As the preeminent VIP in attendance, Lei Yeung had been invited onto the command deck aboard GOS-2—Guardian Observation Station 2—to enjoy a birds-eye view of the Orbital Defense Grid in action.
When the trial had gotten underway, he ensured to diligently watch out for the first of the salvos to be aimed at targets close to, and beyond the lunar orbit. Having then successfully initiated the false psi-dents, Yeung relaxed, confident in both his planning of the operation and the team’s ability to execute their individual roles.
However, working so closely with these exceptional individuals over the years, had obviously forged a bond between them. He hadn’t realized this, of course, nor did he appreciate just how strong the link was, until an overwhelming absence impinged on his psyche, causing him to curse aloud.
Fortunately, the other dignitaries hadn’t noticed his momentary lapse of decorum. Or if they did, must have presumed he was expressing his wonder at the stunning display of power taking place outside.
None of that mattered to Yeung. By assaying the source of the strange feeling of emptiness inside, he knew without a shred of a doubt that one of his Fallen friends was unaccounted for. But who? And are they simply hiding? Using the warped physics of the moon rock to block their presence from pursuers? Or have they encountered obstacles and teleported beyond the range of my augmented scans?
Another thought struck him. If they have run into trouble, they might be stuck somewhere. Hidden, shielded, and waiting for the opportunity to flee?
Speculating served no useful purpose. He only knew for certain that a cold talon of trepidation was clawing its way down his spine, seemingly intent on taking root. With growing unease, he returned home and put his vast intelligence network into action.
The first indication something may have gone terribly wrong came from a surprising source: Angelika.
Not three hours ago, she had contacted Yeung to ask if anything unusual was occurring.
When he pressed her as to the reason for her query, Angelika informed him of the fact that her Inquisitor boyfriend, Jose Calderon, had suddenly been recalled to duty. Jose had fielded her questions by stating he was required to assist in the aftermath of an attempt against the Moon Base and one of its orbiting facilities. Angelika hadn’t been able to gain any further information from Jose before he’d left, but she had sensed an overwhelming impression of satisfaction and success emanating from his mind.
Satisfaction over what? Yeung pondered. Oh God, I hope it’s not linked to us!
Soon after that, Yeung received a rather intriguing communiqué from one of his Apostles in the Orient, Chang Xi.
Xi revealed that a European family, holidaying in the area, had been the focus of a great deal of media attention at China’s Great Wall. Apparently, they had been in one of the attraction’s cafeterias, when an armed squad of Guardians arrived. The squad had surrounded the family and—much to everyone’s alarm—has stunned them without provocation. Once unconscious, each member was immobilized and subjected to some form of intrusive psychic examination.
Whatever it was the Guardians were looking for wasn’t revealed. In any event, they didn’t find it. After apologizing profusely to the outraged parents concerned, and promising someone from the Conciliator’s office would be in touch, they left empty handed.
Videos of that confrontation were already circulating on the internet, and Xi had included several clips in his email for Yeung to study at his leisure.
Yeung did so at length, uncovering details that revealed there was more to the story than originally met the eye.
By now, the Lord Inquisitor and the Shadow Lord had gained something of a celebrity status among the populace. Although they shunned the limelight, it was common knowledge they were among the most powerful Guardians in existence. When Yeung sought clarification as to the ranks and descriptions of those Inquisitors attending the Great Wall, it was clear neither Lord had been there. Indeed, by examining some of the recordings Xi had provided in slow-motion, Yeung was able to confirm this was, in fact, true.
That set alarm bells ringing in his mind. So why didn’t they feel the need to respond on this occasion? The implications don’t bear thinking about.
He was still mulling that point over a few hours later, when Angelika called again to express her concerns:
“Lei, I know it’s not my area, but do we have any candidates lined up for special projects with the Guardians in the near future? Something that might involve them going to other planets?”
Yeung was forced to think for a moment before replying. He had been very cautious in his dealing with the Guardians in recent years. Anyone involved in joint special projects needed to be squeaky clean to get through the barrage of background checks required to clear them as suitable. And that was just to get a place on a shortlist of possibles! As such, he’d been careful to include only a handful of sleeper agents across the board. All were highly trained, motivated, and loaded with nano and biotechnology to enhance their capabilities and render them impervious to scanning.
