The Cipher I

By Murtaza

Crack open 'The Cipher I' if you've got nothing better to do than plunge headfirst into a trilogy that's as dark as the void itself. This ain't your average sci-fi fluff. We're talking about a universe that's bleak, where the so-called mysteries are just accidents waiting to happen, dragging you through space's underbelly. Expect no heroes, just a bunch of lost souls navigating crap they barely understand, in a story that might save humanity or just screw it over further. So, if you're into tales that wander the thin line between genius and insanity, wrapped in a cosmic shroud of 'what the hell is going on', this mess is for you. Just a heads-up: it's a trip through the dark, no light at the end of this tunnel. Welcome to 'The Cipher I'. Or don't. Your call.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Village Publications
• Release date: Mar 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224370108

Book preview

In the far-flung reaches of the cosmos, amidst swirling nebulas and ancient stars, lay the domain of Zeph, relic hunter extraordinaire. The universe, a sprawling canvas of uncharted mysteries and forgotten histories, was his to explore. Zeph, clad in armor that bore the scars of countless battles, moved through the void with the grace of a panther stalking its prey. His visage, stern and resolute, was marked by a lifetime of quests and confrontations.

Zeph's ship, The Cipher, a marvel of engineering, blended the ancient and the futuristic. Its hull, inscribed with runes of forgotten languages, glowed softly under the dim light of distant suns. Inside, the ship was a labyrinth of relics and artifacts, each holding a story, a piece of a puzzle that spanned galaxies.

As The Cipher navigated through the star-studded expanse, Zeph stood at the helm, his eyes fixed on the holographic star map before him. His latest quest had brought him to the edge of the Andromeda galaxy, in pursuit of the Obsidian Blade, a weapon of legendary power said to be able to cut through the fabric of reality itself.

Zeph's reputation as a relic hunter was unmatched. His skills with the sword were poetry in motion, a dance of death for any who dared cross him. But it was his mastery of cyberweaponry that truly set him apart. His body, augmented with the latest in cybernetic enhancements, was a weapon in its own right. With reflexes faster than thought and strength that could rival the might of ancient gods, Zeph was a force to be reckoned with.

The journey was long and fraught with danger. Space pirates, creatures of nightmare, and rival hunters were but a few of the perils that lurked in the darkness between the stars. But Zeph was undeterred. The thrill of the hunt, the promise of discovery, drove him forward.

As The Cipher approached its destination, a planet shrouded in mystery, Zeph prepared for what lay ahead. He donned his battle gear, a fusion of medieval armor and high-tech weaponry. His sword, a relic of a bygone era, hummed with energy as he unsheathed it. His cybernetic enhancements whirred to life, readying him for combat.

The planet was a desolate place, its surface scarred by eons of conflict. Ruins of ancient civilizations dotted the landscape, their secrets buried beneath layers of dust and ash. Zeph moved through the ruins with purpose, his senses heightened by his cybernetic implants. He could hear the faint whispers of the past, the echoes of battles long forgotten.

As he delved deeper into the ruins, Zeph encountered guardians of the Obsidian Blade. Monstrous creatures, their bodies twisted and corrupted by dark energies, attacked with ferocious intensity. Zeph met them head-on, his sword cutting through them with ease. His cybernetic enhancements allowed him to move with supernatural speed and precision, dodging attacks that would have been fatal to a lesser being.

The battle was brutal, a maelstrom of steel and blood. Zeph fought with a relentless ferocity, his every strike a testament to his skill and experience. The guardians fell one by one, their bodies torn apart by his blade.

Finally, Zeph stood before the altar that held the Obsidian Blade. The weapon, its black blade pulsating with dark energy, called to him. He reached out, his hand closing around the hilt. A surge of power coursed through him, a connection forged between hunter and relic.

But the acquisition of the blade was not the end of Zeph's journey. It was but the beginning. The Obsidian Blade was the key to a larger mystery, a piece of a puzzle that spanned the cosmos. And Zeph, the relentless hunter, would stop at nothing to unravel it.

As The Cipher left the planet behind, Zeph gazed into the starry expanse, his mind already on the next quest, the next challenge. For in the vast, unfathomable reaches of space, there were always more relics to be found, more mysteries to be solved.

