The Uplift Protocol: In the Beginning

Arthon could sympathize. The weight of legacy was a vital concern at the forefront of his mind. He saw Star and the other Golden Redeemers enter the main area. All in proper uniform. He still found himself amazed that Apple had been able to change Eliza outwardly. Those green within green orbs were still a stark reminder of something beyond all kin to the people of Earth.

Doctor Impossible could light up the whole room with that smile of hers. Arthon bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from laughing. Ritark’s voice rose with curiosity, << AH! So human courtship initial level attained? She usually doesn’t look that happy!>> Light Bearer took his time weaving through the crowd.

*****

I watched Light Bearer shake hands with Glaive. The Beauceron’s black and tan coat was shining. Every bit a Military Working Dog. It was out of the bag now. My father had taken Glaive’s confused handler aside when Uplift Stage 1 had completed explaining that his eccentric 4 footed companion was in actuality much higher on the food chain. In some areas our Bardaxian security team outranked father. It was a sobering thought. I knew my father had worked long and hard to get to his current station. Doc rested her hands on her hips.

“Earth to Star. Incoming Herd of King’s finest!”

The excited barking caught up with us. Auggie was in the lead. Followed by 6 other stout corgis. Each darker then the next. Nubby tails twitching as the King of England followed them in. He gave me a courtly bow and extended his hand. I shook it. His gray eyes rose at the controlled light touch. “Found my escort did you? Or did they find you?”

I jerked a thumb at Augustus. “He is the main culprit sir!”

The King’s wild red hair was cut short for this meeting. The way I heard it, he did so under duress. I’d have to ask my grandmother but I imagine it was a form of slight rebellion on the King’s part. He sported a clean-shaven face. If it had been up to me I would have stuck with the immaculate beard. There was a timeless quality tied to stylish facial hair. Dexter’s amusement hit me light a battering ram. My brother’s beard was near to his chest now. My father’s reaction had been one for the record books.

He thought it fitting that his son went lumberjack. I had a feeling that some part of dad wanted to go off into the wilds somewhere. I aimed a thought at my brother: You two would have a blast fishing and wrestling bears!

A reply: We did! Thanks to Jupiter’s VR deck!

I knew my brother fairly well. I was glad they had some downtime to get to know each other. It wasn’t easy with all the surgeries.

Doc finally caught up with Arthon.

His blue and white demi suit was emblazoned with a Lighthouse at its center. I grinned. “Good to see you again.” I meant it. That haunted look in his eye was replaced with determination. I held up a hand, “I know you have your project. Just tell me if I can help.” He acknowledged this with that salute. The two fingers over his heart.

“I promise,” was the response. A slight hint of worry rose. Ritark’s mind brushed against mine. He would look after Arthon when I couldn’t. I breathed easier. Many of Earth’s leaders were here. Eager to meet the grand dame of the Typherian Ascendancy. The next few days would be vital. Glaive trotted over to me and tilted his head. His right paw raised. I followed him to the adjoining room. The din of the crowd silenced. He had activated a private bubble. One that is usually used for clandestine things. As he explained long ago. When I first became aware of things beyond Earth. His voice was gruff but kind.

<>

I sat down in one of the chairs. “So what do you need me to do?”

*****

J’ino rolled her eyes. Her mother was fiddling with one of the bootstraps. She found it quite amusing to walk about in common clothing of Earth. Complete with “Texas Girls Gotta Have Fun!” t-shirt. The flannel jacket completed the ensemble. If anyone back home ever saw her like this they would faint. M’taris struck a pose. She had even donned an oversized white cowboy hat. Her human disguise made to match her daughter’s. They were currently at the Murphy homestead. A knock at the door drew both women and it swung inward to reveal one Eliza Murphy.

She looked puzzled for a few seconds. “When Glaive mentioned this, I didn’t think it would work but they all expect certain VIPs to go with certain rules. They have not seen Captain Cosmos and the Yellow Masquerade.” She opened her arms and M’atris dived right in. Glad to do away with any kind of official ceremony.

*****

I waited until my very fashionable grandma was finished with the bear hug. “Enjoying your Day Off Diamonds?” She grinned until it looked like her face would split in two.

“You bet. Oh to see the look on X’mil’s face. Priceless.”

