen did as well. The Andromedan sat motionless for a while, his arms cross across his chest and his head bowed. Finally, he nodded. Suni gave a whoop of excitement and hugged Xen. As the Vyrillian turned lavender, Atreus raised his eyes to meet Suni's.
"But this time, we ask permission first.
Suni nodded.
Principal Wharncliffe had been reluctant to give them a craft, but had eventually agreed once Admiral Band had pushed the subject. As the UPP's leading experts on Guardian behaviour, he decided that Suni and her friends were perfectly suited to track down the missing Guardians. Suni had done her best not to appear smug to the principal once the admiral's decision had been made, but somehow she couldn't help it. They were given a shuttle and supplies, and a week's leave from school.
Suni slid into the pilot's seat and smiled. Gripping the controls, she went through the pre-flight check list. Atreus did the systems check while Tethys sorted through their supplies. Xen hovered around the ship, not knowing what do to, but he was too excited to sit down. Finally they were ready to take off.
"One question," Tethys asked as Suni did a quick trip around Starcademy. "Where are we going?
Suni blinked in surprise. "You know, I hadn't thought of that.
Atreus grinned. "I figured as much. Head to the asteroid where we found the pirate fleet. If there are any clues, they'll be there.
"What kind of clues?" Xen asked.
"We don't even know how they're holding the Guardians," Tethys added.
Suni's eyes widened. "You don't think they just shot them on sight, do you?
The shuttle went quiet as Suni neared the asteroid. Visions of dead Guardians floating in space filled Suni's imagination, and she felt sick to her stomach. She slowed the craft down, hesitating to go the final step to where the fleet had been. She was trying to prepare herself for what she might see.
"Ready guys?" her voice sounded weak.
Atreus nodded grimly. Tethys had sat down, but said nothing. Xen's wings fluttered with dread. Taking a deep breath, Suni eased the UPP craft around the final turn and looked away. She heard Atreus gasp and Xen groan before she could bring herself to look.
The area was completely deserted. No ships, no bodies, nothing.
Suni felt as if a huge weight were lifted off of her. She exhaled slowly, relaxing her tense muscles and grinned at her friends. The Guardians had not been slaughtered. There was still hope for Alyna. She gripped the controls.
"Okay. Plan B, anyone?
"Shhh!" Tethys hushed.
Suni turned around in her seat to see Tethys hunched over the communications systems. She was listening intently to what seemed to be static to Suni's ears.
"I'm scanning all frequencies," Tethys told them. "Guardian, UPP, andÉ unlisted.
"Unlisted?" Atreus asked with a raised eyebrow.
Tethys almost blushed. "Uncle Radu told me about the signals space pirates used to communicate together. Maybe we'll get lucky.
Xen smiled at Suni, hoping that the slim chance would bring them to their friend. Sitting down on the floor of the cabin, he closed his eyes and stretched out his thoughts.
"I senseÉ fear," he reported. "Not far from here
Tethys adjusted her dials. "Hang on, I may have something.
She flicked a switch and the ship was soon filled with unknown voices.
"... from the sun, cold enough for them but still livable," the voice was saying.
"They are to remain alive," another voice ordered.
Atreus sat up straighter. "That's him! The Master!
"Are you sure?" Suni whispered.
"I'll never forget that voice," Atreus said.
"Shhh!" Tethys hissed.
"É them down, set up the perimeter, and we're all set. A few months of planet life ought to teach those space fish to stay out of our business," the first voice laughed.
"Without them, the UPP won't stand a chance when the time comes," the Master added. "Well done. See to it.
The line went dead. Xen blinked and rubbed his eyes. Tethys turned off the link and sat back in her chair. They were all silent for a moment, absorbing the impact of what was overheard and wondering what to do next.
"They're on a planet," Suni said finally. "The Master has put them all on a planet.
"Can they survive?" Xen asked hesitantly. "Alyna does fine at school.
