Eternal Odyssey: A Warped Fate ~ The Endless Time Prequel
Now, prepare to see the events that led to his disasterous exile, as told by the man himself. See his thoughts. Be Mika Cadenza, as he embarks upon both his first, and final journeys.
Hope you guys enjoy the First of no doubt many Endless Time Prequels (and Sequels). Chapters will be released every Saturday.
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Spoiler : Chapter 0 - Prologue (With special guest writer GuardianDreamer :
Some days were life-changing. Other days weren't, and would soon be forgotten by the pages of history. In the case of Mika Cadenza, today wasn't exactly a life-changing day, but he had been thinking of a day that had changed his life forever. Perhaps it wasn't healthy to keep thinking about it. It had been 6 years exactly since that day after all. The day of which he lost everything. His crew. His captain. His friends. And he no longer had a family to go back to. He was alone, stranded on an undiscovered planet in the depths of this strange part of the great unknown… a part of the galaxy upon which no one had essentially discovered yet until now. Unable to send a message. Unable to get home.
But he couldn't just forget about it, could he? He had to remember his comrades, who were no longer with him. Even if he wanted to forget about that day, he couldn't, as the day seemed to always repeat itself in his nightmares. The day of the great battle between a starship called Prosperity, and the man who had suffered so much, but would repay the universe in blood, and pain. A one on two battle. An ambush. A terrifying endeavour. A duel of the fates. Mika clutched at his forehead as he could hear the screams of his crew being blasted to their deaths, or being taken to suffer a far worse fate than the Devil's clutches.... and that moment of fear and desperation, of when he was forced to give the order to abandon ship. To make people get out, and leave him alone to endure his fate. But even that led to even worse things.
Mika tried to tear himself away from such thoughts, trying to focus on what he could do today. This had very little effect. He knew exactly what he could spend his day on. He usually just stayed around the Prosperity, repairing her with left-over parts, and modified alien technology that he had managed to salvage from this new world that he had been stranded on. It definitely felt as large as it was, when only one man could do all the work. However, it wasn't like he was anti-social. On the contrary, he was very friendly and got along with the other people on the part of the planet which he had made camp after the crash-landing with relative ease. Still, he rarely felt like venturing too far away from the Prosperity. There were a few villages within walking distance that he could go to if he was ever in need of supplies, but such moments were rare ever since he got the food and tool replicators back online.
On a few days, Mika would try to fly the Prosperity for a short while. Never a long distance of course, but the moments when he did do so were always exhilarating him and hit him with a wave of nostalgia. The buzz of the impulse thrusters always filled his mind with joy. The flashes of Blue Alert, as he took the ship off the ground... Those were his moments of happiness. He wasn't planning on flying today, but he did make a promise to himself, even if it was internal. One day, he would try to travel elsewhere. Not just a short distance... maybe he'd go to another part of the planet. Maybe even to another planet entirely, once the Prosperity was capable of space travel, and wouldn’t fall apart on a whim. Perhaps it would be a good experience. An adventure, one could say. He allowed himself to chuckle. That would surely be an interesting day.
Although he knew that it was likely counter-productive, Mika couldn't help but look at the sky. Somewhere out there was his home. Back all the way in the Alpha Quadrant. It was a shame that it was still daytime. When it was night, Mika usually found himself staring off into space, thinking back to happier memories. No matter what happened, it really did seem like he couldn't escape thinking back to his past. He would either look at the sky and think of happy memories, or go to sleep and have nightmares of his worst. It was a miracle that he was able to fix the holographic simulation entertainment room. It proved to be a miraculous distraction to either of them.
Obviously, he preferred the former. In the past, for some time Mika had even tried going for an extended period of time without sleep. He couldn't remember how long he had lasted, but he knew that it was unlikely he would ever try it again. If at all possible, his nightmares were even worse when he was extremely exhausted.
With all this in mind, it became very obvious to him that he would probably need to at least hide any emotional pain he felt if he ever went on that adventure. Despite how emotionally scarred he was, Mika was actually still rather idealistic and kind, and he knew that acting openly broody and angsty would be very unlike him, not to mention it would surely give off the wrong impression to anyone he met. So maybe he needed to act happier, then? No, that wasn't quite right. He needed to actually be happier. He noticed that whenever he was alone and not flying the Prosperity, he often acted quiet and distant without intending it.
Almost thoughtlessly, Mika felt himself trying to smile. This wasn't quite right either. If he had a mirror with him, he would see someone who was both him and someone different at the same time. Sure, it would be him looking back, but he also knew that the smile would look incredibly fake. Why was it that he could act happy around other people, but never when he was by himself? Maybe the person who others saw was fake, and this was the real Mika Cadenza? It was a rather disturbing thought, but one that Mika dismissed. He couldn't allow himself to fall into a deep depression. To do so would be an insult to all of his fallen comrades. He had to live a good life for them.
He blinked. Of course. That was why he continued to exist, why he didn't truly fall into a deep depression. His comrades would surely be disappointed in him if they saw that the near-legendary first officer of their great ship had allowed himself to stop being happy on their account. Maybe this wouldn't be an immediate change, but Mika felt a strong resolve within himself. No matter what happened to him, he would never allow himself to give up hope on life. That didn't mean that he was no longer allowed to feel upset or depressed, but each time, he would need to stand up again, never giving up. After all, if he couldn't deal with his own inner turmoil, how could he move on with life?
Mika felt as though a great weight was lifted from his shoulders. It was odd how nothing had happened other than him thinking deeply, yet he felt something like a different person now. The whole thought process couldn't possibly have taken a very long time. Ten minutes, at the very most. Still, despite how strange it was, Mika didn't regret it. He still expected to be haunted by the memory of his greatest failure, but he felt like he was now able to handle it. Once again, Mika chuckled. He wasn't sure, but he may have even been smiling a genuine smile now.
Yes, that's what he would live for. That's why he would never give up hope. One day, maybe he would be able to return home. Maybe even save his assimilated comrades. Even if he wasn't able to, he still planned on at least trying to live a good life in this world. He couldn't allow himself to stay depressed forever. He had to move on and create happier memories for himself. But he wasn't ready to go on his 'adventure' just yet. Maybe it would take a while. Still, he felt happier now.
"One day..." Mika whispered to himself, as he looked at himself in the mirror once more. He glazed his eyes over the familiar red and black v-necked uniform that he continued to wear in memory of his crew. It was a promise, then. A promise not only to himself, but also to the memories of his comrades.
The memories of his friends.
It was then that he decided. If he was going to record a log of everything, then he was going to tell them all that happened. In his memory. In his words. From there to now. The lives of his crew. The people he loved and lost. He would give them a proper send-off, worthy of what they were. Because they were amazing. Mika strode over to his computer in his office. Thankfully, the log entry was already ready to be recorded. Mika smiled. This was going to take quite a while... ah well. All the worst things always did...
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Well... Here we are. It's been 6 long years since my stranding here. Six very long years of which I have been spending time living alone in this magnificent ship. The GNS Prosperity. I am Commander Mika Cadenza, reporting for duty. Well, actually, if you're watching this, or reading the transcript, whatever media you choose, then I've either managed to return home and I've handed this in as my log, or I'm infodumping this onto some poor soul who's crossed my path, or I'm dead, and this is salvaged material. That's okay, hope it was a good death. Well, anyway, I guess I should let you know of what happened. And by that, I mean how I got stranded here. But... somehow, I don't think that's enough.
You see... we humans are a funny race. If you're not human, and/or not affiliated with humans in anyway, then welcome to the only piece of Earth craftsmanship you'll be seeing for the rest of your life. But I digress. I guess I can take this opportunity... to tell you everything that led up to this. Because my life has never been sunshines and roses, with this whole thing being the only thorn. You see... I... I made choices. Bad choices. To be honest... it's my fault why I'm here. I did my duty to the planet I came from, but ultimately, it was to my undoing. And I failed people. All the hundreds of my crew, that goes without saying, but... there were more. But I guess... that would be classed as spoilers. Well... I guess it's not really even that.
Well, I guess I should get started, so here's to you, my friend on the other side of time. I hope you're sitting comfortably. If so, I will begin.
But he couldn't just forget about it, could he? He had to remember his comrades, who were no longer with him. Even if he wanted to forget about that day, he couldn't, as the day seemed to always repeat itself in his nightmares. The day of the great battle between a starship called Prosperity, and the man who had suffered so much, but would repay the universe in blood, and pain. A one on two battle. An ambush. A terrifying endeavour. A duel of the fates. Mika clutched at his forehead as he could hear the screams of his crew being blasted to their deaths, or being taken to suffer a far worse fate than the Devil's clutches.... and that moment of fear and desperation, of when he was forced to give the order to abandon ship. To make people get out, and leave him alone to endure his fate. But even that led to even worse things.
Mika tried to tear himself away from such thoughts, trying to focus on what he could do today. This had very little effect. He knew exactly what he could spend his day on. He usually just stayed around the Prosperity, repairing her with left-over parts, and modified alien technology that he had managed to salvage from this new world that he had been stranded on. It definitely felt as large as it was, when only one man could do all the work. However, it wasn't like he was anti-social. On the contrary, he was very friendly and got along with the other people on the part of the planet which he had made camp after the crash-landing with relative ease. Still, he rarely felt like venturing too far away from the Prosperity. There were a few villages within walking distance that he could go to if he was ever in need of supplies, but such moments were rare ever since he got the food and tool replicators back online.
On a few days, Mika would try to fly the Prosperity for a short while. Never a long distance of course, but the moments when he did do so were always exhilarating him and hit him with a wave of nostalgia. The buzz of the impulse thrusters always filled his mind with joy. The flashes of Blue Alert, as he took the ship off the ground... Those were his moments of happiness. He wasn't planning on flying today, but he did make a promise to himself, even if it was internal. One day, he would try to travel elsewhere. Not just a short distance... maybe he'd go to another part of the planet. Maybe even to another planet entirely, once the Prosperity was capable of space travel, and wouldn’t fall apart on a whim. Perhaps it would be a good experience. An adventure, one could say. He allowed himself to chuckle. That would surely be an interesting day.
Although he knew that it was likely counter-productive, Mika couldn't help but look at the sky. Somewhere out there was his home. Back all the way in the Alpha Quadrant. It was a shame that it was still daytime. When it was night, Mika usually found himself staring off into space, thinking back to happier memories. No matter what happened, it really did seem like he couldn't escape thinking back to his past. He would either look at the sky and think of happy memories, or go to sleep and have nightmares of his worst. It was a miracle that he was able to fix the holographic simulation entertainment room. It proved to be a miraculous distraction to either of them.
Obviously, he preferred the former. In the past, for some time Mika had even tried going for an extended period of time without sleep. He couldn't remember how long he had lasted, but he knew that it was unlikely he would ever try it again. If at all possible, his nightmares were even worse when he was extremely exhausted.
With all this in mind, it became very obvious to him that he would probably need to at least hide any emotional pain he felt if he ever went on that adventure. Despite how emotionally scarred he was, Mika was actually still rather idealistic and kind, and he knew that acting openly broody and angsty would be very unlike him, not to mention it would surely give off the wrong impression to anyone he met. So maybe he needed to act happier, then? No, that wasn't quite right. He needed to actually be happier. He noticed that whenever he was alone and not flying the Prosperity, he often acted quiet and distant without intending it.
Almost thoughtlessly, Mika felt himself trying to smile. This wasn't quite right either. If he had a mirror with him, he would see someone who was both him and someone different at the same time. Sure, it would be him looking back, but he also knew that the smile would look incredibly fake. Why was it that he could act happy around other people, but never when he was by himself? Maybe the person who others saw was fake, and this was the real Mika Cadenza? It was a rather disturbing thought, but one that Mika dismissed. He couldn't allow himself to fall into a deep depression. To do so would be an insult to all of his fallen comrades. He had to live a good life for them.
He blinked. Of course. That was why he continued to exist, why he didn't truly fall into a deep depression. His comrades would surely be disappointed in him if they saw that the near-legendary first officer of their great ship had allowed himself to stop being happy on their account. Maybe this wouldn't be an immediate change, but Mika felt a strong resolve within himself. No matter what happened to him, he would never allow himself to give up hope on life. That didn't mean that he was no longer allowed to feel upset or depressed, but each time, he would need to stand up again, never giving up. After all, if he couldn't deal with his own inner turmoil, how could he move on with life?
Mika felt as though a great weight was lifted from his shoulders. It was odd how nothing had happened other than him thinking deeply, yet he felt something like a different person now. The whole thought process couldn't possibly have taken a very long time. Ten minutes, at the very most. Still, despite how strange it was, Mika didn't regret it. He still expected to be haunted by the memory of his greatest failure, but he felt like he was now able to handle it. Once again, Mika chuckled. He wasn't sure, but he may have even been smiling a genuine smile now.
Yes, that's what he would live for. That's why he would never give up hope. One day, maybe he would be able to return home. Maybe even save his assimilated comrades. Even if he wasn't able to, he still planned on at least trying to live a good life in this world. He couldn't allow himself to stay depressed forever. He had to move on and create happier memories for himself. But he wasn't ready to go on his 'adventure' just yet. Maybe it would take a while. Still, he felt happier now.
"One day..." Mika whispered to himself, as he looked at himself in the mirror once more. He glazed his eyes over the familiar red and black v-necked uniform that he continued to wear in memory of his crew. It was a promise, then. A promise not only to himself, but also to the memories of his comrades.
The memories of his friends.
It was then that he decided. If he was going to record a log of everything, then he was going to tell them all that happened. In his memory. In his words. From there to now. The lives of his crew. The people he loved and lost. He would give them a proper send-off, worthy of what they were. Because they were amazing. Mika strode over to his computer in his office. Thankfully, the log entry was already ready to be recorded. Mika smiled. This was going to take quite a while... ah well. All the worst things always did...
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Well... Here we are. It's been 6 long years since my stranding here. Six very long years of which I have been spending time living alone in this magnificent ship. The GNS Prosperity. I am Commander Mika Cadenza, reporting for duty. Well, actually, if you're watching this, or reading the transcript, whatever media you choose, then I've either managed to return home and I've handed this in as my log, or I'm infodumping this onto some poor soul who's crossed my path, or I'm dead, and this is salvaged material. That's okay, hope it was a good death. Well, anyway, I guess I should let you know of what happened. And by that, I mean how I got stranded here. But... somehow, I don't think that's enough.
You see... we humans are a funny race. If you're not human, and/or not affiliated with humans in anyway, then welcome to the only piece of Earth craftsmanship you'll be seeing for the rest of your life. But I digress. I guess I can take this opportunity... to tell you everything that led up to this. Because my life has never been sunshines and roses, with this whole thing being the only thorn. You see... I... I made choices. Bad choices. To be honest... it's my fault why I'm here. I did my duty to the planet I came from, but ultimately, it was to my undoing. And I failed people. All the hundreds of my crew, that goes without saying, but... there were more. But I guess... that would be classed as spoilers. Well... I guess it's not really even that.
Well, I guess I should get started, so here's to you, my friend on the other side of time. I hope you're sitting comfortably. If so, I will begin.
Spoiler : Chapter 1 - Years In The Past :
Chapter 1 - Years of the Past
Well, I know what you're thinking. I'm going to regale you with my whole life story? Of course not. I'm only doing the relevant parts. Doing the whole thing would be a tedious exercise in how to lose patience faster than a temper in a motorway. No need to know about my admittedly rather daft hair colour from a particular week all the way back in my teens. Seriously, vibrant crimson, what was i thinking... Anyway.
The year was 2570. Things on planet Earth, AKA Sol 3, have really moved on from, say, the 21st century. Some say we live in a technological utopia, I say we live in an ecological hell. We all enjoy a higher quality of life though, here in America. Economically, we're stronger than we've ever been, but environmentally, we're, well, a gunmetal grey and blue ball going through space. Oh, and the second moon... we're still not sure where that came from. Of course the conspiracy theorists are already having a field day with it, for goodness sake.
Back on track with the matter properly at hand, the quadrant was at war for the first time in decades. We were fighting against an alien race of malicious aims and foals, all to progress the cause for the Kratos army. Essentially an army of faceless harbingers of death and destruction, which is always a nice meeting on a good day. But they posed a supreme threat to our ways of life, and livelihood. Still, our own army were essentially doing the same, or at least a similar, thing. We never really took them seriously as a threat before... but then they killed the President. The President of Earth that is. The man responsible for kicking off the whole of, well, everything. His assassination sent the planet into something of an uproar. He was an immensely popular political figure - he had only gotten into office two months ago. It was perhaps inevitable that someone would try, but to the extent the assassinator did? I was gob smacked to find out, much like the whole human race.
As a result, ships were being mass produced left, right and centre, weapons were being fitted, retrofitted onto older, museum ships that were coming out for spare ammunition in the battles, and of course, people were being forced into this war against their will, to help fight for their planet. On both sides, that is.
That's the manipulatively beautiful genius of the ruling powers of the galaxies. They have within their power the ability to force people to fight for them without getting their hands dirty. Just one single law needs to be introduced, and ergo, you've condemned millions to a life a trauma and suffering. Not that it really matters, as long as one wins the war against the other. And in case you couldn't tell, yes I was being sarcastic. Regardless, the conscription methods seemed to consist of guilt tripping people. An understandable non-violent technique, but when you take into account the egos people have, they're pretty much forced to go into it, or be labelled as a coward. Not necessarily the best when you think about it. Everyone was to go through with it, provided they were below 40, and could dedicate 5 whole years of their life to it.
Sometimes, if not most of the time, the people they targeted were too scared to say no for fear of embarrassment. Heck, it is only now that I realised that I made the wrong decision about it, but you'll learn why later on in the novel.
That brings us on to me. How I got into the army. Or, galactic army, star fleet, or empire, which ever you choose. But the proper term, or one of many, is the Galacix Navy. The fleet of about a century after the original Fleet was disbanded by our councils. Let's just say we took too many losses in a short space of time. So we became smaller armies, more independent on each other, like some sort of militia-mercenary group. But with actual academies and whatnot. As such, being small and independent to each other, they were more prone to individual corruption I ended up in Galacix.
Right, so yes. Me. My story about these Navies. Well... Every aspiring tale begins with some reference to one's parents. Well... Mine were... Yeah, I'll be straight with you, they were buggers. Complete and utter buggers.
So, there I was. My 19-year old self. At the official age of Conscription to join in the "Great War". So of course... my parents were pretty hardcore enthused about the whole idea of a member of their family going in. My half-sister was already in, so I would be the first, full-blooded member to go in. Personally, I was less than infused. I remember my father barking down at me, with his mad dulcet tones and his horrible, beaming green eyes that were almost always likely to be scaring the person on the other side of the argument... Not me though. I never felt threatened by him, but that was possibly because of my independency streak, and my ability of Droning out what adults managed to say to me at the drop of a hat.
"You know how much the reputation means to this family, Mika. You know that. That's why you have to join. You could go as a pilot, you're great at flying. You could even enter the TetroRacer Competition, or whatever they call now. Or you could join as a tactician, since you have a brain and it needs a workout. Just... We can't really be seen as cowards, we'd... we'd be chastised all over the city. You can't that happen to us, son." stated my father. It was funny, hearing a man of about 6 foot 3 inches, dressed in a white suit and jeans, talk as timidly as a mouse with his tail near a flame. It was both fascinating, and awkward. He definitely wasn't worth extinguishing your throat in an argument, as he truly would lose the plot while both people are shouting.
"Yeah, but YOUR reputation doesn't concern me since I'm the one risking my life for it! And I'm not keen on, y'know, dying." I spat back, angrily.
"Don't talk back to me like that, Mika. I'm your father, I raised you-"
"And that gives you the right to condemn me to a horrible, horrible death?" I spoke, smart-alecky.
"How dare you? Where have you been for the past five years?! With all the new safety and protection regulations, you'd have to be bloody unlucky to come back with at most a papercut. There hasn't been a single death recorded in years! The job is all about turning up!" he shot back with equal vitriol and evasiveness.
"Yeah, that's what they say. They ain't going to release the death toll because of they did, they'd lose all support." I replied, turning my back to the man who professed to be my father. It was then that my mother saw that we were obviously getting nowhere, so she decided to try her hand. She was at least a foot smaller than my father, yet she always did seem to wear the trousers in the relationship, which was most ironic.
"Mika... Your father's right, albeit right in a way I would not deem right, but right all the same. You may be cynical about it, but... you have to trust us. We would never put you into any danger. We care about you more than our reputation. Well, at least I do."
As she spoke the last words of that breath, she slammed her foot into the side of my father's ankle, making him wince. But did I believe a word of what she was saying? No, no I didn't.
"You don't get it do you, you just don't. I don't want to fight. I don't care if I'm branded a coward, I just don't want to."
"But you always get a desk job. Become a medic, or a technician, or engineer. Nothing too battle-needy."
I didn't respond. Not because I was a moody upstart back then, but because I genuinely did not know what to say. I was so confused and uncertain of what to do. Go off and fight for my world, but risk my very life and livelihood in doing so? Or stay home and be branded a coward, but ultimately "safe" and alive.
Frustration was not the word for it. Annoyance was only somewhat applicable. But then, I did the most hypocritical act I've ever done. I accepted that she had a point. A very convincing one at that. Ergo, I admitted that. Something that I wasn't expecting to do, but one that I suspect no one else had not expected. But it was after a 3 hour and 59 minute argument. We were all tired, so I guess the fatigue I felt had simply showed up right at a crucial point in time. It was simple, anyway. Choose a non-battle position, I.E. become a blue shirt, and simply take part in the war without taking part.
My father looked a little bit less than impressed. But anything that could defend their "reputation", was worth anything to them. Naturally, he reluctantly agreed.
"Fine, yes... I guess not needing to get out on the field comes into it... Helping people... Yeah... I guess that's alright." he mumbled. I could tell he wasn't completely sold on the idea, since I presumed his interpretation of honour had something to do with bathing in alien blood. With candles and a rubber duck just to rub it in. It was arguments like this that had caused my sister Tara to leave to pursue her own career in the war.
They had pressured her into it too, all too much. It didn't help that I was rather close with her before all this started. We were like the best of friends, without a hint of he stereotypical brother-sister rivalry thing that seems to plague every other family. I always remember the day she left, like no other. The way she wore her light-emerald suit - loose, informal, ready for he stresses of the day. The last words that she ever said to me. Oh, those last words.
"Don't wait up!"
I've never really understood what she meant by that to this day. But I can guarantee that when I do understand it, I'll slap my head in stupid-induced frustration. But I missed her. And I loved her, like any good brother should. But then again, I was feeling exactly the way she probably did, so in retrospect, she could have bally well warned me beforehand! Would have been quite, quite appreciated.
Anywho, I finally completed the necessary forms, documents, wavers and surveys after about 3 hours of solid typing. All in one big, lovely datapad. Also, the most ominous datapad. I gazed at it for some time. This one thing would be the determiner of my fate for years to come. All in one multi-coloured datapad. It all seemed very quaint, and unfitting for the occasion. But still, I was only one night's sleep away from signing my soul away to god knows what could happen. Ahh, well. At least that small amount of purity had a good run before it would be inevitably run down by screaming generals. Again, ah well.
Still, as I lay on my bed that night, I could help but feel a small tinge of excitement. The wonder of what was going to happen. The total wonder of what would happen once I got there was enough to keep me awake... I mean it's not exactly a small thing, joining a galactic navy and potentially spending years away from your family. It was small consolation that I was joining the same the group as my sister - she would be long away from here.
Still, as I said, I was joining as either a medic or something. Something that preferably didn't involve fighting. As such, I didn't sleep. I simply couldn't! Could you? I doubt it! All I could do was hope for the best. My father had said with some force that no one was dying. While I couldn't believe that for a second, I couldn't help but wonder what really went on behind the scenes. Were they really hiding bodies? It would be highly illogical, and highly unorthodox, not to mention bloody offensive to the families involved... though it wouldn't surprise me. War is a calculating business after all. I also couldn't help but wonder... what if something were to happen to me? What would happen then? Would my parents ever know? I don't have any idea... and that's what scared me the most.
Still, no use on gazing on about the future when there's still the present to deal with! I had no idea back then of what was going to happen. Oh, to be young and naive again...
Well, I know what you're thinking. I'm going to regale you with my whole life story? Of course not. I'm only doing the relevant parts. Doing the whole thing would be a tedious exercise in how to lose patience faster than a temper in a motorway. No need to know about my admittedly rather daft hair colour from a particular week all the way back in my teens. Seriously, vibrant crimson, what was i thinking... Anyway.
The year was 2570. Things on planet Earth, AKA Sol 3, have really moved on from, say, the 21st century. Some say we live in a technological utopia, I say we live in an ecological hell. We all enjoy a higher quality of life though, here in America. Economically, we're stronger than we've ever been, but environmentally, we're, well, a gunmetal grey and blue ball going through space. Oh, and the second moon... we're still not sure where that came from. Of course the conspiracy theorists are already having a field day with it, for goodness sake.
Back on track with the matter properly at hand, the quadrant was at war for the first time in decades. We were fighting against an alien race of malicious aims and foals, all to progress the cause for the Kratos army. Essentially an army of faceless harbingers of death and destruction, which is always a nice meeting on a good day. But they posed a supreme threat to our ways of life, and livelihood. Still, our own army were essentially doing the same, or at least a similar, thing. We never really took them seriously as a threat before... but then they killed the President. The President of Earth that is. The man responsible for kicking off the whole of, well, everything. His assassination sent the planet into something of an uproar. He was an immensely popular political figure - he had only gotten into office two months ago. It was perhaps inevitable that someone would try, but to the extent the assassinator did? I was gob smacked to find out, much like the whole human race.
As a result, ships were being mass produced left, right and centre, weapons were being fitted, retrofitted onto older, museum ships that were coming out for spare ammunition in the battles, and of course, people were being forced into this war against their will, to help fight for their planet. On both sides, that is.
That's the manipulatively beautiful genius of the ruling powers of the galaxies. They have within their power the ability to force people to fight for them without getting their hands dirty. Just one single law needs to be introduced, and ergo, you've condemned millions to a life a trauma and suffering. Not that it really matters, as long as one wins the war against the other. And in case you couldn't tell, yes I was being sarcastic. Regardless, the conscription methods seemed to consist of guilt tripping people. An understandable non-violent technique, but when you take into account the egos people have, they're pretty much forced to go into it, or be labelled as a coward. Not necessarily the best when you think about it. Everyone was to go through with it, provided they were below 40, and could dedicate 5 whole years of their life to it.
Sometimes, if not most of the time, the people they targeted were too scared to say no for fear of embarrassment. Heck, it is only now that I realised that I made the wrong decision about it, but you'll learn why later on in the novel.
That brings us on to me. How I got into the army. Or, galactic army, star fleet, or empire, which ever you choose. But the proper term, or one of many, is the Galacix Navy. The fleet of about a century after the original Fleet was disbanded by our councils. Let's just say we took too many losses in a short space of time. So we became smaller armies, more independent on each other, like some sort of militia-mercenary group. But with actual academies and whatnot. As such, being small and independent to each other, they were more prone to individual corruption I ended up in Galacix.
Right, so yes. Me. My story about these Navies. Well... Every aspiring tale begins with some reference to one's parents. Well... Mine were... Yeah, I'll be straight with you, they were buggers. Complete and utter buggers.
So, there I was. My 19-year old self. At the official age of Conscription to join in the "Great War". So of course... my parents were pretty hardcore enthused about the whole idea of a member of their family going in. My half-sister was already in, so I would be the first, full-blooded member to go in. Personally, I was less than infused. I remember my father barking down at me, with his mad dulcet tones and his horrible, beaming green eyes that were almost always likely to be scaring the person on the other side of the argument... Not me though. I never felt threatened by him, but that was possibly because of my independency streak, and my ability of Droning out what adults managed to say to me at the drop of a hat.
"You know how much the reputation means to this family, Mika. You know that. That's why you have to join. You could go as a pilot, you're great at flying. You could even enter the TetroRacer Competition, or whatever they call now. Or you could join as a tactician, since you have a brain and it needs a workout. Just... We can't really be seen as cowards, we'd... we'd be chastised all over the city. You can't that happen to us, son." stated my father. It was funny, hearing a man of about 6 foot 3 inches, dressed in a white suit and jeans, talk as timidly as a mouse with his tail near a flame. It was both fascinating, and awkward. He definitely wasn't worth extinguishing your throat in an argument, as he truly would lose the plot while both people are shouting.
"Yeah, but YOUR reputation doesn't concern me since I'm the one risking my life for it! And I'm not keen on, y'know, dying." I spat back, angrily.
"Don't talk back to me like that, Mika. I'm your father, I raised you-"
"And that gives you the right to condemn me to a horrible, horrible death?" I spoke, smart-alecky.
"How dare you? Where have you been for the past five years?! With all the new safety and protection regulations, you'd have to be bloody unlucky to come back with at most a papercut. There hasn't been a single death recorded in years! The job is all about turning up!" he shot back with equal vitriol and evasiveness.
"Yeah, that's what they say. They ain't going to release the death toll because of they did, they'd lose all support." I replied, turning my back to the man who professed to be my father. It was then that my mother saw that we were obviously getting nowhere, so she decided to try her hand. She was at least a foot smaller than my father, yet she always did seem to wear the trousers in the relationship, which was most ironic.
"Mika... Your father's right, albeit right in a way I would not deem right, but right all the same. You may be cynical about it, but... you have to trust us. We would never put you into any danger. We care about you more than our reputation. Well, at least I do."
As she spoke the last words of that breath, she slammed her foot into the side of my father's ankle, making him wince. But did I believe a word of what she was saying? No, no I didn't.
"You don't get it do you, you just don't. I don't want to fight. I don't care if I'm branded a coward, I just don't want to."
"But you always get a desk job. Become a medic, or a technician, or engineer. Nothing too battle-needy."
I didn't respond. Not because I was a moody upstart back then, but because I genuinely did not know what to say. I was so confused and uncertain of what to do. Go off and fight for my world, but risk my very life and livelihood in doing so? Or stay home and be branded a coward, but ultimately "safe" and alive.
Frustration was not the word for it. Annoyance was only somewhat applicable. But then, I did the most hypocritical act I've ever done. I accepted that she had a point. A very convincing one at that. Ergo, I admitted that. Something that I wasn't expecting to do, but one that I suspect no one else had not expected. But it was after a 3 hour and 59 minute argument. We were all tired, so I guess the fatigue I felt had simply showed up right at a crucial point in time. It was simple, anyway. Choose a non-battle position, I.E. become a blue shirt, and simply take part in the war without taking part.
My father looked a little bit less than impressed. But anything that could defend their "reputation", was worth anything to them. Naturally, he reluctantly agreed.
"Fine, yes... I guess not needing to get out on the field comes into it... Helping people... Yeah... I guess that's alright." he mumbled. I could tell he wasn't completely sold on the idea, since I presumed his interpretation of honour had something to do with bathing in alien blood. With candles and a rubber duck just to rub it in. It was arguments like this that had caused my sister Tara to leave to pursue her own career in the war.
They had pressured her into it too, all too much. It didn't help that I was rather close with her before all this started. We were like the best of friends, without a hint of he stereotypical brother-sister rivalry thing that seems to plague every other family. I always remember the day she left, like no other. The way she wore her light-emerald suit - loose, informal, ready for he stresses of the day. The last words that she ever said to me. Oh, those last words.
"Don't wait up!"
I've never really understood what she meant by that to this day. But I can guarantee that when I do understand it, I'll slap my head in stupid-induced frustration. But I missed her. And I loved her, like any good brother should. But then again, I was feeling exactly the way she probably did, so in retrospect, she could have bally well warned me beforehand! Would have been quite, quite appreciated.
Anywho, I finally completed the necessary forms, documents, wavers and surveys after about 3 hours of solid typing. All in one big, lovely datapad. Also, the most ominous datapad. I gazed at it for some time. This one thing would be the determiner of my fate for years to come. All in one multi-coloured datapad. It all seemed very quaint, and unfitting for the occasion. But still, I was only one night's sleep away from signing my soul away to god knows what could happen. Ahh, well. At least that small amount of purity had a good run before it would be inevitably run down by screaming generals. Again, ah well.
Still, as I lay on my bed that night, I could help but feel a small tinge of excitement. The wonder of what was going to happen. The total wonder of what would happen once I got there was enough to keep me awake... I mean it's not exactly a small thing, joining a galactic navy and potentially spending years away from your family. It was small consolation that I was joining the same the group as my sister - she would be long away from here.
Still, as I said, I was joining as either a medic or something. Something that preferably didn't involve fighting. As such, I didn't sleep. I simply couldn't! Could you? I doubt it! All I could do was hope for the best. My father had said with some force that no one was dying. While I couldn't believe that for a second, I couldn't help but wonder what really went on behind the scenes. Were they really hiding bodies? It would be highly illogical, and highly unorthodox, not to mention bloody offensive to the families involved... though it wouldn't surprise me. War is a calculating business after all. I also couldn't help but wonder... what if something were to happen to me? What would happen then? Would my parents ever know? I don't have any idea... and that's what scared me the most.
Still, no use on gazing on about the future when there's still the present to deal with! I had no idea back then of what was going to happen. Oh, to be young and naive again...
Spoiler : Chapter 2 - The First Days :
The all-to-obvious danger of first impressions is that you only get one. So as you can imagine, during my first day at the Galacix Navy Academy, I was very determined to make sure I gave the best impression I could. I mean, where else would I be spending a (well, then it was going to be) small, but definitive portion of my life. The least I could do was do my best to guide things on in a subtle, yet positive direction. At least, that's what I thought I could do.
My first day at the academy was an intriguing one that's for sure. I was essentially given my uniform as soon as I walked through the door. And boy, was it crowded. Thankfully, it was a zip-up V-neck, so I could just put it over my shirt, which thankfully matched the uniform. It was Aqua blue on the shoulders, and chest, as if someone thought that they were making a miniature poncho, realised it was a single layer, but decided to go through with it.
As I walked through the corridors, I noticed that they were spectacularly spacious and extremely diverse in the people walking through them. There were so many different creatures prowling through the halls, not all of them human. Naturally, there were aliens of multiple species, and multiple colours and sizes. Some short, some tall, some blue-scaled, some more aquatic, some more horned. Some weren't even humanoid... The academy was home to alien races from all over the Alpha Quadrant. Everything and everyone was completely unique there. That was definite, for sure.
I, and several hundred others, walked into the main hall where the master chief was about to make his grand, and quite possibly, glorious speech. He stood at his podium like a man with a purpose, shuffling his papers like a genius. He was at least 6 foot tall, dark skinned, and completely bald. Still, he didn't look like the sort of person one would want to have an argument with, oh no. He was wearing a reversed colour variant of the "cadet" uniform, with added golden ring lining around his midsection and sleeves. I had a feeling that if anyone was disobedient during the next 45 minutes, he was going to physically wring their necks.
I struggled through the crowds as I tried to find a decent seat. It was like trying to push a electro-spanner through a large wall of concrete, with a whole the size of a small wallet. I eventually managed to find a good seat somewhere around the eastern section of the hall. There were only about 4 free seats, and I instantly leapt at it, prepared to tackle anyone who as much as walked towards any of them to the ground provided that I hadn't reached them yet. Fortunately, that didn't need to happen. as I swiftly took my seat next at the farthest left of the four, next to a blond-haired girl wearing a red version of the uniform.
She smiled at me, quickly moving out of the way so I could put my bag down in front of my feet. I smiled back, seeing this as a potentially half-decent attempt to get to know someone in the god-forsaken place.
"Tough crowd, huh?" she spoke to me, the same smile on her face.
"Oh, yes! It's like trying to put a electro-spanner through a concrete wall!" I... replied. I forgot I already used that line before. Anyway, she gave a small chuckle, much to my slightly tired delight. I didn't know at the time... but there was something that just drew me towards this girl, in the metaphorical sense of course. She instantly came across as being different to most of the women who I had met before. Before I could follow up what I was going to say, she instantly opened her mouth again.
"Well, that's one way of putting it. I tried getting here about 10 minutes earlier. Made all the difference. Also, gets extra brownie points with the chief." she told me, looking at me through the top of her glasses. A very scientific gesture, despite what her uniform said. That, and the fact that glasses had become purely a niche fashion accessory since the 23rd century. "Name's Kathryn Calvia by the way. Yours?"
"Mika Cadenza. A pleasure to meet you." I replied, offering my hand out. She took it with surprising force, and shook it vigorously. I could see that the Master Chief was once again preparing to begin his speech, but heck, I had found a friend in this place! We can afford to cut it fine!
"Likewise! So anyway, given your uniform, I guess you're heading for a role in either the scientific or medical departments?" Kathryn asked, examining my uniform all over, with surprising speed, despite her more laid back way of speaking.
"Yep, that's the intention. I'm not much of a fighter personally, and as such, I just want help people behind... the... you going to keep doing that?"
"Ah, sorry, dude. Got a bit carried away there." she spoke, chuckling. "And that's a pretty awesome goal to have. The War always needs a good level of doctors to keep us all alive, aha!" she said to me, her hazel eyes alive with excitement.
I guess I could say I was making a good impression to at least one person. I quickly decided to shift the conversation to see what the other side wanted. "So, you're wearing red! What are you here for then? I mean, army-I mean, navy wise?" I asked for the sake of changing the conversation.
She let out a small laugh. "Well, I'm here to be a pilot, but ultimately, I wanna be the Captain of one of the many, many ships here!" she exclaimed happily, almost too euphoric when one considers the fact that we're IN A WAR AT THE MOMENT. But instead of actually saying this out loud, I decided that it would be wiser to actually congratulate her on having such visions of amazing
grandeur- I mean, such high aspirations. Seriously though, guess she probably isn't the only one to have those such aspirations and thoughts...
"Hah, I guess that's the dream of many of us! I'm glad you've got your mind set on it though. You know what they say, you never know what the future may hold!" I told her, giving my brightest smile. She laughed, before she did something that took many people around us by complete surprise - she quickly stood up, waving her hand over to someone, with a slight shout over the crowds of still bustling people.
"HEY! MERRIK!! Over here!" she shouted, waving over to someone behind me. A person named Merrik, apparently. So, another guy in a blue uniform similar to my own strode over to us in a frantic manner, almost literally pushing people out of the way.
"There you are. I thought I lost you. Sorry I took so long, some idiot in a bow-tie obviously posing as health and safety locked the damn door for a whole 7 minutes for some poor reason. I didn't bother listening to such bull. Anyway, who's your friend?" stated "Merrik", as he took the seat next to me.
"Mika, please meet my beautifully esteemed bro, Merrik Calvia." stated Kathryn proudly, pointing over to him, upon which he looked away instantly. "Please, Kathy. No pointing. Not in a public place." he stated, sounding somewhat irritated. I knew that this guy was going to be anything but smiles and sunshine. I immediately extended my hand towards him, in a friendly gesture, as I did with Kathryn. To say it wasn't met with the same response... would be the most accurate way to put it with no doubt in my mind. In fact, he limply grabbed my hand and shook it. He did look almost completely different to his sister, to the point that you wouldn't necessarily be able to tell that they were related. He was tall and black-haired, with a lanky frame and sharp features, whereas she was about average height, and a lot curvier than him, with softer, happier, more inviting features.
"Pleasure. I'm Merrik. I see that you've met my sister, then." he stated to me, folding his arms quickly afterwards. He seemed to have had a bad day, or at least something. I quickly decided to attempt conversation with him, for what it was worth.
"Yep... seems I have. So, what did-"
"Ah, shhh! He's about to start!" blurted Kathryn, before I could finish. She thrust her finger towards the podium, as Mr. Master Chief prepared to unleash his speech upon us all. The point of which we all waited for, really.
He cleared his throat and smiled slightly at the massive auditorium of before him. "Welcome, to all of you cadets, potential officers, warriors, and helpers. My name, is Fleet Admiral William Crane. I am the head of the Galacix Navy, and I am honoured that you have chosen us to join, and fight for your world with. Sincerely, we will aim to make the following 6 years of your lives as safe as we can, while making them as glorious as we can for you, your families, and the world. We are the best army. We will be the best army."
At this point, I was thinking that our commander had a massive dedication to his cause. It was... reassuring to think that our boss was seemingly competent, if with a little bit of an ego issue, via the use of the words "glorious" and "best". His speech went on for all of 10 minutes, and seemed fairly convincing, if a little repetitive.
"I will tell you now, the Kranos army have devastated our lives for long enough. I'm telling you... we will never bow down to them. They will be exterminated, I assure you. They have caused deaths, yes. But we avoid revealing that information to the general public. We keep that private to their families and us. All we need to do on a domestic level is avoid causing a panic. And if we do that, then we will win through our union. Do not get us wrong, we armies are all fighting for the same cause. Obviously, our methods are different... but we are all heading for the same goal. Trust me. Trust our admiralty. Trust our judgement, and we will get you through this."
There was the answer to my fears, so I thought. Families were told, but people were kept in the dark. I don't blame them to be honest. I'd want to prevent a panic or a lower morale in the general public.
"At this academy, you will learn a series of useful skills that will help you in the fight that will come. We will prepare you over the course of this coming year for active service. You will not be an aimless bird amongst the flock. Don't worry. As long as I am alive, I shall make it my duty to make sure you all go back to your families alive, well, and unharmed. Because we will come back victorious from this battle, that much you can be certain of."
"I'm glad we've got that sorted then." stated Kathryn, her face contorted into a smirk. "This guy, man... this guy."
"What about him?" remarked Merrik, almost irritated once again.
"I'm just not sure he's... that sincere about what he's going on about ya know?"
"One final thing! To all of you, especially those who are in want of a command position. We're looking for the very best recruits to enter for a place in our select group of command officer trainees. Upon completion, you'll become automatic rank commanders of your assigned ship. No questions asked."
"That's essentially an automatic first officer position. Talk about being thrown into the line of fire." I lamented, almost amused by the sudden and strange announcement.
"It makes perfect sense to me. New ships are being built and staffed every single day. They need somewhat capable people to take the ships into battle. It is not uncommon for a ship to have only one experienced crew member as the Captain, and the rest as inexperienced cannon fodder, if you forgive the phrase." replied Merrik, in an exasperated tone of voice. The exasperated tone of voice that usually meant "Use your brain you stupid idiot, it's perfectly simple." When of course, it wasn't simple. It was very, very difficult.
Eventually, he came to end of his speech. "Well, it has been good to see all of you out here today. You all look like you are inevitably going to have great careers with us. Have faith. Our last president of Earth, if they still existed, would have wanted it to go this way, if he were still with us. Our way is the only way. So now, I will leave you with the last words of his grace that we heard in the great speech of 2564. 'We may soon enter our darkest hours, but with no doubt, we will leave into our lightest years.' Thank you, and if there's any questions, feel free to contact me on Dataline No. 42."
"Hmm... well that was fitting. I guess." I murmured. I wasn't sure what opinion to have of the Chief. He seemed persuasive enough... It seemed like they were dedicated to make sure each of us lived through the war that had no end in sight. I was still not completely sure of what was going to happen.
"He's a good man. Perhaps he tries a little too hard to extortion our trust though. We'll make that decision for ourselves, rather than some government controlled-fool." stated the baritone of Merrik to the right of me. Controversial dialogue? That's not the half of it. He seemed to be arrogant, and fairly (or unfairly depending on how you look at it) judgemental.
"Not necessarily, I mean, if anything his rank suggests that he's more likely to 'control' others rather than be controlled. As far as I know, I'm not sure there is anyone left to control him." I suggested, trying to remain as amicable as I could without betraying my full confusion at such a statement.
"Don't be so... naive. If you don't think that there is potentially someone of higher power controlling him, then you're simply as naive as they want us all to be." he spat at me, quietly, without even looking at me. Some may have taken it as a sign of offense, but I took it as a sign of character. In retrospect, he probably didn't even intend to offend me - he was just speaking his mind. His horribly jaded and suspicious mind, but speaking it nonetheless.
However, being the ill-informed, socially awkward 19 year old I was back then, I could not even believe what he had said, let alone interpret it in the way I can now. Yet again, but somehow, I expected to meet someone with such cynical beliefs. Better sooner, rather than later, obviously. Thankfully Kathryn intervened before I had a chance to respond in an equally rude manner.
"Now, boys. Keep the words to the playground, not the hall." she said to the two of us, distinctly unimpressed with our conduct. First impressions, I thought to myself, were going to be a lot harder than I initially thought. We both shut up and remained seated like the obedient boys we were, and waited for the hall's second event to begin. And so it did. It was far less important than the other one, in fact it was essentially just about showing us a map of the whole complex, which is easier seen than described. We had 3 minutes of travel time between academy lessons, which was a bit troublesome given the site-to-site transporters hadn't full been installed yet. Say what you will, but anyone who was training to be on the field, will certainly have their time management and speed tested through this alone. I mean, really...
Anyway, enough about the time. After the first day, and into the first week, things were alright. For one thing, the lessons were mostly done via holo-simulation. I personally don't think it's honestly the best way to teach people... I prefer a more hands on approach myself. Still, I believed then that I'd get used to it. At the time, anyway. Because I really didn't expect what was actually going to happen on only the third day of the academy... It's still really quite a difficult part of it to tell, as I never really expected to happen, and it still hurts today. But nonetheless...
So, I had met up with Kathryn for the upteenth time on that day. It was not long after our joint class in back-up engineering, something all cadets had to take just in case of an emergency on a prospective ship. Ha, imagine a ship's doctor becoming engineer for the day. In theory, that would actually be fairly... that would be an incident worthy of popularisation by a late 20th Century action "movie".
"So, I don't think your brother likes me that much. Would that be... an inappropriate thing to say? Or..." I began, almost nervously. I was essentially asking someone about their brother. And that's risky at the best of times. People have been punched for less!
"Nah, man, he's like that at the best of times. It's just his way... he's got a little bit of an ego, but it was the way he was brought up. He's my half-brother, so he got a lot of his traits from his father. Known him all my life though, so you tend to get used to it." she replied, slamming her hand onto my shoulder with more surprising force.
"I see... well, I have a half sister, so I guess I know what that's like. She isn't moody and unrestrained though-!" I spoke, not meaning to let those words out. As such, the only words currently going through my mind were "damn" "mouth" and "stupid". Not necessarily in that order, but you get the idea. Fortunately, she just laughed, almost unaware of my gratuitous sigh of relief.
"Yeahhh, he's a bit of an… now what did they say in the 20th century… they had the greatest word ever for it- ah! That’s it! He’s an emo, and I guess he's proud of that to an extent. I'm proud of him for taking that step and being different, you know?"
I wasn't exactly sure moodiness is good different. Seemed more like bad different. Anti-social different. Lame different. Ugh, too much different!
Still... it was only a few minutes into the conversation, before a man in a dark green suit walked up to us. He looked like the Chief, except with hair. He was holding a datapad in his hand as he looked at us. Yet his face... seemed lined with sadness. I would soon find out why. "Um... okay, so which one of you two cadets is Mika Cadenza?"
I paused. This was rather strange. I wasn't exactly anticipating anything good from this situation, unless he was about to say that I had won 500 million credits in the local lottery. Which was heavily doubtful as I had only played once and that was... well... let's just say I can't even remember how long ago it was. But nothing could prepare me for what was to happen. I put my hand up, with the coinciding words of "I am."
The green-suited man bowed his head. "Sir, I'd like you to come with us... we have something to discuss regarding your family."
"Why... why do you want me to come with you. If anything is wrong, you can tell me here and now." I stated. I would be damned if I was going to let a strange man take me away.
"Hm... very well. Your suspicion is fair. Anyway. I guess I should tell you... Your sister, Tara Cadenza... lieutenant commander in the Macria Army. She... has been injured, quite severely."
"What...?" I began. I couldn't begin to process properly what he had just said. I was shocked. Shell shocked. Kathryn put her hand to her mouth, while I asked him to repeat what he had just said. "I need a bit of clarification... I'm... afraid I don't know what you mean."
The man sighed again. "Sir... my name is Commander Craig Markon of the MAS Nero. I am her superior officer. I... I am afraid that what I say is all too true. If you so want, I can bring you to see her... just you I'm afraid though."
"That's fine. I'll be here for when he comes back. Support... you know me, Mika." she smiled, this time putting her hand on my shoulder delicately. The jokiness had gone, but the friendliness took forefront. That didn't help my denial though.
"Ah... well, that's kind of you and it means a lot, Kathryn, it really does, but surely... it's just the wrong person you're referring to?" I said again, slightly more unstable, and slightly more breaking-down-in-tears-of-fear.
"Look, son... just come with us. You'll... you'll see." stated Markon to me. He was obviously distraught, but I didn't realize it at the time. I was still so caught up in my own disbelief, that I couldn't think straight.
Soon enough, i found myself going with him. It wasn't cool. I was frightfully scared as I stepped into his shuttle. If my sister was injured... then what could that lead to for me? I firmly believed that accidents happened for a reason... I forgot to think about the fact that this may not be an accident. Which, whether I liked it or not, I would soon find out the truth behind it. Which was guaranteed to be less than pleasant.
My first day at the academy was an intriguing one that's for sure. I was essentially given my uniform as soon as I walked through the door. And boy, was it crowded. Thankfully, it was a zip-up V-neck, so I could just put it over my shirt, which thankfully matched the uniform. It was Aqua blue on the shoulders, and chest, as if someone thought that they were making a miniature poncho, realised it was a single layer, but decided to go through with it.
As I walked through the corridors, I noticed that they were spectacularly spacious and extremely diverse in the people walking through them. There were so many different creatures prowling through the halls, not all of them human. Naturally, there were aliens of multiple species, and multiple colours and sizes. Some short, some tall, some blue-scaled, some more aquatic, some more horned. Some weren't even humanoid... The academy was home to alien races from all over the Alpha Quadrant. Everything and everyone was completely unique there. That was definite, for sure.
I, and several hundred others, walked into the main hall where the master chief was about to make his grand, and quite possibly, glorious speech. He stood at his podium like a man with a purpose, shuffling his papers like a genius. He was at least 6 foot tall, dark skinned, and completely bald. Still, he didn't look like the sort of person one would want to have an argument with, oh no. He was wearing a reversed colour variant of the "cadet" uniform, with added golden ring lining around his midsection and sleeves. I had a feeling that if anyone was disobedient during the next 45 minutes, he was going to physically wring their necks.
I struggled through the crowds as I tried to find a decent seat. It was like trying to push a electro-spanner through a large wall of concrete, with a whole the size of a small wallet. I eventually managed to find a good seat somewhere around the eastern section of the hall. There were only about 4 free seats, and I instantly leapt at it, prepared to tackle anyone who as much as walked towards any of them to the ground provided that I hadn't reached them yet. Fortunately, that didn't need to happen. as I swiftly took my seat next at the farthest left of the four, next to a blond-haired girl wearing a red version of the uniform.
She smiled at me, quickly moving out of the way so I could put my bag down in front of my feet. I smiled back, seeing this as a potentially half-decent attempt to get to know someone in the god-forsaken place.
"Tough crowd, huh?" she spoke to me, the same smile on her face.
"Oh, yes! It's like trying to put a electro-spanner through a concrete wall!" I... replied. I forgot I already used that line before. Anyway, she gave a small chuckle, much to my slightly tired delight. I didn't know at the time... but there was something that just drew me towards this girl, in the metaphorical sense of course. She instantly came across as being different to most of the women who I had met before. Before I could follow up what I was going to say, she instantly opened her mouth again.
"Well, that's one way of putting it. I tried getting here about 10 minutes earlier. Made all the difference. Also, gets extra brownie points with the chief." she told me, looking at me through the top of her glasses. A very scientific gesture, despite what her uniform said. That, and the fact that glasses had become purely a niche fashion accessory since the 23rd century. "Name's Kathryn Calvia by the way. Yours?"
"Mika Cadenza. A pleasure to meet you." I replied, offering my hand out. She took it with surprising force, and shook it vigorously. I could see that the Master Chief was once again preparing to begin his speech, but heck, I had found a friend in this place! We can afford to cut it fine!
"Likewise! So anyway, given your uniform, I guess you're heading for a role in either the scientific or medical departments?" Kathryn asked, examining my uniform all over, with surprising speed, despite her more laid back way of speaking.
"Yep, that's the intention. I'm not much of a fighter personally, and as such, I just want help people behind... the... you going to keep doing that?"
"Ah, sorry, dude. Got a bit carried away there." she spoke, chuckling. "And that's a pretty awesome goal to have. The War always needs a good level of doctors to keep us all alive, aha!" she said to me, her hazel eyes alive with excitement.
I guess I could say I was making a good impression to at least one person. I quickly decided to shift the conversation to see what the other side wanted. "So, you're wearing red! What are you here for then? I mean, army-I mean, navy wise?" I asked for the sake of changing the conversation.
She let out a small laugh. "Well, I'm here to be a pilot, but ultimately, I wanna be the Captain of one of the many, many ships here!" she exclaimed happily, almost too euphoric when one considers the fact that we're IN A WAR AT THE MOMENT. But instead of actually saying this out loud, I decided that it would be wiser to actually congratulate her on having such visions of amazing
grandeur- I mean, such high aspirations. Seriously though, guess she probably isn't the only one to have those such aspirations and thoughts...
"Hah, I guess that's the dream of many of us! I'm glad you've got your mind set on it though. You know what they say, you never know what the future may hold!" I told her, giving my brightest smile. She laughed, before she did something that took many people around us by complete surprise - she quickly stood up, waving her hand over to someone, with a slight shout over the crowds of still bustling people.
"HEY! MERRIK!! Over here!" she shouted, waving over to someone behind me. A person named Merrik, apparently. So, another guy in a blue uniform similar to my own strode over to us in a frantic manner, almost literally pushing people out of the way.
"There you are. I thought I lost you. Sorry I took so long, some idiot in a bow-tie obviously posing as health and safety locked the damn door for a whole 7 minutes for some poor reason. I didn't bother listening to such bull. Anyway, who's your friend?" stated "Merrik", as he took the seat next to me.
"Mika, please meet my beautifully esteemed bro, Merrik Calvia." stated Kathryn proudly, pointing over to him, upon which he looked away instantly. "Please, Kathy. No pointing. Not in a public place." he stated, sounding somewhat irritated. I knew that this guy was going to be anything but smiles and sunshine. I immediately extended my hand towards him, in a friendly gesture, as I did with Kathryn. To say it wasn't met with the same response... would be the most accurate way to put it with no doubt in my mind. In fact, he limply grabbed my hand and shook it. He did look almost completely different to his sister, to the point that you wouldn't necessarily be able to tell that they were related. He was tall and black-haired, with a lanky frame and sharp features, whereas she was about average height, and a lot curvier than him, with softer, happier, more inviting features.
"Pleasure. I'm Merrik. I see that you've met my sister, then." he stated to me, folding his arms quickly afterwards. He seemed to have had a bad day, or at least something. I quickly decided to attempt conversation with him, for what it was worth.
"Yep... seems I have. So, what did-"
"Ah, shhh! He's about to start!" blurted Kathryn, before I could finish. She thrust her finger towards the podium, as Mr. Master Chief prepared to unleash his speech upon us all. The point of which we all waited for, really.
He cleared his throat and smiled slightly at the massive auditorium of before him. "Welcome, to all of you cadets, potential officers, warriors, and helpers. My name, is Fleet Admiral William Crane. I am the head of the Galacix Navy, and I am honoured that you have chosen us to join, and fight for your world with. Sincerely, we will aim to make the following 6 years of your lives as safe as we can, while making them as glorious as we can for you, your families, and the world. We are the best army. We will be the best army."
At this point, I was thinking that our commander had a massive dedication to his cause. It was... reassuring to think that our boss was seemingly competent, if with a little bit of an ego issue, via the use of the words "glorious" and "best". His speech went on for all of 10 minutes, and seemed fairly convincing, if a little repetitive.
