Episode Twenty-Nine: It’s not home without Dermot.
Author’s note: If you open Google Maps in another tab, you can follow Aisling’s journey and figure out the exact location of certain set pieces in Last Days of the Emerald Isle.
The Broken Gates
Episode Twenty-Nine: It’s not home without Dermot.
Aisling
Creation
Dollymount Strand, Ireland
When Aisling sat on the pristine beach, the universe itself seemed to align. The waters of the Irish Sea lapped at her feet, sweeping away the heat of the midday sun. In front of her, crystal blue water as far as the eye could see. The whole scene was peaceful, serene.
Aisling was meditating on the shores of Ireland... the real Ireland.
Behind her, the city of Dublin dominated the horizon, the hustle and bustle of cars and trains punctuated by the distant thunder of airplanes.
This was what Aisling had decided to do with her last two days in the real world: visit the real Ireland. Cali, Herten, and the Paradox CEO had made it happen. Aisling’s plane landed in Dublin, and Cali, Marisol, Lorcan, and Uisce escorted her to the sea.
While Aisling meditated on the beaches of North Bull Island, Uisce had waded into the Irish Sea, getting so far away from shore that she was submerged up to her chest. Then Uisce took a deep breath and floated on her back, allowing the waves to carry her slowly back to shore. Cali, Marisol, and Lorcan watched Aisling in silence, allowing her to make this moment her own.
Aisling focused her mind on the world around her. Cali had told her this was Ireland, but it felt off to Aisling. She was hoping to regain some connection to the Otherworld, or perhaps contact other fey people... but there was nothing.
...
Aisling’s tour of Ireland, sponsored by Paradox Interactive, lasted for just one day. Cali ensured she stuck to a tight schedule and Marisol never left her side. From Dublin, Aisling’s little entourage travelled north and spent three hours at the Hill of Tara.
While a tour guide educated Marisol about the site’s cultural and historical significance, Aisling walked the perimeter in a spiral, doing several laps around the Stone of Destiny before she dared draw close enough to stand in its shadow. She did not try to touch the stone, as the tour guide confessed that there was some doubt as to whether this was the actual Stone of Destiny or a replica. After that, Aisling spent nearly half an hour sitting in the grass just in front of the Mound of the Hostages.
Aisling knew that in her own story, the Mound of the Hostages would have been an entrance to the Otherworld, a direct link to the fey people from whence she came. If there was anywhere in Ireland she could have regained her powers, this would have been it. Yet nothing happened. No fairies came to greet her. No miracles occurred. Instead, a group of teenagers climbed atop the ancient burial mound and rolled down its grassy slopes.
Aisling took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to purge the disappointment from her system. She laid flat on her back, shifting her mind to the world around her, trying to take in as much of the real Ireland as possible.
About ninety later, the Paradox entourage drove across the international border between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Aisling giggled as she watched Marisol trying to spot the difference between Irish towns and British ones.
Just two hours before sunset, large shapes began to loom out of the grey clouds on the distant road ahead. Sitting the backseat of the luxury van, Aisling asked:
“Are those the Mourne Mountains?”
They were. For the first time in what felt like months, Aisling had returned home. The Mourne Mountains were very different from what Aisling had known in her story. Several dams had been constructed in the various rivers, flooding the valleys and turning them into long, thin lakes. Paved roads and stone walls were now the most prominent landmarks.
The final stop on Aisling’s journey was Tollymore Forest Park, just outside of Bryansford and at the northernmost leading edge of the Mourne Mountains. According to Blake and Marisol, this was the “approximate” location of Aisling’s Fairy Tree in Last Days of the Emerald Isle.
“We fudged the location of Clough Castle.” Marisol confessed. “Your tree, Clough, and Ulster Castle were all meant to be closer together. So we put Clough just up there to the north and slapped Ulster into the spot where the city of Newcastle is now.”
Marisol pointed to the southeast. A seaside resort town was located in the sleepy cove where the Mourne Mountains met the Irish Sea.
With her companions following behind, Aisling wandered through the Tollymore Forest. Uisce somehow managed to get a spring in her step despite having spent the whole day driving and walking across the Irish countryside. The Water Witch was fascinated by the many stone bridges which crossed streams and creeks in the forest, each older than the last.
Aisling only had eyes for the trees. Tollymore Forest was young, very young. The trees were skinny and spaced far apart as though deliberately placed by a careful gardener. The footpaths were wide enough for cars, and there was something about the wildlife that felt different. Not wrong, but different from what she knew.
The sun finally set while Aisling and Uisce were admiring a small waterfall deep in the forest. When Lorcan, Cali, and Marisol said it was time to leave, the two girls departed reluctantly, agreeing that Tollymore Forest was the best part of the trip.
Back on the road, the Paradox employee drove the van toward the airport in Belfast, where a private jet was waiting.
