A Time of Loss and Grief

Chapter 14:

A Time of Loss and Grief

“You need to help me with this…” Karys said, her voice cracking as she fought to keep her emotions in check. The loss of Radon weighed heavily on her heart, and she struggled to maintain her composure. He had been more than just a leader to her; he was a confidant, a mentor, and the man she had loved deeply.

Rylis muttered in Mandarin under his breath, swearing and wiping the tears from his face. He was trying his best to hide his own grief, not wanting Karys to see the turmoil inside him. Radon had been the only teammate he ever truly connected with, and his loss left a gaping hole in Rylis’ heart.

The air was thick with sorrow as they stood over Radon’s lifeless body, the weight of their grief almost suffocating.

**FLASHBACK**

A Year Ago

During the Arbiter’s Choice

The memory of that fateful day replayed in Karys’ mind, a constant reminder of the choice they had made. Radon had decided to use the cache to restore the planet’s biosphere, sacrificing himself in the process.

“We have to take him with us,” Karys had said desperately. “We can’t leave him here to rot! This place is hell, god damn it!”

Rylis, his face twisted with rage and grief, had no words to offer. The Arbiter’s cruel taunts and the loss of Radon had drained him of his strength. He had tried to recalibrate Radon’s suit, hoping they could take him with them, but the suit was designed to self-destruct upon the death of its wearer. The risk of an explosion was too great.

In a moment of desperation, they had turned to the Arbiter. “Please,” Karys had pleaded. “Keep his body preserved for us. We’ll return with reinforcements and bring him back.”

The Arbiter's glowing eyes had fixed on them, its serpentine body coiling tighter around the central core. “Very well,” it had Intoned. “I shall preserve his body until your return. But know this—time is a fickle mistress, and the sands of fate shift with every passing moment.”

Karys and Rylis had left the underground facility with heavy hearts, the promise of Radon’s preservation a fragile thread of hope.

Present Day

Back in the present, Karys and Rylis stood together, their grief a tangible force that bound them. They knew they had to honor Radon's memory and continue their mission, but the pain of his loss was a constant, gnawing ache.

“We’ll get through this,” Karys said, her voice trembling. “For Radon. For everything he stood for.”

Rylis nodded, his expression hardening with determination. “Yeah. We owe him that much. Let’s finish what we started.”

As they moved forward, the bond between them grew stronger, their shared grief fueling their resolve. Radon’s legacy would live on through them, a beacon of hope and courage in a world that desperately needed it.

Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, carrying Radon’s spirit with them on their journey. Their path was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but with their unbreakable bond, they knew they could overcome anything.

And so, with heavy hearts and renewed determination, Karys and Rylis continued their mission, the memory of Radon guiding them every step of the way.

Three Days Later

The journey back to the base had been grueling. Karys and Rylis had managed to overcome numerous obstacles, each step a testament to their resilience. They avoided the perilous Eidolon territory and instead navigated through the ancient ruins of Solara Prime. Using their ingenuity, they crafted a makeshift boat and swam underneath the city above. Their hearts were heavy with sorrow as they traversed the fountains of an ancient underground city beneath the stars.

Their path led them to “The Greater Seas of Morium,” where they encountered a tribe that offered them aid. The tribe’s knowledge of the sea and their sturdy vessels helped Karys and Rylis navigate the raging waters and weather the storms. The journey was fraught with danger, but the kindness of the tribe provided a glimmer of hope in their bleak reality.

[At The Base]

The Library of Knossos

The base, known as the Library of Knossos, was a hub of knowledge and technological advancement. As they approached, Karys knew they had to be cautious. The Biomeka security guards were vigilant, and Rylis’ identity as a Sophont scavenger could put them both at risk.

“We have to pass through and make it to the library,” Karys thought, her mind racing. “Nova might not take this lying down knowing that her son has passed on.”

She signaled to Rylis to stay down and avoid any suspicious behavior. Using a cloak and other materials, Karys disguised him, hoping to evade the watchful eyes of the guards. They moved with deliberate care, their hearts pounding with the fear of being caught.

