CHAPTER VII

Even though he was comfortably in his elder years, a deep receding hair line stretched back from his dominant brow, his body was still military hardened – still a man of undeniable stature. “Welcome aboard, Commander Mayve,” the old admiral, dressed in his finest formal uniform, greeted her. Gavril nodded, confidently making her way toward the man, smiling. “Thank you, Sir.”

“This is such an exciting time in our history,” he replied with a smile of his own.

She stiffly halted, clicking the heels of her boots together as she stood before him, offering a salute “And for our future, Sir.”

The admiral returned her salute, “I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

He laughed. “Enough already. Cut it with the ‘Sir’ crap.” He gently clasped his hands over each of her shoulders. “My only daughter is about to take part in an interstellar mission to explore the galaxy. Can we just set the formalities aside for now?

“For now. I suppose.”

They embraced for a moment before he gently pulled back, kissing her on the forehead.

“We’ll be in touch throughout your journey,” he said. “Good luck, Gavril. I love you.” He embraced her again, this time more firmly; a gesture that she graciously reciprocated.

“Thank you, Sir. I’m looking forward to it.”

The man rolled his ageless eyes at her continued use of formalities. It was just Gavril’s way – a way she had always been: proper and presentable. With a final kiss, planted again on her forehead, he made his way past her, heading for the Horiyou lift. The action caused every crew member to stop what they were doing, stand as pillars, and rigidly shower him with respect: stiffened fingers at the brow. The Admiral calmly boarded the lift; and as the door hissed shut, he returned the gesture.

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Vaughn had been sidetracked, roaming about in his cabin, hoping to dodge the visit of the esteemed admiral. Thinking he had already made his rounds, he ventured out, walking through the corridors to the lift dock. Thoughts mulled around in his head: only a select few aboard ESURTA were of actual service to him and the success of this mission, as he deemed it. His demands were finally met; he had his crew. However. Would it be enough? The wonderment loomed over him like a restless specter, who beckoned only further questioning. If they chose to follow their own path would they be able to survive? Truly, would they find the necessary solutions? It would be his sole responsibility to delegate the appropriate commands – to decipher the answers.

Was it enough?

The Captain’s extended finger mashed into the wall panel, signaling the lift. As the door retracted, he was abruptly met by the very person he was attempting to evade. “Captain Mayve,” the man spoke deeply. “I’m certain that you have a bridge waiting for your command. Why aren’t you there doing so?”

“Just tying up loose ends,” Vaughn darted his eyes to the corners of their sockets, irritated.

The Admiral paused for a moment in thought, carefully choosing his words before he again addressed him, “Vaughn, they want to believe in you.”

Vaughn said nothing, still strafing away his gaze.

“Though many people disagree with the position you were given, Councilwoman Maedrill does not. And neither do I.” The man faintly smiled. “There is so much potential inside you waiting to be unlocked. They want to follow you; and they want to do so without a weapon in your hands. Son, you are a well decorated soldier,” he reached out and placed his experienced, dark hands to starkly contrast the paleness of Vaughn’s neck, further sliding his grip to a halt upon his broad shoulders, squeezing. “Now, become a well decorated leader.”

Vaughn managed a faint nod as his father let his hands hook downward, giving his biceps another squeeze before dropping them off to either side. Another brief smile mustered against his lips the wage against the silence. Eventually, steps were taken; the Admiral passed by the Captain. Vaughn stood quietly. He stared at the back wall of the empty lift, focused on nothing, trying to allow the bubbling irritation of their confrontation to subside before he entered.

The valuable words that were spoken had no impact. They never did.

“Bridge,” the Captain stated.

And the lift doors hissed closed.

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The terminals were already manned by the time Vaughn had finally reached his destination. It was about to commence.

“Glad you could join us, Captain,” Gavril sincerely said with a smile.

The Captain made his way over to his sister, standing at her side. Together, they stared into the endless uncertainty of space.

“How are we looking?”

“Shields are online. ESURTA’s primary and secondary armors are functioning adequately. We are ready for departure,” said Kovac.

“You have the coordinates, Brake?” Vaughn questioned, keeping his attention focused on the glowing stars before him.