And Zeph, the hunter of relics, would be there, sword in hand, ready to face whatever the cosmos threw at him. The Cipher, a beacon of light in the darkness, sailed onward, carrying its lone occupant towards his destiny.

Thus began the saga of Zeph, the relic hunter, a tale of adventure and discovery, of battles fought and legends forged. In the tapestry of the cosmos, his story was but a thread, but it was a thread that would weave its way through the annals of history, leaving a mark that would endure for ages to come.

THE CIPHER, A VESSEL of secrets and shadows, hummed through the void as Zeph, the relic hunter, delved deeper into his latest acquisition. The Obsidian Blade, now secured in his ship’s arsenal, was a thing of dark beauty. It lay there, pulsating with an energy that seemed to whisper of ancient battles and forgotten lore.

As Zeph examined the blade, his AI companion, Xylox, flickered to life. Xylox wasn't just any AI; he was an entity of immense knowledge and wit, a spirit encapsulated in circuits and code. His presence was a constant in Zeph's solitary journey across the stars.

Ah, Zeph, delving into the mysteries of the cosmos again, I see, Xylox's voice resonated through the ship, a blend of playfulness and wisdom. That blade, it's more than just a weapon. It's a key, a cipher, if you will.

Zeph, his hands running over the smooth, cold surface of the blade, replied without looking up. I know, Xylox. This thing has stories etched into its core. Can you make anything out of these runes? His voice was calm, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts undoubtedly raging in his mind.

Xylox’s digital form, a shimmering array of lights and holographic projections, hovered closer to the blade. Hmm, intriguing indeed. These symbols are ancient, predating most known civilizations. They speak of a power that can tear through the veil of reality, a force that can reshape the very fabric of existence.

Zeph's eyes narrowed, reflecting the blade's eerie glow. That kind of power is dangerous. It could be a weapon of unimaginable destruction in the wrong hands. His tone, though casual, carried an undercurrent of concern. He knew all too well the greed and ruthlessness that such relics could inspire.

True, but in your hands, it could be a tool of protection, a means to preserve the balance of the cosmos, Xylox countered, his voice taking on a more serious timbre. The universe is vast, Zeph, filled with wonders and horrors alike. You’ve always sought to maintain that balance, haven’t you?

Zeph chuckled, a sound that seemed to echo off the walls of the ship. You make it sound like I’m some kind of cosmic guardian, Xylox. I’m just a hunter, a seeker of truths hidden in the relics of the past.

A humble description, but you are much more, Zeph. You shape the course of history with each relic you uncover, Xylox said, his form flickering with a spectrum of colors that mirrored his mood.

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden alert from the ship’s sensors. We’ve got company, Zeph muttered, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword.

The Cipher's screens lit up with the signatures of incoming ships. Pirates, no doubt, drawn by the energy signature of the Obsidian Blade. Space was a haven for scavengers and marauders, always on the lookout for their next prize.

Looks like we’re about to have some uninvited guests, Zeph said, a grin spreading across his face. He relished the thrill of combat, the adrenaline rush of a good fight.

Xylox’s form shimmered with anticipation. Shall I prepare the defense systems? Or do you fancy a more hands-on approach this time?

Let’s give them a warm welcome, Xylox. Ready the weapons. We’ll show these pirates why it’s a bad idea to mess with Zeph, the relic hunter.

As the pirate ships drew closer, Zeph stood ready. His armor, a blend of ancient design and modern tech, gleamed under the ship's lights. The Obsidian Blade, now strapped to his side, seemed to hum with eagerness.

The Cipher bristled with weaponry, a testament to Zeph’s preparedness for any situation. Lasers, plasma cannons, and missile launchers - all were at his disposal. But it was Zeph’s skill and strategy that made The Cipher truly formidable.

The first of the pirate ships came into range, its guns blazing. The Cipher danced through space, dodging and weaving, its return fire precise and devastating. One by one, the pirate ships fell, either retreating or succumbing to the might of Zeph’s counterattack.

In the midst of the chaos, Zeph felt alive. This was his world, a universe where skill and wit were the keys to survival. The thrill of battle, the challenge of a worthy opponent - these were the moments he lived for.

