Chapter Twenty-Three
Mabra System, Fazaal Sector, Gaashox Quadrant
After meeting with the Fadaran Royal family and the Senators travelling with them, and hearing the news they brought, Governor Framp called an emergency Senate meeting, which was to be held the following day in the primary conference chamber at mid-day.
When the time for the Senatorial session arrived, the chamber was full to overflowing, something that had not been seen for a long time. All available senators from Mabraant were in attendance, as were the Fadaran Royal Family and the visiting senators. Senator Brendal’s friends from Elest were also allowed to attend, and so too were the senators from the Aloshix system who were on Mabraant discussing purchase orders for the latest version MCI.
There had been some heated discussions between certain senators, and the situation was in serious danger of running out of control. All senators were trying desperately to come up with suggestions for the defence against the enemy, but so far none had offered a practical solution. The defence forces of all worlds had proved incapable of standing against the might of the Hebradon Imperial fleet, and all doubted the MDF would be any different, even with the expertise of Kopaz Squadron and the new upgraded starfighters.
“No, that is not an option,” shouted Senator Harsken in frustration. “The Hefrask sisters who rule the Hebradon Empire will not accept a refusal to join their Empire, even though they indicate otherwise.”
“Surely they would not threaten and force a system into joining their Empire,” argued Governor Framp, forgetting all he had been told previously.
Senator Harsken sighed impatiently. “You still don’t understand, Governor. In most instances they do not need to threaten or force. That is the whole point,” he said, feeling even more frustrated at the Governor’s lack of acceptance in what he was saying.
“The Empresses are clever and devious. When they meet with the leaders of the worlds they intend to ensnare, they have such an overwhelming influence on them, they agree unanimously that joining the Empire is the most reasonable and advantageous thing to do,” said Senator Jarbal.
“Pardon my asking, Senator Jarbal, but how do you know all this?” demanded Senator Perass.
“Senator Brendal from Faidan learnt this while the senators from his own world were being manipulated by the Hefrask sisters.”
Governor Framp turned to where Senator Brendal was seated, and saw a young man probably no more than thirty years of age. “Senator Brendal, would you care to say something in support of Senator Jarbal?”
“It is true, Governor. They use their magic to manipulate people by altering their thoughts and memories. I heard the whole conversation between our own senators and the Hefrask sisters, and it was plainly obvious the senators were acting in a manner which was not normal for them.”
“I still think it would be wise to consider all avenues carefully before making any rash decisions,” said the Governor.
“You must accept the fact that these Hefrask sisters are capable of mind alteration, forcing their ideals on others without them realising,” said Senator Jarbal rather more forcefully than intended. “They have now successfully taken rule of more than seventy inhabitable star systems in the eight sectors of this quadrant. As far as we are aware, they have achieved this without killing one Governor, Supreme Chancellor or Head of State, without bloodshed on most of those worlds. The only systems we know otherwise are the Krela and Jiargeas systems.”
The Governor remained sceptical. “Would you mind clarifying the point you are trying to make, Senator?”
“The Hebradon Empire only uses aggressive force on those planets who offer resistance, and no fleet has survived the might of the Imperial forces. The other matter I believe you should know is a little more sinister in nature.”
“And what might that be Senator Jarbal?”
“Treyanna and Roweyna, the Hefrask sisters are not just adept in magic, they are powerful Megrein sorcerers,” he said.
There were still some races who despised the Guardians and their ways, believing that whenever the Guardians were present, death and destruction eventually followed, often caused by a Guardian becoming evil and following in the ways of the Megrein sorcerers. There were some on certain planets who were pleased the Guardians no longer had any presence or influence in this region of the galaxy, believing that without them there would be no sorcerers either. Their reasoning was however, extremely flawed as situations in the past and present proved.
There was a deathly silence in the chamber.
“You have all heard about Emperor Belack from the Ladorran Quadrant,” said Jarbal. “Well these two sorcerers are more devious than he ever was, but that is not all. Apparently they have dozens of disciples, all of whom are also adept in magic and trained in the dark ways of Megrein.”
“Are you implying there is no hope for us whether we resist the advances of this Empire or not?” said Governor Framp.
“Indeed I am Governor,” said Jarbal.
The Senator’s anger toward the Guardians was born from the knowledge passed down from earlier generations of his family. A Megrein sorcerer had murdered many innocent Leestonian citizens during the Guardian Cleansing that occurred two centuries earlier, including all but one of his distant ancestors. That individual ensured a detailed history was preserved for future generations.
