Seth walked slowly, throughe the bar's doors, and into the dark corridor. Most of the lights had been dimmed along the whole of the corridor, to illuminate the corridoor's ceiling, which had intricate designs surrounding the legion logo. Seth was too deep in thought to take any notice. He continued to walk slowly, until he saw a door slightly ajar. He took a quick peek in, to see who was in the room. He saw Sam, talking to Reaper, the new hotshot recruit, who was listening in silence, intently. He stood outside the door, eaves-dropping on the conversation.
..."we did, didnt we...?" he heard Reaper whisper
"I...I dont know, reaper..I truly havent a clue, after this..." replied Sam...
With that, the conversation ended, and Seth, quickly moved to the side, since he heard footsteps coming towards the door he was standing behind.
"*sigh* I don't know what to make of all of this... should I really meet Taurvi? God knows what that meeting will bring forth..." thought seth. He didn't move for a few moments. Silence all round, and all that could be heard was Seth's deep breathing. "right. Gets get this over and done with. Lets see whats the fuss about this Taurvi person..."
How wrong he was.. thinking of Taurvi as a person.. to think this was a simple discussion...
Seth continued to walk, until he reached the Bay area. The whole chamber was empty, except for 1 Bay, where the lights were on, but were dimmed greatly.
"great.. hes there, just like he said he would be" thought Seth.
Seth moved towards Bay 7. The complete silence made every footstep sound like a roar to him, his breathing making it sound like an engine roaring to life. He neared the Bay, and saw that the one of the double doors was open. He could see a light-blueish pulsating light glow inside the room.
"well, this is it eh? Lets get this over and done with finally." Seth whispered to himself lightly.
Seth walked through the doors. What came next could never have prepared Seth for anything. as soon as he lay his eyes on the object that was emanating the pulsating light, he was frozen, as if time stood still, as if he had lost his voice. His mouth was open wide, as if to scream, but no sound came out. Another vision...
*Fina.ly..ariv..al** much.. awa.ted**mee.ing..** Tim...e** to* show y*ou.***your..**Heee..ritaaaaa...geee!!!**
With that, seth crumbled to the floor, those words echoing in his head, while he saw images, flashes of Blue, cities, a woman with dark hair...a man being fused with a blue squid-like creature...screams of agony... Light emanating from the man after the fusion.. with a purple halo around his eyes... just like his father... The man entering a a ship of some sort, similar to taurvi's earlier vision... purple engines firing to life...the ship causing havoc after launching into space... debris of sabres, and bodies spread in space... the blue ship running out of visibility of vespucci... a massive blue flash on the horizon, followed by a bellow... darkness...
Darkness followed that vision for a couple of seconds, in a way letting seth have a 'breather'. Soon, another vision hit seth, causing his body to become taut, as it lay on the floor, jerking and writhing like he was having a fit.
The blue ship... floating in systems... tau 31...devastation lay around the ship...remains of a bretonian/kusarian war fleet... Taurvis uncontrollable rage... his newly acquired powers... his anguish... unleashed on a scale not imaginable...that scene vanished, to me replaced by another one... Taurvi, alongside another, similar being... it called itself Blitz... wrecking carnage on a base... Freeport 11 on fire...mangled bodies floating in space... devastation... Taurvi alone again.. a new system.. surrounded by 'family'... more beings similar to taurvi... flying... acknowledging... greeting... Taurvi flying to a planet... called Xerna...
Landing on the base...Revealing a full Nomad city...operational...in harmony... darkness...all was silent, no movement.. until...
...*accep..t** your..**HERI..**TAGE!!!**
Seth woke up, on the floor, surrounded by Aethelu, Crystal, and a couple of Medics, evidently trying to revive him.
"seth, are you alright? What the hell happened?" shouted Crystal.
Seth coudnt reply. The enormity of the vision.. the words of Taurvi.. everything was too much for him to understand at this moment, let alone accept.
"get this man to the medic quarters, NOW." Shouted Aethelu, to the medics.
The last thing Seth remembered was Crystal looking into his face, with tears in her eyes. She gave him a kiss, before he fell unconscious...
Darkness surrounded Seth. He was standing in a cavernous, dark chamber, with a sliver of light falling on his body, as If he was being interrogated. He looked round and round everywhere, but couldnt see anything through the darkness.
"Where am I? Crystal? Aethelu? What the hell is going on?" shouted out Seth into the darkness. No reply came.
"If this is your idea of a joke, it really isn't funny Taurvi has caused enough damage to me already, and this is giving me no comfort! Cmon now guys quit this joke please where are ya?" he shouted out again.
All of a sudden, Seth saw a set of eyes, with a purple halo round them.
"Dad? What in the DAD!! Why aren't you responding to me! Dad? Oh... Oh god no" said Seth, with a hint of fear in his voice.
