Silence. When sought, it’s undefinable, shrouded in the backdrop of life, perceived as mere punctuation, dividing pivotal points and, finally, manifesting only as the final chorus. Highly desired. An unobtainable standard; a goal which almost always costs more than its worth, and may never be fully appreciated. Those that find it are often stifled by it; ultimately, it renders them speechless. For most, there’s one time when they’ll find themselves engulfed by it, and due to its permanent nature, others will have to wait to appreciate it.
Even in the midnight of the void, where stillness permeates, silence is an improbable occurrence. It puzzled Lil’lah, with all her time drifting through nothing, how it’s never quiet, let alone silent. Whether it be the hum of miles of electrical relays, life support conduit, piping, and plumbing; the faint growl of the Valiant Starlights’ engines, whose turbine rotations reverberated through the frame of the colossal leviathan; the perpetual chirping, beeping, whistling, and sizzling of the bridge and engine room; or the soft, rapid tapping of her elongated, vibrant blue fingers against the chill of the briefing room conference table, a rhythmic echo of her urgent mind.
Futures, countless untold destinies, cluttered Lil’lah’s mind, suspended in a maw of her doubt. A steadfast beacon amidst uncertainty, she bore the weight of command with a quiet intensity that could ignite stars or, if ill-fated, extinguish them. The passion, hardly containable, had her eyes slowly scanning the room when two brown dwarf star-like orbs caught her attention. The orbs were copies of hers, framed on a wall across from her. She always hated the portrait.
Her elegant, yet regulation, updo in the shade of ‘Common-Ba’urgeon’ silver framed her face and pointy ears, making her seem menacing. It didn’t help that the uniform, a deep black that seemed to swallow all light, made her appear as if she commanded some sinister organization. The aesthetics of the dimly lit, nondescript conference room sent a shiver down your spine. But the name placard sealed the deal: Senior Fleet Commodore Lil’lah Mu-yah. These portraits were scattered throughout the Valiant, often prompting her to question her true authority aboard the vessel if she didn’t have a say in their placement.
Outside, the Valiant Starlight glided through an asteroid ballet, its massive frame casting shadows over a stony audience. Inside, Lil’lah faced a mission entwined with ancestral follies, internal strife, and the weight of imminent salvation. Beckoned to a world once touched by her past where she had planted seeds of hope with gifts of advanced knowledge. Now, as the shadows of an ancient cosmic error loomed, she stood ready to lead a silent crusade that would unite an isolated civilization with the cosmos, fulfilling a legacy of redemption and technological awakening.
After an eternity in her thoughts, the Operations Officers filed into the briefing room, on time as usual, and took their seats. The Valiant Starlight required oversight; these officers, each in charge of maintaining critical functions, managed teams of company-grade and junior-grade officers, planning missions and maintaining armada and fleet operations. When the sliding of chairs, boots, and shuffling papers ceased, three chairs lay vacant, a mute tribute to the steadfast officers upholding the ship and crew’s safety in their stead.
The Sentries settled, their attention drifting to the Senior Commodore, scanning faces as she slowly stood from her seat. Scraping metals squelched, and Lil’lah cleared her throat subtly. “Sentries," Lil’lah’s voice echoed throughout the rather barren command center. "We’re to embark on a mission unlike any other. The fate of an entire world rests on our shoulders, yet again." She found it hard to keep focused on her words, her eyes began to wander and she met the gaze of her portrait with disdain.
Her officers, the best in the armada, faces full of apprehension and determination, maintained their bearing. This far from home, the tension was palpable, yet their emotions were gathered - or seemed gathered at least - to Lil’lah. This did not come as a surprise, but rumors began circulating shortly after they embarked that many of the Sentry’s and Stai’tic were unhappy with the nature of this assignment. No doubt, it would be foolish to assume that the Operations Officers were somehow immune to unrest. She made every attempt to avoid glancing at her portrait as her eyes continued to scan the room.