“Sure do, Cap! Just give the order and I’ll remove the dock locks.”

“Do it.”

Rick happily obliged, pressing a combination of buttons as the heavy sounds of rescinding docking port locks were heard.

“Cap, we are currently in suspended standby!”

“Commander Luxidon?”

“Captain?”

“Status report.”

“Weapons are fully operational and awaiting your command.”

Vaughn nodded. “Engage the jump, Brake.”

Was it enough?

“Aye, aye, Cap!” Rick began fingering another smattering of buttons at his terminal. The ship slowly drifted forward, gingerly propelled by the pulse engines as ESURTA distanced itself from the C-shaped docking station. When the proper distance was met, Rick initiated the jump sequence. “Thirty seconds until drive execution.”

Were they enough?

Vaughn was unable to peel his eyes from the massive view screen. None of them could. And even though he still felt too coddled by his superiors, if only for an instant, he felt uneasy.

“Ten seconds until drive execution!”

Gavril swallowed down the dry lump in her throat and gently grabbed Vaughn’s hand, bombarded by a multitude of emotions. Though, with every anxiety ridden second that ticked by – transformed into the stepping stones for what would be her most treasured memory. Her grip tightened.

Tick. Butterflies were set free inside her stomach.

Tick. Her chest pounded with chaotic excitement.

Tick. All that she had ever strived for was to experience this very moment.

Was ESURTA enough?

Vaughn felt her clammy touch, unfazed as the ships engines began to fill with energy. He could sense what she was feeling; it wasn’t all that difficult to do. And if he dug deep enough, he could even on some level appreciate what was unfolding right in front of their eyes. It had been a time long past – a person he no longer was. But, as he delved into the pool of his tattered memories, the one retrieved and reflected upon with complete satisfaction was that of his initial launch. Cold hearted, maybe; though internally sensitive on occasion, Vaughn would not rob his sister of being able to reminisce in the same fashion. Knowingly, he squeezed her hand. They turned to each other in unison; their faces smothered by matching smiles. And with his free hand, Vaughn gently wiped his thumb underneath her left eye, brushing aside the welling tears. An act of empathy he’d show only to his younger blood.

The caged star had finally filled the fuel cores to full capacity.

“We’re green, Cap,” Rick informed. Unable to contain his own excitement, he rapidly tapped his chest like a double bass drum before abruptly stopping to again place his hands on the controls of his terminal.

Vaughn and Gavril shifted their attention back to the view screen, though they still clutched each other’s grasp.

“Engage, Brake.”

Rick obliged. The stored energy poured from each core, feeding ESURTA’s massive engines. Within the blink of an eye, the ship was naught. Vanished in a streak.

If humans were an unknown variable within the numbing darkness of a world that held all worlds…

Was he enough?

CHAPTER VIII

The Trilobian’s knowledge of Earth and its people had been well established long before an olive branch was ever offered. The decision wasn’t met in high regard. Many deemed mankind an inferior species, unable to provide assistance to the dying planet of Brouva. Too barbaric. Too short sighted. Impulsive. Too involved in their own petty squabbles to ever have compassion for another race of beings. Though, searching for their strongest effort to eradicate the bloodthirsty invaders was only welcoming the inevitable, the Trilobian’s were cornered in desperation. Forced to take action. Brouva would fall. It was only a matter of time.

Something had to be done.

It was the human spirit, seen as the only redeemable trait, which finally convinced them. In fact, it tantalized the aliens. The studies showed that mankind was plastered with discrepancies in their character, but their will to survive was truly something to behold. The Trilobians had never witnessed anything quite like it; And to their knowledge, no other species possessed such a trait. If every outcome pointed to imminent destruction, humans could still press forward in an inspiring glimmer of contradiction. Where there is a will, there is a way. The mantra carried the beaten aliens, reviving their desires, spreading through them like wildfire. The once faithless populace now believed they could wrench free their planet from the invaders clutch. And eventually, after ten long years of treading in a living nightmare, success had been achieved.

Brouva was spared from annihilation.

Humanity had proved its worth. And as a token of their appreciation, the aliens gifted ESURTA to Earth as a bond of everlasting friendship between the two species.

Though the gift was not received without its limitations.