Several decades later, the Leestonian Senate decreed that any citizen with abilities that could be attributed to being adept in magic were to be expelled from the system. The few who discovered they were adept, kept the fact secret from everyone including their own family. It was a time fraught with suspicion and intolerance, causing many innocent individuals to be expelled unnecessarily.
Senator Jarbal had been serving on the Leeston Senate for twenty years following in his forebear’s footsteps, and ensured the Leestonian Senate continued to suppress any mention, or a desire for the return of the Guardians. However, Leeston was only a small planet with little influence in the sector, and its attitude toward the Guardians was frowned upon by their neighbours, often causing disputes between them.
“The only way forward for us then is to fight and hope we can prevail against them,” said Senator Perass.
Senator Mareeson sighed deeply. “Our fleet is but a fraction of the size of what the Krelathan fleet had been, so I fail to see how this would benefit us.”
“So what is our alternative?” asked the Governor.
“Only one of two options exist: We either resign ourselves to being ruled by the Hebradon Empire, thus saving our military forces from certain destruction, or we seek help from the Ladorran Quadrant,” suggested Senator Jarbal.
Governor Framp looked at the Senator with obvious surprise. “Seek help from the Ladorran Quadrant? We do not even know who rules that region.”
“The Ladorran Republican Senate was the governing body within that region three years ago, and I believe they are still in office,” said Senator Larront. “The journey will be most difficult even with navigation charts, but at the rate in which the Hebradon Empire is expanding, our goal may not be achieved in time.”
“To navigate through the Mantoa asteroid belts is impossible. There are black holes, spacial anomalies, and probably other dangers nobody knows about,” said one of the Droleesan senators.
“We have no other choice. The estimated time to circumnavigate the fields is approximately eight weeks, maybe more, or so I’ve heard,” said Prince Grolak.
There was a sudden murmuring around the chamber, many believing there was no hope for the defence of the last free system in the quadrant.
Grogaan arrived outside the conference chamber puzzled and curious. Ellarna was waiting anxiously for him, and explained in a little more detail of why she had asked him to come, her voice and expression betraying her concerns and fears. Grogaan felt some arrogant pride at the fact that he was once again in a position of having an advantage over the Governor. He did not like the man, had no respect for him either, and he knew th
e Governor felt the same way about him. He also knew the knowledge he possessed would probably increase that dislike to contempt.
When the two approached the guards standing outside the Senate chamber, they came to attention, opened the doors, and allowed them entry.
“Thank you,” said Ellarna.
“Miss Rayshon,” the two guards said, acknowledging her.
They stepped into the seating area just in time for Grogaan to hear the Governor’s last remark. He waited for the other Senators to finish what they were saying before standing up to address the gathering. “Maybe I can be of some assistance, Governor,” he said loudly enough for all to hear him.
The Governor turned to face him, his expression one of shock and anger. “Who gave you permission to enter this session?” he demanded.
“He is here at my request, Governor,” said Senator Rayshon.
The Governor acknowledged the Senator and gave Grogaan permission to continue. He wondered how a simple pilot, albeit a very skilful one, could be of help in the current situation.
“I have detailed space charts and navigational data for the area of space between the Fazaal Sector and the Solkar Sector, and many more charts for the other sectors within the Ladorran Quadrant.”
Most of those gathered were watching Grogaan with keen interest. Many recognised his name as the one who had spearheaded the successful defence against the Krelathan raiders, and were not surprised he was the one who was bringing fresh hope to the systems. However, Senator Jarbal eyed him with suspicion.
“And how may I ask did you come to be in possession of those charts?” inquired the Governor.
“That is of no consequence, Governor. Is it not suffice that I possess them?”
Governor Framp glared at him, but it was only because he was aware of Grogaan’s performances, he overlooked his insubordinate attitude. “Even so, I’m sure navigating the Mantoa asteroid belts is impossible.”
Grogaan smiled; a reaction many noticed and considered a sign of arrogance or confidence. “The one who provided me with the space charts included detailed astrogation data for successful navigation through the centre of the asteroid belt.”
“I find that hard to believe. However, even if we were able to petition the Ladorran Republic to assist us, who says they will? After all, it is not as if they will benefit?”
“I believe they will assist us, because if they don’t act now their quadrant will soon be under threat. If this new Empire succeeds in taking control of this and the Ladorran Quadrant, their military might and influence will be far greater than Janus Belack could ever have dreamed of. Then I doubt any rebellion will succeed in overthrowing the Hebradon Empire,” said Senator Harsken.
“It would appear we have little choice.” Governor Framp took a deep breath feeling resentful that he even had to consider asking the impertinent Learman the next question. “Squadron Leader Learman, do you have any idea how long it would take to reach the planet upon which their ruling council is located?”
