Heritage (Under Revision)

Chapter 50: Leon

“So, what’s going to happen when we get down there Tal’Vira?”

“First, I will escort you to the High Command chambers. They will speak with you. Afterwards, you will be sent to processing where you will receive an arm band that designates you a prisoner of the Sekrid Empire. You will wear this armband wherever you go. It is important that you attract as little attention to yourself as possible Leon. I will be with you everywhere you are. But there are also places I will be taking you myself that are not permitted. Making sure we do that discreetly is paramount,”

“I understand but...I’m a human. I kind of draw attention to myself by existing,”

“Not so. My people hate yours as much as yours hate mine. They see your people as, what was the word, cockroaches. Most of them will hardly lower themselves to look at you,”

“Good to know,” I say as I turn my head towards the window.

I notice our ship is closing on Argalia. Another flash of my dream comes to mind before fading away, leaving my nerves rattled at the prophetic vision should I decide to do what She said. Surprisingly enough, the planet has still remained quite green with large patches of steel grey taking up massive areas of the planet’s surface.

“How did your people manage to industrialize like you have without stripping your planet more of forests?” I ask, still staring out of the window.

“We have the benefit of having aggressive plant growth. Our trees grow at a much more rapid rate than Earthling vegetation. You’ll notice that areas that have been designated for cities and industrialization have been covered entirely. We had to develop a process that covered the entire landmass in material or face re-vegetation of the area,”

I face forward in my seat again as the ship enters the planet’s atmosphere. It isn’t long before we’re through it and closing in on our destination. The two soldiers that have been with us the whole way stand in preparation for landing, walking over to the bay door. I feel the ship quickly slow and halt, coming to a precise landing at its destination.

One of the soldiers presses a button and the bay door gently and smoothly drops open. A wave of warm yellow light gleams through and I’m forced to shield my eyes as Tal’Vira and I exit the ship. After my eyes adjust I realize that we’re on a helipad on top of a tall structure. I stare out on the horizon. I see the rich green forest in the distance, the tops are taller than most of the buildings in front of them. From the edge of the city to where I am forms another forest of metal and glass, sterile and clean.

My eyes fall to the ground below. I see no plant life anywhere. Not even any decorative shrubs or bushes. Small dots of lights, presumably from vehicles move back and forth through on the roads.

“Come,” Tal,Vira says and I turn and silently follow.

We travel down an elevator to a floor I can’t specify. The doors open to a sea of crimson walls and a floor of onyx black tile, slivers of gold run through them. As we exit, I notice there are hallways going down either side of me and one directly ahead, at the end a set of grand golden doors.

I’m led down that hallway.

As we get closer to the doors, I notice that there are numerous images carved in to them. They depict a world that is a dream, one where the Sekrid control the galaxy. The entire right door of the mural is entirely dedicated to the image of a Sekrid soldier, embracing older ways, holding a sword in his hand and raising it to the sky. He is adorned in ancient armor and stands atop a mountain of corpses of what I assume are human men. His right hand holds the war weathered flag of the Sekrid Empire. The left side depicts numerous planets, each one with the sigil of the empire placed on them. In the center of the door the Earth is in place, cracked and in ruins. Sekrid ships surround it, firing their weapons at it.

The entire mural sums up the intentions of Sekrid and it’s at this moment that I realize their hatred for us doesn’t match our own for them.

Their hate...is far more extreme.

It’s a rage that wants to consume humanity entirely and purge us from the galaxy.

Tal’Vira places a hand on the right door and pushes hard. The door slowly and smoothly swings open as she leads me inside. Beyond the doors a great hall lies. The same black tiles adorn the floor. A long walkway of crimson tiles cascades down the center of it. The entire room resembles that of the old Parthenon. Light cascades through smoked, sixty-five-foot, floor to ceiling windows. In front of them, square pillars rise just as high on either side, continuing on to the rear of the hall. Three quarters of the way to the back of the hall protrudes nine more square pillars, each of a different size, placed in a semicircle.

Tal’Vira places a hand behind my back, leading me down the crimson walkway.

“When we reach the High Council, do not make eye contact with them or I will have to strike you. It will not be a light one. As a human political prisoner, you are little better than a slave to their eyes. Therefore, you are unworthy of meeting them with yours,” Tal explains to me in a quiet voice.

I simply nod in acceptance and continue walking. As we reach the end of the walkway, it opens into a large rectangle that covers the entire surface around the, what I now realize are thrones, not pillars.

A Sekrid sits atop each one, garbed in clothing that is both military and royalty. Each man wears a silver, form fitting, high collared top doublet. Their pants are silver as well with a black stripe running down the side. Though the uniform is fancy as compared to normal attire I’ve seen, each one still wears a set of standard issue boots, polished and well taken care of.

