The Most Dangerous Mitch in the Multiverse

by Paul Ormond

  Reaching the end of the passage, Mitch leaned around the corner and peered down a steam-filled hallway. Movement in the mist caught his attention, and he spotted a figure moving through the billowing steam. He pulled back as quietly as he could and indicated with his hands that he saw something ahead.

  A humming sound cut through the din of machine noise filling the air. Mitch felt a hand grab him from behind and pull him down. He spun around and found Kate and the others hiding underneath a set of pipes. As he dropped to his knees, he dragged himself into the dark recess while the sound neared. Looking over his shoulder, he spotted a metallic form hovering a few feet off the ground while it moved past the opening. Frozen with fear, Mitch listened as the machine hum passed out of range.

  “Told you, Mitch,” Kate whispered from further back. “Killer robots.”

  “I hope you enjoy being right,” Mitch said. “We need to find a way past these killer robots and find this generator.”

  “I don’t think it’s crazy if I suggest that the bright light burning down on us is going to be a good candidate,” Gaelin whispered.

  “And I’m not gonna disagree with you there,” Mitch said. “We need to get a better look without tipping off security. How would you approach it, TaeJun?”

  “I’d try to disable the sentries, but I think we’d tip the system off if the robots went off line. We’re better staying in stealth mode. It looks like you’d get a good look if you could get up there,” TaeJun said, pointing to a platform surrounded by a railing.

  “Would you two stop pussyfooting around,” Kate whispered. “Stealth mode will get us nowhere. We’re up against the clock, and no matter what we do, we’re going to trip the system. As soon as we fire up our devices, they’ll be onto us. The best move is for TaeJun, Gaelin, and I to distract the sentries while Mitch charges in and let’s his magic spear do what it does best.”

  “I hate to admit it, but she’s got a point,” Mitch whispered. “We need to confirm the target first, then when we spot the sentries, you three draw it away. I’m gonna guess that there are more than one of those things, so expect to draw some fire.”

  “You’re acting like this was your idea,” Kate said. “That’s just typical. You don’t need to mansplain my idea to me, Mitch.”

  “I wasn’t mansplaining. I was just making sure we were clear on our objectives,” Mitch said.

  “We’ll be able to handle the sentries. Don’t worry about us,” TaeJun said.

  “But we need a plan to get out of here. If you just charge in there and take out this machine, what’s our exit strategy?” Gaelin asked.

  “Hadn’t thought it that far,” Mitch said. “I’m just sort of used to winging it. Usually something presents itself.”

  “Instead of looking for an exit, I’d say you’re better off blowing the roof off of this thing,” Kate said. “Once you get close, cut a hole straight up with your gadget. Give the generator all you’ve got and then we all scoot back to the surface.”

  “Hard to argue with that kind of logic,” Mitch said. “I guess psychopaths are good to have around after all.”

  “Told you she’d come in handy,” Gaelin said.

  “You haven’t even scratched the surface of my talents,” Kate said.

  “You’re very talented. Just hold up your end,” Mitch said.

  “I always do,” Kate said.

  “Let’s push forward,” TaeJun said. “This steam will provide us with enough cover to get you close. We’ll stay out of sight until we’re sure of the target.”

  “And then time for destruction,” Kate said. “TaeJun, take point. This is kind of your thing.”

  “We’ve all got our talents,” TaeJun said as he crept toward the opening and glanced in both directions. “It’s clear. Let’s move up in waves. Mitch, get to that next access and take cover.”

  “On it,” Mitch said, scrambling past TaeJun.

  He looked down the hall for any sign of the robot sentries, but the coast was clear. Inhaling, he charged forward and slid behind a wall of pipes while TaeJun looked on. Looking ahead for motion, Mitch signaled to TaeJun that it was safe to move.

  Kate charged past Mitch and dropped behind a control panel before TaeJun left his position and dove under another set of pipes. Close behind, Gaelin ducked under a pipe and dropped into cover. Mitch glanced around the corner and spotted a sentry cross the passageway ahead of them.