Grogaan had already calculated the time as a precaution in case he ever needed the information for his own purposes. “It would take approximately six and a half days at lightspeed for a ship with a beta class one lightspeed drive unit, and about ten for one with a beta class two unit.”
“Seven days, that’s incredible,” said senator Perass.
“Nevertheless, I suggest we prepare for the journey immediately,” said Senator Rayshon. “We can ill afford to waste any more time discussing our options. We must act now and hope that the Imperial forces do not arrive within the three weeks we will require for this venture.”
“Very well Senator Rayshon. Does anyone have any objections or more questions?” asked the Governor.
There was silence.
“In that case, we must select those who will be our emissaries,” said Framp.
There was murmuring around the chamber but no one seemed willing to be the first to volunteer. Senator Rayshon of Mabraant was surprised and shocked at the hesitancy of those gathered. There was no doubt in his mind that he should go on this perilous venture, so he stood to show his willingness.
Eventually enough Senators volunteered, including his daughter Ellarna. He smiled and nodded his approval, knowing he would value her company and her input during the negotiations. She had learnt well and had become a valued ambassador for Mabraant, partaking in many debates over recent years.
Governor Framp accepted all those who volunteered and then declared the meeting concluded. He was still convinced the mission would in all probability fail, but as it had been said, it was their only hope. As the Senators were preparing to leave the chamber, Ellarna took Grogaan aside to where it was a little less crowded. Their expressions said more than words could ever say. Both were feeling downhearted at the prospect of being separated for such a long time.
“Please take care of yourself while I’m away Grogaan. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.”
“You be careful too. I only wish I was coming with you.” He felt a little angry with her for volunteering to go away so far from his protection, but what could he do to prevent her?
“So do I, but you are needed here,” she said stroking his cheek with her soft hand. “Everyone knows of your skills as a fighter pilot, and if anyone can make a difference, it’s you.” She smiled, put her arms around his shoulders and embraced him. As their bodies pressed together, they became aware of an energy force flowing through them, which increased their ability to feel each other’s emotions, but whereas Ellarna had no inkling what it was, Grogaan did.
Grogaan sensed her sorrow, but also the need for her to do all she could to save her people, her home, her friends. “I’ll do my best, for you,” he replied.
They held each other for as long as they were able, savouring every moment as if they would not be seeing each other for many months. Grogaan was torn between the need for him to remain on Mabraant and defend his home against their foe, and the desire to take Ellarna and travel to some distant planet.
Ellarna’s father approached. “Ellarna, it is time to go,” he said kindly.
She turned her head. “Yes father, I’ll be with you in a moment.”
Returning her gaze to Grogaan, she looked into his eyes for a moment before kissing him. “I must go,” she said softly but sadly. She knew Grogaan’s sense of loyalties was divided, and how much the forthcoming separation was tearing him apart. She began regretting her choice, but knew it had to be so.
He saw the sadness in her eyes, and sensed it clearly. “Goodbye Ellarna. I’ll be here waiting for you when you return.”
“I know you will my love.” She gave him another kiss, turned and walked away without looking back.
The path fate was guiding Grogaan along seemed a hard and cruel one, and had it happened before he started putting his life in order, he would have failed to cope. Now, however, he knew the reasons behind his separation from Ellarna were far more important than his own needs, which paled into insignificance when compared to the needs of the people of Mabraant.
His only dread was that she would not return, just as Miranda had not. She had gone on a trip to Breolis Primar with her parents despite his attempts to dissuade her from going, and there was no option for him to join them. He knew her parents would not have allowed it regardless of the fact they were engaged, and he was unable to take the time off work due to priority work commitments, one of the few times Trindall had been forced to refuse his request.
Grogaan sighed heavily. He quelled the rising anger, and refused to allow his previous failures affect his new-found determination and inner strength. As he ambled back to his ship, Grogaan clenched his fists and vowed that somehow, someday, he would end the reign of the Hefrask sisters even if he had to pay the ultimate price.
Ten minutes later he was accelerating to maximum throttle, heading for the Potrodand Mountains. He raced through the canyons and mountain ranges as fast as he dared, blasting dozens of rocks and boulders until
they were nothing but rubble and dust. After about an hour of intense concentration, he knew it was time to go home.
The anger he had felt toward the Krelathans had dissipated, but it left him feeling mentally exhausted. Grogaan landed his interceptor in the garage, and sat in the cockpit for a few minutes relaxing and calming his thoughts before going inside.
His mother knew something was amiss the moment he walked into the kitchen. “Are you alright son?”
