Star Warden 2: RQ Interlude 3

 

To Rule them All.

Nightshade flew into one of the many workshops to find her master tirelessly at work on a machine. Though his physical body was not present the drones and remote manipulators worked tirelessly. The workshop tables were covered by an unpainted variation of a SWAT-bot. Weapons fire could be heard in another part of the workshop, which made the she-dragon smile. New weapons meant new ways to hurt people.

“Burning the midnight oil again on something painful I hope,” she asked.

“The next-generation of SWAT-bot. Mark 2,” Daimos said through the room's audio system. “You normally don't care to watch me work. What brings you down here?”

“Just curious. Wanted to know what's your next move. Now you got the galactic conquest things down.”

“Oh, there is much to do. I have a government to organize, laws to write, and people to suppress. But my immediate goal is to secure the Spellbinder hardware in the Unicorn Kingdom.”

Nightshade titled her head to the side. “I thought we already got the Spellbinder thing?”

“This is cleaning up loose ends. I refuse to take a chance that the Star Warden is unaware of its existence. He manages to grab survival from the jaws of defeat far too often for my liking. Even if he is oblivious to another Spellbinder on this world. It would put me at ease knowing I have it secured.”

“Guess it wouldn't hurt to have a backup system.”

“No it never does. It also helps that we now know one of the Rings is in the Kingdom as well. Thank you Father Bruno for your generous contribution.” The Dark Lord laughed. “All I need to do is wait until they return to fae form. Then soon I will have the first ring.”

“I wonder what damage you could do with one of those things.” Nightshade hissed in anticipation. She didn't understand these Cosmic Rings but something powerful had to cause mass destruction.

“Ah, Nightshade. Your dedication to mindless destruction never ceases to amuse me.” Daimos stated in only a partly sarcastic manner. He did enjoy her love for destruction. It was simple and straightforward. Plus she had some interesting commentary or a good dose of black humor to share that seems to stem from this enjoyment.

“Sadly, my friend. I will not be using the ring myself.”

She squawked. “What!?”

“The Archives reveal there is a certain security measure that only allows those of royal Tuatha blood to use them.”

“Can't you just remove the security feature?”

“I could but that would leave it open to anyone for use. If I ever lose the ring in battle it could be turned against me. That is why I plan to make my own ring.”

A hologram of a solid black ring with unknown runes and a gold photonic crystal manifested in the room.

“I will download the command codes from all the rings. Giving my ring the power to control the Codex and with it the Well-of-All Stars. The white ring will be destroyed or otherwise locked away beyond the reach of my enemies. Then there shall be only one ring. One ring to rule them all!”

An evil laugh rang in the room then echoed as a hidden doorway opened up. Daimos's body walked through. Once again he was dressed in an impeccable red military uniform. But leaving his robotic feet and hands visible. One other change was the clasps for his cape, they were now yellow bullheads.

“Oh, new body?”

“No, simply just re-designed my uniform. I want to look presentable as I accept my new post as President.”

“President?”

“President of the Stygian Domain. My new glorious machine republic.”

“What happened to the whole Emperor and God-Tyrant thing?”

“I am still a Tyrant. But I had time to think about the title of Emperor and I find it beneath me.”

“Does this decision involves some long speech concerning philosophy, politics, and religion in any way?”

“Why yes, it does.”

“Okay that's all I need to hear. You don't need to bore me. You know what you're doing.”

Daimos scratched her chin causing her to hiss in pleasure. “Ah, Nightshade. So utterly simple-minded. But you are utterly loyal so that counts for something.”

“I am also utterly hungry. A nap will do that to you.”

“Then I'll make sure you have a plate of your favorite ready for you. In the meantime I have propaganda posters to work on.”

Daimos traveled to another section of the Acropolis. It was a mix between a study and a studio. Here various paintings, sculptures, and other artistic endeavors of the future President would be stored. All of it was done by hand and with real materials. There was also a library of physical books, they were all the last copies of books he had burned or digitized. But he kept the physical on hand in case he wished to enjoy the feel of a book.

As much as he enjoyed the destruction brought about by warfare and subjugation. It paled in comparison to his love of creation and organization. He even had detailed architectural plans for a city called Daimosgrad. All the wars and conquests were simply means to grab power and resources. All steps on the path to becoming the sole ruler of all creation and bring order and fear to the masses.

The Republic in name would be an empire in execution. But his propaganda machines would make sure all the organics who choose to serve had a heroic narrative to live by. Everyone likes to be the hero of their own story. So he would exploit that for his own benefit, even if he would never see his actions or motives as heroic or justified in any way. Personal desire was all Daimos needed to drive him forward.

Meanwhile in Nightshade's pen a little furry creature, no bigger than a hamster, was dropped in. Her breath sent a gaseous purple cloud that caused the creature to shake in fear. She used just enough to cause chills but not enough to knock him out with. So when she bit down the little one felt all of it. He squealed and squeaked and Nightshade savored the fear as she enjoyed her meal.

THE END

Book 3: Chapter 1

Book 2.5: Chapter 1

Interlude 2

Star Warden 2: RQ Interlude 2

 

Destiny

Princess Kaguya waved as she watched the Stormsong lift anchor and left port. Seeing Sam Bailey head off to meet this contact from the Argent Templars. She would normally go with him but duty called her elsewhere. First to her sister Reiko and then to the Enchantress who had more information to share with her and her alone.