Watson, our resident Basset Hound of many talents barked with an agreement, adding <>

I replied, “Hey! Technically I am a scout in the Survey Corps. So she’s not without official protection.”

Zach zipped into the room, “GRANDMA!” He did a speedster dance around the whole house then parked himself next to me. I jerked a thumb at him, “Plus Zach is worth a whole regiment.” His chest puffed up a bit. He was daring but knew when to listen. To use caution. It was a rare trait in someone so young but I imagine he got it from the sort of training I wasn’t privy to just yet. Maybe even never. He whacked me on the arm. “Don’t you worry sis. I’ll cause enough ruckus for us both!” I grinned.

I held out a hand. “So which part of the city you want to see first?”

Grandmother thought about it. “Is it possible to get one other for this festivity?”

About 20 mins later my grandfather burst into the house.

“Well, I’ll be. She does take after her mother.” Abraham Murphy smiled.

“My wife is still doing some official business but once that’s done, we can all go out for a family dinner.” Grandpa's eyes darted to M’taris once more. He continued, “It’d be nice to meet your husband one day. Would love to see what kinda father raised Jen.”

I picked Watson up. “We have our escort!” He grumbled but his tail betrayed him. The anticipation was building.

The Murphy patriarch just waved all us ladies ahead. “Welcome to Texas Mrs. Martin.” That’s right. I always thought of mom a Murphy. Never really considered if Typherians kept their original name or not. Grandma grabbed my hand. “I am just happy to see my grandchildren.” That had much more weight. I still wanted to tell grandpa the truth.

I did a quick search of the Muthra database. They attached mom’s fake maiden name to a long lost colony near the first landings of Atlantis. Just in case Thoth was looking too. So much fake information flooding everywhere. It was no wonder conspiracies showed up to fuel Hilary’s rage but it had to be done. But at least that way the Void Walkers wouldn’t care much. Thoth on the other hand, I’d look out for. He might find some use for tracking down Markav enhanced individuals.

A double-edged sword indeed.

*****

J’dax continued to prepare for his “mother’s” arrival. Glaive shot him a knowing wink. The head of A51 security was a cagey sort. Most underestimated Bardaxians because they were so innocent in many ways. But they were also hunters as well. He motioned to Snoopy and the Beagle complied. Bringing the HUD forward. The advanced King’s Own regiment filled the docking bay. Their black gold battle was armor sleek and deadly. Not nearly as bulky as Terran Armor but that was due to the Ascendancy's advances. J’dax wouldn’t be surprised if humanity gained quite a few leaps in the next 50 years.

He walked forward to escort his “mother” to the most secure location within the facility. Once alone she took off her helm. It retracted into the battle suit just as always. E’taria of House M’tah bowed to her cousin. “So what’s the best thing besides bacon in this part of the galaxy?” He waved her over to the kitchen. Took out the various tools of craftsmen across all star systems and prepared some delicious steaks. She had his mother’s white-blond hair but her eyes were blue-gray. She stretched for a moment. Then took out a case filled with interesting tech. One particular piece was what most intel agencies within the Ascendency called a “Lining Net.” Since his relative matched his mother’s height and build: masking other features would be simpler.

The personal guards of the royal family were conditioned to silence. Much like the guards for England’s king. But they had added mental blockers that wouldn’t let them betray confidence even under pain of death. X’mil and other Typherians expected body doubles. That’s why this ruse worked so well. He added some of his niece's favorite spices to the mix. Handing his cousin the completed steak and scrambled eggs. She took a test bite.

“This is excellent! I could get fat and happy here.” She continued to eat. The silence was peaceful. Both glad to be out of the limelight for a while. Firecracker, the Bardaxian Red Defender kept overwatch with the 7 guards posted within the room. The other 8 were outside. Most cloaked. The gentle white giant of a Pyrenees kept his senses open. Watson kept him appraised of target Bacon 1. Still, something was gnawing at him. It wasn’t a case of when but how would the Cabal start things off.

