The Uplift Protocol: In the Beginning

An Introduction:

I love superheroes. I love space opera. I miss the optimism of looking up into the night sky and wondering about the cosmos. I mainly wrote this series to give voice to that sense of wonder and fun that I love about science fiction. Babylon 5 might have been the spark but a whole lot of people kept feeding my love of space. Along with what the older styles of Superman brought to the table: Something to look up to. To push for. To care about something. To me, the ideal versions of Supes on-screen were Christopher Reeve and Dean Cain. They brought out the sense of good and decency within the Man of Steel that I love even today. As for the comics, I might have started with the Byrne Era but there was so much to discover. To Rebirth. Like Tomasi said in that final trade he did, “Nothing gold can stay.” Well, for this series, I can control that aspect much better. The gold will stay and the heroes will win. Because of fun. For anyone who picks up this series, I hope you enjoy it, I know I loved writing it.

The Golden Redeemers are a fully formed team but what new challenges await them while protecting Earth, Area 51 and Beyond?!

What machinations do Unity and Thoth have on the Pale Blue Dot floating out in the Black?!

A demis work is never done. Will the Uplift Protocol spell doom for Humanity or will they rise above it to become the heralds of tomorrow?

Prologue

Within the Heart of the Ouroboros Chain

Unix Seed Cradle

Date: 0 AFC

A soft voice called, its tone indicating concern for its creator, “Scholar, the Betrayers have gained access to half of the Key, initiate purge?”

Di’axi, the Lead Scholar of the Infinite, raised the omi-set over his shoulders. The various ocular screens went dark for a moment. His eyes watered as the device keyed in on the brilliance of multi-dimensional color. There. A convergence, a beacon of hope, one last duty before Ascension. His voice- paper-thin, raspy with age- invoked the incantation, “The Last Bastion, the Last Call, the Final Curtain, hear our Refrain, Defenders of the Ouroboros Chain, the last Link to Fall. Transport ///|||\\\ Key. Activate Reset Protocol: Cradle.”

A wish was cast out to the infinite. Di’axi, endowed with the wisdom of the eternal, prayed that the caretakers of the next age will find the ones who will turn the key. Contain the Calamity. Reveal the Betrayers, the ones with Pitiless Eyes, endless ambition, filled with boundless logic. The very fabric of reality bent and twisted, reforming, rebuilding, as the last Guardians of Olam transcended the 3rd Dimension. Becoming more but never forgetting the Children left to gather up the pieces. A bridge will be formed. Life was an unquantifiable connection. All things will be reborn with time. The balance must be maintained.

This was the event that would change the rest of the ages to come.

What Earthers would eventually call The Big Bang.

Because now death was a part of the universal equation. A multiverse of different possibilities. A link along all lines to forever feed the Ouroboros. The great chain encompassing the weave of realities.

Thus a race of caretakers, the Forgers, was entrusted to shepherd the ones who would follow. Stewardship to forever safeguard the lighthouses at the End of all Time. Through the Long Dark, a message passed from one generation to the next, awaiting the proper time to be born.

Issue 1: The Cabal of Misfortune

“This Cult that preaches Unity. It has me worried. As of this moment, Madame Mayhem and the Cabal are priority one targets for the Legion of Tomorrow and all Demi assets. Not only does the United States have a valid concern with catching these malcontents, but they also pose a threat to Earth’s progress in the Uplift Protocol.”-Memo to A51 Advisory Board.

“I am happy to be a part of the Jupiter Rising, did you know she’s Earth’s first fully FLT capable ship? I’m glad I was chosen to report the adventures of her crew. Granted, the Captain, I mean Eliza and I go way back. But I know I'll be able to give first-class recordings.”-Lt. Jonas “Eddie” Olsten, Terran Alliance Reporter Corps.

While we had clashed in the past with the Cabal, their real intentions became quite clear at the start of the century. What I didn’t realize at the time: Other forces had been preparing as well. Like Iron striking when blazing hot. Not all those who wander are lost.—Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd century

Union Hall, Earth

Central Meeting Chambers

October 8th, 2103

October and I haven’t always gotten along. I mean, in the grand tapestry of the universe, it held a special place in my heart. Just like the generous raven-haired woman throwing the two-ton gorilla my way. Courtesy of modern technology. I reached out and caught the special delivery. Judging by its deafening bellows, it didn’t appreciate the monkey business. From the corner of my vision, I spotted Arthon weaving various sigils in the air then a loud crack as the table broke in twain. He started cursing profusely in Atlantian as two smaller monkeys, chimpanzees from the looks of it, grabbed fistfuls of his curly blond and black locks, deciding to redecorate. I winced as I saw tuffs of his hair go flying in all directions. His face became a particular shade of red I had never seen. Burgundy. The air around me stilled for a moment, then an explosion of energy burst forth from him semi-sonic waves.