Reiko was simply catching up, they made sure to take time to speak to each other while she was in Camelot. They were eating in one of the castle's pavilions carved from one of the larger branches of the tree. Her sister was showing more visible signs of pregnancy. A part of her was envious that she did not have a child growing inside her, but she did not let it damper her joy to see her future nephew. She wondered what the child would grow up to be like. He would be the first emperor born from a bloodline outside of the Empire, normally that would cause scandal and outrage among the imperial court. The same outrage her mother becoming empress consort inspired leading many of them to join Daimos's attempted coup against her family.

Fortunately, she doubted this would be a problem. The surviving nobility was either young themselves or came from the outer edges of the Empire. Many of them had fought the Minotaur Horde and dealt directly with the problems in the aftermath. Making them much more pragmatic and flexible than their snobbish and dogmatic counterparts in the home islands. Granted even the surviving nobility from the islands were much more pragmatic now thanks to the Dark Lord's invasion.

Kaguya had always hated politics, the backstabbing, manipulation, and hypocrisy. It is why she never wanted the throne and why her father did everything to keep her out of the halls of power. She wished that the lords would work together and better the nation rather than jockeying for favor in the Imperial Court. In a way, her wish was granted, just not in the way she would ever want it.

The conversation shifted when Reiko asked if her sister and Sam would ever have children. Kaguya answered that the day would come when things were safer.

“We are the safest we could be,” Her sister said. “I do not mean to pressure you sister. But Sam is human. He does not share our lifespan.”

“I know. But after the events on Ramia, I am even more fearful for my future offspring. My fears would ease if the children were on a world outside of his reach.”

The events of Ramia were still strong in her mind. Creating a nightmare she spent a few nights reliving. She was with child and spending the day with Sam while their young son was in her arms. Then without warning a flash of light put the valley to the torch and everyone was dead in an instant. She woke up in a panic screaming for Sam and her children.

Reiko gave her a comforting touch on her arm. “Perhaps Samuel will learn of such a world when he returns. Then you'll have plenty of time for children. Kira will not let her representative be denied that just because of war.”

Kaguya smiled. “He will. Fortune has shined upon us even in these dark times. If allies exist in the greater cosmos then so is there a safe place to raise our children.”

“Just remember to come up for air once in a while when you are making children. Even heroes need to rest.” Reiko began to giggle.

Kaguya was not amused. “You are incorrigible.” Reiko switched into a full-on laugh.

The two moved onto more cheerful topics before she left for the Silver Spire. Instead of the lake and gazebo, she was guided by a will-o-wisp to an area deeper in the mountain. Leading her into a massive library lit by other wisps creating eerie yet beautiful lighting all around her.

The Enchantress tapped her staff on the ground and soon cyberspace took over altering the environment. The library expanded, the ceiling disappeared, and in its place a transparent dome with a grand view of space. Various individuals dressed in colored robes and hoods were going through the books. Kaguya was distracted by the sight that she didn't see that the Enchantress changed outfit as well and was dressed in a pure white robe.

She was brought over by the Emissary to a window and pointed to the planet below. Aetherium before it was cracked into floating islands. Other towers were sprouting from the surface, rocket craft flying, and ring structures surrounding the world. The sun was surrounded by various devices, which the Enchantress explained drew energy and matter from the star for various uses.

“Where are we now,” she asked.

“The Grand Observatory. Where the College of Sages once congregated. It was a society of scholars created for one purpose. To aid the mission of the Celestial Emissary.”

The room changed to one of white stone. Six faeries dressed in white robes, one of them being the Enchantress herself.

“She looks.”

“Like us?” Kaguya nodded. “That is indeed us or rather me.”

“Me? This is the first I have heard you address yourself with a singular pronoun.”

“A product of my time as a Cardinal. We were the Emissary's inner circle and led the order when she left or died. We were taught to think of ourselves as limbs in the body of the Emissary. To work as one rather than as individuals. My fellow Cardinals only spoke with singular pronouns when among each other.”

“I see. But how do you still live after all these years?”

“There was once a time where Faeries were immortal. We never died as war and disease were unheard of. Only when we made room for new faeries did we fade away and take up new duties in the universe. Sometimes that meant giving up our physical bodies to join our spirits to the Weave or Dreamscape.”

“Did we commit a sin of some heinous nature to lose this gift?”

“I would not be so quick to accept immortality as a gift. For even the greatest fruits will wither as the joys of the world fade. Those faeries who lay with the Tuatha would give birth to the elves who would know aging and death albeit slowly. If a Faerie was born from the union they too would soon learn of entropy.”

“Wait elves,” Kaguya asked.

“Yes, those we call Milesians. They are the product of the union between Faerie and the Tuatha. Some are born with wings.”

The realization hit her at once. “Doctor Daimos was a winged elf?!”

“From your descriptions that would appear to be the case. But he is not the subject of this meeting. There is something I wish for you to see. Observe.”

In came a faerie woman also dressed in white but with accents of gold and purple in her clothing. She wore a tiara of prismatic gems and wielded a silver and gold scepter topped with a winged star. Covering the shaft was a collection of celestial runes, it appeared to be made from wood but the hum of electronics could be heard.

Her hair was white with silver and gold flecks, her eyes were purple on purple just like Kaguya's. This was Queen Guinevere the Emissary during the reign of King Arthur. Before the Fall, before the great heresy that would doom the Tuatha.

The Enchantress focused on the staff. “That is the Ultima Scepter it has gone by many names one of which is the Holy Grail. It is the symbol of your authority and what is needed to fully awaken as the Emissary.”

“Fully awaken?”

“The magic you have used is not the full breadth of your powers, Your Radiance. Some of it you have discovered on your own. But there is much more at your disposal as the Emissary. It was the duty of us Cardinals to aid you and If necessary raise and train you. To teach you about your past lives. It is a great regret I was unable to fulfill my duties until now.”

