2TC

The starry night. Before mankind, would gaze upon its beauty. With thoughts of both reaching them and denying such feat. And few millennia hence, it is from the sky that mankind have grown weary of beauty. They have gaze far too long that they felt none love after reaching it. It was never worth achieving.

“Hey, Sol. Have you been dozing off again?” Luna spoke with a tone of humor.

“Perhaps, maybe? Probably. I don’t know, I guess,” replied Sol wearily. He then took out his pen and notebook. Placed the pen on an empty and stared blankly at the outside.

“There you go again,” Luna shook her and went back at the monitors and radar.

They had just finished a delivery mission and were on their way back to the guild. Luna is a mercenary in the Guild Alpha J-D-L-7-5-8. She is naturally talented with a lot of thing, combat, scouting and whatsoever but still green with experience. Sol, on the other hand is a writer that Luna had found floating in space. He doesn’t speak much about himself other than his habit showing off what he is. He is proficient with technology and information gathering.

One may wonder what these sparkles, dusts and bright specs maybe but upon reaching it. It’s all but beautiful lie. Something to dream of and just keep it as a dream. Things, somethings, which will act only as fuel, none more.

“Well, at least the mission was a success,” Luna broke the silence. “It’s a miracle that we went pass through three asteroid belts and only a few scratches came in contact with our ship.”

“It’s only natural. We’ve recently installed the low-grade force field. It’s no wonder it would take effect,” Sol spoke after he hiding back his pen and paper. “You forgot, didn’t you?”

“Oh! Right, the force field,” Luna said and giggled. “Anyway, what were you writing?”

“It’s a habit of mine. I thought you’ve gotten used to it already? Beside, my pen have ran out of ink a long time ago,” replied Sol.

“Ink is scarce here in space. Beside, why stay with those old things? You can get one of those computer log book, mechanical typing or voice activated,” suggested Luna.

“I’m old school, beside, there’s a beauty in seeing your hand and pen dance on the floor which is paper,” Sol said with glee as he looked once more outside the window.

“Going back to your trance, again?” teased Luna.

“Not really, I’m thinking of your offer, whether to rest or continue gazing at the unkno-“ but before Sol could even finish his sentence, he heard a loud moaning. Someone was crying. “What was that?”

“What was what?” asked Luna in confusion.

“Can’t you hear it? It’s getting louder. Quick, check the radar,” ordered Sol.

“Slow down, Sol! Don’t forget I’m the captain here!” Luna replied in irritation. She did what Sol asked but, “Nope, nothing’s on the radar. Wait? You’re joking, right? Don’t kid around with that-“

“No! I am not joking, I swear-“ Sol angrily replied. “It’s getting louder.” Sol quickly went to Luna and himself check the monitor readings and the radar. But it was as Luna had said, there’s nothing to be found. He immediately went to the window to check if anything was nearby but none his eyes could see anything. It was pitch black, except for the lightyear distant lights and the rubbles and space debris surrounding them. “What’s the going on?”

“It should be me that’s asking the question, Sol. What the hell is going on?” Luna angrily said.

“Wha… can’t you hear it? It’s getting louder. Wait, I’ll check the back,” Sol immediately went back. He check every closet and corner of their small ship but he couldn’t find anything. “Perhaps.” He said out loud to himself. “Argh!” He moaned, the wailing sound that he was hearing, had grown louder. It was now closer. In haste he went back to the bridge. “Luna! Permission to explore outside.”

“This has to stop!!” said Luna. “You’re joke has gone far enough!”

“But I am not!” replied Sol.

“Permission denied!!” Luna shouted as Sol moaned in pain. “Stop it with this jest, Sol!”

“But I am not joking,” Sol moaned once more. “Can’t you hear it? It’s louder! It’s very near!” Sol went to Luna and held her in hysteria. Luna as well was in panic and she was frozen without any idea of what to do. “Luna! Please! Help me-“ Sol’s hold tightened.

