Chapter 33

Does Phai and company gain Sentinel access? What of Ztar? How goes the battle above Atmos Prime? And what is happening at the galactic core? Many questions…perhaps a few answers.

###

The signal came. It was time. The same signal as would be received by the Turzent ruler. Den-neer had followed the man's movements since arriving a few days earlier. 'Make certain he does what is necessary,' Phai had instructed before ordering him to Sat'rey.

If Ztar did not, Den-neer would.

Shielded from detection by his U'larr-based telepathic veil, Den-neer watched as the Turzent left the palace. His posture and mental aura spoke of soul-deep sadness. Den-neer agreed. The situation should never have occurred. The bond between Archangel and Ztar was a cruel twist of fate.

But what was, was.

With remorse for all that would not be, Den-neer stealthily shadowed his target.

###

The petitioners stood very near the cloaked entrance. Ta'uii ignited another awareness node, carefully conserving power where possible. Using a single bio-crystalline sensor-array, it performed a cursory close-range scan. Four Esha'Aru. Readings on the other two beings were confusing. U'larr?

Diverting a bit more precious power, Ta'uii probed deeper, while energy consumption monitors registered warnings. Data became more disconcerting from the nanosecond scan burst. Two of the Esha'Aru were replicates; the other two were not soulbound. Both pairs carried completed amulets. One Esha'Aru was an oddity on several levels and carried within it technology of unknown origin. Without energy to power its vast knowledge banks, the Sentinel could not search for a match to the subcellular infestation.

The two with U'larr DNA were impure – tainted with other genetic material. One was closer to what the Creators were, but far from wholly U'larr. Strangely, it also carried within biotechnology similar to one of the winged beings. However, that did not make the U'larr-like unworthy – only unusual.

Who were the confusing blends? Time had passed as Ta'uii had all but shutdown to conserve power. What had transpired during that span? Questions abounded, but answers to secondary queries were not critical to its directive of self-preservation for the sake of duty.

The six intruders could not be authorized for Nexus access – they did not fit the profile. However, the need for replenishment was great. After gaining what the Sentinel needed, the blasphemies would be eliminated. In fact, two could be eradicated immediately with negligible adverse result.

Reduced to only a few active nodes, the sentient machine was still capable of calculating the probability of replenishment success with the remaining petitioners: 43.6%.

Probability of another Esha'Aru or U'larr arriving before energy reserves were fully exhausted: 1.8%

Ta'uii activated the portal.

###

Everyone jumped, even the enigmatic Taer. A massive, intricately carved door appeared out of nothingness and began sliding silently open. Beyond, only whiteness. Warren had seen something similar before – an interdimensional portal. N'Adiaera impulsively leapt into the air to alight behind the portal.

"Nothing!" she declared with a spread of arms and wings in disbelief.

"Back here!" Phai shouted sternly, but the young woman remained still, eyes darting to the heavens where a deadly light show played.

Warren scanned the landscape, ready to dash inside. Eilu were breathing down their necks. As the battle lowered, errant weapons fire exploded the ground sporadically; some impacts uncomfortably close.

"We have been sanctioned to enter," Phai declared.

"Meaning it knows we're Esha'Aru and you're U'larr." Ettwanae looked both excited and nervous as sounds of war grew louder.

"A qualified yes," Taer replied as she started toward the entrance with a frown. "Others have been permitted entry, but then destroyed."

Warren nervously watched for what instinct had warned early. A not-so-distant explosion rumbled across the landscape. Ettwanae's eyes widened to saucers. N'Adiaera shot back to N'Ollein's side. A gust of wind swirled sand. He snagged Ettwanae's hand and followed Taer.

Phai's intense eyes scanned the sky – the battle was nearly atop them. To punctuate the point, a black beam struck the ground near the portal, rocking the ground, and sending dust and dirt flying. "Hurry!" Then she caught N'Ollein's eyes. "Follow her – go!"

