Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Mirror, Mirror

     
     Brian had slept through everything it seemed, and still he had been locked in some sort of dream state. The reason was unclear to him, but he saw himself just standing on the ground of what appeared to be an abandoned planet. A blackened green sky hovered above him, and he saw that mysterious girl again. She was sitting ahead of him with her head down, but she knew he was there.

     "I keep seeing you in my dreams", he said to her. "Why is that? And just who are you?"
At first she was reluctant to answer due to angry tone of his voice, but then all of sudden she looked back at him and spoke. "I am Princess Xxionia", she said. "Of the Anaemian race, but I'm afraid I am the last of my kind". -"So you can speak?" Brian exclaimed in bewilderment. "And all this time you've never spoken till now? "I was afraid", she answered with a frown.
Brian gave her an odd look. "Afraid of what? he asked. -"Afraid that you wouldn't believe me", she said. "So I'm not dreaming then?" Brian asked her. "You are dreaming", she said. "But I too do exist in reality, this is just the only way I can communicate with you".

     Brian was now more confused than ever, and took a seat on the ground beside her.
"I don't understand", he said. "why me? Why did you choose me out of everyone else in Atlantis City?"
-"Because you have something the others don't", she explained. "And what would that be? he asked.
"A lack of a life? No self confidence? Or maybe just maybe my manic depression?

     -"A tragic past", she answered. "Great", he remarked in a sarcastic manner.
"The loss of your brother", she continued. "Has had a great affect on you, but just the same as the loss of my mother and father and my people". -"what happened to them? he asked her.
"Zoal", she uttered. "He and his people came to my home planet and killed them all, and took me prisoner aboard their ship, where I have remained all this time, All alone".
"I'm sorry", Brian told her. "But I am also alone". -"This I know", she said as she looked into his eyes and gently touched his face.

     Meanwhile, Julius Morane had just finished his recently debriefing with Stan Winston, and was not at all surprised at what he discovered. "So, they were lying all along", he sighed in an angry tone.
"It would appear so", nodded Stan. "I'm not the least bit shocked", Morane said. "In fact, I expected something like this, and it looks like they didn't disappoint me". -"What are you going to do now? " Stan asked. "Well", Morane shrugged. "It wouldn't be wise to call em out on it, not just yet anyway. In fact, I am highly curious about this so called object they located underground, I would like to know more about it." "That information was collected before their little expedition", Stan explained. "By now they've probably got more details". "Is that so", Morane exclaimed excitedly. "Well you know what you have to do now", he continued. -"Retrieve that data?" Stan asked. Morane nodded as he lit up a cigar.

     "Of course, and at all costs as well". -"Yes, master", Stan answered. "But what if I should run into any complications while trying to retrieve said data?" Morane looked at him with a displeased expression. "You know damn well what to do", he snapped. "I swear Stan, sometimes you act too god damned human sometimes!" -"I apologize", Stan said. "You're right, I do know what I must do".

     "I still don't understand these dreams", Brian sighed. "Why do I keep having them? Better yet, why are you always appearing in them?" Xxionia could see it in his eyes that he was irritated, but she knew she would have to explain everything. "At first, I was seeking out help", she said as she clutched the red amulet around her neck tightly. "This was given to me by my parents", she explained. "They gave it to me and said that if I ever felt alone, to hold it close to my heart". -"so what does that have to do with these dreams? Brian asked. She looked at him again. "At first I didn't understand its power", she continued. "But soon enough I discovered that it is a gateway, a connection between different worlds and minds alike". Brian still had a clueless look on his face. "Different worlds? he repeated. "I can communicate with others through their dreams and thoughts", she said.
"And that is how I met you".

     "You mentioned, seeking out help", Brian noted. "Explain that one to me".
She looked away from him again, still holding on to her amulet. "I was searching for someone to save me at first", she said. "To take me away from these barbaric beings, but now I've come to accept my fate and I realized I will never get off this ship, and so I decided to use this to warn others instead".
-"Oh", Brian said as he looked at the girl, starting to feel sympathy for her. "You're having these dreams because I've come to warn you", she continued. "Your home and your people are all in terrible danger". Brian suddenly had quick flashbacks of the mysterious ship and the beings from within it.
"Those aliens", Brian uttered. "They're the ones who took you prisoner and killed your people aren't they?" Xxionia looked at him and nodded slowly. "And now they are coming for you".

