A/N: This is it – the first story arc climax begins. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 31
"Orders?" the Themran captain inquired of the general.
"Monitor."
"Yes, General," Captain Viis confirmed with a quick head bow as was customary for her species when acknowledging a command.
A few hours earlier, the Tre'endt had slipped into high orbit around the mountainous planet called Neu. The lone inhabited world in its solar system, Neu boasted a single sentient lifeform that lived in scattered settlements throughout a relatively small region of the planet. Gtar-Cro knew little about those inhabitants and cared even less about learning more. Archangel was his one and only concern. Initially, the top commander of Military Intelligence was to observe and report only. Those orders had changed abruptly on their way to the intercept. The Emperor entrusted Gtar-Cro to do whatever was necessary to safeguard the Human from whatever trouble visited upon him this time. While the Turzent ruler could provide no more than a gut feeling that Archangel was in danger, Gtar-Cro learned years ago to put much stock in his fellow Turzent's instincts.
Even before entering orbit, the Tre'endt's captain informed Gtar-Cro they had detected the Human on the planet's surface and in the company of a native Neu and Sat'reyan. The Sat'reyan made sense – that was one the species fitting the vague Tchut witness descriptions of Archangel's companion in the alley. Why Archangel and a Sat'reyan were in a restricted system on a mountain plateau with a Neu in the middle of the night was a mystery.
Of equal mystery was the impenetrable structure clinging to the side of the mountain just below Archangel's position. It did not belong there. Of highly advanced design, it thwarted all their attempts to scan. Who built it? Was it occupied? And why was Archangel staking out the structure? He had weapons, a scanner, and surprisingly, a highly illegal electronic security-busting device. In fact, according to sensor readings, the device rivaled MI's best equipment. The General grew more intrigued. Was the Human going to attempt to enter the impenetrable structure? Why?
Sensors also indicated the presence of a Hydeera signature sitting in a mountain valley not far from the mysterious structure. The ship they knew was there barely registered and sensors revealed little. And much to Gtar-Cro's puzzlement, it appeared to be ignoring them.
As the night dragged on, it was obvious Archangel was waiting for something, but what?
The first hints of dawn at the mountain fortress were not long off when one of the bridge crew raised the alert with a puzzled tone. "Captain, we have an inbound target."
"A ship?"
"Uncertain, Captain. Sensors indicate only an unidentifiable anomaly, though it is acting like a ship. Its trajectory is Neu."
"Put up sensor readings and a visual."
Immediately, a hologram filled the front of the bridge displaying both sensor readouts and an image of a black mass covered with spikes passing through the Neu system.
Viis glanced toward Gtar-Cro. "Ever encounter anything like this before?"
Gtar-Cro shook his head. "No, but I've read a couple reports over the years of similar sightings."
"Orders?"
"Continue to observe and work on getting better scan data. I want to know what and who that is."
Minutes passed without any further sensor success. The black mass slowed and dropped into geostationary orbit directly above the alien structure without any signs of concern over the Tre'endt's nearby presence. No response to their hails. No detected sensor sweeps by the mystery ship. Nothing. Who was this? As with the landed ship far below, the Tre'endt was being completely ignored. The General almost wanted to feel offended.
A short while later, they watched mesmerized as a portion of the black ship's hull seemed to melt away and a small, equally impenetrable craft emerged and plunged toward the planet and the fortress where Archangel waited.
"I believe the situation is about to get interesting, Captain Viis," Gtar-Cro suggested.
###
Night two of their stakeout was looking to be a repeat of the previous…very dark and very quiet. Ettwanae, Taala, and Warren sat snuggled in thermal wraps against the cool mountain air, talking of whatever topic came to mind, or just watching the stars and occasional meteor slice the black expanse. Much of the night had passed and Warren grew concerned it would be another uneventful vigil. He didn't even want to speculate on the consequences if he was further delayed from Tchut.
Turning his eyes upward, he focused instead at the wonder of millions of distant suns piercing the jet-black Neu sky. "This so beats stargazing from my New York home – even beats it from my aerie in the mountains. No light pollution to wash out the sky. You can see everything. Beautiful."
Ettwanae and Taala sat with faces upturned as well.
"It is, isn't it?" Ettwanae whispered. "I've seen many amazing things traveling with Volu – nebulas, dust clouds left after stars have exploded, and more – but little compares to looking up at the night sky and beholding its awe."
Taala turned her gaze to Warren and Ettwanae. "What is it like – to travel up there? To see the home of the gods?"
Ettwanae was about to answer when she got 'that look' and Warren knew instantly she was in telepathic contact with Volu. Her eyes searched the sky.
"Warren, something approaches."
Within a minute, a blacker than black shadow passed silently overhead, blocking out the stars.
Taala inhaled sharply. "They come," she announced in hushed tones.
The trio watched as the inky mass hovered briefly before silently sinking toward the landing pad. Smaller than he had anticipated, Warren surmised it to be a shuttle. From all around the large, black oblong body protruded spikes of varying length and width. 'Looks like an angry puffer fish,' Warren compared, shivers tracing down his spine. As the craft neared the ground, several of the lower spikes appeared to widen and flatten to form legs onto which the craft came to rest. Then the remaining barbs pulled into the body of the craft until only an oval mass rested on the small plateau.