It's never wise to anger a Muthra. I haven’t been to Atlantis but from what I’ve observed so far from Arthon, being hit from his spells wasn’t pleasant. The two chimps go cartwheeling away from the onslaught. Their surprised howls turned very meek as Arthon glared at them. They attempted to scurry away when Horus dropped in from above, with nary a sound, launching paralyzing darts from his circular copper-hued frame. His Forger matrices formed patterns faster then even my eyes could detect.

((This one says you are under confinement. Have a nice day.))

The VI’s voice was as calm and collected as ever. Like the most polite butler in existence. He flashed me a Winky Face, it’s neon blue radiance shimmering around the room.

A white energy net overlaid itself over all the remaining simians within Arthon’s range. He gave Horus a two-fingered salute over his heart. A sign of great respect. It had taken a while but we were all coming together as a family. Ahh, the heady days of youth. Had it already been nearly a decade?

The smell of burnt fur assaulted my nostrils. Knocking me out of my reverie. Having heightened awareness can be quite the drawback some of the time. Doctor Impossible, looking rather large and in charge in her green, black and white shimmer suit, activated her nano missiles and fired them at the heart of the invading forces. Non-lethal of course. Her name was quite apt. Various splotches of goo expanded outward, incapacitating many of the remaining primates. In any event, my current passenger didn’t want to fly first class. Unfortunately for him, that’s what he got. There were advantages to being in such a high-class meeting place. A whole ton of fancy greek inspired rotundas to fly out of. I sprang skyward, grinning from ear to ear as the wind hit my face. Passenger excluded. Then a beam of emerald green encased the gorilla.

The four-footed Bardaxian reinforcements had arrived. Cooper’s overjoyed barks mirrored his mental voice. <> See, for the most part, all of the Bardaxians, for all their quips and general enthusiasm looked just like Earth’s very own K-9s. My friend, in particular, resembled a giant black german shepherd. Right down to his tail. Currently, that canine face of his was on a swivel. Looking for more targets. Using my multispectral sight, I detected a faint aura in the distance, near the northern part of the island. I linked into the rest of my team on our personal coms net:

<> Various levels of gleeful barking filled the air around me.

Doc snorted delicately. She relayed back, <> I could feel the air around me expand as Arthon hurled the rest of the malcontents into a pocket dimension. I don’t usually ask too much about his powerset. Since most of it is redacted to someone like me. It’s super hush-hush and all that. At least we managed to convince him to wear something other than black. Unlike a few years ago, he was in a much more vibrant getup now. White and blue. With a rather fetching golden sash. He wouldn’t talk about it much but his mission to the Heart of Heaven demolished the original suit. Eddie still smiled when Light-Bearer put on his white dynamo mask.

*****

Ritark enhanced the portals. Forming the words in his mind. Just as his father taught him. He could feel the lay lines of magic coalescing around Union Hall. Like silver shafts of light.

Between Arthon’s Markav tech and his added surprises of magic, hiding in the symbology and implants of the Muthra helped. Light-Bearer could truly live up to his name and the Litari could help his crewmates in a much more direct manner. Like Eliza, he was a person of dual heritage as well. It might even explain why Chronos tried to “acquire” him so long ago. He wished he could picture his father’s face but that knowledge was sealed away with mystical reinforcement. He knew his sire wasn’t of Litari but that was the only clue he had. It made him sympathize with Earth’s situation even more. Tied to Earth and the Stars. A Bardaxian, in the form of an Irish Setter, was barking incessantly. General Whitehouse’s voice boomed, <>

Star replied, <>

*****

Madame Mayhem stalked the corridors of Union Hall. The first distraction was already in effect but that wouldn’t waylay that damned Banner and her 4-footed glowing blue lightbulbs for long. Already her Keeper enhanced senses detected that Star was already within the complex once more. Making a bee-line for the Library. She nodded at the other TA security officers. Hoping that her cloaking would remain intact.

