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The Nightmare�
Chapter Nineteen

Within the darkened chamber high above the Arena, the two mysterious beings, the two sinister masterminds, the two Watchers were nearing a crucial point in their decades of planning.

�Everything is proceeding according to plan. If all goes smoothly � we will complete all of our projects weeks ahead of our previously expected schedule.� One stated with a smile. The other looked down into the Arena and saw that another fight had ended.

�Excellent. If there is one thing that I will never tire of hearing � it is good news. Not since the day we formed our little alliance have I felt this alive.� The other commented casually.

�The feeling is more than mutual. Think of what our people could have done had they realized what we had? The entire universe could have been ours.� The other replied.

�Pardon me? The universe is already ours. It took us a great deal of time, but at long last we are able to breed and clone these lower life forms to do as we please. And with these prototype E.C.M. projects � we have subdued three worlds.� The other corrected.

�Yes, about that, on that ice world that they call Glacoria. The E.C.M. was found several kilometers away from the old glacier site. The Mutates that brought him in were able to fix the damage that was done to him but his memory was wiped clean.� The other one reminded.

�What? How did this happen?� he asked seriously.

�According to the backup files that we had before his system crashed, he was pursuing three fugitives. One tried to stop him by exploding his ship, but the armor soaked it. Beyond that � everything was erased � even the backups.� She answered.

�Huh, sneaky little ice lizards. I didn�t think they had it in them. Have there been any other problems with the E.C.M. projects that I should know about?� he asked curiously.

�Everything else seems normal enough � oh wait, a short while ago by the refineries on that swamp world Quagmiria, records show that it was pursuing three fugitives that escaped a processing camp. Two were dealt with soon after � but the third ran all the way towards the refinery grounds.� She answered.

�The refineries? That area and everything near it completely toxic. If the fool ran there he would have died himself. What has this to do with the E.C.M. stationed to that world?� he asked seriously.

�Well, according to his backup files � a very living vine grew up out of that completely toxic area and flung him hundreds of kilometers away. By the time he got back, there was no trace of the fugitive, or any trace of deterioration.� She answered sarcastically.

�Shit � that means that there are two missing people from Glacoria � two that have a means of stopping an E.C.M. there is one person missing from Quagmiria that has a means of growing powerful things completely toxic environments � and those from Moltaria.� He stated coldly.

�What happened on Moltaria?� she asked curiously.

�Oh, rumor had it that there was some sort of doomsday device hidden under the Moltarian capital. As they have always been know for such fierce acts of aggression, and as the source of this was a supposed lore keeper � they had to take it seriously.� He answered calmly.

�By your tone I presume there was no weapon.� She commented.

�No � just a time capsule. A real archeological find.� he replied sourly.

�What has this to do with what I was talking about?� she asked.

�Simple. The person that gave our people the information in the first place said that there were three Moltarians questing for this weapon. We sent several Mutates to deal with them, but they got away. The person that was guiding them was wounded with a Volcannar weapon. The Mutate heard a Flamite tell them of some sort of betrayal � and then there was the Lore Keeper, presumably a Heatuk if my knowledge of their people is accurate � three questers. Just like Quagmiria � just like Glacoria. All of these people have vanished into thin air � and at this juncture in our operations � such loose ends could prove disastrous.� He answered.

�If you have a plan � don�t keep it a secret.� She retorted sarcastically. In a quick action the two grabbed a gun and held it to the other�s head. There were several quiet moments before the two slowly lowered their weapons.

�I do have a plan � but we can�t afford to divert manpower to do it.� He stated.

�What do you mean?� she asked.

�Just a hunch. Computer � access all spy satellites in orbit around Quagmiria, Moltaria and Glacoria.� He called out. A monitor on the other side of the chamber lit up and accessed several dozen codes.

�Access granted.� The computer replied.

�Filter Command � unregistered ships leaving those worlds.� He continued.

�You think that they actually found a way to escape?� she asked.

�Data found.� The computer answered.

�Okay � they escaped. I can see the problem.� She commented.

�The races that have been at war with themselves for decades if not longer send one ship out, risking capture or death � at a time when our work is so near to completion. They could be forming an alliance.� He stated seriously.

�That would be a bit of a stretch � but the possibility is there.� She commented.

�They have to be found � but they could be anywhere. We don�t have the manpower to hunt them down.� He replied. The two were silent for a moment � until she snapped her fingers.

�I don�t think so. Computer, access the satellite that watches over Gateway. Filter Command, three ships.� She requested seriously.

�The Gateway?� he asked in modest disbelief.

