"Too late again." Rose pounded a fist against her console, seething. Her robot mirrored her frustration, its anger palpable in the cockpit. She stared at the familiar destruction spread out around her, a good section of the city reduced to a fiery heap. More lives ruined carelessly. She watched from her monitors as emergency crews ran about to help whoever they could. Rose didn't want to imagine the death toll.
"Return to base, Rose. There's nothing you can do here," Sandage said, his tone gentle.
Rose clenched her fists hard enough that it hurt. "But I should. That coward!" She wanted to rage and scream, hot tears of frustration steaming down her face. She wanted to protect the planet, not be some bystander to its destruction.
"You won't get away with this, you hear!" Rose screamed at the top of her lungs. "I'm coming for you, Altair!" She screamed and screamed, venting her frustration.
"Rose," Sandage said. "It's not your fault. We'll get him."
"But how? He keeps running before I can strike him!" This was the third city he'd struck, each spread far and wide across the globe. While quick, it took the Luyten V time to get there, too much time. In his fourth attack, The Altair general had struck New York, a grand metropolis she'd always wanted to visit. But not like this, never like this. She eyed the familiar sight of the Golden Gate Bridge, which the monster had snapped in half, leaving dozens stranded on both sides.
After regaining some measure of calm, she flew back to their home base.
///
"This isn't working. We need a new strategy," Sandage said, listening to Rose rage through their comm. The poor girl. She wasn't a soldier. She was just a child.
The new Altair—code named Altair Duo—had a simple strategy: target a vulnerable city and retreat before humanity could launch a suitable response. The General picked random days too, making it impossible to plan for the next attack. Duo's strategy was to demoralize humanity—specifically Rose. Simple, effective, and cruel.
"Indeed, the death toll is already estimated at five million." While Director Shapley seemed calm on the outside, Sandage sensed the torrent of pent-up emotion. He desired vengeance just as bad as Rose did.
"But the Altair refuses to fight." They needed to force Duo into a fight. How remained uncertain. And its pals—the other two Altair—remained MIA, doing who knew what.
"Yes, that's why I'm going to take part in a defense meeting tonight. Some prominent generals and strategists will be attending," Shapley said. "Prince Imrele and his main strategist will also be attending. This is clearly a problem humanity can't face alone."
But Sandage knew the real problem: Rose was only one person. They needed their alien allies more than even Washington wanted to admit. "I'll contact the prince."
"Prince Imrele is already here, actually—on base," Shapley said.
"Oh?" That was a surprise. Sandage caught the smirk on the LUVOLT director's face.
"His Majesty is with Cecilia right now."
"Ah." This earned a smile from Sandage as well, a pleasant distraction from the grim atmosphere. He'd need to tease Cecilia later for all the attention she was getting from the prince.
He found the pair in the hangar as the Luyten V returned home. Crews dashed about to do their duties, checking the status of the robot. Despite not having a face capable of emoting, Sandage got the impression that the robot only tolerated this treatment for Rose's sake. The science type had many theories about the Luyten V's sapience, but nothing conclusive yet.
Rose departed from the cockpit, her mood sour. She barely acknowledged her friend and the prince before stomping off. While a nice girl, Rose had somewhat of a loner streak. In this situation, Sandage decided to give her some space. While somewhat put off, Cecilia left Rose alone. Instead, she conversed in quiet tones with Prince Imrele.
The Ectutai prince was wearing his full bodysuit, at the insistence of his aides. His guard was nearby, trailing him, ever vigilant for danger. They didn't seem too keen about Prince Imrele being anywhere near the Luyten V after what happened last time, but they followed their liege's command.
"Remarkable piece of machinery," Prince Imrele said. "It traveled over a thousand miles in a little under a local Earth hour. Incredible that humanity could even construct such a weapon. You'd likely need an Ectutai light cruiser to destroy it."
"Yeah, it would have walloped that Altair general if it weren't a gutless coward," Cecilia replied, her fist clenched.
"Yes, it's obvious the Altair fear its power," Prince Imrele said, his tone somber. "Now they wish to wear you down with a war of attrition."
"Yeah, it's definitely taken a toll on Rose." Cecilia shot her friend a worried look. Rose was sitting by herself, sipping a bottle of water. Her expression said she'd rather be alone right now.
"The Luyten V can't face this war alone." Prince Imrele remained silent for a long moment. "We need another Luyten V—or some robot like it. Is it possible for humanity to build another one? We will offer any resources that might entail."
