Project D.E: Chapter 1
Call of Duty
``Is this the only choice we have? Is this where we are heading as a race?'' Green fields, warm light; So full of life, so peaceful and understanding. In his eyes, the reflection of his beautiful Canis Major; a massive colony ship, cradle of his race. He doubted the series of choices he had made not far in the past.
He sat next to a window inside an empty wagon of the high speed tram. Not many traveled that far within the colony. He had plenty of time to meditate as the tram took him to his destination. ``I guess there is no way back now. I made a promise and I will keep it'' He still thought to himself. Not too long ago he had gotten ready to embark in a journey that would change his life forever.
``I...'' Unable to embrace the drastic change, events of a few hours ago still swarmed his mind, pulling him away from reality``Hasky... I guess this is it?'' He remembered saying goodbye to someone very important; so dear to him.
``My pup...'' A female creature spoke to him. Face to face, it was hard to distinguish these two aliens from one another. Light blue eyes, cold in tone, yet with a stare that spewed great warmth. Black and white fur, soft as a cloud graced their entire body. Surely they were related. ``We have to be strong, Husky. The fate of our race depends on this.'' As once her lost loved ones had told her, she now shared this responsibility with the newer generation. ``You and your brother have proven yourselves. You know what that m-...'' Before she could finish, the younger interrupted.
``...- I know, Hasky.'' He spoke almost over her ``You've told me so many times; ?It would be a waste of time and talent not to follow through with this. Canis Major needs of our help.?'' He repeated the words once discussed between him, his brother and Life Giver.
``Exactly. I'm still not sure if I will join you two, as I have duties to comply with here in Canis Major. You two are doing your part and I am more than content with that. You should too.'' The female said. ``And besides, you do know this won?t be permanent, Husky.''
``I wouldn?t want anything else but for us three to be together again, Hasky; back to our normal life, or helping out with Project D.E as one. But I understand you?re needed here in Canis Major.'' Fighting his feelings, the young male acknowledged.
As the tram rushed high in the air through crystal-clear tunnels, the reflection of crop fields all around Canis Major flashed across his blue eyes. Those gentle eyes suddenly flooded with tears as he remembered this last interaction with his Life Giver. He was doing this for his kind and that made him feel so proud, but he knew he would give away the peaceful life he once had; together, he, his Life Giver and his brother.
``You must leave now, Husky.'' Words of his Life Giver again echoed in his mind. ``The sooner Project D.E goes through its preliminary phase, the sooner we will be safe. Now go... Do your part. For Canis Major; for you and all your Evocanis brothers and sisters.'' Both of them held their tears as much as they could, but it was all a futile effort. They embraced themselves once last time. Their warm furred bodies tightly together. Tender licks to their faces closed that last interaction as the young male walked away to his destiny.
``I won?t disappoint you, Hasky.'' Back to the present; to reality. He now spoke to himself. He shook his head and looked forward, trying his best to be strong.
It took a while, but the tram soon slowed down. For the past minute, the tram transitioned from the clear tunnels to enclosed ones, signaling that a station was closing in. The male furred alien took a deep breath, stood up, shook his body, grabbed a bag he carried next to him and got ready to step out to his destination.
Sector Z Station: Main Port - Engineering Bay - Defense Unit Facility - Quarantine Zone - Outer Space Departures and Arrivals - Hangars. A banner displayed in bright blue letters; he read the route?s status as he walked carefully towards the exit.
His heart raced as he knew the time had finally come. Feeling the tram stopping, any false sense of this being a dream, soon faded. ``Here we go...'' He took a deep breath once again. He approached the tram door as it slid open and finally walked out, feeling the padded material on the station?s floors. As it was accustomed by his race, he wore nothing on his paws. It wasn't convenient, since despite they had evolved as bipedal creatures, their lower legs kept their digitigrade stance, making any Paw Wear too hectic and uncomfortable. This 'Paw Wear' - as his raced called it - was protective gear only used in special situations that required it.
His fore-limbs that had evolved into hands felt cold and damp; one of the two only places his kind slightly perspired from. He was very nervous, however, that never stopped him from continuing on. He was determined.
