Brink of Knowledge: Galactic Histories, #2

PROLOGUE

JANUARY 5350

Long ago, the Onglindorii traveled the universe. Tall, slender, and beautiful beyond compare, these astute beings sailed through the stars, setting up colonized worlds throughout the early days of the universe. Onglindorii technology was advanced, and legends say that they were able to develop a device called the Cyclar, a powerful device used to recycle a world's life and ecosystems into a new, more efficient world to fit their needs. Nobody knows if the Cyclar exists or how often it was used. Some say that planets that were recycled had massive statues buried in mounds to commemorate the Onglindorii that shaped the new world. Some say that using the Cyclar disfigured the Onglindorii, morphing them into terrible monsters, leading to the downfall of their expansive intergalactic empire. Early Intergalactic Exploration Force teams claimed to have found strange, technologically advanced artifacts in large mounds on distant planets. Those artifacts and records have been lost to time and were never verified or input into the Alien World Database. Some were sold on the intergalactic black market to make a fortune in credits. One thing is for certain: If the Cyclar was ever found—if it’s even real—whoever controlled it would control the universe. The immense power would be enough to bring any enemy to its knees.

"This is an excerpt from a book called The Lost Histories of the Universe. High Admiral Tetch pointed to the screen. The book was found in the archives on Brellax. She stood in front of the table full of historians and scientists. We need to find this Cyclar, she said, putting her hands behind her back. The Top Admiral of the Universal Intergalactic Exploration Force has personally asked me to find it. He suspects that it is somewhere near Star XT9-1TRE, here in the Jollic Galaxy. The room was quiet. I have talked with multiple historians that all agree there is a strange force coming from Shrendder-X9, a planet orbiting Star XT9-1TRE. That is where we will begin our search. Do I have any volunteers to be chief science officer?" Tetch looked around the room. A scrawny woman in a blue dress raised her hand.

I will, High Admiral, the woman said.

I like your initiative, Tetch said. What is your name?

Ether Lurke.

Excellent. Everyone else, if you find anything on this Cyclar, report it to me immediately. Dismissed. Tetch waved her hand in an uninterested gesture. Lurke, stay with me. The room emptied and Tetch looked at Lurke. Come to my office. Lurke stood and nodded.

The two women walked to the elevator and stepped inside. Tetch hit the button for the top floor and the elevator shot up. They rode in silence. Tetch watched the numbers flash for each floor. The bell dinged and the doors opened. Tetch stepped out first and Lurke followed behind quickly. The foyer to her office was panoramic glass, and there was a desk with her secretary in front of the large glass doors leading to her office. It overlooked the Station. Through the large windows, she could look out into space.

How are you today, Dom? she asked her secretary; he was young and friendly. He looked up from filing his nails and smiled at her.

Doing well today, High Commander. And yourself?

Tetch smiled at him as she walked to the heavy glass doors of her office. Doing just fine, thank you. She opened the doors and gestured for Lurke to enter. She closed the door behind Lurke and walked to her desk, then sat down in her chair and looked at Lurke.

Alright, Lurke, Tetch began. You and I are going to be working very closely on this. Lurke nodded. We’ve found a location for the base on Shrendder-X9 and done some preliminary scans. No hostile life was detected. The scans also came back determining it was mostly rainforest with some mountainous regions.

We say we’re going for scientific purposes, Lurke said. Get some of the best Force members that we have.

Tetch smiled. You’re good.

Thank you, High Admiral, Lurke said. I’ll find you the Cyclar.

I know you will, Tetch said, then leaned back in her chair and smiled. We’ll finally be able to finish what they failed to do so long ago.

~Present~

JULY 5351: DERRICK

Derrick looked out the large glass windows of the Lily Pad, located on the marshy planet Trillnix. Strange gases from the murky waters made the sky shift between a deep crimson and an emerald, depending on the time of day. Yellow clouds dotted the sky as he looked out the glass ceiling of the walkway on the outer edge of the base. While he was leaving the expedition training center, he had seen something strange. He replayed the scenario repeatedly in his head. He paused and looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows: the sun was setting, painting the sky a vivid swirl of brilliant colors.

