“A dark presence?”
“I don’t know how else to describe it,” Shanks said. “Before you leave on your expedition, I implore you to join me in meditation. I feel that if you and I were to work together, we might be able to discover what it is I am sensing.”
Anna’s face darkened. “Are you sure this isn’t just a ploy to undermine me and the decisions I’ve made lately?” she asked.
“Not at all, Your Highness,” replied Shanks. “I am merely concerned—”
“Spare me your concern, monk,” Anna said. “I can assure you I am perfectly fine and there is no presence surrounding me, dark or otherwise. If I want your services, I shall ask for them. But until such time, I have no use for you. Have I made myself clear?”
Shanks gazed at Anna quietly for a moment. Then, he opened his third eye to take a look at her. “Commander Seqis,” Anna said immediately, turning from Shanks. “Escort Brother Shanks to the door.”
Shanks only got a glimpse of Anna’s energy before Seqis pulled him away. It appeared to be jumbled and chaotic – definitely not normal. Shanks looked at Seqis as the man marched him toward the exit of the room. “Commander,” Shanks said. “Might I have a word before you remove me?”
“I’d caution you to be mindful of your words if the Princess’s reaction is any indication of what you might have to say.”
“As long as you promise to listen, I promise to be mindful.”
Seqis stopped and turned to face Shanks. “Very well,” he said. “Speak.”
Shanks glanced back at Anna. “Something is not right with her,” Shanks said quietly. “Surely you can see that.”
“What I see is a young woman stepping up to claim her birthright,” Seqis replied. “I do not agree with all her decisions. She is not perfect by any means. But she is of Legacy Prime, and I believe in her.”
“We are both here because we believe in Legacy Prime,” Shanks said, “but the Princess’s actions lately are cause for concern.”
“Only to those who still wish her to act as a child and not a ruler,” Seqis countered. “She has made the decision to lead, and that will not always be popular with some. But for better or worse, it is her decision to make, and it is not for us to question it.”
“But how can you not question it?” Shanks asked. “Have you not sensed the same thing I have?”
“Sensed what?”
“The darkness,” Shanks replied. “The living shadow always just out of view around the Princess? Have you not seen it in your meditations, as well?”
“I have seen nothing of the sort.”
“Then perhaps you are not looking hard enough.”
“Or perhaps you’re seeing things that aren’t there,” Seqis said pointedly. “Just because you disagree with the Princess’s decisions does not mean there’s some nefarious plot going on concerning ghosts and shadows.”
Shanks frowned. “Commander, it is our duty as the Princess’s guardians to at least consider the possibility that she could be compromised in some way.”
“And how exactly would she be compromised?”
Shanks sighed. “I do not know.”
“Neither do I, and, thus, I can only conclude that she is not,” Seqis said. “For thousands of years Legacy Prime has ruled the Empire and wielded the technology of the Ancients. In that time, many of its members have made unpopular and controversial decisions. But most of the time, history has proven those decisions to be the correct ones. The hand of fate guides Legacy Prime, monk, and to those who do not understand fate’s design, it can seem as though something else is influencing such decisions. But we must believe. We must have faith. For in the end, Legacy Prime has never steered us wrong.”
“And if it is not Legacy Prime that is doing the steering?” Shanks asked. “If it is something else?”
“Like a shadow?”
“Like a shadow.”
“Then perhaps you should shine a light on it,” Seqis said. “I hear shadows hate that.”
“You jest, but I am quite serious,” Shanks replied. “If I were to attempt to shine a light on the Princess… would I have your support?”
Seqis’s face grew stern. “Correct me if I’m wrong, monk, but you swore an oath similar to mine, did you not?”
“Yes,” responded Shanks. “A much stricter one.”
“Then you’d do best to remember it,” cautioned Seqis. “You are to take no part in the governing of the Empire. You are not to offer any advice unless requested. And you are not to interfere with or influence the decisions of Legacy Prime. You are simply a spiritual advisor.”
