Chapter 12: Fiery Peace

Chapter 12: Fiery Peace

It had been well over 20 minutes. The battle was over. The remaining survivors of the northern Shal’rein army surrendered to the allied forces. Helera’kun soldiers had Shal’rein warriors held at gunpoint. The defeated, consisting of over 200, lay sitting on their knees in the snow. Smoke and a few fires billowed from the destroyed vehicles that hadn’t sunk to the bottom of Palora’s great lake. The Lifen and a small set of commercial landers remained somewhat far from the edge of the blast region, not far from the disabled Alara’jal tank. Marines were being deployed to continue processing and arresting the new prisoners. A small set of Allied army vehicles from the battle remained parked through the surrounding location.

Outside, Tahir stood in the cold snow, looking up at Shira. The man was bundled up in thermal clothing, covering every inch of his body from head to toe. This included a few of the other crew members standing in the open doorway of the Lifen, also bundled to handle the harsh, cold environment. The few Itreans besides Shira, including Iz’tre and Bekra, stood not far the Shal’rein ship captain. They remained in their respective uniforms despite the cold. Standing not far from Tahir were Tr’ina, Br’ina, and Sr’ina, who were standing on the ramp overlooking the scene. Held close to Tr’ina’s chest was her newborn baby.

“There isn’t much I can do when it comes to the We’kal,” Tahir said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do much to save it.”

“Quite the contrary,” Shira replied in her calm state. “You have managed to accomplish your primary goal in securing and preserving the Alara’jal vehicle. Winning this battle, the prior battle, and keeping it relatively in one piece were secondary goals, ones that you’ve also managed to accomplish rather effectively.”

“It sounds like you got another battle ahead..., but this is where it ends for me. I rightfully decline to participate in it. With the tank out of commission, that’s it. If Allah were watching over me and my wives during these fights, then he would have to work extra hard to keep us alive for another.”

“Doctor, you are correct. We will not require your services anymore past this moment in time. Rest assured that you’ve completed your part in this campaign.”

Tahir turned to look at the tank, feeling a sense of relief. “What about the We’kal? What’s going to happen to him?”

“We will bring you, your mates, and the tank to Military Checkpoint 4 near the equator, where it’s warmer. From there, the tank will be given to the Alara’jal volunteers, who will transport it back to Earth, service it, and conduct an important mission under my specifications.”

“Important mission? What mission?”

“Unfortunately, I do not have the time to explain it. You should inquire with We’kal and speak to him to learn more once the computer is operational. Do not worry. We’kal is fully versed in the details.”

“I see...”

“To continue with your previous inquiry. You and your mates will be given proper shelter until we can have you safely moved away from Palora. Rest assured, Doctor, your sacrifices in this current course of actions will not be forgotten. Everything has been recorded of your services.” She pulled out a small card drive from her pocket and handed it to the man. “This is for you, your reward. One that you might find to your desire.”

“What is it?” he asked.

“A discussion made by the UHN Chain of Command about the actions of the civilians participating in the Battle of Palora. This is a promissory data note given to you in case the Chain of Command is wiped out in the coming days. However, your case was different since you were far more involved than the other civilians ever were, one that warrants equal compensation in return. You might be pleased that the UWA is stepping up new exploratory missions. The UHN Copernicus, a Kepler Class Research Ship, is slated for commission in four weeks. The first mission it will participate in is known as Project Dead Fall.”

“Project Dead Fall? What’s that?”

“It is a four-month mission to explore what the Itreans call Dead Space.”

“Dead Space?” Tr’ina remarked. “That’s scary...”

“Ghosts of the dead,” Sr’ina added with a hint of her own trepidation.

“But it sounds like a wonderful place to explore,” Tahir added with growing enthusiasm. “I know all about Dead Space and its history to the Itrean people. I’ve heard about the different possible exploration missions planned, including Doctor Theron’s future mission to investigate the Venermax. We actually have a mission to go into Itrean Dead Space?”

“Yes. They will need paleontologists to help conduct any possible digs. I imagine that you and your mates’ skills would be greatly utilized in this forthcoming mission.”

Tahir felt a wave of happiness hit him the moment he heard it. “I can’t believe it ... I would finally get a chance to go there. The Itreans practically abandoned it. There would be so much to find...” The man regained his composure. “But,” he sighed. “We ... wouldn’t mind getting a chance to relax first. This has ... been a hellish day...”