Mr. Orion insisted that this form of magical cloaking would conceal her from even someone as robust as Sir Avalon. Her heart froze as a red, white, and blue blur shot past her. One of the Blue Defenders paused, its chocolate Labrador face inches from her own. Its voice called out in greeting, <> She plastered a polite grin on her face. “I haven’t seen anyone but you all and the Library security.” Another demi ran past. His retro style suit adorned with a giant glass dome and two “rayguns” at his hips. He winked at her and kept moving. His red jacket shimmering with additional blue defender shielding.

She had to buy Karvax more time. He was the other distraction. To outwit these demis they would need at least 3 or more distraction teams. Luckily Agent Brookes was also proving useful.

*****

Puzzler opened a private link, <

I thought about this for a moment, <>

I saw Jonas nod. His face still troubled. “I know that look. Go on!” He grinned. Turned back to strike up more conversation with the woman. A rather aggrieved smile bloomed on her face. Spikes of anger radiated off her. Her hand came up and the echo of palm striking flesh carried down the hallway. I winced. The Labrador floated next to me, <> My eyes bulged. That was a new kind of tactic for Eddie. I cocked my head to the side. I could hear Doc’s heartbeat along with the others right under my feet. Hopefully, they would have more luck than we did. As I turned to head onward to the Library, a shimmer caught the corner of my eye. A woman in black, white, and silver armor beckoned me. Her blue sash oddly familiar. As I approached, she reached out and pulled me around the corner. A panel released and we stepped inside a doorway.

It sealed behind us. The only thing I could make out was myself and the other woman.

Her voice was modulated, “Take this.” She shoved a strange device into my palm. Vague images flashed behind my eyes. It was green and black. Glowing with sigils and a few Keeper phrases. “Don’t tell me where you bury this thing. Put it somewhere that the Void will never find it.” My ivory ring flared with a warning. A message prickled at the edge of my mind from it.

///Be careful Space Cadet. I don’t know which of Arthon’s people is compromised. I barely managed to switch the Golem’s Heart out in time.///

Gaps in my memory plagued me once more. This was Mother. She was taking quite the risk. I placed my palm on the side of her helmet. The material was not of Earth. I nodded solemnly. “I promise. The woman that the Puzzler is parleying with. He doesn’t have a good feeling. I think the whole Cabal is here. Maybe even that mutated Raptor thing.” Her tone was grave, “Correct. They are all here. Bulleteer and his team are fighting the rest of them on the other side of Union Hall for the moment.” She gripped my free hand. “We are helping them all but you must take this away from here. Now.” My spine went rigid as the environment changed. I was in the depths of space. Between my boots, the pitted landscape of Pluto. The lonely vigil of the solar system. I ran along the planet’s rocky exterior. Where to plant this thing?

As I peered into it, one sentence formed above the rest, in the speech of the Keepers.

“Leyline Sector E-13-A. Access to Mainframe Denied. Null Vessel X'talia Clearance Required.”

I shuddered. If this thing was powered by magic and their tech, I hated to think whatever else they had managed to come up within the years since. I willed the plasma in my hands to ignite. To see if the device would have any reaction. It remained inert. Maybe like any computerized device, it would need a key phrase or frequency. I glanced around. The pale radiance of the sun seemed so distant.

The Sun! Or rather, a Sun. Perfect!

*****

J’ino released the breath she had been holding. Her daughter never even thought to question. She just did it out of duty and love. J’dax linked in, >>Karvax is in the tunnels. Bulleteer is on his way to Arthon and the others. Medusa is also down there with them.<<

She tapped her H.U.D. Eddie was still in position with the “TA Librarian.” She snorted, “I don’t know who hired you little bird but we are about to find out.” She commed Thomas, <>

Beside her, Finds-The-Path aka Glaive, A51 Head of Security growled at the various prompts updating his H.U.D. The black and tan Beauceron bounded away. Forming another doorway to transport himself to the tunnels. J’ino commed White Lily, “I have a favor to ask…”

*****

Eddie widened his smile, “Come on! It’s not like getting some coffee means 24/7 commitment.” He was lying of course. He could see the rage burning within the woman’s eyes. His gut told him to keep going. Whatever was happening, he needed this dead-eyed lady to stay put. White Lily rounded the corner. Copious vines lashed out, encircling the target, her power reflecting like a wave in the corridor. Her voice was like ice, “Hello Madame Mayhem. We’d like a little chat.” The concealment vanished. In its place was a black-clothed woman with a gold and silver theater mask. One side happy, the other drenched in sadness. “Oh! Whatever shall I do? You got me!” Her sing-song tune made Eddie’s teeth stand on edge. A faint beep reached Puzzler’s ears. He threw himself upon White Lily as the world was engulfed in fire.

