Libro "End Of The Line" by Karen Aguilar

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Courtesy of Andrea Wong PHOTOGRAPHY

The author was born in a portable potty in 1995, she was conceived in a trash can at 3:00 am. No one knows how that was even possible, but witnesses claim otherwise. Karen Aguilar, pen name as I.C Wiener became a world recognized author when she killed Stephen King in a fist fight behind a KFC. A legendary hero. Her story begins in this book, her accomplishments have inspired millions to follow on her footsteps, many authors have already been killed behind fast food restaurants, Dennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is the most popular spot, and rookie authors are being awarded Nobel Prizes for their dedication, work, and, love for literature by writing self-insert stories, gay fanfiction, and furry smut. Thus, making the world a better place.

END OF THE LINE

First Anchor books trade hardcover edition. November 1995 Copyright ÂŠ by Karen Itzel Aguilar Illustrations by a goblin. Printed in Vancouver, where the first Reaper attack took place.

Index Prologue ------------------------------------------------- 9 Chapter 1 ------------------------------------------------ 10 Chapter 2 ------------------------------------------------ 16 Chapter 3 ------------------------------------------------ 18 Chapter 4 ------------------------------------------------ 21 Chapter 5 ------------------------------------------------ 27 Chapter 6 ------------------------------------------------ 31 Epilogue ------------------------------------------------- 39

Prologue Trope. “The bad guys want to revive an ancient weapon, capable of mass destruction, the good guys will definitely stop them, unless… There’s a traitor in their midst. A turn of events that isn’t predictable at all” Inspiration or rip offs includes: One Piece, Borderlands Star Wars, Star Trek, Mass Effect obviously, Maybe Blade Runner but the author hasn’t seen the movie, research was done though. Extensively, about space, space travel, physics, science in general, but science fiction is still the main theme. Nothing is accurate unless accidently. I started this story back in 2011, I didn’t know how to write then, I still don’t know how. I edited this on a sunday, trying to make it less dumb. Self inserts are always a bad idea, the make an author lose credibility. But i’m not a writer, I started this for fun, never thoughts it would come in handy as a school assignment.

Chapter 1 Fragments

he girl dances in the ocean, gracefully moving her legs to keep afloat, she enjoys the water so much that she gets too far from the beach, the shore becoming a horizon. Before she realizes that she’s too far from the sand, Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) wraps around her leg, strangely, pulling her deeper, her splashing makes it worse, she tries to remain calm, and quickly opens her eyes to find herself in clear waters, the salt water stings, she blinks rapidly. Forests of kelp flowing along the steady current, marine life take a home in the algae. The sun rays illuminate the forest, she’s never seen such a beautiful sight. A shine glimmers at the bottom, the base of the plants, but she must go up for air before drowning, and she does. Coughing water, violently wipes her stingy eyes, salinity isn’t that strong in that area, but her eyes are red. The bottom is still visibly illuminated from the surface. She decides to investigate the glimmer. Sucking a huge amount of air, she inflates her cheeks, and dives down again. Like the Heart of Atlantis, the shine is bright and blue, like the waters around it, it becomes stronger as she gets closer, water pressure starts to give her a headache, her chest compresses, but she’s so close to the glimmer, she extends her arm and opens her palm. She grabs it, running out of air, and swims back up. She opens her palm to give it a better look; it’s a luminous shard, maybe light opal. Hiding the gem in her fist, as swimsuits don’t have any pockets, she manages to head back to the shore, funny enough, her family didn’t notice she was that far, but they’re glad to see her. She excitedly runs up to them, to show them the opal she found, but when she opens her fist, it dissolves, like a ball of coconut oil into her hands, it is absorbed. No one else but her got to see it. Years pass by without it being mentioned again.

Silence roams the air; driving at the speed limit at the green light just to meet a car that drives at full speed and ignores their red light. To me, car accidents are always expected, yet I seem surprised when they happen. Although I’ve only been in two. I look at the crater ridden road, thinking about some hilarious joke I said 5 years ago, then my mind goes quiet as I watch another car get closer to my window, and after that, time was nothing but a slow-motioned evanesce. I saw it coming but I just watched the car get bigger and bigger at formidable speed, and there was nothing I could do. A loud, fractured sound is heard, I could feel the left side of the vehicle pushing and thrusting my arm, shoulder, and leg, there was no time for me to escape this sudden force, my seatbelt didn’t let me. I felt Impact, the force, the quake. A sharp pain on my head. I black out.

I like hospitals, I like how they smell and how clean they are. The beds might be uncomfortable, and the pillows, cold and uninviting, but the bland colors relax me. It all becomes more awkward when the cute doctors walk in and you’re naked dressed in a paper-like gown with no make-up. Also, bad hair. Cue the cute doctor that walks in. -Hello, Miss Karen? How you feeling? You were involved in a car accident, you suffered a mild head trauma, a concussion. But you’ll live. -My head hurts a lot- I stated the obvious, it was the only thing I felt like saying at that moment, also I was still groggy and disoriented. -Any chance I can leave today? - I quickly said before looking like an idiot. -Yes, well, you should, you’ve already been hospitalized for 48 hours, and if you claim to feel better, I don’t see why you should stay longer. - 48 hours? Is that two days? –I didn’t care if I sounded dumb again, I just needed to be sure I was hearing right. My head was still ringing after all. - You’ve been here for 2 days and a half, after the car crash, you dozed off and abruptly blacked out, you could say that you were in a short-term coma, or you’re just very sleepy (haha) but you’re fine now, I’ll call your parents immediately. Do you need anything? Water, cafeteria food? Gum? – He talked quickly yet concerned and caring. -A glass of water would fine, thank you.

