"Bright Future" Parts: I, II, III, IV and V

[FallenKnight]

*On the next morning, Jarrow is preparing for his trip to Malta. Locking his room, he goes straight to the bar to check if any outcasts are nearby. He receives information there were no such people around at this time. Jarrow frowns that for the second time he is about to be delayed and decides to press on his luck. He goes to the Hangar bay where the "Gladius" light fighter was located. He enters the cockpit and opens the data log of the ship, checking for any outcasts that could be in the system. The outcast technology of the ship have managed to establish connection to a distant brethren named "Disciple". Jarrow sends a short message that he is in need of assistance. He undocks from the station and waited several minutes when suddenly on his sensors he sees a green dot closing with a name above it "XTF-Disciple"*

Rogue_Shadow: Hello there fellow outcast!
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: Greetings...
Rogue_Shadow: Mind to lay me a hand?
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: Strange to see someone in Tau-37, alone. What do you need help with?
Rogue_Shadow: I was at the bar of Freeport 10. A nice lady got my attention, so I had to stay for a time. *chuckles* I feel dizzy, would you help me get back to planet Malta? *he lied*
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: Dizzy...? Hell of a night, huh?
Rogue_Shadow: This cargo is expected from my cousin. He is a dealer there. I can pay you 500'000 credits for your assistance.
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: Sounds fair enough for a simple task. Power your engines and follow me.
Rogue_Shadow: Simple? Come fly that thing drunk to the roof! I will set my ship on auto-follow status, otherwise I wont make it. *sighs* What a night.
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: Your only dangers is confused in the direction in Omicron-80 and heading for that minefield.
Rogue_Shadow: Take my advice, if you see Sharona in this bar...do not approach her.
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: My pleasure comes from battle.
Rogue_Shadow: *chuckles* There are many kind of battles, senior.
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: Well...the battles where you "trade" deadly projectile at enemies of the Nation. Those kinds of battles.

*Few minutes later, somewhere in Omicron-80*

Rogue_Shadow: By the way, have you heard anything about the Oracles?
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: I just know they are some shady group, actually there was one near Malta not 5 minutes ago.
Rogue_Shadow: My cousin told me once they live somewhere in Malta. I never bothered with religious folks. But Sharona, the lady I told you about, mentioned they are nice people giving huge discounts on cardmine. I was like...why not visit them to get some cheap doses. So you know anything? Where is their temple for example?
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: Nah. Haven't really talked with them.
Rogue_Shadow: No worries then. I will ask my cousin and his gang.

*In Omicron Alpha, approaching planet Malta*

Rogue_Shadow: There you go the credits I promised *500.000 credits sent to [-=XTF=-]Disciple* Well, I will be going then...the cousin is expecting the package. Stay safe and...stay away from Sharona for good.
[-=XTF=-]Disciple: Watch yourself next time, women can be devastating to men.

*The XTF pilot turns his ship and cruises away. Jarrow's Gladius remains near the planet*

---

*Half an hour later few Oracle ships were spotted on the radar and were closing fast*

Rogue_Shadow: Greetings Master Thomas. I've finally arrived here at this sacred place. I hope its not too late and "She" is still here.
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Hello. So, an interesting ship choice. I cant even fit in that.
Rogue_Shadow: Oracle Prophet, Jared Nomak, assisted me. The bartender of Freeport 10 seems to be his friend. I only told him the name and he provided me with all that was needed.

*Landing on the platform of the northern gorge Thomas is out of his "Rapier" - seeing if anyone else had followed. Jarrow's "Gladius" lands on the platform next to Thomas's ship - shutting down his engine and comes out of the fighter. He is wearing a new set of black armor with black hood covering half of his face and a life support mask, similar in design to the outcast one. He notices Thomas and closes to him. Thomas looking odd himself with no nose and slightly blue in skin color, points to a corridor and heads for it when the two join company*

Oracle|ThreeWinds: It isn't far. I would have pointed it out from up here but..I hate heights.
Rogue_Shadow: *Jarrow nods and follows Thomas* How are we going to reach the Temple of Light?
Oracle|ThreeWinds: There's a tram to a sky car lot. The bus...usually is parked here but not today...
Rogue_Shadow: That doesn't sound suspicious at all. Do you have many visitors there in the temple? Fellow outcasts from XTF group did know nothing about where the temple is located nor how to reach it.
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Regulars...And likely Tolomon has the ship, err bus, trading to the east where its warmer..There is only one "XTF" who has ever been invited to the temple.

