Then
“They’re asking for volunteers,” Gene said.
Bastien shook his head. “Yeah, but if you’re a minor you need a note from your parents. Mine already said no.”
“Mine too,” Johnny said.
Olo held up his left arm, which was in a sling. “Even if my dad gave the okay, which he wouldn’t, I can’t go anyways.”
“Yeah, mine wouldn’t go for that at all,” Gene spat. “But I need to be in on this. This is a legit raid. Taking out the boss and clearing the zone means tons of experience and points, maybe we can finally get some magic gear.”
“It doesn’t work like that. At least I don’t think so,” Bastien said.
“I’m thinking it does. Just that the level and xp isn’t in your face. I went to the spire today. I got another magic missile cast and a new fire spray spell,” Gene said.
“Does sound like you leveled up,” Olo said. “That’s what, like level four?”
“I’d guess so. Four total spells at four levels seems to fit,” Gene said.
“Different from D&D,” Johnny said.
Bastien punched his arm. “No shit. This is real life not a game.”
“Fuck, bro!” Johnny punched him back. “It’s totally like a game. Just wish it was clearer about how spells and skills worked.”
“It does seem like the spires’ system is more of an intuitive thing. Like the magic and skills we get are determined by our subconscious desires,” Olo said.
“So, we calling them that?” Johnny raised a brow.
“Why not? It fits.”
“Hey, Olo you’ve got some brown stuff on there.” Johnny mimed wiping the tip of his nose.
“Oh, real mature, dude.”
Johnny laughed. “Would you be in love with me too if I had awesome super powers?”
Olo swung at him with his uninjured arm. The quick teen dodged out of the way with ease.
“They took out the gremlin alphas and we’d be dead if Miss Nila wasn’t there.”
Johnny nodded. “True that,” he conceded. “I’m just messing with you. You need to chill.”
“I think Olo’s right. Think of the classes we got. They’re all basically what we play the most,” Bastien said.
“Man, I’d rather be an assassin or like a ninja,” Johnny said.
“Then I think you need to really think hard about that or start training and acting like one,” Gene said. “I’m thinking we all need to do that. Think of what we want to be and like make it a part of our inner image of ourselves.”
“In any case we need to get stronger,” Bastien said. “We got our asses kicked. Can’t rely on the Cruces to save us all the time.”
The other teens nodded.
“That’s why we, except for Olo, sorry bro,” Gene patted the taller teen’s shoulder sympathetically, “need to get in on this raid.”
“I hear that, but how are we going to convince our parents?”
“We won’t have too, Bastien,” Gene grinned. “All we need to do is show up at the high school and they’ll have to take us along.”
Johnny’s eyes brightened. “Yeah! That’s right. It’ll be too dangerous to send us back through the gremlin zone by ourselves, so they won’t have a choice.”
“Uh…” Olo frowned, “that still means you have to get through the zone and to the school without anyone noticing.”
“Just got to be sneaky,” Johnny waggled his brows.
“Fuck… you’re all going to die,” Olo said flatly.
----------------------------------------
“I don’t think this is a good idea, baby.”
Keisha Davidson didn’t roll her eyes at her grandmother. Though she almost did. Mama Rose wasn’t nearly as spry as she used to be, but childhood memories of a stinging bottom still had a light grip on Keisha.
“Got to mama,” Keisha said as she gathered her gear. “They needed volunteers.”
“Why you though?” Mama Rose stood with the help of her walker. “What about them weird boys?”
“They’ll be there. I’m only going to help out. Besides the monsters will be too busy with the Cruces to pay attention to me.” Keisha smiled at her beloved grandmother and lied. “Don’t worry about it mama. There’ll be people watching you while I’m gone.”
“I’m worried about you, child,” Mama Rose sighed.
Keisha gently engulfed her mama in a tight, but gentle hug. That was the thing about Mama Rose. As far as she could remember, her grandmother only ever cared about her grandchildren, never about herself.
“Don’t wait up for me, mama. I don’t know how long it’ll take.”
Keisha pulled her rock-filled backpack over one shoulder. She grabbed her sledgehammer and riot shield as she exited the front door of her grandmother’s house.
“Hey, Keisha, all set?”
She nodded at the two men assigned to guard her grandmother while she was gone. “Take care of her, please.”
“We got this,” one of the young men said.
