Red Nova
Chapter Ten

Fen Treydis

Nesha Bisel returned to the starting point while Vortex’s subspace time continuum ended. The arena transformed back into a stadium. Nesha could see the blue sky again as she waved at the applauding crowd. Talia and Hannah ran to her when she landed and hugged her as if they had won the twenty-trillion credit lottery. Grober stood there too, an impressed look on his face. She’d earned his full respect even though she wasn’t exactly looking for it.

“Nesha Bisel,” called out President Weldner, approaching. “I believe this is yours.”

The president shook Nesha’s hand and gave her the galaxy cup. It had already shifted and permanently molded itself into the Galaxy Girls. Nesha and her teammates stared at their statues in awe. And on the base of the trophy was the following engraving: Galaxy Girls of 2698’s Championship Rifting Tournament.

“Very impressive, Ms. Bisel,” said Vreffith with a hint of scorn in his voice. “I’m sure Niralus taught you how to use that weapon. Your father would’ve been quite proud of you if he was here.”

“You know my father?” she asked.

Vreffith smirked while he gaped into her eyes. “Let’s just say that I’ve heard a lot about him,” he said.

“I see,” she said.

Nesha experienced a burning sensation in her chest when Vreffith reached out to shake her hand. It became even more intense when she shook hands with him. She felt it was the same burning sensation in her dreams, which alarmed her.

“A pleasure meeting you,” said Vreffith. “And, congratulations.”

Nesha nodded at him and walked away with her friends. The burning sensation she’d felt a moment ago suddenly vanished, but there was still an unsettling feeling within her. She thought there was something strange about Vreffith. Though, she wasn’t going to tell her friends about the sensation or remind them of her absurd dreams.

“I can’t believe it, Nesha,” said Hannah excitedly. “You just shook hands with Vreffith Larser.”

“I think he’s creepy,” said Nesha.

“What?” snapped Grober. “You’re the luckiest person in the universe. He’s the CEO of Vignia Corporation—the genius behind Vortex.”

Talia sighed. “You and your video games. I’ll never understand men.”

“Oh, I almost forgot,” sputtered Hannah, handing Nesha back her R91. “I believe you were wondering about this?”

“Oh my God,” said Nesha, hugging her rift board. “Thanks so much, Hannah. I thought I lost it forever.”

The quartet got on their rift boards while the sun started to set and rifted off the stadium, down to Marrakech’s starport. The continental shuttle for their senior trip was going to depart in a few hours. Nesha and her friends were thrilled about going to Fen Treydis, but Nesha was the most excited since this would be her first trip. Best of all, she would be there with Rick and her girlfriends. She could hardly wait to depart.

In the meantime, the Malvakarian was flying toward Saturn in the Solar System. Walking through one of the ship’s corridors, Keith reached the medical wing. He saw Tathagata checking on the Al-Khidr, making sure there was enough khlium inside it.

“Hey, doc,” called out Keith.

Tathagata bowed. “Looking for the others?”

“Yeah, I thought they’d be here,” he said.

“They were,” she said. “But when Bryan’s leg healed, I advised him to work out for an hour. Jolus escorted him to the exercising chamber. He’s keeping an eye on him.”

“Never a dull moment,” he said. “Though, I suppose physical therapy works. Catch you later, doc.”

Keith left the medical wing as Tathagata bowed. He used an EP in the hall and teleported to the residential wing, a dark organic chamber that had three catwalks. The passage on the left led to the ship’s cantina while the passage on the right led to the crew’s private quarters. Keith decided to walk through the central catwalk, leading him to the gymnasium.

Upon entering the gym, Keith spotted his comrades. “I see you guys are already getting used to this ship,” he said.

“What’s up, man,” said Jolus.

McKenzie saluted him.

“Relax,” said Keith. “No more ranks, remember?”

“Sorry, sir,” said McKenzie, standing by a treadmill that resembled a rift board. “I keep forgetting.”

“How’s the leg?” asked Keith.

“Never better, sir,” said McKenzie. “I mean, Keith.”

“No problem,” he said, laughing softly. “Carry on, then. The doc expects you to make a full recovery as long as you keep working out.”

“That’s right,” replied McKenzie. “I can’t wait to walk without limping.”

He stepped onto the treadmill and activated it. When the machine turned on, it started to hover and then created a small environment resembling a rift track as if McKenzie was rifting through a virtual form of Drumheller Channels in the Columbia Basin of old America.

Keith, meanwhile, approached his comrade. “Ready for another contest?”

“Again?” said Jolus. He shook his head and sighed. “All right, but I’m going to win no matter how many times you try.”

“We’ll see about that, you arrogant bastard,” said Keith.

Jolus laughed while clicking on a computer panel by the chamber’s wall. A huge weight machine labeled Ripflexer teleported to the corner of the room. Keith and Jolus clicked their UNDs, changing their armor into workout clothes.

“Vishnu,” said Keith, calling out to the starship’s integrated AI, “I want to bench press three hundred.” The weight machine beside Keith automatically ported three hundred pounds on the barbell. “Strange,” he added, taking off his T-shirt, “it’s been getting hotter ever since we’ve been on this ship.”

“Is that going to be your new excuse for losing?” asked Jolus.

“Shut up,” said Keith, rolling his eyes.

