Destiny's Serendipity
Episode Nine: Missing
A Thriller - Romance - Transgender Serial
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Will Bart's investigation of Regalia's mysteries bridge the gap to the region beyond the barrier and save all on their planet?
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Raymond's question would be answered sooner than he expected, though not in a way that would ease his troubled mind. Even as the last echoes of applause faded from the streets, his youngest son was delving deeper into forbidden knowledge that would shake the very foundations of their society.
In a hidden corner of the city, far from military pageantry, Bart was making discoveries that would force him to choose between family loyalty and what he believed to be right - a choice that would ripple through generations of Regalia's carefully ordered society. The celebration's jubilant mood dissipated like morning mist as reports of Bart's absence reached the senior officers.
What had begun as whispers of concern among the cadets quickly escalated into a serious matter requiring immediate attention? The perfect formations and synchronized movements that had moments ago demonstrated Regalia's strength now seemed to mock their inability to keep track of one of their own. As the last civilians drifted away from the parade grounds, Colonel Hawthorne's expression darkened with each passing minute, his military precision turning from display to determination as he prepared to address this unprecedented breach of protocol.
As the parade concluded, the atmosphere at the military compound shifted from celebration to concern. Colonel Hawthorne assembled a small team of officers in the command center, their faces grave as they discussed Bart's unexplained absence.
"We need to locate Cadet Bartholomew immediately," Hawthorne declared, his voice tight with urgency. "This isn't just about missing a parade. It's about the integrity of our entire unit."
The officers spread out across the compound, questioning Bart's fellow cadets and searching his quarters for any clues. In the barracks, they found his neatly pressed uniform laid out on his bunk, as if he had intended to wear it but changed his mind at the last moment.
One of Bart's classmates, a young cadet named Jenkins, nervously approached an officer. "Sir," he said hesitantly, "Bart's been acting strange lately. Sneaking out at odd hours, whispering with that friend of his from the science division."
The officer's eyebrows were raised. "Friend from the science division? Do you have a name?"
Jenkins shook his head. "No, sir. But I've seen them together a few times, always looking over their shoulders like they didn't want to be seen."
As the search continued, the mystery deepened. Bart seemed to have vanished without a trace, leaving behind more questions than answers. The officers exchanged worried glances, aware that this situation was quickly becoming more than just a case of dereliction of duty.
Colonel Hawthorne dispatched search teams throughout the city, their methodical sweeps extending from the military district to the outer reaches of Regalia. Each report that came back empty only heightened the growing sense of unease among the command staff. What had begun as a simple disciplinary matter was evolving into something far more concerning - especially given the Copernicus family's prominent position in Regalian society? As the afternoon sun began to wane, the search teams were recalled, their failure to locate the missing cadet casting a long shadow over the day's earlier celebrations.
The Copernicus family quarters were unusually quiet that evening, the tension palpable as Raymond sat in his study, reviewing reports from the day. The success of the parade should have filled him with pride, but Bart’s absence loomed over everything, casting a shadow on what should have been a triumphant day.
Bruce and Robert entered the room, still dressed in their ceremonial uniforms, their faces reflecting a mix of pride and concern. Bruce spoke first, his voice steady but tinged with irritation.
“Father, we need to talk about Bart. His absence today wasn’t just a personal failure—it’s an embarrassment to the family.” Robert nodded in agreement, with his tone more measured.
"People noticed, Father. The officers are asking questions. Colonel Hawthorne is already investigating."
Raymond sighed heavily, setting down the report he had been pretending to read. “I’m aware,” he said, his voice low and firm. “But this is not a matter for public discussion. Whatever Bart’s reasons, they are his to explain when he returns.”
Bruce frowned, his frustration evident. “With all due respect, Father, this isn’t just about Bart anymore. His actions reflect on all of us—on you, especially. We’ve worked hard to uphold the Copernicus name in both science and service. He’s jeopardizing that.”
Raymond’s gaze hardened as he looked at his eldest son. “I understand your concerns,” he said sharply.
"But Bart is still my son and your brother. I will handle this matter very privately."
The room fell silent for a moment before Robert spoke again, his voice softer. “Do you think he’s in trouble? That something happened to him?”
Raymond hesitated, the worry he had been suppressing flickering across his face for just a moment before he steeled himself again. “I don’t know,” he admitted quietly. “But wherever Bart is, I intend to find out—and soon.”
The tension remained thick as Bruce and Robert exchanged uneasy glances before leaving the study. Alone once more, Raymond leaned back in his chair, staring into the dim light of the room. For all his authority and intellect, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something far larger than a missed parade was unfolding—and that Bart was at its center.
The weight of discovery and duty warred in Raymond's mind as the evening shadows lengthened across his study. His scientific instincts, honed through years of research, detected patterns in his youngest son's recent behavior that suggested a deeper mystery.