     Brian had to stand back up, this was beginning to be too much for him to handle. "Why are they coming? he exclaimed in a panicked voice. "We've isolated ourselves to prevent anything like this from ever happening, so why are they coming after us?" -"Your city was built on one of the remnants of my planet", she explained. "And deep within those remains is a secret weapon Zoal and his people have come for". "This can't be", Brian panicked. "I'm afraid all is true", she said as she stood up and tried to comfort him. "Why do they want this weapon?" Brian proceeded to ask. -"It holds great power, and was built by my people", she said. " Zoal and his forces discovered it and tried to take it, but my father refused, and so he and my mother were slain and the rest of my home was destroyed." "But they spared you? Brian mentioned. -"The zergyx can only be activated through use of our power, through our blood ; my blood".

     Admiral Grant had been in his quarters all this time, with the doors locked. He just sat at his desk quietly thinking to himself, wondering just how he was going to lie to the public for Morane's sake.
He detested the man more than anything, and having been confronted with this dirty task added to much disdain. Deep down inside he wanted to tell the people the truth, to let them see Morane for what he really is, and not what he's made out to be. He's a thief and a liar, and wishes to rule Atlantis with an iron fist, how could the people not realize this? He let out a low sigh and pulled out shot glass, while shoving his medication aside and then begin to pour himself a drink. "I think I'll just drink myself into an oblivion", he remarked with a sarcastic chuckle.

     Everyone seemed to be concerned for Grant's well being, especially the female officers who were gathered around outside his door, wondering what was going on with him. They pressed their heads against the door to listen for any sounds, but heard nothing. "He's been in there an awful long time", said Grace. "I hope he's okay". -"Still no sound", exclaimed Lucy. Mipsy looked at her with a worried glance. "Do you think he's -" she gulped. "Dead?" Grace gave her a stern look. "How dare you even speak of such a thing! Besides, I'm sure he's just fine". -"Says Miss Abercrombie over here", remarked Alley. Grace turned around and glared at her. "I don't need any crust from you, Dearie", she snapped. -"Oh lay off the both of you", Lucy interrupted. "Now's not the time for bickering of any kind". Suddenly Mipsy's eyes got big when she spotted Lynne heading in their direction. "Uh, I think now's the time to panic", she but in. "cause we're in for an earful!". -"Oh applesauce", Lucy uttered as she turned around quickly".

     "Eavesdropping isn't very polite, now is it?" Lynne said to them as she stopped and crossed her arms. "We weren't", Lucy replied. "We were just worried about him is all". -"Yeah", added Mipsy, "We thought he had croaked or something!" Lucy rolled her eyes and elbowed her. "We were just concerned is what she meant", Lucy corrected her while smiling nervously. Lynne narrowed her eyes at them. "He's very busy right now", she said. "Now I want the four of you to return to your stations, and remain there until break time, is that understood?" They nodded in agreement and left quietly in an orderly fashion. Lynne then sighed and knocked on Grant's door. "You alright? she called to him
At first she didn't hear any response and it began to worry her, so she knocked again. "Admiral?" she spoke. Still no response. "I know you're upset", she said. "I understand perfectly, I'll leave you be for now". And with that she turned away and started to leave, but then the door opened.

     She saw him standing there in the doorway, with a pensive expression while holding an object in his right hand. "I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner", he apologized. "I hope I didn't scare you or the others". Lynne was alarmed. "You know about that?" -"Yes", he nodded. "I even feel a little guilty for making them worry like that, they really shouldn't". "They just care a lot about you", Lynne said. "Like I do". -"Well, your concern is appreciated", he replied. "But nonetheless, unneeded".
She looked down and noticed the object he was holding. "What's that, if you don't me asking?"
"It's the lie", he sighed. "I recorded the announcement I have to make, because I'd rather be heard than seen". Lynne nodded. "I understand", she said. "I just wish you told them the truth".

     "But what is the truth?" he said. "I don't even know if these aliens are a threat or not, for all we know they probably aren't, and Morane could be right".

