Phantom Regency
Chapter 24

The Sky Man

The entity known as the Sky Man is an alien of unknown origin. There has been only one supposed sighting of the being himself, that by Yoshun Thaxius on Galmar (3 BGE). Numerous people have claimed to have seen him in visions or dreams. On many occasions, this being communicated something of importance about the present or future circumstances of the dreamer. The vast majority of these had to do with aspects of the Thaxian religion. It is supposed that the entity exists in an alternate universe and possesses the ability to commune in some psycho-kinetic way with those in our universe. His goals and motives are unclear, save to those who believe in the pseudo-religious explanations for the existence of the Nexus and its phantom cylinders. His scope of power is also unclear. Many claim to be able to channel his power and affect power sources in our universe. No independently documented cases of such intervention have been recorded. Another intriguing possibility is that are more than one of this type of being. Perhaps each of these encounters is of a different being. It stands to reason that there would be many varieties of beings in another universe or galaxy. Such ideas bear further research.

Doctor Ragnarr Mannushin, UNG

Eamor piloted the Sky Lady back to Sky’s End. His speech at the Exile Colony was still echoing in his mind. He had never experienced such guidance before. It seemed that Sky Man himself was putting the words in his mind as he spoke. The people responded with complete loyalty and devotion. Those who knew Sky Man, like Nix, rejoiced in triumph and great hope. Those who didn’t either saw the lack of peace in their life and devoted themselves to him, or they hardened their heart and became angry. Fortunately, very few were of that mind. They lacked sufficient numbers to hinder the will of Sky Man.

Eamor was confident that Nix, the new governor, would lead the colony to the rendezvous point near the Nexus. Admiral Dayna Hawk, the commander of the Evanthan fleet, would lead her battle group to the Nexus at the appointed time. In less than 2 weeks with the help of Sky Man they would be on their way to their promised home.

Joining him and Rylen were former governor Nexur Revinger and his wife Xyllia. Nexur was one of those who was most moved by Eamor’s appeal. He was determined to learn all he could of Sky Man and insisted on going with Eamor. It turned out that Xyllia was a niece of old Zangor. Her grandfather had been an acolyte who fled from the Regent. His oldest son, Xyllia’s father, left with him but his youngest, Zangor, who was only 8, refused to leave because of his deep devotion, not to the Regent, but to the Nexus and the Regency. She was heartbroken to learn of his passing.

Eamor eased the Lady gracefully down to the outskirts of Somdartown. He was eager to see Talon, Swoop, Ailan and especially Mya. Talon raced out to meet them in a hovercar. He ran up and embraced Eamor.

“Eamor! How did it go?” Talon asked.

“Better than expected. The colony and its forces will be joining us. You will have six Warbird class battle cruisers and a few old Regency cruisers for the raid. Where is Swoop?”

“I left him with the Dominator. He is still recovering. Eamor, we lost Drake. Doc killed him. He was trying to kill Cali. Swoop stopped him, but not before he injected Drake with poison.”

“Where is Doc now?” asked Rylen as he walked up.

“Hey Rylen,” Talon said, hugging the large man. “We marooned him outside an Authority installation. He will have some explaining to do.”

“It is unfortunate. Our enemies are strong and cunning. We must keep our guard up,” Rylen said. “Talon, this is Nexur Revinger, the former exile colony governor and his wife Xyllia.” He introduced them as they approached.

Talon greeted them and they all boarded the hovercar. On the way back, Talon shared more bad news. Halen had disappeared a few days ago. He apparently stowed a ride to Vorgan Skyport and left the system.

“We are fortunate he was not in on any of the Advocates meetings. He knows our whereabouts but none of our plans. My heart aches for him. He has difficulty trusting Sky Man,” Eamor said sadly.

“We should move to the Dominator right away, the M.S.P. could be here soon,” Talon said.

“I will work with Jaythun to purchase a ship for the local exiles,” Rylen added.

Talon piloted them to the center of town near the Advocate meeting house.

Rylen offered to take the Revingers to meet Ailan and replace them lodging.

Before they left Xyllia gathered up Eamor in a huge hug. “Eamor, child. Look at you. Sky Man is so proud. Here we are at the long-appointed time. The second exile is at hand. It won’t be long before Yoshun will be reborn into your line. Don’t stop believing that, you hear me?”

