Star Warden 2.5: TD'S Chapter 8

 

Peace lay on the medical table trying to avoid looking at himself. There wasn't much left of him outside of a torso. It only reminded him that he was more machine now than faerie. Twisted and evil as far he was concerned. His body had become a weapon with the name of Peace. Only chosen because it was the first word he could think of.

The door slid open as Sam and Kaguya walked in. Peace felt a burst of embarrassment as they saw him in this state. He already didn't like that the local medics saw him like this. 

“I am not decent,” he said.

Sam playfully covered Kaguya's eyes. “Is that better?”

Peace sighed. “If you've come to know my condition. Know that I am being treated well and that you have no need for concern. I've been told that the replacement parts are currently being fabricated.”

Kaguya removed Sam's hands from her eyes. “That is wonderful news, Sir Peace. I pray that you recover swiftly.”

“Princess. Would you leave us the room?”

“Of course.” Kaguya excused herself from the room.

“Warden. Do you believe in signs and omens?”

“I would say yes. Why?”

“While I was unconscious I had a dream. A dream of my life. There was darkness, battle, and nothing more.”

“I've heard your life is supposed to flash before your eyes when one is near death. Did you see a sign in it?”

“Yes and no.” The cyborg's voice was heavy with concern and fear. “I saw only the blackness of the void. But I believe that was the sign. Nothingness. A warning of what I am and what I will face in the hereafter. Did you ever have this fear during your own meeting with death?”

“I did,” Sam said somberly. “I felt that I had failed before I could even start. It was the worse fear I felt since my mother's death. To be utterly helpless unable to protect family, unable to protect anyone. Unable to do any more good in the world.”

He sat down on a nearby stool and made himself eye level to Peace.

“How did you escape this fear,” Peace asked.

“I didn't. To this day I'm still afraid. Not a day goes by where I wonder if this is the day it ends. But if I don't act the consequences will fall on innocent people before me. So, I pray, take a deep breath, and walk into the valley of death.”

“You use a larger fear to motivate you to brave your other fears.”

“That's one way to look at it. Though I prefer to be motivated by doing good rather than the fear of evil. Is fear your motivation, Peace?”

“Vengeance is my motivation.” His voice was firm in conviction. Then a second later he said voice wavering. “Yet now it feels hollow. Even if I were to succeed in my quest, how would I go on afterward? I have no wife or family or purpose. There is nothing for me after this war.”

“If you let it be that way sure. If you want that to change you have to seek out those things.”

“How?” Peace sounded nearly desperate.

“That's up to you. My advice is that you build something. Something that will last long after you pass on.”

Kaguya knocked on the door. “Pardon the interruption. But we are running short on time.”

“On the way.” He turned back to Peace. “Duty calls. I'll check up on you when I can.” Sam walked to the door. “Oh, before I forget. You do have a family. There right here whenever you need them.”

Peace was confused at that statement. But as the door closed behind Sam it suddenly clicked in his head. He made a soft smile. Understanding that he did have a family, even if they did not share blood or species.

Chapter 9

Chapter 7

Star Warden 2.5 TD'S Chapter 7

Her Royal Majesty, Queen Dahlia of Altea sat in her ivory and ruby chair in crystal carved war room. She gave a sinister appearance, dark red and crimson eyes with skin the color of a bleached skull. Dressed in black and silver with matching black and silver-tipped hair. Her bright white feathered wings brazenly contradicted her dreadful impression.

Sam and Kaguya entered the crystal carved war room. Military personnel were going over the various maps detailing the Domain's forces across the planet. Gareth was already in the room with them, he gave a curt nod to Sam. One of the feeds that held the elven knight's attention was that enforcement droid, Sam called the Tarantula. It sprayed death from the heat ray in its mouth. Two large guns on its side fired bolts of plasma destroying any static positions.

Similar images played from other feeds. The machines had control over most of the southern hemisphere with sporadic fighting in other areas of the planet. The skies were heavily contested but the machines had not gotten to the northern areas of the continent. Where refugees were being brought and defenses were being formed.

It raised a question of how Daimos was able to unleash his grey goo in an area so far north of the planet. The only explanation Sam could think of is that Daimos rolled the dice hoping to take out a potential enemy as quickly as possible. Was Daimos programmed to be bold when needed or was that an emergent quality from gaining self-awareness?

Pulling his mind back to the situation at hand. He and Kaguya walked up to the second level of the room where they bowed and curtsied respectfully to the Queen. The Enchantress was standing next to her, which was surprising to Sam. While he was aware she would be involved in this meeting he expected her to join by way of magic mirror. Her actually leaving the Mystic Woods was not a thought that would come to his mind. Then Dahlia must be an old friend, but was that literal or in terms of her family?

