Epilogue

Prologue

A lone figure stood at prayer in the Grand Temple of Kali, goddess of the Kalaidian people. She stood shorter than a human by a third, with long silver hair and deep purple eyes. Her skin was pale and she wore the loose robes of a priestess, white and patterned with silver stars. She wore a silver circlet with three leaves on it, studded with emeralds. Through her hair pointed ears shown. She stood with her eyes and arms open, chanting in a melodic language at a high pitch. In front of her was a massive blue stone statue of a Kalaidian woman of exceptional beauty, naked with wings.

The main chamber stood nearly forty vetres, with a massive stained glass dome at the center. Around her, water fountains trickled between the massive hypostyle pillars. As the daylight faded to moonlight the lady ended her chant. She blinked, looking up to the statue of the goddess. She then knelt on one knee before the statue, bowing her head.

“Lady Kali, Director of the Great Story, please deliver the one who will save us. Your people are suffering, and even I cannot end this terror. Long ago, the Teacher came and showed us how to live. Now is the time when his guidance is needed the most. Kalaidia is on the verge of civil war and our population is declining rapidly. If you don’t answer soon, all will be lost. I fear we won’t be able to aid the Warrior when the time comes.”

She sat in prayer a while longer. As the night deepened a lone robed figure entered the temple in silence. It stood a little taller than the woman, keeping its face covered by a dark hood. It walked up next to the woman, standing stoically beside her. She turned to him, looking quite tired.

“Am I a fool for believing in the writings of Kali, Myden?” the woman asked.

“No my Queen, you are not a fool,” Myden said telepathically. “The one you seek will be here soon.” The cloaked figure pointed up to a stellar constellation resembling a dragon. “He who was born of the Great Dragon will come. The Warrior will unite the Five Maidens and the Three Wisemen, leading us into the future. As said by the one you call the Teacher, my Queen.”

Chapter 1  Abduction

It was a nightmare plaguing Brian since his childhood, a nightmare that always came back. They came at night, beings with large black eyes and pale skin that always filled him with terror. They came when he least desired it and always took something, what it was Brian never remembered. All he ever remembered was their black eyes and unemotional stares. This night started as they always did with the Greys.

Brian was lying in bed, curled up in a thick blanket as he always did on a cold December night. It was well past midnight and he was still wide awake. Something inside him felt dread this night and he couldn’t stand it. Tossing the blanket aside, he sat up at the edge of the bed and stared out the window. The window was covered in frost; all he could see was snow outside. Living in northern Minnesota meant living through winter, an event lasting half the year. Every day was grey and it always snowed. He stood up and put on his clothes, a pair of jeans and a dark t-shirt with a dragon on the front. Not bothering to comb his long brown hair, he put it into a ponytail and went downstairs. He put on his boots and a black leather trench coat. He walked out the door and headed into an alley. He began walking as snow fell lightly around him. He sighed, looking up at the cloudy sky. It’s been three years since I last saw her. He closed his eyes and shook his head. I wish I could forget I ever met her.

A few minutes passed before he noticed a bright object glowing in the distance, a star on an overcast night. There’s something wrong with that. He thought to himself. The star moved down and flew towards him. Brian felt paralyzed by some unknown force as the object hovered above him. A bright light covered him. He felt a cold shiver and was filled with terror.

“Not again!”

The darkness of unconsciousness swept over him.

*

This is all just a bad dream, yeah, that’s what this is. Brian was lying on a table, cold, perhaps metal or plastic. A bright light shined down on him, he could tell he was naked. The air was thick and temperature cool, giving the atmosphere a cold, clammy feeling. Brian heard what sounded like people walking around him, muddled sounds and voices in his head. He tried to move but his body was still paralyzed. All he could do was look around with his eyes. That was the last thing he wanted to do.

He looked, seeing them. Popular culture on Earth called them the Greys, because that’s what they looked like. He saw the black eyes, eyes that haunted him in his waking hours. Those cold, uncaring eyes filled him with terror. They had small mouths, a tiny nose, and very small bodies with gray skin. Their hands had four digits, fingers with suction cups on them. They held macabre devices in those hands as they communicated amongst themselves. The room around him was small with the ceiling barely reaching six feet. The walls had numerous panels appearing to be computer monitors. The lighting was dim, except for the bright light on Brian. They stood about three to four feet tall, walking with an unnatural silence. To Brian, there was nothing human about these creatures. He sensed no warmth, no emotion. These beings are worse than the worst human psychopath, because at least the psychopath has feelings deep inside. These things had no pity, no sense of empathy.

Four of the Greys walked silently over to the table Brian was situated on. They began examining him. He felt ice cold, looking into the nearest one’s eyes, thinking to himself. I hate you creatures, you cause me great pain and never compensate me; all I can feel is hate and rage lying here. All he wanted was to punch the ugly creature, to feel he had some control. They began poking him. They used their sharp and creepy instruments to remove blood, hair, and other samples from the helpless human. As time passed he felt the anger inside him swelling, reaching a crescendo. They silently walked away, leaving him alone.

I must escape, I must get free. I have to get the hell out of this nightmare. When Brian’s anger reached its peak he felt the numbness melt away. Primal instinct took over. He rolled onto the swamp-like floor that smelled terrible. He looked up, seeing the Greys running around frantically. One walked towards him holding a metal rod. He stood up slowly as a Grey stabbed him with the pole. A surge of electricity hit Brian, he didn’t care. He stood steadfast and grabbed the pole from the Grey. It stood there dumbly as he flipped the pole around and swung. He felt a surge of pleasure as its head caved in. The Grey was sent flying from his attack and smashed into the wall. He saw clear liquid spill, knowing it was the creature’s blood. Naked with a small metallic pole in one hand, he looked around the room. Three Greys remained in the room with many more running through the ship’s halls. Vengeance will be mine.

Brian walked from Grey to Grey and smashed them with his newfound weapon. The three left inside his room were dead, he wanted more. A high pitched alarm sounded. He smiled with satisfaction. All of his anger, frustration, and pain would be visited upon these beings tenfold. Time seemed to stop while he stalked the Greys down; killing them with a glee he had never known. He hunted the creatures who had tortured him for years.

“This is for sixteen years of hell!”

Brian walked the halls and bludgeoned each creature with the pole. He sensed their fear, if that’s what one could call it. They had underestimated this human’s resolve, now they were to pay the price. When he dispatched the last Grey, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction. But the dream didn’t end and he felt like he was beginning to wake up. The cold and humidity began feeling real as pain overcame him. He limped into a side room and found his clothes. Slipping them on, Brian felt the slimy, clear blood on his body. He wrapped his coat around him and went back into the foggy hallway.

It’s not a dream, this is real. Now how am I supposed to get home? He thought as he began searching the ship, confused. He couldn’t find a central control system. He went from room to room and found nothing of use. After a while he walked into a room with a window. He cautiously headed towards it and looked outside. All Brian could see was a vast sea of stars. He didn’t see the Earth. Looking to his right, he saw a large monitor on the wall with what appeared to be star map. He saw several colored points with names written in a strange hieroglyphic language. The star map resembled the Milky Way. He saw on a distant edge, a single blue point.

“That has to be Earth, but how do I fly this ship to get home?” Brian asked.

Looking closely at the map, he could make out nearly a hundred different points, most on the outer edge of the galaxy. Exhausted, Brian slid to the ground and fell unconscious once more, this time with the feeling of liberation.

Chapter 2  Encounter

The Grey ship floated lifelessly in a distant solar system, dead because of Brian. A ship moved through the system, a heavy class Kalaidian warship named Avoni. The vessel was a kilometer long, cylinder shaped. On the back, four massive engines jutted out, the front and sides were spotted with pulse cannons. Its appearance was like a fluid bird and fish mixed together, with curves and fins covering the exterior.

“Captain, we’re picking up a small craft on the outer edge of the system, the third gas giant to be exact,” said Zae. She had long, forest green hair and blue eyes and sat at the front left console of the bridge. Baed sat to her right, with long, silver blonde hair and purple eyes. The front wall of the bridge was a massive viewing screen.

“Zae, bring us closer,” said the captain, a beautiful Kalaidian named Valis Kein. She had long, violet hair and blue eyes. Valis smiled. “Maybe this time we’ll get some money out of it.”

“Arm weapons systems and go to moderate alert. I think you would agree captain?” asked Kivi, the first officer. She stood much taller than others, a little less than five feet. She had dark tan skin, short black hair and crimson eyes like fire.

“Of course,” Valis said.

“The alien vessel is now in scanning range captain,” Zae reported.

“Check for life forms, power systems, and armaments,” Valis said. “Let’s make sure no one’s home this time.”

The image appeared on the front monitor on the bridge. A saucer shaped ship came up and looked to be working.

“Captain

that’s a Grey vessel,” Kivi said.

Valis turned, seeing the concern in her bridge crews’ eyes. “Daes, check for life signs. This could prove more profitable than I could have hoped for.”

Daes nodded at the command. She had long crimson hair and brown eyes. Daes checked, seeing no life signs onboard the Grey ship, except one minor blip. “Strange, there seems to be something alive on the Grey ship captain.”

“Is it one of the Greys, or something else?” Valis asked.

Daes carefully studied the readings. “It’s definitely not Grey, but something very different. Its shape is four limbed, bipedal, nearly identical to our physique. Whatever this being is, it’s not in our database.”

“Perhaps it’s a new species to space?” Kivi asked.

“A more detailed scan shows this being is over two vetres tall, almost three. It seems to have a mass twice ours. Also, this creature seems to be high warm blooded.”

“Captain, this being could be a danger to us,” Kivi said.

Valis looked at Kivi. “I understand your concern Kivi, but we really need to turn a profit for once. We have a working Grey ship, which should fetch us a fortune from the Confederation, and a new species to study. This is a haul if I ever saw one.” She turned to Daes. “Prepare a boarding party to recover the alien. Once you return, we’ll use the anchors to tow the ship back to Confederation territory.”

*

Seles lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, wondering what was happening. She had purple eyes and long silver blue hair. Her skin was pearly white, glowing in the darkness. Looking to her side, she noticed a yellow light blinking, moderate alert. She sat up and put on her clothes, hearing a beep come from the room’s monitor. She walked over to the monitor and pressed the receive button, see Zae’s face.

“Seles please head to shuttle bay three and join the boarding party,” Zae said.

“What’s going on?” Seles asked.

“We’ve come across a Grey ship. All of the Greys are dead, but there seems to be an unusual life form left alive. Bring your pulse rifle. Good luck Seles,” Zae said. The monitor went black again.

Seles turned towards her foot locker. Pressing in the number combination, she opened it and grabbed her pulse rifle. She threw the rifle over her shoulder using the strap and went out the door.

The Avoni was a large ship. The halls were well lit and wide to give those onboard a sense of space. Seles resided on the lower crew deck, where the ensigns quartered. The rooms on the level above were officer’s quarters. She entered an elevator and pressed the button for shuttle bay three. The first thing she saw when she reached the shuttle bay was grey plastic boxes holding the ship’s supplies. A large shuttle sat in the middle of the room. Next to the shuttle stood Daes, seven other security officers, and Celi, chief medical officer of the Avoni. She had long dark blue hair and green eyes, wearing a white sash signifying her role as a medical officer. Seles ran over and saluted. After a nod of acknowledgement, Daes ordered everyone onto the shuttle. Daes took the front seat and fired up the shuttle’s systems. Once everyone was seated, the back of the door closed. The bay doors opened. Daes flew the shuttle into space.

The shuttle came to a stop on the bottom of the Grey ship. The shuttle shot four anchors and latched on. Daes pressed a couple buttons, causing the shuttle’s entry drill to slice into the ship. The perfectly round entry hole was finished in less than a minute. Before descending into the other ship, Celi addressed everyone.

“The Greys prefer a cooler temperature than us, so we’ll have to rely on our nanomachines to keep warm. The energy used to power our nanomachines will only last about an hour, so we’ll have to hurry and see what’s become of the ship, check for any damage, and recover the unknown life form onboard.”

“Yes commander,” the others said in unison.

“I would also like each of you to wear one of these,” Celi said, pulling out a white thermal cloak from under her seat. “These will provide protection from the cooler temperature, as well as against energy blasts should any of them still be alive.”

Seles and the other seven security ensigns put on the thermal cloaks and readied their pulse rifles before climbing into the Grey ship. It was cold and clammy with fog in the air. Daes and Celi climbed in last as everyone split up to search the ship. What they saw was terrifying, the battered and bludgeoned bodies of the entire Grey crew. They had all been killed by one of their stun poles, which lay covered in blood. Searching each room, they found all the ships systems were functioning.

Seles walked into the observatory where the Grey’s kept their stellar map. There, she saw the unknown life form, lying unconscious and covered in Grey blood. She stepped closer, noting that the creature was similar to her species. It was much larger, about one and a half times her height. It wore unusual looking clothes and a black cloak, seemingly alright at this temperature. Seles knelt, lightly touched its body and noticed its skin radiated heat.

“Have you found the alien?” Daes asked over the com.

Seles pressed a button on her wristband. “It looks a lot like our species, but much larger, with round ears. It isn’t suffering hypothermia at this temperature. I’m going to need some help getting the alien out of here.”

“Tell me Seles, does the alien have any blood on it?” Daes asked.

“Yes, a lot of Grey blood.” Seles checked, finding red blood on his forehead. “It looks like the alien has red blood. It’s suffered a few minor wounds.”

“Keep your rifle ready, I’ll send Celi and the others to help you haul the alien survivor to the brig.”

The others came and placed the alien on a stretcher, clasping the restraints down tightly. Seles and her companions returned to the shuttle. Each of them stared at the alien, noting its size and apparent strength.

*

Was it all a dream? I remember their eyes, eyes of pure darkness that fill me with despair. Brian lay on the white floor of the Avonis brig, half awake and confused. He heard voices, feminine and different speaking a language he’d never heard before. Opening his eyes, he saw white floor and walls, as well as a bed attached to the wall. Where am I? He turned his head and saw two short women talking. As he sat up and looked at them closely he noticed one had long blue hair and green eyes, while the other had long silver blue hair and purple eyes. The blue haired woman jumped when she saw Brian sit up, yelling something incomprehensible to him. The other pointed what looked like a gun at him and asked him a question he couldn’t understand.

Brian smiled dumbly, not understanding a word they spoke, and then asked, “Excuse me, but I can’t understand anything you just said. I don’t suppose either of you speak English?”

The woman with long blue hair giggled before ordering a command into the computer. A few seconds later a small mechanical arm came out of the wall next to Brian. When came close, a small needle came out of its front and stabbed him in the leg. After he screamed in pain the mechanical arm went back into the wall.

“What the hell was that for?” Brian asked.

“So that you could understand our language,” the blue haired woman said. “My name is Celi, chief medical officer of this ship.” Celi looked to the girl. “I have to go see the captain now that our alien friend is awake. Keep an eye on him.” She looked at him again, smiled and then left.

This is a lot better than the Grey ship. Brian stood up and looked around the tiny room he was in, noting there was only one entrance. He went to the opening, putting his hand up to find a solid field blocking him. Seles pointed her pulse rifle at him.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I’m trying to figure out where I am and what I’m doing here. The last thing I remember was being on a Grey ship. Then I fell unconscious. I don’t suppose you could tell me anything?”

Seles lowered her rifle. “I can’t tell you anything unless I receive orders to.”

He poked at the force field. “Can I ask you for your name then? My name’s Brian.”

“Seles,” she said.

“That’s a beautiful name. It’s obvious that your species is different from the Greys. So what are you Seles?”

“I told you before Brian, I am unable to speak of anything further with you until I get orders to.” She paused, feeling curiosity swell within her. “What you were doing on the Grey ship?”

Brian looked at the small alien girl. He looked down, sighing. “I was taken by them. I’ve been taken by them for experiments since I was a child. Somehow, I overcame their paralyzing technology.”

“Did you kill them?” Seles asked.

Brian shook his head, looking up with hollow eyes. “Yes. Despite the strange joy I felt when killing them at the time, I feel remorse now.” He smiled. “Thankfully, I’ve been taken prisoner by a much more beautiful race.” He turned and sat down on the bed.

“Where you were taken from?” Seles stepped closer to the cell.

“I don’t think you know it. My people don’t have the ability to travel between stars yet.”

“Even so, you seem to be familiar with our technology. Your species must be fairly advanced for you to not be surprised at force fields and such. Please, tell where you come from Brian?”

“Earth,” he answered.

She looked shocked and surprised. Brian stood up.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

Seles calmed herself. “Did you say Earth?”

“Yeah,” Brian said. “How do you know about Earth?”

Seles looked up as the ship began shaking. The lights began flickering. A shockwave passed through the room as the sound of explosions came from all around.

Chapter 3  A Battle

Valis stood on the elevator when the first shockwave hit. The lights flickered as the door opened to the bridge. She saw half the bridge crew on their backs. She ran to seat, seeing Zae and Kivi return to their positions. Baed sat up, shook her head and took her seat a moment later.

“Kivi, what’s the situation?” Valis started running battle scenarios in her chair’s computer.

Kivi shook her head. “Something came out of nowhere and attacked the ship we were towing.”

Valis looked up. “Put it on the monitor.”

“Yes captain,” Zae said. A different Grey ship appeared on the screen.

I was hoping this wouldn’t happen. Valis thought to herself. “Zae, ready the weapons and shielding systems. Use attack pattern C-13. Baed, switch to manual control. Daes, give me a damage report.”

“Yes captain,” Baed and Zae said in unison.

Daes look up from her console. “The captured ship is their target. With the first blast they’ve destroyed 50% of the vessel. The Avoni has taken heavy damage, near the rear brig and secondary engineering. No casualties to report.”

“Should we scramble the Novas?” Kivi asked.

Valis looked at the attacking ship. “Our Novas couldn’t scratch a Grey ship Kivi. It looks like I’m going to have to improvise.”

*

Seles lost her balance and fell forward. At the same time the force field holding Brian disappeared and allowed him to catch her. She jumped away and aimed the pulse rifle at him.

“Stay right there Terran,” Seles said as she went over to the console near the door.

Brian stood with his hands up. “What’s going on?” The lights shut off, filling the room with darkness.

“The ship’s under attack,” Seles said. She found Brian in the dark and grabbed his arm. “There’s a hull breach near this sector. If we don’t get out soon we’ll be thrown into space.”

Brian looked down and saw her outline. She’s a lot smaller this close to me. He thought as she led him to the brig’s door. “Your ship has escape pods, right?”

The ship shook violently again. Seles looked up at Brian. “There’s an escape shuttle down the hall. But first, I have to blast the door down.”

“Go for it,” Brian said as she took aim. After shooting the door a number of times with energy blasts the door fell open. Outside the emergency lights were on. She led him down a hallway until they reached a small hexagonal door sitting in the wall.

“This is the escape shuttle,” Seles said as she accessed the adjacent computer panel.

Brian looked at it. “It’s a bit small.”

“Let’s go,” she said, jumping through the door.

Brian sighed. “Guess I don’t have a choice.” He squeezed his way through the door and into the back of the escape shuttle.

*

“What’s our status?” Valis asked.

“Shields have been reduced by 40%, propulsion is near red line,” Daes said.

“I really wish we were on even footing technologically,” Kivi said as she continued working the Avoni’s systems.

We can’t survive more than two more attacks. Valis thought to herself. She looked at her plan, frowning. At least we’ll leave with our lives. She looked up again. “Baed, full speed ahead for the Grey ship, when I give the command put the Avoni into a barrel roll. Zae, reroute all remaining power to the forward shields.”

“Planning something crazy?” Kivi asked.

“I hate to do this, but survival takes precedence over treasure. Grey vessels are as maneuverable as Original Five types. The only way we can compensate is to get as close as possible. That’s when we give them the ship we captured,” Valis explained.

“What about their telepathy?” Zae asked.

Valis grinned. “A long time ago I learned their telepathic powers are limited in range. By the time we get close enough for them to read us it’ll be too late for them to react.” Valis finished the adjustments to the ship and looked to Kivi, who nodded.

“Baed, Zae, let’s get this started,” Valis said.

*

Brian banged his head as he stood up in the shuttle pod, holding back a curse. In the front were two small chairs and a control panel. To the sides were storage lockers and extra seats, as well as more consoles. Seles sat in the front chair to the right and activated the small vessel’s systems.

“Good, it looks like everything’s working here,” she said as she flipped a pair of switches above her chair and started the engines.

Brian sat in the chair to the left. “I think I need a bigger seat.”

“You look ridiculous.” She glanced at him, smiling. “Make sure to use the safety belt. I’m sure you don’t want to crash into a wall once we get moving.”

Brian looked around, seeing the strap on the back. He slid it on; not bothering to lower the arm rests. He looked the console. Their language looks remarkably similar Greek. I can almost read it. He thought to himself, looking at Seles. I’m glad that their species is pretty. I’d hate to be stuck with the Greys any longer than I did. He looked down and noticed she still had her rifle trained on him.

“I’m not going to hurt you Seles,” Brian said.

Seles finished readying the shuttle’s systems. “Never trust the word of a Terran. Until I see otherwise Brian, my weapon will be ready.”

“What?” Brian asked.

Seles detached the shuttle from the Avoni’s hull right before the ship barreled into the attacking ship. As they began speeding away, the Avoni tossed the remains of the captured ship at the other, causing an explosion. The Avoni was thrown away, while the small shuttle was driven towards a large gas giant. Seles struggled to keep control of the craft, steering them into the orbit of a large, ice covered moon.

“That was one hell of an explosion,” he said.

“I hope the Avoni survived it.” Seles turned to Brian. “As for us, it looks like our engine systems were damaged. It’s going to be a struggle for me to just land the shuttle.”

“I hope you’re good at flying Seles,” he said as the shuttle dove into the moon’s atmosphere.

“I’m the best Nova pilot onboard,” Seles said, showing a small, silver button shaped like a star on her shirt. “My people only earn these when they become an ace. I’ve shot down my share of enemies in the past few years.”

Brian looked at the moon’s landscape as they descended. “Figures the first rock I’ll set foot on other than home is frozen to the core.”

Seles smiled. You wouldn’t think that he annihilated an entire Grey crew just a day or two ago. She thought to herself. “Brace yourself!”

The shuttle dove into an icy plateau, crashing softly into the ice and snow.

*

The crew of the Avoni braced for the explosion outside. Smoke filled the air as small fires erupted from the equipment on the bridge. Valis shook her head and looked around, seeing everyone was alright. She turned to Kivi. “Give me a damage report.”

Kivi coughed. “Defense shields down. The pulse cannons are operating at 20% output. The gravity drive is not functioning, engines at 10%. Five crew are confirmed dead, twelve missing.”

“Which sectors?” Valis asked.

“Novaguard hanger A,” Kivi answered.

Valis closed her eyes. “Where was Seles?”

Kivi checked. “She’s not among the casualties. It appears she took an emergency shuttle.”

“Are you sure?” Valis asked.

“I have the video here.” Kivi showed it to Valis.

“What’s that?” she asked, pointing to a shadow entering the hatch behind Seles.

“That’s the alien we recovered,” Daes said.

“We need to get the Avoni moving as soon as possible. I don’t have to stress why recovering Seles is so important,” Valis said.

Chapter 4  The Cave

Brian woke up after the crash and found himself lying on the floor next to Seles. The air was cold, getting colder by the minute. He looked around frantically for the emergency supplies before making his way to the back of the shuttle. There, he found the back hatch was bent open a little. After searching through a few containers, he found the sack full of emergency supplies. Next to it was an object that looked like a sword, about a meter in length, with a slight curve to the blade. The hilt was made of the same metal and wrapped tightly with leather. Brian picked it up and drew the blade from its metal sheath. He swung the blade, feeling it was perfectly balanced and light as a feather.

“What are you doing?” Seles asked as she got up and shook her head.

Brian looked at the blade. “Why would you have this in the emergency supplies? Isn’t a sword a bit behind the technological curve?”

Seles stood up and motioned for the blade. When Brian handed it to her she pressed a button and said, “Rakna bel de cou.” The sword started glowing and radiated heat.

“It’s not just a normal sword, it’s a rakna blade. The metal vibrates so quickly it can cut through most metals.” Seles repeated the words, “Rakna bel de cou.” The sword stopped glowing. She placed it back within its sheath and handed it to Brian. “Can you grab the rest of the supplies?”

He grabbed the sack and threw it over his back. Seles took her pulse rifle and a small scanning device, turning it on.

“Can that thing find us shelter?” Brian asked.

“Yes, why do you ask?”

He pointed at the back of the shuttle. “The back hatch is bent and the air from outside is leaking in fast.”

She checked the door, confirming the leak. She looked at her scanner and sighed with relief. “There’s a large cave about eight hundred vetres away. It’ll take us thirty minutes if we hurry.”

Brian grabbed the cold weather cloaks and handed one to Seles. “How big is a vetre?” he asked as he put the rakna blade on his belt.

She put her hand just below his waist. “That’s about what a vetre is. Let’s hurry to the cave; it looks like night will be falling soon.”

The two wrapped the thick white cloaks around themselves and left through the back hatch. Snow was blowing in all directions and the sky was near dusk. Visibility was next to nothing. Brian noticed the temperature was barely below freezing.

“Compared to what I was living in a few days ago this feels like summer,” Brian said as the two began walking. He let the hood of the thermal cloak down.

Seles was shivering. “How could anyone call this summer?” she asked, pulling the cloak tighter.

“Haven’t you ever seen winter Seles? This is quite normal from where I come from,” he said.

“What’s winter?” she chattered out.

“Winter’s the cold season, when the temperatures fall below freezing and it snows like this.” He looked at her. “What kind of world do you come from?”

Seles continued shivering. “Kalaidia is a land of lush tropical forests and swampland. It never snows or gets near the temperature of freezing. My people suffer hypothermia much quicker than a high warm blooded being like you. Even with nanomachines we can stand the cold for only a little while.”

“At least we found a moon with a breathable atmosphere. What’re the chances of that?”

“Not very good,” Seles answered.

Brian kept looking at Seles. She was shivering as the blowing snow and wind were getting worse. How could beings of such high technology be so frail? He thought to himself. I’d better keep her talking so she doesn’t fall unconscious.

“Why did you react so strongly when I told you I was from Earth?” he asked. “How do your people even know about it?”

Trembling, Seles replied, “It’s because of your race’s love of war and adaptability. Are we wrong for believing what we’ve been told Brian?”

He shook his head. “No, that’s pretty accurate. Humans have adapted to live in all climates, from the coldest arctic to the hottest deserts. We’re also fascinated with war. But, we’re also explorers who love to conquer the unknown. What I still want to know is how you know about Earth.”

She turned and looked at him. “Long before Kalaidia joined the Confederation, many centuries ago, there was a lone Terran who came from space. It’s said he was the greatest of his people, rising above the base desires of your race. But the other races feared him, and because of their fear, killed him. Some believe he never died, or perhaps returned to Terra Prime with his memories erased. All records of who he was were destroyed. He’s known only as the Teacher.”

“So why not just destroy us and be done with it?” Brian asked.

Still shivering, Seles responded, “Because, we fear the Greys even more than Terrans. The Confederation believes there will be a war in the coming centuries.”

“What does that have to do with humans?” he asked.

“Terrans are a wild card in such a war. Your race’s fighting ability is one of your greatest strengths. There’s also your race’s ability to develop new technologies faster than us. Most Confederation members took several centuries to develop space flight after powered flight. Yours did the same in less than seventy years.”

Seles looked at the scanner, trembling. She pulled the thermal cloak tighter. Night was falling. With snow blowing, Brian and Seles saw the outline of a rocky outcrop. Near the center was a small entrance. As they neared the cave, Seles tumbled to the ground.

Brian ran over to her, “Seles! What’s wrong!?”

He put his hand on her forehead. I’ve got to get her inside and start a fire. He grabbed the scanner and put it in his pocket, lifting the unconscious Seles and running into the cave. The interior was cold, but the wind was blocked. He headed down the lone corridor until he came to a split. He looked right, seeing more corridors. He looked left, seeing a small room. He carried her into the room and gently placed her on the ground. He searched for something to start on fire. I don’t suppose trees grow on ice worlds? He thought to himself. If I can’t start a fire I’m going to need to raise the temperature some other way. He felt his belt, touching the rakna blade. This should work. He thought as he drew the blade.

“Rakna bel de cou,” Brian said, pressing the button. After a few seconds the blade started glowing. Only then did Brian realize he’d been walking in complete darkness. He knelt down and felt Seles’s skin; she was getting colder and breathing lightly. He grabbed a large, loose stone off to the side and placed it on the ground. He put the rakna blade on the rock. After a few seconds the rakna blade began heating up the rock until it glowed and acted as a heat dynamo. He turned the blade off and felt the warmth coming from the rock. This should do the trick. He held Seles and sat with a stalagmite to his back, pulling her close to his body. He made sure she was facing the heated rock before wrapping his thermal cloak around her. Exhausted, Brian fell asleep holding her, thinking about warmer days back on Earth, days when cold like this would melt away.

*

It’s so warm. Seles opened her eyes and saw a glowing stone a few feet away, radiating heat. She felt something warm around her. Brian slept with his head leaning on a stalagmite. He’s using his own body heat to warm me up! She felt strange and blushed. She turned and looked at him. Celi said he was male. I wonder if the males of my race looked like him. Seles was lost in thought as she stared at him.

“What are you looking at?” Brian asked as he opened his right eye. He cracked a smile. Embarrassed, Seles turned away.

“I was just

looking at you,” Seles said.

“Am I really that interesting?” he asked.

“I didn’t think Terrans would look so much like us. You’re also the first male similar to Kalaidians I’ve ever seen.”

He laughed. “Where’ve you been all your life to never see a man?”

Seles looked at him again. “The males of my species died out over a century ago due to disease. The only Kalaidians left are female.”

“So you’re saying I’m the first man you’ve ever seen? No wonder I look so different to you.” Brian’s stomach growled. “I just realized I haven’t eaten anything in two days.”

She crawled out from his embrace and started sifting through their emergency supplies. “I’m hungry as well. I don’t know what your people eat, but I have some dry rations and water.” She pulled a pair of metal canteens and what looked wrapped bars. She handed Brian one of each. “Hopefully these suit your constitution.”

He took a slug of water and felt refreshed. He opened the wrapper, seeing a granola bar. Seles did likewise, taking a bite of the dry ration. Brian sniffed it before taking a bite; it tasted like a granola bar.

“Is it edible?” she asked.

He laughed. “It’s just like a granola bar from where I come from. With all your advanced technology you’re still eating things like this?” Seles sat next to the heated rock, enjoying the heat.

“So what about me, do I look strange?” she asked as she stared at the glowing rock. Her purple eyes and long silver blue hair reflected the light coming from the stone.

She’s really pretty. He thought as he looked at her. “Yes, but not a lot. Your hair and eye color are quite exotic, and your small size is a little odd. The pointed ears are definitely different; it makes you look almost like an elf.”

“Is that an offshoot of your race?” she asked.

He smiled and shook his head. “No, elves are beings of myth, not reality. But if I was to base the myth on any race, it would definitely be yours.”

“Are you average size for your species? Or are you much larger than normal?” she asked, looking at him intently.

“No, I’m actually a little shorter than average and not particularly athletic. I’m decent when it comes to intelligence, but otherwise I’m average. What about you Seles? I’ve only seen you and the blue haired girl, Celi.”

“I’m about average size for an adult Kalaidian,” she answered as she gazed at the stone.

He slid forward, kneeling next to the heated stone. “I have a strange question for you.”

She looked up. “What would that be?”

“When I carried you in here I noticed I could see in pitch black. I’ve never been able to do that before.”

“Remember when Celi ordered the arm to inject you with nanomachines?”

“Yeah,” Brian said.

“Well, nanomachines do more than simply act as universal translators. They enhance a being’s whole system. Your immune system, vision, hearing; all your natural senses are enhanced.”

“Does everyone have the same kind of enhancements?”

She nodded. “Yes. It’s normal for those living within Confederation territory to have nanomachine enhancement shortly after birth.”

“Nanomachines, such technology may only be a few decades away for humans. I wonder what everyone will think when I return.”

Seles shook her head. “You can’t return to Earth.”

“Why can’t I go back?” he asked. “It’s not like I have a place to go.”

“The Confederation has laws against visiting undeveloped worlds. This law extends to all member races. Because you’re enhanced by nanomachines there’s no way they’d let you go back now.”

Chapter 5  Trust

Brian stared at the heated stone in a trance. The cold had left the room long ago, but now an uncomfortable silence replaced it. Seles could see uncertainty in his eyes.

“What do you plan to do?” she asked.

He snapped out of his daze, blinking and taking a deep breath. “I’m not sure. If I can’t go home, then where can I go?”

“Why not stay on the Avoni? I’m sure Valis would let you to join us.”

“I don’t know, I really don’t know. I’m an outsider with no understanding of this world. Before a few days ago, I could only dream of aliens. Now, I’m sitting here with one.” He shook his head, doubts filling his thoughts. “I’m having a hard time believing this real.”

She moved next to him. “You’ll adapt.”

Brian smiled. “Maybe you’re right. When I think about home, I think about how I never really fit in.” He paused in thought. “But still, those I loved and knew will never know what happened to me. I vanished without a trace. I can write off becoming an author.”

“You were working on becoming a story teller?” she asked.

“Yeah, I guess you could say that. If I live long enough I might be able to tell my story. But, I don’t think Earth will advance fast enough. I’ll be long dead of age before anyone leaves the solar system.”

“That’s not true,” she said, shaking her head. “Nanomachines extend a being’s lifespan by four times on average. You may live long enough to tell your story.”

“Are you telling me I could live for over four hundred years?” Brian asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Yes, barring a violent death,” she answered.

“That’s interesting to hear,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “Tomorrow I’d like to learn more about your technology and language.”

“Do you mind if I sleep next to you Brian? I don’t want to get cold again.”

“Don’t worry about it Seles.”

*

“So, your projectile weapons use energy bullets rather than lasers?” Brian asked.

Seles held her pulse rifle and showed its functions to Brian. “Lasers use an immense amount of power, so Kalaidian scientists thought it prudent to use pulse weapons instead. Most Confederation races use similar technology.”

“That makes sense.” He looked at the hand scanner and chuckled. “What’s odd is your people’s language looks so similar to ours.”

She took the hand scanner, “How so?”

“Well, from what you’ve taught me, the Kalaidian alphabet has twenty four letters. It even looks a lot like ancient Greek.”

She shrugged. “The reason our languages look the same is because there are only so many ways to express words. It’s nothing unusual at all.”

“That answers one question. By the way, how many races are in the Confederation?”

“As of less than one standard year ago there are twenty six member races of the Galactic Confederation. There are innumerable species like yours, so the number will grow in the next few centuries. The only known advanced race not a member is the Greys.”

“Even you call them that. Who are they? Do they have a proper name?” he asked.

She put down the scanner. “From what I know, the Greys were the first race in our galaxy to achieve interstellar travel. They’ve existed since the beginning of recorded time. They’ve visited all the races we know of and have gathered their genetics and technology. They don’t contact other races and attack without provocation.”

“Aren’t your people advanced enough to fight them? Why wouldn’t the Confederation fight them now?”

“It’s not like they don’t want to fight, it’s just the Confederation is a loose governing body with little real power. What they fear the most is the Terran desire to conquer, but some see Terra Prime as the only people who can unite us.”

“Unite? My people can’t even unite themselves.” Brian offered the pulse rifle back to her. She switched it for the scanner.

“The Greys control an area roughly equivalent to the Confederation,” she said as she changed the pulse rifle’s setting. “It’s unknown how many ships or species they control. All we know is that any ship entering their territory never comes back.”

“If they’re so powerful, why haven’t they attacked yet?” he asked.

“The Original Five species,” Seles answered as she checked the sights on the pulse rifle. “As long as the Original Five exist the Greys will have a difficult time conquering the Confederation.”

“Who are the Original Five?”

“They were the first races to travel space other than the Greys. Of them, the most powerful are the Mylor. Since theyre well over two thousand years old, the Original Five are far more advanced than the younger races, like Kalaidia, Shandi, and Malcov. It’s only because of them the Greys don’t attack.”

“If they’re so powerful, why don’t they take out the Greys?”

“Because as advanced as their technology is all of them are dying races. Even with their technological and military might the Mylor are fading away. Although the older races refuse to speak of it, we have evidence their populations are steadily decreasing every century.” She put down the pulse rifle and checked the emergency supplies.

“Why? If they’re so advanced, how come they’re dying out?”

“No one knows for sure.” Seles paused. “Maybe their kind and my people have more in common than they admit.”

“You mean how your people have no males?” He turned on the scanner and showed Seles the information on Kalaidian history.

“Yes. In the blink of five years my people lost half their population. Even using advanced artificial breeding technologies, Kalaidia’s population continues shrinking every year.” Seles went silent, deep in thought.

He handed the scanner back to her. “Let’s focus on what need to do. You’re going to have to show me how send a message from the shuttle.”

She nodded, passing through a number of screens on the device. “This is the console you’ll need to use.”

He sat close. “Okay, what do I do once I’m there?”

Seles pointed at a series of buttons. “Remember this order. It activates the emergency beacon. Afterwards speak into the panel and press this button.”

He watched her go through the sequence. “Yeah, it looks pretty simple. Do you mind if I practice before trying it for real?”

Seles handed the scanner to Brian. “You’re adjusting pretty quickly. I don’t think you’ll have a hard time finding a role on the Avoni.”

“That’s not the issue Seles. From what you’ve told me humans are feared universally.”

“Yes, that’s the general perception,” Seles said.

“I feel I might be thought of as a freak show rather than an intelligent being,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.

“I wouldn’t worry about it. On the Avoni you may be different, but once you show them how useful you are you’ll fit in just fine.”

“What kind of vessel is the Avoni?”

She leaned back and relaxed against the wall. “The Avoni is a privately owned vessel captained by Valis Kein. She was once a prominent military commander on Kalaidia, but disagreements with the upper command turned Valis and her crew rogue. I joined only a few years ago when I escaped from the home world.”

“What kind disagreements?” he asked.

“About five years ago, an event we call the Great Upheaval occurred. At the time, about one third of the Kalaidian Star Forces split with their rulers, as well as the second most powerful noble family of Kalaidia, the Kein family. Since that time, most of those who rebelled have taken to mercenary work and piracy to fill their coffers,” she said.

“What kind of captain is Valis?”

“She’s brilliant but reckless. She was the youngest Kalaidian to ever achieve the rank of captain at the age of 19. Her fame was won during the last war my people had with the Shandi, which ended eight years ago. Valis also has an eye for talent so her crew is the best. Since the Avoni isn’t run by the military anymore, I’m sure you can join up like I did.”

“I’ll consider the offer when the time comes,” he said. “As for now, I need memorize the sequence you just showed me.”

*

“I’ll be back as soon as I can Seles,” Brian said, throwing the thermal cloak on as he headed for the entrance.

Seles stood next to the glowing stone. “Are you sure you can handle this on your own? I’ve only taught you the basics, and that’s not much.”

He smiled. “I can read enough of your language to figure out the emergency beacon. Hopefully your ship comes and picks us up.”

Brian walked outside and pulled the thermal cloak tight. On his belt was the rakna blade, in his hand the scanner they brought with them when they crashed. It was day outside, with the sun shining dimly. Filling the crimson red sky was a gas giant covered with blue and grey bands. The land was covered in snow and ice, with only a few mountains showing through. He turned on the scanner and found the signal for the shuttle. He walked at a hurried pace for twenty minutes to find the shuttle lodged in ice, partially covered with fresh snow. After a few minutes of scraping, he found his way back into the shuttle. Not much had changed from the day before, save for the icy interior and a small amount of snow. Brian went to the front and looked over the main control panel. Reading the letters as best he could, he pressed a few buttons. A second later the panels flashed on. Looking around, he found a button under the front seat and pressed it. On the front panel an empty screen appeared, then flashed Ready in Kalaidian. He touched the screen.

“This is Brian of the independent Kalaidian vessel Avoni. I’m stranded with Ensign Seles. Artic conditions, breathable atmosphere and limited supplies. No medical emergencies. Immediate rescue requested.” He pressed the screen again and sent the message.

*

I hope everything went well. Seles thought to herself, still sitting close to the glowing rock. She stood up, pulled the thermal cloak tight, and headed for the entrance. It was clouding over rapidly outside as the darkness of night came closer. She gazed at the horizon, seeing nothing but snow and ice. From behind, a hissing noise started. She turned around and drew the rifle from her back. The hiss came from the second corridor, far down the unexplored tunnel. It was close. Steam started filling the air. She felt heat coming from down the tunnel. Curiosity and warmth drew her towards the source. After walking for a few minutes, she came into a large chamber filled with steam. The hissing originated from an opening in the side of the cavern. Steaming water was pouring all over the floor. She moved closer and sniffed the air. The hot water was forming a large pool. She pulled back her sleeve and used the wrist scanner to check the liquid. Seles touched it with her finger. She stood up and paced the room. The center was bowl shaped, collecting the hot water. Seles gazed at the steaming water. It looks safe. It’s been only two days since I last took a bath, but it feels like forever. She thought as she undressed and stepped into the pool. She sat in the hot water, feeling relaxed. This feels great. I’m sure Brian would really enjoy this.

*

Night was falling, and with it came the cold and a blizzard. Brian checked the scanner, seeing the cave was a few hundred feet from his position. I want to get back inside and warm up. I hope Seles is doing okay. He thought as he approached the entrance. He headed into the cave and felt the temperature shift. Where did all this heat and humidity come from? Brian went to the room he and Seles stayed in the night prior. It was empty, save for the dim rock in the center of the room.

“Are you in here, Seles?” he asked. He waited for a moment, only hearing silence.

Brian turned and headed back to the split. He felt hot air coming from down the hallway. He walked down the corridor. After a few minutes he came into a large chamber filled with steam. He blinked a few times before his vision cleared. After a moment, he saw a large pool in the center of the room with someone in the water.

“Is that you Seles?” Brian asked.

“Yes, it’s me. The water is perfect, why don’t you join me?” she said, standing up.

He blushed and turned away. “I think

I’ll go in later by myself.”

She sat down. “I’m going to enjoy this for a bit longer. By the way, did you send the signal?”

He turned around and stared at the wall. “I did everything you told me to. Also, it looks like we can fix the shuttle. At least we can get off this frozen rock.”

Seles stared at the ceiling. “What if the Avoni was destroyed?”

“Believe in your captain. If she’s as brilliant as you say, then Valis will find a way to survive,” he said as he sat down with his back to her.

Chapter 6  Questions

“Captain, we’re receiving a message from one of our emergency beacons,” Daes said, looking up from her console on the bridge.

Valis stood up and looked back at Daes. “Where’s the message coming from?”

“It’s originating from one of the moons of this gas giant.” Daes highlighted the planet and moon on the main monitor. “There’s an audio message as well.”

“Play it for us,” Valis said.

“Sure,” Daes answered, playing the message.

“This is Brian of the independent Kalaidian vessel Avoni. I’m stranded with Ensign Seles. Artic conditions, breathable atmosphere and limited supplies. No medical emergencies. Immediate rescue requested.”

There was a moment of silence. “Who is this Brian?” Valis asked. Celi laughed quietly in the corner. Valis turned to her. “Am I missing something Celi?”

“No, it’s just I know who Brian is and why he’s stranded with Seles,” Celi answered.

“Who is it?” Kivi asked.

Celi walked to the front of the bridge. “Brian is the alien we recovered from the Grey ship before it was destroyed. I don’t know what species he belongs to, but it’s very similar to ours, physically and genetically. I have all the data from when I scanned him earlier. I’ll put it up on the monitor if you want captain.”

Valis turned back to Daes. “Make a note of the emergency beacon and give this message in return: Avoni has suffered severe damage, can’t rescue for eleven days. Please respond as soon as possible on situation.”

Daes recorded the message and sent it out. Celi walked over to Daes and handed a small crystal to her. “This data crystal has all the information on the alien.”

Daes placed the crystal in a slot on the console. Brian’s image appeared on the monitor. “As you can see, the alien looks very much like one of us. But, there are fundamental differences between us,” Celi explained.

“Are you sure he isn’t a deformed Kalaidian?” Valis asked.

Celi shook her head. “No, the genetics don’t match. He’s similar, but definitely originates from a different planet.”

“If he’s not Kalaidian, then where’s he from?” Valis asked.

Celi pointed at the monitor. “From what I can deduce, his species evolved in marginally heavier gravity than ours and displays high warm blooded features. From the skin pigmentation and body hair, I suspect his home world has a cooler climate than Kalaidia.”

“How dangerous is this alien?” Kivi asked.

Celi turned to the image on the screen. “Even before I injected him with nanomachines, he was dangerous. He killed the entire crew of a Grey ship. But, from what I saw earlier, and the message he sent, I don’t believe we anything to worry about.”

“What do you base this belief on?” Valis asked.

“If he comes from a species new to interstellar travel, he’d find it easier to relate to a species similar to his own.” Celi looked at the picture again. “Also, I got the feeling I could trust him by the look in his eyes. His reaction wasn’t violent. He seemed genuinely thankful to see us, not afraid or angry.” Celi giggled. “Actually, he seemed quite clueless as to his situation, and the look on his face when we tried to speak to him the first time was hilarious. The only thing I suspect Seles will have to worry about is answering a thousand questions.”

“Let’s hope so.” Valis looked at Kivi. “I have some business to attend to. Kivi, please take over for me.” She left on the elevator.

Kivi took her place at the captains’ chair. She looked at the screen with Brian on it. “Is it just me Celi, or do the rest of you find this alien

attractive?”

