Lolum chuckled. “You realize you’ll have to speak to the others… for once.”
A conceded rolling of the eyes followed Sedom’s long sigh. “Suppose I must.”
“Well then, good. Start with Danstu, he’s your assistant. Give him the orders and leave an old man to his rest.” With that, Lolum covered his face with a pillow and proceeded to sleep, his way of dismissing Sedom. She took the hint.
Outside, Danstu still waited. She was now beginning to envy his patience for waiting. She walked past him, this time, he followed. “Twenty of our best equipped at dawn for fighter-ship training. I want you to choose. And find someone to handle the equipment,” she ordered over her shoulder.
Danstu returned with a stern nod. “Yes, Chadon.”
“Also…” she paused to think, “find me the best ship mechanic in this galaxy. And make sure no one,” she turned to Danstu, looking him straight in the eyes with a no-nonsense gaze, “no one touches my ship accept me.”
“I’ll have a guard on it as soon as we have enough men to do so,” he harassed back, mainly as a joke. She didn’t respond kindly, her mouth gaping and her eyes flexing in their sockets. “It will be constantly monitored,” he covered, clearing his uneasy words from his throat.
Sedom remained a moment longer, watching him, her face taught when she finally responded. “A word of advice, I have no humor. So... don’t.” With that said, she continued towards the ship bay, determined to learn how to use the weapons on her ship.
“Sortec,” Danstu called back. She paused, turning to him. “Neither do I,” he replied then continued on his way.
She remained motionless for a moment, attempting to determine what he meant.
Danstu returned to Lolum’s quarters and knocked on his door. When he didn’t answer, Danstu knocked again. “WHAT?” Lolum yelled.
“It’s Danstu Keriney, Sir. May I enter?” he called back.
“Might as well. Come in,” Lolum grumbled.
Danstu entered, finding Lolum sleeping on his sofa. “Sorry to interrupt,” he started. Lolum waved him to sit. “How can I arrange an office? I need a base of operations.”
Lolum slowly stood, his bones cracking as he walked over to his meal table. He pulled out a schematic of the city then pointed to a building. “This once served as the main government hub. It’s the same building we had our,” he chuckled, “meeting in. There are offices there.”
“I know, but I don’t have security clearance and you have to have a clearance of five or above to even walk into the building,” Danstu explained.
Lolum handed Danstu his all-access keycard that was sitting on the coffee table before him. “The building has power. Choose whatever office you wish. I’ve been meaning to arrange office space for everyone in our group; just sleep has managed to creep into my agenda first.”
“Understood. And thank you,” Danstu said with enthusiasm, rushing to the door. He paused, holding up the card. “When might I be able to get my own card?”
“Ask Sortec,” Lolum mumbled.
“So, never?” Danstu joked.
“Thought you didn’t have humor?” Lolum caught.
“You heard that?” Danstu asked amused.
“You yelled it from my porch. How could I not?”
Danstu nodded. “I won’t for her… not until she gets to know me better.”
“Good man. You learn fast. Fast is what we need around here to keep up with Sortec,” Lolum said as he followed Danstu to the door.
As he left he could hear Lolum lock the door. Danstu turned his eyes to the keycard in his hand. “Well… let’s see what I have to work with.”
Sedom watched Danstu as he disappeared around the corner. Everyone seemed enamored by the man, but she couldn’t tell why exactly. Other than his clothing, she saw nothing unusual about him. Yet the others were treating him like he was a celebrity.
She remained hidden in the shadows, watching Danstu’s every move. To her surprise, he was walking into the very building they had their meeting in. Sedom recalled going into the building a few times when she was very little. She knew there were offices there, but beyond that, she knew little about the building.
The front doors slid shut behind him, blocking Sedom’s view. If she was curious, she would have to follow him into the building. The call of louder curiosity beckoned to her from the ship bay. She would have to wait for another time to tail him.
