The other side of beyond, p.29
The Other Side of Beyond, page 29
part #2 of Mitch Mythic Series
“But aren’t we getting a second chance now?”
“Yes, and we should thank our lucky stars we’re getting it, because I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that we won’t get another one.”
“What does that mean anyway?”
“What does what mean?”
“Dollars to donuts?”
“I have no idea. Just don’t blow it, ok”
“Blow what?”
“Everything.”
“I’ll follow your lead, sir.”
They came to a wide stair head and a throng of soldiers swelled around them. They were all moving in a haphazard lockstep up towards what appeared to be a large open space. Robert could see the deep blue and purple hues radiating from the star clusters filling the sky surrounding the Masters stronghold. Robert’s eyes grew wide as he and Allan stepped up past the last stair and came upon a multi tiered deck. At the far end of the open space was a large metallic wall and at the center of the wall was an opaque octagon that seemed to pulse and glow in a slow and rhythmic way. The soldiers swarmed out of several openings in the floor of the open deck and they all seemed to know where they should assembled. Robert watched as they filed into neat rows forming perfect squares. Between each square were corridors wide enough for Robert and Allan to march side by side.
Robert stepped forward not wanting to look unsure of himself amidst the spectacle.
As he tried to gather where he should go a shrill whistle ripped through his skull and he found himself almost buckling over. Righting himself, he saw a blue skinned figure standing on a raised platform before the large metallic octagon. He could feel Kalis’s cold eyes glaring at him and he knew it was she that had summoned him. Gritting his teeth as a wave of anger swelled inside him, he forced a smile to his lips before addressing his assistant.
“Come Allan, we’re being summoned to the front,” Robert said as he kept his eyes on Kalis. “A place of honor awaits us. Let’s show them we are deserve it.”
“I’ll follow you, sir,” Allan said as he stepped to Robert’s side and just a little to his right.
They walked past the columns of soldiers towards the spot they had been summoned to and as they did a rumbling sound could be heard near the front of the deck. Robert could feel the vibrations against his feet as he walked across the cold metal floor. Cheers erupted from the impeccably ordered soldiers as they saw a pedestal rise up from the platform where Kalis stood. Robert and Allan came to the base of the raised platform and found a narrow staircase leading to the top. Mounting the staircase, Robert exhaled deeply and Allan followed closely behind him. Cheers erupted from the soldiers as they saw Robert stride across the platform and stand beside Kalis, chrome and blue gleaming under the swirling heavens.
Kalis scowled as he stopped beside her and bowed. “You sure like to make entrances, don’t you?” she said as she looked away.
“Well, when you’re good at something you’ve got to let it shine,”Robert said while looking around. “What is going on here anyway?”
“You really are just as clueless as your file says,” Kalis said in disgust. “These soldiers are assembling here to mount the attack that was just discussed only a few hours before. Do you not recall the meeting that took place before the Emperor?”
“I do recall it, but I was unaware it was going to happen immediately. I guess I just didn’t expect things to move so quickly.”
“Get used to it. Holrathu isn’t one to sit around and let bureaucracy get in his way. Besides there is only a short window available to apprehend our target.”
“So I guess we’re not going to have a dress rehearsal then?”
“Very funny. Although I’m sure you could use the practice, you’re about to get tossed right into the fight whether you like it or not. You’ll only get one chance at this so you’d better not blow it.”
“You don’t need to keep reminding me. I am aware of the consequences of failure.”
“Are you? I don’t think you have the capacity to imagine what Holrathu would do with you if you were to let down our Emperor once more.”
“I don’t need to imagine anything. And you don’t worry your pretty little head about me. As much as you’d like to see me torn to shreds before your beloved Emperor that won’t be happening. I’m not the kind of person that gets fooled twice.”
“I think I’ve heard that before. Look alive. The masters have arrived.”
Robert looked skyward as a burst of cheers erupted from the soldiers. A series of rapid bursts of light caused Robert to flinch for a second. As he opened his eyes again, he saw the points of light had transformed into a group of figures hurling themselves towards the deck.