"I will tell you now, the Kranos army have devastated our lives for long enough. I'm telling you... we will never bow down to them. They will be exterminated, I assure you. They have caused deaths, yes. But we avoid revealing that information to the general public. We keep that private to their families and us. All we need to do on a domestic level is avoid causing a panic. And if we do that, then we will win through our union. Do not get us wrong, we armies are all fighting for the same cause. Obviously, our methods are different... but we are all heading for the same goal. Trust me. Trust our admiralty. Trust our judgement, and we will get you through this."
There was the answer to my fears, so I thought. Families were told, but people were kept in the dark. I don't blame them to be honest. I'd want to prevent a panic or a lower morale in the general public.
"At this academy, you will learn a series of useful skills that will help you in the fight that will come. We will prepare you over the course of this coming year for active service. You will not be an aimless bird amongst the flock. Don't worry. As long as I am alive, I shall make it my duty to make sure you all go back to your families alive, well, and unharmed. Because we will come back victorious from this battle, that much you can be certain of."
"I'm glad we've got that sorted then." stated Kathryn, her face contorted into a smirk. "This guy, man... this guy."
"What about him?" remarked Merrik, almost irritated once again.
"I'm just not sure he's... that sincere about what he's going on about ya know?"
"One final thing! To all of you, especially those who are in want of a command position. We're looking for the very best recruits to enter for a place in our select group of command officer trainees. Upon completion, you'll become automatic rank commanders of your assigned ship. No questions asked."
"That's essentially an automatic first officer position. Talk about being thrown into the line of fire." I lamented, almost amused by the sudden and strange announcement.
"It makes perfect sense to me. New ships are being built and staffed every single day. They need somewhat capable people to take the ships into battle. It is not uncommon for a ship to have only one experienced crew member as the Captain, and the rest as inexperienced cannon fodder, if you forgive the phrase." replied Merrik, in an exasperated tone of voice. The exasperated tone of voice that usually meant "Use your brain you stupid idiot, it's perfectly simple." When of course, it wasn't simple. It was very, very difficult.
Eventually, he came to end of his speech. "Well, it has been good to see all of you out here today. You all look like you are inevitably going to have great careers with us. Have faith. Our last president of Earth, if they still existed, would have wanted it to go this way, if he were still with us. Our way is the only way. So now, I will leave you with the last words of his grace that we heard in the great speech of 2564. 'We may soon enter our darkest hours, but with no doubt, we will leave into our lightest years.' Thank you, and if there's any questions, feel free to contact me on Dataline No. 42."
"Hmm... well that was fitting. I guess." I murmured. I wasn't sure what opinion to have of the Chief. He seemed persuasive enough... It seemed like they were dedicated to make sure each of us lived through the war that had no end in sight. I was still not completely sure of what was going to happen.
"He's a good man. Perhaps he tries a little too hard to extortion our trust though. We'll make that decision for ourselves, rather than some government controlled-fool." stated the baritone of Merrik to the right of me. Controversial dialogue? That's not the half of it. He seemed to be arrogant, and fairly (or unfairly depending on how you look at it) judgemental.
"Not necessarily, I mean, if anything his rank suggests that he's more likely to 'control' others rather than be controlled. As far as I know, I'm not sure there is anyone left to control him." I suggested, trying to remain as amicable as I could without betraying my full confusion at such a statement.
"Don't be so... naive. If you don't think that there is potentially someone of higher power controlling him, then you're simply as naive as they want us all to be." he spat at me, quietly, without even looking at me. Some may have taken it as a sign of offense, but I took it as a sign of character. In retrospect, he probably didn't even intend to offend me - he was just speaking his mind. His horribly jaded and suspicious mind, but speaking it nonetheless.
However, being the ill-informed, socially awkward 19 year old I was back then, I could not even believe what he had said, let alone interpret it in the way I can now. Yet again, but somehow, I expected to meet someone with such cynical beliefs. Better sooner, rather than later, obviously. Thankfully Kathryn intervened before I had a chance to respond in an equally rude manner.
"Now, boys. Keep the words to the playground, not the hall." she said to the two of us, distinctly unimpressed with our conduct. First impressions, I thought to myself, were going to be a lot harder than I initially thought. We both shut up and remained seated like the obedient boys we were, and waited for the hall's second event to begin. And so it did. It was far less important than the other one, in fact it was essentially just about showing us a map of the whole complex, which is easier seen than described. We had 3 minutes of travel time between academy lessons, which was a bit troublesome given the site-to-site transporters hadn't full been installed yet. Say what you will, but anyone who was training to be on the field, will certainly have their time management and speed tested through this alone. I mean, really...
Anyway, enough about the time. After the first day, and into the first week, things were alright. For one thing, the lessons were mostly done via holo-simulation. I personally don't think it's honestly the best way to teach people... I prefer a more hands on approach myself. Still, I believed then that I'd get used to it. At the time, anyway. Because I really didn't expect what was actually going to happen on only the third day of the academy... It's still really quite a difficult part of it to tell, as I never really expected to happen, and it still hurts today. But nonetheless...
So, I had met up with Kathryn for the upteenth time on that day. It was not long after our joint class in back-up engineering, something all cadets had to take just in case of an emergency on a prospective ship. Ha, imagine a ship's doctor becoming engineer for the day. In theory, that would actually be fairly... that would be an incident worthy of popularisation by a late 20th Century action "movie".
"So, I don't think your brother likes me that much. Would that be... an inappropriate thing to say? Or..." I began, almost nervously. I was essentially asking someone about their brother. And that's risky at the best of times. People have been punched for less!
"Nah, man, he's like that at the best of times. It's just his way... he's got a little bit of an ego, but it was the way he was brought up. He's my half-brother, so he got a lot of his traits from his father. Known him all my life though, so you tend to get used to it." she replied, slamming her hand onto my shoulder with more surprising force.
"I see... well, I have a half sister, so I guess I know what that's like. She isn't moody and unrestrained though-!" I spoke, not meaning to let those words out. As such, the only words currently going through my mind were "damn" "mouth" and "stupid". Not necessarily in that order, but you get the idea. Fortunately, she just laughed, almost unaware of my gratuitous sigh of relief.
"Yeahhh, he's a bit of an… now what did they say in the 20th century… they had the greatest word ever for it- ah! That’s it! He’s an emo, and I guess he's proud of that to an extent. I'm proud of him for taking that step and being different, you know?"
I wasn't exactly sure moodiness is good different. Seemed more like bad different. Anti-social different. Lame different. Ugh, too much different!
Still... it was only a few minutes into the conversation, before a man in a dark green suit walked up to us. He looked like the Chief, except with hair. He was holding a datapad in his hand as he looked at us. Yet his face... seemed lined with sadness. I would soon find out why. "Um... okay, so which one of you two cadets is Mika Cadenza?"
I paused. This was rather strange. I wasn't exactly anticipating anything good from this situation, unless he was about to say that I had won 500 million credits in the local lottery. Which was heavily doubtful as I had only played once and that was... well... let's just say I can't even remember how long ago it was. But nothing could prepare me for what was to happen. I put my hand up, with the coinciding words of "I am."
The green-suited man bowed his head. "Sir, I'd like you to come with us... we have something to discuss regarding your family."
"Why... why do you want me to come with you. If anything is wrong, you can tell me here and now." I stated. I would be damned if I was going to let a strange man take me away.
"Hm... very well. Your suspicion is fair. Anyway. I guess I should tell you... Your sister, Tara Cadenza... lieutenant commander in the Macria Army. She... has been injured, quite severely."
"What...?" I began. I couldn't begin to process properly what he had just said. I was shocked. Shell shocked. Kathryn put her hand to her mouth, while I asked him to repeat what he had just said. "I need a bit of clarification... I'm... afraid I don't know what you mean."
The man sighed again. "Sir... my name is Commander Craig Markon of the MAS Nero. I am her superior officer. I... I am afraid that what I say is all too true. If you so want, I can bring you to see her... just you I'm afraid though."
"That's fine. I'll be here for when he comes back. Support... you know me, Mika." she smiled, this time putting her hand on my shoulder delicately. The jokiness had gone, but the friendliness took forefront. That didn't help my denial though.
"Ah... well, that's kind of you and it means a lot, Kathryn, it really does, but surely... it's just the wrong person you're referring to?" I said again, slightly more unstable, and slightly more breaking-down-in-tears-of-fear.
"Look, son... just come with us. You'll... you'll see." stated Markon to me. He was obviously distraught, but I didn't realize it at the time. I was still so caught up in my own disbelief, that I couldn't think straight.
Soon enough, i found myself going with him. It wasn't cool. I was frightfully scared as I stepped into his shuttle. If my sister was injured... then what could that lead to for me? I firmly believed that accidents happened for a reason... I forgot to think about the fact that this may not be an accident. Which, whether I liked it or not, I would soon find out the truth behind it. Which was guaranteed to be less than pleasant.
Spoiler : Chapter 3 - Where Everything Changed :
There I was, on the shuttle to see my sister. Hypothetically, that would sound like a decent good sentence. A positive one too. But no. My sister was now apparently incapacitated and in the sick-bay of the MAS Nero. Fortunately, warp speed technology had evolved greatly from the realms of science fiction and into the realms of reality, allowing for people to move faster, arrive faster and generally be faster in their ships than ever before.
Once the stars stopped making the shapes of oblongs and arrows, I knew we had arrived. I gazed out of the window... but even the grimness of the situation couldn't stop me from noticing how beautiful the ship simply was as we approached it. The emerald sheen of her glazed in the shine of the stars, which highlighted the outline of her frame, but hiding the division between the Saucer Section and the Engineering sections of the ship, which had a distinct rectangular shape to it, unlike many other ships of its size.
Still, it proved a welcome distraction as we docked. The shuttle gradually eased itself into the bay of the much larger ship. I was not looking forward to seeing what I was possibly going to see. My sister, possibly near death? Dying? Maybe even already gone...? I had no wish to see that. I really didn't. All I wanted to do was go home. I did not want to endure what was to come. But still, I kept standing. Kept waiting for what was to eventually come.
Speaking of eventually, we finally touched down in the hanger deck of the Nero. I waited anxiously for the commander to open the door. We had spent the entire journey in an awkward silence... well, given that I was panicking my wits off, he saw it best not to actually say anything. I would have appreciated a hug, but it doesn't matter now.
The door opened, and there was a considerably larger man in another dark green suit, but with golden linings around his tie. A figure of authority, I thought.
"Ah, Captain. This... is the brother of Commander Cadenza." stated Markon, giving a salute and gesturing towards me at the same time.
It was obvious that this figure of authority was actually the captain of this vessel. Remarkably, he smiled and outstretched his hand towards me.
"Welcome, young man. My name is Captain Lance Sheridan, or the MAS Nero." he spoke, his voice deep and booming. I took his hand with a small, strained smile. "It's a true pity that it couldn't be under superior circumstances. Anyway, let us not dily-daly, chap. Your sister needs you right now."
Truer words never spoken. I followed the Captain and Commander through a series of corridors and elevators, complete with dark green ominous lighting. With each footstep that I took, I felt my spirit becoming heavier as the fear began to overwhelm my system. I struggled to keep up with them, but I just about managed to do so. Eventually, we came to sick bay. About time, I thought at the time.
The captain quickly turned to me, his eyes baring a new certain amount of intensity that I hadn't seen before. "Chap, before you go in... just know that we have our finest doctors trying to help her as much as possible. These people know what they're doing, and if God allows us, your sister will be up and about in time."
"The existence of God is far too debatable to be used in this situation. And don't treat me like a little kid. Take me to my sister please." I stated, monotonously. I had no room in my mind for their no doubt useless excuses. They were almost taken aback by my statement, but somehow, I think they knew that patronising an emotionally destabilised 19-year-old was probably the wrong thing to do at the wrong time.
I had to see her, and judge for myself. Only I could that. This was the only I would be able to come to terms with any sort of situation like this. However, there was only one other thing on my mind.
"Just one question... Our parents. Are they coming? Or are they here? Or anything?" I asked, before the Captain placed his palm in the wall scanner to open the door.
"We've contacted them... But we didn't hear a response. We only knew your location."
Oh, I could imagine why there wasn't a response. My mother was probably tearing straight into my "nobody-dies/gets-injured-in-this-war!" father.
Still, I was sure I'd see them soon enough, so wasting time here was probably a bad thing to do.
And so, Sheridan placed his hand in the scanner, and the door to the sickbay whooshed open smoothly, as if someone had pulled it open while running. As soon as it had, I stormed in, automatically looking everywhere for my sister. I had no idea how badly she was injured, or if she was even looking the same... I just didn't know what to think or what to believe. But then again, I had to calmly look. So that's what I did. However, Commander Markon patted me on the shoulder.
"Over here, son." he stated, simply, as he led me over to a patient's bed. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I eventually, over a course of heart-wrenching seconds, managed to bring myself to look at her face.
And it was fine. To my bizarre shock, she looked fine. Her complexion was... fine. Her appearance was as healthy as when I last saw her. Which could only mean one thing. One thing. My stomach dropped as I imagined the possibility.
"It's internal, then is it? What happened to her?" I asked, inquisitively, as I studied her body, trying to keep my emotions at bay, albeit barely managing it. It was gently moving. Proof that she was thankfully still breathing.
"Maybe we ought to..." uttered the Commander from behind my back.
"Yeah. Mr. Cadenza... I'm sorry that this may be very distressing for you. But you're going to have to see it at some point. And we believe that's it better now, than never."
"Wha... what do you mean?" I began, frantically confused. I really should have asked that earlier, as now, nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to see.
The commander strapped on a pair of white protective gloves, adding to my fear and confusion. Just what was wrong with Tara... I didn't understand. The sister of mine that I had loved for so long... what was he doing...? And that's when Markon yanked her lips open, and I saw it. Tara... the inside of her mouth was completely black. Her tongue had been burnt out and shrivelled up into a small mess of pink and black no bigger than a thumb. The entire back of her mouth seemed to have been desecrated by some sort of fire, and yet... her external body looked fine. But her internals...
"Her eyes! How are her eyes?! What about them?!" I yelped out suddenly, with a sudden further bolt of fear mixed with exasperation. Then Sheridan just had to respond with...
"What eyes, son?" he stated, with a tone in his voice that just sounded so defeated, that one could cry just listening to it. Before I had even asked, Markon had pulled back her unresisting eyelids, to reveal another side-effect of what happened. Instead of eyes, all that was left was deep black pits, with no sign of any iris, no colour, none... just nothing left. Her eyes had been burnt right out of their sockets.
And well, once that kicked in... I froze. Thev... boy, did I scream. I really did scream. I collapsed onto the floor like no one could ever do, with the complete destruction of my composure. I couldn't help it though... It felt like my sister had been taken from me, forcefully. This was no accident... It was like she had been deliberately attempted to be murdered. But now, she was left blind, mute and possibly deaf as well, if not worse.
It took me several hours to recover. Commander Markson had stayed with me in the guest quarters all through the time, as I had just curled into the fetal position, without showing any sign of getting out of it. Eventually, when I did come out of it, I turned straight to him. I kept my voice straight, and monotonously, avoiding looking at his eyes. It was the only way I could talk without bursting into tears again.
"Who did this to her?" I uttered, with the monotonous voice laced with anger. Dried tears stained my face, and I could sincerely feel them beginning to boil.
"Well... that, Mr. Cadenza, is the result of an attack from the Kranos race. Their weapons... they allow them to paralyze humans instantly by burning their insides with the equivalent of an internal lava flow. Your sister was hit during an incident upon which they boarded a ship of the Kranos. The mission was an unexpected failure. Completely unexpected. I'm really sorry, Cadenza... there was nothing we can do." he uttered, sorrowfully. "If it's any consolation, we have our leading medical staff working on rebuilding her internal systems from the ground up."
I couldn't say anything at that point. I just nodded. I was completely unhappy with the whole thing to say the least. Not to mention... it had felt like my very soul had been scooped out of my body, and spat on there and then. I guess, that was the one point of which I finally felt a change in my resolve. My father felt that no one would die during war. Well, over time, the opposite would be true of me. I had the desire to avenge my sister in my heart. And there was nothing I could do that would be able to prevent that from manifesting itself in me. I guess I could say it changed me. Gave me things. Like a craving. A craving to bathe in the blood of the Kranos, no matter how dark that sounded.
I wanted revenge. And revenge was something that I would make sure I would get. But I did not want to kill anyone. That would make me a monster. So that required a change in career, a way that I can guide others to do the job for me. The job... of a starship pilot.
Once the stars stopped making the shapes of oblongs and arrows, I knew we had arrived. I gazed out of the window... but even the grimness of the situation couldn't stop me from noticing how beautiful the ship simply was as we approached it. The emerald sheen of her glazed in the shine of the stars, which highlighted the outline of her frame, but hiding the division between the Saucer Section and the Engineering sections of the ship, which had a distinct rectangular shape to it, unlike many other ships of its size.
Still, it proved a welcome distraction as we docked. The shuttle gradually eased itself into the bay of the much larger ship. I was not looking forward to seeing what I was possibly going to see. My sister, possibly near death? Dying? Maybe even already gone...? I had no wish to see that. I really didn't. All I wanted to do was go home. I did not want to endure what was to come. But still, I kept standing. Kept waiting for what was to eventually come.
Speaking of eventually, we finally touched down in the hanger deck of the Nero. I waited anxiously for the commander to open the door. We had spent the entire journey in an awkward silence... well, given that I was panicking my wits off, he saw it best not to actually say anything. I would have appreciated a hug, but it doesn't matter now.
The door opened, and there was a considerably larger man in another dark green suit, but with golden linings around his tie. A figure of authority, I thought.
"Ah, Captain. This... is the brother of Commander Cadenza." stated Markon, giving a salute and gesturing towards me at the same time.
It was obvious that this figure of authority was actually the captain of this vessel. Remarkably, he smiled and outstretched his hand towards me.
"Welcome, young man. My name is Captain Lance Sheridan, or the MAS Nero." he spoke, his voice deep and booming. I took his hand with a small, strained smile. "It's a true pity that it couldn't be under superior circumstances. Anyway, let us not dily-daly, chap. Your sister needs you right now."
Truer words never spoken. I followed the Captain and Commander through a series of corridors and elevators, complete with dark green ominous lighting. With each footstep that I took, I felt my spirit becoming heavier as the fear began to overwhelm my system. I struggled to keep up with them, but I just about managed to do so. Eventually, we came to sick bay. About time, I thought at the time.
The captain quickly turned to me, his eyes baring a new certain amount of intensity that I hadn't seen before. "Chap, before you go in... just know that we have our finest doctors trying to help her as much as possible. These people know what they're doing, and if God allows us, your sister will be up and about in time."
"The existence of God is far too debatable to be used in this situation. And don't treat me like a little kid. Take me to my sister please." I stated, monotonously. I had no room in my mind for their no doubt useless excuses. They were almost taken aback by my statement, but somehow, I think they knew that patronising an emotionally destabilised 19-year-old was probably the wrong thing to do at the wrong time.
I had to see her, and judge for myself. Only I could that. This was the only I would be able to come to terms with any sort of situation like this. However, there was only one other thing on my mind.
"Just one question... Our parents. Are they coming? Or are they here? Or anything?" I asked, before the Captain placed his palm in the wall scanner to open the door.
"We've contacted them... But we didn't hear a response. We only knew your location."
Oh, I could imagine why there wasn't a response. My mother was probably tearing straight into my "nobody-dies/gets-injured-in-this-war!" father.
Still, I was sure I'd see them soon enough, so wasting time here was probably a bad thing to do.
And so, Sheridan placed his hand in the scanner, and the door to the sickbay whooshed open smoothly, as if someone had pulled it open while running. As soon as it had, I stormed in, automatically looking everywhere for my sister. I had no idea how badly she was injured, or if she was even looking the same... I just didn't know what to think or what to believe. But then again, I had to calmly look. So that's what I did. However, Commander Markon patted me on the shoulder.
"Over here, son." he stated, simply, as he led me over to a patient's bed. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I eventually, over a course of heart-wrenching seconds, managed to bring myself to look at her face.
And it was fine. To my bizarre shock, she looked fine. Her complexion was... fine. Her appearance was as healthy as when I last saw her. Which could only mean one thing. One thing. My stomach dropped as I imagined the possibility.
"It's internal, then is it? What happened to her?" I asked, inquisitively, as I studied her body, trying to keep my emotions at bay, albeit barely managing it. It was gently moving. Proof that she was thankfully still breathing.
"Maybe we ought to..." uttered the Commander from behind my back.
"Yeah. Mr. Cadenza... I'm sorry that this may be very distressing for you. But you're going to have to see it at some point. And we believe that's it better now, than never."
"Wha... what do you mean?" I began, frantically confused. I really should have asked that earlier, as now, nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to see.
The commander strapped on a pair of white protective gloves, adding to my fear and confusion. Just what was wrong with Tara... I didn't understand. The sister of mine that I had loved for so long... what was he doing...? And that's when Markon yanked her lips open, and I saw it. Tara... the inside of her mouth was completely black. Her tongue had been burnt out and shrivelled up into a small mess of pink and black no bigger than a thumb. The entire back of her mouth seemed to have been desecrated by some sort of fire, and yet... her external body looked fine. But her internals...
"Her eyes! How are her eyes?! What about them?!" I yelped out suddenly, with a sudden further bolt of fear mixed with exasperation. Then Sheridan just had to respond with...
"What eyes, son?" he stated, with a tone in his voice that just sounded so defeated, that one could cry just listening to it. Before I had even asked, Markon had pulled back her unresisting eyelids, to reveal another side-effect of what happened. Instead of eyes, all that was left was deep black pits, with no sign of any iris, no colour, none... just nothing left. Her eyes had been burnt right out of their sockets.
And well, once that kicked in... I froze. Thev... boy, did I scream. I really did scream. I collapsed onto the floor like no one could ever do, with the complete destruction of my composure. I couldn't help it though... It felt like my sister had been taken from me, forcefully. This was no accident... It was like she had been deliberately attempted to be murdered. But now, she was left blind, mute and possibly deaf as well, if not worse.
It took me several hours to recover. Commander Markson had stayed with me in the guest quarters all through the time, as I had just curled into the fetal position, without showing any sign of getting out of it. Eventually, when I did come out of it, I turned straight to him. I kept my voice straight, and monotonously, avoiding looking at his eyes. It was the only way I could talk without bursting into tears again.
"Who did this to her?" I uttered, with the monotonous voice laced with anger. Dried tears stained my face, and I could sincerely feel them beginning to boil.
"Well... that, Mr. Cadenza, is the result of an attack from the Kranos race. Their weapons... they allow them to paralyze humans instantly by burning their insides with the equivalent of an internal lava flow. Your sister was hit during an incident upon which they boarded a ship of the Kranos. The mission was an unexpected failure. Completely unexpected. I'm really sorry, Cadenza... there was nothing we can do." he uttered, sorrowfully. "If it's any consolation, we have our leading medical staff working on rebuilding her internal systems from the ground up."
I couldn't say anything at that point. I just nodded. I was completely unhappy with the whole thing to say the least. Not to mention... it had felt like my very soul had been scooped out of my body, and spat on there and then. I guess, that was the one point of which I finally felt a change in my resolve. My father felt that no one would die during war. Well, over time, the opposite would be true of me. I had the desire to avenge my sister in my heart. And there was nothing I could do that would be able to prevent that from manifesting itself in me. I guess I could say it changed me. Gave me things. Like a craving. A craving to bathe in the blood of the Kranos, no matter how dark that sounded.
I wanted revenge. And revenge was something that I would make sure I would get. But I did not want to kill anyone. That would make me a monster. So that required a change in career, a way that I can guide others to do the job for me. The job... of a starship pilot.
Spoiler : Chapter 4 - Reincarnation of the Goals :
"A pilot? Well, I don't know about that... I'm completely surprised by the career choice I mean. You wanted to be a doctor, right? It's a bit of a big jump to go straight to pilot."
Me and Kathryn decided to have a talk about my relatively "unprovoked" career change. Soon, the blue uniform I was wearing was hopefully going to change to a darker shade of red to seal the deal. Hopefully, anyway. It was the only way I could even begin to put my plan into action, so hopefully, I would be able to then put my plan into action. Hopefully.
"It's the only thing I want to do... I need to get into the field. I know I sounds like a hasty decision, but... I just feel it's right for me." I said to her with unwavering determination in my voice. It was almost comical. Almost. But I really did feel that just getting out there would do far more good to stop people being assaulted the way my sister was. I had to. After all, it was the right thing to do. Or so I believed at the time. I mean... I had poisoned by the need to take revenge against those who attacked my sister. Sure, the scientists could do their best and recreate her internals... But she wouldn't be the same. She just wouldn't be the same sister of mine, and it was all their fault. Something that I had to rectify even if it was the last thing I ever did.
"Yeah... but I can't help that feel that your sis has something to do with it." she replied, her voice, far less convinced than mine was. I mean, yes she was badly injured... but y'know... this should be more of a motivation to help people like her."
"But... what if they move up a notch and start killing rather than just disabling? I can't keep repairing the injured constantly, soon there will be just too many to deal with. I need to work on eliminating the threat. And I can do that through the-"
"Yeah, yeah, front line, I get all that. But you want to be a pilot, not a master tactician. What's the point? I mean..." she interrupted, holding her hand up to cease my words, much to my chagrin. "I mean... Don't. You've heard all of those old stories about revenge, right? Moby Dick... Star Wars... y'know? Don't go down that route man, it's not worth it."
This time, I really had to swallow my tongue. I really did want revenge for my sister, but I wasn't about to let her talk me out of it. What came out of my mouth then weren't exactly lies per say, but more... half-truths. They were the side-intentions of my new career. "No... That's not exactly the full reason as I said. I really want to put this threat to bed again. Once and for all, I want to end this Kranos race, or they'll just continue to damage us in godknows how many other ways? Maybe some we haven't even heard of yet... I just really want to this, and I could really use your support Kathryn. Honestly."
"Well... you know what I think. Doctors could have their uses without being on the field, and on the field at the same time. During battles, people'll get hurt and-"
"And as a pilot, I can prevent that from even happening!" I blurted out, this time interrupting her. "If I can avoid all the shots, I can make the ship hold out long enough long enough to do some real damage to the opposing side!"
"You... hmm. You have this all planned out don't you." she stated, stifling a smile. It was almost... comforting. She was almost seeing my point of view, which is all I really wanted from this.
"Yeah... in a way, yes I do. Glad you can see that. To help the galaxy to reach a, wait for it," I began, before switching to my posh English accent, "better and brighter future!"
"Ha, you'd make a good politician that's for sure. Why don't you consider a full career change?" she said, the smile on her face now a bright grin. Oh, how I had wanted to see that. And now I did. And it felt brilliant.
"Why thank you... I'm not entirely sure how to take that, but thank you anyway, my dear friend." I laughed, slightly uncertainly, but also somewhat happily. It brightened up my day, either way.
But then it was time for times to change. This blue uniform was about to mutate into a red one. My own choice, and hopefully the one for the benefit of all others. At least, I hoped so anyway. If it all went to hell, thankfully I had gathered up enough medical knowledge that would get me the pay of a nurse for at least a day or so, so that I could fall back on. Not that I needed it of course, since this was going to go perfectly... maybe too perfectly. Either way, the next morning, with all requests made, talks done, and everything checked out, I went straight to the pilot section of the academy. My first day as a pilot, and my first day in red. Hopefully, this would be a good day at the office, as opposed to a rubbish day at the starport.
Two hours later, I was living my dream. I was rushing through space, flying through the stars as they passed by me in clusters and streams. My eyes quickly diverted themselves to the radar - two enemy ships were on the incoming. Ohoho, now was the chance to put my skills into action, as I truly wanted to exert myself on this. I steered the controls over to guide my shuttle to drastically avoid the incoming torpedoes, and I managed to do so just by a hair's length! Much to my surprise, as well. I spun my ship into a barrel roll, as I managed to avoid all the incoming shots, before retaliating with a few of my own. My own torpedoes struck gold... or more specifically, golden enemy hull. They went down, crashing and burning through space to the planet below!
Suddenly a small counter on the right hand side of my window blurted out 30 SECONDS LEFT, just as the mothership came on screen. 30 seconds? Until what, may I ask? Well, I didn't ask, but that's beside the point. I stormed over in my ship to the battleship that was the aforementioned alien mothership, its hull shining in the light of the sun, a beautiful golden light. A gold that I would have to quickly dim. The time went down to 25 seconds as I begun my assault in my small ship, firing torpedoes at what looked like the bridge, and directing my plasma cannons to the ship's weapon array. The intense feeling of satisfaction was starting to build up in my mind. 15 seconds. The ship was already beginning to show burns and marks from my penetrating blows.
And then that one torpedo came out of nowhere. It hit the port warp nacelle with explosive force, completely removing my shield. The satisfaction built up over the past few minutes was now a simple thing of the past as I was sprawling out of control. All I could do was let out a sprawling amount of "No"s to coincide with it, as I noticed the antimatter leakage in the shuttle's core. 5 Seconds remaining. One thing to do. Go out with all guns blazing - warp into collision course mode!
And so, the ensuing flames flooded the cockpit, completely destroying everything inside while I just sat there, stoically, and watched. The flames licked at my uniform, but I didn't do anything but let out a single, solitary sigh. Why, you ask? Because it was that simple mistake which had no doubt cost me the perfect mark on the simulation.
The cockpit's melting form transformed into a small silver cube, which widened extremely to focus into form the living bodies of my classmates, and of course, the teacher. But much to my fortune, the teacher was smiling. "Ha, excellent display of command and showmanship, Mr. Cadenza. Your tactical ability was very apparent, as was the use of ramming speed against impossible odds. The explosion would have decimated a large part of the mothership, so you had the right idea. Well done."
As much as I appreciated the praise, I did wonder... was someone going to do it even better? It was selfish of me, but I wanted to remain the top dog. Naturally, I had to become it first. But of course... I needed to do so. To achieve my goal of heading onto one of the top starships I needed to really step up my game. But of course, there was the question of how.
Throughout the gruelling and challenging months of the course that I progressed through, I managed to persevere. Soon enough... I felt like my goal of becoming the Top Dog was starting to become a reality. But of course, I was only going to be one of many top dogs throughout the academy. Oh how joyful to part of a select group... I thought. Select groups are not cool, kids. Never join a select group. And always make sure that each day is always just another day at the office. No idea, why I'm lecturing, but... Anyway, moving on! There was one thing now that I needed to do. To prove myself. Just one. The words of my father echoed around in my mind.
"You could even enter the TetroRacer Competition, or whatever they call now."
I had spoken to my parents several times over the months I had been at the Academy. Almost at least once a week, sometimes twice a day. So many variables, it was always a pain, but it gave me a sense of normality. Especially after my sister was injured. My mother had been devastated by it, and of course, she was as mad as hell towards my father.
It's only natural of course, what with being a parent. I never really got on with my father anyway... But nonetheless, I decided to follow what he had told me the night before I joined. After all, why not... He had a point.
So I ventured off to enter into the race. The results of which, would be properly, properly interesting. Time to call my father's bluff, and see if I really am as good as he said. Then I would be able to see if I was really worth going out of the field.
Me and Kathryn decided to have a talk about my relatively "unprovoked" career change. Soon, the blue uniform I was wearing was hopefully going to change to a darker shade of red to seal the deal. Hopefully, anyway. It was the only way I could even begin to put my plan into action, so hopefully, I would be able to then put my plan into action. Hopefully.
"It's the only thing I want to do... I need to get into the field. I know I sounds like a hasty decision, but... I just feel it's right for me." I said to her with unwavering determination in my voice. It was almost comical. Almost. But I really did feel that just getting out there would do far more good to stop people being assaulted the way my sister was. I had to. After all, it was the right thing to do. Or so I believed at the time. I mean... I had poisoned by the need to take revenge against those who attacked my sister. Sure, the scientists could do their best and recreate her internals... But she wouldn't be the same. She just wouldn't be the same sister of mine, and it was all their fault. Something that I had to rectify even if it was the last thing I ever did.
"Yeah... but I can't help that feel that your sis has something to do with it." she replied, her voice, far less convinced than mine was. I mean, yes she was badly injured... but y'know... this should be more of a motivation to help people like her."
"But... what if they move up a notch and start killing rather than just disabling? I can't keep repairing the injured constantly, soon there will be just too many to deal with. I need to work on eliminating the threat. And I can do that through the-"
"Yeah, yeah, front line, I get all that. But you want to be a pilot, not a master tactician. What's the point? I mean..." she interrupted, holding her hand up to cease my words, much to my chagrin. "I mean... Don't. You've heard all of those old stories about revenge, right? Moby Dick... Star Wars... y'know? Don't go down that route man, it's not worth it."
This time, I really had to swallow my tongue. I really did want revenge for my sister, but I wasn't about to let her talk me out of it. What came out of my mouth then weren't exactly lies per say, but more... half-truths. They were the side-intentions of my new career. "No... That's not exactly the full reason as I said. I really want to put this threat to bed again. Once and for all, I want to end this Kranos race, or they'll just continue to damage us in godknows how many other ways? Maybe some we haven't even heard of yet... I just really want to this, and I could really use your support Kathryn. Honestly."
"Well... you know what I think. Doctors could have their uses without being on the field, and on the field at the same time. During battles, people'll get hurt and-"
"And as a pilot, I can prevent that from even happening!" I blurted out, this time interrupting her. "If I can avoid all the shots, I can make the ship hold out long enough long enough to do some real damage to the opposing side!"
"You... hmm. You have this all planned out don't you." she stated, stifling a smile. It was almost... comforting. She was almost seeing my point of view, which is all I really wanted from this.
"Yeah... in a way, yes I do. Glad you can see that. To help the galaxy to reach a, wait for it," I began, before switching to my posh English accent, "better and brighter future!"
"Ha, you'd make a good politician that's for sure. Why don't you consider a full career change?" she said, the smile on her face now a bright grin. Oh, how I had wanted to see that. And now I did. And it felt brilliant.
"Why thank you... I'm not entirely sure how to take that, but thank you anyway, my dear friend." I laughed, slightly uncertainly, but also somewhat happily. It brightened up my day, either way.
But then it was time for times to change. This blue uniform was about to mutate into a red one. My own choice, and hopefully the one for the benefit of all others. At least, I hoped so anyway. If it all went to hell, thankfully I had gathered up enough medical knowledge that would get me the pay of a nurse for at least a day or so, so that I could fall back on. Not that I needed it of course, since this was going to go perfectly... maybe too perfectly. Either way, the next morning, with all requests made, talks done, and everything checked out, I went straight to the pilot section of the academy. My first day as a pilot, and my first day in red. Hopefully, this would be a good day at the office, as opposed to a rubbish day at the starport.
Two hours later, I was living my dream. I was rushing through space, flying through the stars as they passed by me in clusters and streams. My eyes quickly diverted themselves to the radar - two enemy ships were on the incoming. Ohoho, now was the chance to put my skills into action, as I truly wanted to exert myself on this. I steered the controls over to guide my shuttle to drastically avoid the incoming torpedoes, and I managed to do so just by a hair's length! Much to my surprise, as well. I spun my ship into a barrel roll, as I managed to avoid all the incoming shots, before retaliating with a few of my own. My own torpedoes struck gold... or more specifically, golden enemy hull. They went down, crashing and burning through space to the planet below!
Suddenly a small counter on the right hand side of my window blurted out 30 SECONDS LEFT, just as the mothership came on screen. 30 seconds? Until what, may I ask? Well, I didn't ask, but that's beside the point. I stormed over in my ship to the battleship that was the aforementioned alien mothership, its hull shining in the light of the sun, a beautiful golden light. A gold that I would have to quickly dim. The time went down to 25 seconds as I begun my assault in my small ship, firing torpedoes at what looked like the bridge, and directing my plasma cannons to the ship's weapon array. The intense feeling of satisfaction was starting to build up in my mind. 15 seconds. The ship was already beginning to show burns and marks from my penetrating blows.
And then that one torpedo came out of nowhere. It hit the port warp nacelle with explosive force, completely removing my shield. The satisfaction built up over the past few minutes was now a simple thing of the past as I was sprawling out of control. All I could do was let out a sprawling amount of "No"s to coincide with it, as I noticed the antimatter leakage in the shuttle's core. 5 Seconds remaining. One thing to do. Go out with all guns blazing - warp into collision course mode!
And so, the ensuing flames flooded the cockpit, completely destroying everything inside while I just sat there, stoically, and watched. The flames licked at my uniform, but I didn't do anything but let out a single, solitary sigh. Why, you ask? Because it was that simple mistake which had no doubt cost me the perfect mark on the simulation.
The cockpit's melting form transformed into a small silver cube, which widened extremely to focus into form the living bodies of my classmates, and of course, the teacher. But much to my fortune, the teacher was smiling. "Ha, excellent display of command and showmanship, Mr. Cadenza. Your tactical ability was very apparent, as was the use of ramming speed against impossible odds. The explosion would have decimated a large part of the mothership, so you had the right idea. Well done."
As much as I appreciated the praise, I did wonder... was someone going to do it even better? It was selfish of me, but I wanted to remain the top dog. Naturally, I had to become it first. But of course... I needed to do so. To achieve my goal of heading onto one of the top starships I needed to really step up my game. But of course, there was the question of how.
Throughout the gruelling and challenging months of the course that I progressed through, I managed to persevere. Soon enough... I felt like my goal of becoming the Top Dog was starting to become a reality. But of course, I was only going to be one of many top dogs throughout the academy. Oh how joyful to part of a select group... I thought. Select groups are not cool, kids. Never join a select group. And always make sure that each day is always just another day at the office. No idea, why I'm lecturing, but... Anyway, moving on! There was one thing now that I needed to do. To prove myself. Just one. The words of my father echoed around in my mind.
"You could even enter the TetroRacer Competition, or whatever they call now."
I had spoken to my parents several times over the months I had been at the Academy. Almost at least once a week, sometimes twice a day. So many variables, it was always a pain, but it gave me a sense of normality. Especially after my sister was injured. My mother had been devastated by it, and of course, she was as mad as hell towards my father.
It's only natural of course, what with being a parent. I never really got on with my father anyway... But nonetheless, I decided to follow what he had told me the night before I joined. After all, why not... He had a point.
So I ventured off to enter into the race. The results of which, would be properly, properly interesting. Time to call my father's bluff, and see if I really am as good as he said. Then I would be able to see if I was really worth going out of the field.
Spoiler : Chapter 5 - Mutual Losses and Mutual Gains :
And so, after weeks of training with academy shuttles and simulations, I was finally ready. This was going to be a massive event in history. The TetroRacer LVII, or 57 for anyone unaware of Roman Numerals, Competition was one of the whole industry's most prided event. The fastest timed member of each army's academy would become that academy's representative in the race. The big race. A one off event heading from Earth's starport to Neptune's. A massively long race that could sometimes take hours at the speeds the shuttles were capable of going.
And I was in the final race of the Galacix army's qualification round. It had been a tightly fought battle, with plenty of losers and hardly any winners. Except myself and three others. I was prepping for the final test. A free for all between the four of us. A short trip form Earth to Mars. A trip that can usually be accomplished in about... ooooh... About an hour at a below-warp speed. It was a big challenge nonetheless. I took nothing for granted. As I walked along the corridor to the training area, I bumped into a familiar face. One that I hadn't exactly wanted to bump into.
"Ah, Cadenza. It's been a long time." came the low, joyless voice of Merrik Calvia from down the hall. "I take it you're heading for the race station?"
"Indeed I am!" I stated, in my contrasting enthusiastic tone. Over the past few months, I had met Merrik time and time again, each time far and between. Which was just as well, because every single time he just seemed to become less and less likeable. Emphasis on time and less. The two are very, very linked. But I didn't exactly know why. It was rather inconspicuous and odd. But I continued.
"Hopefully, I'll be able take the crown and go on to win the universal championship... well, we can dream eh?"
"Yeah... you can. Unfortunately, I'm entering. I have no such interest in letting you achieve that dream, so-"
"Wait, wait, since when did you get into the qualifying rounds? I didn't see your name?" I asked, inquisitively. This was most peculiar. And annoying.
"I have friends, Cadenza. Friends get you places. High, high and ever so glorious places." he stated, with a little bit of pity in his eyes. As if his victory to him was all but assured. He didn't even enter fairly and squarely like the others! How was he even supposed to be taken seriously? Goodness me, I've met some arrogant fools in my life, but he really outdid them all.
"Oh... really?" I stated, my eyes narrowed in abject disapproval. "Well... good for you. I hope you enjoy coming second."
"Not with the ship I'm racing in. I'll dominate the race. Dominate it... I say." he uttered. I could almost see the slight tilt of a smile beginning to form at his face, the sly fool.
"Well, good luck taking out all four of us." I replied, still slightly smiling. "Regardless of what you're thinking, the four of us have been training too. Raw ability and skill-"
"Is overrated, and therefore excusable. Speed is the most important factor here, you see?" he stated, once again in a gloating manner. I contemplated poking him in the eyes just to get a different reaction out of him, but decided that doing that probably would not end well for me. He had a small point though. If his car was faster than we would not actually be able to catch him. Which could lead to some complications such as him actually winning.
I stood for a nanosecond in stunned silence as I looked into Merrik's deep brown eyes. He was truly devious. A far cry from his sister who was far kinder, and more benevolent. This man was a curse on society, and proof that apples could slowly drift away from the tree. As much as I like speed... I hated the vary notion cheating... Just what was the point? I had finally managed to formulate a response when my mouth opened thankfully.
"You have a point there... but it's about knowing how to use those skills in conjoint with the ship's speed. No good having all that speed of you don't know how to use it." I replied, in my finest, 'well actually' voice. Always fun to disagree with and irritate the arrogant.
"Humph... Well, at least you see my view. That's impressive, usually people just attempt to shut me down after the first two sentences. Which really isn't cool, I may add." he told me, his eyebrows raised, as he looked elsewhere around the corridor apart from my face, breaking the eye contact with had. However, he turned back to me, with a more serious expression. "Nonetheless... let's keep it a good clean race. I despise cheating during a race. Until then, take care, Cadenza." he stated, more monotonously than before. Funny, to him cheating was wrong during the race, but it was perfectly fine outside the race. Ahh, inconsistency at its finest.
"Yeah... you too." I managed to utter, despite the fact that he was very rapidly heading out of earshot. That's also one of the reasons I hate chance encounters. They're much to often with the people you don't like. So, I re-began my journey back to the training area. Usually it was just simulations in there, but they helped. Fortunately, there was an old friend there.
"You just saw your brother I take it?" I stated, casually, potentially stating the obvious.
"Ohhhh, yes. Can't miss him." replied Kathryn, a forced smile appearing on her face at the mention of him.
"Him or his attitude, it seems." I added on, still slightly annoyed about our 'encounter' if you can call it that.
"Oh, yes. His ego is building by the minute. Poor guy. Pity you'll crush him in the race, ay?" she stated, enthusiastically as usual.
"Well, I wouldn't say crush... One second win isn't out of the question though." I replied, scratching my head in an embarrassed fashion.
"Good. He needs his ego taken down a bit... It's getting too much even at home. Him and his 'friends'. They're driving me up the wall. It's amazing...ly annoying. Give me strength. Jeez of all Gods..."
She carried on like that for all of about a minute before finally giving me a chance to speak.
"Well, I'll do my best." I said to her, placing my hand on her shoulder. Funny what a few months could do to a person anyway. Already, through the months of hard toil, Kathryn had seemingly evolved into a somewhat quieter... more mature person. She was still the lovely person I met, but in a gradually changing casing. Which some might say was a good thing.
"Your best is enough for me - should be enough to win too, you never know!" she exclaimed confidently. Well, at least I had a target now... beat Merrik at his own game. Let Skill outmatch Speed. If it was possible, that is... which is surely was. Most assuredly. Well, it had to be, or I'd be truly screwed. But still, another few hours of training beckoned, before the real thing kicked off during the night.
So after roundabout 3 hours of excessive training, and half-a-dozen tricky manoeuvres and near-crashes later, I had finally been prepared. Or at least I thought I was. You could only do so much before you finally end up taking an attitude that essentially equated to "Please let me curl up into a fine little ball, and bury my head into the floor". Grim, I know.
But all the same, it was finally time - 9:00 PM. 1 hour before the race. Ample time to prepare. I have to say. Of course, it was harder than that. Getting ready for the biggest race of your life, and I'm starting to feel cold just thinking about it. Or, more likely, remembering it. Oh, my. However, it was not as good as you would think it would be... it was much more of a bad incident, because you wouldn't expect a space race to go the way that one did... And boy, it did go badly. I don't think I'll ever really forget it, just suppress it. It was both spectacular and horrific... allow me to explain.
And I was in the final race of the Galacix army's qualification round. It had been a tightly fought battle, with plenty of losers and hardly any winners. Except myself and three others. I was prepping for the final test. A free for all between the four of us. A short trip form Earth to Mars. A trip that can usually be accomplished in about... ooooh... About an hour at a below-warp speed. It was a big challenge nonetheless. I took nothing for granted. As I walked along the corridor to the training area, I bumped into a familiar face. One that I hadn't exactly wanted to bump into.
"Ah, Cadenza. It's been a long time." came the low, joyless voice of Merrik Calvia from down the hall. "I take it you're heading for the race station?"
"Indeed I am!" I stated, in my contrasting enthusiastic tone. Over the past few months, I had met Merrik time and time again, each time far and between. Which was just as well, because every single time he just seemed to become less and less likeable. Emphasis on time and less. The two are very, very linked. But I didn't exactly know why. It was rather inconspicuous and odd. But I continued.
"Hopefully, I'll be able take the crown and go on to win the universal championship... well, we can dream eh?"
"Yeah... you can. Unfortunately, I'm entering. I have no such interest in letting you achieve that dream, so-"
"Wait, wait, since when did you get into the qualifying rounds? I didn't see your name?" I asked, inquisitively. This was most peculiar. And annoying.
"I have friends, Cadenza. Friends get you places. High, high and ever so glorious places." he stated, with a little bit of pity in his eyes. As if his victory to him was all but assured. He didn't even enter fairly and squarely like the others! How was he even supposed to be taken seriously? Goodness me, I've met some arrogant fools in my life, but he really outdid them all.
"Oh... really?" I stated, my eyes narrowed in abject disapproval. "Well... good for you. I hope you enjoy coming second."
"Not with the ship I'm racing in. I'll dominate the race. Dominate it... I say." he uttered. I could almost see the slight tilt of a smile beginning to form at his face, the sly fool.
"Well, good luck taking out all four of us." I replied, still slightly smiling. "Regardless of what you're thinking, the four of us have been training too. Raw ability and skill-"
"Is overrated, and therefore excusable. Speed is the most important factor here, you see?" he stated, once again in a gloating manner. I contemplated poking him in the eyes just to get a different reaction out of him, but decided that doing that probably would not end well for me. He had a small point though. If his car was faster than we would not actually be able to catch him. Which could lead to some complications such as him actually winning.
I stood for a nanosecond in stunned silence as I looked into Merrik's deep brown eyes. He was truly devious. A far cry from his sister who was far kinder, and more benevolent. This man was a curse on society, and proof that apples could slowly drift away from the tree. As much as I like speed... I hated the vary notion cheating... Just what was the point? I had finally managed to formulate a response when my mouth opened thankfully.
"You have a point there... but it's about knowing how to use those skills in conjoint with the ship's speed. No good having all that speed of you don't know how to use it." I replied, in my finest, 'well actually' voice. Always fun to disagree with and irritate the arrogant.
"Humph... Well, at least you see my view. That's impressive, usually people just attempt to shut me down after the first two sentences. Which really isn't cool, I may add." he told me, his eyebrows raised, as he looked elsewhere around the corridor apart from my face, breaking the eye contact with had. However, he turned back to me, with a more serious expression. "Nonetheless... let's keep it a good clean race. I despise cheating during a race. Until then, take care, Cadenza." he stated, more monotonously than before. Funny, to him cheating was wrong during the race, but it was perfectly fine outside the race. Ahh, inconsistency at its finest.
"Yeah... you too." I managed to utter, despite the fact that he was very rapidly heading out of earshot. That's also one of the reasons I hate chance encounters. They're much to often with the people you don't like. So, I re-began my journey back to the training area. Usually it was just simulations in there, but they helped. Fortunately, there was an old friend there.
"You just saw your brother I take it?" I stated, casually, potentially stating the obvious.
"Ohhhh, yes. Can't miss him." replied Kathryn, a forced smile appearing on her face at the mention of him.
"Him or his attitude, it seems." I added on, still slightly annoyed about our 'encounter' if you can call it that.
"Oh, yes. His ego is building by the minute. Poor guy. Pity you'll crush him in the race, ay?" she stated, enthusiastically as usual.
"Well, I wouldn't say crush... One second win isn't out of the question though." I replied, scratching my head in an embarrassed fashion.
"Good. He needs his ego taken down a bit... It's getting too much even at home. Him and his 'friends'. They're driving me up the wall. It's amazing...ly annoying. Give me strength. Jeez of all Gods..."
She carried on like that for all of about a minute before finally giving me a chance to speak.
"Well, I'll do my best." I said to her, placing my hand on her shoulder. Funny what a few months could do to a person anyway. Already, through the months of hard toil, Kathryn had seemingly evolved into a somewhat quieter... more mature person. She was still the lovely person I met, but in a gradually changing casing. Which some might say was a good thing.
"Your best is enough for me - should be enough to win too, you never know!" she exclaimed confidently. Well, at least I had a target now... beat Merrik at his own game. Let Skill outmatch Speed. If it was possible, that is... which is surely was. Most assuredly. Well, it had to be, or I'd be truly screwed. But still, another few hours of training beckoned, before the real thing kicked off during the night.
So after roundabout 3 hours of excessive training, and half-a-dozen tricky manoeuvres and near-crashes later, I had finally been prepared. Or at least I thought I was. You could only do so much before you finally end up taking an attitude that essentially equated to "Please let me curl up into a fine little ball, and bury my head into the floor". Grim, I know.
But all the same, it was finally time - 9:00 PM. 1 hour before the race. Ample time to prepare. I have to say. Of course, it was harder than that. Getting ready for the biggest race of your life, and I'm starting to feel cold just thinking about it. Or, more likely, remembering it. Oh, my. However, it was not as good as you would think it would be... it was much more of a bad incident, because you wouldn't expect a space race to go the way that one did... And boy, it did go badly. I don't think I'll ever really forget it, just suppress it. It was both spectacular and horrific... allow me to explain.
Spoiler : Chapter 6 - The Chase :
And so, the fateful day had come. The final qualification match that would decide who would go through to the grand championship of TetraRacer 57. The one that would no doubt go on to shock audiences around the universe and give them a great deal of amusement. Hypothetically. But we still had this part to get through first. The qualification. I was now prepared, anyway. My uniform had been changed to more skin-tight leather-like outfit, with red and silver stripes in a repeating horizontal pattern, along with the white zipper line that seemed to randomly stand out as a white line of radioactivity. It was very, very white.
The main fact of the whole competition was that despite everything, the main battle was to be against Merrik. Kathryn's moody cheater of a half-brother. Mercifully, it was guaranteed to be a close-run race, between all five of the competitors. However, there could only be one victor. And I had my doubts about who it would be. The only goal I had was to make sure I beat Merrik at his game. That was all I wanted to achieve.
So, there I was, walking down the slope towards the hangar bay where I would be soon be making some final adjustments to my own ship.
"Mika!" shouted the moderately high voice behind me. It could really only be shouted out by one person.
"Ahhh, the great Kathryn Calvia. Here to wish me luck?" I stated, happily, extending my arms out for a hug as I turned to face her, a bright smile written all over my face.
"Hey you! You're going to kick some fresh alien ass today." she stated, following up my embrace.
“Ha, I wish! Everyone’s a human in this race... which is quite an achievement thinking about it.” I stated, as she separated from me. She had a tremendous grin on her face also, like she had just seen something vaguely interesting fly somewhere.
"Ha, well I can only hope so. Let's walk and talk." I stated, running my hands over my hair as I continued to look for the way out. As soon as I found out, I turned back to her. "So... About Merrik? Aren't you going to... Wish him love and good luck within the race."
"I've already tried. But I just couldn't. He honestly doesn't even deserve his position there... He bribed his way into it. That's just wrong, man..." she stated, with a hint of frustration in her voice. I couldn’t blame her. I’d be ashamed too if my brother had done such a devious thing. Not to mention embarrassed by association. I mean… cheating your way into a popular competition of skill and ability… That is just low. Very low. Either way, I had a duty to her, and to myself in the spirit of fair play to stop him, and stop him I so wanted to, if only to see the look on his face as his master plan crumbled before his eyes.
We entered the hangar bay, the bright lights almost burning my eyes to cinders as I walked in. I had never understood why… It just happened like that. No clue. But still, it was as annoying as hell’s eleventh circle. Either way, I soon located my ship that I would soon be riding in the next hour or so. “Here she is.” I gestured to Kathryn as I pointed to the majesty that was my racing craft… The TarCa.
It was truly a good design, at the risk of sounding a bit self-indulgent. The way it shined in the intense lighting of the hangar bay, the way the nacelles on each side tilted slightly off the group like wings at the side of a 20th century plane… It was all so beautiful. I especially liked the maroon and silver glow it seemed to have around its very outline. It was remarkable. In my view of course. The design guys had done an amazing job putting her together.
“You named it after your Sister? Aw.” Smiled Kathryn, as she read the name printed onto the side of the ship. “That’s like… so… aw.” She gave an enthusiastic two thumbs up as she said the words. I beamed as she said the words. It was like an artist having his painting applauded. It was from my friend, so naturally there would be an element of bias, but it was good bias. Needless to say, I was happy. Very happy. I patted the ship on its side, smiling as I looked at it in admiration. Hopefully, this would be the ship that would take me to victory. It was a long shot, since I had a total of three highly skilled competitors to go against, and a fourth who was an obvious scoundrel and a cheat. This would certainly be an interesting match, that would no doubt live on in infamy.
Actually, it was. But it would live on in infamy for an all too different reason, as I am soon to explain. A bad day at the office? Well… you know nothing yet. This is more than a bad day. This is… well… It’s still hard to properly explain. But still… in the words of a man I once met, I guess the appropriate phrase is “Allons-y!”
The hour of the race approached. I was now inside of my ship’s cockpit, strapped in, with all the inertial dampeners, or stabilisers, for lack of a better word, turned on and active. They were working perfectly, thank goodness. If they weren’t, I would be a red and silver mess at the back of my ship. There had been about 20 instances of that happening across the past 56 TetraRacers. I certainly hoped that no one became the 21st, even before the actual competition. It was that sort of thing that made me shudder. But then again, it was nothing I really thought about unless I was in that situation.
I slowly guided my ship over to the start line, alongside Merrik’s ship, and the other three. Mind you, the other three were not to be laughed at.
We had Indingias Newt, the only person to so far come close to matching my time in the academy race records. A racer by trade, she had won about 60 races before joining Galacix, with only 15 losses – but never a finish below 3rd place. Truly, a force to be reckoned with to an almost devastating extent. Next up was Calligula Regas, a speed demon by nature, and a joker by trade. My research showed he almost as threatening as Annie, but he was less experienced, with a more dodgy record. Over an industrious career once again before joining the academy, he had won about 50 of his races, losing around 20. Slightly easier to beat. And then finally, Esque Markon, the ultimate of the racers. A grand man of an incredibly large build – about 6’8’’ at least. Likewise, his wins weren’t to be sneezed at. 55 Wins, with only around 19 losses.
Then we had Merrik, with a non-academy record of 0 wins and 2 losses. Not really that impressive, hence why he actually had to use his friends to get in. I’m still not sure why he came in, except that I had the distinct feeling that it was to take a swipe at me, with a level of over-confidence. Throughout my own racing career which had gone on since before the academy, I had managed to win about… ooh… 25 races? I did manage to lose around 12 of them though, so I had a decent success rate. But I wasn't exactly on the terms of the big leagues. So, as I'm sure you can imagine, the whole thing was extremely daunting to me.
