I’m certain of it.
That’s something at least. When the others looked at Seb, he elaborated, We must be on the right track if the thing’s being guarded.
Bruke wore his usual frown of anxiety and shrugged. So what do we do? How do we fight something we can’t see?
Silence followed as they all watched Sparks work on her computer. She manipulated the map, pulling it back to give them a wider view of Kajan. It showed the cluster of red dots that were the thousands of enraged slaves. They’re not close enough to be a problem, she said.
Yet, Reyes said.
After nodding her small head, Sparks agreed. Yet. As soon as we go out in that square, the noise of the fight will draw them straight to us.
After a look at his friends, none of them offering anything useful, Seb returned his attention to Sparks. So what do we do?
Although she didn’t speak, Sparks brought up a screen on her tablet that made no sense to him. A mess of lines, it looked like a complex network of cables all running their own path to somewhere he couldn’t see. Her fingers blurred as they flew across the screen’s surface. He heard it before she said anything: a deep bass boom coming from what sounded to be monstrous speakers. It was far away.
Sparks pulled her map up again so they could see the cluster of red dots. They were running towards the noise. They have a flagship casino that hosts a lot of events. Fights, concerts, sports matches … I’ve just turned the sound system up full. It should buy us some time. When she brought her screen back to the square, she showed them the blue dots hadn’t moved. They must have strict instructions to stay put.
Seb still couldn’t see a way around their problem. So the slaves won’t bother us for a while, but that doesn’t suddenly make those guards visible.
Sparks, Reyes said, can you orchestrate the battle from the alley? We can’t see the guards, but you can tell us where they are if we go out there.
Seb joined the others in staring at Reyes. When she looked back at them, she raised her eyebrows. Unless you have any better ideas?
Nothing.
Reyes pointed out into the square. If we pretend we can’t see them, I reckon we could go out there and walk down another alley. We could get them to follow us. Once we’ve drawn them out of position and lured them into a tighter space, we could open fire. We can make the environment work for us.
Bruke this time: You think that’ll work?
It’s the best I’ve got, Reyes said.
The others looked at Seb. He thought about it for a second before nodding. It’s the best we’ve got.
Chapter 29
Where the change from the dark tunnels to the brighter alley had momentarily blinded Seb, the square looked like it would do the same. It raised the brilliant glare another notch, and just peering into it made his eyes sting. Hopefully he wouldn’t fall over any of the scores of dead bodies littering the ground. Just before he stepped out with Reyes by his side, he looked back at Sparks. It took a second for her to lift her attention from her screen. You ready?
No.
Do you need more time?
I need a better idea.
Butterflies did backflips in Seb’s stomach as he stared at her. Really?
Sparks then batted him away with a wave of her long hand. Just get on with it, yeah? I know this is the best plan we’ve got. Wishing it wasn’t won’t change that. I’ll do my best.
It took for Reyes to shove Seb out into the square to kick-start him into action. She quickened her pace to catch up with him, and they fell into stride, staring straight ahead at the alley they were heading for.
Vulnerable in the glow of the main plaza, Seb imagined the eight guards watching them and resisted the urge to look across at the Pillar of Peace. If they blew their cover, they’d be filled with holes in seconds. Instead, he divided his attention between where they were heading and the ground, the finer details of the corpses’ mutilation hidden to him because of the dazzling lights around them.
The disco Sparks had started sounded louder in the open space. A baseline boom called through the city. It unsettled the beat of Seb’s hammering heart. It sounded like the monotone thud could go on forever; hopefully it would hold the slaves for as long as they needed it to.
They’d agreed they’d only speak if absolutely necessary. Sparks needed to have control of their communication. She came through to them, her tone soft as she clearly tried to help them keep their heads. They’re moving towards you slowly. I can’t be certain, but judging by their gradual approach, I’d say they still think they have the advantage. I don’t think you should stay out in the open for too long. All it will take is for one of those eight to lose their head and open fire. Just stick with the plan and you might have a chance of making it out of here.
The closest alley still a couple of metres away, Seb did his best to centre himself as he walked. It probably looked unnatural for him and Reyes to be silent, so he said, “How are we going to get out of here?” Before Reyes could reply, he added, Just say anything. I want the guards to think we don’t know they’re there.
“I’m not sure. Not with all those lunatics running through the streets. Do you think we can find a ship somewhere?” A wooden performance at best, hopefully the guards’ lack of familiarity with Reyes made it sound passable.
Sparks came through again. They’re following you a little bit quicker than before. I think they can see you’re going to disappear from sight any second now. Keep it up.
The desire to run sent a series of twitches streaking through Seb’s legs. They dared him to break into a sprint. A deep breath, he focused on moving at a slow pace. Unable to resist looking at the Pillar of Peace, he turned in the direction of the milky-green jade monument. Although Sparks had described it to him, he couldn’t appreciate its magnificence. At least three metres tall, it stood in the middle of the square. Because it was lit up from every side, it had four shadows.
They’ve stopped, Sparks said. They must think you’ve seen them.
