Prologue
Hello, everyone! Well, I'm finally, FINALLY posting the last book of Warren's adventure that began with Sacrifice way back in 2008!
A couple of pointers:
/ Telepathic thoughts are shown like this. /
'Character's regular thoughts are shown with single quote marks.'
Scene or perspective changes are indicated with ###
As with my other books, this is a full-fledged novel, so be prepared for many chapters of 'sink your teeth into' length.
Warning: This story is for a mature audience in that there are intimate scenes, but they are of the romantic variety. And while this is an M/F story, an M/M scene or two isn't outside the realm of possibility. ;-)
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Marvel Comics, the X-Men, or any of their characters. I will never make any money off borrowing Marvel's property or this story. However, I do own everything I've created…characters, story, concepts, etc.
Cover Art Credit: The amazing talent of Leah Keeler has brought to life my version of Warren, Emperor Ztar, and other characters. If you are interested in seeing more of images she's created for this series, just PM me and I'll happily pass them along.
For those who may be coming across my writings for the first time, the novels in this series are (in order): Sacrifice, Esserru, Circle Complete, and Soulbound, followed by Dark Coming. You may wish to start at the beginning of the series for complete understanding of all that transpires in this novel. These stories are thoroughly Warren-centric, while the X-Men in general take a backseat. Time placement of the series is somewhere between when he is passed his steel-wing, blue-skinned phase after Apocalypse and before he joined X-Force and that tragic tale. From Sacrifice forward, my storyline diverges from canon.
Of course, reviews are what make the endless hours of writing and editing worthwhile, so please take a minute or two and post a comment. Reader stats are great encouragement, but they are just numbers. Hearing from you is like the whip cream and cherry atop ice cream!
A big thanks and cyber-hugs to my writing cheerleaders – Karon, Valerie, and Jamie. These fellow authors are a big reason why I keep clicking away on the keyboard. Thank you, my friends!
Now, let's get on with the (hopefully) exciting series finale as the fate of our galaxy hangs in the balance. Without further ado, I present Dark Coming.
Echo Dancer
"When you write from the soul, the pen moves itself."
### ### ###
Chapter 1
A lone buoy hung just outside the event horizon beyond which irresistible gravitational forces would grab any one, any thing, even light itself and not let go until swallowed down the massive and insatiable maw of the monster. A silent sentinel, the buoy had relayed continuous data back to its creators for a century. Ever vigilant, its sensors probed the supermassive black hole that marked the heart of a galaxy.
Turzent scientists long ago cataloged the singularity as S0001. Much was known about the monstrous hole in space/time and much was still theory. They knew there had been a massive eruption some 25,000 years ago and another less violent event approximately 15,000 years earlier. Far lesser pulses had been recorded over the past 520 years. Of late, the frequency had increased. Why that was and why the massive prior expulsions occurred were points of scientific controversy.
In recent months, the buoy sensors detected a change in the beast. Pressure, for lack of a better term, was building within S0001, sending out shockwaves of energy – gamma rays, cosmic rays, and neutrinos.
Just weeks earlier, the beast convulsed, and deadly radiation spewed at near light speed in opposite directions from its center, like a double-sided geyser. When the wave hit the buoy, shielding was pushed to its limits, but held. Even century-old Turzent technology was tough.
With equal suddenness, the black giant stilled, as if it had drawn a breath and held it. Three standard days later, with galaxy shaking force, the beast was ready to expel the breath.
What the sensors recorded prior to going permanently offline sent shockwaves through the astrophysics community across the Turzent Empire and several other realms that monitored the giant.
Something was wrong at the center of the galaxy.
###
Flint leaned back, arms crossed, a smirk plastered on his boyish face, and green eyes twinkling. The auburn hair he hadn't bother combing gave him a wet porcupine look.
"Ya know, War, you keep up with the 'I'm going/I'm staying/I'm going/I'm staying' routine and I'm gonna start to wonder if you're half girl. Jeez, man, make up your freakin' mind!"
Warren groaned – not just at the ribbing, but because Flint was right. He needed to stick to a decision. Leaders should be steady and dependable.
Gatebi glanced at Ettwanae, then back to Flint and scrutinized the teen. "I think there is an insult in that statement, Ettwanae."
Ettwanae leaned toward the suspected offender. "What do you mean, half girl? And what does that have to do with Warren changing his mind?"
