Facing Fortune (Guardians of Terath Book 2)

by Zen DiPietro

  Still humming, she drew her finger closer to her eyes and studied this tiny creature. It was small, like the head of a pin, and roundish in shape. Its color was an iridescent green, like a leaf or blade of grass but with a special shine. It was so tiny and such a precise color match for the leaves and grasses around them it was no wonder it had remained perfectly camouflaged in its environment.

  A tickle on her shoulder drew her eyes to three more beetles alighting there. She stared at them in wonder, then caught her breath when she realized that a swarm of green speckles now circled around her. It was fascinating, beautiful, and a bit frightening. With infinite care, she guided several of the tiny things into the container.

  “Kassimeigh?” she called. She wasn’t sure what to do. She didn’t want to do anything to harm the creatures.

  “It’s okay. Release your mana. I think they’re attracted to it. That’s fantastic, actually. A bunch of them are checking me out, too.”

  Élan’s telescoping sense of mana retracted as she felt the link between them disappear. Even as she adjusted to her diminished perception, she closed herself off from the mana. The bugs dispersed in all directions, away from her. She let out a slow breath. “That was wild.” She glanced at Kassimeigh, who still glowed with a radiant mana signature. “The mana?” Élan sent her a pointed look. Kassimeigh was glowing like a bonfire.

  “Right.” Kassimeigh’s shoulders relaxed slightly and a tidal wave of mana flooded out of the woman, refilling the area. Kassimeigh raised her eyebrows at Élan’s attention and asked, “What?”

  “I’m just really glad you’re on our side.” Élan didn’t even want to think about the alternative.

  “You’re sure you don’t want to come with me to the Capital? I’m sure they’d like to hear your account of what happened.” Kassimeigh considered. “You could also get more supplies. I can have you back here today.”

  “No, there’s really nothing I could say that you can’t, but you can call me up on the comm if they have any questions for me. If I need anything, I’ll send you a message.”

  “You don’t need a break from all of this alone time?”

  Élan laughed. “You have no idea how social my regular life is. I’ll be back to all the noise and commotion soon enough. Besides, Sim’s planning to pay me a visit out here.”

  After brief goodbyes, Kassimeigh launched into the air, this time headed to the city. She clocked a personal best for her flight time from the hinterlands to the Capital.

  Once at the lab, she wasted no time in handing over the container with the beetles to Dr. Sparks.

  “They’re attracted to mana. They probably need both that and vegetation to survive. At least, that’s my guess.”

  He cupped the small container in his hands with reverence. “We’ll take good care of them.”

  She refrained from smiling when he held the canister up to his eyes and peered in, getting his first look at the tiny bugs.

  “I’m sure you will.” She felt relieved to have the bugs in the hands of someone better qualified to look after them. She checked her hand comm for the time, and realized she’d arrived a little early for the meeting. “Are Magistrate Trewe and Luc here yet?”

  “Yes, they arrived just a couple minutes before you did. They’re waiting in the same conference room as last time. Do you remember the way?”

  “I do.”

  The scientist sailed out of the room with his precious cargo clutched to his chest.

  Smiling, Kassimeigh navigated the labyrinth of halls to the conference room. Upon entering, she exchanged greetings with Ina and Luc and joined them at the table.

  “So,” Ina observed with a smile. “You’ve been busy.”

  “Yes. I made record time getting here. I’ll have to take you for a ride on the kite.”

  Ina’s smile grew. “I think I’ll stick to the monorail.” She straightened and folded her hands together on the table. “The good news is that the comm link to the fortress came online this morning. The bad news is that I’ve received reports that the comm hysteria over the dead zones has escalated. It’s boiled over into activist-group meetings, and there’s some rabble-rousing going on here and there. In Janis, an actual protest has developed. The town’s officials are concerned it could turn violent.”

  Kassimeigh couldn’t remember the last time Terath had seen a protest. “What are they protesting? Are the shiv elders planning to intervene?”

  “Since the information leak, a lot of misinformation has been advertised as truth. That’s what gives rumors power, and makes them dangerous. Many people are now afraid some mythical mana-beast will attack people or use up all the mana so that there’s none left for us.” Ina rolled her eyes, a gesture charmingly at odds with her polished appearance. “It’s ridiculous, but the idea’s gaining popularity among a vocal faction. The Council has discussed the problem with the shiv elders. Together, we’ve decided that a joint effort between the Guard and the shivs is our best approach. We want to make it clear that public safety is our first priority. We want a physical presence in Janis to prove that. However, establishing a presence without scaring people could prove difficult.”

  “A tricky balance,” Kassimeigh agreed.

  “The Council’s coordinating with the shiv elders. They will send several justices along with the Guard. Hopefully, this will be the right mix to reassure people. Test marketing has suggested that our public relations campaign to establish the Guard as a protective resource has been effective. If that’s not accurate, our presence in Janis will only exacerbate the situation, and harm the public’s opinion of the Guard.”

  “Has there been a public statement from the Council?” Kassimeigh frowned.

  “Yes. But we need to do more than talk. Dispatching the Guard to Janis, hopefully, will show that we’re prepared to act, too.”