As I revved my ship on the start line, few things were going on in my mind. How was I going to stand a chance against them? But then I quickly put that concern out of my mind as I tried to keep my main goal in mind, that was to defeat Merrik at his own game, and to make sure that he knows that cheaters never win. Ever. So, essentially, it was a one against one battle. Or so I thought at the time. I looked to my right. Kathryn was standing there, along with my other classmates from my pilot class. This was judgement day for me. True judgement day. I waved over to them, slightly nervously, yet ever-so-slightly enthusiastically. I kept my mood high, for as long as I could come 4th, to me, it would be a victory.
So, I noticed the banner being held by the referee-droid. It was glowing red. It was not time to start racing yet. My heart was pounding in my chest, faster than ever before, which was most ironic given the circumstances. I licked my chapped lips as I continued to await the chance to set off. I noticed to my left that Merrik didn't even have his fingers on the wheel, the arrogant pillock. But I quickly turned my attention back to my own wheel. This was not the time to let my blood pressure finally be the end of me before the race even begun.
Yellow. The droid's flag glowed a brand new golden shade of yellow. In doing so, the impulse engines of each craft including my own, glowed a brightening shade of red. Heat was being radiated at all angles by the ships, and was no doubt cooking random heat-sensitive creatures at an alarming rate. Just great. But still, at least we five would be safe from that particular threat. Finally, the shade of the droid's iconic banner-flag finally began to change for the final time. Merrik finally woke up and remembered where he was, and got ready to go, along with the three other behemoths.
Finally, when the shade turned green, we blasted off through the forcefield separating us from space, leaving behind a trail of energy particles in the wake of the cheering audience in the auditorium. The chase was on.
So we were off. Much to my chagrin, I was already in 5th place. Merrik's ship was surprisingly fast, do doubt due to some high-end modification that I could never afford. The ships of the other three were in front by some considerable margin as well, which only served to make matters worse. But the icing on the cake was the radar screen. I narrowed my eyes at the screen's interface in front of me. It was black, like it had malfunctioned. I bashed it with my left fist to get it started again, but to no avail. How amazing. And if you couldn't tell, that was sarcasm. Just great. Absolutely great. I was running blind.
I ran my hand down my face and quickly sent the same hand searching for my toolbox. At the same time, I kept a keen eye on the race. Everyone was fighting amongst themselves trying to get ahead, with energy trails blazing their way through space. It was truly a sight to behold - a high-speed space race! Just as speedily, I thought my hydro-spanner. I quickly put my foot down on the acceleration control, and sped towards the nearest ship I could see - in this case, it was naturally and always going to be, Merrik's. He was starting to fall behind, the three giants of racing taking proper control over the situation, and kicking him out of it.
In third place was Esque, and despite Merrik's best attempts, his ship just kept him out, even side swaying to prevent him from even trying to overtake the gargantuan racer.
With the race in full swing, I could only imagine how excited the crowd were, and how concerned they would be if their favourite wasn't doing as well that they hoped. Namely Kathryn. She was probably going mad that Merrik was still in front, and I couldn't blame her. I'd be mad too. Actually I was mad, since I WAS THE ONE FAILING TO BEAT HIM.
Finally, after continuous bashing of the screen and clipping with the Hydro-Spanner, Mr. Radar Screen finally decided to come back to something that resembled life.
"Welcome to the AppleSoft MacIndos 275.12." it began to state with the joyless nature of a dead clown. "How may I help you today?"
"Radar. I need radar." I stated, frantically, with a voice that was something little more equivalent to a panicked rodent. "And fast!"
"Radar is operational." It simply said, with all the care and enthusiasm of a dead ant.
"Oh, Christ... For the love of... I want the Radar interface activated!" I stated, struggling to contain my anger. It was my fault for letting them put in a device that failed to comprehend human emotion in stressed situations, the son of a...
"Radar Interface is already active." it spoke monotonously, now trying to affirm its role as troll of the universe.
"You stupid..." I only managed to get out, as I noticed the gap between Merrik and myself widening. I quickly diverted my shield power to the boosters. I NEEDED THAT SPEED. Though killing off protection probably wasn't the best thing to do, it was all I could do, and the best thing I could do in the situation that I had landed in. Reluctantly, I gave in and tried again to get the radar up.
"Show me the radar interface, um, the GPS, Galaxy Positioning System, just open up something so I can see where I'm going, please!" I shouted, with a lot of frustration in my voice. Fortunately this time, the radar opened. Either I bored it to death, or it just gave up caring.
I quickly scanned the radar map. It seemed it was a tie for Indingias and Calligula in first place... which could either be good or bad. One thing was certain, though. I had a mountain to climb if I was ever going to reach the top spot. I noticed the stars blurring past me. It seemed like an astrologists' nightmare, while being a traveller's dream. I needed to get faster though. Otherwise I would lose, and losing was just not good.
The added speed thanks to the shields had taken me up a notch thankfully, so I was thankfully starting to narrow the gap between Merrik and myself, which was what I really wanted to get done, then I could focus on everyone else. The race was only about 10% in, and already I felt under extreme pressure. But still, I couldn't let it get to me. At least, not yet. Now was not the best time. It was either that or I would end up in some sort of mental institution for crashing my ship into a nearby post of some description. Not the best way to have ones day spent.
I diverted more power from the defences to the engines, which was more of a dodgy move than before. It was never recommended, but I did so anyway. Each time I did, the ship began to wobble ever-so-slightly more and more as I got closer to my potential fly-apart. Not the best thing, but I didn't really have a choice. Soon, I had finally made it back to the status quo that I had been waiting for. I was back to level pegging with Merrik. I looked into his cockpit, and the look on his face was priceless. It was of inexplicable confusion and frustration, with a little bit of malice. I simply smiled and waved, as I diverted more shield power to the engines. It was then that I felt a violent bump. It felt like something had violently hit the side of the ship. It was then I realised, that several parts of the hull plating had come loose on my ship. This was most frustrating when one was to think about the inclinations of such a thing.
I WAS GOING TO DIE or at least have a very cheap funeral, as in non-existent. But I kept that thought out of my mind, despite witnessing minor parts of the ship quickly flying off and hitting the glass of the cockpit. As long as that held for another 82% of the race, we'd all be laughing. Laughing so hard we couldn't breathe. And now I'm just rambling because I really don't want to get to what happened next... because trust me, it was horrible. And I really do mean horrible.
The race was finishing off its first quarter, and we were now going past the asteroid field that had served as a protective shield for Earth over the past, ooh, 100 or so years? It had been formulated by the great scientists of the Copernicus Army. We were always indebted to them, before they all got obliterated in their ship by an asteroid in the said field. Hence why most of us were baffled when we all heard that the second quarter of the race was about to take place there, in the most unpleasant, and generally threatening of conditions. Yay. Again, allons-y! Ironically, it was so not good, but we decided to do go in it anyway, I mean what choice did we have? I'll tell you, none.
So, we flew straight into the asteroid field, with Indingias and Calligula both still battling for first place, with Mark not far behind. I and Merrik were still battling it out in our own little section in 4th and 5th place. This truly was a test of who was the better pilot. Let's face it, it was more of a challenge who could lose the least to 3 behemoths of the teenage racing world. Man, oh, man. That was a harsh mistress. Still, I kept going, and we kept flying tooth and nail against each other, his ship ramming into my already damaged one. It wasn't having a good day at the office that's for sure.
"Hull integrity down to 80%." voiced the familiar computerised [Censored. Please be polite], as she relayed the information which was somewhat important to everyone except her. I could have easily diverted more power to the shields, but then I would lose what effort I had with keeping up with Merrik... such as life in its most frustrating form. I really hated how these things would often work out. But still, I made my bed, and now I had to lie in it. The only way I could justify it was by knocking Merrik down to size before my ship fell apart.
I rammed into his ship with such a force that sparks almost ripped my screen interface apart. It would shut the woman up, but it would deny me of valuable information, some of which I really, really needed. Allons-y, part 2. Next up, we had to keep going, and keep going is all we could do. Merrik and I kept on bashing each other in the asteroid field, which was dangerous at the best of times. But deliberately pushing me into the path of the asteroids, while I was simply trying to slow him down really showed the difference of motives between us two.
This was looking like an increasingly bad day, as my ship finally decided now was the time to begin to stutter. The engine was starting to encounter problems. I wasn't about to let this slow me down so I the final power from the shields to the inertial stabilisers to keep the ship and the engine going. I was literally going mad just trying to keep an active goal in mind. Beat Merrik? Beat the Big 3? Survive?! There was too many.
It finally looked like the game was coming to the half way point when we had all managed to navigate the asteroid field by the skins of our teeth, and we seemed to be heading the direction of the 3rd quarter. By this time, my ship had already taken severe damage to the hull. Parts of the paint had been scraped away, and the plating itself was heavily damaged, and on the verge of falling off into the abyss. Which was never a good sign. It was truly another dodgy moment in my racing history, but one I would still find a way to come victorious out of.
That is, until Merrik rammed me again, and sparks really did fly. "Hull integrity down to 55%" came the annoying voice of the interface, reminding me of my inevitable doom that was seemingly approaching. I looked at the blank, emotionless face of the screen and swore at it, before realizing that it was blank. The man had knocked out my visual sensors! After all the time spent getting it to bloody work as well...
Typical. Well, at this point since I was back to square one, I decided it was now time to put Plan B into action. Well, I would, if I knew what Plan B actually was. I believed it was something to do with a butt-kicking. Somewhere.
I simply tried to keep an eye on the other racers in front of us, as we continued to surge into each others sides. Thankfully, Merrik's "ship" was starting to come apart at the seams too. Several parts of his hull-plating were being stripped off, piece by piece, especially when I rammed into him. The wings especially, where finally they were starting to bend and crack in multiple places. Much like the nacelles on mine. I was taking almost crippling damage, but the TaCa bravely ignored it, like the fantastic Ship that she was.
We were entering the third quarter of the race soon enough. Another one of the reputable tricky parts what we all liked so much. I didn't like it. Sure it was out of the asteroid field, but we were truly heading for something a lot worse, a lot more malevolent, and a lot more evil. Boy, we could never catch a break. But, that's when it hit me. Break. As in a breakage. I realised that Merrik's ship was not going to hold on forever, and it would eventually crack, but then again, so was mine. And if I lost, there would be a helluva lot of disappointed folks. And I didn't really want to let them down. Not now, not here. It wasn't my style. So now, the game really was on. Whether he liked it or not.
I diverted power from the engines back to the shields to give me some protection, but I immediately compensated by diverting power from life support to the engines. Basically, luxury for speed. Not ideal, but absolutely necessary. Now I was ready. This was it, and I was truly ready to finally finish him off for good. So, yes, for the final time... Allons-y!
My ship had finally stopped feeling so rickety, thankfully. I was getting quite, quite annoyed by the constant shaking of it all. I needed to concentrate, and I could do that without having my body being thrown all around the place. My goodness, that would have been bad... but alas. I wouldn't have to endure it. So now to more important matters at hand, such as the beating of Merrik.
I gained back up to neck and neck with him, and once again, he tried to ram me in my side once more, only to be met with the electrical forcefield known as my shield. That was a relief, since he did less damage that time, and instead received some himself. A welcome relief, I believed. I immediately cracked my knuckles and tried to finally overtake him. Merrik would finally eat my dust instead of the other way round, despite the fact that the three in front would get the main attention. This was the best I could do, and I didn't think I was doing too badly. My ship was finally starting to get ahead of the mistaken idiot genius that was Merrik Calvia.
From my rear view mirror, old fashioned I know but in a time of technology it always helps to have a bit of old reliable technology, I managed to see that Merrik was practically frothing at the mouth. I believe that he wasn't able to conceive what was actually happening. I was beating him, and that was good enough for me. And now, it was time to maintain that lead. So, I turned back and tried to focus back on catching back up with Esque. That was now my main goal. It was practically my only goal remaining, actually. My ship was admittedly a wreck though, so any more speed could quite happily turn it into scrap metal, but I wasn't going to let a little insignificant thing like that (he says mildly nervously) stop me. My windscreen was starting to show a worrying amount of cracks though. I decided to take it as it came. As I looked desperately for the position of Mark, I quickly made an effort to keep the windscreen from collapsing and turning me into soft putty by quickly boosting power to the emergency forcefield.
More speed! Less speed! Merrik was still catching up! And I wasn't going to let him stop me now. Of course, by now, we were reaching the final section. The final quarter. This was it. Doomsday. The cataclysm of the race. It was now or never that I would even begin to defeat the menace that was Merrik. Of course, my poor, little younger self... he didn't expect what came next. It was what would set the scene for the next few years of my career.
I was quickly catching up to Mark, after I had finally located him, and Merrik's ship was finally losing steam. This was it, I thought. Really it. The final curtain. Sure I wouldn't win, but Merrik would become abjectly humiliated, and any foolish pride he had assimilated would no doubt go down to flames as he landed his ship with disgrace.
Yeah, that didn't happen. What happened was far more intimidating. The annoying voice from the scanner was now sounding more distorted and worryingly, presumably because of all the damage it had sustained. I shouldn't have been surprised, the hull was badly damaged, but at the same time, I really should have listened to it instead of being so focused.
"V-Vor-r-Tex-t-ua-ual int-int-interfer-a-a-a-a-a-n-ce detected." it stated, menacingly.
"What the hell are you babbling on about now, for goodness' sake?" I shouted at it, with the rage of a thousand suns condensed into one angry driver. Of course, when the rocking of the ship started again, I almost bit my tongue. I initially thought the shields were failing again, but this time there was a completely different reason. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something. Something peculiar. Something that shouldn't have existed. Something alien. It was like... a vortex of some description. An unidentified, light blue whirling object.
"Grav-graviat-io-nal pull- detected..." uttered the accursed machine, despite the fact that it was speaking sense this time. I wasn't actually sure what to think about it, and by the looks of everyone else, neither did I. All of a sudden, I felt a violent pull on my left side. I yelped out in pain, as the hull plating of my ship was being yanked off piece by piece - I was being pulled into the vortex!
"What the... Oh hell, no! Not me, not now!" I shouted, the full realisation of the happening event dawning in my mind. I quickly tapped a few controls, rotated the thermal regulator and twisted the director module, before finally resting my eyes on the accelerator. This was too intense even for words as I was actually starting to feel my permanent fate actually becoming a dreadful reality, which I truly hoped wouldn't ever be so. But... if I was pulled in, then that must mean that...
I looked on my rear view mirror on the right, given that it was the only one that had still managed to survive, and sure enough, I saw that Merrik was also having trouble with his ship. Whilst I had expected this, I wasn't actually sure what to do. Because for one thing, one thing at all that I could guarantee, I did not want Merrik to die. He was many things, a coward, a traitor, any negative connotation... but he was also damaged individual in a damaged ship heading for a certain demise. Just like mine, really. And at the end of the day. He was the brother of my best friend. And that meant something where our rivalry didn't.
There was one special get-out clause. That being the warp drive. However, using that meant an automatic forfeit of the race. However, given the fact that there may be none left of me to forfeit if I didn't... then I didn't really have much of choice but to do so. And do so I would. It was time to be a hero to save another. Someone I didn't even like all that much, but he was being saved by relations only, and the fact that I couldn't let anyone go down to die, especially in a black hole-esque part of space.
I immediately checked the wellbeing of Mark and the others. They were already heading for the finish line. Good for them, I thought, as long as they managed to escape. I no longer cared about victory or anything. This was about saving a life. I quickly decided to readjust my tactics. Let's get on with this. Time to help a fellow pilot in need.
The main fact of the whole competition was that despite everything, the main battle was to be against Merrik. Kathryn's moody cheater of a half-brother. Mercifully, it was guaranteed to be a close-run race, between all five of the competitors. However, there could only be one victor. And I had my doubts about who it would be. The only goal I had was to make sure I beat Merrik at his game. That was all I wanted to achieve.
So, there I was, walking down the slope towards the hangar bay where I would be soon be making some final adjustments to my own ship.
"Mika!" shouted the moderately high voice behind me. It could really only be shouted out by one person.
"Ahhh, the great Kathryn Calvia. Here to wish me luck?" I stated, happily, extending my arms out for a hug as I turned to face her, a bright smile written all over my face.
"Hey you! You're going to kick some fresh alien ass today." she stated, following up my embrace.
“Ha, I wish! Everyone’s a human in this race... which is quite an achievement thinking about it.” I stated, as she separated from me. She had a tremendous grin on her face also, like she had just seen something vaguely interesting fly somewhere.
"Ha, well I can only hope so. Let's walk and talk." I stated, running my hands over my hair as I continued to look for the way out. As soon as I found out, I turned back to her. "So... About Merrik? Aren't you going to... Wish him love and good luck within the race."
"I've already tried. But I just couldn't. He honestly doesn't even deserve his position there... He bribed his way into it. That's just wrong, man..." she stated, with a hint of frustration in her voice. I couldn’t blame her. I’d be ashamed too if my brother had done such a devious thing. Not to mention embarrassed by association. I mean… cheating your way into a popular competition of skill and ability… That is just low. Very low. Either way, I had a duty to her, and to myself in the spirit of fair play to stop him, and stop him I so wanted to, if only to see the look on his face as his master plan crumbled before his eyes.
We entered the hangar bay, the bright lights almost burning my eyes to cinders as I walked in. I had never understood why… It just happened like that. No clue. But still, it was as annoying as hell’s eleventh circle. Either way, I soon located my ship that I would soon be riding in the next hour or so. “Here she is.” I gestured to Kathryn as I pointed to the majesty that was my racing craft… The TarCa.
It was truly a good design, at the risk of sounding a bit self-indulgent. The way it shined in the intense lighting of the hangar bay, the way the nacelles on each side tilted slightly off the group like wings at the side of a 20th century plane… It was all so beautiful. I especially liked the maroon and silver glow it seemed to have around its very outline. It was remarkable. In my view of course. The design guys had done an amazing job putting her together.
“You named it after your Sister? Aw.” Smiled Kathryn, as she read the name printed onto the side of the ship. “That’s like… so… aw.” She gave an enthusiastic two thumbs up as she said the words. I beamed as she said the words. It was like an artist having his painting applauded. It was from my friend, so naturally there would be an element of bias, but it was good bias. Needless to say, I was happy. Very happy. I patted the ship on its side, smiling as I looked at it in admiration. Hopefully, this would be the ship that would take me to victory. It was a long shot, since I had a total of three highly skilled competitors to go against, and a fourth who was an obvious scoundrel and a cheat. This would certainly be an interesting match, that would no doubt live on in infamy.
Actually, it was. But it would live on in infamy for an all too different reason, as I am soon to explain. A bad day at the office? Well… you know nothing yet. This is more than a bad day. This is… well… It’s still hard to properly explain. But still… in the words of a man I once met, I guess the appropriate phrase is “Allons-y!”
The hour of the race approached. I was now inside of my ship’s cockpit, strapped in, with all the inertial dampeners, or stabilisers, for lack of a better word, turned on and active. They were working perfectly, thank goodness. If they weren’t, I would be a red and silver mess at the back of my ship. There had been about 20 instances of that happening across the past 56 TetraRacers. I certainly hoped that no one became the 21st, even before the actual competition. It was that sort of thing that made me shudder. But then again, it was nothing I really thought about unless I was in that situation.
I slowly guided my ship over to the start line, alongside Merrik’s ship, and the other three. Mind you, the other three were not to be laughed at.
We had Indingias Newt, the only person to so far come close to matching my time in the academy race records. A racer by trade, she had won about 60 races before joining Galacix, with only 15 losses – but never a finish below 3rd place. Truly, a force to be reckoned with to an almost devastating extent. Next up was Calligula Regas, a speed demon by nature, and a joker by trade. My research showed he almost as threatening as Annie, but he was less experienced, with a more dodgy record. Over an industrious career once again before joining the academy, he had won about 50 of his races, losing around 20. Slightly easier to beat. And then finally, Esque Markon, the ultimate of the racers. A grand man of an incredibly large build – about 6’8’’ at least. Likewise, his wins weren’t to be sneezed at. 55 Wins, with only around 19 losses.
Then we had Merrik, with a non-academy record of 0 wins and 2 losses. Not really that impressive, hence why he actually had to use his friends to get in. I’m still not sure why he came in, except that I had the distinct feeling that it was to take a swipe at me, with a level of over-confidence. Throughout my own racing career which had gone on since before the academy, I had managed to win about… ooh… 25 races? I did manage to lose around 12 of them though, so I had a decent success rate. But I wasn't exactly on the terms of the big leagues. So, as I'm sure you can imagine, the whole thing was extremely daunting to me.
As I revved my ship on the start line, few things were going on in my mind. How was I going to stand a chance against them? But then I quickly put that concern out of my mind as I tried to keep my main goal in mind, that was to defeat Merrik at his own game, and to make sure that he knows that cheaters never win. Ever. So, essentially, it was a one against one battle. Or so I thought at the time. I looked to my right. Kathryn was standing there, along with my other classmates from my pilot class. This was judgement day for me. True judgement day. I waved over to them, slightly nervously, yet ever-so-slightly enthusiastically. I kept my mood high, for as long as I could come 4th, to me, it would be a victory.
So, I noticed the banner being held by the referee-droid. It was glowing red. It was not time to start racing yet. My heart was pounding in my chest, faster than ever before, which was most ironic given the circumstances. I licked my chapped lips as I continued to await the chance to set off. I noticed to my left that Merrik didn't even have his fingers on the wheel, the arrogant pillock. But I quickly turned my attention back to my own wheel. This was not the time to let my blood pressure finally be the end of me before the race even begun.
Yellow. The droid's flag glowed a brand new golden shade of yellow. In doing so, the impulse engines of each craft including my own, glowed a brightening shade of red. Heat was being radiated at all angles by the ships, and was no doubt cooking random heat-sensitive creatures at an alarming rate. Just great. But still, at least we five would be safe from that particular threat. Finally, the shade of the droid's iconic banner-flag finally began to change for the final time. Merrik finally woke up and remembered where he was, and got ready to go, along with the three other behemoths.
Finally, when the shade turned green, we blasted off through the forcefield separating us from space, leaving behind a trail of energy particles in the wake of the cheering audience in the auditorium. The chase was on.
So we were off. Much to my chagrin, I was already in 5th place. Merrik's ship was surprisingly fast, do doubt due to some high-end modification that I could never afford. The ships of the other three were in front by some considerable margin as well, which only served to make matters worse. But the icing on the cake was the radar screen. I narrowed my eyes at the screen's interface in front of me. It was black, like it had malfunctioned. I bashed it with my left fist to get it started again, but to no avail. How amazing. And if you couldn't tell, that was sarcasm. Just great. Absolutely great. I was running blind.
I ran my hand down my face and quickly sent the same hand searching for my toolbox. At the same time, I kept a keen eye on the race. Everyone was fighting amongst themselves trying to get ahead, with energy trails blazing their way through space. It was truly a sight to behold - a high-speed space race! Just as speedily, I thought my hydro-spanner. I quickly put my foot down on the acceleration control, and sped towards the nearest ship I could see - in this case, it was naturally and always going to be, Merrik's. He was starting to fall behind, the three giants of racing taking proper control over the situation, and kicking him out of it.
In third place was Esque, and despite Merrik's best attempts, his ship just kept him out, even side swaying to prevent him from even trying to overtake the gargantuan racer.
With the race in full swing, I could only imagine how excited the crowd were, and how concerned they would be if their favourite wasn't doing as well that they hoped. Namely Kathryn. She was probably going mad that Merrik was still in front, and I couldn't blame her. I'd be mad too. Actually I was mad, since I WAS THE ONE FAILING TO BEAT HIM.
Finally, after continuous bashing of the screen and clipping with the Hydro-Spanner, Mr. Radar Screen finally decided to come back to something that resembled life.
"Welcome to the AppleSoft MacIndos 275.12." it began to state with the joyless nature of a dead clown. "How may I help you today?"
"Radar. I need radar." I stated, frantically, with a voice that was something little more equivalent to a panicked rodent. "And fast!"
"Radar is operational." It simply said, with all the care and enthusiasm of a dead ant.
"Oh, Christ... For the love of... I want the Radar interface activated!" I stated, struggling to contain my anger. It was my fault for letting them put in a device that failed to comprehend human emotion in stressed situations, the son of a...
"Radar Interface is already active." it spoke monotonously, now trying to affirm its role as troll of the universe.
"You stupid..." I only managed to get out, as I noticed the gap between Merrik and myself widening. I quickly diverted my shield power to the boosters. I NEEDED THAT SPEED. Though killing off protection probably wasn't the best thing to do, it was all I could do, and the best thing I could do in the situation that I had landed in. Reluctantly, I gave in and tried again to get the radar up.
"Show me the radar interface, um, the GPS, Galaxy Positioning System, just open up something so I can see where I'm going, please!" I shouted, with a lot of frustration in my voice. Fortunately this time, the radar opened. Either I bored it to death, or it just gave up caring.
I quickly scanned the radar map. It seemed it was a tie for Indingias and Calligula in first place... which could either be good or bad. One thing was certain, though. I had a mountain to climb if I was ever going to reach the top spot. I noticed the stars blurring past me. It seemed like an astrologists' nightmare, while being a traveller's dream. I needed to get faster though. Otherwise I would lose, and losing was just not good.
The added speed thanks to the shields had taken me up a notch thankfully, so I was thankfully starting to narrow the gap between Merrik and myself, which was what I really wanted to get done, then I could focus on everyone else. The race was only about 10% in, and already I felt under extreme pressure. But still, I couldn't let it get to me. At least, not yet. Now was not the best time. It was either that or I would end up in some sort of mental institution for crashing my ship into a nearby post of some description. Not the best way to have ones day spent.
I diverted more power from the defences to the engines, which was more of a dodgy move than before. It was never recommended, but I did so anyway. Each time I did, the ship began to wobble ever-so-slightly more and more as I got closer to my potential fly-apart. Not the best thing, but I didn't really have a choice. Soon, I had finally made it back to the status quo that I had been waiting for. I was back to level pegging with Merrik. I looked into his cockpit, and the look on his face was priceless. It was of inexplicable confusion and frustration, with a little bit of malice. I simply smiled and waved, as I diverted more shield power to the engines. It was then that I felt a violent bump. It felt like something had violently hit the side of the ship. It was then I realised, that several parts of the hull plating had come loose on my ship. This was most frustrating when one was to think about the inclinations of such a thing.
I WAS GOING TO DIE or at least have a very cheap funeral, as in non-existent. But I kept that thought out of my mind, despite witnessing minor parts of the ship quickly flying off and hitting the glass of the cockpit. As long as that held for another 82% of the race, we'd all be laughing. Laughing so hard we couldn't breathe. And now I'm just rambling because I really don't want to get to what happened next... because trust me, it was horrible. And I really do mean horrible.
The race was finishing off its first quarter, and we were now going past the asteroid field that had served as a protective shield for Earth over the past, ooh, 100 or so years? It had been formulated by the great scientists of the Copernicus Army. We were always indebted to them, before they all got obliterated in their ship by an asteroid in the said field. Hence why most of us were baffled when we all heard that the second quarter of the race was about to take place there, in the most unpleasant, and generally threatening of conditions. Yay. Again, allons-y! Ironically, it was so not good, but we decided to do go in it anyway, I mean what choice did we have? I'll tell you, none.
So, we flew straight into the asteroid field, with Indingias and Calligula both still battling for first place, with Mark not far behind. I and Merrik were still battling it out in our own little section in 4th and 5th place. This truly was a test of who was the better pilot. Let's face it, it was more of a challenge who could lose the least to 3 behemoths of the teenage racing world. Man, oh, man. That was a harsh mistress. Still, I kept going, and we kept flying tooth and nail against each other, his ship ramming into my already damaged one. It wasn't having a good day at the office that's for sure.
"Hull integrity down to 80%." voiced the familiar computerised [Censored. Please be polite], as she relayed the information which was somewhat important to everyone except her. I could have easily diverted more power to the shields, but then I would lose what effort I had with keeping up with Merrik... such as life in its most frustrating form. I really hated how these things would often work out. But still, I made my bed, and now I had to lie in it. The only way I could justify it was by knocking Merrik down to size before my ship fell apart.
I rammed into his ship with such a force that sparks almost ripped my screen interface apart. It would shut the woman up, but it would deny me of valuable information, some of which I really, really needed. Allons-y, part 2. Next up, we had to keep going, and keep going is all we could do. Merrik and I kept on bashing each other in the asteroid field, which was dangerous at the best of times. But deliberately pushing me into the path of the asteroids, while I was simply trying to slow him down really showed the difference of motives between us two.
This was looking like an increasingly bad day, as my ship finally decided now was the time to begin to stutter. The engine was starting to encounter problems. I wasn't about to let this slow me down so I the final power from the shields to the inertial stabilisers to keep the ship and the engine going. I was literally going mad just trying to keep an active goal in mind. Beat Merrik? Beat the Big 3? Survive?! There was too many.
It finally looked like the game was coming to the half way point when we had all managed to navigate the asteroid field by the skins of our teeth, and we seemed to be heading the direction of the 3rd quarter. By this time, my ship had already taken severe damage to the hull. Parts of the paint had been scraped away, and the plating itself was heavily damaged, and on the verge of falling off into the abyss. Which was never a good sign. It was truly another dodgy moment in my racing history, but one I would still find a way to come victorious out of.
That is, until Merrik rammed me again, and sparks really did fly. "Hull integrity down to 55%" came the annoying voice of the interface, reminding me of my inevitable doom that was seemingly approaching. I looked at the blank, emotionless face of the screen and swore at it, before realizing that it was blank. The man had knocked out my visual sensors! After all the time spent getting it to bloody work as well...
Typical. Well, at this point since I was back to square one, I decided it was now time to put Plan B into action. Well, I would, if I knew what Plan B actually was. I believed it was something to do with a butt-kicking. Somewhere.
I simply tried to keep an eye on the other racers in front of us, as we continued to surge into each others sides. Thankfully, Merrik's "ship" was starting to come apart at the seams too. Several parts of his hull-plating were being stripped off, piece by piece, especially when I rammed into him. The wings especially, where finally they were starting to bend and crack in multiple places. Much like the nacelles on mine. I was taking almost crippling damage, but the TaCa bravely ignored it, like the fantastic Ship that she was.
We were entering the third quarter of the race soon enough. Another one of the reputable tricky parts what we all liked so much. I didn't like it. Sure it was out of the asteroid field, but we were truly heading for something a lot worse, a lot more malevolent, and a lot more evil. Boy, we could never catch a break. But, that's when it hit me. Break. As in a breakage. I realised that Merrik's ship was not going to hold on forever, and it would eventually crack, but then again, so was mine. And if I lost, there would be a helluva lot of disappointed folks. And I didn't really want to let them down. Not now, not here. It wasn't my style. So now, the game really was on. Whether he liked it or not.
I diverted power from the engines back to the shields to give me some protection, but I immediately compensated by diverting power from life support to the engines. Basically, luxury for speed. Not ideal, but absolutely necessary. Now I was ready. This was it, and I was truly ready to finally finish him off for good. So, yes, for the final time... Allons-y!
My ship had finally stopped feeling so rickety, thankfully. I was getting quite, quite annoyed by the constant shaking of it all. I needed to concentrate, and I could do that without having my body being thrown all around the place. My goodness, that would have been bad... but alas. I wouldn't have to endure it. So now to more important matters at hand, such as the beating of Merrik.
I gained back up to neck and neck with him, and once again, he tried to ram me in my side once more, only to be met with the electrical forcefield known as my shield. That was a relief, since he did less damage that time, and instead received some himself. A welcome relief, I believed. I immediately cracked my knuckles and tried to finally overtake him. Merrik would finally eat my dust instead of the other way round, despite the fact that the three in front would get the main attention. This was the best I could do, and I didn't think I was doing too badly. My ship was finally starting to get ahead of the mistaken idiot genius that was Merrik Calvia.
From my rear view mirror, old fashioned I know but in a time of technology it always helps to have a bit of old reliable technology, I managed to see that Merrik was practically frothing at the mouth. I believe that he wasn't able to conceive what was actually happening. I was beating him, and that was good enough for me. And now, it was time to maintain that lead. So, I turned back and tried to focus back on catching back up with Esque. That was now my main goal. It was practically my only goal remaining, actually. My ship was admittedly a wreck though, so any more speed could quite happily turn it into scrap metal, but I wasn't going to let a little insignificant thing like that (he says mildly nervously) stop me. My windscreen was starting to show a worrying amount of cracks though. I decided to take it as it came. As I looked desperately for the position of Mark, I quickly made an effort to keep the windscreen from collapsing and turning me into soft putty by quickly boosting power to the emergency forcefield.
More speed! Less speed! Merrik was still catching up! And I wasn't going to let him stop me now. Of course, by now, we were reaching the final section. The final quarter. This was it. Doomsday. The cataclysm of the race. It was now or never that I would even begin to defeat the menace that was Merrik. Of course, my poor, little younger self... he didn't expect what came next. It was what would set the scene for the next few years of my career.
I was quickly catching up to Mark, after I had finally located him, and Merrik's ship was finally losing steam. This was it, I thought. Really it. The final curtain. Sure I wouldn't win, but Merrik would become abjectly humiliated, and any foolish pride he had assimilated would no doubt go down to flames as he landed his ship with disgrace.
Yeah, that didn't happen. What happened was far more intimidating. The annoying voice from the scanner was now sounding more distorted and worryingly, presumably because of all the damage it had sustained. I shouldn't have been surprised, the hull was badly damaged, but at the same time, I really should have listened to it instead of being so focused.
"V-Vor-r-Tex-t-ua-ual int-int-interfer-a-a-a-a-a-n-ce detected." it stated, menacingly.
"What the hell are you babbling on about now, for goodness' sake?" I shouted at it, with the rage of a thousand suns condensed into one angry driver. Of course, when the rocking of the ship started again, I almost bit my tongue. I initially thought the shields were failing again, but this time there was a completely different reason. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something. Something peculiar. Something that shouldn't have existed. Something alien. It was like... a vortex of some description. An unidentified, light blue whirling object.
"Grav-graviat-io-nal pull- detected..." uttered the accursed machine, despite the fact that it was speaking sense this time. I wasn't actually sure what to think about it, and by the looks of everyone else, neither did I. All of a sudden, I felt a violent pull on my left side. I yelped out in pain, as the hull plating of my ship was being yanked off piece by piece - I was being pulled into the vortex!
"What the... Oh hell, no! Not me, not now!" I shouted, the full realisation of the happening event dawning in my mind. I quickly tapped a few controls, rotated the thermal regulator and twisted the director module, before finally resting my eyes on the accelerator. This was too intense even for words as I was actually starting to feel my permanent fate actually becoming a dreadful reality, which I truly hoped wouldn't ever be so. But... if I was pulled in, then that must mean that...
I looked on my rear view mirror on the right, given that it was the only one that had still managed to survive, and sure enough, I saw that Merrik was also having trouble with his ship. Whilst I had expected this, I wasn't actually sure what to do. Because for one thing, one thing at all that I could guarantee, I did not want Merrik to die. He was many things, a coward, a traitor, any negative connotation... but he was also damaged individual in a damaged ship heading for a certain demise. Just like mine, really. And at the end of the day. He was the brother of my best friend. And that meant something where our rivalry didn't.
There was one special get-out clause. That being the warp drive. However, using that meant an automatic forfeit of the race. However, given the fact that there may be none left of me to forfeit if I didn't... then I didn't really have much of choice but to do so. And do so I would. It was time to be a hero to save another. Someone I didn't even like all that much, but he was being saved by relations only, and the fact that I couldn't let anyone go down to die, especially in a black hole-esque part of space.
I immediately checked the wellbeing of Mark and the others. They were already heading for the finish line. Good for them, I thought, as long as they managed to escape. I no longer cared about victory or anything. This was about saving a life. I quickly decided to readjust my tactics. Let's get on with this. Time to help a fellow pilot in need.
Spoiler : Chapter 7 - Consequences :
There was a shower of sparks from the cockpit which landed directly into my hair, and onto my uniform, singeing both, much to my absolute displeasure. I kept turning around though, despite the fact that my ship could easily collapse in on itself at any given moment. I felt massive vibrations coming from the back, which was never a good sign, especially when you're being pulled by a giant vortex that came out of nowhere. Merrik desperately trying to pull up and I couldn't blame him. So now was the time for me to lend a bit of assistance.
I finally managed to turn my ship around. This time, the right side of my ship was starting to take a lot of unnecessary punishment from the vortex as it sucked on everything and any one of my systems. Which was far more worrying than it had any right to be. After quickly driving my ship forward towards the ailing Merrik, I kept her stable. The ship was rocking almost unstably, and I kissed goodbye to my remaining rear view mirror, much to my disgust and sadness. I liked that rear view mirror. I liked it a lot. So, now, vortex, this was personal. REVENGE was near, and I could test and I could taste its sweet, cool lusciousness in my mouth. Which was with no doubt a worrying thing. But all the same, I was in danger. The shields can almost collapsed as I flew my way back to Merrik's ship, which was starting to go. The only thing I could have thought of that was keeping his ship from staying above the vortex, while mine was heavily damaged, was that his engine had been totalled, which was annoying at the best of times.
I drove and waded my ship across the beyond hurricanous winds of the dark vortex, as I tried to reach Merrik's desperately dying one. My cockpit was essentially a discoloured mess of bending metal right now. Fortunately, the shields were barely holding, keeping my body in place, but now, my survival was looking more and more unlikely. But hey, I still thought that if I was going to die, what better way would it be than to be eaten up by a vortex of doom and destruction.
Yeah, probably every way conceivable by a human outside of an industrial zone. Sweat poured down my forehead as I was starting to forcibly restrain myself from panicking as more hull plating was messily ripped away from the hull of the ship, leaving the silver parts of the inner workings of the ship exposed to the outside. I kept one hand on the steering controls, and one hand operating the other parts. It was only the adrenaline pumping through me that was not allowing me to notice how awkward stuffy it was becoming in there. Just as well, really. That was something I didn’t exactly need.
Making conversations to the other racers during a race was strictly forbidden, by simple protocol. It had been used for intimidation tactics, and putting other racers off. Yet in cases of emergencies, there was always one way to contact the other racer. The Archdevil Network. It was created as a form of outer contact, allowing for audio and visual contact between racers. However, it was easy to trace as a trail of bread crumbs left in the woods. So naturally, its primary usage was as a distress call. Of course, when the situation actually arose, people seldom used it, and mainly tried screaming into their traditional communicators that they had with them at all times, given that they forgot or didn’t know Archdevil existed.
Fortunately, I did, and I knew how to access it. Finally giving up with my preinstalled software, I yanked the main screen out of its natural habitat, breaking all of the wires, and genuinely letting off a giant screech of smoke and sparks, before hitting the on button to the screen behind it – the Archdevil screen. A genius move it was to just put it behind. Though, in hindsight, just a tiny bit impractical. Especially if one was genuinely 10 seconds away from death and didn’t have a ridiculously damaged screen that could be ripped off like peeling an orange. Just some genuinely poor designing there, me thinks, but ah well. It was working for me in this situation, and that’s all that truly mattered, I must say.
I quickly tapped a few controls onto the screen, firstly selecting a racer to call, (I.E. Merrik) and then to actually determine the cause of the call (I.E. Immediate freakin’ danger), and then to actually call him. Then I waited calmly for him answer, as my ship was seemingly continuing to implode in on itself. Like it does.
I sighed, with a bit of exhaustion in my tone, as he seemed to take a lifetime to tap answer. He didn’t have to take his own screen off to answer, Archdevil hacked into it. But maybe he was just debating whether to answer it from me. Which was understandable, but still given the consequences...
Fortunately, he answered.
“What do you want? Can’t you see I’m somewhat occupied?!” he barked at me, his face almost lighting up the whole cockpit with the amount of lightning there was going on around it. Naturally, from his own systems.
“Come on! We’ve got to get of here, and I’m not leaving you behind!” I shouted, still trying to boost power from any other systems to the tractor beam. If I was going to get him, I would need to actually pull him. Though the stress could tear both our ships apart, there was still no better alternative.
“Well, that’s jolly decent of you, but I don’t think it’s necessary, I’ve got the whole thing under control!” came the reply, arrogant as ever. His warp drive wasn’t functional; otherwise he would have long gotten out of there. I must have damaged it when I rammed into him.
“Can you warp out? Are you sure you’re okay? Because you don’t seem it to me, now don’t be an idiot and get out of there if you can!” I screamed back at him, out of both concern and frustration. This was both an amazing situation to me to actually be in, and yet frustrating at the same time, for the most obvious of reasons.
“I can’t warp, but I’ll find something else – I don’t need your help if that’s what you’re thinking.” He told me, with a face like a smirking fish. All I wanted to do was both help him and slap him, because really, this was starting to get on my nerves.
“Don’t be an idiot! I’ll get you out, just hold tight!” I stated, cracking my knuckles. Fortunately, I was finally in range, and thankfully, my tractor beam system was one of them that hadn’t been ripped apart.
I fired the purple ray at Merrik’s flailing ship, enveloping it in an aura that emitted from the projector on mine. Merrik’s ship and mine both shook violently as it happened. “You stupid idiot, you could have killed me! Disengage that tractor beam immediately!” he uttered, with the gratitude of a shark caught in a net.
“You’re welcome!” I spouted back. Now, this was the time to activate my warp drive, and get us both the heck out of there. Or at least, in theory it was, because I noticed something extremely strange going on with the vortex. I quickly slammed in the warp speed setting, but at the same time I felt a violent sucking feeling into the back of the ship. Again! Stronger this time. I quickly pressed the warp button, and suddenly the ship just… stabilized. Which was very bad. As in… the vortex was pulling us at warp speed. The warp shield that I had put over both of our ship could only last for so long, and I could already sense that it was going to give soon.
“Merrik!! You need to come over to my ship. It’s the only way we’re going to get out of this in anything bigger than a corpse! Please, just forget your pride, for the once! I beg of you!”
“Oh shut up! I don’t need your help, I can handle this just fine, just watch me. That vortex looks like it’s going to collapse in on itself again!” spoke Merrik, once again being an arrogant idiot, and trying to wear my already crippled patience thin.
“You know what, if you’re not careful, I’m just going to abduct you and throw you in the back of the ship myself – oh wait, your shields are failing. I CAN DO THAT!!” I shouted at him, my rage finally giving way to the fool. The fool who was about to die along with his pride.
The outburst obviously took Merrik back a bit, as he went into a silent moment, for all of about 6 seconds. "...Well you don't need to freakin' shout."
"Just choose what you want to do!" I replied, my voice starting to crack from both the decreasing amount of oxygen, and the increasing amount of panic as several more components in the cockpit exploded in my face.
"Very well... if you so insist, I shall come over. Living conditions are starting to become unsatisfactory.
It was then that it started. The vortex was now a bright shade of maroon, and it was flashing, white and red. "That can't be good..." I murmured, in dread. Because it really couldn't be good.
I quickly tried to lock the transporter onto Merrik's position in the ship. Automatic locking was offline, so I had to target him manually, using the Archdevil screen. I licked my lips. This was proper nerve-wracking. I could have died then and there, but somehow I was still going.
Then the first ship came out of the Vortex. A miracle ship? Well, that's what I initially thought. It was far from that. That was the scout ship. The one that checked if the coast was clear. Because almost as soon as I had locked onto Merrik's position, they all started pouring out. One-by-one. Craft by craft. They were more shuttles. And I couldn't have been more surprised to see them if I tried. If only because they were coming out of a vortex! But then that hit me. It wasn't a normal soul-crushing cortex at all. It was far superior to that. This was man-made. A gateway to another world, but to where? And why were they coming out, but we were still being sucked in? It didn't make sense. None! In fact it was worse than that - they were heading straight for us!
"Damn you, Cadenza! Push that damn button!" screamed the irate Merrik. He must have seen me zoning out, as the ships came out and out, again, always more, lots more! Dozens!
"Uh-oh, time to go!" I stated in response. I quickly hit the transportation button. Merrik's face began to glow blue, as his body was scrambling itself into particles that would soon be distributed across space and time to my own area, in my single, humble ship. Not exactly the sort of space-farism I really expected, and I guess I sounded like an malevolent annoying weasel, endlessly shouting at Merrik. But it was all for a good cause. In theory. I still maintain, that it was for Kathryn.
But then... During the transportation, something happened that I didn't expect. One of the ships fired upon me. The shot slammed straight into my ship's right warp nacelle, barely protected by the shields, but still... it was enough. The transporter blew, mid-transformation, and Merrik was returned back to his ship.
"What the devil- What are you playing at Cadenza? I was joking when I said don't-"
"Shut up and look!" I said, angrily. I really couldn't tolerate his whining any longer. Fortunately, when he noticed the ships, he was immediately frozen solid. His face was a picture. But then again, I ha the same reaction when I noticed them.
He said nothing, I said nothing. Except the fact that my transporter was now officially scrap metal.
"...You got me into this race Cadenza. I'll get myself out. If it's true, then... I'll guess I'll be enduring an infinite odyssey. Not that I mind it." he murmured, this time with mild frustration.
"Wh- what?! What are you doing?!" I spat, shocked. This was absolutely, positively not the time for foolish heroics that could endanger his life to happen. If they were, in fact, heroics, that is.
"You can't get away with my baggage on your tail. Maybe you should let me handle this." he uttered in reply. “I think I can handle a few drones.”
"No, no! Don't!" I spluttered desperately. “You’ll be killed!”
Suddenly, and without anyway warning, an orange beam came shooting out of Merrik's ship, striking my tractor beam, and penetrating the shields. And then, much to my trepidation, Merrik's ship was free. 100% free. I placed my head in my hands briefly, as I realised he had destroyed the beam projector, meaning that I could no longer use it.
“So long, Cadenza! We’ll meet again, my friend and adversary, but now, alas, comes the end of this story! Time for me to meet my destiny!” he spat back, with a sadistic grin on his face. It was too suspicious… it was almost like… he expected it. He expected what was to come. If so…
“No. No, no, no, Merrik, stop! Whatever you’re doing! Please, stop! Think of Kathryn! If you go, if you ruin her-“
“Oh, shut up about her, she doesn’t need me, she has herself! Always too headstrong, and arrogant, she was. Maybe my absence will help her mature a little! Anyway, would love to chat, but toodle-ooh!” he spoke, with a wink. And with that, the communication ceased. The screen returned to its blue, basic self.
I could only watch in horror as Merrik’s ship finally crossed the threshold of no return. However, this did not stop the bucketload of other ships that was to come. I stared open mouthed, my heart beating a light-year a minute as Merrik did the unthinkable. He entered the vortex. He directly entered the vortex with no protection, with no apparent reason other than the fact that he was quite possibly completely insane to a… well… insane degree. It was ridiculous. I couldn’t believe it. But my sense of bewilderment quickly turned to one of “Oh God, I should really get out of here now, for the love of all that is holy.”
I quickly shifted my mind back from absolute shock, back to “I better get the hell out of here!”, as I slammed my hand onto the warp speed switch, quickly ramping the button all the way up to eleven, literally. I could feel the ship’s vibration as the engines kicked into gear, and slowly pulled away from the vortex’s pull. Of which I was very grateful of, needless to say. However, the quicker I went, the more attention I seemed to have attracted. Rapidly, my ship was picking up speed as the enemy ships seemed to notice me, and gang up on me. Well, this looks like the end for me, I admit to thinking. It was impossible odds that I would get out of this, but still, I had to try. At least try, otherwise, I would have such a feeling of insignificance and self-loathing right then if it wasn’t for the fact that I couldn’t have done anything was pulsing through my mind. It just happened. But still, if this was the end…
Oh course, I had no time to think of such things, as suddenly pulse beams and plasma beams flew past my ship at dangerously close distances,. This was getting intense, and as such, this was so not good. I had to hurry and get back home, otherwise my butt was fried like a calamari on a stick. The weaponry kept flying past, but never hitting fortunately. I kept swaying the ship too much for them to get a decent lock. But the point still stood. It was bloody difficult to keep going with such damage already inflicted to the ship that I may as well rip myself apart while trying. Suddenly, I was getting a call. An Archdevil call. Firstly, I was baffled at who would be calling me, but then I immediately slapped that thought out of my mind and hit the green answer button. “Hello?!”
“Cadenza? Cadenza! Can you hear me!” spoke a familiar voice. A very familiar voice. I quickly tried to put the name to the face, since the video seemed to be non-functional. “Commander Markon here! We are aware of your situation, Calvia tipped us off! What’s your status?!”
“W-what do you mean he tipped you off?! Is he alright?!” I spouted, confused. He had just essentially told me a few minutes ago that he was going into the vortex. And that was something that I couldn’t forget. The commander was also surprised.
“Well… he reported it around 8 minutes ago. What is his status?” came the now uncertain voice of Markon. It seemed he had reported it… before he even spoke to me. Now why would he do that? Combined with everything he said to me, it was truly like… he was planning something. But that would have to be found out another day, it seemed. Now it was my turn to deliver depressing news.
“...Cadet Merrik Calvia, sir…” I took a deep breath. “Condition… unknown, but presumed lost. He has been sucked into the vortex.”
There followed a silence. A brief silence that seemed to last an absolute age. I still couldn’t believe the words that had come out of my mouth. It was like someone else had written the script, and I was following the words. But he really had just… gone. Before my eyes. How Kathryn was going to take this I had no idea, but now, I had to make sure I had to be there for her more than ever before.
Finally, a voice came up on the speaker, finally. I couldn’t help feeling like the suspense was just there to make me think more about what happened.
“Very well, cadet. We are… sorry to hear that. Anyway, turrets have been engaged. Land your craft onto the emergency runway, and we will beam you to the escape shuttle. Markon out. And Godspeed to him.”
I nodded silently as I proceeded on my way. I still had to keep going if I was to stand any chance of survival against these blasted creatures. It was time to go, and outrun the ships. I could only assume that they were the Kranos people that I had heard about. The ships were as black as space itself, the only light being the reflection from the stars and the sun. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t believe I would have been able to see them. It was only that, that I had managed to see. The ships themselves were slick, sheened and pointed in design. It looked like anyone touching the tip of the wing would automatically impale themselves to death just from their finger. I had never seen anything so large, as yet so sharp.
The TaCa’s cockpit sparked once again as it took a hit to the rear. Right now, I would be the lucky if one letter of the name still existed. But still, I had to keep going. I had no choice but to do so, otherwise I would die. As I alluded to before… if this was the end, then I would not be satisfied. There was still so much I had yet to do. So, so much. I had to help Kathryn, I had to defeat these creatures, or at least help, and maybe one day, I would try to find Merrik again. One day. But that day was still seeming like a long way off. Still, I should take things one at a time, and as how they come. But I still couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that came of it all. Would I even get there? Hmph.
I quickly evaded the ships for another few minutes as I finally came into range of finish line. The other three ships had already made it to the escape shuttle. I noticed the turrets aligning themselves to the ships following me, and subsequently let loose hell. Fortunately, one strong hit was enough to divert them off course. Not destroy them, presumably due to strong shielding, but it took the pressure off. I quickly deployed the landing gear. Well, at least I tried, because it didn’t work. A look of horror slowly developed on my face at this admittedly unexpected revelation. I remained calm again, and quickly tried pressing the button for a second time, hoping that trying again before I ended up crashing into a support section of the auditorium. Which hopefully had been cleared out.
I tried the button again, and I heard a slight whirr below me in the ship. Seems like the landing gear did work, but it was damaged. Or so I could tell. All I could do was hope that when I landed, I didn't explode into a maelstrom of metallic screws and biological cells. So I focused on pulling out of warp and slowing down my ship to have a greater chance of, y'know, surviving. Even though my ship was still wobbling a worrying amount, to the point of which I was starting to feel beyond uncertain, and just felt like praying.
I steered the ship, all while keeping the stabilizers in check, which was easier said than... well you know what, you know enough of the ship's condition. I pulled up into the runaway, trying to level out the ship. "Come on, girl... you can do it, just take it easy. Easy..." I told it. Sure, talking to a machine could be seen as odd, but the TaCa needed some reassurance, I believed. Well, at least anyway. I wasn't exactly in the greatest state of mind as my ship was continuing to spiral downhill.
I kept nearing the runaway, which was very nerve-racking, as I was closing in on it. I kept preparing myself for a giant devastating ripping apart of the ship, which, let's be honest, would be rather fitting for my already broken ship. Only 5 seconds remained. I just tried to keep calm and brace for the inevitable impact that was to come.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
And then I smashed into the ground, even more violently than I thought it would! I was literally shocked until I realized - the landing gear had collapsed in on itself. I was literally grinding on the deck of the ship, the naked silver hull cutting into the runaway like a chainsaw into a brick wall. All I could do was sit in the chair and vibrate, holding myself together, as well as the ship. "Come on, babe, you can do this, you can do this... just hold it together..."
I struggled to keep her from falling apart. It was only a matter of time before the core breached, or they didn't get a lock on me in time to get me out of here. I'm sure they were trying... or at least, I hoped they were trying. I mean, there was no reason why they shouldn't have been trying. I liked to think not anyway. I focused again on what was happening. I tried my final attempt at stabilising the ship, firing the reverse thrusters, and hoping that actually stopped the ship. It was a tough ask, but anything was better than nothing. I only had another 3 miles left of runway anyway, so I really needed to stop. A. S. A. P.
The thrusters fired, as soon enough, I felt the harsh latching of pull both ways as my ship kept going from side to side, and kept on trying to destroy itself, with me in it, which was something that I didn't approve of. But I was slowing down. The stars were slowing down. That was for definite. I was elated, just to be slowing down, as my cockpit was starting to fall apart. Beams fell from the ceiling to just in front of my eyes, which was absolutely terrifying to witness. I was panicking. More than I had ever done so in my life. But I continued to slow, just as the bridge of the ship I was about to crash into and completely obliterate became visible.
I simply shut my eyes, covered my ears and waited for the sound of scraping metal to stop, and completely finish. As the smell of burning dressing material started to fill my nostrils, I could already start to feel faint. I decided to let fate choose my destiny... I could do nothing longer. I just wanted the noise, the pain, and the fire to stop, and completely finish. As the smell of burning dressing material started to fill my nostrils, I could already start to feel faint. I decided to let fate choose my destiny... I could do nothing longer. I just wanted the noise, the pain, and the fire to stop. It was a level of claustrophobic hell on par with being crushed inside a cube. It was absolutely horrible, and there was nothing I could do. Absolutely nothing.
Soon enough, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the way you look at it, I began to lose consciousness due to the smoke. I guess… here it was. I half expected to be looking at the flaming gates of hell in a few minutes for being in such a predicament in the first place. Still… this was the end of the line for me. And then I passed out, off to dream of better scenarios, better moments, as my life was flashing before my eyes… as clichéd as it sounded, I wish I had a better life.
To better dreams.
I finally managed to turn my ship around. This time, the right side of my ship was starting to take a lot of unnecessary punishment from the vortex as it sucked on everything and any one of my systems. Which was far more worrying than it had any right to be. After quickly driving my ship forward towards the ailing Merrik, I kept her stable. The ship was rocking almost unstably, and I kissed goodbye to my remaining rear view mirror, much to my disgust and sadness. I liked that rear view mirror. I liked it a lot. So, now, vortex, this was personal. REVENGE was near, and I could test and I could taste its sweet, cool lusciousness in my mouth. Which was with no doubt a worrying thing. But all the same, I was in danger. The shields can almost collapsed as I flew my way back to Merrik's ship, which was starting to go. The only thing I could have thought of that was keeping his ship from staying above the vortex, while mine was heavily damaged, was that his engine had been totalled, which was annoying at the best of times.
