The Colony (The Survivors Book Seventeen)

by Nathan Hystad

  She brought me a cup with a straw, and I drank half of it. We were inside the Gatekeepers’ main office in the city. “How long was I out?”

  “A couple of hours. We should keep you to run some tests,” Nick said, and I shook my head.

  “No way. What about the party?” I tried to climb out of the bed, and realized I wasn’t wearing pants.

  “The party is over as far as you’re concerned.” Nick gripped my shoulder. “It’s time to rest. I’ve administered fluids.”

  I wanted to argue with him, but I could see there was no changing his mind. “Mary, take Jules and go celebrate.”

  “Are you certain?” Mary didn’t check with me. She was asking Nick.

  “That’ll be fine.”

  Mary kissed my cheek, and she went to wake Jules. She sprang up and smiled when she saw me.

  “Papa, are you okay?” Jules was at my side in a second. She’d been overprotective since the incident on Newei.

  “I’m fine,” I assured her. “Go. Dance. Eat.”

  She grinned at me. “I’m not sure it’ll be any fun.”

  “Did I see Malir?” Mary asked, making Jules roll her eyes.

  “Yes, the Gretiol heir is present,” Jules said, a little too stiffly.

  “Then get out of here. Spend some time with Regnig too,” I told her.

  “Okay, now you’ve convinced me. Dr. Nick, don’t let him leave.” Jules meant business.

  He placed a palm on his chest. “Not on my life.”

  They left us, Mary giving me a final glance on her way out.

  “Dean, when are you going to tell them?” Nick asked once the door was closed.

  “Soon.” I rubbed my temples. “This is worse than before.”

  “You know how much I hate lying,” Nick said.

  “And I’m sorry about that. I was hoping to have this solved by now.” I’d spent weeks trying to remove the touch of Ovalax from me, but so far had come up short.

  “You’d better make it very soon. Mary knows something is wrong, and Jules is more perceptive than anyone I’ve ever met.” Nick set the tablet down and sat on the chair next to the bed. “What’s it like?”

  “I see a thousand possibilities flash into my mind at once, and the strongest visions emerge, showing themselves to me.” I drank the rest of the water and returned to my pillow. I was suddenly tired, and glanced at the empty glass. “You spiked it, didn’t you?”

  “To keep you sleeping,” he said.

  “Nick, this isn’t cool.” But I was already drifting away. Anything was better than thinking about Ovalax, the devourer of minds any longer.

  The lights flickered off. I heard Nick’s footsteps leave the room, and before I fell asleep, I had one more foresight.

  Jules holding a woman’s hand in the middle of dark space, a bright glowing symbol burning between them.

  ____________

  Patty dragged Jules by the hand, leading her to the edge of the garden. The moon shone brightly, encompassing the party in a gentle white glow.

  “His name is Victor, and he’s gorgeous,” Patty said, loudly enough to receive a contemptuous stare from one of the guests.

  Jules inhaled, picking up the scent of the enormous indigo blooms. She caught sight of Hugo with a couple of his friends at the edge of the courtyard. He was becoming so big, almost as tall as her. Mom had needed to order him a new suit for this event. She watched him, all gangly and awkward.

  Dean walked over to her brother, and they both peered across the grounds, spotting her. Jules had been conscious of keeping her eyes from glowing, but that didn’t stop Dean from finding her in a crowd. She lifted a hand, just above her waist, and he waved back. She missed him.

  “Jules, what are you doing?” Patty was there, grabbing her arm and pulling on her. “I swear, you’re going to be single forever.”

  Patty was training to become a doctor on Shimmal, and she was normally quite restrained these days. Throw her in a purple dress and give her high heels, and she was back to the party-girl teenager Jules had tried to avoid in their younger years.

  The man leaning against the black rail fence had to be Victor. His dark hair was styled in waves, his gaze unsettling. Jules cringed as they approached. She wanted to throw a shawl over her shoulders and be anywhere else.

  “May I have this dance?” The voice came from behind her, and she was thrilled to find Malir, the heir to the Gretiol throne, standing with his arm extended.