“Least we could do, since you volunteered,” the other said.
“Thanks.”
Keisha detected a hint of shame in their words. Unsaid was that fact that the two men didn’t volunteer to be part of the raid. She didn’t hold it against them. It was like being on the same team. Everyone did the best they could at what they were capable of doing. And she was more capable of most thanks to her class having applicable skills in combat.
Take her backpack full of rocks. Keisha was kicking herself over just realizing that thrown rocks had been a deadly weapon forever. With her Power Throw skill she was absolutely lethal. She could break bones and crush skulls with a well-placed throw. And so she had spent much of her free time going through the neighborhood gathering rocks. There was now a big pile in her grandmother’s backyard.
She had to volunteer. It was like her grandmother had always told her. Everyone was capable of helping others. One didn’t need to be rich or powerful. The only thing they needed to be was willing.
“Why are you doing this?” Rebekah Court, Soldier: Infantry, said to the young man walking alongside her. “I thought you had a kid sister you’re taking care of.”
“Yeah. I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing,” Ron, Police Officer, said. “On the one hand I need to keep getting stronger to protect her. Going on this raid will definitely give me a big boost to that goal, but on the other hand—”
“You might die,” Rebekah finished.
“There is that,” Ron winced. “The way I see it, I can stay safe and rely on someone else to take care of the both of us. Or I can do what I’ve been doing since our parents died and take care of her. If something happens to me the council guaranteed that she’d be looked after, which is basically the same as the first option.”
“I’m surprised that you’d be so trusting of the government.” Rebekah’s tone made it clear what she thought of that.
Ron frowned. “That sounds weird coming from a soldier.”
“Ex-soldier, despite what the class I didn’t pick says,” Rebekah said. “I didn’t forget that it was your cop buddies that put me in a concentration camp.”
Ron’s face darkened. “Yeah… what they did was fucked up.”
“Ain’t blaming you… mostly,” Rebekah said. “Just remembering how the army kept screwing me over while I was serving. Then I get screwed over again. I’m just saying maybe you shouldn’t be trusting anyone else with your kid sister.”
Ron shook his head. “Oh, it’s not so much that I trust the council. I trust the Cruces. They’re the reason I think I’ll get out of this raid just fine.”
“I don’t know if I trust a bunch of civilians without any actual training.”
“I’d have said the same before the world turned to bullshit,” Ron shrugged. “It’s a different world now, which is why I’m trying to get a leg up. You need individual power or you’re at the mercy of those that do. That’s not even considering the monsters.”
“Eh, that’s why I volunteered, but unlike you I’ve got no one to worry about. Just want to make sure that no one can put me in a prison camp again. To me, that’s worth the risk.”
“I’ll watch your back. You watch mine?”
Rebekah narrowed her eyes at the younger man. “You’re decent enough in a fight. That’s why I don’t mind partnering up with you for patrols. Alright, kid, deal.” She extended a hand.
Ron shook it. “Kid? I’m twenty-four. What’re you? Thirty?”
“Nice try, kid,” Rebekah snorted, “but you’re not my type.”
“Nah,” Ron flushed. “I wasn’t even looking at it like that.”
----------------------------------------
“Um… what’re you doing?” Cal frowned at Nila.
His girlfriend was in the middle of putting on her combat attire.
“I’m coming along.”
Cal’s frown grew deeper.
Nila narrowed her eyes at him. “I didn’t spend all day yesterday sewing my jacket and pants back together to sit around.”
“Uh… you have a concussion.”
“Actually I don’t.” Nila finished pulling her pants on and grabbed a small piece of paper from her pack.
Cal took the paper from her. “What is this?”
“Doctor’s note.” Nila tilted her head up challengingly. “No more concussion. Turns out having an Enhanced Physiology also means I heal quicker.”
Cal recognized the handwriting. It was from one of the doctors they’d been lucky enough to have. A doctor by profession before the spires’ apocalypse and a doctor by class with skills that made their diagnoses accurate. If the note said Nila didn’t have a concussion, then she was fine.
“Okay. You don’t have a concussion, but what about the rest. Christ’s sake, it’s only been five days.” Cal’s voice was pleading. “You did your part. You took on an alpha. Killed it. You need to rest.”