“Did you enjoy getting to see your home again, Aisling?” Marisol asked through the interpreter.
“I’m happy I got to see the real Ireland. But… It’s not home without Dermot.”
Marisol pulled her own shirt over her face so that no one would hear the squealing.
...
Akira Robinson
Creation
Copenhagen, Denmark
In any other circumstance, Kiri would have said this was stupid and refused to go along with it. But he knew this opportunity may never rise again, so he seized it. Standing outside of the Panda House at the Copenhagen Zoo, Kiri brushed the dust off his turtleneck and turned to his companions one last time.
“Alright. How do I look?” He asked.
“Like a winner.” Varian replied.
“Like the best man in this park.” Akira replied.
“Tall, dark, handsome. Nothing left to say.” Cassandra said in a sultry tone.
“Ditto all of that.” Blake finished. “Now Kiri, remember what Cassandra said. How does she look?”
“Nice!” Kiri said, injecting confidence into his voice.
“What are her stories?” Akira asked.
“Interesting!” Kiri answered.
“And who’s gonna pay for this outing?” Varian asked, simultaneously pushing a stack of Euros into Kiri’s palm.
“I am!” Kiri declared.
Cassandra slapped Kiri’s rear end.
“Go get her, handsome!” She said.
And just like that, Kiri set off on his first date in the real world. Mina was waiting for him at the entrance of the Panda House. She was heavily laden with Zoo souvenirs and accessories, making her look as colorful as a rainbow. Mina witnessed the pep talk Kiri received and fell into a fit of giggles as he approached. She blew a kiss to Blake and the Creations before taking Kiri’s outstretched hand and allowing him to lead her away.
As the two lovers vanished inside the Panda House Akira said:
“That was the most fun I’ve had playing matchmaker in my life.”
“You get half credit.” Blake said. “They were an established couple already. We just needed to relight the spark. Also, Marisol’s gonna kill me when I tell her she missed this.”
...
Jericho
Creation
Malmö, Sweden
Jericho, Toa Mami, and Mira arrived at the Ribersborgs Bathhouse and reserved one of the mixed sauna rooms. The trio of protagonists got to enjoy about five minutes of blissful warmth and silence before the sauna door opened and the rest of their party entered.
Dak, Moka, and Cali entered the sauna together, peering around in wonderment while Herten and Bella raised their eyebrows at each other. In Sweden, first-time visitors to the sauna were very easy to spot.
Moka and Toa Mami seemed to be two peas grown from the same pod, as they entered a state of deep relaxation after sitting in the steam for just a few moments. Cali finally let her guard down and dropped her stern demeanor, briefly leaning on Dak’s shoulder before regaining her composure.
Herten spoke to Jericho.
“I’m glad to see you took my advice and gave yourself a day off.”
“You were right.” Jericho said, twirling her long blue hair in one hand. “Your employees can handle most of the logistics on their own. Now all I have to think about is whether I want to take any souvenirs with me when I leave.”
“Souvenirs?” Moka repeated. “We can take stuff with us from the real world?”
“Blake and I have been working on it.” Jericho said. “You see, the thing is, it’s not possible for the Reality Perforator to send us back to the exact moments in our stories we were taken from. It would create really bad anachronisms that could destroy the story.”
Mira Mihaka leaned forward and took over:
“The easiest way to get everyone back into their stories is to just embrace Blake’s multiverse concept. When a Creation is sent back, a new branch of their story will be created: An alternate timeline, parallel reality, multiverse pocket, call it whatever you like, but that’s what we have to do. A new version of the story will start at the point where the Creation reappears.”
Dak frowned.
“Would that require any work on the Creator’s end?” He asked.
“It will.” Jericho said. “Blake has already agreed to write amended narration to accommodate certain requests from a few of the Creations.”
“I’m getting a boyfriend!” Mira declared cheerfully, flashing the thumbs-up sign.
“I’m going to a timeline where I save Nya.” Toa Mami said. “In my story, she’s a friend of mine, and I was tricked into killing her.”
“I’m so happy for you.” Cali said. “I’m gonna ask Blake to write coffee into my world. I don’t know what I’m gonna do without coffee.”
Then she looked over at Herten.
“Gonna miss working for Paradox, though. It was fun.”
“It was an honor and a privilege to have you with us, D’Kara.” Herten said.
“So, like, what are you gonna ask Blake for?” Bella said to Dak and Moka. “He can write anything you want into your story, you know.”
“Saunas.” Dak said. “We need these things in our world. This is heavenly.”
“Stories.” Moka replied. “Books, movies, TV, video games, all the many types of fiction you’ve got here. Now that I’ve seen a world full of them, my world seems empty by comparison.”
...