Shaking off the mesmerizing sight, Warren gestured the go signal. Ettwanae snatched up their satchel and they moved in. As the trio crept quickly down to the landing site, the ground beneath the ship began descending into the mountain finally giving up its secret entrance. They quickened the pace.
"I've told Volu," Ettwanae informed Warren as they scurried over the last of the rocks. Would she be able to maintain a telepathic connection with the Eshaar'ne? He was not hopeful. Psychic dampeners worked on Eshaaru and Eshaar'ne just as effectively as other telepaths according to Volu.
"Hurry!" he urged quietly. Suddenly, either Taala or Ettwanae dislodged a rock and it tumbled a short but noisy distance. Everyone froze, hearts pounding, but Warren gestured they needed to keep moving. 'God, if we aren't detected it'll be a miracle!' he thought sourly.
Nearly running in half-couched positions, they reached the edge and leapt down onto the slowly sinking platform. He motioned the two women to move closer to the ship. The hairs on the back of his neck rose. 'This thing is just plain creepy.' He pulled out the phase weapon and patted the deep pocket of his cargo pants to make sure everything else was there.
Hunkering near the landing struts, all they could do was wait as the rocky pad sunk into the mountain. As soon as they cleared the vertical shaft and emerged into a large cavern, he looked for a place to hide, praying whatever sensors the ship's occupants used were not focused on detecting exterior stowaways. Several cargo tubs stacked to one side of the subterranean hangar would do. Still a good twenty feet above the hangar floor, he motioned for the women to follow to the edge of the landing pad. Scanning quickly for any movement in the low illumination, he took Taala in his arms and glided down on silent wings. He flapped minimally to land as stealthily as possible, but it made for a jarring impact with the floor. The sound of Ettwanae's beating wings echoed softly off the rocky bay walls, heightening his anxiety. She alighted with much more grace, but amid greater feathery noise. Inexperience showed.
Offloading his passenger, they darted to the containers and squatted to watch as the platform came to rest. Warren dug out the handheld scanner Gatebi sent along. He wasn't about to rely solely on Taala's memories to navigate the citadel – assuming the scanner functioned with the fortress. Various readings and a representation of the hangar popped up on the display and he sighed in tentative relief. 'So far, so good.' However, the scanner only indicated a solid mass where the ship sat and no details. 'Not really surprising.'
Taala had told them the Dark Ones didn't eat like most species – they subsisted solely on the lifeforce of others. Vampires came to his mind at the time. Yet the transport tubs they were using as cover carried the imperial symbols for foodstuffs. 'For the slaves, of course. They have to eat.'
Then it all came together. The regular visits were cargo runs! Likely, other purposes were served as well, but it made sense. At that moment, the shuttle began to morph. Spikes extended out from one location and moved tightly together to form a gangway leading from mid-point on the hull to the hangar's rock floor. A small section of hull became fluid and melted back to form an oval opening at the top of the gangway. Warren watched intensely for his first glimpse of the feared aliens.
Within seconds, three pure black forms immerged. The descriptions were accurate…the Dark Ones were as three-dimensional shadows. Straining enhanced night vision to the max, Warren made out a large head atop a long neck that came off the horizontal body at a near right angle. Six spindly, multi-jointed legs extended from the torso, three on each side, while two thin arms extended from each shoulder area, ending with long-fingered hands. In a way, their basic form resembled a cross between a centaur and a spider. Beyond that, the creatures were devoid of facial characteristics, skin texture, or other physical attributes. 'Creepy enough for a good case of the willies,' he concluded as the beings descended to the ground on spidery legs amid sounds that to Warren resembled scuttling cockroaches.
A flashing alert on the scanner caught his eye. "Anomaly detected." Positional indicators pointed directly to the Dark Ones. Warren agreed with that assessment.
Glancing ahead of where the Dark Ones were headed, he looked for a door and came up empty as did the scanner, but as the beings approached the hangar perimeter, a portion of wall dissolved to reveal an exit and another of their kind waiting. The scanner instantly displayed the door. The shadowy group began speaking amongst themselves, but too low even for his acute to discern any conversation, assuming his translator could interpret the language.
"Do you still have contact with Volu?" Warren whispered. Ettwanae shook her head once, her face revealing discomfort with the situation. "Figures they'd use psy-damps. We're on our own." He turned toward Taala, who looked like she regretted reentering the citadel. "You okay?" She didn't reply, but had her eyes glued to the creatures she knew as Ediu.
Warren touched her wrist gently. "Taala?" This time she met his gaze.
"I'll be brave, I oath to you."
He smiled reassuringly. "I had no doubts, friend Taala."
###
Den-neer held Bae to a safe distance from Neu to avoid the slim chance of detection by the other Eshaar'ne, yet close enough to quickly intervene if necessary. The military vessel in geostationary orbit above the citadel was of less concern, but still warranted caution. While he was confident in the blended cloaking technology, the subtle affects of their presence on surrounding space might be detectable if someone knew where to look and their sensors were sensitive enough.
The military cruiser's shields provided only partial protection against Eshaar'ne augmented scanners. Bae reported the cruiser was Turzent, which was visually obvious, and of design belonging to the Tre'endt, MI's flagship. That matched what Phai had shared – General Gtar-Cro himself was traveling to Neu. The Eshaar'ne also reported that Archangel, the female Eshaaru named Ettwanae, and surprisingly a native Neu were heading into the enemy lair.
