Enid barely had time to adapt to the blue-white tunnel around them when they dropped out of the FTL speed and the fullness of Saturn filled the front view of Apollo’s 360 degree holohud. She could even make out the rings. Her mouth dropped open. Never in her thousands of years of existence did she ever imagine she would be close enough to another planet that it looked as though she could reach out and touch it.

“Apollo…let me see it with my own eyes.”

The hologram faded and the cockpit went transparent again. Enid touched it with her hand as if reaching out to touch Saturn.

“Its…. beautiful. Umm…why am I not mortal?”

“You’re past the lethal zone for sunlight.”

“What is the lethal zone?”

“The edge roughly lines up with the so-called goldilocks zone.”

“Oh.”

Enid had looked down at the console when speaking but then looked back at Saturn.

“If only Rolf could have seen this… It’s so… I have no words.”

“We are ten minutes out from Titan, would you like me to engage autopilot?”

Enid started shaking her head as she tore her eyes away from the massive planet before her.

“No.”

The cockpit turned black again and the hologram appeared around her.

“I am tracking five interceptors. Our undeclared FTL jump will have come up on sensors.”

“Engage cloak.”

“Cloak engaged.”

Enid took the stick and pushed the throttle forward. She banked the fighter to the side and flew between two fighters from the patrol and flew towards the yellow ball that was Titan.

“How good is the cloak in Atmosphere?”

“It works visually but we still disturb the atmosphere around us. Anything over Mach 2 causes flickers that cannot be compensated for.”

“Got it.”

Enid hung in orbit around Titan. She was amazed by the amount of traffic. There was a station in orbit around the large moon. Cargo ships were coming and going. She started seeking through the various sensors on the fighter. She looked at the time and she could barely believe that thirty minutes ago she had been in Amee’s office. Now she was floating above an entirely different planet.

“Did you use maximum FTL speed to get here Apollo?”

“I did not.”

“What? I thought it was maximum six times the speed of light last I heard.”

“With my drive alone, I have a theoretical maximum velocity of a ten thousand times the speed of light. However, the increase is exponential and should not be used inside solar systems. Gravity wells cause instability and at lower velocities it is manageable, though theoretically with an additional generator my worm hole projector is capable of infinite velocities.”

“Okay…uh..let me unpack that. Maria has increased light speed to the point you can reach Alpha Centauri in under two days?”

“Yes, a one-way trip is just under 5 hours.”

“Wait…you’ve done it?”

“Yes. It is why this fighter was equipped with an artificial intelligence.”

“What about time dilation?”

“Because the FTL drive skims the boundary of dimensional space it is minimal as the laws of physics do not apply as human science know them.”

“How much antimatter did that generate?”

“A minimal amount, antimatter generation involves time in dimensional space, not distance or speed.”

“And what the fuck is a worm hole generator?”

“My worm hole projector is a prototype of Project Stargate. It would make FTL drives only necessary for long range exploration and gate building. It draws a direct line between two points in space. Once opened instantaneous transit is plausible. It remains untested between star systems as predicting what is at the other end of a wormhole before opening it is currently impossible due to light lag.”

“So why build it at all?”

“It can used inside the solar system with relative accuracy.”

“Is it dangerous to something on the other end?”

“No, if solid non-dispersed matter exists then it will fail. The power requirements are immense. I require extra generators to create one. One wormhole will effectively use enough antimatter to provide an entire dome with energy for five years. It is why only one instant communications hub exists on each planet. Even maintaining a two-way link is costly.”

“Wait…worm holes are used for communications?”

“Yes, they have been for decades.”

“Jesus.”

“I fail to see what a religious figure has to do with this conversation.”

“Uh figure of speech. Anyway, I guess we should land. Got any ideas of how to do it? I mean you’re going to stick out.”

“I can maintain optical cloaking on fusion power indefinitely.”

“How long will your antimatter generator last?”

“Current reserves will be enough for indefinite standby.”

“How about usage?”

“Several hours of combat level use.”

“Oh, one other question about FTL…”

“Yes?”

“Do you have to stop every so often to dump antimatter?”