“Rest assured, Sir Bailey. The concealment will not dissipate due to our brief departure from the Mystic Woods.”

Sam would question if the Enchantress had read his mind. But he assumed she's just good at reading people. She had plenty of time to learn after all.

“Sir Bailey,” said Dahlia. Her voice was not what Sam expected. It was husky and seductive. Like a lounge singer from a noir movie. “Your Radiance. It is an honor to meet you both.”

“The honor is ours, Your Majesty,” said Kaguya. “How may we be of assistance?”

“Melchior must be awakened from his slumber. His power will be necessary to end this threat."

“Considering the invasion hasn't woken him up. I'm guessing this isn't any ordinary dragon nap,” said Sam.

The Queen nodded. “To prevent Melchior from growing restless and endangering us. He requested that a Hymn of slumber be placed on him. Only the Hymn of awakening can break the spell.”

“A hymn, ma'am,” Sam questioned.

“Yes, are you not aware of the nature of dragons?” Sam answered in the negative. The winged elf turned to the Enchantress. “Keeping your champion in the dark I see,” she said raising an eyebrow.

“No, It was simply not relevant to share the information before this time,” said the Enchantress. She turned to Sam. “Dragons, like the Emissary, are angels only of a lower rank. They simply take the form of scaled winged beasts while in the physical plane.”

“Wait, but the dragons I read about are normally evil. Would those be fallen angels?”

The Enchantress nodded.

“Saint George and the Dragon is making a lot of sense now,” Sam said under his breath. Getting back to the task at hand he continued. “Okay, I'm going to take a wild leap of logic and guess the Hymnbook is not here but somewhere else. Somewhere that is currently under occupation.”

“You are correct on all counts,” said the Queen. “The Hymnal was placed in the city of Myrsida under the protection of the Jade Monks. Due to their neutrality, they were considered trusted not to abuse its power.”

“What do we do once we acquire the Hymnal?”

“You will take it to an isle in the west. There you will go to the Dragon's shrine where the Sprites will begin the ritual.”

“Forgive me for this question, your Majesty. But why was the book not left with the Sprites,” asked Kaguya

“There were other uses for the songs in certain celebrations and services. It was more convenient to keep it on the mainland in trustworthy hands. The distance from the shrine was also thought to ensure no one could abuse the power and awake the dragon prematurely.”

“Okay grab the book wake the dragon. Do you know any way we can enter Myrsida?”

“The Bright Wings mercenary company can aid you in that endeavor,” said the Queen. “They have local knowledge of the Greenfield region and up-to-date information on the invader's forces. I will inform them that you arrive with my blessings.”

“Then it's time to set sail.”

Sam's Talisman began beeping urgently. Peace was conscious. 

Chapter 8

Chapter 6

Star Warden 2.5: TD'S Chapter 6

Altea was a beautiful sight. A vertical metropolis that stretched to the stratosphere of the planet. Sam observed the view of his suite's veranda, granted to him by the Queen, and watched the hover cars drive by. Invisible shielding alongside environmental controls ensured there was oxygen even at this level. The light of the rising sun bounced off the crystalline structures and the lagoon waters creating a soft glow that was accompanied by a song. Through unknown means, natural or artificial, the crystals could sing when the light of the sun hits the correct spot.

Sam had asked others about the song but they all gave different answers. Kaguya stated that she heard a song of love and healing when the crystals sang. For him, he heard only wind chimes, millions of them working together in perfect harmony. Many before him had speculated it was the placement of the light that made the changes, or the color of the crystal, or the shape. The theories had gone on and on and one with not one being debunked or vindicated beyond the shadow of reasonable doubt.

There was only one source of agreement among all the theories. The songs were beautiful regardless of what anyone heard.

“A dream come true is it not?” Sam turned his head seeing Kaguya walk in with a tray carrying breakfast and tea. “I remember when you were a child. You spoke often of your pulp stories and their fantastical environments. Now here it is a city of crystal that reaches beyond the clouds.”

“That sounds a bit odd. Coming from a fantastical alien faerie princess.”

She giggled. “I suppose that would be true in your case. Even if I can see the beauty in this world I take it for granted. You are almost a newborn seeing the wonder for the first time. It is an enviable perspective to have.”

Kaguya set down the tray on the table. “Any word on Peace's condition?”

“His vitals are stable but still out cold. Outside of that, he's going to need a complete re-fit to his body.”

“A re-fit?”

“They have to replace a lot of his body since they don't have the parts to repair him. On the plus side, I talked to the priests. He's got a clean bill of spiritual health.”

“Praise, Kira. That is at least one less worry on our minds. I will pray that Peace will recover quickly. Now, what is on the agenda for today?”

“Meeting with the Queen later today. So we have time to explore the complex and the city.”

