The Starfire Chronicles: Tretius

By T. W. Russell

On a distant and dying alien world, with the disappearance of its guardians, Tretiuss inhabitants have little to hope for. That is, not until a series of events unfold, entwining the fates of a group of strangers, creating a band of unlikely friends. But as friends become heroes, there are those that amass that seek to unravel the very foundation of goodness and order. As an ominous prophecy comes to fruition, conflicts arise. Can our heroes overcome the multitudes of obstacles in their way to save their world, or will the clock run out on everyone? Discover the answer to this and more in these The Starfire Chronicles

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Dec 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466905375

T. W. Russell

I've been a big sci-fi fan for as long as I can remember, relishing in mythical tales both outlandish and realistic. I never claimed to know what I was doing upon picking up a pen and paper while idolizing such figures as Isaac Asimov; all I knew is that I loved (and still do) the genre. Starting my own literary works began simply as an opening of the floodgates to my imagination. The structure, the discipline that the fathers of science fiction weave are qualities I firmly believe come from a wellspring of experience. Continue to write and you can only improve. In short, allow your imagination to burst free, and the rest will follow. I hale from a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, but I grew up in the small town of Plain City near Columbus Ohio. Now, up by Lake Erie, I devote much of my time to family and friends and, of course, writing. I’d like to point out that without the support of my friends and family, I wouldn’t have even made it this far. So thank you, readers and supporters (you know who you are).

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Chapter 1

Nu’Kay

My name is Nu’Kay. I am a monk from a distant planet called Tretius. Tretius lie light years from Earth in a distant galaxy. Now, that I live on Earth, I find myself sometimes daydreaming about my youth so far away.

It was about 20 years ago when everything changed; when my life and all Tretians’ lives would never be the same again.

Tretius was a large world about twice the size of Earth. I was just a young man back then, growing up on a farm. Our worlds are very similar and yet so different. We Tretians appear human and so many of our behaviors do too. We had cities, farms, and everything in between. We were such an industrious and technological race and yet most everyone clung to ancient traditions. Earth people would likely compare our time and culture to a blend of The Dark Ages mixed with the know-how of tomorrow. I, myself, led a simple life.

As I said, 20 years ago, I was just a young man equivalent to an 18-year-old human boy. Where I lived, you were either a farmer or you joined the men and women of the cloth. Farming never interested me and so I was left the choice of learning the way of a holy man. In a sense, I did not mind because I felt I could really help those in need.

As with most humanoid worlds, including Earth, Tretians’ religion bore much division. The monastery, where I spent most of my young adult life in, boasted a large belief. I learned, in a nutshell, that all life is precious. All other theories and beliefs were derived from that one simple truth. Sadly, not all felt as us monks and priests.

Beyond the farmland and the monastery spread our nearest city, Valum’Pay; which loosely translated means Paradise. And what a paradise it was. Homes and small businesses stretched for miles. Only one structure was allowed to be the biggest and that was the castle. The castle, called Bar’Ja Castle, stood tall at the back of the city, carved into the mountainside behind it. What an awesome and pristine structure it was, gleaming with limestone and marble.

I should explain that, despite the planet’s size, Tretius had very few cities. Much of the planet was covered by vast uninhabitable deserts. Only a handful of large oases allowed life to spring up around it. Only eight cities were able to take root in the world. Farming became the single most important trade. With two suns and limited water one had to know how to really care for and utilize the land. I, myself, lacked the skill, and instead took a spiritual path.

I was taught to be humble and yet I longed for more. Even from the monastery, some miles away from Valum’Pay, you could still see Bar’Ja Castle jutting into the sky. Often times I wondered if the longing that I felt was the castle calling to me. I did not know at the moment, but that beckoning was not only real, it was going to get loud enough to hear.