The disguise was imperfect, and tension crackled in the air as they approached the security checkpoint. Karys’ heart raced as she felt the guards’ eyes scrutinizing them. For a moment, it seemed they might be discovered, but luck was on their side, and they passed through without incident.

Inside the Library, Karys breathed a sigh of relief. The vast halls of knowledge surrounded them, filled with ancient texts and cutting-edge technology. They made their way to a secluded corner, where they could finally catch their breath.

Rylis glanced around nervously, still shaken by the close call. “That was too close,” he muttered in Mandarin, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Karys nodded, her expression grim. “We don’t have much time. We need to find Nova and tell her what happened.”

They moved swiftly through the corridors, the weight of their mission pressing down on them. Nova Sykes, Radon’s mother and a revered scientist, had to be informed of her son’s sacrifice. Karys knew that the news would devastate her, but she also knew that Nova’s strength and intellect were crucial to their cause.

As they reached Nova’s quarters, Karys took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. She knocked on the door, and it opened to reveal Nova, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern.

“Karys, Rylis,” Nova greeted them, her voice warm but tinged with worry. “What brings you here?”

Karys stepped forward, her heart heavy. “Nova, we need to talk. It’s about Radon.”

Nova’s expression changed, a flicker of fear crossing her face. “What happened? Where is my son?”

Karys took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she spoke. “Radon… he made the ultimate sacrifice. He used the cache to restore the planet's biosphere. He’s gone, Nova.”

The news hit Nova like a physical blow, and she staggered back, her eyes filling with tears. “No… not my Radon,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “He… he was so brave.”

Rylis stepped forward, his voice gentle. “He did it for all of us, Nova. His sacrifice means the planet has a chance to heal.”

Nova nodded; her grief overwhelming but tempered by a fierce determination. “We will honor his sacrifice. We will continue his work and ensure that his legacy lives on.”

Karys and Rylis shared a solemn look, their bond strengthened by the shared loss. They knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but they were resolved to carry Radon’s spirit with them, guiding their every step.

With heavy hearts and renewed determination, they vowed to continue their mission, united by their grief and their unwavering commitment to a brighter future. The Library of Knossos would become a beacon of hope, a place where Radon’s sacrifice would be remembered and honored, and where their fight for a better world would continue.

ZEEL Laboratories:

Nova’s Turmoil

Back at the base, Karys and Rylis move with heavy hearts through the corridors of the Library of Knossos. Nova was in her laboratory, struggling with grief, unable to focus on her work.

Her appetite is gone, and even the sight of food repulses her. The once appetizing food now seemed tasteless, and she found herself unable to eat. She is consumed by despair, and one afternoon, the weight of her sorrow becomes too much.

Nova struggled with an overwhelming grief and turmoil that seeped into every aspect of her life. The loss of her son, Radon, had shattered her. Each day, her appetite diminished further until the mere sight of food repulsed her.

One afternoon, as she attempted to work in her laboratory, the weight of her sorrow became too much to bear. Tears streamed down her face, and in a moment of sheer frustration and despair, she grabbed a glassy chemical tube full of synthetic cells and hurled it against the wall. The tube shattered, sending shards of glass flying. The chemical substance inside burned a hole in the wall as it disintegrated, a harsh reminder of the destruction that loss could bring.

Karys rushed to Nova’s side, in a means to calm her down, her own heart aching with sympathy. She gently placed her hands on Nova’s shoulders, trying to offer comfort. “Nova, please,” she said softly. “We’ll get through this. Radon wouldn’t want us to fall apart.”

Rylis, typically cheerful and quick with a joke, found himself at a loss. He stood awkwardly to the side, struggling to reconcile his emotions. Radon’s death had hit him hard, and the gravity of the situation was almost too much to bear. He muttered to himself in Mandarin, “Get A Grip on, you foolish idiot!” Swearing and wiping away tears that he couldn’t control.

A Week and Two Days Later

The days passed in a blur of grief and mourning. Nova knew she had to break the news to the rest of the squad and respond to the Nexus Team leader. The responsibility weighed heavily on her, but she steeled herself for the task ahead.