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

It was the monitor. A new message arrive from the guild. At this moment as well, the wailing sound that Sol was hearing stopped.

“It’s gone! It’s gone!” cried Sol in relief. “The crying is gone. I can’t hear it anymore,” Without realizing, Sol hugged Luna.

“Let go, Sol,” ordered Luna as Sol let go, a slap hit Sol’s face. “Do not ever do that again! I swear, if I find out you are lying!”

“B… but…. But didn’t you hear it?” asked Sol.

“I heard nothing!” Luna replied angrily. “Hush now, I need to read the message from the guild.”

“I’m telling the truth,” Sol shamefully said. “Let me read it for you.”

“Very well,” Luna replied. She was angry but held her anger. She knew he wasn’t lying. “But let me repeat myself. Do not ever do that again!”

“Do what?” asked Sol.

“I am an Amazon,” Luna said with dignity. “What you did should have costed your life. Did we not have agreed with this before?”

“I… I... I’m sorry. I apologize. I… I was scared,” Sol shamefully replied. Luna can see the sincerity of his words.

“Let us talk about what happened after we read the message,” Luna calmly said.

And perhaps fate plays with us all. Who would have thought to make the greatest irony, none other what fragile mind can make up? Aren’t we all in actuality but playground of destiny? Forever branching to multiple instances that none may return. Pure and simple regret. But the duality is still there. We just need to learn, understand, see, what opportunity rises. Grab it, hold onto it and never let go.

The two were yet again sent to another mission. This time, the employer is the leader of the High Church of Saint Judas, Archbishop Ferdinand Michelle.

“I can’t believe we’re immediately sent to another mission. Didn’t we just finish one?” Sol complaint.

“Can’t argue with you. I, myself, is looking forward for a month of vacation,” Luna replied.

“Well, the pay was already sent to our accounts,” Sol sighed.

“Question now is, why did the Archbishop asked for us specifically? A green horn amazon and a writer. Why us?” Luna said baffled.

“Our mission is to retrieve a package carried by an R5 Courier,” said Sol.

“R5? Weren’t those things automated?” asked Luna.

“Details says, the unit carrying the package went haywire,” continued Sol.

“Is the courier armed?” asked Luna.

“R5 Couriers have no weaponry except for their defensive mechanism and their high grade force field. Depending on their load. They can either travel at approximately 180 mile per hour, when they’re carrying light objects. And at 45 mile per hour, when they’re carry objects at the maximum load capacity,” explained Sol.

“Pretty fast. And the package we’re after?” asked Luna.

“Wasn’t mentioned,” answered Sol.

“What’s in it?” Luna once again asked.

“Wasn’t mentioned,” answered Sol.

“What about location?” asked Luna.

“Recent Data shows it entering the heavenly path of planet 285, in the galaxy 835,” answered Sol.

“835? The home galaxy? Milky Way. Planet 285. Venus?” Luna uttered.

“No, it’s the home planet. Earth,” said Sol.

“Where is the unit going?” asked Luna.

“Based on the trajectory,” Sol looked at the monitor. “It’s headed for the yellow dwarf.”

“The first sun,” Luna spoke in awe. “Prepare for hyper speed, we’re going home.” Luna and Sol prepared themselves.

“Wait, what?” asked Sol. But it was already too late for Luna to answer as her hand had already triggered the hyper speed button.

Twinkle. Twinkle little stars. How’d I wonder, what are you? Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky. When the blazing sun is gone and when he shines no more, then you show your little light. Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Then the [travelers] in the dark, thanks you for your tiny spark. [They] could not see where to go, if you did not twinkle so. In the dark blue sky you kept, and often through [our] windows peep, for you never shut your eye. Until the sun is in the sky. As your bright and tiny spark lights the travelers in the dark. Though [we] know not what you are. Twinkle, twinkle little stars. Or so as the lyrics of an old poem goes of the sisters Jane and Anne Taylor.

