Darkness
By: Mack MacKinnon
(© 2015 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

(Author's Note: the use of “...” means speech, '...' means thought, *...* means telepathic speech. Many heart-felt thanks goes to my editor, Chris, who has the “patience of Job,” dealing with all my grammatical errors and punctuation.)

Chapter 1
The Prince Must Be Ready

Alex was walking through the beautiful campus of Celeste University. The university was built like one from ancient times on Earth. No building was taller than three stories. They had red brick exteriors, due to the amount of good clay available when the colony was established. The roofs were slightly angled to remove the rain and made of red clay tiles in what was once called a Spanish style. There was a lot of woodwork on the exterior trims and they were all done in bright colours. The colours gave the clue as to what each building was used for, be it academics, trades or residences. The grounds were well laid out with mature trees and flower beds. Stone pathways lead the students to their destinations. Benches were set up along the pathways, under shade trees and on the lawns. Some of the buildings had great swatches of ivy growing on them. Alex was approaching such a building. It was the residence where his best friend Adrian lived. They were going out for dinner and then dancing with some friends at the Student Union nightclub.

Alex smiled and waved at Adrian as he saw him exit the residence to meet him. At the same time his communication unit signalled an incoming call.

“Yes”

“…..”

“A hum, yes Father. It will be great to see you too.”

“…..”

“What was that? Say it again, I couldn’t hear you.”

“…..”

Alex slumped to the ground, in an unconscious state, outside of Adrian’s dorm. Adrian yelled, “Alex what’s wrong? What’s happened?” Adrian got on his knees by Alex’s head and cradled it in his lap. Adrian could hear a voice, he looked around and found that the communicator was still active and in Alex’s hand. He picked it up and heard, “Alex, are you there? Alex, answer me!”

“This is Adrian Lacombe, Mr. Anderson. I’m Alex’s friend. He has collapsed and I need to call Emergency Services.”

“Adrian, you don’t need to do that! Hold the communicator in your left hand and place your right hand on Alex’s chest. We will teleport you to Sick-Bay.”

“Okay, sir, we are ready.”

Coming out of the teleporter shimmer, Adrian immediately noticed they were not at the University’s Medical Centre. It was too large and beautifully decorated, instead of the sterile white walls of the Medical Centre. The walls had expensive wainscoting and wallpaper above, the flooring was ceramic tiles in beige, blue, black and silver to match the walls. He also noticed that the approaching staff wore different uniforms and insignias on their chest. There was also an anti-gravity gurney following them.

Alex’s head remained nestled in Adrian’s lap as the staff bent down to transfer him to the gurney.

“Where are we?” asked Adrian.

“You are on Solonus Space Station, in orbit around Celeste,” replied the handsome staff member, as he slipped an arm under Alex’s chest and the other arm under Alex’s knees. The other staff member was a woman and copied the moves of the first.  

“3, 2, 1, lift!” said the man. Smoothly, they lifted Alex’s unconscious body onto the gurney. Adrian stood up and suddenly became aware of the communicator as he heard Mr. Anderson’s voice asking what was happening. 

“I’m sorry sir; I should have informed you that we have arrived. The staff has just transferred Alex to a gurney and are moving rapidly down a hallway. Should I follow or remain here, wherever here is?”  

“Adrian, you are in the Waiting Room of Sick-Bay. I’ll be right there, so wait for me.” Adrian heard static from the communicator so he pressed “END” and pocketed the devise. He didn’t know how long it would take Alex’s father to arrive. As he looked around he saw a grouping of armchairs and sat in one.  

Almost immediately, Adrian stood up so quickly the armchair was knocked over. He dropped to one knee and bowed. Before him appeared Emperor Edward IV of the Anderson Empire.

Emperor Edward IV was an imposing figure. He stood 6’ 2” and weighted approximately 220 lbs. He was the same height as Alex, but Alex weighed only 180 lbs. The family resemblance was uncanny as they both had platinum blond hair and turquoise eyes, a strong nose and red cupid-bow lips. Edward’s hair was curly and Alex’s was straight. Edward had a wrestler’s build, while Alex had a swimmer’s build.