     --Zyrian mother ship--

     "I'm running out of patience, Bhor", Zoal muttered angrily. "Have you even come up with a plan yet, you've had plenty of time". -"More observation is required I'm afraid", Bhor answered. "But I have devised a well thought out proposal". "djed wi!", Zoal shouted. "Very well", Bhor nodded. "you see, I've been studying the layout construction of this city, in hopes of acquiring all possible entrance points, and so far have only located two". -"tjen sen?" Zoal demanded. "Well, the closest one is right here", Bhor pointed out on the map in view. "You see it's perfect because of its isolated location". "And what of this plan?" Zoal mentioned. "You said you've an idea, well let's hear it".
"First and foremost", Bhor began. "We know nothing about the human race now, how much they've changed over time, or if they're even a threat to us anymore. All these questions must be obtained, but there is only one way to find out". -"And the only way is what?" Zoal demanded to know.

     "A reconnaissance mission", Bhor explained. "We send our own into that city to find out what power the humans possess and if they've any knowledge of the Zergyx". Zoal let out a low growl of frustration. "I don't have that kind of patience", he said. -"Would you rather us take our chances and declare war? Bhor questioned him. "Only to discover we're outnumbered and vanquished by their forces? You mean to tell me, you would risk it all?" Zoal was silent, but he listened to every word.
"My lord, i nesew", Bhor continued. "We must go through with the arrangement, it's the only way".
"For all we know the humans could take possession of the Zergyx and attempt to use it against us".
-"How improbable", Zoal scoffed. "The only way to activate that machine is through Xxionia, so that would be the least of our worries". -"Still doesn't change the fact they may want it for themselves", added Bhor.

     "And so you address that this is the only way?" Zoal questioned. -"As of yet, I believe so", Bhor answered.
Zoal stood before the circular unit and stared down at the view of Atlantis City. "And just who will we rely on for such an assignment?" he asked. "They will have to be expendable you know, we can't risk sending out any of our good soldiers, If they should be captured and destroyed. So who do you suppose we select instead?" All of a sudden there was a loud crashing sound, followed by earsplitting bickering. "See, you broke it!" Ahtor yelled at Kahn. "I told you not to touch it, but you never listen to me!". Upon hearing this Bhor let out an irritated sigh. "I do believe I have a few choices in mind", he said to Zoal.

     
     "I know you're afraid", Xxionia said to Brian as looked up at him. "But you've been living in fear all your life". -"How would you know? Brian asked her. "I just know", she replied. "I don't even understand myself anymore", he said in an enraged voice. "For a while I actually believed I was getting better, that I was finally letting go of those memories, the death of my brother and all my problems....... but now this?" Xxionia suddenly stood up; tears started to form in her eyes. "I'm only trying to warn you", she cried out. "I don't want you and your people to meet the same fate as I did, I want you to have the chance to fight back". Brian started feeling like a jerk seeing that he actually made her cry, as it was not something he had intended on". -"Look, I'm sorry", he said in a calm voice.

     "I just don't understand what's happening here, you say it's real but I still feel like it's just a horrible dream, and I would like nothing more, than to wake up now". "No", she uttered in a soft voice. "I'm the one who should be sorry." -"Huh?" Brian replied. But before he could speak another word, he awoke only to find out he had passed out on the floor of his room. He lifted himself up off the ground but was surprised to find he had a splitting headache. "So it was all a dream then? he asked himself.
"Just wish my head wasn't killing me". The next thing he knew, he heard loud knocking coming from his front door and quickly rushed to see who it was.

     When he opened the door, he was both surprised and confused at William sterling's presence. "Hey, sorry to bother you", William said. "I just haven't heard from you in a while and wondered if you were alright". -"I'm fine", Brian answered. "Just feel like I was up all night drinking, cause I've got this horrendous headache". "Sorry to hear about that, buddy", William replied. "Can I come in?"
-"Sure", Brian said as he moved aside. William kept giving Brian strange looks, as they made eye contact. "Something doesn't feel right", Brian said all of sudden. "I can see it in your face, what's wrong?" -"Oh nothing really", William lied as he turned his back. "Tell me", Brian said. "Please don't keep anything from me, you're one of the few I actually confide in".

