Ace knelt beside what looked to the naked eye like a dysfunctional generator. He yanked on the top of it, and the machine split in half to expose a lever. Ace pushed this lever forward, and a side wall in the tunnel swung open to reveal another tunnel. Positioned between the soldiers, Rave was then ushered into this new passage. It opened into a concrete hall, and lights in the walls paced off every twenty meters or so. The soldiers led him to a set of metal doors, and Ace opened these with an old-fashioned key.
These people take themselves pretty seriously, thought Rave. That’s how they’ve survived so long. They’re not very efficient in attacking the Dominion, but they are survivors. I should take notes on their operation.
The doors opened, as did the Warrior Hunter’s mouth in surprise. He followed the soldiers and found himself walking along a subterranean street. Houses stood along the street, built into the sides of the large, manmade cavern. Florescent lights shown high overhead. This was the refugee housing space, and Rave noticed several children running around at play between the homes. There was no vegetation, of course, but the homes had been designed to look as normal as possible. Citizen-dressed people strolled down the sidewalks, casually talking and even laughing. Soldiers patrolled, carrying machine guns in open view.
But, thought Rave, they don’t look too concerned about needing to use their weapons. This place is crazy secure.
Ace and his men led Rave through this housing space to a metal door in one of the earthy walls. Crossing this threshold, Rave found another large cavern, though not as large as the first. This area was much more high-tech, and grated balconies layered the walls. These balconies held desks with all kinds of technological equipment, and more uniformed soldiers sat at the desks and scurried along the balconies, busy at work. At ground level, command tables with maps and other equipment stood in the middle of the room. It was to one of these tables that the soldiers led Rave.
Finally, they came to a halt beside a distinguished, older man. He was in good physical condition for a soldier advanced in years, and his dark-skinned face was locked in a solemn frown as he studied a map.
He’s Jole Cagod, thought Rave, the Underground High Commander. He’s the one I’ll have to win over. This could be a challenge. My informants tell me what a tough cookie this guy is. Unwavering. He commands his people well, but I’ve heard his rigid stance on Dominion deserters. Loree might be right in not coming. Hopefully I’ll appear more likable, but I’m not sure I can do this. Okay, Rave, deep breaths. Here we go.
“Sir.” Ace saluted.
The older man turned from his table to inspect Rave. He signaled the soldiers that they were free to leave. As they obeyed, he shook Rave’s hand.
“I’m Commander Cagod, although I imagine you figured that out already.” There was definitely a no-nonsense tone to his voice. “Commander Matsuri sent a transmission from Solarus 5 a few hours ago. I assume you’re the envoy Matsuri mentioned would be coming to me. I’ve been expecting you.”
Rave tried not to show his surprise, which was fairly safe considering his facemask.
What the hell, Mat? he thought. There’s no way Loree wanted us to be announced.
“I’m glad to be here, sir.” Rave looked around, truly impressed with what he saw.
Cagod motioned to a nearby soldier, who hurried away to bring chairs where they stood. “You’re here to establish an alliance?”
“Yes, sort of,” Rave answered as the soldier offered him a seat.
Cagod sat across from him and took a data screen off the command table. “I see from Matsuri’s transmission that your commander is Bullseye. Is that correct?”
“Yes…” Rave tried not to show his frustration. They’d worked with Matsuri a few times, and this time Rave was certain that if he were to knock on Matsuri’s head he’d hear a rattle.
So much for going into this meeting without prejudice, he thought. Thanks, Mat.
“I respect Commander Matsuri,” said Cagod, “so I’m willing to talk with you for his sake. But why should I agree to work with Cruelthor’s own sister? We’ve heard she’s on the run, but she has a long road ahead if she wants to prove she’s no longer an enemy. Requesting the Underground’s acceptance and support seems like a very bold move for someone in her position to make.”
“That’s because she thinks she’s superior to the majority of the human race,” Rave half-joked.
