Chapter 22

Welcome to my readers from around the globe. Thank you for staying with the story! We're more than half-way to the grand finale.

This chapter, we peek in on two locales – Ekkamm and Sat'rey.

###

When at last she slowed, he came up beside her, smiled, and pointed up. Higher and higher they climbed, the planet beneath dropping away. Into the greenish-blue heavens of Ekkamm they soared. And when they'd reached a chilly height where breath formed small clouds, they came to a vertical hover.

20-some days prior, they arrived at the isolated star system in The Barrens suspecting deceit and fearing traps. Since then, everything had changed. Most of what they believed about their enemies and the game afoot had been thrown to the wind. The new reality was much more frightening…a galaxy at risk of annihilation. Enemy had become ally. Secrets were revealed. The lost found. Old emotional wounds were mending on several fronts; others had come to a head.

Yes, much had changed.

Warren gazed at Ettwanae. She was beautiful inside and out, even when molt-induced crankiness reared its ugly head. He smiled at memories of some of the recent episodes. As Flint would warn, 'there she blows!' and the teen would run for cover. Soon the mood swings would pass, and she'd be his gentle, playful, sweet Ettwanae full-time once again.

The smile grew wider as his heart swelled. Love deepened with each passing day. It was like no other he'd experienced. He'd loved before, but with the Esha'Aru, love was more. More intense, more passionate, richer, deeper…all the way to his soul kind of deep. The only thing it wasn't was consummated. Not even the descendants of the U'larr could fix that distressing problem.

While he couldn't have her completely in bed, that didn't mean they couldn't steal other pleasures. Reaching out, he pulled her to his chest. Giggling, she immediately entwined herself around him; wings tucked tightly against her back to allow his to keep them pinned to the sky.

"I love you, Ettwanae. To the depths of my soul and beyond. Forever," he breathed to her and then took her mouth into his.

The kiss was heaven. Sweet. Powerful. Burning. Tongues entwined as were bodies. Hands roamed over each other, pressing hard, wanting to get under the clothing – even under the skin. To meld. How desperately he wanted to merge with her.

She left his mouth and kissed his nose, cheeks, and neck before resting her lips on his ear. "I love you. For always."

Ettwanae pressed palms on Warren's back to feel the flexing muscles maintain their position in the air. With each powerful beat, her hair danced wildly, reflecting how she felt – untamed and free. And powerfully in love.

Without warning, urges exploded, vibrating to the core. They knew it would happen, just not so quickly. The winged, would-be lovers groaned in unison as the need to mate burned within groins.

"God, Ettwanae, I want you!" Pain and need permeated each word. Then against determined basal drives, he gently disentangled from her.

"I know, my beloved," Ettwanae replied as she flew once again under her own power. "Someday. And it will be glorious!" She headed down before will gave in to desire that'd only end in horrible pain.

Warren stayed where he was, watching Ettwanae grow smaller by the second. He wanted to scream at the injustice of their fate. Each day was hard. Every time he looked at her, wanting rose up. 'How long can we live like this?' He didn't know. 'One day at a time. We'll find a way – got to believe that. Meanwhile, take whatever intimacies you can…like her kisses.'

Then he descended from the alien heavens.

###

That evening, with little else to do, Esha'Aru, Etagllot, Human, and Alcab sat together in one of the few non-utilitarian rooms in the underground bunker – the lounge area, complete with comfy chairs and sofas, a storage cabinet for liquor and simulated fireplace that gave off lulling warmth. In a surprising display of artistic talent, two of the scientists played a duet on instruments that reminded Warren of a cello and oboe in sound…a beautifully melodious pairing. Melancholy notes drifted and echoed off the sterile walls, evoking simultaneous longing and peacefulness.

Ettwanae cuddled closely as they shared one of the oversized chairs while music mesmerized. Gatebi took up her favorite legs-across-the-chair-arms position, eyes closed in total auditory focus. T'Qilla and Flint shared a couch. Ettwanae's mother appeared to be enjoying the concert, while Flint looked bored. Warren gave him credit, though – while the music was a far cry from what the teen normally enjoyed, he was politely paying attention. Other scientists scattered around the room were either contently listening or off in a corner, nose to PI. It was a rare pause in the normal work-around-the-clock facility routine.

Warren and Ettwanae sipped on Dison they had retrieved from Volu. It was the last bottle. 'A sad day,' he'd told Ettwanae as they pulled it from the compartment. Sitting there, music wafting in the air, his love curled next to him, good friends at hand, it was easy to forget that it could all disappear in the not too distant future. If the Shozen failed, everything would be only a memory that no one would be alive to recall. The combo of sweet-fiery liqueur, soulful music, and such thoughts misted his eyes.

