| The Sacrifice� Chapter Twenty It had been a few hours since the three sides somehow understood each other. In that time they had conversed with each other the history of their people and how the stories of their first encounters differed. �You lie!� Tauhn shouted. �Please � be calm.� Sie requested. �Our records say that the Parisitica people were on Gamose first. We arrived shortly after for scientific reasons. Gamose was just like what Glacoria must have been like before the ice. A short while later � your people arrived.� Grey stated. �Yeah � then your people invaded.� Tauhn stated. �We did no such thing. We saw that your people had some sort of hierarchy so we wanted to communicate. The people that were sent were not sent to attack � they went to deliver a message of peace. Be honest with yourself Tauhn. Even if your people fully understood our language � would things have gone differently?� Gee asked curiously. Tauhn looked over at Motun and shook his head. �Probably not.� He admitted. �Okay � I think we should move on. Gee � you said that you were trying to make a remote of some kind. In doing this � you would be able to control the Beast Beneath the Ice and probably save your world. What do you need to do this?� Motun asked. �I need to find a way to read the data that I stored.� She replied. �Sie � do you have anything to add to this?� he asked. �Only what the prophet told me. He said to see out those that control C�an.� He answered. The statement got them all talking. Motun whistled loudly and got the others to quiet down. �You mean to say that there is someone or something out there that controls Kjoranan � Storg � and C�an?� Motun asked hesitantly. �I believe there is. The prophet heard the C�antora that were working in their temples speak of �Watchur.� At first he believed that they were referring to C�an � but on a separate occasion he heard C�an speak of �Watchur� again.� He answered. �The fact that there is anything remotely able to control Kjoranan makes my blood cool � wait � Watchur? The Oracle told me before we left to find the Watchers.� Motun stated calmly. �Then I believe that the four of you are looking for the same people.� Gee said. �Hmm. So it would seem. But we still have no idea who they are or where they are or even how we are supposed to find them.� Motun commented. Once again, a silence fell over the group. Motun was about to speak when a secret panel slowly opened in the center of the floor. �Ideas?� Motun asked weakly. �There isn�t anything in here except us. What have we got to lose?� Gee asked. �Our lives?� Tauhn suggested. �I know this may sound hard to understand Tauhn, but try to have a little faith. Not all things in the universe are derived of C�an � and not all things unknown are dangerous.� Sie commented. �Faith � bah. Whatever.� Tauhn muttered. �There are still many questions that we need to answer. Something tells me that what we are seeking is down. I�m going.� Motun commented seriously. �If you go � so will I.� Samona added. �Grr. Fine.� Tauhn grunted. �I think we should stay together. If you three are going � we�ll go too.� Gee said. �I agree with your wisdom lady Gee.� Sie concluded. Motun smiled as he and his friends walked over to the hole. In it was a ladder that went down into total darkness. Motun shoved whatever doubt was in his head aside and began his descent. Samona went down next, followed by Tauhn, Gee, Grey and Sie. Within moments the group was at the bottom of the ladder and was standing in a dimly lit room. �Charming d�cor � reminds me of Storg�s catacombs.� Grey commented. �Whatever is here is close.� Motun stated. �Yes � I can feel it too.� Gee added. �A warm feeling?� Sie asked. �Yes.� Motun and Gee replied together. The three looked around. It was then that they noticed a door that was slightly cracked open. There was a weak light coming from the room and several mechanical sounds. �It could be a trap.� Tauhn pointed out. �Yes � it could. What would you suggest?� Gee replied and asked. �Me? I�d avoid it all together. But since we came here for answers, that isn�t a real option. I would say proceed with caution and be alert for very subtle traps � as well as blatantly obvious ones.� He advised. �Sounds good to me.� Grey commented. The small group slowly stalked towards opened door. Within seconds they were a few feet away from the door. Everyone tried to see what was beyond the door without touching it and had little luck seeing anything. After a few seconds of this, Tauhn lost all patience for this situation and stepped forward and kicked the door open. Everyone was stunned by the action. �Let�s not waste anymore time okay?� he requested sternly. They all looked into the room. In it were several snowy monitors and dozens of high tech computers. The group took a deep breath and made their way in. �I-I�ve never seen anything like this.� Samona whispered. �We have � in the old catacombs of Storg.� Gee commented. �What is all this then?� Sie whispered. �Computers � more advanced than anything I have ever seen.� Grey answered. �But what is this place?� Tauhn asked. �The � archives.