The lights of the old building fluttered to life, illuminating a long hallway, nearly three arm lengths wide. Twenty doors lined the hall, each a brilliant deep cherry wood color. Around each door were ornate wood carvings depicting the different stations and responsibilities that particular office it held. The first door, to the right, had types of currency around the door frame, depicting that as the head of finance, and so on down the hallway.
At the end of the hallway stood a four-story atrium, which was encased in dark glass. Opaque skylights cascaded light down from above. The area was constructed from what looked to be shining rocks, but they were unlike any rocks Danstu had ever seen. Growing from the rocks was an ancient vine with bright yellow and blue leaves, which miraculously stopped growing once it hit the main walls.
Within the middle of the room stood a round reception desk, crafted from the same wood as the doors. In the middle of the desk glowed a computer screen with a map of all the offices, hidden beneath a thick layer of dust. Danstu whisked away the dust, revealing the map. To his count, there were thirty offices on his particular level. He pointed to the two largest offices and then turned finding their doors behind him.
He opened the first, the larger of the two and entered. The office was quite ornate, the furniture within in need of only minor repair. It too had a skylight and four-story ceiling. Danstu thought this office was obviously meant for the Chadon. And Regardless if she wanted it or not, eventually she was going to need one. He stepped outside the door, noticing the carving above was a depiction of the gateway that was rumored to have carried the Narkoy from Tambre Essal to Matrador. Directly above was the staff of Alkiria, the staff of the Chadon.
“Hum, well, what’s behind door number two,” he joked to himself while using the keycard to open the door to his left.
That office was slightly smaller than the first, still had the same four-story ceiling and skylight, and the furniture was almost identical. Above the door frame was carved to orbs with light shooting from them.
“This will work,” he decided, examining the desk. He took a seat, finding it rather comfortable for being nearly five-hundred years old. He tapped on the com station. The com panel slowly rose from the desk, causing a dust storm in its wake. Danstu waved away the dust and tapped the monitor on, fully expecting it wouldn’t turn on. It did.
He nervously tapped his finger on the monitor and then typed in a sequence of numbers on the screen. Moments later, a Quiel male’s face appeared on the screen. “You have reached the office of the Doreel. State your business.”
“Danstu Keriney to speak with Doreel Adrein. He knows me,” Danstu returned.
Moments later the screen blinked onto the dark-skinned face of another Quiel man. His cheeks were thick and covered with tiny yellow spots. His hair was thick and black, but graying at the temples.
“Danstu, it’s good to hear from you. I thought the rumors were incorrect about you leaving No-Nee. There was no way you were going to give up that much power.” The man spoke, although it sounded more like he was shouting.
“No, sir, the rumors were true. I did leave No-Nee’s service and I returned home for awhile. But now, I find circumstances have led me to employment with the Tasgool,” Danstu explained.
The man’s face grew taught. “Chadon Sortec? Is she still alive?” he asked.
“Sedom Sortec, her granddaughter has taken over command of the Tasgool army. I’m assisting her with staffing Gathow. Do you happen to have anyone you can spare to help us get up and running?” he asked.
“Her granddaughter is only wh
at, ten?” he mentioned.
“She’s almost twelve and a formidable fighter and leader to add. She saved my city from a Marisheio attack,” he mentioned.
“Interesting. Is it true about your ships?” Adrein asked.
“What I’ve seen so far, yes. But Sortec is quite secretive about her arsenal,” Danstu admitted.
“We need an ally with strong ships. What type of positions are you looking to fill?” he asked.
“All,” Danstu replied without cracking a smile.
“Hum… what do you have to offer?” the man asked, stroking his chin while he thought.
“First, us uniting as allies. Second… well, what do you need that we may have?” Danstu returned.
Without cracking a smile, Adrein replied, “power cells and ration packs.”
Danstu took out his computer, Lolum thankfully provided him, and looked over their current supplies. “We have thirty-thousand units of power cells and twenty-two thousand units of food rations we could spare. What could that get us?”
“A lot,” Adrein hummed. “Send me over a list of the people you need and I’ll see what I can send you. And tell Sortec it’s good to have another ally on the field. I look forward to working with the Tasgool.”
