Electria

An Ashen Wasteland Series Book 4

By: Tim Elkins

Copyright © 2020 NJ Publishing

 All Rights Reserved All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Table Of Contents

1

Saliva and flesh pattered Phineas’ visor as he single-handedly kept a mutated beast away from him. Its pincer-like maw snapped at him, trying to tear his mask away and gnaw at his face. Phineas grimaced as he balled his left hand and smashed the monster’s head, its body crumpling to the ground afterward. “Giant insects,” he spat. “Of all things, giant insects. Damn it!”

“Shut it, pretty boy, and keep firing!” Zoltan ordered on the side, fighting similar creatures.

Phineas gritted his teeth and picked up a discarded heavy repeater. He quickly turned around and discharged the weapon, wincing as his wounded chest protested despite the exo-suit’s protection. Still, the gunshot was effective, and another grotesque insectoid fell to his feet. For the first time, he thought, I’m thankful for Armand’s help.

It had been hours since Phineas Archibald had set off with the Terminus Est crew to search for his captain, Rachel Sternritter. The journey towards the crash site of the Cloudsurfer had been blessedly uneventful – at least until they reached the downed skyvessel. The wreckage was surrounded by hideous beasts, feasting on Cloudsurfer’s remaining supplies. A knot formed in Phineas’ stomach when he saw them, fearing the worst had come to pass.

Phineas fired the rifle again, taking down another creature. Damn, they don’t stop coming! Before he could reload the weapon, something large and heavy hopped onto his back. Phineas yelped and tried to push it away, but he could not reach over the exo-suit’s steam-pack.

Just then, he heard a thunderous explosion and felt the weight leaving him. Phineas stared at his feet and saw the smoking remnants of the mutant. He turned around and saw Zoltan lifting his cannon. “You’re welcome, sunshine!” he yelled.

Phineas waved and fired his heavy repeater once more, reducing another mutated beast again to a fetid mist. And now I’m even thankful for Zoltan! Their alliance would be short-lived, for sure, but he’d make the best of it while it lasted. Though finding Rachel was his top priority, he also needed to hatch an escape plan for himself and his crew. I just need to see her first, dead or alive.

A few meters away, Armand’s voice was echoing. “Alright, people, enough of this!” His words were followed by the revving noise of a chain-cannon spitting death into the incoming mutants. Massive streaks of fire flew above Phineas’ head, and ejected casings littered the floor, which was already slick with a mixture of flesh and blood.

Once no more beasts appeared, Armand’s weapon revved down. “See, gentlemen? This is how you control a crowd!” he exclaimed merrily.

“Show-off,” Zoltan muttered as he started towards the Cloudsurfer. “Well, Phinny, ahoy and avast – we’re finding your sweetheart at last!” he added without looking back.

If only it were that easy, Phineas thought grimly as he trudged after Zoltan and Armand. The large crenellation surrounding the Cloudsurfer was now devoid of life, giving the search party an ample opportunity to thoroughly assess the wreckage.

After some time, two Terminus Est crew members stepped out of the ship. “Sorry, sir. We found no traces of Captain Sternritter,” one of them reported.

“That’s quite odd,” Armand mused. “Have you looked around outside?”

“No, sir.”

“Then, what are you waiting for? Come on, chop, chop!” he commanded, clapping his hands. “Phineas, help us search, too.”

Phineas said nothing and simply started walking towards the husk. He went to the prow, rounding debris and a broken pipe. He stopped mid-stride as he saw a large metal plate surrounded by congealed blood. Phineas fell to his knees and crawled towards the plate. No, he thought. No, no, no, this can’t be. THIS CAN’T BE!

“Rachel,” Phineas muttered, stricken by grief. “Oh, god, Rachel!” His chest heaved, and his breathing became short as he tried – and failed – to pry the metal away. Though he imagined the gruesome picture underneath it, Phineas dreaded to see her crushed body. Before he could try lifting it again, a heavy boot shoved him away.

Phineas lifted his gaze angrily. “What the hell is wrong with you?!” he demanded.

“I’m tired of your moping, idiot boy. Look!” Zoltan uttered, pointing his finger outside the sky vessel. “In your melancholy, you failed to see those tracks leading away from here. They were made by two sets of feet. Your dear Rachie is alive, and she’s not alone. Now, quit whining and collect yourself!”

Phineas’ breathing was still ragged as his eyes scanned the tracks, but he saw the reason behind Zoltan’s words. He is right – those are human footsteps, he thought. One of them must be Rachel’s, but who’s with her? Climbing to his feet, Phineas took a deep breath. “Let’s go,” he said after a while.

Armand laughed behind him, surprising Phineas. Apparently, he watched the entire exchange. “See, Zoltan? I told you that love is a stronger motivator than money!” he exclaimed while getting out of the crenellation.

“It’s a matter of opinion, Armand,” Zoltan replied.

Keep talking, Phineas thought grimly. I will enjoy finishing off both of you once Rachel is safe.

2

                 Rachel walked next to her brother, Javier, as he led her through the warren of tunnels in the Dead Continent. Though she had seen most of the electrical appliances inside, she couldn’t help but gawk at everything.

Javier noticed his sister’s reaction. “Living in the outer backwater has made you a fan of whimsy, hasn’t it?” he commented, chuckling.

“What do you mean?” Rachel asked, confused.

“Well, you act like a little girl, ooh-ing and aah-ing at every little thing.”

She shrugged. “The last time I saw stuff powered by electricity, I was six years old. It’s been a long time, Javier.” Looking at her brother, she added, “There’s something I don’t understand.”

“What is it?” Javier asked.

“All the things here are…” Rachel’s voice trailed off, thinking of an appropriate word. “Well, they are old.”

“Old?”

“Yes. I mean, these are the same items I remember in the past. The lights, the machines – I expected your technology to be far more advanced by now,” she explained. “As I understand, you and the people of Electria have been awake for twenty years, no?”

“More or less, yes,” Javier replied, nodding.

“Then, why hasn’t your technology innovated? You have scientists, artisans, and craftsmen in your midst; however, you still use pre-Shattering machines.”

“We just haven’t,” Javier answered curtly.

“Hmm, I just wonder why.”

“Well, there’s no reason to wonder.” Waving a hand dismissively, he said, “Our technology is advanced enough, and I’d venture to say it’s akin to magic compared to the steam and coal you use.” Javier moved ahead of her, the tails of his black coat fluttering behind him.

Rachel kept walking, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. She couldn’t shake her uneasiness in Javier’s presence. Too many things don’t add up, she thought as her brother nodded to a guard and entered a room. I’m sure that he’s hiding something. It had been decades since the last time Rachel saw Javier. Though he had aged, he was still the same – distant, aloof, and fidgety.

She followed Javier in a vast, blindingly white room filled with unknown medical apparatuses. Some had multiple protrusions; others had articulated arms. But the more Rachel looked at them, the more uneasy she became. A healing machine can easily be used as a torture device, she mused, her eyes fixating on a set of chirurgical tools on a slab.