All Warren could do was sigh quietly. He'd been traveling with the little group for 75 often-tumultuous days, and at times, the dynamics of the Human-Eshaaru-Alcab trio got to be a bit much. Throw in the living ship named Volu, and personalities often rubbed together as smoothly as coarse-grit sandpaper over silk. If things worked out in his favor, Warren would be enduring perhaps months more of the same. Lucky him.
His mind wandered as Flint started rambling about Human girls never sticking to a decision in part to keep guys guessing. He actually welcomed the diversion since what he planned to say next would be difficult.
Warren had gathered the troops in the galley first thing that morning to announce his intentions to carry on with the quest. They'd gotten past the initial surprise; everyone seemed pleased with the decision, willing to accept the possibility he may go feral again. Not unexpectedly, Ettwanae was thrilled. Then again, he hadn't gotten to the bad news yet. One step at a time.
He raised a hand in a halt gesture. "Okay, people, I haven't had enough coffee yet for this. I won't be changing my mind again. Let's just say my little 'episode' rattled me, but in talking with Volu, I'm confident we can handle it should that happen again. However…"
Warren took in a breath and paused; still uncertain he wanted to reveal the nannite awakening of a few hours prior. Ettwanae and Volu knew about the infestation from a body scan Volu performed, but as far as Warren knew, Flint and Gatebi did not.
'It's the right and honorable thing to do, Worthington. If they kick you off, they do.'
All eyes were on him, waiting. As the seconds passed, the expressions reflected puzzlement at the delay. 'Why is this so hard? Becomes too real by talking about it?'
"However, Volu's reassurances are not what changed my mind. It was something else entirely." He looked down at this hands that somewhere along the way had clenched into fists. Turning his eyes up again, he looked at his team seated around the table. "You all know about my feral side. Now you need to know everything."
Warren went on to explain how he came to host the transformative technology courtesy of the supermutant Apocalypse and the powers the celestial technology imbued.
"So that's what happened!" Flint's green eyes widened. "The old news reports said you'd been changed by some bad guy, but I figured it was like mad scientist surgery or something'. Wild, man! And then when ya changed back…"
"My PR staff said my natural mutation reversed the changes….yes, I know. Truth is more complicated. Circumstances and other influences reversed Apocalypse's handiwork in stages – wings first, then later the blue skin. Somewhere along the line, the nannites had gone dormant and never reinitiated the metamorphosis."
Gatebi cocked her head. "Only dormant, Warren? Does that mean they are still viable?"
"Yes. I had hoped they were permanently offline, but there was no way to know."
"Had hoped?" she pressed. "Has something happened to make you believe otherwise?"
'Oh, she's sharp!' he complimented the Alcab silently. A quick glance around the table showed instant uneasiness, especially in Flint.
"Ahhhh, War, hate to say it, man, but that other version of you was a little on the creepy side."
Gatebi and Ettwanae's heads turn sharply to Flint. As far as Warren knew, the two women did not know what his Death persona looked like. Volu, though…he'd put money on her having dug up old images. Whether or not she shared those with Ettwanae was the question.
The Eshaaru's focus returned to him. "What did you look like?"
Before he could answer, the Eshaar'ne spoke. "Allow me."
The living ship, a genetically-engineered race created as companions to Ettwanae's species, projected a holo image above the galley table of Warren in all his blue-skinned, steel-winged glory. Both Ettwanae and Gatebi gasped.
"Dear goddess!" the Eshaaru exclaimed, bringing her hand to her mouth. "I had imagined, but-" Her eyes shot to his. "Oh, Warren – what that man did! I can hardly tell it's you!"
Gatebi studied the image, her mouth hanging open. "Bionite technology capable of such a massive transformation? I had no idea that was possible. The assault to your body – amazing that you did not die. And then to transform back again?" She shook her head in disbelief. "I don't I wish to go where you're leading, Warren."
"Warren, what exactly happened that changed your mind about continuing the search?" Volu's tense voice filled the room through her audio orifices.
Ettwanae's eyes darted to her friends before settling on Warren, eyes widening. "What is everyone implying?"
Warren swallowed. "I had an episode of a different kind, Ettwanae. Last night." Telling was proving to be more difficult than he had anticipated. "The nannites – they partially reactivated." Warren steeled himself as he watched the information sink into his shipmates. 'There, it's said. What I hoped I'd never have to say.'
Volu was the first to react. "When you were ill last night? You transformed?!" The tone was incredulous.
