《Superhumans from the Past》


 Not On File

    Southern Nevada, March 11, 1971


    Steve Messer sat in a comfortable leather seat enjoying the company of a very attractive CIA operative. They had never met before this trip and the team which he was now a part of all had their established relationships. As far as he could tell by conversations and wedding rings, the only single and available people were him and Ms. Gina Pollas.


    Steve was handsome, tall, and clean shaven with sandy blonde hair, cut short and tapered in the back. The other men in the team however, grew out their facial hair and half of them made it seem like the new hippie trend had invaded the agency. The only other female in the group was in her late thirties wearing business attire as if she worked for the IRS instead of Langley.


    Gina by contrast was young for an operations agent, with primary strengths in nuclear physics and biological warfare, and secondary in actual espionage experience and skills. Her attire was less businesslike with long black pants, a long sleeve turn down collar light blue shirt, and low heeled shoes. Her smile was uncanny with attractiveness and mystery. She was strategic with her conversations about all subjects, which made Steve cared more about her as a person than her profession.


    Steve kept quiet for the most part, letting people talk themselves into whatever came up. But when asked questions, he steered all conversations toward her, asking her opinions and views in life. It worked for a while, but she kept her distance as if she did have a boyfriend or just wanted a professional relationship. So Steve went along, but eyed her for most of the flight when not speaking directly to her.


    The flight was long for a Lear jet, but extra fuel tanks on the wings extended the range of the plane. As the plane started to reduce altitude; Steve knew they were nearing their undisclosed destination. His attention veered to the horizon as he faced the front of the plane with the right and left windows out to his extreme fields of view. He peered through the plane and bodies in front of him. His extraordinary vision allowed him to see through matter thousands of miles away, but he only concentrated on the red sky and dark forming ground from the setting sun.


    The jet flew towards a set of mountain ranges but then banked parallel to it as the plane went below the highest peak. Steve buckled his seatbelt and relaxed on the seat as his vision focused back on Gina. She noticed his stare and then looked at the buckle.


    The fasten seatbelt sign lit up. Gina slightly tilted her head as if wondering how Steve knew the sign was going to turn on. ¡°I see that you like to follow rules.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Only the ones that matter.¡± Steve smiled back and took a mental picture of her smooth skin, long blonde flowing hair, and pearly blue eyes. Her left ear was slightly lower than the right, but unnoticeable to the average person, especially since they were covered by hair most of the time. They were beautifully shaped and any other imperfections on her face or body would have been considered perfectly human. He looked back outside hoping to calculate the exact time they would touch down to show off his predictive knowledge. ¡°But don¡¯t worry we¡¯ll be landing in about¡­¡±


    Steve saw the landing field and several empty buildings. Dead bodies lay in a room of one of the buildings, but what startled him most was the bright exhaust of a surface to air missile. The missile came from the north somewhere on the mountainside or at its base. There were seconds before the missile hit. Before he could say a word, the plane was taking evasive maneuvers as one of the pilots must have spotted the light in the dark background. Or perhaps it was the newly installed prototype radar system in the plane which warned the pilots to some degree.


    The passengers¡¯ calm faces changed to confusion and horror, thinking the plane was crashing. Gina hadn¡¯t clipped her buckle so she and three others violently flew out of their seats towards the ceiling and to the right. But the direction abruptly changed towards the floor as the plane rolled left and looped as hard as the pilot could pull on the control yoke.


    Steve adjusted to the direction changes and G forces with his flight abilities. He grabbed his belt buckle with one hand and reached for Gina who was now at his side on the wall and window portal. The buckle broke off the fabric as he ripped it with superhuman strength. Instead of releasing the latch, the excitement of the situation left him reacting to make sure the seatbelt didn¡¯t prevent him from getting a firm hold on Gina. He straddled her against the wall keeping her from bouncing around at the same time protecting her from interior debris with his body.


    Gina¡¯s body dangled between him and the wall as the jet looped and twirled. Steve looked around over his shoulders at the chaos, then back at the heat seeking missile as it hit the tail end of the jet. One engine burst into pieces and flames. The concussion of the blast violently pushed the jet into a yaw. The body of the jet broke up into large sections. Heat and air rushed inside as two agents and added debris darted outside. Moans and screams were muffled into nothingness as the rush of air overshadowed most sounds. Steve instantly analyzed his options. The jet would soon blowup once the heat interacted with the fuel tanks, or at the very least disintegrate into pieces before it came to sudden stop. He was sure to survive the fragments, heat, and anything else in the air, even hitting the ground, but this wasn¡¯t about him at the moment. Steve thought quickly on how to save the people in the plane. The expanding open areas to the outside gave him a shot at a rescue of one or two people.


    The seconds seemed like a slow motion video to Steve as he grabbed Gina by the waist and flew towards the large open fuselage. With his free hand, he grabbed one of the other agents by the arm on his way out. He rotated in flight trying to avoid debris and plane sections as the jet plummeted to its doom.


    The three of them cleared the burning ball of soaring jet wreckage in the nick of time. The night air was cool, a drastic change to the last few seconds of terror. Steve flew swiftly towards the desert sand. He felt liquid on his hand and arms as he laid the two agents on the ground. Steve looked down at the liquid, ignoring the explosion of the jet on the landscape several hundred meters away. He could see the chemical compounds of alcohol, water, blood, urine, and minute traces of jet fuel on his arm. His hand however, was drenched mainly in blood. Agent Nelson was profusely bleeding out of a large gash on his arm. Steve could see the brachial artery pushing life out of the man, as he placed his finger deep into Nelson¡¯s forearm and stopped the bleeding.


    Steve quickly scanned them with his vision looking for other life threatening injuries. He rushed the scan, and then looked up in the direction of the missile attack. The desert foliage prevented his vision from seeing the details of the hostiles. The one disadvantage to his vision was in the composition of plant life he couldn¡¯t see through which he could never figure out how to overcome. But he did spot a vehicle leaving the scene over the ridgeline. He signed and looked at the other two agents. Nelson would die if he let go of Nelson¡¯s arm to pursue the fleeing attacker. Both were unconscious, had concussions, and multiple fractures. Nelson had two in his arm and rib cage. Gina¡¯s right leg and foot was broken. Their lungs were expanding as normal as could be expected, but Nelson¡¯s heart contractions were weak from the large amount of blood loss.


    Steve looked at the airfield buildings less than a mile away. The ten dead bodies in the room he saw earlier were still there. There were no signs of anyone else in the area, but he wasn¡¯t looking for people. His first look from the jet told him that, but what he scanned for this time were small and numerous. His vision jumped from room to room looking inside cabinets and storage rooms. The things he needed were there, and that was the problem.


    Steve sat Nelson up and wrapped his legs around Nelson¡¯s waist from behind. With his free hand, Steve grabbed Gina¡¯s wrist and flew off the ground about ten feet. He sped towards the airfield structures keeping note of the two agents¡¯ vitals. The warm rushing air massaged Gina¡¯s face and body as she went in and out of consciousness.


    The pain of her foot and leg making contact with hard ground woke her up from limbo. Her hair covered her face as she felt a hand brush it aside. Her bruised hands instinctively went up to feel her head and body. ¡°What, aaghh?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright Gina. It¡¯s Steve.¡±


    Pain surged through her body as the memory of bouncing around the plane became a reality. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Gina! What¡¯s your full name?¡± Steve asked.


    ¡°Gina Victoria Pollas.¡± She managed to reply with a grunt.


    ¡°What¡¯s your service number?¡±


    ¡°3923-4800-92.¡± She replied wide eyed and alert.


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Steve said as he thought something else. ¡®If that¡¯s your real service number I wouldn¡¯t know, but a number is better than nothing I guess.¡¯


    Her back was against a hanger metallic wall. Steve knelt between her and Nelson. ¡°Your right leg and right foot is broken so don¡¯t try to move them. But I need your help.¡± Steve grabbed Gina¡¯s hand and put two fingers inside her palm. ¡°Can you squeeze my fingers as hard as you can?¡±


    Gina squeezed tightly. ¡°Good, now here. Keep your thumb inside Nelson¡¯s forearm so he doesn¡¯t bleed to death. I need to get medical supplies.¡± Steve plunged Gina¡¯s thumb inside Nelson and stood up with wet and dry bloody hands.


    ¡°What if he wakes up?¡± Steve heard Gina say as he was already out of sight inside the hanger. He sprinted and flew through the hanger rooms, collecting the needed items for an emergency surgical procedure.


    Gina felt her fingernail buried inside Nelson¡¯s flesh. Blood continued to seep out of the long gash as she reached with her other hand and applied pressure on the wound. She looked around out into the darkness, except for the burning crash site and mixture of a quarter moon and stars in the distance. She heard movement inside the hanger Steve was in, wondering if he could find anything in the dark. She could barely make out herself and Nelson, how could Steve see anything? But that thought quickly disappeared as Steve ran outside by her side with several large parachute cargo bags, one being a medical bag and a few mop poles. Steve turned on two large flashlights placing one on the ground next to Gina and another on the other side of Nelson.


    Gina held her tongue as Steve moved with lightning speed setting up three I.V.s, utensils, medications, and sanitary covers. Steve didn¡¯t stop to read anything or decide on what items to use or place in preparation for stopping the bleeding and caring for the two of them. Before Gina knew it, Steve removed her hands and thumb from Nelson¡¯s arm. All she could see was Steve stabbing into Nelson¡¯s arm, blood engulfing everything. ¡°Do you know what you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Hold his arm still.¡± Steve calmly replied.


    Blood poured out from where the two metallic prongs entered; soaking the large sterile pads Steve had placed around the gash. In less than ten seconds after Steve removed Gina¡¯s hand from Nelson¡¯s arm, the bleeding stopped. ¡°How did you do that?¡± Gina¡¯s tired eyes widen.


    ¡°Did I tell you how lovely your voice sounds?¡± Steve said, as he took another set of instruments and thread, stitching the seven inch gash in a matter of seconds.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Gina said in shock.


    Steve positioned Nelson¡¯s arm and pulled on it, resetting the bones and wrapped them with torn sheets and wooden stilts in less than a minute.


    Gina looked at her leg and tried to bend over to touch her fracture.


    Steve rapidly pushed her back against the wall. ¡°Try not to move.¡± Gina felt the I.V. needle enter her arm like a quick and small sting before she could object.


    The I.V. bags were already hanging on a makeshift standing mop pole. She looked up once again at the I.V. bags as her leg reeked with pain. Or was it her foot, or both? Steve held tight onto her fractures as he splinted her foot and leg. ¡°I know it hurts, but they don¡¯t have morphine or anything close to it. Please be as still as possible.¡±


    The 3D transparencies of Gina¡¯s blood, bones, tendons, muscle fibers, and many smaller particles and elements were Steve¡¯s guide in making sure the bones were set properly leaving no blood clots or strained ligaments.


    ¡°Aarrgh¡­ Ookaay.¡± Gina panted. She watched Steve inject Nelson with medication, and then her. ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so you don¡¯t get an infection, and it helps with the pain.¡±


    ¡°I thought you said there weren¡¯t any strong pain killers?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a weaker alternative. Luckily, chemistry and medicine were some of my strong subjects in school.¡± Steve smiled as he whipped out a few blankets from one of the large bags. He laid out a spot for Nelson and sat him at an incline on the tar mat and hanger wall. He looked around every now and then, instinctively wanting to avert anymore dangers in the area.


    ¡°How do you move so fast? And how did we survive the plane crash?¡±


    Steve finished positioning Gina on top of her blanket and bundled pillowing. He had lied many times in the past about his abilities and superhuman attributes, but he could only stare powerlessly into her mesmerizing eyes.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t crash with the plane. I grabbed who I could, which was you and Nelson, and flew out of the plane as it broke apart after the anti-aircraft missile hit it. We landed near the crash site, and I flew you two here so I could save his life.¡±


    ¡°You flew? Like Superman?¡± Gina almost smirked, but the fact of their survival begged an explanation, even if it seemed outrageous.


    ¡°Well, no. I can¡¯t fly that fast or back through time like he can, and I was born here, so I¡¯m not an alien.¡± Steve said as he looked around. ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t talk anymore, but I need to get the power working and we need to contact someone so you and Nelson can get needed medical attention.¡± Steve said and flew off out of site into the darkness.


    Gina stared at herself and then at Nelson. His chest was slightly rising and falling. He would wake up sometime, and she needed to be ready to calm him down if he did. She didn¡¯t notice any injury on Steve, and hoped that this super person would soon figure out how to get Nelson and her to a hospital.


    Steve flew directly to the main electrical junction box. The main cable was cut, but he grabbed the cable and spliced it back together with his fingers. A strong electrical current passed through his body and into the ground, but he endured the minor tingle as his metal hard like fingers restored the cable to normal. He flipped the levers and the hanger came to life. The two flashlight beams were overwhelmed by the hanger lights coming out from the inside, exposing a large portion of the tar mat and other buildings in the distance.


    Steve flew back in front of her like a speeding race car. ¡°There are a few beds in the back of that building. I¡¯ll get them and place both of you inside the hanger while I look for a working radio or phone.¡±


    ¡°Who would do this to us?¡± Gina said out loud to herself, realizing it was never brought up until now.


    A rifle shot came from the darkness in the distance, and the round mushroomed on the back of Steve¡¯s head, sending his chin into his upper chest. Steve slightly moved forward but caught himself with an instinctive flight reflex. Steve instantly looked back for the origin of the gunfire. He saw a sniper in the lowland brushes several hundred meters away. He saw the sniper clearly, down to him squeezing the trigger, releasing another round. Steve quickly guessed the trajectory, but to make sure, he flew up into a horizontal position in mid air getting between Gina, Nelson, and the sniper. The round hitting his upper leg area.


    A torn streak was made on Steve¡¯s jeans as the round bounced off, his skin staying completely intact. Gina instinctively moved for cover by trying to lay flat, but the pain from her leg and other parts of her bruised body made her scream in pain.


    Steve twirled around to see Gina in pain from moving, and quickly assessed the situation by scanning for foreign objects inside or next to her. In an instant, finding nothing was wrong, he twirled back and flew as fast as he could at the sniper. Another round exited the sniper rifle, but Steve had flown to the side away from Gina, so when the round left the barrel, Steve didn¡¯t care if it hit him or not. The round passed Steve by a few feet, fifty meters away from the sniper. Before the sniper could move or fire another round, Steve plowed into him like a harpoon.


    The sniper rifle caved into the man from the impact of Steve¡¯s body, but primarily, Steve¡¯s fists which were extended in front of him. Steve and the rifle tore into the sniper¡¯s head, all the way through his body. Blood, bone, and flesh littered the desert ground as Steve came to a complete stop far from where the sniper used to be. A shallow trench of bloodied desert ground trailed behind him. Steve grumbled under his breath in disappointment. He stood up and shook his hands and body, trying to get the newly added blood, sand, and guts off of him. Blood splattered all around him, removing a large portion of blood and entrails, but it also served in spreading blood to all parts of his body.


    He looked around for any other sniper or enemy that may have returned. He saw Gina huddled next to Nelson, as if she could protect him from another attack. Steve flew straight up and scanned the area. The metallic properties of the buildings, unoccupied vehicles, remains of the sniper¡¯s equipment, plane wreckage, and mineral ores in the ground told him there were no more enemies in the area. So he hoped for sure this time.


    Satisfied, Steve flew back to Gina. ¡°It¡¯s clear.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell is trying to kill us¡­ and why are you all red?¡±


    Steve knelt next to her and looked down at her neck, instead of her eyes. ¡°Yeah, about that. I didn¡¯t think about slowing down before I got to the sniper so I flew into him.¡±


    Gina¡¯s eyes squinted. ¡°You killed him?¡±


    ¡°If you haven¡¯t noticed the extra blood, here it is.¡± Steve said as he moved away and wiped his clothes and exposed skin with clean towels he had gathered.


    Gina stared in disbelief or confusion, Steve wasn¡¯t sure. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that? Did you want me to let him keep shooting and maybe get lucky in hitting you?¡±


    ¡°No, of course not. As long as you know the difference, I¡¯m alright with that.¡±


    ¡°Just so you know to set the record straight, I didn¡¯t like killing the guy.¡± Steve stood erect in a moment of relaxation.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Gina calmly asked.


    ¡°I had special powers since childhood. I grew up wanting to be an agent, but I guess the cat¡¯s out of the bag now. But let me focus on getting the beds for now.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure there¡¯re no more snipers?¡±


    ¡°The people who shot at the plane left the area to the north once the plane crashed. That sniper must have been positioned prior to the attack to confirm the damage assessment. I¡¯ll go after them once I make contact with headquarters for help. Unless you want me to stay with you until help arrives?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about that once you get a hold of anyone.¡±


    ¡°Well in the meantime, think about the possibility that someone in the agency might have helped in this attack.¡± Steve replied and flew off once again.


    ¡°What?¡± Gina said towards an empty audience.


    Steve quickly entered the hanger locker room latrine and washed off most of the blood and dirt, using up two bars of soap in minutes; wanting to make sure he didn¡¯t expose his patients to more unnecessary infections. He grabbed a shirt and fatigue pants from a locker, easily breaking the padlock with his hands. Without delay, he grabbed two beds and flew them next to Gina and Nelson. He made sure to take the bed frames since they kept the mattresses from folding into unwanted positions.


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    Steve placed both of them on the beds and moved them one at a time inside the empty hanger. ¡°We have a problem. The radios in the one aircraft on the other side of the airfield, and the two radios in the temporary control tower have been destroyed.¡± Steve said as he gently elevated Gina¡¯s leg with pillows.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the pilots got out a Mayday or some type of signal, so someone should be looking for us right now.¡± Gina stated.


    Steve sat at Gina¡¯s bedside. ¡°You think the agency is that good to be looking for us, out here in Nevada?¡±


    ¡°Well, if we¡¯re in Nevada, I know they will be, but how do you know we¡¯re in Nevada?¡±


    ¡°I can see very far, and saw where we were flying, to include the destination orders the pilots received in the cockpit. So that brings up the question. Someone had to know we were flying at this time and who was on board. Someone in the agency is a traitor, or there¡¯s a leak somewhere and someone is taking advantage it.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense. We¡¯re supposed to be a think tank initiative to locate and monitor nuclear and chemical weapon systems. Aren¡¯t there more important projects they could sabotage?¡±


    Steve stared into her eyes. ¡°Maybe it was a person or people they wanted to get rid of?¡±


    ¡°You mean people like you?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m pretty sure no one knew about me, but you and the other brainiacs are another story. Besides, if they knew about me, they would have sent a lot more firepower.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Gina half smiled.


    ¡°Does this mean we can go out on a date later?¡±


    ¡°Aooh, I was wondering when you were going to ask me since we started talking on the plane.¡± She smiled in pain.


    ¡°After I get the bad guys and you recover some more of course. If, that¡¯s okay with you?¡± Steve lightly held Gina¡¯s hand.


    Steve¡¯s hand was warm and soft. Gina felt at peace, but excited as well. How could this man in front of her withstand a missile attack and bullet, but yet feel so tender and smooth against her skin? ¡°Can I ask you a million questions while we wait for someone to find us?¡±


    ¡°I would love that, but Nelson won¡¯t last too long if we just do nothing, or hope someone is really on their way.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I suppose¡­ So, what do you suggest we do?¡±


    ¡°I can scan towards the four cardinal directions and look for a building with a phone. If there¡¯s one within a hundred miles, I should be able to fly there and back in about fifteen minutes, including making the call.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s the hold up?¡± Gina asked in wonder.


    ¡°Just because I can see far, doesn¡¯t mean I can find something easily. The further an object is, the easier it is for me find for some reason. I can¡¯t explain it very good but a few hundred miles is close to me. But if something is nearby it is easier for me to find if I know generally where to look within a few miles; it¡¯s like I have a dead zone from within a mile to a thousand miles.¡±


    ¡°You mean like a telescope?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sort of I guess. That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t started flying, since I haven¡¯t spotted anything so far towards the west.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Gina replied.


    ¡°Oh, wait. There¡¯re six helicopters thirty miles out, coming towards us.¡±


    ¡°Do you know who they are, and how long until they get here?¡±


    The silence of the area was broken by aircraft engines. Steve looked up higher into the sky and spotted three F4 Phantoms. They were soaring high, circling like vultures. ¡°The jets are Air Force it seems; a recon maybe?¡± Steve looked back at the helicopters.


    Steve examined the crews as if he were looking at a close up movie action scene in great detail. ¡°They¡¯re CIA. At least they¡¯re wearing agency gear, and some of the identification cards and tags that I can make out¡­ confirms it.¡±


    ¡°You mean to tell me you can read an ID card from this distance through everything in between?¡±


    ¡°Well, as long as it¡¯s in English or Spanish.¡± Steve smiled. ¡°Do you want me to move you to a safe location until we find out their intentions?¡±


    ¡°No, they¡¯re a rescue team.¡±


    ¡°You seem so sure... How do you know?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the new regional chief for the western states.¡± Gina slowly replied.


    ¡°So you would know their reactionary SOPs, and not tell me something important like that until now?¡± Steve looked at her with a strict face.


    ¡°I guess, I might have been the target.¡± Gina¡¯s said with a reflective straight face.


    Steve thought about her past facial expressions and words, rolling over and over in his mind.


    She gave no indication of surprise or deception on the plane or when they were talking about who it was that attacked them or possible targets and motives. ¡°For being the chief, you¡¯re kind of clueless as to our location, or did you know that too?¡±


    ¡°I was supposed to stop here in Nevada, and continue on to L.A.¡±


    ¡°And you couldn¡¯t tell me the truth after I saved your life twice in the past thirty minutes?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you now, instead of keeping the charade. I want you to know I won¡¯t tell anyone about what you can do and what happened here.¡±


    ¡°Huh, you think I can stay and work for you?¡± Steve stood up facing her.


    ¡°With the things you can do, we can change everything in law enforcement and the country.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m the only person on the planet with these powers, or that I will agree in helping you or those people who seem to be trying very hard to kill us?¡±


    ¡°So you know there¡¯re more people like you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you can find them in the wanted ads looking for a job as we speak. How should I know? And besides; if there were, they wouldn¡¯t advertise it. I lived most of life hidden from people like you, until now.¡±


    ¡°Steve, if that¡¯s your real name. Why did you join the agency?¡± Gina¡¯s tone raised as Steve turned to walk away.


    Steve stopped walking and stared at the hanger¡¯s interior. ¡°I wanted to make a difference, to learn about the world of spies and see if I could save lives, without a cape or Speedos.¡± Steve half smiled.