There had to be a way to ensure oblivion was not the future. How could the music of thousands of species be silenced forever? The laughter of their children forever no more? Knowledge acquired, wisdoms gained, creativity expressed, hopes and dreams for the future of trillions upon trillions of sentient beings…how could it all simply disappear?

Suddenly, clapping, clucking, and other assorted sounds startled him. Refocusing, he realized the music had ended and the audience was rewarding the musicians in their various ways.

Ettwanae righted herself, and then turned his head towards her with a hand. "What's troubling you?"

"Nothing really – the music was working its magic is all." It wasn't an untruth, just not the whole story.

Her eyes roamed his face. "There's more to it. You don't want me to get all cranky because you're not sharing."

He widened his eyes in feigned fear. "Not that! Please – not cranky Ettwanae!"

She laughed. "Then you better tell me."

He sank a hand into her thick, golden locks, and pulled their foreheads together. "I love you."

"And I love you. What's wrong?" she whispered.

He told her. Her eyes were watery by the end of the short telling. "If there is anything we can you help stop it, Ettwanae, we need to."

She nodded. "Mother and I were talking about that very thing. She's doing her part – offered to help Hercjell teach the clones to channel. Apparently, they took well to the bionites."

"I hope they will be ready in time."

Ettwanae pulled away with a troubled expression.

"What?" he asked.

"Mother worries about the clones," she murmured low no one else would hear.

"How so?"

Ettwanae's eyes scanned the room for anyone who may be trying to overhear. "That the Nexus guardian won't accept them."

Warren grew uncomfortable with so many Etagllot ears nearby. "Let's stretch our legs."

Within a couple minutes, they were inside Volu's familiar womb where no one would hear.

"Volu, you getting bored yet?"

"Never bored, Warren. Bae has seen and done so much, she has vast amounts of data to share."

The bay door dilated closed behind them. "So you're still insisting she tell you and not do data dumps?"

What sounded like a chuckle filled the air. "That would take all the fun out it."

Warren had to laugh himself. "Warning – shades of Flint in that statement!"

"You are mistaken," came the defensive reply. "It is a logical and appropriate technique for our unique circumstance."

Grabbing Ettwanae's hand, they headed for the lift. "And so the mother and child reunion continues to go well."

"Yes, Warren. You cannot imagine how wonderful it is to finally be with another Eshaar'ne – one who is also my parent."

Ettwanae was grinning from ear to ear. "But I can!"

They made their way to the gathering room and settled in. "So, why does T'Qilla think the Nexus won't accept the clones?"

"Not that it won't, but that it may not. She knows the Sentinel only allows the right people access to the Etxan'Ir. And we know from Phai that the Nexus protects Etxan'Ir at all costs. She fears the Sentinel will not accept channeling that occurs through micro technology."

"I see her point. Even Phai said the first thing Esha'Aru clones lose is the ability to channel Source. The anti-cloning genetics are a safeguard against someone doing what the Shozen have done to gain access. But Phai also said the old writings clearly stated it is channeling itself that's an access key, not necessarily how."

Ettwanae nodded. "A subtle difference, but a difference. However, Mother wonders if those old writings should be taken so literally. What if the Shozen are wrong and the Sentinel kills the clones? All is lost!"

"Forgive me for listening, but I am going to inject," Volu apologized. "Bae and T'Qilla have been discussing that very issue, as have Bae and I. T'Qilla makes a valid point. And we do not believe the Shozen are so certain of their source data as to ignore the possibility of the clones being rejected. The question then becomes, what is their backup plan?"

Ettwanae's blue orbs grew large. "Me and Warren?"

"You would be the logical choice, but the Sentinel allows only soulbound pairs to enter."

"Phai told Mother the clones are already soulbound. Maybe that along with the channeling will be enough to convince the Sentinel to let them pass."

"We still have doubts."

"But if Ettwanae and I aren't backup candidates, then who else?"

"That is the question, Warren. Who or what else indeed!"

###

Elder Phai stepped out of her ship moments after it touched down at the edge of the grounds. 'A beautiful day for a walk through the royal estate,' she noted. It had been obvious from above that the palace gardens were the work of a master. Stunning, while serene; sprawling, yet intimate – clearly envisioned and made real by a garden-tender that not only excelled at his or her work, but cared deeply for it. She would take time to experience the magnum opus.