The two Esha'Aru clones interlaced fingers, exchanged worried looks, and then ran past Warren and Ettwanae toward Taer.

Warren gave Ettwanae a reassuring smile, though he felt far from confident. Taer's words rang as warning. He was Human, and it could be the death of them.

Another black beam hit explosively close to the clones, knocking them to the ground. N'Adiaera began crying and screaming.

"Get them inside!" Phai shouted needlessly to Taer as she was already retracing her steps.

"The portal – it's a target!" Warren yelled toward Phai, sharing his earlier intuitive realization. Once revealed, destroying the entrance was a logical strategy.

"Yes!"

Taer nearly dragged the young Esha'Aru pair toward the Sentinel's entrance, one to each side of her towering form.

"Warren?" Ettwanae blue eyes searched his, looking to him for courage.

"We'll be fine once inside. Stick close."

Phai was suddenly next to them. "I will follow and shield you as best I can," she hissed with an urgent nod to follow the others.

Warren swallowed as they jogged toward the portal. A black streak cleared their heads by a foot to hit the portal directly. Taer skidded to a halt and pulled the clones tightly against her sides as a faint shimmer surrounded them. Warren recognized it instantly – telekinetic shielding.

Under the assault, the doorway flickered like a mirage, but after the three-heart-beat hit ceased, the entrance remained untouched. Taer leaned down to clearly say something to the trembling clones, and then released them to dart toward the entrance alone. Why? Did she suspect something? He held a breath as Taer crossed the threshold and disappeared into the white glow.

"Go!" Phai yelled at the clones.

N'Adiaera and N'Ollein were frozen in place. A black energy beam sliced the air to strike the clones. Hearts went to throats, but instead of striking them down, an invisible force deflected the beam. Warren glanced up – Volu!

"GO!" the white-haired Elder screamed.

With one last look to one another, shoulder to shoulder, the cloned couple ran through the dimensional doorway.

A blinding flash of light and hiss stopped the remaining trio in their tracks. Blinking away the afterimages, Warren strained to see. Phai's sharp intake of air and Ettwanae's scream met his ears simultaneously as vision cleared. His stomach dropped to the ground. Ashes. All that remained were two small piles of ashes.

'Ztar!'

"NO!" Ettwanae screamed and whirled into Warren's arms, instantly sobbing.

He felt like doing likewise with the loss of hope for his friend. But there was little time for emotional indulges. Phai muttered indiscernibly under her breath just as two black ships broke the horizon and were coming in fast, skimming feet above the flat landscape. Volu whirled and darted toward the advancing enemy.

"Get down!" Warren reflexively shoved Ettwanae and Phai to the side microseconds before a purple-black energy beam exploded exactly where they had been standing, creating a small crater.

Ettwanae was showing signs of panic as Volu took the full brunt an enemy volley intended for them. "What do we do?!"

"Inside!" Phai said, pushing them toward the entrance, her telekinetic field rippling around them.

"But the Sentinel could kill us!" Ettwanae protested as the enemy closed in despite Volu's heroic efforts.

Phai ended objections with a hard shove forward. "The Eilu will kill us. Run!"

Warren pulled Ettwanae forward – certain death versus possible death. He'd go with possible every time.

Another familiar form suddenly loomed behind the portal, silhouetted against the teal-sky sun. Taer's ship cut loose with a barrage of fire at the incoming enemy. A quick backward glanced showed the Eilu were barely slowed.

"Volu!" Ettwanae half screamed, half cried, as she fought against Warren's grip. "She'll die!"

"As soon as we're safe, she'll make a run for it. We have to get inside!" He tightened his grip on her wrist and pulled her toward the opening.

Another explosion at their heels nearly knocked them to the ground, but a spread of wings and a couple quick flaps kept the duo upright, while Phai's shield saved them from shrapnel.