“Yes. Thank you.” Eamor had tears in his eyes.

Talon draped an arm around him as he watched them leave.

“Where is Mya?” Eamor asked.

“In her studio,” Talon replied, “But before you I need to ask you about something.”

“Sure, anything.”

“Well… when I got back Averil was really glad to see me, hugged me and everything. She hardly let me out of her sight for several days.” Talon frowned.

“Yeah… what happened?”

“Well. I asked her about us again and she got mad. We’ve hardly seen each other since. I just…”

Eamor interrupted, “Averil is highly emotional.”

“I had noticed,” Talon muttered.

Eamor continued, “But she knows Sky Man. She has a lot… I mean…”

“Its easy for you,” Talon complained, “You had all these dreams. Sky Man told Mya that you were supposed to be together.”

“Talon, that’s part of the problem. Averil thought I was gone forever. She had given up on that dream. Then no sooner did she see me again and I am pledged to someone else. I think she still has a dream of a hero sweeping her away. I hope it is you. But Sky Man is going to have to help her. I would give her time and talk to Sky Man on her behalf.”

Talon nodded. “Okay. Now, you go see your girl.”

Eamor went to Mya’s small art studio. She had been a talented sculptor and painter as a very young child, but had given up that pursuit as she ‘grew up’. Since coming to know Sky Man she had a passion to portray truths about him through art. She made a modest living selling art in expos at the various skyports.

He entered to see her at work on a small painting. Her hair was gathered up on top of her head. Eamor’s eyes traced her slender neck down to her loose white smock. She smiled at him over her shoulder. He walked up slowly behind her. The painting was almost finished. It was Eamor and Xim standing together with a view of the Nexus behind them. Tears welled up in Eamor’s eyes. Mya had captured their respective earnestness, sadness and loneliness, but the light of Sky Man shone in their faces.

She finished a few strokes and set down her brush. “Do you like it?”

Eamor put his arms around her shoulders and nestled his cheek against hers. “Yes. It moves me greatly.”

“I will finish it before the raid. Perhaps we can replace a way to give it to Xim.”

She stood and they embraced. “Talon and Averil are having issues,” Eamor said.

“I know. She had always dreamed of a warrior, a hero who would rescue her from Galmar. She told me she had always hoped it would be you, but her heart told her no. We have talked a lot. I think she really likes Talon but it scares her.”

“It sounds like you two are great friends.” He pulled up another stool as she sat back on hers.

“I am grateful for her. She was made for so much more than farming. She is rapidly becoming a teacher and mentor to all the girls. She has a huge heart. I am glad to call her friend.” She smiled warmly at him. “Sky Man has been good to me.” They gazed into each other’s eyes for a long time. They could feel Sky Man’s presence in the room.

Later that day, Old Red asked to speak with Eamor and Talon. They met in the central garden. Eamor walked up to replace Old Red and Talon sitting at a table under an arbor of flowering vines. They were sharing notes about the new weapons developments by the Authority and the STARegency Skyforce.

“Hi Red, Hi Talon.”

Old Red had trimmed his beard and hair much shorter. That combined with the light in his eyes made him appear much younger

“Hey kid,” he replied. “Join the old war dogs.”

“Old!” Talon replied, “Speak for yourself.”

“Anyhow, I wanted to tell you ‘bout something that’s got me worried. We’re talking about raiding the Nexus and stealin’ cylinders. Wish we could just use the cylinders from the old exile colony ships.”

Talon asked, “Why can’t we?”

“Once two cylinders are paired up and used together, they can’t be disconnected. You can alter and upgrade a ship, but you can’t make a new ship with old drives. They lose their sync-cro-ni-zation. So, I know we have to do the raid and all, but I think Ol’ Gauis is the bigger threat,” Old Red shared.

“Gauis?” asked Talon.

“Oh… Captain Dread. He was after something big. Near as I can tell he thinks he’ll replace some huge apparatus in the sea that he can convert into a weapon. He has delusions that it could give him the power to rule the galaxy. I know him well enough to know that he weren’t just bluffing. We may leave the galaxy with our cylinders only to return to replace a mad pirate on the Regent’s throne. Know what I mean?”

“He may be dead. If he is would Jopp take over?” Eamor asked.

