Chapter 21
Let's dive right in…
###
Ettwanae sat with her mother until she was fast asleep; only then would Ettwanae allow herself to do likewise. It was deep, long, dreamless sleep induced by physical exhaustion and soul-deep relief. Much later, the younger woman woke with a start, realizing someone was hovering close.
"Mother?"
The angelic face smiled radiantly. "'Ne baitu selle." A gentle hand stroked Ettwanae's cheek. "My precious Ettwanae. All grown. So beautiful," T'Qilla continued softly in Imperial Turzent.
Ettwanae struggled to detangle arms and wings from her curled position and bedding. The last vestiges of sleep fled as she threw her arms around T'Qilla, sobbing. Mother joined daughter in shedding tears of joy. Neither noticed the medic slip out the door.
Crying finally lessened, and they pulled back to gaze with awe and happiness into each other faces, wiping one another's tears away and almost not daring to believe it was all real.
"Mother, I was so afraid you were dead, but prayed to Ozshi'wanae that you weren't. The amulet nodes were stolen and the Etagllot captured me, but Volu saved us…and Warren, too. We couldn't stay and had to leave him, but Gatebi and Flint stayed with me. But before that, Bhenra was killed and the Shozen were after me, but it really wasn't the Shozen – they aren't who we thought…but just before they caught me, Volu answered my call and-"
A fingertip on her lips silenced Ettwanae's rambles. "Slow down…we have time. Phai explained much to me while you still slept. I understand now who our true enemy is. She assures me we are safe here and that you and I have countless hours to talk."
Ettwanae stared into the crystalline-blue eyes that were identical to her own. It had to be a dream. A wonderful, joyous illusion – she couldn't possibly be with the woman she'd longed for since three years old.
"Are you real?" she whispered, reaching out to touch the face, afraid the vision would turn to vapors.
T'Qilla took her hand and kissed it. "I am real, but must admit, I've been wondering the same of you since waking. Things will seem dreamlike for a while, but I assure you, I am truly here."
"And you remember me? And father?"
"Of course, I do."
The goddess had truly blessed her. Ettwanae struggled to accept the reality of sitting with her mother. "I've looked for you since Volu rescued me…and any of our people, but we found no one. Except Warren." Then she twitched internally. "He doesn't believe he's Esha'Aru, though. He says he's Human."
One of T'Qilla's eyebrows rose in puzzlement. "I only caught of glimpse, but he looks Eshaaru-" then she caught herself. "I mean Esha'Aru. That will be difficult to remember. Esha'Aru. Odd that how we say our name changed over the thousands of years since the last Dark Coming. With Eshaar'ne's faultless memory, that should not have happened."
"Perhaps it no longer mattered once the U'larr were gone?" Ettwanae offered. She'd been puzzled as well after Phai had corrected the mispronunciation.
"It is only a mild slurring. Perhaps you are right." However, T'Qilla didn't look convinced. "How are you feeling? Has your strength returned?" A motherly frown appeared. "What you did was very dangerous, Ettwanae. You could have died."
Ettwanae grabbed her mother's hand and squeezed. "I was afraid I'd kill you – I was very scared, but it was worth the risk to have you back. I would have done anything to save you."
T'Qilla shook her head. "I did not want you to forfeit yourself in trying to save me. Don't you see? I only want for you to live. If you had perished in the attempt, all your father and I sacrificed to protect you would have been for nothing."
Ettwanae was flooded with opposing feelings of letting her mother and father down and the joy and satisfaction of knowing she'd had saved one of them. Regret, though, wasn't in the mix. "If I hadn't tried, I would have died inside. Can't you see that?"
T'Qilla studied her daughter's face. "I see a strong, determined young woman whom I am proud to call daughter."
They embraced fiercely once again, arms and wings intertwined.
Ettwanae pulled back. "I have many questions. I want to hear all about father and your life together and-" she waved her arms, "everything!"
T'Qilla's twinkling laughter filled the room. "And I need to hear all about your life! Accepting that you're grown up and I've missed it all will take some getting use to. First, though, I am hungry again, my little one. We need to gain strength for our hours of talking to come. I think my body is sufficiently recovered to eat something more than nutrient gruel." The look of distaste on T'Qilla's face made Ettwanae giggle. "Let's get some food, and then we'll talk for as long as you wish."
###
Hours later, Ettwanae knew far more than she'd dared dream. Childhood stories about her parents, how Qilla and Azrued met and became soulbounds, how before Qilla knew her future soulbound, she and her sister, Tiaera, traveled together in Bae. She came to know family she'd never meet through her mother's words, and it was the most powerful, anchoring, belonging feeling she'd experienced. Amulet memory nodes were one thing, hearing their ancestral history from her mother made it all real.
T'Qilla had said she wished to rest a while. That worried Ettwanae, but her mother eased concerns that it was perfectly normal. "I'll be completely recovered in a few more days, ne baitu selle," the woman reassured with a quick hug. She'd even learned what the U'larr phrase meant: my little one.
And so bubbling with new knowledge, Ettwanae needed to tell someone or she may just explode.
/ Volu? / she mentally called out while heading for the hangar.
