Phantom Regency

Dearest Mya,

My dear sister, it is with a heavy heart that I must insist that you not join the organization known as the Watchers. I commend your zeal for spiritual things. Indeed, our poor departed mother was a most pious member of the Thaxian temple.

Upon investigating this particular cult however, I am appalled at the fanaticism with which they pursue their beliefs. Do you know that they believe that our glorious galactic society is doomed to collapse? Do you know that they believe that the Vlademorian line of Regents is to be detested, these same Regents that have been the authors of our prosperity, both galactic and personal? And worse yet, they do not keep their personal opinions to themselves, but insist on shouting them at any passerby. It is certainly beneath your dignity to do such vulgar things.

Father and I are of one opinion, that you must return to Ravingus and forsake this path. We are a proud and successful family. If you desire to investigate spiritual things, you are welcome to do so at our estate. I assure you, any information you would require for study would not be beyond our ability to procure on your behalf.

Enclosed is a credit voucher to billet you most comfortably on your return voyage. I do so look forward to seeing you soon.

With warmest regards,

Your devoted Brother,

Lux Vahlbek III

Eamor and Rylen were hiking through the barren tundra. The frozen ground stretched out in all directions. A few hardy shrubs and brave trees dotted the landscape. They were still several miles outside of Blizzard Gulch, the northernmost skyport on Sky’s End. At Rylen’s insistence, they had ditched the airplane out of sight of the city. Eamor’s first landing was rough. They were both bumped and bruised after the plane had tumbled to a halt. It would never be airworthy again.

“Uncle, how did you destroy the transports? Where did you get that power?” Eamor asked.

“That wasn’t me – that was you. Sky Man can give the ability to manipulate energy with the power that comes from the Phantom Realm, like I did with the pirate’s ion guns. It is called the ‘Power of Intervention’. But Eamor, most people never manipulate anything larger that a handheld device. You are the true heir, the true Regent. Your gift is intuitive, not learned. I gave you guidance, but Eamor, you have the ability to operate the Nexus, to build and repair phantom tech. The Gift of Yoshun is yours.”

“Uncle… I… Uh…”

“Eamor, I know this is a lot to swallow. Your mother and I kept you secret and safe as long as we could. Sky Man is now calling you. He has moved you off Galmar. Your time is at hand.”

“I don’t think I am ready. I don’t really even know Sky Man. I wish I could have climbed Yoshun’s Peak before I left home.” At the thought of home tears welled up in his eyes and spilled down his cheeks.

They hiked up a low rise. The city came into view. It was still a couple miles away. The vast skyport was visible on the outskirts.

“I believe that is exactly what you must do now. Sky Man is calling you back home. You must get off Sky’s End. They will be hunting you. They know of your gift and will try to use it as part of their plot to take over the galaxy. We need to find you a transport back to Galmar.”

“What about you, uncle? Won’t you come with me?” Eamor asked.

“I am certain we will meet again soon. I must get in touch with the underground here. Over the years, I have written back and forth with the Watchers…”

“Who are the Watchers? I think we saw one yesterday.”

“They are those who watch for the will of Sky Man and watch for the return of Yoshun. There are Watchers all over the galaxy, but the most fearless and devout are here on Sky’s End. Also, here on Sky’s End are many of our distant relatives. When the Vlademors took over they sought to kill our entire family. Many survived and….” Rylen paused. A look of concentration came over his face.

“Uncle, what…”

“Eamor, get down!” he said as he lay down.

Eamor hit the ground next to him. Soon he heard a growing roar from their left and behind them. It sounded like some kind of vehicle. He glanced up and saw a cloud of dust moving across the plain toward Blizzard Gulch. As it got closer, Eamor could make out several machines that were shaped somewhat like horses but had two wheels instead of feet. Helmeted figures rode on their backs. They swiftly disappeared into the distance.

“We will have to move carefully now, they’ve beaten us to the city,” Rylen said, “Let’s get going.”

“How did you know they were coming?”

Rylen replied, “The ‘Power of Phantom Sense.’ Sky Man can warn us of danger by communicating from the Phantom Realm.”

They made there way more slowly, staying low and out of sight. Rylen led them around the eastern outskirts closer to the skyport. On the way Eamor tried to find out more about his destiny, about Sky Man. His uncle was strangely evasive. Rylen kept telling him that he would have to discover those things for himself. Eamor longed more than ever to return home to Galmar.