“Fortunate news twice over. Then let us not waste this chance for refreshment. You have few occasions to rest as it is.”

“If only Daimos could take a day or two off.” Those words were partially a joke but there was an honest, if ultimately fruitless, request in the words.

“Is there anything you specifically wanted to see,” Kaguya asked.

“Nothing in particular. Just wanted to take a walk with you. See you relaxed and not covered in coolant.”

“Washing coolant out of my hair is indeed troublesome.”

“Anything you looking forward to?”

“Spending the day with you where we have no need to look over our shoulder. Like our summers back on Earth.”

Sam hummed in agreement as he took another bite of his food. Simple, carefree days of youth crossed his mind. Memories of him and Kaguya spending their time enjoying each other's company. Learning about each other and their worlds. Growing strong unbreakable bonds. How he wished those days could have continued in perpetuity.

Indeed if the original plan was followed through those days may have continued unabated. All Sam had to do was to leave the navy and go marry Kaguya on Aetherium and then begin the work of ruling the lands of House Bailey. The possible future if that plan was allowed to follow through was a beautiful daydream. But he will never know if that future he imagined would have matched up with reality. No one but God will ever know the truth of it, but a man can always dream.

Once tea and breakfast came to an end, the lovely couple left for their stroll. Traveling by the elevator from the residential deck to the recreational deck. Each crystal tower of Altea was a nearly self-sufficient city block. A consequence of Altea's vertical construction made space a premium. But if that was a hindrance to the architects they worked around it beautifully.

The centerpiece of the deck was a large garden park. Covered with plants native to Aetherium and from other worlds grown in special nutrient liquids. It was all organized in various tiers similar to the legendary hanging gardens of Babylon. The ceiling of the deck was transparent allowing those above to have a peek at it while glass windows on the side brought in the light. In the center of this park was something that could be described as a half-fountain and half- swimming hole.

The statue was a female elf surrounded by small winged creatures pouring gourds of water. There were five of them arranged in an overlapping pattern which made the flowing water take the appearance of two large arches close together. The waters of the fountain poured into smaller rings nearby where young children played in them. There were children of many species faerie and elven, human, and children that a mixture of human and feline traits. He recognized them as the aliens he met on Ramia.

Ailurians was the formal name of the species. It was the common translation of their name which was much longer and more complicated in their original tongue. Their name also had religious significance in their culture from a time when they did not worship the Celestial Powers. There was another feline species one closer to a cat than the somewhat human-looking Ailurians known as that Cat Si that existed, but none of their species was in attendance on this world.

The rest of the sightseeing continued to other decks. Sam and Kaguya stopped by for crepes before they left into the open city. All towers were connected by walkways wide enough for millions of people to cross along with various creatures. Humans riding on large wolves, and to Sam's surprise and amazement, dinosaurs. Small circular drones moved in to clean up any droppings by the animals.

The dinosaurs didn't share the reptilian look from popular earth culture. They were covered in feathers with bright patterns. A few other creatures were of alien nature, one of them was some sort of yellow feathered bird that reminded Sam of a video game animal of similar design.

Catching a hovering taxi their exploration continued to the lower levels near the sea top of the lagoon. There was a large open-air marketplace focused on small-scale jewelers and seafood peddlers. Many more alien lifeforms were in the area and they ranged from human but with odd skin coloration to, anthropomorphic animals, and one strange very insectoid-like alien. The insectoid jeweler was friendly and had a unique mix of gemstones embedded into chitin shells for sale.

Sam bought Kaguya a conch shell necklace with several sapphires mixed in.

“Good choice,” said the alien. “I have arranged the sapphires in a pattern that guards the dreams of the wearer from dark spirits. Something I learned from my studies with Priests of Mira.”

That little fact caught Kaguya's attention. “I will use it in good health.”

At one of the many boardwalks, the two sat on a bench to watch the waves. Kaguya looked at the shell as the unspoken reason behind the trip now surfaced. She had suffered the return of her old nightmare where an orbital strike killed her, Sam, and their children. Experiencing an orbital bombardment made the nightmare extremely vivid. She awoke in a cold sweat the night they arrived and had difficulties sleeping.

But the shell appeared to give her confidence to brave the nightmares if they were to return. She was confident that her own magics could reinforce the ones embedded within the gemstone patterns. A beep from Sam's talisman alerted him that their morning stroll had come to the end.

The Queen had summoned them.

Chapter 7

Chapter 5

Star Warden 2.5: TD'S Chapter 5

 “Once again I've been cheated of victory.” Daimos petted Nightshade as he made the holographic feed go dark.

“One war rocket did all that damage,” said Nightshade in a tone of false concern. ”The ruin, the devastation, the horror. Do it again! Do it again!” She clapped and cheered.