Each man wears a crimson sash around their waist that falls down the middle of their legs. Each sash is adorned with various symbols, different on each one, but all stitched in with bright, almost platinum colored thread. Some of them wear shiny black gloves. Others do not.

Trying my best not to make eye contact, I can’t help but notice that there’s not a single one that isn’t staring at me with disgust.

Tal’Vira bows low “Warlords, I bring you the son of our enemy, Ethan Blake. This is Leon Blake. Please accept my Warchief Rin’Gal’s gift to you,” She says respectfully.

I hear a few scoffs and see a few scowls.

One of them speaks up “It’s always underwhelming to discover that so many of our men were slain by such feeble and soft creatures,”

I grit my teeth behind my lips, holding back words that would cause pain.

“Tell me Leon Blake, what is your rank in your military?”

I clear my throat and swallow hard, choking down the last bit of anger so as not to speak harshly.

“I am an officer in the Navy portion of my military. I am part of the ground forces regiment known as the SSEALs where I act as a Lieutenant, leading a team of men,” I say staring around to their faces, avoiding contact with their eyes.

“And what exactly are these.... SSEALS,” Another voice asks from the right.

“It’s what we call an acronym that stands for Space, Sea, Air, and Land. It is known as one of our most elite fighting forces,”

A voice from the left chuckles. “Not very elite if you ask me,” A slyer, smoother voice comes out that one’s mouth.

I can’t help but to look at him. He’s not as bulky as the usual Sekrid body form. He’s thinner and where Sekrid almost resemble crocodiles in terms of markings and eyes, this one looks almost snake like, with a narrower and pointed face, a row of thin sharp teeth shows through a refined smile.

“That’s quite bold of you to look me in the eyes,”

Tal quickly raises a hand to strike me. The thin Sekrid man raises a hand “That won’t be necessary woman. It’s natural for a human to be surprised at someone like me. Well, surprise Leon Blake, not all Sekrid look alike,”

Tal steps back to my side and I lower my eyes. The Sekrid in the center of the room begins to speak.

“You are our prisoner now. Your rank means nothing here, only your name does. And that is the only reason we have not executed you yet. You will be confined to quarters and have supervision at all times. You will be fed twice a day,”

Tal’Vira steps forward, interjecting.

“My Warchief would like to make a request gracious Warlords,” She says.

The Sekrid on the far right, the largest and most muscular who’s arms are so large the sleeves needed to be removed from his doublet, speaks “Rin’Gal has a request?! For us?! What makes him think he has the right to do that after failing to slaughter this softskin and his wretched family?!” His voice booms while his finger points hard at me.

Tal falls to one knee and bows low. “Forgive me, Warlord Ruk’Tan. I meant no offense. My Warchief does not request as a demand. He asks humbly that you would grant him this grand gesture of kindness,”

“What is it?” the sly Sekrid asks from the far left. Tal continues to bow while shifting her body left, facing him.

“Warchief Rin’Gal asks that this prisoner be forced to learn the Sekrid ways. That he be forced to wear our clothing, eat our food, and live our customs. He says that it will shame Ethan Blake greatly,”

“And how exactly does he know this?” The Sekrid says, his voice flowing out of his mouth like liquid silver.

“As you all may know, my Warchief has hunted and fought Ethan Blake for many years. He has studied everything that he is in order to know his prey. My Warchief knows what rules Ethan Blake’s honor,” She says confidently.

The Sekrid next to the thin one speaks up “I don’t see how Rin’Gal has any concept of honor. He has his ancestor’s heart. This was shown when he took a woman into his War Clan. And what more, that he made you his right hand,”

I notice Tal clench a fist so hard it shakes.

There’s a Sekrid who I’ve noticed has been sitting on his throne contemplative for some time. He’s sitting low, and with the way the lighting is, his face is shadowed. He finally sits up and leans forward, clasping his hands together and resting his elbows on his knees. This Sekrid is unique in his own right. He looks much more primal than the other Sekrid. His eyes are a wilder shade of orange than the normal. His features are even more crocodilian than that of the others. His flesh, as opposed to being a sickly gray, is painted almost an olive color. He also sports two ridges on top of his head that are aligned with each eye. He wears the same garb as the other Warlords. But, there are some changes. The sigils on his sash depict a dialect of their language that seems more ancient and is stitched in more primitively than the others. He wears a necklace of variously sized claws around his neck.

The Sekrid to his left raises an eyebrow “Something to say Gar’Luk?” He asks.

He narrows his eyes, contemplative once more. “I say we allow this,” He states simply.

A number of grunts, groans, and scoffs are heard among the Sekrid Warlords as they scowl and glare in his direction.

Ruk’Tan speaks up “What could a softling possibly gain from learning our practices? Besides, if we’re looking to shame his father, would he not have to see it to be shamed?”

