I'll Be The Red Ranger - Chapter 150: Sharing Knowledge

- Oliver -

"Sovereigns?" Alan interjected, his brow furrowing in confusion. He exchanged glances with the others, clearly not familiar with the subject.

John glanced at Alan, the newcomer at the table. Oliver could sense John's hesitation, the unspoken uncertainty about involving someone unacquainted with such a critical matter.

Anticipating the concern, Oliver spoke up. "Given the gravity of this situation, I thought it best to bring Alan into the loop. With the information I've gathered, there's a potential risk that could mean life or death. It's important to share this with a close friend."

John considered this for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Continue."

"Before I explain what I've discovered, I need to lay some groundwork," Oliver began. "During my mission in Olympus, I came across several pieces of information. Much of it comes from reliable sources—or, at the very least, sources that genuinely believe in what they're conveying. However, I can't disclose how I obtained this information or who shared it with me."

"Why not?" John asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"In order to obtain it, I had to enter into an agreement," Oliver explained. "This agreement restricts me from revealing certain details."

Oliver hesitated, unsure of how much to divulge about the nature of this agreement. He wasn't certain if there were boons that enforced absolute confidentiality, but he hoped they would understand his predicament.

John leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "I see. Go on."

Oliver noticed Alan's puzzled expression, as well as the keen curiosity etched on Isabella's and Katherine's faces.

"The Sovereigns," Oliver continued, "are beings—ancient entities, exceedingly rare, but it appears they still walk among us. Above all, they are extraordinarily powerful. Powerful to the extent that they are the ones who empower the Z Crystals."

John began to rub his temples, his demeanor hinting at skepticism. "Wait a minute. Are you suggesting that these beings are the source of the Z Crystals' Energy?"

"Hold on," Alan said, shaking his head. "I thought we had research detailing where the Energy in the Crystals comes from."

"Actually, we don't," Katherine admitted thoughtfully. "The Z Crystals are more like massive Energy storage devices. But we don't know how they're formed, where they come from, or what was done to store such a colossal amount of Energy."

"Then part of that might be answered by what Oliver is saying," Isabella chimed in. "There are beings who created the Z Crystals. But why?"

"Perhaps that's the most complicated part to explain," Oliver replied, his gaze drifting as he chose his words carefully. "It seems they gave us the Z Crystals so we'd continue fighting. Not to defend ourselves, but to perpetuate the war." He hesitated before adding, "This might sound crazy, but somehow these beings feed off our conflicts."

"Our conflicts?" John asked, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

"Yes, the war between humans, Orks, and other factions," Oliver clarified.

"Hold on, hold on," Alan interjected, raising his mechanical hand. "This is a lot to take in all at once. Other factions?"

"Just because the Orks are at war with us doesn't mean there aren't other races interested in fighting too," Oliver explained. "We're not the only ones involved in this cosmic struggle."

"But I have a question," Katherine said, leaning forward. "Does each of us have a Sovereign, or are they simply pitting us against one another?"

"I'm not exactly sure how it works," Oliver admitted. "But it appears that each Sovereign is responsible for a race. Possibly one for the human race and another for the Orks."

John placed his hands on his temples, massaging them as he tried to absorb the flood of information. The room fell silent for a moment, the hum of the holographic displays the only sound.

"So," Isabella began, as if reciting from a complex textbook, "we have beings that hide from us, who give us powers so they can feed off our war. But again, why would this be dangerous? I mean, what would the Empire want to hide?"

"I'm not sure if it's just about that," Oliver said, shaking his head slightly. "But... in theory, we could end the war. Like, actually finish it, under certain conditions imposed by the Sovereigns."

"It makes sense," John remarked, leaning back thoughtfully in his chair. The soft glow of the holographic interface cast shifting patterns across his face. "Especially if this went public—everyone would want to withdraw from the war. I want us to exit, but perhaps it's not as simple as we imagine."

"How does it make sense?" Isabella challenged, her eyes flashing with determination. "Wouldn't that be a way to prevent the war from continuing?"

