“I had better strap the crate in then too.” He set to work strapping in the large black crate.
“Think you have enough gear with you?” I made my best attempt at a joke.
“You may laugh now, but you will be glad for all of this later.”
“I’m sure I will.” I settled into the captain’s seat. “Get yourself strapped in. We have no time to waste.”
I did another manual override, and the vehicle lurched into motion. The only way out of the bay was to go into a launch sequence. I would have to override it before the vehicle entered an automatic flight path. This bay was rarely used for on planet exploration. The original on planet bay had been sealed off years before.
The doors opened, and we lurched out into the dark.
As soon as we were through the doors I worked on the override. Nothing worked. The wheels wouldn’t deploy.
“Everything okay?” Dr. Graham asked.
“Fine. Give me a moment.” I tried again, overriding the system and then resetting it. The engine shut off, and we hung suspended.
“Are we stalled?”
“Hopefully when I turn the systems back on I can convert our vehicle into an explorer rather than an off-planet ship.”
“Oh.” Dr. Graham nodded. “As you will.”
I counted down the seconds. If I waited too long, it would be impossible to turn the power source back on and we’d crash. If I did it too quickly, the automatic system would lock in and we’d be sent into the atmosphere.
At the count of thirty seconds I turned the power back on. Manual control switched on, and I was able to guide us out and around the palace. “We are fine now.”
“It’s good that they make even royals learn the basics here.” Dr. Graham turned in his seat. “Sometimes leaders aren’t taught basic skills.”
“My father failed me in many respects, but he insisted I learn how to use all vehicles and systems.”
“Might as well give credit where credit is due.” Dr. Graham nodded. “Where are we headed now? To the closest colony? How far out is it? I’ve never been outside the palace.”
“Not far.” I appreciated that Dr. Graham had done his research. He understood our settlements were called colonies and that the population lived only inside these settlement areas.
“You have a beautiful planet.” Dr. Graham watched out the front viewer. “The moons are amazing. There is nothing like it on Earth.”
“Thank you. I agree Andrelexa has great natural beauty. It is a beauty only rivaled by the strength of our people.”
“Yet your father chose a mate for you that was of Earth.”
“I know. But please, I would prefer we focus on the current situation.”
“You are in charge here.” He rested his hands in his lap. “Just tell me what you want me to do.”
11 Caspian
The night was silent. Too silent. There were no guards, no workers, nothing. But that didn’t necessarily mean the colonies were at risk. Before long we reached the one closest to the palace. I brought us down with a quiet landing just outside the colony gates.
I waited while Dr. Graham pulled a small black sack from the crate. When he was ready we exited the craft, and I approached the colony gates.
The power grid was down here too, and strangely the gate swung open. Normally with the power inactive the gates stayed locked. In this case it saved us time, so I led the way inside.
“Should there be people outside?” Dr. Graham asked as we moved down an empty street.
“Maybe not at this hour.” I tried to sound confident, but things were entirely too quiet. “We can check the houses.”
“I am sure the residents will be surprised to see the prince at the door.” Dr. Graham moved several steps behind me.
“I’m hoping we get to surprise someone.” I slowed down my pace so he could keep up.
When we brought the doctor to Andrelexa I never imagined he’d be part of an expedition like this one. I also never imagined I’d have to be without Rachel for so long.
We approached the first dwelling. I knocked on the door in the traditional fashion. There was no answer. I knocked again.
“Something tells me there is no one here.” Dr. Graham pointed out what I already knew.
“Something tells me you are right.” I pushed on the door, and it opened. Just like the front gates, this one was set on open. That detail only added to my concern.
The dwelling was brightly lit. “Greetings. It is the prince. Show yourselves.” I called out my presence even though I did not really expect an answer.
I walked down the hall and into the eating galley. It was empty. There were plates set on the table. Food left out.
“They disappeared,” Dr. Graham murmured. “All of them.” His eyes were focused on a child’s chair attached to the table.
“Remember what you said. They may not be dead. Just moved.” I said it for both of our sakes. The sight of the empty child’s chair had seized my heart as well. Something was wrong in this dwelling, and we both knew what it was.
“We should search the rest of the house just in case.” He eased his way through the room and continued.
We searched all the bedrooms. The library. No one to be found. We left the way we came in and moved on to the next dwelling. We found the same thing. We tried a few more before returning to the vehicle.
“How far out is the next colony?” Dr. Graham set his bag down beside his seat.
“You think it’s worth continuing?” I was not ready to give up, but maybe searching the colonies was the wrong direction.
“We can’t leave the planet until we know for sure. We need to figure out how fast this thing moves. It is taking people, which means we need to see how far through the colonies it has moved so far.”
“You really think through everything scientifically.” And that kind of thinking was what we needed right now. Eventually we would have to switch to a more military mindset, but not until we fully understood what we were dealing with.
“Sometimes that can be a problem, but sometime it’s helpful.”