     "They were going to send someone else to your door", William started to explain. "But I said that I knew you and, so it would be better if I came instead". By the sound of his voice, Brian began to suspect that something was really wrong, and was almost afraid of finding out what it was. "go on", Brian urged, even though he wasn't at all enthralled. -"Brian", William continued. "I've been put in charge of training new recruits". Brian suddenly felt numb all over. "Because of these new alien visitors, the AMF has issued a draft, and I'm sorry but that also includes you". Brian headed over to his couch and took a seat. "I'm sorry buddy", William said again. "You're being drafted with the rest".

     Brian just sat there quietly, staring at the wall behind William. "Brian, I'm sorry I really am", William told him. "Believe me, this is the last thing I wanted to do, but I knew it would be better if it were me and not some stranger". -"You said alien visitors?" Brian uttered. William nodded. "Yeah", they've been here for two days now. And we aren't sure why they've come". Suddenly Brian began to regret waking up from that dream, because now he had realized he had awoken to a real nightmare.
"The ship is massive in size", William said while giving Brian an odd look. "Black with red lights". Brian's head jerked up and he stared at William, his eyes wide with dismay. "He told you didn't he?" Brian spoke. -"What are you talking about?" William lied again, but the nervous look in his eyes gave way. "Justin told you about my dreams didn't he?" Brian continued. "About the alien ship I've been seeing in my dreams".

     William was silent. "Tell me god damn it", Brian yelled. "Did he or did he not tell you?"
William narrowed his brow and nodded. "He didn't mean to", he said. "He never meant to betray your trust in him, or cause problems". -"Great", Brian remarked. "Who all did he tell? All of Atlantis City?"
-"Just me", William replied. "You said you could confide in me, so what difference would it make if he told me or not?" -"Because he made a promise, that's why", Brian muttered. "And promises aren't meant to be broken". "No", William interrupted. "Just hard to keep, especially in cases like these".
"You see something bizarre happened outside of Atlantis", William explained. "The AMF expedition force discovered something underground, and set out to get a better look and determine what it was. Justin and our Vice admiral were a part of this mission, and they were the only two who survived".

     "What happened to the others?" Brian asked. William began to continue his story. "Whatever was underground must of been rigged with a booby trap, because it was set off and those in its way were killed". "But how did those two survive? Brian asked. "Lynne was still down in the tunnel they dug, and Justin, well he ran away. He ended up running into me, asked for my help, and then the two of us worked together to get Lynne out of that pit, and that's when the alien space ship arrived".
-"Has it done anything?" Brian asked him. "No", William replied. "And it's really strange too, no one knows who they are or why they're here, but I have a hunch it might have something to do with that thing below". -"Yeah", Brian mumbled as he remembered everything Xxionia had told him.

     "Some say they could be plotting our demise, others believe they are just making observations and planning to leave soon, but I say, I haven't a damn clue". William looked Brian in the eye. "If you've really had dreams about them, then is it possible you know what they want?" Brian looked back at him, hesitant to answer. "Because if you know a lot, it could prove useful in defeating them".
"I don't really know much", Brian answered. "But from what I do know, I can assure you that they aren't here on friendly business". -"So then, they are our enemies then?" William asked.
Brian nodded. "Yeah, I'm afraid so". "Then I guess recruiting new soldiers is important", William sighed. "Once again, Brian I'm sorry, but you have to join us or, you can spend the rest of your days in the slammer". -"I understand", he replied as he lowered his head. "I should of seen this coming, but I didn't".

     "It's alright", William said in a comforting voice. "You can't see everything that comes your way, or else no one would have surprises to look forward to". -"I hardly think of this as a surprise", Brian muttered. "More of a rude awakening, than anything else".
-"But think of all the fun you'll have spending time with us fly boys", William joked. "I don't think of preparing for war as anything fun or enjoyable", Brian said. William let out a sigh as he prepared to leave. "Just don't let it get you down", he said. "And don't be afraid either, because fear will only get you killed". Brian waited till he closed the door and left, then he scurried over to a nearby window to have a look at the alien ship for himself.

     He just couldn't believe his eyes, he had seen it in his nightmares and now he was seeing it for real. "This can't be", he said to himself. He closed his eyes and hoped that when he opened them again, it would be gone. But of course, it was still there, its massive black metallic body spread out far and wide, with red lights wrapped around it. While staring at it, he could only think of how terrified and alone Xxionia must feel. He remembered she was trapped on that ship and by the one she called Zoal.
"Forgive me" he thought to himself. "I should of listened to you".