"Not much – just the skin on my hands turned blue. That was all. Then the nannites went dormant again and the color returned to normal." He hurriedly explained to the three stunned faces around the table and the faceless fourth presence.
Flint shook his head. "Wait a minute! You transformed and Vo missed it?"
"Just the skin color on my hands-"
"I was respecting his privacy as he had asked previously," Volu jumped to her own defense.
Ettwanae waved her hands. "What does it really matter if he does? It would still be Warren, right?"
Gatebi tilted her hand in agreement. "Ettwanae's correct. Appearances are just that."
Flint raised an eyebrow. "Is that right, War?"
He closed his eyes for a moment, took a breath, slowly released it, and reopened them. "That would be my hope, but there's something you all need to understand, and then you can make your decision about whether or not you want me to remain on board."
The second half of the telling was even harder. Describing the psychological influence of the nannites was rough. Horror crossed the faces of his shipmates when he told them what Death was capable of – how the nannites twisted him and he constantly fought against their murderous influence. When he asked the group to imagine what could happen if he transformed into Death while in a feral state...well, he really didn't have to draw pictures.
After all the bad news, Warren came to his own defense. "But I am far stronger psychologically than I was when the nannites were active. Their influence should be controllable. Volu knows how to snap me out of a feral episode. If Ettwanae and I can keep Aru urgings down, that risk is hopefully reduced. Volu, the first sign that I'm transforming, you have my permission to act in whatever manner is necessary."
The ship seemed to jerk. "Warren, let there be no doubts – I will do whatever is necessary to protect my Other," came the icy retort.
It didn't surprise Warren – Volu was going to be his biggest challenge. "I'm counting on that."
Flint spoke next. "Shit, War, you're tellin' us that you could go berserk and try to kill us?"
Warren rubbed the back of his neck absentmindedly from the tension. "Under a very specific set of circumstances, that is a possibility, Flint. But if I only transform, I believe I can control it as I did before – better in fact. If I only go feral, Volu knows what to do. The chances of both happening at the same time? I can't tell you what those odds are."
Ettwanae leaned toward him, looking like she wanted to extend a comforting hand, but was too far away. "I trust you, Warren. You would not harm us."
Gatebi frowned. "Ettwanae, we don't know that. Warren seemed very much out of control during the feral incident. If his higher brain is not functioning properly, there is no Warren to maintain control."
"But if Volu can deal with it like she did before…"
"That assumes he is within me, my Poda. There are times when you venture beyond my reach," the Eshaar'ne inserted.
"Yet the odds of both happening together must be remote!" Ettwanae argued. "Warren, do you know what triggered the nannites?"
"I don't. Could be stress, but I've dealt with a lot of stress before without anything happening. Could be what's going on between the two of us, just like with the feral episode. Could be the nannites received some sort of triggering signal. I'm sorry, but I have no answers."
Flint's arms crossed, looking decidedly worried. "I don't know, guys. This kinda freaks me out. Not the transformed War so much as the feral side. Too weird! It happened once, it can happen again. We've got a kickass X-Man here who could go bonkers. If he transforms, goes all wild animal, and that happens while we're away from Volu…" Flint shook his head. "We wouldn't stand a chance."
"The blue hands may have been a fluke. Everything coming at Warren from too many directions – Neu, Aru, Ura, the confinement, the visit with Ztar…could have all been too much." The blond seemed determined to defend him.
Gatebi and Flint gave Ettwanae an odd look when she mentioned Ztar, but neither pressed.
"Our situation may not get any less stressful. If stress is the trigger, it may not be something we can lessen," the Alcab argued.
Ettwanae shook her head as if denying the point. "But there are ways to deal with stress. Meditation. Soothing herbs. Drugs." She was grasping at straws.
"We do not know what triggered the nannites," Volu pointed out. "It may not have been stress-induced."
Warren was being quickly left out of the conversation. "Excuse me, everyone, but I should leave the room. You can all talk more freely and make your decision. I'll wait in the lounge."
He rose, half hoping someone would protest. If he was present, he could better plead his case, but no one argued against the idea. 'Besides, Worthington, what more is there to say? You have no firm answers – all speculation. It's completely their decision whether you like it or not.'