�Data found.� The computer replied.

�Okay � they went there � but why there?� he asked seriously.

�Their ships aren�t very strong. And if they traveled too fast we would notice them so if they were just drifting along or just putting along, the Gateway might draw them to it.� She replied. The three watched the footage of the Moltarians trying to shoot the device with little luck. They watched as the Glacorian ship fired on the two ships. They watched as the Quagmirian vessel fired at the ring, but due to gravitational interference the shots went at the other two ships. They then watched as the three ships were sucked into the portal.

�They went through?� he asked.

�Not by choice.� She replied.

�Then I guess that solves that problem after all. I mean there is nothing on the other side except�� he began. His voice drifted off as he realized what was over there.

��The home world.� She completed.

�Did we clean up that place?� He asked hesitantly.

�I-I�m not sure. That was near the time that we ceased hostilities.� She answered.

�Okay, we ravaged all of the ship yards, space docks, mills, plants and factories.� He stated seriously as he began to pace back and forth. She watched him pace and tried to think of any possible loose ends.

�The soils were completely poisoned, the ozone was completely destroyed, the waters polluted plus all of the damage caused by the quantum nuclear devices.� She added.

�Yeah, everything on that place is soaked in radiation.� He added. He stopped pacing and slowly looked over at her.

�Did we hit all of the storehouses?� he asked seriously.

�The weapons depots? I think so. We used a lot of the Hunter Mechs to seek and destroy such places. It is possible that some of them were delayed long enough for them to detonate before reaching their target, but all of the reports I got looked favorable.� She replied seriously.

�Then I guess that there is nothing of use back there. Oh, you did destroy the archives right?� he asked curiously. She was going to reply when she completely tensed up.

�Me? I was under the impression that you were dealing with that.� She replied.

�I didn�t deal with it.� He retorted.

�That means that it is still in one piece.� She added.

�And since we destroyed all records of such places�� she added.

�We have no idea where it is.� He completed.

�The radiation might have�� she began.

�The archive was far enough below ground that it would be safe against radiation. If those � creatures � find the archive � they could become more than just pests and nuisances � they could become full blown threats.� He stated in disgust.

�Be calm � they might not have survived the journey through the Gateway.� She commented.

�They might have.� He retorted.

�Okay � they might not have survived the landing or crash.� She suggested.

�Again � they might have.� He retorted.

�Even if they did survive all that � do you really think they could work together?� she asked seriously. The idea did sound farfetched, but with the way all of the odd puzzle pieces were seeming to fit together � nothing was considered impossible.

�Can we afford to take that kind of chance?� he replied.

�I suppose not.� She answered.

�What is the status on the assembly line?� he asked seriously. She took out a calculator-sized computer and did some schedule checking. When she was done she put the computer away.

�We are a little behind � in my defense though we aren�t exactly making cars you know.� she retorted seriously. He grunted and looked down at the Arena and watched as the defeated fighter was fed to the Star Eating Dragon.
�How much time?� he asked.

�To get it to perfect stats � two weeks. To get it just operational � three days.� She answered seriously. He looked over his shoulder and allowed himself to smile.

�So, in three days we can start mass production of the E.C.M. enforcers. Will they be up to the level of quality of the prototypes?� he asked curiously. She clapped her hands. He watched as three different models of E.C.M. enforcers marched into the chamber.

�Only time can answer that � but they have passed every test.� She answered.

�Then you were playing with me. So to get everything perfect should be three days?� he asked curiously. She walked over and stood between two of her newest creations.

�If that.� She replied.

�How many of the new ones do we have?� he asked.

�Until they pass all of their tests � these three are it. We have over one hundred of the previously tested kinds though. I wanted it to be a surprise � but I guess now was as good a time as any.� She replied calmly.

�My dear, I haven�t been this happy since I killed all of the miserable bastards that were plotting against me.� he said with a maniacal smile. As soon as he did, she cleared her throat.

�I said miserable � I find you quite charming.� He retorted.

�The sentiment isn�t mutual.� She stated.

�Anyways, I think this would be the perfect time to test out the first batch. And I think I know the perfect place.� He commented. She smiled and looked at the two robotic creations near her.

�You mean Earth? Fuck. There�s a place I never thought I would see again.� She muttered in modest disgust. It was a sentiment that he more than shared. There was nothing back there except the grim shadow of what had been.

�I know what you mean. But business is business. We have to teach these rogue runaways that it would have been wiser to just stay at home. Besides, if they find the Archives�� he replied.

�Preaching to the converted. Shall we take the Crusader with us, or just a small fleet of warships?� she asked curiously.