  Luc made an irritated grousing sound, but didn’t add to the sentiment. Kassimeigh could only guess at his thoughts.

  “Let me know what you need from me.” She was sure Ina had a plan for her.

  “I’ll want you to join Will and the troops for the visit to Janis. If things go poorly, we’ll need you to ensure the safety of both our citizens and the Guard.”

  “I’ll do my best.” She began to think about the Guard’s deployment and the logistics involved. “I wish the monorail were running. It would be far easier to move the Guard down from Apex.”

  “Actually, it is running.” Ina wore a proud smile. “I intended to mention that along with the comm. I got a message a few minutes ago that test runs are under way. Once any necessary adjustments are made, the Apex monorail line will be in business.”

  “That’s fantastic.” Kassimeigh considered all the ways that the monorail would benefit them. She slanted a look at Luc. “No more dusty rides and camping in the cold to get to Apex.”

  “As much as I treasure the memories of our trip, I’m just as glad to never do it again,” he agreed. His mouth pressed into a taut line of seriousness but the corners of his eyes crinkled with humor.

  “What of the information leak? Did you find out who was responsible?” She found great injustice in the fact that one person with poor impulse control could turn an entire population into a hotbed of rumors, lies, and outrage. If the situation escalated into violence, that person would be directly responsible for any damage and injuries that resulted.

  “Yes.” Luc glowered. “A low-ranking manahi from the institute. I assigned him to monitor the samples from the forest and, without thinking, he sent messages to his family about what he’d seen. He’s been dealt with and will continue to be dealt with for quite some time.”

  “How is confidentiality in the lab being handled now?”

  “Lockdown,” Ina stated firmly. “No one in or out without my authorization. Essential personnel only. Outside communication is limited by authorization of myself, Finn Sparks, and one other scientist, whom I trust.”

  Kassimeigh’s eyes met Luc’s. “You should go see the beetle
bugs. They’re tiny, but kind of pretty.”

  “Oh, I intend to.” The lines in his face creased in amusement. “To be honest, it’s been hard for me to sit here for this long, knowing they’re nearby.”

  “Let me know what you find. I’d have liked to study them myself, but it seems I’ll have to leave them to the experts while I deal with other things.”

  “We’ll keep you apprised,” promised Luc. Ina nodded in silent agreement. “I see you’ve been experimenting with different ways of utilizing mana,” Luc noted.

  “My hair.” Kassimeigh ran a hand over her ponytail.

  “More importantly, your flying. I hear you’re a terror.”

  Having never thought of herself in those terms, Kassimeigh barked out a laugh of surprise. “I’ll admit I’ve found I like flying. Have you done it? Or other manahi? It’s a very efficient means of transportation.”

  “It can happen in an emergency but few manahi can go more than a short distance. Or take a passenger. Besides, the sensation can be jarring. Fortunately, the monorail is very efficient for most travel needs.”

  “I’ll have to take you for a ride sometime,” she remarked.

  He squinted at her, as if he was not sure whether she was making a genuine offer or was teasing him. “And have you whirling me through corkscrews and barrel rolls? No, thank you.”

  “If you’d rather not do any acrobatics, we can keep it easy.”

  He pursed his lips but a tiny smile tugged at the edges. “We shall see.”

  Ina smiled, too. “Will you take the monorail, or ride your . . . what was it Arc called it?”

  “Kite. Will came up with that name and I think it’s going to stick. It works as well as anything else.” She rolled her shoulders. “I can make it to Apex faster on the kite, so I’ll do that. I’ll try out the monorail when we move the Guard out to Janis.”

  They all rose and Ina rounded the table to enfold Kassimeigh in a hug. “Safe travels, Kassimeigh. I’ll be waiting to hear your reports.”

  “Did everything go okay?” Arc’s voice held a tinge of concern.

  She’d only been gone for a day and a half, but she felt like it had been longer. She preferred seeing him on a daily basis.

  Since she’d skipped breakfast, she’d met him in the mess hall for an early brunch. She absently ate the foods she’d selected, while focusing her attention on Arc.

  “Yes, quite well. Promising, even. I feel like we’re finally getting somewhere with the mana bugs.” Just saying it out loud made her feel reassured. “And the comm link and monorail are now in place up here. Everything’s coming together.”

  “Progress is good. It’s just a shame about those rumors. I wouldn’t mind finding whoever started the hysteria and slapping him around a bit.”

  The statement made Kassimeigh smile, and she knew that had been his intent. “As if you’d do such a thing. You’re far too nice. Me, on the other hand . . .” She narrowed her eyes menacingly. “I’d have no qualms.”

  Rolling a shoulder, she reflected, “But I’m not a justice so it’s not my jurisdiction. Where does the Guard stand on moving out?”

  Arc responded without pause, in spite of her conversational pivot. “Will’s got them mobilized, equipped, and waiting for the monorail’s official opening.”

  “Are you coming?” She probably shouldn’t hope that he would, but she did.

  “You think I’d leave you to go on your own?”

