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【Vision of an Alternate Future】

Arc 2: Return of the Crystal Guardians

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【VAF】Chapter║: 36 ─ Communion

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While Naole Communes with the Spirit Stone Commander Isan and Aurora meet with Commander Elrig.

Isan : " Welcome Commander!"

Cmd-Elrig : " Thank you! Will Naole be joining us?"

Aurora : " No! Naole is in Communion with the fragment of the Spirit Stone, and the process could take many hours as the Spirit Stone brings his knowledge and his Armour up to current standards"

Cmd-Elrig: " We never expected to find any Crystalans still alive in the Inter-Dimensional Pocket! How many of you are there?"

Isan : " We've brought 100000 Crystalans with us; there are 7.56 Billion Crystalans in stasis on Crystalorb!"

Aurora : " We lost 1.16264 Billion Crystalans during the Migon attack and its aftermath! When Crystalorb moved into the Inter-Dimensional Pocket all the ships sucked in crushed on Crystalorb, but the Spirit Stone was able to retard the impact of the Crystalan Ships and Crystalorb Ships. The impacts of the 10083 Migon BattleSpheres could not be mitigated, and while it killed most of the Migon there were some battles in the wake of the impacts. The Crystalorb General Council and Crystalorb Council of Elders decided to put Crystalans in stasis to conserve energy; leaving all 429 Crystalans with Red Chest Crystals, 5000 Crystalans with Gold Chest Crystals and 5000 Crystalans with Clear Chest Crystals to repair and maintain Crystalorb infrastructure. The Crystalan Ships and Crystalorb Ships are kept inactive in a kind of stasis to conserve energy."

Isan : " There are now 1.043 Billion Crystalans active on Crystalorb!"

Cmd-Elrig : " Where did the Green Chest Crystals come from? How many are there?"

Aurora : " The impacts of the Migon BattleSpheres and subsequent explosions created Inverted Concussion Waves! Most of those in close proximity to the Inverted Concussion Waves were killed, but those with Red Chest Crystals survived due to the reactive nature of the Red Chest Crystals. However since some of those with Red Chest Crystals are descended from Naole they also have some Blue Crystals, but the Blue Crystals are even more reactive, and so all the Blue Crystals in the bodies of Crystalans with Red Chest Crystals changed and became Green Crystals. It was not until a thousand years later that the first person with a Green Chest Crystal was born; Galen Olen. Today there are only 4 Crystalans with Green Chest Crystals; all descendents of Galen”

Cmd-Elrig : " Inverted Concussion Waves? And how long has it been for you?"

Isan : " In the Inter-Dimensional Pocket energy can't escape into space, and the Inter-Dimensional forces pushed the explosive energies upon themselves causing what we call Inverted Concussion. We've calculated the time dilation factor to be 22.9, so for us it has been 3503.7 years since Crystalorb moved into the Inter-Dimensional Pocket. We were very surprised when we realised that it had only been 153 years in normal space, and it was not until Naole opened the door that we realised that there was a time dilation factor of 22.9,"

Cmd-Elrig : " How did you know what to do when Naole opened the door?"

Aurora : " Now that was a little tricky! The wormhole would have been open for only 400 seconds on your end, but it was open for 9160 seconds at our end, and so we had 2.544 hours to; Interpret the message, put together a plan and respond. Since the energy that opened the wormhole resonated with Cobalt we chose him to be the vessel for the fragment of the Spirit Stone."

Cmd-Elrig : " Interpret the message?"

Isan : " There was some distortion due to the effects of time dilation!"

Cmd-Elrig: " How much energy do you need to bring all of Crystalorb out of the Inter-Dimensional Pocket?"

Aurora : " We've calculated the energy requirements to be the output of 100 stars the size of Earth's sun for 300 Standard Earth Days!"

Isan : " The energy requirement is extensive, but not prohibitive!"

Cmd-Elrig : " What are your plans?"

Aurora : " The plans are still being formulated, and we are yet to incorporate Naole's input, but as of now we are looking at the construction of 3000 Fusion reactors."

Isan : " We are hoping that the Entig Republic as the Crystalorb Commonwealth's battle partner would provide a secure location for us to operate!"

Cmd-Elrig: " As Crystalorb's battle partner we will help you in any way we can. Will you be in need of a Planet?"

Isan : " No! We plan to build the 3000 Fusion reactors as a cluster forming a sphere."

Cmd-Elrig : " Then you can build here in this system!"

Aurora : " That works for us!"

Cmd-Elrig : " Will you be needing anything else?"

Isan : " Minerals!"

Aurora : " We've only brought two Juveniles, and that's hardly enough to support the kind of project we plan to undertake."

Cmd-Elrig : " We will make arrangements."

Isan : " Thank you!"

Commander Elrig leaves Cobalt; Naole is still in a trance as he continues to Commune with the Spirit Stone.

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Aurora, Bruce and Atola go to the Energy storage centre to check on Naole. It had been 48 hours since Naole started his Communion with the Spirit Stone.