*****

Samantha Murphy moved for cover as a man formed a giant hammer from the air around him. “Alright. This here is my proposition. You hand over all your…” A boom shook the building and another person stated, “You do know your in New Ashbury right? The Home of…” Everyone’s head turned as the Star-Spangled Banner appeared behind the man. Placing one red gloved hand over his mouth. The air construct, which had been ringed with crackles of lightning faded. Star’s voice raised slightly. “No worries citizens! I'll take this fellow over to Burnside.” Most went back to their meal. Samantha rushed over as her Grandfather entered. Alongside Jennifer and what she assumed who was Jen’s mother.

Star politely asked to borrow some of the table cloths. Forming them into makeshift bindings as she hauled the man away. Detective Argus Paxton waved. Patting the demi on the shoulder as she passed, “Thinking of joining the police force?” He grinned as she replied, “Would love to but my dance card is always full.” She sped off with the small-time magic demi. His muffled curses fading until Sam could only see the fading pattern of red, white, and blue.

Samantha’s joy plummeted as her mother stalked in. Anna eyed the skyline with distaste. Her eye’s hardened even more as she saw who her daughter was with. Sam stepped protectively in front of everyone but was shocked when Jen’s mother pulled ahead and stared Anna down. Her face was no longer cheery. Or remotely grandmotherly.

M’taris figured it was time for a bit of tough “love.”

“You have 3 options here. One, you sit with us like what one would expect from an 83-year-old woman with two wonderful adult children. Two, You leave and take that chip the size of Jupiter with you, or 3, you sit and make nice for the next hour or so.”

One man sucked in a breath.

This would be on all the e-star outlets within 2 seconds. INet was already rolling. J’ino kept her face composed but inwardly she was praying that things would just be dreadful. Not completely DEFCON OS. Aka Oh Shit.

Anna chose option 2.

On her way out many closest to the doorway could hear the sound of flesh smacking flesh. One woman even rose and had a scandalized expression on her face. “SHE JUST SLAPPED THAT OTHER WOMAN!”

*****

After dropping off the Amazing Hammerman to the authorities. I rushed back to the Boardwalk diner my grandfather had chosen. It was one of many along the beachside that people would go to. Probably why he wanted to hit it. Paxon sent a message: ///Might need a bit of help with something soon. Keep those engines on idle for the Jupiter!///

My forward momentum was halted as I looked up in time to see Anna’s palm smack me on the left cheek. I managed to prevent her from breaking anything by floating very slightly off the ground. No more than a millimeter. Plus seeing it coming helped me lean into the strike so she wouldn’t meet any resistance. She glared at me. Spitting out, “Golden Child. I wish you had died. It’s your fault! ALL YOURS!” She hunched her shoulders and nearly sprinted away. Those designer heels of hers clicking as she went.

A local reporter trailed after her. It was common knowledge about her breakup with dad. She was more of a reality holovid star, unwilling or not, nowadays. Into the Fire had lost some steam a while back. Most were just tired of all the circles she lept through. Try as I might I wasn’t able to muster the fire up to hate her. She was the reason why I had Sam and Jacob. If that much good could come from someone then I fervently hoped she would find her way someday. A notification hit INet: ///Anna Preston McQuire assaults NASA Jumpstart Captain Eliza Murphy. It is known to this agency….///

I winced and re-entered the diner. My Typherian grandmother had her hands on her hips. Gran-gran was there as well. Both were sitting next to mom. Who looked down at her menu. Most people had the air of polite interest. Mostly sticking to their meals. I put on a daring smile. “Hey, Uncle Paxton!” He reached out and rubbed my cheek. “Jesus. Well, at least those nails didn’t break. Saw how you leaned into that. When did you learn how to do that anyway?”

I concentrated on my belt for a split second.

White was buried deep in the back of my mind. Dexter stewed for a moment. Thinking about that old saw about: If you have nothing nice to say….

I replied, “Dad insisted I get some formal defense training. Saying that even if you don’t start a fight, always finish it. So here I am.”

White’s curiosity was piqued. How does one finish a fight without starting it? I would go for the eyes first. Her mindvoice was still inquisitive but I was taken aback. Wondering why something that was supposed to defend Life was so enthusiastic about the prospect of beating it to a pulp. A wellspring of deep rage danced along the outskirts of my mind. Ahh, she had experienced Unity chipping away at all she held dear for so long that it had made her more dour. I rested a hand on my belt. Trying to infuse her with some good will and cheer. It seemed to work. She quieted. Still hoping to one day cut Anna off at the knees. I rubbed my temple. It was a start.