Heaviness accompanied him to the lounge to await the verdict. Settling into the comfort of the lounger, he gave himself even odds for remaining aboard. Ettwanae was definitely in favor of his staying, and she probably had the final say. But if Volu refused? He ran his fingers through his hair. 'No way to know, so stop trying to guess.'
The other side of the coin was his worry for the foursome that had worked their way into his heart. The brash Human, a serious and reserved Alcab, the protective living ship, and the sweet, brave, and determined Eshaaru…who just happened to be connected to him in some way that sent his libido soaring in defiance of reason and willpower. And to add to the entanglements, Warren believed he was falling in love with Ettwanae.
He shook his head at that. Once again, he was facing the possibility of being a loser in the personal relationship department. Should they kick him off, he may never see Ettwanae again just as his feelings were catching up with her apparent love-at-first-sight response.
That brought a smile to his troubled self. He learned that for Eshaaru, when they find their soulbound, they know it from that instant. No wondering about if the other is right for them, if the feelings are just lust or infatuation, or if the other person feels likewise. Nope. For Eshaaru soulbounds, it's a done deal from the moment they lay eyes on each other.
Ettwanae explained it as her goddess's guiding hand acting through lifeforce energy. Whether it was that or something else really didn't matter. She'd laid eyes on Warren and, well, that was that. He felt honored in a way. 'Scared the shit out of me at first, I admit, too much too fast. But now…' A sigh escaped. 'Now it feels nice.' He snorted. 'Would feel a hell of a lot better if we could do something about those feelings!'
Rising, he paced. What was taking so long? Who all was on his side? Who opposed? What would he do if kicked off?
Goal One would not change: he had to get rid of the nannite infestation. A reactivation threatened everything. Vast resources were his to command through Worthington Industries. He would tap into Ztar's deep assets, as well. And the Turzent ruler would be all too happy to help. Perhaps the Shi'ar would also assist – the bastards owed him. It was the Shi'ar who had agreed to the terms of the Turzent/Earth Accord on Humanity's behalf – they had bartered Warren away to the then sadistic rapist, alien monarch.
As the pacing continued, he grew more comfortable with his action plan. Past failures to rid him of Apocalypse's technology would not deter. So what that the vaunted Shi'ar scientists hadn't been able to free him – that was how long ago? Things change. Technology advances. And he had a new resource – the Turzent Empire. Perhaps they would succeed where the Shi'ar failed.
"Warren?"
Volu's sudden intrusion was startling, and Warren's heart immediately went to his throat. "Yes?"
"We are ready for you." The Eshaar'ne's tone was the epitome of neutrality.
Warren was far more nervous about his fate than he had expected. He was a man on trial, and the court had just ordered him back to face their verdict.
###
Den-neer was unaccustomed to a lack of activity. His orders were simply to "hold." Bae lost track of the Eshaaru pair and their Eshaar'ne after they departed Tchutchka Centrus and fully phased once beyond the planetary gravitational well. The brief glimpse of a trajectory Bae had caught indicated the other living ship and her occupants were headed in the general direction of The Commonwealth side of the Turzent Empire. Unfortunately, initial directional readings are only that. The other Eshaar'ne could be going anywhere.
Finding the valuable pair was up to the Elders' vast network of contacts and advanced eavesdropping technology. Those automated, artificial intelligence systems monitored a mind-boggling number of communication channels and outlets for very select information. Stealth programs had long ago embedded themselves into nearly every comsat satellite, rely station, and broadcast buoy across the Trient, both civilian and military. Shozen AIs analyzed all those feeds for relevant intel in a quiet war for survival.
The Turzent Empire's military intelligence arm had discovered some of the snooping programs, but only the older versions. Each advancement made the stealth aspects more robust. The outfall of discovery had been minimal. Let the Emperor's people search – they hadn't yet invented technology that could find all that the Shozen had unleashed within the realm's vast communication network. As yet, the other realms within the Trient hadn't either.
Den-neer had complete confidence that Shozen technology and their intelligence network would eventually discover the whereabouts of his quarry…all he had to do was wait. Fortunately, Den-neer had learned the value of patience at a very young age.
###
The news had stunned Phai, even while she felt vindicated. It changed everything…and nothing. After giving herself time to evaluate, she called a session of the Council of Elders to discuss how the recent event affected their timeline.
It was known by as many names as there were star-conscious sentient species – Mi-Tzanti Galaxy being one, as the Turzent Empire officially called it; translating to Emperor's Path. The true name was Awn'Va as given millions of years earlier by the Shozen's ancestors, the nearly immortal and vastly powerful U'larr.