*The rail tram approaches but is mostly empty. Thomas grabs the seat near the door. He looks around and notices the time is still quite early for shifts to change. Jarrow follows Thomas and takes the seat in front of him*

Oracle|ThreeWinds: Lucky to hit it now.... before the rush.
Rogue_Shadow: Are the other regular outcasts in favor of your presence being here? The way to reach your Temple seems quite ordinary as well - are they fine with all this? Last time you've told me some would like to have you removed from here.
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Well, there are families that find any sort of spiritual group has undo...political influence on the people. But we've never attempted this. Politics is...a manipulation of the goal. And mutation of fellow mans relationship and supposedly that's a political strategy as well, so we cant win...even if we aren't playing their game. For now our relationship with the Cross is a good one. And as regimes come and go they learn to leave us be.

*The trip was short - the first stop flew by. Thomas stood in anticipation of the second stop...and gestured Jarrow to follow. Jarrow follows Thomas obediently. He gazes at the barren lot...as it was empty.*

Oracle|ThreeWinds: Everyone is using a car? There's only 12 farms nearby. Well this is embarrassing.
Rogue_Shadow: I thought someone could be expecting us...maybe the lack of organization is diminishing the...tourism at this land. *chuckles*

Oracle Threewinds - Thomas

*ThreeWinds finds a bench after hitting a call button near a brochure kiosk - loaded with all kinds of tourism destinations and posted notes*

Oracle|ThreeWinds: Well. I'll have to try New London public transit system. If I ever get a face lift. Or a new body.
Rogue_Shadow: I can't hide my frustration...is mother Satrnia following this exact path in order to reach her Holy place? *astonished*
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Satrina really is something else...in fact I blame her for all this. She probably sent 24 people to 24 different places.
Rogue_Shadow: What is to be expected when I meet her? You have given me very little information about her...status.
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Well. Shes physically in her thirties...grey skin...yellow eyes. Normal woman...seemingly. Where I learn and pass on wisdom as I learn it, shes imbued with many secrets and since her ascension...even more. I prefer to explore shes... sedentary protects the home front.

*Sky car flies over and keeps going. Thomas looked hopeful*

Oracle|ThreeWinds: It all becomes clear..Humans takes time to integrate the lessons..we try and compress them without cutting the vitals.
Rogue_Shadow: *Jarrow faces the oracle* Thomas, since this is our second meeting but first one in person - tell me something. Do you trust me? After what we've been discussing last time - you look like someone who is trustworthy and yet you do that...lightly. I was sincere with my decisions but you on the other hand proved to agree on all I said without question.
Oracle|ThreeWinds: *He looks back at him* Everyone has a path. And when they speak it their voice resonates of that path.
Rogue_Shadow: So, you knew I was telling the truth? Is that what you are trying to tell me?
Oracle|ThreeWinds: I could tell you I listen to more then your voice..when you speak..but your intention is behind every word. I trust that.
Rogue_Shadow: *nods* You truly are a divine being, oracle Thomas. That means a lot to me. The last thing I would like to do is to create a ring of doubt between us. Your words have cleared that away.
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Oh, we can all do it when we remember. Children before they learn of lies just speak wholly and completely. Even if its a babel..its a truthful babel.
Rogue_Shadow: Hmm...is Satrina dangerous to young seekers like me? If she does not like something about my reasons to join...she could kill me?
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Shes imminently dangerous. You should have seen her lobotomize the gang leader trying to collect protection a week ago. A perfect hybrid. but more...solomon khara then even I could be. Her motives are clean. She will not judge you personally.