“If by dump antimatter you mean redirect it to the generator or the weapons system from magnetic storage, yes. However, I can travel for a month without having to redirect antimatter in that manner.”

“So, you cannot do it on the fly.”

“No. I am unable to transfer during FTL travel as it could overload magnetic containment.”

“Okay, so…back to how we land you and hide you.”

“I can project a different IFF and my cloak can also be used to project a hologram.”

“Are you built for spying or something?”

“Yes. Why else would someone build an FTL capable cloak fighter?”

“So, you can look like…a short range one manned personal craft?”

“Yes.”

“Alrighty then. Make us look…normal.”

“I have entered our course as originating from Rhea.”

“Rhea?”

“Another moon of Saturn. It is the main water and oxygen supply for Saturn’s planetary system.”

“Ah.”

“Anywhere else may be suspicious. As personal craft do not have FTL capabilities. Only certain corporations have been licensed for the technology. I have also ensured you have reservations at our landing point.”

“Reservations?”

“Yes. Our landing point is Pleasure Dome 3. The chairwoman has created an identity for your appearance, Sarah Young. It will take time to get corporate dome access and the Chairwoman requires me on planet to ensure it happens. You are an employee of Oxyhydro-Life. You are here for vacation. I have taken the liberty of using your identities funds to book an all-access all-inclusive package and dock fees for two weeks.”

“Got it, but what is a Pleasure Dome? Cause I think…I’ve had enough of that recently.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“It is a resort dome built to mimic a place on old earth called Bora Bora.”

“As in Sun, Sand, Ocean?”

“Yes.”

“But Titan is super cold right?”

“With our current technologies temperature is a minor inconvenience the mean temperature is 29 C in Pleasure Dome 3 during its daytime cycle.”

“Well…lets hope I have a bathing suit in my pack.”

“That will not be necessary. I sent word ahead that your luggage was lost in transit and that you will require a full wardrobe. The cost will be deducted from your identities funds automatically.”

“Do you make toast too?”

“I do not understand the reference.”

“Nevermind. Let’s land.”

“Requesting clearance now.”

Enid looked at the soft orange atmosphere of Titan as the moon grew larger. It was more interesting than Earth by far, Earth was just a giant grey-white globe these days. She looked to the massive Saturn in the distance. The rich yellow and browns kept her attention until Apollo spoke again.

“We have clearance, would you like me to land?”

“No, I’ll do it, need to get used to this new flying in space and reentry thing. Anything I should know about entering the atmosphere?”

“I will ensure you are kept up to date on the proper angle of decent. It varies with landing location due to atmospheric pressure and gravity.”

“Shit I didn’t even think of that. It will be lower gravity.”

“No, inside the domes artificial gravity generators keep everything at an Earth norm.”

“Alrighty then. I have the stick.”

Enid angled Apollo towards the planet and hit her thrustors. As she hit the atmosphere she lifted the nose to slow her airspeed. She watched as the shield bubble started to glow then faded. It was once she breached the atmosphere. She could see lights approaching. She saw a dome that dwarfed New Amazon come into view. The fighter started to frost up immediately. She saw intake warnings that vanished shortly after.

“What was that about?”

“Condensation, it is common when entering thick atmospheres. All ships that are capable of planetary landings have systems to deal with it.”

“Oh.”

Enid heard Apollo speak.

“This is personal craft Kilo-Tango Four-Eight requesting landing permission. Reservation number 89421945.”

“Clearance granted. Land at bay 982.”

A flight path indicator showed up on Enid’s HUD she followed it in flipping on the VTOL and she glided in with directional thrustors. She extended the landing gear and came to rest gently.

“Oh that was soft and super responsive.”

“Anti-gravity generators are known for that.”

Enid chuckled.

“Where have you been all my life?”

“Not yet built.”

Enid shrugged. He had her there. She unstrapped herself from the harness.

“Aunt Enid.”

“Yes.”

“Please leave your holo-phone at all times so I can monitor your life signs.”

“I’m dead.”

“I can still track your location and maintain constant communications.”

“I may do things that are morally…and legally questionable, you would be party to them if you know what is going on, are you alright with that?”

