THE LONG UNEXPECTED GUEST

by Milan Gnezda

In the Webway, the harlequin vessel known as Silent Lucidity. The troupe, known simply as the Errants by their kin for their unusual behavior; a troupe very unlike other harlequins, yet in many ways also more similar than most realise. This troupe did not travel to other craftworlds to relay legends of the past but instead spent the centuries looking for the beginning of the next great legend, and on this day something very extraordinary would happen…

Akordia, the Errant Shadow Seer, was strolling through the corridors when she heard deafening sirens at the end of the hall, coming from Room Zero. Room Zero was a massive chamber, millennia older than Silent Lucidity itself, and was built in ages past for but a single reason. No-one seriously believed the antiquity of the room, much less the reason for its inception, although it was clear that it was older than the craft built as a protective shell around it, and that it possessed a power source and propulsion system all its own. That Silent Lucidity and Room Zero were originally two independent vessels was unquestionable, but that was all. Until now the room had remained silent and no-one was permitted inside until the appointed time.

Upon hearing the sirens, Akordia began sprinting down the hallway, her heart racing, and she was filled with an excitement very much out of character for the usually enigmatic harlequins. As she entered Room Zero she was greeted by a scene of great chaos, all around her were blaring sirens, so loud that she was unable to focus, and countless flashing lights. The devices in the room were obviously quite ancient, yet also seemed somehow familiar to the stunned Shadow Seer. Amongst the controls a few were recognisable and, after a few minutes, the lights and sirens stopped. She reached around for anything resembling a communications panel and, finding it, she sent a message to the Great Harlequin of the troupe, 'Dalael,' she stuttered, her husky voice having none of the control nor melody normally associated with harlequins, instead being replaced by excitement mingled with confusion, 'Ah… I'm in Room Zero. Dalael, you are not going to believe this…'

* * *

Akordia had regained her composure by the time Dalael had entered, although she was still shaking from the excitement and could feel butterflies in her stomach.

'Is this real? It cannot be.' Dalael finally responded in an almost emotionless voice, yet Akordia detected a faint trace of excitement.

'But it is,' responded Akordia, trying to remain calm.

Akordia began pressing a few buttons on the console when suddenly the two harlequins were blinded by a brilliant light. When their vision gradually returned they were greeted by the most magnificent sight they had ever laid eyes upon. On the viewscreen was a massive, organic-looking craft, far older than any they had ever seen, with splendid rainbow lights dancing across its surface and the whole ship looked like something out of a fairytale. Akordia gasped in awe upon setting her eyes on the wondrous vessel, unable to turn away for fear the beautiful phantasm might vanish.

'Computer, identify the craft.' Commanded Dalael, still showing a trace of unbelief at the image before him.

The computer crackled to life and responded in a melodious tone, 'Vessel name: Avalon, Captain: Min-Fiadh.'

At this name, Dalael roared out with uncontrollable, overjoyed laughter.

'It is the legend!' he declared, after he had relaxed himself.

'Pardon me for asking, Dalael,' began Akordia, 'but I know pieces of this legend, and I know our purpose and I know that this is it, but I've never really been told much about what 'it' is. Who is this Min-Fiadh, and what is this ship before us?'

'Let me start from the beginning, my dear…

'Eons ago a race was born, most likely the First Ones, or at the very least the oldest race known to date. This race was called the Fatae and they were the very embodiment of joy, laughter and vitality. To them life was meant to be lived, not merely endured, and every moment was to be appreciated and cherished as though it were your last, quite a wise belief coming from a race of Immortals…'

'They cannot die?' inquired Akordia.

'Oh yes, they can die, but age has no effect upon them; they are the forever young. It was their role in the universe to give their younger siblings hope, and joy, and dreams! Oh, how we have lost our dreams!

'One of their number was a most beautiful woman, almost of divine beauty and grace, known as Min-Fiadh. She had an Eldar lover, Faeral; the only two people to have ever found true and undying love, and together they explored every corner of the galaxy. But then one day the Fatae decided to leave this galaxy so that the younger races might learn on their own, without aid from the Fatae. To them we were ready to stand on our own feet, to make our own mistakes, to finally spread our wings and fly! When they left Faeral also left with Min-Fiadh and he became immortal too.

'That was thirty-nine thousand years ago. The legends say that, after much fighting and warfare, Min-Fiadh and Faeral would return to this galaxy with a band of Fatae and usher in a new age of enlightenment and prosperity. Right now we need hope and joy more than anything else! We have spent many millennia watching and waiting for this day and now she has finally returned! Open up communications, Akordia.'

Feeling the excitement build up in her once more, Akordia was barely able to fumble with the controls. Dalael grinned, 'How does it feel to be a part of history in the making?'

He spread his right hand wide over the viewscreen while Akordia tried to open up communications, 'Welcome home, my friend…'

RETURN TO MILAN GNEZDA

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