Cagod wasn’t amused. “All Dominion members do.”
Rave realized he needed to stick to the script he’d prepared in his head. “Sir, Bullseye sent me here because we need to set up a good rep with you right away. The world knows you’re the main rebel force, and no other rebels would work with us if we were condemned by you. We just want assurance that you won’t treat us as a threat. We’re on the same side.”
“I don’t think you appreciate the gravity of what we do here. Over a thousand refugees live here in Undertown, and another hundred thousand are scattered in Underground bases across the globe. We get requests for admittance that we turn down all the time. Half the applicants are Dominion operatives posing as terrified citizens. I don’t make alliances over breakfast, young man. For starters, you haven’t given me anything to prove your commander isn’t still working for the Dominion.”
“Sir, we’ve only recently formed our team. Bullseye’s whole purpose in sending me here was to let you know we’re on your side before we even begin. We’re not begging to be under your protection, and we’re not asking for your continual support. We’re not even asking that you like us and agree with everything we do. I’m just telling you one simple thing.” He paused and glanced around, pretending to collect his thoughts. Really, he was waiting to see if Cagod was taking him seriously.
The older man looked back at Rave evenly. At least, he looked at him evenly for a minute. Then he shifted his weight. “And what is that?”
He is interested, thought Rave as he picked up on the man’s body language. If he wasn’t interested, he would’ve refused to meet with me. Now, if I can just make us sound more impressive than we really are…
“Sir, Bullseye and I are two of the four Kota Warriors. The other two are finishing their training. Our people long ago prophesied that we’re destined to wipe evil from the Earth, and we have abilities no one’s ever seen. We have backgrounds that give us advantages over any dangers we might encounter, and we’re nearly ready to start. We’re prophesied to defeat the Dominion’s DRK weapon, Commander. You must know what a powerful motivator hope is, and letting rumors about us circulate through your Underground could light a spark.”
That might be a bit over the top, he thought.
“The Kota…” Cagod raised an eyebrow.
Well, well, thought Rave. Seems he knows something of us on his own. Maybe he heard the Kota prophecies back when my father was alive. He is old enough to remember those days. This might make up for the whole Bullseye/Dominion thing. –I hope I’m reading him right.
Cagod confirmed that he was. “I remember when Thurston Olander persecuted the Kota remnant. There were stories then about a prophecy he feared.” His eyes moved to Rave’s arms. “Do you have the Mark?”
Humoring the man, Rave turned in his seat and pulled his suit from his neck down to the back of his arm, exposing the birthmark. Cagod reached to the table and picked up a pair of glasses sitting there. He slipped them on and scooted forward in his seat to look at Rave’s exposed Mark much like a doctor would examine a wound.
Rave continued to hold his suit so Cagod could get a good look, and while he waited he looked around the command center. Several soldiers were staring. A few stood in groups whispering and glancing at him. At the very least, they seemed curious about his meeting with their leader.
Maybe that’s a good sign, he thought. Cagod probably doesn’t grant requests for a private audience often. Perhaps he’s more inclined to cooperate than he’s letting on.
When Cagod was satisfied, he sat back and nearly smiled at Rave. “I see.”
>
“Do you believe me now?” Rave took a deep breath, knowing his impatience was clear.
“You’re prophesied to do the work of removing evil from Earth, and I agree that means fighting the Dominion.” Cagod paused to consider whatever was running through his mind. “Since people are desperate for something to believe in, the Warrior legend might spark some hope, like you say. Having you as allies might be beneficial after all. I don’t suppose you’d be willing to enter the Underground as commanders? We could use you Warriors as the face of change in the rebellion.”
Didn’t see that coming, Rave thought.
He shook his head. “We respect you, sir, but we don’t agree with many things you do. There’s the matter of the Hood, for one thing.”
“And we won’t change our policy toward them.” Cagod thought a moment. “You said you have abilities no one’s ever seen. Are you MOB?”
