3,107 Years Ago

Alarms blared and lights flashed red. Three figures stood before an enormous computer screen that covered the entire wall.

“They’ve launched without us.” Yvlana stared in disbelief. “They left us.”

“Graves.” Lamir sneered. “That coward.”

“Planet destruction imminent.” Pilgrim said in a melancholy voice. “Lieutenant Graves has departed with the last evacuation shuttle.”

“Pilgrim.” Kal steadied his breath. “Why did you allow him to leave us behind?”

“My apologies Commander.” Pilgrim sounded sad. “He used the manual override codes to circumvent your orders.”

Kaladin leaned against the base of the monitor, steadying his heart rate.

“I’m going to kill him.” Yvlana spat.

“What do we do, Kaladin?” Lamir asked, his fists clenched in anger. “We’re stranded here with the Thrak.”

“There’s only one thing we can do.” Kaladin said. “We detonate the core bomb. It’s the only way to keep them from reaching the planet’s core.”

“That is more likely to kill us than kill them.” Lamir frowned.

“What other choice do we have?” Kaladin shouted. “It’s that or die anyway.”

Lamir and Yvlana looked down at the floor, their faces seething with rage and frustration. Their situation was dire, he could hardly believe Graves had truly left them. A look of betrayal fell on all their faces at being abandoned to their fate.

“The detonator.” Lamir started. “Where is it?”

“Where is the bomb?” Yvlana interrupted. “We can set the timer then escape into the furthest bunker. We should be sufficiently protected by the blast and tectonic shifts.”

“All our work will be undone.” Lamir gritted his teeth. “Not only that, most of the wildlife on the surface will die.”

“I know.” Kaladin whispered. “We can’t do anything about that now.”

“At least we’ll blow those monsters to hell.” Yvlana smiled wryly.

“Once we detonate the bomb,” Kal straightened. “We’ll have to sleep long enough for the effects of the bomb to wear off.”

“How long?” Lamir squinted, staring at him intently.

“Pilgrim?” Kal asked the A.I.

“Due to the destructiveness of the core bomb, I estimate twenty-two years of hibernation will be sufficient. After which, you will be free to continue your operations on Isulia.”

Kaladin averted his eyes from the others. A feeling of guilt washed over him. He had trusted Graves and he had betrayed that trust. Possibly dooming them to a cruel fate, but Pilgrim’s estimation gave him hope.

“That’s nothing.” Yvlana said. “Isulia will be back to normal by then. Right?”

“Normal isn’t the word I’d use.” Kaladin stated. “The core bomb is designed to collapse any space beneath the earth, essentially killing all Thrak below ground. The surface will shift and change the entire landscape. Isulia will be completely different.”

“Can the bunkers withstand the shift?” Lamir asked.

“The bunkers were designed to withstand the heat of a star, I’m pretty sure they can handle an earthquake.” Kal smiled. “There’s little time. We must go.” he started running in the direction of the bunker.

Lamir and Yvlana followed, trailing behind him in a dead sprint.

“Planet destruction imminent.” Pilgrim repeated before they exited the structure.

Slowing to a jog, Kal waited for the doors ahead to open. They emerged outside where the sky was shifting through colors. The clouds looked as if it were bleeding red. Then a moment later, the sky and clouds turned blue again. The ground beneath them shook, causing them to lose their balance. Kaladin took hold of Yvlana, keeping her steady as Lamir used the building for support.

“One of their tunnels must have collapsed.” Yvlana said.

“That way.” Kal pointed to the southeast. “Get to the bunker. We only have a few hours at best.”

Yvlana began running but stopped in her tracks at seeing Kaladin, unmoving. Lamir hesitated beside him.

“There is no remote switch on the bomb is there?” Lamir guessed, his previous suspicions coming to light.

“No. There isn’t.” Kal admitted. “You two need to get to that bunker. I’m staying behind to set it off.”

“What!” Yvlana stomped up to him, her eyes fiery. “I’m not leaving you. If you stay… I’m staying.”