Lunaria Godwing and Sol Meringue, this is to inform you of your next mission. We apologize that is has to be sudden but this was directly requested by the Archbishop Ferdinand Michelle of the High Church of Saint Judas. One of the highest religious sect in all of the known galaxies. The contract is as follows:

Retrieve a package from an R5 Courier Unit. The package was to be delivered to the Highest Basilica of Saint Judas but it went off course and headed straight for Galaxy 835. It is yet to be determined where in the said galaxy the unit will head to.

We wanted to keep this a low profile so no authorities were called for. If in case any known authorities were to question you, state that the High Church of Saint Judas had sent you. Know as well that we have also contacted the agency of the said courier. You have permission to salvage the said unit. But you are required to safely deliver the package to its original destination. Immediate delivery of the package is most welcome. 

Half of the full payment will be sent to your account once we receive a message that you have retrieved the package. The other half will be sent to your account once the recipient receives the package. Additional payment will be compensated for incurring and justified collateral expenses.

P.S. Be wary of using warp speed travel while carrying the package. Keep it safe as it is most delicate and fragile.

P.S.S. You are not to open the containment of the package.

They arrived at the gravitational vicinity of planet 284, originally named Venus. Not far off from planet 285.

“You should’ve at least made a countdown!” Sol remarked angrily as he soothed his head from a minor headache.

“Oh! Don’t be a baby,” said Luna as she held back her retch. “We always get that aftereffect, anyway.”

“Where are we?” asked Sol.

“I’ve warped us in between the planets, Earth and Venus,” Luna said. “So here’s the plan.”

“You already have a planned?” Sol asked surprised.

“Yup, and it’s pretty simple. The contract permitted us to destroy the R5 unit,” Luna enthusiastically revealed.

“Destroy? You mean, salvage,” Sol said. “Destroy and salvage are two different things.”

“Well, we can’t salvage it if it isn’t yet destroyed. Besides, if the authorities in this sector were to detain us, we could just say the High Church of the saint whatever sent us,” Luna proudly claimed.

“That is the oddest part,” Sol said. “Why would the High Church want us to say that they sent us if in the first place they kept it from the authorities?”

“Let’s worry about them when we meet them. For now, let’s get ready for battle,” ordered Luna.

“Battle? You sound like we’re going to war?” asked Sol.

“Aren’t we?” Luna replied.

“With what? The armless R5 Courier unit?” Sol said.

“Hey, come on, now, Sol. Loosen up. This is too simple a mission, let us enjoy it at least,” Luna gleefully replied.

“You’re call then,” confirmed Sol as they both busied themselves preparing for their plan.

And as soon as Icarus took flight. The wind became his friend. None else mattered but his soaring flight. He was gay. He was fulfilled. He was full of life. He had seen everything. Well, at least, not his own demise.

After the two had readied, they went back to their seat to check up the ship’s system through the monitor.

“All system status, clear and ready,” said Sol.

“Can’t you be a little more detailed?” Luna wearily demanded.

“No,” replied Sol.

“Very well, let’s do it-“ said Luna but she was immediately interrupted by a sudden message from the intercom.

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

“This is the Intergalactic Police of Sector 835,” a commanding voice spoke through the intercom. “You are under arrest in violation of Section B19-92A. Illegal use of warp speed travel without permission. You are ordered to stand down and surrender peaceful. Else force will be used to-“

“We are under the direct order of the High Church,” Luna replied. “We apologize for the inconvenience but we are in utmost urgency.”

“The High Church?” asked the commanding voice. “State your mission.”

“We are ordered to keep it incognito,” replied Luna. “Your delay is causing us precious time as well as endangering our covert operation. If you understand, please do so, let us free. The High Church would answer any of your queries.”

“What Sector of the High Church are you from?” asked the commanding voice.

“High Church of Saint Judas. Archbishop Ferdinand Michelle, directly, ordered us to do this covert operation,” boastfully replied Luna.

“I see, the High Church of Saint Judas then,” said the commanding voice. “We shouldn’t delay you much. We deeply apologize for any hindrance to your mission. Please, carry on.”