"Not for a month," Suni replied. "They need to eat nutrient from space, and they don't like each other. Alyna told me Guardians rarely speak to one another, except during Council. They'll die in a week!
"Well," Atreus remarked, turning back to the navigation console. "They shouldn't be too hard to find. A hospitable planet, far from a sun, with a space pirate perimeter around it. Xen, where did you get those feelings of fear from?
"A galaxy closer to the Deianira system," Xen replied.
"We'll start there," Suni decided. "Hang on Alyna, we're coming!
Alyna stood on shaky legs on the planet where they had been dumped. Around her, dozens of Guardians were lying still. Some had transformed their tails to legs, but others found they could no longer do it, having lost the ability. Most of them had never been on a planet before and found the pressure of the atmosphere unbearable. Others were terrified by the sound of moving air, and by the plants that grew from the ground. They huddled together in an un-Guardian like fashion, hiding from the dirt, the water, the plants, and the wind. Alyna was sympathetic, but had little patience for their unwarranted fears.
Nothing here can hurt you, she told them telepathically. Most could not speak using their vocal chords. We must escape or else we'll die.
We can't escape from the atmosphere, one Guardian wailed. We can't break free of gravity, and we have no ship to bring us back to space.
A ship will come, Alyna promised, wishing she felt as confident as she sounded. The UPP will come.
Alyna looked over to where her mother was standing, helping Avar learn to use his legs. He was having great trouble with the concept of gravity and was always falling down. Gyana looked up at her daughter and shrugged, a planet-dweller expression. Alyna shook her head and looked up at the sky. The UPP would come. Her friends would come.
"Bingo," Atreus said, smiling to himself. "The planet Nessus. Fifth planet from their sun, cold, yet still supports life.
"How far?" Xen asked.
"We'll be there in no time," Suni promised. "Let's see how fast this ship can fly.
Suni increased their speed and it wasn't long before Atreus was picking up the pirate perimeter on his sensors. Suni slowed down and the small UPP ship crept forward into pirate space.
"That must be it," Xen said as he stared out the window at the planet.
The space around the planet was full of pirate ships, patrolling the upper atmosphere. A large frigate was positioned near the planet's single moon, like a king on his throne, watching the smaller ships. Suni positioned her craft behind the moon and out of view of the pirates.
"Okay," she said. "Time for a plan. We need to get down on the planet, load up the Guardians, and back into space.
"Without being blown to smithereens," Tethys added pointedly.
"Which means we need to take out the frigate," Atreus mused. "I'd bet that without that ship, the little ships would be disorganized and easy to get past.
"We're going to destroy it?" Xen asked incredulously, his wings quivering slightly.
Atreus shook his head. "Not destroy it, just É disable it. For a few hours.
Suni nodded. "Okay. Xen, can you teleport onto the frigate from here?
"Probably," Xen said hesitantly, "but if my calculations are off, I'll end up in the middle of empty space. Dimension travel isn't like teleporting.
Tethys paled. "I don't think we can risk that.
"We'll do it the old fashioned way," Suni decided. "Atreus, can you jam their radar so they can't see us?
The Andromedan nodded confidently. Suni grinned, getting more excited as her plan unfolded in her mind. Leaning close, she began to quickly outline her plan to her friends.
The Guardians were growing restless. They had been trapped for nearly 7 days without food. Alyna had been carrying some nutritional supplements in her cloak, which she used if she was trapped in Starcademy for long periods of time, but they had barely been enough to feed the dozens of Guardians. They were dying, and as they died, the Guardians became more and more determined to abandon this galaxy for another. By the fifth day, Alyna found herself almost thinking like them.
We were safe, the eldest of the species argued. We were legend and myth to the planet-dwellers, and we were not troubled. Now look at us!
They want to use us for their own petty politics, another agreed.
We've become pawns in a game we should not be playing, yet another spoke up.
If we escape, the Council will convene, the eldest decided.