Karys and Rylis stood by her side, ready to offer their support. They had a duty to accompany her to the “Genpures Sect” by jet flight, where they would meet the General Lloyd Xerox, Commander of the Solara Fleets and the Chief of Knossos. The stakes were high, and the Commander was known for his no-nonsense attitude.

As they boarded the jet, the tension was palpable. Karys glanced at Rylis, who seemed lost in thought. “We have to be strong for Nova,” she whispered. “She needs us now more than ever.”

Rylis nodded, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by a somber determination. “I know. We’ll get through this, together.”

The General’s Demeanor

The flight was silent, each of them lost in their own thoughts. When they arrived at the Genpures Sect, they were immediately ushered into the Commander’s meeting room. The room was filled with an air of authority, and General Xerox’s presence was commanding.

Nova took a deep breath, her voice steady as she addressed the Commander. “General Xerox, I have grave news. My son, Radon Sykes, has fallen.”

The Commander's eyes narrowed; his expression unreadable. “Explain,” he demanded.

Nova recounted the events that had transpired, her voice filled with sorrow but also pride in her son’s sacrifice. Karys and Rylis stood beside her, their support unwavering.

When she finished, the room was silent. General Xerox finally spoke, his tone grave. “Radon Sykes was a brave man. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will honor his memory and continue the fight.”

Nova nodded; her heart heavy but filled with a renewed sense of purpose. “Thank you, General. We will do everything in our power to ensure his legacy lives on.”

The meeting concluded, and as they left the room, Karys and Rylis exchanged a look of determination. They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but they were resolved to carry on Radon’s mission. Their bond, forged in grief and strengthened by their shared purpose, would see them through the challenges that lay ahead.

A Defiant Stand

As they prepare to leave the corridors, General Xerox’s keen eyes fall on Rylis. He had been suspicious of Rylis from the start, detecting the foreign gait and the subtle nuances of his Sophont dialect. His suspicion grows, noticing the cloaking garments that Rylis wore in the premises of sovereigns, as he slowly stands up, trying to get a better hearing. Eavesdropping on Rylis’ Sophont dialect as the trio throttled on their feet.

In a sly gesture, he orders the guards to stop the trio from leaving the premises. The guards raise their plasma weapons, their fierce stares fixed on Nova Sykes.

Nova doesn’t budge. Instead, she grins cunningly and swears under her breath, “F”^#k! What does that old fool want now…” She whispers, “This is not the time. Can’t he see that I’m not in the mood for this?” Raising her hands, she signals Rylis to stand firm as the troops approach.

“WHO ARE YOU?” General Xerox demands, his voice echoing through the chamber.

“His name is… Rrrrr…” Karys begins to answer.

“I’m not talking to you, young lady,” the General commands, cutting her off. “Didn’t your captain ask you to show your face at the courtroom? You’re not in good standing to respond when I’m not talking to you,” he declares.

Rylis straightens up, adopting a salute pose. “My name is Rylis, sir… Rylis Oshihomimi.”

“And where are you from, Oshihomimi?” General Xerox’s voice is cold and authoritative.

Nova interjects, her voice filled with frustration. “This isn’t the time for that, Xerox. Let us go.”

General Xerox flips his tie, signaling the troops to take Karys out of the courtyard and back to where she belongs. “You brought a stranger into my building, Miss Sykes. What do you expect me to do?” he speaks, his tone condescending.

“Unlike Sergeant Voss, I always keep my eyes sharp and ready for battle…”

“Ohhhhh! You mean Captain Voss, and not… Sarge…”

“KEEP QUIET, NOVA!” The General’s voice booms, cutting her off. “I don’t have time for your little rant. I need to investigate this pest who has entered my grounds without detection.”

“The Fourth Rite is on our path, and we need to move soon. I can’t let small scavengers lead us astray,” General Xerox continues, his words dripping with disrespect. “We don’t accept Sophonts here. Where does this boy come from? I need to know by noon!” he signals to his troops.

