Jack would never cease to be amazed by the sights, smells and sounds of the station as they made their way to the Temple of Hope. Though he had passed through many of the districts on his way from the temple to the school, what stood out to him the most was just how bizarre they were. There was the district solely dedicated to artificial hot springs that Chiyo seemed very keen to bring Jack to at a later date and a district that seemed to be a nature reserve or zoo of some kind for a herd of small, eight-legged green furry creatures that skittered around, unafraid of the traffic passing through under the watchful eyes of their Greenwarden guardians, though when Nika tried speaking to them about any possible jobs they politely declined.
Several other districts had unfortunately locked down early in preparation for conflict, having heard about the school's prediction algorithms. When Jack asked Alora about it she was just as confused as he was, having had no reason to suspect anything was afoot and believing the gang activity to be in a slump. Whatever incoming danger the school had detected was a highly unusual spike, so everyone agreed not to hang around outside for too long after dark.
The forced diversions did, however, open Jack up to new places. They cut through a small district around a crowd placing bets on what suspiciously looked like professional wrestling, dodged a district occupied by several giants, and when they got to the red light district Alora was very keen on moving quickly along.
"Hey Jack!"
The group suddenly snapped to attention. They had been walking through a peaceful district that reminded Jack of some kind of food court, with cushions and tables filled with groups enjoying drinks. Most of the buildings were densely packed around the perimeter though there were a few smaller huts dotted strategically amongst the seating areas, where Ratfolk waiters would come and go. It was, in fact, one of these that had called out to them.
“Hey Kritch!” Jack called back with a smile, crossing his fingers that he remembered his classmate's name correctly. “How are you? You work here?”
“Great, thanks!” The rat-dude (Jack would research his species name later) replied enthusiastically, appearing starstruck that Jack would even ask. “And yeah you could say that! My clan claims this district and we operate a rest stop and tea garden for travellers, as you can see. I’m just doing my part while the others set up the defences for tonight! We have a lot of people passing through, but I can find you guys some seats?”
Jack turned to the others with the unspoken question. He was up for a quick stop on the way to the temple and it seemed rude not to.
“We’d love to Kritch! May we have a menu?” Alora replied with a smile.
Well. That settled it then…
"Did you say you were setting up defences for tonight?" Jack asked, concerned. “Do you need help?"
Kritch gave a quick laugh and waved his hand to dismiss the concern. "While I'd be totally cool with having a confirmed badass on our side, the elders won't allow it. If we can't fight and successfully defend our territory, it isn't our territory. We've hired mercenaries before, but good ones are too pricey, and my clan is determined to prove we can stand on our own two feet and protect our charges that choose to seek respite here. Anyway, enough about that, what drinks would you like?"
*****
“Aaaand here you go! Sorry about the wait!” Kritch kept up his smile as he brought the tray down with their drinks. “Oh, no need!” He spoke up to Alora, who was getting some money. “This round is on the house, we just hope you visit again and recommend us to your friends!”
He passed the drinks around with a smile, Alora and Chiyo with green-looking herbal teas, Nika with something red with something sprinkled on top, and Sephy rapidly enjoying her purple concoction she requested be 'as sweet as possible.'
Jack, not knowing what any of the available drinks were, had described the usual tea he would have back on earth, trusting Kritch to pick something suitable. On taking a sip Jack closed his eyes and savoured the flavour. It tasted almost exactly the same as the tea he liked from Earth. He was glad the others were focused on their own drinks so they didn't see the single tear that had managed to escape down his cheek despite his desperation to hold it together.
God he missed home…
At least now he had some direction. An oracle of some kind, though he would speak to the people he knew about the temple first before planning anything.
He was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts when he noticed Sephy staring at something on the wall of one of the huts, though she was trying her best to hide it. It was some kind of marking - 3 circles like a Venn diagram with two parallel lines. It looked like normal graffiti to Jack, though by Sephy's reaction it clearly meant something more.
She gave Jack a deer-in-the-headlights look when she noticed he was staring at the same thing, before she subtly brought a single finger to her lips to shush him.
Interesting. He'd have to add that to the list of things to talk about.
