The portals, p.13
The Portals, page 13
part #19 of Survivors Series
“Are you done yet?” Hugo asked.
“Just because you’re the child of some hero from another galaxy, doesn’t mean—”
“Enough!” Malir shouted. “We’ve done it your way, and that wasn’t getting us anywhere. Besides, Hugo found a symbol.”
“What symbol?” Anlise’s posture changed, her voice lifting.
“I think we might have an advantage,” Hugo said. He told her about the statues, the stones, and the markings.
Anlise sank into the commander’s seat, and Star wandered over, her eyes brightening. “Bridge Commander Anlise, I have heard of these Deities.”
“You have?” Anlise straightened in her chair. “Tell me.”
“It’s said that the Universe created four beings to guide and protect their efforts. There was rumor of their portals: stones that required no physical programs to access. You can touch them, and choose where to travel,” Star said.
“Is that so?” Anlise directed the question at Hugo.
“It is. We have one at our Institute, and it’s connected to the tables, for the sake of practicality.”
“Then there is substantiated evidence these Deities might exist,” she said.
“Not to mention Hugo’s sister is one,” Malir added.
Anlise lost the softness in her expression. She tapped her translation pad. “What did you say?”
“You didn’t mishear me. Jules Parker is a Deity,” Malir told her.
“That’s impossible.”
“Improbable, yes. But not impossible.” Hugo sighed. “She can’t explain it either, but it’s true. At first they thought she was Iskios because they inhabited my mother while she was pregnant. Then, a Zan’ra, but that ended up being a ploy to persuade her to free the three trapped Deities from captivity. Regardless of the origin, she has immense power.”
“Like the time she killed all those Arnap with a clap.” Malir smacked his palms together as if recreating the moment, and Casidy jumped.
“I didn’t even ask how you knew the Arnap when we encountered the fleet. Tell me.” Anlise rose, coming to face their group with Star at her side.
Malir started, but Hugo interjected, “Allow me. A long time ago, the Arnap attacked a world called Sterona. The locals, a people called the Ritair, successfully fended them off, but a group of them were kidnapped and enslaved by the Arnap. One of these Ritair was taken by an evil entity, who called himself the Collector. He was a monster, a red wraith that had an obsession with preserving one of each race. My sister found a Deity stone and stopped the Collector at the same time. It was exhausting,” Hugo said.
“These are not fabrications?” Anlise asked. “You really experienced this?”
“Sure. We talked with Brik, the rescued Ritair, and found a wormhole after fending off these Zan’ra. The Arnap were there.” He hung his head. “They killed my Uncle Magnus, and his ship Horizon was all but destroyed. Jules challenged the Arnap and obliterated them.”
“It seems we have more in common than I thought. The Arnap murdered my mother,” Anlise said.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. My father was careless. I’d heard that he’d been working with them, but when I confronted him, he denied it and grew angry with the accusations. He was behind it. Worried I’d succumb to the same fate, I escaped, feigning capture. I had to make it look legit.”
Hugo could tell there was something she’d left out. “Who was he?”
Anlise glanced at him, a smile growing. “You’re very astute. His name is Jaeke, and he’s a detective with Tower City. The kindest man I’d ever met. We were so in love.”
“Why didn’t you bring him?” Casidy asked.
“He’s too honorable. He couldn’t have done it.”
“And now? Is he still alive, wondering what happened to you?” Hugo peered at the viewscreen as the blur of stars rushed past.
“I think so. I haven’t inquired lately.”
“Enough of the love story,” Malir said. “What are we doing? Can we check this symbol Hugo found?”
“May as well,” Anlise suggested. “Star, what’s the ETA to our destination?”
“We are landing in an hour,” Star said, returning to her seat.
“Where do you expect it will take us? The First World?” Anlise asked Hugo.
He shook his head. “I doubt it will be so simple. They wouldn’t have left the markings in the open like that. But it might lead us to the final Shandra Valincin.”
