Eight eyes opened to a world that Makarios had a very hard time accepting. He was on his home planet traveling down one of the main highways of his hometown. A city like all others on this planet, but different from any other city found on any other planet because his hometown was entirely made of web. Thin strands of web wrapped together to form objects of all different sizes. Buildings, bridges, roads, houses, townhalls, shopping centers, airports, transportation vehicles of all types, anything that you can imagine; his species used webs to build it.
Makarios was the monster that was found in almost all nightmares. His eight legs, eight eyes and hairy body was what invaded most dreams. He was called creepy, disgusting, and frightening only because of his looks. Of all these characteristics, the one that sent most species running was that his main course on almost every meal was blood. Many stories have been told of large terrifying creatures with ferocious teeth and long, sharp claws that were found on lost planets scared no one. But for some odd reason, Makarios, who was shy, friendly and who would only hurt a fly on his web, frighten everyone.
For these reasons, many spiders were introverts. They wanted nothing to do with other species. But as time went on, they found that to survive they would need to interact with other species. Traveling to other planets was a first step. They became known around the Universe and found some acceptance. With this progress, their species were able to evolve and their technology as well. Next, they allowed other species to come to their planet. They opened their world for all to see and learn who they really were. This was a giant leap forward. Only a few species at first, but over time the planet of giant spiders adapted to allow species of all types to accept them. Still, there were many that could not separate them from the monster within so many nightmares.
Makarios never wanted to be a large spider. He always tried to act like another creature. He even adapted his body so that he walked on two legs, so he was accepted by other species. A technique that many other large spiders adapted as well. For some odd reason, they appeared more acceptable walking on two legs than on eight. His biggest dream was to leave home and discover who he really was.
“Is this really what you want to do, son?” asked his father who was standing next to him. They were standing on the platform with many other large spiders as a transportation vehicle sped down the highway. The vehicle looked like a large canister that was attached to a web that was strung across the vast valleys of his home planet. Roads, like everything else was made of webs. Vehicles traveled on the roads by attaching to one of the thousands of webs that made up the roads and then propelled themselves across the web using one of the many different types of propulsion that their species had invented.
“Yes, father,” said a younger Makarios. “I have made my decision.” The way they travelled in these vehicles that look like large canisters was they found a spot to stand. They could stand anywhere in the large round canister even upside down because large spiders could stick to any surface. There was not a space to stand on this vehicle because of where it was heading.
“Son, I know that you are wanting to see the Universe, but this seems like a big responsibility,” said his father with two eyes looking to see how close they were to their destination. “You are young and have yet to experience any hard trials of life. Doing this I believe is too giant of a step.”
“We have had this argument for the last six weeks,” said Makarios with a sigh. “I know that this is what is best for me.” The vehicle stopped at a large, circle shaped building where thousands could be seen entering the building. Nearly all passengers exited the vehicle and began climbing the webs that lead toward the entrance of this building.
Inside were many young species of Makarios’s kind. All of them were there with their parents or guardians as well. They were all found in a large room looking at many different presentations that were taking place. Hundreds of monitors and projectors were showing many different visuals as many watched with great interest.
There were other species that were not from Makarios’s planet, each dressed in dark blue uniforms that presented themselves with perfect professionalism and with military-like mannerisms. Each of them was seen wandering around the room both answering and asking questions. Many of the young giant spiders acted as if talking to these certain species was as if they were meeting their hero. One male of these species in his dark blue uniform walked up to the end of a stage that sat high above the rest of the room. Large images of his face appeared at different areas around the room which grabbed the attention of all the large spiders.
