Jon woke up in a small nondescript room. He sat up in the small bed as he looked around. He rotated himself so he could get out of the small bed. Pain lanced through his chest and his throat ached from the recent fight. Jon unzipped his uniform and looked at his chest. A large ugly bruise had formed in the center of his chest. He reached up and touched it lightly which sent waves of pain coursing to his brain.
"Cracked sternum and three cracked ribs," a familiar voice said. "Your throat is also slightly bruised."
Jon jumped up from the bed and turned to face the person speaking. The figure stood in the doorway, arms crossed.
"Where's my sister?" Jon said. Pain radiated from his throat as he spoke. Jon ignored it as his anger flared.
"She is fine," the figure said. "Her trials will start soon."
"Trials?" Jon said. "What trials?"
"I've bound the ribs," the figure said as Jon stood up and groaned from the pain. "I wouldn't move around much though as you could do more damage to yourself."
"You didn't answer my question," Jon said.
"She must go through the trials to secure her place," the figure said. "You can watch the trials from this terminal as they do pertain to you too."
"I want to see her right now," Jon said.
"That is impossible," the figure said. "She is preparing."
Jon took a step towards the figure as he spoke, "I'm not asking."
"That would very unwise Captain Hunter," the figure said. "You're in no condition to fight me. You will see her in due time as I have said the outcome of these trials will affect you too."
Jon stopped for a second and sized up the figure then turned and took a seat at the display table. "You said these trials affect me?" Jon said.
"Yes," the figure said.
"How so?" Jon asked.
"If she fails," the figure said. "She forfeits her life and because you're here you do too."
"I think I'm like this trails thing less and less by the moment," Jon said.
"I'm sorry Captain," the figure said. "But, by the rules of the trials your being here makes you a part of the trials. You will take part in them at a later date as her last test, if she makes it that far."
"Great, sounds fun," Jon said.
"I'm glad you approve," the figure said.
"That was sarcasm asshole," Jon said. "After this is over, you and I are going to have a very long talk."
"Assuming she completes he trials and commands me to do such," the figure said.
"Let me get this straight," Jon said. "My sister can command you?"
"Not right now as she has no status in the guild," the figure said. "However, she is my commanding officer and yes I must follow her orders."
"Wow," Jon said. "Confuse people much?"
"Captain," the figure said. "It's very simple. She is my commanding officer and has the ability to give me orders. However, the orders I have to follow at this point are very limited as she has no real status in the guild. If she is what she appears to be I'll be very happy to serve her. She will be the first Ga'sahde in ages and as such will be able to rebuild the guild to its former glory and usefulness. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time and now that it's here I find myself hopeful."
"Right, I'm sure you are," Jon said. "Sarcasm again in the event you missed it." The holographic display popped up as a control panel appeared with in Jon's reach. He didn't understand anything written on either holographic display. "Why can't I understand what I'm looking at?" Jon turned to look at the figure that was still standing in the same spot.
"Your nanites have been suppressed and are currently in a sleep mode," the figure said.
That brought another thing to Jon's attention, the emptiness he felt. Deatra was there and he knew she was ok but that was it. "You're suppressing my bond too," Jon said.
"Yes," the figure said. "No communication is allowed. I have changed the displays to English for you."
"What about my ship?" Jon said.
"Unharmed and in orbit of the planet," the figure said. "Sa'oliq and Deatra have explained to the crew what is going on. There was a brief moment of tension when I took your sister and inadvertently you. They will be monitoring the trials too. One last thing Captain Hunter..."
"Yes?" Jon said. He glanced back over his shoulder at the figure.
"Any attack by you or your people in orbit forfeit the trials and both of your lives," the figure said. "You must listen to my commands at all times or again the trials will be forfeit. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Jon said. "I'll be a good boy."
The figure nodded as it spoke, "Good, most everything will be translated as it happens so you have an idea what is going on. Now, I must go and start the trials." The figure turned and walked through the doorway which closed behind it as a panel beep and then flashed red, locking door.
"This should be loads of fun," Jon said. He brought up the holo display and enlarged it to its fullest size.