/ Yes, my Poda? /
/ Get everyone to the gathering room. I have much to share! /
A wordless acknowledgement followed and soon Ettwanae sat facing her intended soulbound and two best friends. What she'd learned tumbled out at a fast pace, leaving her breathless. Some information was contained in the amulet memory nodes, but much of T'Qilla's information was new. What amazed Ettwanae was how the missing pieces of her heritage were finally filling in.
The group had asked sporadic questions, but mostly allowed Ettwanae to speak without interruption. When Ettwanae wrapped up, Flint spoke up.
"Information overload, Twae! Think my head's spinnin'!"
Volu piped up. "If I may assist. A diagram will be helpful." The air suddenly filled with a diagram containing names of Ettwanae's and Volu's ancestors. "I have placed everyone T'Qilla mentioned in this chart, along with an estimated timeline. Now I will overlay that with information from the amulet and what Phai and Bae provided about the Dark Coming and Shozen milestones toward halting that event."
As data populated, Warren realized Volu had had a brilliant idea. It was so much easier to absorb the information when presented visually. As he reviewed the holographic chart, it drove home the intricacies of interconnections.
"Volu, would you add shading for Ztar's reign?" The ship complied. "Now another for my years with him…beginning just prior to the Turzent/Commonwealth War to roughly one year ago." The holo image reflected the addition. "Great, that gives me a solid background time reference."
He stood and approached the suspended diagram. "So what we have happening starts down here," he waved a hand toward the bottom of the chart. "25,000 thousand years ago an unexpected attempt by the force behind the Dark Coming wipes out a majority of the U'larr. Then again, about 15,000 years ago the follow-up attack that nearly wiped out the remaining U'larr and many of the Esha'Aru. The survivors were widely scattered and their interstellar civilization in ruins."
"Correct," Volu affirmed. "The several thousand years following were ones of simple survival."
"Until U'larr descendents – the Shozen – were able to regroup and begin their plan to thwart the next Dark Coming attempt." Gatebi chimed in.
"Yeah, yeah – we all know that part," Flint huffed in obvious impatience.
"We do," Ettwanae nodded. "And now I know even more about my family. Mother told me she and her sister traveled together in Bae for a long time after their parents died about 650 years ago. When they found my father, he and mother amazingly were soulbounds. Mother said she was so thankful as she'd nearly given up hope on finding a mate. She said that becoming soulbound drove the first wedge between her and her sister, Tiaera. Because she and father were soulbounds, they finally had access to the Library. She said Tiaera wanted to find a mate for herself and not do the work of gatherers. The three of them argued a lot. Tiaera insisted they concentrate on rebuilding our race, but my mother was firm about continuing the work of our people."
Flint leaned forward. "I don't know, Twae, but I'd say your aunt was right. Maybe it woulda been better if they'd stuck with makin' little Esha'Arus."
"Perhaps… But at some point they came across a wild Eshaar'ne and Bae later gave birth to Volu. Once Volu was mature enough to join, Tiaera and Volu left. It was a bitter parting and mother left out a lot about Tiaera from my memory nodes."
"Does your mother know what happened to her sister?" Gatebi asked.
Ettwanae's face grew dark. "She does now – Phai told her. But first, Tiaera did find a mate, but Phai didn't think they had any children."
"If I may insert here, Ettwanae. I do not remember many things, but I am more certain than earlier that Tiaera's soulbound was named Rais."
Warren was instantly on curiosity alert. Ettwanae had shared with everyone earlier that Volu remembered some of the long-ago, nearly fatal attack, but none of the details. "What else have you remembered?"
"Sadly, little else, except small segments of when P'Rais was killed during what we now know to be an Eilu attack. I know that P'Tiaera was no longer with us at that time, but I have no recollection of the circumstances of her capture. Phai filled in those details."
"What happened when the Dark Ones attacked ya?"
There were many long moments of silence following Flint's question.
"Volu, if it is too painful…" Warren offered the out.
"No, I feel a need to share the last moments of his life. We were surrounded by several black ships. I was gravely injured and could no longer phase or move. It was then that the last of my shields collapsed. A single energy beam cut through to my core where I sent him. I will always carry the exterior scar that marks that moment. I felt his death. It was quick – he had no time for…pain. My pain had just begun. The Dark Ones left me to die from my injuries. I did not. Once I was able to move, I believe I wandered for a very long time, not really comprehending where I was or what I was doing. I do recall crying out my physical and emotional pain."
"Sounds like shock. You were suffering from severe emotional trauma."
"That is a reasonable explanation, Warren. When shock released me, I obviously began ru'zha."
"My poor Volu," Ettwanae eyes filled with tears. "You tried to save him. It was the Dark Ones who killed P'Rais, not you."
"I am coming to accept that, but at the time, I felt otherwise. Then in a miracle from Ozshi'wanae, Bae heard my distant death cries and reached me in time. Your parents put me in stasis and hid me away to wait for the amulet call of a new Other to reawaken me not only physically, but to give me reason to stop ru'zha. You saved me, my Poda. The moment you called to me, you saved my life." Volu's voice was shaky and full of emotion.
Ettwanae immediate got that far-away look in her eyes, and Warren knew she and her Volu were in telepathic contact. Flint was shifting around uncomfortably. The teen usually found it difficult to handle intensely emotional situations, other than the angry kind. Seeing that and feeling Volu needed someone to move the conversation past the difficult memories, Warren was going to speak, but Gatebi beat him to it.