*****

Karvax dived into INet. Laughing at all the stupidities of Earth. They worried about such trivial things. His eyes locked onto his HUD as new information about Golden Bulleteer and Judgment came into view. It seemed he would get to have his rematch after all.

///The Arrival of Earth’s first out of Sol head of state visit is underway. Our sources say that all of the Legion has been activated for this historial event. What will our brothers and sisters from the stars bring?”///

He snarled, “Death.”

Next to him, Agent Brookes had her thoughts clouded. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. So short-sighted. There were things worse than death out there in the cosmos. Karvax always thought within the moment. It was useful for somethings but a massive failing alongside other operations. Thoth had managed to rally some demis to his side. Magic imbued and otherwise. But it still wasn’t enough.

He stepped onto the dais and proclaimed, “We have a job. To get inside A51. Team 1 will attempt to capture any VIPs in residence. That is one level of distraction. Team 2 will assault their information nodes to make it seem like we are harvesting intel. That is also a falsehood but if you get anything interesting that will be a bonus. The third team will be lead by me. I mean to find the location of another ley line. The Void Leyline.”

One particularly nervous fellow grated out, “How we supposed to do that with all them Omega people watching the Cosmos?” Thoth smirked. “I have that covered my good man. I found the perfect distraction for them. The sheer audacity to strike at the heart of Typherian Command in the Utasa sector. The All-Father’s forces will be perfect.” He shot a rather lecherous grin at Agent Brookes. They would use the children birthed by her tainted blood.

Brookes smiled but it never touched her eyes. Attack the heart of Typha? The part ran by that Odessen woman. She nodded and raised her hand in a mockery of salute. Let’s see: Have the All-Father and Thoth loose resources? Oh yes. She would still obey Thoth. As forced by her father’s mental triggers but she would use all of them. All were enemies in her eyes.

T.A.S I’tah (Captial Ship of Utasa Sector)

Relay Outpost Alpha

December 6th, 2103

Y’lansa awoke with a hand covering her mouth.

Q’vera was above her. A piece of paper with a surprising bit of information was scrawled on it with the defender’s neat handwriting. She didn’t doubt the source. Or why. Thomas Murphy’s assertion that they should leave Sourpuss alone was proving fruitful. After the Admiral memorized the contents Q’vera burned it. She would have to thank Murphy for the old tech trappings. One couldn’t beat a well-trained mind. Some within their society relied so much on their kit and technical wonders that it caused a type of blindness. She clasped Q’vera’s forearm, thanking the other woman with a silent shake of the head. The red defender left without a word. Mental or otherwise.

This was a dangerous game. One she didn’t intend to lose.

The faces of her children and grandchildren depended on her victory.

*****

Uncle Paxton was seated at the navigation station. He just wanted me to take the Jupiter out for a joy ride. A very unofficial joyride. It was just the two of us. I reclined in my captain’s harness. Jupiter’s updates washing over me like a familiar symphony. I rested my hands on the holo-display. The keys just a signpost for my mind to pilot the ship. “Ready?” He grinned.

“Let’s go wandering. Here are the coordinates.”

My eyebrows rose.

The darkside of the moon. About 5 miles away from the old W.A.P Lunar Base. I thought they had mothballed it after the Ur Stone went dormant. My god uncle’s face was innocent but his eyes gleamed with knowledge.

“I just happen to know about a certain friend of our president. We have to go retrieve something at the old W.A.P moonbase.”

So Mr. Marshall trusted him with that as well.

I keyed in the coordinates and the Jupiter cut through the sea of stars like an eagle.

I always loved the great expanse of space. It wasn’t as quiet as you’d think.

I wanted to take Doc out to Venus. The old joke came to mind.

Along with all those old pulps my dad still read.

When I was little he caught me looking at a Princess of Mars.

Being out here. Living that kind of adventure.

Even if I lost all my powers I’d still fly my ship to the ends of the universe and back.

Lunar One (Former WAP ICC Section)

The Moon

December 6th, 2103.