“We welcome all of you to what we hope will be the beginning for many of you to a future of incredible adventures and remarkable learnings. An opportunity for you to explore new worlds, help those that are in need, create and discover new technologies, and just maybe if you are lucky, go where no one has gone before.” There were many shouts of excitement and the pounding of feet which was how large spiders clapped. A giant smile caressed his face as he waited for the “clapping” to cease then he continued, “Each of you are here because you are looking for answers. Answers that will tell you why we can provide you a better future. A path towards a united Universe where you along with us can make that possible.” He paused and looked around trying to read the room. He could tell that the excitement was building. “It will not be easy, but nothing in this Universe that is easy is worth trying. There will be moments that will be difficult, but if you rely on your teammates, your leaders, and your training, you will succeed. I guarantee it.”
More shouts of excitement and the pounding of feet.
“Today, begins your new adventure. Today, you will take the first steps on your new path. Today, you will become a Cadet in the greatest army in this Universe. Not an army that attacks and destroys, but an army that discovers and creates new advances in all sciences. An army that engineers and builds new technologies. That Investigates and solves difficult problems. But most of all, that helps and protects all who we serve. Welcome to the Coalition of Worlds. An alliance of many planets that was organized to bring us together.”
Now there were large roars of excitement, more pounding of feet. The decibel level of the room had grown to deafening heights as hundreds of giant spiders began dancing around the large room, excited for the opportunity that awaited them. Makarios’s father seemed to be the only one that was not excited. Four of his eyes looked at Makarios and the excitement that he was showing and the other four were examining the rest of the room.
“Is this truly what you want to do with your life?” he asked his son who was still pounding his feet and shouting along with the others.
Makarios became motionless. He gave a heavy sigh as he looked at his father. “Father, you know that being on this world is difficult for me. I do not know if I belong here. I need to learn about who I am and what my talents are. This opportunity will give me that. It will help me define who I am and help others to see what our species are capable of accomplishing. They will see that we are not monsters but that we are much more.”
His father gave him a smile. “It will just be difficult to see you leave. You will be gone for so long. I will miss my son.”
“Father,” said Makarios with tears forming in two eyes, “I promise I will return and will return often. With space travel now a days, I am only a few days away.”
“If it is really what you want to do, then I will support you,” expressed his father. Tears were forming in his eyes as well. Surrounded by many dancing spiders excited for the adventure that awaited them, a father and son hugged hoping that this would not be the last time. Makarios closed all eight eyes and darkness appeared.
Makarios’s eyes opened, and he was on a spaceship overlooking a large planet where huge storms were ravaging the species that lived in the world below. Species that lived on the planet were present on the spaceship and were explaining the events that were happening to a small crew that was sent to this planet to try and figure out a solution to this large problem. The entire group were in a large conference-like room where many monitors were displaying graphs, charts and images of the weather events.
Makarios had been a part of this small crew for a short time. In order to be a part of the Coalition of Worlds, you first had to graduate from their academy. He did so with flying colors over a four-year span. Now he was serving as a Science Cadet on his first vessel. His father was very proud. His job on this mission was to study why this planet was experiencing devastating weather occurrences. For more than ten years, the weather had gradually worsened which had caused much strain upon the species that live on this planet. Suddenly at the start of a new winter season this year, large hurricanes were occurring almost daily upon the southern and eastern shores of the largest continent. Hundreds of tornados were ravaging the lands around the areas where the hurricanes had hit. The governments of this world were feeling that departure from their home was now imminent.
The species on the planet had felt that pollution from many different sources had caused these large weather occurrences. When they first began, they put many resources into cleaning their atmosphere by using techniques from other planets. They used the most advance technologies that helped to strengthen the atmospheres of their planet and switched to less pollutant technologies to help lower pollution throughout the planet. The weather occurrences continued to worsen.
Now after many years of using almost all resources on correcting the weather, they were now at a critical stage. Hoping that the best scientists of the Coalition of Worlds could save their home, they asked them for help. They hoped the best minds known throughout the Universe would discover the cause so that they would not have to abandon their home. Makarios was not noted as one of those great minds. His job was to analyze and report.
“We have analyzed the condition of your planet and believe that these adverse effects from the weather are due to pollutants in your atmosphere,” explained a tall slender species that was a well-known scientist for the Coalition of Worlds. “One pollutant in particular, Arbonite, is of concern for us.”
