Taza increased the cockpits filters as he shielded his eyes with a hand.
The harsh light dimmed, offering a view of the city below.
Air traffic zipped above a glittering sea of buildings connected by a network of walkways and platforms. A vast barren space separated the city down the middle. In the centre of the space an enormous cuboid under the reactor dwarfed the city as a whole.
Allora descended and joined a stream of traffic flowing between two immense gherkin-shaped buildings. The vehicles moved in almost-perfect unison like some kind of mechanical aerial ballet.
Most buildings were angled in such a way as to fit neatly with those adjacent to them, and the skyways were so pristine, Taza wondered how much of the city’s design had been influenced by the Omnion.
Allora broke away from the main flow of traffic and joined a smaller skyway leading to one of the city’s taller buildings, a black and white checkered structure that tapered to a point. Allora slowed as they approached their designated landing platform a short journey from the Spire. The cockpit jolted as her landing thrusters fired, and she gently settled onto the small docking bay.
Taza patted the controls. "Thanks, girl. Sit tight. If all goes according to plan, I won’t be gone for long."
He flicked the power switches, and Allora’s engines whined to a low hum before stopping.
As he configured her core for standby, Taza watched the busy platform through the cockpit window and noticed three figures exiting a walkway and heading in his direction.
Unstrapping himself, he made his way to the airlock. He punched the controls and the ramp lowered with a hiss.
He drew several deep breaths and gave his lungs a second to adjust to Priodome One’s atmosphere. He held onto a handrail as his head began to spin. His heart thudded in his ears. He gripped the handhold tighter, but the dizziness passed.
By the time he'd recovered his gear from the loading hatch, three lumbering creatures waited on the platform outside.
The Ushtaran viceroy stood at least nine feet tall, his long neck extending several feet, bringing him eye-level with Taza’s before he’d even descended the loading ramp. Colorful robes flowed from a golden neck brace, concealing everything below the viceroy’s shoulders. A bulky contraption covered the lower half of his face, making his bald head seem even more undersized compared with his body.
Two heavily armed security guards, their armor draped in gold-fringed white, stood at the viceroy’s shoulders. The female to his left was significantly shorter—not much taller than Taza. The other looked like he could have eaten all three of them for breakfast. The guards’ necks remained retracted, making them look less bizarre next to the viceroy. They watched the walkway with alert disk-like eyes as though expecting trouble.
Taza tried not to recoil when the dignitary offered him a gnarled three-fingered hand on the end of a tentacle.
“It is a great pleasure to meet you, Messenger Arkona." His voice had a warm timber despite emitting from a voice plate attached to the metal mask. "I’m Viceroy Eldi. You'll have to forgive the translator, but we Ushtarans do not have the biological mechanics necessary for communicating in galactic naturally."
Taza hoisted his case onto his shoulder and shook the Ushtaran’s feeble fingers. He had never been so glad to be wearing gloves. "No need to apologize. It’s a beautiful city you have here."
"Priodome One is the jewel of Ushtar." Eldi straightened into a pose Taza took as an Ushtaran’s version of puffing out one’s chest. "And Ushtar is one of the most wondrous planets in the Shroud…perhaps even the galaxy. I will arrange a tour of our city once you’ve…seen to business."
The hint of fear in Eldi’s voice indicated that he wasn’t used to violent crime…just as Wu had explained.
"You honor me with such an offer, but I wouldn’t want to put you or your people out," he said descending the ramp. He had no intention of staying any longer than he had to, but the Omnion instructed him to observe pleasantries, and he didn’t want to seem in too much of a hurry to leave.
"It would be no trouble at all." Eldi’s head waved back and forth on his long neck before retracting. "Allow Yana to carry your luggage."
The female Ushtaran’s eyes could have cut Taza in half, but she quickly looked away as she watched those coming and going on the platform.
"I’ve got it," Taza said.
Eldi nodded. "I trust you bring glad tidings from the gods?"
"They send their blessings and look forward to cleaning up matters."