“What or Who is the Emissary truly? For years I was taught it was a servant of Kira sent to guide and aid the people.”

“Only partially the truth. You are a servant but not to Kira.” The Enchantress waved her hand and a starless void surrounded them. Slowly the first stars began to form.

“Long ago before the first human or the first faerie was born. There was The Creator, the Source of All Things, and from him came the Celestial Beings, the angels, the spirits, and the Powers that Be. They were given thoughts and will and tasked to work together to execute the creator's plan for the universe.”

The Angels enforced the laws and dispensed justice, the spirits constructed the stars, the planets, and laid the groundwork for life. All guided by the Powers those who knew the creator's vision and executed it to the letter. One of the Powers was named Lucifer, the brightest and fairest of them all. He desired to make his own universe, seeing himself as more worthy to rule and to create.

However, the power to create was beyond him, as he and all creations were forbidden from touching the primordial darkness. For only the Creator could purify it and imbue it with light, and goodness. Lucifer used the power of persuasion to trick the Seraphim guards into letting him pass the gates and touch the pure primordial. Thus he was dammed.

Kaguya's vision changed and she saw a golden meadow surrounding a circle made from immaculately carved marble. In the center of the circle was a pool of pure white liquid, it was primordial energy, refined for the use of creation.

“The Well-of-All Stars,” said the Enchantress. “The source of creation.”

“Wait. The Codex also has a Well-of-All Stars,” stated Kaguya.

The Enchantress nodded. “Like an artist's signature. The Well-of-All Stars exists in all universes. The one in the physical universe was used to create the Codex. This one before you is the in the Celestial Realm.”

Even though this was a virtual recreation she could feel the serenity coming from the well. Its sheer beauty caused her to shed a tear.

The roar of thunder and cracking of lighting turned her head southward. A mass of primordial matter came stumbling forward. She could hardly recognize this walking abomination as Lucifer. Only a single remnant of his fair form, a pair of black bone wings, remained nearly buried by the tar-like substance that was his skin. He sent dark tendrils into the well. Corrupting the waters from a bright white to a dark gray. As he polluted the waters with pure darkness he slowly drained the power of creation into himself.

“THE POWER IS MINE! LET THE UNIVERSE SUBMIT ITSELF TO MY AMBITION! AS I ASCEND TO THE THRONE ABOVE ALL!”

A flaming angel with six wings rocketed in and let fly a barrage of arrows. Tendrils were severed and the body was pierced with shafts of holy light. The moment Lucifer turned his “head” the last arrow flew through and severed it from the neck by sheer force. Lucifer's head fell into the pool and his body tumbled in after. The concentrated holy energies caused the body to explode damaging the well and the field along with it. Sparks of dark energy flew into the sky and blanketed it with dark clouds.

While Lucifer was slain in body his essence fell into the physical universe, sin, death, and evil, now existed but with it came free will. Soon the shadow of the fallen angel would wake up in his new creation and find it filled with nothing but pain, devastation, and sorrow. As a final punishment, he would not find peace or despair, he would feel only pain forevermore. The universe he created would be only an ugly mirror to the beauty that is the true universe.

Filled with hate, envy, and never-ending suffering it swore revenge on all that was good and holy. Lucifer was dead no longer an angel or spirit of creation. It became a new force that would be known by many names, Hell, Tartarus, the Underworld, and more importantly the Abyss. Soon it would corrupt its exiled fellows into demons, dark spirits, eldritch abominations, and many other twisted and evil things. Eventually, it would raise mortals to do its dirty work with the vilest becoming a Champion of Darkness itself.

To ensure the children of God would always be inspired to strive to do good and aid them against the Abyss. An agent of the Powers that Be would be sent. One angel volunteered to give up its station to aid all mortals in the long war. The angel was made up of two interlocking wheels covered with eyes and two wings at its sides. The Powers that Be, the cosmic entities that would be known as Kira, Cerena, and Mira among the mortals. Empowered the angel to be one of them before sending them into the well.

The message was clear to the faerie princess. “The Emissary. Is one of the Powers, one of the Celestial Powers. One of the gods is me.” She looked at her hands as if she was seeing them for the first time. The Enchantress put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Enchantress. What does this mean for me?” The virtual environment disappeared and the old dusty library returned.

“That you are now taking the steps to your true destiny. To awaken to what you truly are, a force of restoration. You were sent here not to wage war but to heal the body and mend the spirit. To keep the faith with the aid of a mortal champion. The Celestial Emissary is to support the people in their struggle against darkness, despair, and evil not just in the physical but in the spiritual.”

The line about the mortal champion caused her to panic as she spoke. “No. I intended no deception! If I have drawn Samuel unknowing into a cause against his will. Then I shall renounce my power.”

The Enchantress in a rare moment of levity chuckled. “No. Rest assure you committed no deception knowing or unknowingly. The path was laid out and the choices were yours and his alone. I only give you greater context on the path you chose. Would you forsake it now that you know the truth?”

The Princess shook her head. “No. I would not forsake this path. I only seek to not remove choice even if these events were to a degree predestined.”

The Enchantress said. “Yes, but it was not so direct as you think. The only thing that could not be foreseen was how the Champion of Darkness was to rise. Not a demon or a possessed warlord but an AI. One who chooses of his own free will to lead the dark forces.”

“But Daimos seeks conquest and domination. The Abyss seeks the end of all things,” said Kaguya.

“The Abyss is fractious and capricious. None truly knows what it will do to achieve its aims. If its aims have not changed. There may be others who seek the be the Abyss's Herald or Daimos has already acquired its blessing.”