“I doubt you would have a chance to see this mission for at least two months until they finish the ship’s trials. You will also find that the data chip I provided will give you two months of vacation to any place in the UWA or T’rintar worlds, fully paid expenses made in complete part by the UWA. With that said, try not to bankrupt them, Doctor...”

Tahir nodded with a smile before putting the chip into his heavy jacket. “Thank you, Shira.”

“Do not thank me. You and your mates played a key role in defending Palora. Reward is given where it’s due. However, you may find the mission to the Dead Space regions is one of peril, more dangerous than what you’ve ever encountered here. It took much to convince the UWA to commit to this mission as the Itreans intensely refused to go there.”

“I’m not afraid of ghosts. I’m more afraid of the living than the dead.”

“While I may not fear the Itreans’ general thoughts on the region, every myth or fable often carries a hint of truth. The few Itrean explorers who dared to go there seldom returned. The ‘ghosts’ are perhaps more alive than you think.”

Tahir took a deep breath but nodded. “Of course...”

“Now, if you excuse me,” Shira said, turning around and avoiding hitting the man with her shark-like tail. “I have a pilot that needs to land.”

Everyone followed closely with Shira as they walked up to the ramp of the Lifen. It was a little warmer inside the ship. Tahir walked over to stand alongside his wives. He remained staring at the colossal tank from the left side of the Lifen’s open front bay. Br’ina’s hand went and gripped Tahir’s hand as he looked down at her. The medical chief was scanning Sr’ina with a tablet-like device.

“You’ll be alright,” the chief said to Sr’ina. “You took a blow to your head after that piece of debris hit you. Thankfully, Itrean bioengineering and a strong head can do wonders these days. You might have a headache for a little while, but you’ll live.”

“We’re Ko’min,” Tr’ina added. “It’s why we have horns.”

“No,” Sr’ina replied. “It’s why we’re horny. Headaches are for those that can’t handle a little fun...”

The chief medical officer put his tablet into his thick pocket. “Ko’min, huh? I’ll remember that...”

He left the scene and exited the ship to attend to others who needed to be medically checked. Shira stood not far from Mizu, who seemed to be focused on a console. The pilot seemed disturbed as he continued to shake his head. Tahir could overhear the conversation that was taking place.

“It’s no luck, Ma’am,” Mizu said. “Bridge keeps sending signals to him, and he won’t land. I’ve been trying to contact him, but I’m getting nothing.”

“Have you tried to use Emergency Sat Comms?” Shira asked.

“ESC and Broadband Radio. Dean’s been up there since the battle.”

“Dean? Pilot Dean?” Tahir responded. He walked over, holding Br’ina’s hand.

“Yes,” Mizu replied.

“He saved our lives during the battle. What happened?”

“He won’t respond. He’s the last aircraft that’s still in the air ... more like one of the few that ever made it. The only problem is that he’s just ... flying and ignoring our hails.”

“Why won’t he land?”

“I don’t know why. I’m surprised the aircraft is still in one piece after going through all that, no offense, Doctor. After what you went through.”

Tahir shook his head. “Those carriers were tearing every aircraft in the sky. No place was safe.”

“Are you sure he isn’t wasted or something?” Zalika asked, dressed in her power armor. She walked up and stood aside Bekra.

“He better not,” Mizu said. “Flying an expensive piece of hardware like that.”

“No smoking...,” Iz’tre added approaching the console and waving her hand. The displeasure could be seen from her face and crested snout.

“Is he dead?” Zalika asked.

“Oh, he’s alive...” Mizu replied. “How? I don’t know.”

“I would not be too harsh on our pilot,” Shira replied. “Dean was the most successful ace during the battle, successfully shooting down 5 Shal’rein aircraft and destroying three enemy ground vehicles at the same time, including saving Tahir and his mates. He accomplished all of this while avoiding the similar fates that befell 90% of the pilots. Shal’rein gunnery skills were quite impressive for him to survive this long.”

“Well, I don’t know about that, Ma’am,” Mizu said. “He’s got about another few minutes before his plane breaks up.”

“Continue hailing him. Iz’tre, try to speak to him. Mates can often reach their loved ones better than anyone else, especially when they are in... ‘Landria’ like states.”

