A moment before Destiny.

Writers : Severece and Iondara/Teal  (Charlotte)

The armored panels around the command deck lifted open giving a view of the main bridge below as officers and crew rushed to their final stations. Adrin took the XO’s console which was directly to the right of the command chair where his mother sat. It was a strange position to be in after so long – but he handled it with the grace expected of him. He slipped the ocular interface into position over his right eye and a grid of volumetric protections came up according to his presets. An Execuative/First Officer was second in command and generally handled logisitics and helped coordinate command functions – when the order was given, the counter clock above the operations table began to countdown. “Clear all moorings, retract docking umbelicals and clamps.” his orders were enhanced by the carrying chain of command that extended into the pits of the bridge below.

Adrin looked over some of the screens and then back to his mother. “All decks report ready.” Service hatches and entires to maintenance shafts closed, a series of internal forcefields activated securing the bridge and other decks. The massive battleship was preparing to leave dock under the masterful hands of it’s first crew and commander. “Engineering confirms sublight drives (Forced Asune Impulse) and speeds in FTL (Slipstream) and Chronometric Functions are at standby until we clear the system.” The corners of Adrin’s lips raised triumphantly as he looked towards the command chair, there was something amazing about seeing his mother there. His father was a hero and now it was her turn to claim the same.

The Vanguard’s massive form was drifting slowly into the lane as the last of it’s connections with the Citadel were jettisoned, the warm purple-glow of is’s asune drives illuminating as the rest of the vessel’s running lights and external transponders came online. The smooth arching curves of it’s hull illiminated to show off the textured detail of engraved niranium. The concorses of the Citadel were filled with members of the military and family members of the assigned crew who were there to watch the launch. The ship was ready — But was it’s commander? All eyes turned, looking back towards Teal as they awaited the final set of orders to get underway from the Citadel’s production bay. Aside from it’s space trials, this would be the ship’s first run into open space and the first test of it’s drive.

*

A flurry of activity like a hive of well trained insects, though these were of course Norian that were well adept to the rigours of getting the Vanguard ready for launch.  Teal remained silent, in the wake of her son Adrin’s taking over the control of the XO’s console.  Such fluid movements, that showed skill and the same determination as his Father, Falcon.  Teal was showing a reflective of the insturment panels upon her skin, as the panels rose up before her.  If she had nerves at this point in time, she did well at masking them.  Having full faith in her Son’s abilities, this part of the launch would run seemlessly as she expected.  With the shudder from the release of the vessel from its moorings, Teal felt a shiver run up her spine, as the countdown had been initiated.  With the clamp locks released Adrin made his declaration that all decks were now closed and ready.  Time was ticking down fast and with all crew now at their stations, the ship would slowly start to move, breaking free from its dock and rising slowly.  A giant by any other definition, it dwarfed many of its predessors.

“If only your Father was here to witness this moment.”  Teal said telepathically to her son, as she felt a swelling of emotion within her being.  Catching her son’s smile, she knew the ship and crew were in safe hands.  All system were fully operational, and now it was her turn, to give out the final orders as the ship left the Citadel’s production bay.  Sitting up proudly in her command chair, she let her gaze sweep over the crew before her, and said;

“This ship is a testimony to the many that have come before us.  We Norians, have been at the forefront of space discovery for thousands of years. Now it is time, to reclaim our right, our place in the stars. I say this in honour of Falcon, and to each of you.  The best is yet to come.” Teal’s face showed the pride of that of the Daithilus lineage, and she gave a curt nod toward her son.

“All systems engage….take us out.”

*

Distance from Homeworld: 0.2 LY

The Federation’s Flagship, the majestic white bird of Justice, the NGF Aequitas passed the outer defense perimeter. The ship was ablaze with activity, plumes of dry plasma blew from pressure release valves on the external coil assemblies as the resounding voice of Falcon boomed across the bridge. “Not enough, depressurize the cargo bays…” He ordered, the operations officer looked frustrated, the young Norian woman was working overtime in coordination with the chief engineer in trying to keep the ship together. There was no pursuing enemy, no onboard intruder, just the iron will of Justice himself, hammering at them every step of the way.