On the screen Jon watched Terri enter the room. She pulled her cloak off and tossed it into the corner as she stepped into a small circle on the floor.
"Terri Hunter," a voice said. "Are you ready to start your trials?"
"Yes," Terri said.
"You understand what happens if you fail?" the voice said.
"Perfectly," Terri said. Terri turned her head and stared directly at Jon. "Though, I ask he be excluded as his coming here was an accident."
"This is not possible," the voice said. "How your brother came to be here it was of his own doing and as such is bound by the old laws."
"I understand," Terri said. She turned her head back so she was staring straight ahead.
"Let the trials begin," the voice said. "Why have you sought us out?"
"To rebuild the Ga'sahde and Cypher guilds," Terri said.
"For what purpose?" the voice said.
"To establish some stability between the current races of this Galaxy," Terri said.
Jon was following the questioning and noticed Terri's every answer was carefully constructed. Every question was also in a different language.
"What status do you claim?" the voice said.
"Ga'sahde," Terri said.
"The Ga'sahde can't be rebuilt without a leader figure," the voice said. "Are you claiming this title also?"
"Yes," Terri said.
"You think you're strong enough to fill that position?" the voice said.
"Yes," Terri said.
Jon watched as a figure slipped into the room and slowly snuck up on Terri as she continued answering questions. It was dressed in combat armor from head to toe. Jon didn't see any weapons on the strange figure. Jon yelled out for her to watch out behind her as the figure prepared to spring into action.
The figure leapt at Terri as a small knife appeared in its hand. Terri turned to the side at the last second and grabbed the figure by the arm slamming it into the floor. The figure slammed a foot into Terri's hand that was holding its arm. Terri released it just before the foot connected as she took two steps back.
The figure spun around and leapt to its feet and took a defensive stance.
"You understand the meaning on this trial?" the voice said.
"Yes," Terri said.
"You understand it's to the death?" the voice said.
"Yes," Terri said.
The figure ran towards Terri and jumped into the air doing a spinning kick aimed at where Terri's head had been just seconds ago. Terri had sidestepped and almost in blur grabbed the figures leg. Using its own momentum she slammed it into the floor on its back forcing the air out of its lungs. Terri reacted quickly and slammed her foot into its neck and gave it a stiff pull on its leg. A sickening crack filled the room as she killed her opponent.
"Impressive," the voice said. "I believe that is the fastest I have seen an opponent taken out."
Terri had returned to the circle on the floor as two figures came into the room and retrieved the body. "I hope you have better than that," Terri said.
"Rest assured it will get harder," the voice said. "You have no qualms about killing?"
"That depends on the situation," Terri said.
"How so?" the voice said.
"Right now," Terri said. "It isn't only my life on the line. I will kill to save another. The other is my brother. That makes me the deadliest being on this planet right now."
"You have strong ties to your brother?" the voice said.
"Yes," Terri said. "I would do anything to save his life."
"Even give yours?" the voice said.
"In a heartbeat," Terri said.
"What about the ship in orbit?" the voice said. "Would you sacrifice all those people to save your brother?"
"Yes," Terri said.
"What if I gave you an option right now?" the voice said.
"I'm listening," Terri said.
"Your life and those on board the vessel in orbit and I'll let your brother go," the voice said.
Terri was silent.
Jon watched his sister as he waited for her answer. "No Terri, don't do it," Jon said.
"I can't do that," Terri said.
"You just said you would give your life and those on the ship for your brother safety," the voice said.
"My brother's life isn't in danger right now. So, I have no reason to do that," Terri said. "Besides, the death of those aboard the Atlantis would also mean the death of my brother as he is bonded to one of them."
"That is a minor detail," the voice said. "I'll let her go too if you agree."
"No," Terri said. "This trial isn't over yet and as such my life and my brother's life hasn't been forfeited."
"It will be too late by the end of this trial," the voice said. "What if I told you that one of you will die?"
"I'm sorry, I still can't make that choice as the outcome is unknown," Terri said.
"So it is," the voice said.
"You also asked if I would," Terri said. "You never asked me if I could do it."