“Decades ago, our Ba’urgeon Armada ventured into this quadrant,” Lil’lah continued, a wrist flick summoning a hologram of a vast galaxy in the center of the conference room. The hologram, a presentation that was meticulously organized, illustrated her speech. “We’re at the threshold of Dwendenous IX, known as ‘the Milky Way’ to Earthlings, within the Roth’ari domain. Our previous mission lost the ‘Ru’ and the many souls that were onboard, but we seeded Earth with our ‘sparks’—keys to an era of enlightenment and a bridge to One Mind. Their world remains silent… …distant… Our fleet holds back, cautious of Earth’s developing society and of certain local threats and dangers. The Roth’ari’s animosity is ancient, yet One Mind has ordered our next move.”
She surveyed her officers, steadying herself. Though devout, the Senior Commodore feared she’d overused the ‘One Mind card’, worrying how many more times she would be allowed to remind her crew of this mission’s ordination by the universe itself. Unsure of how to phrase it, she came right out with it. “We will initiate a shadow walk to Earth. It’s uncharted territory, but my faith in the One Mind — and your valor — is absolute. We’re pure with the One. The Most Pure.” The room’s quiet mirrored the gravity of her declaration as Lil’lah stood, resolute and commanding.
Several moments passed, the Sentry bearings stood fast, until there a low cough drew everyone’s attention. “Commodore," Captain Jo’rah began, his voice gruff with years of service, "It feels like speaking out against things you say, or do, is akin to speaking against One Mind, lately.” Jo’rah lent forward in his seat, lacing his fingers together on the table. It’s as if, all of a sudden, you know a truth beyond ours, but we still share the One Knowledge. We cannot deny what we know, or the unknown. ” Captain Jo’rah leaned back, placing his hands in his lap. “Shadow Walking is a proven technique, yes… but the distance... it… …is… …unprecedented. It's not the act itself that concerns me, but the sheer scale of it - and the fact that it hasn’t been done before."
Lil'lah nodded, acknowledging his concern. Known for having two distinct traits as a leader: Tact, and patience, it’s not uncommon for her to hold her tongue until the last minute during discussion. As she finalized her thoughts, beginning to open her mouth, a yelp from across the room made her stay her tongue.
Junior Tech Officer Ta'raa, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and excitement, began to choke up. Not surprisingly, as she was the youngest of the Operation’s officers, she earned her place as a technological and tactical genius— all things considered. "Commodore, I'm... I'm scared. But I - I trust you, and I trust the One Mind.” Ta’raa wiped her face. She sat upright, back straight. “I'm ready to face this challenge."
"Your honesty is appreciated, Ta'raa," Lil'lah responded warmly. “I know this is your first time in Operations Command. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.” The Junior-Grade officer though green, was held in high regard; she reminded Lil’lah of herself as a young Sentry. A single moment passed before Ta’raa responded.
“I remember, as I’m sure we all do, the first memory. The one we have with One Mind when we’re born, where we experience ‘The Sight”? And then there’s that portion of training, at the Academy, where we have to Shadow Walk on demand, but we only had to maintain that for a few moments. It was so cold and silent.” Ta’raa caught herself beginning to ramble. Uncomfortable with so many high-ranking officers staring at her, she didn’t want to make the Senior Fleet Commodore regret this appointment. “We had focus chambers, you know, to help us block out external forces. Are we going to Shadow Walk here? In the conference room?”
Other officers snickered quietly. Jo’rah leaned in, catching Ta’raa’s attention and cleared his throat. “Much of the ship is a giant magnetic coil. Electromagnetic waves course through most of the vessel, so it’s not advisable for anyone— except those with the purest connection— to shadow walk anywhere other than the Sacred Hall, deep down in the depths.”
“Thank you, Jo’rah.” Lil’lah nodded once more, turning to address Ta’raa, but another voice spoke first.
Commander Rael, Lil'lah's cousin, trusted confidant, and a hardened Raider, carried with him a more cavalier tone. "Lil’lah— Commodore,” he corrected himself and adjusted his uniform. “We’ve faced many trials together. You’ve never given me any reason not to follow you through the stars. I trust you recall the number one rule of Shadow Walking, right? ‘Know where and when you’re going’? You’ve been there before; you’re the only one that can lead us back. Let’s show the Supreme why One Mind brought us here. I have faith in you and One Mind. We will succeed, as we always do.”