Javier went up to a medic who’s washing his hands. Rachel grimaced at the sight of crimson-tinted water in the small basin.

“Is the procedure complete?” Javier asked.

“It is, Leader, but there were a few complications,” the medic replied carefully.

Her brother’s eyebrows furrowed. “What manner of complications?”

“Ah, well, the wound was improperly tended to, and it grew septic. We needed to pump the subject with antibiotics, antiseptics, and painkillers. Luckily, we managed to stabilize him in the end.”

Rachel glanced sideways at Javier. “What the hell is he talking about?”

“Wait,” he replied bluntly. Javier turned to the man. “What else, medic?”

“We also needed to amputate at a higher joint – the shoulder, to be precise – to expose enough nerve terminals for the graft. But—”

“I will ask you one more time,” Rachel interrupted, stepping forward to face her brother. “What is he talking about?”

Javier continued to ignore her. “Is the subject ready?” he asked the medic instead.

“He is, Leader.”

Javier nodded. “Come,” he merely uttered, looking at Rachel briefly.

“I don’t appreciate being pushed around, Javier.”

“Rachel,” he drawled dryly, “You may be my sister and a sky vessel captain, but here,” he turned around and locked gazes with her, “I am the Leader. Now, come.” He began to walk without waiting for her answer.

Rachel clenched her teeth but said nothing more as they moved to another wing of the medical bay. A flickering sign on the door read RECOVERY, and Javier pushed it open. As soon as Rachel entered the room, her sense of smell was assaulted by an overwhelming aroma of chemicals and medicines. At its far end, she saw the back of a man sitting on a white, clean bed. Rachel’s eyes widened upon realizing that it wasn’t a flesh arm but a black prosthetic. Her jaw also dropped when she recognized the man.

“Emmy?” Rachel asked, rushing towards the bed.

Emmy turned around, grinning. “Hello, captain. Look!” he exclaimed, flexing his prosthetic fingers. “It’s not exactly like the original, but these people have some interesting toys!”

Rachel nodded. “It seems like you’re enjoying yourself. How are you feeling?”

He shrugged. “Better than I did after having my arm chopped off, that’s for sure. Their medical items are impressive; they are unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life! Are these the wondrous wonders of the wonderful old world?” Emmy asked.

“Say ‘wonder’ again, and I’ll find out if your arm pops at the socket,” Rachel joked. Turning serious, she added, “I’m glad you’re better, Emmy. And, yes, these things have been around since before the Shattering.”

“That’s neat,” Emmy replied, “And funny.”

“What is?” she asked, confused.

 “I didn’t think you’d be glad to see me get better,” he uttered, looking down.

Rachel sighed. “You are a traitorous bastard, and I may yet run my saber through your gut, but you are still a member of my crew.”

Before Emmy could say anything else, Javier stepped in. “Emotive reunion, to be sure, but speaking of your crew, there’s a reason I brought you in here, Rachel,” he said.

She stared at her brother and folded her arms. “I remember, Javier. You said we’d greet whoever is coming this way. Why did you take me here first?”

“As a sign of good faith, of course,” he replied matter-of-factly.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. “You healed Emmy as a sign of good faith, huh?”

“That is what I said. Why?”

 “No reason,” she said nonchalantly. “What do you want to know about my crew?”

“What equipment do they have? I notice your saber and a revolving flintlock pistol. Rudimentary as far as weapons go, truth be told.”

“Then, you’ve perfectly described my crew’s kit: rudimentary. I can’t help but wonder, however, why you are so interested in that. I’d have assumed that an Electrian hierarch may think more along the lines of diplomacy and scientific advancement, all things considered,” she uttered, trying to sound as casual as possible.

Javier chuckled under his breath, and Rachel noticed a hint of malice in his voice as he said, “Diplomacy and advancement can only take you so far. What I’m curious about is what manner of society rose from the ashen wasteland that the world became.”

“A rudimentary society,” Rachel quipped. “Why did you never bother to leave the remnants of Electria behind? Do you have no airships, no means to explore the land?” Rachel countered.

“Oh, we have the means,” Javier said dismissively. “Only, we had never seen the chance.”

“Why?” she prodded.

Javier shrugged. “We just didn’t think there was anything left outside. We assumed the world became a barren rock, populated by mutants and polluted by radiation. In a way, it gives me hope.”

“Hope?”

He nodded. “Yes, Rachie.”

“And what do you hope for?”

Javier smirked. “You will know in time, Rachel,” he answered mysteriously. “For now, we must get ready to greet your compatriots. Come along, both of you,” he commanded, leaving the room first.

Once Javier was out of earshot, Emmy leaned towards Rachel. “I don’t like that guy, and that’s something coming from me,” he whispered.

Rachel glanced sideways at Emmy. “Why don’t you like him?”

“I-I don’t exactly know, captain. He gives me the creeps. And the way he keeps asking about our technology, the crew, our weapons, and whatnot? It’s odd if you ask me.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Did he question you?”

“Oh, yes, he did – extensively at that,” Emmy revealed. “It was an easy deal. They’d give me my arm back, and I’d give them the answers they needed.”

Rachel was about to open her mouth, but he raised a hand to stop her.

“Now, I can see your expression, captain, and let me tell you that he asked about the Cloudsurfer and its weapons, flight capabilities, and the number of our crew.”

“And how much did you tell him?” Rachel asked, worried.

“Practically nothing!” Emmy replied. “I may be a treacherous bastard, as you’ve so eloquently stated, but I’m not stupid. That feller is planning something.”

Rachel sighed in relief before laughing softly.

“What’s funny, captain?” Emmy asked.

“You said our crew.”

Emmy groaned. “Keep dreaming, captain. But jests aside,” his voice became grave as he said, “Trust that Leader even less than you trust me.”

“Hmm, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for the warning,” Rachel replied sincerely.

“Any time.” Emmy stood up and clumsily buttoned up his shirt. “May I ask a question now?” he said once he was fully dressed.

“What is it?”

“Who is that guy? He seems to know you from quite a long time ago.”

A sad smile formed on Rachel’s lips as she recalled the brooding teenager she knew from childhood and compared him with the dour, grim man she found in the Dead Continent. “He’s my brother.”

Emmy whistled. “I’ll admit, I did not see that coming!” he exclaimed, wide-eyed.

“Why?”

Emmy shrugged. “In my line of work, captain, you must be an excellent judge of character, and I know that you are polar opposites. Javier gives off a dark vibe, though he tries to act like a kind, good-natured fellow. You’re the other way around – you try to seem uncaring and stoic, but you are truly kind and honest.”

Before Rachel could reply, a mechanical voice blared from a speaker in the room. “The Leader is awaiting you at the armory. Make your way posthaste.”

Emmy glanced at it. “I guess that’s our cue. After you, captain,” he uttered.

