The trip back was a bit of a blur as Leonye entered his apartment. Tossing his duffle bag upon his bed, he wasted no time readying his belongings: a mixture of clothes, knickknacks, and personal effects suited to a potentially permanent excursion. His hands moved methodically as he packed his duffle bag. Before the war, it had not been uncommon for Leonye to travel, but that always came with the prospect of returning home. For this mission, there was the possibility he would never set foot on his world again.
As Leonye carefully sorted and packed his belongings, folding shirts and tucking away personal keepsakes and items, his thoughts swirled like leaves caught in a tempest. Each item he folded into his bag felt like a weighted decision, anchoring him to a path he wasn't quite ready to walk down. A sharp knock at the door shattered the fragile silence that had engulfed him, jolting Leonye from his reverie.
"Leon? Do you have a moment?"
Leonye’s attention snapped towards the door, his heart leaped into his throat as the voice on the other side sent a shiver down his spine. It was Marcus, no doubt here to admonish him for his conduct towards Elara. Swallowing hard, Leonye replied, "Yes, Commander. Come in, the door is unlocked."
With a swish, the door opened, Marcus's stature forcing him to duck slightly as he entered. Glancing at Leonye standing to attention, he sighed softly, his expression mellowing. "At ease Timekeeper. I'm coming to check on all of you before we reconvene.” Squinting sceptically, he continued, “Any trepidation about the mission?"
Leonye took a moment to gather his thoughts, shaking his head with a faint smile of wry amusement. He exhaled, feeling his body relax. "In truth. I have a few, Sir," he admitted. "Mostly the prospect of the plan not working and having my molecules reduced to a sludge against the shield…” he continued almost sarcastically. “Beyond that, it all feels a little like I'm being exiled for doing a good job. Can they not send someone else?" His voice trailed off as he struggled to articulate his thoughts.
Marcus smiled softly, "I can understand why, but this won't be a one way trip. You’re far too valuable to us you know? We will get you out, and by the time you return you'll be bearing so much good news we'll have no choice but to wrench open the shield and welcome you back with a parade!" He chuckled a deep gravelly laugh.
Leon forced a faint smile, appreciating Marcus's attempt to lighten the mood. "I hope so, Commander. It's just hard not to dwell on the uncertainty of it all. The thought of being away from Illadria for who knows how long. There is only so much of my life I can pack in a single duffle bag."
"Ah, well on that note." Marcus beamed, reaching behind him and pulling a long, ornate box from the bag slung over his shoulder. Setting it down on Leon's desk, he gestured to Leon with a warm smile taking a seat beside it. "You may not be able to compress a lifetime into a duffle bag, but I can offer you this. Take it as a token of our faith in you and the mission, Leon."
Leonye’s eyes widened as he looked at the long slender box embossed with the Timekeepers sigil, the craftsmanship promising something of great significance. He opened it carefully, revealing within a finely forged sword. "Is that?"
"A folding blade?" Markus smiled, watching as Leonye picked up the sword by its hilt, the blade glinting in the light of the room. He examined it carefully. The centre of the blade was hollow, bathed in a deep, ethereal blue glow. Gentle discharges of energy danced between the interior edges. Its craftsmanship was exquisite. Leonye performed a few test swings, marvelling at the feeling of the sword as it sliced effortlessly through the air. Resting the blade in his palm, he examined the embossed edge, casting his gaze down towards the decorated leather hilt that met a clockwork guard that left no doubt about the sword's origin. Leonye's hand moved with almost innate precision, a small gasp escaping his lips as he watched in fascination as the blade seamlessly collapsed into the hilt, each segment fitting together with a soft series of clicks.
Marcus continued to speak while Leonye remained entranced by the sword. "Your father never joined our ranks…but your grandfather did," Marcus recounted with a smile. "He was about your age when he first enlisted. That sword has passed down through generations of Timekeepers, with your grandfather being the last to wield it. As you embark on this mission, may it serve as more than just a weapon but as a tether, both to your home and the dedication of those who came before."
Leonye's voice quivered with gratitude. "Commander. This is a great honour. But…are these not usually awarded after a century of service? I've barely served a full decade."
