Cody III, Chapter 6 The bustling landing bay swirled with activity as engineers dismantled scaffolding and crane towers around Cody's newly repaired ship. The vessel gleamed in the artificial light, its surface reflecting the proud marriage of Ara and human technology. Cody stepped out of the shuttle, his eyes widening in awe at the sight of his once-familiar ship now transformed into something more. "Looks like you've grown a couple inches, kiddo," Sam remarked, his voice warm with affection as he embraced Cody. Cody gave him a crooked grin, basking in the praise from the man who had been there for him through every childhood illness and challenge. Amelia stood nearby, her presence a driving force in their family unit, but it was Sam, despite not being his real father, that had nurtured Cody, ensuring he ate his vegetables, wore clean socks, and had a strong shoulder to lean on. Fang, tall and lithe, approached Cody with a playful glint in his glowing emerald eyes. His tendril of light tapped on the breathing device Cody still wore. "Why are you wearing this?" Fang asked. "The Second Light told you that the vines and tattoos he gave you can create an oxygen field for yourself and others." Cody shrugged sheepishly, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. "I forgot, and I don't know how to do it." Fang tapped on the breathing device again, and it fell away, clattering to the floor. "Just think to yourself - oxygen." With a moment of concentration, Cody followed Fang's advice, and a vine slithered up and under his nose. The sensation of thick, sweet Ara air filled his lungs, a marked improvement over the artificial filtered air of the breathing mask. He laughed, the sound echoing around the busy landing bay. "I wish I'd known this six months ago. That breathing mask was a pain to wear all the time." "Live and learn, Cody," Sam said with a knowing smile, his silver-dusted hair catching the light as he turned to survey the transformed ship. "Now you can breathe easy and focus on what's next." "Right," Cody agreed, his excitement tempered by the realization that his time at the Destiny Academy had changed him. As they stood together in the landing bay, his family at his side, Cody felt the weight of the journey ahead. He knew they would face challenges and surprises, but with his loved ones beside him, and his newfound abilities, he was ready to forge ahead into the unknown. A soft hum filled the air as Cody stepped onto the bridge of the newly repaired vessel. The once alien space now held a welcoming familiarity, with consoles and seating adjusted to accommodate Cody's hybrid ara-human form. Engineers bustled about, their fingers flying over controls as they made final adjustments. In two days' time, the ship would be ready for launch. For now, Cody soaked in the sight of his new home. "Welcome aboard, Cody," an engineer greeted him, her hands never leaving the console as she spoke. "Over the next couple of days, I'll walk you through all the updated features and specifications of your ship." "Thanks," Cody replied, his eyes wide with fascination as he took in every detail. He could hardly wait to explore the ship further and understand its full capabilities. Fang, ever vigilant, moved to the pilot's console and settled into position, his emerald-green glow casting a gentle light over the controls. Days later, after the ship had been rolled out of the bay and soared into darkness of space, the Branson family gathered around the dinner table. It was a cozy scene, the warm glow of the overhead lights illuminating the polished wood and steaming plates of food. Yet, despite the comfort, Cody couldn't help but feel a little out of place. He had grown accustomed to the bustling cafeteria at the Academy, surrounded by his peers as they chatted or studied between bites. "Alright," Tara began, her melodic voice bringing the group's attention to her. "We need to discuss our plan to navigate around the Dragon Claw nebula and reach the planet Tarragon. We hope to find the next clue to locating The First Light of Ara there." Cody used the improved communication system to contact The Third Light of Ara. The update on the galaxy's political climate was grim. The human worlds were on high alert as the Ara Fleet searched for their kidnapped leader. The Defense Forces of every world stood down when the ten-thousand ships of the Ara Fleet appeared over their worlds, but it would only take one mistake to ignite an intergalactic war. "Are you alright, Cody?" Tara asked, her eyes filled with concern as she noticed his furrowed brow. "Uh, yeah," he stammered, refocusing on the present moment. "I just can't help worrying.” "Understandable, but we must focus on our mission," Tara assured him, her tone gentle yet firm. Cody nodded, his leg bouncing with nervous energy beneath the table. In the following days, he often found