*Sky car sets down empty in the lot an umbilical cord connects to a port in the front and a light goes yellow on its rear*

Oracle|ThreeWinds: That one goes green. We can take it.
Rogue_Shadow: Very well.
Oracle|ThreeWinds: They gotta charge up first. Dont worry about Satrina. Just try and...listen as best you can.
Rogue_Shadow: There is no doubt about that.
Oracle|ThreeWinds: I'll tell you her mother was easier to understand. She at least was human. But I was in transition figuring out what I was and why my nose disappeared.
Rogue_Shadow: Your appearance is not disturbing me.

*Three more sky cars land and connect to their charging platform.*

Oracle|ThreeWinds: That's rare in itself. I've seen people with fur..Imagine fur..stuffed into a cockpit or any kind of heat? ... that has to smell horrifying.
Rogue_Shadow: Yes, I am aware of some of these experiments upon humans - some of them ending with...changes to the DNA and mutations of the skin and its hair.

*With a ding the first cars light goes green and Thomas hops up.*

Oracle|ThreeWinds: No ones taking this car from us.. *darts over to it. Jarrow follows him and enters the car*
Rogue_Shadow: Thomas, wouldn't it be easier to just land our ships in front of the temple? *chuckles*
Oracle|ThreeWinds: You'll laugh.. *shutting the door* had to turn our hangers into living space. Which reminds me..Were at a point where we can staff large ships again..and making a special temple vessel.. *sky car taking off* is on the drawing board. Something that can be mobile and safe for everyone.
Rogue_Shadow: I am sure it would save the people a lot of time and nerves to get to your holy place. By the way, in the message you sent me - you've mentioned the Seer Stones are ready. Is Satrina honoring me by giving them in person?
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Well, if she's there - I am sure she will. If not...I get to wade through the...god awful mess...of her room.

*Few minutes later the temple campus in the distance. Immediately visible is the black pyramid and the violet light from its apex. Jarrow raises his head, observing the distant building*

Rogue_Shadow: Marvelous. Who built all this?
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Nysk.
Rogue_Shadow: Who?
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Nysk was the matron mother for many centenaries.
Rogue_Shadow: The former one?
Oracle|ThreeWinds: Yes. She was there since my great great grandfather.

---

*Upon closer inspection there are three polygonal buildings around the pyramid outside of the center are newer - more shelter like buildings. With what looks like a hanger good enough for several freighters but full of people. The car lands down and both passengers get off. Jarrow slips his hood down the face*

Jarrow: These people don't know me but extra cover won't harm.
Thomas: Don't worry about them. Were all family here.
Jarrow: You have no spies around? Ordinary visitors, looking to track people like me...who are devoted to this cause? How can you be sure none of these are LSF, BDM or any sort of agents disguised and prying around.

*They were headed for the pyramid but when he said that there were fits of laughter all around the campus*

Thomas:*laughing* Oh don't mind them..they remember the last agent that came here. He ended up staying though...

*Jarrow nods and follows silently. The inside of the pyramid was evident to have an roman-greco architecture. On the inside many old wooden pieces of furniture and tables some bare and some with books and artifacts on them...most of the artifacts are actually powered and working which would be alarming to a normal person.*

Thomas: The inside was remodeled recently..used to be completely bare..but when father died i brought all the furniture from the plantation here and sold the land to turn the hanger into a barracks from the infirm members..some...of the worst cases of cardamine abuse live here as well.
Jarrow: You care to treat these "worst cases"? Most are probably addicted freaks...useless. I've seen a lot of them in Bretonia...nothing but a wreck.
Thomas:: No one else would..*Thomas grasps a lectern and sets it in the center of the room*. People keep moving this thing...I uh..don't actually sense her here....
Jarrow: You mean...she is gone?
Thomas: Hrm...I'll go find her. You should have a seat. And if I don't come back, then something has gone wrong.
Jarrow: *frowns* I will stay here then. Just...inform me if something is not alright via the communicator.

