Stingray: Prophecy: Stingray, #2

By Gary Zeiger

It is written that in the kingdom of Castianis' darkest hour, with the queen on her deathbed, their defenses failing, and chaos reigning outside, the Prophecy begins:  A man and a woman fall from the sky; the goddess Sophina reveals herself to a young princess and guides her to a reunion with the brother she never met; and a seed is planted for the future of both kingdoms.

Three worlds collide around Captain Reginald Epsilon as he comes face-to-face with his arch nemesis Sir Severin Greymoor.  Severin has been planning this encounter for the past two years and it is not going quite to plan.  Dr. Zubreé finds true love and is willing to give up everything to be with her new beau.  Cmdr. Jessie Smythe fights to keep Stingray from being destroyed by Greymoor's drones while following Epsilon's trail.  What she finds along the way will test her and Epsilon's blossoming relationship.

Can the crew of Stingray keep themselves together while desperately trying to save the kingdoms of Castianis and Danerana from falling into a complete meltdown?

• Language: English
• Publisher: TholianWeb Productions, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781935852087

Gary Zeiger

GARY ZEIGER grew up in Delmar, NY and was hooked on science fiction after watching Star Trek (the original series) at the age of 6. As a youngster and not realizing Star Trek had just started syndication, he took up a letter writing campaign to the network, studio, local TV station, and anyone who would listen, pleading with them not to cancel Star Trek! His love for classic sci-fi inspired him to pursue technology as a career, graduating with a BS degree in computer science from Rochester Institute of Technology. Gary has been in the technology field for over 20 years and still loves the classic sci-fi story. He resides in Jacksonville, FL with his wife Tonya and dogs Napoleon and Apache. Sadly, the tank full of unnamed fish have gone to the great fishbowl in the sky.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Six generations ago, the people of Cryon realized that their planet had died. Her inhabitants killed her. They mined her body for a variety of ores, minerals, gases, and liquids. They blasted through their industrial revolution without even an ounce of care for her. They dumped all sorts of by-products into her oceans, rivers, and streams, killing whatever life dwelled in the deep. Noxious gases belched into her atmosphere, choking out flying animals and restricting her sun’s rays from warming and cleansing her body.  The people didn’t care. When they noticed that there was a slight chill to the air, the water tasted funny, people were getting sick or breathing was a wee bit more difficult, they came up with newer and better ways to heat themselves and purify the water and the air. They kept on modernizing. There were those that sounded the alarm: Global warming, dead sea life washing up on the shores. They were soon made out to be crackpots—those who wanted to take away an easier way of life and send them all back to the stone ages. The alarmists were ridiculed and ignored.

Then it happened. The Cryons finally opened their eyes and there was nothing but blackness. All plant life was dead. The animals raised for food were dead. The skies were dark; the sun no longer shined down. The temperature was dropping. Their technology would save them, or so they thought.

One day, a golden temple swooped down out of the thick black sky and landed on a large island in the middle of the now frozen ocean. The most beautiful woman emerged; a warm aura surrounded her which seemed to glow. She was tall, had long blond hair, amazing blue eyes, and wore white flowing robes. Some speculated that her aura protected her as she was un-fazed by the surrounding toxicity. She looked around, shook her head from side to side in the most disapproving manner, tears streaming down her exquisite face; for her people had destroyed the most precious gift she had given them: Life.

Word spread fast throughout the land of the arrival of the newcomer. It took even the elder scholars time to realize that the newcomer was the goddess Sophina. Most, if not all, of the people had lost their way with their faith. Once they realized the magnitude of the situation, they immediately dispatched emissaries from each kingdom. The emissaries were welcomed into the temple and the first thing they noticed was that they could breathe without devices; the air wasn’t stale, but fresh. They entered an enormous hall that was much, much bigger on the inside than it looked from the outside. Everything was bathed in a golden hue. Doors lined the sides of the hall as far as the eye could see. Larger than life statues to the gods and goddesses ringed the hall, like they were looking down from high above. Attached to the temple ceiling were many large chariots that could be lowered onto the floor for boarding and launch.