*Beep*

Luna took a deep breath as she calmed down on her seat. Suddenly, five different ships appeared retreating on the radar. They were the ships of the Intergalactic Police.

“That was. Unexpected,” Luna said.

“Going to take note of that. Upgrade radars to detect camouflage units and ship. Cloaking device,” muttered Sol. “What now?”

“Continue as planned, onward to that R5 Courier,” ordered Luna.

As soon as mankind took flight. Will fate play nice or will it be cruel? Either way, its hand of cards will always be fair. Harsh but fair. Question now, will mankind surpass fate’s harshness? Or will he be like Icarus. The boy, who fell in love with fate, only to find too late, such love is always repaid with a lie. But perhaps. Maybe?

“What do you think is inside that package?” Sol asked. He was looking at the window seemingly careless as his thoughts at times wonder off. It was his habit. He was slacking off for day dreams.

“No clue,” Luna replied unaware her partner was at that moment not taking things seriously. “Besides, we do not care much about the things we deliver. Remember? Mercenaries?”

“One may wonder sometimes,” Sol replied apathetically.

“What’s with that to-“ Luna said. She just noticed that Sol was looking out the windows again. “Stop slacking off!” She ordered.

“I can’t help it,” replied Sol as he straightened his sit and continued with the check up and control on his side. “The mission is way too easy. Somehow, something’s not right. But I can’t help but feel lax.”

“Then don’t!” Luna said angrily. “If you think something’s amiss, shouldn’t you be more alert, instead of slouching off?”

“I’m tired. We’ve just finished a mission and here we are already on another,” complaint Sol. “I want to rest!”

“You’re not the only,” Luna sighed. “I’ll turn off the transmission from the guild after this mission. So for now, let’s just focus on what we’re doing.”

“You haven’t yet answered my question,” Sol said. “What do you think is in the package?”

Luna sighed. It’s one of the habit of Sol that Luna can’t stand. Him questioning and won’t quit until an answer is given. She can’t be angry. That’s what she like about Sol. He is always full of things to say.

“What about you, what do you think?” asked Luna.

“We’re nearing planet 285,” Sol suddenly said.

“Home,” Luna said unconsciously.

“Estimated time before reaching planet 285’s gravitational vicinity is 30 minutes,” Sol said. “Radar shows that the R5 is circling planet 285’s satellite.”

“Circling? You mean it got caught on the moon’s gravitational pull?” asked Luna.

“It seemed so,” Sol replied.

“Odd? Why hasn’t it landed on the moon’s surface?” Luna said. “It hasn’t lost power yet, right?”

“Yes,” Sol said.

“Let’s be cautious,” Luna said as she focus on the monitor.

“An ancient artifact,” Sol said. “And artifacts that churches have to do with are no mere objects. That’s what I think.”

“Do we have visual?” Luna asked referring to the courier unit.

“Yes,” Sol said as he typed in the keyboard. A small ship appeared in the monitor.

“Almost the same size as our ship,” Luna said. “What is that?” She asked as the screen zoomed closer to the R5 unit. A person was ship. “I thought R5 units are automated? Why is there a person a board?”

“It’s a child,” Sol said as the screen zoomed closer revealing that it was a child in a space suit manning the unit.

“Don’t be fooled. Certain race may have childlike appearance but you’d be surprised they are far from green in both age and wisdom,” Luna said. “Anyway, let us approach the vessel with caution. Link communication with the R5 unit.”

Twinkle, twinkle little star. Were you the ones Icarus tried to reach? Or were you the ones that Icarus has become?

The ship approached the R5 unit. Different dents, scratches and damages were very noticeable on the R5 unit but still in one piece. It was as if it had been from a battle. The windows of the cockpit suddenly closed concealing any more detailed inspection of the inside.

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

“An incoming message? But from where,” Luna asked surprised.

“Halt! This is the pilot of the R5 Courier unit. You are not to come any closer,” a young voice suddenly spoke in the intercom.