Rave quickly ran through each of their abilities and their skills’ unusual strength.
“Hmm. I’ve studied the MOB phenomenon myself, but displaying the abilities in childhood is unheard of. Enhanced hand-eye coordination, enhanced strength, enhanced sensory function, telepathy – these are normal enough, but not at the uncharted levels you describe. And you say the skills of dematerializing and teleporting are from the space dimension?”
“Yes.”
Cagod looked impressed. “Amazing. I’ve read about the space dimension, but I’ve never heard of individuals being able to control the power therein. Still, I suspect oddities of this sort are the next step of evolution. They probably won’t surprise anyone in another hundred years.”
Rave thought they’d gotten off track. He didn’t want to get into a scientific debate with Cagod over exactly where the Warriors’ enhancement came from. Trok had taught him what the ancient Kota texts said about the power in the space dimension, but much had to be taken on faith. Cagod didn’t seem like the type to be easily convinced of all that.
But Cagod was interested. “I see now how you might be capable of wiping evil from the world.” A touch of sarcasm laced the statement, but he added seriously, “You’d be valuable Underground commanders.”
Rave saw in his elder’s expression that the wheels were turning, and he had to squelch Cagod’s plans. “Sir, we won’t join the Warriors with the Underground, and you won’t hold command over us. We have to do this on our terms. Bullseye is the eldest of us Warriors born with the Mark, and that makes her our Leader.”
“But a Kota Warrior is Cruelthor’s own sister?”
“Yes, but she’s out of the Dominion now.” Rave hoped this was sinking in. “She’s now fighting against Cruelthor. And she’s putting her life in danger to do it. You know how every Dominion deserter loses the DRK treatments, and she now has the same risk of infection as the rest of us. Also, I found out tonight that Cruelthor’s hired assassins to hunt her. You have to understand that Bullseye’s no longer on the Dominion’s side. She’s in the rebels’ camp.”
Cagod nodded, but his opinion seemed unmoved. And, his wishes for the Warriors were still plain on his face. “You’d be more useful here than on your own. The Underground has a global network of connections. We have weapons that nearly rival the Dominion’s arsenal.”
Rave grinned under his facemask, knowing he had the upper hand in this matter. “We have weapons that are at the Dominion’s level.”
“So you won’t consider joining the Underground?”
“Bullseye won’t…” Rave took a breath. “You’re a commander, sir. Would you give that up to take orders from someone else?”
Half of Cagod’s mouth rose in a smile. “No, I wouldn’t.”
Rave saw that he’d won, even if Cagod wasn’t happy about it. His confidence building now, he asked, “So what can I go back to Bullseye with? We won’t need contact with your Underground for the majority of our work, but we just want your assurance that we’ll be treated better than the Hood. Can you give us that much to hope for?”
Cagod wore a dissatisfied expression but said, “Yes, you have my word. I’ll send out a transmission immediately for all Underground stations to cooperate if you ever need assistance.” He stood from his chair and hailed a soldier.
Rave also stood. “I should give you our contact information. Oh, and can I send a transmission signal? I need to hail my ride.”
When all was set, soldiers led Rave back to the entrance tunnel, then left him.
Oh, man, it worked, he thought. Loree can stop worrying about the Underground’s condemnation, and now we have backup support if we ever need it. We can get on with our mission! Finally!
Through the dark, Rave saw the pace bike’s lights flash up the road. The revving engine broke the silence as Loree approached, and she pulled up alongside the tunnel entrance, skidding to a stop. Rave hurried to climb on before she sped off again.
“How’d it go?”
He tried to play cool. “They’ll support us if we ever need it. Cagod’s a good enough guy, but let’s hope we don’t have to ask for his help too often. I think he’d insist that we owe him. –Oh, and Matsuri apparently told him you were…you. Cagod wasn’t happy about it, but he was so impressed we’re the Kota Warriors that he’ll overlook your past. Mostly overlook it, anyway.”
