Episode 34: Voices
The Knight Sabers had been trudging along in a painfully slow pursuit for what seemed like hours. Priss was in the lead, followed by Linna, and then Nene. The boomers they were trailing seemed to be leading them to an abandoned section of the city, but there was no urgency in their movements whatsoever. They moved methodically, their pace seeming almost ritualistic. If they took any notice of the Knight Sabers, they paid them no heed. It was as if the boomers were participating in some bizarre ceremony, and they would not be distracted from it.
As the three women stalked their targets, Priss found herself unable to push the previous events of the evening out of her mind. She had found Galatea's behavior to be utterly disturbing, and her apprehension only grew as time passed. She tried to convince herself that it was merely the irrational outburst of a small child, but somehow she knew that it was something more. After all, Galatea was no ordinary girl. She was connected to all other boomers, and whether Priss liked it or not, Galatea had a certain amount of insight. Something had truly frightened her. Something had her absolutely terrified.
What was she so afraid of? Priss wondered aloud.
responded Linna, who was close behind her.
Oh, uh...nothing, Priss stammered as she realized that she had vocalized what she was thinking.
Priss, are you sure you're ok? asked Linna, obviously concerned.
I'm fine, Priss replied curtly.
said Linna, but if something is bothering you–
We don't have time for bullshitting, Linna! Priss spat, sounding much harsher than she had intended.
Sorry, Priss, said Linna meekly. Priss was immediately sorry for snapping at her, but she didn't have the time or patience to apologize. She had more important matters on her mind. Priss turned away from Linna and pressed forward. Something was waiting for them. She could feel it.
Do you really think this is a good idea? said Leon, sending his partner a sideways glance as he shifted gears.
said Daley, putting his feet up on the dashboard of Leon's car, but it's better than sitting around and doing nothing.
Not that much better, said Leon, drearily. These things sure are taking their sweet time getting to wherever it is they're going. He gazed ahead at the hoard of boomers in front of them, then glanced down at the speedometer.
Leon sighed. Maybe we should just get out and walk.
We might need to get away in a hurry, Leon, said Daley. We have no idea what we're gonna find.
Why don't we just let the Knight Sabers handle it, said Leon, a touch of bitterness in his voice. It's not like we'll be of much help anyway.
Now, I would think the prospect of seeing the Knight Sabers would be incentive for you to go, remarked Daley with a sly grin. Didn't you want to see Priss today? I'm sure she'd be impressed to see you taking charge and being all heroic. Daley burst into a fit of laughter.
You know, Daley, said Leon in an exasperated tone as he steered the car around a corner, I would really like it if just once you–
Leon never finished his sentence. The thought slipped from his mind the instant he turned the corner. There, straight ahead, he could what the boomers were heading for.
Priss, Linna, and Nene stood gaping at the sight in front of them. They had expected to find something displeasing, but nothing could have prepared them for this. Once the site of the activity was in visual range, the Knight Sabers found themselves overwhelmed with what they saw. The boomers they had been following were now joining a seemingly endless stream that was congregating at a central point. The center was marked by a sickening glow that encompassed a colossal figure. The surrounding buildings were dwarfed in comparison. Boomers flooded in from all directions, their red eyes making the procession seem like the flow of blood. The figure's limbs were reaching menacingly down toward the sea of boomers, and Priss could swear that it was growing.
Dear God! Linna gasped, finally breaking the stunned silence.
Wha– what is that? cried Nene, her voice cracking as she spoke.
Mason, Priss thought, clenching her fist. He was making himself a body. She had expected as much, but she had never expected it to be quite that size.
What's going on? Sylia's voice chimed from their communicators. What do you see?
said Nene, We see a...big...thing. It's a really big thing.
Oh, that's very helpful, Nene, hissed Sylia with such sarcasm that she almost sounded like Priss. Now can anybody tell me something useful?
said Linna, Nene's description isn't half bad, considering.
It's Mason! Priss snarled.
Yes, Priss, we've already established that he's behind the recent–
He's making himself a body, Priss continued, cutting Sylia off.
A BIG body! added Nene.
I see, said Sylia, trying to sound calm. Well, now that you have the target in sight you can move quickly to reach it. We shouldn't waste any more time.