“ETA thirteen minutes…” The ship bucked as the Navcon officer reported.

“Increase engine speed to 170% of normal.” Falcon ordered, gripping the armrests of his chair as they barrelled towards home. Some of the ship’s armored plates were actually separating from the hull, most of the corridors next to engineering had been cleared as emergancy coolant flooded the ship’s engine core, which was thundering as that it could be heard and felt through the entire ship.

“Any faster and we are going to fuse the coils right into the pylons.” The Chief Engineer reported over the comm.

“Then fuse them. Increase speed to 190% of spec.” The whole ship shook as Falcon gave the order.

“ETA four minutes.” The Navcon officer reported, sweat dripping down the male’s forehead as that Falcon had taken the environmental systems offline to help increase the power diverted to the engines. Many of the bridge crew looked worried, like they were going to be sucked out into space any second as the ship broke up. Falcon on the other hand just watched the volumetric viewer.

Four minutes Later….

The Aequitas exited FTL, the transition between slipstream and realspace was rough,plasmatic flames breaching from it’s engine pylons which the engineering crew had no choice but to jettison as they slowed to sublight outside of the Citadel where the Vanguard V was launching.

I’m here Caecyan whispered through the link to his family on the other ship.

-

Launching

Adrin listened to his mother’s words, it appeared she had picked up on the abilities to stir morale in the crew. The two Capitalship pilots at the front of the command deck followed the instructions of the Navcon officer as the ship began to move forwards from it’s berth. Thruster quads shifted the ship’s trjectory, keeping them within the marked spacelane as they cleared the outer doors of the Citadel.

Working in concert, the official launch of the Vanguard V was a success. Bottles of Norian Brandy were launched from tubes at the doors of the Citadel, smashing into the ship’s side as members of the religious orders whispered prayers in the name of Niratheya for the safety and prosperty of both ship and crew.

“Looks like he is here to see this moment…” Adrin said, motioning to the Flagship which had closed to a few thousand meters from the Citadel, the majestic Titan showing off it’s Falcon-like markings.

These bright moments would need to be savored, for into the darkness they tred – danger awaited them with open arms.

*

The launch was a success, and the beaming faces of the crew as well as that of Adrin made it all worth while.  The firing of the celebratory tubes of Norian brandy at the ship’s doors was a fitting display to cap off the Vanguard’s maiden flight.  But what could possibly make it any more spectacular was to hear within their minds, the voice of Falcon himself..

Seeing the Falcon marking on the sides of the Titan had Teal actually rise up out of the command chair.  She could not believe it even as it was appearing before her own eyes.  Teal made her way to be alongside her son, and placed a hand upon his shoulder, before reaching out in her mind to Caecyan.

“You were always one at making an entrance.  Welcome home…”

*

Adrin knew that the Aequitas had been deployed to Deneb, to watch the Flagship emerge like a shooting star from FTL he knew that his father must of pushed the ship to it’s limits just to get home. “I bet he has a happy engineer onboard.” he looked at the sensor readout of the Aequitas’ engine core and just laughed.

The Vanguard V cleared the outer staging area, several ships in the fleets were there to see them off, including the Mesmere, the vessel commanded by Nira which had taken up a paralelle course next to them.

Caecyan’s thoughts and emotions transmitted across the darkness of space, the warmth of his presence spilling over his family. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything. Not even a bunch of skirmishing Governors.” His reference was to the mission he had been on. “Thank you for welcome home, but unfortunately I am just here to see you off and repair whatever damage I did trying to get here on time.” Caecyan chuckled. “My dear family, I am the man I am because of you. Our Federation is counting upon you. All shall remember this day with a sense of reverence for the true Daithilus have once more raised above all to save their people.” Caecyan projected his feelings to them, his concern and worry for their safe keeping during this mission that was dangerous and obscure. “My only regret is that I am not coming along, but someone has to stay here and hold the Federation together.”Safe passage, and may the light of Niratheya shine upon you. Ai jhyli o.” Falcon’s voice carried, followed by the signature cry of the bird-of-prey itself which rang through the family’s telepathic link.