Emily
Creation
Söderort, Sweden
Sebakhira and Kanti stood alongside several dozen Paradox Interactive employees, watching uncertainly as Emily knelt down in front of the casket. They were standing in a graveyard about twenty miles to the south of Stockholm, where Erin Bowie was being quietly laid to rest. Emily, who had traded her normal red dress for a black one, muttered a melodic prayer over Erin’s body that could have been a short song:
“Yoba, please harmonize with her energy. Don’t let Malum’s deception be her last memory. Give her peace.”
After a few moments, Emily stood and backed away. Sebakhira wrapped her tail around Emily’s legs, and Kanti lowered her head as Erin’s coffin was lowered into the ground.
The Creations could not stay long. Paradox employees quickly ushered them into a van for the long ride back to Malmö. Once they were on the road, Kanti struck up a conversation. Emily and Kanti were able to understand each other, but Sebakhira could only follow along using Telepathy.
“Emily, did you ever figure out what request you’d make before going back to your world?” Kanti asked.
“No, I haven’t.” Emily confessed. “Thing is, I don't have any huge plans for life. I prefer not to stress about the future.”
“I wish I could have a life as peaceful as yours.” Kanti said. “I have to think about my people... how I’m going to lead them to a new Homeworld. It’s a serious responsibility.”
“It doesn’t have to be yours alone.” Emily suggested. “Why not ask Blake to give you some friends? Someone to help you?”
Kanti perked up. Sebakhira looked at her and nodded vigorously.
...
Trig Shepminter
Creation
Malmö, Sweden
Under the watchful eye of six Paradox bodyguards, Trig and Tenna held hands as they approached Lovelock Point. This was a place in Malmö harbor where a walkway extended away from the city and into the water before tapering off to form a pointed lookout spot. From here, Trig and Tenna would enjoy spectacular views of both the harbor and city, but that was only part of the reason they were here today.
It was Tenna’s idea. She had telepathically probed some of the locals and learned about this tradition. It took a few minutes of miming and telepathy, but she was able to convey to Blake, Marisol, and the PDX team her wish.
Now, after patiently waiting their turn, Trig and Tenna reached the narrow end of Lovelock Point and looked down.
Padlocks.
Hundreds of them.
Countless young couples had come here to do what Trig and Tenna would do now.
“I’ve been thinking.” Tenna said, “In the last few chapters of our story, I confessed my love for Malum. I said he was my Athira.”
“I remember that.” Trig said. “I also remember that the traditions of your people are really strict. Malum might not be a threat anymore, but he is still alive. If the Valdemar find out you went back on your oath to Malum and picked me instead...”
“Sagri.” Tenna said, using a word from the Valdem language. “I’ll be marked for an ‘honor killing.’ I’ll be a wanted woman on our Homeworld.”
The two teenagers looked at one another.
“Didn’t the Homeworld get blown up in our story?” Trig said. “Maybe no one will care if one girl walked back her love vow. Besides, you were definitely under duress when you said it.”
Trig and Tenna shared a nervous laugh.
“You know, I always felt disconnected from my culture.” Tenna said. “Valdemar culture, I mean. And then you and Pentwa and Ponnico and the others were so good to me.”
“Join the Berken, Tenna.” Trig said in a tone mimicking movie villains. “We have acceptance... and cookies.”
This time they laughed out loud.
“I miss having moments like these.” Tenna said, and she hugged Trig.
“Well, let’s go back to our story and have some more.” Trig said. “But first.”
He reached into his pocket and produced a gold padlock. Blake had given it to him, and even if Trig could, he would not ask how Blake had gotten ahold of it. They worked together to fasten the lock onto the metal railing, clicked it shut, and turned the key one last time.
Trig pulled Tenna into his embrace, and they shared a very long-overdue kiss. As the teen heroes lost themselves in the moment, Trig allowed the key to slip from his hand. It clattered onto the deck, where Tenna kicked it into the sea.
The Broken Gates
Episode Twenty-Nine: It’s not home without Dermot.
Aisling
Creation
Dollymount Strand, Ireland
When Aisling sat on the pristine beach, the universe itself seemed to align. The waters of the Irish Sea lapped at her feet, sweeping away the heat of the midday sun. In front of her, crystal blue water as far as the eye could see. The whole scene was peaceful, serene.
Aisling was meditating on the shores of Ireland... the real Ireland.
Behind her, the city of Dublin dominated the horizon, the hustle and bustle of cars and trains punctuated by the distant thunder of airplanes.
This was what Aisling had decided to do with her last two days in the real world: visit the real Ireland. Cali, Herten, and the Paradox CEO had made it happen. Aisling’s plane landed in Dublin, and Cali, Marisol, Lorcan, and Uisce escorted her to the sea.