Old Red chuckled. “He was a-hopin’ you would take over. There’s nobody in that bunch now that could take his place. The scary thing is that the operation is already good to go. Whoever takes over can get this thing, whatever it is.”

Talon asked, “Could we do anything to stop him?”

“Well, he’s got quite a fleet now. He could…” Old Red began.

Eamor interrupted, “We cannot concern ourselves with the Dread Knights right now. Sky Man has laid out a path for us and we must follow it. He is aware of all things. He will call us back when we are needed.”

“Just the same, once we are in exile I think we need to keep tabs on the galaxy as best we can,” said Talon.

“That’s wise,” Old Red said, “Now let’s go fix that big ol’ ship of yours.”

Talon turned to Eamor, “Red and I are going out to the Dominator today. He’s going to help me get it ready.”

“Okay, I’ll see you two soon. We’re all evacuating by tomorrow.”

A short time later, Eamor was summoned to see the Advocates of the Watchers. They were gathered in Ailan’s house.

“Eamor, come in,” Ailan welcomed him. All seven of the Advocates were seated in Ailan’s parlor.

Eamor sat down next to his uncle.

Jaythun spoke, “Eamor, although you are not one of us, we wanted you to be here for this.”

“For what?” he asked with trepidation.

“As you know Zangor had a system of transport set up using freighter pods. Sky Man has called one of us to go to the Nexus in advance of the raid to help Xim and co-ordinate with us from the inside.”

Ailan added, “Haakan has given us counsel from the Phantom Realm. An unexpected evil will arise within the Regent’s palace. One of us who are strong with Sky Man must go.”

Rylen said, “I have volunteered.”

Eamor stood, “No, uncle. I don’t want to lose you. I… I’ll go.”

“No Eamor,” Haakan said solemnly, “Your destiny is secured. You will not be risked in this way. Rylen has been chosen.”

Rylen stood and embraced his nephew. “You do not need me any longer. I raised you and protected you. Now is the time that you will step up and lead. You will point the exiles to Sky Man. If I die, it will not be final.” He looked into the distance and his voice grew wistful. “Death will be my doorway to another mission.”

They all gathered around Rylen and Eamor and spoke to Sky Man on their behalf. That night Rylen traveled to Vorgan Skyport and left for the Nexus.

A week later the Dominator, the Sky Lady, and a few transports shifted to the deep sky near the Nexus. The Exile Colony was already there.

Eamor, Talon, Swoop, and Admiral Dayna Hawk, who had commanded the exile colony’s defenses, had just gone over the details of the raid in the Dominator’s tactical room. Xim was reasonably certain he could stand down Freedom Fortress. Rylen was also going to urge him to reduce the number of picket ships around the Nexus and shipyards as much as possible. The Dominator, under Talon would approach the shipyards and launch the sleds for the cylinders. Admiral Hawk and her fleet would try to hold off any Regency ships for as long as possible. Eamor and Swoop, in the Sky Lady, would attempt to extract Rylen and Xim.

Swoop sat next to Talon in the meeting. They had become unlikely friends over the last few weeks. Talon was the most frequent visitor during Swoop’s recovery from the fight with the dragon. The diminutive scoundrel had softened his heart considerably and had planned to join them in exile, at least temporarily.

Eamor and Talon were walking through the Dominator after the meeting.

Talon said, “On paper, it looks feasible. But a lot could go wrong.”

“Sky Man has spoken. We will go to Thaxia. We will build a fleet. None can hinder his will.”

“I wish I had your faith.”

Eamor clapped him on the back as he turned a different way. “You do. You just don’t know it yet.”

Eamor went to the sickbay. Cali had sent for him. He walked in to replace her sitting up in bed. She smiled as he entered. Her hair had been shaved close but her eyes still radiated life and light.

“Hi, Cali. I’m glad you sent for me. It is unfortunate that I have not found the time to visit you more.”

“Eamor,” she replied, “It’s okay. I have been spending my time recovering. They say I may not walk again, but Sky Man hasn’t said no yet.”

“You are very close to him. I am grateful that you were such a help to Drake. I am sorry for your loss. Many will yet give their lives for the sake of Sky Man. The coming raid weighs heavily upon me.”

