The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2

by Elizabeth Price

  By now, a small group of people had begun to form around them. Sedom turned to the group, taking in a deep breath as she addressed them. “All I require is your loyalty, respect and that you obey the rules. If you can’t handle that, you will be ejected from Gathow,” she called to the group.

  The group moved aside, allowing the orb to escort the man from Gathow. Several of those which surrounded her bowed their heads, whispering, “Chadon.” Sedom bowed back and continued towards the infirmary.

  Tremble remained behind her. “Are you alright, Chadon?”

  “Ungrateful…” she grumbled under her breath. “Yes, fine. I knew something like this was bound to happen. I just… just don’t want to be considered a tyrant,” she admitted low to Tremble.

  “You saved their lives and are allowing them to live in your city. You’ve already earned their respect. There’s always a bad bean in every stew. Hopefully there was only one,” Tremble advised.

  Sedom paused, turning to Tremble. A slight smirk rested on her lips like a hammock. “I finally figured it out. You remind me of my mother. She wasn’t a warrior or anything remotely like that, but she always had good advice. Remind me to thank Zion for assigning you to me.”

  A puckered grin appeared on Tremble’s thin lips. “With pleasure, Chadon.”

  They continued inside the infirmary, finding Evolanc standing beside a locked glass room. Inside, Alree was pounding on the glass to be allowed out.

  “I did as you requested, Chadon,” Evolanc said. She crossed her arms over her heavy chest. “I caught him sneaking around the computer systems. Your man,” she pointed to one of the men who were part of Tremble’s group. He was standing guard near one of the computer counsels. “He managed to shut off all computer information running to this room.”

  “So he was gathering information,” Sedom surmised. She turned to Alree, glaring at the man. “Not only do I have to worry about the Marisheio Empire and the Rook Empire, now I have to worry about some crazy Windrit genius.” She shook her head in frustration as she began to pace.

  “Sortec, please, I’m here—“ Alree called through the glass.

  She rushed to Alree’s room, slamming her hands against the glass. He jumped back, fearing her anger. “Save it! Just… just shut up! If I were you, I’d be grateful I don’t have the energy to skin you right now,” she cawed back. She turned to Tremble. “Have someone throw him in a cell on level three. I want his brain dissected for every scrap of information he may know,” she spat back to Alree. “Zion will deal with him when he returns tomorrow,” she ordered Tremble. “No, make that Rosanheer.”

  “Immediately, Chadon,” she answered. She motioned to the guard by the computer to do as Sedom ordered.

  “Now, where is Ratisha?” Sedom asked Evolanc within a heated sigh.

  “Asleep. I sent her home. She’s been up for three days working on that project of hers,” Evolanc explained.

  Sedom let her head fall backwards, her mouth open and ready to scream. “Fine!” she groaned. “Tell her to hold off on finding a cure. Instead, I want a detailed report on everything, and I do mean everything, she can remember about Lord Wyice.”

  “I’ll let her know, Chadon,” Evolanc returned submissively.

  Sedom rushed out of the infirmary, ready to scream. “It was so much easier when no one was here but me,” she said to herself out loud.

  “Pitfalls of command, having to deal with people,” Tremble spoke up from behind.

  “That’s the truth. I’m going back to my quarters and intentionally bury myself under a mound of paperwork. It’s better than dealing with all this,” she said, nearly running once again into another man. This man was sitting on the sidewalk, staring at the street in a daze.

  FIFTEEN

  The next morning, Sedom returned to the bridge. The bridge had an odd smell in the air, much like hot electronics mixed with sweat and stale coffee. Only one light shown on the bridge and it was directly above the com station where Bri was still sitting. He had not moved from the seat she told him to remain in.

  He turned to her, his dark eyes like saucers of ink. He blinked several times, clearing his vision. “Chadon,” he gulped.

  “You’re relieved. Go home and sleep,” she ordered.

  Too exhausted to even talk, he simply nodded and slipped away into the elevator. Sedom chuckled to herself, amused at how many people were willing to obey her command and how many people also couldn’t.