Chapter 2

Rude Awakening

It was early morning in what we called The Fire Cycle. Earth people would call it summer. Fire Cycle rendered long scorching days and very little nightfall. One day on Tretius is about two Earth days. One particular morning, the first of the two suns had just crested over the horizon when a massive tremor woke me out of a deep sleep.

Such quakes were not uncommon but nonetheless devastating. No matter how sturdy a building was erected, something inevitably would crumble.

Despite the tremors being common it did not stop the heart pounding in my chest or the startled look I was sure to have on my face.

As always, when such a tremor takes place, I’m forced to pick up off the floor my trinkets and sutras and other items of divination. Still, never once did it occur to me to put said items somewhere where they wouldn’t fall or break.

A fellow monk, even younger than I, had thrust opened the heavy wood door to my room. He was soaked with sweat and looking rather distraught. By the look of him, I assumed he rushed in to check on my safety. With him slightly panting, I took the opportunity to answer his question before he could ask it. No need to worry, Miro’Do. As you can see, I’m not hurt, I assured him.

I expected a relieved expression to take over and for his breathing to return to normal. It did not.

It’s not that, he said, putting his left hand on his knee while using his right forearm to wipe the sweat from his brow. Still looking distraught, he continued, Master Priest demands an audience with all the monks in The Great Hall… right now.

I could tell he was serious, and so I scrambled to throw on monkly attire. As I did so, Miro’Do darted from my doorway. I just finished shifting my robe over my head when I heard, Geez! Miro’Do! You scared me to death! Can’t you knock?

It was another fellow monk, the voice of my dorm room neighbor to be exact. Looking out into the hallway, I watched Miro’Do go door to door. It was obvious this was the task given to him by Master Priest. Now I understand the out-of-breathiness was from all the running. As for the sweating; well, even this early hour was hot. I was beading sweat myself. On the other hand, Miro’Do was always kind of a suck up too so the thought of not carrying out Master Priest’s command, in a timely fashion, sent Miro’Do into a panic, the way it always did.

Downstairs, in The Great Hall, Master Priest stood at the front of the large open room. Simple benches spread out before him. Some monks already arrived, sitting down, and whispering what could only be speculation on the announcement to come. I took my seat middle-right next to a friend of mine by the name of Wan’Ke.

Wan’Ke and I were close friends from the time I joined the monastery. About my age, Wan’Ke was a bit of a prankster. On Earth I believe they’re called clowns. This is probably why I enjoyed his company, because he always made me laugh. In fact, I caught him making silly faces at me out of my peripheral vision when suddenly Master Priest cleared his throat.

Clearing his throat was Master Priest’s way of getting everyone’s attention. When the low rumble of whispers died out, the elderly priest began to speak. I’ll never forget those words, those words that changed my future, our future… forever.

Chapter 3

A Glimpse

A long time ago, before I was born, the writings of priests were kept as sacred documents. As monks, we are required to read and memorize all 762 documents. Needless to say, that takes time. In my six years as a monk, one of the ancient teachings tells of a prophecy. I suppose it stuck out in my mind because it is one of the few that has darkness about it. I am not one to dwell on darkness, but having lived in light so long; one can not help but be curious about it.

As the old priest spoke, my mind flashed back for a second, back to when I read the prophecy. The prophecy talks about the beginning and the end, the birth and death of our planet. It states that life will flourish for two millennia. On the 23rd day of the first month of The Fire Cycle a child will be born. The child shall bare the soul of the planet. The planet having given up its life-force shall die. The child will become the seed.

I’m not sure what made me think of it at the time, but looking back it is something I will never forget.

Chapter 4

The Rulers

Inside the walls of Bar’Ja Castle lived countless people. Servants made up the majority, followed by guards, political advisors, and of course the royal family. I say royal family but the only royalty were the king and queen, King Kra’No and Queen Lay’Tu. Their reign was fair and just. Their subjects viewed them with much adoration. Even I knew of their names in spite of the monastery’s distance to the city.