When we escape, Alyna corrected absently.
The elder Guardian shot her a disgusted look. The Council will convene and we will begin the Great Move. All Guardians will depart.
He looked pointedly at Alyna as he said his last comment. Alyna found herself turning away from his gaze. She knew she could not leave her friends. Was she prepared to disobey the Council and her entire species?
Gyana regarded her daughter sadly. Even though she no longer associated with the planet-dwellers, she understood what Alyna was feeling. It would be a difficult choice for the young Guardian to make. To abandon those she loved and had vowed to protect, or to obey her elders and leave the galaxy forever.
Avar stood some distance away, also watching Alyna wrestle with her thoughts. He had come to know and respect the planet-dwelling Guardian during their imprisonment, and he knew he would be sad without her close by. He sighed mentally and wondered what his own decision would be.
Suni eased the shuttle next to the docking bay of the frigate. As they extended the landing ramp and waited for the airlock to decompress, she smiled encouragingly at Atreus and Xen. The two boys were getting ready to sneak onto the frigate and destroy the communications satellite. The plan was that, with the satellite gone, Suni and Tethys would be able to land safely on the planet and rescue the Guardians. Atreus and Xen would have to steal a ship or escape to another dimension and meet up with the girls later. Tethys had pointed out the plan was full of holes, but it was the best they could come up with. Now Suni watched as her best friend and almost cousin disappeared into danger.
"Phase one complete," she muttered to herself. "Now we wait.
Tethys looked grimly at her friend as the UPP shuttle left the frigate and returned to its hiding place behind the moon.
Atreus and Xen crept cautiously through the corridors of the frigate. The Andromedan had studied the basic design of this time of ship in class, and he thought he could find the controls for the satellite without much trouble. He used his keen hearing and unerring sense of direction to lead them into the bowls of the ship without being detected.
Or so he thought.
As he pushed open the door to what he had hoped was the communications room, he suddenly found himself confronted by three space pirates leveling blasters at his head and chest. He heard Xen gasp as the two of them froze in place. The lead pirate laughed and gestured with his blaster for them to follow him. Atreus felt his stomach sink as he and Xen were taken away.
"It's been too long," Tethys said as she paced across the ship. "Something's wrong.
"Patience," Suni told her for the forth time. "It's only been a few hours.
"How will we know if they've succeeded?" Tethys asked.
"The satellite will go boom. Simple.
"And if it doesn't?
"We're down three friends and we go back to Starcademy in defeat.
Xen and Atreus stood before the pirate leader. They were unrestrained, but escape was impossible. Pirate guards stood at every exit, holding blasters that they seemed eager to use. Xen's wings fluttered nervously and he kept his black eyes lowered to the floor. The last thing he wanted to see what the pirate responsible for the kidnapped Guardians.
Atreus stared boldly at the silhouetted form of the pirate leader, listening carefully for anything that might betray his identity. The leader was making it difficult, however. He was seated completely in darkness, surrounded by armed pirate who were staring distastefully at the two captives.
"We meet again," the leader said. "The young Andromedan Ð Atreus, is it not? Ð and Xen, the strange teleport.
Atreus was not as surprised as Xen at being recognized. He could almost hear the smile in the Master's voice. Once again, the Master had the upper hand, leading Atreus and his friends around by their noses. The Andromedan clenched one fist in restrained anger.
"What brings such young cadets to Nessus?" the Master continued. "Have the UPP fishing holes dried up?
The pirates around the room laughed. Xen moved closer to his friend, but Atreus didn't budge. He glared at the shadowed figure with pure hatred.
"Show yourself, coward!" he challenged.
The Master chuckled. "The rashness of youth. In good time, Atreus. Soon, all will become clear, to you and to the UPP.
Atreus blinked, taken aback by the statement. What was the Master planning?
"However, you and your friends are becoming too troublesome," the voice turned sinister. Atreus heard Xen's heart rate jump.