Phai's orders were clear but open to subjective interpretation – do not interfere unless you are certain the Eshaaru are in extreme danger. Without the ability to scan within the fortress, Den-neer was uncertain how he was to ascertain such a predicament. Even his telepathic abilities were neutered by the alien shields. Bae, however, offered a possibility.
"I should be able to detect release of their lifeforce energy in spite of the shielding. That would signal they are dying."
"Or already dead," Den-neer quickly pointed out, not liking the "should" qualifier. Elder Phai had emphasized the critical nature of the event. The pair could not be lost, yet had to face the enemy. The Council of Elders was depending on the combined firepower of Gtar-Cro's ship, the other Eshaar'ne, and Bae to save the day if the worst became apparent. Of course, the other two participants were ignorant of that plan, but Den-neer doubted it would be overly difficult to strike a temporary alliance if they could be convinced it was the only way to save Archangel and Ettwanae.
No, what Den-neer worried about was whether or not even the combined firepower of the Turzent military cruiser and Bae was enough to break through the superior Eilu shields. The mountain around the facility could crumble and they may still not break through.
"Bae, if we need to jointly attack the citadel, I will contact Gtar-Cro and you will convince your offspring to join in the effort. It may be our only chance of success."
"She will not trust me." The thoughts and feelings behind the five simple words would fill volumes.
"You will explain it is her Other's only hope."
"Volu will believe us to be attempting to capture or kill them. Such is the price of betrayal, Den-neer." The condemnation was unequivocal.
###
The ominous entourage disappeared into the citadel and the exit threw up its mask. Warren led them around the edge of the bay, wondering briefly about technology that could completely fool their scanner. He reached out to touch the rock when the exit had been moments ago – solid.
"The amulet – is it sensing the nodes?"
Ettwanae pulled the talisman out from under her clothing. The two indentations belonging to the missing nodes glowed softly. Her eyes shot up to his, wide with hope. "It does!" Her voice shook just a bit. "And it feels strange, almost like it's vibrating."
"What you seek is here?" Taala wanted confirmation.
Ettwanae turned toward the Booettu. "Yes. The stones you saw are mine."
"Or at least your nodes are in the citadel – they may be kept elsewhere," Warren qualified. He'd not assume Ettwanae's were the ones Taala had seen.
"Then we must continue." Taala moved in front of Warren to find a spot on the rock wall that once pointed out did look like a stony version of a security palm pad. "I hope my mark still opens this door." She pressed her left hand against the lock.
"Move back," Warren urged as the wall rippled. It wouldn't do to be standing in the line of fire if anyone was waiting on the other side. When no weapons fire or aliens greeted them, Warren sneaked a peek inside, phase gun leading the way. Nothing. Ducking into the passageway, he signaled the others.
It was no brighter within the citadel, just as Taala had told them. Barely there illumination seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. While keen night vision allowed him to navigate freely in the darkness, it was a less contrasted version of sight and would require more concentration to ensure he didn't miss anything. 'Shadows can hide quite effectively in the dark. Extreme visual vigilance required.' Warren coached himself.
Warren turned to Ettwanae. "You can see okay, right?" Warren wanted verification. She nodded. Yet another characteristic they shared, but now was not the time for wandering thoughts of how much he disquietingly had in common with the Eshaaru. He and Ettwanae donned the cloaks Taala supplied, drawing wings tight to their bodies. The cloaks wouldn't provide much of a disguise, but at least the bright white feathers were covered.
Another check of the scanner revealed not nearly as much as he'd hoped as it boldly declared its range of clear scan was only a couple dozen imperial ontas, roughly 75 feet, before the device could penetrate no further. Readings indicated the mountain to be typical rock, leading Warren to conclude something else was limiting the scanner's range. Its bio life indicator did note two Booettus up ahead. "Interference," he announced succinctly. "The scanner won't be of much use, but we'll keep it on anyway." He looked to Taala. "You should lead, I'll follow you." He handed the scanner to Ettwanae who would bring up the rear. "Stay close and watch that no one sneaks up behind us," he instructed while resettling the phase gun in his hand. 'If the scanner can't detect these aliens, wonder how effective the phase gun will be?' the errant worry emerged, but he shoved it aside. 'No way to know.'
As Taala crept forward, Warren noticed how cold and heavy the air was. And the smell…well, the smell was decidedly not fresh. The best he could come up with was rancid. He crinkled his nose at Ettwanae and she understood immediately, giving a quick nod.
Warren let a hand run along the smooth rock, feeling its undulating, folded surface. The tunnel walls were reminiscent of the pahoehoe lava flows he'd seen in Hawaii. Did the Dark Ones literally melt their way through the mountain? Taala slowed their pace as she approached the end of the tunnel and whispered back, "We need to cross the room and go to the right. That tunnel leads to the sanctum. The door to the keeping room is there."
Ettwanae moved up close to his side. "What does the scanner say now?" he asked.
"Two Booettus – no one else."
Taala eased her tall frame around the corner to peer further into the room, then pulled back. "We cannot get by without being seen. I will speak with them – I recognize the woman."