Allan cowered in fear behind Robert as the Masters all landed on the deck. A hush came over the soldiers as the Masters assembled themselves in a semicircle around the platform. Robert counted twelve of them, but he could not see Commander Holrathu among them. A crackling sound filled the air and a bolt of lightning struck the stage. Commander Holrathu emerged from the blast of light as thunder shook the heavens.
The soldiers were brought to a frenzy as their leader stepped forward and raised his axe in the air. Holrathu saluted the crowd several times and bowed before the Masters. He turned his attention to the spinning orbs in the distance and a hush came over the soldiers and they returned to their formations in perfect symmetry.
“All hail our glorious Emperor,” Holrathu said for all to hear.
“Hail to the Emperor,” The soldiers repeated in Unison.
“Glory to the Empress, may her beauty radiate throughout the Universe,” Holrathu continued.
“Glory to the Empress,” The mass of soldiers chimed.
Holrathu dropped to one knee and bowed deeply in the direction of the two mighty spheres and the soldiers followed suit. Kalis nudged Robert as she began to kneel and he dropped to his knees. Allan had been mesmerized by the spectacle and Robert had to grab him by his elbow and force him to the ground. “Get your head out your ass, Allan. I don’t need you embarrassing me right now,” Robert said as he scanned the crowd to see if anyone noticed their bumbling actions, but every soldier had their heads bowed in reverence for the great and glorious Emperor and Empress. A deep silence came over the congregation and Robert couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the soldiers devotion to their leader and their belief in the power of the swirling orbs in the distance. At last the silence was broken as an immense gong was struck by the hammer wielding Master. The sound rung out over the expanse of soldiers and echoed across the vast distances surrounding the deck, waves undulating into infinity.
Commander Holrathu strode towards the front of the stage. His eyes steeled over as he inspected his troops.
“Soldiers of the Emperor, It is my great honor to stand before you at this moment. Nothing brings me a greater joy than serving at the Emperor’s behest. Looking out at all of you and seeing your devotion to this noble cause fills my heart with joy,” Holrathu said and the soldiers responded with cheers and Hurrahs. The Masters behind Robert pounded their weapons against the steel deck and the soldiers were silenced again.
“To serve the Emperor is to fulfill the will of the Universe. This is something we know and understand, not because it is something we have been taught, but because we know it with every fiber of our beings. Everyone assembled hear today has been touched by the incredible power of our Emperor and Empress and we are fully aware of the strength and righteousness of their purpose,” Holrathu said and he was met with more applause.
“But there remain those, who through ignorance or willful violation, oppose the Emperor’s rule. We have fought against these forces before and we have been victorious. I assure you nothing makes the Emperor more proud than seeing his will done by those that serve him in full devotion. I look out upon his servants now and know each and every one of you is filled with the love of the Emperor.” More eruptions and cheers came forth from the devoted soldiers and Holrathu let himself bask in the admiration of his followers for a moment. He raised his hands in the air again and the fervor among the soldiers subsided.
“The forces opposing our Emperor’s will manifest themselves in every imaginable way and we, in our weak forms, can’t possibly comprehend all that works against the Emperor and Empress. I look upon them now and know they are fully engaged in an eternal struggle against the forces of chaos that would tear apart all we have built.”
The crowd of soldiers erupted the silence again and shouted adulations towards Holrathu and the Emperor. Robert was stunned by the devotion he saw from the soldiers and the absolute certainty of Holrathu’s words.
“As I said earlier, the enemies of the Emperor can take many forms and we have engaged the enemy in countless battlefields. We have also seen the very enemies we fought against turned into allies that now serve the Emperor’s cause. Because even the most ardent foes can have their perspective’s changed with the right kind of persuasion. For who would disobey the will of the Emperor once they have felt his love. It is with this in mind that I bring us to our present situation. We are all aware of our dear compatriot’s failure some time ago, and the Emperor, in his wisdom, has offered Robert an opportunity to redeem himself. This redemption will be achieved by vanquishing his foes” Holrathu said as he nodded his head in Robert’s direction. “But from the ashes of Robert’s failure comes a new opportunity to further the Emperor’s cause. Amidst the chaos of that doomed mission a seed was planted and it brought forth a splendid flower,”
Behind the commander, the image of Moon SoHee hovering in the center of her glowing green orb appeared above the platform for all to see.