The others on the bridge blushed and turned away. Celi turned to Kivi. “That’s one way to put it Kivi. Given we have no males amongst us, it’s only natural we’d see this alien as attractive. Even a hundred and fifty years can’t deny our natural instinct in finding males attractive.” Celi went to Daes. “I’d like your help studying this alien in the lab.”

“I’d love to,” Daes said. “Is that alright?”

“It’s prudent we have as much information on this alien as possible. So go ahead,” Kivi said.

*

Valis entered her quarters and immediately headed for a side room. Inside, an extensive library of large books lined the walls. It must be here somewhere. She thought to herself. She scanned the shelves, taking an old, large tome from the shelf. I’m sure it’s in the Sixth Book of Kali, Chapter 16. She opened the book on the metal desk. She paged through the tome until she found the passage she sought:

On the seventh day of the third month, a stranger appeared from the sky. He rode upon a ship of light and came to us with open arms. The stranger looked of our own but taller with round ears. He spoke of peace and unity and told us one day he would return.

She looked at the monitor on the wall. “Please display all information on the alien.”

The computer displayed numerous measurements alongside his picture. Valis read further along in the text:

The stranger stood a head taller than us with long black hair. He had hair on his face and eyes of a foreign brown color. He was a giant to behold with a kind heart to match his size.

She looked up at the image. This one has long brown hair, blue green eyes, and pale skin. I don’t see hair on his face, though the size is similar. Valis turned the page a few times, reading more:

On the twenty first day of the eighth month, the stranger stood upon his ship of light. He told us one day he would return for our help. The stranger told us of a great evil walking above the clouds, an evil he alone could not defeat. And so, he spoke these words before leaving us: “One day many years from now, your race will ride upon the sky as I do. A great battle will fill the skies, and evil shall rain down to your world. On that day, I shall return to help you as I have done, and in return you shall help me

” And so, the stranger left on his ship of light, never to be seen again.

She walked up to the monitor. He may not look the same as the description of the stranger, but there’s something about this Brian.

“Are you the Herald?” Valis asked. “Is the great evil written in the book of Kali near?”

*

Daes and Celi entered the infirmary, a large, long room filled with raised beds. On the far side a number of surgical rooms and labs were positioned. A few of the beds had Kalaidians in them, the injured from the recent battle. Daes and Celi headed into the largest lab. It was filled with computers and chemicals. Celi turned on the monitors to display the data on Brian.

“I know I asked for your help, but biology isn’t a topic you usually look this excited for?” Celi asked.

“True, but this alien is to ours genetically, and male. I’m sure you want him for more than just another specimen to observe,” Daes answered.

Celi nodded. “His species is remarkably close to ours genetically.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I need more detailed genetic information before making a decision on what to do next,” Celi said. “But, at least we can check and see if his chromosomes are different like our males once were.”

“Then let’s get started,” Daes said.

*

Valis closed a different tome after reading it. That may explain it. She thought, looking at the underside of her left wrist. She stood and turned the monitor back on, remembering what she had just read: When darkness comes, the Warrior will appear. With the Five Maidens and the Three Wisemen, the Warrior will vanquish the darkness, bringing light to Alden. Valis brushed the image of Brian’s face and then looked at the mark on her wrist. I carry the mark of the Maiden of the Wisdom. I didn’t think I would be the one to play the role.

Chapter 7  Stories from Home

This feels great. Brian thought to himself as he washed away the stench and filth he’d gathered since the abduction. Sitting in the hot spring, he glanced at Seles, who was sleeping quietly. He enjoyed the heat and water for a while longer before getting out and moving behind a few large rocks to see if his clothes had dried yet. Before putting them back on he smelled them. He grabbed the hand scanner and pressed in a few commands.

“What’re you doing?” Seles asked as she sat up and yawned.

“When I was outside yesterday I had the scanner check weather patterns for the next few days. The analysis should be done.” He showed her the data. “I can tell by the frown on your face you don’t like the cold temperatures very much. At least for the next few days it should be clear and sunny.”

“I feel so useless in the cold,” she said.

“Then let’s make sure we’re careful. I’m only useful because of what you’ve taught me Seles. Being able to do things in the cold doesn’t help when it comes to starving to death or going insane.”

Seles smiled. “Alright, I’m not useless, just limited.”

“Exactly, I need you as much as you need me.” Brian looked into her eyes. “Six days ago I was worrying about my future. Now I’m stranded on an alien world with an alien girl. The last thing I want to do is be sad about it.”

Seles hugged him. He sat rigid with a red face. “Thanks for saving me.”

“Don’t worry about it; I’m sure you would have done the same for me.”

She looked up. “You smell better. I didn’t want to say anything earlier, but you smelled pretty bad.”

Brian smiled stupidly. “I took a bath a moment ago.”

“What should we do next?” Seles asked as she stood up and stretched.

“I was going to ask you the same question,” he answered. “I’m picking up on your technology quickly, but I’m going to need help repairing the shuttle.”

She picked up the scanner. “You’re right about the weather. We should head to the shuttle later in the day and start repairs. With any luck, there’ll be a response from the Avoni.”

*

“This isn’t much different from a day in December back home,” Brian commented as the pair trudged through the snow. The air was warmer, with dim sunlight revealing the landscape. Above in the sky loomed the gas giant.

“Your people haven’t left Terra Prime yet, have they?” Seles asked.

“We have left Earth, though only briefly. About forty years ago we landed a small number of men on the moon circling our world. The Apollo missions were the one of our greatest achievements, though the desire to go into space has died down over the years.”

“What about unmanned probes, certainly your people have used those to explore?”

“Yes, we do have such devices to explore our solar system, but nothing as grand as your technology,” he said. Seles checked their position and looked to the sky.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” she said as they started walking again.

“What is it?”

“What’s like having both sexes in your world?”

He laughed. “I don’t think I can give you an easy answer. Maybe if I understood more about your people I could say more. Could you tell me how are your people born? How are you raised?”

“Alright,” she said, thinking for a moment. “Kalaidians are born in birthing facilities. At birth, each child has a sample of their DNA taken and spliced with another set of DNA, creating a new child. Most children are assigned a caste at birth. The only exceptions are those from the noble families.”

“Are telling me an advanced society like yours uses such an old system?”

She nodded. “Yes, your future is determined at birth. The noble families hold dominion over all aspects of our society, as written in the books of Kali.”

“Is that your system of law or something?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, the Books of Kali are religious texts from ancient times. Everything written in the books are law. Kali is the goddess who gave birth to us, and her words are law. But, there are a few of us who don’t care for the system. That’s why Valis and many others rebelled five years ago.”

“Are your people the only ones with a government like that?”

“No, most have a system based on caste or control,” Seles answered.

“What of freedom? Don’t you have basic rights protecting you from your government?” he asked.

“Freedom is a dangerous concept for those in power. As for individual rights, those are nonexistent. But recently, more and more revolts are occurring. Those in power are beginning to fear the drive for freedom will spread chaos.”

He smiled. “Then let it spread like wildfire. Only through chaos can change occur, and through change one finds freedom.”

“You sound like a mad philosopher. Few speak of freedom and change so easily,” Seles said.

“Not really Seles, it’s just where I come from. The nation I come from called is the United States. We fought for democracy over two hundred years ago. We pride ourselves on freedom, even if reality dictates differently. Our system is imperfect, but at least we’re trying.”

“It’s strange Brian. You speak of how advanced my people are, but the words you speak are those of a very advanced race. I wonder what lessons Kalaidians could learn from you,” she said as they came upon the shuttle. Seles headed inside and turned the computer systems on. Brian began assessing the damage.

“It looks like the message you sent a few days ago got through,” Seles said as she worked at the front console.

“That’s good to hear. What does the response say?”

She played the audio message: “Avoni has suffered severe damage, can’t rescue for eleven days. Please respond as soon as possible on situation.”

“That’s Daes!” Seles smiled and then sighed with relief. “It’s good to hear a response.”

“They must have taken a lot of damage to need eleven days,” Brian said, continuing with his work.

“Let’s get started. We have everything we need to do on the monitor. I’ll show you how to work the engine and tools.”

“Let’s get to it,” he said.

Chapter 8  Rebirth

“Is something wrong?” Seles asked. “You’ve been pacing for hours.”

Brian turned with a rushed look on his face. “I just can’t sleep. It’s like everything I was taught earlier in life is coming back to me. I want to learn more of your people’s history and language.”

“It’s the nanomachines,” she said, taking out the scanner and sweeping it over his body. “They can boost your memory and intelligence.” She looked at the readings.

“It’s really strange. My memories have always been photographic, but this is absurd. I’m remembering math equations from junior high, and that was almost ten years ago,” Brian said.

The readings on the scanner showed his body was raging out of control. “Are the nanomachines affecting your emotions as well?” she asked.

He continued pacing back and forth. “I’m so full of energy. My mind’s racing at the speed of light. My emotions are the same. I’m having difficulty with the shifts. One minute I’m happy as can be, the next I’m ready to fall over crying. Is this normal for a person when they receive nanomachines?”

She took his hand. “Normally, one undergoes the treatment when they’re an infant or larvae. You’re a rare exception. It’s been found adults have a harder time integrating the machines into their system.” Seles paused. “It shouldn’t take more than a few more days. Brian, you’ll be alright.”

He grasped her hand before pulling away. “I hope you’re right Seles, I’m not having fun with this.” He looked down, seeing the rakna blade on his belt. Unsheathing it, he gazed at the blade intently. “I’m going outside to practice. There’s no way I can sleep right now.”

He headed for the entrance. As he went down the cavern leading outside the cold air touched him. He saw nothing but stars in the sky. Nothing looks the same here. None of the constellations match what I remember. He thought as he looked at the sky. He took the blade and stood ready to spar, like he did at home to keep himself in shape for the last few years. He began swinging the blade about, searching for the balance of the strange sword. After a half an hour, Brian placed the rakna blade inside the entrance of the cave. He stretched, feeling the cold wind blow against his skin. He started running and went until he felt exhausted. He fell into the snow and made a couple of snow angels, laughing at the stars above. Lying in the snow he reached towards the heavens with his right hand, deep in thought. This is reality. I’m stranded on an ice covered moon in an unknown solar system. I can’t go back to Earth. What should I do? Sighing, he lowered his arm and closed his eyes. Goodbye my friends. Goodbye Layla. He thought as he stood up. He looked around and saw the cave in the distance. He walked back in silence, wondering what the future held.

*

Seles stood at the edge of the cave wrapped in her cloak. She looked outside to see what Brian was doing. He held the rakna blade, took a stance, and began sparring with the air. I wish there was something I could do to help him. She thought as she watched him. I can’t imagine what he’s going through right now. I’ve heard horror stories about Terrans my whole life, but out there in the cold is a very vulnerable being. He’s been kind to me. She turned and walked back to the hot spring. Once there, she went over to the scanner and checked the logs. He’s interested in the plague. She put the scanner down and curled up. He’s so warm. I like sleeping next to him. Is it because he resembles a male of my species? Or is it something else? Seles lied on the ground blushing and confused.

*

Brian headed into the cave holding the rakna blade, looking tired, but better. He walked in and sat down next to Seles.

“It’s good you came back, I was getting worried,” said Seles as she sat up with sleepy eyes.

“I needed to think things over. I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s only been five days since this started. I needed to take it all in Seles,” he said.

“Im glad youre feeling better,” she said, gazing into his tired eyes. She blushed and turned away. “By the way, I noticed that you were reading about Kalaidian psychology and physiology. Is there a reason you’re so interested in that?”

“I didn’t realize our races were so close genetically, save size and how warm blooded we are. What’s concerning to me is I can’t find any pictures of male Kalaidians,” he said as he searched for the information on the scanner.

“All records of male Kalaidians were destroyed a hundred and forty years ago by the order of the Queen and eleven noble houses. All we have are their military records, technology, and of course, rakna blades,” she explained.

“So, you’ve never seen a picture of a Kalaidian male?” he asked.

Seles shook her head. “No. No one has for over a hundred and forty years. You’re the closest thing to a Kalaidian male my kind has ever seen.”

She crept closer and looked at his face. “Is there something wrong with your face?”

“Not that I know of,” he rubbed his face and laughed, “I haven’t shaved in a while, so this was bound to happen.”

“What’s that dark stuff on your face?” she asked.

“It’s called facial hair. It’s normal for a male human to grow it. I was clean shaven when I was taken and haven’t had the time or blade to fix the problem,” he said.

“Can I touch it?”

“Sure, I don’t mind.”

She put her hand on his face and felt its coarse texture. “It’s rougher than your other hair.” She lean back and rested against a rock. “I was wondering if you’re considered attractive for one of your race.”

He laughed. “Not especially. I’m about average. But I can’t be too sure. I was never a ladies man back on Earth. I’m shy, a little bit of a loner and never had much of a way with women.”

“Is that because you are Callun dayma?” she asked.

“I have no idea of Callun dayma is,” he said. “Could you translate that into a simpler form?”

“Callun dayma is what we call Kalaidians who fall in love. It’s a term roughly translating to lovers of the same.”

“Oh, I get it. No, I’m attracted to females, not other males,” Brian said.

Seles looked inquisitive. “Is Callun dayma practiced among your species?”

He thought before speaking. “Yes, homosexuality is normal amongst my people. It’s been ridiculed and persecuted for ages, but it’s a well-established lifestyle for humans. Is it normal amongst your people?”

She nodded. “Callun dayma is the ideal life for Kalaidians. Not all of us are attracted to females, but it’s said once you find your soul mate it’s the most beautiful thing you’ll ever experience.”

“Well, that answers a few questions. I know this may seem forward, but what about sexuality and procreation?” he asked.

She blushed, lost in thought for a moment. “Um

fetuses are born in birthing facilities. Sexuality is

something each Kalaidian must learn on her own.”

He laughed. “Really, they don’t teach you anything at all about sex, do they?”

“What’s so funny Brian? Are my people’s practices so strange you would mock them with laughter?”

He stopped laughing. “You probably don’t know this, but sex is all a man can think about. I’m dirty minded like most and trying to make light of the situation. Why do you think I’m so interested in your people’s physiology?”

Seles looked a little concerned. “What do you mean?”

He smiled. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to try to do anything to you. Anyways, you look too much like an innocent little girl to me.”

“I am not a little girl. I’m eighteen,” Seles said, appearing put off.

“I know, but size does make a difference. I’m a giant compared you. Your height is your age to my human eyes.” he shrugged. “I’m sure that will change with time.”

“Am I attractive to you?” she asked as she leaned forward, blushing.

“Yes, you’re very beautiful. But you still look small when I’m next to you. Saying that, you dont look much different than a short human woman,” he answered, feeling embarrassed.

She hugged him. “It feels so natural to do this when I’m near you. I don’t know why.”

Brian turned red again. “I know why Seles. A hundred and fifty years can’t erase what millions of years of evolution makes.”

Chapter 9  Good News, Bad News

“What’s the situation?” Valis asked as she entered the bridge.

“We’re picking up a Malcovin warship headed for the moon Seles and Brian are stranded on. They must have picked up the emergency beacon,” Zae said as Valis took her seat.

“Send an encoded message to Seles and warn her of the incoming vessel,” Valis ordered.

Zae input the message and sent it. Kivi turned to Valis. “Do you think they know who she is?”

“We have to assume as much by their speed.” Valis turned to Zae. “How close are we to being able to do anything?”

Zae turned to her console. “The repairs are at about 75%. The gravity drive is still out of commission. We have 90% of weapon use and full pulse cannon capability. Our magnetic shields are only at 60%.”

“Zae, what are our chances if we enter combat against the Malcovin ship?” Valis asked.

“42%. That’s assuming the Malcovin ship is a fully loaded and undamaged Geld class ship,” Zae answered.

Valis looked at the monitor next to her intently. “Daes, can you put the image of the Malcovin vessel on the main monitor?”

“Yes captain.” The image of the Malcovin ship appeared.

Valis began running battle simulations at her chair. “Daes, I want you to scan them thoroughly. I’d like to improve our chance of victory if possible. Baed, chart the fastest route through normal space and get us to the moon as quickly as possible.”

“Yes captain,” Baed said.

*

Brian awoke and saw Seles preparing breakfast. She’d removed more of the equipment from the emergency supplies and sat next to the water with what looked like a covered frying pan

“What are you making?” he asked as he sat up.

“It’s a vegetable stir fry from the emergency kit. I thought this would taste a lot better than standard rations.” Seles opened the lid for a moment to look inside. Some steam came out and the smell of vegetables filled the air. “It looks like it will be done in a few more minutes. I’m just going to leave it here next to the water.” She placed the pan on a stone beside the water.

Brian sniffed the air. “It smells pretty good, but I wish your people had something like a burger, or even a pizza.”

“What’s that?” she asked.

“A burger is basically a piece of ground meat, usually from cow. You mash it together and fry it on a pan like the one you’re using. After it’s cooked, you eat it by itself, or on a couple of pieces of bread.”

“Your people eat meat?” she asked with disgust.

“You’re looking at me is like I just said something awful. What’s your definition of meat?”

“The only creatures large enough for meat on Kalaidia are rodents or large insects. To us it’s disgusting to eat such food,” she said.

He shook his head. “Meat on Earth comes from large land mammals and fish, not rodents or insects. A cow is a large furry creature that eats grass.”

She made a face and shook her head. “I still think it’s disgusting to eat meat. Kalaidians are vegetarians. We’ve never had such land creatures to feed on. We used to eat fish and birds, but it isn’t done anymore. My people nearly fished the oceans clean and barely stopping before it was too late. Unfortunately, I cant say the same for most birds on Kalaidia, theyre almost extinct these days.” A beeping noise came from the pan. “Breakfast is served,” she said as she opened the lid and placed an equal amount on two metal plates.

*

An hour passed as Brian and Seles readied for another day of repair work. As they left the cave they noticed storm clouds rolling in.

Brian pointed to the sky. “I suggest we get as much work done as we can and leave early so we don’t get stuck in a blizzard.”

“You can tell how bad it’s going to get, right?” Seles asked.

“A little bit. Any sign we could get stuck and I’m getting us out of there,” he said.

After a long walk the two came upon the shuttle, still stuck in the ice. Both went inside.

“Looks like the Avoni sent us another message Brian,” Seles said as she went to the console. “Strange, looks like the message is encoded.”

Daes’s voice relayed the message: “A Malcovin Geld class ship is headed to your location. We assume they intend to capture you. You’re advised to escape as soon as possible. The Avoni is headed to your position.”

Seles looked really worried. He walked over. “What are Malcovin and why would they be so interested in us?”

She sighed before calling up the information encoded with the audio file. It displayed the position of the Avoni, the Malcovin ship, and the moon they were stuck on. “The Malcovin evolved from large land based birds. They’re a race of mercenaries and pirates who hire themselves out to the highest bidder. They must have intercepted our transmission to the Avoni.”

“That answers my first question Seles. Do you know why they would be so interested in us?” he asked.

She looked him in the eye. “You used my name when you activated the emergency beacon, right?”

“Yeah, was I wrong to do so?”

“It’s not your fault Brian,” she said, pausing. “I was trying to keep this from you, but I guess it’s time I tell you all about my past.”

“I’m listening.”

“My full name is Seles Daevon, of the Daevon royal family. I escaped from the life of nobility almost two years ago with my cousin Baed, who serves as the navigator for the Avoni. I’m the crown princess of Kalaidia Prime and stand to inherit the throne.”

He stood silent for a moment before laughing in disbelief. “Are you serious?”

She sighed again. “Unfortunately, yes, I’m serious.”

He saw fear in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I can guess the reason why you wouldn’t broadcast such a thing.”

“I don’t like telling others because they treat me differently. Baed was the only friend I had until I went to the Avoni. The life of a noble doesn’t allow for such things. Even now, the crew still treats me differently.”

Brian put his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry Seles; I won’t treat you any different. From the world I come from we’re taught everyone is equal. Earth’s not perfect, but I like to think everyone born there has a chance. Your title means nothing to me Seles,” he said, smiling.

She touched his hand, smiling in return. “Thank you.”

“So what’s the plan?” he asked.

“The Malcovin are looking to cash in by capturing and returning me to Kalaidia Prime.”

“I won’t let them Seles. Even if all I have are my fists and resolve, I’ll take care of you,” he boasted.

“Are you sure? The Malcovin are trained mercenaries. Have you ever been in combat?”

He thought for moment before answering. “No. But I’m a fast learner. Also, I’m good at moving around in this terrain.”

“You’re going to need a lot more than that to survive.” Seles started searching the shuttle. “There should be three pulse grenades in here. We don’t have a lot of fire power, but at least we can use a few more weapons.” She found the three pulse grenades.

He shook his head in defeat. “I’ll get to work on the repairs outside.”

*

The two worked feverishly for six hours. Brian looked up at the dark and cloudy sky as snow fell. He pulled the thermal cloak tight and went inside the shuttle.

“The weather’s getting bad. We should get going,” he said.

“From what I can tell, it’s going to take us a few more days to finish repairs,” Seles said as they left the shuttle headed back to the cave.

“Seles, I need you to teach me how to fight,” he said. “You’re a trained pilot and I know nothing. So please, help me so I can help you.”

Seles nodded. “I’ll start training you once we’re back in the cave. Given we only have one pulse rifle, a rakna blade, and three pulse grenades, we don’t have much to work with.”

“I’ll use the rakna blade; you keep the pulse rifle and grenades,” he said as they walked in the snow.

Chapter 10  Battle Plan

Valis, Kivi, and Zae stood in the Avoni’s tactical room. At the center of the room was a large table covered in buttons with a pair of consoles at opposing ends. The ceiling was a large dome window that showed the stars outside. After Zae pressed a few buttons, a holographic copy of the Malcovin ship appeared above the center table. The ship was shaped like a massive cube with flattened corners. Valis stood silently and looked over the image.

“Zae, you’ve done a detailed scan, right?” Valis asked.

Zae turned to one of the consoles. “Yes. And I’ve found a few things that would interest you.”

“Like what?” Kivi inquired.

Zae pointed to the image. “It appears their ship has taken light damage, and it also appears their gravity drive is out of commission. If you look here,” Zae zoomed in on the aft of the holographic ship, “You’ll notice a docking bay is sealed off. In their current situation they could launch only eight Claws.”

“That’s good news for us,” Valis said. “We can launch all forty four Novas if needed.”

Zae input the data into the computer. “Our chance of victory improves to 68%.”

Valis grinned. “I much prefer our chances now. How long will it be until we reach the moon?”

“Three days,” Zae said.

*

Brian sat with the scanner and studied. Seles paced around the room with the pulse rifle on her back and checked the walls of the cave. He was transfixed as he read everything he could on the Malcovin species.

“The funny thing is the average Malcovin looks like a crow. The only difference is size and being bipedal,” Brian said. He rubbed his eyes and put the scanner down.

She finished pacing and turned to him. “On Kalaidia there’s a black feathered bird we call Jaedis that also looks a lot like them. Do you think you know enough now?”

He stood up and stretched. “Basically, don’t let them surround us on the ground. What I find strange is their females aren’t allowed to travel.”

“That’s because the Malcovin are fiercely patriarchal. They value their females only for procreation and teaching, and little else,” she said.

“But your own people held such views about men until only a few centuries ago, right?” he asked.

“True, until my grandmother’s time,” Seles said. “But, enough of this subject. Let’s focus on the challenge right in front of us.”

“Alright,” he took a pulse grenade and showed it to Seles. “How do I use these?”

She took the grenade from him. “This is how you activate it,” she said, miming the buttons and sequence used to activate the weapon.

“How long is the delay?” he asked.

“Five seconds,” she said as she handed the grenade back to him. She took the pulse rifle from her back and placed it on the floor. “Tell me Brian, do you have any martial arts training?”

“No,” he said, putting the grenade down.

She sighed. “If only we had more time. Well, we must do with what we’ve got.” Seles rolled around him and jumped onto his back. He tried prying her off.

“What the hell are you doing!?”

“Training you,” she said as she locked his legs with hers and pinned his arms. He struggled to get her off. “If you don’t figure it out soon I’ll pin you for good.”

He struggled for a few minutes before laughing. “You’ve got me Seles.” He looked at how she was contorted on his back. “Are you double jointed?”

She twisted herself off of him. “Of course, all Kalaidians are.”

“Well, just so you not all humans are,” he said, shaking his head.

“That’s going to make things tricky,” she said. “I guess if grappling won’t work, then I can show you a few strikes and blocks.”

“How is this going to help against pulse rifles?” he asked.

She rolled her eyes with impatience. “Your reflexes are slow, you have no combat training, and of course, no combat experience. One needs to know the basics if they hope to learn the advanced.”

“Alright Seles, you win. We’ll do this your way.”

*

“What kind of weapons do they use?” Brian asked as he chewed on a ration.

Seles was eating with him. “Their technology is similar to ours. Since these Malcovin are mercenaries, they probably use pulse rifles and wear shielding armor. Their commanders use a spear with similar properties to a rakna blade. I think it’s called a Keiker pike.”

“How effective is their shielding armor?”

She finished eating. “It’s effective against my pulse rifle. That’s why our strategy focuses on the rakna blade and pulse grenades.”

“I’d prefer flying away safely without having to fight,” he said after finishing his meal.

“I agree.” Seles picked up the scanner and checked the weather. “But at the rate we’re going we’ll never finish repairs in time.”

He put his thermal cloak on. “I’ll work on the shuttle right now. I know the weather’s bad, but I have to at least try.”

“Are you sure you can do it alone?” she asked.

He looked her in the eye and nodded. “Don’t worry; I’ve learned a lot in the last few days.” He took the scanner and put the rakna blade on his belt. When he went to leave he turned to Seles one more time. “I have you to thank. If I was stranded alone I would’ve gone mad. Because you were here to show me the light I’m not lost in the darkness. I owe everything to you Seles, and I’m going to make sure you get off this cold rock.”

Brian turned and walked out into a snow storm. Seles stood at the mouth of the cave. He looks similar to the description of the Teacher, but different enough for me to not be sure. She thought as he disappeared into the snow. Does that mean the Teacher was a Terran?

*

Brian closed the hatch behind him and went to the front console to turn the systems on. Then he opened a panel near the rear hatch and checked the wiring and circuitry. He replaced everything according to the blueprints and systems requirements. As the day wore on he moved around the shuttle and fixed the propulsion system. Exhausted after several hours of work, he returned to the front of the shuttle. He squeezed into the front seat and took the control stick to prep the shuttle for flight. He turned the shuttle’s systems on and hovered off the ground, steering the craft towards the cave.

“I can’t believe how easy this is,” he said to himself. He gazed out the front window as the blizzard and wind got worse.

*

Seles took the opportunity to bathe. After removing her clothing she felt around the water for a good place to sit. She went into the water and felt its warm, cleansing embrace. Sighing with pleasure she looked up at the rocky ceiling and thought about what to do next. After a while she got out of the water and put her clothes back on. She heard a loud sound coming from outside. That sounds like a shuttle landing. She thought as she put on her thermal cloak and ran outside. She saw the shuttle landed only a few vetres from the cave entrance and ran to the back hatch. A second later Brian opened it and collapsed from exhaustion.

She ran to him. “Brian, are you alright!?”

He turned his head and moaned. “Not really. I fixed everything except for the launch engines,” he said before falling asleep.

With some effort Seles dragged him into the cave. She sat next to him and ran her hand over his unshaven face. She lied down next to him and held the human close. I’ll keep you warm this time.

Chapter 11  Battle Begins

The Avoni entered orbit of the frozen moon and closed rapidly on the Malcovin ship. Valis sat calmly in her chair on the bridge and waited. As the Avoni closed, they saw a smaller craft emerge from the bottom of the cube shaped ship and head towards the surface.

“Looks like a drop ship,” Zae reported. “They’re charging pulse cannons and deploying shields.”

“Do likewise,” Valis commanded, turning to Kivi. “It looks like diplomacy isn’t going to work this time.”

Kivi shrugged. “I wasn’t expecting much from them. They tend to lose their senses when treasure is to be had.”

“So true,” Valis remarked, turning to Daes. “Have they received any of our hails?”

Daes nodded. “Our communications system is at 100%. Either their systems are down or they don’t care what we have to say.”

Valis frowned. “I really don’t like an enemy who ignores me.” She stood up. “Deploy Novaguards and assume formation C-12.”

Kivi smiled. “You’re feeling aggressive today.”

“Nearly getting destroyed by a vastly superior foe does that to a captain.” Valis glanced at the monitor. “This is just the thing to relieve some stress amongst the crew, not just myself.” Valis walked up to Zae. “Are the Malcovin doing anything?”

“They’re launching a few smaller attack vessels.” Zae’s eyes widened. “I’m picking up five of the new models captain.”

“The Talons we’ve been hearing about?” Kivi asked. “I didn’t think they’d be mass produced for couple of years.”

Valis turned to Baed. “Alert the Novas of the Talon’s abilities. Adjust formation to C-9 and be ready to change on my command.”

*

Brian and Seles stood outside the cave and prepped the shuttle for launch. The air had shifted to bitter cold, with the wind picking up the freshly fallen snow and blowing it everywhere in waves of white. He looked to the sky and saw lights flashing high in the air.

“Seles, do you see that?” he asked.

Seles shivered and looked up. “There’s a battle in orbit between ships.”

“Do you think it’s the Avoni and the Malcovin ship?”

“Probably,” she said as her teeth chattered. “We should get everything from inside the cave and lift off.” She opened the back hatch of the shuttle.

“I’ll go get what’s left inside,” he said as he ran into the cave.

Brian grabbed everything and looked over the room one last time. This was my first home away from Earth, even if it was only for twelve days. He thought as he ran back to the shuttle. He noticed an object in the sky as ran in and closed the back hatch. Brian placed what he was carrying in the back container and then went to the front.

“Seles, there’s something descending from orbit,” he said as he took the seat next to her.

“I’m going to launch and fly away from here as fast as possible,” she said as she activated all systems.

“Is this ship fast enough?”

Seles shook her head. “I don’t know how fast their drop ship is. Hopefully, we can hold out until the Avoni finishes the battle in orbit.”

Seles steered them into the sky while keeping them close to the ground. The Malcovin ship was much larger and closed on them.

“They’re faster than we hoped,” Brian said as he activated the shuttle’s defense systems.

“They’ll overtake us in a half an hour or so,” she said. Seles carefully flew the shuttle through a mountain range.

Brian activated the weapons system. “I fixed the shields and pulse cannon. If they get too close we have a defense.”

“I’m glad to have you on my side. I wasn’t sure your boast of fixing the shuttle was accurate. Now I know how industrious a Terran is.”

He laughed. “It’s not industry that drove me, it was survival. We’re survivors above all else.”

A message came from the drop ship: Kalaidian shuttle stand down and surrender. If you don’t, we will shoot down your ship. You have ten minutes to make your decision.

“It’s so nice of them to give us ten minutes,” he said, sighing.

“Is the pulse cannon charged up?”

“It’s charged and ready to fire on your command,” he answered as he pressed a sequence of buttons on the console.

Ten minutes passed before the drop ship opened up fire on them, hitting the shuttle’s shields and shaking the ship. Seles masterfully evaded and kept them from a direct hit.

“Here we go,” Brian said, firing the pulse cannon. A red energy pulse slammed into the Malcovin ship, stopping it in its tracks.

Seles scanned them. “It looks like their shields are down, but

” as she spoke a massive beam of energy came from the damaged ship and drove the shuttle into the snowy plains below. Both Brian and Seles were thrown to the floor. He rolled over bruised and dazed, but still conscious. He sat up and saw Seles was bleeding.

“Seles!” he shouted, checking her wounds.

Brian found a spot in the shuttle to lie her down. Then he took a dermal bandage from the emergency supplies and applied it to the wound on her head. He placed a thermal cloak under her head and went to the front console to turn on the visual scanner. There are roughly thirty Malcovin headed here on foot. Damn, they move fast. He thought, looking at the rakna blade on his hip. I’ll try to buy her some time. Brian took a spare thermal cloak from the storage drawer and put it on. He then took the three pulse grenades and placed them inside the cloak. A few minutes later, wrapped in the thermal cloak, he walked out the back hatch and into a snow storm. He saw the Malcovin approaching in the distance. I’ll show these birds what a human does when cornered.

*

Valis smiled as the last Talon was destroyed. “I’m glad they didn’t have their special system installed yet.”

Kivi turned to Valis. “True, but we still lost twenty of our Novas.”

Valis stared at the wreckage shown on the monitor. “It means we’ll have to come up with a new weapon to fight them Kivi.”

“All Novaguards return to base,” Zae said over the com.

“Thank you Zae,” Valis said. “Have you identified their ship?”

“It’s the Rigika,” said Kivi.

Valis grinned. “That explains their boldness and the Talons. Only a bird as resourceful as Captain Krigik would challenge me,” Valis said. “Zae, try contacting them ship again. I’d like request their surrender.”

When Zae hailed the Rigika it wavered in space and glowed. After a moment the ship vanished from the monitor.

“I thought their gravity drive was damaged,” Kivi said.

Valis smiled again. “You know how crafty those birds are Kivi. They must have had their real gravity drive hidden. The main ship may have fled, but we still have a prize waiting for us on the surface.”

“You mean the drop ship?” Kivi asked.

“Yes. I only hope that Seles and Brian are holding them off.” Valis turned to Zae. “Scan the surface for any combat activity. I’d like to know what’s going on down there before we send a ship down.”

“Yes captain,” Zae answered as she scanned the moon’s surface. “The shuttle’s been shot down without suffering serious damage. Seles is unconscious, and the alien is headed towards the Malcovin drop ship, also shot down.”

Valis stared at the image of the ice covered moon, thinking. Why would he go out on foot to attack them? A standard shuttle only has a few pulse grenades, a rakna blade, and a pulse rifle for weapons. What does he know that we don’t? She turned to Kivi. “I’m taking our drop ship down immediately.” She turned to Zae. “Prepare an attack squadron Zae.”

“Valis, I must object,” Kivi said, standing up. “I should be the one leading the assault, not you.”

“I hear you Kivi, but something’s tugging at me,” Valis said.

“You mean the alien?” Kivi asked.

“Yes, the alien. Unless he’s completely foolish, there’s no reason why he would be heading towards the Malcovin alone on the ground. My question is why? He’s outnumbered and outgunned,” Valis said. She headed to the elevator. “Take care of things here.”

Kivi nodded. “Be careful.”

After the elevator stopped she entered a hallway to see Celi running to the bridge. She stopped and walked with Valis. “Where are you going captain?”

“I’m going to the surface. Seles needs us and I’m interested in this Brian,” Valis answered.

“I know captain, I’m interested as well,” Celi said.

“Have you found anything useful?” Valis asked.

“Because his species’ genetic structure is similar to our own, I have a few ideas on what to do from here.”

Valis stopped, looking Celi in the eye. “You’d like try and create Kalaidian males using Brian as a base?”

“Then I don’t need to say anymore,” Celi said as they entered the shuttle bay.

“Let’s get down there before he gets himself killed,” Valis said.

Chapter 12  One Man’s Fight

Brian turned off the computer. He went to Seles as she slept quietly in the back of the shuttle. She looks so peaceful right now. He brushed her face with his hand. She’s really cute. Why not? He thought, kissing her on the cheek.

“I know you can’t hear me Seles, but thank you. The last twelve days have been a lifetime to me,” he said as the closed the shuttle’s back hatch.

He calmly walked in the snow and noticed the Malcovin were indeed birdmen. They stood a head shorter than the average human with long black feathers and black beaks. They moved with grace and speed with legs of the reversed knee style. Their wings were very small, but their clawed hands were quite dexterous. They wore brightly colored armor and carried long barreled pulse rifles. They surrounded the human, unsure of what he was. He was taller than a Kalaidian with long brown hair and facial hair. As the ring closed around Brian he noticed a Malcovin with red plumes attached to his armor approaching.

“I’m Lieutenant Giga of the Rigika. We’ve come to except your surrender. Stand down stranger,” the birdman spoke with a high pitched voice, filled with screeches.

Brian grinned. “So your name is Giga. My name is Brian. I won’t let any of you take Seles. Leave now or die.”

Giga cawed. “You may be strange looking Kalaidian, but you can’t beat us single handedly.”

Brian glanced around to see the Malcovin’s positions. “I’m not Kalaidian. I’m just a lost traveler who found a princess on this cold moon. I look Kalaidian, but I’m not one of them.”

Giga paced around the Terran, looking closely. “I’ve never seen one of you kind. Just what planet do you call home?”

“Earth, but I believe your kind call it Terra Prime,” Brian answered. He carefully slipped a hand under his cloak and began the sequence to activate a pulse grenade.

Giga took a step back. “Did you say Terra Prime?”

“Yes, and I can’t let anyone know that fact,” he answered. With a quick motion he threw the grenade into the snow.

Giga screeched out the command when a flash of light and an explosion filled the area. Most of them were knocked prone with snow blowing all around them. In the confusion they heard a single phrase uttered: “Rakna bel de cou”. A red glow emitted from haze. One birdman fell as the glow flashed to the next birdman, killing him.

“All troops retreat to the check point!” Giga screeched as he retreated.

I feel something weird inside me. Brian thought as he sliced the third birdman in half. He sprinted into a small formation with the rakna blade and cut down another five. Using cover from the snow he tossed the second grenade into their midst, blowing a dozen away in the explosion. The remaining birdmen retreated, firing pulse blasts at Brian as he followed them. Giga, along with the few troops left hid behind an outcropping. He pressed his com, “This is Lieutenant Giga reporting. A Terran named Brian encountered, we have suffered heavy casualties. Request

” Giga’s report ended as Brian threw his last pulse grenade into their hiding spot. Two remained. Brian walked towards the very afraid birdmen as his eyes glowed blue.

“I’m sorry,” Brian said, grinning oddly. “It’s nothing personal.” He decapitated the two foot soldiers with a spinning slash.

Brian touched his left shoulder. One of their shots got through. Blood trickled onto the snow. He grimaced in pain. I can’t let that ship of theirs leave this moon with any information. He saw the drop ship close by and ran towards it in haste. As he came to the cube shaped ship he noticed the back hatch was wide open. Standing at the top was a Malcovin dressed in full armor, with blue and white plumes adorning his armor. He walked down the ramp with a spear in hand.

“I am Commander Dragik. My Lieutenant’s last transmission said your name is Brian, and that you’re Terran. Is this correct?” the birdman asked.

“Yes,” Brian answered as he took a battle stance.

“I pray to the gods you’re alone Terran.” Dragik pointed to the dead bodies lying all over the open plain. “My warriors were nothing compared to you. Even protected in full armor and carrying the latest pulse rifles, a single Terran was the death of them.”

“Dragik, your tactics were flawless. But your men fought for a prize. I fight to survive, and that’s the most important thing to my people.”

“Then let’s see who survives!” Dragik cawed loudly as the spear he held began glowing. He charged Brian with the fiery lance. He deflected the spear, thrusting his rakna blade deep into the Malcovin commander’s chest. Gasping, Dragik dropped his weapon. The snow boiled into steam as the glowing spear touched the ground. The birdman stood as the life drained away in his eyes. He grasped Brian’s shoulder and took a small data crystal out from under his armor.

“He said

you would come. With the Thunder gone, I was entrusted

with this

for you. Use it well, and survive

Terran, survive

and claim your title as the Dragon

,” the birdman’s eyes went blank.

Brian removed the blade and placed Dragik on the ground. The birdman looked content in death. His eyes stopped glowing. He felt the ache in his shoulder growing and saw he was bleeding badly. He shoved the data crystal into his jeans pocket. Who is the Thunder, and how did he know I was coming to space? He thought. As he began heading back to the shuttle, he felt weak and fell to the ground. He rolled over and faced up. Barely able to breathe he reached up with his bloody hand as if he could touch the sky. So this is what it’s like to die. He thought, laughing. I didn’t think it feel so warm. His hand fell back into the snow. Was it worth it? He closed his eyes and thought of Seles. Yeah, it was. Goodbye Seles.

*

Seles awoke and noticed she was alone. The pulse rifle was on the ground next to her. Where did Brian go? She opened the back hatch and walked outside. She saw another shuttle near as Kalaidian troops spread out on the snowfields. She headed for the other shuttle and noticed Valis was leading the ground party.

Seles ran over to them. “Captain, where is Brian!?”

Valis turned. “It’s good to see you’re alright Seles. As for Brian, we haven’t been able to locate him. Our troops are moving towards the other ship.”

An ensign ran over to Valis. “We’ve found the alien. All of the Malcovin who landed are dead.”

Valis went to a nearby hill with binoculars in hand. She surveyed the area near the Malcovin ship, seeing the dead bodies. “First an entire Grey crew, now a squad of seasoned Malcovin mercenaries? What surprises does this one have in store for me?” she asked herself.

A moment later a quartet of Kalaidians carried a stretcher with Brian lying still. Seles ran to it.

“Brian! Are you alright!?” she reached out and touched his unconscious body.

Celi placed a hand on her shoulder. “He’ll be alright once we get back to the ship Seles.”

“I want to stay with him, okay?” Seles said.

Celi glanced at Brian, then Seles. “Just don’t get in the way, alright?”

“Of course,” Seles said as they boarded a shuttle.

*

Seles stood outside Valis’s quarters and waited. Exhaustion filled her eyes as she stared at the floor. The door opened.

“Come in,” Valis said, smiling.

“Thanks,” Seles said as they entered the room. After the door closed the two embraced with tears in their eyes.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Valis said. “I was really worried about you.”

“I know, I feel the same,” Seles said. “When we crashed I didn’t know if the Avoni had survived.”

“Let’s be happy everything turned out for the best,” Valis said.

“You’ve always been like my big sister,” Seles said.

Valis pulled away to compose herself. “I hate spoiling the moment, but I need you to explain everything that happened during those twelve days. What species is he?”

“His name is Brian,” she answered. “He claims to be from Terra Prime.”

“He’s really a Terran?” Valis asked.

“Yes. At least, that’s what he says,” Seles said.

“His people aren’t supposed to be wandering the stars for several centuries. How is this possible?”

“He was taken by the Greys against his will,” Seles said. “He told me they’d experimented on him for years. As for his people, Brian told me Terrans have the ability to explore their own solar system but are still unable to travel between star systems.”

“What kind of a person is he?”

“Every time I thought I was going to die, he’d simply smile and tell me that wasn’t an option,” Seles cleared her throat and tried to emulate Brian’s voice: “No matter what it takes, I’m going to get you off this cold rock.” He kept saying that to me Valis, and here I am, still alive after all we went through.”

“He does sound different from the Terrans we’ve been told about,” Valis said as she turned on her video monitor. “Before you left the shuttle, did you check for anything?”

“You mean the escape shuttle?” Seles asked.

“Did you check it before you came outside?”

“No.” Seles looked at Valis. “Should I have checked?”

“Before he left, Brian left you a video message. I’m the only one who’s seen it so far, but I think it’s important that you see it as well Seles,” Valis said as she turned on the video.

Brian appeared in the video: “This might be the last message I ever leave, so let me say what must be said. In our short time together Seles, I learned more than I could’ve ever imagined. I will also tell you the truth behind my people’s strength. We will fight, suffer, and even die for those we love and the ideals we believe in. Only once before in my life did I felt that way, but it was lost to me. But now that’s changed. I have a reason to fight, to live, and to exist. I believe in you Seles. I believe in the future you’re striving for. I believe in the kind heart you’ve shown to me. You gave me hope when I’d lost it. And so, I give the only thing I can to you: my life. It’s the only thing I have to give, and so I wish you happiness in your future. Goodbye Seles, our time together may have lasted only twelve days, but to me, it felt like a lifetime.”

The video ended. Silence filled the room. Seles and Valis embraced again.

“I don’t understand Valis. Why would he do such a thing?” she asked.

Valis looked into Seles’s eyes. “Maybe he’s the Herald we’ve been waiting for. For years we’ve prayed to Kali for someone to save us, to save our future. He could be the one.”

“But if he is, he doesn’t know anything about it,” Seles said.

“Even if he isn’t, it doesn’t matter. He’s proven himself. Anyone who’s willing to do what he was will find a place amongst my crew.”

Chapter 13  Healing Wounds

Brian was unconscious on a bed in the corner of the medical lab. Celi was busy with numerous computers in the room, while Seles sat in a chair next to the bed.

“Did Brian tell you what species he is?” Celi asked. She picked up a medical scanner and started running it over his body.

Seles brushed his beard with her hand. “He’s Terran.”

“I didn’t expect them to look so much like us,” Celi remarked.

“He wishes to join our crew,” Seles said.

Celi finished her scan and input the data into the main computer. “What would he be best at?”

Seles looked up from the sleeping Brian. “He was able to learn our language, history, and technology fairly fast.” She paused in thought for a moment. “I’m not sure to be honest.”

As Seles and Celi talked, Brian started waking up. He heard their voices off in the distance at first, getting closer as he roused. Looking to his left he saw Seles talking to Celi. They both noticed he was awake.

“Are you alright?” Seles asked.

He sat up and touched his shoulder. “My shoulder hurts, but I feel fine otherwise.”

Celi walked over with the scanner again. “I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself before. I’m Celi, the chief medical officer.”

“Call me Brian. It’s good to see you Celi,” he said. He looked around the room inquisitively. “How long have I been unconscious?”

Celi put the scanner on the desk next to the bed. “Three days. Your injuries should be healed within a few more.” She looked at both Brian and Seles. “I need to see the captain now that you’re awake. She’s interested in meeting you as soon as possible.”

She left the medical lab while Seles stayed with him. “It’s good to see you awake for once.”

“I didn’t know if I’d come back alive,” he said, scratching his head.

She hugged him. “Thank you.”

He closed his eyes and enjoyed her warm embrace. Shaking his head, Brian gently pushed her gaze to his. “I only did what I had to.”