    ¡°Nothing has changed Steve. I will help you and you will help me do what¡¯s right for this country and many people around the world.¡±


    Steve faced Gina, her bloody and soiled tangled hair blended in with the rest of her appearance. A dirty beggar/zombie kind of look, but a very beautiful one to him. ¡°They¡¯ll be here soon. I¡¯m going to go look for the people who fired the missile. If I return, then count me in. If I don¡¯t return, it¡¯s because I¡¯m dead or decided to leave the agency.¡±


    ¡°I will look for you, no matter what you decide.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll won¡¯t find me if I want to disappear. But anyways, send a helo to the north after me. It was one vehicle and four people from what I could gather. Take care of yourself, Gina Pollas.¡± Steve came up to her, bent over and kissed her on the forehead.


    Gina quickly grabbed the back of his neck with both hands and pulled herself up to him, kissing him in the mouth.


    Steve let her hot lips and tongue dominate him, as he gently squeezed and supported her upper arms with his hands.


    Gina pulled away after a long moment letting go of him. ¡°Remember me at least, if you don¡¯t see me again.¡±


    Steve smiled. ¡°My first day on the job, and the boss falls for me. I would have joined a long time ago had I known.¡± Steve turned away and silently flew out of the hanger.


    Gina stared out into the opening, horizon, and stars beyond. Then her attention moved to Nelson. She stretched out her hand and felt for a pulse. It was weak, but thankfully it existed.


    The roaring of the jets high above continued, being overwhelmed by the rotors of three Chinooks and three Huey gunships. Spotlights blared over the tar mat within minutes, and agents armed to the tee stormed the hanger.


    The agents secured the area and lowered their trained weapons on Gina and Nelson once they were identified and found safe.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m Agent Kevin Aries. What happened here?¡± Kevin asked and motioned for medics to tend to both of them.


    The middle aged man was massive in stature, resembling a professional NFL linebacker. His face was camouflaged black like the rest of his night Delta Force outfit.


    ¡°Our jet was shot down while descending. Agent Messer saved us and went after the attackers. I need you to send a team to help him out, towards the north.¡± Gina twitched in pain as the medic touched her injuries.


    ¡°Sir, she¡¯s stable for now, but we need to take some x-rays and she¡¯ll need a cast as soon as possible.¡± The medic reported.


    ¡°Get them ready for departure. Team four leader, come to my location now, and prepare for new orders.¡± Kevin said on his mouth piece. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯ll send my best team to the north. In the meantime, we need to get you out of here.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ I need to talk to you alone right now.¡±


    Kevin motioned the agents to take Nelson away on a stretcher, and the security team to give them space. He bent over next to her head and turned off his radio.


    ¡°How loyal are your men?¡± She whispered.


    Kevin turned his head towards her. ¡°Ma¡¯am, we will die for each other any day of the week?¡±


    ¡°I knew I would like you after I read your file back at Langley.¡±


    ¡®Then you should know my men and I will back you up with our lives, you¡¯re safe with us Ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a leak or a traitor in the agency. I need to disappear for a while for me to recover, and find out why we were attacked.¡±


    Kevin stood up and spoke out loud. ¡°Consider it done Ma¡¯am... Maximilian, I want you to meet our new boss.¡±


    A young agent carrying a sniper rifle as his main weapon, ran up to them. ¡°Madam, I¡¯m Randolph Maximilian, and honored to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Max this is my best team leader. His team will search for the attackers and the pursing agent Messer. Is there anything in particular he should know before he goes?¡±


    ¡°They have ground to air missiles, so I don¡¯t know if sending a helicopter is the best idea. But I¡¯m sure that agent Messer will have neutralized that threat by then.¡±


    ¡°How long ago was it since agent Messer left in pursuit?¡± Max asked.


    ¡°A few minutes ago.¡±


    ¡°A few minutes ago?¡± Kevin echoed, a little confused.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to explain, but by the time you get there he will have done most of the work for us. There is also a dead sniper out there so you need to clean up the scene before your last man leaves here.¡±


    ¡°My guys found ten dead agents in the other hanger, remains of several people from the plane, but we haven¡¯t accounted for all the passengers, which might be scattered for several miles. In the meantime¡­ Attention, all personnel, code name Shakespeare. Repeat, Shakespeare.¡± Kevin said over the radio as he gave the okay hand and arm signal to Max as he ran off to hunt down the attackers.


    ¡°Shakespeare?¡± Gina asked as Kevin faced her.


    ¡°It¡¯s our internal codename for this kind of contingency. We¡¯ll make a cover for what happened here with no survivors. The attackers will all also be reported as killed, even if we get prisoners. We¡¯ll take you to our main office in the TS levels where we can attend to your medical needs and hide you, Nelson, and Messer.¡±


    ¡°Are the helo pilots your men too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am. The pilots in the jets as well. We pride ourselves for being independent from outside assistance. We are always ready to react when new personnel come to this site, but honestly, this was a total surprise. I didn¡¯t know you were on board the plane until the Mayday was flagged by Langley, then us.¡±


    ¡°Well, at least it makes it easier for you to report me dead without any weird explanations.¡±


    ¡°I would normally agree with you, but is agent Messer going to blow this cover?¡±


    ¡°No, he¡¯s special¡­ he¡¯s some kind of superman.¡±


    Kevin looked at her and then at the empty makeshift medical beds. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying he¡¯s some kind of superhero like the Flash? I was wondering how all of this was done in the amount of time it took us to get here?¡± he said waving a hand.


    ¡°Superman would best describe him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to disagree with you Ma¡¯am seeing that you¡¯re alive, but you know there will be many people that will call you crazy or want proof.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know, and that¡¯s why everything here has to be covered up until I can get agent Messer to continue helping us, and find the people trying to kill me and the project.¡±


    ¡°I agree, and with that, I¡¯ll call you agent Lincoln from now on.¡± Kevin said as three agents grabbed Gina and moved her on a stretcher.


    ¡°And don¡¯t worry, this place isn¡¯t on file and you don¡¯t exist.¡± Kevin said as he focused on getting all his men on board with the cover plan, to include leaving a reception team for Langley¡¯s replacement of the people to occupy the secret airfield and strengthen its defenses.


    North of Area 51, Nevada


    Steve flew short of the speed of sound over the mountain range. The plant life seemed to create a sheet of a solid three dimensional topographical layer on the ground. There were many patches of spaces where he could see into the earth, but he didn¡¯t try to concentrate on these patches or plants since he was flying too fast and close to the ground. The vehicle left tracks, but he didn¡¯t want to slow down to analyze them. Instead he sped up knowing that if the people made it to taller trees or a highway with other vehicles and directions, then it would make finding them a lot harder. Steve looked out twenty miles as he flew, scanning slowly from side to side at a 45 degree span. Ten miles out beyond the mountain¡¯s base, a few dirt animal trails appeared, but no sign of people or a vehicle. Steve looked back and could barely make out pieces of helicopters at or around the tar mat. The fighter jets continued to circle the area ready to provide an air strike if needed. The foliage was too great for him to see through the mountain in fine detail, and he hoped Gina was right, and he hadn¡¯t left her and Nelson to be killed or captured by the bad guys.


    He turned his attention to the front, ensuring he flew a hundred meters above the ground as not to get hit by insects or debris from the desert night air currents.


    Finally, the vehicle he was looking for was struggling to speed through the rugged terrain. The lights were dimmed which reduced their speed and made their getaway more difficult, but they had covered over twenty-five miles which was impressive when compared to a highly trained military special operations team. Steve could make out details of the attackers as he soared silently through the night sky. They were wearing mercenary gear, a mixture of military and civilian hunting uniforms and equipment, with commercially and privately customized modified weaponry. Steve¡¯s in-depth research on weaponry and world militaries paid off to some degree. However, he still couldn¡¯t make out if they were American, European, or Hispanic. But one thing was sure; they weren¡¯t from the Orient or African.


    Steve focused on any face, but it blurred the more he concentrated. At his speed, he would soon be on top of the modified large jeep. It seemed like an African expedition vehicle with a back mounted launcher system. The two prong launcher held one ten foot missile, the same as the one which hit the plane. It was retracted so the warhead was facing towards the front of the jeep. Steve¡¯s clear vision was now going in and out of focus. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes as if trying to reset them, feeling like an electronic camera with dying batteries.


    Steve took a deep breath and zoomed out so he could just see the vehicle popping up dust in its wake. The passengers of the elongated jeep thought they hit a big freaky rock as they heard and felt a very loud thump underneath them. The jeep lifted up forty feet and swirled multiple times. One of the mercenaries shot out of an opened door as the centrifugal force took him by surprise. The men yelled in fear as one would expect when facing disaster at the hands of gravity and uncontrolled extreme velocities.


    Steve groaned as the weight of the jeep almost exceeded his max lift capacity. The spinning didn¡¯t help either, something he hadn¡¯t planned on so he tried to fly in the opposite direction he came from and land the jeep on solid ground. The jeep hit the ground sideways and would have flipped several times, but Steve held tight to the underbelly of the vehicle, stopping the first flip. The jeep rested upside down with the missile warhead going off skipping everyone¡¯s near death experience into a worse situation.


    Flak and heat burned the three passengers alive, if they weren¡¯t already dead from the vehicle¡¯s harsh stop, missile explosion, or secondary explosions of grenades in the vehicle.


    Steve was blown backwards into the air. ¡°You got to be kidding me!¡± He yelled as his T-Shirt and fatigues were half burnt or torn off his body with the under carry of the jeep keeping the explosion focused on the passengers and ground.


    All three men were dead so Steve turned in the direction of the one guy who didn¡¯t wear his seatbelt. He flew towards him, scanning his body at the same time. The man was unconscious with two broken shoulder blades, several nasty ruptured vertebrates, and abrasions all throughout the back of his legs and back.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡± Steve screamed in frustration or was it bad luck, as the man was also on top of a toppled cactus arm.


    Steve grabbed the man at the most effective points on his body without injuring him further and moved him to a clear spot on the ground. ¡°Well it¡¯s a good thing I¡¯m here, cuz you¡¯re going to live.¡±


    Steve removed all of the hundreds of cactus needles in seconds, and positioned the vertebrates to maximize reduced pressure. He flew back to the burning jeep and recovered pieces of metal and scrapes to make a frame for the man. In a few minutes, the man¡¯s upper body was immobilized by a cage looking network of car parts. The abrasions were a little different. Steve didn¡¯t have the medical bag or things to help the man¡¯s open cuts, so he used the remains of his T-shirt to cover most of the wounds and reduce bleeding.


    ¡°Now that I think about it some more, you¡¯re this way because I am here, or was it because you came to this desert, or following your destiny? Hmm, it¡¯s a conundrum I or the CIA will most likely never be able to answer.¡±


    Steve looked down at the man and then in the direction of the hanger. ¡°Lucky for you the good guys are coming this way. But they¡¯re gonna take too long to find you, even with the fire going.¡±


    Steve looked around making sure no wildlife around would attack the helpless bad guy while he left the man there alone. Once satisfied, he flew off towards the oncoming helicopter.


    ¡®Steve, I need your help. Come to me before it¡¯s too late.¡¯ A young woman¡¯s voice said inside Steve¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Gina?¡± Steve said and thought, but the voice didn¡¯t sound like Gina¡¯s voice.


    A surge of mental pictures and memories blinded him as he flew aimlessly into the ground, then back into the air. The horizon and everything around him seemed to go in circles as he fell into unconsciousness.


    Maximilian and his team spotted the burning vehicle in the distance. Their night vision goggles assisted greatly from such a stretch of land, but they failed to see Steve laying face down in the mist of desert foliage two miles from the dead mercenaries and soon to be Prisoner 1 of the Special Investigation Agency.

 Chapter 2, Not Feeling It. of Superhumans From the Past

    Chapter 2 Not Feeling It


    Casino International, Las Vegas, Nevada, December 12, 1970


    Albert took a sip from the rum at his side. It ran smoothly down his throat. The icy alcohol dispersed into his entire body as his cells filtered any destructive properties. Albert¡¯s black hair extended down to his shoulders which gave him a much older look, a pirate type of appeal. He was young however, especially compared to the collection of veteran gamblers around the table.


    ¡°What are you going to do with all that money if you have to go to Nam?¡± A gray haired well rounded gentleman asked, on Albert¡¯s right.


    Albert turned towards the bearded man who seemed to have come from a Louisiana plantation. In fact he was a wealthy plantation owner. His white overcoat and very small circular silver and black designs on his vest made him stand out among the group. Not to mention his pearl white wide tie, stained with sweat from several hours of playing.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I¡¯ll deal with that if it happens.¡±


    An elderly but rough looking man across the table eyed Albert. ¡°He¡¯s a toothpick; the Marine Corps will eat him alive.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were a scientist?¡± A modestly sexy red haired lady asked as she hugged the old man¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Yes, I did. In the field of synthetic computer systems. And I call.¡± Albert said as he flipped over his remaining cards, leaving three kings and a pair of jacks.


    The last two players flipped their hands in defeat.


    ¡°Mr. Hansen¡¯s hand wins.¡± The dealer announced as mixture of moans and awes erupted audibly and mentally.


    Albert almost smiled as he saw the thoughts of the eldest man. ¡®He must be gay or something. He¡¯s not paying enough attention to Elena¡¯s boobs and exposed cleavage.¡¯


    ¡®He reminds me of James, when he was younger.¡¯ Elena thought.


    The Louisiana Plantation owner breathed heavily with anxiety. ¡®I can¡¯t lose any more money. Please, God, help me!¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m going to have to keep an eye out for this guy. He doesn¡¯t seem to be cheating.¡¯ A heavy set man in his mid forties wearing a very expensive brown suit thought. One of the players who was taking the opportunity to learn from the masters.


    Albert read the thoughts of the two mafia connected players and the other very experienced players trying to figure out how to get out of their losing streak. He wasn¡¯t worried about winning and possibly being a target by the mafia for extortion of some sort. If it had crossed his mind, it didn¡¯t register to him one bit.


    They were invested for the most part, and the eldest, James McCormick, was willing to lose all of his budgeted half a million dollars just for the pleasure of the gamble.


    Albert was already at $300,000 winnings, which should have been enough for him, but today was the day he would be the ruler of his own destiny. The many statements of a book he recently read kept him motivated to accomplish the goals he had set his mind to.


    The long hours at the table started to take its toll as a new dealer started the next round. Claire was in her mid thirties with a pleasant face. Her long brown hair was in a ponytail, and her elegant glasses gave her a sense of an experienced dealer at the high stakes poker table.


    Albert concentrated on Claire¡¯s thoughts but it wasn¡¯t like the past several hours. The thoughts were sporadic at best, as if there was a fast forward button and he couldn¡¯t clearly see the video.


    Claire dealt quickly as Albert drank water, hoping his mind reading ability got better.


    His hand was a strong one, and he knew the initial hand of the other players, but for how long? ¡®I need to raise the stakes before I can¡¯t read anyone¡¯s mind¡¯ Albert thought.


    Raising and checking brought the pot to $250,000, but to Albert¡¯s dismay, the thoughts of the people around him had completely faded away.


    He concentrated on James, Elena, and then on Luther, the plantation owner, since James and Luther were the only ones not folding or simply trying to stay in the game. ¡®Nothing?¡¯ Albert thought to himself in alarm.


    James stared Albert down. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be playing like before¡­ I¡¯ll raise, all in.¡±


    Albert thought about James¡¯ initial hand of two queens, and he traded in three cards. Albert had four of a kind, four nines. There were no wilds or jokers, so the odds of him having the better hand was in his favor.


    ¡°I fold.¡± Luther replied.


    ¡°I call.¡± Albert smiled, his unshaven face gave him a roughness and attraction some women admired.


    The crowd silently waited after an expressive awe once Albert turned over the last nine of diamonds.


    James eyed Albert and nodded as if agreeing to an invisible contract or rite of passage. ¡°I enjoyed it while it lasted. Thank you.¡± James turned over his remaining cards: four queens.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Albert dumbfounded, stared at the cards and then at the chips moving away from him. ¡°Well, it was a pleasure Mr. McCormick. I was just not feeling it.¡± He signed and smiled.


    Albert didn¡¯t waste any time in leaving the immediate area, but once he got through the crowd and near the roulette tables, he slowed his pace in deep thought.


    His room was paid for already, and he still had three hundred dollars in his pocket. So he looked around for a while as if mapping out the casino floor. He went up to his room on the eleventh floor and sat at the head of the bed. His blank stare at the turned off television changed to a tighten jaw as he looked on top of the nightstand.


    He grabbed a black book next to the hotel clock. It read: ¡°What Would I Do If I Could Read Minds? by Carl Hawking¡±. Albert took a deep breath and stood up with the book in hand. He pitched it in the trashcan as he walked up to the room¡¯s front door. Instead of opening the door, Albert disappeared. His phantom like body instantly moved through it. He flew down through the floors as if they didn¡¯t exist. Before long, Albert was floating in front of the casino vault. It was closed at the moment, and it would be opened when money would be counted and consolidated on the routine schedule.


    But, Albert floated there for a while, thinking about his own ideas of what he would do next. He had lost all of his savings and income from selling all he had, trying to follow the book of proven ¡®Success¡¯.


    He flew inside and placed his hands among money stacks. The money mixed in with his phantom like body properties, allowing him to grab bands of money and also making them invisible and intangible. Fortunately, the inside of the vault was lit for him to see, and there was a camera, but Albert¡¯s invisibility gave no warning or evidence of a crime. He approximated three to four hundred thousand dollars and then flew out of the vault and back to his room. He counted and bagged the money in a backpack, checked out, and left Las Vegas, flying invisibly towards California.


    Albert made a modest purchase on his own Los Angeles beach front property two months later. The four bedroom home was very elegant, but what made him most happy was the deck and pool facing the ocean. The night salt air brought peace to him as he drank a pineapple smoothie out on the wooden deck with a pile of notebooks on a patio table.


    The quarter moon made the ocean glisten as the sound of the waves soothed his thoughts of starting a computer company business. The dreams of the future changed in a matter of seconds as darkness enveloped him.


    ¡®Albert, I need your help. Please come to me before countless people die.¡¯ A young female voice blurted in Albert¡¯s head.


    Albert tried to speak, but he couldn¡¯t and found himself outside of his body. ¡®Is this a dream? I don¡¯t remember falling asleep.¡¯ Many flashes of memories surprised him, taking him away from the deck and into a pit of sounds, people and places.


    Aliens and battles in wars were seen in seconds, nothing distinct popping out at him except Capitol Hill in flames and the sky scorched by a green Sun. He wasn¡¯t sure if the visions were all from Earth, because there were aircrafts and ships he never saw before except in science fiction movies or shows. Rock creatures from what seemed to be hell, fought against him and other people he also never saw before. He blacked out and awoke face first on the deck floor.


    The sound of the waves helped bring him back to his senses. His forehead was bruised from hitting the table¡¯s edge and floor, but it was minor since it would completely heal within the hour. Albert got up and looked around as if he was being spied on. There were no people in his view. The neighboring houses were occupied, evidenced by the lights and noise of music in the far distance. ¡°At least I¡¯m not alone.¡± Albert said, thinking he had experienced an Omega Man apocalyptic event.


    Albert touched his smoothie. It was still cold so he couldn¡¯t have been passed out for very long.


    ¡®Please Albert, I need you.¡¯ The female voice said in his mind, but this time he didn¡¯t get dizzy or anything.


    ¡°Who is this?¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m Cassandra Leavan, Queen of the Andromen Empire. The mental visions I gave you will gradually become clear and organized, but what¡¯s important for now is you need to follow that tug you¡¯re feeling in your heart.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know you, how do I know you¡¯re not lying?


    ¡®You don¡¯t, but the more you resist this craving you¡¯re feeling now, the stronger it will get. In time you will not be able to function properly, even with your special powers.¡¯ Cassandra replied, making Albert feel as if she was emotionless by her cold tone.


    ¡°Well lady, I¡¯ll go only because it seems I have no choice. But you¡¯re going to have to keep your panty on while I make arrangements to leave my new house with a house sitter.¡± Albert walked inside the house mumbling to himself.


    ¡®You know I can hear every thought you have right now?¡¯


    Albert stopped and looked up at the ceiling. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to call you that.¡±


    Albert waited for a response, but nothing. ¡°Hello, are you there?¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°Well maybe I did mean some of it.¡± Albert smiled as he started to lockdown the house and make calls to his few friends.


    An hour later, he flew off to the west. The moon was gone, but he could make out the dark water underneath him and the stars above. The LA coastline also gave him a reference of the horizon behind him, but soon there was nothing but darkness below him and a partly cloudy sky with stars above.

 Chapter 3, Arbitrator

    Chapter 3 Arbitrator


    The craving like an addiction was in his blood and helped him keep to the right direction as it got stronger when he turned in the wrong direction. At least he hoped it was the right direction where ever he was going. He hadn¡¯t seen any ships in a while, and if this was a wild goose chase, he would have to wait for daylight to fly towards the morning Sun to get back home. Well that was if he was flying west all this time.


    Albert was invisible and intangible the entire two hours of his flight. He must have flown at least 400 miles. But the rising Sun in front of him told him otherwise.


    ¡®What¡¯s this? How the hell?¡¯ Albert thought as an island appeared on the horizon along with daylight.


    The craving left him once he was within rock throwing distance from shore. The island measured a little over three miles, which made it easy for him to fly around looking for whatever he was supposed to find. He flew high above the trees and spotted a tall man and teenager sitting on a log in the shade along the shoreline to the north.


    Albert flew down a few meters above them so he could ease drop on them and see their faces.


    ¡°How long do you think we have to wait here?¡± The teenager asked, looking at the dirty sand next to the log.


    ¡°If I knew, I would be the genius.¡± Gus said with a very heavy voice, being at least six and a half feet tall and extremely muscle bond.


    Benjamin looked at Gus. ¡°Hey what¡¯s that?¡± He pointed across his chest towards the trees.


    Gus turned to look. ¡°What? I don¡¯t see anything.¡±


    Albert also saw nothing from his vantage point.


    ¡°Have you ever had the feeling that you were being spied on?¡± Ben stood up and turned towards the jungle to the west.


    ¡°No, never.¡± Gus turned back to the front enjoying the blue and white waves.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you that someone is watching us.¡±


    ¡°Should I give them my famous pose?¡± Gus stood in a front double bicep stance.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­ this isn¡¯t a contest. We¡¯re in the middle of nowhere because the lady told us to come here. Well! Here we are Your Majesty! Now what?¡± Ben walked out turning in all directions towards the water.


    Gus stopped posing and smiled at his best friend. ¡°Well at least there¡¯s no lake around here to worry about, so we wait.¡±


    ¡°What? What lake?¡± Ben asked with a goofy frown.