  As the robot passed out of sight, Mitch felt an intense light burning into his retinas. In the distance, a thick spire of light rose above the pipes and connected with a circular hub embedded in the stone ceiling high above their position.

  With a wave of his fingers, TaeJun pointed Mitch toward his next position. Nodding his response, Mitch looked over his shoulder before scrambling toward a levered mechanism. As Mitch dropped into cover, Kate and Gaelin passed by him in a blur and dove in tandem under a large pipe.

  Looking ahead at the enormous column of light, Mitch felt TaeJun come to his side.

  “I think we found our target,” TaeJun whispered.

  “I think you’re right,” Mitch said. “Is it time to switch on?”

  “Not yet,” TaeJun said. “We need to track our targets first. We have no idea how many of those things are wandering around in here. The three of us will stick together and try to ambush a couple of them when they are close together while you make your way to the generator. Get as close to that thing as possible without being spotted. When you hear shots fired take it as your cue to act. As soon as one of the robots gets hit, it will trigger the others and draw them away. At least that’s what I’m thinking will happen.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Mitch said. “Get moving. I’ll get as close and wait for the signal. Don’t do anything stupid. You’ve got no idea how powerful these sentries are.”

  “You just worry about taking out that thing,” TaeJun said. “We’ll see you when it’s done, Mitch Mythic, the Most Dangerous Man in the Multiverse.”

  “We’ll see about that,” Mitch said as he watched his companions scurry away.

  CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

  THE DRUMS POUNDED a strong, steady rhythm before the doors opposite the priestess swung open. Silenced by the ominous music, the crowd looked on in rapt attention as several soldiers strode out of the opening bearing lengthy spears. At the center of the soldiers, Drak hovered above the ground, bound at the wrists and ankles by glowing bonds.

  The procession crossed the dirt floor of the arena as a wave of murmurs spread through the audience.

  “Death to the traitor,” one man yelled. The outburst brought the crowd to their feet and a chorus of obscenities rained down upon Drak while he was led toward the base of the pulpit.

  Upon reaching the black carpet, the soldiers released Drak from his bonds and backed away, leaving him to stand before the Priestess alone.

  Rising from her throne, the Priestess strode to the top of the stairs and raised her arms. The music cut out, and a hateful silence filled the air.

  “I look to the heavens and call out to the Gods, our faithful protectors, to bring me the guidance I need to steer us through this dark, dark day,” The priestess shouted to the sky. “Together we must pray for forgiveness, for mercy for this Chalthantarian that has been led astray, led astray by lies and the evil doings of wretched and depraved individuals seduced by Horamus, the lord of the underworld. Let us pray together now.”

  “Let us pray,” the crowd echoed.

  “Oh mighty, Joru, high above, look down upon us now, and see that we acknowledge the wickedness flowing among us. Horamus is a ceaseless opponent, and his temptations can seduce even the most pious of your servants. But we continue to fight against this evil because we fill our hearts with your great love.”

  “Our hearts are filled with your love,” the crowd responded.

  “My brothers and sisters, we have gathered here today for a grave occasion,” The priestess said, lowering her arms and looking out at the crowd. “We have suff
ered through much together, you and I, and we have learned what matters most: faith in Joru. For it is through his love that we find the courage to overcome the temptations of evil thrown before us by Horamus. But not all of us are that strong, not all of us are that brave. Some of us give in to the temptation, give in to the hate. They try to bend the will of the gods, the will of Joru, to their wicked ways. But, try as they do, our love for Joru cuts through the chaos of Horamus and the truth is brought to light.”

  “Bring us into the light,” the crowd murmured.

  “Before me stands one of our own; one of us that has fallen for the lies of Horamus,” the priestess said while she looked down upon Drak. “We are well aware of the charges brought against this young man: the treachery, the deception, the treason. This is all the work of Horamus seeking to sow his seeds of chaos in our world. I look down upon this young man with pity, for he has never truly felt the love Joru has for him. All of us together have pity on this poor lost boy, led astray by evil and destruction. Pray together now that he may be forgiven by Joru for the wickedness he has caused,”

  “We pray to Joru for forgiveness,” the crowd echoed.