“No.” Kal sighed heavily. “You and Lamir need to go. It’s okay. I knew what I was signing up for and it’s my duty as commander.”

“And it's my duty to stay by your side.” Yvlana crossed her arms. “Tell him Lamir.”

“Yvlana!” Kaladin shouted, urgency littered in his voice. “Please. For once in your life… listen to me. If I can save you, then it would have been worth it. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to save the both of you.” Kal tried frantically to explain. “And this is it. So take it. Accept my decision. That’s an order.”

“If you die… then I have nothing to live for.” she shot back. “I might as well stay with you. I’m not leaving you, Kaladin Valhorn.”

Kaladin looked to Lamir for support, her brother frowning at them both. “Yvlana…” Lamir started.

“No. There is no time to argue. I’m staying. You go on ahead, Lamir.” Yvlana quickly hugged her brother. “Go!”

Lamir hesitated then his eyes went wide as Kaladin silently crept up on Yvlana, she turned too late to dodge the fist aimed directly at her face. Kal put the full weight of his body into the punch, knocking her out cold.

She slammed against Lamir’s open arms, her body going limp and her eyes rolled back into her head. Lamir took two steps back, unbraced for the sudden attack. As gently as possible, he caught her as he stared in shock at him but gratitude was also there. He knew how stubborn she could be and to see Kaladin resort to such measures, he was glad.

“She never would’ve left with you.” Kal said as he took her from his arms. Gently laying her down, he brushed her cheek.

“Thank you.” Lamir sighed in relief. “I-I didn’t know how to get her to come with me.”

“I know.” Kal whispered. “Take her with you. Get her to safety.”

“I will.” Lamir promised, clasping his shoulder and hugging his friend.

“Take care of her.” he whispered sadly.

Pulling away from Lamir, Kal bent down and tenderly lifted her up, kissing her lightly on the lips, “I love you.” he said softly.

Lamir took her and whipped her over his shoulder effortlessly. He hesitated a moment, looking back at Kaladin’s face. Without another word, Lamir nodded to him then turned and sprinted for the bunker.

His gaze lingered on Yvlana’s limp form as her blonde hair flowed in the wind. Tearing his eyes away, Kal sprinted back inside. Rushing to the hanger where their ships were previously docked.

“Destruction of core imminent.” Pilgrim reported once again. “The Thrak have nearly reached the center of the planet and are beginning the process of draining it’s lifeforce.”

“Is there a speeder or something I can use to fly to the northwest bunker?” Kal asked the A.I.

“I am sorry. There is not. All equipment is either in use or not in this facility.” Pilgrim apologized mechanically. “Would you like to use the speed tubes to the northwest bunker instead?”

“The sub tunnels.” Kal whispered. “Of course!” he shouted. “Yes. Prepare a shuttle for me now.”

Without waiting for a response, Kal sprinted off again and came skidding to a stop at the elevator doors. Pounding on the panel fiercely, Kal waited impatient for the lift to reach him. Tapping his feet in anticipation, he started to pace as the lift dinged. The elevator door opened swiftly and he rushed inside and slammed his fist on the lowest floor.

Instantly the elevator doors shut and the lift plummeted into the earth. It fell so fast, it felt as if he was free falling, his gut tightening from the feeling.

A sharp squeal screeched through the elevator as another rumble came, shaking the entire elevator shaft and him in it. “Another tremor.” he thought. “I’m running out of time.”

The bell dinged and a blue light lit over his head as the doors slid open. Sprinting past them, Kal veered to his right then straight down a narrow tunnel.

Automatic doors opened in front of him as Pilgrim activated the doors and cleared his path.

“Your next left.” she instructed.

Another door slid open and Kal skidded to a halt, grabbing the edge of the door and swinging inside.

A long angular tube opened up as he entered.

“Your shuttle pod.” Pilgrim announced. “Estimated travel time… three minutes.”

“How long do I have?” Kal asked as he jumped into the pod.

“By my calculations you have fifty-three minutes before the Thrak drain the core.” Pilgrim responded.

