Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles Book 3)

by T. A. White

  "You're a thousand years too young to challenge the great me," Torvald shouted with a cruel grin.

  "You look like you're having fun," Graydon drawled.

  Torvald's eyes sparkled. "Of course. It's been ages since I played."

  Because the rest of the Tuann no longer dared entertain him. They'd already learned their lesson, Graydon added privately.

  Above, silvery ribbons swarmed out of the ship, darting toward the station. They moved as if they were organic, their patterns hard to predict as they slithered in a sinuous glide as if they were swimming through space.

  "Strigmor eels," Himoto supplied, sounding unruffled. "If even one reaches the station, they'll eat through the hull and burrow into the electrical systems. Once that happens, it'll only be a matter of time before this station dies."

  "That's the least of our problems," Solal said, his focus on the room's exit where those who'd tried to evacuate were being forced back by Zepher's androids.

  Pools of blood painted the floor, prone bodies sprawled next to them guarded by androids.

  Their faces were eerily blank, and the gunmetal gray of their bodies was splattered with streaks of red as Kent joined them.

  Humans wearing the insignia of Zepher stood behind him.

  It was obvious from their body posture who had ordered the androids to act.

  A wide circle grew around the interlopers.

  Graydon looked around, finding it curious some Houses who’d attended were now missing, including Remie and Asanth.

  Those who had remained had fallen in on each other, their oshota working together to set up a small perimeter.

  A short distance away, Liara and her people weren’t panicked. They’d already taken up defensive positions to safeguard those who had attended with them.

  Liara caught his eye and nodded, saying without words they were ready for anything that came.

  Faint approval filled Graydon. The Overlord had grown into her position nicely.

  Himoto moved toward Kent, stopping on the edge of the crowd and regarding the human calmly. "I always warned you your ambition and greed would lead you into disaster, but I never thought it would come so soon."

  Kent sneered. "I've done what you weren't brave enough to do. The alliance brokered with the Haldeel only hampers our evolution. We cannot become what we were meant to be when another holds our leash. I'm simply rectifying the mistakes of you and the old guard."

  "By working with an enemy who wants to drive us to extinction?" Himoto asked.

  Kent drew himself up. "The Tsavitee’s methods are harsh, it's true, but sometimes you need to go through a crucible to achieve your true potential. Our race must become strong. Don’t forget, you’re the one who taught me that sometimes sacrifices need to be made for the greater good."

  While he was speaking, Graydon sent several hand signals to his people, warning them to get ready.

  Solal and Amila touched their sides where their en-blades were hidden. They watched intently for their moment, their stance defensive.

  Himoto's expression was pained as he closed his eyes and shook his head. "You stupid boy. You had such promise."

  There was pity in the way Himoto watched his fellow human. His gaze held a kind of ruthlessness that made it clear he wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice the other man, no matter their prior relationship.

  Graydon and Torvald exchanged looks.

  "What do you say we go a little wild today?" Torvald asked.

  Very well. If the man wanted a little excitement in his life, who was Graydon to deny him.

  "Leave the small fry to us,” Graydon instructed. “You concentrate on those ships.”

  Torvald's bloodthirsty smile faded. "Why do I think you got the more interesting task?"

  Despite his obvious disappointment with his task, Torvald was already moving to take care of those outside. His hands flowed swiftly through several runes.

  Pressure built in the air. The molecules around them seemed to scream as with a clap Torvald finished his formation. He threw a hand toward the scene above. Dozens of lights arced up, spearing the approaching strigmor eels.

  “I’ll take care of the trash,” Graydon said, starting toward the androids and the humans around them.

  Kent’s face contorted at the destruction taking place above. He looked over his shoulder at an android. “Kill him.”

  Graydon moved before he’d even finished speaking the order. His en-blade drawn in one second and the android’s head falling onto the ground in the next.

  "What’s that you were saying?" Graydon asked. "I didn't quite get it the first time."