Rachel nodded and started towards the door. I may or may not be kind, but Emmy is right: there’s something dark about Javier, she thought.

3

        Throughout his life, Phineas had always considered himself as a level-headed man, capable of facing any challenge head-on. Now, he felt utterly powerless as he held Rachel’s discarded coat. There were no scratches or tears on it – it had merely been discarded like a rag. Still, he knew Rachel wouldn’t leave her garment behind.

Clutching the coat, Phineas waited for the scouting party’s return with Zoltan and Armand. Though disgusted by the number of dead, half-eaten mutants at the crash site, Phineas couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride whenever he saw the number of creatures felled by a sword. Rachel took down her fair share,  he thought, trying to picture his captain as she dexterously swung her weapon at the enemies. I’ve never asked her if she liked adventure stories as a child.  Phineas couldn’t help but smile as he remembered the six-year-old Rachel he had met before the Shattering. I should really ask. If she did, she’d make any hero proud.

A grunt took Phineas away from his reverie. Zoltan sat on a rock beside him. “Rememberin’ some fond things, are we, Phinny?”

Phineas ignored him pointedly.

Zoltan shrugged, removed his rebreather mask, and took a deep sniff. “Ach,” he said, spitting on the ground. “This place reeks like a well-filled latrine, and I know a thing or two about that.” Leaning in closer, he shared, “I had been trapped in one before.”

Phineas glanced at Zoltan. “And the smell never went away?” he asked, smirking.

“Hah! See, Phinny? You can lighten up, too!” Zoltan exclaimed, taking a flask out of his coat. He took a deep swig before offering it to Phineas. The latter stared at the flask suspiciously, causing Zoltan to roll his eyes. “Come on, Archibald, we need not be at each other’s throats for the time being. Besides,” he uttered, taking another swig and wiping his mouth with his sleeve, “Before long, something tells me that we may need to fight side by side.”

“Not in a thousand years,” Phineas replied acidly. “Make no mistake: my patience has its limits.”

Zoltan’s teeth gleamed through his beard as he grinned. “Now, there’s a fella who knows how to hold a grudge. I can respect that,” he commented, nodding. After gulping the alcohol, Zoltan continued, “You have a reason to hate me, Phineas, and I have a reason to hate you and Rachel. We’ve got a score to settle between us, and that means something. If I am to meet my end at the hands of some sorry dreg of the Nadir, I’d rather it’s either of you, not Armand.”

Phineas’ eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?” he asked.

Zoltan offered the flask again without a word, a wry smile on his face.

Phineas groaned but accepted it, grimacing as he drank the potent liquor inside. “It’s strong,” he stated, coughing.

“That’s the point: a burning throat makes saying unsavory stuff more palatable. Now,” Zoltan uttered, placing his forefingers in front of his lips, instructing Phineas to hush, “There’s something wrong about this venture, Phineas.” Zoltan glanced discreetly at Armand Lowenstoft, who was busy inspecting one of the discarded vehicles.

“Oh, you don’t say?” Phineas asked sarcastically. “What makes you think that: the fact that we landed on a derelict, godforsaken, mutant-infested, smelly wasteland, or the fact that there’s no available real estate on the Dead Continent?”

“Yeesh!” Zoltan exclaimed, amused by his remark. “I like you better when you’re my sworn enemy, but I’ll let it slide. I’ll ask point-blank: what did Armand originally order the Cloudsurfer  crew to do?”

“Go to the Dead Continent and find some sort of vault,” Phineas disclosed. “Armand made it a point to be vague about the whole thing,” he added, shrugging.

“And you swallowed it up?” he asked, surprised.

“What choice did we have, considering we were in his lair, and his men took over the Cloudsurfer? ”

Zoltan nodded slowly. “Now, we’re starting to understand each other, Phineas. Sometimes, one must do the things they don’t like, eh?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Zoltan sighed. “I’m an old man, Phineas, and I’m a right bastard – there’s no point in sayin’ otherwise. Yet, you can’t reach my age without havin’ a few regrets along the way. Well, I’m fortunate to be a man of few regrets, but I’m particularly not fond of one thing.”

Phineas’ eyebrows furrowed. “What is it?”

“Killing your uncle,” he revealed in a low tone.

Phineas’ mood darkened, and his jaw clenched. “Careful, Zoltan. Say one wrong thing right now, and I’ll bash your skull to a pulp.”

“Do you mind cuttin’ it down with the violence, boy? Aggression isn’t the answer to every plight you have!” Zoltan exclaimed, shaking his head. “Here I am, tryin’ to have a down-to-earth, man-to-man moment with you, and what do you do, Phinny? Threaten me!” They glared at each other momentarily, and then Zoltan laughed. “Believe it or not, I like you and Rachel. You are cut-throats just as I am, but you are different from me. You still approach matters old-world style, and that’s good. However, I’m digressin’, Phinny.”

The more Zoltan talked, the more Phineas’ stomach burned with bile. But no matter how much he hated the man, he felt his honesty. “Why are you telling me this now, Zoltan? If it’s forgiveness or redemption you are after, I’m afraid I will disappoint you,” Phineas uttered.

“I’m after none of those, Phinny, nor would I care for them if you offered,” Zoltan replied. “As I said, I hate you, and you hate me. Because of that, I’m telling you that we have a mutual enemy in Armand Lowenstoft.”

I don’t trust Zoltan,  Phineas thought,  but I trust Armand even less.  He sighed. “Keep talking.”

“Smart choice, boy. Now, Armand thinks you, me, and everyone around him are idiots. While you and your sweetheart—”

“She’s not my sweetheart!” Phineas interrupted, his voice louder than he intended.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Shrugging, Zoltan said, “While you and Rachel have been goin’ from one ruin to another for the hell of it, I’ve been gathering something more valuable than the baubles you peddle at the black market. Knowledge in this new world of ours is far pricier than any piece of technology you may sell, and that is precisely what Armand thinks I lack.”

Zoltan’s frown creased his forehead as he considered his next words. Though Phineas hated to admit it, he was curious about what the privateer wanted to say.

Finally, Zoltan added, “Armand knows more than he lets on. He thinks me and my crew are simple mercenaries. While he’s not far off, I have a bad habit of perusing through our findings. He hired my crew time and again to raid some ruins of the old world. Let me tell you, boy, I can recognize military buildings when I see them. How do you think he’s amassed such a massive fortune so quickly? How do you think he’s financed – and helped – in the development of exo-suits and other Anglian machines?”

Phineas blinked rapidly. “Armand Lowenstoft had a hand in developing exos?”

“Exo-suits were among the wonders recovered from the old world, except they were burnt and useless. Armand hired the brightest minds in Anglia to adopt their technology as much as possible. Still, he wanted more, Phineas. One name was mentioned on one of the said logs: Jonas Archibald.” He scoffed and shook his head sadly.

A stab of pain pierced Phineas’ chest. “He didn’t deserve to die,” he muttered.

