Hypernova Series: Worlds At war Page 9

  Naki, Nuyen, and Kisoi’s eyes widen in shock. This causes me to assume that the Godsonion’s fury is a rare case.

  “I need to understand what you two where up to, and why you thought it was a good idea to leave Altair without my expressed permission.”

  My frown deepens. “Yes sir.”

  Instinctively, I give a slight bow. Even the small gesture is enough to cause every muscle in my body to ache.

  As the two of us turn to push through the crowd, Prince Zibrail intercepts him. He has a bat-like appearance similar to King Zazai, and beautiful thick black fur like Queen Zuna.

  “Godsonion, I appreciate your aid on the battlefield, unexpected as it may have been-”

  This is the first time I've heard the Prince speak, and wow! His voice is deeper than his fathers.

  “-Your arrival likely saved my people from total annihilation.”

  Ulmu seems to collect himself, but I know the fury towards Ron and I is still buried beneath that facade.

  “It is simply what we are tasked to do, Prince Zibrail. We protect the Known Planets from foreign enemies.”

  The Godsonion straightens his back, holding firm as the ship gives a dramatic shift into hyperdrive.

  Zibrail continues.

  “Yet, my city remains overrun and in ruins. We must take it back from Raider clutches!”

  Zibrail flexes his fist while holding his head high-and-proud. He reminds me of an action hero ready to leap into battle. I smirk, he looks so cool….now I wanna’ be a prince!

  Ulmu shakes his head.

  “This war is larger than a simple Raider party. Odium is leading an army whose sole objective is to destroy the Known Universes. The Citadel will need to take much deliberation before launching another attack on your behalf.”

  Zibrail’s nose crunches with disappointment, yet after a moment he nods in understanding.

  “I...understand. Thank you for taking care of my people.”

  Ulmu’s hand finds the crook of my elbow.

  “It is our pleasure. Now, if I may. I have urgent business to attend to.”

  Or...we could just forget this ever happened?

  I watch with increased anxiety as Nuyen, Naki and Kisoi excuse themselves to sit in a corner amongst the Aronevians. Naki gives me a wave goodbye as Ulmu leads me towards an airlock. The dour expression on her face makes me think it’s the last one I’ll ever receive from her.

  Clambering up a steel ladder, we cross a hallway, entering the med bay. Multiple bunk-beds are screwed into the walls alongside metal cabinets. I spot Ron laying on his back in a single bed. His eyes half open, but his body too weak to move.

  “Ron.” I jump to his side and fall onto my knees. My left hand finds his shoulder and I squeeze. “Are you ok?”

  What a stupid question, of course he’s not. He just watched Miv sacrifice herself for him.

  At the sound of my voice, his eyes open fully.

  “Miv?-” He asks and his voice cracks. “-is she ok?”

  I shake my head in response, I don't bother voicing the obvious truth. Ron sits up. His eyes find Ulmu’s. Something passes between the two of them. It looks like pity.

  “You lied to me, and left Altair without permission. With an Aster no less.”

  The anger in Ulmus’ voice is unmistakable. My tongue is tied in a knot. My initial instinct is to defend Ron...even though I know we are in the wrong.

  “I’m left to assume it was to discover more of Odium’s plans?” Ulmu continues.

  Ron remains silent only fuling Ulmu’s rage. Hesitantly, I raise my hand.

  “Kind of...sir.”

  Ulmu is staring down at me with unmasked fury. I'm fumbling with my words.

  “We found a crystal on Creyenia. It was lodged into Gaqeet’s chest when we defeated it. When I picked it up, it managed to control my mind.”

  Ulmus’ mandibles twitch with ever growing frustration.

  “That was valuable information and an extremely vital piece of evidence.”

  Ulmu turns to look at Ron. Ultimately, the Godsonions anger boils over.

  “Why didn’t you tell me!?” he shouts.

  Ron launches from his bed causing me to flinch. He spins to face Ulmu who is glaring.