I went out in an atmo suit as well. The old base was dark. I could see it no problem with my powers. Uncle Paxton was using an old tracking system to ping it on his H.U.D. As we crossed the threashold the lunar dust coating the ground indicated no one had been here in years. Over a decade easily. Not since my encounter with the Ur Stone. I felt White’s keen prickling within my mind. Looking into those memories. Through our link, I could feel it. She knew what the Ur Stone was. I felt her recoil so quickly that it felt like a ghost had shot out of my body. Or walked across my grave.

What was so important about that Stone? Even my brother had no answer. He was also probing his Black for an answer. Neither belt responded to us. Dexter muttered, Why do I feel we will be the last to know anything?

Paxton waved me over to an entry hatch. It was labeled “Storage.”

How very straightforward. Wish everything in life could be so accommodating. I stepped inside and Argus waved me to a particular section. They were listed in codes I had no context for but he knew what he was doing. His hands flew over the keys. Older style ones from before all the holographic updates. He reached out and pocketed an old data cube. It only held Terabytes of information. What other deeds were done here. All those years ago.

I peered around. I’d come back here later if I could. So much history.

He maneuvered through more rooms. Not only were there regular experimental areas but an old hydroponics bay. Rover bay. Medical. This place, even though it was tiny compared to the Hab Rings and everything else, my heart sped up. This is what I wanted. To explore! Keep going and see even more. No matter the planet. Or the language. He peered into one final hallway. It wasn’t marked or on the schematics. He pressed a code in and the door hissed open. Bits of atmo came out but nothing else. I looked inside. The Ur Stone stared back at me. Its granite mixed with a white as blank as I left it. I reached out and touched the surface but it remained silent.

*****

Paxton remained behind. Looking at Eliza as she touched the stone. He recorded what Aether wanted. He could see the truth. Many versions of her crisscrossed this moment. Out of space and time. He could see a male figure standing beside her or rather within her. Made sense that he would be hidden there. Beyond the Ur, he could make out an infinite number of Eliza and her brother. Each echoing across the multiverse. Some covered in garland, some along unknown battlefields, some as children, some as old elders with faces lined with sorrows, some as enemies.

In some places, they had never existed at all. The Ur Stone knew. For within it and Eliza herself, was the key to restoring lost universes. That Universe’s Dexter and Eliza had given their lives to create the Ur Stone. It hid something just as important as Mars did for the Markav. Within the Ur Stone was the last of the Uncorrupted. Aether’s people would be reborn as well. It would take everyone to fight the Unity.

Aether had no choice. Paxton’s demi ability let him see the truth in all things. It was why he stayed close to the Ayeers. The Murphys and the other beings who would bring the rising of the newest cycle. Why Paxton never warned Thomas about Anna. Because the world needed Sam and Jacob to exist. Without certain anchors, Eliza and Dexter wouldn’t survive.

Even with the power of the ///|||\\\ key.

Her brother’s =//|||\\= key was an echo of his sister.

The Scholars had incorporated the imagery needed for the Typherians to be predisposed to the power of the White and Black. The Twin Suns that burned in their sky. To fix the Traitorous mistake made during the first tuning by Aethers people and the Scholars. Paxton smiled as Eliza circled the stone. The infinite stared back.

He would be ready to stare Unity in the face and spit upon all its unholy works.

Because Paxton believed in the good and true of all things.

At their core, people were first-class. People were kind and when faced with something horrific, most would do their best to defend each other. The truth: The multiverse had more going for it than people knew. He saw Eliza change. At times in her Banner suit. Others: It was a mix of Terran Military and Typherian Scout clothing. Even futher: Beyond the Heraldry of the White.

He saw her ancient but still cheerful. Dexter seated beside her.

He saw many familiar faces behind them.

The Twins Enthroned.

He always placed the winning bets.

*****

I turned and saw Uncle Paxton staring. He shook himself and shot me a thumbs up.

I turned back to the stone. A figure materialized.

I thought I saw myself reflected for a moment then it dissipated.

I tapped White. She was doing her “Please Call Again! This line is busy!” Routine.

Figures. I turned and Paxton was examining an old picture.

Under the plaque, it said: Nos inquisitioni Sidera.

We Quest for the Stars.

As we entered the Jupiter Rising I took off my helmet and said, “Think we will be remembered 100 years from now. Not us as individuals but as explorers!”

He smiled. “Definitely kid.”