Tatum's War

Tatum let himself be led by Nurse Daryiha down a corridor followed by several other nurses, who giggled and whispered amongst themselves. Tatum payed little attention to what his translator translated of the conversation taking place behind him, but instead tried to remember where he was going in between short burst of conversation with Daryiha. He had visited many of the observation windows near his quarters over the last four months during imposed breaks on himself, when his brain needed to unwind from his overwhelming task given to him, and knew enough to know they were headed somewhere towards the front of the ship. But he had to admit that exploring wasn’t on his priority list since saving Alexa occupied his every waking moment.

Daryiha pushed him into the Zero tube, careful not to let go of his hand, and zipped off towards the front of the ship. As they traveled towards wherever final destination Daryiha had in mind, the Zero tube was becoming more congested with crewmen entering the finite space making Tatum a little nervous about how close crewmen were getting to him. Several boots were only a few meters ahead of him, and if thing were to suddenly come to a stop it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience. Tatum looked over at Daryiha, who flew next to him, and appeared unfazed by the amount of crewmen before and behind them. Tatum figured this had to be a special even, but he’d never seen the tube clogged with this many people and his apprehension grew about how they would all exit.

“Is this normal?” He shouted at Daryiha.

She shook her head. “No, just when we enter the first one.”

“Kinda of a tradition?”

Daryiha nodded.

Tatum smiled nervously, when a gentle breeze, one he’d never noticed before, began blowing on him and their progress slowed. This deceleration surprised him, because normally you had to run your hand along the side to slow down, which caused its own problems, or just go slow enough to be able to catch the handle for the exit, which Tatum used after careening out of control a few times. Tatum relaxed as the reduction in speed allowed people to exit in a surprisingly orderly fashion without any miss haps. Daryiha let go of his hand, pointed to the upcoming exit and winked at him. Tatum took a deep breath knowing full well that he could totally mess up and miss the exit, which would disrupt the rhythm of everyone else and he didn’t want to do that. While the crewman before him exited smoothly, Tatum focused on the opening and managed to fling his feet through the exit without knocking anyone down and landed without mishap in the exit area. Tatum stood just outside the opening, pleased at his performance when Daryiha, gently but firmly, ran into him pushing him out of the way so others could exit the tube. He smiled apologetically to the nurses who had to adjust their exit because of them, but they just smiled and assured him it was okay. Daryiha took his hand, then led him and the giggling nurses through the gathering crew towards an open door. The room they entered was huge. Tatum surmised that it must be used for large crew briefings, because the far wall was quite a ways away from where they entered, and jammed full of crew. She led him over to a window where several other nurses waved to them. She pushed and shoved until he was next to the window with a great view of the blackness of space.

While the nurses talked among themselves in whispers and laughs, Tatum couldn’t tell which direction they were going. To him, he felt like they weren’t moving at all. Since all the viewable stars were out in the distance, movement was hard to perceive. Which was another reasons he never spent any time at the observation decks. Tatum occupied himself with the view while listening to various conversations around him, which was mostly dominated by the nurses and the new medical articles they were all submitting on his various injuries. He chuckled to himself at his popularity with the medical staff when his eyes noticed something odd in the distance. The image started out as a point of light, much like the numerous other stars he could see, but then the star began to brighten. Tatum though he was watching a star getting closer, since direction still couldn’t be ascertained, but as the light grew in brightness it suddenly flashed into a straight line of light reaching as far as the eye could see in either direction. Mesmerized, the thin line of light grew in height until it looked like a wall of light in space.

“Amazing isn’t.” Daryiha whispered beside him. She placed her hand on the back of this neck.

Tatum nodded. “What is it?”

“The Streem Tunnel.”

The stark whiteness of the Streem was amazing. He’d never seen anything so pure in color nor anything so beautiful. The Streem continued to grow in size dominating the blackness of space.

“Prepare for Streem entry.” A voice over a speaker announced. “All stations report status to bridge control.”

“Amazing.” Tatum whispered.

