CHAPTER 1

25 years ago when it all began…

Five days had passed and Terry was still not in sight of awakening from his long slumber. Lyra entered the infirmary, where Terry was in the Assisted Regenerative Rest Chamber (ARRC).

—¿How is the patient doing?— Lyra asked Ashtar.

–Everything is the same, there has been no change, for the moment, he continues sleeping peacefully – said Ashtar.

–It is normal that something like this would have happened, both the gem and himself spent all their energy to clean, protect and reorder the universe. It will take time for them to become conscious again to continue their normal activities – said Lyra.

—¿How are things going with the reorganization?— Ashtar asked.

–The Concilium Imperium Stellaris no longer exists and that is a major thing. It will allow us to reorganize everything without problems. The Galactic Federation will now be the main body, and from there we will begin to reorganize. Elio is taking care of it together with Caelum. We will do everything possible to prevent that from happening, even more so now

that Terry and the gem gave their lives so that we could stay alive and the universe could remain in one piece. We cannot allow their sacrifice to be in vain – explained Lyra.

—It won't be, — Ashtar replied firmly. —I know they will do an excellent job. They did it by creating the Ætheris Gem.

—Thank you, my friend,— Lyra said, giving him a hug. Ashtar had been there giving them advice and supporting them in any way he could, a gift Ætheris had given to her creators before retiring to sleep after doing her work with the universe. She gave them a complete family that would always be supporting them if she was not there, knowing that they would be in good hands with the Whittaker family.

—Now,— Ashtar said, —we must see how to take care of this boy and his gem so that it does not fall into the wrong hands. We do not know what will happen from now on or how long it will take for them to become conscious again.

—Yes, it is important that they are in a safe place where there is no danger of theft or attempts to use their body or power,— Lyra said, looking at Terry. —Even so, he seems quite peaceful sleeping.

— If he hasn't had any relapses,— Ashtar said, —he's been calm, without any problems. I hope his dreams are peaceful.— He had barely finished saying the last thing when a soldier arrived.

—Your Lordship Ashtar,— said the soldier.

—¿What 's wrong?— Ashtar asked, seeing the soldier's worried expression.

—We're in trouble,— the soldier reported, his tone urgent.

– Trouble? – Lyra came closer, her concern evident – What kind of trouble?

—Some ships are arriving at Zenith,— said the soldier, referring to the space station where they were.

–¿Ships ?– Ashtar frowned, confused. –But, if this is a space station, it is natural that ships arrive

—Yes, Your Honor, that is not the problem, but that civilians are arriving on those ships, many civilians,— the soldier explained, which complicated the situation.

—¿Civilians?— Ashtar and Lyra asked in unison, surprised by the news.

– Wait – Lyra intervened, trying to understand the situation better. – Civilians? And what is the reason they are coming?

—There's been a rumor spreading throughout the universe that there's a man who possesses the power of a thousand suns and a thousand stars who has eliminated evil in the universe and has now fallen into a deep sleep. I think they're coming for Your Excellency,— the soldier said, clearly alarmed. —The problem is that we can't do anything; they're civilians without weapons or anything like that, and we can't attack them. ¿What do we do, Your Honor?

Ashtar remained thoughtful for a moment, surprised by the magnitude of what he heard. —Interesting,— he murmured, contemplating the situation.

–¡Ashtar! – Lyra brought him out of his thoughts with an exclamation – Tell the young man what they will do. You are the one in charge here now.

Ashtar nodded, aware of the responsibility that rested on his shoulders. —First, we need to understand exactly who these civilians are and what they are after. Then, we will find a way to communicate with them peacefully. We do not want to cause unnecessary alarm or conflict. We will organize a team to go meet these ships and listen to what they have to say. It is important to remain calm and handle this with diplomacy and understanding. Lyra, be prepared. We will need all the help we can get to manage this situation. —Ashtar's determination established a plan of action, marking the beginning of an unexpected but crucial task to maintain peace and order in Zenith, in the face of the arrival of civilians moved by rumors of a being of immeasurable power.