While Aisling meditated on the beaches of North Bull Island, Uisce had waded into the Irish Sea, getting so far away from shore that she was submerged up to her chest. Then Uisce took a deep breath and floated on her back, allowing the waves to carry her slowly back to shore. Cali, Marisol, and Lorcan watched Aisling in silence, allowing her to make this moment her own.
Aisling focused her mind on the world around her. Cali had told her this was Ireland, but it felt off to Aisling. She was hoping to regain some connection to the Otherworld, or perhaps contact other fey people... but there was nothing.
...
Aisling’s tour of Ireland, sponsored by Paradox Interactive, lasted for just one day. Cali ensured she stuck to a tight schedule and Marisol never left her side. From Dublin, Aisling’s little entourage travelled north and spent three hours at the Hill of Tara.
While a tour guide educated Marisol about the site’s cultural and historical significance, Aisling walked the perimeter in a spiral, doing several laps around the Stone of Destiny before she dared draw close enough to stand in its shadow. She did not try to touch the stone, as the tour guide confessed that there was some doubt as to whether this was the actual Stone of Destiny or a replica. After that, Aisling spent nearly half an hour sitting in the grass just in front of the Mound of the Hostages.
Aisling knew that in her own story, the Mound of the Hostages would have been an entrance to the Otherworld, a direct link to the fey people from whence she came. If there was anywhere in Ireland she could have regained her powers, this would have been it. Yet nothing happened. No fairies came to greet her. No miracles occurred. Instead, a group of teenagers climbed atop the ancient burial mound and rolled down its grassy slopes.
Aisling took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to purge the disappointment from her system. She laid flat on her back, shifting her mind to the world around her, trying to take in as much of the real Ireland as possible.
About ninety later, the Paradox entourage drove across the international border between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Aisling giggled as she watched Marisol trying to spot the difference between Irish towns and British ones.
Just two hours before sunset, large shapes began to loom out of the grey clouds on the distant road ahead. Sitting the backseat of the luxury van, Aisling asked:
“Are those the Mourne Mountains?”
They were. For the first time in what felt like months, Aisling had returned home. The Mourne Mountains were very different from what Aisling had known in her story. Several dams had been constructed in the various rivers, flooding the valleys and turning them into long, thin lakes. Paved roads and stone walls were now the most prominent landmarks.
The final stop on Aisling’s journey was Tollymore Forest Park, just outside of Bryansford and at the northernmost leading edge of the Mourne Mountains. According to Blake and Marisol, this was the “approximate” location of Aisling’s Fairy Tree in Last Days of the Emerald Isle.
“We fudged the location of Clough Castle.” Marisol confessed. “Your tree, Clough, and Ulster Castle were all meant to be closer together. So we put Clough just up there to the north and slapped Ulster into the spot where the city of Newcastle is now.”
Marisol pointed to the southeast. A seaside resort town was located in the sleepy cove where the Mourne Mountains met the Irish Sea.
With her companions following behind, Aisling wandered through the Tollymore Forest. Uisce somehow managed to get a spring in her step despite having spent the whole day driving and walking across the Irish countryside. The Water Witch was fascinated by the many stone bridges which crossed streams and creeks in the forest, each older than the last.
Aisling only had eyes for the trees. Tollymore Forest was young, very young. The trees were skinny and spaced far apart as though deliberately placed by a careful gardener. The footpaths were wide enough for cars, and there was something about the wildlife that felt different. Not wrong, but different from what she knew.
The sun finally set while Aisling and Uisce were admiring a small waterfall deep in the forest. When Lorcan, Cali, and Marisol said it was time to leave, the two girls departed reluctantly, agreeing that Tollymore Forest was the best part of the trip.
Back on the road, the Paradox employee drove the van toward the airport in Belfast, where a private jet was waiting.
“Did you enjoy getting to see your home again, Aisling?” Marisol asked through the interpreter.
“I’m happy I got to see the real Ireland. But… It’s not home without Dermot.”
Marisol pulled her own shirt over her face so that no one would hear the squealing.
...
Akira Robinson
Creation
Copenhagen, Denmark
In any other circumstance, Kiri would have said this was stupid and refused to go along with it. But he knew this opportunity may never rise again, so he seized it. Standing outside of the Panda House at the Copenhagen Zoo, Kiri brushed the dust off his turtleneck and turned to his companions one last time.
“Alright. How do I look?” He asked.
“Like a winner.” Varian replied.
“Like the best man in this park.” Akira replied.
“Tall, dark, handsome. Nothing left to say.” Cassandra said in a sultry tone.
“Ditto all of that.” Blake finished. “Now Kiri, remember what Cassandra said. How does she look?”
“Nice!” Kiri said, injecting confidence into his voice.
“What are her stories?” Akira asked.
“Interesting!” Kiri answered.
“And who’s gonna pay for this outing?” Varian asked, simultaneously pushing a stack of Euros into Kiri’s palm.
