Song of the Solitaire

[Macavity116]

I did my usual thing and fell behind on the forums just as you were starting. I'm not y caught up and it's been a great read!

And I hope you had a blast visiting my state.

Thanks for reading! Glad to know you've enjoyed my new story thus far.

And yes, I am a very happy traveler this week, with one more week to go before heading back to Michigan.

---

An additional note for all readers: I am now officially writing two stories at the same time. I have newfound respect for anyone else who can juggle multiple AARs, such as @HistoryDude. I am now hard at work on both Song of the Solitaire and The Broken Gates, but the newer tale will not come to the forums until Song of the Solitaire is completed. If you want to know more about The Broken Gates, you can find a synopsis at my inkwell.

To hold you over until Song of the Solitaire returns on November 27th, please enjoy this cute artwork of our deuteragonist Tenna Annora.

 

[Macavity116]

Good news! And more news on top of that!

I am back from my vacation to California and Georgia. We had an epic time driving through both the Transverse Mountains of southern California and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina all within the span of a week. Pretty cool, right? My family ate and drank so much at my sister's restaurant they actually ran badly low on beer. (We offered to pay for everything and she tried to refuse the money, so we had to talk her into taking it) that Also, I finally got to lay eyes on the infamous "Kudzu" that @Midnite Duke discussed in Year of Hell. He's got a point about how bad that stuff is.


I am very happy to inform you that Song of the Solitaire will emerge from Hiatus tomorrow, and that significant changes are coming to the story. I got plenty of time (on the planes and during airport layovers and in passenger seats of cars) to re-work my plans for this tale.

Here's what's up:

First, the previously stated intention to end my newest story at Chapter 29 is out the window. Song of the Solitaire will now be a full-length Macavity116 story (comparable to Year of Hell, My Father's War, and After Everything) You should expect this story to exceed a total length of 35 chapters.

Second, I've shelved the idea of telling additional stories in-between major acts. The tale of the Battle of Lightwater will be told another day, and the story will resume immediately with Chapter 12: First Step Into a Larger World.

Third, I want to say again, as I frequently do, that I am so grateful to all of you who chose to read these stories of mine. I have no expectations for how my works will be received, I'm just out here to have fun.

Thanks for reading and I hope see you tomorrow!

 

[Macavity116]

Dear readers, welcome back to Song of the Solitaire! We are launching into the second act of the story a few hours earlier than planned, special thanks to a little prodding from @Von Acturus. Luckily, I recorded the audiobook companion video yesterday night, so we're ready to go.



Please note: This chapter was written in September 2023, and underwent massive revisions last week after I decided to radically change my plan for how the overarching plot is going to play out. (Seriously, the whole story is going to have a different ending now) The same is going to be true for Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. We are very much in the first part of Song of the Solitaire version 2.0.

When this story was first launched, I rated Song of the Solitaire as being appropriate for "Teen and Up Audiences." Following my changes to the plan, the age rating has been bumped up to "Mature." Please note that two content warnings will now apply: "Graphic Violence and Death of a Major Character."

<=== Previous (Chapter 11: Song of the Solitaire)

Next (Chapter 13: Into the River) ===>​

Chapter 12
First Step Into A Larger World

​

The Resonance Cascade was a few days away from its next Hyperspace jump. Aboard the mercenary warship, Trig and Tenna were pulled out of their daily routines when a seemingly innocuous conversation took a sudden turn.

It happened while the crew was settling into the cafeteria after a long day of work. Trig, who never did well in history class at school, asked Tenna if she knew why there were tens of thousands of Sutharians living in exile on the Lightwater Moon.

“I don’t really know.” Tenna confessed.

The Arfor mercenaries overheard this and joined in the conversation:

“It’s all about the Expulsion.” Glossom explained. “Ten years ago, Emperor Canto ordered all Psionic people removed from the Empire.”

“Yeah, except back then, Canto was President and we were a Republic.” Bronley corrected him.

“Just three years before, Malum fell.” Ponnico added. “Everyone was still on edge, thinking that our Psionic infiltrators were still around.”

“Were they?” Trig asked.

“I’m sure many of them are still in hiding.” Ponnico admitted. “Acting as sleeper agents, waiting for a signal that will never come.”

A dreamy expression came over Tenna’s face.

“Waiting for your master to come back so devotedly… it sounds almost romantic.”

“You’ve got your head screwed on backwards.” Trig teased her. “I wouldn’t wait for him to come back. I’d go out and try to find him.”

“That would be so brave!” Tenna replied, looking at Trig with starry eyes.

Captain Kanter slammed his hand on the table, making such a loud noise that even Chef paused in it’s work to look at him.

“How did we not see it before?” Kanter said more to himself than the others. Then he looked up at Tenna. “So, when were you going to tell us that you’re a telepath?”

There was a moment of stunned silence. Trig gazed at Tenna, open-mouthed. She looked around, confused.

“No I’m not.” Tenna finally said. “I’ve never read anyone’s mind before.”

Kanter was not satisfied by her answer.

“But you lived on Lightwater! So, you must be one of the expelled telepaths from the Homeworld."

“I was three years old when the Expulsion happened.” Tenna protested. “I can’t be a telepath.”

Ponnico raised a hand, which caused all of the mercenaries to fall silent.

“Miss Annora, I believe you are both right and wrong.” Ponnico said. “Almost a hundred thousand people were exiled ten years ago, but most of them were innocent… accused of being Psions by others who would see them gone. At first, I thought you were among their number, but now I’m not so certain.”

“What?” Tenna gasped.

“So she’s a Psion, like you used to be?” Trig asked excitedly.

Ponnico pondered his answer for a moment.

“I think, children, both of you are Latent Psionics.”

Another pause. Trig felt his heart racing. A wide array of daydreams suddenly appeared in the forefront of his mind as he imagined all the things he could do with telepathy and telekinesis. Trig started to lose himself in a particularly juvenile fantasy involving telekinesis and a girl’s skirt when Tactical Officer Rulan’s voice brought him back to reality:

“The odds of that statement being true are astronomical. Having two Psions on our ship is a very unlikely coincidence.”

“In my line of work, there are no coincidences.” Ponnico replied. “Captain, how long until we get to the Homeworld? I want to put these two through some tests… see if they really are Latent Psions.”

