Guardians of the Crystals: Herculobus

By K.D. Martel

Following The Osirion Connection, the adventure of the Guardians of the Crystals saga continues when Enkarath leaves for the rogue planet, Herculobus, to head a massive engineering project for the Osirion. He ends up betraying the love of his life, Deanu, in a complicated devious scheme in which he no power to control. Back on Earth, Deanu rekindles her friendship with E’jah which ends up intensifying into a complicated love triangle where once again, the beloved characters are fighting the forces of evil and control for domination of the Earth and all who inhabit it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.D. Martel
• Release date: Sep 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370815845

K.D. Martel

K.D. Martel is a writer and artist residing in Québec, Canada.She has published several online short stories and articles. Guardians of the Crystals is a work in progress since 2014, now comprised of three novels with a fourth and fifth currently being written.**Print copies can be found through B&N Nook bookstores and on Amazon**NEW EBOOK BOXED set of the first three novels are available on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, APPLE and other online digital bookstores!

Book preview

Two Osirion warships raced low over the Abzu, their thrusters glowing bright blue in the early hours before the dawn. The lead vessel bore the insignia of a golden serpent on its fuselage, deadly plasma cannons bristling across its metal skin. The second ship broke away, circled back a short distance and slowed down to hover in the low-lying cloud cover of the ancient mountain rising from the rocky plain. The first warship continued its path up the stony slope of the black peak, decelerating until it hovered in mid-air, a ship's length above the talus covered ground. The earth split open, bright white light shooting upwards into the sky as the immense metal doors of the subterranean landing bay slid apart to allow the hovering craft to descend.

The warship landed heavily onto the rock floor of the landing bay, its metal struts clanging loudly while its engines powered down. An Osirion soldier sporting a golden serpent emblazoned across his chest armour, walked up to the ship to escort the newcomers. The hatch opened, allowing a metal stairway to slide to the ground with a loud thud. Waves of heat from the ships cooling engines flowed about the ship saturating the air with a distinctive metallic odour. Three heavily armed Osirion soldiers descended from the ship, approaching the lone soldier who awaited them on the ground. The three men drew their plasma weapons and before the guard could react, the Osirion that had descended from the warship fired upon him simultaneously.

The three soldiers rapidly made their way over to one of the passageways that descended into the heart of the subterranean pyramid complex. Plasma weapons suddenly fired upon them as they entered the tunnel from across the landing area. The three men hugged the rock walls of the passage, firing their weapons in return at the four pursuing serpent faction Osirion soldiers that had followed them into the tunnel from the bay. Within moments, the three invading soldiers were dead. One of the complex’s guards advanced, verifying the armour of the immobile men. His cobalt eyes grew wide as he recognised the emblem of the golden eagle that decorated their metal chest plates.

Igigi! The soldier shouted to his men. Get back to the landing bay! He followed his men, running back to where they had come from. Bursting into the hangar, they fired upon a warship lifting off from the bay floor, its engines glowing hotly with blue fire. The unmistakable insignia of the golden-headed eagle painted across its fuselage. The vessel’s engines roared to full capacity as it shot into dawn’s first light. The soldiers watched helplessly as their own four warships burned in the hangar, including the ship that had landed earlier with the invaders. The engines destroyed by the plasma cannons of the ship that had just fled.

A young white-robed technician burst into the hangar, shouting at the soldiers, his large blue eyes wild with fear. They took Jal’ara!

One

Jal’ara regained consciousness, her head throbbing with pain while she tried to focus her blurry vision. She was in an Osirion warship, restrained by a bench harness. She did not move, her military training kicking in as she studied the armed Igigi soldiers that were seated on each side of her. There was another soldier across from her, but he appeared to be dozing off as the ship raced to wherever it was headed. All she could remember was having come face to face with three Igigi soldiers while ascending the passageway that led to the surface of the subterranean complex with the young Atlantean Guardian, T’ptal in tow. Their evening shift of having monitored the power grid was terminated and they had been heading back to the surface to retire for the remainder of the night.