The purple halo around the eyes grew into a brilliant purple flame, and the whole body was set alight. The man engulfed in the flames had his mouth wide open, evidently screaming, but inaudibly, and the look in his eyes was of pure terror. All of a sudden, the man's body writhed on the spot violently, before it vanished to be replaced by a blue jelly like creature. The creature shrieked, before it began to 'fade' out of the atmosphere.
Seth woke up, shaking like mad, sweating as if he was in a sauna. He was all alone in the medical block of America base. The lights of the room had been dimmed, and Crystal was asleep on a sofa nearby. She was evidently exhausted.
Seth got off his bed and slowly walked towards crystal. He sat down on the sofa next to her, and looked at her face. He didn't wake her up, but continued to just stare at her, sleeping, looking cute as ever. She looked like an angel, asleep like that. He lifted his hand, and stroked her cheeks softly. Crystal opened her eyes only a sliver, slowly and gave a tiny smile
"I see you are feeling much better, eh darling?" she said.
"I do feel better than yesterday, but I can't say I'm fully well" he replied.
"Yesterday? Um Seth... I dont know if you know, but you've been out cold for nearly a week." She said nervously.
"A week? What the hell? But I checked the clock it said-" he stopped speaking, when he saw the clock on the wall. It had indeed been a week. He had been unconscious for a week, having those horrible dreams, or visions... He couldnt tell the difference between the two.
"Seth? Honey, what's wrong? You look like someone slapped you with a dead fish..." spoke crystal, slowly.
"I I didn't realise a whole week" he said. "What's been happening in the past week? Taurvi is he showed me something thats been stuck in my mind like a habit anything I try I cannot forget it, and its quite frankly annoying, yet intriguinghe showed me visions of well he showed me visions of what hes seen on his travels. We call them nomads, but he calls them something else, by their real name. I cannot say it, since I do not understand him, but the name itself induces fear. He showed me a beautiful purple city, in Bretonia, but it's empty now. Somehow, life was eradicated from it. he showed me more, but I cannot remember.. I do remember seeing my father burning in a purple flame, with a horrible pain filled look on his face I can't get it out of my head. Its really disturbing. I really think Taurvi is trying to tell me something. He mentioned that I should be accepting my heritage or something similar, though I havent a clue what he meant until now"
"Seth? Your making absolutely no sense at the moment, seriously, lets get you back into your bed, you need rest." said Crystal.
With that crystal got up, and started to help Seth get back into bed. Once he was in it, she tucked him in.
"I want you to go to sleep,. Seth. You need your strength. Tomorrow it's the big day for Aethelu, and he wants you to be present. Tomorrow, he assumes executive commander status of the legion, while presenting Aralie with the supreme commander Status. Denelos passing has been very untimely, and unjust. That man will be missed by many, for many a yearbut lets not talk about that now eh? C'mon, go to sleep honey. I want you to be there tomorrow, looking your usual best." She smiled.
With that, Seth closed his eyes, and the darkness engulfed him again. Two minutes later, he was asleep, with no recollection of the conversation he just had with Crystal. He only knew, that he had already made his final decision. He had chosen one of his choices...
Seth, crystal and Aethelu Jr. made their way to the front row of the seating arrangement in the main hall of America base. As Seth walked down the aisle towards their seats, he shot a glance towards Aethelu's table, who was seated on the right hand side of Aralie. Aethelu was in animated conversation with aralie, but he acknowledged Seth by nodding his head and giving a slight smile.
The ceremony lasted for about an hour, during which Aethelu was promoted to Executive commander of the Legion. Aralie was now the leader, due to Denelo's untimely death during the daring rescue mission. There were a few more promotions, but Seth had left the ceremonial chamber. He told Crystal he was feeling slightly claustrophobic, and stepped out of the chamber, to head to the washroom.
The ceremony had ended when Seth returned from the washroom. Aethelu was in an animated conversation with crystal, while his son was asleep in Crystal's arms. Aethelu noticed Seth walking into the chamber, and beckoned him to come to where they were standing. Seth started to move towards them, when all of a sudden he had a flash.
He wasn't in the chamber anymore. He was in a low lit room. There was a woman, with dark hair, and a slightly ominous look on her face standing in front of him, staring into his eyes. There was a purple halo around her whole figure, enlightening her in the darkness. She was whispering something, but Seth couldnt hear
The vision ended, with Seth standing in front of Crystal and Aethelu. They were evidently talking to him, but he didn't seem to notice.
"OI Seth. Wake up lad. Whats wrong eh? Was the ceremony THAT boring?" laughed Aethelu.
"Huh? Oh... Sorry I must have dozed off... After effects of those pills I gotta take ya know" said Seth "By the way, Congratulations, Mr. Executive Commander!"
They stood around, the three of them, laughing and joking for a while, until it was time for Aethelu to leave with Aralie. Aethelu took their leave and started to walk towards the exit, when Seth called him from behind-
"Hey, Aethelu. Id like a word before you leave please? Its rather important." He said
"Hmm? Oh yeah, sure. But make it a bit quick, alright? I dont wanna be late on my first day of assuming XO status" smiled Aethelu.