Warren grabbed Taala's arm. "They may raise the alarm. I should stun them with our weapon." Concern instantly swept over her face and he realized Taala likely didn't understand what stun meant. "They won't be harmed – just fall asleep for awhile."
Taala considered for a moment. "No, they may help us."
"Or they could be so afraid as to tip off the Ediu."
"Warren, the weapons fire could set off internal sensors," Ettwanae chimed in softly.
'Shit, she's right. God, Worthington, you're so out of practice!' he scolded himself harshly. "Actually, I'm surprised our presence hasn't set off alarms already," he added with worry. Perhaps it had. "All right, Taala, we do it your way, but if you feel the least bit like they will betray us, they go unconscious."
Taala swirled away with perhaps irritation and moved quietly toward the Booettus on the floor cleaning with careful attention. 'Why do the Ediu need cleaning slaves in the first place?' he pondered. 'Do shadows leave dirt?' Those questions fell away to more pressing concerns, like the very real possibility he was going to end up dying or enslaved far from home and no one had the slightest idea where he was. Leaning against the tunnel wall, he focused his entire being on picking up the hushed conversation between the Booettus.
"We believed you went to the true gods!" a female voice revealed amazement. "They told us you died for your disobedience!"
"Are you in their service once again?" a deeper voice asked in tones that spoke of defeat.
"No. I escaped. They only told you they killed me so you would not realize it is possible. I come with new friends who will help all of us escape these black demons. But we need your help. "
"And who are these new friends?" Suspicion clearly resounded in the masculine tenor.
"Attarru."
The silence extended for several seconds. "Attarru? Are you certain?" The woman sounded extremely doubtful.
"I am not, but they come as the legend speaks. The signs are right." Taala argued.
"A trick!" the man accused harshly. "The Ediu will slay anyone who falls for this deception. It is a trap!" he spat, his voice too loud and the women quickly shushed him.
"I'd rather die than go on as we are, Neto. This return to life is not living," the female snapped.
"Even if not Attarru, they are special. You'll see," Taala pressed. "They aren't of this world and are powerful like the Ediu, but small in number – only two. I am helping take back what the Ediu stole from them and in return, they will free us."
Warren heard what sounded like a huff. "The Ediu were special as well when they first appeared to our mothers' mothers. Promises of protection and prosperity. But we know differently now. Though our eyes are twisted to their purposes, we see more clearly than ever. You are being deceived – the Ediu are clever and powerful. They search for those who seek to defy them. The punishment will be true death…or worse."
"What do you mean, those who seek to defy?" Taala's question reflected surprise.
"I speak no more! They are watching, I feel it." Warren heard the sound of someone moving in the room; perhaps Neto was leaving. "Remember our people, Taala. If this plan of yours fails, our entire village could pay the price!" Footsteps clearly left the room. Warren's chest tightened and he glanced to Ettwanae. Her face also showed distress.
"Will he betray me?" Taala sounded fearful.
"I don't think so. He hasn't yet betrayed those he spoke of. There's a small group – we hope to escape and warn our people what the Ediu are. Perhaps if their true nature is revealed and our people cease worshipping them, they will go elsewhere. We are close – have planned carefully," the woman revealed so quietly it was at the limits of Warren's hearing.
"Then you'll help us?" Hopefulness filled Taala's words.
"I must speak with the others. You come to us unexpectedly, Taala. We risk discovery if we assist you – our plans will be like jenti wind. I can make no vows to you. The decision is not mine."
"We are going to the keeping room."
"Then my blessings go with you for you will need them. If what your friends seek is within that chamber, they need to be as powerful as you say. I will speak with Tiar immediately." Warren could make out the rustling of clothing. "You are certain your friends will help? That we can live once again outside?"
"I stand before as proof we can. They will help us, they oathed to me."
"Then I will move ahead of you and warn our people to be blind to your presence. That is all I can promise for now. Give me a short time."
"Thank you, Meipa."
Taala reappeared at the tunnel entry. "They will not betray us. We must wait briefly."
"Thanks, Taala. I hope Tiar and the others will at least not interfere."
Taala was taken aback. "You heard?"
Warren nodded. "My apologies, but I needed to listen." She frowned, but raised no objections. He hoped Taala's trust had not been weakened.
While they waited, Ettwanae tried different scanner settings while Warren double-checked that the lock pick still had power and the lumas, the equivalent of a flashlight, worked. Warren caught a tremor run through Ettwanae as her wing tips quivered. She wasn't use to this sort of situation. Doubts gripped him again as to the wisdom of their actions. Suddenly, the Booettu was at his side.
"It's time," Taala announced succinctly and started across the chamber toward the rightward tunnel. Entering the passageway, the hairs on the back of Warren's neck rose for a second time as the feeling that Neto was right washed over him – someone was watching. He tightened his fingers around the phase gun grip, hoping if they needed to use their weapons, they wouldn't disappoint.
Tunnel two was punctuated with three off-shooting corridors. As they moved quietly but swiftly through the murky fortress, Warren couldn't shake the thought things were too quiet. If thirty-some Dark Ones lived here, where were they? The next moment, he knew he'd jinxed it.
Taala halted before the second intersection and cautiously peered up and down the adjoining tunnels as she had at the first junction, then jerked back, alarm filling her face. "Ediu." The word was only just audible.