“No matter how many times I see the Pillar, I can’t even get over how beautiful it is,” Seb said, fighting to keep the warble from his voice. A look up its long and thick shaft, he added, “I’m not sure I could even name all the religious symbols on there.”
Less successful than Seb had been, Reyes’ voice shook as she played the game. “I’m not sure any of those religions are about now. You know what this galaxy’s like for fads and how quickly they change. I would guess the majority of them are defunct.”
The end of Reyes’ words echoed in the alley as they stepped into it. The shadow created by the close walls helped Seb relax ever so slightly. Anything had to be better than the spotlight glow of the square.
Reyes threw a quick glance at Seb, her eyebrows raised. I suppose this is it, then?
Before he could reply, Sparks said, They’ve sped up; they’re following you in.
Seb rested his palm against the cold metal handle of his blaster. It took all he had to not turn around and face them. How many?
Five.
And the other three?
Staying by the pillar. I’ll count you down from three. Three …
A quickening of his pulse, Seb drew a breath to bring his world into slow motion.
Two …
Because Seb didn’t know if the creatures could see them yet or not, he refrained from looking at Reyes.
One.
Seb and Reyes spun around and opened fire. Both of them released a barrage of green blasts, the shadowy alley lit up by their rapid assault. Although he knew the guards to be there, it still looked strange to see the blasts halt when they hit solid air.
What must have been thirty to forty shots hit the invisible wall in front of them. The second Seb saw one of his blasts fly out into the square beyond, he lowered his aim and watched them sink into something on the ground.
Sparks then said, Stop! They’re all down. Their dots have gone off.
Seb rode his quickened breaths and watched SA and B
ruke emerge from the alley opposite. Although Sparks’ voice came through to him, he knew it to be directed at them.
About one metre to the left of the monument.
Despite having a blaster on her hip, SA threw just one knife.
Seb ran to the end of the alley to see if it hit its target.
By the time Seb stepped out into the square—standing on the pile of dead guards as he passed over them—he saw the knife SA had thrown. He jumped when she sent a series of shots into the downed guard. Now she’d tagged it, she had to make sure she finished it.
A pool of blood at his feet, Seb stepped away from the guards they’d killed and heard Sparks again.
The last two are coming right at you, Bruke, she said. Seb watched Bruke open fire, spraying blasts out in front of him and spinning on the spot as he did so.
When a line of green laser fire came his way, Seb jumped back over the dead guards and into the alley he’d just stepped from. Bloody hell, Bruke!
Turn left, Bruke, Sparks said.
He turned right.
The other left.
He turned right some more.
As much as Seb wanted to help, friendly fire pinned him and Reyes in the alley. Bruke, what are you playing at?
But he didn’t reply. He’d clearly lost his head.
Sparks then shrieked, Help!
The shrill call rang through Seb’s skull. He looked across the square to see she’d been lifted from the ground and was being carried away.
As the closest, Bruke ran into the alley after her. At least it stopped him shooting. The slowest in the group, he found a burst of speed before he jumped over the top of the small Thrystian and spread his arms wide.
It did the job, Sparks falling from having been dropped. But the two guards grabbed Bruke instead, lifting him from his feet.
Before Sparks could open fire, a force field exploded to life between her and the invisible guards. She shot it all the same, her blasts ineffective against the yellow-tinged barrier.
Bruke yelled, “Help!”
Seb, Reyes, and SA ran across the square to join Sparks. They all opened fire on the force field. It remained strong against their onslaught, and Bruke vanished from their sight.
The panic of the past few minutes had left Seb breathless. Pains streaked through his tight chest. He panted as he said, Bruke, we’ll find you. Just tell us where you’re going.
It’s too late, Bruke said.
What?
At that moment, an engine started up and the whooshing sound of a booster flew through the streets so loudly it drowned out the baseline from the casino. A ship then thrust into the sky at a forty-five-degree angle, an orange tail of flame behind it. It glowed like a comet against the night.
Don’t worry, Bruke, we’ll find you.
Bruke didn’t respond.
Seb looked at Sparks. “Where are they taking him?”
While shaking her head, Sparks kept her focus on her tablet. “I don’t know. They’ve got something on that ship that’s stopping me tracking it. I don’t think he can hear us either.”
Reyes leaned over her and looked at the tablet. “Zinconium?”
“That’s my guess.”
Seb dragged his hair back from his forehead. “Then how are we supposed to find him?”
The sound of the casino pounded through the streets, louder because of the silence from his friends.
Chapter 30
The silence only lasted for a few seconds, but it felt like much longer, even with Seb allowing for his current slow-motion view. Sparks finally broke it. “My guess is that Enigma have taken him.”
The four of them huddled in the dark alley. They watched the force field that had prevented them from saving their friend vanish as if it had never been there. Seb shrugged. “So we continue with our plan and hopefully find Enigma and then Bruke through that?”
Sparks’ eyebrows rose in the middle, and she winced an apology. “It’s the best I’ve got.”
As he let go of a sigh, Seb’s entire body sagged. “Too many plans are the best we’ve got rather than the best plan.” Before Sparks could defend herself, he raised a halting hand at her. “That’s not a criticism, just an observation.” When he looked at the others, none of them offered anything better. “I’d say it’s the best any of us have.” Both SA and Reyes dropped their focus to the ground as if to confirm his assertion.