Mocking laughter followed, “Be seeing you demi dears.” Through slitted eyes, the Puzzler saw her give a salute. Of the girl scout variety.

Union Hall

Access Tunnels

October 8th, 2103

Lorain kept her head moving. Checking all corners, reaching out with her demi ability, searching for indications of brain waves and spinal signals. Arthon was in the front of the column. Scouting the way forward, with General Whitehouse bringing up the rear. Surprisingly quiet in his white battle frame. His rifle was at a battle position but not aimed at any of them. Horus let out a series of tones, ((We are not alone. 100 feet ahead, various vortexes formed. Someone is expecting us..))

Whitehouse barked, “Alright people, let's get this party started." He fired off a homing grav missile. It struck flesh because an unearthly below reached their ears. A monster out of legend charged, 20 feet tall, the raptor thing’s head nearly brushing the ceiling of the access tunnels. A flair of blue energy encased it. Karvax grinned wolfishly. “Eat them whole Bright Eyes!” Arthon formed a white circle. Ritark muttering the proper incantations. The monster squealed in pain as its mouth bit down on the flames. Karvax swung his gigantic sword. A golden black blur kicked at his midsection before he could complete the stroke.

General Whitehouse had a little smirk of his own, “Get off my property.” He fired again. Striking Karvax in the breast bone, knocking the demi flat on his ass, while Medusa struck from above, her twin scimitars flashing sickly green in the low glow of the tunnel illumination. Horus let out a series of perturbed sirens, blasting Medusa backward, strait into Bright Eyes and both went tumbling further down the corridor. The Golden Bulleteer appeared next to Cooper, “Go get Star! Someone is trying to access the Orb!” The Bardaxian barked affirmatively and bounded off. Going even faster than Bulleteer thought possible.

He cracked his knuckles, commed White Lily, and the others, hoping to throw the enemy into more disarray. <>

*****

The Muthra advanced. Their feet dragging along like a puppet on a string. Eyes unblinking and vague. Those black infinite orbs commanding obedience. The Golem’s Heart was pulsing in the Muthra’s hand with keening intensity. Its green markings alight with the magic of Earth and Keeper resonance. Ishtar smiled at his charge. Pitiable creature. Not even knowing it was compromised. A priceless useful tool indeed. This would give them the ability to tap into the Earth Layline. He surmised that’s how some “magical” demis accessed their unusual powers. It was somehow connected to the Ouroborous Chain as well. The emaciated Keeper scientist held the heart above his head for a moment. What a wondrous marriage of tech. They had left it here on purpose so it could slowly wrap itself into the mana stream running beneath Union Hall. He touched his puppet’s shoulder, “Go on now.” The Void Walker’s voice was dusty and thin. Not used to emoting out in the open.

The Muthra nodded. Turned on their heel and excited the inner chamber of Records. Only known to a few. Only the greatest protectors of Atlantis were allowed within.

*****

The russet Bracers of Ta-mathon hummed briefly. Thomas Murphy watched the Keeper open a portal. He made note of the frequency. The game was only beginning. Above him, the Orb intoned,

>>Passive sensors online, may the Gateway of Earth and Sol guide you Arbiter.<<

His implants came online as the proxy feed updated arrays into his cortex. It was actively mapping the Keeper Nullship with every step Ishtar took. Unfortunately, the oblivious Muthra had been cloaked rather solidly. If the general had tried anything, he would have been discovered. The Bracers could do many wondrous things but he had to choose. Get intel on the enemy and the great dangers beyond or uncover the mole.

One day they would free everyone from Keeper interference. Much like the fall of the Iron Order, some would have to endure more before the end, to save the greater whole of the Multiverse.

He hoped history would forgive the men and women under his command. The Void Walkers had so many unwilling slaves. His teeth clenched. He could feel his fingernails biting into his palms. His wife’s voice broke through the haze of red,

>>Thomas!<<

His head snapped around.

