‘Solar powered. You can call me Kade,’ offered the woman from the driver’s seat, in her first attempt at friendliness.
Sherise smiled. ‘I am Sherise and my friend is called Bree.’
‘Charmed,’ their guide drawled. She pointed ahead with a long, blunt finger with unvarnished nail. ‘Hang on, I need to make up time, I’m running late.’
Sherise gripped the sides as the vehicle raced forward. The harsh countryside reminded her of the land surrounding Maaka’s lair in the Fallen City where, at this moment, he could be assembling his army and formulating plans for a strike against his enemy.
Oh, goddess Cercis, why can I not forget him? I must maintain focus. Concentrate on securing safety for those who wish to stay and ensure our ship is repaired. That is what is important. Not some man with the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.
Their guide reduced the vehicle’s speed as they entered the city. Sherise’s mouth twisted as she observed the contrast between the elegance of the city and the deprivations endured by the Freebers and the Lycaneans.
The vehicle rounded another corner and slowed as it crawled through a parkland. Here, people lounged on chairs, chatting with friends or partaking of food. Over to her right, on a raised dais, another group of people were playing various musical instruments.
The melody brought Maaka to mind.
Sherise closed her eyes and visualised him, sitting cross-legged, his long tanned fingers moving with gentle precision along the wooden flute. A sudden sense of loss clutched her throat. She blinked away a sheen of tears and held her head a little higher.
Several sectons later, the vehicle turned onto a street lined with brownstone buildings and halted.
Kade turned around and jabbed her elbow in the direction of the closest cube shaped building. ‘This is it. I’ve got about thirty minutes before I’m on duty. Let’s not waste any time. I’ve still got to eat.’
‘It is different from the other dwellings,’ said Sherise, climbing out of the vehicle.
‘Of course it is. This is for the ordinary folk,’ Kade snorted and reached the doorway in two long strides. A simple twist of the knob and the door swung wide.
No code, no lock.
Kade disappeared inside.
Bree rolled her eyes and followed. Sherise bit back a grin and entered to find their hostess drumming her fingers against the framework of yet another door.
‘Here’s where you’ll bunk down. Sorry Bree, but your room is down the end of the hall. There’s a bunch of us who rent these quarters, so you’ll have to get used to waiting in line to use the bathroom. Oh, and mind you limit your water usage. We’re all on a budget and luxuries cost.’
Sherise poked her head through the doorway. It was small, with a narrow bunk neatly covered with a woven blanket of dark grey, one chest of drawers, and a single chair. It reminded her of her cabin on the Quinnie.
‘It is more than adequate. We thank you, Kade, for giving up your home to offer us shelter.’ Sherise gave her a warm smile.
‘Yeah, well, I get extra privileges for the effort.’ The woman twitched her shoulders, her cheeks stained red, and mumbled something under her breath as if unused to appreciation. But her, ‘This way,’ was muttered in a less frosty manner. She pointed out the idiosyncrasies of the plumbing in the bathroom and recited instructions for use of the kitchen.
‘Got all that?’ Hands on hips, she drilled them with her eyes which, now that she had shoved her eyeshades onto the top of her head, were seen to be a soft green-grey. ‘This is strictly an all-female quarters. No men allowed.’
Sherise murmured agreement and wondered how far away her warriors were stationed. She had a feeling it was a lot further than the Commander had anticipated. But it would be good to have a respite from Kondo and his prickly moods.
Kade prowled over to a cupboard and yanked out a slab of bread. She grabbed a knife from a drawer and hacked off a slice.
‘Help yourself,’ she mumbled through a mouthful. ‘Sorry for the rush. I guess I was a bit rude, but the last thing I expected today was to be given babysitting duties.’ She stabbed a finger in the air, told them to be back at the house well before curfew, and rushed out the door. It slammed shut with such force, platters rattled.