Nila jabbed a finger at Cal. “You should take your own advice. Don’t think I didn’t know that you’ve refused to let the doctors check you out. Your face is still bruised up and I’ve seen you wincing when you think no one is watching you.”
Cal’s mouth opened then closed. Like a fish. He was going to say something then thought better of it.
“You need everyone you can get for this raid thing,” Nila continued, “and after you and your brothers, I’m the strongest.”
“All technically true.” Cal held his hands up in a placating gesture. “Still, this is going to be extremely dangerous. We have no idea what this secret boss is going to be like.”
“That’s precisely why you need me along.”
“Someone needs to watch over Megan and the kids.”
Nila crossed her arms. “That’s a low blow,” she grinned, “but I was ready for it. As a matter of fact, I’ve already arranged for a guard.
“How’d you do that?” Cal frowned. “They’re down a lot of people. Last I checked the council is down to twenty able-bodied fighters, not counting the volunteers.”
“Easy. I told the colonel I wouldn’t be able to participate in the raid if he didn’t assign a couple of guards for Megan and the kids. They’re doing that for the families of anyone that volunteered to go.”
Cal grimaced. “Nothing is going to change your mind, huh?”
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
“Nope.” Nila’s face grew dark. “When I was fighting that alpha I thought I was going to die. When you didn’t come I thought that maybe the alpha you were fighting had gotten you too. The one thing in the back of my mind that entire time was that we were going to die apart. I’m scared, Cal. It’s not like I want to go and fight monsters.” She took a deep breath. “If this is something we have to do, then we do it together.”
Cal sighed. “Okay, we’ll do this together.” He embraced her, tightly. “Sorry I wasn’t there.”
“Since I’ll be there, maybe we can keep your face from ending up like hamburger again.”
“I don’t know. That seems like a tough ask.”
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Now
Six months had passed since the project had begun. After the first three months other Threnosh in positions of leadership started to take notice of the effectiveness of Cal’s teams. Team One and Team Two had been taking on Tasks outside of Prime Custodian 3’s jurisdiction. Their results were good enough to force the Threnosh leaders to reconsider how the Defectives were being utilized.
Once that took hold, Cal became a victim of his success. It became more difficult to obtain new recruits for the project. As a result he was only able to add an additional seven special candidates over the subsequent three months, which brought his roster to a total of twenty-one.
That unforeseen issue had forced him to shuffle the teams around a bit to make sure that the newer members were able to keep up in terms of field experience and Universal Points. Fortunately, he was never planning to keep the team rosters fixed. His vision had changed over time. The goal was flexibility. Letting the specific Task or mission determine the optimal team composition.
Cal studied the holographic projections over his desk. The newest recruits had just cleared the fourth of six spawn points that surrounded their base. Like the previous three spawn points, he had reset its setting to that of an Encounter Challenge with a reasonable spawn rate that they could use for farming. He was still trying to convince Prime Custodian 3 to allow their regular troops to use the areas.
The troops would gain experience fighting different monsters and Universal Points, while Cal, as the owner of the areas would get a cut of the points. He still didn’t quite understand how that worked. As usual the spires didn’t provide adequate information, but as far as he could tell. Any activity in such an area generated Universal Points, which went towards spawning monsters and other upkeep costs. Any unused points could then be collected by the owner. Cal discovered that by limiting the strength of the monsters and not allowing a boss to spawn that he could gain a decent amount of points on a regular basis.
The more individuals that used the area, the more points it generated. This was why he desperately wanted Prime Custodian 3 to start funneling their troops into the areas. Once the prime saw the benefits, Cal hoped that they would invite other jurisdictions to do the same.
An alert chimed on Cal’s desk.
He tapped the holographic display to accept the call. “Ah… PC3. Have you finally realized the awesomeness of my farming proposal?”
“Negative, Designation: Honor.”
“Oh,” Cal sighed. “What’s this about then? Our next face-to-face meeting isn’t until like three days from now.”
“Your presence is urgently required.”
Cal sensed a trap. “Uh huh… I’m not fighting another kaiju.”
“It concerns Designation: Zalthyss.”
Cal narrowed his eyes. “If the word escaped is the next thing out of your mouth then I’m done.”
“Negative. The outworld invader is still imprisoned.”
“Is it finally talking?” Cal was intrigued now.