"Yeah I know. But I wanted to ask you about the hybrid conversion-"Seth was interrupted by Aethelu "we will talk about this later. I will meet you in the bar in an hour. Usual table, alright? he said, his voice nearly a whisper.
"AlAlright then, fine. Ill be waiting." said Seth.
(An hour passes)
Seth was sitting at the usual table he and Aethelu sat at usually. He had a pint in his hand, sipping on it slowly, lost in deep thought, and didnt notice when Aethelu took a seat near him.
"Seth. Oi Seth, stop dreaming all the time man. What is it you wanted to talk to me about?" said Aethelu
"I want to know about the hybrid conversion, and Taurvi. What happened to him? I somehow feel that its connected to everything that's happening to me... The visions, Taurvi's interest in me, and stuff like that. i need to know, and I need to know now please." said Seth.
Aethelu looked at Seth, as if he wasnt a human, but an animal of some sort. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words would come out. There was a silence, where Aethelu was building p the courage to speak to Seth, while Seth continued to sip his drink, and look towards Aethelu for answers. After what seemed an eternity, Aethelu spoke.
"Alright, alright calm down... I'll tell you what you want to know." Said Aethelu, a little hesitant. "The information... we currently have is derived from the databanks of the Liberty Navy, via the capture of a Liberty Naval Transport, disguised as an ALG waste disposal Vessel. It was being escorted to Manhattan, obviously for accumulation of information, and such. This happened during the Nomad Wars, where the creatures were still setting their foothold in Liberty. The ship was caught by chance, since we, being a tiny organization at the time, were in dire need for any amount of cargo, or credits to survive- petty thievery in other words. That was our first encounter which involved the Nomads, otherwise known as the Slomon-KHara, by a select few, including cultists, infected politicians, and the Order."
"Two weeks later, after the capture of the Liberty transport vessel, we had in our grasp another transport, with its databanks full to the brim with information- only difference is; this was a Rhienland convoy, with gunship escorts. We suffered heavy losses, but the information was worth it. We checked the information, upon reaching back to Vespucci, and what we saw astounded us. Rhienland was preparing for war with the whole of Sirius. And the cause for the war was that many Rhienland Officials, including the chancellor himself had been infected by nomads. The Liberty Databanks showed similar information, including Nomad infestation on every level of the Liberty Navy. Alaska, otherwise known to a handful as Zone-21, is the ground where the Liberty Navy were conducting Hybrid conversions. Humans and nomads, fused together to form a new breed. The normal infestation involved the nomads taking over the host body. This was different, since the host and parasite were fused together."
"This information about the nomad-human hybrid process incited interest in a few members of the Legion, including taurvi and Denelo. Another daring raid, made into Alaska led to us finding out how the process was conducted, and surprisingly, when we entered Alaska, we expected to be slaughtered, but on the contrary, it was empty. Even the weapon platforms were offline. We made our way to Juneau, and docked. Juneau was like a ghost town. Not a sound, still like the darkness of night. Taurvi and his raiding crew stayed for a while, dismantling equipment to take back to Vespucci, and once the raiding party had what I needed, made its way back to the Alaska-New York Jump gate."
"They never got to go through. Alaska was alive, all of a sudden, guns blazing, ships flying hither-thither. Thanks to a message we received on long range, we were warned not to enter New York. The raiding party fled deeper into Alaska. A whole week passed no events. There were wrecks everywhere, until they discovered an uncharted jump hole. The jump hole led to the home of the Order, and the Elite Black squadron. Anyway, thats another story. Lets get back to you."
"After the entire hullabaloo, we reached home, and after permission from Drake, a Nomad science division was established in a corner of America, where a dedicated team of scientists were analysing whatever they had about the nomads. They replicated the technology they stole from the navy, and using It, started preparations on conducting their version of the nomad-human hybrid conversion process, but with a few minor corrections, since liberty didnt obviously have the smartest men and women, and thus, the design had a few major flaws."
"Throughout the Nomad war, we fought, for many different reasons. We fought against the Liberty Navy, for its corruption, and after finding out, thanks to the Black Squadron, that the nomads were taking control of key politicians, and naval commanders. We fought for our freedom, both against alien rule, and against the corrupted Libertonian rule."
"Firstly, the hybrid conversion... Its basically a test we have been conducting, the partial fusion of humans with those nomads, with a difference. In our method, the human has control over the nomad, while gaining the advantages of the nomad race. This involves telepathy, advanced communications, knowledge of the nomad race, faster reflexes, and a much higher IQ. We were conducting these tests on random objects, and after seeing the success of our conversions, we decided to move onto human tests."