As she strolled leisurely toward the gleaming palace in the distance, Phai did not fear detection – Shozen technology made her and Uulophar invisible even to the cutting-edge Turzent security systems. Neither did she worry about telepathic discovery – Shozen genetics blinded such abilities. Those she passed by, she'd deal with on her own.

The journey had been long and emotionally difficult. Dealing with void left by Sequi's death meant a shuffling of duties and becoming familiar with the structure he had in place within the Turzent realm. The relatively short 14-ISD journey to Sat'rey gave Phai that time.

With Sequi gone, she chose to perform that day's duty in his stead and in person; she was not looking forward to it. She had championed Ztar since he first came to her awareness as an escapee from the Etagllot augmentation labs to later blaze a power-snatching trail through the small Ta'oc Empire's military and political structures.

She had seen promise in the man. Others saw only a vengeful, rage-filled despot in the making. Despite the Council's hesitancy, she promoted and stealthy aided her chosen Unifier. Phai's instincts had been proven right. After 23 years of Ztar's rule, an important portion of the formerly disjointed and splintered Trient was under a single government.

As an added bonus, many of those worlds if not outright supportive of their emperor, were at least of a neutral stance. Scattered worlds still viewed him as the conquering enemy, but resistance was fading as the dictator had, in a burst of wisdom that surprised even Phai, moved his government to more participative for the masses.

'Yes,' she thought while stooping to take in the scent of an especially fragrant flower – a sweet-spicy blend she found enticing. "My Unifier has made me proud," she told the plant. Standing upright, a pang tightened her chest. 'Now, though, what I must ask of him will be painful…for both of us.'

In an uncharacteristic wash of sadness and remorse, Phai restarted her stroll toward the heart of Imperial power.

###

A tall woman with alabaster skin and knee-length hair moved elegantly past palace staff milling in the gardens. She was radiant and beautiful – shining bright in the sun; iridescent white hair flowing behind to billow with the fluid, silver-gray gown that nearly brushed the grass. Brilliant blue eyes that seemed to jump from her face locked to theirs and they immediately understood she belonged there…private guest of the Emperor and Empress-to-be, they suddenly recalled. Smiling warmly, they did not disrupt her solitary stroll; only bowed the occasional head in respect. Then as soon as she was out of sight, they remembered her not.

Within the walls of the palace's sun-flooded Grand Reception, the scene repeated itself as the purposefully-faced woman walked by. Through the voluminous room, up the magnificent staircase, down the wide, window-lined corridor past meeting rooms and guest suites. Turning a corner, she approached the open door of the Emperor's private office. There she stood silently watching, his focus entirely upon his work.

She admired him. Black-crimson hair framed a strong, still youthful-looking face. Olive green skin pleasantly contrasted the deep red highlights filtered sunlight made dance with each slight movement of hair. A well-muscled body was evident even beneath the clothes. Few would argue that Ztar was a handsome specimen.

Another wave of regret washed through her.

###

Movement in the doorway caught Ztar's attention and he jerked. A female figure stood there. Instantly, he was puzzled – his constant, low-level telepathic awareness field should have alerted him to anyone approaching.

Ztar rose, eyeing the unexpected visitor. She had the look and stance of someone accustom to power and respect. While not as tall as Ztar, she was close. It was then he noticed two things – the crystalline-blue eyes and that he could not sense her presence at all.

He pushed his formidable telepathic and empathic abilities to their max. Not so much as a hint of her mind. No aura either. Nothing. It was as if the woman was not there. Fjai sprang to mind – he could not detect Archangel when the energy interplay experiment went awry. The same nothingness. And those eyes! A connection?

"Who are you?" he demanded, while reaching his mind out to Cronit Lar, head of palace security. Instantly, mental alarm bells sounded – he could not connect with Lar's mind and the next moment confirmed he could not reach any minds. Every muscle tensed for battle. "What are your intentions?"

A smile crossed Phai's face as she detected the varied attempts by the powerful telepath. "I mean you no harm, Emperor. Do not be afraid."

"I am far from afraid. How did you get past security? Who are you? What do you want?"

Phai felt a charge building in the air. Ztar was powering up. She could forcibly calm his mind, but decided against it – any mental intrusion would likely only cause long-term distrust. They needed him – the galaxy needed him – to trust her…to believe beyond all doubt that she spoke only truth.

"My name is Phai. I am the Elder of Elders of the Council of Elders and I come to you with no less than the fate of the galaxy resting on my shoulders – a fate that you play a vital role in."