  She glanced over to Tremble, who remained by the elevator. “Could you turn on the lights?” she asked. Moments later, the bridge brightened with several rows of lights above.

  Sedom glanced over the com cabinet, out the windows which surrounded it the circular bridge. It was the tallest building in Gathow’s first level and completely surrounded by glass. It allowed for spectacular views of the city below. At first, it shocked her seeing people walking around below, but then it actually calmed her. Things were starting to fall into place.

  A bright blue light pulsated on the communications console, catching Sedom’s eye. She slipped into the chair, finding it uncomfortably warm, and tapped the com. “Corin to Gathow,” came Qilo’s voice.

  “This is Gathow. Go ahead,” she returned over the com.

  “Requesting permission to dock. We have over five-hundred and eighty-seven souls on board,” Qilo returned.

  Sedom froze for a moment, unsure of what to say. They were bringing all of the Underground personnel back on the Corin? Of course they were. How were they going to transport them from the moon down to Gathow?

  “Uh…” she paused, unsure of her orders. “Hover and unload passengers in ship bay one. I will clear you a ship to return back from Nogoana after the transfer is complete,” she decided.

  On board the Corin, Danstu turned to Qilo, asking if the Chadon was crazy. He shrugged. “Commencing with hover mode,” he called out. “I suggest you tell everyone to prepare to jump. It’s going to be a little bumpy,” he explained.

  “Are you serious?” Danstu returned in a panic.

  Cidele chuckled, knowing full well Qilo was playing with him. “No silly. It will be fine. Come on,” she encouraged, waving him to follow her.

  He followed her to the back of the ship where a large section had opened up, revealing the ship bay. Although a little bumpy due to the water of the waterfalls beating down on the ship, she had no problem stepping out into the ship bay.

  “Follow me everyone,” she called out to the group. The large group of Underground personnel all gathered their belongings and followed Cidele off of the ship.

  Danstu remained a moment longer, waiting for everyone to leave. As soon as he stepped off the ship, Qilo lifted off. Shortly after, Zion and Rosanheer landed, taxing into their designated parking locations.

  Rosanheer jumped down off his ship, tossing his helmet into the cockpit. “I love working for the Tasgool!” he exclaimed.

  ***

  Sedom watched from the bridge as Cidele and Danstu escorted over five-hundred men, women and a few children into Gathow. The orbs instantly dropped down, surrounding the group. At first, it caused Sedom slight concern. Her finger was on the button, ready to call in her orders to the orbs just in case.

  “Okay, Keriney, let’s see how you handle this situation,” she whispered to herself, even though she knew Tremble could hear her. She was curious how both Zion and Danstu were going to handle the situation, considering she gave them both clearance the night before they left.

  Zion froze as the orbs hovered around him, while Danstu removed his access card, holding it up to the orbs. “Keriney, Danstu, level eight clearance,” he called out as he allowed the orbs to scan the card.

  “Access orbs, section six-two-common,” Sedom called out. The computer before blinked on with the image of ten orbs in that section. “Sound and visual from lead,” she ordered

  The screen blinked, showing an image of Danstu talking to the lead orb. “Level four clearances for all newcomers. Scan and develop p
ersonnel profiles on all newcomers accessible only by level seven and above,” he ordered the orbs.

  “Why didn’t I think of creating a database of personnel profiles?” she muttered, frustrated she didn’t think of it.

  “Cidele?” Danstu called out, attempting to find her within the crowd. She raised her hand near a table, located in front of the cafeteria. “If everyone will follow Cidele, she will arrange your housing assignments. We will be handing out assignments starting tomorrow,” he called out over the crowd.

  Along with Zion and Rosanheer’s help, they guided their new recruits towards the cafeteria. Two orbs remained beside Danstu, scanning every person as they passed.

  Cidele hurried over to him. “Terman and Nokinil are helping with the housing assignments. Thankfully, they organized it all while we were gone. We’re going to need a better way of handling recruits in the future,” she mentioned in a whisper to Danstu. “This is ridiculous, not to mention embarrassing.”

  “They know we’re new to this, but regardless, you’re correct. We’re going to need a better way of handling a lot of Gathow’s operations in the future,” Danstu said.