Finally making his way out the station after a few minutes of traversing long halls and junctions, he reached through the very entrance of Canis Major; Sector Z. Slowly, his nervousness was overtaken by a sense of amusement and curiosity. He hadn?t been here that much, other than a few times when younger. He remembered being in this place for sure, but nothing that he saw at that moment really coincided with his memories.
``Wow...'' He whispered amazed as he looked around. ``Sector Z has changed so much.'' Once a part of Canis Major rarely used, as there was no need for them to venture outside into space. Not very often they exited the warmth of their colony, other than for maintenance-related duties.
This so-called Sector Z was now a very busy area of the colossal space colony. So many things had changed since that terrible day thirteen years in the past; exactly how old this blue-eyed creature was.
``I hardly recognize this place...Wait; is this even Sector Z?'' He kept on talking to himself as he walked around vast areas, freshly build and remodeled. One could not imagine how terrifying this Sector once looked. Overwhelmed by smoke, fire and blood as this place was once the focal point of the invasion.
Now, so pristine, full of warm light and an air of security; such a contrast. Along the padded walkways, the heavy-duty, yet soft exterior carpets caressed his bare hind-limbs as he walked through some of the resting areas. Green areas filled his lungs with fresh chilly air, pure glass reflected his figure as he walked next to them; all harmonized into a beautiful environment. A fusion of nature and technology.
``Brother!'' A friendly voice spoke close to him. Just another creature of his species showing their natural friendliness. The white-furred creature smiled at him as he or she walked passed by.
``Hello!'' He responded in the most friendly matter. A warm feeling ran inside his chest, pushing a gentle smile out of him. His pearly white fangs showed in a sign that was now of pure friendliness rather than aggression. They might see each other again or not; it did not matter as he could sense the bond that made his species feel as one whole organism.
Soon the distraction that the magnificent sights provided, plus a few more warm interactions with his brothers and sisters made him realize he had briefly forgotten about his doubts. He felt a lot more optimistic, and more than ever, determined to carry on.
``Let?s see...'' He reached inside his pocket, taking out a small hand-held device of common use within Canis Major. ``There should be a gate designated for Project D.E?s Development Team.'' He quickly verified a map of the huge Main Port displayed on said device.
The far end of Canis Major, Sector Z, was indeed gigantic. This was the very entrance to the colony. He reached the gates, not after a fairly long walk. Next to him, a massive wall of glass ran across for nearly half a mile. At the other side of this glass wall, ships of all sizes could be seen taxing in-and-out trough a mind-boggling chasm.
``It?s not too far from here. Just about one-hundred meters and I will get to my gate.'' He said as he placed the handy multi-function device back inside his pocket. Looking forward determined he quickened up his pace.
``So many ships...'' He kept talking to himself, as he walked along the glass wall that also served as access to the individual docks. Not only ships he was familiar with, but also others belonging to an alien race they have come to know so well; amazingly enough, the only other species besides them that they knew. Transport, carriers and even a couple of fighter ships swarmed the massive docking bay of the Main Port. Such evidence that his race had now open to the Universe after an entire existence of confinement.
?BEEP? A chime coming from inside his pocket. For a second he ignored it unintentionally, still in awe by the amazing sights. It took another chime to make him snap out of his daze and reach for his hand-held device.
``I don?t recognize this frequency...'' He said to himself as he opened communications. ``This is Husky speaking.'' He said.
``My Evocanis friend.'' A voice. Unlike that of his own kind. It was deep, yet it held a gentle smoothness to it. A charming accent was very noticeable.
``Oh, uh...'' Husky was very surprised to hear this voice, yet even more when on the screen he could see the caller.
``Greetings to you.'' That voice said. A furred alien, yet not quite like his kind. He was not one of his, yet seeing those blazing eyes made Husky feel so much peace. ``You are Husky, am I correct?''
``Wow!'' He responded now that he had the pleasure to see one of their saviors. ``I mean... Yes! It?s me, Husky from ?H-Two.?''
