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“So, I’m supposed to get Ruki to leave without me?” Race balked, “That’s not likely—”
“—It must be this way!” Gor’con interrupted. “That is why Ruki was not with you to learn of this. You mustn’t tell her. You cannot tell her or she will refuse, which will cause the Kron’Shulooka to take hold in totality, once again.”
“And the Warlords will return being—Warlords. Why am I the only one allowed here?”
“It is the price that must be paid for balance to become restored.”
“Oh, I thought Danielle was the one that needs to restore balance?”
“You must leave your human mind and start thinking more Antarian, Race. You already know the answer to your question.”
Race closed his eyes and concentrated on that thought. He started to speak twice, with a pointing finger in the air. Then, he relaxed and thought again before answering Gor’con, “It’s because she still holds the Bron Vis’Ka, isn’t it?”
“Again, Race, you are correct.”
“And I really never got the Bron Vis’Ka; we fooled the fire dragon to get access.”
“Again, you are correct, once more,” Gor’con praised, “Continue.”
“But I partook of the spirit blood with Ruki, so I have the Kron’Shulooka.”
“Yes, Race. Keep going. You nearly know all there is you need to know to complete what it is you must do.”
Race held his eyes closed and became trance-like as he listened to what sounded like a haunting Antarian voice echoing in his mind. Then, Race opened his eyes, turned slightly toward Gor’con before softly speaking what it was that came to him, “So it is written within the Blood Scroll of Antares, one will come, several will enter, but one must stay. The Bron Vis’Ka will remove the Kron’Shulooka—,” Race paused, then continued, “The Kron’Shulooka must return to Revein’sev to restore balance between two worlds. Only the chosen one, the one that holds the blood spirit will remain, since Revein’sev is a non-corporeal realm. No corporeal being can be. Only the chosen one can bring balance after the Bron Vis’Ka has brought healing.
“Now you know, what it is you must do, Race Jennings.”
“So, I have the Kron’Shulooka, but I’m still confused, Gor’con.”
“What is it that troubles you?”
“The scrolls. How am I able to recite anything from them, if I’ve not seen them for some time, let alone know how to interpret that ancient writing?”
“You know because you are the chosen one, Race. The realm has spoken the scroll to you,” Gor’con paused, then said, “You know what’s right in your heart.”
“I don’t like it, Gor’con. I don’t like it at all.”
“It is your destiny.”
“How am I going to convince Ruki to leave the realm?”
“You’ll know what to do, when that time comes. But you must prevent Danielle or anyone else to enter through the gate and you must get Ruki to leave.”
“What is it that, Ohna’Thesus will train me to do? I think we better be getting on with that, so I can go back and get Ruki and then to the gate.”
“You speak a truth this Ma’Nuta’Dii,” Gor’con stood and motioned for Race to take the staff. Before he released his hand, Gor’con instructed Race, “You will be taught what you shall do next. But I must give you grave warning that you must follow Ohna’Thesus’ instructions. Do not deviate from what he tells you. Do not!”
Then Gor’con let go of the staff. Race followed the wisps of misting fog to the top level in the rock tower complex where the carnelian stone rested.
“I know what I have to do,” Race nodded to himself as the wisps of fog swirled about his head.
Taking the base of the glowing staff, Race touched the red carnelian stone as Danielle did before. The rock began to glow as the creature within the stone stirred. Molten rock began to take form as the giant Antarian craft-maker stood from his crouched position. Race followed the height of the creature with his eyes, but now, he was nearly as tall as the craft-maker.
Ohna’Thesus slowly turned and faced Race as he lowered the staff. The craft-maker peered into Race’s eyes before sizing him up and down.
“Well?” Race began, “I came back to learn something from you. What is it you are going to teach me, Ohna’Thesus?”
The great craft-maker stood tall before stepping off the platform where the carnelian crystal was. Then another step the giant Antarian being stood before Race, nearly eye to eye and said, “Race Jennings. You are the holder of the great staff. Within you lies the Kron’Shulooka. It is in you and you only.”
“Can I ask one question? Great! So, how is it I’ve been given this special privilege, anyhow?”