Marcus reached up and clasped a reassuring hand on Leonye's shoulder. "Given the gravity of your mission? I think we can fast track things, don't you? Carry it with pride, Leon. May it bring you strength when you need it most and alongside your...barely regulation sidearm I'm sure you'll give a worthy fight."
Leonye swallowed hard again, fighting to suppress his emotions. He nodded with determination as Marcus rose from his chair. Marcus observed Leonye for a moment, his gaze steady with understanding before moving towards the door, pausing before the threshold.
"Remember, Leon" Marcus said, his tone soft yet resolute, "We're planning for your return. Illadria will always be your home and I, like many others, believe in your abilities. But if it eases your mind, I'll have your quarters locked down when you leave. It's a precaution, but once you succeed, I'll personally see to it that the seal is broken, and you'll be welcomed home." With that Marcus departed, leaving Leonye to finish collecting his thoughts.
Finally, Leonye nodded to himself, securing his sword at his hip while his eyes swept the room. He absorbed every fine detail of his domicile, each familiar corner, cherished keepsake and random piece of scrap, seared into his memory. With a sigh, he swung his bag over his shoulder and walked slowly to the door. Pausing for a moment, he took one last look around before stepping into the hallway and locking the door behind him with a resolute click.
"Farewell" he sighed, watching the small, illuminated console by his door flash several times with a blue lock symbol before turning red, indicating his quarters were secured. Turning, he solemnly headed towards the transport hub, making his way back towards the sanctum.
The journey was a familiar path, yet this time, an unsettling tension lingered as he approached the imposing entrance.
Pushing through the towering doors, the subdued murmur of conversations enveloped him. The briefing room felt expectant, awaiting its occupants like a dormant battlefield. As he entered, all eyes turned toward Leonye, the air heavy with anticipation.
“Ah Leonye, take a seat. We are just awaiting one final member before we begin” Elara smiled softly, a smile that seemed to be more for her own reassurance than the one she was addressing.
Scanning the room, Leonye frowned. He counted six occupants, himself included, along with all those requested at the earlier briefing. Leonye took his seat, the chair’s rigid frame offering little comfort in the tense atmosphere. His eyes continued to sweep the room, trying to read the familiar faces surrounding him. While he had not worked closely with everyone present, all except Marcus and Elara seemed equally in the dark.
Subtle curiosity lingered as Leonye wondered who the final member might be. As if sensing this unspoken question, Elara spoke up, leaning forwards across the table. “We have a last-minute addition to the team. While Theron is a trained field medic, for this kind of mission a doctor seems far more appropriate, and this individual we believe, provides some unique insights and skills that will prove invaluable.”
Leonye’s brow furrowed. If the latecomer had been a Timekeeper or member of the institute there would be no reason not to simply mention them by name.
Marcus interjected, locking gazes with Leonye. “This member's involvement has been approved by the Illadrian council. They are to be given all the relevant access, intelligence and respect that is bestowed to ANY other member of the team. Understood?”
An apprehensive murmur traversed the room as the sound of the main door opening reached their ears. The group turned as one towards the doorway, which revealed a figure, silhouetted against the corridor lights. As they stepped forward Elara rose from her chair, “Allow me to introduce your doctor. Selune.”
Selune nodded to the group, clearing her throat nervously “Hello. Everyone. Glad to be a part of this.”
Leons eyes widened, his initial curiosity now replaced with a mixture of disbelief and anger. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “I’m sorry. Are your pistons firing fully?” Leonye spun in his chair like a whirlwind to look at Marcus. “A Kromas? You expect us to trust…No. Put the fate of our mission, our people, in the hands of someone whose race is the very reason we are in our situation? Her people are the reason half the galaxy lives in fear of their lives!”
Marcus raised a hand, attempting to calm the brewing tension that was evidently not just bubbling within Leonye. “Hear me out, all of you. Selune is uniquely skilled and has served Illadira long before the war, or our isolation. She was an ambassador to our people on behalf of the Kromas for many years but chose to stay and work with us during the war as one of our physicians. On the front lines. Regardless of any personal history, this decision comes from the top and is not up for debate. Besides, we do not discriminate against any race, regardless of their history.”
Leonye’s fists clenched, his jaw tight with frustration. “Greater good? This is a risk, Marcus, and you know it. She will turn on us the moment we leave orbit. The second it suits her agenda.”
