Jak Phoenix

  ***

  “As expected, the energy emanating from the tablets is extremely inconsistent,” explained Professor Voth. “There is something — a kind of aura which is a reverse image of the tablet energy, which emanates from a person of the Balarian species, steadying the power and making it manageable.”

  Both he and Captain Cartrite were seated as they spoke, in Cartrite’s murky quarters, which connected to the main bridge of the ship.

  “In your professional opinion, will we be able to make any progress without her?” asked Cartrite. He tapped his fingers on his desk in thought, and he looked through the professor.

  “Yes, but it will take some time.”

  “How long do you estimate it will take?”

  “Unfortunately, it is impossible to say, sir. The readings from the tablets are all over the place. The ability to actually harness their power will take time. Her presence will help us immensely, but she will need to be alive.”

  “I will speak to her,” said Cartrite. “More importantly, I am now realizing we need to work at a much quicker pace than I had originally hoped. I will not tell anyone else this, but I am beginning to feel a weakness setting in.”

  “Why have you not spoken of this earlier? We need—”

  “There is no longer any point in continuing with these procedures if the project is not successful. It is only too clear to me now that nothing less than the life extending power from the tablets will sustain me. We have done all we can with the methods we have available to us.”

  “I shall accelerate all of our work, captain,” said Voth. He thought for a moment. “I am going to begin testing on the man who brought the tablets out to you. He already has a high exposure level from his close proximity to them during his trip out here. I have him down in the laboratory, sedated. I have been developing some methods of focusing the energy waves, and with the Balarian female here, I believe we will make excellent progress.”

  “Your swiftness shall be rewarded as always,” replied Cartrite. “When and if that captain dies, continue to use test subjects at your discretion.”

  The buzzer of the intercom sounded, followed by the deep voice of Zelus on the other end.

  “Sir, there has been a disturbance down here from the captured girl. She somehow managed to kill five guards before being subdued.”

  “What is her condition?”

  Zelus paused before answering.

  “She seems fine except for a bruise on the head. We used all our ability to make sure she wasn’t killed.”

  “Excellent. Have her brought to me.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Cartrite looked to Voth. “Never underestimate a Balarian, professor. They are the most troublesome and selfish race you will ever find. As you can see, they are also extremely dangerous. You can have her after I speak to her.”

  “Sir,” said Voth. He bowed slightly before rushing out the door.

  Cartrite felt a numbness in his right arm. A man of his age could not expect to feel like a young man at all times. He was confident in the future success of their project. Once the necessary experimentation was accomplished, he would experience the feeling of perfection. Soon after, he would be ready to continue his goal of increasing and defining his realm — his own piece of the galaxy.