“Let’s hope it does.”
“Are you still going to destroy the First World?” he muttered.
She locked gazes with him. “I wanted revenge on my father, no one else.”
“Sometimes the best revenge isn’t revenge at all,” Hugo said.
“A wise proverb, but what’s the ending to it?”
“It’s compassion.” Hugo thought about Regnig, and how he always tried to instill righteous behaviors into the young minds he spoke with.
“I don’t think that will work with my father, Nix Benah.”
“Then we’ll figure it out as a team,” Hugo told her.
They waited as Independence blasted through space, moving so quickly, the view made Hugo slightly nauseous. Eventually, they slowed, and Star began descending toward the planet. It was a gray rock, with only the smallest of atmospheres.
“We’ll be traveling through the Portals for the duration of our mission,” Anlise said. “Gather your gear. I’ve added supplies near the airlock, if you can each take a pack. Star will stay behind, awaiting our return.”
“Yes, Bridge Commander Anlise.” Star remained seated, guiding the ship to the bleak surface.
There was no life on the small planet, and Hugo used the time to slip into his armored EVA, checking the charge on his weapons. He tested Casidy’s suit, and she reciprocated.
“I’m kind of having fun,” she admitted when it was just the two of them in the cargo hold.
“Same here.” He hefted her helmet up and handed it over. “This might become dangerous.”
“I agree.” Casidy acted before he could, gently kissing his lips. She pulled away, securing her helmet as Malir strode into the room. Hugo stood there, unsure how to react to her gesture.
“You guys remember the rules?” Malir asked, clicking his suit together.
“No, can you repeat them?” Hugo joked, but stopped laughing when Anlise entered. Her white suit gleamed brightly.
The ship settled to the ground, and Anlise directed them into the cargo hold’s airlock. They waited as the room depressurized before she opened the exit. A sloping ramp lowered to the surface, kicking up a plume of dust as a result. The particulates floated higher, never landing.
They found the portal where Anlise instructed them it would be, and Hugo used the table, bringing up the symbol he’d seen etched on the fourth statue. When they were all ready, he used the portal, transporting them away from Independence and her relative safety.
When they settled, Hugo noted that the new planet looked similar to the one they’d just departed, making him slightly uneasy.
“Where do we start?” Casidy asked, stepping from the newly discovered Shandra.
Hugo’s gaze drifted upwards, only seeing the vastness of space beyond a hazy narrow sky. “Maybe I was wrong.”
“Nonsense.” Malir patted his back as he passed by. “This seems accurate.” He sounded calm, but the mere fact that he clutched on to his pulse rifle spoke volumes. They had no concept of what they might encounter.
Anlise appeared hesitant to leave the comfort of the portal’s crystals, but she eventually succumbed. She didn’t hold a weapon, but Hugo spotted the drone following ten feet above her.
Hugo set his pack down, noticing how light the gravity was. The strap hovered over the bag, and he undid the latches, removing a pair of his own drones. “Let’s see what we can find.”
Casidy linked them to a tablet, and Hugo controlled them, sending them off on a reconnaissance mission. If there was anything waiting to surprise them on this desolate land, Hugo wanted to know about it. His father and Jules may enjoy diving headfirst into danger, but he preferred following protocol.
“What do we do now?” Anlise asked.
“We wait.” Hugo stared at the screen, while the surveillance drones recorded their passage.
_________
“Good work, Jules,” I told her, holding the Communicator up so Regnig could hear. “The last thing we need is for Nix Benah to track you.”
“I wonder what his real goal is.” Jules sounded worried through the speaker.
Perhaps it’s as simple as what he suggested. Regnig sipped his tea while I relayed his message.
“I don’t think so. Papa, if the Arnap hear about our involvement in their people’s disappearance, they’ll bring a war to the Alliance.”