The king and queen addressed the people frequently. Each took great interest in Valum’Pay’s inhabitants, striving to make things better. Kra’No was a great diplomat and Lay’Tu was loved by all, especially those less fortunate. It all seemed like a picture perfect dream. However, the king and queen would not live forever. As years went by, the dream started to become foggy. You can’t please everyone one hundred percent of the time. There were some Tretians that felt the king was too soft. Occasionally, in the middle of a speech, Kra’No stumbled in his words, paused, and then, began again. Doubt began to swell in the hearts and minds of the people of Valum’Pay. Advisors to the king and queen began suggesting that they consider an heir to the throne.

It is only natural for anyone to someday realize their mortality and make the decision to continue their bloodline. For Lay’Tu, her timing was a curse.

Chapter 5

Beginnings

The year was 2001 on Tretius. Each year starts with the season called Folara. Folara is the equivalent to spring on Earth. It is a busy time of year for farmers as it is an optimal time for crops. This Folara was special indeed, not only for crops but also new life. Lay’Tu just discovered she was pregnant.

It was late afternoon when Lay’Tu received the news. The doctor to the royal family walked hurriedly into the throne room, a beaming smile on his face. Kra’No did not seem to notice the doctor as he was apparently enthralled in some papers he was signing. Kra’No sat to the side in the extravagant chair, chin resting in one hand while flipping pages with the other, using the arm of the chair as his workspace. At the same time Lay’Tu sat with lady-like posture, delicately sipping hot Tretian tea. As Doctor Sas’Qu entered, Kra’No simply ignored him. Lay’Tu noticed Sas’Qu right away. Lay’Tu carefully placed her tea on a table beside her then rapidly took on the excited demeanor of Doctor Sas’Qu.

Sas’Qu kneeled before the king and queen. Your majesties, I bring most joyous news.

Lay’Tu’s eyes lit up even more. Kra’No still did not seem to notice the doctor.

Has it happened, doctor? Am I pregnant? Lay’Tu’s anticipation was quite visible now.

Yes, my queen, it is true.

That statement was enough for Kra’No to finally cease all flipping, writing, and pondering. First, an eyebrow went up then, only his head turned to look at Sas’Qu and Lay’Tu. As if needing to see their expressions to believe it, after seeing the glow in Lay’Tu’s eyes, Kra’No quickly joined in on the contagious wonderment. Unfortunately, it was to be a short celebration.

Hours later, atop a cliffside, just outside Valum’Pay rests the Valum’Pay Observatory. Citizens of Valum’Pay enjoy many scientific endeavors, and one of those endeavors is astronomy. On this night, one of the scientists was about to make a startling discovery.

It’s not possible, Cro’Sa adjusted and readjusted the focus on the enormous telescope.

Let me see, echoed a female voice from behind Cro’Sa. It was Fro’Mah, Cro’Sa’s colleague and mentor.

Fro’Mah placed her eye into the telescope viewing lens. Have you checked spectral analysis, trajectory? she said with a note of concern in her voice.

I have, Cro’Sa replied, There’s no mistaking it. It’s headed right for us.

Chapter 6

It’s Coming

By mid-morning, the next day, a messenger arrived at Bar’Ja Castle. Any visitors to the castle get stopped by Bar’Ja’s elite guardsmen. One of the two front gate guards held out his arm motioning for the messenger to halt. State your business, ordered the guard.

I have an urgent message for the king and queen, whimpered the messenger.

All messengers must first report to the captain. You will find him in an office, up the stairs, first room on the left.

The guards stepped aside to allow the messenger to pass.

Following instructions, the messenger found himself in the threshold of the captain of the guards. The captain sensed the other man’s presence and turned in his chair. The captain’s countenance was one of brutishness. He stood and met the messenger nearly toe to toe. Even though the messenger’s information was important he couldn’t help but feel intimidated in the captain’s presence.

I have a message for the king and queen, the messenger strained to get the words out.