The Council joined her one by one as holo-images in a circle within her office. Each represented a segment of Trient'Ir, one of three sectors the U'larr had divided the Awn'Va Galaxy into millennia ago. Each Trient had a Council. As Trient'Ir's Council leader, Phai carried the title of Elder of Elders. The role came with immense responsibility – orchestrating their sector's role in saving the galaxy from annihilation.
As Elders materialized, she reflected on the collection of individuals who may be the only beings in the Trient to truly comprehend how tenuous existence was.
Elder Sequi was Turzent in appearance, and his domain was the realm forged by that species. Phai often sensed that Sequi believed he should lead the Council, but never did he make that declaration – simply intuition on her part. While Phai often found herself at opposites with Sequi, his reasoning was typically sound, and she often depended on the assertive Elder to play devil's advocate.
Guised as a male Cquax, Elder Ary was caretaker of the comparatively small Parma-Sentois Alliance. The sheath mirrored his personality – conservative, skittish of risk, and the most outspoken against jeopardizing the Esha'Aru. In fact, he still doubted that the one known as Archangel was pure Esha'Aru and continued to point out that he and the female could not bond as Archangel was already bound to another. Ary tended to get emotional about his opinions, often garnering agitation amongst the Council. Sometimes, though, passion was useful and reminding that it was life for which they fought. In an existence driven by cold calculations and disimpassioned decision-making, Ary's emotional arguments served a purpose.
Elder Kel's personality, on the other hand, was as opposite as one could be from her physical form's inherent temperament. Yats were a jittery, high-strung race, while the diminutive Kel was soft-spoken, reflective, and the Council peacemaker. She was often their compass, helping them stay on course in both goal and spirit. Kel represented all unaligned, sentient-inhabited worlds in the Trient.
Olar of the Trisadient Worlds chose a Ji body, a genderless species despite Olar's essence being male. Unlike Ary, Olar rarely jumped to conclusions; instead, listening carefully to facts and opinions spewed by others before rendering a viewpoint. Phai valued Olar's insights as they were steeped in wisdom. The Trisadient Worlds were a loose collective of generally non-aggressive systems and was the second largest realm in Trient'Ir.
Vui oversaw the oldest and largest realm, the vast Gnocque Empire. Her realm lay most distance from the Turzent and Commonwealth territories and the two smaller realms were unaware of the menace that loomed on the far side of the Trient. Thankfully, the Gnocque were as yet uninterested in territory so far from home. That was the best situation in Phai's opinion, and she hoped it remained as such for a very long time. The Gnocque were a brutal, matriarchal race in which she saw few redeeming qualities. She pitied Vui her assignment. Phai deemed herself broadminded and patient, but Vui's tolerance and fortitude were endless. Yet she had to acknowledge that her fellow Elder's more aggressive nature had found a good home within the species.
As a female Gnocque, Vui's form was as brutish in appearance as the race was in personality. Thick, armor-like hides in varying colors of dark brown. A single horn rose from the forehead, a snouted face, hardened features, two sets of arms protruding from a bulky frame set on a pair of thick legs and heavy feet. Surprisingly, the creatures could move with far greater agility than their hulking bodies would have you believe. Not surprisingly, the species was as tough as they came…perfectly suited for conquest and subjugation, which they did without apologies. Thus far, the Gnocque hadn't met a race that could stand up against them physically or technologically. They made Phai nervous. Yet that concern was moot if there was no galaxy left to conquer.
Last to appear was Elder Taer. Taer both intrigued and riled. The Elder represented all the non-sentient worlds, which made his/her protectorate the largest of the seven Trient'Ir realms. 'His/her' was accurate because Taer was opposite of the genderless Ji – Elder Taer was both. Council members thought of and addressed Taer as female as mannerisms and outward appearance reflected that her dominate side was female, and the enigmatic Elder seemed accepting of distinction.
With no reason to hide his/her true appearance from her protectorate, Taer maintained no sheath. She was a genetic throwback to their ancestral form. Unique. Almost revered. Not entirely as the ancients appeared, but Taer embodied many of their physical traits. Exceedingly tall, she towered above all other Elders. The almost fragile-looking body had a soft luminous quality. The intense blue skin did not hearken to their origins, but to parentage. Luminosity, though, did speak of genetics nearly lost to time and extinction. Atop the elongated body, sat a sharply triangular head with a broad forehead, large piercing-black eyes, an almost non-existent nose, and mouth with full lips. Hair as black as deepest space framed the face with a few wisps, but most flowed straight to her narrow waist.