“I know,” she said. The two gazed into each other’s eyes, searching for more to say. Both blushed. Seles pulled away a moment later.

“She seemed quite interested in me,” he said in an attempt to change the subject.

Seles shook the red away. “I think it’s because you’re male with a genetic makeup similar to ours. Celi’s probably thinking she could use you as a template for creating Kalaidian males.”

“Why?” he asked.

Seles stood up and started pacing around the room. “Remember what you read earlier Brian. All samples of male Kalaidians were confiscated a hundred and forty years ago and destroyed immediately.”

“It doesn’t make sense. Why would your people do such a thing?” Brian asked.

“Because it was an order from Kali,” Valis said as she entered the room. She looked at Seles and smiled. “I need to speak with him alone Seles. Could you come back in a little while?”

“I’ll be back later,” Seles said. She smiled at Brian before leaving the room.

Valis walked over to him. “Can you stand?”

“Sure.” He stood up. She circled around him slowly.

“You’re much more impressive in person.” She paused and stared at his face. “What’s this?” She ran her hand over his beard.

“It’s called facial hair. Males among my people often grow it,” he said.

Valis took her hand away. “We have no records of what our men looked like. By order of the Queen one hundred and forty years ago, all records and images were destroyed.”

“Why would the Queen go that far?”

“It’s a mystery, isn’t it? No one knows why, unless you believe in the word of Kali,” she said.

He shook his head in disbelief. “There are some on Earth with similar beliefs, unquestioning and uncompromising in their faith.”

“Sounds interesting,” she said, checking a console nearby. “Tell me, what are you planning to do?

“Seles already explained why I won’t be allowed to go back to Earth. I have nowhere to go, so I’d like to join your crew.”

Valis held her chin. “I think you’ll do well. Not many can claim victory over a Grey vessel. That’s not even taking into account the mercenaries you killed. Your potential is high, but right now, you’re rough around the edges. Before we get into the details, I’d like to ask you some questions.”

“Go ahead, what do want to know?”

Valis turned to the console next to her and displayed the Book of Kali on the monitor. She moved to the pages including details of the Teacher. “Brian, are you the Herald?”

He read the text:

On the seventh day of the third month, a stranger appeared from the sky. He rode upon a ship of light and came to us with open arms. The Teacher looked of our own, but taller with rounded ears. He spoke of peace and unity and told us one day he would return.

“That’s interesting,” he said, skimming through a few pages. “No, I know nothing about this. But the description matches my people fairly close.”

“Then you dont admit to being the Herald, do you Brian?” she asked.

Brian shrugged, “Not that I know of. I have no idea who this Teacher is, let alone the Herald. How long ago did this occur?”

Valis turned away from the text. “The Sixth Book of Kali was composed over several centuries about two thousand years ago. I wanted to know if you had something to add.”

“I wish I could help you, but I don’t know anything. Could I keep a copy to read over?”

Valis saved the text to the computer. “The Sixth Book of Kali is saved for you. Now, onto business,” Valis paced around him again. “Ten years.”

“Ten years?” Brian asked.

“I’m asking for ten years of servitude onboard this ship. It’s Kalaidian tradition for an officer to serve a ten year term. Afterwards, they’re free to do what they wish.”

“Ten years is a long time,” he couldn’t help but look surprised. “What position would I have?”

“Whatever you wish Brian. All I ask is for you to serve under me for ten years.” Valis smiled. “Also, the Malcovin drop ship we recovered is your property, as you defeated them.”

“What am I supposed to do with it?”

“What you do with the ship is your decision, but I suggest you keep it. It isn’t equipped for interstellar travel, but it has all the weapons and shielding systems to be adjusted to such a craft. We’re storing the ship in cargo bay three for now. Also, I’m going to have to restrict your access on this ship for a time being.”

“That’s understandable.” He paused, lost in thought. “By the way, how should I address you?

“You can call me Captain or Valis,” she said. “How should I address you?”

“Brian.”

*

Daes waited in the captain’s chambers with a small data crystal in hand. She paced in the study room, excited when Valis entered the room.

“Daes, what is it you have to show me?” Valis asked. She sat down at her desk.

“I have something very interesting to show you captain.” She placed the data crystal into the slot below the monitor. The video was a recording from the Malcovin drop ship. It showed Brian killing their leader. She froze the video and focused on Brian’s face, revealing his glowing eyes.

“His eyes

” Valis trailed off. “Is he able to berserk?

“That’s what it looks like captain. Only the Rakna Maigars amongst our people were capable of it.” Daes stared at the frozen image of Brian. “This shows how close to being one of us he really is.”

Valis stood up and looked at the image closely, turning to Daes. “Tell no one about this.”

“Even Brian?” she asked.

“Especially him,” Valis said, turning back to the picture.

“There’s one more thing captain.”

“What?” Valis asked, still staring at the monitor.

Daes produced a different shaped data crystal and handed it to Valis. “This was stuffed inside one of Brian’s pockets. It’s a Malcovin data crystal. There’s something on this I have to show you.”

“What is it?” Valis asked.

“The future of warfare,” she answered.

Chapter 14  Brian’s Decision

The Avoni’s mess hall was a large open room lined with tables, benches, and a buffet area serving every kind of fruit, vegetable, and nut native to Kalaidia Prime. About fifty crew members filled the place. They ate and talked about the main topic of the ship, Brian. The conversation was led by the lovely Mira, a Kalaidian with long pink hair and deep blue eyes. As she and her companions spoke, Seles walked into the room.

“Is it true Seles was stranded with the Terran for twelve days?” asked Jesela, a Kalaidian with shoulder length lime green hair and golden eyes.

Mira smiled, happy to sound the facts. “That’s the truth. Lady Seles spent twelve days with him. He fought off a squadron of Malcovin mercenaries to save her.”

“Why would he do that?” Jesela asked.

Mira smiled and looked at Seles while she filled her food tray. “Why don’t we ask the Lady herself why?”

Seles looked around and noticed the other crew members were avoiding her. Nothing ever changes. She thought as she sighed and shook her head. She found an empty table in the corner. Sitting down to enjoy her meal, Mira and Jesela came over to join her, while a few others shadowed a table nearby.

“Do you mind if we join you Lady Seles?” Mira asked.

Seles looked up and sighed again. “Sure, but I have one condition. Please drop the Lady when talking to me. Onboard this ship, I’m an ensign like most of you, not a noble.”

Mira and Jesela looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

Mira sat down and edged close to Seles. “Okay Seles. The crew’s interested in the alien in the medical lab. I’ve seen Brian through the window, but Celi won’t let me get a closer look.”

Seles waved her hand. “Well, you know Celi. She finds something interesting and she doesn’t like sharing. In due time he’ll be about the ship, you can see him then.”

Jesela sat down opposite of Mira to pin Seles down.

“By the use of the word “him” I take it Brian’s male?” Mira asked.

“Yes,” Seles answered.

“Is he dangerous?” Jesela asked.

Seles smiled while looking for a way out. “He’s really a good person. He only acts violent when he’s forced to.”

“Is it true he’s Terran?” Mira asked.

“Yes, but unlike what we’ve been told, he’s not a warmongering brute,” Seles said.

“What’s he like?” Mira asked.

Seles forced a smile on her face, knowing there was no way out of this. “He’s really warm.”

*

Brian sat in the medical lab reading intently.

“You seem really interested in that book,” Celi said as she entered the room.

He pushed away the monitor and stretched. “I’ve read through most of the books of Kali. It’s an interesting system.”

She walked over to him with a scanner in hand. “What do you mean?”

“It’s a complex system designed to keep the rule of the nobles above all else. The dogma emphasizes the nobility’s divine right of rulership,” he answered, yawning afterwards.

Celi smiled. “I’ll leave the writings of Kali to the nobles and priestesses. I prefer real things, not prayer and spirits.”

Brian laughed. “I feel the same. Back on Earth, I cared little for religious subjects. To me, religion was a way to make excuses and control others. I’d rather live in the real world; one where when I mess up it’s my choice, not some god.”

“We have that in common Brian. Five years ago, when the Avoni left the Kalaidian Space Forces, I joined Valis because she spoke of destiny in a different way. Back home, we’re taught from a very young age our lives are determined by stars we’re born under, our constellation at birth. Kali directs everything.”

“It sounds like superstitious nonsense to me,” he said.

“That’s not all there is to it. Other than nobles, none of us are given a last name. We have our given name and that of the constellation we are born under. For example, I’m Celi of the Water Serpent,” she explained.

“My constellation on Earth is Aquarius, the Water bearer. Is that how it works?” he asked.

“Yes, but using our naming system you should use the constellation from Kalaidia Prime.” Celi paused. “Terra Prime is located in the heart of the Great Dragon. Your name should be Brian of the Great Dragon.”

“I kind of like that name,” he said.

Celi shook her head. “I wouldn’t suggest you using it in public. The Great Dragon is a special constellation, one signifying power and fear.”

“From what you and Seles have told me I feel like my people are getting a bad reputation without anyone really knowing us,” he said.

She switched her flat scanner for one resembling a small baton. “It’s against interstellar law to visit an undeveloped planet. We can’t even come within a hundred light years of Terra Prime, or we’d suffer severe punishment.”

“Why a hundred light years?” he asked.

She moved the scanner around him. “Your people attained the use of radio technology about a century ago, right?”

He thought for a moment. “Why isn’t the Confederation letting anyone hear radio signals from Earth?”

Celi moved behind Brian, still scanning. “I’m not sure. Usually it’s prudent to hear the cultural development and advancement of technology from less developed worlds, but Terra Prime is a special case.”

“Why is that?” He looked behind. “By the way, what are you doing?”

She pressed a few buttons on the scanner. “The orders of the Old Council passed down the edict for Terra Prime long ago. As for what I’m doing, I’m checking to see if I can remove your bandages.” She finished her scans. “It looks like you’re fine now.” She started removing bandages. “Have you decided what position you’re going to train for?”

“Yes,” he answered.

Valis walked into the room. “Which one would that be?” she asked. Celi saluted and went over to the main computer again. Valis sat down next to him.

Brian pointed to the monitor next to his bed. “I researched a number of positions, but there’s one in particular I’m interested in. Since there’ve been no males for well over a century, I thought I would look into the ranks for men. I would like to take my place at your side Valis, as your Rakna Maigar.”

Valis looked him in the eye. “It’s said the Maigars were the best weapon masters of the Queendom. It’s also said they were the inspirational leaders of armies, as well as ships.” She paused, thinking. “You have the potential combat skills, but earning the title of Maigar is much more than just fighting. One needs qualities of leadership, as well as the ability to inspire using the sacred Cou don e Kali.”

He called up the records for Rakna Maigars on the screen. “I didn’t get much information on the Cou don e Kali. I could only find a little detail on the rank. What do I need to do to complete the Cou don e Kali?”

Valis recalled it from memory. “If I remember correctly, the Cou don e Kali consists of a series on songs played by the movement of the warrior’s blades, in addition to complex dance movements. Also, the Maigar must complete a song completely on his own, including the singing.”

“That sounds really difficult. Are you sure that’s what you want?” Celi asked.

“I know it’ll be difficult, and I’ve never performed for a crowd, but I really think this is the position I must go for,” he said.

“If you’re determined I won’t stop you,” Valis said. “Your training begins in ten days. We’ll have your quarters ready by then and I’ll assign an instructor to you.”

Chapter 15  Integration

Brian woke up, still a confused by his surroundings. Looking over at the door he saw Seles talking with Celi. Outside the room was a pair of security officers holding pulse rifles.

“What’s going on?” he asked as he sat up. Seles walked over to him, holding a small bag.

“We’re here to escort you to your quarters,” Seles said. He looked at the bag she was holding. “I brought you some new clothes.”

“Thanks,” he said. He took out the clothes, a pair of brown leather-like pants and an off white silken shirt, cut off at the shoulders. “These look comfortable. It’s so hot in here I can’t stand the clothes I’m wearing anymore.”

Celi came over. “Those are traditional male Kalaidian clothes. We sized them to fit you perfectly, and they should conduct your body heat a lot better than your Terran clothes.”

“I’d be happy to put them on, but I need a little privacy,” he said.

Seles and Celi looked at each other.

“Why do you need privacy?” Seles asked.

Brian sighed and looked annoyed. “I don’t feel comfortable being naked around other people, let alone a group of alien women. On Earth, privacy is an important thing to a person.”

“I guess you won’t be using the public bath area?” Celi asked.

“Public bath?” he blushed at the thought. “No, I don’t think I’ll be going there.”

*

A few minutes later, Brian emerged from the medical lab and entered the main sickbay, where Seles, Celi, and the escort guards waited. He wore the clothes he was given and appeared relaxed. Everyone stared at him as he walked past them to the hallway. Brian and his escort walked the hallways as numerous crew members stopped to look at him. After a quick stint on an elevator, they came to the ambassador’s quarters. He was brought to a room with a larger than normal door. Celi and Seles stopped as the guards each took a position in front of door.

Celi opened the door and turned to him. “We’ve modified the atmosphere and temperatures to suit your tastes. Since you requested a private bath, it’ll take us a few more days to make it. Sorry about the delay.”

Inside, he saw one large room with a few small rooms on one side. Pictures from Kalaidia Prime were spread on the walls, mostly of oceans and mountains. At the far end sat a large bed with black coverings. He started searching the room and then checked the other rooms.

“I wish I could get quarters like this,” Seles said.

“Celi, can I access the main computer from here?” he asked.

Celi went the wall near the door and pressed a panel. A desk and monitor slid out of the wall. “For now you’re restricted to information available to ensigns,” Celi explained. “Other than that, you’re free to use the computer how you wish.” She went to the door. “Seles will show you the rest of the ship, alright?”

“Thanks Celi,” he said as she left. The door closed behind her, leaving him and Seles alone.

“I’m so jealous,” Seles said. “I have to share my quarters with Baed, and it’s less than half the size of this room.”

“It’s bigger than my room back home,” he said. “By the way, where can I get something to eat? I’m starving Seles.”

She took him by the hand. “I’ll show you mess hall, there’s a lot of good food there.”

*

Valis and Kivi observed the reaction of the crew to Brian from the tactical room via a video feed.

“It looks like they don’t fear him,” Kivi said.

“I wasn’t expecting them to. He has a calming demeanor about him,” Valis said.

“Are you sure about this Valis?

She turned to her first officer. “Yes,” she said as she gazed at the video. “We left the military five years ago because we believed change must occur. At this point we’re unable to evolve and our people will die out. He’s an infusion of change. It’s a gamble, but I believe it’s for the greater good. The people of Kalaidia deserve something better than a slow death.”

Kivi nodded before turning back to the video. “You’re right. I’d like to train him.”

Valis looked Kivi in the eye. “I didn’t think you liked him.”

Kivi shrugged. “I never said I don’t like him. All I want is for the officer right below my rank to have a clue on how to do their job.”

Valis tossed a data crystal to her. “That’s just like you Kivi. His training begins in ten days. Since we don’t have access to a Kalaidian military academy the HDC will have to suffice.”

“True,” Kivi said as she turned to leave. “By the way, what’s on this data crystal?”

“The truth behind his victories,” Valis answered.

*

Brian followed Seles’s lead into the mess hall with a pair of guards shadowing them. The mess hall was crowded, loud with the sound of conversation. He couldn’t help but notice each crew member stared at him, some more obvious than the others. He also noticed his presence killed a dozen conversations at the same time. When they went to the buffet area, he found many different kinds of vegetables, breads, and nuts he’d never seen before.

“What do you like?” Seles asked. She handed him a tray and began loading a few things onto hers.

“I’m not sure,” he scratched his head. “I guess I’ll take the shotgun approach.”

“What does that mean?” she asked.

“Basically, I’m going to try a bunch of different things, and hopefully I’ll find something I like.” He piled many different vegetables and nuts, as well as a few varieties of bread. Turning to Seles, he noticed the funny look on her face. He glanced at his plate and saw he had four times as much food as hers.

“I know it looks like a lot, but I’m bigger than you,” he said before trying to laugh it off.

“Now I kind of feel bad, I didnt know you needed such large quantities of food,” Seles said. She looked for an open table and saw one in the back. “Brian, let’s go over there.”

They sat down to eat. He watched as the others ate to make sure there weren’t any strange meal customs. He turned to his food and tried a number of things. Some he liked and others he didn’t. When he finished his meal, Brian sat back and relaxed.

“Are you feeling better?” Seles asked.

Brian drank some water. “Yeah, I feel a lot better now.”

“I’m glad,” she said. “Do you want to stay here and relax?”

“Sure, I don’t have anything else to do right now.”

“How do you feel about the Avoni?” Seles asked.

“The temperature’s a hot and the humidity isn’t to my liking. But, as long as I can enjoy good food and the presence of this many pretty girls, I think I can manage.” A number of strange looks came from those at nearby tables.

“Which one of us is the prettiest Brian?” Mira asked as she appeared from nowhere. She wore a white dress with frills, along with a miniskirt.

He smiled. “You know my name, but I don’t know yours.”

“Call me Mira,” she said, smiling. “Would it be alright if I sat with you?”

“Yes,” he said. Seles shot him a dirty look.

Mira slid next to Brian and took his hand. “Could you stay awhile longer? I know you haven’t had a chance to see one of my performances yet.”

“Performance?” he asked, looking to Seles.

“Mira’s a medical officer, but her main duty is to provide music and entertainment for the crew,” Seles explained. “She’s the best singer onboard, and we refer to her position as the Reiniere.”

Mira squeezed his hand to shift his attention. “I’ll be holding a concert in a little while, right here in the mess hall.”

“Will you be wearing that?” he asked, pointing to her dress.

Mira blushed. “Yes, a musician like me always dresses for the occasion.”

“I’d love to stay and see what this performance is all about Mira,” he said.

“Great!” Mira winked at him. “I’ve got something special planned for tonight.”

*

The room went dark shortly before Mira took her place on a small stage at the back of the mess hall. Brian watched as a number of the crew joined and observed how they sat and acted. Before taking a seat, each of them knelt in prayer for a few seconds and praised Kali. He turned to Seles and saw she did the same. When she finished she looked at Brian.

“It’s tradition to praise the goddess and the Reiniere before each concert,” she explained.

Kneeling in the dark, he praised the goddess and looked at Mira. He thought about what he’d read earlier. From what I’ve learned about Kalaidian philosophy, existence is a grand stage on which all beings are actors playing their roles. Music, theater, art, all these things are held in the highest esteem in their culture. To them, events like this are the same as attending church. I can see why a musical performance is thought of in such a way. Once everyone finished with prayers, Mira went to the center of the stage. She took her opening pose as beam of light shined down onto her. She smiled and waved to her crewmates.

“I’d like to thank everyone for attending this evening,” she said, pausing as the crowd applauded. She pointed in Brian’s direction. “I have something special ready for tonight in celebration with our new companion, Brian.” She paused as the crew applauded again. She looked at him. “Let’s enjoy our first evening together.”

Chapter 16  Six Months in a Flash

As the next ten days passed for Brian, he explored more the Avoni and learned about the ship and its crew members. At night he studied heavily into the culture of the Kalaidian people. When he had extra time he wrote a journal on the computer. He enjoyed his time alone in his climate cooled room. On the eleventh day he woke up and dressed. The door buzzed.

“I’m here to bring you to the HDC,” Valis said.

“HDC?” he asked when he opened the door.

“Holographic display chamber,” she explained as they started walking. “We use it for training in numerous climates, as well as zero gravity training. After the basics, you’ll move onto weapons, shuttles, and navigation. The last things you’ll need to learn are tactical skills and command training.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier if you trained me on a planet?” he asked.

Valis smiled. “We’re taking extended leave on Dega Jul. That means we have a lot of time to spare, so don’t worry. Since we don’t have officer training instructors, we’ll teach you ourselves. I’ll train you later on tactical and command, but for now your teacher is Commander Kivi, my second in command.”

“Ive studied Commander Kivi. Not only is her size unusual, but she carries a rakna blade. Is she special in some way?”

“Yes, she is special. She’s been my second for almost seven years. As for the rakna blade, Kivi’s the best onboard in hand to hand combat situations. Also, Southlanders like herself have different beliefs when it comes to style and combat,” Valis said as they entered an elevator.

“Why do you call her a Southlander?”

“You’ve studied Kalaidia Prime, haven’t you?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Then you know our planet has two major continents, divided by a small sea. Southlanders like Kivi come from the southern continent, a harsh desert rather than the forests of the northern continent. Most Kalaidians would think it wrong for a woman to wear a rakna, but Southlanders don’t,” Valis explained.

“Aren’t you the same race?” he asked.

“Yes. But long ago, the nomads of the southern desert held very different beliefs than those of the north. It wasn’t until a thousand years ago the races were unified. But still, old beliefs like the ones Kivi holds onto don’t die easily. So I let her carry a rakna like she wants. She’s been that way since I met her ten years ago.”

“Valis, don’t you think I’m a bit young to jump to the third in command on your ship?”

“How old are you?”

“I’m twenty two years old, Earth time of course,” he answered.

She grinned. “That’s just the right age, if not a bit older for an officer of that rank. You see, a Kalaidian year is slightly shorter than Terra Prime’s, and your species is longer lived than mine. You may not believe it, but I’m only twenty six year’s old, Kalaidian time.”

He looked at her closely. “Are you saying youre not much older than I am?”

Valis waved her hand. “I was a prodigy in military strategy. I graduated the military academy at the age of fourteen. I earned the title of captain seven years ago, during the last war. Because of my aptitude in the star forces I was given command of the Avoni. Before we split with the main government this ship was to be the flag ship of the Kalaidian fleet.”

The elevator stopped and the door opened into another hallway. The lighting was darker, and air cooler. Valis led him into a large empty chamber, with tall ceilings and wide walls.

“This is the HDC. This will be your home for the next six months. I wish you luck, and hopefully I’ll see you in four months. But before I leave, I have something to return to you,” she said as she handed him a data crystal. “This was found in your pocket after the last battle. I was wondering how you came across such interesting military secrets?”

He stared into the crystal. “I fought their commander. With his dying breath he told me the Thunder predicted my appearance, and then he gave me the crystal.”

“He really said that?” Valis asked.

“Yes.”

“I trust you to do the right thing with the schematics on the crystal Brian. If there’s anything you need help with, call out for me and I’ll come as soon as I can,” she said. She turned to walk out and glanced at him once more. “Good luck.”

The door closed behind her and left him alone in the dark. A silent moment passed before the walls and ceiling disappeared. Looking around him, he saw the large room he stood inside of changed into a flat plain surrounded by jungle. The temperature and humidity rose quickly. The sky was blue, with few clouds blocking the light. He couldn’t see a sun, but it was brightly lit as if there was one. He glanced down at his feet and saw a rakna blade.

“Pick it up,” a voice said. “I want to see what kind of skill you have.”

He looked up and saw a tall Kalaidian with dark tan skin, bright crimson eyes, and short black hair. She held a rakna blade and smiled with a wild look in her eyes. He knelt down and picked up the blade.

“I’ve set both our weapons to the blunt level; neither of us will be injured during this test,” Kivi said. “Ready?”

“Yes,” he responded.

He charged, swinging the blade in a wide arching slash. Kivi was surprised at his speed, but deflected the blade and sidestepped to move in with her own attack. He was surprised when he was whacked in the head. A moment later, Brian found he was lying on his back.

“Ouch,” was all he could say.

She stood over him imposingly, satisfied with the result. “My assumptions were correct about you.”

Brian put a hand on his chin and felt a nasty bruise. “And what assumptions are those?”

“You have great speed and strength, but your reaction time’s lacking. I think you can learn to parry a little better than with your head,” she said, grinning.

He laughed as he stood up. “You must be Commander Kivi.”

“Yes, and I’ll be teaching you survival training and combat skills. I’ve heard Terrans are the most adaptable beings out there, so you’ll be getting your share of bad environments to live in for the next few months.”

*

The first month of training forced Brian to endure any climate or terrain the HDC could throw at him, as well as different atmospheres and gravity levels. The last week was devoted to zero gravity training. The entire time he only had contact with Kivi, although Valis and the other senior officers often watched his training through a video feed. The second month was devoted to learning fighting skills. He tried every weapon known to Kalaidians. He was given a set of exoskeleton armor. He found the exoskeleton was light and provided a massive increase in his power and speed when worn. The armor he trained with was a generic silver color.

“What’s so special about this armor?” he asked. He sounded like he was inside a tin can.

“The armor of a Maigar is much more than a protective shell. It can generate defensive force shields, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to use the holographic system installed in the armor,” Kivi explained.

He flicked his wrist. A force shield surrounded him. Flicking it again, the shield disappeared.

“I’m actually a little jealous you get to wear such armor,” she said.

He took the helmet off. “Is there a reason why you don’t Kivi? If any Kalaidian was to wear this armor, it should be you.”

“Traditionally, only men may wear the sacred armor of Kali,” she explained.

“Tradition is overrated. Look at me. I’m not Kalaidian, and yet I’m allowed to wear what you call sacred armor.”

“So, tradition isn’t important to you?” Kivi asked

He nodded. “Tradition tells us where we came from, but by no means should it constrain us. For example, this armor and rakna I’m using. According to your people’s writings, these things are sacred artifacts. But to me, they’re tools, nothing more.”

Kivi laughed. “I’ve waited a long time to finally meet someone who understands.”

*

Four months passed before Valis began instructing him on battle tactics, large scale operations, and command training.

“You’re almost as good a tactician as I am,” Valis said as they played a game similar to chess.

“I always was good at strategy games, but I’m not sure about actual combat situations Valis,” Brian said. He knew he was about to lose.

“You’ll do fine.” Valis cornered his Queen. “It’s never taken me this long to beat an opponent.”

*

As the final month of training began, Brian sat in the HDC with the familiar back drop of an empty Kalaidian city. He heard someone approaching from behind. Turning, he saw Seles. She looked the same as the first time he met her, but he noticed she was wearing a golden bracelet and silver anklet, showing her rank was lieutenant. She smiled.

“It’s been awhile,” he said.

Seles walked up to him. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in an eternity Brian. I’m happy the captain assigned me as your teacher in Novaguard scale combat.”

“I am too,” he said. “I couldn’t help but notice your new accessories. You must have gotten a promotion while I was in here.”

Seles nodded. “Shortly after your training started the captain promoted me to lieutenant. I’m now in charge of the Novaguards.”

“That’s great.” He stared at her. “I’m missed you.”

They embraced. “I missed you to,” she said.

*

Brian sat crossed legged in the HDC and meditated like he learned from Kivi. His body had tightened up quite a bit, being much more toned and muscular. He was surrounded by hills and pine trees. He gazed at the constellations of Earth with the lights of the cities off in the distance. He heard footsteps coming from behind. Turning, he saw Kivi walking towards him with a pair of rakna blades.

“I’ve never seen this terrain before Brian, where is this place?” she asked.

“This is my home. There’s nothing like a cool summer night and clear sky for stargazing,” he said as he stood.

“It’s beautiful.” Kivi stood for a moment and stared into the sky.

“I don’t think you came here to admire the view Kivi. I take it you want to test me again?” he asked.

“Yes, I wanted to see if you worked on what I asked you to,” she said.

She handed him a rakna blade and stepped back. She watched his stance closely and saw he was waiting for her to make the first move. She obliged and came in with a light thrust. He deflected her attack and knocked her blade back. She changed angle and slashed upward. He blocked and pushed her back with a series of powerful slashes. She could barely hold onto her blade when he sidestepped and knocked her sword away. He put his sword at under her chin.

“I think I’ve won this match,” he said, smiling.

Kivi grinned. As fast as she could, she grabbed his arm and squeezed, disarming him. As she started initiating a hold, he twisted around to prevent her. When she attempted to hit his weak spot, he locked her legs using his own.

Straining to breathe, Kivi gave up. “You win. Please don’t do what you tried a while back.”

Brian released her. “You kicked me in the balls last time I did that. I wouldn’t think rubbing behind the ears got so personal.”

Both sat down, breathing hard.

“Your training has paid off,” she said.

He looked up at the stars in the sky. “My life is now devoted to the service of this ship. I can only glimpse Earth through illusions now. My friends, my family, I’ll never see them again.”

She put a hand on his shoulder. “The Avoni is your new home.”

The two sat transfixed on the stars above as the campfire crackled and burned.

Chapter 17  Three Months of Music

Brian came to the door to the main auditorium. He heard the sound of music coming from inside. He stood silently and enjoyed the sound of a girl singing a hymn he’d never heard of. He quietly opened the door and saw an auditorium and stage. Mira danced and sang her song. She didn’t seem to notice him walk in and continued her song for a few more minutes. She danced in a sparkling white dress and white gloves. He couldn’t see any instruments, she was alone. She reached the crescendo as the song ended. She posed as if a crowd was there with her eyes closed. He walked to the stage and clapped.

“You’re early. I wasn’t expecting to see you for a few more hours,” Mira said as she stepped off the stage and greeted him.

“That was beautiful,” he said. “I’d like to hear it again some time.”

Mira smiled. “The song was the Hymn to Gaelic Kein, the last Rakna Maigar of Kalaidia. He was a great man who devoted his life to songs and stories, someone you’ll learn a lot about during your musical training.”

He nodded. “I hope to learn a lot from you Mira. I’ve never danced before, let alone sing in front of people. So let’s get started.”

She showed him the way to area behind the stage. There, in a small room, he saw a set of exoskeleton armor. It was colored emerald green, with the motif of a dragon. It sported a cape of a darker shade of green. Next to it was a pair of rakna blades. He touched the armor and marveled at its perfection.

“Is this for me?”

She stood next to him. “This armor is more than just protection during battle, it contains the holographic display system for you to use. These rakna blades are programmed to simulate musical instruments, set by verbal command. We haven’t heard the music of a Maigar for a hundred and fifty years. I pray you can live up to the task.”

“How do you make the background music?” he asked. “I didn’t get the impression you were using a recorded song.”

Mira held up her hands. “These gloves contain all the needed commands to use the system. Using the HD system takes a lot of practice, but once you get the used to it, you’ll be able to do the same with your rakna blades.”

He held the blades and stepped back. He slashed a sword and heard the sound of an acoustic guitar strum. He stared at the sword, perplexed on how it worked.

“Wow.”

She placed her hand on his arm. “Why don’t you try it on?”

He looked down at Mira, nodding. “Sure.”

It took Brian a few minutes to figure out how to put the armor on. He moved around and found the suit was as flexible as his own skin and light as feather. He saw a pair of scabbards at the waist and placed the rakna blades in the. He looked in the mirror.

“You look dashing,” she said.

He chuckled, “Yeah right.”

“How about we do your first practice?”

“I’d love to Mira,” he answered. They went out onto the stage. He looked to Mira, confused on what to do.

“Trying using your rakna blades,” she instructed. “You need to get used to the sound coming out of them.”

Brian complied and drew the two swords. He took a battle stance and began swinging the blades about, making the sound of someone playing a guitar badly. He tried making sense of the notes and promptly fell flat on his face. Mira started laughing. He shook his head and noticed someone else laughing as well. Seles walked out of the shadows, laughing with Mira. Brian lied on the floor on his back.

“That didn’t work very well,” he said as he stood up and sheathed his swords.

Seles smirked at him. “You’re going to need a lot of work.”

“Learning how to fight is a lot easier than this,” he said.

Mira took his hand. “I’m not worried. Dancing and fighting are similar skills. What I’m worried about is your singing ability.”

“I think that’s going to take some practice,” he said.

*

Two months passed as Brian worked on his singing, dance movements, and blade dancing. The movements came quickly enough; the singing remained a problem. He stood on the stage and tried reciting the Hymn to Kali, the most important song to complete the ceremony. He started strong, but couldn’t quite get the lyrics right at the middle of the song. He growled in frustration.

“Mira, are you sure I can’t do something else instead of this?” he asked as he returned to his starting spot on the stage.

Mira paced around him. “No, according to tradition, a Rakna Maigar must recite the Hymn to Kali.”

“Kalaidian Maigars, I’m human.”

She stopped, thinking before saying anything. “That’s true. I’ve shown you many Kalaidian styles of music, but I haven’t asked you about Terran music at all.”

He sheathed his rakna blades. “Terran music differs greatly on where one is raised on my world. Though, I do have my preferences.”

“What would they be?” she asked.

He tapped the swords on his belt. “I’ve been experimenting with these and found I can get the sound of an electric guitar instead of acoustic. The music I like the most is called Rock, a loud, fast style of music, quite different from what your people are used to.”

“Could you show me what this music sounds like?” she asked.

He drew his swords and took a special pose. “I’ve been practicing this song on my own for a while now.”

“What song is this?”

“Stairway to Heaven, by Led Zeppelin,” he answered.

He began the song with slow arching slashes to simulate the guitar chords of the song. As he sang the words came out with ease. Mira stood transfixed, frozen by the alien music. As the middle of the song drew near, she found it harder to follow his movements. As the song reached the crescendo, his swords were like streaks of flashing light. The flashing light died down near the end of the song. He took his final pose before sheathing his swords.

“How was that?” he asked.

His voice was perfect and blade movement far superior to what she thought possible. “I think we have a replacement for the Hymn to Kali.” She walked up next to him. “You’re in perfect tune with that song. It was louder and faster than I’m used to, but I couldn’t deny the poetry of the song.”

Brian was about to say something when the main door opened. Valis came in alone. “How’s he holding up?” she asked.

“He’s been a great student,” Mira said. Brian was lost in thought. “He should be ready by the end of the month.”

Valis looked at Brian. “Brian, I wanted to discuss with the tradition of the Rose toss after your performance is done.”

He laughed. “I was waiting for you to say something Valis. Whoever ends up as the Lady of the Rose will get what they want.”

Chapter 18  Technical Difficulties

Daes stood in the cargo bay and scanned the Malcovin drop ship. The storage in the room was minimal, with a few metal boxes shoved to the far end of the room. Behind her was an array of consoles and monitors, currently manned by her subordinates. She walked the perimeter of the drop ship to double checking her readings. Brian entered the cargo bay, wearing his exoskeleton armor and rakna blades. He searched for Daes, who had gone to the back door of the drop ship.

“You must be Daes,” he said, saluting.

“That’s me,” she said. “We’ve met once before.”

He scratched his head. “I don’t remember.”

“That’s because you were unconscious.” She smiled. “How do you like the armor I designed for you?”

“I love it,” he answered.

“I glad,” she said as she opened the back door of the drop ship. “I worked forever adjusting it. Decoding the secrets of the Maigar’s armor and weapons took me five months.” She walked inside. Brian followed with his armor clanking against the metal floor inside. She turned and waved a data crystal at him. “I’ve also taken a look at this.”

“What do you want to do with it?” he asked as they headed for the engine room.

“Valis passed me some of the notes you made,” she said. She turned to a console and deactivating the drop ship’s systems. She switched a light on and shined it around. “I’ll do it.”

“Is making such a craft even possible?” he asked. Daes began pulling apart the main computer systems.

“One can create anything if they have the money,” she said, smiling. “The mobile suit will be tailored for your style,” she pointed at his armor, “It’ll look a lot like this. My question is what name you have in mind for it.”

“Mjolnir,” he answered.

“Interesting name,” she said. “What does that translate to?”

“Mjolnir was the hammer of Thor, a god of thunder once worshiped on my world,” he explained. He watched as she began piling up components. “Do you want help Daes?”

“Sure, start collecting the parts I’m removing and put them in the hallway for now.” She gritted her teeth as she yanked out a massive chunk of hardware. Brian took the parts and placed them where she told him to. “What do you plan to do with the Mjolnir when it’s finished?” she asked.

“I don’t understand much of the technical aspects, but the mobile suit is the next generation craft, right?”

“Yes,” she answered, “Even Kalaidian engineers have been trying to craft something like the Talon. I’m surprised you were able to recover such data from a field commander.”

“He gave it to me.” He grabbed another pile of parts and put them outside.

She turned to look at him in the dark. “You didn’t answer my question.”

He laughed. “I didn’t, did I?” He knelt down next to her, helping pull out an obstinate piece of the computer. “I want to protect this ship.”

“I do to,” she said. “That’s why I’m going to build it. This ship is my home, and everyone onboard is my family.”

“I hope it’s not too much trouble.”

“It isn’t Brian. I’ve waited a long time to work on such a project.” She pulled at something and found it wasn’t giving. He took a corner and helped her yank the part out. Both sat back, breathing hard. She smiled. “Thank you.”

*

Brian and Daes continued taking the drop ship apart. After the main computer was dismantled, the pair found themselves doing the same in the engineering room. She slid under a console and began passing parts to him. Every few minutes he’d take the pile and put it in the hallway.

“What was it like on the Grey ship? I mean, when you woke up?” she asked.

“I remember being afraid. It was cold, damp, and smelled like a sewer. But something was different this time. I was more aware of what was going on around me. It seemed like the Greys did a better job of making sure I wasn’t coherent,” he answered.

“How long have the abductions been occurring?” she asked as she placed a drill down and unscrewed a panel. She passed it to him.

He placed it on the pile. “I remember when I was three years old I saw a Grey look into my bedroom window. I remember the fear. I was very young, but I knew that was no human looking in my window. It was something else, a creature I couldn’t recognize.”

“Now I think I understand why,” Daes said. She slid out from under the console and sat up to take a break.

“What is it you understand?” he asked.

Her eyes seemed to pierce him. “It answers the question of why you killed the Greys so mercilessly when you broke free. If they’ve been experimenting on you for that long the emotional scars would run deep.”

“I know, it was like something inside me allowed me to break free at last,” he said. He handed a bottle of water to her. She unscrewed the top and took a big gulp. She sighed in relief before placing the bottle on the floor next to her.

“Was it rage?” she asked.

“Yes.” He felt her unnerving stare, but felt something behind it. “I lost all control, all reason. I barely remember anything, just flashes of the violence I committed.” He stopped, searching for what to say next. “I wasn’t like that on Earth. I never killed a person before, and I never thought I could. It was even worse with the Malcovin. I felt a strange sense of joy killing them, as if a part of me was reveling in the carnage.”

“By observation, I have seen both sides you speak of Brian,” she said. “Most of the time, you’re peaceful, thoughtful, harmless. But when your life is on the line, something takes over. The Confederation says we should fear Terrans because inside of each one resides a warrior.”

“Do you fear me?”

She sat forward and took his hand. “Yes.” Her eyes met his. “I’m hoping the artist wins over the warrior inside you.”

Chapter 19  Mira’s Secret

Mira sat alone in the dressing room behind the stage and looked into the mirror. She stood up to check her dress. Her white gloves felt right, she looked perfect. She heard Brian outside warming up for their rehearsal. She posed in front of the mirror. Her left arm faded away as she watched her glove fall to the ground. Not now! I can’t have this happen while others are around! Mira started tearing up as her arm reappeared. Brian opened the door, surprising her.

“What’s wrong? You don’t look so good.” he asked, She wiped away the tears and composed herself.

“I’m fine Brian,” Mira’s voice quivered, “I was

just thinking of the past.”

He put his hand on her shoulder. “I sometimes get than way to. Let’s get this rehearsal going.” He turned and headed back to the stage. She checked her left arm closely before putting the glove back on and following him onto the stage.

Brian bounced all over the stage with muted rakna blades. “One more week and we’re on. I can’t wait.”

Mira smiled. “Your improvements have been incredible. I never thought you could do what you’re about to with three months of practice.”

He sheathed his weapons. “I want to earn my rank so I can leave the ship. We’ve been in port for months now and I haven’t had a chance to see anything.”

“It’s a wonder to see. The entire planet is covered in cityscape. Buildings stretch to the sky, and every race imaginable resides on Dega Jul,” she explained.

“It sounds like the perfect place for a human like me. Well my lady, are you ready to begin?” He offered his hand as he asked.

She smiled and took his hand. “Sure.”

The pair began performing the twelve Songs of Kali that led up to the solo act of the Maigar. Most of the songs were hymns or chants in style. Brian’s primary role in this ritual dance was of support. He sang very little and most of his movements complimented Mira’s while his blades made most of the music. Brian used his armor’s HPS to give depth and background to the music, as well as vivid imagery detailing the stories of each song. They reached the eleventh song, a difficult dancing technique requiring them to touching hands and dance together. During a crescendo, Brian grasped Mira’s left hand as it disappeared. He was left holding her glove. He stopped the song and noticed she was upset. Did her arm just vanish? He asked himself. Mira knelt and grasped her left arm. He went to her as she turned away with tears rolling down her cheeks.

“What’s wrong?”

She wiped away the tears and stood up. “I don’t feel good today Brian. Let’s try this again tomorrow,” she said with tears as she ran away. Her arm disappeared right in front of me. What’s going on? He thought as he took the glove with him as he headed back to his quarters. There’s something wrong here, Mira wouldn’t just run out on me if it wasn’t something important.

*

Mira ran to her quarters, a small room she shared with her friend Jesela. She ran to her side of the room and desperately tried to turn on the computer next to her bed. Jesela was just waking up as she saw her friend run in with tears in her eyes.

“What’s wrong Mira? Did Brian say something to upset you?” Jesela asked.

Mira turned around, still upset. “I wasn’t

feeling good Jesela. I want some time alone please.” She divided the room using a curtain. Jesela looked at the divider with concern as she dressed for her shift in the engineering room. What could have upset her this much? I’ve never seen her act like this. As Jesela left the room, she looked back at the curtain. I’ll have to ask him after my shift is over with.

*

Brian walked into his quarters and placed the white glove next to his computer terminal. He quickly removed his exoskeleton armor and swords. I’ve been working with Mira for almost three months now, and when I think about it, I don’t really know anything about her. She never talks about her past. He sat at the computer and turned it on. Her left arm really did disappear before my eyes. Thankfully we’re in port at Dega Jul. I can access the database of the Kein Independent Academy. He began searching the records for information on Mira. He sat back after a while with frustration in his eyes. Nothing, I can’t find anything about her. It’s like she never existed. He stopped near the bottom of the search when he noticed an old Kalaidian news story. He read the article. Galaec Kein, the famous Rakna Maigar, had a daughter named Mira Kein. She died in an accident while on transport between planets. She was a musical prodigy. He focused the search on information regarding Galaec Kein. After a several hours of hard reading, he stopped and tried to absorb all the clues. In his final days in public, Galaec Kein spoke of his hidden treasure. He said it was the greatest song he’d ever composed, a living being of music, love, and imagery. It’s unknown what he spoke of, but many searched for it. He searched through the Avoni’s database for information about Mira. She joined the Avoni three years ago, and has done all of her medical checkups herself since she boarded. What happened three years ago?

*

Mira sat alone in the dark, crying. I don’t want to disappear! She looked at her arm as tears fell. Why was I ever born! She turned on the monitor. An image of Mira Kein from a hundred and fifty five years ago was displayed. The image looked exactly like her with a different hair style and clothes. It’s not fair, why do I have to be the copy? Mira cried until she fell asleep.

*

After her shift was over, Jesela went straight to Brian’s quarters. She stood outside the door for a few minutes confused about what to ask him. She pressed the com, “Brian, this is ensign Jesela. I’m Mira’s friend and roommate. I need to talk to you about something.”

The door opened. Brian stood silent for a second. “I know who you are Jesela, I’ve seen you with Mira quite a bit. Come on in.” He motioned for her to join him at a small table near the front of the room.

“Umm

I

” Jesela said. “I don’t want to stay for long Brian. I just wanted to ask you something. “What happened with Mira earlier? She came back crying, scared. I’ve never seen her look like that.”

“We had a spill during rehearsal today, and she seemed out of sorts. I was going to talk to her in a little while Jesela,” he answered.

“Thank you. I just wanted to ask you what was going on,” Jesela said as she turned to leave.

He escorted her out and put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry Jesela. Tell Mira I can help her with the problem shes having. She’ll know what I’m talking about.”

“Okay, I’ll do that Brian,” Jesela said as she left.

*

Mira woke up later and stared at the dark ceiling. Did he see my arm disappear? Why didn’t he say anything? She sat up and turned the monitor on. She closed out the image of Mira Kein and sat at the edge of her bed. Maybe he didn’t see anything, that’s why he didn’t ask any questions. The door to the room opened and Jesela walked in.

“Is that you Jesela?” Mira asked as she pushed the dividing curtain aside. She could see a serious look on her friend’s face.

“Mira, I went to see him a few minutes ago,” Jesela said.

Mira stood up. “What did he say?”

“He said that he can help you with the problem you’re having. Brian said you’d know what he’s talking about.”

Mira’s eyes widened. He knows about me! What am I going to do? She started shaking.

Jesela hugged her. “Mira, I don’t know what’s bothering you, but I know I don’t like seeing you like this. He wants to see you

go to him.”

“Okay, I’ll do that right now.” She smiled and looked her friend in the eye before leaving the room. She ran through the halls of the Avoni, still wearing her white dress and lone white glove on her right hand. Does he know what I am? How can he help me? I’m so confused, but I want to see him again. Being with Brian comforts me, I

I just want to be with him. She thought as she left her quarters. She stopped to catch her breath before pressing the com button.

“Brian, its Mira.”

The door opened a second later. He smiled. “Come in, we have to talk.”

The door closed behind them once inside. The room was dimly lit, with the monitor turned on. She stood in silence with fear in her eyes. He embraced her tightly.

“It must be hard for you Mira,” he said.

She started crying again. “You know, don’t you?”

“You’re the song Gaelic spoke of in his final days, aren’t you?” He smiled at her.

“No!” She tried pushing him away. Instead of letting go he held her tighter. “I’m not a copy! I’m Mira!” She stopped fighting him. “I’m alive; I’m not

just an illusion.”

“That’s right Mira, you’re alive. He didn’t create you to replace his daughter

he wanted you to live and love, just like anyone else,” Brian replied.

