Andromeda: The Last Ark

Andromeda Galaxy

Location fifty-six thousand light years from its core.

“Ms. Rose…”

Faintly, a male voice rose up in my head, sternly with a hint of anger. Unsettling to say the least..

“Rosemary!”

“Huh?”

Jolting from a peaceful slumber over my data pad, staring up at the Verminite standing over me. His rock hard yellow scales with an upholding anger expression lingering on his face. Red piercing eyes that could forever haunt me in my dreams.

“Dare I ask why you felt the need to sleep in my class?”

He persisted. The feeling of my fellow classmates' eyes lingered on me, weighing down on my shoulders.

“... The essay for Ms. Meir's class had me stressed out through the night. Apologies Professor Ha'kiv…”

I didn't even realize I fell asleep, if I were honest. I couldn't say learning a repeated subject on the Galactic Language was boring either. A half baked excuse should be enough to appease this Verminite from pressing even further. It's not rare for students to fall victim to sleep deprived stress from Ms. Meir’s harsh assignments. It openly explains why the fowl is still without a companion. Ha'kiv flicked his head up in dismissal, a soft groan lapsed out from rough lips with his gaze back to the holograms in front of class.

“May this not happen again, Rosemary. Now, Galicia, can you pick up where we left off.”

He addressed the front corner row of seats. A male Verminite with vibrant scales that shined an array of colors from the celestial body we orbit. Slender in frame, he nodded up at Professor with his data pad in hand.

“The Universal Galactic Language, created by the council after the first, and last great war seven hundred solar cycles ago…”

His tone was gentle, unfit for the warrior clad race they were meant to be. Pressing my face in against my fist on the granite desk top, turning my data pad to life with the subject at hand. Vast images corresponding with Galicia as he spoke, multiple languages being united after the fallen Galaxy. Much of it was originally stored in the archives, available to the masses for anyone to read. Though as of today, it serves no purpose as all forms of sapient life have acknowledged this universal language as their own. That is, unless you feel the need to bad mouth another individual in the growling tone of a Makic.

‘Beep… Beep… Class is over.’

The pads of every student came to life, many relieved and began stretching out from their seats. I followed suit, being cramped up in the small confines of the classroom is miserable. My tail puffing outward before it curled down my leg. This should be my last class for the cycle, as long as my data pad doesn't input new coordinates across the academy.

“Ms. Rose, a word with you before you depart.”

Professor Ha'kiv grunted toward me, creating a symphony of “ohh” across those that haven't left the class. My small muscles stiffen upon the request, hiding my uneasy expression behind a look of curiosity.

“Um, yeah… What do you need, professor?”

I asked softly, my tail instinctively trying to hide between my legs from behind.

“I know your species, the Dasia, are still relatively new to the council. Composed of various races of animalistic individuals. Much is yet to be learned and explored for those recently breaking through the Great Filter.”

The Great Filter, a means of a species overcoming their greatest challenge and surpassing the means of survival. Reaching out into the stars where you're welcomed with open arms by the Galactic Council. If and when a lethal race makes itself known, the united military joins together to show an example to those that dare disrupt our peace.

“This doesn't give you the means to sleep in my class. Understood? It's a tedious subject that seems to follow every cycle of school, even so we must teach it and pass it to each of you. The future. Knowledge of this language and how each race uses it will come in handy.”

He paused, just so his words could sink in. Just another lecture that my twitching ears must endure. I know he's only trying to be helpful, as a professor, he does this regularly from what I'm told. It's nothing like a short wake-up call my fellow classmates would describe. I don't know about that.

“Professor… I'm sorry, it won't happen again.”

I responded dryly, bowing my head slightly. He hummed with his nostrils flaring.

“That'll do for now. I have great expectations for you and your kin of a race. Until our next lesson, you are dismissed.”

He finished, giving me a chance to breathe before letting myself out. The metallic door screeched shut, greeting me an array of filtered light from the mother star. From the invisible shield keeping the solar winds at bay, to the tinted glass to protect those with sensitive eyes from going blind. Each time I exit a classroom, gazing at the dim red plasma ball at the center of this system always takes my breath away. Patrol frigates scattered about with cargo ships darting across the open void. Flashes appear and go from initiating warped drive.

“I guess you got stuck with another lecture. Don't ask, but same here.”

Diana spoke softly. The small lamb with darkened skin with curly hair groaned while hugging onto her data pad.

“It almost feels like since our race is still new here, they have to assert themselves over us.”

I muttered in response. Even if their remarks are kind and helpful, it doesn't wash away at the alienating atmosphere.

“Fifty cycles and they still call us new. It's just them being on their high horse.”

She muttered, I agree full heartedly. A brief minute of silence passed while admiring the scenery outside of the academy. We took our leave in tow.

“Oh Rosey, any word from your father yet?”

“Hmm no, why?”

Puzzled, My gaze met over at her. Diana’s silver eyes fixated on the path in front of her. Her messy trivial hair blocking part of her vision. I swear keeping a lamb's hair tamed is like cooling down a star with water. It will never happen, no matter how much effort you place into it.

“I heard from the grape vine that a pirate fleet was obliterated. No survivors, it's unlike the Galactic's protocol in ensuring the lives of those who threaten them. And when I mean obliterated, I mean everything was shredded. There's no telling how many ships were destroyed. I ask, so I could confirm these tales.”

Diana pursed her lips. I could only shrug off the response since we haven't been in contact due to his job.

“Last I heard from him, he was on the dreadnought named Luna. The crew he serves under are scheduled to check the relay stations one hundred light years away from here. Following the outer rims of the galaxy to ensure all trade routes function as normal. That even means dealing with uncontrollable pirates.”