Prime Custodian 3’s small, checker-patterned gray head shook slowly from side to side. Cal smiled. The prime continued to copy some of his own mannerisms. Whether it was a conscious act or not, Cal couldn’t tell. Telepathy would’ve been useful there, but he still hadn’t figured out how the prime was blocking him with static.
“It remains comatose, however Prime Integral Covenant 7 has reappeared with grave news.”
“Ummm… okay.” Cal had no idea who that was. “So, what does this have to do with me?”
“Prime Integral Covenant 7 disappeared approximately seven to eight months ago. They were investigating an incursion from god hair 17082, which is located deep in the heart of a volcano. The readings from the incursion was exactly the same as from Designation: Zalthyss’ arrival.”
“Shit,” Cal said flatly.
“I concur,” Prime Custodian 3 said. “Prime Integral Covenant 7 is an ally of mine. Their message lacked specifics, but they requested access to Designation: Zalthyss and to speak to you.”
“Damn it. Fine, give me the coordinates and I’ll head over.”
“Negative, the location of the facility is under secrecy. I have dispatched a transport to take you.”
“Can I bring a couple of my guys? I’ve been meaning to ask you if they could get a firsthand look at Zalthyss. So they know what they’re ultimately up against.”
The request made Prime Custodian 3 pause a moment.
“Negative. The special candidates lack the required clearance.” The prime continued as if expecting Cal to protest. “Clearance is determined solely by the Collective. I have obtained special dispensation for your presence, but I will not be able to do the same for the special candidates.”
“That’s lame, but whatever,” Cal shrugged. “Guess I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Acknowledged, Designation: Honor. Prepare for departure within the hour,” Prime Custodian 3’s holographic projection disappeared.
Cal looked at his three-fingered left hand. He ran his fingers over the stumps of his pinky and ring finger. “Jeez. This is the last thing I want to do.”
Despite the words a part of Cal pictured getting payback on the angelic alien from the Dominion of Immortal Light and Joy.
“The Threnosh like precision and exactitude. I wonder if they’d be alright with me taking a couple of its fingers,” Cal flexed his maimed hand with a bitter laugh, “it’d make things fair and equal.”
----------------------------------------
The ride in the flying van took less than two hours. Good and bad for Cal. The former since he didn’t like traveling long distances, although perhaps in this case he’d amend that to a long time. The facility holding Zalthyss was in an even more remote area than Cal’s base. It was on the opposite edge of Prime Custodian 3’s jurisdiction, something like fifteen hundred miles away. The latter since it wasn’t enough time for him to gather his thoughts and composure for the impending face-to-face with the angelic monster that ate his fingers.
“I’ve got super powers,” Cal muttered. “I’m stronger now. Nothing to be afraid of. Been practicing. Killed a kaiju. Angel bastard’s been imprisoned for like nine months. Means it’s got to be weaker. Could’ve killed it last time if I wanted.”
“Designation: Honor?” The pilot inquired without turning back to look into the passenger compartment. “Do you have a concern?”
“Nothing. Just talking to myself. Feel free to ignore me.”
The pilot did just that for the duration of the trip, while Cal kept his thoughts to himself. Soon enough the transport arrived. Too soon for Cal. Nevertheless he pulled on his helmet and only hesitated for a second after the transport door slid open before he stepped out into the facility’s hanger.
Prime Custodian 3 was already waiting for him near the doorway into the facility.
“Follow me.”
“Hi to you too,” Cal grinned. The clenched muscles of his neck revealed the truth to his current mood.
“We will confer with Prime Integral Covenant 7 before questioning the outworld invader.”
The hairs on the back of Cal’s neck rose. “I thought it was comatose. You said it was that way since we captured it.” He felt his eye twitch. It was difficult to keep his voice from rising.
“That is accurate.” Prime Custodian 3 didn’t seem to notice anything different with Cal. At least they weren’t giving any indication that they did. “The outworld invader, Designation: Zalthyss emerged from its comatose state approximately fifteen minutes ago.”
“Why?” Although Cal had a sinking feeling that he already knew the answer.
“Unknown. Analysis indicates there were no changes to internal or external states that would precipitate the outworld invader’s awakening.” Prime Custodian 3 paused. A surprising thing to Cal. It seemed as if the Threnosh was hesitating. “This is only conjecture. There is one change to the external situation. Prime Integral Covenant 7 and your presence.”