Capt-Atola : " He hasn't moved for 2 days, is he Ok?"

Aurora : " He's fine!"

Bruce : " What's the Spirit Stone doing to him?"

Aurora : " Naole is a unique type of Crystalan, and most of what Crystalans have become over the past 4000 years has been as a result of studying his physiology."

Capt-Atola : " Like the Crystalorb Network?"

Aurora : " Yes! You two are now part of the Crystalorb Network, and have access to vast amounts of Crystalorb Knowledge. The Crystalorb Network was developed by studying Naole's interaction with the Crystalan Ship Indigo. Naole can store more information than any Crystalan on record, but the most amazing part of his ability is that he's able to understand and use the information within him."

Bruce : " I had my doubts about him, but when I saw him show compassion to a dying Circlean I realized that Naole is a very special individual."

Aurora : " And I almost killed him!"

Capt-Atola : " How is it that you're stronger than Naole?"

Aurora : " I'm not stronger than Naole; I just had better Crystal Armour!"

Bruce : " Wasn't Naole's Crystal Armour developed to incorporate O'ltana technology? What's 3800 years compared to a million years of development?"

Aurora : " In the Inter-Dimensional Pocket there isn't much use for warriors, so most Crystalans spend most of their time in the Research and Engineering role, but we've maintained an active force for the day we found a way back. Naole's Crystal Armour incorporates O'ltana technology, but current Crystal Armour incorporates O'ltana, Entig, Carmak and Andronian technology. Therefore 3503.7 years of Research and Engineering has allowed for a more refined integration of these technologies."

Aurora continues to explain as they leave Naole to continue the process of updating his knowledge.

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72 hours had passed since Naole started his Communion with the Spirit Stone, and the process was about to be completed. The Crystalorb senior staff was in a video conference with Commander Elrig to give an update on their activities.

Commander Elrig is speaking in response to statements by Commander Isan.

Cmd-Elrig: " Believe me, we understand your desire to start construction immediately, but construction can't begin until all security elements are in place. The Entig Collective Leadership still needs to approve the hand over of an Entig Republic System to the Crystalorb Commonwealth."

DCmd-Isan : " I thought you said that we could use the Nilrig system?"

Cmd-Elrig: " The residents of the Nilrig system have refused to allow you to use their system. They are still complaining about the 1.12km diameter Crystal Sphere that crashed on Nilrig"

Aurora : " The Crystal Sphere did not cause any damage!"

Cmd-Elrig: " That's not the point; the residents of the Nilrig system believe that Crystalorb's presence will put them at risk for attack."

DCmd-Isan : " Then where should we go?"

Cmd-Elrig: " We've selected one of our systems near the border with Andronian Space. The Entig Collective Leadership has decided that the Entig Republic should officially hand over system ER621 and the 3 Surrounding Stellar Systems to the Crystalorb Commonwealth" Images of system ER621 appear on the screens "The Star has a single gas Giant in orbit, and while there are several iced moons in orbit around the gas Giant none are habitable because of the cold. It's not perfect, but it would securely serve your purposes."

Aurora : " What exactly do you mean by officially hand over system ER621 and the 3 Surrounding Stellar Systems to the Crystalorb Commonwealth?"

Cmd-Elrig: " Article 24 of the partnership agreement between the Entig Republic and the Crystalorb Commonwealth clearly states that in the event of a catastrophic emergency to one party, the other party will provide a secure system for resettlement. Since you say you don't need a planet system ER621 is perfect. System ER621 will officially become territory of the Crystalorb Commonwealth."

DCmd-Isan : " What do the Andronians say about this?"

Cmd-Elrig: " They have no problems with this! And because of our partnership agreement Crystalorb Commonwealth Ships will be able to freely move in and out of Entig Republic Space."

DCmd-Isan : " What about …?”

Aurora : " Excuse me Commanders?" Aurora interrupts the Deputy Guardian Commander "I must leave."

DCmd-Isan : " What is it?"

Aurora : " Naole's Communion with the Spirit Stone is almost complete, he wants to see me."

DCmd-Isan : " Are you sure?"

Aurora : " Yes! I can hear him in my thoughts, and in my Heart!"

Cmd-Elrig : " Good! We must hear from Naole"

DCmd-Isan : " We will proceed without you then."

Aurora : " Understood!"

Aurora leaves to go meet Naole.

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When Aurora arrives at the Energy storage centre where Naole Communes with the Spirit Stone she realises that a small crowd had already gathered. Some of the senior staff in the video conference with Commander Elrig had sent word that Naole was now ready, and that information spread through the Crystalorb Network, resulting in the small crowd that had gathered to see a fully updated Naole.

Everyone looks on as Naole is released by the Spirit Stone.

Aurora : " Naole!"

Naole : " Aurora!" Naole reaches out to Aurora with his left hand "My Treasure!"

Aurora : " My Treasure!" She takes his hand, and Aurora embraces Naole "My Love!"