"Taurvi was the first and last human test subject. His conversion well let's just say it didn't go as planned. He DID have a bit of control over the nomad, but we highly underestimated the nomads. We didn't expect them to to do what they did. I won't go into the details, but heres the last image we caught of Taurvi, before he ripped our lab apart, and nearly everything else in his path. We HAD to let him go, for his and our own safety. The nomad we planted in him was much stronger than we anticipated, however, due to Taurvis physical and mental abilities, he was able to wrench control from the nomad at random times, and communicate with us. He was a very good friend of Denelo, before the conversion. Thankfully, he still had enough humanity left to remember us. He helped us in various tasks, aiding us against liberty and whatnot. One thing I never understood about him is, since we just planted a normal nomad in him how was he able to keep the beast, the Harbinger under his control, since it takes a superior nomad to control beasts of the size of the Harbinger."
"The visions Now, for that I haven't a clue why you are getting them, but for taurvi to repeatedly communicate with you in such a manner, I expect that theres something about you he wants." Ended Aethelu
Again, silence reigned during the time Seth absorbed in all the information, while Aethelu sat back, and started to drink his own drink. Aethelu looked a bit flustered, especially since he just gave out a whole lot of information to Seth, about a topic that was hardly every discussed due to the nature of it. Seth looked as he was in a state of utter shock, out of which he snapped out pretty fast. He heard Aethelu's last few words, and replied slowly.
"No it's not something it's me he wants the time I met him in the bay, he said something like 'Accept your heritage' before I saw the vision. I've been exposed to nomads ever since I was a kid. My father was infected with a nomad, and I was chased by them all my life, until I joined the LSF by force, and then I met the Legion. Nomads have been an integral part of my life, and I cannot deny that fact. For that simple reason, I want to ask you of a favour."Said Seth
"No. I won't do it Seth. Dont just think about yourself. You got Crystal and your so-"Seth interrupted Aethelu "yes I know. That's why I want you to hear me out, Aethelu."
Aethelu reluctantly closed his mouth, and listened intently.
"I've known you got as long time now, and you have been my best and closes friend Aethelu. You have helped me through a lot, taking me into the legion, helping me during the tough times, and I really wish to thank you for that. Crystal, I've been neglecting her too much recently, due to all these visions and stuff. I don't want her to be sad. And for that reason, I want you to take her hand, since I want to go ahead with the Hybrid conversion process. I have a feeling no I know for sure that is part of my destiny." whispered Seth.
Somehow, even though Aethelu knew what Seth was about to ask of him, Aethelu couldn't believe his ears. The look on his face stated he was feeling a range of different emotions, and didn't know what to say to such a request. Again, silence. Aethelu didn't want to say he agreed with Seth. He and Seth had become very close, but he knew Seth would go ahead with the conversion, even if Aethelu said no. Aethelu opened his mouth to speak.
"Give me a bit of time to think about this all, Seth. It's not something I can answer just like this. Have you told Crystal what you are about to do? I think she has a right to know, don't you?" asked Aethelu
"Yes she does. But I dont want to tell her. It will break her heart if I told her what is about to happen, and I can't see her crying. You know that Aethelu." replied Seth
"I think she would prefer if you told her instead of me Seth. After all, you two have been through thick and thin together." Said Aethelu
Silence was becoming an integral part of this conversation, between Seth and Aethelu, increasing every time the other stopped after speaking. No one spoke for a while, instead devoting their attention to their drinks. Seth was deep in thought, while Aethelu was reading a letter someone had just brought him. Upon finishing the letter, Aethelu addressed Seth.
"Right, Seth, I need to run, Aralie needs me. I want you to talk to Crystal about this, while I make the necessary preparations for the Hybrid conversion Process. It will take up to a week, since we need to acquire a Nomad Power cell to power the whole operation. I will have the Ven 'gyr launched to retrieve a power cell. Apparently, there is a place where you can find said item. Its deep within Wilde territory, however, and the mission will be extremely dangerous. But, I dont think anything's too hard for Frost. He knows what he's doing. I'll speak to you in a bit, Seth. Take care. And again, don't forget. Crystal has a right to know what youre about to do" said Aethelu.
Aethelu drained his glass, and rose from his seat. Seth rose as well, and they both shook hands before Aethelu took off like the wind. Seth took a seat again, and continued to sip his drink slowly
Seth walked back from the bar back towards his room. He was feeling extremely drowsy, having had one too many drinks at the bar, but managed to make his way back. He opened the door to his room, and walked in. he took a seat on the chair near the desk, and started to take off his uniform slowly. He was taking off his boots, when he saw both Crystal and his son asleep in bed.
Having taken off his boots, he shut his eyes and sat back in his chair, reminiscing the pastremembered the time when he came to America Base how he met Crystal how they spent their time in the Legiontheir wedding day the birth of Aethelu Jr The visions the Ceremony...
He all of a sudden felt a soft hand touch his face, and it made him jump slightly. It was Crystal. He didnt realise she was awake, and waiting for him to get back.