  “Forgiveness is all he can hope for, unfortunately,” the priestess said before she locked eyes with Drak. “The high court has found him guilty of treason against Chalthantar. A most serious of crimes, and now he stands before us to receive his punishment.”

  “Punish him,” the crowd responded.

  “Yes, he must be punished, but what is an acceptable punishment for such an offense? The court has sentenced him to death, but death in itself is not a punishment fitting the crime he committed against us all. In death we return to the bosom of creation to be cleansed of our sins and reprieved of the wickedness of the flesh. This is not punishment, but a reward for our struggles. Together, let us come to a consensus on a punishment that matches the severity of the crime committed against us all.”

  “Against us all,” the crowd murmured.

  “This wretched boy fell prey to the evilness of Horamus and sought to destroy all the work we have done to re-establish peace and harmony on this planet. But those of us with faith understand that the universe is ruled by Joru, and our almighty God is the ultimate harmonizer. When he cannot be present, he leaves behind others to do his work. These others are present among us as the creatures and plants that flourish throughout Chalthantar. As terrifying as some creatures may seem, they all have a purpose under the eye of Joru. There is one creature more fearsome than all. The ancients spoke of a creature so massive, so terrible that it could only be the wrath of Joru incarnate. The great tales of old speak of such a creature rising from the depths to smite the wicked, to crush those that oppose the rule of Joru. Let us call upon the Chronath now and have it choose a punishment that fits the brazen crimes of Drakon Trendago.”

  “Call the Chronath,” the crowd echoed.

  “Joru, our great and benevolent lord, hear our cries for justice. We call upon the Chronath to bring the evil doer to your door. After suffering in the jaws of your most fearsome creation, he will be fit for redemption. He must be cleansed of his wickedness in the dark pit of the Chronath’s stomach. There and only there will Horamus’s lies and deception be stripped away.”

  “We cry out for justice,” the crowd responded.

  “Cry out for justice. Cry out for the Chronath,” the priestess shrieked before a heavy drum beat filled the arena. “Sing loud and clear, brothers and sisters. Let the Chronath hear your song. Sing loud enough that your song reaches the ears of Joru.”

  “Summon, summon, we summon the Chronath. In Joru we find the source of all righteousness. Justice, Justice, justice and harmony. Oh Chronath, we summon thee,” the crowd sang as horns joined in with the chorus.

  “As we call the Chronath, I look down upon you, Drakon Trendago, and ask you if you have any final words you would like to say before you meet your fate?” the priestess asked.

  “There is no justice here,” Drak shouted. “The priestess deceives you all.”

  “Do you really wish for these to be your final words, Drakon Trendago?” The priestess asked as a deep rumble shook the ground beneath his feet.

  “What I want is freedom,” Drak shouted while cracks formed in the dirt. “I believe in freedom for Chalthantar. We do not have to be slaves to the Masters. There is another way.”

  “As you can see, brothers and sisters, Horamus still has a grip upon this one,” the priestess said. “May you be cleansed in the bowels of the Chronath.”

  “You will not get away with this,” Drak shouted before the priestess returned to her throne.

  “We are all at the mercy of Joru. But it is not me that has been found guilty of treason. I don’t need to get away with anything. You, Drakon Trendago, need to suffer,” the priestess said while she sat down. “But it wouldn’t be fair, nor would it be much of a spectacle if you were unarmed. Take this device and attach it to your person. If you wish to fight for your life for the merriment of the crowd, it is up to. Perhaps Joru will grant you victory. If you survive this encounter, then the gods truly favor you. But no one survives the wrath of the Chronath.”

  A ripple of energy shot out of the stone lip surrounding the arena and formed a dome of translucent energy over the wide pit. Turning away from the pulpit, Drak scooped up the device the priestess had thrown his way and watched as the packed earth at the center of the dome exploded, sending rubble in every direction.