  “Thank goodness this is all the people they gave us. I’m not sure how we’re going to handle anymore,” Cidele mentioned.

  “Uh, about that…” Danstu moved Cidele to the side. “Once we’re finished here, I hate to ask you, but I’m going to need about six-hundred more units cleaned and ready for more recruits,” Danstu said. “I made arrangements for another group, mainly pilots. I figured it would make the Chadon’s day,” he mentioned.

  Cidele’s face lost a little color. “It would, but… by when?” she asked sternly.

  “Four days?” Danstu ordered, but made his voice sound like a question to help soften the blow.

  Cidele wanted to scream out her frustrations. “And I thought working for the Chadon was a pain. Look, it takes three orbs and two men to clean and decorate each room every two hours. That is if everything goes smoothly, which it seldom does. Not to mention, I’ll need complete access to a factory replicator for the next four days. I’m already receiving complaints due to the limited access. This will cause quite a strain on our resources.”

  Danstu nodded, calculating in his mind as they walked. “I can arrange extra help and I’ll talk to Sortec about the orb situation. Maybe she has a way of doubling the orbs. As for the furniture, keep the units simple, bed, sofa, chair and a dresser. Once Dranuim has the systems completely up, than everyone can decorate to their hearts delight. Until then, we’re going to have to manage.”

  Cidele sighed deeply. “Fine. I’ll get to work right away.”

  “Start tomorrow morning. I need time too. I’m not going to sleep tonight as it is,” he whispered low. “I know it’s not safe for her to be down here, but do you think the Chadon would allow me to borrow Garric?”

  “Why would you want that faas?” Cidele sneered.

  “Marisheio or not, I need an extra hand. I doubt he’s going to cause any problems with that collar around his neck,” he admitted.

  On the bridge, Sedom tapped the com panel, ringing her unit. Thankfully, Garric answered. “Chadon, interesting you calling yourself. I don’t believe you can come to the com right now. Should I take a message?”

  “You’re funny. I was calling you. I need you to assist Danstu with anything he needs. He’s outside the cafeteria,” she added.

  Garric nodded to the screen. “Right away, Sortec.”

  She tapped another button on the counsel. “Where is Dranuim?”

  “Level two, section two-two-zella,” the computer returned.

  “Patch me through,” she ordered. Moments later, Dranium’s frightened image appeared on the screen. “How are the repairs going?” she asked.

  Dranuim blinked several times, clearing his red eyes from the darkness that surrounded them. “That’s cool, orb communications. Uh… okay, I guess. The extra people Danstu provided for me are helpful. Is there a problem, Chadon?”

  “I need your team to head over to the replicators. We still have six factories off line. I need you to make it a priority to fix at least two of them for me by the end of the day,” she ordered.

  “Oh, I’m not sure that’s possible, but we’ll give it a try. You heard the Chadon. Guess we’ll play in the mud another day,” he replied.

  The orb’s image switched back to a screen showing all internal orb operations. The screen gave a detailed listing of nearly twenty different orbs located in Gathow. Sedom tapped on one group of orbs, selecting them.

  “Bring up an internal map of section one,” she ordered the computer. A three-dimensional map appeared before her. “Show me an area that has six-hundred unoccupied units.” The map zoomed in to a section of the first level, near the arboretum. “Send these orbs to clear out all debris from these twelve buildings so they are suitable for inhabitance.”

  Near the cafeteria, the group of newcomers along with everyone else around them, stopped in their tracks. Above them, nearly a thousand green orbs emerged from large holes in the cave walls. All of the orbs rushed directly through the middle of the group, flying towards the buildings Sedom requested to be cleaned. The orbs disappeared into the buildings as quickly as they appeared.

  “What was that about? I’ve never seen green orbs before,” Cidele asked Zion.

  Zion handed her a computer pad. “I don’t know. Just be grateful they disappeared and didn’t attack.” He turned to Danstu, perplexed. “I thought only Sortec and I had the authority to grant access to Gathow,” he mentioned to Danstu as he handed him a computer pad.