Ztar shot a look that clearly communicated disbelief. "My security staff will be quite interested in how that might be the case. They are best-"

"Your comm system won't work in my presence," she cut him off matter-of-factly.

Ztar's hand had stealthy found and pressed the security sensor on the desk edge just as the woman spoke. The next minute would reveal whether she spoke truthfully.

"What I have to say is for you and you alone. You are a chosen Unifier. You are soulbound to Archangel. You hold the power to determine whether or not our galaxy remains in the light or falls into eternal darkness."

She grabbed his attention with the phrase 'soulbound to Archangel.' That was too private; phrased too perfectly. How did she know he felt a connection that deep with the Human?

"Explain yourself."

Another smile, but if Ztar had to assign an emotion, it would be rueful.

Phai stepped through the doorway and into the heart of imperial power. "That is why I am here. May I sit? The elucidation is lengthy."

He gestured toward the chair ahead of his desk. The feeling of nothingness from Phai and being cut-off from all the other minds and psychic inputs was unsettling. Even strong psy-damp fields left him with some residual telepathic sensations. He hadn't felt such complete mental isolation since before the augmentation.

The strange but intriguing woman moved gracefully to the chair. Ztar quelled all reaction when the door slid closed behind Phai without her or he having touched the control.

Phai pulled her cloak of hair forward to drape across a shoulder and down one side before taking the seat. Earlier, she had planned her approach and grappled with the most effective manner in which to gain first Ztar's ear, then his trust, and lastly his cooperation. Ztar was a man of facts, logic, and strategy – those would be her verbal tools. Those, and an offer she'd made to no other being in her thousands-year-old life.

Ztar allowed the energy buildup to dissipate, but he would remain ready to use it if necessary. As he took his own seat, he was beginning to believe what Phai said about security – they should have been storming down the hall by then. Elite Guards were never far away from the Emperor. All was too quite.

"Emperor, I'd first like to frame the breadth of what I am going to reveal. The struggle to preserve our galaxy began with the U'larr hundreds of thousands of your standard years ago, and the galaxy's end may well be within the next few months, perhaps weeks, if we are unsuccessful."

Ztar was not impressed with ludicrous warnings of the end of the galaxy. Still, mention of the U'larr was intriguing. He would listen, at least for a while. With a firm nod, he commanded her to speak.

"You are familiar with the U'larr legends?" When Ztar indicated he was, she continued. "Then you know they predate the current sentient races. They were the seed from which all current species grew."

"I know the theory – a single genetic source to explain why there are so many similarities between most races. There is some DNA evidence that supports the theory, but not quite enough to make it scientific fact."

Phai dipped her chin once to confirm. "Correct. Worlds that were appropriate vessels were impregnated with variations of U'larr genetic code. What is unknown to peoples advanced enough to ask the question is what happened to the founding species?"

"Theories abound regarding their disappearance. Everything from simply moving on to another galaxy or becoming fully non-corporeal, to plague or outside invasion…even civil war."

"The U'larr disappeared because of a war against an enemy so powerful that it decimated their civilization. The fiercest battle was roughly 25,000 of your imperial standard years ago. It left the U'larr small in number and more vulnerable than they had ever been. The last battle was 15,000 years ago and securing victory came at an exceedingly high price – their civilization fully collapsed. The lesser races were evolving quickly, and the U'larr sacrificed themselves willingly for their offspring. They died so that Turzents and Ozjaerian, Themran, Alcab, and all the others could live."

"You're saying nothing new, Phai. That theory has been around for centuries."

"And where is that victor now? Where is the evidence of their existence?"

"The very questions most raise when the hypothesis is proposed; which is why many give it little credence. You contradict yourself, Phai."

"I do not, because the current theory isn't wrong – just incomplete. The primary question is what enemy could destroy a people so powerful as to be almost gods? The U'larr were barely corporeal – nearly immortal. Their technology and knowledge goes beyond understanding. Their realm encompassed an entire galaxy. What could conquer that? Their story is a potent lesson that arrogance precipitates complacency, and a shrewd enemy exploits that vulnerability. As eons passed, the U'larr began to believe themselves gods and that was their ultimate downfall. They learned too late their previous easy victories were a ruse. Two devastating attacks later, the U'larr were nearly no more. And now, thousands of years after the last attack, we that remain face their enemy who finds the U'larr protectors gone and our galaxy ripe for destruction."