  Kent snarled, backing away as the two remaining androids charged.

  The bzzt of a zuipi split the air, killing the androids instantly.

  Jace walked into the room. "Sorry I'm late. I got a bit hung up."

  Torvald raised an eyebrow. "Why does that weapon seem familiar?"

  "This?" Jace held up what looked to be a modified version of the zuipi, only smaller and much more compact. "It's an invention of Blue's; it’s the first of its kind. Raider passed me the schematics a few days ago. Isn't it fun?"

  "That's one word for it," Graydon said, his predatory gaze turning to Kent.

  The human stumbled back, fear and the self-preservation that had been missing earlier finally returning.

  Too late now.

  “What should we do with him?” Graydon asked.

  “Take him into custody,” Himoto answered, no mercy on his face. “Death is too good for him after this betrayal. He should be given a trial, his rank stripped, and live in shame for the rest of his days.”

  The words seemed to give Kent a backbone as he stopped and straightened. “I’m not the only one who believes the Haldeel are a threat as great as the Tsavitee.”

  Himoto ignored the words, glancing at Graydon. “I also want the chance to interrogate him to root out the rest of his followers.”

  Humor touched Graydon’s expression as Kent stiffened at the revelation.

  “We can help,” Torvald said, peering over Graydon’s shoulder. “The Tuann have many interrogation methods.”

  Himoto’s eyes gleamed. “I look forward to exploring the possibilities.” To his people, he said, “Take him into custody.”

  They moved toward Kent. He didn’t resist as they reached for his arms.

  “You are a disappointment who doesn’t deserve your rank,” Himoto told him as the humans secured his wrists behind his back.

  The stamp of many sets of feet announced the arrival of reinforcements.

  Anticipation and a ruthlessness twisted Kent’s expression.

  Jace grimaced. "I thought I took care of those.”

  “Looks like there were more,” Graydon told him.

  “What are your orders?” Torvald asked.

  "I’m up for killing them all,” Graydon said.

  Then when they were done, they could address the betrayal by the human admiral and all those who’d helped him

  Jace pointed the zuipi at the androids. "Can’t argue with that."

  Graydon cracked his neck. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to this.

  He grinned at the androids, a dangerous light in his eyes. "Now. Who's first?"

  *

  The world slid in and out of focus, pain and the percussion of the blast making it difficult for Kira to keep her eyes open.

  Dim shapes climbing through the smoking hole in the wall. The sound of shattering glass as Finn launched himself through the window Kira had damaged.

  Raider appearing above her a second later, his mouth moving but his words not penetrating the tinny ringing in her ears.

  The station shuddering around them every so often.

  As if in a dream, Kira reached up to feel her temple. Her fingers came away covered in blood.

  So that's why her head hurt so much.

  Raider was gentle as he pulled her to sitting, his gaze frantic.

  He should go after Elise,
Kira thought, her eyes sliding closed again.

  "Can't let—" Kira trailed off, struggling to focus.

  She blinked as the figures around her wheeled, a strange shape with many legs launching itself from the ceiling. It wrapped itself around one of the figures.

  Her mind finally made sense of what she was seeing. It was the Haldeel guard. His lower half restrained his foe as he separated its head from its shoulders.

  The body didn't crumple, not until the Haldeel ripped the limbs from its torso.

  The android's companions screamed, the metal panels protecting their heads and necks flaring like the hood of a cobra. Their mouths dropped open, letting beams of light blast toward the Haldeel. He spun his trident, diffusing them.

  Finn moved to intercept, his en-blade carving a path through the androids.

  The world snapped into focus.

  "Kira, we have to go," Raider shouted.

  "Jin. Where's Jin?" Kira asked, shoving her way toward her feet.

  She stumbled and would have fallen if Raider hadn't caught her.

  She didn't see Jin anywhere. More concerning, she didn’t feel him either.

  "Elise took him."