"What did you find out about P'Tiaera's fate?"
Ettwanae's eyes refocused and with a heavy sigh, she continued. "Phai said that they took her during a planetside stop P'Tiaera made. She said they hated to do it, but they'd grown desperate to see if they had developed a viable U'larr stand-in. I don't know if I believe she regrets the decision to take P'Tiaera, but surprisingly mother believes she does. Even though P'Tiaera eventually cooperated, they still failed with the Sentinel – it ended up killing her and the Shozens. I can't imagine what P'Rais went through when he felt P'Tiaera die…"
"What do you mean about he felt her die?"
Ettwanae blinked. "Didn't I tell you that soulbounds feel it when their mate is dying?"
"I think you said they sense the death, but that's different than feeling the dying process." Warren tried putting himself into P'Rais' place. The feeling of helpless and likely rage would be agony.
"They feel that, too. Mother said she knew my father was dying from ru'zha and that it was taking too long, but she didn't know why. It was horrible, and she was helpless to do anything. Nearly drove her mad at times, but she had me to think about…that kept her going. Phai explained that the Etagllot scientists had tried to save Father, but couldn't – that's what had drawn out ru'zha."
Thoughts jumped to a certain Turzent. "So soulbounds feel their spouse dying even across vast distances?"
Ettwanae nodded. "Volu says distance is irrelevant for joined Uras."
Warren jerked with a major ah-ha moment.
"Warren?" Ettwanae's eyes were on him.
"So it wasn't some miracle of empathic connection that Ztar felt what happened to me at Ayni, as he believes, or on Neu." The confession escaped unintentionally. Puzzled glances were exchanged around the room, and he braced himself for the outfall.
"You never mentioned that." Ettwanae was the first to speak.
Ettwanae and Volu knew about Warren and Ztar's situation, but he had not told Flint and Gatebi. However, the Alcab cocked her head, and didn't seem surprised. Warren guessed she'd put two and two together long ago. Flint on the other hand… Realization clearly dawned on the teen's face.
"Ah, War – are you sayin' you and Ztar Almighty are soulbound? Cuz there's just one way that happens from what Twae's said…"
Despite everything, cheeks heated. "You have a problem with that?" The words came out too harshly, and Warren winced internally.
The teen's hands shot up in a whoa gesture. "No, no! Just- I don't know. Didn't figure you to slant both ways. I mean…" Flint shook his head. "God, War, Ztar Almighty?!" He looked at Ettwanae, then Gatebi. "You knew 'bout this?" Their expression answered. "Jesus, I'm such an idiot!" Dismay mixed with betrayal.
"Flint." Warren looked the younger man square in the face. "I'm going to explain this once, then the subject is closed. What happened between Ztar and me was a unique situation and is over. I'm with Ettwanae now," he looked to his lover-to-be, "and she is the only one for me." He smiled, and she returned the affectionate gaze.
Eyes darting between Warren and Ettwanae, Flint contemplated. "Not that it matters, but you're saying you're not bi?"
"Ztar was an anomaly. We remain close friends, but that is the extent of it."
Flint leaned back. "I'm cool with that." Surprisingly, body language supported the statement.
The teen seemed satisfied with the limited explanation, and Warren would not look a gift horse in the mouth. "Moving right along…" he redirected. "So despite our connection being what you've called a false bond, he could still feel when I was in physical distress."
"As telepathy and empathic ability can not explain the phenomenon, we must assume that is the case. Perhaps his psychic abilities augment your connection," Volu speculated.
Warren nodded. "Seems reasonable. I wonder what else he feels."
"Typical soulbounds only feel extreme physical distress of their mates, not emotional fluctuations, if that is what you are concerned about."
"That's reassuring, Volu. Sorry about the sidetrack. Where were we?"
Ettwanae's face scrunched in the attempt to recollect, creating warm tingles in Warren's gut.
"P'Tiaera's death," the Eshaar'ne prompted.
"Thank you. She died at the Sentinel. It was after that event that her soulbound was killed when the Dark Ones attacked Volu."
"Mother fuckers!" Flint injected.
Ettwanae turned to Flint. "That scar is how Bae recognized Volu."
"Indeed, my Poda, since we are all identical."
"How long after you were left with Bhenra was T'Qilla taken by the Shozen?"
"About two and a half standard years. Mother wanted to come for me, but it was far too dangerous. The Dark Ones were a constant threat, though mother believed it was the Shozen. That's why when the Shozen approach her and Bae, she immediately began ru'zha despite their pleas they meant no harm – she wouldn't risk that our enemy had ways of forcing her to reveal my location."
"Your mother began ru'zha and Bae fought?"
Ettwanae nodded at the Alcab. "Bae wanted to do the same thing, but needed to give Mother time for her ru'zha, so she tried to escape. The Shozen were not going to let that happen…" The chin lowered and wings drooped.
"So the bastards took her down!" Flint's green eyes sparked.