“You’ve got a day.” Kanter replied, gathering up his dining tray and silverware. “That’s all I can give you. We already got an appointment with the Prison Ship to see that boy’s mother… so uh… don’t hurt him badly.”

…

A few hours later, Trig and Tenna were summoned to a lounge on the starboard side of the ship. They were told to wait outside by Selborne for a few minutes, so they passed the time by talking:

“So, like, you know what I would do with Psionic powers?” Tenna asked.

“Make people give you free stuff?” Trig responded.

“Uh… you know… maybe.” Tenna could not help but laugh. “No, I would get into people’s heads and find out exactly what they like, and then give that thing to them so they’ll like me!”

“Wow… you’ve got a manipulative side.” Trig said. “Didn’t see that coming.”

“I just like it when people like me.” Tenna said, grinning from ear to ear. “Sometimes I can’t tell what people think of me, and that totally stresses me out.”

“Oh…" Trig raised and eyebrow and tried to make himself look mysterious. “Can you tell what I think of you?”

“You like me.” Tenna said without hesitation.

“What?” Trig spluttered, suddenly stammering. “Well… what makes you think that?”

Without missing a beat, Tenna said:

“Because the whole time we’ve been talking you were staring at my chest.”

Trig felt his heart stop, then he brain locked up. He took two steps back, eyes wide, and raised his hands in shock.

“Uh, wait, I can explain! It’s not what you think!” Trig’s voice was full of panic. Tenna burst out laughing and bent over, holding her sides.

“Spirits alive!” Tenna wheezed. “The look on your face! I’m gonna die!”

“Wait, you’re not mad?” Trig asked.

“Why would I be mad!?” Tenna said, wiping tears from her face. “That was fun! But hey, since I got you this time, you have to get me next time around, okay? It’s only fair.”

Tenna held out her hand for Trig to shake.

“Deal?”

“Deal.” Trig replied and shook her hand.

What should have been a normal handshake quickly turned awkward as both Trig and Tenna held onto each other for far longer than a natural handshake. Trig never would have said this aloud, but he simply did not want to let go of Tenna’s hand. He like the way it felt.

The teens jumped apart when the lounge door opened and Ponnico poked his head out.

“Glad to hear you’re having fun out here. I’m ready to begin. Come inside.”

The ship’s lounge had been hastily re-arranged for whatever Ponnico was planning. Looking around, Trig realized the room had been converted into a place for meditation. Blankets and carpets covered the floor while additional cushions were laid out everywhere. The lighting was adjusted to a warmer orange color and all of the window shades were removed, granting a spectacular view of the starfield outside.

In the center of the lounge, more cushions surrounded a coffee table. A deck of flash cards was present on the table.

Ponnico told Trig and Tenna to sit down on the cushions.

“I believe you are both Latent Psionics.” Ponnico began. “That means you have Psionic abilities, but do not have the ability to use them. This is not something to worry about. You’re children. Most people don’t have become full Psions until they are full adults... however, during my time in the Horde, I saw plenty of people unlock their potential at young ages. It is possible, and that is what we will attempt over the next day.”

Ponnico picked up the deck of cards.

“I am going to hide the card face from your view. You must tell me what symbol is on the card in my hand.”

“How can we guess the symbol if we can’t see the card?” Trig asked.

Tenna raised her eyebrow at him. Then he understood.

“Oh… right. Got it."

<=== Previous (Chapter 11: Song of the Solitaire)

Next (Chapter 13: Into the River) ===>​

 

[Von Acturus]

Death of a Major Character.

Wouldn't be a proper Macavity full on story without it.

Trig started to lose himself in a particularly juvenile fantasy involving telekinesis and a girl’s skirt

Trig's being hit by puberty hard. Being psionic on top of all that is sure to be extra confusing. He should be careful not to do any unintended damage when he seizes control of his latent powers.

No, I would get into people’s heads and find out exactly what they like, and then give that thing to them so they’ll like me

Tenna wouldn't make a bad advisor to the Great Khan. But that manipulative side might bring them into trouble if she tries to start nudging her friends and allies to get what she wants. I can well see that blowing up in her face...

 

[Macavity116]

Wouldn't be a proper Macavity full on story without [Major Character Death].

True. My tales do have some pretty hefty bodycounts... but it has been way too long since I embraced my old favorite TV Trope "Break/Kill the Cutie." The temptation is strong.

Trig's being hit by puberty hard. Being psionic on top of all that is sure to be extra confusing. He should be careful not to do any unintended damage when he seizes control of his latent powers.

Believe it or not, Tenna is going to be worse. Puberty might be hitting Trig like a ton of bricks, but Tenna will soon be suffering the effects of a crush. I'm keeping the reader out of her mind for good reason. I'll be doing my best to make sure both of these 13-year-old adventurers have adult supervision for most of their upcoming quest.

Tenna wouldn't make a bad advisor to the Great Khan. But that manipulative side might bring them into trouble if she tries to start nudging her friends and allies to get what she wants. I can well see that blowing up in her face...

I think you're right. Like most kids, Tenna is pretty shortsighted when it comes to relationships. She would definitely make a great member of the Khan's Chosen, but her selfish machinations would certainly be a ticking time bomb. It would just be a matter of when the blast occurred.

 

[Macavity116]

A double-post... just because.

<=== Previous (Chapter 12: First Step Into a Larger World)

Next (Chapter 14: The Prison Ship Grand Historia) ===>​

Chapter 13
Into the River
​

“A sword… um… a hook. Claw. Axe. Axe again… a claw. Hook.”

Trig’s furrowed his brow, thinking hard. Tenna was sitting on a nearby cushion, watching Trig and Ponnico with interest. The old mercenary was working with a deck of cards. Holding it in one hand, Ponnico drew a card and held it up, hiding the face from view and only showing the backside to Trig. Each time he did this, Trig attempted to guess the symbol on the card face. Once Trig made a guess, Ponnico put the card away without revealing the answer to Trig.

This went on for a few minutes, finally ending when Ponnico ran out of cards.

“That was interesting.” Ponnico said.

“I don’t get it.” Trig said. “How does this show I’ve got Psionics?”

“Maybe you’re supposed to see through the cards, like x-ray vision!” Tenna suggested.

“No, that’s wrong.” Ponnico said. “This test is to establish your baseline extrasensory perception, or ESP. It is a very basic ability all Psions have, even the latent ones such as yourself.”

