Guardian Alliance Book #2: A Hero's Anthem

27. Fear Or Strength?

"Wa-wait... My genetic makeup? That doesn't sound to.. Safe. Well, at least for me." Bass

"That is quite correct. My current endeavor is to catalog all of the unique species that I am able to while I still draw breath. It was the task that was given to me by the previous Apex." Apex

".... That's, quite the.. Endeavor... Huh? Previous Apex?" Bass says suddenly getting into the conversation.

Apex raises one eyebrow but becomes somewhat amused from Bass's sudden talkative state.

"How about we make a deal? I will tell you a tale but only if you eat the food presented to you before it gets cold. Deal?" Apex

Bass blinks a couple of times before she glances down at the food. Bass tries to keep a straight face but her stomach betrays her by growling loudly without hesitation.

"..... Traitor.... Ah what the hell." Bass

Bass grabs the fork and knife on each side of her plate and begins to carefully set her plate. Chicken, mashed potatoes, peas and rice. The moment Bass finishes setting her plate is the exact moment that her stomach growls once again.

"Alright! I get it! Sheesh.... Here goes nothing." Bass

Bass slowly uses her fork to scoop up some food and slowly place it in her mouth. She slowly takes the first bite and her eyes immediately widen with excitement. With each bite that Bass takes she stares at her food with much more anticipation.

"I take it that you are pleased? Good. Make sure that you listen because I will not tell it if you are too focused on the food and I will not repeat. Understand?" Apex

Bass couldn't say anything because her mouth was full so she nods for confirmation. Apex grins, shakes his head and wipes his mouth.

"Well. Believe it or not I am the third being to have been handed down the title of Apex. The one before me was a mad war hungry conqueror. He enjoyed blood shed and never onced slowed his pace. That is until I finally ended his reign and took over. The first Apex however was entirely different. He was a scientist who served under the being that built this place." Apex

"Wait.. If the first Apex served under someone then, wouldn't that make you the fourth?" Bass

"... That would be the case but no one ever knew the name of the one who built this vessel. The only thing that was well known was the fact that he loved to catalogue unique species. The day that he met his end was the day that he declared the first was at the top of the food chain. So he named himself Apex and continued his master's work. That is until the second Apex ended his existence but ultimately decided to continue his work. That method just continued throughout the "Apex" lineage and I will continue this quest until someone worthy takes it ftom me." Apex

"That was quite the tale. Do you have anymore?" Bass

"Oh? You are intrigued to know more? Well I'd say that I have a numerous amount of tales to tell but I am afraid that we are pressed for time." Apex

"Oh? How so?" Bass

"It's simple. I have to catalogue as much unique species as possible before my time comes. Now that your aura is back to normal we can get that out of the way." Apex

".... Huh... It really does feel like I am back to my normal self in a weird way..... But I really do want to hear more about your travels." Bass

"And I would be happy to tell you but we must stick to the schedule. Besides, I know that you are currently trying to stall for time. You must think that one of your friends is going to come and save you? Maybe the one that came up here with you or perhaps someone from the planet? For the record. A ship was destroyed upon approach to this vessel a short while ago and there was no life signs." Apex

"That does sound unfortunate." Bass says then finishes her plate of food.

"So. As I see it you have two options. You can either come quietly or be forced. At the very least I can guarantee that the procedure will be painless." Apex

"... Really? Those are my options?.... I'd like to buy a vowel please." Bass

"... I am afraid that I do not understand." Apex

"Sorry. Its an Earth thing. The point is, I think that there is another option that you overlooked." Bass says then wipes her mouth with her napkin.

"Oh? Please. Indulge me." Apex

"Well let me start by saying that you were right. I was stalling and yes it was for the exact reasons that you stated. But, that was before my mind started to wonder off a bit. It was when you asked me about myself really. Why am I here? And all of that. It made me realise that this is no child's game. I kept my mind set on the fact that I had the chance of making new friends and meeting my hero idols. I thought to myself, "Maybe I can be like those who risk their lives for those who aren't able to defend themselves like one did for me." Then comes a cold hard dose of reality. I never thought about what would happen if I wasn't able to save those that I need to save. Meeting you today made me realise that I may not be able to save everyone and that terrified me extremely." Bass

"Well I do believe that no matter what the species are that there is one common fact. Fear is our greatest enemy." Apex

"We can definitely agree on that. But I believe a friend of mine would say that, it is also an excellent motivator." Bass

Apex chuckles and lets out a smile.

"Well I must admit that I enjoyed this conversation. In fact it was the best conversation I have had in quite some time but I will have to ask you to get to the point." Apex

"...The point? My point being is that I am no longer afraid of you. In fact, I am quite angry. Not at you but at myself for thinking I was in some kind of fairy tale. I may not be able to save every life but that won't stop me from trying. And it's all thanks to you that I've some what matured a little. So thank you Apex and I hope that you're ready. Cause I ain't going quietly." Bass

Apex stares at Bass full of determination and couldn't help but smile.

"So be it." Apex says then signals to Collute and Collate.

"Well said." Specter

Heads turn to the open entrance of the large dining room to see Specter drop her suit's cloaking and stand at the center of the entrance. Specter locks her sight on Apex who stares back at her with a little surprise on his expression.

"Am I interrupting?" Specter