Edward was wearing a form-fitting, one-piece uniform, which was black with intricate purple and gold stitching. ‘Why did I not see the resemblance, especially with the Royal last name?’ Adrian thought to himself.

“Please stand, Adrian. You need not bow to me in such a fashion, unless we are at Court. Stay here for a few minutes while I see Alexander,” Edward said with a smile on his face. Edward then frowned and said, “Solonus, where is Prince Alexander?” A shimmer appeared to Edward’s left and a holographic Artificial Intelligence (AI) avatar appeared, surrounded by a force field.

“Your Majesty, if you will just follow me, Prince Alexander is down this corridor in Med-bay 425.” The Avatar’s appearance was quite striking. It stood at 6’ and very thin. Its hair was black and curly and it had blue eyes.

Edward and the Avatar walked down the same corridor as Alex’s group had used earlier. Adrian picked up the armchair and sat down heavily. He was shaking and thought to himself, ‘What have I gotten myself into this time?’

A soft whisper from his right, Adrian turned to look and saw a miniature Edward standing there. The boy looked to be about five or six years old. The boy shyly spoke again, “Are you a friend of Alex?”

“Yes, I am Adrian; what is your name young man?”

“My name is Prince Stefan.” Adrian immediately stood again and bowed to the prince.

“I’m not supposed to be here. I snuck away from Nanny and used the teleportation pads to get here to see Alex. Where is he?”

“Well, your father is with him now; Alex is in Med-Bay 425. Did you want me to take you to him?”

“Oh no; not if Father is there. Father will kill me if he finds out I ran away from Nanny again. Alex is my big brother and I haven’t seen him in a long, long time.” Stefan had a worried expression on his face. His expression changed as he tilted his head slightly to the left and took off running down a different corridor.

*******

Room 425 was a Med-Bay like most Med-Bays. There was a wall of units where a bio-bed was included. The colours were purple, mauve, tan and cream. The other units along the walls were waist high with a keyboard and monitor on the wall above. The units were made of a rich dark wood with metal interiors. The armchairs in the room had beautiful tapestry upholstery on the seat and back, with wood trimmed armrests and legs.

Alex was gaining consciousness. The smell was the first indicator that he was in a Med-Bay. The surface he was laying on slowly undulated, ensuring blood circulation to the extremities; he knew he was on a bio-bed. ‘I must be on Solonus Station. I’m sure University Medical Centre does not have beds like this.’ he thought to himself. Suddenly he was filled with anxiety “Adrian! Adrian?” he shouted. A hand was gently placed on his chest to stop him from sitting up. He opened his eyes and saw his father. “Alexander, calm down. Adrian is fine and is in the Waiting Room. What do you remember son?”

“I remember you saying, “Procer existo promptus”.”*  Having stated the phrase that started the process of unlocking his memories, Alex grabbed his head, screamed and went unconscious for a second time.

Edward looked at the male staff and realized he had met this doctor. “Dr. Michael Hayward, is that correct?

“Yes, sire; thank you for remembering me!”

“You were the head of your class and scored higher in your exams than any other for the past five hundred years. I was very proud to hand you your diploma.” Edward saw that the other medic in the room had the insignia of an aide. He did not address her.

“Now to give you some background on my son’s condition. He chose to continue his studies planet-side due to reasons we will not get into. Because of who he is and the dangers he might face, his memories were sealed under a command phrase. His recitation of the phrase ‘The Prince must be ready’ is unlocking his memories and abilities. Alex is an extremely strong psychic who can teleport; has telekinesis; telepathy; empathy and we have not yet determined if he has control of other elements besides electricity. He has extremely strong magical abilities. He draws magical energy from space as others would drink water. Most times he shines, physically shines, with the amount of power he is holding.