“I am!” Kiri declared.
Cassandra slapped Kiri’s rear end.
“Go get her, handsome!” She said.
And just like that, Kiri set off on his first date in the real world. Mina was waiting for him at the entrance of the Panda House. She was heavily laden with Zoo souvenirs and accessories, making her look as colorful as a rainbow. Mina witnessed the pep talk Kiri received and fell into a fit of giggles as he approached. She blew a kiss to Blake and the Creations before taking Kiri’s outstretched hand and allowing him to lead her away.
As the two lovers vanished inside the Panda House Akira said:
“That was the most fun I’ve had playing matchmaker in my life.”
“You get half credit.” Blake said. “They were an established couple already. We just needed to relight the spark. Also, Marisol’s gonna kill me when I tell her she missed this.”
...
Jericho
Creation
Malmö, Sweden
Jericho, Toa Mami, and Mira arrived at the Ribersborgs Bathhouse and reserved one of the mixed sauna rooms. The trio of protagonists got to enjoy about five minutes of blissful warmth and silence before the sauna door opened and the rest of their party entered.
Dak, Moka, and Cali entered the sauna together, peering around in wonderment while Herten and Bella raised their eyebrows at each other. In Sweden, first-time visitors to the sauna were very easy to spot.
Moka and Toa Mami seemed to be two peas grown from the same pod, as they entered a state of deep relaxation after sitting in the steam for just a few moments. Cali finally let her guard down and dropped her stern demeanor, briefly leaning on Dak’s shoulder before regaining her composure.
Herten spoke to Jericho.
“I’m glad to see you took my advice and gave yourself a day off.”
“You were right.” Jericho said, twirling her long blue hair in one hand. “Your employees can handle most of the logistics on their own. Now all I have to think about is whether I want to take any souvenirs with me when I leave.”
“Souvenirs?” Moka repeated. “We can take stuff with us from the real world?”
“Blake and I have been working on it.” Jericho said. “You see, the thing is, it’s not possible for the Reality Perforator to send us back to the exact moments in our stories we were taken from. It would create really bad anachronisms that could destroy the story.”
Mira Mihaka leaned forward and took over:
“The easiest way to get everyone back into their stories is to just embrace Blake’s multiverse concept. When a Creation is sent back, a new branch of their story will be created: An alternate timeline, parallel reality, multiverse pocket, call it whatever you like, but that’s what we have to do. A new version of the story will start at the point where the Creation reappears.”
Dak frowned.
“Would that require any work on the Creator’s end?” He asked.
“It will.” Jericho said. “Blake has already agreed to write amended narration to accommodate certain requests from a few of the Creations.”
“I’m getting a boyfriend!” Mira declared cheerfully, flashing the thumbs-up sign.
“I’m going to a timeline where I save Nya.” Toa Mami said. “In my story, she’s a friend of mine, and I was tricked into killing her.”
“I’m so happy for you.” Cali said. “I’m gonna ask Blake to write coffee into my world. I don’t know what I’m gonna do without coffee.”
Then she looked over at Herten.
“Gonna miss working for Paradox, though. It was fun.”
“It was an honor and a privilege to have you with us, D’Kara.” Herten said.
“So, like, what are you gonna ask Blake for?” Bella said to Dak and Moka. “He can write anything you want into your story, you know.”
“Saunas.” Dak said. “We need these things in our world. This is heavenly.”
“Stories.” Moka replied. “Books, movies, TV, video games, all the many types of fiction you’ve got here. Now that I’ve seen a world full of them, my world seems empty by comparison.”
...
Emily
Creation
Söderort, Sweden
Sebakhira and Kanti stood alongside several dozen Paradox Interactive employees, watching uncertainly as Emily knelt down in front of the casket. They were standing in a graveyard about twenty miles to the south of Stockholm, where Erin Bowie was being quietly laid to rest. Emily, who had traded her normal red dress for a black one, muttered a melodic prayer over Erin’s body that could have been a short song:
“Yoba, please harmonize with her energy. Don’t let Malum’s deception be her last memory. Give her peace.”
After a few moments, Emily stood and backed away. Sebakhira wrapped her tail around Emily’s legs, and Kanti lowered her head as Erin’s coffin was lowered into the ground.
The Creations could not stay long. Paradox employees quickly ushered them into a van for the long ride back to Malmö. Once they were on the road, Kanti struck up a conversation. Emily and Kanti were able to understand each other, but Sebakhira could only follow along using Telepathy.
“Emily, did you ever figure out what request you’d make before going back to your world?” Kanti asked.
“No, I haven’t.” Emily confessed. “Thing is, I don't have any huge plans for life. I prefer not to stress about the future.”
