Dragon Wave

by Valerie Emerson

  “Not Tommy Grey?” Jack leaned forward to look at the creature with renewed interest.

  “That’s him. We can’t help but impact the ecology here, but we stay as green as we can. The Greys are better than personal vehicles. When we expand the colony, we’ll have electric trains for travel and shipping between settlements.”

  “He’s on all the committees.” Nada patted Ephraim’s shoulder.

  “Not all of them,” Ephraim protested, but she just laughed at him. After a moment, he joined in, but some tension rose between them.

  Jack didn’t seem to notice; he was leaning in closer now, telling Ephraim about a dog he’d had as a boy. Julia sat back and listened while she watched the buildings grow larger.

  Their visit was sanctioned by Earth Fleet, and the message she’d received had made it sound urgent. Yet, from the moment they’d landed, they hadn’t said a word about why they were there. She was glad to see her friends, but the odd silence and the tension she sensed said this was more serious than she’d thought.

  The Grey slowed just before it entered the city, matching the pace of the pedestrians. The outside buildings were prefabricated and decorated with mechanical parts and chunks of metal that recalled the buildings of Old Geneva. Stained glass was very popular. Most of the windows were decorated in abstract patterns. Some had images such as birds or Greys, each of them unique. In a city of identical buildings, the people had done what they could to personalize their homes.

  They stopped at a restaurant to pick up meals, then turned onto a quieter street leading away from the center of the city. They took a winding route, eating their hot sandwiches and taking in the sights. Still, Julia noticed how they danced around the subject of their visit and focused on telling stories or reminiscing about the old days when Geneva was first founded.

  She didn’t miss the way Ephraim kept looking over his shoulder. He seemed to pretend it was to look at her or Jack, but his eyes were aimed at the street behind them. Julia raised her eyebrows. He pretended not to see.

  “I think we lost them,” she said drily when he looked back one more time. He winced.

  “You can never be too sure. Please be patient with us. We’ll explain everything when we get where we’re going.”

  She thought that must be soon; she could see the spire of her old house not far ahead. Emotions unexpectedly filled her heart. That had been her first home with Cor. She wished he was with her now.

  Ephraim made a sharp right turn and left Old Geneva behind.

  “Where are we going?” Jack asked.

  They didn’t answer. Picking up speed on their way through the streets, Nada took over the ‘tour’ as she identified different buildings and talked about future plans. Julia tried to relax and pay attention, yet every time Ephraim looked over his shoulder, she had to resist the urge to look back as well.

  They left the city and entered the forest. There was no road to speak of; instead, they wound their way between the trees, the Grey following an invisible path without any guidance.

  They stopped next to a huge tree covered in a blue hanging moss. The whole affair was larger than most houses Julia had lived in. The Grey padded forward, but before its nose brushed the moss, it parted, revealing a split in the trunk large enough to contain their vehicle.

  Once inside, Julia spotted an opening in the ground at the far end. She jumped down and walked over for a closer inspection. A smooth-walled tunnel led down into the earth at a gentle slope, illuminated by a soft white light.

  “This is the reason we invited you. It was better to show you right away, before too many New Genevans learned of your presence.” Ephraim unharnessed the Grey. It licked his hand and curled up on the ground with a huff.

  “Why the secrecy?” she asked.

  “A lot of traders come through here. Some of them deal in information, and not all of them are loyal to Earth. We think it best to keep this place a secret, at least for now.”

  Ephraim led them into the tunnel. At first, she thought the curved walls had been cut from stone, but when she ran her hand over the surface, it felt far too smooth to be cut from natural earth.

  “We found this tunnel not long after you left. We haven’t been able to identify the substance. It won’t chip, and we can’t find its power source. We don’t even know how old it is. It baffles every instrument we bring down here.”

  “It feels very old.” Julia continued studying the strange material.