Warren leaned against Ettwanae as she verified the scanner detected two anomalies. Hearts pounding, Taala motioned for them to fall back. Ducking into the first side tunnel, they plastered themselves tight to the wall. The same scuttling sound they heard in the hangar was mingled with hisses and clicks as the aliens drew nearer. They slid further back along the rock, hoping the Dark Ones would not glance their way.
Warren stared down the tunnel, phase weapon aimed at the estimated height of the alien's heads. Rustling and hissing grew louder and cold sweat coated his tense body. He swallowed hard just as two Dark Ones came into view, skinny arms moving in sync with apparent conversation. One second, two seconds, three seconds – no sign of awareness of their presence. Then they disappeared from sight.
Warren lowered his weapon and rested the back of his head against the cold rock in relief. A strong shiver traveled down his body as sweat chilled him in the now icy-feeling air. Just to add to his discomfort, he was already feeling closed in. Tight spaces disagreed with him and tight spaces under tons of rock even more so. They waited another minute to ensure the aliens were out of the tunnel; then Taala once again took the lead. Many paces ahead, Warren could see the tunnel open to a large room, which the Booettu said was the sanctum.
As they neared the end of the tunnel, two distant screams cut through the air and to the bone, nearly causing cardiac arrest in the trio. Their guide stopped dead in her tracks and moaned. Then more screams. Taala braced her hand against the wall. Ettwanae was immediately at her side. "Is that what you told us about?" she asked softly.
"Yes, the screams when the Ediu nourish themselves," her voice was choked. "Oh, my people!"
The anguish in Taala's voice tore at Warren's heart. He also realized they may have just gotten the answer as to lack of activity. The Dark Ones were busy elsewhere – mealtime for the visitors and residents. The mere thought made him nauseous. If there was a way to help the Booettus, they had to do so. His conscious would allow no other decision. Distant screams continued to slice the darkness, but they had to focus on their mission.
"Taala, we need to keep moving," he encouraged. With a shaky sigh, Taala approached the entrance to the wedge-shaped sanctum. Pulling the hood tight around his head and body, Warren dared a peek. Several Booettus were busy cleaning objects and surfaces. Two Dark Ones stood in the rear watching the slaves work. Four tunnels opened up to the sanctum along the back wall of the room. Opposite those entrances at the narrow point of the chamber sat what looked like an altar. Ornately carved of a pure black material, it stood at least 15 feet tall. Placed upon it were objects of various shapes and sizes, which two slaves were polishing with great care. What the items were or their purpose was irrelevant, but if he had to guess, they were religious accouterments. Warren briefly wondered what their colors would be in the light, for in the dark, monochromatic world of the citadel, there were only grays, darker grays, black, and deepest black.
Warren refocused on sizing up their surroundings. Opposite their tunnel was the first obvious door they'd seen. It was as richly carved as the altar and appeared to be of the same coal-black material. According to Taala's sketch in the dirt, it guarded the keeping room – the place Taala said only high-ranking Ediu were allowed. Warren glanced at the scanner in Ettwanae's hand, which told him nothing of what lie beyond the ornate portal, and then to her eyes. "Does the amulet give any indication if we're close?"
"The thrumming has grown stronger," she whispered back.
"I'll be the optimist and assume the nodes are in the keeping room. First, we need to get by the guards," he said with a nod in their direction. "Then we'll see if Gatebi's gadget works on the door. I'm open to ideas," he prompted.
Just then, sounds behind them caught his attention and breath. Taala immediately moved toward three Booettus entering the opposite end of the tunnel, their arms laden with small cargo tubs. 'Unloading of the ship is underway,' Warren concluded.
In urgent but subdued voices, Taala pleaded with them for their "blindness" and encouraged them to talk with Meipa to confirm her words. He heard one of the trio issue warning that her actions could cause them all to suffer greatly, their fear radiating with almost palpable intensity. As Taala worked to convince her fellows to remain neutral, Warren watched as another Dark One entered the sanctum and moved silently toward the two posted as guards. He couldn't understand any words, but the third was quite demonstrative, almost urgent in movement, using all four arms to get across whatever point it was making. Warren held his breath and his heart rate increased – had they been detected?
A few moments later to his relief, the newcomer pointed down another tunnel with two appendages. With one of the sanctum sentries in tow, it scurried quickly in the direction of concern. Another round of muffled screams echoed through the large assembly room, washing up the tunnel where they hid. Ettwanae covered her ears and her face filled with empathic pain as she caught Warren's eyes.
"I know," he said. "We'll do what we can either from in here or once we get back to Volu."
Taala reappeared next to them. "They are afraid, but will remain quiet," she explained as the trio passed by, giving he and Ettwanae fearful looks. Warren watched them closely for any sign of betrayal as they moved across the chamber and down one of the tunnels.
"A guard has left, leaving only one. We just need to deal with him now."
Suddenly, a commotion of angry voices echoed from the hall where the two Dark Ones had disappeared. At first, the guard merely glanced in that direction, but remained at his post. As the noises became louder, he/she shifted around on its six legs and peered more intently down the noisy tunnel. The voices became clearer as a female Booettu shouted about more getting the supplies from the ship and another voice declared he had other duties to attend to.
Taala smiled. "That is Meipa."