“Excellent.” he whispered. “I’ve still got time.”

“Please remain seated for the duration of travel.” Pilgrim’s voice chimed. “Doors closing.”

The pod door closed with a hiss and blue lights lit up the small space. Only one person could fit into the shuttles, but was a straight shot to the new northern bunker where the bomb awaited. They were designed to minimise travel time and energy from flights to and from bases. This was the first of its kind. A beta for the vast tunnels they had planned before the Thrak invaded Isulia. Only one had been built in the time they had on this colony.

All communications had been lost with the other colonies and Votis for nearly a month. When the Thrak arrived they all knew why. Isulia was meant to be a mining project to harvest frostrium steel as the planet was filled with pockets of the extremely rare metal but it only formed deep underground. Most if not all were near the planet's core which made it difficult with the equipment they had on hand. All their plans and goals were thrown out the window once the aliens had arrived.

The Thrak were relentless and constant. It never ended even when they thought to be defeated and gone, they would always come back somehow. How they had found this outpost, only Hashem knew but they were here and Kaladin was determined to save the planet before it was too late and most of all, protect Yvlana.

An intense force slammed against him as the pod shot like a bullet through the tunnel that led to the northwest bunker. The g-force was nearly overwhelming but his seat cushioned his body and the gel absorbed most of the pressure, keeping him conscious and awake. He would have enjoyed the experience if it wasn’t such a dire circumstance.

Three minutes later the pod slowed then jolted to a stop. The door hissed again as it opened and Kal stumbled out before he fully recovered from the g-force. He balanced himself for a moment after almost falling flat on his face, taking deep breaths then continuing at a slower pace.

After ascending the elevator, Kal exited the building and made his way toward the bunker outside. The ground was shaking at a steady pace now, and the sky was turning black with streaks of red as if the planet were bleeding again.

Planets never truly lived, but Kal knew it was alive in a different way. The core of each planet gave the rest of it life. As if a beating heart, each planet contained a core at which produced the possibility for any lifeform to live.

It was possible planets could feel pain, Kal didn’t rule it out, but Isulia would die if he did nothing. This way, the bomb might save everyone and Isulia.

Entering a cave, Kaladin stepped into another small elevator lift that led deeper into the darkness. The cold stone shook and threatened to crack from the strain of the planet. Soon the Thrak would feast on the core and give them more power. Unwilling to let that happen, Kal would lay down his life to do so.

After activating the bomb, it would give him only minutes to escape into the bunker where he might live. If not, he would die knowing he saved Yvlana.

The risk was high but there was a chance he could make it in time.

The lift settled and Kal burst into a sprint, running down the cold wet stone, his feet nearly slipping once but he expertly kept his balance and continued. Reaching his destination, Kaladin placed his palm on a small blue panel nearly entombed by the rocky cave.

It opened with a crack and bits of stone fell from the ceiling. Ducking into the narrow opening, Kal half crawled, half walked deeper into the room. It wasn’t made to enter from this direction, this was the maintenance shaft but it cut the time in half rather than going through the bunker itself. It would be ideal to reach the bunker first, as it would be much easier to get back into the shelter, however, time was of the essence.

He would go through the maintenance shaft, then exit into the bunker. Quicker and safer.

Reaching the large globe-shaped casing, the bomb sat safely, suspended in the air and encased in nano-gel protecting it from harm. Pushing his arm through the gel it deactivated after scanning his DNA.

“Welcome,” Pilgrim said. “I am glad you made it, Commander. Please stand by.”

Kal waited impatiently, the walls and wires around him making him feel claustrophobic. He had little room to maneuver but squeezed through more wires and metal beams to situate himself to the entrance of the bunker. He would have to crawl through another thirty feet of narrow paths but it was the quickest way to the bunker after activating it.

The last thing he wanted to do was to go back through the maintenance shaft again.

“Manual override activated. Please remove safety glass.” Pilgrim instructed. “Hand and eye scan required.”

