by Charles Case
“No need to sit on the ground with our guest.” He handed the chairs to Seena and began unfolding the small table.
They set up in the shade, and Seena went back inside to get some drinks.
No sooner had Corbin settled down when a woman stepped out of the trees and nodded to him as she approached.
She was tall, almost as tall as his six-foot-four, but where he was wide and muscular she was narrow and lithe, almost delicate, with thin fingers that poked out of an open gray robe. Under the robe, she wore a skin-tight blue and white bodysuit that reminded Corbin of a non-armored version of Leela. She had long brown hair tied back in a ponytail that bobbed back and forth with each step. He tried to place her age, but couldn't tell if she were in her twenties or a very well maintained middle age.
“Corbin Holt?” she asked, her voice almost a purr.
Corbin stood, his brow rising at her sudden appearance. “That’s right. I assume you are the representative from the Citadel?”
She held out a tanned long-fingered hand. “Shasa, at your service.”
Corbin reached out and they shook. She had a firm grip and made plenty of eye contact. “Shasa. That’s an interesting name. Where does it come from?”
She glanced over his shoulder. “Ah, I see Seena has retrieved some refreshments.”
Corbin turned to see Seena coming out of the OVAL, a pitcher of something translucent brown in one hand and a stack of three glasses in the other.
“Oh, hello. Iced tea?” She held up the pitcher and smiled uncomfortably.
Corbin took the pitcher and glasses to free up Seena's hands. “Seena, let me introduce Shasa. Shasa, Seena.”
The two women shook hands while Corbin poured each of them a drink. All three of them sat and after a few uncomfortable sips of tea, Corbin chuckled.
“Something funny, Major Holt?” Shasa asked, the corner of her mouth rising ever so slightly.
“Sorry, but I have no idea who you, or your organization, are. We’re out here on the run after having a knockdown, drag-out fight with the de facto ruler of the VRC. We’ve found a way to gain superpowers despite the fact that we have been told it’s something genetic that you are either born with or not. And now, we sit here in the afternoon shade sipping iced tea like we’re old friends and you’ve come for a chat about the weather. The system is falling apart and on the verge of annihilation from an invading army that no one but Seena and I knows anything about, and to be frank, if I don't start doing something about it soon, I’m going to go insane.”
The two women stared at him as if he had grown a second head. Corbin frowned and took another sip of tea to fill the silence after his outburst.
Shasa was the first to speak. “Well, you two and Leela and Gert.”
Corbin and Seena’s eyes went wide. “How do you know about them? We haven’t told anyone. Even Lore is in the dark about our companions.” Corbin’s hand tightened into a fist under the table as he readied for action.
Shasa waved a hand dismissively. “There is no need for that, Major. Perhaps I should tell you a little about myself before we move on.”
“That would be a nice change,” Seena quipped.
Nodding, Shasa set down her glass. “I should start by saying I have been here in the VRC for quite some time. Mostly observing, but also intervening when my presence could go unnoticed.”
“You’re not from here?” Seena raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“No. I am from the Citadel.” Shasa held up a hand to forestall the question she knew was coming. “I can't tell you much about it since I have rules to follow, but I can tell you that we are an organization that is looking out for the best interests of many peoples. Humanity, as a whole, is not ready to know about us fully, but you two are a bit of an exception. I have been given permission to speak to the two of you in order to prevent more suffering than is necessary.”
“Well, that’s not cryptic or anything.” Corbin laughed. “What kind of organization would send one representative for a whole system?”
“A powerful one, Major. Let me explain how I know about Leela and Gert, and perhaps you will understand better.”
Shasa stood and smoothed her robes before drawing a deep breath. “Pay close attention.” She closed her eyes and concentrated.
Corbin suddenly developed a mild headache as the air around Shasa began to shimmer. The longer he watched, the more intense the ache. Just as the pain began to make his eye twitch, it stopped and he and Seena sucked in a breath of surprise at what they saw before them.