Eventually, he’d managed to recall something earmarked for future consideration.
“We do have a contingency now you mention it, Angelika. Nothing solid at this stage. It involves a list of Yeung Tec scientists and doctors specializing in botany, zoology, and certain life sciences. They haven’t revealed what the candidates might be required for yet.
“Why do you ask?”
“I’m not sure. Jose got back a few minutes ago, and then had to go straight to his command center at Mato Grosso. Before he left, he was muttering on about something. Whatever it was, it played on his mind enough for certain thoughts to spill over. I caught one phrase in particular I knew you’d want to hear about. And I quote;
‘. . . the damage to the hyper-gate will delay the off-world project by at least a month while they align the new focal anchors. . .’
“As I say, those terms were too juicy not to pass on. So, I thought I’d better let you know.”
Puzzled, Yeung began deliberating. If there isn’t a connection, I’ll eat my hat.
Out loud he replied, “Thank you, Angelika. I’ll get onto that later. . .
“By the way, your boyfriend sounds as if he’s becoming a fount of knowledge. Getting along well, are you?”
“Oh, we are, Lei, believe me,” she chuckled, “especially since Esther demonstrated how to recalibrate the Docilator to stimulate different emotions. I’ve been playing, and think I’m starting to strike the right balance. He’s been very keen to share lately.”
“Excellent work! Keep it up. I’ve got a feeling we may need his insights more often in the coming months.”
Ending the call, Yeung tried to make sense out of what he’d learned so far.
The pieces of a rather complex jigsaw lay before him. Now all he had to do was start fitting them together as best he could while waiting for what was left of the team to make contact.
*
Yeung sat opposite his associates, brooding. Watching them struggling to come to terms with their loss appalled him, for he’d never seen them so unsettled before.
He’d initially breathed a huge sigh of relief when—just fifteen minutes previously—Simon finally made his appearance. However, that relief soon became disquieting, for his friend had remained slumped in his seat since then. Ashen, unmoving and numb.
Esther had followed him in only five minutes ago. And, after throwing herself down on the opposite end of the couch to Simon, she too had turned to stone, a look of shocked disbelief fixing her features into a permanent frown.
Yeung fussed about like a mother hen to begin with. Offering refreshments; showering them in reassurance; trying to get them comfy. Throughout it all, they remained completely unresponsive.
Finally, Yeung reached the end of his patience. This is taking far too long! All sentiment aside, there’s much I still need to understand. Their grief will have to wait for another, more appropriate time.
“Enough!” He roared, coming to his feet and slamming the flat of his hand against the table.
Simon and Esther both jumped.
“For goodness sake, snap out of it! Evidently, something has happened to prevent Harry’s return. Something serious. Are you going to tell me what that might be, so we can take appropriate action?”
Esther was the first to respond. Turning crimson, her famous temper threatened to erupt. Surging from her seat, she flew forward, ready to fling accusations. “How dare you. . .”
“How dare I?” Yeung retorted, shouting loudly across her.
Marching straight up to the demigoddess, he faced her down. “I dare, young lady, because in spite of all your power and antiquity, you keep forgetting yourself and the tenets you swore to uphold! You ought to be ashamed!”
His boldness took the wind right out of her sails.
But Yeung wasn’t done. Jabbing her in the chest, he blustered, “I only knew Harry for five years. Five short human years! That’s nothing in comparison to you. But I’m committed to our cause enough to be determined to do something about this . . . this, whatever it is, to honor his memory. We are at war. And like it or not, there are always casualties in war. Always! Or don’t you think the rules apply to you?”
Esther fumed, but managed to clamp her jaw shut. Visibly shaking from a mutiny of conflicting emotions, she stood there, flexing and clenching her fingers into fists until Simon came to her aid. He diffused the situation by grasping her firmly by the shoulders and ushering her back toward the sofa.
Yeung followed, picking up a spare stool on the way.
Once they had retaken their seats, he adopted a calmer tone. “Right! Let’s make an effort to cool the coals for a few minutes so we can make progress. Now tell me. What the hell happened to you out there?”