I was very thirsty, not to mention with dry breath, that gum didn’t sound so bad either. He nodded, turned and I heard him whisper to himself. -Feel better soon. -Mmm? – I asked, unable to catch his mumbling, I’m always so distracted. -I’ll be right back with some Dasani water-. He smiled and stepped out of the room. That’s my favorite water, how could he know? I would’ve been fine with Aquafina, not Arrowhead, Arrowhead is gross. Now alone, I hold my covered legs, feeling unstable and fragile. I felt ridiculous in that cheap robe, I started to think about what just happened, my mind was numb, I wasn’t sad, just, disappointed at myself, for being so weak and feeble and not seeing the car coming, because I always brag about never getting in accidents, I’m too scared to exceed 60 km per hour. I removed the thin covers, I wanted to stretch and walk around the room. Brush my teeth with the disposable toothbrush. A futile attempt. The moment I got out of that bed, my legs turned to jello and tumbled, the fall was as ridiculous as it was painful, I was just glad no one saw. With my cheek on the cold, hard floor and legs in the air. I’ve been asleep for so long I forgot that my legs would need to get used to the sudden movement. I just lied there, on the floor, I leaned in both elbows to help me stand up, but my ribs started to hurt, and I was forced to stay there where I was. I never felt so incredibly stupid, then I randomly remember the joke I was thinking about back in the car and, for a second, everything was ok, still stupid though. I just realized, I never asked his name, how rude of me. I also didn’t ask if my parents came to visit me. My ribs, my head, were in crucial pain, I wanted everything to go away and all I could do is take a nap even though the handsome doctor told me that I already have slept for 2 days, but nothing was stopping me. Suddenly another white robed doctor came in, a short, scruffy man with spectacles, with a poor hairline. He saw me and he kind of looked at me in surprise, apparently, he wasn’t expecting to see me awake or something. And of course, he spoke first. –Oh, excuse me, I did not know you were up yet, I must call your parents immediately. –Err, I thought they were called already.” –Eh? Well I’ll make sure they know again, I’m Dr. Rivera, I believe you suffered a mild head trauma, several lacerations to the scalp and...” –I know all this. I´m having Deja vu – I interrupted. –The blonde doctor told me everyhting,.I just need to know when I can get out of here.

- Blonde doctor, huh? I don’t think we sent anyone else besides me and the nurses to check on you in the last 4 days. –The doctor stressed in disregard. -Wait, 4 days? I thought I was in here a bit less, the other guy told me that… -Yes, ok, I am your only current doctor, you must still be confused after that terrible crash you just experienced, as you just noticed, your head still has stitches. - Dr. Rivera sounded incredulous and his tone was making me anxious. We talked for a while, he kept on disregarding my comments like “the other medic told me that” and after a while he abandoned the room. Leaving me alone, I got up from that firm, dense bed, and tried to stretch, only to worsen the dull pain. I still couldn’t believe I was there for 4 whole days, that’s actually pretty gross; those nurses must have given me sponge baths, how did I even go to the bathroom? A thought too embarrassing to think about, just eww. Another day passed, just enough for me to be able to walk but head still hurt.

Chapter 2 Meetings

slight knocking wakes me up. I stand up from my bed and face the door. –Who is it? - I asked, if it was a doctor, they would’ve just come in. –It’s, me, Dr. Schäfer- a man’s voice echoed from the other side, but he was kind of whispering, the loud kind of whispering. –Ok. I don’t know you” I answered loudly. –You do know me, but you don’t know my name- said the mysterious man, a bit louder. –Are you the tall blonde doctor from a few hours ago? –Yup. Are you decent? can I please come in? - he insisted. I gave up and finally opened the door for him to come in. He looked preoccupied with something. –Are you really a doctor? - I quaked as I slowly backed away from him. He wasn’t wearing his lab coat from before. –Please listen to me, I came here to–You were in room and you weren’t supposed to be there! Are you pervert or a serial killer? What do you want from me? - I exclaimed but tried to remain in low volume as I could considering the fact that there were other people in their quarters, it was late and dark, very few personnel around. –You have to let me explain - he closed the door behind him, but I knew he was trying to keep me calm when he raised his palms at his head level, gesturing me to not be afraid. –I need to tell you something important. I know you’re scared. Please listen to me. –Ok. I will listen to your story but keep in mind I don’t trust you and I will most likely kick you out as soon as you finish talking- I said with honesty, impersonating a doctor is a crime I think. –Fair enough- He stated, unafraid of my threat -My name is Robert Schäfer. I represent a top-secret organization called Cerberus, you possess something that we need and I’m here to get it back. –Wow I wasn’t expecting that kind of honesty, which, to be frank, sounds like a lie. Are you a cult? and what does this cult have to do with me? I haven’t done any witchcraft- The man was serious, I started to think he knew something I didn’t, and he wasn’t there to joke around. - I’m getting you involved in something crucial, I’m telling you the truth.

He cleared his throat and took a deep breath. – 10 years ago, a meteorite landed on Earth, but not land, it landed in water, coastal waters. I listened carefully as he spoke. –We know where it landed, or in this case, sunk, we traced its residual energy down in Mexico. –Baja...? –I inquired, afraid of being right. He was clearly taken back, he smiled and grabbed my hands with his. –So, I was right. You touched it. –No… it vanished into my hands, I thought I was crazy. I never told anyone. – I stammered. –It’s real, it looked like an opal, do you remember? a fragment straight out of a meteorite, an element called Nebulium. –Sounds made up. – I claimed in disbelief. –Most of the particle dissolved into space, before entering your atmosphere, that shard you held was the last remaining evidence of it existence. – He continued, with a somber tone. –So, it’s gone, I destroyed it, I’m sorry. – I crooned in embarrassment. –Not yet, you absorbed it, like a human absorbs any disease, or radiation. That’s how I tracked you, you’re the only living proof of Nebulium. ‘The Cat’s eye”. –I just noticed you have an accent. Are you an alien? –I’m German. –Oh duh, your last name is Schäfer -- Wait! Am I a Mary Sue? – I exclaimed –Please focus. If you think you are then yes you are a ;ary Sue. -The German fellow continued to explain. –I need you to come with me- he abruptly said. – To space. Now listen… –ARE YOU SERIOUS? – I gasped. –LISTEN. We need you, as in your molecular structure, I have scientists that will look at you and determine what will be done, the material that you are now part of was very important, and it’s more important than ever. And most of our Intel is located at the Citadel, the intergalactic station. There’s someone there that might decipher the data in your DNA, or wherever it resides. –I will assume, you have a space ship of some sort? I can’t believe this is happening. –I do have a ship, first things first, I brought you clothing, hopefully it’s your size. I gasped as I he handed me a duffle bag. – Space clothing?! – I Expressed eager with enjoyment. –It’s European.