The aliens realized how headstrong humans were. They knew that giving a gift of such magnitude without guidance could ultimately destroy their comrades with their own wide-eyed ambitions. They wanted to aid mankind – enlighten them – not be the cause of their demise, thus implementing shackles that restricted ESURTA until they felt humans could handle the mighty ship unsupervised. And even at the aggressive recommendation that the captain be of Trilobian lineage, Earth’s Council decided against it. They bestowed the immense responsibility to the highly decorated war hero that had taken control of the dominant ship. The man who procured the embodiment of the human spirit. The slayer of odds: Captain Vaughn Mayve.

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ESURTA snapped into view, joined by a pair of established warships. The bridge officers attention was immediately captured by the bulkier of the two escorts, fondly recalling the glory of its past. Pulse Engines would once again suffice as the crew crept closer. Vaughn smiled, released his grip on Gavril’s hand, and took a seat at his terminal. His elbows rested to either side of the padded arms, interlacing his fingers below his mouth, studying the bodyguards through the view screen. He wanted the pleasantries to be brief, if not rushed, as his eyes trailed downward to a large circular contraption embedded in the floor just a few feet from where he sat.

Vaughn waited for communication.

“Incoming—” stated Bazdik.

“Display it, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, Captain.”

A static-laced, life-sized image slowly materialized from the contraption displaying a Trilobian showing age. Her skin was darker than Xuvectrin’s and a similar, curved bone sprouted from her skull. She looked dignified in her attire as she sat, legs crossed, holding a simple mug, undividedly commanding the attention of the bridge with sheer presence.

“To be honest, I was hoping you didn’t notice us,” Vaughn smugly stated.

The Trilobian faintly smiled; the radiant image flickered, Captain Mayve, my name is Zharra Vauless. I command the most esteemed ship in the Trilobian Fleet – the Vargralus, which, as you know, needs no introduction. However, that was a different time, and a different captain. For his efforts in the war, Captain Reyam was promoted, currently residing as a member of our Council. I will be his successor. It is my pleasure to finally meet you and help guide ESURTA to its next destination in its maiden voyage. The alien gently sipped from the mug.

Many of my kind believe humans to be ill equipped for solo exploration. Though, I am to point out that it is not our intention to insult you or your people. We will forever be in your debt and hold Earth in the highest regard. Captain Mayve, you in particular will always have our gratitude and respect. And though our Council does not feel you are ready to venture forth alone, I however, feel it is not for us to decide. ESURTA was graciously given to you and your people with the knowledge that it may usher a new era in the growth of your culture, as well as the possibility for it to carry the weight of negative repercussions. I truly believe that if you were not ready to handle ESURTA, then you should not have been given her to begin with. Her voice was elegant inside of Vaughn’s head.

Vaughn could barely contain his relief and excitement. “Finally. Thank you. It’s so refreshing to—”

But, Captain, don’t misunderstand me. I do not have influence within the decisions of our Council. I am simply a solider with situational command…and I have my orders. My personal opinions do not have any effect on the outcome of our people’s agreement, and you will still need to accompany me to Brouva. I simply felt you should know that not all Trilobians share our Council’s beliefs. You should be given the chance to venture out as you deem fit, as it is my understanding that ESURTA is now undoubtedly in your possession. And deservedly so. She slightly shook her head, sipping once again. Unfortunately, that will be a discussion for a different time. Please, follow me to Dranvola Docking Station and you’ll be briefed—

“Another briefing? Really?”

That was not already explained to you by your Council? My orders—

“Captain, with all due respect, I’m getting completely fed up with all the hand holding bullshit. Do I really need to waste more time sitting in a room discussing whether or not I can strap on my big-boy pants?

The Trilobian Council…

Vaughn tilted his head in confusion as the alien trailed off. “What about them? Captain?” His eyes trailed around the bridge wondering if someone knew something he didn’t. “Captain Vauless?”

Still no answer.

“Cap—”

My apologies, there’s—

“Captain, we’ve received the signature of a type-1 pod craft on long range scanners,” Kovac finally explained, typing away at his terminal. “It’s rapidly approaching our coordinates.”

“Were you expecting company, Captain?” Vaughn asked.