As they entered the city, a skyboat thundered into the air. Blizzard Gulch was a rough, dirty town. They kept their heads down and avoided people as much as possible. Rylen was leading them toward the freighter pilot guildhall. He was hoping to find Eamor an independent freighter pilot who would take on an extra hand.

“Rylen, Rylen, is that you?”

They looked up. A man was approaching them. He was middle-aged, poorly dressed and carried a large book. His round face was radiant and friendly.

“Who are you?”

“Forgive me. You do not know me personally. I am Ailan Gandus. I know you from your letters to Jaythun. Sky Man told me to expect you,” the man replied.

“He told you…?” Eamor started to say.

“Walk with us. I have to get my nephew off system,” Rylen replied.

Ailan walked along beside Rylen. “Is this the nephew of whom you wrote?” he said with obvious excitement.

“Yes, but let us not talk of it openly. He is going to Galmar to seek Sky Man. I must find Jaythun and go underground. We have just evaded the Dread Knights.”

Rylen led them down a side street to a small storefront. An elaborate coat-of-arms adorned with guild symbols hung over the door.

“Here we are,” Rylen said, turning to face them.

“I could save you some trouble,” said Ailan, “I know a few pilots. If one of them is available, we could…”

He and Eamor gasped in horror as a sword point thrust its way out of Rylen’s gut. They had not noticed the dark figure come up behind him.

Eamor nudged Ailan back and drew his sword. Rylen slumped to the ground. The tall figure behind him holding a bloody sword was dressed in a black, sleeveless jumpsuit and wore a helmet.

“Looks like its time for round three, mongoose.” Lang removed his helmet with a sneer. “I should have killed you long ago.”

Eamor wasted no words and immediately attacked. He was blind with fury. His first two slashes nearly took Lang’s head off as he backpedaled. Lang countered and soon their swords were just blurs as they swung and countered.

They were both hindered; Eamor by his two recent crashes and Lang by Red’s pipe to the head. Their fight became more and more sloppy. Eamor ripped open a gash in Lang’s ribcage. Lang returned with a deep cut to Eamor’s left arm. They fell back a pace circling and panting. A siren sounded in the distance. Someone had called port security.

Lang smiled. “They won’t help you. Dread owns this world. They will hand you over to me.”

They stared at each other unmoving for several seconds. The anger and hatred between them was palpable.

Eamor crouched low, his lean muscles tensing. He pounced suddenly. He raised his sword high as though to chop down on Lang. Instead he twisted in mid-air, evading Lang’s sword. He brought his own sword down low in a wide arc and slashed through Lang’s knees as he landed at his feet. The pirate collapsed, bleeding from his mangled legs. Eamor tumbled to the ground next to him.

He rolled to his feet. Lang looked up pathetically, waving a hand in supplication. His face grimaced, but no words came. Eamor’s unabated rage got the best of him as he swung and sliced Lang’s head off.

Eamor stood there panting. He was not horrified by what he had done, but a realization of how calloused his heart had become dawned on him. He caught his breath and turned around.

Eamor saw Ailan crouched over his uncle. As he staggered over, Rylen’s eyes opened suddenly.

“Eamor, run! Get to the skyport. Go to Galmar! Sky Man will make a way.”

“But, uncle how…” Eamor was amazed to see Rylen’s wound was gone.

“Just go!” A crowd was gathering and sirens were getting louder.

“One moment.” Ailan said. He pulled his sash off his chest and tied it tightly around Eamor’s bleeding arm. He winced in pain. Ailan’s eyes locked into his. Eamor saw light and love in them. “May Sky Man go with you,” the old man said kindly. “He will make a way.”

Eamor nodded and ran down the street. He had a vague idea of where the skyport was. He dodged and weaved and tried to stay in the back streets. He soon saw the wall of the port ahead. The alley he was running down joined another street, right before a door in the wall. A sign above the door read “Cargo Labor Only” and fortunately, the door stood open.

He did not see another figure running down the other street toward the same door. He collided with him and they both fell into the doorway.

“Let me up. I need to blast out of here,” said the man who was now pinned under Eamor.

“Sorry,” he said, “I need to get off system too.”