Ashtar sighed deeply, understanding the weight of the situation. —Fine, I'll go talk to them,— he said with determination, heading towards the hangar. Lyra accompanied him, along with the soldier, prepared for whatever was necessary.

Upon arrival, the sight was overwhelming. Thousands of people were crowded into space, all from different planets. Some carried bouquets of flowers, while others brought gifts of all kinds, signs of peace and veneration. Among the crowd, an elderly man with a complexion tanned by the sun of his world approached Ashtar with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. His posture and the look in his eyes suggested that he might be the leader of one of the groups present, perhaps a farmer or someone accustomed to hard work under a merciless sun.

—We have arrived here,— the man began, greeting Ashtar with a gesture typical of his planet, a sign of respect and peace. —We have learned that he is here.

The simplicity and hope in his voice rang through the air, marking the beginning of a crucial dialogue. Ashtar, facing a crowd driven by faith in a being of legendary power and goodness, knew that the time had come to act with wisdom and compassion. Not only would this meeting define the future of Terry and the gem, but it could also reinforce or transform the perception of the Galactic Federation and its role in the renewed universe. The coming conversation had the potential to unite beings from multiple worlds in a common purpose, illuminated by the legend of the man who had sacrificed so much to ensure peace and justice in the cosmos.

Aware of the attention focused on him, Ashtar approached the man, offering a reassuring smile. —Welcome to Zenith,— he began, his voice carrying clearly and calmly over the murmur of the crowd. —It is an honor to welcome you here. I can see that you have come from afar, laden with hopes and gifts. ¿May I know where you come from and what brings you to meet us?

The man, holding the bouquet with almost ceremonial respect, replied, —We come from the Earth of Solana, a planet in the Vega star system. News of a being of light and justice, the one you call —the Arciluminado,— has reached us. It is said that he has brought peace to the universe and now rests among you. We have come on pilgrimage, hoping to pay our respects and, if possible, to see the hero who has saved so many lives.

(He is called —Arciluminado—: A fusion of the words –arcane– (which means secret or deep mystery) and –illuminated– suggesting that he is a being of mysterious and elevated knowledge and power, illuminating the universe with his goodness and strength.)

Ashtar nodded, understanding the magnitude of the situation. —Your gesture is one of immense kindness, and the story of the Arch—Enlightened One is certainly true. He, along with the Ætheris Gem, has performed actions that have changed the course of our universe. However, he is currently in deep rest, recovering from his efforts.

A murmur of understanding and mild disappointment spread among the new arrivals, but the man from Solana maintained his composure. —We understand the gravity of your rest and do not wish to disturb it. Our visit is to show gratitude and ensure that your legacy is known and honored, even in the farthest reaches of the universe.

—Your reverence for him will be communicated. I am sure he will appreciate your intentions and your respect for his sacrifice,— Ashtar said, touched by the depth of his faith. —While you are here, you will be our guests. We will show you what the Arch—Enlightened One has helped protect and build. May your visit strengthen the bond between our worlds and inspire us all to follow his example of courage and compassion.—

The leader nodded, clearly touched by Ashtar's words. —We hope so, Your Honor. And thank you for hosting us so generously.

Ashtar and Lyra then prepared to guide the visitors through Zenith, showing them not only the technological and cultural wonders that the station held, but also the spirit of unity and hope that —the Arciluminado— had inspired throughout the universe. It was a time of sharing and understanding, a bridge built between hearts and worlds, strengthened by the legend of a being whose sacrifice had lit stars of hope in the darkness of space.

In the silent vastness of space, a sudden cry broke through the quiet murmur of Zenith, like a shooting star piercing the darkness. A young girl, no older than fifteen, with eyes shining with excitement and breath ragged with urgency, exclaimed: —Here he is! Here he is —¡the Arch—illuminated One—!— She pointed with a trembling finger towards the infirmary, where the legendary being rested.