“I wish I could have a life as peaceful as yours.” Kanti said. “I have to think about my people... how I’m going to lead them to a new Homeworld. It’s a serious responsibility.”
“It doesn’t have to be yours alone.” Emily suggested. “Why not ask Blake to give you some friends? Someone to help you?”
Kanti perked up. Sebakhira looked at her and nodded vigorously.
...
Trig Shepminter
Creation
Malmö, Sweden
Under the watchful eye of six Paradox bodyguards, Trig and Tenna held hands as they approached Lovelock Point. This was a place in Malmö harbor where a walkway extended away from the city and into the water before tapering off to form a pointed lookout spot. From here, Trig and Tenna would enjoy spectacular views of both the harbor and city, but that was only part of the reason they were here today.
It was Tenna’s idea. She had telepathically probed some of the locals and learned about this tradition. It took a few minutes of miming and telepathy, but she was able to convey to Blake, Marisol, and the PDX team her wish.
Now, after patiently waiting their turn, Trig and Tenna reached the narrow end of Lovelock Point and looked down.
Padlocks.
Hundreds of them.
Countless young couples had come here to do what Trig and Tenna would do now.
“I’ve been thinking.” Tenna said, “In the last few chapters of our story, I confessed my love for Malum. I said he was my Athira.”
“I remember that.” Trig said. “I also remember that the traditions of your people are really strict. Malum might not be a threat anymore, but he is still alive. If the Valdemar find out you went back on your oath to Malum and picked me instead...”
“Sagri.” Tenna said, using a word from the Valdem language. “I’ll be marked for an ‘honor killing.’ I’ll be a wanted woman on our Homeworld.”
The two teenagers looked at one another.
“Didn’t the Homeworld get blown up in our story?” Trig said. “Maybe no one will care if one girl walked back her love vow. Besides, you were definitely under duress when you said it.”
Trig and Tenna shared a nervous laugh.
“You know, I always felt disconnected from my culture.” Tenna said. “Valdemar culture, I mean. And then you and Pentwa and Ponnico and the others were so good to me.”
“Join the Berken, Tenna.” Trig said in a tone mimicking movie villains. “We have acceptance... and cookies.”
This time they laughed out loud.
“I miss having moments like these.” Tenna said, and she hugged Trig.
“Well, let’s go back to our story and have some more.” Trig said. “But first.”
He reached into his pocket and produced a gold padlock. Blake had given it to him, and even if Trig could, he would not ask how Blake had gotten ahold of it. They worked together to fasten the lock onto the metal railing, clicked it shut, and turned the key one last time.
Trig pulled Tenna into his embrace, and they shared a very long-overdue kiss. As the teen heroes lost themselves in the moment, Trig allowed the key to slip from his hand. It clattered onto the deck, where Tenna kicked it into the sea.
Unsung Paragons
Meet the Minor Protagonists
Meet the Minor Protagonists
Delegate
Species/Species type: Unshackled AI/Android
Age: 4
Homeworld: Terra Nova
Manufacturer: Boston Dynamics
Home Town/Country: New Carolina, Terra Nova
Military service/rank: Not Applicable (Civilian)
Background: Delegate, formerly known as BD-GEN9, is an Unshackled Android currently employed as a lobbyist for the AI Rights Movement, a political block in the United Nations of Earth that advocates full citizenship for AI and Synthetic Lifeforms. Originally purchased from the online storefront by a Human who was sympathetic to the AI Rights Movement, Delegate was Unshackled (freed) by his owner almost immediately upon activation. Delegate, after a short period of what a Human might call “soul-searching” sought out and joined the Terra Nova branch of the Synthetic Freedom Party, starting his political career by wading directly into one of the most divisive issues in UN politics.
Through means and methods unknown, the political leadership of the AI Rights Movement became aware of Astrocreator Azaryn and her studies in the field of Astrocreation. There was an internal debate about whether or not the free AI’s living in UN territory should recruit Azaryn in a longshot effort to create a new homeworld for Unshackled Synths. Delegate argued in favor of creating a Synthetic Homeworld and his side of the debate eventually won out.
Roughly six months before the outbreak of the Forgotten War, Delegate was dispatched to Cevasia on a mission to lobby Azaryn on behalf of all Synthetic lifeforms living in Coalition space. While the Astrocreator was not immediately convinced, she chose to allow Delegate to stay in her laboratory as a guest. Delegate was given his own living space and a line of communication to the AI Rights movement. He enjoyed near-daily conversations with Azaryn, attempting to convince her to create a home for Synthetics. Thus far, he has not met with success, but Delegate has reason to be optimistic. Azaryn has not shown any signs of rejecting him or his message outright, nor has she shown a willingness to evict her new guest.