‘Whew! What a whirlwind,’ said Bree. She headed over to the counter and inspected the bread. ‘I’m starved. Let’s have something to eat.’
‘Agreed.’ Sherise placed a platter on the table. And afterwards, they’d explore the city.
Chapter 16
In Sherise’s opinion, the city was perfection.
She approved of the perfectly aligned buildings, the smooth, even pavements, the absence of litter, the tidy rows of boxed hedges and rectangular flower beds, the neatly dressed citizens in their colourful garments. Apparently, the workers, servants and militia were the only ones outfitted in a uniform colour. They either wore the same beige pants and long-sleeved tunic their guide had worn or the olive-green uniform of the militia that had formed the greeting party when they’d first landed. Few vehicles traversed the wide streets. Some citizens zoomed along on solar powered hover boards. But little other noise disturbed the tranquil quiet.
‘It is so peaceful here.’ More than peaceful, it gave the impression of an idyllic life. So why did a prickle of unease skim across her shoulderblades? There was no evidence of violence or chaos or discontent and yet her senses urged caution. Was it because of what she’d overheard Maaka telling Kondo? But how much was truth and how much had been twisted to gain support for his cause?
‘There’s a temple up ahead,’ said Bree.
Sherise joined her friend and examined the map of the city which was engraved onto a wide metal pole. An X marked their current location. On every street corner stood a similar post, eliminating the possibility of anyone losing their bearings. Beneath the map were details of the curfew which curtailed all activity after nightfall, as well as orders reminding the citizens of holy days. In large, bold letters at the end of the text it read:
ALL EXPLORATION AND TRAVEL IS FORBIDDEN BEYOND THE CITY WALLS.
‘I suppose this order is to ensure the people remain safe and protected from the tikkas.’ Even though the law made perfect sense, she twitched her shoulders.
‘As well as protecting them from your new buddy, Maaka.’
‘He is not my buddy.’
‘Hah! I’ve got eyes.’
Sherise took a step back and stared along the street. ‘I cannot see the location of the Board’s Headquarters.’
‘Maybe it’s in a different part of the city.’ Bree yawned.
‘Dyrke said we would be quartered close by.’
‘Well, I guess he got his wires crossed. I can’t see that it matters. Kade will take us there tomorrow morning.’
‘True.’ Sherise studied the map again. She placed her finger on a particular street that had caught her attention. ‘This building is marked as Government Archives. Bree, perhaps the history of your world is stored here. We could find confirmation of all we have been told by both the Corporation and Maaka.’
‘Maybe. Don’t forget that old saying, that the winners write the history.’
‘Actually, I had forgotten. But if you know what you are looking for, sometimes the truth can be found hidden in the lies.’ She turned to her friend. ‘At the very least, we should uncover details on these people’s technology. I’ve also asked the Commander to request information on all the passengers’ families. Perhaps there are descendants alive here in the city.’
‘Everyone is dead. You’re wasting your time chasing ghosts.’
‘But perhaps the descendants would welcome our friends into their homes and their lives.’
‘It won’t make up for what they’ve lost.’ Bree looked away. ‘You know what? Do you mind going it alone today? I’m absolutely beat.’
‘Oh Bree, I’m so sorry. I had forgotten you’ve had little sleep.’ Sherise squeezed her friend’s hands, noticing for the first time the
dark smudges beneath Bree’s eyes. ‘Would you like me to come back with you?’
‘No. I’d like some alone time, if that’s okay. It’s been a hectic couple of days.’
Sherise pulled her into a hug. ‘Any time you need to talk …’
‘Yeah, I know.’ Bree slipped out of her arms and gave a wan smile. ‘Let me know if you find anything.’ Without a backward glance, Bree marched back the way they’d come.
Sherise stared after her retreating friend. She’d been insensitive speaking of families and descendants to Bree, knowing her friend was still grieving. Should she follow her? No, I should respect Bree’s privacy and give her the space she needs. Besides, another day is almost past and we have found nothing of use to aid us.