“Quiet.” she lowered her head in silence. Opening up a new screen he got in contact with Burai in the city of Basilisk. A domed city surrounded by a radioactive desert created from a glitch in the planetary machinery. Completely isolation from all other city-states made it an easy choice for the landing point of the invasion.

“Ave, Dictator.” Burai placed a fist over his chest and bows his head.”

After exchanging pleasantries they got to the business at hand.

“Status update on the Dragon objective.”

“Nightwatch's interrogators have learned that the dragon is dormant and can not be awakened without a ritual that involves a songbook located in the township of Myrsida.”

“Nightwatch? You let the organics handle the interrogation of such a vital objective?” There was no condemnation in Daimos's voice. Simply curiosity.

Nightwatch is the name for the Enforcement section of the Political Security Office. In simple words, they were the Domain's secret police. Made up of loyal organics from various worlds that were conquered somewhat intact or joined without a fight. Many members were from worlds that lacked space flight before the Domain uplifted them. 

They never appeared on worlds such as Aetherium where the population was to either be killed or processed. But in places where actually governance was needed, they were effective in keeping the civilians in line. While the SWAT-bots could be kept in reserve and used for more critical tasks.

“Indeed,” said Burai. “They presented an argument that they could establish a rapport and gain the information without physical coercion.”

“Excellent. Pass on my congratulations. Now is Myrsida under our control?”

“Affirmative. We are using the city as a forward operating base for our activities in the Greenfield region. Resistance is being led by a mercenary company that commits operations on winged beasts. Designation: Bright Wings.

“I will deploy reinforcements to the township. They will take over guarding the songbook while you send forces to secure the dragon. In the meantime ready another core and deploy it against the Greenfield rebels.”

“Another mech core so soon,” Burai asked.

“It will not be long before the Star Warden learns this information and moves to interfere. He must be killed or failing that delayed as long as possible until the dragon is under our control.”

“There is a danger that an uncontrolled rift could open somewhere on the planet if we another device is used so soon.” That was Sonia interjecting in the conversation. “Shall I prepare your protocols?”

“Yes. Burai you have your orders.”

“By your command, Dictator. There is one more item to report.”

“Continue.”

“A news broadcast reported of a local excavation claiming to have uncovered Dragon bones. A SWAT-bot team has confirmed the reports as genuine.”

“Dragon bones! An interesting discovery. Yesss! Have them recovered at once.”

“By your command, Dictator.”

The holoscreen went dark.

Chapter 6

Chapter 4

Star Warden 2.5: TD'S Chapter 4

Maneuvering around the edges of the great steel sea they managed to reach the heart of the beast. A multi-layered sphere floating above an island just off the coast of the northernmost landmass of this world. It had been completely subsumed by the liquid metal being produced by it. The metal poured out of the central sphere while two layers of spheres moved around it in a synchronized fashion. A pale red glow emitted from the center sphere.

“Kaguya. Does this look familiar to you,” Sam asked.

“Indeed. It appears to be similar to the device that created the Curse of Eternal Night. The level of Abyssal energy is weaker than our last encounter.”

“Considering there appear to be no guards. This device may be of sterner stuff than our last encounter,” Gareth commented. “Assuming this is not just being used as a distraction.”

“That or Daimos is confident the metal monster would consume anyone that gets close,” said Sam. “We'll find out later right now I have to get up close to that device so I can destroy it.”

“I might have a solution to our problem, Sir Warden,” said Peace. “With Merlin's aid. I might be able to disrupt signals in their computers. Allowing you to get close in order to destroy the device.”

“There is another solution,” interjected Gareth. “Use me as bait. With the plasma thrower inside my hammer. I can cause the mass to see me as a threat. Meaning you three can focus on the device.”

“One of us should.” But before the Princess could finish. Sam interrupted.

“No. He'll have to go alone. This is crunch time and we have no idea what defenses this thing has. The more of us that can fight it the better.” Sam turned to the elven knight. “You better ride like the wind. Got it?”

“I have no intentions to die here. It would be foolish to let you live without a voice of reason after all.”

Gareth gave a rare full smile causing Sam to laugh and pat him on the back.”Just get back here in one piece.”

“Good luck, Sir Gareth.” Kaguya placed her hand on his shoulder. He returned a nod.

With the admittedly slapdash plan in place Sam, Kaguya, and Peace took to the skies as high as possible. Gareth took a deep breath and fired a ball of plasma from his hammer. Impacting the mass and causing a static screech to fill the air. A hole was created in the entity. A hole that did not reform, perhaps it could not. Gareth fled the scene with the gooey creature in hot pursuit.