“But we both know my order and I are more than that,” Shanks said. “We’ve had a sacred duty, handed down to us since the days of Emperor Nameer, to ensure the survival of Legacy Prime and to safeguard the Empire from any tyrants that should emerge in its ranks.”
“I’m well aware of what your real duties entail, monk,” Seqis said. “But my order dates back to Emperor Arcturus I and the first Order of Peers, and we, too, have a sacred duty – to protect the life of the Emperor and those in Legacy Prime. But it is also our responsibility to see that their orders are not interfered with, particularly when it comes to that of Ancient Technology. If you should break your oath and attempt to accost her Imperial Highness without proof of your accusations… then we shall finally see how a member of your order fares against a member of mine.”
Shanks frowned. “You have nothing to fear from me, Commander,” he replied, “but I would ask that you keep a close eye on the Princess. If you notice anything suspicious, anything at all, then I beg you to take action to stop the breaking of the seal.”
“I always keep a close eye on the Princess,” Seqis said. “You needn’t worry.”
“I’m afraid I am extremely worried, Commander,” Shanks said. “And I wish you were more so.”
“I am all I need to be,” Seqis replied. “I am her protector. I am her servant. And I am her friend. Your fears are misplaced, monk. She is no tyrant. She is simply fulfilling the role destiny has laid out for her.”
“I worry you place too much faith in a destiny that does not require those involved in its design to shape it,” Shanks said.
“But don’t you see?” Seqis said. “Shaping it is exactly what she’s doing. You just wish you and I had a bigger role in it.”
Without another word, Seqis turned and made his way back toward the Princess. Shanks was about to leave when the entrance to the chamber opened and Director Casgor entered, along with a small contingent of his personal Royal Guard. The Director passed by Shanks without so much as a second glance, heading directly toward the Princess. “Your Highness,” said Casgor cheerily, “I have come to see you off on this historic day and to wish you luck on behalf of your loyal subjects, the people of the Empire! ”
Casgor gave Anna a deep bow. Anna smiled at him. “Director,” she said, “your presence is always appreciated. I trust you’re set to handle things on your own while I am away?”
“Indeed, Your Highness,” Casgor replied. “You needn’t worry. You are leaving your Empire in good hands. In fact, I wanted to come by and let you know that Mourdock Skyborn himself has left for the Rim to push back the Deathlord raiders. I am certain we will have no more tragedies as long as he is defending our borders.”
Anna nodded. “I expect nothing less from my future husband,” she said. “Speaking of which…”
“I have already begun drafting the provisions to amend your wedding contract,” Casgor said. “By the time you return, I promise you shall be married and taking your rightful place on the throne.”
Anna smiled. “You send me off with good news, indeed, Director,” she said. “My thanks.”
“I live to serve, Your Highness,” said Casgor as he bowed again.
Shanks noticed Chief Alabaster’s look of concern as he listened to the exchange. An alert beep then emanated from Alabaster’s datapad. He pulled it out and checked it. Suddenly, a small relieved smile grew on his f
ace. Shanks studied the man, practically able to see the wheels in his head turning, before Alabaster put his datapad away.
“Princess,” said Alabaster, bowing toward Anna. “Best of luck in your endeavor. I’m afraid I must take my leave before I can see you off. Duty calls.”
Anna nodded in acknowledgement as Alabaster made his way for the exit. “Nothing serious, I hope?” inquired Casgor as Alabaster passed by.
The Chief stopped, turning back toward the Director and smiling. “Just a minor issue at the Peacekeeper Tower,” Alabaster replied. “I’m sure it’s nothing to be concerned about.”
Alabaster smiled pleasantly at Shanks as he made his way out of the room. Shanks turned his attention back toward Anna as she sent another group of Maguffyn worker-bots through the portgate. Her back was to him as she released the access orb, but he noticed her stiffen unexpectedly. Suddenly sensing an odd presence in the room, Shanks felt his skin crawl slightly. Anna moved to Virtuoso whispering something to him. Virtuoso looked at her in mild surprise. “Green, the pirate, and the Rognok?” he said quietly.