Images of the confrontation surfaced, she recalled questioning the men on what they were doing in the tunnel, who was their commanding officer until the head soldier put his weapon to her and demanded that she take them to the Power Crystals.

She seized T’ptal, pulling him around her until he was standing at her back, protecting the teenager from the Igigi. T’ptal remained quiet, immobile. He understood enough Osirion to comprehend what was going on. Jal’ara reached for the crystal tablet on her belt but before she could complete the movement, one of the soldiers suddenly struck her across the head with a plasma weapon, felling her. That was all she remembered. She sincerely hoped that T’ptal had made a run for it. He was an intelligent boy and he knew the danger they were facing when they had come face to face with the trespassing Igigi.

She studied the situation carefully, her head throbbing painfully. If she moved, even slightly, the soldier facing her would knock her out without a moment’s hesitation. It would be safer to remain immobile and see where they would take her. The ship began decelerating; she could hear and feel the reverse thrusters kicking noisily into action. The warship came to a hovering standstill and began descending at an angle instead of vertically. Jal’ara instinctively knew that they were entering another subterranean area. Moments later, the ship landed, the engines powering down. The soldiers noisily removed their harnesses while Jal’ara remained with her eyes closed in her slumped position. Within moments, they were roughly removing her harness too.

She was carried off the ship, draped over one of the soldier’s burly shoulders, bouncing painfully off his armour as her head pulsed with sharp shooting stars at each footstep. She opened her eyes slightly, seeing one soldier behind her, his armoured boots clanking loudly on the rough-hewn stone floor of a tunnel. By the looks of the rock, she deduced that they were in an ancient gold mine. A short time later, they reached a large open room, blasted out of the ancient bedrock. Large rusting metal ore bins were stockpiled against the damp walls, covered in dust and cobwebs. The light panels were functional, everything was clearly illuminated. She was roughly seated onto a metal chair while one of the soldiers prepared to restrain her with metal cuffs that lay on the floor.

Jal’ara seized the opportunity to swiftly strike the soldier propping her up on the chair. She caught the surprised warrior in the face, her fist connecting squarely with his eye socket. Her military training was coming in handy after all! She lashed out at the second soldier who was picking the restraints up from the floor, striking him in the back of the head, stunning him. She turned and ran for the passageway only to be bowled over by the third soldier whom she had not seen until it was too late. He grabbed her, roughly pulling her to her feet, striking her across the face. Jal’ara, enraged, jumped at the heavily armoured man, her fists flying in all directions as the large warrior tried to unsuccessfully restrain her.

My dear Jal’ara, you are quite a fighter for an engineer. You actually disabled two of my soldiers. How brave of you! A familiar voice shot out acidly at her.

Jal’ara stopped struggling; rage flooding her pale cheeks scarlet as she angrily regarded the Igigi Commander, Tshrnau, who stood before her with a mocking smile playing across his thin lips.

Why did you kidnap me for Commander? She hissed at him, her blue eyes icy with disdain.

Commander Tshrnau was fully armoured, like his men, the gold eagle inscribed across the metal plates of his large chest. His dark piercing indigo eyes coldly flat studied the young blonde woman before him. You must know why we are here Jal’ara. You are an intelligent woman, I am pretty sure you figured it out.

The Atlanteans will never allow you to leave this planet with a Power Crystal, never. She retorted furiously. Even if you did succeed in removing a Crystal from the Atlanteans, you need a humanoid guardian to control them.

Yes, we are aware of all that my dear. We have a plan and you are part of it I’m afraid. Tshrnau stated as he nodded to the soldier holding the tall blonde woman. The soldier dragged her back to the chair, restraining and gagging her. She watched them furiously, her blue eyes dark with contempt.

Now, I want you to send a message to the Atlanteans.

Jal’ara managed to spit out the gag, laughing. Send the message yourself Commander.

Tshrnau leant over, grabbing her long blonde hair in his fist. Jerking her head back, he glared at her, his face almost touching hers. You tell the Atlanteans that they have four days to bring a Power Crystal to Lahmu or we will kill you. He growled at her, his voice filled with dangerous intent. Jal’ara struggled, trying to free her hair from his painful grasp.

