Aurora Saga 2 Immortality for Life (11 page)

Why has she now decided to fly the shuttle manually?

There was a loud puff of air, when the shuttle disengaged from the umbilical gantry. Then, they moved away from the docking bay, before turning and heading towards the exit of the space port.

Zoren entered the cockpit and closed the door behind him. He sat quietly in one of the seats and tried to make sense of what he had just been through. He recounted everything in his head trying to be very rational, while his body was still weak and his hands trembling.

Sabri, I thought we would be together again. Kalrea said she would find you, but she hasn’t. She killed fifteen or more Frinduls, and that was just to save three of our people.

He sat in silence and watched Kalrea, who was no longer using the controls.

She still looks completely impassive and unaffected by what she did back on Xim’gu,
he thought and then asked bluntly,

‘Kalrea, how do you feel?’

‘Fine, why?’

‘Because we’ve just been through a frightening experience. I don’t know about you, but my hands are still shaking. You didn’t even flinch back in there; in fact, you looked like a machine systematically killing all those Frinduls. And for what? Where are my people?’

‘That’s not fair, Zoren. I did what I had to do back there and I’m doing all I can to find the rest of the Agonians.’

‘So you really had to kill all those Frinduls. They had a life you know! You took it from them and without even a second thought.’

‘Those Frinduls killed thousands of creatures on that Polnozoo. I killed sixteen of them and now I’m the cold killer.’

‘Well, that’s what you looked like. Someone who kills just for the fun of it.’

‘But, they would have killed me in there.’

‘Killed you! They could have blown you to bits and you’d have been all right. I was there you know, and so was Gulco and the others. Our lives were in danger, not yours! It’s easy for you because the body you have is a drone. Wherever you are, you’re always safely tucked up back on the
Aurora
.’

‘Zoren, what you just said really hurts me. I’m an individual, ok, so please treat me like one.’

‘Treat you like one! Then look at yourself. How can you sit there and think that you are an individual like me, when you behaved as a killing machine.’

‘I’m trying to help you, and this is what I get,’ Kalrea said, getting up from the seat. ‘Maybe I should have let you go alone and then what do you think that your compassionate behaviour would have brought you? It would take an instant for someone to take your life away.’

Kalrea now looked very angry and pointed at him. ‘You need to be taught a lesson in life.’

‘So, what are you going to do? Kill me with your finger as well?’

Kalrea was totally stunned by Zoren’s comment. She turned away from him in disgust.

Why did I say that?

‘Kalrea, I... I didn’t mean that.’

‘Shut up! Leave me alone, before this so calling killing machine does something she might regret.’

Zoren did not know what to say or do. He felt uneasy, wondering if he had pushed Kalrea too far. After a minute of silence, he got up and hesitantly placed his hand on her shoulder.

She shrugged his hand off, and moved away from him. Then she said,

‘I don’t know why I ever wanted to help you. You’re a selfish, ungrateful boy, who has no idea of how dangerous the worlds out there are.’

‘Kalrea...’ Zoren paused uneasily. ‘I know I owe you my life, but you frighten me. You... have powers that can terrify even the guards on Xim’gu. I’ve never had to deal with someone like you. I’m worried that if I upset you, then you could kill me in a blink of an eye.’

‘I know I must scare you, Zoren, but I will never harm you.’

‘How can I ever be sure of that? I like you, Kalrea. I think you’re a beautiful person and I don’t just mean how you look, but I’ve only just met you. I hope you understand that it takes time to get to know someone.’

Kalrea stared at him. She was showing signs of emotion. ‘I have a soul, like you. And I also believe there’s a God.’

Zoren raised his eye-brows.

‘My soul may be trapped in the
Aurora
, but I fear death. Yes, I can choose to hide my feelings and emotions, like I can flick a switch, but you can as well. I know you really love your wife, yet you hide your desperate need to find her and the fact you may die in the process.’

She’s right you know,
Zoren thought, before saying,

‘Kalrea, I think I’m venting my anger at you because I wanted to find Sabri. I thought we would go to Xim’gu and find them all there. I was naïve. I shouldn’t be taking my disappointment out on you.’