He didn’t take it to heart when Esther ignored him. Glancing Simon’s way, she hissed, “Did you feel it?”
Tapping his breast, Simon nodded. “Oh, I felt it alright. In here! The moment he . . . Even though he was still inside that . . . place. It. . .”
More gently, Yeung repeated, “Simon. What happened?”
“It was all going to plan.” Simon replied, his eyes wide and vacant. “I was right there, in the hospital wing, waiting for the signal to start. Then those damned children walked in.”
“Children?”
“Yes, children . . . well, teenagers to be precise. They. . .” his brow furrowed. “They were unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!”
Yeung was thrown slightly off balance. “What do you mean? Were they’re more freakish than the Lord Inquisitor and Shadow Lord?”
“No, no, no, they’re nothing like them! These kids were fully human. It’s just that they’re . . . they’re different in a way I’ve never ever witnessed in all the countless eons I’ve lived.”
Pausing, Simon projected an image of two astounding psychic complexuses into the air between them. “. . .See what I mean? They shouldn’t be capable of retaining their purely biological foundations. But they have.”
All three gazed in astonishment upon the monstrous potential each child possessed. A gargantuan capability that contradicted the fragile organic forms in which they were housed.
Yeung had been doing his homework on such things. But what he saw confused him. Leaning toward Esther, he whispered, “Esther, you’re the expert in such matters. Am I right in assuming these youngsters should have transcended by now?”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“Yes, you’re quite correct.” She murmured, lost in the mesmerizing depths of the vision before them.
“Can you enlarge the image?” He pointed. “In particular, I’d like a close-up view of the quadrants, here, here, and . . . that one over there.”
Esther did so. As the requested zones expanded, the brilliance of the cerebral tapestry threatened to overwhelm them. Suddenly, Esther whistled.
“What?” the men chorused in unison.
Indicating the areas under scrutiny, Esther sought clarification herself. “Yeung, you were talking about those sites that appear to have something that looks like a cluster of miniature black holes in them? The ones positioned at the junctures between the major power signifiers and the silver amplification nuclei?”
“Indeed I was. I’m no specialist, but that doesn’t seem to be a natural feature. I was wondering what function those dark spots would serve?”
“Nothing that I know of. Hang on. . .”
Esther extended the picture even further. “. . .Although I can discern they seem to be moderating the flow of transcendent energy in some way. I’d have to conduct a more thorough examination to be sure, but . . . No! They couldn’t have?”
Turning to Simon, she asked, “Tell me. Did they detect you before you had a chance to kill your targets?”
Simon extinguished the projection. “Yes, they bloody well did! Why?”
Esther’s irises flashed an iridescent ivory color. “Well, I’m not sure . . . but I’ve got a sneaking suspicion you ran smack bang into the results of some form of advanced Mitigator experiment. It would work by delaying their transmogrification while allowing them to access their superior mentality.”
Simon sounded mortified. “But why on earth would they do a thing like that? It could spawn all sorts of mutagenic and psychogenic effects.”
“I’ve no idea. I can only surmise they don’t want transcendent, hormone-ridden, angst-prone adolescents running around, obliterating planets for the sheer hell of it. Whatever the reason, those kids have some of the most powerful attributes I’ve ever seen.”
Snorting, Simon replied, “Tell me about it! My screens were maxed-out and my resolution was at its most refined. With the enrichment we’ve undergone, I should have been indistinguishable from the surrounding environment. And yet the boy zeroed in on me as if I was standing there smothered in luminous paint and waving flags while standing under black lighting! No sooner had he made my location, than he also fathomed exactly why I was there. Imagine my joy when I discovered they were able to counter my efforts to zap both them, and our former hosts to a cinder! They were on the verge of capturing me until I thought to dump my binary psi-dent and initialize the new one.”
“I knew it!” Esther punched Simon in the arm and shook her head in gratitude. “That’s why you projected the triangle and the word three, isn’t it?”
“Yes! As powerful as we’ve become, they’d obviously developed some way to neutralize us, so I tried to think of a warning only we would understand without giving the extent of our presence away. It countered them quite nicely.”
