by JN Chaney
“Thank you, sir,” said John. “Can I ask your name?”
“I am Kai, Master of Public Safety.”
The title surprised John. He’d expected something with a bit more significance.
“Master Gel will oversee the search. Consult with him on this matter in the future,” said Kai.
“Thanks,” said John. “I appreciate it.”
“It is the least we can do for our new allies,” said Master Kai. “Rest assured, we will do everything in our power to find your missing friend.”
CHAPTER 14
Ortego Outpost File Logs
Play Audio File 1035
Recorded: February 17, 2351
HARPER: Let me see if I understand what you’re saying. These people…the Leadership…they’re asking for all of our research as it pertains to the Variant gas? More specifically, everything from the Amber Project, itself. Is that correct?
CURIE: It is, and they’re willing to hand over their own research in exchange for it.
HARPER: I assume you explained the classified nature of it.
CURIE: It was the first thing I mentioned.
HARPER: Putting aside the fact that the research itself is highly unethical and morally reprehensible, what in the world could they possibly need it for?
CURIE: They have the same vulnerability to Variant that we do, unfortunately. I should have guessed as much, based on their environmental suits, but the team we first encountered implied they were for protection against disease and radiation, not Variant.
HARPER: Didn’t you say these people were scientifically advanced? I was under the impression their technology was far above ours. Were you mistaken?
CURIE: That’s the interesting part. From what I’ve been able to gather, they gave up on solving the Variant problem with genetic therapy some time ago. Their scientists concluded it was impossible to stop the gas from invading the cell membrane. They’ve been looking for a breakthrough ever since, mostly in other fields that they believed were more viable.
HARPER: Other fields?
CURIE: Everlasting invested in dozens of other fields of inquiry. Environmental suits, strengthening the shield, medicine, implants, communications, transportation, and so on. They have outposts all over the planet, each with a different purpose. They seem to have cast a wide net, believing the solution would eventually present itself.
HARPER: I see, so when genetics seemed like it might not yield adequate results, they had no qualms with abandoning it and looking elsewhere.
CURIE: Precisely.
HARPER: Sounds familiar. Before Archer made his infamous discovery, our people believed the same thing. Of course, his ideas were outrageous for the time. No one took him seriously. Not until he found Bishop.
CURIE: It also doesn’t help that Archer discovered his solution by changing his ethics. Dozens of women were nearly killed in the early trials, while countless fetuses had to be aborted and discarded. What’s more, several of my own classmates never made it out of the gas chamber alive. He did it all without a second thought, because he believed the ends would justify the means. Maybe these people just don’t think that way.
HARPER: Perhaps it never occurred to them to even explore it. It sounds like they felt safe behind their shield, patient to look for their own solutions. We put all our money on genetics because time was running out. Desperation was our motivator, and a powerful one it proved to be.
CURIE: You’re right about that. Their shield hasn’t had a breach in eighty years, according to Lena. Maybe if death was knocking at the door, they would’ve kept trying.
HARPER: I guess that makes us lucky, then, since our grim reaper came early and pushed us into giving Archer his way.
CURIE: It’s just a shame it had to happen this way.
HARPER: Maybe so, but you’re here, aren’t you? Despite everything the old man did, all the lives he ruined, something good came from it in the end. The children of that project have been a vital asset to this city. To humanity.
CURIE: Is that your way of saying we should give them the research? Because it could help them?
HARPER: No, not exactly. They don’t need to know all of our dirty secrets. We can start with some light reading and go from there. If they play nice, maybe we’ll do more. What else did they offer in exchange for all this?
CURIE: Supplies, research, authorization to use the portal and establish an outpost.
HARPER: Anything else?
CURIE: Sergeant Finn made a personal request, which I supported. He asked them to help us look for Terry.
HARPER: The Matron’s missing son? What did they say?
CURIE: They agreed. Lena says the chances of locating him are minimal, but it’s a start.
HARPER: If that’s true, then I’d say it’s reason enough to help them, don’t you?
CURIE: You won’t hear me disagreeing.
HARPER: Then let’s make this work.
CURIE: Do you think the board will approve it?
HARPER: If I’ve learned anything about politics, it’s that you can do anything if you phrase it correctly. Don’t worry, Doctor Curie. You leave the old men in dusty jackets to me.
End Audio File
The Border
February 17, 2351
Despite the rough country road, Terry managed to sleep through the night. He once again used the meditation practices to push real-life distractions out of his mind, ignoring them. Ludo had said it was dangerous to fall asleep during meditation—while visiting the mind palace—but there didn’t seem to be much harm in it. During these moments, nothing could stir him, but when he finally awoke from his long rest, he felt reinvigorated.
As soon as he opened his eyes, Terry caught the first glimpse of a dome building, hidden between hundreds of blue forest trees. “Are we here?” he asked, pointing into the woods.
“You’ve got some good eyes on you,” remarked Plead. “We’re not far from it. You’re right.”
Finally, thought Terry, leaning back. With any luck, Hux’s ship would arrive before much longer and take them home. Ysa and Ludo could be with their son again, and things could go back to normal. After the farm gets rebuilt, he reminded himself.