� An old voice strained. All six tensed up and slowly turned around. In the corner of the room was an old man sitting down by a laptop computer. All of them stared at how odd he looked. �The skeletons � they were your people.� Motun commented. �Yes�not much time. Gee � Grey � as you are called. Push � red button.� The old man gasped and then fell limp against the wall beside him. For a few moments they all stood in mild shock. Sie looked over at the others and then slowly walked over to where the old man was. �Rest at peace with the apostles.� Sie commented. He knelt before the old man and whispered a quiet prayer. When he was done be bowed his head and then walked over to where the others were. �What should we do?� Tauhn asked. �More importantly � why did he ask for you two by name?� Samona asked curiously. The two Glacorians sighed and shook their heads. �I have no clue.� Grey commented. �I do.� Gee whispered. �Why?� Motun asked. �Because our people once had technology like this � and we have a minor understanding of how their technology works.� Gee replied calmly. She and Grey looked over and saw two red buttons that were at opposite sides of a long complex looking keyboard. �Are you sure about this?� Grey asked. �I don�t know for sure � but I think he was responsible for us being able to understand each other. But if the rest of you believe it to be too risky, we won�t do it.� Gee replied sincerely. �Just do it. We are already in way over our heads � what�s a few more inches?� Tauhn commented. The two Glacorians looked around and saw that his views were shared by the others as well. The two walked over and stood before the keyboard. They both reached forward and pushed the buttons at the same time. a loud whine filled the room for a few seconds. At first they believed it to be a trap � but then it stopped. All of the snowy monitors went black. The door behind them closed. �Tell me this is something good.� Motun muttered. seconds later, images of a younger man appeared on all of the monitors. Sie looked at the image and then over at the dead body in the corner � that was what he must have looked like at a younger age. �I am Thomas. For many years I have watched as my people turned from a race of enlightened people � into a pack of savage animals. Through use of my technology � I have learned what my people have done to your people.� The monitors spoke. �Watched? He � he is one of the Watchers.� Motun commented. �The planet you are on � is what is left of planet Earth in the year of our lord three thousand and ninety-three. I was the last of the librarians of this ancient archive. All others either perished in trying to protect it � or died of madness.� He continued. �Madness?� Sie muttered. �When your peoples set foot within the archive lobby � I saw that you all sought peace � a goal that my people once sought as well. To the right you will see an assortment of several odd looking devices. Among them are similar translation devices to aid you when you leave here.� He continued. They all looked over and saw the devices in question. �He did activate a translator.� Gee commented. �You courageous souls must have so many questions � it will be difficult to answer them all � but I suppose that the easiest way would be to tell you of the history of my people � the human race, and of my planet � Earth.� He continued. His image vanished and was replaced by the image of a blue and white planet. �This, is Earth. Known by the humans to be the jewel of the Milky Way. The year that this image was taken from was twenty-five sixty-three. It was the last peaceful picture before everything turned. But that I shall explain later. We had suffered in our pasts over many things � hatred � prejudice � and other such plagues. But we as a people managed to pull together through all of the dark times and forge forward.� He stated proudly. Images of some of the darker chapters of Earth�s past appeared on the monitors. �We humans � had more than even we could have known. We had faith in many different beliefs and lived in many different ways. We had achieved a level of scientific greatness that was unparalleled by any. And yes, we did have a proud and strong military. In many ways, we were much like you.� He continued. Images of their differing spiritual beliefs � scientific achievements � and a large military. �Like? � Exactly would be more accurate.� Sie stated. �But how did they get from utopia to this?� Tauhn asked. �Shh. Let�s find out.� Motun replied. �The problems began to surface � a little after twenty-five sixty seven. Our science had found ways to lengthen the human life. At first it seemed to have no negative side effects and everything seemed to go smoothly. But in the matter of four years � the world population doubled. Space became less. Next year � again, the population doubled. Tension began to form. We fell back on our military and our scientists to find a solution. And it was found. Colonies were constructed all of the planets in our solar system.� he continued. Images of thousands upon thousands of people appeared on the monitors � all working together to fulfill a common dream. �Colonies? I didn�t notice any on our descent here.