by Gun Brooke
“I’m coming with you because I need to get my hands on a protective suit. If we inhale more of this stuff, we could be looking at irreparable damage to our lungs.”
“No kidding.” Briar nudged Adina in the right direction. “I saw a staircase four blocks from here.”
“Good.” Adina coughed as they ran back toward slightly cleaner air. “The filters are doing their best to vent this, but they can’t keep up with if we don’t find what’s still burning.”
The staircase had automatic fire doors, which was a relief as they entered it and could draw clean air into their systems. Briar gazed up the circular staircase. She couldn’t see anyone above them, which was good. The steps were narrow, and having a large group of people stampeding toward them wasn’t optimal.
“Admiral Vayand to Commander Vantressa. Report.” Adina’s communicator made them both flinch.
“Vantressa here. Nurse Briar Lindemay also present.”
“I see. I have the president on another channel. Why do you need to speak with her?”
“I don’t. Yet.” Adina began climbing the stairs with Briar right behind her. “I need her to go to level four and her residential area. It’s the safest place right now, and more importantly, she needs to talk to Caya Lindemay and her sister. The president will know what it’s about.”
Briar understood from the cautious wording that Adina wasn’t sure where Vayand stood on the matter of Caya and Briar yet.
“This is a highly unorthodox request, Commander,” Vayand said.
“Just tell her, sir. She’ll understand.”
“Very well. What’s your status?”
“We’re almost at level four. I will pull on some protective gear and return to the scene, sir.”
“Keep me posted at fifteen-minute intervals.”
“Aye, sir. Vantressa out.”
Briar stepped back so Adina could open the door to the corridor on deck ten, which required she submit a DNA subcutaneous chip screening. They stepped into the corridor, and Adina moved to a cabinet directly to the left of the door.
“Go to your sister, Briar. The president will be along shortly. Keep your communicator close.”
“You too.” Suddenly so afraid that her knees wobbled, Briar threw her arms around Adina’s neck. “I can’t lose you. Not now. Not when…you know.” She whispered the words fervently. “Be careful, Adina.”
Adina kissed her lightly, and the normalcy of the embrace hit Briar right across the chest. She had loved Adina for much longer than she’d confessed to herself. These weren’t new feelings. The physical part was, and it was nerve-wracking, but the love was deep and well founded, which meant it had happened all along even if they hadn’t recognized it until very lately.
“I promise, Briar.” Adina hugged her hard and briefly, then hurried back into the staircase, and Briar walked farther into the corridor until she reached Caya’s new quarters. Confused by the absence of presidential guards, she gazed up and down the empty corridor before she buzzed the chime and waited. Her heart began to race. She could sense her sister and her stress levels. “Caya, it’s me!” she called out and pounded with her fist on the door. “Let me in, sweetie.”
The door opened so suddenly, Briar nearly fell backward. A young guard stood in the doorway, looking harried. He scanned Briar’s chip implant and let her in.
“Briar!” Caya jumped into Briar’s arms and hugged her hard. “What’s going on? I’m having constant flashbacks from the time when we lived by that big park with Mom and Dad. Then I see bodies. Some are moving and some aren’t. That was yet another explosion, wasn’t it? These quarters are extra protected and soundproofed, but—”
“Hey, hey. I have you. I’m here and yes, there was an explosion. Adina and I were on one of the floors, but we weren’t injured.” Of course she would have to get into yet another coughing fit right after those brave words.
“Please. Get my sister something to drink. Citric water, I think.”
“Good. You listened to some of my advice.” Briar wheezed.
“Citric water for stuff that irritates the larynx and lungs. Mataya-milk for burned lungs, and iced coteyano-tea for mucus.”
“Good girl.” Briar gratefully accepted a glass of citric water from the guard. “Where’s your second guard?”
“I sent him to investigate.”
“Are you insane?” Briar gaped. “And what do you mean, you sent him? He’s not yours to send anywhere. He’s responsible for your protection. Along with this person.” Briar jerked her thumb toward the other guard.