  “Joru, has heard your cries for Justice, brothers and sisters,” the priestess said. “Behold, the Chronath.”

  The drums slowed as a cloud of dust swirled at the center of the arena. Hushed by the explosion, the crowd looked on in silent anticipation. Drak crossed his arms over his chest, and the device sprung to life. Launching into the air, he spotted a shadow rising out of the cloud.

  The crowd gasped in astonishment after an enormous scaled head emerged from the hole. Letting loose a horrific shriek, the head rose through the dust cloud and a thick clawed limb slammed into the cracked ground. More limbs followed and Drak found himself face to face with a beast he had only heard mentioned in ancient history books.

  The creature’s body rippled as it moved, thick muscles connecting to a series of powerful limbs running the length of its torso. Across its back stood a clump of spikes flowing into a single row along its tail and ending in a bulbous club that twitched in rhythm with the pounding drums.

  Letting loose another tremendous roar, the monstrous animal lunged forward and gnashed its teeth after it spotted its prey.

  Dodging to his left, Drak evaded the bite of the Chronath and shot toward the opposite side of the arena as the crowd cheered and hollered.

  With his back pressed against the wall, Drak scanned his surroundings for anything that could aid him in his quest to stay alive, but the creature spun around and saw him hovering against the wall. It charged forward, forcing him to flee toward the opposite side of the arena.

  Standing to the left of the Priestess, SoHee watched Drak’s desperate attempt to stay alive with her heart pounding in her chest. Gerald stood to her right looking on with bated breath as Drak dodged another lunging attack from the monster, much to the amusement of the crowd. Gerald noticed her looking in his direction and he glanced at her for a moment before returning his attention to the dramatic events unfolding before their eyes.

  Someone grabbed her by the shoulder and SoHee whirled around to find a soldier standing arrow straight and pointing in the direction of the priestess. As SoHee looked toward the throne, her eyes locked with the priestess, sparks of emotions exploding in cascades shivered down her spine.

  “Off you go now,” the soldier said after he grabbed her by the shoulder and shoved her toward the pulpit. “The priestess has requested an audience with you. Unless you wish to die here and now, I suggest you take her offer.”

  Unable to refuse, SoHee inhaled and followed behind the soldier while he led her to the raised throne.

  “Kneel be
fore her majesty, maggot,” the soldier said.

  Dropping to her knees, SoHee heard the shrieks and howls of the audience as the spectacle of Drak’s execution played out behind her.

  “There is no reason to be so hostile, Lavimo.” the priestess said, admonishing the soldier. “SoHee is a welcome guest. She and I have much to discuss concerning our relationship and what will come in the future.”

  “I beg your forgiveness, High priestess,” the soldier said while he bowed his head toward the floor and retreated to the side of the throne

  “You are forgiven, my faithful servant. Stay focused on your work and your opportunity will come,” the priestess said before turning back to SoHee. “So my child, what to do you think of the festivities?”

  “I think it seems incredibly outlandish, yet all too familiar,” SoHee said as she watched Drak evade another strike from the Chronath.

  CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

  MITCH PEERED AROUND a corner and scanned for sentinels before pushing toward a set of stairs that led to a raised platform. After diving into cover, he looked toward his target towering overhead.

  At the base of the spire, a round metallic hub sat over an enormous contraption. Several thick pipes connected with the base of the machine, but Mitch couldn’t spot any visible control panels.

  Motion to his right caught his attention, and he pulled back into the shadows while a robot approached through the cloud of gas. Holding his breath as the robot passed by, he listened for any sign from TaeJun and Kate, but his heart froze when he heard the Sentinel stop a few feet from his position.

  The machine whirled around and Mitch spotted a wide laser working its way toward the tangle of pipes covering his position. Readying himself to strike, Mitch raised his arms to activate his suit, but a hail of fire erupted in the distance, and the robot whirled around and took off toward the sound.