by Skyler Grant
Space nearby shimmered and distorted. Without the gravity generator going it was safe to bring in the Centauri Bliss.
Dense cabling came out of the open hatch, the suited figures of Kara and Tourmaline securing it to the compressor. Sand meanwhile had reached Quinn, an arm slipping around his waist as he released his clamps.
Squirrel Clan fighters were already approaching, having realized that something was wrong. Security was tight, raids were a regular problem—but nobody raided quite like the Clan of Thieves.
By the time they were in firing distance, Quinn and the others were already back in the hold. Reality was dissolving around them as the runic sphere engaged.
With the physical connection to the compressor they were taking it with them.
2
Dinner that night was some sort of fried squid they'd gotten at a discount. It was palatable, barely, even Melody could only do so much with some ingredients.
Quinn's injury was no longer bothering him after a bit of healing from Jinx, and the entire family had gathered to eat together, as was usual.
"Was it worth the trouble?" Taki asked.
"We got it intact. Provided we can keep it supplied with enough liquid mana it’s going to allow us to produce around one ton of mana crystals monthly," Kalisa said.
"We at least have the option of liquefied mana not being a problem. Four of the worlds requesting membership in the Clan of Thieves have mana wells," Tamara said.
"Is there any reason we wouldn't admit them?" Jinx asked.
"We've got a lot of worlds petitioning for entry. You've made an impact, and despite being wanted, people on the Rim don't trust the Triumverate at all," Tamara said.
"Nor should they. The Emperor for all his faults placed the good of the Imperium first. His replacements are not of the same quality," Sand said, picking at her food.
It was still strange to watch Sand eat—to watch Sand do anything. Kat's face, Kat's body. They hadn't awakened Kat yet, and Banok knew they'd have to soon. A part of him feared it, what she'd think of all this.
"We've already been focused on two worlds. For a fleet to defend just those two we're doing well, but if we want to expand even further we're leaving ourselves undermanned," Tamara said.
"We had enough trouble getting pilots and crew for the ships we had," Taki said.
"In a way that is easier now. Again, Jinx and all of us have built a reputation. It works against us in the Core, but on the Rim it isn't just planets that want to join up, but people as well."
"It seemed a weird idea when you wanted to get involved with one colony. Now we're talking about how many?" Quinn asked, staring glumly at his squid. It really was kind of tough.
"The two must-acquires are an industrial world named Wexen, and an agricultural planet named Sendra, both within three jumps of Hope's Reach. The four worlds with mana wells are further out, harder to defend," Tamara said.
"But necessary to assure a steady supply of crystallized mana which any clan tech is going to require," Kalisa said.
"Do we have an alternative?" Jinx asked.
"Trading for it. The Core isn't going to be eager to do business with us, but if we are willing to supply crystallized mana I think we'd find people willing to make a deal," Tamara said.
Kalisa said, "That would be a mistake. If you intend to make this clan of yours a success, technological superiority is one of the few advantages you will have against an Imperium that now hates you as much as it does us."
Tamara was about to respond and did that subtle shift of posture that showed Tourmaline had taken over."Hell yeah, when you've got an advantage you grow it, you don't shrink it."
Tourmaline's posture shifted back and Tamara made a face. "I hate interruptions. I understand what’s been said, but worlds with mana wells are desirable. They will need to be defended."
This wasn't Quinn's decision to make. It was strange how much the roles of their family continued to morph and shift. Quinn had always commanded this ship, which while being their home was increasingly just one of the family's many holdings. Tamara still administered the family itself, but it was Jinx who was both the face and voice in command of the Clan of Thieves.
Jinx showed that now, looking back and forth between them. "We take the two worlds you recommend and the mana wells planets also. What will we need to best defend them?"
"Ideally, defensive stations. A single well-equipped station is difficult to overcome. Three in an orbit of any given world would make it daunting to take," Taki said.
Quinn winced. The same reasons that they were so formidable defending a world meant they'd also be almost impossible to steal.
"That wouldn't be easy on the Imperium side. What about the clans?" Taki asked.
"If anything, our internal strife is far more common. Clans frequently raid each other and are in need of defenses against that," Kalisa said.
"Can we at least cut down on the number of stations? How difficult would it be to upgrade any stations we get with clan technology?" Quinn asked.
"That depends on how my clan and the Clan of Thieves are going to be connected," Kalisa said.
That wasn't something Quinn had given much thought to, but it was true. Kalisa was an Unshackled and as such held in a sort of reverence by the clans, enough that she had one of her own. It included several worlds and the resources that came with them, and the population of those bearing the infection of Chaos.
"What are you looking for?" Jinx asked.
"I've become one with this family. I'm willing to have our clans join together to become one as well, but not without a proper voice. I want you officially in charge of what you've created. I want to be your second," Kalisa said.
Mara frowned at that.
"Concerns?" Quinn asked her.
"You know I'd once have protested. Now? I think we may be past that. With Kalisa, you, and Ice we now have three Chaosians within the family," Mara said.