himself poring over classwork on the tablet the Academy instructors had given him. It wasn't an ordinary tablet, though – it allowed him to contact the on-duty instructor in the Academy cafeteria to help students with school assignments. "Hey, I've got a question about this assignment," Cody said, using the feature for the second time. As he spoke with the instructor, he caught glimpses of the students in the background, the sight stirring deep emotions within him. He longed to return to the Academy, craving the camaraderie and environment it provided. A vast tapestry of stars stretched out before the ship, the inky blackness of space pierced by brilliant pinpricks of light. At the helm, Fang's fingers danced over the controls with practiced ease, guiding them ever closer to the Dragon Claw Nebula. Cody leaned forward in his seat, his crystal-blue luminescent eyes wide with anticipation. "Almost there," he murmured, though he couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that something was amiss. As they drew nearer, a swirling mass of energy appeared on the horizon, its chaotic movements casting eerie shadows across the ship's interior. The phenomenon seemed to pulse with a life of its own, tendrils of pure power reaching out in all directions. "What is that?" Cody shouted, his voice tinged with both awe and caution. Whiskers turned to him, his earthen glow contrasting with the wild energy beyond the ship. "That is an Ara that never achieved sentience. They are like a wild animal, dangerous and territorial. They are rare, and it is too much of a coincidence that one just happens to be on our course." Cody stared at the looming creature of energy, his heart pounding in his chest. "Fine, it can have the nebula, let's go around it." Adrenaline coursed through their veins as Fang maneuvered the ship to escape the creature. The engines roared to life, propelling them away from the celestial phenomenon. Cody gripped the edge of his seat, his knuckles whitening as he watched the Ara grow smaller in the distance. "Get us out of here, Fang," he commanded, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Understood," Fang replied, his fingers flying over the controls as they continued their evasive maneuvers. The ship shuddered, a sudden gust of energy buffeting it from the side. Beads of sweat dotted Cody's forehead as his eyes darted across the view screen, trying to predict the celestial phenomenon's next move. Every twist and turn seemed to defy logic, pushing them further into unknown territory. "Stay focused," Fang muttered to himself, his hands gripping the controls with white-knuckled determination. The ship swerved, narrowly avoiding another blast of energy that threatened to rip through their hull. "Keep steady, Fang," Cody urged, his heart hammering in his chest. He knew they needed to rely on each other, on their newfound strengths, to make it out alive. His thoughts raced, searching for a strategy or pattern that could help them navigate the dangerous dance before them. "Wait," he whispered suddenly, an idea taking shape. "I learned at the Academy that the secret to winning is not to get hit." “That would be sound advice,” Fang replied with a hint of sarcasm. "No, what I mean is not to let the enemy predict where you will be next,” Cody explained. “You have to be completely random, no patterns.” “Copy that," Fang responded, his fingers flying over the controls as he adjusted their course. The ship dove, then veered sharply to the left, just as another wave of energy surged past them. "Yeah, like that!" Tara exclaimed, her eyes wide as the energy wave dissipated harmlessly ahead of them, having only missed the ship by a dozen feet. With renewed determination, Fang continued to weave through the relentless onslaught, his every maneuver executed with precision and skill. As they pressed on, the celestial phenomenon began to recede into the distance, its power still radiating in their wake. "That was close," said Cody, exhaling a shaky breath as the threat finally faded from view. "I think our improved engines saved us." "Agreed," Fang replied, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "But it was your instincts that showed us the way through. We make a good team, First Son of Ara." "Let's just hope we can keep it up," Cody murmured, his eyes focused on the vast expanse ahead of them. With each challenge they faced, he knew their journey would only grow more perilous – but together, he believed they had the strength to overcome anything. It was another three days before the vibrant beauty of Tarragon greeted them, a breathtaking display of vivid hues and unusual formations that captured their imaginations. "I don't see any lights," Cody noted, his eyes scanning the planet's surface for signs of civilization. "Or satellites in orbit," added Tara, her gaze equally attentive. Dr. Amelia