by JN Chaney
Either way, the project is nearing its end. For this, I am both thankful and uneasy. Thankful because I have pushed myself beyond what I believed to be my limits. Uneasy, because it means the work will end and I will need to look elsewhere to be productive.
I have always prided myself in my ability to self-analyze, so I am not naïve in what I have done. I understand that the reason behind my obsessive work ethic, at least in the last several days, is because of what has happened with Doctor Curie. I know that.
I also understand that when the project ends, this fear that I have, this anger, will not subside, nor will I find relief. There will need to be another distraction—another project—with which I can immerse myself. Otherwise, my overactive mind will be unable to rest. I’ll be driven mad by my obsessive thoughts, and it will be for nothing. It would serve no useful purpose.
For that is the only value we can hope for in this life: to be useful.
Doctor Curie taught me that.
End Audio File
An Unknown Room
April 1, 2351
Mei sat in her cell, staring at the man before her—Master Gel, himself. “What are you…what is this?” She could hardly get the words out.
At the same time, she knew the answer was clear. Gel was responsible for her abduction. He’d imprisoned her against her will and enacted the medical experiments she’d been subjected to. It seemed so obvious now, after hearing his name in the hall the other day.
“It is good to see you again, Doctor Curie,” said the Master Analyst. “It pains me to look at you in such a state, but I’m afraid I have no other choice. Your ineptitude in delivering a viable solution to the corrupted atmosphere has led me to seek my own alternatives.”
“Alternatives? I was in the middle of finding a cure, you idiot!”
He smiled. “Indeed, you were, and I assure you that your research is continuing under the diligent eye of your assistant, Sophia Mitchell. However, that remains of secondary interest to us.”
“What are you talking about?”
He approached the chair near her cell, sweeping his hand along one of the wrist straps, observing them, almost analytically. “You surprised everyone when you escaped, you know. No one expected such an outburst from one so small. Granted, your rebellion was short lived, but it was impressive.”
“Get to the point, Gel,” said Mei, trying to suppress the rising anger she felt in her chest.
“Your biology is a cross between two genetic sequences, as you know, which has given you a set of highly unusual, but natural abilities. It is because of this that we have seen to your imprisonment. You display a possibility in not only human potentiality, but also Everlastian, which is something that demands exploration.” He raised the vial of her blood to the light, examining it. “Unfortunately, we have had some trouble mapping and replicating these genes on our own, despite our best efforts. For all our advances, we never reached the same threshold in genetics that your kind did. Perhaps we simply gave up too quickly, focusing on other areas which we felt were more vital to advancement. Regardless of these missteps, however, we shall strive for progress. You see, Doctor Curie, despite your alien origins, you represent the future of this great country. It is with you that we will finally achieve our true potential—the birthright we have been repeatedly denied.”
“I told you already, I was working on a cure! You could have left the walls of this city without needing a gas mask. You could have—”
“We have no interest in your half-measures. What I want for my people is hidden somewhere in your veins, Doctor. What I desire is strength—the ability to protect ourselves from threats, not only from this world, but of the next. When you and your friends opened that portal and revealed yourselves to us, you brought the only true danger my people have known since the day the world fell. You came to us with weapons and abilities, displaying your arrogance. You are dangerous, even more than the savages who inhabit the wildlands, and I cannot abide it.”
“I’m not the one who kidnapped someone trying to help them. Let’s also not forget the civil war going on or the fact that you lost most of your Leadership. This city doesn’t need an outside threat to bring it down. You’re doing it to yourself.”
Gel laughed. “Garden is a passing obstacle. They don’t even realize the futility of their actions. You say they killed the Leadership, and you’d be right, but they didn’t do that on their own.”
“What does that mean?”
“My department secures and monitors all activity on the city’s network. After being informed of a particular breach of information regarding the time and location of the Leadership’s assembly, it stood to reason that Garden would attempt another attack. This breach was obvious right as it happened, but rather than attempt to stop their actions, I chose to step aside. I erased all records of it, then remained inside the Tower of the Cartographers to observe the aftermath. Most of the Leadership was taken out in a single assault, and I used the opportunity to bring you into custody.”
“So, that’s what this was all about. You saw a chance to seize power for yourself, so you took it.” She scoffed. “You call us arrogant. Look at yourself, Gel.”
“Call it what you will, but I did what had to be done. The Leadership had grown complacent, stalling on action for decades, unable to do what is necessary. When we first discovered your people, I advocated for your imprisonment and seizure of the gate. My colleagues ignored me, even after witnessing Johnathan Finn kill an animal seven times his own size. Even then, they did not see what I did. They did not recognize the threat standing before us. A threat which I alone have quelled.”
“You’re deluding yourself, you—”
“Enough!” he snapped, and it made her stiffen. She’d never heard this man raise his voice. “I will have no more argument. As we stand here, Johnathan Finn is on his way to die. The rest of your people will follow.”
“What are you doing to John? Hey! What are you talking about?!”