"We've long thought of our family as being on the side of Imperium. We did what we could there and now we're criminals because of it. What we're building should stand apart from both them and the clans. I can agree to a merger," Jinx said.
Kalisa flashed a smile. "You please me, apprentice. We have some of the best scientists and technicians the clans ever produced. Get stations, we can upgrade them."
Quinn felt the tug of magic inside of him, something he'd felt more often of late. What just happened was important.
3
"This is a stupid idea," Ice said.
"For once we're in total agreement," Taki said.
Quinn had asked both of them to join him in his office along with Sand. It was time to try waking up Kat.
"You are both familiar faces. Ice was her best friend for a very long time, and she knew and liked you, Taki," Quinn said.
"I think you overestimate our relationship," Taki said, letting out a breath.
"Always second-best," Ice said, and Taki gave her an angry look.
Sand said, "We should decide on just how you want to initially approach this. Ultimately what relationship she and I have will be between us, but for now I've had her turned off."
"So what are you asking?" Quinn asked.
"I can give her some sort of summary of our time together. Otherwise her last memory would be her last memory. From the scan in the hospital that I used to reconstruct her brain," Sand said.
That scan happened six months before her death, and a long time from then to now, and honestly Quinn wasn't sure how to explain it all. But, leaving it to Sand seemed unfair and even riskier. Whatever Sand was, she wasn't human, and the news of all that had transpired would be better coming from those who cared about Kat.
"We'll play this straight," Quinn said.
"Just say my name if you want me to take control," Sand said.
They all took seats facing each other.
"This is so weird," Taki said.
"Imagine how Quinn must feel," Ice said.
Terrified, Qui
nn felt terrified. It wasn't something he could put off any longer. "Do it."
It was a lot like watching Tourmaline take over Tamara. Sand was always so perfectly composed, and then suddenly she wasn't.
Kat jumped, startled, looking around at the circle.
"I ... how did I get here? Did I pass out in the machine?" Kat asked. Her eyes didn't immediately have recognition for any of them, then after a moment she asked, "Ice?"
"And Quinn, and Taki," Ice said, leaning forward. "I know this is weird, sugar. We might all look a little different than you remember. You ... it's been awhile."
Kat looked between them, her eyes growing wider, and she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "The head wound. It was worse than we thought? You got ... older. How long?"
"It would be a lot simpler if it were just the head wound. It’s been seven years since you ... well, remember what you remember," Quinn said.
Kat gulped in breaths, visibly trying to steady herself and looking hopelessly lost. "That long? I don't—I don't remember any of it. I don't even remember dreaming."
"Oh, this is a biggy," Ice murmured.
"Maybe we don't have to tell her, not now?" Taki said.
Kat glared at her. "Whatever it is, I need to know. Don't hold anything back."
"You died, six months after the scan you remember. Job went bad," Quinn said.
Kat opened her mouth for a moment and closed it. "The scan. They couldn't do anything with it at the time. But it’s the future, and someone figured out a way."
That was quick of her.
"Something like that," Quinn said.
"And you brought me back. I mean, I'm happy to be alive, but ... how? Why? You must have moved on? It had to have cost a fortune?" Kat asked.
"I don't think you know just how much he loved you," Taki said.
Kat shot her a look. "I know you always had a thing for him. I always figured if something happened you'd make your move. You two? There is a different feel in the air. You did, right? How long did it take?"
"She didn't get any braver with you dead than she did with you alive," Ice said.
Taki and Ice glared at each other.
"Ice too?" Kat asked.
Right, Kat was quick.
"If you're going to keep listing off family there will be a lot more added on. Remember when we used to talk about maybe being a Centauri? Uhh, things got a lot less monogamous with you dead," Ice said.
Kat gave a laugh at that although it sounded more pained than cheerful. "Right, good that it was only me holding my husband back from happiness. Clear me out of the way and everything just gets better."
"He moped for over six years in deep despair," Taki said.
"Well that makes me feel better. Any other unpleasant surprises to spring on me?" Kat asked.
"You're the most wanted woman in the galaxy," Ice said.
"Funny," Kat said.
"Not exactly a joke. I mean, they don't know your face yet, but when they do you're sort of going to be public enemy number one. I'm fifth," Quinn said.
Kat suddenly wore an uncertain smile. "I ... why am I hearing a voice in my head telling me it’s all true and not to be alarmed?"
"That would be Sand. Former Empress, artificial intelligence, and greatest threat to the Imperium—and sort of ... kind of ... a roommate inside your body," Quinn said.
"You're also now an immortal badass of some kind," Ice said.
"This is a lot to take in," Kat said, and for the first time she sounded overwhelmed.
"There is no rush to do anything. The rest of the family would love to meet you, and I—I know we have a lot of catching up to do," Quinn said.
"I don't want to think on it. I don’t want to do anything. Sand? Can you ...?" Kat asked, not even finishing the thought before her body language shifted.
"I've taken control but left her awake. Watching," Sand said.
"I'm sorry I made such a mess of it," Quinn said.