Danstu nodded then ended the transmission. “Now to rescue our new recruits and choose ten men.”
***
Danstu met Zion and Rosanheer at the mouth of the tunnel. Both men were armed to the teeth and suited up for battle.
“You don’t play around,” Danstu mentioned as he approached.
Rosanheer readjusted his rifle on his shoulder. “When you work for Sortec, you tend to prepare for anything,” he mentioned.
“What the hell is all this?” Terman called as he climbed up the hill towards the tunnels and to the group.
“Terman these are my new friends, Zion and Rosanheer,” Danstu introduced. “I’ve been told you’re the best fighters in Gathow,” he mentioned.
“Try only,” Zion spoke up.
Terman took each of the men’s hands to shake. “Good to meet you,” he returned. He paused, noticing Rosanheer’s tattoos. “Jumping the code?”
“In a manner of speaking. More appropriately, I burned it. We ready?” Rosanheer said, motioning for the men to follow him into the tunnels.
Inside the tunnels, the men were immediately met by the snarling growls of the Hoviss. “Uh, I don’t think we fully thought this out,” Zion called over his shoulder back to the other three men.
Danstu stepped forward, shining a bright light at the animal. The Hoviss screeched and run away.
“Interesting,” Rosanheer mentioned.
Danstu strapped the device back on his belt. “You learn to be prepared,” he joked. He held up the light to show the two men. “Interesting little toy. I found it in my desk.”
In the forest, a thick mist floated over the closest moon. There was hardly any light to guide their journey. A soft breeze blew over them, bringing with it the distant smell of rotting flesh.
Rosanheer blinked, changing his eyes to orange so he can see in the dark. “That way. I think I see movement.”
Terman hummed anxiously. “I’ve met some odd fellows in my time,” he mentioned over to Danstu.
“I’m sure you’ll meet more,” Danstu returned.
“First time I wish Sortec was here,” Zion whispered over to the group as he peered up at the misty moon.
Terman’s almond shaped eyes glistened with fright as he peered around the forest. “My concern is the Harp finding us. She hasn’t been heard from in a while and I’d rather not be her next victim,” he admitted.
Zion chuckled to himself. “I doubt that will be an issue. She’s busy with other matters these days.”
“Who’s the Harp?” Danstu asked Rosanheer.
“Those in the local cities and villages claim she’s a ghost who guards the forest against intruders,” Rosanheer explained. “Rumors have it, she’s killed hundreds.”
“And we’re not concerned, why?” Danstu asked.
“Because she’s our boss,” Zion mentioned in a low grumble.
Terman turned to Zion, a look of shock on his face. He turned back to Danstu behind him. “What the hell did you get me into?” he barked.
Rosanheer raised his clenched hand to his shoulder, signaling for the men to be silent. “Movement in the trees.”
A pistol shot rung out, ricocheting off a tree near Danstu. The four men ducked behind the trees near them, taking cover. Zion glanced over at Danstu, noticing his panicked expression. “Where’s your weapon?”
“I don’t have one,” Danstu called back.
“Oh, sh—so much for being prepared,” Zion called back.
Rosanheer stood from his tree, shooting into the forest. Several shots whistled back, chipping away the bark of the trees that surrounded them. He ducked back down, taking cover again.
“How many?” Zion called.
“Eight,” Rosanheer called back.
“Ten!” called another man’s voice in the distance. “Now, make that eight!”
“Take two more off,” called a female’s voice.
Pistol fire lit up the night sky. “Do I hear two?”
“You guys the Tasgool?” called the same woman’s voice.
“Is that you, Tremble?” Terman called out.
“Terman?” the woman returned. “Perfect timing.”
Eight figures appeared through the trees, all but two wearing dark gray uniforms. The other two were Marisheio soldiers, both walking in front of the group with their hands raised. The only woman in the group shoved the two Marisheio soldiers in front of her to walk faster. “We thought you guys were never going to show,” she said, reaching out to give Terman a hug. “Man, are we glad to see you.”