“And if he has?”

The Enchantress spoke ominously. “Then it is imperative you fully awaken and reunite the Cosmic Ring. For the dark one will have far greater, and far more devilish resources to call upon.”

It was subtle but she saw the Enchantress shudder. Whatever the future held was clearly unpleasant. Kaguya would face it regardless. It was her duty and she knew it well. While she may be higher in the Celestial Hierarchy than expected. Nothing in the grand scheme had changed. She was not a god or an angel in her eyes. She was simply a very blessed woman who would do her best to spread good in the world.

She would soon leave the Spire and return home. When Sam returned they had a joyous reunion. She relayed the information she had learned while they held each other close under the covers.

“Wait. If Queen Guinevere is one of your past lives and I'm descended from her and King Arthur's second son. Are we Aragorn and Arwen here?”

“It appears we share similarities to them. I find it fascinating that we have a greater connection than we first believed. Perhaps all of this, our meeting and marriage were truly destined. Do you believe in Destiny?”

“Not something I really think about. If it was destiny then that's that and If it wasn't well then well I'm not worse off.”

“I find it romantic. The seed of ancient royals growing into a new form to once again defend the galaxy from evil.”

“With two twists. 1. Daimos isn't our son, at least I hope not. 2. We are going to live to raise our children. I found a place where we can.”

He informed her of Elpis describing it as a faraway little framing world. Her eyes light up as she looked at him with pride and relief.

“I knew you would do it. You always come through.”

“Screw you, Daimos. I will have my children!” A crude thought she noticed. Closer to Sam's way of expression but it matched her feelings perfectly.

Tomorrow she would need to speak to her sister and make plans to move her to Elpis along with the children and families at Camelot. But tonight, she was in the mood to work on her own family plans. Something Sam was equally enthusiastic to help her with.

Interlude 3

Interlude 1

Star Warden 2: RQ Interlude 1

 

Servants of the Light.

1

On a frozen windswept mountain top stood a celestial mirror. The archway glowed and hummed and created a mirror-like surface from an expanding ball of rainbow light. A figure stepped through it. This figure was female dressed in a silver robe and hood. Underneath her robe was a skin-tight suit, made from advanced metals and filled with technology not seen in this world since the elder days.

She wielded a white crystal topped staff made from metal and with lines of circuitry on the shaft. Her eyes were bright and golden with a sky blue field where whites would be on a human. Closer observation would reveal these eyes to not be natural. The irises were patterned after a circuit board and there was a non-organic material that made up the blue sclera. A mask of some sort covered her mouth leaving the rest of her snow-white skin face visible. Not finding what she looked for on the ground she looked into the skies around her.

Her eyes adjusted themselves to see things beyond normal ranges. A blue airship was coming out of the fog. She lifted herself off the ground with a platform invisible to the naked eye and floated herself down onto the tundra. Behind her, the mirror started up again, and a four-legged creature ran after her.

*****

Sam stood on the open deck of the Stormsong as he enjoyed the view before him. He was at the far north of Aetherium. Fog and floating glaciers as far as the eye could see. His armor was insulated with some fur. It was not internal heating but it would do, sadly his Talisman did not have a heating program.

The Stormsong was Captain Daniel's ship. Blue and gold with a design that would not look out of place from the age of sail on Earth. Even had a bust of a winged mermaid-like individual on the bow to complete it.

“Warden Bailey.” He turned to see Peace walking onto the deck. He was wearing a specially treated cloak to ensure his cybernetics were not damaged by the cold. “Captain Daniel says we are nearing our destination. Any sightings of our contact?”

“No. But they'll be there just like the Chief said. Cold enough for you?”

Peace raised an eyebrow. “I do not understand the question.”

“It was a joke.”

“Ah, then on that account I can say that the cold is plentiful, Warden Bailey.”

Sam chuckled. “Well, at least you still have a sense of humor. Any luck on the memories?”

“No, nothing. As time passes it is becoming more and more likely that my quest is futile. I will soon have to accept that it is something else the Dark Lord took from me.”

“Luckily we have a simple solution. Be Peace. Whoever that is.”

“You have a habit of stating simple solutions. Where do you suggest I start finding out who Peace is?”

“Get a hobby. Find something you enjoy outside of contributing to the war. Write something or build something. You're good with machines maybe make a toy?”

“My inclination for mechanical skills is the result of these cybernetics. It was not something I learned by choice.”

“No. But you use those skills against Daimos already. Building a new life outside his control is only adding to the insult.”

“I rather just be rid of blasted things.”

“One hundred percent agree. But until that time comes or if it doesn't come at all. Life will have to go on. Peace has to be Peace.”

“Logical, Warden. Logical.” While he did agree with the advice. He was still reluctant to implement it. He wanted everything back to the way it was. No influence from the prince of steel. But he could not turn back time nor could he be certain he could ever be fully organic again. 

All he wanted was his life back. Whatever that was even if it was a life of evil choices, he was willing to atone for them. But would that person atone for them? There was a thought in the back of his mind that his new life could be a blessing in disguise. That would mean accepting that Daimos aided him in some roundabout way which he found disgusting. Either way, he knew Sam was right, he had to move forward one day.

Even if it was so tempting to stay. To keep the resentment and anger. So easy to stay with the familiar than branch out into the unknown. A part of him, larger than he would admit, desperately wanted to stew in his own anger and grief.