‘I think you’re a brave person, Zoren, braver than me. I think the next few days are going to be hard, I can feel it. The rest of your people have been split up and even I can’t go in two different directions. Who knows how long it will be before they’re scattered across many worlds.’

‘Kalrea, it’s not your fault. I realise now that I may not see Sabri again. But we’ve found three of my people. That’s a start.’

‘Zoren, I need you to make a promise.’

‘What... kind of promise?’

‘I want you to swear that you will not tell your people what I am. I want to be seen as an equal. I don’t want to be pre-judged. So please, never tell them or refer to me as a computer, machine or artificial intelligence.’

‘Ok, whatever you want. I promise.’

‘I think you’d better go back there and speak to them. I’m sure they’ll want to ask you a lot of questions,’ Kalrea said, and then, looking glum, sat back in the pilot’s seat.

She looks like she wants to be alone.

He opened the cockpit door, where he was met by a barrage of questions even before stepping foot out of the doorway.

‘Zoren, what’s going on? What happened to the space station? Were we attacked? Why did they take us?’

Where do I start?
Zoren thought.

The shuttle landed sedately inside the
Aurora
. Zoren and his people were still seated, but could already see the interior of the cargo bay. As soon as the exit door opened, Gulco moved towards it and peering outside said,

‘Not bad! Looks like there are a lot of people onboard, going by all these different ships.’ He glanced around the cargo bay before being the first to step off, followed by Vinuar.

Diean then left the shuttle and said in astonishment,

‘Look at the size of this place.’

Zoren was feeling a bit nervous now Gulco was around. After all, he was the most senior Agonian and had been his superior for the last three years. Gulco was a very strict and serious man, while Zoren had always been laid-back and easy-going, and this clash of personalities often resulted in disagreements between them. The idea of being ordered around by Gulco did not appeal to him, so he decided to stay onboard the shuttle.

Kalrea opened the cockpit door and looked at him sitting there, before saying,

‘I’ll let you show them to one of the other vacant rooms within the accommodation area. I’ll be on the bridge. I’m trying to find out where those ships have taken your people, by linking into whatever computer systems I can find in range. I’m also looking for any records of the people mentioned by the Frindul captain.’

‘Kalrea, Gulco wants to talk to you.’

‘Oh... What about?’

‘He’s our leader, so he made clear to me that he’s in charge now.’

Kalrea looked surprised.

‘Oh, is he? Well you’re my pilot, Zoren.’

‘Yes, but I can’t tell him that. He’d ask too many questions, and then I’d end up accidentally telling him you’re an artificial intelligence.’

‘I understand, Zoren,’ Kalrea said, placing her hand reassuringly on his shoulder. ‘Come on, I want you with me.’

‘What? Even after what I said to you in the cockpit?’

‘Zoren, you spoke your mind. I don’t hold a grudge or blame you for what you said to me. It shows you are a strong man and that I still need to earn your trust. Now let’s have a talk with Gulco, shall we?’

When Zoren and Kalrea got off the shuttle, there were no signs of the others.

‘Where are they?’ Zoren asked.

‘Over there by the lift. They’re looking at one of my computer consoles,’ Kalrea replied, pointing into the distance.

Zoren said, ‘I need to get out of this robe, it reeks of smoke.’

He took it off and enjoyed to be back to more casual attire that he had underneath the habit. A micnorit nuronic construction drone moved out from behind the shuttle and approached him.

‘Oh. Yes… here you go,’ he said, handing the habit to the drone.

They walked over to Gulco, who was standing in front of a computer console. He was seemingly trying to figure out how to use it, while resting his amputated arm on the top of the monitor.

‘...these look no better than the ones on the space station,’ he said to the others, before thumping the side of the console with his hand. ‘Useless machine, doesn’t even have a damn switch to turn it on. I hope the crew of this ship know what they’re doing.’

‘Do you like being hit or prodded?’ Kalrea asked him.

‘What?’ he said as he turned around.

Gulco sat down on the edge of the console, causing it to flex. It creaked with the strain of supporting his weight.

Kalrea stood there with her arms folded.

