by G. P. Hudson
“I’m working on-” Jon doubled over as a stabbing pain hit his abdomen. At first he thought he’d been shot, but he soon realized there was no blood.
“Doctor! Quickly!” said Breeah.
Jon felt Ellerbeck crawl over to him. “It’s his symbiont,” said Ellerbeck. “It’s still fighting the poison. I don’t think it’s strong enough.”
“Can you help him?” said Breeah, her voice cracking.
She shook her head, “It’s up to the symbiont now.”
Jon hit the pavement with another stab at the gut. The pain so powerful it left him completely incapacitated. His vision began to blur, he could just barely make out Breeah and Doctor Ellerbeck bent over him. He heard the sounds of the battle. Though he knew it wasn’t going well, there was nothing he could do about it.
“They’re trying to flank us,” shouted Kevin. Jon knew that if they succeeded, it would be all over.
“I can’t hold them off,” yelled another man, but Jon couldn’t make out who it was.
“What in the hell?” Jon recognized Kevin’s voice again, and also recognized the astonishment in his voice.
Jon tried to see past Breeah and Ellerbeck, to figure out what had happened. He could hear the sound of heavier guns, and figured the Diakans had finally brought in reinforcements. They would make short work of the structure now. It was over.
A shadow passed over him and a brilliant blue light filled the sky above. Breeah and Ellerbeck were both looking up now, and he made out Seiben’s voice, shouting incoherently.
He struggled to clear his head, desperate to put together the information around him. Losing strength by the second, he struggled to keep his eyes open. It was a losing battle, and he let them shut.
“Take his legs,” said Kevin’s voice.
His eyes fluttered briefly as he was lifted off the ground. He knew the man holding his legs. Colonel Bast. Someone else held him by the armpits. It must be Kevin.
“What’s happened?” he whispered, his voice so quiet he could barely hear himself.
“We’re being rescued,” said Kevin, in between short breaths.
“Rescued? By who?”
The scenery changed as he was hoisted into what must be an aircraft of some sort. He struggled to lift his head, trying to get his bearings, and a better look around. In the process his gaze landed on a Diakan. A Diakan he recognized.
“Welcome aboard, Admiral,” said the man. “I understand you’re not feeling well.”
Jon felt the craft take flight, and he put a name on that face. Major Ilthos.
Chapter 26
Jon felt some of his strength return, as alarms rang in his ear. He tried to sit up but both Breeah and Doctor Ellerbeck pushed back.
“I’m okay,” he said. “Whatever just happened feels like it’s over for now.” Their hands relaxed and Jon sat upright. “What’s going on?”
“We are taking ground fire,” said Major Ilthos, who now came into Jon’s line of vision.
“Who the hell is firing on us?”
“They are called The Faction, and they are not happy with the current state of affairs. Nor are they happy with me for extracting you.”
“How are you mixed up in all this, Ilthos? I haven’t seen your face in almost a year.”
“Yes, I can see how this might be confusing. The truth is that I work for Diakan Intelligence.”
“When did that happen?”
“A long time ago, Admiral.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It was not necessary.”
“You goddamn Diakans. So what the hell is going on. Why is this Faction after me?”
“The Faction wants to return to what they see as the glories of the past. They see you, and the prophecy, as a threat to that aspiration. Unfortunately, they have members in numerous branches of the government, and military. In some ways they run a shadow government. I have been investigating the conspiracy over the past year. They’ve been relatively quiet up until now, but I fear their attempt on your life is the opening move in a greater plot.”
“You think they want to take power?”
“Yes, and we are running out of time.”
The craft banked hard and Jon grabbed Ellerbeck’s arm as she began to fall.
“You should go strap yourself in, Doctor,” said Jon, pointing to a row of seats against the hull of the craft where the rest of their group already sat.
Ellerbeck looked skeptical.
“Really Doctor, I’m feeling much better.”
“What about you?” said Ellerbeck.
“I’m going to come too.”
Relenting, Ellerbeck carefully made her way to one of the seats.
He now looked at Breeah gripping a handhold. “You too, Breeah.”
“I will go when you go.”
Jon shook his head in frustration, he knew better than to argue. “Where are we going?” he said to Ilthos.
“Somewhere safe,” said Ilthos.
“Really? Forgive me for saying so, but it doesn’t look like you’ve got a good handle on the safety thing at the moment.”
“Did I not save you?”
“It’s not a successful rescue if we get shot down, and if the way this craft is moving is an indication, that’s what’s about happen.”
“Pessimism does not suit you, Admiral.”
“Scans are picking up two Diakan assault fighters on an intercept course,” announced the pilot. “They’re firing missiles.”
“Launch countermeasures. I am initiating appropriate defensive measures.”
“Really?” said Jon, looking around. “Strapping some heavy guns onto a shuttle does not mean you can take on, or outrun two assault fighters. I may be pessimistic, but you’re delusional, Major.”
“Observe, Admiral,” said Ilthos, pointing toward the cockpit.
Jon turned around, eying a display which showed the advancing fighters as red icons.
