Rain drummed softly against the windows, a symphony that all too often accompanied Leonye's morning routine. He stood by the sill, his breath creating a mist on the glass as he gazed out at the familiar view of his city. Beyond the window, raindrops streaked the sky and blurred the bustling streets below, obscuring the usually dazzling backdrop of copper and crystal.
Leonye, or Leon as he preferred, brushed his fingertips over the deep lines that had etched themselves around his eyes. He stifled a yawn, his energy waning after months of relentless labour. Working alongside many other Gearsmiths—engineers—they'd been trying to find a way out of their predicament, a way off their vulnerable planet without compromising its safety, and so far it had been for naught.
As if to snap him from his lamentations a loud trilling sound abruptly filled the room, jerking Leonye's attention down towards his arm and the dark leathery gauntlet adorning it. Fumbling slightly with the brass buttons, valves and eventually the screen, he managed to quell the alarm, before taking a moment to stare down at the illuminated display. The gauntlet, a permanent addition to his body following his investiture as a Timekeeper, had once felt like an honour but now felt like a weight against his soul.
He scratched his stubble, letting his gaze travel back up to the window, locking eyes with his reflection in the rain-covered glass. The wrinkles in his brow, the greasy mat of brown hair almost covering his face, all betrayed him as being much further along in his years than he was. While still considered young amongst Illadrians, and, by appearance alone, a young adult by most species standards, his work was taking its toll.
"Hell’s piston. I need sleep", he mumbled, wrenching himself away from the window and trudging his way towards the shower. With each step, his gait seemed heavier, the weight of fatigue settling into his bones. Passing his bed, he glanced towards the sheets, soiled with oil and dirt from him collapsing into those warm covers after many exhausting days without a shower. Not that Leon needed to worry; Today, fortunately, offered a rare moment of respite in an otherwise unforgiving schedule.
Reaching his washroom, he paused for a moment as the lights flickered on and the shower started, the flow trickling steadily from the showerhead as the lights under the mirror cast his visage in an ominous auburn glow. As the water went from a trickle to a cascade in the enclosure, Leonye’s thoughts drifted to a recent premonition - an ominous figure that brought destruction had polluted his dreams of late. The curse of his profession's attachment to time often brought omens like this that rarely came with clarity or meaning.
Leonye's reflection gazed back at him through the steamy mirror. 'Sixty already,' he mused aloud, a smirk gracing his lips 'only a few hundred more years to retirement'. He flexed his toned form in defiance of his age, taking a fleeting moment to revel in his bare, grime-streaked torso's reflection. Beneath layers of oil, dirt, and flaking rust that peeled away as his muscles tightened, his well-honed physique, sculpted by years of labour, stood as a testament to his dedication. Even his commanding chest, from which one could bounce a bolt, was marred by a generous coating of grime - a stark contrast that rendered it quite unappealing. To many, he was a handsome spectacle, a fortunate byproduct of his work though not something he cared much for. As far as most were concerned, Leonye was inseparable from his work and rarely had time for the joys of the flesh.
Stepping into the shower, his thoughts drifted as water cascaded over him, a mix of spiced woody aromas wafting from the scented shower water, intermingling with the smell of rust and grease that began to cake the shower floor. Amid the soothing plink of water bouncing off his gauntlet, he wrestled with a choice that had gnawed at him for weeks: Should he continue to pour his energy into his research, or should he grant himself a taste of life beyond the workshop?
As he scrubbed himself pink, the answer to his question was of course painfully simple. Laughably so. Bound by a duty that even time could not undo, he knew there was no escaping his work. The mantle of Timekeeper was not one to be easily cast aside. Distracted by his thoughts and running water, he barely caught wind of the voice that had started calling for him from his room.
"Leonye. Leon are you there?"
Snapping from his daze and almost slipping in his haste, Leonye stumbled from his shower and into his living quarters.
"Hello?" He called, looking around for the source of the voice before realising to his horror and embarrassment the blunder he had just made. Displayed in full holographic glory on his room's visual display was his commander, Marcus, who raised a bemused eyebrow as Leonye grasped quickly for something to cover himself with.
"Com...Commander, I. You have to forgive me. I didn't..." Leonye blundered, now pressing a pillow firmly against his groin to cover himself, like a young man who had just been caught in a compromising position.
Marcus' lips twitched, a suppressed chuckle evident in his voice. "Seems like I caught you at an... unfortunate moment, Leonye. My apologies for the untimely interruption." His tone held a mix of amusement and understanding, giving Leonye a moment to regain his composure while he was hastily wrapping his oil-stained bedsheet around himself like a toga.
"Take your time, Timekeeper. We have matters to discuss, but they can certainly wait until you're ah, more appropriately attired." Marcus' bemused expression remained, but there was a glint of camaraderie in his eyes.
"It's quite alright, Sir. I'm ready to discuss whatever you need. Do they need me in the workshop? I can be ready in two..." Leonye stammered, despite being allowed a reprieve he still felt like a creature on display.
"Well, if you are sure," Marcus said, looking slightly puzzled before he continued. "In the early hours of the night, our unit, along with researchers from the Rivindor Institute, succeeded in punching a tunnel through the interference field that's kept us cut off for the last year. They..."