  “Will, two hundred Guard troops, and a contingent of shivs will provide ample company. I definitely won’t be alone.” She raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Close enough. I’d better go with, to make sure you stay out of trouble.”

  “Great. We could use someone for the front line.” Kassimeigh’s deadpan delivery earned her a grin. Secretly, she cheered her small victory. Outwardly, she maintained a blank expression.

  He laughed, then changed the subject. “Are you tired? You’ve been on the move a lot these last few days, flying here and there.”

  “I’m fine. Just sorry that this has to be the Guard’s first official outing.”

  Arc scratched his goatee. “Agreed, but handling unexpected situations is exactly why the Guard was formed. It’s like an affirmation of its existence.”

  “As long as this goes well, yes.”

  “You’re concerned it won’t?”

  “Of course. We can’t afford for the people to see the Guard as an oppressor. It’s important that they see us as a facilitator and protector. That’s the whole point of having the Guard.”

  “Good point. Any chance Izzy Gin can come along? I’d feel more confident if we had the benefit of her empathic sense and professional input as a reader.”

  “That’s a fantastic idea. I’ll send her a message.” She looked forward to it.

  He waved a hand as if wiping away her praise.

  She smiled. He always discounted his contributions, however great they were. His modesty was extremely attractive to her. She pushed her tray away and stood. She circled the end of the table and gestured for him to stand up. When he did, she wrapped him in a warm hug. He reciprocated with enthusiasm.

  “What was that for?” he asked as he stepped back. She suspected that he didn’t really want to step back, but they were in a very public place, after all.

  “Just for being you. And because I haven’t seen much of you, and I’d gotten used to seeing your face every day.”

  His broad grin prompted her to make a mental note. She must schedule more of these spontaneous gestures of affection.

  Her eyes shifted to watch a group of Guard troops walk in, carrying gear obviously meant for travel. “I should change into a uniform and get my gear together. Is yours all ready to go?”

  “Yes, I’m all set, except I’ll be putting on a uniform too. It’ll be interesting to see how that feels.” He put his arm around Kassimeigh and sidled closer to her. “Want to go get changed together?”

  Her lips twitched but she resisted a smile. “No.”

  “Aw, come on. You might need help with a zipper or something. “

  “I’ll figure it out. I doubt it can be that hard.” She pointed an authoritative finger at him.

  “Oh, fine. But you’re on the hook for something later.”

  “Like what?”

  “I haven’t decided yet but I’ll let you know when I think of it.” He gave her a foolish grin and wagged his eyebrows at her before slipping around the corner toward his room.

  Once he was out of sight, she let her suppressed smile unfurl.

  The Guard contingent filled the monorail cars with equal measures of excitement, energy, and misgivings as they sped toward their destination. Kassimeigh knew that Will, in particular, harbored mixed emotions. She’d agreed to be his first lieutenant for this mission, so it was her job to help him deal with that.

  She sat next to him in the lead car so they could discuss their plans. Ignoring the troops’ noisy, nervous energy took some effort. Even they, it seemed, had concerns over this assignment. This initial operation could either cement their image as a benevolent protector or shatter it and recast them into something more sinister.

  “Izzy will meet us at the monorail hub in Janis,” Kassimeigh reported.

  “Izzy Gin.” Will’s lips twisted into a wistful smile. “I haven’t seen her in months. Glad she could help us out. That means we’ll be able to meet up with her and the shivs, then arrive in Janis together. There’s a small monorail station in the city center, so that’s convenient. Unless things turn violent, the majority of the Guard will remain tucked away in the station. Accommodations will be very tight, with several people to each room. Magistrate Trewe and I agreed that it would be better to bring enough troops to handle a violent outbreak, just in case the situation escalates.”

  “Better to have them and not need them, rather than the reverse,” she agreed. “And those of us not lying low?”

  “That will be you, me, Arc, Carston, and a few more of the Guard, then t
he shivs. I’d like to have Izzy along but it depends on the situation. I don’t want her out there if things are looking ugly.”

  “Hopefully the official presence of the Guard will make people remember that they don’t like having their asses kicked, and encourage them to rethink their actions.”

  “I wouldn’t have put it that way, but yes. The best-case scenario would be if the shivs’ presence convinces the protesters that these rumors are just false hysteria. It goes without saying that the shivs wouldn’t get involved if they believed we face any real threat.” Kassimeigh nodded, but said nothing. Will studied her. “Does it bother you to be in a Guard uniform instead of a shiv’s shoka?” he asked.

  Her eyes swept across the group of people with them on the monorail, all wearing the evergreen-hued Guard uniform. Even Arc had borrowed one for the sake of conformity. They all wore long pants with multiple loops and pockets. Sturdy long-sleeved jackets also sported several pockets, along with rank insignia on the right side of the chest and on the left sleeve. Beneath those jackets they wore soft, short-sleeved shirts. Brimmed caps topped off their unified look.

  Kassimeigh ran a finger over the insignia on her chest that identified her as the first lieutenant and the second in command. Not that most people would recognize the four star-shaped pips yet, but in time they would. “Nope. If I were here as a shiv, I wouldn’t have these spiffy stars to wear.”