Chapter 3 Ascend

he year is 2018. Wars still take place on Earth, but the majority are taken out in space, and not against people but extraterrestrial beings. Christianity was abolished during the schism of the 11th century which means the dark ages of scientific repression never occurred, the library of Alexandria never burned down, thus making humanity a thousand years more advanced. Humans achieved spaceflight since the 50’s, mass production of space shuttles was possible in the 70’s, and military forces were carried out in space during the mid-90s. At the end of the 1999, cruise ships were obsolete, spacecrafts resorts were the new vacation cruises. Nowadays resort spacecraft tickets are over $100,000 depending on length of sailing, itinerary, and ship and cabin type, per adult.

So of course, I couldn’t let this chance pass, to venture into the final frontier, for free! When we got there, Robert pressed a button placed on his watch, thus uncloaking his ship, the sight was overwhelming. –This is great- I pondered silently, almost crying. –It’s an original SSV Normandy, one of the newest models. Now get in quickly, the fine for landing these on non-registered land is over 4 thousand credits and I’m not risking that kind of cash. –This isn’t even a road, it’s grass, you’re going to burn the forsythia- I claimed, as Robert directed me towards the door. –I won’t get a ticket for burning flowers- he said as we stepped inside, the door shut slowly on us and I could feel the quiet whirring sound of the ship. Robert accommodated it for takeoff. I sat in the vacant copilot seat besides Robert, who was pressing buttons and pulling little levers. The inside of the ship was dark colored but heavenly illuminated, the Normandy was built on three decks; the Command Deck which is where the flight lieutenants navigate the starship, the Quarters, and the Engineering Deck and Storage. We were now off the ground. –Why are we ascending so slowly– I excitedly asked, I didn’t really mind, I was still happy I was inside a spaceship, I couldn’t wait to ascend. –We need to reach beyond the atmosphere to achieve Hypersonic Flight.

Said a very concentrated Robert. –We’re almost there. It’s very hard to operate without the engineers on board. -I was about to comment about that. Where is the rest of your crew? - I questioned suspiciously. -They are on holiday- He lied. -Don’t tell me you took a Starfleet without permission- This guy might still be hiding secrets from me. He looked at me with no emotion on his face. But before I could say anything, he changed the subject. - Brace yourself for takeoff. – He warned. We strapped in. I felt as if I was in a roller coaster, my heart was racing, everything vibrated and purred. I watched through the window how the ground became smaller. He drove the ship into the sky, and everything darkened, for we were outside the atmosphere, passing planets at incredible speed. I didn’t know much about science fiction, but I knew we were going faster than the speed of light. This was the perfect time to ask countless questions about space, but I didn’t want to annoy the blonde man at the steering wheel. –So how far is this place? –I ask him. –Near Helix nebula, don’t worry, I won’t get lost. – He jested – It’s a safe haven, for all races, they thrive in harmony, where politics take place. It’s big too. I feared I’d be overwhelmed, that I wouldn’t fit in, that I’d be useless in the end. Which reminded me to ask him about my situation. –How is nebulium important? Is it medicine, a chemical? a resource? – I jabbered, I needed to know how important this resource was, to determine, how important I was. –You’re close, it is a catalyst, it will activate an ancient device known as the Crucible. Long lost among shoals of dust, waiting to be awoken. Without it, the universe is in peril. –Is the universe in danger? – I faltered. –Indeed. You may not know this, because Earth has been closed off from intergalactic affairs, to recede panic, but many colonies have been wiped out, alien races have been pushed into extinction, by a common enemy that was thought to be dead. The Thrawns. – He looked at me to see if I was scared. –I thought they were a myth – I stressed, surprised at the newly found information. –They’re real. Civilizations have been wiped out, cities reduced to desserts, burned, eradicated like a magnifying glass does to ants under the sun. They only reason you haven’t heard about it is because Earth hasn’t been hit yet, hell, not even the nearest Solar System has been touched by the terror of the Thrawns.

But they get closer and closer, it won’t be long until they get here, and destroy it all. – Why are they doing this? what’s the point of being that powerful if they don’t want control? Do they just want death? How close are they getting to reaching our system? – I asked terrified. Understanding why it was important to stop these bad guys. – We haven’t really made connections with the enemy, all we know, is that once they started, they haven’t stopped, and we don’t know if they’re going to stop.

Chapter 4 Space meetings

e arrived at the Citadel. It was bigger and prettier than I imagined. White, shiny, a holographic scene. Constructed by the long-extinct Protheans, this colossal deep space station serves as the capital of the Citadel Council, headquarters of much distanced leaders along with other scientific, religious, non-religious, and military organizations, in charge of the political balance of many planets and races, including Earth. -It’s like the NASA of the Galaxy- I gasped in amazement after taking in the view for minutes. –And the U.N, and the Pentagon. All in one place. – Robert guided me throughout a beautiful chrome pavilion. –Are we going to meet your scientist friend yet?– I asked Robert as he guided me through a windowed hallway. I kept looking outside. I could see the stars, and the rest of the citadel. An immense garden that would put Central Park to shame. –That’s why we’re here for, but we must keep a low profile, it may not look like it, but the Citadel is in crisis, many refugees from war reddened planets have come here for aid, well, for refuge. –Is their home that chaotic? – I inquired, I looked through the windows, I could see temporary housing, alien families, huddled together like outcasts. Sometimes, when alien races are at war, there’s a big chance that their planet could be in too much chaos for its leaders to work and decide its fate, as in the leaders leave, their world is on fire, and cannot be saved. Suddenly, a new voice spoke in front of us. –Ah but who says the planet and its leaders are the ones to decide its fate, as if they have a choice? What if someone else decides their fate? Like, I don’t know, THE ENEMY?” a young boy’s voice echoed through the pavilion. The boy, who was turned to us now, was hurdled with a bunch of lab coated men. He walked towards us with a big welcoming smile, an attitude completely different from the German guy that I’ve been accompanied with. Robert looked at me relieved, he pats my shoulder and confirms – That’s our guy. –Robert! buddy! I was wondering where you were- he smacks his friend on the back, he turns to face me. - And I see you brought company, based on her choice of wardrobe, she JUST came from Earth -- what’s up.