“Quite nicely?” she cackled, “You wouldn’t have been aware, but you were unmasked only seconds before I gave the signal to go. In that scant window, they were able to broadcast some form of alert and almost netted me alive. After what’s happened to Harry, I doubt I’d have stayed that way for long. You saved my ass up there!”
Cutting in of the conversation, Yeung said, “So, by implication, what you’re saying is . . . because of his proximity to the Crystal Chamber, Harry would have been totally unaware of what was transpiring? There’s no way a telepathic signal would have gotten through? And Esther wasn’t in a position to update him either, via his teleport band.”
“That’s right,” Simon replied. “Is there a point to all this?”
Yeung then informed his Fallen counterparts of the incident at the Great Wall.
Concluding his testimony, he expounded, “This confirms my suspicions. Firstly, our foes have developed technology that not only inhibits your original altered psi-dents, but some of your enhancements too. That’s why they felt it was safe to dispatch an Inquisitor Team without the freaks being present.
“Bearing that in mind, I feel confident in expressing my second misgiving. I strongly suspect the reason for their absence in China was that the twins were assigned to intercept whoever was sent to infiltrate the catacombs. In this case, Harry.”
Simon’s expression revealed he was unconvinced. “How can you be so sure?”
“Just putting two and two together. Listen! Their tech works on you. We had ample evidence of that by the way you and Esther only just escaped by the skin of your teeth. But escape you did, using sheer brute strength and all the cunning and experience you’ve no doubt accrued over the centuries.
“Buuut, where’s the one place in the galaxy that the playing field is the same for everyone? Psychic or mundane. Transcended or not. We know the geology of the cave system acts as a deterrent in relation to metaphysical abilities, yes? It’s why the Guardians take their transcension candidates there. The special conditions reduce the risk of catastrophic danger should an aspirant go novae. That’s why we ensured to kit Harry out with so much gear. It should have given him the edge against just about anyone pitted against him.
“Now put yourself in his position: you’re a trained warrior; you’re armed; you’re equipped with the latest gadgets to help you do your job in an environment that mutes psychic ability. That equipment will also aid you in getting away. So! Why did you die when all the odds were in your favor?”
Esther’s sharp intake of breath signified the point was well made. She spat, “Because someone was there, waiting for me. Someone with the ability to nullify both my training and experience. Someone capable of countering my superior strength, and the advantages my weapons should have given me!
“Holy shit!”
“There’s nothing holy about it,” Yeung snapped. “Although it does go partway to explaining how shitty it must have been for Harry to run into that someone you referred to, who obviously wasn’t hampered by the attenuating vibes given off by the moon rocks.
“Do you get my point? Who do you know of who might have the capability to function within that kind of environment? I’ve racked my brains and can only guess at three likely candidates.”
Esther turned to Simon and they stared at each other, aghast.
Simon was moved to express his misgivings. “I confess, I’ve often underestimated Adhem-un in the past. Even so, I’ve got no doubt he’d easily be able to work his diabolical schemes in such a place. He was Primary Echelon for goodness sake, third in might only to the Source and the First. But we’ve had no sighting of him for months. So, if it wasn’t him, that only leaves the—”
“The twins!” Esther exclaimed, finishing his sentence for him. “Goddamit! What are we going to do?”
Leaping to his feet, Yeung announced, “Do? What are we going to do? Why, my dear lady, we’re going to strike back! We’re going to hit them where it hurts. And what’s more, we’re going to do it when they least expect it.
“They probably think we’ll be licking our wounds and feeling so sorry for ourselves that we’ll go to ground like beaten animals. We are neither beaten nor animals. We will, however, bite back. Hard! Interested?”
“Of course we are,” Simon responded. “But how do you propose we sink our teeth in where it hurts?”
“Well, if you’re fishing for my opinion, I’d probably start with those!” Yeung referred directly to a long cylindrical tube propped against the couch, “From the way my sinuses are aching, am I correct in assuming those are the psitronic shards?”
Glancing beside her, Esther nodded. “Yes, they are. You have to be careful what stimulus you expose them to, or you could end up vaporizing a small city.”