Then a smile crept across the Esha'Aru as she scanned the faces of her friends. "Oh, you can bet it was one of the first things my mother confronted Phai about! I hadn't woken up yet when they had their talk…when Phai explained everything to mother. She wasn't exactly pleased with what Phai had to say about many things." She chuckled. "Would love to have eavesdropped on that conversation!" Everyone laughed and agreed. Wings returned to their usual upright position as her back straightened. "Phai explained they couldn't risk losing another of my people, so they overwhelmed Bae as quickly as possible, broke in, and got to Mother. Actually, Mother and I agreed that as bad as that was, it could be why she is alive today. The Dark Ones likely would have eventually killed them."
"You were about age six when the Shozen got her?" A nod confirmed. Warren looked over at the holo chart still hanging in the air. The many data points illustrated one thing quite dramatically. "Has anyone else thought about how far we've come?" he said with a wave of a hand toward the diagram. "When we started out together, we knew practically nothing. Now look. We know more than we even knew to ask."
Everyone stared at display of their achievement; some due to their own actions, the rest from what the Shozen Elder and Bae had shared. It was impressive.
"We have done well."
"Damn right, Vo." Flint sighed and leaned back sharply in the lounger, folding arms across his chest. "Wish it weren't all so fuckin' depressing."
That reminded Warren of something. "Flint and Gatebi, do you want to return home? If we're really facing the Dark Coming…do you want to be with family just in case?"
Varied expressions flickered across the two faces.
"How'd we get home? Volu? Don't ya want to get to Etxan'Ir?"
"I would talk with Phai about using Shozen ships to get you both home. I think she owes us that much."
More subtle unspoken words between the dubious-looking pair.
"I dunno, War…"
Gatebi shot a concerned look to Ettwanae. "I'm uncomfortable separating from you and Warren."
Flint nodded enthusiastically. "I'm with Gabby. Sorta want to see things through, ya know? Gone this far and all that."
The Alcab gestured agreement with a flick of her hand. "My initial reaction is the same as Flint's. It would be as reading a book and stopping just before the end."
"You're certain? If the Shozen fail and everything ends…"
"Then we won't be here to regret it, will we?" the orange-haired woman pointed out pragmatically.
Warren wasn't convinced it was the wisest choice, but he'd respect it. "If either of you change your mind, we'll find a way to get you home." That seemed agreeable to both. He faced Ettwanae again, realizing once more they had deviated from her news. "What else did you learn from your mother?"
"That's about it, aside from stories of her and my father's life together. The rest of the time we talked about me." Ettwanae pulled up her feet to sit cross-legged on the chair. "Since you brought up Etxan'Ir, we should decide when to leave. Mother will be ready to travel in a couple days. She and Bae want to go with us."
The redhead's eyebrows shot up. "Ya think the Shozen are gonna let Bae go?"
Ettwanae smirked. "They don't have anything to say about it. Bae and Mother are joined. They will leave together either peacefully or forcibly."
"Creepazoid Den-neer's gonna be pissed he's losing his ride."
Warren remembered his agreement with Phai. "Ah, gang, maybe we should hang out here for a while. Let things die down and make sure the Dark One's have lost our scent."
Stunned expressions all around; Ettwanae's bordering on incredulous. The holographic chart vaporized.
"But Warren, it's been 14 days already. Why stay longer? We're done here. I want to leave for Etxan'Ir as soon as Mother feels ready. It may know if more of our people are alive and if there's a cure for the nannites. Don't you want to be free of them? Especially after the other day? And don't you want to see if your false binding can be broken?"
Warren did his best to look authoritative and the leader. "I talked with Phai about what we might find at Atmos – it was not encouraging. Our fears that the Dark Ones would be there were spot on. She also finally disclosed that Atmos Prime is the sentinel world for Etxan'Ir."
Stunned became elation.
"So we was going to find it! All on our own."
Then elation began devolving into something far less positive as what Warren worried about started to play out with a small questioning glance between the women.
"When did she tell you this?" the Alcab wanted to know.
Warren put his hands up in surrender. "Now before you get upset, I didn't say anything before now because everything going on with T'Qilla. I planned to tell everyone as soon as she was with us again. And I have."
Ettwanae gave him a hard glare, but it was Volu who spoke.
"Keeping things from us does not strengthen faith, Warren."
His and the ship's discussion on that very point instantly replayed in his mind. How to recover?
"Volu, there is a huge difference between keeping secrets and simply waiting for a better time to reveal non-urgent information. What did it truly matter whether I said something a week ago or today? A week ago, we wouldn't have left here at the news. A week ago, everyone was already stressed to the max. Now we're in a position to leave and it's a better time to share what I learned." He checked each of his shipmates for nonverbal clues. Progress. Unfortunately, he couldn't do the same with Volu. Instead, he latched onto Ettwanae's face and continued.
"It's a happy ending with your mother, and we're all less tense and capable of better decisions, such as whether to stay or go. Phai offered to take us to Atmos Prime, and she will, just not right now. When the Dark Coming is closer, we can head out, and the Shozen will escort. If we go with only Volu and Bae, we will be killed or captured." He glanced around again. More progress. Warren pushed on. "You and I aren't soulbound – entry will be denied. Your mother is bound, but does not have her amulet. Again, entry will be denied. Not to mentioned that the Eilu likely still want your amulet, Ettwanae – it's a key to destroying the Sentinel and sealing the gate to Etxan'Ir permanently. We gain nothing by going on our own, and perhaps risk the galaxy if we do."
Dead silence for many heartbeats. All three shipmates wore frowns.