  Danstu grinned arrogantly. “She’s warming up to me,” he joked. He paused, turning back to Zion. “And so it seems you as well? It would have been nice to know.”

  “It’s a recent promotion,” Zion elaborated.

  “What’s this?” Danstu pointed to the computer pad.

  “A situation which needs our immediate attention. It’s been brought to my attention that Sortec ejected one of the Crowarl’s citizens for insubordination. The damn fool went directly to the Marisheio for the reward for finding this place. I need to know what you want to do,” he explained.

  “You’re the head of security, it’s your call. What do you want to do?” Danstu said.

  “I’ll take a team and find him. Do you want him alive or does it matter?” he asked.

  Danstu shook his head. He pointed over to two men and a woman standing away from the crowd. “These are our new medical staff members. Would you mind showing them to the infirmary on your way out?”

  Zion glanced over to Cidele, then over to Rosanheer, who was speaking to a group of old friends. “I’ll have Rosanheer handle it. I need to gather my team.” He spun around, nearly toppling over Garric. He stepped back, allowing the much shorter Marisheio man some space. “Watch it!” he growled.

  Garric kept his head down as he approached Danstu. “Sir, Sortec asked that I join you and see if I can help in any way.”

  Danstu’s jaw dropped. He glanced around, looking for anything that could possibly be used as a camera. He turned, gazing directly into the glowing top of an orb. “She’s listening. She has to be listening to us,” he accused. “Regardless, yes.” He handed Garric a computer pad. “This is the duty roster. I need you to stand down there and tell each person their unit number, schedule and where to report for work.”

  “Right away, sir.” Garric took the computer pad, running to the end of the table, where a long line of people were gathering.

  Rosanheer motioned to Danstu to come over to him. He hesitated, trying to figure out where Cidele went. She was near the end of the long table, near Nokinil. He hurried over to Rosanheer. “These twenty are part of the maintenance crew,” Rosanheer introduced.

  Danstu nodded several times. “Good, good. Introduce them to…” he paused, forgetting his name.

  “Dranium,” Rosanheer corrected.

  Danstu snapped his fingers. “That’s it. Yes, Dranium. Thank you. But
do it tomorrow after they’re processed. I don’t want the orbs going after them. For now, I need you to take the new medical staff to the infirmary then meet Zion at the tunnel for a mission,” he said, starting to run off.

  Rosanheer pulled Danstu to the side. “Hey, wait a minute. When was the last time you slept?” he questioned out of concern.

  “Hell if I can remember,” Danstu said within a chuckle.

  “Get these people processed and grab a few hours. We need you sharp and right now you’re wearing down,” Rosanheer mentioned. “Now what’s this mission?”

  “I need you to clean up a mess for the Chadon. Zion will explain,” Danstu said within a yawn.

  “Okay, but watch yourself,” he said.

  Danstu nodded, grinning over his new friend’s concern.

  As Rosanheer guided the group towards the infirmary, Cidele came up behind him, resting her hand against his shoulder. “A moment of your time,” she asked sweetly.

  “Hold on a minute,” he called to his group. He turned to Cidele, a slight look of shock on his face. “Cidele.”

  She started to speak, looking him in the eyes. She turned away, unable to meet his eyes. “It’s a lot to ask, but could you keep an eye on Danstu? He didn’t sleep the entire time we were away and I doubt he slept much before we left.”

  “We just had a conversation about that. I’m going to get these people settled in, see what Zion wants and then I’ll be right by his side. I won’t let anything happen to him,” he offered.

  Cidele nodded. “Thank you.”

  From the tower, Sedom squealed with delight. Finally, Cidele was warming up to Rosanheer. But then it occurred to her, Cidele was starting to have feelings for Danstu. “This is going to be interesting,” she muttered to herself.

  “Chadon?” Tremble spoke up.

  “Danstu and Cidele, I think something is going on between them,” Sedom mentioned.

  “Will that be a problem, Chadon? If so, I can speak with them—“ Tremble offered.

  Sedom turned to her, grinning widely. “No. I just didn’t picture Danstu as being her type. She’s usually interested in Dormin men,” Sedom mentioned.