No, not to my knowledge. We have been given no diversion to our orders. At this time, we do not know the origin—

(Help me.)

The unknown voice cut through Vaughn’s mind, surging like a sharpened spike. “Captain Vauless?”

Yes, Captain Mayve?

“What was that just now?”

Just now, Captain?

“You’re voice. It was—How’d you do that with your voice?”

What do you mean? I thought you understood our way of—

“Yes. I do. I get it. I get that,” he paused, “You didn’t just say ‘help me?’”

I did not. Are you alright, Captain Mayve? The subtle glow in her red eyes displayed genuine concern. I can give you a minute to subdue your anxiety; I know this must be—

“Again, Captain, no disrespect,” Vaughn’s voice was blunt, he was tired of being treated like a child, “but I liberated your people. I have no anxiety when it comes to this…field trip. Stop coddling me.”

My apologies, Captain.

“The pod will intersect us soon, Vaughn.” Kovac said, haphazardly keying buttons at his terminal, trying to keep up with the closing speed of the unknown object. Digital models of the two Trilobian warships were abruptly displayed, rotating just above his terminal along with the spherical craft, complete with cycling statistical information. “We have approximately one minute, forty seconds until it passes us.”

Vaughn barely heard the Commander, pitting his thoughts against whether or not the sudden request for aid was a mere coincidence with the emergence of the sphere, his own desires, or something more. He lackadaisically responded to Kovac, “Keep the shields up.” Dismissing further debate inside his mind, he settled on the latter. “Brake, I need a jump online.”

Captain, the jump system matrix still needs to cool down. If the governor triggers we will lose the functionality of our engines. Commander D’Easia quickly interjected, still stationed in the engine room. We would then require the Vargralus’ engineers to board us and reset the system, a costly reboot that would take time to complete. To prevent this, I’ll need seven more minutes for the C.S.M to fully process.

The alien wasn’t present on the bridge. Being the Chief Engineer, Commander D’asia would naturally be stationed in the engine room for immediate access to the star’s mainframe. She was able to hear her captain through an intercom in the contraption around her head, firmly connecting her to all bridge conversations at all times.

“Then keep me updated.”

Yes, Captain.

The pod was now hurtling into view. It sped towards the small convoy of ships, refusing to reveal its intent as it surpassed speeds never before conceived for a craft of such miniscule stature. It was then that a berth of excited curiosity swelled within each officer on the bridge. They had only grazed their toes against the crust of the expedition and already there was an unexplained gem within their grasp begging to be analyzed.

And within seconds it was upon them.

Instantly, the concept of time was trounced to a crawl. Vaughn alone felt this phenomenon the moment he routinely blinked his eyes, and once again when he parted his lips to speak out in favor of it. The air around his body seemed to smother against him like a thickly chilled, woven blanket as he attempted to move. Though it was futile; his motions simply lagged well behind his desire to perform them.

At first, he stayed collected. His adequately trained mind systematically thumbed through his militaristic past, hoping he could apply a solution to the impossibility of this experience. There was no standard for this event. Vaughn sat in useless thought, engulfed in the nakedness of being left without an answer.

Only then did he begin to panic.

Vaughn’s sight was not to be trusted, left to decipher the muddled trails of color that traipsed across his vision with conjecture. His memory tried to soothe his racing thoughts, attempting to piece his surroundings back together as he knew them to be. It was useless. Frantically, he tried to force his body into relevance – to force his voice and command his officers, though, too, these actions further left him disoriented. ESURTA’s captain could only stand by helplessly as the bridge and everyone residing within it washed away into indistinguishable nonsense.

Into blackness.

Vaughn tightly shut his eyes; his eyes were worthless.

His courageous desires plummeted to the lowest tier of cowardice, inducing a desperate attempt to scream. The rough, taut vibrations climbed from his sickened stomach and up along his throat as his ability to hear his shame vanished. Reluctantly, with erratic lungs, Vaughn reopened his eyes.

His existence was unveiled…

…And there was nothing.

The Captain found himself confronted by a binding shelter of infinite darkness. He was stilled, succumbing to fear, deafened by the incessant drumming of his heart as it impatiently collided against his tightened chest.