Return to Revein'sev, page 7
Ruki stepped into the medical bay with a concerned look about her, “Darnash, I just received an urgent message.”
“Urgent?” Danielle asked.
“What’s wrong?” Interjected Race.
“The message comes from my father, Akua. We must return to Serintin. My father says Gor’con needs to speak with us.”
“Well, I don’t think we can ask the Admiral to take us,” said Race.
“And a transport will take too long,” Darnash nodded, “We shall use the cross-way.”
“How long will it take you to assemble?”
“My irritating human friend,” Darnash began to explain. Then, turned and grabbed one of the cross-way parts, “It will take much longer if you continue asking human questions.”
“Ha-ha-ha, very funny, big guy.”
Ruki took another part of the cross-way and set it in place next to where Darnash carried his. The two began assembling the two parts as Danielle and Race took the remaining smaller pieces. Then, Darnash grabbed the power supply and set it in place.
Race began connecting the various couplers when Darnash interrupted him and began pointing, “No, that one goes there and this one goes here.”
“Right,” Race nodded, “I knew that,” Race uncoupled the cables and switched them before reconnecting.
Doctor Lambert stepped over to the group, “I wouldn’t plan on taking too long. Chipper’s condition is worsening. I don’t know how much longer she can remain here.”
“Can we take her with us?” Ruki asked.
“No,” Doctor Lambert answered, “That would not be advisable.”
“I suggest we split into two teams,” Ruki offered. “Danielle and Darnash can prepare the gate to Revein’sev, while Race and I go see Gor’con.”
“Then, once we’re done seeing Gor’con,” Race nodded, “We’ll come back and get Chipper. By then, you should be ready to activate the gate.”
Doctor Lambert folded his arms and spoke, “That may be the best thing. I can continue monitoring Chipper, but there’s not much more I can do, now.”
“How much time do we have?” Race asked as he finished the last connector.
“I’m not certain, Race,” answered Doctor Lambert, “But, perhaps six or seven hours at best.”
“Okay, we’ll get back as quicky as we can,” Race nodded, then turned back to the cross-ways, “There! It’s all set.”
Darnash pressed several commands and input coordinates before the bulkhead in the medical bay shimmered and shimmied an image of the Serintin palace.
“It’s working!” Race exclaimed.
“Of course, it’s working, my irritating human friend. You and Ruki will go first,” Darnash pointed, “Then Danielle and I shall switch over to the gate and make our preparations.”
“The palace has a cross-way that we can use to get back, “Ruki noted, “C’mon, Race, lets go see what Gor’con needs.”
“One sec,” Race said, lifting a finger in the air, “Let me tell Jed what we’re doing.”
Doctor Lambert stood over to the comm panel and made the call, “Doctor Lambert for the Admiral,” then turned and smiled at Race and whispered, “I wanted to ensure he took the call—"
Lieutenant Henderson’s voice rang out across the comm speakers, “—One moment—Doctor Lambert for Admiral Fitz.”
“This is the admiral, what’s up, Doc?”
“Admiral, I have Race here for you.”
“Hey Jed, err, Admiral,” Race began.
“Okay, what’s so urgent that you coaxed the good doctor to get me on the line.”
“Wasn’t my idea, Admiral,” Race came to his own defense.
“Well, looks like I’ll have to have a chat with the ol’ doctor.”
Doctor Lambert, with raised eyebrows, bowed out of the room and returned to check on Chipper.
“What’s going on, Race?”
“Yeah, I wanted to let you know, Ruki and I need to go back to talk to Gor’con. We’re using the cross-ways. Danielle and Darnash are going to the gate and prepare for our entrance to Revein’sev.”
“Okay, Race. I appreciate you keeping me informed. But, next time, you can call me yourself.”
“I understand, Admiral,” Race gulped.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Well, we can’t stay at Serintin for very long. Doc Lambert says Chipper’s got about six hours.”
“Okay, Race. We’ll be jumping to our next coordinates in five hours.”