“Yeah, yeah. I should think I’m in the safest position anyone can be in right now.” Caya flicked her fingers impatiently.
“I hope he comes back soon because the president is on her way here. We need to explain to her—”
“What? Thea? Now?” Caya blushed.
“Stop interrupting me. She’s on her way here so we can explain to her that at least half of your premonition came true. A junction on level ten has a blue floor.”
“Oh, shit.”
“Just what I thought. How the hell do we tell her—again?”
“Tell me what?” a calm, low voice said from the door. President Gassinthea Mila Tylio had arrived, and she looked furious.
Chapter Seventeen
Briar instinctively moved closer to Caya as the president looked at her sister with fury radiating from her entire being. To Briar’s surprise, her sister’s expression altered, and once again the more mature and serene part of Caya appeared.
“Thea. Come and sit down,” Caya said, and held out a hand.
“I don’t want to sit down. I want to know why my guards ushered me here, virtually disobeying my orders.” Tylio folded her arms across her chest.
“We can explain, but we should sit.” Caya motioned to the sitting area next to the large view screen. “Please, Thea?”
The president pursed her lips, looking like she intended to object or, worse, leave. Then she motioned for her guards to wait outside and strode over to the couch. She sat down, crossed her legs, and placed her hands perfectly centered on her left knee. “Well? I must say I find it rather strange my guards didn’t escort me to my own quarters, according to emergency protocol.” Her tone made it obvious just how frustrated the president was.
Caya sat down next to Tylio, and Briar chose an armchair across from them. The entire guest quarters breathed luxury, which meant the leadership had overruled Meija’s advice that all people aboard Pathfinder should live under the same standards to create a feeling of equality.
“Please hear us out,” Caya said, placing a hand on the president’s arm. “And you’re right. It must seem strange they would put you in here with us.” She smiled sadly. “I think we need to regard this as indicative of how confusing and uncertain the situation is outside. When your own guards realize you’re safer in here than in your own quarters…that says something. Briar, you know more of the details than I do.” Motioning for Briar to continue, Caya patted Tylio’s arm gently.
“She’s right, Madam—eh, Thea. An explosion at the aft part of this cube has created a hole through four decks. I was on the site with Commander Vantressa. I saw the blue floor at the bottom.”
The color seeped out of Tylio’s cheeks. “Are you saying this is part of Caya’s premonition?” Now her lips grew colorless and tense. “And the rest of the vision? My husband?”
“We don’t know. The responders are working the scene. Adina will page me, us, as soon as she knows anything. Does your husband use that corridor?”
“I…I…Yes. Yes, he does. I didn’t even think about that, since the blue is only at the junction. How can these people even know about that part? He only uses it to visit…a friend.” Tylio’s hands were curled into fists. “I need to gather the cabinet and—”
“No, Thea. You need to remain here.” Caya spoke again, but now her voice was hollow and barely audible. Briar and Tylio both turned and stared at her.
“Creator. Her eyes,”
Tylio whispered.
Briar had seen this before, but Caya had never been this calm during a vision before. Now she looked preoccupied but still present. Her petite frame was trembling, and her hand still holding on to Tylio’s arm, gripping the fabric of her sleeve. Swaying slightly, Caya looked distant, and her shimmering eyes had begun to glow.
“If you leave, you will not be safe. I see several scenarios. Briar, it’s hurting my head.”
Hurrying to Caya, Briar knelt before her. “Can you control it? Make it stop?” She in turn felt Caya’s confusion and a strong sense of being overwhelmed. From Tylio, she sensed rage mixed with genuine concern. Did this woman truly care about what happened to Caya? “Try the meditation technique. Breathe deep and slow.”
Shaking, Caya did as told. Tylio didn’t move but took Caya’s hand between hers. “She’s so cold.” She took Caya’s other hand and held on.
“A stream of images is showing how Thea leaves and goes to the site. The floor caves in and she falls over the edge.” Caya sobbed. “Another stream shows Thea gathering men and women in an auditorium and there’s another explosion. Two more streams are variations of that, her office, the corridor outside this room, her quarters…Briar!”
