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The Stars of Eden
Two. Flagship
"Forty percent system restoration."
Voxx removed its connection from the Tek ship and hovered above Tekla's shoulder. It could do no more. Tekla laid a hand on the dashboard and closed her eyes. How far had the pilot come? How long was he pursued by that strange vessel? She could only imagine what he had gone through and drew about dreadful emotions within herself.
"Computer, activate star log."
A holographic image of stars appeared in front of her followed by a red string that represented the pilot's flight path. Spanning nearly four star systems, his path appeared to originate at a planet. Tekla stared at the point for a moment. There were no other planets around so it wasn't in a system. Judging by the computer data she realized it wasn't a planet at all. It was a collapsed star.
"Could this," she looked at Voxx, "be a wormhole?"
The floating computer beeped as it took a few hundred nanoseconds to scan the information. "Astrometric data inconclusive."
Tekla studied the point intensely. There was no question, she would have to travel through the black hole to reach her lost people, but she couldn't do it alone. Would her friends take the same risk?
"How go the repairs?" Cryos had to duck slightly under the ceiling as he walked up behind the pilot seat. The ship was slightly larger than a typical Tek fighter, meant for long distances, but the cargo hold was a little tight for her blue friend.
"Much of the data was destroyed in the attack, but I believe... I know where my people are."
Cryos' eyes widened. "Where?"
"On the other side of this," she pointed at a large red sphere on the hologram.
His antennae spread apart. "A sun?"
"A wormhole."
His eyes widened in awe. "Are you certain?"
"I can see no other explanation. "
She pressed a few buttons and another string, this time blue, appeared on the hologram that ran beside the red one.
"This was the alien vessel. It must have followed him through the wormhole." She slowly shook her head and placed her fingertips to her forehead. "Who knows what dangers my people face... They could be under attack, fleeing from Eden ships as we did the Beast..." Her gaze slowly lowered. "They are alone Cryos. One ship against Matrix knows what."
Cryos gently smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "There's one thing I've learned about your people Tekla, and it's their ability to discovery ways of surviving even when all hope seems lost." He gave a slow nod. "They will not be alone for much longer. With the Alliance's aid, we are sure to gather a force to rival this so called, Eden threat."
Tekla smiled sorrowfully. She did not know what to expect on the other side of the wormhole, but she was glad she wasn't going to find out alone.
. . .
The slimy walls of the throne room gave off a putrid smell. Glowing green lanterns made of organic matter set a gloomy exotic mood that brought Femur much needed relaxation. Slouched on the throne with an elbow on the armrest, he held a slimy fat worm above his mouth and stared into its beady eyes as if eating it would not bring him satisfaction.
He sighed. "My feet are killin me. My arms feel like they're gonna fall off. Even my teeth are too tired to chew."
He swerved his gaze to the Bone warrior who was holding a purple bubbly drink. Femur tossed the worm over his shoulder and gestured his head at the warrior. Grabbing the cup he brought it to his lips. With a loud squishy sound, the tongue like chamber door opened, revealing a large figure in the entrance standing with crossed arms. Femur choked, spitting the purple liquid in the air.
"Sternum!" Femur jumped off the throne and gave his widest smile. "Back so soon? I thought you were, ahh, busy working on the Alliance's pride and glory."
The muscled Bone warrior frowned in disgust.
Femur patting the seat. "I was just keeping it warm for yah." His brother's red eyes were drilling a hole in him.
As Sternum walked forward, the chamber guards bowed. He stepped passed Femur and slowly descended on the thrown, resting both arms at his sides. He made a relaxing sigh that caused any anger inside of him to fade away.
He held up his hand and gazed at his fingernails. "How is your training going Femur?"
"Ah, swell! After all the running, crawling, jumping," he said counting with his fingers, "... after getting beaten into green jelly... I think I'm really starting to mould into a brand new me!" He felt bitterness creep onto his tongue. "So yeah, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get off the shackle train now." His palm sliced through the air. "I can't take it anymore!"