  “I’ll tell you why…SIR!” His voice trembles like a leaf. “Do you really expect me to believe the High Council would listen to us? They would take the crystal and put it in the Citadel Archives, never to be seen again. Anything that has to do with helping me go home is useless to them. I've been on Altair for five years, and they never listen to anything I say!”

  My heart won’t stop pounding in my chest. I practically shrink into the corner of the med bay watching the argument unfold. Ulmu’s face scrunches together with increased vexation.

  “I've always had faith in you, Ron. You are like a son to me! I trusted you to tell me the truth. As your Godsonion, I have always given you the benefit of the doubt.”

  Ulmu growls his next words.

  “You let your heart lead and not your head, Ron, this is why you're not Aver Gold!”

  Ron’s face has gone red, I think to myself, Maybe he’ll back down? Ulmu is his superior officer after all. But my brother keeps pushing.

  “I knew I had to discover the truth about this crystal to prove my worth. Why are you angry at me for that!?”

  “Because Miv is dead!”

  The room falls silent.

  “Do you understand? Your actions have consequences.”

  Ron reels back. The truth of this truly hit home. His eyes dart into the corner of the room, unable to face Ulmu any longer.

  “Miv, Naki, Nuyen, Kisoi, and I came to save you. We put our lives on the line. This is what a soldier is. This is what the Citadel wants to see from our Outposts. Commitment to the bigger picture, commitment to family.”

  Finally, Ron manages to push out his words through clenched teeth.

  “I love Altair, I love my family, and nobody could have been fonder of Miv than I was – and isn’t THAT the point? We need to know what makes Odium tick! This was an opportunity to maybe find out…and we did.”

  Ulmu’s eyes soften, yet his body remains firm and tense. He looks to be listening to Ron’s words with extreme intent.

  “I’m sorry that I disappointed you, Ulmu. I know when I first arrived at Altair you are the only one, along with Miv, who showed me kindness and respect. You’ve been generous towards me and Finn. But the darn High Council…” He growls, “They are just using us for whatever they want to accomplish! They tell us to jump and we ask how high. They’re not a part of my family. They would never put their lives on the line for us...Ulmu”

  Crazily enough, Ron shares the same disposition as I.

  My brother gives one last pause.

  “I just...want to go home, sir.” His voice recedes to a whimper. “Sometimes I get so homesick it makes my entire body ache. It hurts.”

  My hands won’t stop shaking. I manage to pull myself to my feet.

  “S- sir?”

  Ulmu’s eyes slide in my direction. Ron remains still as a statue.

  “I should be at fault as well. I went along with Ron’s plans, as an Aster, I should know better than to willingly break rules. But please believe me, this was not done out of disregard. Quite the opposite. I just want-”

  Ulmu cuts me off.

  “To make Earth a Known Planet and bring Ron home. I understand that.”

  He takes a deep breath in, then out.

  “But I am a Godsonion first-and-foremost. The protection of my staff is of the utmost importance. The two of you stole out of Altair, refused to communicate vital information that may influence the upcoming war against Odium, and put your friends needlessly into the line of danger.”

  I don’t like where this is going…

  My head spins to face Ron. His eyes are once again pinned on Ulmu as he dishes out our punishment.

  “From now on, the two of you are forbidden from leaving the Altair Outpost. If I disc
over any signs of rebellion, or otherwise unorthodox behavior, you will be stripped of your titles and of your memories.”

  My jaw goes slack.

  “Godsonion Ulmu! But Ron and I-”

  “Silence!!”

  My head snaps back and my body stiffens to attention. Ulmus’ voice is stern, yet, simultaneously, his eyes show some sympathy.

  “You will not be punished any further, Finn. You are just an Aster following Ron’s orders. Yet, for now, I will hear no more explanations. Aronevia’s citizens need to be relocated, and a war is brewing…”

  With that, Ulmu exits the med bay, leaving Ron and I speechless. When I go to face my brother, he simply slumps into bed. Hiding his face in the crook of his elbow. I sit down next to him with my head in my hands. All at once, tears begin to pool.

  Miv….I’m so sorry!!!