The Vanguard shook, a single point defense turret on the Mesmere’s ventral section opened fire giving the vessel a tap. Nira’s voice echoed over the comms, “Bring mother back in one peice Adrin, or your throne will be moved to the courtyard.”,

Adrin let out a deep breath, shaking his head. “Helm, prepare FTL solution out of the system…slipstream on the CO’s discretion.” He looked then to his mother and nodded, waiting for her to give the order. He whispered under his breath, “Don’t worry, I can’t wait till you open your closet you little shit.”

*

Teal joined her son in his laughter, when she too noticed the readout on the Aequitas.  “Your Father always has a habit of pushing ships…*mumbles*..and other things to the extreme”-  Showing off a broad smile, before rolling her eyes.  Being playful mainly due to the euphoric feelings that were washing over her at this time.  How could one explain to others when Caecyan was able to project his very emotions into those that were his family on board the Vanguard.  Naturally, there would be a slight feeling of dissapointment, that he could not bet there in person, to say this to them directly, or offer physical contact. But all this was made up for, when they heard him speak via their telepathic ability.

For a moment, nothing was more important than hearing the sound of Caesyan’s voice through his thoughts.  Words that were spoken from his heart.  Pride in their mission, and being able to make it just in time to see the launch for himself, allowing that contact with Adrin and Teal.  Teal’s chest swelled as she lowered her hand from her son Adrin’s shoulder and placed it upon the command chair instead, as she vocalised her own thoughts back to him.

“It is you, my dear, that has held this family together. While I know that you are unable to stand by our sides, we have you in our hearts.  The Federation always comes first, and this is part of why we are making this voyage.  My love…we shall not let them, nor the our people down.  Caecyan…Ai jhyli o.”

The last moment, Teal would hear the cry of the Falcon, and smile softly as the telepathic link was cut.  Only to be made up for by the knock to the side of the ship, by none other than Mesmere.  Teal raised a brow sharply, at the idea that Nira would even consider using a defence turret against the new Vanguad.  “Really…”  Course, Nira’s voice would echo through the comms, and Teal went back to take her place in her command chair.  Chuckling at his comments to Adrin, still cheeky as ever.  “I had thought you boys would have matured just a touch.”  She knew that in his heart, Nira meant well.  “Did he have to scratch the paintwork though?”

Adrin had THAT look, and Teal quickly glanced at the ceiling, almost glad they were about to blast off.

“On my mark…*Teal then dug her nails into the armrest, before noticing…”Oh look…cupholders.”  She grinned then sung out.  “Punch it!”

*

Adrin tried not to burst out laughing as his mother spoke, there was a simple known fact – Nira would be playing pranks until he was old and wrinkled and Adrin would be always outsmarting him. He took a deep breath of the processed air and leaned back in the padded chair. “Punch it, I see you are stealing my lines again.” He said with a chuckle. The Navcon officer relayed his FTL solution to the two pilots and the interaction spheres illuminated around them as their hands stretched out towards each other. The Vanguard V was capable of a bit more than punching it when it came to slipstream, it’s forced asune impulse drivers went dark as the transdemensional shift tore open around the ship and enveloped them, slinging them into transit conduit. “Maintain speed at 22 LY/min and prepare charge for chronometric burst initiation once we are clear of the defense perimeter.” The Vanguard quickly outran the Mesmere which attempted to keep up, the older cruiser fell behind in the conduit and eventually veered off to head back to the homeworld.

“Cupholders..” Adrin looked down, noticing his station didn’t have one. “I got ripped off over here.” He felt as if a weight had been lifted off him, the humm of the ship’s systems and the feeling as they entered FTL was something that had always been a comfort to him. Out on the frontier there was no press, no women trying to take the place of the one he had lost, there was just space and the turmoils that came with it. His briefings about the other timeline  had made him curious, but at the same time grateful - grateful for what and who he had, even if the timeline didn’t have the one exception he sought, he wouldn’t trade the entire galaxy for his mother. He watched the scrolling information, his connection with the AI keeping up with the flood of information.