“I’m scared, I don’t want to disappear.”

He gazed into her eyes, still smiling. “You’re not going die Mira. I know the secret to Galaec’s Song. The matrix holding you together has degraded over time. I think I know how to fix it. But to do so I need to know where you keep your interface.”

She stepped back, still scared, but she complied with his request. Mira took the earring off her left ear and handed it to him. “This is the interface. Please help me

I don’t want to disappear.”

He took the earring and went to his computer. He recalled the information on advanced holographic technology he’d found under Gaelic Kein’s files. She stood next with worry in her eyes. Brian pressed a tiny switch on the earring before connecting it to the computer.

“It looks like the program keeping your body matrix whole has degraded Mira. If I adjust a few things the problem should be fixed,” he said as he began reprogramming her earring. After an hour of intense work he was finished. He removed the earring from the computer and handed it to her.

“Everything should be fixed now. Luckily we caught this problem early. It would have taken about a year for your body matrix to be completely ruined,” he explained as she put her earring back on. “By the way, when were you born?”

Mira check her body. “Six years ago I was salvaged off an old Kalaidian ship. I was activated shortly afterwards by a group of Reiki scientists. They didn’t know anything about me. I escaped from them a year later and enrolled at the Kein Independent Academy. Three years ago I joined the Avoni as the second ranking medical officer.”

He embraced her again. “Don’t worry Mira; I’ll keep your secret safe.”

“Can I stay here tonight?” she asked. “I’m really tired.”

“Sure, I wouldn’t mind.”

Chapter 20  Seles’s Confession

With sleep still in her eyes, Seles left her quarters for the mess hall. She walked in and saw the usual morning crowd. Along the way to the buffet line, she heard many snippets of something to do with Brian and Mira. After getting her morning meal, she headed for the table where her subordinates were eating. They were talking and laughing. She sat down, ready to enter the conversation at some point.

Meldi, an ensign with short blue hair turned to Seles. “So lieutenant, have you heard the news?”

“No, I just woke up a few minutes ago,” Seles answered. “What’s everyone talking about?”

Kaela, an ensign with long green hair answered. “Mira went to Brian’s room last night.” Each of them blushed while Seles looked stunned.

Seles shook it off. “Are you sure about this Kaela?”

Kaela nodded in confirmation. “I walked by his quarters this morning and saw her leaving. She looked as happier as ever.”

Meldi piped in. “Do you think they

you know?”

They blushed and giggled while Seles silently tried burning her meal with her eyes.

“Is something wrong lieutenant?” Myli, an ensign with short red hair asked.

Seles looked up from the remnants of her meal. “Nothing’s wrong

I need some time alone.” She quickly left with a thousand things in her mind at once. What should I do? What am I supposed to say to him? What about Mira? Seles found herself at Mira’s quarters. Maybe she’s here, and I can talk to her. Seles buzzed the door. A few seconds later, Jesela opened it up.

“Seles, I wasn’t expecting to see you.” Jesela saw something was wrong by the expression on Seless face. “Maybe you should come in for a minute.”

“Sure,” she said as she followed Jesela inside. “Did Mira stay with Brian last night?” she asked.

“Yes, she didn’t come back last night after she went to his quarters,” Jesela said. “Mira came back yesterday upset. I went to see Brian about it and he said he needed to see her. He said he could help Mira with a problem, but didn’t tell me what the problem was.”

“That doesn’t sound like Mira at all. She’s normally upbeat,” Seles said.

“I thought the same thing Seles. I wanted to talk to Mira about it, but she went right from Brian’s room to the auditorium.”

Seles thought for a moment. “I’ll see him later today. Jesela, please look after Mira.”

“Sure,” she said. “I hope what I said helped.”

“It did,” Seles said before turning to leave. I’ve got something special in mind to get his attention.

*

Valis sighed as she entered the bridge. Daes stood at her console and crunched numbers. Baed and Zae sat at their stations.

“I wonder if they did

you know,” Baed said.

Zae looked at her. “Wouldn’t it be gross? I mean, he’s not Kalaidian.”

“I suppose. But he looks a lot like us. Maybe it would be fun?” Baed asked.

“Baed, Zae, what are you talking about?” Valis asked.

Both stood up and saluted. Baed stepped forward. “Mira stayed in Brian’s room last night.”

“Are you sure about this?” Valis asked.

“Yes,” Baed responded.

“I saw Mira leave his room earlier,” Zae said.

*

Brian and Mira were on their way to the bridge as she held onto his arm. Both noticed the blushes and giggles as they passed. When they came to the bridge everyone stared at them. He walked up to the door and hit the com.

“It’s Brian. I’m here as requested.”

“Come in,” Valis said. He went in with Mira in tow.

“I’ve heard about the news about you two,” she said, glaring at Brian. “I thought we cleared this up.”

“What news?” he asked.

“Mira, did you stay with him last night?” Valis asked.

“Yes,” Mira answered.

“The whole crew knows she stayed in your room last night. What I want to know is why? And what happened?!” Valis ordered angrily.

Brian stepped forward. “Nothing happened.” He looked to Mira. “We’ve been practicing something special for the Cou don e Kali, and we’ve both made our share of mistakes. Mira needed some emotional support last night, that’s all.”

“Is this true?” Valis asked as she looked to Mira.

“Yes. I’ve been really stressed out lately, so I needed to see him.”

“Valis, we have no reason to lie about this. If you want, Ill submit to a physical to prove that nothing happened,” he offered.

“I believe you.” Valis closed her eyes and sighed with relief. “So what’s this special something you’re preparing for the ceremony?”

“I’m going to perform some Terran style music for you and the crew, something I’m sure you’ll like,” he said.

“Is that so?” Valis asked, again looking to Mira.

“He showed me a month ago what he has in mind,” Mira said. “It’s different from what we’re used to, but it’s something to see.”

“I’m glad you’re willing to do this. You may go now.” Valis said.

Both saluted before leaving.

“No wonder everyone was staring at us,” Mira said.

“I didn’t think your people gossiped about things like this,” Brian said.

*

Brian and Mira finished their rehearsal for the day. There was only one day left before the blade dance ceremony.

“It looks like everything’s coming together,” Mira said as they left the auditorium.

“Thanks for all the help, especially the singing part,” he said.

She hugged him. “Thank you for helping me.” She blushed and took a step back. “I think I’ll sleep in my own quarters tonight.”

He laughed. “That’s a good idea. Let’s not give the crew any more to talk about. See you tomorrow,” he said as they parted ways.

Brian went back to his quarters. As he walked in he could tell something was out of place. He looked around the room and saw a Kalaidian uniform hanging on a chair. What’s going on here? He asked himself.

“Welcome back,” Seles purred.

He saw her at the door to his private bath. Seles wore a skimpy, translucent outfit. Her hair seemed to shine. Her eyes focused on him intensely. Brian stood dumbfounded while admiring the beautiful image standing before him. I always thought Seles was cute, but this

is different. She’s glowing, sexy, and seductive. He looked closer. She’s wearing a little lip gloss and some kind of flowery perfume. Is this a dream?

She walked up to him and gazed into his eyes. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like how I look?” she asked.

“No Seles

that’s not it at all,” he said with his eyes locked on her. “I wasn’t expecting to see you in this kind of get up. For someone who’s never known about men you sure know a lot.”

“Celi held meetings with the crew about you. I wanted to see how it works.” She tried unfastening his armor.

“I can open the armor from the inside Seles,” he said as he turned his wrists. The armor unsealed itself and allowed him to step out of the armor.

“Why are you interested now?” he asked.

“Because, Mira

“

“OH,” he said. He looked like a deer in headlights. What should I say to her? Would she even believe me? Oh! What the hell am I supposed to say?! Tell the truth Brian, and hopefully she’ll believe it! “Nothing happened last night.”

She was surprised. “But why did Mira?”

“I swore I wouldn’t tell anyone about her problem. All I can say is Mira needed me last night, like when you needed me in the cave.”

“Brian, I

” She grabbed his shirt and pulled him down to her level. She kissed him clumsily on the lips. After a moment she pulled away.

“Let’s try that again. This time let me lead the way,” he said. She didn’t pull away as he kissed her passionately. Another minute passed before they stopped kissing.

“You’re beautiful Seles.”

She gazed into his eyes again. “I want to stay with you. I

” she trailed off, blushing heavily.

He held her tight. “If you came to seduce me, you succeeded.” He started rubbing behind her ears.

“Brian

” she closed her eyes and sighed in pleasure as he rubbed her ears.

He stopped. “Are you sure about this? I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

She brushed his light beard with her hand. “I came here to take advantage of you.” Seles purred again. She held him close. I want you.”

“I know, I feel the same,” he said.

Chapter 21  Personal Relations

Brian woke late the next morning. Glancing to his side he felt Seles holding him. I guess that wasn’t a dream after all. He brushed her ears. She woke up, groggy and confused.

“Good morning,” he said.

“I really did stay here last night, didn’t I?” she asked as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

She looked at the skimpy outfit on the floor. “I can’t believe I put this thing on,” she said as she slipped it on. He stood up and put his pants on.

“You’re really sexy Seles,” he said. He hugged her. “I hope you enjoyed last night as much as I did.”

She blushed. “I never knew what sex was. It was strange, but

good.”

A silent moment passed before the door buzzer rang.

“Brian, are you still sleeping?” Mira asked through the door.

They looked at each other, paralyzed by the situation. He whispered to her, “Go into the bathroom and get dressed, and try to keep quiet.” Seles nodded and grabbed her uniform as she snuck out of the room.

Brian went to the door and made sure Seles was hidden. He opened the door and saw Mira. “Sorry, I guess I overslept.”

“That’s okay. I wanted to talk with you anyway. Can I come in?” Mira asked.

He made sure everything was clear. “Sure, but only for a few minutes. I need to talk to the captain about some things before rehearsal.”

Mira stepped in and looked around. He walked over to the closet and grabbed some fresh clothes. After putting them on, he stepped into his exoskeleton and placed his rakna blades on his belt. Once finished, he turned Mira, who seemed interested in his bed.

“What is it?” he asked.

She picked something off the bed. “What’s this?” she asked playfully.

He went over. “It looks like an earring. Did you lose it when you stayed here?”

“You know I only wear one earring. Whose is this?” she asked a little more forcefully.

“Umm

about that, ah

” he trailed off. Suddenly, a crash came from the bathroom.

Mira looked at him and pointed at the other room. “What was THAT?”

“I guess trying to hide it from you isn’t going to work,” he said with a false smile.

Seles emerged, cursing and limping. She wore her uniform and looked annoyed. “Brian, you really should organize your rooms better.”

“I’ll fix it later today.” He stood helpless as the two girls squared off and stared at each other.

“Can I have my earring back? It’s very important to me,” Seles said.

“I’ll give it to you, but I want to know what was going on in here last night,” Mira said with a wicked grin.

Seles whispered something into her ear. Mira’s eyes widened. She looked at Brian, blushing. “You didn’t, did you?”

He sighed, “Yeah, whatever Seles said. Please don’t spread it all over the ship. I don’t want another day like yesterday.”

“Is that why you need to see the captain?” Mira asked.

“Yes, and I should get going right now,” he said went to the door. “I’ll see you in a little while Mira.” He looked back at Seles. “I’d like it a lot if you came back soon Seles.”

The door closed behind him and left the two women alone. A long moment of uncomfortable silence ensued.

“So, how was it?” Mira asked, breaking the silence.

Seles turned red. “It was good. It felt strange, pleasurable, and a lot of other things.”

Mira closed hers eyes and sighed. “I’ll have to come by and try him out myself.”

Seles’s eyes began burning again. “What!”

Mira looked at her with a smirk on her face. “It’s a small price to pay for my secrecy.”

Seles calmed herself down. “I’ve got to get to the shuttle bay or I’m going to be late for my training session.”

*

Valis sat I the captain’s room and stared at a monitor when the door com buzzed.

“Captain, I need to see you,” Brian said.

“Come in,” She replied.

He walked in with the door closing behind him as she turned off her computer. “What is it?”

Brian knelt down. “Last night, Seles stayed in my room. This time, something did happen. This is something you didn’t want. All I ask is you don’t punish her.”

She motioned for him to stand up. “This was going to happen sooner or later. As long as you don’t cause issues amongst the crew, I won’t need further reporting from you.”

He looked her in the eye. “It’s not my intention to cause trouble on your ship,” he said.

“I trust your judgment. You’re not the kind of man to run around causing harm,” she said.

“I have to go now, my final practice is today,” he said as he turned to leave.

“One question,” she said.

He stopped. “What would that be?”

“Who initiated relations, you or Seles?”

“She did,” he answered.

“Interesting,” she said as he left.

*

Brian quickly made his way to the auditorium. He saw Mira standing on the stage, with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as he joined her.

She searched for the words. “Brian, I want to know something. What do you think of Seles?”

He took her hand. “I was brought here by force and felt like I was going crazy. Everything felt so unreal. I felt like I was dreaming. She was the first person I spoke to, the first person I felt was real. Seles grounded me when I needed it the most. Without her, madness would’ve taken me.” He paused. “She’s very special to me.”

“And what about me?” she asked.

He ran his hand through her hair. “You’re sweet and beautiful Mira, one of the best I’ve ever known. I admire your ability and have enjoyed the last three months. I’ve learned a lot, and promise to keep your secret. I know one thing; I don’t want you to disappear from my life.”

“This feeling you have for Seles, is it the same with me?”

“No, you and Seles are different people. I feel one way for her, and differently for you.”

“What if I came to your room like she did?” she asked, blushing.

“I wouldn’t mind. Pleasure, like pain is very important for one to experience,” he said.

“Why do you say that?” she asked.

“Because it tells us we’re alive.”

Chapter 22  Blade Dance

The next day began with the Avoni going silent in port on Dega Jul, with all crew members filling the auditorium. The main lights were on at the moment and the stage was dark. Most of the bridge crew sat at the front, save for Valis, who had opted to sit at the center of the audience. She saw anticipation in their eyes and smiled, confident in her decision. The lights turned off and everyone sat down. The room hushed as a single beam of light illuminated Mira, dressed in a special white dress with matching boots and gloves. Behind her, Brian knelt in the darkness, wearing his exoskeleton armor, long dark green cape, and matching rakna blades.

Mira addressed the audience of two hundred and eighty crew members. “Welcome everyone. Today I have a special performance for your enjoyment. I present to you the candidate, Brian Peterson, of Terra Prime.”

A light shined down on him. He stood up and bowed. Mira turned back to the crew. “A hundred and fifty years ago, the last living Rakna Maigar, Gaelic Kein, performed for the last time on this day. Silence is what we have heard all these years, but today, that changes. Brian’s skill with blade and song are second to none. I know he will impress you.”

The crowd cheered. Brian drew his rakna blades and warmed up with a quick display of spins, thrusts, and slashes. The crowd was amazed at this display of speed and skill. The sound of his swords was that of an acoustic guitar. Mira took her opening stance, Brian followed with his.

“In the beginning, there was Kali. The goddess who created us, nurtured us, and gave life to us,” Mira said.

The pair proceeded with the twelve songs of Kali. Every three songs a short intermission of five minutes was given. The holographic images Brian gave off of his armor created vivid imagery of the great battles and stories of Kalaidian history, with the illusory people being completely black, with no faces. After an hour of dance and song, Mira and Brian left for the last intermission before the Finale.

“I didn’t think this would be so exhausting,” Mira said before taking a drink of water.

Brian did likewise. “Only one more left to go.”

She smiled. “This one isn’t what they’re expecting.”

“It’s not my song, just one I heard long ago and really liked. I’ll credit those who made the original,” he said.

“But they didn’t use a pair of blades, or have anyone as pretty as me as back up,” she remarked.

“Well Mira, shall we?” he said as he offered his hand. She joined him.

“Yes, we shall,” Mira said as they left for the stage.

The room darkened again. Brian moved to the front of the stage with a single beam of light shining on him. The crowd quieted as he addressed them. “The Cou don e Kali is a sacred ceremony steeped in tradition. The song to complete this ceremony is normally the Hymn to Kali, but I will not be performing that song.”

The crowd gasped with whispers moving about the audience. Brian began again. “I’m human, not Kalaidian. So I thought I should perform a song from Earth, with much story and meaning behind it. It’s a classic rock song, a style of music unknown to your people. I present to you, Stairway to Heaven, originally performed by Led Zeppelin.”

He drew his swords and spoke the command to change their sound. Mira took her place in the dimly illuminated back. He was to perform the electric guitar and vocals while Mira covered everything else. The auditorium went completely black save for the two on stage. The background resembled a forest from Earth. Tall, human sized figures danced around them, matching Brian’s blades and voice. One figure was a female ghost, slightly transparent compared to the others. During the song the ghost matched the lyrics of the “Lady”. As the song continued, the crew was dazzled by the speed of his movements. Suddenly, all but the figure of the “Lady” disappeared. She stood at a split in the path. Brian’s singing stopped as he began performing the guitar riff, except he used dance movements, along with sword spins, slashes, and thrusts to make the music. Mira matched his speed doing the drums and support music, dancing and twirling in time. When he reached the peak of “Stairway to Heaven”, his blade dancing was so fast they could barely see him. As the song neared the end he sang the closing lyrics. At the end, the “Lady” found the “Stairway to Heaven”, and began climbing the steps. As the song ended, both Brian and Mira posed in beams of light. The background hologram faded away as the music ended. He closed his eyes and wondered why they were taking so long to applaud. Didn’t they like it? He opened his eyes as the crew began cheering loudly. He smiled and looked back at Mira, who was smiling as well. She stepped forward and waved to be heard.

“Did you enjoy that my friends?” she asked the crowd.

A cheer came out, saying “Yes, More, Again.”

She turned to Brian. “Then I present to you, Brian Peterson, Rakna Maigar in name and fact.”

She went to the back of the stage and picked something up. She handed it to him. He glanced at the white rose as the crowd cheered for him to throw it. He closed his eyes and kissed the rose before tossing it into the crowd. The room went silent. He opened his eyes to see the crew staring at the captain. She held the rose.

He stepped off the stage. The crowd parted until he stood in front of her. He knelt and offered his hand. “Valis, as the Lady of the Rose, I’m to serve you for the night.”

“Yes, and you’ll serve me well,” Valis replied as she took his hand.

*

Brian and Valis enjoyed a fine meal at the table in her quarters. Pictures of landscapes from various worlds lined the walls, as well as pictures of Valis in her younger days.

“I have something to ask you,” she said.

“Ask away.”

“What are your thoughts on the future?”

He looked at the pictures on the walls. “I want my freedom. I want to feel the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair. I want to see more Valis.”

“I see,” she said as she took something from her desk drawer. It was a silver circlet with a single leaf angled to the left. She walked over and placed the circlet on his forehead. “This is yours Brian. From this day onward, you’ll be ranked as Lieutenant Commander, my second in command. I’ve watched your growth carefully, and I’m glad I took the chance of letting you stay.”

He nodded before saluting. “I’ll be ready for duty tomorrow. What about going outside? I know if I walk around like this it’ll cause problems.”

She smiled. “I have a simple solution in mind. When in public, I want you to wear this.” Valis went behind her desk and pulled out a large metal helmet. It matched his armor’s color and motif. “Not only will this hide your identity, it has many features to add to your armor. Here, try it on,” she said as she handed the helmet to him.

After putting it on and locking it into place, he saw Valis’s heat register. “Is this okay? Can you hear me?” he asked with a voice sounding like a robot’s. He noticed she was laughing.

“Daes did a great job,” she said, shaking her head. “You look just like a Keinien Android.”

“What are those?” he asked.

“Keinien Androids were common a hundred years ago. For a long time we used Androids to fill the males’ role on the battlefield, until it was decided ninety five years ago to decommission them. When in public the crew will refer to only your rank, not your real name or species. You should also get used to being called Maigar, since that’s your title,” she explained.

He took the helmet off and put it down. “It feels weird wearing this.” She came close and took his hand.

“Before going on duty tomorrow, I want you to see Celi,” Valis said. “She’s been pestering me about a physical for months now.”

“No problem,” he said.

“But before that…” She began picking at his armor. “I’d like to give you a thorough physical myself.”

“Anything you desire my Lady.”

Chapter 23  A Doctor’s Call

Valis jumped out of bed and desperately searched for something.

“What is it?” Brian asked as he threw his clothes on.

Valis quickly put on her clothes and circlet with the three leaves. “I have to be on duty in less than 10 minutes.” She checked herself in the mirror and fixed her hair. “I want you to report to Celi immediately. Afterwards, go to the HDC. Kivi will be waiting for you there with a few gifts,” she said as she ran to the door. She looked back and smiled. “By the way, come back to my room sometime soon.”

He put on the rest of his clothes and armor. Looking in the mirror, he placed the circlet with a single leaf on his forehead. On his way to sickbay, he noticed a number of the crew stopping to salute. He returned each one and said thanks. Walking into sickbay, he found Celi and Mira waiting.

“I’m here for the check up,” he said.

“Thanks for coming,” Celi said as she led him into the medical lab. Mira followed and closed the door behind them.

Celi turned to him. “Please remove your clothing.”

Seeing their strange smiles he shook his head and complied. They took turns scanning him over. The large monitor in the middle of the computer equipment showed two pictures, one of Brian when he first came onboard, and the one they were in the process of finishing.

“You’ve improved your physical condition quite a bit,” Celi said.

“Six months living in whatever hell your commander can think of does that to a person,” he said. “Can I put my clothes back on?”

“Sure,” Mira said. “We’re almost finished.”

“There’s one more sample we need from you,” Celi said. Mira continued the data comparison.

He donned his armor and locked it into place. “What do you need?”

“I need a sperm sample from you,” Celi said. “I have everything else for my research other than that.”

He laughed and shook his head. “Do you have something I can use as a container?”

She went to the table and grabbed sealed cup. “This will flash freeze the sample,” Celi said as she handed it to him.

Brian placed the container in a side pocket on his belt. “I’ll bring it to you in a few days.”

“Thank you,” Celi said as he left.

“He looked really embarrassed,” Mira remarked.

“I felt the same asking, but we really do need it,” Celi said.

*

Brian opened the door to the HDC and walked into the illusion of a bright sunny day in a desert. He saw a sand storm off in the distance and an oasis nearby. There, he found Kivi, wearing her circlet with two leaves as she meditated in the open sun.

“It’s been awhile,” he said.

She opened her eyes and stood up. “I bear gifts from Daes.”

“What else could I need?” he asked.

“The rakna blades you’re carrying are good for music, but not for battle. Daes made a few items to suit your tastes.”

She went to a bush nearby and brought out a pair of large objects wrapped in cloth. She placed them at his feet. He knelt down to see what they were. He began with the object shaped like a sword. Unlike the rakna blades he had been using, the sword was the size of a European bastard sword, straight blade and extended hilt. The scabbard matched his armor. He picked up the blade and found the balance was perfect.

“This is perfect,” he said.

“I knew you’d like it,” Kivi said. “Before going into battle you’ll have to master the sword’s a special feature.”

“What kind of special feature?” he asked.

She waved her hand in a spinning motion. “If you spin the sword while at full power, you can gather energy. You release the energy by slashing in an arc, or by thrusting forward or back. Which way you attack will determine the shape and power of the energy beam released.”

“I don’t suppose I could try it out here?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Sorry, but firing a beam like that would damage the ship.”

He removed the cloth from the second it. It looked like a massive dragon scale.

“Is this a shield?” he asked.

“Yes, and it locks into place here.” Kivi pointed to a spot on his left arm.

He placed the shield into the spot she pointed to and found it fit perfectly. He flexed his arm and watched the large shield fold into his armor. “That’s handy. I don’t have to carry it on my back.” He flexed his arm again and caused the shield to grow to full size. He pressed a button on the shield. A second later a force field surrounded him. He turned off the force shield and let the shield fold into his left arm. “I really appreciate this.” Looking behind Kivi, he saw something else in the bushes. “What’s that?”

She smiled. “That’s for me.” She revealed a set armor with the motif of a sea serpent. “I saw your armor and decided I should have a set made for me,” she said as she stepped into the armor. She wore a pair of rakna blades on her belt. “Would you mind sparring with me?”

He smiled. “That’s just the thing I need.”

*

The two sat in the shade while enjoying the holographic weather.

Kivi turned to him. “So what’s the special project Daes is busy with?”

Brian stood up and motioned for her to join him. “Come and see for yourself.”

They left the HDC and headed for the cargo bay.

“It’s going to take a few more weeks to finish the computer systems, but Daes told me its nearing completion,” he said as they came to the bay door.

The cargo bay looked more like a weapons development lab. A number of engineers were in the room while Daes was at the main console working. As Brian and Kivi walked in, Daes looked up and went over to them.

“I wondered when you’d come to see what we’re building,” Daes said. She led them to the corner of the cargo bay. “It can take the form a light class cruiser or giant bipedal robot.” Daes flipped a switch on her belt.

Light above shined on the mobile suit. The metallic giant stood over twenty vetres in height. It was equipped with a massive sword and shield. Propulsion systems were attached to the back and feet.

“I never thought you could make this real,” he said as he touched the leg of the robot. “Daes, you’re really a great engineer.”

“True,” Daes said. She stared proudly at the Mjolnir. “But the original designs were crafted by genius far greater than mine.”

Chapter 24  Dega Jul

Brian was alone in his room. After equipping the shield and placing his rakna blade on his back, he placed the helmet on his head to lock it into place. Before leaving, he looked at his image in the mirror. He head to the rear of the ship until he came to a stairway leading outside, down to a landing pad. Though shielded by his helmet, Brian saw real sunlight for the first time in nearly a year. Looking down, he saw Seles, Mira, Jesela, and Celi. The four of them stood outside talking. As he approached, each of them gave him a funny look.

“Is that you?” Seles asked.

“Yes,” he answered with his robot voice. “Remember to call me Commander while we’re amongst others.”

They gave him a funny look again. “What is it?” he asked.

Mira came over to him. “Your voice sounds really weird.”

“I agree,” added Jesela.

“Such amazing detail,” Celi said as she paced around him. “You look like a Keinien Android.”

He gazed at the metropolis around him, with skyscrapers reaching twice the height of those he saw on Earth. He saw city from horizon to horizon, with aerial vehicles flying everywhere. The group gathered around.

“So where should we go friends?” Jesela asked.

“I say shopping, and then make a stop at the Kritkar,” Mira suggested.

“Yeah, there’re a lot of things I need to pick up for research,” Celi said.

“Then let’s go!” Jesela exclaimed as she took the lead.

Brian followed them quietly. Seles walked near the back and stayed with him.

“What’s wrong?” Seles asked. “You don’t seem very talkative.”

“It’s nothing,” he answered. “I’m just taking in the scenery. You have to remember I’ve been cooped up on the Avoni for almost a year now.”

They walked behind the others as they entered the street level of the city. Brian saw numerous different races making business, legitimate or not.

“So what is this Kritkar place?” he asked as they walked to the store front of a Kalaidian seamstress.

“The Kritkar is a mixed race bar less than a ketre from here,” Seles explained. “It’s a good place to acclimate you to our world. The bartender is an old Malcovin named Grig. “

Mira and Jesela started ranting on how they had to get a certain dress. Celi looked totally disinterested, while Seles laughed at the situation. Brian noticed that even disguised, he was getting a lot of stares. They went into the Kalaidian shop and were greeted by the designer. She was an average sized lady with long purple hair and crimson eyes. She wore a bejeweled dress that accented her figure perfectly.

“Who’s she?” he asked Seles.

Seles stood next to him. “Her name’s Mya. She’s owned this shop for over forty years and is considered one of the top three clothing designers amongst Kalaidians.”

“Welcome again ladies,” Mya said. “So what can I get for you today?” She walked to each of the girls to note their figure and size. Mya stopped when she got to Brian.

“Don’t mind him Mya,” Mira said. “He’s a Keinien Android we reactivated a few months ago.”

Mya paced around him. “It’s in excellent condition for something over a century old. She tapped his chest. “Can you speak?”

“Of course,” he answered. “My designation is A-17598. But, I’m usually called Commander.”

Mya nodded to the others. “Go ahead and look around girls.” She turned back to Brian while Mira and Jesela started looking around. Celi and Seles did the same while staying close to him.

“My Commander, you’re impressively built,” Mya said as she looked at Brian’s armor and weaponry.

“As you are Mya,” Brian said.

Mya giggled. “It seems you have an advanced A.I. No normal android would have a sense of humor.”

“That’s true Mya. I’ve been updated beyond the standard perimeters for an android of my class,” Brian said.

Brian was peppered with questions from Mya for two hours before Mira and Jesela finally decided on what they were going to buy. Seles asked for something special, prompting a funny look from Mya. They left and headed for the Kritkar. Brian noticed the street opened up into a market. There were beings of every kind, from the snake people called the Shandi, to the humanoid rat people called Odarians. After a few minutes they came to a large building with the Malcovin Rune style sign showing “Kritkar”. Seles led the way in with Brian right behind her while Celi, Mira, and Jesela followed. The main bar was set around the center as one large square. There were a number of Malcovin, Kalaidians, Minans, Shandi, and a pair of heavily dressed creatures in the corner. The place was about half full at the moment. At the far end was a large stage. Manning the center was a grey feathered Malcovin dressed in a set of loose brown shirt and pants. Seles led them to the center bar. Brian noticed he was drawing the attention of a number of customers.

The bartender turned to Seles and her group as they came to the bar. “It’s good to see you again Lady Seles,” the old birdman said as he looked at Brian.

Seles smiled. “Don’t mind him Grig; he’s a Keinien Android we found a few months ago on a job,” she patted Brian on the back, “He makes a great bodyguard.”

Grig cocked his head and blinked. “It’s sure imposing.” He turned back to Seles and the rest of the group. “So, is it the usual?”

“Yes,” all of them responded.

Grig turned to Brian. “What about the android?”

Mira leaned forward. “He doesn’t need food or drink Grig.”

He looked at Mira and nodded his head. “I’ll have your drinks ready in a few minutes. Until then, take any place you want.”

Grig began gathering ingredients for Kalaidian style drinks. Jesela and Celi picked out a table near the wall. Brian noticed that the pair of strangely dress figures eyed him very closely as he joined his companions and sat at the table.

“So how is it Commander?” Celi asked.

“I didn’t think the universe was so diverse.” He turned to Seles. “What race are those two in the corner. The way they’re looking at me gives me the creeps.”

She glanced in their direction. “Those are Ick-Tckt. They’re insects, so they don’t need to blink. Their kind is unnerving to everyone.”

Grig came over to the table with their drinks. “So, can I get you ladies anything to eat?”

Each of them labeled off some kind of special Kalaidian dish. Grig took their orders and left. Out of the corner of his eye, Brian noticed a pair of Minans staring at him while their bear-like faces kept snorting. Each of them stood over seven feet. Their bodies were covered in thick brown fur with hands and feet like humans. One flexed his retractable claws in and out while looking at Brian. Their clothes were patched pieces of metal and cloth, and each wore a battle axe on their back. Both finished their drink before slamming the tankard on the table and walking over to Brian. The girls noticed the drunken bearmen towering over them.

“What kind of creature is this thing?” one of them asked as it waved its fist.

Seles turned to them. “The Commander here is a Keinien Android we recently reactivated.”

“Keine

what?” the second asked.

“It’s an android,” Celi said.

“Well I don’t like it. Get it out of here!” the first one bellowed. The Minan moved to put a hand on Seles. Brian swiped it away and stood between them and the table.

“If you have something to say, say it to me,” Brian said.

“You can talk?” the second asked.

“Yes, and I’m telling the both of you to leave.”

“You leave robot!” the first one bellowed before punching Brian in the face. The helmet took most of the hit.

He smiled under his mask. “Bad move.”

He punched the Minan in front of him, knocking the bearman into the wall. The drunken creature stood up, totally confused. The bar went silent. The second Minan attempted a punch. Brian caught its hand. He squeezed until he heard bone break and then tossed the injured creature aside. He walked towards the other one and noticed he’d drawn his axe. The Minan cursed and swung. Brian drew his sword and shattered the axe with a single blow. After sheathing his blade, Brian grabbed the Minan and threw him out of the bar. The second Minan, holding his broken hand, cursed Brian as he ran out the door. He walked over to the Grig.

“I’m sorry for the scene.” Brian pulled out some gold strips and handed them to the old Malcovin. “That should cover the fee for any damages.” He walked back to the table and sat down. They all stared at him.

“What?” he asked.

“How did beat them so easily?” Mira asked.

“Did you go to full power?” Jesela asked.

“No, only 50%,” he answered. “I didn’t think the people in this establishment would like guts adorning the walls.”

Grig went to their table with their meals. “Here’s your order,” he said as he looked at Brian again.

“I’m not going to attack you,” Brian said. “I serve as a bodyguard for these ladies.”

“That’s not what I’m wondering,” Grig said. He turned to the girls. “If you come across another one of these androids please send it my way. I could use a guard like it,” the old Malcovin said before going back to the bar.

The girls started laughing.

Chapter 25  First Mission

“It’s Seles,” she said through the door com. “We have a mission briefing an hour from now.”

Brian groaned and tossed his blanket aside.

“Are you awake?” she asked through the door.

He yawned and opened the door to find Seles holding a tray of food. “You brought me breakfast?”

She smiled. “I didn’t think you’d have time to stop at the mess hall.”

She walked in and placed the food on the table. Brian wandered into his bathroom for a few minutes and emerged in uniform with tired eyes.

“Thanks for bringing this,” he said as he sat down to eat.

“It looks like you’ve acclimated to our food,” she said.

He looked down at his half-finished plate. “I’d really give anything to have a pizza right now.”

“What kind of food is that?” she asked as she handed him a canister of water.

“Describing it won’t be any good,” he gulped down some water,” It’d be better if I make one for you.”

“It doesn’t have any meat, does it?”

He shrugged. “One can put meat on it. But, I’ll make a pizza that complies with your diet.”

Seles looked down as if she was in deep thought. Finished with his meal, Brian finished the water.

“What’s wrong Seles?” he asked.

She looked him in the eye. “Are you happy here?”

“Yes,” he answered. “I miss my home of course, and my old friends. But, I’m happy here.”

“Is that all?” she asked.

He nodded his head. “I’m not going crazy.” He donned his armor and stretched.

“Okay,” she said. “But if something does come up, please tell me.”

“If something’s bothering me, you’ll be the first to know.”

*

Valis, Kivi, and Zae stood over the strategy table. They were looking at holographic images of a large asteroid with an entrance on the outside.

“Are you sure this information is legitimate?” Zae asked.

“Yes. This information came from Captain Esra,” Valis said.

“It’s been a long time since we got the chance to meet with our sister ship,” Kivi said.

“Yes, it has been a long time,” Valis said. “I recently met with Captain Esra to discuss a few things. She told me this base is a major smuggling operation run by Shandi and that it would require more than one vessel to take it.”

“So this will be a joint operation?” Zae asked.

Valis nodded. “Yes, we’re to meet the Daevoni near Dega Six and commence the operation from there. The base is well guarded, but we should be able to pull this off.”

“And what are we plundering?” Brian asked as he entered the room with Seles behind him.

Valis smiled. “My source tells me the Shandi have a rather large load of weapons and shielding systems for space vessels. That’s all she knows.”

Brian walked up the table and studied the images carefully. He smiled as if he found something.

“What is it?” Zae asked.

“There’s obviously an advanced shielding system protecting the front,” he pointed at the front gate, “But they lack one here,” he pointed to the back of the asteroid.

“You’ve caught onto my plan before I even explained it,” Valis said. “I was going to send you out on the Mjolnir to infiltrate the rear entrance.”

“Is he ready for this?” Zae asked.

Valis nodded. “He’d better be. That mobile suit of his cost me a fortune.”

“I’d like to go with him,” Kivi said.

“Bring a few soldiers with you,” Valis ordered. “I don’t want me first and second officers getting killed in their first mission together.”

*

Brian entered the cargo bay with Zae and Kivi and went straight to the Mjolnir. He looked up and saw the giant was nearly complete. Only the paint job remained.

“You’ve done a great job Daes,” he said as she joined them.

Daes smiled with excitement in her eyes. “This is the next generation of fighting weapons. I’m glad I had a chance to implement a few theories into this craft.”

Zae turned to Daes. “You’ll have to show me how you drew up these systems.”

Daes nodded. “I can understand your skepticism, so I’ll show you next time we have a day off.”

“Sounds interesting,” Zae said. “I need to get back to the bridge now.” She left them.

Brian looked at Daes. “Is the Mjolnir charged?”

She went to the main console. “Yes, it’s fully charged. The command system you have in your exoskeleton should work now.”

“Thanks,” he said. He pressed a button to reveal the small computer on his arm. He gazed at the mobile suit and spoke into his com. “Starting Command: Thor, God of Thunder threw his mighty hammer, and its name was Mjolnir.”

The giant’s eyes began glowing blue as the systems came on. The front hatch opened at the belly and a cord rolled down to the ground. He placed his foot in the loop at the end of the cord and offered his hand to Kivi.

“Would you like to see the interior?”

Kivi took his hand as the cord pulled them both up to the hatch. Inside, she saw a small room covered with monitors and keyboards. In the center was a large padded chair with a pair of control sticks on the arms. She stepped and noticed the writing on the key pads was in a language she didn’t recognize.

“What language is this writing?” she asked.

Brian stepped in behind her. “It’s English, my native language. I figured if this ship ever captured it would take a while for them to decipher the language.”

“Could you show me the special system?” she asked.

He sat in the chair and began using the controls. After a moment, the hatch closed and the monitors showed a 360 degree view around the Mjolnir. He leaned over. “Could you press that button Kivi?” He pointed at a button behind her.

She pressed the button while Daes watched from outside. He pressed the com button above him. “Is the stealth cloak working?”

Daes rang her hand on the invisible leg. “It’s working exactly as designed. I can’t see a thing.”

“Can I take a look from outside?” Kivi asked.

“Sure,” he said. When he opened the front hatch Kivi headed out. She checked her eyes as she noticed she was standing in midair.

Daes laughed. “Kivi, it looks like you appeared out of nowhere.”

Brian helped her back inside. “I’m glad my first mission will be led by you,” he said.

Chapter 26  Surprise Attack

The Avoni flew in low orbit of Dega 6, a large gas giant with bands of black and blue spanning its face. Valis sat in her chair on the bridge with Baed and Zae at their stations.

“We’re receiving an encoded message captain,” Zae reported.

“Answer it,” Valis commanded.

Zae turn on the communication. On the monitor appeared the bridge of the Daevoni, mirroring the Avoni’s. At the center was Captain Esra, a beautiful Kalaidian with long silvery white hair and purple eyes.

“It’s been a while Valis,” Esra said as she flipped back her hair.

“Not so long considering we met a few days ago,” Valis said.

Esra smiled. “Not that Valis. I mean going into a battle. By the way, where’s Kivi?”

“She’s currently with my second officer for a special task. They’re going make this mission a lot easier.”

“I hope this doesn’t change our previous plans,” Esra said.

“No, nothing like that,” Valis said. “We’re to play our parts as we planned.”

“Alright Valis, I trust you. Is everything in order?” Esra asked.

Valis looked to Baed and Zae. “Ready?”

“Yes captain,” Zae said. “Seles is standing by with the Novaguards and the Mjolnir is ready to launch.”

“Let’s go then,” Valis commanded.

*

“It’s a bit cramped in here, but this should work,” Kivi said. She stood in the Mjolnir’s cockpit with three other soldiers dressed in space gear and carrying pulse rifles. Both she and Brian wore their armor with helmets locked into place.

The monitor flashed and Valis appeared. “It’s time to launch.”

“We’ll have that shield down in no time,” Kivi said.

Brian activated the Mjolnir’s invisibility system and checked its weapons and shields one more time, everything was green.

“Well ladies, let’s get going.”

The eyes of the Mjolnir lit up while the thrusters on the back began burning as its dragon like wings on the back extended. He looked to monitor and saw Daes standing at the controls in a space suit. She held up her hand to show all was clear. The doors above the Mjolnir opened and allowed him to fly the mobile suit into space. Once clear of the Avoni, he pushed the Mjolnir to full speed. They closed on the asteroid the Shandi were using as a base. The exterior was heavily built upon, with numerous docks and other structures. The shield array consisted of a series of towers with power systems at their base. A large diamond shaped warship patrolled the area.

“Looks like a Gant class,” Kivi said. “We’ll leave it to Valis and Esra.”

Brian nodded and flew the Mjolnir to the other side of the asteroid. Scanning the area, Brian found the weak spot he was looking for and landed on the asteroid. He also found a pair of smaller diamond shaped ships patrolling their area.

“Those could be a problem,” he said. “What should we do?”

“Destroy them,” Kivi commanded.

“As you wish,” he said.

The Mjolnir drew its massive sword and charged the first vessel. As it flew past the first ship the sword cut right through the center. An explosion followed as the mobile suit turned to the other ship. The Mjolnir slashed and cut through the other vessel, causing it to explode. He flew back to the asteroid and used the pulse cannon to cut a hole to the interior.

“That should get us inside,” Brian said. He and Kivi checked their helmets and made sure their exoskeletons were sealed. As she and Brian went out they saw a hatch nearby.

Kivi turned to the others. “Keep an eye out for intruders. If they get close, seal the Mjolnir and activate the shields.”

*

Seles and her subordinates scrambled to their Novaguards. Each looked similar to a jet fighter with heavier armor and three engines spaced evenly apart like a perfect triangle. As she put on her space suit and sealed it, she turned on the monitor in her Nova. Three screens came up and displayed the three ensigns serving as squadron leaders.

“Myli, you have command of beta squadron, Meldi will back you up,” Seles said. “Kaela will act as my second. Alpha squadron is to attack the defense towers on the surface of the asteroid, while beta squadron defends the Avoni. The Daevoni’s two squadrons are doing the same. Everything clear?” she asked.

“Yes lieutenant,” the three responded.

The Novas engines flared up and one by one they dropped out of the docking bay into space. They separated into two units of twenty two. Seles flew to the front and led alpha squadron toward the asteroid. Above them, the Avoni began firing their pulse cannons at the asteroid, while the Daevoni engaged with the Gant class vessel. Out of docks on the surface, a number of smaller vessels flew in the direction of the Novas.

“Looks like we’ll get some stars today,” Kaela remarked.

“It looks like there’re only twenty Spits, so we have the advantage,” Seles said as she aimed and fired into their line.

*

Valis sat calmly watched the pieces move into place.

“It doesn’t look like they have enough to fight with,” Zae said.

“No.” Valis stared at the Shandi formation. “How’s the Daevoni faring?”

“From the looks of it they’re winning,” Zae reported.

Valis stared at the shield protecting the docks. The towers were positioned in an equidistant patter with the largest at the center. Her eyes widened. That’s it! She thought.

“Zae, keep a close eye on their energy build up, Baed be ready to move. If my suspicions are correct, their shields have a firing mechanism.”

“Yes captain,” the pair responded in unison.

Valis began working out a strategy on her computer. “Zae put me through to Esra.”

“Yes captain.”

*

“There doesn’t appear to be any alarms on this door,” Kivi said.

Behind them was a large open area. It was lightly carved and most of the materials floating around looked like trashed ship parts.

He looked at Kivi. “You should open the door.”

“Agreed,” she said as she drew one of her rakna blades and powered it up. She started carving out the frame of the door. A moment later the door peeled out. Brian floated in, blade in hand. He entered the small hallway and looked around while Kivi followed.

“The power systems shouldn’t be far from here,” she said.

He activated his shield and followed her closely. Both kept an eye out for enemies as they came to another door. She opened it and he charged in. Inside, two Shandi stood guard, completely caught by surprise. They stood over seven feet tall with tough scaled bodies. Their lower half resembled a massive snake tail, while the torso was humanlike, with two arms and a head. Their hands had three fingers and a thumb, while their snakelike eyes were crimson red. Like a snake, the Shandi also had forked tongues and fangs. They held pulse rifles and wore armor over their torso. Before they could react, Brian slashed and decapitated one of them. Kivi came in from behind and did the same. Blood floated freely and covered both of them with red.

“That was gross,” he said.

The asteroid shook when he turned to Kivi. “It looks like everything is going according to the plan.”

“Let’s not to disappoint them,” she said as they entered the power station.

Chapter 27  Berserker

“Everyone spread out!” Seles shouted to her subordinates as a massive energy beam fired from the center of the defense tower formation. All the Novas managed to evade while the Avoni took a glancing hit from the beam. A moment later the Novas returned to their formations.

“Is everyone okay?” Seles asked.

“Yes lieutenant,” each responded.

Valis appeared on Seles’s monitor. “Their ship is fleeing, probably for reinforcements from another asteroid nearby. We’re going to pursue. Take formation H-3 and follow the Avoni.”

“Yes captain,” she said as Valis’s message ended.

*

“We’re in pursuit now,” Valis said as the Avoni began chasing the Shandi ship. Esra was on the main monitor tapping a finger.

“Now tell me Valis, what’s the secret you’ve been keeping from me?” she asked.

“If you want to know you’re going to have to put a gag order on your bridge crew,” Valis said.

Esra nodded to her bridge crew. “You heard her. Nothing leaves this room.”

“Yes captain,” they responded.

Valis stood and went to the monitor. “At this moment, Kivi and my second officer are conducting a raid on the base. Their shields should be down any minute.”

Esra smiled. “Come now, do tell more. Tell me who you’re mysterious second is. Is it a Keinien android, or something else?”

“No, he’s not an android. To answer your question, his name is Brian,” she said.

“Did you say he?” Esra asked.

Valis nodded. “He’s a Terran my Reiniere trained as a Rakna Maigar.”

Esra’s eyes widened. “A Terran you say? And he’s learned the sacred dances of our people?” Esra laughed. “If he’s learned the blade dance Terrans must resemble us.”