“Then don’t let them learn the truth. I’ve already spoken with Magnus, and they’re locking the portals down. No one in or out for the next two weeks. There were a lot of upset people, specifically the trade partners, but it’s for their own safety,” I said.
“I agree. If any of these teams show up at a partner’s portal, ensure they’re turned around and sent home,” Jules told me.
“Is there anything else?”
“We’ve joined forces,” she said softly.
“With who?”
“A man named Jaeke and his partner, Xandr. He was involved with Anlise, Nix’s daughter. We figured the more minds, the better. We’re all heavily motivated.” Jules’ voice whispered to someone else on the other end. “Trust me, Papa.”
And I did. If she saw value in making an ally, I wouldn’t stand in her way. “When are you leaving?”
“Now. As soon as we’re done here,” Jules said. “How are you, Regnig?”
I glanced at the bird man, and he coughed, his eyelid sealing tight. When he was finished, he licked his beak and nodded once. Tell her I am fine.
“But…”
Don’t tell her the truth. He coughed again, and a feather dropped from his wing. I watched it float to the floor.
“He’s feeling better,” I lied, hating myself for it.
“I’ll keep you posted. Love you, Papa.”
“I love you too.”
I closed the Communicator, setting it to the table. “You can be honest with her.”
Jules is an emotional person, and you know as well as I do that she is easily distracted. She needs to complete this task. I can see how vital it is.
“Why is it so important? What if she just found Hugo and brought him home? We could reach out to this Nix character and offer a deal,” I said, not sure if that was the best course of action.
No, Dean. Promise me you won’t do that.
There was something in his posture that demanded my agreement. “Okay.”
A knock on the door drew my gaze. “Are you expecting company?”
No.
I marched toward the entrance, meandering past piles of books we’d been scouring through. When I opened it, Karo stood on the other side, his eyes bright, his hair secured tightly behind his head. He gave me a grim smile and ducked to enter. “Where is he?”
“This way,” I said, knowing more words weren’t necessary. Of all our acquaintances, Karo and Regnig had grown the closest. Seeing the Theos man coming to visit his ancient Toquil friend somehow made the situation all the more real.
Karo bustled toward Regnig, knocking over a stack of texts. He left them, kneeling next to Regnig’s seat. “How are you, my old friend?”
I am better now that you are present. Regnig patted Karo’s hand with a bent claw. Don’t look at me like that, Karo. You knew this was inevitable.
“I still didn’t care to think about it.”
Then don’t. Just spend time with Dean and me as we contemplate our problems.
“What kind of problems?” Karo took a seat, and I busied myself getting him a drink.
“Sorry, no pizza here.” I handed a cup to the gray-skinned man.
“I wouldn’t be able to eat even if there was,” he said. “Okay, maybe one or three pieces.”
Regnig tilted his beak up in a laugh, and we settled in.
“Tell me what’s transpiring. I’ve heard about the portals being temporarily closed. It took some serious name-dropping for the folks on Haven to allow me passage,” Karo said.
We filled him in, talking about the First World and Hugo’s apparent disappearance with the contest manager’s estranged daughter. He offered few comments, and when I was done, he sat there, tapping his chin.
“There is a lot to unpack. May I see the book?”
I grabbed the volume, opening it to the page with the stain. Karo read the passage out loud, and I closed my eyes, concentrating on the words. “There will be one to flap his wings on the edge of the universe. A guardian for all times. From the depths of the pool of life, he will emerge. The torch passes, but the objective remains. Change the Universe, my perfect Shaper.”
“What do you think it means?” I asked, curious what the Theos man would come up with.
“You’re telling me a splash of your favorite vintage crossed the floor and soaked this phrase from a distant poem?” Karo actually started to laugh. “There are days where I cannot believe the things I’ve witnessed.”
Regnig looked uneasy. What do you make of it?