As he contemplated the implications, the familiar rhythms of military life continued outside his window, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that now clouded his thoughts. At that moment of solitude, Raymond didn't know that, across the city, his suspicions were about to be confirmed in ways that would challenge everything he thought he knew about Regalia.
Bart was about to make a hasty retreat back to the military parade grounds. Before leaving the room where Erion still worked on the data, his assistant spoke.
"Alert. The second message on a secondary wave emitted by the probe, is decoded. The message consists of a video. Do you wish to play?"
"Erion, the probe emitted a video message. Shall we view it?"
"By all means, Bart. Play it."
"Assistant, begin playback."
The video began playing. The video played on Erion's large monitor. A human figure was displayed on a featureless blurred background. With Bart's extensive research at the incubator archives, he immediately made the association of the figure and the medical diagrams and descriptions.
"She's a woman!" Bart blurted out, unable to restrain himself. Erion replied, "Indeed. Listen master Bart!"
The woman said to herself, "Hope I got both the translation and the spoken language right!" she cleared her throat and then began speaking while looking right at Bart.
"Hello, I am Ducia. I am a young woman who lives in Decretia on the other side of the barrier from you. My probe, Allie, was sent phasing through the barrier in search of someone who was seeking the truth about the barrier and righting the historical goof that separated our two peoples. We need to work together to save the Earth because something very bad is coming very soon. If you understand this message, then the rest of the goodies that I've sent you in that burst should help you help me. Be careful, my new friend. Goodbye!"
"Of course, this is amazing. Go Bart go! Face the punishment so you can help."
"Go now!" Bart was even more quickly on his way.
The afternoon light faded as Bart hurried through Regalia's winding streets, his footsteps echoing off the ancient stone walls. Each step carried him closer to the inevitable confrontation at the military compound, yet his mind remained fixed on the extraordinary discoveries he'd made.
The mysterious message from Ducia and the artifacts they'd uncovered gave purpose to his actions, even as the weight of his dereliction grew heavier. Time seemed to slip away as he navigated the familiar paths back to base, knowing that each passing moment only added to the severity of his punishment. The cooling air and lengthening shadows marked the transition from day to evening, reminding him that he could no longer delay facing the consequences of his choice.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the military compound, a disheveled figure approached the main gate. Bart, his civilian clothes dusty and his face etched with exhaustion, stood before the guards, his heart beating with a mix of dread and determination.
"Halt! Identify yourself," one of the guards commanded, eyeing Bart suspiciously.
"Cadet Bartholomew Copernicus," Bart replied, his voice hoarse. "I... I need to speak with Colonel Hawthorne immediately."
The guards exchanged glances, recognition dawning in their eyes. "You're to report to the Colonel's office at once," the senior guard said sternly. "You've caused quite a stir, Cadet."
As Bart was escorted through the compound, he could feel the weight of disapproving stares from his fellow soldiers. Whispers followed in his wake, and he caught snippets of conversation about his absence and the disgrace he had brought upon his unit.
Colonel Hawthorne was waiting in his office, his face a mask of controlled anger. As Bart entered, the Colonel's eyes bore onto him. "Cadet Copernicus," he said, his voice dangerously low, "you have exactly one minute to explain your unauthorized absence before I recommend your immediate discharge from this institution."
Bart swallowed hard, his mind racing. He couldn't reveal the true reason for his absence—the secret meeting, the mysterious artifacts, the potential threat to Regalia. But he also knew that any lie would be easily discovered.
"Sir," Bart began, his voice trembling slightly, "I... I can't fully explain my actions without compromising sensitive information. But I assure you, my absence was in service to Regalia, even if it doesn't appear that way."
Colonel Hawthorne's eyebrows shot up, his expression a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "Sensitive information? What exactly are you implying, Cadet?"
Bart stood straighter, meeting the Colonel's gaze. "Sir, I respectfully request to speak with my father, First Scientist Raymond Copernicus, before I say anything further. The matter is of the utmost importance and secrecy."
The Colonel leaned back in his chair, studying Bart intently. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice grave. "Very well, Cadet. But understand this—if your explanation is anything less than extraordinary, the consequences will be severe. Dismissed."
As Bart left the office, he felt a momentary relief, but it was quickly overshadowed by the knowledge that the real challenge lay ahead. He had to convince his father of the gravity of his discoveries without revealing too much, all while facing the disappointment and anger of his family and superiors. The weight of his secret felt heavier than ever as he made his way to face the reckoning that awaited him.
The evening shadows stretched across the compound as Bart's footsteps carried him toward his inevitable confrontation with his family. The military discipline that had been drilled into him since childhood warred with his newfound understanding of Regalia's hidden truths. Around him, the compound hummed with activity as the day shift prepared to hand over to the night watch, the familiar routines continuing despite the disruption he had caused.