Hey... Its just me how are you feeling? Did you have that chat with Aethelu then? asked Crystal.
Seth looked at Crystals face, and replied Yeah I talked to him earlier on I...I got somesomething I want to talk to you about Crystal.
Of course. Whats on your mind Hon? she asked
Before I start to speak, promise you wont hate me. The stuff Im about to talk to you about is well... for lack of a better word Volatile said Seth.
Oh cmon Seth. Do we have to go through this? I trust you, and whatever this is all about, ill still love you. She replied
Well. Here goes nothing. He Said. I had gone to the bar to ask Aethelu about the hybrid conversion process, and about taurvi, because I think that that is connected to me and to everything that has been happening to me. The visions and such that Ive been getting... I thought were more like messages, and I wanted to understand them. Now, after the talk, I realised why taurvi was targeting me with all that was going on. It was me. Its my destiny. Im in the Legion for one purpose- to take part in the hybrid conversion and follow Taurvis path. To become one of... Them.
Im sorry it has to come to this Crystal. I did not want any of this to happen. But its happening regardless. And I have to follow my destiny. I wish I could change it, dont get me wrong. Ive tried of every possible way to counter, or get out of this situation, but its inevitable...i even wished that someone would come... and would switch their destiny with mine, because I sure as hell dont want to leave you, or our son. He concluded.
Crystal was absolutely stunned after hearing Seth. She opened her mouth slightly to speak, but couldnt utter a syllable. She was frozen still, with a glint of fear in her eyes.
Crystal. Dont think I want any of this to happen. I wished I never had any nomad encounter. I wish I could continue living my life with you, but I cannot. And for that reason, I dont want to leave you like this, and for that, I wish that you marry someone worthy- Aethelu. I wouldnt like to have the last thought on my conscience that i ruined your life totally. I know it seems selfish, but I wish the best for you said Seth, with tears rolling down his cheeks.
Seth stopped speaking, and both of them were crying. Seth got up, and gave crystal a hug. He then kissed her on the lips and wiped the tears out of her eyes.
But how can you do this? How can you decide to leave us just like that, especially after all we have been through? Seth, please tell me your joking? said crystal, with a sudden spark of hope.
Seth didnt respond to crystals question, but instead continued to look at her. Even in sorrow, she looked so beautiful
Cmon Crystal. Lets go to bed and forget this for now. We can discuss this later said Seth, pulling Crystal along to bed with him
A new day. The day of reckoning Frost had managed to acquire a power cell, but had received extended damages to the Ven Gyrs shields, in addition to losing life support in the lower decks 56 and 59. He was on his way back to Vespucci, being an hours journey away. Aethelu, Crystal and Seth were sitting in the caf?, waiting for the arrival of Frost. The preparations for the Hybrid conversion were finished, and the process was ready to be conducted.
Crystal. Once the power cell is here, I will be going into the Conversion chamber to go ahead with it, but before I go, I want a bit of time alone with you and our son please. I want to say my final goodbye to you. Seriously, I thank you two for what you have aided in my life, and Im very sorry for any sort of grief and pain this is causing you, but you must understand. It has to be done. said Seth. Aethelu, its your responsibility now to see that Crystal doesnt cry. Do whatever it takes, but dont let her be sad please. And take care of my son too. I want him to grow to be a great man like you.
Seth. Stop. Please, you still have the option to turn back and end this nonsense right now. Please, end it and come back to us. pleaded Crystal
There was no answer to that, except silence. Crystal had a couple of tears rolling down her cheeks, and Aethelu, the man who had seen so many different aspects of life unflinchingly, looked terrible. They were all standing in silence, when all of a sudden they heard a PA announcement, stating that the Ven Gyr had just docked on America base.
With that, the trio got up, and slowly started to make their way towards the bay area. They saw Frost walking down an aisle, with a heavy cart behind him being pushed by some of his crew. It obviously contained the Power cell, since the box which sat on the cart was heavily re enforced.
Frost. Nodded Aethelu. I see you managed to procure the power cell. Thank you." said Aethelu.
Mm. Not a problem, Commander Aethelu. Anything for the legion. However he lowered his voice by a fraction, addressing Aethelu, The Ven Gyr has a teeny bit of shield damage, and it should be repaired by tomorrow, and the Ven Gyr should be back on patrol duty a.s.a.p. I would like to mention, we came across some infested Rhienland pilots. They tried to prevent us from acquiring the cell, but thanks to the advanced power plant installed, we were able to withstand the majority of the fire. Finally, we have acquired an experimental weapon, codenamed the Excalibur. It is currently housed in aboard the Ven Gyr. You can check it out later. replied Frost.
Excellent. Can you have the cart delivered to the Experimental lab 5 please? Thats where this object is needed. As to this Codename, I will check it later, thanks. Answered Aethelu.