Ztar considered her story thus far. Some of the brief telling was pieces of legend; other points were new twists that he hadn't heard before. Then again, he was no U'larr expert. But she seemed to be posing no immediate threat. He'd let things play out.

"You have not answered the question about who the enemy was."

"We will come to that. There are other things you must understand first."

"You speak as if all you say is fact, but as yet you've shown me no hard evidence. No one really knows what happened to the U'larr – that much I do know."

"They do not know because the knowledge has not been given to the younger species."

She was obviously leading up to something, and he had a suspicion as to what that was. Ztar studied the finely carved face carefully, searching for signs of deceit. The blue eyes still riveted him – so very much like Archangel's.

"Speak what you mean, Phai," he ordered. "Who…what are you?"

"I am Phai – my people are known as The Shozen. We are the descendents of the U'larr. We are all that remain of their kind."

Shozen?! Until recently, he believed that was merely another name for the Etagllot. The Shozen were U'larr descendants? Preposterous! Ztar laughed. "You would have me believe you descend from the great U'larr?" He chuckled again. Did she think him so gullible? "You are no better than the Etagllot; only your field of manipulation differs."

Phai leaned forward and locked eyes with the monarch. "The Etagllot are our tool and have no clue who their master truly is. I am Shozen, but even that name is a corruption of our former title. We are the original children of Ozshi'wanae – Goddess of Light. The U'larr were the first of her creations to be gifted sentiency. We became her Chosen Ones." She stopped there – Ztar would figure out the rest himself.

Chosen? Shozen? Phonetically, nearly identical. If true, it was the revelation of the millennium! But who was the Goddess of Light? He'd never heard of Ozshi'wanae. And the mere mention of the Etagllot raised hackles. Even if she were U'larr, if they were responsible for the atrocities of that organization, he would have her in shackles.

"The Etagllot admission does not favor you, Phai," he granted the warning as wariness increased dramatically. An operative of the illicit and technologically advanced scientific organization would be dangerous enough. If he believed his visitor, her ilk held the Etagllot power strings – even more treacherous.

Leaning back into the chair, she flicked a long-fingered hand in agreement. "I realize that. However, the battle for survival drives even the most moral to tactics that would otherwise be repulsive."

"Are we talking your survival or the galaxy's?"

"One and the same."

Ztar also leaned back. The woman was digging herself into a no-win situation. "That has yet to be proven. You have revealed yourself as amoral and responsible for scientific atrocities across three realms, yet you wish me to believe that you are somehow connected with a scheme to save the galaxy from destruction by an immensely powerful enemy who is responsible for the downfall of the vast U'larr civilization, yet has remained hidden. Do I have it right?"

"You do."

"As you yourself pointed out, if there was an epic battle between two massive powers, where are the ruins? The most ancient cities I know of crumbled from abandonment, not from the devastation of war."

"It was not war as you envision. It was a war fought inter-dimensionally and on the metaphysical battlefield."

"And why would this enemy come again? Didn't they already win? The U'larr are gone," then he waved an arm in her direction, "except for the Shozen, of course."

"Because the war was never about destroying the U'larr – the goal was to destroy the galaxy."

The self-proclaimed U'larr descendent had a long way to go to convince him of her story. Ztar crossed arms in an intentional show of skepticism. "As a close friend of mine would say – bullshit."

The unfamiliar term gave her Shozen translation technology only brief pause. Origin: Earth. Literal translation: animal feces. Colloquialism for a fabrication meant to deceive.

She grinned internally and took a moment to reflect before continuing. Despite the weight of the situation, Phai was enjoying the conversation. How many times had she wondered what it would be like to sit across from Ztar in discussion? Of all the chosen Unifiers in their Trient, he had been the one who had operated most autonomously. A helpful nudge here and there was needed to ensure success, true; but for the most part, the Turzent was a self-made, successful conqueror that defied many of the negative stereotypes.

"Then let's begin with the verifiable, shall we?"

He smirked sardonically. "Indeed, continue! You have my undivided attention."

"Fact: The U'larr civilization disappeared roughly 15,000 years ago according to most scholars without any reasonable explanation. Agreed?"

"From my limited understanding of the archeological evidence, I agree."

"Easy to verify," she tossed back. "And the evidence also indicates a sudden and significant decline in their population roughly 10,000 years prior to that, which is equally unexplained."

"As I understand it, that is correct. Many remnants of their civilization apparently fell into ruin around that timeframe." She was saying nothing new.

"Correct – the First Extinction as it is commonly called by your archeological community. Both of those events correspond to a large eruption from the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy."

"That I have no knowledge of."

