“Alrigh’ me fine friends, what’s next?” Fenton asks, placing his hands on his hips and puffing up his chest.
“I say we go make supper,” Kani says, eyeing Fenton.
He nods enthusiastically, holding out his elbow so she can latch onto it. Together, they bound down the walkway toward our makeshift kitchen.
I stand there for a moment, watching them damn near skip along, until they disappear into the room.
“I say we do whatever the hell we want from here on out,” I whisper, following after them.
Chapter 11
Runa
Standing in front of the mirror in the allayroom, I carefully attach my PERMIT badge to the fabric on my left shoulder. When it comes into contact with the NanoTech fibers, the word glows with a strange iridescence. It doesn’t have motion the way the proper badges do, but I can’t help but sigh in contentment.
It’s been nearly twenty-four hours since I was given this opportunity, and yet I still can’t believe my luck. The air of caution that permeated the handoff no longer plays at my insides. Instead, I’m filled with a sense of wonder and optimism.
Baxten didn’t believe we could change the system. He didn’t think the Helix would ever allow me to do what I love and expand the view of the Professions Department.
Yet, here I am.
With everything that I am, I vow to make this count. To do everything in my power to ensure the Helix knows how valuable it is to learn about the outside world. I know if I can do that, they’ll grant me the very first outdoor profession.
In the mirror I watch as my lips curve into a true smile and it even reaches the entirety of my amber eyes.
~So, you’re really going to do it then?
Baxten’s words reach me, as he walks to the doorway and leans against the frame. He smiles, but the creases of his dark eyes don’t wrinkle the way they usually do when he’s truly happy.
~Of course. This is my chance to make a difference. It will all work out, you’ll see.
He nods.
~I sincerely hope you’re right.
Walking to him, I place a hand on his upper arm. He flinches slightly at my touch, but allows me to leave it there for a beat longer than most in the Helix would.
~I know this is hard for you to believe, but you’ll see. I’m taking the first steps into exploration.
~It’s not hard to believe. I’m just cautious. I want you to be happy and I don’t know what to expect with all of this.
Nodding, I bite my lip.
~That’s part of the fun, though, isn’t it? The challenge? The unknowns?
~I suppose for you it must be. For me, it’s just anxiety.
I laugh.
~Don’t worry so much, Baxten. Everything will work out perfectly. See you in a while. I have some observations to make and I need to set a good example.
Baxten takes a step back, allowing me to pass by.
~Good luck, Runa. I look forward to hearing all about your first day when you get back.
~Thanks, Baxten. You’ll be the first.
I grin, teetering between racing out the door and rushing back to give him a hug. Opting for the former, I at least make it out into the hallway before I break into a full-on sprint.
My heart threatens to beat out of my chest as I fling open the door to the outside.
The cold air greets me as I do, rushing to my lungs, and flooding my veins with its sense of renewal.
I don’t stop to savor the moment, or question anything else. Instead, I run for the open field and the beautiful, ancient trees beyond. I want to rest amongst them, walk through them, uncover their secrets, and learn more about this planet I live on.
When I break the tree line, I stop to take a beat. Little birds chatter in the trees, their calls filling me with a sense of peace and joy and I can’t figure out why. Maybe because it’s beautiful and I’ve never heard anything like it. Maybe because I’m already overjoyed to be outside.
Whatever it is, I’ll take it.
Moving beyond the edge where the trees meet the field of snow, I give myself the space to immerse myself in their embrace. When I can barely make out the Helix in the distance, I begin making my first “official” observations. I study the lines and textures of the bark. The sheer circumference of some of the trees. The way not all of them are completely alike, despite appearing so at first glance.
As I move in further, the birds continue to follow along, watching me and observing me as much as I observe them and their surroundings.
I grin to myself, wishing I could communicate with them and know what they were thinking. How long have they been here? Are there other creatures on Pendomus? Do they know anything they could share? Is the Morph real? Have they seen it?
I brush away the snow covering a bent-over tree and take a seat. For the longest time, I stare at the way the sundog hovers in its locked region in our sky. The halos surrounding it cut deep, looking like rainbows encircling the giant orb.
Lowering my gaze back to the forest before me, my eyes flit from tree to tree and I can’t wait to get to know them all. One is twisted and curving up to the sky, another is tiny—growing from the side of another. Further yet, I see one with a large gash in its trunk. It’s larger than the rest, its branches commanding a wide berth.
Each and every one of them have their own stories and I want to uncover them all. Somewhere over my left shoulder, an animal snorts. It’s not the snort of a human or small animal, either—it was far too deep and loud.
Standing up quickly, I spin around. My feet crunch in the snow as I take a step back and all I can focus on is the sheer distance between me and the safety of the Helix.
Yet, there’s absolutely nothing behind me.
Scanning the vicinity, I sweep my gaze from tree to tree, trying to locate the source of the sound. The hairs on the back of my neck raise and my heartbeat quickens. There is absolutely nothing in this space, and yet . . . there’s an energy out here. The dynamic has changed. I feel it.