“I can see this one is in need of more training. You were correct in bringing him to me, Gor’con.
The white fog swirled around Race before settling on the top of the staff, Gor’con took form, “Yes, Ohna’Thesus. It was also spoken of by Ma’Ruuk. We were in agreement that this would be needed.”
“Race Jennings,” Ohna’Thesus again spoke, turning back to Race, he peered deep within his eyes, once more, “Search for the truth. It lies here!” The craft-maker placed his open palm on Race’s two hearts, “Deep within you are all the answers. Know that you partook of the spirit blood.”
“Yeah, and so did Ruki, Darnash and Danielle, who still holds the Bron Vis’Ka, or so I’m told.”
“What difference do you remember of your taking of the blood?” Gor’con asked. “It is something you should remember. Something that bonded us in times past.”
“The worm!” Race exclaimed. “It’s was the worm, wasn’t it?”
“Race Jennings,” Ohna’Thesus again spoke, his deep booming voice pierced deep within in Race’s two hearts, “You have spoken a truth on this Ma’Nuta’Dii. Yes, the Myesa Nagiomi’ parasite from the Mu’Dooth creature of Antares. Changed your blood chemistry forever and a Ma’Nuta’Dii. This is why you and you alone carry the only remaining Kron’Shulooka. It is you, Race Jennings, that must awaken the Shabe’Tu, you must do.”
“Awaken?” Race protested, “You want me to wake up the sleeping dragon?”
“Yes, Race Jennings. It is the thing you must do. The Shabe’Tu will bring balance to the Bron Vis’Ka.”
“That’s it? I just have to get him to wake up?”
“This task will not be easy since the Bron Vis’Ka has subdued the Shabe’Tu.”
“So, what? Do I yell in his ear or something? How am I gonna wake him up?”
“You will need the Sword of Revein’sev. Pierce the dragon and withdraw its blood—”
“Oh no! Don’t tell me I have to consume more blood—yuk!” Race gaged.
“It is but a small thing. By partaking of the Shabe’Tu’s blood, when mixed with yours and reinserted into the beast, this will reactivate its blood spirit.”
“And you say, I have to do all this, by myself?” Race protested.
“No, Race Jennings,” Ohna’Thesus answered, “Alone was not said.”
“I’m confused.”
“Queen Danielle, Darnash and Empress Ruki will all enter in a way you once did in times past; they will be with you on your quest,” Ohna’Thesus responded.
“I see—” Race began, paused, then protested, “Hey, wait a minute! We almost didn’t come out of our comas the last time we did that!”
“There is great risk. However, you are paying the price for returning balance to the realm.”
“So, I get the feeling that I’m not ever leaving this realm, am I?”
“You again are quite preceptive, Race Jennings.”
“All because of my worm parasite? How lucky,” Race said under his breath.
“This has always been your destiny, Race Jennings. Just as Queen Danielle’s destiny was to be the holder of the Bron Vis’Ka.”
“What happens if I do leave?”
“The realm will become balanced, but it will not be permanent. No physical beings can reside within this non-corporeal realm.”
“But I am corporeal! I mean, I’m a living, breathing, half-antarian, half-human being. How can I stay here if physical bodies can’t be here?”
“The answer to your question, is a simple one, Race Jennings; you will not have a corporeal body. Thus, it is written and it was said in times past. The flesh body within the realm, the one that holds the Kron’Shulooka, will be transformed from body to spirit and shall manifest in the physical by the Staff of Gor’con. A heavy price will be paid to bring balance to the realm, for if the Shabe’Tu, which is now subdued, needs not be removed, yet infused to become improved. Thus, balance will be obtained. The Bron Vis’Ka will wane, yet maintain to sustain both Bron Vis’Ka and Kron’Shulooka.”
Race sat on the cold rock bench, pondering the words of Ohna’Thesus. Then, with hand to chin, he spoke, “Well, I guess I better be getting back to Ruki. How will I wake her up? I still don’t know what I’m supposed to tell her—”
“—You will know what to say and when,” Ohna’Thesus quickly answered.