She glanced up to the sun, slightly blurred by the dome’s shielding. Still two hours of daylight left; more than enough time to examine the archive building. If she was denied entrance, then with the goddess Cercis, on her side, she would discover a way inside.
Decision made, she set off in the opposite direction. Before long she spied the towering structure with its wide flight of white, concrete steps leading up to the front door. She paused and glanced casually up and down the road. No sign of any militia patrolling the front of the building or anywhere on the long narrow street, but she spotted black bowl-shaped objects placed in strategic positions on top the many posts which lined both sides of the street, like sentries.
Vid-cams. Interesting. Then they have artificial intelligence of some description. Somewhere in that building, images would be streaming live and someone would be watching. Recording every move she made. Had her actions attracted the attention of any security guards? She heard no sirens, no tramp of military boots. But then why should they? An archive building would surely not be off-limits, even to visitors.
Unless the Corporation had something to hide.
The entrance door slid open. A man clad in white with shoulder-length grey hair strolled out and wandered down the street, rolls of long cylinders held under his arms. He nodded as he passed, seemingly undisturbed by her presence.
Reassured, Sherise ran up the steps, crossed the wide concrete platform and peered through the darkened glass into the building beyond. The huge vestibule was empty. She walked to the door but it remained closed. Despite her careful examination, she could see no code panel nor lock. She raised her head.
Aah. A black vid-cam fixed to the lintel monitored the entrance. She waited. Still nothing. Now what was she going to do? She was positive the archives she sought would be housed within.
She frowned, walked down the steps and along the street, now noticing how every building had vid-cams, along with the ones sitting atop each light post. She remembered seeing one above the door of Kade’s house too.
The city was under strict surveillance. Why?
Suddenly, she was determined to get inside the archive building. Maybe a back entrance. Her stride quickened. No one built a dwelling without another avenue of escape. She shivered as she passed into the shadows cast by the building.
Her nape tingled. She reached the next corner and stopped before the pole. Another black vid-cam was bolted to the top. She pretended to study the map as she slid a glance in both directions.
There.
Four buildings down on her port side, there was a movement in a doorway, as if someone was pressed against the wall. She was being followed. Her heartbeat kicked into second gear.
Bree? No, she would have hailed her. Neither would it be one of their crew members, for they also would have greeted her. She stared into the shadows for another secton, no more, just long enough for her to recognise a man’s silhouette.
Security—alerted by her furtive movements in front of the archive building? Sherise hastened down one narrow lane, then another. Not bothering to check her co-ordinates, she was anxious to put as much distance as possible between her and whoever it was that dogged her footsteps. A quick glance behind showed the area to be clear. Relief flooded her. She pressed a hand against her heaving breasts, took a step forward and tripped over something laying on the ground. Pain twinged up her leg. Bending to rub her still sore ankle, she noticed a rag effigy next to her foot. With its woollen yellow hair, clothed in a white tunic, it resembled a figurine of a child. Sherise picked it up, turning it over in her hands. The back was scorched black by fire. When she held it close and sniffed, the acrid smell stung her nostrils.
Burnt recently.
By who? Could it have been used in a ritual of some kind? She wished Bree was with her. Her friend could always be relied upon to offer imaginative suggestions. Or, perhaps it was merely the possession of a young girl who had thrown it away, tired of her toy. But what child burns her playthings?
Footsteps.
Sherise tilted her head to the side and concentrated. Faint, but the sound was quite distinct in the quiet streets.
Militia?
She ran to the end of the lane, the doll clutched tight in her hand. Ahead she saw a wide open space of concrete, empty of people but studded with boxes in which white flowers bloomed. On the opposite side stood a temple.
It could not be anything else.
With a domed roof and many white pillars supporting a large portico, it shone stark in the bright sunlight. Sherise shaded her eyes and squinted. The doors were open.