Cali smiled through her tears. “Thank you for your comfort. It was my privilege to speak to Drake of Sky Man. He has given me the power of counsel. I speak his words to those who will hear.” Her eyes locked in on his.

Eamor replied quietly, “And you have a word for me?”

“Yes. Only this.” She paused and closed her eyes for a moment. “Eamor, my son, lay your burdens on me. You carry too much. You are my chosen vessel, but only a vessel. The weight of the galaxy is mine. Let go and trust me. I have promised and I will see it through.”

Cali closed her eyes again and lay still.

Eamor reached down and squeezed her hand. “Thank you.”

She stirred weakly. “You are welcome. I must rest now.”

Eamor left and went to Mya’s room. On the way down, he spoke to Sky Man of the message he gave through Cali.

It is true. I have taken too much of the burden on myself. Sky Man, help us all to trust you more, to believe that you are real, and to accept your mighty help.

He felt peace in his heart as he approached Mya’s room

“Hi Mya,” he said, walking in.

She was looking at a holo-sculpture of Averil. “What do you think?” she asked.

“It’s amazing. You’ve really captured her spunkiness and sadness all at once.” He took her hand in his and kissed it.

“Eamor.” she said lovingly. “I have something to share with you. I think now is the time.”

“Sure,” he said nervously. “Let’s sit down.”

They sat on the small sofa. Mya bowed her head and appeared to be gathering her thoughts. After several moments, she spoke.

“Shortly after I began to know Sky Man, he came to me in a vision. I was painting a picture of him and Yoshun on the mountain. It was so strange. My vision clouded and the painting faded. In its place was this awesome, beautiful figure.

“Anyway, I couldn’t speak for several seconds. His power was in my body. It had a rhythm… it felt like music. He spoke first. ‘What would you like to do for me?’ I’ll never forget that question. I very hesitantly told him that he had done so much for me. What could I possibly do for him? Then he laughed. He was not laughing at me. I felt no shame or displeasure. His laugh was warm and it… I felt like his laughter actually embraced me and gave me courage.” She fell silent for a moment.

“Go on,” Eamor said quietly.

“I said to him, and this was quite bold but he did not seem to mind. I said, ‘O Sky Man, I want to do something that will bring about the return of Yoshun. I am heartbroken over the state of your galaxy. So many are lost and miserable. Must they wait any longer? Send back the Liberator. Let me help.’ I spoke without thinking. I spoke the words he gave me.” Her blue eyes were misty with emotion.

“He responded, not with words, but by a vision. I saw you. I didn’t see you as you are; I just knew it was the true heir. In the vision, I was given such love for this young Regent… for you. I was made to know that I would marry into the line of Thaxius… that it would be on an unknown world… and that I, we… that our son would be called Yoshun… that he would return from the exile world and bring Sky Man back into the hearts of all men.”

“Mya… I…”

“He told me to share this with you before the raid. When we reach our new home, it would be my honor to be taken as your bride. Sky Man has spoken. The great liberation is at hand.”

She knelt on the floor and closed her eyes. “Sky Man. I thank you for choosing me. I am unworthy, but you have filled me with your energy. Take us both and use us for your great purpose.” She opened her eyes and looked at Eamor with such love that he collapsed to his knees and wept softly. She went on, “Sky Man, thank you for Eamor, for your hand on his life, for the transformation you have wrought in him. I thank you for the admiration, respect, and love you have given me for him. It is a gift.”

She reached for him. They collapsed together into a fierce embrace. Eamor muttered, “Thank you, thank you,” over and over. His thoughts turned to his mother. She knew his destiny was to be great. He felt her smile at him from her place with Sky Man.

Meanwhile, Rylen had arrived at Infinity Station and was hiding in the open as a new servant of Xim’s. They had coordinated the raid from the inside. Xim was gladdened by the arrival of Rylen. He had stayed true to Sky Man but was lonely. He missed Zangor terribly. He also missed the company of his sister. There was no one in his life that really knew him. He was looking forward to joining the exiles. He had already laid the groundwork for Uncle Balton to be his successor. At least he would not roll over and allow the Authority to take over the Regency.

The morning of the raid, Xim was in his office. He was sending orders to the shipyards to stage the phantom cylinders outside the complex for easy pick-up. His console lit up. “You have a visitor,” his aide informed him.