“Will be about three hours before we have enough charge for the chronometric jump. How does lunch sound?” He asked, not having had time to eat prior to their launch due to the antics of the press.

*

The Vangaurd was away and the feeling of relief was indeed sweet.  Naturally her humour at the point of ordering the ship to take off, was half from her personality.  Always being quirky and colourful at all the wrong times.  Never dull, that was for sure.  Toying with the cupholder inlet, she heard Adrin complain that his chair did not have such features.  Teal simply smirked and said.  “That is because I got the big chair.  Don’t worry dear, one day, you can have nice cupholders too.”  She wasn’t all games though, seriously keeping an eye on the front pilots and how well they were handling the interactive spheres.  All in all, the crew kept good pace, and the ride thus far was a smooth one.  The Vanguard was much more capable than the older vessel, the Mesmere, and soon Nira would have turned back towards Homeworld, rather than chased them.

Now that the ship was well on its way, Adrin suggested that they have lunch.  A marvelous idea, since Teal was peckish.  Rising from her command chair, knowing all was in good hands, she nodded politely.  “I dare say you would pleased, Adrin.  All those bloodhounds and press that we left behind.  Although, I can imagine dining with me, would be a tad boring as opposed to some leggy lovely.”  Teal didn’t mean to toss such a remark, but she was concerned for his happiness.  “I wonder what they are serving today.  Chicken perhaps….”

Teal then made her way to the exit door and glanced over her shoulder.  ‘Coming then?”

*

Adrin made out like he was going to steal the chair as he walked past. “Don’t worry, I plan on being awake for at least one shift you’re sleeping through.” The truth was, the daily activities of running a starship held more appeal to him than the politics that he had been studying under his father. He knew his role as heir however, but dreaded the day it would come that he would have to sit and rule in the absence of his parents.  “Leggy lovely? Ha…You’ve been sipping the same stuff Aunt Demesis uses to put people into trances.” He headed towards the lift, letting her get into it ahead of him. “Right behind you…” he said, the lift door closing behind him.

As the AI put the lift into motion, Adrin came to lean up against the back wall of the lift. “This personna you take on, when you go to the other side….I mean…without this ship…” he wasn’t quite sure what he was asking, but he stumbled through it. “Does she have a Ysi? children? friends? Do you miss us when you are her?” The questions he had were far more complicated than the simple ones he posed during the discussions and briefings before leaving dock. He already knew his own story was tragic on the other side, as well as the fate of that Teal Moon, he dreaded it – it was one of the reasons he had left his post to go with her, he had his own agenda, there was no way he was going to live the life she had described before.

*

Once inside the lift, Adrin finally asks the questions that he has put off for so long.  Teal’s facial expression suddenly changed.  Gone was the happy smile, the sparkle in her eyes seemed to diminish when questioned about the woman she was on the other side.  Teal brought her hands together, clasped before her and became reflective of the woman known simply as Iondara.

“Adrin, how do I put this to you to help you understand about “her”.  My best way of describing her is…she is a woman of duty.  She lives, breathes and works solely for the cause and her career.  Iondara has not allowed time to love or find a mate.  Every waking hour, she is on the helm of her ships.  She’s not barren, and I don’t think hard of heart.  She simply exists.  In fact, she is colder than the very steel of her ship.”  Teal’s brow knitted and she grew solemn.  Realising that the life led by her other self, was missing out on so much that most Norians take for granted.

“Perhaps, she is yet to have had her defining moment.  I guess I will have to wait and see.”