“Extrasensory perception…” Tenna repeated. “So… like, uh… I’m not sure I get it.”

“I think Trig does.” Ponnico said. “You told me as much before we left Eadleton. You had a feeling that something was going to happen to that Valdemar girl, right?”

“Oh… uh… yeah.” Trig replied. “I remember. That was ESP?”

Ponnico nodded. Tenna let out a long, drawn-out gasp, her eyes sparkling.

“Correct. The art of Psionics is all about harnessing the power of your own mind.” Ponnico tapped the side of his own head. “The new world you must explore is in here.”

“Yeah, I don’t get it.” Tenna confessed.

“Nothing to worry about.” Ponnico replied. “You are both very young. Your minds are not fully developed, so you should not be expected to have a grasp of your mental potential just yet. This will take time. Lots of time.”

…

About twelve hours later, Trig returned to his personal space in the workshop, completely exhausted. He collapsed into his sleeping bag and was fast asleep in mere moments.

Trig had a very strange dream…

He was standing on the shore of a wide river. The water was shallow and moved slowly. A growing sense of awareness illuminated Trig’s mind. He knew he was dreaming, but he did not have any control over the dream itself.

Trig looked up and down the bank, taking in the colorful trees and shrubbery around him. Overall, it was a very wonderful scene. Trig took a deep breath and turned his gaze back to the river.

That was when he saw her.

A woman of incomprehensible beauty was wading in the river. The water only came up to her knees, and her white dress bellowed around her in the river like foam. She carried a seashell in both hands and caressed it as though she treasured it. Somehow, without doing or saying anything, Trig recognized her as a Goddess of the Sutharian Pantheon… one he knew very well. She looked almost identical to the small shrine hidden away in Trig’s bedroom on Eadleton.

This divine figure was Rey, the Implement of Ecstasy. She was the goddess who governed both love and lust. Trig’s jaw fell open and he ran to her. As Trig reached the water and started splashing his way to her, Rey looked around and spotted him.

“Great Goddess Rey!” Trig gasped. “I’ve been devoted to you, and-”

Rey did not wait for him to finish. She raised her arm and pointed to the far shore.

“Go.” Rey spoke in a sharp voice. It was a command. “Bring her to me!”

Trig followed the direction her finger was pointing. He looked to the distant riverbank and spotted two more people. He could see a familiar-looking red-haired girl talking to a muscle-bound man, who was carrying a scythe. A powerful lurch rolled through Trig’s stomach. Again, without any real prompting, Trig knew who this man was. He was yet another Sutharian God. Specifically, he was Saida, Virtuoso of Conception, patron of artisans, and a great healer.

Saida was pointing at Trig and Rey. He uttered a command in a booming voice. The red-haired girl started to run, splashing into the river as she made her way toward Trig. Heart thudding madly, Trig forced himself into the center of the river. The water rose to his chest. He could feel the current trying to pull him away, but he fought back, digging his feet into the muddy riverbed. After a few moments, he and the red-haired girl were close enough to see one another clearly.

“Tenna?” Trig shouted.

“Trig?” Tenna gasped.

The two teenagers hugged one another, holding on tightly as the stream tried to pull them downriver.

“We’ve got to get to your side of the river!” Tenna said. “Quick! The water’s gonna rise!”

Tenna and Trig started to swim, heading back in the direction Trig had come. But something was wrong. The current had started getting stronger; the water grew cold, the muddy bottom refused to let the teens lift their feet. A chilly wind blew, causing Trig to shiver… and then:

“Oh no!” Tenna screamed. “Look up!”

The skies were dark, darker than a solar eclipse. The only light now came from a band of green light that danced and rippled across the skies like a nightmarish python.

The Song of the Solitaire was overhead!

The river began to roar. Water rose and threatened to submerge the two children. Trig put his arm around Tenna’s waist and lifted her off the riverbed. Treading water, Tenna gasped for air. Trig lunged forward, dragging himself and Tenna through the roiling waves as the angry river tried to swallow them both. The shoreline was so close; Trig could see it! Summoning up the last of his own strength, Trig pulled with all of his might and brought Tenna to the shore.

Both children collapsed on the muddy embankment, finally safe from the river that tried so hard to drown them. Gasping, choking, panting, they fell to their knees.

“What’s going on?” Trig cried. “Are you alright?”

Tenna coughed up some water.

“Is that the aurora you saw on Eadleton?” She said.

Trig looked up again, truly appreciating the emerald ribbon above him.

“Yeah, that’s it. The Song of the Solitaire.”

“It’s beautiful… in a sad kind of way.” Tenna commented. Then she looked around. “Hey, wait a minute. The gods are gone. That’s really strange… I wonder what it means.”

“What it means?” Trig repeated. “I don’t follow.”

Tenna shrugged, then stood up and looked around, hands on her hips.

“Well, whenever I see weird things in my dreams, I always assume it’s a sign. I just need to figure out what it means.”

Then Tenna looked at Trig.

“I definitely need to think about this some more.” She said. “It was great to see you, Trig. Ever since you started appearing in my dreams, I’ve been so happy. I’m gonna wake up now.”

Tenna closed her eyes.

“Wait, what?” Trig started to say, but it was too late.

The dream ended instantly, and he woke up.

<=== Previous (Chapter 12: First Step Into a Larger World)

Next (Chapter 14: The Prison Ship Grand Historia) ===>​

 

[CBR JGWRR]

A lot of symbolism in the shared dream. Be interesting to see how Tenna deals with Trig's secret.

 

[Von Acturus]

Tenna seems to have attained already a great control over her lucid dreaming. It'll be interesting to see what exactly the Deities represent. Is it their personalities, their future paths or just their chosen idols?

 

[CBR JGWRR]

Well, for Trig, Rey is a means to an end. Tenna's motivations for being involved with the deity held dear by Trig's people could be a lot more interesting.

 

[Macavity116]

A lot of symbolism in the shared dream. Be interesting to see how Tenna deals with Trig's secret.

Things may seem confusing for now, but soon, more pieces will be added to the puzzle. The shared dreams are but one part of the solution.

Tenna seems to have attained already a great control over her lucid dreaming.

Aside from a few things that will become apparent later, Tenna has nearly full control over her lucid dreams. She is not the one who made the Song of the Solitaire appear, however.

It'll be interesting to see what exactly the Deities represent.

