Home Comings || Imperial Returns
Part 1: Gut feelings and long awaited returns.
The mountains of the Core Empire were filled with life, the first bit of life in quite a long time. The source, the lady Belarus. In the center of the mountains was the Belarus Estates, as tended to and as amazing as they had ever been in their age. Not a stone was left untended to or uncared for as she watched over what had been her and Dust?s home. Now, thanks to her gut, Sarah was readying it for a warm return home. Sarah had been looking to the sky for days and holding her breath. Days had passed, several nerve-racking days at that, and still there had been no sign of what her Core told her was coming. Baited breath lingered from her, every where she had gone in these days was frantic. Her hand fumbled at the perfect sphere that rested around her neck and against her breast, soon, so very soon.
The estates were manic, frantic, and in a whole state of disarray because of her commands. Gardens tended to, not a weed in sight. Besides Ash?s towering statue of Onyx stone was two equally towering figures of Dust and Syn, both forming a triangle in the center of the grounds besides each other. At their feet, Aya?s lilies in full blossom. The courtyard raged with last minute preparations. All the while, Sarah paced, assuring perfection in her wake. The three, Ashlee, Benjamin, and Dustanee assuring that their corners of the Estates were well tended to. A feast prepared, a warm reception of cheering citizens of the Empire, and roaring trumpets were in merely an arm?s reach while Sarah awaited, eyes of copper ever drifting for the stars.
This was the night she had been waiting for, for so very long. She never gave up on Dust, not even when the Brother Hood was at its worst, because there was that bond they shared, it was unbreakable, least in Sarah?s eyes. Hands clasped the sphere in hand as she called out to those around her. ?Make ready, it won?t be long now.? She hoped. Oh how she awaited the return of her beloved and his family.
The tree, and plants around the estates gracefully swayed back and forth in a dance. They're dancing partner was breeze which died down to a gentle whisper that tickled the back of your neck.The air was filled with the scent of Aya's pedals. The suns golden rays of light speckled through the clouds as they began to lose they're gray bellies and lighten up into a soft hue of pinks, oranges, and cream.
The stage had been prepared and set. Now for the lights to focus on center stage as the orcrestra began to move out of they're silent pillars of stone, entering with a soft and determined piece that portrayed a idles welcome home ceremony.. all of this was simply a figure of speech, an expression to put the crowd in the mood. Hearts beat as one. Tears form at the corner of they're eyes as they wait in anticipation.
The blue sky cracked, like splinters of a mirror to reveal the dark vacuum of space beyond. No stars though? Perhaps a slip space rupture that developed just outside of the planets orbit. Yes, it was exactly that. A single glimmer, then an eruption of color an object screaming with a teal fire tail emerged from the darkness. As if escaping the strong vacuum that it birthed from, this object stretched like a rubber band and showed some struggle as it finally had been released from the slip space portal and darted across the sky like a shooting star. Disappearing over the horizon.
For a moment there was nothing. The fauna had stopped dancing. The wind went dead and everything became uneventful. Meanwhile, 367 miles above the planet?s surface, neither in orbit or within the planet?s atmosphere there it was, It had built up so much speed from the escape of the orbital shift portal that it needed time to slow down to make a safe descent. The ship shook and vibrated violently. But there was nothing to be alarmed or worried about. As the exhaust dampeners came into play the ship lost velocity, and altitude. Within mere seconds this small ship had nearly made a complete circle around the planet. Just in time to make a final approach. The blue flames that consumed the hull of the ship had been extinguished to mere vapors.
The stage had been set........ The lights brighten up....... the orchestra begins the scene with a single violin.... the bow touch the strings.. and a soft melody is produced. That is exactly what this event was.. a stage. And the main focus was about to make a majestic landing.
A creamy white ship with very distinct crimson red patterns down its sides had come within a safe distance of the Belarus Estates. The Imperial emblem was within plain site. This ships automatic landing system recognized the landing platform and made clear intentions of a perfect landing. As the Imperial ship flew over the first few meters of the strip the landing gear emerged from the bottom hull and slowly embraced the tarmac and immediately came to a slow and steady stop. Vapors still rose from the ship?s hull, Landing gear wheels turned 45 degrees and rotated the ship so the opening hatch and ramp faced the impressively large Estate gates. It rested and as if it was humming itself to sleep the ship began to let out hisses and whistles that sounded like a very soothing females voice, mixed with a synthetic organ piano. The hatch cracked open, and pulled itself inwards and to the side, disappearing from sight.
It was dark inside. No lights could be seen. From the bottom of the threshold a metallic ramp shot out like the tongue of a tree frog taking aim at a harmless fly. It was then that the metaphorical violin would take a short pause from this scene....