The island was drained of all metallic influence revealing a barren state, if the island had any life on it the metal had consumed it. The central sphere shifted and spewed a new batch of liquid metal. The Warden didn't waste this chance to get in close and summoned a thunderous burst of speed from his rockets. Drawing Dawnbringer from its scabbard he swung it at the sphere. The outermost sphere moved to take the blow losing one of its plates in the process.

The second layer unveiled a battery of guns. The flying knight only evaded its beams at the last moment. Peace unfolded a weapon from his back: a two-handed rotating particle cannon. Firing beams at a rapid pace melting the guns of the second later. The large machine shifted itself to the left revealing another battery to return fire. Kaguya's protective magic ensured the fire was futile.

Far from this battle, Gareth was still fleeing for his life. Firing plasma in a wide arc to keep the great metal blob away from him. It had a good effect as it did not reform from each blow and neither did his attacks dull like others had. Unfortunately, it moved ahead of him trying to get him to split his attacks. Gareth made his bike leap up above the mass and landed ahead of it. But the mass anticipated this and tried to surround him by cutting him off. Another blast of plasma cleared the way for him, but there were only a few inches between him and certain doom.

The Warden could not see these events but he acted with haste all the same. He launched a flurry of slashes that the machine easily avoided. It weaved around his attacks with a skill no human could possess. Sam switched tactics and fired his fusion canon but again the machine frustrated him with its great agility. Peace leaped into the air and gripped the sphere slowing its movement. Kaguya followed up by crafting a chain of light arresting its momentum entirely.

The cyborg punched the gun ports on the second layer causing the energy to build up and explode. This damage exposed the third sphere which fired demonic energy onto Peace. He was sent flying back to the surface and rendered unconscious upon impact. Lubricant and other liquids bled from his body.

Fortunately, his sacrifice gave Sam enough time to thrust Dawnbringer into the core sphere. Its destruction terminated the command signal causing the metallic sea to become inert matter and began to break down. Sam and Kaguya ignored the victory as they focused on moving Peace onto his hoverbike. The Princess was chanting in celestial tongue to prevent any damage to Peace's soul that exposure to the Abyss may have caused. While Sam magnetically attached Peace to the bike and activated its auto-pilot.

Merlin spoke up urgently. “Energy spike from the upper atmosphere. Evacuate the area at once!”

The dark cloudy skies lit up with orange bursts of energy. Bolts of accelerated particles rained down and razed the beautiful landscape. Precious crystal was turned to liquid then vaporized in rapid succession. Sam, with Peace on his back, drove the bike through the unceasing barrage of energy. By his guess, this orbital bombardment came from either a war rocket or one of Daimos's planetary defense guns.

Kaguya's barrier was taking many glancing blows and a few direct hits. The strain on her body was clear from her twisting face and strained breathing. But she stayed strong keeping pace with Sam while maintaining the defense. Sam contacted Gareth and informed him of the situation at hand. The response was cut off by Kaguya's scream as the shield shattered.

In that brief moment, a particle bolt landed inches away and flung Sam and Peace from the bike. They survived but the bike did not. Kaguya managed to stand and raise a new barrier. Screaming her lungs out as she endured multiple-degree burns while blood ran down the side of her head. More bolts began to land in and around her position with increasing precision.

It would not be long till the automated weapon systems re-calculated their firing solutions for their now stationary targets. Sam reached over and took Kaguya's hand lending all the magical energy he could summon from his blade. Husband and wife looked at each other for what could be their final moments. 

Fortunately, today would not be their last. A Bifrost gateway opened up before them. Merlin confirmed it was from Gareth. He had attempted to inform them that he arrived in Altea before them. Grabbing Peace, the Knight and Princess passed through the gateway, once again escaping the jaws of death. 

Chapter 5

Chapter 3

Star Warden 2.5: TD'S Chapter 3

 Into the Fire

1

What Sam saw after emerging from the gateway nearly left him speechless. It was a vast field of crystal that stretched to the horizon and beyond. Flat green crystal made up the ground, while crystals of various colors jutted out from it. So enthralled by the exotic beauty of this new world that the chilling wind could not dampen his warmth.

Princess Kaguya was equally captivated, Her body was much more resistant to extreme temperatures. Gareth and Peace were either uninterested or unimpressed but they did not complain about the weather. Gareth was properly dressed for it and Peace had lubricated his cybernetics to ensure that he would not be inconvenienced by it.

Gareth cleared his throat to grab Sam's attention. “You will have time for gawking later.”

Sam nodded. His helmet camera took a couple of pictures just in case he didn't. Beauty such as this was rare in these times. Merlin summoned the vehicle data. Two one-wheeled motorcycles loaded into reality. There was no wheel but an anti-gravity device in the shape of a circle taking its place. Each one was blue and white with the face and eyes of a large feline.

Sam guessed it was a panther.