Gar’Luk gives an irritated glance in response.

“I don’t think that’s the point to this. Rin’Gal must see something in the boy that we do not. And the old ways have a habit of revealing the ways of the galaxy. He will learn our people’s ways and we shall see what they reveal of him,” He says handing out an order rather than a vote.

A voice speaks from his right “The last I checked; we are a council. And we all get a say so,”

Gar’Luk snaps his head towards the Sekrid who made the statement, his eyes wild with rage.

“Do not dare to speak to me like that Zar’Lun! My tribe is the oldest living and longest ruling tribe of every one of you! They ruled until the decision was made to have a council! You only have a voice because my tribe wills it! It is a courtesy at best! Especially for your scrap picking, mangy tribe,” Gar’Luk snaps back, his voice commanding and echoing through the chamber.

“Is there anyone else who disagrees?” He asks rhetorically.

The sly Sekrid speaks up “Well, I am curious to see what happens with this. You have my vote, not that it matters now,” He says giving Gar’Luk a thin, teasing smile.

“Fine, let it be done then woman. Take your prisoner and do what you will with him,” Ruk’Tan says disgruntled.

Tal stands and bows once more before turning around and pulling me along with her. We make our way back to the elevator and upon entering, Tal speaks “That went better than I expected,” She says relieved.

“What was the alternative?” I ask her.

“They could have executed me right there if they wished for making such a request, being that I am a woman and Rin’Gal is currently disgraced. I was relying on the hopes that Gar’Luk would respond in the way that he did. He’s not usually one to speak in meetings of the council, unless, it has to do with the old ways of our people. Though he embraces what we are now, the old ways still reside with him given the age of his tribe,”

“So, he wasn’t exaggerating then?”

“Not at all; much to the displeasure of the other tribes, Gar’Luk’s tribe have chosen to remain pure,”

“Meaning what? They aren’t grown in tubes?” I ask being sarcastic.

Tal stares at me with seriousness in her eyes. “Precisely,”

I stare at her surprised at the fact that I was correct.

Tal continues “Breeding tubes are the reason why the women of my people are so looked down on. We are simply producers of the required material to create a Sekrid. Once we discovered that we could be made using tubes, our men didn’t see much use for us anymore. The process however, has its side effects due to the fact that they are genetically altered before the fetus is fully formed. What those modifications are depend on the job that is selected for them. One side effect is the loss of pigment in the skin and dullness in the eye color. Gar’Luk’s tribe preferred to procreate using the traditional methods and thus, women have a higher place among them. Though, any Sekrid who is not pure may not have any relations with his tribe,”

The elevator comes to a stop at the ground floor. We exit and walk out of the front door. Outside, a vehicle waits for us. One of our escorting soldiers strides up to the rear passenger door and opens it. Tal leads me into the back seat, our escort follows. Tal and I continue our conversation as the vehicle begins to move.

“So, wait, if your people are mostly grown in tubes now, how are females born?” I ask.

“My people have considered this. And to compensate, they allow for a percentage of them that are grown to be made female. There is also the happenstance of natural means. It is customary for Sekrid men to...relieve themselves by taking a woman. And sometimes this leads to pregnancy. And sometimes still, that child born is a female,”

I stare out of the tinted glass of our vehicle, taking in the view of grey and metal. Bright lights whiz by us.

“All of this time, I’ve been so sure what the Sekrid were. That you were this machine, united in absolute agreement against humans and all of our allies. But as it turns out, your people are just as messed up as mine. It’s crazy to be able to think that. I’ve spent my entire life being taught that Sekrid were the boogey-men of the galaxy. Witnessing everything I have, has humanized your people to me. The worst part is, I shouldn’t even have to make a statement like that,”

I look at Tal, she gives me a somber expression.

“How did things get like this?” I ask expecting no reply.

Tal moves closer to me. She places a hand on mine.

“What you must remember Leon, is that you are here to help end this cycle,” She says reassuring me.

“And what if I fail?”

“You won’t,”

“How do you know?”

Tal places a hand on my heart this time and stares into my eyes.

“Because of the blood that your heart is pumping through your veins right now. The Great Spirit has decided your blood is meant for greatness,”

Tal sits back in her seat and involuntary tears start to flow from my eyes. I lean forward and lay my face in my hand. I let the sobs come and go as my fingers fill with warm tears that drip through on to the floor of the vehicle. For five minutes I allow the grief to hold me, finally letting it all out. The ship, leaving Stella behind, having leadership thrust upon me, being tortured, willingly giving up my hand, and most recently, having to allow my men to be executed for the greater good.

All of those thoughts running through my mind become overwhelming and the tears pour even harder. It feels as if the lump in my throat is so large it will suffocate me. It’s then that I feel two arms wrap around me and pull me in to warmth.