Eldi arched his long neck and sighed with relief. "I’m glad to hear that. I feared that they were displeased with the lack of recent offerings. However, the Chan refuse to work, and my superiors…Well, I don’t need to tell a great servant of the gods what a pain politics can be."
"I feel your pain," Taza said.
Yana cleared her throat. "We should get moving, Viceroy."
"Ah yes," Eldi said as he started walking back towards the walkway. "Yana and Aldo are overly cautious about me being outside too long…ever since the trouble started."
"Such caution is wise," Taza said, earning himself an approving nod from Yana. "From what I understand, the Chan started rioting recently."
"Riots?" Yana said. "They’ve wrecked three nearby domes and brought half the Dradarrak Mine system to a standstill."
"I didn’t see any trouble from the air," Taza said, recalling his arrival.
Eldi cleared his throat. "Those who started the trouble have been brought to heel."
"The Chan will kick off again," Yana said in disgust. "Those in the mines have weapons now. They could draw out a fight if they wanted to."
"That won’t happen." Eldi shook his head. "Priodome One’s Masters have matters under control."
Yana gave Taza a look that said she didn’t agree but knew better than to voice as much before her superior.
"Why did the Chan start revolting? My report said they are a placid people."
"Pah!" Janice laughed. "They’re a pack of ungrateful, bickering animals. We’ve allowed them to serve us for centuries. And how do they repay our kindness? With demands for freedom!"
Eldi mumbled agreement. "Long ago, we Ushtarans brought civilization to the Chan. We gave them language and understanding. In exchange for those gifts, many dedicated their lives to the wellbeing of our cities. Others left this world shortly thereafter. Those who remained integrated with Ushtaran society. We continued to educate and employ them right down to this very day."
"But lately, the unthankful beasts have started to accuse us of slavery," Yana spat. "They claim that we force them to work the tridarium mines under unacceptable conditions…that it’s too dangerous."
"Thankfully, things calmed down shortly after the fight in the andamonium refinery." Eldi stopped halfway along the walkway and pointed to the domineering cuboid miles away under the reactor. "That was when we found Master Namoro and Messenger Bulstrad dead." He wiped sweat from his brow as though the subject brought him great discomfort.
"I don’t suppose you recognize this Quamat?" Taza said, showing an image of Tarrig on his SIG.
"I’m afraid I’ve never seen that species before."
"No one here has seen anyone like him?"
"The majority of people here are Ushtaran and Chan. The gods send Zaqarans on occasion. We rarely get visitors from the other systems. If someone with that description had arrived on Ushtar, I would have been informed. Who is he?"
"A person of interest to the gods," he said, not wanting to give away more than was necessary. “What exactly happened to Master Namoro and Messenger Bulstrad?"
"We believe they got caught in the middle of the riot with the Chan," Aldo said, his voice a low rumble.
"No one else died in the incident?"
"Not that we know of," the lumbering guard said.
"It sounds like they were targeted," Taza said. "What were they doing in the Refinery?"
Yana snorted. "If you ask me, the Chan lured them there. Th
ey killed them to send a message."
"We don’t know that," Eldi said. "The security investigation didn’t find any evidence to suggest it was the Chan."
Taza’s ears perked up at that. "I would like to see that report."
"Of course. Aldo and Yana will get you anything you need once we’re inside."
Aldo nodded. "Would you like to visit the crime scene, or would you like to settle into your quarters first?”
"I’m here to do a job, so let’s do that.”
"Very well," Eldi said. "I see why the gods sent you, Messenger Arkona."
"It isn’t safe for you to remain in the open for so long," Yana pressed. "Even inside Priodome One."
"Of course, Lieutenant," Eldi said in an annoyed tone before spouting, what Taza assumed was a curse, in Ushtaran. "Let’s go back inside."
They continued along the walkway.
Taza looked over the edge at the streaming traffic as it wove through the buildings below. "Are you expecting trouble?"
Yana muttered Ushtaran to Aldo.