I drove and waded my ship across the beyond hurricanous winds of the dark vortex, as I tried to reach Merrik's desperately dying one. My cockpit was essentially a discoloured mess of bending metal right now. Fortunately, the shields were barely holding, keeping my body in place, but now, my survival was looking more and more unlikely. But hey, I still thought that if I was going to die, what better way would it be than to be eaten up by a vortex of doom and destruction.
Yeah, probably every way conceivable by a human outside of an industrial zone. Sweat poured down my forehead as I was starting to forcibly restrain myself from panicking as more hull plating was messily ripped away from the hull of the ship, leaving the silver parts of the inner workings of the ship exposed to the outside. I kept one hand on the steering controls, and one hand operating the other parts. It was only the adrenaline pumping through me that was not allowing me to notice how awkward stuffy it was becoming in there. Just as well, really. That was something I didn’t exactly need.
Making conversations to the other racers during a race was strictly forbidden, by simple protocol. It had been used for intimidation tactics, and putting other racers off. Yet in cases of emergencies, there was always one way to contact the other racer. The Archdevil Network. It was created as a form of outer contact, allowing for audio and visual contact between racers. However, it was easy to trace as a trail of bread crumbs left in the woods. So naturally, its primary usage was as a distress call. Of course, when the situation actually arose, people seldom used it, and mainly tried screaming into their traditional communicators that they had with them at all times, given that they forgot or didn’t know Archdevil existed.
Fortunately, I did, and I knew how to access it. Finally giving up with my preinstalled software, I yanked the main screen out of its natural habitat, breaking all of the wires, and genuinely letting off a giant screech of smoke and sparks, before hitting the on button to the screen behind it – the Archdevil screen. A genius move it was to just put it behind. Though, in hindsight, just a tiny bit impractical. Especially if one was genuinely 10 seconds away from death and didn’t have a ridiculously damaged screen that could be ripped off like peeling an orange. Just some genuinely poor designing there, me thinks, but ah well. It was working for me in this situation, and that’s all that truly mattered, I must say.
I quickly tapped a few controls onto the screen, firstly selecting a racer to call, (I.E. Merrik) and then to actually determine the cause of the call (I.E. Immediate freakin’ danger), and then to actually call him. Then I waited calmly for him answer, as my ship was seemingly continuing to implode in on itself. Like it does.
I sighed, with a bit of exhaustion in my tone, as he seemed to take a lifetime to tap answer. He didn’t have to take his own screen off to answer, Archdevil hacked into it. But maybe he was just debating whether to answer it from me. Which was understandable, but still given the consequences...
Fortunately, he answered.
“What do you want? Can’t you see I’m somewhat occupied?!” he barked at me, his face almost lighting up the whole cockpit with the amount of lightning there was going on around it. Naturally, from his own systems.
“Come on! We’ve got to get of here, and I’m not leaving you behind!” I shouted, still trying to boost power from any other systems to the tractor beam. If I was going to get him, I would need to actually pull him. Though the stress could tear both our ships apart, there was still no better alternative.
“Well, that’s jolly decent of you, but I don’t think it’s necessary, I’ve got the whole thing under control!” came the reply, arrogant as ever. His warp drive wasn’t functional; otherwise he would have long gotten out of there. I must have damaged it when I rammed into him.
“Can you warp out? Are you sure you’re okay? Because you don’t seem it to me, now don’t be an idiot and get out of there if you can!” I screamed back at him, out of both concern and frustration. This was both an amazing situation to me to actually be in, and yet frustrating at the same time, for the most obvious of reasons.
“I can’t warp, but I’ll find something else – I don’t need your help if that’s what you’re thinking.” He told me, with a face like a smirking fish. All I wanted to do was both help him and slap him, because really, this was starting to get on my nerves.
“Don’t be an idiot! I’ll get you out, just hold tight!” I stated, cracking my knuckles. Fortunately, I was finally in range, and thankfully, my tractor beam system was one of them that hadn’t been ripped apart.
I fired the purple ray at Merrik’s flailing ship, enveloping it in an aura that emitted from the projector on mine. Merrik’s ship and mine both shook violently as it happened. “You stupid idiot, you could have killed me! Disengage that tractor beam immediately!” he uttered, with the gratitude of a shark caught in a net.
“You’re welcome!” I spouted back. Now, this was the time to activate my warp drive, and get us both the heck out of there. Or at least, in theory it was, because I noticed something extremely strange going on with the vortex. I quickly slammed in the warp speed setting, but at the same time I felt a violent sucking feeling into the back of the ship. Again! Stronger this time. I quickly pressed the warp button, and suddenly the ship just… stabilized. Which was very bad. As in… the vortex was pulling us at warp speed. The warp shield that I had put over both of our ship could only last for so long, and I could already sense that it was going to give soon.
“Merrik!! You need to come over to my ship. It’s the only way we’re going to get out of this in anything bigger than a corpse! Please, just forget your pride, for the once! I beg of you!”
“Oh shut up! I don’t need your help, I can handle this just fine, just watch me. That vortex looks like it’s going to collapse in on itself again!” spoke Merrik, once again being an arrogant idiot, and trying to wear my already crippled patience thin.
“You know what, if you’re not careful, I’m just going to abduct you and throw you in the back of the ship myself – oh wait, your shields are failing. I CAN DO THAT!!” I shouted at him, my rage finally giving way to the fool. The fool who was about to die along with his pride.
The outburst obviously took Merrik back a bit, as he went into a silent moment, for all of about 6 seconds. "...Well you don't need to freakin' shout."
"Just choose what you want to do!" I replied, my voice starting to crack from both the decreasing amount of oxygen, and the increasing amount of panic as several more components in the cockpit exploded in my face.
"Very well... if you so insist, I shall come over. Living conditions are starting to become unsatisfactory.
It was then that it started. The vortex was now a bright shade of maroon, and it was flashing, white and red. "That can't be good..." I murmured, in dread. Because it really couldn't be good.
I quickly tried to lock the transporter onto Merrik's position in the ship. Automatic locking was offline, so I had to target him manually, using the Archdevil screen. I licked my lips. This was proper nerve-wracking. I could have died then and there, but somehow I was still going.
Then the first ship came out of the Vortex. A miracle ship? Well, that's what I initially thought. It was far from that. That was the scout ship. The one that checked if the coast was clear. Because almost as soon as I had locked onto Merrik's position, they all started pouring out. One-by-one. Craft by craft. They were more shuttles. And I couldn't have been more surprised to see them if I tried. If only because they were coming out of a vortex! But then that hit me. It wasn't a normal soul-crushing cortex at all. It was far superior to that. This was man-made. A gateway to another world, but to where? And why were they coming out, but we were still being sucked in? It didn't make sense. None! In fact it was worse than that - they were heading straight for us!
"Damn you, Cadenza! Push that damn button!" screamed the irate Merrik. He must have seen me zoning out, as the ships came out and out, again, always more, lots more! Dozens!
"Uh-oh, time to go!" I stated in response. I quickly hit the transportation button. Merrik's face began to glow blue, as his body was scrambling itself into particles that would soon be distributed across space and time to my own area, in my single, humble ship. Not exactly the sort of space-farism I really expected, and I guess I sounded like an malevolent annoying weasel, endlessly shouting at Merrik. But it was all for a good cause. In theory. I still maintain, that it was for Kathryn.
But then... During the transportation, something happened that I didn't expect. One of the ships fired upon me. The shot slammed straight into my ship's right warp nacelle, barely protected by the shields, but still... it was enough. The transporter blew, mid-transformation, and Merrik was returned back to his ship.
"What the devil- What are you playing at Cadenza? I was joking when I said don't-"
"Shut up and look!" I said, angrily. I really couldn't tolerate his whining any longer. Fortunately, when he noticed the ships, he was immediately frozen solid. His face was a picture. But then again, I ha the same reaction when I noticed them.
He said nothing, I said nothing. Except the fact that my transporter was now officially scrap metal.
"...You got me into this race Cadenza. I'll get myself out. If it's true, then... I'll guess I'll be enduring an infinite odyssey. Not that I mind it." he murmured, this time with mild frustration.
"Wh- what?! What are you doing?!" I spat, shocked. This was absolutely, positively not the time for foolish heroics that could endanger his life to happen. If they were, in fact, heroics, that is.
"You can't get away with my baggage on your tail. Maybe you should let me handle this." he uttered in reply. “I think I can handle a few drones.”
"No, no! Don't!" I spluttered desperately. “You’ll be killed!”
Suddenly, and without anyway warning, an orange beam came shooting out of Merrik's ship, striking my tractor beam, and penetrating the shields. And then, much to my trepidation, Merrik's ship was free. 100% free. I placed my head in my hands briefly, as I realised he had destroyed the beam projector, meaning that I could no longer use it.
“So long, Cadenza! We’ll meet again, my friend and adversary, but now, alas, comes the end of this story! Time for me to meet my destiny!” he spat back, with a sadistic grin on his face. It was too suspicious… it was almost like… he expected it. He expected what was to come. If so…
“No. No, no, no, Merrik, stop! Whatever you’re doing! Please, stop! Think of Kathryn! If you go, if you ruin her-“
“Oh, shut up about her, she doesn’t need me, she has herself! Always too headstrong, and arrogant, she was. Maybe my absence will help her mature a little! Anyway, would love to chat, but toodle-ooh!” he spoke, with a wink. And with that, the communication ceased. The screen returned to its blue, basic self.
I could only watch in horror as Merrik’s ship finally crossed the threshold of no return. However, this did not stop the bucketload of other ships that was to come. I stared open mouthed, my heart beating a light-year a minute as Merrik did the unthinkable. He entered the vortex. He directly entered the vortex with no protection, with no apparent reason other than the fact that he was quite possibly completely insane to a… well… insane degree. It was ridiculous. I couldn’t believe it. But my sense of bewilderment quickly turned to one of “Oh God, I should really get out of here now, for the love of all that is holy.”
I quickly shifted my mind back from absolute shock, back to “I better get the hell out of here!”, as I slammed my hand onto the warp speed switch, quickly ramping the button all the way up to eleven, literally. I could feel the ship’s vibration as the engines kicked into gear, and slowly pulled away from the vortex’s pull. Of which I was very grateful of, needless to say. However, the quicker I went, the more attention I seemed to have attracted. Rapidly, my ship was picking up speed as the enemy ships seemed to notice me, and gang up on me. Well, this looks like the end for me, I admit to thinking. It was impossible odds that I would get out of this, but still, I had to try. At least try, otherwise, I would have such a feeling of insignificance and self-loathing right then if it wasn’t for the fact that I couldn’t have done anything was pulsing through my mind. It just happened. But still, if this was the end…
Oh course, I had no time to think of such things, as suddenly pulse beams and plasma beams flew past my ship at dangerously close distances,. This was getting intense, and as such, this was so not good. I had to hurry and get back home, otherwise my butt was fried like a calamari on a stick. The weaponry kept flying past, but never hitting fortunately. I kept swaying the ship too much for them to get a decent lock. But the point still stood. It was bloody difficult to keep going with such damage already inflicted to the ship that I may as well rip myself apart while trying. Suddenly, I was getting a call. An Archdevil call. Firstly, I was baffled at who would be calling me, but then I immediately slapped that thought out of my mind and hit the green answer button. “Hello?!”
“Cadenza? Cadenza! Can you hear me!” spoke a familiar voice. A very familiar voice. I quickly tried to put the name to the face, since the video seemed to be non-functional. “Commander Markon here! We are aware of your situation, Calvia tipped us off! What’s your status?!”
“W-what do you mean he tipped you off?! Is he alright?!” I spouted, confused. He had just essentially told me a few minutes ago that he was going into the vortex. And that was something that I couldn’t forget. The commander was also surprised.
“Well… he reported it around 8 minutes ago. What is his status?” came the now uncertain voice of Markon. It seemed he had reported it… before he even spoke to me. Now why would he do that? Combined with everything he said to me, it was truly like… he was planning something. But that would have to be found out another day, it seemed. Now it was my turn to deliver depressing news.
“...Cadet Merrik Calvia, sir…” I took a deep breath. “Condition… unknown, but presumed lost. He has been sucked into the vortex.”
There followed a silence. A brief silence that seemed to last an absolute age. I still couldn’t believe the words that had come out of my mouth. It was like someone else had written the script, and I was following the words. But he really had just… gone. Before my eyes. How Kathryn was going to take this I had no idea, but now, I had to make sure I had to be there for her more than ever before.
Finally, a voice came up on the speaker, finally. I couldn’t help feeling like the suspense was just there to make me think more about what happened.
“Very well, cadet. We are… sorry to hear that. Anyway, turrets have been engaged. Land your craft onto the emergency runway, and we will beam you to the escape shuttle. Markon out. And Godspeed to him.”
I nodded silently as I proceeded on my way. I still had to keep going if I was to stand any chance of survival against these blasted creatures. It was time to go, and outrun the ships. I could only assume that they were the Kranos people that I had heard about. The ships were as black as space itself, the only light being the reflection from the stars and the sun. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t believe I would have been able to see them. It was only that, that I had managed to see. The ships themselves were slick, sheened and pointed in design. It looked like anyone touching the tip of the wing would automatically impale themselves to death just from their finger. I had never seen anything so large, as yet so sharp.
The TaCa’s cockpit sparked once again as it took a hit to the rear. Right now, I would be the lucky if one letter of the name still existed. But still, I had to keep going. I had no choice but to do so, otherwise I would die. As I alluded to before… if this was the end, then I would not be satisfied. There was still so much I had yet to do. So, so much. I had to help Kathryn, I had to defeat these creatures, or at least help, and maybe one day, I would try to find Merrik again. One day. But that day was still seeming like a long way off. Still, I should take things one at a time, and as how they come. But I still couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that came of it all. Would I even get there? Hmph.
I quickly evaded the ships for another few minutes as I finally came into range of finish line. The other three ships had already made it to the escape shuttle. I noticed the turrets aligning themselves to the ships following me, and subsequently let loose hell. Fortunately, one strong hit was enough to divert them off course. Not destroy them, presumably due to strong shielding, but it took the pressure off. I quickly deployed the landing gear. Well, at least I tried, because it didn’t work. A look of horror slowly developed on my face at this admittedly unexpected revelation. I remained calm again, and quickly tried pressing the button for a second time, hoping that trying again before I ended up crashing into a support section of the auditorium. Which hopefully had been cleared out.
I tried the button again, and I heard a slight whirr below me in the ship. Seems like the landing gear did work, but it was damaged. Or so I could tell. All I could do was hope that when I landed, I didn't explode into a maelstrom of metallic screws and biological cells. So I focused on pulling out of warp and slowing down my ship to have a greater chance of, y'know, surviving. Even though my ship was still wobbling a worrying amount, to the point of which I was starting to feel beyond uncertain, and just felt like praying.
I steered the ship, all while keeping the stabilizers in check, which was easier said than... well you know what, you know enough of the ship's condition. I pulled up into the runaway, trying to level out the ship. "Come on, girl... you can do it, just take it easy. Easy..." I told it. Sure, talking to a machine could be seen as odd, but the TaCa needed some reassurance, I believed. Well, at least anyway. I wasn't exactly in the greatest state of mind as my ship was continuing to spiral downhill.
I kept nearing the runaway, which was very nerve-racking, as I was closing in on it. I kept preparing myself for a giant devastating ripping apart of the ship, which, let's be honest, would be rather fitting for my already broken ship. Only 5 seconds remained. I just tried to keep calm and brace for the inevitable impact that was to come.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
And then I smashed into the ground, even more violently than I thought it would! I was literally shocked until I realized - the landing gear had collapsed in on itself. I was literally grinding on the deck of the ship, the naked silver hull cutting into the runaway like a chainsaw into a brick wall. All I could do was sit in the chair and vibrate, holding myself together, as well as the ship. "Come on, babe, you can do this, you can do this... just hold it together..."
I struggled to keep her from falling apart. It was only a matter of time before the core breached, or they didn't get a lock on me in time to get me out of here. I'm sure they were trying... or at least, I hoped they were trying. I mean, there was no reason why they shouldn't have been trying. I liked to think not anyway. I focused again on what was happening. I tried my final attempt at stabilising the ship, firing the reverse thrusters, and hoping that actually stopped the ship. It was a tough ask, but anything was better than nothing. I only had another 3 miles left of runway anyway, so I really needed to stop. A. S. A. P.
The thrusters fired, as soon enough, I felt the harsh latching of pull both ways as my ship kept going from side to side, and kept on trying to destroy itself, with me in it, which was something that I didn't approve of. But I was slowing down. The stars were slowing down. That was for definite. I was elated, just to be slowing down, as my cockpit was starting to fall apart. Beams fell from the ceiling to just in front of my eyes, which was absolutely terrifying to witness. I was panicking. More than I had ever done so in my life. But I continued to slow, just as the bridge of the ship I was about to crash into and completely obliterate became visible.
I simply shut my eyes, covered my ears and waited for the sound of scraping metal to stop, and completely finish. As the smell of burning dressing material started to fill my nostrils, I could already start to feel faint. I decided to let fate choose my destiny... I could do nothing longer. I just wanted the noise, the pain, and the fire to stop, and completely finish. As the smell of burning dressing material started to fill my nostrils, I could already start to feel faint. I decided to let fate choose my destiny... I could do nothing longer. I just wanted the noise, the pain, and the fire to stop. It was a level of claustrophobic hell on par with being crushed inside a cube. It was absolutely horrible, and there was nothing I could do. Absolutely nothing.
Soon enough, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the way you look at it, I began to lose consciousness due to the smoke. I guess… here it was. I half expected to be looking at the flaming gates of hell in a few minutes for being in such a predicament in the first place. Still… this was the end of the line for me. And then I passed out, off to dream of better scenarios, better moments, as my life was flashing before my eyes… as clichéd as it sounded, I wish I had a better life.
To better dreams.
Spoiler : Chapter 8 - A Time of Need :
And if you can’t already tell, I lived. I was lucky to survive. The first things I saw when I woke up was the bright lights of a sick-bay burning my bloodshot eyes. I immediately winced them again out of disgust and pain. Not the best method of testing how alive I was, but it was a method all the same. However, I was promptly re-awoken by a large, emotional cry of…
“GET UP!”
Nice to know Kathryn was alive and didn’t worry or anything. However, whether this sentence would culminate in “GET UP YOU LAZY SOD”, “GET UP I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU” or my least favoured, “GET UP AND TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER, OR I WILL TEAR YOU A NEW-“ and you can get the idea where that would have gone. Mind you, I can’t say I wouldn’t have deserved it. But still, would have been a bit awkward after half enduring my death.
Still, best play the fool, I thought.
“My God… Kathryn… you’re okay. Wha… what happened?” I uttered, and despite the fact that I was only just alive again, I still managed to prepare myself for a right, royal bollocking.
“Mika… you’re okay. I’m grateful for that… so grateful, especially after what happened…” she uttered, her face baring a shallow visage. Parts of her face seemed to be darker, and more shining in the light. It was like she had been in tears, which wouldn’t be too surprising after everything… but… “My brother… Merrik… I saw the ship record… what happened… I… Thank you… for trying to save him… I… oh god… I’m so sorry…” she managed to get out, before placing her hand to her eyes.
I could only watch on, too weak to help her in anyway, as she began to pour her tears out.
I felt awful. Oh, so, so awful. After all, it was sort of my fault. If I hadn't entered the competition, he wouldn't have felt the need to, and then subsequently, he wouldn't have gotten lost.
Or was it? Was it really? There were a few things that didn't exactly make any sense to me... Just a few minor things, but I guess the most important one is that he didn't seem like a person who was going to potentially die and be aware of that fact... In fact, actually, he seemed almost gleeful to be going in the vortex. His demeanour... it was like he somehow expected the whole turn of events to happen, and that he was actually part of it. Could it be...? I didn't want to think so, because it would paint his "death" in a rather suspicious light, and I'm not sure I wanted that to happen, especially in light of everything else.
Many people died that day. Many in the attack, some just trying to get out of the space station, only to be mistaken for a fighter jet, or just another ship to kill, and be shot on sight. It was war, after all. One could never take any chances on the battlefield. In that way, I'm sure our side would have done the same thing...
All of that was what empowered myself to go to war anyway. To stop the fighting. For good. But that never happened. There would always be fights. It was all much to my displeasure, but one person couldn't make a difference... but a whole army can.
So by that logic, the "one person CAN make a difference" strategy should have been pointed and laughed at. At least it would have been so much clearer, , and would have been a lot simpler to follow. My goodness…
Days passed as I began my recuperation in hospital. It wasn’t the most pleasant of events to be undergoing at the time, I must admit. There were much, much more constructive things I would have liked more to be doing. I could only imagine the facts of what happened back on that day… the screams of women, men, children… all those families being decimated, and they didn’t even know why or what they had done to cause it. They were innocent. Completely innocent in this whole event, yet they were cut down like trees in a forest. I hated knowing that. I hated knowing that I led one person to either their death or something altogether new… It disgusted me. I disgusted myself. But then again… if you let these things eat at you, and continue to do so for months, days, years… then you’d lose yourself. You’d lose the person you were, and would become, in favour of becoming something unrecognisable. You have to keep living for them. You have to stay alive, and keep fighting all for them. Otherwise, what’s the bloody point. There is none.
It was a few days later, before I eventually managed to summon up the strength to get up and move around the sick-bay. Of course, they didn’t let me out, because of fear that I might break something, which is just such a great resolution to have. How pleasant. Health and safety really was mad back there… still, I guess it was for the “benefit” of the crew. Kathryn visited my bedside every single day, each day she carried the same identifiable smile, but this time, there was a heavy sadness behind it, which was something I was truly unused to seeing. I hated seeing her like this. It was just… heartbreaking for me. Maybe, just maybe… things would improve from now on though. We were halfway across the sector, away from the ongoing violence. Who knows what had happened with the vortex. I sure as hell had no idea. Maybe it had closed itself? Maybe it was already sucking in the allied forces… It was something that I didn’t want to think about. I really, really didn’t. This time… I felt like I had a duty to help the other humans though. The other people of my kind. The other people of all the kinds of life who had proven themselves to be benevolent… friendly… helpful. Our friends. I was shocked at how things had turned out. You never really can put these things into perspective, until you actually see the massacre for yourself… when you’re actually involved in them. Otherwise you’re just an outsider. You’re just a viewer. With no comprehension of what it’s really like to endure such a harsh reality, until you stare it straight into the eyes. Until you look death itself into the eyes. You can never know. You will never know.
And perhaps that’s a good thing. A very good thing. That people had been spared from the horrors of war. I guess it was what kept the majority of people sane. And perhaps it kept those prejudices at bay. Because it really is amazing how war can bring out the worst of people. Such like Merrik. Still… I guess I had almost been there myself. But I was about to go all the way there. That was still to come.
The final day of that era that I want to talk about… was my graduation. Perhaps they were the most heart-wrenching of the days I had spent. It was the final days that I had spent on Earth, especially after the massacre in the centre. The battle had been fought without Earth taking too much of an injury, which I was so thankful for. But now, times were changing. My first encounter with one of the creatures was still to come. So of course, I was still biased towards ended them. I guess the appropriate words I’m looking for are: “guilty until proven innocent”. This would be an understandable way of looking at it, I guess. But then again…
Anyway. There I was, back on Earth. It was the graduation. It was 3 months after the incident, so I had a decent amount of time to recover. The same couldn’t be said for Kathryn however, which was… unpleasant and upsetting to say the least. You see the person you saw as a bright, happy, and bubbly person, with a heck of a lot of feistiness, become this subdued, unhappy, bitter person that I just didn’t know. As is what happens when you lose someone you care about deeply. It takes your personality, and mutates you into something else. The worst thing is that you can’t help it, because you didn’t cause it.
As soon as I got there, I quickly looked around for her. She was there, thankfully, across the large industrious hall that we had met. It was almost nostalgic. How such events happening in such a year can both change people, and how so many things can happen over a period. It was… terrible. Yet it was also natural. Oh, much, much too natural.
“Kathryn!” I called, waving over to her. My head was aching a bit from the exertion. I still bore a few of my injuries from the incident, but it was worth it to help a friend in need. I noticed her, dressed in her white graduation suit. The white suits were a strange idea; I had to say, far bereft from the much more traditional black robe idea. But that’s where Galacix always tried to be different and innovate new traditions, blah, blah, blah. How typical of them, but I couldn’t blame them.
Kathryn noticed me, thankfully. She seemed to be quite distant otherwise. Not really interacting with anyone. She gave out a slight smile, more out of being sheer pleased to see me more than anything else, which of course was always a delight to me. We ran over to each other and embraced in a massive hug.
“How are you?” I asked, typically. As one usually did.
“Not too bad, I guess… bit of a hard day, you know, but still… it’s okay.” She replied. Her voice was a little more hoarse than usual. She had possibly been crying again, which was okay, given the circumstances. But still. This was a good day, and I wanted to help her feel happy again. That is, if I could. Easier said than done, after all. “I guess I still miss him. I know I shouldn’t but… I still loved him, as hard as that was to believe.”
“Yeah… I can imagine that. It was… a pretty awful day. Still, we have to remember his name with pride, otherwise there’s no point, you know?” I told her, placing my hand on her shoulder in a gesture that was trying its very best to be sympathetic, yet encouraging at the same time. Trying to achieve that was easier said than done, but I gave it a fairly good try, as it seemed to light her up a bit. “Come, let’s just take a seat somewhere and wait for the names. It shouldn’t be too long. How’s things anyway?” I stated, trying to turn the conversation to new directions.
“Yeah… you’re right. I really wish I shared your view on things.” She smiled. I hadn’t seen her properly smile for once in any of those three months beforehand so that really was refreshing and lovely to see. “But yes… other things are okay. Just trying to keep an eye on things really. Home’s a bit of a nightmare, what with me being away and all. I mean… it’s just a bit hard. I just wish I could have been with… actually, no, it’s fine. I shouldn’t go on about it.”
I bowed my head briefly. Turns out I had only made things slightly more difficult for her. Neither of our parents had actually come to our graduation. I didn’t know why about mine… maybe they just didn’t want to, or maybe they couldn’t. I’ll never know for sure. But alas… I’d be sure to tell them about it. I couldn’t help but a feel a bit hurt though. I mean, you would, wouldn’t you? It’s like a stab in the back, when not even your parents come to your graduation… ah. Now I’m rambling again. How quaint. And ironic. Still…
“Hey, don’t forget. I’m always here. Talk to me, whenever.” I told her, as we took our seats. This was going to be hopefully a good, entertaining day, of which we could both finally feel somewhat happy. I hoped, at the very least. Nothing wrong with hoping now, was there. We waited for about 5 minutes, chatting to each other. It was nice to have a simple conversation to each other, about other things. Mind you, we didn’t actually realise that Crane, William Crane that is, the fleet admiral of the Galacix army in case you’d forgotten, was taking his place at the podium. He was ready to make another big long-winded speech, presumably. But ah, at least this one was guaranteed to have a positive aura about it, which was what was really needed in times like this. A time of need, I guess I could say. Either way… I guessed this would be a nice coda to my time at the academy. He approached the podium. One thing I could say is that he looked visibly more aged from when I last saw him. I guess the stress of the job behind the scenes must have ramped up a level because of the incident. Couldn’t exactly see why it wouldn’t, but the poor guy must have been under some intense pressure…
“Friends. Cadets. My good soldiers and explorers. Firstly, before we begin the celebrations today, let us begin within remember the brave souls whom we have lost, and can’t be with us on this occasion in this past year.” Spoke the admiral, grandly. So much for that positive aura then. A list appeared on the hologram in front of him, with holograms of the various good people who had either been killed. They ranged from cadet to officer, to commanding officer, even to fellow admiral. Admirals are usually relegated to desk jobs… so this man must have been one out of many to go back in the field. My utmost respect went to every single one of them, for fighting for what they believed in. Defending the Earth! A goal I’d be proud to go down for.
Soon enough, inevitably, Merrik’s image came up in the next row of names. I bit my lip, as I knew the implications of such a thing… to Kathryn. I turned my gaze slowly over to her, looking at her through the corner of my eye so she didn’t notice. She was almost stone-faced, with her eyes shut. I could sense how upset she was. But she was hiding it. I didn’t blame her. It’s a perfectly normal thing to hide emotions after all… but I wish she didn’t need to. If the race never happened… if I never entered it fulfil my father’s wishes, it would have been different. But then again, it was no use dwelling on the past, as I had thought to myself many, many times.
The speech finally restarted about 14 minutes later. I was shocked by the amount of people who had actually lost their lives in the attack. It must have been well into the thousands… It was… upsetting to say the least. I believe I saw many people start to choke up. But still… the admiral went back to the podium. I could swear that he himself had been having a quiet lament.
“Well… ladies and gentlemen, I guess now, I can officially welcome you to what will be your final day of the Galacix Navy Academy. Over the past 12 months, we have watched your progress, and how you’ve developed into fine young officers. Looks to me like you’re all finally ready to leave this academy, and embark of fine careers of your own. I know that some of your confidences might be shattered after the events of what happened these past few months, and that is understandable. I have felt the same and what did happen… was absolutely abysmal and should not have happened. That is one thing that we can all agree with. Like most of you, I lost close friends. Family. All because of the swines that were the Kranos fleet. I implore you all now. We can not allow this threat to continue. This time is when we have to act. This war has dealt us with too many blows. Too many losses and too much damage which is unprecedented and just plain wrong on so many levels. I hold it in absolute disregard that this entire incident has had to happen. So. Here’s what I suggest. Now you are all trained to good degrees, I can firmly believe that you all can handle yourselves in the outside universe. You can all fight. You can all battle. You can all duel for your worlds. For your galaxies. And you can do your hardest jobs to keep the universe safe from the massive threat as a whole. Do you all believe me? I believe that you can. You all have the ability to keep this universe safe, it’s just whether you have the motivation. But of course… you saw what the Kranos did to our families. To our friends. Surely we can’t let them get away with that…” let loose the Admiral.
War-fuelled that I was, I hung off of his every word. Believing every single thing. It’s only now, years later that I realize how much of a war mongerer that he was. How much this speech was built around convincing us to go off and fight and die, and fight, and die again, all on a never ending cycle that would just go on for the rest if tune, Unbelievable that it may have been, I was completely in agreement with him. And that’s what really depresses me. I should never have believed him, but I did, and that was the moment that my life really was changed. Graduation day? More like selling your soul day. Kathryn of course… the speech affected her, more than it did me. Because what I saw in her that day was something that I would probably never expect ever to see out of her. I looked into her eyes as she watched the speech, and… I saw it. Pure. Murderous. Rage. I never thought she’d be the one to ever express such an emotion, but… then again, she had lost her brother. That was the reason her eyes were red and raw. Her body was trembling all over. Her fists clenched tightly. So very tightly, to the point of which I just couldn’t help but place my hand on hers. I tried to calm her.
“It’s okay… Kathryn. I know you want revenge for what happened to your brother.” I said, softly into her ear, to avoid the ears of everyone else around us. “But trust me… it’s not worth channelling yourself into pure rage. You have to be logical about this. You are amazing. You can’t let yourself be driven out of being just that. Because you are better than you think you are. Together, we can do this. We can stop them. We can finish them off. You and me. Together.” I told her.
“I know… I just need to kill them… I need to destroy them… make them suffer for taking him from me.” She remarked. I could really feel the murderous energy coming from her. And that worried me. That worried me severely… I just didn’t know what to expect from her anymore. As I said, her personality had completely done a 180, and she had started becoming more like her brother than anyone else. This was the end of the road for the happy, bubbly Kathryn that I once knew… this was someone that I didn’t know who I was speaking to any more. This seemed like... well, I don’t even need to go on about it any more. I shook my head as I remembered how she used to be. Even though I too wanted revenge on the creatures… I hadn’t had become as obsessive as she had. It looked like I would have to do my best to keep a good eye on her, as if I left her on her own, she could possibly become something ugly. Something hate-filled, malevolent… and wrong. "Kathryn... I know what you're going through. They took my sister from me. She's still in intensive care, as they say she'll never be the same... And I can completely empathise with your pain. Believe me, I can. Because I love her, you loved Merrik. And it is so, so, difficult to put it behind you. But a thousand times, I've told myself not to let it consume me, or I'll just become something beside myself. Something bad. And that's what I don't want for you."
It was then that she looked at me, with her bloodshot eyes, steamed with tears of sadness, and fury. And sheer anger. But also a deep sorrow. It was with that, that she slowly grabbed my hand and squeezed it. She said only two words. Just two.
"I know."
Those words chilled me to the bone. I didn't know what to think... was it really...? Did she really want to become... that?
Either way, the Admiral was still talking with his murderous language. “Years ago, a man I met in the universe, while I was travelling amongst the stars… he once said to me, ‘Maybe wars are best handled… by a man who never would.’ Well… years later, it is now that I realize that the man was wrong. He was so, so very wrong to a degree that was almost unthinkable. But I didn’t hate him for it, because back then, peace was the only way war was properly obtainable. We had been without a massive war for godknows how many years beforehand, so there was logic in his apparent madness. He claimed to be a doctor, yet he was as helpful as nothing I had ever seen. But he saw the world through rose-tinted glasses. Well… I urge you all, not to see the same way as the doctor did. The rose-tinted view of the galaxy has no place during a war. Now is the time to be cold, to be hard, and to be completely logical in everything we do. When the threat is extinguished… then we can relax. But until then, everything is in a state of tension, and my most admiration of you… is what really propels me. And I thank each and everyone of you for being there. It lights my heart to believe in your dedication to our mutual cause. I appreciate it more than you can ever think, and more than you’ll ever know. So thank you a lot everyone. And godspeed to all of you on your no doubt industrious careers. Thank you.”
And with that, he had earned himself a standing ovation of nearly rapturous applause. From myself and Kathryn included, all 100,000 people in that auditorium completely seemingly loved the speech. The applause lasted nearly two minutes before people finally started to move out of the hall, and onto the ship registration hall. The place where we would be heading to determine our fate. Of course, as we had to go through the final feast, which was essentially a 4-course meal out of celebration of our goals. I had the diet meal, as I didn’t exactly share the gluttonous appetites of those around me… even Kathryn, whose appetite did surprise me. Although I suspected quite bit of it was for comfort purposes, but who was I to judge? But the less said about that, the better. In fact the whole damn scene makes me shudder…
But the next day, was when it all really kicked off. That was the point of which we all entered the ship registration office. The time of which the Cadet would become the Ensign.
In fact, we all had our cadet uniforms taken from us, and replaced with brand new uniforms - those of the officers. A v-neck or one with a collar. A surprisingly tough choice. But I chose the v-neck, since collar constriction just ain’t cool.
But still... yes. The ship registration loomed upon me like a vulture over a corpse. I could easily wait for that moment to come... It was just not that pleasant. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel rather quite excited. This was the only way I'd be able to get involved with the massive war in a useful way. So then I took a look at the list of ships that needed a pilot.
Well, there was the GNS Capia. That seemed to be in need of a pilot, but it was being led by a nutter. Captain Jamie Earl. A true madman who should never have been given command of his own shuttle let alone a bloody starship with actual living people. The man was an ass! I'd rather set the whole damn academy on fire than serve on a ship with him in it. My God.
So, next on the list was the GNS Prosperity. And that, my friends is the one I chose. Why did I choose it? Well... Apart from the fact that it was on of the most successful ships on the fleet. It was one of the ships that I actually had been on before. Every 2 months from joining, each student had to spend a week on ship leave. To get the hang on the way things work on a ship, that is. Was there any other way of learning the ropes, after all? Not really. As such, the Prosperity was the ship that I took a large amount of pride in serving. Each day on that ship felt productive, and for once I actually felt useful and needed. It was led by Captain Alex Tazian, a great man by all accounts. And getting a record from everyone like that... it was marvellous. It was, in my humble view, the finest ship in the fleet. Well, the one I had actually been on anyway, so I guess that didn't mean much to anything or anyone.
Either way, it was definitely going to be the ship I chose... I mean, I'm in the captain's quarters of it right now. However…Kathryn had a different thought in mind. I will remember that day for as long as I live. The day that we had to say our goodbye. It was a heart-wrenching one I admit… one that I wished for many days that could have been less brief, less stunted… because I didn’t realize, nay, I couldn’t have realized that we would only have another couple of dozen chance encounters over the next 9 years. Twice a year, on a good year… and now I may never see her another year again. The last time we met was 6 years ago. And that was a day I’ll never forget. But our first goodbye is something I’ll probably remember forever.
“GET UP!”
Nice to know Kathryn was alive and didn’t worry or anything. However, whether this sentence would culminate in “GET UP YOU LAZY SOD”, “GET UP I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU” or my least favoured, “GET UP AND TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER, OR I WILL TEAR YOU A NEW-“ and you can get the idea where that would have gone. Mind you, I can’t say I wouldn’t have deserved it. But still, would have been a bit awkward after half enduring my death.
Still, best play the fool, I thought.
“My God… Kathryn… you’re okay. Wha… what happened?” I uttered, and despite the fact that I was only just alive again, I still managed to prepare myself for a right, royal bollocking.
“Mika… you’re okay. I’m grateful for that… so grateful, especially after what happened…” she uttered, her face baring a shallow visage. Parts of her face seemed to be darker, and more shining in the light. It was like she had been in tears, which wouldn’t be too surprising after everything… but… “My brother… Merrik… I saw the ship record… what happened… I… Thank you… for trying to save him… I… oh god… I’m so sorry…” she managed to get out, before placing her hand to her eyes.
I could only watch on, too weak to help her in anyway, as she began to pour her tears out.
I felt awful. Oh, so, so awful. After all, it was sort of my fault. If I hadn't entered the competition, he wouldn't have felt the need to, and then subsequently, he wouldn't have gotten lost.
Or was it? Was it really? There were a few things that didn't exactly make any sense to me... Just a few minor things, but I guess the most important one is that he didn't seem like a person who was going to potentially die and be aware of that fact... In fact, actually, he seemed almost gleeful to be going in the vortex. His demeanour... it was like he somehow expected the whole turn of events to happen, and that he was actually part of it. Could it be...? I didn't want to think so, because it would paint his "death" in a rather suspicious light, and I'm not sure I wanted that to happen, especially in light of everything else.
Many people died that day. Many in the attack, some just trying to get out of the space station, only to be mistaken for a fighter jet, or just another ship to kill, and be shot on sight. It was war, after all. One could never take any chances on the battlefield. In that way, I'm sure our side would have done the same thing...
All of that was what empowered myself to go to war anyway. To stop the fighting. For good. But that never happened. There would always be fights. It was all much to my displeasure, but one person couldn't make a difference... but a whole army can.
So by that logic, the "one person CAN make a difference" strategy should have been pointed and laughed at. At least it would have been so much clearer, , and would have been a lot simpler to follow. My goodness…
Days passed as I began my recuperation in hospital. It wasn’t the most pleasant of events to be undergoing at the time, I must admit. There were much, much more constructive things I would have liked more to be doing. I could only imagine the facts of what happened back on that day… the screams of women, men, children… all those families being decimated, and they didn’t even know why or what they had done to cause it. They were innocent. Completely innocent in this whole event, yet they were cut down like trees in a forest. I hated knowing that. I hated knowing that I led one person to either their death or something altogether new… It disgusted me. I disgusted myself. But then again… if you let these things eat at you, and continue to do so for months, days, years… then you’d lose yourself. You’d lose the person you were, and would become, in favour of becoming something unrecognisable. You have to keep living for them. You have to stay alive, and keep fighting all for them. Otherwise, what’s the bloody point. There is none.
It was a few days later, before I eventually managed to summon up the strength to get up and move around the sick-bay. Of course, they didn’t let me out, because of fear that I might break something, which is just such a great resolution to have. How pleasant. Health and safety really was mad back there… still, I guess it was for the “benefit” of the crew. Kathryn visited my bedside every single day, each day she carried the same identifiable smile, but this time, there was a heavy sadness behind it, which was something I was truly unused to seeing. I hated seeing her like this. It was just… heartbreaking for me. Maybe, just maybe… things would improve from now on though. We were halfway across the sector, away from the ongoing violence. Who knows what had happened with the vortex. I sure as hell had no idea. Maybe it had closed itself? Maybe it was already sucking in the allied forces… It was something that I didn’t want to think about. I really, really didn’t. This time… I felt like I had a duty to help the other humans though. The other people of my kind. The other people of all the kinds of life who had proven themselves to be benevolent… friendly… helpful. Our friends. I was shocked at how things had turned out. You never really can put these things into perspective, until you actually see the massacre for yourself… when you’re actually involved in them. Otherwise you’re just an outsider. You’re just a viewer. With no comprehension of what it’s really like to endure such a harsh reality, until you stare it straight into the eyes. Until you look death itself into the eyes. You can never know. You will never know.
And perhaps that’s a good thing. A very good thing. That people had been spared from the horrors of war. I guess it was what kept the majority of people sane. And perhaps it kept those prejudices at bay. Because it really is amazing how war can bring out the worst of people. Such like Merrik. Still… I guess I had almost been there myself. But I was about to go all the way there. That was still to come.
The final day of that era that I want to talk about… was my graduation. Perhaps they were the most heart-wrenching of the days I had spent. It was the final days that I had spent on Earth, especially after the massacre in the centre. The battle had been fought without Earth taking too much of an injury, which I was so thankful for. But now, times were changing. My first encounter with one of the creatures was still to come. So of course, I was still biased towards ended them. I guess the appropriate words I’m looking for are: “guilty until proven innocent”. This would be an understandable way of looking at it, I guess. But then again…
Anyway. There I was, back on Earth. It was the graduation. It was 3 months after the incident, so I had a decent amount of time to recover. The same couldn’t be said for Kathryn however, which was… unpleasant and upsetting to say the least. You see the person you saw as a bright, happy, and bubbly person, with a heck of a lot of feistiness, become this subdued, unhappy, bitter person that I just didn’t know. As is what happens when you lose someone you care about deeply. It takes your personality, and mutates you into something else. The worst thing is that you can’t help it, because you didn’t cause it.
As soon as I got there, I quickly looked around for her. She was there, thankfully, across the large industrious hall that we had met. It was almost nostalgic. How such events happening in such a year can both change people, and how so many things can happen over a period. It was… terrible. Yet it was also natural. Oh, much, much too natural.
“Kathryn!” I called, waving over to her. My head was aching a bit from the exertion. I still bore a few of my injuries from the incident, but it was worth it to help a friend in need. I noticed her, dressed in her white graduation suit. The white suits were a strange idea; I had to say, far bereft from the much more traditional black robe idea. But that’s where Galacix always tried to be different and innovate new traditions, blah, blah, blah. How typical of them, but I couldn’t blame them.
Kathryn noticed me, thankfully. She seemed to be quite distant otherwise. Not really interacting with anyone. She gave out a slight smile, more out of being sheer pleased to see me more than anything else, which of course was always a delight to me. We ran over to each other and embraced in a massive hug.
“How are you?” I asked, typically. As one usually did.
“Not too bad, I guess… bit of a hard day, you know, but still… it’s okay.” She replied. Her voice was a little more hoarse than usual. She had possibly been crying again, which was okay, given the circumstances. But still. This was a good day, and I wanted to help her feel happy again. That is, if I could. Easier said than done, after all. “I guess I still miss him. I know I shouldn’t but… I still loved him, as hard as that was to believe.”
“Yeah… I can imagine that. It was… a pretty awful day. Still, we have to remember his name with pride, otherwise there’s no point, you know?” I told her, placing my hand on her shoulder in a gesture that was trying its very best to be sympathetic, yet encouraging at the same time. Trying to achieve that was easier said than done, but I gave it a fairly good try, as it seemed to light her up a bit. “Come, let’s just take a seat somewhere and wait for the names. It shouldn’t be too long. How’s things anyway?” I stated, trying to turn the conversation to new directions.
“Yeah… you’re right. I really wish I shared your view on things.” She smiled. I hadn’t seen her properly smile for once in any of those three months beforehand so that really was refreshing and lovely to see. “But yes… other things are okay. Just trying to keep an eye on things really. Home’s a bit of a nightmare, what with me being away and all. I mean… it’s just a bit hard. I just wish I could have been with… actually, no, it’s fine. I shouldn’t go on about it.”
I bowed my head briefly. Turns out I had only made things slightly more difficult for her. Neither of our parents had actually come to our graduation. I didn’t know why about mine… maybe they just didn’t want to, or maybe they couldn’t. I’ll never know for sure. But alas… I’d be sure to tell them about it. I couldn’t help but a feel a bit hurt though. I mean, you would, wouldn’t you? It’s like a stab in the back, when not even your parents come to your graduation… ah. Now I’m rambling again. How quaint. And ironic. Still…
“Hey, don’t forget. I’m always here. Talk to me, whenever.” I told her, as we took our seats. This was going to be hopefully a good, entertaining day, of which we could both finally feel somewhat happy. I hoped, at the very least. Nothing wrong with hoping now, was there. We waited for about 5 minutes, chatting to each other. It was nice to have a simple conversation to each other, about other things. Mind you, we didn’t actually realise that Crane, William Crane that is, the fleet admiral of the Galacix army in case you’d forgotten, was taking his place at the podium. He was ready to make another big long-winded speech, presumably. But ah, at least this one was guaranteed to have a positive aura about it, which was what was really needed in times like this. A time of need, I guess I could say. Either way… I guessed this would be a nice coda to my time at the academy. He approached the podium. One thing I could say is that he looked visibly more aged from when I last saw him. I guess the stress of the job behind the scenes must have ramped up a level because of the incident. Couldn’t exactly see why it wouldn’t, but the poor guy must have been under some intense pressure…
“Friends. Cadets. My good soldiers and explorers. Firstly, before we begin the celebrations today, let us begin within remember the brave souls whom we have lost, and can’t be with us on this occasion in this past year.” Spoke the admiral, grandly. So much for that positive aura then. A list appeared on the hologram in front of him, with holograms of the various good people who had either been killed. They ranged from cadet to officer, to commanding officer, even to fellow admiral. Admirals are usually relegated to desk jobs… so this man must have been one out of many to go back in the field. My utmost respect went to every single one of them, for fighting for what they believed in. Defending the Earth! A goal I’d be proud to go down for.
Soon enough, inevitably, Merrik’s image came up in the next row of names. I bit my lip, as I knew the implications of such a thing… to Kathryn. I turned my gaze slowly over to her, looking at her through the corner of my eye so she didn’t notice. She was almost stone-faced, with her eyes shut. I could sense how upset she was. But she was hiding it. I didn’t blame her. It’s a perfectly normal thing to hide emotions after all… but I wish she didn’t need to. If the race never happened… if I never entered it fulfil my father’s wishes, it would have been different. But then again, it was no use dwelling on the past, as I had thought to myself many, many times.
The speech finally restarted about 14 minutes later. I was shocked by the amount of people who had actually lost their lives in the attack. It must have been well into the thousands… It was… upsetting to say the least. I believe I saw many people start to choke up. But still… the admiral went back to the podium. I could swear that he himself had been having a quiet lament.
“Well… ladies and gentlemen, I guess now, I can officially welcome you to what will be your final day of the Galacix Navy Academy. Over the past 12 months, we have watched your progress, and how you’ve developed into fine young officers. Looks to me like you’re all finally ready to leave this academy, and embark of fine careers of your own. I know that some of your confidences might be shattered after the events of what happened these past few months, and that is understandable. I have felt the same and what did happen… was absolutely abysmal and should not have happened. That is one thing that we can all agree with. Like most of you, I lost close friends. Family. All because of the swines that were the Kranos fleet. I implore you all now. We can not allow this threat to continue. This time is when we have to act. This war has dealt us with too many blows. Too many losses and too much damage which is unprecedented and just plain wrong on so many levels. I hold it in absolute disregard that this entire incident has had to happen. So. Here’s what I suggest. Now you are all trained to good degrees, I can firmly believe that you all can handle yourselves in the outside universe. You can all fight. You can all battle. You can all duel for your worlds. For your galaxies. And you can do your hardest jobs to keep the universe safe from the massive threat as a whole. Do you all believe me? I believe that you can. You all have the ability to keep this universe safe, it’s just whether you have the motivation. But of course… you saw what the Kranos did to our families. To our friends. Surely we can’t let them get away with that…” let loose the Admiral.
War-fuelled that I was, I hung off of his every word. Believing every single thing. It’s only now, years later that I realize how much of a war mongerer that he was. How much this speech was built around convincing us to go off and fight and die, and fight, and die again, all on a never ending cycle that would just go on for the rest if tune, Unbelievable that it may have been, I was completely in agreement with him. And that’s what really depresses me. I should never have believed him, but I did, and that was the moment that my life really was changed. Graduation day? More like selling your soul day. Kathryn of course… the speech affected her, more than it did me. Because what I saw in her that day was something that I would probably never expect ever to see out of her. I looked into her eyes as she watched the speech, and… I saw it. Pure. Murderous. Rage. I never thought she’d be the one to ever express such an emotion, but… then again, she had lost her brother. That was the reason her eyes were red and raw. Her body was trembling all over. Her fists clenched tightly. So very tightly, to the point of which I just couldn’t help but place my hand on hers. I tried to calm her.
“It’s okay… Kathryn. I know you want revenge for what happened to your brother.” I said, softly into her ear, to avoid the ears of everyone else around us. “But trust me… it’s not worth channelling yourself into pure rage. You have to be logical about this. You are amazing. You can’t let yourself be driven out of being just that. Because you are better than you think you are. Together, we can do this. We can stop them. We can finish them off. You and me. Together.” I told her.
“I know… I just need to kill them… I need to destroy them… make them suffer for taking him from me.” She remarked. I could really feel the murderous energy coming from her. And that worried me. That worried me severely… I just didn’t know what to expect from her anymore. As I said, her personality had completely done a 180, and she had started becoming more like her brother than anyone else. This was the end of the road for the happy, bubbly Kathryn that I once knew… this was someone that I didn’t know who I was speaking to any more. This seemed like... well, I don’t even need to go on about it any more. I shook my head as I remembered how she used to be. Even though I too wanted revenge on the creatures… I hadn’t had become as obsessive as she had. It looked like I would have to do my best to keep a good eye on her, as if I left her on her own, she could possibly become something ugly. Something hate-filled, malevolent… and wrong. "Kathryn... I know what you're going through. They took my sister from me. She's still in intensive care, as they say she'll never be the same... And I can completely empathise with your pain. Believe me, I can. Because I love her, you loved Merrik. And it is so, so, difficult to put it behind you. But a thousand times, I've told myself not to let it consume me, or I'll just become something beside myself. Something bad. And that's what I don't want for you."
It was then that she looked at me, with her bloodshot eyes, steamed with tears of sadness, and fury. And sheer anger. But also a deep sorrow. It was with that, that she slowly grabbed my hand and squeezed it. She said only two words. Just two.
"I know."
Those words chilled me to the bone. I didn't know what to think... was it really...? Did she really want to become... that?
Either way, the Admiral was still talking with his murderous language. “Years ago, a man I met in the universe, while I was travelling amongst the stars… he once said to me, ‘Maybe wars are best handled… by a man who never would.’ Well… years later, it is now that I realize that the man was wrong. He was so, so very wrong to a degree that was almost unthinkable. But I didn’t hate him for it, because back then, peace was the only way war was properly obtainable. We had been without a massive war for godknows how many years beforehand, so there was logic in his apparent madness. He claimed to be a doctor, yet he was as helpful as nothing I had ever seen. But he saw the world through rose-tinted glasses. Well… I urge you all, not to see the same way as the doctor did. The rose-tinted view of the galaxy has no place during a war. Now is the time to be cold, to be hard, and to be completely logical in everything we do. When the threat is extinguished… then we can relax. But until then, everything is in a state of tension, and my most admiration of you… is what really propels me. And I thank each and everyone of you for being there. It lights my heart to believe in your dedication to our mutual cause. I appreciate it more than you can ever think, and more than you’ll ever know. So thank you a lot everyone. And godspeed to all of you on your no doubt industrious careers. Thank you.”
And with that, he had earned himself a standing ovation of nearly rapturous applause. From myself and Kathryn included, all 100,000 people in that auditorium completely seemingly loved the speech. The applause lasted nearly two minutes before people finally started to move out of the hall, and onto the ship registration hall. The place where we would be heading to determine our fate. Of course, as we had to go through the final feast, which was essentially a 4-course meal out of celebration of our goals. I had the diet meal, as I didn’t exactly share the gluttonous appetites of those around me… even Kathryn, whose appetite did surprise me. Although I suspected quite bit of it was for comfort purposes, but who was I to judge? But the less said about that, the better. In fact the whole damn scene makes me shudder…
But the next day, was when it all really kicked off. That was the point of which we all entered the ship registration office. The time of which the Cadet would become the Ensign.
In fact, we all had our cadet uniforms taken from us, and replaced with brand new uniforms - those of the officers. A v-neck or one with a collar. A surprisingly tough choice. But I chose the v-neck, since collar constriction just ain’t cool.
But still... yes. The ship registration loomed upon me like a vulture over a corpse. I could easily wait for that moment to come... It was just not that pleasant. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel rather quite excited. This was the only way I'd be able to get involved with the massive war in a useful way. So then I took a look at the list of ships that needed a pilot.
Well, there was the GNS Capia. That seemed to be in need of a pilot, but it was being led by a nutter. Captain Jamie Earl. A true madman who should never have been given command of his own shuttle let alone a bloody starship with actual living people. The man was an ass! I'd rather set the whole damn academy on fire than serve on a ship with him in it. My God.
So, next on the list was the GNS Prosperity. And that, my friends is the one I chose. Why did I choose it? Well... Apart from the fact that it was on of the most successful ships on the fleet. It was one of the ships that I actually had been on before. Every 2 months from joining, each student had to spend a week on ship leave. To get the hang on the way things work on a ship, that is. Was there any other way of learning the ropes, after all? Not really. As such, the Prosperity was the ship that I took a large amount of pride in serving. Each day on that ship felt productive, and for once I actually felt useful and needed. It was led by Captain Alex Tazian, a great man by all accounts. And getting a record from everyone like that... it was marvellous. It was, in my humble view, the finest ship in the fleet. Well, the one I had actually been on anyway, so I guess that didn't mean much to anything or anyone.
Either way, it was definitely going to be the ship I chose... I mean, I'm in the captain's quarters of it right now. However…Kathryn had a different thought in mind. I will remember that day for as long as I live. The day that we had to say our goodbye. It was a heart-wrenching one I admit… one that I wished for many days that could have been less brief, less stunted… because I didn’t realize, nay, I couldn’t have realized that we would only have another couple of dozen chance encounters over the next 9 years. Twice a year, on a good year… and now I may never see her another year again. The last time we met was 6 years ago. And that was a day I’ll never forget. But our first goodbye is something I’ll probably remember forever.
Spoiler : Chapter 9 - Coda of an Era :
I remember it quite clearly. There we were, on the dividing bridge platform between the shuttles for the GNS Prosperity, which was my destination, and the GNS Apollo, which was her destination. I was preparing for the day getting acquainted with everyone new. Together, we would make it there, presumably, anyway. But alone, our destinies would have to part. And neither of us wanted that. After a long walk all the way to the end of the bridge, we turned to face each other. We didn’t want to leave each other, not after everything that we had been through together. I looked into her eyes, and saw the sheer sadness in her eyes. It was there. Like it had always been. I hated seeing it. She should be happy. Not sad. Together, we embraced each other in a hug that seemed to last forever.
“I’m going to miss you…” she whispered into my ear, as we held each other.
“So am I… it’s going to be tricky. That much I have to say… you know that.” I told her. I closed my eyes, as we hugged. It was… an unhappy time. I wished it would never end, but unfortunately…
“I guess so… I still don’t want to go though with this. I'm starting to regret ever choosing the ship, I should have-"
"No." I interrupted, as I broke off the hug, instead adjusting to gripping her gently by the shoulders.
