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