Firm hands grabbed Xen, and Atreus felt a blaster lodged between his shoulder blades. He glanced over at his friend, willing him to disappear into another dimension, but he seemed too scared to think clearly.
"Toss them into space," the Master ordered, "but give them helmets and a minute of air. Make it look like a failed escape.
The pirates laughed, and the sound chilled Atreus to the bone. He felt the blaster pushing deeper into his skin, causing him to stumble forward. They were herded out of the room and into the hall by two pirates. Atreus tried to keep his eyes on Xen, and to keep the mission in his mind. It needed to be finished, or else Alyna and the Guardians Ð and possibly Suni and Tethys Ð would all be dead as well.
They stopped in front of what looked like a storage closet. One pirate opened the door and shoved Xen inside. Atreus followed, and the heavy door was slammed shut. A bar was lodged beneath the doorknob, keeping them inside the dark closet.
"We'll be back when your helmets are ready," the pirates laughed.
Atreus felt Xen grab hold of his sleeve as he waited for the pirates to walk out of earshot. The minutes seemed endless until Atreus finally thought it was safe. Smiling reassuringly to Xen, he knocked down the door with one punch, catching it before it hit the ground. He waited as the Vyrillian scurried into the hall, then fitted the door back in place as best he could. It seemed normal, except the pipe used to lock them in was warped out of shape, and there was a fist shaped dent where Atreus had struck it. Xen stared in surprise, and Atreus shrugged sheepishly.
"We've got to get moving," he whispered. "Come on!
Xen nodded, moving quickly after the Andromedan. He was in a bit of shock after seeing his friend use his strength. It was not something Atreus commonly did, and the amount of power he possessed frightened Xen a little.
The two escapees crept down the corridor, Atreus listening to the ship and its crew to avoid detection. The two pirates had realized their captives were lose, but had decided against telling their boss. Instead, the two of them were combing the ship. Atreus could easily avoid them, and in the meantime was frantically looking for the communications room. He was well aware of the time they had lost in their meeting with the Master, and every second lost was another second closer to their friends being discovered. They descended deeper into the frigate.
Suddenly, Atreus stopped and his eyes looked around as if he were trying to pinpoint a sound. Xen glanced around too, looking for whatever it was that Atreus had heard. The Andromedan grabbed his friend by the sleeve and pulled him to one side.
"Quick!" he hissed. "In here!
Pulling the door open with one hand, he used the other to shove Xen inside. Atreus followed and closed the door quietly behind them. They waited in silence for several minutes. A flurry of footsteps ran down the hallway just outside the door. Xen closed his eyes and tried to calm his pounding heart. Behind him, Atreus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. The footsteps soon died away, and the refugees were able to move and look around.
They were in a very large room, full of pipes and tubing. Xen wandered aimlessly around, but to Atreus' trained eye, they had stumbled onto a jackpot. He smiled broadly and walked up to a large piece of machinery.
"What do we do now?" Xen asked.
Atreus glanced at him. The Vyrillian was trying hard to sound normal, but he seemed very small and scared, his wings flattened against his back and his hands clasped in front of him. Atreus grinned and patted the machine in front of him.
"Relax, we've lucked out," Atreus said. "This machine powers the whole ship. Without it, this whole frigate will be space junk.
Xen waited for his friend to continue, clearly not understanding. Atreus rolled his eyes.
"We just need to smash the grid and generator, and Suni will be able to get through," he tried again.
"No power?" Xen asked.
"None. Completely dark.
"No back up power either?
"Nope.
"What about life support?
Atreus sighed. He had hoped his friend would forget about that.
"We'll have to try to reach an escape pod before all the air is gone," Atreus said. "This ship is huge, so it shouldn't disappear immediately. Or you'll have to blip us to another dimension.
Xen still looked hesitant.
"Do you have a better idea?" Atreus asked, sounding like Suni.