Sitting on the bench, he lifted the barbell. Jolus spotted him. After bench pressing the weight eight times, he placed it back on the machine and breathed heavily.

“Beat that,” said Keith.

“Vishnu,” said Jolus, “modify the Ripflexer to three-fifty.”

The barbell’s weight automatically altered to three hundred and fifty pounds while Jolus sat on the bench. Keith spotted Jolus who lifted the weight twelve times. Keith gulped when his comrade finished.

“So, this is where you kids have been,” said Teri, walking in.

Rena Mar’kett also came inside.

“Having fun, gentlemen?” said Rena.

McKenzie stopped the treadmill while fidgeting to get off. “Sorry, Commander,” he said. “Instructions from Doctor Surandes.”

“Relax, McKenzie, I was only teasing,” said Rena. She raised an eyebrow, glancing at the Ripflexer. “What do we have here?” Crossing her arms, she leaned against the wall and went on, “That looks kind of light.”

“Light?” said Keith, riled up by Rena’s comment. He paused for a moment, as though expecting Rena to tell him that she was teasing him too, but she didn’t. Instead she nodded at him. “Are you bullshitting me? That’s three hundred and fifty pounds. Hardly anyone can lift that.”

“We’re having a contest,” said Jolus. “You want in?”

“Sure, why not,” said Rena, grinning.

“Wee-hee!” exclaimed Teri. “Rena’s gonna show you who’s boss!”

“Vishnu,” called out Rena, approaching the workout machine. “Can you please modify the Ripflexer to five hundred pounds?”

Keith and Jolus glanced at each other as though Rena had lost her mind. Teri giggled and cheered at Rena who lay on the bench, staring at the barbell for a brief moment. She then lifted it and bench-pressed it six times without even breaking a sweat. This time it was Jolus who gulped. As for Keith, his mouth was wide open.

“And that’s how it’s done,” said Rena, giving Teri five.

“That was awesome, Commander!” said McKenzie.

“Whatever,” said Keith, grumbling. “I imagine you came down here for another reason other than gloating?”

Rena chuckled. “As a matter of fact, yes. I came here to inform you guys that we’re in the Solar System and that Shiva wants us to meet her in ten minutes on the observation deck. Since we’re getting close to Earth, she finally wants to tell us what her plan is.”

“About time,” said Keith.

“Ten minutes,” repeated Rena, exiting the fitness chamber.

Teri winked at them and also left. Not a moment later, McKenzie changed back to his black-and-white military armor. Keith and Jolus, however, remained frozen. They were still stunned by Rena’s strength.

“That’s our commander!” said McKenzie. “She’s something else, isn’t she? I never saw anyone lift that before.”

Keith’s mouth was still open. “You saw that, right?”

Jolus patted him on the shoulder. “Did someone hurt your ego?”

“Give me a break,” said Keith, leaving.

McKenzie and Jolus looked at each other and laughed. Shortly after, they left the fitness chamber and gathered with the rest of the crew in the observation room. They were able to see Saturn and its nine rings through the windowpane. Shiva stood in the middle of the deck, staring at the view. When her crew finished settling in, she turned and gazed at them.

“Greetings,” she said. “I hope your time on the Malvakarian has been pleasant.”

“You’re still dressed like a Ubierian clown,” said Keith. “What’s the point?”

“My apologies if this disturbs you, Mr. Wernn,” said Shiva. “Admiral Niralus Bisel is deceased. It would be unwise of me to walk around with his facial features. Or, to be more precise, his damaged facial features.”

“The doc can’t help you?” asked Keith.

Shiva twitched. “I beg your pardon?”

“I’m afraid not,” answered Tathagata. “Most of the medical supplies we have on this ship are for organic species. There’s not much I can do for an AI that’s ported itself into an android.”

“I could try,” said Teri.

“Negative,” said Shiva. “Time, as you humans put it, is of the essence. I shall be fine with this mask. We will be arriving at Earth’s orbit within the next hour and need to begin making preparations.”

“Preparations for what?” inquired Keith. “And can you at least get rid of that sword? You look ridiculous with it.”

Shiva unsheathed the Japanese tsurugi sword and brandished it. “This is the only form of weaponry that seems to harm Liagon,” she said.

“You’re certain of this, Shiva?” asked Jolus.

“I am one hundred percent certain, Mr. Bako,” replied Shiva. “Liagon’s aggressive G-DNA properties, which formed via a mass fusion of fe’lorian DNA, allow him to absorb high energy particles, specifically dysfunctional stars, such as a supernova or a black hole.”

Rena crossed her arms. “So, there’s nothing else that can stop him?”

“That is correct, Ms. Mar’kett,” said Shiva. “However, do not think that weapons such as this sword are strong enough to destroy Liagon. Though I have wounded him, he has indubitably been rejuvenated by means of the black hole created during the destruction of Aydis. As I have mentioned before, Vacuity cannot destroy him. Instead it empowers him.”

McKenzie groaned in a moping tone.

“Well, what the hell are we supposed to do?” scowled Keith.

“We are moving on to Sequence Two: fighting fire with fire,” said Shiva. She turned to Rena and asked, “Have I used the idiom correctly?”

“Maybe I’d know if you filled us in on what ‘Sequence Two’ is,” replied Rena.