Standing where Shasa had been was an alien creature of predatory grace. No longer did she have tanned skin. Instead, a thick coat of blue-gray fur covered feline features. Her large eyes opened to reveal vertical slits for pupils. Her nose and mouth now protruded slightly in a cat’s muzzle. Her fingers had sharp claws that retracted into her furry fingertips, and her smile showed off sharp white fangs tucked under thin lips.
“My power is that of mind manipulation. Along with the power to change my appearance in the eyes of others, I have the ability to read minds, to a degree. I was assigned to be an agent of the Citadel because I can flawlessly blend into any culture or people, and extract truths from anyone unaware of my ability to read their minds.”
“You’re a cat!” Seena was leaning back so far that she almost tipped her chair.
Shasa chuckled. “I am of a race similar to your cats, but a little more developed, as you can tell.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude.” Seena’s cheeks turned slightly red with embarrassment. “I didn't know there was anyone out there but us humans.”
“You have an alien entity inside you right now. And if my abilities are working properly, she has shown you the Kubla as well. I would be the third race you’ve encountered.”
Seena bit her lip. “I guess you’re right. But Gert and the Kubla aren’t standing right in front of me.”
Corbin was just as shocked as Seena but he took it a little more in stride due to his many visions with Leela. “If you’ve been watching the VRC for so long, why come to us now?”
Shasa sat and picked up her tea, then sipped before answering. “That is the question, isn’t it? In my time observing this budding culture I have been saddened to see the abuse of power so many of your supers adhere to. I have come back from time to time. Each visit was worse than the last, but it was a natural progression and I am limited on what I may insinuate myself in.
“I began spending time in the supers’ social circles, looking for the good among them. To be sure, there are many who relish their abuse of power, but there are many who find it abhorrent, and I took note of those seeming few.”
Shasa pulled a memory stick from her robe’s pocket and laid it on the table. “This is a list of those who would work to see a change in the status quo. I have listed them in order of importance and power. I believe with the right motivation they would be willing to work with your rebellion. The name at the top of the list is Brast Kessler, the super in charge of much of the manufacture of Lieu Corp’s power armor and heavy weapons frames. I have already approached him, and we have had many discussions about what changes need to happen. I suggest you approach him first.”
Corbin took the memory stick and slotted it into his arm tablet. With a few quick keystrokes he opened the file and began reviewing the names. “This is quite a list, Shasa. You’re sure they’re all sympathetic to our cause?”
“Not all, but the higher on the list the more they are. You will still need to exercise caution when approaching them.”
Seena leaned in, over her small bout of xenophobia. “But, why are you talking to us? Why now?”
Shasa leaned back, a look of concern on her feline face. “Two reasons. First, I should let you know that I believe the universe works to balance the power that exists in it. If evil rises, then a force to oppose it will also rise. This is a tenet that I have lived by all my life, and as of now it has proven to be true.
“That being s
aid, I believe you two are a product of that belief. You are unique in the universe, as far as I can tell.”
Corbin raised one eyebrow. “We are? How so?”
Shasa smiled, showing her fangs. “Of all the beings we have encountered, you two are the only ones who can increase your powers. Of course, all supers have a power curve that starts small then rises to their full potential, but that is it. Once they reach the top, they’re done. But you two can keep increasing, even to the point of gaining new powers. I don't think you appreciate how special that ability is.”
“I don't even have a power yet, beyond just being tougher in general.” Seena shrugged. “How do you know I have the ability?”
“Because Gert knows you do. And, her mind is as open to me as yours.”
Seena was quiet while she and Gert seemed to talk it over.
Corbin frowned. “I agree that we seem to have an ability that’s not exactly common, but unique in the universe? How is it that no one else can do what Leela and Gert can?”
“I don't know.” Shasa shrugged. “But, I know your union is just as unique. Two minds in one body, working together to make you more than just superhuman. That is a power that is just what this situation calls for.”