I don’t bother to look up, I know it’s Tal. I keep my eyes closed, allowing the comfort to take me. The tears stop and she releases me. I take a deep breath and wipe my eyes with the back of my hand. I give a nervous chuckle.

“I...I’m sorry. That wasn’t very soldier-like to do. Please forgive me,”

“There is nothing to forgive. Your father is like blood to me. Therefore, so are you,”

I give a pained smile and sit in silence for the rest of the drive. The vehicle stops outside after we have left the inner portion of the city. Where we are, I notice that buildings are much more spaced out and smaller than the high-rise towers that equals the trees in height.

Tal leads me through the door of a place no larger than the average cabin. The ground around it is completely stripped of vegetation and blanketed metal plating sits on top. She leads me inside, telling the Sekrid guardsmen to wait in front of the door on the outside.

I begin to familiarize myself with the place as Tal walks over to a window on the far side of the room and watches the sunset.

“This is where you’ll be staying for the time being. I’ll be coming for you every morning. The freedom the agreement affords us is precious, we must use every ounce of it,” Tal says, the sun glistening off of her skin.

It’s hard not to notice the sun accenting her beauty. It brings out the vibrant colors in her hair and makes her eyes shine like a galaxy harnessed into a globe. It’s then that the guilt overtakes me and I look away from Tal.

I sit down on to my new bed with a hard thud and start to think hard about how I’m feeling.

Before, I wouldn’t have even noticed another woman, let alone a Sekrid woman. Stella has been everything to me and now suddenly I’m realizing...she’s not anymore. Whether it’s the distance or how our paths deviated, something is different. But I still love her. And I know she still loves me unless...

The thought creeps in like a worm tunneling through dirt.

What if...what if she feels the same as I am right now?

I’m not there.

Worse yet, I not there and in a place that I have no control over when I’m going to return.

I feel the warmth of tears well up in my eyes again as the realization strikes me.

One thing I know about Stella and I is that we always tend to run on the same wavelength with things. That’s part of why we love each other. So, if I’m feeling like this, I know she is too. The difference is, she’s surer of herself.

The gnawing feeling returns to me and I can’t help but think that she’s...moved on. Something deep inside me is telling me so. There used to be warmth in my heart where I was always sure that no matter what, Stella’s love was waiting for me back on Earth. And now that I finally have the time to really feel around in my heart for that warmth, I realize it’s gone now.

She’s gone...The grief is so great that I can’t even bring myself to cry legitimately anymore. The tears roll down my face and I stare off at nothing.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, snapping me out of my stupor. I look up at Tal who stands above me, still proud and dignified.

“I understand the kind of pain you are feeling Leon. But I will be with you every step of the way. Please, sleep. You are in need of proper rest. I will be here tomorrow morning for you. There is clothing in the drawers for you already,” Tal says turning around, beginning to head for the door. I involuntarily reach out a hand, grasping hers.

She stops and looks back at me. Without releasing her hand, I stand up to meet her eyes.

“Please...stay,” I say.

“I cannot do that. I have re--,”

I lean in to her and kiss her, my grief in full control. There’s something different about this kiss. Like a small channel of electricity flowing back and forth between us. I feel a hard pressure on my chest as Tal shoves me away, gently, but with force.

I stare at her with remorse.

“I...I’m sorry Tal. I shouldn’t have done that. Please forgive me...” I say staring at the floor in shame.

I wait for a well-deserved strike to be placed on my face, but there’s only a gentle hand that touches me. I look up and see streams of water running down her cheeks.

“Please...don’t touch me like that again...I don’t want to feel your pain in that way again...it’s too much for me...”

I stare at her confused and it’s as if she knows my question before I ask it.

“Sekrid women...when we touch intimately with another being, a connection is formed. I’m sure you felt it,”

“Like a static shock between us,” I finish her sentence.

Tal turns away; wiping the tears from her eyes and regains her composure, adjusting her uniform. There’s a silence for a moment as I hold my breath, waiting for her next words.

“I forgive you Leon. And I understand your grief. A little too much now. Any feelings you may have for me...Put them away now. This cannot happen the way you wish it to. I will be here in the morning for you. Get some sleep,”

She says putting an end to my moment of weakness. I stand there watching her as she opens the door and leaves. I let out a long sigh, trying to forget what I had just done. I undress and find some more comfortable clothes from one of the drawers of the dresser. I lay down and though I have so many things racing through my mind, this is the first halfway decent bed I’ve slept on in ages. As I close my eyes, my mind pushes everything bad away. My body embraces the fatigue and relaxes. And whether it’s from exhaustion, or because I’m used to the pain, I have one of best nights of sleep since this whole thing started.