“Yes,” Iz’tre replied, stepping up to the console. Mizu patched her in on the comms as she began to speak into it. Tahir put his hand to his head.

“Zalika,” Tahir addressed her. “What do you mean he might be wasted?”

“Dean’s probably higher than a kite right now,” Zalika replied. “He does this every time he’s about to go flying. It seems to work in saving his ass. Whatever it does, I want to have what he’s having.”

“Uh ... I might have played a role in this. I gave him a stash before this whole thing started. Iz’tre, I didn’t know he was going to use it. Shira, you have my profound apologies. But, it doesn’t cause people to hallucinate unless you like ... smoke it all at once.”

“Knowing Dean,” Zalika remarked. “He always ... experiments on what he gets. Let’s see if he’s going to make it. My bet is that we’re about to get a pretty good show.”

“There we go,” Mizu commented, looking at Shira. “It worked, I think. He’s coming down. Elevation dropping. I would advise everyone to clear a radius from the Lifen...”

High in the sky, inside a complex cramped aircraft cockpit, Dean knew that he had done it. Sitting in his chair, one hand was held on the joystick, controlling a UHN fighter with ease and grace. He wore his pilot jumpsuit uniform along with his helmet. Tactical data continued to roll down the displays. Alarms were blaring.

“Chirp, chirp, chirp,” Dean said in his euphoric stoned state. “Eagle Bro, you are always so ... loud, you know? You should totally get into a gig ... sing with me and Izzy.”

There was a momentary pause during the flight. Dean shook his head as the controls continually changed places. The stupefied look could be seen on his face.

“Eagle Bro, you got to keep the controls in one place. I don’t want to end up crashing you. Like ... You did so well. The sharkies weren’t really nice. I don’t think they liked what we did, but ... I think we helped our bros out. Looks like they stopped shooting. Everyone seems happy.” He looked at the displays and camera views that showed the ground. “Yeah, in fact, they’re even waving and cheering at us...”

From the open sky, Dean could see the sky turn into rainbows and clouds with smiling faces. There was a moment when everything briefly turned into burning equipment, almost as if it were on fire. The entire cockpit was filled with smoke. The smell of weed, tobacco, and other chemicals filled the air.

“Eagle Bro,” Dean said, giving a confused look. “Is it me, or is there something wrong with you? Like, I saw burning fires...” He looked to his right. “Yep, even a torn wing on the right ... what are those holes? Hey, Eagle Bro, do you think you can still keep flying? Like ... that can’t be good.”

“Dean...,” a female voice echoed from the comms. “Mate ... land, please...”

The comms went out again. Dean seemed confused before he smacked his helmet.

“Whoa,” he said in realization. “That was Izzy. Have all my buddies tried to get ahold of me?”

The altimeter showed that he was losing altitude. In 30 seconds, he would smash into the ground.

However, Dean remained composed in his stupefied state. He knew what needed to be done. He grabbed the joystick, shifted his feet on the foot pedals, and activated the VTOL engines. His rate of fall began to slow down.

“Don’t worry, Eagle Bro,” Dean said. “Pilot Dean has got your back. I’m not losing you like Falcon Bro. He was like ... a good friend, you know? I know you sing differently and have a different name and all, but Eagle Bro just sounds so much more ... domineering and all. Hey, do you think that’s why you made it through that whole fight? Those sharkies were really trying and all ... emmm ... what I remember that is.”

From the air, Dean could see the colossal tank and the Lifen below. It was difficult at first, but everything seemed so easy for him. The plane slowed down more and more. Sure, there were those on the ground who were seemingly running for their lives, but it didn’t stop the VTOL fightercraft from slowing down its descent.

For a moment, Dean swore he heard more words spouting from the comms. However, it was garbled. It almost sounded like they were cheering for him.

“Heh,” Dean remarked with a smile. “Yeah, they’re just proud of us, Eagle Bro. I think we were, like, the last one flying and all. It was a real tribute to the people who made you, you know? Like ... I wouldn’t mind telling Shiry to keep you. Maybe I can fly you again after we’re done with this. I know you would have plenty of skies to fly around back on Cebravis.”

Dean watched as the aircraft slowed down more and more. Everything seemed perfect. Everything was level. He watched as the altimeter was nearing zero at a very slow rate.