    ¡°If there were a lake I would be expecting Excalibur to pop out. I thought you were the genius?¡± Gus smiled exposing his bright white rows of perfect teeth.


    ¡°You know you¡¯re right!¡±


    Albert made a puzzled face, but no one could tell.


    ¡°Since there¡¯s an ocean and not a lake, we should be expecting Leviathan, or better yet, Godzilla!¡±


    ¡°Hmm, yeah, I prefer Excalibur, but for now, we¡¯ll have to settle for that guy.¡±


    Ben and Albert with slack-jawed faces looked at Gus, but then turned to where Gus was looking, out into the ocean.


    Steve had flown at top speed, but slowed down greatly as he approached the three of them. He came within twenty feet from them, floating above the sand, with the waterline behind him. ¡°Greetings. Now, who¡¯s in charge?¡±


    ¡°That would be me.¡± Ben stated.


    Steve folded his muscular arms, standing in mid air. His tattered dirty and bloody fatigues, topless and no shoes made him look formidable. ¡°What about that guy back there?¡±


    ¡°Who, Gus? He¡¯s strong and all but I¡¯m the brains.¡± Ben replied.


    ¡°No I was talking about the guy acting like he¡¯s one with the bushes.¡±


    Ten meters in the wood line, a man stood up as if he were a bush. The colors of his skin and clothing changed to that of a normal human. He wore a Special Forces sniper uniform, but carried no weapons. His boonie hat and shades covered his face as he walked up to Gus and Ben.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Aaron.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Gus Madex, and my young friend is Benjamin Dempsey.¡± Gus stuck out his hand.


    ¡°Aaron Fisher, good to meet you Gus.¡± Aaron shook his hand and waved at Ben and Steve. ¡°Good to meet you all.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Steve Messer, but all of us aren¡¯t here yet.¡± Steve said and floated down on the ground next to Ben.


    ¡°No, everyone¡¯s here.¡± Ben said. He was five feet five inches tall and slender. His curly dark brown hair gave him the image of a nerdy teenager, but his demeanor was that of a military tactician.


    ¡°Really? How do you know?¡± Steve asked.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m the genius, and there¡¯s still someone spying on us.¡±


    ¡®Who¡¯s this kid?¡¯ Albert thought as he looked at all of the people below him. He read Ben¡¯s mind, but he was thinking of many things at the same time, confusing him.


    ¡°Well, you heard Ben, show yourself, whoever you are!¡± Gus commanded.


    Albert became tangible and visible above them. He wore a tropical long sleeve white shirt and pants, with casual canvas shoes. ¡°How did you know I was here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a genius and since I saw five people in the visions, calculating the time the four of us have met, I knew there was another person here with special powers.¡±


    ¡°You fell for his bluff.¡± Aaron commented.


    ¡°He made an educated guess.¡± Gus smiled.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Steve asked.


    ¡°My name is Albert Hansen. Cassandra told me many people were going to die, including me, if I didn¡¯t follow her orders.¡±


    ¡°She told me she was in danger and worlds would be doomed if she died.¡± Aaron contradicted.


    ¡°She told us we were going to save the galaxy.¡± Gus said.


    There was a silence even from the ocean as if it was Steve¡¯s turn to speak.


    ¡°What did she tell you Steve?¡± Ben asked.


    Steve looked at the group with a straight face. ¡°She told me I was the leader.¡±


    Ben squinted his eyes a little and almost grunted with aggravation. ¡®I should have thought of that.¡¯


    Albert smiled as he could see everyone¡¯s surface thoughts. Steve lied and everyone knew it or had doubts but didn¡¯t want to lead, except for Ben. Albert knew best from what he could see that Steve was best suited for leadership. ¡°I support Steve as leader, and suggest we reveal our history and special abilities so we can do whatever the lady in distress wants us to do.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you want us to do Steve?¡± Gus asked, treating him as the leader already without a vote.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s exactly what I want, so I¡¯ll go first.¡± Steve said and told the group about his training with the CIA, short lived work as an agent, and all his special abilities.


    Albert saw that Gus and Ben were most impressed by Steve¡¯s claim to being almost indestructible and seeing through solid and liquid matter millions of miles out.


    ¡°If you can see that far, have you ever seen aliens?¡± Gus asked.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t look up at the sky all of the time, but even if I did, I¡¯m sure I or all the observatories around the world would have reported a sighting.¡± Steve answered, unsure if Gus was serious about the question.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Gus glanced at the ground in disappointment.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll go next, because this is taking way too long, and I don¡¯t want to hear the same thing twice. I can turn invisible, and intangible.¡± Albert said as he floated down with his legs disappearing into the sand.


    ¡°Nice.¡± Ben awed a smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to eat for a very long time, or sleep for weeks, I can fly as fast as a commercial airplane, I can transmute small non-living objects into other matter, and I can read minds.¡± Albert put up his hand to stop Gus and Steve from speaking, floating back up to normal altitude on the sand.


    ¡°And yes I know what all of you have been thinking. Aaron, you¡¯re a Special Forces sniper. You left the jungle of Nam to come here. Your powers are similar to Steve¡¯s except you¡¯re not as tough, you can¡¯t see as far or through objects, but you can see in the darkness and your other four senses are heighten. You also have energy powers to make a force field for protection and¡­ a laser beam comes out of your hands.¡±


    Aaron nodded approval. Albert failed to inform the group that he was a killing machine for the military with thirty-eight confirmed assassinations, but now Aaron was given the opportunity to do something besides killing for the government.


    Albert turned to Ben, ¡°Ben is a genius and heals very fast, but you have to eat a lot. Gus, you are strong enough to lift several tons, very tough, and¡­ are, a flying rat?¡± Albert didn¡¯t believe what he was reading in Gus¡¯ mind.


    ¡°Yes, well when I¡¯m a rat, I can fly and destroy many things with a sonic screech. I can also tunnel through the ground very fast.¡± Gus added.


    ¡°Of course you can.¡± Steve smiled.


    ¡°Ben, how did you get here?¡± Aaron asked.


    ¡°I flew with Gus, why?¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Aaron imagined a teenager being held by a small rodent flying through the clouds.


    Albert laughed. ¡°Gus, can you please turn into the rat so everyone understands and doesn¡¯t freak out later.¡±


    Gus instantly turned into a three foot black rat, his tail making him six feet long. His eyes were different as if glowing white while he looked at the group members, perched on the log. ¡°I heard all the rat jokes, so don¡¯t worry, I will definitely make fun of you guys too.¡±


    ¡°Now that introductions are out of the way, now what?¡± Ben asked.


    ¡°We search the island together and find out why we were all led here.¡± Steve said.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you use your vision to recon the island?¡± Aaron asked.


    ¡°Because he can¡¯t see through plant life.¡± Albert replied.


    ¡°Ah.¡± Steve glanced at Albert in approval for answering the question. ¡°I have been looking in all directions since I arrived, and we don¡¯t seem to be stationary. So what we¡¯re looking for might not be on the island at the moment. But, I might be wrong.¡± Steve stated.


    ¡°How are we not stationary?¡± Albert asked what Aaron and Gus thought.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see beyond fifty miles, and if you haven¡¯t noticed yet, there used to be clouds, now there¡¯s not a cloud in the sky.¡± Steve stated.


    ¡°The Sun is directly above us. Where did the hours go?¡± Gus added.


    ¡°We seem to be in a time shift, or displacement field.¡± Ben theorized as he squeezed grains of sand in his hand.


    ¡°Is that a good thing?¡± Aaron asked.


    ¡°It all depends if Cassandra was telling the truth. But I think we should check out that ship sticking out of the ground to the south.¡± Steve said.


    ¡°What ship? I didn¡¯t see it there when I got here.¡± Albert said as he saw Steve¡¯s mental picture of a half buried battleship in a clearing near the shore.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± Steve said and slowly flew in that direction, picking up speed as he saw everyone fly behind him.


    Steve landed on a grassy spot centralized in front of the ship. Aaron and Albert landed next to him. Ben with a rat on his back flew towards one of the turrets. ¡°Stop, don¡¯t touch it! It¡¯s radioactive!¡±


    The teenager swirled around holding on to Gus¡¯s front limbs. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us that before?¡± Gus¡¯s squeaky voice was loud.


    ¡°Follow me, means follow me, not go ahead of me!¡±


    ¡°Oh I see how this is going to work. Are we going to have to ask permission for everything? Ben asked as Gus flew them down in front of the trio.


    ¡°For now, yes. We need to work better together and build trust so we don¡¯t have problems like this later.¡± Steve explained.


    ¡°I understand the mechanics of leadership.¡± Ben countered.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the attitude then?¡± Steve replied.


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    ¡°Can I interrupt?¡± Aaron jumped in.


    ¡°I like you Steve. You reacted like I had hoped.¡± Ben said, as Gus changed back into his human self, standing behind him.


    ¡°Good to know. Go ahead Aaron.¡± Steve said.


    ¡®If the ship is radioactive, why is there green foliage on it?¡±


    Loud thunder responded to Aaron¡¯s question, and the ground quaked violently. Gus instantly turned back into a rat and flew up a foot above the ground. Everyone else did the same, except Ben who fell on the grass trying to get on all fours. Gus quickly picked him off the ground which shock for fifteen or so seconds.


    ¡°Look!¡± Albert pointed at the sky.


    A bright light flickered into a beam of light. A rainbow effect trailed a black dot, streaking into the ship. The thunder and tremors instantly stopped as a loud hollow clang ended the event.


    ¡°It¡¯s a man with a skateboard.¡± Steve said, looking at the new visitor and then concentrated on the ship¡¯s structure. ¡°And the ship isn¡¯t radioactive anymore.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it never was. But it doesn¡¯t matter. Let¡¯s go see if this guy needs our help.¡± Aaron said, referring to the vines at the base of the hull, then at where the visitor disappeared from normal view.


    The group flew on top of the ship¡¯s 16 inch forward gun turret. The gunhouse metal was aged as if the ship had been exposed to the elements for decades. A man sized hole was on the lower deck wall.


    Steve saw a medium height man wearing a silver and red spacesuit. The spacesuit was similar to an old black and white science fiction movie, except the helmet was of a jet fighter pilot helmet design. He didn¡¯t have a backpack and his mouth and chin was exposed. The man had an African-American complexion, with an afro a few inches long. The skateboard was four feet long, with thirty-two small wheels. Its makeup was of a weird alloy, which he had trouble seeing through.


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait here for him. He¡¯s dazed, but he¡¯s getting up just fine.¡± Steve said.


    ¡°Stranger, we¡¯re friendly! Come out when you¡¯re feeling better!¡± Gus yelled.


    ¡°If he speaks English, he¡¯ll be so willing to talk to us.¡± Ben sarcastically placed his hands on his waist and walked around at a slant, examining the ship.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get him.¡± Albert said and disappeared.


    ¡°Okay¡­ Ben, what do you see?¡± Steve asked.


    ¡°The ship has been exposed to the air or buried for at least a few years. You would think there would be more corrosion with the salt water, but this doesn¡¯t make sense. Can you tell me what kinds of materials are inside the rooms?¡± Ben looked at Steve.


    ¡°Looks like all of the rooms at ground level and below are filed with earth. The rest are completely filled with air. There are no skeletons or equipment either.¡± Steve slowly said at the end of the sentence.


    ¡°It has to be a displacement field then.¡±


    ¡°You mean the ship was teleported?¡± Aaron asked.


    ¡°Yes, very good Aaron.¡± Ben smiled with surprise.


    ¡°You know this reminds me of a show of the Bermuda Triangle, I saw on In Search Of.¡± Gus commented.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see any identification. Aaron, Ben, please go to the bridge down there and find out anything you can about this ship. Gus and I will wait for Albert and our new visitor.¡± Steve pointed down toward a large box with portals half buried by the ground.


    ¡°Hop on my back Ben.¡± Aaron turned away from him.


    ¡°One of these days, I¡¯m going to make myself a jetpack or something.¡± Ben said as he piggy backed on Aaron.


    Aaron flew down to the bridge, while Steve slowly flew to the opening. ¡°Albert has revealed himself and I think he¡¯s done talking to the visitor.¡± Steve said with Gus floating next to him.


    Steve entered the room covering up any light coming in from the new hole, but Gus widened the hole with his bare hands when it was his turn to enter.


    ¡°Steve, this is Arbitrator from the land of Cilos.¡± Albert said as metallic bending and cracking sounded in the background.


    ¡°Cilos? I never heard of it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a wondrous place far from here. But let us get out of this room so I can meet all of you.¡± Arbitrator said with a Jamaican accent, as he held his skateboard under his arm like a surfer.


    Gus stepped into the slanted room with a prideful grin, turning gloom as Steve motioned him to go back outside. ¡°Sorry big guy, but thanks for the large whole.¡± Steve said while Gus smiled once again.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome Steve.¡± Gus allowed Steve to pass and waited for Arbitrator and Albert. ¡°Nice to meet you, Arbitrator.¡±


    ¡°You must be Lord Rat Bastard?¡± Arbitrator revealed a bright and perfect white smile while extending his free hand.


    ¡°Ahh, yeah I must be.¡± Gus¡¯ confused face said it all, trying to be his usual polite self, and shook his hand.


    The four flew towards the ground away from the ship; Arbitrator stylishly using his flying skateboard. It wasn¡¯t long before Ben and Aaron joined them at Steve¡¯s beckoning.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Aaron asked as they landed.


    ¡°Aaron, Ben, this is Arbitrator. An alien from another galaxy.¡± Albert stated.


    ¡°What? I thought you were from somewhere in the Caribbean Islands or something.¡± Gus interjected.


    ¡°No. Lord Rat Bastard, I am as Lord Ghost has said. I¡¯m from the galaxy you call Andromeda.¡±


    ¡°Wow, I knew ETs were real!¡± Gus joyfully smiled.


    ¡°So it seems.¡± Steve said with a raised doubtful eyebrow and crossed arms.


    ¡°Queen Cassandra Leavan instructed me to come here and take you to the imperial outer marker so you can organize an offensive against Korvax Bac¡¯dir and retake the kingdom.¡± Arbitrator floated inches above the sand as his body rotated looking into each man¡¯s and the teenager¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I have long since waited to meet the five of you.¡± Arbitrator knelt on his board. ¡°My, Lords.¡±


    ¡°What are we lords of?¡± Steve asked but looked at Albert, knowing he already knew why Arbitrator seemed to treat them as if they were royalty or legends of some sort.


    ¡°It is written that the five Lords from Earth would come to save the galaxy from destruction. The ancient writings were passed down by our king six hundred years ago, but I have seen with my own eyes the things which have and will come to pass. You are Lords of Arlos and the Queen¡¯s Champions.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯m a Lord already, I don¡¯t have to do something to become a Lord?¡± Ben asked.


    ¡°Yes, Lord Master.¡± Arbitrator slowly stood up.


    ¡°Master¡­ I like that.¡± Ben scrutinized Arbitrator¡¯s body language.


    ¡°If he¡¯s Ghost, Rat Bastard, and Master, then who are we?¡± Steve pointed at the three, then at himself and Aaron.


    ¡°You are Lord Stargazer, and you my lord.¡± Arbitrator faced Aaron. ¡°You go by many names, but many call you Lord Spot.¡±


    ¡°So where we¡¯re going, does everyone know use?¡± Ben asked.


    ¡°Lord Master. Everyone does not believe in the legends, but once you arrive, there will be many who will rally behind you.¡±


    ¡°So we came here to be taken to another galaxy to win a war we didn¡¯t start?¡± Aaron asked.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that what you were doing yesterday?¡± Gus countered.


    Aaron stared at Gus, his strong jaws were relaxed, eyes as soft as a dove. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right.¡± Aaron half smiled.


    ¡°Sounds good to me, but one thing Arbitrator. I would like to be addressed as Master, no need to put Lord in front of it.¡± Ben stated with a wide smile.


    Steve smiled and uncrossed his arms. ¡°Okay from now on, let¡¯s stick to one naming game and use Stargazer, Master, Spot, Ghost and Rat Bastard.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time to go.¡± Arbitrator said and pointed up at the sky. A hole in the fabric of the blue atmosphere revealed space and stars.


    ¡°Wait! How¡¯s this going to work? I still have some questions.¡± Ben asked as Arbitrator floated a few feet above the ground. His skateboard hummed and glowed underneath as if revving up for a drag race.


    ¡°I was sent here with the queen¡¯s power, and cannot control the vortex rift, my young Lord.¡±


    Albert stared at Steve. Steve¡¯s gaze bared on the horizon out at sea. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Steve paused to answer. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m just wishing I had dated sooner.¡± Steve turned to Albert with a weak smile.


    Albert finished his grin. ¡°It¡¯s okay Steve, we¡¯ll be back soon so I can be your chaperone.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for caring.¡± Steve almost laughed out loud, and looked at Gus, motioning him to pick Ben up then turned toward Arbitrator. ¡°Do we fly with you holding hands or something?¡±


    ¡°No, my Lord Stargazer. I will loop back around and teleport you to the rift, it will take you to the outer marker. If, I¡¯m not there when you arrive, no worries. I will be with you as soon as I can.¡±


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you be there?¡± Aaron yelled.


    ¡°I pop in and out as nature takes me.¡± Arbitrator said as he flew off a few hundred meters out and quickly returned. ¡°But you my Lords are not bound by nature!¡±


    A white light appeared in front of Arbitrator. The group saw the flash and instantly were pushed into space. Ben held tight to Gus¡¯s arm as they were pulled into a black hole the size of the moon. Steve looked in the direction of Earth now several hundred thousand miles away. The quick glimpse of the planet only confirmed that they had teleported into space and his thoughts went to Ben. Surely Ben wouldn¡¯t be able to survive in a vacuum. But, the time it took to take a breath, the blackness had erased all the stars. Steve and probably only Aaron could see the five of them floating in empty space. The coldness and heat of space was somehow non-existent. Steve looked around as far as he could see, but saw only darkness around the group. He tried to speak, but it all seemed as if he were in a dream where the laws of physics and metaphysics baffled him.


    The darkness swiftly faded away as the interior of a landing bay replaced it. The five hit the metallic floor at various angles. Aaron tumbled into an upright stance, while Steve slid on his back. Gus tumbled also, but it was an uncontrolled landing, breaking Ben¡¯s arm. Albert flew into the floor several feet before he flew out standing on top of the metallic structure next to Steve.


    ¡°That was fun.¡± Albert sarcastically mumbled as dizziness hit him for a few seconds.


    All of the men felt the dizziness, except for Ben, who screamed in pain.


    ¡°Stargazer.¡± Aaron warned as everyone else was looking at Ben¡¯s suffering. ¡°We got company.¡±


    The landing bay was enormous, but there was only one spaceship looking craft a hundred meters away. A company size element of suited humanoids carrying weapons raced to their location from all directions. ¡°Ghost, take the boy and hide. We will see if they¡¯re friendly.¡± Steve ordered.


    Steve looked at the people approaching and the surroundings they had materialized into. They were in a space port as if from a real science fiction movie set. But there were no cameras or fake props. The humanoids were human-like as far as he could tell, but they had fur or were very hairy humans at a quick glance. They were also wearing sophisticated body armored spacesuits. The weapons were a mixture of energy based or projectile, but they were too alien for him to fully determine. There were twelve decks up and five decks down that his vision would allow him to penetrate with great detail before open space. He looked at the spacecraft and it seemed to be under repair; a shuttlecraft of some sort, seating about fifty passengers. The open view of space in the distance indicated that there was some sort of energy force field keeping an atmosphere inside the bay. He finally focused on the approaching people while he stood up.


    Ghost grabbed Ben¡¯s arm and they both turned invisible and floated through the floor. The dematerialized ghost form helped Ben cope with the now not so painful dangling forearm. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no one can hurt us or see us right now.¡± Ghost said.


    Master looked at Ghost. All common sense would say that he shouldn¡¯t be able to hear or see him, but he too was in another plane of existence and the laws of common sense were thrown out the window a long time ago.


    They flew down into a gap between the landing bay floor and another compartment or deck below them. Ghost continued to fly down until there was light and he could see where they were. They entered a large room full of cargo in the form of large crates the size of houses. ¡°We¡¯ll wait here for now. Hopefully the people in this place are friendly.¡± Ghost said as he held Master by the waist.


    ¡°What about my arm?¡± Master said holding his forearm up in front of his face.


    ¡°Hmm, well I can set it now, that way it won¡¯t hurt as much later.¡± Ghost grabbed the forearm with his free hand and moved it to its normal position. ¡°Hold it there for now.¡±


    Ben felt almost no pain at all, but that didn¡¯t help because he knew once he left the ghost world, the nerves would start blaring again.


    Up on top, Stargazer stood next to Spot, while Rat Bastard stood behind them facing the rear.

 Chapter 4, Destroyer of Ordis

    Destroyer of Ordis


    Janu Barrier Defense Grid Command Center, Andromeda Galaxy


    A lively group of reserve Soldiers and technicians watched the broadcast of the Ordis defense campaign. The war started days ago, but the first signs of enemy ships making an aggressive action entered the star system minutes ago commencing the Battle of Janu, an orbital outpost. The central news signal brought up a live transmission by the enemy forces of the Kalar.


    A very large stone like giant with a modified space helmet resembling a Roman gladiator, articulately spoke their language. ¡°Inhabitants of Ordis, you have failed to surrender and have been sentenced to death.¡±


    The transmission was replaced with a view of a glowing yellow figure of a man flying through space besides a star cruiser. The cruiser was half the size of a US aircraft carrier, but the brilliance of the figure overshadowed the spaceship as if a small star passed by it in seconds. The camera view changed several times as many sensors tracked the star like figure blaze into an Ordis Battlestar spaceship, coming out the other end as the ship exploded into a nuclear ball of light and heat. The audio was on, but the vacuum of space made it look like a silent color movie clip in high definition.


    The Ordis space fleet maneuvered thousands of ships to attack the figure. Small and large armored and energy protected ships warped within weapons range of already destroyed ships near the figure.


    Thousands of laser beams burst out of the figure in all directions expanding into arches defying the laws of energy as the beams moved faster than the speed of light. Many of the sensors sending the video transmissions in space blacked out as the beams passed through anything in their way.


    Aboard the bridge of the Kalar flagship, Commander Paldar, Chief Executer Bhala, a scientific task force, and crew members viewed the battle screen. A three dimensional computerized representation of Cyer¡¯s assault clearly showed his progress and destruction.


    The scientific task force comprised of eight experts in warfare and genetics. A narrator spoke as Cyer dashed across the battle screen, the onboard computer matching his movement. ¡°Sir, the battle damage assessment computer cannot keep up with the genowraith.¡± One of the scientists reported.