Xen shook his head and sighed. He stood back as Atreus began to sabotage the power grid and the back up generator beside it. One by one, the lights disappeared until they were in blackness.
"Mission complete," Atreus said. "It's up to Suni and Tethys now. Come on, let's get out of here.
Finding Xen's hand in the dark, Atreus used his infallible sense of direction to lead them back the way they had come.
Suni leaned against the control console, one hand holding her chin and the other drumming the hard surface of the console. Their shuttle was still obstructed by the moon, but they could see part of the frigate just out of scanner range. Tethys was seated behind her, monitoring communications from the frigate. They had been waiting in silence for hours.
"Maybe they've Ð " Suni began.
"They're fine!" Tethys snapped.
The Mercurian-Uranusian had been going through numerous scenarios about Atreus and Xen, each one more hopeless than the last. So far, none of them included the boys returning alive. Tethys was getting sick of the game.
The shuttle grew silent again. Tethys sighed.
"Look," she moved to sit next to Suni. She was surprised to see tears forming in her friend's eyes. "They're both fine. If anything serious happened, Xen would warp them both to safety, right?
Suni nodded hesitantly. "It's just Ð this is the most dangerous mission we've ever had to do. Alone in a strange place, surrounded by pirates, with no help in sight and no Plan B just in case.
Tethys rubbed Suni's arm reassuringly and sat back in the chair. The moon loomed in front of them with only the softly illuminated frigate standing between them and the planet where the Guardians were being held. Suni sighed.
"Do you think Alyna's still okay?" she asked quietly. "It's been over a week now.
"She's lived on planets for longer," Tethys replied.
Suni grew quiet and the two friends watched the blinking lights of the frigate. Suddenly, the ship went black. Suni and Tethys both sat up quickly, staring at the frigate. Suni smiled.
"That was a subtle signal," Tethys commented.
"Hang on," Suni said. "We've got a species to rescue!
Atreus carried the unconscious Xen through the corridors of the dying ship. Life support had failed and the remaining air was rapidly fading. The escape pods had all be jettisoned, filled with fleeing pirates, trapping Xen and Atreus behind.
It was getting colder as the frigidness of space made its way into the ship. Atreus felt numb as he forced himself to keep moving. They had to reach the docking bay. They had to find space suits and oxygen. They had to keep moving.
He adjusted Xen over his shoulders, the Vyrillian's body so cold he could be dead. Atreus heard his soft breathing and his slowed heart rate and knew he was alive. He hoped they would survive long enough to signal Suni. He hoped they weren't too late.
Atreus rounded a corner and blinked in surprise and disbelief. There was an escape pod in front of him, and it was empty! He felt hope propelling him forward as salvation grew closer and closer with each awkward step. He was almost there, almost to freedom, almost
He barely registered the blow as it knocked him to the floor. Xen fell from his back and lay motionless in a heap. Atreus shakily raised his head, gasping for air as if he were drowning. His body was so cold, he couldn't even feel the place he had been struck. Spots floated in his vision, but he saw a figure standing over him wearing a protective suit and helmet.
"Poor Atreus," the Master's voice was muffled. "You should have joined me.
"I would rather die," Atreus gasped.
"It looks like your wish will be granted, Andromedan.
As the Master turned to leave, Atreus caught a brief glimpse of his face through his helmet. Then, as the escape pod fired, he felt the last of his strength fade and he collapsed.
"Atreus
His eyes fluttered open for the briefest of moments. He felt dead, his body cold and emptied of air. Before he lost consciousness again, he saw a face with golden eyes full of concern staring at him.
Suni paced back and forth across the medlab on Starbase 7. Tears poured down her cheeks, but she didn't make a sound. Her mother had already threatened to sedate her if she began to cry again. Suni couldn't help herself. She had felt a profound sense of dread from the moment Xen and Atreus had left, and she had been right. Atreus lay unconscious for nearly two weeks, and Xen was awake, but making a slow recovery.