� Grey commented. �That seemed to solve the problem for a while � but two years later � the population tripled. As we had run out of planets to colonize � we had to find more worlds. So once again � we turned to our military and scientists. It was then that they started construction on � Gateway. If it was successful � it would be a portal that could lead us to unpopulated worlds � but � that never came to be.� he continued. Images of people working on the construction of the huge golden ring appeared before them. �I think we are about to hear the answer to your question Tauhn.� Sie commented. �An explosion � devastated the colony on Neptune. No one knows what caused it, but the loss of life was in the millions. The military stopped work on Gateway to investigate the situation � but nothing was there except broken bodies and a civilization in ruins. After that � rumors of conspiracy began to surface. Everyone seemed to fear that the other was plotting against them. Thus began our war.� He continued. Images of the immense devastation caused by that explosion. �Millions�� Samona whispered. �The military that once kept up united � divided. Each world dedicated serious manpower into fueling a new horrid war machine. Planet fought against planet with a hatred that had not existed for centuries.� He continued. The monitors showed images of hundreds of star ships in space shooting at each other. The severe cost of life reminded them of what their own fighting could have led to. �But they are all the same�� Motun muttered. �Twenty-five eighty. Earth launched its attack to stop the colonial revolt. Eight quantum nuclear weapons were launched from hidden ships near each planet. The loss of life on each world was complete. The damage � total. The loss of life caused by the attack � over six hundred thousand � trillion. The Earth forces returned home thinking that the attack would demoralize everyone else into submission � they couldn�t have been more wrong.� He continued. Images of the worlds being destroyed appeared. They also saw all of the star ships from those worlds unite. �The new united star fleet struck back at the unsuspecting Earth forces with a vengence. The fleet was barely able to retreat from the battle. They watched as every space station and construction yard was destroyed. The invasion � had begun.� He continued. Images of the fleet descending into Earth and the ruins of the space stations replaced the previous images. �Earth � armed the citizens in the hope that they would be able to repel the attackers long enough for the military to return. It was a foolish endeavor. The trained soldiers cut through the thin line of defense that Earth had. Men were slaughtered � children were beaten, molested and killed � women were killed, if they were lucky.� He continued. Brutal images of the invaders doing things that caused all to feel nauseous. �Sometime later � the military returned. From space, they destroyed all of the ships that were docked. It was as though they didn�t care that their people were suffering � all that seemed to matter was crushing their enemies. With their ships in orbit, they took shuttles down to begin the bloodiest war that Earth had ever seen.� He continued. Images of hundreds of shuttles descending to Earth replaced the last horrific images. �The fight � between the united colonies and Earth continued for nearly five hundred years. Parent fought child � brother fought sister � friend fought friend. It was as though my people didn�t realize � no, didn�t care what they were doing. It was around this time that this place was made. Here we stored all of our achievements before our world descended into what it had became. This was done in the vain hope that we would be able to rebuild once the fighting stopped.� He continued. Images of a dozen or so people building the place replaced the previous images. �The war took an unexpected direction. The united colonies � sensing that they were about to lose the war detonated a modified quantum nuclear weapon. Ninety percent of the population was wiped out by the blast � the remaining ten-percent, not counting myself and those that were with us, became horribly disfigured and mutated. Despite this � they still fought on.� He continued. Images of the explosion and what the humans had mutated into replaced the previous images. �The archive was attacked. We were able to repel them, but their arrival meant that they now knew where we were. We had hoped to avoid violence � but we had to prepare for the worst. We set up defenses by the three exits � but nothing happened. Two days later � the disfigured humans attacked. They were cut down by the defenders, but they climbed over the dead in desperation to get in. by the time the fighting stopped � there was a sickening stench where a pile of dead corpses touched the roof. We ordered them to return for fear that sickness take them. But this war was still far from over.� He continued. Images of the pile of corpses replaced the previous images. �That was the entrance we came from.