    Commander Paldar turned his head to Bhala. ¡°Did you expect this to happen?¡±


    Clusters of explosions and light followed Cyer¡¯s movement on the screen as the viewpoints constantly changed trying to keep up with him. Executer Bhala¡¯s stone like face smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be this fast. He¡¯s already obliterated the fleet and I don¡¯t think they had enough time to decide to try to escape.¡±


    ¡°Sir, the genowraith¡¯s energy and speed has increased after every attack. But there seems to be irregular readings as if the genowraith paused slightly prior to destroying and moving on to new targets.¡± One of the scientists at a bridge console reported.


    Executer Bhala walked up to the console, reading the results.


    ¡°Why has he stopped his assault?¡± Another scientist asked.


    Commander Paldar turned his chair in Bhala¡¯s direction expecting an explanation.


    Bhala signed as he raised his sight back on the screen.


    Cyer¡¯s golden yellow brilliance showered the planet Ordis. His presence was a mystery to anyone still alive on or around the planet. The space fleet was over a light year away from the planet, now there was a small star like object a thousand miles from the surface and inside the planetary defensive barrier. Cyer¡¯s speed was unmatched by any spaceship, friend or foe.


    Cyer floated above the northern axis of Ordis with folded arms, but his brilliance hid that fact.


    ¡°What¡¯s he doing?¡± One of the scientists asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s waiting.¡± Bhala signed again.


    ¡°Waiting, waiting for what¡­? Sir.¡± The scientist was almost belligerent, but caught himself.


    ¡°He¡¯s waiting for them to attack him.¡±


    ¡°What happens if they don¡¯t attack him?¡± Commander Paldar calmly asked.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.¡°He will keep his word and kill them all.¡± Bhala said and started to key in commands on the console.


    Cyer looked down at the inhabitants. Ordis was eighteen thousand miles in diameter. He could make out small insects on the deserts and microscopic life at the bottom of ocean beds. The planet was simplistic for his liking, and held nothing of importance to him.


    However, plasma beams shooting all around him caught his attention. One beam engulfed his body, but as fast as it hit him, it had dissipated. The plasma energy seemed to be drastically weakened because it hit his body, with no visible damage to him. Cyer looked at the origins of the beams. Thousands of anti-planetary ground turrets were trying to kill him.


    Cyer put a hand in front of him, palm exposed toward Ordis. A bright light came out along with an immense amount of heat. The beam hit the lower atmosphere causing a nuclear reaction, but continued into the crust of the planet. Clouds, ground and water moved out of the way. A ripple effect of massive tsunamis made of liquid and earth refaced the surface of the planet. What would have been a five hundred mile wide crater turned into a thousand, and then half of the planet imploded into ground zero of Cyer¡¯s constant energy attack.


    The onlookers aboard the Kalar spaceships witnessed the apocalyptic event in horror. Half of the space traveling warriors had seen planet destroyers at work, but none compared to what Cyer was doing in less than a few minutes.


    Ordis cracked in half with most of it already vaporized by Cyer¡¯s energy attack and nuclear explosions to match. The once richly populated planet was now a rich source of exposed minerals in a very large area of space orbiting a star. Minuet rare patches of intact ground holding super-microorganisms were the only survivors of the extinction of countless of life forms.


    Cyer heard the transmission Bhala was sending, but he didn¡¯t warp off towards the call. He flew several hundred thousands of miles away from the planet, landing on a far moon which was now chaotically spinning out of control through space.


    Cyer was almost seven feet tall, but the rock mountain peak he stood on made him look puny. His skin seemed pale, but most of it was clothed with a shinny yellow skin tight metallic looking suit. His yellowish hair was short and spiky as if hair gel was part of his genetic makeup. His human figure suggested he was a human, but that was far from the truth. There was a genetic influence of some human like form, but the energy which supplied his destructive powers were kept at bay in the inner core of his body. He looked at a moon base, housed with probably the last few survivors of the Ordis race.


    He looked through the ground and superstructure of the complex. Ordinians were scrambling to survive the disrupted change in orbit and intermittent quakes. ¡°If you¡¯re strong enough, you will live.¡± Cyer said to himself.


    The Ordinians weren¡¯t about to send out a distress call. That would only attract the attention of the Kalar forces, which meant instant death. They would have to wait it out and hope an opportunity presented itself to send out a message for help once the Kalar forces left the area.


    In an instant, Cyer warped towards the Kalar flagship. A bright light surrounded him as he entered the flagship bridge. The bridge crew were frightened by the ease in which Cyer entered the sealed room like a glittering spectral without a need to enter through a docking arm or airlock entry chamber.


    The scientists and Bhala were unsurprised, but their expressions quickly changed.


    ¡°I did what I promised I would do. But you failed to give me what I wanted.¡± Cyer floated inside the bridge with arms by his side, a few feet in front of the battle screen.


    ¡°You¡¯re referring to the challenge?¡± Bhala replied.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Cyer¡¯s voice was clam, strong, and reflected perfect pronunciation.


    ¡°There are stronger forces we have yet to fight.¡± Bhala countered.


    ¡°No, there are no other forces here worthy of me.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Commander Paldar interjected.


    ¡°When you find someone worthy of killing, let me know.¡± Cyer flew out of the bridge, continuing into outer space and vanished into hyperwarp.


    Commander Paldar looked at Bhala. ¡°I hope you can explain this to the Emperor?¡±


    ¡°The Emperor will listen to me... I will take care of this.¡± Bhala¡¯s iron pale stony face hid his fear as he left the bridge and prepared to communicate with his master.

 Chapter 5, Lix

    Istarie Front, Darkwater Plateau, Heedro System


    Lix slid down the snowy slope. The arctic gear was a little cumbersome to her liking, but adequate for her purposes. A squad of Soldiers followed her into the frigid dark green liquid coming down from the mountain¡¯s inners. The lake wasn¡¯t frozen, and the de-crystallizing properties of the algae kept it that way.


    The Soldiers sunk into the greenish water down to their necks. They moved slowly skirting the edge of the lake to the north, with Lix as the guide. She kept an eye on the sky overhead. An inverted tornado loomed a mile above the lake, its swirling red and white vapors threatened destruction on where ever it decided to land on, should it land at all.


    The layers of synthetic memory plastic in the clothing regulated temperature and buoyancy. The red long slit on Lix¡¯s goggle was the only contrasting color around her head with the environment. Fourteen dimly lit red slits moved along the surface of the water for almost a quarter of a mile.


    Lix came out of the water holding a short staff like object in front of her. The dark clothing changed color to dark white as she moved onto the snow. The dimly lit red slit opened up to reveal her eyes. She ran into the wooded terrain of Darkwater, halting to scan the area for enemy targets and security devices.


    The squad behind her formed a cigar shaped perimeter. The Assistant Patrol Leader moved up next to Lix. ¡°Sir, all present.¡± He whispered.


    ¡°It¡¯s too quiet.¡± Lix looked down at a handheld digital compass. A GPS 3D reading displayed, showing the objective rally point as a small blue triangle, and the primary objective in the distance.


    ¡°Could they have evacuated the base?¡±


    Lix looked at the Soldier with concern. ¡°Let¡¯s move¡±


    The APL stayed where he knelt and let Lix continue towards the objective, counting the squad members as all of them passed by him.


    The squad stopped short of the objective inside a dense patch of bushes and trees. The petrified trees were icy white with dark brown slivered pointy leaves, but the darkness of the night made everything seem black with very minuet differences in shades of gray. The reddish light from the tornado was far from them now, but it did provide some illumination for the goggles to work at peak performance.


    Lix and the communications specialist, the RTO, laid prone in the middle of the circular defensive perimeter. ¡°Sir, the base seems to be powered down.¡± He whispered.


    The APL crawled next to Lix and the RTO. ¡°Sir, Jath¡¯s armor needs to recharge and heal. The lake water must have frozen some of the connectors in his leg.¡±


    ¡°We will use the time to scan for ground vibrations. Tell Poth to setup the ground radar.¡± Lix replied.


    The APL reported back five minutes later. ¡°Sir, Jath¡¯s armor is functional and Poth reports no unnatural activity.¡±


    ¡°Prepare to move.¡± Lix commanded and rose to a knee, the goggle visor changed color to black.


    A minute later, Lix moved up front as point man again and disappeared as she passed the APL. The armor clothing became transparent as all the Soldiers disappeared after passing by the APL and moved into position before assaulting the objective.


    The underground base entrance was closed, but the surrounding fence line was vacant of sentries, vehicles, or robots. The exploded electrical mines had left several thousand small three foot craters on the ground outside and in between the triple layer fence line which should have been cloaked but was now visible to the naked eye.


    ¡°It looks abandoned.¡± The APL said coming up next to Lix.


    ¡°Okay, move by twos, Bravo team stay outside for cover in case we need to evac in a hurry.¡± Lix motioned the Alpha team leader to move up.


    The goggles allowed the squad to vaguely see each other in short distances, which was enough for Lix to see Alpha team breach the fences and enter the base grounds. She moved in with the last pair as the entire team secured the front entrance and panel. The small hill the entrance occupied created a low silhouette, which almost made it seem like the team was about to go into an outside basement entrance; except the front doors were wide enough to let a concert grand piano in without effort.


    The doors opened slowly as the manual override had to be used since power was out. The team moved inside the long corridor two stories down to an elevator and branching hallways.


    ¡°Sir, friendly forces have taken the plateau.¡± The RTO reported.


    ¡°Understood, maintain silence until we clear the area.¡± Lix said and motioned the team to split up in two.


    The Soldiers moved swiftly with very small assault rifles in front of their faces down the two hallways. The base was very large, but the lack of personnel in it made it easy for the team to clear. Their invisibility armor gave them the element of speed and surprise so chances of someone waiting in ambush was highly unlikely.


    ¡°Sir, first floor cleared.¡± Alpha team leader reported.


    ¡°Assemble at the east wing stairwell. We¡¯ll go as a group to the genetics lab computer center.¡±


    ¡°Moving.¡±


    The team worked their way down four floors and entered a maze of computer terminals and core drives.


    The team looked on as half of the eight foot tall silver core drive cylinders were smothering or severely melted.


    ¡°It seems they tried to destroy the evidence.¡± The A-Team leader said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope they failed.¡± Lix ran towards an intact terminal on the far end.


    ¡°Nath, call up to Hoth and relay message. Need retrieval assistance immediately. Send in units to permanently deactivate self destruct systems.¡± Lix almost tripped as she ran over harden melted plastic, metal, and debris on the floor.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The electricity was off, but the translucent lamps were shedding chemically induced light into the room as an emergency measure.


    ¡°We need to get power back on.¡± Lix commanded to the team.


    ¡°Sir, the fire extinguisher system works on a separate power source and infrastructure. We might be able to divert power.¡± The RTO suggested.


    ¡°Something happened to stop the core drives from being destroyed and extinguishing systems from completely working, so before you put anything back online make sure those two are disabled.¡± Lix said as she prepped the terminal that seemed to be in good physical condition.


    The team split up around the room, half securing the room, while the other three Soldiers searched for a power conduit. The Soldiers left the room in search of the geothermal generator room. The minutes seemed to take an eternity to pass as Lix waited for good news.


    Finally, radio silence was broken. ¡°Sir, systems are disabled and power is coming online in ten seconds.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Lix turned on the terminal once half of the room came to life.


    Nath and the A-Team leader looked on from behind Lix¡¯s shoulders. The screen showed the lab¡¯s logo and login information. Lix typed in the information without hesitation, the computer granting complete access to the level ten genetics projects.


    Nath and the A-Team leader looked at each other in disbelief, then down at their Captain.


    Lix quickly typed in a search. Videos and reports popped up, a small woman with the same skin and hair characteristics of Cyer appeared in a fusion chamber. A brilliant light came out of her, blinding the screen, but voices spoke in the background and the light was filtered to show the woman¡¯s figure pulse with energy.


    The three kept silent, but Nath jerked backwards as the woman exploded, body chunks and dark liquid spattering on the camera lens ending the experiment.


    ¡°Why would they blow up people?¡± The A-Team leader asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but Nath, I need you to take a video of the screen. If I try to download the information, the database will be formatted.


    The RTO touched his headset and started the video, keeping his stare, steady on the screen.


    Lix looked back and forth between the screen and scientific keyboard. The latest documents and project results came up on separate windows and folders.


    ¡°What¡¯s a genowraith?¡± The A-Team leader had wanted to ask since the term popped up from the beginning.


    ¡°It¡¯s a genetically created super being, and there he is.¡± Lix replied and put a video on full screen.


    ¡°The destroyer of Ordis.¡± Nath said out loud in awe.


    Cyer floated in space with a very large asteroid in front of him. Light energy came out of his hands and the fifty mile wide asteroid instantly shattered into pieces. The video clips and angles changed as well as target types and sizes. The final demonstration was the destruction of a dwarf star. The three looked on in awe, but the last video was more disturbing.


    Cyer dressed in a silver yellowish skin tight suit, stood inside a space bay from what seemed to be a starship. ¡°Command central has transmitted your next mission, please follow me?¡± A background male voice said.


    Cyer stood like a statue overlooking the closed bay doors.


    ¡°Genowraith, you will comply.¡± A different male voice stated.


    ¡°Are you sure I will?¡± Cyer calmly countered.


    ¡°Your programming includes obedience to your emperor. You will obey.¡±


    Cyer turned his head towards the off screen speaker. His eyes glowed yellow but his dark pupils could be made out. ¡°You creatures believe in power, but have no understanding of creation. No one commands me.¡±


    Cyer walked towards a turbo-lift entrance with the video following his back. ¡°And, you should be mindful to watch your tongue.¡± Cyer said and instantly held out his arm and hand behind him. A flash of light blocked out the screen for a second, and the camera view shot up to the ceiling and then back down to a dead man on the floor. The middle of his body was gone with green powdered sediments everywhere. Two figures came into view in disgust as thick blood splatter was additional evidence of the murdered Kalarian scientist by the hand of a genowraith.


    ¡°That¡¯s all that I can salvage.¡± Lix said in disappointment.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that enough?¡± Nath asked.


    ¡°No, I needed all the genetic information to find a weakness. The core cylinders that contained most of that information are gone. Now, we have no idea how to kill this monster.¡± Lix replied.


    ¡°So, what now?¡± The A-Team leader asked.


    ¡°You all go back off the grid. I need to hurry and rejoin the campaign before they start to question my whereabouts.¡± Lix stood up and started to quickly walk out of the large room.


    ¡°Sir, do you think a fleet of our best ships can stop that genowraith?¡± Nath asked.


    Lix didn¡¯t look back at the RTO. ¡°I think the only hope we have is with the queen, or some other miracle.¡±


    The reply brought sorrow to Nath¡¯s heart. The queen was rumored to be Emperor Korvax¡¯s slave, or half dead. Cassandra¡¯s able forces had been scattered throughout the galaxy and they were losing the war, star system by star system.

 Chapter 6, Legend Has It

    The reserve security forces sprinted towards Stargazer¡¯s group. A few dozen men and women spread out as they approached, surrounding the three men. ¡°Get on the ground!¡± Several of the Soldiers commanded in their Arloian language.


    Stargazer looked over his shoulder but did so only to assess the situation behind him. ¡°The natives don¡¯t understand us.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should have said, take me to your leader!¡± Rat Bastard barked; Spot chuckling.


    ¡°Huh, maybe I¡¯m being too submissive.¡± Stargazer lowered his hands by his side and walked up to the nearest Soldier.


    A projectile along with a short beam of light burst out of the Soldier¡¯s rifle. Stargazer saw the trigger squeeze and guessed the trajectory. Without hesitation, Stargazer continued to walk as the round hit his left leg. The metallic energized round hit hard, pushing his upper leg back a few inches. ¡°You guys aren¡¯t playing around.¡±


    Another round was shot once the intended effect had failed to put the intruder down. But this time, Stargazer was in no one¡¯s sights, as he flew and ran beside what he thought was a leader in the back of the formation. The round instead of hitting Stargazer continued onward and hit Rat Bastard in his lower back.


    ¡°What the hell! That could have killed someone!¡± Rat Bastard yelled in anger and turned into the Rat.


    Half of the guards jumped back in shock, the other half were confused as Stargazer had simultaneously subdued a male guard in their rear with a chokehold.


    Stargazer grabbed the rifle and wrenched it with great force from the man, dropping it to the floor. ¡°Don¡¯t do it Rat! They might still be friendly!¡±


    Rat Bastard twirled around to face Stargazer and where the shot came from.


    ¡°Weapons hold!¡± A Soldier ordered, but this time it was in English. ¡°Stand down!¡±


    Stargazer looked at the Soldier giving the commands. He was in the middle of the group and had Stargazer known the meaning of the small insignias on their uniforms, he would have gotten a leader instead of a private.


    ¡°We¡¯re not going to harm you. Arbitrator sent us here to save your galaxy.¡± Stargazer announced, letting go of the Soldier.


    Rat Bastard stayed in rat form, and was ready to attack at Stargazer¡¯s command. Spot turned to him and eased next to him. ¡°It looks like they know who¡¯s the boss, you can relax big guy.¡±


    The slight pain on his back told him otherwise, but it quickly left him once he realized this was his chance to get to know more than one alien who spoke English.


    ¡°Alright Spot, but next time you take the rear.¡± He turned back into human form, as all the Soldiers lowered their weapons and half of them started to go back to their duties.


    Stargazer walked towards the leader and waved for Spot and Rat Bastard to come to his location. The shredded fatigues now had an extra burn spot from the bullet, but it was the last thing on his mind. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you guys speak our language before I got shot?¡±


    The guard stood the same height as Stargazer, but the armored helmet and boots had much to do with it. ¡°My apologies Sir, but the universal translator didn¡¯t initially recognize the ancient language.¡±


    ¡°Do you normally trust what strangers say?¡± Stargazer looked at the man through his helmet. The man had a rugged prehistoric frame with thick brown hair fibers covering most of his face and body.


    The lieutenant raised his helmet visor, revealing what Stargazer already saw. He resembled a cross with chimpanzee eyes and forehead; and a human male nose, mouth, cheeks and chin.


    Spot came up to the two men. ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°You are¡­ we are on the Vorgoling system space station. I am waiting for my commander and the historian for us to be able to answer all your questions. But in the meantime, I have questions of my own.¡± The lieutenant¡¯s mouth moved but it didn¡¯t reflect what the speakers on his helmet said. A tiny echo of the real language could be heard in the background as the translator did its job, but the echoed noise was there mainly because the men were standing close to each other.


    ¡°Excuse me Sir. But my name is Lord Rat Bastard. May I ask who you are?¡± Rat stuck out both hands and grabbed the lieutenant¡¯s unoccupied off hand, shaking it rapidly but with care.


    ¡°Lord Rat Bastard, it¡¯s my pleasure to meet you.¡± The lieutenant¡¯s stiff posture showed a little bit of confusion. ¡°I¡¯m Lt. Ostarnie, Assistant Security Officer for this station. I¡¯m assuming you are not from this sector of the galaxy?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re from the Milky Way Galaxy.¡± Stargazer replied.


    ¡°We¡¯re real aliens.¡± Rat Bastard smiled.


    Lt. Ostarnie had a blank emotionless ape-like face. ¡°Are there fake aliens in your galaxy?¡±


    ¡°It all depends on which government is in charge at the time.¡± Spot grinned as he gazed at the details of the bay and what seemed like a small group of Soldiers coming their way.


    The metallic alloy on the floor and ceiling was primarily bright gray with very thin ten meter long black straight lines as texture. The walls were off white, with large embedded lights all throughout the ceiling. The ceiling was at least seventy-five meters high, and sectioned off with the bay itself covering a rectangular area roughly four hundred meters long. Spot was very impressed, knowing they were probably in a small section of the space station.


    ¡°It all depends on perspective, but back to the why we¡¯re here. I would like to know why you¡¯re so accommodating since I subdued one of your men and ignored your warnings and commands.¡± Stargazer placed his hands behind his lower back as a sign of calmness and confidence.


    ¡°The station computer indicated you were a priority VIP. I don¡¯t know why, which is also why my commander and the historian were alerted.¡± Lt. Ostarnie turned to face the small approaching group of people in similar spacesuits.


    The group was standing on a large circular platform with thin railings at waist level, moving rapidly in front of them. The railings collapsed into the four inch thick platform once it stopped in front of the four men, and landed gently on the metallic floor.


    The helmet visors were open on all the aliens, exposing the white hair of the commander and red haired historian. The historian was smaller and a female, but the chimp-like appearance was minor compared to the males, which light makeup helped to cover. The chest plate design also made it easy to identify the genders, but Stargazer ignored the importance even though female Soldiers in combat were not a routine practice in his native United States of America.


    ¡°Welcome aboard this station, I¡¯m Commander Exleter and this is Major Krodis.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Commander, Major. I¡¯m Lord Stargazer.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for interrupting my Lord, but according to the computer recordings, I must say that it¡¯s critical that all of you come with us to a secure debriefing room.¡± Major Krodis excitedly responded by quickly standing into Stargazer¡¯s personal space.


    The commander grabbed Krodis¡¯ arm and pulled her away. ¡°Excuse her zeal Lord Stargazer, but we¡¯re in the middle of a war and the only reason I¡¯m not ordering my men to imprison you is because the computer and Major Krodis believes you and your men are the Burik¡¯dir?¡±


    ¡°The what?¡± Spot replied.


    Krodis put her hands in front of her as if praying or giving a lecture to a small group of students. ¡°Legend has it that the Burik¡¯dir are five saviors from the planet called Earth. The origins of King Alexmarks; Queen Cassandra¡¯s father. Many people have been waiting for your arrival in the mist of our greatest despair.¡±


    ¡°But I only count three saviors.¡± Commander Exleter¡¯s tone was cynical as he looked at the would-be saviors, and then at Krodis.


    Krodis looked around in anticipation for someone to answer the question, or get a glimpse of two more strangers.


    ¡°There are five of us; Lord Ghost and Master are hiding because Lord Master was injured during the trip here.¡± Stargazer relieved her anxiety. ¡°But since we¡¯re skeptical or intrigued to some degree or another, we¡¯ll be willing to go to your debriefing room, but would ask for medical assistance for Lord Master first.¡±


    The Commander turned his head towards one of the Soldiers in the background. Two Soldiers quickly reported next to him. ¡°These two specialists will attend to the injured Master.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much commander.¡± Stargazer said and turned in the direction of where Ghost and Master had disappeared.


    Ghost and Master reappeared in the middle of the assembly. Master let out a grunt and slight whimper as he held his forearm.


