Shifting through the air waves above Clausum Mare, Pilgrim guided Tobias and Onyx through the now bustling hub by the sea. Below down on the granite streets, cars in ground mode hover through the streets, no longer worrying about blasted pot holes and cracked earth from days past. The usual structure of the traffic lay in place, red, yellow and green lights hummed about over the city, stopping, going. A seemingly endless cycle, that got the job done.
As for the air streets, they were monitored from a single location, back at the CGA (Clausum Ground and Air) humans and robots worked side by side getting the job done. At the CGA the robots, or in this case a mainframe computer, constantly keeping track of air and ground traffic routes. They were the sole providers of everyone's information regarding traffic to their devices and relaying that information back to Smart Car Intelligence System.
For the people, it was learning new information on how to broaden the Air street systems and make sure the ground stays stable enough to endure thrusters from all of the vehicles. Their secondary job is an extension of the police department, a separate elite group of officers to take care of emergency responses and take care of speeders and the like. As the air traffic began to slow just a bit, Tobias looked to the top of the CGA building. The response team had begun early morning training. In military-like fashion, a small group of officers began doing push ups and jumping jacks. Targets had been set up along the side of walls for training, if they ever needed to fire during high speed chase.
The east side of Clausum was much more spread out. Sure, it was the fancier side, but it was just much more spacious than the west side. Houses were spread out about a half mile apart from each other. Most businesses and other complexes gave the same amount of space, tons of breathing room. In between patches of trees stood tall. The old growth, each tree was about 4,000 years old, twisting into the sky.
Pilgrim began to lower as they got closer as they got to the towering trees. Flight mode was not allowed on the east side, for fears of damaging the growth. Three sets of lanes on each side, coming and leaving. Neither was too busy this morning. All the trunks of the old growth were covered in moss as they passed through the green passage. Some foreigners had come to see the special part of this land. A long green and white tour bus, with a depiction of one tree, with branches wrapping the sides. It blew away dust and rocks hovering on an old dirt road. At a crossroad, Tobias turned on his Holoframe and sent a message to Maxwell letting him know he was going to be there shortly. Passing straight through, he looked out to his left and watched the scenery fly by. The view never got old for him. The tall trees and rolling mountains stretched out in the distance, the glimpses of rivers splitting, spilling back into the sea.
Miles down the road, Pilgrim took a sharp left off onto a dirt road. Off on the right was one bigger home. It had been built long before the miniature boom of Clausum. A two-story house with tractors in the front of it, a barn on the far end. This was owned by the Trouts, a family that had been around here for more than 150 years. The previous owners had passed away, but the children had taken over—a family tradition that they were proud to continue on. No one was outside or back in the fields from what he could see. Probably still inside sleeping or eating breakfast for the day.
Straight ahead, a herd of cattle strode about, their hooves kicking up dirt into the still air. The smell of manure began to fill the inside of Pilgrim. On either side, next to a small clearing of trees two statues stood carved out of stone. One was a weather-beaten serpent. Coiling up, its fangs still intact in the stone from years of abuse. The other in the same condition, but of an older generation of fisherman, his pole in his hands reaching to the ground, wearing a raincoat and a flat covered hat. He also wore a badge on the top left of his torso. The only part that could be made out of it was the sea, the rest too faded to get a glimpse of.
A wooden sign that used to stretch across the road lay in the dirt. The elements had given it a beating. The only readable letters being IC and ON. Shredded stumps remained from days past. Bunnies hopped and chewed their food on them. While the life beneath worked its way up. Stems sprouting out at certain spots. Reaching for the sky. About two miles down the road, the station was visible. This time a three story building drawing its outline against the now afternoon sky. A tall gate imposed itself across the road.
As they got nearer, he could see the station casting a shadow from the surrounding trees. The gate slid open and off to the side was Maxwell’s vehicle and one other. Who he did not know. The building was once abandoned but had been redone in recent years, so it was made out of a mix of new and old material. You could tell what was in bad shape, the dirty browns and the scuffs among the white. The black turned into a crude shape of gray. Bricks fell out of place. Windows with cracks running across the surface.