Anna nodded before turning back toward the access orb. For the briefest of instants, Shanks saw her eyes turn from pure white back to their normal color, and as soon as they did, the unnerving presence he had sensed not moments before disappeared.
“Leave the rest,” Armonto ordered the worker-bots. “Onto the platform. We’re leaving immediately.”
The remaining worker-bots filed onto the portgate platform, as did Anna and Armonto. “Is there a problem, Mr. Virtuoso?” asked Seqis as he and the other Royal Vanguard joined them. “It appears you still have a great deal of equipment to transport over.”
“The Princess wishes to leave now,” Armonto replied. “Do not worry. We have everything we need.”
There is something wrong here, Shanks thought to himself, fighting hard to resist the urge to interfere. There is something not right with the Princess… I can feel it!
Then they heard a loud crash in the distance, followed by what sounded like blaster fire. Immediately, the four members of the Vanguard became alarmed. “Stay calm,” Anna ordered as she pulled out her Imperious device and began entering in their destination.
“But Princess, that’s blaster fire,” replied Seqis, as more sounds of crashes and blasts reached them.
“It makes no difference what it is,” she said as she finished entering in the coordinates. “They’re too late.”
Just then, the chamber door was knocked off its hinges as the remains of a security-bot came hurtling through it. The portgate platform lit up just as Jack ran into the room, followed by a large Rognok, a red Visini, and a rather odd-looking robot.
“NO!” cried Jack, reaching out toward Anna just as she and the rest of her group vanished.
Casgor’s Royal Guard contingent and every security-bot in the room immediately aimed their weapons at Jack’s team. “Drop your weapons!” one of Casgor’s guards shouted.
Jack’s gaze didn’t break away from the portgate as he stared at it in disappointment. “Too late…” he muttered. “We were too late!”
“Indeed you were,” said Casgor smugly as his men and the security-bots took positions around Jack and his friends, ready to open fire at any moment. “Breaking convicted felons out of jail? Storming the Royal Tower? Attacking a member of the Directory? Honestly, Earthman, what are you thinking?”
Jack glared at Casgor. “You can drop the act, dude,” Jack said. “We know.”
“Know what?” asked Casgor.
“We know about the worms,” Jack said. “We know the Deathlords are controlling Anna, and we know you and Armonto Virtuoso are in league with them!”
Shanks’ eyes grew wide at Jack’s words. Deathlords! he thought. The shadow! Yes, now it all makes sense!
“That’s preposterous,” said Casgor, “and you have no proof of any of it.”
“I have all the proof I need to know someone has to stop you,” Jack replied.
“Well, there is no stopping anyone now,” said Casgor. “The Princess is the only one capable of accessing the address of the Great Seal via the portgates, and she just left. There is no way for you to follow her. There is no way to stop her. You, my young friend, have done nothing but gotten yourself and your cronies here into a very bad situation.”
With that, a virtual army of security-bots entered the room, deploying around Jack and the others with their arm cannons charged and ready. The Rognok growled at the new arrivals.
“Robot,” grumbled the Visini. “Might be time ta do yer thing.”
“There are too many of them,” the robot replied. “I’ll never be able to overtake them all before they open fire on us.”
“Give up, Earthman,” Casgor said. “You have no hope of stopping anything now.”
Shanks could see the look on Jack’s face, one filled with anger and resentment but also sadness. Shanks’ mind flashed back to the vision he and the Earthman had shared, watching as Jack struggled with all his might to rescue the Princess only to be overtaken by the shadows. He stands alone, Shanks thought. He fights alone. If he is defeated… then all will truly be lost.
“There is always hope,” Shanks said, walking toward the group, his walking stick softly clicking against the floor as he did so.
Jack turned and saw Shanks approaching. Casgor glared at the monk. “Brother Shanks, I would urge you to stay out of this,” Casgor cautioned. “I believe your order has a very strict punishment for interfering in matters of the Empire.”
“I mean not to interfere, Director. All I do is observe,” Shanks said. “Just as I observed earlier about how you have access to the location of the portgate Great Seal.”