So kill me. She spat at him, baring her teeth.

The Commander smiled icily at her. I would have expected nothing less from you Jal’ara. He withdrew a thin gold crystal device from his belt, touching the screen to allow an image of a small grey and gold marble stone home with lavish gardens to appear.

Jal’ara felt the stinging tears well up behind her eyelids when she recognised her parent’s home. Please don’t harm them; they are all the family I have in this world. She said shakily.

Kraul, how are the targets? Tshrnau inquired, holding the screen close to his face.

They are sleeping in their beds. Awaiting your order to fire Commander. A disembodied voice responded over the crystal device.

Jal’ara stared at Tshrnau, horror filling her widened eyes. You wouldn’t kill an elderly couple sleeping in their beds? she gasped, her voice choking with emotion.

No worry, they won’t feel a thing. My soldier will fire an explosive into the house and it will all be over in a few moments. Tshrnau stated, smiling coldly at her as he replaced the gag into her mouth.

All right, I’ll send your message! Jal’ara snapped heatedly, her words muffled through the gag. An Igigi soldier stepped forward, removing the gag from her mouth, he shoved her roughly.

Commander Tshrnau held his thin crystal screen before him to film Jal’ara. Please go ahead.

Jal’ara focused on the small crystal device. If anyone is receiving this message, please heed the warning. These Igigi will kill me if a Crystal is not delivered to Lahmu within four days from now. Please contact Deanu, Crystal Guardian of the Atlantean civilisation, please relay this message to her. She declared, tears welling up in her eyes again as she thought of her innocent parents sleeping in their bed with an armed Igigi soldier outside about to blow up their home.

Commander Tshrnau lifted a bushy eyebrow at her. Why not address the Atlanteans directly?

Jal’ara looked up at the Commander. Bad blood between their Guardian of the Crystals and myself. Transmit the message to the Dragon High Council in Kemet, they will send it to the Atlanteans. She replied listlessly.

Tshrnau smiled coldly at her. Of course. He handed the gold crystal device to one of the soldiers. Take this to the ship, have the communications officer transmit the message to the Dragon High Council in Kemet. Tell him to make sure that our transmission beacon is cloaked so that the Council cannot track us here. The soldier nodded, leaving for the tunnels.

Jal’ara hoped that Enkarath still considered her worth saving after all she had said to him about Deanu. They had not spoken since her return from Lahmu eight months ago when she had disclosed what had happened on the cargo ship between Deanu and E’jah. She had tried several times to reach out to him in Kemet, but he never returned her communications. She had recently discovered through T’ptal, that Enkarath had returned a few months earlier to Mayach and was now living with Deanu. He was travelling to and from Kemet to monitor the Power Crystals at the Pyramid complex.

I shall be contacting the Atlanteans shortly Jal’ara. Let us hope that they will give us a Power Crystal to spare your life. The Commander stated coldly, his intense gaze upon the young engineer. In the meantime, I will release your restraints and we will return to the ship. He removed her restraints, allowing her to stand; a guard on each side flanking her. The soldiers guided her towards the tunnel with Tshrnau following closely behind. Jal’ara rubbed her wrists to get the circulation back into them. She gingerly touched the side of her forehead, rubbing her painful bruise.

They made their way back through the dim passageway that opened onto the small subterranean hangar where the Igigi warship was stationed. Climbing the metal stairway, the small group entered the ship, making their way to the front of the vessel. The pilot and his communications officer were conversing with the soldier who had brought them the crystal device. The men abruptly ended their conversation when the Commander entered the cockpit.

Has the message been transmitted?

Yes, Commander. The navigations officer replied.

Good, in one hour, open a channel to Azh’Laakia. Make sure the transmission beacon is shielded. Advise me when we are ready to communicate.

Yes, sir.

Two

Deanu and Enkarath were atop the Power Complex in Azh’Laakia, discussing Jal’ara’s kidnapping by the Igigi rebels. Elders So’thn and V’leena were present, their faces filled with concern and worry.