“What about waking her up?”
“The Dul’Latch will awaken her when the time is right.”
“What about my little friend, Chipper?”
“Chipper will remain sleeping for now. Rest assured, Race Jennings, she will find you again since you will remain in Revein’sev forever and a Ma’Nuta’Dii.”
“Well, at least I’ll have some friends.”
“This is all I have for you, Race Jennings. Do not deviate from what you must do. I know it is a hard thing, but you will find the inner strength to see this through. It is written and will be done.”
Ohna’Thesus turned away from Race and stepped up to the rock platform. The craft-maker began to turn red, glowing like hot coals as he resumed position and changed back into a Cornelian crystal.
Race sighed, knowing what he needed to do. Holding the glowing staff outstretched he smiled, “Now I know why Gor’con was training me. He knew I’d have to use the staff like them.”
The white wisps of fog settled on the tip of the staff, returning Gor’con to physical form, “So, now you understand the price that must be paid. Go now. Ruki will awaken shortly.”
Gor’con removed his hand from the staff and returned to the mist. Race quickly made his way down the rock steps, following the swirling apparition. Then down the main steps of the tower before exiting to the tall, purple-tipped, grass.
Race set out running through the field to find Ruki, knowing that, at any time, one of those not-so-benevolent apparitions would try and take his staff away.
Coming to a clearing in the tall grass, he came upon Ruki, who was just now sitting upright and rubbing her eyes. Race looked over at Chipper and saw her curled up in a ball and softly snoring.
“Ruki!” Race shouted, “Come on! We have to get back to Rantuarie!
“Wh-what?” Ruki stuttered, “What’s going on, my Race?”
“No time to explain! We have to go and I mean, go now!”
“Is Danielle getting ready to cross over?”
“Yeah,” Race hesitated, “Yeah, we should be there when they open the gate!” Race tugged on Ruki, bringing her to her feet, “Come on, already!”
“What about Chipper?”
“Chipper’s fine, we will meet up later. I don’t have time to explain! We just have to go!”
“Okay, okay,” Ruki relented, “To Rantuarie, we go!”
The two ran toward the shimmering looking-glass and jumped back to the In’gula.
Chapter Seventeen
________________________
Kappa Centauri
Agamemnon
________________________
Administrator Bemono, along with Dalya, met with Chancellor Zetaal and Admiral Gilmore.
“Chancellor,” Bemono began, “I feel something is wrong.”
“I have to agree with Administrator Bemono,” Admiral Gilmore added, “We should have heard a report that they’ve engaged at Betelgeuse, by now.”
“Yessss, Admiral,” Zetaal answered, “I would agree with you. We should send a reconnaissssancesss to Betelgeusssss.”
The admiral’s comm rang in his quarters, making the three jerk forward in their seat, “Admiral, we have an arriving transport,” comm officer, Lieutenant Casey, reported, “I have confirmed they are from the Truven attacking fleet.”
“Patch them over to me,” Gilmore ordered.
“Aye, sir. Patching you over,” Casey acknowledged, “Captain Largeeye, I have Admiral Gilmore. Go ahead.”
“Admiral sir,” The Truven captain began, “Our first attack wave was intercepted by Eridonians. They were using their telepathic mind tricks on us, making us think we had arrived at Betelgeuse.”
“If they were using their telepathy and you discovered them, what happened that you know about it?” Administrator Bemono asked, interrupting the Admiral.
“We were completely fooled. But Leanmane made a strategic move, which revealed their illusion.”
“Excellent news!” Admiral Gilmore praised.
“We took out a total of fifteen Eridonian saucer ships. However, once we were seeing what was truly on our screens, we detected over two hundred battle ships. It would appear they are planning to set up a blockade, preventing our fleets from reaching Antares.”
“Well, we have completed our telepathic inhibitor,” Admiral Gilmore explained, “Dock up at the Agamemnon and we’ll provide you with one. Take it back to Leanmane for implementation.”
“I shall be landing in two malendrons.”
“Excellent. Once you have it. It just needs to be fitted in the scanner array on Leanmane’s ship. That’s all that will be needed, just one device to disrupt all the Eridonians,” Admiral Gilmore explained.