Warren said a quick prayer as they lunged through the gateway, with Phai a half-second behind. They scattered as blackness sliced through the entrance to hit the glass-smooth floor. Craning to see where the deadly beams bounced, he sighed in relief when the very air seemed to dissipate and absorb the weapon fire. Phai and Taer stood together in seeming defiance of the Eilu. Eagle-keen sight revealed the slight distortion surrounding their bodies. Then he glanced at the door – it was closing. No one moved or breathed until it sealed shut.

Ettwanae looked frantic, her eyes wild. "I can't hear Volu!"

Taer's large, penetrating black eyes locked onto Ettwanae. "If your Eshaar'ne is intelligent, she will be in space by now. We no longer register even on her sensors, and she will understand we are safe for the time being."

Ettwanae shook her head sharply. "She will not leave without me."

"Then your Eshaar'ne is foolish." The blue-woman's attention was quickly drawn to their surroundings. "Magnificent!"

Warren got up and offered a hand to Ettwanae who looked torn between hope and despair. "Volu is smart – she'll head to the fleet."

Ettwanae didn't look reassured. He spared a moment to take in the room, if one could call it that. Massive. Gigantic. Those adjectives could not do justice. Even the Elders' commanding presence became insignificant within the vastness. There was no ceiling and only partial walls rising to varying heights with glassless windows. Beyond those attempts at an enclosure was only the void of space with stars and galaxies interrupting the blackness. It was as if a semi-constructed room were floating in the middle of the universe. The effect was dizzying.

Ettwanae looked awestruck as she scanned their surroundings. "Where are we?"

"Inter-dimensional space," Taer said without looking their way.

With temporary safety, dread took advantage and seized Warren fully. Nausea rolled his stomach. Ztar's lifeline was no more. Pushing emotion down for the sake of the galaxy, he sought Phai's attention. "We need a soulbound pair. Now what?"

The Shozen didn't get the chance to reply.

"Your presence defiles this sacred place." The booming judgment caused even the Elders to cringe.

Phai spread her arms slightly as if in reverence, the intense blue eyes scanning the heavens. "Sentinel of Etxan'Ir, we are the descendents of the U'larr. Time has robbed our people of physical purity, but we remain U'larr in Aru and Ura."

"A mockery of the Creators stands within ME."

"Then why did you let us in?" Warren questioned impulsively. A stern look from Taer told him he was not to speak – that rubbed the wrong way. Then again, he was on someone else's turf and did not know the rules. A muffled rumble vibrated the portal door.

"It is tolerated for practical necessity."

Taer cocked her head in a manner telling Warren they may have found an opening.

"What manner of necessity?" The blue-skinned woman pursued.

"You are deficient. However, I require what Esha'Aru provide. Disobedience will result in immediate extermination."

"Sentinel, we are indeed U'larr. Much has happened since our people last visited you. The Dark Coming is upon us. We stand prepared to join with the Nexus and stop the destruction of this galaxy," Phai pressed.

A moment of hesitation. "The Dark Coming." The machine had turned down the volume considerably.

"Yes, Sentinel. Norzra'tir is attempting to breach the dimensional barrier."

Silence as still as death permeated the chamber. Worried glances were exchanged; everyone afraid to speak.

"I am unable to substantiate your statement."

Taer's brow knitted. "The Dark Coming should be obvious to you."

"My reserves are exhausted. You will restore me. If you do not, your existence ceases."

Phai and Taer traded deeply troubled looks. Had they not anticipated a depleted Sentinel? Warren would bet half his fortune they had not. Was that the reason the Eilu had been tolerated on the planet's surface? What did it mean for their chances of stopping the Dark Coming? What if they couldn't do as the machine demanded? How exactly does one restore a Sentinel?

More rumbles reverberated from the portal.

###

Turzent, Shozen, and Eshaar'ne ships fought side by side. Once the portal revealed itself, the Eilu began a mass attack. If they broke through the door and damaged the Sentinel, all could be lost. Volu relayed that bit of information from Uulophar to Gatebi and Flint.