“And what situation would that be? The rebellion?” Corbin asked.
“The Kubla,” Seena guessed.
“The Kubla,” Shasa confirmed. “We’ve known there is something out at Nhi, but not what it was. Now that I’ve met you four, it’s confirmed. And seeing what plagues Leela and Gert’s minds, I fear it is a threat that would sweep across the galaxy.”
“What are we supposed to do about it?” Corbin frowned. “Leela’s entire race was wiped out by them. How are the two of us supposed to hold back that tide?”
Shasa shook her head. “I don't know, but I have to believe that you can. I will be leaving soon to investigate an anomaly I’ve been monitoring out at Nhi. Hopefully, I will be able to help before the Kubla can escape the gravity well. In the meantime, you two need to work together to gather allies and increase your powers. All I know is that you will be pivotal to the survival of the VRC, and maybe even more if the Kubla are as powerful as Leela and Gert think they are.”
Shasa stood, and offered her hand to both Corbin and Seena. “It was an honor to meet you both. I must go, but I will be in contact as soon as I am able. Until then, work hard, and be willing to make the hard decisions. A lot of lives are hanging in the balance.”
With that, the feline woman gave them a short bow and walked off, soon lost to the trees.
“No pressure, I guess,” Corbin quipped, and downed the rest of his iced tea.
11
Corbin pushed the door of the storage compartment until it clicked shut. He had stowed the table and chairs while Seena took the pitcher and glasses back inside. Glancing at his arm tablet, he saw that there were several missed calls from Ren. He had silenced the tablet while the Citadel rep had been there, and had forgotten to un-mute it.
He scrolled through the list and saw that she had called half a dozen times. Corbin's brow rose at that. Whatever it was must have been important. He hit redial, and set it to holo mode.
“Hello? Where have you been? I’ve been trying you for half an hour.” Ren’s holo hazed into view to show her standing with her arms crossed.
“We were talking with the Citadel rep. What’s up?”
Making a swiping motion on her tablet, Lawrence appeared, sitting in a desk chair next to her. “Lore and I finally have the network fully spoofed. We put your OVAL back on so you can use the autopilot feature again without giving yourself away.”
Lawrence, not wanting to be outdone, broke in. “We also have you two ghosted on Rush and Vale’s networks, so you can travel freely.”
“That’s great work, you two.” Corbin cocked his head to the side. “Ren, are you at Lore’s desk in his office? Is that safe?”
Lawrence smiled up at Ren’s face. “Actually, with Seena MIA, I’m in charge of the department. I requested that Ren come in to help me with some of the scheduling for the surveyors while I get caught up on Seena’s work.”
“Isn’t that a little dangerous?” Seena said, having caught the tail end of his words as she was coming out of the OVAL. “My father watched the department pretty close. You know that.”
Corbin added her to the call so Lawrence and Ren could see her on holo.
“Oh, hey, Seena.” Lawrence waved, which made Seena smile.
“Hi, Lore. My question still stands. How are you getting around his scrutiny? I would think with me gone he would be obsessing with the company. Business was always his way of dealing with stress.”
“He’s not here.” Ren leaned over and typed on Lawrence’s keyboard for a second. “After his encounter with you two, he went down into the labs and hasn't come out. It’s been three days, and we haven’t heard a peep. Either he was injured beyond the technology’s ability to heal him, or he is having some work done.”
“My vote is that he’s having work done.” Lawrence looked around theatrically to be sure no one could hear him. “After the ass-whooping Corbin laid on him, I’m betting that he’s pumping as much of those infused metals into himself as he can take. If there’s one thing William Lieu is known for, it’s not being a gracious loser.”
Seena snorted a laugh. “That’s the truth.” She bit her lip and added in a quieter tone, “I hope he’s not going overboard.”
“That guy is a monster.” Ren nearly spat.
“Hey,” Corbin growled, “he’s still her father. This is all new to her.”