Naole and Aurora share tender kisses as they embrace each other for a few minutes. As they embrace the Chest Crystals of Naole and Aurora exchange energies, and there is an electrical discharge that everyone can see, but the people who have gathered continue to look on.

Naole : " Marry me?" speaking as their lips unlock

Aurora : " Yes!" answering instinctively

Naole : " Yes?"

Aurora : " Absolutely!" smiling

Naole : " Two days?"

Aurora : " Yes!" smiling "Two days?"

Naole : " Yeah!"

Then Naole realises that there is a crowd around them, and he looks at the crowd.

Aurora : " There are high expectations you know?"

Naole : " What do they expect me to do?"

Aurora : " To most of them you are Part Myth, Part legend! Say something!"

Naole : " What?"

Aurora : " You are the only Guardian with experience in this environment; Crystalans naturally look to you to lead the way."

Naole : " Ok!" Naole faces the crowd "In my day there was never any question as to who leads Crystalorb and the Council of Elders were always firmly in Leadership! However the current situation demands that the present Guardians collectively lead the way, and as a Guardian I will do my part. I'm a Knowledge Guardian, a preserver of the light of Knowledge, a guide of sorts. My role will be to guide all of you as you make your long awaited return to your natural place in the Galaxy. The Galaxy is a very dangerous place for Crystalans, but fortunately we have very powerful friends who have worked tirelessly to protect us. A time is coming when Crystalans will have to return that service, and I hope that all of you will show our friends the same courage and determination they have shown for us. As Crystalans you have a right to know what the Guardians are planning, and I promise you that once we reach consensus we will share with you our plans, but for the moment I need you to focus on your duties, and be ready."

The crowd cheers as Naole and Aurora begin to leave the Energy storage centre. Naole is delayed by the crowd as they all want to interact with him. Aurora sees Atola and Bruce in the crowd and goes to them.

Capt-Atola : " My records say that Naole was never very popular with Crystalans. Respected, but not necessarily liked, or loved?"

Aurora : " Previous generations of Crystalans never understood him; they never understood how important he is."

Bruce : " These Crystalans like him though! About that; you two are getting married?"

Aurora : " Yeah!"

Capt-Atola : " So quickly? What about getting to know each other?"

Aurora : " Crystalans don't waist time in these matters."

Bruce : " But you've only spent a few hours together?"

Aurora : " I have waited my entire life to feel about another person the way I feel about Naole. We've been in constant telepathic contact with each other since we bonded. I've felt him grow as he continued his Communion with the Spirit Stone."

Capt-Atola : " Grow how?"

Aurora : " It's difficult to explain, but I'm sure you've realised Naole isn't like other Crystalans!"

Capt-Atola : " Yes!"

Bruce : " A lot like you! Your Green Chest Crystal is a darker shade than the others, and if I had to guess I’d say you weigh somewhere in the region of 11 Metric Tons."

Capt-Atola : " Naole was 8 Metric Tons before but now he’s somewhere in the region of 12.5 Metric Tons”

Bruce : " Every Crystalan here has an incredibly Dense Physiology; I can’t find anyone who weighs less than 4 Metric Tons!"

Aurora : " Crystalan are evolving a Dense Physiology; I suppose the comparison could be made! I was born as a result of an initial instability in my mother's Green Crystals. My mother died giving birth to me; she sacrificed herself for me! My brother Omnala was born 200 years later; by my father's second wife."

Capt-Atola : " So you are like Naole!"

Aurora : " Similar, yes! But not the same"

Bruce : " How so?"

Aurora : " Naole died, and was reborn Immortal! Naole possesses the ability to reformat all the Crystals in his body to incorporate technological and Evolutionary progress."

Capt-Atola : " The similarities are undeniable!"

Bruce : " The parallels obvious!"

Naole approaches and takes Aurora's hand.

Aurora : " There are Parallels!"

Naole : " The similarities are self evident!"

Capt-Atola : " What now?"

Naole : " First I must meet with the other Guardians; Give my input. Atola; you must attend, and observe."

Capt-Atola : " Isn't this a meeting of Guardians?"

Aurora : " As Naole's Apprentice Guardian you can attend and observe!"

Bruce : " What about me?"

Naole : " And for my second Apprentice Guardian I have a mission in mind." he puts his hand on Bruce's left shoulder "I want you to return to the AFS Nala D2586L, and I want you to explain to the crew and to the Velrovians that I'm placing them in stasis on Nilrig for their own safety. Tell the Velrovians that only Seltha will be coming with me for the next part of the journey."

Bruce : " On your Command!" He leaves the group

Capt-Atola : " He doesn't question Orders anymore does he?" looking at Bruce as he walks away "It was kind of fun having to fight him on every issue."

Aurora : " That's because you haven't learnt how to openly express what is in your heart."

Capt-Atola : " How did you … ?" stopping herself "I guess I shouldn’t be surprised!"

Naole : " Oh! You have much to learn my young Apprentice!"

Aurora laughs as Naole continues to tease Atola about her undeclared feelings for Bruce, and all three walk to the video conference with Commander Elrig of the Entig Republic.

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