“Too long, too long,” Terman returned. He guided the woman over to Danstu. “Danstu Keriney, meet Constance Tremble. She’s one of the best pistol shots in the galaxy,” he introduced.
Danstu shook her hand. “Glad to meet you.” He glanced over to the two Marisheio. “What’s with them?” he asked.
“A gift for the Chadon, as a show of our gratitude,” one of the other men in the Underground’s team spoke up.
“Are we taking prisoners?” Rosanheer asked Danstu.
Danstu turned to Zion. “Can we take prisoners?” he asked in Zion’s native tongue.
Zion stared at him for a moment, stunned the man knew his language and then nodded. “We have a holding facility on level three. It might be a good idea to interrogate them. I, personally, want to know more about this possible base.”
Danstu agreed. “Bring them.”
THIRTEEN
From inside her cockpit, Sedom glanced out of the window to see an orb hovering. Its dome was lit bright yellow. She slid the cockpit shield aside. “What?”
“Chadon, intruders in Gathow,” an orb called.
Sedom glanced up from the controls of her ship, squinting to see the orb correctly. Above her, the orbs were on full alert. “Report,” she called.
One orb flew down to the level of her head. “Six Underground and two Marisheio are entering through the south tunnels.”
“Two Marisheio? Great, just great! Detain, do not destroy,” she ordered as she pulled herself out of the cockpit. “If it isn’t one thing—“
Back within Gathow, the group was met by a hoard of orbs. Danstu turned to Zion for guidance. Zion shrugged. “Sortec is the only one who allows clearance. We’re going to have to wait.”
“What now?” Terman asked low.
“Sura teletan,” Sedom called out as she hiked up to the tunnel’s opening.
“Sortec, just in time,” Danstu called, bowing to her as she approached.
She sauntered over to the group, looking them over. “These must be the lost soldiers you were talking about,” she mentioned.
Terman introduced each of the people they rescued and Sedom patted each of their shoulders, foregoing handshakes. “Good to have you.” Sh
e turned to the two Marisheio who Rosanheer had kneeling on their knees. “What’s this?” she snarled.
“A present, Chadon,” Tremble returned. “They’re scouts for the new base. We ambushed a group of them in the forest. We thought these two might be of some use.”
“The base?” Sedom growled. She looked to Rosanheer then to Zion. “You know what to do,” she ordered.
Rosanheer and Zion forced the two Marisheio to stand. “Gladly, Chadon.”
“As for you, Cidele will be here any moment to assign you quarters. Welcome to Gathow,” Sedom called out.
She turned to walk away, suddenly hearing a loud commotion behind her. “Chadon, get down!” Danstu called, jumping on top of her.
From beneath Danstu, she could see Tremble pinning one of the Marisheio men to the ground. Zion was fast at work, attempting to pry a pistol from the Marisheio’s hand while Rosanheer blocked both her and Danstu from another attack. Danstu didn’t budge until Zion had the Marisheio’s pistol firm in his hands. Sixteen orbs dropped down, aiming directly at the Marisheio.
“Order one-two-six,” she called to the orbs from beneath Danstu. The orbs formed a circle pattern above, their weapons trained on the Marisheio.
Carefully, Danstu stood, allowing Sedom to stand. She jumped up from the ground, her eyes wide in panic. “Check him,” she ordered, pointing to the other Marisheio.
Two of the new men proceeded to remove the other Marisheio’s clothing, stripping him nude. Sedom wanted to turn away, but felt that if she did, it would show signs of weakness.
They found three more weapons on the second Marisheio, causing Sedom to question how thorough the new Underground soldiers were.
“Do you have this?” Sedom barked to Zion.
“Yes, Chadon!” he stressed back.
Sedom waved him on and then continued to walk back. Danstu followed close behind her. “Sorry about that, Chadon.”
“It happens,” Sedom grunted back.
“Chadon, how did you know we were coming?” Danstu asked as they past Cidele.
They paused for Sedom to talk to Cidele. “New recruits. Find them housing for tonight, then arrange something more permanent in the morning.”
The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 Page 19