Lil’lah chose not to contain her emotion, smiling brightly. ”Thank you, Rael," her voice filled with gratitude, as she started to address her Sentries. The timing eluded her again.
Captain Ka’eel did not share his cohorts’ optimism. His body language suggested that he grew impatient with the conversation. ”Commodore, with all due respect, I don't believe in… …all of this.” His arms opened wide, known for talking with his hands. “I personally don’t understand why we’re really here, and I’m not sure this should be done.” The Ba’urgeon stood from his seat, planting his palms flat on the table, staring his senior down. One, we all know the Supreme does not agree with this ‘excursion’, and yet here we are… We're risking our lives on a mission with an uncertain outcome, very little chance of reinforcements, and a high probability of certain demise. Is Earth worth this risk?" He sank back into his chair. The room settled to a hum.
Lil'lah turned to him, her gaze steady, then her focus shot to Jo’rah. “I'm not beyond reproach. I’m fallible. I can be wrong, but has the One Mind ever misdirected us? When you confide with the One, do I contradict One Mind’s way?” She took a few moments before she continued. …Yes, it’s a leap into the unknown. But remember, we’re pioneers, explorers; that is our charge! We venture into the unknown. The One Mind has shown me ‘this’ is by his direction." She paused. The Commodores’ demeanor softened while she addressed Ta’ra. "Fear is a natural response to the unknown. But it is how we face that fear that defines us and grows us." Lil'lah paced around the seated Sentries, slowly circling behind them, and stopped between officers Rael and Ka’eel, placing her hands on their chairs. "We’ve embarked on a journey that will test our courage and resolve, but I have faith in each one of you. Together, we will overcome. Ka’eel, your skepticism is noted. But remember, every great achievement was once considered impossible. We must dare to do the impossible. We owe it to ourselves to save as many lives as we can from our ancestors’ mistakes. That is our duty. We follow through with our duties, and we fix our mistakes.”
A hum enveloped the room once more, and in that quiet, Lil’lah gathered her resolve before proceeding. “If any of you want to turn back, now is the time, but I’m uncertain of what awaits you back home.” She scanned the officers once more, without another word, turning to exit the briefing room. Her officers, poised and ready for what’s to come, had voiced their concerns and, with no reason to intercede with what’s ordained by One Mind, arose from their seats. Passing through the doorway, she glanced over at her portrait, her gaze not lingering, but its eyes seemed to follow her out the door.
Lil’lah, escorted by Sentries whose boots’ steps through the ship’s passageways echoed the depth of her contemplation, prepared for their journey. Sentries, revered Ba’urg officers, were among the Ba’urgeon Society’s conduit to the One Mind, interacting with the entity as one does with another in person. Her bond was rumored to be one of the most profound of the Ba’urg, a claim her Earth endeavors helped substantiate. Only members of the Supreme— specifically the ‘Speaker to the One’— possessed such a pure connection. Her meteoric rise in rank left her wondering if it all happened too swiftly. Sentries were ‘spiritual beacons of leadership’. Lil’lah, who was now ranked among the highest of the Galactic Fleet, felt the weight of expectation bearing down on her constantly. Even now, as she descended down the chilled, spiraling catwalks and stairways, she felt her soul broiling from the pressure.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Lil’lah’s expression tensed. The thought of defying the Council openly frightened her, despite having One Mind’s endorsement. To challenge the Ba’urgeon Senate or Council was unheard of; to reject guidance was unprecedented, but to do so with One Mind’s direct intervention was beyond imagination. She had no intentions of sighting an insurrection or coup; she only wanted to help Earth. The ‘defiance’ ended up sewing division within Ba’urgeon society, and even her senior officers harbored reservations regarding opposing the Senate and the consequences that awaited them upon their return.