“Affirmative,” said Shiva. “The following report is classified information that Admiral Niralus Bisel withheld from the UEC. After his escape from Delva’s moon, he decided to keep Patient 683, also known as specimen Elsa Bessero. This was a direct violation of UEC protocol, but no other scientists in the UEC knew of Patient 683. Admiral Niralus Bisel’s report declared all experiments as failures and that the only people who survived the disaster were Commander Rena Mar’kett, Doctor Margaret Surandes, and Professor Teri Breuget.”

Teri lifted her hands and twirled around her chair when Shiva mentioned her. Zar’kara glared at her and snorted, shaking his head.

“Additional information indicates that three of those survivors are currently aboard this starship,” added Shiva.

“No shit,” said Keith. “But what’s this ‘fighting fire with fire’ thing?”

“Approximately eighteen years ago, Admiral Niralus Bisel became emotionally and intimately involved with Patient 683,” said Shiva. “To use an analogy, a hormonal phenomenon ignited within his organs, which signaled hers like a satellite. As a result, Nesha Bisel came into existence.”

Jolus glanced at his comrade and whispered, “I think Shiva needs to download a health course on sex.”

“Seriously,” said Keith.

“This newly created specimen can safely be recognized as Patient 684,” continued Shiva. “And if my G-DNA scanning is correct, then I conclude from the amalgamation of the research in Delva’s moon that she is their anticipated perfection.”

Teri stopped twirling in her chair. “So, it failed on adults and children, like me,” she said. “But it was successful on a newborn?”

“Correct, Ms. Breuget,” said Shiva.

“Goodness gracious, don’t call me that,” said Teri, chuckling. “You really need to lighten up, ninja girl.”

“I shall do my best to reduce language formalities,” said Shiva. “Continuing my report, it is absolutely imperative that we replace Nesha Bisel and convince her to help us. She is the only one who can officially terminate Liagon.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t get it,” responded McKenzie. “What’s so important about killing Vignia Corporation’s CEO? The guy’s so cool. He created Vortex. And besides, he hasn’t even done anything to us.”

“Correction,” began Shiva, “Vreffith Larser has not done anything to us yet.”

Rena leaned against the wall. “You think he’s going to retaliate against us because of the experiments?”

“I don’t speculate, Ms. Mar’kett,” said Shiva.

Teri suddenly clapped.

“Why the excitement?” asked Rena, confused.

“Oh, I’m just happy to see that ninja girl is finally adapting and using contractions like the rest of us,” she said.

“Since my modus operandi has officially been disabled, Cosmontric contractions are no longer impossible to use,” said Shiva. “However, it will indubitably take time to adjust.”

Rena chuckled. “Even with the use of contractions, you don’t exactly speak like an ordinary person. But please, do continue, Ms. Shiva.”

“Admiral Bisel performed a background check on Vreffith Larser and was able to replace vital data on a starship he’s been secretly manufacturing via Vignia Corporation: the Apeiron,” said Shiva. “Much of the data remains encrypted. But, from what I’ve successfully decrypted, it seems to be a starship capable of immense destruction. And I can assure you, such technology will not be beneficial for the UEC or IGF. In fact—”

“Wait a minute,” interjected McKenzie. “Vreffith can’t possibly be thinking about launching a full assault on Earth.”

“That is his intention,” said Shiva. “While the Black Moon syndicate attacks the UEC fleets, the Apeiron will most likely appear through a Casimir wormhole and fire a weapon capable of destroying an entire star system; though, by what means, that remains encrypted. Nevertheless, whatever he may be planning to use against Earth will either harm or destroy the human species. It is our mission to stop him. And only Nesha Bisel can do so because she has the same power as Liagon.”

“Nesha,” muttered Rena to herself. “I feel so bad for her.”

“Do you know what she looks like?” asked Keith.

Shiva displayed a holographic image of her in the center of the chamber. “This is an image of Patient 684: Nesha Bisel,” said Shiva. “She’s going to Fen Treydis, which is where we’ll be.”

“Really?” said Keith, gawking at the image. “That’s Nesha Bisel?”

Jolus looked at him and smirked. Rena, on the other hand, kicked him.

“Ouch,” yelped Keith. “What was that for?”

“Don’t be coy with me,” she said. “You’ll not have your way with her.”

Teri giggled. “You tell ’em, Rena!”

“Hey, I’m an artist,” said Keith. “I like to appreciate the art of a woman.”

“Right,” said Rena. “And I’m a musician. You’ve been warned. Or else my gun will produce a symphony you’ve never heard of before.”

“I love guns,” said Keith, grabbing his crotch.

Rena saw the gesture he made and turned slightly red. Keith laughed at her reaction.

“If there are any further inquiries regarding this critical information, you may proceed to ask,” said Shiva.

The crew remained silent.

“Dismissed,” said Shiva.

The crew nodded at her and started to exit the observation deck. Keith continued staring at Nesha’s image, waiting for Rena to leave. After a moment of lingering, he heard Rena say “residential wing” and followed her via the EP. After porting, Keith veered to the catwalk on the right, where Rena went. He entered her room and glanced at her suspiciously.

“What are you doing in my bedroom?” demanded Rena in a tone of enmity. “How dare you enter without my consent! I may have said we no longer have ranks, but I still expect you to act civilized.”

Keith ignored her, pushing her against a wall near the bed.

“What’re you doing?” she asked, taken aback.