“This wonderful creature happens to be the result of a combination of earthly matter and our Emperor’s technology. As benign as she looks, she harbors a power rivaling the Emperor himself. This is obviously a threat we cannot allow to continue. Our Emperor is infinitely wise and he sees things we can hardly comprehend. It was his suggestion that instead of destroying the subject in question, it would be much more beneficial to our cause if she were an ally,” Holrathu said and his comments were greeted with rapturous applause from the audience of soldiers.
“I’m not one to argue with our glorious Emperor and the Masters have seen fit to support this notion. But it won’t be any easy task. We will need all of you to help bring our little flower home. Will you aid us in this quest?" Holrathu shouted and the soldiers.
“The Emperor smiles upon you, my brothers and sisters. Our cause is a great one and this beautiful flower will aid our cause in more ways than we can understand. We need to bring her home and she mustn’t be damaged,” Holrathu said as the soldiers were brought to a fervor.
“Kalis has been charged with corralling this precious gift,” Holrathu shouted as Kalis stepped towards the center of the stage. The image of SoHee disappeared and it was replaced by a large horn. “Behold, the horn of infinite strength. This instrument has the power to subdue the girl. Kalis will use it to contain the emperor’s gift. There are others that will oppose our plan and you will need to crush these forces while Kalis takes the girl. Will you defeat those that stand in the way of the Emperor’s will?” Holrathu shouted and the soldiers became enraged. Their shrieks and howls took on blood curdling tones.
“Among these foes are the enemies of Robert. It is the Emperor’s will that Robert destroys these individuals in order to redeem himself in the eyes of our beloved rulers. Help him destroy those that brought shame upon the Emperor and stained his glory. Together you shall right what was wrong and heal the Emperor’s wound,” Holrathu shouted aloud and the soldiers were brought to a frenzy.
“Brothers and sisters the time has come. Fate has smiled upon us and our window of opportunity is open,” Holrathu said. “Kalis, take up the Horn and lead our soldiers into this glorious battle. Master Pais, Master Ardenis and Master Sulvaney will join you on your mission.”
An opening appeared in the stage and four large horns identical to the one in the image rose up behind Commander Holrathu. Kalis stepped beside one of the horns and raised it above her head. She brought the horn to her lips and blew. A deep blast of sound shot out over the frothing soldiers and echoed out into the depths of space. As Kalis blew into the horn the large octagon in the wall behind the stage began to glow and pulsate. Robert watched as a black circle appeared in its center.. The masters Holrathu had summoned threw off their cloaks to reveal their large metallic bodies, eyes glowing red as they stepped forward and took hold of the three remaining horns. Each Master raised the horn to his lips and blew out in unison. The deep blast of the horns further enraged the mass of soldiers and the entire deck was in an absolute frenzy.
“Brothers and sisters, rise up now and follow Kalis and Robert as they embark upon this mission in honor of our Mighty Emperor and Beloved Empress,” Holrathu shouted and Kalis blew into the horn once again. The soldiers activated their suits and orange auras appeared over their black metal armor, creating a terrifying glow. They rose up into the air in large masses and circled above the deck, a dark swarm writhing in the sky. Kalis launched herself into the air, carrying the horn beside her. She joined the gathering of soldiers and blew into the horn once again. The three Masters followed after Kalis with horns in their hands and their weapons slung across their metallic backs.
“Well, what are you waiting for, Robert?” Holrathu shouted over the din. “Now is you chance for redemption. You won’t get another so you’d better hop to it.”