For a moment, I’m frozen. My mind is screaming at me to run, but my legs won’t move.
Suddenly, the once beautiful calls of the birds turn into shrill shrieks. They descend from their branches, swooping in and out of the trees.
Screaming, I race from my location with as much speed as I can muster. I only stop once to look over my shoulder, but the birds continue to stay in the same location as they dive in and out of the trees.
Taking a deep breath to calm my ragged nerves, I twist back around and keep running for the safety of the Helix. Yet there’s a small piece of resistance growing in me.
I might be done for today, but I will not let this thing scare me away completely. I have things to learn—things to discover.
These are my woods now.
Chapter 12
Caelum
“Have you been keeping your eye on her, as I asked?” my master says, his warm hand running along my back.
~Yes, Master. She continues to search the woods. Thus far, it appears as though she is merely studying. No tree has been singled out. There has been no movement between the Airgliders, and the Waterbear has kept her distance.
“The Waterbear? Have you seen her?” he says, his hand stopping its motion to hover in mid-air.
~No, I have not seen her out in the open. I am unsure where she has been hiding. Much like the TerraDwellers, she has gone into exile.
“Then why bring the Waterbear up at all?”
I flap my wings, stretching a bit. How will he react if he knows others have seen her wandering amongst the trees alone? Will it even matter at this point?
~I have heard her a couple of times. Howls and cries.
“Do you think it means anything?” my master asks, curiosity playing at his tone.
~Unlikely.
“How so?”
~As the last of her kind, she may not even be aware of the prophecy. It is probably simply the cries of loneliness.
He stands up, placing me on the armrest o
f the chair he had been sitting in.
“Hmmm . . . she hasn’t been active before. I had even begun to think she had died off,” he says, beginning to pace the way he does when he’s concerned.
~What about the girl’s aptitudes? Her blood? Has anything unusual been detected? That is typically where you begin this process.
He brushes a hand through the air, dismissing my questioning.
“Thus far, nothing unusual has cropped up. But it takes time to delve into the dormant genetics. It doesn’t always present itself right away. Her mother though . . . ” His voice trails off and he runs a hand over his bald head.
~I would not let this worry you. Even if she turns out to be the one, you have spent ages preparing for this. Would it not be a relief to finally be coming to its conclusion?
“Oh, Caelum … Do you know what I love about you?” he asks, turning to face me.
I tilt my head to the side and widen my beak.
“You always believe preparation can protect us. If this girl initiates the prophecy, no part of preparation will keep things safe. She would destroy everything we’ve built here.”
~Then what will you do?
“I will do what I’ve always done. I will continue to monitor her, and then bring her into the flock,” he says, his tone going flat.
The slow shift in his personality is evident—even to me. It will not be long and he will lose all emotiveness entirely. At least for a while.
~I assume she will require her own cell?
“Of course she will,” he snaps. “I cannot afford to have someone of her magnitude running free.”
~Shall I round up the others and have them bring her in?
“Oh, no. We must run through the proper channels. Her cell must be forged specifically for her, and I don’t know what that would look like just yet. I need time. If she is the Daughter of Five, we mustn’t tip her off. We have to encourage her to believe everything is going according to the natural order of things.”
~Surely, if she is the Daughter, acting quickly will better our odds.
“And if she is not, we could alert the true Daughter to the work we’re doing here,” he says, inhaling deeply. “That would be just as bad. No, we need to tread carefully.”
~A very good point.
“For now, I want you to continue to be my eyes and ears wherever she goes. If you see anything unusual, you have my permission to act. We cannot allow the prophecy to unfold, but I still need her alive. If she is the Daughter of Five, there is much I need to learn . . . ”
~As you wish. Shall I go now?
“No, she has returned. I will grant you access to her arrivals and departures through the Helix’s systems, so you will be alerted when she vacates the premises again,” he says, squaring his shoulders. “I hope you’re right. I hope there is nothing to be concerned over. But you know me, Caelum. How long have I been doing this? Watching for the Daughter’s arrival?”
~I could not wager an accurate guess.
“Longer than either of us have been alive, that’s to be sure.”
~Indeed.
“I’m sure you’re right . . . I’m sure this girl is simply another amongst the many we’ve already gone through. But we can never be too cautious. She’s only the second who’s wanted to explore the outdoors. It could mean something. There are many curiosities in her genetics that are currently unknown, as well.”
~How do you mean?
“It’s not of concern yet—and nothing that wasn’t expected—considering,” he says, tipping his head slightly to the side.
~Considering her origin?
“Precisely,” he nods. “In the meantime, while we sift through the results, I want you outside the moment you get the alert.”
He maneuvers to the holographic wall, waving a hand and making the appearance of stone disappear so he can manipulate his mainframe systems. His fingers flash expertly in the air as they tap between the holographic screens and the keypads below.
“There, it’s done,” he says with a nod of his head.
Instantly, I feel the electric crackle of whatever magic he works through his mainframe system as it enters my mind. I see and sense the girl without the need to request permission.
