The Acolytes of Crane (Theodore Crane, #1)(31)

We turned around a corner, then walked across a transparent hallway. Migalt held out his hand in front of him and said, “This way. The chamber was designed to heal the body and mind, but it can do much more. While you are in this chamber, you will be transformed mentally, as well as physically, to conceptualize the many mysteries of the multiverse. There are many planets involved in the conflict. Further, we will amplify the commendable abilities that you already display. Theodore, you are a born leader. We will advance your knowledge in military tactics to help you lead the Earth’s resistance against this particular threat. You will no longer be a fart-giggling teen, instead you will evolve into a hardened veteran, extremely skilled in tactical strategy.’

I was afraid to say anything, so I chose to listen.

As we walked to the chamber, Migalt then explained that he was enlisted by Zane to protect me. He was a Bromel, created in Zane’s lab.

I remember the overwhelming feeling of anxiety that followed after he informed me of his duty. I even recall breaking a sweat, and at age fifteen, that is impressive.

Bromels. Imagine a bird-like being, twelve feet tall, and clad in technologically unique armor. The revelation that such a powerful being was assigned to protect me confirmed that I was considered a very valuable ally to Zane. It was very humbling. I knew that even though I was a teenager, I had to become mature enough real quick.

We approached the vault of the chamber. He told me there was another chamber of that type on another spaceship, which had been hijacked by a Dacturon Imperial vessel. He went on to explain that we were currently aboard the ship Uriel, and we were orbiting the most secure planet in the multiverse, Sephera.

What is Sephera? I thought to myself. I decided to be patient, and find out later.

He told me that Zane chose me. I thought if this Zane had infinite wisdom, then how did he let all those events happen? It was only the beginning of many doubts. I was just exploding with curiosity. If I was so vital to the Urilians, I had to be as prepared as I could.

I knew I could only ask one question at a time. I settled on one and blurted out, ‘So, Migalt, how will you protect me?’

From the majestically clad armor, a secret compartment opened, revealing a massive weapon that appeared to be a gun. He pulled the weapon from his sheath, and upon his command, a beaming blade of light appeared from its muzzle. The beam of light was about six inches wide and was as long as Migalt was tall—twelve feet. This blade was extremely hot. I smelt the singe of my forearm hairs, which led me to take a step back in caution.

‘This weapon wields a rare mineral foreign to your world, known as tritium phosphoritite. It can generate controlled bursts of energy, either as a fighting tool, or as blasts of ammunition. These are concepts that you will understand soon enough. You will enter the chamber. Your body is likely to undergo changes as well as your mind. It is common for one to panic upon exiting. Pathways in your mind will be opened, and all that you hear or touch will be processed instantly. It can be daunting. Go forth, boy. If we deposit you back onto Earth, and you are in danger, just hold out your hand and we will rescue you. Oh, and Theodore, you are lucky we found you at the cliffs just on time. Your necklace gave us your location. I see you are wearing Megadenom’s amulet now. Only the use of Dietons could get that amulet to you in the way we did,’ he said.

‘Yeah, it came to me one night. It has been my guardian angel,’ I replied. I attempted to sound cool, but I could not take my mind off the chamber. I dreaded what it could do to me. I feared I would never be that idiosyncratic fifteen-year-old Theodore Crane ever again. I gulped. Would I ever savor the simple pleasures of performing ollies on my skateboard again?

I walked toward the three-foot thick massive metal vault entry to the chamber, and I stepped inside. I heard Migalt whistling an upbeat tune with his lips and then the vault door slammed shut behind me. I stepped into the center of the room. I stood still and in a flash, the solid glass-like enclosure encased me.

I saw an image of a man. His voice was pulsating and echoing through my mind, violently overcoming my senses. I tried to open my eyes to no avail, because he was so brightly dressed and the chamber was white.

‘My name is Zane. I am the Urilian Omnian, one of two Omnians born into this multiverse. There remains only two of us. We both were created by the Dacturons. Even though they created me, I totally oppose them and what they stand for. I created the Dietons, whose job in the multiverse is to fight the Dacturons in every way possible. I also built this vessel, the Uriel, to resist the Dacturon’s radical opposition to our way of life. I chose you, Theodore, because you have not deterred from the path I have set out before you. Now, I have spoken of two Omnians. This other Omnian is named Odion. He leads the Dacturons, and therefore, seeks my destruction and death, even though we are, in essence, brothers. Odion has already infiltrated Earth. You must understand this more than anything. Even though Travis is undoubtedly the one unstable enemy that could be the end of all that exists under my rule, you must respect him. Without respect, you will not be able to gauge what he can do. Furthermore, do not yield to any temptation to any inkling of evil Theodore, or I will be forced to crush you.’

The urgency in Zane’s voice reached a new pitch, pounding against my head. ‘This is a call to arms! We have extracted many individuals from all lifestyles to react to the Darkness. Use your compassion. It is your powerful weapon to bring good and order to the multiverse. Your mission will soon be given form, because focus will divulge all truths.’