“I agree,” Zoltan admitted, grimacing as he sucked air through his teeth. “It’s the one regret I have in my life. He didn’t deserve to die – I learned that too late. But as I said, I had no choice.”

“Then,” Phineas retorted, “Is there any point to this speech?”

“There is,” he uttered in earnest. “Armand is planning something large, and I doubt it involves any of us being alive. If we must work together for whatever reason,” Zoltan said, extending his hand, “I need to ensure that we won’t be at each other’s throats for a while.”

Phineas glanced at Zoltan’s hand. I hate that he’s right , he thought as he shook it .  “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

“Is that an old-world adage?” Zoltan asked.

“It is.”

Zoltan nodded. “Fitting.”

Just then, one of the members of the scouting party arrived. “Sir!” he called.

“Finally! I was starting to think you became mutie grub. Report,” Armand commanded.

“We found signs of a military unit heading deeper into the ravaged city. After following the trail, we believe that we found Captain Sternritter’s holding place.”

“Splendid!” the crime lord exclaimed as he turned towards Phineas and Zoltan. “See, I told you it was but a matter of time until we had news!” Returning his gaze to the scouts, Armand said, “Lead on.”

Phineas and Zoltan stood up. “Beware,” Zoltan reminded him one last time before catching up with Armand.

Phineas nodded and put his mask on, ready to march forward. What a trip this has been,  he thought, chuckling inwardly. Now, I’m working with Zoltan. Rachel will surely laugh when she hears about it.  But soon, worry filled his mind as he contemplated the danger they were in.

4

And this is the safety – you need to remove it before firing. Now, this is the fire-mode selector,” Javier uttered. He gave an impromptu lesson about weapon handling.

Rachel groaned in annoyance. “For the last time, Javier, I know what an assault rifle is!” she exclaimed. “What I’m more curious about is why we need weapons in the first place.”

“I don’t know, captain,” Emmy uttered, holding his rifle. “This is quite educational! These weapons are ancient but more advanced than anything on Anglia!”

“Your crewmate is correct, Rachel,” Javier stated. “Our weaponry is more advanced, but that’s not a reason not to be cautious. We need armaments because our cameras have seen armed individuals coming our way. Their weapons were rudimentary, of course, but they were still armed.” Smirking, he added, “We just bring rifles as a precaution.”

“A precaution, huh? Funny,” Rachel commented dryly. “As I understood it, the Pulse was created as a precaution, too, and we know what happened with it, don’t we, Javier?” she asked while loading her rifle.

Javier shrugged dismissively. “Who told you that? As far as I know, our father seldom talked about Electria, the Pulse, or anything related to either.”

“I remember news broadcasts around that time,” Rachel uttered. “If my memory doesn’t fail me, Electria wanted to protect itself from outsiders. Thus, how or why was the Pulse used in the first place?”

“How? By pushing a button. Why? Because we were forced to,” Javier quipped.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. “Indeed?”

“Why so many questions, Rachie?” Javier countered. “It almost seems as if you judged Electria’s actions.”

“You’re correct about that. The Pulse destroyed the world as we knew it. Technology regressed, health became precarious at best, and most of Earth became  uninhabitable! Was it worth it in the end?”

“It was,” Javier replied grimly.

“Why?”

“Because we are alive, and our enemies aren’t,” he said matter-of-factly.

Rachel folded her arms. “Who exactly was your enemy, the entire planet?”

“Does it matter, Rachie? What matters is that our way of life was preserved!” he insisted.

Rachel refused to back down. “But at what cost? The outside world is nearly dead! In fact, do you know what we call this whole place?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

“It’s called De—”

“Leader,” a masked soldier interrupted Rachel as he stepped into the room. “The intruders are within range of the south-western entrance. What are your orders?”

“Send the frontal engagement unit. We’ll meet them there,” Javier uttered. Glaring at Rachel, he added, “That includes you, Rachie. You may be the captain of an airship, but—”

“I know, I know. You are the leader,” she uttered, cutting him off. “A jerk leader, that is,” she added under her breath.

“What was that?” Javier asked, whipping his head around.

Rachel panicked for a second. “Nothing. Lead us ahead!”

Javier smiled and nodded appreciatively. “I’m glad we understand each other.” He left the room first, expecting Rachel and Emmy to follow him.

As they did, Emmy held her back a little, letting the other soldiers walk ahead of them. “Captain, I know he’s your brother, but—”

“—Don’t trust him. I know,” Rachel uttered, completing the sentence for him.

Emmy shook his head. “No, captain, it’s not that. Javier is a dangerous individual, and he doesn’t seem to hold you in high regard, sister or not. My question is, if worse comes to worst, would you be able to finish what time didn’t?”

“What do you mean?” she asked, stopping to face him.

Emmy did not reply; he merely dragged his thumb across his throat.

Rachel stared at him for a long time before she understood his gesture. “I don’t know if I can kill him, Emmy. I honestly don’t know,” she uttered, sighing.

Without another word, they hurried back to the marching group.

***

“They are heading towards the central esplanade, Leader,” a soldier reported, following the exo-clad squad’s movements through a periscope.

“Are those your crewmen?” Javier asked without looking at Rachel. “You didn’t mention that you had exoskeletons when I asked you.”

Rachel scoffed. “Do you expect me to answer absolutely every question?”

His gaze finally focused on her. “I don’t expect, Rachel – I demand .  If I ask you something, you answer me without leaving details outside. Am I understood?” he uttered sternly.

“You demand ? Let me tell you something,  brother, ” Rachel shot back. “You may be the leader around here, but I am not under your command. Am I understood?” she added, taunting him.

Javier’s eyes narrowed dangerously, but before he could say anything, another soldier asked, “What are your orders, Leader?”

“We’ll talk about this later, Rachel.” Focusing on his soldiers, Javier commanded, “Engagement team, forward.”

The rampart door in the staging room where Rachel and Emmy stood creaked loudly; its gears and mechanisms started grinding against each other. Rachel donned a breathing mask and inhaled its filtering compounds. Dust filled the room soon after, and the team stepped outside to greet the incoming crew. Phineas,  she thought pleadingly, be careful. I don’t know what Javier is capable of.

They walked as a coordinated unit, easily navigating the obstacles strewn about their path. Rachel was amazed at the lightness of the kevlar vest, combat fatigues, and boots that Javier had given her. They were the same garments that his soldiers wore. The attire was completed with an assault rifle and sidearm. Looking at it, Rachel couldn’t help but remember Emmy’s comment on Javier’s obsession with their weapons and technology. Why was he so upset at me not telling him about exo-suits?  The more time she spent with her brother, the more doubtful she became about his intentions.

They neared a vantage point overlooking an esplanade, and Rachel saw the incoming crew wearing steel-made exo-suits. Are those Zoltan’s men?  she wondered as Javier lifted a fist, stopping the team. He signaled with his hand, instructing the soldiers to take cover nearby. Then, Javier approached Rachel. “Those suits – what are their weaknesses?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” Rachel replied.