"I can find no flaw in your logic, Warren."
He sighed silently. "As I could find none in Phai's. Personally, I think she's on the up and up. If the rest of you believe what she's been telling us, then we must stay here for a while. I for one don't wish to become an Eilu meal."
Flint visibly trembled. "Damn energy vamps! That's what they are, ya know…sucking the life outta people. Yeah, I think I'm believing what she's sayin' cause it makes sense. I vote we stay and mooch off the Etagllot some more. Makes me laugh when I hear them grumbling 'bout how much you and Twae eat!"
Warren and Ettwanae exchanged displeased glances.
"They do, do they?" Warren said lowering his voice to a slightly threatening tone. "What do you think we should do about that, Ettwanae?"
Flint laughed. "String 'em up!"
"Make them eat monle!" The Esha'Aru giggled.
"Monle is a nutritionally perfect food-"
"Have you tasted it, Volu?"
That elicited more laughter.
"Warren, you know I do not have the capacity to experience food as you do."
"I don't see you winning this debate, Volu," Gatebi joined the banter.
Warren was pleased with the quick change of mood. Flint did earn his keep now and then. But he did want to firm up the decision.
"Joking aside, we've decided – stay put for now?" Nods all around. "Volu?"
"I agree we should remain here until less risky to continue our mission. I must admit not relishing another encounter with Eilu ships."
Ettwanae stood. "I'm going to check on Mother and tell her what we're doing."
"Think she'll buy into it?"
Hands went to the narrow hips causing feathers to rustle. A minor thing, but Warren's gut tingled again. Probably time for more space between them.
"She'll understand, I think – especially if Bae agrees it's a good decision."
Once Ettwanae was gone, the rest of the little group broke up and headed different directions to whatever activity appealed. It was getting boring in the facility, and Warren wasn't good with boredom. The walls and ceiling of the underground installation were closing in. He hoped their stay wouldn't drag on too long. Then he did a mental jerk. If things played out as Phai believed, when they left, it would signal the beginning of the final battle.
'Careful what you wish for,' he cautioned himself and decided to work off the stirrings of sexual tension in Ekkamm's sky.
###
With her occupants engaged in their own activities, Volu replayed the discussion with perfect recall. While miffed that Warren had withheld Phai's suggestion to remain on Ekkamm, she agreed with the reason for keeping it from Ettwanae. Her Poda had already been under too much stress. However, Volu wished Warren had informed her. Then again, she kept her own secrets.
When Neu was mentioned, twinges of guilt pricked for not sharing that a high-ranking, Turzent military vessel had been present. More than the connection between soulbounds had told the Emperor that Warren's life was in jeopardy…and where he was.
In the ensuing weeks, the information had become moot. One day, Ztar may tell Warren and then he would know she had known, but the Eshaar'ne had far weightier concerns at present. Shozen / Etagllot escort or not, Atmos Prime represented a major threat. Volu was not entirely convinced breaking Warren's soulbinding and ridding him of the nannites was worth it. However, the garden incident had driven home just how dangerous the biotechnology infestation was. In the final analysis, Ettwanae's long-term happiness depended on success of both goals.
And for her Other, Volu would do anything to protect her and ensure her happiness…
…including attacking one of her own kind.
It was in that moment of realization when Volu fully forgave Bae.
###
Hercjell al'Verta stood in front of the holographic data displayed in her lab, almost afraid to believe what she saw. Success. Ahead of schedule. Dare she trust the scans? There was no room for error. She had double-checked; triple-checked. Everything indicated the nannites in the control chamber had opened a tiny dimensional portal and siphoned the complex, multi-frequency lifeforce energy from the target dimension without burning out.
If she and her team had really done it – combined the dimensional technology developed by another Etagllot team with the channeling bionites her group created – the implications were staggering. While the amount of energy siphoned by the few prototypes was small, with vastly larger bionite numbers, it had the potential of exponential magnification. What exactly was this new energy source? Why channeling bionites…living weapons? Who was the buyer? What other applications would the technology ultimately be applied to? Could it lead to cheap, unlimited energy that powered the workings of civilization? The answers were none of her concern, and she'd not waste time contemplating.
"Ancqui," she called over to her senior assistant. "Rerun the validation sequence. Then run another comparative from E5's data files. I want to make absolutely certain we've got the correct ranges and composition. Recheck every constituent frequency and make certain it is an exact match."
"Yes, Head Researcher."
While Ancqui set up another test run, Hercjell began composing her message to Etagllot Director of Biotechnology Sident. She'd not send it before more testing proved consistent and repeatable results. Then the real test would then come – infusing the winged clones.
She shook her head when thinking of the artificial beings. They were too childlike to be given the amount of power the micro technology would put into their hands. Why they were to be infusion test subjects she understood – their kind were natural channelers and thus, their bodies designed to handle the power flow. Still, it was troublesome the level of destruction a child's tantrum or insensible mind could cause. But those were the orders, and Hercjell al'Verta followed orders…usually.
As she refocused on her draft report, the list of possible applications for the technology multiplied. al'Verta had to admit, she felt more excited about the current accomplishment than any to date. What she had created could have galaxy-altering significance!
###
General Gtar-Cro did not look happy. When Gtar-Cro wasn't happy, Ztar knew he would soon follow suit.