    Stargazer looked at the two Soldiers who were surprised by the unnatural appearance. ¡°Lord Master needs your help.¡±


    One of the Soldiers gave a fleeting look at Stargazer before following the other Solider in a quick jog.


    ¡°One of the saviors is a boy?¡± Exleter asked, astonished.


    ¡°He¡¯s a little man genius, and is willing to fight for you, so please don¡¯t get on his bad side.¡± Stargazer warned.


    Master was sat down on the floor by the medics. He eyed the silver ace bandage with mixed painful emotions. ¡°This isn¡¯t a sprain. You guys know this, right?¡±


    ¡°Lord Master, this is necessary to immobilize the arm.¡±


    ¡°What I need is a cast for a few hours so the bones will mend.¡± Master said as the Soldiers finished wrapping the arm. A small coin size digital electrode was placed on top of the bandage. One of the medics touched the quartz screen on the electrode and the bandage harden like steel.


    ¡°What the¡­ cool.¡± Master¡¯s eyes widen with joyful interest. One of the medics held a small lens like object in her hand and scanned his arm. The other medic touched the digital coin and the bandage softened so they could adjust the arm into the perfect position.


    ¡°Ahh, when will the pain subside?¡± Master asked, wanting to know if he was going to get a highly advanced alien aspirin.


    ¡°It should be going away about now.¡± The medic replied while touching digital numbers and settings on the electrode.


    ¡°Awesome.¡± Master scrutinized the silver fabric and electrode with great intensity, ignoring the aliens or other neat gadgets around him. The medics helped him up and gave him instructions on caring for the cast.


    Ghost had left Master, walking towards Stargazer, while Spot and Rat Bastard talked to Soldiers near them. Major Krodis talking to someone in her helmet making arrangements for the escort and integration of the Burik¡¯dir into a new era of change.


    Stargazer casually walked up to meet Ghost halfway. ¡°I was hoping you could read my thoughts to let you know everything was fine.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but it¡¯s very easy for me to read your thoughts, even from far away. Normally I can read people¡¯s minds for several hours and after that it is very sporadic. Sometimes, I can¡¯t read any minds at all, but I could always read my mom¡¯s thoughts no matter what was going on or how far. I could also mentally communicate with her sometimes. I think it¡¯s because she gave birth to me.¡± Ghost looked at Stargazer. ¡°She died a long time ago, but now you seem to be the only one I can read all of the time.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying I¡¯m like your mom?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Steve. You¡¯re not my new mother.¡± Ghost eased his sarcastic thoughts.


    ¡°Good to know.  Besides I¡¯m sure I¡¯m not pretty enough to be your mom.¡± Stargazer smiled.


    ¡°You can be my mommy if you want.¡± Rat Bastard stepped in between them with a wide grin.


    Stargazer looked up at the man. ¡°I¡¯ll put you in time out if you ease drop like that again.¡±


    ¡°You know that rats can hear better than dogs and cats. Maybe you and mom should be talking softer.¡± Rat Bastard addressed Ghost first, then turned back around, smiled, and moved away from them.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The two men looked at the big guy walk down the bay. Spot blissfully slapped Rat Bastard on the back for a job well done having also overheard the conversation.


    ¡®I like this group.¡¯ Stargazer thought.


    ¡°Yes, we sure have a good team. Do you think that¡¯s why we were put together?¡± Ghost whispered.


    ¡®We don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, and I don¡¯t trust people on face value, let alone aliens from another galaxy, if we really are in another galaxy. We need more information and not from one or a few people. I need you and Master to find out what you can from computer systems or documents. Hell, even ease dropping on conversations will work. If things are advanced like in Star Trek episodes, their computers should have the answers to confirm what is going on and who we can trust. But don¡¯t let anyone know what you two are doing. The rest of us will get information the old fashion way and talk our way into whatever crazy thing is next.¡¯ Stargazer glanced at Ghost.


    ¡°I¡¯m on it.¡± Ghost nodded and flew to where Master was being treated, whispering into Master¡¯s ear.


    The Soldiers looking in the same direction paused their duties in wonder, having never seen someone fly without the use of a flight device or gadget. Stargazer noticed the reaction through their visors and body language, and erectly flew next to Major Krodis.


    ¡°I think we need to go to the debriefing room right now.¡± Stargazer said while Spot grabbed Rat Bastard away from his new audience.


    Krodis¡¯ blinking eyes and awe were honest. ¡°Yes, we really do.¡±


    Commander Exleter motioned them to stand on the platform, and kept unexpectedly quiet.


    Ten figures jetted across the bay on the platform. ¡°I assume your people have never seen a person defy gravity like we have?¡± Stargazer continued the conversation.


    ¡°No, Lord Stargazer we have, but only recently. I will explain in detail in the debriefing room. I have heard of such innate powers but only in the legends of books.¡±


    ¡°Queen Leavan can¡¯t fly?¡± Master asked.


    ¡°You mean Queen Cassandra.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t her full name Cassandra Leavan?¡±


    Krodis smiled. ¡°I think you don¡¯t understand the naming dynamics. Leavan is the station which the Queen holds as ruler of many races within the entire galaxy. Since many races have two titles assigned to their origins and authoritarian status, the Queen¡¯s authority is Queen. Leavan is the origin of her power and species which is accepted by all the races.¡±


    ¡°So to sum it up, Queen Cassandra of the house or station of Leavan would be correct.¡± Master replied.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s perfectly stated.¡± Krodis¡¯ impressed tone said it all for her growing admiration of the humans.


    ¡°So Queen Cassandra can or can¡¯t fly?¡± Stargazer refocused the conversation.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know. I assume she can if she wanted to, but I have never met her in person or know of any instance when she flew like you did. But she doesn¡¯t need to fly since she can appear where ever she wishes.¡±


    The platform stopped in front of the lift doors. ¡°Where¡¯s the Queen at this time?¡± Spot asked.


    Ghost kept quiet seeing many things inside the five aliens¡¯ minds, but it was visions more than anything else. The foreign language was a mystery to him and it seemed like he was viewing clips in a mixture of Greek, Asian, Russian, and babble he couldn¡¯t compare with any coherence. The information he and Master would be expected to gather would be much harder than he thought, but hopefully the computer would translate in his spying activities, whenever that would begin.


    ¡°That¡¯s another thing we need to talk about in the room.¡± Major Krodis said as all of them entered the large multidirectional elevator.


    ¡°Well since we seem to be compartmented at the moment. Could you tell us why we only see one type race in this space station if it¡¯s supposed to be for many races?¡± Master asked.


    ¡°Not all races interact efficiently with one another, so our people are tasked to sustain this station, to include security. There are other races here which you will see once we enter the upper levels and sections, but this is a unique station and in the process of evacuating.¡± The commander answered.


    ¡°Are we in danger of being attacked?¡± Stargazer asked.


    ¡°Not at the moment, but Kalar forces are moving in our direction.¡± The elevator stopped at the intended destination and the conversation changed to a quick introduction and tour of the level.


    The group walked down several hallways and into a large conference room. The level seemed to be deserted of people except for a few technicians working on the ventilation and electrical systems in the passages.


    Stargazer scanned the area as a habitual precaution against foul play, but only saw advanced construction material of a space station and people moving about with a purpose. His guard tempered as he sat in what seemed to be center stage for a briefing. The room seated several hundred people, resembling a large university tier seating classroom with no students. The three man security team that followed the group standing at the entrance.


    Once the entire group was seated, Major Krodis started the briefing. ¡°Station computer, please record entire session, and present ancient historical file Burik¡¯dir.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative.¡± A male voice replied through the surround sound speakers. The lights dimmed and a display of written text in Greek came up on a theater sized screen. The video backed off the book and a young woman dressed in an elegant blue silk dress sat on a glass chair. Her medium golden blonde hair frizzled with static electricity as she turned towards the camera.


    ¡°Welcome. I¡¯m Queen Cassandra and these writings I hold in my hand is what many would call a holy book back where my father was born. There will be many people who do not or cannot believe that our destiny has been chosen for us. Destiny and time is complex, but what you, the viewer of this video need to understand is that destiny is set in stone because my father made it that way. How we get there is what, might change, and also what I call life and death; free will, if you prefer. I¡¯m not going to lecture you on what might or will happen, but I will tell you that this text must be protected from alteration or misinterpretation. The Burik¡¯dir will save the galaxy, and this book is for them and whomever it concerns.¡±


    Cassandra¡¯s eyes were crystal blue with a hazel brown inner ring, and had the perfect skin of a young adult. Her smile was mesmerizing as the video faded into darkness.


    ¡°As you can see, this book was created for you.¡± Krodis placed a very thin eight inch tablet in front of Stargazer.


    The tablet displayed the book contents as Stargazer tried to make sense of how to work the technology.


    ¡°There are tablets underneath the table for you to use.¡±


    ¡°Is there a translator on this thing?¡± Stargazer asked.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know the language?¡± Krodis¡¯ eyes narrowed.


    ¡°It¡¯s written in Greek. I can understand it, but my friends here probably need it translated into English.¡± Master replied.


    ¡°Computer, please translate the language text into En-glish.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative.¡± The screen highlighted into a dark color and text changed into English.


    The group read through the book, which at first was like reading a science fiction story about the Argonian Empire and Galactic Guardians. The story got personal as descriptions of each of them ended the last chapter.


    ¡°How old is this book?¡± Rat Bastard asked.


    ¡°King Alexmarks wrote it almost seven hundred Earth years ago.¡± Krodis automatically converted to the correct chronological terminology.


    ¡°How old is Queen Cassandra?¡± Ghost asked while viewing her video on mute.


    Stargazer turned his gaze at Ghost, then at the tablet and smiled.


    ¡°The Queen is six hundred forty-one years of age.¡± Commander Exleter answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s some fountain of youth.¡± Stargazer continued to smile.


    Ghost half smirked. ¡°So where¡¯s Cassandra now?¡±


    Krodis looked at the commander. ¡°Queen, Cassandra is believed to be imprisoned by Korvax Bac¡¯dir. He is leading the Kalar in this war and winning at the moment.¡± Commander Exleter replied and stood up to take Krodis¡¯ post in front of the group.


    ¡°Computer, display campaign highlights until present time.¡±


    Commander Exleter explained how the Kalar forces from a neighboring galaxy, known to the Earthlings as Pegasus Dwarf or Andromeda 6, attacked the capital world of Arlos. ¡°The surprise attack divided the Andromen Empire¡¯s forces, which is being exploited as we speak. Friendly forces had momentarily stopped the invasion, but the neighboring forces were not able to retake the Arlos system. In addition, we the Vorgs, joined the Queen¡¯s able forces twenty Earth days ago. But yesterday, a Kalar doomsday weapon caused the generals to divert all forces to the Pasik sector of space. This is the doomsday weapon.¡± The commander pointed at the screen as the broadcast of Cyer¡¯s destruction of Ordis was played for the group.


    ¡°So the generals diverted all forces to find and kill this thing, instead of rescuing the queen?¡± Ghost asked after the broadcast ended.


    ¡°And this is why this station is so barren?¡± Stargazer added.


    ¡°Not everyone was in agreement, but they thought it would be useless to commit on two major objectives.¡± Exleter replied as he sat down in front of the group. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in the legends, but if you really can do something¡­ I¡¯m willing to hear how you can help.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any answers right now commander, but I think we need to do more research before we go off to save the day.¡± Stargazer replied.


    Exleter looked at the group in thought. ¡°The Kalar forces are two Earth days from the station. Unless, the Andromen armada has stopped their advance.¡±


    ¡°Are the starships traveling faster than the speed of light?¡± Master asked.


    ¡°Yes, the fastest ships travel eight times the speed of light.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible for us to spend some time here to analyze a way to help you?¡± Stargazer asked.


    ¡°Major Krodis will stay by your side. The guards posted outside are there for security and your assistance, so if you need anything they can escort you to the right locations, like the mess area, or a room for sleeping. At the moment I need to get back to the command center to finalize the evacuation. So please excuse me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, commander.¡±


    Major Krodis sat in Exleter¡¯s unoccupied seat while the commander left the auditorium.


    ¡°Major Krodis, I would like to know more about Queen Cassandra and the capital.¡± Stargazer placed the tablet on his lap.


    Major Krodis started to explain as Ghost disappeared and then Master. She stopped talking with a concerned stare at empty chairs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re going to look around. No one will be bothered or hurt. Please continue.¡± Stargazer said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t trust us?¡±


    ¡°You are as alien to us, as we are to you.¡±


    ¡°There have been false saviors in the past, but I can feel in my heart that you are real. I will show you that you can trust me, as I have faith in you.¡± Krodis said and continued to tell the three men about the queen and Arlos system.

 Chapter 7, Legend Has It - part 2

    Ghost and Master flew through the station, Master telling Ghost where to go, pausing in areas of interest to them both. They finally stopped at a computer console in the empty auxiliary command center.


    Master sat in front of the console, while Ghost made them tangible, being able to interact with the physical world.


    ¡°Computer, enable keyboard functions in English.¡± Master said.


    ¡°Identification required, please provide access name.¡±


    The computer console screen displayed above the keyboard. ¡®Audio authentication¡¯ was colored in green. ¡®Access Name¡¯ was colored in yellow.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    ¡®Access denied.¡¯


    ¡°Lord Master.¡±


    ¡®Access denied.¡¯


    ¡°Rumpelstiltskin.¡± Master puffed.


    ¡®Access denied.¡¯


    ¡°This will take forever. Especially, since I can¡¯t read these peoples¡¯ minds to get a password.¡± Ghost stated.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it would help since the audio doesn¡¯t match. But the computer accepted our audio, so¡­¡± Master exhaled slowly.


    ¡°So what?¡± Ghost countered.


    ¡°Computer, access name is Benjamin Dempsey.¡±


    ¡®Access granted.¡¯


    ¡°What kind of lame security system is that?¡± Ghost asked.


    ¡°No one knows my name except you guys, and our real names aren¡¯t mentioned in the ancient legends book, but if Cassandra¡¯s father wrote it, he must have known our names. It¡¯s the perfect security system if you think about it. Someone could probably duplicate our voices, but not knowing our real names would have made it fool proof.¡± Master said while the keyboards and all displays converted into English and allowed access to all locked files.


    ¡°Wow.¡± Ghost looked over Master¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s the schematics to the station, names of all the crew. It¡¯s military and star systems information for everything, friendly and enemy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about.¡± Master said with a wide grin, typing in commands and touching the screen with lightning fast robot reflexes.


    ¡°How did you know to touch the screen?¡± Ghost asked while coming to the realization himself on how the advanced interfaced worked.


    ¡°I¡¯m a¡­¡±


    ¡°Genius, yes we all know.¡± Ghost¡¯s peeved facial expression was unseen as both were invisible to the naked eye and Master¡¯s back was to him.


    Master scrolled and viewed through thousands of schematics, military historical data, and planetary and star systems information. Ghost was interested in the information, but soon bored not being able to keep up with the youngster.


    ¡°Why would all this information be in a computer database, in a space station on the edge of the galaxy?¡± Ghost asked.


    Master stopped his computer surfing. ¡°Huh, I¡¯ll have to get back with you on that one, but if it helps, there seems to be a data feed through other computers from outer space at different times. Not sure if the information is transferred from other ships as they visit the station or distant radio signals from planets.¡±


    The console screen turned blue for a second and the station security system lights came on. ¡°Intruder alert, intruder alert, intruder alert.¡± The computer announced through the station intercoms.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± Ghost scolded.


    ¡°It¡¯s not me; the bay energy fields were illegally disrupted. And that¡¯s what did it.¡± Master pointed at the three main screens on the far wall. Framed windows of camera views were open revealing the presence of dozens twenty meter long and three meter wide dark green snake-like creatures. Blue electrical streaks crackled inside their wide opened oval mouths as they slithered across the bay floor attacking people and small machinery.


    Master rapidly touched the console, opening up a schematic of the station with every level. ¡°Computer, override station systems control to this console.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Ghost was about to lift Master out of the seat.


    ¡°All personal, enemy creatures have entered the bays. Secure for quarters, until the Burik¡¯dir can repel the intrusion.¡± Master said over the loud speakers in English, and was automatically repeated in Arloian.


    A window of a camera shot of the conference room opened on the right side of the main screen. ¡°Stargazer, I¡¯m patching in what I see to the conference room. I need you guys to go kill those things while I try to contain them in sections of the station.¡± Master quickly announced into the conference room.


    The group looked behind Major Krodis at the multiple screens as a backdrop. Stargazer jumped out of seat and stood in front of Krodis.


    Krodis turned back around from the screens in complete surprise to see Stargazer inches from her face in a fraction of a second.


    ¡°Is there a way to communicate without the use of a helmet?¡± Stargazer firmly grabbed her arm.


    ¡°It¡¯s an implant in the ears and throat which would allow such a capability, but it will take too long to put one in you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s a race to the bays. You¡¯re coming with me.¡± Stargazer hugged Krodis and flew out of the room as Spot and Rat Bastard cleared the way by opening doors. ¡°Master, open the lift doors and shut down all the elevators!¡±


    ¡°Go to the command center and protect it?¡± Spot commanded the guards as they flew by them.


    The auxiliary command center screens were full of hundreds of video camera views and maps of all personnel in the station.  Master started to give commands to personnel as to where to go, opening and closing automatic doors and systems. ¡°Sector four loading dock, retreat right now into blue rooms 12A thru 13B.¡±


    The security Soldiers stood their ground firing at seven creatures in the bay, while technicians ran for their lives. The fully automatic weapon response was ineffective as only one creature laid motionless from hundreds of plasma impacts. ¡°Fall back now, so I can take care of the worms!¡± Master screamed.


    ¡°Take it easy.¡± Ghost said.


    ¡°Do as Master said, now!¡± Commander Exleter instructed in their ear pieces.


    The Soldiers ran back with one creature almost gobbling a strangler before Master closed the thick doors behind him.


    ¡°Thank you. Finally!¡± Master said as he overrode safeties to the outer force field generators and turned them off. Fourteen creatures and numerous loose crates and machinery in sector four bay blew out into space with extreme velocity.


    Master touched another icon and one of the hallways into the bay also caught a creature slamming the corners, leaving black tar like blood and skin in its wake.


    Spot entered the all too familiar sector 3 bay except this time it was littered with dead body parts, machinery half eaten by forty or so creatures, scattered all around the concentrations of people or doorways.


    Rat Bastard instantly turned into the Rat and screeched in the direction of two worms within ten meters from their entry location. The piercing sound vibrations took Stargazer and Spot by surprise, but more so Major Krodis who fell to the floor with both hands on her helmet where her ears would normally be positioned.


    Spot and Stargazer paused for a moment to gain control of their bearings, seeing the two long creatures hit an invisible wave of destruction. Their exterior shells of a body torn off; revealing the skeleton of blue static charges and black organ segments. The sonic vibrations threw the creatures backward fifty meters before they stopped being shredded into black splatter. The wave continued to the opposite side of the bay annoying several creatures within the arc of the attack.


    All of the creatures in the bay stopped moving and all turned their mouths toward Rat Bastard.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, come and get it!¡± Rat Bastard yelled getting ready to huff and puff once again.


    Spot helped Krodis up while Stargaze got in front of Rat Bastard.


    ¡°Go to that door, we can funnel them there.¡± Stargazer pointed at Green entrance 3, leading into one of several mess areas.


    Master contained seven creatures within the hallways and rooms near the bays, but two had made it to the turbo lifts. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of them, you continue kicking ass.¡± Ghost said and flew off toward the two intruders.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Master replied out of impulse being busy trying to figure out where the worms were coming from.


    Stargazer led the way followed by Spot carrying Krodis, and Rat Bastard on his heels.


    A worm lay between them and the ten meter wide sliding metallic doors. A laser beam passed Stargazer by inches, hitting the worm¡¯s outer mouth. The worm turned into the laser taking in the laser beam as if attracted to the energy.


    Stargazer glazed back at Spot then flew as fast as he could into the worm. The worm¡¯s flesh was more like very hard plastic scales to him, instead of hide or bone. He didn¡¯t stop to take notice as the blue energy stung his entire body as he made a large hole through the worm. The impact slowed him down, landing on his feet past the creature. His body tingled, with an almost numbing effect, lasting but seconds.


    Spot and Rat Bastard stood defending the entrance of the doorway with Krodis running inside the corridor.


    Tar-like ooze covered Stargazer¡¯s skin, which also started to burn away the remains of his torn trousers. He flew next and in between his two friends. The worms moved like sidewinders looking for vengeance. ¡°Wait until they get closer before you take them out with that scream of yours.¡±


    ¡°I can only do it one or two more times, so you might want to have a backup plan.¡± Rat half growled.


    ¡°What? Is there anything else we should know now?¡± Stargazer quickly asked.


    ¡°Yeah, In-coming! Screeeeee!!!¡± Rat Bastard¡¯s cone directed sonic wave obliterated a dozen worms, and stunned the other two dozen.


    ¡°Fall back into the corridor.¡± Stargazer flew backwards into the very wide corridor, with Krodis and a few Soldiers at the other end.


    Rat Bastard flew next to the Soldiers, while Spot stood by Stargazer¡¯s side at the entrance.


    Rat Bastard looked at Krodis and grabbed her arm forcing her into the small mess hall. The Soldiers followed them not sure what Rat Bastard was doing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry guys, but you can manage on your own!¡±


    Spot and Stargazer looked back in shock as the door closed in front of Rat Bastard. ¡°He really is a bastard.¡± Spot said, bewildered.


    Stargazer peered through the two foot thick metallic alloy doors with interest and disbelief. ¡°He locked the doors too.¡± Stargazer smiled, seeing ten people in the mess area. ¡°He¡¯s protecting the crew so we don¡¯t let any worms inside.¡±


    ¡°Okay, any ideas?¡± Spot asked as he gauged how long it would be before the worms would be on top of them.


    ¡°They seem to like your light show, so can you get them to follow you so I can spear through groups at a time.¡± Stargazer replied.


    ¡°Huh, okay naked man, here I go.¡± Spot laughed and flew up thirty meters shooting all the worms with laser beams from his fingers.


    Spot flew in a two hundred meter circular pattern as wide as the walls of the bay allowed, laser beams burning small few inch trenches on the bay floor when he missed a worm¡¯s hungry mouth.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.Stargazer was partially covered with the black ooze now; the floor he stood on was sizzling from the acid like properties. ¡°The worms seem to be ignoring me, this stuff is camouflaging me, I think?¡±


    Many of the creatures coiled up and erected themselves close to thirty meters high. Spot almost flew into the path of a few worms, but he compensated and flew a little higher. ¡°Anytime now!¡± Spot yelled.