“Don’t know or won’t tell me?”

“I don’t know, Javier,” she said honestly.

“Insubordination is a grave offense, sister,” Javier retorted.

“Didn’t I make it clear enough that I am not under your command?”

Despite the crystal panes covering Javier’s eyes, Rachel could feel his anger at her disregard for his commands. Eventually, Javier caved. “Very well. If you don’t tell us their weaknesses, we’ll find them on our own,” he said, unslinging his weapon. “Engagement team, ready your weapons. On my mark, fire at will.”

Rachel’s eyes widened. “You can’t be serious!” she exclaimed.

“Fire first,” Javier uttered flatly, “Ask questions later.”

“They may be my crewmen, damn it!”

“Rachel, I don’t care,” he replied. Staring at her, Javier yelled, “Soldiers, mark!”

***

“This is not good; I can feel it,” Zoltan growled. “Armand, are you certain that your scouts weren’t sidetracked?”

“Positive, Copernicus,” the crime lord replied. “They said our friends were brought here.”

“Then, why are there no signs of habitation?” Phineas asked, a pit forming in his stomach. “The way I see it, we seem to have stepped into a killing ground.”

“What do you mean?” Armand asked, confused.

“Look around you. Do you see anything we can hide behind? We’re on an open expanse with literally nothing to defend ourselves with. Furthermore, those ledges and low walls up there are perfect for an ambush.”

Armand scoffed, shaking his head. “You worry too much, Phineas! We’re perfectly safe here. I assure you that there’s nothing to worry abo—”

 Just then, a loud explosion soon drowned his voice, and a bullet hit the back of his helmet. “Damn it. Spread out!” Armand ordered, lifting his autocannon at once.

The scouting party did as Armand told and returned fire. No one saw where the attack came from, but they ejected their payloads towards the vantage points that Phineas described. The booming sounds of autocannons and heavy repeaters thundered across the esplanade, but dinging noises pierced through the gunfire as enemy bullets found their marks. If not for the exos,   we’d already be dead, Phineas thought, grimacing.

“This is doing nothing!” Zoltan exclaimed. He reached inside his coat frantically and produced a blower. “Phinny!” he called before throwing it.

Phineas turned in time to catch the tubular weapon.

“You know what to do, boy!”

Phineas nodded and rested the blower on his shoulder, aiming it at the vantage point. “Eat this,” he muttered and fired the rocket.

***

“Oh, crap,” Rachel uttered upon seeing the blower aimed at them. “TAKE COVER!” she roared, jumping to the ground. She felt the air being driven from her lungs as the blower hit its target, reducing two of Javier’s soldiers to moist ribbons. Rachel struggled back to her feet, coughing. “Emmy, are you alright?” she asked.

“I lost my arm!” her crewmate yelled frantically. But then, he added, “Oh, wait, here it is!”

“Rocket launchers?” Javier demanded, getting Rachel’s attention. “You have damn rocket launchers?”

“Oops,” Rachel replied, feigning innocence.

“That’s how it’ll be, Rachie?” Javier asked calmly. “Very well.” He lifted his wrist and brought a communicator closer to his lips. “Control, bring us an arc rifle – these fellers are tougher than we expected, but not for long. Keep firing!” he ordered.

Javier ducked again as a heavy bullet flew his way, but he continued peering at the enemies. Rachel stayed mum the entire time; she had no intention to join the fight.

“Those suits are steam-powered,” he mused. “There must be a pressure valve somewhere on them.” Javier stood up, yelping as a bullet graced him, but it didn’t keep him from finding his target. “Gotcha,” he muttered before firing his weapon.

Rachel watched in horror as the bullet hit one of the steam-packs, and the tremendous pressure built within the pack exploded violently, smashing its user to the ground and dragging them until they were nothing but a crimson smear on the ground. Please don’t be Phineas,  she prayed, feeling her chest constrict. Rachel glared at Javier, though her eyes were hidden. If anything happens to Phineas, I will kill you myself!

Javier turned to his sister. “Are you going to keep watching me or help us kill the enemies?” he asked.

Rachel said nothing. Instead, she dropped her weapon to the ground.

“This constitutes an act of treason,” Javier warned grimly. “Restrain her!”

One of the soldiers took a step towards Rachel. Just try it,  she thought as the faceless man trained his weapon on her. Soon after, the soldier shuddered and fell as the butt of a rifle was rammed against his head. “You know, captain, I appreciate the gesture, but please, please  pick up your damn rifle!” Emmy exclaimed.

Quickly, Rachel bent down and did as he asked. “Thank you, Emmy,” she uttered gratefully.

“Thank me later,” he said. “It seems our friends are not so friendly anymore.”

***

“Did you see that?” Phineas asked, wincing as another bullet hit his exo-suit.

“See what?” Zoltan demanded, firing at the attackers steadily.

“A soldier just bludgeoned one of his compatriots. And those two are being held at gunpoint,” he uttered, pointing at the vantage point.

“Point being? Ach, damn it!” the privateer exclaimed as his rifle clicked empty. He unslung a large-caliber handgun and continued shooting.

“Zoltan, Armand, don’t fire at those two – one of them may be Rachel!” Phineas yelled as loud as he could.

“I can’t promise anything, my boy!” Armand answered. “Our lives are on the line, and from where we’re standing, they all look an awful lot like enemies!”

“If you take down Rachel, all this will be in vain!” Phineas argued.

Oblivious, Armand kept on firing.

“Damn it,” Phineas cursed under his breath. “Zoltan?” He turned to the Terminus Est  captain.

Zoltan faced him slightly. “What, Phinny?”

“Give me a blower and cover me,” he commanded.

Zoltan stopped. “What the hell are you thinking, boy?”

“Just do it!” Phineas insisted.

“Alright, alright!” Zoltan took out another tube from his coat and threw it towards Phineas.

Phineas caught it in mid-air and nodded his thanks.

“If you die, boy, don’t expect me to mourn your passing!” he warned.

“Don’t worry,” Phineas replied, reaching for the exhaust controls of his exo-suit, “I don’t plan to.” He pressed the release mechanism and grimaced as the pressure launched him into the air. This was a stupid idea!  Phineas thought as he looked down and found himself at least ten meters above the ground. But his gambit worked – he could see their attackers well at such a high level. Phineas aimed the blower downwards and fired it before plummeting down. Luckily, the gyroscopes inside his exo-suit stabilized his body, and he landed on his feet.

The projectile impacted amid their foes, and the gunfire stopped. One of the enemy soldier’s masks flew towards Phineas, trailing a thread of black smoke. I hope that’s not Rachel’s.

“Well done, Phinny-boy,” Zoltan uttered, tapping his shoulder. “Now, fellas, charge!”