"Emperor, we may have a more complex problem than we realized." Gtar-Cro's holographic avatar presented itself in Ztar's chambers aboard the Mi-Lartui. In actuality, the General was in his ready room aboard Military Intelligence's flagship, the Tre'endt.
"What new problem do you bring to me today?"
"Shozen."
Ztar was confused. Shozen were the Etagllot by another name. "The Etagllot are an old problem."
"Etagllot, yes. Shozen, no."
Ztar's eyebrows shot up. "They are synonymous, are they not?"
"Until now, that was the conclusion." The General sat back sharply; his holographic presence transmitting unease. "But recent intel from two independent and reliable sources is leading us to reevaluate. Shozen and Etagllot may very well be separate organizations with different agendas."
"Do we have the Par-Sen joint investigation to thank for this new perspective?"
"In part. The Turzent/Par-Sen operation has been fruitful in surprising ways. The further we expand our investigation, the more evidence suggests the Etagllot are an independent organization and confirms their known goal of exploitation of science for profit. Political infiltration seems to be the Shozen's forte. The Etagllot are more active in our Empire and the Par-Sen territory, while the Shozen activity appears focused in the Commonwealth."
Ztar made an intuitive link. "If Shozen truly focus on political influence, and we know the Hydeera signature and a weaker variant has been linked to key events in our political past, is that ship or ships connected to the Shozen?"
"We have no evidence linking the Hydeera signature to either organization, but that doesn't mean a connection isn't present."
Unease grew. He knew the stronger Hydeera signature was Esserru, but Gtar-Cro did not…part of the price of keeping his vow of secrecy to Archangel. That Esserru and the Shozen or Etagllot could be connected was disturbing.
"Are the two organizations at least related?"
Gtar-Cro's holographic avatar gestured a cautious perhaps. "No confirming data, but instinct tells me yes."
Ztar nodded – Gtar-Cro's instincts rarely failed. "That would seem logical – a political arm and a research arm, both working toward some singular goal." Thoughts of the creation of superbeings and other conjectures came to mind, as they had months earlier.
Over the next several minutes, the military intelligence commander outlined their findings on the illicit organizations. All the while, Ztar felt that what they uncovered was only the tip of a deeper and broader scheme than esoterics for profit or political power.
The Turzent ruler frowned. "I remain in agreement with your opinion, General. I don't see where two agendas translate necessarily into unrelated organizations. The question remains…what is the ultimate goal?"
"We work day and night to find the answer." Gtar-Cro leaned back and his usually unreadable face took on a solemn expression. "There is more troubling news, my Emperor."
He'd nearly forgotten the second half of Gtar-Cro's reason for reporting in. "The black ship and fortress?" Ztar's fellow Turzent gave a quick nod. "What have you discovered?"
"Frustratingly, that investigation has not been nearly as fruitful. However, something is lurking within our realm and inside the Par-Sen and Commonwealth – perhaps beyond, as well. We've gathered and analyzed logs from ships, orbital stations, and sensor buoys, and data from dozens of other sources. The evidence mounts that we have a second unknown presence that defies scanners and identification, adding another layer to the mystery. Not one, but two distinctly different, unknown species – the Hydeera signature and the black ships." The man gave a half-snort in what Ztar knew was frustration. "Movements and actions of the Hydeera signature were more easily uncovered than whoever roams our territory in the dark vessels. They are the greater enigma. I have little to offer other than confirmation they exist."
"Which we already knew from Neu."
"Yes."
"Conjectures on what they are doing here? Are they looking for something?"
"Interesting that you should ask that. A sect of treasure hunters turned out to possess intriguing information on what may be the same beings we're seeking."
"Treasure hunters?" That piqued curiosity in a new direction.
"Outside of established archeology, there is a long-time search for something called The Library of All Knowledge. Most consider the library mere myth. Others believe it exists, but well hidden."
"These treasure hunters have knowledge of the black ships?"
"Apparently. They call the species the Dark Ones. The description our informant provided matches the ship we saw at Neu."
"Did your informant have a description of the species?"
Gtar-Cro upturned and tilted his hand, meaning agreement. "It is the stuff of fable and troubling dreams. References to black shadows with many arms and legs, frightening and immune to weapons…more like childhood monsters in the night."
The hardened General looked slightly uncomfortable. With a tilted head, Ztar eyed the man. He knew his fellow Turzent well and what was to follow, he may not like to hear.
"Go on…"
"There was one source to tap into that could possible confirm what the informant told us, but that source was off limits…yet it could substantiate many things. My Emperor, I must confess, I broke one of our own edicts to gain that confirmation."
Ztar knew instantly. "You went to Neu." Anger flared.
"Yes, my Emperor. Our intel sources were sketchy and dwindling. I made the decision – the responsibility rests solely with me."
"If my own Court does not obey protective quarantines, how can we punish others who defy that law?"
"We apparently contaminated far less than Archangel." The gaze from Gtar-Cro was both surprisingly defiant and apologetic.
Ztar seethed on two fronts. Not only had the General disobeyed an edict, but also the man's memory of events on Neu had been erased for a reason. How much had Gtar-Cro uncovered? The ruler mentally kicked himself – he should have anticipated the very thorough and driven General would contemplate such a move to carry out Ztar's directive concerning the mysterious black ship. And Gtar-Cro was right on an important point. Archangel had already tainted the villagers with outside contact, as had the mystery beings.