Selune approached the table slowly, her expression remaining calmly resolute, no doubt used to hostility and suspicion that had become a background noise to her daily existence. Clearing her throat, she spoke firmly, “I understand your concerns. But I am here to fulfil a duty, just like the rest of you. I cannot atone for the delusions of grandeur that overtook my people, but I turned my back on them a long time ago. I bear no augmentations, unlike the majority of my kin, and I beg you judge me by my actions and reputation.”
Leonye opened his mouth to argue but Marcus cut him off. “I know this is difficult. Many of you came to us from active service or have experienced first-hand the consequences of our struggle. But we are dealing with a new era. Selune has proven herself trustworthy enough to be approved for this mission, and without knowing what lies beyond our world, her involvement has been deemed crucial, both as a medic and potential diplomat should you encounter the Kromas.”
“Well if she fails to make the cut, I can still patch everyone up.” Theron quipped with a grin.
Leonye raised an eyebrow, “If you think I’m letting you or her near me with anything more than a med-scanner you will have another thing coming.”
Selune sighed, her tone hardening as she cut across the bickering. “I am not blind to the weight of my heritage. I’ve dedicated my life to healing and building connections. Work that, I hope, makes some amends for the wrongs of my people. I stand before you now not as a Kromas, but as a healer and a scientist. Again. Judge me by the actions I’ve taken, not the sins of my race.”
Leonye’s anger simmered beneath the surface, but the room fell into a tense yet awkward silence. The others exchanged glances, wrestling with their own reservations. Even Marcus and Elara shared concerned looks.
Cedrik was the first to nod his head gently, relaxing into his chair. “Trust is earned, not given freely. I’ll give Selune a chance to earn mine. The rest of you?”
One by one the rest of the group nodded slowly, tension beginning to subside though Leonye’s scowl barely faltered as Selune took her seat. As the tension within the room settled, Marcus seized the moment. “Alright, let’s focus on the mission at hand. Elara, if you could?”
Elara took a breath, waving her hand in an upwards motion, from out of the table before them a hologram emerged, the schematics for a long slender shuttlecraft. Clearing her throat with a commanding cough she spoke. “Your objective is to breach Illadrias defensive matrix and gather hands-on intelligence as to the state of the galaxy following our isolation. While our communication with the outside has been re-established for less than a day, the high council does not want to waste a moment re-establishing a foothold beyond our restricted borders even…” She signed exasperated “...if that means breaking the brand-new communication link temporarily, and, as indicated, we have been preparing for this eventuality.”
Accepting a short nod, Marcus continued, “You’ll be using an advanced shuttle, nicknamed ‘The Wardbreaker’, all its systems are retrofitted from a Skyshroud class scout” Marcus gestured towards the hologram, “the interface and basic systems should be familiar to all of you without any additional training though its hull and shield design are what should allow it through Illadrias defences.”
“Like a plasma blade through a Glimmerling’s skull!” Elowen chimed with a snicker.
Marcus continued, bewildered, “Precisely…Assignments are as follows, Leonye - Engineering. Cedrik - Communications. Selune - Medical. Theron - Helm. Elowen - Tactical. A 5-crewperson compliment is the maximum for this craft so picking up hitchhikers is discouraged.” Marcus smirked softly. “As is combat—she’s designed for speed rather than warfare.”
Elara glanced down at the holographic display and the time before interjecting, “The vessel’s database holds an encrypted set of orders that will be released once you are beyond the shield.” Sharing a glance with Marcus, she turned towards the group sternly. “Follow the instructions, to the letter. Final preparations are already underway. My team have begun weakening the barrier at the breach site so questions will have to be skipped. If you could gather your belongings and head to the launch bay, Marcus and I will head to the control centre. May fortune favour your journey.”
With those short words of encouragement, the five anxiously stood up, receiving a warm smile and salute from Marcus. As they exited the room, Leonye couldn’t shake the weight of Illadria’s expectations. The corridor stretched ahead, its metallic walls seemingly closing in on him. His fingers traced the hilt of the newly gifted sword at his side, finding solace in its presence.