Even though he couldn’t see through it, he felt himself becoming light headed. A calm seeped into his head that was spreading throughout his body. He felt warm. He felt blessed. He felt his mind slipping away. The whiteness continued to captivate his vision until only the whiteness was all he could see. His mind drifted. Images of fantastical things, which had no shape or reference to him, floated inside the Streem. He suddenly felt his body being pulled through the window and…

“Tatum!”

The pain that erupted in his chest was one he was very familiar with. The whiteness that had filled his eyes was now replaced with stars. When they finally cleared, MeerRhonda stood next to him glaring and having a heated argument with Daryiha.

“We have no data on how an Earther would react to the Streem.” Daryiha quickly explained. “Besides, the glare shields were down.”

MeerRhonda growled, “You saw that his eyes were dilated! He was going in to the Frightening!”

MeerRhonda stepped closer to Daryiha, who wanted to retreat further from her, but had already ran out of room with her back to the wall. Daryiha’s eyes darted around like a trap animal looking for an escape.

Tatum shook his head, still groggy from the kick and whatever had happened to him while watching the Streem, and blinked his eyes. The after images floated black and white in his vision.

“What happened?” Tatum slowly rose. He noticed no one was around them and the window was black.

“This idiot was running an experiment.” MeerRhonda growled.

“What kind of experiment?”

“Well…” Daryiha swallowed hard. “The Streem can’t be viewed once inside. Persons who have looked inside have gone mad.”

Tatum raised his eyebrows. “You wanted me to go mad?” Tatum couldn’t believe it.

Daryiha sheepishly looked at her feet. “No.”

The after images were fading. “I thought ‘do no harm’ was an oath.” Tatum placed his hand on MeerRhonda’s shoulder as a wave of nausea overcame him. “Must only be on Earth. Calm down, MeerRhonda. I wasn’t hurt. Though I’m not sure how they were going to get any results.”

MeerRhonda reached around and plucked something off his neck. A small circular chip blinked with several colored lights. Tatum knew this was a body monitoring device. Dr. Oullwyyng had used several on him. MeerRhonda crushed it in her hand, while Daryiha watched with a horrified expression on her face.

“That was invaluable research!”

“And if you do anything else without his permission, I’ll gut you.” MeerRhonda hissed.

Daryiha’s eyes grew wide.

“Now, apologize.”

“I’m sorry, Tatum. I…I should have asked.” Daryiha lowered her eyes.

Tatum couldn’t help but smile a little bit. He’d been on the receiving end of MeerRhonda’s threats to know how intimidating they could be. “Don’t know if I should be disgusted or happy that an advanced civilization has to resort to deception to get things done.” Tatum chuckled. “No problem, Daryiha. But you’ll forgive me if I don’t trust you for a while.”

Tatum wasn’t ready for the incredible hurt filled eyes that Daryiha turned upon him before running off sobbing. Tatum thought it a little over dramatic considering she just tried to fry his brain.

MeerRhonda didn’t say anything at first, but even her eyes showed surprise. A pause stretched on.

“I say something wrong?” Tatum asked.

“You wouldn’t be expected to know. But Marguiy hold trust above all else.”

“How does she justify trust with what she did?” Tatum argued.

“The Marguiy are altruistic. That is why they are mostly healers and scholars. Their counsel is sought out by many civilizations. Even though they can be eccentric at times, Daryiha would never have purposely put you at harm. But knowledge is like a drug to them. That is why you have to remind them to ask sometimes.” MeerRhonda told him.

Tatum found MeerRhonda odd. First she threaten Daryiha with her life, and now she’s defending her. “Okay. You are a curiosity to me, MeerRhonda.”

“Really?” She turned and placed her hands on her hips.

“Yes. You might be all rough and tough on the outside, but you are a spongy mess of goodness and insightfulness on the inside.” Tatum smiled.

MeerRhonda paused. “We’ll see how spongy good I am tomorrow.”

Tatum’s smile turned to a frown, knowing the pain that was going to be visited on him. “I was just trying to be nice.” Tatum cracked his neck. “What is this Frightening you spoke of? Would it have been painful?” No that pain bothered him much now. He rubbed his chest where she kicked him.