The Sentries arrived at the Sacred Hall, a sanctuary of reverence for deep meditation and ethereal tranquility. A cylindrical room, it housed just over ten meditation pads symmetrically arranged around a central ceremonial mat. Exotic flora, therapeutically aromatic, lined the walls, each producing spores that could perform any manner of healing for the mind, body, and soul. The intimate lighting created a spiritual abode, isolated from the ship’s constant hum and shielded from magnetic interference. The Sentries took their places around the Commodore. “Once we begin this process, for those who may not recall, we’re about to be transported to another plane, the Shadows. From there, we can reach One Mind’s realm. Strange things can happen in the Shadows, so keep your minds free of negativity.” She knelt down onto the central mat, and the Sentries bowed their heads in communion with One Mind.
Their minds opened, through which their souls reached out to the void, scattering all of themselves into the dark nothingness of forever. All matter faded from them as their ship, which certainly was still in existence, dissolved into the vacuum, leaving only the officers and their commander adrift. They felt the forces of the universe coalescing around them and found themselves together with One Mind.
One Mind communicates, often, without words, adopting a form that’s uniquely captivating to each Sentry. When it chooses to make an exchange, it harmonizes through one’s very essence, guiding and almost possessing your senses, unveiling a new dimension of reality and logic. One Mind’s realm can be said to be here and there; implying that it both exists and does not, or that it’s everywhere and nowhere. To enter into this plane, you must shadow walk, but to shadow walk does not mean you’re in the One Mind’s Realm. You’re nowhere, to anyone that matters, and yet your physical form’s somewhere. If an observer could observe the Sentries, they might perceive One Mind beckoning them in perfect synchronization, their collective gaze fixed upon a colossal spacecraft that approached the Valiant Starlight at a steady pace.
Lil'lah's Officers broke from their meditations to the wail of Sirens echoing through the halls and corridors. In an instant, thousands of crew members flooded gangways and passageways, preparing for battle. The Sentries did have an obligation to the Commodore, but One Mind showed them their adversary and guided them to action. One by one, the Sentries filed out of the Sacred Hall, just as they filed into the conference room, to assume their posts, leaving Lil’lah alone deep in meditation with One Mind. She had not heard the klaxon calls, or the heavy boots. Nor did she hear the groan or hum of the vessel as its weapons whined and moaned. All she could hear were the stifling songs of silence.
Time stood idle and Lil’lah was face to face with One Mind, alone in eternity. Reality bent around them revealing a realm that was neither light nor dark. Twilight. Lil’lah felt a sensation coalescing through her body; a warmth that resonated across her spark. Was this the name of One Mind’s plane?
Transitioning into the shadows, passing into another realm, is a spiritual dematerialization, the physical world fading away, rapidly replaced by a vast expanse of cosmic energy and light. It’s a cerebral journey, not just through space, but through time. Lil’lah no longer sensed her body, yet, in this moment she felt everything in the universe: intensity, comfort, chaos, turmoil, peace, and tranquility. A new yet familiar sensation ensnared all of her senses as she attempted to question reality, quickly realizing that silence found her, creeping over her psyche as ants swarm prey. There was the feeling of oneness; a ‘whole’ and ‘emptiness’ that existed simultaneously. Thousands of lifetimes passed before Lil’lah’s eyes, and then reality reassembled before her, and she was whole.
#
As she emerged from the Shadow Walk, Lil'lah struggled to grasp reality firmly. Her knees wobbled before buckling, and she found herself clutching small green blades. Rows of stone epitaphs surrounded her in every direction, like uniformed soldiers standing at attention. Mausoleums sat somberly atop lush green earth. She sat before a grave whose text was foreign to her. “…What’s this place…?”
After a moment, the words became clear, as if One Mind whispered them in her ear and she knew this was the resting place of Dr. Joseph Stowers, the man she had entrusted the sparks to all those years ago. Confusion and concern filled her thoughts, and doubt played with her emotions. She was certain she’d given Joseph Stowers three highly advanced pieces of technology in decades past, hoping he would be able to unlock their potential for Earth, but he seemed to have been unsuccessful. Lil’lah stared at the grave intently, as if by some miracle she could will life back into Joseph. A gentle breeze scattered leaves across the lawn. Minutes passed before Lil’lah’s thoughts were gathered. This place proved to be a decent place to think, removed from the ever-present hum of the Starlight, but her memory seemed to be escaping her still.
