FALAHA'S JOURNEY 2: Graveyard of the Gods

Episode #20

"The Nest, you say," Shendala scratched his short-bearded chin as we sat on the ground, talking and waiting for dawn. "That's something no-one would have even thought to attempt among our kind, Falaha Yajur Sangu. Though, our high-mass Enclave was created to traverse Vartra. For other purposes, I might add."

"I intend to borrow that ship from you," I said.

"Hmm... Honestly, I don't see how that would work for you, young one. What arguments could possibly persuade my extended family to lend you a hand in your unusual endeavor? Dangerous, no doubt, too." Shandala propped his head with his hand, resting his elbow on his knee. Eyuran sat arms and legs crossed, listening but not interfering for now.

"I have some offers on my mind, offers that could change the course of negotiations in my favor, Yajur."

"And what those might be?" Shendala asked, curious.

"I can get you a new Sangu, for one," I replied.

"Are you suggesting becoming one yourself then?"

"Not... exactly. But if my other idea fails, that would be my next best option. Though I would like to avoid such an outcome. For now. However, if I can get the support of all three Yajur of the Triad, maybe the owners of the high-mass Enclave would listen to what I have to say."

"You'll need to persuade Varga himself. That is something not so simple to achieve."

"I was wondering if he's still alive," I mused. "After all, so much time had passed for him."

"He is. Time is relative for our kind. Though his plans for that ship might not align with yours, Falaha Yajur Sangu."

"I will keep that in mind, Yajur Shendala," I replied, leaning on Eyuran's shoulder. "But first, I have another pressing matter at hand. I intend to fix the Surani before venturing to the Nest."

"Fix them? They have outlived their purpose, what's the point?"

"I might not know the full story, but they want their freedom from their existence."

Shendala smirked. "That can be easily granted, if they will run into some Baali who hate the Alima Eni with passion."

I shook my head. "No Yajur, carnage is not an option. Are you not tired of senseless deaths?"

"So what do you plan then, Falaha Yajur Sangu?"

"I will make them a part of my crew. Traversing Vartra is not a problem here; finding the Nest is what makes it really challenging. I will need all the brain power I can find to solve that mathematical mystery. Because I doubt we will run into the creators of the Nest to point us the way."

"What do you intend to find there?" Shendala asked.

"Answers. Because there are so many questions. Leads to the beginning of everything. You saw it, didn't you? The complex star mark on your son's neck."

"Truly my son is a unique existence among our kind. He is tied to Somg in many ways, and he had drawn you into his mess."

"He is Somg. But I cannot tell why he refused to become your Sangu and left the Triad. He has the abilities and the capacity, but he has his own reasoning. I can only respect his wishes if he desires to spend his days among my family."

"Shouldn't he come along with you then?"

"Oh, he will. His other counterpart, the original one. He wants answers too. I will meet him on my way there."

"I'm sure you will meet much more than just Somg on your way there. That's why I said it is such a dangerous endeavor."

"Will see when we get there, then. I'm an explorer, I do not fear the unknown. But I will claw my way through any adversity, if I need to. Shaamta has experienced it on his own hide. You can ask him. And I was just a kid. Right, Eyuran?"

"That was terrifying," my First spouse replied, agreeing with my statement. "And that wasn't even your limit, love."

"Ah, that, too. To design a new system to replace Sangaru I need to test my limits. Without destroying anything or anyone I care about."

"You are curious children," Shendala said and smiled.

"We've been through a lot," I said, nodding. "And more will come our way. I have a habit of attracting trouble. But I'll be damned if I won't set things right. Leaving a mess is not in my character."

"I see why you are Yajur Sangu. That makes things more interesting, then. I will go to Varga with you. I shall return to Dragalla to tell her the news. And when Garai returns from your family's Enclave, I shall speak to him too. Though I'm aware I might terrify our Baali on my approach. Yet my madness is lifted, for that I thank you. I won't harm any of them now. I can finally return home."

"We'll meet you there, then," I replied.

Yajur Shendala stood up and raised his hand, saluting us goodbye. He was gaining energy for a deep dive and a moment later he disappeared into the night of the cosmos.

"What do you think of Shendala's warning, Eyu?" I asked, switching position to legs crossed, moving away from his shoulder.

"About the Surani? We need to devise a strategy how I can help if your Tabiru goes wrong."

"I have some ideas. Though I doubt the General has the abilities to override mine. So I will keep things under control. However, as a precaution I shall keep a deep link with you as well, allowing you to interfere if anything goes out of hand."

"My dad, Baro, and Tagai shall keep watch for things outside then."

"Indeed." I observed the sky slowly brightening. The first star was rising beyond the horizon."We spent all night talking to Shendala, are you not tired, love?"

"No. But I had other plans for you." I couldn't see his face beyond his mask, but I was sure he was smiling there.

"Sorry about that. It was Baro's fault for he had angered me a bit."

"He adores your shortness to bits, so ignore the fool."

"I know. Yet I can't stop myself from reacting to that. It's my weakness, I guess. You also do have a trait you hate about yourself, don't you, Eyu?"

"No, I'm flawless." We both laughed.

"I wish I had your assuredness."

He patted me on the back. "You have other good qualities I don't possess, so we complement each other."

"Truly." I grinned. "Now carry me back to the ship." I stretched my arms his way.

"Your wish is my command, Commander." He rose to his feet. "Come." He lifted me up in his arms. "You need to eat more, Falaha. You are so light."

"It's your twenty-five-ton machine talking." I nuzzled into his black armor.

"Hmm, maybe. Still, I want to feed you some meat. Let's go make breakfast. The others will wake up soon."

"Yay, meat! I'm surprised you didn't make a joke about feeding me your meat, though." I grinned. "You said you had plans."

Eyuran shrugged. "I guess you could have interpreted my words that way in any other situation, just not in the middle of the deadly desert after an encounter with a crazy Baal. Yet when it comes to love affairs, I would rather do something than jut announce doing it. Besides, sex jokes in inappropriate circumstances is something that you'd expect more from my dad or Baro."

"Ooh, my Eyu is such a serious guy when he's working." I hugged him by the neck. "Forward, then, my fair Mechmaster."

"Aye, my lovely carnivore."

And we were on our way back to Gal Runagh. We didn't dive because we wanted to spend some time together. Even if it was just a lengthy walk in the desert.