by Al Shield
IN THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE both she and Omega had heard every word through the listening device.
‘They haven’t said anything incriminating.’ She finally spoke as the voices died away. ‘They could be referring to anything.’
She had chastised Omega and threatened suspension when he had revealed setting up the bugs to monitor a superior but he had pleaded with her to at least listen to the latest conversation and judge for herself. Reluctantly she had and after what she had heard, she didn’t sound convinced by her own reply.
‘You know I can’t do anything about this. If we go higher up, we’re all in the shit for using the bug, not to mention what he might do if he finds out? Given the sway he holds, it’d be all brushed under the rug along with both of us in record time.’
‘I realise that.’ He said.
‘Then why bring this to me?’ She said angrily ‘Why rope me into this?’
‘Because as much as I don’t want to admit it, the beast was correct. Something inherently bad is coming and it looks like we’re going to be standing in the way.’
She took off her glasses and rubbed her very tired eyes.
‘So what do you want me to do about it? We start shipping staff out of here for protection and he’s going to be onto us.’
‘I need you to help warn everyone, on the quiet.’
‘How?’
‘Start with the department heads. Bring them in for routine updates. Before they go tell them to be on alert and carefully take the steps needed to protect their teams. It’ll be better if you tell them, it looks official.’
‘And what if this is all for nothing? That we are indeed looking at this the completely wrong way? Having our teams with their fingers on the triggers just in case is no way to create a safe environment!’
He stopped and stared at her for a few minutes. She returned his steely gaze without flinching. Eventually he spoke up.
‘Would you prefer them all to be massacred with their pants down?’
‘You know I wouldn’t take that chance.’
‘And that’s why I trusted you enough to tell you this.’ He said as he began walking out of the office. She slammed her fists on the desk - with everything that was going on, how dare he take these risks? Did he not perceive the shitstorm that would sweep up everyone if he had been caught?
She wanted to hurl her desk phone at him out of pure frustration.
‘Two more things.’ She called out just before he made it through the door.
‘Yes?’
‘Firstly, we never had this conversation. Ever. Our little chat today was just a figment of your overworked and tired mind.’
‘Understood. Second?’
‘If that hired goon does kill you first, I’m not going to be happy at all. Kill him quick.’
And with that she turned back to her computer and continued working like the interruption had never occured at all although the frustrated scowl took quite a while to fade.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The awaited procession arrived just on dusk the next day and in the low light the soldiers on guard could still make out the long line of jeeps and troop carriers even with their lights off.
‘I thought the goon squad with the fat man was over the top.’ One remarked to the other. ‘Whoever is in this line up has taken it to a whole new level.’
‘Eyes on the prize’ The other replied without looking up. He rearranged his grip on the high powered rifle the group had been outfitted with earlier that day. The orders had come from further up but were incredibly brief - break out the heavier gear and keep on alert, always. The flak vests they were also told to wear were as itchy as hell but nobody grumbled about the extra protection on account of the strange visitors on base. Tensions and stress levels were at the highest they’d ever been so many were quietly happy for the extra protection.
The lead jeep reached the front gate and a soldier emerged from the guard station to check their clearance. He stopped midway through asking when he took in the sight of all the occupants clad in armour from head to toe that he had never seen before. It looked like something out of a sci fi movie - armoured plates in silver and black, combat helmets that covered the entire head with a mirrored visor the outside world couldn’t see through and glowing status lights on sections across the body.
‘Is there going to be a problem Captain?’ A metallic voice spoke through the helmets speakers as he retrieved the necessary papers.
‘No...no problem sir.’ He took the offered documents and confirmed correct numbers. He waved back to the sentry box where they opened the gates for the procession to drive through.
The entire guard unit watched on in awe as all the vehicles pulled in, parked and unloaded a small force of soldiers in similar armament. Some carried small arms in side holsters while on in every squad sported additional bracing bolted on to their futuristic armour to help support the weight of far heavier ordinance.
‘Holy shit, is that some kind of flamethrower?’ The soldier who had thought the first procession was a spectacle.
‘Shut up, they’ll hear you!’ the other urged, not wanting to draw the attention of the strange new soldiers.
But the new arrivals paid them no heed as they got about their business, unloading the convoy and taking up positions around the last troop carrier. When they were satisfied that their immediate environment was well and truly under control the commander of the group opened up the carriers door and a heavily robed figure, their face hidden away by the folds of the dark material was helped to step out.
‘Who or what the fuck is that?’ the soldier whispered.
His partner was too fixated on the figure to notice that he’d spoken again.
The commander spoke a few words to the hooded figure who nodded slowly. Without any obvious command the surrounding unit all moved as one and surrounded the pair as they slowly walked towards the doors that led into the base.
But just before they entered, the group stopped. The hooded figure spoke to the commander who then nodded and turned to face the onlooking guards. He scanned the group until he found the one he was looking for.