*Thomas lumbers off behind one of the pillars. Sounds of going down stairs could be heard. The room isn't silent though. There is a slight orchestra of odd noises coming from the building itself maybe even the artifacts...Suddenly the air changes becomes charged hinting a different presence has entered from the outside. The air smells of jasmine then there are the footsteps. The buzzing sound is filling Jarrow's mind and he is getting nervous. He heard the footsteps and turns back trying to see the one causing them. A barefoot woman has cleared the entire room almost upon him. Her features are symmetrical almost like they were...designed. Which is unusual since even the most beautiful faces as imperfections and oddities. Her grey/blue skin is apparent as she passes / floats by Jarrow...taking a seat without so much of a sound of impact on a fairly old padded chair opposite him. She is wearing red robes and hood. She sat down and crossed her legs - taking a moment from the cold air outside. Seconds later she finally noticed the hooded figure in front of her*

Mother Satrina, Leader of the Oracles

*Jarrow observed the ghostly women that passes by him and was amazed of her beauty. He pulls of his hood, revealing his bare face, carrying scars from burning*

Jarrow: Are you...are you the one they call mother Satrina?
Satrina: *she nodded. Jarrow has the suspicion she is looking at things he cant see..* The name is mine. *answers with echoing voice*
Jarrow: *bows* My lady, it is great honor to meet you in person. Master Thomas told me very little about you and yet...that was enough to present you as someone worthy of being called a celestial being. I guess ThreeWinds already informed you about who am I and what I plan to do...Would like to receive your blessing.
Satrina: *her head shakes from side to side a bit* Irrelevant...I hear screams and fire i smell smoke and burning...sadness...fear...Speak of these things you hold onto.
Jarrow: *stares in her yellow eyes for few seconds*Well, my attempts to keep Bretonia safe have caused me great pain and suffering. That what you hear...or probably see is the my own past and failures. I was part of a secret project to develop a wormhole that would send these savages...the gallic navy...in to the unknown - far away from here - but the experiment went wrong. My ship was destroyed, with crew dead...only few have survived. Thanks to my wife...who is chief doctor in my laboratory I was able to be revived...my condition was critical and that is why I am forced to wear this...life support armor...I am like a broken shadow of my former self but only physically...My spirit and faith to maintain the better security of my people is the reason I stand here today in front of you...
Satrina: You gave everything. You sit on a golden throne crumbling. As one man...what are you looking for?
Jarrow: I want to be something more...not this broken body which is slowly decaying...I want to maintain my status and keep my people safe...then your kind have shown me the path with the shadows of the asteroid thrown at us...thanks to what was inside I found a way to contact Master Thomas and he encouraged me that the path of Light would be my brighter future...I want to serve you, my Lady...and in return to make sure our kind does not get involved in your affairs. If possible to achieve a peaceful co-existence between our species.
Satrina: Your choices light the way...The song sings truthfully...you know we must be separate until there is understanding.
Jarrow: ThreeWinds told me about the Seer Stones...they could allow me to contact him and even some of the celestial beings - the nomads...If that would be possible - then my work as an inside agent, part of the government of Bretonia, would be far more easier and safe...My soul is ravaged...If I could, I would like to shred away my skin and join you right now in the celestial heavens...but that would not solve the issues of my House...nor the issues between our species.
Satrina: Those before me warned about the control over humans led to disaster. To have agents of their own mind within the halls of power is essential...a poor puppeteer would lead us all into oblivion...but within you I see a kings shadow. Power isn't the goal...understanding...is the goal..within this is light. Fear, anger, woe, war...death....these are the dark things. They cannot serve either of us anymore.
Jarrow: You are wise...your words are divine...all those fools of my specie out there follow empty religions but you...you are pure and real...you deserve to be our beacon of Light and Hope for a better and brighter future...You understood me well - my reasons to remain as I am for now - in order to spy my own kind and make sure no harm is done upon your specie which in return shall maintain peace between our worlds, turning the ashes of our present in to a peaceful Utopia for our future.