Derrick took a deep breath and tried to steady his shaking hands. He worked in the Amphibian and Reptile Lab with his girlfriend, Jerricho. What did I see? he wondered as he walked toward the lab. Had I imagined it? He played it over in his head again. He had walked into the locker room as Perry, one of the other scientists, was changing, and Derrick swore he'd seen a flash of iridescent blue. Then, in a blink, the color was gone, and he was staring blankly at Perry, fully clothed in a button-down shirt, jeans, and a lab coat. Perry looked at him and smiled as if nothing odd had happened. He was one of the lead researchers in the chemistry lab; Derrick had talked to him a few times when ordering tests on the alien amphibians’ toxins. After Perry left the locker room, Derrick messaged his sister, Aster, who worked in the training and development department, about what he’d seen.

He was waiting for an answer as he walked slowly down the curved hallway. He felt his com buzz, a message from Aster: Probably just your imagination since AJ talked to you about the Origin. He put his com away. Maybe, but I know what I saw, he thought as he stopped walking and began the process of unlocking the lab doors. It needed a retinal scan and a voice sample. He was thankful this lab did not require a DNA sample to unlock the door.

Frogger, he said slowly and clearly. He heard the latch click and he pushed the door open. There was a rush of air from the purifier above the door, and he donned a respirator and lightweight, tear-resistant gloves. He looked around the lab: three of the four walls were covered in different-sized glass tanks that could slide in and out. They were connected to a computer system that allowed the researchers to unlock the specific tank they needed. There were strange reptile and amphibian-like creatures in each one, organized by type and danger level. The ones closest to the door were harmless, the ones toward the wall opposite the entrance were the most dangerous. To his right was the metallic lab bench. He saw that Jerricho, wearing full protective gear—mask, respirator, disposable coat, and heavy gloves—was examining a frog-like creature the size of a small dog. It was green with red stripes, and he jumped back when it croaked. Instead of the mouth being where he assumed it would be, it was on the creature's back.

Wasn’t expecting that, Derrick said, leaning in and examining the creature. He tried not to get too close; he still needed the mask and coat, which he quickly grabbed from near the door before returning and truly examining the creature.

It is so cool! Jerricho exclaimed. You wouldn’t have guessed that! She looked up and smiled at him. She was shorter than he was with bright pink hair. He liked the way her nose scrunched when she was excited, and he could see the faint wrinkles through her mask. Her face sparkled with excitement as he looked at her.

It’s cool, he said. Also, I saw something today, he started, his tone more serious. Jerricho looked up at him, concerned by his change in demeanor. Or, at least, I think I saw something today.

What’s wrong? she asked. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. She smiled at him and placed a gloved hand on his. The connection made him feel more confident.

Derrick swallowed. I think there are some aliens from the Origin here. I’m pretty sure I saw one. He looked down at the ground. And with what AJ told me, there could be spies on the base. He glanced at the large frog in the tank.

You really think so? Jerricho asked. We need to tell the commander; she’ll know what to do.

Derrick nodded. Good idea. We’ll start there. We need to be careful though, we could be targets now.

Jerricho stepped over to him and put her arms around him. We’ll figure it out, Derrick, she said sweetly. Derrick looked into her eyes and smiled. They always made him feel safe.

What if you told AJ? Jerricho asked. Isn’t she still on the Station?

Derrick’s face lit up. That could work! he said excitedly. We’ll need to code the message though. You can never be too careful.

Leave that to me. Jerricho winked. She put the cover on the frog’s tank and put it back in the opening on the wall of reptiles. She then proceeded to the computer and punched in a combination and the tank slid into place. It was currently in the uncategorized section. Jerricho verbally locked her research computer and walked toward the lab door.

Once they were out of the lab, Jerricho took Derrick by the hand and led him quickly up to her room. The Lily Pad was buzzing, all the screens lining the halls showing Intergalactic News reports on the tragedy that occurred on Shrendder-X9. Extra security protocols were being taken on missions, and several had been called back so scans could be completed. The news about what had happened on Shrendder had just reached them and people were glued to the news. Everyone had their own theory: a bad virus, incompetent leadership, the list went on and on. I know what really happened, Derrick thought as he followed Jerricho.