“I see them,” said Jon. “Your countermeasures won’t hold them off for long. Their missiles will eventually get through, and that’ll be the end.”
Only the fighters didn’t fire. A split second later the red icons simply vanished from the display. Jon stared at the screen for a moment, then turned back to Ilthos.
“Diakan Intelligence operates its own network of satellites,” said Ilthos. “These satellites are independent of any government, or military control. They are also more than just satellites. They are covert orbital weapon systems.”
“Are you saying you shot down those fighters with a satellite?”
“That is correct, Admiral. Although it’s more of a weapon system disguised as a satellite.”
“And you have a network of these things pointing at the planet?”
“Yes, but they can also be configured to point away from the planet. They have full spectrum targeting capabilities.”
“Impressive.”
“Thank you, Admiral.”
“But wouldn’t something like this piss off your government?”
“Perhaps, if they knew about them.”
“Cat’s out of the bag now. I hate to break it to you.”
“Many cats have jumped out of the bag, as you put it. It is the price we must pay for the future.”
“Why aren’t you siding with The Faction? Why are you trying to help me?”
“Admiral, I am a loyal Diakan citizen, not some subversive. I follow the prophecy.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever figure you people out.”
“We are nearing our destination,” said Ilthos. “We should be safe now.”
“Why? Where are we going?”
“It is holy ground. Even The Faction will not dare to attack us there.”
“You still haven’t told me where the hell we’re going.”
“Apologies, Admiral. We are going to the Temple of the Great See’er.”
Chapter 27
“It is beautiful,” said Breeah, marveling at the spiral structures sitting atop th
e narrow mountain.
Jon noticed the symbiont’s reaction as they neared the temple. Its agitation faded, and it began to relax.
“How long has there been a Great See’er?” asked Jon.
“As long as our history has been recorded,” said Ilthos. “The Great See’er has guided our people since time immemorial.”
“How about that temple? How long has it stood there?”
“Since before the age of space travel. The Temple of the Great See’er has stood atop Mount Tos even before the age of flight.”
“Before the age of flight? You mean someone had to climb up that mountain to speak with her?”
“In ancient times, yes. The chosen would make the pilgrimage several times a year.”
“They must have been great climbers,” said Jon in amazement, studying the smooth rock face before him. Even with his enhanced abilities he wasn’t sure he could make that climb.
“Yes. In those days the chosen would train from childhood for the honor. Even when we discovered flight, there were those who insisted that one should only climb to the temple. But the Great See’er is wise, and she discarded such outdated ideas.”
“How do you know The Faction won’t come after us here?”
“No one has ever violated the sanctity of the Temple. Even in the past, when Diakans warred against each other, no side dared attack the other in the Temple, or on the mountain itself. If The Faction violated this tenet, all Diakans would turn against them.”
The answer satisfied Jon to a certain extent, but he knew that just because something hadn’t happened before didn’t mean it wouldn’t happen again. “How long are we staying?”
“I do not know.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? What exactly are we doing here?”
“The Great See’er has requested our presence. She has requested your presence in particular. It is a rare honor for the Great See’er to call for you by name.”
“Really? I guess I should have gotten a bottle of wine, or something.”
Ilthos stared at Jon with a blank expression.
“Never mind,” said Jon. “Human humor. You wouldn’t understand.”
“Evidently.”
The aircraft hovered above the Temple, until part of the roof retracted. The craft slowly descended into the opening, finally resting on a landing pad.
“All weapons must remain here,” said Ilthos.
“I don’t think so,” said Kevin. “That didn’t go well the last time.”
“I assure you, there is no need to fear for your safety here.”
“That’s what Diakan Security said. You saw how that played out.”
“It’s okay,” said Jon. “Leave the weapons.”
“Yes, Sir.” Kevin furrowed his brow at Ilthos. “Anything happens here, I promise it’ll turn out badly for you.”
“No need for threats, Captain. I did not rescue you in order to kill you here.”
Kevin took a step toward Ilthos. “I don’t know how your brain works. Just remember what I said.”
Jon put his hand up for Kevin to stop. “Lead the way, Major.”
Ilthos stepped through the hatch. Jon followed with Breeah tightly holding his hand, and the rest of the group close behind.
Outside three Diakan women waited. They wore hooded white robes adorned with golden trim, that shimmered in the light. The three gazed directly at Jon. He immediately noticed a different quality in their eyes. It was unlike every other Diakan he had seen. An unmistakable radiance, and power. He’d never liked the unblinking eyes of most Diakans, but these fascinated him so much that he found it difficult to look away.
Major Ilthos approached and bowed deeply before them. Jon noted that none of the three women returned the bow, their eyes remaining fixed on him alone. Ilthos didn’t seem to mind the snub, rising to face Jon. “The Priestesses will take you to see the Great See’er. You must go alone.”
“But he is sick,” protested Breeah.
“I’ll be fine,” said Jon, squeezing Breeah’s hand.
“I do not like this.”
“I know.”
“You should not be alone.”
“I won’t be.”