Clouds parted as the Stormsong neared their destination. Once close enough Sam, Peace, and Captain Daniel took a smaller boat to the island. Daniel wanted to see this Templar for himself. In addition to ensuring his godson had backup, Kaguya chose to stay behind and spend some time with her sister. It would not be long till her nephew is born after all.

Stepping off the boat, they spotted the female figure floating in a lotus position. Next to her was to Sam's surprise, a golden retriever. A dark-furred golden retriever with a lavender collar around its neck. Other than that it had no other features that made it alien, it could be considered just an ordinary dog. Until it spoke in their minds.

“Greetings! All will be well!” The mental voice was female.

Daniel and Peace stopped in surprise.

“Sammy did you hear that,” the Captain asked.

“Hear what?”

“The dog managed to speak to us in our minds. Using some sort of telepathic communication,” said Peace.”

“Really?” Sam looked at the hound.

The dog relayed her greetings once again but she got back silence. She turned her head in confusion.

“Don't worry it is not your fault,” Sam said.

Which was true, the Enchantress's mental wards were strong. They had to be considering the Dark Lord could attack him mentally. None could enter his mind without express permission. Excalibur had an exception but even it asked before entering. The sword did not want to poke at his mind without good reason. It had no desire to accidentally spark a flashback or nightmare. If it needed to relay something using his Talisman or any time in the Codex would be better.

“Whoever created your wards is quite skilled. Not many can hide their minds from my partner,” spoke the female figure. She lowered her hood revealing her pointed ears and shining long blonde hair. The mouth mask opened up revealing cold blue lips.

“A Milesian?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Milesia was a starship that carried elves. It must have crashed here and the truth was lost to time. I am an Elf and so are any Milesians you know. My name is Celes. Wizard. Inquisitorial branch of the Argent Templars. You must be Samuel Christopher Bailey of Earth.”

“I see we are on a full name basis. But I'm still at a disadvantage. Ms.”

“Oakheart. Celes Oakheart born on the moon of Elpis in the Alfheim Freehold. I hope that information is satisfactory?”

“Thank you. This is Peace, and Captain Daniel of the Free Realms Marauders and my godfather.”

Daniel tipped his hat to her. It was a white United States Navy officer's cover. How Eli managed to swing a gift like that is something that he took to his grave. At least it went well with his greatcoat with gold epaulets. It was his normal clothing when he went sailing, gave him the look of a fancy pirate from a movie.

“The Emissary could not attend?”

“Family business.”

“I see. Then you three will do. We have a mission to attend to.”

The dog barked.

“Did she do the mind thing again?”

“Yes, she wanted to introduce herself. Her name is Josephine.”

“Well nice to meet you Josephine.”

The golden retriever barked in response.

*****

As the Stormsong traveled the skies, Celes began explaining her purpose here. To acquire a secret cache of Tuatha knowledge left on this world. The Templars were looking for any leftover data containing the information of a weapon. A weapon known as the Angel of Death. A Codex program developed during the civil war. The weapon that destroyed the Tuatha.

When the Cosmic Ring was divided into eight rings its original purpose was to move them without detection. Once at their destination they would reunite the ring so King Arthur could activate the Angel and end the war. The traitors caught wind of the plan allowing the possessed Mordred to claim the Ring and activate the weapon.

The fact they were aware of the weapon's purpose did not deter them. For the civil war was not a means but an end. Wholesale slaughter on both sides was the ultimate purpose of the conflict. To cause as much death and destruction as they could and eventually end-all of creation itself. Even with a loyalist victory in the war, the fallen Tuatha would become demons that would serve the Abyss. Like a casino it did not matter if the individual gambler did well or did poorly, the house always won in the end.

While Mordred was stopped in time the damage he did was considerable. The near-complete annihilation of the Tuatha race and the decimation of other sapient races.

“Near annihilation?”

Celes sipped her cup of tea. It was just her, Josephine, and Sam at the moment. She wanted this conversation to remain as private as possible. Especially this subject when she revealed that some of the Tuatha did survive. Hidden away in bunker-ships built to protect civilians with enough supplies to rebuild and re-populate. Unfortunately due to the Tuatha being connected to the Codex via genetically encoded interface protocols. The weapon was easily able to seek and destroy the ones hiding. Only by cutting themselves off completely were a few able to survive.

“This information must remain strictly confidential. There are many even among the Templars who are unaware of our leaders' true identities.”

“Why keep it a secret at all?”

“They did not wish to unduly influence the population and become arrogant from their praise. Along with the fact that they did not know if the Fallen were truly defeated and did not wish to risk being destroyed fully.”

“So they created the Templars to gather information while also helping people where they could?”

“Aided by informing a select few of their existence. I was ordered to inform you and the Emissary. They wish to meet with both of you.”

“I'll be there with bells on.”

“They will as well.”

“It was a figure of speech.”

“I am aware. I was responding that they will be equally enthusiastic to see you as well.”

Sam chuckled. “Not many aliens understand my figures of speech. So thank you for that.”

“I learned from other humans. Some have a peculiar sense of humor.”

“You've been to Earth?”

“No. There are other humans. Those who escaped the Earth during the Fallen invasion.”

Sam was nearly stunned into silence. Celes explained that many humans stayed behind to ensure the traitors did not escape before the flood began. But it also covered the escape for other humans to flee to the Cirrus galaxy. Along with those of the first extrasolar colony which the traitors avoided as they wanted to focus all their might on Earth.

When Mordred turned the Angel of Death on the evacuation fleet they were forced to scatter across the galaxy. Which in turn led to the establishment of various fiefdoms and kingdoms creating a feudal galactic atmosphere similar to Aetherium. This also meant that humanity was divided which only aided Daimos when he was able to conquer many of them. By direct invasion or the aid of local collaborators. A large portion of the galaxy had fallen under the Domain's control.