Taer was proud of her genetic hiccup and had a haughty personality to go with it. At times, it seemed as if Council matters were beneath her despite the gravity of their purpose. In Phai's opinion, having Taer as overseer of worlds that had no sentient lifeforms was fitting – she may not make the best caretaker of others.
All members having "arrived," Phai gazed around the circle one last time. An urgent session meant that the news was not good, and the faces and postures reflected that knowing. Gathering herself, she rose from the chair and moved with the inherent grace of her chosen form to center stage.
"My fellow Elders. Thank you for attending on short notice. The matter before us is significant. A few Unified hours ago, I received word of an event that has left me deeply concerned. Our sensor buoys positioned near the galactic center recorded an eruption of…anti-matter." She stopped there, allowing time for the news to sink in.
A menagerie of surprised voices and utterances erupted. She patiently waited. As the room quieted, a single, deep voice cut the tension before Phai could speak.
"I presume it was significant enough to be a sign," Sequi stated more than asked. Phai dipped her head in affirmation. "Then it is truly beginning." The room drew its collective breath.
"That is my interpretation, Elder. Sensors indicate a minor breach – a test perhaps. The barrier is failing."
"But it is too soon!" Elder Ary decried, a pincer snapping in emphasis. "There have been signs, but not enough to declare The Dark Coming has begun. This is nothing more prelude. Our ancestors recorded such events for hundreds of standard years…even a thousand years beforehand."
Phai knew Ary would discount the event. He was of the belief The Dark Coming was decades away. Nothing seemed to sway that opinion, leaving Phai often baffled.
"What was the anti-matter output, Elder?" Sequi queried tersely. Irritation at Ary's continued denial of the closeness of the event was evident in his Turzent stance and tone.
"4.8 ECU." Another collective inhale filled the room. Ary shrank.
Kel extended a multi-jointed arm. "That seems to eliminate doubt, my fellow Elders. That level far exceeds previous expulsions." Heads, hands, and arms around the circle moved in various forms of agreement, but not all.
Ary quickly returned to foot-dragging. "The ancient knowledge clearly states the buildup takes thousands of years, becoming more frequent and intense. The event is natural progression, nothing more."
Vui huffed loudly. "Ary's point is valid. You and Sequi have been pushing for years that the Coming is closer than we have calculated, yet you show us only weak evidence to back up your opinion."
The stubborn Elder leapt at the potential support. "Indeed. In my opinion, the previous two attempts were in quick succession – that could have taxed Norza'tir. We should consider the next major assault will actually be longer in coming, not shorter."
Sequi leaned toward the rugged Vui, ignoring Ary. "You wear an invaders sheath, yet you do not think as one. Time and again, Darkness has attempted to take this galaxy. Do you think he has not learned from failure? Why continue to follow the same pattern that in the past has allowed Light to win? Would you not shield your actions and then take the enemy while they are lulled into belief there is time to prepare? Amazing that the Gnocque don't see through your guise!" he snapped, with a dismissive wave of a hand.
A snort filled the room as Vui raised her four arms in a challenging gesture. "If I were the enemy, you would never see a single warning of my coming!"
Most were surprised by the outburst, but not the warrior-race-embodied Elder. Sequi leaned back into his chair nonchalantly. "You make my point, Vui."
Vui smirked and fell back in her chair with a grunt. "I understand the concept of sneak attacks, Elder. However, physics cannot be denied. A single, successful strike is not possible. The dimensional barrier is too powerful. Multiple disruptions are required, each of which is observable from this side. We will get our advanced warnings."
Phai open her arms wide and in show of self-evidence being presented. "And the first such warning has been issued. What happens from this point forward could come in rapid succession. It is as I proposed. The Dark Coming has begun – the first stage is upon us."
Ary's pinchers snapped in anger. "Opinion and nothing more!"
Phai did not lose composure often, but she was on the verge. A sly glance to Taer showed the blue-skinned Elder once again looking bored and distant, only enhancing Phai's souring mood. Then Olar gestured for the floor and Phai nodded acknowledgement in relief – it would provide time to check her emotions.