"It might be a possibility," Sandage said, speaking up. Though, convincing the upper brass to release Luyten V's design documents from the future would be a challenge. But even they couldn't deny that the current situation was untenable. They needed a larger fighter force and couldn't depend solely on poor Rose.
"I suppose." Cecilia seemed unsettled, but did her best to pretend otherwise. Considering she'd just witnessed déjà vu, whose origin came from the greater human unconsciousness, it was hardly surprising. "Who'd pilot it though?" She tensed. "You're not suggesting me, are you?"
"Heavens no!" was Sandage's automatic response. "We will search for a suitable candidate." And hopefully someone who wasn't preadolescent.
"Good," Cecilia said, sighing in obvious relief.
"We will search for talented individuals within the Ectutai Republic as well," Prince Imrele said.
"Of course, we didn't mean to count you out of the proceedings," Sandage said diplomatically. He cursed himself for not considering their guests. With their alliance so fresh, it would be foolish to say stupid, discourteous things.
"I will speak to my father about this." Prince Imrele paused as an aide ran to his side. While a helmet covered the man's face, he was obviously out of breath.
"Yes, Vancent?" Prince Imrele asked. "You didn't need to run. You could have contacted me through comms."
"True, but you switched yours off again, my prince," the aide said, somewhat exasperated. Sandage guessed this was a common occurrence.
"I see. He wanted some alone time with Cecilia," Sandage thought, amused. Something else he'd need to tease the girl about later.
"Has something happened?" the prince asked.
"It's your older brother, Prince Hallfar," Vancent replied. "He's just arrived in the system. He's not happy."
Prince Imrele sighed. "I can imagine. Tell him to rendezvous with the Velgr. I'll meet him there." His mood changed, and he turned to address Cecilia. "With Cecilia accompanying me, if that's all right with her."
"Sorry," Cecilia said, blinking. "If this is family business, should I even come?"
"I might not return to Earth for some time. I still need to fulfill my promise of showing you around the Velgr."
"I…" Cecilia said, lost for words.
Sandage gave the girl a playful nudge. "Go. Have fun. You'll be going into space. What's not exciting about that?" In fact, he found himself somewhat jealous. Ever since he was a boy, he'd dreamed of seeing the planet from space. But Cecilia deserved this, so he'd be patient. He supposed there'd be other opportunities.
"Sure," Cecilia replied after some hesitation. "I suppose. Destiny calls."
Right—her vision. Another was about to be fulfilled. No wonder she hadn't jumped at the opportunity to go into space. It must be difficult seeing visions of future events. Did she consider herself a slave to the future? How sad. Still, he guessed she'd change her mind once she left orbit. He'd nag her about the details later.
Like a true gentleman, Prince Imrele guided his guest out gallantly. Sandage watched the scene with a slight smile before returning to his duties. So much needed doing. He needed to talk to the director about releasing Luyten V's blueprints to their alien allies. Or would this be a matter for Congress and President Okona to discuss? Whatever. He'd make it work, regardless.
"There they go," Rose said, amused. "Lucky. I want to see space too!"
"Give it a few years. We'll likely have our own spaceships soon enough." Their contact with the Ectutai would change everything, making Sandage's head spin if he thought about it too long. The world was ever-changing.
///
"Thanks again," Cecilia said somewhat awkwardly. She wondered how she'd gotten roped into this. She quivered with pent-up emotion.
"It is my honor, Cecilia," Prince Imrele said, guiding her toward their destination.
The metal contraption resembled a hawk, its beak sharp enough to impale something. Despite experiencing countless exits and reentries into the planetary atmosphere, its silver surface seemed pristine. A hatch opened, inviting them inside. Cecilia allowed herself to be guided in.
The inside was just as Cecilia remembered from her vision. She looked around with a strong sense of unreal déjà vu. The prince removed his helmet and placed it on a hook. He smiled at her and motioned for her to sit on the cushioned seat. Despite being designed for royalty, the shuttle was surprisingly practical and utilitarian. What her vision hadn't mentioned was the smothering heat that made her break out into a sweat. The air tasted odd too—not uncomfortable, but noticeable.
"Sorry." The alien prince gave her an apologetic smile. "I suppose these conditions aren't great for a human. I'll make sure your quarters are more comfortable."
Cecilia wiped sweat from her brow. "Quarters? I thought I was only coming for a tour of your ship?"
"True, but I'd like to invite you for dinner as well. I've asked my cook to create an Ectutai dish I think would suit both our palates. Though I have to admit, your human food is pretty good. I particularly like pizza."
"You've had pizza?" Cecilia blinked.