Warren instantly knew – she was creating a distraction, likely at great personal risk to herself and whomever she was quarrelling with. The disagreement escalated, growing louder as the verbal combatants argued their stands. Finally, the guard could resist no longer, and it headed up the hall to deal with the disturbance.
"We go now or never!" Warren declared and two heads indicated agreement. He led them at a trot across the chamber to the carved door. Stuffing his weapon in a pocket and pulling out the lock pick, he noticed his hands were actually shaking. 'Jesus, flyboy, you really have been away from action too long,' he said in realization of how much the adrenaline rush was affecting him. 'In the old days, this would be practically child's play.'
Ettwanae traded the scanner for her phase gun as Warren glanced around the room. Many Booettu eyes watched them while trying not to look like they were. "Keep on eye on them. I don't want anyone running or otherwise sounding the alert." He activated the device, holding it near the door. The tiny screen on the gadget indicated it was working, but as the seconds ticked by in excruciating slowness, the door remained firmly closed.
Suddenly, one of the Booettu nearest where the Dark Ones had disappeared jumped up as a scream from the tunnel cut the air. With quick glances at the others, the Booettu darted down a different tunnel.
"Come on! Work!" he begged the illegal gadget in which they were placing so much hope. He glanced in the direction where the Booettu had sprinted praying he or she was not doing what he feared – betraying them.
Still nothing from the device as it calmly performed its electronic routines. He shook it out of frustration as he shivered from a trickle of sweat that made its way down his spine. Ettwanae gave him a worried look.
"No!" came the shout from the tunnel the guards had gone. The rest of the slaves stopped what they were doing and watched the tunnel with great apprehension. "Stay away from her!" a second voice yelled in anger in the passageway. An agonizing scream sliced through the chamber.
Taala locked eyes with Warren's, panic building in her face. "They come!" In desperation, Taala laid her hand on an indentation in the door that Warren guessed was a control pad. Nothing happened. No surprise. "It was worth trying," she explained in a voice shaking with fear.
"Damn!" he muttered, slamming his fist against the door in exasperation.
"Please, goddess, let us in!" Ettwanae pleaded to her deity. "Hurry!"
Booettus began scattering into various corridors as sounds of a struggle that was clearly growing closer emerged from the tunnel. 'Smart to run,' Warren observed with no bitterness. Even if they did manage to get inside, they would not be out of danger, but perhaps hidden for a while. If only the goddamn door would open!
'Steady, Worthington…steady.' His heart was racing and hands slippery with moisture. They had seconds before the commotion spilled into the sanctum. 'God, if you ever decided to answer my prayers, now would be a good time!'
Another, closer scream filled the room now devoid of anyone save them. Ettwanae laid a trembling hand on his wrist. Any second, the aliens would be upon them. They were out of time.
###
If Volu could have paced, she would have. The citadel mission was dangerous beyond rational, no one would argue. Yet it was necessary. Without the nodes, little could be achieved toward the goal – reunification with their people. She refused to believe it was not possible. Ettwanae far more than she needed to be with her kind. Eshaar'ne survived isolation better than Eshaaru – it was as Volu's kind were designed. But Eshaaru needed other Eshaaru. Perhaps Warren was Eshaaru, perhaps only a cruel mimicry. In time, Volu would determine the truth, but for now, Ettwanae was happy with him to the extent possible, despite the barrier between them. It would do for the time being. Long term?
She refocused awareness on the citadel, hoping not to find what she was seeking. Nothing. But doubt nagged. What if the Dark Ones' shields blocked even that? No, it was improbable. If lifeforce was released, she would sense it – shields could not contain it.
And so she waited and watched and worried.
###
Suddenly, the door slid silently aside, startling everyone. Warren quickly pulled Taala and Ettwanae through the entry and pressed them against the inside wall.
"Close – please, close!" he commanded/begged the door. To his amazed relief, it did, just as voices and sounds of scuffling told him the ruckus burst into the sanctum. He let out a breath and realized his knees were like Jell-O.
"Thank you, goddess!" Ettwanae praised softly with heartfelt gratitude.
"Amen!" Warren echoed. "But we're not out of danger by a long shot."
Pulling out his gun, Warren quickly assessed their surroundings. It would have been pitch black if not for the three glowing shafts of light and a spectacular hologram of what was clearly the Milky Way Galaxy. Beyond that, the room appeared empty as far as Warren could see into the deep darkness that shrouded the perimeter. Once he was fairly certain they were alone, Warren took in the sight before them more closely. The disc-shaped galaxy floated mostly horizontally halfway between the floor and ceiling and spanned most of the room. A narrow, ruby red light shaft extended from floor to ceiling, piercing the galaxy. Two other beams of magenta and deep amethyst shone off to the side of the three-dimensional display.
Taala stood transfixed near the doorway, her eyes wide with wonder.
"This is a drawing of our galaxy, Taala," Warren explained. "These white dots are all suns – just like the sun of your planet." He shed the cumbersome cloak and Ettwanae followed suit.
"Suns? But our sun is large…there are so many here. How?" The woman grappled to understand and put into context what she was seeing.
"Your sun is just one of millions of suns in what is called a galaxy. It is a very big place, Taala." He had no idea how much she would really comprehend. 'Hell, even impossible for me to grasp the scale of a galaxy,' he realized. Scanning the hologram, he found the area he knew represented Earth's interstellar neighborhood. Pointing to that area, he continued. "This general region is where your sun is and where Ettwanae and I live as well."