“All hope is not yet lost,” said Celes. “We have allies in the more established human kingdoms who are rallying to aid us and are making attempts to slow or stop any further Domain activity. There also worlds still free in this area of space. Most likely passed over due to lack of immediate tactical or strategic concerns. But the White Star Council believes those worlds will be taken as the Dark Lord consolidates control.”

“The White Star Council? Those are the Tuatha founders I presume.”

“That would be correct.”

Sam nodded. At least he knew now the situation out in the greater galaxy. More importantly, there were other humans and he missed the company of other humans. Sure they were antediluvian humans so he expected there would be differences, but they were still human. They were also in need of help and he aimed to give it to them.

Josephine walked up to him. Her collar began blinking and beeping as she started to bark. He assumed the collar was translating her sounds into a format he could understand.

“Does my kind still walk your world?'

“Yeah. Though I can't speak to their kindness the last one I tried to pet nearly bit my hand off.”

“Don't worry I don't bite.” He reached his hand to pet her. “Much.” Instantly he pulled his hand back.

Celes smirked at that. “Smart man. Her bite is worse than her bark ever will be.”

“I'll keep that in mind.” Celes and Josephine, which Sam would call Josie from now on, chuckled at that.

******

Sam, Celes and Peace disembarked the Stormsong and walked to a waterfall on the island. With a wave of her hand, the water stopped revealing a cave behind it. This was not the magic of a priest. Wizard Inquisitors were those who used technology in the same vein as a priest would use magic. They gave themselves mystical trappings to remind themselves that while they took the path of laser and circuit it was only a different path. Technology and Magic, Science and Faith did not have to be enemies.

The cave was clearly not a natural formation, with every step they took various runes lit up covering it from floor to ceiling. The stone, or metal that appeared to be stone, material was smooth all around them. Celes gestured like a conductor as they moved through the facility, lights activated, consoles hummed with power, small cube-shaped objects began to float. Sam and Peace only stared in awe of it all.

The elven wizard re-created her mask and began emitting some sort of static. She was staring at some sort of terminal as she did so. It was either some sort of binary or digital speak as the computer responded to her commands.

“Can you understand any of that?”

“A bit here and there. But I am unfamiliar with this script. I will need more time to study it.”

“She probably would not mind teaching it to you. Plus who knows what will happen after that.”

Peace raised an eyebrow. “Just what are you implying?”

“Well, you two have some common ground good place to start being friends. Perhaps she tries helping you with your cybernetics. Maybe helps get your memory back or a fully organic body. Then who knows maybe you stay good friends or you propose.”

“What are you the village match-maker?”

“Just helping out a friend. Plus I have it on good authority that being married solves more problems than it causes.”

“and I have it on good authority, that said authority on marriage has a personal bias.”

Sam chuckled. “Guilty, your honor.” He then lightly jabbed Peace in the metallic ribs. “Look I'm not saying prepare the wedding bells. I'm just pointing out the opportunity here to get some help. She knows of way better tech than we have here. Plus maybe she has a hobby you'll like that doesn't have anything to do with machines. If it leads to marriage then good if not then it doesn't.”

Peace pondered that and then asked his own question. “Tell me why did you continue to persist with your marriage to Kaguya?”

“I told you the story, Peace.”

“Yes. But that was why you married her. I am asking why did you keep to it after you came here?”

“Honor. Taking Marriage Vows are the same as taking the oath to join the Navy. You stick by it come hell or high water. I was not going to abandon them just because my life went sideways.”

“Unexpected. From what you tell me Earthlings prefer to marry for love.”

“From what I see people confuse love with infatuation. The passion two people feel for each other at the moment. But what happens when the passion cools, the looks start to go when age catches up with you, and you begin to find the little quirks that come with living with someone for years annoying? Kaguya and I stay together because we share a goal to do as much good in the world as we can.”

“A noble if fairly simple goal.”

“I'm a simple guy. I see the universe as a simple place of right, wrong, and the personal responsibility to know the difference. So does Kaguya and she sticks to her beliefs despite everything she's lost. I would never dishonor her and myself by leaving her. It's why I will love and honor her, she does the same for me every time she does good.”

During this conversation. Celes was finishing the last of the data-mining. There was a treasure trove of historical knowledge here along with data for other locations. One stood out in particular, they were notes from Queen Guinevere. Heavily encrypted data but marked as a priority. It was most likely had something to do with evacuation or with the Sages. Some of the encryption had signs of their handiwork on it.

She downloaded it all into her cranial matrix.

She did not intend to overhear but she did catch part of the conversation. While unaware of the exact circumstances, it was clear to her that Peace did not like his current state. There was also talk of memory loss. She would refer it to her superiors to see if any of it could be re-gained and if not, to at least help him move on to a better path in life.

Once all the data was downloaded. The three left for the Stormsong, and not a moment too soon. Patrol craft and recon drones from a Domain rocket craft started to blanket the island. Celes used her skills to conceal their craft from electronic sight. The Stormsong was far away from the island, standard procedure to ensure Marauder teams could always have an escape route.

In the captain quarters, they had a quick drink to a job well done. Nothing alcoholic this time, it was a fruity drink sailors used on Aetherium to avoid scurvy and other diseases. Easy to make and carry and a good replacement when there was no mead or beer on board.

Sam used this time to discuss something with Celes. He asked if there were a safe place for children far away from the front lines. She stated that her homeworld of Elpis is such a place due to being part of the Alfheim Freehold. The Freehold was near the core of the galaxy and thus was not under direct threat from the Domain. Though it also meant they could not directly threaten the Domain.