Suni and Tethys had landed on the planet Nessus and collected the weakened Guardians without incident. When they returned to space and found no signs of Atreus of Xen, Alyna had gone to search the abandoned frigate. The other Guardians, Gyana included, had vanished into space to begin their Council. When Alyna had brought their cold, lifeless bodied on board the shuttle, Suni had raced as fast as the ship could fly to the nearest Starbase.
She hadn't started crying until she had seen her mother's face, then she found the tears wouldn't stop.
Alyna had left immediately after, rejoining the others to attend the Council. She had said nothing about her imprisonment, nor had Suni asked. Her only thoughts were for Xen and Atreus.
Tethys entered the medlab and put her slender arms around Suni's shoulders. Her gaze drifted to where Atreus lay and Xen slept. They both looked so peaceful, yet were close to death. Rosie was doing her best to warm them up without causing tissue damage, and to repair their deoxygenated blood. It was tricky work, but she was the best.
"I made them go," Suni whispered. "If I hadn't had that stupid, foolish plan. If I hadn't insisted that we be the ones to rescue Alyna. If I had just let the UPP handle it
"Then Alyna and hundreds of Guardians would be dead," Tethys said sternly. "You are not to blame. Atreus and Xen knew the risks.
"But did I know?" Suni asked. "It's always been like a game. We go on an adventure, save the day, but everything always works out.
Tethys hugged her friend. "We haven't lost them, and we're not going to. Things will still work out.
Suni shook her head. She couldn't take her eyes from Atreus' face. He had looked like a corpse when Alyna had found them. Tethys worked to revive both of them as Suni flew like a madwoman to find help. Xen had woken up, started to breath on his own, but Atreus
Suni tried to cry but the tears were gone. Her heart ached. She couldn't imagine her life without Atreus. They had been friends forever, since they were infants. He had one broken her crib so they could stay up late at night, and their parents had found them asleep together in a pile of stuffed toys.
"I should have gone alone," Suni said.
"So we could be standing around you in the hospital?" Tethys scolded. "Your life is just as valuable.
"I should have thought of this possibility, been prepared. I should have Ð
"Suni Ianni," Tethys interrupted, "if you say Ôshould have' on more time, I'll Ð
"Hey," a weak voice croaked. "Some of us are trying to sleep.
Suni's eyes widened and a smile exploded across her face. "Atreus!
The two girls ran to the small room where their friend lay. He was hooked up to half a dozen machines, with tubes going in and out of his body, but his eyes were open. In the room next to his, Xen was sitting up in bed, looking pale and tired, but happy that his friend was awake. Tethys drew back the curtain that covered the window between the rooms.
"You're alive!" Suni gasped.
"You seemed surprised," Atreus said softly. He took a raspy breath and winced.
"Welcome back," Tethys said as Suni ran to get her mother. "We were worried.
Atreus grinned as Rose gently pushed Tethys aside to inspect her patient.
A few days later, Admiral Band made a special visit to see Atreus, Xen, Suni, and Tethys and commend them on their bravery. He awarded each of them with medals, but could not stay long at the Starbase. He was pleased to see that the boys were recovering , and Rosie told him that if everything went well, the four cadets would be back at Starcademy by next week.
The night before Harlan left, he found Suni sitting at Atreus' bedside, watching him sleep. Harlan sat next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. He remembered Rosie's report that morning, how Atreus was recovering slower than she would have liked. He watched his sleeping nephew in silence for some time.
"You should get some rest," Harlan whispered.
Suni shook her head.
"Then you should let Atreus rest. He can probably hear you sitting here.
"I don't mind," Atreus mumbled without opening his eyes.
Harlan smiled. Suni turned to her uncle and he could see the worry in her eyes.
"Don't blame yourself," Harlan told her. He knew the words sounded hollow, and that she had heard it before, but there was nothing else to say.