"They punched through the shield?" Leonye cut in, his expression a mix of intrigue and concern.
"Not to worry, the shield is intact, but safe to say your modifications to the communications array worked. They cut through the static and re-established communications with, well, almost everyone," Marcus beamed. " It will take some time to make contact with Relara and Ehter, their shields are proving as stubborn as ours but it shouldn't be too long."
Leonye punched the air triumphantly, only to recoil sharply to catch the bedsheet as it slipped down to his waist amid his excitement.
"It, will take some time to pore over a year’s worth of updates and news but most of that is not our concern," Marcus paused, his tone sharpening. "I want you to report to the sanctum by midday. There is an intelligence matter that does need to be discussed with the team. I will speak to you then. Out."
The hologram of Marcus blinked out, leaving Leonye alone in his quarters. He let out a sigh of relief. Today had taken an unexpected turn, and as he began to slip into his uniform, found himself looking forward to the revelations that lay ahead. With newfound energy coursing through him, Leonye hurriedly finished dressing, his fingers dancing across the fabric even as he cursed loudly upon realising he had already managed to cover his freshly cleaned self in a thin layer of oil from his bedsheets. As he attuned his gauntlet, Leonye's gaze flickered over his reflection in the mirror. The anticipation in his eyes mirrored the buzz in his mind, whatever news was waiting for him in the sanctum was important, it was rare the entire unit would be called together in one place.
Navigating the dimly lit corridors of his living quarters, Leonye's footsteps seemed to carry him deeper into a mix of excitement and unease. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the news waiting at the Timekeepers sanctum would be a double-edged sword. The breakthrough they'd achieved was a beacon of hope, but would darkness now flood in? The interference field, an unfortunate side effect of the planetary wards being pushed to their limits, had isolated the Illadrian home worlds from the wider universe and each other for over a year. His mind raced with thoughts of communication with other cities, worlds, distant allies, it was all possible again!
Exiting his quarters, Leonye found himself in the communal hallway. His steps were deliberate, the corridor’s dim lights elongating shadows as if in expectancy of his arrival. Turning left, he paused; time was his ally today. There were still a few hours before midday, and the city's transport system could whisk him to the sanctum in mere minutes, but something within him yearned for the deliberate pace of anticipation. With a decisive nod, he changed course, embracing the long walk towards the Timekeeper's sanctum. Even his weary bones seemed energised again now. The rhythmic thud of his boots on the floor became a metronome for his thoughts, each step a reminder of what may come.
Amidst his bubbling excitement, a subtle undercurrent of dread tugged at his thoughts. News from the outside that had been denied to them for so long. As if his pace quickened to match the speed of his thoughts, the memory of the Kromas invasion weighed on his mind. Could the galaxy be under their dominion now? His heart raced with the uncertainty of what messages might flood in through the newly re-established communication channels. Leonye couldn't shake the feeling the news might hold both hope and despair intwined in an intricate dance.
Reaching the sanctum’s entrance, Leonye found fellow Timekeepers gathering. A small, dedicated group. The air hummed with a shared energy, anticipatory glances exchanged, voices abuzz with speculations. In their unity, he found solace, following close behind a group as they made their way inside. Stepping through the grand doors to the sanctum, he was greeted by a wave of hushed reverence. The air inside was different, charged with a palpable sense of purpose. The scent of ancient tomes, mingled with a faint metallic tang, filled his nostrils as his fellows followed in close behind him.
The sanctum’s interior was a masterpiece of architecture, history, and technology. Leonye glanced around at the towering shelves lined with weathered tomes, mixed amongst illuminated digital and holographic displays that lined the marble walls. Copper and brass pipes alongside elaborate yet intricate mechanisms adorned the pillars and ceiling which hissed and ticked in rhythmic harmony with the warm glow of iridescent lights casting the interior a clear yet comfortable glow. He looked towards a set of doors on the far side of the chamber which led to the workshops. Perhaps he would not be spending quite so much time there from now on. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence for this place, where history and the future converged so seamlessly.
As they gathered around a central console, Commander Marcus cleared his throat, sharply plunging the room into silence.
“Timekeepers,” Marcus began, his voice resonating with a gravity, “as most will be aware, we have achieved a breakthrough. In the early hours of the morning, the interference field that has isolated us for over a year has been breached, and communication with other worlds is once again possible.”
Even as ripple of excitement and relief surged through the room, Leonye’s gaze stood fixed on the console before them. He squinted as he tried to read some of the incoming data upside down. Abandoning his efforts, his gaze rose up to meet Marcus’ with a furrowed brow. Was this truly just a good news update?
Marcus continued, “However, this newfound connectivity brings with it some uncertainty. We have already established contact with some neighbouring systems, which much has remained unchanged there are reports of some disturbances and conflicts beyond our borders. We must accept the galaxy may have changed during our isolation. Furthermore…”
Marcus waved his hand over the console, a holographic representation of their planet blinking to life above the table. “There is more to this than just re-establishing communication. In preparation for this eventuality, researchers at the Rivindor Institute have been working on a very promising prospect, to that end I hand over to director Elara.”