Through windows and doorways, he caught glimpses of officers hurrying to and fro, their urgent movements suggesting that his absence had sparked more concern than he'd anticipated. The cool evening air carried whispers of his name as he passed, but he kept his eyes forward, steeling himself for what was to come.
The officers' mess hall buzzed with hushed conversations as a group of senior officers gathered around a large oak table. Colonel Hawthorne sat at the head, his face grave as he addressed his colleagues.
"Gentlemen," he began, his voice low but firm, "we need to discuss the matter of Cadet Bartholomew Copernicus and determine an appropriate course of action."
Major Simmons, a stern-faced man with graying temples, leaned forward. "With all due respect, Colonel, this seems clear-cut. Unauthorized absence during a major event? That's grounds for immediate dismissal."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, but Captain Reeves, a younger officer known for his measured approach, raised a hand. "While I agree the offense is serious, we must consider the Copernicus family's standing. First Scientist Raymond is a pillar of our community, and his other sons are exemplary soldiers."
Colonel Hawthorne nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, Captain. And there's something else to consider. Cadet Copernicus mentioned 'sensitive information' and requested to speak with his father before explaining further."
The room fell silent as the officers exchanged glances. Major Simmons frowned deeply. "Surely you don't believe that, Colonel? It sounds like a desperate attempt to avoid punishment."
"Perhaps," Hawthorne replied, "but we can't dismiss it outright. The Copernicus family has always been at the forefront of Regalia's scientific and military advancements. If there's even a chance that Bartholomew's absence is related to something of vital importance..." Captain Reeves nodded in agreement. "We should at least allow him to speak with his father before making a final decision. If it turns out to be a fabrication, we can always proceed with disciplinary action then."
After a moment of contemplation, Colonel Hawthorne made his decision. "Very well. We'll grant Cadet Copernicus the opportunity to explain himself to his father. In the meantime, he'll be confined to quarters and stripped of all privileges. If his explanation proves unsatisfactory, we'll reconvene to determine the appropriate punishment".
As the meeting adjourned, the officers filed out, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. The unusual circumstances surrounding Bart's absence had turned what should have been a straightforward disciplinary matter into something far more complex. Each of them couldn't help but wonder: what could be so important that a cadet would risk everything to pursue it?
The afternoon shadows lengthened across the military compound as the officers dispersed, their whispered discussions echoing through the corridors. Reports continued to filter in from search parties across the city, each one adding new layers of mystery to Bart's disappearance. Colonel Hawthorne retreated to his office to draft his report, his practiced military efficiency warring with the nagging sense that this situation required a more delicate touch.
As the day's activities wound down, word reached the Copernicus residence that Bart had finally been located and would be escorted home after his preliminary debriefing. The news spread quickly through Regalia's upper echelons, setting in motion a series of events that would test the bonds of family loyalty against the rigid structures of military discipline.
The Copernicus family home was shrouded in an uncomfortable silence as Raymond, Bruce, and Robert sat in the study, waiting for Bart to arrive. The tension was palpable, each family member lost in their own disturbing thoughts about the day's events and the impending confrontation.
Raymond stood by the window, his normally composed demeanor showing signs of strain. Bruce paced the room, his military boots echoing on the hardwood floor, while Robert sat quietly, his fingers drumming an anxious rhythm on the arm of his chair.
The door opened, and Bart entered, escorted by a stern-faced officer.
The young cadet looked disheveled and exhausted, a stark contrast to his usually impeccable appearance. As the officer left, closing the door behind him, Bart found himself facing the scrutiny of his family.
Raymond spoke first, his voice controlled but laced with disappointment. "Bartholomew, explain yourself. Your absence today was not just a personal failing, but a disgrace to this family and everything we stand for."
Bart swallowed hard, his eyes darting between his father and brothers. "Father, I... I know how this looks, but I assure you, I have a good reason."
Bruce scoffed, his frustration evident. "A good reason? What could possibly justify abandoning your duty, embarrassing our family, and risking your entire future?"
"Bruce," Robert interjected, his tone more measured. "Let him speak."
Bart took a deep breath, steeling himself. "What I'm about to tell you must remain in this room. It's of the utmost importance to Regalia's future."
Raymond's eyebrows raised slightly, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his stern facade. "Go on."
"I've... discovered something,"
Bart continued, choosing his words carefully. "Something that could change everything we know about Regalia and the barrier. I had to meet with someone who could help decipher it."
The room fell silent as the weight of Bart's words sank in. Raymond's scientific curiosity warred with his paternal disappointment, while Bruce and Robert exchanged skeptical glances.
"What exactly have you discovered?" Raymond asked, his voice low and intense.
Bart hesitated, then reached into his jacket pocket. His hand trembled as he withdrew a small object that glowed with an impossible light - a light that, according to everything they knew about Regalia's laws of physics, should not exist. Raymond's face drained of color as he recognized what his son held, and at that moment, he realized that everything he had dedicated his life to might have been built on a lie.