"This has to stop," Suni whispered. "The Master is trying to tear the UPP apart.
"Tell me about it," Harlan sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I'm the one who has to hold it all together.
"If only we knew where he would go next," Suni mused. "We tried to track his escape pod, but it vanished.
"If only we knew who he was," Harlan added, "or even what he looked like.
"I know," Atreus said softly.
Harlan and Suni stared at the Andromedan. His eyes were open and he was watching them. A faded blush crept onto his sallow skin as he realized he had their full attention.
"At least, I'm pretty sure," Atreus amended. "I saw him on the frigate, before he escaped. He was wearing a helmet, but I could see his face through the glass.
Harlan patted Atreus' hand. "You were nearly dead, your mind was probably playing tricks on you.
"I saw him," Atreus insisted.
"I know you think you did," Harlan said gently, "but can you be certain? If it came to putting a man in prison, would you be able to point the finger at the right person?
Atreus was quiet for a moment. "I know what I saw.
Harlan nodded and stood up. "When you're feeling better, come talk to me. We'll figure out exactly what you saw.
He wished them both good night and turned to leave the medlab. Before he reached the door, Alyna materialized before him. He stepped back in surprise and Suni rose to her feet. Alyna seemed very tired and her expression was troubled. She dipped her head in greeting.
"Admiral Harlan Band," she said. "I have grave news. The Guardians are leaving this galaxy, never to return.
Suni sat back down, her face full of shock. Harlan blinked as he absorbed the impact of her words.
"The Council has just ended. The planet-dwellers of this galaxy know too much. It was a failed experiment in trust, and as a result, the Great Move has begun," Alyna explained.
"What about you?" Suni asked.
"I know my duty.
"So you're leaving? Never to return?
"I am sorry, Admiral," Alyna said, turning back to Harlan, "but the Council's word is law.
"I understand," Harlan replied.
He saluted and Alyna returned the gesture. Without looking at her friends, Alyna vanished. Harlan hesitated a moment before leaving as well.
Suni was dumbstruck. Atreus watched her carefully but said nothing as she stood and turned to face him. The stress of the past few weeks was visible on her face, and she seemed exhausted.
"I guess that's that," Suni said numbly. "We risk our lives to save her and she abandons us.
"Suni Ð " Atreus began.
The Mercurian-Uranusian waved the comment aside. She forced a smile on her face, ignoring the tears that had once again began streaming down her cheeks.
"Good night," she said. "I hope you feel better tomorrow.
The door shut behind her, leaving Atreus alone in his room. He could hear Xen sleeping in the room next to his, and was grateful they hadn't disturbed him. Closing his eyes, Atreus tried to fall asleep again.
Five days after Harlan had left, both Atreus and Xen were almost back to normal. They were able to move around the medlab, although Rosie would not let them go very far, and neither were complaining about feeling tired or sore. Atreus had the remains of a cold and would snow on occasion, and Xen had torn one of his wings which Rosie had carefully mended and bandaged. Tethys spent her days with them, helping them move about on stiff legs, while Suni used the last few days of their visit to spend time with her parents.
Rosie walked with her daughter along the corridors of the Starbase where Suni had grown up. They briefly visited Bova, who was on duty and too busy to spend much time with his family, but the three of them had promised to meet later on for dinner. Suni told her mother about the whole rescue operation, and about the Council's decision to leave, but didn't mention Alyna at all.
"That's too bad," Rosie said. "Guardians will disappear from our memories entirely. You will be the last generation to know the truth." She looked carefully at her daughter. "You should feel honoured to have known one.
Suni shook her head. "She's leaving, Mom. She's going to another galaxy. She's forgetting all about us.
"She won't forget," Rosie assured her. "Guardians live a long time, and you've become very special to her.
"If we're so special, why won't she stay?
Rosie frowned. "You're being selfish, Suni. Her entire species is leaving. If she stays, she'll be the last of her kind, without anyone else in the galaxy like her. That's not a nice life to wish on your friend.