Derrick enjoyed being in Jerricho’s room. It smelled like lavender and honey and had a peaceful feel to it. There were drawings she had made on the walls, pictures of giant mushrooms and tiny frogs, interesting alien sculptures, and everything was very colorful. She ran to her computer and logged on; her background was a picture of the two of them holding a large snake-like creature. He smiled at the memory—that snake was longer than three of him tall, well over seven meters. Derrick watched as Jerricho opened a secure network and then hit a combination of buttons that he didn’t recognize.

Okay. Hurry, she said. You have one minute to type and send the message. Jerricho moved her chair out of the way so that Derrick could type.

Origin here. Not Safe. Alert High Admiral. Derrick.

AGENT UAI

Uai was more than angry . We’ve worked so hard, and this imbecile goes and ruins it in less than a second, he thought as he paced furiously in front of Grultock. Grultock struggled in the chair he was tied to. The binds were Illvanturian silk; there was no chance of the bumbling idiot escaping.

What do you mean someone saw you? Agent Uai asked angrily in Illvanturian. I told you to be careful. Are you trying to sabotage the mission? He saw his reflection in the mirror above Grultock’s head. His normally deep purple hair was a seething red. You have to be more careful, you dim-witted sack of bones!

Grultock stumbled over his words. I don’t like human skin, it's gross and I look so disgusting, he said, trying desperately to pull his arms free from the bonds keeping him to the chair. I’m sorry, Uai. I’m sorry! Panic washed over Grultock’s face. Give me another chance! His pleading was pathetic.

No mercy. Not when we are this close, Uai thought.

Uai stopped pacing. No, Grultock, I’m sorry. He pulled out a gun. Who saw you? He forced the barrel against Grultock’s shimmering green forehead. He could feel the fear seeping out of the failed agent.

I...I...I don’t know! Please!"

That’s a shame, Grultock. If you had known... Uai trailed off and pulled the trigger. Grultock slumped forward and there was silence. Uai took a cloth out of his pocket and cleaned the barrel. Grultock’s purple blood had splattered the wall behind him. Uai put the weapon away and looked at the corpse in front of him.

It needed to be done, boss. He blew our cover, Hoin said from an armchair in the corner, then stood and walked to Uai’s side. What do you plan to do? Hoin gently kicked Grultock’s limp foot. He was Uai’s second; they had worked together on several missions and had been assigned to Trillnix to begin what the Spector had called Project Redemption.

Uai looked at Grultock’s body. He had been a decent agent, worked hard and gathered a good amount of information, especially chemical knowledge that would be useful for them. However, he had been careless with his disguise. How many of these vile creatures had seen him? Uai wondered. He smiled devilishly as a thought came into his mind. Yes, that will work.

Hoin, put on your suit, he commanded. He looked into the bloodstained mirror above the chair Grultock’s corpse sat in. Leave the blood.

Right away, boss. Uai watched Hoin walk to the bathroom of their suite.

We’ve worked too hard for one moron to blow our cover, Uai thought. His com buzzed, and his smile grew wider as he answered. The call was from Agent Hreantenvolia—everyone called her Agent H.

Agent H, good to hear from you. Status update? he asked.

We still haven’t left the Station. The commander got caught up with something. The group of humans should be headed to Shrendder any day now. I will notify you once we leave. How is Trillnix? She was dressed in her human suit, a plain face with glasses and long yellow-gold hair. Frankly, he thought she looked hideous as a human.

There have been some snags, but we’re dealing with it, Uai said. Thanks for the update. He hung up as Hoin entered the main room area. He looked disgusting. His long black hair was pulled up in a greasy bun; he had square features and inset eyes. Uai had a difficult time finding where Hoin’s chin ended and his neck began. Uai shook his head in disgust.

It’s a miracle humans reproduced at all with features like that, Uai said, gesturing to the general area of Hoin. Hoin laughed a deep belly laugh, his suit jiggling with each chuckle.