Maxwell stood at the door wearing a dark blue shirt matched with a pair of trousers, followed by a button up black vest. He walked over to them giving a casual wave as pilgrim lowered. The thrusters stopped scattering the earth up and fell silent as they stopped.
Tobias got up and gazed at the building. Onyx ran up to greet Maxwell. Lowering to a squat he ran his hand over Onyx’s head.
“Hey, hey buddy long time no see, how have you been? That old man over there better be keeping you in top shape, we may need your help again someday.” Maxwell said.
Onyx replied, tail in a frenzy. Tobias made his way over to them, still staring up at the building. He was familiar with this place, but not since the renovations. It looked much better than it used to. Being so evident before, with the collapsed roof, missing doors and a mashed up gate at the front. It was still used heavily as storage. More of a handwritten library for all cases involved in the country of Insmourn. The legacy should have continued but as time passed on people forgot about this place. There was no need to come here and record. All the information of the past in the palms of your hands or stored somewherein space. Being a ranger for the rest of the seasons, he had come here to report missing animals and traces of arson, fugitives and anything that was out of his scope.
“Well, let's see what you got.” Tobias said.
Maxwell stood up straight and motioned them inside.
“If you have any cases you need my help with, let me know.” Tobias said.
“Unfortunately I do not have any right now.” Maxwell said, shaking his head.
“This is more along the line of what we have been experiencing at sea. I know we just got back yesterday. Some dots seem to be connecting.”
“Speaking of…” Tobias trailed off. I will tell you once we get inside, something happened at Island.”
“Really now?” Maxwell said, raising a brow.
“They usually take care of themselves if anything happens, with their automatons, this will be interesting to hear.”
Maxwell pushed open the glass doors, the three made their way in. A brief scent of freshly coated paint lingered in the air as they made their way to the stairs. There was an elevator but no need to use it, they had to get their exercise in.
Tobias looked down the hallway, his eyes fell upon a door that was sealed off.
“The Annals of Sleep are closed off?
“Yes,” Maxwell said. It is actually being renovated down there. A few of the older cases have fallen apart at the base. They have been standing strong, since the time of recorded history here in Insmourn after all. It's our job to keep it standing for others to dive into if needed. The lass down there is fixing it up, and should be done by the end of the day. Did you need something from down there? We can have her bring it up.”
“No, no just curious. May look into something eventually, nothing urgent.” Tobias replied.
“So do tell me what happened down at Island,” Maxwell said. As they climbed the first set of stairs, Onyx trotted along behind them. Tobias grabbed at his head.
“Happened in the elevator after picking up some food for the furball behind us. I closed my eyes for just a second, and when I opened them everyone had disappeared. After taking a few steps and turning around I saw this creature. It was a dark-ish gray, it had a long neck with multiple other ‘heads’ with fangs spiraling down its mouth. It blasted me with some liquid. Thought I was dead. Crazy isn’t it?” Tobias said.
With a hand to his face, he stared at the dusty floor as they walked. Passing through the second floor building it had all but been abandoned. Case files lay on a wooden desk. Lamps covered in dust. Maps of the region torn and half peeling off the wall. Some old style photos were on the wall. People that worked at the station long ago. A miniature version of Mare Clausum had been made out of wood on a giant table in the room. Back when they needed to plan layouts for defense, for the rare occasion of an uprising or riot. The giant layout could also help for supply routes and rescue missions. Maxwell had remained silent, absorbing every detail as they climbed the stairs to the third and final level of the building.
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“I’m not sure what to tell you brother,” Maxwell said. Crooning his neck to the side and giving a frown.
“After what’s happened to us, it's hard to discount what you saw.
At the last set of stairs they turned down the hall, to see one door at the end of the hall that had a small sign labeled “Base”. Maxwell removed a bronze key from his vest and unlocked the wooden door. With a slight click! With feet just inside the door, they were greeted by the rays of afternoon light. In the middle of a very large room was a single desk with an old fashioned computer and desktop. On the walls lay out more maps of the whole world. Some focused just on Clausum Mare and Insmourn. Tucked in the corner of the room was a locker with different types of weapons stashed behind it. The smell was a bit musty. Maxwell had a fan going. The window helped bring in fresh air. Bits of dust lingered in the air.