Robert snapped to attention at the sound of the Commander’s voice and he realized he had been watching the spectacle in awe. A snarl spread across his face and he activated his suit. “I want nothing more than to bring glory to our Emperor. I relish the opportunity for vengeance. Come along, Allan. We’re going to get rid of some pests.”
“But, I don’t know how to use these suits,” Allan said as he looked around in horror.
“You’ll figure it out. You’ve used inReal before. It’s the same thing,” Robert shouted as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“Just do as I do and you’ll be fine.”
Allan gulped and copied Robert. He stepped back in shock as an orange aura appeared over his black suit.
“Now push yourself off and we’ll get moving,” Robert said as he launched himself into the air.
Allan looked around and saw Commander Holrathu watching his indecision with disdain. Not wanting to face the wrath of the menacing tyrant, Allan jumped into the air. Screaming as the device kicked in, he was sent spiraling into the air. A lump of terror sat in his stomach as he searched for Robert amongst the mass of soldiers circling above the deck.
“Brothers and sisters, the time is nigh. The Emperor and Empress bless your souls, granting you the courage and the strength to bring about victory,” Holrathu shouted as the opening within the octagon reached its zenith. “Forth now and fear not for you hold the Emperor’s love in your Heart.”
Kalis dove out of the sky towards the opening, blasting her horn once again. The Minions circling above the deck began to stream after her. She shot through the portal in a flash of light and a torrent of black and orange followed closely behind her. Robert could see the three metallic Masters amidst the swathe of soldiers, horns blasting as they crossed through the portal.
Robert hovered for a moment in the air as the soldiers began to file through the portal. Allan came to his side gasping for breath.
“It’s almost the same as the inReal suit I tried, but I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve never been up this high before,” Allan said as he caught his breath.
“Well, get used to it because, we’re going through now,” Robert shouted. “Glory to the Emperor!” Robert shoved Allan forward and dove into the charging throng of soldiers. Allan screamed all the way to the opening and they vanished with the last of the soldiers. The opening quickly shut after the army had passed through, leaving Holrathu and the remaining masters standing alone before rotating spheres in the distance. The imposing commander bowed low in the direction of the Emperor and Empress.
“Bless them on their journey,” Holrathu said almost under his breath.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
SPIRES OF MOLTEN rock and smoke littered the horizon. A haze passed over the stone walls circling the wide platform at the top of the tower. Mitch stood alongside SoHee amidst the ragtag group of earthlings dressed in the metallic suits SoHee had fashioned for them using her powers.
Another stone monument towered above them, its black surface gleaming in the early morning sun.
KiGuan stood several feet to the left in front of a large contingency of soldiers brandishing staffs. Mitch could see tension in KiGuan’s face, anxiety over the turmoil below or the uncertainty of the future, it was hard to tell what was bothering the resolute Jarkadian leader, but something seemed to have rattled him and Mitch could sense it.
Pairs of soldiers stood sentry on several raised platforms built into the ramparts as lookouts. They seemed to be watching for something. Mitch recalled KiGuan and Mother making reference to some event that coincided with the sun, but he couldn’t remember what exactly had been said.
In spite of the calamity happening all around them, a stony silence had settled over platform. There had been several moments of panic as Mitch and his cohorts arrived alongside the soldiers, but KiGuan had ordered everyone into position and they all stood awaiting the arrival of Mother.
Although the urgency seemed obvious, they had been standing in silence for several minutes while explosions blasted in the distance. Tremors continued to rock the tower, but KiGuan and the other soldiers seemed unfazed by the destruction happening beyond the walls. KiGuan had kept his eyes firmly fixed on their group the entire time. The General of the Jarkadian people had made it clear from the start that he detested their presence in his domain and it seemed he was going to do everything in his powers to see them gone. It was obvious he blamed the current catastrophe on Mitch’s arrival on his planet. KiGuan had said so himself on several occasions. Needless to say, the tension on the top of the tower was growing increasingly unbearable. That, combined with the fiery deluge happening beyond the walls of the tower, was proving to be a toxic brew of tension and bubbling hysteria.