‘Yes, it is indeed a flame thrower.’ His helmeted speakers broadcast. ‘Pray you never find out how hot it can get...’
And with that the group marched inside, leaving a very unnerved and still awestruck group of guards in its wake.
Once inside the visitors were met by the beaming Nameless One. The soldiers at the front of the group moved to the side so the big man could come before the figure in the hood and he bowed deeply when he was only a few steps away. His bodyguard also bowed in respect a few meters away.
‘My lord, it is truly an honor! I sincerely hope your journey here was an uneventful and comfortable one and if there is anythi-’
‘It matters not.’ A deep commanding voice from deep within the hood spoke. Strange barely perceivable whispers in an unknown language clothed each word and then faded away slowly, like an echoing chime.
‘Is he ready?’
‘Oh yes my lord, well and truly.’
‘And tell me servant, does he know my name?’
‘If he does my lord, then he has not admitted this to me or anyone so far.’ The Nameless One said, still bowing.
‘But he suspects something, yes?
‘Yes my lord. Once he saw the gauntlet, he has been anticipating something. However I believe your visit today will be an incredible surprise...’
‘Well then...’ the sound of the voice lifted like the speaker was smiling. ‘Let us not keep the mighty “Dar’Kannag” waiting any longer shall we?’
The Nameless One got to his feet, bowed again and then proceed to lead the group through the double doors to where the prisoner awaited.
While he was impressed, Omega wasn’t as awestruck by the sight of the soldiers clad head to toe in the latest armour designs as they walked through to join the exo soldiers in the big interrogation room. His level of security meant that he was aware of the late
st developments but he had thought that this particular design of combat outfit was still in development and still a good few years away from production. The Nameless One or whoever was in charge of him obviously had some very deep connections and deep pockets to be able to outfit a group like this.
This was confirmed instantly when he spied the heavy weapons soldiers, the ones with the gatling cannons and flamethrowers especially. The hoops you had to jump through just to witness these weapons in a controlled display, let alone be able to use them..
The hooded figure who shuffled in immediately captured his attention - the robes were a deep red and flowed right to the floor hiding away their feet. But Omega could see that the wearer was tall, possibly even taller than he was and carried an unmistaken aura of command. He swore he also heard whispers at the edge of his perception - as soon as he tried to focus on them directly they would disappear. A similar effect to the strange noises the gauntlet made.
The new group stopped a few feet away from the chained and very intrigued Dar’Kannag.
But before the new arrival spoke to the prisoner, he turned and nodded towards Omega’s direction.
‘Your work is done, you may leave.’ The words filled the room but strangely also buzzed in the back of Omega’s head like a low volume speaker distortion when spoken.
This caught him slightly off guard as he had kept his eyes on them all as they entered the room and not one of them had looked his way where he was positioned. Yet the hooded one had immediately turned to face him directly.
‘That’s an order agent Omega!’ The Nameless One barked in addition. Out of the corner of his eye he couldn’t help but notice the bodyguard ever so slowly reaching for his sidearm.
‘Yes sir.’ He spoke. ‘As you order. Although this is highly irregular.’
The caused a booming laugh from the under the hood. The sound was like a like a group of hyenas laughing at the site of defenseless prey and once more the sound buzzed in the back of his skull.
‘You are just as irregular as the rest of us agent.’ It spoke. ‘With all of your additions, you’re about as human as he is’ the figure motioned towards Dar’Kannag. ‘Although I admire your endless tenacity. But your time here is done. Your role in the current matter is over.. now leave.’
Without any further protest Omega took his leave, pausing at the doors for one quick moment to take in the scene. Dar’Kannag shot him one last look too but he couldn’t tell if it was anger directed at him for leaving or against the ones who sent him away.
Once he had exited the figure turned back to the chained beast.
‘You have no idea how long I have dreamt of this moment dear Dar’Kannag, how many sleepless years I have stumbled through on this world, obsessed with seeing you again. For a time I truly thought this moment would never come to be.’
‘You speak in riddles and I tire of it. Reveal yourself before you irritate me any further!’ he spat in reply.
‘In due time my friend, let me savour the moment.’ He removed his hands from the robes and raised them in the in air, twirling around in a small victory dance. ‘The time...the time....the time has come...’ He hummed strange words happily to himself all the while and Dar’Kannag couldn’t help but notice the golden gauntlets he wore, just like the one the fat man had questioned him over.
‘So one of the mad monks crawled out of the rubble and found their way over here did they?’ Dar’Kannag shouted which brought the twirling to an end.
‘The monks?’ the figure stopped twirling.
‘From the temple. You are one that I failed to run through with my sword.’
‘Oh...I had almost forgotten about them...it was so long ago.’ The hood shook and the speaker focussed. ‘But I am glad to see you remember the temple.’
‘How could I not? It was merely two decades ago.’