The goddess Sophina emerged from the door at the end of the hall and floated toward the group, her robes waving behind her. She was not smiling, but instead had a stern look of disbelief.

Your Excellency, started one emissary.

SILENCE! Sophina bellowed. Nothing can come out of those filthy mouths of yours that I want to hear or believe. I gave you this planet to live on. I gave you life. I gave you peace. And how do you repay me? By shunning me from your heart. By taking from the planet with no regard for her or your fellow creatures’ well-being. She paused, looking around.

I returned to you, my children, to allow you to repent; to give you salvation. However, you will have to earn it and prove to me that you are serious about wanting to live a life of peace.

But we live in peace, your Excellency, said one emissary. Our technology has allowed us to do away with wars and fighting.

The goddess glared at the man, her face turning red. Her hand came up from under her robe, finger pointing toward the man. From the tip of her finger leapt a sizzling charged beam of golden light that impacted the man squarely in his chest. The man screamed as it vaporized him into a pile of gold dust. All the emissaries gasped. She now had their undivided attention. As she took her other hand out from her robe, the people ducked, thinking she would vaporize them as well. She clapped her hands together twice and short footmen appeared at attention, waiting on their goddess’s command. My footmen will show you to chambers where you will be my guest for the night. Tomorrow, two hours past dawn, we will convene and I will outline my proposal. But first, emissaries from the Thirteenth Kingdom, send a runner and bring before me, by dawn tomorrow, the family Roque.

Yes, your Excellency, but there is no need for a runner, stammered the emissary from the Thirteenth Kingdom as he scribbled an order on a tablet. Within seconds it sent the order to another tablet back at the headquarters for the Thirteenth Kingdom. A few seconds later, an acknowledgment arrived. They will be here by dawn, Your Excellency.

Sophina stared at him for a long while. She could sense his fear of being vaporized. I see, was all she said as she turned, floated back to the door from which she came and disappeared.

* * *

At five minutes to dawn the next morning, a man and a woman were ushered into the private chambers of the goddess Sophina. She was lounging on a large pillow in the middle of the room, attired in a smooth silk robe. Upon seeing their goddess, they dropped to their knees, bent forward, and touched their noses to the floor.

Rise, Sophina said, kindly. They rose to their feet. She snapped her fingers, and a servant brought two more pillows. Rest. The two apprehensively sat. Looking at the man, You are Velin Roque?

Yes, your Excellency, Velin responded.

And this is your wife, Trina?

Yes, your Excellency, Velin again responded.

I summoned you here because you are the only ones left of my children that still believe. Do you still believe?

Yes, your Excellency! both Velin and Trina said, in unison.

Sophina knew already. She could sense their belief. They exuded it and were ridiculed for believing. Good. Because of you, there is still hope for my children. Not all, I’m afraid, but a good portion. Henceforth you are now King Velin and Queen Trina of the Kingdom of Castianis. You will lead my children in a life of peace on the planet Castianis. Come, we mustn’t keep the emissaries waiting.

Sophina rose and the new king and queen rose too and bowed to Sophina. They followed her toward a door leading to the Great Hall. As they entered, they could see all the emissaries gathered, nervously chatting with one another. The hall fell silent as the trio entered.

Good morning, my children, Sophina said, pleasantly. Some emissaries guffawed under their breath and it did not go unnoticed by Sophina. I will make this plain and simple: There is a planet called Castianis. It will be your new kingdom under the rule of King Velin and Queen Trina. She pointed to Velin and Trina standing beside her. There were loud gasps all around.

What’s the catch, someone yelled.

Sophina smiled. Those of you willing to give up your technological ‘advancements’ and return to a simpler peaceful life that once was, may come here to my temple and I will take you to your new kingdom. Those who do not, may stay on this wretched planet. I will leave in two days' time, with or without you. Return immediately to your kingdoms, spread the words I have just said. GO NOW!

The doors to the outside opened and tall warriors with spears appeared and started, not so nicely, ushering the emissaries out the door. Once the last of them were out and departed in their flying conveyances, the doors closed and the warriors disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. Turning to Velin, Sophina broke the silence, Are you ready to undertake your new assignment?