Lil’lah’s brow furrowed; she tried hard to remember Joseph, but his features escaped her, too. She envisioned dark brown skin and short black hair on his face and head, but his distinct features were nothing more than a blur. She recalled how different the two beings were. The Ba’urgeons were physically similar to humans, but they had some distinctive features of their own. Joseph was the only human who saw her in her true form, and he accepted her with no fear or hesitation. Having been taught in the academy that the first response to outsiders would be met with fear and hostility, their encounter was anything but and meant a lot to Lil’lah. She looked forward to their next meeting for all these years, but she was too late. Her head hung in sorrow, and remorse washed over her as she questioned her place on this planet and One Mind’s guidance.
Climbing to her feet, arms at her side, Lil’lah tilted her head back as she prayed, “Guide me, One Mind,” her words filled with worry and bewilderment, her gaze never leaving the grave marker. Another gust of wind whipped, forcing leaves to traipse between her ankles, and her balance was off. Lil’lah felt compelled now to reach out and touch the stone, and so she did. Twilight. Familiar warmth overcame her, echoing through her being. Was One Mind guiding her into a new direction? But to where? The trail, in Lil’lah’s mind, was cold; there were no leads to work with. Still, she obeyed her impulses, placing her second palm on the headstone.
An intense, bright flash forced Lil’lah’s eyes shut, and she felt her mind dematerialize. Leaves scattered as if the wind were blowing fiercely, branches on nearby trees danced back and forth, and clouds rolled past rapidly, dissipating and consolidating. Soon, the graveyard was full of people, moving very quickly. Lil’lah noticed something odd about them; they seemed to be moving in reverse. Soon, day became night, and night became day. Day after day, more backward, somber faces appeared and disappeared from the cemetery until the world seemed to stop, and Lil’lah found herself among a congregation gathering around her. The epitaph was gone, replaced by a large hole in the ground, situated at Lil’lah’s feet. Lil’lah looked around at the many shades of brown, somber faces before her, spotting one that she recognized. There, in a large ceremonial box, Lil’lah saw the strong jawline and well-defined brow of her friend, Joseph Stowers. She knew what this ceremony was. This was Joseph’s funeral, and these were his family and friends.
Lil’lah marveled at the world around her. It was always fascinating to her, the fact that the sky’s shade was so close to that of her skin. Before coming to Earth, all those years ago, she had never conceived of seeing worlds with different colored skies, plants, and creatures — so similar, and yet so exotic. They learned in the academy that the universe contained every cosmic configuration possible, but to see it demonstrated was truly inspirational. The One Mind seemed to be labeling Earth's attributes. Grass. Trees. Soil. Birds. All the beauty of the universe condensed into this tiny microcosm. If only her Sentries could see this.
Lil’lah’s gaze turned to the sky. Her crew. She had almost forgotten about the lives out there, in the outer rim, fighting to ensure her success. While she was here, admiring the scenery, her Sentries and crew could be dying. By now, who knew how many Roth’ari swarmed them? It was time now to focus. The One Mind brought her here for a purpose; she needed to determine what that purpose was.
The procession trickled in and found places to sit around the gravesite. There were steel folding chairs positioned uniformly in front of Joseph, eight rows of eight, with a walkway down the middle. When the chairs were all taken, people took to standing on the sides and behind the seated mourners. As the ceremony began, Lil’lah took her place among the congregation, walking to the back of the group. The idea of all eyes being on her, though she could not be seen, was unnerving. Lil'lah stood among the mourners, her alien senses taking in the atmosphere of the funeral.
The minister's voice echoed through the graveyard, his words heavy with the weight of loss and the promise of divine comfort.
"Brothers and sisters," the minister began, "we gather here today to celebrate the homecoming of our brother, Dr. Joseph Stowers. Born to Pearl and Freddie Stowers in 1917, Joseph was a testament to the strength and resilience of our community."
"Joseph was a man of science, a beacon of knowledge and innovation," the minister continued. "His work during the war was instrumental in our nation's victory. He was a brilliant mind, a dedicated servant to his country, and a loving husband and father. Joseph leaves behind his beloved wife, Alice, and their daughter, Noel, who has followed in her father’s footsteps; praise the Lord,” the minister said.