He suddenly grabbed her waist and kissed her lips. For a brief moment she let him kiss her. Then she opened her eyes and pushed him away, panting. Her lips turned pale.

“I knew it,” he said.

Teary eyed, she stayed quiet while touching her pale lips.

“No one defeats a vel so easily, especially a woman,” said Keith, frowning. “Then this ridiculous heat while aboard the ship. But more than anything else was the Ripflexer. Not even Jolus is able to lift five hundred pounds.”

“I can’t believe you,” she said. “I thought you really wanted to kiss me.”

“Hell no,” he said with an expression of revulsion. “You’re practically old enough to be my mother. But Nesha…”

Rena shoved him to the floor. “You keep your filthy hands off her!”

“Calm down,” he said. “I wouldn’t hurt her.”

Keith cautiously got to his feet while glaring at Rena who looked furious.

“It doesn’t matter what I am, and I don’t care if you tell the others about me,” she said. “I’m still a part of the UEC. In fact, I’m the highest-ranking officer here. And I’m ordering you to stay away from her.”

“Tch, don’t worry, I’m not a tattletale,” he said. “Your precious secret is safe with me. However, it’s none of your business if Nesha wants me.”

“You’re an arrogant prick,” she said, storming out of her room.

Keith watched her leave and said, “I know.”

He stared at the hatch as it automatically closed. Keith couldn’t care less where she went. Older women weren’t his favorite, though he’d slept with quite a few cougars on Vindor. That nightmare of a planet somehow came into his mind again even though he tried to forget about it. He attempted to think about Nesha. The image he saw of her in the observation deck quelled his despair quickly. Sex was the one and only thing that made him whole again. It was his drug. He thought to himself, all people have an addiction. Teri’s addiction was tinkering. Zar’kara’s was killing people. McKenzie’s was moping. His own addiction was sex. He didn’t care about who the woman was. As long as she was sexy, he was willing to be intimate with her. Continuing to think about Nesha, he raised his eyebrows and smiled.

Back on Earth, Nesha and her girlfriends entered and walked through the new S-37, a burgundy-coated shuttle bound for the famous Fen Treydis located in North America. Hannah led Nesha and Talia to the back. When they reached their seats, Hannah fiddled with a console above the row of seats.

“Great, I uploaded our bags,” said Hannah. “This is so exciting!”

Nesha giggled with Hannah, hugging each other. Talia, meanwhile, took a seat while yawning.

“You’re tired already?” asked Nesha.

Talia glanced at her with a wild expression. “Aren’t you?” she replied. “Those rifting tracks were crazy.”

“Totally, I can’t believe we won,” said Hannah.

Talia nodded, closing her eyes. “Nesha, girl,” she began in a droopy tone, “I don’t know how you did it.”

“Oh, don’t be silly,” said Nesha. “You lasted almost as long as me.”

“Still,” added Talia, “I’m somehow more tired and achy than you.”

“Then get some rest, sleepyhead,” said Hannah, chuckling.

Nesha smiled at Hannah’s comment. “At least we’re the first ones here,” she said. “I bet it’s going to get really crowd—”

“What’re you doing here?” interjected Fatima Sarfati, walking to her seat.

“Oh, Fatima,” said Nesha in an uninviting tone. “Well, hello to you too. I’m just talking to my BFFs before the shuttle leaves. Do you have a problem with that?”

“Humph,” uttered Fatima. She glanced over to Talia and asked, “By the way, who won the tournament?”

“You mean you weren’t there?” responded Hannah, sullen.

Fatima glowered at her. “No, I had more important things to do.”

“We won,” said Nesha, porting the galaxy cup into her hands.

“Huh, I would’ve never guessed,” said Fatima, flinching. “Anyway, I’ve got things to do. Tell Rick I said hi.”

Nesha stared at Fatima in disgust while she walked away.

“What a snot head,” said Hannah.

“‘Tell Rick I said hi?’” scowled Nesha. “I mean, seriously, what a jealous bitch.”

“Forget her,” said Talia, yawning again. “She’s just an attention whore. And you know every girl wishes they could be with him.”

“Even you?” asked Nesha, raising an eyebrow.

“Me?” said Talia. She peeked at Nesha and smirked, seeing her frown. “Nah, girl, he’s too boyish looking. Besides, he can’t handle me.”

“Oh my gosh,” said Hannah. “Hide! It’s Rick!”

Nesha rushed over to the window seat as quickly as she could and slumped down in the seat. Meanwhile, Talia ported a blanket into her hands and put it over Nesha.

“Hi, Rick,” said Hannah.

“Hey there,” said Rick. “Fatima told me she saw Nesha here. Is it true?”

“Oh,” said Hannah, “she was just talking to us before the shuttle leaves.”

Rick looked disappointed. “I see,” he said. “That’s too bad. I really wanted to see her before leaving.”

“Can’t you call her with your UND?” asked Talia.

“No,” said Rick depressingly. “Nesha’s father put a block on her UND. Mine won’t reach her anymore.”

“Ah, I forgot about that,” said Talia. “Well—”

“I’m sorry,” interrupted Rick. “I’m such an idiot. I can’t believe I forgot to say this: Congratulations!”

“Why, thank you,” said Hannah, smiling.

Talia gave Rick a thumbs up. “Thanks to Nesha.”