``My name is Andromeda. I will take you to the D.E Cruiser, my Evocanis friend.'' The furred alien of penetrating gaze and elegant voice said. ``Meet me at Gate F-Twelve.'' A slight smile and the call was ended.
``F-Twelve. Understood!'' Husky said determined as he stuck his hand-held device in his pocket and quickened his pace. It didn?t take long until he reached his destination. The glass wall ended in a glass door with an ?F-Twelve? glazed into it. Next to it, a small touch-sensitive control panel glowed red.
``This is it.'' Husky said as he placed his padded digits on the control panel, immediately turning from red to green. The glass door panel slid open, letting a sudden rush of colder air in. What was almost silence around him soon changed into a deep wail, with distant rumbles from taxing ships. The faint scent of ozone coming from the ionic thrusters was immediately picked up by his black, wet and leathery nose, which housed within a very powerful sense of smell.
Taking a deep breath, he walked outside and across the dock. He followed the illuminated path that would take him to the ship he was about to board. Far at the other end, he could see a small transport vessel. That was it.
``A Retcan vessel.'' He said to himself as he examined the ship. This was not an Evocanis ship in any way, but instead belonging to their friends and saviors. He walked further, but never stopped looking all around him, delighting himself with the magnificence of that place.
``This place...'' The distances all around him were hard to grasp as he walked across this narrow railed pathway. A ceiling that had to be at least one eighth of a mile above his head. Across the horizon, a place so large that it made it hard to focus one?s sight.
``Impressed by your own home, Evocanis?'' That deep voice again. It came from very close.
Husky stopped. He had lost track of how far he had walked, being distracted by his surroundings. He had finally reached the end of the dock, with the transport vessel being right in front of him. ``We?ve been with you so long, yet it never ceases to impress me as well.'' The elegant voice said, as he himself took a glance at his surroundings.
``Uh...'' Husky stumbled between words. In front of him, a graceful creature stood, leaning on the vessel. Furred like him, but with features very different from his. Large almond-shaped eyes, slender and tall, silver fur with a faint blue tint as was the light that illuminated the place. ``You must be Andromeda?'' Husky asked the male alien.
The furred alien closed his eyes, let out a mild chuckle and walked towards Husky. ``I am Andromeda. It is very nice to meet you, my Evocanis friend.'' The creature now in front of him extended his arms, to which Husky reacted by extending his own. Both furred mammals, so different, but in essence so alike gently held and shook each others fore-limbs. ``Husky, right?''
``You got it. I am Husky, my Retcan friend.'' Husky replied.
As both creatures stared to each others eyes, they remembered how far their friendship had come. Both races had shared their lives since that horrible day thirteen years in the past. For some, it was a bond they had now gotten so accustomed to and appreciated as much as life itself. For Husky, something that he had lived with for his entire existence, and something he could not think of not having.
``It is not only very brave what you are doing, my young Evocanis.'' The elegant alien said. He turned around without first gently placing his arm over Husky?s shoulder. ``But a magnificent act of kindness for your brothers and sisters.''
Husky did not know how to respond, as he still had many doubts in his mind. He chuckled and felt honored as one of his saviors complimented him. ``It?s something that we have to do. The sooner the better.''
``Indeed.'' Andromeda replied. ``Let?s not waste time then. Let us depart to your destiny, my young Evocanis.''
Nodding, Husky followed the tall furred alien into the ship. Dark gloss metal like a mirror; Husky could see his reflection on the ship?s hull as he took the first step inside. He could sense the fresh oxygen inside the vessel, very different from the natural concentration inside Canis Major. Vegetation that now flourished inside the colony had made artificial Oxygen Generators irrelevant other than for emergency backup.
``Please, take a seat and strap yourself.'' The tall gentle alien gestured Husky to sit next to him in the cockpit. ``I won?t make you wait any longer than necessary. We should be in the Prototype Cruiser in one quarter of an hour.''
Husky nodded, showing a friendly smile. He took a seat in the co-pilot?s station. The seat was very plush, finished in a black material that almost felt as it melted to match his body contour. Soft at first, but it felt as he wouldn?t move out of his place no matter how violently the ship could move. This material was another testimony to the impressive Retcan technology.
