--Point of View: Katie--

I was so relieved to see Crim was okay and back on all fours. The battle with the droids was a disaster and thinking back, it was a miracle Tom and I survived. Crim had protected us, putting his own body in the line of fire. Sure, he was damn near indestructible compared to Tom and me, but that does not change the fact that he was gravely injured in the process. If we had ended up anywhere but here, I wonder if he would have survived. It was probably best not to dwell on it.

As for where we are, we still did not have a complete answer. All I remember was waking up inside of a healing chamber, much like the one Crim had just shaken himself out of. Just as I had managed to take my first few stumbling steps, this mysterious stranger appeared. They gingerly swept me off my feet and carried me effortlessly to another room, much to my protest. I felt a little foolish afterwards once I had come to my senses. When I was deemed healthy and no longer on death’s door, they proceeded to show me around. Questions, I had so many questions to ask them but never really got a chance. Any time I went to open my mouth, they waved away my question before I even asked it.

“There will be plenty of time for questions when all your friends are awake.” They would say in a very gentle voice I could not help but listen to.

“How are the others?” I asked after a bit of awkward silence.

“They are both recovering at a steady pace. The man that arrived with you will probably be waking today as well. As for your other companion, well, he was much worse off. I don’t expect he will be walking around today or tomorrow but awake again he shall. Especially because he’s done so once before.” They responded back, a smile slipping out from underneath their hood.

While we waited for everyone else, the tour continued of the facility. It was very obviously of old one make and construction. Everything from the floors to the equipment strewed around all the rooms was incredible. It was just like what we had seen down in the underground research lab. Which meant, our host was more than likely either a descendant of or an old one themselves. Whatever they were, it was not human. This I knew for sure. Their presence alone was enough to tell me that much. Just being near them made my hair stand on end. So far though, they had been nothing but courteous.

Regardless, I had little time to think about the matter as I was escorted around. We passed a kitchen, lounge, medical bay, and so many other rooms. I nearly lost count and even trying my best, I was having a difficult time keeping a mental map of the area. All the corridors looked the same and the rooms were no better. Wherever this was, it was well stocked for just about any situation. I wanted to ask if there was anybody else on board, but my tour guide came to an abrupt halt.

“Oh, it looks like your friend is waking up a little ahead of schedule. The man. Why don’t you make yourself comfortable while I fetch them?” They said softly while gesturing to one of the many comfy looking chairs in the room.

“Tom! What? No, I want to make sure he is alright!” I protested, stomping my foot once in defiance. I wanted to see with my own eyes that he was okay and as soon as possible.

“Oh? I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.” They mused, “You were quite the handful when you emerged from your pod. Took a few swings at me. It’s pretty common. Almost like waking abruptly from a dream.”

“I don’t care, I want to see…” I began but was interrupted.

“And he will be very much naked. Perhaps that’s what you’re interested in?” remarked our host, a small snicker escaping their hood.

I stood dumbstruck for a few moments as I replayed what they had just said in my head. How rude of them! I did not care about that in the slightest. I was in the military! Seeing people naked, even of the opposite sex was not the most uncommon thing. Why would that matter anyway? I started to argue but was cut off again by the sound of a door sliding shut.

“Hey! What are you doing? Let me out of here!” I yelled, running up to pound on the steel door. “What are you up to? Tom and I aren’t like that!”

A laugh could be heard through the door followed by the sound of footsteps slowly fading into the distance.

“I jest young lady. It was only a joke. In all actuality, it is just easier for me to handle this all myself. I don’t need somebody questioning every little thing I do. No need to worry though, I will return with your friend shortly. Rest assured.” Called the voice as they trailed off down the corridor.

I sighed and slumped down onto the floor, resting my head in my hands. I felt so useless but knew they were probably right. It is not like I was medically trained. I probably would have just been in the way.

“It’ll be okay.” I said to myself quietly, taking a deep breath.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl, or at least it felt like it. There was no way to keep track of how long I had been stuck in this room. I tried counting in my head but only managed to make it to fifteen minutes or so before I grew tired of it. Instead, I decided to keep myself busy by exploring the room. A lounge is what most people would have described it as. There were a few couches, tables, and an assortment of appliances lined up somewhat haphazardly on the nearby counters. The old ones really were not that different from us.

Time passed as I rummaged through anything I could open and peek inside of, defaulting back to my time as a salvager. Old habits die hard. All I managed to find was what I guessed to be food but was not brave enough to try any. While most of it smelled delightful, I still did not trust it. My stomach would growl in protest. Hopefully we will get to eat something today.

At that thought, the sound of footsteps and conversation echoed up the halls. I recognized one of the voices as Tom and the other was obviously our host. I jumped to my feet, hastily returning the contents of a drawer I was previously looking through and ran over to greet them at the door. It opened with a familiar hiss.