"No trouble," the larger male guard muttered. "But after the incident at the Refinery, we aren’t taking any chances."
"Our job is to protect Viceroy Eldi," Yana said. "Being out in the open makes such a job difficult."
Eldi watched a ship leave an adjoining platform as they left the skywalk and turned towards the Spire.
Getting a read on the aliens was difficult given the contraptions concealing half their faces, but Taza suspected they weren’t telling him the whole story.
Yana moved several steps ahead, watchful as she led them in the direction of the Spire.
They were very on-edge for a species who claimed to have their affairs in order.
They stepped onto the walkway terminal attached to the building when Yana held her hand up. They all stopped. A figure in the distance ran from the Spire, carrying what looked like a rifle.
Aldo hurried forward, joining Yana, leveling their plasma rifles at the incoming threat.
Taza’s hand wrapped around the blaster on his hip.
"It’s okay," Yana called over her shoulder, lowering her weapon. "It’s just Ria."
Eldi regarded Taza with an indifferent smile as though this was part of every day life. "I ordered her to remain inside until we returned, but she has a habit of not listening. One would think those long ears are for decoration only." He chuckled at his own joke.
Taza forced a smile. "Yana takes her job seriously."
"Very seriously," The viceroy responded without hesitation. "That’s what she’s paid for."
Yana stepped aside, revealing the approaching Chan.
Ria moved with uncanny grace, giving her the appearance of gliding. Long ears jutted from her short, white hair. She had large green eyes and a small, olive-colored nose, a touch darker than the rest of her face. The tips of ivory fangs jutted from her upper lip. Her white tail swayed from side to side as she approached, a long tube wrapped in leather in her arms.
"Their resemblance to the Shanti is…eerie," Taza muttered under his breath.
The viceroy looked at him, horrified. He leaned closer to Taza and lowered his voice. "Given their shared ancestry, they appear similar, but the Chan consider being compared to their cousins, on the Otherside, the greatest of insults."
"Sounds…complicated," he said, unable to take his eyes off Ria.
Eldi groaned. "You have no idea."
As she drew near, Taza saw that Ria’s ears were slightly longer and more rounded than a Shanti’s and her tail bushier, but that was where the differences ended.
By Terran standards she looked no older than eighteen, but the Shanti aged slower than humans and were often older than they appeared. He assumed the same held true for the Chan.
"Ria," Yana snapped. "What are you doing running at us carrying what could easily be mistaken for a weapon? Viceroy Eldi ordered you to wait inside."
Ria dropped to one knee and bowed her head while holding out the tube. "Please forgive me, mistress. Master Eldi also requested that I immediately bring the scrolls from the archives as soon as they arrived. A courier just dropped them off."
Taza was taken aback by the lack of pride he had come to associate with the Shanti. Several Ushtarans looked at the Chan in disgust as they passed.
"Of course, Ria," Eldi said, snapping the tube and drawing it into his robes while looking around nervously. "But where are your manners, girl? Messenger Arkona has stooped so low as to visit us, and you don’t even acknowledge him."
"Sorry, Master." Ria’s voice shook as she turned to Taza and bowed deeply while looking him straight in the eyes. "I beg your forgiveness, Master Arkona. I was afraid to…look up. I am unworthy. I’ve never seen a messenger before. It is a great honor."
"Don’t worry about it," Taza said, wondering whether he caught a glint of resentment in her green eyes. "No need for apologies."
"It’s unseemly for a Chan to be on the skyways," Eldi muttered. "Let’s get back inside before you cause more of a scene."
"Yes, Master. Sorry, Master. First, I must inform you that I also bear an urgent message from Chancellor Vilam."
Eldi straightened his robes. "What is it?"
“She can tell us as we walk," Yana said as she continued towards the Spire.
As they followed the Ushtaran guard, Taza noted more passers-by gawking.
"Chancellor Vilam has made contact with an old friend you share in common," Ria mumbled timidly. "He requests your immediate attendance at a meeting in room 11A."
The viceroy stopped. "Well, that changes things." He looked to the Spire nervously.