“Yeah, just tired,” he answered with a sigh.
The evening meal was laid out on the table, the aroma of which awoke his taste buds and his stomach rumbled loudly. Despite his determination, he was unable to quell his concerns about Ellarna, or dismiss the possibility that fate could strike a second time and deprive him of happiness again.
Kareana sat opposite him while he ate his meal, ponderously gazing at him. “It’s something to do with that young woman you’re courting, isn’t it? Nothing’s happened has it?”
“No, it’s just that she’s gone on a diplomatic mission and I won’t see her for over three weeks.”
“The weeks will pass quickly,” she said trying to reassure him. “She’ll be home before you know it.”
“Yeah I know, but I . . .” he paused and sighed.
“You fear for her not being able to protect her, and you’re afraid something will go wrong.”
Grogaan looked at his mother and smiled. He knew she was referring to the time when Miranda was killed, and that she understood why he felt the way he did. The two spoke no more about the situation; enough had already been said.
When he finished his meal he felt satisfied and surprisingly much happier. “That was delicious,” he said sitting back and drinking his glass of Lepara Juice. “Can I ask you something mother?”
“Of course you can,” she replied.
“It’s about father. Was there anything different about him?”
Kareana looked at him curiously. “What do you mean by different?”
Grogaan thought for a moment before answering. “Did he have any unusual talents, or abilities others didn’t?”
“What sort of abilities are you referring to?”
“Those similar to what the Guardians possessed?”
“Ah!” Now she understood what he was getting at. “I knew this was going to come up sooner or later. I suppose I was hoping it would have been a lot later.”
Grogaan gazed at her with intrigue, wondering if something about his family’s history had been kept from him.
“About two hundred years ago, one of your ancestors on Ruebern’s side of the family was a well known Guardian. His name was Jamerass Lermana. He stood for everything that was good and right as the Guardians did, and was a member of the Fazaal Sector Council. Unfortunately, a Megrein sorcerer by the name of Praxilian arrived in the sector seeking power and fortune. To gain that power, he did many treacherous and evil things, and when he had trained enough apprentices, killed all of the Guardians and their families they could find.”
Grogaan was mesmerised by what his mother was telling him, and shocked to discover not only that one of his ancestors was a Guardian, but he had been a highly respected one too.
Kareana continued. “Anyway, by good fortune, some of the Guardian’s children of this system and several others, were saved and kept safely hidden. The leading senators of all the surrounding systems, except the Leeston, agreed to prevent the descendents of those children learning the truth about their heritage. Those who did learn of it despite the secrecy, refused to accept it, or denied it in fear of what may become of them.”
“So when did the gift return to our family?”
“When your grandfather Hareaan was about twenty years of age, he discovered he had the ability to move things with his mind, and even sense the thought’s of other people.”
“What did he do about it?”
“Nothing. His father made him understand the dangers and advised him to keep it to himself. He assured him it had nothing to do with magic, and under no circumstances was he to let anyone see him doing anything that might be construed as magic. Just before your father joined the Defence Force, your grandfather noticed he was starting to show the signs of magical talent. So, he decided to tell your father about his family’s heritage, and warned him what other people might do in fear if they found out.
Your father had already realised he was sensitive in much the same way as your grandfather, and Hareaan’s advice confirmed it. He intended to inform you of that heritage when you were old enough to understand.” She sighed as the memories of Ruebern flooded her mind. “As you know, the chance never came.”
“How do you know all of this about Praxilian, the demise of the Guardians and about grandfather?”
“The history has been passed down from generation to generation, and your father told me some of it the day you were born. He needed me to know so I could pass it on to you if anything happened to him.” A single tear trickled down Kareana’s face, which she wiped away and smiled at her son.
“Why did Hareaan tell father if it was so necessary to keep it quiet? Surely, with what was occurring in the Ladorran Quadrant, it would have been sensible for him to travel there and join with others who were adept in magic.”
“Your grandfather believed times were changing, and the need for the Guardians to resume their role was important. I don’t think many people knew of those systems and what was going on out there, let alone approved of the idea of travelling to unknown regions of space. He told your father about a prophecy many years before you were born, how important it was, and if it ever came to pass, the whole galaxy would feel the consequences of the events spoken of. I recall your father telling you the prophecy when you were only two years old, and he recited it every year on your birthday until you were nine. He told me everything else about the history just after your sixteenth birthday.”
Grogaan leant back in the chair and thought about his past. “So that’s how I know of the prophecy,” he said.
Kareana looked puzzled. “You sound as if someone else has mentioned this.”