"And we got friends in there. Those bastards blast the Sentinel, then War and Twae get taken out, too!"

Black energy streaks came from all directions, targeting any ship that attempted to block the Eilu's path to the dimensional portal. As Volu dodged and darted to avoid the worst of the enemy's barrage, Gatebi and Flint held on as best they could.

Flint was not naïve. The holo-images showed all too clearly how hopelessly outnumbered they were. Flint tore green eyes away from the display to study his Alcab friend. He knew she understood their situation all too clearly. Volu would fight to the death to protect Ettwanae. Her death likely meant theirs.

Brown eyes left the battle view to latch onto his. "We will be okay, Flint. They just need a little time to waken Etxan'Ir."

Neither was Flint a dummy. He nodded and smiled weakly. The alien was trying to reassure him, as she had done so often over the past two years. Protective Gatebi. Motherly Gatebi. He suddenly realized he wished there had been time for something beyond motherly between them.

###

Despite the warning to remain silent, Warren spoke again. "What do you want from us?" He would have bet the other half of his fortune on what the Sentinel wanted.

"Channel Source."

He would have won.

Phai moved closer and whispered. "Warren, Ettwanae…what it asks is risky. If the Sentinel is depleted, the amount of Source required will be great; the effort will weaken you for what is required in Etxan'Ir...perhaps even injure."

"But if we don't, it may not let us in," he countered.

"Perhaps, but our focus must be first on the immediate problems."

The air chilled dramatically. "Your blasphemy is tolerated for one purpose alone. If the pair does not comply, tolerance ends." Apparently, the Sentinel had very good hearing. Full volume had returned.

"We're out of time!" Ettwanae pleaded urgently, her eyes searching for anything to latch onto to no available. "The Dark Coming…we must stop it!"

Vibrations rattled bones and nerves, and Ettwanae cowered next against Warren. "Time within this portal does not correlate. your perception of its passing is faulty. naivety is confirmation. You are unworthy to tread here."

That sounded too close to a death sentence. "Wait! Just tell us what to do, and we'll do it!" Warren pleaded. Things weren't going as smoothly as he'd hope, nor apparently as well as the Shozen had planned.

Cold silence filled the surreal space for many moments. "You will channel Source to restore my energy wells. It is the way of the Esha'Aru."

Phai spoke. "Sentinel, certainly you understand the first priority must be to stop the Dark Coming. Once we have done so, we will attend to your needs."

Warren could almost feel the planet-sized machine bristle.

"Ta'uii is the gateway and the guardian and must be maintained. External threats cannot be eradicated without restoration."

Taer took a step forward. "Sentinel Ta'uii, how did you become depleted?"

More sounds of the enemy at the gate, sounding louder. It could only be the Eilu.

"Can't we talk about this later?!" Warren snapped. Frustration and internal pain were building. Ztar's sealed fate tore at him, the Dark Coming was imminent, the Nexus guardian wasn't cooperating, and Taer wanted to chitchat!

"We have time," the towering figure retorted flatly.

Warren was going to argue despite what the Sentinel had said about perception, but didn't get the chance.

"Norzra'tir's followers attacked after the last Dark Coming, hoping to destroy this gate. I withstood their barrage, but eliminating the threat greatly drained my already low energy well. I waited for the U'larr to come to my aid, but they did not. A subsequent attack further drained reserves, but again I destroyed those who would close this gateway forever. Eventually, my depleted condition necessitated shutting down all nonessential functions."

"Sentinel Ta'uii, much has been lost to us, but I and Taer are U'larr in the most important way – Aru and Ura. We ask for your tolerance and your help in stopping Norzra'tir. When that task is done, we will restore you."

Ettwanae looked puzzled. "But my people…didn't anyone help you? My parents were gatherers – they came here. They would not have left you in such a state!"

Warren's throat tightened with impatience. The conversation seemed to draw out forever.