    Stargazer flew down the bay to get some distance away from the horde of worms slithering in a circle. He focused on a path and flew as fast as he could against the direction of travel countering the circular pattern Spot was taking them. The impact and effects of the first few worms felt as before, but as Stargazer flew in the large circle the velocity slowed greatly. He adjusted by trying to open his eyes as fast as possible after exiting a worm and speed up.


    Spot flew lower seeing that Stargazer was killing all of the worms.


    The increase in speed slingshot Stargazer out of the circle and he missed the last living worm. He flew out into the far wall of the bay leaving a long black streak of blood on it for fifty meters before he could stop.


    The uninjured worm struck at Spot with viper like speed. The mouth grabbed a hold of Spot¡¯s lower body, feet first. The blue energy didn¡¯t disintegrate Spot¡¯s body, but it did paralyze him for the moment.


    Spot looked down at the black edge of the mouth, thousands of shark like teeth held tight on his waist. The teeth didn¡¯t pierce his skin, but the blue energy crackled louder the more he tried to free himself. He grabbed the mouth with both hands on opposite ends trying to open it so he could slip out. The effort was futile as his legs were completely numb now.


    ¡°Let go of him!¡± Rat Bastard came out of nowhere, and lunged onto the worm¡¯s body near the mouth. He flew in as a rat, but when he made contact with the worm, he turned into his large human form. He dug his fingers inside the worm¡¯s outer scales and bear hugged the monster with cross stretched arms and legs.


    The worm thrashed about like a wild bull in a rodeo. Rat Bastard quickly squeezed harder, his arms and feet dug into the body a few feet as the worm slammed him on the bay floor, spitting Spot out many meters away. The worm lifted back up, but Rat Bastard¡¯s relentless hug, tighten. Black clumps of blood gushed out of the worm¡¯s mouth as if something inside its body had ruptured. Rat Bastard and the worm¡¯s head landed on the floor hard with a very loud slap sound echoing to the other side of the bay.


    Stargazer flew to Spot¡¯s side. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me it can paralyze you?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, I¡¯m fine?¡±


    Rat Bastard stood up now covered in black tar-like ooze. ¡°Oh, that tingles.¡± He looked at Stargazer and Spot in the distance, then looked down at his black clothes. ¡°Oh no, that burns! It burns!¡± Rat Bastard turned into the rat and shook himself like a dog gone wild after existing water.


    Black ooze sprayed everywhere creating a mist in the air. ¡°You see, it burns and paralyzes.¡± Spot¡¯s clothes were wet, but not from the black ooze, but more from a bluish residue of energy or plasma from the inside of the worm.


    ¡°It burns!¡± Rat Bastard screamed again having ooze still on his body and flew at top speed into space beyond the bay entrance force fields.


    The two men looked at Rat Bastard fly past the energy force field barrier and float outside in the vacuum of space as if relieved from a terrifying plague or itch which wouldn¡¯t go away.


    ¡°I guess rats can survive anywhere.¡± Spot said.


    ¡°Rats survived the Ice Age, why not the space age.¡± Stargazer smiled, but his face turned to concern as he saw a transparent shadow of a ship in Rat¡¯s background. Stargazer peered closer, as if trying to see details instead of going for distance with his extraordinary vision.


    Rat Bastard flew back inside toward Stargazer and Spot at the same time turning into human form. ¡°I think I¡¯ll do what Bastard did and get this stuff off of me.¡± Spot commented.


    ¡°No! there¡¯s an invisible spaceship outside, that¡¯s where the monster worms are coming from.¡±


    ¡°A cloaked ship? Like the Romulans?¡± Spot looked back at Stargazer and then at empty space with interest.


    ¡°Fall back to the corridor again. Rat Bastard this isn¡¯t over, come over here now!¡± Stargazer flew back to the corridor, but kept his head facing and examining the cloaked ship.


    The three flew quickly to the corridor entrance several hundred meters from the bay space entrance. ¡°Are there more of those fire worms?¡± Rat Bastard asked.


    ¡°Go tell Major Krodis to tell Master that there¡¯s a cloaked spaceship outside. I hope the station has weapons, otherwise we will have to board that thing very soon.¡± Stargazer instructed, as Rat Bastard flew next to an intercom near the doors.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we board it now?¡± Spot asked.


    ¡°If they can travel through space or have force fields like in Star Trek, then we might be outside in space unable to board and be in the way of friendly fire by the station.¡±


    ¡°Huh, that makes sense.¡± Spot faintly said, feeling very tired, with his strength slowly returning. ¡°How big is the ship?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s big enough to take up the entire view of the bay entrance.¡±


    Master heard the conversation over the intercom and diverted weapons to the outside of Section 3 Bay.


    ¡°Did you hear that Master?¡± Rat Bastard asked.


    ¡°Yes, but the ship¡¯s computer won¡¯t fire without a target lock so close to the bay and for some reason most of the weapons are offline, probably because the armada stripped most of the station¡¯s firepower before they left. But I got an idea.¡± Master replied, Stargazer and Spot hearing from a distance through the intercom.


    Ghost flew directly and swiftly to the first worm which was closest to the command control center having burned through the lift door at that level. He flew next to it and placed his hand inside the beast. A strong current of energy paralyzed his hand, but he was able to quickly withdraw his hand. A surge of pain raced up his arm as he stayed next to the monster, matching its speed and direction of travel.


    The pain felt like the worse charley horse ever on his arm. The worm was slithering rapidly down the hallway and would soon hit the command center entrance. He wasn¡¯t sure if it could instantly get through the doors, but the four security guards in the hallway were his main concern. He thought quickly and concentrated on his transmutation command instead of the annoying painful numbness of his arm.


    The worm slid forward down the hall, but stopped several feet in front of the guards who were firing their plasma rifles to no end. The crackling energy sound the creature made had also stopped, which was also drowned out by gunfire.


    A ten meter section of the worm turned into light green jelly as if it had melted away in a microwave oven, while the rest of the body remained dark green, black, and hard.


    ¡°We killed it!¡± One of the guards yelled with joy over the radio and helmet speakers.


    Ghost looked at the guards and smiled. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re the man.¡± He whispered to himself and flew off to his next target.


    It wasn¡¯t long before he came up on the second loose worm which was about to enter the engineering sector. His transmutation command quickly killed the worm and kept the enemy attack from disabling the station¡¯s main power supply.


    Back in the auxiliary bridge, Master brought up an inventory of items in and near the bays. His eyes lit up with delight as the inventory revealed what he wanted, but was yet disturbing to his teenage view of life. ¡°Computer, activate cargo item 120K-9034. Set for remote detonate at my command.¡±


    ¡°Activated.¡± The computer¡¯s tone was emotionless and deep.


    Three worms appeared in space and entered the sector 3 bay entrance. Stargazer scanned the entire area trying to see what was going on in other sections of the station.


    Master turned off sector 1 bay force fields and a large portion of cargo crates the size of semi-trucks blasted outside into space.


    ¡°What now boss man.¡± Spot asked, readying himself.


    ¡°We wait for more worms to enter and take them out in large numbers. It will help you guys conserve your energy.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that!¡± Spot pointed at the debris blown out into space from sector 1 bay underneath them.


    Stargazer looked at the debris and smiled. ¡°Spot, shoot the debris from here¡­ Quickly!¡±


    Spot was slightly confused, but did as his military training taught him. ¡°White laser beams came out of his hand, passing the entrance force fields and showering the debris.¡±


    Master touched the intercom icon on his console. ¡°All personnel, brace for impact!¡± Then touched the cargo icon.


    Stargazer quickly looked around for something to hold on to, just in case. A brilliant flash of light came into the bay as Spot and Rat Bastard turned away from the nuclear explosion outside the station. Stargazer ignored the flash and grabbed Spot¡¯s wrist, yanking him towards Rat Bastard. ¡°Fly against the vacuum!¡±


    Stargazer stuck out his free hand to get a hold of the big guy as the blast of radiation hit the force field, bringing it down. Rat Bastard¡¯s shirt ripped as Stargazer¡¯s held on to it; the atmosphere escaping the bay taking anything loose along with it. ¡°Hold o¡­¡± Stargazer shouted, but the lack of air cut the message short. The three men flew against the air current for a moment until the force fields were restored. The gravity was also weakened as the three men looked on at the enemy spaceship, now marked with extensive damage to its rectangular superstructure and quite visible.


    ¡°Yeah that ship is too big for this bay.¡± Spot said but no one heard him as air was still being dumped into the bay.


    Stargazer tapped Spot and Rat Bastard on their shoulders. ¡°Follow me.¡± He said and instructed with his hands by pointing to them and back at himself.


    Stargazer flew towards the enemy ship, but before they reached the bay force fields, the enemy ship blew up into a ball of energy and light. It was smaller than the initial twenty megaton explosion and the station¡¯s force fields held strong. He stopped in mid air with Spot and Rat Bastard by his side. He scanned the area for life pods or survivors, but none came into view.


    The air was now shallow near the vents in the ceiling. ¡°I don¡¯t see any survivors.¡± Stargazer said.


    ¡°Could they have killed themselves to prevent capture?¡± Rat Bastard asked.


    Stargazer and Spot looked at him, amazed. ¡°That¡¯s a very good question.¡± Spot smiled.


    Rat Bastard smiled back, but his face quickly changed into a sunken look. ¡°But you don¡¯t have an answer, do you?¡±


    ¡°Sorry big guy. Answers are something we all want but aren¡¯t getting.¡± Stargazer replied and flew off to find the few worms Master had trapped in the station. The worms were to his relief, motionless as if they ran out of batteries.


    ¡°All personnel, decontamination procedures have been initiated. Do not touch traces or go into a sector that has a dead Bether.¡± Master announced and brought up a view screen of Commander Exleter and the bridge crew in the command center.


    ¡°Commander, I apologize for the takeover, but you have full control of the station at this time.¡± Master said to the entire audience.


    ¡°It¡¯s so kind of you Lord Master, but I want you and your companions to meet me in the conference room in an hour.¡± Commander Exleter replied with an irritated face, and turned off the camera.


    ¡°Eye eye Capitan. And you¡¯re welcome.¡± Master replied to a closed window and hundreds of camera windows of the station. ¡°You and Black Beard would make great friends.¡± Master said as he opened the locked door and made his way to the conference room.

 Chapter 8, Legend Has It - part 3

    Master rallied everyone back inside the conference room with the new tablet he had taken personal possession of. Major Krodis was able to supply the heroes with fitting clothes. The Vorgoling uniforms were of various colors. Stargazer and Master wore navy blue skin tight space suits. They were not the padded armor type, but they were space worthy and helmets were part of the ensemble. Spot and Rat Bastard wore black suits, while Ghost¡¯s was pearl white.


    Master was the last one to enter the conference room with the new attire. ¡°You guys don¡¯t believe in long showers I take it.¡±


    Gus looked at the young man and smiled. ¡°Were we supposed to shower?¡±


    ¡°I know you took one Rat. You sing like a parrot.¡± Master stood next to Stargazer who had saved him a seat.


    Rat Bastard laughed. ¡°Good one, I¡¯m make sure to sing louder next time.¡±


    Stargazer smiled. ¡°I heard you pissed off Commander Exleter.¡±


    ¡°I thought it was you guys, repainting the walls. But, I guess I did. What¡¯s the occasion?¡± Master replied motioning at the saved seat.


    ¡°I want you next to me when I tell the Commander my plan to save the universe.¡±


    ¡°You have a plan?¡± Master pointed at him and sat, amused.


    ¡°Ghost told me you examined all of the military and star system information on the computer.¡±


    Major Krodis sat in front of the group, listening to the conversation as well as the other members, all quiet and intrigued.


    ¡°Do you think you can mastermind a victory for the armada and rescue the queen?¡±


    ¡°So you think I¡¯m like Captain Kirk?¡± Master replied turning his chair to face Stargazer.


    ¡°More like the Doctor, considering we have probably already traveled through time.¡± Rat Bastard casually said.


    Stargazer turned his gaze on Rat Bastard in admiring thought, but answered Master. ¡°You¡¯re a genius who destroyed a cloaked enemy spaceship, and have us as assets that the armada doesn¡¯t have at this time. Cassandra picked all of us for a reason, and well I¡¯m asking a lot from you, but can you do it?¡±


    Master turned to look at Major Krodis. Her eyes showed wonder, not of confusion, but of witnessing history in the making. Master smiled, ¡°I will need complete access to strategic space battle history, current space assets, how subspace communications works, timelines in the armada plan of attack, engine technology, and anything you have on planet destroyers.¡±


    ¡°We will also need your fastest spaceship, and I want to know if it¡¯s possible to broadcast a message to all star systems in the galaxy¡­¡± Stargazer looked at Krodis. ¡°Something that won¡¯t take years to receive.¡±


    ¡°Through subspace communication buoys and wormhole repeaters, messages can be sent across the galaxy in days.¡± Krodis replied. ¡°As for a ship, the fastest and probably the only one within many parsecs is the transport, but I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s travel worthy, since the Bethers attacked the bay.¡±


    ¡°Bethers are those fire worms, right?¡± Rat Bastard asked having been briefly informed of the creatures during his time before returning to the conference room.


    ¡°Yes, Lord Rat Bastard. They¡¯re robots more than anything else. They disrupt and absorb energy, but also leave numerous biological diseases in and outside of their bodies.¡±


    ¡°That explains a lot.¡± Spot said.


    ¡°Anyways, back to the subject. We will need to get that transporter working, along with a working battle center inside. Do you think we can get that done within the next twelve hours?¡± Stargazer asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Lord Stargazer since I¡¯m not an expert in the fields you need. I do know who to assemble for that; but¡­¡±


    ¡°But you need Commander Exleter¡¯s approval.¡± Stargazer stated for her.


    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±


    ¡°Understood, in the meantime prepare to gather and execute what we asked. I will get the approval.¡± Stargazer said and turned towards Ghost.


    Ghost nodded in approval and started to work on his tablet with great zeal.


    The time passed quickly as they kept busy with their research and strategy, while the station personnel cleaned up the mess of dead Vorgs, worms, and continued the final evacuation procedures.


    Commander Exleter entered the room alone and less irritated by what Ghost could tell. His prideful walk and straight face said otherwise as he stood next to Major Krodis who was at the position of attention. Stargazer stood up out of respect, as did the rest of the group.


    ¡°Commander, before you say anything, I want to let you know that we have a plan to save the universe, but we need your help.¡±


    ¡°Is that right? And how do you plan on doing that?¡± Exleter crossed his arms.


    ¡°The five of us will announce our legendary arrival to your galaxy and challenge Emperor Korvax and whatever forces he has. We will travel to the armada, help them win a victory, make our way to Arlos, have the armada attack Kalar forces, while we rescue the queen. By this time, all friendly forces will have united and assembled in Arlos, where we will defeat Korvax and his band of henchmen.¡±


    ¡°And you think that the Destroyer of Ordis won¡¯t get in the way?¡±


    ¡°We will figure out a way to kill or neutralize him, long enough for us to rescue the queen.¡±


    ¡°And you think you can do what I fear the generals and tacticians will not be able to do with the armada that is out numbered four to one?¡±


    ¡°We have our own secret weapon.¡± Stargazer said. ¡°And the element of the unknown.¡± Master added.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°We have my brain, and a PR campaign this galaxy has yet to see.¡± Master replied.


    ¡°You will place the future of the galaxy on a boy?¡± Exleter looked deep into Stargazer¡¯s crystal brown eyes.


    ¡°No, we will all place the future of this galaxy and mine in the hands of Lord Master.¡±


    ¡°Do you think the enemy monsters and invisible spaceship was destroyed by accident, brute force, or a genius?¡± Rat Bastard interjected.


    Exleter looked at Rat Bastard, then at Master. ¡°No, you all saved the station.¡±


    ¡°Then trust Stargazer and this real master of war so that many lives can continue to live.¡± Rat Bastard softly replied, pointing to the boy.


    Ghost smiled as Spot¡¯s thoughts leaked into his head. ¡®He¡¯s a smart bastard too, go figure.¡¯


    ¡°Lords, this station and its people are at your total disposal.¡±


    Stargazer turned toward Major Krodis, and then back at Commander Exleter. ¡°Here¡¯s a list of what we need as quickly as possible. The longer it takes us to travel to the armada, the lower the chance of us getting enough firepower to attack Arlos.¡±


    Exleter took the list and called for the department heads to report to him immediately.


    Master finally got his chance to eat, with Rat Bastard socializing with anyone he could in the mess area. Spot also tagged along, all three lords inviting many questions about Earth.


    Stargazer assisted in the repairs to the transport, learning much about space travel in the process.


    The time finally came when Stargazer sat inside the transport with a fully functional battle table. The cockpit was linked to the battle table console and monitors which mirrored a starship bridge. The communication implants were placed in each of them except for Stargazer and Spot who used external ear pieces and audio transmitters attached to the inside of their throats. All commands Stargazer gave were automatically heard and executed in the cockpit and everywhere else in the transport.


    ¡°Commander Exleter, my helmsman tells me we are ready to depart.¡± Stargazer said on an open communication channel.


    ¡°Lord Stargazer, we wish you the best and will spread the word as you directed.¡± Exleter replied.


    ¡°Thank you commander¡­ Helmsman, take us out and head towards the armada at maximum speed.¡± Stargazer smiled.


    Ghost also smiled as he saw Stargazer¡¯s delight in imitating a captain of a starship.


    Master diverted the communication broadcast to all channels and amplified the output towards the Arlos star system. ¡°We are ready when you are.¡±


    Stargazer sat in the middle of the oval battle table, with his friends on both sides. The section of the room was bright, but the table was glassy black with a stellar map as a background. Stargazer looked at the main screen which was also the source of the camera view he was showing the audience.


    ¡°Inhabitants of Andromeda, I am Lord Stargazer leader of the Burik¡¯dir. I and Lords Master, Rat Bastard, Ghost, and Spot are superhumans from the planet Earth in the Milky Way Galaxy. We have come to destroy the Kalar forces along with Korvax, and just in case some of you doubt our powers, I have included a video which you can examine on your own time.¡±


    Master smiled, touched an icon on one of the table¡¯s six consoles; displaying the scene of Spot shooting laser beams from his hand out into space causing the nuclear explosion which destroyed the Kalar infiltration cruiser, coming to an end as the three men flew and floated in mid air close to the bay entrance.


    ¡°The sneak attack has failed and the Vorgoling Station is safe and well. All Kalar forces, you will surrender and retreat to your home worlds immediately or face a far worse punishment than Ordis. As for you Korvax, you and I will meet very soon.¡±


    The broadcast ended in blackness, Major Krodis and the Vorg crewmembers eyed each other with mixed emotions. Master looked at Major Krodis. ¡°You disapprove?¡±


    ¡°Lord Spot didn¡¯t destroy the cruiser.¡±


    ¡°Sure he did, and now the Kalar think we have our own planet destroyer like the Destroyer of Ordis.¡± Stargazer countered.


    ¡°So what are you going to do about the Destroyer of Ordis when he decides to fight you, Lord Spot?¡± Krodis asked.


    Spot turned to Stargazer. ¡°Yeah, what am I going to do?¡±


    ¡°He will fight me since I¡¯m leader and probably assume I¡¯m more powerful. Hopefully, he won¡¯t be with the armada and we can get closer to Arlos before we do meet him. In the meantime, Master and I will think of something.¡±


    ¡°Well he¡¯s right about being more powerful.¡± Rat Bastard turned towards Spot.


    Spot smirked. ¡°Everyone will fear or love me when I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. You¡¯ll need it when a thousand spaceships hunt you down once they get your scent.¡± Ghost laughed.


    ¡°Yeah, then he and Ghost will disappear and leave us up the creek.¡± Rat Bastard laughed along.


    ¡°Why are you laughing?¡± Master asked, confused.


    ¡°Because that¡¯s what we do.¡± Stargazer laughed.


    The Vorg crewmembers sat in awe as the Burik¡¯dir joked about fighting against forces capable of wiping out star systems in a single day.

 Chapter 9, Legend Has It - part 4

    Queen Cassandra¡¯s Thorn Room, Planet Arlos


    Stargazer¡¯s broadcast projected above the entrance to the majestic room, once filled with hundreds of dignitaries and parliament workers. Now, it was a command center full of Kalar Soldiers. Their stone like bodies weighed on the polished conglomerate limestone floor marking their presence with many scoffs and scratches from their metallic-like boot soles.


    Their skins were of various textures from light to dark rock and minerals. They were not bulky as one would think of when describing a rock, but mirrored a medium stature of a muscular human male. Each person had one primary type of mineral, recognizable by the skin not covered by military attire. The battle armored uniforms were all the same flat onyx color, making them seem like they were mimicking a colony of black Army ants. The room paused their war gaming as Stargazer spoke and the demonstration by Spot was displayed on a thirty by fifty foot projected hologram above the throne entrance.


    On the thorn sat Emperor Korvax. His pure gold chair was imported, allowing for his ten foot stature to be accommodated. He wasn¡¯t wearing battle armor and his alarsite skin was rare for a Kalar. The yellowish brown aluminum texture complemented his white diamond like robe. His eyes were also very unique almost rectangular in shape and glowed topaz blue. Different gems were implanted on his fingers, taking the place of eight would be rings. His quartz boots were trimmed with dime sized sapphires around the soles. There were no genitalia on the elemental Kalar race. A belt made of a silver alloy, boots, and diamond robe was his only clothing by any standard of modern civilizations.


    He eyed the video and without any commands to his subjects, the image paused and zoomed in on Stargazer; then moved slowly towards the rest of the group as if he were memorizing their facial features.


    ¡°My Emperor?¡± Three mildly shorter Kalar knights knelt in front of Korvax awaiting instructions. They worn glossy black armored plates covering every part of their anatomy without restricting their movement. Their helmets were lightly spiked at the top with only their ruby red eyes exposed to the elements, leaving a smooth look throughout the head. Each had a unique weapon on their back, one a Great Sword design, another a crystal halberd and the last one had a bastard sword and short sword made of pure black diamonds.


    ¡°If Commander Paldar fails you will find these Earthlings and kill them.¡± Korvax¡¯s deep base voice carried out to the entrance of the throne room.


    ¡°As you command.¡± The three Realgar Knights simultaneously replied and left the room without delay; everyone quickly getting out of the way, and returning to their duties in tracking the war.