The moon's natural beauty attracted a myriad of poets, singers, and painters but the majority of the population worked with livestock or the planet's orchards. Alune was its largest urban area due to its spaceport. Humans lived there as well but small in number with most just visiting after a day working at the orbital mining platforms.

“I could send word to my family if you wish to shelter any children you and the Emissary have.”

“That's generous. But I wanted to have a place we could raise them ourselves for a while. With some land to work on as well so we can contribute as well."

“It is custom for nobility and royalty to be sheltered among fellow nobles. But I believe your request can be arranged.”

Josie barked. “Yay! All the young puppies in a safe place!”

“My girls may like the idea of working on an orchard. Maev likes apples,” remarked Daniel.

Celes offered to take Sam there to see it for himself. He declined since he still had an important mission on Aetherium before he could leave.

“Then allow me to leave you with this,” Celes said. “Your Talisman, please. I wish to grant you access to the Templar communication protocols and a personality matrix.”

“Personality matrix?” He hesitated in handing it over. A part of his mind worried about accepting outside data on the device. Celes assured him that it is simply to ensure she could contact him again when she returns. No tracking devices or anything to subvert control over his armor.

She opened her robe and touched his Talisman to a jewel in the center of her suit. Then she returned it to him. “The matrix is for the Talisman's virtual intelligence. Your device is of an older generation but it is still capable of that. Think of it as a familiar to aid you when using the Talisman. As well as my way of saying thanks not just for this act but also for all you have done for this world, by upgrading your frankly antiquated equipment. I mean no offense.”

“None taken.” He shrugged. “Poor workman who blames his tools and all that.”

Josie barked. “I'll make sure to bring back all the fancy toys! Yeah! Star Warden is going to have fun knocking around the evil one on equal ground! Also going to get you some of that prolong too.”

“Prolong?”

“Life extension technology. Trust me it's great and you've more than earned it.”

“Some extra years would be helpful.” Sam chuckled.

“Oh and Mr. Peace. I will see what the order can do to assist you as well.” Peace gave Sam a suspicious look. Sam was truly innocent in this matter but he couldn't help but smirk.

Celes and Josie were dropped off back on the mountaintop and they left through the mirror to the greater cosmos. While in his cabin Sam watched his talisman began to light up. A 3D image came into existence above the screen. It was a golden orb with glowing lines similar to a circuit board. Two small wings sprouted from the orb giving it the appearance of a ball of light with wings. This was Sam's familiar, he would have to think of a name for it.

Interlude 2

Chapter 10

Star Warden Book 2: RQ Chapter 10

 

All the Pieces

An empty crater was the perfect representation of what Samuel felt. It was all that remained of the Guardian Haven. He was sitting near the edge while his wife laid her head on his shoulders and hugged him tight as tears fell from her eyes. They were both silent, unable to put into words what they were seeing or more accurately what they were feeling. Both of them wanted to blame themselves for falling into Daimos's trap. Logically it was not true, but logic alone could not soothe the heart.

The emotional pain overrode any physical exhaustion from his battle with Vicious. He did not suffer from the usual pain when using the sword's magic as before. But he was still not efficient in its use.

In the crater, there were signs of excavation meaning that Daimos had taken the ship as well. If he had the energy Sam would have cursed and called the Dark Lord a vulture, or a Vulture lord. Though a vulture only eats the already dead avoiding battle with anything healthy whether that made the vulture more moral or Daimos more courageous is hard to say. However, one might argue that using an orbital strike to kill was cowardly and at least the vulture will fight for its food even if it's against wounded or sick opponents.

“Sam,” Kaguya said softly.

“I know. We can't spend forever here. I just.” The next word was going to be 'wish' as in he wished he could give them a proper burial. He wished he knew ahead of time, he wished he checked his armor more. But wishes were just words. There was nothing more he could do here, that was the naked truth.

As they stood up Sam readied the Talisman's gateway command function. As long as one had the proper coordinates one could travel anywhere in the galaxy either using an established mirror or not. But the coordinates were key and if inputted incorrectly one could walk into a star or black hole. There was another restriction in that if an area or mirror was blocked off from public access then no gateway could be opened. After all, nobody wants someone popping into their homes uninvited. The same for any physical gateways that were already active at the time.

As he typed in the numbers for Fort Aquarius, he heard the sound of his name being yelled. He turned to Kaguya but she was looking around too until she shouted and pointed into the sky. A large bald eagle joined by a smaller one, and in its talons was Peace waving and shouting at him.

The moment the eagles touched down. Kaguya rushed over and hugged Peace. The two eagles took their original forms of Niall and Bridget again. Bridget flew over and embraced Sam who returned the gesture. Tears fell down her face.

“Thank God you're alive!” Sam could not stop his own tears of joy. No other words were shared as everyone enjoyed the fact that their friends survived. He even hugged Peace as well.

They all returned to Aetherium in better spirits. Going to Sam's home in Camelot where they all had a light meal with hot chocolate. Niall explained that his mind was in the Weave at the time allowing him to sense the incoming attack. Reacting quickly he drew upon the local energy of Ramia's weave to save himself, Bridget, and Peace.

“If they were not nearby I might not have saved them.”

Sam then explained what happened on his end.

“So, unwittingly we did the Dark Lord's bidding. Ramia's resistance has been crushed and now the archives are in his data banks. While all we could do is escape with our lives.”

Peace bitterly sipped his hot chocolate.

“It was not a clean sweep. While he was downloading from the Archives, Excalibur was downloading things from him."