  Our Final Goodbyes

  Our transport ship arrives into the docking bay. Silent as the dead we follow the swarm of Arovenian refugees and soldiers into the command center. They are dirty, damaged, and shocked. I spot Naki, Kisoi, and Nuyen heading towards us. They push their way through the crowd. We wait patiently.

  “Finn, Ron-”

  Naki begins but I cut her off.

  “We’ll explain later. I promise.”

  Guilt seeps into every word. Naki shakes her head. Her large emerald eyes are fraught with concern.

  “That’s not it. You two need to go to the med bay and get a medi bot to take care of you. You both look like a mess.”

  With Ron being mentioned, I risk a glance in his direction. He looks soulless. Like a puppet being controlled by invisible strings. He gulps, before nodding his head. His hand travels down to his stomach and he presses down, perhaps to close a reopened cut? Or maybe, just like me; the guilt is making him nauseous.

  Kisoi says. “We’ll help. I’m surprised you two can walk at all.”

  He lets Ron lean on him. Naki does the same for me, my weight unwillingly shifts onto her shoulder. Nuyen leads the way, attempting to nip the heels of anyone who blocks our path.

  “One step at a time, Finn.” Naki encourages. “You can make it.”

  With the attention being drawn to my wounds, each step grows steadily more painful than the last. I can feel the bruises around my ribs and back pulsating. My knuckles, where Odium firmly stepped on them, are swollen and red.

  We stumble into the nearest medical facility. Both Ron and I are plopped onto separate beds.

  “You’re hurt too, guys.” I gesture to my friends. “Go first.”

  “Nah!” Nuyens ears wiggle. “You two were at the front lines of the battle. Chit chit…”

  That’s when the fur along her spine flattens. Her ears droop, and her nose twitches. Her wide blue eyes begin to water. Naki and Kisoi share a similar woeful expression.

  “What will happen to her?”

  Nuyen finally manages to ask.

  “Miv, I mean.”

  Ron flinches at her name. For the first time since we arrived, he speaks. His voice is weak and cold.

  “She’ll be sent back to her Drakkinion family. They have traditional burial customs that are dear to them...”

  Both Tra’vaneer siblings nod. That should be all he needs to say for the time being…

  The medic bots tend to our wounds, spraying M-A-G gel on every part of our bodies. My wounds are far more serious than I thought. I’m sprayed with a numbing gel as multiple cuts are stitched together. A cold, light-green substance is rubbed onto my face to reduce swelling, and my knuckles are wrapped in bandages.

  As we are about to finish up, Ron stands up from his bed. He gently pushes his medic-bot away.

  “I’m fine now.”

  The medic-bot returns to it’s charging station.

  “Ron wait...”

  I go to stand, but he stops me with the wave of his hand.

  “I need to be alone for a while Finn. Tell the others about what happened...I don’t care.”

  My chest tightens. In all honesty, I have no idea how to make my elder brother feel better.

  I've only ever seen him cheerful and full of hope...this is so strange.

  I stammer.

  “W- well...if you need anything let me know.”

  “Sure…”

  He limps out of the door. It swooshes behind him.

  Taking a deep breath in, I turn towards my friends and explain our recent endeavors. I tell them about our trip to Creyenia, the cursed tree, and more importantly the crystal. I simplify our personal reasons for traveling to Aronevia without permission. When I am done, the three of them seem at ease. They nod in turn.

  “We understand.”

  Kisoi voices their unanimous thoughts.

  “And while we’re on this topic. Finn, keep an eye on Ron. He needs to understand that Miv’s death isn’t his fault-”

  As usual, Kisoi is the mature voice of reason. My eyes water but I hide the tears with a swift hand wipe. Kisoi gestures at my sad expression.

  “-or yours.”

  My gut twists. Judging by the look on my face, they decide to leave it at that.

  Right now...all of us just need some time to ourselves.

  ∆∆∆

  The next day, I return to my classes, despite getting a ping from Ulmu saying I was excused from them.

  Perhaps I just need to get my mind off of what happened?

  I’m wrong, and my classes are borderline torture. In Weapons Training, I scramble to keep up with Socrates’s explanation of the difference between a Photon Blaster and Plasma Pistol. He glances at me once-or-twice during note taking, I think he is about to make a snarky remark, but he holds back.