Cal nodded, resigned. “Yup. Figures. Let me guess, the prime got here before me. And Zalthyss didn’t wake up until I was almost here.”
“That is correct. Data supports your statement.”
“It’s secure?”
“The probability of the restraint system failing is 4.135 percent based on readings and calculations of the outworld invader’s physical capabilities. It was adapted from the same system that you were held in.”
“That’s good to hear.” Cal meant the words. The sarcophagus-like device that had held him captive for months was certainly proof against his super strength. He had to use his telekinesis to basically pick the locks to free himself. Brute forcing his way out was impossible. Knowing that his physical strength was somewhere in the same vicinity as Zalthyss’ eased his worries a little bit. “So, what’s Prime Integral Covenant 7 like?”
“They are a close ally of mine.”
“Yeah, I remember you mentioned that before.” Cal searched for the right question. “How would you compare them to yourself?”
“We are both prime. There are no comparisons among primes.”
“Okay, thanks. That wasn’t at all helpful.”
“Your query was irrelevant,” Prime Custodian 3 said flatly.
The rest of the walk through the naturally lit metallic corridors was done in total silence. Cal was tempted to take a peak into the small Threnosh’s thoughts, but he suspected he’d be met by the same static buzz as always, so he held of. Perhaps Prime Integral Covenant 7 would prove a more fruitful target.
They reached a dead end and stepped onto a metal platform. Fortunately the facility was built to military specifications. Which meant that the corridors and lifts were much larger to accommodate the bigger combat power armors. There was plenty of room on the anti-gravity lift for both the prime and Cal. That was one thing that was nice about being among the Threnosh, he was likely the tallest and biggest one on the entire planet. It was quite the opposite back on Earth.
The lift descended with a soft hum. Down they went, deeper and deeper. Cal was beginning to grow concerned at how long they were taking.
“How deep is this place?”
“Designation: Zalthyss is housed roughly six hundred meters below ground level. There is a one hundred and fifty-two meter buffer zone between there and the rest of the facility. Do not be concerned. This is the only way down. If necessary the lift shaft will be collapsed to prevent escape.” Prime Custodian 3 misinterpreted the shadow that had descended over Cal’s face.
“Well, that sounds… wonderful.”
The lift finally halted at another long, bright corridor.
“At least the lighting doesn’t give the impression that we’ve descended into the depths of Hell.”
“I do not understand the word. You will explain at a later time.”
“Sure,” Cal nodded. “Although, I think you might be better of not being exposed to that concept.”
“Your concern is noted.”
There were less twists and turns to the corridors on this level. It didn’t take them long to reach what appeared to be a blank wall. Naturally the door slid open to reveal a bare room. The stark metallic surfaces of the medium-sized room made Cal blink. He didn’t notice the other prime standing with their back to him.
The first impression that Cal got was tension. Prime Integral Covenant 7 was facing a blank wall, except the way they carried themselves seemed to indicate that they were ready to burst into action. Whether to fight or to flee?
Cal would’ve said it was fifty-fifty. It made him wary. At a hunch he reached out with his telepathy. First to the prime. A static buzz greeted his light probe. Next, he reached out beyond the wall. He was surprised to find the same static.
Prime Integral Covenant 7 turned and Cal’s mouth dropped.
The prime’s power armor was not nearly as skin-tight as Prime Custodian 7’s. It was still form-fitting, but its slate gray to matte black surface had a craggy, rock-like look to it. Small, irregular lines throughout the surface pulsed with inner light that ranged from dark red to bright yellow.
Cal got the impression of flowing lava and molten rock.
Prime Integral Covenant 7 retracted their black face-plate and Cal swallowed a curse.
Part of the Threnosh’s normally smooth, gray face was blackened and charred.
Prime Custodian 3 didn’t comment on it, so Cal resolved to do the same. He didn’t want to get off on the wrong foot with the new prime.
“Greetings, Prime Integral Covenant 7,” Cal raised a hand in a wave. The Threnosh didn’t shake hands or generally make any sort of physical contact with each other.
“Designation: Honor,” Prime Integral Covenant 7 said. “I request your insight.” They gestured with their hands and a holographic projection appeared in the center of the room. “In this matter.”
The projection was obviously a recording. There was a spire and it appeared to be inside of a volcano, if the noxious looking fumes and lava was a good indicator.