Niall beamed a smile. Recognizing that Sam got in contact with the spirit of Excalibur. 

“Congratulations. Your first step on your path as the heir.”

“Excalibur?”

“I'll fill you in later, Peace. Suffice it to say, we have a Spellbinder.” Sam materialized the leather-bound computer tablet in his hand. If none knew better it would have appeared he created it out of thin air. But it was merely stored in a compressed data state in his Talisman.

“Bad news is we don't have the software that was to come with it. Good news is we know where we can find one. The Unicorn Kingdom.”

“Surely he already secured the software by now,” asked Peace.

“No, he hasn't found the exact location for it. Now that he has the Spellbinder hardware and software we should be able to grab it ourselves while he's no longer looking.”

“The sword didn't delete the data?”

“Excalibur doesn't want to expose itself to Daimos. Deleting the program or creating a fake might leave a trail. Right now Excalibur is our only ace in the hole but if we play our cards right. Then by the time he does find out hopefully, we will have added new weapons to the arsenal.”

Peace sighed. “Permitting victory without opposition. We should have destroyed the data to at least deny him.”

“I'm not all sunshine and rainbows about it myself. But think about it if Daimos learns Excalibur is in play best case scenario he takes some extra precautions. Worse case the Abyss finds out too and starts getting more active. The absolute worse is that Daimos and the Abyss start working together and that makes our job harder.”

“Considering our situation is difficult already. I fail to see how our actions will change anything. At least if we destroyed the data the Dark Lord would have taken a blow as well."

“I agree,” stated Kaguya.”However, we may be able to conduct a larger blow against the Dark Lord and advance our cause at the same time. We take up the fool's role now for a larger success later."

"I know how it looks but we just need to try the stack the deck as much as we can before we get caught."

Peace made a groan signaling a reluctant agreement. 

“Then when the deck is stacked. I'm going to turn Daimos into a can opener.” Bridget then sipped her cocoa. Her eyes had visible white veins the equivalent of a human's eyes turning red after crying. Bridget had cried after surviving the orbital strike and cried when returning to Aetherium.

“Damn right,” said Sam.

“I wish I shared your optimism,” said Peace. “We can say the words but do we do not possess the means to enforce them. Daimos has conquered Powers only know how many other worlds. We don't know where the rings are or a way to track them. Even if we could we lack a rocket ship or knowledge of other stellar coordinates to open mirrors to them. All we have is words and words are not enough.”

“Words are the start, Peace. I don't have all the answers now but we need to tell ourselves and each other that we are going to turn this around. We must believe in ourselves first then the change will come. We need to believe when the world around us bleak, no especially when the world around us is bleak!”

“You'll get no argument from me. I just wish we had more to go on.”

“I just want to rip machines apart. Tear em all apart and destroy them. Along with any advanced tech. Progress.” Bridget spat on the floor. “How is easier death and destruction progress? We all should have stayed in tribes with iron weapons.” Niall put a comforting hand on Bridget's shoulder. Sam couldn't blame her for the rant. Even if her people could reincarnate seeing her fellows die in a flash would still hurt.

“Right now. Let's focus on one thing at a time. We get the Spellbinder program and help out any allies in the Unicorn Kingdom. After that, we will have time to figure out the other problems.”

“These problems of ours may not be as insurmountable as you perceive them to be,” said Niall.

“I'm listening.”

“I have been relaying my conversations with the Enchantress to certain allies in the cosmos. An ally that goes into the dark places others fear to tread, those who serve the light, who stand on the bridge and say no evil shall pass. They are the Soldiers and Scholars of the Argent Temple or better known as the Argent Templars.”

“Why are we only learning of this now?”

“The Templars do not interfere in the internal affairs of planets, Peace. Especially if that world has not regained space travel. They involve themselves with interstellar or inter-dimensional threats while covertly providing aid to developing worlds as missionaries, scholars, and merchants. I only came into contact with them recently when the Enchantress informed me that Daimos was a Codex AI.”

“Aha, told you, Peace!” Sam was jubilant. “Always keep your spirits up. You never know what's around the corner!”

“This is joyous news. But I do wonder how come I have never met one here or heard one?”

“Well, Your Radiance. If they do their job right you're not supposed to. But as for why none are here on Aetherium. That is because our world is mostly legend to other places in the galaxy and not on known star charts.”

“That did not seem to stop the original Daimos from arriving from another world,” Peace remarked.

“Indeed. Somehow the Doctor escaped his exile. How is still unknown to me. But that is a question for another time. Once I re-establish contact in the Weave. I will arrange for you to meet them. But I will need a few days rests. My connections to the Weave will need to recover from the events on Ramia. To feel thousands of voices cry out in terror and then go utterly silent..is traumatizing.”

Niall's eyes became dull losing light and luster. His voice shrunk to a near whisper. He heard every one of their voices. The only reason he was able to be here and talk with the Warden and company was due to sheer willpower. He did not wish to ruin the celebration, and he will have plenty of time to rest. 

“Don't worry, Chief. Daimos is going to be held accountable for every one of them.” Sam raised his mug. “To Jeremias, Benjamin, and all we've lost.” Everyone joined him in the toast.

They spent the rest of the evening talking before dispersing for the evening. Niall promised to inform Sam as soon he got in contact with the Templars. When they were gone he grabbed and swung around Kaguya while smiling. She laughed with him and why not. They needed the laughter. Yes, innocents were lost, but friends lived and they had future allies in the wings. They were alive and being alive meant there was hope.

And in the darkest of times, everyone needs Hope.

Interlude 1

Chapter 9