As the last of the pirate ships limped away, Zeph let out a triumphant laugh. Not bad for a day’s work, eh, Xylox?

Indeed, Zeph. But remember, the universe is vast and full of dangers. This was but a minor skirmish in the grand scheme of things, Xylox replied, his tone a mix of admiration and caution.

Zeph nodded, his gaze turning to the star map. The journey continues, Xylox. There are more relics out there, waiting to be found, more mysteries to unravel. And I intend to find them all.

With that, The Cipher set off once again, its course charted for distant stars and unknown adventures. Zeph, the relic hunter, stood at the helm, his eyes alight with the fire of determination and curiosity.

In the grandiose halls of the Citadel, at the heart of Galactic Sector IV, Lord Darius Krell stood like a colossus among stars. His presence commanded respect and fear in equal measure. The ruler of a vast swath of the cosmos, Lord Krell was a man of ambition, his eyes always set on the expansion of his dominion.

Surrounded by the opulence of his court, Lord Krell's attention was fixated on a holographic display, showing the aftermath of a skirmish in the depths of space. The remnants of space pirate ships floated like the ghosts of a forgotten battle, a testament to the ruthless efficiency of Zeph, the relic hunter.

Varus, Lord Krell's voice boomed across the hall, a deep timbre that resonated with authority. Look at this mess. Those space scoundrels couldn't lay a finger on our prize.

Captain Varus, a figure of military precision and unwavering loyalty, stepped forward. His uniform, adorned with medals and insignias, spoke of his prowess in starship combat. My Lord, it appears Zeph has bested them effortlessly. He's no ordinary adversary.

Lord Krell's eyes narrowed, a predatory gleam in them. Zeph... the relic hunter. His reputation precedes him. But no matter. The Obsidian Blade will be ours. Its power is too great to be left in the hands of a mere wanderer.

Varus nodded; his expression stoic yet alert. What are your commands, my Lord?

A sly smile curled the corners of Lord Krell's lips. You will lead a fleet to retrieve the artifact. Use whatever means necessary. I want that blade, Varus. Its power belongs in the hands of one who can wield it effectively, one who can control it. And that is me.

Varus saluted; his voice resolute. It shall be done, my Lord. The fleet will be ready within the hour. We will not fail you.

As Varus turned to leave, Lord Krell's voice halted him. Varus, remember, Zeph is cunning and resourceful. Do not underestimate him. He has made a name for himself for a reason.

I understand, my Lord. Caution and strategy will be our allies in this endeavor, Varus replied before departing to prepare the fleet.

Lord Krell turned back to the holographic display, his mind racing with thoughts of power and conquest. The Obsidian Blade was more than a weapon; it was a symbol of dominion, a key to untold powers. And he would stop at nothing to claim it.

Meanwhile, aboard The Cipher, Zeph and Xylox were unaware of the impending threat. Zeph was deep in analysis of the blade, its secrets slowly unraveling before him.

Xylox, these inscriptions, they're not just markings. They're a language, a map of sorts, Zeph mused, his fingers tracing the intricate runes.

Xylox’s form flickered in contemplation. A map to what, though? Another relic? A hidden world, perhaps?

Perhaps both, Zeph replied, his eyes reflecting the blade's eerie luminescence. There's more to this blade than meets the eye. It's a guide to something greater, something ancient.

As they delved deeper into the blade's mysteries, the ship's sensors suddenly blared an alarm. Xylox's voice was urgent. Zeph, multiple ships incoming. Their signatures match those of Lord Krell's fleet.

Zeph's calm demeanor shifted into one of alert readiness. Krell, huh? Looks like our little adventure has caught the eye of the big fish.

He moved swiftly to the ship's controls, his hands moving with practiced ease. Prepare for battle, Xylox. This won't be like fending off mere pirates. Krell's fleet is a different beast altogether.

Xylox's form pulsed with a spectrum of colors, reflecting the intensity of the situation. The Cipher is ready, Zeph. All systems are at optimal performance. We will give them a fight they won't forget.