  “Jules…” Patty hissed.

  “I’m sorry,” Jules said to Victor, and he scoffed. She hurried off with Malir. “Thanks.”

  “I’m here to serve,” he told her.

  Malir had been giving her a lot of attention, especially in the six months since she’d split up with Dean. But she wasn’t ready for that kind of relationship. She needed time to herself. It felt like she’d been with Dean for her entire life, and now she was ready for the next phase.

  Elex and Suma were on the dance floor, holding each other close to the slow love song from a Haven band everyone was obsessed with.

  “Did the Shimmal people always dance at weddings?” Malir asked.

  Jules shook her head as he set his hands on her hips. The action felt very alien. Which made sense, considering Malir wasn’t human. “A few of the more adventurous couples have picked up some of our traditions. Suma adores this part of our culture, so she incorporated it.”

  “I think it’s ingenious.” Malir inched closer, and she rested her cheek on his shoulder. She caught Sarlun watching her. Their gazes met, and he looked away, pretending to speak to a friend. She didn’t think Papa had had a chance to talk with Sarlun since the information about the Sect of Memories, and it had put up a barrier between New Spero, Haven, and Shimmal. Sarlun was constantly busy, off on a Gatekeepers training mission or some Alliance-sponsored excursion.

  Jules knew the man was hiding something, but Papa wanted her to let it go. He promised to have a frank discussion with Sarlun as soon as possible. That was supposed to be this weekend, but with her father resting after his incident, she assumed Sarlun would manage to squirm out of the situation again.

  “What’s the plan now that you’ve finished the first round of training?” Malir asked her.

  Things had been proceeding quite well at the Alliance Institute. She and Dean were still ambassadors, and she hoped to be named commander on Outpost’s next mission. She could admit she wasn’t mentally prepared to run her own ship, especially after the recent events with her father.

  Her powers were always present, pushing to escape her boundaries. Even dancing with Malir, she twitched with the threat of them. They pressed against her barrier, demanding she fill with Deity-infused energy. But she refrained, because Suma wouldn’t appreciate a floating woman casting a shadow over her reception.

  “Jules?” Malir shifted away, still holding her at the waist.

  “Sorry. I’m distracted tonight.” She blew at a hair in her eyes, and saw Dean dancing with a gorgeous blonde thing at the other end of the dance floor.

  “I understand.”

  “What were you asking? Oh, the Institute.”

  “I’m going to stay on,” Malir said. “Wait for a posting.”

  “You are? I thought you were more of a ceremonial partnership than around for the long haul,” she admitted.

  “I was, but… once you see something you desire, it’s hard to let it go.”

  Jules understood the not-so-subtle connotations, but just nodded, not wanting to admit she knew he was hitting on her. He was a good catch, but she wasn’t biting.

  “Magnus was talking about Outpost last week,” she said.

  “Are you training to captain her?”

  “No. He offered, but I requested a year as commander.” Jules was sure it was the correct decision.

  “I see. Anything you’d like to talk about?” he asked. It was sweet. He really was trying to help.

  “No. Let’s dance.”

  She couldn’t tell him t
he truth. That she was so tired of not knowing who or what she was. That thinking she was Iskios, then Zan’ra, and now a Deity, was exhausting. Then eventually ridding herself of the gifts, causing her to feel like a stranger in her own skin. She’d finally come to terms with it, and sensed a new future laid out in front of her. She’d pictured Dean at her side, maybe a wedding of their own. Children eventually. But the abilities had been in hiding, staying dormant.

  Papa’s death had stung. Because no matter what he admitted to their family and friends, he was dead when she met him in that netherworld. In a place no mortal should be able to travel to, not while they were alive. But she had visited with ease. She’d pulled Papa from his eternal resting place and demanded he return to his body on Newei. Goosebumps rose on her arms as she recalled it.

  She wanted a hot shower, pajamas, and Maggie on her lap.

  The song ended, shifting to an older, more upbeat melody with Shimmali drums, and guests emerged, crowding the dance floor.

  “Thank you,” she told Malir, and left him there.