"Kathryn... we can't let our feelings get in the way of our plans. If we use both of our talents on one ship, it wouldn't be as affective as if we used our talents separately on two ships. We'll be better."
"I guess... I mean... I just don't want to be alone again." she told me. Personally... I only hoped that the distance away from me would help Kathryn return to her original, enthusiastic and independent self. She had so much courage, so much happiness... but as you know, she lost it all. As a result, I sensed that she had became dependant on me. And that couldn't be.
"Don't worry... you won't. You will be fine. Trust me. Please." I told her. "You'll be better. You'll be better, Kathryn, than I could ever be. Right now, you need to start believing that, because you really are brilliant. It's just about getting that out of you, and showing it to the right people. Because you WILL be great." I continued to tell her, as I smiled, the tears beginning to well into my eyes as well.
"Oh, Mika..." she uttered lightly, before she grabbed hold of my face, lightly. And then... she did something I never expected. And I mean, completely never expected. She pulled my face towards my own, and... she laid her lips upon my own. She kissed me. And... I liked it. That... I liked it, was strange to me. I never expected it. But then, I didn't want it to end. Ever. If only this one particular moment could just go on forever, I could and would die one terribly happy man, that much I must admit... it was the only time in my humble life that I could ever say that I had felt bliss. The only time I had felt, true, unleashed, pleasant, unadulterated bliss. I placed my hands on her back gently, holding her towards me, my fingers feeling the soft material of her uniform. Every single second. I... just couldn't believe it was happening. It was completely new to me. My first kiss at the age of 20. And... I was... well, I've described it enough already, but... I was... Elated. Truly, completely, elated.
Eventually, we parted lips. The look on my face was half-amazed, and half-accepting of the situation. I guess I finally knew what it was like... to be... In a sense... loved. The look on her face was of a slight smile, a sad smile, but also an accepting one.
"I guess that this... this is goodbye." she stated, calmly, though I knew she was battling herself to not breakdown into tears. "All this time... together."
"But this is not the end. You know that." I told her, placing my hand on her shoulders, again. "Not the end. For us... the sky will not fall. I know it feels like that. But trust me. We will stand tall, and face it all together. Even apart. In spirit, we are one." I told her, the look on my face turned into that of full acceptance and reassurance. Because... and I don't say this about many people, if anyone who wasn't related to me... but, I loved her. I really, honestly did. From Galacix with love, it seemed to be. Because I really did smile in my face for a moment.
And she finally gave me a full smile. That's all I really wanted. To feel the golden warmth that only the touch of her smile could bring. She didn't even need to lift a finger.
"Well... I guess I'll see you around the galaxy... Mika Cadenza." she told me, brushing my face with her hand, before setting off slowly in the opposite direction.
"Same to you too... Kathryn Calvia." I smiled back, watching her walk away slowly. The officer who loved me. And come to think of it, that was the last I ever said her surname until now. Bit of thunderball to the system, but... I guess it just got too painful after a while.
So, I turned my back, to complete my destiny. By embarking on my journey. After all, after the incident, I had more of a quest to help people, and smite our enemies, old and new. You only live twice, after all, and this was my second life. If I didn’t choose to spend it this way either, I’d have a very different, and perhaps less notable fate than I do now. So I straightened my v-neck and walked up the bridge to the shuttle.
You see, the moment I stepped on that ship, my entire fate had been sealed because if it. The moment I entered that shuttle, I was always going to end up here. But... I guess one could say it was truly worth it, in a way. Those years of exploration, and amazing love and belief... it was great.
And then when I finally set my eyes on the ship itself, my eyes gleamed with the familiarity that it emitted and its sheer beauty. The way its silver hull shined against the stars, almost brought tears to my eyes, because it was just such a beauty... she always has been. Always will be. Nothing more, nothing less. The Prosperity... you'd have to have prospered to get on it. They say diamonds are forever... but a ship's a true traveller's best friend.
I'll tell you now... because the days I spent on the ship were some of the greatest and most meaningful I've ever had in my life. The longer I stayed on it, the more I felt like I actually had a purpose. The whole ship… everyone on it was lovely. Nice people, all of them. Well, almost all of them, there was a grumpy crewman in Engineering who almost shot someone for looking at him [Censored : No lesson on male anatomy, please...]-eyed. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase live and let die. But on the whole… it was brilliant. No matter what, my time on the ship was immense. I spent battle after battle on it.
If I didn’t choose it either, I’d have a very different, and perhaps less notable fate than I do now. The moment I stepped on that ship, my entire destiny had been sealed because if it. The longer I stayed on it, the more I felt like I actually had a purpose. The whole ship… everyone on it was lovely. Nice people, all of them. Well, almost all of them, there was a grumpy crewman in Engineering who almost shot someone for looking at him [Censored : No lesson on male anatomy, please...]-eyed, but on the whole… it was brilliant. On that ship, I felt like we were the crew with the golden vessel. The most incredible ship, the potential flagship for the entire army. It was a goal for me and the entire crew to be victorious under impossible odds, and with this ship, it truly felt possible. Tazian was a commander of immense bravery and command, and I felt honoured to have him as my commander. He was our moonraker throughout the stars, in search of fulfilling our dreams, and he didn't fail to impress. Much like the whole crew. Each and everyone of them had their own individual quirks and talents that made them all invaluable to the way the ship worked. It was almost amazing in a way, how the quality of a ship is not just decided by the statistics, but also how much the crew actually are dedicated to their jobs. And that is precisely what they were. Dedicated to a fault.
Over the years that were to pass, we would encounter many scraps, many alien races that should never have existed. Battle foes, more than just the Kranos, as malicious as they were, there were more powerful beings afoot in the galaxy, much to the trepidation of the several armies made to combat against them, but at the same time, we were to make new allies across the war, all to help us in achieving our pure-spirited goal of universal peace.
As for me? Well... the role of pilot was truly gruelling on the ship, but of course, it was to be expected. No matter what, my role on the ship was what kept her functioning. No matter what, my time on the ship was immense, in all meanings of the word. I spent battle after battle, taking her through manoeuvres that she wasn't designed for. We really became a view to a kill for the enemies in the Prosperity. We really weren't their ideal target, as we just dominated them across the years. Sometimes the fights were tough, sometimes they were nigh-impossible, but we got through. Because there is no such thing as an easy fight. No fight that we could just say that we had easily beaten the living daylights out of an enemy. Because that just wasn't our style. We weren't arrogant. We treated each day with the respect it deserved, because there was never any guarantee that we would ever reach the next one. Tomorrow never dies, but of course, we always could. You can never simply choose to die another day.
---
So. I guess that's the end of that part of my story. A long year at the office, with much heartbreak, and devastation, in almost all senses of the word. We had lost many, but we had all gained much. But then... those are the events that set everything into motion. Because it would only be 9 years later, that my final adventure... the last tale I would get to participate in before my apparent "death", in which every little thing would come together and the golden eye of fate would shine down upon me and the entire crew. I was not looking for death, for pain, or for hurt. But you can't see what happened until... Well... I tell you. 6 years, I have been living on this ship, solitary. Alone. With only the holographic simulations I can summon up to keep me company, but... Even they can't substitute actual people. What happened to them?
Well. I'm sure you can guess. Doesn't take a genius to work out what's been on my back all these years. Why I couldn't go back. You all know. You already know. But then now, I guess I must explain to you all about how it actually came to that. For some, the world is not enough, so maybe it's time to tell you the story about me and Kathryn's final meeting. And the circumstances that led to it being so.
The year was 2585. That was year of which I officially ceased to exist.
“I’m going to miss you…” she whispered into my ear, as we held each other.
“So am I… it’s going to be tricky. That much I have to say… you know that.” I told her. I closed my eyes, as we hugged. It was… an unhappy time. I wished it would never end, but unfortunately…
“I guess so… I still don’t want to go though with this. I'm starting to regret ever choosing the ship, I should have-"
"No." I interrupted, as I broke off the hug, instead adjusting to gripping her gently by the shoulders.
"Kathryn... we can't let our feelings get in the way of our plans. If we use both of our talents on one ship, it wouldn't be as affective as if we used our talents separately on two ships. We'll be better."
"I guess... I mean... I just don't want to be alone again." she told me. Personally... I only hoped that the distance away from me would help Kathryn return to her original, enthusiastic and independent self. She had so much courage, so much happiness... but as you know, she lost it all. As a result, I sensed that she had became dependant on me. And that couldn't be.
"Don't worry... you won't. You will be fine. Trust me. Please." I told her. "You'll be better. You'll be better, Kathryn, than I could ever be. Right now, you need to start believing that, because you really are brilliant. It's just about getting that out of you, and showing it to the right people. Because you WILL be great." I continued to tell her, as I smiled, the tears beginning to well into my eyes as well.
"Oh, Mika..." she uttered lightly, before she grabbed hold of my face, lightly. And then... she did something I never expected. And I mean, completely never expected. She pulled my face towards my own, and... she laid her lips upon my own. She kissed me. And... I liked it. That... I liked it, was strange to me. I never expected it. But then, I didn't want it to end. Ever. If only this one particular moment could just go on forever, I could and would die one terribly happy man, that much I must admit... it was the only time in my humble life that I could ever say that I had felt bliss. The only time I had felt, true, unleashed, pleasant, unadulterated bliss. I placed my hands on her back gently, holding her towards me, my fingers feeling the soft material of her uniform. Every single second. I... just couldn't believe it was happening. It was completely new to me. My first kiss at the age of 20. And... I was... well, I've described it enough already, but... I was... Elated. Truly, completely, elated.
Eventually, we parted lips. The look on my face was half-amazed, and half-accepting of the situation. I guess I finally knew what it was like... to be... In a sense... loved. The look on her face was of a slight smile, a sad smile, but also an accepting one.
"I guess that this... this is goodbye." she stated, calmly, though I knew she was battling herself to not breakdown into tears. "All this time... together."
"But this is not the end. You know that." I told her, placing my hand on her shoulders, again. "Not the end. For us... the sky will not fall. I know it feels like that. But trust me. We will stand tall, and face it all together. Even apart. In spirit, we are one." I told her, the look on my face turned into that of full acceptance and reassurance. Because... and I don't say this about many people, if anyone who wasn't related to me... but, I loved her. I really, honestly did. From Galacix with love, it seemed to be. Because I really did smile in my face for a moment.
And she finally gave me a full smile. That's all I really wanted. To feel the golden warmth that only the touch of her smile could bring. She didn't even need to lift a finger.
"Well... I guess I'll see you around the galaxy... Mika Cadenza." she told me, brushing my face with her hand, before setting off slowly in the opposite direction.
"Same to you too... Kathryn Calvia." I smiled back, watching her walk away slowly. The officer who loved me. And come to think of it, that was the last I ever said her surname until now. Bit of thunderball to the system, but... I guess it just got too painful after a while.
So, I turned my back, to complete my destiny. By embarking on my journey. After all, after the incident, I had more of a quest to help people, and smite our enemies, old and new. You only live twice, after all, and this was my second life. If I didn’t choose to spend it this way either, I’d have a very different, and perhaps less notable fate than I do now. So I straightened my v-neck and walked up the bridge to the shuttle.
You see, the moment I stepped on that ship, my entire fate had been sealed because if it. The moment I entered that shuttle, I was always going to end up here. But... I guess one could say it was truly worth it, in a way. Those years of exploration, and amazing love and belief... it was great.
And then when I finally set my eyes on the ship itself, my eyes gleamed with the familiarity that it emitted and its sheer beauty. The way its silver hull shined against the stars, almost brought tears to my eyes, because it was just such a beauty... she always has been. Always will be. Nothing more, nothing less. The Prosperity... you'd have to have prospered to get on it. They say diamonds are forever... but a ship's a true traveller's best friend.
I'll tell you now... because the days I spent on the ship were some of the greatest and most meaningful I've ever had in my life. The longer I stayed on it, the more I felt like I actually had a purpose. The whole ship… everyone on it was lovely. Nice people, all of them. Well, almost all of them, there was a grumpy crewman in Engineering who almost shot someone for looking at him [Censored : No lesson on male anatomy, please...]-eyed. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase live and let die. But on the whole… it was brilliant. No matter what, my time on the ship was immense. I spent battle after battle on it.
If I didn’t choose it either, I’d have a very different, and perhaps less notable fate than I do now. The moment I stepped on that ship, my entire destiny had been sealed because if it. The longer I stayed on it, the more I felt like I actually had a purpose. The whole ship… everyone on it was lovely. Nice people, all of them. Well, almost all of them, there was a grumpy crewman in Engineering who almost shot someone for looking at him [Censored : No lesson on male anatomy, please...]-eyed, but on the whole… it was brilliant. On that ship, I felt like we were the crew with the golden vessel. The most incredible ship, the potential flagship for the entire army. It was a goal for me and the entire crew to be victorious under impossible odds, and with this ship, it truly felt possible. Tazian was a commander of immense bravery and command, and I felt honoured to have him as my commander. He was our moonraker throughout the stars, in search of fulfilling our dreams, and he didn't fail to impress. Much like the whole crew. Each and everyone of them had their own individual quirks and talents that made them all invaluable to the way the ship worked. It was almost amazing in a way, how the quality of a ship is not just decided by the statistics, but also how much the crew actually are dedicated to their jobs. And that is precisely what they were. Dedicated to a fault.
Over the years that were to pass, we would encounter many scraps, many alien races that should never have existed. Battle foes, more than just the Kranos, as malicious as they were, there were more powerful beings afoot in the galaxy, much to the trepidation of the several armies made to combat against them, but at the same time, we were to make new allies across the war, all to help us in achieving our pure-spirited goal of universal peace.
As for me? Well... the role of pilot was truly gruelling on the ship, but of course, it was to be expected. No matter what, my role on the ship was what kept her functioning. No matter what, my time on the ship was immense, in all meanings of the word. I spent battle after battle, taking her through manoeuvres that she wasn't designed for. We really became a view to a kill for the enemies in the Prosperity. We really weren't their ideal target, as we just dominated them across the years. Sometimes the fights were tough, sometimes they were nigh-impossible, but we got through. Because there is no such thing as an easy fight. No fight that we could just say that we had easily beaten the living daylights out of an enemy. Because that just wasn't our style. We weren't arrogant. We treated each day with the respect it deserved, because there was never any guarantee that we would ever reach the next one. Tomorrow never dies, but of course, we always could. You can never simply choose to die another day.
---
So. I guess that's the end of that part of my story. A long year at the office, with much heartbreak, and devastation, in almost all senses of the word. We had lost many, but we had all gained much. But then... those are the events that set everything into motion. Because it would only be 9 years later, that my final adventure... the last tale I would get to participate in before my apparent "death", in which every little thing would come together and the golden eye of fate would shine down upon me and the entire crew. I was not looking for death, for pain, or for hurt. But you can't see what happened until... Well... I tell you. 6 years, I have been living on this ship, solitary. Alone. With only the holographic simulations I can summon up to keep me company, but... Even they can't substitute actual people. What happened to them?
Well. I'm sure you can guess. Doesn't take a genius to work out what's been on my back all these years. Why I couldn't go back. You all know. You already know. But then now, I guess I must explain to you all about how it actually came to that. For some, the world is not enough, so maybe it's time to tell you the story about me and Kathryn's final meeting. And the circumstances that led to it being so.
The year was 2585. That was year of which I officially ceased to exist.
Spoiler : Chapter 10 - Dawn of the Future :
So, this was the end for me, eh? Well, it's the events that led up to it anyway, so I wouldn't blame you if your sense of disbelief was being stretched like a small rubber band around an oak tree. But one's things got to be said - it was an interesting tale of disaster.
So, there we go, and here we go. Let's begin, with what's the best starting point - a typical day at the starship. I was at the flight station controls, keeping the ship in a stable warp. One thing though, was that I was no longer just a simple Ensign, but now I had been promoted to Commander, and subsequently become the first officer of the ship. Which was both a huge honour, and a huge boon of responsibility. But still, it all made for a good, strong crew. One of which that the whole Navy were jealous of. And that had to be a good thing, no matter what was said. We were supposed to be the best, so we had our best people working round the clock to keep it all running.
Captain Tazian sat on his chair, as majestic as a king who ruled his castle. One couldn't blame him though. 9 years of successful captaining of a starship. It was amazing that he could keep and maintain control this long. People would pay for that sort of success in their careers, and he had achieved it, just like the boss that he was, and that is a term that I shall never use to describe anything ever again. Makes me shudder. On my left, I had Lt. Commander Braxa, whom we all depended on for our sensor reports, all of which she handled masterfully. And behind me, was the magnificent Lieutenant Clarke, the tactical and security officer. The man responsible for removing any and all threats to the Prosperity inside and outside. A job I didn’t even like the sound of having to do, but had always admired. And then of course, we had Lt. Trevas, the Science Officer, and the one at the tip top form of her job. Possibly the most mathematical of all of the crew, but that was to be expected given her profession. But still, they were to be tested in their most… well, difficult challenge ever. And their… well, anyway. You’ll get the idea. Well, actually that’s more of a typical day than actually really happens. The particular day in question, I was taking a break, having retired to my quarters until my shift restarted.
We had been roaming deep space for the best part of a few months, on a deep space exploration into the depths and outskirts of the Alpha Quadrant, to seek out any sign of the Kranos beasts and attackers. We had been on the mission for the best part of 5 whole months, and as much as I hated to admit it, we hadn’t been having too much success. Our exploration had yielded practically nothing that the Galacix navy had already gathered information about, which really came off as quite, quite odd to me. Personally, anyway. I couldn’t exactly speak for anyone else on the crew. I would surely have expected something new, frightening and interesting to turn up, especially as we were pretty much the only ship traversing in this particular sector. It made me wonder if we were actually properly alone in that part of the galaxy, or if there was still something… something malevolent, something dark still waiting for us, to take us up into its maw. Still, we’ll see.
As it turns out, on that particular day, I had been recording a message to send back to my family. However, after a bit of thought during the course of it, I moved my hand straight over to the delete button. It was a widely stated and thrown around thought in my mind that I had actually been recording the same damn log entry for the past 30-odd days of the month, give or take inflections in my voice, and slight, and I do mean slight, changes in the dialogue. As such, I gently, yet firmly, placed my right index finger on the delete button, erasing the log from complete existence.
I made the classic mistake of thinking, “Today will be a better day. Should be, anyway, I mean why the heck not?”. However, merely seconds after I had retired the aforementioned index finger to my trouser pocket, my communicator chimed with the annoying noise it always made when someone needed me for something.
“Mr. Cadenza, please report to the bridge. There’s something here I believe you should see, and someone here who I believe you should talk to.” Came the dulcet tones of the captain. Ahh, Captain Tazian. He was certainly the model of a modern Galacix Captain. A man to be respected, as I have alluded to previously, but at the same time, in retrospect… he was such a man that at the same time, you could feel very unsurprised by. He played very by the book, all while being a bit bossy on the side, but then again, that’s what the high rank such as Captain naturally entitles you to do. In the past years I had known him, he had led the crew of the Prosperity to complete their goals and missions through the usage of traditional Galacix tactics, motivations, diplomacy, and almost anything else that you can think of that is to be considered as by the book as the book itself. However, a rising amount of people in Galacix HQ were beginning to see his motives and tactics as a bit outdated in a time of which the Kranos were trying and fighting to take the galaxy for themselves, and tensions with other races were at an all-time high.
Usually, being the first officer of a ship was extremely challenging. And this was no exception. In fact, at some points… I’d quite possibly be forgiven for thinking thoughts that could be quite frankly interpreted as frustration and irritation, a few times over the long period that he was actually in command. But only a few times. And what’s a few times over 9 years? Not really that major when you put thinks into perspective, I must say. I respected him, greatly, and he had become quite like a mentor figure over the period of time that we actually got to serve together.
“On my way, sir.” I replied, tapping the communicator on the left side of my chest, my fingers briefly curving around the long-standing arrowhead-on-the-cuboid shape.
The trip to the bridge was a nice, short, easy one. They always were. Just get out, head to the elevator, and let it take you where you needed to go. Of course, some idiots managed to end up getting stuck, but that’s a tale for another day. Naturally, it wasn’t the journey that was the big deal – it was what was at the end of it that was the big incident to come.
I brushed off any dust that was on the burgundy shoulders of my uniform, and walked out on to the bridge, then straight to the side chair next to Captain Tazian. “Ah, Mr. Cadenza.” He began, his Australian accent forcing him to mispronounce my name for what felt like the thousandth time. I’m terribly sorry to interrupt your shift, but it was good that you could come. We received a distress call from… a fellow ship. I’m sorry… but it’s the GNS Apollo.”
“What?!” I immediately stated, startled. My first thought was to Kathryn. Because against all odds, she had recently been made captain of that particular vessel. It still only felt like yesterday that we actually started to go off on our own separate vocations… I still couldn’t get used to being without her. We had been having several chance encounters, each one with more time between, and each one with more of a longing for each other to go back to the days of old. But that of course, was impossible. And now… if she was in danger, I made it my ultimate duty to help her, as soon as possible. “Is she okay? I mean, is Captain Calvia, okay?”
Aware of my rapidly shattering emotional state, he turned his attention to the Ensign at the Communications station. “On screen.” With those words, my attention went directly to it as well. And I saw her.
The bridge of her ship was darkened, the red alert lights flashing giving an overlight of red and an overtone of dark blue. The screen was fuzzy, and consoles were sparking all over the room.
“This is the GNS Apollo! We are requesting urgent assistance, around the Dimodes Sector, we are under attack! Our shields are down, and we’re taking heavy casualties! Warp drive is offline! Breaches spreading all over the ship! Please, we need assistance, there’s too many of them!” Kathryn exclaimed, her face stressed, and her voice hoarse. Then… it cut off.
I ran my hand through my hair as it disconnected. Without hesitation, I turned to the captain, trying to contain my emotions. "Well, what's the plan, are we going after them? Please say we're going after them, sir. Because...well... you know why." I told him, my expression filled with desperation, but my voice was narrow and level. Like I was still... controlling my emotions. But I assure you, it was becoming slightly intense.
"Of course, we're on the way, Mr. Cadenza. But... one there's one thing you have to bare in mind. The place that she's being attacked at... it's... a red vortex." stated Tazian. he was well aware of the events of 9 years ago. Very well aware. And the fact that she was even near a red vortex showed-
"She went there intentionally?" I asked, my expression changing to one of bewilderment, as well as seriousness.
"That's what we are thinking. Of course... I doubt she's forgot what's happened all those years ago. But we can't exactly let her risk the lives of her crew like that." he told me, grimly. I couldn't say I was too surprised. I just told you... she had a massive vendetta against the Kranos race for what happened to Merrik. But trying to take them all on by herself? That was sheer suicide that I knew not even she would do! I couldn't believe she would actually do something so foolhardy and... well... foolish! I had no idea what must have been going through her mind. Well, except revenge that is. Revenge clouding her mind... like the demon that it always was. So, the sooner we got to her, the better.
"10 seconds until we reach the destination, Captain!" came the shout of the ensign on my station. This was just another day at the office to them... they had no comprehension of the true impact of the events that were to come. I guess now, I feel sorry for them. And I hated that. Why did I have to feel sorry? Because it was my fault. All of it. Dating back to when I first joined... but I can't let that influence the recent past JUST yet. And yet, as I mentally counted down to when we would be getting into the zone of which Kathryn was being cornered, a horrible sinking feeling stormed into my stomach. But I ignored it. I had no choice but to.
And then we saw it. We warped into the sector, and saw the GNS Apollo in battle with 2 massive Kranos warships - it was a shocking site, for such a battleship to be taking on 2 ships of superior capabilities. However, there was no vortex in sight...
The Apollo and the Prosperity were of similar ship class. Like a Sovereign, but slightly smaller, and chunkier. It was closer to Galaxy, rather than Sovereign. Yet she was looking like quite a state. The warp engines were crippled, and non-functional, and she had black, gaping holes all across the side, and one massive tear straight through the top of the saucer section. Wreckage was still emitting from it as it kept on firing back. That's to say that the ships it was battling didn't have their fair share of scars either! At least one of them was sparking from the sheer damage that had been inflicted to them.
"Mr. Clarke, raise shields, polarise the hull plating, target those ships, and fire at will!" commanded the Captain, gesturing his hand towards the screen. "Ensign, move us within range of the Apollo! We must defend her."
Truer words had never been spoken. 'Cept...
"Actually, no." I stated, quickly getting up from my own chair, and running straight to the flight control station. "Ensign, take 5." I told him as I tapped him on the shoulder. This could possibly overwhelm the poor guy. And I didn't want Kathryn's survival in the hands of someone so inexperienced. Naturally, as he passed me, I heard the faint sigh of, "Thank Christ..." so I felt a little less bad. Mind you, now was the time to focus on saving my old friend.
The Prosperity sent itself into a downward dive as I through it into a spin to attack one of the battle ships, with plasma beams firing from every array, hitting the ships directly, surging straight through their shields and impacting directly on the hull, tearing a small black crater with each impact. We quickly attracted the attention of both of the enemy ships, and we turned away to keep them from actually dominating us. However, they were both firing on us, causing electrical damage, and giving me a headache, from the rocking the bridge was now doing.
"Ugh! Evasive manoeuvres! Keep firing on the weaker ship!" he shouted angrily, as the shield gauge on the viewscreen was decreasing rapidly. However, fortunately, the Apollo decided to fire back onto the ships that had been abusing her so. The ships were already failing and fortunately, the plasma shots finally hit something critical, and a large surging inferno of flames rose from one of the battleships, and it was shunted into an out-of-control spiral. It seemed like its comrade had also noticed the ship going down, and quickly escaped, launching itself into warp, and getting out. The Apollo continued to bombard the now lone warship, with extreme prejudice. I could just imagine the look on Kathryn's face as she ordered its destruction. And destroyed it, is what it most definitely did. The ship was exploding, and the people aboard it dying. It was a typical sight that was from the cause of war. It wasn't the most pleasant sight, that was definite. Who could ever enjoy the sight of seeing anyone die, even if it was an enemy?
Still... priorities. The dust had settled, and so we thought it would be best to contact the Apollo, and check how she was. After all, she wasn't exactly in the best of shapes. Of course, she chose the opportunity to talk to us herself.
"We're being hailed by the Apollo, Captain." spouted the communications officer, almost surprised for some reason.
"On screen." stated the Captain, his hands clasped together.
My hands also clasped together at the same time. Who knows what was going on, aboard that ship… it was… frightening to say the least. I didn’t want to lose her. Not now.
But of course… thankfully, my fears were unfounded. She appeared on the viewscreen, alive. However the bridge was looking extremely worse for ware. Wires had come down, and were now trailing sparks, consoles were sparking, and people were being helped off the bridge, blood showing through their uniforms. Kathryn straightened her collar before she spoke. “Firstly, thank you. Thank you very much. I mean, seriously… you saved our lives, Captain, Commander…” she began, a slight smile appearing on her face, as she brushed the trailing hair from her face. However, I could only imagine the rip-roar of hell that Tazian was going to unleash on her.
“Well, that’s all well and good, and I am glad you are safe. But, Captain Calvia, you are in breach of the Tetra Treaty Est.2573. Why are you in this sector, you weren’t assigned.” He stated, calmly. I suspected the real barking would shout after her answer.
“I… well, we were tracing a bio-geometric signature that was emitting radiation and energy to the amounts just like the vortex in 2570. I made an error of judgment, and I admit to that… I thought Cadet Merrik Calvia had resurfaced and made his way back.” Stated Kathryn, her eyes downwards, as if she was already feeling the regret of the reprimand. “I… am sorry. I really, really am.”
“A personal vendetta. And because of it, you endangered the lives of your crew when there was absolutely no need for it. You could have sent an expendable probe, not take a crew of 180 there… except I doubt that you have a crew of that any more now.” He uttered. I could swear that he was probably gritting his teeth with his barely contained anger. “Just how much damage have you taken? A full report, if you please.”
Kathryn sighed and called over an ensign with a report being carried out. She snatched the report from his hands and sent him on his way. “Right… crew casualties. 43 injured, 6 dead. Ship damage… Well, the warp drive has been disabled, it’ll take us 8 months to get back to Earth at this rate. Plasma arrays 1, 4 and 7 have been destroyed. Several hull breaches all over the ship, most notably decks 5, 6 and 7. Shield generator has been disabled, and the thrusters are kaput. Hull plating has been severely compromised to an incalculable degree, and the hull integrity is down to 48%. We’re pretty much in a very bad state. Could have been worse though.” She stated, almost pouting too. As if Tazian wasn’t in a bad enough mood.
“Very well. We will take you back to the Galacix HQ. However, I should forewarn you that when you get there, you will be forced to face a court-martial for placing your crew in careless danger for no good reason. You will most likely lose your only-recently gained Captaincy, and have a reprimand placed on your permanent record. Perhaps the rank of Commander was just right for you after all. I’m sorry, but I have no choice but to uphold the duty of Galacix fleet. I hope you can understand.” He finished. He seemed almost disappointed in his voice. Tazian always had big expectations of people in the fleet… perhaps this was one of those times in which he had believes that his aspirations for Kathryn were very misplaced.
“I… can.” She stated. With an aura of resignation about her this time. “But, I fear the ship may not be able to withstand warp pressure.”
“Not a problem. Mr. Cadenza will lead a repair and rescue team over to your ship. I expect that we’ll be ready to move within the hour.” Replied Tazian, with an aura of “it will be done” about him. “Prosperity out.”
I licked my lips. At least we managed to save her, and now I could actually go and see her again. This felt like a decent day, even though I wished it could be under better circumstances. But still, any alive Kathryn is good Kathryn. I turned to Tazian. “So… I guess I should get ready now?”
“Indeed. Also, make sure that she doesn’t try anything. I can imagine that she would, what with the vendetta of hers. If another vortex begin to appear, we’ll beam everyone aboard the Apollo to our cargo bay, and leave the ship for dead.”
“Gotcha. Okay, then. As they say in olden times, let’s-a-go.” I told him, with a small smile on my face. He was well aware of our relation, and couldn’t conceal his own smile.
“Ha… well, go on then. Get in there, you son of a gun. Make sure you’re back for dinner.”
I gave out a small laugh, than went straight to collecting my team for the mission. Oh, it was bound to be another interesting day at the office, I could just feel it in my bones. But really, after all that time, I would have given anything to see her again. But of course, the emphasis was on better circumstances…
So, there we go, and here we go. Let's begin, with what's the best starting point - a typical day at the starship. I was at the flight station controls, keeping the ship in a stable warp. One thing though, was that I was no longer just a simple Ensign, but now I had been promoted to Commander, and subsequently become the first officer of the ship. Which was both a huge honour, and a huge boon of responsibility. But still, it all made for a good, strong crew. One of which that the whole Navy were jealous of. And that had to be a good thing, no matter what was said. We were supposed to be the best, so we had our best people working round the clock to keep it all running.
Captain Tazian sat on his chair, as majestic as a king who ruled his castle. One couldn't blame him though. 9 years of successful captaining of a starship. It was amazing that he could keep and maintain control this long. People would pay for that sort of success in their careers, and he had achieved it, just like the boss that he was, and that is a term that I shall never use to describe anything ever again. Makes me shudder. On my left, I had Lt. Commander Braxa, whom we all depended on for our sensor reports, all of which she handled masterfully. And behind me, was the magnificent Lieutenant Clarke, the tactical and security officer. The man responsible for removing any and all threats to the Prosperity inside and outside. A job I didn’t even like the sound of having to do, but had always admired. And then of course, we had Lt. Trevas, the Science Officer, and the one at the tip top form of her job. Possibly the most mathematical of all of the crew, but that was to be expected given her profession. But still, they were to be tested in their most… well, difficult challenge ever. And their… well, anyway. You’ll get the idea. Well, actually that’s more of a typical day than actually really happens. The particular day in question, I was taking a break, having retired to my quarters until my shift restarted.
We had been roaming deep space for the best part of a few months, on a deep space exploration into the depths and outskirts of the Alpha Quadrant, to seek out any sign of the Kranos beasts and attackers. We had been on the mission for the best part of 5 whole months, and as much as I hated to admit it, we hadn’t been having too much success. Our exploration had yielded practically nothing that the Galacix navy had already gathered information about, which really came off as quite, quite odd to me. Personally, anyway. I couldn’t exactly speak for anyone else on the crew. I would surely have expected something new, frightening and interesting to turn up, especially as we were pretty much the only ship traversing in this particular sector. It made me wonder if we were actually properly alone in that part of the galaxy, or if there was still something… something malevolent, something dark still waiting for us, to take us up into its maw. Still, we’ll see.
As it turns out, on that particular day, I had been recording a message to send back to my family. However, after a bit of thought during the course of it, I moved my hand straight over to the delete button. It was a widely stated and thrown around thought in my mind that I had actually been recording the same damn log entry for the past 30-odd days of the month, give or take inflections in my voice, and slight, and I do mean slight, changes in the dialogue. As such, I gently, yet firmly, placed my right index finger on the delete button, erasing the log from complete existence.
I made the classic mistake of thinking, “Today will be a better day. Should be, anyway, I mean why the heck not?”. However, merely seconds after I had retired the aforementioned index finger to my trouser pocket, my communicator chimed with the annoying noise it always made when someone needed me for something.
“Mr. Cadenza, please report to the bridge. There’s something here I believe you should see, and someone here who I believe you should talk to.” Came the dulcet tones of the captain. Ahh, Captain Tazian. He was certainly the model of a modern Galacix Captain. A man to be respected, as I have alluded to previously, but at the same time, in retrospect… he was such a man that at the same time, you could feel very unsurprised by. He played very by the book, all while being a bit bossy on the side, but then again, that’s what the high rank such as Captain naturally entitles you to do. In the past years I had known him, he had led the crew of the Prosperity to complete their goals and missions through the usage of traditional Galacix tactics, motivations, diplomacy, and almost anything else that you can think of that is to be considered as by the book as the book itself. However, a rising amount of people in Galacix HQ were beginning to see his motives and tactics as a bit outdated in a time of which the Kranos were trying and fighting to take the galaxy for themselves, and tensions with other races were at an all-time high.
Usually, being the first officer of a ship was extremely challenging. And this was no exception. In fact, at some points… I’d quite possibly be forgiven for thinking thoughts that could be quite frankly interpreted as frustration and irritation, a few times over the long period that he was actually in command. But only a few times. And what’s a few times over 9 years? Not really that major when you put thinks into perspective, I must say. I respected him, greatly, and he had become quite like a mentor figure over the period of time that we actually got to serve together.
“On my way, sir.” I replied, tapping the communicator on the left side of my chest, my fingers briefly curving around the long-standing arrowhead-on-the-cuboid shape.
The trip to the bridge was a nice, short, easy one. They always were. Just get out, head to the elevator, and let it take you where you needed to go. Of course, some idiots managed to end up getting stuck, but that’s a tale for another day. Naturally, it wasn’t the journey that was the big deal – it was what was at the end of it that was the big incident to come.
I brushed off any dust that was on the burgundy shoulders of my uniform, and walked out on to the bridge, then straight to the side chair next to Captain Tazian. “Ah, Mr. Cadenza.” He began, his Australian accent forcing him to mispronounce my name for what felt like the thousandth time. I’m terribly sorry to interrupt your shift, but it was good that you could come. We received a distress call from… a fellow ship. I’m sorry… but it’s the GNS Apollo.”
“What?!” I immediately stated, startled. My first thought was to Kathryn. Because against all odds, she had recently been made captain of that particular vessel. It still only felt like yesterday that we actually started to go off on our own separate vocations… I still couldn’t get used to being without her. We had been having several chance encounters, each one with more time between, and each one with more of a longing for each other to go back to the days of old. But that of course, was impossible. And now… if she was in danger, I made it my ultimate duty to help her, as soon as possible. “Is she okay? I mean, is Captain Calvia, okay?”
Aware of my rapidly shattering emotional state, he turned his attention to the Ensign at the Communications station. “On screen.” With those words, my attention went directly to it as well. And I saw her.
The bridge of her ship was darkened, the red alert lights flashing giving an overlight of red and an overtone of dark blue. The screen was fuzzy, and consoles were sparking all over the room.
“This is the GNS Apollo! We are requesting urgent assistance, around the Dimodes Sector, we are under attack! Our shields are down, and we’re taking heavy casualties! Warp drive is offline! Breaches spreading all over the ship! Please, we need assistance, there’s too many of them!” Kathryn exclaimed, her face stressed, and her voice hoarse. Then… it cut off.
I ran my hand through my hair as it disconnected. Without hesitation, I turned to the captain, trying to contain my emotions. "Well, what's the plan, are we going after them? Please say we're going after them, sir. Because...well... you know why." I told him, my expression filled with desperation, but my voice was narrow and level. Like I was still... controlling my emotions. But I assure you, it was becoming slightly intense.
"Of course, we're on the way, Mr. Cadenza. But... one there's one thing you have to bare in mind. The place that she's being attacked at... it's... a red vortex." stated Tazian. he was well aware of the events of 9 years ago. Very well aware. And the fact that she was even near a red vortex showed-
"She went there intentionally?" I asked, my expression changing to one of bewilderment, as well as seriousness.
"That's what we are thinking. Of course... I doubt she's forgot what's happened all those years ago. But we can't exactly let her risk the lives of her crew like that." he told me, grimly. I couldn't say I was too surprised. I just told you... she had a massive vendetta against the Kranos race for what happened to Merrik. But trying to take them all on by herself? That was sheer suicide that I knew not even she would do! I couldn't believe she would actually do something so foolhardy and... well... foolish! I had no idea what must have been going through her mind. Well, except revenge that is. Revenge clouding her mind... like the demon that it always was. So, the sooner we got to her, the better.
"10 seconds until we reach the destination, Captain!" came the shout of the ensign on my station. This was just another day at the office to them... they had no comprehension of the true impact of the events that were to come. I guess now, I feel sorry for them. And I hated that. Why did I have to feel sorry? Because it was my fault. All of it. Dating back to when I first joined... but I can't let that influence the recent past JUST yet. And yet, as I mentally counted down to when we would be getting into the zone of which Kathryn was being cornered, a horrible sinking feeling stormed into my stomach. But I ignored it. I had no choice but to.
And then we saw it. We warped into the sector, and saw the GNS Apollo in battle with 2 massive Kranos warships - it was a shocking site, for such a battleship to be taking on 2 ships of superior capabilities. However, there was no vortex in sight...
The Apollo and the Prosperity were of similar ship class. Like a Sovereign, but slightly smaller, and chunkier. It was closer to Galaxy, rather than Sovereign. Yet she was looking like quite a state. The warp engines were crippled, and non-functional, and she had black, gaping holes all across the side, and one massive tear straight through the top of the saucer section. Wreckage was still emitting from it as it kept on firing back. That's to say that the ships it was battling didn't have their fair share of scars either! At least one of them was sparking from the sheer damage that had been inflicted to them.
"Mr. Clarke, raise shields, polarise the hull plating, target those ships, and fire at will!" commanded the Captain, gesturing his hand towards the screen. "Ensign, move us within range of the Apollo! We must defend her."
Truer words had never been spoken. 'Cept...
"Actually, no." I stated, quickly getting up from my own chair, and running straight to the flight control station. "Ensign, take 5." I told him as I tapped him on the shoulder. This could possibly overwhelm the poor guy. And I didn't want Kathryn's survival in the hands of someone so inexperienced. Naturally, as he passed me, I heard the faint sigh of, "Thank Christ..." so I felt a little less bad. Mind you, now was the time to focus on saving my old friend.
The Prosperity sent itself into a downward dive as I through it into a spin to attack one of the battle ships, with plasma beams firing from every array, hitting the ships directly, surging straight through their shields and impacting directly on the hull, tearing a small black crater with each impact. We quickly attracted the attention of both of the enemy ships, and we turned away to keep them from actually dominating us. However, they were both firing on us, causing electrical damage, and giving me a headache, from the rocking the bridge was now doing.
"Ugh! Evasive manoeuvres! Keep firing on the weaker ship!" he shouted angrily, as the shield gauge on the viewscreen was decreasing rapidly. However, fortunately, the Apollo decided to fire back onto the ships that had been abusing her so. The ships were already failing and fortunately, the plasma shots finally hit something critical, and a large surging inferno of flames rose from one of the battleships, and it was shunted into an out-of-control spiral. It seemed like its comrade had also noticed the ship going down, and quickly escaped, launching itself into warp, and getting out. The Apollo continued to bombard the now lone warship, with extreme prejudice. I could just imagine the look on Kathryn's face as she ordered its destruction. And destroyed it, is what it most definitely did. The ship was exploding, and the people aboard it dying. It was a typical sight that was from the cause of war. It wasn't the most pleasant sight, that was definite. Who could ever enjoy the sight of seeing anyone die, even if it was an enemy?
Still... priorities. The dust had settled, and so we thought it would be best to contact the Apollo, and check how she was. After all, she wasn't exactly in the best of shapes. Of course, she chose the opportunity to talk to us herself.
"We're being hailed by the Apollo, Captain." spouted the communications officer, almost surprised for some reason.
"On screen." stated the Captain, his hands clasped together.
My hands also clasped together at the same time. Who knows what was going on, aboard that ship… it was… frightening to say the least. I didn’t want to lose her. Not now.
But of course… thankfully, my fears were unfounded. She appeared on the viewscreen, alive. However the bridge was looking extremely worse for ware. Wires had come down, and were now trailing sparks, consoles were sparking, and people were being helped off the bridge, blood showing through their uniforms. Kathryn straightened her collar before she spoke. “Firstly, thank you. Thank you very much. I mean, seriously… you saved our lives, Captain, Commander…” she began, a slight smile appearing on her face, as she brushed the trailing hair from her face. However, I could only imagine the rip-roar of hell that Tazian was going to unleash on her.
“Well, that’s all well and good, and I am glad you are safe. But, Captain Calvia, you are in breach of the Tetra Treaty Est.2573. Why are you in this sector, you weren’t assigned.” He stated, calmly. I suspected the real barking would shout after her answer.
“I… well, we were tracing a bio-geometric signature that was emitting radiation and energy to the amounts just like the vortex in 2570. I made an error of judgment, and I admit to that… I thought Cadet Merrik Calvia had resurfaced and made his way back.” Stated Kathryn, her eyes downwards, as if she was already feeling the regret of the reprimand. “I… am sorry. I really, really am.”
“A personal vendetta. And because of it, you endangered the lives of your crew when there was absolutely no need for it. You could have sent an expendable probe, not take a crew of 180 there… except I doubt that you have a crew of that any more now.” He uttered. I could swear that he was probably gritting his teeth with his barely contained anger. “Just how much damage have you taken? A full report, if you please.”
Kathryn sighed and called over an ensign with a report being carried out. She snatched the report from his hands and sent him on his way. “Right… crew casualties. 43 injured, 6 dead. Ship damage… Well, the warp drive has been disabled, it’ll take us 8 months to get back to Earth at this rate. Plasma arrays 1, 4 and 7 have been destroyed. Several hull breaches all over the ship, most notably decks 5, 6 and 7. Shield generator has been disabled, and the thrusters are kaput. Hull plating has been severely compromised to an incalculable degree, and the hull integrity is down to 48%. We’re pretty much in a very bad state. Could have been worse though.” She stated, almost pouting too. As if Tazian wasn’t in a bad enough mood.
“Very well. We will take you back to the Galacix HQ. However, I should forewarn you that when you get there, you will be forced to face a court-martial for placing your crew in careless danger for no good reason. You will most likely lose your only-recently gained Captaincy, and have a reprimand placed on your permanent record. Perhaps the rank of Commander was just right for you after all. I’m sorry, but I have no choice but to uphold the duty of Galacix fleet. I hope you can understand.” He finished. He seemed almost disappointed in his voice. Tazian always had big expectations of people in the fleet… perhaps this was one of those times in which he had believes that his aspirations for Kathryn were very misplaced.
“I… can.” She stated. With an aura of resignation about her this time. “But, I fear the ship may not be able to withstand warp pressure.”
“Not a problem. Mr. Cadenza will lead a repair and rescue team over to your ship. I expect that we’ll be ready to move within the hour.” Replied Tazian, with an aura of “it will be done” about him. “Prosperity out.”
I licked my lips. At least we managed to save her, and now I could actually go and see her again. This felt like a decent day, even though I wished it could be under better circumstances. But still, any alive Kathryn is good Kathryn. I turned to Tazian. “So… I guess I should get ready now?”
“Indeed. Also, make sure that she doesn’t try anything. I can imagine that she would, what with the vendetta of hers. If another vortex begin to appear, we’ll beam everyone aboard the Apollo to our cargo bay, and leave the ship for dead.”
“Gotcha. Okay, then. As they say in olden times, let’s-a-go.” I told him, with a small smile on my face. He was well aware of our relation, and couldn’t conceal his own smile.
“Ha… well, go on then. Get in there, you son of a gun. Make sure you’re back for dinner.”
I gave out a small laugh, than went straight to collecting my team for the mission. Oh, it was bound to be another interesting day at the office, I could just feel it in my bones. But really, after all that time, I would have given anything to see her again. But of course, the emphasis was on better circumstances…
Spoiler : Chapter 11 - A Chance Encounter :
The transportation process is a very strange one. I mean… it’s bloody weird, for the use on a non-technical term. We had used them throughout the academy and my tenure on the ship, but I could never actually get used to them. It was like something in me just rejected it. Well, actually, you tell me – would you like your body being ripped into tens of billions of particles, and then rebuilt in a new destination almost instantly, in the right order 99% of the time? Nah, me neither. At least it wasn’t painful though. It was more like a harsh gust of wind than anything. Ah, well. Still, we arrived on the bridge of the GNS Apollo. Me and six other members of the crew, specifically trained for this sort of thing. Lt. Trevas and Lt. Braxa at the side of me, holding torches and scanners in their hands.
“Wow… what a mess.” Uttered Braxa to the side of me. “Blimey, I’ve seen battle ravaged bridges, melted bridges, heck even flooded bridges, but… this takes the goddamn cake.”
“You’re telling me. I mean… wow. No wonder they took so may casualties, there’s enough falling wreckage here to sort out an army of wildebeests.” Smirked Lt. Trevas, almost amused. Yes, she always did have a morbid sense of… well, everything, in all honesty.
"Now, now, guys. Try to see Kathryn's point of view, here. It's wrecked, the ship's also quite wrecked... it's all wrecked!" I stated, trying vainly to inject some reason into this conversation. Somehow that was about to prove more difficult than it seemed initially possible. Either way... my first mission was to find Kathryn, obviously.
So, naturally, I asked someone, a lieutenant aboard the ship, who seemed rather unhappy.
"Excuse me? Ah, hey." I stated, hoping to provoke some form of response from him, despite the fact that it might have been hoping for far too much. But hey, what's the use in not trying?
"Uh? Oh, ah, hi there. Can I help you?" asked the lieutenant. I was slightly surprised to see him carrying a fire extinguisher in his hand. The last ditch piece of 20th century tech that had survived through to this century.
"Yes, my name is Commander Mika Cadenza, and I'm the leader of the rescue crew from the GNS Prosperity. I'm just wondering, where is your captain? I need to have words with her, you know?" I told him, with my earnest glare. I did wonder if he knew who I meant, given by the slightly gormless look on his face. Though it was probably exhaustion more than anything.
"Gotcha, Captain, gotcha..." he muttered, as he tapped his communicator. "Greyson to Calvia. We have a... person, here... who claims to be a part of a rescue team of some description."
Trevas rolled her eyes, as she heard the guy. He'd obviously been hit in the head with something, because he was actually being too slow for someone in an emergency situation like this. I mean... you know, some urgency would be nice. But no, you just keep on treating the whole thing like a minor inconvience on a night out... sorry, but it really did annoy me. Honestly.
Anyway, the voice of familiarity came bursting through the communicator, much to my relief. "Who is it?"
"He's says he's... um..."
I had just about enough of this, so I just shouted, at preferably a volume that would be loud enough for her to hear. "It's Mika! Mika Cadenza! Remember me?"
There was a slight pause. I anxiously waited for her reply. And I mean very anxiously, almost oblivious to the fact that Greyson had almost just had a minor heart attack because of my shouting.
And then... she did. She replied. "M-Mika? Oh, Mika! God, it's so good to hear your voice again, my friend! Stay right there, I'm coming back up!" she shouted, the childish glee in her voice now very obvious. "Calvia, out!"
The communicator shut itself back off again, almost thankfully, as Greyson started clutching his chest in sheer movement of madness. Slowly he backed away, greeted by the stares of myself and my comrades.
"Not the sharpest tool in the box, now is he..." muttered Braxa, as she left my side to go and adjust some of the splayed wires all over the bridge. I would have been forced to agree, as it was quite, quite, ridiculous. But still, that didn't matter anymore for the time being. I still couldn't help but feel happy that I was finally about to see my friend again... the greatest friend I've ever had.
And sure enough, there she was. She came out of the jefferies tube choking and coughing, her uniform smothered in dust and dirt, as well as her face. She just kept coughing. Despite how pained she looked and was, she still tried to envelop me into a hug, which was... slightly unexpected, and not necessarily wanted given that she was an ill person. But I embraced her nonetheless. She could use the comfort.
"Sorry... the elevator's broken and that's the only way for the time being." she told me, with a very apologetic voice.
"Oh, it's fine, don't worry. These things happen, after all." I told her, as I brushed the dust from my own uniform that had carried over. "Still, it's good to see you. Well, not good to see you in the circumstances, but yeah, it's still pretty good. You know."
She smiled, and folded her arms. "Anyway, we should probably get to work getting the warp drive up and running, and then we can get to more pleasantries, shall we say?"
"Sounds good. Especially since we don't now when the next vortex is going to be appearing. It's best that we get out of here before we end up in the hole." I told her, slightly nervously, which was understandable given the context of the whole thing. Still, I gave her another hug, purely voluntarily this time, so I could keep her in the good mood that she wasn't in a moment ago. "Don't worry... I'll defend you. To the best of my ability. I know why you did it, and I don't blame you."
Turns out I killed the good mood. "I know... it's just... people died, you know? Because of this. And... I don't know it just felt... it was like... a kick in the teeth. I guess... I'm just in shock, and trying to deal with it my own way... that's why, thank God for you Mika. You're the only thing keeping me from curling into a ball and crying my eyes out right now." she told me. I couldn’t say I blamed her for that... I'd feel the same as well, and so would Tazian. I never blamed her for anything... I felt sorry for her. But still, there was time to deal with that later. Now, we had to solve what was happening with the present.
"Okay, so! Our first plan of action should be to, as you said, get the warp drive back online!” I stated, hands clasped together in a gesture of determination, and knowledge of what to do. And a lot of knowledge of what to do. Poorly determined and realized knowledge, but knowledge nonetheless. “Braxa, your assistance is needed is getting the core back into an operable state, and Travas, I’d say you should try to make sure life support doesn’t die. Let’s get this ship into a somewhat operable state before we get out of her.”
And so, we got onto a mission that would by rights be somewhat impossible, but was all together, more possible than anyone could ever give it credit for – repairing a broken ship in need of a small army to put back together, with just a usable crew of all but 90 people who knew that they were doing and weren’t disoriented or whatnot. Still, that couldn’t be helped, so make the most of what you got, I said.
So, we spent the following hour trying to get everything back together into a reasonable state before we could actually start repairing things. A quick shine of the scanner re-connected a few of the flailing wires that seemed to have developed a sentient life of their own, and cleared up a few pieces of shrapnel that had just been lying about due to the destruction of various consoles in the room. It still wasn’t a pretty sight, but it was as good as we were going to get it. We definitely needed to fix the lights though. One could hardly see a think in pure dark blue. I was pretty irritated by the fact that the change only seemed to be mood lighting, and served no real purpose, but nonetheless…
We were working for hours. Hours. 5 long hours at the last time I checked, so it was no doubt going to be very close when we came to deadline as given by Tazian. 24. No more. Well, 5 were gone, and the ship’s internal systems had only been half fixed. They were still badly damaged, and I was slowly becoming more and more irritated. Ahh, how time normally passes. Very slowly and in a boring way.
It took until that time, 5 hours of back breaking labour by 90-odd people, before something happened. Yeah, I was happy just to have something happen. Except… I would have been… except it was that.
“Emergency hail from the Prosperity, captain.” Stated an ensign at the Apollo’s communication station, his face showing stress and concern both in slightly immeasurable levels. I was slightly alarmed at it, myself.
“On screen.” Noted Kathryn, taking into account the officer’s face and adopted an appearance of concern herself. She braced herself for the bad news. “Calvia here. What’s the story?”
Tazian appeared his own face in a mix of stress and alarm in immeasurable levels. This was going to be another bad day at the office, I could just feel it. “It was just as we feared, Captain. Another vortex is beginning to open up near your position, and I can guarantee that you will be sucked in by it. We will begin a mass beam out of the Apollo, so stand by… and I’m sorry for your loss.” He stated, his voice solemn. He knew how hard it was for anyone to lose a ship. This was no different. Especially to a threat like the Kranos… it was humiliating to lose yet another ship to their demonic clutches.
“I… see. I guess… I have no choice then.” Kathryn replied, her facial features lowering, as she almost seemed to be becoming depressed. I slowly strode over to her. The Apollo was after all, her first captaincy, so I couldn’t blame her for feeling down. I would. I so totally would. But nonetheless, these things had to happen.
Of course, what came next was something that renders all of my previous thoughts useless and my attitude completely wrong. She got up, and slowly walked over to the tactical station. I did wonder what she must have been thinking… just walking away like that. But then I realized. She wasn’t walking away to collect her thoughts or anything of that regard, but... she was actually committing a form of internal sabotage! All of a sudden the shield gauge shot up. And a basic fact of shields is that they stopped things getting in, and they also stopped things getting out…
“Kathryn, what are you doing?” I asked, my face a mixture of suspicion and confusion, which was appropriate given the circumstances, naturally. I quickly made my way over to her, at a more frantic pace, but not in time enough for her to activate the console all the way. Shields were up to 100%. Which was not good. Not good at all. I quickly tapped my combadge. “Cadenza to Tazian, we have a small situation here!”
I quickly shoved Kathryn out of the way to reach the controls and deactivate the shields so we could, y’know, get out, but it was to no avail. “The controls are isomorphic as of now – they will only respond to me. But they rotate as such on a 24 hour basis when the Isomorph system is online, which it is now.”
”Cadenza, what’s the problem? Why the devil is the ship raising shields?” came the voice of Tazian, obviously concerned. I had no choice but to tell him. “…Captain. Kathryn’s the one who raised the shields. We can’t get out. We’re trapped. I don’t think she wants us to leave.” I told him, awaiting the reply.
“Dammit… Very well, we’ll work on a solution, and try to get those shields down. Hang tight, Cadenza! Tazian out!”
This wasn’t good. If Kathryn was now feeling suicidal as a result of the events than the least she could do was tell someone, namely me. I could help her! I believed I could, or at least… I thought I could. I needed to. I definitely thought taking everyone else down with her was a reasonable way to deal with this situation. I quickly ran to her, and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Kathryn, please. Don’t do this, this isn’t right. Just talk to me, don’t take us all down!”
“Mika, no, you don’t understand…” she told me, shaking her head. “I’ve… you’ve… you’re… Oh, man, I just have to do this, why can’t you understand that?”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I didn’t even know what she was talking about! “What, what do you mean?! What am I not understanding? Tell me! Please!” I asked her, frantically. I really did not know what to do. For once, I was completely clueless!
”I have to enter the vortex… I have to defeat those who took so much away from me, and make them suffer… and I need to find my brother. And the only way I can do that is to go the way he did.” She told me, her face taking on a haunting quality.
“And you’re choosing a starship, filled with over a hundred people with lives of their own as the base you can use to kill the Kranos, and quite possibly also yourself if you keep going the way you are?” I told her, this time starting to lose my temper. And I hardly ever lost my temper so that was quite an achievement.