"There's a difference?" the voice said.
"Of course," Terri said. "Being willing to do something is one thing. Actually doing it is a completely different matter. Would I be willing to sacrifice myself and those on the ship? Yes. Could I do it? That would depend on the situation and what doing it would actually accomplish. Right now my brother is very important to the events in this Galaxy and if he dies the hopes of millions die with him."
"That doesn't change the trials," the voice said.
"That is why I'll pass them," Terri said. "Something more important than me is at stake."
"You're pretty sure of yourself," the voice said.
Jon yelled at the screen as one of the two new figures swung a sword at Terri from behind. At the last second Terri dropped and the sword passed over her head where her neck had been just seconds ago. Terri spun around sweeping her foot out and tripping her assailant. She kicked again and dislodged the sword from its grasp and sending it spinning across the room. Terri rolled back and regained her feet as the second figure's sword struck the ground where she had been laying.
"You'll have to do better than that," Terri said. "You guys make too much noise and give yourselves away."
Jon sighed in relief as he saw his sister was unhurt. The unarmed figure rushed Terri trying to strike her in the chest. Terri countered, grabbing its wrist and using its own weight to toss it past her. As the figure passed her she lanced out with her foot and caught it in the small of the back. The force of the kick and its own momentum caused it to slam into the wall with a sickening thud. Terri was sure at least a few bones were broke and smiled as she turned her attention on the standing figure.
The figures sword flashed as it attempted to hit a dodging Terri. Jon was having a hard time watching the sword. The fluid motion and speed at which the figure was using the sword showed years of practice. Suddenly the figure stopped and backed away in a defensive posture. Jon was trying to figure out what was going on when he realized Terri now had the other sword. Then something caught Jon's attention as it dripped from Terri's elbow and hit the ground, blood. She had been cut at some point in the attack. Her uniform made it hard to see where she was cut and how bad.
Terri looked down at her arm for a second and got a questioning look on her face.
"Your nanites are not active here," the voice said. "They're not allowed in the trials."
The first figure was starting to get up off the floor. It stumbled around as if it was drunk and was clutching its left arm. It shook its head several times as if trying to clear it.
Terri's eyes were locked on to the figure with the sword as she kept track of the first figure. They were maneuvering to try to catch Terri between them. The figure with the sword resumed his attack, sword blurring with the speed. Terri, as calm as could be, deflected each attack as she backed up from the assault.
The figure, that was now directly behind her, stepped into grab her. Jon gasped as he watched Terri perform a back flip into the air over the figure behind her. Her sword blurring as she passed over it. She landed on her feet behind it in a crouch. Her sword was held at a forty five degree angle, arm extended with her head held slightly down.
The figure she had leapt over fell to the floor as he caught his head in his hands. The last figure howled as it rushed Terri sword raised. That was its fatal mistake and it realized its mistake too late. Terri rolled to the side as her sword flashed out. The figure's sword clattered to the ground with both of its hands still grasping it. Terri stood up and turned back to the small circle, her back to the howling figure that was looking at both of its stumps. Terri did a quick spin as her sword flashed out. The howling suddenly stopped as the figures head fell to the ground. Terri jerked her sword in a downward motion and purple blood splattered the ground as she stepped into the circle. Terri rested the sword tip down and both hands on the pommel.
"Seems you can use a sword quite well, something rarely seen," the voice said.
"I have a great teacher, though I'm what he would call a novice. He trains our elite units and give basic training to our troops and personnel," Terri said.
"You mean the ADF?" the voice said.
"I mean our as I have said," Terri said. "My allegiance will always be to my brother, Ga'sahde or not. Since my brother is the ADF, then yes you can say I mean the ADF too."
"Interesting," the voice said. "It is evident you have the skills to be a Cypher."
"I know your rules," Terri said. "If I pass these trials I must pick a ruler to serve under and they will be the only power I have to answer too. While I would control the guilds, they would in effect be my boss."
"Yes, it is part of the process," the voice said. "We have no allegiance and that is why you must choose someone to answer too. The choices made by the head of the guilds direct the guilds power. It can be for peace or war depending on the ruler chosen."