“We won’t have any problems returning, Admiral. Apparently, I’m told the palace now has their own cross-way. We can tie them together for a proper lock on the Rock.”
“Okay, Race. You keep that lock on the Rock. Check in when you get back before you attempt crossing the gate to the realm.”
“You got it, Jed—err, Admiral.”
“Fitz out.”
The internal comm crackled static before Race turned off his side, “Okay, let’s go see Gor’con.”
Darnash fiddled with the cross-way controls, clearing the static from the image of the palace. Seeing Akua standing on the other side of the shimmering image, Race and Ruki stepped forward and through, crossing to the palace.
Turning, Race waved and then said, “Okay, Darnash. We made it okay.”
Darnash terminated the connection, causing the shimmering image to fade away.
Akua stood before Race and Ruki with a solemn look about his face, “My daughter, Ruki Grey’con. You have grown since we saw each other.”
“Yes, my father,” Ruki bowed before Akua.
“Race Jennings,” continued Akua, “You are looking more Antarian this Ma’Nuta’Dii.”
Race lowered down to one knee in reverence to the Antarian leader, “Yes, Akua, father of Ruki. We have shared Bron Vis’Ka.”
“Then it is sealed. You are together forever and a Ma’Nuta’Dii.”
Ruki took Race by his arm and stood, returning him to his feet, “My father, what is of such urgent need that we come here?”
“Yeah, where is that big guy, Gor’con, anyway?” Race asked, looking all around them.
Akua motioned and began walking to one of the palace corridors and said, “Follow me. Gor’con is this way.”
The two followed Akua to a room at the end of the corridor. Stopping, he turned and looked into Ruki and then Race’s eyes, “Gor’con is very weak. He requested to see you both.”
“Gor’con is dying,” Race surmised. “Isn’t he.”
“Yes. Gor’con is dying.”
Ruki grew tears under her eyes and protested, “No! This can’t be!”
Akua opened the door to a room where Gor’con lay flat on a bed, his hands clutching his staff, which had a shimmering glow about it. The three entered the room. Akua stood at the side while Race and Ruki came to the sides of his bed.
“Gor’con,” Ruki wept, “Why? What happened? You were fine after we returned the staff.”
“Do not fear, my Ruki,” Gor’con softly spoke, “It is simply my time.”
“You didn’t call us here to just tell us your dying,” Race interjected, “I’m guessing there’s another reason.”
“You are quite correct, my half human friend, Race Jennings,” answered Gor’con, who slowly opened his eyes. Gazing through his cataract covered eyes, he fixed upon Race and said, “You must return to Revein’sev. Bring me my staff. It is there that I shall see you both again.”
“You want me to take your staff to Revein’sev?”
“Yes, Race. You must do this thing.”
“I don’t want you to die, Gor’con,” Ruki wept.
“My sweet dear Ruki. You are such a wonderful gift to us. Do not be sorrowful. It is something all living creatures must do. We all must die.”
Ruki pressed her head down to his chest, “I do not wish this thing!”
Race came around to Ruki’s side and rested a hand on her shoulder, “This is a truth that Gor’con says this Ma’Nuta’Dii,” turning to Gor’con, Race continued, “I will keep your staff safe and will bring it to you in Revein’sev.”
“You are a good, half human, Race,” Gor’con nodded from his bed, “I know you will do the right thing in this. There is a terrible thing that is happing within the realm.”
Ruki lifted her head from Gor’con’s chest, but kept her arms surrounding the old Antarian, “What is happening, Gor’con? Did we fail in removing the Kron’Shulooka?”
“No, my Ruki. Queen Danielle did remove the blood sprit. But there is an imbalance. Without any of the Kron’Shulooka, all Antarians will perish at the hands of the Theta Centaurians and humans will soon be at risk as well.”
“Will this staff bring balance to the realm?” Race asked.
“It is only a part of what must be done.”
“I don’t understand, Gor’con,” said Ruki.
“Do not worry, my sweet Ruki,” Gor’con struggled to speak, then, continued after coughing, “You will all know what must be done when you are faced with it. Just know that to bring balance to the realm, a heavy price must be paid.”