"So Jack, what did Mr Sparrel keep you back for?" Nika carefully asked, as Jack now gave his surprised expression. "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, but you've appeared more withdrawn than usual. Anything wrong?"
That put Jack on the spot. He hadn't planned on saying anything about it yet; his plan was to check the route and go on his own, perhaps confiding privately to one or two of his new friends.
"Nothing much, just gave me some..." Jack stopped mid sentence, looking at his attentive friends. No. Lying to them would be shitty. All of them had gone above and beyond to welcome him and have his back, it was only fair he confided in them properly.
"Well alright." Jack began, tentative with his words. "He was curious about what I am and why I'm here and gave me the coordinates of someone that can possibly provide some answers, that's all. I was going to go there sometime during the weekend once I find out how."
"Alone?"
"Well ...yeah," Jack replied, feeling a little guilty. "It's my mess, so I've got to fix it. I can't ask you to get involved, so that's why I didn't mention it."
“Hey!” Sephy gave Jack a gentle shove. “You don’t have to do everything on your own, you probably don’t know the way anyway! Besides, we're pretty curious about it too!”
“Sephy!” Nika chided her friend but addressed the whole group. “Jack’s affairs are his own business but going alone in unfamiliar territory is suicide even for strong combatants. Like I told you before, I have your back,” she finished, looking Jack in the eye.
You've seen how dangerous things can be first hand! Please let us look out for one another. Chiyo was giving Jack her best puppy eyes on showing him her message.
"Alright," Jack replied with finality. "I won't force you to come along, but I'll welcome the company. He sent the coordinates to my commlink so…"
"Got them," Sephy grinned. "Your device is slaved to mine, after all. Yup, they're pretty far out. Trip there and back is probably a day or two, though we can probably hitch a ride once we're further out of the city.”
"We go the day after tomorrow then," Alora decided. "We can recover tonight, and get most of our affairs done tomorrow."
"That still leaves the issue of funds." Nika brought up. "Once we plan the route I'll see if there's anything interesting along the way we can take advantage of or if there's any bounties. Usually the indie herbalists and collectors have some kind of long-term arrangement going on."
"Alright that sounds like a plan," Alora chirped. "Now let's finish our drinks and move on already, we can plan while we walk!"
The Temple of Hope was always an impressive sight to Jack. A marvel of architecture encompassing several districts, it was a true testament to what people could do when they all came together to work towards a common goal. Many faiths that encouraged unity and cooperation had some kind of hall or shrine within its walls, though apparently this was sadly a small proportion of the total known gods worshipped among the cosmos.
Though Jack had pretty much lived at the temple since he arrived, the group still needed one of the guide-droids to direct them to the places they wanted to go. Alora, Nika, Sephy and Chiyo decided to pay homage to several of the gods they worshipped while they were here and meet up at a designated point once they were done, so Jack was on his own as he was led by one of the droids to the Abbey of Astara.
"Jack! Good to see you!" One of the dolphin-looking brothers on duty gently called out to him as they arrived. "How was school? Did you behave yourself or did it turn to chaos after I left you there?"
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"A little bit of both Brother Arguinious," Jack replied with a nervous smile. "But you were right, I think I'm going to be alright for now. I just wanted to check in and let you know. Is High Priestess Cornelia around?"
Arguinious smiled. "She is indeed. Diligent as ever, though sadly not many excuses to get out into the field. She's meeting with some dignitaries at the moment but I will let her know you've arrived. She'll have my head if I didn't give her the chance to check on you herself!"
Jack smiled. "That sounds like her, thank you, Brother."
Patting Jack on the shoulder like a favourite uncle, Arguinious gave a soft smile before leaving Jack alone at the shrine.
Sighing in nervous anticipation, Jack sat down at one of the front pews, gazing up at the statue of Astara. The white marble depicted a mysterious, hooded female figure holding a sword, while reaching to the ground as if to help someone up. It looked rather heroic, but then again, it was the job of the artist to make her look badass.
After another few minutes of waiting, Jack decided 'fuck it'. It went against his upbringing, but it felt right to offer a prayer.
Kneeling down on the central cushion facing the altar, Jack closed his eyes and tried to think of the right words.