“She is really amazing,” said Rick. “I guess I’ll just have to wait until I come back from the trip to see her.”

“Are you going to be on this shuttle?” asked Hannah.

“No,” said Rick. “I’m actually on the same one Driss is on.” He pointed at a window across from them, through which they could see another shuttle. “I think it’s the S-36.”

“So, that’s where the loser went,” said Talia.

Rick laughed. “Yeah, I actually just saw him. He was giving out tons of autographs to children. Funny guy.”

“That numskull’s so full of himself,” said Talia gruffly. “He didn’t even make it to the fourth track. But—” She gave out a sigh of relief and added, “At least he knows his place and isn’t asking girls out.”

They chuckled while other students started boarding the shuttle.

“Well,” began Rick, glancing at the other students, “I should get going. I think we’re leaving soon.”

“Cool,” said Talia. “I guess we’ll see you in Nirvana then.”

“Yeah,” said Rick, grinning. “Have fun, girls. And please, if Nesha calls you, tell her I love her.”

Nesha blushed, hiding beneath the blanket.

“We will,” said Talia.

“Bye!” said Hannah, waving.

Rick waved back and then exited the shuttle.

“The coast is clear,” said Talia.

“He said it again,” whispered Nesha dreamily, coming out from hiding. “Rick said he loves me.”

“Calm down, girl,” said Talia. “You’re gonna have a titty attack.”

“No,” said Nesha, giggling softly. “I’m just happy.”

“My three gorgeous pumpkins!” exclaimed Mrs. Rozilio, approaching the back of the shuttle with her arms wide open.

“Hi, Mrs. Rozilio,” said Hannah, giving her professor a hug.

“Let me see it,” said Mrs. Rozilio anxiously. Nesha passed the galaxy cup over to Talia who then gently handed it over to her professor. “I’m so proud of the three of you. In fact, don’t worry about the final paper. Think of it as a gift for winning us the championship.”

The trio suddenly became excited and continuously thanked Mrs. Rozilio. For the first time, Talia gave her professor a hug.

“This is going to be the best vacation ever,” said Talia.

“Well, you girls deserve it,” said Mrs. Rozilio.

“I’m so happy to be here,” said Nesha.

“I have to admit, your father really surprised me with that approval slip, Nesha,” said Mrs. Rozilio. “But honestly, I think you deserve to be here more than most students. You’ve never received a grade lower than S.”

“Thanks, Professor,” said Nesha. “That really means a lot to me.”

Mrs. Rozilio smiled. “It’s true. You’re the one who did all the hard work.” She gently handed the galaxy cup back to Nesha and checked her watch. “Well, we should be leaving in a few minutes. Hannah, dear, would you mind taking a seat?”

“Not at all,” said Hannah, sitting down between her friends.

“The flight shouldn’t be more than seven hours,” said Mrs. Rozilio. “And, to be honest, this’ll be my first trip to North America. You can be sure that I’ll be visiting every museum and art gallery in Fen Treydis.”

“That’s wonderful,” said Hannah.

“Isn’t it?” said Mrs. Rozilio happily, walking away. “I’ll be in the front. Call me if you need anything.”

Nesha and her girlfriends nodded and then glanced at one another excitedly while their professor took a seat. More students were boarding the S-37, waving at the Galaxy Girls. After the students boarded the shuttle, its hatchway sealed.

“I wonder if we’re finally leaving,” said Talia, trying to fall asleep.

“Attention,” announced the pilot. “This is your captain speaking: MK089. I have clearance to disengage from the intergalactic starport. Please remain seated during the flight unless you feel that it is imperative to use a lavatory.”

Nesha chuckled at the android’s formality.

“We shall arrive at Fen Treydis in approximately six hours, thirty-three minutes, sixteen seconds, and one millisecond,” continued the pilot. “Until then, we hope you enjoy your stay on the Intergalactic Federation’s finest shuttle: S-37.”

Both shuttles gradually disengaged from their ports and launched into Earth’s sky. Nesha watched Morocco and Stade Al Boussadin fade away. In a way she felt sad. It was strange, she thought. All this time she’d been wanting to leave, and yet now that she was finally traveling to an exciting place she started feeling homesick. Little by little, the rift stadium vanished with only clouds in sight. Not more than a minute later, Nesha yawned. That’s when she realized the sun was about to set. She suddenly felt as tired as Talia.

“This is your first time on a shuttle, right?” asked Hannah.

“Yeah,” replied Nesha, staring at the window.

Hannah glanced at the window too and added, “It always amazes me how we’re able to fly.”

“It amazes me you care,” muttered Talia, her eyes closed.

Nesha chuckled. “It’s not a cup of tea for me to understand how people invented this, but I guess that’s why you’re going to be a ship designer.”

“I can hardly wait,” said Hannah, relieved. “For the first time, I feel like I’m in complete control of my life.”

“I’m really happy for you,” said Nesha.

“Thanks,” said Hannah. “But, um, how about you?”

Nesha kept staring at the window and answered, “Sometimes I get this strange feeling that I’m meant for so much more. I just don’t know what it is. It frightens me and yet it excites me. Weird, right?”

“No, it’s not weird,” said Hannah. “In fact, I really think it’s neat that you see it that way. You always make Higher Education seem so exciting. Right, T?”

Talia was faintly snoring.