A ripple in the empty space in front of the spire revealed a familiar being standing in the deadly environment without a problem. One moment there was nothing, the next there was an angelic alien from the Dominion of Immortal Light and Joy.
It started to speak, but Cal didn’t catch what it was saying. The pounding of his heart was the only sound he could hear. He forced himself to focus on his memories. Telepathy helped there. It let him review them in detail from a detached perspective. Like watching a recording. Real time slowed down as Cal replayed his interaction with Zalthyss.
He compared it to the angelic alien in Prime Integral Covenant 7’s projection. He stifled a curse. The two were exactly the same in appearance, words and mannerisms. He wanted to ask the question immediately, but he watched the rest of the projection.
It was a fierce battle from Prime Integral Covenant 7’s perspective. The angelic alien was just as fast and vicious as Zalthyss. The prime used the volcanic environment to their advantage, but it appeared as if they were slightly weaker. The prime fired blasts of fire, while the angelic alien swooped at the prime with its wings to take chunks out of their power armor with its claws.
The action was frantic and desperate from the prime’s point of view. The end of the fight was confusing, but it appeared to Cal as if the prime had been forced to collapse the volcano onto both combatants to save their own life.
… we, hunters, seek the one you call Honor. The angelic alien’s words repeated themselves in Cal’s thoughts.
“I have reviewed your encounter with Designation: Zalthyss,” Prime Custodian 3 said. “And compared it to this encounter. Data indicates 97.212 percent probability that the outworld invaders are identical.”
“My assessment reached the same conclusion,” Prime Integral Covenant 7 said.
Cal forced his fists to unclench. He took a couple of deep breaths to gather himself. “That does look exactly like the same… thing… like Zalthyss. Moves the same, talks the same. Which doesn’t make sense since Zalthyss is imprisoned in this facility.” He turned a questioning eye to Prime Custodian 3.
“That is correct. We seek insight from you,” Prime Custodian 3 said. “The data is indisputable, however it points to an impossibility.” They hesitated again. “We do not have the capacity to formulate a hypothesis.”
“What about the Collective? What’d they say?”
“Those were their words.”
It was subtle, but Cal had spent enough time around Prime Custodian 3 to recognize that they had a very hard time getting the words out of their mouth.
“So, you figure that you need an outworlder’s viewpoint? It’s pretty simple… my go to explanation for things that shouldn’t be possible… spire bullshit,” Cal gave a wan smile. “Magic, powers, super science tech, whatever the hell is up with Zalthyss. We can chalk that all up to the spires messing with what we thought were hard rules to how the world works.” He thought of the possibilities, tried not think too hard on the physics or science. “Right, so with Zalthyss apparently being in two places at the same time. First explanation, some kind of hive mind, like bees. Do you have bees?”
The two primes looked at each other.
“Yes. We know of the native organism you speak of. You have the same on your world?”
Cal blinked. Of course the spires’ automatic translation system at work. “Either we do or our worlds have very similar animals. Enough that the translation system picked it up. Anyways, back to the topic. Second explanation is that they are clones.” The primes didn’t react so he continued. “Third explanation is kind of out there and it might be hard for you to understand. Essentially, Zalthyss is a singular entity and what we encountered are like puppets or drones, that’s probably a better word for you guys, drones that it is able to control from its home world… yeah, that one’s a tougher swallow. So, either hive mind or clones.” He nodded sagely.
“Can we not question the one you have in custody?” Prime Integral Covenant 7 turned to Prime Custodian 3.
“Perhaps. It is no longer comatose.”
“Might be risky,” Cal said quickly. “I mean, not that I’m scared, but you know, for your sakes.”
Prime Custodian 3 made a decision. Their helmet flowed like liquid from the neck area of their power armor to encase their head. A glazed look in their eyes was visible through their clear face-plate.
“Prepare yourselves.”
Prime Integral 7’s black face-plate slid into place.
“For what?” Cal frowned. He didn’t like where this was going.
The wall that had proved impenetrable to Cal’s telepathic scan earlier suddenly slid open with a soft hiss.
Cal cursed.
There, behind a clear second wall was a somewhat familiar looking sarcophagus. What it contained was what drew Cal’s reaction.
“We will question the outworld invader directly,” Prime Custodian 3 said.