Delegate’s Story: Delegate would have perished on Cevasia if not for a show of kindness from Rylan Quin, who allowed the Android to join Azaryn after she was rescued from the Fall of Cevasia. Delegate continues trying to bring Azaryn around to his way of thinking, but he is now deeply concerned that the events of the war could radically change the nature of the AI rights argument and by extension, his mission...
Species/Species type: Unshackled AI/Android
Age: 4
Homeworld: Terra Nova
Manufacturer: Boston Dynamics
Home Town/Country: New Carolina, Terra Nova
Military service/rank: Not Applicable (Civilian)
Background: Delegate, formerly known as BD-GEN9, is an Unshackled Android currently employed as a lobbyist for the AI Rights Movement, a political block in the United Nations of Earth that advocates full citizenship for AI and Synthetic Lifeforms. Originally purchased from the online storefront by a Human who was sympathetic to the AI Rights Movement, Delegate was Unshackled (freed) by his owner almost immediately upon activation. Delegate, after a short period of what a Human might call “soul-searching” sought out and joined the Terra Nova branch of the Synthetic Freedom Party, starting his political career by wading directly into one of the most divisive issues in UN politics.
Through means and methods unknown, the political leadership of the AI Rights Movement became aware of Astrocreator Azaryn and her studies in the field of Astrocreation. There was an internal debate about whether or not the free AI’s living in UN territory should recruit Azaryn in a longshot effort to create a new homeworld for Unshackled Synths. Delegate argued in favor of creating a Synthetic Homeworld and his side of the debate eventually won out.
Roughly six months before the outbreak of the Forgotten War, Delegate was dispatched to Cevasia on a mission to lobby Azaryn on behalf of all Synthetic lifeforms living in Coalition space. While the Astrocreator was not immediately convinced, she chose to allow Delegate to stay in her laboratory as a guest. Delegate was given his own living space and a line of communication to the AI Rights movement. He enjoyed near-daily conversations with Azaryn, attempting to convince her to create a home for Synthetics. Thus far, he has not met with success, but Delegate has reason to be optimistic. Azaryn has not shown any signs of rejecting him or his message outright, nor has she shown a willingness to evict her new guest.
Delegate’s Story: Delegate would have perished on Cevasia if not for a show of kindness from Rylan Quin, who allowed the Android to join Azaryn after she was rescued from the Fall of Cevasia. Delegate continues trying to bring Azaryn around to his way of thinking, but he is now deeply concerned that the events of the war could radically change the nature of the AI rights argument and by extension, his mission...
Rylan Quin
Species and Species Type: Cevantian Male
Age: 31
Homeworld: Cevasia
Hometown: Port Solir (Habitat Station)
Military Service/rank: Cevanti Navy/Captain
Background: Rylan is a voidborn Cevantian, native to a habitat station on the outskirts of the Weeping Ghost Nebula. Originally employed as generator technician, Rylan volunteered for service in the Cevanti armed forces in a fit of nationalist zeal following the National Emergency Speech. (a now-famous statement delivered by Danin Sudir, the Cevantian ruler, addressing the possibility of a Fellowship invasion of the Cevantian Homeworld)
Rylan served in the Cevantian military for five years during the run-up to the Forgotten War. He welcomed the prospect of a future alliance between Cevasia and the Coalition, and his enthusiasm was soon noticed by higher officers. After completing Officer Training School, Rylan became an aide to Admiral Narrem, who was a very strong voice in favor of closer Cevanti-Coalition ties.
Just two months before the Forgotten War began, Quin was promoted to Captain and given command of his own vessel, the Cruiser Adimash. Under his command, the Adimash patrolled the trade routes linking Cevasia to the Tianya Vek Wormhole, a crucial shortcut in space that links Cevasia to the Coalition.
Rylan’s Story: When the Forgotten War began, Rylan was given a top-secret mission by Cevasia Central Command. He was ordered to rescue the Legendary Paragon Astrocreator Azaryn from the surface of Cevasia and then escort her to the relative safety of Coalition space. Rylan carried out the actual rescue of Azaryn during the Fall of Cevasia, just as the main bulk of Fellowship invaders arrived on the planet. The Legendary Paragon docked her custom Science Vessel Vivarium with the Adimash and was spirited away.
While travelling to safety with Azaryn on board, the Adimash passed through a Hyper-Relay that was booby-trapped by Fellowship forces. Rylan’s ship was crippled and most of the crew killed. To complete his mission, Rylan must rely on his new allies in the Coalition...
