Phantom Regency

Deeper Than Words

Deeper than words, deeper than thought,

Deeper than feelings is what I need.

I’m so tired of this superficial lot;

From all pretence I must be freed.

Sky Man, go beyond what I’ve thought or I’ve heard;

You must do a work in me that is deeper than words.

Deeper than words and outward acts,

My walk with you must be real.

I’m sick of posturing, posing and tact.

I shouldn’t have to say what I feel.

That my life would be a witness shouldn’t seem absurd;

Speak through me in ways that are deeper than words.

Deeper than words, written or read,

My knowledge of You should be alive.

May Your sayings never seem dead.

My zeal for You, won’t You revive?

On to greater Phantom depths, I would be spurred;

Draw me into You, draw me deeper than words.

-The Poetry of Yoshun Thaxius

STARegency Press 135 G.E.

Eamor stood in front of several hundred people in the Dominator’s vast hangar bay. He knew his speech was to be broadcast to the rest of the fleet. He felt the presence of Sky Man in his heart. He looked at the faces directly in front of him. All the advocates were there, Ailan, Haakan the seer, Jaythun, and the Farsights. Nix Revinger was there with his parents. Old Red met his eye and winked. Talon and Swoop stood close together with Averil next to them. Cali Skysinger was there as well. She was still bound to a hoverchair due to nerve injuries from the dragon. Last of all his eyes met Mya, his dream girl, his betrothed. He sighed and cleared his throat.

“Friends, family, colleagues – We are here to honor the victorious martyrs of our fleet. We stand here before Sky Man and one another with tears in our eyes, gratitude in our hearts and with hope in our souls. Seven hundred and sixty-four sacrificed themselves for our hope of freedom, for our hope in the future of Sky Man. They have gone to him. They have their reward.

“The greatest freedom we have as the people of Sky Man is the freedom to lay our lives down for something bigger than ourselves. His gift of the Nexus liberated us from the circle of death in which we were doomed to dwell. We soared above the age-old problems of overcrowding, jealousy, hunger for power, and mistrust. The centuries after the time of Yoshun were a golden age, free from pride, from greed and from fear.

“But this is a different age. Mankind has heard the voice of the dragon and has believed it. They have turned their back on Sky Man and will unleash war on the galaxy. It is the will of Sky Man that he leads us to the promised home, the distant planet he has called Thaxia. It has been there from the beginnings of time, awaiting the time of destiny.

“And now, thanks to these brave souls who gave their lives, and thanks to those who stand before me, who have forsaken their own path to follow Sky Man, we now are in sight of that destiny. We will go there, build a fleet and wait for Sky Man’s call to end the conflict. He has chosen us. We are called. We are destined.”

Applause rang out throughout the fleet. Eamor waited for it to die down.

“I wish to honor my Uncle Rylen, who died at the hand of the cruel master of the Authority. I wish to honor my Father, who died vainly trying to wrest the Regency from the usurpers. I wish to honor my… my mother… she lived her entire life for the sole purpose of keeping me safe and speaking to Sky Man of my future.

“There is one other martyr I would speak of. Xim was born to the family of Vlademor, the family who invited the dragons into our galaxy, who usurped the Regency from us, and who reigned with cruelty and pride for almost two centuries. Xim was raised to rule likewise. He was dedicated to the Great Dragon. He was thrust into a position of power at a young age.

“But this same Xim became the instrument of our deliverance. How did this happen? He grew weary in his heart of all the anger, malice and pride of his family. He had a cry in his heart that did not escape the ear of Sky Man. I was given the great privilege to speak for Sky Man to young Xim. I was there when he cast off the yoke of the dragons forever. I saw the light of Sky Man in his eyes. The peace, freedom and power of Sky Man shone in the eyes of the ancient enemy of our family, the eyes of the usurper.

“If Sky Man can transform Xim, if he can set our greatest enemy free and make him a friend, then there is nothing he cannot do for you. No matter what you have done, what family you were born from, what harm has been done to you, the power of Sky Man can be yours. Turn to him. Speak to him. He will answer.”

Eamor paused to let his words sink in. He met the eye of Talon, standing in front of the makeshift stage.