“I am well aware of your methods Aunt Enid.”

“Alright then, I’ll keep it on…uh how do they handle salt water?”

“It will be fine.”

“Wish me luck.”

“You will not need luck. You are Enid Aurelius.”

“Glad you have confidence in my abilities.”

Enid hopped over the cockpit lid. She saw a landing crew getting ready to do routine fusion fueling. She held up her hands.

“No need. Please make sure no one enters my bay. My ship has proprietary technology and has a very effective security system. I wouldn’t want any fatalities.”

Enid mentally had the armor soak up the helmet.

“Of course, Doctor Young.”

Sarah quirked an eyebrow as the pair walked out. She walked to the landing bay door and locked it down. She found herself face to face with a woman who was shorter than her Sarah shape. She looked down at the mousy looking brunette woman. The woman adjusted her glasses. Enid hadn’t see many people with actual glasses since she’d arrived, this was in fact the first.

“Doctor Young. You booked our excelsior package. That includes an assistant. My name is Morgan Parrish. I will be your assistant during your stay.”

“Uh, don’t really need an assistant.”

“None the less I will be at your disposal. Please follow me. I’ve taken the liberty of having some clothing dropped at your room. The rest will follow once it arrives. We’ve only had your reservation for thirty minutes.”

Enid followed the woman who walked at a pace that surprised her. Once Morgan saw that Enid wasn’t keeping up she slowed down.

“My apologies Ma’am.”

“No need. I’m here on vacation, I will not be doing any work, no need to rush. I am expecting my security detail soon.”

“This is the most secure resort in the entire solar system ma’am. You will not need security.”

“I’ve heard that before.”

“Of course, ma’am. I should note that our dome has a UV component to simulate sunlight so some form of tanning solution is recommended.”

“I’m a full conversion. My skin is fake. It doesn’t tan.”

“I apologize for my confusion ma’am you do not appear to be modded and our scanners didn’t pick up any. Also, you’re wearing a pendant from the Church of the Dark Mother…”

“I am…shielded. And what does the Dark Mother have to do with this?”

“Some of the more orthodox believers consider body modification the highest form of sin.”

“Is that why you’re wearing glasses?”

“Yes.”

Enid sighed. She had to bite her tongue. A half of her wanted to launch into a tirade about religions and how stupid they are. The other half of her wanted to reveal she was in fact the Dark Mother and that the belief was stupid.

“I try to never discuss religion, politics, or corporate leadership, but where in the book of the Dark Mother does it say that? Was she not a vampire?”

“Yes. Only the pure can be turned.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Once turned all implants cease to function.”

“I did not know that. So…it is your belief you could be turned?”

“Yes, the truly blessed find immortality.”

Enid shook her head. This is why her father banned religions based on vampires, or interference with mortals. She should have taken his lessons to heart. Not that she could have prevented the outing of vampires after the battle with the Black Son since she had ‘died’.

“With technology you can be effectively immortal as well and you won’t have to drink blood.”

“Maybe if you’re wealthy.”

Enid noticed a hint of disgust in the woman’s voice, she had disguised it well, but Enid could tell gift or no, that this woman found her existence abhorrent.

“You find me disgusting, don’t you?”

“No ma’am.”

Enid laughed softly. Lie.

“It is alright, you can tell me the truth, I’ll still give you a ten out of ten service, I prefer honesty from my assistants.”

“Yes. You wear the symbol yet you understand nothing of her.”

“I wear this because my bodyguard gave me it, asked me to keep it on so the Dark Mother would watch over me. I am not a follower. I do not believe.”

“Then why wear it?”

“Because my bodyguard believes. Her faith is her own. It doesn’t hurt me to wear it so I do.”

“So you respect others beliefs? That is rare from a corpo.”

“I am more then I appear. I do know something of the Dark Mother. I know she often said do not judge people by their appearance. I also know she was a fan of people making their own choices. I also know that she would want her followers to live full, comfortable lives and would never wish her vampirism on them.”

“How do you know all that if you’re not a believer?”

“I am friends with her sister and daughter.”

“Those are fakes. They use the Aurelius name…”

Enid sighed. Like arguing on social media. Some people would always be blinded by conspiracies that didn’t exist.