I am Bro’Kar, captain of the guards. Any message you have I shall be the one to deliver it.

I bring a message from Valum’Pay Observatory. A meteoroid has been discovered and it is on a collision course with Tretius. Its arrival is expected some time in the early Fire Cycle.

Are you certain you did not misperceive this information, messenger?

I am certain, though the messenger was certain, he couldn’t help but force down a nervous gulp.

The only sound being made at that moment was of the messenger’s heavy breathing. Even Bro’Kar’s expression changed. Bro’Kar was genuinely concerned. Thank you messenger, Bro’Kar said, trying to mask his uneasiness. I will handle matters from here.

Just then, the ground beneath the two men began to move and rumble. It’s another quake. Take shelter, messenger!

But the messenger did not listen; instead he took to running away. Bro’Kar stood in the archway of the entrance to his office, arms behind him, clinging to the wall. As books fell, and chandeliers swayed, the messenger froze in his tracks and looked back at Bro’Kar. The king and queen must know! alerted the messenger. The messenger then continued his retreat as if he could outrun the violent movement under his feet.

Minutes later, the quake subsided. Servants once again stood as normal then scurried to pick up broken glass and fallen fixtures. One servant moved slower than the others. While picking up glass piece by piece, her gaze never left the location where Bro’Kar stood. She watched Bro’Kar out of the corner of her eye ever so intently. As Bro’Kar turned and began heading up the next set of stairs, the servant knew he must be going to see the king and queen. The servant got up from her crouched position, leaving some glass where it lay. Lu’May, where are you going? another servant asked.

Lu’May, who hadn’t let Bro’Kar out of her sight, kept her back to the other girl. Take over for me will ya? Lu’May asked rhetorically, having no intention of letting the other girl say no. Lu’May then snuck off heading up the same stairs Bro’Kar took.

Lu’May! the other servant yelled, but not so loud as to draw attention to herself. Hey! Lu’May! Get back here!

Lu’May ignored the other girl’s cry and kept on up the stairs. Lu’May followed Bro’Kar all the way to the throne room. Lu’May hid behind a pillar and listened.

Bro’Kar approached the king and queen with repose. Your majesties, I have a message from the Valum’Pay Observatory. I’m afraid it is quite dire.

His last word caught the attention of both Kra’No and Lay’Tu. Lu’May’s eyes widened as well. Lu’May continued to listen as Bro’Kar laid out the messenger’s report. Lu’May covered her mouth with both hands to hinder the escape of a gasp.

—And that’s all I have for you, your majesties, Bro’Kar finished.

Lay’Tu looked to Kra’No with great despair. Kra’No stared at the floor, his eyebrows tried to converge creating the look of what could only be described as confusion. Or perhaps it was an overwhelming sense of worry. Either way, disbelief filled the entire room.

What are your orders, your majesties? Bro’Kar remained amazingly composed. A man of his stature and position would not easily be swayed under pressure. Lu’May, on the other hand, had heard enough.

Quickly, and without a sound, Lu’May crept out of the throne room and back down the same stairs she had used before. At the last step she nearly collapsed, catching herself by latching a hand atop the waist-high marble wall of the staircase. Still, this action caused her to fall on her behind, surely to send a stinging up her tailbone. And yet, if she was in pain, her face did not show it. Instead, a look of fear, mixed with a dash of disbelief consumed her. It was a look that was painted across her. So much so that it got the attention of the servant girl Lu’May had previously abandoned.

What happened to you? the female servant was both angry and concerned; her tone melted from the first emotion to the second.

Lu’May had zero reaction as if she had been stunned or perhaps frozen in time. The servant took another approach to snap her co-worker back to reality. Look. I don’t know where you’ve been, but I had to clean up all that glass myself, and if you think this catatonic routine is getting you out of kitchen duty, you have another thing comin’.

The female servant took hold of Lu’May’s free arm, not the one clutching the staircase wall, and pulled Lu’May to her feet. Come on! We got work to do, the woman demanded, tugging Lu’May along with her, heading in the direction of the kitchen.