"It is a scientific fact. Check it. And when you do, it will confirm the correlation."

"I would think if there were such a correlation, it would be one of the proffered theories for the U'larr disappearances."

"True, if the eruptions were viewed as a life-threatening expulsions. They are not. The eruptions were halted by the U'larr before they reached massively destructive levels. It was that effort that cost them so greatly."

"You're saying the U'larr were powerful enough to stop a black hole from performing some sort of energy eruption?"

"Yes – an anti-matter eruption to be precise. An eruption via a dimension rift to be even more precise. A unique phenomenon that has repeated itself many times over hundreds of thousands of years. Each time, the U'larr prevented the unimaginable." She dangled the unspoken.

Cuquerel's warnings sprang to mind….his premonitions. An inner nudge poked, but he'd not jump to conclusions.

"The unimaginable being the end of the galaxy," Ztar said rather than asked as he wondered how black hole activity related to the enemy that destroyed the U'larr.

"Correct. If the U'larr had not sealed the rift, anti-matter would have flooded subspace and quickly destroyed all normal matter in our galaxy. That process has begun again."

Ztar shook his head. "The reports I've read of the recent eruptions stated the explosions were localized. While not fully understood, it by no means threatens the galaxy. There is concern about disruptions of subspace communication, but we are working-" he stopped abruptly when her hand shot up in a halt signal. Irritating, but he'd tolerate the behavior for the moment.

"A precursor only. The eruptions have been far greater than what is considered a normal anti-matter pulse. And if you talk with your scientists, you will find that black hole activity has been increasing in both frequency and strength for the past two hundred years."

"A normal pattern in the lifecycle of a black hole."

"Your scientists are wrong. They are confusing long-term, natural fluctuations with what has been occurring in the short range. Understandable given their limited knowledge base and short-range perspective."

Ztar frowned at the insinuation. "You're suggesting the more recent activity is not natural?"

"It is not."

"Then what?"

"The ancient enemy of the U'larr. It goes by the name of Norzra'tir. It – He – is a being of unimaginable power and of darkness that seeks to destroy this galaxy. You are already aware of his minions in this dimension – The Dark Ones, the black ships…the fortress on Neu."

Phai's story was starting to pull together fragments.

"The battle of 25,000 years ago left many of the U'larr dead – such is the price of overconfidence. But the U'larr race survived. However, immortals reproduce at a devastatingly slow rate when repopulation is necessary. The enemy did not wait for that to happen. The next attack came before the U'larr could recover in numbers and before the younger races were strong enough to help."

"Attack while the enemy is weakest."

"Correct. The U'larr were nearly too few in number, but they managed to reseal the dimensional rift once again with the assistance of the Esha'Aru, but not before a few of the Dark Ones slipped through the rift. The amount of metaphysical energy – lifeforce – required to stop Norzra'tir killed most U'larr and many of the Esha'Aru. The few that survived had their lifeforce nearly extinguished. After the last battle, the U'larr were a decimated, scattered, and broken people. On some worlds, only one or two U'larr remained. The Esha'Aru faired slightly better, but their numbers were also reduced. "

The self-proclaimed U'larr descendant sighed. "With only pockets of U'larr scattered amongst the stars, many found themselves isolated, fully corporeal, and aging, so they bred with species they long ago seeded to avoid complete extinction. My people, the Shozen, retain some U'larr genetic code and abilities, but we are mere shadows of our glorious ancestors."

Time had come for the heart of the matter – give Ztar answers to questions he didn't even know to ask. Phai read Ztar's impatience. The man needed something concrete soon.

"Genetic purity and near immortality were not the only fatalities. In the fractured and chaotic aftermath, much of our cultural, knowledge, and technology was lost. My direct ancestors were determined to remain guardians of the galaxy. About 10,000 years ago, they gathered others of like mind – and who retained the most U'larr DNA – to form the Councils of Elders and set upon the enormous task of rebuilding what was lost. Their singular goal was to stave off Norzra'tir's next attempt – the next Dark Coming."

Ztar shifted in his seat, anxious for the climax. His tactical self wanted to hear the bottom line. Was he buying any of it yet? No. On the surface, the story was somewhat believable. But as yet, it was only that – a well-told story. Details were what trip storytellers up, and he had many questions about specifics.

"Sadly, they had little to work with – U'larr technology and knowledge were in ruin or long forgotten, though some memory nodes were recovered that explained the fundamentals of stopping the Dark Coming. They had the location of the great Nexus machines, but lost the ability to operate them or even gain access. So much to be recreated! But they made great strides. By the time I was elected to the Council, much had been accomplished, but we still faced enormous challenges."