    Siglar Moon Base, Lakros Star System, 987 light years from Arlos


    The massive dome covered twenty miles of livable space, with its citizens scrambling to prepare for the brewing storm. The war between the Kalar and Andromen Empires affected them greatly since they were a high source of minerals and chemicals for many races in the star sector. However, the warring ships had not made it to the star system, and what mattered most at the moment was the condition of the atmosphere, which was kicking up the worst storm in decades. The storm would buy them more time to prepare and hide any valuables. The inhabitants of the moon base were a mixture of all sorts of races and professions, mainly miners and engineers. The prosperity from the resource output made for a very sophisticated and state of the art type of lifestyle in space, the dome being one of many engineering masterpieces.


    A teenager looked up at the standard I-MAX screen above one of the many plaza centers. Stargazer¡¯s broadcast was loud and clear, and was received with mixed feelings. People left the eateries and stores, with still many continuing as if the broadcast was a paid advertisement. The young girl was messaging on her wrist phone at the time, but saw darkness at the corner of her eye.


    She turned and jumped back as a black robed person stood inches from her side. Her legs froze, and her heart would¡¯ve as well, but she needed it to continue living.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I won¡¯t harm you.¡± The young man¡¯s alluring voice calmed her as he looked at the screen which repeated the broadcast as reporters commented on the event.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The girl¡¯s curiosity caught the best of her as she saw Cyer¡¯s handsome alien face.


    ¡°I¡¯m a traveler, and would like to talk with you, if that¡¯s alright with you?¡±


    ¡°I think its okay.¡± She sat back down on a short wall ledge next to a grassy garden area.


    ¡°What do you think about these Earthlings and the Kalar?¡± Cyer said as he sat next to her with is head turned to her, hood covering most of it.


    The girl thought for a moment. ¡°The Earthlings must be very brave and powerful to fight the Kalar all by themselves.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re not afraid them?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m an orphaned girl, what good would it do to fear so many people who may or may not kill me?¡± Her pink eyes blinked slowly as she scrutinized Cyer¡¯s face.


    ¡°What if you¡¯re raped or enslaved instead of being killed?¡± Cyer scanned the girl¡¯s body language and bio-chemical levels.


    ¡°My parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts all died fighting in the last several wars. There will always be good people fighting for me.¡±


    ¡°So you want to go fight in a war when you grow up?¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we all if there are bad people around?¡±


    ¡°What if I told you I was bad?¡±


    The girl slowly reached out with her hand. ¡°If you were bad, you would have killed all of us already.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think I can or won¡¯t later?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the Destroyer of Ordis.¡± She boldly replied.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t fear me?¡±


    ¡°I wish I could do what you do; then I wouldn¡¯t fear anyone.¡±


    ¡°That would be easy since I was created without fear.¡±


    ¡°So you are an android or something like that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a biogenetic hybrid of the most powerful beings in the universe; there is no one like me.¡±


    ¡°Did it hurt very much?¡± The teenager¡¯s eyes widen, understanding erroneous basic genetic graphing and splicing methods.


    ¡°No, I was born as I am now.¡±


    ¡°I guess you wouldn¡¯t want to be my friend then?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any friends, but why would you ask me that?¡±


    ¡°Because you are so powerful and intelligent, how could I ever be there when you need me, if you ever do need anything from anyone?¡±


    ¡°Just because I don¡¯t feel pain or fear, doesn¡¯t mean I wasn¡¯t programmed with emotions.¡±


    ¡°Really? So would you like to be my friend?¡± Her face brighten with joy.


    ¡°It makes me, happy, when I disintegrate self exalted beings.¡±


    Pananthra¡¯s smile straighten, but she touched his exposed hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay; I sometimes like it when bad people get what¡¯s coming to them.¡±


    ¡°And what do you consider as bad people.¡± Cyer scanned the girl internally, down to the genetic level.


    ¡°Oh, I guess it would be people who care only about themselves, people who like to hurt others because they get some weird pleasure in seeing someone suffer. People who are very prideful and think they are better then everyone, but they¡¯re not.¡± She paused for a second. ¡°I guess those people who want to enslave people, making up stupid reasons to try to justify their own injustice.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a very short list.¡± Cyer smiled for the very first time in his seventh month of life.


    ¡°My grandmother told me before she died. It¡¯s easy to find bad in people, but it¡¯s better to see what is good in those that are truly good. She said they just need a nudge in the right direction sometimes.¡± The girl held Cyer¡¯s hand with confidence.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Cyer let her touch him.


    ¡°Pananthra, and yours?¡±


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    ¡°Cyer.¡±


    Pananthra smiled. ¡°Cyer; I like it.¡±


    Cyer looked around the large center and pointed. ¡°Do you see that family dressed in yellow and brown garments, with the two children?¡±


    Pananthra looked into the crowd and after some coaching, spotted the family. ¡°Yes, I see them now.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to be part of their family?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? How?¡±


    ¡°We go and ask them if they would like to adopt you.¡±


    ¡°Why would they want to adopt me, they already have two small kids?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to continue to ask me questions or answer me?¡± Cyer¡¯s tone became stern.


    Pananthra looked at the husband and wife talking and smiling as they ate their lunch. ¡°Yes, I guess I would.¡±


    Cyer stood up and walked toward the family, holding on to Pananthra¡¯s hand. The mother looked up at the very tall man and almost choked on her food as Cyer entered their personal space. ¡°I have a gift for both of you. This girl is very intelligent and understands how to live a life that is destined to end in approximately three centuries.¡± Cyer¡¯s body glowed yellow for a second with the black robe falling to the floor, ignoring his physical body.


    The husband and wife jumped up from the table. The wife grabbed one of the children, and Pananthra grabbed the other seeing the fear in their eyes, being too far from the parents.


    Cyer spoke loudly as if his vocal cords had turned into a megaphone, and walked away a few meters letting go of Pananthra. ¡°Hear me people of Siglar. I am Cyer, the Destroyer of Ordis!¡± Cyer flew up ten feet into the air with an aura of yellow to white light around him; slowly rotating once for all the people to see.


    ¡°This orphan girl, Pananthra, is being adopted by this family. Pananthra has saved all of your lives, and all of you will bless her and her new family for the rest of their natural lives. Let it be known, that anyone who harms this girl or her family will answer to me and die. In like manner, Siglar will also be protected by me. Teach your offspring to remember this day. You are all witnesses, and I will never forget your DNAs, all seventy-four thousand three hundred twenty-three inhabitants! So I suggest you inform all of the people in this base!¡± Cyer floated down to the couple.


    ¡°Do not fear the girl. She is good, so you will love her. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°We will do as you say.¡± The husband replied with relief, but yet concern.


    The wife nodded, looking back at Pananthra gently holding their daughter. ¡°Yes, we will be a family.¡±


    Cyer flew in front of Pananthra. ¡°I told you all you had to do was ask.¡±


    ¡°That was more of a command than a request?¡± Pananthra half frowned.


    ¡°Everyone here will make sure you are cared for.¡±


    ¡°Does this mean you will stay here?¡±


    ¡°No, I have other things to do in space. But, now you know I am your friend.¡± Cyer flew up silently and rapidly a hundred meters and instantly vanished as he warped out of the dome and into deep space.


    Pananthra stared at the doom until her new mother softly gripped her hand. The girl looked at her new family and wept with joy.


    The void of space was interrupted by thirty Kalar vessels many light years from Siglar. The flagship confidently raced through space, uncloaked with shields up.


    The automatic alarm from the sensors jolted everyone into action. The battle technicians started their protocols trying to identify what set the alarm off.


    ¡°How many vessels?¡± The captain instinctively asked.


    ¡°Sir¡­¡± Before the technician could reply, Cyer entered the bridge as a very bright white stream of energy, forming into his physical body.


    ¡°I am Cyer, Destroyer of Ordis. I assume you command this group of vessels?¡± Cyer body glowed slightly, so that he could be recognized.


    ¡°Have you come to fight with us?¡± The captain asked, confused.


    ¡°No, I have come to tell you to order all Kalar vessels to turn away from your current trajectory and declare Siglar Moon Base off limits for the next three centuries.¡± Cyer floated in front of the main screen.


    ¡°We have been ordered to occupy the base and extract resources for the empire.¡±


    ¡°The base has been placed under my protection; you will meet the terms immediately.¡±


    Three security guards moved close to the captain ready for battle. ¡°You answer to the Emperor, and the orders we have, come from him.¡±


    ¡°You Kalar think that since the Emperor had a hand in my creation, that I must obey his orders. I agreed to fight for him, is true; but because of this agreement, I did not immediately destroy your vessels¡­ Do you comply?¡±


    ¡°The Emperor will have your head, and we will not comply.¡± The Captain lashed out with contempt.


    Two of the guards fired their plasma rifles center mass on Cyer¡¯s chest. The energy dispersed throughout his body as if he were an unquenchable lighting rod.


    ¡°Your ship will be last.¡± Cyer lit up the entire bridge with a flash of light and energy.


    Several of the bridge consoles shorted out; burnt beyond repair. The Kalars¡¯ eyes were used to intense light, but all were temporarily blind. The crews¡¯ visions came back to find Cyer nowhere in the room.


    The main screen was black, but two small screens at the navigator¡¯s console were operational. ¡°Sir, the ships around us are exploding.¡±


    The Captain rushed to the console only to see the second to last ship blow up in a nuclear ball of light while in warp. ¡°Evasive action. Communications officer, send out a message to the Emperor about Cyer¡¯s treachery!¡±


    ¡°Sir, our communications array has been disabled.¡±  The officer replied as Cyer once again returned to the bridge.


    Cyer entered at the back of the bridge this time and lased everyone except one of the battle techs. Eleven Kalar lay dead with partial holes in their chests except the captain who was decapitated. No blood was present, but there was residue of charred powdery sediments everywhere.


    The slender tech looked around in fear, but quickly regained his cool.


    ¡°You¡¯re wondering why you¡¯re still alive.¡± Cyer flew and stood in front of him.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He stood at ease now accepting his impending death.


    Cyer stepped next to the console. With dexterous fingers, he re-engaged the computer and internal comms. Energy pulsed through his fingers as he interfaced with the computer. ¡°You are Captain of this ship now. You will take the ship and return to your galaxy. The Kalar cannot win against the Burik¡¯dir or Queen Cassandra. You are the future of the Kalar. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°We may not be able to make it back to our galaxy alive.¡±


    ¡°You will die if you stay in this galaxy; take the challenge for the voyage back. Or are you not a Kalar?¡± Cyer turned his face away from the console and looked straight into the tech¡¯s emerald gem eyes.


    ¡°All hands. This is the Destroyer of Ordis. You will follow your new Captain¡¯s orders and return home or face oblivion as prisoners or refugees in this galaxy. Your Emperor is doomed; your new hope is with you and your new captain.¡± Cyer looked at the tech. ¡°Captain.¡± Cyer¡¯s body glowed yellow as he flew out of the bridge as quickly as he entered.


    The Captain looked down at the navigation console. The ship was already on course back to his home planet, ETA: fourteen or so Earth years.


    Author''s Notes:


    Legend Has It chapter is finished. Any thoughts so far on the story are appreciated. Will have the next chapter finished and uploaded by tomorrow night if not sooner. Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 10, Watch and Learn, Me Capitan

    Master talked in his sleep with great enthusiasm as Rat Bastard read up on the Andromen Empire. ¡°You cannot defeat me¡­ take that¡­ pulse generators¡­ swing back¡­¡±


    ¡°I hope he¡¯s winning.¡± Spot said as he reclined by the table, relaxing.


    ¡°The little guy always does that.¡± Rat Bastard replied.


    ¡°Well he has every right to.¡± Stargazer added, reviewing the simulations of Master¡¯s attack plan.


    ¡°So it¡¯s good?¡± Rat turned his attention to Stargazer across the table.


    ¡°It¡¯s fantastic.¡± Stargazer looked around the table, Ghost was sleeping in a passenger seat, eight Vorg crew members were also sleeping as if in hibernation. ¡°Hopefully we will be in time to save the armada.¡±


    ¡°The pilot said that the armada might hold off their attack because of the transmission, but since they¡¯re in communications silence, we won¡¯t know until the ship gets closer.¡± Spot explained.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go over the plan once Ghost wakes up. In the meantime, do you two have any words of wisdom?¡± Stargazer asked.


    ¡°How are we going to fight ships that go faster than light when you can¡¯t go past Mach 3?¡± Rat Bastard asked.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t tried flying in space, and Einstein said that an object can¡¯t travel faster than the speed of light, but I think that the force field around the ships allows them as energy to travel faster than light. If that¡¯s true, Spot or I might be able to travel faster than light. This will help us in battle so we can keep up with the spaceships.¡±


    ¡°What do the rest of us do?¡±


    ¡°You protect Master for the most part, but according to the plan you will not be needed in the initial attack.¡±


    ¡°I have to admit that I don¡¯t have the combat experience you guys do.¡±


    Stargazer smiled. ¡°My combat experience is getting shot at three times. But I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I was on a deuce and a half when machinegun fire cut through seven guys all around me. The tarp was down, so it wasn¡¯t hard for me to jump out of the truck and kill the platoon who ambushed us. I was the only survivor.¡± Spot paused in recollection.


    ¡°We might be bulletproof, but we need to take care of our emotions and minds. It¡¯s going to get really ugly, here and back home.¡± Stargazer looked at Spot.


    ¡°Do you think the visions are real?¡± Spot wanted to doubt.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but if it¡¯s a possibility of a future we haven¡¯t experienced yet, then I¡¯m going to try to stop it.¡± Stargazer replied.


    ¡°But how can the sky be green over the capitol?¡± Rat Bastard asked.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s World War III?¡± Spot suggested.


    ¡°Aliens, mutants, people just being people, it doesn¡¯t matter how, all I¡¯m concerned with is stopping the bad guys. But for now, you two need to get some rest. We won¡¯t get much once we get closer to Arlos¡± Stargazer replied and moved towards the cockpit.


    Spot watched Stargazer leave the compartment, then turned to Rat Bastard. ¡°Whatever you do, don¡¯t pull your punches anymore.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Rat Bastard tried to act surprised.


    ¡°You can tunnel through hard ground, and I¡¯m sure you can screech a lot more than two times.¡±


    ¡°So you think I can yell anytime I want?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and if you¡¯re scared of killing people or living creatures, don¡¯t be. The things we¡¯re going to fight won¡¯t care if you¡¯re nice or not. They will try to kill you or capture you to experiment and torture you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like killing people?¡± Rat Bastard sadly replied.


    ¡°You try not to, and you mourn for both the good and bad people. Many of the Soldiers and civilians fighting in wars are only following orders and what they believe to be right. The leaders who push them in that direction are usually the ones to blame, but it¡¯s not about blame or who started it. We need to be better than that and end the conflict by fighting if that¡¯s our only way.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you down.¡± Rat Bastard signed.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know.¡± Spot half smiled while imitating Stargazer¡¯s concern and lay back in his seat closing his eyes.


    A slight grin at the corner of Ghost¡¯s mouth went unnoticed as he overheard the conversation.


    The day¡¯s travel came to an end as the passengers of the transport entered sector 3390 Tier¡¯dir. It was an open sector of empty space with the exception of a phenomenon known as a dark matter vortex.


    Stargazer and the rest of the group squeezed inside the cockpit behind the pilot. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we see some sign of a friendly ship?¡±


    Captain Sorin looked at his instruments. ¡°Slowing down so we don¡¯t run into a cloaked ship by accident.¡±


    ¡°What are the chances of that?¡± Rat Bastard asked.


    ¡°Extremely, extremely rare, but if it isn¡¯t zero, I¡¯m not going to chance it.¡± Sorin quickly replied.


    ¡°Send out a short range signal, so we can contact and board the Kolisco.¡± Master instructed.


    ¡°You heard him Lieutenant.¡± Sorin gave the okay for the communications officer to open a channel in possibly hostile territory.


    ¡°Sir, we¡¯re being hailed.¡± The Lieutenant replied.


    ¡°Tell them we¡¯re in a hurry and need to board the flagship. If they refuse, let me know.¡± Stargazer commanded and left the cockpit.


    The group followed him except for Ghost who stood next to the captain and console.


    Stargazer walked through the ship with Major Krodis and the rest of the team. ¡°So what¡¯s the range of this implant again?¡±


    ¡°About four parsecs, without any large mass in between. But¡­¡± She said while fitting her helmet on.


    ¡°But?¡± Stargazer paused his walk and continued after glancing at the major.


    ¡°The dark matter vortex will limit any communications to this side of space. And if you¡¯re inside it, the implants won¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Good thing Master thought of all this.¡± Stargazer smiled as he waited patiently in front of the transport¡¯s main entry way, looking out into space.


    Everyone on the transport heard Sorin¡¯s report. ¡°Kolisco has decloaked and we are entering their telemetry beacon.


    Stargazer scanned the area and spotted the uncloaked ship, as well as several other cloaked ships. He looked deep into the interior and found the exact spot in the engineering section he expected to find. He quickly paned on to other ships while the transport entered the small landing bay of the starship.


    The transport door opened shortly afterwards and Stargazer led the way down the ramp into a squad of security guards.


    ¡°Lord Stargazer or whoever you are, I don¡¯t know what you think you can do, but Admiral Novis has instructed me to assist you in any way we can.¡± A human-like Soldier greeted them, except his skin was light blue and coated with a thin layer of glossy plastic like material.


    ¡°Master will need eighty fusion grenades with short range detonators.¡± Stargazer replied, Master, Ghost, and Spot stepping forward ready to go where the weaponry was.


    The Lieutenant Commander looked at the boy in his navy blue Vorgoling spacesuit. ¡°Follow me, my Lords.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in a hurry Lt Cdr, double time please.¡± Master instructed breaking out of a brisk walk into a jog.


    Stargazer and Rat Bastard made their way to the bridge, finding an eager crew and captain wanting to follow their instructions. ¡°Lord Master will need to sit in the Captain¡¯s chair, while I and Rat Bastard will be here in these chairs.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to fight the Kalar like the Destroyer of Ordis?¡± The science officer asked.


    Stargazer looked at the almost human like female whose skin was light peach. Her hair was dark blue and he could tell it wasn¡¯t a chemical dye, but if she had been on Earth it would have passed for a fad. ¡°I would tell you the entire battle plan, but due to operational security, its better you don¡¯t know at this time how we¡¯ll defeat the Kalar.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Ma¡¯am, Master will have everything under control.¡± Rat Bastard interjected.


    ¡°In the meantime, I need the communications and weapons officers.¡± Stargazer waited to be introduced and gave them instructions as to what they would be doing.


    Rat Bastard walked up in front of the captain.  ¡°Everyone else will be performing your normal duties, except for you Captain. You will need to stay behind Lord Master while he does his thing.¡±


    ¡°Am I supposed to say anything?¡± The Captain replied.


    ¡°No, you just need to look calm, no matter what you see and hear.¡± Rat Bastard said, then turned into the Rat.


    The Captain flinched and moved backwards a few inches, with a bug eyed face.


    ¡°You see, you can¡¯t do that while Master does his thing. Otherwise, people will be paying attention to you instead of Lord Master.¡±


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    ¡°I guess everything will be fine as long as there¡¯s no more transforming into animals without any warning.¡± The Captain recovered to his calm self.


    Stargazer sat in the navigator¡¯s seat to the left and looked out into space through the dark matter void.


    ¡°Master, where are you guys?¡± Rat Bastard called returning to his human self.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Master entered the bridge followed by a security team. He stood for a few seconds looking around the bridge. The circular bridge was very well organized and roomy compared to the cockpit on the transport and auxiliary control center on the space port. One large screen in the center displayed open space in high definition. He eyed the Captain¡¯s chair, with shock absorbers underneath, black padding all around, and state of the art arm consoles. ¡°Nice¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re ready.¡± Ghost replied to Stargazer¡¯s mental question.


    ¡°Okay, here goes nothing. Comms, tell the armada to move back half a trillion miles¡­ There are three scout ships moving slowly through the void.¡±


    ¡°What? How?¡± The science officer and a few others whispered.


    ¡°On our way.¡± Ghost said over the communication console.


    Master sat in the Captain¡¯s chair, owning it with pleasure. ¡°Please focus your camera on me, and do not show Lord Stargazer or Rat Bastard.¡±


    Stargazer typed instructions on the console which were shown on the main screen for Master and everyone to read. A digital representation of the Kalar ships appeared on the screen.


    Half the bridge crew looked on in astonishment, wondering how the cloaked Kalar ships were being tracked, especially since they were on the other side or in the dark matter vortex.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s take this nice and easy, starting from the left and closest ships first.¡± Stargazer said out loud as if speaking to himself.


    ¡°Let me know when the first ten are nearing the end of the vortex.¡± Master commanded.


    ¡°First one in place, and in green.¡± Stargazer said, with the closest scout ship icon turning green.


    ¡°Nice.¡± Master replied.


    ¡°Yeah, just hope they don¡¯t start moving in erratic directions.¡± Stargazer scanned feverishly back and forth tracking all the ships he could see.


    The Andromen armada moved quickly into position as the twentieth grenade was emplaced.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to start this thing. Communications officer, please broadcast open frequency.¡± Master combed his hair with his spread fingers before the start of the show.


    ¡°Yes, Sir.¡± The officer replied.


    ¡°No¡­ It¡¯s yes Master.¡± Master looked at the officer, smiling.


    ¡°My apologies, Master.¡±


    ¡°Attention rock people, I¡¯m Master. And today I will be giving you your first lesson in war. As you can tell by your ship scanners, we are probably outnumbered five to one. However, what you fail to calculate is that I am in charge of this armada. In my world there is a weapon which is feared among all alien races who tried to invade our magnificent planet Earth. It¡¯s called the Tardis Beam. You think you have the advantage of starships, but because you have ship engines you are already defeated. I will demonstrate by instructing my weapon¡¯s officer to scan the area in sector 33010 with the beam.¡± Master looked at Stargazer off screen and pointed at him.


    Ghost pushed the short range detonator while Spot flew by the ship. The grenade exploded inside the engine capacitors, creating a chain reaction, amplifying the already extremely lethal grenade¡¯s damage, a hundred fold.


    A Kalar scout ship exploded, breaking in half and decloaking while speeding through space short of the speed of light.


    ¡°As you can tell, we have not lifted a finger. Well except my weapons officer. So the question of the day is do I need to continue to destroy all of your ships before you surrender to me?¡±


    The bridge was quiet as Stargazer displayed the movement of ships trying to spread out.


    ¡°Which of you boulders is in charge? Are you afraid of me or something?¡±


    Commander Paldar appeared on the screen. ¡°We will not surrender because a small ship has been destroyed. And we are not afraid of you.¡±


    ¡°Oh you should be.¡± Master turned towards the crew members around the room. ¡°And why am I talking to a rock man with pebbles for a brain?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± The life support tech tried to answer.