  Have all the Avers been informed of what Ron and I have done?

  My question is answered in the next class. Aver Vizen approaches me by the gymnasium entrance.

  “Finn-”

  After our last conversation I’m already prepared for his soft and compassionate approach to my plight.

  “-it has been brought to my attention that you may not be in the mental state to be at class today. Please, take care of yourself and take the day off.”

  “I’m fine, sir.”

  “I’m not so sure.”

  He continues on as if I didn’t just oppose his concerns.

  “Finn, you have grown so much since you first joined my class. I’m proud of the soldier you are becoming.”

  Why is he complimenting me?

  My face droops with sadness. He appears to read my mind.

  “I’m saying this because I was informed of the details of the Aronevian War, along with the other Avers directly involved with your training. I understand why you went along with your personal mission. As you already told me, family comes first.”

  I remain silent.

  “All-in-all, I want to make sure you are coping with your first real loss. It is hard to accept the death of somebody you loved and respected. I imagine, even more so for you.”

  “I…”

  I can hardly speak.

  “I’m going to get some moon-sap and relax by the waterfall, if that’s ok, sir.”

  “Of course Finn. Don’t hesitate to ask for more time off as well…”

  ∆∆∆

  I spend the allotted time for Combat Basics lying on my back by the Kraken Fountain in the main hall. It spills mouthfuls of sea-water into the ginormous pool of cerulean waves.

  For just a little while, my brain turns off. Vizen was right, I do need this.

  Finishing my break, I go down to the middle floors. In S.P.A.M, Loreer gives me no attention whatsoever.

  At least I can be left alone…

  I walk over to Luna. raising my hand, I give him a gentle pat on the hull.

  “Glad to see you back, buddy.”

  Loreer’s voice calls out from the other side of the bay.

  “You should count yourself lucky! This Moon Series 300 was one of the few Altair fighter craft to make it home safely...after, well. Never mind! We’re going ov
er basic maintenance today so just relax.”

  Loreer’s feet pit-patter to the other side of the bay. As she crosses, I spot Kiwok. The only one of my companions to not join us on Aronevia. His jaw works as if he is about to say something, but he quickly shuts it.

  If Kiwok isn’t bullying me today...I guess everybody knows about Miv.

  My heart skips a beat- speaking of which, I haven’t seen or heard from Ron at all.

  A sinking feeling settles in my gut. When we were kids, whenever Ron would get upset, he’d throw tantrums and run rampant. Just like me, he’s not entirely afraid to show his emotions.

  Now the real question is where would Ron go to have a temper-tantrum?

  My eyes widen. Eunoia.

  I need to find him. Staying silent will only hurt us both- but first.

  “Ma’am Loreer. I’m dismissing myself.”

  Loreer doesn’t even bat an eye.

  Pizza Is The Best Cure For Depression

  The hatch to Miv’s workshop is open. The idea that her equipment has been packed and is on its way to her homeland startles me.

  Please I need to see it one last time…

  Clambering down the ladder, my feet land squarely on the floor. The smell of oak and ash that was so prevalent before has been snuffed out.

  Thankfully, all of her belongings have been untouched. Multiple lights have been turned off making the oversized workshop look haunting. My feet echo as I cross the floor and pass a wrench that is twice the size of my arm.

  My eyes grow soft. I can visualize her holding that wrench and using it to work on the ship hanging above me.

  Reaching the back wall of the workshop, I find the box she used to store the proto-type for my Move Memorizer. This is also where she taught me my first stored attack. The famous Drakkinion Karate Kick.

  A smile erupts from ear-to-ear. I open the chest and my smile falls flat. It’s empty.

  “What? Did somebody take her gear?”

  Clank! Clatter…

  I spin to face the noise.

  Nuyen is standing in the center of the room. In her paws are the pieces of Miv’s missing equipment. She accidentally dropped one and is staring at it like a deer in the headlights.

  “Oh no! Chitter...that’s not what I wanted to do!”