Phai halted and Ztar blinked at the abruptness. Why had she paused? The white woman with intense sapphire eyes eased toward him.

"Ztar, there is so much I wish to tell you – it could take a long time to speak enough of it to truly convince you that what I say is truth. Meld with my mind – see firsthand. It will be so much more efficient."

As surprise came, so did the realization that he could suddenly sense her presence as if she had just materialized. Phai had dropped her incredibly effective mental and physical shields.

"You are inviting me to read your mind?"

"More than that. You and I will join – we will become as one. Do not worry; I will guide you. Open to me as I have opened to you."

Even before he could drop his own mental shields, he felt her presence walk through them as if they were vapors. Realization that she could have done so at any time was shocking and humbling.

Phai leaned back in the chair, relaxed, and held out a mental hand to her own Chosen One. / Come with me, Ztar. /

The dangers were many, but he hesitated only briefly. If she'd wanted to control him, her obvious mental superiority would have made it easy. She had not. And so one of the most powerful telepaths in the Turzent Empire accepted the invitation and allowed himself to be led into the unknown.

Outward sensation ceased first; then a swift and deep falling in followed. Wonder overcame him as Phai's mental self enveloped Ztar's psyche. Then the meld began…he becoming her; she becoming him. Total, complete immersion. A mental smile graced their combined entity.

/ You've done this before, my Chosen, / Phai's portion of theirself noted.

/ Yes. /

/ With your soulbound. Impressive, but not surprising. Do you see it? Your Aru connection to him? /

Suddenly, Ztar did and knew instantly it was as she/he said it was. A thin, silvery thread extended through time and space to Archangel's bright presence across the vastness.

/ My Archangel! / He joyfully called out mentally, but knew Archangel would not hear. Or would he? Ztar felt a tiny, minute sense of recognition.

/ Your connection is strong, but flawed, Ztar. It is a bond that should not be. See how the thread is frayed? But first, you must understand other things. /

And then, Phai's knowledge began to reveal itself. Ztar was overwhelmed, but she anchored him gently. In breathtaking swiftness, he knew everything. All the players in the life and death game. The meticulously planned moves. Components that needed to come together at the proper time. Sacrifices the Shozen had made. What attainment of the goal had demanded they do and become. The overriding need for secrecy while the young races grew strong in technology and in psyche without the hampering fear of possible future annihilation. The Etagllot. The Projects. The need to replicate what was lost through genetic dilution.

Details followed – the small moves that involved him and his realm. How he was aided at key points. Manipulations within the Commonwealth to first test his empire and then to weaken their collective. Par-Sen's use as an Etagllot stronghold after Ztar had driven them out. Realms and worlds he hadn't yet encountered that were gradually unified through careful orchestration.

The Trients – 'Ir, 'El, 'Ut. Esserru, who were actually named Esha'Aru by their creators. Ettwanae – how precious and vital she was. Archangel – his Archangel…a surprise to even the Shozen, but now equally essential. A pairing of Esha'Aru was necessary – a soulbound pair. Lifeforce, called Aru. Lifewill – Ura. Together, the ultimate power – the power of life itself.

The greatest of all U'larr technological achievements – the Nexus devices. Three elements required to operate the massive rift-sealers – U'larr, Esha'Aru, and multitudes of sentient species…mind, body, soul. Threes – everything in threes. Triune. Three become One to protect the galaxy.

Evidence of what was coming flowed through their shared consciousness – the escalation in black hole rumblings, the expulsion of anti-matter, increased interference by the Dark Ones, and more. Fears swelled up – what the dark minions would still attempt to do to sabotage painstaking plans spanning thousands of years…an effort in which means truly justified the ends for failure meant complete annihilation.

He saw how everything must come together to save all they knew. And it had to happen soon – too soon. Not ready, but must be. Failure not an option. His heart lurched.

Phai eased the meld, giving Ztar's psyche time to fully comprehend what he'd learned.

/ Much has been accomplished. /

/ And much yet to be realized. /

/ All truth. /

/ A truth older than we can comprehend. War fought on a time-scale of the immortal. Battles ten of thousands of years between to us are but brief pauses to those outside of time. /

/ I understand. /

Sadness crept into Phai's consciousness as she directed Ztar's mind back to the Esha'Aru. The clones were dubious substitutes. There was but one known natural pair in all the Trient…a male and female destined to enter the Nexus and channel vast amounts of Source/Aru from Ozshi'wanae's dimension and power the great machine. Archangel and Ettwanae. They needed to join. They must become bound. If they did not, a galaxy could be lost.