As if the news had wings, the crowd rushed to the place, a river of curiosity and veneration. Ashtar and Lyra, momentary guardians of peace, moved with determination, trying to to stem the tide of humanity. They allowed entry to a few, those who managed to slip through their barriers not out of insistence, but out of the sheer need to express their gratitude.

Inside the infirmary, the atmosphere was charged with a palpable reverence. Visitors from all corners of the universe began to lay bouquets of flowers, their petals vibrating with colors that could only be found in the gardens of distant worlds, before the recovery dome. They prostrated themselves, some with their foreheads touching the cold ground, in a silence filled with prayers and thanksgiving for Terry, —the Arch—Enlightened One,— who lay in a deep sleep within his glass chamber.

—Bring help,— Ashtar instructed a nearby soldier in a tone that, though calm, carried the urgency of the situation. The infirmary was becoming a sanctuary, and though the honor towards —the Arch—Enlightened One— was overwhelming, the disorder could not continue.

—We have to do something,— Lyra said, her voice tinged with concern and admiration at the devotion shown. —They are coming by the thousands and they are not going to stop.

And so it was, Ashtar watched, awed by the faith of the crowd. People of all ages and species knelt, some in silent prayer, others murmuring thanks amid tears of gratitude and hope. It was a testament to the profound impact —the Arch—Enlightened One— had had on the universe.

Soon, reinforcements arrived. With a signal from Ashtar, soldiers began to lead the people out, with the gentleness of guardians rather than the strength of warriors. Their task was not to repel, but to protect both the peace of Terry and the right of every soul to express its reverence.

Through this delicate management, Ashtar and Lyra managed to preserve respect for the —Arciluminado,— ensuring that his resting place remained quiet and sacred, while outside, beneath the stars Terry had once protected, people shared stories of light, hope, and the deep gratitude that had brought them across the galaxy. At this crossroads between the divine and the mortal, a tapestry of universal community was woven, uniting all under the legacy of a true hero.

Amidst the tension and fervor, Ashtar's voice rang out with a commanding calm, addressing the assembled crowd. —I understand you,— he began, his words bathed in empathy, —but this is an infirmary. Please understand the situation. You must and they can continue to pray and thank Him from outside, without any problems. It is important to allow other people who need to recover to enter this place.

The leader of the group, a man with wise eyes and calm gestures, nodded in understanding. —We are leaving,— he announced to his people, his voice carrying the weight of the decision. —Your Lordship is right. We must let them do their work. We can continue to worship the —Arciluminado— outside.— One by one, with respect and order, the people began to disperse, leaving the sacred space of the infirmary in peace. Ashtar thanked the leader, who responded with a nod, a silent exchange of respect and gratitude.

At that moment, Darius and Marcus appeared, drawn by rumors of an extraordinary event at Zenith. Rodrick had sent them to investigate the source of the commotion.

—What's going on here?— Marcus asked, his curiosity palpable in the emotion—laden air.

—They're worshipping Terry,— Lyra replied, her surprise adorned with an incredulous smile.

–What!? – Darius could hardly believe what he was hearing, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.

– That's right, Darius – Ashtar confirmed, sharing a meaningful look with his companions – Although it may seem incredible, they are worshipping Terry as if he were a divinity. He has spread throughout the universe… How did they name him? – he asked, turning to Lyra for clarification.

—There's been a rumor spreading throughout the universe that there exists a man who possesses the power of a thousand suns and a thousand stars. That he has eliminated evil from the universe and has now fallen into a deep sleep,— Lyra replied, her voice reflecting the magnitude of the myth that had grown up around Terry.

The revelation left Darius and Marcus in contemplative silence, taking in the extraordinary transformation of their friend and companion into the focus of a galactic devotion. A look of wonder and pride was shared between them, knowing that they were witnessing the formation of a legend that would transcend time and space.