“The Frightening I would describe as the most horrific nightmare or personal tragedy that has been visited upon you, but amplified by the Streem a hundred fold. Even a few seconds looking at the inside of the Streem could have caused your heart to stop. I’m sure Daryiha would have ended the experiment before then, but without knowing how an Earther would react, you could have died.” MeerRhonda’s brow furled just a bit as if the idea of his death bothered her just a bit.

Tatum missed the expression. “And that’s what she wanted to know. So she could write another article on me.”

MeerRhonda nodded before her usual countenance returned.

“I see. Well, can’t be helped. Thanks for having my back.” Tatum didn’t know how long he had been standing there before she kicked him, and in all honesty he didn’t really care, but it must have been a while, since the room was empty. He wondered why no one thought to help him and stop Daryiha from trying to fry his brain, but then, maybe no one cared either. That troubled him too. Just like other things bothered him. But the troubling doubts paled to his main objective of finding Alexa.

Leaving the room behind, he walked with MeerRhonda to the Zero tube, thanked her again, and headed off towards the Sanctum of the Two. On his way, he noticed that all the windows that normally looked out into space were blacked out, he assumed it was because they were in the Streem. But even so, he couldn’t feel any difference in the motion of the ship or how the Streem affected the Zero tubes or artificial gravity. Nor did he feel any different for his experience inside the Streem. Tatum thought that maybe the experiment hadn’t work on him or just like everyone else who had experienced the wild and vivid hallucinations in the Streem, he walked away unscathed by the experience. Tatum grabbed the handle to swing his feet around, exited the Zero tube, and walked towards the elevator. Either way, he was happy to be alive.

After a quick ride in the elevator, he began walking down the corridor and suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. When he turned around, two dressed figures that could have been taken right out of a Robin Hood movie, leather jerkins that smelt of oil, breeches, high leather boots and two shiny swords hung at their sides, stared at him with no emotion on their faces. Tatum tried to see where they could have been hiding when he passed them, but nothing offered itself as a readily hiding place in the open corridor, unless there was a secret door or something. Because he hadn’t heard the sound of a door swooshing or the click of a lock. It seemed they had materialized out of the wall.

The man and a woman, Tatum noticed, continued to stare at him. He observed their combat stance and it was one that could be either used to subdue him or kill him.

“I’m just here to see Ishmael and Vadell.” Tatum held up his hands.

“They’re traveling.” The woman told him in a thick accent that reminded him of the female Russian operative from Archer.

Tatum nodded. “Can you tell me about the Watchers?”

“NO!” The two said in unison.

Tatum was somewhat taken aback by the abrupt answer, and thought it a good idea not to press the matter.

“When will they be back?”

“Need to know basis. If you have any questions, talk to Captain Dulutce.” The man told him.

“Ok.” Tatum slowly walked forward and between them; each starring at him while he passed. He stepped up to the elevator and waited for it to open. Curious, he turned around to watch them, but they had vanished. Puzzled, he knew the distance was too far to the end of the corridor if they had ran, he’d have seen them, and no one could be that quiet if they had somehow reached the corner before he turned around. And, something didn’t seem normal near one of the tapestries. He smiled.

“I can see you. The shimmering against the wall. I…” A pebble hit him in the chest and landed at his feet. Peering back down the corridor, he hadn’t seen from where the pebble had been thrown despite watching the hallway. Suddenly, a sharp point poked his back.

“Don’t insult us again.” The woman whispered in his ear.

The sound appeared to come from the side of him, and her hot breath on his neck confirmed the location, but his peripheral view didn’t see a thing. The door opened, the sharp poke disappeared and without further word, he backed into the elevator, and bowed to the empty corridor as the door closed. .

Tatum rubbed his neck and felt something wet. When he looked at his hand, blood stained his fingers. This made him smile. He hoped he would get to meet them again.