“Tom!” I exclaimed, tossing myself at him in excitement. “How are you feeling? Does it still hurt anywhere?”

“Woah, calm down there Katie. I’m okay, I’m okay. I promise.” Responded Tom, returning my hug before pushing me back to arm’s length.

“Thank goodness. I knew you would probably be fine but it’s just good to see you in one piece after everything that happened.” I responded with a sputter, fumbling my words around.

“It’s good to see you too Katie.” he said softly, a smile on his face. “It looks like we both made it out in one piece.”

“That we did. Now we just need to hope Crim is okay as well.” I remarked, wondering if Tom had forgotten about him.

“Oh, that’s right. Where is he?” asked Tom, swiveling his head around, wondering if by pure chance he missed a giant red wolf on his walk here.

“Is that what he goes by now? Crim? A curious name but not one I dislike. Regardless, he will be just fine. His body has recovered a great deal on its own and if things continue on schedule, he should awake tomorrow evening.” Responded the hooded figure.

They were correct. Crim awoke precisely when they predicted, down to the minute, and now here we stood, reunited after what felt like forever. He looked to be healthy and absent of any large blaster holes. It was honestly incredible how he was able to protect us all in his previous condition. My hands wandered along his fur, almost in disbelief.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“I assure you that I’m quite alright now.” Called Crim’s voice right next to my ear.

I jumped a little, surprised, and slightly embarrassed. “I know, I know. It’s just amazing is all. I’m pretty sure you were missing a leg and half your torso when we arrived here.”

“Quite worse than that actually, but he should be fine now. If you all would please follow me, we have matters to discuss.” Spoke the tall, hooded figure.

I found myself unknowingly walking close to Crim, a firm grip on a patch of his fur. It made me feel safe. He did not seem to mind or at least did not protest.

The hooded figure led us to a very impressive looking room. Monitors and buttons lined three of the four walls from floor to ceiling. The fourth wall was completely glass, the vast emptiness of space on display behind it. It was impossible to take it all in at once. They must have noticed us all gaping.

“Yes, I am quite fond of this room as well. Make yourselves comfortable.” They gestured to some comfy looking chairs. Crim eyeballed one of them but thought better of it.

Once we were all as comfortable as we could be in an unknown place, the hooded figure took a seat opposite of us and to our surprise, pulled back their hood. I do not know what I was expecting to see but still found myself surprised. The old one looked remarkably human. I could probably pass them on the street and hardly notice. The only thing that really gave them away was a slight variation in bone structure and their ears appeared to be rather long. They were also incredibly beautiful. Almost unnaturally so. Their face was perfectly symmetrical without a single blemish.

“You look practically human.” Remarked Tom, leaning forward in his chair to try and get a closer look.

A smile spread across the Old One’s face.

“On the contrary, you almost look like us.” They said confidently. “Afterall, humans were based on us.

Both Tom and I went wide eyed as we took in what was just said. The realization was almost too much for either of us but like normal, curiosity shoved everything else out of the way to make room for itself.

“So, you are an Old One!” I exclaimed, nearly leaping to my feet in excitement. “I have so many questions.”

“Yes! Like, how do the reactors work and…” started Tom as well before we were both silenced with a simple snap of the Old One’s fingers.

“There will be plenty of time for those type of questions later. Right now, there are far more pressing issues we need to discuss and I’m sure you will agree with me once you hear what I have to say.” Said the Old One in a far more serious tone. Everyone was silent once again.

“As you all may have guessed, I am in fact what your people refer to as The Old Ones. My people are the precursors to your race and by the looks of it, most of your current technology. You may call me Draya.” She said smoothly, her voice pleasant to listen to. “And while I’m sure I could fill a book with all the questions you have for me, another matter must be dealt with first.”

“And that matter is?” asked Crim, his gaze locked onto Draya. You could see the distrust and anger in his eyes that roared into existence the moment it was revealed she was an Old One.

“Your actions back on the planet caused quite a stir amongst my people. The explosion you set off sent a ripple of mana through space. It would be safe to say that most, if not all our cities and ships picked up on it.” She said calmly, turning her head slightly to face Crim, his expression having no effect on her.

“Wait, cities and ships? We thought you all were gone at this point. How many of you are left?” I interjected, not being able to help myself.

“If your kind is truly still around, just how far into space must you be?” questioned Tom immediately, his hands moving frantically as he tried to do the math in his head.

Draya smiled yet again, seemingly amused by our questions.

“Humanity has yet to even grasp the roots of the tree of knowledge. There is so much you do not understand. It’s no wonder we have not met until now and even then, it was because I made it so. My people exist far from here, here being this spot in space and time. That, however, we will not delve into at this moment.” She answered, her tone and voice mimicking that of a parent speaking to their children.