“Arbonite has been burned to heat our buildings and homes for hundreds of years,” said a heavy-set species who lived on this planet. “It is cheap, abundant on our planet and as far as I know, only found on our planet. How can you be sure that this is the problem?”
“Our data shows that there is a chance that this pollutant in your air can be the cause,” advised the scientist.
“But we have used the greatest technologies to clean our atmosphere and have advanced our technologies to be efficient in burning any material that we use to heat our homes from the harsh winters,” explained another species from the planet. “If we stop using Arbonite, our economy will collapse. There is no other resource as abundant as this. Other technologies will cripple our resources in switching to another material.”
“Is your planet not worth the sacrifice?” asked the scientist.
“Making sacrifices is not the reason for us arguing this idea, “explained the first heavy-set species. “We have pushed and sacrificed greatly to get to where we are now and still, we see adverse effects from the weather. This season has been the worse. Now, you want us to make incredible sacrifices based on a small chance. How do we know this will work?”
“We cannot guarantee this, but we have found that this has helped other planets,” answered a second shorter scientist. “We can only tell you what the data shows.”
“We have followed what other planets have done and still the weather worsens,” explained the heavy-set species that lived on this planet. “This sacrifice will be too much for our planet.”
“Then, if you cannot follow the advice we give, then we cannot help you,” said the tall slender scientist with a crude face. “Our data shows no other way.”
“I may have a second theory,” said a creature in the back. His voice was shy and timid. All species turned their heads and looked upon this creature. A large spider where all eight legs seemed to be shaking from freight. “I have…” Makarios began, but then became frighten. He eyed the captain of his vessel who was a surprisingly gentle, encouraging species. A creature who Makarios admired. The captain nodded at Makarios to encourage him to continue. After clearing his throat, he began again, “I have been analyzing data on this planet’s three moons and have discovered something interesting.”
“I doubt it will lead to a solution to this problem,” said the tall slender scientist. “The planets three moons are not the problem.” The scientist turned and was about to speak again when he was interrupted.
“That us hear him out,” said Captain Artemis. He turned to Makarios. “Continue.”
Makarios took a deep breath, closed two eyes, and tried to explain his findings. “Well, the moons’ orbits are…not good. I mean, they are doing things that hurt the planet. They get too close to each other, and weird stuff happens.” All could tell that this young spider was quite nervous and had a hard time explaining details.
The two scientists shook their heads in disappointment. Captain Artemis held up one of his hands which stopped Makarios. “I know this is difficult young Cadet. I have seen your work and I believe the findings are definitely related. Take a moment to assemble your thoughts and begin again.”
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“This is preposterous!” shouted the second scientist. “We do not have time for this!”
“I would like to hear from the young Cadet,” said a kind face species that lived on the planet. “That us see what he has found.”
With the encouragement that Makarios was hearing, he now had more confidence. After a few moments he began to explain his theory once again, “There are three moons that orbit your planet, as you know. I have reviewed the distances that their orbits have from each other and your planet. The moon that is farthest away, has been slowing pushing towards your planet.”
“By how much?” asked the heavy-set species.
“Less than a hundred miles, which is hard to detect by simply viewing the moon,” explained Makarios. “This has been slowly happening over the last fifteen years.”
“Orbits of moons can change over time,” said the second scientist. “Different anomalies can cause this, but the moons orbit will usually fall back to a normal orbit.”
“Agreed,” said Makarios, “but the orbit was not the biggest concern.” The scientist gave Makarios a confused look. “It is the gravitational fields around the moons.”
“Interesting, “remarked the heavy-set species. “What are you seeing?”
“All moons have a gravitational field because of their orbits and their relation to the planet they orbit, but the farthest moon is unique. I have analyzed the pull that this moon now has in relation to past history. It definitely has increased in strength and continues to draw inward each time it passes by another moon. Something continues to pull it towards the planet and only happens when passing by the other moons.”