–Oscar, I must inform you that- He lowered himself to whisper - that I went back to Earth, and I retrieved the Cat’s Eye -Robert stood again tall, waiting for his colleague response. This Oscar guy suddenly got serious, took me by the arm and dragged me to a nearby office. Robert followed. As soon as I walked in, I felt the tension. Robert closed the door behind him. He opened his mouth to talk but Oscar spoke first. –Are you for real? That means our theory was right? We’re gonna get into a lot of trouble if this is true. What have you done?– exclaimed the young scientist “do you realize the situation you just put me though. And not just me, you too are in deep shit. The boy pushed his glasses up, they slid down because he was sweating. –Do not worry, I know what I’m doing- said Robert proudly of his actions. I sat down on one of the desk chairs and thought “oh no, I knew it, I’m in trouble.” The man called Oscar continued to rant. –Our request to seek this girl was DENIED by the council 3 years ago! They didn’t believe us, that the thought of Nebulium residing in Terrans was preposterous, gave up on the search. –We knew we were right, they didn’t listen, but I had to look for her because you thought your calculations were wrong, that Nebulium traces were destroyed once they touched Earth’s stratosphere, gone forever. They threatened to fire us if we continued the search. - The tall man got louder. –And you still carried out with this mission! Tell me, how did you manage to navigate the ship without your crewmembers and co-pilot? Which is me by the way He looked at me as he said this. I just shrugged. –It was easy- Sassed the German proudly. –We’ll talk about your intentions later, in the meantime” he looks at me. I noticed he had long eyelashes, dark brown eyes that shined like quartz. I didn’t notice I was staring deep into his gaze until he was right in front of me. –Say AH–he commanded. I obeyed, still confused by the whole situation. He took out a q-tip and swabbed my tongue with it, taking a sample of my saliva. –If it’s not in your DNA, I’ll have to take a blood sample, big sample, big needle. You better pray Robert is right. I gulped. – I’m telling you this is real, she touched it with her hand and she absorbed it like a sponge. She has to have it, whether its blood or DNA, it’s definitely there. Oscar took the sample and secured in a little flask, he thought for a second, then he spoke.

–Give me some time to study it. I’ll have faster results as soon as you leave her with me- I blushed when he said that. –Great. We’ll head out tomorrow then. –Robert? is this why you sad that we should keep a low profile? ‘cus you are doing this illegally? - I asked, scared and confused. I looked at Oscar who smiled and spoke gently. –Robert is an idiot, he lied to you, he does that, but we are going to resolve this, if you do have nebulium in your system, we can save earth, and the universe, if not? I’ll just take you home and wait for imminent death. Robert was clearly irritated by Oscar’s sarcastic humor. He slightly nodded and said –Once we know for sure she has it, we head out tomorrow, in search of the Crucible. No time to lose– he then left the room, leaving me and the other guy alone. –He’s keen for adventure– I mumbled without realizing I was thinking out loud. Ironically I´m also keen for a space adventure. –He’s a good guy, we are all desperate to end the war– said the kid in the lab coat. –Come on, we’re gonna finish this test at my lab, it’s just around here. –Is it just the two of you? Why did this council deny your request to look for me?– We talked while we walked to a different building across the pavilion. –Sometimes, devastation to others means good fortune to others, you see all those refugees down there? Hurdled in tents, crying, with no possessions, no home. You think the council cares? They aren’t the ones suffering, their enemies are being eliminated, one gets poor, the other gets richer. That’s how it works here. No need to be good at the game when your opponent is dead. I followed him into his lab slash office, I sat down while he took out his equipment to read the swab with my DNA. -How rude of me! I completely forgot to introduce myself - He turned from his tools and extended his hand to me with a big smile and he shook joyfully. -I’m Dr. Rembrandt, call me Oscar, I am a Researcher here, I have studied everything there is to know about Nebulium, it’s hard without physically having the actual element though. That’s why I was wrong about it’s properties, it survived water, or so I hear, I’m still quite surprised, I could tell you so much about my work and my personal projects, but I’m more interested in you right now. What’s your name?” He let go of my hand and kept that big smile. –My name is Karen, and I’m still in school so I can’t really describe a fancy job or career like you just did, I don’t have anything going on, I boring and I like drawing. I sounded insecure, I didn’t feel this shy and silly when I met Robert. This guy was different. I felt like impressing him but I could not.