"You already know my choice," Terri said.
"Are you sure of your choice at this point?" the voice said.
"I know where my loyalties lay," Terri said. "I will rebuild the guilds and serve the people how they need to be served. Darkness has ruled this Galaxy for far too long and it's time that the people have some hope. My brother is that hope and he will bring the people together. Something he has started doing already."
"There is a darkness greater than the Invaru Emperor seeping into the Galaxy," the voice said. "And for now it is the Invaru holding it at bay. I'm afraid your brother might have started a cascade of events that will cost millions of lives."
"What he has the potential to do or not, has not yet been seen," Terri said. "As far as this new darkness, we will deal with it when the time comes."
"That time is fast approaching," the voice said.
"And we will be ready," Terri said.
"I hope so," the voice said. "Does he understand the responsibilities with will place on him?"
"No," Terri said. "He will adapt as he has done so before."
Jon frowned at the hologram as he spoke, "Great."
"He will have to be well protected," the voice said. "If he dies it forces you to choose another and the second choice might not be to your liking."
"He is already well protected," Terri said.
"I captured him easily," the voice said.
"That was a fluke," Terri said. "If this wasn't what it was there would be very little you could do to stop me from getting to him."
"Pretty sure of yourself aren't you?" the voice said.
"Maybe, maybe not," Terri said. "But for my brother I would die trying. I love him more than my own life."
"Humans are interesting creatures," the voice said.
The holo suddenly went dead as the door opened and the strange figure stepped into the room. Jon stood up and faced him as he searched him for a weapon.
"I have no weapons and I'm not here to do you harm," the figure said. "My name is Cantella, I'm one of the last Ga'sahde in existence."
"You're a Ga'sahde?" Jon said. "I thought you all were dead."
Cantella shook her head as she spoke, "No, there are about fifty of us in hibernation. I was waked when you entered this system. We're waiting for the chosen one to come and claim the head of the Ga'sahde."
"Why not one of you," Jon said.
"We aren't ranked high enough and not powerful enough," Cantella said. "Please walk with me we will talk on the way."
"Can I ask where we're going?" Jon said.
"To your sister of course," Cantella said. "The other Ga'sahde is being woken now to witness and pledge their services to the new head of the guild."
"So, she passed the trials?" Jon said.
"Yes," Cantella said. "There is but one more and we would like your presence."
Jon walked next to Cantella as they spoke, "What do you mean you're not powerful enough?"
"You know how your sister is able to learn languages right?" Cantella said.
"Yeah, not that I understand in completely, it has something to do with metal powers," Jon said.
"Yes," Cantella said. "Her mind lightly scans whoever she's speaking too and she gleans how their language functions and how to speak it fluently. Most Ga'sahde can only read that much. Your sister's powers go a bit deeper than that. She has the ability to predict how people are going to react."
"She can read minds?" Jon said.
"No, she is what we would call an empath," Cantella said. "A very strong one, she picks up how people feel and gets an idea of what they're thinking. Like, kill, love, hate and the like. If I person thinks turn left, she might get an idea they will turn left. We don't know how strong that is in her. She predicted what the assailants were going to do."
"Was it really necessary to kill those men?" Jon said. "Why not fight until submission."
"Yes it was," Cantella said.
Jon sighed.
"Trust me when I say it their privilege to die in such a manner," Cantella said.
"Somehow that doesn't comfort me any better," Jon said.
Cantella changed the subject, "You know your sister will become one the strongest people in the Galaxy. People will try to kill her or you to force her to choose another."
"I don't understand that, why would they care," Jon said. "The Cyphers are peaceful and help races come to agreements."
"That is true," Cantella said. "Your sister isn't a Cypher she is a Ga'sahde."
"Yeah," Jon said. "I understand that and I understand the Ga'sahde are a bit more forceful."
"You don't understand even though you think you do," Cantella said. "The Ga'sahde is the last resort. The Ga'sahde is sent in to force an agreement when everything else has failed. They're feared throughout the Galaxy, they're the shock troops of the Cyphers. If the Ga'sahde show up you know it's time to settle your dispute."