***

Rachel’s ears rang as she crawled away from the debris. No one expected such a mad attack, and none of them certainly assumed that a rocket would be fired in their direction. Neither did I, for that matter,  she thought, trying to regain her bearings. The last thing Rachel saw before the blast was one of the exo-clad men sprinting their way.

Once Rachel was upright, she patted her chest, abdomen, and extremities before exhaling in relief. Everything hurts, but nothing’s broken . She sighed before cupping her hands. “Emmy! Where are you?” she yelled.

“Over here, captain!” Emmy answered.

Rachel started walking towards her crewmate, but she felt a handgun pressed to the back of her head. “Don’t make a move, Rachie,” Javier uttered coldly. “You may think you are outside of my command, sister, but you need to understand something. I  rule on Electria now, as I did before the Pulse!”

Damn it! I need to stall him,  Rachel thought. “What the hell are you talking about? Director Corvin Archibald was the ruler of Electria when we were kids!” she replied.

“That much is true, yes. He was the intellectual  ruler, but you see, I climbed through the military ranks, thanks to my extraordinary services,” he revealed proudly.

“You were a kid back then, Javier. You couldn’t have climbed far,” she shot back, confused.

Her brother scoffed. “Being Corvin’s violent right-hand man helped with that. Did you never see me on television with him?” Javier asked.

I did!  A picture from her childhood returned to her – Javier, dressed in a white uniform, stood next to Director Corvin. “Dad said you were lost.”

“Lost?” He laughed maliciously. “Is that what our father told you? He probably said that to protect you, but I was never lost, Rachel. I left! Our father was a pusillanimous coward who rejected the creation and use of the Pulse, trying to undermine the director’s and my  authority at every turn, just as you are doing right now.”

“Well, here’s the thing. To undermine your authority, you first need to have it!” she exclaimed. Before Javier could react, Rachel ducked, grabbed his arm, and vaulted him over her shoulder in one fluid motion. Javier fell on his back, yelping as air escaped his lungs. She unslung her pistol and aimed it at her brother’s face. “You have no authority over me,” she uttered flatly.

Slowly, Javier removed his mask. His mad expression regarded Rachel. “Do it,” he dared her.

Rachel cocked the hammer of her revolver, glaring at him.

Javier grinned mockingly. “You won’t do it, Rachel. You are just like our father was – weak, cowardly, and incapable of doing what is necessary to secure— AGH!” Javier curled in pain as Rachel squeezed the trigger, her bullet shattering his shoulder.

Rachel removed her mask and smirked at him. “I have a question, Javier, and you will answer me. Who fired the Pulse?”

Javier said nothing.

“I’m not asking you twice, brother .” Rachel aimed her gun at his face.

“I did,” Javier finally admitted, wheezing. “I authorized the use of the Pulse!”

“And Director Corvin?”

Javier scoffed. “He had an unfortunate accident, making him indisposed.”

“You killed him,” Rachel stated. It was not a question.

“That’s a tactless way of saying it, but yes, along with his supporters – the scientists of Electria. I now see my mistake as I didn’t expect their greatest accomplishments to be kept behind a gene-locked gate. But now, thanks to that trinket you brought, we can replicate his accomplishments and get off of this godforsaken place.”

“The trinket!” Rachel exclaimed. “Dad said it was a key that would open the secret of Electria one day!”

“Indeed, it is, Rachel. It’s the key to Electria’s technology. All information about it is in that flash drive on your neck.” Javier grimaced. “I wish we could open the vault and leave immediately, but one can’t have everything they want, hmm?”

Rachel felt her stomach swirling with bile. I brought it to him – the means to recreate Electria’s technology and destroy the world again.  “ I won’t let you do that, Javier!” she exclaimed angrily.

A strange sound escaped Javier’s chest. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion until Rachel realized that her brother was laughing.

“What’s so funny?” she demanded.

“Rachie. Oh, Rachie, Rachie, Rachie. You don’t understand, do you?” Javier asked. “That’s not your choice to make. Fire!”

“Wha—”

Her question was cut off by searing, excruciating pain, but Rachel couldn’t scream as her jaws were locked by the electricity coursing through her. She felt like she was burning from the inside out. The pain stopped before she burst ablaze and fell to the floor, twitching spastically, unable to control her muscles.

A soldier helped Javier to his feet, while another handed him a weapon surrounded by electrical streaks. Javier knelt beside Rachel. “This is an arc rifle, Rachie,” he said, brandishing the weapon in front of her. “You just felt a current of point-fifteen milliamps. That’s enough to cause you terrible, maddening pain. I’m surprised you’re still conscious.”

“W-w-what?!” Rachel stuttered. “D-d-damn it-t-t! Jus-t-t-t k-k-kill m-m-me!”

“Kill you? Are you insane, Rachel? I wouldn’t dream of it,” Javier replied as he stood up. “You are my sister, after all.”

Just then, a gunshot thundered, and a streak of light flew towards Javier, narrowly missing him. “Get away from her!” one of the exo-clad attackers yelled.

Rachel felt her heart soar as she recognized Phineas’ voice. You came,  she thought as she struggled to regain her composure.

“Alright, enough of this,” Javier spat as he aimed the arc rifle at Phineas. He fired the weapon, and a web of lightning shot from the tip, engulfing Phineas first before jumping to the men charging behind him. No one managed to scream; they all fell on the ground, convulsing. Javier lowered his arc rifle. “That takes care of it. Soldiers, bring in a restrainer, we are going to—”

To everyone’s surprise, the straggler started clapping. “Magnificent! Truly magnificent and worthy of every tale told of the old world!” he exclaimed enthusiastically. “Contingency protocol Alpha-Sigma-Sigma-Eta-Omicron-Lambda-Epsilon.”

Javier and the soldiers lifted their weapons. “Where did you learn that?” Javier demanded, taking a step forward.

“Here or there – it doesn’t matter,” the exo-clad interloper replied before removing his mask and offering his hand. “Armand Lowenstoft, at your service. I assume I am talking to Director Corvin Archibald?”

Javier scoffed. “Alas, no. Javier Sternritter, Military Leader of Electria, or what’s left of it.”

Armand’s eyes widened. “Sternritter? Just like Captain Sternritter over there?” Armand asked, glancing at Rachel.

“Mm-hm, unfortunately. And who are you, sir?”

“I’m an entrepreneur from Anglia who’s on a quest for power and dominance.”

Javier smirked. “It seems we speak the same language. Now, would you mind telling me why you attacked us?”

“Why, sir,” Armand retorted affably, “You attacked us first! But that matters little now that we are on speaking terms, yes?”

“I will be the one to decide on that.” Javier crossed his arms over his chest. “Why are you here, Armand?”

“I came after Captain Sternritter because of a certain trinket she had around her neck. I assume you have taken it?”

“Yes.”

Armand nodded. “Well, in that case, let me ask a couple of things. What are your capabilities, sir? As I understand it, you have advanced weapons, aircraft, and other technological wonders.”