Well, believe it or not, I've already given a hint as to their true nature. Cast your mind back to the Introduction of Minor Characters. What were the names of the Sutharian gods again?

• Ariha, She of the Void
• Phiom, Augury of Revelation
• Kumase, Specter of Oblivion
• Rey, Implement of Ecstasy
• Saida, Virtuoso of Conception

It'll be interesting to see what exactly the Deities represent. Is it their personalities, their future paths or just their chosen idols?

Ooohh... I think you're going to find Chapter 20 very interesting. That's when Trig and Tenna will get to meet Manius the Soothsayer. He knows things.

Tenna's motivations for being involved with the deity held dear by Trig's people could be a lot more interesting.

Quite correct. It's yet another indicator of just how badly disconnected from Valdemar culture she is.

 

[Macavity116]

Author's note: This chapter was supposed to be posted yesterday, but when I took the audiobook companion video for a test ride, I noticed that I was constantly mispronouncing not one, but two of the character's names. Had to re-record and re-edit the video.

I corrected my pronunciation of one character's name: Caera (CARE-uh)

I tried to fix another, but I just could not get it: Aquila (ah-KEE-luh)

I'm just going to blame my Michigan accent for Aquila's name sounding weird in the video.

<=== Previous (Chapter 13: Into the River)

Next (Chapter 15: Caera's Story) ===>​

​

In the furthest reaches of the Suth Kasa Star System, there is an asteroid field. This cluster of space rocks is millions of kilometers away from the Sutharian Homeworld and devoid of natural resources, having been strip-mined by MSI decades ago. Here, in this long-forgotten region of space, a team of workers embarked on an incredible project.

Seven starships gathered around one of the largest asteroids, a rock nearly two-hundred meters in diameter. A mixed group of Sutharians, Nagyari, Olinbar, and droids emerged from airlocks, all dressed in heavy spacesuits. They spacewalked away from their vessel and set foot on the asteroid surface.

Tools in hand, the crew started to dig.

---

Chapter 14
The Prison Ship Grand Historia​

The next morning, Trig was groggy when he reported for duty. He had a crazy dream the night before, but when he tried to remember it, the details slipped away like water through his fingers. In a matter of minutes, the dream was gone from his mind.

Most of the crew was already in the cafeteria when he got there.

“Rough night?” Bronley asked. “You look like you didn’t get any sleep.”

“Weird dream.” Trig replied.

“No way, you too?” Tenna stuck her head out of the kitchen door to join in the conversation. Her bushy red hair was looking far more “frizzy” than normal.

“Well, make sure to drink some stimjuice.” Captain Kanter replied. “We’ve got a few busy days ahead of us. We’re arriving at the Homeworld today and we’ve got three items on our agenda.”

Kanter stood up to address the crew.

“Okay, first thing’s first. We’re going to dock with the Prison Ship Grand Historia for a short visit. Ponnico and Trig are going to have a chat with Trig’s mother and find out just what the hell is going on with these two children and why they’re being hunted. After that, we’ll be going down to the Homeworld itself. Rulan, please.”

Tactical Officer Rulan stood up.

“Here’s the plan.” Rulan said. “Once we get back, we’ll fly down to Venka Urbo and land at the same spaceport as our arms dealer. Selborne and Bronley will take Annora to get her Termyn. Everyone else will take it in shifts to refuel, rearm, and resupply the ship. When I give the signal, we all regroup at Manius’ place in Venka Urbo. Understood?”

“Just saying, nobody does the Termyn on Lightwater!” Tenna protested from the kitchen.

“That’s no excuse.” Selborne snapped. “Ariha expects you to do your feminine duties!”

Bronley shuddered as Selborne invoked She of the Void. He clasped his hands together and muttered a quick prayer before resuming his meal. Selborne turned to Captain Kanter.

“So yeah. I’m going to need any and all white-colored clothing you can lend out to us. It’s the only thing she can wear during the Termyn.”

“We’ll take care of that.” Kanter replied. “In the meantime, let’s get ready to do the first item on our agenda. Once everyone is finished eating, we go to docking stations!”

…

Trig had never seen the Sutharian Homeworld in his life, so when he heard that the planet was in visual range, he raced to the nearest window to get a view. He was disappointed.

Visual range, as it turned out, meant Sutharia appeared in the window as a pale dot in the distant starfield. It was not worth looking at. Not yet, anyway. Once he got his first-ever view of the Homeworld, Trig ran to the other side of the ship to get a look at Suth-Kasa Station.

Suth-Kasa was a Starbase that dominated the Home System. This massive installation was the size of a small moon and swarmed by smaller auxiliary vessels, moving about their own tasks and duties. Asteroid haulers brought massive space rocks to the station to be processed into usable resources. Cargo vessels docked at the tradeport, where the symbol of Minamar Specialized Industries was defaced with the insignia of the (recently defunct) Sutharian Republic.

At the far end of an anchorage module, Trig could see his destination. The Prison Ship Grand Historia was an unremarkable rectangular starship. Camera drones patrolled the anchorage and a single boarding tube connected the prison ship to the rest of the Starbase.

“I get to see my mom.” Trig said to himself. He was starting to feel excited. “I get to see my mom!”

…

Trig, Ponnico, Captain Kanter, and Tactical Officer Rulan traversed the boarding tube, moving from Resonance Cascade to Grand Historia. As they waited in the airlock, Trig noticed two of his escorts were carrying blaster pistols, secured to their chest by mag-lock holsters.

On the other side of the airlock, three Olinbar men were waiting for Trig and his escorts. Under the dim lights, the blue-skinned aliens looked surprisingly monstrous.

“Welcome to the Prison Ship Grand Historia.” Said one of the Olinbar. “My name is Pseudolus Aquila. I am the warden here, this is my ship.”

Warden Aquila gave a hand signal to his companions, who stepped forward and gave him a slip of paper to read.

“You’re here to visit prisoner number 628.” The Warden said. “Full name Caera Charnhem, sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment for one count of attempted murder, sentence reduced because she was defending the Emperor’s supporters during the Civil Unrest ten years ago. This is the one you’re looking for? Good. The visitation chamber will be opening for the day in just a few minutes, and I can take you right there. Now, this is a high-security vessel, you’ll need to relinquish your weapons before we proceed.”