Tables were covered in all kinds of news prints dating from a few weeks back to hundreds of years ago. Those were the most interesting ones of course. With wear and tear, one showed the early settlers of Insmourn, huddled in the center of what would become a town. Giant breeds of horses attached to carts full of wood and supplies. Tobias went closer to read the headline, “The Harrowing of Mountains pass”. It detailed their trek to navigate through countless, directionless miles of fallen trees, jagged cliffs, sickness and deserters. Sometime during the first quarter of the trip a number of people tried to mutiny, to get everyone to turn back. The jagged peaks, also now known as Mutiny’s Spire, is where this scuffle started. As a series of storms passed through, many people began to doubt and were afraid of continuing on. Adults and children alike had been injured and lost during the storm as the sky grew dark. Falling behind, people simply vanished into the wilderness, or fell off the stepper sides of the cliffs. With supplies being carried by some in packs, lost to the mountains and people growing hungry, thirsty and disoriented.
“Hey!” Maxwell called out standing at another desk on the other side of the room.
No reply from Tobias, he was caught up learning about history. After a few attempts, Maxwell came and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
Turning the page, Tobias looked up, slightly startled. “Sorry, I was really getting into this, again.”
“No problem,” Maxwell said. “I know you like your history. We may have to keep you out of the Annuals for a while. Don’t need you disappearing for days at a time down there.”
It was a fact he could not deny. On many occasions he would come to the Annuals to get lost in the books. Maxwell motioned a hand and they moved to the other side of the room with more photos and maps laid out on the table he was just at.
By the computer desk, Tobias looked at the photos framed on it.
“How is Melanie doing? Didn’t have time, or see her at Island fresh.” Tobias asked.
“She’s been doing good, busy. She has to oversee more stores along the coast as you know she is the co-founder. She is trying to push back the influx of mechanical ideas trying to be forced into the mix right now. That would end up replacing the rest of the people’s workforce, a huge pain.” Maxwell said.
“Glad to hear that she is doing well and helping everyone out.” Tobias said.
I’m sure she personally destroyed some of those machines, right?”
“That she did. After all they had been given away for free testing, she took an axe to them not too long after they had been delivered.”
“Let's get to work here. Take a look at this.” Maxwell said, placing both hands on the wooden table.
Tobias scanned the photos stretched across. Nothing out of the ordinary. The docks, piers, buildings, and city streets shown at day and night taken from cameras positioned around the area. A wide shot of people coming and going, Sky surfers hanging out next to each other. Not uncommon for them, as they team up scavenging for food then fight among themselves. Boats coming and leaving the pier. Up on the street level nothing interesting to see, just vehicles going past.
“Sadly I am not seeing anything here Maxwell. Am I missing some?” Tobias asked, rubbing his beard.
Maxwell gave him a look of disapproval. His eyes lowered and wrinkles began to show. His mouth and tone flat.
“Yes. How could you miss the biggest clue there is.”
Adjusting the photos and pointing to a corner of the docks, Tobias noticed instantly.
“How could I possibly miss the sickening colors?”
Tobias’s posture slumped as he stared at the red and black. Having just encountered those colors not too long ago. He thought, maybe he really did not get enough sleep. Or this phenomenon was finally getting to him. They were well tucked in the corners of the photos. Almost distorted but the colors were clear this was for certain. He picked up nervously. Hands shaking as he brought it closer.
“Ok, so here we see the colors that could have been from Archveil. Everything else looks fine. Did the cameras begin to melt?”
“No, they did not melt. They are perfectly fine.” Maxwell said with a faint smile. Dark circles were noticeable in his eyes. He quickly went and got some eye drops from his desk. He let the droplets hit his eyes and made his way back leisurely.
“In all of these photos nothing is out of place. No reports of any beast breaching the shore or animals gone wild. The word from CGA is there is nothing to report, everything is normal down there. ” Maxwell said. With rapid blinks getting the eye drops to settle.
“Then how come we are looking at these, Maxwell? You finally told them about what happened didn’t you?”
“No I did not.” It was only a matter of time before the incident was reported to headquarters and unfortunately, the planetary council.”