Jack blinked at Shanks, then turned back to Casgor. “You… you know the coordinates of where Anna portgated to?”
“And if I did?” Casgor replied smugly. “What good would it do you?”
“It would give me a location to take my magic teleporting spaceship to,” Jack replied.
“You mean the ship that is in my possession at the spaceport under the guard of an army of security-bots?” asked Casgor.
“Yeah, that’s the one,” Jack said, his face growing steely with resolve. “Don’t worry, I have some friends who are taking care of that for me. But right now, I’m going to need that location. So I’ll give you a choice… we can either do this the easy way or the hard way. So how do you want to play it, Director?”
Casgor couldn’t help but laugh. “Look around you, boy!” he said, stretching out his arms and motioning to all the security-bots and Royal Guard members with their weapons trained on Jack. “You’re in no position to dictate to me how this little game of ours plays out.”
“You’re making the mistake of thinking I’m still playing your stupid little game,” Jack replied with all the loathing he could muster. “This is a new game, Casgor. This is my game. You think you can beat me? I’ve seen my own planet blow up in front of my eyes. I’ve been chased, shot at, and almost had my soul ripped out by the most dangerous creatures in the universe. I’ve stared death in the face and had it whine pathetically as I kicked its butt. Next to all that… you’re nothing but a joke.”
Casgor smirked at Jack. “I may be a joke to you, boy,” he sneered, “but I’m also the one with all the guns. And no matter what game we may be playing, I assure you… in the end, I always win.”
The hum of the security-bots’ weapons charging up filled the room. The Visini tensed. The Rognok’s eyes narrowed. Even the robot appeared worried, judging by the sound of how fast the gears in its head were whirring. But despite their predicament, Jack looked as calm as could be as he locked eyes with the most powerful man in the Empire.
“Heckubus,” Jack finally said. “Remember when I said you should start using your schemes for good?”
The robot regarded Jack curiously. “Yes,” Heckubus replied.
“Forget it,” said Jack. “Activate the Reviroller.” Jack turned and looked at the robot, a mischievo
us twinkle in his eye. “It’s time to be evil.”
If Heckubus had had a heart, it would surely have leapt at that moment. Instead, the robot simply twiddled his fingers together delightedly and said:
“Excellent.”
Heckubus then activated his wireless transmitter, establishing its connection to the Reviroller machine in the generator sub-level of Supertower 7 across the city. The machine rumbled to life, sending its transmission signal through its cables and into the exposed vibranium support beams they were attached to. The vibranium immediately resonated with the appropriate frequency, shooting the signal containing Heckubus’s nefarious enslavement virus up along the length of every support column in the 12,000 foot supertower. Waves and waves of the broadcast emanated from the tower, strong enough to penetrate through every wall, stratum, and obstacle in its path for a thousand miles.
On the streets of the capitol, every robot within range of the broadcast immediately began downloading the virus, their eyes turning red as their programming was by-passed and they received the commands relayed by the Reviroller. They all stopped their normally programmed tasks and set about neutralizing the closest and most convenient threat in their vicinity, all the while chanting “All Hail Heckubus Moriarty.”
Every single last security-bot in the portgate chamber suddenly had red eyes. The ones closest to the Royal Guards struck first, disarming them and striking out with their arms, sending the Royal Guards flying into walls and crates with such force, they were knocked unconscious by the time they hit the ground.
Before Casgor knew it, every weapon in the room was trained on him, a look of complete and utter disbelief on his face.
“Anyone care to say it with me?” Heckubus asked.
“Mwuahahaha,” Jack’s group all replied.
“This… this… this…” sputtered Casgor.
“This is how my game is played,” Jack said. “Your move, creep.”
Casgor looked at all the security-bots around him nervously. “I… I don’t know the location by memory. It’s only accessible through the secure databanks in my office.”
“Looks like we’re taking a field trip,” said Jack. “Heckubus, if you wouldn’t mind?”
Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army (Earthman Jack Space Saga Book 2) Page 64