I’ll be ready in a second, Uai said as he went to the closet and pulled out his human skin. He pulled the fleshy suit over his head and straightened it out by looking in the blood-splattered mirror. His skin was almost as bad as Hoin’s. A ring of yellow-gold hair that matched that of Agent H was just above his ears and nowhere else, his nose was large and hooked, the brow protruded out over the eyes, and his teeth were yellow and crooked. I hate humans, he mumbled as he pulled out his com and dialed Commander Bridie.

Commander, it’s Special Agent Frost. You’re going to want to see this. Bring a medical team, he said into the com. Room 233. Quick. He smirked at Hoin and the pair waited for the commander to arrive.

AJ

The ship Yur had given her was sitting in the Trader’s Bay, a section of the Station Hangar reserved for traders and merchants to load and unload cargo. As she led the team to the ship through the hangar doors, the echoing sounds of tools and alien voices shouting filled the air around her. The bright fluorescent lights made her squint as she headed towards the ship. The ship Yur had collected for them was quite the sight, an X7-Kmax Star Jumper. How’d you manage that! She heard Callum gasp, the others murmured about the ship as they approached. The ship’s exterior was an onyx color, four pairs of state-of-the-art thrusters on the back of the wedge-shaped body, two pairs of large wings extended from the middle of the body on either side.

This ship has been modified! Callum said with excitement. See the laser guns on the wings, and the cannon on the bottom. He pointed to the weapons. There’s an aftermarket turret on the top too! He said. AJ approached the ship and typed the code Yur had given her into the touch pad by the loading ramp. There was a click and a hiss as the dock descended from the ship and gently touched the ground.

Supplies are over there. Let’s load up. Commander Harkin said pointing to a cart piled high with metallic crates and chests. As she started to walk towards the supplies, she felt her com buzz and she gasped as she saw a message from Derrick. Origin here. Not Safe. Alert High Admiral. Derrick. The others were carrying crates of supplies and weapons from the cart onto the ship. She froze and reread the message.

Oh, shit. She said, Commander! We have a problem. She said, calling Commander Harkin over to her. Commander Harkin set down the box of supplies he was carrying and walked briskly over to her.

What is it AJ? He asked with concern, he looked strange in his disguise.

AJ handed him the com so he could read the message. It’s from Derrick, my brother, he’s stationed on Trillnix. She said. "What do you think I should do? We can’t tell Tetch.

Commander Harkin thought for a moment, he handed the com back to AJ and brought his large hands to his chin and pulled at the salt and pepper hairs of his goatee. You’re right we can’t tell Tetch. She’s already probably looking for us. Do you feel like you’re needed on Trillnix? He asked her.

AJ was torn, she felt like she needed to stick with her team to save Farris, but her family was in trouble. I think I should go to Trillnix. She thought. AJ looked around the bay the ship was stationed in. Nor and Callum were carrying large boxes of weapons passed her and onto the ship, she heard them laughing and joking with each other. Seeing the brothers together solidified her thoughts. Tairn and Carlos were shuffling through medical supplies chatting about Carlos’ whirlwind romances with various commanders and admirals. Trinity and Hayley were carrying crates labeled EXPLOSIVE. Rayn was bringing boxes full of food onto the ship. They’ll understand. I need to go be with my family. She thought. She saw Renna and Joni carrying a box of strange machines up the walkway. They disappeared into the ship. AJ looked at Commander Harkin. I’ve got to go to Trillnix. She said definitively.

I understand. Commander Harkin said nodding, Commander Harkin checked his com for any ships leaving for Trillnix. There’s a ship heading to Trillnix in an hour. Go I’ll let the team know of your decision.

Thanks, Commander. Which departure gate? AJ asked.

Gate L-93, he said.

AJ thanked him and rushed over to Nor, who was exiting the ship. I need to go. Derrick and Aster are in trouble. I’ll explain later, she said. I love you. Please be safe. Nor kissed her and smiled, but she saw sadness in his face behind the smile.

I love you, Nor said as he hugged her tightly. 

Joni, I need you for something, Commander Harkin called out as AJ made her way to Gate L-93.

AJ exited the Trader’s Bay and entered the busy hallway leading to the main departure gates. She pushed through the crowd and turned left toward Gate L-93. The hallway was crowded with crew members, scientists, and explorers all waiting to board their ships. She weaved through the crowd and made it to Gate L-93. She saw a large group waiting outside the gangway doors. Made it, she thought as she looked around the waiting area. AJ made her way to the check-in desk; a young man was sitting behind the desk filing his nails. AJ noticed the beautiful glint of turquoise coming from his fingertips.