*Satrina hold her hand out palm up..like a magicians trick she moves her hand palm towards herself and a stone falls into her other hand*

Satrina: We are all capable of being divine...but it is the choice that makes you worthy. You seek truth...you seek to be clean. *she stands, placing her free hand on his head* the nerves are damaged...I must realign the neurons...but I cannot work with a scared tree...will you be healed?
Jarrow: My best scientists are working on an improved nano-cell recreation serums which possibly will diminish the time needed to heal...but I will never be the same man as before...nor I want to be - I look ahead now. Progress must be made for sake of the progress...looking back at the past will serve me no good...
Satrina: You can keep the scars...
Jarrow: Scars are the only physical reminder to us humans...of our failures or our best of achievements. I am not ashamed of myself...*Jarrow sighted the strange stone at her other hand*
Satrina: Shame no..To be something new..this is the first step. Your...'meat' is cooked. The stone..may not work...well..much pain..damage..the right parts..I can heal. *closing her eyes*
Jarrow: The right parts, my lady?
Satrina: The heart. The brain...the core of your body.

*Footsteps from the stairs beyond the back pillars. Its Thomas, he appears and silently takes a seat*

Jarrow: Most of these wounds were already healed thanks to the life support armor and medical care of my scientists...but I guess your powers would be far more sophisticated.

*She shrugs tune up..tuning up..gold light emanates from the hand on his head. Odd itchiness occurs but as it subsides he should start hearing the sound of the stone*

Satrina: The mind must be made clean...so that it can explore with your guides.

*Jarrow hears strange noise coming out of the stone like a mixture of a thousand voices, speaking of an unknown language*

Thomas: *observing* I suspected you might have neural drift..cybernetics can cause it. It maligns the natural energy of the body..that's why we try and get cybernetics out of the seekers.

The Seer's Stone

*Satrina stops the redness on his head abated - "All done". She handed him the stone. It was much smaller in his hands and she floated back over to her chair. Jarrow observes the small purple stone on his open palm. It was resonating smoothly now and the noise was not so strong...the mixture of voices was like a melody where sirens sing beautiful song, soothing him*

Thomas: *looking at Satrina as she sat down* Your room is a mess.
Satrina: *ignoring him* He should stay awhile. Meet people...I need to summon Nistae, so he has a guide.

*Thomas nodded in agreement and she floated away through the hall behind the back pillars. Jarrow placed the stone in one small box and moved it inside a pocket on his utility belt, then turns towards Thomas*

Jarrow: Where did she go? And who is Nistae?
Thomas: When shes on two legs she uses the pyramid to communicate with the home of light...the chamber is below this one..and Nistae is..what..we would call a High wanderer...He coordinates the others of his kind and one of them will be with you undetected and assist you.
Jarrow: I see...one of them spirits to be my own guide...This is strange but I feel safe...somehow I am full of devotion.
Thomas: Wanderers are good learners of humans. They spend most of their time observing them.
Jarrow: So, the wanderers are not the ordinary...nomad "warriors" we refer as fighters bombers and other human affiliated combat vessels...right? Are they dangerous?
Thomas: They can be. Any being of the light have power..but they do not accomplish their goals via violence..Thats for other castes. Within line of site they can literally...control your body..had it done to me..wasn't fun but the point was made that there are intellects cool..cold..unsympathetic and quite more powerful within the light..though in this case they will work with you so you can understand and explore your potential. They need not touch you to do this - you have the stone for that.
Jarrow: It will be...exhilarating to meet this wanderer who is going to be my guide. How can we...understand each other? I've never being assaulted by nomads mentally...*pointing at his pocket* Is the stone going to act as translator of some sort?
Thomas: It will govern everything so things aren't too fast or too slow. Its more than a translator, more than a radio - its intermediary between both worlds.
Jarrow: *after seconds of silence* Is mother Satrina going to be back soon? *sighting the place where she vanished*
Thomas: Were you waiting for her?
Jarrow: I don't know...perhaps I was...her presence was somehow forcing me to embrace any word she says. Like falling in love...*confused*
Thomas: Oh..Well that's just because she hasn't scared you yet.