Valis smiled. “Zae, send her a picture.”

“Yes captain,” Zae said.

Esra grinned. “My, he’s a handsome one. I don’t suppose he came with any friends?”

“Sorry, but he came alone,” Valis answered with a shrug.

Esra sighed. “You’ll have to tell me everything next time we’re in port.”

“Please take care of him Esra,” Valis said. “We’ll take care of the other ship.”

“Don’t worry Valis. I’ll make sure your new toy doesn’t get broken.”

*

Brian and Kivi moved quickly and used hand signals to communicate. They came to the outer door to the power station and killed the two guards with their blades in haste. The door was sealed shut and Kivi motioned for him to come over. He opened a panel on the wall next to the door. Shaking his head at the confusing design, he aimed the butt of his sword and bashed the locking mechanism. The door shuttered for a moment before popping open. He used his blade to pry it open completely as pulse fire started flying. He and Kivi each stood to the side of the door.

“There are at least twenty of them in there,” Kivi said.

Brian released his shield and spoke the command to activate its force field. He turned to Kivi. “It’s time to see if this shield works. I’ll go first.”

“Okay,” she said.

He moved into the open doorway as the shield absorbed the blasts coming at them and slowly advanced forward. Kivi followed closely behind when the base shook again. The pair noticed they were in a massive hallway littered with barriers. The Shandi continued firing on them.

“Kivi, I’m going to hand you the shield,” he said.

“I have a better idea. I’ll take the left, you take the right.”

She drew her rakna blades and charged the left side of the room. Blood flew as she danced amongst them. He deactivated the shield and folded it into his arm. He drew his sword and charged the right side of the room. As the armored pair slashed their way forward a number of their enemies retreated. Tired and covered in blood, Brian and Kivi went to the next room. He noticed a small blast had broken her left leg’s plate and she walked with a limp.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“It’s nothing really,” she said as she gritted her teeth. “The armor took the brunt of it.”

The pair moved their way into a chamber full of monitors with a power tube at the center. After looking around and seeing no enemies, he and Kivi used their weapons to destroy the consoles in the room. As they went to leave a flurry of pulse blasts came from the other side of the room. Kivi fell to the ground, battered by energy bullets. Brian activated his shield and surveyed the situation. He slowly advanced towards Kivi, noticing her armor was badly damaged and she was bleeding. The Shandi started moving into the room to surround him. Brian’s eyes began glowing blue as he left his shield to guard Kivi. They were paralyzed by his speed. One after another they fell to his blade. Distorted laughter came from his helmet as he killed them. He didn’t allow any of them to flee and killed them as they ran. Afterwards, he returned to Kivi, picked her up and headed for the docks.

*

As a drop shuttle from the Daevoni landed in the front dock of the base, the back opened. A number of Kalaidians ran out armed with pulse rifles. The Shandi had been silent for half an hour. Lieutenant Laeda, a tall Southlander with long black hair and brown eyes led the Kalaidians.

“Secure the port!” she commanded.

Her troops made their way through the docks and found all of the ships and equipment abandoned. Moving towards the main entrance to the base they found the door was locked. Laeda attached a hacking unit and slowly forced the door open. On the other side, they saw bodies lying on the floor and blood covered the walls. Laeda stood, shocked at how mangled they were. She cautiously walked in while shadowed by a dozen soldiers. At the far end of the room a single figure stood. It was covered in bloodstained armor and held a Kalaidian, dressed in similar hardware. It moved towards the lieutenant. As it got close, they aimed their weapons.

It stopped and saluted like a Kalaidian. “I’m Lieutenant Commander Brian Peterson, 2nd officer of the Avoni. This is Commander Kivi, 1st officer of the same ship. I request immediate medical aid for her,” he said.

A couple of the Kalaidians moved forward and took Kivi from him. Laeda walked up to him. “Brian Peterson? That’s a very unusual name.” She looked at him closely. “You’re not a Keinien Android, are you?”

He watched as the Kalaidians took Kivi back to the shuttle. “You’re very perceptive, um

“

“Lieutenant Laeda,” she said. She pointed to the corpses. “How many troops were with you? And where are they?”

“We were the only ones to infiltrate the base. She was wounded a while back, so I had to take care of things,” he answered. He checked to make sure they were alone. “Let me tell you a little secret Laeda,” he removed his helmet to reveal his long brown hair, blue green eyes, and beard and mustache. “I’m not Kalaidian, or an Android.”

Laeda shook her head in shock. “The Teacher

“

“No, I’m not him,” Brian said. “But I am Terran.”

*

“Is their ship hailing anyone?” Valis asked.

“No captain,” Zae answered.

Valis watched the ship in front of them intently. “Zae, check if they’ve launched their escape pods.”

“Yes captain,” Zae said. “They’ve launched all their escape pods.”

Valis opened a channel to Seles. “Seles, have all Novas take refuge behind the Avoni.”

“Yes captain,” Seles responded as Valis turned to her bridge crew. “Zae, move all power to the forward shields. Baed, aim the front of the Avoni right at the other ship.”

“Yes captain,” both answered.

The Gant ship began glowing and was surround by particles.

“Zae, fire everything we have at their engine!” Valis ordered.

The Avoni fired every pulse cannon at the other ship. After a few volleys the ship stopped glowing and exploded.

Valis sighed. “I’m glad I knew the timing for this from previous experience.”

Zae turned to Valis. “What were they trying to do?”

Valis stood up, staring at the wreckage on the monitor. “In the last war, I used the same tactic to beat five Shandi battleships. If you invert your ship’s gravity drive, it causes a gamma ray burst. No shielding system in known space, even amongst the older races can survive that kind of attack.”

“So that’s how you earned your rank captain,” Zae said, turning back to her console.

“Baed, set course back to the asteroid,” she ordered. “I have a feeling that Maigar of ours is causing all kinds of trouble.”

“Yes captain,” Baed said.

Chapter 28  Secret No More

“Are you sure you’re alright Commander?” Laeda asked as Brian followed her onto the shuttle. He watched as Kivi was attended to by a pair of medics. He looked down at his armor and saw numerous breaks and small wounds.

“Nothing I can’t recover from. The exoskeleton took the brunt of the hits, both for me and her,” he said. He watched as more ships came to recover the spoils. Lieutenant Laeda went out to speak with another officer and came back a moment later.

“I’ve ordered everyone who’s seen you remain silent,” Laeda said.

When the shuttle launched Brian looked out the window. Outside, he saw the Daevoni. Other than being painted differently, it looked exactly like the Avoni.

“Lieutenant, where’s my ship?” he asked.

Laeda turned. “The Avoni was last seen in pursuit of the warship. They should be returning shortly.”

“Thanks,” he said.

After a few minutes the shuttle landed in the docking bay and Kivi was escorted to sickbay. He followed with Laeda right behind him. Each crew member of the Daevoni stopped and stared as Brian walked by them. When they reached sickbay Kivi’s armor was peeled off and she was brought into the surgical room. He watched as they stabilized her and began healing her wounds. After a few minutes it looked like she would be alright. The medics stood around him, unsure of what they were looking at. One with short blue hair and green eyes come out of the room where Kivi was.

“I’m the chief medical officer of the Daevoni, Nina Raekar,” she said. “You’re a strange one. I’m sure there’ve been experiments to make males, but you’re an exceptional specimen.”

“He’s not Kalaidian,” Laeda said.

“Call me Brian,” he said. “How’s she doing?”

“She’ll be up an about in a few hours,” Nina answered. “She lost a lot of blood, but we got to her in time.” She looked at him again. “If you’re not Kalaidian, then what are you?”

The door opened and in stormed an impatient Captain Esra. “That’s a secret he shouldn’t be telling others,” she said.

“Sorry captain, I was just interested,” Nina said.

Esra sized him up. “Valis never tells me about her new toys,” she said, following with a sigh. “My crew spoke of an android guarding some of the Avoni’s crew, but I didn’t expect this surprise.”

He couldn’t help but stare at Esra for a moment. “I’m Brian,” he said, saluting afterwards.

“You’re well-mannered for a Terran,” Esra said. “I expected something hideous. You’re much more beautiful in person.” He blushed while she laughed.

“You seem to know a lot about me,” he said.

Esra took his hand. “I spoke to Valis a few minutes ago. She told me a few things. From the carnage you made I can see why she’d hang onto you.”

*

Seles landed her Nova in the Avoni’s hanger and got out. Taking her helmet off, she counted the fighters flying. She sighed with relief after seeing no one had been lost. She headed to the door when Valis came through.

“Seles, I need you to fly me over to the Daevoni,” Valis said.

“Of course,” she said as they headed for a shuttle. “What’s going on?”

“An unruly pair of officers is over there,” she said. “One of them is badly wounded.”

“Are you talking about Kivi and Brian?” Seles asked.

Valis nodded. “Yes, Brian brought Kivi over to their ship for medical attention.”

When they went inside the shuttle they found Mira waiting with a med kit. Valis sat in the copilot’s chair and relaxed in her seat. Seles sat down at the controls and glanced at Mira.

“It’s been awhile since you went on an away mission,” Seles said.

“He’s such an idiot,” Mira said.

“His judgment is poor only because he lacks experience,” Valis said as the shuttle closed up and flew out of the hanger.

“He takes too many risks,” Mira said.

“I second that,” Seles added.

Their shuttle met and escort of five Novaguards once they came within range of the Daevoni. They landed and were escorted to sickbay by three guards. There, they found Esra admiring Brian. His armor was battered and covered in blood. Kivi was stable and sleeping in the room next door. Seles and Mira ran to Brian, while Valis went to Esra.

“Are you alright?” Seles and Mira asked in unison. They looked at each other with an edge in their eyes.

“I could use a little patching up,” he answered.

Valis turned to him. “Recover the Mjolnir and return to base, one of the senior staff needs to be there. I’ll return with Kivi shortly.”

“Yes captain,” Brian said.

The three left for the shuttle while Valis went to Kivi.

“He’s quite the catch,” Esra said.

“You mean Brian?” Valis asked.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Esra asked. “He is good to look at, but he’s also Terran.”

Valis smiled. “I know. Good fortune brought him to me. Also, I need to know if Terrans really are the monsters we think of them.”

“And what do you think so far?” Esra asked.

Valis looked at the pictures of the dead Shandi. “I’m having a hard time believing that’s Brian. He’s much more subdued, not barbaric. But, whenever he’s in danger, it’s like something takes over.”

*

“Ouch!” Brian groaned as Mira tended to his wounds in the shuttle. “I can’t believe your technology is hundreds of years more advanced than Earth’s and you can’t make disinfectants painless.”

“I’d apologize,” Mira said, “But maybe you shouldn’t put yourself in so much danger. Your exoskeleton is well built, but it can’t protect you from everything.”

He looked at his pock marked armor. “It’s well made, but it can be improved.” Looking at Mira, and then Seles, he saw something in their expressions. “I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“I’m glad you acknowledge the screw up,” Seles said as she joined them. “Mira, is everything alright?”

“He’s took a few nicks and bruises, but nothing to worry about,” Mira answered as she checked her scanner’s readings. “What concerns me is the excessive adrenalin levels in his blood stream. It’s not much now, but the levels were extremely high a short while ago.” Mira looked over at Brian’s armor. “Do you mind if I check the exoskeleton?”

“No, go right ahead Mira,” he said, handing it to her.

Seles checked their heading. “We’ll be at the Mjolnir in a few minutes.”

Mira took the helmet and began working with it. She hooked it up to her scanner and recorded all the data. “These readings can’t be right,” she said as she scratched her head,” But the video proves the theory.”

“What is it?” he asked.

She looked at Seles and Brian. “When men existed amongst our people, there were rare cases of a warrior going berserk. While in this state, the warrior would gain extensive advantages in combat such as improved reflexes, strength, speed, and weapon skills. Even those in Novaguards would gain advantages. During the state, the warrior’s eyes would glow blue and he would lose his sense of self. There were cases where the berserker would attack his allies and remember nothing afterwards.”

“Do you have proof of this?” he asked.

“It’s right here.” She turned on the video. It clearly showed his eyes glowing blue. They saw his mouth was clenching while an occasional snicker came out.

“I look like a psychopath in this video,” he said, averting his gaze. “Is there some way to fix this?”

“Records show 95% of reported berserkers gained control after meditation training. It may take a few months or a year, but you’ll probably be able to control it,” Mira said.

“What about the other 5%?” he asked.

Mira reached out, taking his hand. “They suffered from a condition called Nano Psychosis. Celi’s an expert on diseases, so you should see her as soon as we get back.”

“I’ll do that,” he said, looking out the window. He looked down at his bloodstained armor. “Let’s get the Mjolnir and go home.”

“Good idea, I’m exhausted,” Seles said.

“Agreed,” Mira said.

Chapter 29  Anniversary

Brian awoke in his bed with Seles. She was awake and stared at the ceiling.

“Was last night something special I should know about?” he asked as he got up and put some clothes on.

“It’s been exactly one galactic standard year since we met. I wanted to celebrate the occasion,” she said as she rolled out of bed and put her uniform on.

He looked at the clock. “It’s already been a year.” He shook his head. “It feels like a lot longer than that.”

“What kind of future do you have in mind?” she asked as they sat down for breakfast. On the table was covered platter.

“I really don’t know. I still have nine years of service before I’m free to pursue something on my own.” He looked at the platter. “What’s the surprise in here you mentioned last night?”

She turned the switch on the platter. “It should be done cooking a few minutes. It’s something you’ve talked about, so I thought I’d try my hand at making it. I hope it turns out like it should. Ensign Raeka, our esteemed culinary expert, had a fit watching me prepare this.”

“What about you? What kind of future do you envision?” he asked.

She lost herself in deep thought before answering. “I don’t want to return home. The only thing waiting for a crowned princess is the throne, and that’s not as glorious as it sounds.”

“From the way you speak of it, being a noble isn’t much of a life,” he said.

“No, it’s not Brian,” she looked at a picture of an ocean on the wall. “I fled with Baed because the two of us were born to serve. Ideally, to serve is to serve the people of Kalaidia. But in reality I would serve as the figurehead for the other noble families. Baed would suffer a similar fate, doomed to live her life as a lowly noble over a meaningless fiefdom.” A light blinked on the platter. “It looks like it’s done,” she said.

“I’m starved,” he said as he removed the cover. Underneath was a sight he hadn’t seen in over year, a cheese pizza. He savored the aroma as it filled the room. “It looks like you got it perfect.” He took the knife and cut it.

“It took my at least a dozen tries to get the texture right,” she said.

He took a slice and ate, savoring the taste. “Thanks.”

“I’m glad you approve,” she said as she took a slice.

After they finished eating Brian sat back in his chair.

“How did you figure out how to make a pizza?” he asked.

She smiled. “You may not believe this, but I was the best chef in the palace. I often wonder if my mother misses me or my cooking more.”

“I’m sure she misses both,” he said.

His com flashed. “Brian, please report to the captain as soon as possible,” Zae said.

He sighed and picked it up. “I’ll be there shortly,” he answered. Brian put on his armor and headed for the door. Before leaving, he turned back to Seles. “I’m glad we did this.”

“Me to,” she said.

*

Brian walked into the captain’s room and saw Valis and Mira talking. They stopped and looked at him.

“I have a different request Brian, something both Captain Esra and I would like for you to do,” Valis said.

“They want us to perform a blade dance for both crews,” Mira said. “They’ve even gone so far as to rent out a concert hall for us to perform.”

“Don’t you think it’s dangerous to have me perform in the open like this?” he asked, looking to Valis.

“It’s not something you should concern yourself with,” Valis said. “We’ll have security.”

“Alright, I trust you,” he said, nodding in agreement.

“I expect a great show,” Valis said. “Your first performance set a high standard and we expect nothing less.”

“How long do we have to prepare?” he asked.

“Ten days,” Valis answered.

*

Seles walked into the mess hall, oblivious of the stares heading her way. She got her meal and looked for a place to sit. She saw Baed sitting alone in the corner. As she made her way towards Baed, she finally noticed the stares and giggles from the others. She blushed as she sat down and tried to ignore the attention by eating her meal.

“So where were you last night?” Baed asked with a crooked smile.

She tried avoiding the question by eating.

Baed stared at her. “Come on Seles, be honest this time. I didn’t say a word the first time you didn’t come back, but this time I know where you went.”

“And where was that?” she asked while still trying to hide behind her lunch.

“Brian?”

Seles choked, and then coughed.

“Seems I was right,” Baed said. “I can tell because of the way you look at each other. His eyes follow your every move.” She watched Seles eat frantically while blushing. “I have a question for you Seles.”

“And what’s that?” Seles asked irritably.

“What’s it like with a Terran?”

Chapter 30  Synchronized Blades

It was a cool rainy day on Dega Jul as fog covered this sector of the city planet. Zae paced the perimeter of a huge stone building. With her were three guards, fully armed and ready. As she neared the entrance, a massive double door, she saw a number of Kalaidians coming into view. Many of the other alien races gathered as well, though not for the same purpose as the crews of the Avoni and Daevoni. Zae entered the building. The first room was a massive greeting hall. At the far end was the entrance to the musical hall. She moved deeper into the room until she found Valis and Esra talking.

“So what style of music does your Maigar specialize in?” Esra asked.

“He doesn’t specialize in any of our musical disciplines,” Valis answered. “Mira told me it would be a mix our style and his.”

Zae went to Valis. “We’ve secured the perimeter. We have guards posted at every entrance and set up a dampening field around the music hall.”

Valis smiled. “Thank you Zae.”

Zae saluted and went back outside to check the perimeter one more time. Valis turned back to Esra.

“From what I’ve heard, his blade dance is a wonder to see,” Esra said.

Valis laughed. “He’s going to have a hard time topping his first performance.”

*

Mira smiled and took his hand as they went out onto the darkened stage. Both walked to their starting positions, with Brian kneeling behind her. As the entry doors closed and the last Kalaidians took their seats, Mira turned on the surround system. A pair of lights shined on them as the crowd went silent. She wore her white dress while Brian wore his armor and cape again.

Mira addressed the crowd. “Welcome everyone. I am Mira, the Reiniere of the Avoni. My partner today is Rakna Maigar Brian Peterson. Today, we’ve prepared a special concert for you. The first song shall be led by Brian.”

He stood up and walked forward. He drew his blades with lightning speed and dazzled the crowd with a musical scales before changing the rakna blade sound over to an electric guitar. He and Mira took their stances once more and began the concert. They alternated between her songs and his favorite classic rock songs. The crowd was fascinated by his alien music. At the end, he replayed his rendition of “Stairway to Heaven”. After thirteen songs, he and Mira bowed to a rabid crowd. She took out a white rose again and handed it to Brian. He scanned the crowd of lovely alien ladies. Smiling, he closed his eyes and kissed the rose. With a spin he threw it into the crowd not knowing who would be the lucky lady. The crowd went silent. He opened his eyes and saw Celi jumping up and down with the flower. He sighed with relief as he stepped off the stage and went to Celi.

He knelt on one knee. “Lieutenant Commander Celi, as the Lady of the Rose, I am to serve you for the night.”

After jumping up and down, Celi noticed the others stared at her. Embarrassed, she went to him and whispered into his ear. “Why are they looking at me like that?”

“Because most of them don’t have any idea why you’re so happy,” he said.

Chapter 31  His Star Disappears

Brian woke the next morning and saw Celi checking herself in the mirror. He stood up and surprised her.

“I didn’t mean to wake you up,” she said.

He started putting his clothes on. “It wasn’t you,” he said. He noticed she was staring at him. “What is it?”

“You’ve changed a lot,” she said. “All of your training’s made you more attractive.”

He laughed. “I was really out of shape.” He walked over to her. “Do you know the reason the Maigar spends a night of passion with the Lady of the Rose?”

She looked to the side, blushing. “A Maigar’s genes are superior. The premise of is to spread the best genes amongst us.” She turned her gaze back to his. “But since you’re Terran, the genes can’t be transferred properly.”

He went to the computer monitor and pressed a button. A small drawer opened. “You’ve been waiting for this for,” he said as he produced the metal container she gave him prior. “This contains the sample you wanted.”

She took it and went to the door. “Thanks.”

*

Seles was getting ready to go out when a knock came from the door. Baed stood opposite her, doing the same.

“That’s probably Mira and Jesela,” Baed said. She went to the door and opened it, Mira and Jesela waited.

“What’s taking you two so long?” Mira asked.

Seles finished up and joined them. “Sorry, I woke up late this morning. Let’s go!”

The four headed excitedly towards the Avoni’s exit, for a day of fun, food, and shopping. On the way, Brian passed them as they went down the hall. Seles ran over to him with irritation in her eyes.

“Something’s bothering you,” he said, shifting his feet uncomfortably.

“Thanks to you I’m getting funny looks all over the ship,” Seles said.

He glanced at the three with her and noticed they stared intently. “Oh

I get it,” he said, leaning and surprising her with a kiss. “Let them talk about that for a while,” he said with a smile.

Blushing, she turned and saw her friends gawking. She turned back to Brian. “I’ll be staying in your room sometime soon.”

“I’ll look forward to then,” he said, resuming his trip to the bridge. “Don’t let me hold you up any longer ladies. I know how precious little time you get outside,” he said as he passed Mira, Baed, and Jesela.

Seles stood silent for a moment, and then turned to her friends. “Come on, let’s go!”

As they resumed their way to the exit, Baed walked up next to Seles. “You still haven’t answered my question Seles.”

Seles turned red. “It’s fun, alright.”

Mira and Jesela looked at each other funny.

“What question did you ask her?” Mira asked.

*

Brian pressed the door com for the captain’s room adjacent to the bridge. “Valis, I need to talk.”

She opened the door, noticing troubled look in his eyes. “Come in,” she said. He went inside and let the door close behind him.

“I have an issue dealing with combat situations,” he said. He put his hand up. “Wait, first answer this question. How’s Kivi?”

“She’s doing fine. We heal really fast these days because of the technology,” Valis said.

Relief appeared on his face. “That’s good to hear. I’ll go see her in a little while.”

“So what is the problem?” she asked.

“Celi believes I’m experiencing the berserk state in battle,” he answered.

I was hoping this wouldn’t be an issue since you’re Terran,” she said, closing her eyes and thinking for a moment. “The best thing to do is to resume training. I want you to train every day until you can control your berserk.”

“I need your permission to turn of the safety measures for the HDC. Unless the simulations are dangerous, I can’t go berserk,” he said.

She nodded. “You can take care of yourself.” She took his hand. “I’ll set the system to obey your commands in a few minutes.”

“Thanks,” he said.

*

Seles, Baed, Mira, and Jesela went into the city of Dega Jul. The four enjoyed an afternoon of shopping and dining, with a few stops along the way in the open air markets. As evening fell they headed back to the Avoni. They entered and empty area and headed down an alley. It came out of nowhere. A barrage of pulse fire came at them. Jesela was hit first and went down. Mira grabbed her as they scrambled for cover in a nearby building.

“It’s a stun pulse,” Mira said after checking her friend. The three conscious women drew their pulse pistols and began surveying the area. Seles and Mira looked out the windows and saw a squadron of heavily armored Kalaidian troops. Looking at the insignia on their vests, Seles saw the crest for her family. Fear pitted in her stomach while panic seized her thoughts.

“It looks like we’re surrounded,” Mira said. “Do you know anything about them?” she asked, looking to Seles. “I know you have a better grasp on military insignias.”

“They’re from royal guard,” Seles said. She looked back at Baed, who was nursing an injury.

“I’m alright. It’s just a graze,” Baed said as she joined them.

The three checked their weapons and were about to move when a pair of stun grenades came in from two different windows. Mira and Baed managed to dive into another room, but Seles couldn’t get out in time. As her world turned dark, all Seles could see were the feet of Kalaidian soldiers.

*

Brian sat alone in the HDC with the Earth-like forest as the background. It was night, and he gazed at the stars. He sat up as he heard the door opened. Kivi walked in and headed his direction.

He stood up. “How are you?”

“I’m feeling fine,” she said as she joined him next to the illusory campfire. “I wanted to thank you for saving me.”

“There’s no need to thank me,” he said. “After all, I was the one who put you in danger.”

She tapped him on the chest. “Really, I’m okay. And remember, I was the one calling the shots,” she said with a smile. “Daes said it would be awhile until my new exoskeleton was finished.”

He nodded. “She told me she had some modifications to work on mine as well.”

The main door opened and Baed stumbled in. She held her side and ran to Brian. He met her half way and braced her from falling. Baed looked up at him. “They’ve taken Seles

please save her,” Baed said, falling unconscious in his arms.

Kivi ran over and took Baed. “Go. I’ll take care of her.”

He nodded and ran from the HDC through the halls. The ship was in an uproar. As he passed sickbay, he saw Jesela lying on a bed with Mira at her side. He ran in.

“What happened?” he asked, looking to Mira.

She had tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry Brian. It was all I could do to save Baed and Jesela.”

“Who took Seles?” he asked, grasping Mira’s hand.

She stopped crying and wiped the tears away. “She said they wore the insignia of the royal guard.”

“Thank you,” he said.

He left sickbay and ran to the cargo bay. Not knowing it, his eyes began glowing blue. The crew members he passed stared and avoided him. He walked into the cargo bay. Daes was working on a computer, oblivious to the world. Looking at the Mjolnir, he went to get on the giant when Valis stepped in front of him.

“She’s gone,” Valis said.

A calming sense of sorrow filled the air. His eyes glowed, and all reason had fled him. As he moved past Valis she her drew her pulse pistol and aimed it at him.

“Lieutenant Commander Peterson! I command you to stand down!” She held her weapon to his head.

The glow faded from his eyes. He looked at Valis. “Where is she?”

She lowered her weapon. “She was taken by the Heimus, a vessel under the direct command of the Queen herself. Our scouts saw Seles taken onboard a drop ship. By now, they’re probably half way to Kalaidia Prime.”

He pounded the floor with a resounding punch.

She knelt next to him. “I think the best thing we can do for now is to let things settle down. I could see the rage in your eyes, but now is not the time to blindly chase after her.”

Composing himself, Brian looked to Valis. “You’re right.” He glanced at the Mjolnir once more and turned back to her. He dropped his rakna blade and pressed the button to undo his armor.

“I want you to hold onto these for now,” he said after stepping out of his armor. “I need a few days to sort things out. I’m sorry if this is an inconvenience to you.” He turned to leave.

“What does Seles mean to you?” she asked.

He turned back with sadness in his eyes. “I’m not sure Valis, not yet.”

Chapter 32  An Unwelcome Homecoming

It feels like I’ve been asleep forever. Seles thought as she opened her eyes. She was lying on a flat raised cot; inside of a cell resembling the one Brian was in when she first met him. She stood up and started checking for shields. Looking into the main room, she noticed there were no guards. She went to the front of the cell and poked the force field. Reaching for her pulse pistol she found her weapon had been taken away. Frustrated, she went back to the cot and sat down. She turned to lie down and stared at the ceiling. She reached up with her right arm, as if to grab something. Closing her eyes she sighed in frustration. The door opened. Seles rolled off the cot and saw a Kalaidian officer with long flowing black hair, deep crimson eyes, and lightly tanned skin. She wore the uniform of a captain, complete with the triple leafed circlet. On her left breast was the insignia of the royal house. It took her a moment to recognize the woman.

“How do you feel Lady Seles?” the captain asked. “My troops used tranquilizers, but I can’t imagine getting shot by one is too pleasant.”

“It’s been a long time Lady Obril,” Seles said. “I feel a bit groggy, but otherwise I’m fine. And please, drop the Lady part.”

“Alright Seles, then you can call me Lena.” She walked in circle, thinking. “Tell me Seles, how’s Valis?”

“She’s doing great.” She noticed concern in Lena’s eyes. “I don’t suppose you’ll let me off of this ship?”

“I’m sorry Seles, but I’m under direct orders from the Queen.”

Seles sighed. “I just want to do what I want. Why can’t mother understand that?”

“It’s because you’re the Princess. It’s the duty of each Kalaidian to fulfill the role of the previous generation, even if that role is difficult,” Lena said turning to look Seles in the eye. “But then again, I never was one for dogma. I’ve always preferred reality. Your mother was content for a long time to let you roam free. But now there’s a great need for you back on the home world.”

“What do you mean?” Seles asked.

“Since the Great Upheaval there’s been unrest amongst the people of our world. The Queen wishes to restore order, but many of the nobles are against her.”

“I hate this game,” Seles said. “One of the reasons I left was because of the court intrigue.”

Lena laughed. “I agree. My escape is the Heimus. But, Queen Celestia needs your presence Seles. With the populous in general unrest and the nobles bickering, a civil war could break out at any time.”

“What of your family Lena?”

“The Obrils stand firmly with the House of Daevon. Anything the Queen orders we will follow. You should rest for now Seles. We’ll reach the homeworld in a few hours.” Lena bowed in respect before leaving Seles alone, with nothing but her thoughts.

Seles curled up on the cot. She hid her face from the world and started crying. I left home because of this hell. Why was I born into a society that doesn’t let its people decide their fate?

*

Valis walked the halls of the Avoni as if she was surveying the vessel. Each crew member stopped and saluted her, but there was a change in the air. The crew wasn’t talking about it, but it was obvious they were concerned. She came to Brian’ door and hit the com button.

“Brian, its Valis. We haven’t heard from you in a while,” she said. There was uncertainty in her voice. “I thought I’d stop by and see how you’re doing.”

Silence passed before the door opened. She walked in and saw Brian sitting on a chair alone in the dark, sipping a glass of water. As the door closed behind her, she saw his eyes glowing. He blinked and the glow stopped.

“Lights,” he said. The room lit up. “I’m sorry Valis. I didn’t mean to worry you. I just

needed some time alone.” He looked at her with an unconvincing smile.

She went to him. “It’s been three days. You really need to eat something.”

He laughed and shook his head. “I haven’t been hungry.” He stood up and went to his computer. He turned on the monitor before facing her. “It’s funny, I don’t even know if this is reality anymore.”

“Is this what you’ve been thinking about?” she asked.

He nodded. “A little bit. Let me ask you something. You and the others left Kalaidia during the Great Upheaval five years ago. Why did you leave?”

She thought before saying anything. “We left because we believed in determining our own destiny. It’s the belief of the Kein family we should abolish the old system, largely because the population is shrinking fast. But, the main reason was my family thinks that the people can rule themselves, not the nobles.”

“Was it worth it?”

She nodded. “Yes, it was. Making money is more difficult than when I was an officer of the Kalaidian fleet, but having the ability to make my own decisions gives me satisfaction.”

“What you speak of is freedom,” he said as he called up a written document on the monitor. “Those who’ve tasted freedom can’t return to tyranny. My people learned this a long time ago.” He waved at the monitor. “Valis, I’d like you to read this.”

“Sure,” she said. She read the document intently. He turned away and gazed at a painting of mountains on the wall. After a while, she rubbed her eyes and stood next to him.

“Is that your writing?”

He smiled and laughed. “No, I could never write something with that much feeling and beauty.”

She closed her eyes, filled with inspired energy. “Those words spoke to me. Even though it’s obviously written for Terrans, the document speaks of why I and many others left the homeworld.”

“It’s called the Declaration of Independence,” he explained. “My homeland fought for those ideals and won their freedom.” He gazed into her eyes. “From the writings of Gaelic Kein, I get the impression he felt the same.” He closed his eyes. “I took my freedom for granted and never thought about it. I was raised in a place where I had the right to determine my own destiny.”

“Why are you telling me this?” she asked.

He opened his eyes and took her into his arms, “Because I want my freedom.”

She was surprised by his embrace, but didn’t resist.

“Valis, I’m going to get Seles back. I promise to return and fulfill my contract. But, I have to save her. Long before I took an oath to you, I promised my life to her. I must go.”

She noticed he was crying. I trust him. She pushed him away and composed herself. “I give you permission to do this. But I order you to come back.”

He smiled. “I won’t break my contract with you Valis.”

“Do you have a plan?” she asked.

“Yes, I do.” He leaned down and whispered into her ear. “All is found within the Books of Kali.”

*

It seemed like an eternity to Seles as she waited in the cell. After several hours, Lena returned with three guards.

“It’s time to bring you back to the palace.” As the force field went down, two of the guards held Seles in place as the third put on hand restraints. As she was escorted out of the cell, Lena stopped her. “I’m sorry I had to do this Seles.”

Looking rather worried, Seles was escorted to the shuttle bay. There, she was taken onboard a standard landing shuttle, very similar to those on the Avoni. With her hands bound, Seles could do nothing as she was taken to a shuttle and dragged onboard. As they left the Heimus she saw the planet she called home for sixteen years. Kalaidia Prime looked very similar to Earth, matching the swirls of white and blue oceans. The difference was the continental configuration. Kalaidia had two massive continents dominating the surface. They broke atmosphere and landed a few minutes later. Seles was escorted outside. She knew by seeing massive white pillars and water fountains that this was the palace. The three guards escorting her stopped and waited. A moment of silence passed before five palace guards dressed in silver armor and carrying rakna lances came. The leader wore a circlet with twin leaves with short silver hair and purple eyes.

The commander stepped forward. “You may return to the Heimus. The Princess is now under our jurisdiction,” the commander of the palace guards said.

The three saluted and went back onto the shuttle. Seles watched as it flew into the air.

“It’s been a long time Seles,” the commander said as they escorted her.

“You look like you’re doing well Jabril,” Seles said as they walked towards the palace entrance.

“Only two years ago I was a lowly palace guard,” Jabril pointed to her circlet, “Now I lead them.”

“You always were ambitious. How’s my mother doing these days?” Seles asked as they passed the palace doors, leading into an elaborate front hall. The walls were lined with statues of Kalaidian mythology while the ceiling was open to the sky.

“Queen Celestia is doing well. She’s worried about you much these last few months. If things weren’t the way they are now she would have probably gone to see you herself,” Jabril said as they passed from the front hall into a smaller passageway. The walls were lined with paintings, new and ancient of the greatest Kalaidian artists. Numerous halls led to an endless number of rooms, but they continued towards the throne room. Jabril stopped the guards and Seles to knock on a golden door adorned with the image of the Kali. As the door opened, Seles saw courtiers leaving the room in a flurry. Her mother sat alone on a golden, gem encrusted throne at the far end of the room. Queen Celestia looked much like Seles, with long silver hair, purple eyes, and perfect figure. On her head was a simple circlet with four leaves. She wore a flowing silver dress and matching shoes. Despite her age, Queen Celestia looked more like Seles’s sister than her mother. She gazed at her daughter and smiled. Jabril pushed Seles into the room and closed the door behind her. Celestia stood and went to Seles.

“It feels like you’ve been gone forever,” Celestia said with a voice similar to Seles’s. She put her hands on Seles’s face. “You’ve grown since I saw you last.”

Seles backed away, annoyed. “Don’t tease me mother, I’m in no mood for that.”

Celestia laughed. “I’m glad you’re back, even if you’re petulant about it.”

“Of course I’m not happy mother. I ran away to get away from this place.”

“I don’t doubt Valis has filled your mind with meaningless ideas,” Celestia shook her head. “One day you’ll see it’s the duty of every Kalaidian to replace the previous generation. That’s the law of Kali.”

Seles growled. “That’s exactly the sentiment I disagree with. I left because I wanted to live my own life. I wanted to be a pilot, something you disapproved of. I’ve fulfilled that dream and so much more mother.”

Celestia sighed. “A Queen has no need for such things. It’s your duty to take my place when I die Seles. Our people need a strong leader who can lead in the future, not a person who believes in foolish things.”

“Foolish?” Seles scoffed. “I believe you’re the fool. Blindly following the Laws of Kali and those ancient texts is idiotic.”

Celestia shook her head. “That’s exactly the problem Seles. One day you’ll see things my way and you’ll be much better for it.”

Seles frown as she turned away. “I can tell you this mother; I’ll never believe the dogma thrown at me. I believe in the ideals of the Kein family. I’ll live the life they speak of until the day I die.”

“I can see this discussion is going nowhere.” Celestia turned back to the throne. “Take some time and consider what’s important.”

The front doors opened again. Jabril and her four guards surrounded Seles. With a little prodding Seles was escorted out of the throne room and towards the living chambers.

“Your room is the same as you left them Seles,” Jabril said as they came to a set of double doors. “I’m sorry, but under the Queen’s orders Ill have to keep you locked in your chambers.” As the doors opened, Jabril undid the restraints on Seles’s hands. “If you need anything just ask the guards outside your door.” Jabril stepped outside the room. “It’s good to see you again.”

Seles nodded. “Thanks Jabril.”

Chapter 33  A Companion

Brian stood in his bathroom, a room little bigger than a closet, and trimmed his facial hair. He tied his long hair back into a ponytail. Turning to aside, he grabbed his freshly washed T-shirt and jeans and put them on. He looked in the mirror and noticed his clothes fit differently. He left the bathroom and into the main room. There, he donned his exoskeleton armor, an upgraded version Daes delivered earlier in the day. He placed his rakna blade on the belt and flipped out the shield on his left arm to check its systems. Satisfied, he withdrew the shield and threw the cape over his back. He looked at the circlet on the table. Don’t think I’ll need that. He thought, taking the circlet into his hand. But just in case, I should keep it on the Mjolnir. He placed it on his forehead. He closed his eyes and took a battle stance. He drew the rakna blade and went through a number of weapon drills. After a flurry, he sheathed the sword and looked at the monitor. He surveyed the room once more and left for the cargo bay. On the way, each crew member stopped and saluted their Maigar. Brian nodded and smiled, knowing he may never return. He came to the doors of the cargo bay. With a resounding sigh he opened the door. As he walked in, he saw all of the senior officers waiting for him. Celi, Zae, Daes, and Kivi saluted as Valis stepped forward.

“Please, take this with you,” Valis said. She hand him an old tome. Looking at it, he could tell it was the Book of Kali containing all of the notes about the Teacher.

“I’m honored,” he said, looking to Valis and the others. “I’ll be returning this when I come back.”

Valis took an amulet off of her neck and placed it around his. Looking down, he noticed it was an amulet of Kali. “The Teacher left our world with an amulet like this. This has been passed down for nearly as long, so it should pass as the real thing.” Valis smiled. “I’ll ask you again, are you the one sent by the Teacher?”

He laughed. “No, I’m just a desperate fool trying to save someone he really cares about.” He looked around. “By the way, where’s Mira? She is a senior officer, right?”

Celi stepped forward. “Mira’s attending to something right now. You’ll see her again soon.”

“Alright,” he said. “By the way Daes, have you made all of the adjustments I asked for?”

“Everything is as you requested,” Daes answered.

“What kind of adjustments?” Kivi asked.

He walked over to the Mjolnir. “Just watch Kivi.”

After a salute, he stepped on the elevator cord and entered the mobile suit. He fired up the engines and checked all systems. As the Mjolnir left the cargo bay it shifted to the form a light class vessel. Once he reached a sufficient distance, he turned on the lights to make the ship glow. Inside the Avoni, the senior officers watched the glowing Mjolnir fly away.

“Why’s it glowing?” Kivi asked.

Valis stood with her. “Remember, the Teacher came to us onboard a Ship of Light. His plan is a bold and I’m hoping he’ll succeed in more than just the mission.”

“What do you mean?” Celi asked.

“You see him as a genetic savior to our people.” Valis looked at the ship of light as it flew away. “I believe he’s the Herald, even if he doesn’t know it yet. His impact on our people will change the way we think of ourselves. Long ago Queen Celestia believed in justice. He can turn her back to the right path.”

*

Seles paced around her chambers for a long time, occasionally stopping at the outer balcony to look at the courtyard. Restless, she went back inside and stopped at her old computer area, noticing something was there. It was a small tablet containing a number of text entries. Curious, she sat down and started reading:

10th day of Mon, 4551 GST,

As the news of economic crisis grows, my concern matches. Each day I receive worse news about the trade routes, military defections, and the unrest among the populace. While the nobles bicker, I’m left with the unenviable duty of calming the people. But as each day passes, the citizens grow weary of my speeches. I worry I’m unsuited to lead them, but I can’t see any viable alternatives.

Eight years ago, Valis uncovered some of the sealed writings of her great grandfather, Gaelic Kein. In his writings he spoke of how the days of the nobility were numbered and that one day the people would rule themselves. Such a system shouldn’t work. At least, that’s what I’ve always believed.

Lately, I’m reminded it’s the duty of all Kalaidians to fulfill the roles their parents held. This especially holds true for the nobles like me. My daughter, Seles, fled the life of the nobility. I wish I could have gone with her, but I can’t leave my people in chaos. Without me, the nobles would run this world into the ground with their greed and lust for power. It’s sad to see the once proud and righteous nobility reduced to this, but there’s no helping it.

What I would give for the Teacher to appear and save us from this madness. I hope that day comes soon, or else I worry of the future of the people of Kali.

This is her journal. Seles thought as she scrolled through all of the entries. It looks like she left this here for me to read. This entry was written shortly after I left, almost two years ago. She read for the entire afternoon, only stopping when the guards delivered her lunch and dinner. Afterwards, she stood on the balcony and looked at the stars, staring at the constellation of the Great Dragon.

*

A long figure sat in a meditative posture in a flowing grey cloak. The hood hung well over the face and hands, but a few strands of straight blonde hair hung through. The figure was alone in the small chamber, deep underground, under the royal palace of Kalaidia.

I sense an old mind has returned. The creature thought to itself in a raspy male voice. Princess Seles has returned. Something’s different about her though, a feeling deep inside her mind.

As the strange man moved through Seles’s thoughts and experiences, something made him stand up. He went to a nearby monitor and turned it on. After viewing some video to confirm she had returned, the creature sat back down. After scanning the minds of every Kalaidian in the palace and surrounding area, the creature moved back to Seles.

Long has it been since I saw one his kind. A Terran has come! Brian? He’s quite different from the other one I met long ago. Taller, born from the northern reaches of his world. How strange, he’s learned the ways of the Maigar. Damn! I can only sense a little from Lady Seles like this.

The creature stood up and looked at the door. Maybe it’s time her old imaginary friend paid her a visit later tonight. The creature pressed the button and left the room.

*

As Brian neared the edge of the Degan System he checked the cloaking shield. Yawning, he got out of the pilot’s seat and went to the door behind it. Opening the door, he went into his quarters on the Mjolnir. The area was tiny. There was a small bed, a bathroom the size of a closet and a small area to cook food. Turning on the lights, he noticed a strange lump under the covers of the bed. When he removed the blanket Mira rolled over and rubbed her eyes.

She smiled. “I’ve finally got you all to myself,” she said as she sat up.

He blushed before shaking the surprise off his face. “Mira, what’re you doing here?”

She stood up and stretched. “I asked the captain if I could accompany you. After all, it’s prudent to send a medical officer when you’re on a secret mission.” She waved a finger at him. “And the fact is; only Celi and I know how to treat you effectively.”

He scratched his head, unsure of what to do. “Valis does know what’s best.”

She hugged him. “That’s not the only reason I came.” She closed her eyes, pulling him tight. “I want to protect you. I don’t know why, but the thought of never seeing you again makes me cry.”

He saw something in her eyes, a genuine sense of sadness. “Mira, I hope you understand why I’m doing this,” he said, breaking the embrace.

“I know. You care about Seles.” She smiled again. “But, for some reason that doesn’t matter to me. I just want to be by your side.”

“Thank you for coming,” he said. “Since you’re here I should show you how to use the controls.”

She pointed to her wrist computer. “I’ve had a look at the Mjolnir’s systems. They’re not very different from a Novaguard. Although, using your native language made it a pain for me to use.”

She ran into the control room and jumped in the pilot’s seat. He followed fast after her. “This chair’s a bit large for me. Are you sure I can do this?”

“You’ve had basic training in pilot, right?” he asked, standing behind her.

“Yes,” she answered. “How do I turn the system on?”

He leaned forward and pressed a blue button. “Command: Rakna Maigar Brian Peterson. Password: The Star Spangled Banner is my Flag.” The computer confirmed. “Switch all controls to setting: Kalaidian.”

The pilot seat shrank, much to the surprise of Mira. The monitors changed from English to the Kalaidian.

“That should do the trick,” he said. “Now everything’s set for a Kalaidian pilot.”

“How long will it take us to reach the homeworld?” she asked as she got a feeling for the controls.

“Six days,” he answered. “As long as we maintain phasing we won’t be spotted. My intention is to appear in the sky as we’re landing outside the capital.”

“Wouldn’t be easier if you landed at the palace, or the High Courts?”

“Not really,” he answered. “My intention is to be seen by as many Kalaidians as possible. I figured a walk through the city would get some attention.” He turned and went into the other room.

“More like a riot,” she said, joining him.

He turned. “Um

where am I going to sleep?”

She danced around him. “Don’t worry,” she said as she pulled a small cot from under the bed. “I brought my own. I don’t think it’s time for me to complicate your life by sharing your bed.”

“Thanks,” he said.

Chapter 34  The First Maiden

After looking at the stars for a while Seles went back inside. She changed into her evening clothes and fell onto the massive bed. She closed her eyes, thinking. It’s only been a few days, but it feels like much longer. Mira, Celi, Baed, I miss you. I hate being locked in this room. I want to fly my Nova, the only thing that lets me know I’m alive. A while longer passed as she fell asleep. Someone stood in the shadows, waiting. The robed figure stood silently for over an hour before stirring.

Her consciousness has drifted into sleep. It should be safe for me now. The grey robed figure walked over to Seles and extended its three fingered grey hand towards her head. It stopped and looked at her intently. She’s really is beautiful. I envy this Brian she thinks of so often. It’s time I perform a deep scan. The creature stood over her for half an hour and read every thought, memory, and dream Seles had for the last three years. Afterwards, the creature stepped back to absorb all the new information. She rolled over and opened her eyes, seeing the outline of someone next to her bed. When she was about to scream for help, a voice entered her mind.