Terry still wasn’t sure what he would do once that was finished, though. Would he stick around and live the quiet farmer’s life with his friends or would he take Hux up on his offer to travel the world? In truth, he’d be happy with either scenario. Maybe I’ll do both, he thought, watching the trees as the cart passed through the forest. I’ll join Hux and then come back. Live the quiet life.
He pictured himself on the deck of the ship, staring out into the sea, observing a new land. Then he imagined himself by the river, lounging under the suns. He could have them both in time, and what a life it would be.
Plead’s cart came through the tree line at the edge of the woods and into a field. The house lay at the peak of a small hill overlooking the beach. Based on the size of the home, Terry wagered they’d have more than enough room. For all its simplicity, it was a nice spot of land. Were it not for the wall to the north, standing less than a quarter kilometer away, he might have suggested they stay.
Terry helped unload the supplies, placing everything into the centermost room of the house. Ludo immediately ran to the kitchen and began sorting through dishes and utensils. He was excited to be in a relaxed setting, it seemed, a familiar smile across his gentle face.
Ysa was still weak, so she went to one of the rooms to rest. She’d slept for most of the trip and would likely continue to do so until her strength returned.
Plead had told them Hux would arrive in a few weeks. Would Ysa be back to normal by then? Terry hoped so. Traveling was dangerous, so it would do them well to have everyone in full health, especially someone like Ysa who could help fight.
After all the supplies had been unloaded and the animals fed, Plead grabbed a few poles from one of the closets. “Shall we catch some fish?” he asked.
“Right now?” asked Terry.<
br />
“There’s no better time. The dock is always swarming with churin. Not very fat, but delicious. You’ll see.”
“Do you fish a lot?” Terry took one of the poles.
“Only when I’m here, but I know a great deal about fish. I’m an expert!” He laughed.
Terry followed the merchant to the dock at the bottom of the hill. The waves heaved back and forth along the beach, reminding him of his time with Hux. He smiled instantly.
Plead stuck some bait on the end of the line, then dropped the hook into the water. He sat with his legs dangling off the edge and took a deep breath. “After so much time on the road, there’s nothing like the sea, is there?”
“It’s nice,” answered Terry, staring out into the water. He followed the horizon, spotting several tiny isles in the distance. His eyes stopped when he saw the border wall. He hadn’t noticed before, but it continued from the land and went far into the ocean, eventually curving north after several kilometers. Wonders never cease.
By the time the suns had set, Plead had caught three fish. Ludo was very pleased with them, and cooked enough to satisfy everyone. Ysa joined them for a few hours around the central fire pit where her husband served a pleasing meal. For a few hours, things felt familiar again, the way they ought to be.
Before it was time for bed, Plead asked Terry to hold on a minute. “I want to give you something,” he said, motioning toward one of the storage rooms. “Hold on, would you?”
Terry agreed, and waited for the merchant to return. When he did, he had an object in his arms, wrapped in an old cloth. “What’s that?”
Plead grinned. “Ever hear of the Carthinians?”
Terry said he hadn’t.
“The Carthinians used to rule the lands across the sea before they were banished. You’ve heard of Lexine, right? There was a civil war there, maybe a hundred years ago. The Carthinians ended up scattered, but most took shelter in Tharosa.”
“That’s great, but what does it have to do with the thing in your hand?”
“The Carthinians were expert craftsmen in the old days, particularly when it came to weapons. They made the finest swords on the planet, you follow? They found a way to take ancient metals and repurpose them. Most folks today, like those priests in the Temple of the Eye—they think the swords are holy. They call them vessels.”
“You mean the ones you can kill a priest with?”
“Sure, that. The Carthinians made them. Only a few weaponsmiths are left who still know the craft, but if you’ve got the supplies and the money, you can find them in Tharosa. I know a lot about these things, you know.” Plead smiled proudly.
“I always wondered where those things came from,” said Terry.
“Those blades can cut through just about anything, but they’re also hard to find. That’s why I keep this one here in the cabin. It’s worth a small fortune.” He removed the cloth, revealing a black piece of metal, glimmering in the afternoon light. “Impressive, isn’t it?”
“Wow,” remarked Terry.
Plead flipped it over a few times, letting him get a good look. “Here,” he finally said, rewrapping it in cloth. “For you.”
“What’s that?” asked Terry.
“The sword. I want you to hold on to it.”
Terry blinked at the blade, shaking his head. “I can’t! Plead, it’s too valuable. Look at it.”
“It’s also useful…and I’m not a warrior. Not like the rest of you.”
“But what if—”
“Will you take it? I’m not giving it to you as a gift. You’re a fighter and this is a weapon. Use it to protect me.” He gave a devilish smile. “We all have our strengths, don’t we? Yours is looking out for me.”
“When you put it like that, I guess it’s true,” said Terry.
Plead handed him the sword. “I’ll get you the sheath so you can carry it without dulling the blade.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Terry muttered, looking down at the priceless weapon in his arms.