� Gee stated with a shiver. �A few weeks later, those that defended that door died of radiation poisoning. We did what we could to treat them, but it was too late. We took them outside and buried them according to their religious beliefs. We hoped and prayed that the fighting would end soon.� He continued. Images of several humans performing a funeral . Sie noticed the burial mounds and crosses. �That was the entrance I entered from.� He stated. �Around a month after our friends died, we noticed the United Colony forces stockpiling weapons near the remaining exit. We expected a full-scale attack, but they left the weapons and hurried away. In the weeks that followed, everything went quiet. According to the data from our scanners � there wasn�t anyone left alive � or so we thought. the leader of the United Colony forces, Samantha Craven and the leader of the Earth Coalition Alliance, Edward Black emerged from a sea of dead bodies. They looked around and saw that they were the last two survivors of the human race. They put aside their differences and focused their attention to the stars. Earth had been devastated by centuries of war and all of the other planets were rendered unlivable � that left only one option � Gateway.� He continued. Images of the two survivors appeared. Without even speaking � they knew that they were looking at the people that called themselves the Watchers. �They took what technology they could salvage from the destroyed ships and weapons and focused all of their energies into finishing work on the portal. Once the work was complete, they repaired the shipyards and forged all of the remaining ships, along with what was left of two moons and created one monster of a ship. They called it the Galactic War Ship Crusader. We had hoped that they would leave so that we could try to rebuild what was lost � but they made sure that absolutely nothing was left to salvage. Hunter Mechs were sent out to destroy the secret weapon caches that they had stored away. Some of our people had the misfortune of being in the way. All of the structures on the surface and even those that were just below were savagely destroyed. The waters were polluted to the point that they were completely toxic. The ozone layer that once protected us from the sun�s radiation was completely obliterated. And any means of regrowing anything � was eliminated.� He continued. Images of the Watchers destroying what was left of Earth appeared. �They � they did this to their own home?� Tauhn asked in disbelief. �We feared that they would come for us too � but they vanished through the Gateway. At first we didn�t understand why � but then we learned. There was nothing we could do � no where we could go. They left us there to die. From here we secretly watched them as they discovered your solar system. we watched as they played on your insecurities towards each other. And we watched as they turned you against each other.� He continued. They saw images of their own fighting � and how the Watchers benefited from it. �While we were fighting each other � they were planning to strike at all of us.� Sie muttered in disbelief. �The rest � I am sure you are more than aware. Gee � Grey, as your society has a certain affinity for technology, much as our society has, we need you two to help me, the last of the true Watchers, to eliminate the ones that are plaguing you.� He continued. �What do we have to do?� Grey asked. �In the computer � the one that is now flashing�� he began. They looked over and saw a monitor flashing on and off. ��there is a formula. It is a � protective agent that will protect you from the radiation and any enhanced powers that their mutations might have given them. Also, I modified the computer with a super code breaker. You should be able to decode whatever data you possess. I am Thomas � last free citizen of the Earth Coalition Alliance. Please stop the madness that my people have caused and are causing.� He concluded. The monitor went black. �That � that was a lot to take in.� Samona muttered. �But-but he is one of them � can we trust him?� Tauhn asked seriously. �If we stay here � the radiation will kill us. If we do as he suggested, the worse that can happen is that it will kill us. We can�t force any of you into this. But I still believe that we should stick together.� Gee replied. �Then do what you must do.� Motun commented. The two Glacorians went over to the terminal and began to program. Gee was seriously surprised at how quickly the formula surfaced. �That looks like it.� She commented. She put her hand-sized computer out. After a few moments of tinkering, she had found a way to interface the two computers. She smiled as she saw all of the garbled data slowly become clear. Within seconds � she saw the blueprint for the remote! �And that is what I need. Now how?� she asked. Just then a replication system scanned the file and created a remote that looked identical to the one on the screen. Grey hesitantly reached for it. As soon as his hand touched it he knew that it was real. �That � was amazing. How did you do that?� Samona asked. �I didn�t � the computer knew what I wanted and just seemed to do it.� Gee replied hesitantly. Tauhn stepped forward and stood beside the two Glacorians. He didn�t know much about computers, but he knew that they were wasting time. �Admire computer thing later � get that formula please.