The elevator door opened; he hopped down the corridor to the Zero tube, entered and pushed his way towards the upper decks. Several levels later, he exited and walked towards the bridge. He past several Sciurus, nodded, and proceeded unimpeded to the last Zero tube that lead to the bridge. This would be his first trip to the bridge. He hadn’t had time, nor really the inclination to visit, and after his first encounter with Captain Dulutce when he first boarded, he never felt the need to go. While he approached, butterflies began to fill his stomach. Tatum took his mind off his nervousness by looking at the unremarkable gray walls passing by until he reached the Zero tube. He entered and after a quick ride to the level under the sanctum, he stopped and stared down the corridor. He didn’t see any security, though from his previous experience just a moment ago, they could be following him and he’d never know. Tatum kept a wary eye on the walls. He didn’t know what kind of technology kept those other guards from being seen, but it put the Predator’s invisibility screen to shame. Maybe Type 4, Tatum mused.

The door slid open and he stepped into a semi-circular room. Three big screens dominated the wall in front of him, which were black. Several consoles with various crewmen sitting in front of them worked to his right; their attention completely absorbed with whatever tasks they were doing. The same was to his left and none of them gave a glance in his direction. More crewmen worked at more stations down in front of a dais that had held a single chair. Steps lead down to the dais. Tatum slowly walked down to the dais and around the chair to see Captain Dulutce. His eyes were closed, his body relaxed, and he appeared asleep. Tatum wasn’t sure what to do until Captain Dulutce addressed him.

“How may I be of service, Tatum?” Captain Dulutce said continuing to keep his eyes closed.

“Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could answer some questions I have.” Tatum asked.

“Does this have to do with your duties?”

“More of a clarification, so I can continue.”

“What is your question?” He opened his eyes. They were black and then slowly lighted into a normal brown colored.

Tatum couldn’t help but stare.

“My people have an inner eyelid to protect our eyes from our sun’s intense light. Our home world is very close to its sun. So, what is your question?” He turned his head towards him.

“Can you tell me about the Watchers?”

Several crewmen within hearing distance, stopped what they were doing and turned to look at him. Their faces were filled with surprise. Captain Dulutce’s eyes narrowed just a bit, which was the only indications that he had heard the question.

“Why do you ask?” Captain Dulutce rose up out of the chair.

“I’m trying to understand why the Draco Conclave is doing what they do. During my research I found reference to the Watchers, a Type 4 civilization that seems to be working with the Observer Trifectoric.” Tatum told him. “I want to understand their connection to us, and why the Trifectoric and the Watchers haven’t destroyed the Conclave?”

More crew were turning to listen to the conversation.

Captain Dulutce fixed Tatum with his eyes. “The Watchers or as they are also known, the Law Keepers don’t help the Trifectoric. They only mitigate disputes and make sure that the Laws governing the war are kept.” He explained.

Tatum’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “There are laws?”

Captain Dulutce nodded. “If not, then the Conclave would lay waste to every planet they came in contact with.”

“Like the Deev Mehmooni.”

Captain Dulutce’s eyes narrowed even more. “You have been learning. Correct. They completely wiped out billions of worlds in their initial onslaught. If the Two hadn’t come to the aid of the remaining civilizations, there would only be the Conclave and we’d all be slaves.”

Tatum narrowed his eyes at the statement. He’d heard the word ‘Slave’ used once to many times on Earth to truly believe in its modern definition. “So, why doesn’t the remaining territories group up? If there are truly gods ruling those territories, then there has to be a Type 5 civilizations out there? From my understanding, one Type 5 could wipe out the Conclave. Shouldn’t you be working with them?”

“That would be correct, if your statement were fully true. Powerful beings don’t need to be Type 4 civilizations to traverse the universe. A Type 3 Being would be a god to a Type 2 civilization. I’m sure you deduced that to become a Type 4 civilization, your civilization had to have been around for a very long time. And even within a Type 4 civilization, a Type 3 that has just recently become a Type 4 is no match for an older Type 4. At those levels, the distance in power is like insects to a Type 1. The Draco Conclave or more correctly, the Ezhdeha Tiamatis, are the second oldest known civilization on record.” Captain Dulutce smiled. “So as you can see, we are at a disadvantage, but not an insurmountable one. The Trifectoric has all of the known Type 3 and most of the Type 2 civilizations on our side. And with the help from the Two, we are on par technologically as any Type 4 even if we don’t possess the resources or complete understanding of the universe as they do.”

“I see. They gave you the technology to help in the war.”

He nodded. “Correct.”