Kanter, Rulan, and Ponnico all looked at one another, then started to unclasp their holsters. Kanter and Rulan surrendered their own blaster pistols to the Olinbar guards. Ponnico handed over an electric stun baton.

“That’s all I have.” Ponnico said to the guard.

“That’s all he’s got.” One of the Olinbar relayed to Warden Aquila.

“Very well, follow me.” Warden Aquila said. “Your mother is eager to see you, young man. We told her you were coming.”

…

Trig and his companions were led into Cellblock 1. As he led the way, Aquila explained how prisoners were housed in self-contained modules, allowing the entire ship to be locked down at a moment’s notice.

“Not that we need to.” Aquila said. “Our prisoners know they are in space. There’s not many places to go.”

The corridors were clean and sterile. Trig felt as though this place was more like a hospital than a home for dangerous criminals. At least, that was the impression Trig had until they crossed the boundary in to the “Priority Detention” wing.

“This module is where we house rebels, insurgents, dissidents, would-be revolutionaries, and anyone else who dares to go against the Sutharian Empire.” Warden Aquila explained. “Most of these prisoners are here at the written request of Emperor Canto himself.”

Aquila gestured to a far wall, where two large paintings were displayed. One of them was a portrait of Emperor Canto, looking resplendent in a velvet robe. The other portrait was an image of his wife, Prime Minister Morenia Vestam. Trig noticed that Morenia had copper-red hair, and if it was not tied up in a bun, it would have been just as out-of-control as Tenna’s wild hair.

Trig felt a chill run through his spine. There was a sinister atmosphere in this wing. He strained his ears, and picked up a sound that made his blood run cold.

Screaming.

Ponnico and Rulan heard it too. They looked around a corner and spotted the source. About two hundred meters down the corridor, a pair of Olinbar guards were beating a prisoner with their rifle stocks. The Berken man howled and wailed in agony as he was struck again and again. One of the Olinbar laughed as he landed a blow on the man’s head.

“By Ariha!” Trig gasped, invoking the Mother of the Gods.

“Is that necessary?” Ponnico asked.

“This is a massage compared to what his victims went through.” Warden Aquila said. “He’s in here for plotting a race war. Berken rising up against the Valdemar and by extension, Emperor Canto. Lots of people are sleeping soundly tonight because he’s in here with us.”

“But this is so horrible.” Trig said, his voice wavering.

“Some of the prisoners in here are for sale… him included, if you’d like to take him off our hands.” Warden Aquila said. “But you’d better be quick. MSI likes to buy prisoners from us in bulk. Always looking for more crystal miners.”

A surge of fear went through Trig.

“What!?” He gasped. “What about-”

“Oh, don’t worry about 628.” Warden Aquila said with a smile Trig did not like. “All sales have to go through the government first. We’ve gotten a few offers for her, but someone in Venka Urbo keeps vetoing the transaction, so she stays here. Shall we?”

Trig, Ponnico, Kanter, and Rulan were guided into a visitation room. A single rectangular table occupied the center of the room. There were no windows. Warden Aquila closed the door behind them.

“At long last, we’re going to get some answers.” Ponnico said.

“Yeah.” Trig responded, sounding absent-minded. “Sorry, I’m scatterbrained. I haven’t seen my mom since she got arrested. I’m worried… about a lot of things.”

On the far side of the room, another door opened. A Berken woman with messy hair and sunken eyes shuffled into the room. When she spotted Trig, her whole form seemed to light up as though one of the gods had touched her.

“Trig! You’re here!” She gasped. “I’m so happy!”

Trig ran across the room and hugged his mother. Caera Charnhem looked like she was going to cry.

<=== Previous (Chapter 13: Into the River)

Next (Chapter 15: Caera's Story) ===>​

 

[CBR JGWRR]

Hmm. Tenna's life might be about to get a lot more complicated.

 

[Von Acturus]

Some of the prisoners in here are for sale… him included, if you’d like to take him off our hands.

Sinister. And not the best way to keep your state secure, selling all your enemies to the highest bidder.

Trig's going to get some answers, which he might or might not like. But he's lucky compared with what Tenna might need to go through.

 

[Macavity116]

Tenna's life might be about to get a lot more complicated.

And knowing my tendencies as a a writer, her lifespan has most definitely gotten shorter.

...not the best way to keep your state secure, selling all your enemies to the highest bidder.

Not just that... but Aquila is selling prisoners directly to MSI, whose diplomatic relation to Sutharia is best described as "occasionally shooting at each other."

Trig's going to get some answers, which he might or might not like. But he's lucky compared with what Tenna might need to go through.

Trig may get more than he bargained for. I mean... does he really want to know how his Sutharian mother was impregnated by a man from a completely different species?

As for Tenna? Well, in the next chapter, we're going to hear the story of a woman who spent a lot of time with Malum and his Horde. Hopefully there's a cautionary tale in there somewhere for our young heroine.

 

[Macavity116]

<=== Previous (Chapter 14: The Prison Ship Grand Historia)

Next (Chapter 16: Jailbreak) ===>​

​

After countless hours of work, the asteroid was transformed. An impulse engine, of the type used to propel modern starships, was attached to the asteroid. Its position on the surface was chosen after very careful calculations. The powerplant and fuel tanks were buried deep beneath the surface, reducing waste heat and exhaust to negligible levels.

Finally, one of the starships flew low over the surface, spraying a strange black substance over the asteroid. After a few minutes, the stadium-sized rock was completely black. The stealth composite materials rendered it invisible to all but the most powerful of military sensors.

Their work complete, the crew moved on to the next asteroid.

---

Chapter 15
Caera’s Story​

Trig did not let go of his mother for a whole minute. Ponnico, Kanter, and Rulan sat down at the table to give them a few moment’s peace.

“You’ve grown so big.” said Caera. “And you have the Keystone Shard! I’m so proud of you, coming into your own. But why are you here?”

“Ahem.” Ponnico cleared his throat loudly. “I think I can answer that.”

Caera looked over Trig’s shoulder and her eyes went wide.

“Trurah? Trurah Ponnico, is that really you?” She said.

Ponnico narrowed his eyes.

“The girl from De Gorka. I should have known.” He said. “Everything makes sense now.”

“So… they really do know each other.” Captain Kanter mused. “I think we should all sit down and have a long talk…”

…

“Trig.” Caera began. “I think I already know your first question.”