As the fleet led by Captain Varus approached, The Cipher braced for an onslaught. Varus, aboard his flagship, watched with a strategic eye. He knew of Zeph's reputation and was prepared for a challenging engagement.

Engage The Cipher, but be cautious. Zeph is not to be underestimated, Varus ordered, his voice carrying the weight of experience and command.

The space around The Cipher erupted into a battlefield, beams of energy crisscrossing the void as the two forces clashed. Zeph maneuvered The Cipher with a dancer's grace, each move calculated and precise. The ship's weapons roared to life, answering the fleet's barrage with lethal precision.

Varus observed, his respect for Zeph's skills growing with each passing moment. He's as good as they say, he muttered to himself. But we have our orders. The Obsidian Blade must be secured for Lord Krell.

The battle raged on, a dance of death and destruction among the stars. Zeph, with Xylox by his side, fought with a combination of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. But the odds were against them, the might of Lord Krell's fleet pressing down with relentless force.

As The Cipher weaved through the onslaught, a plan formed in Zeph's mind. Xylox, ready the warp drive. We need to make a tactical retreat. We can't win this fight, not here, not now.

Xylox's voice was calm amidst the chaos. Understood, Zeph. Warp drive is ready. Just give the word.

With a final barrage, The Cipher made a daring escape, slipping through the clutches of the fleet and into the safety of warp space.

Aboard his flagship, Varus watched as The Cipher vanished from their sensors. A rare smile crossed his features. Well played, Zeph. But this is far from over. We will meet again.

In the safety of warp space, Zeph let out a sigh of relief. That was too close, Xylox. But it's only a matter of time before Krell comes after us again.

Xylox's form shimmered reassuringly. We'll be ready, Zeph. The universe is vast, and we have the Obsidian Blade. There's still much to uncover, much to protect.

Zeph gazed into the infinite expanse of space; his resolve unwavering. The journey continues, Xylox. We have a relic to understand, a universe to explore, and a lord to outwit.

And so, The Cipher sailed on, a lone vessel against the backdrop of the cosmos, its course set on a path of discovery, danger, and destiny. Zeph, the relic hunter, and Xylox, his AI companion, faced the future with determination and courage, ready to uncover the secrets of the Obsidian Blade and to confront whatever challenges lay ahead in the vast, mysterious universe.

The Cipher, a solitary silhouette against the vast tapestry of stars, charted its course away from the recent skirmish with Lord Krell's formidable fleet. Zeph, standing steadfast at the helm, had made a decision, one that carried the weight of history and personal resolve. He would return to his home, a place he hadn’t seen since he first embarked on his odyssey through the stars.

Xylox, set the coordinates for Terra, Zeph commanded, his voice a mix of determination and an unspoken nostalgia. Terra, Earth, the cradle of humanity, had been his home, a distant memory in the rearview mirror of his interstellar travels.

Xylox’s form shimmered into view, its colors reflecting a spectrum of emotions. Terra? That’s quite a detour from our usual path. Any particular reason for this sentimental journey?

Zeph’s eyes remained fixed on the star-strewn vista ahead. It's time to revisit old ghosts, Xylox. Plus, we need a safe harbor to lay low and study this blade away from prying eyes. And there's no place safer for me than home.

The Cipher surged forward, slipping into the folds of warp space, the fabric of the universe bending around it. The journey was long, giving Zeph ample time to ponder the decision that had brought him to this point. Memories of Terra, of a life once lived, played in his mind like echoes from a forgotten dream.

Terra had changed since Zeph's departure. The planet, once a tumultuous mix of conflict and progress, had found a semblance of harmony. Nations had united under a single banner, exploring the stars together in a joint venture of discovery and expansion.

As The Cipher emerged from warp space, Terra came into view, a blue and green jewel hanging in the void. It was a sight that stirred something deep within Zeph, a feeling of belonging and longing intertwined.

Welcome home, Zeph, Xylox intoned, his voice soft, almost reverent.

The Cipher descended towards Terra, its approach undetected, a ghost ship returning to its haunt. Zeph had chosen a remote location for their landing, a place far from the prying eyes of civilization, where the secrets of the Obsidian Blade could be safely unraveled.

