The Substitutes: Contract

Epilogue: Resistance Breeds Conviction

As usual, there was nothing in the news to suggest that their struggles for the planet had been discovered, under than a local report about vandals starting fires and damaging a building that was set for demolishing anyway. The mayor put out a statement shaming the perpetrators and asking them to hand themselves in to the police, to zero expectations from everyone involved.

"It's a shame you couldn't have recovered his armour at least." Kyu complained as he catalogued humanity's version of events from the newspaper. "It wouldn't have matched the power of the Gift, but it would have been a start."

"You lost your right to comment on the outcome when you teleported back to the Gift without any indication whatsoever. If you think a suit of armour will help, make me one yourself to pay back my misspent feelings. I was beside myself thinking you were dead, and what do I find when I come in? You, sitting on the table looking pleased as punch!"

"What was I supposed to do, let myself get crushed and let the last hope of the Kyu disappear? Just be glad I'm putting your precious spear back together after the stunts you've pulled."

"Like I said, we're even now. You're just going to have to deal with the fact that I'm all you've got."

Kyu curled up on himself, almost looking sour-faced.

"That is not a reassuring thought. As much as you don't want to face it, you are an inferior combatant compared to your sister, and I will continue taking steps to either retrieve the Gift or enlist her power. I will admit that your plan to defeat Kalibrand had merit, and I apologise for letting my temper get to me and nearly ruining it. But the circumstances on Sanctum cannot be bent in our favour so easily. Kalibrand's proud constraints are a rarity in that army."

"Until that time comes, will you at least try to rely on me while we have to fight on Earth, and not just go running off to bother Sara? If anything, your tenacity is going to put her off helping you. Besides, as its power that's the problem, I'm working on a solution."

"I'll believe in those half-baked laser designs when you manage to construct a proper prototype, but until then... I will make you the first priority in all Earth defence matters. Happy?"

"Yes, actually. And in return, I'll take you far more seriously from now on. No more half-cocked recklessness like last time, and I'll try not to argue with you so much. We both deserve better than that. Everyone does."

"Finally, some reason shines through. You should suffer near-death experiences far often, they seem to do wonders in clearing your thoughts. Now, do you plan to get out of bed today, or what?"

"I don't think I can get up. My ribs are killing me."

"I'll construct some more painkillers and get to work on those regenerative pills. We'll need them if you're going to keep throwing yourself into the line of fire."

"Well, for now I'll take another day off. I think we've earned it. Could you do me a favour and check up on Sara for me? She's probably still asleep but might as well make sure."

Kyu grumbled about being used as a glorified messenger boy but went off regardless, clearly acknowledging some sort of respect for the previous night's outcome, given his belief that neither of them was going to survive the encounter when they'd first been challenged. A belief that had nearly been proven multiple times, and reminded Sam once more as a fresh wave of dull throbbing rose up from the skinned-raw patch where Kalibrand had caught him.

"Actually, Kyu? Before you do that... check my desk. There's something you should probably see in there."

Silently, Kyu leapt to the desk. The main drawer creaked open. There was no flash of emotion on his face as the remains of the Abductor floated out, then gently dropped back in. There was an unreadable flicker of tails, and Sam readied himself for the inevitable berating.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. We'll talk about this later."

Oh boy, there was a storm brewing in that little body. It was a necessary sacrifice for the sake of Earth's peace, in order for the two of them to be better armed in the future. Pride was yet another bitter pill he was having to swallow down. He couldn't complete every little task by himself, and that he needed Kyu as much as the alien needed him. Kalibrand was hardly going to be the last threat they faced, and so long as Sara held the Gift, he was going to require alternatives to that awesome power. Having a working firearm wouldn't close the gap, but it would be a good start. As Kyu paced out the room Sam made the mistake of adjusting himself to get more comfortable, igniting his ribs again. Hopefully the next member of Terratsar's company arrived after they healed up, and not before. First item on his new to-do list: learn how to dodge attacks more elegantly.

***

It went without saying that Lady Terratsar's chambers were a place of great reverence, for the room spoke for itself, declaring supremacy in treasures and tributes hanging from the walls. It whispered power in every language, translated to the multitude of different races that filled the star-speckled floor, thousands in service to the Empress of the Eastern Universe, each a representative for their species and the worlds given or taken to her ruling. And it was from the ziggurat at the back that it spoke loudest, a large glass cylinder commanding attention and respect from those assembled. Six yellow lights broke the murky haze within, never fixed in a particular pattern as they observed the spindly, long-limbed creature knelt before the stairs. The news had come through not fifteen minutes ago, but because of the distance the message had taken to travel between the communications hub and the throne room, it was known to all that Kalibrand the Indomitable had passed in service to their lady, passed around in whispers by informants who cared little for due protocol in their efforts to improve their status, now that there was a vacancy in the upper echelon. Having the official message spoken aloud was more for decorum than the information it contained.

"And we have confirmed his death?" The Queen of Queens purred, low and husky through the electric hum of the speakers.

"He triggered his self-destruct willingly My Majesty. It seems he was forced to leave his armour for reasons that we have yet to understand. His final words were sent as a priority message, delaying the armour's readouts by..."

"It matters not. If he left his armour and detonated it not long after, then it stands to reason that he was defeated in battle. The important thing is the message. Tell me his last wish."

"Coordinates, Majesty, complete with a star map. Not only does it signpost the planet the Kyu has hidden itself upon, but also the star system around it. With this information, we can send your agents faster and more precisely to claim the system in your name. It will make a fine beachhead from where you can conquer the rest of galaxy, abundant with water and resources. We've even confirmed the quantity and qualities of the ruling species, and find them most fit to serve under you. All information lost when our scouting probe went silent, relayed once again by his sacrifice."

The lights shifted into a hexagon formation, haughty and unreadable.

"Oh dearest Kalibrand, reliable to the last. You ascended and fell most grandly."

The pattern of lights did not change, yet every member in the great hall would swear that they had locked on to them and them alone, looking deep into their souls and demanding their all as part of the eternal army.

"Tonight, we shall honour his accomplishments, from tomorrow we set our sights on this... Earth, so that we might avenge him and smoke out the Kyu survivor. After all, he's probably homesick."

Laughter and cheers went up from the crowds, surging up in waves at the thought of new conquests to come until none could divide their voice from their neighbour's. In the midst of all the noise, none cared to take notice of the tiny creature sealed up in a similar tube alongside the throne, its nine tails thrashing furiously. Protests ignored, the father chained to The Greatest Majesty's will bowed his head and prayed for the safety of his children, scattered so far away from home across the stars.

*** The Substitutes: Book One***

***End***