  She started to jog from the reception garden, struggling to contain her powers. They wanted out.

  Jules located the exit and ran for it.

  Jules Parker, stop this instant.

  She froze, hunting for the source, and there he was. “Regnig!” She rushed to the old bird’s side, crouching to hug the frail Toquil. “Where have you been?”

  I was delayed. He seemed the same. She appraised him. Actually, he appeared younger.

  “You’re doing well,” she told him.

  Thank you. It’s like I’ve shaved a… hundred years off my life being on Banod. It’s been a blessing. Regnig’s beak opened and closed slowly.

  “What aren’t you saying?” she asked.

  I do miss the Academy. My weekly dinners with Karo and Ableen. Seeing you and your family regularly.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t visited. It’s been busy with—”

  He waved his wing. You don’t owe me an explanation. Jules, you are young, working as an Ambassador at the Institute. You have better things to do than spend your time with an old Toquil like me.

  “Regnig, don’t…”

  I meant no accusation. It’s a pleasure to see you.

  “Let’s grab a drink.” Jules realized how much better she felt around Regnig. The doubts and fears of her abilities faded into the background.

  They returned to the fray, Jules leading Regnig past the throngs of people cheering and clapping near the dance floor. Suma and her newly appointed husband were seated, Suma beaming at Elex. She’d never seen the woman so happy.

  Jules gathered two fruity beverages, and she and Regnig sat on benches near the garden’s water fountain. Strange glowing blue fish swam with orange fins trailing behind them through the bubbling pool.

  Are you well?

  The question was targeted, and Jules stared at Regnig. “You cut straight to it, don’t you?”

  When you reach my age, there’s no sense in small talk.

  “I’m okay. Dean and I broke up, and my powers are stronger than ever. I’m struggling to contain them. What if they consume me, and I can’t stop them?”

  Have they acted on their own? Regnig asked.

  “Not yet. But I keep waking up with them past my barriers. Have you read of any methods to prevent this?” She blinked, hoping he’d have a solution.

  No, Jules. I’m afraid not. There is little recorded on the subject. You will have to do your best. I have faith you will be just fine. I’ve never met anyone more resourceful.

  Magnus was with Natalia, her palm resting on his arm. Jules smiled at their comfort. She didn’t think they were a couple, but they were more than friends, and it was obvious they both needed that. Magnus pulled a tablet from his jacket, and he searched the garden as he returned it discreetly. Their gazes met, and he stalked toward her through the crowd.

  Regnig sipped his drink with his long beak. I fear trouble may be brewing.

  “I think you’re right.” Jules braced herself for whatever news Magnus was preparing to deliver. For a second, she thought it was about Papa, but she saw her mother and Hugo laughing and smiling. “What is it?” She rose as Magnus approached. He was clean-shaven, dashing in his formal attire. It was a far stretch from the desperate man she’d saved from the alternate dimension a couple of years ago.

  “We’ve made a discovery. Near Udoon,” Magnus said.

  Two

  I threw the pillow across the room. “You’re kidding me.”

  “No, he’s leaving,” Mary said.

  “Sarlun isn’t getting away with this.” I tore off the hospital gown and climbed into my own clothing. The dress shirt was wrinkled, and I left the tie draped on the back of the chair. “Where is he right this second?”

  “Dean, he’s traveling to the Shandra.”

  “Are you coming?” I was already out the door before my shoes were on. I stumbled into them as we exited the medical center. Nick was gone, and I waved at the nurse on the way outside.

  “You should take it easy!” Mary chased after me, but I was moving.

  “I’m fine. It was dehydration,” I lied. I really needed to have that conversation with Mary about Ovalax’s lasting effects on me, but reaching Sarlun before he departed was more imperative.

  “You go. Hugo and Jules are waiting for me. We’re having breakfast with Magnus, Nat, and the family. They’re expecting you to join us,” she said.

  “I’ll be quick,” I assured her, and we parted paths, her returning to the hotel, and me to the main Gatekeepers office in the center of the city. My stomach growled, and I realized I hadn’t eaten anything in over a day. Maybe I should have grabbed breakfast, rather than chasing a man who obviously didn’t want to be caught.