-Interesting. You seem very nice, I don’t draw myself, but I like math, I like science, numbers, learning and uncovering secrets, a dangerous job here. With all the politician nutjobs. Your asistance will change the tide on the war, you’re very special for harvesting the one thing that can save us all. -I don’t think I’m special- I interrupted. -I think I’m a burden. The only thing you desire is whatever resides in me, just take it out of me and save the world. I never meant to take it from you guys, I just thought it was pretty and couldn’t help but touch it, hopefully I didn’t ruin it. -It´s better this way, it’s the purest element in the galaxy, nothing can alter it, especially not a human. I’d go as far to say that you saved it. I folded my arms, holding a shiver. Space is cold even in the space station with artificial gravity. -You know, I’m talking to you right now and I think you’re very special, even if you don’t know math- He disclosed, chuckling lightly. - would like to be your friend, you should’t be afraid here. I blushed vigorously. As if his looks, scent and smarts weren’t enough, he was too charming for me to handle. His redolence filled the room like water, drowning me in his charm and charisma. -Are you ok, Karen? – he asked me, with a worried look. -Are the results ready? I nervously asked. -Let me go check- He stood from his chair to go print the results. – it’s inconclusivehe said, disappointedly. - I’m sorry – I remorse, sinking myself into my shoulders. -Actually, inconclusive doesn’t mean negative, there is the second test I told you about, to surely determine if you are positive with Nebulium. – He fashioned a nefarious smile and opened a drawer full of deadly tools. -Big needle? – I faltered, holding on onto my chair. Showing evident horror. - Yup, you better not faint because I’m about to retrieve ½ pint of blood. - WHY SO MUCH.

Chapter 5 Cosmic Castaway

t’s the next day, the sunlight is artificial like everything else, it protect us from the actual star . -Robert! wake up! – the scientist bursts into a luxurious apartment, looking for his blonde friend. - Oscar, I’m in the kitchen, please stop yelling, I just woke up. – The man was loading a coffee capsule. - I got it, we were right, I mean you were right, but we both knew this thing was alive. She’s positive! Her structure is 30% nebulium! The cat’s eye exists, and we can finally help those affected by famine and violence. - I knew it Oscar! I told you! This is great, were going to do this, we leave in ten minutes. - Ok, I’m gonna wake her up, by the way I had to draw blood. -Well at least you got something. Where did the kid sleep anyway? - he asked, looking around, expecting to see her on the couch. -I let her sleep on the Normandy- he said while rubbing his eyes. - You know we can get in trouble for that. Why didn’t you let her sleep on your couch? Are you timid? - No, my apartment’s a mess and I don’t know her well enough to invite her in, I just met her and, you know, it’s weird- wait did you just said that we could get in trouble for letting her stay at the Normandy? Weren’t you the one who stole the whole damn ship? And kidnapped her? Are we really talking about who’s gonna get in trouble here? Oscar tantalized and was now fully awake and, on his way, to brush his teeth in Roberts sink, he had his own toothbrush on him. The German man expressed a loud annoyed groan and drank his coffee. -Your sofa is distasteful anyway; did you buy it at a garage sale? Like most of everything you own. Oscar got out of the bathroom with his hair wet, mouth covered in toothpaste. He spat in the kitchen sink and said “if you’re going to insult my furniture, at least make me breakfast. Robert checked his watch, tapped it and frowned “it is 7 o’clock’- he announced incredulously -Yeah, I didn’t sleep. I’m excited.

-Get your stuff, we’re going to track down the Crucible now that we have her, get to the Normandy, I’ll be right there in a second. -I still don’t know why we’re doing this now, we are most likely gonna get arrested this time, I don’t wanna go to jail, man, those big ass aliens have monstrous dicks, I’ll die, I don’t think I can be a Gorgon’s bitch, or a Turian’s bitch, they’ll rip me in two. Please don’t drag me into trouble. - He whined. Regardless of Oscar’s complaints, Robert was already adjusting into a tactical black turtleneck, and grabbing a gun, a space gun - Oscar, you’re coming with me. I need you and I’m not going to lie, you’re not going to like it. I know you want to do this as badly as I do. -I never liked your plans, last time you did this, you dragged me to a crazy location where people didn’t have noses and their eyes were as big as baseballs, remember their black eyes, Robert, their green leathery skin? Remember how you kept making X file jokes while I was pissing myself? -I know this little expedition seems scary to you, but this is the turning point, the final step for peace. Remember peace? That’s the greater good. -I remember you shot a guy for “peace”. -I do what I must do, especially for peace. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, it’s time for you to do the same. The two friends walked out Robert’s place, heading cautiously to the hangar. -We’ve been friends for years and I was assigned to assist you in your research. We are fighting for the greater good as you say, nothing less, nothing more, If I’m going to come with you, you have to promise no one will get hurt, including that girlOscar waited for his answer, he didn’t want to get in trouble, he didn’t earn a pHD to become a mercenary, he just wanted to look at specimens from his lab and study cool moon rocks. Robert smiled and looked him in the eyes. I promise- He crossed his heart. They enter the hangar; the Normandy stands out from the rest of the ships. The pair sneaks in and find Karen hiding in the cockpit. -A bunch of weird guys came in to check the ship, they didn’t see me though. Have we decided on a destination? - she inquires patiently, as she is eager to venture the final frontier again. -Thanks to you, we have Nebulium, the element that will help us find the Crucible device, I just loaded the coordinates into the galaxy map, the only source of the cat’s eye is right here. Oscar shows a stellar cartography, full of stars and systems and numbers and coordinates. Robert is quick to read it.