ACT I.
Crimson guards took their place besides the path leading to the main Estate. The whole ground as still as the dead, each and every soul waiting with baited breath. Besides Sarah, and making good on his promise to protect and defend, the captain of the guard stood ready, his stoic figure poised for merriment and defense, whichever was needed at the moment.
?Make ready!? The captain shouted, the guard lining the path to Sarah Anne Belarus. ?Present arms for your Emperor!?
The cry nearly made Sarah?s heart lurch from her chest. Please let it be him merely repeated in her head while eyes closed for a shadow of a second. Dark robes flickered behind her and red hair danced in the returning wind. People beyond the guard and Sarah stood, holding their breath as they gaped at the ships approach. When it turned 45 degrees Sarah nearly ran to meet it, but of course ceremony and duty held her back.
For now. Her heart was coursing in her chest, throbbing with an ache that never seemed to die. Copper eyes slid from the hull of the ship to the gate and the dark threshold of the ship. Even then she was wary, the years with Dust had taught her that. Unless she was with him, she would always protect himself, and until she saw his face and knew without a doubt that her husband had returned, Sarah would keep her weapons within reach. Still, it did not stop her from biting her lip while the guards drew their swords and raised them in an arch. Sarah?s chin lifted, coppery gaze narrowed eagerly, at any moment Sarah would have the answer to her gut feeling.
Pedals of Aya?s flower fluttered about the grounds and doves took wing as they were released from their handlers. A firm announcement roared through the air in the form of trumpets sounding the return of their beloved lord and Emperor. Drums rolled and the music got louder as the first few of citizens couldn?t contain their excitement. Tears erupted into cheers and even small children rejoiced as the sun blazed orange in the distance. Each joyous cry louder than the one prior to them and billowing warmly despite the darkness of the ship.
Sarah hardly able to contain herself stood at the center and end of the path that welcomed the ramp. Crimson carpet at the foot of the ramp and Sarah?s own feet. Fingers coiled and her fists clenched while she fought to steady herself with deep, rolling breaths. ?Please be real, please be real,? she didn?t know what she?d do if this was all a dream. Both eyes closed and a silent prayer left her, willing to give all and anything that it took for this to all be a glorious dream.
All Dust needed to do was take a step off that ramp, give that smile of his to let her know, and all fear and worry would leave her, yet, for now she stood in wait, impatiently. Stoic and withdrawn, knowing that there could very well be terrible news awaiting at the mouth of that entrance. But she wouldn't believe it, her Core was the reason they all stood there. Something in the pit of her chest told her he and his brothers were coming home, and she'd forever believe it. Now she just needed to see it.
A light white fog began to pour out from the dark mouth of the ships side known as the threshold. Like chinese waterfalls it flowly fell to the tarmat and dissolved into nothingness. What was to be expected. It was odd, this ship being here at this time. The patterns were right, the Imperial emblem was as clear as day. But nothing seemed the same as before. The ships model, class, and the manner it was built looked nothing like that of the ships that the Empire used.
It was..... new... too alien too out of this world. It was smooth and sporty looking. Not quite fighter, but yet it wasn't quite fit to serve as a royal cruiser. This was not what They had left in. Where did it come from was a very good question. It's sleek design may have caught the eye of the spectators and the Crimson Guard.
Never mind that........ activity. Something. The dark entrance of the ship... something moved.. something was watching, stirring, emerging.
A single red vertical halo flickered on and moved quickly and precisely. Something new, something strange, something unknown to this planet...... to the Empire. This lit monolith slowly faded from a hazardous red to a comforting blue hue. the silhouette began to move out from the darkness and onto the ramp. Four legs that resembled that of a giraffe, just shorter (3 feet), carried a smooth box like shell sitting on top. The edges and corners were smooth. Breaks in the Creamy white shell showed black mahikanah beneath.
The halo as mentioned before was a single iris positioned in the center front of the box like shell. It slowly walked down the ramp and stopped at the red carpet. Looking down at it with curiosity then lifting its boxy head upward to look at the Crimson Guards. More movement shifted from within the ship. When two humanoid mahikanah also emerged from the ship and walked down the ramp side-by-side. These two were different. They walked on two legs and looked like sentient models (looked like human) They also showed unique personality.
It was hard to tell the reaction of the guard when the crimson halo raced over them. Those gathered went silent and the guards posted along the walls of the main Estate tensed and readied. Sarah stepped forwards slightly when the captain?s hand shot out, stopping her at the sign of movement. When the first creature came down the ramp followed shortly by the second the captain took his guard before her, standing at the ready because of what he saw before them.