‘Get off that console, before you break it!’ she said in an aggressive voice.

Zoren was peering down at the floor, trying not to look involved.

She’s definite not happy with Gulco.

Gulco stood up and then said, ‘Right young girl, show me to your captain or leader… or whatever you call him. We need to make plans to find the rest of my people.’

‘Young girl! Who are you calling a young girl? I’ve told you my name, so use it, all right? And how would you know how old I am?’

‘You look young enough to be my daughter.’

‘Oh, do I? Well for someone who has never met another race before today, you seem to know a lot about the universe all of a sudden.’

That told him,
Zoren thought. He now had a smile on his face, which he was trying to hide.

‘How old are you then?’ Gulco asked her.

‘If you think I’m going to tell you my age, then think again.’ Kalrea glanced over to Zoren. ‘Now, Zoren knows my age, don’t you?’

As he peeped up at her, she winked at him.

‘Yes… yes I do actually,’ he replied. ‘But... I’m not telling you. That’s for Kalrea to say, not me.’

‘Look, Zoren’s done his bit. I’ll take it from here,’ Gulco said.

‘Excuse me?’ Kalrea replied. ‘He’s done his bit?’

Oh no, he’s going to argue with Kalrea,
Zoren thought.
This is going to be good.

‘Yes, I’m in charge now.’

‘If it wasn’t for Zoren, you’d just be a commodity, waiting to be used, so that some Xangol can be immortal.’

‘Look lady…’

Kalrea stared at him, with the look of someone about to assert their authority.

‘I mean Kalrea... I know you helped Zoren, but I need to talk to the one in charge of this ship. Show me to your control centre or bridge.’

Kalrea glanced once more over to Zoren. ‘Is he always like this? So arrogant!’ she said raising her voice.

Zoren nodded briefly. He was trying not to laugh and had to cover his mouth with his hand to hide his expression.

Kalrea said very assertively towards Gulco, ‘I’m the one in charge of this ship. There is no one else onboard except you lot, ok! You are not putting a single foot on my bridge. The only one of you who can is Zoren. Is that clear?’

Gulco was about to speak, but Kalrea continued,

‘You may have been the leader on that imitation thing you knew as a space station, but on this ship, I make the rules. And if you don’t like that, then you can get back on that shuttle and I’ll take you back to Xim’gu.’

Gulco looked stunned.

‘And don’t sit on my console anymore. Got it? Right, now I’ve got work to do,’ and then turning to Zoren added, ‘Are you going to join me or not? We need to make an important decision.’

The Pojin lift door opened and Zoren rushed into the lift even though four micnorit nuronic construction drones were trying to exit at the same time.

‘What the hell are they?’ Gulco asked.

‘They are what you would call, useless machines! They will show you to the accommodation area and make sure you don’t break anything.’

Kalrea joined Zoren in the lift and the door closed.

Zoren could not help but to laughed. ‘I’m sorry, Kalrea, I can’t help it. It’s about… It’s about time someone put him in his place.’

He glanced at Kalrea expected to also be put in his place, but instead she was smiling.

Kalrea said, ‘Did you see the look on his face, when I said you knew my age?’

‘Yes, it was quite a picture…’

As soon as they had entered the bridge, Kalrea said, ‘We need to be serious for a moment, please. We have to make a choice of who to try and save. On the way out of Xim’gu, I managed to access a number of computer systems onboard the ships leaving there. It appears this H’furni Raxom is a well-known and respected man. He has taken ten of your people, plus the children back to his home planet, Onliv, which is the Gullin homeworld. The other thirty-three, I think, are on their way to a planet called Trafth, but I cannot be sure.’

‘So we can save the most by heading to the planet Trafth, but you can’t be one hundred percent sure that’s where they’ll be?’

‘No, I can’t guarantee we’ll find them on Trafth. If we do decide to head there, then we can easily arrive before them. I’ve estimated the ship they’re on, the
De’fego
, would take more than four days to arrive at Trafth. We can be there in three.’

‘But what would happen to the rest of my people that are with H’furni Raxom?’