-Messier 81- He ensures. -Um Robert we can’t, it’s too far. Normandy may have hyperdrive, but it can’t take that distance without black matter. Karen looks at both men, confused and energetic. -Why do you need black matter? – she queried. Oscar answers happily. - We basically need to create a wormhole, multidimensional space travel needs black matter for that kind of energy, this ship can only take us so far with lightspeed, it can’t handle 11.74 million light years in one go. - Where do you get black matter? The girl asks both men, who answer at the same time. “Omega” They both head to the Bridge, already putting down the coordinates. - Omega is described as ¨the Terminus Systems¨ dark, twisted counterpart to the Citadel.” It is a huge mining station built from the remains of a massive, irregularly shaped asteroid with twisting streets populated with homes, shops and warehouses. Omega’s inhabitants are usually lawless. Territory is controlled by the strongest faction in that area and frequently changes hands, often with brutal violence. – Oscar informs. Roberts shows a tridimensional hologram of the place. -Built in the mined-out husk of a metallic asteroid, Omega has been a haven for criminals, terrorists, and malcontents for thousands of years. At times the station has lain idle and abandoned for centuries, only to be reactivated by a new group of outlaws seeking a fresh start. The space station’s original elegant design has given way to haphazard expansion by scrabbling factions of every species. There is no central government or unifying authority on Omega, and nobody can recall a time there ever was one. – Robert continued, already putting the passing down the coordinates. Orbital Period: 6.9 Earth Years The trio is seated, Robert pushes buttons, pulls levers, and boom. Lightspeed travel. Karen looks through out the window again, never getting sick of the phenomenon. Omega is far, it takes 30 minutes for arrival, when the Normandy stops, the ship is met with a sea of rocks. -I hate flying in an asteroid-filled System. - said an infuriated Oscar. Robert maneuvered most of the flying debris, but it was almost impossible to avoid the pebbles that were hitting the ship all over.- I hope the windows are strong enoughinsisted Oscar as they witnessed big rocks crash against them - ok I know they are but I can’t even hear my own thoughts with the sound of the asteroids hitting the ship. Holy shit it sounds like it’s raining bricks.

-I won’t let the big rocks hit us, we must reach the station, its right here in the eye of the asteroid field. Don’t forget fines double in construction zones. - Robert pointed out when he realized mid sentenced that he was more worried about a ticket than the ship crashing with a floating giant rock and possibly collapsing onto the station. Karen was just holding for dear. She didn’t talk the whole way since they entered the System, she had a terrified look in her face, and wanted only to get to safety but the asteroids weren’t making it any easier. Once the ship stabilized and managed to survive the ocean of rocks, they took a small shuttle out of the ship and directly to the station. Robert was getting his gun ready and so did Oscar. The girl just watched them soundlessly, wondering why they would need them. -Listen, I know a dealer here, she can help us, but you HAVE to let me talk. - Robert Instructed while he cocked his blaster, guiding them to a club like place - Oscar, don’t pull out your piece until I tell you to. I’m not saying we’ll need it, but if we encounter any bandits we might just have to pop a cap on a Vorcha. -What’s a Vorcha? - Karen breaks her thoughts by speaking finally, she hides behind Oscar as she looks around, looking for monsters. The boy chuckles. -Trust me, dear, you don’t want to know, they’re ugly aliens that kill time by... well killing, smuggling black market goods, guns, alien organs like ours, stealing, and force breeding whatever they find. But don’t worry, they’ll most likely try to rape a bear than humans ‘cause they’re freaky like that. Still scary. -That’s somehow more unnerving. - She said with transparent fear. -Everyone quiet. We’re here. - Robert signaled them with a shushing motion. He sweet talked the bouncer, and they were let in.

Chapter 6 Nasses Grab

e, Oscar and Robert were looking for a specific stripper, her name was Eurybia. Meaning Goddess of the Seas. Robert lead us to her, when we saw her, she wasn’t dancing, she was just carrying drinks to other alien costumers, many gawked at her flamboyant beauty, nevertheless she was very revealing, except for her legs, which were covered by latex. I thought he had a shirt but noticed immediately her bare back under different lighting spots “Don’t be fooled’ The German instructs. “For her exterior hides her true alien form, She’s a Nereid, a sea witch. I noticed Oscar make a little jump when she turned around to reveal her breasts. -Are you okay, old friend? - Robert asked Oscar, surprised by his reaction. -Yeah, yeah, I am fine, it’s just that... I felt a chill down my spine, I have a bad feeling about this, a very bad feeling. I noticed he was shaking a little bit, I wondered if he was afraid of skimpy girls, or something else. -Relax man, they’re just boobs, nothing you haven’t seen before. -I gave Oscar a gentle pat on the arm and giggled, I never imagined he’d be nervous because he seemed so confident when I met him. I wanted to say something like “please try not to drool” but when we got closer to her, I couldn’t help but agree that she wasn’t half bad; she had yellow eyes, the dim light enliven her short, orange, wavy hair and her lavender skin. Despite her astonishing beauty, I knew men only came to see her naked, demanding lap dances, not to get to know her. She could’ve looked human if it wasn’t for the gill passages on her neck, which were unsettling at first, but I was okay with her merfolk ears that looked like fins. -Excuse me, Miss Eurybia? - Robert tapped her shoulder. -Remember me? I’m Dr. Schafer, and I was wondering if we could talk in private. - Hello stranger? Why so formal? if you want a lap dance you must pay in advance, honey. She brushed him off with derisiveness and started to walk away, only to be halted by Robert, who aggressively stepped in front of her, he stood tall, glaring. -Listen, sweetheart, I don’t want to cause a commotion, but we are here for business reasons, not your lewd services -Robert said with a serious face, a stern tone.

-I remember you differently, sweetheart, less of a prude and more like a gigolo playtoy- She looked at us, who were standing behind Robert, she clearly wanted to humiliate him in front of us. But he wasn’t amused he never lost his seriousness. -we had our fun, I’ve moved on and now I’m here to make a transaction. Now I won’t ask you again, Eurybia. he said darkly. She looked around, clearly she knew him better than we could imagine, and maybe she knew what he was capable of, and people started to expectate. she smiled and regained composure. -I’ll listen – she complied, keeping a nervous smile. The music was getting louder, and we could tell our blonde friend was losing patience with this woman. -Me and my associates would like to make a purchase, I’m sure you have your usual products. Her eyes widened, a big, humanoid bouncer approached us and questioned the dancer “Is there a problem here, miss Eurybia? Should I escort these punks out? - His booming voice echoed through the loud sound waves of the music, she slapped the air and giggled “everything is fine Brutus”, he scoffed, cracked his knuckles and walked away. Eurybia got closer to Robert and whispered something in his ear. Oscar and I just looked at each other. -Follow me, lovelies- she said. We followed her out of the club and went up to some restricted steps. Until we reached the roof, she clapped twice, and various displays kiosks uncloaked, surrounding a deep yellow pool, whatever its content, it was a smelly chemical I didn’t want to get near. -Ah, welcome to my penthouse so to speak, or in other words, my black-market shop, but try not to say it too loud around here, I’m not scared of authorities, just the scum that likes to steal. - she delivered loudly, expanding her skinny arms. -Now, since you almost embarrassed me in front of my peers, I suggest you tell me what is it that you desire from humble Eurybia- she walked alluringly towards us, getting in between me and Oscar, I felt her uncovered breasts brush my arm, she was cold as ice, we both froze from her sudden closed distance. Robert kept his serious demeanor and spoke demandingly. - A cube of dark matter will suffice, thank you, I don’t want to take much of your time - he evoked. -I know you sell them cheap, and I need that amount. -Where are you escaping to now? Did I scare you off enough for you to travel to another dimension? She kept a facade, hiding something from us.