The other rose. He was short and slight, barely reaching Eamor’s shoulder. He wore rich garments of bright colors and had a swooping mustache adorned with golden beads. His head was bald other than a long, thick mane of hair tumbling off the very top of it. It was thickly braided, dark auburn in color and hung down to his waist.

“I see your lips moving, but I do not hear money talking.”

“I don’t have any money,” Eamor replied, thinking quickly, “But I have skills. I am a pilot and an engineer.”

“Ah, the currency of trade. I indeed have need of an engineer,” said the small man, “but if I find untruth in you, I shall eject you into the sky. Come, let us go. The heat is rising as we speak.”

He led them across a vast field dotted with various freighters and skyboats.

“I am Swoop Longleaf,” he said, “Import / Export Enterprises.”

“Eamor. From Morvan on Galmar.”

“There is my girl,” Swoop gestured toward a large, hawk-like ship. “The Sky Lady,” he said with a flourish. “If she cannot deliver us from this rock, nothing can.”

The ship was quite large, larger than any ship Eamor had ever seen on a planet’s surface. It was covered with weapons and had huge nova engines. A stylized painting of a nude woman adorned its prow.

As they approached the ship, a stocky man stepped out from behind a stack of freight containers.

“That’s far enough, Longleaf,” he said, drawing an ion gun. He had short black hair and stubble on his square jaw. His eyes were small and set close together.

“Zarg! So good to see you! I am on my way to Yoshun to procure a fortune sufficient to pay your boss, along with a healthy bonus for you. Kindly allow me and my…”

“Can it Shrimp!” Zarg yelled.

“How rude,” Swoop observed.

“I need 10 mega-credits or your hide. Which will it be?”

Swoop started to ease his hand down toward his belt.

“No you don’t Longleaf. Move again and I’ll fry you!”

Eamor was concentrating on the ion gun. He was having trouble clearing his head. He was weakening fast from his wounds. He could feel the electrical charge stored in the coils of the gun. He pushed through the pain racking his head and overloaded the gun.

“Ouch!!” Zarg yelped, dropping the sparking gun. His right arm slumped uselessly at his side.

Swoop reached for his belt. He pulled out a small cylinder. With a flick of his wrist it extended to a two-foot long staff. He easily ducked Zarg’s awkward left-handed punch and stabbed the staff into his body. He slumped to the ground unconscious.

Swoop spun his nerve stick with a flourish and returned it to his belt.

“They simply do not make thugs like they used to,” he joked, “Are you okay, kid?”

Eamor was weak and swaying on his feet.

There was a commotion behind them as port security ran up. Swoop pulled a small orb from his belt and casually tossed it over his shoulder. He reached for Eamor just as a violent explosion interposed itself between them and the security guards.

Swoop pulled Eamor’s arm over his shoulder and helped him into the ship. As they made their way up the ramp and through the airlock, a sultry female voice piped up.

“Welcome back, Swoop honey.”

“Warm up the engines, girl. We are in need of haste. I need a medi-bot for my friend…pardon me…what was your name again?”

Eamor simply moaned and slumped down in a chair. Swoop settled him into the chair and strapped him in. He didn’t know what had come over him. It had been a long time since he had taken in strays. It usually ended badly, but this kid seemed different.

“Engines are ready, sweetheart,” came the lady’s voice.

“On my way.” He dashed up to the cockpit. Moments later the Sky Lady blasted off the surface.

Eamor came to his senses still strapped to a chair in the ship. There was a small canister of machinery next to him. Its appendages were just finishing dressing his wounds. A surge of tingles raced through his body as it injected a stimulant. The ship was vibrating slightly, but there was no sign that he was in the phantom sky yet.

His head cleared quickly. He had left Uncle Rylen behind again. He also wished he could have gotten to know Ailan better. He felt sure that the kind old man knew Sky Man very well.

And he had killed Lang. He was not as disturbed by that as he once would have been. He had become hardened by his time with the Dread Knights. His body was still lean but he was tall, broad shouldered and well muscled. He had become battle hardened and had killed many men in combat. The emotional impact of it all had taken a toll on him. He wondered to himself what Sky Man would think of him now. Uncle Rylen seemed assured that Sky Man had a plan for his life. He had to find his way back to Yoshun’s Peak. He felt called there, drawn there. He would find out if this Swoop could help him get there.