  “I agree, though Ephraim doesn’t feel it as strongly.” Nada stopped; they had reached the end of the tunnel. A solid metal door blocked their way. Nada pressed her hand to the sensor plate on the wall. Something heavy shifted inside and the door slid open, revealing the space beyond.

  A low-ceilinged room stretched out a dozen meters from the end of the tunnel, the walls lined with instruments and workstations. When Nada stepped inside, the walls came to life with moving images and glyphs.

  “What is all this?” Julia asked.

  “If you go through that far door, you’ll find our archaeology project. There are dozens of buildings under the forest, maybe hundreds of them. This planet was inhabited a long time ago, but something happened to make them leave. They left some devices behind, but not a single skeleton. Assuming they were a species that would leave skeletons,” Nada explained.

  Ephraim nodded. “The things we found seem to be nothing more than trinkets. They generate light or work as communication devices, but our engineers have been able to study them and make a few breakthroughs in our own technology.”

  “The most interesting thing about them is their limited use,” Nada added. “Only the Enhanced and a handful of engineers can make the artifacts work. I suspect Mystic abilities are required.” She picked up a pyramid small enough to fit in the palm of her hand and handed it to Julia. “Hold this for a moment.”

  Julia accepted the trinket and nearly dropped it when a chill shot up her arm. The pyramid crusted over with a cold blue crystal. It began to grow over her fingers, and Nada plucked it from her hand. The growth turned to dust and she brushed off her hands.

  “I’m sorry about that, it usually grows much more slowly. It works for Ingram, but not for Sophie or Kenzie, our other engineers.”

  “Maybe he’s got Mystic potential. Has he ever tested for the talent?” Julia scrubbed her hands together. They still felt prickly and cold.

  “He says no, but we don’t know how to test for the ability.”

  “Jack, you went through the testing. Do you think you could test Ingram?”

  There was no answer. Julia turned toward her friend. He’d wandered over to one of the walls. He had his hand pressed to one of the images, one that could have been a winged snake or a very abstract dragon.

  “Jack?” she repeated.

  “What’s the Astral Plane like down here?” He was frowning at the wall like it was an especially annoying puzzle. He’d missed the crystal generator entirely. “Let me guess. The walls glow and there’s working technology in it.”

  “How did you know?” Ephraim had gone pale. “Who have you been talking to?”

  “No one. I don’t know about your gadgets, but these walls, these symbols…this was on Amadeus. A Pirr tried to kill us over a gadget we found there. Did you find anything like a cylinder with gold rings around it?”

  “Nothing like that, no. All the technology we found is in this room,” Nada answered.

  “It was the only technology we found on Amadeus. I’d like to know why the Pirr want it so badly.”

  Ephraim beamed. “Then it is lucky we called you when we did. We need you to bring us to Earth with the data we’ve collected. Our team would be glad to look at this device while we are there.”

  “We also wish to help against the Pirr. They hide behind criminals who murder our kind. We found weapons that may help the Mystics protect themselves.”

  Nada stepped to the nearest table and picked up a blade shaped like a crescent moon with a grip that spanned the inside cu
rve. When she held it up, the edge glowed silver.

  Julia moved to Nada’s side to get a closer look. “Is that a weapon?”

  “Yes, and it is one that carries over to the Astral Plane. We’ve never seen anything like it.” The light went out, and Nada returned it to the table. “Our engineers believe they can replicate the weapons, but we don’t have the resources.”

  “We want to be able to protect ourselves as well,” Ephraim added. “What if they decide to attack the colonies? We’re near the outer edge of Earth’s territory. We’re a prime target.”

  “We’ll get you to Earth,” Julia promised. “But first, could you show us around? I want to see this alien city.”

  Ephraim led the way through the far door and into the ancient world.

  Julia was enthralled by the strange images and alien architecture. Jack acted jumpy at first, but he calmed as they walked through the tunnels from one building to the next. Ephraim offered some theories as to what the buildings were, emphasizing that they were only guesses. They hoped to get the writing deciphered on Earth.