“We met three Jestungans when we travelled to Drolees on that escort mission. They mentioned the prophecy and were surprised when I told them I knew of it.”
“That’s rather coincidental, isn’t it?”
Grogaan laughed and nodded. “You could say that, if you believe in coincidence.”
Kareana tilted her head as she gazed inquisitively at her son. “And you don’t?”
“I did, not so long ago, but I’m not so sure now. So many things have happened recently, I’m not sure what to believe anymore. On top of all that, Kopaz Squadron have been offered the chance to join the MDF, but we declined.”
“Why? I thought that is what you always wanted.” Kareana was surprised at her son’s decision.
“It was, right up to the time I took the interceptor out for the first test flight.” He took another mouthful of his drink. “Recent events have altered my outlook on the future, and I believe my life is about to change considerably. It’s more what I have to do, not what I want to do, and that means remaining unbound by regulations and service the MDF would place on my life.”
His mother looked at him with astonishment. “Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?”
“I am, and I believe things will be made much clearer when the current crisis is over.”
Kareana continued looking at her son, realising she had almost expected him to say something like this. “Whatever you feel is right son.”
Grogaan finished his fruit juice and refilled his glass, his thoughts swirling around in his head. “Surely if the surviving children were to be deprived of learning the truth about their heritage, the people of that time would have destroyed everything?”
“Apparently, some who wanted to do just that, thought it had been done. However, there were others who believed the Guardians were needed, an integral part of life in the galaxy, whose presence and influence was critical to mai
ntaining and restoring the balance between good and evil. These individuals recorded much of the history and relevant information with the intent of passing it from generation to generation. Unfortunately, most of it was destroyed, but enough remained to prove several families that exist today are the direct descendants of those Guardians. We are one such family, and it is this day I suppose I feared the most since discovering the truth myself.” When she looked at her son, she noticed he looked rather calm, but thoughtful. “You don’t appear as surprised as I would have expected.”
“What you’ve told me only confirms what I’ve already come to believe.” He now knew for sure, destiny was guiding his life along a new path, but he had no idea where it would take him. ‘So Zaack was right all the time,’ he thought. He now felt guilty for having continually denied his ability was linked to the Guardian powers, and would need to apologise to his friend, and do so before anything untoward could happen to either of them.
He owed him that much.
Grogaan finished his drink and went to leave, but stopped at the door. He turned to look at his mother, saw sorrow in her eyes and sensed it in his heart. Fate had not been kind to either of them. He wished he knew why, but then life was not always kind. He turned and left without utterance. Whether he liked it or not, the path of life he now followed was intertwined with the prophecy.
Grogaan flew to where he always did when he had serious things to ponder, or important decisions to make: Lake Mabreese. He spent several hours just thinking about his past and what his future might hold. So much had happened in such a short time, and yet the future was as unclear as it had always been. The realisation that he was adept in magic only served to complicate matters, adding more uncertainty to how this would impact on his life.
He was, however, sure of one thing; his love for Ellarna had grown so much and so quickly, he was unable to consider life without her, even though there was not yet any indication their relationship would progress as far as he hoped. He almost dared not consider the option, scared it might jeopardise their future together, tempt fate and result in her not returning home.
He remained sitting by the lake until he had made some firm decisions, ones that would affect not only his future, but that of his friends and more importantly, Ellarna. It was cool and pleasant. Grogaan managed to remain calm and his emotions in check. He gazed upward. Darkness had fallen, the moon was nowhere to be seen, and the sky was void of stars. No clouds passed overhead, and yet he was able to see the trees, the water and the mountains.
He turned his head a little. It was so silent, so still, so strange and ominous. Then he saw a shadow flying over the lake, which he soon realised was a large bird of prey. It turned toward the bank and when it perched on a nearby tree stump, Grogaan’s eyes widened in surprise. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. About thirty metres to his left was a Grederant eagle. He froze and held his breath, fearing the slightest sound would scare it away.
The enormous bird turned and looked straight at him. After a few minutes, Grogaan expected it to fly away, but it did not. It remained where it was, its head unmoving as it continued to watch him. He wondered why of all nights he was privileged to see and be so close to such a magnificent bird. Was it an omen? As he pondered the meaning behind its presence, he sensed energy impacting on his body, and his senses became heightened. The eagle spread its wings, held them outstretched for a few moments, and then with a sharp piercing cry, launched itself into the air and flew off.
Grogaan suddenly felt cold. He shivered. Sparks emanated from his fingertips, making them feel numb and itchy. He looked up and watched the eagle fly north toward its nesting ground.
He knew something profound was about to happen; something that would alter the path of his life permanently.