Machine Story

The Sahana Oasis

Niall opened his eyes after being knocked out by the sandstorm. He looked around to find that everyone else was still unconscious except for Jovin. “Finally awake? That sandstorm was one of the strongest I have seen in years but nothing Rocky can’t handle!” He boasted.

Niall shook off the fatigue and tried his best to remember what happened. “How long were we out for?” Jovin laughed, “Oh about an hour. And counting for the other sleepyheads!” Niall had more questions but Jovin could tell that he needed more rest. He suggested that Niall take a seat until they arrive at the next desired destination.

After a few moments had passed, Jovin made it known to everyone they had arrived and to hop off Rocky. He created a loud and obnoxious noise to get everyone up and out of their slumber. Everyone was slow but they eventually got up, all except for David. Niall and Shaan had to carry David off onto the sand area where Jovin made his announcement, “Welcome everyone, we have arrived at the Sahana Oasis!”

There were desert trees that surrounded the area and in the middle was a pond filled with fresh water. It was the safest place in the entire desert and perfect for them to rest and recharge after all they had been through.

Jake, Atana and Niall rushed to the water to rehydrate themselves and replenish their water supply. Meanwhile, Jovin went up to speak with Mya who was near Shaan at the time. “I’m sorry to cut our deal short, but this is as far as I can take you. Rocky is completely exhausted and I have to take him back to the outpost to make sure he is healthy.”

Shaan wanted to interrupt to convince him to change his mind but Mya replied, “You and your companion have done plenty for us. I appreciate greatly what you have done. We will continue the rest of the way to the City of Corrinth on our own.”

Jovin patted Rocky on the head and praised him for carrying everyone on their journey. Rocky then slowly placed its head down and began to close its eyes to rest after an exhausting workload. “If you continue taking this path out of the Oasis, it won’t be too long until you reach the city.” Mya thanked both Jovin and Rocky one more time before turning around to meet up with everyone.

As Mya left, Shaan stayed behind to speak with Jovin. “You know you are quite skilled in battle for a desert guide.” Jovin accepted the compliment and stood proudly. “Have you ever thought about doing more? Exploring vast lands and discovering new worlds?” The questions got Jovin thinking but he was still reluctant to leave the desert at this time.

“Well, I can tell you are quite a loyal person from how you treat your customers and your companions. If you ever change your mind, let me know.” Before Shaan was about to leave, Jovin jumped in, “How will I know where to find you?” Shaan paused, “I have a feeling our paths will cross again.” And he continued on his way.

After Mya returned to the pond area, she relayed the news to everyone that Jovin and Rocky were no longer going to continue with them along their journey. Jake complained about having to walk the rest of the way, while Atana was already looking for the bright side. Then there was Niall, who seemed kind of down, so Mya approached him.

In an unexpected turn of events, Niall pulled out his blade and pointed it towards Mya. Everyone was in shock except Mya who seemed calm. Shaan, who just arrived, jumped in, “Niall, what are you doing? Have you lost your mind?”

Niall ignored Shaan, “Who are you Mya?” She remained silent while Shaan kept trying to frantically get Niall’s attention. “You paid for our ride and despite your appearance, I know you were quite crafty in combat. How you handled yourself with those smoke pellets wasn’t something any normal person can do. Tell me who you are and what you want from us.”

Finally Shaan pulled out his weapon and pointed it towards Niall, “Stop! She hasn’t done anything to harm us! Quit accusing people without evidence!” The situation was tense and it was only going to escalate. Sensing that, Mya spoke, “Alright I will tell you all I can but please, both of you, put down your weapons, there doesn’t need to be hostility among us.”

Shaan put away his firearm first before Niall complied and sheathed his blade. Jake and Atana quietly moved closer to get a better spot before Mya told them her story:

My name is Mya and I am from the City of Corrinth. It was one the most prosperous cities on Earth and because of its many resources, it was able to resist the assault of the Metadross for quite some time.

However as time passed, other cities, tribes, and colonies have fallen but the Metadross army has only gotten stronger. In fact, in the most recent attack on Corrinth, the Metadross nearly broke through the city walls and invaded the city. Everyone knew that when the Metadross returned, they would surely finish the job and that would be the end of Corrinth.

The leaders of the city and council members wanted to negotiate with the leader of the Metadross, Sibleon, in hopes that he might spare their lives. But Queen Samiya was against that decision. She said that Sibleon would have no mercy on the people of Corrinth or any human. Instead, she suggested that the city needed reinforcement from people outside its own walls.

The rest of the leaders did not agree with her idea. They didn’t want to taint the reputation of the strong fortress of Corrinth, by receiving help from weaker allies. They were blinded by their pride and arrogance but Queen Samiya knew better.