She was next to him in an instant. Unlike most at Union Hall, she also had access to parts deemed sensitive to the Lady and her remaining Hemegony. His battlesuit pinged, relaying the sound of a sonic boom hitting atmo. His daughter had arrived. J’ino smiled behind the visor of her helm, >>Hurry! Wouldnt want to give our hand away to Thoth and his lackeys.<<

Thomas replied, //Of course not. It took quite a deck of cards to figure out even this much. I am more worried about what they will do with the power of the Leylines. Any ideas where she gets her theories from?//

J’ino felt a wave of relief at her husband’s caution even using his wedding ring com band. They had decided to disguise his ivory ring in the most obvious way possible. Mainly because too much cloak and dagger could get quite muddled. As for her daughter, she often hid her ring within a necklace, that housed other trinkets of her trade. NASA starship ring, her highschool ring, her flight ring from the Jumpstart program. Many wouldn’t even realize what she had. A Typherian telepathy receiver.

J’ino countered with, >>From a certain dapper individual. I imagine.<<

Thomas paused. His hands running over the holo-pad by the transporter. //In any event, I think its time I joined the battle.//

*****

I shuddered as I approached Union Hall. The Void Walkers aura permeated this place. Doc’s heartbeat was elevated. Not quite panicked but she was under duress. I peered through metal, earth and stone. The mutated raptor nightmare was back! Along with his master and Medusa. I hurled myself through the skies, meeting the hard surface of the soil, crashing into the tunnels without much thought. My team was in trouble.

*****

Arthon grimaced with pain. Holding his shoulder close to his body. Ritark gripped it with shadowed tendrils and pulled. It gave a sickening pop as it snapped back into place. Karvax howled like a madman. “FLESH AND TOIL!” He lunged for the Atlantian. A sudden drop in pressure caused Light-Bearer to throw himself to the hard packed ground below. The Star-Spangled Banner connected with the Beastmaster of the Keepers.

Krack!

The kinetic force of her fist hitting home sent Karvax careening heavenward. His screams of righteous fury at odds with Star’s clipped commands of surrender. A man in ancient styled Egyptian armor appeared next to Horus, his voice echoed within a burnished golden helm. It masked his whole face. He reached out, striking Medusa in the right shoulder with a beam of purple light, “You have no dominion here.” His voice was a deep reverberating baritone.

((Another magic demi?)), Horus queried to Arthon.

The young Muthra shrugged. <

>

Emerald K-9 pranced around the mystery man. His barks held barely contained glee.

<>

He shot past Bright Eyes and hooked the raptor mutant’s tail and leaped skyward. Joining Star in a game of toss and tag. As he put it. Doctor Impossible poured her power into Light-Bearer, healing the rest of the injury while scanning for more of Medusa's golden snake burrowers. They hadn’t spotted Thoth in this melee at all. So where was the bastard? The golden helmed man turned to silently regard the medical demi. Like he had heard her curse. She tartly asked, “So who are you supposed to be?”

He paused. Considering his next words. “Judgement.”

Lorain rolled her eyes. Right. Very on the nose but what wasn’t these days? If Eddie could have his rayguns, the golden helmed man strait out of an Egyptian mural could have his moniker. His white and purple robes flowed around him like a second skin. His left shoulder was bear. Various markings flowed over what exposed skin she could see. He caught her looking. She could hear the humor in his voice, “What? I look brilliant in purple!” This time she made sure he could see her face directly.

“Wasn’t the line something like I look stunning in purple?” That made him chuckle deep in his chest.

He held up a finger, “Is that any way to talk to your elders?” The tone was laced with a gentle rebuke.

A slight shimmer wavered for a moment. Lorain could see an outline of someone. Who was about her height. A tingling sensation emitted from her ring. The one Mrs. Murphy gave her.

//Go reinforce the northern side of the Hall. Finds-The-Path will meet you there.//

Doctor Impossible gulped. Her cheeks burned. Oh god. Eliza’s dad was the new guy? Kill me now. That was the only thought she had as she raced to the new rally point.

Judgment glanced down at his wife after Lorain left. //Madam! That was a bit abrupt even for you! What’s your grand plot this time?//

She grinned. Her gaze indicated volumes of innocence, >>I am just pushing things along. Besides I am nearly as old as you are.<<

Thomas just stared a moment longer then threw himself skyward to assist his daughter.

Punching evil in the face had a certain appeal ever so often.