Briar rubbed Caya’s shoulders. “We get it, sweetie. Just let the visions go. The president isn’t going anywhere. You’ve convinced us. Hasn’t she, Thea?” She looked imploringly at Tylio, who nodded somberly.
“I’m staying right here. I will communicate some of these visions to my chief of staff. If the people responsible for the attack also placed explosives or white garnet in multiple places, I need to alert security and law enforcement.” Tylio rose and moved over to the small niche holding the media center with several screens. She glanced at Caya over her shoulder. “Are you all right?” Her tone was matter-of-fact, but Briar easily picked up on the warmth and genuine concern.
“I’m fine,” Caya said huskily. “Just don’t go outside.”
“I won’t.” Tylio’s hand flew across the computer console as she got in touch with the people she needed to reach. Eventually, she closed the transmission on the biggest screen and pivoted on the stool. “I’ve done what I can. My guards know where I am and what’s at stake. From what I understand, Commander Vantressa is running tests around the site with her team, and Admiral Korrian is working from engineering with the new tracking method. All we can do is wait.” She remained sitting on the stool, hands folded tightly over crossed legs.
Briar had sat next to Caya, mesmerized by the strong emotions permeating the presidential guest quarters. Now, looking at Gassinthea Tylio, she thought nobody had ever looked as lonely as the president did right now. Carrying the weight of the safety of two million people on her shoulders, Thea looked stoic as she jutted her chin out and assumed that perfect poise. Briar had no trouble turning her senses and absorbing some of the woman’s suppressed panic.
“Please, Thea. Join us over here. We don’t know how long it’ll be before Adina or someone else will return with news.” Briar stood. “Why don’t you take my seat for a moment while I make us something hot to drink? I think we can all do with some of Caya’s favorite herbal tea.”
“Yes, please do.” Caya extended her hand and Thea moved over to the couch. Just as elegant and rigid as she’d been on the stool, she now sat beside Caya, who in turn had curled up, hugging a small pillow.
The thought of Adina and the uncertainty of what was happening on cube one made Briar’s hands shake as she programmed the beverage dispenser. The multiple choices, far outnumbering the ones in their old quarters, confused her as she wasn’t focusing, but eventually she carried a tray to the living-room area.
Tylio sat in the same position as before, but with her eyes closed. Glancing at Caya, Briar mouthed, “Is she asleep?”
Caya shook her head. She was still pale and reached greedily for her mug. “Thank you,” she murmured, and this was enough for Tylio to open her eyes.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, she took her mug, nodding at Briar. “Have you heard from Commander Vantressa?”
Briar gripped her mug more firmly. “No. Not yet. I’m afraid to page her in case I disturb her when she’s doing something dangerous. Like me, she has a habit of sticking her neck in where danger lurks the most.”
“So I understand.” Tylio sipped her mug. “This was nice.”
“It will rejuvenate us,” Caya said. Drinking from her mug she suddenly slammed it down on the table in front of her. “Adina…” She covered her eyes as if she didn’t really want to see. Stiff now or, rather, trembling so fast it appeared as her body was frozen, Caya lowered her hands. White and with almost colorless eyes, she stared at something. “She’s found him.” She snapped her head toward Tylio. “Adina has found your husband.”
“Is he alive?” Tylio asked, her voice husky. Briar studied her as she sucked in as much air as she could while she waited for Caya’s reply.
“I don’t know. I can’t tell. I see him on his side on the floor, and Adina—” Caya trembled as she turned her head to Briar. “I’m sorry, sis. I can’t tell if she’s alive either.”
“I have to go there.” Briar stood.
“No, it’s too dangerous.” Tylio stood as well. “We don’t know what they’ve been subjected to and where they are.” Glancing at Caya, she frowned. “Or do we?”
“Deck ten. Section eight.” Caya sobbed. “It’s as precise as I can be.”
“Good enough for me.” Briar stood. “Now listen to me, sweetie. This is my job. This is what I do. I’m trained in search and rescue as well as nursing, you know this. I’ll use a protective suit, and I won’t do anything foolhardy.”