The prince chuckled. "It was the first dish presented to me. I also tried other dishes when I had lunch with President Okona. Our species are very similar in their taste in food. Chicken in particular reminds me of a hijichi—an animal from my planet. It also tastes much like other meats."
"Huh." Cecilia's stomach lurched as the craft rumbled and lifted off the ground. The sensation subsided as they took off into the air, though it didn't stop the sudden panic.
"Have you never flown before?"
"No." Cecilia had the sudden urge to return to the ground.
Much to her surprise, Prince Imrele grabbed her hand and squeezed. "You are quite safe. Nothing will harm you."
This helped subdue her panic somewhat, and she gave her host a weak smile. "Thanks." The craft rumbled again for a couple of seconds before subsiding.
"There. We've left the Earth's atmosphere," Prince Imrele said.
"We're in space already?" From what she'd seen in videos, it took quite an effort for any craft to break a planet's atmosphere. She'd expected more shaking—something that almost rattled her out of her skin.
"Would you like to see your planet from space? We can view it from the cockpit. My pilot won't mind having us."
"Sure." She followed the prince to the craft's door, which opened with an audible hiss. Her eyes widened as it slid open, her breath stolen from her lungs.
She just stared, not noticing the tears leaking from her eyes. The blue orb through the view screen was beautiful. She couldn't find better words for it. It sat among so many pinpricks of light that she quickly lost count. Her host said nothing, allowing her to take in the view without distraction. That the orb was getting smaller didn't diminish its majesty.
"Wow." And she'd lived on that? Try as she might, she couldn't see any human structures from this distance. It made her seem so small—barely a dust mote on its surface. Cecilia wished Rose were there to enjoy the sight with her.
"That's what we are fighting for, Cecilia," Prince Imrele said with uncharacteristic seriousness. "Never forget that. That's why it's worth fighting."
"Yeah." Why had she allowed herself to think differently? This sight made her petty concerns seem so small in comparison. This earned a smile from her host, and he nodded.
"Showing off to our guest, huh?" the pilot said, amused. His accent was odd, but understandable enough.
"How long until we rendezvous with the Velgr?" Prince Imrele asked.
"About one hour, my prince"
"An hour?" Cecilia raised an eyebrow. She'd expected it to be closer.
"Sorry—he means an Ectutai hour. It's slightly shorter than yours. Our planet is closer to our sun," Prince Imrele replied. "I'd say about forty minutes your time. We parked just outside your solar system."
"Oh." Cecilia felt stupid for not considering that. "Okay. Is it okay if we stay here?" The Earth was disappearing in the distance, but the stars remained magnificent.
"It's no trouble, miss." The pilot shot her a winning smile.
"Going to FTL." The pilot said, stabbing a few buttons on his console.
"Huh?" Cecilia peeled her eyes away from the beauty of space and furrowed her brow. "You mean, we're going past light speed?" But wasn't that impossible?
"Just a small jump." The Prince said, beaming. "Your people haven't surpassed light speed yet, eh? It's a trick equation, but we solved it. Pilot, could you explain this. You have been technological knowledge about this than I do."
"Sure thing, my prince. But first, hold on." The pilot grabbed a what looked like a car shift and pushed it forward. Cecilia blinked and shook her head as the stars became fuzzy, like there were seen through a filter.
"We're flying faster than light by created a bubble that distorts space-time. As I'm sure your science has discovered, nothing can move faster than light, but space-time is amenable. The science is a little complicated, but the distortion field we're creating around the ship allows up to bypass that little physics problem."
"I see." She didn't, but got something of a gist of it. She turned away from the blurry star field, disquieted by it somehow. Something about it made her brain reject it. Of course, if Rose was here, she'd be peppering the pilot with questions, endlessly fascinated by this.
"It takes a little getting used to." The pilot said, catching her reaction.
"I've never gotten use to it." The prince said, shaking his head. "Do you want to return to the ship's hold."
"It's okay. I want to see us approach your ship." Cecilia would bear this. She wanted to see the alien ship first hand.
"Coming out of FTL." The stars returned to normal and Cecilia breath caught as she got her first look at Prince Imrele's ship, the Velgr.
The regal ship looked like a bird of prey, ready to strike at any potential victim. A blue shimmer flashed around it, which Cecilia guessed was a shield.
A whole welcome party greeted them as they slid through an opening in the shield into a waiting dock area. Figures in battle armor greeted them, each looking ready for war.
"They don't look too friendly." Cecilia tensed as she saw them, questioning the wisdom of coming here.
