The Cycles of Revelation Series

Artifact of the Dawn: Opportunities (A Queer Sci-Fi Series)

Episode 77: The Council of Vestos offers Jevan and Ardyn an opportunity to serve their respective people.

Ardyn’s heart hammered in his chest, hearing the doubts that have so often echoed through his mind, spoken aloud. For a moment, he struggled to breathe, let alone speak. It wasn’t until Jevan wrapped an arm around his shoulders that he could take a breath and reply.

“Yes, I know. I set off all the events that have happened. That key made me doubt the history of my people. I had to learn the truth. I don’t think I could have lived with myself if I had not.”

Jevan squeezed his shoulder and spoke. “You can’t lay all the blame on Ardyn. Before I came along, he was determined to leave the Aria’una. If I hadn’t been there, we may have never discovered the secrets hidden here.”

“No, Jevan,” Ardyn said. “Do not take responsibility for my choices. I was the one who wanted to explore further — ”

“Enough!” Takyra shouted, bringing Ardyn’s attention back to the council, his ears flattening in deference.

It was when all of those on the dais broke into broad smiles that Ardyn thought he may have lost his mind. “Jevan, you also bear part of the blame for what happened,” Mathias said, looking almost mirthful.

With a warm smile Takyra continued. “It is because of your insightfulness and bravery, despite whatever fate awaited you, that all of us have much to thank you for. The Athla’dor are especially grateful to both of you. We were slowly dying. You found us and saved us.”

Wait, what? Did they just praise us? Ardyn felt even more confused.

“Despite the turmoil, you have both ushered in an age of enlightenment for the people of Vestos,” Taeglyn said. “You broke our people out of the cycles of lies and secrets we’ve been perpetuating for centuries, holding both of our people back.”

Standing, Keryth smiled down at them. “Because of this, we would like to offer you both the joint positions of ambassadors to Aria’naa.”

Ardyn looked at Jevan, and then back to the council, completely confused. “I… thought we were about to face punishment for our crimes.”

“Are you sure you want us to be… ambassadors?” Jevan asked.

“We couldn’t think of anyone better,” Takyra said. “You would make excellent representatives of the two parts of our world, Medellan and Athla’naa. Despite everything you’ve been through, you have handled everything remarkably well.”

Standing up next to him, Aerys also joined in. “You’ve both impressed me by how easily you have adapted to living in a more technologically advanced environment. You have both taken everything in stride, always learning and improving yourselves.”

“Watching how you helped so many of our people readjust, awakening in such an unexpected situation, you have both shown a lot of empathy. You both put people at ease around you, and that is an excellent skill to have as an ambassador,” Takyra added.

Ardyn’s mind was whirling at the unexpected change of events. “I am honored you think that highly of me… of us…”

Aerys gave them a knowing smile. “But you need time to consider it?”

“Yes, and to understand what being an ambassador would entail,” Ardyn said.

Andreesen nodded. “First, you would need to come to Ateria. If you are to truly represent our world, you should also learn about our people’s needs, which will differ from those of the Medellans of Vestos.”

“That’s understandable,” Jevan said. “I was hoping to visit and learn more about your culture and our people’s history.”

“Then, once you’re ready, you would both travel to Aria’naa,” Keryth added. “There you would spend some time learning about our culture before officially taking on your roles as ambassadors.”

“What will you expect us to do?” Ardyn asked.

Takyra replied. “You would be the liaison between our governments, and a central point of communication between our worlds. While we would station you both on Aria’naa, they would also send ambassadors to Med’nor for the same purpose.”

“That’s a lot of responsibility,” Jevan said.

“It is, but we feel you both would be up for the challenge if you decided to accept the position. However, we expected you would need some time to consider the offer, so we’ve prepared a little surprise for you both. Aerys, will you escort them, please?”

“It would be my pleasure,” Aerys said. “Come on, follow me.”

Aerys led them to the elevator. When they exited, they noticed they were on the upper cargo level, with their red-lined corridors. “I don’t think I’ve been on this level since we stumbled on that hatch in the forest,” Ardyn remarked. “How long ago was that?”

Aerys spoke to the tablet he held. “Cytra, how many Med’nor days has it been since Ardyn and Jevan reactivated you?”

“One hundred and sixty-seven days.”

“That means it’s autumn,” Jevan said. “You told me you were born in the autumn. I should have realized when you said you recently turned thirty-five. I was born in summer, so that makes me twenty-six now. This is the first year I’ve missed celebrating.”

Ardyn noticed Aerys was leading them down a corridor on this level they hadn’t explored before. The floor at the end of the corridor became a ramp that led them upward toward a familiar looking door. “That door reminds me of the ones in that small structure we found all those months ago.”

Aerys gave them a knowing look before opening the door, leading them into a small room with another door on the other side of it. This room reminded Ardyn of the structure, and when Aerys opened the other set of doors, he gasped to see the familiar woods beyond them.

A wave of nostalgia came over Ardyn. “This is the little structure we found!”

“It is indeed,” Aerys confirmed. “This is one of the upper airlocks. When you described it to me, I knew exactly what it was. I had a team of techs repair the interior door, so you can now safely return to the ship through here instead of hiking through the woods.”

“Is that why you’ve brought us here?” Jevan asked. “So, we can have another way in and out of the Rahn’naa?”

“Yes, and we thought you both may appreciate having some time to yourselves,” Aerys said, pointing out some packs and other provisions stashed in a corner. “We’ve put together enough provisions for you to last at least a week. Take some time away from the ship to reconnect with your world as you consider your futures.”

Lowering his ears, Ardyn smiled gratefully at Aerys. “This is a wonderful surprise, thank you. I think this is exactly what we needed.”

“If you need anything else,” Aerys said. “There is a replicator in a small room around the corner from the airlock. Just let us know when you’ve returned and made your decisions.”

“Thank you, Aerys,” Jevan said.

After Aerys left, they looked at each other. “Well, I guess we have a lot to talk about.”

Jevan nodded. “Yeah, we definitely do.”