  After the tour, Julia and Jack helped pack up the devices that would be coming back with them. She held the crescent blade and watched it glow, the edges crackling with tiny silver lightning bolts. She could feel her strength going into the blade, and she soon figured out how to limit the feed, then cut it off altogether.

  She felt a little pang when she put the weapon away with the others. She already felt attached to it after holding it for only a few moments. Maybe she could get one of her own, once the engineers made more.

  Once they returned to the city, Julia walked the familiar streets with Jack and met with old friends. They set up a public testing event, implying that this was the official reason for their visit.

  Ingram was the first of the Old Genevans to come through. Julia watched as the flame-haired man sat down facing Jack, a nervous smile on his face.

  “Nada says we need to know if I can do Mystic stuff, and if that’s why I can make the gadgets run.” He glanced at Julia, who was trying not to hover. “I don’t want to be a Mystic, you know. I like my job.”

  “Don’t worry. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.” Jack held up his hands palm out. “Put your hands to mine and try to empty your mind.”

  “You know that gets harder the more you try to do it?” Ingram put his hands against Jack’s, but his eyes stayed open.

  Jack chuckled. “Just try to relax your mind. Think of a calm ocean or the night sky. Whatever you think of when you’re trying to sleep.”

  “I’ll try.” Ingram closed his eyes, and Jack bowed his head.

  At first, nothing happened. Ingram’s nose twitched from time to time, and once he broke contact with Jack to scrub his face with his sleeve. Jack said nothing, just waited for Ingram to settle back into position and clear his mind.

  Five minutes passed, then ten. Ingram began to breathe in sync with Jack. Julia found herself doing the same and silently laughed at herself. She wasn’t the one being tested!

  Another ten minutes passed, yet nothing happened. She began to think their theory was wrong. Then she heard the hum, a soft reverberation between the men’s hands. It rose in volume until it filled the room. It tickled her mind, tugging at her to enter the Astral Plane.

  Then, it stopped. Jack dropped his hands and smiled at her. Ingram rubbed his eyes and looked around the room, eyebrows furrowed.

  “Did I fall asleep? Sorry about that. I guess I’m not one of you after all.” He stood. “Should I send in the next guy?”

  “I’m sorry to tell you this, but you passed. You almost jumped into the Astral Plane once we got in sync.” Jack clapped Ingram on the shoulder. “You could be one of us.”

  “No thanks. I like being home too much.” Ingram nodded to Julia, then shook Jack’s hand. “I’ll see you two on the flight to Earth.”

  The rest of the day went by in a blur. They took turns administering the test, which was just as tiring as spending hours in the Astral Plane. They took it better than an ordinary Mystic, but they still only got through two dozen subjects before they had to stop for the day.

  It took five days to get through the Old Genevans and the other volunteers. Several people who passed genuinely wanted to become Mystics, so they spent the sixth day helping those people fill out paperwork for the Academy. Most importantly, they confirmed that the devices from the ruins only worked for those with Mystic potential.

  Two weeks after their arrival, they were ready to return to Earth. Nada and Ephraim’s team got onboard Vaughan with the new Mystic students. Julia and Jack didn’t challenge the assumption that those returning to Earth were enrolling in the Academy of Mystics. They settled in for the voyage home, secrets weighing heavily on Julia’s shoulders.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Barbara McNuggen rejoined Earth Fleet two months after her return to Earth. At first, that meant days of questioning that were just this side of interrogations. She told them everything, from the dragons’ blessing to the Mystics’ plans. There was no sense in hiding the truth, it would only do harm in the long run.

  Her honesty helped her, at least. After only a few months as XO on a Solar System patrol boat, she was transferred to the E.F.S. Siren to take the place of its retired captain. After a week on the boat, she wondered if Siren should be retired as well. Its engine was in constant need of repair and she never saw an engineer without a tool in their hand.