We all knew that the Igigi would return eventually to claim a Power Crystal since their first attempt failed. Elder So’thn sighed, his wizened face tired from the stress that the Igigi had caused the Atlanteans eight months earlier. It was just a matter of time before they concocted a plan to work us into a corner again.

If we refuse to send them a Crystal, do you really think they would kill one of their own? V’leena queried, her sharp, yet soft brown eyes closely studying Enkarath for his reaction.

Yes, they will kill Jal’ara without hesitation. The Igigi are ruthless and are not known for negotiating. They will simply find someone or something else to use as leverage against you. Enkarath stated simply.

I see, V’leena whispered, glancing to elder So’thn for his precious counsel.

So’thn sighed, his normally intense blue eyes listless. Wearily, he walked slowly over to one of the high stone arches that surrounded the apex of the complex. Sliding his wrinkled hand over the wall console, the archway became transparent to reveal the delicate rainbow crystal spires of the city. Tall slender trees dotted the beautiful metropolis, stretching for the first rays of the rising sun. Pink sunbeams spread across the white granite and marble buildings of Azh’Laakia, creating a breathtaking show of light. The old man watched the scene unfolding before him as his city awoke to the life-giving rays of the morning sun. Turning away from the viewing panel, he silently faced the small group before him.

We shall give them a Power Crystal. Let this be our last altercation with the Igigi. Enough of this conflict with the Osirion. So’thn declared in a loud voice; eyes filled with determination.

Deanu glanced at Enkarath, her turquoise green eyes wide with surprise. The tall Osirion engineer sighed, his muscular frame relaxing as he closed his eyes in thankfulness to the Elder’s declaration.

There will be conditions of course. So’thn murmured exhaustion filling his voice once again. If we hand over one of our Power Crystals to the Igigi, they must never set foot on this planet again, ever! He stated, anger filling his normally gentle voice.

That shouldn’t be a problem Elder So’thn, Enkarath replied.

So’thn glanced over at Elder V’leena, obviously communicating telepathically to her. The red-haired middle-aged woman nodded her head in agreement. Taking a deep breath, she fixed her attention on the young Osirion before her. How many years left before the transport window between Lahmu and Herculobus becomes too distant?

Enkarath raised a dark eyebrow at the Elder, his golden eyes filled with curiosity at her strange question. Barely eight years remain to transport the gold to Herculobus before the planet moves out of reach for the Igigi ships.

Elder V’leena looked away from Enkarath, her deep brown eyes locking with the gaze of a young engineer who was seated a few lengths away at a console. The young man’s fingers flew across his crystal display as he entered complex calculations into the crystal device. Moments later, he looked up at Elder V’leena, silently communicating with her. The older woman turned back to Enkarath. Once the Power Crystal arrives on Herculobus, we estimate that within three years, the engineering required to transform the existing power grid to complete the integration for the crystal to transmute its energy will be complete. Within a few months, the crystals will be able to provide a stable atmosphere around Herculobus.

Enkarath’s eyes widened in disbelief. Three years? Are you sure Elder V’leena? That seems to be a tight schedule for the size of the engineering project required to build a new power distribution network.

Our engineer confirmed the length of time, taking into account the level of engineering that the Osirion possess, this is a pretty precise calculation.

Why is this deadline so important Elder V’leena? Deanu inquired, wondering why the Elder was concerned about the length of time that the Osirion would need to create a terra-forming system on the rogue planet.

The conditions are that the Igigi never set foot upon Earth again. We will destroy their base on Lahmu once the three-year construction period is up. They will have no need to continue transporting gold from the Abzu once the Power Crystal on Herculobus has stabilised the atmosphere. Elder So’thn declared firmly.

Uncertainty flickered across Enkarath’s face. He appeared unsure about the Elder’s declaration.

Enkarath? Do you see a problem with this? Elder V’leena queried softly.

There are over seventeen thousand Igigi that live permanently on Lahmu. They were born and raised there; I don’t see them relocating to Herculobus that easily.

Deanu gently grasped Enkarath’s forearm. I’m sure they will have the option to come and live on the Earth amongst their own people. She murmured reassuringly.