Yeung couldn’t hide his delight. “They could do that? Just those two pieces!”
“And more! That’s why I was so long getting back. I had to ensure they were encased within a gravity sheath. Although I’ve built up an affinity to them, others won’t share that bond. They have to remain isolated from most forms of outside stimulation. Otherwise they could absorb it, amplify it, and release it in an undirected blast.”
Moving to sit beside Esther, Yeung enquired, “What did you actually use the original crystal for?”
“In Kalliste? It served as a power reserve, for both arcane and mundane sources. We’d all regularly contribute, and then use its potential to assist us in performing things like terraforming operations, or atmosphere and weather modifications. It can also absorb the energy released during earthquakes, hurricanes and thunderstorms and so on. . .”
“And don’t forget the Monolith Gates,” Simon added. “Or the defensive wall.”
“. . . Oh yes,” Esther started to warm to her subject. “The original Flame was configured to automatically maintain the shields around the entire island. We’d positioned the capital above an active volcano, you see, at the convergence of three tectonic plates. Such an arrangement provided a constant source of agitated buoyancy for the crystal, allowing us to modify the flora and fauna throughout the region. As Simon said, it also allowed us to power the Monolith Gates.”
“Monolith Gates? What were they?” Yeung was genuinely fascinated by this all too rare glimpse into the real past of Earth’s long hidden history.
“You’d call them teleport portals, a much smaller version of what the Guardians have up in lunar orbit. It allowed our subjects virtually instantaneous travel between all the major metropolises of the Protectorate.” Esther’s demeanor brightened as her account brought back memories of happier times. “I designed them actually. You could say they were one of my more . . . popular efforts!”
Cog’s started turning in Yeung’s head. “Well, there you go! I think I know how we can proceed. Esther, can you tinker with these pieces safely?”
“I should be able to. Once I’ve rearranged the lab. Why?”
“I’d like to put the remains of your former Flame to use, if I may.”
When Esther didn’t reply immediately, Yeung elaborated, “You won’t be aware of this, but while I was awaiting your return, I had a very interesting chat with Angelika. She’s been fine-tuning the Docilator to get better results out of her current assignment, Jose Calderon. I’ll have you know, you caused quite a panic, blowing out the generators. How did she say Jose put it; ‘the damage to the hyper-gate will delay the off-world project by at least a month while they align the new focal anchors.’ Tell me. When the Inquisitor was referring to the anchors, I take it he meant those crystals?”
“Yes, he did,” Esther replied. “These particular shards were positioned here, at one end of a geodesic pathway, and their corresponding twins would have been placed at the opposite terminus. Their mated harmonics counter the effects of galactic drift and other such hazards by keeping the site of the two event horizons locked onto each other. Without anything to stabilize the materialization plane at this end, they’ll have to replace the entire system.”
“Sooo, if I was thinking ahead and trying to establish a tactical advantage, would I be right in assuming a teleport bracelet powered by a fleck from one of those crystals would be far more effective than the ones we currently use?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“And would you have to use much of the shard to do that? Say, for a dozen or so bands.”
Esther thought for a moment before replying. “If I sliced carefully, I imagine I’d only need to use about five to seven percent of a single piece . . . including wastage and polishing, maybe ten percent. That would give us sufficient punch to teleport the wearer around the Earth a number of times before it needed recharging.”
Yeung’s eyes narrowed as he worked things through to a conclusion in his head. The results were inspiring.
He declared, “In that case, I’d like to offer a new set of proposals.”
The maverick angels hunched forward in their seats.
“Please do!”
“By all means!”
Yeung began, “Simon. Esther. I suggest we formulate a fresh Trident strategy. Our new line of attack will involve three separate stages against a trio of major targets.
“The long-term phase will now concentrate on the hyper-jump gate. From what you’ve told me, the fuel source for that system will have to be replaced, affording us an excellent opportunity to do two things: Firstly, the gaining of intelligence as to what lies on the far side of the event horizon; and secondly, the acquisition of the old crystal shards from wherever that may be.
“We don’t have to rush with that stage. Part of my conversation with Angelika revealed the Guardians are planning a joint venture with civilian scientists in the near future anyway. Whatever the specifics are, they will involve zoologists, botanists, and certain life science experts and. . .”