“If I were to guess normally, I’d say it means nothing. But the Universe sent a spill to direct you at the passage. This changes everything. You have wings, Regnig. He uses the word ‘guardian,’ which you are. The guardian of knowledge. You’ve kept thousands of books safe from destruction, from all corners of space. I don’t know what the Pool of Life is, but I feel as though we’ve heard it before. And the torch is passed. From whom? ‘Change the Universe’ we’ve heard a lot. Kareem was a prophet, giving Dean the moniker of Recaster. This cannot be a coincidence that an alien poet uses the exact same three words. If you happened upon the text by happenstance, I could believe it wasn’t fate, but because of all the factors in combination…”
I can’t be the Recaster. Regnig lifted his arms. I’m just a Toquil at the end of his journey.
“I’d also say it’s impossible, and Dean can’t pass you the torch, because he is no longer holding it,” Karo added.
I smirked. “About that.”
“Don’t tell me…”
“It turns out I may not have declined after all,” I said.
“Dean…”
“I know. I was so confident that I’d walked away from the First World with my life back, but since I’ve remembered it clearer, I don’t think I did.”
Karo’s eyes were wide. “So you are the Recaster?”
“Not precisely. The title is in limbo. The Universe told me to take my time. I think he’s waiting for me.”
“Where?”
“On the First World? Somewhere else? I’m not certain.”
Karo stood. “Then let’s go there. Tell him you’re finished.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t know how to reach it.”
Karo plunked onto his chair, making it groan. “That’s why Jules stepped in.”
“Plus, I don’t want to leave Regnig,” I said.
And I appreciate it.
“Regnig, are you ready for this?”
To die?
“No. To meet your fate. It was you all along. The guardian. You’re meant to watch over us as an ethereal entity. You can change the universe instead of Dean.”
I am no Recaster.
Karo grinned at the Toquil. “No. Not yet. But I have a feeling the title is yours for the taking.”
I was thankful Karo reiterated what my gut was telling me. Regnig was dying, and needed to be brought to the First World so he could be named Recaster in my stead.
He stared at me, his head lifting slightly. If that is the case, I will do it.
“Our fate is now up to Jules,” I said.
_________
Everyone gathered by the old portal stones, and Jules connected the portable table to the crystals wirelessly.
“How are these other teams going to manage the network when there are planets like this one, with no grid attachments?” Jaeke asked.
“If they don’t have similar means, they’ll be stuck,” Suma answered.
“So much for an adventure,” Jaeke muttered.
Jules sifted through the symbols, landing on the one her father had given her. The markings were erratic, the lines fuzzy, and she let her gaze linger momentarily before activating it.
She hoped it would draw her directly to their final destination, so they could be done with the mission, but in her experience, nothing ever came so easily. Instead of the First World, they appeared on another planet, this one a far cry from the last. Hundreds of gigantic mushrooms rose from the dark landscape, a gentle glow emanating from each of their undersides.
“Readouts,” Slate said.
Suma gave the air levels, followed by the gravitational pull, and Slate hefted his pulse rifle, staring at the view. “This is unlike any we’ve ever visited.”
So often they’d encounter a world that had similarities, whether it was full of hills and valleys, or mountain ranges and oceans, or simply fields of grass lined with dense forests. But there was something different about this one. Jules peered down, seeing they were a hundred feet in the air. She flapped her arms for balance, and a wave of vertigo hit. She’d never had a problem with heights, but the shock of the realization they were on top of one of the mushrooms caught her off guard.
Slate steadied her and grunted. “How do we get down?”
Jules shot her sphere around their entire group. Flim held his sword’s hilt, white eyes watching as they lifted. She’d shown him her powers before, but it was Xandr and Jaeke that began shouting in surprise.
“It’s okay. I’m doing this,” she told them while lowering toward the ground. They landed on damp soil, and when she removed the clear sphere, her boots sank into the mud a few inches.
Jules noticed something slithering in the muck, and saw a snake-like creature darting from their position. With her gaze focused, more came into view.