As they landed, the familiar sights and sounds of Terra enveloped Zeph. The air, the gravity, the very essence of the planet resonated with him, a reminder of who he was and where he came from.

Zeph disembarked, his feet touching the soil of his home world. The sensation was grounding, a connection to his past that he hadn't realized he had missed. Xylox, ever the observer, watched as Zeph took in his surroundings.

You seem at peace here, Zeph. It’s a side of you I rarely see, Xylox commented, his digital form flickering beside Zeph.

Zeph smiled, a rare expression of contentment. There’s something about coming home, Xylox. It reminds you of your roots, of what you’re fighting for out there in the cosmos.

They made their way to an old, abandoned structure, a relic from Zeph’s past. It was here that Zeph had spent his early years, learning the skills that would one day make him the galaxy’s most renowned relic hunter.

Inside, the structure was a blend of the old and the new. Ancient furniture and equipment coexisted with modern technological upgrades Zeph had installed over the years. It was a sanctuary, a place where Zeph could retreat from the universe and its endless battles.

Zeph placed the Obsidian Blade on a worktable, its dark surface contrasting starkly against the light of the room. Alright, Xylox, let’s see what secrets this blade holds. There’s more to it than just being a weapon. I can feel it.

Together, they delved into the mysteries of the blade. Zeph’s hands moved with skilled precision, aided by tools and devices that analyzed the artifact down to its atomic structure. Xylox provided invaluable insight, his vast database of knowledge offering clues and theories.

As they worked, Zeph’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The blade was a key, a cipher to something greater, something that could change the course of history. And he, Zeph, was the one who held it in his hands.

Hours turned into days as they unraveled the complexities of the blade. Its runes, once thought to be mere decorations, were revealed to be a language, a map that pointed to a location lost to the annals of time.

This is it, Xylox. This blade, it’s not just a weapon. It’s a guide to something ancient, something powerful. A relic that predates even the oldest civilizations we know of, Zeph said, his voice a mix of awe and excitement.

Xylox’s form pulsed with energy. Incredible. The implications are vast, Zeph. This could be a discovery of monumental significance.

But their breakthrough was short-lived. Zeph’s keen senses, honed by years of survival in the harshest conditions of space, detected something amiss. An unfamiliar presence, a threat lurking just beyond the threshold of perception.

Xylox, we’re not alone, Zeph said, his hand instinctively going to his sidearm. Someone’s found us. Prepare for a fight.

Outside, the sounds of approaching vehicles and footsteps grew louder. Zeph and Xylox braced themselves, the sanctuary turning into a battleground.

The door burst open, and a squad of soldiers poured in, weapons at the ready. They were not just any soldiers; they bore the insignia of Lord Krell’s forces. Somehow, they had tracked Zeph to Terra.

Zeph, the relic hunter. Lord Krell sends his regards, the squad leader announced, his voice cold and menacing.

Zeph stood ready, his body a coiled spring of potential violence. You’ve made a mistake coming here. This is my home, and I don’t take kindly to uninvited guests.

The air was thick with tension, a standoff between the lone relic hunter and the might of Lord Krell’s forces. Zeph knew he was outnumbered, but he also knew the terrain, the advantage of home ground.

With a sudden, explosive movement, Zeph sprang into action. The room erupted into chaos, a symphony of gunfire and melee combat. Zeph moved with lethal precision; his skills honed by countless battles across the stars.

Xylox aided in the fray, his systems controlling The Cipher’s external defenses, providing support fire. The soldiers, though well-trained, were no match for Zeph’s prowess and Xylox’s tactical support.

One by one, the soldiers fell, until only the squad leader remained. He looked around at the carnage, realization dawning on his face.

You may have won this battle, Zeph, but the war is far from over. Lord Krell will not stop until he has what he wants, the squad leader said before making a hasty retreat.

Zeph watched him go; his breathing heavy from the exertion. Let Krell come. I’ll be ready for him.

As the dust settled, Zeph turned his attention back to the Obsidian Blade. The battle had been a reminder of the dangers that came with such a discovery. But it had also solidified his resolve.

We have work to do, Xylox. This blade, it’s more than just a relic. It’s a responsibility. And I intend to see it through to the end, Zeph declared, his eyes