Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi (2 page)

Now that I had my story, I knew this could be my gift to the world. I have first handedly experienced the disastrous effects of being incorrectly programmed, one too many times. And unfortunately, things like racism and prejudice seem far more commonplace today than I can remember in all of my 25 years. The world is hurting from all of the negativity pushed by different individuals and we’re all in desperate need of a positive message today. So like a brave young knight wielding a powerful sword that will save his people, if through this story I can help others to learn from my many mistakes and prevent future disaster, my heart is at peace. A year and a half later, this is the finished product of all of my tedious research and hard work.

Shadows of Atlantis is a celebration of being different, being “Xeno.” We’re all creative and innovative in our own ways and should appreciate each other for those things. This story is my pursuit of happiness, my one-handed Odell Beckham Jr. catch, my flooglebinder, my masterpiece to change my stars, and the result of all of my hard work that I hope you all come to appreciate and love.

So my fellow readers and bookworms, it’s my sincere hope that you not only enjoy the story, but appreciate the underlying theme and messages behind it. I also hope that you all wholeheartedly support Shadows of Atlantis and the Xenogeek movement on social media, because regardless of who we are, we’re all “Xeno” in some way, shape, or form and we should appreciate each other for our differences, allowing them to make us stronger, not divide us. Please enjoy the story. :-)

(P.S. - Visualize the story like it’s a movie, it’ll make for a cooler experience!)

“Where there is unity there is always victory.”
— Publilius Syrus

Trekking through the wet rainforest, Eiris forced himself to stop asking one of the many questions that plagued him his entire life. Why did he have the same blurry dream every night for the past three years? Although he’s gotten hints and clues over time, the answers have always seemed either too mysterious or far-fetched for reason. So instead, he just continued wandering aimlessly through the beautiful torrential forest that had evidently been forsaken by any signs of life.

Navigating his way through this exotic woodland, Eiris suddenly felt a strange but familiar sensation. Like untapped waters from an abandoned well, something powerful was drawing him, but he couldn’t see it. Listening to his body, he closed his eyes and focused his mind on the sensation pulling at him.

Stilling his mind, he pinpointed the direction of the sensation and quickly opened his eyes before he lost whatever connection he had to it. Doing so, he was shocked at the sight staring back at him. Directly ahead, was a gorgeous exotic-looking woman in tribal clothing. Elaborate black tribal markings trailed her arms and legs, but most distinctive were those glowing blue eyes she gazed at him with.

She looked human, but her eyes indicated that she was something more. No sooner than she appeared, she ran off so Eiris followed her. Chasing her through the rainforest, he darted through giant branches and under dripping leaves until she finally stopped. Once he caught up, he noticed they both were standing on the edge of a beautiful lake.

“Who are you?” he asked as his words began echoing in the blurry dream.

The beautiful woman didn’t reply, but just turned her head briefly and smiled before diving headfirst into the lake. As he swam underwater looking for her, he realized this was no normal lake. Rather it was much deeper, more like an ocean.

Strangely enough, in this dream he breathed water as easily as he could breathe air, which puzzled him. Swimming deeper into the dark abyss of water, Eiris felt the sensation again so he stopped and began floating. As he looked through the dark waters for her, suddenly something frightful appeared. Directly in front of him were two wrathful glowing blue eyes, causing him to wake up to a sweaty scream in the middle of the night.

“Watch your flank! Watch your flank!” commanded Masters.

“I can’t shake em’! I can’t sh…………!”

As the Starfighter burst into flames, it went spiraling down into the atmosphere of the planet called Areolus, taking with it the last of the primary escort.

“Planetary defense what’s your status?” Masters asked.

“Two of our main cities have already been destroyed. Ground forces are scattered and Celestia Central is in full Evac. But thousands of evacuees are still trapped in the deflector bunker. Lieutenant, they’re just too many...we’re fighting a losing battle.” gloomed the Areolian soldier.

“I need you to gather yourself soldier, this fight is far from over.” remarked Masters.

“My apologies sir, I’m just not so sure that the other fleets will come to our aid.” replied the soldier.

“What we think doesn’t matter, we have orders. And with alpha squadron now gone, we’re the last hope for Areolus. So unfortunately we don’t have the luxury of despair. Now I need you to make sure those evacuees are safe until the Undarian Fleets come through the Interstellar Arc. Do you understand?” ordered Masters.

“Yes sir.” replied the soldier.

As the battle raged on, dozens more Areolian Starfighters spiraled to their doom. Several Engi destroyers then began streaming in the direction of delta squadron.

“Lieutenant, a squadron of destroyers are coming your direction and closing fast!” informed the Areolian soldier.

“Copy planetary defense, I see them.” reassured Masters. “Delta squadron, fire a few flux torpedoes and then disperse, doubling back behind the second moon. Soran, you make a slow beeline to the rear of the Arc and be ready to evade.” he ordered.

“Copy.” replied Soran.

“Like we’re retreating?” asked Starfighter delta five.

“Precisely. They’ll key in on Soran thinking he’s damaged, then we’ll surprise them with a little welcoming party.” replied Masters.