Sylia, there's no way we can just swoop in there and take that thing out! cried Nene. We need a plan or–
We don't have time for a plan, Nene! Sylia said fanatically. You're going in there NOW! Knight Sabers, ACTION!
He is after her now. He knows she is coming. He wants her to come. He wants them all to come. She cannot defeat him, not like this. He has the advantage. He has set the trap. He will take his revenge. He is connected to the boomers. He can speak to the boomers. He can reach out to the boomers. He can even control the boomers. I am connected to the boomers as well. I can speak to the boomers, and I can reach out to the boomers. But I do not control the boomers anymore. However, he does not know what I have gained. He gave it up a long time ago, and he underestimates its value. We both can speak to the boomers. We both can reach out to the boomers. We both are heard by the boomers. But he cannot speak to the humans. He cannot reach out to the humans. He cannot be heard by the humans. I can. All I need is a human who is willing to listen.
What the hell is that? cried Daley upon seeing the monstrosity that was Mason's new body.
Damned if I know, replied Leon, but it can't be good, whatever it is.
It looks like all of those boomers are being absorbed by it, said Daley.
Yeah, and it's just gonna keep getting bigger and stronger, said Leon darkly.
Leon looked out his window. His eye caught a glimpse of three star-like lights jumping from rooftop to rooftop. His heart sank into his stomach as looked back at the looming figure toward which the Knight Sabers were headed. He tried desperately to suppress the anxiety that was growing within him. The Knight Sabers were tough. They could handle themselves. They had already saved the world before, and this was no different. Leon told himself these things, but it didn't make him feel any better. Something was amiss here. Something just didn't feel right.
breathed Leon.
She'll be alright, said Daley, putting a hand on Leon's shoulder reassuringly. She's a Knight Saber. This is her job and she knows what she's doing. It's probably best if we stay out of this.
said Leon in a dazed voice, something is very wrong here.
Well, of course it is! said Daley. That's why the Knight Sabers are here!
No! This is exactly what he wants! exclaimed Leon, to the surprise of both his partner and himself. He made absolutely no attempts to be discrete. It was obvious that boomers were going missing. He wants them to come here! He knows they're coming and he is more than ready! Leon had no idea where those words had come from, but he knew they were true. Somehow, he knew it was true. Daley sat in the passenger seat completely stunned, unable to respond to what his partner had just said. It was just as well, since Leon wouldn't have paid any attention to Daley anyway. Without another word, Leon slammed his foot on the gas pedal and charged forward at full speed, knocking any boomers in his path aside as he went.
Macky fidgeted nervously as he watched Nigel work on the motorcycle that had recently become his new project. Galatea was huddled in the corner of the room, her knees pulled tightly to her chest. She had stopped crying and was now gazing at the floor intently.
The wrench, said Nigel, putting out his hand expectantly. Macky bolted toward the tool box and obediently retrieved the wrench.
Here you are, Nigel, Macky said quietly as he placed the tool in Nigel's hand. He marveled at how Nigel could remain so calm in times like these. Here they were, once again waiting for the Knight Sabers to return from some deadly mission, and Nigel didn't seem to be the least bit concerned. He just sat there and worked on his motorcycle as if nothing was happening.
I'm worried too, said Nigel, his eyes still fixated on what he was doing. Macky was caught completely off guard. It was as if Nigel had read his mind.
How did you – Macky started, but Nigel cut him off.
I know you pretty well, Macky. I know how you think. And trust me, this isn't any easier for me than it is for you, but you just have to be patient. It helps to keep yourself busy.
Macky was amazed that Nigel was being so open with him. It was a rare thing for Nigel to open up to anybody, and Macky felt privileged to be on the receiving end of it. After all, Nigel was his hero in many ways, and he always wanted to get a closer understanding of the man.
Thanks, Nigel, Macky said, beaming. That really means a lot to me.
Don't thank me, said Nigel in his usual tone of disinterest. He might have opened up a bit, but he was still Nigel. Look, why don't you and Galatea go find Henderson. He'll probably have some crayons or something that she can play with and you can keep an eye on her. That way everybody has something to do.
Right, Nigel, said Macky, feeling oddly upbeat. It wasn't until he turned to face Galatea that his dread returned. The corner that she had been occupying was now vacant. Macky quickly scanned the room to make sure that she hadn't simply moved, but there was no sign of the girl.
Macky screamed, his voice filled with panic. Galatea's gone!