/ Archangel is already soulbound. /

/ Yes, Ztar – to you. A fluke of metaphysics perhaps only possible because of a quirk in his lifeforce energy and your profound mental abilities and love for him. I have found the moment of your binding. /

/ The night I learned Jharda may have died. /

/ Yes. A singular combination of circumstances to make the impossible possible. /

/ I still love him. /

/ As deeply as you do Jharda and your unborn child. /

/ Yes. /

Silence fell between them within the psychic realm. Phai took the opportunity to create a construct – a beautiful mountain valley from Ztar's memories. She gave them form and they stood feet apart, facing one another, appearing as they did in the corporeal world.

"I know this valley," Ztar announced aloud as he scanned the new reality.

"You do."

"From Archangel's mind – when he nearly died."

"He did die from what I've seen in your mind – physically. His lifeforce is strong…as is his lifewill and Aru was not ready to be released. Source cleansed and restored him."

A gentle breeze swirled Phai's gown and hair. Ztar gazed at her. The being before him had an incredibly powerful mind and presence. He did not doubt any of what she had revealed. For a brief instant, he wondered if he was simply being duped and manipulated, but his most basic essence said no.

"You were willing to die for Archangel that day, Ztar. You would have exchanged your life for his willingly."

"Without hesitation."

"As your cherished lover sacrificed himself for his world, I know you would gladly for your people and for peoples you do not yet know…for your child and for your Jharda. You are an exceptional being, Ztar. You have surpassed all expectation. Your name and legacy will be revered for generations, I vow it."

Ztar was puzzled. "You speak as if-" Then in sudden understanding, he caught himself. The soulbinding between him and Archangel…it could not remain. The construct shuddered.

"There must be another way!" he cried out.

Phai took a gentle step forward. "I am deeply sorry."

"No! I want to see my child born! I want to grow old with Jharda!"

She took another step toward her chosen one. "None of that will happen if Archangel remains bound to you. All will perish. This galaxy will be consumed by darkness and all life extinguished."

Ztar's mind whirled in desperation to seek another option within the knowledge Phai had given him. Perhaps if they had more time another natural pair would have been found. Maybe the clones would be good enough. But time was running out. Time. Precious, limited, unrecoverable time. In an eternal battle between immortal beings, it all came down to time having run out.

He searched the crystalline-blue eyes that held intense sadness. "Please, there has to be another way. The U'larr must have known how to break unwanted bindings – they created the Esha'Aru."

"If they did, Ztar, that knowledge was lost 15,000 years ago." Then she closed the gap between them to place her hands on his upper arms. A tear trailed down on the man's crestfallen face. She looked into the dark eyes wishing to say anything other than what she must. "If I could save you, I would, but it is outside what even I can do. I am truly and deeply sorry."

Ztar trembled. Would she kill him now in the serene valley that represented both death and life to Ztar? He had no doubt that a single mental bolt from her was all it would take.

"Not yet, my Chosen One. Time has not quite run out. You must perform three tasks before the battle for light and life is truly upon us. You cannot fail on any count. Your first task is to gather a fleet of your most powerful ships, modify them to the specifications I will provide, and then send them to a singular battle that will determine the fate of our galaxy."

He nodded weakly.

"Your second task is to record the most important speech ever given your people. You must tell them what I am about to put into your mind. Follow my instructions exactly as The Dark Ones will attempt to stop us."

"I understand."

"The third task must be done when I signal you – there must be little delay. I can give you that much, Ztar – between now and the day in which the bond must be broken. I am resting the fate of the galaxy upon your honor by allowing you to do what must be done by your own hand."

Phai said no more, as she knew there was no misunderstanding them – no uncertainty or mistrust of what was being asked.

Ztar could stand no more and he knelt, Phai's strong hands following him down. She joined him on the lush meadow grass. Her mind reached out to caress his as a mother's touch seeks to soothe a heartbroken child.

/ I am sorry, / her mind whispered in his. / So very, very sorry. /

Ztar wept.

After her chosen unifier collected himself, Phai 'pathed details of his final tasks. When the Emperor rose to his feet, it was with steel-hearted determination to do whatever necessary to save the galaxy for Jharda and their unborn child. Through his death, they would live on.

###

Next time…Gatebi and her mystery, General Rehsaw is questioning someone's sanity, and Taer faces something she's never known.