Marcus stepped aside and a tall woman stepped forwards. Elara was known for her striking demeanour, her scarlet hair cascaded down her shoulders like rivers that contrasted her fair complexion. Her wise auburn eyes scanned the room, fixing for a moment on Leonye, or so he thought. “Thank you, Marcus, and hello all of you. As your commander has hinted, our institute has for several months been working on a way to breach the interference field alongside yourselves, but with a different objective in mind. Not just to send signals through but,” she paused for a moment, “people.”
The room buzzed with whispered conversations and exchanged glances. Leonye’s face fell into a frown as she continued, “We believe, following your breakthrough of re-establishing communication, it would be possible to use the same method you used to force open a temporary window in not only the interference field but our own shield matrix, allowing a small number of people, most likely yourselves, to pass through out into space.”
Leonye tilted his head, clearing his throat before addressing Elara in a blunted tone. “Breaching the interference field is an extraordinary feat on its own. But forcing open the shield itself? That could doom the entire planet.”
The room fell into a contemplative silence, punctuated by the soft hum of the holographic display above the table. Elara’s thoughtful expression became mixed with a slight smirk as she locked eyes with Leonye, her gaze holding a depth of determination.
“Leon, you’re right,” Marcus interjected, “The process involves a calculated risk, but the breach would be temporary. The Timekeepers we send would indeed be isolated on the other side until we find a more permanent solution. However, having our own presence ‘out there’ could prove invaluable to Illadria.”
Elara exchanged an acknowledging glance with Marcus before turning her attention back to Leonye. 'We are confident in the technology and methodology, and, based on your insignia, you are an engineer, correct, Leonie?'
Leonye nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly at the mispronunciation of his name. 'It's Leon-eye,' he corrected, his mind busy racing with the technical complexities of the manoeuvre. 'And yes, I am,' he confirmed, his voice tinged with a growl at Elara's condescending question.
“Then you understand that there is always an element of uncertainty in such endeavours,” Elara remarked. “However, the potential benefits, including gathering fresh intelligence and establishing a more active presence in the galaxy, are significant.”
A new voice from the back of the room piped up, its owner hidden in shadows, “Commander, if this works, why not repeat the process and send all of us?”
Marcus wasted no time in responding, as if he had already anticipated this question. “The process is likely to drain a signification amount of the planet's Aetheric reserves. Once we attempt this, succeed or not, we will not be able to do it again for several weeks. Time is of the essence, and we have no guarantee that our newly re-established communications window will even hold.”
The weight of the decision hung heavily in the air as the Timekeepers contemplated the risks and rewards of this audacious plan, the room erupted into debates and questions from all sides. Leonyes gaze shifted from Elara to Marcus, then to the holographic representation of their planet above the table. His gaze narrowed with determination. He knew the order that was coming, and despite his recent wish for a change of pace, he cursed his fate silently.
After a prolonged period of muttering and debate, Marcus addressed the room again, his voice adopting a more commanding tone. “Thank you all for your questions and considerations. This is not a decision to be made lightly, and as always, I appreciate your dedication to the well-being of our people”
He gestured to the room widely, “While those of you who have expressed a willingness to undertake this mission are appreciated, we have already made our selection and will not be accepting substitutions or volunteers. Leonye, Elowen, Cedrik and Theron please remain in the sanctum for further briefing. The rest of you are dismissed for now. Return to your duties, we will reconvene when we have more information.”
As the timekeepers began to file out of the sanctum, Leonye found himself glaring at Elara. He could not help but feel like his tireless work to help his people was about to be rewarded with someone else’s untested project that could potentially kill him. Even so, the feeling of being chosen for this did bring a granule of pride to his chest.
The room gradually emptied, leaving only those selected alongside Elara and Marcus now gathered around the console. Leonye exchanged glances with those around him, Cedrik and Elowen seemed almost ecstatic, while Theron seemed to share Leonyes mixture of pride and dread, a silent acknowledgement of the shared responsibility they were about to shoulder.
“You have been chosen because of your expertise, and commitment to our cause. In the coming hours, we will provide you with detailed information about the mission, the technology involved and potential risks. If you are not yet acquainted with each other I suggest you do so, you’ll be working in proximity for a while but your dedication to our world and acceptance of this mission is commendable.” Elara beamed proudly.
“Not like we had a vote…” Leonye mumbled under his breath.
Marcus stepped forward, ignoring Leonye’s remark but shooting him a withering glare, “We understand the weight of the task ahead. The institute has been preparing for this potential moment for months and we will guide you through every step of the process. For now, please return to your quarters and assemble your belongings. Briefing begins in an hour, that is all.”
With Marcus’s words ringing in his ears, Leonye and his fellows filed out of the sanctum with determination. The gravity of their impending mission weighted heavy but even despite his trepidation, Leonye steeled himself to face the unknown. An hour seemed like both an eternity and a fleeting moment as Leonye hurried towards the city’s transport hub, knowing part of Illadria’s fate may have just been laid upon his shoulders.