~Thank you, master.
“Now watch her. Watch her every move. I need to know if she’s my . . .” his voice trails off as he traces the place beneath his lower lip, “. . . my little Everblossom.”
To be continued . . .
Also by Carissa Andrews
Continue the Pendomus Chronicles
Pendomus: Book 1 of the Pendomus Chronicles
Polarities: Book 2 of the Pendomus Chronicles
Revolutions: Book 3 of the Pendomus Chronicles
Other Novels & Novelettes by Carissa
Oracle: A Diana Hawthorne Psychic Mystery (Now Available)
The Final Five: An Oracle & Awakening Bridge Novelette (Available January 1)
Nonfiction
Author Impostor: Getting Over Impostor Syndrome So You Can Reclaim Your Author Power and Start Writing (Now Available)
Coming Soon…
The Windhaven Legacy Series (coming 2019)
Awakening: The Rise as the Fall Unfolds (coming 2019)
About Carissa Andrews
"An author emerges from the depths of Minnesotan waters. Sci-fi/Fantasy is my pen of choice."
Carissa Andrews is an internationally bestselling author from central Minnesota who writes a combination of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopia. As an expert in independent publishing and audiobook production, Carissa continually writes and publishes books readers of all ages enjoy. She's currently working on a young adult horror / paranormal / reverse harem romance trilogy called "The Windhaven Legacy" - due out in 2019. As a publishing powerhouse, she keeps sane by chilling with her husband and five kids, playing with art in its various forms, seeking out mysteries, and being an occasional meditation and reiki badass.
You can learn more about Carissa and her upcoming books by visiting her website: www.carissaandrews.com
Vessels
Alanah Andrews
Taran has been using the vessel system for years, porting his consciousness into a robotic shell whenever the need arises. Like most humans, he much prefers inhabiting the enhanced vessels than being in his own human body, which he considers to be weak and repulsive. However, when he ports into a vessel for a routine business trip, something feels different. Eventually losing control of his vessel, Taran realizes that he isn’t the only one in trouble, but all of humanity itself.
The glass doors towered above Taran as he approached the familiar building from the sidewalk. In the center of the doors, the embellished letters M and P snaked their way through each other, twisting around a stylistic—and grossly oversimplified—representation of a human brain.
The brain split in two as Taran entered the MindPort doors, thinking to himself, not for the first time, how nauseatingly unpleasant human forms could be. The human body was so unclean, so much more effort than the sterile vessels that he much preferred to inhabit. The stark white walls and floors in the foyer calmed his temper immediately, perfectly encapsulating his views of the flawless vessel system.
“Back again, Taran?” said the lady behind the counter with a playful smile. Her dark hair hung limply at her shoulders, and Taran felt his skin crawl.
“Couldn’t stay away,” he replied, scanning his frequent user card beneath the machine squatting on the counter.
“And where are you off to this time?” The woman, Kate, leaned back seductively, knowing full well that Taran had neither a wife nor a girlfriend back at home. But Taran had little interest in engaging in any sort of physical relationship with this woman, or with any other human on this earth. The thought of his fragile flesh rubbing up against the skin of another person made the hairs on the back of his arms prickle in disgust.
“Just over to Melbourne for work,” he replied shortly, slipping the card back inside his wallet. After all
, even if he had felt some sort of connection to Kate on a mental level, he knew she wouldn’t earn enough in her role as a customer attendant to use the MindPort system more than once or twice a year. Taran would never get involved with someone who couldn’t afford to be in a real relationship with him, one that transcended the human form.
“How long are you going for?”
Taran stifled the surge of annoyance that threatened to consume his body. “Just two weeks.” He couldn’t hide the tinge of regret in his voice. Two weeks. He knew from experience how quickly those two weeks would go.
Without another word, Taran turned right and headed through the door marked “Body Lounge,” where he dutifully took a seat in the waiting area. He had only given the New Technologist magazine a cursory glance when a humanoid figure strode towards him and held out its hand.
Taran glanced admiringly over the smooth, light gray skin as he took the hand in his own and gave it a firm shake. The vessel’s artificial skin was cool to the touch but other than the color, it was difficult to notice much of a difference to human skin at first glance. But Taran knew better. The graphene encasing the robotic vessel was seven times stronger than human skin, and it also had twice as many feeling receptors making up its multisensory artificial nervous system. It was perfect.
“Taran,” he said by way of introduction.
“Alex,” replied the vessel, curling its latex lips slightly upwards in the mimicry of a smile which could never be reflected in its cybernetic eyes. Taran ran his own eyes down the vessel form, noting the complete lack of adornment. Whereas some people liked to decorate their vessels with clothes or other accessories to indicate personality or gender, Alex hadn’t altered the vessel in any way. Taran liked it like that; the vessels were perfect as they were. Sleek and clean, it was as though every ounce of flawed humanity had been drained out and this was what was left. No race or gender. No disabilities or mess. Just a sleek, off-white vessel, empty and waiting.
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