He and the Princess would be flying while Peace and Gareth used the bikes. He would have brought his horse but time was of the essence. The Enchantress had detected an anomaly that was blocking any and all ability to gateway into Altea. This included authorized gateways, meaning it was disrupting something in virtual space entirely.

Sam continued to enjoy the local scenery, switching from snapshots to recording the various different crystalline structures. Some appeared to be natural while others showed signs of mortal handiwork. One particular example, A large blue obelisk embedded with golden runes from base to tip, blurred the lines between natural and artificial structure.

That raised the question of whether anything could be considered natural in a constructed world. Did that obelisk have a hidden function or was it just an art piece? Questions piled on questions. His childlike curiosity and wonder screaming out for answers. Merlin yanked him back into reality.

“Sir Warden. I am receiving anomalous readings. Metallic in nature with a large mass. Twenty seconds ahead of us.”

Sam signaled for his party to hold position while he approached this anomaly. Ascending a few more feet for a better few he spotted it. Blanketing the crystalline fields was a sea of liquid metal. Large lumps of gray goo rose from it and took the shape of various creatures. Massive predators with jagged teeth that ranged from sharks to things that could only come out of sick and twisted nightmares. This ocean of gray was moving south to a city made of crystal in a lagoon.

He quickly realized that attacking it would do no good. While it may draw its attention away from the city that would just be a minor reprieve from the inevitable. Even if he and Kaguya could fly high enough to stay away from its reach, Gareth and Peace would be eaten in mere moments. For now, he could only pursue and observe until he perceived some way of eliminating it.

The gray mass continued onward until it reached the shore of the lagoon. The front of the metallic heap compacted itself into a bridge and began crossing the waters. Altea responded with intense laser beams fired from strategically placed crystal obelisks. A screech of static could be heard as the tide receded for an instant. Then it marched on its momentum only slowed but not arrested. As the laser's impact appeared to dull with each successive hit.

“Merlin? Peace? What are we dealing with here?”

“Analysis reports nanometer computers inside the mass of liquid metal,” stated Merlin. “There is a constant signal being emitted through the mass. Source unknown.”

“Send the signal to me,” said Peace. Merlin did so. Using his cybernetics and familiarity with Domain signals. He swiftly found the source of the signal. 

Peace pointed West and lead the way.  

Chapter 4

Chapter 2

Star Warden 2.5: TD'S. Chapter 2

 2

Rushing through dark corridors lit only by energy conduits. The Star Warden dodged particle fire as he fought through the cramped hallways. Kaguya at his side casting supporting spells with Sir Gareth of the Order of Lancelot smashing or blasting any robot in reach. While outside the airships Stormsong and the Arrow of Loxely had deployed their marauders. Who were fighting to free all captives in the prison section and distracting the rest of security from the Warden's mission deeper in the processing center.

Domain processing centers were part work camp part prison. Similar to the Soviet gulags from Earth's 20^th century. Faeries and elves were brought to such places for work and as a form of population control. Their days were long and harsh as they recycled scrap metal or disposed of radioactive waste. Breaking down stone or chopping down trees. Any and all tasks that could be done with simple brute strength, barring mining certain resources, were left for them.

No need to waste precious resources building machines to do such things.

Some camps were vast farms that provided food for Minotaurs or to grow certain crops for the cultivation of chemicals. But what they all had in common were their laboratories where prisoners were experimented on. Those who survived these experiments alongside the weakest or the soon-to-be-dead would later be processed. Code for conversion into a servitor.

This specific center was Processing center 003 located on the island of Dis. Formerly known as Tengu Island, the southernmost island of the former Dawn Islands archipelago. Normally attacking a facility in Daimos's backyard would not be considered. But the opportunity of accessing the schematics and data of the Soul Extractor overrode the usual objections.

Add the fact that it was in the Domain's core territory meant that this device would have had more use. There would be more data to sample from and a better chance to find a way to reverse a conversion. Sam had faith that there was a way. Peace found his own freedom, even if it was by accident. It would be more difficult now since Servitors were fully roboticized, but he would not give up hope. Speaking of Peace, he was on the Stormsong providing electronic warfare support and jamming local communications.

Peace had disabled the anti-personnel security, weapons designed to kill people without damaging the equipment. That left only the SWAT-bots who were providing fierce resistance. In various firefights, one or two of them would enter from hidden doorways to strike at the flanks. A few dropped down from above and engaged in melee while shooting beams at point-blank range.

Perseverance and teamwork won the day in the end. As they arrived at their destination dispatching the last of the guards as they did so. Sam activated a USB drive on his Talisman and inserted it into the terminal's port. The Soul Extractor's mainframe was not networked to the rest of the complex. Thus requiring them to access it directly.