Warren turned to Ettwanae as she approached the red beam, her eyes fixed on the five memory nodes suspended within, one above the next, like strung crystals. "This shaft of light passes through the Commonwealth." She leaned forward, looking at the hologram more closely. "It appears to go straight through a star system on the outer fringes of their territory, I think." She moved in closer and examined the area of intersection. "In fact, it appears there is a single star highlighted within the shaft."
Warren stepped closer. "The one in blue?" he asked to be certain.
"Yes. See how all the other stars within the shaft are white. That's the only blue one." Ettwanae scanned the rest of the galaxy. "It's the only colored star I can find anywhere. Wonder that that means? Interesting."
It was interesting, Warren agreed, but they needed to stay focused. "Which two nodes are yours?" he asked in a whisper.
She tucked her weapon into a pocket and drew the amulet from its hiding place. It had already begun glowing more brightly in recognition of its missing pieces. Moving the amulet slowly past the highest node to the lowest, Warren assumed she was sensing some subtle differences in the amulet's vibrations. At two of the gem-like nodes, her hand hesitated.
"The top two." She settled the amulet against her chest and looked at him with worry. "Are we ready? Should I take them now?"
Warren nodded. Why wait? They had risked everything for this moment, and once the nodes were in her grasp, the easiest part of their mission would be accomplished. Escaping with the nodes he believed was going to be far more difficult. Something nudged at the edge of his awareness, whispers that all wasn't as it seemed. 'This has been wa-a-ay too easy,' an internal voice warned as a cold shiver ran down his spine. Warren strained to penetrate the dark recesses of the chamber, gripping the phase gun as small reassurance. Seeing only blackness, he refocused on Ettwanae.
Her shaking hand reached for the nodes, hesitating before breaking the shaft of light. Warren held his breath and readied himself. Would she be hurt by the suspension field? Trigger alarms? Weapons? Her fingers were nearly within the red light and he heard a slight rustling behind them. Ettwanae drew a sharp breath and retracted her hand. Whirling around, he cursed the darkness. Scanning the room, he raised his phase gun as his heart rate escalated. 'Was that movement?'
The blackness began to swim at edges of the chamber, sliding around them, nearing with every quickening heartbeat. Foreboding filled the room and his soul. Even with enhanced night vision and the soft glow of the suspension fields, Warren could barely make out the inky figures. If his eyes weren't playing tricks, they were surrounded. Ettwanae and Taala drew close; the Neu whispering what might have been a prayer.
Then one black shadow emerged to stand in the soft glow of the light shafts. Warren pointed the gun in its direction. 'Fuck!'
###
"What's happenin', Vo? They've been in there too fuckin' long!"
Gatebi sat tensely in her corner of the bay where she and Flint had decided to wait once Volu announced the trio entered the citadel. "It hasn't been that long, Flint. It will take time to find the nodes and escape," the Alcab answered in Volu's stead.
Flint fidgeted on the crate he chose as a seat. "Seems like hours since they went in. Vo?"
"I detect nothing from the citadel – no change from two minutes ago when you asked. And the three and one half minutes prior to that."
"I dunno...," Flint worried, shaking his head as he jumped off the crate. "I've got a bad feeling." Flint began pacing and becoming more agitated with each step. "How long we gonna wait? What if they're being killed right now?"
"There would be signs I believe I can detect and have not." Despite the attempt at reassurance, Volu's tone was tight.
"See, even you don't know for sure. I should be there. Warren was wrong – I coulda helped!" Flint stormed.
###
"Behold, brethren, the avatars of the children of Ozshi'wanae," an oily voice announced, raising the hairs on Warren's arms and neck. The being spoke Turzent, but the next words were of a language his translator did not comprehend, sounding merely like hisses, deep tones, and clicks. Was it translating its own words for the benefit of the others who did not understand Turzent?
"You have something that belongs to us," Warren declared hoping his voice sounded much more confident than he felt. "You will return our property."
The sound that came next was likely the alien's version of laughter, and it sent more tremors down his spine. "You own nothing. You are nothing. Your very existence is an affront to Norzra'tir. Light fades. Darkness is eternal. Soon you will be no more."
Warren hadn't a clue what the alien was talking about, but the last sentence was not reassuring. Shadowy figures were moving closer as if they had been given a signal.
"Take another step and I fire. You will be first," he warned, the phase weapon leveled at its head. "Ettwanae, grab the nodes," he commanded without taking his eyes from the alien leader. Adrenaline overrode Ettwanae's earlier hesitation about sticking her hand within the red energy field and she snatched what they were risking everything for. As she brought the nodes toward the amulet, it suddenly glowed brightly and the gem-like memory nodes literally jumped the last distance and planted themselves into the two empty indentations. The amulet's radiance intensified briefly, then went dark.
"Thank you for completing the amulet, something only the hand of an Esha'Aru could do," the leader said in his slithery tone. "Now it holds its full potential. We have waited a long time for this moment."
Warren was instantly nauseous. Their daring break-in of the citadel had been allowed! The Dark Ones wanted them to get this far. They had been used. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid!' he berated himself.