“Very well, Admiral. I will not stay. This device must be brought to our fleet. Then we will lock our jump drives to Betelgeuse and attack.”
“Affirmative, Largeeye,” Gilmore nodded.
“Admiral,” Administrator Bemono began, “I have to report that our telepathic inhibitor is fully integrated with the Agamemnon. Two more devices have been built and installed in two additional key battleships.”
“Most excellent. Then, we can break off from the main fleet and go Fitz hunting as soon as our main fleet has things under control at Antares.”
“Yes, Admiral,” Bemono answered, his wide smile painted across this face.
“As soon as this transport leaves for the Truven fleet,” Admiral Gilmore ordered, “We should all go to our respective ships and prepare to depart Kappa Centauri.”
“Agreed,” Zetaal smiled, his lizard tongue lapped in and out across his lips.
“Sir,” Lieutenant Casey reported, “The transport has landed in our bay. They are loading the device to his ship, now.”
“Excellent,” Gilmore again praised. “Chancellor? Good hunting.”
“Thank you, Admiral. I ssshall depart for my new dessstroyer. I ssshall sssee you at Antaresss for victory!” Zetaal nodded, his tongue continued to lap in anticipation of getting back to killing Antarians, then turned and headed from the CSC to the shuttle bay.
“Administrator, I suggest you and Dalya head back to your home world before we leave orbit.”
“Sir,” Lieutenant Casey again reported, “Largeeye’s transport has departed and is on course back to the Truven fleet.”
Administrator Bemono walked over to Gilmore in the CSC pit, Dalya locked in his left arm as Bemono extended his right to the Admiral, “I will be eager to hear your first battle reports.”
Admiral Gilmore shook Bemono’s hand and smiled, “I’ll send word back to Kappa as we progress to victory.”
Bemono turned and the two climbed the three steps from the pit and exited the CSC.
“I need to know as soon as the Administrator’s shuttle departs,” Gilmore ordered.
“Aye, sir,” Lieutenant Casey acknowledged.
Admiral Gilmore tapped on the screen table in the CSC pit, then ordered, “Lieutenant Fleming: set course to Antares and prepare to move our attack fleet from Kappa prime as soon as that transport is away. Get word to the flight deck to prepare for fleet-wide jump. Tactical: full power to shields and make all weapons systems ready.”
“Aye, sir,” Lieutenant Small acknowledged. “Shields are at full strength. All forward turrets are armed and set for salvo fire. All cannons are primed and at the ready. Missiles are in the tubes. The Agamemnon is locked and loaded, sir!”
“Excellent!” Gilmore smiled before bringing up his auto restraint system. Choosing the standing position, he held the handles as the restraint beams locked him in place.
“Administrator Bemono and his entourage have departed the ship,” Casey reported.
“Okay, Mister Fleming. Leave orbit and ensure the fleet is at the ready. Mister Casey, send a message to Kappa Centauri that the Agamemnon and the Antarian attacking fleet are departing the system.”
“Aye, sir,” Lieutenant Casey again acknowledged with a nod, then, his fingers flew across this console, sending the ordered message.
Lieutenant Fleming glanced from his navigation console and reported, “The fleet is formed. All two-hundred ships are in nav sync and are ready to commence first jump sequence.”
“How many jumps until Antares?” Gilmore ordered.
“Two jumps after this one, Admiral,” Lieutenant Fleming reported.
“Start the clock,” Gilmore ordered.
“The clock is running; two minutes until jump.”
All the various stations began calling out their readiness Lieutenant Small added, “We’ll run into the Eridonian blockade on our second jump.”
“They’ll think their mind tricks will stop us from attacking Antares. They’ve got another thought coming.”
“Nice pun, Admiral,” Lieutenant Casey snickered.
“Yesh, just keep to your console, mister Casey,” Admiral Gilmore advised. “This will be our first test of the thing and I’m not even sure if it’s going to work, at all.”
“This design worked for the Antarians, it’ll work for us, too, sir,” Lieutenant Small nodded to the admiral.