She menacingly circled around us, smelling Oscar and creeping him out to her amusement. She smelled like fish, I would’ve told her to back off, but we needed the cube of darkness or whatever from her and the last thing I wanted was to provoke the witch. -I’ve only sold so very few, they are rare nowadays, no one likes to travel so far away unless they have a good reason- she said in a raspy voice and started to get close to Oscar. I looked at Robert, concerned, I wanted to say something, but he signaled me to shush and remain calm. He knew how hard it was to negotiate with merfolk. The striper started to play with Oscar’s curly strands, he felt her sharp nails and shuddered, she giggled before saying -the price is unique, one million units should cover it- she kept on petting his hair and wrapped her other arm around his neck. I felt my face getting hot. -I can smell your fear- she hissed in his ear. I looked at Robert again, we were feeling anxious and scared. Oscar was visibly trembling, sweating, it wasn’t prudeness, it was fear. This bitch was dangerous. -I don’t have that sum of cash on me now, perhaps we could negotiate? - He crossed his arms, never showing concern. -Sugar, I don’t want the price to weigh on you, but you must understand, no human has ever gone that far. I’m curious on to why you need my dark matter. We looked at each other incredulously, she couldn’t have known. We have just discovered a reason to go to Messier 81. There’s no way she knew, and we weren’t about tell her. -It is none of your business, lady- I said boldly, I was getting sick of her sluggish confrontation, not to mention her scent all over Oscar, she was a predator, a dangerous woman. Robert looked at me like I have just murdered a puppy. -Little girl- She turned to me -it is my business, I’m giving you the resource to get your precious weapon. -Weapon? - I dismayed – You could not be more wrong! - I chuckled, mocking her allegations, but Robert’s eyes were big with concern and my smile went away. - Right? I said directed to him, and Oscar had just escaped her sticky arms. -Um,whore. Are you gonna sell us thing yes or no?” Oscar took out his blaster and begun to yield. -I wasn’t going to sell shit to humans anyway. Robert groaned, his plan of negotiation had failed. But turned quickly to her, yielding his gun as well. No turning back now.

-Eurybia, you bitch! Do you forget that you owe me? - He had finally lost his cool that he had painfully kept for so long. The man had been too nice to her from the beginning and we all noticed he knew her more personally than we imagined. – I know you can do business with me, without anyone getting hurt. I’m just talking here.- He motioned to his firearm. -You never called - she wasn’t afraid of him anymore. - You don´t scare me, you piece of shit pale man. -I’m not into women with frog legs. -They are NOT FROG LEGS! – She screeched. The angry stripper began to show her true form, her long legs grew and morphed into something I’ve only seen in the Little Mermaid movie, like that scene when human Ursula is about to marry Eric and then Ariel appears and gets her voice back but turns back into a fish and Ursula reveals she’s an octopus lady. Yeah that happened here. Right now. Oscar watched in horror. Never moving an inch. He had a phobia of tentacles. That’s why he was so nervous around her from the beginning. Whow could have known The monster lady looked at him and smiled, as if she knew of his fear. -Well aren’t you a cutest one, more innocent than the German trash man- she ridiculed, and started waddling her way to him. – I knew I smelled fear on you. - He was still in the same place without moving. I could see he was frozen in fear. And yelled to warn him she was going to attack him. -Oscar! Get out of there! She’s coming for you!’ I yelled, suddenly he snapped out of it but before he could get away, Eurybia grabbed his leg and yanked him up like a ragdoll. Coiling on him like a snake crushes its prey. Robert was nowhere in sight. But I was too busy trying to get Oscar’s gun that he dropped, every time I got close, she would whip me away with her squirming limbs. -You better let go of him you shrimp bitch. – I demanded angrily. -”Why? but he’s so cute I want to keep him “ she moaned, her smirk could reach her ears. -I said... LET GO OF HIM! – I had no weapon, I wanted to kick her tentacles. -Oh? but he looks good enough to eat, in every way you can imagine- She showed her set of sharp teeth, starting to drool, she pulled Oscar close to her dangerous smile, he could smell her breath; blood and fish, he thought. Her grip on him tighten every inch I get closer to them; her tentacles constricts on his whole body and show no signs of letting him go. He screams in pain and I start to panic. Suddenly Robert appears. He was looking for the cube to no avail.