Buckling the last strap, Husky relaxed as much as he could and took a deep breath. This was it; as he said to himself before, there was no way back now.
``Are you feeling okay, my friend?'' The silver furred alien asked concerned as he continued tinkering with a glass control panel, activating the ship and preparing the departure procedure. He noticed Husky?s nervousness. All this time that he had known the Evocanis, he knew they weren?t this quiet. He could not only see distress in Husky, but also feel it.
``Yes. I am okay.'' Husky replied, failing to convince Andromeda, the elegant alien pilot.
``No, you?re not. You cannot hide your feelings from me; you know that.'' Stopping for a moment, he leaned closer to Husky who sat right next to him. Gently, he rested his fore-limb on Husky?s arm. ``Is there anything you wish to talk about? Anything that you might want to ask? Anything; please do so.''
``I forgot...'' Husky whispered in a sigh. ``You can sense my feelings.'' He said to Andromeda, trying to smile, but failing to do so. His blue eyes were filled with concern and it was impossible to hide it from Andromeda. His energy was like an open book for the Retcan pilot to read.
``You are troubled. Very nervous, my Evocanis.'' Andromeda stated. He now moved his fore-limb towards Husky?s chest, and gently caressed it as he felt his heartbeat. ``You cannot hide the truth. Please, talk to me before we leave. We only wish that you are more than sure of yourselves, and knowing of your capabilities.''
``I...'' Husky tried to speak as he searched deep inside him the reason of his worries. It was too much of a turmoil to identify what bothered him the most.
``You are not doing this alone for now, my Evo friend. We will guide you through the process, until you are capable of doing all of this on your own. And we know you will be more than capable.'' The Retcan reassured the young Evocanis. ``Now, tell me.''
The Retcan was as gentle and tender as he could. His race had come to truly love the Evocanis and would never let anything destroy their peace again. His soothing deep voice soon convinced the young Evocanis to express his feelings fully, and so he did.
``It?s been too much to grasp...''
Finally letting it all out, he reached deep into his emotions and saw all these new experiences and changes that had affected his life. It was all for a good cause, but he couldn?t help to feel overwhelmed once again.
``I?m so proud of my friend!'' Within his memories, Husky finally found that day his life changed. A male chestnut Evocanis of silky fur and long floppy ears spoke excited while inside a study room. Husky overheard this conversation as he tinkered around the many archives they kept in that same room.
``Kalem finally did it, brother. His dream; his vision. All thanks to the Retcans and his efforts.''
Next to the chestnut Evocanis, another one stood. It was a female Evo that held a striking resemblance. Her fur and characteristics so identical, if not for her very light creamy color.
``Wait; Does this mean Project D.E is finally getting green light?'' sitting not far away, working on a control panel, Hasky jumped from her seat after eavesdropping into the conversation.
?Project D.E? ; this wasn?t a new term. It was something that Husky had grown hearing. This was created as the very last chance for their race.
``The Prototype D.E Cruiser is ready to fly into space. This is it; finally!'' The male chestnut Evo cheered.
``Luke, Rika! This is unbelievable!'' Hasky walked to the twins, very excited. Seeing this, as he peeked through the archive shelves, Husky couldn?t help to walk closer with his brother Fx and investigate what was this all about.
``They are setting an academy here in Sector H-Two.'' The chestnut Evocanis named Luke explained. ``We have a group of Retcan warriors, scientists and engineers coming over and taking care of everything.''
``Wait; we are training already?'' Hasky asked excited, yet slightly concerned.
``Well... Yes; I guess.'' Luke explained ``And since Rika and I are so close to Kalem, we will be helping him with the D.E Development Team.''
``Yes,'' Luke?s sister, Rika, continued. ``we always keep close contact with Kalem, and this will be a great way to test the training gear, simulators and how this entire process will affect us physically and mentally.''
``It will be a great way of knowing how Project D.E will work out for us as a race. We will make adjustments as necessary, qualification processes, medical tests and such. We will then report back to Kalem with the results.'' Luke explained. ``We?ll be like a bridge between our brothers and the Retcans.''