“Alex is currently experiencing severe pain, worse than a migraine and thus he has been rendered unconscious. Have the bio-bed perform a thorough scan and administer everything it recommends as his body and brain are adjusting to his increased power. Do not be surprised by some of what needs to be administered, as his body has not had access to many of the chemicals, minerals and enzymes that he requires.

“I will go and bring Adrian as Alexander appears to have formed a very deep attachment to him.”

“Yes sire; I shall start the scan now.” As Edward walked out of the room, Dr. Hayward went to the foot of the bio-bed and set the commands needed for the in-depth scan. A blue light appeared at the head of the bio-bed and slowly progressed down to the bottom of the bed. The monitor at the head of the bed lit up and displayed Alexander's condition and what needed to be administered. Dr. Hayward walked to another unit in the room and transferred the results from the scan to the unit. The Medication Unit gave off a low hum and vibration, and then a panel opened on the surface and an assortment of vials arose from inside. The doctor transferred the vials, one at a time to the epidermal applicator. He also transferred a few to needles that must be injected directly into the blood and others that had to be injected into muscle tissue. He instructed the aide to start the saline solution that was already attached to Alexander.

Dr. Hayward first administered everything that would be delivered through the epidermal, going back to the unit two times to exchange emptied vials for new ones. Once that was completed, he took the tray of needles over and injected them into the receptacle on the IV line, insuring saline solution separated each injection. Michael returned the used needles to the unit.

The doctor and his aide prepared Alexander for the intramuscular injections, after removing his shoes and pants (Alex was going commando); they turned Alexander onto his side and placed him in the recovery position. They placed a sheet over Alexander and Dr. Hayward returned to the unit to place the prepared needles on the tray and brought it back to the bed. He pulled one side of the sheet over, exposing the left butt cheek he was going to use. Swabbing the skin with a topical sterilizing pad which also contained a medication to freeze the nerves, he started the injections. Once complete, he returned all items to a slot in the unit which created fresh needles and vials for the next time.

*******

Edward walked slowly down the corridor trying to determine what he was going to say to Adrian. The Imperial Intelligence Service (IIS), which had been keeping an eye on Alex while he was on Celeste, had done a thorough investigation of Adrian Lacombe. Adrian stood 6’ with black hair; black eyes and an olive complexion. The report said that Adrian was an outgoing twenty-three year old man, who was liked by many people. He had had many sexual encounters with both genders which was very typical of men and women in this time. He had never had a lasting relationship, except his friendship with Alex. Adrian and Alex had never been sexual with each other.

Adrian comes from Roxama IV, born into a distinguished family that had made its fortune in trade. The family was very close to Grand Duke Prince Roland Smythe of Roxama, Edward’s cousin. Adrian is the third of six children. His field of study was nano technology. He had a beautiful tenor voice, which he usually exercised on Karaoke night at the Student Union Pub and a few other bars in town. He had also expressed a keen interest in animal husbandry. For exercise he runs, swims, wrestles and dances three nights a week. Adrian had shown no political ideology during his time on campus.

Edward entered the Waiting Room and saw Adrian in the same chair he was sitting in earlier. Edward moved and sat in the chair opposite him. Adrian was a bit slouched in his seat; as soon as he saw His Majesty, he sat up straight and looked him in his eye. He saw a smiling face which was reflected in Edward’s eyes.

“Adrian, we need to have a talk before you see Alexander,” stated Edward. “You have been a close friend to my son for the past three years, since you entered university. On Alexander’s visits home, he has had nothing but praise for you when he speaks of you. There are some things you need to be made aware of before you make a decision on whether you wish to remain Alexander’s friend and remain here, or return to the university.”

“Your Majesty, I do not understand why we would not be returning to the university after Alex’s visit with your family.”Adrian remarked.

“As you are aware now, Alexander is much more than a handsome twenty-three year old university student studying Political Sciences. Alex is my first-born child and at the age of twenty-five will be raised to Crown Prince Alexander, Heir to the Throne of Solonus Prime and the Anderson Empire.