“Yeah, Tapir, gave me some good stuff, but ... I had to try out some of that new weed with it. Looks like we made it through in the end. I didn’t even blackout like last time, but ... that was with Stealth Bro ... or was it Silent Bro ... I don’t know. But, Eagle Bro, this is where I have to call it a day ... It was nice flying you. I’ll make sure to put in a good word to ... the staff ... Shiry, all of it...”

In the cockpit, Dean watched as the aircraft came to a gentle stop. The engines were still roaring; snow was flung about, but it was the perfect landing. There was still some distance between him and the Lifen, but he could see countless individuals looking upon him.

The pilot seemed happy. He flipped a few switches and began shutting down the engines. He coughed a few times before pressing the button to open the hatch.

The moment the hatch opened, Dean stood up from his seat. The man stepped out and jumped into the snow.

Cheering broke out. Dean looked up and smiled. Ahead was the Lifen’s open bay, at least 80 feet ahead of him. The skies above glowed a radiant yellow. He was surrounded by warmth. The persistent rainbows remained. Clouds had smiley faces with eyes that would wink at him.

“Yep...,” Dean remarked as he took his helmet off and tossed it to the side. “They all know what I managed to do here today. Next time, I wouldn’t mind fighting with the sharkies instead of having to like ... fight them. Besides, I bet they probably would like to relax and have a good smoke, you know?”

He continued to walk toward the Lifen. Every person was clapping their hands, from the marines in their power armor to the Itreans, crew, and more. Even the Shal’rein prisoners were standing up and jumping for joy at the pilot who managed to beat the odds. The sky would go from yellow to orange to green before going back to a yellowish glow.

“You did it, Dean!” One of the men yelled out.

“You’re a hero, Dean,” a crew member screamed.

“I know, right?” Dean replied.

He almost made it to the Lifen’s deck as Shira stepped toward him. She looked down at him with her single eye. Dean came up and gave a proud salute to her.

“Dean reporting as ordered, Captain Shiry,” he said to her.

“Well done,” Shira said with a big smile on her face. Her shark-like teeth were on display for him to see. Dean seemed somewhat confused to see the captain give an emotional response, but the man nodded his head and dropped his salute.

“Yeah,” Dean said. “Me and Eagle Bro, nothing could touch us.”

“I know you did,” Shira replied. “I wanted to congratulate you on a job well done. You are the greatest pilot to ever live, better than any Itrean pilot that ever survived. You will be placed in the halls of aces to live alongside my father’s legacy.”

“Farout,” the pilot remarked.

“Oh, and by the way,” Shira touched her pregnant belly. “The baby is yours.”

“Huh?” Dean replied, feeling like something wasn’t right. “Like, that doesn’t make any sense at all. We never did it ... trust me, I would know, you know?”

“You were that good, Dean. A skilled pilot to the end. We’ll talk more about it later after I pin a medal on you ... in my quarters.”

He walked past her and stepped toward the ramp, where he could see Tahir give the man a big thumbs-up.

“Tapir!” Dean replied holding his arms up in cheer. “My favorite paleontologist, I did it!”

“Dean!” Iz’tre ran up and hugged the man.

“Izzy!” Dean replied, gripping and embracing her.

“So proud of you, my mate,” Iz’tre said to him. She pulled away and was touching her pregnant belly. “Guess what? I have great news to tell you.”

“What is it, Izzy?”

“It’s triplets ... so many babies.”

“Whoa!” Dean gave an affirmative, proud nod. “That’s my girl, Izzy.”

“You are the best mate ever...” She gave a big smile to him. “But, first ... you need to wake up.”

“Dean?” Zalika said to him.

“What?” Dean asked.

“Dean, are you alright?” Bekra asked him.

“Yeah.”

“Dean,” Mizu said, walking up to him. “Are you alright?”

“Why does everyone ask if I’m alright? Like ... I’m ok.”

“Dean,” Tahir called out to him. “Snap out of it.”

“I’m getting confused. Everyone is giving me mixed messages. Why would...”

Smack...

Mizu lifted his hand and slapped the guy’s face. The blond individual felt momentarily dazed, but the smack was not intended to hurt him. However, it did cause Dean to put his hand to his chin. He narrowed his eyes and looked hard toward Mizu.