�I don�t want to risk them getting away amidst mass confusion. No, we have to take the Crusader. That way � if worse comes to worse � we can shell the planet from orbit with the big guns.� He replied.

�Then lets do this.� She replied.

***

A few moments later, the ship that had been stationary for months began to slowly turn. All of the exterior weapons slowly returned to armed positions. It then began to fly towards the Gateway � and their old home � Earth!

***

At that moment, on Earth, the Moltarians, Quagmirian and Glacorians were still almost afraid to move. The three groups had survived their mishap by the ring and apparently landing.

�Why aren�t those blue bastards doing something?� Tauhn asked quietly.

�The Khorta � they must fear the fear them as much as we do the Drortah.� Motun whispered. Tauhn snarled at the Heatuk.

�I fear no one!� he hissed.

�I never said you did.� Motun stated.

�No wonder the war never ended.� Samona commented. The two men stopped arguing and looked over at her.
�What do you mean?� Motun asked.

�Well, our people is stronger than the Khorta � the Khorta are stronger than the Drortah � and the Drortah are stronger than us. It is a fight than none of us can win.� She explained.

�Very profound � how does that help us?� Tauhn asked � his eyes watching the Khorta and Drortah.

�It means � if we want to survive � we must make peace with them � both of them.� Motun replied seriously.

***

Over where the Glacorians were, they heard the Moltarians talking and saw the way that Tauhn was glaring at them. They couldn�t understand them, but they weren�t attacking � which was a good sign.

�What would Grim do in this situation?� Gee asked.

�Be so optimistic that it would turn your stomach.� He answered. Gee looked over at the Pinciata and heard him whispering something. She was about to turn away when she heard a familiar word. Her eyes quickly returned to him.

�What did he say?� he asked.

�I didn�t catch most of it � but I heard that one word before � I think it means god.� She stated. They watched and saw the Parisaun kneel down and make an odd looking gesture with his hands � again � that was something she had seen.

�He could be making peace with his god before he goes into warrior mode.� He added. Gee looked over at the bug like creature. There was something different about him than the other Pinciatas she had seen and heard.

�I � I don�t think so.� She replied.

�Oh fuck � you are as messed up as Grim.� He muttered.

�I know what I�m doing. Just watch out for the Soarans. If I am able to talk to him I don�t want them attacking me.� she requested. Grey was going to try to talk some sense into her but knew it would be a wasted effort.

�Be careful.� He replied.

***

Over where Sie was, the Insectorr was still praying. It was only the fact that the Parisaun stepped on something that alerted him to her presence. His head looked up at her. She stopped moving and knelt down before him.

�Apostle?� she struggled to say.

�You � you speak our language?� Sie asked curiously. She looked to the side and was silent. Sie realized that she must have only heard and learned a couple of words and phrases.

�Apostles.� He stated. He did the sign of the apostles before her and bowed. She did her best to repeat the hand gesture and bowed to him.

�I � uhm � I no enemy.� She strained.

�You aren�t? The apostles must have sent you. I am no enemy.� He said calmly.

�You � Pinciata � me Glacorian.� She stated.

�Pinciata � Parisaun for Quagmirian. Me Quagmirian � you Parisaun.� He replied.

�Uhm � who � apostles?� she asked as she did her best to do the sign of the apostles. Sie slowly reached for her hand. She was a little nervous but didn�t move. He slowly extended three of her fingers. With that hand he then pointed to himself � then over to her friend and then over to the Desorns. At first she didn�t understand. He then gently squeezed the three fingers together.

�Three apostles � one universe.� He said calmly.

�Three worlds � peace?� she asked optimistically.

�Peace.� He repeated with a nod.

***

Over where the Moltarians were, seeing the Drortah and Khorta talking was not easing their anxiety. If the two sides united � it could make this difficult situation next to impossible.

�Lore keeper � if you have an idea � now would be a good time.� Tauhn muttered. Motun watched the two beings talking. The Drortah didn�t have a full comprehension of the language but was really struggling.

�Peace. Samona � Tauhn, please sit.� Motun requested. Tauhn looked at the Heatuk as though he was turning blue. But when both of them sat down, he rolled his eyes and did the same. Just then, the Drortah that was standing slowly sat down.

�What are you doing?� Tauhn asked.

�We didn�t come here to fight Tauhn. We came here to stop the fighting and to save what is left of Moltaria. If one of them is able to communicate � maybe we should try the same.� He said as he slowly got up. Tauhn was about to get up too, but Motun motioned for him to remain as he was. He walked halfway to where the Drortah was and sat down. Motun pointed over to where the other Drortah and Khorta were talking and motioned for him to join him. The Drortah looked over at his friend and then over at Motun�s friends. He then slowly got up and sat down a few feet away from him.