*

Adrin’s pointed ears twitched as he listened to what his mother had to say about her alternate self. Much of what she had to say, had a profound impact on him. He said in response to what she said, in a quieted tone. “In other words, she is how I usually am.” The lift doors opened and he lead the way towards the Wardroom. “This other time, it sounds like the pits of infernal have opened up and swallowed it. But, then again – no time is perect.” The Wardroom was small, a relatively narrow buffet of selections and a table set and waiting for them on the far right side of the room . The food was the usual mix of Norian foods and those imported from places like the Human colonies on Darsai, and the Pacifican Matriarchy where his mother was born.

“If you had to choose, you would be home with us….right?” The question was as illogical as it lacked in fairness, he felt like a child in those moments. He felt lost, he didn’t want saving time to end the world he had come to rely on.

*

The effect her words had on Adrin would be profound.  Iondara was infact very much like Adrin in a lot of ways.  You could be as bold to think that she was the female version of her own son.  Not exactly normal for a woman to choose a career over the chance of having a family and a man to love.  But like all things, there are those of us that are destined to die for the cause, and it is simply out of survival that they press on alone.  To have emotions and be tied down would not do well, in the face of the wars of her time.  To sacrifice herself to save another would be her ultimate reward.  Entering the Wardroom, Teal kept her voice low, so not to draw attention to the delicate conversation that they were having.  Adrin’s next question, was one that would catch her totally off guard.

“If you had to choose, you would be home with us….right?”  Adrin asked. This was like the little boy inside asking his Mother, never to have to leave him home alone.  Teal did not even bother to check out the offered foods on display, she seemed to be more concerned for her son.

“If on another time, as Iondara, I can prevent a catastrophe from occurring  that would tear not only our family apart but save the lives of billions in the future, then naturally I would so remain in that hell.”  Teal was being brutally honest as of now, and hoped he would understand, that she would act purely out of love for them.  “I want nothing more than to be with you, and your Father…your brothers.  Without you, I simply would not wish to exist.”

*

Adrin considered his mother’s words. In so many ways they shared the same outlook on things. It was probably the reason he was there and not one of his other brothers. “I’m sorry that I even asked, I know you have never moved..and never will. Just the implications of what we have to do.” He grabbed a small bowl of fruit salad off the buffet and a sealed bottle of cacelle. “It is like the gods, the great one has forgotten us and left us to fix their mistakes. We choose to influence the wrong events..and everything is lost.” The truth was, they were about to start tinkering with time and really the impact could be more destructive than this pretected terminus of all the splintered timestreams.

He settled it within his mind, although sensitive he would treat this like any other mission. Objectives would be completed so long as it was weighed with the safety of his crew and family.

“I figure the biggest obstacle we will have to overcome is to find out how time was splintered, who is causing the damage and how it can be repaired.” He offered, trying to get his own mind off the implications.

*

Teal reached for a sealed bottle of cacelle, but her appetite seemed to have left her.  Perhaps it was the thoughts and feelings towards the mission had now come to weigh upon her heavily.  The enormity infact, to repair the damage that had been done by others on another time line was almost like asking the impossible. But had the gods forsaken them?  Her view was very different.

“I believe that the gods know full well of the damage that has been done and that this has affected them too.  To change one line, means great loss for another.  The secret is to get that balance right.  In another time, I do not exist.  I died.  And then we have the time of Iondara, with all facing each other, ready to destroy in the name of vengeance.  It is our job…no…it is our duty to correct the damage, regardless of the cost to our own lives.”

Teal took a seat and toyed with the bottle listlessly, now deep in her own thoughts, though Adrin could probably read them.  She seemed to need a moment, but hopefully she would regain her composure and return to being the bright and colourful Teal Moon.

*

Adrin whispered quietly, “Ai jhyli o tyraes…rni shor mi bolysia” (“I love you mother…we will see victory”) He hadn’t touched his own food or drink yet either. He reached over, placing his much larger hand over hers as well as the bottle she was toying with. “I have come with you on this journey mother…no matter what we will see it to it’s conclusion.” He tried to provide comfort, inwardly regretting the fact he had stirred her emotions. What was said, had to be said. They were about to look at evil, to search out that which was destroying everything they knew and held dear to them.

*