Breeah glared at the priestesses, levelling a finger at them. “Know this. A Reiver is not bound by Diakan custom. If he is harmed in any way, I will paint the walls of this place with your blood.”
The priestesses remained silent.
“Charming,” Jon said smiling. “I’m glad you’re on my side.”
Breeah wrapped her arms around him pressing her face against his chest. “Return to me.”
“I will.” Jon returned her embrace waiting for her to let him go. When she finally released her hold, he joined the priestesses, whose strange eyes remained trained solely on him.
“Okay, let’s get this over with,” said Jon.
The three stood in still silence.
“They don’t talk much, do they?”
“It is not their way,” said Ilthos.
“It’s kind of creepy, if you ask me. How long are we going to stand here like this?”
As if in response to his question, the priestesses turned simultaneously, and began to walk away. Jon followed quietly, having given up on any communication with his guides. The whole time the creature had continued to calm down, and now its mood had turned into one of serenity.
You like this place, huh? he said to his symbiont.
Beautiful, it replied.
Yeah, I guess it is.
A door slid open and they stepped through it onto a long, narrow, glass bridge. The first thing Jon noticed was the wind, the second was the drop. Looking down through the glass, he saw a great chasm, and briefly wondered how far it was to the bottom. He decided it better not to think of such things.
Looking along the bridge he found it connected two of the great spiral structures. It seemed odd that, while the Temple used modern technology, they still relied on strange bridges like this one. Then again, understanding why Diakans did things the way they did was never one of Jon’s strong points.
As they slowly crossed, the wind became more of an obstacle. At the halfway point, the winds became so powerful that Jon had to hold onto the handrails to keep from being flung off. Astonishingly the three priestesses walked through the gale force winds without as much as a stumble, let alone the need to grab hold of a handrail.
Through it all his symbiont remained calm, unperturbed by the danger the winds represented. That in itself was strange, as the symbiont always reacted to even the smallest threats.
On the other side they entered a cavernous chamber. Jon followed the silent priestesses across the room, in quiet awe of his surroundings. Sweeping canvases adorned the walls, and enormous sculptures stood over them, passively watching the group pass.
The room was a Diakan history lesson. One intricate sculpture depicting two Diakans entwined in deadly combat against each other stood out. He was particularly struck by the intense emotions on the faces of the two combatants, something that seemed out of place when compared to the Diakans he had encountered.
Jon had always distrusted Diakans partly because their faces were so expressionless. Yet there was no mistaking the emotions in this sculpture. The two fighters were completely consumed with their hatred for each other.
A massive painting depicting the aftermath of a battle hung on the wall nearby. An innumerable number of Diakan corpses littered the ground. In the midst of it all, a group of Diakans stood, looking out at the viewer, their expressions stoic.
From their torsos an aura emanated, almost like a halo. In the distance behind them stood the Temple of the Great See’er, standing atop the sheer cliffs of Mount Tos. The same aura emanated from the temple.
The priestesses reached the other end of the room and turned to face Jon. “From here you must travel alone,” said one, her eyes boring into Jon’s like lasers.
“She speaks.” said Jon. “Just through those doors then?”
Wi
th no response from the priestess, Jon shrugged and moved to walk around the three women. As he did they shifted as one to block his path.
“What’s the problem now?” said Jon.
“You must travel alone,” repeated the woman.
“I am alone.”
She pointed to Jon’s comm. “Artificial life forms are not permitted.”
“Careful, you might hurt AI’s feelings.”
“I do not have feelings to hurt, Admiral,” said AI.
The woman turned her hand palm up, and waited.
“Well, I guess we’ve already started this dance. Might as well see it through to the end,” said Jon, removing his comm and placing it in the priestess’ open hand.
The woman closed her hand over the technology, and the three moved aside allowing Jon to pass.
Intricate carvings adorned the doors standing several stories high in front of him. Their entire length etched with scenes from Diakan history. Like the sculptures, the carvings were incredibly detailed and vivid, and Jon couldn’t help but admire the artist’s skill.
The giant doors swung open independently. Jon turned back to the priestesses. “I bet that scared the crap out of the Diakans who had to climb up here, huh?”
The priestesses watched without a word.
“I don’t know why I try,” he said, stepping into the adjacent room. As he entered, he felt an odd sensation. Something he had never experienced before. His symbiont began to purr.
I think you’ve finally lost your mind, Jon said to the symbiont. Where’s that growl I’ve come to know and love?
Undisturbed, the creature responded only by continuing its rhythmic sound. Jon stepped deeper into the room, which was darker than the last, but for a strange glow emanating from its center.
“It is strange that one who hates us so would become our salvation,” said a female voice.
Jon unsuccessfully tried to zero in on its origin. Instead, the sound seemed to envelop him.
“Am I speaking to the Great See’er?” said Jon.
“You are.”
Again Jon tried to pinpoint the location of the voice. “Where are you?”
“I am here,” she whispered in his ear.
Jon spun around, startled. In front of him, mere inches away, stood a Diakan woman, not much different from the three priestesses. She wore the same white hooded garment, and stood with her head lowered so as to conceal her face. “How did you do that?”