“Are you certain?” asked Captain Artemis.
“I have spent days going over this,” remarked Makarios. “I am positive,” he said a little to timidly which made the captain give him a confused look. “I am certain,” he repeated with more confidence.
“I have never heard of this happening on other planets,” said the tall thin scientist.
“Yes, but we know gravitational fields can cause weather disturbances on planets,” said the other scientist at the shock of the tall thin scientist and the captain.
“You believe this nonsense,” said the tall, thin scientist.
“If the young cadet is right that the farthest moon is being pulled inward each passing occurrence of the other two moons, then this is unique,” explained the other scientist. “These events on this planet are truly unique and would require something severe to cause it.”
“But the young cadet is jumping to far off conclusions based on limited data!” shouted the tall, thin scientist. “There is nothing to support that the unique orbit of the farthest moon is causing these weather events! It is pure…nonsense!”
“We thought the same about your theory as well!” remarked one of the species that lives on the planet which caused the captain to smile. “You feel we should stop using an abundant resource on our planet that works efficiently and is cheap to collect because you feel it pollutes the atmosphere and that there is a slight chance that it is causing these events! Our economy would be crippled!”
“My research is sound!” yelled the tall, thin scientist. “We know pollutants can cause weather events like these! Not orbiting moons!”
“I do not agree,” stated the other scientist. “I have never seen weather events like these being caused by harsh pollutants in the air. Besides, these species have used the best know technologies to clean their atmosphere.”
“You first agreed with my theory, but now you oppose it?!” asked the tall, thin scientist to the other shorter scientist.
“I merely stated that there is a chance, but a small chance,” said the other scientist. “I am only trying to keep an open mind.”
“No! You are trying to make me look like a fool!”
“Enough!” said the captain. The two scientists looked at the captain in shock. When they saw his face and the face of all the other species that lived on the planet, they bowed their heads in shame.
“Young Cadet Makarios,” said Captain Artemis. Makarios raised his head and looked at the captain with seven eyes, but one eye was still on the scientists. “I want you to continue to research your theory. Try to discover what is pulling the moon towards the planet. Use whatever resources you need. That will be all, thank you.”
Everyone began leaving the room. The two scientists were first out the door. The captain stepped in front of Makarios and gave him a smile.
“Good work, Cadet!”
“Thank you, Captain,” said Makarios timidly.
“Do not be afraid to speak up,” said the captain with a warm smile. “You are knowledgeable, and your research is sound. I trust your judgement.”
“Thank you.”
“We just need to work on your communication skills,” Captain Artemis half-joked as he walked out of the room. Makarios gave a small-sigh and closed his eyes and darkness appears.
His eyes opened and he was on the bridge of the same ship. Many different species were on the bridge, and they were preparing for a dangerous procedure that would cause the planet to be unlivable in a very short time if it failed. They were preparing to fire upon the farthest moon from the planet with a high-powered laser beam. The beam would be focused on a small area using coordinates that Makarios provided. The laser beam would have to be constant and long enough to melt away the material that was on the moon.
After many long days of research, Makarios found that a meteor had struck the surface of the moon at a high velocity. The impact created a large crater and material from the large meteor fell towards the core of the moon. The material was discovered to contain powerful energy particles that created a negative magnetic impact with the core of the moon. This increased the gravitational field around the moon which then caused the moon to be pulled towards passing moons. This then enhanced the passing moon’s gravitational field which then pulled on the planet’s gravitational field. This pull caused the plates underneath the large land masses to shift sending energy waves up towards the surface which caused large thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornados and even volcanos and earthquakes. No one would have ever found that this was the cause except a young Science Cadet that loved everything about science. He now had put together a plan to resolve the problem and he admitted the plan was risky. He was nervous and all around him could tell, but they had gain faith in his capabilities. They had stopped seeing him as a large giant monster but as a capable Science Cadet.
“Are we certain that this high-powered laser beam will not destroy the moon?” asked Captain Artemis.