“No, she’s right.” Seena frowned, her eyes hooded. “He is a monster.”
“Corbin's right.” Ren relented. “I know this is still new to you. Sorry.”
Corbin waved a hand, getting everyone’s attention, then began working his tablet. “We’re getting sidetracked. I’m sending you some info the rep gave us. It’s a list of supers that are sympathetic, in theory, to our cause. The name at the top of the list is Brast Kessler. Do you know who he is?”
Lawrence almost choked. “Brast Kessler? The super in charge of the power armor assembly factory? Yeah, I know who he is. Everyone knows who he is. Next to William, he might be the most influential super in the system.”
Seena nodded. “I know him personally. He came to father’s for dinner all the time. When the rep said she had approached him, I thought for sure she was joking. I never would have guessed he wanted things to change.”
“That lines up with what we’ve learned about him in the rebellion.” Ren pulled up the list on her tablet and scrolled through as she kept talking. “Every spy we ever sent to watch him came back empty-handed. In fact, they all said he was nothing but a gentleman.”
Corbin nodded, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, sounds like we have our first potential ally. Now we just need to figure out how to get to him without raising too much suspicion. Anyone have any ideas?”
Lawrence began working at his keyboard while the others thought. Ren spoke first. “I can see what Mara thinks. She’s usually pretty good at finding back channels.”
“Actually, I think there might be a simpler way.” Lawrence smiled and glanced at Seena. “You said you’re friendly with him? How about going to one of his parties? He’s putting on a ball the day after tomorrow. I could probably get you on the invite list with a word from corporate. I mean, no one knows you’re gone. At least, not officially.”
Seena bit her lip and considered. “That makes sense. Father wouldn't exile me publicly; it would look bad for him. What do you think, Corbin?”
“It sounds like we have a plan. Now, we just need a way to get there.” He glanced down at their black and yellow jumpsuits. “And something to wear.”
“What about the dropship the security troopers took when they attacked you yesterday?” Lawrence asked. “It’s still not been properly logged into the system, and whoever sent it out hasn't sent anyone to pick it up. It’s a military-grade ship, so
the autopilot can't be engaged remotely. I’m adding it to the list of ghosted assets now.” He hit a few more keys then smiled. “There. I just pulled it from the network. As far as the company is concerned it doesn't exist anymore.”
“Isn’t someone going to notice that a whole dropship disappeared?” Corbin raised an eyebrow.
Lawrence chuckled. “Honestly, probably not. We have several hundred of them sitting in the warehouse. I can make a loose paper trail that shows it was picked up and returned. That way, the only way to prove it’s not here is to physically go look for it, and not find it.”
Ren smiled. “Congratulations, Corbin. Hope you like your slightly used, brand new dropship.”
“Thanks, I’ll be sure to not drive it drunk.”
“It has autopilot, you can drive it as drunk as you want.” Seena gave him a goofy smile and elbowed him.
Ten minutes later, Corbin was navigating the OVAL through the trees on its long legs. Seena was in the back meditating, trying to expand her well enough to accept her first metal. Corbin had been missing his time in meditation, but with the OVAL off the network as it had been he had been spending all his time driving. Now that Lawrence had made a workaround, he was excited to be able to put a couple of hours in while they traveled back to the dropship.
“Leela, now that we have a little time to ourselves, what are your thoughts?” Corbin spoke softly so he wouldn’t disturb Seena. He knew he didn't necessarily need to speak out loud, but it was a habit he was having difficulty breaking.
“Thoughts on what?”
“This whole thing. The rebellion, William sequestered in his labs, the Citadel and their rep. Any of it.”
“I… think it doesn't matter.”
Corbin cocked an eyebrow as he navigated around a particularly tight copse of trees. “How does it not matter?”
Leela sighed, an odd affectation for a being that didn't have lungs, and flowed out of his thigh to form into her two-tailed fox form. The small creature blinked up at him, tilting her head to the side before answering.