As the night came, and everyone went to bed, Terry lay awake, staring into the darkness of his temporary room. For once, he’d chosen to keep himself awake, listening intently to the sounds of the neighboring forest and its activity. As much as he enjoyed this place, it was new. He had to ensure nothing was out there.
He concentrated, pulling in the sounds of the woods and the field and the ocean. He listened to the waves crashing softly against the shore, the insects buzzing on the leaves, the heavy breathing of the haddins outside, still hooked to the cart. The world was alive, even in the middle of the night, but it was nothing new to him.
But that was when he heard it. A different voice from the other creatures, singing out of tune. It came from far away, something buried in the distance.
Kee, kee, kee, it gently cried. Kee, kee, kaa.
Terry filtered more until he had it, clear and present as the rest. A sound unlike any other, like a child crying…or perhaps an engine whirling.
Kee, kee, kee, he heard it say. Kee, kee, kaa.
He didn’t get out of bed or go outside, but instead waited…and listened, clutching the sword Plead had given him. Terry did this for hours until the sound began to fade. Until the light at the edge of the horizon appeared. Until the night had come and gone, and the sound finally faded, replaced by morning birds.
******
The Border
February 19, 2351
Terry and Ludo walked through the forest near their temporary home, their hunting equipment in hand. Plead had noticed a cheche grazing early this morning, telling the others upon his return. Ludo expressed some interest in attaining some fresh meat, as they’d had nothing but grains and fish for the last several days. Terry agreed to accompany him, eager to get some exercise.
Ludo found the tracks exactly where Plead had suggested, then proceeded to follow them north near the wall.
Terry carried a large knapsack full of rope and knives, along with the sword Plead had given him. He’d wrapped the hilt to his hip, allowing access to the blade at any time, should he require it. He wasn’t very adept at using the weapon, but he’d figure it out. Probably. Maybe if he started practicing, he could get a better grasp on the fundamentals.
They followed the trail for nearly three hours, tracking the cheche as steadily as possible. It took them west for nearly half a kilometer, but eventually they found their prey.
The cheche stood beside an old tree, rubbing its neck against the bark, presumably scratching an itch. It did this for several seconds, sticking out its long tongue between each stroke.
Terry debated whether to use his new sword or the knives in his pack, but opted for the larger weapon. He needed to get some practice in with it.
Ludo took out a few of his own throwing knives and readied himself behind one of the trees. The cheche looked distracted, so he gave Terry the signal to attack.
Terry rushed toward the animal, readying the weapon in his hands. He wasn’t entirely sure how to hold it, but decided the optimal position was over his shoulder. Not that it mattered. Swing and hit. That’s all it took, right?
Lunging at the cheche, Terry brought down the sword with a heavy swing. The blade left his hand and flew in the direction of the beast, hitting the tree and falling to the ground. The cheche exploded into a dash, spooked by the commotion.
A small knife cut through the air a few feet beside Terry, piercing the animal’s rear leg and forcing it to the dirt. It rolled in a pile of mud and twigs, letting out a sharp cry. Ludo released another wave of daggers, hitting it in the neck and side. He ran to it, quickly grabbing it by the neck and ending its struggle with one final puncture. The noise stopped instantly, and blood leaked freely from its wounds.
Terry regarded the sword at his feet with some embarrassment. He’d made himself look like a bumbling idiot.
Ludo picked up the weapon and wiped the mud on his boot. “You need to practice. I can teach you.” He handed the sword back to Terry, a forgiving look
in his eyes.
“You know how to use it?”
“The temple guards are trained for years on many weapons. This design is very similar to the one I used to carry. I will show you how.” Ludo put his hand on Terry’s shoulder. “Come, my friend. We have done well today. Let’s return so I can prepare the meat.” He beat his chest, chuckling. “Wait until you taste what I have planned for dinner. You’ll love it. I know it!”
Since they were so far from the house, they decided to field-dress the cheche on the spot, removing its organs and draining most of the blood in order to better preserve the meat. Once they had it clean enough to move, Ludo wrapped the legs and mounted the beast on his back, securing it in place.
They made it home within the hour, and Ludo got to work in the kitchen. Terry helped him further clean and skin the meat, then assisted with the cooking, all despite Ludo’s protests.
The dinner was delicious, though it was hardly surprising. Ludo’s skills in the kitchen were unparalleled. Afterwards, Terry returned to the field, taking his new sword with him.
Ludo followed, calling for him to wait.
“I’m going to practice,” explained Terry.
“Let me show you first,” said the farmer. He asked for the weapon, so Terry relinquished it. “Come with me.”
Ludo led him to a standing tree in the nearby field. It had many branches of varying sizes. “Hold the blade like this,” he said, showing him. “Firm fingers. Next, do you see the curve of the edge?”
Terry nodded.
“This is not for piercing,” explained Ludo. “Some swords are long and thin. Others are fat and wide. This one is curved and sharp on its whole edge. You must slice with it.” He motioned for Terry to stand back, then raised the weapon to his side, keeping the sharper edge away from him. “Stand like this, and then move in close.”
“Don’t you want to stay away from whoever’s attacking?”
