Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 38

As the Landale gently comes into contact with a dock, I notice a small ship in the next bay. Demi, is that ship always there?

Demi looks over. That's the one master Wren took to get here. We enter the station, and find the shuttle empty. Demi seems to be growing more concerned.

This shuttle has sat for a while, Etirn says, eying the layer of dust on the interior.

The logs say this ship's been docked here for a long time... I see Demi looking at a terminal, which is showing dates from several hundred years ago.

Why don't we check the computer core? Maybe he's trapped there, or needs medical help. Etirn suggests.

Wren's also an android, so he could've sent a message if he needed any help. Demi doesn't want to accept the possibility of something bad happening.

Well, he's not here, and unless there was another ship, he's either in here somewhere, or part of the asteroid belt.

Demi clearly didn't consider Wren jumping out an airlock to be plausible, so we made our way deeper into Kuran, looking for the core.

The computer core here was just as impressive as the one on Zelan. Instead of someone pulling a gun on us, however, we find what appears to be a tall man in armor lying on the floor. Demi shouts out, and runs ahead. It's Wren. Etirn spits on the ground. Somehow, I should've known it wouldn't be this easy.

Wren! Demi cradles Wren's head as the rest of us approach.

Etirn just looks past the scene towards the terminal at the base of the core. I wonder if anything important could be on there.... Is he oblivious to what's happening?

Demi seems to be pushing a button I don't see on Wren's head. Please, master, restart! I'm starting to feel a little uncomfortable, but I manage to keep my own memories in check.

Etirn interrupts the tear jerking scene, pointing at the terminal. What's this blinky thing mean?

Demi looks up at him. Don't touch anything!

It looks like an envelope. I'm opening it.

No! You might break something! Suddenly, the screen on the terminal shows some text as Etirn tinkers. We all silently read it.

FROM: Mail Server
TO: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
DATE 23:42:07 10/08/2376
SUBJECT: Message failed to send.

YOUR MESSAGE HAS FAILED TO SEND. "demi@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz" is not a valid address, unknown domain.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE

I am sending this message because my time has come.

After a lifetime that has exceeded my expiration date by ten percent, I have become unable to continue functioning to the extent necessary to maintain Zelan. It is currently stable enough that you can hold hibernation until something requiring attention raises a system flag. I release you from servitude under me, with one final request.

I request that you continue to protect Zelan and use its resources to ensure that life in Algo continues to survive. Beyond that, you may do as you please.

I have always maintained a strict belief that there is no higher power or afterlife, despite my adventures with Chaz, Rune, and Rika. However, should my assumption prove incorrect, I will do everything that I can to assist you.

I hope you will forgive me for giving you my burden without being able to talk one final time.
END OF MESSAGE
MTA route: sender>kuran.sat>zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>recipient

Wren's final words seem to fill Demi with sadness.

I try to comfort her, He truly cared for you....

I've served him my entire life, what do I do now?

Ray decides to give his thoughts. He may have released you from service, but I think you can find purpose in his final request. We need to figure out how to stop the Bio Plant, and I guess that too many critters crawling around from there could endanger life in general. Demi looks up at Ray.

I recommend that you go to Dezolis, first. We turn to see the man with his suit again.

You again? Why is this person following me? How is he following me?

I don't think a teenager can hold on much longer in the Dezolis winter.

Etirn puts a hand on his weapon, but doesn't draw it. Why don't you tell me who the fuck you are?

Firdaus. A strange name for a stranger person.... You may not appreciate it, but the battle has already started, regardless of the actions of the pawns now. However, it's crucial that you don't wait much longer to go to Dezolis, if you don't wish to waste another's efforts.

Why are you here? I just can't figure out the motives behind this person's actions. I'm not even sure whether he's trying to help or hinder us.

Etirn has a skeptical look. I know energy can disperse and conduct, but I've never heard of energy being destroyed. It's simply against reality. How do you fight energy?

The only way to counteract energy is with an equal energy of opposite polarity and direction. The energies would cancel out and create a byproduct, likely heat or radiation. We are already working on a plan, but until it's developed, you must take actions to minimize damage to life in Algo. If you fail to do so, you will all go the same way as Wren.

Firdaus? Who's we? He walks off into a shadow. Whoa, I manage to notice him actually walk through a wall!

Etirn cocks his head. Where'd Shithead go?

Pawn or not, I decide to take his suggestion more out of curiosity than anything. Let's head back to the ship.

Once we are in the ship, Demi goes through starting the ship. Etirn, there's some activity on the frequency you had me dial earlier.

Let's hear it. Demi flips a switch.

Mota U, Piata calling Outerbeast 1, calling Landale. You copy?

Landale. You found me. What you need?

There is a new dig occurring, southeast of Kadary. Dora is leading it, and she requested that you be kept in the loop.

Thanks for the info. I trust you'll call me if you need a tech head again?

We will... I'll be honest, given your recent transmissions, I was expecting this to be like pulling teeth.

If you want, I can be an asshole, just for you. How's this, you prick?

Great hearing from you, too. Over.

Launching now. Destination is Dezolis.

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