"Sorry to disturb you ma'am," Jack began. "But this is a little overdue. Hell, I don't even know if you can hear me considering humans don’t belong here, but it can't hurt to try. Just wanted to say thanks again for your Paladins rescuing me. I held out pretty well but I doubt I would have survived much longer without the assist, so thanks for that. High Priestess Cornelia was right about going to live with Alora and other people my age. Though I've only known them basically a day, they've been good to me, and I hope to return the favour. Actually that's kinda why I'm here. Could you watch out for them? I'll certainly try my best, but I have no idea what to expect, so I'd be grateful for it. It's a big ask, I know, and I'll try my best to make it up to you however I can. Don't worry about me though. I'm not worth it. Thanks."
He finished his impromptu prayer as he heard some shuffling to the side. Opening his eyes he saw a short being, about 4 feet tall, covered in short, thick brown fur that was visibly turning grey with age. The wolf-like being smiled at Jack and spread her arms wide to give him a quick hug.
"Jack! It's good to still see you in one piece! Brother Arguinious tells me you seem to be in better spirits even!"
"I think I'm a bit better High Priestess, I just wanted to check in with you guys."
"'High Priestess' bah!" Cornelia laughed dryly. "I'm still a Paladin in spirit but the damn codgers think I'm too old to go out into the field again. Haven't had the chance since you got here, and apparently I have 'duties' to perform. Do I fuck!"
Jack chuckled at the ever-complaining High Priestess. He had only ever seen her perform her job to the best of her ability, but it was clear her heart wasn't into it.
"Surely as the High Priestess you could just do what you want?" Jack replied cautiously.
"Not with Bishops and Cardinals coming by for visits and crawling so far up my ass not even a Cacoxite could yank the wank-wit bastards out! They say I'm meant to keep up appearances and be a guiding hand for the young within the temple, while not letting my 'guiding hand' wipe the ass of the station from time to time." She sighed deeply. "At least I get to see my grandchildren more often…"
"I didn't know you had grandkids," Jack replied soothingly, trying to pull High Priestess Cornelia out of what was clearly a sore topic for her.
She snorted. "That and more. My triplet great-great grandkids just turned one and their parents run a security contracting company on Hive Station Fraxuure. Much more exciting than here and they have their lives sorted out, they certainly don't need me. But the people out there in this Hive certainly do." She looked up at the statue. "Astara willing, I'll die in the name of the greater good saving others, not tucked away out of sight." She smiled at Jack and motioned for him to follow her. "Sorry to lay that on you, the tea must be getting cold by now..."
*****
"How was it?" Alora asked him when he finally joined the others at their meeting point.
"It was good! I needed that and it was good to let them know I'm alright. I wasn't too long, was I?"
"No, you arrived just after Chiyo," Sephy spoke quickly. "But we should probably hurry up and get-"
Whatever Sephy was about to suggest was cut short as Cornelia appeared behind him, her eyes going wide at seeing Sephy just as Sephy gave an 'oh shit’ look back.
"P-Paladin Cornelia," Sephy began, her voice dry and quivering. "I-I"
"Sephy, is that you? I haven't seen you in years!" Cornelia cried out, crossing the room and embracing the now confused-looking Sephy.
"Um…" Sephy began, trying to make sense of what was happening. "I thought you and the other clergy told me you didn't want to see me again after-"
"Oh, piss to that!" Cornelia cried out. "Is that why you haven't been here in so long? As a child you stole a bag of expensive food meant for an ambassador. So what?! I know you shared it among the other kids! Did you even take any for yourself?"
"I didn't," Sephy choked. "The little ones were starving. I regret nothing. I was happy to take the fall for that, but I was surprised you said nothing."
"I said everything I could! I swear it!" Cornelia replied with a firm look. "Tyrus' followers held too much sway that day and confirmed your exile, but I could still make sure you were taken care of from afar!"
"That was you, huh?" Sephy looked conflicted as she broke off and moved towards the door. "Enough credits to get me started, contact details of those that could help, even my favourite blanket." She hardened her face as she turned her back before walking away. "But that was never what I truly needed. Come on guys, let's go."
Chiyo quickly floated after Sephy to comfort her, followed shortly by Nika who rushed after the pair.