No Igigi will be allowed to come to Earth Deanu. Elder So’thn replied firmly. No exception. They will have three years to prepare, which is a reasonable amount of time. Our decision is final. He glanced to Elder V’leena who nodded in agreement.

Elder So’thn. One of the technicians monitoring the communications console spoke up. We have an incoming cloaked Osirion transmission.

Enkarath strode over to the console, studying the transmission that flashed across the technician’s console. That is an Igigi signature. He stated tersely, looking across the room to Elder So’thn.

Open a channel please. Elder So’thn requested, gesturing for the technician to display the incoming transmission onto one of the immense ceiling to floor viewing screens. Straightening to his full height, he pulled back his frail shoulders, smoothing down the front of his white robe as he turned to face the shimmering crystal screen before him.

An image flickered briefly, stabilising to reveal the greying shaved head and broad shoulders of the Igigi Commander, Tshrnau. The Osirion gazed upon the small group, his icy cerulean eyes unwavering, bearded face devoid of any emotion.

Elders, we meet again. I understand that you have received the incoming message earlier today from engineer Jal’ara? A cold half-smile played about his thin lips.

Yes Commander, we have. Elder So’thn replied with equal coolness.

One of the Commander’s pale eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, amusement filling his flat blue eyes. Am I to understand that you have reached a consensus? He smiled icily through the screen at the Elder.

We have Commander. So’thn smiled in return, his gaze firm.

Please, enlighten me, Elder, Tshrnau replied curtly, his voice tinged with annoyance at the older man who appeared to be toying with him.

Deanu heard the older man take a deep breath, steadying himself as not to appear frail beneath the intense scrutiny of the Igigi Commander.

We have agreed to allow a Power Crystal to be transported to Lahmu and given to the Igigi faction for the Osirion of Herculobus.

Commander Tshrnau appeared pleased, a slow smile spreading across his taciturn features. Well, that is pleasing to hear Elder. The Igigi faction will be thrilled about the good news. We have four cargo ships loaded with gold, leaving in three hours time from the Abzu en route to Lahmu. I will have one of their patrol ships retrieve the crystal from your complex and ...

There are conditions Commander, So’thn interjected firmly, halting the Igigi warrior in mid-sentence.

Tshrnau lifted a greying eyebrow, his blue eyes darkening at the Elder’s statement. Elder, you seem to misunderstand. This isn’t a negotiation, but a demand. There will be no conditions. We will assure the safe return of engineer Jal’ara to her complex. That is all. He growled in a low threatening tone at the Atlantean Elder.

Commander. So’thn shot back in a surprisingly dark tone of voice, almost matching that of the Igigi Commander. We Atlanteans are not concerned with your kidnapping of an Osirion engineer, the threats to kill this woman, or with your politics. I can just as easily refuse to hand over one of our Power Crystals and allow you kill this young woman. You and I are both aware that the Osirion have no power over us. I can just as easily have our ships portal to Lahmu and destroy your base before you can even react to the situation. We can portal all your Igigi warships into an unknown deep part of space in the blink of an eye. Don’t push me, Commander. Either you accept our conditions before you reclaim ownership of the Power Crystal or return empty-handed to Lahmu. Do not underestimate the Atlanteans Commander, yes we are a peaceful civilisation, but we can easily remove a warring threat from this planet and our solar system without a moment’s hesitation.

Commander Tshrnau was visibly taken aback, his indigo eyes widened ever so slightly from the old man’s harsh retort. Silence filled the complex as the Igigi soldier pondered the situation, his features unreadable. Taking a deep audible breath, he finally spoke.

What are your conditions Elder? He sighed, clearly exasperated.

Deanu recognised the slight smile that played about the lips of Elder So’thn. She could feel his power and leadership flowing into the room. They all sensed it as they stood at his side; Enkarath glanced over at the Elder, nodding his dark head ever so slightly at the Atlantean leader.

"I have never seen an Igigi with a look of defeat on his face like that of Tshrnau now." Enkarath communicated telepathically to Deanu.

"About time someone deflates his high and mighty bubble of self-absorbed tyranny." She replied, chuckling.