Copper pools gazed around the guard while trigger-happy snipers took their posts and crimson guard faltered with their grasp on their arms. The music fell to a silent hush, citizens coiled back in fear of another enemy on their doorstep, each one dutifully prepared for what would need to be done to protect their empress and her children.
Well guarded, and at the ready, Sarah?s hand slid to the blade on her hip, fingers coiling around it as her brow knit. Yet, for the life of her she couldn?t sink that ever lingering feeling, the ache grew stronger. Eyes danced from the personality of one figure to the other, teeth grazing her bottom lip nervously. Gaze flickered left and then right, checking each posted figure before making a choice. Even if they were strange, new, and alien, their ship bore the crest of her husband and family.
One hand moved to her captain?s shoulder and she stepped around him. This was why she was left in charge, to show leadership right? Protect those of the Empire, her people as well as his. Measured strides took her down the crimson carpet to the middle to meet them, her captain and a hand full of guard not far behind. Tense, shaking, and short on breath, once in the middle she waited, her head nodding lightly while she let out a firm breath. All she could do was wait, pray, and hope that these were peaceful beings.
Coppers searched behind those figures, searching for any sign of her husband. All the while fingers latched to triggers and guards posted awaited the signal, if this reunion were to go poorly, Sarah had made her men ready to evacuate the people while she held whatever these were at bay, be it live or die, she would not stop protecting her people.
Deep in the pit of her chest she couldn't sink the foreboding sense of heart break. If this truly wasn't them then Sarah would have to continue waiting, and if it was much longer she was going to have to fill her promise and find Dust, no matter the risk or what it took.
The four-legged one looked hesitant. It's boxxy head looked up to each of the sentient mahikanah behind it and then to The Empress, as if to take a deep breath the bot began to trot forward slowly. The two sentient models raised a hand forward as if to grab at the air and like magic particles formed at the air they grasped and ignited into long plasmic looking bow staffs. They were ready to protect the four-legged one at ant cost. They walked slowly up behind the four-legged mahikanah with long strides.
This was it... center stage...... the violin solo slowly came out from hiding, breaking the silence, cutting the tension.....
ACT II, Scene I.
The audience becomes overwhelmed with anticipation as the spot light searches the stage for the cast.. nothing.. just a thick crimson red curtain that slowly begins to draw open revealing.
The breeze began to pick up slightly as the four-legged bot begins to shift, the box like head begins to rearrange, like a very advanced version of rubix cube. As seconds go by pieces fold and are stored in the undercarriage of the mahikanah. Eventually it has been revealed, looking like the upper torso of a lobster, many small apendages are constantly and slowly moving about. With two longer arms near the top like a human, The head looked sentient, with no face. The blue Halo iris falls back onto the black mechanic head and seals. The two sentient mahikanah step to either side of the four-legged one as if ready in case anyone has an ichy finger and wants to plug them.
Seeing the hesitant gesture of the four-legged one made Sarah pause, her gaze turning towards her men and studying them face by face. A hand lifted instantly, halting all desires to be an itchy finger in a sea full of triggers. Sarah?s gaze turned again, sending out a warning for those who dared not to listen to her orders. She took a breath, her hand leaving her own blade in time for her to see the two behind the first muster weapons. Anxious breathing began to push and pull from her lungs and as the creature began to change and assemble and reassemble Sarah tensed, standing stiff and upright while waiting the slowly moving figure.
Copper gaze observed every movement, analyzing it for any sign of hostility. Steadily her hand lowered and her chin lifted, whoever these creatures were, it was becoming more and more apparent that they meant no harm with their presence. Eyes turned over the two figures then to the four-legged one once more while she swallowed nervously. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before and up till her life with Dust, she had thought she had seen it all.
It was always a surprise when Dust was involved. Even though he wasn?t here, this event was as interesting as any other day in his presence. Something suspicious was happening, something exciting as well. The thump of her heart raced in her chest while every moment sank in. This was something Dust would have loved to see, this was a moment he shouldn't have missed. Something new was happening to Sarah and surely, just this once, it didn't have Dust's name written all over it.
The halo iris adjusted, for a moment it twitched, it caught a glance of The Empress' necklace. That was the cue...
The stage was finally set... a second violin came in to drown out the silence...... then a third.... then the red crimson curtain had been fully drawn back to reveal the impressive stage where this show would take place....... Audience in complete awe......... an eruption of emotions surged through the entire theatre.
This would be the moment......... This would be the one true moment where the entire existence of the known and unknown would be changed and altered forever. The sentient guards as that is what they were known as..... they took a half step back from the four-legged mahikanah and looked to Sarah, also noticing the necklace.