‘I suspect all the adults will be sacrificed over the next few days and the children split into pairs for breeding, to be sold off to underground farms on other worlds.’

‘That’s terrible! We can’t let that happen to the children.’

‘I thought you would say that. That’s why I think we should go after H’furni Raxom and head for Onliv, first. Nothing will happen to the others until they reach Trafth, and maybe we will be able to still arrive in time to rescue them.’

‘I agree. We must save the children, Kalrea.’

Zoren heard the
Aurora’s
engines starting in the background.

‘It will take nineteen-point-three hours to get there.’

‘Kalrea, what about Sabri. Do you know which group she’s in?’

‘Yes, I do. I’m sorry, but she’s going to Trafth. I couldn’t tell you before because I believed it would have made your choice harder.’

‘And my mother?’

‘I’m afraid they’ve been split up. H’furni Raxom has you mother.’

Zoren felt sad and deflated. ‘You’re right, Kalrea, it would have made it harder. Will I ever see Sabri again?’

‘I don’t know, Zoren. Look, go and explore the ship, have a wander around. You’re free to go anywhere you want. It will take your mind off things for a while.’

‘I’m not sure I want to, Kalrea, but thanks. I may try to get some rest.’

‘Ok, you do look a bit jaded.’

Zoren ambled over to the Pojin lift.

I don’t know how I’m going to get any rest. I can’t stop thinking of Sabri. Maybe having a look around is a way of relaxing a bit.

He turned to Kalrea and said,

‘If I do…want to look around, that is, how do I know where I am or where to go?’

‘You need a map,’ Kalrea said, moving to the wall nearest the consoles.

A small hidden door slid open, revealing a compartment, and Kalrea retrieved a pocket sized tablet from it. She walked over to him and holding it out said,

‘Here, I’ve loaded a map of the ship onto this holographic notepad. It’s configured in your language. Press the screen and the map will be displayed. Press it again to turn it off. Then, all you need to do is tell the lift where you want to go and it will oblige.’

Zoren took the tablet from her and said, ‘Thanks. I may have a look around later.’ Then he got into the lift and said loudly, ‘Accommodation area.’

The Pojin lift door closed and four seconds later opened again.

He gazed down the corridor leading to his room, and then at the tablet in his hand. His curiosity was getting the better of him.

Why not! She’s right. Worrying won’t change anything and it would take my mind off things.

He pressed the face of the tablet. To his surprise a transparent holographic image of the ship appeared above its surface. Each section of the ship was of a different colour and its name could be identified by the text that was displayed alongside it.

Wow! That’s incredible.

Studying the image he could now understand the layout of the ship. He working out the position of each place where he had been and enthusiastically began to think of new placed to explore.

Look at the size of those four engines, there are two on either side of the ship. I can see one… two… no three reactor rooms. The cargo bay is in the centre of the ship, the accommodation space is near the front of the ship, and directly above it there’s the bridge with a maintenance area behind it.

He glanced over the sections of the map again and then said to the lift, ‘Port drive room.’

Zoren almost jumped from his skin when the door of the lift opened. A loud high-pitch scream, which emanated from inside the drive room, was almost unbearable. He had to place his hands over his ears to shield them. In doing that he nearly dropped the holographic notepad and had to grip more firmly to stop it from falling, before he could walk out of the lift. His mouth opened in astonishment as he stood in-between a pair of gigantic event horizon drives, which were dark-grey cylinders, at least thirty metres in diameter and ran the length of the ship.

They’re massive!

All over the surface of the right-hand event horizon drive large metallic valves were opening and closing against its casing, following the rhythm of a beating heart. Some micnorit nuronic construction drones were moving around on the surface adjusting some of the valves.

So the drive that’s not operating must be the weapon Kalrea mentioned. I wonder what type of weapon it could be to be housed in something as large as that.

He moved back into the Pojin lift and, because of the noise, shouted, ‘Reactor room… Er… three!’

As soon as the lift door had closed, he lowered his hands from his ears, which were still ringing from the noise of the drive. A few seconds later, the lift door opened into one of the reactor rooms.

Is it quiet, or is it that I can’t hear anything anymore?
he thought.