� He requested seriously. �Sorry.� Gee commented. She back stepped what she had done until she had found the formula. She looked at the screen to see if the computer would do the same thing it did with the remote. �Nothing is happening.� Grey stated. Just then another replication system scanned the file and created a syringe that was made from the formula on the screen. Gee hesitantly picked it up and looked at the small group. �I guess this is it.� She commented. �If you need a volunteer � use me.� Sie replied calmly. �But if it is a poison�� she began. �I have made my peace with the apostles. If they chose that now is my time � I can accept that. If it isn�t a poison � then the others will be able to survive as I will.� Sie replied rationally. Gee didn�t feel too good about it, but she knew that he was right. She walked over and injected the needle into his arm. �Do you feel anything happening?� she asked. �I was feeling a little ill � but I�m feeling much better now.� He replied calmly. �I guess it isn�t a poison.� She stated. Another syringe appeared where the first one had. She picked it up and administered it to herself. She felt it too. It was as though the radiation that was harming her had gone away. �I�ll go next.� Motun offered. Another syringe appeared. Gee picked it up and walked over to where the Moltarian was and injected the needle into his arm. The process didn�t look very pleasant to Samona, but she knew that there wasn�t any real choice �Who�s next?� Gee asked. �Me.� Tauhn retorted strongly. Another syringe appeared. She walked over with it and injected it into the Volcannar. He hated to admit it, but as soon as whatever was in that needle was in his system � he was feeling much better. �Don�t leave me out.� Grey commented. Another syringe appeared. She picked it up and injected it into her friend. �That just leaves you Samona.� She commented. �If it necessary � I will do it.� She replied hesitantly. Another syringe appeared. Gee saw that Samona was nervous and sighed. �Think of something that will make you happy � maybe family?� Gee suggested. �You mean like my daughter?� she asked curiously. �Ow!� she yelped. Gee removed the needle and stepped away. �Hurts less if you don�t think about it�.ah�� Gee commented. She tensed up. Her fingertips turned from blue to a shining silver. She looked over at her friends and saw that what was happening to her was happening to them as well. �What is happening?� Tauhn demanded. �I don�t know.� Gee replied as the transformation seemed to spread up her arms and feet. Everyone was feeling extremely tense as their bodies seemed to transform from living tissue to a silvery substance. Within seconds � all of them seemed to be completely silver. �I-I�m still alive.� Gee commented. �So it would seem.� Motun stated. In a quick action he shot his arm out at the closed door. Everyone was shocked and amazed as they saw his arm stretch out � form into a spike and stab all the way through the metal door. �How-how did you do that?� Samona asked hesitantly. �I don�t know � I just did.� He replied calmly. �Hmm. That door was solid metal � and your arm was able to punch all the way through it. I don�t think that those needles were to just protect us from the radiation and the Watchers � I think he was giving us something that would help even the odds. Just think � if you were able to do that a piece of metal that thick � imagine what it could do to your Kjoranan?� Gee suggested. �I never thought of that.� Motun stated honestly. �I could get used to this.� Tauhn stated happily. They all looked over and saw that his arm was now shaped like a Volcannar battle lance. Samona looked at her hand and watched as she shaped it into a sharp point. �What will my daughter think?� she asked quietly. �You are her mother. No matter what � she will love you.� Motun reassured. �How could they have known?� Sie muttered. �Known what?� Grey asked. �When I was questing to find the prophet � my friends and I ran into a Krokos great sage. He said that the chosen one would be an avenger that would descend from the heaven with silver wings.� Sie stated quietly. His shell opened up. Two large, blade like silver wings shot out. �Your people are deeply religious Sie � maybe your apostles told him.� Gee stated seriously. Sie looked over and allowed himself to smile. He knew that hers was a people of science not faith � but the sentiment was true. �Perhaps you are right.� He replied. �That just leaves one order of business left � find these Watcher creeps and make them pay!� Tauhn stated seriously. They all agreed. They hurried out of the archive to find their true enemies. *** At that moment, the G.W.S. Crusader emerged from the Gateway and was slowly making its way towards Earth. All of the weapons were aimed at the planet that they once called home. �Send down the E.C.M. enforcers!� a voice echoed throughout the ship. Just then, three large warships left the Crusader. Each housed one hundred E.C.M. enforcers. All of them with just one though � one mission, find the aliens and kill them. |