Consider it done, Commander. Replied Frost, and then signalled two crew men to take the cart away.
Right, lets get ourselves down there now as well, Seth. Crystal. Are you going to come along, or stay? asked Aethelu
Of course Im going to come, what the hell kind of question is that Aethelu? She said loudly. Im Im sorry. About that Aethelu, but this whole thing is getting to me. I dont want it to happen, but it will happen nonetheless
No problem Crystal. I can imagine what your feeling. I feel nothing better myself about it. Assured Aethelu.
Seth didnt speak all this while, but continued to walk, listening to everything that was said. He was feeling too many different emotions at the time, to understand them.
They soon reached the doors of the Experimental lab 5. Access was restricted to this place, due to the nature of research conducted at this level. The only people who had access to here, apart from the people working here were Aethelu and Aralie.
The place is like a fortress. You arent getting access unless you got the same voice, finger print, and retina as me, or Aralie said Aethelu, conducting the necessary scans at the same time.
*ACESS GRANTED*
With that, the titanium enforced double doors slid open, revealing a huge lab, full of people working on different things. The Cart was taken and placed inside a chamber, which, Seth guessed was where the conversion was going to happen.
Alright. This is it Seth. This is where the first and last Hybrid conversion took place. Of course, there is more chance of a success now, what with our equipment, but still, dont expect a 100% chance of success. If you still want to go ahead with the conversion, you need to get yourself ready. Take off your top, and place yourself on that table. We will strap you in, and make preparations for the next stage. Said Aethelu
Seth, a little hesitant now, slowly took off his shirt he was wearing and handed it to one of the assistants, before he moved towards the chamber with the large table. He placed his body upon the table, lying on his back, waiting for the next step to occur. The doors of the Chamber automatically slid shut, and the clamps round the wrist, stomach, neck and ankles snapped shut, holding Seths body in place. Seth shut his eyes, fear and anticipation flooding his mind
...The doors to the chamber had been sealed shut, the only person inside being Seth, trapped to the table. Crystal was stood near Aethelu, who had a look of anxiousness across his face. The Conversion was in its final stages of preparation, which involved the Power cell.
To this day, Aethelu never knew what the role of the power cell in the conversion was, but there again; he had never done such a conversion before either. The nomad power cells role was as stated- it was a power cell for the Nomad, once it infested its host, it needed a steady supply of energy- somewhat like a developing embryo and the yolk inside a birds egg. Only problem was, finding such Power cells was very rare, since the either the corsairs had taken control of the artifacts trade, or the fact that the power cell such as the one being used, is found in the Wilde stronghold, and is near suicide to try and procure. Good thing that didnt scare Frost from doing his job.
The Nomad power cell was introduced into the chamber via an electronic arm, extracting it from the box it was fastened within, and placed it in a tiny chamber which was surrounded by an electric field.
Seth. The final preparations for the conversion have been completed are are you sure you still wish to go ahead with this... Aethelu asked, with a wavering voice. You can still stop this madness now Seth, before the conversion is started. You can still change your destiny, and come back to us please. I ask you again to reconsider for our sake.
Seth heard Aethelu over the Microphone, but did not answer back. He wished to go back, yet he couldnt. It was his destiny, and no man has managed to avoid it. In any shape or form, Destiny always has the last laugh
Aethelu, you know what I must do. Please, dont make it worse for us. Get it over and done with. Destiny and Fate are walking hand in hand for me. Start the process. I wish to get this over and done with now. Just, promise to take care of Crystal. Seth spoke slowly. Crystal if youre there, I just wanted to say I just wanted to say I love you. Take care of yourself, and our son. Im sorry for putting you through this. ended Seth, his voice barely a whisper.
Aethelu was hesitant to give the order, even though Seth had reassured him. Seconds seemed like days, minutes like an eternity, as if time was hardly passing by. Aethelu gave the order for the conversion to be started, but time seemed to be at a standstill for Seth. Flashes of his past were flying past his shut eyes...until a specific vision got Seths attention...
A couple... Talking to an old man with that same purple halo round his eyes like his father had...another scene of the father drunk and asleep, and the woman on a bed nearby, hunched up with a blanket round her shoulders crying silently... She had been sexually assaulted when her husband had been heavily sedated with alcohol... the vision shifted from them, to a developing human embryo... the parents getting infested by a nomad...and darkness....
All of a sudden, Seth awoke from his vision, sweating profusely, eyes wide open, looking hither thither. He suddenly realised that everything that had happened in his life was his destiny. He couldnt have changed it even if he tried to. Its like his parents had handed over his soul to the devil for personal benefit... Taurvi wasnt the cause... he was just fulfilling his role as an "ambassador" of a higher power.
There was no sound- not of Aethelu talking over the comms, or any beeping instruments, nothing. Complete silence, which was broken by the sound of a robotic arm periodically lifting and placing objects in a circle, around Seths table. These were the artifacts that were captured from the Rhienland expedition... somehow these were connected to the Conversion process...