“Don’t Seles, I’m not here to cause trouble,” the creature said telepathically.

She sat up. “I know that voice,” she said. “I always thought you were a phantom.”

“No Lady Seles, I’m not a phantom. I’ve always been here, watching this palace. You were gone for a long time my Lady. I’m happy to see you again.”

She sat cross legged, still feeling uneasy. “Myden?” she asked.

The creature bowed. “I’m honored you remember me. I used to visit you a lot more when you were a child. I told you many stories of the peoples beyond this world, and fables of heroism.”

“I remember Myden, I remember all of it. The last story you told me was when I was eight. You told me a about the Warrior who’d lead us into the future.”

“I’ve come because you know who the Warrior is, don’t you Lady Seles?”

“You must be joking,” she said.

“He’s someone you care a great deal about. The Terran named Brian.”

Surprise appeared on her face. “How do you know about him? I haven’t said anything since I came back.”

“I know many things Lady Seles. I know about your relationship with him, as well as his actions since you met.”

She looked around. “Someone might be listening.”

Myden gestured with his hands. “Ive shut off all monitors and listening devices. You can talk with me openly.”

She stood up and stretched. After yawning, she turned back to Myden. “Why do you think he’s the Warrior?”

“It’s more than just him. There’s a small birth mark above your right breast. This marks you as one of the Five Maidens. When the time comes, the Warrior will gather the Five Maidens and Three Wisemen. I never told you this Lady Seles, but the Warrior is also supposed to be of Terran blood. Brian fits the profile, especially if he’s close to you.”

She lifted up her night gown and found the birthmark. She noticed Myden was staring at her. “What is it?”

“I’m envious of him. He’s met a species so close to his own. Ive been alone for ages untold; fortunately he won’t suffer the same fate. Please take care of him; he’ll need your affections and your strength.” Myden faded away.

“Wait!” She ran to where he was standing and found nothing. All she heard was silence. She waited for a few minutes before going back to bed. What was that about? She thought.

*

Myden reappeared on the palace roof. Looking to the stars, he found the constellation of the Great Dragon. Her feelings are much stronger than I expected. He walked the rooftop silently. Looking to the lands surrounding the palace, he turned his gaze upwards once more. He’ll come. Within the next eve’s time, Brian will come. She means too much to him. Turning away from the Great Dragon, he looked to a distant constellation, one resembling a butterfly.

Pointing to the star at the head, Myden spoke in a raspy, male voice. “To my people, the day is coming. The long night shall end and daybreak will shine upon our great world again. Long ago, I made a promise to an old friend that I would save you from the madness consuming us. I’ll guide him and the Five Maidens as appointed by the one who came before.”

He disappeared again, this time appearing inside his underground chamber. I need to give the Queen a prophecy. He’ll come, likely under the guise of something else. Hopefully he’ll steer the Kalaidians in the right direction.

*

Mira awoke to find Brian eating a ration bar. Sitting up, she yawned and stretched, looking especially tired.

“I know you’re trying to learn the controls, but you shouldn’t tax yourself,” he said. He grabbed another bar and tossed it to Mira.

“Thanks,” she said as she caught it. “I was just about to ask for one.”

Brian finished his and tossed the wrapper into a disposal unit in the wall. He watched Mira eat, making her feel uncomfortable.

“What?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I can’t believe that you’re a hologram. You eat, sleep, and even need to shower. Are you imitating those actions? Or do you actually feel hungry, tired, and dirty?”

“That’s not funny,” she said after finishing her meal. She tossed the wrapper at him. He didn’t dodge as it hit him in the face.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way,” he said. “I’m saying Gaelic did an impressive job when he made you. Always remember what I told you before, you’re real, not an illusion.”

“Alright, you’re forgiven,” she said. “And to answer your question, yes, I feel all those things.”

An alarm sounded.

He turned and checked a console on the wall. “It looks like we just entered the defense perimeter of Kalaidia Prime. I need to make sure our entrance was unnoticed.”

As he was about to leave, he stopped, seeing something behind of her ear. “Mira, what’s this?” He pointed to a small mark behind her ear.

She shifted her hair and held up a mirror to check. “Oh that! That’s a birthmark Mira Kein was born with. I guess father transferred over to me.”

*

Queen Celestia stood in her private chambers. She held a small glass of red wine and browsed pictures of her past ventures. She picked a specific picture, one depicting herself with Valis in the courtyard. Behind them she saw Seles and Baed playing when they were small children. Valis wore the traditional uniform for a captain and three leafed circlet. Celestia’s eyes welled up as she looked at the photo.

“That was a long time ago old friend,” she said. “It seems like an eternity since you became a captain, the youngest Kalaidian to ever achieve that rank.”

As she placed the photo back on the table, a grey robed figure emerged from the shadows. She was startled and went into a defensive stance.

“As ready as ever my Queen,” Myden said telepathically.

She relaxed. “I never know when an assassin may make their way to me.” She went to the table in the center of the room. There was a bottle of wine and a few small glasses. “Myden, would you like some?” she asked, showing her glass.

“No thanks. You know how alcohol and telepaths don’t mix,” he answered.

She sat down. “It’s been a long time.”

“I know. I haven’t left my enclave for almost a year. But, something stirred me.”

She smiled. “And what might be?”

“The Teacher is sending a messenger.”

Her eyes widened with surprise. “What?”

“The Herald will come onboard a ship of light. He wears the armor of a dragon. His eyes will be of the sea and forest and his hair brown. His skin will be pale, much like Northerners here on the home world.”

She felt panicked. “How do you know this? What am I supposed to do?”

“Steady yourself my Queen. The Herald will come on the eve of two days’ time. I’m not sure of his reasons, but it’s likely he was sent to prepare you for the coming darkness.”

She took a deep breath before finishing the glass of wine. “What should I do?” she asked.

“Call for a session with the ten noble families. Tell them nothing of this. The only thing you need do beyond that is prepare a room for him. His journey has been long and he’ll need a good place to rest.”

Chapter 35  The Greatest Lie Ever Told

In the main meeting hall of the Kalaidian High Court, one hundred and seventy six nobles representing the seventeen star systems of the Queendom nervously awaited their leader. It was rare for the queen to request a noble session, only in cases of emergency, war, or some other special event. Those within the hall were well versed in Kalaidian history and knew something strange was going on. The nobles sat behind stone desks that circled the hall in an upward fashion. The bottom of the meeting hall was where guests came in to speak while the queen’s spot was at the top of the center row. Messengers filtered in and handed sealed documents to each noble. A few minutes later Queen Celestia made her entrance. She came in through the bottom and slowly walked the stairs to the top, with all the silent nobles staring at her. What caught the nobles off guard was her dress. Celestia wore a military uniform, with a slim rakna blade on her belt and a long white cape. The Queen only wore such an outfit if she was to meet a foreign dignitary, or to lead them into battle herself. As the crowd began murmuring she took her seat.

“I welcome all of you to the High Court this day because of a special event,” Celestia said. “I understand calling for all of you on short notice is inconvenient, but it was necessary. By now you’ve seen what I’m wearing and I can tell you we’re not at war. Today, a special guest will be attending this session. Please open the documents I’ve provided.”

The nobles opened the documents and read them carefully. The first to stand up was Maya Obril. “My Queen, is this true? How is it possible for someone to penetrate all of our defenses, especially the orbital defense networks?”

Celestia smiled. “Yes. As of earlier today, we detected a phased ship moving through our system. What you’ve been provided with is what our military knows.”

A moment passed before the nobles began talking frantically amongst themselves. Then, a messenger came in and spoke to Queen Celestia and she stood up.

“Please, all of you look at the main monitor,” she said. The crowd hushed and the main monitor came on. A small, glowing ship headed towards the ground. The nobles began speaking again, this time with a greater fervor.

Another noble, Riena Daekon, spoke this time. “My Queen, do you know who it is?”

Celestia nodded. “As you all can see, a ship of light is aimed to land at the edge of our city. That ship carries the Herald of who we know as the Teacher.”

*

The Mjolnir landed two ketres outside of the Kalaidian capital, Vaelis, the City of Water. As the ship landed it shifted into the giant robot form and landed, kneeling on the ground. Still glowing, a few Kalaidians cautiously approached. Inside, Brian changed the controls to Kalaidian.

“It’s time I go,” he said as he turned to leave. Before opening the front hatch he stopped. “Do I look the part? I’m not sure if I can pull this off.”

Mira laughed and went to him. “You look perfect. Please make sure to watch yourself. There’s no telling what the nobles might try, even if they believe you’re the Herald.”

“I don’t know much, but from what Valis and Seles told me, the Kalaidian court is full of lies, power plays, and deception,” he said. “I’ll be alright. Make sure no one sees you or gets too close to the ship.”

She hugged him. “I know you came here for Seles. But I want you to know how I feel.” She held him silently for a moment. “When I’m like this I feel alive. When I’m near you, I don’t feel like an illusion. You saved me Brian, and I’ll never forget that. Nor do I want to see you sad. I want you to be happy, even if it’s not with me.”

He blushed as he pulled away and opened the hatch, tripping as he went out. “That really threw me off.”

She laughed. “Sorry. Just go and get Seles. I don’t want to be stuck staring at crops forever.”

As the hatch closed he used the elevator cord to get to the ground. Surrounding him was farmland. The sky was blue with white clouds, looking so much like Earth Brian had to tell himself it wasn’t. The Mjolnir had landed near a stone road. He checked and made sure he had everything. A few Kalaidians stared at him as he walked the road towards the city, a massive metropolis with buildings twice the height of any human skyscraper. Ships of every size and shape flew about. A few headed in his direction. As he walked the road a parade of fascinated Kalaidians began following the strange being before them. A young one, with long blue hair and sky blue eyes, ran up next to him. He smiled as he glanced down at her. It looks like we have a winner. He thought to himself. The young girl wore a simple grey dress and sandals. From her height, she looked to about ten years old. She walked next to him for a while as the others followed.

“Are you the Teacher?” the young girl asked.

He looked down into those curious eyes before kneeling. She was scared. Brian smiled and spoke in the Kalaidian tongue. “No, but I’m a friend of his. I’ve come to your world to make sure everything’s safe young lady.”

“Safe?” she asked. She looked more relaxed.

“Yes, I want to make sure you’re safe,” he said. He noticed the crowd gathering around him talking amongst each other. He turned back to the child. “Tell me young lady, where are the High Courts?”

The murmurs grew louder.

“Go to the center of the city,” another Kalaidian said, this one being an adult, with similar hair and eye color to the child. “That’s where the palace is.”

He stood up and nodded to the lady. “Thank you, my name is Brian.”

The lady went to the child and pulled her back. The others were still hesitant to move closer. “My name is Lae,” the woman looked down, “and this is my daughter Kyli. From what world do you hail from?”

He pointed to the sky. “I come from the Great Dragon. I’m here in his stead to guide you to the future.”

He turned and headed towards the city with added energy is his step. As he neared the metropolis the crowds only grew larger. Hope was evident on their faces. He walked in plain view, knowing that only by showing his face to as many Kalaidians as possible would he survive. He moved into the city and was greeted by a contingent of ground troops dressed in uniforms of the royal guard, bearing pulse rifles and rakna lances. Their leader stepped forward. She had short silver hair and purple eyes and wore the circlet of a commander.

“Halt!” she commanded as her troops cleared the street and surrounded him.

Brian stopped and placed a hand on the hilt of his sword.

“I’m Commander Jabril Hopart, leader of the Daevon royal guard.”

“That’s quite a title you have their young lady,” he said after checking the positions of the troops. “My name is Brian Peterson. I’m here to see your Queen.”

“On what grounds?” she asked.

He looked from side to side. “I’m asking you as a favor.” He took his hand off his sword. “Please put down your blades and rifles. I only came to see the Queen.”

Looking annoyed, Jabril gave the orders to circle the stranger as they began escorting him to the High Court. The crowds still gathered, larger and larger by the moment. Many shouted, asking if he was their savior. Others shouted for change, and still others begged for him to save them. He kept his eye on the massive building at the center of the city, a spire reaching into the sky. Jabril requested he board a hover craft numerous times, but each request was refused and he continued walking. I can see it in their eyes. These people shout for answers, answers I can’t give. But what I also see is fear. The way they look at the guards is that of dread, even terror. What have the nobles done to these people? He thought as they approached the High Court.

*

Celestia sat quietly and watched scores of her fellow nobles bicker over what must be done, what the appearance of the ship of light means, and who the Herald their queen had mentioned was. Sighing, she closed her eyes. The crowd quieted as the doors below opened and a lone figure walked through. He stood a full head taller than the largest amongst them and wore emerald green armor, matching cape, with a large straight bladed sword on his belt. His light brown hair was long and kept in a tail. He wore a well-trimmed beard and mustache. His eyes were blue green and his ears were round. He moved to the center of the stage and surveyed the room. Brian stopped when he saw Celestia, shocked at how much she and Seles looked alike. He also noticed the empty tier where the Kein family once resided. When the crowd quieted the Queen stood up.

“I welcome you to my world,” she said. “I’m Queen Celestia Daevon.”

It was Kalaidian tradition for leaders to exchange name and pleasantries, even during wartime. Brian smiled and looked at the queen.

“My thanks for your welcome,” he said. “My name is Brian Peterson. As you may suspect, I come from the same world as the one you refer to as the Teacher. The great darkness he spoke of will move soon and I was sent to make sure everything was okay here.” He turned to the queen again. “Sadly, my report will not be favorable towards you and your people.”

A number of nobles called him a liar and a charlatan. One stood and told him to address the queen properly.

“I answer to none of you,” he said angrily. “Because of you ineptitude your world has failed to fulfill the wishes of the Teacher.”

“Why do you say that?” Celestia asked. “What have my people done to disappoint you?”

He opened the small computer inside his armor’s left arm. Using the program he made earlier, he projected a large holographic screen around him. It contained numerous charts and figures, all written in English.

“These are the problems I’ve discovered in my investigations into your people Celestia.” He used the charts to prove his evidence for each point. “Your race has no surviving males. This is understandable, but the complete eradication of their existence isn’t. Your military is outdated by at least a century and your economy is in turmoil. Internal strife has separated one of the twelve noble families from you and a third of your space fleet has deserted you. Your territory, which once spanned thirty star systems, has been cut to seventeen. And lastly, your population has declined by a hundred and fifty billion in the last century. To sum it up, your people are dying out. None of my people wished for this and that’s why I was sent here.”

Vira Kentus was the first to stand. “Your data is correct, but who are you to pass judgment?”

He closed his eyes before turning to Vira. “I’m not the one who’s judging you. I was sent to push your people back onto the right path. In order to fight the great darkness, my people have searched far and wide in this galaxy for allies. Long ago one of us came to your people to secure such an ally.”

“Have you any proof of this?” Delne Raekar asked. “You’ve appeared onboard a ship of light, but do you have any real proof of what you are?”

Celestia stood up. “Please Brian, present us with proof.”

He reached under his armor and took out the Amulet of Kali. “I was given this by the Teacher in case of this issue.”

Celestia walked down the stairs and took the amulet from him. She looked surprised. “This

this is an Amulet of Kali, from the era long ago.” She looked at him, amazed at this size and strength. She took out her scanner and used it to check the amulet. “This is at least two thousand years old.” She put the scanner away, gazing at the amulet. “There’s only two ways for someone to obtain one of these. The first is to get it from the head of a noble family. The other is to take the one the Teacher possessed.”

“Is it enough for you Celestia?” he asked. “I didn’t come here to criticize your people. I want to help restore your former glory.”

Celestia handed the amulet back to him. “The proof is accepted.” She turned to the other nobles. “The amulet is proof he tells the truth. Let us except Brian as the Herald.”

Many of the other didn’t look convinced and weren’t afraid to let it show. Most were content to greet him on the floor to shake hands and exchange names. Brian noted for future reference that the nobles of the Kentus, Raekar, Abrus, and Bosar families didn’t care to see him, let alone greet him. He also noticed the pained look on Celestia’s face as it happened.

There’s such obvious conceit in their eyes. He thought to himself. The way the make no effort to hide it tells me how fractured this system is. The way Celestia looks, it pains me. She smiles despite the grim news of her people, clinging to hope that someone would come and save them. No wonder Seles ran away, that’s no way to live.

Celestia went to him once more. “Please Brian; do join us for the Star Festival tomorrow evening.”

“Star Festival?” he asked.

“It’s an annual celebration to honor the day when we first traveled between stars.”

“I’d be honored,” he said.

Chapter 36  The Festival

Seles sat in her room at the computer and read. She tapped her finger because of pent up energy and frustration. She stood up and went to the balcony, seeing the preparations for the Star Festival. The door opened and in came her mother with a pair of servants rolling a cart full of dresses.

“Seles, I want you to attend the Star Festival this eve,” Celestia said. “It’s only proper for a royal princess after all.”

Sighing, Seles turned and shook her head. “Mother, you know I hate attending parties like this. Anyways, I might try to run away again.”

“Both counts are true.” Celestia smiled. “But we have a special guest of honor to entertain this evening. I’m sure you don’t want to miss meeting him.”

“Him?” she asked.

“Yes. His name is Brian and he claims to be the Herald,” her mother said. “A handsome man if I may say so, even by our race’s standards.”

Seles’s face contorted in confusion.

“Why do you look so upset?” Celestia asked.

“Did you say his name was Brian?” Seles asked as she found sanity once more.

“That’s the name he gave us in the High Court last night. He stood so tall and proud, much like the Rakna Maigars of old. He reminded me of my youth, when men still walked amongst us.” Celestia had nostalgia in her eyes. “I really do miss those times.”

Seles went to the cart and looked at the servants. “I can choose my own dress ladies,” she said, turning to her mother. “I’ll go mother, if only to see who this Herald is.”

“I’m glad,” Celestia said as she went to the door. “I’ll send a servant to get you later.” The servants left with their queen and left Seles alone with a cart of dresses to try out. She stood looked through the dozens of dresses provided. After a minute passed, she could no longer hold back a smile as she thought of Brian. A moment later the smiled turned into laughter.

*

Brian stood before a large mirror flanked by a pair of servants. He wore a loose fitting black silk outfit and a flowing white cape to match. On his feet and hands were black gloves and boots, and he wore his rakna blade on the belt.

“You look excellent Lord Brian,” the black haired servant said.

“I agree,” the purple haired servant said.

“You’re the best tailors I’ve ever worked with,” he said as he turned to the pair. “You two did a great job.”

Celestia walked into the large guest chamber Brian had been given. “My

I haven’t seen a well-dressed man in such a long time.”

The two servants bowed to Brian and Celestia before leaving. She circled around and looked over Brian up and down.

“I know the texts say the Teacher was a giant, but you’re even bigger than I imagined,” she said.

He shrugged. “To tell you the truth, I’m not that tall when compared the largest of my people.” He circled around her, looking at her much the same way she had just done. “You might be the most beautiful lady I’ve ever seen.”

She blushed. “That’s inappropriate. We’re of different species after all.”

“That’s true,” he said. “But those feelings come from your people as well. I’m a bit of a novelty around here.”

“I remember a time when Maigars proudly walked these halls. This festival would be much greater if they were here to join in,” she said with a certain melancholy in her voice.

“It sounds like an interesting time. But instead of dwelling on the past, let us enjoy the present and make for a better future,” he said.

“It was by order of my mother all the records and DNA of our males was destroyed,” she said. “Our best scientists have attempted to create plague protected males for years, but none of those efforts have ended in success. I’ve begun to have my doubts about it.”

He took off a glove. “As a last resort, I was given the order to provide a DNA sample to you and your people. My species is similar to your own genetically. Survival takes precedence over purity.”

She took his hand and felt the warmth. “I don’t suppose you can tell me who your people are?”

He glanced from side to side, scanning the room. “Hold on a minute.” He went to his armor and pressed a button on the arm. “There, that should prevent anyone from hearing or seeing us. The truth will shock you, but I think you have the right to that knowledge.”

“You make it sound like a state secret,” she said.

He moved close and whispered in her ear. “I’m from the heart of the Great Dragon.”

*

Outside of the palace in the center courtyard, a massive stage was set. Around it was a series of large tables where food from every corner of Kalaidia was served. Nearly a thousand nobles from every house were in attendance, many of whom came to see the long awaited Herald. Seles sat at the table for her family and waited for Brian and her mother. Alone, she sat impatiently while wearing a flowing silver and white dress, with matching shoes. On her head she wore a circlet defining her status. Feeling anxious, Seles was happy when a server came and gave her a dish of food. Eating, she scanned the crowd, noting many of the nobles gave her an odd stare. The crowd began parting as Celestia and Brian emerged from the palace. Her jaw dropped. He noticed she was staring at him, along with all the nobles attending. As they neared the table Seles was at, Celestia turned and told the crowd to carry on as before. Seles stood up to greet them.

Celestia motioned to Seles. “This is my daughter, Seles Daevon.”

Brian smiled as he looked at her. “I’m sorry Celestia, but I think I’ve found a lady amongst your people surpassing your beauty,” he said as he bowed. “Seles, was it? My name’s Brian. I’m glad to make your acquaintance.”

Seles blushed. “It’s good to meet you,” she said, trying her best to not tip anything off.

As night fell the stage lit up and a chorus of musicians performed. After the brief concert a play in tribute to the first successful gravity jump was portrayed. Later, a holographic film showed what it looked like two hundred years ago. Little was said between Brian and Seles other than small talk. Once the crowd started a circle dance around the stage he stood up and went to Seles.

Looking to Celestia, “If memory serves me, it was tradition for the Rakna Maigars to each take a lady and dance at the center.”

Celestia smiled. “You’d like that honor?”

“Yes,” he said as he knelt before Seles and offered his hand. “I’d like a dance with Lady Seles. Would you grant me this honor?”

Seles took his hand. “Please, lead the way.”

They made their way to the center of the circle as many of the nobles watched. During this time he quickly slipped something into her glove.

“It’s a transmitter,” he said as he took the initial stance.

“A transmitter?” she asked, doing likewise.

“Later tonight, call for the Mjolnir,” he said as they began circling one another hand in hand.

“Why did you come? You can’t keep up this farce forever,” she said as they began a traditional dance.

“I made a promise to you long ago Seles. I gave you my life as your own. I live today only because of you. I’d sooner die than see you suffer like this,” he said as she twirled and fell into his embrace.

She twirled away and came to a stop. “Why would you give up your life for mine?”

“Love,” he said as they circled each other again hand in hand.

“Love?” she asked.

He smiled. “I wanted to see you again, more than anything else. I’m in love with you Seles,” he said as she twirled again and landed in his arms.

She blushed while silently matching his pace. “Brian

I don’t know,” she said as they circled one last time to finish the dance.

He smiled. “I couldn’t tell the first girl I was in love with how I felt. You can tell me how you feel later, after you’ve had time to think about it.”

The two bowed to each other before Seles went back to her mother. A swarm of ladies requested a dance with him. He graced those ladies with his answer of yes for the next several hours. Off to the side, Delne Raekar quietly sipped her wine. She stood the same height as Seles, with long flowing lime green hair and crimson eyes. Despite being almost two hundred years old, her beauty was hauntingly evident, especially so in her silver and black swirled dress. She stared at Brian. Enjoy this night Terran, upon tomorrow’s dawn we’ll have you in our grasp.

*

“I enjoyed this evening a lot,” Brian said while standing outside his chambers. He looked at Seles. “I hope to see you again,” he said before going into his room.

Celestia escorted Seles back to her room. “It’s been a long time since I saw such cheer at a festival, especially from you,” her mother said. “I hope he can guide us in the right direction.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. From what I’ve seen, he’s an honest and caring man,” Seles said. “Anyways, from what you’ve left me to study, you were hoping for someone like Brian, weren’t you?”

“Watch what you say Seles. Even though I’m the queen, that means little to those who hide in the shadows. Kalaidia isn’t like it used to be. The days of honor died with the Maigars. I hope he can help change that.”

“You’re asking a lot of one man,” Seles said.

“I know, but what other choice do I have?” she asked as they came to Seles’s door.

“Live the ideals you write of so fondly,” Seles whispered into her mother’s ear. She took a step back and smiled. “Next you should dance with Brian; you’d like it a lot.”

“I’m sure I would.”

*

Brian entered his room with exhaustion in his step. Removing his cape and shirt, he walked over to the bed and sat down. Looking uncomfortable, he took off his sword and placed it next to the bed. As he rolled over to sleep, he perked up, smelling something. He reached for his sword at the same time someone kick it away. When he rolled off the bed to take a defensive stance, finding he was surrounded by a group of figures wearing black cloaks and holding something familiar to him: a stun pole just like the ones the Greys used. Suddenly, a presence filled his mind. It felt like someone was attacking him mentally. He looked at the figure standing in the back. After a moment, he shook off the attack and started at the figure.

“Who are you?” he asked.

A female laugh ensued, “My, no wonder you escaped them. You can resist mental attacks. No matter, without your weapons and armor, you’re nothing.”

The figure waved her hand and the others began attacking him. He desperately tried to fight them off, but there were simply too many. As each stun pole landed a blow, his movements slowed. After a few minutes he fell to his knees, unable to resist any longer. Battered and bloody, he looked at the leader and saw the face of Delne Raekar. Her twisted smile was the last thing he saw as the world went black.

One of the attackers turned to Delne. “Are you sure this is right my lady?”

She stood over his unconscious body. “It’s the will of the goddess my friends. This man is an imposter, nothing more.” She knelt down and turned his head to look at his face. “But first, I’ll take everything he knows from his mind one memory at a time.”

Chapter 37  A Bad Night

Mira stood in the cockpit of the Mjolnir and sang an old song the original Mira never had the chance to perform. Dancing and singing, no one outside could hear her performance. After finishing the song she drank some water and went into the back room. She turned to the small door to the side and went into the tiny bathroom. She went over to the shower and measured the water collected. She stripped and went into the shower. A few minutes later, she emerged and put on a fresh set of clothes. The alarm sounded. She ran to the cockpit and turned on the radar. A number of blips were heading toward her from the air, as well as a number of troops on land. Mira flipped a switch and activated the Mjolnir’s drive system. Looking to the smaller monitor she noticed something strange. The symbol showing Brian’s location was gone. She turned to the troops and vessels heading towards her and turned on the phase cloak, surprising those camped outside, as well as the troops heading towards the giant. Activating flight mode, she flew away from the confused air craft and troops and headed into the thick jungle north of Vaelis.

*

Brian awoke in his bed on the Avoni, lying on his side. Next to him was Seles. She was already awake.

“Where?” he asked as he sat up.

Seles crawled next to him. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “It must have been a dream. Strange, I could’ve sworn that was real.”

She put her clothes on and watched him closely. Looking at the clock, she took his hand. “Let’s go for a walk outside.”

He put on his clothes and armor. “Seles, where are we?”

“Dega Jul,” she answered.

He shrugged, still confused. Man, I’ve got the worst headache ever. He thought as he looked at her smile. At least I get to wake up next to her. As they left his room they headed for the exit to go outside. He shook off the headache, thinking. That’s right; a month ago I announced my presence on the Avoni to the government of Dega Jul. I can walk around freely now.

The pair passed a number of crew members as they left. At the door Mira stopped them. “Do you mind if I go along?” she asked.

Seles tried to hide her disapproval. “Yes Mira, you can,” she said flatly.

He looked at Seles, surprised at her attitude. “I’d love for you to join us,” he said.

As they went outside sunlight covered the cityscape with a bright glow. The three made their way down from the rooftop dock and headed into the city. After a few hours of shopping, they stopped in their usual place, the Kritkar. While Mira was occupied ordering their drinks and food Brian and Seles took a table.

“What do you know about her?” Seles asked as she stared at Mira.

“You’ve known her longer than I have,” he said. “Why are you asking me?”

“I don’t work with her very often. You’ve spent a lot of time with her, so I thought I’d ask. She looks a lot like someone I met a long time ago,” she said, still staring at Mira.

“Long ago?” he asked. This headache isn’t going away. He thought, watching Seles closely.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, turning her attention to him.

“Who are you? And where am I really?” he asked as he stood up.

She smiled. “I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.”

Mira went to him and held onto his arm. “Don’t listen to her. She’s lying to you.”

Seles grinned. “She must mean a lot to you if she can defend you in here.”

Mira disappeared along with everyone else. Seles stepped back with smug look on her face. He tried to move and found he was paralyzed.

“What the hell?” he asked.

“I can see why they fear you so much,” Seles said as she went to him. “You’ve grown resistant to their telepathic powers, haven’t you?”

He felt a surge of energy and with a scream destroyed the illusion before him. He was chained to the walls of a large dark cell, deep underground. On the floor in front of him was Lady Delne, who shook her head.

Delne stood and shrugged off his mental attack. “Now I know why they warned us about you.”

“The Greys warned you?” he asked as he struggled against the chains.

“That won’t work my dear Terran. Even a Mylor would struggle to escape those,” she said as she moved uncomfortably close. She started poking him lightly with her hands, causing him to move. “You’re quite sensitive to touch, aren’t you?”

“Why would the Greys tell you anything?” he asked. He felt uncomfortable.

“They reward loyalty, to a fault as a matter of fact. Their power is of the mind Brian, something even you can’t fully resist. What I and many others desire is control. People need to be controlled, or chaos is the result. The Greys are masters of control and thus will be victorious in the end,” she said as she ran her hands about him and searched for his sensitive areas.

“I see. Delne, how old are you?” he asked.

“I don’t know why you would need to know, but I’m two hundred and four years old.”

“What you fear most is what the Maigars spoke of before being wiped out,” he said. “I think you may know something about why it happened.”

“What are you talking about? The plague was an unfortunate incident,” she said.

“Very convenient, don’t you think? When Gaelic Kein and his allies were on the verge of causing a revolution, they all die. Why?” he asked.

Delne went to the front of the cell where a table was set. She pulled out a number of long needles and a rod resembling a cattle prod. “They would’ve brought chaos to our people. Those who stand in the way of our ideal future must be destroyed.”

“Even at the cost of your own race!?” he shouted. “That plague wiped over a hundred billion in two years! How can you call that victory! What people need is freedom, not control. Control only garners dissent.”

She licked a needle as she moved next to him once more. “Not if it’s absolute control my Terran. You’ll soon find being controlled isn’t bad.” With a wicked smile she drove a needle into his leg, causing him to scream in pain.

“My, you have a great amount of pain tolerance,” she said as she drove another needle into his other leg. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to hit anything vital for now. I want to have some fun with you before they come to get you.”

*

Seles walked into her chambers and removed the dress she was wearing, putting on her uniform. She slipped the transmitter from her white glove into her hand. She went to the balcony and looked over the dark courtyard. Looking at the device, she saw it was an encoded transmitter.

She turned it on and spoke into it. “Brian, please answer me.”

“Is that you Seles?” Mira asked over the transmitter.

“Mira?” she asked. “Are you in the Mjolnir?”

“He must have given you the transmitter. Yes, I’m on standby right now,” Mira answered.

“So what’s the plan?” Seles asked.

“Well, the original plan was for us to leave quietly, but I’ve lost track of Brian’s signal. Seles, I’m worried, could you see if he’s still in his room?”

“He’s missing?”

“Yes,” Mira answered. “A few minutes ago I lost his signal. I had to fly the Mjolnir into the jungle and hide because a number of air and ground troops were surrounding me.”

“Troops attempted to surround you? Could you tell what unit it was?” Seles asked.

“I’m not sure, but it definitely wasn’t the royal guard. I’m really worried something’s happened.”

“Alright Mira, I’ll try my best to do something,” Seles said as she went her door.

When she got to the door she found it popped open. She peaked outside and saw the two guards sleeping on the floor. What is going on? Seles thought to herself as she took up one of their pulse rifles and checked the hall.

“Seles, I put them to sleep for a short while. Take this opportunity to escape.”

“Myden?” she asked as she looked around.

“I’m not with you at the moment.”

“Do you know what happened to Brian?” she asked.

“No, but I’m searching for him. Please hurry.”

Seles looked down both ends of the hall and headed for Brian’s room. The two guards outside his room were sleeping and the door was open. She went in and saw no one was in the room. She walked over to the bed and saw his rakna blade far away on the floor. Near the bed there was a small stain on the floor. She knelt down and touched the liquid.

“Blood,” she whispered, tearing up. He came here to save me, but

She went to his armor and hugged it.

“Seles, what are you doing in here!?” Celestia asked as she stormed in with a patrol of guards.

“He’s gone mother,” she said with dejection in her voice. “They’ve taken him.”

Celestia noticed the sadness in her eyes. “What is it Seles? Why are you crying?”

“You have no idea who he really is, do you?” Seles asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Brian isn’t the Herald. He came here to free me. And now

” she trailed off and looked at the rakna blade.

“What’re you trying to say?” Celestia asked.

“Brian came by chance over a year ago,” Seles explained. “I was stranded on a frozen moon for twelve days. Without his help I would’ve died. He single-handedly fought a troop of Malcovin mercenaries to protect me. All I want is to see him again mother.”

“Raekar has him now,” Myden said telepathically as he stepped out of the shadows. The guards turned their weapons on him before Celestia waved them off.

“Please wait outside,” she commanded her guards. They left and closed the door behind them. Celestia turned to Myden. “What’s the truth about him?”

“I’m sorry my Queen, my falsehood was in no way intended to hurt you,” he said with his raspy voice. “But I had to see him up close before confirming my suspicions.”

“What suspicions are those?” Celestia asked.

“Unknowingly, my own people brought forth the monster they feared the most. Now, he has begun to gather the Maidens.” Myden went to Seles and pointed at her birthmark. “You’re the Maiden of Passion,” he said. He turned to Celestia, “As are you my Queen. My mission was to protect one of you from assassination. Now I fear he may be killed soon.”

“You mentioned Raekar,” Celestia said. “What are they planning?”

“Lady Delne is a master Kaida,” he said. “At this moment she is trying to break him. Her plans are to turn him over to my people. But a more immediate concern is upon you my Queen. Gather your allies and be ready for the enemy to strike.”

“Take me to him,” Seles said as she ran to Myden.

“Call for the giant of light and I’ll accompany you.” Myden turned to Celestia. “The civil war you feared has come. Please, give us the time we need to save him.”

*

Why won’t he break? Delne thought to herself. No Kalaidian’s ever withstood this much pain. She looked up and saw him laughing.

“Are you mocking me?” she demanded.

“This thing you call the Kai, I heard horror stories about it from your history books.” Brian spit some blood off to the side. “But this is nothing for one of my kind Kalaidian.”

She placed a hand on his face. “I’ll make you beg before this night is over.” She closed her eyes and began intruding upon his mind again. Strangely, she found no resistance from him.

“Delne Raekar, head of the Raekar family and mother to seventeen daughters, a respected member of the old nobility. But, I sense something more, a deep sadness,” he said to her through their mental link. She opened her eyes, angry and saddened at the same time.

“How?” she gasped, unable to move away.

He smiled. “Terrans aren’t naturally telepathic, but once someone’s messing around in there we can fight back. You want to know the TRUTH Delne? The real reason why this torture of yours is nothing to me? Let me show you the history of humanity, a history of war, death, terror, and other evils your kind can only find in their nightmares!”

He closed his eyes and forced the images of human history into her mind. She stood silently and stared as thousands of images of war, torture, and evil filled her mind. Eventually, she broke from the chorus of humanity’s evil and turned away. She held her face inside her hands and cried.

He laughed. “Now you know. That’s the real reason your Confederation fears my kind. Humans are especially good at killing, torturing, and hating each other. Imagine what we could do to other races, especially with how soft they are.”

She turned to look him in the eye again. “Why?”

“Are you passing judgment upon my kind?” he asked. “I wouldn’t blame you. But before you do, tell me the truth about the plague that killed your men. Because that’s an act of genocide on a scale even my people haven’t committed.”

Delne turned away with tears in her eyes. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like it did.”

“I know,” he said.

“What?” she asked. She saw sympathy in his eyes.

“You loved him. With all your heart and soul, but he wouldn’t have you. You prayed day and night, hoping. But Kali never came. You were filled with despair, a feeling I know all too well. And when you reached out to their God in desperation, it granted you power. But it took away all that was Delne Raekar and left behind the walking corpse standing before me.”

She slapped him across the face. “He was the enemy! All he believed was heresy, everything. On the day I let it loose he was going to start the rebellion. But the illness stopped the Maigars in their tracks. Their bodies quivered in agony and their songs taken away.”

“You’ve had a hundred and fifty years to save them.” He spit more blood off to the side. “Can’t you hear their thoughts? Your people are dying out slowly, watching their power and life diminish. You have control for now, but my coming has awakened their conscious.”

“Silence!” she shoved another needle into his belly. He gritted his teeth and refused to scream. Delne cursed him as she left him bleeding in agony. He was left alone in silence and darkness with his thoughts as his only companion.

Your feelings betray you Delne. I know the pain of loving, but not being loved in return. I saw his final tomb. It was your last act of kindness.

Chapter 38  The Maidens Awaken

Mira landed the invisible Mjolnir outside the window of Brian’s room. As she opened the hatch, she saw Seles carrying Brian’s armor and rakna blade, with a cloaked figure behind her. Myden stopped and stared at Mira.

Seles turned to him. “What is it?”

“Mira Kein? How is this possible?” Myden asked.

“Who are you?” Mira asked as Seles loaded the armor and sword onboard.

Myden closed his eyes, trying to scan her telepathically. I see she’s not the original. It looks like Gaelic’s song was completed. My telepathy won’t work with her. “My name is Myden. It’s been a long time since I last heard you sing.”

Seles turned to them. “Am I missing something, or do you know her Myden?”

“She’s Mira Kein, daughter of the late Gaelic Kein. One hundred and fifty six years ago the ship she traveled on was destroyed,” he explained.

“Could you clarify what he’s talking about?” Seles asked.

Mira narrowed her eyes. “Long ago, I was a noble. But I slept in the darkness of space for many years. When I awoke the world I knew was gone. I’m surprised a strange being like this knows about it.”

Seles motioned for Myden to get onboard. “Come on, if we don’t get going, Brian’s only going to suffer more.”

“Of course,” he said. He walked onto the craft and marveled at its beauty.

Mira took the pilot’s seat. “I know you usually do this Seles, but Brian trusted me with this ship,” she said as she gave Myden a funny look. “Why don’t you show your face?”

“It’s too disturbing for your kind,” he answered. “And

it’s too bright in here to me. Now set course for the main palace of Delne Raekar. There we will find him.”

*

Darkness, all I can see is darkness. Brian stayed chained to the wall, motionless. On the floor below was a puddle of blood. I hate this place. If I’d stayed on Earth this would’ve never happened. He tried moving and stopped because of the pain. He sighed and looked around. I should be happy she didn’t take anything downstairs, but this sucks. I’ve never felt pain like this ever in my life. If she hadn’t wounded me I could try forcing my way out of here, but

He fought off the despair and moved his body.

“Dammit!” his voice echoed throughout the dungeon.

If she hadn’t left these needles inside me I’d be able to move. I can’t do anything like this. Focus Brian, focus. You have to find a way out of here. Seles is waiting. So is Mira. You have to finish your contract with Valis. Is this the way you want to die? No, this isn’t the place. I’m not going to die like this. He tried to bite one of the needles on this right arm. He could barely reach it in the position he was in and struggled in agony to bite down on the needle. It took him a while to work it loose. He felt blood come out, but at least he could move his elbow now. He spit the needle onto the floor and flexed his arm. The restrain held tight as he growled in frustration. He then moved his left arm and pulled the needle out. Brian blinked and focused his energy inward. When his eyes opened they were glowing light blue. With all his strength he pulled. The wall grated and creaked before giving away. His arms burst forward with chunks of the wall going with them. He hands freed, he quickly pulled the needles from his legs. The sound of guards running to him caused him to move faster. Focusing his energy once more, he freed his legs with a burst of strength. Standing in the cell with his hands and legs weighed down by chain and stone while bleeding profusely, he didn’t relent. Rage filled him. He went to the front of the cell and began battering the force shield. Three guards stood in front of him with pulse rifles ready to fire. Their eyes widened when they looked at his eyes, still burning bright blue.

“Lieutenant, his eyes,” one of the guards in back said.

“With those wounds, he shouldn’t be moving, right?” the other said with a quiver in her voice.

The lieutenant lowered her rifle. “Lady Delne is wrong. His eyes burn with the fire of the goddess.”

“What should we do?” one of them asked.

The lieutenant sighed. “If it’s the will of Kali, there’s nothing we can do to stop him.” She turned to Brian. “If we aid you, will you spare our lives?”

His eyes stopped glowing. “Please, I don’t want to kill anyone if I don’t have to.”

The lieutenant used her pass key to open the cell. The other two backed off as she went and freed his hands and feet from the weights.

“Thank you. What’s your name?” Brian asked as he caught his breath.

“My name’s Seni. Are you sure you’re alright?” she asked as she checked his wounds.

“I’ll be okay after a while,” he said as she helped him stand. “I must go.” He turned to Seni. “Please evacuate everyone. I need to deal with Delne myself.”

“Are you really the Herald?” she asked.

“No,” he answered. “I’m just a fool who can’t leave a certain girl alone.” He checked himself.

Seni looked to her subordinates. “Please begin the evacuation.”

“Yes Lieutenant,” the pair said before running up the stairs.

“Please, your rakna blade,” he said as he reached out with his hand.

Seni removed it from her belt and handed the sword over. He drew the blade and began a blade dance routine. Even slowed by his wounds, Seni was amazed at his movements. Brian stopped and took a deep breath before sheathing the blade.

“Where’s Delne?” he asked.

“She’s on the top floor of the palace sleeping.”

“Thank you,” he said as he headed for the stairs. Seni followed, still holding her pulse rifle. When he came to the stairs he saw blood trickling down. Looking up, he saw the two guards lying on the ground with their throats sliced wide open. An angry Delne stood at the top of the stairs and held a glowing metallic whip. Seni gasped at the sight of her dead friends as Brian drew the rakna blade and stared at Delne. He turned to Seni. “Once I’ve cleared the way, run as fast as you can Seni. Do what I asked before. I’ll handle the Lady upstairs.”

“Okay,” Seni said.

“So you plan to escape? I’m surprised, my associates told me those bindings would hold even a Terran. It looks like I’ll have to kill you now,” Delne said threateningly. She turned an evil eye to Seni. “And you Lieutenant, for betraying me you’ll suffer the same fate as these fools.” Delne disappeared with an evil smile.

“Where’d she go?” Seni asked, looking around.

He closed his eyes and sniffed the air. “She’s moving towards the roof. Seni, make your way out of here through the lower levels.”

They made their way up to ground level. Brian was noticeably limping as they moved up stairs.

“I’m going to leave through here,” Seni said. Before going outside, she looked at him once more. “I hope I see you again.”

He nodded and made his way up stairs. “Delne, where are you!?”

“I’m right here my dear Terran,” she said as she flashed into view. “It’s about time I put you down for good.”

*

As Seles, Myden, and Mira flew over the city of Vaelis, they saw the warzone below them. The streets were in chaos as soldiers of differing noble houses fought each other. Mira avoided any contact with the battles occurring in the air just over the city.

Seles watched in horror. “This is terrible.”

“It’s because they’re desperate,” Myden said. “Four of the noble families are the cause of this.” He looked at the monitor. “Raekar, Abrus, Bosar, and the Kentus families are fighting right now. Those houses have opposed your mother for decades. I suspect my people have had influence in those families.”

“What do you mean by that?” Seles asked.

He turned to Seles. “You’ll know soon enough my lady.” He closed his eyes and concentrated. I can feel his pain, his suffering. Delne truly is a skilled Kaida.

“What is it Myden?” Mira asked.

“I’m sorry. I can sense him. Brian’s in a great deal of pain right now. It seems Lady Delne’s skill at Kai is impressive.”

Seles and Mira both turned white. “Kai?” both of them asked.

Myden nodded. “Yes. Seles, would you like to see his status?”

She hesitated. “Yes, please show me.”

“As you wish,” he said. Myden reached out with his three fingered hand and touched her on the temple. She immediately stiffened up as her eyes glazed over.

“What are you doing?” Mira asked.

“I’m showing her what he feels.” He turned to Mira. I’m sorry, but I can’t do the same for you. My telepathic powers only affect biological life forms.”

*

What is this? Seles saw herself flying in the air and found she was lying on the ground. My arms, my legs! I can barely move. I can’t breathe! Looking at the body she was in she noticed it was Brian’s. Blood trickled from all the wounds. All she saw was the nasty smile of Delne as she held a sparking whip.

“You really are a fool. To think the lust for one of my species would drive you to such lengths. If you’d only stayed on the Avoni, you would’ve lived longer,” Delne said as she closed in.

He gripped the rakna blade with all his remaining strength and started laughing. “Are you mad you’re not the one who got laid Delne?”

What? Seles thought to herself.

“Laid?” she growled. “I’ve never had a filthy man touch me is such a manner.”

He laughed again. “That explains it. Instead of stabbing me with needles, you should have asked me to help you with that problem.”

“That’s enough!” she shouted angrily. She whipped him until he fell to the ground.

At least my last words were defiant. Seles, I hoped to see you again. I’m sorry. He thought as he began losing consciousness.

“Don’t give up Brian! Please don’t give up!” Seles shouted in his mind.

“Seles,” he uttered before his eyes closed.

*

The Mjolnir landed in the courtyard of the Raekar palace. With one motion, Mira blasted a hole in the wall. They left the mobile suit and headed into the palace. Seles carried a pulse rifle and had Brian’s rakna blade strapped to her back. Mira carried a pulse pistol and med kit. Myden followed but fell behind quickly. The guards fled through the ground level. It didn’t take the long to find the trail of blood Brian had left. After a short sprint, they came upon the scene of Delne standing over him with an evil smile.