“But if the Ezhdeha Tiamatis is the second oldest, then who is the first? Shouldn’t you be looking for their help? Surely they don’t want to see the universe destroyed.” Tatum said.

“The citizens of Deevle 5 are only a tale. They…”

An alarm started going off behind Tatum.

“Report!” Captain Dulutce ordered.

“Sir! An incoming destress call from Arianna Prime. They are under attack! Frigates Zullbuc and Tashfin are requesting reinforcements to deal with the Draco Conclave ships!” The crewman reported.

“What is their status?”

“Frigate Zullbuc has moderate damage and is supporting Frigate Tashfin, who has lost power and is drifting. Their support ships are defending, but they are not sure how long they can last!”

“What type of ships are attacking?”

“Several light destroyers, a cruiser and a battleship!” A crewman down below yelled.

“Time till Streem de-acceleration?” He asked one of the crewman below him.

“We can de-accelerate at any time, Captain!” The crewman told him.

Captain Dulutce sat back down. “Ships comms!”

“Ship wide comms, available!” Someone to Tatum’s left shouted.

“This is Captain Dulutce! Prepare for Streem de-acceleration. All departments report in when ready. Frigates Zullbuc and Tashfin are under attack by Conclave forces. We will be assisting them and planet Arianna Prime. All stations report battle readiness to department leads and confirm with the bridge! Glory for the Trifectoric!”

The bridge erupted in cheers.

A flurry of activity raced around Tatum. Stations called out ship readiness, while more crew began to enter the bridge and take up seats at empty stations. Tatum watched in awe at the efficiency taking place. No one appeared to be out of place, flustered, or even the least bit nervous as commands were barked and followed. Tatum moved to a position behind Captain Dulutce’s chair watching him barked orders that were succinct. Not a word was wasted.

“All stations report ready for de-acceleration. All battle stations manned.” A crewman barked.

“Should I do anything?” Tatum asked tensely. Being his first battle, he was too inexperienced to be nervous and excitement grew in him with every command being shouted.

“Just hang on and do exactly what I or any of the crew say.” Captain Dulutce calmly told him.

Tatum gripped the back of the chair with both hands. Not sure what to expect when the de-acceleration began, he thought it best to over prepare than be caught off guard.

“On my mark, commence de-acceleration.” Captain Dulutce ordered.

“Aye, Captain. On your mark!” A crewman shouted.

“Frigate Tashfin is reporting ship wide power outages. Back up life support has kicked in. Two Draco Class Scavengers are moving to board the Tashfin.”

“Once we de-accelerate, immediately destroy the boarding ships and then bring all batteries to bear on that battleship. Any sign of their Habitation ships?”

Tatum heard a slight tightness in Captain Dulutce’s voice when he asked about the habitation ships.

“None reported, Sir!”

“That’s a break. De-accelerate, now!” He commanded.

Tatum felt a slight tug at his body. Almost like someone had gently grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled. Then the screens blinked to life and a beautiful red planet was in front of them. But just as Tatum began to grow interested in the planet, debris began hitting the screen.

“Firing main batteries!”

“Incoming fire from battleship!”

The Alinnora shook violently. Tatum was thrown to the deck. Alarms began sounding.

“Boarding vessels destroyed!”

“Bring all batteries to bear on that battleship!” Captain Dulutce ordered.

Tatum saw, more than felt, the Alinnora move sideways as the red planet began to slowly move to the right and out of vision on the screens. More debris began hitting the screens. Gigantic chunks of twisted metal moved past them as the sunlight flickered off the tumbling metal. Huge gouts of purple light silently erupted from the bow of the ship. Time and time again the purple light noiselessly shot out into the blackness of space.

“Bring up the battleship on main viewer. Order Frigate Zullbuc to assist in shielding Frigate Tashfin. Have the support ships move behind us!” Captain Dulutce ordered.

“Aye Captain!”

The planet vanished in a blink and was replaced by a sphere shaped object. Purple light pummeled the side of it, scouring huge chunks of metal from its side. Angry red light blinked, and the Alinnora rocked again.

“Damage report!”