“Price? What do you mean by that?” Race exclaimed.
Gor’con’s eyes closed once more. Then, he held the staff he gripped with both hands and passed it up to Race’s chest. Race reluctantly grabbed the softly-glowing staff. Then, Gor’con placed one of his hands on Races’ heart, saying, “You will know what must be done.” Then, his hands fell limp, releasing the staff to Race as his last breath was exhaled.
Ruki cried as she placed her head on the old Antarian’s chest once more. Race lowered the staff end to the ground and comforted Ruki with his free hand.
________________________
Gate of Revein’sev
________________________
Danielle and Darnash jumped through the cross-way and entered the gate corridor. The two looked around the fog that floated across the ground which covered their ankles.
“Look!” Darnash pointed, “There is someone entering the gate.”
“C’mon, let’s go see who it is!” Danielle began running toward the gate where the apparition slowly walked.
“Wait!” Danielle shouted, “Who goes there?”
The apparition’s slow approach stopped a few feet from the now shimmering gate. The tall ghostly-looking Antarian turned to face the shouting woman.
The two stopped in their tracks as they closed in on the being and then both exclaimed, “Gor’con!?”
“Yes, my Queen,” the apparition voiced with a haunting echo. “It is I, Gor’con.”
“You died?” Danielle asked, more for her own benefit.
“It is a truth you do say this Ma’Nuta’Dii, my Queen. I have died in this world. I am now being called to Revein’sev.”
“No!” Danielle protested, “This can’t be happening! You can’t die, Gor’con, you can’t!”
Darnash rested his palms on Danielle’s shoulders, “It is his time, my Queen. There is nothing we can do. He must enter Revein’sev. You are well aware; this is our way.”
Tears flowed down her cheeks, her hands wiping the wet away enough to see the ghostly apparition, “Gor’con—” She wept.
“—there is something you can do, my Queen,” Gor’con interrupted.
“What must I do?”
“Balance must be brought to the realm,” then Gor’con turned and began stepping through the gate.
“How?!” Danielle shouted, “What am I supposed to do?”
As Gor’con stepped through the gate, he paused to answer, “Your answers can be found in the Blood Scroll.”
“Wait—No! You’re the only one that can interpret those ancient writings—”
Gor’con interrupted Danielle once more, “You must bring the Blood Scroll to me in Revein’sev.”
“How will I find you?”
“I shall find you, my Queen,” then Gor’con stepped through the shimmering gate and vanished.
The shimmering gate returned to stone before Danielle could leap through, held back by Darnash, “No, my Queen. You must not enter Revein’sev until we have the scroll. We must go back and wait for Race and Ruki to return. Then we must return to Earth—”
“I don’t think Chipper can wait that long, Darnash,” Danielle protested, “That creature needs to return and we’re the only ones that can cross through.”
“Race and Ruki have the Bron Vis’Ka,” Darnash reminded, “They too can enter the gate. They must take Chipper there while we retrieve the ancient scroll.”
“Okay, Darnash,” Danielle relented, “Let’s inspect Race’s equipment to ensure we can activate the gate.”
Darnash quickly inspected the cross-way, “The emitter array is still attached to the gate circumference. All the cables are intact and connected to this cross-way. There is plenty of charge in the power supply. It would also appear the coordinates are programmed to activate the gate.”
“So, it appears it’s ready, then?”
“Yes, my Queen. This cross-way is programed. There is also a set of coordinates to return to the gate on the Rocinante.”
“Okay, if we’re good, then let’s activate our way back to the Rock.”
“Yes, my Queen,” Darnash pressed a few pattern sequences before the cement gate began to shimmer the image of the medical bay.
Danielle glanced over her shoulder and then to Darnash before returning to their ship. Darnash exited quickly. Then the shimmering gateway turned to stone once again as the cross-ways powered down.
Doctor Lambert looked up from his console as the two returned, “Ah! Good, you’re back.”
“What’s going on, Doctor?” Danielle asked.