As delta squadron implemented the plan, the Engi did just as Lieutenant Masterson predicted, until the unexpected happened.

“Lieutenant they’ve stopped firing, they’re doubling back. Wait……...wait a second………...they’re heading straight towards the Arc! That……. that’s impossible, it’s like they knew exactly what we were doing!” remarked Starfighter delta five.

“Change of plans! Delta squadron form up on me! We need to draw them away from that quasar!” ordered Masters.

“Lieutenant, they outnumber us fifty to one…………. attacking them would be suicide.” informed Starfighter delta five.

“Death is only a matter of perspective soldier. How we live is of no consequence. But how we die is the only thing that truly matters. If this be our end, then it’ll be a good one. Every second we can give the other fleets is time well spent. May Turanii be with us.” replied Masters.

“I’m with you sir. Delta two standing by.” nodded Soran.

“Delta three standing by.”

“Delta four standing by.”

“Delta five standing by.”

“Delta six standing by.”

“Delta seven standing by.”

“Delta eight standing by.”

“Delta nine standing by.”

“Delta ten standing by.”

“Delta one one standing by.”

“Delta one two standing by.”

“Delta one three standing by.”

“Delta one four standing by.”

“Delta one five standing by.”

“Perspective indeed……………. now let’s show these dumb mechs the full power of Turan might! Nature………...!” inspired Masters.

“..........Is our ally!” responded delta squadron in full unison.

“Use the plasma on our sun!” commanded Masters.

Eyes glowing white, Masters and delta squadron used their elemental abilities and bonded themselves with the plasma from the planet’s sun. Using its energy, they created a colossal plasma ball, sending it directly into the mass of Engi destroyers heading towards the luminous quasar, destroying dozens of them.

“That barely made a dent!” remarked Starfighter delta five.

“Then we’ll make another one. Delta squadron, cluster and destroy! We’ll cut a hole right through them!” replied Masters.

Firing flux torpedoes, Masters led delta squadron right into the heart of the Engi squadron. Inspired, they fought with a ferocity few could ever match, taking dozens of destroyers with each delta pilot that fell. Even so, they were being overwhelmed as more and more Engi emerged from the stars.

“Soran, what are you doing?! Stay within the cluster!” ordered Masters.

“Forgive me, but we need more time. Get our families off the planet safely Lieutenant. And tell Azonei that last race wasn’t a fluke! It’s been an honor serving with you all.” smiled Soran.

“You have my word.” Masters promised.

Doing a series of evasive barrel rolls, Soran used his elemental abilities to bond a massive plasma ball and combined it with his Starfighter in a sacrifice move. As his ship exploded, it wiped out the Engi squadron and cleared the entrance to the Interstellar Arc. The few remaining members of delta squadron drifted powerlessly in nearby space. Crippled by the blast, they awaited the arrival of the other fleets.

“Oh this is great, we’re sitting ducks and we’ve been abandoned by the other races. Soran died for nothing!” gloomed Starfighter delta five.

“Enough delta five! Soran made a choice. And he died a hero because he had hope. Nothing you say can take that from him. The other fleets are coming and as long as we’re breathing we’re going to protect this wormhole by any means necessary. Just as he did.” remarked Masters.

Just then the quasar began opening up, revealing the Undarian Fleets as they poured out of the wormhole. Thousands of frigates all in attack formation.

“Commander Aros we’ve received your transmission. The Undarian Fleets are ready to aid and assist wherever needed. Do you copy?” asked the pilot of the lead starship.

“Sky Commander Aros is dead. This is Lieutenant Stephen Masterson. My squadron is all that remains on the outer belt to protect the Arc entrance.” informed Masters.

“Copy delta one. Are you mobile?” replied the lead starship pilot.

“Negative, our Starfighters were badly damaged during a recent battle. We request sanctuary among your fleet.” said Masters.

“Request granted, we’re beaming you up now.” agreed the lead starship pilot.

As delta squadron was guided through the large frigate, a familiar face met Masters at the command deck. Smiling at the entrance was Atlantian Guard Lieutenant Aurora Streane and Etwilonian Sky Commander Kassin Zale. As Masters saw them, his face lit up.

“It’s good to see you both.” Masters nodded.

“Likewise old friend.” replied Commander Zale.

“Where’s Captain Marz? asked Masters.

“He’s on an assignment, I’ll be sure to send your regards.” replied Aurora.

“What are we dealing with Masters?” asked Commander Zale.

“They seem to be robotic in origin with technology similar to ours. But it’s been very difficult to get accurate intel because they took us completely by surprise. With no prior contact with this species there’s no real cause for provocation, they literally just emerged from the stars. Most of the remaining evacuees are trapped in the deflector bunker in Celestia Central, but I get the feeling that the worst is yet to come.” replied Masters.

“Well then, let’s get to it.” said Aurora. “Commander Zale, you stay here with the Etwilonian fleet and make sure the space around the Arc is cleared for Evac. Masters and I will take the Atlantian fleet and make safe the evacuees.” she nodded.