*Beep*

“The R5 unit?” Luna spoke confused. “I thought the R5 units are automated and unmanned?”

“I don’t know,” Sol replied. “The contract details couldn’t be wrong, could it?”

“Quickly, search for any camo suited ships in the vicinity and find where this signal is coming from,” Luna ordered. She readied for the combat. With a push of a button all their arms will pop up from the side of their ship.  “Keep your eyes on the radar and brace for any sudden assault.”

At that moment, Sol knew that Luna had a hunch they weren’t the only one looking for the package. He tried in vain to find where the message came from but it always lead to the R5 unit. And that shouldn’t be possible.

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

“Hello,” Luna replied in the intercom. “Sorry, we might have went a bit off course. We were trying to save up fuel so we’re letting the tides of gravity dragged. It wasn’t inten-“

“Negative. My ship’s system indicates you are travelling towards me,” said the young voice. “Please state your business.”

*Beep*

“How did he know?” Luna asked surprised.

“New techs? But that’s only military grade technology. It’s impossible for an R5 courier unit to have such techs. Unless,” Sol said.

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

“This R5 Courier Unit is enforced with additional arms and technologies as per requested by the contractor,” the young voice said. “And just so you know, my ship have frequency receivers, we can hear you loud and clear even if you turn off your intercom.”

“Is that even possible?” Luna asked Sol in amazement. Sol nodded.

“State your business,” the young voice reiterated. “I have been attacked by a few pirates and con-traders. But still we come out of combat in one piece. Fighting once more won’t pose a problem. Especially when the enemy ship is totally outclassed.”

“We are mercenaries from the Guild Alpha J-D-L-7-5-8,” Luna replied in a formal tone. “We were sent by our contractor, Archbishop Ferdinand Michelle of the High Church of Saint Judas, to retrieve the package you have on your ship and deliver it to its original destination, which is the Highest Basilica of Saint Judas.”

“Negative,” the young voice spoke which surprised both Luna and Sol. “The original destination is planet 285, Earth.”

“Earth? But the contract detail said that its destination should be the Highest Basilica?” Luna asked.

“No, it is not. Its original destination is planet 285, Earth,” replied the young voice. “Archbishop Ferdinand Michelle of the Highest Church of Saint Judas have meant to send it to planet 285 once he received the package.”

“It’s not in the contract detail,” Sol spoke.

“Please read the contract once more,” the young voice replied. “Or better contact Archbishop Ferdinand Michelle.”

*Beep*

Luna looked at Sol. It was an unspoken order between them. Do what the ship says and then contact the contractor. She has other thing to do. Sol knew then what to do and did so.

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

“I haven’t yet apologize for trying to deceive you earlier,” Luna said in the intercom. “But may we know who we are speaking with? The contract details speaks of an unmanned courier unit. And here we are speaking to each other.”

“That is true,” replied the young voice. “This is an unmanned ship.”

The cockpit windows of the R5 Courier unit suddenly opened revealing the child in a space suit that they have seen earlier. Sol pushed a button and zoomed in the cockpit. The child was an android. Its top half looked human and all the way from the waist to bottom looked like an amalgamated metal cords, cables and computer units.

“An android,” Luna said surprised. “I never thought it would have been this so advance.”

“New techs,” Sol muttered. He was amazed as well. “Technologies only people with power and money can easily obtain.”

If both Narcissus and Icarus were alive, would they have met each other? Started a friendship and perhaps became kings of their own castle? The boy who fell in love with the sky and the boy who fell in love with himself. Perhaps they won’t have a bond after all. Or perhaps, will they? If only fate have given these two lovers a better story. Would they have changed? Would Icarus have obeyed his father? Would Narcissus have fell in love with a forest nymph or perhaps a fair damsel in distress or perhaps even a daughter of a lay person? The angel and the boy who drowned. If fate have allowed it, who would’ve a better story?

Which reminds me, of the story of the brightest morning star. The most beautiful and greatest winged angel, whom fate also struck with the same ending. If fate have allowed it, would he have a better story?