Name and ID, the attendant said without looking up at her. He placed the nail file on the desk and stuck out his hand.

Jae Tendall she said, placing her ID in the attendant's hand and pushing the long black hair of her wig out of her eyes. The attendant studied her ID. Alright, Stardust, let's see your magic, she thought. The attendant looked at her, then at the ID, then handed it back to her. He typed on the keyboard and scanned the computer screen.

Cutting it a little close, Sergeant Tendall, he said. Here’s your tablet. It contains all the information on Trillnix you’ll need to know. Have a safe trip. He handed her a tablet and went back to filing his nails.

Thanks, AJ said dryly; she didn’t have the patience for sarcasm. She took the tablet, sat down, and waited for the bay doors to open. She logged into her tablet using the credentials Stardust had given her, opened the file on Trillnix, and began to skim the main information about the planet. Trillnix was a very swampy place, toxic fumes and gases made the atmosphere unbreathable. The base there was built for research and construction. Perfect for Derrick, she thought. I need to make sure he’s okay. The information on the tablet estimated it would be a two-week journey once they reached hyper-speed. Man, Trillnix is way out there. AJ looked at the pictures. Trillnix had a red sky and was marshy. The Lily Pad was built into the swamp on large metal beams that lifted the base high above the water.

Can I have everyone's attention? the attendant called over a loudspeaker. AJ turned off her tablet and looked up. We are ready to board. Please form an orderly line and prepare to board the ship. The gangway doors opened. You will be arriving on Trillnix-K4 in just over two weeks.

AJ sighed and put the tablet under her arm. She got in line and patiently waited to board the ship. I hope Derrick and Aster are okay, she thought. And that Nor and the others can get Farris back safely. Her thoughts swarmed from her family to her team as she made her way onto the ship. She was trying to solve two separate problems at the same time. The ship she was boarding was a GX-T900 transport ship, one of the largest transport ships the Intergalactic Exploration Force had built. It was sixty stories high and two thousand meters long. AJ made her way through the network of hallways, relying on the signage to get to the sergeant's rooms. She looked at the names written in bright lights above the door. Joni, you’re too good, she thought as she saw Jae Tendall written above door S439. Alright let’s do this. She pushed the door open.

NOR

Nor’s heart sank as he watched AJ rush out of the hangar and into the crowded hallway of the Station. She is truly amazing. I hope she stays safe. He looked around at the crew. Callum walked past him into the belly of the ship, and Nor heard Trinity and Hayley laughing in the cabin. He saw Renna and Joni talking near a pile of crates. Chills ran down his spine as he thought of the dangers of their destination. As he watched them near the supply crates, he had a thought. I can’t let them come. It’s too dangerous. We need them here; it’s the best place for them to be right now.

Renna, Joni! he called and started to walk over to them, trying to work out how to tell them. The two looked up at him and smiled. He could see their excitement and he hated what he was feeling, but he needed to keep them safe.

What’s up, Nor? Renna asked, picking up one of the crates.

I think it would be safer if you two stayed on the Station, Nor started. Renna scowled and looked at Joni. He frowned and looked away.

Why? Renna asked, interrupting him. We’re going to help! She stomped her foot on the ground. She was angry and frustrated, and she scowled at him like she did when they were younger.

I know you want to come help, but Shrendder is too dangerous. It’s not safe there and—

That’s not fair! Renna interjected, deepening her scowl. You can’t—

Renna, we need you and Joni here on the Station to help us and to keep in touch with AJ. He looked at his sister and her gaze softened. 

Fine, Renna said. Since you need our help, we’ll stay here. Right, Joni?

Joni put her hand on Renna’s shoulder. Nor nodded and smiled. Yes, we’ll stay here and help. What do you need?