Lu’May finally spoke, Soon, none of this will matter.

But her co-worker just kept on dragging Lu’May with her as though nothing were said.

Chapter 7

Three’s A Crowd

Kra’No finally lifted his head and met the eyes of Bro’Kar whom patiently awaited a response. This is most dire news indeed, Kra’No began. He addressed Bro’Kar in a manner Lay’Tu hadn’t seen in some years. There was so much clarity sewn into Kra’No’s words. We must first keep this information on a need-to-know basis. If word gets out, we could have mass panic. Next, we must remain logical ourselves, and use the time we have to prepare. Bro’Kar simply nodded as the king continued. We must come up with and consider all options. I think our first action should be to get as much information as possible. We will be better equipped to handle decisions made if we know more about the situation. Bro’Kar, I want you, personally, to go to the observatory, round up any of the scientists there, and bring them back here.

I do not question your command, my Lord, Bro’Kar lowered his head to show humbleness, But if I may ask why a messenger would not be a more suitable person for this task.

Discretion, Captain, Kra’No replied, The fewer to know about this, the better.

Then, I shall be on my way at once, Bro’Kar once again stood erect, did an about face, and proceeded to leave the throne room.

Bro’Kar came upon the desk in his office; with one hand reached for a random pen among many identical pens in a cup, and with the other tore a small sheet of paper from a stack of many. He took only a moment to scribble something on the paper, which he then folded twice and stuffed inside a pocket behind the lapel of his uniform. At that moment, he turned to leave.

If some nameless third party had known about Bro’Kar’s orders, and could view him now, that someone would expect Bro’Kar to be headed for the front gate of the castle. But, no, Bro’Kar took a detour. This detour led this normally unstealthy captain in the opposite direction, across the enormous foyer, through the far left corridor, down some stairs, and ending his mysterious journey outside a rather unremarkable wooden door. Bro’Kar put his ear just inches away from the door and listened.

Lu’May, wake up! one girl shouted. Lu’May blinked a few times and shook her head slightly. She hadn’t even realized she was daydreaming. Now conscious, the sound of dishes clanking, water running, oil sizzling, the mundane stench of food, and of course the barking orders of Master Chef enveloped her senses.

It was now after lunch and the kitchen bustled with clean up even more so than during lunch preparation.

The same girl that dragged Lu’May to the kitchen had witnessed Lu’May getting scorned. When Master Chef wasn’t looking, the girl darted from her station to where Lu’May stood, drying and polishing silverware.

Listen. You’ve been acting funny ever since that quake earlier. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. Now, tell me what’s going on.

This girl was just a tad persistent. This in turn irritated the hell out of Lu’May.

Nothing’s wrong. Just mind your own business, Di’Luh.

Di’Luh took two steps back, physically astonished by Lu’May’s harsh words. How dare you, sneered Di’Luh, barely maintaining a whisper. I pick up your slack, and that’s how you speak to me? If I hadn’t picked up that glass—

But Di’Luh’s words were cut short by Master Chef. Is there a problem ladies?

Master Chef was a tall portly man; a man anyone would suspect of liking his own cooking just a bit too much. He stood ten feet behind the women, hands on hips and Di’Luh and Lu’May could feel his stare through their backs. If you prefer to take a break and chat now, I can have you both pulling double shifts later.

The girls froze trying to glare at each other without moving their heads. In the end, it was do as you’re told or face the consequences so both girls responded in unison, No, Master Chef.

Then I suggest you cut the chatter and get back to your stations.

Again, they answered in unison, Yes, Master Chef.

Di’Luh casually walked back to the sink full of dishes, looking back only once, hoping Lu’May would see the anger in her face. Sadly, it was a wasted look for Lu’May didn’t even acknowledge a look back.