“No,” replied Nesha, shaking her head. “I don’t mean Higher Education. I mean, it feels dreamy...as if this dream of mine has a soul of its own, reaching out to me. And somewhere out there in the universe it’s waiting for me to replace it.”

Hannah giggled. “I think you should be a writer,” she said. “You sound so poetic right now.”

“Maybe.”

Nesha continued to stare at Earth’s darkening sky. The stars shimmered. They were like magical portals to her. Each star had its own story, she thought; and one of them was calling out to her. She didn’t know which star it was, but it sparkled out there somewhere. Nesha yawned, feeling even more tired. She could barely see any clouds from her windowpane. She eventually closed her eyes and then fell asleep.

In the meantime, Vreffith approached his shuttle, which read Vignia Corporation along its hull. The shuttle’s door lifted upward, a small staircase lowering for him. He climbed it and entered the craft.

“Shall I disengage from the port, sir?” asked the android pilot.

“Yes, do it now,” said Vreffith, walking to the back of the shuttle.

The android sealed the shuttle’s hatch and activated the engine while Vreffith settled down in his private quarters. He activated a miniature computer on his desk and attempted to look up Nesha Bisel’s dossier but couldn’t replace any files on her.

“Damn you,” he said to himself, slamming his fist against the desk. “It doesn’t matter anymore, Niralus. I’ve found your precious daughter, and I know where she’s going.”

Clicking his UND, he established a vidlink with Zoris who remained seated in his command chair aboard Heidegger.

“I’ve been trying to contact you all day,” said Zoris.

“I’m sure you have,” said Vreffith, sneering at him. “But I blocked you and everyone else from my UND because of the tournament. Have you already forgotten I was representing Vortex, or did you think that I’d want to turn myself in by speaking to you next to the president?”

“I forgot,” said Zoris. “Well, I did as you asked.”

“And?”

“They’re entering Earth’s atmosphere,” replied Zoris. “But I don’t know where exactly they’re traveling to. Be very careful, Vreffith. Maybe they have some evidence against you and decided to turn it in at the UEC headquarters.”

Vreffith shook his head. “That’s not it,” he said. “As it turns out, Vortzshmald’s research wasn’t in vain after all. Niralus took the bait without even realizing it. Or perhaps he did that on purpose? Either way, it’s too late for him to regret it. It’s also too late for Shiva to stop me.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said Zoris.

“Niralus Bisel’s wife was another patient in Delva’s moon,” clarified Vreffith. “But the dossier you gave me showed no offspring. Bisel must have encrypted her files from the UEC so no one could replace out about the covert experiments. However, what’s more interesting is that Shiva seems to be looking for her. And I have a feeling as to why.”

Zoris grinned. “Is this where I come in?”

“Not yet,” said Vreffith. “I want you to maintain your position unless Shiva manages to get her and leaves the planet. If that happens, which I’m very confident it won’t, follow Shiva’s ship and destroy it when you’re away from Earth.”

“You’re not going to interfere, are you?”

“Of course not,” said Vreffith with a frown. “I have a much better idea. I want you to release Heidegger’s AI—Marutas—and transfer it to my pilot: V203.”

Zoris began, “But if we do that our ship’s precision—”

“I couldn’t care less about Heidegger,” said Vreffith curtly. “What I do care about is that there’s an AI on the loose looking for Bisel’s daughter. This’ll only work by sending another AI to kidnap her. If both of them meet face to face, all the better. It’ll simply alert the UEC.”

“Then the Tenth Fleet will have to answer for their crimes,” said Zoris.

“Precisely.”

“All right,” said Zoris. “I’ll release Marutas and transfer him to V203.”

“Excellent,” said Vreffith, ending the vidlink. He remained still for a moment and then turned on his shuttle’s intercom. “V203, activate autopilot and come to my quarters.”

“Affirmative,” replied V203. “Autopilot initiated. I am on my way, sir.”

Upon entering the room, the android halted, twitched, and then sat down on the armchair opposite Vreffith.

“I imagine by now that you are no longer V203,” said Vreffith.

Without so much as a nod, Marutas replied, “Are you aware that deactivating my modus operandi is illegal? Moreover, that I can kill you and take this ship if it suited me?”

“Only if I was human,” said Vreffith. “But that scrap-metal brain of yours knows well enough that I’m not human, so cut the bullshit and listen up. I’m sending a G-DNA sample to your UND. I want you to download it into your circuits and use it. I’ll leave you at Corselos’ starport. After you’re there, you are to go on a continental shuttle bound for Fen Treydis in old America and replace Nesha Bisel. Decrypt whatever files you need on the GT and bring her to me, dead or alive. However, I must warn you—”

“Warn me?” interjected Marutas.

“Yes,” said Vreffith. “There’s another AI on the loose. Its name is Shiva. She’s also trying to replace Nesha. If you should come into contact with Shiva, destroy her.”

“Affirmative,” said Marutas.

He downloaded the G-DNA sample that Vreffith had sent him and turned his molecular form into Malcolm Renfred.

Vreffith thought to himself, it was too late for him to turn back now. He wasn’t going to be the hero that the UEC wished for or the psychotic villain Zoris wanted him to be; he was out for himself. His desire for vengeance was finally within reach. No one could possibly understand him, Vreffith conceded, but he no longer cared. He brought his hands together while smiling and felt more than confident that his plan would supersede Shiva’s scheme.