However, she couldn’t just abandon the city in search of help because that would cause much chaos and low morale amongst the civilians. So she entrusted me, one of her most trusted advisors, to search beyond the city and acquire help wherever I could.

I was very reluctant to leave her side with all the crazy politics going on but she insisted that she would be safe. She had the assistance of her trusted aid and two of the elite guards within the city.

And so, I left the city and searched many different places in hopes I would find brave warriors to help save Corrinth. I looked in the highest mountains and even in the lowest of places, but I couldn’t find anyone. Many places I looked, the Metadross had already annihilated and left their mark. Out of desperation I had to start looking in dark places that I would almost never consider under normal circumstances.

However, after witnessing the moral values of some of these fighters, I couldn’t see myself or any of the soldiers of Corrinth fighting alongside them. There would be no trust, no order, it would just lead to utter chaos and so my search continued.

I thought from there my journey would have been a failure, that I wouldn’t find anyone to help us. I was ready to return back to Corrinth. That is why you saw me at the outpost, I was waiting for Jovin to return home but that was also when the three of you appeared.

Honestly, I didn’t think much of you three at first, but then one of you spoke about defeating the Spider Queen. Obviously I couldn’t just blindly accept your words. So, I decided to pay for your rides to cross the desert. Your brawl against the sandwurm and the Metadross was more than enough proof for me that the story you shared about the Spider Queen was true.

“See Niall, she didn’t mean any harm at all. She was just searching for some help!” Shaan proclaimed. Mya nodded, “I’m sorry for keeping this from you but would you be able to lend a hand in helping the City of Corrinth?”

Shaan was ready to accept but Niall stood up from his seat and slowly made his way to Mya. “So now that your proud city is about to crumble you are in dire need of help.” Mya looked confused while Shaan, Atana, and Jake were feeling a huge sense of unease.

“Where was Corrinth when other tribes, cities, and colonies were being attacked?” He asked angrily. Shaan tried to calm him down but Niall continued. “Growing up we heard tales of how great the City of Corrinth was and the elite warriors they possessed. How they would come to the aid of the weak when people needed them most. We even sent letters for help but you never came.”

Everyone was silent as they didn’t know how to respond to what Niall had said. Mya attempted to apologize but Niall rebuked, “What good are your apologies now? They can’t bring back those who sacrificed themselves to save those they cared about.” Mya backed away, “You are right, my apologies won’t bring them back. I would understand if you decided not to aid Corrinth in its struggle against the Metadross.”

Before Niall could reply, the tension was broken as Jake interrupted, “Guys! He’s waking up! Quick, get over here!” Niall and Shaan rushed over, expecting David to be up and recovering but instead, it was Roop who was now awake.

He was still feeling a bit weak but strong enough to talk. “Shaan, Niall! I know where they all are.” Roop was short of breath which made it difficult to understand. Shaan asked him to breathe and clarify what he meant.

“You are talking about my sister. I know, I saw her in that battle suit.” Niall replied. “Not just your sister Niall, but my sisters as well, and your brother too Shaan!” Niall and Shaan’s eyes widened. “What do you mean? Where are they?” Shaan urgently questioned. Without Roop saying another word, Niall stood out to confirm, “They are all in his (Sibleon) custody aren’t they?” Roop looked down and nodded.

Niall grabbed his equipment and tightened his clothing. Shaan caught up to him and began to ask him where he was going in such a rush. Niall responded, “I am sorry but I will not be helping out the princess's pet on her mission. I have other people to save.”

Shaan was faced with a dilemma. He heard what Roop had said about seeing his older brother in the clutches of Sibleon, but at the same time he wanted to help Mya after all she had done for them. Unable to make a decision he inquired, “But Niall, you don’t even know where the Metadross base is. How will you find everyone?”

Niall pointed to the unconscious David, “David has the coordinates that will lead us to the Metadross.” Shaan reminded Niall that Anusha stated that it was only a possibility that the coordinates would lead to their base, it was not a guarantee.

Niall was convinced that they would lead to the Metadross but Shaan suggested they waited until David woke up to confirm the coordinates. They continued to argue and tempers were flaring up once again. That was when Roop took command by slamming the ground. Both of them went into complete silence and turned to face Roop.

“You won’t need to wait for David to find out where the coordinates lead.” The two men looked at each other puzzled before looking back at Roop. “I have the coordinates in my memory too. Sibleon gave it to every single one of his Metadross units.”

Shaan was confused and inquired, “Wait, why would every single one of the Metadross have the coordinates in their memory bank?” Roop explained, “Those coordinates mark the location of the next invasion, all Metadross are programmed to report to that area.” Niall pressed, “So where is the next invasion happening?” Roop took some time before giving his answer, “Corrinth.”