With that, General Xerox turns and goes back to the meeting, leaving Nova in awe as the guards take Rylis away. Nova’s heart pounds with a mix of anger and helplessness. She knows she has to find a way to resolve this and protect Rylis. The weight of Radon’s sacrifice and the urgency of their mission press heavily upon her, fueling her determination to fight for what is right.

As she stands there, watching the guards lead Rylis away, Nova swears silently to herself that she will not let Radon’s sacrifice be in vain. She will find a way to free Rylis and continue their mission, no matter the cost. The legacy of Radon Sykes will live on, and she will ensure that his spirit of courage and hope will guide them through the darkest of times. Together, they would honor her son’s memory and continue the fight for a better future. The journey was far from over, but with their unbreakable bond and unwavering determination, they knew they could face whatever came their way.

Alrian Spring,

A Time of Floral Blooms & Celebration

The days that followed were a whirlwind of emotions and tense encounters. Nova’s determination to free Rylis and continue their mission burned brightly, fueled by her grief and unwavering resolve.

Nova reached out to her contacts within the Library of Knossos, seeking allies who could help her navigate the treacherous waters of political and military intrigue. Karys, steadfast in her loyalty, stood by Nova’s side, offering support and assistance wherever she could. Together, they planned a strategy to secure Rylis’ release and ensure the continuation of their mission.

Meanwhile, Rylis found himself confined to a cell, under constant surveillance. The guards treated him with suspicion and hostility, a constant reminder of the prejudice against Sophonts. Despite the bleak circumstances, Rylis remained defiant, holding onto the hope that Nova and Karys would find a way to free him.

One evening, as Nova and Karys poured over their plans in a secluded corner of the library, a trusted ally approached them. Dr. Elena Stravinsky, an esteemed scientist and friend of Nova’s, had heard of their predicament and offered her help.

“Nova, Karys,” Dr. Stravinsky greeted them quietly, glancing around to ensure they were not overheard. “I’ve heard about Rylis. We need to act quickly if we are to secure his release.”

Nova nodded; her expression grim. “Thank you, Elena. We can’t let General Xerox keep him locked up. Rylis is vital to our mission, and we owe it to Radon to see this through.”

Dr. Stravinsky leaned in, her voice a hushed whisper. “I have a plan. There’s an old passageway beneath the library that leads to the outskirts of the city. We can use it to get Rylis out without raising suspicion.”

Karys’ eyes widened with hope. “Do you think it will work?”

Dr. Stravinsky nodded. “It’s risky, but it’s our best shot. We need to time it perfectly and ensure we have a distraction to keep the guards occupied.”

With renewed determination, the trio set their plan into motion. They gathered supplies and coordinated with trusted members of the library staff, all while keeping a low profile to avoid arousing suspicion.

The night of the escape arrived, and tensions were high. Nova, Karys, and Dr. Stravinsky moved with stealth and precision, making their way to Rylis' cell. Dr. Stravinsky used her credentials to gain access, and they swiftly incapacitated the guards, ensuring they would not raise the alarm.

“Rylis, we’re getting you out of here,” Nova whispered urgently as they entered the cell.

Rylis’ eyes widened with relief and gratitude. “I knew you wouldn’t leave me behind.”

They moved quickly, guiding Rylis through the hidden passageway beneath the library. The ancient tunnels were dark and narrow, but they pressed on, their determination unwavering. As they neared the exit, they heard the sounds of chaos above, the distraction they had planned taking effect.

With a final push, they emerged on the outskirts of the city, free from the oppressive grip of General Xerox. They took a moment to catch their breath, their hearts pounding with the thrill of their escape.

“We did it,” Karys whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Nova placed a hand on her shoulder, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, both of you. We couldn’t have done this without each other.”

Rylis, his usual humor returning, grinned. “I knew you had a plan, Nova. Now, let’s finish what we started.”

With their bond stronger than ever, the trio continued their mission, carrying Radon’s legacy with them. They faced the challenges ahead with renewed determination, united by their shared grief and unwavering commitment to a brighter future. The journey was far from over, but together, they knew they could overcome any obstacle.