Within sectons she had crossed the space, passed into the striped shadows cast by the jungle of pillars and then crossed the threshold into the foyer. Wide double doors opened to reveal a large rectangular hall lit only by candles, full to bursting with kneeling people, their heads bowed. Silence hung thick in the air. This explained the lack of activity on the streets outside.
A winding staircase rose to the levels above on both sides of the foyer. Beneath each staircase were doors bolted shut, the candlelight glinting off metal padlocks. And in every strategic corner were vid-cams attached to the walls.
Stay, or try to elude her hunter in the streets? Sherise chewed her lower lip.
‘Peace, my friend,’ intoned a quiet voice.
On the lower steps of one of the staircases stood a mature woman, clad in long white robes with her arms folded across her chest within her long sleeves. The woman smiled a welcome. Lines crinkled about the corners of the eyes of a face not beautiful, but sharp, with well-defined bones and smooth pale skin. The woman’s light brown hair was streaked with white and cut short, feathered to frame her face and long neck. With her eyes lowered, head slightly bowed, she gave the appearance of a humble, self-effacing woman, eager to please.
Sherise returned the smile in full measure and inclined her head. She indicated the worshipers. ‘Forgive me, if I have intruded.’
The other accepted the apology with a faint flicker of eye lashes, her lips remaining curved.
Sherise raised her brows. Not the action of a woman of low status.
‘You are of the Star People.’
Sherise murmured an assent and the other continued in a low reflective tone as if speaking to herself, ‘Odd. I do not perceive anything special about your person.’
Good, then you cannot see who I really am.
‘I am merely one of many.’
Perfect white teeth were revealed in a wide smile, as if she found Sherise’s response amusing. ‘Now why do I doubt your words?’ The woman changed the subject with smooth precision. ‘You find our temple to your liking?’
‘It is lovely, but cold.’
‘This is true. However, I believe you would find peace in our rituals. Why not stay awhile? There are many women who have given their lives to the Order of the Pure. You would be most welcome.’
‘I thank you for the offer. I will consult with our Commander and consider your words,’ said Sherise.
The priestess laughed and the sound grated over Sherise like the scratching of claws on flexiglass.
‘I see you have returned an offering to our temple.’ The woman stepped off the staircase, crossed the floor and grasped the doll, tugging it fr
ee from Sherise’s grip. ‘This is most gracious of you.’
Offering? So they did burn effigies. A pagan ritual long outlawed in the Seven Galaxies.
‘Would you care to look further?’ The woman took a step backward, her arms fell to her sides and she indicated the closest staircase. ‘The ritual of silent communion with our gods is under way, but I can show you the first floor foyer. There are many paintings and sculptures which you may find interesting.’
‘Thank you. I am called Sherise.’ Better to keep her full title to herself for a while longer.
The woman raised her head and met her eyes. The cool assessment Sherise read in their pale-blue depths chilled her flesh.
‘High Priestess and I am addressed only as ma’am.’
Heat flamed over her cheekbones as Sherise followed the priestess up the stairs, but she forgot her discomfort as soon as she stood in the reception area above. Here, a mixture of paintings and sculptures of great antiquity and constantly changing holograms dominated the white room. All showed various poses of animals and men writhing in agony on the ground, pinned down by an enormous foot with three clawed toes. The pictures were graphic, with displays of lurid violence portrayed in black and white and only the splashes of bright, red blood relieving the bleak scenes.
She tore her gaze away to find the woman watching her, an avid expression on her face. Her aura was shrouded in a murky, grey fog. What secret did she guard?
The priestess said, ‘To remind all of us of the futility of war.’
There was a note in the priestess’s voice that disturbed Sherise and she fiddled with her tunic. ‘Where I come from, we have displays of the beauty of nature, planets and stars and of families living together in harmony. This gives us hope.’
‘Our race, the Purideans, is from the purest lineage. We do not require hope.’
‘Yet you still pray to your gods.’
Quest For Earth Page 18