Couldn't say I'm worried about the old man, his line of work in being a soldier has its risks. Every now and then he'll send a hologram card to assure me of his safety, followed by short stories of their venture. There isn't much I could do or say to get that adventurous punk to stop serving for what he proudly stands for.

“So, you don't know? Bummer.”

She sighed, practically summarizing all that I just said. Utterly hopeless.

“Why don't you ask the Verminites about it? They're all so knowledgeable about all that happens in the confines of this galaxy.”

Raising my fist in the air, casting such a dramatic tone. To some, it could have been displayed as mockery.

“I have no desire to raise their already high ego.”

Diana muttered coldly to herself. Hasting ourselves over to the dormitories where countless species alike were gathered. Friendly chatters to the occasional gossip amongst the herd.

“Did you hear about the pirate wreckage near the Makic trade route?”

“Well What do you expect? The Makic are known for being ruthless that dare disrupt anything they do.”

“Even though they have zero claims on ever initiating combat. They can't be serious now, right? Who else could have done it?”

Similar stories can be heard from different groups of people on both sides of the hall. It's definitely the talk of the school. You don't hear much about rogue fleets leaving the council due to some disagreements, let alone being annihilated so easily. Rare conflicts in a peaceful region of space, it'll certainly make for great conversation.

“Makic? No, I heard the attack was just on the outer rims near one of our trade relay stations. Far from their barbaric reach.”

A Jinx smirked with amusement behind its large mandibles. A race similar to that of my own, but mixed with insects. His body was similar to my own, soft flesh from his head down to his waist. Then it's replaced with a large abdomen with four husky black armored legs. The same was said for his arms. Males, useless to the hives they were born into, go to these academies to strengthen their genes to be passed down. Only when they prove themselves worthy to a female elate that is.

“One hundred light years out?”

I blurted in a soft uncertain tone, having interrupted the conversation. The Jinx mused, standing just about seven feet. His mandibles clicked, large eyes with multiple ports of vision staring down at me.

“Correct young Dasia. It had been scouted out by one of the council’s most pristine ships no less.”

“Dreadnought class Luna.”

Muttered under my breath, cutting him off unintentionally. He nodded his head, large vibrant wings flustered behind him excitingly.

“Correct. Perhaps you know somebody on Luna that could shed light of the findings? Since you seem aware of not only the distance, but the ship as well.”

The way he spoke sent chills spiraling around my back. Watching my own reflection within his black bulbous eyes, the feeling of his unrivaled thirst for such knowledge. Whether it's for reporting back to his hive, or just for the sport. I didn't want to know. Those jittering mandibles with meat tearing razor teeth behind them, it's almost terrifying with them so close to me.

“I… I plan to reach out to him once in my dorm…”

Or at least try to. It depends on the signal, if he isn't busy, and if they aren't in warp drive. It's next to impossible reaching out to those consistently bending space at the will to jump from one place to another. But once you get through the representative on board who confirms the caller identity with a familiar on board. Then the call should go right through.

The Jinx mused to himself with a few final clicks. His claws usher those that lingered around us to make room. I didn't realize just how many students crowded around us just to listen in on our conversation.

“Don't let us stop you. I look forward to our next encounter, young Dasia.”

I wanted to correct him, rather to have my name said than to use my race. Biting back my tongue, refusing to both linger and to continue this conversation. We hurried back through the filled hallways until we reached our dorm. Finally, a breath of fresh air. The gravity in the room increased slightly to our presence.

“Welcome back, Ms. Rose and Ms. Diana. Make yourselves acquainted as the bots prepare your choice of meal.”

The artificial intelligence spoke over the intercom in the living room. The walls in the kitchen uncloaked its metallic appearance to leave unfiltered light to fill up the space. Dim lights on the ceiling illuminated areas where the star's gaze couldn't reach. Wool made sofa centered the space with holograms spiraling against the wall. Galactic news was its focus while all of the other channels swirled behind.

“So they weren't all just rumors, we're just late to the news.”

A lingering sigh forced its way out of me, noticing the first broadcast on the holo mentioned about the junkyard in space. This time it gave visual detail of the chunks of debris. A detailed map of the galaxy appeared, showing five different sightings of these fragments. Each one appeared to be within the western quadrant, spanning ten thousand light years apart. The closest one was discovered by Luna, dead center compared to the other four which were further out.

“You would think they wouldn't air this kind of information to the public. It's sickening, and no known survivors in any of the wreckage sites. No bodies, just bits and pieces of destroyed ships.”

Diana sighed, throwing herself on the woolly sofa. Her silver gaze fixated on the holo as the anchor AI continued on with the story.

“Are you gonna try to call him?”

“I said I would, Diana…”

I muttered under my breath. Taking the omni-gear headset below the hologram, placing a chip inside the device casting the holos. This would give Diana the chance to see my dad. A picture forms over in front of me, displaying my face in a small corner with a calling notification toward the Dreadnought class Luna. My face was burning, flustered at the thought of calling my old man after such a long time of barely any contact.. It didn't help that I could see my burning reflection on the screen either. Black and red streaks of hair waves over my shoulders. Black pointy ears jetting out from my hoodie with red fuzz balls of fur blocking part of its openings. Unsettled amber gaze being reflected away, only until a representative on Luna answered the line.

“Ms. Rose, what can I do for you?”

A female Aneria took over the comms and video feed. Lushful golden hair with black horns coiled around her head elegantly. Large golden scaled wings folded behind her person. A species both known for their beauty, any terrifying nature. They were a mythical species all on their own.

“I'd like to speak to my father stationed aboard Luna… He goes by the name Aldier.”

My mouth felt dry, gulping heavily as the lady looked away, muted as she spoke into a different communication tab. Intently, my gaze fixated on the screen until it turned black, only for my father to appear as the call transferred over to him.

“Darling, what is it?”