Yes, this was the moment that had drawn them to this small planet.
The Blue Iris had stretched back and drawn over the upper torso of the four-legged mahikanah and slowly readjusted to about the size of a hoola-hoop till the halo reached the padded thorn shaped feet of the legs. The bot.... it had vanished, gone. The Halo opened wider and went vertical, stretching into an oval shape that stood at 8 feet tall. The blue iris itself began to shift through the entire spectrum of colors slowly.
What could be seen was the reflection of Sarah. It looked like a mirror. The sentient guards stood at both sides. 'This was the moment.' It was as if the very phrase had reached out to the entire Estate, the city, the planet, this very galaxy.......
"This was the moment."
The violins had gone silent.
The stage lights burst into sparks. The theatre gone silent. The show went dark before it could really start. When you're alone in the universe, the darkness, the shere coldness of that void can consume the mind, the soul, and yes, the very flesh that binds your very being.
This reflection of Sarah had given sense of intimacy, yet........... it wasn't a mirror at all. There is was... this was the moment, it echoed within the minds of billions. This is the moment. The audience could hear the tension and snap of a violin string pulled to tight...
A pulse could be felt, From the Halo mirror data stream flew out, countless, endless, and overwhelming amount of data streams. It was the data streams that would have built up within the belly of 'the very first black hole' the center where it all started... the birth of the big bang as it was so devilishly named. It could have been overwhelming for any Core to sense and feel the data streams passing over, pass, and through they're body. A Pulse, or more accurately said..... the pulse of a Core. A very unique and ultimately powerful one at that. Suddenly the mirror rippled as something began to pass through. The pulse was so intense. The immerging Data streams was like seeing the sunrise for the first time...... Taking your first breath..... or taking a nice warm shower after spending decades with a pick-axe in the deepest darkest mine that your imagination could possibly muster.
Sarah studied the halo as it swallowed its body whole. Her brows knit and her copper eyes narrowed with every inch. The necklace around her neck gave a small throb, as did the core within the pit of her chest. One hand moved before her heart as a step drew her close enough while the violin?s solo hit its final chord. When the mirror appeared, revealing her in full she felt her brows rise and her curiosity rise with it. For a moment, she studied the person within the mirror, almost having a mind to ask for the reasoning behind all this play.
Then it happened. Just as she had stepped forwards, just as her lips parted and a weak word formed and vanished before it could call through the air, the image of her turned into something else. Sarah trembled, staring towards the two figures while their gaze turned to her necklace. She stood in silence for a moment, the storm forming then swallowing her whole while the sudden surge of power sank through her core.
Rigid gasps pushed from her lips as she fell to her knees, her celestial core no match for the power that surged through each and every limb. The data nearly forced her to scream, the sudden surge forcing her to nearly curl upon the crimson carpet. ?Such power..? She grunted out, copper eyes quaking while they turned towards the source and the core that lingered there.
There was a pang, a surge of fear in her, and for the span of a second anger flooded through her veins, what if this was what became of Dust. Over powered by something so powerful, brought to his knees only to be destroyed in such a friendly setting to equal this. As she quivered on her knees she did what she could to keep her strength, she needed to remain strong even at this moment.
The mirror had buckled and bubbled outwards as a foot forced its way through. Then a hand...... Then another hand emerged and gripped at the side of the iris halo-mirror and pulled itself through. The figure of a tall man standing at just over six foot tall. His armor looked odd. Creamy white, almost looking like a core cell armor. But more majestic, yet... fit for battle.
As his head raised and those eye lids open to show the amazing brilliance of sunburst orange eyes....... it spewed out like long strands of black silk cloth. From his shoulder blades emerged the black tar/oil looking predominant wings of a true Core. The sludge dripping off from the data stream made feathers and dissolving into dust before it could hit the ground.
The mirror closed behind him and the Iris shrank back to normal size. The boxy four-legged mahikanah reappearing as so. The data streams that shifted and soared through the crowds were quickly pulled on, forced, tension to strong, they were all sucked up by him...........
The theatre was now empty. But the next act would continue with or without an audience to fill the empty seats.......
Dust had returned..
The data streams had emerged from his being. The sentient guard sheathed they're weapons. The four-legged bot had safely masked Dust's arrival from any looming nemy's. His ginger eyes looked over a still crowd of breathless statues. Everyone was in shock and awe. He gave a slight devilish grin and looked down to his beloved Sarah. His voice held the same confident, and oddly enough malevolent tone that everyone remembered him for; "Was this the moment you were waiting for? I kept my promise."