"Esha'Aru who passed through my portal more recently added minimally to my reserves. Others did not come for worthy purposes." The reply was cold and accusatory.

A troubled frown formed on Ettwanae's face. "I don't understand…"

"Who were your parents?"

"T'Qilla and T'Azrued."

"They came, but offered limited assistance."

The icy reply ruffled Warren's feathers as warning bells clanged. They needed to step back from the edge of making matters worse.

Ettwanae became visibly upset. "But why would they not help? That doesn't make sense!"

He gripped an arm to silence her. "Not now," he cautioned quietly. She produced a nasty glare.

Then he caught the eyes of the Elders. "We need to get this show on the road." Warren would plunge ahead – time passing differently or not, they had people on the other side who were likely dying. "Guardian of Etxan'Ir, we will do what you need in fulfillment of our duty. Instruct us."

"Warren!" Ettwanae's hand encircled his wrist. "We don't know what that will do to us. We could be hurt – killed. Then what?"

"True Esha'Aru will survive."

True Esha'Aru? A warning? Plus, surviving and uninjured were two different things. Or it could be semantics.

The deep-blue Elder held herself tall. "Etxan'Ir is not powered by your reserves. We plead with you to allow us passage. We need this Esha'Aru pair to be strong for the task before us. Therefore, I ask – what affect does your depleted state have on repairing the barrier?"

Even as she asked the question, Taer's face filled with sudden distress. She locked eyes with Phai, whose own expression revealed equal alarm.

'Something's happening!' Warren knew instantly.

"You now understand," the Sentinel declared flatly.

Phai looked to Ettwanae and Warren. "A massive Eilu fleet has dropped from FTL and is entering the system. Our forces are all but destroyed. Without Ta'uii's defenses online, it is possible they could destroy Atmos Prime. If they do, access to Etxan'Ir will be lost forever. When that happens, Norza'tir will have the ultimate victory."

Warren mentally kicked himself. "It's thinking long-term. Don't win the battle and lose the war." The Elders indicated agreement.

"They come as they did twice before. If this portal is destroyed, access to Etxan'Ir is no more. To fulfill my purpose, I must defend access to the Nexus. I am unable to so in my current condition."

Anxiety multiplied. Precious time was slipping away. However, time was different within the Sentinel, but just how different? How much did they really have?

"Then let's do this."

Silence followed. He raised eyebrows as the seconds ticked off. What was going on? Then…

"If you speak truthfully of the Dark Coming, a quandary is presented. Only U'larr and soulbound Esha'Aru can operate the nexus."

Warren's chest clenched. Did that mean the man was still alive? Made sense. He hadn't felt anything like Ettwanae described he should with a soulbound's dying. Before he could speak, Phai addressed the Nexus guardian.

"Sentinel, can an exception be made if it will prevent galactic annihilation? Could an unbound Esha'Aru pair be acceptable?"

The alabaster Elder turned his way. She was keeping her word – a last ditch attempt to spare the Turzent ruler.

Warren looked at Ettwanae; her pupils were large. She took his gaze as invitation to snuggle deep into his arms. He knew she was thinking about Volu and the others. What was happening around Atmos Prime? Were friends and family dying? Flicking wings twice, he tried to release some of the tension. Why was the simple question taking so long to answer? With Ztar's life hanging in the balance, time inched by in agonizing slowness.

###

Ta'uii faced a predicament. The Law of the Creators clearly stated that only U'larr and soulbound Esha'Aru were permitted within Etxan'Ir. Only they could interface. All others were to be destroyed. The self-proclaimed U'larr descendents did have some of the species' characteristics, but not all. And of the two Esha'Aru, one was pure but unbound, and the other did not register physically as Esha'Aru. Most puzzling was the lack of a species marker in the male, something only the Creators did not possess…yet he was not U'larr. What was left of its power store was quickly draining as it examined the dilemma. Several nodes winked off line.