“Yes and no,” Javier replied. “The trinket – a flash drive, if you must know – contains procedures to reproduce the technology lost after the Pulse, but the actual vault is locked.”

“Locked? How?” Armand asked, tilting his head.

“You wouldn’t understand it.”

“Please try me,” he said, grinning.

Javier nodded. “It’s gene-locked. Only someone with the genetics – Director Corvin’s blood, so to speak – could open it. Alas, all his relatives are dead.”

“Hmm,” Armand brought a hand to his chin and started pacing. “Did the director, perchance, have a son named Jonas?”

“He did,” Javier answered suspiciously. “Why?”

“I may have a proposition for you, my sir. See, I am but a humble businessman, and—”

“Cut to the chase,” Javier interrupted.

“Very well. You mentioned airships, weapons, and technology locked behind a vault that only an Archibald could open. Well, if I were to open it hypothetically and  lead you to Anglia – my country, but I’m sure you know that – what would I get in return?”

Javier scoffed. “If such an improbability proved true, Armand, you’d be given a ruling seat in my regime.”

“Works for me,” Armand uttered before walking towards Phineas.

“Stay away from him, you double-crossing bastard!” Zoltan yelled, struggling to stay on his feet as he pointed a heavy revolver at Armand. “I knew you were planning something the moment we set off after Sternritter! You thought I never understood the documents I gave you from the ruins we raided, but I did!”

Armand sighed, shaking his head. “Sir, would you be so kind?” he said, addressing Javier.

“With pleasure,” Javier uttered before firing the arc rifle at Zoltan. The captain of the Terminus Est  grimaced as the current tortured him. His limbs stretched tautly, and white smoke rose from his body. When Javier released the trigger, Zoltan twitched violently on the ground.

“Thank you,” Armand said as he advanced towards Phineas and removed his mask. “I present Phineas Archibald, grandson of Corvin Archibald.”

Javier’s eyes widened. “Impossible! This cannot be! Phineas, we all thought you were dead!” He turned to Rachel. “It’s another thing you hid from me, Rachel dear, hmm?” Shaking his head disappointedly, he added, “Keeping things from your brother is not good. Now, Phineas, will you cooperate, or shall I do this the hard way?” He knelt in front of Phineas.

Rachel felt pride swell within her as her first mate spat on Javier’s face. Her brother merely chuckled in response.

“So be it.” Javier stretched out his hand, and one of the soldiers placed a hypodermic needle on his palm. “I’ll put this to better use than you ever can,” he flatly said before plunging the syringe into Phineas’ neck.

Phineas’ eyes grew wide as he saw his blood seeping into the container. Once it was full, Javier removed the needle and stood up. He placed the vial in his pocket and turned towards Armand. “What do we do with them?” Javier asked.

Armand shrugged. “Just leave them here. What about your sister?”

Javier spared Rachel a glance. “I thought she was already dead before. Her real death makes no difference. Now, shall we?” he uttered.

Armand grinned. “Please, after you.” He bowed lavishly for effect.

The two walked into the remnants of Electria, leaving Rachel, Phineas, and Zoltan to their fates.

5

         Bastard,  Rachel thought hopelessly, struggling not to let her tears fall. She failed. All my life, I thought Javier was lost and gone. All my life, I wanted to find him. Now, I did, and he turned out to be an outright bastard. Worse, I led Phineas to him.  Her muscles barely responded when she tried to move. She felt weak, powerless, and defeated. Rachel closed her eyes, waiting to fall unconscious.

“Quite a pickle you’re in, captain. Er, captains, with all due respect,” Emmy uttered somewhere behind Rachel. “Now, Rachel, Phineas, I need you both on your feet.” His shadow loomed over her as Emmy knelt beside her. “This may sting a little,” he warned before sinking a needle into her neck.

Rachel winced, but her muscles immediately grew stronger, and her heartbeat normalized. She breathed deeply and started coughing before curling into a ball as a final round of spasms took her. After the spell passed, she sat up and wheezed. “Thank you, Emmy. What was that?”

“Adrenaline,” he replied. “I stole a couple of syringes from the medical bay. I’ll give the other one to Phineas.”

“What about Zoltan?” Rachel asked.

A grim expression crossed Emmy’s face. “The captain needs immediate medical attention; a shot of adrenaline will kill him. Now, may I?”

Rachel nodded, and Emmy moved towards Phineas and injected him with the same substance. “Hey, first mate, no hard feelings, eh?”

Phineas did not reply, but his fist soon collided against Emmy’s jaw, sending him flying backward.

“Alright, I deserved that,” Emmy uttered, shrugging.

“That and so much more, you traitorous bastard,” Phineas said, his body still shaking.

“Phineas,” she called.

“I’m going to kill you, Emmy. I’m going to bash your skull!” he continued.

“Phineas.”

“Then, I’m going to rip your head off and take a dump down your—”

“Phineas!” Rachel yelled.

His eyes finally focused on her. “Rachel,” Phineas muttered. Relief was written all over his face.

“Yes, indeed, I’m glad to— Oof!”

The wind got knocked out of Rachel’s lungs as Phineas crossed the distance between them and pulled her into a tight embrace. His body heaved, and she realized that he was sobbing.

“Hey, Phineas, what’s wrong?” she asked, worried.

“I-I thought I l-lost you,” he said, struggling through the words. “I thought you were dead or worse, but here you are now, and you are safe.” Phineas hugged her tighter.

Rachel smiled against his shoulder. “I am, Phineas, thanks to you.”

“Ahem!” Emmy cleared his throat dramatically.

Rachel chuckled. “And you too, Emmy,” she added.

Phineas pulled back and regarded Rachel intently.

“He’s a traitorous bastard, but I managed to come this far because of him,” she explained.

“Are you sure?” Phineas asked.

Rachel nodded. That’s when Phineas relaxed his shoulders and stopped glaring at Emmy.

“Er, if I may interrupt?” Emmy asked. “Captain Zoltan might not last long. And you, Phineas, are wearing an exo, so...” His voice trailed off.

“Right,” Phineas uttered, bending down and easily lifting Zoltan in his arms. “How are you feeling, Rachel?”

Rachel picked up her rifle and loaded it. “I’m in the mood to make the trip back. How’s the crew?”

“It’s a long story, Rachel. I’ll tell you along the way.”

She nodded. “Lead on.”

***

“Halt! Identify yourselves!”

“Hey, it’s the first mate of the Cloudsurfer! ”

“He’s carrying Captain Zoltan!”

“He’s wounded!” Phineas yelled in response. “Chirurgeon, come immediately – Zoltan’s badly wounded!”

The Terminus Est  crewmen marched towards Phineas and laid Zoltan on a stretcher. Phineas slicked his hair back and turned towards Rachel with a smirk on his face.

“What a mess, eh?”

She sighed and nodded. “It seems like our lives have been determined by Javier’s actions, one way or another.” Rachel sat on her haunches and dropped her face to her hands. “I can’t believe it,” she uttered miserably.