Kal reached up and flipped the glass upward, revealing the handprint panel and eye scanner. Leaning forward, he opened his left eye as it identified him. It beeped softly.

“Eye scan complete,” Pilgrim informed him. “Please place your hand on the panel.”

Before he could place his hand down, Kaladin was flung back by a shockwave and slammed his head against the metal wall, nearly knocking him unconscious.

The entire room shifted and he heard a loud cracking and crunching sound. The metal was sinking into the stone around him. Shrinking. His eyes went blurry and he shook his head to clear his vision.

To his left, the exit was bent inward, blocking his path to the bunker. The exterior metal walls had completely been crushed inward. Slamming his fist against the wall, he cursed loudly, frustrated by his bad luck. He would have to go out the way he came, then go around through the cave again before reaching the bunker doors.

“Pilgrim,” Kal shouted.

“Are you alright, sir? How can I help you?” Pilgrim asked politely even with the walls buckling and the earth shaking.

“Have the bunker doors opened for me the moment I activate the bomb,” Kal instructed. “I won’t have much time but once I get inside. Close them immediately after me.”

“Confirmed,” Pilgrim said.

Kaladin pushed himself back up and reached for the panel. Placing his hand flat, it beeped and lights flashed red. The floor beneath him opened up, only glass kept him from falling into the dark abyss. The bomb beeped again then was released down the shaft, making its way to the core of the planet where it would disrupt the Thrak and shift the planet's plating.

“Core bomb initiated.” Pilgrim sounded worried. “Please hurry, commander.”

With a fuzzy head, Kaladin quickly scrambled back the way he came, moving as fast as he could manage in such a tight space. It felt like an eternity before he exited the door and fell to the cave floor.

Picking himself up, Kaladin sprinted deeper into the cave, hoping he would make it in time. He stumbled several times, as his head was still dizzy but he pushed onward. Glowing blue lights reached his eyes as he drew nearer. It flashed on and off, indicating a standby mode.

Kal felt the ground beneath him as he was nearly there, his feet pounding loudly on the metal surface and it echoed through the cave.

“Almost there,” he muttered to himself.

Ten feet from the door, Kaladin felt the ground beneath him slide out from under him. The metal shifted and slid into the rock like butter, crunching rock as if it was nothing. Mid-air, Kaladin put his arm out to catch himself then looked up as a large boulder came crashing down.

The instant his hand reached the ground, he shoved himself with all his might to the side, narrowly dodging the rock above him. It cracked and bits of rock shattered around him, peppering him with cuts.

Before he could react, another boulder from the roof caught his leg before he had time to move.

He screamed in agony as his left leg was crushed beneath the weight. Every bone, buckled under the massive stone, crunching it like powder. Blood oozed out from underneath, soaking his clothes red.

Unable to catch a break, more rocks shifted and started falling on him, burying him beneath the stone. He cursed under his breath as he brought his arms up to protect his face.

A sharp pain shot through his leg and arms and he struggled to keep calm. A momentary pause gave him the opportunity to shove the smaller debris off himself as he coughed from the dust.

His mind momentarily went blank from the pulsing pain of his left leg and he let out another shriek.

To his horror, he looked down at his pinned leg, then to the door. Placing both hands on the rock, Kaladin heaved with all his might but the stone didn’t budge.

“So close.” he panted heavily. “So close!” he shouted at the ceiling.

Sighing in defeat, Kaladin laid back and waited for the inevitable. The ceiling above, cracking and crumbling. “At least the bomb will stop the Thrak.” he thought. “Goodbye, Yvlana.”

A sinking dread overcame him and he wanted to cry. “So close,” he repeated.

A strange sucking noise, followed by a blast of wind and light exploded next to him. A vortex of black and white light spun before him, the intense brightness nearly blinding him. An instant later a large beast flew through the black hole and stood before him. As quickly as it came, the blinding light disappeared.

Eyes wide, face stunned, Kaladin gazed up at a creature so large, it touched the roof, its scally body moving smoothly. It stared down at him with bright red eyes that instantly turned blue. A dozen large eggs were attached to its stomach and it knelt down awkwardly trying to avoid crushing them in the small space.