Husky knew what all this meant, but it was very difficult to make sense of it, as he never expected it to happen so fast. He knew how important this was for his race, but never really thought how life-changing it could be for Canis Major.
``Alright. Let me explain you the basics.'' A female Retcan spoke to Husky and his brother. Not long after, the conversation that he had heard about Project D.E had spark so much curiosity in his young mind. Being so close to his Sector Managers, Luke and Rika, Husky and Fx couldn?t help but to get involved in these preliminary tests for the D.E Academy.
``I?ve heard that you two know quite a bit about ships.'' The female Retcan of pale yellow fur and deep purple eyes said. ``Well, these are very different from the transport vessels and also maintenance ships that both of you might be used to.'' She explained in her curious accent, as she approached the young Evocanis brothers, showing them a pair of simulator capsules. It was unbelievable how fast this project had progressed once it was given green light. Not a few weeks after and it was all fully functional.
Without realizing it, both Husky and his brother had slowly gotten themselves deeply involved in Project D.E?s preliminary tests, inevitably joining Project D.E?s Development Team. They had learned so much in the past weeks, and shown the amazing capabilities of the Evocanis race. They where now ready for more in-depth training sessions.
``Our brothers were right about the Evocanis, Gold.'' Next to the pale yellow-furred Retcan trainer, a male Retcan double-checked the fighter ship?s simulators. White fur with black markings, highlighted by deep red eyes showcased the diversity of the Retcan race. He whispered his thoughts to her. ``I don?t know if it?s solely our learner enhancers, or their seemingly unnatural ability to learn and hold on to their training. Which ever is the case, their skill and tenacity is admirable.''
``Please, have a seat inside the capsules, Husky and Fx. They session will start soon.'' Gold, the female Retcan guided the young Evocanis brothers inside the simulators. ``They are indeed unnaturally talented, Hatchi. This could be an advantage for them now that they posses the tools to look after themselves.'' She whispered back to the male Retcan of red eyes.
Both Husky and his brother immersed themselves in the intense simulator training, improving their skills day by day. Retcans were shocked by how well they did, yet also perplexed of how Evos seemed to be unaware of these abilities they possessed.
``We went through so many tests and training sessions...'' Back to the present, Husky confessed every single detail of his life in the past months. ``I have honestly lost track of everything we learned during this time.''
``Do you feel you are capable of doing this in reality, my Evo friend?'' The Retcan pilot who would take him to space advised him.
``I don?t know...'' It was an honest answer. Husky had experienced things that his race had never even dreamed of experiencing before. All they knew was their peaceful and simple existence within the safety of their Canis Major. After surviving the last attack and meeting the Retcans, not only they had grown exponentially in knowledge and skill, but were also learning much about their true nature.
``Overwhelming, perhaps?'' Andromeda helped Husky chose his words, based on the feelings he sensed from the young Evo.
``Yeah... I would say.''
``Don?t let it get to you, my Evo. You are very young, and you?ve grown during very difficult times. Your race has gone through so much in the past decade, it might be very hard for you to grasp. Your customs and way of life have been challenged. You have no choice as a race, if you wish to survive the harshness of space.'' Andromeda did what he could to sooth the Evo?s worries, but he wouldn?t let himself hide how critical times were at that moment. ``Changes are always difficult...'' Andromeda let out a sigh. Very rarely an Evo had witnessed a slight sign of weakness from a Retcan. ``Trust me; we Retcans have had our fair share of difficult times as well. As you, we were forced to learn, modify our ways, explore our potential and eventually change... Finding a perfect balance is never easy; even harder it is not to get lost in these changes and forget who you are.''
Words that sparked Husky?s curiosity. He had grown with the Retcans living by their side, and felt that warm emotional connection with the furred aliens. But it was the way he said those words that made him feel much more attached to the Retcan that sat by his side. Not only as an individual, but as a whole.
``It will never be easy, Husky.'' Andromeda was honest. ``but we?ve seen what you Evocanis are capable of. You just needed the knowledge and the tools; guidance. We have provided them.''
``Andromeda...''