“Your letter said Malum Ralpakin is my father.” Trig replied. “But how? He was Nagyari, and you’re Sutharian. Shouldn’t that be… like, physically impossible or something?”

Caera glanced at Ponnico.

“You already know parts of the story. Why didn’t you tell him?” She asked.

“I had to make sure my hunch was correct.” Ponnico said. “And now here I am, having been proven right.”

“Fine. Just don’t interrupt.” Caera said.

Then, sitting with Trig on her right and the mercenaries around the table, Caera began to tell her story:

“I was born on De Gorka. Topical moon, beautiful place. My family had business connections to MSI, so they paid to have me attend a boarding school in the Tragula’s Cross system. I grew up on an Olinbar world, surrounded by blue people. When I was getting ready to graduate and start my adult life, the Nagyari Horde attacked.”

“I remember. I was there.” Ponnico confessed.

“You and your men enslaved us all.” Caera seethed, her voice shaking with anger. “The professors, the students, the staff. Everyone!”

“Slaves!?” Trig repeated.

“That’s how the Horde worked.” Caera told him.

“We rarely killed our enemies.” Ponnico said. “Our goal was to dominate the masses, not slaughter them. Malum would only employ lethal force whenever he deemed it necessary.”

“The Horde put us to work, using Telepathic enforcers to keep us all in line.” Caera continued. “They made us want to crawl through the mines on our hands and feet. Made us feel giddy repairing their starships, made us enjoy serving them hand and foot. It was all telepathic.”

Ponnico hung his head.

“Malum said people should rejoice at the chance to serve him. We just made sure the rejoicing did happen.” He said.

Caera sighed.

“I was made to work wherever the Horde needed bodies. First a mine on some backwater planet, then in a workshop, fixing broken weapons. But… I was different. Every once in a while, I broke out of the telepathic brainwashing. I suddenly stopped loving the Great Khan, I remembered I was there against my will. I tried to flee, got caught a few times. That was how Malum heard about me.”

Caera shuddered.

“He summoned me to his flagship. Sent his most powerful Psions to make sure I ‘came willingly.’ Trurah was one of them.”

Ponnico nodded again, looking shamefaced.

“I was made to walk into the Khan’s chambers, and then… he…”

Caera struggled to continue. Trig took her hand.

“I could resist any other Psion I met… but I never stood a chance against Malum. His power was… overwhelming. Suddenly, I loved the Great Khan more than life itself. I would have fought for him, I was ready to die for him. I wanted to give everything of mine to him.”

Trig’s mouth went dry, he felt as though his blood had gotten very cold.

“I joined his harem.” Caera went on. “Myself and about twenty other women… Nagyari, Olinbar, Sutharians. All of us completely in his power. I was there, with him on the Caldorix, for two years.”

Caera lost her voice. Ponnico picked up the thread.

“And then, I had the argument with Ellex Camber.”

Caera nodded.

“You dared to doubt Malum’s capabilities.” She said. “You hesitated to believe how much he had grown. Malum had to prove himself to you.”

“How did he do it?” Trig asked.

Caera’s hand tightened in his.

“Malum… he took Trurah and Ellex into the Harem Chamber.” Caera said. “He challenged them to impregnate any woman from a different species using only Psionics.

Trig’s jaw fell open.

“But… that doesn’t make sense!” Trig cried out.

“I tried with one of the Nagyari girls, but my knowledge of Psionics was amateurish.” Ponnico confessed. “All I managed to do was trick her into thinking she had given birth to my child. The illusion wore off after a few minutes. Ellex did worse. He telepathically tortured one of the Olinbar girls with no result.”

Caera shook with fright.

“You know that poor girl died a few hours later, right?”

“No. I’m sorry.” Ponnico replied. “I was… too focused on what Malum did to you.”

Trig looked his mother in the eyes. He suddenly did not want to hear the rest of the story, but knew he had no choice.

“My head hurt, like I was hit by a brick. When I got my senses back… I… I just knew I was going to have a child.”

“Ellex and I watched the whole thing.” Ponnico said. “Malum never laid a hand on you. A true testament to his power.”

Trig, Kanter, and Rulan were all lost for words, but Ponnico pressed on.

“Caera, I cannot change what happened in the past, but I need to ask you two questions, one from myself, and one on behalf of your son here.”

“Ask your selfish question first.” Caera’s voice was monotone, as though she was out of strength.

Ponnico leaned forward, his hands clasped together.

“Is it too late to apologize?”

“Never.” Caera replied in barely more than a whisper.

“What I did to you, and countless others like you, was monstrous.” Ponnico said. “And… if what I think is happening is happening, then I believe I will face a certain kind of justice soon.”

Somehow, Trig knew that his mother was suddenly feeling a powerful surge of fear.

“What’s happening?” Caera asked. “Does this have to do with Trig? I see he got his pendant, does that mean his powers came in?”

“It does have to do with that, yes.” Ponnico replied. “You see… Your son has met a girl.”

“Oh! How wonderful!” Caera started to say, but Ponnico held up a hand.

“That girl is on our ship. She is carrying The Sixth Keystone Shard. The one Ellex took after I fought him.”

All of the color drained out of Caera’s face.

“That is why I’m here.” Ponnico said. “The Keystones are on the move. So is Ellex Camber. Something is afoot, and I think I know what it is. But I need you to tell me if I am right in my guess, before I send your son off on some foolish errand.”

Ponnico pressed his fingertips to the table and leaned forward. Trig leaned to one side and hugged his mother tightly. Her own sense of fear was spilling over into him

“I know how the Keystone is supposed to work, Caera.” Ponnico’s voice suddenly sounded threatening. “It should be useless when it’s fragmented… unless I’ve missed something. Something Malum would only tell to those closest to him.”

Before his mother could answer, Trig started to feel a sense of dread building up somewhere deep inside of himself.. He also picked up the faint smell of melting plastic. This had happened before, and he remained silent then. Now he knew better.

It was that powerful sense of doom that warned him bad things were in the immediate future.

“Hey! It’s happening again!” Trig raised his voice, interrupting Ponnico’s line of questioning. “What did you call it? A premonition?”

Captain Kanter and Tactical Officer Rulan sprang to their feet. Caera grabbed her son and squeezed him in a desperate hug. Ponnico ran around the table and grabbed the front of her prison jumpsuit.