“Colonization!” Simon stated flatly. “It can’t be anything else. Part of Adhem-un’s original grand plan involved seeding humanity throughout the stars. I know him. He doesn’t change once his set his sights on something. I’ll bet my balls they’ve already found a suitable planet.”
“I agree with your assessment,” Yeung replied. “I was looking over the list of the candidates the Lord Marshal’s office had me compile while I awaited your return. Needless to say, in view of our current . . . situation, I’ll be making several adjustments to ensure the right people are in the right place to seize any opportunities that come our way. They will form a nucleus for phase two of our operations: Whatever’s on the other side, I want in on it!
“I’m hoping both of you will also put yourselves forward. You’re both respected scientists. You’re psychic. And as far as the world is concerned, you’re squeaky clean pioneers working for Yeung Technologies. They would be fools to say no. Just imagine the hassle we can avoid by having you invited there, as opposed to sneaking you in!”
Despite the serious atmosphere, both Simon and Esther were moved to smile at Yeung’s audacity.
In keeping with the mood, the old man admitted, “Actually, I’m trying to get myself on the list too! I know it’s cheeky, but after all. My staff will provide the bulk of the initial teams sent there—wherever there is—and I’m sure they’ll extend me the courtesy of a little tour at least!”
It worked. Everyone burst out laughing.
Yeung concluded, “I’m glad you’re getting in the spirit of things, because we need to forge ahead with our primary objective. Los Angeles. All data has now been collated, and we can put the final stages of that scheme into operation with one additional bonus. The antimatter mines can now be upgraded with any surplus flakes left over from Esther’s augmentation of the teleport bands. The extra energy they will add to the overall yield is sure to break the spine of the entire fault line.
“Once again, the Guardians will be exposed as unable to save those they profess to serve. Only this time, the casualty rate will be higher . . . especially with the distraction we have planned in Somalia.”
Yeung could taste solidarity of purpose manifesting within the room. Walking across to stand in front of his friends, he stooped to place a hand on each of their shoulders. Quietly, he asserted, “Never forget. We are at war! They won a skirmish today, and we were forced to take casualties. But we didn’t just lie there waiting to be finished off. No! We’ve regrouped, devised a new stratagem and we’ll come back even stronger than before.
“Just imagine their horror as LA goes sliding into the sea. It won’t be anywhere near as grand as the huge slide they’ll take in the popularity polls, I can tell you. And of course, if we plan things well . . . we won’t just screw things up for them here on Earth, will we? There’s a whole new world out there for us to manipulate.”
Yeung sauntered across to his private bar to pour three celebratory glasses of champagne. As he returned—drinks in hand—he could see both Simon and Esther were deep in animated, mental conversation.
Something about their expressions and the rosy hues tingeing the outer layers of their auras moved him inquire, “What’s this? More good ideas to bring to the table?”
“Actually . . . yes!” Simon exclaimed. “We’ve been here so long that . . . well. We overlooked the fact that not all of us settled on Kalliste.”
Yeung nearly tipped their drinks over as he placed them on the table. “What? What do you mean by all of you?”
“The Fallen! Not everyone agreed or had the stomach to begin the vast undertaking that Adhem-un aspired to. I must apologize, but we’ve been so wrapped up by what happened to us since the rebellion on our old home that we’ve failed to consider the others like us still out there.”
“How many others are we talking about? And what do you mean by, out there?”
Simon and Esther stared toward each other again. Mental images flashed back and forth. A few minutes later, Simon nodded and replied, “We think there might be up to a dozen Lower Echelon members, and one or two Median stalwarts who’d be willing to respond to the call. They expressed no desire to join us at the time because of certain leadership and policy issues. Basically, they chose to wander off among the stars instead. Now . . . who knows?”
Yeung was stunned at the implications. All that power . . . ?
Tentatively, he asked, “And would they answer you after all this time? Could you even reach them?”
“I haven’t got a clue.” Simon replied, shrugging. “Space is so incredibly vast, they could be scattered far beyond our ability to reach.
“But it’s got to be worth a try.”