“In residence on Solonus Station, is Alexander’s Entourage. There are fifteen of them ranging in age from twenty-one to twenty-three. All of them have lived with Alexander in his suites here and on Solonus Prime. They have all been together since they were very young. They chose to continue their education through the resources available to the Royal Family, instead of entering universities planet-side. They are aware of how Alexander changed when he first went to Celeste and it hurt them a great deal that he made that choice.” Edward then discussed with Adrian the same things he had said to Dr. Hayward.

“You may be exposed to resentment and jealousy from these men. They are aware of you and have already formed their opinions of you. Alexander, you and I will have to provide the facts that Alexander loves you deeply and I feel you love him as well.”

Adrian blushed deeply, wondering how His Majesty could know his secret.

“Don’t been surprised Adrian. Alexander got his psychic abilities from me. I see things many people are blind to. I have to in order to be Emperor. I can never appear to be blind-sided by any one.

“With unlocking his memories, Alexander will be aware for the first time that he really has never had a best-friend until he met you. This may alter things for him and he may become more aware of the love he feels for you.

“I suggest that you stay here with Alexander. I have given him a private Royal Suite that will house you both, very comfortably, or we can set you up with your own suite. Your studies can continue through the same Royal Resources that the Entourage use, and we will provide what tutors are necessary to assist with any lab work you need to do. There are a couple of men who have already graduated with your speciality and have been applying their knowledge on Solonus Station. You can work closely with them. If you find at any time that this arrangement is not working for you, please contact me and we will talk of alternatives. I am your friend Adrian. Any man who can make my son feel so happy is a man I want in our lives.

“If there is anything you would like to have moved from your dorm room to the suite, just let my IIS agents know. You do not need to worry about clothing as Solonus has already taken care of that for you.

“You will see the IIS agents everywhere. They have a purple and bronze crest on their right chest. They can all be trusted. In the past, spies have tried to infiltrate the IIS, but the required crests have had extensive magic worked on them. The magic will kill anyone who is not loyal to me, should they try to wear it.

“Why don’t you make your way to Alexander’s room and provide your love and comfort as he deals with the memories that are coming back to him. Call to me if you require anything and the intrastation communication system will notify me.

“You will receive your ship implants tomorrow. They will provide you with the ability to teleport to any place through the teleportation pads that you will see all over the Station. The implants also allow sub-vocal communication with anyone else with an implant. You start by stating the person’s full name, or title, and then introduce yourself, once they respond you can have a conversation with them. Now, off you go and I will speak with you later.”

Adrian stood up from his chair and bowed to Edward. He made his way down the corridor he saw everyone else use and came to Med-bay 425. He stood in the doorway as Dr. Hayward was administering the last of the intramuscular shoots.

“I hope there is a painkiller included in one of those shots or poor Alex will not be able to sit for a week.” Adrian laughed.

The doctor was taken by surprise as he disposed of the vials and needles. He turned around and smiled as he recognized the man that had arrived with Alex.

“You must be Adrian, I am Dr. Michael Hayward, just call me Michael or Mike, I’ll respond to either. And to answer your question, the last injection included a painkiller specific to the area of the injection. Alex should have no difficulty sitting down or lying on his back.” Michael blushed and laughed at the double entendre in his last statement. Adrian blushed as well. “I’ll get out of your hair as I have finished here. If you need anything, let me know. I will return when Alex regains consciousness. Don’t let him get out of bed before I return. If he has to pee, the urinary bottle is in that cupboard by the bed.” They shook hands and Michael left.

Adrian pulled up a chair and placed it beside the bed, so he could sit and hold Alex’s hand. He gently slipped his hand around Alex’s and gave it a squeeze. He said in a soft voice “It’s Adrian; I’m here for you, love.” He squeezed Alex’s hand again and sat quietly.

Alex’s eyelids started to flutter and he slowly opened his eyes. He whispered, “Did I just imagine something or did you call me, love?” Adrian blushed.

Alex grinned and said "I love you, too.”

