Iza folded her arms across her chest in thought while Braedon went on his way to help with the rescue efforts. What could cause the changes to this world? And why would anyone want to? She’d never heard about a planet in the Taran Empire with a similar experience. “Do you have any information about where the transformations began?”
Luxi carefully stood, using her chair for support as she favored her injured knee. “Come with me. I was getting to that.” She grabbed her pole and nodded to a young man Iza hadn’t noticed standing near the door.
He seemed to be Braedon’s age and as tall as Joe. He moved with the confidence of someone twice his age. His face and tattered clothing, like everyone else, was dusty gray. He disappeared into the corridor somewhere ahead of them.
“She is unwell,” Trix whispered to Iza.
“I know. Since she refuses to visit Cierra, we might have to bring Cierra to her.”
“She seems determined to injure herself further,” Trix continued. She raised her voice just loud enough for Luxi to overhear. “Emergency protocol dictates she care for her injuries before attending to the needs of others.”
“Right now,” Luxi said, “my biggest worry is that this could happen again or continue happening. We need to know what we’re dealing with, or no one is going to sleep tonight.”
Iza gave Trix a raised eyebrow and a shrug. This wasn’t her call, but she respected Luxi for having the courage to make it.
They followed Luxi up the flight of stairs they’d passed by earlier. Due to her injuries, it was slow going, but Luxi was determined to move and function on her own.
“What’s your role here?” Iza asked as they slowly ascended the steps.
“I’m technically a student,” the woman replied. Her breathing was shallow, and she needed more breaths and pauses as she climbed. “I was serving my practicum here to receive my accreditation to teach here as a professor of planetary science.”
When they reached the next landing, Iza and Trix followed Luxi through the doors to an abandoned corridor. Above them, Iza thought she heard the sound of children.
“That is the current nursery,” Luxi said in answer to her confused expression. “We keep most of the children there, so they don’t overhear anything too scary for them to process. It’s been hard enough, as most of them are missing at least one parent.”
Luxi turned left to where the young man who’d proceeded them was waiting. She held up one hand. “This room has all that’s left of our communications equipment, and it’s our only lifeline to the rest of the Empire. There’s a backup power system in the room that wasn’t damaged, but we don’t know how long it will last if we don’t get power to the rest of the building. Though the communications array appears to be malfunctioning, the records stored on these servers might be all that’s left of our world’s history. Since we’ve been unable to contact others, we are currently operating as though we are the only survivors of this catastrophe.”
The young man opened the door to allow them to pass through.
It took a moment for Iza’s eyes to adjust to the dark room, but she recognized the angry gray-haired man who’d spoken out earlier.
At Iza’s hesitation, the man took her hand into his; the calloused palms and worn fingers were warm against her skin. “I apologize for my outburst. I thought yours was the same ship that had come and gone hours ago, back when it may have made a difference. I was wrong, and I wish you no ill will. My name is Jaxon Davarro. My friends call me Jax.”
Iza let the man apologize while holding her hand.
He suddenly released her, gaping at Trix. “She’s an android?”
“She’s a very sophisticated AI from the planet Lynaeda, and a member of my crew.”
He nodded in understanding but didn’t take his eyes off of Trix, as though taking her in a centimeter at a time. “Amelie, my wife would have been fascinated…” He shook his head, his eyes filling.
Iza didn’t have to ask what happened to his wife. This time, it was her who reached out, placing a light hand on his shoulder and nodding.
Luxi turned back to business. “With the damaged communications, we’ve been unable to interface with the surveillance satellites to get details about the event. Perhaps your ship could access the records? We can provide the access codes.”
“Yes, I can remotely interface,” Trix confirmed.
Luxi provided her with the required credentials. “We’ll need at least the data from 09:00 to 11:00 Adjusted Standard Time today.”
Iza’s eyes went wide. “This all happened in less than two hours?”
The large holodisplay broke into six sections as Trix relayed the requested information via her remote connection to the Verity and the satellite link.
Iza’s mouth fell slack watching in horror as whole communities were swallowed up by the ground and replaced with ocean or forests. Another continent jutted out of the ground, rising into the sky until it seemed to touch the clouds. The violence of the transformation was so intense Iza had to turn away, tears filling her eyes.
“This is impossible.” She shook her head in disbelief. “Trix, where are the Enforcers?”
“I am scanning the subspace communication logs, one moment.” Trix’s gaze looked distant as she processed the information. “It appears the planet’s orbital communications hub was accessed by someone else before we arrived. They used an encryption code unassociated with the Enforcers or the TSS. I believe that the subspace link was disabled by them shortly after we picked up the distress call; that would explain why no other ships have responded.”
Iza’s heart sank. “Why would someone disable it?”
“They don’t want us to get help,” Luxi said bitterly.
“Or they’re covering their tracks,” Jax suggested. “Either way, it’s too late now. We need to identify where the changes began and why.”
“Can you restore the subspace communications link?” Iza asked Trix.
“Yes. I have also updated the distress call with the planet’s current condition and the status of survivors.”
“Good. Speaking of which, can you use the surveillance feed to pinpoint the epicenter of the event?”