  Stunned, Kira could only stare at Raider. She didn't understand. Why would Elise take Jin?

  "And you let her?" Kira knew it was wrong even as she made the accusation.

  Raider dropped her arm. "There was no “let” about it. She grabbed him and leapt out of the hole. These things attacked right after."

  Finn put distance between him and the last few androids, his left arm sweeping in an arc. Ki blasted from him, lifting the androids and flinging them into the wall.

  They hit with a crunch, collapsing to the ground.

  "That should be the last of them," Finn said with an approving nod.

  When he faced Kira, there was a look of condemnation in his eyes.

  Kira couldn't even summon the energy to move as she leaned against what remained of the wall where the window had been.

  She took a look around the room, noting its complete destruction.

  The table was on its side and in two pieces. The place where she'd sat had scorch marks from the blast.

  Things could be worse.

  If she hadn't summoned her ki to strengthen her body just then, she would probably have looked like that table.

  "Don't say it; I already know."

  In her defense, no one could have predicted that Elise's accomplices would blow a hole in the wall.

  Frankly speaking, it shouldn't have been possible. This room was located in a secure area and access was restricted.

  Elise's accomplices shouldn't have been able to get anywhere close.

  Glass crunched under Alexander’s feet as he walked into the room, surveying the damage with an impartial gaze.

  "Should I go after the prisoner, Za na?" the guard asked him.

  Alexander shook his head. "We have more important worries at the moment. The station is under attack both internally and externally. The lives of those within take priority over chasing that prisoner."

  Kira ignored him, pushing herself away from the wall and staggering toward the hole. If that was the way Elise had gone, Kira would follow.

  Raider blocked her.

  "Move."

  His expression only got more stubborn. "No. You can barely stand."

  Kira snapped. "Raider, she has Jin!"

  Raider's flinch brought Kira back to herself.

  Shame had her taking a step away. She wasn't the only one who'd suffered a blow. Elise was the woman Raider loved. As difficult as this was for Kira, Raider would be even more devastated.

  "I'm going after him," Kira said in a calmer voice.

  "I know," Raider responded. "And I'm going with you."

  "Idiots, the both of you." Alexander stabbed a finger at Kira. "You can barely stand. What do you think you can do?"

  "I'll figure it out. I always do."

  Despite the brash words, Kira knew she was in bad shape. She suspected she had a concussion and judging by the sharp pain anytime she tried to move her left shoulder, her collarbone was broken.

  Alexander looked up at the ceiling. "Do you know where she's gone? What she plans? How many of those monsters are with her? Who's helping her?"

  There was nothing Kira could say to any of those questions. She didn't have the answers, and she wouldn't pretend.

  She was still going.

  "Stubborn as always,” Alexander said.

  Kira took that to mean he wouldn’t stand in her way. A fact she was grateful for.

  Every second was precious if she wanted to recover Jin. If Elise got off the station with him, her chances of ever seeing her friend again were nearly none.

  Alexander was motionless as Kira started for the hole Elise had fled through. With the expectation he would let her pass, Kira dropped her guard, her mind already on what needed to be done.

  It was why she didn't immediately react when he grabbed her shoulder and drove his fist into her stomach.

  Kira curled in on herself, fighting to inhale against the sudden constriction of her lungs.

  Fire spread through her, originating in the place where he'd hit her. Everywhere it touched, warmth followed.

  Kira raised her head only to find Finn holding his en-blade to the side of Alexander's throat.

  Alexander sent him a dangerous look. "Get that thing away from me."

  "Finn," Kira cautioned, straightening gingerly.

  To her surprise her injuries hurt much less now. Where before they would have been a seven or an eight on the pain scale, they were now a three or four.

  Her shoulder moved easily, too.

  The forty-three weren’t trained in ki in the same way as most Tuann, but that didn’t mean they hadn’t learned to use their innate abilities. From what Kira had seen in her short time with the Tuann, their methods of mastering their soul’s breath were different but just as impactful.