*Jarrow imagines some kind of grotesque figure with tentacles grabbing and raising him above... Jarrow shakes head*

Jarrow: Probably...
Thomas: Yikes. That was vivid. Thanks for sharing.*rubs his head* No, shes as you see her - shes not hiding anything. I was referring to her when her mind is fully awake...because when shes asleep or dreaming - she is on two feet... if that makes sence.
Jarrow: Thomas, then are we finished here?
Thomas: Sure, unless you want to stay.

*Jarrow imagines Satrina's beautiful face and how they could talk more...how she explains him the secrets of the universe...He shakes head again*

Jarrow: No, would be better if we go now. I have other matters to attend to in Bretonia and my visit here already costed few days. I don't want BIS agents to start looking for me.
Thomas: *nodes* that must be a drag..constantly being hounded..The cars are automated. You can actually take it all the way back to the spaceport if you wish to.
Jarrow: Before I go then, would like to ask one final thing. I would like to know approximately when is that wanderer going to contact me, so to be ready.
Thomas: *he thought and.. brought up his experience* It may already be there...If not I would say if you left now...it would likely find you en route or..wait for you..the wanderers are...everywhere after all.

*Jarrow raises his hand in order to present a handshake with Thomas*

Jarrow: This is how - you are aware - humans tie their relations and cooperation...so, thank you for all you've done for me. I am sure we will meet again very soon. If you need me you know how to contact me - both ways.
Thomas: I'm sure..don't be afraid to visit though. You know the way. *shakes hand with Jarrow*
Jarrow: *imagines Satrina* I will do so, but that won't be soon.

---

The sphere locket, used to contain the "Seer's Stone".

*Jarrow enters the car and pushes the buttons to set course back to the landing port. The car builds up fast distance from the temple and jarrow turns to witness the amazing view one more time before the temple disappears from the landscape. An hour later he was present in the hangar where his "Gladius" was located. He jumps inside and fires the engines, heading towards Freeport 10. An hour later he docks on the station and moves back to his apartment. He opens a chest near the bed and from within he takes a small sphere with strange ornaments. He opens his utility belt pocket and grabs the small box with the Seer's Eye. Jarrow left the box on the bed and takes back the sphere - which parts could be rotated in different angles - a cipher decoding in order to transport rare artifacts unnoticed inside it. After few rotations the strange sphere opens. Jarrow carefully takes the small purple gem from the box and places it inside the sphere - sealing it within. He stands up observing the room for any evidences he could have left inside. Under his mask, he smiles - throwing the Gladius control card and the folder on the bed where they originally were present during his first visit to the apartment. He locks the room and goes back to the bar where the always happy bartender was cleaning some dirty glasses.*

Jarrow: *points at the bartender to come closer* My job is finished. Here the card for the apartment and...something for you *pushes small disk with transaction inside of 50'000 credits*
Bartender: *grins a smile revealing some golden teeth* Always, senior, always for the friends of Jared Nomak. *takes the disk and places it inside the pocket of his dirty pants*

*In hangar bay 3, Jarrow's Templar - "Claymore" - was refueled and prepared for take off. He enters the cockpit and places carefully the sealed sphere in a security box under his seat. Fires the engines and undocks from the station - heading back towards Bretonia.
Few minutes later strange noise strikes his mind, evolving in to a melody where a dozens of sirens were singing a soothing song on an unknown language. But several times he clearly could hear his own name in between the words...*

Spoiler

"K'alar, Sa'lavass ome le domo no Firmus...Ome le no chi'kara domo, karos...Our mind will be one, soon..."

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