Lusamdra stood at the window in the fading twilight, watching Elthys and Tyris dip below the horizon. Leltia went to him, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head against his shoulder. “My husband, please reconsider. Please try to see reason. If you show up unannounced, and upset carefully laid plans, there is no telling what could happen.”
With a heavy sigh, Lusamdra took his wife’s hands in his own. “She made it, my love. Whisper made it there alive, and I can’t risk losing her again. I know everyone believes I’ll act rashly, or will endanger the mission if I go, but they’re wrong. She’s our daughter. How can anyone ask me to sit here and wait?
Leltia reached up and rested her hand on Lusamdra’s cheek, caressing it softly. “Would you ask me to lose both of you? Tenebris was nearly victorious last time we encountered him. If not for Elthys and Tyris, we would have perished. I think we need to trust our daughter, and trust Raddanech. He intends to ask to be wedded to her, nothing could take him from her side. We would also risk further enraging Tenebris. Do not forget that he longs so deeply for vengeance. We were there, we defied him and we fought against him. His wrath would be ever so much stronger if the three of you were in the same place.”
“Leltia, I do not want anyone to be lost, that is why I must go. You are wise, and please understand how difficult it is for me to have to refuse you. If only I could afford to take your counsel, and to stay here.” Lusamdra answered, looking deeply into her lavender eyes. “All of these long years, we could only wonder if she was still alive. She was so badly wounded when I sent her through the gateway. Now we finally know the answer, and she needs me.”
“I understand.” Leltia replied, dropping her eyes and looking down at their joined hands. Her soft, pale blue hair fell over her shoulders as she sighed softly. “I know that I can’t stop you from going, but I had to speak my mind. When will you leave?” She asked.
“Immediately. If the others realized I was planning to go, they would interfere. They would never consent to it, and I don’t feel that waiting around is wise.” Lusamdra answered, kissing his wife softly on the top of her head. “If you are questioned, tell the Council that you tried to stop me.”
“I won’t cover this up, that will only worsen matters. I intend to inform them as soon as you’re away.” Leltia answered, looking up to meet her husband’s gaze. “Even though we disagree on many things, they are our friends, our people. We shouldn’t see them as the enemy.”
“You are right, my love. I know that I let my feelings rule me at times, and I know the Council only wants what’s best for our people. It’s just... Light, they’re stubborn sometimes! They don’t know when to compromise, when to see another perspective.” Lusamdra shook his head as he spoke. His amethyst eyes betrayed a hint of sadness.
“Come now, love. We shouldn’t waste any more time.” Leltia said matter-of-factly. She knew all too well that when her husband made up his mind, arguing the matter was senseless. She walked across the room and pulled his Defense Force issued pack from the closet, already packed and ready to go. She favored Lusamdra with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Leltia! You knew I would do this.” The simple statement brought a smile to his lips. His wife was a remarkable woman. “You really are too good for me. I don’t deserve you.” He hugged her closely before pulling back, and looking into her eyes once again. “I promise you, we will return to you. Whisper, Raddanech and I will come home when this is over.”
“Of course I knew, but even so, I had to try to talk some sense into you.” Leltia answered, inclining her head in a slight nod. “You had better go, before anyone comes to collect you for the next Council meeting.”
Lusamdra nodded as he took his pack from his wife. He kissed her softly again before turning away. He called on his power, seeking the signature of Raddanech’s gate. He could see the remnants of light energy where it wove through the reaches of space. It was a simple matter to call his own for the same location. He raised his hand in a final wave to Leltia before stepping through, allowing the gateway to close behind him.
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Raddanech’s eyes widened in surprise as another gateway opened directly behind him, and Lusamdra stepped out into the room. “What in the name of our Stars are you doing here?” He asked, turning to face the new arrival. “Any other surprises we should be aware of?”
“You know I had to be here, Raddanech. Council’s wishes aside, my place is here.” Lusamdra answered, turning to find his daughter staring back at him. “Whisper…” he said, unable to find the words.
“Father!” Whisper exclaimed, running to him and throwing her arms around him. She was too overwhelmed to say more, but a tear ran down her cheek as he returned her embrace. It was surreal to her, she could not believe that her father was there with her, after so long.
“I don’t mean to interrupt…” Chevor said solemnly. “But I think we should be preparing. Look” He said simply, pointing toward the window. In the distance, the sky was darkening at an unnatural rate, thick clouds gathering in the atmosphere and seeming to sink toward the ground. The wind howled as it blew leaves and debris against the side of the facility. The air itself was becoming thicker, and as they watched, the leaves of the trees further down the mountain began to darken and curl. The life seemed to drain from the plants and trees in a darkening line that was creeping slowly toward them. The defenders stood for a moment, realizing with sickening clarity that their time was up. Tenebris was here.
