The Uplift Protocol: In the Beginning

Issue 5: What Lorain Beheld

They know me as the Lady of the Isles. All of them. Things I have yet to accomplish. It’s disconcerting. We just got done with that Tri System business. Eliza remains on the Jupiter Rising. While I get a bigger eyeful of the overall tapestry. And here I thought my mother being a part of the Arcane Order would be the bigger shock.—Lorain Lanis

It’s regrettable. I can go to my quarters, the bridge, and the private captain’s galley. Magical barriers prevent my passage anywhere else. I asked Doc to take pictures to share with me later. Whenever it would be appropriate. I feel like I am missing old friends. I know whoever is walking aboard the ship I have met. The empathetic auras are achingly familiar.—Eliza Murphy’s private logs

Heart of Gilgamesh Sector

Terran Union Battle Platform 2257-9 Codenamed The Hot Wok

April 26th, 2116

Lorain blushed as dozens of people rushed towards her.

Their ceremonial garb was outlined with the 3 rings of the Highest. Each one bore the marks of different human civilizations. Her translator marked them from Greater Amu Sol, The Egyptian Primary Sects, Elysium Decent, Noah’s Starfarers, and the Cosmic Apparatus. Rathum brought one massive fist down.

He gently tapped the metals. “Manners! Excitement noted but remember the Temporal decrees.”

The dozens of humans bowed.

The oldest of them stated, “Forgive our excitement. We are grateful that you are here with us. Even as you are dear lady!”

A shout went up. People cheered. Everyone turned to see Eliza, wearing a sensory globe around her head, land a few feet near Lorain. It paradoxically resembled an old Captain Cosmos helmet. Everyone could see Eliza’s face. She kept her eyes trained on Doc. A ferret chittered vigorously on her left shoulder. Henshin pulled at her jacket, “This way! Carry this way! I am sorry for the basic text! I will guide you. Yes!”

The Jupiter Rising’s Shard form clung to the back of her bright blue flight jacket. Under was her usual silver shirt and black pants. Eliza had decided on honoring her mother today. In her arms was a clear globe. Thin lines of green ran across the surface.

Jupiter’s holographic pulsed a bright purple, <>

Eddie walked towards them. Nola on his arm. Their hands locked over a secondary shroud. Jonas muttered, “Hopefully we won't have to do this much longer.”

Nola smiled at Lorain, “The Light shall rise.”

She had seen in within the depths of her mirror.

*****

I focused on Doc. She was the only one I could see clearly beside the metallic flooring, “Hey. Before you ask. Everything here looks like a New Vegas billboard ad. It is broadcasting from Earth. The daily top 40 is playing.”

Lorain eyed whoever my passengers were with barely contained amusement. I was just glad to get off the ship. “So what’s something fun to eat?” Another pair of hands clapped me on the right shoulder. A text message popped up.

//I cannot say what the food is called but I shall have it delivered to the ship Captain Murphy. We know of your various menu preferences. I'll even send up different hot chocolates from our outer stores!//

I replied audibly, “Thanks! I was getting cabin fever.”

Lorain wrapped an arm about my waist. She pulled me along. I knew my passenger found this thrilling. They were hopping from one shoulder to the other. The sensory globe prevented me from getting an idea of their shape or weight category but their emotions relaxed me. We were among friends. How it felt being around the Commons while on Typha. It was a good impression. White murmured, <>

I knew it. At least they didn’t nullify my empathetic senses.

Made me wonder just how taxing this Convergence would be.

No, be honest. What would happen upon my “Death.”

Lorain’s arm tightened about my waist.

*****

White padded silently next to Eliza. Everyone greeted them openly. Only Eliza’s ignorance remained. No, that wasn’t fair. She would be aware. Just not enough for Unity to make use of any information that would endanger more of the Highest’s creations. The hot sparks of war rumbled. They would be ready. Dexter flew overhead. The station was a massive O’Neil Cylinder. The sparkling lakes and rivers above her head supported over 2.5 billion residents. The marks of the Golden City were outlined in the massive buildings and magical lines circling every aspect of the metals. Palm trees swayed as a soft breeze carried orange blossoms towards their party. Groups of centurions stopped and bowed. Fist to their chests. Not all of them were human. Many were member races of the Union. All working towards defeating Unity once and for all.

What Uplift Protocol should have been from the start.

Eliza smiled,” A beach! Nice!”