It took a moment to realize what it was, “A Vog.” Kal breathed.

He had never heard of them on any other planet other than Tepra, their homeworld. Vog were secluded and peaceful creatures, their world untouched by the Thrak, yet this one stood over him on Isulia. Mouth wide, still in shock, he muttered but stopped as it looked to his pinned leg.

It growled then turned back to him, pointing a large claw at his chest. Kaladin struggled to get away but it was in vain, he yelled in pain as his leg twisted. The enormous Vog hesitated after seeing his reaction but continued a moment later, pressing his claw to his chest.

An explosion of pain, anger, frustration, fear, and joy burst into his mind. Emotions and thoughts flooded through his brain like a continuous river of knowledge. His vision blurred and his mind went blank then another surge of images and thoughts shot through his body like fire. Every nerve in his body screamed for it to stop. Unable to see or understand it all, Kaladin tensed his body in an attempt to ward off the attack. It felt like an eternity but it couldn’t have been more than a few seconds as Kaladin regained his vision and stared in wonder at the Vog before him.

“I am Felkuru.” a voice inside his head spoke. “Do not be afraid Emarine. I have been sent here to help you.”

“Wh-what?” Kal said aloud, unsure how he was hearing voices in his head and feelings that weren't his own.

“Your bomb will detonate soon.” the creature said with a low growl. “We must get inside before it is too late.”

Kaladin felt the weight of the massive boulder lift from his crushed leg and he let out another yelp of pain but ignored it as best he could and began to sit up. Eager to get inside, Kal dragged himself through the pentagon-shaped door, and inside the bunker. The Vog closely followed him, as the door closed behind them.

A trail of blood was left in his wake, his leg a mangled mess. Looking back at it once inside, he could see the extent of the damage. It wasn’t as bad as it felt. The knee and half of the shin bone were still intact, however, midway through the shin, it had snapped in several places, along with his foot.

Blessedly, the boots on his feet had probably saved it from being completely crushed as he could still move his toes.

“Alien lifeform detected.” Pilgrim loudly warned.

A moment later, large energy blasters ejected from the walls and pointed at the Vog.

“Are you in danger, Commander?” Pilgrim asked, waiting for his go-ahead to attack.

“N-no.” Kal groaned. “He saved me. Don’t shoot him.”

“Very well.” Pilgrim chimed. “The bomb will detonate in thirty seconds. Please secure yourself in the nano-gel.”

A large panel slid from the wall and revealed the armor station. The Vog watched as Kaladin crawled toward the panel. Felkuru moved over to him and placed his long claws around his body. Slowly and gently picking him up, he hesitated next to the panel. The pain in his legs screamed for relief but Kal bit his tongue, feeling the Vog’s intentions to help.

“Inside.” Kal groaned out awkwardly. “The nano-gel will heal and protect me from the blast.”

Tenderly, the Vog placed him in the gel, which engulfed him, and immediately began healing his leg and rejuvenating his strength. The gel not only healed him, but it also encircled him tightly, bracing for the shock to come.

“Tee minus twenty seconds,” Pilgrim reported.

“Emarine.” the Vog named Felkuru said. “We have much to talk of when this is over. I will help you rebuild this world.”

“Fifteen seconds.”

“How did you get here?” Kal couldn’t help but ask. “What was that light you came through?”

“I was sent here from my homeworld,” Fel responded. “Tepra is dying and this is a chance for my race to restart.”

“What do you mean?” Kal asked. “Tepra is perfectly fine. What happened there?”

“Ten seconds.”

“After,” Fel replied. “We will have time after.”

Kaladin sighed, his body feeling better already as he sat in the cool gel. He was still alive and now this alien had appeared before him. A million questions ran through his mind but he momentarily forgot them all as he waited for the explosion that would shake the world.

“Five.”

“Four.”

“Three.”

“Two.”

“One.”

“Zero,” Pilgrim said casually as Isulia shook viciously.