Velin dropped to one knee, bowed, and said, Yes, Your Excellency. I will not fail you.

CHAPTER ONE

Present day Castianis is a lush jungle planet abundant with life, both animal and fauna. Villages popped up in the clearings. Their dwellings ranged from simple huts to multi-room wooden houses to large estates made with wood and a kind of hardened mud, similar to concrete on Earth. The more adventurous residents constructed elaborate dwellings high in the trees, some of which spanned from tree to tree.

Scholars would note that the kingdom had grown considerably since their ancestors first arrived. As they passed the stories down, details faded but the crux of the reasons remained. No one could remember how they arrived, only that the goddess Sophina brought a small contingent here in her golden temple. That temple still sits in the middle of the capital village as a reminder of the awesome power of the goddess. So long as they believed, it would protect her children. It emitted a glowing golden aura around the village. As the village grew in size, so did the aura. As more villages formed, the aura expanded to protect them as well.

When they arrived, there were several other indigent tribes on the planet. A number of them were friendly and struck up trade with the newcomers. However, most just wanted to be left alone. King Velin ordered his people to respect their wishes. One tribe, they dubbed The Savages, wanted nothing but to conquer. They tried and tried but could not penetrate the aura. They felt it was magic at work; it was like it knew if you were a Castianis or someone adopted into Castianis society. Over time, these other peaceful tribes merged with the Castianises for protection. There were a fair number of inter-tribal marriages and births. All the while The Savages tried to wreak havoc. The king forbade attacking them, believing eventually they would give in to peace. To venture outside the aura without warriors was taking your life into your own hands. As the years turned into decades, decades into centuries, the attacks by The Savages petered out.

Before the goddess Sophina left, she created The Prophecy, sealed it, placed it on a pedestal in the middle of the great hall, and protected it with a golden aura. Her last order before she took her leave was to forbid anyone from entering the temple or reading The Prophecy, save only the most revered scholar of the time, who was granted permission to enter the temple and to know its contents. The Prophecy was passed down from High Scholar to High Scholar throughout history. The goddess Sophina said they would know when the time was right to reveal The Prophecy for everyone to know.

Princess Fenira had read it. She wasn’t supposed to have, but she sweet-talked the elderly High Scholar into letting her get a quick peek at it; she was the princess after all. Fenira had become very intrigued by it years ago after learning that her father, King Velin VII, and brother, Prince Velin VIII, were killed in a surprise attack by The Savages shortly after her birth, ending the Velin namesake. Then, last month, her mother, Queen Alivia, had taken deathly ill. Supposedly, she’d been poisoned by one of The Savages. That Savage had been caught and tortured, but never gave up what poison had been used and how to counter it, which rekindled her fascination with The Prophecy. In her mother’s absence, she was left as ruler of Castianis, since her other brother, Prince Sinora, had been banished from the kingdom a year after their father’s death. The queen had forbade Sinora from entering the temple. He was convinced it was technology and not magic that sustained the temple and protected them. Sinora wanted to learn about this supposed technology and to use it to wipe out The Savages. He stole his way inside, but mysteriously blacked out. When he awoke three days later, Sinora was told that he was found on the ground in front of the temple door. The High Scholar said he tried to sneak in after he entered, but a golden light enveloped the prince and threw him out on his backside. This act had enraged his mother and when he awoke, she stripped him of his royal title and banished him from the kingdom for all eternity. Being the ruler, she could not afford to show favoritism for one committing such a high act of treason.

A couple dozen of Sinora’s loyal warriors smuggled him back into the Kingdom. They kidnapped the High Scholar and forced him to open the temple and bring them inside. No one knows for sure what happened that night except that many people saw a streak of light rise up fast from the temple and disappear into the stars. Princess Fenira ran straight to the temple and to everyone’s surprise it allowed her in. She beckoned two of her guards to come in and remove the dead body of the High Scholar, a knife sticking out of his chest. She noted, but kept to herself, that one of the golden chariots attached to the ceiling was missing.