“Tell me, woman!” He snarled. “What do you know!?”

Somehow, Trig started to develop a very strong understanding about what was going on in Caera’s head. As he gripped her hand, he could feel the sense of conflict within his mother’s mind. She knew the answer, and she was willing to share it with Trig and Ponnico, but... there was something else inside her consciousness that actively resisted. After a tense moment, Caera briefly overpowered the subconscious force that stopped her from speaking. When she spoke, her voice wavered and shook.

“Malum had a plan… a failsafe plan.” Caera stammered. “The Keystone can still be used when it’s broken into fragments. I’m sorry! I can’t say more. Malum did something to my mind, made it so that I can’t talk about it.”

At the same time, there was a loud pounding on the doorway.

“Trig Shepminter!” A voice yelled from the other side. “Come out with your hands up!”

“A plan for what?” Ponnico demanded.

Caera screwed up her face, trying to speak. Trig was now so in-tune with her mind that he could almost see a bundle of Psionic strands inside of her brain, stopping her from divulging anything else.

The knocking on the door was getting louder now. Caera grabbed her son again and held on tight, apologizing for her inability to speak.

“Ponnico! Shepminter!” Captain Kanter yelled. “Get your heads in the game!

Someone was attempting to smash the door. Kanter and Rulan were putting their shoulders to it, holding it in place. At that moment, the voice of Warden Aquila came over the intercom:

“Trig Shepminter, my deepest apologies, but the situation has changed. Your friend from Lightwater reached out to us… a gentleman by the name of Ellex Camber. He is quite desperate to get you on the next transport out of here, same goes for the lovely young lady aboard your starship. Please step away from your friends and place your hands on top of your head.”

Now the sense of dread had turned into the now-familiar feeling of impending doom. Bad things were about to happen and Trig knew it. He shouted to the ceiling:

“Go to hell! We’ll send you there ourselves if you need the help!”

“Sounds like we’re fighting our way out of this!” Captain Kanter told his colleagues. “Weapons at the ready!”

<=== Previous (Chapter 14: The Prison Ship Grand Historia)

Next (Chapter 16: Jailbreak) ===>​

 

[Von Acturus]

Made us feel giddy repairing their starships, made us enjoy serving them hand and foot. It was all telepathic.

And we just found the people who make the Sutharian regime seems like a bunch of harmless teddy bears. This is another level of Machiavellian.

Suddenly, I loved the Great Khan more than life itself. I would have fought for him, I was ready to die for him. I wanted to give everything of mine to him

This is like psionic 1984, and it's terrifying. It also reveals how the Great Khan's great vision and plans amounts to little more than a massive pride in his power and hunger for more.

He is quite desperate to get you on the next transport out of here, same goes for the lovely young lady aboard your starship.

So not only they partake in the legal prisoner slave trade, they also do a bit of kidnapping and trafficking on the side. Such wonderful people.

“Sounds like we’re fighting our way out of this!” Captain Kanter told his colleagues. “Weapons at the ready!”

Welcome words. We'll see how Trig uses his powers, and if the deserters live up to their fame.

 

[Macavity116]

...we just found the people who make the Sutharian regime seems like a bunch of harmless teddy bears. This is another level of Machiavellian.

We're lucky the Horde has fallen a long ways since the height of their power. Now this Ellex guy is getting the band back together, which might be a bad thing.

This is like psionic 1984, and it's terrifying. It also reveals how the Great Khan's great vision and plans amounts to little more than a massive pride in his power and hunger for more.

I'm actually really proud of the Psionic Dominion that Malum tried to create. An empire where a single God-Emperor held every living being in forced bliss, living a life happy to be enslaved. What I'm even more proud of... is the reason why Malum chose to do this. Read future chapters to find out his secret motive.

So not only they partake in the legal prisoner slave trade, they also do a bit of kidnapping and trafficking on the side. Such wonderful people.

I really wanted to hammer home just how prone to corruption and abuse the Sutharian government is... and that includes all possible institutions it could be connected to. Wait until Trig gets to the Homeworld. The Chief of Sutharia's Secret Police only gets a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo, but you will grow to hate him in very short order.

We'll see how Trig uses his powers, and if the deserters live up to their fame.

You're half correct. Trig's only had a negligible amount of training so far. His powers are totally unremarkable right now. Trig has very basic Psionic Sensitivity and can perform rudimentary Telekinesis. (Like, he can probably make a pencil roll across a tabletop)

But you are right about Team Arfor. For the next two chapters in a row (Jailbreak, Peel the Paint) we will finally get to see them in action.

 

[Macavity116]

Special note: This chapter was written in Phoenix, Arizona while I was stuck in an airport. Took 5 hours to write... and I was stuck there for 9 hours. XP

<=== Previous (Chapter 15: Caera's Story)

Next (Chapter 17: Peel the Paint) ===>​

​

The work crews were able to transform four asteroids into stealth weapons before they ran out of materials. They returned to their starships. All but one vessel departed the scene.

The lone ship maintained a silent vigil over the stealth asteroids, knowing that if they lost track of one for even a moment, they might never find it again.

In the distance, Suth-Kasa Station and the Sutharian Homeworld appeared as little white dots.

---

Chapter 16
Jailbreak​

Warden Aquila and his men tried to knock the door down a second time.

“We only want the boy! Do not resist!” The hostile voice shouted through the door.

Ponnico, Rulan, and Kanter broke up from their huddle. Ponnico moved toward Trig and his mother.

“The two of you are going to stay close to me.” Ponnico said. “My team is working on a way out.”

“I can’t escape from prison!” Caera protested. “I’ve only got five years left on my sentence! They’ll put me away forever, or maybe even sell me to MSI!”

“I know all about Ellex Camber and how he operates.” Ponnico replied. “Trust me, he does not care in the slightest about how close you are to being released.”

Trig noticed that Ponnico’s jacket seemed to be visibly lighter, as though something had been removed. Kanter and Rulan stacked up against the door. Kanter was holding a sealed metal container, the type normally used to carry hot beverages. Rulan was clutching a flexible tube that was attached to a small LCD screen by an electric cable. Rulan knelt down and fed one end of the tube into the crack between door and floor.

“Optiwand out.” Kanter said. He peered at the pocket-sized LCD screen. “I see five hostiles, armed with... oh... you guys are gonna love this! They’ve got gel guns. Non-lethal weapons. They’re waiting for a colleague to show up with a skeleton key.”