``The universe is a dangerous place, Husky. You were lucky you survived this long, ignoring these dangers. You know now, and we are more than certain that you will be ready when the time comes to face these challenges on your own.''
Reassuring words that Husky had heard before. The nervousness and fear never disappeared, but seeing that furred creature next to him, remembering all that they had given to them; that gave Husky the strength to fight his doubts.
``I guess...'' Husky said after letting out a sigh of determination. ``I guess I am ready, Andromeda.''
``Good.'' The Retcan replied, as he finished the ship?s activation procedure. ``And I?ll let you into a secret; you are never ready until the time comes. When that time comes, it is your instinct, knowledge and capabilities what will decide if you get through it or not. You have much to learn, but I know for a fact you Evos have an inherited talent. We are evolved animals of predatory descent, Evo. Trust your instincts and your strength.''
Andromeda affectionately patted Husky?s leg, after which he immediately pressed on the thruster controls of the ship. An almost mute, yet physically perceptible grunt could be felt in their gut as the ship unlatched from the dock, making a one-eighty degree turn into the exit gates. Husky felt nothing but anxiety building inside his chest, manifesting as a sinking feeling in his stomach. He wasn?t afraid, but overwhelmed by uncertainty of what came next. He could see the docking bay getting smaller on the exterior view screen. They flew through the bay?s massive airspace, as they soon approached one of the many exit gates.
A wall of unprecedented proportions was segmented into various gates that led to an exit tunnel.
``This is Andromeda. Lusceonis transport ship R-three-two. Departing on gate Two-B.'' The Retcan spoke through the Com Systems of the ship.
``Acknowledged, my Retcan friend. Clear on Two-B.'' the voice of an Evocanis in charge of Hangar operations responded. The gate door before them slowly split in two, letting out a blue glare from the gap that slowly enlarged. A few seconds later and a tunnel revealed itself behind it.
``Here we go.'' Andromeda whispered, to which Husky nodded.
Soon, the ship was engulfed with a dark blue light, as it increased its speed down the exit tunnel. The deep rumble soon turned into a whining whistle. The pressure built inside Husky?s throat as the speed became greater. It was hard to see where the perfectly straight tunnel ended, but as the speed ever increased, he could see the blue light slowly dimming, until there was just darkness. Nothing; just silence. Even the powerful engines couldn?t be heard.
``Your Canis Major is by far the biggest structure we Retcans even thought was possible of building. Yet even its magnificence is dwarfed by the vast immensity of the Universe.''
These words; so true now. As his eyes settled, Husky saw how the blackness that surrounded the ship?s windows was slowly adorned by faint sparkles. Stars; the only evidence that the black never-ending void was as alive as he was.
``Wow...'' Husky faintly uttered as he peeked outside the window next to him.
``How many times have you?ve been out here, Husky?''
``Huh...?'' Husky was too mesmerized to have even heard what the Retcan said.
``Not many times, I guess.'' The Retcan chuckled.
``No... not really...''
``It still impresses me, to tell you the truth...'' Andromeda admitted.
Not much was said. Husky?s insecurities were temporarily forgotten as he contemplated the vastness of space. It was hard to tell how fast they were moving; everything seemed to be still around them. Only the instrument cluster indicated movement, location and speed.
``Arriving at the Prototype D.E Cruiser in ?T-Minus nineteen minutes.?'' Andromeda said as he pushed the thruster control lever. Again a faint whistle and a mild force in their stomach was the only evidence of movement. Soon, Husky would arrive at his destiny. In his hand-paws lied the future of his race.
``One more will be added to your crew in the next hours; am I correct?''
Surrounded by darkness; ear-piercing silence and near-freezing cold.
``Yes. I have received word on his departure from his Sector.'' A synthesized voice spoke. His voice echoed in this cold room.
``How many more crew members do you need before proceeding with the preliminary tests?'' The soft voice asked. Soft, but very commanding. Her breath could be seen condensed before her muzzle.
``I am not sure, Captain.'' An Evocanis spoke. His image projected through a large screen in that dark and cold room.
``You do understand we have very little time left.'' Silver-blue eyes glistened in the darkness. A beautiful creature of pure snow-white fur spoke to the Evocanis on screen.