“Processing.”
While she waited for Trix’s report, Iza regarded Luxi and Jax. They seemed to be doing a lot of the leading among their group. She admired them for stepping up into role; it certainly couldn’t be a position Luxi would have wanted as an aspiring professor, though she realized she knew nothing about Jax’s background. “What were you and your wife doing here, Jax?” she asked.
“I’m a maintenance worker,” he replied. “My wife and I split the building, and she was working downstairs today of all days.” Tears welled up in his eyes and he let them fall down his worn cheeks.
“Oh, I’m sorry. So the woman in the other room…?”
He wiped at his face with the back of his hand. “Oh, that’s Pam. She’s a chemistry professor. When everything happened, I was standing outside her classroom and got her to safety before it was too late. I’m glad I was able to save someone.”
Luxi cleared her throat and wiped a tear from her face. “When I woke up this morning, I certainly didn’t think I was going to be the spokeswoman for a remnant of survivors.”
“You rose to the occasion, and that counts for a lot,” Iza told her.
Trix came to attention. “Captain, I have located the epicenter of the event.”
“What have you found?” Iza asked, eager to get any answers about the bizarre transformation of the planet.
“From the data received, it appears that the event emanated from a location in the southern hemisphere.”
“That’s all water now,” Luxi said.
“I have synthesized the available data about the event, but, unfortunately, I cannot draw any conclusions based on the limited information collected from satellites,” Trix stated. “The new ocean is approximately three-thousand six-hundred eighty-eight meters deep at its center, and I believe the cause o
f this planet’s change originates there. A closer inspection will be required.”
“Well, I guess it’s time to go swimming,” Iza pulled out her handheld. “Braedon, where are you?”
“Picking up a group of survivors with Karter.”
“You’re using the shuttle?”
“Yes, and don’t bother yelling at me about not asking for permission first. We both know that you won’t let these people suffer any more than I would, Mrs. Robin Hood.”
She didn’t appreciate the name, but he wasn’t wrong. “Are there any more people that need to be brought in?”
“This is the last of the group that the locals know about right now. There are probably more, but there are weird energy readings that are making it difficult to tell people from the bushes, trees, and whatever else. It might be better to do a flyover at night and spot survivor groups by their campfires—assuming they build them.”
It was smart thinking, though she hadn’t considered they might still be here by nightfall—let alone needing to chase the planet’s night around the globe. However, with the subspace communication beacon reactivated, the Enforcers should pick up the message and arrive soon; they would be equipped to offer proper assistance. They Verity only needed to stick around until then.
“You’re doing good work, but we’ll need to take a detour in a bit. We might have a lead on the origin of the transformation.”
“Okay. Give me an hour to finish getting these people settled.”
“All right.” She turned to Trix. “In the meantime, can you figure out how to best get readings underwater? I don’t know if the shuttle’s sensors will do it, or if we’ll need an underwater ROV, or…”
Trix nodded. “Luxi, do you have a robotics lab in this building that is still accessible?”
The woman bit her lip in thought for a moment. “I think there might be some accessible storerooms.”
“I would appreciate the use of any parts you may have.”
“They’re yours. We want answers.”
Iza nodded. “While you’re working on that, Trix, I’m going to find some people to gather firewood. These folks are going to need to keep warm overnight, and without power, they’ll need a fire for cooking.”
The android tilted her head. “Cook what? There are no wild animals to hunt for food.”
Iza scowled. “Well, let’s tackle one issue at a time. I’ll keep an eye out for potentially edible fruit or vegetation, though Cierra or one of the local scientists should lead that effort.”
“I would gladly assist, but she will not want to work with me,” Trix said, her voice had a hint of disappointment.
“Yeah, I know. She’ll see you as a person eventually.” Iza put a light hand on her shoulder. “If she doesn’t, she’ll get booted out of the airlock.”
Trix smiled. “I doubt that, Mrs. Robin Hood.”
“Don’t you start with that mess, too. Let’s get to work.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Iza dropped another bundle of firewood near the camp that was beginning to take shape near the former University building. The branches were all too fresh and green to be good for fuel under normal circumstances, but she couldn’t think of what else to offer the desperate people.
The distinct sound of a shuttle flying overhead drew everyone’s attention.
“Finally, more help!” someone in the crowd shouted.
In the sky, Iza could just make out the distinct markings on the side of the landing shuttle, tying it to a very familiar ship.
“You have to be kidding me. Them?” The Iron Dog always seemed to be in the same place as the Verity. She wouldn’t put it past Karter to have hired them to trail her ship.
Luxi, who was overseeing the organization of salvaged supplies nearby, looked at her questioningly.
“I hope that’s not who I think it is,” Iza said before she jogged to the grassy meadow.
“You recognize them?” Luxi asked as she limped over after her.
Iza kept her attention on the landing shuttle. “Our paths have crossed before. He’s known to have shifting priorities, so don’t get too excited about them being here to assist.”
Once the shuttle was on the ground, the hatch opened. Captain Douketis and three members of his crew, including the pink-haired Reis, stepped off and onto the grass.