"You were wrong to deepen the contamination no matter how desperate for information. I can only hope your people took extreme measures to mitigate further damage to that evolving civilization," he snapped, but displeasure was quickly giving way to curiosity.
"Yes, my Emperor. We sent only one agent to the surface, and she wore an image cloak."
"Did your operative learn anything of value?"
"She learned much." Then a Gtar-Cro bowed his head slightly. "I now know the memories you took from me and my ship's crew. Sadly, we are back to where we were weeks ago. If we repeat the procedure, you must also instill in me the imperativeness of non-contact with the Neus."
Ztar made a decision. Archangel may not approve, but he and his friends would need to accept it should they ever find out. "No, General. That will not be necessary," was all he would say on the matter. "Now, my determined friend, tell me what you learned. Who or what are these Dark Ones?"
Gtar-Cro instantly relaxed, and began. "Agent Jaa made sole contact with the people who live near where the fortress was. They call themselves Booettu. She posed as a member from a neighboring tribe that had become lost and feigned having seen the black ships and wondered if the Booettu had. One of the tribe's high-ranking women was quite outspoken – Taala, I believe her name. She proved eager to share their experiences with the beings they called Ediu. The description provided was the same as given to us by the treasure hunter, but much more detailed. Black, three-dimensional shadows with six legs and four arms coming off a horizontally-positioned body with a long neck. The species has no facial or other features – simply solid, black forms." A rendering suddenly popped up to replace the General's image. "This is an extrapolation based on our findings. The Ediu had been posing as gods. Apparently, the species feeds off the life energy of other living beings – in this case, off captive Booettu."
An errant shiver traced down Ztar's spine. "I echo your earlier sentiment – monsters in the night."
The head of MI reappeared and continued to relay all that Jaa had learned. When Gtar-Cro concluded that aspect of the report, Ztar went silent for several heartbeats, contemplating. "General, any sign of interference with our realm by the Dark Ones as you found with the Hydeera signature?"
"Not as yet. The treasure hunter indicated that the Dark Ones seem focused on finding the Library and on preventing anyone else from locating it. According to him, they have been involved for as long as the hunt as been on. The Dark Ones are feared amongst the other seekers – their reputation is quite intimidating."
Ztar saw a flicker of something in the man's eyes. "General, I know that look. What more do you have to add that I don't wish to hear?"
The man hesitated as his brow furrowed. "We may have detected a black ship not far from the Ayni supply house incident. The readings appear a match to Neu."
For a brief moment, Ztar was puzzled. Then it hit him. "When Archangel and his companions were there?" Gtar-Cro gestured yes. Ztar reeled – energy draining aliens and Archangel had nearly died in that warehouse. "By the gods! You believe they were attacked by Dark Ones?"
"Sensors not only detected the unidentifiable object sitting nearby, but an anomalous reading leaving the scene. We have no direct evidence to say that is who attacked Archangel and his companions, but it is a strong possibility."
Ztar's eyes widened. "He is a target. Archangel is searching for the Library."
Gtar-Cro's avatar leaned in closer, his face stiff. "I had believed that was simply a story for the media."
Ztar admonished himself for the old deception. "Sometimes truth is best." He let out an exasperated breath. "If these Dark Ones attacked Archangel and his friends, then we can add yet another enemy to the growing list of people seeking to harm our fellow Court Member." Another deep sigh escaped. Ztar realized he had cause to do so much too often when it came to the Human. "Gtar-Cro, what are we going to do about Archangel? Feeling helpless to protect him is gnawing at me. I've offered protection – escort ships – but have been flatly refused."
The General cocked his head. "Because of whom he's with…"
"How much have you surmised?"
"That he is likely traveling with a female of a species we believed long dead. A woman that very much wishes to remain unknown. It explains much about Tchutchka and Archangel's behavior."
"Give me a name."
"Esserru." The military man seemed almost embarrassed to admit. "I'd almost prefer you tell me I'm wrong."
"Sorry, General, that I cannot do. However, the identity of Archangel's traveling companion can go no farther than you and me, is that understood?"
"Completely."
"I will expect you to take appropriate measures to ensure that remains the case until I or he says otherwise. Are we any closer to putting the other pieces together? Do you have more details about the Library and why so many are looking for it?"
"Unfortunately, we do not yet have enough to complete the picture or determine all the players, but every piece of new intel adds to the image. I anticipated your curiosity about the Library and have sent a brief to your PI."
"We have what most believe is only a myth – the Library of All Knowledge – that treasure hunters are after, reportedly including the Dark Ones, as well as Archangel and the Esserru he travels with. Of those, for me the Esserru lends the most credence that it actually exists." Ztar shook head his slowly. "Elsewhere, we have the Hydeera signature, which we know to be an Esserru vessel, that has at minimum been placed at pivotal historical events in our realm's history. Throw in the mysterious ups and downs of Commonwealth stability…possibly pointing to manipulation by a previously unknown group called Shozen. I can't help but wonder whether some or all of these connect at some level."
The General's demeanor became quite solemn. "On an entirely different level of mystery, I've reviewed another dispatch from Cuquerel Institute warning of potential disruptions in subspace communications. Have you read the report?"