“He really thought he could escape me,” Delne laughed. “My ideal world is too important for me to let him go.”

Brian was unconscious and bleeding. His body was covered in rips and tears. In his limp right hand he still held a rakna blade. Seles pointed her pulse rifle and fired. Delne turned about quickly and danced out of the way before running behind a corner and readying her whip. Seles and Mira ran to him. Mira took out her medical scanners and regenerators to begin working on him. Seles looked down and saw his face covered in scratches and blood.

Mira was panicked as she scanned him. “I’ve never seen anyone in this bad of condition. The fact he’s still alive is a miracle. I don’t know if I can save him Seles.”

Seles had tears in her eyes as she hugged Brian. After a moment, she kissed him. “You’re always getting hurt because of me. All I’ve ever brought you was pain and suffering. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you before.” She kissed him. “I love you. I love you so much it hurts. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you before now. You’ve been protecting me from the start, always willing to suffer on my account.” She cried for another moment while Mira quickly worked her regenerators. “It’s time for someone to protect you Brian, to suffer for you.” Seles took the rakna blade from his hand as blood dripped onto the ground and looked Mira in the eye. “Please save him

I know how you feel right now,” Seles said as she stood up.

“I’ll do my best,” she said. Mira’s eyes began glowing as she healed his wounds.

Seles slowly walked towards Delne as her eyes started glowing. Delne flashed out with her whip ready. “You’re too late Princess.”

Seles pointed the rakna blade at Delne, blood dripping from her hand to the stone floor. “For the sake of Brian and my people, you will die Delne Raekar. I promise you that.”

Chapter 39  Seles & Mira

“A bold proclamation princess,” Delne said with a smirk. “But it’s you who will die this eve.”

Delne cracked her lightning whip at Seles. She deflected it with her blade and made a move forward while Delne fled around the corner. Seles turned back and saw Mira working with the speed of the goddess.

Save him Mira. Seles thought as she ran after Delne, who was making her way upstairs. As Seles turned the whip came at her. She barely dodged out of the way. Delne grinned.

“You’re not trained for this kind thing princess. Maybe you should stick to parties,” Delne said as she readied her whip for another attack.

“Shut up,” Seles said as she held the blade tighter.

She took a defensive stance and waited for Delne to make the first move. She paced back and forth and teased with her whip. A moment later she attacked with a series of quick strikes, Seles dodged and deflected them with ease. Taking her momentum forward, Seles charged. Delne reacted in time to block the attack and knocked Seles back a few steps. Delne’s arm bleed lightly as Seles stood ready, eyes glowing. Delne narrowed her eyes. She’s not normal. No brat princess like her should be this fast. Her eyes! But how is she doing it? Only men could berserk. Delne grasped her whip and struck at Seles with all her might and speed. Seles easily danced out of the way while moving faster than she ever had before. She pointed her blade and charged. Delne circled herself with the whip and covered herself in a protective shell. Why is she laughing? Delne thought as Seles hacked at her defensive stance. I need to get to better ground. If I wasn’t able to read her thoughts I’d be dead by now. A roll of thunder came from outside. Of course! My Reiga whip is much more effective in the rain than her weapon! Delne fell back and cracked an attack at Seles and drove the mad princess back. She turned and made her way to the roof as Seles followed.

*

As her eyes glowed, Mira worked quickly to seal Brian’s wounds. With an injection of simulated blood he started looking better. His wounds shown but now were closed. She knelt over him and fought back tears. Myden stood in the shadows and watched. He gave her the power to awaken! Truly, she’s a masterpiece of holographic technology. Only the Original Five and my people would be able to craft such a maiden. He closed his eyes and concentrated on Brian. His life force isn’t fading anymore. I can leave them. I have a feeling Seles is going to need my help. Myden silent passed Mira and headed towards the roof.

“These wounds are terrible,” Mira said to herself. “I’m glad I came, no one on this planet knows anything about your genetics.” She smiled as she watched him sleep. Mira took out a cloth and began to cleaning his wounds. “You look much better when you’re not bloody.”

She brushed his face with her hands before whispering into his ear. “I know you care for Seles, but I want to tell you something Brian. I feel the same as she. I want to stay by your side, forever.” She kissed him with tears falling. Her eyes opened with surprise when she noticed he was rubbing her rear. She pulled away, blushing.

He coughed before sitting up. “You’re the second girl to say that to me today. At least I got a chance to see how real you are with my own hands,” he said, laughing weakly.

“How long have you been awake?” Mira asked.

“Shortly after you gave me that shot of blood.” He flexed his joints and winced. “Did you come alone?”

“No, I came with Seles and Myden,” she said. “Seles is chasing Delne. I’m sure Myden went to help her.”

“Myden?” he asked. “Who’s that?” Mira helped him stand.

“Im not sure,” she answered. “He has a connection with Seles and is telepathic.”

Brian tried to turn to the hall Seles went down before Mira stopped him. “I need to warn her of Delne’s telepathic ability.”

“Don’t worry, Myden’s with her. I’m not sure who he is, but I know he’ll protect her with his life.”

“Alright,” Brian said as they headed for the Mjolnir.

*

Delne ran onto the roof as rain fell. In the background thunder and lightning raged. Seles came shortly after, eyes glowing, blade in hand. Delne scanned the rooftop and grinned when she saw a few puddles. She cracked her whip at Seles; she deflected it with her sword. Seles moved forward and was met with a barrage of attacks.

How is she able to read my moves so easily? Seles thought to herself. It’s like she can read my mind. Seles slowly advanced, still fending off the aggressive whip attacks. As she edged forward she didn’t notice the pool of water in front of her. Delne smiled wickedly and struck the water instead. A surge of electricity went through Seles as she fell backwards onto the ground. Grimacing in pain, she jumped to her feet just in time to defend herself.

Laughing, Delne spoke with confidence. “I don’t even have to hit you to hurt you.”

Seles took a defensive stance.

“What’s wrong? If you don’t think of something soon, my allies will show up,” Delne said as she renewed her attacks.

Seles defended herself. “What allies might those be? Your guards have abandoned you.”

“The ones who’ll bring proper order to this world,” Delne explained. “If you wish to join me I’ll spare your life. They can grant you power beyond anything you can imagine, the power of control.”

Seles laughed. “Control isn’t what they need. What they need is hope and freedom.” She started advancing again.

“Where did you hear that foolishness? From the incompetent Valis Kein?” she asked, stepping back.

“No, I learned it from Brian,” she answered. “I’ve felt the same for many years now. He’s a man that brings hope, something old nobles like you wouldn’t know about,” Seles said, still edging forward.

“So you follow the ideals of a foolish Terran? He’s just a child, barely able to think for himself.” Delne smiled. “His lust proved to be his downfall.” She cracked her whip and caught Seles’s right leg. The barbed device wrapped around and shocked Seles mightily. Delne ripped her whip away and tore Seles’s leg badly. She stood with a limp while blood trickled from her leg in dozen places. She stood her ground and ignored the pain.

“His lust has made him stronger than you think Delne. He’s willing to fight and die for those he loves, something you couldn’t understand,” Seles said, still moving closer.

“You’re a fool just like him. If only you knew the truth, then you’d understand,” Delne said, driving Seles back a few steps.

“Truth?” she asked.

“He’s Terran. If his kind isn’t controlled, they will control us. Terrans like him are excellent warriors, but my allies don’t think they’d be good at ruling. It doesn’t suit their temperament. The solution is to control them, so they don’t bring war and misery to us.”

Delne cracked her whip and wrapped Seles tightly. She started shocking the princess, laughing the entire time. Seles fell to her knees, still holding the rakna blade. Delne smugly moved in, confident in her victory. At that moment she felt something enter her mind.

“I won’t let you hurt anyone else Delne. The path you’ve chosen is the path of madness. What Seles speaks is the truth. I will fight to save that dream, but first I’ll cut off your telepathic powers,” Myden said to Delne telepathically.

She panicked as her powers disappeared. She looked up and saw a lone figure standing far away in the rain. “You’re the one they warned me about!”

“Yes, my name’s Myden,” he said before slowly walking back down stairs.

Seles gathered her remaining strength and stood up. Delne tried to retract her whip, but Seles caught it with the blade. With a quick move, Seles drove the blade into the ground. Delne tried futilely to remove her weapon. Seles grinned and drew Brian’s rakna blade from her back. Still bleeding, she charged at Delne as she tried fleeing. Seles drove the blade through Delne’s back at the same time the noble woman screamed.

“Where are you allies now?” Seles asked. She pulled the sword out as Delne fell to the ground. Seles stood over the noblewoman and heard a sob.

“You were right Brian,” Delne uttered as she died. Looking down, Seles saw a smile on her face. Not the evil grin she saw before, but one of contentment.

Her eyes turned back to normal as the pain she felt multiplied by ten times. Using the Brian’s sword as a brace, she limped her way off the roof and headed for the Mjolnir. I hope he’s alright. Kali, I feel like hell right now.

*

“You’re a big fool,” Mira said as she dragged Brian to the back room in the Mjolnir. She put him on the bed while breathing heavily. “Why do Terrans have to be so heavy?” she asked. She caught her breath and looked him over one more time before leaving. Mira went into the cockpit and turned on the monitors to find a number of small vessels heading in their direction. Myden walked in silently.

She turned to him. “Where’s Seles?”

“She’ll be joining us any minute now. How’s he doing?” Myden asked.

“He woke up a few minutes ago and is resting in the back now. As long as he gets a day or two to rest, he should be fine,” Mira answered as she turned to the monitors. Ships of every shape and size were flying all over, fighting one another. “What’s going on?”

“A civil war,” Myden said. “Delne and her sympathizers started this war because of Brian. He’s a threat to their goal.”

“What goal?” she asked.

“Remember the teachings of your late father,” he said. “Gaelic sought freedom and change. There were many who didn’t agree with his beliefs, many who would kill to prevent him from realizing his dream. My people wrought this fear amongst your nobility. Above all else, order must be maintained. They pursue enforcing order to all that exists, even at the cost of a species.”

“That’s insane! Just who are your people?” she asked.

“I come from the eye of the butterfly,” he answered. “But that was a long time ago. This world is now my home. Kalaidia is a beautiful planet with bright sunlight where life thrives.”

“Eye of the Butterfly?” she asked.

“I’ll explain everything once we’re out of here and he’s healed.”

Seles stumbled in while grimacing from the pain. “Mira, get us out of here. I saw a number of fighters heading our way. You can take care of my wounds once we’re safe.”

“Alright,” Mira said as she closed the front and activated the phase cloak. She flew for the deep jungle again.

Chapter 40  Many Faces, Many Places

Valis awoke in her quarters and turned on the monitor next to her bed. Sitting up, she watched a Degan news broadcast being led by a Malcovin anchor man.

“The civil war on Kalaidia Prime hasn’t yet reached to its outer colonies, but word from the noble families is it will soon. We’re still investigating the appearance of an unknown species.” A picture of Brian walking the streets of Vaelis popped up, along with a number of other shots of him. “No one’s confirmed the identity of Brian Peterson, but word is he may be a Terran. A number of the member races of the Confederation have dispatched ships to the edge of the Terran boundary to confirm if their species has

” Valis turned the monitor off.

She laughed and shook her head before putting her uniform and circlet on. She left her quarters and headed to the tactical room. The crew saluted as normal, but Valis noticed the chatter about Brian, the newly brewing civil war back home, and the media coverage. When she reached the tactical room she saw Kivi, Zae, Daes and Celi. She motioned for them to relax.

“I figured it was about time we sit down and discuss the matters of concerning Brian, as well as the events taking place back home,” Valis said.

“From the information we’ve gathered, it appears he’s accelerated the actions of rebel forces on the home world,” Kivi reported.

“Do we know which families are revolting?” Valis asked.

Daes looked up from her wrist computer. “I have a few associates back home I keep in contact with. From what they’ve told me, the Kentus, Raekar, Abrus, and Bosar families are leading the revolt. I’ve also heard the rumor that the head of the Raekar family, Lady Delne, was killed by a rakna blade.” Daes checked her data again. “The other thing I heard about was a glowing giant seen flying away from the palace.”

Kivi shook her head, confused. “Why would he specifically go to the Raekar estate to kill Lady Delne? He has no enemies amongst our kind.”

“That’s true,” Valis said. “If it wasn’t Brian, than there are only two people on Kalaidia Prime capable of flying the Mjolnir, Seles and Mira. Neither of them have the profile to undertake such an attack.”

“What if there’s another reason?” Daes asked. “My sources told me Delne was a skilled Kaida. Maybe she saw this opportunity as the perfect time to try her skill on a Terran.”

“That’s plausible,” Valis said.

The com flashed on. “Captain, all senior staff, a call from Captain Esra of the Daevoni is coming in,” Baed said.

Valis went over to the monitor and pressed a button below the screen. “Put her through.”

Esra appeared on the screen, alone. “Well Valis, it looks like that second officer of yours if stirring things back home up quite a bit. Have you found anything on his whereabouts?”

“I’m sorry Esra,” Valis said. “We haven’t been able to locate him. My crew has a lot of resources, so we’ll find something sooner or later. What about on your end? I can tell by the media there’s a mad panic, but how bad is it?”

Esra smiled. “My sources from Confederation’s Headquarters have told me the first and second Mylor fleets have deployed to the Terran border. They seem quite worried about his appearance.”

“Not surprising, most races believe it’ll be centuries before they walk the stars,” Valis said. “What I’m worried about is our fate.”

“What do you mean?” Esra asked.

“It won’t take the Confederation long to figure out it was one our ships that sheltered him. Their paranoia may drive them to search every Kalaidian vessel. If they’re willing to deploy two Mylor fleets to guard the border, they’re not messing around,” Valis said.

“So what should we do?” Esra asked. “If we try leaving now we’d be stopped by the harbor guard on Dega Jul.”

Valis stopped for a moment to think. “I think it’s best if we hold on action right now. The time will come; we just have to wait for the opportunity.”

*

Celestia sat at her throne surrounded by monitors and guards. She watched the carnage happening all over the planet. Rumors of the strife spreading outside the main solar system were constant, but unconfirmed. Everyone was on edge. After a few minutes the door opened. In full battle dress Jabril entered with a glimmer in her purple eyes as she knelt before the queen.

“I am happy to report we’ve driven the rebels out of Vaelis my Queen,” she said. “With the aid of the Obril and Hopart families we’ve established a defense perimeter around the capital.”

Celestia sighed with relief. “We can breathe for the moment.” She stood up and went to one of the monitors. “Has there been any word on my daughter or Brian?”

Jabril joined her. “No. The only thing we found was the body of Lady Delne. We also found a blood stained Kai chamber. DNA checks have found the species doesn’t match our own, so we suspect Brian may have been the one to suffer Kai.”

“I hope he can forgive us,” said Celestia.

An attendant came into the room. “My lady, a number of the ambassadors would like a word with you. Strangely enough, they seem more concerned with Brian than our present political situation. They want to know more about him from you personally.”

Celestia sighed. “I’ll go meet with Lord Jita. I think it’s best if I meet with him first.”

“I’ll inform him immediately,” the attendant said before walking out of the room.

“Lord Jita?” Jabril asked. “His kind is as mysterious as Brian.”

“The Mylor are the oldest member of the Confederation. After the Greys, they were the second species to reach space. Lord Jita can reveal what he knows about Brian and his kind.”

“Is he really Terran?” Jabril asked.

“He told me he came from the heart of the Great Dragon. That constellation on our planet matches to Terra Prime. I’m hoping we can resolve the civil issue quickly, even if it means change,” Celestia said.

*

Lena Obril stood on the bridge of the Heimus. On the monitor appeared the image of Dega Jul.

Her helmswoman turned to her. “We’re in position captain. All channels are open.”

“Thank you lieutenant,” Lena said. She sighed before sending her message over all communication channels within the Degan system.

“This is Captain Lena Obril of the Heimus, calling all Kalaidian vessels residing within the Degan system. As you know, our home world is in turmoil due to political disputes between the noble families. Queen Celestia is in need of all able bodied warships to defend the home world at this time and is willing to grant a pardon to any former ship of the royal fleet. She also has a message to the Kein noble family.” Lena read the text on the monitor. “Six years have passed since our dispute on the teachings of Gaelic Kein. Having time to reflect on that mistake, I believe it’s in the best interest of people of Kali we join together and form a new future. Let us meet and forge a freer, stronger Kalaidia than the present.” She stopped reading. “If you wish to aid the Queen, please contact my ship as soon as possible. I should also mention your ships will be considered an independent fleet. As such, you may assign your own commander. Thank you.”

*

Valis sat in her room and listened to Captain Obril’s message. “It looks like things have gotten really bad,” she said to herself. Kivi called her over the com.

“What are your orders?” Kivi asked.

“Prepare the ship immediately,” Valis said as she slipped on her uniform and headed for the bridge. When she got there she noticed everyone ready to go.

“I figured we might have to leave on a moment’s notice,” Kivi said. “I had the crew prepare everything ahead of time.”

Valis slipped into her seat. “That’s just like you, always one step ahead of the game. I hope we’re not the only ship to show up for the party.”

“I’m betting the port authorities are hoping for just that. If every Kalaidian vessel launches they’d have to deal with a couple hundred ships at once,” Kivi said.

*

Lord Jita hovered above the ground, his small meter sized body levitating by his will alone. He looked like a mix of a human child and short haired cat, with large round catlike eyes and ears. His size defied his power because he was a Mylor. Other races quivered in fear when the Mylor attack, for there was no mercy amongst them. He heard the sounds of war around him, sensing the vibrations from his compound. He hovered into a larger metallic suit of similar size and shape to a humans body. The suit was jet black and full of computer equipment more advanced than anything the younger races had ever seen. Closing the suit, the red cat eyes lit up as he readied himself for the visitor.

Celestia entered the small dark room. “You wished to see me Lord Jita?”

He hovered forward. “Yes,” he said in a metallic, deep voice. “My superiors are interested in seeing this Brian that’s appeared on your fair planet.”

“I know,” she said. “My contacts have told me two Mylor fleets have been dispatched to the Terran border. But why would I know anything about him?”

“He speaks your language with ease and appears to have been trained well. Many of us suspect he was trained onboard one of your ships and worry more of his kind is here in space. Terrans aren’t scheduled to reach us for at least two hundred years. Also, their DNA is close to your own,” Jita said.

“You’re worried about us taking them for our own purposes, aren’t you?” she asked. “Don’t get me wrong, survival takes precedence over everything else, but do you think we would keep it a secret to the Confederation?”

“Personally, I don’t believe that’s the case. But my superiors are concerned. What worries me more is the sway he has amongst your people. One word from him and they’d die for the Herald,” he said.

Celestia shook her head. “No Terrans live amongst our people. I promise you that.”

“What’s he like?” Jita asked.

“He carries himself with the strength of a Maigar and speaks from the heart. There’s a grace and kindness to the man that defies what we’ve been told about Terrans. I’m sure he came here for the right reasons. His character speaks to that.”

“If Brian isn’t the Herald, what reason would bring him here?”

She turned to leave. “If he’s alone, he probably came here because of how we look. Isn’t it natural to seek out those you perceive as allies?” She paused to gather her thoughts. “Also, it seems my daughter, Seles, has a connection with him. I wish I knew more, but I haven’t heard word from either of them.”

“Thank you for telling me this Queen Celestia,” Jita said. “I hope you’re right about his character.”

“As do I,” she said.

Chapter 41  The First Wiseman

Brian woke up feeling sluggish. When his vision cleared he saw Mira and Seles sitting next to him. He still felt pain, but noticed his wounds were healed.

“I feel like I just woke up from a long dream,” he said with a weak smile. He sat up to rest against the wall.

“Are you alright?” Seles asked as she hugged him. He looked to Mira.

“You’ll be okay,” Mira said. “You’ve been asleep for almost two days.”

“I’m sorry for making the two of you worry,” he said. “By the way, where are we? And how did I get here?”

The two ladies stepped away from his bed.

“Myden told me what happened to you,” Seles said. “I contacted Mira and we went to save you.”

“I’m glad we found when we did,” Mira said. “If we’d gotten there any later, I don’t think I could have saved you.”

He shook his head. “Thanks Mira. Would one of you tell me who Myden is?”

The door opened and a cloaked figure walked into the room. “I’m Myden,” he said with his raspy voice. “I’m glad you’re alright. They’ve watched over you the whole time.”

“You’re not Kalaidian, are you?” Brian asked as he stood up.

“No, I’m quite different from these lovely ladies,” Myden turned to Mira and Seles, “Would the two of you excuse us? I need to speak with him alone.”

They hesitated for a moment and looked to each other before Seles went to the door. “I trust you Myden.” She looked at Mira. “Let’s go.”

“Yes,” Mira said as they left. After the door closed Myden turned to Brian.

“No doubt you know what I am,” Myden said telepathically. “But don’t mistake me for the fools you killed over a year ago. I’m like you Brian, cursed to never set foot on my home ever again.”

“You’re a Grey, aren’t you?” Brian asked. “Why did you help them? Your people are trying to take control of Kalaidia, aren’t they?”

“I helped them because I’m trying to prevent Kalaidia from suffering the same fate as my home. My people were driven to madness long ago. I’m the last survivor who left, at least, that I know of. I had to live, to protect the Maidens, as well as the Warrior.”

“Remove your hood,” Brian said. “I want to speak to you face to face.”

“Alright,” Myden said. “Please turn the light levels down, it hurts my eyes otherwise.”

“Lights dim fifty percent,” Brian said.

Myden reached up with his three fingered hands and removed the hood. What Brian noticed first were the large almond black eyes, but Myden looked different from the others. He had a light blonde beard and a mustache, as well as long blonde hair. His mouth was larger and he had a small nose.

“You don’t look like the others, at least, everything other than the eyes,” Brian said.

“Yes, and I can speak like your kind. We call ourselves natural Naerendi. Others simply refer to us as the Greys. I hate that name really,” Myden said.

“Are you saying you’re different from the others?”

“Yes, in more ways than just physically. Long ago, my people were much like yours. We loved, we warred, and we reproduced naturally. Everything changed fifteen hundred years ago, when my people chose the path of madness. Only a few hundred thousand of us escaped that fate. Now, all these years later, I’m the last one left. The beings you encountered and suffered at the hands of were modern Naerendi. Pitiful creatures really, I’m happy you set those onboard that ship free,” Myden said while pain showed in his eyes.

“Path of madness?” he asked. “What do you mean by that? And how old are you?”

“In two months I’ll be twenty eight hundred and fifty six years old, Terran time,” Myden answered. “As for the path of madness, I’m referring to the awful creation my people made. As you know, my people are telepathic. This is a boon and a bane. All those years ago my people created a God of their creation to rule them. To this day that God resides at the center of the capital city and controls every Naerendi through their telepathic powers. Above all else, the God desires control and power. It looks down on all other forms of life, believing them useful only for enhancing Naerendi genetics, as well as absorbing new technologies. The God desires the conquest of all other life forms. What you’ve seen Brian, is the beginning of the Naerendi conquest of Kalaidia.”

“Why would your people do such a thing?”

“War, destruction, pain,” Myden said. “My people were much like yours, warriors who couldn’t put down their arms. The civil wars had gotten so bad it was determined only control could beat the chaos. So the people gave up their dreams, their ambitions, and their freedom for the greater good. They gave into the fear and enslaved themselves. Since that day the Naerendi have had no contact with outside races and have no ambassadors. A few of us believed differently. We believed in the freedom you hold so dear. Happiness can’t be created by a machine, but must be earned as one works towards it.”

He closed his eyes and shook his head while trying to imagine what the god Myden spoke of looked like. “That’s terrible. I hope my people don’t ever choose to go to those lengths. Before, you said something about the Maidens and the Warrior. What did you mean by that?” Brian asked.

“I lived this long to see the prophecies of the Teacher fulfilled,” Myden said.

“Who’s the Teacher?”

“He was the first of your kind to travel the stars, long ago. Before he disappeared he gave us a number of predictions. He said two others would follow him into space: the Warrior and the Goddess.” Myden walked up to Brian and pointed at his eyes and hair. “The Warrior will be a fair skinned man of the north with long brown hair and blue green eyes. He’ll be young and foolish, but good at heart. I have no doubt Brian; you’re the one he spoke of.”

Brian laughed. “What? Am I supposed to buy these prophecies? What you’re saying sounds crazy?”

Myden narrowed his eyes. “When the time of darkness nears, the Warrior shall gather the Five Maidens and the Three Wiseman. The Maidens will be of Passion, Song, Wisdom, War, and Life. The Wiseman will be of the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Teacher himself told me what you’d look like. Long ago he entrusted me with the task of finding you and protecting the Maidens until the day you appeared. Without even realizing it you’ve already gathered the Maidens.”

“How is that possible? I came here without any of this knowledge, let alone a choice,” Brian said. “Anyways, who are the Maidens you speak of?”

Myden paced back and forth in the tiny room. “You know all of them very well. Seles Daevon, the Maiden of Passion. Mira Kein, the Maiden of Song. Valis Kein, the Maiden of Wisdom. Kivi, the Maiden of War. And finally, Celi, the Maiden of Life. Each carries the mark of the maiden on their body. I suggest looking for it next time you and one the ladies, you know,” he said, laughing afterwards.

Brian smiled and laughed with him. “You really are different than the others. I’m not sure of anything you just said, but I’ll work with you. By the way, you mentioned the Three Wisemen. Who’re they?”

“I don’t know who the others are, but I’m the Wiseman of the Past. I can tell you of all that has happened. The only clues I have about the others are vague descriptions. The Wiseman of the Present is called the Hawk, probably a Malcovin. The Wiseman of the Future is called the Archangel. I’m not sure what that means, but I hope it helps you someday.”

“I didn’t come here to be the Warrior you speak of. I came to get Seles,” Brian said.

“That’s true, but there’s much more for you to do now. Since you were captured a civil war has broken out across Kalaidia Prime. Even the near colonies have started fighting. The forces led by Delne have no leader and are fighting for reasons they don’t understand. Delne wanted to give Kalaidia to my people as a present. But now that won’t happen. Until they know better the people of this world will fight. You’re their Herald, so it’s only right you see this through,” Myden said.

“But that was a lie,” Brian said.

“True, but you mean more to Queen Celestia than that of a lost Terran. You’re an outcast unable to return home. Like me you have nowhere to turn to. You hold the fate of these people in your hands young man. Do want them to die?” Myden asked.

What should I do? Do I have a choice? How can I help them? He thought as he looked to Myden with horror in his eyes. “I remember something from Delne when she was messing with me. The plague wasn’t a genetic flaw or disease of natural cause. Whenever I see that memory, I see the face of your kind holding a vial before her. It’s only a vague feeling, but something I’ve suspected for a long time.”

Myden close his eyes. “Then let me show you the truth. Long ago, Gaelic Kein left behind a legacy. He told me he had proof of the true cause of the plague. In his sealed tomb lays the truth that can help them move into the future. Without resolution, justice can’t be served. Present the proof Gaelic sealed away to the High Council and they’ll know the truth once and for all.”

*

Seles stretched her arms while yawning and looking up at the sunny sky. Mira stood with her and enjoyed the sunlight. The Mjolnir stood invisible to the eye while sparse jungle surrounded them.

“Are you feeling better?” Mira asked

“Your treatments are perfect. You’re more skilled than I thought you’d be,” Seles said, smiling.

Mira raised her eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean? I pull my weight on the Avoni. I may not be a Nova pilot but I take pride in my work.”

Seles laughed before waving Mira off. “I didn’t mean it like that. I’ve seen you as a musician more than a medical officer.” Seles picked up a small rock and tried to skip it across the river in front of them. “Are you really the famous singer Mira Kein?”

She picked up a rock and did as Seles just did. “That was a long time ago,” she said. “I thought I was dead. I woke up six years ago when some Reiki scientists revived me. No one knew my name or face in this era, so I decided to start over. Father always pampered and sheltered me, so joining the Avoni seemed like a fun, new experience.” Mira smiled. “And to be honest, I enjoy performing songs for a few dozen people on the Avoni. It lets me be a singer.”

“What about Brian? How do you feel about him?” Seles asked.

“He’s more graceful than he looks and can sing with the best of them,” she answered. “I have no doubt in a few years his name will parallel my fathers. Not just because of his Terran descent, but for his skill in song and blade.”

“I’m not talking about his skills Mira,” she said. “I want to know what you think of him as a man.”

Mira blushed. “He’s tall, strong, and handsome. But the feature he gets me with is his kindness. Even under the circumstances he lives, he tries to show everyone how gentle he is. I thought Terrans were barbaric brutes, capable of little more than war. But the way he acts and the ideals he speaks of, his people are a lot different than I thought. What I know is I want to stay by his side. Even though he knows my secret, he treats me like everyone else. The night when I slept by his side, I needed someone to help me. I think that was the moment I fell in love with him.”

“It was the same for me,” Seles said. “I would’ve died if it weren’t for him. He held me close and warmed me with his body. He cheered me up when I felt down. He was so inexperienced, so ignorant of his existence. I asked him a question when we were stuck there, a question I understand a lot better today.”

“What’s that?” Mira asked.

“I asked him: If we couldn’t get off this moon, what would he do? He answered the question with this,” Seles coughed before lowering her voice to simulate Brian’s; “If I have to spend eternity on a frozen rock in the middle of nowhere, at least I get to spend it with a beautiful alien girl.”

Mira chuckled. “That sounds like him alright.”

Seles laughed with her. “He’s a big fool. He came all the way to this planet and lied in front of the High Council just to save me.”

Mira leaned over. “Maybe it’s because he enjoys your presence in his quarters so much.”

Seles turned red while Mira laughed. “Oh stop, it’s not that funny.”

Mira stopped laughing. “I hope someday he comes to save me for the same reason. I should try ensnaring him with my charm when we get back to the Avoni.”

“I don’t know Mira; I don’t think he has a thing for girls with pink hair,” Seles said, smiling.

Mira flipped her hair. “I think he likes it just fine. I don’t think hair color determines his draw to women.” She smiled coyly. “And as you know, it’s tradition for noblewomen to share a Maigar if they both want him.”

Seles laughed. “I should be mad at you saying that, but I’ve already dealt with that issue.”

“Until Celi can spice things up by making a few clones of him,” Mira said, laughing.

Seles shook her head. “I don’t know if I could handle that. Having to deal with one Brian is enough.”

Chapter 42  A Moment of Silence

The Avoni flew into orbit of Dega Jul and headed for the Heimus. Valis sat on the bridge with her crew at their battle stations.

She turned to Daes. “Does it look like other ships are heading to the given location?”

Daes turned on the scanner. “I can’t see any other Kalaidian ships other than the Heimus.”

Valis sighed before turning to Kivi. “I really hope we’re not the only ship to answer the call.”

“I’m sure more ships will come soon enough,” Kivi said while watching the monitor.

As the Avoni approached the Heimus, Zae turned to the captain. “We’re receiving a hail from the Heimus.”

“Put it through,” Valis commanded.

“Yes captain,” Zae said. The image of Captain Lena Obril on her bridge appeared. She stood up and approached the screen.

“It’s been a long time Captain Valis,” Lena said. “I’m glad to see you and the Avoni doing well.”

Valis stood up. “It’s been six years since we last spoke. Against my better judgment, I’ve decided to join you in this battle. The queen and I have had our disagreements in the past, but she’s a just and competent ruler. I believe our home needs significant change, so I’ll aid the queen for now.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that Valis.” Lena’s eyes widened. “I didn’t expect this many.”

Valis turned to Zae. “How many ships are heading this way?”

Zae scanned near space. “It looks like two hundred and thirty ships are entering orbit right now. The port authorities are going crazy right now.”

Kivi joined Valis. “It looks like we won’t be going alone.”

“No it doesn’t.” Valis turned to Lena again. “It looks like every warship that defected six years ago will be joining us.”

Lena smiled. “I’m glad to see such fervor for the home world. I need to end this message for now Valis. My ship has many people trying to get through at the moment.” Lena saluted before the screen went black.

*

Brian sat back down on the bed and looked at Myden. “I need some time think, alone.”

Myden put his hood back up. “Take your time.” He opened the door and turned back to Brian. “You may be young, but you’re appearance has long been expected. Remember that there’s much more than just your desires to take care of. Unknowingly you’ve already changed the way the Kalaidian people think and feel. All I ask is for you to finish what you’ve started.”

Brian nodded. As the door closed he rolled on the bed and stared at the ceiling. What should I do? I’m not ready for this kind of thing. He rolled over and searched under the mattress. Out came the amulet of Kali Valis had given him earlier. He put his armor on and turned on the com.

*

Valis paced about the bridge as they waited for news from the Heimus. A light flared up on Zae’s console. “We’re getting a message from the Heimus.”

“Put her through,” Valis ordered.

Lena appeared on screen again while wearing a smug smile.

“After thorough discussion with the other ships they’ve nominated you as their leader. Do you accept this duty?” Lena asked.

Valis bit her lip. “Who would take command if I refuse?”

Lena sighed. “Captain Ezra of the Daevoni, though she’s not very excited at the prospect. I wouldn’t worry about it too much Valis. You have the most battle experience within this fleet as a commander.”

“Alright, I get it. I accept this assignment, but all of us require compensation Lena,” Valis said with a smile.

“Don’t worry, the royal families’ coffers are still full of money if thats what youre wondering. I hereby promote you to Admiral Valis Kein of the twelfth Independent fleet,” Lena smiled. “Have fun Admiral Valis,” she said as the monitor turned off.

Kivi stood up. “A field promotion hasn’t occurred in over a century captain. You should feel honored.”

Valis shook her head. “That’s not funny. Didn’t tell you I had no desire to become an admiral?”

Kivi smiled. “Many times captain, I mean admiral.”

Valis shrugged in frustration. “The only difference between a captain and admiral is how many one commands. I’ll bet they won’t even give me a bigger cut of the bounty.”

“You could always order them to their deaths admiral. That way there’s less ships to compensate after the battle,” Kivi said.

“I’d never do such a thing,” Valis said. “Anyways, the rank’s only temporary.”

“I know,” Kivi said, turning to Zae. “Zae, please make a compilation of all the ships within the twelfth Independent fleet. I’m sure Valis would like to make preparations.”

“I’ll get right on it,” Zae said.

*

Celestia lied in her bed, half asleep in her night gown. As she turned to get up a message came through her communicator.

“I’m sorry to disturb you my Queen,” Jabril said over the com, “but a priority message is coming through for you. It’s Brian on a secure channel.”

She put on her circlet and went to the monitor at her desk. “Put him through.” Brian’s image appeared on screen. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” he answered.

“My soldiers found a lot of your blood,” she turned her face away from the monitor, “I thought you may have died. I’m glad those fears didn’t come true.” She composed herself. “How’s my petulant daughter doing?”

“She’s enjoying the sun outside,” he answered.

“Tell me, were you the one who killed Delne Raekar?” Celestia asked.

“No, Seles was the one who did it. I don’t think there was any other choice given the circumstances. But, the reason I’m contacting you is because I need to confess the truth to you, the real story.”

“Why did you come here?” she asked.

“Let me start at the beginning,” he said before taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “A little over a year ago, I was taken from my home world by the Greys. I escaped their mind effecting technologies and killed the crew. I was left stranded, clueless on how to control their ship. I fell unconscious and later found myself onboard the Avoni.”

“Valis’s ship?” she asked.

“Yes, I was saved by Valis and her crew. Once I woke up Celi injected me with nanomachines. I was guarded by Seles at the time. That’s when a Grey vessel attacked. It destroyed the captured Grey vessel and nearly killed us. The Avoni barely survived, while Seles and I were forced to flee using an escape shuttle. We landed on a frozen moon in the middle of nowhere. For twelve days, Seles and I survived together. She taught me the basics of your culture and language and in return I helped her cope with the situation. We narrowly escaped being captured by a group of Malcovin mercenaries, but we did. Afterwards, Valis took me in and trained me as a Rakna Maigar. As time passed, I grew to enjoy my time on the Avoni, especially with Seles. She’s the reason I live and I owe my life to her. I came to take her home, but it’s obvious my leaving would only cause more problems. I’m going to help you in my own way.”

“If Valis trusts you, I know I can trust you,” Celestia said. “Is Terra Prime your home world?”

He nodded. “Yes, that was my home. The Avoni is my home now and I’m glad to say I enjoy the company of your people greatly. Celestia, hold down the palace. I have a few places to visit before returning to you. Also, make sure all the ambassadors of the other Confederation member races are ready to attend the meeting.”

She smiled. “I’ll drag every one of them out myself if I have to.”

*

Myden stepped out into the sunlight and pulled the hood tighter. He saw Seles and Mira standing in the stream nearby, splashing water at each other. I’m really happy I choose this world as my home. He thought to himself as he walked over to them. As he got approached, Seles turned to him.

“Where’s Brian?” Seles asked. Mira caught her breath as she laughed.

“He needed some time to think,” he said.

“This is fun, but I’m sure we can’t avoid reality much longer,” Mira said. “The war isn’t going to end without intervention.”

“If he makes the correct decision we’ll be visiting the place of rest for your father Lady Mira,” Myden said. “In that place is the secret needed to end the war.”

“Now stop talking like that Myden. I’ll make my own decisions,” Brian said as he came from the Mjolnir armed and armored once again. As he went to them he stopped and looked to his side. “What the hell is that?!” He jumped away from the bush and ran to the Mjolnir. The other three ran to where he was looking.

Myden scanned the area. “I don’t sense any soldiers around here.”

Seles and Mira moved the bush, revealing a pair of large roach-like bugs. Seeing them, Seles looked at Mira. “Why would he run from these?”

Mira laughed. “Long ago we purged ourselves of phobias, but obviously Brian hasn’t gotten over them.”

Myden chuckled in the background.

“So he’s willing to charge into battle against thirty Malcovin but he’ll run from insects?” Seles asked. “I admit they’re ugly, but these things couldn’t hurt him at all while he’s wearing that armor.”

Mira continued laughing, while Myden headed back to the mobile suit. Seles put the bush back to the way it was before.

Seles shook her head and laughed with Mira. “I can’t believe he’s scared of a bug.”

Chapter 43  Tombstone of Truth

Myden, Seles, and Mira joined Brian in the Mjolnir. He was sitting in the pilot’s seat seemingly engrossed with something. “We’re heading to the tomb of Gaelic Kein,” he said. “Is everyone ready?”

The others nodded. He activated the phase cloak and flew the Mjolnir north for a while. Passing over jungle, cities, rivers, lakes, and many smaller battles, they came to a mountain range far in the north. Brian landed the mobile suit in a small valley. To each side there were a number of caves. He flipped the door open and went down to the ground. Seles and Mira grabbed their equipment and went down after Brian. Myden came out last, sporting a jet black staff from under his robe.

“Myden, which cave leads to his tomb?” Brian asked, glancing from cave to cave.

Myden stepped forward and pointed to the cave a thirty five vetres away. “That cave leads to the tomb. It’s said Gaelic himself sealed the tomb from the inside.”

“Why?” Seles asked as they headed to the cave.

“Father was a proud man,” Mira said. “He never showed weakness, even to his family. Father would’ve done that rather dying in his bed at home.”

“He desperately searched for the cure to the plague,” Myden said.

“I can’t believe people like Delne would go to such extremes. How does murdering every male Kalaidian save our people?” Seles asked with anger etched in her voice.

“The ends justify the means,” Myden said. “It was the seal in a deal with my people. We’ll give you stability and power. In return you kill off all the men in your population.” He paused for a moment. “But the truth is Kalaidia’s an excellent staging ground for my peoples’ military. If they control this system, it acts as gateway into Shandi, Dega, Odair, and even Malcov. The Confederation won’t be able to strike back in time to save your people.”

Mira walked up to Myden and looked closely at his face. “No wonder you hide yourself under a hood. If anyone saw you they’d run or attack immediately.”

Seles did the same. “But Myden, you’re different, aren’t you?” she asked.

“I’m quite different. Those creatures now traveling in space aren’t the proud and powerful race I once belonged to. My people have given in to madness and I’m afraid your world is on the verge of it. What can reveal the truth is hidden deep within that tomb.” Myden pointed at Brian. “Only the Warrior may enter.” He turned to Seles and Mira. “The Maidens must stay out here.”

Seles and Mira ran over to him with worried looks on their faces. “Now stop looking like that you two,” he said as he turned to go inside. “I hope Gaelic’s test doesn’t include a giant bug, otherwise I might be leaving quickly.”

*

Morning passed into afternoon as Seles, Mira and Myden waited outside. Myden meditated, while Mira practiced a song. Seles closed her eyes and enjoyed Mira’s voice. I really wish I could do that sometimes, I couldn’t sing if my life depended on it. Seles thought to herself as she stared at the clouds.

“Thats not your role,” Myden said telepathically. “As the Maiden of Passion, your role is to ignite the fire within the Warrior’s heart.”

Mira finished her song and walked back to the other two. She saw Seles giving Myden a funny look. “What? I missed something good didn’t I?”

“Myden, what exactly do you mean when you call us the Maidens?” Seles asked as he stood up and stretched.

“Long ago the Maidens ancestors were marked by the Teacher. Your families have passed down the mark, though it only manifests in the females.” He went to Mira. “You have a mark just behind your ear, do you not?”

She touched the mark with her hand. “You mean this?”

“Yes,” he said. “Both of you bear the mark of Maidens.”

“So, are we to be servants to Brian?” Seles asked.

He shook his head. “No. The Maidens are not subjects to the Warrior, but his equals.”

“If we’re not his servants than what are we supposed to do?” Seles asked.

“Stay close to him. His youth and inexperience will work against him. There will come a day long from now when I will tell both of you what you’re supposed to do. But before then, let’s make sure he lives to see those days.” Myden paused. “And should he go down the wrong path it’s your duty to destroy him.”

*

Brian walked through the cavern while ducking in a lot of spots and squeezing through in others. After a half an hour of descending through pitch black he came to a strange metal door. Finding it sealed, he could only make out a carving at the center of the door. He drew his rakna blade and commanded it to light up. He saw some writings on the door, written in Kalaidian:

This Sealed Chamber is the Laboratory/Tomb of Gaelic Kein. To Intruders: Leave now or die trying to move forward. To the Warrior: Prepare to Open the Door of Truth.

Looking below the writings, Brian saw a specially carved slot. He pulled out the Amulet of Kali and placed it inside the slot. The door rumbled as scan ran over his body. As the door opened, the Amulet popped out onto the floor. He quickly picked it up. Inside was a well-lit tunnel, carved and winding. He held his sword defensively and began his way down the hallway. After another fifty feet Brian came into a well-lit room filled with computers and chemical testing equipment. As he moved into the room a number of secret doors open up. A score of Keinien androids emerged equipped with rakna blades. They stopped and scanned him. One stepped forward.

“Sorry for the disturbance Sir Warrior,” it said. “We’ll resume guard mode.”

The Keinien androids moved back inside the secret doors and left him alone.

“Strange,” Brian said to himself. “It makes sense he’d leave guards behind.”

He left the laboratory for the next room. Shelves of old books lined the walls, but what caught Brian’s attention the most was the display in the center of the room. There was a set of exoskeleton armor sized for a Kalaidian. It was dark blue, marking it as the armor of the sea serpent. Behind the armor was a pair of old rakna blades displayed in the air. He saw the name etched on all of the equipment: Gaelic Kein. Brian turned to the desk on the far side of the room, seeing nothing but shelves of books and papers. On the desk there was a note covered in dust. He cleared away the dust and read the note:

To You Who Have Come Here,

This is the last writing I will ever make. The disease has taken its toll, and I’m near death. My calculations show I have only a few hours left to live, so I wanted to leave behind my last request. But before that, I must tell someone the truth.

Four years ago, a mysterious disease began taking the lives of our male populace. No matter how we tried to isolate them, they continued dying. I myself have resisted the disease for nearly three years, but I’m losing the battle. No matter how many different treatments I try, nothing works. I thought it was as new type of cancer. That was wrong. I thought it was an advanced virus. That was wrong. After a year of solitude I’ve found what the plague really is, and it’s something far more sinister than I could’ve imagined.

Right after birth each Kalaidian is injected with nanomachines for enhancement purposes. Nanomachines normally protect our immune systems and allow for many other small miracles. But there’s a dark side to the technology, one that can inflict a terrible price. The plague wasn’t caused by any natural disease, but an advanced rewriting of the fundamental nanotechnology itself. In a sense, the nanomachines programming was rewritten. Slowly, the nanomachines change programming, fighting a battle within our bodies. Eventually the protectors are outnumbered by the invaders and death is the result. Such an insidious thing cannot be natural and from what I’ve found, it isn’t.

What many of the Maigars feared for a long time has happened. Our home world will fall to the outer power, whose identity has escaped my research. With the loss of the Maigars, our military is weak. We’re open to invasion, and if a cure isn’t found our people will die out. This is because I’ve found something else about this terrible plague.

With a minimal command the plague can be unleashed on the now vulnerable females of our people. The outside force that made it can activate this at any time, and I worry that it’ll happen sooner than later. For you who read this, I have my final request.

Inside the laboratory are thousands of test vials. Inside each of them is a cure to the plague. Unfortunately for me, it only functions on the dormant female version afflicting our population. Please, help my people. Save them before it’s too late. This is my last and final wish. If the one reading this is the Warrior, I salute you. Take my rakna as a symbol of my inheritance. What I was, what I wanted, only you can finish. Clang the blades three times and my final speech will be yours. I truly hope that one day you find my final song and set her free.