As he surveyed the people who’d run over to greet them, he immediately picked out Iza. “I’m surprised to see you here, Scrap Rat,” he said.
“I’m sure you are,” she said flatly.
“Why is it that whenever there’s trouble, it’s the rats that are the first to arrive?” Reis asked looking over the crowd with disdain before letting her eyes fall on Iza.
Atano, who’d been silent as he followed her up until now, growled at them. Douketis looked down at the dog with some confusion.
“Captain Douketis, what are you doing here?” Iza kept her tone dry and uninterested, though her heart was pounding in her chest. Her hand twitched at her side over her holstered pulse gun.
“We saw the distress call and came right away to see if these folks needed any help.”
“Is that so? I didn’t know you were so charitable.”
Douketis chuckled like she’d made a joke. Iza ignored it and continued monitoring their movements. Their last encounter had ended with Iza making away with the goods and his crew being left behind for the Enforcers. She had no doubt the event was still fresh in his mind, even three months later. Reis smoothed her pink hair to one side. She sneered at Iza, not bothering to hide her true feelings the way Douketis did. The other two men seemed to be scanning the crowd for something. Iza looked behind them into the shuttle to see if they’d brought Viper, but there was no sign of her.
“What are you really up to?” Iza asked.
“No need to get your hair up.” Douketis waved his hand dismissively. “You’re not the only one capable of helping these people.”
‘Capable’, no; but ‘willing’, yes. I’d bet my ship that my crew is the only one here without an ulterior motive. Iza glared back at him. She’d had too many run-ins with the Iron Dog recently for it to be a coincidence that there were now here on this world. The implications were unpleasant any way she looked at it.
Luxi Song stepped forward, as if on cue. “My name is Luxi Song, and we’re in the middle of rescue efforts and preparing for our first night on this changed world. We’re happy for any assistance you can provide. At the moment, we’re trying to track down the cause of our rapid global climate change.”
Douketis put on his most charming smile, which only emphasized his dog-like features. “As soon as we got the distress call, we headed this way. When we arrived, we noticed a strange signal coming from the southern hemisphere. We tried to track it down, but it was underwater. I think the only way to find out what’s really going on is to get under there and see for ourselves.”
Already on it. Why in the stars is he really here? Iza evaluated him through narrowed eyes. “So, looking for others to do the hard work for you, as usual?”
He gave her a casual shrug. “We just don’t have the equipment for deep-sea diving. We figured the people around here needed more immediate help. Let the Enforcers investigate. Isn’t that their job, anyway?”
A few people in the crowd listening closely nodded and uttered their murmurs of agreement.
Iza didn’t believe his innocent, altruistic act for a second. Nonetheless, she was curious to find out what may have caused the planet’s transformation.
“I’m not willing to put my trust in Enforcers, who haven’t even arrived yet, to know for sure that whatever happened here isn’t going to happen again in the middle of the night,” Iza said, raising her voice. Then, she caught the terrified look of a mother and two children cowering in her arms. Why can’t I keep my big mouth shut sometimes?
“Fine, then it’s settled. We’ll do some of the heavy lifting around here while you go deep-sea fishing,” Douketis said, slapping her back as if they were old
friends. “Be careful out there, Scrap Rat. You don’t want to get eaten by some giant fish.” He tipped his hat toward her.
Was this his intention all along—to get me away from here so he can take advantage of the situation? She couldn’t say the words aloud, so she gave Luxi a look that might be interpreted as ‘keep an eye on him’. Luxi seemed to understand because she gave an almost imperceptible nod.
“Great, let’s get started,” Douketis said as he rubbed his palms together. “Let’s see if we can get some of this debris cleared and essential systems back up and running.”
Reis inclined her head in response while two of his larger men followed her.
“Is my sister with them?” Cierra asked; she’d crept up on Iza’s right shoulder from the trees. Iza was starting to get used to her barefooted stealth.
“I imagine so, though she didn’t come down with the shuttle. Keep an eye on things around here while I’m gone,” Iza instructed.
“Where are you going?”
“The southern hemisphere, to investigate what started all of this.”
“I’ve seen to the worst of the injured other than Luxi. The new arrivals seemed to be more shaken up than injured.”
“At least there’s that little bit of good news.”
The people on Uephus faced a difficult path ahead. Rebuilding the infrastructure of cities and such could take decades, with the limited resources of the outer rim for a reason.
Iza went to meet Braedon, Karter, and Trix at the Verity’s shuttle. When she walked up, Braedon was seeing off the last group of rescued survivors. He turned his attention to Iza.
“Was that the Iron Dog’s shuttle I saw?” Braedon asked, his cheeks flushed an angry red.
“Yes, unfortunately. Douketis came down on a shuttle with three others to ‘help out’,” Iza said raising one eyebrow.
Braedon wrinkled his nose. “How in the stars were they, of all people, the next closest ship positioned to respond to the distress call?”
“I’ve been asking myself the same thing.” She sighed. “At any rate, he confirmed what we already knew about the underwater disturbance in the southern hemisphere.”
On the Run (Verity Chronicles Book 3): A Cadicle Space Opera Adventure Page 4