"Maybe," Alan interjected. His expression was still a mix of confusion and contemplation, but he seemed to be catching up with the rapid twists of the discussion. "But Oliver hasn't explained the terms for ending the war. Is there some kind of punishment involved?"

"There's that," John acknowledged, "but we also need to consider—how long would this 'exit' last? With the Orks still so close, wouldn't they decide to restart the war on their own?"

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Oliver gazed out the window, the sprawling metropolis a tapestry of lights beneath the star-streaked dome. "But there's something that doesn't fit with what you explained before, John," he said, turning back to face the group.

"What do you mean?" John asked, a hint of perplexity crossing his features.

"I recall you mentioning that your brother was on a mission—Operation Mastermind—in search of the Sovereign," Oliver explained. "I imagine it was our Sovereign, not the Orks'."

John's eyes narrowed in thought. "Perhaps. Both possibilities are viable. But I can't fathom how they would even begin to search for something like that."

"If they were seeking the Human Sovereign, it doesn't add up," Oliver continued. "There are already individuals who have direct access to him."

"Who?" John queried, leaning forward with keen interest.

"I'm not entirely certain," Oliver admitted. "But I have the impression that it's the Emperor himself. That's why the operation wouldn't make sense—he wouldn't need to sanction a covert mission to find the Sovereign if he already knows where or who it is. He could simply handle it directly."

John fell silent, digesting this new perspective. "Maybe," he said slowly. "But it's still too early to be certain. There could be layers we're not seeing."

The group exchanged glances, the weight of unspoken implications heavy in the air. Each of them grappled with the possible consequences of these revelations—the complexities of interstellar politics, the shadow games of those in power, and the enigmatic motives of the Sovereigns themselves.

"Thank you, Oliver," John finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was sincere, tinged with gratitude and introspection. "I'm still processing all of this, but you've shed light on Arthur's mission and possibly what happened to him."

John stood from his chair with a determined grace, the insignia of Great House York glinting on his uniform. He walked around the table toward Oliver, extending his hand. Oliver rose to meet him, clasping John's hand firmly.

"I'll leave you all to it," John said, his tone measured as he stood up. "I need to return to some tasks and possibly think more about all of this." His face was a mask, revealing nothing of the thoughts swirling within.

Oliver watched him depart, a crease of concern forming on his brow. He turned to Katherine, who sat calmly beside him, her gaze following her brother's exit. "Is he alright?" Oliver asked quietly.

"He's fine," Katherine reassured him with a gentle smile. "He just has a lot on his mind right now."

She paused, then glanced around at the others. "How about we take a walk around the building? Alan hasn't seen the place yet."

"That sounds great," Isabella chimed in, her eyes brightening.

Alan nodded appreciatively. "I'd love to get a tour."

With that, the group rose and began exploring York Tower. They moved through sleek corridors lined with displays showcasing the latest technological advancements. Katherine led the way, pointing out areas of interest: the advanced research labs, the command centers, and the sprawling training facilities.

As they ascended in a transparent lift, a panoramic view of the city unfolded beneath them. Towers pierced the sky, linked by networks of sky bridges and adorned with flashing beacons.

"This place is incredible," Alan remarked, his eyes reflecting the neon glow of the metropolis outside.

"It's home," Katherine said with a hint of pride.

Finally, they arrived at the family's private floor, a sanctuary amid the steel and glass edifice. The space resembled a luxurious living area adorned with art pieces and comfortable furnishings. Soft lighting bathed the room in a warm glow, and a large viewport offered an unobstructed view of the starlit expanse beyond.

The four friends settled into plush armchairs, a peaceful silence enveloping them as they unwinded. The weight of their recent discussions lingered, but they allowed themselves a respite for now.

After a few minutes, Oliver could no longer contain his curiosity. He leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Alan. "Alright," he began, a playful challenge in his voice. "You mentioned a few things in your messages, but how the hell did you end up in the Mech Division?"