"So soon? But you've lost so much weight."
"Really?' he said smiling.
"No." Sternum rose from the throne with returned anger. "Brother, until you have proven yourself more than the worthless, backstabbing, slimy worm you admire to be, you will not step another foot into this chamber. You will not appear in my line of sight again or so help me I will rip that cowardly spine from your back and be rid of Bone's disgrace once and for all. Now..." He leaned in close. "Get, out."
Femur's instincts were telling him to smile and shrink backwards like a frightened child, but he wasn't about to let Sternum think he had won the war between them. He stared back coldly. Without a word, he turned and left the chamber. All he wanted was a little recognition for all his sacrifices made for the Alliance and he definitely wasn't going to get it staying on Bone.
. . .
Construction of the ship left missing panels in the hallways that revealed open circuitry. They didn't pose much danger unless one deliberately stuck a hand in them. The majority of the engineers working on the level were from Rock, Ice and Bone. Communication between the races had gotten better over th months, sometimes there were bursts of laughter from a good joke and engaging conversations where intelligent minds just clicked. Yet, there was still tension between the races. No one could doubt that it was growing steadily.
"As you can see, ambassador Phi," Graveheart said opening a palm to the walls of the ship, "our new flag ship contains the resources and technology from every world in the Alliance. Currently, we are installing Bone's organic propulsion engines, which would prove useful if our main engines were disabled in combat."
He looked back at the people from the Mist planet. They were long, skinny creatures with grey toned skin and triangular navy blue eyes. Their ears were their most outstanding attribute, long, the tops curving back almost into circles. White and light blue swirly gases emitted from their skin, which were really only noticeable standing in front of them. The ambassador was dressed in a long, plain grey dress bearing a symbol of three crescent moons on both pointy shoulder pads. The three Mist people accompanying him were dressed in plain grey robes. Their heads were always bowed and only rose when the ambassador addressed them. The ambassador's lips pursed slightly. He did not look impressed.
"Are you trying to kill us?" His voice was low pitched, and, despite his words, was also gentle.
Graveheart frowned slightly and exchanged glances with Jade who appeared irritated and unsurprised by the ambassador's remark.
"I don't think I quite understand what you mean ambassador."
"There is electricity running through those open conduits yes? Your engineers are using flame welders yes? The green members of your Alliance are emitting a highly toxic and offensive odour, yes? Then I must assume that you are indeed, trying to kill us."
"Uh..." Graveheart took a slow look around. "Yes- I mean no. I assure you ambassador, it is completely safe, just... as long as you stay away from the walls."
Jade buried her face in a palm.
The ambassador sighed. "Very well, man of Rock. Despite this abhorrent Alliance ceremony, I feel inclined to allow you to continue. I am rather impressed by the redundancy of systems you've implemented on this monstrous vessel, but the large canon ports on the outer hull seem superfluous and only designed to make the ship appear more, intimidating. I must tell you from my experience man of Rock, big explosions entertain the minds of children, stealth and tactics are for the wise."
Graveheart gave an awkward grin. "Your feedback is always appreciated ambassador. Perhaps you can improve on our... shortcomings, with technology from your people."
"Doubtful. My sovereign is not likely to authorize such sharing of technology."
"Yes," Jade said with bitterness. "Let's not rush into anything."
Graveheart hoped the ambassador didn't catch that. "Zuma, how about showing our guests the rest of the tour?"
Zuma slowly nodded and offered the way to the Mist people. "Please, this way."
"Hmm, a telepath?" asked the ambassador.
The tranquil beast nodded.
"Intriguing... My people have only started to develop their telepathic abilities. We can project our emotions unto others, but not words. It would be my honour if you would... practice with me, yes?"
The tour carried on with Zuma at the lead, leaving behind Jade and Graveheart.
"Well isn't he a bucket of laughs."
"I'm proud of you Jade."
"For what?"