He smiled at the display. “Nothing more than he deserves.” Gel placed the vial of Mei’s blood on the end of the table. He walked to the hall and motioned for Fentin to come inside. “Proceed with the next experiment. Inform me of the results.”
“Yes, Master,” said the man.
“It was good to talk with you today, Doctor Curie,” said Gel, looking back at her. “Now, be a good girl and stay in your box.”
******
Ashby Harbor, Tharosa
April 1, 2351
Terry followed Hux to the outskirts of the seaside town of Ashby before stopping. He approached a large two-storey building, about to go inside. “What are we doing?” asked Terry, trying to understand the plan.
“Ashby only has one lodge. I need to make sure there’s room for everyone,” said Hux.
“Shouldn’t we first contact the local authorities and get on with it?” asked Jinel, rather impatiently.
“It will take at least a day to acquire the supply. Before that, we will need to speak with the queen.”
“What queen?” asked the soldier. “Why can’t we simply get our cargo and leave?”
“Any purchases from the mines must be authorized by Her Majesty, personally,” explained Hux. “Be easy and wait a while. I’ll procure what we need.”
Hux went inside and began talking with the woman at the counter. A moment later, he returned with three coins. He gave one each to Ludo, Jinel, and Terry. “Present these when you return and she’ll show you to your room.”
Terry accepted the coin, examining it to see a portrait of a ship on one side and a mountain on the other. He was surprised at the craftsmanship. The ship looked exquisite, with every point rendered in fine detail.
Lena reached out with her arm, catching Ludo’s wrist. “Easy,” said the farmer.
“I think I need to rest,” said Lena.
“It’s your mask. You’re exerting yourself too much,” said Jinel.
“I don’t think that’s the problem. I susp
ect there is a crack in the seal of your filter.”
Jinel went to her and tried to examine the gear. “That’s possible, but I’m not a mechanic.”
“Can you wait here with her while the rest of us go get what we came for?” asked Terry.
“I didn’t come all this way to stay in a room,” said Jinel.
“I’ll wait with her,” said Ysa.
“We both will,” echoed Ludo, lifting her back up.
“Thank you,” said Lena, still breathing shallow breaths.
Ludo and Ysa took her inside while the others looked to Hux. “Ready to see the city?” he asked.
“Let’s get what we came for and go,” said Jinel. “There’s a war to win.”
He nodded, then motioned for everyone to follow. They made their way through the streets, passing dozens of people. Many carried different looks about them, a variety of clothing styles and physical features. One or two even wore metallic masks and goggles. It seemed Hux’s claim was true. This town, more than any others Terry had come across, was filled with travelers from all over the world.
Along the wall they found a gate with three men standing watch. “Barniby!” yelled Hux in a jolly tone.
A stout man, similar in size to the wavemaster himself, snapped around to see who called him. At this, he grinned and raised his hands. “Hux, you old pirate! I knew I recognized that voice!”
They embraced, smacking each other on the back. “It is good to see you again,” said Hux.
“I was sure you wouldn’t return for another three weeks. Did something happen on the sea?”
“Indeed! There’s an emergency that needs taking care of. Do you know if the queen is accepting visitors today?”
“She isn’t,” said Barniby. “But my mother would make an exception for you, Hux.”
Hux smacked his chest. “Thank you! Might we go there now?”
Barniby nodded, turning to the other watchmen. “Wait here while I take Hux to the court.”
“Yes, sir,” said the guards.
“Who is the queen, exactly?” whispered Terry as they started walking out of the city.
“Barniby’s mother,” answered Hux. “She is a noble and generous woman.”
“Wait, so you know the royal family personally?” asked Terry.
Hux chuckled. “Barniby is my cousin. My father is his mother’s brother.”
Terry’s mouth fell open. “The queen is your aunt?”
“Indeed!” said Hux with a grin.
Terry looked at Jinel. “Did you hear that?”
“Our friend Hux is royalty, it seems,” she answered.
“Not quite,” said the wavemaster. “Only the crown itself is considered royal. It does not extend beyond the person who wears it. Barniby and I are the same as anyone else.”
“But isn’t Barniby in line to be king?” asked Terry. “Isn’t that how it works?”
Hux raised his brow curiously. “What sort of method is that for electing a ruler?”
“A long time ago, back where I come from, those things went from parent to child,” said Terry.
Hux laughed. “Such a silly thing! Your country is strange, Little Traveler.”
“How do you do it, then?”
“There are six houses, each with their own families. A member of a house is chosen as a representative on the Council of Six. It is from those individuals that the crown is chosen. The crown cycles from one head to the next.”
“How long does it last?”
“Five years, and then it rotates to the next house. It’s fair this way to everyone, and it forces them to work hard to get things done. My aunt has been queen during this time, but soon the crown will change heads again, and the cycle will continue.”
Terry tried to imagine the process in his head, but found it somewhat confusing. Houses? Rotations? It seemed so complicated and foreign. Nothing like the history books he’d grown up reading at the Academy.
The group made their way along a wide road, surrounded by a valley that stretched on into the distant cliffs. The mountains surrounded the valley and looked to continue in both directions to some unknowable end.