If the Dark Coming was truly upon them, perhaps laws could be circumvented. Ta'uii was given self-will for a reason. It was not merely a machine – it could choose, but it must make choices based on evidence and logic. Without replenishment, the Sentinel's vast capabilities of determining the truth regarding the Dark Coming were unavailable, as was most of its knowledge base.

And so a choice must be made with key variables unresolved – obtain what it needed, then destroy the unworthy and perhaps risk Ozshi'wanae's most treasured creation or violate the Prime Imperative and continue on with the four unworthy petitioners?

The self-aware, planet-size guardian came to a decision.

###

The entrance to the Sentinel had remained visible after the foursome entered. Eilu ships were determined to destroy it. Ettwanae was on the opposite side of that barrier. Whatever it took, Dark Ones would not be allowed to breach the portal gate.

Diving down, Volu banked and rolled to avoid direct hits by Eilu weapons. Glancing blows burned her epidermal layer as some of the purple-black energy passed through weakened shields. So close to the planet, fully phasing was not possible and partial phase protected partially. It mattered not. She would defend her Other unto death.

But that did not mean she had to sacrifice anyone else.

"Flint and Gatebi, to the bay door now!" she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. The two exchanged puzzled looks, but scrambled to obeyed.

In an amazing display of aerial agility, Volu swooped down to within inches of the planet's sandy surface, a cloud of dust and dirt obscuring her movements to the naked eye. The bay door dilated open.

"Out!" The jaws of the Human and Alcab dropped simultaneously. "Now!"

"What about T'Qilla?" Flint protested.

"She made her choice."

"What, we don't get a choice? What the h-" was all the often irritating young Human got out before she used a bio-energy jolt to force compliance.

"Yeow!" Flint rubbed the back of his neck. "What ya doin?! Kicking us out ta get killed?" the teen accused bitterly as he and Gatebi jumped to the ground.

"I am attempting to save your life. Find shelter and pray to your goddess for all of us."

With that, she snapped shut the bay door and left two stunned figures standing in a swirl of dust.

###

"I have made my decision."

Everyone jumped at the abrupt announcement. The Sentinel continued, but in a quieter voice. "If you restore my power well and I determine the Dark Coming is again upon us, I will perform as designed."

'Vague,' Warren pointed out the obvious to himself. He glanced at Phai and Taer. They looked uncertain. What of Ztar? What of their need to soulbind? Perhaps it was time to take a leap of blind faith.

"You will stop the Eilu attack around Atmos Prime?" Ettwanae blurted.

"Esha'Aru, what is your name?"

Ettwanae physically shrank. "E-Ettwanae."

"If you perform your duty, I will perform mine."

Warren felt the young woman in his arms steel herself as trepidation became resolve. She looked into his eyes.

"We need to do this, Warren."

He nodded, seeing no other options.

After a glance between them, Taer spoke for the Elders. "We concur."

"How do we start?" he asked as every passing second felt like a tightening noose despite any time differentials.

Two chairs materialized in the center of the vast room, positioned next to each other in a semi-reclined position. The seats had the familiar narrow back that widen toward the base, identical to the bridge chair on Volu. However, the necessity of the chairs did not comfort.

"Recline," Ta'uii instructed.

Walking hand-in-hand, Warren gave Ettwanae a quick kiss before they settled in. A large silvery disc shimmered into existence six feet above them. Rhythmic humming emanated from the metallic-looking device. Heart rates quickened.

"Open to Source."

Warren tried. Then tried again. Nothing. Without Ettwanae or Ztar's influence, he had never manifested Source consciously. He peeked over at the Esha'Aru; she had no such difficulties and was softly glowing.

"Male Esha'Aru, are you unwilling to comply?" the terse, booming voice demanded.

Ettwanae's glow ceased immediately as she turned sharply his way.

He huffed in frustration. "The name is Warren. Channeling is not something I've done much on my own."