Ztar indicated he had. "It is the second such alert."
"Director Ieo and his staff gain confidence in their prediction with each new rumbling at the galactic core."
"They do. When they first warned of such an affect, I ordered an independent review of the data. The Elz-Rhing Sanctum agrees that the theory of subspace interference is sound; however, they are hesitant to support Cuquerel's supposition that S0001 is building to an expulsion large enough to affect our distant sector of space. They believe the affects may remain within a shorter-range event horizon. You should have received a copy of that report, as well."
"I did, but scientists often fail to commit to the theories of others simply because they did not perform the research themselves."
"True," Ztar admitted with a frown. "I commanded Cuquerel to lead a research effort toward overcoming that specific form of subspace interference. The work is underway."
"I am aware." Gtar-Cro's lack of confidence in the success of the endeavor came through, but only because Ztar could read small nuances of the General's expressions.
"We cannot sit idly by and allow all we've built to fall because of disrupted communications. It may not be possible to overcome the interference if the singularity erupts massively, but if we do nothing, our comm network will be silenced if the Cuquerel's predictions are accurate."
"Subspace is an enigma that few understand, and even those few admit to not fully comprehending all its complexities."
Ztar gave Gtar-Cro a determined stare. "All we need to understand is how to overcome this specific type of interference." Then he gestured a qualifier. "I do realize full comprehension of subspace may be necessary to achieve the goal." Ztar let out an aggravated huff. "Why on our watch, old friend? Why couldn't the sleeping giant remain so until long after we are gone? Why does the universe deem it necessary to constantly challenge us? What I wouldn't give for just a single day without an enemy's dark shadow cast upon us."
The two men were silent for several moments, each in private contemplation. Gtar-Cro spoke first.
"My Emperor, S0001 may only be turning in its sleep. Even Cuquerel admits it could be thousands of years before anything significant happens."
Ztar slowly rose and begin moving about his office. He'd sat too much that morning. "True, but it doesn't feel as though that is the case. Intuition? Premonition? Fear? I don't know, but something nags at me, and I won't fail to act because of uncertainty. I'd rather have been accused of wasting time and resources on an unneeded technology than be accused of allowing our empire to fall because I did nothing."
Gtar-Cro's holographic avatar looked apologetic. "I agree with your actions, Emperor – do not think otherwise."
"The idea never came to mind." Ztar strode to the balcony door and gazed at the Sat'reyan landscape and then to the aqua-blue sky beyond. "We live our lives believing we have some control over our fates. In the end, though, it is mostly illusion. Powers and forces greater than we lowly mortals can shatter that delusion in the blink of an eye." He turned back to the holo-image in front of his desk. "I am feeling that something is building to conclusion, my friend – something we are oblivious to but that will affect all we know."
Gtar-Cro's reaction permeated his dark, Turzent eyes. "Your instincts have always proven correct. That is disturbing news."
"Find out if the Par-Sen and Commonwealth scientific communities agree with Cuquerel and what they may be preparing for."
Gtar-Cro rose with a nod. "The Par-Sen will cooperate as they will wish to do nothing to disrupt their entry into our realm."
Ztar finally produced a weak smile. "At least something is going well. Their populace appears generally supportive of the merger."
"True. The Commonwealth meanwhile…" Vexation crossed the rugged features. "That is a truly puzzling situation. Just when it appeared many systems were on the verge of seceding, the movement's primary promoters have gone mute. I grow increasingly curious as to how Shozen influence plays in."
"As do I." Ztar raised a single eyebrow. "Perhaps the separatists were eliminated."
Gtar-Cro grabbed his water and took a sip. "No. Our agents say they are still present, yet no longer push the agenda. Obviously, there are many non-lethal methods to silence someone. Several new power players have risen into top positions for varied announced reasons, and the true nature of those transitions leaves us with many questions and few answers to why."
Possibilities flashed through Ztar's mind. "Method is irrelevant. Reason may or may not be of consequence. A more stable Commonwealth could be either a positive or a negative development."
The two continued discussing Commonwealth developments until Ztar glanced at the time and was startled at how quickly the morning had passed. It was nearly mid-day.
"General, I must conclude our discussion. You know your orders. I am meeting Jharda and Captain Yels shortly for a meal. If I am late, Jharda will be quite displeased with me," he explained with mirth.
Gtar-Cro smiled knowingly. "Ah, yes. Punctual women – where would we be without them?"
Ztar laughed. "Often late, I'm afraid!"
"And the mother-to-be is fairing well with her condition?"
"Very much so. She seems to have even more tireless energy, if that is even possible. And your family – thriving?"
"Indeed. Our youngest grows at a rate that rivals a dreit cub!"
Ztar laughed at the reference to the mammal-like animal on Turzen known for its fast-growing offspring. "Then we both have reason to thank the gods."
Gtar-Cro signaled wholehearted agreement. After the General's holo image blinked out, Ztar headed to the bathroom to ready himself, smiling at the thought of Jharda concern that he would be late. He would be, but only minutes.
'By the gods, I love that woman,' he happily mused. 'Hopefully, my charming and lovable self will ease whatever irritation she's cultivating at my delay.'
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Next time, a major event in Ztar's life. Stay tuned!