Ice rested a hand on his shoulder. "It was never going to go well. Kat just needs some time to think. She never took plans blowing up as well as we did."
4
The station orbited a gray moon, and numerous vessels surrounding it were all of clan construction. Despite the station having power there were no signs of life.
The Centauri Bliss jumped into the system but stayed on the outer edge. Kalisa called a family meeting.
A holoprojection of the station interior hung over the dinner table.
"I'm already providing one station for our cause out of those assigned to protecting holdings in clan space. As you all know this is a possible second," Kalisa said. The red runes that adorned her flesh seemed particularly dark today.
"It doesn't look much like a defense station," Quinn said.
"Mine rarely will. Its purpose is primarily scientific, but the digs on the moon were of particular importance, so it’s well-armed."
"A dig site? Archeological?" Dela asked.
"This moon was once a base for a species called the Ixon. The only known example of them, and we’ve discovered one of their ancient facilities. They possessed some advanced technology, especially in regards to energy shields," Kalisa said.
"No life-signs, and abandoned ships. No remote access to the station system, so I can't even look at the logs. What happened?" Mara asked, studying the schematics.
"The site on the moon went silent. A security team from the station went to investigate and found it completely abandoned with no trace of the scientists."
"Any signs of a fight? Nobody would take me without me breaking something," Kara said.
"Nothing, and from here the story just gets stranger. Eight hours after the team returned to the station all contact with it ceased," Kalisa said.
"Whatever happened to the moon site happened again?" Quinn asked.
"So it appeared. Of course, I sent another mission. Ten hours after arriving on the station they went silent as well," Kalisa said.
"I know the clans aren't much on surveillance, but surely you set up something to keep track of events this time?" Mara asked.
"I did. They seemed to be recording well up until the ten hour mark. After that all logs were blank."
"Had the security team brought back any samples from the moon?" Dela asked.
"Of course, anything that struck them as odd. The latest findings from the archaeological team, and yes, samples," Kalisa said.
"You wouldn't have left it at that," Mara said with her eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t have just given up on the station after losing the security people.”
"Obviously not. The next time I sent two teams, one to go aboard the station and one to monitor from nearby. Ten hours after the team arrived on the station that team vanished as well, but the observer team was unaffected. They detected brief mana surges the instant contact was broken," Kalisa said.
"I know we're desperate for stations, but do we really want your spooky murder ghost station?" Jinx asked.
"Stations of any sort are hard to come by. They'll all mean either fighting off whatever force that holds them, or spending more resources than we have. This one is there for the taking with the only price being solving a mystery," Kalisa said.
Quinn thought that’s what it really was all about. All of the Unshackled were prone to something, they had some obsession that gripped them. Kalisa's was curiosity. It was what made her such a brilliant scientist. It also made her dive into situations any sane person would consider too risky.
Sand said, "Well, what do know for certain? Whatever is behind what’s occurring, it is not a natural phenomenon. There is a sentience at work here." It was still strange to hear her speak in Kat's voice, if not Kat's accent. Supposedly with Kat still inside her and aware at the moment, since Sand hadn’t turned her off. Quinn wondered what she made of all of this, of the situation, of the family gathered around the table.
"I've thought the same," Kalisa said.
"If something is covering its tracks, that something h
as awareness. It also has the sentience to understand your technology and utilize it," Sand said.
"How ancient are the ruins on the surface? Were you able to date them?" Dela asked.
"They were abandoned approximately six thousand years ago," Kalisa said.
"That isn't particularly ancient in archaeological terms. In comparison, the oldest xeno ruins we've ever found were around two and a half million years old," Dela said.
"Three and a quarter. We've some older in our part of space," Kalisa said.
"I really want to see those," Dela said, suddenly wistful.
"One of these days we'll let you play archaeological explorer. For now let’s focus on the issue at hand,” Quinn said. He explained to Kalisa, “We got surprised at an abandoned station once before by Ilinar who was suspended in medical stasis. Is it possible you found something like that on the surface below?"
"Many things are possible. If so, it hid those records as well."
"It could also be some sort of artificial intelligence like me or Sand. Even an android," Melody said.
"Doubtful, given the mana signatures. Whatever is doing this has magic," Sand said.
"You have magic," Melody said.
"The human body which I created for myself has magic. I can utilize it, because I've tied myself so closely to it."
Kara said, "What does all this matter? You're doing a lot of guessing, but we all know what has to happen. If ten hours after setting foot on that station people vanish then we go, wait, and when something shows up punch it in the face."
"Brute force isn't the solution to every problem," Tamara said dryly.
"Yet she isn't wrong. We have among us powerful magic-users of the like whatever is behind this phenomena has not encountered," Sand said.
Quinn said, "We'll take a team aboard. Dela, Jinx, Sand, Kalisa, Kara and myself."
"Any reason for those picks, sir?" Taki asked.
"Dela is our best expert on ancient cultures. Jinx is our strongest Order mage, and Kalisa our Chaos mage. Kara is our best face puncher. Sand is one giant wildcard, and I want to be involved," Quinn said.