Merlin deployed Peace's program, part seeker, and part malware. It logged and copied all information relevant to the Extractor. While the worm would search for software vulnerabilities. Even if reversing the condition wasn't possible immediately they could at least improve their cyber warfare capabilities.

Gareth walked over to another terminal. “Merlin, can you connect this terminal to the rest of the facility's network?” Merlin answered in the affirmative. Gareth got to work.

Sam said. “Find whatever you're looking for quick.”

“Found it.” He brought up an image of a machine. It stood on four legs and had a pod-like body with three guns. Two on the side of the head and one in the front beneath the eyes.

“Enforcement Walker-209,” said Sam reading the screen. “Looks almost like a Tarantula.”

“I spotted the servitors constructing at least one hundred units in the lower levels,” said Gareth. “According to this data, this model plans to replace the tripedal 208 model. There are also other files relating to some experimental technology and preparations for a 210 model.”

Merlin interjected. “It is not recommended one look into those files they are well protected. This unit lacks the necessary resources to copy or uncover this information safely at the current time.”

“We'll have to look through files Peace got us when we rescued him,” said Sam. “See which scientific horror branch The Dark Lord has delved into.”

Merlin beeped twice signaling his mission was complete. Sam grabbed the Talisman. “Good work, Merlin. Now for some physical damage.”

He placed a set of explosives on the extractor. Then had Merlin call Daniel. “We got it. Time to bug out.”

“Not a moment too soon lad. Peace is saying communications are back up. Reinforcements will be here soon.”

Warden and company rushed back to the Stormsong in record time. They aided the last few captives into the airship. Many of them were malnourished and had clear signs of advanced aging. Both ships then fled off into the night sky as the EMP explosions left behind went off. The Soul Extractor and the factory part of the complex would be dead for a good while.

There were no cheers on board the Stormsong, nobody wanted to let their guard down until they were in friendlier skies. Sam helped an exhausted Peace to his quarters. Gareth went to the gunnery station taking the place for anyone that needed to rest. Kaguya left for the cargo hold to provide medical attention to the former captives. Hours went by in near silence and concern. But fortune was on their side as no hostiles were encountered. Only when they rendezvoused with the second Marauder group did some let out a cry of cheer and relief.

These ships were in charge of providing another diversion. An attack on a Domain communications relay. Their mission was successful but not without cost. Two ships were destroyed with all hands and many crew members had been left behind and captured during the retreat. Many more were missing in action and all ships were damaged in some way.

All things considered, the mission still went well. The enemy had been distracted and many ships lived to fight another day. The latter was a victory in and of itself due to the need to have many ships as possible on hand.

For the remainder of the trip, Sam retired to his cabin. Daniel had one reserved for him whenever he was on board. He was grateful that the Stormsong had enough room for the rescued that he didn't need to turn it over. Sam would have willingly done so, but he was thankful that he could rest easy. His body felt it was running on fumes. Since Ramia he had been working daily preparing for the Unicorn Kingdom and making up for the events on said planet.

The death of Benjamin and the Guardians still weighed on his mind. Rationally there was nothing he could have done differently. But honor demanded he atones for his failure. Honor and Guilt. He couldn't dwell on what he had no power to change, but when did guilt ever bow to rationality? It was a combination of this guilt and sense of honor two ate away at Sam's conscience taking the form of a nightmare.

It was brief at least and fuzzy compared to others. All he could recall was being chained against something while innocents cried for help. When he awakened Kaguya was in his arms sound asleep. Looking at her made the world so much simpler. No, not the world their own little world. The war, the pain, the loss, all of it melted away into married bliss. He gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead.

A noise caught his attention. It was the melody of several well-synchronized wind chimes. Sam threw a robe on and walked over to the edge of the cabin. He pulled down drapes uncovering the magic mirror. The Enchantress's stoic face manifested itself from the shadows.

“Champion.”

“Your Ladyship.” Sam yawned the words. “Good Morning or is it still evening?”

“It is currently ten minutes past three in the morning. But that is beside the point. Congratulations are in order for your successful mission. But sadly there is no time for rest or cheer. You are needed immediately.”

“Of course.” His bitterness was clear in his voice. “It doesn't rain it pours.” Sam shook his head then apologized. Visibly showcasing his frustrations was unbecoming of a knight.

The Enchantress's face softened. “We understand your frustrations. Considering your recent mission. But this matter is urgent.”

Her face shifted into an image of another world. The Enchantress explained that this is the planet Pythia.

“It is a stellar engine. An artificial world designed with faster than light capabilities. Used originally to act as a scale model for making habitable worlds. Until it was transformed into a research station.”

“A research station that Daimos knows about and wants to get his metal claws into.”

The Enchantress's stoic face returned “Correct, Champion. His forces have already begun an invasion of the world.”