Adrian bent forward and lightly kissed Alex’s lips.

Alex hummed and said, “Can’t you do better than that?”

“I will once we are assured privacy,  Adrian said, still blushing.

“I had forgotten so much. Father has activated suppressed memories and it is quite a flood of information. Security required that this be done before I went down to Celeste for university.”

Alex tried to sit up, but Adrian placed a restraining hand on him and said, “Just rest. They have given you a whole bunch of injections and the doctor said he would be here to assist you.” Alex rolled onto his back and grimaced, then noticed he was naked under the sheet.

“Where did my pants go?”

“They are over here; like I said, relax, the doctor will be here soon. Didn’t you wear underwear?”

“No, I went commando today as I love how you try to hide it once you notice it.” Alex laughed then said, “Why is my butt cheek sore?”

“I’ll answer that. Prince Alexander, ” said Michael as he entered the room.

“I’m Dr. Michael Hayward and I had to give you many injections, I used three routes, epidermal, intravenous, and intramuscular. The injections in your butt are why it is sore. I did use painkillers, but they will take a bit of time to work. Here, let me get your pants and help you get them on.”

“I can do that myself, thank you.”

Alex grabbed the pants out of Michael’s hand. He struggled into them, under the sheet. He got his fly done and buckled the belt, then threw off the sheet.

Alex quickly stood up and then collapsed back to the bed. “…Wow, what a rush! What did you give me?”

“Many things; with the unlocking of your memories and abilities, your system was requiring a lot of things that you would have normally received in your diet here, but were not needed when you were on Celeste. Now, Adrian and I will assist you in standing.

Adrian grabbed Alex’s shoes and put them on his feet as Alex could not bend over without risk of passing out. With Adrian on one side of him and Michael on the other, they supported his elbows and forearms while he tried to stand. After a few attempts he was standing, but light-headed. The feeling quickly passed and they started walking back and forth in the room.

Michael was finally satisfied with Alex’s progress. He ordered Alex to go to his suite and rest for the remainder of the day. After thanking Michael, Alex and Adrian slowly walked out of the room and down the corridor to the Waiting Room. Michael had informed Edward that Alex was leaving, and Edward met them in the Waiting Room with Stefan, a little bundle of energy, trying to get away from his father. Stefan finally squiggled out of Edward’s arms and made a bee-line to Alex. He wrapped Alex in a hug, with his head only reaching Alex’s abdomen. Alex returned the hug and kissed the top of Stefan’s head.

“Oh, Alex, it is so good to see you again. Are you coming home with me? Please say you will; I’ll be extra good for you.”

“Alright little man, let’s go home,” said Alex with a smile on his face. The smile remained on his face as he looked up at his father.

“Hello Father, it is good to see you.” Edward came over and wrapped both his sons in his arms.

“It is good to have my son back,” Edward responded.

Stefan and Adrian did not have implants, so they walked out of the Sick Bay and down a hallway where Adrian saw a raised platform.

“This is a teleportation pad. You just step on it and name your destination. You will be using these for a few weeks, Adrian, as you find your way around the station. Now we are going to go to Alex’s new suite, so that is Habitat Level 8, Royal Suite 1. This is across the Habitat from the Imperial Enclave.” stated Edward.

As they were already standing on the teleportation pad, Edward said “Engage” and they were teleported to a richly appointed foyer. Alex said “Brooks!” and ran to a middle-aged man who stood about 5’ 8” and weighed about 150 lbs. He had brown hair and eyes and a fair complexion. His face was handsome and gentle looking; especially when he saw Alex, he just radiated love. They hugged for a moment, and then Alex remembered himself and stepped away to the side.

“Adrian Lacombe, may I introduce Brooks Axworthy. Brooks has been the butler of our family since my grandfather’s time and helped to raise me.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Brooks,” stated Adrian.

They shook hands and Brooks said, “The pleasure is mine.”

To be continued...

- Google translation into Latin, apologies if it got it wrong. Next chapter will show translation.

Posted: 01/23/15