She didn’t answer except shrugging herself away from me. I, however, kept up the attack. “Where’s your first officer? Where is he, or she? Are they here?”
“No…” she uttered simply.
“No…? What do you mean?” I uttered, squinting. Surely he wasn’t among the dead as well…
“He… he was killed. In the initial attack, he was... killed. Right in front of my eyes when his console exploded… Look, Mika. Just how are you supposed to deal with that and just carry on by the book? You can’t! It’s not right! It’s not possible! It’s… just…”
“Kathryn… you have to learn to deal with things slowly. And sensibly. Right now, if we die because of the vortex, we won’t even have a chance to make those things happen. And we really need that chance, so please… please, please, please, I beg of you… don’t do this. We can do this together but not like this.”
“Mika… it’s too late.” She told me, ominously, her face down.
“Don’t be like that, it’s never too late!” I replied, my behaviour becoming more desperate, as I saw the faint line of hope fading from view.
“No… I don’t mean that metaphorically… I mean that literally.” She stated, gesturing to the viewscreen over my shoulder. I could easily interpret what he meant though. And my eyes widened in abject horror. And then I slowly turned around to see that the silver vortex was forming right behind us. It was opening, and growing, much to my trepidation and anger. I quickly left Kathryn, and went straight for the flight control station, amongst every other person going mad with worry on the bridge as they saw the vortex. I tugged at the turtleneck of my uniform as I saw the image and gulped, as I sat at the pilot station. It reminded me exactly of 9 years ago. Once again, I would be flying away from the station. This time, I quickly tapped my combadge, as the ship began to shake as it was being rapidly pulled in.
“Braxa! How’s the core coming along?!” I shouted down it, hoping the answer would be yes.
“…Sir, we’re not ready. The core’s been taken offline, it’ll take us another half-hour to get it reinstalled and-“
“You have about a minute or we all die! Cadenza out!” I replied to that overworked employee.
I quickly rerouted the power of the weapons directly to the impulse engines, giving a faster edge. However the shields just wouldn’t transfer, much to my trepidation. They seemed invincible, ironically. Then the viewscreen shined purple. There was only one conclusion that could be drawn from this… we were being towed along by the Prosperity. I tapped my combadge again. “Cadenza to Tazian… to be honest, sir, I think it’s best if you actually focus on getting out of here yourself… I think we’re a lost cause.”
“No. We are not going to leave you. We just need to get your shields down. And we will drain them through our own methods. And I’m sorry in advance if it means the last 5 hours of your life are about to be put to waste.” He stated, almost apologetically.
“Oh, don’t worry about it, you can make it up to me in a game of backgammon- ugh!” I begun, only to be interrupted by a torpedo slamming into the ship’s shielded side. They were barraging the shields in an attempt to get us out. Unfortunately, I was so focused that I didn’t realize that Kathryn had moved to the auxiliary control panel, and was now disconnecting various controls from my station. First, the steering controls, and then the impulse controls. I quickly turned around, and saw her doing it. “Someone, restrain her!” I called out.
She was really testing the limits of our friendship by what she was doing… I couldn’t help but feel slightly hurt by everything. I was shocked that she would even go through with all this. I knew I told her that it was natural of someone to go through these emotions… but I just didn’t have a clue that she would actually do it this far. And in some way, I guess I blamed myself. I should have been more there for her. Instead, she turned into this creature… this person that I could barely recognise as my Kathryn anymore… this complete creature of hatred, and anger, and rage…And I just didn’t know what to do. And I felt sorry for her. I really did. But I knew that I could help her. But now it was a matter of helping each other for now... If she’d let me, that is, and that was looking more like an impossibility by the second. Rest assured, it was quite the dilemma!
Fortunately, two security crewmen of the Prosperity grabbed and held her as the vortex started to grow and gather strength. It was already starting to change from its previous shining shade of silver, to an all the more malevolent shade of red. Oh, lord how I hated that shade of burgundy, if it existed as a person, I would have tried to kill it, just to stop all the torment it had caused over the past years. But that didn’t stop missus…
“Mika! Please… stop! We can… we can stop it from the inside! We have to try! It’s the only thing we can do, to try and stop this madness. The only thing!” she shouted, as my hands operated frantically at the controls. At the same time, I received another communication from the Prosperity.
“Cadenza, we’re losing power! Get those shields down, or we’ll be pulled in too! We’ve already lost Warp States 7 through 12!” Captain Tazian barked at me. It was right now that I could really feel the pressure building… unless Kathryn was right. Was it… Was it really possible to destroy it from the inside? We might end up in a state of destruction if we cross that boundary, or we might end up in a state of… okayness. At least I think that’s a word. But the stakes were high. I quickly turned to Kathryn. She wasn’t that mad, but at the same time, I was pretty wary about the whole incident… it could easily go fish-side up, and doom us all.
“Okay, Kathryn. How the hell do you think we can survive this – tell me, and I might just call your bluff as we’re really running out of options and time!” I barked at her myself, spinning my chair around. Time was starting to become critical. And when time began to get critical, one could tell the excrement was about hit the rotating blade engine. Hoy.
“Ah… well…” she began, her features lightening as she saw the possibility that she might just get her way after all within her grasp. “I’ve been running scans on the vortexes for the past few years, and I’ve uncovered a major breakthrough! A major, major big one! As in… on the other side of the vortex… there is life!”
There was silence around the bridge. It was deafening as everyone, even Greyson, put on the blankest stares they could muster within themselves. “So… you’ve only just discovered this? It needed intense research, just to discover this? When you could easily tell just by looking at the thing when it’s about to spit out armies of alien ships?!” I uttered, almost shocked by this “breakthrough”. And not for the good reasons. Think the more… obvious reasons of obviousness. “Please, for our sake, tell me there’s more of this than you just said.”
“There is. Bare with me.” She began once again. I sighed, placing my head in my hands. “What I mean by life on the other side… is that, that is directly what it is. Life, on the other side. The Kranos are alive and civilized. They have their own civilisation, their own set of planets… their own lives. Through that vortex… is a completely new universe. We sent a couple of probes through a vortex, and they got through, perfectly. And they sent us photos, videos and reports of this whole thing… A whole new set of creation. It exists and I don’t even know why or how, but it’s an entirely new system of oxygenated planets. It took us about 8 months to receive the information back, so who knows what happened to them there.”
Now that’s where things actually managed to get interesting. Not only did they manage to become more complicated, but they actually became… fascinating. If there was an entirely new universe there… than… we would live. And maybe we could take her down from the inside. But one question continued to prey on my mind. “So… why didn’t you tell anyone. I think that we, of the same navy, would have a right to know. I mean…. It’s just very difficult for someone to take you seriously if you don’t send us the reports and things from this, y’know?” I replied, my own attitude softening. If indeed she was telling the truth… then maybe it was worth a shot. There was no time to check the data anyway. We had to make a choice, and make it a hell of a lot faster than anything else we could think about.
“I should have said something, yes… but I couldn’t take the risk of you all getting to it before me. You’d just all go in, all guns blazing… but I have a brother to save.” She told me, bowing her head. Her motivations were pretty understandable, in all senses. I gestured for the crewmen holding her to release her. There was no need for that anymore, as that would be clearly more of a hindrance than anything else. Funny how things could change at the drop of bombshell…
But nonetheless, we had to carry on. It was, as they say, a wasting. “I guess… I understand. I really do. I’m sorry, but you know what, we aren’t going to escape the vortex. So we may as well try to enter it, if it is in fact, the logical thing to do.” I told her, as I unwillingly decided to just let it all go, and wait for the results afterwards. I quickly tapped my combadge. “Cadenza to Tazian! Look, sir, we only have a few minutes remaining, but there’s something that I have to explain to you, immediately!”
And so I did. I explained him the entire range of circumstances that we were in, in just under a single minute. Now that was an achievement, as I’m not good talking fast at the best of times. Talking fast under pressure, however, I could do. However, his reply was no less than horrified.
“Cadenza, she’s emotionally compromised, don’t be stupid enough to listen to her! She’s poison! POISON!! Get out of- Ack, the shields!” he exploded, his voice infrared with rage. He would take a lot of convincing, more than I would be able to do. Not a good day at the office for him, really. But then again, it was to be expected. We were about to fall into a vortex with no proper evidence or knowledge about whether we were going to either die or survive, and we definitely had no idea about what was going to happen to us. I was… Well… scared. Of all the moments in my long career, this could truly be the point of which I would die. The day in the TetraRacer competition had absolutely nothing on this… I was either going to die, or end up in a living hell with little chance of survival after that. It was official. We were screwed no matter what. It was just which level of screw.
“Sir, please listen to me, we have no real alternative. If you try to flee now, you’ll be subject to a massive barrage from the Kranos forces.” I told him, in a rush.
“But if we go there, they’ll no doubt fire on us too, and we’ll have no chance of survival! Mika, please. Just take a shuttle and escape. Please. Save yourselves.” He told me, his voice now in a level of desperation. Suddenly, the ship lurched to the right even further. I gazed towards the viewscreen… it was really happening. For once, we would soon know the effect of our devastation. This was it. We were going in. Straight into the heart of the vortex, and to our destiny that awaited us.
And as the GNS’ Apollo and Prosperity went down, all I could think of was two words. Just two.
“Time’s up.”
“Wow… what a mess.” Uttered Braxa to the side of me. “Blimey, I’ve seen battle ravaged bridges, melted bridges, heck even flooded bridges, but… this takes the goddamn cake.”
“You’re telling me. I mean… wow. No wonder they took so may casualties, there’s enough falling wreckage here to sort out an army of wildebeests.” Smirked Lt. Trevas, almost amused. Yes, she always did have a morbid sense of… well, everything, in all honesty.
"Now, now, guys. Try to see Kathryn's point of view, here. It's wrecked, the ship's also quite wrecked... it's all wrecked!" I stated, trying vainly to inject some reason into this conversation. Somehow that was about to prove more difficult than it seemed initially possible. Either way... my first mission was to find Kathryn, obviously.
So, naturally, I asked someone, a lieutenant aboard the ship, who seemed rather unhappy.
"Excuse me? Ah, hey." I stated, hoping to provoke some form of response from him, despite the fact that it might have been hoping for far too much. But hey, what's the use in not trying?
"Uh? Oh, ah, hi there. Can I help you?" asked the lieutenant. I was slightly surprised to see him carrying a fire extinguisher in his hand. The last ditch piece of 20th century tech that had survived through to this century.
"Yes, my name is Commander Mika Cadenza, and I'm the leader of the rescue crew from the GNS Prosperity. I'm just wondering, where is your captain? I need to have words with her, you know?" I told him, with my earnest glare. I did wonder if he knew who I meant, given by the slightly gormless look on his face. Though it was probably exhaustion more than anything.
"Gotcha, Captain, gotcha..." he muttered, as he tapped his communicator. "Greyson to Calvia. We have a... person, here... who claims to be a part of a rescue team of some description."
Trevas rolled her eyes, as she heard the guy. He'd obviously been hit in the head with something, because he was actually being too slow for someone in an emergency situation like this. I mean... you know, some urgency would be nice. But no, you just keep on treating the whole thing like a minor inconvience on a night out... sorry, but it really did annoy me. Honestly.
Anyway, the voice of familiarity came bursting through the communicator, much to my relief. "Who is it?"
"He's says he's... um..."
I had just about enough of this, so I just shouted, at preferably a volume that would be loud enough for her to hear. "It's Mika! Mika Cadenza! Remember me?"
There was a slight pause. I anxiously waited for her reply. And I mean very anxiously, almost oblivious to the fact that Greyson had almost just had a minor heart attack because of my shouting.
And then... she did. She replied. "M-Mika? Oh, Mika! God, it's so good to hear your voice again, my friend! Stay right there, I'm coming back up!" she shouted, the childish glee in her voice now very obvious. "Calvia, out!"
The communicator shut itself back off again, almost thankfully, as Greyson started clutching his chest in sheer movement of madness. Slowly he backed away, greeted by the stares of myself and my comrades.
"Not the sharpest tool in the box, now is he..." muttered Braxa, as she left my side to go and adjust some of the splayed wires all over the bridge. I would have been forced to agree, as it was quite, quite, ridiculous. But still, that didn't matter anymore for the time being. I still couldn't help but feel happy that I was finally about to see my friend again... the greatest friend I've ever had.
And sure enough, there she was. She came out of the jefferies tube choking and coughing, her uniform smothered in dust and dirt, as well as her face. She just kept coughing. Despite how pained she looked and was, she still tried to envelop me into a hug, which was... slightly unexpected, and not necessarily wanted given that she was an ill person. But I embraced her nonetheless. She could use the comfort.
"Sorry... the elevator's broken and that's the only way for the time being." she told me, with a very apologetic voice.
"Oh, it's fine, don't worry. These things happen, after all." I told her, as I brushed the dust from my own uniform that had carried over. "Still, it's good to see you. Well, not good to see you in the circumstances, but yeah, it's still pretty good. You know."
She smiled, and folded her arms. "Anyway, we should probably get to work getting the warp drive up and running, and then we can get to more pleasantries, shall we say?"
"Sounds good. Especially since we don't now when the next vortex is going to be appearing. It's best that we get out of here before we end up in the hole." I told her, slightly nervously, which was understandable given the context of the whole thing. Still, I gave her another hug, purely voluntarily this time, so I could keep her in the good mood that she wasn't in a moment ago. "Don't worry... I'll defend you. To the best of my ability. I know why you did it, and I don't blame you."
Turns out I killed the good mood. "I know... it's just... people died, you know? Because of this. And... I don't know it just felt... it was like... a kick in the teeth. I guess... I'm just in shock, and trying to deal with it my own way... that's why, thank God for you Mika. You're the only thing keeping me from curling into a ball and crying my eyes out right now." she told me. I couldn’t say I blamed her for that... I'd feel the same as well, and so would Tazian. I never blamed her for anything... I felt sorry for her. But still, there was time to deal with that later. Now, we had to solve what was happening with the present.
"Okay, so! Our first plan of action should be to, as you said, get the warp drive back online!” I stated, hands clasped together in a gesture of determination, and knowledge of what to do. And a lot of knowledge of what to do. Poorly determined and realized knowledge, but knowledge nonetheless. “Braxa, your assistance is needed is getting the core back into an operable state, and Travas, I’d say you should try to make sure life support doesn’t die. Let’s get this ship into a somewhat operable state before we get out of her.”
And so, we got onto a mission that would by rights be somewhat impossible, but was all together, more possible than anyone could ever give it credit for – repairing a broken ship in need of a small army to put back together, with just a usable crew of all but 90 people who knew that they were doing and weren’t disoriented or whatnot. Still, that couldn’t be helped, so make the most of what you got, I said.
So, we spent the following hour trying to get everything back together into a reasonable state before we could actually start repairing things. A quick shine of the scanner re-connected a few of the flailing wires that seemed to have developed a sentient life of their own, and cleared up a few pieces of shrapnel that had just been lying about due to the destruction of various consoles in the room. It still wasn’t a pretty sight, but it was as good as we were going to get it. We definitely needed to fix the lights though. One could hardly see a think in pure dark blue. I was pretty irritated by the fact that the change only seemed to be mood lighting, and served no real purpose, but nonetheless…
We were working for hours. Hours. 5 long hours at the last time I checked, so it was no doubt going to be very close when we came to deadline as given by Tazian. 24. No more. Well, 5 were gone, and the ship’s internal systems had only been half fixed. They were still badly damaged, and I was slowly becoming more and more irritated. Ahh, how time normally passes. Very slowly and in a boring way.
It took until that time, 5 hours of back breaking labour by 90-odd people, before something happened. Yeah, I was happy just to have something happen. Except… I would have been… except it was that.
“Emergency hail from the Prosperity, captain.” Stated an ensign at the Apollo’s communication station, his face showing stress and concern both in slightly immeasurable levels. I was slightly alarmed at it, myself.
“On screen.” Noted Kathryn, taking into account the officer’s face and adopted an appearance of concern herself. She braced herself for the bad news. “Calvia here. What’s the story?”
Tazian appeared his own face in a mix of stress and alarm in immeasurable levels. This was going to be another bad day at the office, I could just feel it. “It was just as we feared, Captain. Another vortex is beginning to open up near your position, and I can guarantee that you will be sucked in by it. We will begin a mass beam out of the Apollo, so stand by… and I’m sorry for your loss.” He stated, his voice solemn. He knew how hard it was for anyone to lose a ship. This was no different. Especially to a threat like the Kranos… it was humiliating to lose yet another ship to their demonic clutches.
“I… see. I guess… I have no choice then.” Kathryn replied, her facial features lowering, as she almost seemed to be becoming depressed. I slowly strode over to her. The Apollo was after all, her first captaincy, so I couldn’t blame her for feeling down. I would. I so totally would. But nonetheless, these things had to happen.
Of course, what came next was something that renders all of my previous thoughts useless and my attitude completely wrong. She got up, and slowly walked over to the tactical station. I did wonder what she must have been thinking… just walking away like that. But then I realized. She wasn’t walking away to collect her thoughts or anything of that regard, but... she was actually committing a form of internal sabotage! All of a sudden the shield gauge shot up. And a basic fact of shields is that they stopped things getting in, and they also stopped things getting out…
“Kathryn, what are you doing?” I asked, my face a mixture of suspicion and confusion, which was appropriate given the circumstances, naturally. I quickly made my way over to her, at a more frantic pace, but not in time enough for her to activate the console all the way. Shields were up to 100%. Which was not good. Not good at all. I quickly tapped my combadge. “Cadenza to Tazian, we have a small situation here!”
I quickly shoved Kathryn out of the way to reach the controls and deactivate the shields so we could, y’know, get out, but it was to no avail. “The controls are isomorphic as of now – they will only respond to me. But they rotate as such on a 24 hour basis when the Isomorph system is online, which it is now.”
”Cadenza, what’s the problem? Why the devil is the ship raising shields?” came the voice of Tazian, obviously concerned. I had no choice but to tell him. “…Captain. Kathryn’s the one who raised the shields. We can’t get out. We’re trapped. I don’t think she wants us to leave.” I told him, awaiting the reply.
“Dammit… Very well, we’ll work on a solution, and try to get those shields down. Hang tight, Cadenza! Tazian out!”
This wasn’t good. If Kathryn was now feeling suicidal as a result of the events than the least she could do was tell someone, namely me. I could help her! I believed I could, or at least… I thought I could. I needed to. I definitely thought taking everyone else down with her was a reasonable way to deal with this situation. I quickly ran to her, and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Kathryn, please. Don’t do this, this isn’t right. Just talk to me, don’t take us all down!”
“Mika, no, you don’t understand…” she told me, shaking her head. “I’ve… you’ve… you’re… Oh, man, I just have to do this, why can’t you understand that?”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I didn’t even know what she was talking about! “What, what do you mean?! What am I not understanding? Tell me! Please!” I asked her, frantically. I really did not know what to do. For once, I was completely clueless!
”I have to enter the vortex… I have to defeat those who took so much away from me, and make them suffer… and I need to find my brother. And the only way I can do that is to go the way he did.” She told me, her face taking on a haunting quality.
“And you’re choosing a starship, filled with over a hundred people with lives of their own as the base you can use to kill the Kranos, and quite possibly also yourself if you keep going the way you are?” I told her, this time starting to lose my temper. And I hardly ever lost my temper so that was quite an achievement.
She didn’t answer except shrugging herself away from me. I, however, kept up the attack. “Where’s your first officer? Where is he, or she? Are they here?”
“No…” she uttered simply.
“No…? What do you mean?” I uttered, squinting. Surely he wasn’t among the dead as well…
“He… he was killed. In the initial attack, he was... killed. Right in front of my eyes when his console exploded… Look, Mika. Just how are you supposed to deal with that and just carry on by the book? You can’t! It’s not right! It’s not possible! It’s… just…”
“Kathryn… you have to learn to deal with things slowly. And sensibly. Right now, if we die because of the vortex, we won’t even have a chance to make those things happen. And we really need that chance, so please… please, please, please, I beg of you… don’t do this. We can do this together but not like this.”
“Mika… it’s too late.” She told me, ominously, her face down.
“Don’t be like that, it’s never too late!” I replied, my behaviour becoming more desperate, as I saw the faint line of hope fading from view.
“No… I don’t mean that metaphorically… I mean that literally.” She stated, gesturing to the viewscreen over my shoulder. I could easily interpret what he meant though. And my eyes widened in abject horror. And then I slowly turned around to see that the silver vortex was forming right behind us. It was opening, and growing, much to my trepidation and anger. I quickly left Kathryn, and went straight for the flight control station, amongst every other person going mad with worry on the bridge as they saw the vortex. I tugged at the turtleneck of my uniform as I saw the image and gulped, as I sat at the pilot station. It reminded me exactly of 9 years ago. Once again, I would be flying away from the station. This time, I quickly tapped my combadge, as the ship began to shake as it was being rapidly pulled in.
“Braxa! How’s the core coming along?!” I shouted down it, hoping the answer would be yes.
“…Sir, we’re not ready. The core’s been taken offline, it’ll take us another half-hour to get it reinstalled and-“
“You have about a minute or we all die! Cadenza out!” I replied to that overworked employee.
I quickly rerouted the power of the weapons directly to the impulse engines, giving a faster edge. However the shields just wouldn’t transfer, much to my trepidation. They seemed invincible, ironically. Then the viewscreen shined purple. There was only one conclusion that could be drawn from this… we were being towed along by the Prosperity. I tapped my combadge again. “Cadenza to Tazian… to be honest, sir, I think it’s best if you actually focus on getting out of here yourself… I think we’re a lost cause.”
“No. We are not going to leave you. We just need to get your shields down. And we will drain them through our own methods. And I’m sorry in advance if it means the last 5 hours of your life are about to be put to waste.” He stated, almost apologetically.
“Oh, don’t worry about it, you can make it up to me in a game of backgammon- ugh!” I begun, only to be interrupted by a torpedo slamming into the ship’s shielded side. They were barraging the shields in an attempt to get us out. Unfortunately, I was so focused that I didn’t realize that Kathryn had moved to the auxiliary control panel, and was now disconnecting various controls from my station. First, the steering controls, and then the impulse controls. I quickly turned around, and saw her doing it. “Someone, restrain her!” I called out.
She was really testing the limits of our friendship by what she was doing… I couldn’t help but feel slightly hurt by everything. I was shocked that she would even go through with all this. I knew I told her that it was natural of someone to go through these emotions… but I just didn’t have a clue that she would actually do it this far. And in some way, I guess I blamed myself. I should have been more there for her. Instead, she turned into this creature… this person that I could barely recognise as my Kathryn anymore… this complete creature of hatred, and anger, and rage…And I just didn’t know what to do. And I felt sorry for her. I really did. But I knew that I could help her. But now it was a matter of helping each other for now... If she’d let me, that is, and that was looking more like an impossibility by the second. Rest assured, it was quite the dilemma!
Fortunately, two security crewmen of the Prosperity grabbed and held her as the vortex started to grow and gather strength. It was already starting to change from its previous shining shade of silver, to an all the more malevolent shade of red. Oh, lord how I hated that shade of burgundy, if it existed as a person, I would have tried to kill it, just to stop all the torment it had caused over the past years. But that didn’t stop missus…
“Mika! Please… stop! We can… we can stop it from the inside! We have to try! It’s the only thing we can do, to try and stop this madness. The only thing!” she shouted, as my hands operated frantically at the controls. At the same time, I received another communication from the Prosperity.
“Cadenza, we’re losing power! Get those shields down, or we’ll be pulled in too! We’ve already lost Warp States 7 through 12!” Captain Tazian barked at me. It was right now that I could really feel the pressure building… unless Kathryn was right. Was it… Was it really possible to destroy it from the inside? We might end up in a state of destruction if we cross that boundary, or we might end up in a state of… okayness. At least I think that’s a word. But the stakes were high. I quickly turned to Kathryn. She wasn’t that mad, but at the same time, I was pretty wary about the whole incident… it could easily go fish-side up, and doom us all.
“Okay, Kathryn. How the hell do you think we can survive this – tell me, and I might just call your bluff as we’re really running out of options and time!” I barked at her myself, spinning my chair around. Time was starting to become critical. And when time began to get critical, one could tell the excrement was about hit the rotating blade engine. Hoy.
“Ah… well…” she began, her features lightening as she saw the possibility that she might just get her way after all within her grasp. “I’ve been running scans on the vortexes for the past few years, and I’ve uncovered a major breakthrough! A major, major big one! As in… on the other side of the vortex… there is life!”
There was silence around the bridge. It was deafening as everyone, even Greyson, put on the blankest stares they could muster within themselves. “So… you’ve only just discovered this? It needed intense research, just to discover this? When you could easily tell just by looking at the thing when it’s about to spit out armies of alien ships?!” I uttered, almost shocked by this “breakthrough”. And not for the good reasons. Think the more… obvious reasons of obviousness. “Please, for our sake, tell me there’s more of this than you just said.”
“There is. Bare with me.” She began once again. I sighed, placing my head in my hands. “What I mean by life on the other side… is that, that is directly what it is. Life, on the other side. The Kranos are alive and civilized. They have their own civilisation, their own set of planets… their own lives. Through that vortex… is a completely new universe. We sent a couple of probes through a vortex, and they got through, perfectly. And they sent us photos, videos and reports of this whole thing… A whole new set of creation. It exists and I don’t even know why or how, but it’s an entirely new system of oxygenated planets. It took us about 8 months to receive the information back, so who knows what happened to them there.”
Now that’s where things actually managed to get interesting. Not only did they manage to become more complicated, but they actually became… fascinating. If there was an entirely new universe there… than… we would live. And maybe we could take her down from the inside. But one question continued to prey on my mind. “So… why didn’t you tell anyone. I think that we, of the same navy, would have a right to know. I mean…. It’s just very difficult for someone to take you seriously if you don’t send us the reports and things from this, y’know?” I replied, my own attitude softening. If indeed she was telling the truth… then maybe it was worth a shot. There was no time to check the data anyway. We had to make a choice, and make it a hell of a lot faster than anything else we could think about.
“I should have said something, yes… but I couldn’t take the risk of you all getting to it before me. You’d just all go in, all guns blazing… but I have a brother to save.” She told me, bowing her head. Her motivations were pretty understandable, in all senses. I gestured for the crewmen holding her to release her. There was no need for that anymore, as that would be clearly more of a hindrance than anything else. Funny how things could change at the drop of bombshell…
But nonetheless, we had to carry on. It was, as they say, a wasting. “I guess… I understand. I really do. I’m sorry, but you know what, we aren’t going to escape the vortex. So we may as well try to enter it, if it is in fact, the logical thing to do.” I told her, as I unwillingly decided to just let it all go, and wait for the results afterwards. I quickly tapped my combadge. “Cadenza to Tazian! Look, sir, we only have a few minutes remaining, but there’s something that I have to explain to you, immediately!”
And so I did. I explained him the entire range of circumstances that we were in, in just under a single minute. Now that was an achievement, as I’m not good talking fast at the best of times. Talking fast under pressure, however, I could do. However, his reply was no less than horrified.
“Cadenza, she’s emotionally compromised, don’t be stupid enough to listen to her! She’s poison! POISON!! Get out of- Ack, the shields!” he exploded, his voice infrared with rage. He would take a lot of convincing, more than I would be able to do. Not a good day at the office for him, really. But then again, it was to be expected. We were about to fall into a vortex with no proper evidence or knowledge about whether we were going to either die or survive, and we definitely had no idea about what was going to happen to us. I was… Well… scared. Of all the moments in my long career, this could truly be the point of which I would die. The day in the TetraRacer competition had absolutely nothing on this… I was either going to die, or end up in a living hell with little chance of survival after that. It was official. We were screwed no matter what. It was just which level of screw.
“Sir, please listen to me, we have no real alternative. If you try to flee now, you’ll be subject to a massive barrage from the Kranos forces.” I told him, in a rush.
“But if we go there, they’ll no doubt fire on us too, and we’ll have no chance of survival! Mika, please. Just take a shuttle and escape. Please. Save yourselves.” He told me, his voice now in a level of desperation. Suddenly, the ship lurched to the right even further. I gazed towards the viewscreen… it was really happening. For once, we would soon know the effect of our devastation. This was it. We were going in. Straight into the heart of the vortex, and to our destiny that awaited us.
And as the GNS’ Apollo and Prosperity went down, all I could think of was two words. Just two.
“Time’s up.”
Spoiler : Chapter 12 - The Unwanted Journey :
The journey into the vortex was a surprisingly peaceful one. It felt almost anti-climatic in the way that it was. We were… stressing around for nothing. The ship was properly together, so no parts were being sucked off this time. And we just let them go in. Well, the Prosperity did try to put up a fight, but it was to no avail. I looked upon the vortex in the view screen. I saw burgundy. Lots and lots of burgundy. It formally revived my hate of the colour, as it filled the viewscreen. Occasionally, there were slight tinges of green, but it was mainly red.
Nothing was sparking any more. The bridge was just ruined, but nothing was volatile anymore. It was as if the vortex was exerting a slightly calming influence. Which was ironic given what was probably going to be at the other side.
“So… well, we’re not dying, so I guess that’s something for you.” I told Kathryn, who was now back in the Captain’s chair, with me at her side. I looks like we’ve made it. We’re… hypothetically, invincible at this point.”
“I wouldn’t say that, exactly!” she grinned slightly, stifling a laugh. “But… we came close, and we evaded it. Now, the real trouble begins.”
She spoke like she knew what was happening. Like she knew what was going to happen. Like she always knew. Not cool, but irrelevant. And slightly depressing, if I’m honest. But oh, well. Live and learn, as they say! At least, maybe . Oh, well. Still, the journey in the vortex last quite sometime. I quickly remembered that we weren’t the only ship in here, so I quickly sent out a message to our comrade, the Prosperity. “Cadenza to Tazian… how is everything, sir?” I asked, anxiously.
“It’s… fine, I guess. No casualties, which is something I guess I can be thankful for, well no casualties, yet.” He uttered, emphasising the “yet”, as if spitting it onto the floor in disgust. Hmm. Well, either way, we were in this together, so if we were going to get out of this together, we may as well try to work properly together. No veiled threats just yet. And I needed him to know that.
“Don’t worry, sir. If they can get out using this vortex… then there’s a good chance that we’ll be able to get back to our space after we’re finished here.” I told him, nodding, despite the fact that he wasn’t there in front of me. C’est la vie.
“I certainly hope you’re right… however, one thing I will say is that filling out the report to Galacix HQ is going to be a total nightmare. Brilliant.” He replied, his voice sounding slightly irritated. Probably not as irritated as he actually was… ah, well.
We were in the vortex for a good few minutes. Remarkably… it was starting to become lighter. Even lighter than before. It seemed to be returning to its original shade of silver, at least that’s what I saw it to be. Not sure about anyone else… but one thing is for certain, we were reaching the light at the end of the tunnel – and how daunting was that? The answer? Extremely. I turned to Kathryn again. “So… what ideas do you have for when we actually get there? I mean, chances are, they’ll just shoot on sight. And we aren’t in the best of states.”
“Yeah… thing about this is, I had a plan. Something that I’ve been having put into motion for years, but something that I haven’t really been able to implement before now. So… as such, I’m ready to share.” She told me, staring at me, eyes directly into mine. I was completely dreading, yet at the same time looking forward to what she had to say. I mean… we really needed some form of insurance to make sure that we weren’t killed several times over the course of today.
“Well… if you remember, I raised the shields. However, I made a few alterations to the shields from technology I’ve been modifying over the years. The technology left by a bio-genetic alien race whose name I… just can’t remember! But nonetheless, the ship is fortunately not damaged enough to let me activate its full setting.” She told me, a half-smile on her face. We were definitely nearing the end of the vortex so I was tempted just say, “JUST DO IT!” But I decided against it. It would probably be seen as rude, an unnecessary.
“So, if you were to put it on, say, now, what would happen?” I asked, hoping that she would pick up on my subtle hint. Ever so subtle, I know. But still.
“It wouldn’t have much use here in the vortex I’m afraid… what it does, is that it blocks out the heat signatures of anything in a 20 kilometre radius. And the Kranos’ ships’ sensors run on heat signature detection, so therefore, they won’t be able to detect us, and the Prosperity provided its close enough.” She told me, the enthusiasm that was in her voice years previously shining through slightly. “Isn’t it great?”
I smiled slightly awkwardly. It… was rather basic, and not exactly the breakthrough I thought she’d come up with, but ah well, I guess I couldn’t and shouldn’t complain. “Well… hmm. I better get on with telling the Prosperity to get closer then.”
I was about to tap my combadge when I realized something. “Say, Kathryn… how did you know about the Kranos’ ships?” I asked, realizing what was going on. I was… slightly confused, and slightly disoriented. However… this was where things got a bit… strange.
“You know what…” she muttered, pausing slightly. “I don’t actually know. I guess it was just a theory that I wanted to base my ideas from. And when I tested it in the field, it just happened to work.”
Somehow, the cynical bones in my body had just about decided to work overtime in order to get some order back into the situation, and expose the apparent uncertainty in her words… but, then again, I didn’t have a chance to do so. For the vortex had finally disintegrated into nothing, and we were now somewhere completely different, and unrecognisable. Before I could even say anything to Kathryn, she had very quickly pushed the shield into maximum.
”Ah!” I exclaimed, as I quickly tapped my combadge. “Cadenza to Tazian! Quickly, get the Prosperity manoeuvred to 20 kilometres in range of the Apollo! Otherwise, you’ll be attacked, and how!” I told them. I waited for a few seconds, before rapidly getting worried. “Uh… Cadenza to Tazian, please get into 20 kilometres range of the Apollo…?”
Still, there was no response from the other ship. And the sensors detected that they were about 30 kilometres behind us. That was bad. “Okay, time to reverse! I stated, as I slowed the ship down, and kicked her into reverse thrust. I had to make sure the Prosperity was safe – it was my ship after all. It was only now that I had realized that it was just me and Kathryn on the bridge… everyone just seemed to have left to go to the lower decks. I didn’t even know why.
“Cadenza to Braxa, what’s your status?” I muttered, tapping the combadge once again. Still… no response from her. “Cadenza to Trevas, please report!” I shouted, this time. Desperately, I quickly reverted through every single person I had beamed aboard the ship with me, before getting no response. Combadge to combadge communications were mostly unblockable due to their short range transmissions, but… maybe they couldn’t answer? That was a thought that was beginning to course through my mind, much to my worry. Maybe her shield wasn’t as good as she thought it was, maybe they had already boarded the ship?
I didn’t have a clue what to make of any of these events, so I decided to ask Kathryn what she made of it. Surely the shield genius had something to make of it. “Kathryn, my communications are being blocked. Is this a side-effect of your shield- Kathryn?”
A chill went down my spine as I looked all around the bridge. There was no one there. No Kathryn, no crew… I was all alone. I quickly got up from my chair, whipping my scanner out of my pocket. “No, no, no… I need some idea of what’s going on, please… don’t do this to me. Not now, any other time but now!”
I quickly ran to the exit of the bridge. The door opened, thankfully, before I took another view at the viewscreen. What I saw… was an even stranger sight. There was nothing but space. The red cloud I had seen previously… was no longer there. I didn’t understand. I couldn’t have been left behind in the ship while the others were taken, could I? That was the only logical explanation… but… then… that meant…
Oh bloody hell.
I walked back over to the sensor to rediscover where I was, with a tension in me that I didn’t have before. After a quick scan… it turned out that I was in “exactly” the same position as before. Which was impossible, surely. I didn’t feel any rocking of the ship. I didn’t feel any change in position… no shockwaves… but everyone had gone. Everyone.
Just marvellous. Another dilemma of which I was going to have another massive problem on my hands. A bad day at the office, yet again, and I really wish I didn’t have to keep saying that. Nonetheless, here we go. Time to dig myself out of the grave that something had crafted for me. Or someone.
An hour passed, and I had walked around the entire ship. I had seen several traces of people having been there around the ship, but… they weren’t there anymore. Much to my absolute discontent. But then again… there was a hollow sound in the background. It was… almost… actually, it was rather unsettling. It felt like… a spectre? No. That’s just too insane, even for me to even dream of. But… I was either alone, or not. And right now, nothing could potentially scare me any more than I was scared… in fact, I was terrified. No crew, and the feeling of an ominous presence in the house.
The lights of the ship began to blur slightly. The ship was starting to become darker. The lights were going out. I was in a corridor when it happened, and as such, when I saw the lights going out in my direction, I legged it as fast as possible out of the range of the disappearing lights, as soon as I could. As this was most unusual and if anything, as a kid, I was taught not to stay in the dark if I could avoid it, and that was a guideline that I had been managing to follow for all the 28 years in my life without actually that much difficulty, but now, it was being put to the extreme test. I ran as fast as I could humanely do so. I kept running. Running away from the dark. Each switch going down one at a time. I was running much too fast to even pay attention to them any more. The only thing going through my mind was “Oh, man…”
This was going insane. Eventually, I reached a dead end. The worst nightmare one could ever imagine when being chased, as I suspected I was. I quickly dived into the quarters. They were dark and black, as the lights went out around me. The only lights I had were from the outer stars staring upon me, painting a shallow light of the room. I locked the door shut, instinctively, and slowly crouched to see what was doorway. Thankfully, there was a small gap, but it was hardly visible… so my main objective was to see if I could hear anything… anything at all.
I was struggling to hear anything. Maybe this was just lone-man induced paranoia. I quickly tapped my combadge again. “Cadenza… to… anyone! Just please, if you can hear this, please respond to me, because I’m alone, there’s no one on this ship. I’m… quite suspicious of what’s going on, and I require assistance as soon as possible!”
I rested myself on the bed in the room as I struggled to think of anything that would even be of any usage in this situation… that was, until I received that. That dreadful call.
”Cadenza…? Mika Cadenza?” came a voice. I recognised that voice. That was a more mature, but recognisable voice. An impossible voice.
“That’s impossible… Merrik? Is that you?” I uttered, in bafflement. But then again, the crew of the Apollo had disappeared into thin air. So, I guess, anything could happen. “Merrik, after all these years… oh, well, there’s time for nostalgia later. Where are you? Are you on the ship?”
“No… Well… Yes, in a way. But, ahhh, Mika. It’s good to hear your voice. Anyway, I’ll send you the coordinates to my position. Be careful of the darkness, but, after all, you should have already have had enough experience of that.” He replied, his voice suspiciously uncaring about the whole thing. This was… weird. Could he be an illusion? But then, how could they even imagine that far? How did they… But then again, I believed that it could have been a potential way for Kathryn to have achieved her information about the heat signatures. A potential mind-swap incident? I don’t know, I didn’t know, but I certainly wanted to find out, that’s for sure. But I guess I had nothing better to do, than to go and meet this “Merrik”, and find out if he was real or not.
My scanner lit up as it received the coordinates, and it guided me through compass mode. I unlocked the door. And I froze. I looked around the area. It was completely black. If I was to step through the door, I could have been placing myself into incalculable danger. If I stepped through that door… I would be entering my salvation, or beginning my journey to my hell.
But still, if I stayed, I’d probably starve to death. The ship was still badly damaged, and I’m pretty sure the food systems weren’t working in the quarters. Still… here we go. Final part of the drama that was my journey. The unwanted journey, so to speak… and something that I really did not want to go through.
Still. I had to remind myself why I even entered this business in the first place. To do battle with the forces of evil and oppression was simply another part of the job, but exploration into the unknown was also part of it. I had to keep that in mind, as I stared through the doorway into the unknown realm of what would be coming to pass.
So, I stepped through, my scanner in front, the other hand at my side. I was ready, and if I was going to meet my maker this time, well, let’s just say I was going to give him one hell of a fight.
Nothing was sparking any more. The bridge was just ruined, but nothing was volatile anymore. It was as if the vortex was exerting a slightly calming influence. Which was ironic given what was probably going to be at the other side.
“So… well, we’re not dying, so I guess that’s something for you.” I told Kathryn, who was now back in the Captain’s chair, with me at her side. I looks like we’ve made it. We’re… hypothetically, invincible at this point.”
“I wouldn’t say that, exactly!” she grinned slightly, stifling a laugh. “But… we came close, and we evaded it. Now, the real trouble begins.”
She spoke like she knew what was happening. Like she knew what was going to happen. Like she always knew. Not cool, but irrelevant. And slightly depressing, if I’m honest. But oh, well. Live and learn, as they say! At least, maybe . Oh, well. Still, the journey in the vortex last quite sometime. I quickly remembered that we weren’t the only ship in here, so I quickly sent out a message to our comrade, the Prosperity. “Cadenza to Tazian… how is everything, sir?” I asked, anxiously.
“It’s… fine, I guess. No casualties, which is something I guess I can be thankful for, well no casualties, yet.” He uttered, emphasising the “yet”, as if spitting it onto the floor in disgust. Hmm. Well, either way, we were in this together, so if we were going to get out of this together, we may as well try to work properly together. No veiled threats just yet. And I needed him to know that.
“Don’t worry, sir. If they can get out using this vortex… then there’s a good chance that we’ll be able to get back to our space after we’re finished here.” I told him, nodding, despite the fact that he wasn’t there in front of me. C’est la vie.
“I certainly hope you’re right… however, one thing I will say is that filling out the report to Galacix HQ is going to be a total nightmare. Brilliant.” He replied, his voice sounding slightly irritated. Probably not as irritated as he actually was… ah, well.
We were in the vortex for a good few minutes. Remarkably… it was starting to become lighter. Even lighter than before. It seemed to be returning to its original shade of silver, at least that’s what I saw it to be. Not sure about anyone else… but one thing is for certain, we were reaching the light at the end of the tunnel – and how daunting was that? The answer? Extremely. I turned to Kathryn again. “So… what ideas do you have for when we actually get there? I mean, chances are, they’ll just shoot on sight. And we aren’t in the best of states.”
“Yeah… thing about this is, I had a plan. Something that I’ve been having put into motion for years, but something that I haven’t really been able to implement before now. So… as such, I’m ready to share.” She told me, staring at me, eyes directly into mine. I was completely dreading, yet at the same time looking forward to what she had to say. I mean… we really needed some form of insurance to make sure that we weren’t killed several times over the course of today.
“Well… if you remember, I raised the shields. However, I made a few alterations to the shields from technology I’ve been modifying over the years. The technology left by a bio-genetic alien race whose name I… just can’t remember! But nonetheless, the ship is fortunately not damaged enough to let me activate its full setting.” She told me, a half-smile on her face. We were definitely nearing the end of the vortex so I was tempted just say, “JUST DO IT!” But I decided against it. It would probably be seen as rude, an unnecessary.
“So, if you were to put it on, say, now, what would happen?” I asked, hoping that she would pick up on my subtle hint. Ever so subtle, I know. But still.
“It wouldn’t have much use here in the vortex I’m afraid… what it does, is that it blocks out the heat signatures of anything in a 20 kilometre radius. And the Kranos’ ships’ sensors run on heat signature detection, so therefore, they won’t be able to detect us, and the Prosperity provided its close enough.” She told me, the enthusiasm that was in her voice years previously shining through slightly. “Isn’t it great?”
I smiled slightly awkwardly. It… was rather basic, and not exactly the breakthrough I thought she’d come up with, but ah well, I guess I couldn’t and shouldn’t complain. “Well… hmm. I better get on with telling the Prosperity to get closer then.”
I was about to tap my combadge when I realized something. “Say, Kathryn… how did you know about the Kranos’ ships?” I asked, realizing what was going on. I was… slightly confused, and slightly disoriented. However… this was where things got a bit… strange.
“You know what…” she muttered, pausing slightly. “I don’t actually know. I guess it was just a theory that I wanted to base my ideas from. And when I tested it in the field, it just happened to work.”
Somehow, the cynical bones in my body had just about decided to work overtime in order to get some order back into the situation, and expose the apparent uncertainty in her words… but, then again, I didn’t have a chance to do so. For the vortex had finally disintegrated into nothing, and we were now somewhere completely different, and unrecognisable. Before I could even say anything to Kathryn, she had very quickly pushed the shield into maximum.
”Ah!” I exclaimed, as I quickly tapped my combadge. “Cadenza to Tazian! Quickly, get the Prosperity manoeuvred to 20 kilometres in range of the Apollo! Otherwise, you’ll be attacked, and how!” I told them. I waited for a few seconds, before rapidly getting worried. “Uh… Cadenza to Tazian, please get into 20 kilometres range of the Apollo…?”
Still, there was no response from the other ship. And the sensors detected that they were about 30 kilometres behind us. That was bad. “Okay, time to reverse! I stated, as I slowed the ship down, and kicked her into reverse thrust. I had to make sure the Prosperity was safe – it was my ship after all. It was only now that I had realized that it was just me and Kathryn on the bridge… everyone just seemed to have left to go to the lower decks. I didn’t even know why.
“Cadenza to Braxa, what’s your status?” I muttered, tapping the combadge once again. Still… no response from her. “Cadenza to Trevas, please report!” I shouted, this time. Desperately, I quickly reverted through every single person I had beamed aboard the ship with me, before getting no response. Combadge to combadge communications were mostly unblockable due to their short range transmissions, but… maybe they couldn’t answer? That was a thought that was beginning to course through my mind, much to my worry. Maybe her shield wasn’t as good as she thought it was, maybe they had already boarded the ship?
I didn’t have a clue what to make of any of these events, so I decided to ask Kathryn what she made of it. Surely the shield genius had something to make of it. “Kathryn, my communications are being blocked. Is this a side-effect of your shield- Kathryn?”
A chill went down my spine as I looked all around the bridge. There was no one there. No Kathryn, no crew… I was all alone. I quickly got up from my chair, whipping my scanner out of my pocket. “No, no, no… I need some idea of what’s going on, please… don’t do this to me. Not now, any other time but now!”
I quickly ran to the exit of the bridge. The door opened, thankfully, before I took another view at the viewscreen. What I saw… was an even stranger sight. There was nothing but space. The red cloud I had seen previously… was no longer there. I didn’t understand. I couldn’t have been left behind in the ship while the others were taken, could I? That was the only logical explanation… but… then… that meant…
Oh bloody hell.
I walked back over to the sensor to rediscover where I was, with a tension in me that I didn’t have before. After a quick scan… it turned out that I was in “exactly” the same position as before. Which was impossible, surely. I didn’t feel any rocking of the ship. I didn’t feel any change in position… no shockwaves… but everyone had gone. Everyone.
Just marvellous. Another dilemma of which I was going to have another massive problem on my hands. A bad day at the office, yet again, and I really wish I didn’t have to keep saying that. Nonetheless, here we go. Time to dig myself out of the grave that something had crafted for me. Or someone.
An hour passed, and I had walked around the entire ship. I had seen several traces of people having been there around the ship, but… they weren’t there anymore. Much to my absolute discontent. But then again… there was a hollow sound in the background. It was… almost… actually, it was rather unsettling. It felt like… a spectre? No. That’s just too insane, even for me to even dream of. But… I was either alone, or not. And right now, nothing could potentially scare me any more than I was scared… in fact, I was terrified. No crew, and the feeling of an ominous presence in the house.
The lights of the ship began to blur slightly. The ship was starting to become darker. The lights were going out. I was in a corridor when it happened, and as such, when I saw the lights going out in my direction, I legged it as fast as possible out of the range of the disappearing lights, as soon as I could. As this was most unusual and if anything, as a kid, I was taught not to stay in the dark if I could avoid it, and that was a guideline that I had been managing to follow for all the 28 years in my life without actually that much difficulty, but now, it was being put to the extreme test. I ran as fast as I could humanely do so. I kept running. Running away from the dark. Each switch going down one at a time. I was running much too fast to even pay attention to them any more. The only thing going through my mind was “Oh, man…”
This was going insane. Eventually, I reached a dead end. The worst nightmare one could ever imagine when being chased, as I suspected I was. I quickly dived into the quarters. They were dark and black, as the lights went out around me. The only lights I had were from the outer stars staring upon me, painting a shallow light of the room. I locked the door shut, instinctively, and slowly crouched to see what was doorway. Thankfully, there was a small gap, but it was hardly visible… so my main objective was to see if I could hear anything… anything at all.
I was struggling to hear anything. Maybe this was just lone-man induced paranoia. I quickly tapped my combadge again. “Cadenza… to… anyone! Just please, if you can hear this, please respond to me, because I’m alone, there’s no one on this ship. I’m… quite suspicious of what’s going on, and I require assistance as soon as possible!”
I rested myself on the bed in the room as I struggled to think of anything that would even be of any usage in this situation… that was, until I received that. That dreadful call.
”Cadenza…? Mika Cadenza?” came a voice. I recognised that voice. That was a more mature, but recognisable voice. An impossible voice.
“That’s impossible… Merrik? Is that you?” I uttered, in bafflement. But then again, the crew of the Apollo had disappeared into thin air. So, I guess, anything could happen. “Merrik, after all these years… oh, well, there’s time for nostalgia later. Where are you? Are you on the ship?”
“No… Well… Yes, in a way. But, ahhh, Mika. It’s good to hear your voice. Anyway, I’ll send you the coordinates to my position. Be careful of the darkness, but, after all, you should have already have had enough experience of that.” He replied, his voice suspiciously uncaring about the whole thing. This was… weird. Could he be an illusion? But then, how could they even imagine that far? How did they… But then again, I believed that it could have been a potential way for Kathryn to have achieved her information about the heat signatures. A potential mind-swap incident? I don’t know, I didn’t know, but I certainly wanted to find out, that’s for sure. But I guess I had nothing better to do, than to go and meet this “Merrik”, and find out if he was real or not.
My scanner lit up as it received the coordinates, and it guided me through compass mode. I unlocked the door. And I froze. I looked around the area. It was completely black. If I was to step through the door, I could have been placing myself into incalculable danger. If I stepped through that door… I would be entering my salvation, or beginning my journey to my hell.
But still, if I stayed, I’d probably starve to death. The ship was still badly damaged, and I’m pretty sure the food systems weren’t working in the quarters. Still… here we go. Final part of the drama that was my journey. The unwanted journey, so to speak… and something that I really did not want to go through.
Still. I had to remind myself why I even entered this business in the first place. To do battle with the forces of evil and oppression was simply another part of the job, but exploration into the unknown was also part of it. I had to keep that in mind, as I stared through the doorway into the unknown realm of what would be coming to pass.
So, I stepped through, my scanner in front, the other hand at my side. I was ready, and if I was going to meet my maker this time, well, let’s just say I was going to give him one hell of a fight.
Spoiler : Chapter 13 - Confessions and Revelations :
I kept moving through the corridor, trying to find the location of Kathryn’s long presumed lost brother, keeping an eye on the scanner, while constantly checking all around me, to make sure I wasn’t be followed, or chased, or any such thing. Thankfully, the in-built GPS on the scanner managed to keep me from getting lost. It took an overly-long amount of time for me to actually get where I was supposed to be, but it was quite a journey. What with being forced to make my way by crawling through multiple broken, damaged and extremely hot Jefferies tubes, and becoming dirt-covered, snagging my uniform, and subsequently my own skin, which was really just great.
Half an hours worth of travelling later, I looked a state. My uniform was slightly tattered in various parts, the burgundy part having been turned into a sort of reddish-brown colour, and small cuts and burns all over my hands as I had been crawling. Fortunately, my scanner was unharmed, and still managed to guide me onwards towards where I needed to go. Suddenly, I got another communication, much to my outspoken pleasure. It was from Merrik again. “Ah, I’ve got you on my scanner now. I can just about see you… you’re actually quite close now. Keep going, you’re almost here.” He told me, his voice almost monotonous and unwavering.
“Gotcha, gotcha… you could have given me an easier route though, I must say. I mean, one with less shrapnel and more smooth metal.” I replied. Sooner or later, I was bound to have a heart attack thanks to this.
“Cadenza, if you knew what I’ve had to do over the past few years, you’d be a little grateful that it was JUST shrapnel.” Announced the irritated reply. Couldn’t say I was expectant of anything else though.
“Touché.” I replied, simply.
It took just another few minutes to reach the final destination that the scanner had wanted me to go to. And there it was. Another door. A singular brown metallic door. Under normal circumstances, I would be slightly gung ho about going in the bloody thing, but under THESE circumstances, I was extremely apprehensive. Fortunately, I had received another communication from Merrik. “Excellent! I’m just on the other side of the door, I’ll get it open for you. There’s a system malfunction on your side, hang on a second.” He stated. So, there I was. Staring at the door, albeit with a few careful glances behind me. I didn’t want to be shot by something. I wasn’t exactly convinced that this wasn’t even a trap. I was still playing it carefully, which was I had done something that he didn’t expect.
You see, the Apollo is a funny ship, of a slightly predictable design. It is an older ship than the Prosperity, and takes its design cues from it. Which makes it even better as I knew exactly where the weapons’ cupboards were. So, while it looked like I was tending to my wounds from the Jeffries tubes, I had been collecting the various segments required to modify my scanner into a portable plasma pistol. It’s a relatively simple procedure, but it had only existed within the past 5 years. So he wouldn’t expect it if he tried anything. Why would I suspect he would, you ask? Well… there’s this small thing called a rivalry. I’m guessing that after 9 years, he may have held me in blame, which would both be just great, and so hilariously predictable. Course, it would be extremely difficult to get out of it, but… the look on my face would be a picture.
I put the scanner back into the inner pocket of my uniform, and soon enough, the door had opened. In through the doorway was something that looked like just another set of crew quarters, except that this one… was different. It was of a dark-red sheen, sort of reminiscent of the cloud I faced around 2 hours ago. How quaint. Still, it was time to move on. I put my foot through the doorway, expecting to see Merrik coming out with some sort of gun. Except that didn’t happen. What did happen was much more surprising.
It was Kathryn who was inside the room. She wasn’t even dressed in her uniform, she was in her night clothes, lying on the bed… like she was sleeping. I quickly went over to her side. Confused. What was she doing here, and why was she here…? It couldn’t be. Why?
I gently shook her. “Kathryn… time to wake up.” I spoke into her ear softly. No response. I tried to touch her. I did so. And then I shook her… but still no response. But then, fortunately, Kathryn slowly opened her eyes with a groan, before looking at me. Or should I say, in my direction, her eyes forming a state of tired drowsiness. But then, I think she properly noticed me. As… well. She screamed.
“M-Mika?! Wha… what the hell, how the hell did you get here?!” she shouted, almost tripping over herself to get out of bed, wrapping her arms around me as if she hadn’t seen me in years.
“I’m… well…”
“Jayne to Bridge…! I think our salvation is here.” She uttered, even more confusingly into the intercom by her bed as soon as she let go of me. They even held a small conversation right in-front of me. There were people here! On the ship! Which confused me even further.
“Jayne…?” I spoke, slightly confused. This was getting weird. Too weird. Was this even real?
“Ah, yes, I changed my name… what happened three years ago… between you and Merrik… something I’d rather forget.” She told me.
”Wh-what thing…? What happened? Kathryn, I saw you on the bridge two hours ago… wait a minute, I’m sorry… three years?” I began, waiting to think of some sort of logical answer.
Kathryn’s smile quickly changed from that of happiness to a frown of familiarity. I’m no expert on fate, but that is never a good sign in all forms. “Oh. Oh… I’m sorry. I should have remembered sooner.”
“Remembered what? What’s happening?” I asked, inquisitively. I was officially the most confused person in all of creation right about now.
“I was tired, ha… but… yeah. Oh dear. You haven’t… oh. Well…” she began, sitting back down on her bed. She was visibly shaking now. “Oh… look at you. You’re a state… again.”
She gestured for me to take a seat. I did so, hesitantly. “Look, we don’t have much time, so I’ll make it brief. Everything that I’m about to say, please believe me. Believe every single word without question. Anyway… well, when you walked through the door… you walked into my time. 3 years. Later. It was done by Merrik. Something new that he can do… I don’t know how, but right now… I’m watching you. My younger self. Merrik is by my side, and he is watching you, and if it’s any consolation he is as confused as hell as to what is going on, much like you. Heck, it’s taken my entire crew to tell that I already know what happens, but… I can’t tell you. Go back out through the doorway. Go!”