Thank you for understanding, Joni, Nor said. Here on the Station, we need someone to keep an eye on what Tetch is doing. Nor looked at Renna. You two would be great for that. And you could send any updates to our ship and to AJ. He could see that Renna was thinking about what he was saying. Joni is amazing with computers. And you can study the samples that made it back to the Station. While you do that, just keep an eye on the news and base updates. Nor looked at his sister. "I’ll be okay, Callum will be okay. I’m making sure you are okay. It’s my job to make sure you’re okay."

Renna sighed; he had broken through her stubbornness. Fine, but if you die, I’m going to kill you again. She glared at him and then laughed, then she stepped in to give Nor a hug.

Callum, come here. Nor waved Callum over and the three of them embraced.

Nor watched as Joni and Renna left the hangar. They were conversing about something he couldn’t quite make out. Nor heard Commander Harkin's voice and turned to see the commander clapping his hands together.

Alright everyone! Harkin called. The other crew members stopped what they were doing and looked at him. It’s time to board and get going. Load up, team! Somehow the commander's voice was able to boom through the hanger over the rest of the noise.

Nor studied the commander; he looked stressed. He turned his attention to the others—Callum, Trinity, Tairn, Pierse, Hayley, Carlos, and Rayn—as they walked up the ramp and boarded the ship. Nor slowly walked over to Commander Harkin and the pair stood and looked at the ship, the onyx metal glinting in the lights high above them. Nor took a deep breath and looked at the commander. Harkin looked at Nor and smiled. There was a tired sadness in the old commander's eyes as he put his hand on Nor’s shoulder.

We’ll get this done, Harkin said. You, me, and the rest of our team. No matter what happens, I see you as one of my own.

Thank you, sir, Nor said. I hope to be as good a man as you. Nor smiled and the pair walked up the ramp of the ship side by side. Nor hit a sequence of buttons and the ramp re-entered the ship and the hatch door closed tightly.

FARRIS

The jungle was humid and hot, and it smelled earthy and sweet as the occasional scent from the flowers in the canopy wafted down to Farris. She wiped sweat from her forehead and sighed. She was crouched down examining one of the barrier boxes. All four were holding their power, but soon Farris and Goirsh would need to find a new campsite or find a way to replace the barrier box batteries. From what she could tell based on her previous measurements, she and Goirsh had at most two more days of protection in this camp.

Farris was alone, as Goirsh had set off to Endest to throw the Ernsa’s search off her trail. She sat by the fire Goirsh had started since her fire starter had run out of fuel. She dug through her pack and felt the spine of the thick book she had taken from the Endest library. As she touched it, a powerful voice boomed through her mind, startling her. Do you have the courage to look? Do you have the power to succeed where so many others have failed? Chills crawled down her back to every inch of her body as the voice echoed in her mind. Cautiously, she took the book out of her pack. In the daylight, it was a charcoal-gray color, its pages yellowed with time, its bindings a dark metal.

She took a deep breath and looked around. What’s the harm? she thought as she decided to open the book. She didn’t like the voice that spoke to her. It was deep and raspy, and it scratched at her mind. Violent images of a thriving society, towering cities, and amazing technological feats tore through her mind. What is this? she thought.

Everything ends. Civilizations. Planets. Solar Systems. Even galaxies...

Farris trembled as the voice grew louder in her mind. Images of more planets and civilizations played through her mind. WHY? she thought. She was fascinated and terrified.

When one ends, another begins. The cycle continues. Something new grows in its place. It, too, is then replaced. Shrendder was not always teeming green with life. Long ago it shimmered, silver and metallic. The Heart of Brifgald aided in making it what you see today. It is at the downfall and origin of everything. It has been lost somewhere deep in the depths of the jungle. Find it and you will be granted great power.

Images of circles and a strange cuboidal device flashed in her mind as the voice spoke to her, a thriving city and then a jungle.

Two Arms! Two Arms! Goirsh’s calling interrupted the images and Farris slammed the book shut. She shuddered and looked around. Farris saw Goirsh pushing through the jungle back toward their camp. The Ernsa was smiling and waving at her. I tricked them! I tricked them! Goirsh said proudly as Farris hit the button on the barrier box to allow Goirsh to walk through. There was a whoosh as the barrier turned off.

Good job, Goirsh, Farris said, hugging them. Goirsh hugged her back tightly. Farris looked down and noticed