  She grimaced when her ship lurched under her captain’s chair again and punched up the line to Engineering on her datapad. A moment later, the Chief Engineer’s face appeared on her datapad screen, painted red by a flashing light behind him.

  “Captain. How can I help you?”

  “What’s going on back there, Alan?”

  “Coolant valve got stuck. We’ve got it under control, Cap.” He grinned. “Never a dull moment, eh?”

  “I prefer my excitement not to come from the engine room. At this rate, Mariana is going to leave us in the dust.”

  Barbara glanced at her tactical display. The colony ship Mariana was matching their speed, which meant they’d noticed the slowdown. She pressed her lips together. Alan was doing his best. Snapping at him would be counterproductive.

  “Doubtful, captain. We’re her escort to Geneva. If she leaves us, no telling what the rats will do to her.”

  His smile was supposed to be reassuring, but it didn’t do any such thing. His mention of the rats—pirates—reminded her of dangers beyond the engine room. At least their weapons were top of the line. Plus, once they got to Earth, an array of shiny new engine parts awaited her ship.

  She swallowed a sigh and stood from her chair. “Noted. Let’s keep her in motion, chief. We’re out of range for Triple-A service.”

  “Aye, Aye.”

  “McNuggen out.” She disconnected the call. “Masters, the bridge is yours.”

  She had half a mind to march to Engineering to inspire some motivation. She thought better of it. She was used to being a part of everything, having spent so long on a five-person crew where everyone pitched in without getting in the way. If she went to Engineering now, she’d just be in the way. She might even make things worse.

  She turned toward the galley. The lunch shift was beginning, and she’d skipped breakfast in favor of a workout. Maybe she’d be calmer about the engine room situation if she had a full belly.

  The galley was already halfway occupied, chatter echoing as if a stadium full of people had been crammed into the small space. She grabbed a tray and found a seat at a mostly empty table. Across and down from her, M1C Dawkins and M2C Koenig were lingering over their mashed potatoes, deep in discussion.

  No one else was at the table, as usual. If Mystics were present, no one would fill the seats if there were any other options. More than once, Barbara had seen a crewperson walk into the galley, see the only empty seat was by Dawkins, and walk back out.

  She didn’t know how to combat that. If she ordered peopl
e to sit with the Mystics, it would only create more resentment, making everyone uncomfortable and damaging morale. One of her leadership challenges was how to bring the crew closer to their Mystics.

  “Good day, Mike. Mack,” she greeted, using the casual pronunciation of their ranks. They both looked startled, then Koenig smiled at her.

  “Hello, Captain McNuggen. How’s your day going?”

  “As expected. The way I like it.”

  Dawkins chuckled. “Same here. If I can go a day without surprises, I call that a good day.” He stood, and Koenig followed.

  “Don’t leave on my account.” Barbara gestured at the table. “There’s plenty of room.”

  “We appreciate it, but we’ve got work to do, and these seats will be needed in a moment. Have a good afternoon, captain.”

  “Same to you.” Barbara turned her focus to her food. It was surprisingly good; she’d missed the simple things like meatloaf and coffee out on the edge of everything. She was just digging into her pudding when she heard a word whispered behind her.

  Brainwashed.

  She put her fork down and listened, sipping her coffee slowly.

  “She spent years with them. They did something to her. She used to see what freaks they were,” the hushed voice continued. “Now she’s friendly with them?”

  “Maybe it’s their powers. They forced her to like them.” A second voice joined in, slightly louder than the first. “They’ll do it to all of us, one at a time.”

  “It could be easier to explain than that. You’ve heard of Stockholm Syndrome, right? They kidnapped her, forced her to be their pilot. After a while, she started identifying with them. It’s that simple,” a third person spoke up.

  Barbara clenched her teeth. She set down her coffee cup before she spilled it. She’d heard those whispers before, back at HQ, but she hadn’t expected it on board her own ship. She got up and turned around, nailing the gossips with a glance. They were huddled at the end of the table behind her, leaning in close like the conspirators they were.