"You know..." Graveheart grinned and Jade rolled her eyes.
"I don't know why I put up with you Graveheart. This Alliance is getting too big. I don't even think you can handle it." She crossed her arms. "I cannot bar my temper much longer if I have to deal with anymore pretentious idiots."
"Come on Jade," he said with a one sided smile, "there's always going to be tension when trying to establish an alliance, you know that. It's just a matter of making compromises on both sides."
"Sorry Graveheart. I'm not compromising my sanity so you can unite the aliens of an entire galaxy." She looked to the ground, her under-bite becoming more noticeable.
Graveheart saw a glimmer of frailty in her eyes, and he knew something was wrong. "What is it Jade?"
She shot him a stone stare. "Nevermind."
He had no idea why she was acting this way. Every time he had Jade figured, something would throw him off course. He had a feeling allowing planet Mist to join the Alliance was going to do more than set frost to their relationship.
"Sir?"
Graveheart was working towards something big. He had no reigns on its future, really, he was just going with his gut, but he knew it was going to become something incredible.
"Uh, sir?"
"Huh?" Graveheart turned his head to see a blue haired Rock worker standing beside him. Sweat ran down his cheeks.
He saluted. "Trouble down in the engineering bay sir. They're having... uh, problems."
"What kind of problems?"
"Something involving Fire... Ice... Bone... well pretty much everyone sir."
"Wonderful." Of course, that big future wasn't going to come without some headaches and broken backs.
"Empress Jade, Commander Graveheart."
Graveheart spun around to a helmeted Ice soldier. "What now?"
"Urgent transmission from King Cryos."
Graveheart and Jade exchanged glances. There was a chance Cryos finally had some good news to tell Pyrus and the people of Fire. "I'll take it on the bridge," he glanced at the worker, "and tell those engineers to stay frosty until I get there. We don't need an incident like the one before."
"Right."
. .
The sleek silver doors, painted with a hint of blue, slid apart and revealed a glorious room enclosed by large rectangular pieces of glass made for their incredible resistance to anti-matter explosions. Through them, Graveheart could see the colourful planets of the Alliance in crystal clarity. The bridge appeared almost complete as Ice workers busied themselves at each of the many stations. If ever there was a time to admire their diligence and craftsmanship, it was then. The colour theme was mostly made of blue and white that formed thin bands around the bulkheads in perfect symmetry. Silver panels that made the floor and system consoles were polished to a shine.
"Welcome to the bridge Empress Jade, Commander ," said a nearby worker.
Jade smirked. "You should have shown the ambassador this room, first."
The worker activated the transmission on his console and gave a nod. "It's a data transmission, the Aurora is still quite a distant from us."
The glass panel at the center of bridge turned black and Cryos soon appeared, his large white eyes appearing more gloomy than Graveheart remembered.
"Graveheart, I bring news... although it may not be kind you were expecting. A number if Tekla's people may have survived the destruction of their world."
Jade and Graveheart looked at each other with gaping mouths. The Ice workers followed in surprise as they all stopped what they were doing to face Cryos.
"We encountered a Tek fighter under attack by an unknown enemy. The pilot... sadly perished from his severe wounds. Tekla is... well after seeing one of her kind die before her, grief-stricken. With the Alliance's accordance, we must organize a fleet to search for the lost Tek people. When we have returned, I will fill you in on all the details. Until then, take care my friend."
As the transmission faded, Jade turned to Graveheart with wide eyes. "Unknown enemy?"
Graveheart looked to the floor. He didn't know whether to feel sorry for Tekla or feel joy that she may no longer be the sole survivor of her world. She had done so much for the Cluster, no world would hesitate to find her people.
The walls and floor shook violently and Graveheart stumbled foward. The lights on the bridge flickered until there was darkness except for the dim blue glow from the consoles. The shaking subsided and Graveheart regained his footing.
"We've lost primary power!" said the helmsman.