Kanter withdrew the optiwand from the door.

“Gel guns?” Trig asked.

“They’re meant for riot control.” Caera explained. “They’re not strong enough to kill anyone, but they’ll totally mess you up. Try to avoid getting shot in the face.”

Caera stood up from the table and kicked it over. Then she hid behind it.

“These guys wanna take us alive.” Rulan said.

“We can use that to our advantage.” Kanter added.

“How!?” Trig raised his voice. “We’re cornered, and there’s gotta be, like, a hundred guards in this place.

There was a loud bang as someone tried to force the door from the other side. Rulan put his shoulder to the door and held it in place. Kanter gestured at Ponnico.

“I think it’s time you found out why I let this old guy join us in the field.” Kanter said. “Mister Ponnico? Why not show off some of that technology you got from the Horde?”

“I’ve love to.” Ponnico replied.

“What technology?” Trig shouted. “They searched us when we came in! They took everything!”

The corners of Ponnico’s mouth twitched and his beard crinkled, giving away a hidden smile.

“Nagyari tech is different from the stuff you’re used to.” Ponnico said. “They build their tech from... let’s say... different materials.”

“Here they come.” Rulan said, gesturing at the door. “Young Shepminter, I strongly recommend you get in cover.”

Looking around, Trig saw that Captain Kanter, Rulan, and his mother were all trying to hide behind the upended table. He did a double-take. Ponnico was clearly unarmed. The old man stood defiantly in the center of the room, blocking the path from the doorway to Caera and Trig.

There was a loud latching sound and the door swung open. Warden Aquila and four Olinbar guards entered the visitation chamber, pointing their gel guns at Ponnico since he was the closest to their position. Ponnico side-stepped, placing himself directly between the Warden and Trig.

“Really?” the Warden said. “You know Camber’s looking for this kid, right? And the girl he’s running away with. Word on the Interlink is that they’ve got something that belongs to him. The girl stole it from Ellex a few days back. Stole something very valuable. You should be helping us, not standing in the way.”

“Perhaps you did not get the message thirteen years ago.” Ponnico replied coolly. “I quit the Horde. I deserted, abandoned my post. If anyone from the Horde was here today, they would call me a traitor. So no... I am not going to help Camber. In fact, I’m surprised he was trusted with a Keystone Shard in the first place. He has to pretend someone stole it just to hide the fact that one of his lackeys got careless with it.”

Warden Aquila lost his temper. He aimed his gel gun at Ponnico’s head, then barked:

“Fine then! I’ll hand you over to Camber as well!”

“You’re welcome to try, my blue friend.” Ponnico said. “But I will warn you now... spending your ammunition on me is a very ill-advised course of action. If I am still standing by the time your guns are empty... well... it won’t be pretty.”

Aquila snarled.

“Enough of this! Drop him!”

All five Olinbar opened fire, the sound of their gel guns echoing around the chamber like cannon blasts. Trig screamed in terror, then dove to the floor, putting his hands over the back of his head. The gunfire raged on for a few chaotic seconds, thundering about the room and causing the floor to vibrate beneath Trig’s body. At the last second, Trig dared to look up. His vision slid into focus for the last one-and-a-half seconds of gunfire, and what he saw was incredible:

Ponnico was standing stock-still in front of the five prison guards, all of whom were emptying their weapons into his body. Blue spheres shot out of the gel guns, passed through Ponnico’s body as through it was just a hologram, and then splattered harmlessly against the far wall. Just as Trig laid eyes on this unbelievable scene, the gunfire stopped. Aquila and his fellow guards ran out of ammunition.

Ponnico unfolded his arms, and his beard crinkled as a wicked smile appeared beneath it.

“And now...” Ponnico sighed, “It’s my turn.”

It is very difficult to describe in words what happened next because Trig simply did not understand what he was seeing. A black cloud seemed to just... erupt from Ponnico’s body. It lunged forward and enveloped the five guards. From the swirling mass of smoke, Trig could hear Aquila and his compatriots screaming in some kind of agony, they wailed and begged for the pain to stop. The sound of it made Trig feel sick. He found he could not move.

Someone seized Trig around the middle and compelled him into motion.

“Time to roll.” Captain Kanter yelled. “On my mark, follow Ponnico!”

…

Trig, Kanter, Rulan, and Caera raced through the halls and corridors of the Prison Ship Grand Historia. Trig craned his neck frantically, trying to look around and spot any additional guards before they could become a threat, but none ever appeared... at least... none appeared on their feet.

Over the course of the escape, that strange black cloud blazed a trail ahead of the group, and as it moved on, it left behind incapacitated guards. These armed men were always rolling on the floor, writhing in pain as though they were being tortured by some invisible force.

“Make it stop!” One of the guards begged as Trig ran past. “I’ll do anything! Just stop hurting me!!”

After a few moments, the group reached the airlock. Rulan pushed a button on the control panel and called the Resonance Cascade, asking someone to open the airlock from the other side. Meanwhile, Trig took one last look around.

“Wait! Where’s Ponnico!” Trig cried out.

“There!” Caera responded. She pointed to dark corner some twenty meters down the corridor.

Again, Trig simply did not understand what he was seeing. As far as he could tell, Ponnico simply walked out of the shadows in such a way that the shadows themselves faded out of existence. This description made no sense, but in Trig’s opinion, this was what happened.

“So now we know the truth.” Ponnico said. “The Khan’s Chosen are active once more. Ellex is telling them his Keystone Shard was stolen by Miss Annora. Captain Kanter, I think we should get to the Homeworld and visit Manius right away.”

“I could not agree more.” Kanter replied as the airlock opened behind him.

“Manius? Isn’t that the fortune-teller you mentioned?” Trig asked.

“Yes, he is.” Ponnico answered. “Manius will help us figure out our next steps.”

<=== Previous (Chapter 15: Caera's Story)

Next (Chapter 17: Peel the Paint) ===>​

 

[Von Acturus]

Having a Chosen of the Great Khan on your side certainly evens the odds.

If the word is on the Interlink, and if Camber's a guy with resources, our heroes may soon find themselves hunted by every bounty hunter and ex-khanate soldier. That'd be fun (not for them obviously).

 

[CBR JGWRR]

It'd be fun for Ponnico though.