“I’ve met her you know. On Earth. She was on New Amazon.”

The woman paused and looked at her.

“You do not need to mock me.”

“I’m not. I saw her rip the cybernetic arm off of one of her followers and rip his data jack out. She healed him so he wouldn’t die but she just stared at him while he pleaded for mercy from her. She isn’t who you think she is.”

“Lies.”

“I never lie about the serious things, Morgan. Only to conceal truths that don’t matter. I’m like the Dark Mother in that respect.”

“I am obviously just here to be mocked. I will request a replacement for you.”

Enid sighed.

“I like you. So, I’m going to just agree to disagree with you. We’re both professionals, right?”

Morgan’s lips were a straight line as she glared at Enid.

“Of course, ma’am.”

“If you are a full conversion, perhaps I can be of more assistance if you tell me why you are here? It is obviously not for a tan. You could have gone too far more posh places if you wanted to be spoiled. Instead of dealing with the families and children here.”

“Can I trust you Morgan?”

“Yes ma’am. As part of each guest’s stay which I assist with I sign a non-disclosure agreement. I would never violate that trust. My word is sacred as is the way with the Dark Mother. A promise must be kept and trust me be kept absolutely.”

Enid blinked at the fervor in the woman’s statement.

“My children were kidnapped; I am here waiting for access to investigate.”

“Children…but…”

“I wasn’t always like this.”

“Oh. I see. I can contact the authorities…”

“I am already working with the WTO. But my daughter…is important and we do not want to worry investors. Also, we were not meant to know they were taken yet. So, this must stay between us, the utmost secrecy. Authorities will bungle it. That is why I’m involved; I still need my bodyguard before I can proceed. So, at this point what I need from you is, clothing, and to help me appear like any other vacationing corporate officer. So, if anyone asks I’m a devout worshiper of the Dark Mother and have no cybernetics, can we say that?”

“Of course, ma’am. Our scanners didn’t detect anything. Do you need weapons?”

“No, I will have them when I need them. Like I said, I need you to run interference. Since you’re assigned to me anyway.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Any assistance you give me towards the return of my children will be richly rewarded. I do in fact know the Dark Mother and she is the reason we have the information we do. I may even be able to arrange immortality for you.”

Morgan blinked at Enid.

“I can at least arrange for you to meet with her.”

“You can ask my bodyguard when she arrives. She has already had a visit with her.”

“How can you say you aren’t a believer if you’ve met her.”

“I’ve known her my entire life. It is hard to see someone like that as a messiah. It is like they say, never meet your heroes, they will let you down.”

Morgan blinked a few times and seemed to have decided the topic of conversation wasn’t for her. She pointed to a holo display.

“With the package selected you have access to all feeds available, a priority system net connection. I have ensured the clothing I acquired is in the closet. When you have more information on the how I can assist with your problem please let me know.”

Enid nodded.

“Thank you, Morgan. I’ll let you know when my bodyguard arrives.”

Morgan bowed slightly and left the room. Enid walked out onto the balcony. She suddenly had memories of Okinawa. The ocean’s sound, smell and the seagulls pulled her centuries to the past she felt herself wishing that it was real and that she were able to be mortal again and then she felt her heart start to beat.

“Fuck. Why now?”

Her armor comms crackled to life. Apollo’s voice came through.

“You are an unauthorized user of this holo communication device.”

“Its me Apollo. My body has decided it was time to be mortal again. Happens sometimes, as inconvenient as it might be.”

“Voice pattern and genetic lock confirmed. I apologize Aunt Enid.”

“I should have warned you. I just didn’t think it would happen when my daughters are in danger. I should not have assumed it has been fickler then normal lately.”

Enid sighed and leaned on the balcony railing.

“Fuck.”

“Aunt Enid, I have a priority message from WTO HQ.”

“Put it through.”

Amee’s face appeared on her a holo in front of her.

“Did you find out something?”

“Yes, I’m sorry Enid. We found remains of Eyre and the crew. We did not find…Hazel’s remains. Someone needs to…take over Aurelius. You can’t do any good there, come bac-”