“Ha.” Caya shook her head sorrowfully. “Even I can read you enough to know you’ll do anything to keep Adina safe.”
“Remember that I’ll do anything not to leave you.” Briar cupped Caya’s cheeks. “That’s a promise. I’ll page Korrian and Meija on the way.”
“All right.” Caya drew a trembling breath. “I’ll wait here since I have no choice. I also know it’s up to me to take care of Thea.”
“Excuse me?” Tylio flinched and glowered at Caya.
“Don’t know why. I haven’t been wrong so far, which means, for now, I’m your shadow, Madam President.” Caya raised her chin, and Briar could feel how sure her sister was Tylio would scoff at her certainty. Instead, the president merely slumped back against the couch. “Very well.”
Briar kissed the top of her sister’s head and nodded to Tylio before she exited the luxurious quarters. The guards outside had donned protective suits, but she didn’t stop to inform them of where she was going, just in case they tried to stop her. To her relief she found one more suit in the cabinet holding the gear.
Cursing her small frame, she tugged at the straps to shorten the legs and sleeves before placing the mask and hood over her head. When she was ready, she grabbed two of the EM-kits and slung them crosswise over her shoulders, opened the door to the stairwell, and began her descent. She had made it halfway down to level ten when she suddenly felt much lighter. It took Briar a few startled moments to realize she was experiencing a distinct lack of gravity. Slapping her communicator with one hand as she held onto the railing with the other, she paged Korrian.
“Korrian here. Briar?”
“I’m in a staircase going down to deck ten. Adina is there, injured, according to Caya. So is the president’s husband. Inertial dampeners are close to failing in this part of the cube. I’m not floating, but artificial gravity must be partially offline.”
“We know. I’m on deck nine. I heard from her team that Adina hoisted herself down one deck to reach the computer console at that junction. There was a second explosion elsewhere in the cube, and the rope dislodged.”
“Did she fall?” Aghast, Briar pulled herself downward, trying to gain momentum. “Can you see her?”
“No. I was about to take the stairs as well, but since we’re weightless I’m getting ready to lower myself into—”
“Don’t. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Korrian was fit, but she was still more than seventy years old. “Promise me, Admiral.”
“All right. I give you two minutes and then I’m going down there.”
Briar pushed and pulled at the railing and forced her aching arms to propel herself forward. It was more difficult than she had imagined, but eventually she reached level ten and pushed the door open. Here she could hop and half skip as long as she didn’t exaggerate the movement of her legs. The air around her was slightly hazy still, smoke of unknown origin gathering in tendrils around her. “Briar to Korrian.” She refused to bother with titles right now. She didn’t have time to think of protocol. “Briar to Korrian. Do you read?”
“I hear you, Briar. Your location?”
“I’m in section three on deck ten. Visibility isn’t very good and inertial dampeners are still off. Some debris on the deck, but I can jump over it.”
“Careful not to jump too hard. You might bounce off the bulkhead and injure yourself, as we aren’t sure how badly the inertial dampeners are damaged.”
“I know. I’m being careful. Where are the medics?”
“They can’t get in yet. Security and part of my team have located more explosives all around this part of the cube. We can’t allow medics in before they’ve been neutralized.”
“What about you?” Briar had to hold on to the narrow railing to the left of the corridor as the one on the right had buckled under pressure and debris from the quarters behind it littered the deck. She used the same technique as in the staircase, pulling and pushing. Each time she moved one of her hands to get a new grip on the railing, she had to be careful not to pierce the glove of her protective suit on anything.
“Me?” Korrian chuckled joylessly. “Well, like you, I was already here, so I can at least try to help.”
“Where’s Meija?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve tried paging her,” Korrian said, and now her voice was strained. Opening her senses to Korrian, she could feel the dread instantly. Korrian was worrying so much that she had problems focusing. “She was on her way here even though I tried to tell her there was nothing she could do. Meija was quite certain you and Caya needed her.”