*****

Thoth viewed the chaos through Medusa’s eyes from miles away. Ishtar got the trinket he was looking for. They wanted to open up Earth akin to a clam. To pillage the pearl beneath. Offer the vast energies to Unity. To allow it to break into their universe and the other various pathways closest to this Earth. For now, he would let the Keepers have it. He needed different materials to get his plans in motion. While they each were after the magical sources of Earth. The various key laylines of the Multiverse, he thought it best to divide and conquer the opposition's attention. Let’ them focus on Chronos and his compatriots. He was just a simple outcast. With one goal in mind. To steal At’lan. Remake Mars into his paradise. Then harvest the Earth for all it was worth. Death and its fallout of entropy was also a valuable magical resource.

Anubis had shown him. After some “convincing” of course. Earth was a cornucopia of promise. One just had to pluck the right strings. To make his perfect world, some eggs would be scrambled.

He began to laugh. It was a trickle at first then became tinged with maniacal glee.

Hilary Brookes glanced over at him. She was steering this rather modest-looking yacht. Clothed in standard civilian dress. Using a scrambler to hide her presence from INet and her FBI handlers. Her father had cautioned her. Say nothing, just observe and report back. She snorted. Her hands gripping the wheel until the knuckles whitened. Everyone involved in this madness was, at best, certifiable. Herself included.

Tomorrow would be another day. One filled with Shimmers.

*****

The Golden Bulleteer and I zipped around Union Hall. Fixing what we could. Hurling ginormous Beastmasters and messed up Raptor Dumpster Fires had a tendency to wreak a place. Dad aka Judgement was also flying about. Repairing what he could with his Bracers. Magic wise that is. I didn’t even miss a beat. His heart rhythm was too well known to hide from me. It had been very satisfying to see him send Karvax packing with a well placed magically enhanced punch to the solar plexus.

I had taken the Dino dance card and swung his favorite pet around in circles until he went suborbital. If creepy lizard was meant to fly it would have been a winged monstrosity instead. Doc and her group had been able to secure the Orb. That had been a feint according to dad. Along with the monkeys, Medusa, our tango in the sky. Thoth nowhere to be found. The mystery that mom had me squirrel away. All of that to make sure Dad could sink a Keeper Null Ship when the time came. And here I thought today would have been simple monkey business. Eddie had tried to plant some trackers on his mysterious Librarian date but that had gone bust.

I tapped dad on the shoulder, “So what next? We track down the whole Cabal or go after one at a time?” Something tickled some long-forgotten memory. He poked me in the chest, “Let’s just clean all this up first. See if other parties took anything. I imagine there will be time for debriefs later.” I nodded. Made sense. Tomorrow was already going to be quite the day. Area 51 and the inner council chambers. I still wanted to see what that darn sphere held on the main floor. Mom’s utter wave of delight was transmitted by the ring among rings around my necklace.

Mr. Apple had warned me. His cane prodding in my ribs as a reminder.

Don’t let anyone else know you can perceive them.

He meant the various non-human diplomatic staff at A51. Sometimes they would even be in the human meeting chambers. Watching us discuss theories or work on some new to our part of the Milky Way experiments. My brain was already swiss enough as it was. No need to hit that home even further. Even more insane? I know I had met some of them before. That unique emotional pattern. There was no way to erase that. Mom’s joy turned to a mix of exasperation and an all too familiar tint of worry. A line of communication bloomed between her and Mr. Apple. His blue eyes held a glint of acceptance. He held his cane aloft. Using the walking tip on my forehead.

Your mother and I agree. If you are to help Earth and assist in uncovering the rot within Uplift, it is time to bring our A game. While I cannot unmask those memories. That would give away our hand far too early, I will let you go as Captain Cosmos as you want when it comes to Area 51. Feel free to poke everything.

I was beaming.

There was no other word for it. Finally. I would get to be as curious as I wanted. Mom was also ecstatic. She wanted to see what kind of fun I could cause at her day job. Over 50 Blue Defenders were milling about. Patrolling. Barking out various greetings. This day had gone to the dogs. Eddie ping’d my implants, his voice crackled with excitement, “Captain! You aren’t gonna believe this but they found a derelict! Guess who gets to go? Us!”

On second thought, poking this mystery was first on the “to-do list.”

Mr. Apple rapped my knuckles. That got my attention.

Protect that ship. You will know why soon enough.