We shall deliver the Power Crystal to Lahmu ourselves Commander. Once there, we will want a signed declaration that the Crystal will be used uniquely to terraform Herculobus and not to be used for any military applications. We know that you have your own head of state on Lahmu, so have them draw up the treaty. We also want proof that you will have a Pleiadian Guardian to oversee the symbiotic merging and activation of the Crystal. If you do not find a Guardian, the Crystal will be useless to you and it will eventually self-destruct even if you place an artificial Guardian disc upon it. So’thn stated firmly to the Commander.

Tshrnau’s bearded jaw appeared to be grinding tensely as he listened to the Atlantean. His brows knitted ever so slightly over his piercing blue eyes. I think we can deal with that Elder.

I’m not finished, Commander. So’thn shot back curtly.

Continue, please Elder. The Commander growled back, anger flaming in his eyes.

We have calculated the amount of time needed for your people to engineer the power network needed to terraform the atmosphere of Herculobus. Taking into consideration your level of technology, we have determined that in three years the atmosphere of Herculobus will be stable enough to forgo the use of all monatomic gold. Therefore, in three years time, you will shut down your base on Lahmu and never return to our solar system. The Igigi faction will be forced to leave Earth, along with your men and warships. From that moment on, no other Igigi will ever be allowed to ever set foot upon our world again.

The Igigi Commander’s pale face reddened with anger, his eyes dark with unbridled fury. Lahmu is a permanent stronghold and our home; we will never shut it down, Elder! How dare you decide the fate of the Igigi Osirion? His voice thundered throughout the complex, his tone rising in infuriation.

Those are our conditions Commander. Take it or leave it. If your faction refuses, we will immediately portal your warship as soon as we are able to monitor you leaving the Earth. We will also portal out your warships around Lahmu and destroy your base. I suggest you discuss the situation with your head of state. I will give you twenty-four hours to confirm your acceptance. Don’t try to leave for Lahmu Commander, even if your ship is cloaked, our Crystals can detect your Ion engines signature as soon as you power up. So’thn replied calmly, gesturing for the communications technician to cut the transmission abruptly.

The immense crystal screen flickered off, the image disappearing suddenly. Elder So’thn wavered slightly, his breath short as Elder V’leena steadied him, grasping his frail shoulders.

Now that was quite a show Elder So’thn! V’leena murmured, a large smile appearing on her pale smooth face as she observed the old man proudly. Quite a bluff you put on! The Commander fell for it!

Deanu and Enkarath stared in amazement at the frail man, shock on their faces. Deanu eyes widened as she absorbed what had just transpired.

You were bluffing Elder So’thn? Really?

The Elder smiled wearily at her, his intense sky blue eyes dancing with glee.

I would never have allowed him to kill that young woman in the Abzu; it would have gone against everything I hold dear to our people and to all life on this planet. I took a very dangerous chance and it worked out in our favour. I’ll keep up the act until we get their signed treaty in our hands. I do not want to deal with these Igigi Osirion ever again. He headed for the entrance to the Power Complex, V’leena at his side. Halting, he turned about to face the team of engineers and technicians who watched him expectantly. Now, I need some rest. I want the technicians to monitor with the Power Crystals, any sign of a cloaked ship or ships around the planet. We know they are hidden somewhere, most likely in the Abzu. If your scans detect something, contact me immediately for further action. Turning to face the entrance once again, he walked wearily out of the complex with Elder V’leena at his side.

Deanu and Enkarath watched the Elders leave, then shortly afterwards, followed them out of the complex. They descended the steep white granite steps of the pyramid, lost deep in thought. Enkarath reached for Deanu’s small hand, grasping it tightly within his own. The sun was now shining brightly, the morning air already humid and sticky. Birds chattered and sang in the treetops as the delightful aromas of baking bread and simmering fruit sauces filled the air.

How about we leave for home and sleep a bit, we’ve been up all night my love, Enkarath asked her gently, his golden eyes filled with fatigue as he watched her from beneath his long black lashes.

I was thinking the same thing.

Reaching the bottom of the complex, they headed down the white stone path