  Unlike Kira, they’d had each other to learn from, sharing their discoveries along the way. Perhaps that was why they didn’t suffer ki poisoning in the same way she had. Perhaps it was because they’d formed bonds between themselves, keeping them from withering in the same way Kira had.

  Or maybe it was neither of these things.

  Kira had always been powerful—abnormally so when compared to the rest. She was stronger, faster, more intuitive.

  Could be where their foundation could handle the influx of ki, hers simply couldn’t.

  Whatever the answer, it didn’t matter now.

  Finn sheathed his en-blade but didn't step back, hovering protectively near Kira as Alexander started for the door, the guard following him.

  "Alexander—” Kira started.

  "I didn't do it for you," he interrupted, not looking back. "I did it for her. She seems to find some meaning in the children you bring her. She'd be sad if that ended."

  Kira snorted as he walked away. "As dishonest as ever."

  Though it did answer the question of whether he knew about Selene’s extracurricular activities. From his actions, she could infer he had no plans of interfering or informing the rest.

  When he was gone, Raider moved closer. "You going to tell us what that was about?"

  "Nope, and you're not going to ask."

  From the cautious way Finn looked from Kira to where Alexander had disappeared, she could tell he had his suspicions. As long as they remained just that, Kira could keep pretending.

  Raider raised his hands. "You don't want to talk about it. That's fine. We can focus on what's important instead."

  "I couldn't agree more," Kira said, crouching next to one of the androids to study it.

  It was the one the guard had dismantled. Its eyes shifted to meet hers, making Kira pause in the act of reaching for it.

  "Isn't that interesting," Kira said softly to herself.

  "What is?" Raider asked.

  Kira didn't answer, immersed in deciphering the energy she could feel pulsing i
n its chest. It felt similar to Jin's but more chaotic.

  Kira's fingers hovered over the spot where that energy was anchored. Bracing herself, she bridged that last gap and immediately wished she hadn't.

  She'd been mistaken earlier. This was nothing like Jin.

  Madness and darkness lurked within, coupled with a powerful thirst to destroy everything. The only thing keeping it in check was a series of commands Kira couldn't quite decipher.

  No wonder Jin said they felt creepy.

  "You poor thing," Kira whispered.

  She reached deeper with that same sense that allowed her to pull the essence out of matter, hoping for a connection that would lead her to the ones who'd taken Jin.

  She found nothing but isolation so stark and deep it had warped the soul of whoever this had once been.

  "Soul bound," Finn said from the opposite side of the android. "It must be destroyed."

  Kira didn't move, her fingers separated from that chaotic mass by a few millimeters of metal.

  "It wouldn’t be a mercy to allow it to live," Finn told her. "It will never rest. Never feel. All that lies in its future is endless madness. It can't be saved."

  "I know." Ki streamed from Kira's fingers, wrapping around the ball of energy and smothering it.

  It struggled, its energy fluttering against her senses as it fought to survive.

  With a final flex of her ki, Kira ended it.

  She rose, her face carefully blank as she tried not to think about what she’d just done.

  Killing in that fashion was different than when you ended someone with a blade or laser fire.

  Her hands clenched as she took a deep breath, pushing the feeling aside to be examined later.

  "What was that?" Raider asked as she walked past him toward the hole in the wall.

  "Tuann stuff."

  Raider glanced at Finn's stony face.

  "We call them soul bound. They are mad creatures deserving of our mercy."

  "Soul bound, huh?" There was speculation and an understanding Kira refused to acknowledge as Raider stared at the side of her face.

  Kira ignored the two, carefully listening for any signs of hostiles before diving through the hole. She landed, on guard for an attack that never came.

  There was a thud, then a second one as Raider and Finn ducked out after her.

  Raider nodded his head at a prone body to their right. "What do you want to bet they went this way?"