Jade was standing firmly with fists at her sides. "Are we under attack?"
"Yes." Graveheart cupped his face and shook his head. "By a bunch of engineers."
Graveheart sprinted from the bridge and down the dimly lit hallway. Jade followed behind. There was mass shouting and confusion as workers scrambled to figure out what was happening. He only hoped no irreparable damage came to the power core or months of hard work would be wasted. One thing was for sure, he was going to get an earful from the Mist ambassador.
. .
The engineering bay, plainly, was a mess. Wires, metal panels, strange organic matter, volcanic rock and numerous unnameable objects scattered the floors and wedged themselves in conduits.
"You fool!" hissed a man of Ice. He pointed an accusing finger at a man of Fire standing in front of him. "We all could have perished!"
"Pah!" The Fire engineer threw a hand in the air. "How do you expect to make any progress without taking a little risk! You puny insects think you are so much smarter than the rest of us when really your minds are as frail as your limbs! I don't even know why I'm here. I could be helping my people rebuild our home, instead, I find myself in this Alliance foolishness!"
"Hey!" A green haired man of Rock stepped forward. "If it wasn't for the Alliance, your over toasted ass wouldn't have anywhere to rebuild a home."
The Ice engineer held out an arm in front of his defender. "Don't bother, he's as stubborn as the rest of them."
"Whoa, hey!" Graveheart held out both hands. "What's going on here?"
"The man of Fire decided to double the energy output of the power core after Bone's engineers specifically told to him it would conflict with their propulsion system," said the man of Ice. "Now practically all systems have been compromised because of his rashness."
The Bone engineer shrugged as if he had no control over the matter. He clearly did not want to get involved in the argument.
The fire head scoffed. "Ice parts, Bone parts, Rock parts! How am I supposed to design an engine core to power half a dozen alien technologies? Why don't we get it over with and use only one?"
Graveheart looked him straight in the eye. "This ship symbolizes the union of the planets of the Cluster. We have struggled together, fought together, we all stared doom in the face and defeated it. How? We stopped raiding our neighbour's resources... we stopped warring with one another. I suggest all of you start remembering that because this ship isn't getting built unless I get everyone's effort. Work it out." Graveheart looked around at all the faces staring back at him. "Is that clear?"
There were nods, many of them resentful.
The Rock engineer frowned, "But sir-"
Jade threw him a severe glance. "You've something to add worker?"
He stepped back and bowed his head. "N-n-no, Empress."
"Good." She placed a hand on her hip. "If I see any of you buffoons causing trouble for the commander again, I'll personally see that my fist connects with your face. I don't care what world you're from."
Graveheart looked back at Jade in surprise. He didn't expect her to defend his position after her spew earlier. Something else must have been bothering her.
"They're just restless," Jade said as they entered the corridor again. "They have no enemy to throw their frustrations at."
"We're supposed to be past that Jade. For years, it was just easy for us to put the blame, the cause of our problems on the enemy."
"And now?"
"I don't know."
"You... don't know?"
"Maybe, this was a mistake."
Jade rolled her eyes. "Oh no. You're not doing this to yourself again."
"But you said-"
"It doesn't matter what I said! You," she dug a finger in his chest, "do what you feel is right. The worlds trusted in you before, I see no reason for them not to again."
He didn't know how she did it, making his worries seem petty like a child's. It were her eyes. Those angry, frustrated green eyes that saw so much more in Graveheart than he thought possible.
He reached out towards her. "Where are you going?"
"To oversee the construction of the new battle moons. Give my farewells to the ambassador won't you?"
"Jade..."
The Alliance needed renewed purpose. Striving towards equality and partnership didn't happen through giving orders. Building a ship from different parts and expecting it to mean something wasn't the way to go. If the Vindicate was going to earn its name, it was going to have to do more than float around space and look pretty.
Graveheart stepped through the doors of the bridge and stared into the landscape of stars.
"And into the raging waves we venture, until the lost are lost no longer."