Ettwanae reached out a hand. "He will help, Ta'uii – he just needs a little assistance." Then she smiled sweetly. "Just like when we healed Volu, okay?"

He nodded and they resettled, eyes closed.

"Begin."

'Relax,' he told himself. 'Let Ettwanae do what she does.' Deep breaths. Calm.

Slowly, gently, Ettwanae's manifested Source flowed to him, and his own energy stirred in response. Rising up from the depths, it swirled and merged with hers. Without warning, something snagged their blended Source and tugged…hard. They gasped in unison as the draw began in earnest.

"Do not be alarmed."

Warren wasn't convinced the leap of faith had been a good idea as the draw strengthened and Source flow sped up, sending him reeling. The disconcerting sensation grew, becoming akin to rough cloth being pulled excruciatingly through every fiber of his body. It became clear why earlier Esha'Aru would have baulked at the procedure, maybe even bolted at its worst. He tried to move, but invisible hands held him down.

Pain escalated until he felt like screaming. No sounds from Ettwanae – was she not affected the same or being brave? Just as he felt like blacking out, the pull steadied, became constant, and the pain leveled out. He could breathe again; feel Ettwanae's hand again. He squeezed the reassuring contact.

How long they lay there, he could not determine. Pulsing energy made him feel eternal and without form. Worry snagged about what was happening above Atmos. What if they took too long and everyone died? What was happening with Flint and Gatebi? Volu? And what of Ztar? Emotion distress usurped the physical variety, causing tension in the otherwise smooth flow.

###

Energy rushed through the dimensional portal the Esha'Aru had opened. Much passed through their conductive forms, the rest through dimensional doorways within Ta'uii that were only triggered by deep and prolong channeling of Esha'Aru. Yet another safeguard the Creators installed in their wisdom. It was the first time those additional portals had been used, and Ta'uii's energy wells replenished at an accelerating rate.

As the process continued, the Sentinel energized offline systems. The sensation was…wonderful. Feeling more 'alive' than it had since the last Dark Coming, the sentient machine reveled in once again being able to sense its place in the galaxy and probe Trient'Ir.

In doing so, confirmation came quickly on a disturbing front. The Dark Coming was upon them. However, barriers still existed to awakening the Nexus. Those barriers had to be eliminated.

###

/ Remember, time passes differently here, Warren, / a feminine voice spoke in his mind to calm worries.

/ Phai? /

/ Yes. Don't be concerned – you and Ettwanae are doing wonderfully. /

Gently, her presence departed. Some indeterminate time later, Phai's voice returned.

/ We are separating your hands, Warren. Ettwanae's task is complete. /

/ Huh? What about me? / But the telepath was gone.

"Esha'Aru Warren, you must be cleansed."

Instant anxiety. Eyes shot open. 'Cleansed?!'

"Prepare yourself."

/ Prepare? For what?!' / No one answered. Trepidation flooded. What the hell was the alien machine going to do? Strip away his Humanity to make him Nexus worthy?

He tried to speak, but no sound came. Attempts to struggle failed. Fear ran as ice water in his veins. Frightening memories of Apocalypse's manipulations sprang up. What would he become?

Warren grew ill.

###

When the closest ring of sensor buoys had fallen victim to a recent eruption, second-tier sentries became the only remaining eyes and ears standing watch over the black giant at the galactic center. Various sentries dispatched long ago by the eldest and most powerful empires of what the U'larr had called Trients 'Ir, 'Ut, and 'El struggled with readings that defied their analytical programming.

Subspace around the supermassive black hole 'quivered.' Most on the receiving end of the data transmissions were left puzzled and contemplating malfunction. Only the Shozen buoys correctly interpreted the readings. Only Shozen scientists analyzing the nearly instantaneous transmissions understood the meaning.

Subspace barriers were near collapse. The end of everything had begun.

###

Next chapter, we join Gatebi and Flint on the planet's surface and Ztar in the pavilion. See you then.