"She'll come around," Alora replied gently to the High Priestess, who just nodded.
“I hope so. I’m just glad she’s still alive, you never really mentioned her so I guess she wanted it that way? Well, time is usually the best medicine in these scenarios, at least she knows she can come back.” Cornelia sighed and patted Alora and Jack on the shoulders. “Well it was good to see you both, now go catch up to your friends!”
****
The way back was more subdued than before, with the usually enthusiastic Sephy staying quiet at the back while the others tried unsuccessfully to raise her spirits. Even the atmosphere around them had gotten more grim, with residents and shop owners boarding up in preparation for the night. Several times they were accosted by militia groups desperate to add to their numbers, but each time Alora politely declined.
"We're good for the night, right?" Jack asked Nika nervously as they passed yet another makeshift checkpoint manned by a nervous-looking squad of young-looking plant people.
"We should be, we're very out the way and we have a lot of protection set up," she replied, not sounding 100% certain. "We don't know the nature of the attack, of course, but we can quickly set up overwatch if it bursts into our part of town. Of course the attack might be nothing, a small skirmish between gangs."
Not likely, the school only mentions it if it's likely to be big. Chiyo replied to Nika, who relayed what she said to the rest of the group.
"Well we are reasonably prepared in any case, plus we have guests staying over that can help," Alora chimed in as they made way for a squad doing a quick warm up. "Luvia alone would probably be able to warn them off."
"I'm guessing we're going to have more people than usual," Nika replied with a slight grin towards Jack. "And not just to party and seek sanctuary from tonight…"
They carried on with small talk as Jack fell to the back of the group in thought.
"Hey don't worry, it's not normally this bad," Sephy spoke up next to him, staying quiet so the others couldn't hear. "The battles tonight I mean, usually people have a better idea of what's going to happen rather than just responding in general to a prediction algorithm."
"I was thinking more about the party, to be honest"
That got a genuine snort of amusement from the Skritta. "Well you won't be short of attention; a few of our friends are coming and specifically asked if you would be around, so should be a fun night for you "
The conversation lulled for several minutes as they both tried to work out that to say next. It was only when Jack spotted something familiar looking scratched on a nearby wall that he was reminded of something.
"Hey Sephy…" Jack began. "I was wondering…"
"Why I flipped out in the temple?" Sephy replied with a sigh, a sour look on her face, irked that Jack would bring it up so soon.
"No no, it wasn't that. Remember that graffiti at Kritch's place? I saw another one back there, what's up with that?"
Sephy seemed to look a little confused at first that Jack didn't want to talk about the temple, but eventually smiled and nodded.
"Don't mention it out loud, but I'm pretty sure they're Shadowglyphs," she whispered to him conspiratorially. “Secret messages to others in the know.”
“Like a thieves guild?” Jack asked with interest, keeping his voice low.
“Nobody I’ve spoken to knows for sure. Some thieves and other rogues, yes, but as far as I understand it’s more often than not for information brokers and their webs of spies. I’ve been trying to decipher what they mean for as long as I’ve known about them.”
“What about the one in the tea garden? You seemed pretty shook up about it, it was just three circles and two parallel lines or something like that”
“I’ve not actually seen that one before.” Sephy pursed her lips in thought. “I know crosses are used to indicate possible marks and I think circles are usually some kind of safe or protected zone. No idea why there were three of them there like that, or what the lines mean though.
"Still, one step closer though?" Jack smiled as he gave Sephy a friendly nudge, trying to make her feel better. "What'll you do when you crack the code?"
Sephy grinned. "I have no idea! The thrill for me is the chase! Computer Slicers everywhere would pay a lot for that info so I guess that wealth couldn't hurt; it's not like I have many employment prospects academically speaking."
"Chiyo told me you were good at coding and creative writing?" Jack pried. "Surely you could make something out of that?"
Sephy laughed. "I do! Slicing into old systems to give me access and spinning a lie to security tends to be pretty useful to a kleptomaniac like me!"
They both chuckled at that as they saw their home district in the distance.
"Right!" Alora spoke up. "We're gonna have to order some food and drink before the shooting starts! How many more crates of wine should we get?"