Lil’lah’s face beamed, enthralled, her mind processing the human concept of death and the afterlife. She twisted her face, pondering the One Mind's plan and how it intertwined with the humans' belief in God. Could they be referring to the One Mind without realizing it? They seemed to possess knowledge of a deeper being than that of their physical form; could they be referencing the spark?
The holy man concluded his eulogy: “We pray that they find comfort in the Lord during this difficult time." The minister then quoted several scriptures about the afterlife, promising eternal peace and joy in the presence of God. "In my Father's house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you," he recited.
Tension eased within Lil’lah; a strange sensation from the thought of Joseph’s survivors permeated her. It was clear what the One Mind wanted. Joseph's daughter was the key to locating the sparks. If she had followed in her father's footsteps, perhaps she inherited his work and his legacy. Lil’lah glowed, filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Her quest was far from over, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The ceremony concluded with a soulful hymn, and Lil'lah melted with a sense of resolve.
The congregation rippled, dissolving like smoke, each mourner paying their last respects to Joseph before vanishing into the world. Soon, only two figures remained — a silent duo in the front row. Lil’lah, perceptive as ever, knew exactly who they were. Their stifled sobs hung in the air, a fragile melody against the backdrop of grief.
Groundskeepers materialized, gathering like shadows, folding chairs, and stacking memories. The sun dipped lower, casting elongated shadows over the freshly turned earth. But the ladies—resolute and unyielding—remained rooted. Sweat-slicked men appeared, shovels in hand, their faces etched with solemnity. Time pressed down, urging them onward.
Then, a hesitant caretaker stepped forward. “Pardon me, ladies,” he murmured, eyes darting between them. “Rules, you see. We can’t linger forever.” One of the women turned her head, eyes red-rimmed, and met his gaze.
“Just five more minutes,” one of the women whispered, her voice a fragile thread. “Mama needs a moment with her husband.” The man nodded, retreated, and joined the other caretakers. The quiet woman rose, her footsteps measured, and she approached Joseph’s resting place. Her trembling hand grazed his cold cheek, a fleeting touch before she withdrew.
Noel sat alone now, legs crossed, watching her mother walk away. The weight of farewell pressed upon her. She stood, wobbly-kneed, and approached her father’s casket. Lil’lah, a silent sentinel, hovered a pace behind Noel’s right shoulder.
Noel’s sob erupted, raw and primal. Her knees buckled, and she crumpled over Joseph, tears staining the polished wood. Lil’lah sensed it — the anguish that wasn’t hers, the unraveling of a daughter’s world. “I promised no tears today,” Noel choked out. “But here I am, shattered. How can I navigate this path without you, Daddy? You held all the answers…”
Her fist pounded Joseph’s casket, in a desperate rhythm. Lil’lah, bound by duty and empathy, resisted interfering. On her world, and onboard her ship, it was her duty to carry out these ceremonies, and they were never easy. Twilight. Lil’lah felt a warmth build from deep inside her, compulsively raising her left hand, and placing it on Noel’s shoulder.
#
Noel's cry reverberated through the void, a desperate plea swallowed by the cosmic maw. The blinding light intensified, searing her closed eyelids, while the shriek — otherworldly, primal—pierced her very soul. Her limbs betrayed her, collapsing like a house of cards, and she teetered on the precipice of oblivion.
Then, as swiftly as it began, the torment ceased. Noel's eyes fluttered open, and she floated in an expanse of nothingness. There, before her, materialized a figure; a constellation of stardust and memories. Billions of tiny lights swirled, coalescing into a man she knew too well.
Joseph, the enigmatic genius she had stood over moments ago, now towered above her. His jaw, chiseled and resolute, framed piercing eyes that held galaxies within. Salt-and-pepper hair framed his face, and he adjusted his glasses; the same gesture she'd seen countless times. His voice, like distant echoes, resonated: “I see you, my child. The processors—they're gifts from the cosmos. Finish what I started. Find your spark, Noel.”
And then, with cosmic grace, he dissolved into the void, leaving her gasping for breath. Piece by ephemeral piece, Noel unraveled, fading into the tapestry of existence, her quest ignited by Joseph's cryptic words.