“We have very minor damage to the lower sections. Repair crews heading their now! Minor damage to outer hull!” A crewman reported.

“Keep firing!”

More purple light struck the sphere as metal was blown off into space. Tatum watched transfixed as the two ships traded silent attacks against each other. Several more salvos were exchanged.

“Captain! The battleship is trying to make their escape!”

“What of its support ships?!”

“Destroyers neutralized along with all the Conclave support ships. Only the battleship remains.”

Captain Dulutce stood. “What is the condition of Frigate Zullbuc and Tashfin?”

“Frigate Zullbuc is heavily damaged and venting atmosphere. Frigate Tashfin is without power, drifting and is dangerously close to being captured by planet Arianna Prime’s gravity well.”

“Launch a tracking probe at the battleship and prepare to…” Captain Dulutce stopped midsentence.

A swirling shimmering vortex of light appeared behind the battleship sphere that appeared to be the size of a planet. Tatum couldn’t believe the enormity of the swirling light before him, until it disappeared leaving a ship that must have been the size of…of, he didn’t know. He’d never seen anything that big before. A huge dome sat upon a platform that looked to be twice as big as the Alinnora. The view screen showed huge trees inside the dome and what appeared to be mountains, and large creatures flying around the top of the dome. The scale didn’t really register with Tatum. It completely went against everything he had ever seen in a movie or since coming to the Trifectoric.

“Habitation ship.” A crewman whispered in awe next to him and it was the first time he had heard anything like fear in anyone’s voice.

“Captain?” A crewman down front said.

“Back off! Place us between the frigates and the Habitation ship.” Captain Dulutce ordered.

Since the beginning of the battle, crewman were slow to act.

“NOW!” Captain Dulutce commanded.

Suddenly snapped out of their trance, the crew began going about the captain’s orders with the same efficiency as earlier. The captain sat down. Tatum made his way over to the captain’s chair.

“Is this what you meant by not all Type 4 civilizations are equal?” Tatum asked.

Captain Dulutce nodded curtly. “This ship is built to combat the Habitation ships, but with that battleship with it, and with both frigates out of commission, I don’t want to risk anymore lives.”

“But aren’t you going to have to fight?”

“No. This ship is acting differently. Normally, they would have vortexed in and began firing. But this one hasn’t yet. Tell the captains’ of the frigates to begin abandoning...”

Suddenly, a vortex opened behind the habitation ship. The battleship and habitation ship moved towards it and vanished. The vortex closed. A collective exhale of relief reverberated around the bridge. Even Captain Dulutce exhaled deeply, before barking more orders.

Tatum let his own sigh of relief escape his lips. “I take it that doesn’t always happen?”

“No. Like I said, they usually come in firing and finish everything off. I’m surprised that they just left the planet too. Again, they take any planet that they set their sights on. And as much as I’d like to think we had something to do with them leaving, I think it was more of the enemy captain’s choice.” He rubbed his hand over his face. “Either way. We will take the time given to us and get the frigates help. Start sending repair crews over to the Zullbuc and Tashfin and get them up and moving. Send word to the planet’s government that we will stay until we are sure the Conclave doesn’t return.”

“Aye captain.”

“Well Tatum. You got your first taste of battle, what do you think?” His eyes locked Tatum’s.

“I think I…”

The sight of a bloated dead body running into the view screen stopped him cold. Up until that moment, the fight had affected him as much as any movie. It was distant, and without any appreciable sounds, the light show hadn’t been all that impressive. But staring at the body, that slowly tumbled away, it put meaning to the fight, but still in a way that left him emotionless.

“Captain, I’d like to go and help with the repairs.” Tatum suddenly said.

Captain Dulutce raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. So far the fight has been simulations and a soundless battle. Even aboard Station Hope, the fight was distant and like a video game. I feel I need to understand something. And to be honest, I don’t know why I’m asking.” Tatum couldn’t continue.

“They said you had courage. Very well. I’m not one to push the sights of war on someone as young as you. But I won’t mask them either. Find MeerRhonda, then go and help Buccaneer Iyara anyway you can.”

“Thank you.” Tatum turned to leave.

“You will have nightmares.” Captain Dulutce nodded and sat down.