“That second sometime is now.” I closed the hatch and started the power up. This time it easily went into manual. I had to be thankful for small things.
“Maybe. Maybe not. We may end up dead by staying around.”
“I can’t abandon my people.” I had made so many mistakes already. I refused to add abandoning my people to that list.
“And that’s what makes you a far better leader than your father.” Dr. Graham strapped in. He held the black sack on his lap.
“You didn’t know him well.” I eased us away from the colony gate before ascending. “But you are correct. I have discovered he is a coward and a heartless leader.”
“I knew him well enough, and I hope this does not cross a line, but I would assume he is somehow behind this.”
“He has some role in it, I’m sure.” And I was glad Dr. Graham was willing to be open with me. He was my only ally on this mission.
“Do you know why he brought you Rachel? That was a great length to go through.”
“She’s my starmate.” It felt good to say it loud. After years of keeping secrets I was done. “Or I believed she was.”
“Should I know what that is?” He crossed his legs at the ankles.
“No. But they balance the universe when they are together.”
“So is it possible your separation is causing the darkness?” His forehead furrowed. “I could be wrong, and it could not be man-made.”
“Or it could be both. I truly don’t know. She thinks another Earthling is her starmate, but I don’t believe it.”
“That would be hard to accept.” Dr. Graham spoke calmly.
“I’m not wrong.”
“I never said you were.” He made complete eye contact.
We fell into silence. We were only a few hundred meters from the next colony when we saw the black sludge. It was everywhere.
I landed and opened the hatch.
Dr. Graham grabbed his sack and ran out before I could.
I caught up with him, and we both stopped just before the black substance.
“What is that stuff?” I pointed to it. “Have you seen something like this before?”
“No. But I haven’t really explored any place but Earth. Have you ever seen it? Think through all your memories.”
I examined the sludge as closely as I could without touching it. “I have never seen anything like this.”
He hurried to a spot a few meters down.
“And what’s that?” I asked.
“Blood. More blood. At least that’s what this red substance appears to be.” He pulled two test tubes out of his sack and scooped blood into one of them. He capped the tube and then did the same thing with the black sludge. “I will have to run tests on both of these.”
“Do you think this is going to be the same blood we found in the palace?” I didn’t use the term hybrid blood. I wasn’t quite ready to face that possibility.
“Possibly. But also it may not be. The sooner I run these samples, the sooner we will know.”
“Can you run them on the vehicle?”
“Yes. I brought what I need with me.”
“Good.” I nodded. “Maybe you can run them while I fly us over this mess.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I took one last look at the sludge before we stepped back through the hatch and onto our vehicle. I gave Dr. Graham time to set up and plug into the main power source before taking off.
The black sludge went on for meters and meters. “I hope this stuff has not reached the next colony.”
“I hope you are right.” Dr. Graham poured the first test tube into another container. “But we will know soon.”
“Very soon.” The gates of the next colony came into view.
Part 5
Kelby
12 Kelby
In all the times I imagined meeting my mate, and I had ruminated on it more times than I would normally admit, I never imagined any of this. I never imagined she’d be an Earthling. I never imagined she’d be more stubborn than anyone I’d ever met. I never imagined I’d be leading her into life-threatening danger—and not for the first time.
“That was stupid,” I said under my breath as we made our way into the secure sector. I didn’t mean to snap at her, but there was no reason for Angie to get more involved with Gamble than she needed to.
“No, it was productive. It got them talking. Sometimes offering up a small token is necessary in diplomacy.” She was in over her head. I understood her point in theory, but even I wouldn’t want to get in too deep with a man like Gamble.
“Not when that token is you.” I was done holding my tongue. She already knew how I felt about her.
“It’s fine. You don’t have to worry about me.” She snuggled Malton closer to her chest. I was beginning to see he was becoming a security blanket for her. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
“Of course I have to worry about you. I will always have to worry about you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She stopped short.
I’d said the wrong words again. “I meant I will always worry.”
She started walking again. “But you didn’t say that. You said you’d always have to worry. That implies that I can’t take care of myself.”
“And I know you can—on Earth. Okay. Don’t get me wrong. I get you are strong, and brave, and everything. But we are not on Earth. You don’t have any idea the kind of threats you face or what you are up against.” It wasn’t her fault. No one had taught her about what lay spread out across the universe.
“I am starting to get quite a good idea.” She looked off into the distance.
“Starting is the keyword.” I wanted her to have greater knowledge, but I hated to think of her fully losing her wide-eyed innocence. I loved the way she saw the universe around her.
“It’s not your job to protect me.”
“Oh, so I should just leave you to your devices?” I snapped.
“Stop.” She paled. “Don’t do that. I hate when men do that.”
When men do that? There was definite hurt in her voice. A wound. I would kill whatever man led to that reaction. And I’d have to get better at controlling my anger. “I’m sorry.”
“No. Hear me out. I hate when they know you need them so they decide to hold that over your head. It’s awful. I never ever want to need anyone. Never. You understand? That’s the worst part of this whole situation.” Her eyes blazed.