—I can't believe it,— Darius said in disbelief, still trying to come to terms with the reality unfolding before his eyes...

–And now we'll have thousands coming to Zenith to see Terry, give him gifts, pray for him... Well, you see what's happening here now– Ashtar pointed towards the crowd that, although dispersed, was still gathered around, devotion and hope lighting up their faces.

—We definitely need to handle this,— Marcus interjected, his concern evident in every word.

—But the dilemma is that they are civilians,— Lyra added softly. —They are not armed, nor are they hostile; they simply want to express their gratitude to the one they consider their savior.

—I understand the delicacy of the situation,— Marcus nodded. —But Zenith cannot become a permanent sanctuary. It is a space station, not a temple. Besides, if they plan to establish the central command of the Galactic Federation here…

—Yes,— Lyra confirmed, looking at Ashtar, —that is the plan with my brothers. We want to make this place the heart of our operations, a nucleus from which to direct and administer the galactic order.—

Ashtar responded with an understanding nod – Let us first address this immediate situation, and then we will discuss the details of the Galactic Federation's operation, Lyra.

—Okay,— she nodded, grateful for Ashtar's good sense.

– The first thing is to make sure Terry is in a safe place– Darius mused, touching his chin, thinking about the best location to move Terry.

Darius stepped aside for a moment to communicate with Rodrick via his portable Lumicom – I'm going to inform Rodrick about what's going on here.

—Wait, repeat that,— Rodrick said, sounding confused on the other end of the line. —I think I heard wrong or this thing is malfunctioning. Is it working okay?— he asked the soldier next to him.

—It's in perfect condition, Commander, — said a nearby soldier, examining the device.

—You heard correctly, Rodrick. We have a considerable challenge here. A crowd has come to worship Terry. Look,— Darius said as he walked over to the window and focused the LumiCom on the crowd outside, showing Rodrick through the screen the view of the people and the gifts they had brought. —They call him 'the Arch—Enlightened One' now. We need to find a safer place for him; he can't stay here.

The situation demanded immediate action, but it also revealed the deep mark Terry, now known as the —Arciluminado,— had left on the heart of the universe. The task was clear: protect Terry's legacy while navigating this sea of devotion with tact and understanding, ensuring Zenith's future as a bastion of the Galactic Federation and, therefore, of order in the cosmos.

Rodrick, on the other end of the line, was momentarily silent, processing the magnitude of what Darius had just shared. Almost automatically, he rubbed his eyes with his fingers, a tactic to clear his mind from the incredible news. The situation at Zenith had clearly transcended any precedent.

—Alright,— he said finally, his voice steady despite the shock still echoing within him. —I'll be coming up to join you. We need to discuss in detail what's going on and determine how to proceed.— With a determined movement, he turned off his LumiCom, the screen darkening like the sky of a starless night.

– Prepare a transporter portal and make sure two men accompany me – he instructed an officer standing at his side, dressed in the standardized military uniform of the —Alpha Titan— special forces. Military efficiency was immediately put into motion, the order translating into action without delay, demonstrating the discipline and commitment that had made the Federation a respected entity throughout the galaxy.

Meanwhile, on Zenith, anticipation was growing. Rodrick's arrival meant not only the implementation of strategies to handle the current situation, but also the solidification of Zenith as the nerve center of the Galactic Federation, a beacon of order and peace in the vast and often chaotic universe.

The story of Terry, the —Arciluminado — (Arch—Enlightened One) had touched the deepest fibers of galactic society, uniting beings from countless worlds in a collective act of veneration and gratitude. Now, the challenge was to maintain that union, respecting the central figure of that devotion, while ensuring the functionality and safety of Zenith. In this delicate balance, Rodrick's wisdom and leadership would be crucial. With each step toward the transporter portal, the moment of facing that new reality approached, one that would require all of their experience and ability to navigate the uncertain future that unfolded before them.