Part 1: Gut feelings and long awaited returns.
The mountains of the Core Empire were filled with life, the first bit of life in quite a long time. The source, the lady Belarus. In the center of the mountains was the Belarus Estates, as tended to and as amazing as they had ever been in their age. Not a stone was left untended to or uncared for as she watched over what had been her and Dust?s home. Now, thanks to her gut, Sarah was readying it for a warm return home. Sarah had been looking to the sky for days and holding her breath. Days had passed, several nerve-racking days at that, and still there had been no sign of what her Core told her was coming. Baited breath lingered from her, every where she had gone in these days was frantic. Her hand fumbled at the perfect sphere that rested around her neck and against her breast, soon, so very soon.
The estates were manic, frantic, and in a whole state of disarray because of her commands. Gardens tended to, not a weed in sight. Besides Ash?s towering statue of Onyx stone was two equally towering figures of Dust and Syn, both forming a triangle in the center of the grounds besides each other. At their feet, Aya?s lilies in full blossom. The courtyard raged with last minute preparations. All the while, Sarah paced, assuring perfection in her wake. The three, Ashlee, Benjamin, and Dustanee assuring that their corners of the Estates were well tended to. A feast prepared, a warm reception of cheering citizens of the Empire, and roaring trumpets were in merely an arm?s reach while Sarah awaited, eyes of copper ever drifting for the stars.
This was the night she had been waiting for, for so very long. She never gave up on Dust, not even when the Brother Hood was at its worst, because there was that bond they shared, it was unbreakable, least in Sarah?s eyes. Hands clasped the sphere in hand as she called out to those around her. ?Make ready, it won?t be long now.? She hoped. Oh how she awaited the return of her beloved and his family.
The tree, and plants around the estates gracefully swayed back and forth in a dance. They're dancing partner was breeze which died down to a gentle whisper that tickled the back of your neck.The air was filled with the scent of Aya's pedals. The suns golden rays of light speckled through the clouds as they began to lose they're gray bellies and lighten up into a soft hue of pinks, oranges, and cream.
The stage had been prepared and set. Now for the lights to focus on center stage as the orcrestra began to move out of they're silent pillars of stone, entering with a soft and determined piece that portrayed a idles welcome home ceremony.. all of this was simply a figure of speech, an expression to put the crowd in the mood. Hearts beat as one. Tears form at the corner of they're eyes as they wait in anticipation.
The blue sky cracked, like splinters of a mirror to reveal the dark vacuum of space beyond. No stars though? Perhaps a slip space rupture that developed just outside of the planets orbit. Yes, it was exactly that. A single glimmer, then an eruption of color an object screaming with a teal fire tail emerged from the darkness. As if escaping the strong vacuum that it birthed from, this object stretched like a rubber band and showed some struggle as it finally had been released from the slip space portal and darted across the sky like a shooting star. Disappearing over the horizon.
For a moment there was nothing. The fauna had stopped dancing. The wind went dead and everything became uneventful. Meanwhile, 367 miles above the planet?s surface, neither in orbit or within the planet?s atmosphere there it was, It had built up so much speed from the escape of the orbital shift portal that it needed time to slow down to make a safe descent. The ship shook and vibrated violently. But there was nothing to be alarmed or worried about. As the exhaust dampeners came into play the ship lost velocity, and altitude. Within mere seconds this small ship had nearly made a complete circle around the planet. Just in time to make a final approach. The blue flames that consumed the hull of the ship had been extinguished to mere vapors.
The stage had been set........ The lights brighten up....... the orchestra begins the scene with a single violin.... the bow touch the strings.. and a soft melody is produced. That is exactly what this event was.. a stage. And the main focus was about to make a majestic landing.
A creamy white ship with very distinct crimson red patterns down its sides had come within a safe distance of the Belarus Estates. The Imperial emblem was within plain site. This ships automatic landing system recognized the landing platform and made clear intentions of a perfect landing. As the Imperial ship flew over the first few meters of the strip the landing gear emerged from the bottom hull and slowly embraced the tarmac and immediately came to a slow and steady stop. Vapors still rose from the ship?s hull, Landing gear wheels turned 45 degrees and rotated the ship so the opening hatch and ramp faced the impressively large Estate gates. It rested and as if it was humming itself to sleep the ship began to let out hisses and whistles that sounded like a very soothing females voice, mixed with a synthetic organ piano. The hatch cracked open, and pulled itself inwards and to the side, disappearing from sight.
It was dark inside. No lights could be seen. From the bottom of the threshold a metallic ramp shot out like the tongue of a tree frog taking aim at a harmless fly. It was then that the metaphorical violin would take a short pause from this scene....