Right now, I didn’t know what to think. I had seen Kathryn… but was she? In fact… I couldn’t get my mind around what had just happened, what had just taken place. But one thing was for sure. If she wanted me to go, if I didn’t belong here… then I had to go. I ran back through the doorway, and hopefully back into the Apollo of my time.
Yeah, that didn’t happen. In fact, what happened now was something… simple. Far more… cleansing. Not as weird as before but more… welcome. I had walked into a pearl white room. It was greyed in places to stop it from becoming so overpowering, but nonetheless… it was very simplifying.
Then I heard his voice.
“Welcome. Cadenza.” Spoke the menacing voice of Merrik Calvia. Sure enough, he appeared in-front of my eyes. And he looked extremely different. He was taller. Older. Dressed in a blue uniform of an updated design to my own, and he bore a scar over his left eye. He was essentially, almost an entirely different person in appearance, yet his voice sounded almost the same. “Well… it’s been a while, hasn’t it.”
“Yes. It has. Now, tell me, what’s going on?” I asked, now ready at any time to engage in some form of mortal combat. I had a feeling it would end in that anyway.
“Well… I’m sorry you had to endure that mind-screw. Must have been a bit… daunting for you. Catching a glimpse of your friend’s future-“
“Your sister.” I interrupted. Seemed he had forgotten about that.
”Yes… well, still. I’ve had time to think over the past 9 years. You see, when I fell through that portal, I wasn’t cast into years of hell and torture as you can probably think about, but I was actually cast into a world where I was alone. Forced to make a new group of people my allies. Of course, I did. There was a man named Clint. He was my greatest ally. Turned into my second greatest foe. And I hold you directly responsible for his fate.” He uttered, his teeth gritted and his breath shallow.
“Yeah… you probably shouldn’t do that. And if I remember correctly, you caused yourself to fall into that portal.” I pointed out. His line of argument was flawed… well… so I thought.
“I did that because I tried to save you. Because I knew Kathryn would be safe under your hand and guidance. But as the years passed, I knew that what I did was the wrong thing. I should have shot you down and taken you with me, because then, you wouldn’t have had to endure the things that I did. The lives I have ruined and decimated. You see… I guess I got used to it. The things I did to get to where I am today… Like now. You saw a future Kathryn. That’s because I modified the teleporter to become a… time transporter. I meant to send you three years into the past to see the things I had to do in this universe. Unfortunately, I got it a bit wrong, and I sent you three years in the future to the nearest liveable object. And isn’t that nice. She gets stuck here. Same effect.”
I was seething with rage at his sheer callousness. I didn’t even know how he could even have thought of doing these things… they just felt so… beyond… evil? I didn’t even know what to say to this. Except…
“Where’s Kathryn now? Where? Tell me.” I uttered, containing my rage, even though it was starting to move beyond conceivable levels.
”Kathryn? Oh, she’s fine. I sent her back to her ship. Along with her crew. Did you like the little trick I played? Left you all alone, didn’t I? Beauty of a mass teleporter! You’ve got to admit, I do have a sense of humour.” He laughed, sickly.
“More like a sense of being a prick.” I spoke, plainly. “What about the Prosperity? What have you done to that one? My ship?”
“That’s a bit more complicated. You see, I never really thought that much of the Sovereign-class ships, so she’s currently under heavy fire. She’s handling herself a lot better than I thought she would thought. Also, don’t bother trying to contact it. I’ll send you back soon enough. Just ask please. You are, after all speaking to the new leader of the Kranos fleet. The boss, in better terms. Pleased to be above you in the social hierarchy.”
“You… you what?!” I shouted, shocked. There was… this couldn’t be surely. It was madness, how could he be the leader? But at the same time, he did say that he had to ruin and decimate a lot of lives… I shouldn’t have felt surprised to be honest. I had just to grin and bear it, and just not give him the satisfaction of causing me to endure an emotion. Even though the temptation to shoot him was growing, he probably had some sort of defence mechanism ready just in case.
“Yeah, it’s a long story, but as I said, I had to ruin and dec-“ he began, but of course, I already knew the end of that sentence.
“Yeah, yeah, alright, I get it. Look, just what do you want? What the hell do you want with me? With the Galacix, the Kranos? Is it revenge?” I asked. I was starting to feel panicked regarding the Prosperity. I needed to get back there, but at the same time… I needed to get what he knew, and expose it to all of the allied forces. He had to be stopped, and I couldn’t do it alone. Not alone, never alone. They say one man can make a difference? Well… it all depends on the circumstances.
“Revenge is a side dish, Mika! The bread to the main course! I don’t care who wins the war or not, I’m just letting nature run its course. I just want to cause as much chaos, death and destruction as possible. What do you take me for? A 20th century supervillain stereotype? Honestly.” He smirked, with a hint of surprise in his voice. I still couldn’t get my mind over how the geeky, arrogant and overly-mature introvert that I had met in the academy could have turned into that… thing. That malicious creature of deviousness and hatred before me. I couldn’t believe it.
Well... I guessed that I had spent enough time there. It was time to leave, somehow, as for once; I had to help my own crew.
”Well then. I’m done here. Return me to my ship… please.” I asked of him, the last word especially muttered through gritted teeth.
“Hmm…. Well… I don’t see why not actually. Sure, I’ll take you back to the Prosperity.” He stated, with a hint of pride in his voice. Why? I didn’t know it just then, but he had something planned that I should have expected. I don’t even know why I didn’t…
“Wait, though. Just one more thing.” I asked, quickly, putting my hands up in a wait-gesture.
“I thought you wanted to get back to your ship?” asked Merrik, with a glare that could have shocked all of the Alpha Quadrant into legging it into the nearest black hole.
“Well… I just want to know one thing. Just one. Don’t shoot me yet. Tell me, why are you still here yourself? If you know the technology exists to bring you back to our universe exists… why didn’t you use it? You’re the leader!”
“I’d have thought it was obvious. If I leave here, I lose my power. I am a God here. I won’t lose that. Now, goodbye!”
Before I could stop him… I had been dispatched. Gone. Back to reality, or more specifically, into a hell that I would not be able to help or control…
Half an hours worth of travelling later, I looked a state. My uniform was slightly tattered in various parts, the burgundy part having been turned into a sort of reddish-brown colour, and small cuts and burns all over my hands as I had been crawling. Fortunately, my scanner was unharmed, and still managed to guide me onwards towards where I needed to go. Suddenly, I got another communication, much to my outspoken pleasure. It was from Merrik again. “Ah, I’ve got you on my scanner now. I can just about see you… you’re actually quite close now. Keep going, you’re almost here.” He told me, his voice almost monotonous and unwavering.
“Gotcha, gotcha… you could have given me an easier route though, I must say. I mean, one with less shrapnel and more smooth metal.” I replied. Sooner or later, I was bound to have a heart attack thanks to this.
“Cadenza, if you knew what I’ve had to do over the past few years, you’d be a little grateful that it was JUST shrapnel.” Announced the irritated reply. Couldn’t say I was expectant of anything else though.
“Touché.” I replied, simply.
It took just another few minutes to reach the final destination that the scanner had wanted me to go to. And there it was. Another door. A singular brown metallic door. Under normal circumstances, I would be slightly gung ho about going in the bloody thing, but under THESE circumstances, I was extremely apprehensive. Fortunately, I had received another communication from Merrik. “Excellent! I’m just on the other side of the door, I’ll get it open for you. There’s a system malfunction on your side, hang on a second.” He stated. So, there I was. Staring at the door, albeit with a few careful glances behind me. I didn’t want to be shot by something. I wasn’t exactly convinced that this wasn’t even a trap. I was still playing it carefully, which was I had done something that he didn’t expect.
You see, the Apollo is a funny ship, of a slightly predictable design. It is an older ship than the Prosperity, and takes its design cues from it. Which makes it even better as I knew exactly where the weapons’ cupboards were. So, while it looked like I was tending to my wounds from the Jeffries tubes, I had been collecting the various segments required to modify my scanner into a portable plasma pistol. It’s a relatively simple procedure, but it had only existed within the past 5 years. So he wouldn’t expect it if he tried anything. Why would I suspect he would, you ask? Well… there’s this small thing called a rivalry. I’m guessing that after 9 years, he may have held me in blame, which would both be just great, and so hilariously predictable. Course, it would be extremely difficult to get out of it, but… the look on my face would be a picture.
I put the scanner back into the inner pocket of my uniform, and soon enough, the door had opened. In through the doorway was something that looked like just another set of crew quarters, except that this one… was different. It was of a dark-red sheen, sort of reminiscent of the cloud I faced around 2 hours ago. How quaint. Still, it was time to move on. I put my foot through the doorway, expecting to see Merrik coming out with some sort of gun. Except that didn’t happen. What did happen was much more surprising.
It was Kathryn who was inside the room. She wasn’t even dressed in her uniform, she was in her night clothes, lying on the bed… like she was sleeping. I quickly went over to her side. Confused. What was she doing here, and why was she here…? It couldn’t be. Why?
I gently shook her. “Kathryn… time to wake up.” I spoke into her ear softly. No response. I tried to touch her. I did so. And then I shook her… but still no response. But then, fortunately, Kathryn slowly opened her eyes with a groan, before looking at me. Or should I say, in my direction, her eyes forming a state of tired drowsiness. But then, I think she properly noticed me. As… well. She screamed.
“M-Mika?! Wha… what the hell, how the hell did you get here?!” she shouted, almost tripping over herself to get out of bed, wrapping her arms around me as if she hadn’t seen me in years.
“I’m… well…”
“Jayne to Bridge…! I think our salvation is here.” She uttered, even more confusingly into the intercom by her bed as soon as she let go of me. They even held a small conversation right in-front of me. There were people here! On the ship! Which confused me even further.
“Jayne…?” I spoke, slightly confused. This was getting weird. Too weird. Was this even real?
“Ah, yes, I changed my name… what happened three years ago… between you and Merrik… something I’d rather forget.” She told me.
”Wh-what thing…? What happened? Kathryn, I saw you on the bridge two hours ago… wait a minute, I’m sorry… three years?” I began, waiting to think of some sort of logical answer.
Kathryn’s smile quickly changed from that of happiness to a frown of familiarity. I’m no expert on fate, but that is never a good sign in all forms. “Oh. Oh… I’m sorry. I should have remembered sooner.”
“Remembered what? What’s happening?” I asked, inquisitively. I was officially the most confused person in all of creation right about now.
“I was tired, ha… but… yeah. Oh dear. You haven’t… oh. Well…” she began, sitting back down on her bed. She was visibly shaking now. “Oh… look at you. You’re a state… again.”
She gestured for me to take a seat. I did so, hesitantly. “Look, we don’t have much time, so I’ll make it brief. Everything that I’m about to say, please believe me. Believe every single word without question. Anyway… well, when you walked through the door… you walked into my time. 3 years. Later. It was done by Merrik. Something new that he can do… I don’t know how, but right now… I’m watching you. My younger self. Merrik is by my side, and he is watching you, and if it’s any consolation he is as confused as hell as to what is going on, much like you. Heck, it’s taken my entire crew to tell that I already know what happens, but… I can’t tell you. Go back out through the doorway. Go!”
Right now, I didn’t know what to think. I had seen Kathryn… but was she? In fact… I couldn’t get my mind around what had just happened, what had just taken place. But one thing was for sure. If she wanted me to go, if I didn’t belong here… then I had to go. I ran back through the doorway, and hopefully back into the Apollo of my time.
Yeah, that didn’t happen. In fact, what happened now was something… simple. Far more… cleansing. Not as weird as before but more… welcome. I had walked into a pearl white room. It was greyed in places to stop it from becoming so overpowering, but nonetheless… it was very simplifying.
Then I heard his voice.
“Welcome. Cadenza.” Spoke the menacing voice of Merrik Calvia. Sure enough, he appeared in-front of my eyes. And he looked extremely different. He was taller. Older. Dressed in a blue uniform of an updated design to my own, and he bore a scar over his left eye. He was essentially, almost an entirely different person in appearance, yet his voice sounded almost the same. “Well… it’s been a while, hasn’t it.”
“Yes. It has. Now, tell me, what’s going on?” I asked, now ready at any time to engage in some form of mortal combat. I had a feeling it would end in that anyway.
“Well… I’m sorry you had to endure that mind-screw. Must have been a bit… daunting for you. Catching a glimpse of your friend’s future-“
“Your sister.” I interrupted. Seemed he had forgotten about that.
”Yes… well, still. I’ve had time to think over the past 9 years. You see, when I fell through that portal, I wasn’t cast into years of hell and torture as you can probably think about, but I was actually cast into a world where I was alone. Forced to make a new group of people my allies. Of course, I did. There was a man named Clint. He was my greatest ally. Turned into my second greatest foe. And I hold you directly responsible for his fate.” He uttered, his teeth gritted and his breath shallow.
“Yeah… you probably shouldn’t do that. And if I remember correctly, you caused yourself to fall into that portal.” I pointed out. His line of argument was flawed… well… so I thought.
“I did that because I tried to save you. Because I knew Kathryn would be safe under your hand and guidance. But as the years passed, I knew that what I did was the wrong thing. I should have shot you down and taken you with me, because then, you wouldn’t have had to endure the things that I did. The lives I have ruined and decimated. You see… I guess I got used to it. The things I did to get to where I am today… Like now. You saw a future Kathryn. That’s because I modified the teleporter to become a… time transporter. I meant to send you three years into the past to see the things I had to do in this universe. Unfortunately, I got it a bit wrong, and I sent you three years in the future to the nearest liveable object. And isn’t that nice. She gets stuck here. Same effect.”
I was seething with rage at his sheer callousness. I didn’t even know how he could even have thought of doing these things… they just felt so… beyond… evil? I didn’t even know what to say to this. Except…
“Where’s Kathryn now? Where? Tell me.” I uttered, containing my rage, even though it was starting to move beyond conceivable levels.
”Kathryn? Oh, she’s fine. I sent her back to her ship. Along with her crew. Did you like the little trick I played? Left you all alone, didn’t I? Beauty of a mass teleporter! You’ve got to admit, I do have a sense of humour.” He laughed, sickly.
“More like a sense of being a prick.” I spoke, plainly. “What about the Prosperity? What have you done to that one? My ship?”
“That’s a bit more complicated. You see, I never really thought that much of the Sovereign-class ships, so she’s currently under heavy fire. She’s handling herself a lot better than I thought she would thought. Also, don’t bother trying to contact it. I’ll send you back soon enough. Just ask please. You are, after all speaking to the new leader of the Kranos fleet. The boss, in better terms. Pleased to be above you in the social hierarchy.”
“You… you what?!” I shouted, shocked. There was… this couldn’t be surely. It was madness, how could he be the leader? But at the same time, he did say that he had to ruin and decimate a lot of lives… I shouldn’t have felt surprised to be honest. I had just to grin and bear it, and just not give him the satisfaction of causing me to endure an emotion. Even though the temptation to shoot him was growing, he probably had some sort of defence mechanism ready just in case.
“Yeah, it’s a long story, but as I said, I had to ruin and dec-“ he began, but of course, I already knew the end of that sentence.
“Yeah, yeah, alright, I get it. Look, just what do you want? What the hell do you want with me? With the Galacix, the Kranos? Is it revenge?” I asked. I was starting to feel panicked regarding the Prosperity. I needed to get back there, but at the same time… I needed to get what he knew, and expose it to all of the allied forces. He had to be stopped, and I couldn’t do it alone. Not alone, never alone. They say one man can make a difference? Well… it all depends on the circumstances.
“Revenge is a side dish, Mika! The bread to the main course! I don’t care who wins the war or not, I’m just letting nature run its course. I just want to cause as much chaos, death and destruction as possible. What do you take me for? A 20th century supervillain stereotype? Honestly.” He smirked, with a hint of surprise in his voice. I still couldn’t get my mind over how the geeky, arrogant and overly-mature introvert that I had met in the academy could have turned into that… thing. That malicious creature of deviousness and hatred before me. I couldn’t believe it.
Well... I guessed that I had spent enough time there. It was time to leave, somehow, as for once; I had to help my own crew.
”Well then. I’m done here. Return me to my ship… please.” I asked of him, the last word especially muttered through gritted teeth.
“Hmm…. Well… I don’t see why not actually. Sure, I’ll take you back to the Prosperity.” He stated, with a hint of pride in his voice. Why? I didn’t know it just then, but he had something planned that I should have expected. I don’t even know why I didn’t…
“Wait, though. Just one more thing.” I asked, quickly, putting my hands up in a wait-gesture.
“I thought you wanted to get back to your ship?” asked Merrik, with a glare that could have shocked all of the Alpha Quadrant into legging it into the nearest black hole.
“Well… I just want to know one thing. Just one. Don’t shoot me yet. Tell me, why are you still here yourself? If you know the technology exists to bring you back to our universe exists… why didn’t you use it? You’re the leader!”
“I’d have thought it was obvious. If I leave here, I lose my power. I am a God here. I won’t lose that. Now, goodbye!”
Before I could stop him… I had been dispatched. Gone. Back to reality, or more specifically, into a hell that I would not be able to help or control…
Spoiler : Chapter 14 - The First Final Battle :
It was as quick as lightning, and my vision flashed white. Blank and complete, sheer white. And soon enough, I had been transported off of the unknown white room of superiority, and straight onto the bridge of Prosperity. At the back of it, to be precise. And boy, did she look a mess. Well, it did after my exhaustion from the teleportation stopped seizing up my nerve endings. But still… It was a complete mess.
There were several fires on the bridge, as it was being attacked, as well as crumbling debris from the ceiling everywhere, along with wires falling from the ceiling. The ship was badly rocking, as it fired shots, and took them even harder. I gazed at the view screen, looking for something that might aid in deciding what our predicament actually was. To me, it looked like we were under attack from not one, not two, but three Kranos ships. All in the red cloud zone. They were bombarding us. I quickly stood up fully, and walked over to the Captain’s chair. I thought that Tazian was either going to have a heart attack when he saw me, or kiss me, but nonetheless, I went straight to the front. “Captain, I’m back. May seem like a bad time, but I have a lot… oh. Oh, God.”
As it turned out, he would be doing neither. As it turned out, he wouldn’t be doing anything for a long time. I put my hand to my mouth as I looked at him. As it turned out, Alex Tazian had been killed. By a piece of falling debris which had impaled him through his shoulder, and then sheared his throat. I closed my eyes. Out of desperation, I checked his pulse, as fast as I could. But no. He had gone. The man I had served with for years… the man who had taught me more than I could have ever possibly known… the man was by the book, but he was by a good book. And I would miss him. I do miss him. I do today, I do always. As I stared at his body, I blamed myself for it. If I wasn’t so foolish, I could have prevented this series of events from ever taking place… but no. But the time for mourning was later. Right now, he had to get his ship out of the predicament it had gotten itself in to, all while sparks were tearing through the bridge.
“Damage report! Anyone! Report!” I shouted, desperately. No one responded. I cringed as the reality dawned on me. The entire bridge crew… the senior staff… they were all dead. With the exception of Braxa and Trevas who had been sent to the Apollo, the senior staff had been killed.
I took in a deep breath, walking over to the tactical station. I saw Mr. Clarke’s body, and immediately turned away, quickly moving to his station. “Let’s see… shields, down. Well that’s obvious… Warp drive off-line, impulse drive at full capacity, hull breaches on decks 1 through to 6, 8 through to 10 and 23 through to 32. Huh. Hull integrity down to 51%. Weapons are fully operational… 41% of the crew incapacitated?!” I gasped.
And I was being hailed… by guess who. I put it on screen, and was undelighted to see the cringing face of Merrik Calvia on the screen. “Oooh… what a mess. My goodness, Cadenza, you couldn’t have let it go this badly without any reason. Oh yes… ME!” he laughed. “Now, your destruction is secured, blah, blah, blah, prepare to die at my hand, blah, from hell’s heart I sta-“
“Shut up already!” I shouted angrily. “We’ll see who goes down!”
“Oooh, he has a temper. Well then, I guess we can consider this Round 2, Mika. Neither of us won 9 years ago. Let’s correct that.”
With those words, the viewscreen returned to the normal exterior view. He hastily dismissed 3 of the other ships. At least he had the courage to face me himself alone. Just as immediately, he immediately started letting loose a barrage of plasma shots and quantum torpedoes onto the ship. I immediately redirected flight controls to the tactical station, moving the ship out of the way of the torpedoes, despite inevitable impacts from the plasma beams, causing more damage that the ship couldn’t afford to take.
But I wasn’t going to let him take me, not this time. I retaliated with my own torpedoes, bombarding Merrik’s ship, with everything I had. They impacted on his shields, doing damage even through them, which was what I wanted. I needed to cripple him quickly. I fired plasma beams directly towards Merrik’s bridge, always targeting around that area. There was no point targeting anything else. The bridge rocked throughout the battle. Each minute drawing painfully onwards as we continued to fire at each other damaging each other’s hull and making severe indentations towards each other’s ships conditions. Each ship was taking a pounding, albeit mine more so. I was the only one on the bridge, commanding every system all at once, moving like a madman. I wasn’t trained for this, but I was essentially improvising, firing torpedoes and plasma beams at will, targeting them quickly and efficiently, directly towards the vulnerable parts of Merrik’s ship.
My own ship’s hull had been reduced to about 32% of its original integrity, and was taking more damage than it was even built to do. Fires were raging across the bridge as fires were starting to show on Merrik’s ship, as it was taking damage. Suddenly his voice began projecting across the bridge through a communication.
”Ahh, you’re good. Very good. Not bad for a lone man. Doing more damage than I could. Despite the handicaps, you have good skills Mika, I commend you. Unfortunately, they’re not enough.”
“Oh yeah? Don’t underestimate a pissed off commander who has lost a helluva lot of friends. Or at least do so with your own potential fate in mind.” I shouted back, with the rage of my fallen crew within me. I ceased off all of the communication, and fired even more viciously than before. This time targeting his engines. I wanted to make him suffer. I started pushing the ship harder, faster, more than it should have been pushed in the state that it was in. I was merciless. Compromised. Angry. Full to the brim with negative emotions. This was not the just a bad day at the office anymore… this was the day I wanted to destroy those who opposed the office.
I stormed through the plasma arrays as each hit impacted on Merrik’s ship, much to his chagrin. He kept firing at me, but I kept diverting emergency shielding to various parts of the ship to minimise the damage. A useful tactic that Clarke taught me years ago… even in death he still helped me. The blasts from Merrik’s ship kept impacting on the Prosperity, at all parts doing more and more damage, more than was thought possible for the ship to take. The integrity had got to be down to the low 20s by now. But I had to keep her alive. It was crippling us, and was causing deaths… but I was now too fuelled with rage to even bare that in mind.
In fact… Merrik was not losing the battle. He was winning it. It was only then that I began to realise in battling him, I was losing myself. Losing more of the crew. I was losing one of the purposes that I had joined the Galacix army to prevent. I wanted to stop people from dying. But… I was now causing their deaths. And that was almost too much to bear. Because it was not computable within me. The rage, and self-hatred were both incompatible with each other.
I couldn't think straight. The field of battle... It was a devastating thing. War itself... was master of destruction, and manipulation. War could take ordinary people, and transform them into one way or another. It could make people mad. Transform them from peaceful folks into angry, hate filled creatures of malevolence and devastation. And that's what it was doing to me. I was taking pleasure from each hit that I scored on to Merrik's ship, despite the amount that had been scored on mine.
We kept battling, the odds going back and forth, the ships weakening, losing weapons yet still going at it. The Prosperity was a tough ship, but it wasn't built to enter such extensive combat in extreme damage. Not to mention I was losing crewmembers by the minute. And it was very quickly becoming too emotionally difficult to bear.
However, it was then that Merrik contacted me yet again. I put it on screen, YET AGAIN.
"Now what?" I asked, callously, not really caring about what he had to say if it was just going to be more gloating. Of course, his bridge was visibly flaming and broken. It had been practically obliterated from my attacks directly around that area.
"Cadenza... okay, look. Both of our ships are heavily damaged, and we both have wounded. What say we call it a truce for the time being, tend to our wounded?" he asked, almost coughing from the smoke.
"Ha, like you'd care about such things! What do you think of me, Merrik? That I'm an idiot?" I asked, not buying a word. Because you wouldn't would you? It's just a trick. An elaborate trick. At least, that's what I thought.
Merrik leaned in closer to the viewscreen, as if saying something that no one else should hear. "Yeah, I don't, but I pay their salaries, and they want quality assurance and healthcare, so I'm legally obligated to do so. Or the bleedin' Shadow Proclamation will be at my airlock in about 40 seconds. Anyway, I need to rest them. Au revoir." he stated quickly, before disconnecting from the viewscreen again. I couldn't believe his nerve.
Still... he had a point. Perhaps I could use this point to go and visit the crew and try to make repairs. The self-regeneration circuits were fried, so the ship was essentially as damaged as it was going to ever going to be without professional repair work. But other people needed my help.
So, with that, I left the bridge. It was now time to crawl through a few more Jeffries tubes, which could possibly be even more damaged and shrapnel-infested than the Apollo's. The damn site-to-site transporter had been knocked out, and could only be fixed down there. So, obviously, I was anticipating more cuts and bruises to the extent of which I would finally become a human cheese grater. But now, I had to see how many of the crew that we had dearly lost. I had to see how many expended lives that I should, and would have to bare on my already filled to the brim conscience.
As I did crawl along the Jefferies tube, my mind coursed back to the various events that had led to this whole thing. Basically, everything that I’ve been saying coursed through my mind over the few minutes. And it hurt. It really hurt, because there was nothing I could do to change what happened. If only I had stuck to my guns and not joined the Galacix army… Everyone would have been safer. Heck, even if I didn’t sign up for the TetraRacer… I would have been fine. Everyone would have been fine. But the universe had to change and seal itself based on that moment of which I did one of those two things… and that second thing was linked to the influence of my own father…
In some ways, I had condemned the universe to years of suffering and death. Destruction and chaos aplenty, all because of what I had caused Merrik to become. In theory, I caused his act of heroism, which caused to become worse than any other man I had ever met throughout my short-ish life. Ever. And I only had my own sense of pride to blame.
I exited the tube, and what followed the shattered corridor, stepping over various fallen pieces of the ceiling, and littered debris all over, the damage having broken the ship apart for the most part. Of course, nothing compared to seeing the… burnt, battered bodies of my fallen comrades, all across the ship. My own sense of self-dissatisfaction flared throughout my body, burning up all of my senses. I walked across the corridor, to be treated to such sights. The Prosperity had left the spaceport with a crew complement of around 550. Right now, I would be lucky if there were at least 100 left intact. Along the way I saw various medical officers treating the officers who were badly hurt, and injured. I tried to think of something to do, but I couldn’t… it was all just so, so much to bare witness too.
Fortunately, saw the chief medical officer. A welcome sight. He was alive, and walking, and helping people, in a makeshift medical triage. Dr. Byrde. He was accompanied by a red-uniformed, slim, brown-haired ensign – his daughter. They had been aboard the ship since the 6th year in motion. They had been the dream team, with Ensign Bydre handling the main practical tasks, and her father, the doctor actually doing what his job entailed.
I walked up to him. “Ah, doctor. Pleased to see you… and I mean, very pleased.” I told him, running a hand through my hair. He turned to me, with a faint smile on his face, and his daughter did the same. “Oh… Commander Cadenza. Pleasure… I’m sorry we couldn’t meet under less stressful circumstances.” He replied, turning back to his current patient.
“Likewise… I’m sorry that this has all had to happen.” I told him. My self-blame was now so apparent and obvious, that I didn’t even bother to hide it any more.
“Not your fault, Mika. The swine shooting at us caused it. Almost an unending amount of injuries from the crew, my staff are going to working around the clock.”
I sighed. I took a place right next to his daughter who was still helping a patient. “Well… how many of us have been hurt?” I asked, dreading the answer that was inevitably going to come.
“Well… we’ve lost a considerable amount of crew due to the ship being so devastatingly damaged. From my estimation, we’ve lost about… 230 people to injury, and 34 have been outright killed. I’m sorry… my report to the captain will contain more detail.” He remarked, the sorrow obvious in his voice. This was a dark day indeed. I placed my head in my hands as I listened to him. “Don’t bother with the report… the captain… he’s among the dead. As are the entire bridge crew except me.”
Dr. Byrde was silent for a brief amount of time as he tried to compute what I had just said. He was shocked. I knew I was in shock. A long, constant, manageable state of shock. But for him… he had known Tazian almost all of his life. They were closer to the same age than I was with him. They had possibly the firmest working relationship on the ship… and I knew that my words had stabbed him in the heart. And I would never be able to prove how sorry I was to him that it had to be like this… This was possibly the worst day of his life, and I had made it worse. Well, he had to find out sooner or later… but being the bearer of bad news was always the worst part of being an officer. Usually, it was left to me and the captain to reveal who had passed away on a mission, and relay that to their families. But it was never in person. The harsh detachment of that part of the job somewhat made it… less traumatic. But it was never easy. It was just simpler. Nothing more, nothing less. But nothing compared to the pain of delivering the news yourself. In person. Because then, there is no escape. You could be the one blamed; you could be the one they use to support themselves. You could be the one thing that ruins someone's life.
And that pressure was not something I wanted right now. The next words the doctor said to me were in the most heart-breaking delivery possible. "I'm sorry... I guess I slacked on the job... again."
"Not your fault." I quickly stated. No one could have helped the captain in the state that he was in. Not a soul. "You couldn't have done anything. His death was... instantaneous." I told him, in an attempt to comfort him. Well, an attempt. I knew that it wouldn't do much, but the last thing we needed was a unanimously bad morale. I sighed.
"Well... what happens now?" he asked me, his voice hoarse, as if he forcing back tears.
"Well... I guess his death means that I'm acting Captain for the time being. But my first objective is to actually get us out of this zone of hell. That's my main concern. After that, back to spaceport." I replied. To me, that seemed like the best course of action, not to mention, the most obvious.
"Good... After this, I guess we could all deal with premature retirement." he remarked, slightly off-hand.
"You’re telling me." I replied. The man was right though. This whole incident was physically and emotionally exhausting. I would be extremely thankful when it's over. But of course... Merrik had to throw a spanner in the works. Like he always did.
After the short conversation with the doctor about what could happen now, a conversation which did feel like it had lasted for an absolute age, I rose up from my seat. It was then that I heard an alarm in the background. A light-sounding, piercing alarm. Something out of a war movie, it sounded like. I quickly ran in its direction, bidding farewell to the Byrdes. I ran across the corridor rapidly, and terrified. Just what did it mean? Was Merrik trying something without even asking or contacting me in anyway? Well... I wouldn't have looked at him or it so badly, but it was not in his own system of honour to do so. An easily exploitable weakness, but at the same time...
My head filled with nothing but bad thoughts about the situation that I had found out about only because of an alarm, I was sprinting faster than ever before. But my access to the room that was beeping had been blocked off. Just my luck. It had been blocked off by more fallen debris. I had no choice but to go back to the bridge. I ran back along the way I came, and I hastily threw myself into the Jeffries tube, with no respect for my own safety – only the safety of the ship that I had spent so long on, and even longer trying to protect. And in this state, we couldn’t take anything. Not any more. I didn’t realize it at first, but Ensign Byrde was following me. I guess she was trying to help… still.
It took only three minutes to reach the bridge, at the cost of cutting up my uniform jacket and trousers further, and causing multiple cuts to my arms, but it was worth it. I threw myself out, coughing and spluttering, onto the bridge. The systems were still struggling to cope with the damage already sustained, so they were sparking and exploding like there was no tomorrow.
I ran over to the system which was beeping. It was the sensors. I quickly ran over to the panel and examined it. Of course, then I wished that I had gotten to it sooner. As it turned out, an unshielded fighter was on a collision course for the neck of the engineering hull. Any hit delivered to that part of the ship would spell the end of the Prosperity in about 5 seconds – a suicide mission! I couldn’t even imagine Merrik’s nerve. Fortunately, there was no one aboard. I saw an empty cockpit through the window. So, immediately, I tried to propel the Prosperity out of the way. But the impulse thrusters were heavily damaged, so the ship could only move at a snail’s pace. Which was fantastic. I tried everything I could, diverting all weapon power to the shields and engines. But the ship kept closing in. Collision in about 10 seconds. The ship wouldn’t move… until finally, it lurched forward.
But unfortunately… it wasn’t enough. The shuttle didn’t impact on the engineering hull at all, which was fortunate. Our death wouldn’t be immediate… it impacted on the warp nacelles instead, just as it went to warp. The shuttle destroyed itself, while at the same time ripping straight through both of the plasma containments of both warp drives, exploding. And then subsequently igniting them. The shockwave was massive. Absolutely massive. I was thrown across the room. The inertial dampeners had clearly failed, and now we were in clear and present danger of the utmost degree.
“Goddammit!” I shouted, as I ran to the tactical station, after dragging myself back up from the miserable predicament that the explosion had thrown me into. Except that that thing just about decided to explode the very moment I tried to get to it. “Ohhhhh, lord. This isn’t… helping! Be cooperative please!!” I shouted, as more parts of the building sparked itself into Armageddon.
Suddenly, I heard something, or someone cry out behind me. “C-Commander!” came the shrill voice. The recognisable voice of the aforementioned Ensign Maggie Byrde, son of Dr. Adrian Byrde. I quickly turned around and saw her. She looked worse for wear herself, her own uniform being the collared-variant, so the dirt and dust gathered from the Jefferies tube being far more apparent.
“Glad you’re here, any help right now will be really appreciated!” I stated, quickly looking over to her, then back to a control set.
“No problem! I just need to find a decent control panel… Urk!” she shouted, as another part of the bridge caved in. She stumbled backwards as she did so, narrowly missing being crushed with tons of metal and wreckage. Instinctively, she ran around it to the flight control console. She redirected some of the systems from the sensor console back round to hers.
“Report?” I called out to her, in the vain hope that she may have gotten something.
There was a pause as she presumably searched. Then her body language changed. She was filled with instinctive alarm as if she had seen something that had frightened her. “Sir… the warp engines are about to buckle. Antimatter containment is beginning to fail, with coolant leaks all over the engineering deck!” she called back, her voice filled with fright. To anyone who doesn’t know what this technobabble as it may seem actually means, well… let’s just say when we have a leak, the whole ship could explode. Now, we have a lot of leaks. The ship is definitely going to blow up in our face.
“What?!” I shouted, in a frightened anger. How could Merrik do this? It was like he had promised a fair duel, yet shot me while my back was turned.
“Damn, Damn, Damn…! Can we eject the core?”
“…No… Ejection system has been disabled.” She murmured above the sound of fire and exploding, just enough for me to hear.
“Ohhhh Fu-“ I began, stopping when I realized that I had slammed my hand into the display so hard that it had cracked. Better stop before I actually broke it. I was becoming more and more intense as I dreaded what could actually happen. “There’s no choice is there… no choice but to accept our fate. Fantastic…”
“Or… we could try to separate the ship. The technology is still there… we can do that. Maybe if we do… but…” she began, her voice naïve and quiet.
“Excellent idea, Ensign…. But how long do we have to evacuate?” I asked, sensing the urgency of the situation. The sooner we could do it, the more chance of survival we’d have. And my god, what I wouldn’t do for a good amount of straightforward survival.
“2 minutes, sir.” Came the nervous reply. I could tell she was extremely hesitant about revealing the answer, and to be honest, I didn’t blame her. My initial reaction was simply the word…
“Bollocks.” I quickly retracted this as I knew how terrified Byrde was… I didn’t want to terrify her further. “2 minutes… That is so not enough to get all 100 people up here… unless… How’s the site to site transporter?” I asked, with a small inkling of hope resurfacing.
“It’s… functional, but just barely. I managed to rig it up, but I don’t know if it can take a long sustained mass teleportation.” She replied, speaking quickly. Time was of the essence.
“We don’t have time to debate it… either we separate the ship and condemn over 100 people to a death they shouldn’t have to endure… or we can take a little longer and try to secure their safety.” .” I told her, my face displaying my constant state of worry and frustration with the whole event. Because this was easily the most heart-breaking decision that I would ever have to make in my life.
It was either the fact that I was going to split the ship in half and leave over a hundred people… officers… some my friends… and friends of others… to their deaths. But in the meantime, I would more or less guarantee the safety of the other over a hundred on the saucer section. At least, until Merrik attacked again. Or, I was going to attempt to save them, but with some supreme risks… I would be risking the lives of every single person on the ship. Regardless of section. If the engineering section went… we’d all be toast if we didn’t get clear enough. But I would be able to save everyone, including the various injured all around the ship. God… the pressure.
But really. There was no question about which one to take. In my view, if I was going to lose half of the crew with one option, then I might as well risk all of the crew with the other option. Time to take a stand, and not let Merrik treat me like some sort of coward. This time… this was going to end. So help me God.
“Prepare the teleporter from the sensor station. I think it’s time that we actually decided to stand up to the debris. I’m not letting those people die. No. Not today. Not ever. Let’s do this.” I told Byrde, the steel determination unwavering in my voice. It was full crew, or no crew. She did as she was told. As she did so, the timer on the viewscreen counted down. 90 seconds remaining. Until we were all toast.
“Teleporter primed to transport all living creatures to the saucer section, commander.” She told me, frantically. I quickly took the flight control station, and imputed the commands. This was the first, and quite possibly only, time I had ever handled a separation for real. Sure, we had done it at the academy, but that was 9 years ago, and in CGI. “Beginning transport!” she exclaimed. At the same time, I continued to harness the separation controls. The station switched to Saucer controls only, and I held my breath. Showtime.
The bridge shook violently as I carefully guided the saucer off of the engineering section. Talk about traumatic separation. The ship essentially ripped itself apart as it did so. The locking clamps broke off into various pieces of debris and metal, already made fragile by the whole battle beforehand. The counter went down to 60 seconds.
“Hold on, slow down! I’m losing them!” called Byrde, sticking her hand up. “40 aboard successfully, 63 more to go.”
“Time, Byrde! Take power from the engines, just get them aboard fast! And I mean, fast!!” I called to her, losing patience as the timer went lower to 50 seconds. Time was nearing its end. And if we had to take a risk, then so be it. But we couldn’t risk everything being in vain. Slowly, I pulled the Saucer away from the engineering station, diverting weapon power to the back-up shields. Fortunately, the Saucer had its own internal warp core, capable of Warp State 1 or 2. But no more. But it would be enough to get out and find another vortex to get us back home, no matter how long it took.
Slowly, we moved away from the engineering station, putting some decent distance behind us. “Got them all!” stated Byrde, quickly rushing back over to my side. “They’re all in the shuttle bay, sir.”
“Excellent, Ensign. Or should I say, lieutenant?” I smiled to her. After all, she had performed exemplarily in this time of extraordinary crisis. But of course… that brief moment of happiness wouldn’t last too long. Well, these days, does it ever?
“Well… thank you, sir…” she blushed, right before I turned my attention right back to where it should be. 10 seconds remained. “Right… almost clear, then we can go to warp. Engines almost powered up. Come on…”
5 seconds. The Warp Engines, and substitute core had finally extended out of the Saucer, finally powering up, and pointing upwards. It would be fair to say that it was probably the least damaged part of the ship, simply due to the fact that it had been hidden.
We had built up a lead of 15 kilometres from the engineering hull. But given that when a core blows, it usually explodes with a manner of 70 to 80 kilometres range… well, let’s just say that wasn’t enough. But the engines weren’t ready. But we had to get away… so it was time for my second risk of the day. I set a random course, and quickly hit warp as the timer hit zero. We saw from the viewscreen that the engineering hull began to flicker, lights wise. The deflector dish flickered, and then shorted out. And the suddenly, a light blue liquid fire began to expand and flow through every single window in the engineering hull, pouring into space and burning the hull of the ship, almost melting it visibly… before finally, and suddenly, the whole hull exploded into a massive ball of blue and red lava-like liquids and flames.
Fortunately, we were already backing away at Warp 1… but the engines weren’t ready. So we were a little slow getting out. And so…
“The shockwave! It’s got us!” shouted Byrde, as the bridge rocked all over the place, parts of debris flying everywhere, as we both found ourselves being kicked from one part of the room to the next.
“Yeah, I sort of gathered that!” I stated, as I tried to hang on to something, and stabilize the ship. The last thing I wanted was to have us all be flying through space to some unknown part of the unknown universe, only to end up in a dead end part of the galaxy.
So, therefore I tried to reach the flight control station once again, hoping that I would be able to get to the station in time to get us back in the game. Oh, the humanity. That was the hardest thing. You see, when you’re in the middle of the galaxy spinning like anything, all while the fire on the bridge is raving and raging along, and you see that the necessary console you need to use is inflicted with what was once known as a variant of the “blue screen of death”, you tend to lose quite a bit of confidence in your own abilities. But I couldn’t let that happen to me visibly. My mind was still flooding with ideas, and things to do, to get out of this.
But I didn’t know if any of them would actually work… But I had no choice, and I MEAN NO CHOICE, but to try them. This was the final curtain for us otherwise.
I managed to claw my way to the flight control station, and gripped it with both of my hands.
This time, I couldn’t let Merrik win by managing to get me… “out of the way”, so to speak. I quickly switched to manual control, which was the only way I’d even have a hope of handling the situation. I gazed at the controls. They were more traditional. As in, it had a turn whatever-many degrees clockwise button. And anti-clockwise. And dip down or up, that sort of thing. I slammed my hand on the rotate button, and held it there to try and stabilize the ship. After all, what else could I do? Fortunately, albeit difficultly, the ship began to slow its rapid shaking. I noticed Byrde holding on to a few of the railings as I did so, and fortunately, the ship began to slowly stabilize to the point of which is was once again possible to stand up without falling over again. That was the bare minimum of what I presently wanted anyway.
I moved on to turning. We may have stopped tumbling, but we were still spinning. It would be just as bad as the tumbling if the shields weren’t giving us some sort of gravity defence. It probably shouldn’t have lasted to long though, much like just about every little thing this day, as the spinning finally stopped, as I balanced out the turn button. Slowly, I managed to keep stopping the ship, and finally ending its tyrannical spin. And I was so grateful. We had managed to get into a substitute warp stat without too much extreme difficulty. But at the same time, the ship was falling apart at the seams still. We needed to find a portal back to our own place and time, or we still extraordinarily doomed. But at least now… we could rest.
I turned to Byrde, breathing in a sigh of relief. Finally we could take a moment to go in and rest our fallen, as well as helping our wounded. And of course, trying to do our best to repair the ship. “Ms. Byrde… you alright?” I asked, hoping to hear a positive response.
“Yeah… not too bad, sir. Just a few cuts and bruises otherwise I’m fine.” She responded, straightening herself up from the railings.
“Good… one hell of a day.” I smiled faintly, trying to joke a little as I walked over to try and help her up. I did so, gently gripping her arms and standing her up. Fortunately, she wasn’t badly hurt. Of course, when she was upright, she threw herself at me in some sort of tired hug.
“Aw, hey, ah, don’t worry. We’re safe for the time being.” I smiled, telling her, while gently patting her on the back, not exactly sure what was to be done about her.
“I know, I just wanted to say thanks. After all… you’ve got a lot of responsibility on your hands. You need some support.” She smiled back, letting go, and gently limping her way to a chair on the back of the bridge.
“Ah, yes, that reminds me. Your father is going to be made First Officer. He’s the next most qualified person on the ship, so I think that would be the best thing to do. We better let him know. “ I spoke, as I then tapped my combadge. “Cadenza to Dr. Byrde. We have an announcement that you may be interested in.” I spoke. Initially, however, there was no response. And given no response, a heavy chill ran down my spine. This couldn’t happen, not now. “Cadenza to Bydre, I repeat-
“Byrde here. Sorry, I was a little preoccupied.” Came the voice. I was relieved just to hear it to be honest. Just any sign that he was still alive, and still kicking, despite everything that had gripped the ship over the last two hours. And subsequently, 24.
“Well, sir… how’d you feel about becoming-“ I began. But I was interrupted. Interrupted in almost the worst possible way. Because there was finally something I didn’t expect. The bridge erupted in an inferno of flames at the side, knocking us both to the left in an incinerating gust of heat. Consoles sparked, and more parts of the ceiling fell to the ground. I quickly grabbed hold of Byrde, the paternal instinct in my mind taking over, in an effort to protect her. I didn’t even know what was going on… until that voice… that horrible, horrible voice sounded across the bridge once again.
“Thought you’d seen the last of me, huh? Now, Cadenza, honestly, you should be smarter than that by now! That said, I like your tactic of using the saucer separation. Very original. You almost pulled it off too. Sorry, but I can’t let you go, even if you did go outside of the box.” Stated the malicious and now seemingly bloodthirsty voice of Merrik Calvia. Back for more, I should say. My face contorted into rage, as I shouted back at him. “Merrik stop! Just stop! You don’t know what you’re doing, you’re condemning these people to death, just leave the ship alone! If it’s me you want, take me! I’m fine with that, but I’m not fine with you risking the lives on innocent people!” I replied, in desperation. I had to make him stop. This whole thing had to stop. But I doubted that he would see my point of view, even for a second.
“No, Mika! No one is innocent!” he spat back at me, his voice laced with bitterness and a sudden anger. “There you go, all high and mighty, spouting all of your nonsense about equality, and how I should spare these people, about how I should only take you, as you’re the only one I seem to have a vendetta with… well, you couldn’t be further from the truth!, That truth is that no one is innocent! In war, no one is the victim, there are only aggressors, fighting each other day in, day out, all for one purpose! To get back and do what they think is right. By exterminating the opposition! That’s how it has always been done, and that is how it shall always be done! If you can’t see that, then maybe you weren’t as smart as I thought you were.” He finished. I don’t think I had ever heard him so angry… talk about striking a nerve… I pretty much struck the whole system.
“It doesn’t Merrik. We can work out the differences, we can try to engage into a peac-“ I began, but it wasn’t to be. He was too far gone.
“-Ful era? No, Cadenza, I’m sorry, but no. My people will never agree with that. I’m sorry, but the causes of this war are far to deep and well felt for them to just give up the fight without any good reason. And there is no good reason. Right now, the only thing we can do, is fight. And then we will win. And then, you will be defeated, and then you will bow down and prey for mercy from me. This is almost the end for you Cadenza. And your destruction shall mark in a beautiful new era from the Kranos people. Showing them it can be done. You people can be defeated, and humiliated. And I will be seen as the man who gave them that new way of life… the man who brought them everything. The man who brought them peace through the suffering. Now. Prepare for your final curtain, Cadenza. It’ll be your last bow on the stage of life.” He spoke, more menacingly than before, almost spitting every other word.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing really. But then again… I had to shift my goal to getting away.
In the hits he had just scored, he had knocked out the already fragile shielding, and had damaged the hull even further. The saucer’s hull integrity had been reduced to only around 34%. We really couldn’t take any more damage.
“Byrde! How’s your weapons training?” I shouted, above the sound of collapsing rubble. “It’s… okay… I think. I only took a 7-day weapons training course at the academy, I wanted to be a pilot you see so-“ she began, but she had already said all I needed to hear.
“That’s good enough for me!” I told her, quickly helping her up again.
“Sir, please, who was that guy? Why’s he… Who is he…?” she exclaimed. But it was far too complicated for me to explain…
"I'm sorry... I can't explain, not now. He's... an enemy. If we get out of this, I'll tell you later-Oh!" I exclaimed, as the ship was hit again. I got the feeling that the shields had been penetrated even further, with the hull now exposed. That was bad.
"Well, I'm sorry, Merrik, but I'm afraid that our little battle has to come to an end here! Sorry, pal, but this is the end!" I shouted against him once again.
But this was it. Our final destination. Our Waterloo. The final curtain. And I tell you... the consequences of which were dire indeed.
There were several fires on the bridge, as it was being attacked, as well as crumbling debris from the ceiling everywhere, along with wires falling from the ceiling. The ship was badly rocking, as it fired shots, and took them even harder. I gazed at the view screen, looking for something that might aid in deciding what our predicament actually was. To me, it looked like we were under attack from not one, not two, but three Kranos ships. All in the red cloud zone. They were bombarding us. I quickly stood up fully, and walked over to the Captain’s chair. I thought that Tazian was either going to have a heart attack when he saw me, or kiss me, but nonetheless, I went straight to the front. “Captain, I’m back. May seem like a bad time, but I have a lot… oh. Oh, God.”
As it turned out, he would be doing neither. As it turned out, he wouldn’t be doing anything for a long time. I put my hand to my mouth as I looked at him. As it turned out, Alex Tazian had been killed. By a piece of falling debris which had impaled him through his shoulder, and then sheared his throat. I closed my eyes. Out of desperation, I checked his pulse, as fast as I could. But no. He had gone. The man I had served with for years… the man who had taught me more than I could have ever possibly known… the man was by the book, but he was by a good book. And I would miss him. I do miss him. I do today, I do always. As I stared at his body, I blamed myself for it. If I wasn’t so foolish, I could have prevented this series of events from ever taking place… but no. But the time for mourning was later. Right now, he had to get his ship out of the predicament it had gotten itself in to, all while sparks were tearing through the bridge.
“Damage report! Anyone! Report!” I shouted, desperately. No one responded. I cringed as the reality dawned on me. The entire bridge crew… the senior staff… they were all dead. With the exception of Braxa and Trevas who had been sent to the Apollo, the senior staff had been killed.
I took in a deep breath, walking over to the tactical station. I saw Mr. Clarke’s body, and immediately turned away, quickly moving to his station. “Let’s see… shields, down. Well that’s obvious… Warp drive off-line, impulse drive at full capacity, hull breaches on decks 1 through to 6, 8 through to 10 and 23 through to 32. Huh. Hull integrity down to 51%. Weapons are fully operational… 41% of the crew incapacitated?!” I gasped.
And I was being hailed… by guess who. I put it on screen, and was undelighted to see the cringing face of Merrik Calvia on the screen. “Oooh… what a mess. My goodness, Cadenza, you couldn’t have let it go this badly without any reason. Oh yes… ME!” he laughed. “Now, your destruction is secured, blah, blah, blah, prepare to die at my hand, blah, from hell’s heart I sta-“
“Shut up already!” I shouted angrily. “We’ll see who goes down!”
“Oooh, he has a temper. Well then, I guess we can consider this Round 2, Mika. Neither of us won 9 years ago. Let’s correct that.”
With those words, the viewscreen returned to the normal exterior view. He hastily dismissed 3 of the other ships. At least he had the courage to face me himself alone. Just as immediately, he immediately started letting loose a barrage of plasma shots and quantum torpedoes onto the ship. I immediately redirected flight controls to the tactical station, moving the ship out of the way of the torpedoes, despite inevitable impacts from the plasma beams, causing more damage that the ship couldn’t afford to take.
But I wasn’t going to let him take me, not this time. I retaliated with my own torpedoes, bombarding Merrik’s ship, with everything I had. They impacted on his shields, doing damage even through them, which was what I wanted. I needed to cripple him quickly. I fired plasma beams directly towards Merrik’s bridge, always targeting around that area. There was no point targeting anything else. The bridge rocked throughout the battle. Each minute drawing painfully onwards as we continued to fire at each other damaging each other’s hull and making severe indentations towards each other’s ships conditions. Each ship was taking a pounding, albeit mine more so. I was the only one on the bridge, commanding every system all at once, moving like a madman. I wasn’t trained for this, but I was essentially improvising, firing torpedoes and plasma beams at will, targeting them quickly and efficiently, directly towards the vulnerable parts of Merrik’s ship.
My own ship’s hull had been reduced to about 32% of its original integrity, and was taking more damage than it was even built to do. Fires were raging across the bridge as fires were starting to show on Merrik’s ship, as it was taking damage. Suddenly his voice began projecting across the bridge through a communication.
”Ahh, you’re good. Very good. Not bad for a lone man. Doing more damage than I could. Despite the handicaps, you have good skills Mika, I commend you. Unfortunately, they’re not enough.”
“Oh yeah? Don’t underestimate a pissed off commander who has lost a helluva lot of friends. Or at least do so with your own potential fate in mind.” I shouted back, with the rage of my fallen crew within me. I ceased off all of the communication, and fired even more viciously than before. This time targeting his engines. I wanted to make him suffer. I started pushing the ship harder, faster, more than it should have been pushed in the state that it was in. I was merciless. Compromised. Angry. Full to the brim with negative emotions. This was not the just a bad day at the office anymore… this was the day I wanted to destroy those who opposed the office.
I stormed through the plasma arrays as each hit impacted on Merrik’s ship, much to his chagrin. He kept firing at me, but I kept diverting emergency shielding to various parts of the ship to minimise the damage. A useful tactic that Clarke taught me years ago… even in death he still helped me. The blasts from Merrik’s ship kept impacting on the Prosperity, at all parts doing more and more damage, more than was thought possible for the ship to take. The integrity had got to be down to the low 20s by now. But I had to keep her alive. It was crippling us, and was causing deaths… but I was now too fuelled with rage to even bare that in mind.
In fact… Merrik was not losing the battle. He was winning it. It was only then that I began to realise in battling him, I was losing myself. Losing more of the crew. I was losing one of the purposes that I had joined the Galacix army to prevent. I wanted to stop people from dying. But… I was now causing their deaths. And that was almost too much to bear. Because it was not computable within me. The rage, and self-hatred were both incompatible with each other.
I couldn't think straight. The field of battle... It was a devastating thing. War itself... was master of destruction, and manipulation. War could take ordinary people, and transform them into one way or another. It could make people mad. Transform them from peaceful folks into angry, hate filled creatures of malevolence and devastation. And that's what it was doing to me. I was taking pleasure from each hit that I scored on to Merrik's ship, despite the amount that had been scored on mine.
We kept battling, the odds going back and forth, the ships weakening, losing weapons yet still going at it. The Prosperity was a tough ship, but it wasn't built to enter such extensive combat in extreme damage. Not to mention I was losing crewmembers by the minute. And it was very quickly becoming too emotionally difficult to bear.
However, it was then that Merrik contacted me yet again. I put it on screen, YET AGAIN.
"Now what?" I asked, callously, not really caring about what he had to say if it was just going to be more gloating. Of course, his bridge was visibly flaming and broken. It had been practically obliterated from my attacks directly around that area.
"Cadenza... okay, look. Both of our ships are heavily damaged, and we both have wounded. What say we call it a truce for the time being, tend to our wounded?" he asked, almost coughing from the smoke.
"Ha, like you'd care about such things! What do you think of me, Merrik? That I'm an idiot?" I asked, not buying a word. Because you wouldn't would you? It's just a trick. An elaborate trick. At least, that's what I thought.
Merrik leaned in closer to the viewscreen, as if saying something that no one else should hear. "Yeah, I don't, but I pay their salaries, and they want quality assurance and healthcare, so I'm legally obligated to do so. Or the bleedin' Shadow Proclamation will be at my airlock in about 40 seconds. Anyway, I need to rest them. Au revoir." he stated quickly, before disconnecting from the viewscreen again. I couldn't believe his nerve.
Still... he had a point. Perhaps I could use this point to go and visit the crew and try to make repairs. The self-regeneration circuits were fried, so the ship was essentially as damaged as it was going to ever going to be without professional repair work. But other people needed my help.
So, with that, I left the bridge. It was now time to crawl through a few more Jeffries tubes, which could possibly be even more damaged and shrapnel-infested than the Apollo's. The damn site-to-site transporter had been knocked out, and could only be fixed down there. So, obviously, I was anticipating more cuts and bruises to the extent of which I would finally become a human cheese grater. But now, I had to see how many of the crew that we had dearly lost. I had to see how many expended lives that I should, and would have to bare on my already filled to the brim conscience.