"Is everything okay?" Taza said.
"Yes…Yes," Eldi repeated. He gestured to the guards. "Taza, you must forgive our sudden departure, but one is wise not to delay when Chancellor Vilam makes such a request."
Taza nodded. "I understand."
"Ria will show you around the Refinery. Aldo will tag along in case you run into trouble. Sergeant Kurza oversees security at the Refinery and isn’t always the most cooperative."
Aldo grunted an affirmative, though from his stare, Taza got the feeling the giant would prefer anything else to babysitting an Othersider.
Eldi turned his attention to Ria and pointed at Taza. "Help the gods with his belongings but restrict travel to the lower skywalks."
"Yes, Master Eldi." Ria took Taza’s crate before he had a chance to object.
"We will catch up again later," Eldi said before hurrying off with Yana, leaving Taza standing in the Spire’s terminal with Ria and Aldo.
"Best we go this way," Ria said, shouldering his gear without any trouble despite her slight stature. "We’ll be less likely to run into trouble on the lower levels. It’ll be faster anyway."
She walked towards what looked like an elevator.
Ria operated the foreign-looking controls, and they waited in awkward silence as an elevation platform rose from below. Aldo stood in front and remained motionless.
The Chan glanced at Taza once before quickly looking away again.
Strange girl. At least I can avoid politics and get straight to business this way, he told himself.
Ushtar was much more civilized than Loth, but the place didn’t feel right. He suspected that a different kind of storm brewed inside the Priodome. He decided to keep his head down, get andamonium production up and running again, and leave as quickly as possible. All being well, he would be back on the Orinmore in time for the North Star’s return.
Then he could finally give Clio her necklace.
17
Bad Tidings
Grimshaw lay on his bed in the Captain’s quarters wide awake. After the events of the previous few days, he was beyond exhausted, yet he struggled to sleep.
Roshi had prescribed him sleep-meds, but he refused to take them for fear that he didn’t wake during an emergency.
Not that he didn’t trust Eline. But he was the Captain. When shit hit the fan, it stopped at his front door. That said, he and
the Commander made a good team. Shanti required less sleep than humans, and the Aegis ran the North Star like clockwork. While Grimshaw saw to the casualties and other matters, she guided the crew through G-Gate Santorra and several Kragak systems, and with the help of the Zaqaran engineers, she had ship operations above ninety-percent two days following the joint Chimera-Tal’Ri attack.
The jump-drive had been damaged in the escape. The Zaqaran engineers reported that it was beyond repair until they returned to the Orinmore. It was less than ideal, but he counted his blessings.
By some miracle, they had only lost three people in the attack. Grimshaw spared them a brief thought, and guilt crushed his chest. He didn’t even have to send letters. Like many on the crew, they had no relatives. Nowhere else to go. The North Star was their only home…and now it was their final resting place. Chimera and the Tal’Ri had added another three to their death toll.
That they were working together added to Grimshaw’s long list of worries. But even that paled when compared to the mission before him. It had been decades since he’d been so deep into Kragak space, and what had happened then didn’t bear thinking about. He trusted the Omnion for the most part…not that he had any choice. They were his only allies. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were flying straight into another trap.
He had fought the Kragak in the war and had seen the waste and devastation they left in their wake. How could they make allies with such creatures? The Kragak he had come across were nothing short of wild beasts bent on destruction. According to Administrator Li, not all Kragak were mindless monsters. Grimshaw hoped the mission would prove Li right. Hope was all he had, and it wasn’t enough to help him sleep.
He eyed the tube of pills resting on the desk across the small cabin. Perhaps he would take one after all. He would need to be in a better frame-of-mind when meeting Agent Lamnon and High-Shaman Draglore. However, Grimshaw feared even that wouldn’t be enough, despite what the Omnion believed. Hell, after the suffering he had caused the Kragak, it was a wonder he hadn’t spent the rest of his life fleeing assassins. And now he was delivering himself to them on a silver platter right alongside his crew.
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