The lights had been turned off within the Chamber, and Reinforced Lead plates were dropped down, to enclose the whole chamber. The only light that was coming was from the Power cell, emanating a faint purple pulsating glow from within the tiny chamber it was enclosed in. All of a sudden, a blue particle beam was fired from a point near the door, which Seth could not see. The beam hit the power cell, which absorbed all the energy.
Seth turned his head side to side frantically, and realised that the artifacts placed round his table had started to glow with the same faint purple glow similar to the Power cell. Intriguing as it was, Seth was trembling with fear. The Power cell started to periodically fire beams at the artifacts, as if activating them.
The rate at which the beams were being fired was increasing slowly, until the table was enclosed in it completely. The cameras that were monitoring Seth were completely blinded by white light, and nothing was visible on the screen.
AetheluWhats... whats going on? Why cant I see Seth anymore? crystal asked slowly
I dont know Crystal, theres some sort of light being emitted inside the chamber, which is blocking view we have no idea whats going on... replied Aethelu
Inside the chamber, the power cell had stopped firing the light beams, but the table was enclosed in a shell of light. All of a sudden, the power cell fired a beam straight into Seths chest, and an ear splitting scream was heard. The beam itself was nothing more than a tickle, but the side effect was excruciatingly painful. It was as if everything outside the bubble of light had stopped moving, even Time herself. Inside the bubble however, was another story. Within seconds of the light striking Seths body, his DNA makeup started to change rapidly, his bone density started to increase, his muscles were starting to become highly developed, his brain started growing exponentially, his skin grew rough and strong, and his skin colour started to change.
The pain was so intense Seth could think of nothing else. He tried frantically to break away from the table, but he couldnt. The shackles were too strong. He continued to struggle, when all of a sudden the beam disappeared. The pain lingered on for a bit longer, until it vanished as well. The bubble of light vanished into thin air, and the power cell was missing, as if it was never there. The artifacts were still in their places, but they had stopped glowing, just like they were before the power cell hit them with the light beams. Seth was unconscious on the table, but shaking violently.
Darkness... Another vision...Seth saw the Embryo again... but something was different... there was a purple halo round the eyes, and bluish purple glow emitting from the centre of the embryo...The birth of a Hybrid.
Seth felt a burning sensation inside his body, as if someone had set his body alight. He was burning up, and every time he moved, he felt as if his muscles were about to rip off his body, as if his veins and arteries were about to burst, as if his heart had exploded. Seth broke free from the shackles, and was writhing and jumping in pain, oblivious of his surroundings. He was holding onto his chest with one of his hands, while beating the chamber walls with the other. A minute later, he slowed down to a halt, after which he collapsed to the ground.
The lead screens lifted, and Aethelu and crystal rushed towards the door.
Why wont this door open?! Seth! Are you okay? screamed Crystal Aethelu open the bloody door! Why arent you opening it!!
Im sorry maam, the instruments read that the radiation levels within the chamber are too high, and the automatic lockdown cannot be manually overridden. We are clearing the chamber as we speak, just give us a minute for it to be brought down to acceptable levels one of the scientists answered.
The Hybrid conversion was complete, a 100% success, but Seths life was at risk, with a high probability of death. Aethelu and crystal could do nought but watch from behind the chambers. Crystal was in tears, and even Aethelu couldnt hold them back any longer. As soon as the conversion was finished, they rushed into the chamber, alongside the security and medical staff.
Seth... Seth! Wake up! Please... please wake up!! Crystal cried.
"There's no use ma'am. He cannot hear you."
With that, the staff placed Seths body back on top of the table top, and wired him to a life support machine. Seths body just lay there, almost lifeless- like. There was a faint purple halo developing around his eyes...
A strange hexagonal shaped door, which was heavily decorated with strange, pulsating shapes all over the surface, was visible. Upon reaching it, the door split into six sections, which glided away, each rotating in their own hemispheres, to reveal a vast empty chamber lit with purple star-like bulbs. There was a logo embellished on the floor of the chamber, with 3 prongs, and a centre with heavy markings. On the opposite end, there were three different passages, leading to different areas presumably.
The transport hovered slowly towards the central passage door, while the door they had just entered through shut behind them. When they passed through the doors they saw what no one has ever seen. They witnessed a living alien city, which was built inside a huge shell. There were nondescript entities floating and going to and fro above the city, either carrying stuff or doing tasks which they were assigned to. There were odd shaped towers that extended above the surface and some that were descending from the shell, and there were large, isles floating around the city, with large purple pulses connecting them to the city at certain points, almost like a grid. There were larger ships in orbit, doing the task of transporting and such.
Aethelu and the others eyes were fixated on this sight, until they came across an area which had them completely awe-struck.