The journey to the launch bay was by no stretch long but it was a quiet one. Leonye stole glances at his companions, noting the varying expressions etched on their faces. Cedrik was the only one he was familiar with and, unsurprisingly to Leonye, was as composed and calm as ever. Theron, on the other hand, was almost entirely unknown to him though seemed unable to hide some twinking of excitement in his eye, and who could blame him? Flying a newly constructed specialised shuttle did not come along every day. Elowens gaze remained sharp and focused, as if already premeditating possible tactical scenarios that might befall them. Selune walked slightly apart from the group, adorned with apprehension. Leonye felt a familiar anger bubble within him, but tainted slightly with a sense of…pity?
The launch bay doors loomed ahead, and as they slid open a rush of cool air greeted them. The bay, a vast expanse of polished metal and dim lights, housed the sleek silhouette of the Wardbreaker. The shuttles coppery hull and sleek contours left no guess that the ship was designed for both speed and precision.
Marcus and Elara voices murmured faintly from an intercom as the group stepped into the hangar.
“There she is—your chariot to the unknown. Take a good look. It’s not just a shuttle; it’s your ticket to endless wonder.”
“AHEM” Elara interjected. Voice echoing over the speakers. “In any case, it is time to expedite this farewell.”
As the team gathered round the shuttles boarding ramp, Leonye couldn’t resist running his fingers along the hull though his dancing fingers paused with trepidation. “She’s beautiful. But 5 of us in one small shuttle for an indeterminately large amount of time?”
Cedrik chuckled, his voice calm and collected as he walked up the ramp, boarding the shuttle. “Don’t worry Leon, the Wardbreaker might be cosy, but it’s got plenty of room. Besides…” he continued, clapping Leonye on the back, “We’ll be too busy with the mission to notice.”
Theron grinned, following close behind and looking over his shoulder, patting the hull affectionately. “And if it gets too cramped we can all just cuddle.” He laughed boisterously as he disappeared inside.
“Honestly…” Elowen rolled her eyes, following behind closely with Selune. Leonye turned back briefly to glance towards the hangar doors. Without a word he stepped inside the shuttle, the door closing behind him with a mechanical hiss. All five of them settled quickly into their seats within the cockpit, exchanging a few nervous glances.
“Well then, here we go.” Theron chirped, fingers dancing over the console as the shuttle roared to life, engines purring like a contented beast as he skillfully steered towards the launch bays gaping maw. The bay doors groaned open, light spilling in to reveal the sprawling tapestry of the city before them, painted in the soft hues of radiant crystals and the afternoon sun.
As the ship sailed through the open door and began its ascent to the heavens, Leonye’s fingers tightened around the armrests of his chair. The atmosphere in the cockpit shifted, blending a heady mix of anticipation, excitement, and dread. The city below, a mosaic of brass, marble, and crystal, gradually shrank into insignificance as the sky above them darkened steadily. The Wardbreaker inched towards the edge of their atmosphere.
Just as quickly as the sky had begun to darken, their view suddenly became obstructed by a dazzling barrier, composed of interlocking hexagonal blue segments: Illadria’s ward. Just as uncertainty loomed, Elara’s voice crackled over the intercom. “Hold steady, team. You’re approaching the shield now, maintain course. We are coordinating with the Wardbreaker now to weaken the barrier. Trust the process and keep forging ahead!”
Focused and resolute, Theron dropped his bravado, manipulating the controls to urge the shuttle straight into the shield. The ship began to quiver under the resistance, like stretching a rubber band to its limit, each inch forward threatened to catapult the ship back towards the surface. Or worse. The crew gritted their teeth as the ship urged forward. The air buzzed. Hair stood on end. Every movement was accompanied by a symphony of vibrations, the crew gasped as one, gripping their seats as steam pipes burst around them. The cockpits' lights flickered in rhythm with the ship's struggle against the barrier, as it danced with uncertainty.
In an abrupt surge the shield yielded to the persistent efforts of the Wardbreaker, the ship bursting into the expanse of space beyond Illadria's protective embrace. With a silent recoil, the barrier snapped shut behind them, dropping the ship into an eerie silence as the faint buzz of the intercom faded after losing its link. As anticipated, their escape had once again left Illadria temporarily silent. A mixture of triumph and relief washed over the crew. Faced with an uncertain future, the crew slowly realised, for the first time and for a long time to come, they were entirely alone.