In the meantime, the S-37 started to approach Fen Treydis. Nesha was sleeping while all the other students in the shuttle gazed at the colony with excitement.

“Nesha,” said Hannah, poking her. “Nesha!”

“Uh?” uttered Nesha in a groggy tone. She woke up and slowly opened her eyes. “What happened?”

“Look,” said Hannah, pointing at the window.

Nesha saw Fen Treydis, a hovering colony identical to Manhattan. Fen Treydis’ glass-structured skyscrapers glittered with lights. The skyscrapers were mostly coated silver, black, and cordovan. Fen Treydis even had a new World Trade Center. It gleamed and soared just as high as the archaic twin towers that had been destroyed several centuries ago by a crazed terrorist attack, which was caused by humans. But that occurred long ago—at the dawn of the twenty-first century—when humans were still separated rather than united, thought Nesha. She smiled at the dazzling sight from her window and also saw the new Empire State Building.

She could hardly believe what stood before her eyes. Nesha thought, being in the rifting tournament was amazing, but it was nothing compared to this. The planets and landscapes she had visited via Vortex’s game were simply virtual reality. As real as they had looked, the fact remained that they were not real. But this was real, she conceded. Nesha had finally made it to Fen Treydis with her girlfriends. All she needed now was Rick by her side. Then her trip would be perfect.

“It’s gorgeous,” said Nesha.

“They say it’s almost identical to the Manhattan slums,” said Hannah. “Or at least before it became the slums.”

“If that’s the case, then why not just call it New Manhattan?” asked Nesha.

“Some people do,” said Talia. “Like me.”

“But,” continued Hannah, “for political reasons, the UEC wanted to give it an official name that represented something new and different. Hence, Fen Treydis.”

“It kind of sounds like a trading city,” said Nesha.

“Yeap, you’re right,” said Hannah. “It was done intentionally. Each race in the IGF has their own trading district in Wall Street.”

“Neat,” said Nesha, continuing to look at the hovering city.

“Who cares about that when they have nightlife like Nirvana,” said Talia.

“And actual clothing shops,” added Hannah. “I can’t believe the government actually funds them and didn’t shut them down into the GT.”

“Then what fun would Manhattan be?” said Nesha.

“No fun at all,” said Talia.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” announced MK089. “We are approaching our destination. Please remain seated until prompted to do otherwise. The estimated time of arrival is approximately three minutes, fourteen seconds, and fifty milliseconds.”

“Do androids always say milliseconds?” inquired Nesha, laughing. “It’s so silly.”

Hannah shrugged. “It’s just a part of their programming, I guess.”

“Whoa,” added Nesha, glancing at the window. “What’s going on?”

“Oh, all those vehicles hovering around the city?” said Talia. “That’s right, I forgot to tell you. It’s legal for people in Manhattan to fly them.”

“That’s crazy,” said Nesha in disbelief. “It’s like a gazillion twisters going all over the place.”

“I know, right?” said Hannah, chuckling.

“I told you this is the coolest place,” said Talia. “Here in Manhattan you can do anything you want. It’s even more carefree than Ubieria.”

Both shuttles flew over the hectic trading districts of Fen Treydis and reached the UEC’s intergalactic starport. Before entering a tourist dock, the S-37 and S-36 hovered by a gate until the UEC clearance light turned blue. Then the ships gradually descended and landed on dock V22, which was for tourists. Upon landing, the engine propulsions ceased and the hatchways opened.

“Ladies and gentleman,” announced MK089, “we have arrived at our destination: Fen Treydis. Please remember to transfer your long-term cargo back into your UND and upload it to your hotel dormitory. Have a safe and pleasant time and thank you for riding on the Intergalactic Federation’s shuttle: S-37.”

“Okay, everyone,” said Mrs. Rozilio. “You heard him. Get all your bags from the cargo console and wait for me outside.”

“Mrs. Rozilio, what about the others on the S-36?” asked Hannah.

“Don’t worry, honey,” replied Mrs. Rozilio. “My husband is with them.”

“Okay,” said Hannah gleefully, turning her attention back to her friends.

“They should really make our UNDs permanently hold as much as a UEC officer does,” said Nesha, transferring her luggage via her seat’s kiosk.

“That would be cool,” said Talia.

“You should see my dad’s UND,” said Nesha. “Because he’s an admiral, it has like three hundred galactic bytes.”

“Really?” said Hannah in a squeaky tone. “Mine is only nine.”

“Same here,” said Talia. “And most of it is filled with music.”

“Oh well,” said Nesha, transferring her luggage from the shuttle back to her UND’s long-term memory bank. “I guess we’ll just have to settle with what we have.”

“All right, girls,” said Mrs. Rozilio. “Now I know Talia has paid to stay at an independent hotel and that you’ll be with her, but I want a promise.”

“We promise to be careful and watch over each other,” said Nesha.

“Great,” said Mrs. Rozilio, smiling. “Have fun, girls. And call me on your UND if you need anything.”

“Bye, Mrs. Rozilio,” said Hannah and Nesha in chorus, waving.

“See you in a few days,” said Talia.

Mrs. Rozilio waved back, waiting for the rest of the students to leave the vessel. A bus was parked outside, students entering it. Once they stepped inside, the vehicle’s door closed. Then it drove toward Fen Treydis’ main road.