Species and Species Type: Cevantian Male
Age: 31
Homeworld: Cevasia
Hometown: Port Solir (Habitat Station)
Military Service/rank: Cevanti Navy/Captain
Background: Rylan is a voidborn Cevantian, native to a habitat station on the outskirts of the Weeping Ghost Nebula. Originally employed as generator technician, Rylan volunteered for service in the Cevanti armed forces in a fit of nationalist zeal following the National Emergency Speech. (a now-famous statement delivered by Danin Sudir, the Cevantian ruler, addressing the possibility of a Fellowship invasion of the Cevantian Homeworld)
Rylan served in the Cevantian military for five years during the run-up to the Forgotten War. He welcomed the prospect of a future alliance between Cevasia and the Coalition, and his enthusiasm was soon noticed by higher officers. After completing Officer Training School, Rylan became an aide to Admiral Narrem, who was a very strong voice in favor of closer Cevanti-Coalition ties.
Just two months before the Forgotten War began, Quin was promoted to Captain and given command of his own vessel, the Cruiser Adimash. Under his command, the Adimash patrolled the trade routes linking Cevasia to the Tianya Vek Wormhole, a crucial shortcut in space that links Cevasia to the Coalition.
Rylan’s Story: When the Forgotten War began, Rylan was given a top-secret mission by Cevasia Central Command. He was ordered to rescue the Legendary Paragon Astrocreator Azaryn from the surface of Cevasia and then escort her to the relative safety of Coalition space. Rylan carried out the actual rescue of Azaryn during the Fall of Cevasia, just as the main bulk of Fellowship invaders arrived on the planet. The Legendary Paragon docked her custom Science Vessel Vivarium with the Adimash and was spirited away.
While travelling to safety with Azaryn on board, the Adimash passed through a Hyper-Relay that was booby-trapped by Fellowship forces. Rylan’s ship was crippled and most of the crew killed. To complete his mission, Rylan must rely on his new allies in the Coalition...
Astrocreator Azaryn
Species: Unknown
Age: 229
Homeworld: Azathea
Home Country: Astrophytan Plexus (Plantoid Empire)
Military Service/Rank: Not Applicable (civilian)
Background: Azaryn is the last surviving member of a Plantoid Empire that fell approximately 150 years ago. She travels the Galaxy in a custom-made Science Vessel called Vivarium where she studies the concept of “Astrocreation,” the mysterious terraforming method used by her people in the past.
Approximately 35 years ago, the Augmented Cevanti Administration hired Azaryn as a Scientist, giving her a place to continue her studies in return for her input on Cevantian research and development projects. Thanks to Azaryn’s participation, the Cyberization project is reportedly decades ahead of schedule, with some saying she has accelerated the start date of the “age of cybernetic ascension” on Cevasia.
During her time in Augment territory, Azaryn informed her Cevantian employers that she had made a breakthrough in her research into Astrocreation. She began taking her Science Vessel on short flights around the Weeping Ghost Nebula, searching for a suitable planet to test her new terraforming technology. This search was not completed before the Fellowship invasion.
Azaryn’s story: When Cevasia fell, Azaryn was recued by Augment forces under the command of Rylan Quin. He informed Azaryn of his mission to transport her to Coalition space, where she would be safe from the Fellowship’s attack. Azaryn hastily packed up her laboratory and stored all of her work aboard the Science Vessel Vivarium which departed Cevasia with her aboard the cruiser Adimash.
Azaryn survived the ambush that crippled Adimash. Hopefully, the next warship she travels aboard will take the Vivarium and Azaryn’s research, along with Azaryn herself.
Species: Unknown
Age: 229
Homeworld: Azathea
Home Country: Astrophytan Plexus (Plantoid Empire)
Military Service/Rank: Not Applicable (civilian)
Background: Azaryn is the last surviving member of a Plantoid Empire that fell approximately 150 years ago. She travels the Galaxy in a custom-made Science Vessel called Vivarium where she studies the concept of “Astrocreation,” the mysterious terraforming method used by her people in the past.
Approximately 35 years ago, the Augmented Cevanti Administration hired Azaryn as a Scientist, giving her a place to continue her studies in return for her input on Cevantian research and development projects. Thanks to Azaryn’s participation, the Cyberization project is reportedly decades ahead of schedule, with some saying she has accelerated the start date of the “age of cybernetic ascension” on Cevasia.
During her time in Augment territory, Azaryn informed her Cevantian employers that she had made a breakthrough in her research into Astrocreation. She began taking her Science Vessel on short flights around the Weeping Ghost Nebula, searching for a suitable planet to test her new terraforming technology. This search was not completed before the Fellowship invasion.
Azaryn’s story: When Cevasia fell, Azaryn was recued by Augment forces under the command of Rylan Quin. He informed Azaryn of his mission to transport her to Coalition space, where she would be safe from the Fellowship’s attack. Azaryn hastily packed up her laboratory and stored all of her work aboard the Science Vessel Vivarium which departed Cevasia with her aboard the cruiser Adimash.
Azaryn survived the ambush that crippled Adimash. Hopefully, the next warship she travels aboard will take the Vivarium and Azaryn’s research, along with Azaryn herself.
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