“Yes, that can wait. Tell us why we are here and what is going to happen.” Barked Crim, his voice a little louder and more agitated now. I could tell he was not comfortable in Draya’s presence.

“Like I was saying, the reactor you rigged to explode nearly caused a rift in space. It was incredibly dangerous, and you are all lucky to be alive. At least for now. Your other companions down on the surface have already been captured and will surely be questioned.” Draya continued to explain but it was at this moment I had to ask.

“You keep saying we caused an explosion but how can that be? Did we do something wrong when we spun up the reactors? How else were we supposed to power the gate” I asked, trying to think back to that moment.

“That is a question you will need to direct to your friend here. It was his meddling that caused the chaos that is unfolding.” She answered back immediately and gestured to Tom to explain what he had done.

Tom fidgeted in his seat, clearly guilty of something.

“Well, you see. It did not look like we were going to make it in time, so I voluntarily turned off the reactor safeguards and pushed them well past what they were safely capable of, at least according to the notes I had found. I figured we would be able to escape, and the explosion afterwards would wipe out the droids.” Explained Tom frantically.

“You did what? I mean, I can understand why but you should have at least told me. What if the damn things just blew up while we were still down there?” I yelled, standing up yet again, angry about being kept in the dark.

“Now, now, take your seat child. Your friend did what he thought was best to save you. You can’t be angry at him for that. Given the circumstances, he probably made the right choice. It’s tough to tell.” Chimed Draya, motioning for me to sit back down.

“Sorry, please continue.” I said meekly, a little embarrassed.

“Yes, like I just said. The pulse caused by the explosion signaled us to investigate. A ship was sent and there they found the remains of an old lab, the very one you were sifting through. Of course, your ships and comrades were also found. They have all been taken prisoner.” Explained Draya finally once all the interruptions were out of the way.

“Everyone? Robert, Chris, the Commander?” I asked, my worry growing steadily.

“Yes, like I said. All the people you had on the planet. At least the ones that did not put up a fight. There were some casualties unfortunately.” Responded Draya with little to no remorse.

No one spoke for a few minutes as those words sank in. Not only had they blown up the lab while people were potentially still inside, but they had also summoned the Old Ones unknowingly. All their fellow soldiers and crewmates were either captured or dead. The idea sat like a stone in my stomach. It was hard to breathe.

“Is there anything we can do?” asked Tom finally.

“Of course. Otherwise, we would not be having this discussion.” Draya said flatly, almost as if she was insulted at the idea of wasting time. “Your friends will not be harmed as long as they don’t cause too much of a ruckus. Information is what they are after foremost so they will remain alive until there is nothing more to learn. After that though, I can’t make any promises.”

“Okay, so what you’re saying is, we have a chance to rescue them?” I asked, arching a brow. I found it hard to believe that the four of us would stand a chance against a whole ship full of Old Ones. Draya herself seemed formidable and she had yet to show any signs of hostility. I just felt it in my gut.

“That is exactly what I’m saying. With a little bit of help, I could deliver you three onto their ship and you could break your friends free. Having said that, it’s incredibly risky and full of hazards, but that has never stopped you humans before.” She said with a chuckle.

“You expect us to be able to take on a whole ship of soldiers? By ourselves? Aren’t you going to help us?” pleaded Tom, his face pale.

“Unfortunately, I am not on good terms with the rest of my kind. Hence why I am assisting you. Fear not though, a lack of threats over the past couple thousands of years has made us all very lax when it comes to security. The ship will very likely be understaffed, giving you a far greater chance of success. Once you rescue your friends, simply take the gate located on the ship back home.” Explained Draya as if it was an everyday task.

“Are you crazy?” was the only thing I could manage to say.

“A few have called me that, but alas, I believe myself to be quite sane. What choices do you have? If you abandon them, they will die eventually. We do not have any use for humans, at least they don’t.” Draya said with a smile, looking at all of us. “Plus, you will have Crim on your side. As you both have seen, he is very durable and puts up a good fight.”

At the mention of himself, Crim spoke up again.

“When you first saw me, you said it was good to see me again. I thought it was strange at first but then I remembered. Just before I came to, I was dreaming about the facility we had escaped from. Not of the present, but of the past. You were there, weren’t you? You knew me or knew this creature.” He asked, rising to his feet. His eyes shimmered as he awaited a response.

Draya paused. I could not tell if she was surprised or simply was not prepared for this question. There was a short pause before she turned to face Crim completely, a genuine, happy look spread across her beautiful face.

“Yes Crim, I know you. I know you very well. It was I, after all, that created you.”