“I…I think so…but…I think it will be fine,” answered a large nervous spider.
“What does your research tell you?” asked the short scientist.
“The beam…should not…I mean…” stumbled the large spider.
“Cadet,” smiled the captain. “Breathe and know that we trust you.”
“Sorry, Captain. It is just crucial that this work perfectly.”
“That is why we are here to help.”
Makarios smiled with his teethe grin and said, “Research shows that the material that is omitting the energy particles is close to the core, but we should be able to drill through the surface with the laser beam and melt away the material with no damage to the core.” He took a deep breath and continued, “We were able to obtain a sample of the material, which we kept contained just in case it was lethal. Good thing because we found out it was lethal.” He smiled and gave a small chuckle, but Captain Artemis did not laugh. “Sorry…We took the proper precautions and did a test run in our lab. The material did melt, and we did not find any omitting energy particles.” Another deep breath. “Now, this procedure of melting away the material will only melt about ninety percent but the material that is left will not cause any more problems. We have kept additional samples so that we can test it for additional purposes, so we know what this stuff is.”
“Captain, I have reviewed the cadet’s work and find it acceptable,” said the short scientist.
“Very well. Proceed young Cadet,” commanded the captain.
“Yes, sir.
Makarios walked over to the bridge officer that commanded the weapon’s station and gave her the coordinates. She plugged in the numbers, set the laser cannon to the right strength and then began to fire towards the moon. The impact created a tiny puff of dust rising from the surface which all could see on the large monitor of the bridge. Another monitor showed the depth of the laser and how much deeper until they reached the target. The integrity of the moon was also being monitored as well.
“I am seeing cracks around the core of the moon but nothing that will be critical,” notified a Science Officer.
“Another fifteen seconds and we should reach the target,” answered another bridge officer.
Makarios kept all eyes closed except one as he nervously watched the beam drill closer to the target. Finally, it reached. Now the beam had to be intensified in order to melt the material and leave it futile. As the beam intensified, the material began producing higher energy waves which made many nervous. They stopped intensifying the strength of the beam because they thought the energy waves could cause irreparable damage to the core of the moon.
“These high energy waves should only last a minute or two. We saw that on the test run. It is not powerful enough to do any damage,” explained Makarios, trying hard to hide his nervousness. He went over this test run hundreds of times and he was certain the energy waves coming from the material would not damage the core. That was why he choose to melt the material because that would minimize the energy output from this material. A hard-quick laser blast would allow the material to discharge all at once and would crack the moon in half. Melting the material allowed the energy to slowing leak out and dissolve away harmlessly. Even though he knew all this, he was still nervous but somehow knew nothing would go wrong.
The bridge officer not wanting to take the order of a young Cadet, looked over at the captain. He first showed a concerned face then calmly nodded towards the bridge officer running the controls. The bridge officer continued to intensify the beam.
“Integrity of the moon is still in parameters,” stated another bridge officer.
After two to three minutes, energy output from the material could not be found and the energy beam was stopped. The core of the moon was intact. Readings on the gravitational field began to show a lessening.
“How long until we know that this worked?” asked one of the species from the planet that was on the bridge.
“The moon should begin returning to its normal orbit over time. I would say within six-month time according to your time standards,” answered one of the scientists.
“Without the pull of the high gravitational waves, you should expect to see a difference in your weather almost immediately,” explained Makarios.
“That is true,” stated a bridge officer who was monitoring the weather effects of the planet. “I am already seeing a reduction in the energy waves from the core of the planet and already seeing a reduction of the energy in the dangerous weather events.”
“That is wonderful news!” shouted one of the species. “Thank you so much for your efforts!”
“Thank a young, shy Cadet for having the courage to speak out and the capability to find the solution,” said Captain Artemis. “There are not many that would have found this problem.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Makarios. “I just got lucky.”
“No,” said the captain. “You showed us what an ambitious young Science Cadet is capable of. An example for all of us to follow. Always remember that young Cadet. Good hard work can solve the problem.”