But a hand landed on her shoulder, and the prince gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. It's me they are upset with. Follow my lead, and it'll be fine."
"Prince Imrele of the Kristra Republic, welcome aboard," someone said formally.
From his outfit, a blue military uniform with a flat top cap, Cecilia guessed he was the captain. Metals decorated his right shoulder, colored bars whose meanings were lost on her. The gathering saluted, yet the tension in the air remained palpable. Cecilia continued to sweat, awkward among such august people.
"Brother," a man in gleaming battle armor said. He seemed to tower above everyone, standing almost a foot taller. Did this mean he stood taller than most Ectutai? He loomed over his brother as he approached.
"Brother," Prince Imrele said, his tone neutral. He still hadn't returned his helmet, and his face remained neutral.
"I've heard much about your activities of late. Father is not pleased," Prince Hallfar said. "You will explain your actions. You've made a real mess."
"I only did what I considered necessary. A great danger threatens not only the Earth, but our entire Republic," Prince Imrele replied.
"By breaking the non-interference amendment laid out in our constitution and contaminating a less developed world." Prince Hallfar scoffed. "A bold claim."
"You haven't seen them, Hallfar," Prince Imrele said. "The Altair will consume everything if we don't stop them. Humanity was doomed if I hadn't intervened."
"The merit of your argument is for Father to decide." Prince Hallfar turned away, dismissing his younger brother. "You're expected to return in all due haste. Then Father will decide your fate. I'm not optimistic about the outcome." He didn't seem too concerned about his brother facing severe punishment. Cecilia wanted to snap a harsh retort, but somehow kept her tongue. Already she didn't like this guy.
Despite facing serious punishment, Prince Imrele's expression remained neutral. Instead, he raised an eyebrow. "You read my report? It was pretty comprehensive and contained everything the humans have learned about the Altair."
"No," Prince Hallfar replied. "I wish to see this enemy myself first. I want to see them unclouded by outside information."
"Typical." Prince Imrele sighed. "But watch yourself. They almost killed me once."
"Hold on. Is he staying here?" Cecilia asked, breaking her silence.
"Yes, he will replace me as I plead my case to Father," Prince Imrele said. "He might not agree with my actions, but Father is taking this threat seriously."
"Who are you?" Prince Hallfar said, staring at Cecilia with open astonishment. He hadn't noticed her until now. "A human? You brought a human to your flagship?"
"Yes. This is Cecilia Burbidge. She is my guest. She saved my life from the Altair," Prince Imrele said, standing tall with pride. "I thought providing her my full hospitality on the Velgr was the least I could do."
"She saved you?" Prince Hallfar said, as though he hadn't heard his brother right.
"Yeah, I did," Cecilia said, with more contrition than she intended. She mentally slapped herself. This guy was a royal prince. What was she thinking?
Behind his helmet, Prince Hallfar studied her like a museum piece on display. "So, this is a human. I've only ever seen them in pictures."
"Uh… hi!" Cecilia gave a weak smile, hoping to regain better ground after her last blunder. She felt super awkward standing there, sweating like a pig. The Velgr wasn't any more accommodating to humans.
"Oh, brother." Behind his helmet, Prince Hallfar seemed to give his sibling an exasperated look. He tapped at his forehead with a gloved finger. "What am I to do with you, imprudent boy? Very well. Give her a tour of the ship, if you wish. I expect you en route home in the morning. Father won't tolerate any further delays. You will take the Griffon. I'm commandeering the Velgr for the time being."
"Thank you, brother." Prince Imrele inclined his head. "This way, Cecilia. The special quarters I've set up for you should be ready. We have a suit ready for you that should make your visit more comfortable."
"Um, it's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Hallfar." Cecilia gave the older brother a polite bow before joining her host.
But Prince Hallfar only tapped his forehead with a finger again. "The folly of youth. They see a pretty face…" He shook his head, exasperated.
"Sorry?" Squeaked Cecilia. What did that mean?
"Forget him," Prince Imrele said, pulling her along by the arm. "We have an hour and a half of your Earth time until supper. Where would you like to visit first?"
"The engine room?" Cecilia burned with curiosity about how the Ectutai fueled their ship. Rose would love to hear all about it. Her friend would probe her with questions for likely hours.
"Excellent choice!" Prince Imrele said, eager to please. "Your wish is my command."
Her host's family drama aside, Cecilia was glad she'd gone along after all. While she hated that destiny had guided her, she figured she might as well enjoy her time here. Besides, Prince Imrele was a charming host and eagerly followed him to explore the ship.