“Since we are looking at this, nothing came out of it then.”
“Right. I’m sure sometime during the transport to the forge, the information had fell upon their ears.
Maxwell leaned against the wall of maps. Stuck his hands in his pockets and crossed his feet..
“That is why nations have been monitoring Archveil so closely. It wasn’t for nothing, Tobias. The world is on alert but outside of our evidence, that is most likely molten scrap now, its been silent.
Tobias put down the picture of the docks. He went up to an older map of Archveil. A giant island that was mostly inhabited by machines. It was once rumored humans lived alongside them. No one knows what goes on there now, or even dare travel to.
“Are you sure everything is silent? Instead of whispers in the dark?” Tobias said, crossing his arms and giving Maxwell a distrusting look.
“If I did, you would know. The beast from Archveil, as we currently know, are still in a frozen, stasis state. We are the only ones who have encountered anything like this. Even though the colors are there and nothing appears to be happening, something is.” Maxwell said, rubbing his eyes, then turned to look out the window.”
“What we need to check out is what, Tobias. After looking at these photos and contacting anyone that could have possibly ran into any strange occurrences, I did get a few people to loosen their lips. First is down by the piers. Just like the video that Kain sent both of us earlier, there have been fish washed ashore coated in that same color. They are currently being stored in barrels and stored in a small boat shed. The other hit being someone having an octopus problem. They are hunkering down in the boat hangar, won't leave even after trying to scare them off.”
“They are not territory animals. I wonder what could be up with them”.
“Beats me, last piece of info is there have been people acting strange down there at mostly all hours of the day. Was told some have been wandering around drained of energy. Two people had apparently started convulsing. They began to yell, scratching at their eyes drawing blood. Luckily the medical team is stationed fairly close, but they had to sedate them to safely take them back in for examination.”
“Insane, if that red and black ooze is really affecting people and the surrounding area, what are we supposed to do?”
“For now I was told to just investigate and report any findings back.”
“Wait, report back? I thought you worked solo, since when did you get a boss?”
“Today, Tobias. Grengraw of the planetary council wants me to report directly to him.
“Glad it wasn’t anyone else. If it had been an Empyeral we may have as well tied an anchor to our ankles and dive into the deep ocean.
“Right now it's just me. Want to team up like old times? If something is going to waltz in here, we need to meet it.” Maxwell said. Stern and serious as ever. Something underneath all of that, felt wrong. The look he had, went beyond serious. What else stirred in his mind?
“Of course.” Tobias held out his hand. It was met with a strong shake from Maxwell.
“Good. I managed to get a hold of Lydon. He will be joining us. Grant as much as he wants to is sadly stuck at the forge. He has something big coming in, not sure what yet. Solace isn’t responding, so we will give him a little bit. Helix is backed up with some new technology equipment he must test out for the navy, unable to join in today. We will be going down in a few hours, so a little time to kill.”
Maxwell looked over the peaceful meadows leading into the vast valleys beyond. A gentle wind cradling the grass. His eyes met something out of place. It was hard to tell what exactly, he was looking at. It was for sure a canine, however. It looked more like a wolf. A huge one moving directly to the building. Covered in a thick black mane, its red eyes focused on him.
Panicked Maxwell fumbled with the eye drops and dropped them to the ground. Tobias watched him confused. With a quick squirt he got his eyes wet once more and dug his hands into the wooden window edges. The canine was gone. He shook his head in frustration. A small blood clot formed in his eye.
Whatever was going on. He needed to end this quickly. Melaine could be in serious danger if this keeps up. If something would happen while he was gone, he would never forgive himself. Along with the rest of Insmourn. She would be mad at him anyhow. She had been opposed to Maxwell working with the Planetary council the day the news broke. It was too risky, he could be killed or targeted if not careful. With him constantly being on cases, they lost time together as it was.
He punched the window seal and gritted his teeth. I need something to chew on.
Onyx had been curled up on an office chair fast. His head slacking off the side.
Tobias touched the map of Archveil, then with a defeated march, went to where the photos were. One more time, he searched for clues, getting lost in the picture.
What secrets do these creatures hold? Will these nightmares with fiends from hell stop plaguing my dreams?