Gaelic Kein

Brian looked up from the note and noticed a door to another room. He slowly walked in and found a small cot with a clothed skeleton on it. Moving closer, he noticed that it was a male Kalaidian. In his right hand he held a golden ring with emeralds studding it. Brian took the ring and read the inscription inside: Only for the one I love, Delne. I forgive you. He placed the ring back. A tear fell from Brian’s eye as an image of a smiling Delne appeared, this one beautiful and young, not vicious and broken like he saw.

“At least now she can see you again,” he said, smiling. With a final salute he looked down at the skeleton. “You’ll be glad to know your song has been set free. She’s a wonderful girl, one any man could fall for. I will do as you ask Gaelic.” Brian saluted one more time before leaving the room.

On the floor was a large woven sack. Brian picked it up and began putting the marked vials into the bag. He stopped in front the armor and rakna blades. He drew the blades from their sheaths and clanged the blades three times, causing an image to appear. A long written document floated in the air in front of him. After reading it he sheathed the blades and headed out. The door sealed behind Brian as he left. Goodbye Gaelic, I wish I could have met you when you were alive. I will take these words and free your people.

Chapter 44  Spread the Word of the Goddess

Brian landed the Mjolnir in the courtyard of the royal palace. He looked at the other three. “Go to Celestia and show her the future of her people.”

Seles turned to him. “What’re you going to do?”

He looked at the monitors while watching all the battles in space and on the surface. “It’s time that I take responsibility for this mess. My arrival triggered this. It’s time I end it.”

Mira took the data tablets and vials. “I hope to see you soon.”

Myden bowed. “I’ll protect the Maidens in your stead. Do what you can to help them. We’ll do our part.” Myden and Mira dropped onto the balcony outside Seles’s room. Brian stood up from the seat and hugged Seles.

“Brian?” she asked.

“It’s been so long since I could do this with you,” he said as he looked into her eyes. “You’re the best.

She held him tighter. “I feel the same.”

“I came to this place with selfish desire. But now I see I can’t think that way anymore. The people of your world have pinned their hopes and dreams on me. I may have lied about being the Herald, but that doesn’t mean I can back out now.” He stepped back and took a knee. “I ask you Seles, can I do this?”

She kissed him passionately. “You always were one for the dramatic.” Seles made for the hatch. “Do what you want; I won’t stand in your way. Just don’t get yourself killed.”

“I’ll try my best to do that,” he said as the hatch closed, leaving Seles on the balcony. The Mjolnir fired up and flew high into the air.

*

Celestia paced around her throne room with guards and attendants surrounding her. She wore her battle uniform and carried rakna blade on her belt. Jabril came through the main door flanked by Seles and Mira with Myden following. Celestia stopped and stared at Mira as tears formed in her eyes.

“It’s been awhile,” Mira said smiling.

Celestia went to Mira and hugged her. “I thought you were dead all these years Mira. Where’ve you been?”

Seles couldn’t hide her surprise. “Mira, did you know mother?”

Mira smiled. “I slept for a long time.” She pulled away and turned to Seles. “You could say Celestia and I were like sisters.”

“So true,” Celestia said. She noticed what Mira carried and looked to Myden. “Where’s Brian?”

Myden noticed for the first time he had openly walked the palace for all to see. “He has some business to attend to my Queen. I was given the duty of escorting these two. What we brought was the last task of Gaelic Kein.”

Mira took Celestia’s hand. “We don’t have time to explain everything right now, but we have the vaccine for the plague,” she said. “Father used his last days to uncover the truth. Another version floats in every one of us and only needs a simple mental command to activate.”

“What?” Celestia asked before looking to Myden.

He nodded his head. “My Queen, the plague was the seal in a pact with my people by many of your nobles. If nothing is done the plague will destroy the rest of you within the next five years.” He held up a small vial filled with yellow liquid. “Inside of each of these is a vaccine to protect your people from further harm. Please distribute these as quickly as possible.”

Jabril went to Myden. “Who are you and what do you mean by your people?”

Celestia was about to step in, when Myden told her telepathically. “I knew this day would come my Queen, I’ll show them the truth.”

He drew back his hood and revealed his black eyes and light grey skin. “My name is Myden Karaka, former High General of the Black Star Knights of the Naerendi Empire.”

The look from everyone in the room, even the most hardened warrior, was one of fear. Now I know how he feels. They look at me with fear and apprehension. Myden thought to himself.

“My Queen, can we trust this creature?” Jabril asked. She placed a hand on her pulse rifle.

Celestia nodded. “I’ll vouch for him Jabril. He’s guided the royal family in secret since the days of my mother. Myden may come from their empire, but he’s unlike the others.” She went to him and took the vial. “Make as many copies of this vaccine as needed. We’ll begin distribution as soon as this conflict is finished.” She handed the vial to Jabril.

As Jabril left with the vial in her hand another attendant ran into the room. “My Queen, someone has penetrated our communications array. Someone’s going to make a live broadcast across all air waves.”

Celestia turned to the monitor. “Where is the hack originating?”

“The point of origin seems to be moving,” the attendant said. “Our satellites show it’s the Herald’s giant.”

*

Across every computer monitor, communication device, and every ship in the star system the image of Brian appeared. In each instance, the Kalaidians stopped moving, fighting, or speaking. They stared at the image of their Herald and waited to hear his words.

“To everyone receiving this message, on behalf of my home world, Terra Prime, I wish to tell you my story. My name’s Brian Peterson, Rakna Maigar of the Avoni. I serve Captain Valis Kein as her second officer. To those of the Galactic Confederation, I’m the lone Terran in space right now. I didn’t come here willingly and I would’ve returned home, but now it’s too late. I repeat, I am the lone Terran in space and my people haven’t begun traveling amongst the stars. About a year ago I was taken from my home by the Greys. I fought them off and was stranded onboard their ship. I was saved by Captain Valis and the Avoni. After many ordeals I was taken in by the graces of her and her crew and trained onboard for nearly a year. Now I’m here on Kalaidian Prime with a mission given to me by the late Gaelic Kein. As you know all of the Kalaidian men were wiped out a hundred and fifty years ago. But what slept for longer was the beliefs those men held. Gaelic believed in freedom and the ability to determine one’s destiny. Others of your world feared his words and plotted against him. But the lengths they went to were extreme and an act of genocide unseen since the incident of Geluke Don. In his last days, Gaelic discovered the truth behind the plague and created a vaccine. I’ve given the vaccine to those who can help you. But what I really want to talk to you about is this war. I ask that all of you put down your arms and carefully think about what you’re fighting for. Is fighting going to help you personally? Are you fighting for the causes of some noble? What is it each of you is fighting for? I can tell you, but it’s not going to be pleasant. What you fight for now is the power and control of a few, wealthy nobles. The poor die for the cause of the rich, all in the name of the Goddess. I’ve studied your culture and religion closely and don’t believe Kali would subject her followers to such meaningless deaths. From the country I hail from on Terra Prime, we believe in the concepts of freedom, liberty, and democracy. My ancestors fought, bled, and died for those beliefs. It’s the right of the many to not be ruled by the few. In the land I come from there is no master and slave. Upon reading the teachings of Gaelic Kein, I saw a kindred spirit. He was one who longed for change on Kalaidia. He saw the many suffering and sought a solution. I was given the order by his last writings to fulfill that destiny. But to you of Kalaidia, I can’t do this alone. I ask for your help. I cannot save everyone or tell them what to do. The only thing I can do is to help you save yourselves. I beseech to you, put down your arms and end this war. I was the one who triggered this and I’ll be the one to end it. But I can’t end it alone. Each one of you must stop and help. Goodbye, and by the blessings of the goddess, be safe.”

*

As the battlefields quieted and the Kalaidians stood still the Mjolnir flew to the edge of Vaelis, to the largest battle. Brian’s words echoed through many star systems while being repeated and recorded on all frequencies. The ships above ended their fighting and floated harmlessly past each other through space. The twenty six member races of the Confederation heard the words of a Terran for the first time. They were not words of hate and war, but a call for peace.

Valis turned to Zae. “Give out the order. The ships of the twelfth Independent fleet won’t fight any longer, in the name of the Herald.”

“Yes captain,” Zae said as she delivered the message to the fleet.

Kivi smiled. “He’ll make a fine captain one day, not too different from you.”

Valis nodded. “Of course, I always was one for spotting talent.”

Zae turned to them. “It looks like every fleet, including the rebels are listening to Brian’s request. The fighting’s ending everywhere, space, the colonies and outlying star systems, as well as the home world. A number of captains on the rebel side are dealing with mutinies.”

Valis laughed. How come I’m not surprised? After all, Brian did call for the masses to control the few.” She looked at her crew. “I hope none of you are getting any ideas.”

They replied in unison: “No captain.”

*

As the Mjolnir landed, Brian noticed some of the ground forces hadn’t got the message. Checking his armor and weapons he opened the front hatch. Pulse blasts filled the sky, rifle and artillery included. The ships flying in the air were clearing out after hearing his message and seeing his craft. He activated his shield and headed outside while soldiers nearby looked at him with a mix of fear and awe. He drew his sword and paced to center of the battlefield as pulse blasts bounced off his shield. With a command the holographic system kicked in and he began to glowing with a fierce, blue aura. The fighting subsided as both sides stared at him. With a spin of his sword he began the ritual to end his training as a Rakna Maigar. It was the twelfth Song of the Cou don e Kali, the Hymn to Kali. The image came up on most monitors and screens on Kalaidia, the image of the Maigar born again. The song and dance lasted five minutes, but it felt like an eternity to those who watched, captivated by its grace. At the end, Brian planted his sword in the ground and deactivated his shield. The aura and images disappeared. He gave a bow and salute to the ladies watching from their fox holes and barricades. He heard some of them cheering.

Brian turned to both sides with his arms outstretched. “I, Rakna Maigar Brian Peterson swear allegiance to the people of Kalaidia. It’s time we end this isn’t it? Those of you gathered here are fighting for the power nobles, are you not? Let me lead you onto the path of freedom and liberty.”

Hesitantly, a number of soldiers on both sides began putting down their arms and went to greet him. A number of commanders shouted for them to stop, but their troops wouldn’t listen any longer. Many of them looked confused at what was happening. A young blue haired lieutenant stepped forward first.

“Maigar, what’s democracy?” she asked.

“Democracy is a system of government by which the people rule themselves,” he answered while pointing at each one of the gathering soldiers. “Each of you receives a voice in all political matters, called a vote. In that way everyone is equal. You yourselves decide the laws of your world by vote and thus creating a government by the people, for the people.”

“How does freedom work?” a young ensign with purple hair asked.

Brian smiled. “Freedom is a right of all intelligent beings young lady. It’s the right to determine one’s own destiny. For generations you’ve been told what to do your whole life. Having freedom means you get a choice in the matter.”

This went on for a long time. Even some of the conservative commanders came out to ask questions. Brian stood as they gathered around him and explained everything he could, from what his home world looked like to the star spangled banner.

Chapter 45  Save the Queen

The royal court was silent as Brian’s speech ended. Shortly after, they watched as he stood at the center of a battle and completed the Hymn to Kali. Myden put his hood up and stood next to the queen when a number of soldiers came in to announce the fighting was over.

“You look down,” Mira said as she went to Celestia.

“Yes, he’s definitely changed things. Mira, did he complete the Cou don e Kali?” Celestia asked.

“Of course,” Mira said. “I was the one who trained him.” She looked at the monitor and watched Brian amidst a crowd of Kalaidians while they asked him questions. “He may be Terran, but he has the grace and love of one of our people.”

“I’m worried about what he intends to do. This democracy he speaks of is heresy,” Celestia said.

Seles went to her mother. “I’ve stayed by his side for a long time. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt us.”

Celestia sighed. “It’s real easy for one who hasn’t had to lead a nation.” She stared at the monitor. “His people’s ways aren’t ours. I understand freedom and believe it can be allowed to a point, but democracy?”

Myden took out his black metal staff, etched with glowing purple hieroglyphs and began pumping mental energy into it. With a shout, he told everyone: “Get down!”

At that moment the palace began shaking as explosions came from above.

*

Brian stood at the center of the battlefield with scores of Kalaidians wanting to hear his words. He answered every question and felt tired after a while. He looked up at the sky and saw a small, circular craft flying towards the palace. They’re really here. I’d better get moving now. He turned to the crowd.

“I’m sorry ladies of, but I have to go.” Despite a few protests, he ran to the Mjolnir and got onboard. I hope Myden can hold out until I get there.

*

As the small Grey ship hovered over the palace firing blasts of energy, Myden stood with staff in hand. Using all his mental energy he created a glowing shield around everyone in the throne room. I can sense their fear. Myden smiled under his hood. We can’t let God have his way, now can we Brian? He thought to himself. The Kalaidians began looking around, seeing him stand at the center of the room, absorbing the debris as it fell. Not too long after, the roof caved open and they saw a Grey ship hovering above them. He closed his eyes and focused everything on the defensive barrier. Celestia, Mira, and Seles started towards him.

“Stay back!” he warned them telepathically. “I can only hold them off for a little longer. Brian will take over soon.”

Celestia looked up. “So, Brian was right.” The others in the room saw tears in her eyes. “Has Kali forsaken us?”

Seles hugged her mother while looking at the Grey ship. “Believe in him mother. Whenever someone he cares about is in danger he shows us why we should fear Terrans.”

“He’s also got a bad habit of getting hurt,” Mira said with a wink.

Seles laughed. “That’s so true.”

*

Brian flew the Mjolnir as fast as he could to the palace and drew the sword. As he neared he saw the Grey ship firing into the palace.

“Take them out of the city at the speed of the gods,” Myden said to him telepathically. With his remaining power Myden spun his staff and fired a shot of energy into the Grey ship to disrupt its systems for a moment. The Mjolnir barreled into the craft and carried it as fast as it could outside of the city. As they neared the edge of the metropolis, the Grey vessel started forming a strange barrier around itself. They’re copying the Mjolnir! Brian thought as the Grey ship became the heart to a giant of energy the same size as the Mjolnir. It even had the same weapons and shield. When he crashed them into a river the Grey clone began attacking him. They were faster than he was and forced him onto the defensive. Can I control it? He thought as he blocked a mighty slash. He closed his eyes for a second and sighed. I guess I have no choice. When he opened his eyes they began glowing blue. His movements increased in speed and the Grey clone was now on the defensive. The Grey ship started putting up a barrier like Myden’s but far more powerful. Laughing, Brian began his finishing move. The Mjolnir twirled the massive rakna blade just above its head.

With an evil smile he snarled at the Grey ship. “Now you die!”

The spinning blade gathered energy and shifted into a beam of light. He pointed the beam at their ship and blasted them into the ground. Seeing his opponent prone, he ran the Mjolnir over. Although it appeared to have no life the ship was still intact.

“I love the sound of grinding metal,” he said as the Mjolnir stomped the Grey ship. He heard their telepathic pleas, their vain attempts to stop him mentally. “Hold on a second, crushing them won’t be any fun for me.” The Mjolnir took a step back. “Why don’t I have a little fun?” He commanded the heat energy to leave the sword. With a precise stab the Mjolnir picked up the other ship using the blade. He smiled at the sound of them dying in agony as they pleaded for him to stop. He placed the battered ship into the river and flooded it. After a minute of that he dragged the ship behind him as he headed for a flat area to take off. Still smiling evilly he flew the Mjolnir into the sky.

*

A crowd had gathered on the roof of the royal palace to watch the Mjolnir beat and torture the Grey ship. They looked on with a mix of awe and fear.

“What the hell’s he doing?” Celestia asked. “It’s like he’s gone mad.”

Mira and Seles looked concerned. Myden stood next to them and appeared tired. “He’s awakened. I hope he knows how to control the rage.”

“Awakened?” Celestia asked.

“We call it berserking,” Mira said. “He’s manifested it a few times in the past.” She watched the Mjolnir stab the defenseless Grey ship. “But he’s never gone berserk in the Mjolnir before.”

“If he can’t control it, he’ll go on a rampage of destruction,” Myden said as the Mjolnir flying into the sky, Grey ship in tow. “I don’t think he has control.”

Seles turned to Jabril. “I need your fastest Nova, now.”

“You’re planning on getting him back?” Mira asked.

“I can’t let him die like that,” Seles said as she left with Jabril.

*

While the Mjolnir flew closer to space Brian heard the few Greys left begging for him to stop.

“Sorry you ugly little creatures, I can’t let you off the hook so easily,” he said, laughing.

When he reached low orbit he saw fleets of Kalaidian ships hovering far above. With a twisted smile, Brian turned the Mjolnir around and dove into the atmosphere.

“I wonder what cooked Grey smells like,” he laughed out loud.

As the pleas for mercy faded the mobile suit dove towards the capital. With a twisted smile he flipped the ship off the sword. With a resounding spin he threw the dead vessel into the mountains near the city. As it exploded he landed the Mjolnir next to the shattered remains and looked down on it.

“That was fun,” he said. He gazed at the city. “I want more.” He walked to edge of the plateau and drew the Mjolnir’s pulse cannon. He pointed it at Vaelis with a very sick smile when his eyes starting glowing red.

“Brian, please stop this!” Seles cried.

He looked up when Seles fired a blast into the pulse cannon. It shattered before he could fire. He saw a Novaguard spiraling down towards him.

“Why!?” he shouted angrily. “If I destroy the government I can set your people free!?”

Seles flew the Nova in a circle. “How is killing twenty million innocent people going to save them? If you go on like this youll end up dead! Please Brian, stop this. Your enemy’s dead, theres no reason to keep fighting!”

He paused. What am I doing? He looked at the Nova circling him. If she’s not on my side, she’s my enemy, right? He took his hands off the controls. No, this isn’t right. I can’t kill Seles. Not her. Brian’s eyes stopped glowing. “I’m sorry Seles,” he said as he stood up and moved towards the exit. It feels like my body is on fire. Brian thought as he opened the hatch. He fell outside and rolled onto his back. Thanks for saving me Seles.

*

Mira sat beside Brian’s bed, checking him again. She turned the Seles and Celestia, “He should be alright now.”

“I’m glad I stopped him when I did,” Seles said. As she gazed down at him, he reached out with his hand and opened his eyes.

“Thank you,” he said as he sat up.

“You shouldn’t move around too much,” Mira said. “Your wounds haven’t recovered.”

He grimaced, smiling weakly. “I’ll be alright.” He looked at the silent Celestia. “Celestia, please call for a meeting with all the ambassadors tomorrow. I need to make an official statement.”

“I’ll arrange for it right away,” Celestia said. She left the room flanked by a number of guards.

“You two need to leave as well,” he said.

“Are you sure?” Seles asked.

“I can take care of myself,” he said. “The two of you need to go back to the Avoni and distribute the vaccine. I’m sure Celi can duplicate the formula with ease.”

“Alright,” Mira said, checking to make sure she had a few vials on her.

“Take care,” Seles said before kissing him. “Once you’re better I’m going to visit your quarters.”

Chapter 46  An End in Sight

Dressed in black clothes and matching cape, Brian walked towards the High Court. There was a flurry of activity about the palace. Gathering himself he sighed and walked inside. He went to the podium and called up his notes from earlier on the tablet he carried in with him. A moment passed before the lights came on and showed the collected ambassadors of the twenty six Confederation worlds surrounding him. Each one glared at him with a mix of fear, hate and awe. Celestia stood at the top level of the room, dressed in a white and silver dress. She stood up and quieted the crowd.

“Brian Peterson, by your request I’ve gathered the representatives of the Galactic Confederation residing on Kalaidia. In proxy of the Confederation’s High Council, we will act in their place,” she said while looking to the others and then back to Brian.

“Thank you Celestia,” he said respectfully. He scanned the court and looked each of the ambassadors in the eye. “As you heard from my announcement a few days ago I come from Earth. Given the situation I request sanctuary according to Galactic Law 407:223. As a member of a species incapable of joining the Confederation, I request to be assigned immediate citizenship to Dega Jul or any member world that will accept me.”

The ambassadors spoke amongst themselves for a minute before Celestia quieted them. The first to speak was the Odairan ambassador, a short and hairy rat man.

“May I ask why you wish to be a citizen of an unclear political state like Dega Jul?” he asked. A few of the other ambassadors whispered likewise.

Brian turned to him. “My preference stems from the fact that Dega Jul is a melting pot of peoples and culture. As I stated before, I’ll accept citizenship with any member race that will take me in.”

“Are you sure?” Celestia asked.

“I am.”

“Then as the proxy of the High Council, I hereby assign the Terran Brian Peterson legal citizenship of the Degan System,” Celestia paused, “But, only under the condition he accepts citizenship as per the laws of Kalaidia. Brian Peterson will take the inheritance he obtained from Gaelic Kein and be considered the Kein familys Rakna Jaersa.”

“I object!” the Shandi ambassador bellowed has he slammed his fist into the stone desk in front of him. “Is this a ploy for you to gain more power?”

Celestia shot him a dirty look. Before she spoke, Brian walked over to the Shandi ambassador.

“I accept her decision,” he said, looking the snakeman in the eye. “Because I’m human, I have had no prior wars or long lived hatred of your people good sir. I may look Kalaidian, but I’m not Kalaidian. My blood is that of Earth and I hold no bias amongst any of your peoples.” Brian walked back to the podium and scanned his notes. “The real reason I came here is because of this,” he said while holding up a vial containing a yellow liquid. “A hundred and fifty years ago a terrible plague ravaged the people of Kalaidia. It was thought to be from within, but the late Gaelic Kein found the truth. In his last days he discovered true nature of the disease and who created it.”

On each of the ambassador’s monitors the image of the nanomachines came up. Knowing what it was they were looking at they began murmuring amongst themselves.

“As each of you can see the nanomachines were reprogrammed via an outside source. This level of precision is possible amongst only the Original Five member races,” Brian explained while looking to each of those ambassadors, clad in their exoskeletons. “But fortunately for them, the evidence points to a species that exists outside the laws of the Confederation.”

“Are you speaking of the Greys?” the Malcovin ambassador.

Brian nodded. “Yes. The evidence is the Grey vessel that attacked the royal palace. At Queen Celestia’s orders, the wreckage is being collected by a mixed group of member races. A hundred and fifty six years ago the Greys came to Kalaidia. They gave power to those who bowed to them and in return, the leaders of those noble families unleashed the plague. All it took was a single Grey’s telepathic command to start the disease.” He called up a holographic display of the Confederation. “As you can see here,” Brian pointed to the Kalaidian star systems, “Kalaidia is a prime staging ground for the Greys to invade.”

*

“This thing isn’t like a Nova at all,” Seles said as she struggled flying the Mjolnir into space. Each time it looked like she was going to mess up, she figured it out and flew on. Mira hung on for dear life.

“Daes needs to put some straps or something in here,” Mira said while clinging to a metal pole.

Seles was amazed at the giant’s maneuverability and speed. She spun the craft and flew into open space.

“There she is,” Seles said as the Avoni appeared on the monitor.

“I like being on a planet, but I’m really happy to be home,” Mira said.

“I know how you feel. We’ve been gone for a little over three weeks, but it feels like forever,” Seles said. “Get the vaccine ready.”

Mira held up a little vial filled with liquid. “It’s ready. I’m sure Celi can duplicate this with ease.”

*

Brian scanned the ambassadors again and then looked to Celestia.

“I’ve said my piece,” he said. “The rest is in your hands.”

As the ambassadors spoke amongst themselves, Jita of Mylor floated down to Brian. He stepped back, surprised the Mylor ambassador moved so close to him.

Jita turned to the others before speaking in his robotic voice, “Please leave me alone with the Terran.”

The others looked surprised, but quickly exited the chamber. Celestia nodded and left as well to leave Brian alone with the Mylor. Jita turned to him and held up a hand. Brian didn’t know what was going on until Jita fired a telekinetic pulse at him. He dodged and almost doubled over in the process.

He clenched his fist. “What’s the meaning of this?”

Jita lowered his hand. “Tell me, why do you serve an inferior breed of being? If you wished to the Kalaidian people would bow themselves to you as a god.”

He lowered his fist. “Why would I want to rule over others like that? What you speak of is tyranny. I don’t believe in such a system.”

“But shouldn’t the strong rule the weak?” Jita asked.

He shook his head. “No. The strong exist to protect and nurture the weak. By doing so the weak are empowered and eventually become strong. But what we’re overlooking is the fact that I’m not a superior breed of being.”

“Good,” Jita responded. “Such idealism is rare in the Confederation. My people, the Mylor, have watched over and protected the younger races for a long time now. From what I can tell you’re a trust worthy young man, much like the Teacher who came before you.”

“The Teacher?” he asked.

“He was the first Terran to come to space, long ago. While others feared and envied his abilities my people embraced him. He spoke much like you do now. The others doubt you, I will not.”

“Why?”

“We also believe that the strong must protect the weak,” Jita extended his metal clad hand forward. “Let us build that belief for the others young Terran.”

Brian extended his hand. “Sure,” he said as they shook.

Chapter 47  Gaelic’s Last Speech

Brian awoke the next morning covered in sweat as his body ached with pain he couldn’t put into words. Sitting up, he put his head into his hands. Sunshine filled the room as Myden stood in the corner.

“Now is not the time for weakness,” he said telepathically.

Brian shook off the pain and stood up. “I know,” he said as he looked at the twin rakna blades of Gaelic Kein. He unsheathed and held the blades before Myden before clanging them three times. The image of a large scroll appeared in the air.

“Is this his final speech?” Myden asked.

Brian smiled. “Yes.”

“You could be King if you wish for it. The people of Kalaidia would fall to your feet and worship you as a God. Why do you believe this is the right way? Is it because of your homeland, or something else?” Myden asked.

Brian sheathed the swords. “I came here to set one girl free. It’s only fair I do the same for the rest.”

“Is that all?”

Brian put on his armor and set his sword on the belt. Taking Gaelic’s blades and placing them on his back he turned to Myden. “According to the laws enforced by the nobility, the commoners are considered property to be owned and traded like any other commodity. Intelligent beings can’t be owned. We’re born with free will and it’s only right we be allowed to pursue that destiny. I will set them free Myden, even if I have to kill the goddess herself.”

*

Brian stood before the nobles once again, this time with many different faces representing the Kentus, Raekar, Abrus, and Bosar families. The nobles all stood and murmured as they waited for him to make the first move. Celestia decided to quiet them and turned to Brian afterwards.

“Seeing as you saved the royal house and ended our civil war, the nobles have decided not to charge you with high treason Rakna Maigar Brian Kein. What you’ve been called here for today is to discuss future plans for the Kalaidian Queendom,” Celestia said.

“First, please don’t address me as Kein. I may have inherited his burden, but I’ll not take his name. My proper name is Peterson, something I hold dear to,” Brian responded.

“Very well,” Celestia said. The other nobles sounded annoyance in their tone. “Our first demand is that you present the crown Princess Seles and leave her in my custody.”

He laughed. “Seles’s life is not mine to give. I can’t give her back to you because I don’t own her.”

“You would refuse a direct order from your Queen?” Maya Obril asked. “That’s blasphemy!”

“The Queen granted you citizenship of our world Brian,” Ryn Milriel added. “You can’t hold onto the laws of your primitive world!”

Many other nobles shouted similar things as anger well up within Brian with each insult. After a few minutes Celestia quieted them again.

“Why do you defy me?” she asked.

“I do so because I don’t recognize this assembly as the legitimate authority of Kalaidia,” he answered. The nobles began on their tirades again as he stood firm. “I yield to no tyrant, monarch, noble, or emperor. I live free nobles of Kalaidia, free of your system!”

The nobles rallied behind their queen.

“If you aren’t willing to take my orders, what are you going to do?” Celestia asked.

Brian drew the pair of swords on his back. The nobles went for their weapons.

“I’m not here to kill any of you, at least, not today,” he said as he clanged the blades three times. A holographic image of a scroll appeared in midair before them.

“What’s that?” Kae Zaegan asked.

Celestia gasped. “The lost speech of Gaelic?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “A hundred and fifty six years ago Gaelic was to be called before this court. These are the words that should’ve been heard long ago, but the plague destroyed that and shattered any hope for Kalaidia’s future.”

*

Brian’s image appeared on every monitor in Kalaidian space once more, this time standing before the nobles. All stopped to hear his words.

“As Gaelic Kein can’t deliver this speech, I’ll do so in his place,” Brian said before looking to the holographic scroll. “According to the laws of our fair goddess, Kali, each Kalaidian is born to fulfill the role of the previous generation. Thus, I’m the inheritor of my father’s name and legacy. But in all the time I’ve studied the laws of Kali, I’ve never seen proof that Kali herself actually came to us and commanded such. For a thousand years the peoples of the Southlands have been wrongly treated and forced to worship a goddess they don’t believe in. What I speak of is the blasphemy, the teachings of the great Raulno. It’s because above all else a follower of Raulno is devoted to the free spirit. Greatness isn’t maintained through bloodline or title. Greatness comes from the spontaneous heart of the commoner working the fields dreaming of the future. It’s these dreams that are crushed by the oppressive laws we’ve put into place. Since that day the last of the noble families of the south conceded to the worship of Kali, the free spirit has been shut out. This was the time when the nobles believed they knew what was best for the commoners and thus, enacted the Codes of Inheritance. Nobles maintained their status, but those without title, those without privilege, were stripped of their freedom.

For a thousand years the people of Kali have lived under the conditions of serfdom. Each of us is told that our life’s goal is to fulfill the role of the previous generation, but is this truly so? Are we blinded to the fact that each of us is born with a free mind, one without restrictions or orders? The caste system has locked each of us into place societal wise, but it can’t lock up our dreams, ambitions, and desire for freedom. I see those who work the fields and factories and they’re still here. The nobility treats them as property and yet, that’s exactly what they aren’t. Nobles believe that they are superior, when this is false. Those down below are just as capable as any of us here in the palaces, but we’ve lost sight of this. The greatest tragedy of this system is that the ambitious are destroyed in the name of the complacent. The dreams of the many are swallowed up by the power of a few, all in the name of the goddess.

But by far, the greatest tyranny is that of serfdom. Call it what you want my fellow nobles, but it’s nothing more than slavery! It doesn’t matter how good of conditions they live, a prison is still a prison and I will see this matter ended. With the unanimous endorsement of the all the Rakna Maigars of the worlds of Kalaidia, we demand the era of forced labor be ended. We also call for the immediate dismissal of the monopolies allowed amongst our merchants. And finally, we call for immediate concessions by the nobility. Should any of these conditions not be met, I, Gaelic Kein and the Rakna Maigars of Kali will free the serfs by force.”

Looking at the stunned nobles, Brian smiled. “As Gaelic’s inheritor, I’ll lead the fight in his stead. In place of the now dead Maigars, I call upon each of you in the lands of Kali. You’re free, now be ready to fight for it. No longer will I see you enslaved.”

*

Seles and Valis watched the broadcast together. Seles wiped away her tears and turned to Valis. “I need to go to him.”

Valis smiled and hugged Seles. “Then go, we can finish this later.”

Seles nodded and ran out the door. She ran back to the Mjolnir in the cargo bay. Daes was about to begin repairs when Seles ran in and headed up to the cockpit.

“What are you doing?” Daes asked.

“I have to borrow this for a little while Daes,” she said as she stepped inside the mobile suit. She noticed Mira was waiting at the controls. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

Mira grinned and left the pilot’s seat. “I had a feeling you’d do something like this, so I’m going with just in case something happens.” She motioned for Seles to pilot. “I trust your flying skills to my own any day.”

“Thanks Mira,” she said, activating the Mjolnir.

*

The nobles angrily protested Brian’s demands. Celestia quieted them while staring him down.

“Why?” she asked.

He put the blades away. “Haven’t you listened to those on the streets? The commoners who walk the city streets, work the factories and farms? When I first set foot on your world I sensed it as I looked into their eyes. What I saw when they looked at me wasn’t fear or oppression, but hope. The present system’s not only an illegitimate form of government, it’s unjust. Injustice is what breeds revolution, something my people know all too well. Before I came I read the reports of commoners readying for battle. Their day was not today, but within the next ten years, your government would fall.”

“What’s he talking about?” Maya Obril asked, looking to Celestia. Others followed, asking similar questions.

“Is he speaking the truth?” Daes Rilmai asked.

Celestia turned to her fellow nobles. “What the Rakna Maigar speaks is the truth. I’ve been receiving reports for the last five years on this subject. The commoners’ feelings on this matter are clear. If we don’t change something, our economy will fall apart and that in turn will spread chaos.”

“Such insolence!” the nobles shouted.

“We’ve never experienced anything like this before,” Ryn Milriel said.

Celestia turned to Brian. “What can we do to stop a revolution?”

“Begin with the immediate emancipation of the commoners,” he answered.

“But that’s against the will of the goddess,” Maya Obril said. “To go against the laws of Kali is blasphemy.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Your laws can only shield you so long.”

Chapter 48  Callun Kamiya

Standing outside the hall where Brian was meeting with the nobility, Jabril stood quietly and listened. Her second, a lieutenant commander with short green hair stood next her.

“Everything’s ready commander,” she reported.

Jabril smiled. “It’s sooner than we anticipated, but the day’s finally come.”

“What if the nobles don’t accept his demands?” asked one of her subordinates.

Jabril pointed to Brian. “There stands the Herald sent to us by the Teacher. If we’re to ever take back Kalaidia, today’s the day it’s going to happen.”

The royal guards massed together and rallied behind their leader.

*

“How far has the threat of revolution spread?” Maya Obril asked.

Brian calmly looked at all of the nobles. “The revolutionaries have infiltrated every part of your government and military, including the royal guard.”

The nobles were beside themselves and whispered fervently about what to do.

He paced the perimeter of the hall. “You feel time isn’t on your side. All I ask is that you end the age of tyranny and free the people of your world.”

“That’s an easy thing to say, but not to implement,” Maya Obril said. “If we free them, how are they to live? Are we required to compensate them, what about their homes?”

“That’s true!” Ryn Milriel shouted. “The chaos of freeing so many might destroy us faster than the revolution you’re speaking of!”

“What gives you the right to judge us?!” Daes Rilmai asked.

More nobles shouted at him, making similar remarks. Brian turned to the doors leading out. “I believe that’s your queue Commander Jabril.”

A moment later, Jabril and the royal guards stormed in brandishing their rakna lances and pulse rifles.

Jabril went to him. “You could tell just by looking at me I was the leader?”

He shrugged. “It was a guess actually, but I figured you knew something about it.”

Celestia stood up, shocked to see her trusted guards point weapons at the nobles. She glared at Jabril as she stood next to Brian.

“Jabril?” she asked.

“I’m sorry my Queen, but this was inevitable. Kalaidia has stagnated for over a hundred years and the time for change is now! What Brian speaks of is the path we must take. None of us wants to revolt. Neither do we wish to kill anyone. We just want the nobles to wake up from their slumber and see the horror that is our world.”

*

Seles flew the Mjolnir to Vaelis. As she flew over the city, she saw the streets filled with people watching massive screens at various hubs across the capital. They watched as Brian and the royal guards took control of the High Court. She landed the Mjolnir outside the High Court and opened the front hatch.

“It looks like another mess out there,” Mira said as Seles went outside.

“Yeah,” she said. She stared at the crowd and seeing their expression of uncertain hope. “Take care of everything until we get back.”

Mira nodded. As Seles lowered herself to the ground, she was beset by a horde of confused soldiers and commoners. Each asked the princess what was going on and who to listen to. Seles waved her hands to quiet the crowd.

“I know you’re afraid!” she said. “My fellow Kalaidians, he speaks the truth! Once you’ve tasted freedom, you’ll never give it back! Now let me through so I can set things right!”

The crowd split to allow her through.

*

Celestia was defeated. “Ill hear the grievances given by Brian for the commoners. In addition, we’ll set the commoners to their own design. Please Brian; end this before it turns violent.”

Brian turned to Jabril. “Take the guards outside for now. I don’t think they like having weapons at their throats while they make major decisions.”

Jabril raised her hand and the guards began filing out of the chamber. She turned back to him. “If we’re needed, just ask.” She saluted. “You’re the Herald the Teacher said would come. Please guide us back onto the right path.”

*

Seles was nearing the main chamber when she ran into a number of royal guards. She noticed they weren’t wearing the royal crest on their uniforms. When she came to the main doors she ran into Jabril.

“What are you going to do Lady Seles?” Jabril asked.

Seles smiled. “Please don’t call me that Jabril. As for what I’m going to do, I’m not sure. I’ll do as I must and nothing less.”

“Good luck Seles,” Jabril said as she left.

Seles went inside and saw Brian taking a verbal beating from the nobles. He turned and stared. The nobles went silent as she joined Brian. Celestia looked down at her daughter.

“I’ll consider concessions only if you return Seles to my custody,” Celestia said.

“Brian,” Seles said he turned and smiled at her.

“Don’t worry,” he said before turning back to Celestia. “As I said before, Seles is not for me to give. You say that concessions will be given, so give one now Queen of Kalaidia. Words are hollow; give your people an action that speaks the truth! Set your daughter free!”

The nobles remained silent while Celestia stared at the pair. “No. Seles is vital to our government. I can’t allow her to run free.”

He could tell Celestia was speaking for the nobility and not herself. She’s bound by the nobles around her. He looked at the crowd and then to Seles. It’s time I use their special law. He kissed Seles passionately, catching her and the nobles off guard. After a moment of silence he pulled away.

“I love you,” he said. “Since the first time we met, you’ve always been there giving me hope. My life would have no meaning if I never met you Seles. I give my life to you. I’d suffer any hardship, be it the Kai, or death itself.”

The nobles stood with their mouths agape. Seles smiled playfully and slapped him lightly on the cheek. “You’re such a big fool. Don’t forget I feel the same as you.” She pulled him down to her level again and kissed him again. She pulled back, blushing. “What’s the plan?”

“Something that hasn’t been done in many years Seles,” he answered.

He drew his rakna blade and walked to the center of the floor before driving the blade into the ground. Looking up, he knew the older nobles recognized this ritual. He looked directly at Celestia. “As you’ve said yourself Celestia, I’m a citizen of this world now. As such I’m subject to its laws and rights.”

“What are you doing?” Celestia asked.

“Zin du monda lan manu e Kali, ju Brian Peterson, hondi mon san do e Callun Kamiya ave Seles Daevon. No one in the lands of Kali may dispute this right, save for the Kali, her direct representative, or that representative’s proxy. If this right is disputed, please step forward now.”

“But you aren’t Kalaidian,” Maya Obril said. Many of the other nobles repeated the sentiment.

He smiled. “Ive read your laws extensively and found that nowhere in the right of Callun Kamiya does it state I must be of the same species. It simply states that I must be a male of the age of majority. I’m male and twenty two years old.”

The nobles called up the law on their computers and found it in the very unused section of the legal system. Celestia drew her rakna blade and walked down the stairs to him. The other nobles tried to stop her, but she walked through them while brushing them aside. Brian stood next to his sword waiting for her to act. She stopped in front of him.

“You’re well versed in our laws. As I have no Rakna Maigarda, only I or the goddess may dispute this union. Does Seles mean that much to you?” she asked, looking to her daughter.

“Yes,” he answered.

“You could simply steal her away, so why go through all this?” Celestia asked.

“One act of liberty can begin washing away the pain of tyranny,” he reached out with his hand, “Let us begin anew Celestia. It’s time to set them her free, once and for all.”

Celestia stood for a moment, pointing her rakna at him. Sighing, she lowered her blade and set it on the ground in front of him. “Even if I wished to, there’s no way I’d be able to defeat you in single combat.” She turned to the other nobles. “Brian may be Terran. He may have round ears. His eyes and hair are colors we’re not used to. Even his beliefs are foreign. His size is larger than we’re accustomed to. But if he and Seles are to be as one, I cannot dispute it.” She turned to Brian and took his hand. “Let us hope this union bridges a lasting alliance between Kalaidia and Terra Prime.”

“Thank you mother,” Seles said as she hugged Celestia.

Celestia whispered into Seles’s ear, “For a long time I’ve wanted to do this, but I didnt have the strength to let you go. I’m sorry I wasn’t the mother you needed all these years.”

The nobles began grumbling again. Celestia waved them off. “I recognized Brian Peterson as the Herald spoke of by the Teacher. Let his words be heard and let us know their worth. As Queen of Kalaidia, I declare the commoners be free!”

Across the worlds of Kali the crowds cheered in celebration. The nobles stood stunned and eyed their queen like she’d gone mad. Brian stepped forward.

“Nobles and commoners of Kalaidia, I propose a transitional period of ten years. The nobles will continue meeting and the queen will still have power. I suggest to the commoners and revolutionaries you set up a body similar to the nobles, a House of Commons so to speak. To ensure the transition occurs, the House of Commons will have equal power to the nobles and the queen. I’ll forward plans for such a governing body to your leaders shortly, as well as to the queen and nobility. Should ten years pass and my words not are made real, I will return to ensure that you, the people of Kali, are free at last.”

*

Jita stood in the hall and watched the scene inside the High Court. Myden appeared from the shadows and stood beside him.

“He’s set into motion something that can’t be stopped my friend,” Myden said telepathically to the Mylor ambassador.

“Many think he’s too dangerous. Words of freedom ring like warning bells to those amongst the younger races,” Jita said.

They watched as Seles and Brian embraced. “Are any charges to be pressed against them?”

“No,” Jita answered. “He’s a special case. The laws against interspecies mixing will likely be waived by those in power.”

“One of his crew members, the Maiden of Life is trying to find a way to mix his blood with theirs. Are you against such research?” Myden asked.

Jita turned to leave. “The Maigars of old will walk the stars again one day. A great war is on the horizon and we’ll need all the capable warriors the galaxy can offer. If they are pure blooded Terran or half breed, it matters not. The power Terrans’ hold is the most powerful of all, even surpassing ours General Myden.”

*

Mira sat alone in the Mjolnir and watched the spectacle between Brian and Seles. If I see them looking at each other like that one more time I’m going to throw up. She thought to herself as she let out a long sigh. Brian and Seles emerged looking happy as they headed towards the Mjolnir. As they went up they kissed again on the elevator. Once they reached the top they found an irritated Mira staring at them.

“If you two don’t stop that I’m going to leave you here,” Mira said.

Seles was surprised when Brian winked at her and proceeded to kiss Mira. After a moment of confusion, she pulled back.

“There, now you don’t feel left out,” Brian said with a smile.

Mira slapped him, “Jerk.”

Seles scowled at him.

“Alright, I get it,” he said as he sat down in the pilot’s seat.

“He doesn’t get it, does he Seles?” Mira asked.

Seles sighed while shaking her head. “No, I don’t think he does.”

He flew the Mjolnir into the sky. “Let’s go home.”

Epilogue

Celestia sat at her desk in her night gown and read over copies of the documents Brian had sent to her. Frustrated, she stood up. How am I supposed to figure this out in only ten years? She looked down at the documents. “How could anyone think that this form of government is the best?”

Myden stepped out of the shadows, much to Celestia’s chagrin. “The Herald put forth the task of change to you my Queen. It was very considerate of him to give you a decade to complete the task,” he said telepathically.

She turned to him. “I know that Myden. But still, I don’t know why we should change so drastically.”

“Despite his youth and inexperience, Brian understands the needs of others much better than one would think. You see my Queen, what you lack isn’t talent in ruling others, but perspective on their feelings. I can sense the thoughts of the commoners and their minds beg for change.”

“But democracy is dangerous, even difficult. Why does he think that this form of government is the best of all?” Celestia asked.

“Democracy isn’t perfect, but its strengths more than make up for its flaws. As long as your people don’t choose madness like my own and give in to slavery.”

“I know I’ve asked you before, but you’ve never told me what happened to your people.”

“Long ago we were free and powerful, the proud first race of this galaxy to travel the stars. But like Terrans, we were warriors, cursed by the inability to do anything but battle. We fought for centuries and finally the vote was cast. On that day, a God was born. It wasn’t a God of love or creation, but a God that demanded obedience. It feels no love or happiness, only hatred and the desire to control. My people got what they wished for in the most horrible way possible.”

“A God?” she asked. “What do you mean by God?”

“Live free and never give in to darkness my Queen. Each being must determine their destiny. Mortals like us should never create Gods, lest we be drawn into the night forever,” he said as he faded into the darkness.

Looking down at the papers, Celestia sat down again to study them. Why did they need to create two houses of Congress? That seems so inefficient. She looked up into the mirror. “So his people created a God? I wonder what it looks like.”

*

Brian walked into the HDC and made sure to seal the door behind him. He looked around and saw no one was in here at the time. Good, I don’t really want to take care of this with anyone else around. He walked to the center of the room.

“Program Layla 1, November Rain background,” he said. The image of Layla came up, a beautiful blonde girl with bright green eyes. She didn’t move or speak, but stood like a mannequin. Around them the cold rain trickled down on the backdrop of Brian’s hometown. It was later in the night with only street lights revealing the scene.

“It’s been a long time Layla,” he said to the hologram. “I know that you’re not really her, but an image that came out of my memories of her. But still, I need to air a few things out.” He walked up to the hologram. “You’re so beautiful,” he said as he brushed her face. “I regret I could never say those words to you. But I was scared, scared of never seeing you again. In those years since I last saw you, my heart grew cold and my thoughts dark. But something miraculous happened.” He turned away from the image. “I found someone else. She’s not exactly the kind of girl you’d expect. She’s an alien, short, slight, with pointy ears. Her hair and eyes look like something out of anime, but that only adds to her beauty. Her name’s Seles.” He paused to gather his thoughts. “Seles gave me hope when I didn’t have any. I want to stay with her. I still and always will love you, but it’s time for me to move on. I hope to see you again someday, but I doubt you’ll live long enough to do that.” he walked up to the image again. “Goodbye Layla.” He left for the door. “Computer, erase this program and every attachment to it.” As he opened the door the image and background disappeared.

Goodbye.