The Harbinger said Aethelu slowly
They witnessed a shipyard, with ships of every size which seemed to be docked. But Aethelu knew better. Nomads dont build ships, they grow them. This building specialised in growing nomad vessels, ranging from the tiny fighters, to the majestic battleships. The armoured transport continued to chug along until it started to slow down, evidently nearing the end of the journey.
Aethelu and Crystal looked at each other, stunned. Here was a fully fledged alien world, living, existing, and growing before their eyes. It was an astonishingly beautiful, graceful, and a calming, soothing sight, yet unpredictable and dangerous.
The transport landed, and the doors slid open without warning. Aethelu and the others were surpised. They hadnt worn their oxygen masks, and werent ready to leave the ship, but when the doors opened, they realised, that they didnt require the masks. The city had a self sustaining environment, suitable for many different life-forms. There was oxygen in plentiful amounts in the atmosphere, enough for everyone to breath normally. They stepped out of the transport and made their way towards the room they were being directed to.
The guests were surprised to see a tall young woman in the middle of the room. She had a long black hair, strange suit and a long dark coat. A flash through Aethelus mind, reminded of the time he saw that particular face of a star-port. She was standing in the hallway, with her body-guards, awaiting someone. Her piercing eyes stared at Aethelu, the whole time he was in her view. Something about her made Aethelu feel fear.
Back then he thought she must have been just a wealthy outcast, but to see her there in this hall was surprising at the very least. Yet there she was, standing alone watching as Aethelu and Crystal were slowly entering the hall, who were having mixed feelings of panic, fear, intimidation, and awe, all at the same time.
"Who are you?" asked Aethelu, walking closer and closer to her, but the woman remained silent like a statue of stone. "Do we know you?"
Again, she didnt utter a word, but continued to stand, no expression on her face, and stare at Aethelu and the others in silence.
"I want to go back, Aethelu, please, let's leave. This place isweird pleaded Crystal. Fear was starting to grip the crowd, and having the woman stare at them was making it no better.
Commander Aethelu turned to Crystal and looked into her eyes. She was scared, shivering and could barely hold herself up. Fear was starting to grip the crowd, and having the woman stare at them was making it no better.
"Crystal we have come this far for Seth. This is it. We must finish it there, for Seth. Its the least we can do to help him gain sanctuary with his kind now." replied Aethelu.
With that said, the door at the other end of the room slid open and an elderly man strode into the hall, as he was in the prime of his age. His movements and actions seemed very rapid, even for a man at his age, and in addition to that, he was wearing a strange uniform.
"Hmm. He definitely must be of the infested ones... no old man moves that fast, thats for sure." - Aethelu thought to himself.
"Ah, finally, Commander Aethelu, Crystal and of course... Seth." - the man spoke in the soft, charming voice with a strange, yet great emphasis on "Seth", as if Seth was safe and sound standing beside the others.
"And who would you be?" questioned Aethelu.
He smiled. "My name is not important, Commander. Let's just say that our associates... - the man turned to the window, pointing to where the woman was standing, "have made a rather Unique request and, by the looks of it, it involves Seth, with best interests at heart. Of course, it is all in the nature to provide help for him, since his current state is not curable using mere human methods. We rely on moreah... Unique methods."
"What will happen to Seth?" - Crystal exclaimed.
The man turned head back to the visitors, in the same warm and calm voice the man answered: "That depends on your commanders decision now, dear Crystal. The more time you will waste now the less chance your... friend has of survival...
"But... why are you doing this to us?" - The question that was drilling Aethelu all along the way. Why did they make a request to acquire Seth? What is it all about and what of all things the Nomads have to do with this and who in blazes was that woman?
The elder man smiled a bit and shook head like a doctor trying to calm a panicking patient.
"Why not, Commander? I'm only here to see that your friend survives..." he said.
Astonishment struck Aethelu. The Man had just read his thoughts, and his questions, and answered them. The man had nothing to hide, it seemed. Pieces of Aethelus jigsaw of information were falling into place. He now understood more than he ever did before. He now knew what the Harbinger was, its purpose. It was there to awaken the beast within taurvi. The nomad that had been fused with taurvi was more or less like a spy. It was trying to gather knowledge of how the Hybrid conversion was done. The Keepers, founded by Taurvi are a mix of pure nomads, and hybrids. They are the guardians of the Slomon-KHara, the nomads.
After a bit of time, the transport was seen undocking from the citys outer protective shell, and move into the cloud, never to be seen again. Aethelu and the crew had been promised a free passage, and an escort up to Omicron Alpha. The woman was standing in the hallway, watching the transport leave the city, with no sign of emotion on her face. As the Transport vanished from sight into the nebula cloud, she pulled out an oddly shaped object from her pocket. It was gleaming in her hand, with a hint of purple and turquoise, and a faint green glow from the interior. Aethelu pondered about everything he had learned. Of course, he would keep the information to himself, but he now realised. Seths destiny was to become a Keeper