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer that. I already know.¡± Master turned back to the screen.


    ¡®Send out a mass detonation¡¯ Stargazer typed on the screen.¡¯


    Ghost saw what Stargazer had in mind and instructed Spot to continue to the flagship while the already emplaced grenades would be detonated.


    ¡°Since you don¡¯t want to take a hint. Surrender now and this won¡¯t happen to you.¡± Master pointed at the weapons officer, and thirty-two ships exploded from within.


    The Captain¡¯s tension left him as he managed to crack a smile.


    ¡°Commander of rock people, decloak all your ships and surrender before I litter this entire area with an unnatural number of ship debris!¡± Master said.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Stargazer?¡± Commander Paldar replied.


    ¡°He is on his way to Arlos if you must know. But why does that matter? You really don¡¯t understand the gravity of your situation or the empire for that matter. I have just commanded you to surrender, but you seem to really be too egoistical for the welfare of other people¡¯s lives.¡± Master pointed once again, and three more ships exploded from within, one being totally disintegrated with a nuclear reaction from the engines.


    ¡°We will not surrender without a fight.¡± Commander Paldar replied, commanding his ships to rush the armada.


    ¡°Once again, you have not understood that this will not be a fight, but a massacre. Your ship will now be destroyed.¡± Master said, Ghost seeing the entire conversation as Stargazer heard and saw it.


    The Kalar flagship¡¯s engines exploded while in the vortex causing the ship to implode leaving no survivors.


    ¡°Attention, armada, target the Kalar ships and fire long range missiles.¡± Master instructed as the communications officer transmitted Stargazer¡¯s tracks to the armada.


    Hundreds of missiles made their way to the intended locations, half missing their targets; but it was clear that the Kalar were not expecting to be effectively engaged while cloaked at maximum weapon¡¯s range.


    ¡°Any Kalar leadership hearing my voice, fighting will only get you killed, and you won¡¯t take any of us with you. Do you surrender?¡± Master continued to sell the alternative.


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s highly unlikely any Kalar will surrender.¡± The Captain replied.


    Master turned his head with a tilt, looking at the Captain. ¡°Watch and learn, me capitan.¡±


    Master stood up. ¡°Hear me Kalar, your honor will stay intact. There is no shame in being defeated by me, or the other Burik¡¯dir. We will not enslave you or harm you once you have surrendered. However, you must surrender or you will face death in a most humiliating way, because I will not allow any of you to abuse your power on others anymore. Your legacy in dying here today will be with dishonor and misguided pride to be told and known throughout the universe. Now, which of you noble warriors will concede and live to fight another day?¡±


    ¡°This is Commander Ur. I order all ships to decloak and deactivate weapons.¡± The Kalar starship decloaked and stopped in space.


    ¡°You see; a diamond in the rough¡­ Your surrender is accepted Commander Ur. We¡¯ll initiate boarding procedures once everyone has complied, and advise all Kalar ships to maintain positions while your ships¡¯ weapon systems are disabled and you are taken to the nearest able star base for processing.¡± Master glanced back at the Captain, as the communiqu¨¦ ended.


    ¡°Wonderfully done.¡± Stargazer smiled and half bowed at Master.


    ¡°Sir, Admiral Novis is hailing us.¡± The comms officer reported.


    ¡°Yes, where is our fearless leader? I thought he or she would be here on the flagship.¡± Master said sitting back in the captain¡¯s chair.


    ¡°I¡¯m on the real flagship; which doesn¡¯t matter anymore since you have saved us a very costly battle.¡± Admiral Novis answered; his pray mantis looking head displayed on the screen.


    Master turned towards the communications officer with a death stare. ¡°Admire, that was a rhetorical question. We knew where you were the entire time.¡± Master turned back around to face the screen and smiled.


    Stargazer stood next to Master and the Captain. ¡°It¡¯s good to see the admiral has an efficient armada, and tactical prudence. But we need to quickly disable the Kalar ships and move on to our next objective.¡±


    ¡°You are correct Lord Stargazer, and I would be very interested to see what that next objective will be, not to mention honored to meet the Burik¡¯dir.¡± Novis¡¯ armored spacesuit was lean with silver plating, a trademark of the queen¡¯s imperial space fleet. His prey mantis dark green features were strikingly identical to an Earth insect, except that it was super sized.


    ¡°Once the Kalar ships are accounted for, we will meet.¡± Stargazer replied.

 Chapter 11, Master at work

    The Andromen ships met no resistance in disabling key weapon systems, and cloaking capabilities. The overwhelming numbers of prisoners required special attention by half the armada to process and presented a major problem.


    Once the Kalar forces were processed, Stargazer and the group flew into the flagship conference room bypassing the hull.


    The computer sounded the alarm, but it was turned off at the admiral¡¯s command. The large oval table accommodated fifteen seats, all magnetized to the floor. Spot looked at the center seat which was moved away from the table much more than the other chairs.


    Admiral Novis entered with an entourage of Soldiers. His body was long with six limbs and four wings. The specially designed spacesuit tucked in the wings on his back. The long arms and legs were characteristic of giant basketball players. He extended his four arms and greeted the humans with firm handshakes; then had his people scatter to their normally designated seats.


    Stargazer examined every detail of this incredible insect-like alien. The admiral¡¯s spacesuit covered his exoskeleton made of chitin, which seemed to be able to withstand a space environment for a good half hour. However, like most other living beings, the admiral¡¯s lungs would not be able to work without a supply of air. The admiral, like the rest of the crew carried a personal helmet by his side, a combat ready procedure while in space.


    ¡°Admiral, I apologize for the shortness of the situation, but we need to talk to all the ship captains and second in commands as soon as possible.¡± Stargazer sat facing him.


    ¡°It will be some time to get all of them to a secure conference call, unless you need them in person, which will take longer.¡± Novis replied.


    ¡°A conference call will work.¡± Master chimed in.


    ¡°Commander.¡± Novis motioned to his battle commander.


    ¡°It should take us about 15 minutes, Sir.¡±


    ¡°While we¡¯re waiting, we would like to tell you what our plan is before the conference.¡± Stargazer assured the admiral, motioning to Master.


    ¡°Admiral, I have plotted a path to the outskirts of the Tritany 10 system. As you¡¯re aware, it¡¯s a system of low population with massive resources. According to your intelligence, it¡¯s also the least protected at this point. Perhaps because the Kalar believed that this armada would¡¯ve been destroyed or be used for a direct attack against a larger military target. The intent is to get the Kalar to divert their forces from the Dortin and Jifu sectors of space to attempt to attack us. We¡¯ll lure those forces into a kill zone, where we¡¯ll conduct hit and run tactics until we get to sector Hansis 2. Once there, we should have destroyed all of the forces, and have to focus on the Kalar Supreme Guard forces which will probably be moved to intercept us. The armada¡¯s firepower was diminished greatly by having to devote ships to prisoner transport and security; but this plan to compensate for that loss will work properly as long as the captains understand to hit and run and not try to gain a full victory by pressing the attack on stragglers.¡± Master explained as a 3D star map displayed above the table.


    The admiral raised a hand in thought. A moment passed in silence, ¡°Even with two armadas at full strength, we don¡¯t have the power to take control of Arlos, and we don¡¯t know where Queen Cassandra is at the moment.¡±


    ¡°Admiral, things have been set in motion, and there will be enough firepower when the time is right. In addition, the armada itself doesn¡¯t have to be at full power, we just need the enemy to think so.¡± Stargazer politely retorted.


    ¡°The legend of the Burik¡¯dir is taught in the academy as an elective for many; but for officers, it¡¯s required. The Queen thought it was important enough to keep it in the curriculum since its conception. I don¡¯t dispute the legitimacy of the Burik¡¯dir, but as for your legitimacy, I can only speculate. You are asking me to put the lives of trillions in your care, and the only assurance I have is your unorthodox combat skills and a Vorg crew under your command.¡± Novis glanced at MAJ Krodis and then back at Stargazer.


    ¡°Actually you have more than that; you have our willingness to help you in the face of death, and our word which so far is true.¡±


    Novis¡¯ semi-ocular mandible slightly tightened. ¡°I guess we can start the conference now.¡±


    ¡°Sir, all captains are standing by.¡± The communications officer reported.


    Stargazer and Master looked at each other in unison. ¡°That was a very fast fifteen minutes.¡± Master commented.


    ¡°I just wanted to make sure I didn¡¯t get blindsided, and my captains need to see that I approve of the plan first before they travel to this spot in space.¡± Novis pointed at the 3D plot of the Tritany 10 system. ¡°May the living stay alive.¡±


    The conference occurred without a hitch, and the armada quickly started its movement to Tritany 10.


    Crew Quarters A112, Andromen Flagship


    ¡°I hope the Captains don¡¯t mess this up.¡± Master drank his new favorite protein mix.


    ¡°Everyone seemed to have liked your plan.¡± Rat Bastard replied as he laid in his assigned bed cubical; the soles of his feet barely pressing on the outer edge of the one foot tall transparent steel railing.


    ¡°Three hundred twenty-seven ships, that¡¯s a lot of chances for one to spook the enemy or send out a treacherous message.¡±


    Rat Bastard turned his head, his brows tighten. ¡°Why don¡¯t you have any faith in people?¡±


    ¡°I have faith in some people. Just not in everyone. Do you know how many people have died due to wars and crimes, because of people making mistakes or just being evil?¡± Master propped his feet on a small table extending out of the wall.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re going to tell me.¡± Rat Bastard crossed his arms behind his head amidst his pillow.


    ¡°More than I¡¯m willing to count.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s a lot. But I think you¡¯re forgetting something.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t forget anything.¡± Master relooked at the plan on his tablet.


    ¡°The good guys always win if you have faith.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to break it to you, but in real life not all good guys win.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ as long as there¡¯s one victory, the good guys always win.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know why I put up with these philosophical discussions.¡± Master signed.


    ¡°Aaah..¡± Rat Bastard lumbered out of bed, the railing automatically detracting. ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m a good listener and very smart.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re so smart, why didn¡¯t you come up with this plan to fight the Kalar?¡±


    Rat Bastard moved across the room towards the door. ¡°It¡¯s all in my master plan, to let you do the strategy. While you¡¯re reading that metal clipboard, I am going to enjoy the company of some female aliens.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯re you going?¡± Master¡¯s picked his head away from the tablet, showing an annoyed posture being temporarily distracted by Rat Bastard¡¯s remarks.


    Rat Bastard turned his head as he walked out of the room smiling. ¡°Walk around the ship and find out what they think of us. If you¡¯re not going to have faith in people, I guess I¡¯ll have to do it for you.¡±


    Master stared at the closed plastic looking sliding door for a long while. ¡°I have faith¡­ But we need a miracle.¡± Master looked back down at Cyer¡¯s image and computed statistical energy output of a star.


    Crew Quarters A114, Andromen Flagship


    Stargazer opened his eyes from a long restful nap. His gaze went out through the starship and into a wide view of millions of stars. He jumped from one light source to another as was habitual for him as a child. Earth was his home, but the universe was his visual playground.


    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll make a difference?¡± Stargazer softly said.


    ¡°If we save the queen and stop Korvax, yeah.¡± Ghost instantly replied.


    ¡°No, I mean.¡±


    ¡°On Earth?.. I don¡¯t know.¡± Ghost interrupted.


    ¡°Can I ever complete my sentences?¡± Stargazer turned his head, Ghost sitting in front of a computer screen reading historical records.


    ¡°Sorry Star, but since we¡¯re in the future and everyone¡¯s telling us the Earth¡¯s past and future are at stake, then yes, I think we¡¯ll make a difference¡­ and I¡¯ll stop ending your sentences.¡±


    Stargazer sat up on the bunk. ¡°I thought I was one of a very few people with powers. Now it seems that there was a revolution of super people on Earth and we missed it?¡±


    ¡°I think we might be more use here and honestly, our future is not fully written, so how do we know that we didn¡¯t start that revolution.¡± Ghost turned off the screen and stretched his arms.


    ¡°Whatever happens, I need you to promise me, no one is left behind.¡±


    Ghost looked at Stargazer¡¯s eyes. His thoughts were very clear, maybe too much. ¡°So you think I have a thing for Queen Cassandra?¡±


    Stargazer smiled. ¡°If she has the same strong feelings for you, I don¡¯t blame you if you want to stay with her, but seeing how things have hit the fan lately; you should look at what¡¯s best for Earth¡­ but it¡¯s your call and I¡¯ll honor it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you my friend.¡± Ghost wondered how he would have slapped himself, not less than a week ago he thought Cassandra was some pushy female, and now he was falling in love with her, if he hadn¡¯t already.


    ¡°No thanks necessary. Hopefully the woman I want to be with will be waiting for me when we get back.¡±


    Ghost didn¡¯t say a word and thought about how screwy romance could be when you least expect it.


    Lower Deck L8 A, Andromen Flagship


    Spot walked into one of several manufacturing decks. The repair and customizing material modules were constantly calibrating or producing needed equipment and ship parts. The supervisor on duty walked up to Spot while the rest of the workers momentarily glanced at them as if the Captain of the ship had walked onto the deck.


    ¡°Lord Spot, we were not expecting to see any of the Burik¡¯dir here, but it¡¯s a pleasure, welcome, I¡¯m Ensign Gran.¡± The middle aged man stood proud as he saluted him.


    ¡°Call me Abaddon.¡± Spot returned a perfect salute.


    ¡°Yes, my Lord, but may I ask what does that mean?¡±


    ¡°On Earth it means the destroyer.¡±


    The Ensign smiled, ¡°So it will mean the same here. He extended his hand toward the twenty modules the size of large dump trucks, ¡°Please let me show you our department.¡±


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Spot smiled back seeing they didn¡¯t fear his name, knowing he was an ally and would bring much destruction on the Kalar.


    ¡°The modules here receive raw parts and materials from the floor above us. We repair or synthesis improvements into the matrix of template jobs for all things from personal hygiene items, clothing, body armor, weapons, up to hull material for the ship.¡± The Ensign walked around the modules explaining the details of their important work.


    Spot listened intently to all the words and scrutinized the modules and people running them as if inspecting troops for battle.


    The Ensign completed his tour with assembling the twenty five workers in the very large room. ¡°Lord Abaddon, told me he has some questions for you and if you have any for him please ask.¡±


    Spot walked in front of most of the workers, as a few where in the back of the crowd. ¡°You know my name, but I would like to know each of your names, where you call home, and what you plan to do after the empire is saved.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Chief Petty Officer Dolas Hem, my home is Liwar Prime, and I hope to start my own manufacturing company someday.¡± The smiling and tall light blue skinned woman was the first to reply.


    Spot couldn¡¯t believe how handsome and beautiful all of the people he had met in this galaxy were. ¡®What kind of vitamins do these people take?¡¯ He thought to himself having never seen any overweight, underweight, wrinkled or malformed humanoids.


    The last worker gave his spill, and added a question. ¡°Lord Abaddon, do you really think we will win and see our families again?¡±


    Spot looked at him calmly and stepped back as if wanting to take a group photo. ¡°I think we have a very good chance to win, now that my friends are here, but you¡¯re probably wondering if I can kill this Destroyer of Ordis. Time will tell, but I would ask something from you guys. What¡¯s the smallest and most powerful energy storage pack or source you guys can create?¡±


    The Ensign looked at Hem to answer the question. ¡°Lord Abaddon, that¡¯s easy. We can make a fission pack capable of storing two-trillion kilowatts and creating two-million kilowatts per second.¡±


    ¡°And how big is that?¡±


    ¡°A pack, about 3 feet square by 2 feet deep.¡±


    ¡°If you can make things like this, why haven''t you used nuclear weapons strong enough to defeat the Kalar?¡±


    The Ensign stepped in, ¡°Nuclear weapons are used by other races, but they are crude and Queen Cassandra outlawed impure nuclear weapons. The plasma cannons on warships like this one do not leave radioactivity like a old style nuclear weapon.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think the Destroyer of Ordis or the Kalar care about that.¡± Spot interjected.


    The Ensign¡¯s face stopped in time as in deep thought while his jaw slightly dropped. ¡°We must be the ones to stand for what¡¯s right and our future generations.¡±


    ¡°So we do, and that¡¯s why I must ask you make ten packs for me, and if possible make them quickly portable for fast loading unto any ship I get on. Thank you all for your warm hospitality. I will not let you down, I promise.¡±


    Spot stayed with them for a moment talking about Earth, the ship and their specific jobs but work had to continue and he left the floor to find out as much as possible about the people he was fighting for. Something he was not really able to fully do back on Earth as politics, gossip and false ideology got in the way of doing what was right in a time of war.


    The voyage was uneventful for several days, but the emptiness of space was once again filled with distress calls from the planetary system in Tritany 10.


    Master tapped the armrest slowly to the beat of an imaginary sonata. ¡°Okay, you can start jamming now.¡± He almost boringly commanded.


    ¡°Affirmative, Master.¡± The communications specialist replied.


    ¡°It seems like your plan is working.¡± Rat Bastard whispered as he stood next to Master.


    ¡°Of course it is.¡± Master, mumbled.


    ¡°So why are you so excited?¡± Rat raised his voice.


    Master exhaled in frustration and looked at the three sensor technicians, ¡°Is there anything?¡±


    The long range scanner technician picked his head up in response. ¡°No, Master. We see no changes to the parameters you indicated.¡±


    ¡°Take it easy. Chances are he¡¯ll show when we get near Arlos.¡± Rat Bastard tried to comfort the teenager.


    ¡°He¡¯ll show when he finds out where we are.¡±


    ¡°But he knew where we were going to be a few days ago and never came. I mean if I were him I would be thinking why come to us when all he has to do is wait for us near Arlos?¡±


    Master looked up at Rat Bastard¡¯s face. ¡°Sometimes, your logic baffles me.¡±


    ¡°My mom used to say that all the time.¡± Rat walked away from Master, kneeling beside the life support specialist. ¡°Hi there, I was thinking once your shift is over, if you wanted to have lunch with me.¡±


    The female specialist smiled; Master squinting his eyes and rolling them in disbelief. ¡°Oh, brother.¡±


    The Kalar forces were overwhelmed by Spot, Ghost and Stargazer¡¯s surprise attack in the rear defensive perimeter of the weak garrison bases. The deactivation of automatic weapon systems left an open door for Andromen starships to force a surrender. The battle lasted less than an hour, before the entire system was under Andromen control.


    Stargazer and the group quickly reunited in the flagship bridge, looking at the next step in their plan.


    Rat Bastard eyed Stargazer¡¯s torn and burnt spacesuit. ¡°Too bad they don¡¯t make indestructible clothes.¡±


    ¡°If they did, there¡¯ll be a lot of stores out of business.¡± Stargazer smiled.


    ¡°Hmm, I guess there would be.¡±


    ¡°Captain Olac, we¡¯re ready when you are.¡± Master announced. The main screen changed view to Captain Olac. Her short black hair defined a slender beautiful young face.


    ¡°We¡¯re in position Lord Master.¡± Olac¡¯s mild tone sent chills down Rat Bastard¡¯s back.


    Ghost smiled seeing the big guy¡¯s one tracked mind of being the center of attention for the opposite sex.


    ¡°Excellent.  Lead the way Captain.¡± Master replied.


    Twenty starships warped toward deep space with the flagship in the center.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going to change. You guys seem to have a handle on all of this.¡± Stargazer walked toward one of three exit doors.


    ¡°Lord Stargazer off the bridge.¡± An automated voice announced as the double doors opened.


    The Andromen crew paused, turning heads, to see Stargazer leave.


    Ghost walked up behind the science officer. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    The science officer kept his attention on the multiple screens and readouts on the console. ¡°Lord Ghost, there¡¯s unusual activity around Hansis 2. There are indications that warships are being ordered to rally in that system.¡±


    ¡°Master, we might need to re-think our plan.¡± Ghost spoke loudly. ¡°Continue monitoring, and you two find out everything there is about that sector.¡± Ghost commanded the other two science officers assigned to monitor for the Destroyer of Ordis.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Rat Bastard and the other two walked up to Ghost.


    ¡°It seems they¡¯re not going to send any forces this way.¡± Ghost stated as a fact.


    Rat Bastard and Spot turned towards Master behind them.


    ¡°Oh my God. How could I have not seen this?¡± Master raised his hands to the ceiling with wide eyes. ¡°You two continue with your original orders.¡± Master lowered his hands, pointed a finger at the science officers, and slightly frowned.


    ¡°Computer, bring up Hansis 2 information on the main screen!¡± Master quickly got back into the Captain¡¯s chair.


    ¡°As you can see. The sector has three star systems with twenty six planets. They will try to suck us into this area.¡± Master moved his hand and finger as if touching the screen from ten meters away. A yellow arrow, line and box appeared in a zoom of a very large planet, labeled Utro-mes. The Kalar even though they have the power to radiate the entire population of the planet, do want the resources without having to worry about hazardous wastes in the atmosphere, oceans and land.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the man.¡± Rat Bastard interrupted seeing that Master had anticipated the Kalar maneuver.


    ¡°Yes, well as I was saying.¡± Master paused with an annoyed smirk. The Kalar have been trying to take over the planet¡¯s inhabitants since they arrived there. The Utro people have been able to defeat many assaults; however, the Kalar have air supremacy and will take the planet over time. It¡¯s possible they¡¯re diverting forces to reinforce the sector, but more than likely they¡¯re trying to get us to attempt a rescue of the planet.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that? There¡¯s so much space out there, why don¡¯t they think we can¡¯t just bypass them?¡± Spot interrupted.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking in one dimension my friend. Hansis 2 is key because it¡¯s close enough to a direct path to Arlos. If we bypass the sector, we¡¯ll have the enemy in our rear. If we just destroy the space forces and leave the ground troops there, a Kalar force just needs to come in and us the planet as a base with no opposition. So, yes we will go destroy the space forces, and destroy the ground forces. And use the planet as a launching point. What the Kalar don¡¯t know is we have the advantage.¡±


    ¡°We can only do so much, and destroying the ground forces will take a very long time.¡± Rat Bastard said.


    ¡°We¡¯re not the advantage. We¡¯re the distraction.


    ¡°The short term advantage is time. If the Vorgolings are sticking to the timeline, we should have two extra fleets to occupy the sector when we¡¯re done, and assemble for the final attack on Arlos.¡±


    ¡°So I assume you have a detailed plan on taking the planet?¡± Spot asked.


    ¡°Of course. Rat will be with you, but you¡¯ll lead the rebellion as the great warrior. Stargazer and Ghost will take care of the space forces.¡±


    ¡°And what will you be doing?¡± Rat Bastard asked.


    ¡°Keeping us all alive.¡± Master said as an absolute.