He got up and looked around.

“Now, where is the cockpit?” he muttered aloud.

“Straight ahead, turn left and up the steps,” said the sultry voice he had heard before.

“Who are you?” Eamor asked.

“Why sugar, I am the Sky Lady.”

“You’re the ship?” Eamor was confused.

“Actually, I am the ship’s computer. Swoop is awaiting you in the cockpit.”

Eamor followed her directions. As he approached the back of the cockpit, Swoop gestured him into the co-pilot’s chair.

“The kid is back in the land of the conscious. More than I can say for our friend Zarg.” he said.

“I feel much better. Thank you for taking me aboard.”

“The pleasure is mine. It’s a lonely life for Swoop. The Lady is not always the best company.”

“I heard that!” the computer’s voice complained.

“Mute!” Swoop commanded. “Our first stop will be Yoshun. I have a delivery to make on the illustrious capital.”

“How will we get there? Are we headed for a ferry? Or are we transferring to a transport ship?” Eamor asked. The Sky Lady was obviously not phantom-capable.

“Observe.” Swoop pointed ahead.

Eamor could make out another vessel in a high trans-polar orbit. It had two phantom cylinders spread wide apart on vast wings. Between was a nova engine pod, but there was little else to it.

“The Sky Rider. Let us put your supposed piloting skills to the test. Would you like to dock?” Swoop asked.

It dawned on Eamor that the two ships were one. They mated together for phantom travel, but the Lady detached for surface landing.

“Sure, I’ll give it a try,” Eamor replied.

Swoop stretched back in his chair, put his feet on the console and swept his hand in invitation toward the controls in front of Eamor. He noticed for the first time a long leather holster strapped to Swoop’s thigh. It held a sawed-off shotgun with a beautifully carved pistol grip.

Eamor took the controls and expertly guided the Sky Lady into her berth. Swoop’s ship responded smoothly and effortlessly. It was by far the best-performing ship Eamor had ever piloted. With barely a jolt, the two vessels locked together.

“We’re green for shift. Let’s set for 234 by 117. Would you take her out?”

“I’ve never piloted in shift before,” Eamor said excitedly.

“First time for everything. Just set the coordinates, we’ll activate the drive and then you just keep her on course as usual; only our effective speed will be 6 million times the speed of light. The only consideration will be to watch for rogue stars and uncharted asteroids. Our voyage will take about three days. You can fly for the first few hours if you like, but on the Lady, computer control is more than adequate.”

“I’ll fly for awhile,” Eamor said.

Eamor set their course and Swoop engaged the phantom cylinders. The now familiar feeling of peace and power swept over them.

“Ah!” Swoop exhaled. “It more than compensates for all the time I must spend on the rock. Can you believe there are some that never travel through the phantom sky? Forsake their Phantom Right? Unfathomable.”

“Phantom Right?” Eamor asked.

“You are stunningly naïve my young friend. It is refreshing. The Phantom Right is one of the oldest laws in the galaxy. It is the right of every citizen of the STARegency to fly for free on any Regency phantom ship that has seats available. Waiting lists are usually long but anyone can go.” Swoop stood and stretched. “I will leave you to it.”

Eamor spent the next several hours in awe watching stars flash by as the ship hurtled through the phantom sky toward the galactic center. He thanked Sky Man that yet another of his dreams had come true.

Back at the skyport, Zarg came to, finding himself surrounded by five men in purple jumpsuits and black masks. He gasped, “Who are you?”

“Who we are is not important? Please understand that your life now depends on the answers you give us,” said one of them, “Who did the boy leave with?”

“Tha…that…that was Swoop Longleaf, a no-good smuggler,” Zarg replied.

“And where are they going?”

“Um, he said he was going to make some money somewhere. Probably just blowing smoke to get me…”

“Where!?” the masked figure demanded.

“Uh…I don’t remember. It was uh…”

“Will this jog your memory?” he replied, brandishing an ion staff. It sizzled with blue electric sparks.

“Wa…wa…wait! It was…it was Yoshun. That’s right Yoshun.”

“We will look for him there. If we do not find him, we will return and you will wish we hadn’t.” With that they withdrew and disappeared into the shadows.