As minutes passed and the noises of the kitchen died down, Bro’Kar was careful to step aside into the shadows of the kitchen door so as not to be seen when it opened. One by one, servants came out the door, going up the stairs to the main floor, untying aprons as they went. Three, four, five, servants exited and still no Lu’May. She had to be the only one left. Bro’Kar knew Master Chef would not put in the time to stay through the whole cleaning process and would have left through the dining room entrance instead of the servants’ entrance. Bro’Kar cracked the door ever so slightly so as to poke an eyeball through. All Bro’Kar could see was Lu’May’s moping about the kitchen, giving a quick swipe to any messy spot that may have escaped her already dingy wash rag. Seeing she was alone, Bro’Kar pushed the door open the rest of the way. The door had a slight creek to it and so, by instinct, Lu’May turned around to see who it was.

Lu’May’s eyes welled up a bit, accompanied by a big smile at the sight of her beloved. Bro’Kar accepted Lu’May’s embrace with wide open arms for he loved her equally as much. Normally, their reunion would not have been so emotional, but after what Lu’May had overheard in the throne room, she had never been happier to see Bro’Kar. He made her feel safe. And in this embrace, Lu’May held tighter and longer than usual, allowing her to forget everything if even just for a moment.

When it was over, Bro’Kar held Lu’May at arm’s length, I missed you, he said as he stared into her watery blue eyes.

I missed you too, said Lu’May, but in a more somber tone than Bro’Kar. Simultaneously, she wiped her right eye with the back of her hand; wiped her eye which by now had formed a tear, all the while still smiling.

What’s wrong? Bro’Kar asked, now realizing those were more than tears of joy.

I followed you again today, she began.

Lu’May, I told you a number of times not to follow me. You know we can’t be seen together. It’s forbidden. If—

But Bro’Kar stopped; he could easily tell Lu’May was upset, and her well-being meant more to him at the moment than the rules.

I know it’s a risk, but I seldom get to see you like this, and I only… I just wanted to see you. More tears came.

Lu’May pulled herself into Bro’Kar’s broad chest. She turned her head to the side and with a sob whispered, I’m scared.

Bro’Kar pulled her away only a little so as to look her in the face. Scared of what?

I followed you to the throne room. I heard everything.

Bro’Kar’s face showed visible concern when he realized what she must have heard.

In the servants’ section of the castle there is an entire dormitory wing designated just for them. Often times, after a shift of hard work, the servants gather in what’s called The Common Room. There, servants can mingle, do activities, and basically unwind. Typically, servants on same shifts, performing the same assigned duties, will form cliques or even friendships.

Di’Luh strolled toward The Common Room, apron still draped on her shoulder, forgetting to toss it into the laundry bin that dwells under a chute three floors below. Most days Di’Luh sat at one of the activity tables and worked on a puzzle. Today would be no different. There were thirty-some servants in The Common Room comprised mostly of women and some men.

As Di’Luh sat staring at the puzzle pieces trying to unravel their mystery, a voice rang out from across the room. Normally, Di’Luh dismissed Common Room talk because it was usually nonsense, and she preferred to ignore it, and remain alone in her thoughts. Perhaps those words struck her ears this time because of the day she’s had.

Has anyone seen Lu’May? the voice called out.

Lu’May. Just the sound of that slacking heifer’s name turned up the temperature of Di’Luh’s blood. Still, it was enough to get her attention and turn in her seat to find the source of the question. It was a table of three women, one of which was standing, addressing the room. These women were obviously friends to Lu’May, and Lu’May had gone missing. The standing woman must have felt Di’Luh looking back at her for she singled Di’Luh out with a pointing finger.

Hey you! the woman inquired with a brashness that suddenly filled Di’Luh with a strange shyness.

Di’Luh pointed at herself to confirm.

Yeah you, came the voice again. Weren’t you last in the kitchen with Lu’May?

She could have given a straight-forward answer, but a child-like anger still lingered within her. Plus, this woman’s personality was sort