‘It was three hundred years ago you stupid ignorant beast!!’ The sudden powerful shout caused everyone including the Nameless One and his bodyguard to take a nervous step back. Even Dar’Kannag seemed to wince slightly at the power of sudden yell.
‘What foolishness do you speak? I saw that place fall to ruin twenty years ago!’ he spoke back.
The figure stopped, bowed its head and mumbled to itself for a few moments. Then it spoke again but at normal level this time.
‘It was twenty years in your world but time moves at a different pace here. I came to this place three hundred years ago....three hundred long years...and now I finally have what I have been seeking for so very long now. So very long....so very long...’ the words reached out across the room and faded away.
‘Then reveal yourself coward and end these games! If you bring my doom then show me the fool who dares wield the executioners axe against the mighty Dar’Kannag!’
‘Very well. On your wishes..’ and with that the figure pulled back the hood and finally revealed himself.
Most of the flesh on his face had been burnt and blackened but there were patches of his original red skin showing through the twisting cracks of the hardened and blasted flesh. Most of the horn like spikes that had adorned his head had melted away with only a small amount still standing. The crown that was once a powerful accessory had melted at the base and fused itself into his scalp, combining wearer and artifact as one.
Even after the effects of the great explosion Ch’aan had set off in the temple, Dar’Kannag couldn’t mistake the twisted laughing features of Jorzan the Magnificent standing before him.
‘Perhaps I better start from the the beginning’ he said when he finally stopped his crazed laughing at the sight of pure shock that had come across Dar’Kannag’s face.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Even in the darkness of the room the presence and many personalities of the crown recognised the device and the danger it possessed as soon as Jorzan laid eyes on it, tucked away by the side of the throne and immediately debated the best course of action faster than any mere mortal mind could comprehend.
+Destruction seems imminent.+
+This will not do, suggestions?+
+Can Jorzan move fast enough to escape the blast radius?+
+Impossible. Jorzan does not have the capabilities.+
+Will we survive the blast without him?+
+Unknown. Outcome is unlikely.+
+But if we did?+
+It could be an eternity before we are discovered again.+
+If at all.+
+Correct+
+We should have slayed our captive and his rescuer.+
+That is irrelevant now. Escape is paramount.+
+Device has now exploded.+
+Noted. Slowing time.+
To Jorzan the blast was instantaneous but to the crown who had changed the dynamics of it’s own time perception, it was just a small cloud of destruction for now that was very slowly mushrooming out in both size and heat. It sympathised momentarily as the wave of force and magically fire began to roast away the skin of its wearer but then immediately got back to the task of attempting to avoid its own destruction.
+Our wearer is suffering.+
+We will deal with him when and if there is time.+
+Ball of destruction is now twice it’s size. Heat levels critical.+
+Noted. Remaining options?+
+Teleportation remains.+
+To where?+
+Unknown. Time to focus on and pinpoint location unavailable.+
+Can we return?+
+No. The process is available just once. We are down to our last charge.+
+The hand that crafted us is long gone.+
+The sorcery used is lost to time.+
+Wearer is screaming. Facial features becoming unrecognisable. Part of our structure also taking extreme damage.+
+Chance of survival?+
+Less with each moment.+
+Teleport now.+
+Teleporting.+
+We shall rule again brothers and sisters, whereve-’
There was a bright flash and Jorzan with the cr
own now searing itself into his flesh was instantly teleported out of the temple, just as the wave of the explosion completely engulfed the throne, the room and the rest of the building.
Then darkness. Black surrounding everything around and in him for what seemed to be an eternity, a prison of the purest darkness. And eventually grey, as if his surroundings had suddenly changed and a source of light had penetrated the pure black.
His eyes screamed in pure unfiltered agony first as he attempted to open them before the rest of his mind caught up and the waves of pain from the burns and the force of the explosion caused him to scream so long and so hard, he passed out.
For untold days his blasted and crippled body lay still on a strange bed of green growth, regaining consciousness only for brief moments each day before the crippling pain took over and forced him to black out again.
But while he struggled to fight breath by laboured breath for his life, the crown was still doing all it could to ensure its own survival. Finding no worthy successor in the near vicinity, it had decided that now the survival of Jorzan was its most immediate concern.
It had reached out, slowly just to be careful, probing the surroundings for signs of life and had found quite a few on the outskirts of where it lay, not brave enough to venture forward and investigate further.
It has also deduced that the stronger of these strange new animals only seemed to emerge in the dim light of day, hunting those smaller creatures it had discovered earlier.
+The predators and scavengers of this world emerge at night.+
+We should use some of them to guard Jorzan as he recovers.+
+Agreed.+
The small minds of the most vicious predators were no challenge at all to the mind controlling power of the crown and in an instant it convinced three growing four legged canine like creatures to watch over his body.
+Food will add in his repair.+
+Agreed. Shall we sacrifice one of the guards? The smallest one perhaps?+
+No. They would be better suited as protectors. But their hunting capabilities could be of use?+