Phineas sat beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t believe it either, Rachel.”

She lifted her gaze and stared at Phineas, her eyes red-rimmed and watery. God, I’ve never seen her so vulnerable,  Phineas thought, feeling a knot form in his throat.

Out loud, he added, “I mean, you became the captain of a skyvessel on your own, Rachel. You raided ruins and led us to victory every time. As for Javier,” Phineas paused, shrugging, “He just pushed a button and ruined the world.”

Rachel scoffed. “Quite a feat, if you ask me.”

“Perhaps, but you’ve done more than he ever could, Rachel. You earned the twins’ loyalty by taking them out of the Nadir. You accrued Milton and Burton’s trust and life-long gratitude by saving their rears. And I wouldn’t be myself without you.”

She stared at Phineas, and their eyes locked. Honey eyes,  he thought, taking a deep breath. Now or never.  “Rachel, I—”

Phineas was interrupted by a thunderous roar as the ground shook beneath him. A loud, whistling noise inundated his surroundings afterward, and Rachel pointed off at a distance.

“Phineas, look!” she yelled.

Just then, an enormous airship took flight, propelled by electric-powered thrusters. The air erupted around it as it vanished from the view. The rumbling stopped.

Rachel climbed to her feet and sighed. “It seems Armand and Javier are heading back to Anglia, and the Cloudsurfer  is down.”

“We’ll find a way back, Rachel. I promise,” Phineas said, standing up.

Emmy stepped out of the chirurgical tent. “Phineas, Rachel? Zoltan wants to speak to you,” he said.

They looked at each other and nodded. “After you,” Phineas uttered, letting Rachel take the lead as they entered the tent.

Zoltan was lying on a cot, his eyes unfocused and his breathing shallow and erratic. He coughed. “You’re here – that’s good. I ain’t got much time,” he grunted. Slowly, he lifted his hands and snapped his fingers. One of his crewmates stepped forward at once. “Fetch me paper and ink – I need to write something,” Zoltan ordered.

The crewmate nodded and left.

“Zoltan,” Phineas started, “What are you—”

“Shut up, boy, and listen,” Zoltan interrupted. He coughed again. “I’m sorry about your uncle, and I’m sorry that it’s not you or Rachel who get to finish me off.”

The crewmate entered just then, and Zoltan took the paper and scribbled on it. When he was done, he folded it and reached for Phineas’ hand. He placed the piece of paper in it, and Zoltan didn’t let go as he advised, “Phinny, take good care of her. You will never meet another woman like your captain. Let her know how you feel, and be a good—” The rest of his words were cut off by another violent cough. Then, Zoltan’s hand fell limply on the side.

Phineas exhaled as he unfolded the paper that Zoltan gave him. “And he said he wasn’t after redemption,” he uttered after reading the note, chuckling under his breath. “I don’t forgive Zoltan for what he did, but I no longer hate him.”

“What did he write?” Rachel asked curiously. Phineas handed her the note, and she gasped in surprise. “Well, congratulations are in order, Captain Archibald.” She saluted while beaming at him.

Phineas shook his head. “Nonsense, Rachel. You have a knack for leadership, navigation, and charisma. You are  the captain of the Terminus Est .” Scoffing, he added, “Still, I believe the skyvessel needs a new name. Cloudsurfer Secunda,  perhaps?”

Rachel shook her head. “No, Phineas. The Cloudsurfer  is gone, and the Terminus Est  dies with her captain.” She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them, she uttered, “ Hoperider .”

“We ride on hope?”

“Yes. We ride on the hope for a better tomorrow. For us, for mankind. Gather the crew, load everyone onto the lander, and prepare for take-off. We’re returning to our skyvessel.”

“Aye, aye, captain! What about Zoltan?”

Rachel sighed. “He was not a good man, but he deserves a captain’s burial,” she mused. “Take him with us. Now, let’s address our new crewmates.”

Phineas saluted and followed Rachel, smiling proudly. That’s the Rachel that I know.  

***

The Hoperider  was tremendous, Rachel had to admit. The Imperator-class flying fortress was magnitudes larger than the Cloudsurfer . Its weapons were superior, and its engines were in tiptop condition. Damn it; everything is excellent,  she sighed. “But it may not be enough,” she muttered.

“You said something, cap’n?” Burton asked beside her.

“No,” Rachel replied. “I’m just talking to myself.”

“Is that a side effect of electrocution, captain?” Emmy quipped, carrying various navigation charts.

Milton elbowed the one-armed man. “Quit teasing the captain, traitor!”

“Milton, please, we’re all friends on this skyvessel,” Anselm said calmly.

“So he says,” Elisa muttered next to her twin, “But he’s deathly jealous of Emmy’s arm.”

“There’ll be enough time to get one of those for myself, sister dearest.”

“Silence, crew,” Rachel commanded before walking towards the speaking end of Hoperider’ s crystal set. “Riker, patch me through.”

“Aye, captain!” the navigator replied. “Now listening!”

Rachel nodded. “ Hoperider  crew ,  this is your captain speaking. We have had our differences before; we have also tried to kill each other on more than one occasion. But that is over as we all face greater threats. A traitor sold us out and cost you your former captain, and he was supported by a madman bent on dominating our world. We won’t  let this happen. I promise vengeance to all of you!” The crew erupted in cheers, and their voices were audible throughout the  Hoperider . “At least, they are motivated,” Rachel uttered as she returned the speaker to Riker.

“ You  motivate them, Rachel,” Phineas stated, grinning. “Orders, captain?”

Rachel nodded. “Officers, survey the vessel’s systems – I want a full report within the hour. Twins, mingle with the crew, gauge their mood, and teach our newly acquired members about our ways. Riker, set course for Anglia.”

“Aye, captain!” everyone exclaimed in unison as they set out to do their tasks.

The skyvessel lurched into motion as Phineas stepped next to Rachel. “Are you with me, Phineas?” she asked, looking at him.

Phineas laughed. “Rachel, I’ll go to hell and back with you.”

“Good,” she replied, staring at the prow of the skyvessel. “Before this is over, we may really go through hell.”

The End

More Books By The Author

I hope you had fun in this world. Here are some other books to check out:

The Shattering: An Ashen Wasteland Series (The Prequel)

Remnants Of Electria : An Ashen Wasteland Series (Book 1)

About The Author

Tim was born and bred in the Sunshine State of Florida, where I still live today. Growing up when he wasn’t at the beach I would have lots of adventures in my backyard, mainly trying to survive in the aftermath of an Alien Invasion. Now I spend my days putting my imagination into books, so everyone who wants to, can join me in the world in my head.

When I’m not writing I usually spend my days on the beach, or  reading with my cat Sleepy.

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P.S. Reader:

It means the world to me that you read my book. Your feedback is very important to me... VERY IMPORTANT .

I’d like to hear your thoughts about the story. Would you do me a solid and leave an honest  review on amazon?

Thank you so much!

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