To think, this was only the start of this new land. The beginning of the rest of the world.
PART 2
Man is free at the instant
he wants to be.
– Voltaire
To different minds, the same world
is a hell, and a heaven.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Every parting gives a foretaste of death,
every reunion a hint of the resurrection.
– Arthur Schopenhauer
CHAPTER 11
Leadership Report 228302.452
Recorded 04.1.884
Subtitled: Update 109
GEL: Do not argue with me, Vivia June.
JUNE: Sir, if we allow Garden to access this information, Master Kai’s life would be—
GEL: You needn’t concern yourself with such details. Simply perform the task I have placed at your feet.
JUNE: It only seems—
GEL: Do you trust me, Vivia June?
JUNE: Sir?
GEL: Everything I have done, has it not been for the good of Everlasting? Have you not witnessed it firsthand?
JUNE: Of course, Master Gel. I would never question your dedication.
GEL: Then I ask you again: do you trust me to do what is best for this city?
JUNE: I…Yes, sir. I do.
GEL: Good. Now, go and see it done. Contact me once the attack is over.
JUNE: Y-Yes, sir. All is for the good of Everlasting. I will see your will done.
End Audio File
Galathane City, Tharosa
April 1, 2351
A set of stairs greeted them at the base of the mountain, rising high into the cliff. They climbed until they reached the entrance—a tall gate four times Terry’s size.
Barniby smacked his chest as they approached a pair of guards. As he did, the two returned the gesture and promptly opened the gate. Each of the men, who were both thick with muscle, holstered their swords. They each took hold of a crank and turned it, throwing their backs into it. The gate rose, echoing through the cavern walls and rattling Terry’s chest like thunder.
The group stepped inside, finding themselves surrounded by eccentric stone walls, with chandeliers and sparkling jewels high above their heads, rising high into the mountain. Terry nearly fell back as he bent his neck to see the ceiling and all the enchanting objects. It was all so elegant, though perhaps a bit unnecessary.
“Everything in this hall represents a hero lost at sea,” whispered Hux, almost reverently. He pointed at the nearest one, a gem the size of Terry’s fist—green and reflective, with a border of metal surrounding it with unknown writing. “Wavemaster Tarda. Killed in the Lexine War. He destroyed twenty-seven enemy ships and saved Ashby.”
Terry nodded, bowing his head a little. The heroes in this hall were not his own, but he would show them respect. Not for them, for they were long dead, but for the man beside him now. The wavemaster who had risked his own life to find and save Terry’s. That was worth whatever he could give.
The end of the hall opened into a massive cavern, larger than any he’d ever seen. Along the massive walls, long and winding walkways had been carved, with dozens of people going here and there. The visage reminded him of Central, the city of his birth. The difference being that these people didn’t live in fear of what lay outside their doors.
There were also homes within the stone, carved doors and windows making for some elaborate designs. High above it all, Terry saw the sky between the rocks, filling the domain with its light. “You can see the clouds,” he remarked, spotting a bird as it entered and perched on a crack.
Hux nodded. “A fine display, isn’t it?”
“Are we going to the throne room?” asked Terry.
“Not today,” said Barniby, motioning to one of the larger homes near the rear of the cavern. “The queen
is in our home this afternoon. My father is preparing dinner as we speak.”
“Delicious!” declared Hux. He bent to Terry’s side. “Uncle Senna makes the best Haddin stew you’ve ever had.”
“I’ve never had that,” said Terry, and he wasn’t so sure he wanted to try.
******
Terry sat at the end of a long table—the largest he’d ever seen outside of the Academy. It reminded him of the cafeteria where all the kids would gather to eat, getting their trays from the line, sitting together and talking, making fun of one another, laughing.
For a moment it was like he was there again, surrounded by friends and classmates, the smell of soy burgers and corn bread in the air. His mouth watered at the thought of it.
At the far end, a woman sat in humble clothes. Her name was Porcia Castchian, queen of this country and Hux’s aunt. Despite all of this, she had no air of royalty about her. Rather, she reminded Terry of Ludo’s grandmother, smiling and warm, a pleasant look of quiet kindness in her eyes. “It is good to have so many visitors,” she said to the crowded table.
Jinel sat beside Terry, saying nothing. He could almost feel the urgency radiating from her, but she would have to endure the customs if she wanted her weapons. According to Hux, it was customary to feast together when a relative came home, even in an event such as this. As soon as the mean concluded, Hux would present his aunt, the queen, with a request for the metal.
With any luck, the transaction wouldn’t take long.
******
“I’m sorry to tell you that your request is impossible. The mines are currently inaccessible,” said the queen, sitting in her cushioned chair. She frowned upon speaking the words, clearly displeased with the situation.
Dinner had concluded a short while ago, leading straight into the request. “Don’t you keep reserves in a vault or a storeroom?” asked Jinel.
“Certainly,” remarked Portia Castchain. “But those supplies are for our own needs. Without access to the veins in the mines, we must use our stock cautiously.”
“But we need it to save people’s lives,” pleaded Jinel.