"Elder Phai, we are all familiar with the ancient texts describing the prior attempts. What you, Sequi, and Kel promote contrasts those accounts. And as Ary pointed out, you present nothing in way of undeniable evidence to support your theory, except reinterpretation. Explain your reasoning, if you would."
Phai clasped her hands behind her back. She knew the request would come…again. Olar and Ary were right. They had no direct evidence to back up their claim that a more stealth assault was occurring. Mostly, it was instinct. An instinct that warned the enemy was lurking much closer than anyone believed. But what could she say to convince those that did not sense end's nearness?
"I offer only the belief in the determination, power, and resourcefulness of Norzra'tir," she began dramatically. It had the right effect. "His minions roam freely within this dimension. The black hole at the center of our galaxy has become active again over the past 2000 standard years. The frequency has escalated in the last 500 years." Ary was about to raise an objection that Phai knew all too well, and she shot him a look to silence the protest. "I know your argument, Ary. Naturally occurring rumblings. Perhaps. I chose to believe Norzra'tir has been hiding behind those natural occurrences – testing the barrier's strength, wearing it thin. Just as I believe the ejection of anti-matter recorded hours ago was his first successful penetration of the barrier. I believe he is poised for the final assault."
Phai began to slowly move around the inner edge of the circle, passing inches in front of the holographic avatars. "I believe we have been naïve. We lost too much in the last attempt – too much knowledge, too much technology, too much of who we were. Our kind was decimated. The enemy's losses are unknown. Perhaps minimal. He had 5,000-year head start. We've pushed hard, made sacrifices, become something that at times I detest in an effort to rebuild what we lost…to be ready in time. At vulnerable moments, I almost feel Ozshi'wanae has turned her back on us – found us no longer worthy."
That caused shocked and almost angry glances to be exchanged around her, but Phai pressed forward. "My faith remains strong, Elders – have no doubts. And when the time comes, I believe to the depths of my soul that Ozshi'wanae will be there in our hour of greatest need."
She paused to collect the balance of her thoughts. Out of respect, the rest gave her time to do so in silence. "I believe her hand is guiding me, telling me that the battle is upon us. Elders Sequi and Kel have expressed similar feelings. I ask each of you to meditate on what we learned and conjectured today. Review the evidence. Examine in detail the recent eruption. Consider all data from the past 2000 years and especially the last 500 years in light of my hypothesis."
Phai stopped speaking as she reclaimed the center of the circle. "We have a monumental decision to make that will affect all we do from this moment forward. If we determine that the Dark Coming is not yet underway, then our timeframe and goals remain as is. However, should we declare that the Coming has begun, and then all our plans must be accelerated to come to fruition within a few months."
Stunned faces punctuated months, including Sequi and Kel's. Again, she raised a hand to prevent any outbursts. "An impossible task…that is what most of you believe. I believe otherwise. We are very close on many fronts. We can succeed. We must succeed. The life of every living being in this galaxy depends on it."
Kel caught Phai's eye and she waved to her fellow supporter. The Elder's Yat form did not allow for the use of a chair, and she had sat on her haunches during the meeting. Rising up on four delicate legs, she looked very much like the insect known on Earth as a praying mantas. The triangular head with large eyes scanned the circle.
"Elders, as you know, I support that we are facing what we have spent thousands of years preparing for. Do not let fear deny what is upon us. We are creatures of limited power and knowledge. As much as we would like to believe we control our destiny, we are not omnipotent. Norzra'tir's coming now may be premature to our estimation, but the universe does not abide by our insignificant timeframes and plans."
The Elder moved toward the middle of the ring, something she rarely did. While smallest in stature, she often created the biggest impact. Kel was the compass that most often kept them focused on what mattered beyond the attainment of their goal – she was a guiding light spiritually.
As Kel positioned herself, Phai stole another glimpse of Taer – her demeanor remained aloof. 'Does not even the end of the galaxy hold her interest?!' Phai fumed. Then she refocused on the diminutive Elder.
"Our ancestors and the Esha'Aru sacrificed themselves to save the younger races from oblivion. A handful survived and we are what remain of Ozshi'wanae's first generation of children – her greatest creation, the U'larr. Our ancestors came to believe themselves all knowing, all powerful, and grew complacent…it cost them their civilization and their very lives. We have struggled to recover from their arrogance and near extinction to come full circle. We now face our forbearers' greatest enemy.