As their leader, Seb needed to keep them moving. “We can’t give up hope for Bruke’s safety,” he said. “Sparks is right, nothing’s changed. We still need to find Enigma and, hopefully, that means we’ll find him too.”
Only a slight lift in those around him, but slight had to be better than none. They had something they could hang on to, a path to follow. They had to keep moving forward, and Seb had to lead them. “Is the square clear, Sparks? We’ve definitely killed all the guards?”
It took for that moment for Seb to see the tears in Sparks’ eyes. She pulled her glasses off to wipe them before she put them back on again and flicked through several screens on her computer. “Yep, we’re good to go.”
“And how far away are the slaves?”
“They’re still in the casino.”
The sound of the place continued to call through the city. It had been there all along, but with everything else going on, Seb had stopped hearing it for a time. Because none of the others moved, he led the way back out into the brightly lit square. He ran towards the Pillar of Peace at a jog. The seemingly levitating knife in the downed guard helped him see where the body lay so he didn’t trip over it.
Seb stopped in front of the tall obelisk and looked all the way up its shaft. He pressed his hand to its cold surface and felt one of the many carved images. The shape looked to be the representation of a badger. No idea what sect it belonged to and what they thought about the galaxy, but at least they’d chosen a cool animal to represent them.
His palm resting against the jade, Seb felt a throbbing pulse run through it. Similar to when he healed people, except it came from the stone into him rather than the other way around.
The others appeared at his side, looking the pillar up and down like he had. Their confused frowns suggested they were at a loss for ideas too.
SA shrugged. I’m not sure why I got a vision of this. I don’t know what it means. When she looked at Seb, he turned away. She must know he’d seen it too.
Sparks stepped closer to the monument and picked at it with one of her long fingers. A chip of jade came free and fell to the ground. Seb winced as if he felt the stone’s pain. Despite not having any affiliation to any of the religions represented, they were damaging a sacred monument—probably the only sacred object in the secular city of sin.
It took for Sparks to shine her torch into the hole before Seb saw the different stone inside. It sparkled like a diamond. A red grid replaced the torch’s beam coming from Sparks’ computer. It scanned the stone beneath the layer of jade.
When Sparks pulled away, her attention dropped to her computer as she clearly assessed the results of the scan. Seb pressed the tip of his finger against the translucent and sparkling stone. The second he made contact with it, a rush of images overwhelmed him. A planet covered in the same crystal he currently touched, it had a sprawling palace made from the mineral. It looked like it had grown from the ground rather than been built. On the roof of the place, he saw a lady who looked to be in her sixties. She had white hair that rested against her long flowing robes of the same colour. Her eyes were brilliant green. She looked like an angel, but something about the sight of her twisted anxiety through him. For a moment, he watched her without her knowing, but then she stared straight at him. The radiance of her glare dealt him a physical blow. He gasped and stumbled away from the obelisk.
Two steps back, Seb tripped over the invisible body of the dead guard and landed on his bottom, the hard ground running a skeleton-jarring shock up his spine. As he looked up at the other three, he saw all of them staring down at him, waiti
ng for an explanation. He only had one word. Sparks said it at the same time as him. “Varna.”
Sparks must have gotten the hint that Seb had nothing more to say. Distrust aimed at him, she then looked back down at her computer and read from the screen. “Varna is where this mineral comes from.” She looked back at Seb. “How did you know about it?”
“Just carry on, yeah?” Whatever he’d seen, he couldn’t and didn’t want to explain it. Although he felt SA focus on him with the other two, he refused to look at her, his cheeks burning. She already knew he’d had a vision that he hadn’t shared with her.
Sparks continued. “The mineral’s called stalt. It’s worthless, but it’s been long believed that it can be used for psychic broadcasts. Like an antenna sends out radio waves, stalt does the same for psychic ones. It must have been why the guards were here. They clearly didn’t want anyone getting too close to the pillar. Had Bruke not shot everything but the guards, there wouldn’t have been a chip in the jade and we wouldn’t have found it.” After a moment’s pause in the wake of her mentioning Bruke, she said, “Varna’s not far from here. As a planet, it’s pretty dead. At least, that’s how it looks from the surface.”
The palace and the woman with the green eyes burst into Seb’s mind.
Reyes looked between Seb and Sparks. “You think it’s Enigma’s base?”
“It has to be,” Sparks said. “They need stalt, and that’s where it is. Most of the planet is made from it. It’s the best place to send their commands from. It’s such a worthless planet I didn’t think of it before now.”
A sharp nod, Reyes stood taller than she had since Bruke vanished. “That’s where we need to go, then!”
But we don’t have a ship, SA said.
Her attention back on her computer, Sparks didn’t reply. Instead, she tapped furiously at her screen.
Only a background noise, but when the music in the distant casino stopped, all four of them looked in the direction of it.
“What’s happening, Sparks?” Seb said, the stillness of the planet almost deafening.
Prophecy: A Space Opera: Book Seven of The Shadow Order Page 10