"I see realization in your face. The Esha'Aru who denies himself. The Esha'Aru who knows little of herself. You are but tools of a power you cannot imagine. Now your purpose for Norzra'tir has been fulfilled. Time for your Aru to return to she that defies him. May you find the darkness."
'Shit. That's a death proclamation!' Warren's mind raced for any escape. Ettwanae pulled her phase weapon and pointed it at the speaker. Fear escalated when the aliens seemed unimpressed, though with no faces to read, it was impossible to know with certainty. Yet Warren couldn't deny the sinking feeling…
Their leader took a step forward as he again spoke in their native language and immediately the others scuttled nearer. 'Not going down without a fight!' Warren squeezed the trigger. The orange-tinged beam sliced the darkness straight into the black form and…nothing. The alien didn't even flinch. The phase beam simply disappeared within the alien.
"Goddamn son of bitch!" he swore as Ettwanae fired at another shadow. Same result. Their weapons were useless. Taala began praying loudly and seemed to collapse into herself.
The sickly laugh echoed through the chamber. "Now you see your fate. Brethren, destroy the sacrilege before us. May their cries cut to Ozshi'wanae's core."
'Bad, very bad,' Warren swallowed hard. Their circumstance was dire. As the black aliens edged closer, the trio backed up deeper into the Milky Way, holographic stars dancing across their bodies. "Taala, Ettwanae – the flashlights!"
Warren could see Ettwanae dig into her pocket for a lumas, but Taala was beyond hearing as she sunk to her knees whimpering. Dropping the phase gun, Warren pulled out the device that should blind the light-sensitive beings and maybe give them a chance to get to the exit – assuming they could get the keeping room door to open. Amidst scuttling sounds and the tightening circle of living blackness, Warren hit the on switch and… 'What the fuck?' He hit the button again. Nothing. He shook it. Still nothing. Darting his eyes to Ettwanae's, they were wide with horror as well. She was having no better luck.
The sickening pseudo laughter erupted again. "Behold the fools!" their leader announced to the room. "Brethren, enjoy the feast only their kind provides!"
Upon those words, Taala cried out her terror and curled into a fetal ball. Ettwanae's head snapped around at the Dark Ones surrounding them, her face reflecting horror that was a stake to Warren's heart.
'My fault – this is my fault!' were the last words that crossed his mind before he went into battle mode, regripping the lumas to use as a blunt weapon. He took a swing at the first appendage that reached out and the stick sailed through the inky-black arm, or were his eyes playing tricks? "Ettwanae, stay close!" he commanded upon seeing her backing up. That'd get her nowhere but into the grasp of the Dark Ones approaching from behind.
Moving toward Ettwanae, he swung again. Same result, except the icy hand that snagged his arm was very much solid. 'They phase! Shit, shit, shit!' Wresting his arm free, he tried to leap into the air, but fingers clamped down on the leading edges of his wings from behind as if anticipating the move. Before he could shake them off, more Dark Ones grabbed hold and icy coldness swept through him.
He heard Taala scream and Ettwanae gasp as he kicked at spindly legs hoping to connect with something solid. 'Got us killed!' he condemned himself. As another shadowy hand restrained his upper arm, he yanked with all his strength, managing to break the arm free. The Dark Ones weren't as strong as he feared, but he was hopelessly outnumbered. Then amid his struggles, something starting feeling odd – a draining sensation. Warren didn't have time to brace himself before the searing pain hit. As he stifled a moan as he heard her scream.
"Ettwanae!" he cried out as another scream erupted from her, joined quickly by one that had to be Taala. He tried to get a glimpse of the Eshaaru, but Dark Ones had moved between them, dragging him further from her. Adrenaline surged, and he lashed out in panic-driven desperation at the black forms. He fought to free an arm, shoulder, wing – any body part would do. A couple times, he connected with something momentarily, but just as quickly, the solidness evaporated. Half-solid, half-ghost blackness engulfed him. The pain intensified rapidly and he, too, wanted to scream. 'Won't give them the satisfaction!' he vowed. 'Goddamn bastards!'
Everywhere the Dark Ones touched felt like soul-chilling death. His body burned with icy fire – the sensation of life being sucked from him was excruciating. Sauron's draining touch years before felt similar, but this was far worse. Warren struggled against the escalating agony and steely hands. No matter which way he turned, shoved, kicked, or punched, he met with failure as Dark Ones enveloped him. Simultaneous gut-wrenching screams from the women filled him with one last burst of adrenaline, but he could gain no ground. Finally, the pain became too much, and a scream erupted from his throat as he staggered in anguish. Black shadows pressed in as strength left him. Ettwanae and Taala's cries suddenly sounded distant and muffled as consciousness began losing its battle against the darkness.
'No-o-o! Not…like…this…'
###
Ztar felt something odd in his chest and he jerked in the chair. No, that wasn't quite right. The sensation was coming from…where? He struggled to sort it out. The pain wasn't quite physical, but not quite empathic either. Then with a sudden knowing that defied logic and physics, he understood.
"Archangel!"
###
A/N: At last…a good, old-fashion cliffhanger. I do have a penchant for them, but Soulbound hasn't had many truly suspenseful chapter endings. My hope is that this one leaves you anxious to learn the fate of our heroes.
See you for Chapter 32 soon!