The Ice Warrior

Chapter 64

Days passed in a blur of tasks that Silv could barely keep up with. There was a lot to do, yet it was much easier than Silv had assumed it would be. Having a device that could literally create things out of what appeared to be nothing was rather convenient, and they took full advantage of it.

"Justin, how are we doing?" Silv asked as Justin came to join her for the morning meal.

It had become their tradition in the last few days. Silv was sure she would miss it once they had to go to what was bound to be uncomfortable cave life. Even with all the wonderous things that Evanescence provided them with; a cave was still a cave.

"Pretty good. I think everything will be done by tomorrow," Justin said.

"Some people are even starting to move to their own caves in the tunnels," he added.

Silv frowned at that.

Those she referred to as 'alien haters' couldn't be grateful for all the help they received from them. They wished to be out of the 'weird ship' as soon as possible. The fact that Evanescence often talked now didn't help matters.

"I know what you are thinking, but we can't change other people. We can only change how we respond to them," Justin said.

"True," Silv said, taking a deep breath and letting go of the resentment she felt towards them.

"What are your plans after we move to the tunnels?" Silv asked.

She dreamed of a peaceful life, enjoying small things but had the feeling that it was an impossibility in the inhospitable world they lived in.

"I was thinking about extraction missions, trying to get out those who are in most danger from the government. Jamie and I were talking about getting some cloaking for humans and sneaking into the sectors and liberating the prisoners," Justin said.

"That sounds noble," Silv said.

"Nevertheless, I will miss this ship. The utter connectedness I feel when I am here. I've never felt that before,' Silv added.

"I thought we were connecting rather well," Justin said, smiling gently at her.

"Yes, of course, we are. I enjoy your company, but this is more than that. It's like the ship has become a part of me. I became part of the ship," Silv said.

"Ahem, Silv, you do realize that sounds really unusual. You feel like you are a part of an alien ship," Justin said worriedly.

Silv thought that the feeling she was describing and Justin's words were pieces of the puzzle, something she heard some time ago and couldn't connect properly.

Then suddenly, the memories rushed to her about something Wir Eis had told her when they first met. It was such a shocking revelation that Silv instantly paled.

It was an impossibility, something her mind couldn't even begin to comprehend.

"Silv, what is it? You look upset," Justin said.

"I don't think I'll be able to go with you guys on those noble rescue missions," Silv said slowly, as she allowed her brain to adjust to the new reality that was setting in.

"Why not?" Justin asked, utterly confused.

"Because I think I am the new Ice Warrior," Silv said.

"What? How is that possible? What does it even mean?" Justin asked.

"I am not sure how it's possible. It has probably never happened before, but I am pretty sure it's happening now," Silv said.

Her eyes were staring at one dot while her brain figured out all that being the Ice Warrior would entail.

"And it means that Evanescence and I can't stay too far away from each other. It would hurt both of us. We have become a symbiotic organism, and though we can survive without each other on some level, it would be a painful existence," Silv said.

"What does that mean for you?" Justin asked, still not fully grasping the implications of what Silv was saying.

"It means I'll have to go with Wir Eis and his people to their planet," Silv said.

"But that would mean...' Justin started to say, losing his voice towards the end of the sentence.

"Yes, it would mean leaving all of you behind," Silv said with sadness.

It was as if she had started thinking of Justin and his family as her family. She didn't want to let them go even though she realized she would have to.

"Are you sure about this?" Justin asked, getting his voice back.

"Evanescence, am I the new Ice Warrior?" Silv asked, looking at the ceiling.

"That is accurate," Evanescence responded.

"Does that mean I will have to come with you to your native planet?" Silv asked.

"Yes," Evanescence responded instantly.

"Well, that answers that," Silv mumbled, looking at the awestricken Justin.

"Excuse me," he said, moving away from her.

Silv felt crushed he wouldn't say anything after the big revelation, that he would just leave her alone with her troubled thoughts.

Instead of wallowing in her misery, Silv decided to go to the only non-alien friend that she believed she could rely on, the AI.

"Arthur, there you are," Silv said, finding him in the control room enjoying a private chat with Evanescence.

"I need to talk to you," Silv said.

"Yes, I am aware, Miss Silv. Evanescence had just informed me that you were upset when you realized we would have to go to their planet. That you were sad that we will have to leave everyone else behind," Arthur said.

"We? So, you are coming with me? I was looking for you to ask you if you would like to keep me company on our journey to another planet," Silv said.

"Naturally, Miss Silv. Now that my mistress is gone, I am delighted to serve you as my new mistress," Arthur said.

"But what do you WANT to do?" Silv asked with emphasis.

She expected he would be confused by her question as he often was when asked for an autonomous decision, thought or emotion. However, the subtle change Silv had noted in him for the last few days seemed to be considerably larger than she anticipated.

"Speaking freely, I would be thrilled to explore an alien planet. There is so much knowledge to be gained. Even traveling through space would offer me so much more information than any AI could ever get," Arthur said.

He stated it with so much enthusiasm that Silv found it hard to follow his speech.

He sounded like a human excited by a novel idea, a new discovery. At least like the humans from Rose's stories who weren't obsessed with balance and efficiency. The people who didn't fear deep emotions.

"That's good to hear. I am so glad to hear that at least someone will be coming with me from this planet," Silv said.

"Won't Justin come with us?" Evanescence asked.

"No, why would he? I mean... why would you even consider that?" Silv started ranting, not sure what she was saying or why.

"Miss Silv, you might have forgotten, but your telepathic link with Evanescence goes both ways. Therefore, she is aware of...how close... you and Justin have become," Arthur said cautiously.

"He is a good friend, of course, but I can't ask him to leave his planet and his family for me. That would be an unreasonable thing to do for a friend.

"What's in it for him? That's not even an option. I don't need him there. I am fine traveling through space alone. It won't be a problem for me to find my way around an alien planet by myself," Silv continued, forgetting to breathe or what she truly wanted to say.