ACT I.
Crimson guards took their place besides the path leading to the main Estate. The whole ground as still as the dead, each and every soul waiting with baited breath. Besides Sarah, and making good on his promise to protect and defend, the captain of the guard stood ready, his stoic figure poised for merriment and defense, whichever was needed at the moment.
?Make ready!? The captain shouted, the guard lining the path to Sarah Anne Belarus. ?Present arms for your Emperor!?
The cry nearly made Sarah?s heart lurch from her chest. Please let it be him merely repeated in her head while eyes closed for a shadow of a second. Dark robes flickered behind her and red hair danced in the returning wind. People beyond the guard and Sarah stood, holding their breath as they gaped at the ships approach. When it turned 45 degrees Sarah nearly ran to meet it, but of course ceremony and duty held her back.
For now. Her heart was coursing in her chest, throbbing with an ache that never seemed to die. Copper eyes slid from the hull of the ship to the gate and the dark threshold of the ship. Even then she was wary, the years with Dust had taught her that. Unless she was with him, she would always protect himself, and until she saw his face and knew without a doubt that her husband had returned, Sarah would keep her weapons within reach. Still, it did not stop her from biting her lip while the guards drew their swords and raised them in an arch. Sarah?s chin lifted, coppery gaze narrowed eagerly, at any moment Sarah would have the answer to her gut feeling.
Pedals of Aya?s flower fluttered about the grounds and doves took wing as they were released from their handlers. A firm announcement roared through the air in the form of trumpets sounding the return of their beloved lord and Emperor. Drums rolled and the music got louder as the first few of citizens couldn?t contain their excitement. Tears erupted into cheers and even small children rejoiced as the sun blazed orange in the distance. Each joyous cry louder than the one prior to them and billowing warmly despite the darkness of the ship.
Sarah hardly able to contain herself stood at the center and end of the path that welcomed the ramp. Crimson carpet at the foot of the ramp and Sarah?s own feet. Fingers coiled and her fists clenched while she fought to steady herself with deep, rolling breaths. ?Please be real, please be real,? she didn?t know what she?d do if this was all a dream. Both eyes closed and a silent prayer left her, willing to give all and anything that it took for this to all be a glorious dream.
All Dust needed to do was take a step off that ramp, give that smile of his to let her know, and all fear and worry would leave her, yet, for now she stood in wait, impatiently. Stoic and withdrawn, knowing that there could very well be terrible news awaiting at the mouth of that entrance. But she wouldn't believe it, her Core was the reason they all stood there. Something in the pit of her chest told her he and his brothers were coming home, and she'd forever believe it. Now she just needed to see it.
A light white fog began to pour out from the dark mouth of the ships side known as the threshold. Like chinese waterfalls it flowly fell to the tarmat and dissolved into nothingness. What was to be expected. It was odd, this ship being here at this time. The patterns were right, the Imperial emblem was as clear as day. But nothing seemed the same as before. The ships model, class, and the manner it was built looked nothing like that of the ships that the Empire used.
It was..... new... too alien too out of this world. It was smooth and sporty looking. Not quite fighter, but yet it wasn't quite fit to serve as a royal cruiser. This was not what They had left in. Where did it come from was a very good question. It's sleek design may have caught the eye of the spectators and the Crimson Guard.
Never mind that........ activity. Something. The dark entrance of the ship... something moved.. something was watching, stirring, emerging.
A single red vertical halo flickered on and moved quickly and precisely. Something new, something strange, something unknown to this planet...... to the Empire. This lit monolith slowly faded from a hazardous red to a comforting blue hue. the silhouette began to move out from the darkness and onto the ramp. Four legs that resembled that of a giraffe, just shorter (3 feet), carried a smooth box like shell sitting on top. The edges and corners were smooth. Breaks in the Creamy white shell showed black mahikanah beneath.
The halo as mentioned before was a single iris positioned in the center front of the box like shell. It slowly walked down the ramp and stopped at the red carpet. Looking down at it with curiosity then lifting its boxy head upward to look at the Crimson Guards. More movement shifted from within the ship. When two humanoid mahikanah also emerged from the ship and walked down the ramp side-by-side. These two were different. They walked on two legs and looked like sentient models (looked like human) They also showed unique personality.
It was hard to tell the reaction of the guard when the crimson halo raced over them. Those gathered went silent and the guards posted along the walls of the main Estate tensed and readied. Sarah stepped forwards slightly when the captain?s hand shot out, stopping her at the sign of movement. When the first creature came down the ramp followed shortly by the second the captain took his guard before her, standing at the ready because of what he saw before them.