“Send him in,” he said absentmindedly.

The doors opened. Xim looked up. To his utter horror, he found himself looking at Baldarr Voldruss, the Authority CEO.

Xim was speechless.

“Greetings, young Vlademor,” Voldruss said icily, “I am most pleased to be here. When I told your uncle of your, shall we say, new beliefs, he was most anxious that I help you see the error of your ways. The poor fool was so frustrated by your lack of cooperation that he has opened for me the door of opportunity. By the end of this day, you will be deposed and the phantom cylinders will be mine.” His face was a mask of triumph and contempt.

Xim started to bluster. “You have no authority here! You must…”

“Silence!” Voldruss raised himself up to his full height and extended his arms out to his sides. His eyes glowed yellow and flames engulfed his fists. A smoky dragon shape loomed over his shoulders. “You will serve the Great Dragon or die!”

A door behind Xim’s desk opened and Rylen stepped into the room. Xim ducked behind his desk.

“You!” Voldruss addressed Rylen, “Puppet of Sky Man! You will die!”

Voldruss thrust a fist in his direction. A ball of red, ethereal flame shot over Xim’s desk. It hit Rylen full in the chest. He fell back into the doorway. Voldruss strode angrily around the desk.

“Sky Man, help us,” Xim was saying.

Voldruss grabbed him by the collar and tossed him like a rag doll over the desk. His strength was surprising. Xim tumbled onto the soft carpet unhurt.

Rylen roused himself. He called on Sky Man to help him. His mind focused on the desk console that was directly behind Voldruss. The power of Sky Man easily overloaded the energy in the console’s circuits. Sparks of power and shards of hot metal tore into Voldruss’s back. He reeled, screaming in pain and hate. Rylen sprang up and punched him on the chin with all his might. Voldruss spun to the floor and collapsed.

Xim stood and saw what had happened.

“Xim, go to the control center. You must shut down Freedom Fortress before they catch you,” Rylen said.

“Yes,” he said turning to go, “Speak to Sky Man for me.”

Rylen watched him leave the room. He entreated Sky Man for help. With the Authority here, how could their plan succeed?

The next moment, he was hit full in the face with another blast of phantom dragon-fire. He fell back, blinded and in agony.

“You cannot win!” Voldruss gloated, “The Sky Man is weak. Today is the day that the usurpers die and the dragons inherit the galaxy!” Rylen heard a faint hissing sound from outside the room. “I will leave you to my pet.”

Rylen heard Voldruss’s footfalls as he left the room. The hissing became nearer along with the sound of something large sliding along the floor. Rylen tried to scramble away but was grabbed around the chest by a massive slithery body. Rylen’s last thoughts were for the young Regent. Help Xim, he said to Sky Man before the life was squeezed out of him.

Xim made it to the command center. He dismissed the surprised duty officers. Freedom Fortress was an awesome weapon. To prevent its use by a rogue officer, terrorist or enemy, the entire station was wired to a kill switch. The Regent could send a code shutting down all its targeting, communications and weapons systems.

Xim sat at the command console and began entering his personal authorization code. He was beginning to scan his retina to finalize the shutdown when the door opened behind him.

“Stop!” Voldruss yelled. He sent a blast of fire at Xim. It hit the sturdy, high-backed command chair. Flames licked at him, singeing his arms. He willed himself to complete the scan as he heard Voldruss striding up.

“Thank you, Sky Man,” Xim said as the code was sent, just as Voldruss knocked him from the chair. The dragon-possessed monster loomed over him.

“You would have been emperor. You have chosen the path of weakness and death. Reverse the code or die!”

“I will not reverse the code,” Xim said, standing and looking him in the eye. “The path I have chosen is one of freedom and peace. The true Regent will triumph today. I do not belong to you any longer.” His voice was clear and calm. “If I die, I die.”

Voldruss’s eyes glowed yellow again. His hand burst into flame. He said in a deep, evil voice, “You have turned from me. There is no mercy for those who follow the Sky Man. You are lost.”

“I am saved.”

With that Voldruss thrust his hand into Xim’s torso. He fell back, a hole burnt into his chest. The world around Xim faded away. He felt himself still falling. Stars and galaxies wheeled around him. He fell into the arms of Sky Man.