Sam folded his arms. “That explains the urgency then. You think they would just FTL out of dodge or use planetary shields.”

“A tractor beam is holding the planet in place and any shields would be deactivated once it arrives in a planet's atmosphere.”

Sam raised an eyebrow “The shields automatically deactivate in the atmosphere?”

“Their primary function was to maintain an atmosphere, not for defense. As it could flee from any potential danger. There is also the matter that the current inhabitants may be unaware of how the world functions itself. At least to control the machinery with proficiency.”

“Which means even if they wanted to flee they may not know-how. Well, I got my orders then. Once we put into port at Monmouth. We'll head to Fort Aquarius.” The Port had become a safe haven after its liberation. Strong defenses in places had repelled Domain retaliation so far.

“Understood. Good Hunting, Star Warden.”

The Enchantress's face faded away and the mirror returned to its black reflective surface.

“Another mission so soon?” Sam turned to Kaguya as she stretched her body out like a cat. His eyes traveled over her curvaceous form in such a pose.

“Note to self,” he thought. “Wake up just a few minutes before her. Every day. For the rest of my life.”

“Sad to say no rest for the weary,” he said out loud.

His wife rested her head on the palm of her hand. Sam relayed all that the Enchantress had told him as he rejoined her in bed.

“Thankfully it is truly urgent. If not I would have argued for you to decline the mission. I love your work ethic. But that does not grant a license for you to overexert yourself. Even if you still feel guilty over past events.”

“Well don't worry after we stop Daimos from taking Pythia. We'll have plenty of time to rest before we have to go to the Unicorn Kingdom.”

Kaguya climbed on top of her husband. Her beautiful purple eyes stared into his sky blue ones. “Good. For I have some special plans to keep you well-rested.” Her grin made it clear exactly what was in store.

Sam returned it. “I can't wait.”

Chapter 3

Chapter 1

Star Warden 2.5: The Dragon's Song. Chapter 1

 Star Warden Book 2.5: The Dragon's Song

By

Donavan F. Walker

                       Copyright©2022 by Donavan F. Walker

 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

One Little Planet

1

“This is a curious development,” said Daimos as he looked at the little planet on his screen.

At least in the atmosphere of Aetherium, it appeared small. Satellite imagery told a different story. It was as large as your standard moon. Grasslands covered the surface broken up by mountains with large lakes acting as oceans. It was slightly larger than the green moon of Aurora. Electronic signals were detected moving across the planet. A perfectly average developing world, that somehow materialized out of the blue.

“You don't think the rebels are setting some kind of trap or illusion,” asked Nightshade perched on Daimos's shoulder.

“The rebels possess neither the manpower nor resources for such an enterprise and it would serve no purpose even if they did. This is indeed a real world. The question remains why is it here?”

“And the other question is are we going to conquer it?”

“We? Planning to go to the front lines are you?”

“You know what I meant.”

Before that conversation began and elapsed. Daimos was searching his data banks. Simultaneously he deployed a tractor beam from an orbital satellite to hold the planet in place. An invisible chain now bound this little planet to Aetherium and would ensure it could not escape.

“Very Interesting. Yesss.” He had found what he was looking for.

Nightshade smiled. “I like the sound of that of Yes. What is it?”

The AI ignored her question and moved his walking throne to another part of his headquarters. Entering a room filled with three quantum computers in the form of large black cubes. These devices were the servers for Project Praetorian. Originally known as Project Archon. It was discontinued when the Star Warden defeated its first product Vicious. But instead of the soul returning to the server as planned, it was freed and left for the Celestial Realm. This unexpected event caused Daimos to put the project on hold.

While in the intervening days he had not discovered how the Warden had accomplished said feat he did make several improvements. These improvements were reason enough to end Archon and replace it with Praetorian. One improvement was turning Souls into Wraiths. Instead of controlling or suppressing a soul with the Soul Matrix, it was completely re-written into an electromagnetic spectral entity. That would be easier to recall and not be at risk of being freed to the Celestial Realm.

Daimos waved his hand causing the black cube to open revealing a bright red core in the middle. A black specter of binary code came forth and began to take shape. Polygons quickly turned into a full wireframe model until finally filling out. No more liquid metal, Praetorians would be fully digital warriors.

The Praetorian completed its rendering and took up an image of a Samurai from the Summer Empire with a bleached white Oni's skull for a face. Green sparks of electricity hovered in its eye sockets. It knelled to Daimos.

“Master. Your servant most humble heads your summons. What is thy will?”

Before he could issue orders Sonia alerted him to a security breach at processing center 003. Its low number indicated that it was located in the Stygian Islands. The Star Warden was also reported in the area.

“How bold of them. What warranted such actions?”

Chapter 2

Book 2: Interlude 3