“I would be remiss if I did not honor another whose destiny is a gift of Sky Man. Talon Vasloch was a man of war who served the cruel Authority. He loved only the heat of battle and the cold calculation of planning one. He could not see beyond the next engagement… at least not until Sky Man called him.

“He is the long-awaited dragon slayer, the warrior spoken of by Regents and seers for many centuries. ‘His sword is long, his shield broad, his arms mighty.’ If not for him, I would have perished many times.

“Talon, step up here please.”

Talon hesitantly mounted the stage to thunderous applause.

Eamor embraced him for a long time. They faced the crowd and the applause continued long and loud as the people honored their two heroes and Sky Man who had sent them.

That evening Eamor dined with his friends. Talon and Swoop were there, along with Averil, Cali, Old Red and of course Mya.

After dinner, they sat around the lounge. Old Red regaled them with tales of his youth as a Regency engineer. He mentioned working for the legendary Captain Keznor.

“Gandus Keznor was an amazing tactician. I wrote a thesis on him at the academy,” said Talon.

“He was a lot like you,” Red shared, “He had a brilliant mind. No one thought on their feet faster than the old legend.”

“Someday you too will be a legend musclehead,” Swoop chimed in.

They all laughed.

Eamor stood and raised his glass. “You are all legends. Sky Man is writing the history of the galaxy. You all have a part. Thank you, my friends.”

Averil stood. “Eamor, I’ve known you longer than anyone here. I used to talk with your mom about you when you were out on your long walks. I don’t suppose you knew that. We both saw something so special in you. I knew you from when you were a skinny scared boy.” She chuckled. “It’s amazing how much you’ve grown up, how much you’ve done for Sky Man. We are all honored to be by your side as your destiny is fulfilled.” She raised her glass. “To Eamor!”

“To Eamor!” they all echoed.

“Thank you. I am glad you are with me. Together we will face the future Sky Man has prepared for us. Together we will face whatever danger may come.”

Mya stood and put an arm around his waist. “Together,” she said, looking into his eyes.

Cali had been still and quiet for a while. “I have a word of counsel from Sky Man. His phantom energy is giving me words.” She paused and closed her eyes and then spoke in a slow, melodious voice. Sky Man had overtaken her tongue and spoke to his people.

“My children, my chosen ones. Go now to your rest. I have placed the co-ordinates of Thaxia in your ship. I will hold back the winds of war for a season. Rest, learn of me, and love each other. Some I will send back, some will build the fleet of liberation, and some will bear children. I am with you forever. My power in you and you are mine.”

Cali opened her eyes. She turned to each of them as Sky Man gave personal messages to them.

“Averil, daughter. Long have I watched over you and cultivated your dreams. You are appointed to help others realize their dreams. I call you counselor, encourager and true friend.

“Red. Long have you admired me from afar. Know me better. Speak to me. You are to be the great architect. Your hands will shape my fleet.

“Swoop. I am calling you. Your heart has already answered though you are fearful. Your love toward my chosen Regent I will not forget. A great reward awaits you.”

Cali paused for a long time. Mya locked eyes with her and spoke in the same melodious cadence, “Cali, I share your grief. Mine is deeper than any can imagine. I will comfort you and make you a comforter. I appoint you to be my voice. Speak only the words I give you.”

Cali sighed, drew a deep breath and continued speaking, “Talon, dragon slayer. Your work is not finished. Sharpen your sword, strengthen your body, fill your heart with my courage. I charge you to protect the true Regent and his offspring. I call you warrior, leader and comrade.

“Eamor, son, child of destiny. You did not ask for the life I gave you, but you have embraced it as a gift. Be hunted no more. Rest, enjoy your beloved, commune with me. Your heart will be broken again, but not yet. Lead your people well, give them hope, give them peace, give them my power.

“Mya, chosen one. From you shall come the Liberator. My energy will enter you and your husband. A son will be born, filled with phantom power. He will save the galaxy. Teach him of me and he will be a teacher. Love him and he will love the galaxy.

“You are the seven companions of Sky Man. I have brought you together. Serve each other well.”

A soft green glow filled the room. The form of a man took shape in their midst. He was tall and graceful, with a powerful form. His green body scintillated with energy. They all saw his face though he stood in the midst of them. They felt his love. They saw his smile. In a flash, he was gone.