Makarios smiled, his eyes close and darkness appears.
He awoke and saw that he was on the same ship as before, but things had changed. The ship had been through a tremendous battle and there was damage found everywhere. Fire had erupted in the engine room. Debris was falling from the ship’s walls. Many crew members were injured or dead. The ship seemed to be floating lifeless in space as many Kraken ships flew past it, pursuing other vessels that were trying to escape.
Makarios had made his way to the bridge of the ship with two other crew members. They were attempting to help as many as possible and their mission had found not to be very helpful. Most crew members they had found could not be helped or they did not have the resources to help. Now they searched the bridge and found their captain and he too was not in good shape.
“Captain!” shouted Makarios. “Captain! Where are you injured?” Makarios scanned the captain’s body looking for injuries. He found burns and gashes over most of his body. He immediately placed a medical instrument against the captain’s chest and started a medical scan. Captain Artemis opened his eyes and saw the large giant spider trying to help him.
“Hello, Cadet,” whispered the captain. “I knew you would not follow orders and abandoned ship. You have too much heart.”
“Sorry, Captain. We just want to help. How can we help?”
The captain smiled and his breathing became very irregular. He knew he was close to death. “You cannot save me. Save yourselves. here is no hope here.”
“Sir!” cried Makarios. “Can we not call for help!? We need reinforcements!”
“There is no one…” Captain began to cough, and his breathing worsen. He was able to compose himself and began to speak, “The alliance headquarters has been destroyed. Many ships have fallen.” More heavy breaths. “The alliance is gone.”
Makarios and the other crew members could not think of anything to say. They could only stare at their dying Captain.
“Makarios,” whispered Captain Artemis. “Save yourselves and your friends. Keep fighting. You are much stronger than you think you are.” More heavy breaths and the captain knew death was close. “Cadet,” Captain Artemis said with all his strength. “It has been an honor.” The captain’s eyes closed and his body went limp.
Makarios felt tears running down his hairy face from all eight eyes. He felt hopeless and lost. The other crew members turned to him for answers.
“Makarios!” one of the crew members shouted. “What do we do now?”
Makarios could only stare at his fallen Captain. After a few seconds, he raised his gaze and met that of his fellow crew members. He took a deep breath and said, “We follow our Captain’s orders. We keep fighting.” His eyes closed and darkness appeared.
Makarios awoke and standing before him was the General. “The program is complete.” He gestured the giant spider to the large glass doors and Makarios obeyed. When he saw his teammates standing at the bottom of the stairs below the device, he could only smile. He thought to himself that it was wonderful to be a part of an alliance again, even if they were a unique bunch.
Igetis was the first to ask him, “How are you feeling Makarios?”
With everything that had been running through his mind, the giant spider had not even realized how wonderful he felt. He had not noticed how his vision had greatly improved and that his legs felt stronger than ever. He looked above him and saw the glass ceiling above this large room. With little effort, he jumped high into the air and then twisted his body so that the bottom of his legs was flying first towards the ceiling. He easily attached himself to the ceiling and began running upside down across the ceiling with incredible quickness. All below shouted and hollered as they cheered him on below. When he reached the end of the glass ceiling at the far end of the room, he jumped towards the floor below with incredible velocity. Just before he smashed against the floor, he shot out a web towards the ceiling. As the web attached against the ceiling, the giant spider pulled on the web, and he swung gracefully across the large room. The cheering intensified as they saw their friend swinging across the room. He shot out another web when he reached the length of the first web, and he swung with the second. He repeated this until he reached from where he first launched. He landed gracefully from where he first took off and stared at his team below who were all still shouting and cheering. Makarios then looked down at Igetis. A giant smile appeared across his hairy face. “I am ready to bring this fight to them. The nightmares that they have given to me will not even compare to the nightmares that they will have of us.” More cheering was heard as Igetis could only smile.
“Now it is my turn!” shouted Gelio.