“Owww,” Dean replied. “Like, that wasn’t nice at all Mizzy. Totally killing off my vibe.”

Dean noted that the glowing yellow sky had turned to normal. Nobody was cheering, and everyone around him looked concerned. Shira and Iz’tre were standing not far from the man.

“What happened?” Dean asked.

“Are you all right?” Mizu asked.

“Yeah, I’m all right. Why do you keep asking me that?”

“You were hallucinating and mumbling weird shit when you stepped aboard. How did you survive?”

“The fight? Like, the Shal’rein ladies kept shooting me, I think, but Eagle Bro pulled it through to the end. Like, I used my skills in flying. Then, I saw these dragons that were flying with me. One was yellow, and the other was green. They helped out, too. You know me, Mizu-Bro. Pilot Dean always got your back.”

“Dragons,...” Shira questioned him.

“Yeah, flying winged lizards that can breathe fire.”

“There were no ‘dragons’ present in this battle ... most curious...”

“Ummm...,” Mizu gave Dean a confused look. “I really don’t understand how you made it.”

“Well, just look at Eagle Bro,” Dean pointed his thumb behind him. “The camera recordings will prove me right.”

“I don’t think your ‘Eagle Bro’ will be able to tell us much at all.”

“What do you mean? He’s...”

Dean turned around and looked in the direction of the UHN fighter. However, when he looked at the plane, he could see that it was crumbled to pieces, a flaming pile of wreckage, smoke billowing in the air, almost as if it crashed into the snow. He looked at himself and could see scorch marks on his jumpsuit, seemingly as if he had crawled out of the destroyed cockpit.

“OH!” Dean remarked in realization. “Eagle Bro! ... Bummer...”

“The Shal’rein blew part of your right wing off,” Mizu explained. “We were calling for you to land or eject, but you didn’t respond for 20 minutes ... at least you’re on the ground ... intact.”

The chief medical officer approached Dean and began to scan him. He looked at Shira.

“Minor 1st degree burns,” the chief told her. “Reeks of weed, tobacco, and God knows what, but for crawling out of that wreckage, he’s in surprisingly good shape.”

“Hey...,” Dean pointed his thumb at the destroyed aircraft. “You think they can patch Eagle-Bro back together again?”

“No smoking!” Iz’tre smacked her scaly hand onto Dean’s side. “Bad for you ... bad for baby...” She was giving him a mean look.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Izzy. Like, ... I wasn’t trying to be mean or anything.”

“Go and take Dean to medical to get checked out,” Shira told the chief and Iz’tre.

“Understood, Ma’am,” the chief replied.

“And, Dean?” Shira stopped them before they gripped Dean’s arm to guide him into the ship.

“Yes, Ma’am?” Dean replied.

“Excellent flying out there. You saved Tahir’s life, along with his mates, and a prized artifact in the process. I would expect no less from the UHN’s finest pilots available.”

“Heh, farout,” Dean smiled. “Thank you, Captain...”

“Thank you, Dean,” Tahir told him. The paleontologist nodded his head to him.

Dean seemed happy as the chief and Iz’tre both escorted the man further inside the large cargo bay.

“Mizu,” Shira addressed him. “Now that we have secured our pilot, notify the bridge to begin departure takeoff as soon as possible. Zalika, inform any marines planning to head to Military Checkpoint 4 to get aboard. The sooner we leave, the better.”

“Aye, Ma’am,” Zalika replied.

“Aye, Captain,” Mizu added.

“And, Tahir and his mates. You are free to travel inside this ship. With the condition of the We’kal, it would be wise for you to stay in this bay. We will arrive towards our intended destination shortly as soon as we depart...”

“Thank you,” Tahir replied. The man looked down at Br’ina as he held onto her hand. Tr’ina and Sr’ina both walked up and stood beside the man as well before the Shal’rein captain began to head away further inside the great transport, her arms pressed behind and above her fined tail.

For Tahir, he turned to look back at the We’kal. He began to notice something from the corner of the open bay door’s viewpoint. There were a few Itreans, mostly T’rintar Shal’rein and Helera’kun that were standing beside the great tank. They were placing their hands upon the massive treads, bowing their heads, and possibly saying something reminiscent of a prayer.

“They must have truly thought that a god was fighting alongside them,” he said to himself. “We’kal, thank you for saving us all...”