Suni signed. "I guess not. But I almost lost Xen and Atreus, then I got them back only to lose Alyna. It's not fair.
Rosie hugged her daughter. "Nothing is fair, darling. It is what it is.
A few days later, Atreus and Xen were well enough to travel, and Suni began preparing their shuttle to go back to Starcademy. Tethys had tried to come with her, to help her load supplies or check systems, but she had refused. She needed some time alone with her thoughts, to sort things out. She worked until she was almost falling over from exhaustion, but found she could do nothing to order the turmoil in her mind.
"Suni Ianni?
The Mercurian-Uranusian looked up to see Alyna standing in front of her, watching her with her unblinking golden eyes.
"May I join you?" Alyna asked.
Suni nodded and the Guardian sat down next to her friend. Suni took a long drink of water and waited, not sure whether she should tell Alyna what she was thinking.
"You are angry," Alyna remarked, more of a statement than a question.
Suni didn't reply.
"I must obey the laws of my people," Alyna continued. "I must do my duty.
"What about your duty to the UPP?" Suni asked. "You said you would protect our space, and now you're abandoning us.
Alyna was quiet. "The Council knows what is coming. We can do nothing to protect the planet-dwellers now.
Suni blinked. They knew what was going to happen? What terrible danger could it be to drive away the Guardians who swore to defend the galaxy?
"What about us?" Suni said softly. "Aren't we friends anymore?
Alyna turned her head to look at her friend. "We will always be friends, whether I am here or not.
"What if we're not here? The thing the Council knows is coming, the thing they can't stop, what if we can't stop it either? What if we all die?
Alyna bit her lower lip. "I had not thought of that. You are so resourceful, I am sure you will be able to survive.
Suni nodded. "You're probably right, but you should ask your mother about the lives she saved during the Kaesar war.
"What do you mean?
"One person can make a difference, Alyna.
Rosie hugged her daughter goodbye, and stepped to one side to let her husband do the same. Atreus was loading the last few heavy boxes onto the shuttle, his strength having almost completely been restored. Tethys was already on board, powering up the systems with Xen. Alyna was no where to be seen.
"Have a safe trip," Rosie said. "No more space pirates.
Suni laughed. "Okay, Mom. Sheesh, you worry too much.
Bova shook his head. "We should have curbed your curiousity when we had the chance. Then maybe we wouldn't have to worry so much.
"Dad!" Suni exclaimed.
"Come on, Suni!" Xen called from the top of the ramp. "We need a pilot!
Suni gave her parents one more quick hug and ran up the ramp to the ship. She glanced around once more, looking for Alyna, before closing the door.
She settled into her seat, with Atreus beside her, and Tethys and Xen behind her. The gang was together again, except the Guardian who usually glided with them through space. Suni took a deep breath and smiled. She hoped Alyna would be happy in her new galaxy. The shuttle shot through the doors of Starbase 7 and into open space.
"Course laid out for Starcademy," Atreus said. "No detours.
"Look at that!" Xen gasped, pointed out the window.
Thousands of Guardians were gliding past, heading to the unknown. They looked like a tidal wave of colour in the blackness of space, their arms pressed to their sides and their cloaks billowing out behind them. It was a breathtaking sight, and Suni felt a pang of sadness for Alyna.
"I bet we're the only ones who get to see this," Tethys breathed. "It's astounding.
"Good bye, Alyna," Suni whispered.
As the migration passed, Suni began to resume their course when she noticed a single form remaining in their path. Flying closer, she saw it was Alyna, waiting for them. The Guardian dipped her head in greeting and hailed the shuttle.
"I spoke to Gyana, like you suggested," Alyna said. "Perhaps I can meet up with the others later. Right now, you are my family and I could not rest knowing you faced great danger alone.
Suni smiled. "Race you to Starcademy?
"You're on, Suni Ianni.