-Karen! Use this! - he then throws me the plasma cutter that Oscar dropped when he was in his trance. - Shoot her now!- he yells as the gun lands just feet before me, Eurybia charges at my position. I quickly grab it and shoot off three of her extremities, quickly severing them. She screams in agony -Agh! You little bitch!- she screeched. -You really want him that badly? Then come and get him you little slut! – she lifts him higher in the air. -Oscar! Hold your breath! - Robert yells behind me. I look at him confused as to why he said that just now. She squeezes him, and a loud cracking noise is heard. Oscar screams again. And before I can react, she throws him in the pool. I drop the plasma cutter and Robert retrieves it, shooting Eurybia multiple times, she withers in pain. I want to kill her. I run towards the pool, but Robert jumps in front of me before I can. -That pool is full of bleach, methane, and ammonia. You jump, you’re gonna feel it for days. I push him out of my way and jump into the pool. My eyes are screaming agony, if I open my eyes, I’m never gonna recover, my skin burns tremendously, it itches, and it stings inside my nose and ears. I swim aimlessly, feeling all around me, and when I get deeper, I feel his arm. I lose no time, I grab, pull him towards the surface, and get him to the edge of the pool. - Robert! help! – I bawled. – He’s not breathing! -Give me a second- Robert has Eurybia pinned down, pointing his gun at her face, she’s bleeding black blood, and missing several tentacles, has a leaking blast wound on her chest. Robert must act quickly– before you die, I’m going to need that cube before I paint the floor with your brains. She gurgles out blood but manages to speak a few stumbling sentences. - Hah, you were always so charming Bobby, I’ll give it to you for free, unlike my other services heh heh. She then extends her long skinny arm to him, hands her the object, and collapses. Roberts shoots her in the head to end her agony. -I think she broke his ribs, Robert! - I cry out, feeling powerless and holding Oscars head on my lap. - Not only that, he swallowed ammonia- Robert puts the dark object in his pocket. -Please don’t let him die, please I’m begging you. – I cried desperately.

- I can’t give him mouth to mouth or his broken rib could pierce his lungs, I don’t know what to do! - I cried agian. -We’ll take him back to the citadel, let’s go. We have the drak matter. End of chapter 6

To be continued.

Epilogue They say the past is etched in stone, but it isn’t. Its smoke trapped in a closed room, swirling changing. Buffeted by the passing of years and wishful thinking. But even though our perception of it changes, one thing remains constant. The past can never be completely erased. It lingers. Like the scent of burning flesh. After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began. The bats of Omega thrummed in the Oscar’s chest, the buzz from the alcohol only intensifying that feeling. he had spent a good amount socializing with the rest of the guests, aliens of all sorts, drinking with them and sharing stories from the war. Now his eyes scanned the dark dance floor, and he began to snake his way through the crowd, eyes highlighted by the neon lights. When she found his target, he snaked and slithered to where she was, his arms around her hips, lips curled in a daring smile. he didn’t bother talking at first, grabbing her hand and kissing it, relaxing her tension. he made her dance, rolling his hips and keeping his hand pressed on the girl’s back, keeping her close. His eyes stayed locked with the hers, lips just out of reach, his gaze averting, like looking at the sun. His dress shirt was unbuttoned down to his collarbone, tie loose, and his vest was stained with wine. Oscar wasn’t exactly kept up, hair sticking out in a different direction, much different than they both looked when they arrived at Omega. They look at each other, like they’ve met before and spent ions searching for one another, only to be found again. He wakes up, gasping for air, it hurts to breathe. It was a morphine driven dream. “You almost died” a whisper is heard. “Did you save me?” He says. “The Nereid wanted your life, I didn’t let her. She begins to cry, why does she cry? The souls had just met. How fast can Love work? They both wonder. “Karen” he calls her name. “I’m glad it was me and not you.” When he drifts away, all I can see is uncertainty. Uncertainty about my future with this amazing angel. Uncertain if he will live another month, week, day. Uncertain if I will ever get to have that second date with him, ever get to hold him again.

All he knows is he is no longer in full control of what happens to him or the mission, he is still needed. For Itzel, for himself, Thrawn is on a mission for endless power and what seems like mass destruction, and he’s caught right in the middle of it all, she’s blaming herself for that. She holds his cold, rigid hand, holds it against her tears that won’t stop flowing. The chemicals have damaged his skin. He will be healed, in time. Death is still looking for the three of them. Someone will die.

I cannot forget you, even after death, that is what humans say. Unforgettable, enduring, lost in another. It can consume us. In case you are in the same pain, I want to say... You have only made my life better, you gave me you... A reason to sustain. Even on Omega, made me feel. Purposeful... We are alive my darling and when we are not I will meet you across the sea. Time for me is short, my love, but any I have is yours to take. I once had no reason to live, then suddenly I had one, you. I am always with you. I would not trade the time i had with you for anything. It was a good fight. My love, I am afraid I’ve picked a bad time to leave. I love you. If all else whispers back into the tide, know this for fact. By grace given me by the Goddess, I bid her divine protection to you, my warrior-angel, my ocean, to succeed in your destiny. To light your path through the coming darkness. To give you hope, when all seems lost.

“This is weird, why are you the main character? I do like that you made me a scientist and that I am older than you even though you’re a month older than me. It’s good to dream. Can’t wait to read what happens after chapter 6” – My Boyfriend. “Amazing, brilliant, it takes you to another world, God himself could read this and grant you immortality, that’s how good it is. It’s definitely not trash. Kill me, now.” – Satan from Hell itself

After a horrible car accident, Karen wakes up in a hospital bed with nothing but a few scratches and a headache, to her dismay, someone tried to kill her, or at least make her disappear for their gain. Unfamiliar faces seem to know well. Too well for her liking. A long time ago, she stole something, but she didn’t mean to take it. It was too late. It became part of her, to her core, to her very being that makes her human. A true Mary Sue story. Friends are met along the way, because of the fantastic circumstances, she is taken on a space adventure, something she never dreamed possible until now. Not only is adventure and friendship found, she also finds herself in love. Can her happiness remain until the end of the line? Or will someone take it away from her? An evil seeks the end of the universe, the eradication of life itself. The heroes will have to make tough choices to survive, and to save the world from destruction.

“A story that becomes a beautiful mess, its wannabe deep space romance will impact everyone differently. A unique adventure into the stars.” – The New York Times “This is weird, why are you the main character? I do like that you made me a scientist and that I am older than you even though you’re a month older than me. It’s good to dream. Can’t wait to read what happens after chapter 6” – My Boyfriend “Amazing, brilliant, it takes you to another world, God himself could read this and grant you immortality, that’s how good it is. It’s definitely not trash. Kill me, now.” – Satan from Hell itself