Lorain’s Defender suit manifested. Its white and yellow arraignment shot through with 3 black rings on the chest. Her yellow and white sash curled around Eliza’s chest. They were headed for the spire within the middle of the waterways. At the apex was a silver cup. Eliza set the orb down within the cradle. A burst of energy swirled around them.

Lorain’s HUD updated: ///Edenverse Battlenet Online. Integrating with Gilgamesh, Earth Primary, Sodu, and Extaria Sectors.///

Henshin was poised atop Eliza’s head. The Terran Union flag was on display. Earth was plastered on the forefront, with a space black background with 15 circles around it representing the rest of the Union. A yellow starburst completed it. The ferret’s paws were bare. He was wearing a gunmetal gray jumpsuit. The Jupiter Rising logo was on the back. Jupiter as a human blonde riding a red rocket. Her deep blue suit proudly proclaimed, “Made in America.”

The announcement rolled out for everyone. Well nearly.

Henshin added himself to the Jupiter’s Roster. Only Lorain and Eddie would have clearance to see him. For now. He winked, “I'll just be another Bardaxian friend until the proper moment comes!” He was just small enough to get under the lower half of the Null helmet. He curled around Eliza’s collar bone and hummed with delight.

“Finally! Henshin of Clan Half Moon will not fail you Arbiter!”

*****

Doc’s expression was a mix of regret, joy, and acceptance. The one on my head was beyond simple enjoyment. They were up in the stars, shining for all the world to see, like a kid on Christmas morning. Warmth flooded my collar line. I think it was hugging me. Doc reached over to pat my passenger. Bardaxian sized? Easily. White swatted me with her paw. <>

I asked, “Think I could stay outside of the ship for a bit? Just sit back and enjoy this nice beach. Now that my super secret mission is over. Whatever I helped install just came up as a green and white box to my display. Nice ribbons!”

I added drily, “Jupiter had a message on it.”

I shared my feed with Lorain. She doubled over. I caught her as she sank to her knees. She gasped between bouts of laughter and tears.

//Dear Captain, We appreciate all your hard work. Even if you know everything and nothing all at once. -Eliza Murphy.//

It was my signature. The biometrics matched. My eyes widened.

5,245 years Earth Standard as of recording date received.

Even the most well-preserved Typherian was lucky to hit 2200.

I sat down heavily next to Lorain, “Is there anything here that can get me drunk?”

To my shock, she replied, “Oh yeah.” A few bottles materialized next to us.

The first sip sent a thrill through me. It changed colors as I took another swig. Pretty soon I was floating there singing sea shanties. My text guide observed. //That was a good cycle year!// Cooper dived in and sprawled across my lap. Presented his chest for scratches. I thought of my parents at that moment. I sent a silent prayer out to the heavens.

The magic of this place must have heard me.

Augustus replied to my private feed.

//We are well. On course! Biometrics are better than normal. All enchantments are maintained. //

I slurred out, “Why is Auggie on the boat upstream?” It was my phrase for my parents’ mission to the Eternal Empire.

Doc’s merriment faded, “That clever boy. He always knew.”

Cooper agreed, “Yes! Just as Bardax knew. We were the scouts for the Union the whole time! Had to protect Earth. Maintain the Lie.” The helmet clouded some of Cooper’s response. I grinned, “Bardax has the best way. The emotions are always so clear there. Like the one on my neck. What breed is it?”

Cooper pressed a paw to my face. It thumped against the barrier.

The Green Defender of Bardax Home Sector barked, <>

I complied. This place had that effect on me. It soothed the worried parts of my soul. Besides the delightful drinks. The white disk shot out. The German Shepherd bounded after it. The green outline of his defender powers boosted him along. Strait as an arrow. I let Jupiter handle the velocity. I didn’t know if the tingling in my fingers would help in this situation. I chased after Cooper. Special updates hit my HUD.

<>

*****

I woke up sprawled on my bed within my quarters. Lorain curled on my chest. A half-eaten bowl of popcorn next to her outstretched hand. Old holo reels were playing along the display wall. I lifted my head. No fishbowl helmet. Another weight was around my neck. I lifted the necklace. It was a plain silver pendant. I let it fall back. Another thing to worry about tomorrow. Today?

A dream given form.

*****

Lorain watched the symbols move across the surface of the pendant.

Counting down the moments until Eliza would use Throne Sight.

She screwed her eyes shut.

Today had been a good day.

Tomorrow could wait.