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Shaken from his tender moment with Whisper, Lusamdra watched the horror begin to unfold before them. As he turned back from it, he noticed Ion’s presence for the first time, his eyes meeting the otherworldly gaze of the man his daughter had created. This was not the first encounter they had experienced, but Lusamdra was still unnerved by him. He knew that Whisper cherished Ion, and for that, he accepted his presence.
“Oh Light!” Whisper said, her voice shaken as it occurred to her that there were men outside. “The military! We have to get those people inside at once, and lock down before anyone else goes out there.”
“Agreed.” Raddanech said, nodding to Haleth and Jassin. He was in command now, preparing for war. “You two, get up to Security as fast as you can, we have to get everyone inside. Szostak will be able to handle that. Ion, bring the C.O.R.E. down to ground level, and cover the doors, just in case there’s a panic. We can’t have anyone doing anything stupid. Once we seal the doors, that’s it, we can’t expend energy on anyone left outside. We go to war, my friends. May the Stars light our way, and bring us home victorious.” Giving the blessing, Raddanech took the battle staff from his back, and holding it firmly, he motioned for the others to follow as he left the room, headed for the ground floor, and the coming battle.
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Szostak looked up in surprise as a shimmering blue-white gateway emerged in the center of his situation room, and two more of the deathly pale beings stepped through. He caught the briefest glimpse of Whisper’s apartment, filled to the brim with more of the alien people. Nothing surprised him now, and he simply nodded at the two new arrivals.
“Tenebris is here.” Haleth reported, recognizing the unmistakable presence of a commander. “Raddanech says to inform you that we need to get everyone inside immediately and secure the facility.”
“He does, does he? Last I checked, I’m still in command of my forces here, and the special forces teams are under the command of the Pentagon and the President.” Szostak remarked sarcastically. “Might I ask who you are?”
“My name is Haleth. And I’m afraid there is no time for formalities. Take a look for yourself.” Haleth said, gesturing toward the window.
Szostak turned and went to the window, and a startled gasp escaped him. The darkening line of decay continued to creep forward, and was steadily drawing nearer to Onyx facility. “The hell?” he questioned, turning back to Haleth.
“That is Tenebris, or rather his influence. We believe that he may be consuming the life force of the growth he is encountering, in an attempt to strengthen himself. It is unclear if it is only the plants or if it affects other living things as well. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to see that until it’s far too late. It’s your command, and you’re free to take the advice or not, but we don’t want to see anyone killed if we can help it.” Haleth explained.
“Not a risk I’m willing to take with our people.” Szostak answered. “Pardon my abrupt behavior, I’m just damn tired of being the last to know what the hell is happening.” He added with a sigh.
“I understand, and we’re on the same team.” Haleth answered, inclining his head toward Szostak. “It isn’t every day one has to face a Prime Aspect, and they are frightening beings, even to us.”
“Let’s move.” Szostak answered, stepping around the desk and keying the facility intercom. “Attention! All personnel still present remain inside the facility. Repeat, all personnel still present remain inside the facility.”
He motioned to Haleth and moved from the command center at a brisk jog, heading for the elevator. He selected the ground floor, and when they arrived, he hurried to the front door where the guards were positioned, and were also now surrounded by the C.O.R.E. Haleth moved aside, and Szostak shoved his way past several of the automatons, approaching his people. Outside, he could see several of the special forces teams, along with a number of facility personnel still trying to complete the evacuation. “Get those people back inside, NOW!” Szostak ordered, shoving the door open and running outside into the gathering darkness. He quickly located Special Forces Commander Afton, patrolling the area outside. “Afton! We need to clear everyone out of here! Get your boys inside! ALL of them!”
“Sir, my orders are to control the perimeter, and unless I hear otherwise, I can’t leave my post.” Afton answered.
“Orders be damned, unless you want them all killed! This thing is sucking the life out of everything it touches.” Szostak explained. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and ran for the facility, shouting as he moved. “EVERYONE INSIDE NOW!” He had done all he could, and he noted with satisfaction that everyone in sight was close behind him.
Afton pulled his secure phone from his uniform pocket and dialed Command. He briefed the Secretary, and then issued orders to move his men inside. As they entered, they were stunned to see the eerie, inhuman, C.O.R.E, standing silent watch to either side of the hallway. Afton hurried them through, and directed his people into one of the large presentation rooms. As the men were proceeding into the room, he took one last look behind him. Before his eyes, he saw several people stop just short of the doors. They went still, and then seemed to transform. Their skin took on a sickening gray hue, and one of them screamed out as they were overcome by the approaching darkness. “SECURE THOSE DOORS!” He shouted, and leapt into motion, pulling the front doors tightly shut and jamming the lock. He raced back into the interior set of doors and activated the airtight containment system that was intended to contain viral contaminants in the event of a leak. He watched in horror as the creatures that had been people moments before, began to throw themselves against the glass, attempting to gain access. They heard the bone-chilling sound of a disembodied laugh as Tenebris arrived at Onyx Facility.