  It took me ten minutes, and I was a sweaty mess by the time I was stopped by the Gatekeeper guards.

  “Sir, you cannot enter without—” the woman started to say, and she must have recognized me. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to straighten it.

  “I know the way,” I said, and walked past them, turning to the right. I jogged to the portal room and opened the doors.

  Sarlun stood near the table, his finger hovering over the controls. He glanced at me, and we stared at each other for a silent second. He began to lower his hand, and I ran, jumping as the portal glowed white. I landed on the floor, a meter shy of the perimeter, and Sarlun was gone.

  “Dammit!” I slapped a palm on the ground, almost wanting to track him and follow Sarlun to whatever planet he’d disappeared to. Instead, I rose, dusting myself off. Mary was right. I was in no shape to be pursuing Sarlun.

  Instead of going straight for the restaurant, I went to our room. A hot shower was exactly what I needed, and I felt better in no time. Adorned in shorts and a t-shirt, I strolled to the beachside diner.

  I stopped a short distance away, watching my family. Hugo and Jules fought over the last piece of melon, and Mary talked with Nat. Magnus and Dean were in a deep discussion, and I smiled to myself.

  “Good morning,” I said as I pulled up an extra chair. The restaurant was half full, mostly with bleary-eyed wedding guests.

  “Afternoon,” Magnus said with a grin.

  “So it is. How’s everyone doing?” I glanced at Jules.

  “Better now that you’re here. Can you do me a favor, and tell Hugo that we don’t have these on Earth?” Jules pointed at the pink fruit.

  “She’s right, son. That’s grown on Shimmal,” I said.

  “Told you,” Jules whispered to Hugo, who ate a piece off Mary’s plate.

  Nat shifted position so I could fit. She appraised me with interest. “You okay, Dean?”

  “I’m fine,” I said. “More importantly, how was the wedding?”

  “It was fun,” Hugo said. “Elex is a cool guy. And I danced a few times.”

  “Good. Sorry I had to miss it.” I flagged the waiter down and ordered a plate of Shimmali fruit. I sipped my coffee, and everyone went quiet.
“Would someone mind filling me in?”

  Magnus cleared his throat and passed a tablet. “We located a vessel off Udoon. The locals made the discovery and brought the craft to the station. You know them. Scavenge, repair, and sell for a profit. But this ship had a girl in it.”

  “A girl?” I scanned the images, finding the olive-skinned alien. Her hair was short and yellow, like straw. She had small round ears, with wide eyes. “What is she?”

  Magnus shrugged. “Nothing about her or the ship’s tech on file.”

  “She’s from another galaxy,” Mary told me.

  “That’s not surprising. We’ve visited a lot of places.” The aforementioned pink fruit was tart when I bit into it.

  “There’s something else,” Jules muttered.

  They were all silent, and I quickly recognized the danger. “Out with it.”

  Jules reached over and scrolled to another image. It showed an open book, and I zoomed, holding my breath. It resembled a drawing of the green-eyed girl Regnig had found among the Zan’ra. “What’s she doing with this?”

  “That’s the mystery, isn’t it?” Magnus asked.

  “We have to investigate.” I began to rise, but Mary held me back.

  “Dean. You were in the hospital last night. It’s a beautiful day. Relax for a minute,” she said.

  “Did you see Sarlun?” Natalia asked.

  “No. Just missed him.” I wanted to tell them about his quick exit, but decided to tell Mary and Jules in private later. “Then we go tomorrow. Head to Udoon—”

  “Dean, I’m going to have to put my foot down,” Magnus said.

  “You are?” I raised an eyebrow.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be leading a mission to Ebos to see if the Tiprea are there?”

  “I am.” The colony world that Ovalax had mentioned was ripe for occupation, according to our sources. All we needed to do was scout it, and I was the one who’d volunteered for the mission. Ovalax had anticipated that the locals were long deceased.

  “Then you do that, and Jules and I will fly to Udoon,” Magnus said.

  “I’m coming too,” Dean said stiffly.