"Oh," Jon said.
"Yes, oh indeed," Cantella said. "We're up holders of the laws of every race. The Cyphers make sure they don't abuse each other; we make sure they follow the laws. We maintained the peace for hundreds of years."
"Galaxy police force," Jon said.
"In a way, yes," Cantella said. "We only step in if the Cyphers fail. The Cyphers only step in if they're asked to intercede on a party's behalf. The only way we get involved is if something threatens to disrupt the Galaxy or ordered by our leader. Our leader reports to one person, the Galaxy Authoritarian."
"And how is this person chosen?" Jon said.
"According to the Galaxial Laws that person is chosen by the head of the Ga'sahde," Cantella said. "That would make you that person if your sister succeeds."
"Great," Jon said.
"You can choose how tightly you monitor our actions," Cantella said. "You're a balance to our power. It's to keep us from stepping out of bounds and going rogue. You're one of two people who can reverse a decision, the other one being your sister."
"Interesting," Jon said.
"If your sister succeeds you will be the closest thing to a Galaxy Emperor we have," Cantella said.
"Not something I really want or need," Jon said.
"I didn't say you would have the power of a Galaxy Emperor," Cantella said. "That is something you have to do on your own. We can help to some extent, but we're prevented from going beyond our charter. Let me just say that in the past the appointed person was given much respect and the Galaxy responded to their words. However, with the current state of the Galaxy I doubt you will get the same response."
"You think?" Jon said.
"Sarcasm, I take it," Cantella said as she smiled.
"Yup," Jon said smiling back. "You catch on quick."
Cantella winked at Jon as she spoke, "We're here. Your sister is through that door. I can't go any further."
"Thanks," Jon said as he stepped through the doorway and into the room beyond.
Terri was in the center of the room standing as Jon had last seen her. The door behind him shut and latched. Jon caught movement out of the corner of his eye and noticed several figures standing around the room, each holding a sword.
"This is the final trial," the voice said. "If you survive this you will have passed."
"I understand," Terri said.
"I don't," Jon said.
"It's simple Captain Hunter," the voice said. "This is a fight to the death."
As the last word was spoken eight figures launched themselves at Jon and Terri swords raised high.
One of the figures closest to Jon swung at him barely missing him. Jon reached up and grabbed the edge of the figures helmet and gave it a sharp jerk like Oojoung had taught him. The snapping neck echoed through the room as a clang of metal sounded behind Jon. Jon spun around as he let go of the helmet. Terri had caught a sword with hers that had meant to cut Jon in two.
Terri reached down with her foot and kicked the sword of the dead figure up in front of Jon. Jon grabbed it but he didn't know much about using it and had only a few lessons from Oojoung. Terri spun her sword about knocking the figures sword out of its hands. Her sword flashed as it sliced its throat.
The other six figures kept a respectable distance and had all guess the same thing, Jon was the weak link. Four of them lunged at Terri distracting her as the last two engaged Jon in a dance of death. Slowly the separated the two and one of Jon's attackers found their mark as they slashed a deep cut in his back. The spinal armor on his suit was the only thing that saved him.
Jon screamed in agony as he fell to the floor. The second attacker slashed down at Jon's neck only to find his hands missing as Terri quickly separated its head from its body. Jon grunted as he pushed himself back to his feet. He pushed the pain to the back of his mind and suddenly he felt a second person, Deatra. She was helping him control the pain coursing through his body.
Jon fell to one knee as he felt the nanites go to work repairing the wound. Jon let out a small sign of relief as the pain lessened. By the time Jon was ready to get back into the action Terri was a whirling dance of death as she weaved between the figures. When she finally stopped the only other person standing was Jon.
Terri turned towards her brother and dropped her sword. Tears were falling down her face as she looked at him.
"What's wrong Terri?" Jon said as he approached her. "We won or rather you won, I didn't do much. I think I need to spend some more time with Oojoung."
"Jon," Terri said.
"What is it?" Jon said. "What's wrong?"
"We both can't leave this room, only one person can," Terri said. "You must kill me."