Her mother ordered a proper burial for the High Scholar. This left the kingdom in a quandary, as the High Scholar had not yet picked a successor. He had said he did not have a clear vision of who that should be. Everyone now believed the temple had chosen the princess.

With Sinora missing, rumors bandied about the kingdom. The most enduring rumor, which they had heard from passing merchant ships who traded with the Castianisans, was that Sinora was not just banished, but now the king of a neighboring planet, Danarana.

Rumor had it from passing merchant ships that traded with the Castianisans that Sinora was now the king of the planet Danerana.

The Savages were becoming stronger and the aura that protected the kingdom was becoming weaker. The princess feared that her people were losing their way. She had to do something to bring them back on track. But what?

* * *

Princess! exclaimed one of her warriors as he approached her. You should not be outside the aura. It is not safe. You are heir to the throne and if anything happens to you—

Oh, don’t worry, Fenira said. She was tall, about sixteen years old, had blond hair that curled onto her bare shoulders, and blue eyes. She was wearing her usual white loose-fitting dress that came down just above the knee, exposing toned legs and bare feet. Not only was she pleasing to the eye, getting that from her late father, but she was smart for her years, getting that from her mother. I know that the Goddess Sophina protects me.

Yes, Your Highness, but it would make the Council of Elders happier if you returned. It is getting dark.

Very well, she resigned. Suddenly, a purple light appeared in the sky over the lake, catching her attention. Look, she pointed. The light shimmered and turned several shades of purple. A few seconds later they heard what sounded like thunder. The light expanded into a circle with the outer ring now a deep shade of purple and the inside totally black.

The warrior gasped. There’s a hole in the heavens! At that moment, two humans fell out of it toward the water. It’s a man and a woman!

After the two splashed into the water, Fenira looked dumbfounded at the warriors. "It’s The Prophecy. It has started. Take me to the Council. The warriors drew their spears, pointing them at Fenira. How dare you point your weapons at me!"

No, Your Highness, one of them stammered. Behind you!

Fenira turned and came face-to-face with the most beautiful white tiger she had ever seen. The tiger purred. The princess smiled, turned back to the warriors, and exclaimed, "Put down your weapons, this is the goddess Sophina! She has returned just like The Prophecy said she would!" Fenira then turned back to face the tiger, dropped to one knee, and bowed. The warriors did the same behind her.

The tiger growled. Rise, my children, Sophina said. It was obvious that the tiger wasn’t speaking to them, but yet, they could understand what she was saying. Princess, your family has upheld the edict I gave them many, many years ago. The unfortunate hardships your family has faced is cause for concern and has forced me to reveal myself yet again.

I don’t understand, Your Excellency, Fenira said. "I’ve read The Prophecy and yes the Kingdom is in dire need, but it shouldn’t be. The Savages have left us alone for decades."

Yes, my child. There are forces at work I do not fully understand. You will need to help the off-worlders who fell from the sky. They are key to turning this madness around and once again bringing peace to my children. There are paths you must go down to prepare you for the throne. How you handle yourself through this difficult time will define how you rule your kingdom.

What forces, Your Excellency? I’ve felt my brother Sinora’s presence. Is he responsible for this? Her mood had turned foul. Even though she never knew her exiled brother, she heard the stories. She despised him for jeopardizing the family and the kingdom. What does my brother even look like; I never met him. How do I even get to Danerana, where he’s rumored to be?

I have faith in you to do what needs to be done to make it all right again.

"It is The Prophecy, isn’t it?"

So many questions, my young princess. Do not fret, you will know what to do; listen to your heart but temper it with your judgement.

* * *

Princess Fenira and the goddess Sophina walked into the village square with the warriors flanking them. Several villagers scattered at the site of the tiger, with some taking up arms. The warriors with the princess went on the defensive.

STOP! Fenira yelled. This is the goddess Sophina and you will all pay her your respect!

The princess has gone mad, someone yelled.

She’s afflicted just like the queen, someone else screamed.

This IS Sophina! Fenira bellowed back.

At that moment, the tiger roared and stood up on her hind legs. And then something incredible happened: the tiger morphed into a tall, beautiful woman with long blond