“We’ll see. Fortunately, I have a card to play that Beathabane doesn’t – I have a prophecy on my side.”
She’s right, thought Rave. The prophecy and the hype around it made all the difference.
“You know,” he thought aloud, “if word gets out about us Warriors, it’d give the rebels hope. I mean, we’re aware we’re not that amazing, but Cagod said something about how a legend come to life might be useful in rousing the troops.”
“Yep. Now that you’ve been to Undertown, the story will spread. That’s the other reason I wanted you to go. We’ll need all the allies we can get.”
As they drove on down the main road, Rave relayed his entire discussion with Cagod. Loree seemed pleased.
By the time they reached the highway to Havanahell, Rave was convinced his sister knew what she was doing as the Warrior Leader. Establishing relations with the Underground had been an important first step, and now they could focus on beginning their work without worrying about resistance from other rebel groups. Their status was secure. Finally, they could get on with their mission to save the world!
We just have to figure out how, he thought.
Loree enjoyed the rest of their ride south. She couldn’t remember a time she’d felt this good. Zaak was turning out to be an amazing brother, and now she had two brand new friends who already fit like family. And she was free. Yes, assassins were searching for her, but she wasn’t under Cruelthor’s control anymore. This newfound joy might fade once they started fighting the Dominion and things got serious, but even then Loree knew she’d at least be doing the right thing. And, now it sounded like the rebels might forgive her past.
This reminded her of something else she’d wanted to discuss. “Zaak, er, Rave?” she called over her shoulder.
“Yeah?”
“I’ve decided what our first mission should be once Ryu and Alex are ready.”
“Great. What’s the mission?”
“We’re going to Vancouver. To the drone farm. I want to destroy the place.”
There was a pause. Loree knew how much this meant to him. Trok had told her months ago about Zaak’s vow to destroy the drone farm that had produced the drones which killed their father.
I remember the Kota remnant massacre, she thought. Destroying the drone farm will be a good first step at getting back at Cruelthor for everything he’s done to me. At the very least, I owe it to Zaak.
“Thank you,” he said at last.
Loree squeezed his hand where he held onto her. “Thank you.”
20
“How to fulfill our Warrior mission”
It’d been a while since Ryu had the gym to himself without the risk of coaching. Since Loree and Zaak were off to El Miret for at le
ast the rest of the night, he’d jumped at the chance. It was late, around 0100 hours, when he called it a day and took a quick shower. Tired but feeling good about his workout, he flopped into bed and fell asleep in no time.
The sound of the transmitter startled him awake not an hour later. He rolled over and ignored the call.
Matsuri? he thought. Mat’s the only one with our number so far, so it must be him. Oh, well. He probably wants to talk to Loree, and she’s not here. He’ll leave a message.
Unfortunately, the transmitter continued to trill and echo down the corridors. Ryu slid out of bed, left his living compartments, and jogged to the command center. Here he ordered Eva to accept the transmission, and he sat before the screen.
He remembered just in time that he wasn’t supposed to let his face be seen.
“Shit. Eva, switch the video feature offline!”
“Done, Whitewolf.”
An unfamiliar, accented male voice said, “Hello? Is anyone there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. This is Whitewolf.” He hoped his voice didn’t have an inexperienced waver to it. “Sorry, but I can’t use the camera right now. Who is this?”
“My name is Evant. I’m second-in-command of the Hood.”
Ryu raised an eyebrow at Eva.
Hmm, he thought. I’m not sure what I personally believe about the Hood. Loree plans to work with them if we get the opportunity, though. So…
“Okay, Evant. What do you need?”
“Someone to meet me at the capital’s docks. I contacted you because the Underground refused to send anyone. They gave me this number and said you might be willing to help, that you’re a new rebel group. I’m desperate. Please, Whitewolf, I need someone to meet me here at the docks as soon as possible.”
“I thought the Hood stayed in the Mainland. You’re on the Northern Continent?”
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