“Okay,” said Hannah. “They’re gone.”

“You and your plans to surprise Rick,” said Talia, rolling her eyes.

“It’ll be fun!” said Nesha anxiously. “We can take the monorail. I’ve never been on one before. And besides, the others are traveling to a different hotel.”

When the trio got off the shuttle they bumped into Mrs. Rozilio again.

“My oh my,” said Mrs. Rozilio. “Still here, girls?”

“Sorry, Professor,” said Talia, trying to come up with an excuse. “It’s just that the monorail goes straight to our hotel.”

“I’m only teasing you,” said Mrs. Rozilio, chuckling. “My husband is on the Midnight Escape bus with everybody else while I check to make sure no one forgot anything. You never know, right?”

“How thoughtful of you,” said Hannah.

“Yes, I try to be,” said Mrs. Rozilio. “Now, off you go! Be careful on your way to the hotel. And do have fun!”

“We will,” said Talia, winking.

The trio waved one more time to their teacher and walked across the starport’s platform. They saw an EP ahead. Upon entering it, they ported to the starport’s upper platform, which was a glass-structured station for monorails.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Nesha.

“The monorail is really nice,” said Hannah.

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” said Talia, porting out a cigarette via her UND. “Not many cities have them. But if I knew Manhattan better, I’d rift instead.”

“I’d rift anywhere if I could,” said Nesha.

“Look!” said Hannah, staring at the railway. “It’s coming.”

The arsenic-coated monorail approached as silently as the wind. Since this was the last stop, all passengers got off. Nesha, Hannah, and Talia went inside the closest tramcar and waited for a little while, staring at the starry night.

“I didn’t think we could see the stars from here,” said Nesha.

“Not from the slums,” said Talia, blowing smoke out of her mouth. “There’s too much pollution down there.” Not a second later, Talia’s cigarette vanished. “What the hell?”

“Apologies, Ms. Yilfrah,” began the monorail’s AI, “but smoking is not permitted on board. You may, however, reinitialize your effluence after you depart.”

Nesha and Hannah couldn’t help but laugh at Talia’s bewildered state.

“The coolest place, huh?” said Nesha.

Talia rolled her eyes. “Keep laughing it up.”

“I wonder how long it’ll take for us to get over to the Doridian Sky Verse,” said Hannah, looking at a map on the monorail’s wall.

“Approximately five minutes, Ms. Fandel,” answered the AI.

“Whoa,” said Nesha. “You know our names and everything.”

“That is correct, Ms. Bisel,” said the AI. “Voice signature is more than enough to identify any and all personnel. In addition, tourists are allowed one express stop. Is the Doridian Sky Verse your chosen destination?”

“Yes, it is,” said Nesha.

“Very well,” said the AI. “I hope you enjoy your stay at Fen Treydis, Ms. Bisel. And thank you for riding United Earth Command’s monorail.”

Shortly after the sliding doors closed, the monorail motioned along its light-glittering track. It left the UEC starport and crossed above an artificial ocean where a statue of a woman stood. She had an urna on her forehead and wore a stola with a majestic crown while holding a torch.

“Do you see that?” said Hannah. “It’s the new Statue of Liberty.”

“Amazing,” said Nesha.

“We should go there tomorrow,” said Talia. “But first we’re shopping.”

Nesha and Hannah agreed excitedly as the monorail reached the west side of Fen Treydis, which hovered directly above ancient Manhattan’s slums. There were hardly any vehicles flying past the monorail, except one continental shuttle.

The IGF shuttle flew over the monorail, toward the UEC’s intergalactic starport. Marutas was on that very shuttle. After it landed, he disembarked and approached the S-37. He wore the same kind of clothes Malcolm Renfred would normally wear: a black suit with a long trench coat and fedora.

“Detective Renfred?” said Mrs. Rozilio. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“Good evening, madam,” said Marutas stiffly. “I am looking for Admiral Niralus Bisel’s offspring: Nesha Bisel. From my databank you appear to be her professor. Would you happen to know where she currently resides?”

“Oh, is something wrong, detective?” asked Mrs. Rozilio.

Marutas twitched. “Not yet, madam,” he said. “Her father, Admiral Niralus Bisel, simply ordered me to check on her to see if she made it here alive.”

“Of course she did,” said Mrs. Rozilio, chuckling. “But how silly of me. This is Niralus we’re talking about. He has always been strict with Nesha. Well, let’s see...I don’t know where she’ll be staying. But, she’s with her best friend, Talia Yilfrah, and I remember her saying how much she was looking forward to visiting Nirvana. They say it’s a paradise there.”

“Excellent,” replied Marutas, turning away. “Thank you for your time.”

“Anytime, dear,” replied Mrs. Rozilio. “It’s always a pleasure to help the UEC’s finest detective. By the way, if you would like, I can contact Nesha to let her know you’re looking for her.”

Marutas came to a sudden halt. He observed the docking bay and initiated his scanner, registering only himself and Mrs. Rozilio.

“It is fascinating that you said Nirvana is like a paradise,” said Marutas. “I have always wanted to visit there myself. Maybe you would like to as well?” He activated his invisible FG-600, firing its beam directly at Mrs. Rozilio. She melted before she could even shriek. “As for Nesha Bisel, I would prefer to surprise her.”