Copper pools gazed around the guard while trigger-happy snipers took their posts and crimson guard faltered with their grasp on their arms. The music fell to a silent hush, citizens coiled back in fear of another enemy on their doorstep, each one dutifully prepared for what would need to be done to protect their empress and her children.
Well guarded, and at the ready, Sarah?s hand slid to the blade on her hip, fingers coiling around it as her brow knit. Yet, for the life of her she couldn?t sink that ever lingering feeling, the ache grew stronger. Eyes danced from the personality of one figure to the other, teeth grazing her bottom lip nervously. Gaze flickered left and then right, checking each posted figure before making a choice. Even if they were strange, new, and alien, their ship bore the crest of her husband and family.
One hand moved to her captain?s shoulder and she stepped around him. This was why she was left in charge, to show leadership right? Protect those of the Empire, her people as well as his. Measured strides took her down the crimson carpet to the middle to meet them, her captain and a hand full of guard not far behind. Tense, shaking, and short on breath, once in the middle she waited, her head nodding lightly while she let out a firm breath. All she could do was wait, pray, and hope that these were peaceful beings.
Coppers searched behind those figures, searching for any sign of her husband. All the while fingers latched to triggers and guards posted awaited the signal, if this reunion were to go poorly, Sarah had made her men ready to evacuate the people while she held whatever these were at bay, be it live or die, she would not stop protecting her people.
Deep in the pit of her chest she couldn't sink the foreboding sense of heart break. If this truly wasn't them then Sarah would have to continue waiting, and if it was much longer she was going to have to fill her promise and find Dust, no matter the risk or what it took.
The four-legged one looked hesitant. It's boxxy head looked up to each of the sentient mahikanah behind it and then to The Empress, as if to take a deep breath the bot began to trot forward slowly. The two sentient models raised a hand forward as if to grab at the air and like magic particles formed at the air they grasped and ignited into long plasmic looking bow staffs. They were ready to protect the four-legged one at ant cost. They walked slowly up behind the four-legged mahikanah with long strides.
This was it... center stage...... the violin solo slowly came out from hiding, breaking the silence, cutting the tension.....
ACT II, Scene I.
The audience becomes overwhelmed with anticipation as the spot light searches the stage for the cast.. nothing.. just a thick crimson red curtain that slowly begins to draw open revealing.
The breeze began to pick up slightly as the four-legged bot begins to shift, the box like head begins to rearrange, like a very advanced version of rubix cube. As seconds go by pieces fold and are stored in the undercarriage of the mahikanah. Eventually it has been revealed, looking like the upper torso of a lobster, many small apendages are constantly and slowly moving about. With two longer arms near the top like a human, The head looked sentient, with no face. The blue Halo iris falls back onto the black mechanic head and seals. The two sentient mahikanah step to either side of the four-legged one as if ready in case anyone has an ichy finger and wants to plug them.
Seeing the hesitant gesture of the four-legged one made Sarah pause, her gaze turning towards her men and studying them face by face. A hand lifted instantly, halting all desires to be an itchy finger in a sea full of triggers. Sarah?s gaze turned again, sending out a warning for those who dared not to listen to her orders. She took a breath, her hand leaving her own blade in time for her to see the two behind the first muster weapons. Anxious breathing began to push and pull from her lungs and as the creature began to change and assemble and reassemble Sarah tensed, standing stiff and upright while waiting the slowly moving figure.
Copper gaze observed every movement, analyzing it for any sign of hostility. Steadily her hand lowered and her chin lifted, whoever these creatures were, it was becoming more and more apparent that they meant no harm with their presence. Eyes turned over the two figures then to the four-legged one once more while she swallowed nervously. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before and up till her life with Dust, she had thought she had seen it all.
It was always a surprise when Dust was involved. Even though he wasn?t here, this event was as interesting as any other day in his presence. Something suspicious was happening, something exciting as well. The thump of her heart raced in her chest while every moment sank in. This was something Dust would have loved to see, this was a moment he shouldn't have missed. Something new was happening to Sarah and surely, just this once, it didn't have Dust's name written all over it.
The halo iris adjusted, for a moment it twitched, it caught a glance of The Empress' necklace. That was the cue...
The stage was finally set... a second violin came in to drown out the silence...... then a third.... then the red crimson curtain had been fully drawn back to reveal the impressive stage where this show would take place....... Audience in complete awe......... an eruption of emotions surged through the entire theatre.
This would be the moment......... This would be the one true moment where the entire existence of the known and unknown would be changed and altered forever. The sentient guards as that is what they were known as..... they took a half step back from the four-legged mahikanah and looked to Sarah, also noticing the necklace.