"Whether you believe the Dark Coming has begun or will in the next decades, it is the young races that will ultimately save what we've dedicated our lives to protecting." Kel waved a four-fingered hand at her body. "These shells hide a sad truth. The U'larr no longer exist."
Then an arm gestured to Taer, which Phai was pleased caught the uninvolved Elder's attention. "Even she is but a weak reflection of what we once were. The technology of our ancestors does not recognize us. We hide ourselves away within sheaths to avoid the truth, whether you wish to admit that or not. We even come to call ourselves a name that is a bastardizing of our former glory…as the Chosen Ones. If we believe that our enemy will repeat the same pattern that has failed it in the past, then we've learned nothing. Arrogance would have us believe that through our masterful manipulations and advanced technology that we can once again save this galaxy by sheer force of will. We cannot."
Kel's limited ability for facial expressions did not stop the woman from conveying the conviction of her belief. "The end is near, fellow Elders. We must bring our work and that of our predecessors to fruition. We must choose which of us will transform for the role to command the Nexus. We need an Esha'Aru pair to awaken it. We need the younger races to rebuild the barrier – the Turzents," she said with a wave toward Sequi. "The Ji and the other peoples of the Trisadient Worlds." Kel extended a hand toward Olar. Then she nodded at Vui. "The many races of the Gnocque Empire and the inhabitants of The Systems Commonwealth," she followed with a sweep of arm toward Phai. "Mind. Body. Soul. The Triad must be whole for the Light of Life to persevere."
"And so, we must conclude what our people started 10,000 years ago and do so quickly. We either cling to delusions that we control events and wait until it is far too late to act, or we accept that The Dark Coming is unfolding more quickly than we had believed and act accordingly. In the end, acting late will destroy all we have struggled to save. Acting too soon only means we are ahead in the fight. Choose wisely, my fellow Elders."
Taer had said not one word during the entire proceedings. It exasperated Phai despite having witnessed the behavior many times prior. But today was critical – the very fate of the galaxy hung on their decision and Taer held a critical vote. She often withheld her vote until the very end, thus positioning herself as the deciding voice in tie-breaking situations. Would she again? Thus far, it seemed three Elders believed the Dark Coming was nearly upon them; with Ary and Vui of the opposing view and Olar seemingly undecided. If he fell with Vui and Ary, then it was a tie.
Just as Phai decided to break the silence that followed Kel's eloquent dressing down, Taer left her chair with slow intent. Rising to her nearly 8-foot height, she moved to center stage with a grace that even Phai envied. And Phai wasn't the only one who noticed Taer had not requested permission to do so. However, curiosity overrode any irritation over protocol breach.
"Elders, I bring news from the other two Trients."
At first, Phai was uncertain she'd heard correctly, but by the look on the faces of the others, she had. "What did you say?"
"I was in contact with Elders from Trient'El and Trient'Ut prior to this meeting."
Phai was outraged. What was Taer thinking? How did she even manage it? "Explain yourself, Taer!" Phai demanded sharply, dropping all pretense of respect.
The blue woman looked down upon Phai with an almost dismissive gaze. "Do not think yourself so high as to be the sole voice of Trient'Ir. I have ties throughout the three Trients beyond you or the rest of this Council."
Phai narrowed her eyes, true anger rising up. "You know the principles under which the Councils operate. Only an Elder of Elders is permitted to contact another Trient."
Taer simply looked away toward the rest of the Council. "Those rules do not apply to me. I am…unique. And my insights and perspective are sought out by those who understand more fully what I represent." Then the black eyes shot back accusingly to Phai. "Something you in your arrogance fail to comprehend."
The words were biting and demeaning. Taer dared to call her arrogant! Phai was ready to verbally lash out when Olar stood, holding his hands in his familiar 'let it be' gesture.
"Elders, perhaps we should set aside emotions and etiquette for the moment and hear the news from the other Trients."
Phai swung around and headed back to her desk to perch on its edge, arms crossed defiantly, willing herself to calm. She would hear what the conceited Taer had to say and address the misconduct in other ways.
"Speak, Elder," she commanded. Phai would get in that much of a shot before she temporarily 'let it be.'
###
AN: That's our start! Hope you will join me for the next 39 chapters as "Dark Coming" unfolds. The story is done, so my plan is to upload chapters regularly and on a fairly tight schedule.
Posting a review would make this ol' writer's heart sing – so, please…indulge me, even if it's with just a few words.
Thank you for reading!