``I do understand, Captain Silver.'' The Evocanis replied. There was anxiety in his tone. Whatever they discussed, it was a matter of immense importance. ``As soon as he arrives, I will do what I can. I know you can?t... stay with us for much longer...''
``Kalem...'' The pure white female Retcan closed her glistening eyes. The realization of an event that could bring to an end something so beautiful that had been built after all these years horrified both creatures. ``That is the reason Project D.E must succeed.''
``We will do our best, Silver.''
``That will not be enough, Captain Kalem. You WILL excel!'' The Retcan named Silver demanded. Her fragile appearance and gentle voice deceived how intimidating she could really be. ``Do you understand?''
``Yes, Silver...''
``Good. Keep me informed. I want your team ready for the mission we discussed a few days ago. Silver out.'' These words ended the conversation, followed by the large screen in front of the Captain?s Chair going black for a second. Immediately, the blackness was replaced by various symbols and graphs depicting the huge alien warship?s status.
``This has gone for too long...'' Silver; proud captain of the Retcan warship that accompanied the Evocanis for more than a decade, stood up from her chair. A majestic white uniform as white as her fur covered her body. Golden tags told everyone who was charge.
``Silver...'' Another voice. It spoke in their native tongue. There was another Retcan in the ship?s bridge. ``S-sorry... Captain!'' The voice belonged to a young male Retcan. He stood up from his post, ready to follow his leader.
``What is it, Bo?'' Arms behind her back, eyes closed, Captain Silver walked away from her chair, stopping next to a large window at the side of the screen.
``Do you need anything, my Captain?'' The young male Retcan by the name of Bo asked. He seemed nervous to approach her, but he eventually stood just a few steps behind the Captain.
Silver could see his reflection on the window. A very tender-looking Retcan. His fur as white as hers; probably a common trait that Retcans shared. Only his dark nose and gentle charcoal eyes made his individuality stand out.
``Not now, Bo... I need privacy.'' She ordered.
``Understood, my Captain...'' With a respectful bow, Bo walked away, disappearing into darkness.
``We have reached the end of the line... I will not let you wait any longer, my brothers.'' Silver said to herself. Her mind was invaded with so many thoughts, which almost overwhelmed her. Only her training and discipline kept her as cool as the room she was in.
``Yet... the discovery we?ve made...''
Soon she got lost in her thoughts. There was so much that her own kind had gone in the past.
``This is not of our concern! We have a mission to fulfill!''
Memories of herself making the hardest choice of her life.
``Captain, they are attacking that ship!!'' Desperate, one of her crew members begged for action.
``If they have the technology to create that massive colony, they will have weapons to defend themselves! Titan; resume course to our rendezvous point. It?s an order!!'' She yelled furiously.
``Didn?t we confirm the lack of defense systems? We got to do something!!!'' With tears in his eyes, a younger Bo demanded consideration.
``I gave an order and I expect all of you to obey!!'' Silver yelled back, furiously getting off of her chair. ``If any of you can?t follow a simple order, then I will do it myself. Out of the bridge, everyone!!'' Her fearlessness was betrayed by the tears that flooded her eyes.
``You will let them die?! What has come of us, Silver?'' Bo was the only one who confronted the fearsome leader.
``We agree you would always direct to me as Captain!'' Silver pushed the young Retcan out of the way and took command of her ship.
``I don?t care! We are not like this! I am not going to let them die. I will go out there!'' In tears, Bo responded as he ran away, hoping to reach the hangar in time, before they made the jump.
``Get back, here, Bo!'' Silver ordered in vain. ``I?m sorry. I can?t... I can?t do this...'' She now seemed defeated. In an instant, her strength and authority seemed defied by her true feelings.
``Yes you can! We will do what?s right. The council will understand!'' Another Retcan told her. That day was one that Silver would never forget. Thirteen years after it still haunted her.
``I have made the right decision. I did what I had to. The Evocanis needed our help and we have provided it. Thank you for understanding, my brothers...'' She had made the right choice. She knew it. ``But I now understand it is time to resume and fulfill our mission...''