�I am Motun � Lore Keeper of my people.� He introduced. The Drortah tried to make sense of what he was hearing but couldn�t grasp it. The tip of Motun�s finger began to glow. The Drortah was about to get up � but relaxed when he saw him burning a picture into the floor.

�Three worlds � within one universe.� Motun said calmly as he drew three circles and then a circle around them. the Drortah looked at the picture but didn�t understand. Motun pointed to one of the circles and then over to his friends. He then touched another circle and pointed to the Drortah. He then touched the last circle and pointed to the Khorta.

�Three worlds � one universe.� He repeated. The Drortah looked over at him and then over at his friend that was still talking to the Khorta. He then looked down at the picture and touched the three circles.

�Peace � no fight.� Motun repeated. He showed the Drortah his open palms and then extended his hand to him. The Drortah looked at the gesture but didn�t seem to understand was he was expected to do. Motun gripped his wrist to imitate a handshake. He then extended the hand to him again.

�Peace�� the Drortah strained. He reached forward and gripped Motun�s hand. The coldness of his grasp startled him, but the Drortah was not attacking.

***

Gee looked over her shoulder and saw Grey and the Soaran shaking hands.

�They aren�t fighting.� She muttered.

�It must be the will of the apostles.� Sie said in perfect Glacorian. She looked over at him in disbelief.

�You do speak Glacorian.� She commented.

�Glacorian? I thought you were speaking Quagmirian.� He replied.

�Let�s not question it. If we can understand each other � just maybe � the others will too.� she commented. She gestured for Sie to follow her. the two walked over to where Grey was. As soon as they did the two Soarans were up to their feet.

�Please � we mean know harm. Do you understand?� she asked. The Soarans looked at each other in disbelief and then slowly looked over at her.

�Yes � how is it that you know our language?� Tauhn asked seriously.

�It sounds to me as though you are speaking my language.� Gee replied.

�Same with me.� Sie added.

�How is this possible?� Motun asked seriously.

�I don�t know � Gee, any ideas?� Grey asked.

�I have no clue � I was trying to communicate with � with?� she began.

�Sie.� He answered.

�With Sie when I understood him perfectly all of a sudden. It might be a translator device of some sort. Did anyone touch anything?� she asked curiously. They all looked at each other but shook their heads.

�Sie?� she asked.

�Perhaps it is the will of the apostles. With understanding comes harmony � with harmony � peace.� He commented.

�Whatever the reason � where does that leave us now?� Samona asked hesitantly.

�I left my home � to find a way to bring peace to our world � your world and your world. Two friends sacrificed themselves so that I might achieve that goal. If it succeeds � their sacrifice will not have been in vain.� Sie stated seriously.

�We � Gee and I, we left our home to try to stop the bloodshed and to save our world. We had an idyllic friend named Grim. He sacrificed himself so that we could bring about peace. If your people and your people are serious about peace � we will gladly do the same.� Grey added calmly.

�We, my future wife Samona and my tolerant best friend Tauhn, we left to find an Oracle � a wise man of sorts that aided our people in the past. We found him � he advised us to find a way to make peace with the Drortah and the Khorta, which would be both of you. We have been fighting each other for so long � over so very little. If we are to survive against our common enemy � at least I believe it be common�� he began.

�We are plagued by monsters that appear to be half Moltarian and half Quagmirian and a metal like monster named Storg.� Gee stated.

�My people suffer at the hands of monsters that are half Moltarian and half Glacorian. I know not what metal is � but my people are plagued by a creature we believed to be a demon named C�an.� Sie added.

�We do have a common enemy. Our people are plagued by monsters that are half Quagmirian and half Glacorian as well as a metal monster named Kjoranan. We must stand as one � and not just us � our worlds as well.� Motun concluded.

�That makes a certain amount of sense lore keeper.� Tauhn stated.

�What is a lore keeper?� Sie asked.

�It is a title. My family is responsible for recording the history of my people. I�m sure that your race must have people that do the same.� He answered.

�Our past is recorded in our bibles.� Sie replied.

�Our history is recorded on computer.� Grey added.

�As charming as all of this is � we are overlooking a very important detail � the reason we came here.� Tauhn interrupted. They all were silent for a moment. There was a peace that was now between them. The first step of the mission was done � now all they had to do was deal with the ominous threat that was slowly making its way towards them.

The Corruption Continues...