“I’m sorry.” Without thinking I pulled her into a hug. “I am really sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
She left her head resting against me. “I didn’t know you were a hugger.”
“I’m not generally. It seemed like the thing to do this time.” And it felt right too. Her body felt so perfect cradled in my arms.
“It was.” There was no edge to her words. Not snub.
“Yes, this is nice.” Malton stirred from where he was pressed between us. “So warm and cozy.”
“Oh. Sorry, Malton.” She backed up, and I missed the feel of her body against mine immediately. Every inch of me was aware of the absence.
“Uh, not sure what I missed, but we need to keep moving.” Darto gave a lopsided grin. He missed nothing, so I was sure he heard and saw everything.
“Yes. We do.” I placed an arm around Angie’s back, and she didn’t shrug it off.
“Angie, do tell me more about yourself.” Gamble slowed his pace so he could walk beside her.
“What is with everyone wanting to know about me? There really isn’t much to tell.” She stroked Malton’s fur.
“There must be.” Gamble looked over at her.
“He wants to know how you can possibly be immune to his images,” Darto explained.
“Why can’t I be curious for curiosity’s sake?” Gamble snapped.
“Because you’re not.” Darto moved ahead.
Gamble pushed ahead to stand next to his brother. “Once again you think you know me. You judge me. You put me in a box that doesn’t fit me.”
“Quit the dramatics. We need to be careful.” Darto picked up his pace.
“This is my sector. You’re safe as long as you’re with me.” Gamble met his speed. If it weren’t for the seriousness of the situation, their brotherly competition would have been amusing.
“Famous last words,” Darto mumbled.
“You don’t think I hold power here?” Gamble’s words came out as a low growl.
“You do hold power, but there is always the chance that someone wants to take that power from you.” Darto didn’t growl, but there was nothing friendly about his tone.
“You mean someone like you.” Gamble didn’t mince words.
Darto laughed dryly. “I hardly think I’m who you need to worry about.”
“You never know. Sometimes it’s the ones closest to us we need to fear the most.”
“Then you shouldn’t fear me. We both know there is nothing close about us.”
“Your sibling squabbles are fascinating, but we need to stay focused.” Malton lifted his head from Angie’s chest.
If anyone thought it was odd that it was the dog keeping us on track, they didn’t say it. I think we were all growing used to Malton.
Gamble nodded. “Then let’s return to our previous conversation. I want you know about you, Angie.”
He needed to stop saying her name. I didn’t like the way he said it. It came across as far too personal.
Angie shook her head. “We can save that for later. When we have our other conversations.”
“Why the secrets?” Gamble slowed down. “What delicious things are you hiding?”
“Nothing delicious, I assure you.” Angie rolled her eyes.
She was wrong there. Everything about her was delicious. But not for Gamble. I wouldn’t let him discover anything about her if I had any say.
“You have a dead brother. How did he
die?” Gamble pressed.
“Brother, have some decency,” Darto grunted.
“What? She offered up that information freely. I hardly suspect she’s looking to hide it.” Gambit pushed again.
“What part of ‘we can discuss this later’ don’t you understand?” Angie’s face reddened.
I debated what to do. Would she want me to get involved or not?
“Why are you being so defensive?” Gamble studied her.
“Why don’t we talk about you? If wishing to keep the topic off of me is being defensive, then why not tell me your whole story now?”
She didn’t need my help.
“I assumed you already knew it. Darto usually likes to tell our story.” Gamble waved his hands around.
“I’ve told her nothing.” Darto looked straight ahead. “Nothing.”
“And why is that?” Gamble removed his robe and threw it over his shoulder.
The walkway was growing increasingly narrow, and pretty soon we would need to walk in a single line. I hoped this section lacked the enchantments of the bridge that had nearly driven Angie crazy.
“Because we have had more pressing matters to attend to.” Darto hung back and let Gamble go first. I was grateful for the space that put between Gamble and Angie. I knew he wouldn’t hurt her, but that didn’t mean I wanted him bothering her at all.
“Ah, yes. Working on your resistance.” Gamble laughed.
“Is there a reason you have to be so condescending?” Darto sighed. “We are doing what’s best for the universe.”
“Oh yes. This is all for the greater good.” Gamble took the lead as the path narrowed in the way I predicted. “Do you think your companions believe for one second that’s why you are part of this?”
“They do because it’s true.” Darto’s hands balled into fists at his side.
“Oh yeah? Helping the masses out of the goodness of your heart?”
“Helping because I’d like the universe to survive. I’d like to survive too. That doesn’t make me selfish.” Darto’s voice was strained.
“Do you really believe the universe will be destroyed?” Gamble glanced back over his shoulder. “Come on. Yes, millions, or perhaps billions, will perish, but that is not the end of the universe. And who says you’d be one of them? Not me. You have the resources to protect yourself.”
Starburst: Half Light Page 8
