Chapter 4
“Welcome back, Alaris.” A robotic voice echoed throughout the ship.
“Orion. I need a com-link, fast.” The silver knight tapped a rehearsed pattern of keys on the control panel.
“Your command,” Orion responded, lights flickering across the advanced instrumentation. “I noticed a negative energy signature-”
“Not now, Orion!” Alaris cut him off. “Praesedium Lumen Seven, requesting clear channel.”
“Solar interference moderate,” a garbled voice responded. “Channel secure.”
A holographic image appeared in front of Alaris. The still image of a long-faced, blue-skinned man appeared, his linear features framed by flowing white hair and a braided mustache that extended out of view. “Greetings, Praesidium. I trust you have arrived.” The man’s voice conveyed an air of knowledge and power.
“I have, Luminary. However, I have already encountered a void.”
“I trust you eliminated it.” The Luminary straightened, concern etched in his albino-white eyes.
“Only by luck. I sought to make first contact, but the void had already found the Scion.”
“So quickly?” His thick eyebrows, like snow peaks, rose high on his forehead. “How could they have-”
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“He is safe for the moment,” the silver knight interrupted, “but I must survey the area to determine how many have slipped through our defenses.”
“The Hate Bringer has planned this attack perfectly.” The Luminary’s voice deepened. “And the void are only the beginning of our dilemma. Terovian war-galleons near the solar-perimeter created a distraction, sacrificing three ships for one to pass through and have most likely landed on Earth.”
“Will you send assistance?” Alaris already knew the answer.
“We cannot, Alaris. Our situation along the perimeter is grave at best. Every misbegotten creature in the galaxy wants to lay claim to destroying the new Scion. Necromanos’ armada is far larger than we ever imagined. Only the Lemurians and Centaurians are in position, but they are woefully outnumbered. The other eleven Praesidium are assisting in every capacity. There were simultaneous attacks on the other worlds, crippling the Galaxis’ ability to respond. One attack may have annihilated an entire Centaurian colony.” The Luminary’s eyes drifted. “You were chosen for this task, Alaris. The Scion must complete his journey or the Earth and the Galaxis will be lost.”
“It will be done, Luminary. Perhaps I should accompany the Scion to-”
“No!” The long hairs of his mustache rustled. “You can protect him best from afar, or you will become the hunted as well. Do as you were trained. Remain hidden until necessary.”
“Ten clicks until channel termination,” a static-filled voice said.
“I was indeed meant for this task. I shall not fail!” Alaris bowed.
“Fare thee well, Praesidium. May the light guide you.” The Luminary’s image blinked and vanished.
“May I speak now?” Orion asked sarcastically.
“Of course, Orion, I’m sorry. What did you find?”
“I prepared an analysis of the energy signatures in the area,” a holographic map of Westwood appeared. “And while it only represents the void, it indicates they have been here longer than we anticipated.”
“Good job, Orion,” Alaris replied, studying the map. “Set perimeter detection and be ready to go at any time. When I was assigned a computer for this-”
“A computer?” Orion scoffed.
“I apologize. “Alaris conceded. “When I was issued a sentient galactic navigator, I must have done something special to deserve you.”
“I do try.”