As I did crawl along the Jefferies tube, my mind coursed back to the various events that had led to this whole thing. Basically, everything that I’ve been saying coursed through my mind over the few minutes. And it hurt. It really hurt, because there was nothing I could do to change what happened. If only I had stuck to my guns and not joined the Galacix army… Everyone would have been safer. Heck, even if I didn’t sign up for the TetraRacer… I would have been fine. Everyone would have been fine. But the universe had to change and seal itself based on that moment of which I did one of those two things… and that second thing was linked to the influence of my own father…
In some ways, I had condemned the universe to years of suffering and death. Destruction and chaos aplenty, all because of what I had caused Merrik to become. In theory, I caused his act of heroism, which caused to become worse than any other man I had ever met throughout my short-ish life. Ever. And I only had my own sense of pride to blame.
I exited the tube, and what followed the shattered corridor, stepping over various fallen pieces of the ceiling, and littered debris all over, the damage having broken the ship apart for the most part. Of course, nothing compared to seeing the… burnt, battered bodies of my fallen comrades, all across the ship. My own sense of self-dissatisfaction flared throughout my body, burning up all of my senses. I walked across the corridor, to be treated to such sights. The Prosperity had left the spaceport with a crew complement of around 550. Right now, I would be lucky if there were at least 100 left intact. Along the way I saw various medical officers treating the officers who were badly hurt, and injured. I tried to think of something to do, but I couldn’t… it was all just so, so much to bare witness too.
Fortunately, saw the chief medical officer. A welcome sight. He was alive, and walking, and helping people, in a makeshift medical triage. Dr. Byrde. He was accompanied by a red-uniformed, slim, brown-haired ensign – his daughter. They had been aboard the ship since the 6th year in motion. They had been the dream team, with Ensign Bydre handling the main practical tasks, and her father, the doctor actually doing what his job entailed.
I walked up to him. “Ah, doctor. Pleased to see you… and I mean, very pleased.” I told him, running a hand through my hair. He turned to me, with a faint smile on his face, and his daughter did the same. “Oh… Commander Cadenza. Pleasure… I’m sorry we couldn’t meet under less stressful circumstances.” He replied, turning back to his current patient.
“Likewise… I’m sorry that this has all had to happen.” I told him. My self-blame was now so apparent and obvious, that I didn’t even bother to hide it any more.
“Not your fault, Mika. The swine shooting at us caused it. Almost an unending amount of injuries from the crew, my staff are going to working around the clock.”
I sighed. I took a place right next to his daughter who was still helping a patient. “Well… how many of us have been hurt?” I asked, dreading the answer that was inevitably going to come.
“Well… we’ve lost a considerable amount of crew due to the ship being so devastatingly damaged. From my estimation, we’ve lost about… 230 people to injury, and 34 have been outright killed. I’m sorry… my report to the captain will contain more detail.” He remarked, the sorrow obvious in his voice. This was a dark day indeed. I placed my head in my hands as I listened to him. “Don’t bother with the report… the captain… he’s among the dead. As are the entire bridge crew except me.”
Dr. Byrde was silent for a brief amount of time as he tried to compute what I had just said. He was shocked. I knew I was in shock. A long, constant, manageable state of shock. But for him… he had known Tazian almost all of his life. They were closer to the same age than I was with him. They had possibly the firmest working relationship on the ship… and I knew that my words had stabbed him in the heart. And I would never be able to prove how sorry I was to him that it had to be like this… This was possibly the worst day of his life, and I had made it worse. Well, he had to find out sooner or later… but being the bearer of bad news was always the worst part of being an officer. Usually, it was left to me and the captain to reveal who had passed away on a mission, and relay that to their families. But it was never in person. The harsh detachment of that part of the job somewhat made it… less traumatic. But it was never easy. It was just simpler. Nothing more, nothing less. But nothing compared to the pain of delivering the news yourself. In person. Because then, there is no escape. You could be the one blamed; you could be the one they use to support themselves. You could be the one thing that ruins someone's life.
And that pressure was not something I wanted right now. The next words the doctor said to me were in the most heart-breaking delivery possible. "I'm sorry... I guess I slacked on the job... again."
"Not your fault." I quickly stated. No one could have helped the captain in the state that he was in. Not a soul. "You couldn't have done anything. His death was... instantaneous." I told him, in an attempt to comfort him. Well, an attempt. I knew that it wouldn't do much, but the last thing we needed was a unanimously bad morale. I sighed.
"Well... what happens now?" he asked me, his voice hoarse, as if he forcing back tears.
"Well... I guess his death means that I'm acting Captain for the time being. But my first objective is to actually get us out of this zone of hell. That's my main concern. After that, back to spaceport." I replied. To me, that seemed like the best course of action, not to mention, the most obvious.
"Good... After this, I guess we could all deal with premature retirement." he remarked, slightly off-hand.
"You’re telling me." I replied. The man was right though. This whole incident was physically and emotionally exhausting. I would be extremely thankful when it's over. But of course... Merrik had to throw a spanner in the works. Like he always did.
After the short conversation with the doctor about what could happen now, a conversation which did feel like it had lasted for an absolute age, I rose up from my seat. It was then that I heard an alarm in the background. A light-sounding, piercing alarm. Something out of a war movie, it sounded like. I quickly ran in its direction, bidding farewell to the Byrdes. I ran across the corridor rapidly, and terrified. Just what did it mean? Was Merrik trying something without even asking or contacting me in anyway? Well... I wouldn't have looked at him or it so badly, but it was not in his own system of honour to do so. An easily exploitable weakness, but at the same time...
My head filled with nothing but bad thoughts about the situation that I had found out about only because of an alarm, I was sprinting faster than ever before. But my access to the room that was beeping had been blocked off. Just my luck. It had been blocked off by more fallen debris. I had no choice but to go back to the bridge. I ran back along the way I came, and I hastily threw myself into the Jeffries tube, with no respect for my own safety – only the safety of the ship that I had spent so long on, and even longer trying to protect. And in this state, we couldn’t take anything. Not any more. I didn’t realize it at first, but Ensign Byrde was following me. I guess she was trying to help… still.
It took only three minutes to reach the bridge, at the cost of cutting up my uniform jacket and trousers further, and causing multiple cuts to my arms, but it was worth it. I threw myself out, coughing and spluttering, onto the bridge. The systems were still struggling to cope with the damage already sustained, so they were sparking and exploding like there was no tomorrow.
I ran over to the system which was beeping. It was the sensors. I quickly ran over to the panel and examined it. Of course, then I wished that I had gotten to it sooner. As it turned out, an unshielded fighter was on a collision course for the neck of the engineering hull. Any hit delivered to that part of the ship would spell the end of the Prosperity in about 5 seconds – a suicide mission! I couldn’t even imagine Merrik’s nerve. Fortunately, there was no one aboard. I saw an empty cockpit through the window. So, immediately, I tried to propel the Prosperity out of the way. But the impulse thrusters were heavily damaged, so the ship could only move at a snail’s pace. Which was fantastic. I tried everything I could, diverting all weapon power to the shields and engines. But the ship kept closing in. Collision in about 10 seconds. The ship wouldn’t move… until finally, it lurched forward.
But unfortunately… it wasn’t enough. The shuttle didn’t impact on the engineering hull at all, which was fortunate. Our death wouldn’t be immediate… it impacted on the warp nacelles instead, just as it went to warp. The shuttle destroyed itself, while at the same time ripping straight through both of the plasma containments of both warp drives, exploding. And then subsequently igniting them. The shockwave was massive. Absolutely massive. I was thrown across the room. The inertial dampeners had clearly failed, and now we were in clear and present danger of the utmost degree.
“Goddammit!” I shouted, as I ran to the tactical station, after dragging myself back up from the miserable predicament that the explosion had thrown me into. Except that that thing just about decided to explode the very moment I tried to get to it. “Ohhhhh, lord. This isn’t… helping! Be cooperative please!!” I shouted, as more parts of the building sparked itself into Armageddon.
Suddenly, I heard something, or someone cry out behind me. “C-Commander!” came the shrill voice. The recognisable voice of the aforementioned Ensign Maggie Byrde, son of Dr. Adrian Byrde. I quickly turned around and saw her. She looked worse for wear herself, her own uniform being the collared-variant, so the dirt and dust gathered from the Jefferies tube being far more apparent.
“Glad you’re here, any help right now will be really appreciated!” I stated, quickly looking over to her, then back to a control set.
“No problem! I just need to find a decent control panel… Urk!” she shouted, as another part of the bridge caved in. She stumbled backwards as she did so, narrowly missing being crushed with tons of metal and wreckage. Instinctively, she ran around it to the flight control console. She redirected some of the systems from the sensor console back round to hers.
“Report?” I called out to her, in the vain hope that she may have gotten something.
There was a pause as she presumably searched. Then her body language changed. She was filled with instinctive alarm as if she had seen something that had frightened her. “Sir… the warp engines are about to buckle. Antimatter containment is beginning to fail, with coolant leaks all over the engineering deck!” she called back, her voice filled with fright. To anyone who doesn’t know what this technobabble as it may seem actually means, well… let’s just say when we have a leak, the whole ship could explode. Now, we have a lot of leaks. The ship is definitely going to blow up in our face.
“What?!” I shouted, in a frightened anger. How could Merrik do this? It was like he had promised a fair duel, yet shot me while my back was turned.
“Damn, Damn, Damn…! Can we eject the core?”
“…No… Ejection system has been disabled.” She murmured above the sound of fire and exploding, just enough for me to hear.
“Ohhhh Fu-“ I began, stopping when I realized that I had slammed my hand into the display so hard that it had cracked. Better stop before I actually broke it. I was becoming more and more intense as I dreaded what could actually happen. “There’s no choice is there… no choice but to accept our fate. Fantastic…”
“Or… we could try to separate the ship. The technology is still there… we can do that. Maybe if we do… but…” she began, her voice naïve and quiet.
“Excellent idea, Ensign…. But how long do we have to evacuate?” I asked, sensing the urgency of the situation. The sooner we could do it, the more chance of survival we’d have. And my god, what I wouldn’t do for a good amount of straightforward survival.
“2 minutes, sir.” Came the nervous reply. I could tell she was extremely hesitant about revealing the answer, and to be honest, I didn’t blame her. My initial reaction was simply the word…
“Bollocks.” I quickly retracted this as I knew how terrified Byrde was… I didn’t want to terrify her further. “2 minutes… That is so not enough to get all 100 people up here… unless… How’s the site to site transporter?” I asked, with a small inkling of hope resurfacing.
“It’s… functional, but just barely. I managed to rig it up, but I don’t know if it can take a long sustained mass teleportation.” She replied, speaking quickly. Time was of the essence.
“We don’t have time to debate it… either we separate the ship and condemn over 100 people to a death they shouldn’t have to endure… or we can take a little longer and try to secure their safety.” .” I told her, my face displaying my constant state of worry and frustration with the whole event. Because this was easily the most heart-breaking decision that I would ever have to make in my life.
It was either the fact that I was going to split the ship in half and leave over a hundred people… officers… some my friends… and friends of others… to their deaths. But in the meantime, I would more or less guarantee the safety of the other over a hundred on the saucer section. At least, until Merrik attacked again. Or, I was going to attempt to save them, but with some supreme risks… I would be risking the lives of every single person on the ship. Regardless of section. If the engineering section went… we’d all be toast if we didn’t get clear enough. But I would be able to save everyone, including the various injured all around the ship. God… the pressure.
But really. There was no question about which one to take. In my view, if I was going to lose half of the crew with one option, then I might as well risk all of the crew with the other option. Time to take a stand, and not let Merrik treat me like some sort of coward. This time… this was going to end. So help me God.
“Prepare the teleporter from the sensor station. I think it’s time that we actually decided to stand up to the debris. I’m not letting those people die. No. Not today. Not ever. Let’s do this.” I told Byrde, the steel determination unwavering in my voice. It was full crew, or no crew. She did as she was told. As she did so, the timer on the viewscreen counted down. 90 seconds remaining. Until we were all toast.
“Teleporter primed to transport all living creatures to the saucer section, commander.” She told me, frantically. I quickly took the flight control station, and imputed the commands. This was the first, and quite possibly only, time I had ever handled a separation for real. Sure, we had done it at the academy, but that was 9 years ago, and in CGI. “Beginning transport!” she exclaimed. At the same time, I continued to harness the separation controls. The station switched to Saucer controls only, and I held my breath. Showtime.
The bridge shook violently as I carefully guided the saucer off of the engineering section. Talk about traumatic separation. The ship essentially ripped itself apart as it did so. The locking clamps broke off into various pieces of debris and metal, already made fragile by the whole battle beforehand. The counter went down to 60 seconds.
“Hold on, slow down! I’m losing them!” called Byrde, sticking her hand up. “40 aboard successfully, 63 more to go.”
“Time, Byrde! Take power from the engines, just get them aboard fast! And I mean, fast!!” I called to her, losing patience as the timer went lower to 50 seconds. Time was nearing its end. And if we had to take a risk, then so be it. But we couldn’t risk everything being in vain. Slowly, I pulled the Saucer away from the engineering station, diverting weapon power to the back-up shields. Fortunately, the Saucer had its own internal warp core, capable of Warp State 1 or 2. But no more. But it would be enough to get out and find another vortex to get us back home, no matter how long it took.
Slowly, we moved away from the engineering station, putting some decent distance behind us. “Got them all!” stated Byrde, quickly rushing back over to my side. “They’re all in the shuttle bay, sir.”
“Excellent, Ensign. Or should I say, lieutenant?” I smiled to her. After all, she had performed exemplarily in this time of extraordinary crisis. But of course… that brief moment of happiness wouldn’t last too long. Well, these days, does it ever?
“Well… thank you, sir…” she blushed, right before I turned my attention right back to where it should be. 10 seconds remained. “Right… almost clear, then we can go to warp. Engines almost powered up. Come on…”
5 seconds. The Warp Engines, and substitute core had finally extended out of the Saucer, finally powering up, and pointing upwards. It would be fair to say that it was probably the least damaged part of the ship, simply due to the fact that it had been hidden.
We had built up a lead of 15 kilometres from the engineering hull. But given that when a core blows, it usually explodes with a manner of 70 to 80 kilometres range… well, let’s just say that wasn’t enough. But the engines weren’t ready. But we had to get away… so it was time for my second risk of the day. I set a random course, and quickly hit warp as the timer hit zero. We saw from the viewscreen that the engineering hull began to flicker, lights wise. The deflector dish flickered, and then shorted out. And the suddenly, a light blue liquid fire began to expand and flow through every single window in the engineering hull, pouring into space and burning the hull of the ship, almost melting it visibly… before finally, and suddenly, the whole hull exploded into a massive ball of blue and red lava-like liquids and flames.
Fortunately, we were already backing away at Warp 1… but the engines weren’t ready. So we were a little slow getting out. And so…
“The shockwave! It’s got us!” shouted Byrde, as the bridge rocked all over the place, parts of debris flying everywhere, as we both found ourselves being kicked from one part of the room to the next.
“Yeah, I sort of gathered that!” I stated, as I tried to hang on to something, and stabilize the ship. The last thing I wanted was to have us all be flying through space to some unknown part of the unknown universe, only to end up in a dead end part of the galaxy.
So, therefore I tried to reach the flight control station once again, hoping that I would be able to get to the station in time to get us back in the game. Oh, the humanity. That was the hardest thing. You see, when you’re in the middle of the galaxy spinning like anything, all while the fire on the bridge is raving and raging along, and you see that the necessary console you need to use is inflicted with what was once known as a variant of the “blue screen of death”, you tend to lose quite a bit of confidence in your own abilities. But I couldn’t let that happen to me visibly. My mind was still flooding with ideas, and things to do, to get out of this.
But I didn’t know if any of them would actually work… But I had no choice, and I MEAN NO CHOICE, but to try them. This was the final curtain for us otherwise.
I managed to claw my way to the flight control station, and gripped it with both of my hands.
This time, I couldn’t let Merrik win by managing to get me… “out of the way”, so to speak. I quickly switched to manual control, which was the only way I’d even have a hope of handling the situation. I gazed at the controls. They were more traditional. As in, it had a turn whatever-many degrees clockwise button. And anti-clockwise. And dip down or up, that sort of thing. I slammed my hand on the rotate button, and held it there to try and stabilize the ship. After all, what else could I do? Fortunately, albeit difficultly, the ship began to slow its rapid shaking. I noticed Byrde holding on to a few of the railings as I did so, and fortunately, the ship began to slowly stabilize to the point of which is was once again possible to stand up without falling over again. That was the bare minimum of what I presently wanted anyway.
I moved on to turning. We may have stopped tumbling, but we were still spinning. It would be just as bad as the tumbling if the shields weren’t giving us some sort of gravity defence. It probably shouldn’t have lasted to long though, much like just about every little thing this day, as the spinning finally stopped, as I balanced out the turn button. Slowly, I managed to keep stopping the ship, and finally ending its tyrannical spin. And I was so grateful. We had managed to get into a substitute warp stat without too much extreme difficulty. But at the same time, the ship was falling apart at the seams still. We needed to find a portal back to our own place and time, or we still extraordinarily doomed. But at least now… we could rest.
I turned to Byrde, breathing in a sigh of relief. Finally we could take a moment to go in and rest our fallen, as well as helping our wounded. And of course, trying to do our best to repair the ship. “Ms. Byrde… you alright?” I asked, hoping to hear a positive response.
“Yeah… not too bad, sir. Just a few cuts and bruises otherwise I’m fine.” She responded, straightening herself up from the railings.
“Good… one hell of a day.” I smiled faintly, trying to joke a little as I walked over to try and help her up. I did so, gently gripping her arms and standing her up. Fortunately, she wasn’t badly hurt. Of course, when she was upright, she threw herself at me in some sort of tired hug.
“Aw, hey, ah, don’t worry. We’re safe for the time being.” I smiled, telling her, while gently patting her on the back, not exactly sure what was to be done about her.
“I know, I just wanted to say thanks. After all… you’ve got a lot of responsibility on your hands. You need some support.” She smiled back, letting go, and gently limping her way to a chair on the back of the bridge.
“Ah, yes, that reminds me. Your father is going to be made First Officer. He’s the next most qualified person on the ship, so I think that would be the best thing to do. We better let him know. “ I spoke, as I then tapped my combadge. “Cadenza to Dr. Byrde. We have an announcement that you may be interested in.” I spoke. Initially, however, there was no response. And given no response, a heavy chill ran down my spine. This couldn’t happen, not now. “Cadenza to Bydre, I repeat-
“Byrde here. Sorry, I was a little preoccupied.” Came the voice. I was relieved just to hear it to be honest. Just any sign that he was still alive, and still kicking, despite everything that had gripped the ship over the last two hours. And subsequently, 24.
“Well, sir… how’d you feel about becoming-“ I began. But I was interrupted. Interrupted in almost the worst possible way. Because there was finally something I didn’t expect. The bridge erupted in an inferno of flames at the side, knocking us both to the left in an incinerating gust of heat. Consoles sparked, and more parts of the ceiling fell to the ground. I quickly grabbed hold of Byrde, the paternal instinct in my mind taking over, in an effort to protect her. I didn’t even know what was going on… until that voice… that horrible, horrible voice sounded across the bridge once again.
“Thought you’d seen the last of me, huh? Now, Cadenza, honestly, you should be smarter than that by now! That said, I like your tactic of using the saucer separation. Very original. You almost pulled it off too. Sorry, but I can’t let you go, even if you did go outside of the box.” Stated the malicious and now seemingly bloodthirsty voice of Merrik Calvia. Back for more, I should say. My face contorted into rage, as I shouted back at him. “Merrik stop! Just stop! You don’t know what you’re doing, you’re condemning these people to death, just leave the ship alone! If it’s me you want, take me! I’m fine with that, but I’m not fine with you risking the lives on innocent people!” I replied, in desperation. I had to make him stop. This whole thing had to stop. But I doubted that he would see my point of view, even for a second.
“No, Mika! No one is innocent!” he spat back at me, his voice laced with bitterness and a sudden anger. “There you go, all high and mighty, spouting all of your nonsense about equality, and how I should spare these people, about how I should only take you, as you’re the only one I seem to have a vendetta with… well, you couldn’t be further from the truth!, That truth is that no one is innocent! In war, no one is the victim, there are only aggressors, fighting each other day in, day out, all for one purpose! To get back and do what they think is right. By exterminating the opposition! That’s how it has always been done, and that is how it shall always be done! If you can’t see that, then maybe you weren’t as smart as I thought you were.” He finished. I don’t think I had ever heard him so angry… talk about striking a nerve… I pretty much struck the whole system.
“It doesn’t Merrik. We can work out the differences, we can try to engage into a peac-“ I began, but it wasn’t to be. He was too far gone.
“-Ful era? No, Cadenza, I’m sorry, but no. My people will never agree with that. I’m sorry, but the causes of this war are far to deep and well felt for them to just give up the fight without any good reason. And there is no good reason. Right now, the only thing we can do, is fight. And then we will win. And then, you will be defeated, and then you will bow down and prey for mercy from me. This is almost the end for you Cadenza. And your destruction shall mark in a beautiful new era from the Kranos people. Showing them it can be done. You people can be defeated, and humiliated. And I will be seen as the man who gave them that new way of life… the man who brought them everything. The man who brought them peace through the suffering. Now. Prepare for your final curtain, Cadenza. It’ll be your last bow on the stage of life.” He spoke, more menacingly than before, almost spitting every other word.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing really. But then again… I had to shift my goal to getting away.
In the hits he had just scored, he had knocked out the already fragile shielding, and had damaged the hull even further. The saucer’s hull integrity had been reduced to only around 34%. We really couldn’t take any more damage.
“Byrde! How’s your weapons training?” I shouted, above the sound of collapsing rubble. “It’s… okay… I think. I only took a 7-day weapons training course at the academy, I wanted to be a pilot you see so-“ she began, but she had already said all I needed to hear.
“That’s good enough for me!” I told her, quickly helping her up again.
“Sir, please, who was that guy? Why’s he… Who is he…?” she exclaimed. But it was far too complicated for me to explain…
"I'm sorry... I can't explain, not now. He's... an enemy. If we get out of this, I'll tell you later-Oh!" I exclaimed, as the ship was hit again. I got the feeling that the shields had been penetrated even further, with the hull now exposed. That was bad.
"Well, I'm sorry, Merrik, but I'm afraid that our little battle has to come to an end here! Sorry, pal, but this is the end!" I shouted against him once again.
But this was it. Our final destination. Our Waterloo. The final curtain. And I tell you... the consequences of which were dire indeed.
Spoiler : Chapter 15 - A Fate Sealed :
The chase was on. Once again. The Prosperity, albeit heavily damaged, was still pacing along at Warp State 2, while Merrik's ship was catching up from behind. I was at flight control, while Ensign Byrde handled the tactical station. Plasma arrays aplenty unloaded themselves onto Merrik's breaking shields. Soon, they would be down, but it all depended on whether we would be alive to see it. His own weapons fired themselves at us, but using my own anticipation, I managed to limit the damage by keeping any damage to the uninhabited parts of the ship. Fortunately, he was missing the nacelles. If we lost warp now, it would be detrimental to the absolute extreme.
Still, we were keeping ahead. We were hurtling through space at almost incredible velocities and speeds, fighting the leader of the opposing army. One couldn't have more pressure labelled onto me if they tried. I mean, the fate of the universe did essentially rest on the outcome of the battle.
Baring in mind that I had a crew of all of 2 active bridge crew, INCLUDING ME, while Merrik no doubt had a crew of about 10 trying to kill us. We weren't doing to bad, all things considered.
The battle continued for all of 5 more minutes. We had managed to keep the strategy going for a good period, firing more torpedoes at the enemy, impacting directly on their hull and exposing some of the glorious corridors within.
"Their hull strength is down to 57%, ours is down to 21%. This is really getting ti-Ack!" shouted Byrde, as she dodged a flying shrapnel piece from the ceiling. "Sir... Wait a minute..." she began.
But she didn't really need to continue that sentence, as I pretty much already knew what it was going entail. I had sensors on my station. Merrik's ship was picking up speed, and it was getting into formation behind us, as if trying to... tailgate us. But that wasn't all he was trying to do.
He was trying to ram us. And take us out in a physical manner. Making good use of the difference between our sizes and speeds, and also the state of our ships.
In retaliation, I swerved the ship to the right, which wasn't easy to do at Warp velocity, but the ship still managed to tail us. This was starting to get on my nerves. Byrde kept firing weaponry at the sensitive systems of the ship, but nothing seemed to work. It would just not let itself be destroyed, or, heck, even damaged to an extent of which that it would stop following us. Right now... that seemed inconceivable.
"There must be something we can do... to shake him off." I wondered aloud. "I mean, we can't keep going for much longer. This ship will just fall apart!"
"Sir! Idea!" announced the enthusiastic voice of Ms. Byrde once again. "Maybe if we actually take out their warp drive, we can escape them, and I've got an idea of how to do that."
"Well? Tell me! We haven't, like, got time to lose here!" I shouted, perhaps a little too aggressively.
"We slow down, and get behind them. Then, I suggest we release a nacelle, and cause it to almost impact with Merrik's ship as it slows down. Then we can destroy it, and the resulting shockwave should knock us both out of range of each other..." she began, but she could already sense my scepticism of the plan. I mean...
"Back into hurtling through space like a tossed plate in a kitchen, yes? Ah... well. We don't exactly have a better alternative." I stated. As it turned out, that was the biggest mistake of my career. So we attempted it. We slowed to Warp 1.9, allowing us to be launched behind Merrik.
"Think you can stop me that easily, but just shooting me from the back?! You mad?" Merrik raged, his voice echoing across the bridge for the umpteenth time. "I will dice you from behind!"
Predictably, the ship began to reverse towards us. It grew larger and larger on the view screen, before it almost amassed it completely. "Now!" shouted Byrde. I nodded, tapping a few controls onto the flight control station. Mere seconds later, with a puff of smoke and gas, the clamps holding the right warp nacelle loosened with small miniature explosions. And then it drifted. It began to drift off into the rear of the closing in ship, just as I swerved the ship out of the way. Losing a warp nacelle at this velocity went that we had no control temporarily over our warp speed. Which was just fantastic.
"All hands brace for impact..." I muttered to myself, as Byrde prepared to fire a quantum torpedo directly at the discarded nacelle. And when that torpedo fired... that's when it happened. That's when our fates were finally sealed. The power of the torpedo tore through the nacelle’s plating, igniting the plasma within. While it wasn't ever going to be detrimental like a core going off... the ship was still in major danger. As when the nacelle inevitably exploded, what happened was correct. The warp plasma inside ignited like a gas canister thrown into a furnace. The resulting flames burst through the plating, ripping it apart, and then exploding into one huge shockwave of red and blue, smaller than the engineering section’s death, but larger than both of us. And what was inevitable, came to pass almost immediately. Byrde was right. The two ships would be forcefully knocked away from each other.
However, the directions left a lot to be desired. But I for one could only imagine Merrik’s malicious cry of rage when he saw his chance to take us out being taken from him. After all, it was what he absolutely wanted… And I don’t think many people would feel sympathy for his own loss. Ours, however? Well… what we had failed to anticipate was that there actually was a planet in our warp trajectory. In other, plainer to understand words, we were going to crash! Very quickly too!
“I’m detecting a planet – a source of gravity at least!” shouted Byrde, as the bridge shot forward from the shockwave. We both held on to various parts of the bridge, just trying to a keep a hang on to things.
”A planet?! Oh God, not another problem!” I exclaimed. Over the time we had spent together, the conversation between myself and Byrde seemed to become shorter and more stunted depending on the level of danger we were in, however, we were both trying to head for the same survival goal. Yet, that seemed more like an impossible task by every passing second.
We were hurtling through space out of control once again, the controls at the back of the bridge exploding behind Byrde, as she tried to keep a hold on the other systems that she could control. The damage being done wasn’t major at the moment, but given the fact that the ship was falling apart around our eyes, more major damage surely couldn’t be done now, surely?
Oh, how wrong was I.
We began to plunge. We would be burning into the planet’s atmosphere at no time flat as the Warp drive finally cut out and we returned to impulse, despite my attempts to command the Prosperity to do otherwise. I bashed at the control panel, in a gesture of frustration and annoyance… there was only one thing left that everyone had to do. The final attempt at saving the crew.
“Maggey… listen to me. The ship is lost now. We have done all we can. Now… you have to get out of here. Take your dad and whatever crew you can. Just get out. Find the portal yourselves, or set a course for home manually… try and find the Apollo, join them, maybe you’ll find something that’ll shorten your journey exponentially. I’m sorry, but-“ I began. But being young and argumentative as she was, she quickly interrupted. Oh, how very like Kathryn.
“You’re not coming are you? My God, what could you gain from staying on a dying ship?!” she shouted, suddenly frustrated, and terrified at the same time.
I got up from the chair and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Buying you time! Site to site transporters have never worked from the bridge, so I can’t go. I won’t be able to get there as quick as you can – Right now, I need to slow the decent. Head for the shuttle bay, just get out as soon as possible! Please! Before we crash.” I told her, before heading to the Captain’s chair, and giving out the stereotypical, “All hands abandon ship and get to the escape pods” statement.
Maggey simply stared at me, giving a breath of terrified exasperation, as she was seemingly trying to figure out what to do now. Whether she should go, or futilely stay.
“Go!” I shouted, not even bothering to hide my own fear of this. She finally left, and then finally… I was alone. Alone on the bridge of a ship, ready to be destroyed.
I opened the shuttle bay doors for those taking shuttles via the console. And I just stared at the viewscreen. The planet now amassed the whole screen. It was that now. To be honest, it was like death staring me in the face for the third, and most probably final time. Here it was; the final curtain. And this time, I was ready. Truly ready. And in those minutes, the only person I could think of wasn’t of myself. There were several people who were far more worth my final time. They were Kathryn. Commander Markon. My parents… people who had helped me. And of course… my sister. After 9 years, she still hadn’t managed to come back to us. After 9 long years of fighting, I still never managed to see her smile again. And I dearly needed to see that… at least once. Just once.
It saddened me so much, believing that I would never see her again… I don’t know what was worse. Knowing her future was to be lost… or knowing I would never see her again. And I didn’t even get to properly say goodbye. And yet, here it was. The end. The final, unbelievable, end. Death by ship crash… and people wouldn’t even know I was gone. Not even Kathryn. And I doubt Merrik would even check.
But now I wouldn’t be able to tell anyone one of his true nature… of what truly became of him. But… if there wasn’t anything I could do, then there was no point in lamenting on what I couldn’t have done… but for one thing, I had accomplished quite a lot in my life. Good things, vastly outweighing the grim and the bad. I had become a lover. I had helped countless people. I had done my best to try and rid the universe of the dark forces that plagued it… and possibly most importantly, I had tried, and perhaps finally succeeded to make my parents proud. Finally. It took years, but… I think I finally managed it.
It was a shame that I may not be around to enjoy that. And so, time slowly passed as I realized there was now nothing I could do. All the controls had been fused due to the atmosphere. I didn’t even have an idea if everyone had made it out. It was frightening to me. But I couldn’t let it stop me from trying to distract myself. I gently sat myself down at the Flight control station. My normal habitat one could say. Only fitting that the station I was brought up to sit by, would be the station I would die at. Well then, so be it, I thought. If this was the end, then… well. I had a good run.
Of course, the funny thing is I’m obviously alive because I’m actually telling you all this. So, I guess you’ve either gone long ago, or you’re wondering how I got out of it. Well… that, my friends, is the worst thing that ever happened to me, within my entire life. And that… is not an understatement.
Still, we were keeping ahead. We were hurtling through space at almost incredible velocities and speeds, fighting the leader of the opposing army. One couldn't have more pressure labelled onto me if they tried. I mean, the fate of the universe did essentially rest on the outcome of the battle.
Baring in mind that I had a crew of all of 2 active bridge crew, INCLUDING ME, while Merrik no doubt had a crew of about 10 trying to kill us. We weren't doing to bad, all things considered.
The battle continued for all of 5 more minutes. We had managed to keep the strategy going for a good period, firing more torpedoes at the enemy, impacting directly on their hull and exposing some of the glorious corridors within.
"Their hull strength is down to 57%, ours is down to 21%. This is really getting ti-Ack!" shouted Byrde, as she dodged a flying shrapnel piece from the ceiling. "Sir... Wait a minute..." she began.
But she didn't really need to continue that sentence, as I pretty much already knew what it was going entail. I had sensors on my station. Merrik's ship was picking up speed, and it was getting into formation behind us, as if trying to... tailgate us. But that wasn't all he was trying to do.
He was trying to ram us. And take us out in a physical manner. Making good use of the difference between our sizes and speeds, and also the state of our ships.
In retaliation, I swerved the ship to the right, which wasn't easy to do at Warp velocity, but the ship still managed to tail us. This was starting to get on my nerves. Byrde kept firing weaponry at the sensitive systems of the ship, but nothing seemed to work. It would just not let itself be destroyed, or, heck, even damaged to an extent of which that it would stop following us. Right now... that seemed inconceivable.
"There must be something we can do... to shake him off." I wondered aloud. "I mean, we can't keep going for much longer. This ship will just fall apart!"
"Sir! Idea!" announced the enthusiastic voice of Ms. Byrde once again. "Maybe if we actually take out their warp drive, we can escape them, and I've got an idea of how to do that."
"Well? Tell me! We haven't, like, got time to lose here!" I shouted, perhaps a little too aggressively.
"We slow down, and get behind them. Then, I suggest we release a nacelle, and cause it to almost impact with Merrik's ship as it slows down. Then we can destroy it, and the resulting shockwave should knock us both out of range of each other..." she began, but she could already sense my scepticism of the plan. I mean...
"Back into hurtling through space like a tossed plate in a kitchen, yes? Ah... well. We don't exactly have a better alternative." I stated. As it turned out, that was the biggest mistake of my career. So we attempted it. We slowed to Warp 1.9, allowing us to be launched behind Merrik.
"Think you can stop me that easily, but just shooting me from the back?! You mad?" Merrik raged, his voice echoing across the bridge for the umpteenth time. "I will dice you from behind!"
Predictably, the ship began to reverse towards us. It grew larger and larger on the view screen, before it almost amassed it completely. "Now!" shouted Byrde. I nodded, tapping a few controls onto the flight control station. Mere seconds later, with a puff of smoke and gas, the clamps holding the right warp nacelle loosened with small miniature explosions. And then it drifted. It began to drift off into the rear of the closing in ship, just as I swerved the ship out of the way. Losing a warp nacelle at this velocity went that we had no control temporarily over our warp speed. Which was just fantastic.
"All hands brace for impact..." I muttered to myself, as Byrde prepared to fire a quantum torpedo directly at the discarded nacelle. And when that torpedo fired... that's when it happened. That's when our fates were finally sealed. The power of the torpedo tore through the nacelle’s plating, igniting the plasma within. While it wasn't ever going to be detrimental like a core going off... the ship was still in major danger. As when the nacelle inevitably exploded, what happened was correct. The warp plasma inside ignited like a gas canister thrown into a furnace. The resulting flames burst through the plating, ripping it apart, and then exploding into one huge shockwave of red and blue, smaller than the engineering section’s death, but larger than both of us. And what was inevitable, came to pass almost immediately. Byrde was right. The two ships would be forcefully knocked away from each other.
However, the directions left a lot to be desired. But I for one could only imagine Merrik’s malicious cry of rage when he saw his chance to take us out being taken from him. After all, it was what he absolutely wanted… And I don’t think many people would feel sympathy for his own loss. Ours, however? Well… what we had failed to anticipate was that there actually was a planet in our warp trajectory. In other, plainer to understand words, we were going to crash! Very quickly too!
“I’m detecting a planet – a source of gravity at least!” shouted Byrde, as the bridge shot forward from the shockwave. We both held on to various parts of the bridge, just trying to a keep a hang on to things.
”A planet?! Oh God, not another problem!” I exclaimed. Over the time we had spent together, the conversation between myself and Byrde seemed to become shorter and more stunted depending on the level of danger we were in, however, we were both trying to head for the same survival goal. Yet, that seemed more like an impossible task by every passing second.
We were hurtling through space out of control once again, the controls at the back of the bridge exploding behind Byrde, as she tried to keep a hold on the other systems that she could control. The damage being done wasn’t major at the moment, but given the fact that the ship was falling apart around our eyes, more major damage surely couldn’t be done now, surely?
Oh, how wrong was I.
We began to plunge. We would be burning into the planet’s atmosphere at no time flat as the Warp drive finally cut out and we returned to impulse, despite my attempts to command the Prosperity to do otherwise. I bashed at the control panel, in a gesture of frustration and annoyance… there was only one thing left that everyone had to do. The final attempt at saving the crew.
“Maggey… listen to me. The ship is lost now. We have done all we can. Now… you have to get out of here. Take your dad and whatever crew you can. Just get out. Find the portal yourselves, or set a course for home manually… try and find the Apollo, join them, maybe you’ll find something that’ll shorten your journey exponentially. I’m sorry, but-“ I began. But being young and argumentative as she was, she quickly interrupted. Oh, how very like Kathryn.
“You’re not coming are you? My God, what could you gain from staying on a dying ship?!” she shouted, suddenly frustrated, and terrified at the same time.
I got up from the chair and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Buying you time! Site to site transporters have never worked from the bridge, so I can’t go. I won’t be able to get there as quick as you can – Right now, I need to slow the decent. Head for the shuttle bay, just get out as soon as possible! Please! Before we crash.” I told her, before heading to the Captain’s chair, and giving out the stereotypical, “All hands abandon ship and get to the escape pods” statement.
Maggey simply stared at me, giving a breath of terrified exasperation, as she was seemingly trying to figure out what to do now. Whether she should go, or futilely stay.
“Go!” I shouted, not even bothering to hide my own fear of this. She finally left, and then finally… I was alone. Alone on the bridge of a ship, ready to be destroyed.
I opened the shuttle bay doors for those taking shuttles via the console. And I just stared at the viewscreen. The planet now amassed the whole screen. It was that now. To be honest, it was like death staring me in the face for the third, and most probably final time. Here it was; the final curtain. And this time, I was ready. Truly ready. And in those minutes, the only person I could think of wasn’t of myself. There were several people who were far more worth my final time. They were Kathryn. Commander Markon. My parents… people who had helped me. And of course… my sister. After 9 years, she still hadn’t managed to come back to us. After 9 long years of fighting, I still never managed to see her smile again. And I dearly needed to see that… at least once. Just once.
It saddened me so much, believing that I would never see her again… I don’t know what was worse. Knowing her future was to be lost… or knowing I would never see her again. And I didn’t even get to properly say goodbye. And yet, here it was. The end. The final, unbelievable, end. Death by ship crash… and people wouldn’t even know I was gone. Not even Kathryn. And I doubt Merrik would even check.
But now I wouldn’t be able to tell anyone one of his true nature… of what truly became of him. But… if there wasn’t anything I could do, then there was no point in lamenting on what I couldn’t have done… but for one thing, I had accomplished quite a lot in my life. Good things, vastly outweighing the grim and the bad. I had become a lover. I had helped countless people. I had done my best to try and rid the universe of the dark forces that plagued it… and possibly most importantly, I had tried, and perhaps finally succeeded to make my parents proud. Finally. It took years, but… I think I finally managed it.
It was a shame that I may not be around to enjoy that. And so, time slowly passed as I realized there was now nothing I could do. All the controls had been fused due to the atmosphere. I didn’t even have an idea if everyone had made it out. It was frightening to me. But I couldn’t let it stop me from trying to distract myself. I gently sat myself down at the Flight control station. My normal habitat one could say. Only fitting that the station I was brought up to sit by, would be the station I would die at. Well then, so be it, I thought. If this was the end, then… well. I had a good run.
Of course, the funny thing is I’m obviously alive because I’m actually telling you all this. So, I guess you’ve either gone long ago, or you’re wondering how I got out of it. Well… that, my friends, is the worst thing that ever happened to me, within my entire life. And that… is not an understatement.
Spoiler : Chapter 16 - A Fate Sealed, Part 2 :
As the ship was crashing, I had my eyes shut tight, as the entire bridge around me. It was an odd feeling, believing your death was around the corner. It was… peaceful. Yet at the same time, I couldn’t be anything but accepting of the situation. I could do nothing. So, I simply stayed in my seat, as atmosphere-induced fire burned away more parts of the once carpeted and cushioned Captain’s chair.
We were entering the atmosphere, as I simply continued to wait for death, the ship still falling apart into a near-oblivion state… I guess I could say I had finally reached an inner peace. As the ground came towards me, I folded my arms, as it came closer, and closer…
And then, it happened. There was a lurch in the ship, as we touched down, and I felt myself being thrown out of my chair by the great force of velocity, and the fact that gravity had just plain given up. And then the last thing… the last thing I remember, is seeing the viewscreen rushing up to face me. And then, my mind… from that moment for several hours, it had gone blank.
It was pretty much inevitable that a thing like bashing your head against something with the reinforcement of a brick wall would end up knocking you out. Well it knocked me unconscious at least… but either way, when I came to, it was a very different sight.
I winced, before whipping my eyes open. My first thought was that this shouldn’t be. I gazed at the ceiling. It had been ripped apart. And I mean… it had been completely opened up… And for the first time in months, I saw daylight. Natural daylight. A blue, clear sky staring back at me like an ocean above my very ship. Conversely, the whole bridge now looked like a demolition site. The entire ceiling’s debris had just about finally collapsed on the centre of it. I didn’t believe how I was still alive, but… if I sat myself there, I would no doubt be dead. Of course… it now meant that my friends were buried under there. Which was not a pleasant thought… in fact, it almost made me wretch.
I quickly regained my composure, and climbed through the hole that had been left by the crash. I had to see how badly we had been hurt. Of course, it was a mistake, as I almost went into cardiac arrest right there and then. The level of damage and devastation I saw shocked me… we had landed in a forest. Well, it used to be a forest anyway. But it was now littered with decapitated trees, and pieces of metal cluttered all over the ground for what seemed like miles… only to see that the ship itself was heavily broken. But an even bigger problem was staring me right in the face… the escape pods. They hadn’t left. They were still there. Over 100 escape pods… still there. In the ship. Where they shouldn’t be.
In a moment of energy and “resurrection” induced panic, I decided to check the other places of the ship. But that was impossible, given that the bridge was totalled. So I ran. Fast. I ran across the ship, whipping out the scanner from my uniform’s inner pocket. Frantically, I scanned everywhere, to make sure everyone had gotten out safe. To find any signs of life.
But no… I didn’t find any one. I searched the ship. I resorted to cutting open the escape pods with the modified scanner, just to see if it was malfunctioning because of the crash… But… it was true. The first escape pod I opened contained two officers. Two… embracing officers. And they… had passed away. In each other’s arms. Obviously... they were a couple. Their future taken away from them, but their destiny with each other fulfilled.
I shut the escape pod with the piece of metal I had carved open again. It looked like the escape pods had failed to escape... and all of them, containing possibly dead officers. And it was beginning to overwhelm me. I didn't know what I was supposed to think. Was I... the last survivor? Was I the only one managed to survive? The lone officer?
Yes. I was. I was all of those things, and so much more at the same time. Not only was I the survivor... But I was now stranded. Alone. Completely, utterly, alone. Alone on the planet. But then again... I guessed that it was what I deserved. I essentially condemned my crew to death, sending them to escape pods that didn't fly. And now, the Byrde's will be destined to fly around the universe for the rest of their lives, alone, forever waiting for the rest of the crew to join them...
But no. That was never going to happen. However, their paths would cross with that of Kathryn and the Apollo soon enough. But me? Nothing. I would be presumed dead. Much to my absolute displeasure.
So I did what any normal human would do - I broke down. In tears. Of both anger and self-hatred, and then of hopelessness and desperation. Because it was all too much for me. Just, much too much. Everything that had happened over the past 24 hours hadn't just ruined my life, but the lives of over 300 others. And it was all my fault. I could have done so much to prevent it that all those little points in time... They were almost literally punching me in the face repeatedly to change. But I didn't. And I was left to endure the private little hell that had been created.
As the years passed, I slowly began to adjust to life on the planet. I started work on the long road to repair the ship through materials from the planet that I had begun life on, but I guess I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never see my friends again. And I’d never know the outcome of the war that had done so much to decimate my life. For years I have tried to gather any sort of information that I could, but… to no avail. I just… failed to do so. But eventually, I found myself coming to terms with that. I was now detached from everything… everyone of my planet. And I now had to make do in this…. A place of which my opportunities are limited. My abilities are wasted. I can still just about barely get about fixing the ship.
But… I guess I still have my health. And I mean that. You know… I once met a man. It was all those years ago, during my travels with the crew. An old man. He once spoke words that were poignant to me. And words that can really sum up my situation. Because I am sure that one day, I will go home. One day, I will make it back.
“One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties.” He once told me. They were words I should have been able to tell Kathryn. But I couldn’t. But maybe I still had a chance. I still had a lot of life left in me… so why not?
I guess by the time you all read or watch this, I’ll be long gone. I’ll either be dead, or I would have finally left this planet behind in search of my own. Well… I guess I’d just like to thank you for listening to a man past his prime drone on and on. And maybe our paths will cross. You never know what could happen in the future, as nothing is really determined. But… just be careful of the choices you make. Just make sure you do everything right. Don’t end up like me. Just… you know. Have a good life. With your friends around you. Honestly. Thank you.
We were entering the atmosphere, as I simply continued to wait for death, the ship still falling apart into a near-oblivion state… I guess I could say I had finally reached an inner peace. As the ground came towards me, I folded my arms, as it came closer, and closer…
And then, it happened. There was a lurch in the ship, as we touched down, and I felt myself being thrown out of my chair by the great force of velocity, and the fact that gravity had just plain given up. And then the last thing… the last thing I remember, is seeing the viewscreen rushing up to face me. And then, my mind… from that moment for several hours, it had gone blank.
It was pretty much inevitable that a thing like bashing your head against something with the reinforcement of a brick wall would end up knocking you out. Well it knocked me unconscious at least… but either way, when I came to, it was a very different sight.
I winced, before whipping my eyes open. My first thought was that this shouldn’t be. I gazed at the ceiling. It had been ripped apart. And I mean… it had been completely opened up… And for the first time in months, I saw daylight. Natural daylight. A blue, clear sky staring back at me like an ocean above my very ship. Conversely, the whole bridge now looked like a demolition site. The entire ceiling’s debris had just about finally collapsed on the centre of it. I didn’t believe how I was still alive, but… if I sat myself there, I would no doubt be dead. Of course… it now meant that my friends were buried under there. Which was not a pleasant thought… in fact, it almost made me wretch.
I quickly regained my composure, and climbed through the hole that had been left by the crash. I had to see how badly we had been hurt. Of course, it was a mistake, as I almost went into cardiac arrest right there and then. The level of damage and devastation I saw shocked me… we had landed in a forest. Well, it used to be a forest anyway. But it was now littered with decapitated trees, and pieces of metal cluttered all over the ground for what seemed like miles… only to see that the ship itself was heavily broken. But an even bigger problem was staring me right in the face… the escape pods. They hadn’t left. They were still there. Over 100 escape pods… still there. In the ship. Where they shouldn’t be.
In a moment of energy and “resurrection” induced panic, I decided to check the other places of the ship. But that was impossible, given that the bridge was totalled. So I ran. Fast. I ran across the ship, whipping out the scanner from my uniform’s inner pocket. Frantically, I scanned everywhere, to make sure everyone had gotten out safe. To find any signs of life.
But no… I didn’t find any one. I searched the ship. I resorted to cutting open the escape pods with the modified scanner, just to see if it was malfunctioning because of the crash… But… it was true. The first escape pod I opened contained two officers. Two… embracing officers. And they… had passed away. In each other’s arms. Obviously... they were a couple. Their future taken away from them, but their destiny with each other fulfilled.
I shut the escape pod with the piece of metal I had carved open again. It looked like the escape pods had failed to escape... and all of them, containing possibly dead officers. And it was beginning to overwhelm me. I didn't know what I was supposed to think. Was I... the last survivor? Was I the only one managed to survive? The lone officer?
Yes. I was. I was all of those things, and so much more at the same time. Not only was I the survivor... But I was now stranded. Alone. Completely, utterly, alone. Alone on the planet. But then again... I guessed that it was what I deserved. I essentially condemned my crew to death, sending them to escape pods that didn't fly. And now, the Byrde's will be destined to fly around the universe for the rest of their lives, alone, forever waiting for the rest of the crew to join them...
But no. That was never going to happen. However, their paths would cross with that of Kathryn and the Apollo soon enough. But me? Nothing. I would be presumed dead. Much to my absolute displeasure.
So I did what any normal human would do - I broke down. In tears. Of both anger and self-hatred, and then of hopelessness and desperation. Because it was all too much for me. Just, much too much. Everything that had happened over the past 24 hours hadn't just ruined my life, but the lives of over 300 others. And it was all my fault. I could have done so much to prevent it that all those little points in time... They were almost literally punching me in the face repeatedly to change. But I didn't. And I was left to endure the private little hell that had been created.
As the years passed, I slowly began to adjust to life on the planet. I started work on the long road to repair the ship through materials from the planet that I had begun life on, but I guess I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never see my friends again. And I’d never know the outcome of the war that had done so much to decimate my life. For years I have tried to gather any sort of information that I could, but… to no avail. I just… failed to do so. But eventually, I found myself coming to terms with that. I was now detached from everything… everyone of my planet. And I now had to make do in this…. A place of which my opportunities are limited. My abilities are wasted. I can still just about barely get about fixing the ship.
But… I guess I still have my health. And I mean that. You know… I once met a man. It was all those years ago, during my travels with the crew. An old man. He once spoke words that were poignant to me. And words that can really sum up my situation. Because I am sure that one day, I will go home. One day, I will make it back.
“One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties.” He once told me. They were words I should have been able to tell Kathryn. But I couldn’t. But maybe I still had a chance. I still had a lot of life left in me… so why not?
I guess by the time you all read or watch this, I’ll be long gone. I’ll either be dead, or I would have finally left this planet behind in search of my own. Well… I guess I’d just like to thank you for listening to a man past his prime drone on and on. And maybe our paths will cross. You never know what could happen in the future, as nothing is really determined. But… just be careful of the choices you make. Just make sure you do everything right. Don’t end up like me. Just… you know. Have a good life. With your friends around you. Honestly. Thank you.
Spoiler : Chapter 17 - Epilogue :
Mika sighed as he pressed the stop record button on the touch screen display. The whole thing had taken him roughly a few hours to record, and now that he had said it, it did feel like a huge weight had been taken off his shoulders. He felt good, somehow. Like all those years of repressed emotions and feelings had finally been allowed to come out into the open and just… unleash themselves upon the world. All that time, all gone.
Cadenza stood up from the chair, stretching as he did so. Mika sighed as he pressed the stop record button on the touch screen display. The whole thing had taken him roughly a few hours to record, and now that he had said it, it did feel like a huge weight had been taken off his shoulders. He felt good, somehow. Like all those years of repressed emotions and feelings had finally been allowed to come out into the open and just… unleash themselves upon the world. All that time, all gone.
Cadenza stood up from the chair, stretching as he did so. He took another look at the document of around 50,000 words before him that had been transcripted all onto the datapad with its hologram accompaniment. All his emotions in that one datapad. How quaint. But still, at least he had the confidence that someone would find it. Maybe not for years upon years, but they would. It was all he could have hoped for, to let out his own story for others to hear. Sure, it wasn’t exactly readily available to every living soul on the planet, but at the very least, it would be there, possibly living past him.
Mika walked onto the bridge of the Prosperity. It was repaired fully, and looked very different to all those years ago. Dents still remained, and railings were never repaired, but all of the chaos had been removed. It took him 5 years to fully repair the ship, get all the systems working and build a second warp engine entirely from scratch. 5 arduous years. But at the same time it was beautiful to him. A homage to the days of old. The ship he had spent 15 years on, now in his own command.
Finally, he took a seat at the flight control station. His natural habitat one could say. The memories of Kathryn were still fresh in his mind as he sat down, coursing through his mind like a leaf in the wind. But these weren’t the bad memories that had been brought upon him. These were the happy memories of them together. He loved her. And that was for definite. She meant the world to him, and he would never see differently.
With that, he decided that… perhaps now was the time to make a few changes. Not only to his life, but maybe he could make a few changes. “Well… I guess now I can do what I should have done ages ago.” He told himself. “Travel to exotic locations, and explore new locations. Be a traveller again. Have some… fun.”
He brought up the map of the planet that he had gathered from the various villagers from beneath the station. He closed his eyes and raised his finger, and wherever it landed, he would go. He brought it down, and once he opened them, he discovered that his next destination was a nation called “Darath”.
Mika grinned for the first time in years as he clicked the “Engage” button. Time for that adventure he promised himself. With that, the now gun-metal grey Prosperity finally flared its burgundy engines for the first time in years. Then gently, it rose off the ground, and began heading into the clouds once more, but this time… for an adventurous purpose.
Mika Cadenza, the man who finally beat the survivor’s guilt, put his feet on the control station and laid back. This could be the beginning of a legacy in the making. And he was sure as hell, not going to let the opportunity to make a change in this world pass him by. It was time for him, in fact it was overdue, to make his mark on this undiscovered world.
Cadenza stood up from the chair, stretching as he did so. Mika sighed as he pressed the stop record button on the touch screen display. The whole thing had taken him roughly a few hours to record, and now that he had said it, it did feel like a huge weight had been taken off his shoulders. He felt good, somehow. Like all those years of repressed emotions and feelings had finally been allowed to come out into the open and just… unleash themselves upon the world. All that time, all gone.
Cadenza stood up from the chair, stretching as he did so. He took another look at the document of around 50,000 words before him that had been transcripted all onto the datapad with its hologram accompaniment. All his emotions in that one datapad. How quaint. But still, at least he had the confidence that someone would find it. Maybe not for years upon years, but they would. It was all he could have hoped for, to let out his own story for others to hear. Sure, it wasn’t exactly readily available to every living soul on the planet, but at the very least, it would be there, possibly living past him.
Mika walked onto the bridge of the Prosperity. It was repaired fully, and looked very different to all those years ago. Dents still remained, and railings were never repaired, but all of the chaos had been removed. It took him 5 years to fully repair the ship, get all the systems working and build a second warp engine entirely from scratch. 5 arduous years. But at the same time it was beautiful to him. A homage to the days of old. The ship he had spent 15 years on, now in his own command.
Finally, he took a seat at the flight control station. His natural habitat one could say. The memories of Kathryn were still fresh in his mind as he sat down, coursing through his mind like a leaf in the wind. But these weren’t the bad memories that had been brought upon him. These were the happy memories of them together. He loved her. And that was for definite. She meant the world to him, and he would never see differently.
With that, he decided that… perhaps now was the time to make a few changes. Not only to his life, but maybe he could make a few changes. “Well… I guess now I can do what I should have done ages ago.” He told himself. “Travel to exotic locations, and explore new locations. Be a traveller again. Have some… fun.”
He brought up the map of the planet that he had gathered from the various villagers from beneath the station. He closed his eyes and raised his finger, and wherever it landed, he would go. He brought it down, and once he opened them, he discovered that his next destination was a nation called “Darath”.
Mika grinned for the first time in years as he clicked the “Engage” button. Time for that adventure he promised himself. With that, the now gun-metal grey Prosperity finally flared its burgundy engines for the first time in years. Then gently, it rose off the ground, and began heading into the clouds once more, but this time… for an adventurous purpose.
Mika Cadenza, the man who finally beat the survivor’s guilt, put his feet on the control station and laid back. This could be the beginning of a legacy in the making. And he was sure as hell, not going to let the opportunity to make a change in this world pass him by. It was time for him, in fact it was overdue, to make his mark on this undiscovered world.
Spoiler : Old Cover :
A trophy for Aya and Parsee.
trophy x 5