“Little Chipper is getting weaker. I’m afraid there isn’t much more time. Race and Ruki need to return so you all can bring this little creature back to that realm.”
“They should have returned by now,” Danielle said, “What’s taking them so long, anyway?”
“You ask good questions, my Queen,” Darnash surmised, “Does anyone really know what takes this human so long when his name means fast?”
“That’s something we’re all curious about,” Doctor Lambert chuckled.
“Should I go over and check on him?”
“That would be a good idea, my Queen,” Darnash entered the coordinates for the Serintin cross-ways and engaged the fixer. Then, the shimmering image appeared on the ship’s bulkhead.
Looking at both Doctor Lambert and Darnash, Danielle said, “I’ll be right back.” Then she stepped through the cross-ways.”
Danielle yelled out from the palace room, “Hello? Is anyone there?”
Akua came into the room and approached Danielle before bowing to one knee, “My Queen.”
“You don’t have to do that, Akua,” Danielle protested. “I need to find Race and Ruki. Do you know what’s taking them so long?”
“Yes, my Queen,” answered Akua, returning to his feet, “I have need to transfer two prisoners to Admiral Fitz.”
“Prisoners? I thought Zetaal was already transferred,” questioned Danielle.
“Yes, my Queen,” Akua answered, “Zetaal was returned to Chancellor Relegon. However, Davin captured two humans tampering with the collector station on Serintin.”
“Who?” Danielle asked.
“Major Nick Bridges and Lieutenant Marco Hudson.”
“Admiral Gilmore’s men?” Danielle exclaimed, “Oh, I’m sure Admiral Fitz will absolutely want to have a chat with these two. They’re the ones responsible for freeing Gilmore!”
“Very well, Race and Ruki should be returning from our cell block in a few ma’na’ta. They will be bound and escorted by Antarian elite guard.”
“Very well, Akua.”
“Any word on attacks at Antares?” Danielle asked.
“Not as yet,” Akua answered. “We are prepared with the Draconian and Centaurian ships here, patrolling all collector/emitter stations across all of Antares.”
Just then, Race, holding the soft-glowing staff in his left hand with Ruki wrapped, arm and arm with his right, were escorted by several elite guard as they came into the cross-ways room.
“Ah,” Akua’s attention was changed to the approaching men, “Here they are now.”
“Race!” Danielle exclaimed, “We need to hurry!”
“Why?” Race protested, “I thought the good doctor said we had some time—”
“—Not anymore, there isn’t. There’s been a change in plans.”
“Boy, you’re not kiddin,” Ruki added, “Gor’con—”
“—died,” Danielle interrupted, “Yes, we know! We were with him at the gate corridor. We spoke to his spirit before he entered the realm.”
“How’s that possible? What? You can speak to the dead now?” Nick Bridges mocked.
“That’s none of your concern, Nick!” Danielle scolded. “C’mon, we’ve got to get back. I’ll explain everything as soon as these two are secured in the Rock’s brig.”
“Yes, I have to give Gor’con his staff in Revein’sev,” said Race.
“I shall prepare the cross-ways for your return,” Akua said, then turned to manipulate the cross-ways fixer.
The shimmying image of the medical bay appeared. Then the group all passed through the cross-ways.
Chapter Eight
________________________
The Guardian
________________________
Chancellor Relegon gazed out at the burning hulk. His ship now burning in the sector. The vacuum of space extinguished each lapping flame that attempted to survive outside the air pockets of the destroyed ship. Captain Zeythea flew the escape transport and formed up with the surviving escape pods.
“They got Zetaal!” the Chancellor hissed. “Thisss isss unaccsssseptable!”
“Wait one!” Captain Zeythea began.
“What isss thissss?” Relegon exclaimed. Then rubbed his eyes and gazed out the port window once more.
“Chancellor! Do you sssee thissss?”
“Yessss, I cannot believe what I am sssseeing!”
“There issss no damage—Wait! Wait one santaro! I am detecting a fleet of ssshipssss approaching in ssssector!”