Branson, seated at one of the stations, began pouring through the digital records. "Last contact with Earth was three-hundred years ago. They sent a ship to investigate, but it was never heard from again." She paused, her fingers tapping on the console as she continued searching for information. "Earth decided the planet was too far away to risk losing another ship, and never sent any further supplies." "Seriously? Earth just threw their hands up and said, Oh well?" Cody mused, a mix of unbelief and disillusionment at Earth’s government settling within him. "Perhaps," Amelia agreed, offering a reassuring smile. "We don’t know the circumstances surrounding such an odd decision." As the ship descended towards the planet's surface, Fang expertly maneuvered through the atmosphere, his emerald-green light pulsing with exhilaration. The thrill of their arrival coursed through him, tempered by the weight of their mission. He knew that every decision he made, every action he took, could ultimately determine their fate. "So, we need to find out what happened to the colony, and if The First Light is here," Tara said, her voice steady despite the uncertainty surrounding them." Cody nodded, his thoughts occupied by the challenge ahead. He couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden on this enigmatic world, waiting to be discovered. "Let's hope we find what we're looking for," he whispered, his gaze fixed on the ever-nearing surface of Tarragon. The ship's landing gear touched the soft, verdant ground of Tarragon with a gentle thud, tendrils of mist curling around the metal as it settled. Cody felt his heart race in anticipation, aware that their search for The First Light of Ara had entered a new and crucial phase. He exchanged a glance with Tara, her eyes shining with determination as they both stepped out of the ship onto the alien soil. "Wow," Cody breathed, taking in the vibrant colors and bizarre landscape before him. Towering trees with iridescent leaves reached for the sky, while exotic, fragrant flowers bloomed beneath their shade. The air hummed with life, an orchestra of strange bird calls and rustling foliage filling his ears. "Everything feels so... alive," Tara whispered, echoing Cody's thoughts as her fingers brushed against the petals of a nearby flower. Its color seemed to shift from blue to purple under her touch. "Indeed," Fang agreed, stepping out of the ship and standing beside Cody. "This world is unlike any we've encountered so far." As they absorbed the beauty of Tarragon, movement caught Cody's eye. From the trees, a group of humans emerged, their bodies adorned with leafy vines. Cody's brow furrowed in confusion. "What the heck? Have humans mutated into trees here?" Fang shook his head, gazing at the newcomers with a discerning eye. "No, I can see the temperature variations. The vines they wear are not alive, but they may revere trees. This might work in our favor. Use your own Vines of Ara to greet them." Cody hesitated for a moment, then focused on the living tattoos snaking up his arm. With a deep breath, he willed the vines to stretch out towards the group, a peaceful gesture of greeting. The vine-clad humans observed the display, their expressions unreadable. "Hello," Cody called out, hoping the universal translator would help bridge any linguistic gaps. "We come in peace and seek information about The First Light of Ara." The humans exchanged glances, their eyes flicking between the vines on Cody's arm and their own foliage-adorned bodies. Finally, one of them stepped forward, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Hi, I’m Cody, I’m searching for…” Cody was interrupted as the woman suddenly shouted. “It’s the evil one!” "Wait, what?” Cody took a step back The vine clad humans erupted into a cacophony of shouts, and without warning launched a barrage of spears towards Cody and Tara. "Whiskers! Fang!" Tara cried out, her lilting voice edged with urgency. Reacting with lightning speed, Fang and Whiskers threw up a protective barrier of shimmering light around Cody and Tara. The spears clattered harmlessly against the shield, deflecting away from the pair. "That did not go as I expected it," Fang muttered, his emerald green light pulsating with concern. Cody's heart raced, his mind whirling with the sudden turn of events. He glanced at Tara, who stood tall and composed despite the attack, her luminescent eyes filled with determination. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Back to the ship," Cody shouted, retreating. As they ran, the sound of the vine-clad humans' angry shouts accompanied more spears, and then arrows being shot at them. The airlock slid shut behind them with the pinging sound of arrows hitting the hull. “Fang, get us in the air, there’s nothing we can do here. I want to find the Colony’s landing site. We need to figure out what happened to them.”