Yes, this was the moment that had drawn them to this small planet.
The Blue Iris had stretched back and drawn over the upper torso of the four-legged mahikanah and slowly readjusted to about the size of a hoola-hoop till the halo reached the padded thorn shaped feet of the legs. The bot.... it had vanished, gone. The Halo opened wider and went vertical, stretching into an oval shape that stood at 8 feet tall. The blue iris itself began to shift through the entire spectrum of colors slowly.
What could be seen was the reflection of Sarah. It looked like a mirror. The sentient guards stood at both sides. 'This was the moment.' It was as if the very phrase had reached out to the entire Estate, the city, the planet, this very galaxy.......
"This was the moment."
The violins had gone silent.
The stage lights burst into sparks. The theatre gone silent. The show went dark before it could really start. When you're alone in the universe, the darkness, the shere coldness of that void can consume the mind, the soul, and yes, the very flesh that binds your very being.
This reflection of Sarah had given sense of intimacy, yet........... it wasn't a mirror at all. There is was... this was the moment, it echoed within the minds of billions. This is the moment. The audience could hear the tension and snap of a violin string pulled to tight...
A pulse could be felt, From the Halo mirror data stream flew out, countless, endless, and overwhelming amount of data streams. It was the data streams that would have built up within the belly of 'the very first black hole' the center where it all started... the birth of the big bang as it was so devilishly named. It could have been overwhelming for any Core to sense and feel the data streams passing over, pass, and through they're body. A Pulse, or more accurately said..... the pulse of a Core. A very unique and ultimately powerful one at that. Suddenly the mirror rippled as something began to pass through. The pulse was so intense. The immerging Data streams was like seeing the sunrise for the first time...... Taking your first breath..... or taking a nice warm shower after spending decades with a pick-axe in the deepest darkest mine that your imagination could possibly muster.
Sarah studied the halo as it swallowed its body whole. Her brows knit and her copper eyes narrowed with every inch. The necklace around her neck gave a small throb, as did the core within the pit of her chest. One hand moved before her heart as a step drew her close enough while the violin?s solo hit its final chord. When the mirror appeared, revealing her in full she felt her brows rise and her curiosity rise with it. For a moment, she studied the person within the mirror, almost having a mind to ask for the reasoning behind all this play.
Then it happened. Just as she had stepped forwards, just as her lips parted and a weak word formed and vanished before it could call through the air, the image of her turned into something else. Sarah trembled, staring towards the two figures while their gaze turned to her necklace. She stood in silence for a moment, the storm forming then swallowing her whole while the sudden surge of power sank through her core.
Rigid gasps pushed from her lips as she fell to her knees, her celestial core no match for the power that surged through each and every limb. The data nearly forced her to scream, the sudden surge forcing her to nearly curl upon the crimson carpet. ?Such power..? She grunted out, copper eyes quaking while they turned towards the source and the core that lingered there.
There was a pang, a surge of fear in her, and for the span of a second anger flooded through her veins, what if this was what became of Dust. Over powered by something so powerful, brought to his knees only to be destroyed in such a friendly setting to equal this. As she quivered on her knees she did what she could to keep her strength, she needed to remain strong even at this moment.
The mirror had buckled and bubbled outwards as a foot forced its way through. Then a hand...... Then another hand emerged and gripped at the side of the iris halo-mirror and pulled itself through. The figure of a tall man standing at just over six foot tall. His armor looked odd. Creamy white, almost looking like a core cell armor. But more majestic, yet... fit for battle.
As his head raised and those eye lids open to show the amazing brilliance of sunburst orange eyes....... it spewed out like long strands of black silk cloth. From his shoulder blades emerged the black tar/oil looking predominant wings of a true Core. The sludge dripping off from the data stream made feathers and dissolving into dust before it could hit the ground.
The mirror closed behind him and the Iris shrank back to normal size. The boxy four-legged mahikanah reappearing as so. The data streams that shifted and soared through the crowds were quickly pulled on, forced, tension to strong, they were all sucked up by him...........
The theatre was now empty. But the next act would continue with or without an audience to fill the empty seats.......
Dust had returned..
The data streams had emerged from his being. The sentient guard sheathed they're weapons. The four-legged bot had safely masked Dust's arrival from any looming nemy's. His ginger eyes looked over a still crowd of breathless statues. Everyone was in shock and awe. He gave a slight devilish grin and looked down to his beloved Sarah. His voice held the same confident, and oddly enough malevolent tone that everyone remembered him for; "Was this the moment you were waiting for? I kept my promise."